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EPISODE 17

“DINNER AND A SHOW”

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the Alec Stone Memorial AIDS Wing, Zachary’s office. Dr. Zachary Lassiter is taking off his lab coat and puts it in a closet behind his desk. Closing the closet, he heads for the door to leave, but stops short when he sees his father Dr. Glenn Dailey standing there.

Glenn: (walking in) Zachary, I need to talk to you.

Zachary (annoyed): Dad, I was just on my way out. (Pause) Whatever it is, I don't have the time.

Glenn: Oh yes, you're rushing off to your business dinner with Gloria, aren't you?

Zachary As a matter of fact, I am. So, if you'll excuse me...

Glenn: Zachary, you are not going to just walk away from me, not after what you've done.

Zachary: And what have I done this time?

Glenn: You showed up at the trial to support the man that killed your sister.

Zachary (closing the door): You know, the last time I looked, Nathan had not been convicted. And furthermore, I don't I believe he killed Candice. I was there to support him and I will continue to do so until this mess is over.

Glenn: No matter what it does to this family, no matter how it looks.

Zachary: Unlike you Dad, I could care less how things look. Now, I have to go. Lock the door when you leave.

Glenn: It's not going to work, you know.

Zachary: What is that?

Glenn: Your attempts to ruin my life. First you stand behind Nathan James, knowing what he did to your sister. And then you block any and all attempts for me to repair my marriage.

Zachary: I am not blocking your attempts to repair your marriage. Your marriage is over. Gloria wants a divorce; she moved out months ago, she's hired an attorney and you’ll be in court in the next week. How much clearer does she have to make it?

Glenn: I admit I made mistakes, but I want to work things out between us. You're taking advantage of our problems to get revenge against me. I knew you were bitter, but I never knew you were that bitter.

Zachary: Dad, you couldn't even imagine just how bitter I am.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Kevin Lassiter is sitting alone at a table, watching as A.J. Lassiter approaches Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter and Lucas Greyhawk, who are standing near the doorway.

Kevin: (smiling) Well, this is going to be interesting. I only wish I could be closer so I could actually hear things.

Voice: Kevin?

Kevin (turning to look at an attractive man with golden brown hair, dark eyes and a lean, muscular build) Gary. Gary, hello.

Gary (as Kevin stood and they shook hands): Hi, how are you?

Kevin: I'm fine.

Gary: (his green eyes taking an appraisal of Kevin) Yeah, you certainly look good. (Pause) It's been a while, hasn't it?

Kevin (nodding): Yeah, it has. I haven't seen you since the party Melody threw for her dad a few months ago.

Gary: Yeah, that was a good time. My niece certainly knows how to throw a big bash, not that my big brother Randy doesn't deserve it; I just hope she remembers that on my birthday.

Kevin: (laughing) Right. (Pause) You were dating Julian back then weren’t you?

Gary: Oh yeah.

Kevin: Right. How is he?

Gary: (shrugging) I’m not sure. I think he’s in France, on some modeling shoot, cavorting on the nude beaches. Taking off his clothes was one of his favorite pastimes and he liked to do it in front of as many people as possible, if you know what I mean.

Kevin (grinning): I’m well aware of Julian’s proclivities. I’ve heard about them for years from Aunt Pamela… or read about them in the tabloids.

Gary: I forgot the two of you are cousins.

Kevin: (with a wry smile) Distantly.

Gary: Are you eating alone?

Kevin: No, I'm here with A.J., but he had to take care of something. What about you?

Gary: Well, I had a date, but it looks as if I’ve been stood up. I hate to eat alone so I was going to go to Randy’s for the weekly Sorensen family dinner, but do you mind if I join you until A.J. gets back?

Kevin (motioning to A.J.'s empty seat): Of course.

As they sat down, A.J. was meeting Patricia and Lucas in the doorway of the restaurant.

Patricia (startled): A.J..

Lucas: Lassiter? This is a surprise, and not a good one.

A.J.: (annoyed) Join the club. (Pause) What is going on here? What are you two doing here...together?

Lucas: Well, A.J., just in case you didn't notice, this is a restaurant, so I'd guess we were having dinner. Oh, and before you ask, no, you can't join us.

A.J. I'd sooner dine with Hitler on one side and Fidel Castro on the other. (He turned his gaze at Patricia) Is this some sort of game with you; part of your continuing effort to make my life miserable? Can't I even have dinner without you tagging behind me; this time dragging Greyhawk in tow?

