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EPISODE 18

“THE CON GAME”

Scene: Mama J's; a restaurant/bar. It is a smoky, low lit room with minimal décor save a number of tables and chairs scattered about the room. It is busy, but not too noisy, conversation not drowning out the horn filled jazz music that wafted throughout the room. A small dance floor is off in one corner where a few couples are swaying to the music. Danny James is behind the bar, wiping it down and washing out some dirty glasses in the sink. Darian Jackson walks in and spots Danny behind the bar.

Darian: (walking up to the bar) Can a tired doctor get a beer in this place?

Danny: (looking up) Sure, especially since his grandmother owns the joint. (Pause) You want the usual?

Darian: Yep. I'm nothing if not a creature of habit.

Danny pulled a bottle of beer from the cooler, popped it open and handed it to Darian, who took a seat at the bar.

Darian: Thanks. Where is Mama J. anyway?

Danny: In back. Reggie called in sick, probably recuperating at the track I imagine, so she's cooking tonight.

Darian: She couldn't call anyone else to fill in?

Danny: She could, but you know Mama J.; she'd rather work this whole place by herself than ask anybody for help. (Pause) Why don't you go see if you can talk her into taking a break?

Darian: I will in a minute. I'd like to talk to you...about Nathan.

Danny: What about him?

Darian: We need to do something about his spirits. He's trying to sound positive, but I can see this is wearing him down. He's very depressed.

Danny: With good reason. How can he not be? His life is over at 17. I think he has the right to be down.

Darian: I realize this is difficult, but we can't think that way.

Danny: And I think we should just face reality. And the reality is that when it is all said and done, my little brother is a dead man. Either some con will kill him over a pack of smokes or the state will strap him down and shoot poison in his veins. Either way, Nathan is dead. And there's nothing any of us can do to change that.

* * * * * *

Scene: Nathan James's hospital room. He is standing near the window of the room, staring down on the darkened city streets of Covington Bay.

Nathan: (thinking) Abby, it was so good to see you today. Seeing you made me feel so much better; I just wish it were easier for you. I wish it didn't hurt so much for you to be around me and remember what happened between us. Sometimes I hate myself for what I did; leaving you for Candice, walking away from a wonderful girl you like I did. But Candice...I loved her. What choice did I have? But maybe I should've stayed away from her. Maybe I shouldn't have pursued our relationship. Maybe if I had of left her alone, she might still be alive...

(His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door)

Nathan: Come in.

Richie (walking in, Nikki Lassiter a few steps behind him): You up for some visitors?

Nathan (breaking into a smile): Of course. I'm so glad to see you guys.

Richie: Unfortunately, we can't stay long. The guard outside said visiting hours are almost over. (Pause) So how are you? You really scared us when we heard about the accident. You'll be okay, won't you?

Nathan: I'll be fine, don't worry. Unfortunately, with me being well enough to get out of here in the morning means the trial starts again. I'm really not looking forward to that.

Nikki: Well, with any luck, it'll be over quickly. In fact, if we play our cards right, we can have this finished before the prosecution calls their first witness.

Nathan (curiously) What do you mean?

Richie: I told Nikki about our theory that James Greyhawk killed Candice and she came up with an idea that might find a way to prove it.

Nathan (eagerly): Well, tell me, what is it?

* * * * * *

Scene: Mama J's. Danny and Darian are at the bar talking.

Darian: Danny, you can't believe that.

Danny: Give me a reason not to. When have either Nate or I ever gotten a break in life?

Darian: Look, I realize things have been tough for you two, but you can't give up, you can't write your brother off. More importantly, we can't let him do it to himself.

Danny: Look, I know you want to have positive thoughts and all, but that's just setting yourself up for disappointment. The fact is that my brother is a black kid with a record accused of killing the white daughter of one of this town's high and mighty. The jury's going to take one look at him and see another big, bad black man committing a savage crime. Believe me, they'll love convicting him. It'll make them feel safe and comfortable when they sleep at night.

Darian: Unfortunately, race plays a role in this case, but Nathan has got a lot of people behind him. He's got the best lawyers in town on the case and I know for a fact that members of Candice's own family don't believe Nathan is guilty.

Danny: Well, unless any of them are on the jury, it doesn't mean a damn thing, does it?

Darian: Danny, I know things look bad, but Nathan needs us to all make him see that it'll all work out, especially after what happened today.

Danny: (concerned) What do you mean after what happened today? I thought he was going to be fine.

Darian: He is, but... (Darian looked surprised) Wait a minute, you mean he didn't tell you about the accident?

Danny: Other than he slipped and fell down the stairs, no. Why? Was there more to it?

Darian: Yeah. Nathan says he was pushed.

As surprise flared across Danny's face, Dr. Gloria Lassiter-Dailey was walking in. She glanced at her watch, shaking her head.

Gloria: Well, I'm late, but it looks like Zachary's even later.

Abby Jefferson, wearing a jeans and a white cotton shirt, walked up to Gloria.

Abby: Hi, Gloria! Can I get you a table?

Gloria: Sure, but they'll be two of us. My friends’ not here yet.

Abby (motioning with her head): How's that corner table?