Patricia: You must think an awful lot of yourself if you think I followed you here. I didn't even know I was going to be here until a half hour ago when Lucas asked me out. Sorry if that bruises your tender ego.

A.J. (curiously) So, this is a date?

Lucas: Of course that's what it is. You do remember dating, don’t you, A.J.? Or have women finally realized you’re not that appealing after all?

A.J.: Oh, I remember what it was like to be dating. In fact, I might become quite familiar with that very soon...thanks to this troublemaker.

Patricia: Look, A.J., this is no time to get into this.

A.J.: (icily) Neither was this morning at my apartment, but that didn't seem to stop you.

Patricia: I said I was sorry for what happened with Melody. I didn't mean for things to come out like that.

A.J.: Really? Just how were things supposed to come out?

Lucas: Exactly what is going on here? Why do I have the feeling I'm coming on the third act of a complicated play?

A.J.: Well, I'm sure this is not the first time you've done this, Greyhawk, but you happen to be on a date with a married woman.

Lucas (surprised): Married? (He turned to Patricia) Patricia, why didn't you mention that? (He grinned) Not that I still wouldn't have gone out with you...but I might've been more discreet.

A.J. (shaking his head): Typical.

Patricia: Lucas, it's not what you think.

Lucas: Then what is it? Don't you think your husband will be upset you're out on a date?

A.J.: Oh, believe me, I am.

Lucas: What? (His eyes widened as he realized what A.J. was saying) Oh, I see. (Pause as he grinned) Well, this makes for a sharp little triangle, doesn't it?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Courthouse. Sabrina is standing face to face with a very angry looking Jerry.

Jerry: I want an answer; what the hell are you doing snooping around in my office?

Sabrina (nervously backing away a few steps): I wasn't snooping. I came to talk to you, but you weren't here. I was actually looking for a pen and paper to leave you a note.

Jerry: Why? What could we possibly have to talk about?

Sabrina: What happened with Nathan James today. I need to know all the details.

Jerry: What is there to know? The kid slipped and fell when the lights went out, simple as that. There's not much more to it.

Sabrina: Are you sure? Because some of these things just don't jibe.

Jerry: What do you mean they don't jibe? Just what are you getting at?

Sabrina: Well, the lights went out in that stairwell, but nowhere else in the building. Why do you think that happened?

Jerry: I don't know; do I look like an electrician? This is an old building; there's always something shorting out. I'm sure it was no more than that.

Sabrina: And that is a logical explanation.

Jerry: Good, then are your questions answered? Because if you're finished, I'd like to leave. It's been a hell of a long day.

Sabrina: I'm not finished. I have another question.

Jerry (sighing) What is it?

Sabrina: Why were you escorting Nathan James to the courtroom alone?

Jerry: What?

Sabrina: Usually the procedure is for any prisoner to be escorted by two guards...for security purposes. Furthermore, why were you taking him up the stairs? Why not use the elevator? It was working today; I used it myself.

Jerry: What is this about? Are you accusing me of something, because if you are, then you and I got a real problem, lady.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Patricia, Lucas and A.J. are standing near the door, facing one another.

A.J.: This is hardly what I would call a triangle.

Lucas: Really? You just told me Patricia is your wife; I'm on a date with her. Sounds like a triangle to me. If your girlfriend was here, it would make it even more interesting.

A.J.: The fact that Patricia and I are married has nothing to do with this conversation. I could care less who she dates.

Lucas: You seem to have a problem with her dating me.

A.J.: I'd have a problem with any woman who dated you. You're bad news. To you women are like tissue paper that you use and discard after leaving quite a mess behind.

Lucas: You are hardly one to condemn me when it comes to women, Lassiter. When was your last successful relationship? Never. And this current situation tells me that your batting average is still zero.

A.J.: Greyhawk, I may have made a few mistakes when it comes to the romance department, but you are a plague for every women you come near.

Lucas: Patty's a big girl, she can handle herself...and then some, I imagine.

Patricia (annoyed): You know, maybe I should leave. That way you can continue to talk about me like I'm not here and I can go home and get some sleep.

Lucas: Patty, I'm sorry. I didn't know this fool would be here otherwise we’d of never come.

A.J.: You still can leave. The door is right behind you.

Lucas: I've never let you chase me off before, Lassiter. I sure as hell am not going to start now.

Patricia: Well, let me say you both have chased me off. I'm out of here.

Lucas (startled): What, you're leaving?

Patricia: Do you really think I should stay? I'm hardly going to be able to enjoy my dinner with you and A.J. staring daggers at each other from across the room. Why don't we make it another time, Lucas, say when you grow up?

Lucas: Patty, we don't have to stay here, we can...

Patricia: Forget it, Lucas. If you two want something to scrap over, find something else. I'll catch you 'boys' later.

Lucas (as Patricia walked out): Patty!

A.J. (grinning): Wow, Greyhawk, a woman walked out on you only a few hours after you first meet her. That's got to be a record, even for you.

Lucas (gnashing his teeth): Lassiter, I...

A.J.'s cellular phone suddenly rang.

A.J. (holding up a finger): Hold that thought for a moment...if you can. I need to answer this. (He pulled the cell phone out of his jacket pocket) Lassiter.

Voice: A.J., it's me. (A.J. instantly recognized the voice as the person who'd called him earlier claiming to have evidence of Nathan's innocence) Remember me?

A.J.: Of course.

Voice: Good. We need to talk...face to face. I want you to meet me.

A.J.: When?

Voice: Now. Can you make it?

A.J.: Let me know where and I'm on my way.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Zachary's office. Zachary and Glenn are there.

Glenn: You have so much bitterness towards me. When are you going to let go of the past?

Zachary: And make it easy for you? Never! I've seen too much, know too much about you and I'll be damned if I let you pretend like what you've done never happened!

Glenn: Zachary, I admit I have made mistakes, but I have learned that I can't change the past. I have to accept what happened and move on. You could afford to do the same.

Zachary: And that would make it so easy for you, wouldn't it? You could forget all you've done to me, to Candice, to my mother and to Gloria if only everyone else would simply forget about it. Well, that's not going to happen, not when you have so much to account for!

The door swung open and a young woman with shoulder length blonde hair walked in. She was petite, with sky blue eyes and a pretty face dotted with a few freckles on her nose. She wore a lab coat over a gray skirt and white cotton blouse.

Woman: What in the world is going on in here? I could hear you two down the hall. So could everyone on this floor.

Glenn: Hello, Laura.

Zachary: Hi, sis.

Laura: Is that all you two have to say, 'Hello, Laura' and 'Hi, sis'? You two sounded as if you were about to come to blows. Not that it would surprise me.

Zachary: I'm sorry, Laura, I wish you hadn't of walked in on this.

Laura: So am I. I just wish you'd stop fighting long enough to notice what's going on around you. The trial started today. We should be banding together, not ripping each other apart.

Glenn: Of course, Laura, but according to your brother I should be the one on trial. And I'm sure if I were convicted for whatever crime he's deluded himself into thinking I've committed, he'd love to attend the execution, maybe even perform it himself.

Laura: What are you talking about?

Zachary: Nothing that can't wait until later. (He glanced at his watch) I gotta go, I'm running late. (He kissed Laura on the cheek) I'll call you later.

Laura: (as Zachary walked out) You better or I'll come find you.

Glenn: (slamming his fist on the desk) Damn your brother! He is doing everything he can to hurt me. He won't be happy until I'm as miserable as he is.

Laura: Dad, I find that hard to believe.

Glenn: Oh, really? Do you know Zachary went to the trial today to support Nathan James. He doesn't seem to care that he murdered his sister!

Laura: Dad, Nathan worked with Zachary here at the hospital. Zachary liked him a lot, saw a great future for him. It's hard for him to believe Nathan could've killed Candice. It's hard for any of us to believe.

Glenn: Not me, not at all. (Pause) Laura, I'm sorry. The last thing you needed was to walk in on another battle between your brother and I.

Laura: It certainly doesn't make things easier, I'll say that much. Daddy, I realize you and Zachary have your differences, but I wish you could call a truce at least until the trial is over. We need each other more than ever now.

Glenn: I agree, but Zachary hates me. And he uses every opportunity he can to remind me of that. He's obviously never going to forgive or forget something that happened so long ago that wasn't even my fault. In time I hoped he would get over his resentment of me, but it only seems to get worse.

Laura: But there must be something we can do to make peace. We're family and we shouldn't be tearing at each other like this.

Glenn: You know that I have tried to reach out to Zachary and put the past behind us, but he won't let it go. And I can't resolve things unless he's willing to meet me halfway.