Gloria: Fine.

As Gloria was being taken to her table, she spotted a slender, dark skinned woman coming from the kitchen. The woman was attractive, with short, shoulder length hair and brown eyes. She wore a tan skirt that was knee length, with a white blouse and a blazer to match the skirt.

Gloria: (noticing) Hey, there's Jessica. Oh, could you just leave the menus at the table? I want to talk to her.

Abby (nodding): Sure.

Gloria (walking over to the woman): Hey Jessie!

Jessica (grinning with delight): Glo, honey! (They hugged) I didn't know you were going to be here tonight.

Gloria: I didn't know you'd be here, either. Shouldn't you be at home grading papers or something?

Jessica: I was just on my way out. My freshman class just handed in their first book report of the semester. I always find it interesting to see how students critique a book they've never read.

Gloria (laughing): I remember we did that a few times ourselves when we were in college.

Jessica: Maybe, but I think we were better at it. (They shared a laugh) I'm glad I ran into you. I was just talking to Mama J. about Darian's birthday next week. We're going to throw him a party here at the restaurant. I hope you'll come.

Gloria: Would I turn down a party thrown at Mama J's? That lady knows how to have a good time. Why do you think we always had our sorority bashes here?

Jessica: So, true. (Pause) And bring a date if you want.

Gloria (shaking her head): I'm not quite ready for dating. I'm not even divorced.

Jessica: How's that going by the way?

Gloria: Glenn and I meet with the lawyers next week. He's not happy about it, but I hope soon he'll realize it's over and not continue to fight me on this. (She glanced at her watch)

Jessica Are you waiting for someone?

Gloria: Yes. Zachary.

Jessica: (surprised) Glenn's son?

Gloria: Yes.

Jessica: You two have spent a lot of time together lately, haven’t you?

Gloria: We’ve become friends. He’s been very supportive through my battles with Glenn and since Candice was killed.

Jessica: That's... nice.

Gloria (eyeing Jessica strangely) What do you mean by that?

Jessica: Nothing, it's just that I had lunch with Sabrina last week and she told me that you couldn't join us because you were already having lunch with Zachary.

Gloria (nodding) Yeah. I contributed some of my profits from Lassiter Pharmaceuticals to the AIDS Wing and lunch was his way of thanking me. (Pause) Jessie, just what are you trying to get at?

Jessica: Well, I...

Zachary (walking up) Hi, Gloria, sorry I'm late. (He kissed her on the cheek)

Gloria: That's okay.

Zachary: Hey, Jessica.

Jessica: Zachary.

Zachary: How is Covington Bay High School these days? Are the students as bright and appreciative of your passion for Literature as I was when I was your student?

Jessica: Zachary, you can say that to me as many times as you want and I still won’t change your English Lit grade.

Zachary: Can’t blame a guy for trying.

Jessica (glancing across the room): Well, I see Darian over there. I'm gonna say hi to him and take off. (Pause) Gloria, why don't you, Sabrina and I get together for brunch this weekend? We can catch up. I’ll make my famous orange honey French toast.

Gloria: Oh, I can feel my waistline expanding already. You’ve got a deal.

Jessica: Good. (They exchanged kisses on the cheek)

Gloria: See you later, Jessie.

Jessica: Bye, Glo.... Zachary (Jessica walked away)

Zachary: Bye.

Gloria: (motioning to the corner table) I've already got us a table.

Zachary: Good. But, before we sit down, I think you and I should make a pact.

Gloria: What kind of pact?

Zachary: That this evening we're going to forget all our problems. We've both had a rough day, so tonight, we're not going to talk about divorce, trials, surprise marriages or family feuds. I'm declaring a moratorium on all those topics.

Gloria: Oh really? Then what are we going to talk about? That pretty much sums up our lives.

Zachary: Well we'll have to come up with something, anything... as long as it's not serious. I could use a break from our woes and I know you could. Tonight is all about having a good time. What do you say?

Gloria (smiling) That sounds like a good idea to me.

Across the room, Danny was looking at Darian in horror.

Danny: Pushed? Are you saying someone tried to kill my brother?

Darian: It's what Nathan says. And his lawyers are looking into it.

Danny: (taking off his apron and coming from behind the bar): I gotta go. Cover for me, will ya?

Darian What? (Danny rushed out) Sure, of course I will.

Jessica (walking up): Darian, what was that all about?

Darian: I don’t know. But I have the feeling it’s not good.

* * * * * *

Scene: Nathan's hospital room. Nathan, Nikki and Richie are there.

Nathan (his eyes widened in shock): What!? That's your plan? Are you out of your mind?

Nikki: You don't like it? Nate, don't you think it could work?

Nathan: I can't believe you came up with something so nutty, not to mention dangerous, Nikki. Richie, are you actually going to let her go through with this?

Richie: First of all, you know as well as I could that I couldn't stop her if I tried. Secondly, you gotta admit the plan does have merit. And Nikki's the only one who could pull it off.

Nathan: Maybe, but it's too risky. I don't like you taking these kind of chances for me.

Nikki: Richie, this is the only way to prove James Greyhawk killed Candice...or at least prove that he didn't so we can look at other suspects.