Laura: You're right. So, what can we do to get him there?

* * * * * *

Scene: Zachary's office. Glenn and Laura are there.

Laura: Dad, there has to be something we can do to repair the gulf between you and Zachary.

Glenn: There's nothing any of us can do until he's ready to see things clearly and let go of his misguided anger. (Pause) Laura, you're sweet to be so concerned about me and your brother, but what about you? How are you doing?

Laura: I'm coping.

Glenn: Coping? That doesn't sound too good.

Laura: It's about the best I can do. Daddy, I never knew it could hurt this bad. I never knew I could miss someone so much. But Candice. . .it's still so hard to believe she's gone. You can't imagine how many times a day I reach for the phone to call her just to tell her how my days going or to invite her out for lunch or shopping or something. A couple of times I even dial the number before I realize she's not there to answer.

Glenn: I know, honey, I know. I still expect to see her come rushing down the stairs headed off to class or bopping around the house with that loud rock music blaring. But now the house is just filled with nothing but silence. I don't even have Gloria to turn to.

Laura: (rubbing her father's shoulder) Daddy, I'm sorry. Aren't you and Gloria going to try and work it out? You told me you two were getting closer to reconciling.

Glenn: We're working on it. It's just taking longer than I hoped. Gloria and I have a lot to work out to get our marriage on the right track. (Pause) But, it'll work out, I'm sure it will. I have every intention of holding onto Gloria.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. A.J. is talking on his cell phone as Lucas watches.

A.J. (nodding) Right, a half hour. I'll be there. (He hung up)

Lucas: Hot tip, Lassiter?

A.J.: (ignoring him) Catch you later, Greyhawk. And do me a favor. Stay away from Patty. You're the last thing she needs right now. (A.J. walked away, going over to his table where Kevin and Gary were sitting) Kevin, I'm sorry to keep you waiting. (He noticed Gary) Hey, Gary, how's it going?

Gary: Fine. Good to see you, A.J..

A.J.: You too. (He turned to Kevin) Kevin, I've got to take off. I just got a hot lead on a story that I have to check out right away.

Kevin: (surprised) You're leaving?

A.J.: Yes, I really need to look into this. I'm sorry. Can we have a rain check?

Kevin (nodding) I'll add it to all the others.

A.J.: Great. Why don't the two of you stay and have dinner, on me?

Kevin: Well, I...

A.J.: (hurriedly) I'll tell the maitre d on the way out. Have fun. Bye! (A.J. rushed out)

Gary: Well, he was in a hurry to get somewhere.

Kevin: No doubt it's straight into trouble.

Gary: So should I call the waiter over so we can order?

Kevin: You don't have to stay. Why don't you join your family?

Gary (glancing at his watch): I'm sure they are well into dinner if not finished by now. So, I'm free as a bird. I'd like to break bread with you. That is...if you don't mind.

Kevin (smiling, shaking his head): No, I don't mind at all.

* * * * * *

Scene: Jerry's office. Jerry and Sabrina are there.

Sabrina: I am not accusing you of anything. I just want to know what happened.

Jerry: You really think I pushed that kid down the stairs?

Sabrina: I just simply want some answers as to what happened.

Jerry: I have said all I’m going to say on this subject. I don't know what that kid told you. And frankly I don't give a damn. I've been on this job longer than he has been alive and I have a spotless record. If that kid told you I got rough with him, and believe me, he wouldn't be the first, then he is lying. And unless you have proof other than a murderers word, I suggest you forget this whole thing, starting by getting out of my office.

Sabrina: Fine. If I have any more questions, I'll be in touch.

Jerry: You do that, sweetheart, at your own risk.

The two stared at each other before Sabrina walked out and Jerry slammed the door behind her. He went to the phone and quickly dialed a number)

Jerry: Yeah, it's me. (Pause) We’ve got a problem. Sabrina Collier was just here asking all sorts of questions. (Pause) Or course I didn't tell her anything. She didn't know anymore than when she came in. But, if we don't do something about it fast, this whole thing is going to come crashing down around us. (Pause) You want me to take care of it, fine, I will. But, believe me, it isn't going to be pretty.

* * * * * *

Next time in Covington Bay...

• Danny gets some startling news, but his reaction is even more stunning.

• Zachary and Gloria make a pact.
  
  
• Nikki, Richie and Nathan come up with a plan to catch a killer.