Richie: As far as I'm concerned, there are no other suspects. James killed Candice, I'm sure of it.

Nathan: Look, I don't like James any better than you do. The guy's a rich, snobby creep. But, it doesn't make him a killer. Candice was afraid of his reaction when he found about us, but she never mentioned he could be violent. Richie, why are you so sure that Greyhawk did it?

Richie (hesitating): I just am. I don't have any proof, it's just a gut feeling is all.

Nathan: And what if you're right. What if Greyhawk did kill Candice and he finds out what you're up to, Nikki? You could be next.

Nikki: Look, I realize the risks. I know the chances I'm taking. But, let's be honest, what other choice do we have?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's hospital room. Nate and Richie are there. It is a half hour later.

Nathan: Richie, I still feel uncomfortable by this whole plan you and Nikki have cooked up. I don't want either of you getting in trouble trying to help me. I really wish you'd just let Sabrina and Michael handle things.

Richie: As far as I've seen your lawyers haven't done anything to clear you so you've got to take any help you can get. I don't like Nikki taking these chances either, but we want to help you and this is the only way we could think of.

Nathan: You really believe James Greyhawk killed Candice; even though there's no evidence pointing at him?

Richie: I've just got a feeling is all; no evidence to speak of, but I'm hoping Nikki will find that. I admit I am concerned though. I just hope she doesn't get in over her head.

Nathan: Me too. (Pause) If I haven't said it before, I really appreciate your help, Richie. You have been here for me since the whole mess started when a lot of friends would've walked away. And now you're putting yourself on the line by testifying for me, even though your father won’t like it, not to mention what Nikki is doing. You're both being incredible friends.

Richie (averting his guilt ridden gaze from Nathan's): I only wish I could do more.

(A nurse, Bettina Hayes, a slightly overweight African-American woman walked in, her black hair was twisted in shoulder length rows of braids)

Bettina: You have to leave now, young man, visiting hours are over.

Richie: Sure. Well, I'll be by in the morning, Nate. Have a good night's sleep.

Nathan: I'll try. And thanks again, buddy. No matter what happens, I'll never forget what you've done.

Richie: Like I said, I only wish I could do more. Good night.

(Richie walked out, a crestfallen appearance coming over his face as he moved down the hallway)

Richie (thinking): Believe me, Nathan, there is so much more I could do to help you. I could tell the truth. I could tell what I really know about what happened that night. But I can't. I can't. I can only hope Nikki's plan works. If it doesn't, I don't know what I'll do.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Greyhawk Estate. James is in the living room talking on the telephone.

James: Look, you said you'd have my car ready by morning and I expect to be ready...no excuses! (Pause) I don't care about that; your being understaffed is not my problem, it's yours. Just have it done or I promise you it will be to your eternal regret. Good-bye! (He slammed the phone down as Monica walked in)

Monica: Who are you reading the riot act?

James: No one important.

Monica: Oh. (Pause) Where did Nigel and Vicki go? I thought they were watching that Sesame Street special Vicki wanted to see?

James: Vicki got bored so Nigel took her from a walk down by the pond.

Monica: Thanks. I need to talk to him before I go. I'll see you later, James.

James: (as Monica walked out) Bye. (A few minutes passed and the doorbell rang, then rang again after a few moments) Maria! (The doorbell rang again) Maria! (Pause) Maria! (The doorbell rang again) Doesn't anyone do a good job anymore!? (He went into the foyer and answered the door. He was surprised to see Nikki standing there) Nikki! What are you doing here?

Nikki: Can I come in? I'd like to talk to you.

James: About what? What could we possibly have to say to one another?

Nikki: Quite a bit actually, I just don't want to do it here on the doorstep. (Pause) So, can I come in?

James (stepping aside): This better be good.

Nikki (walking in): Thanks.

James (closing the door): Why don't you come into the living room?

Nikki (following James into the living room): Sure.

James (turning to face her): So, what is this all about? Why are you here?

Nikki: I need you to tell me something...just answer one question and I'll leave quietly.

James: I'd be surprised to see you do anything quietly, but go ahead. Ask.

Nikki: Okay. Exactly what did you have to do with Candice's murder?

James: (angrily) Nothing. We've already been through this. Now, if you are finished, you can get the hell out. How dare you come here with this garbage!?

Nikki: Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so blunt. I just wanted to hear you say it...I wanted to hear you deny it so I could sure.

James: About what?

Nikki: About you, James. You didn't kill Candice. I never really believed you did, despite what Richie claimed.

James: You don't think I killed Candice? You sounded sure of it this afternoon.

Nikki: I'm afraid I got a little carried away. I guess I let Richie's opinion of you affect my own sense of judgment.

James: I see. And is this why you came here; to tell me you don't think I killed Candice?

Nikki: Basically. And to apologize for my part in what happened at the hospital today.

James (smirking): You really expect me to believe this?

Nikki: You don't think I'm sincere?

James: What I think is that you have never liked me, Nikki and the feeling has been pretty mutual. You'd enjoy nothing more than to pin this murder on me and get Nathan James off. So why don't you tell me why you're really here, Nikki? What are really after?

Nikki (sighing): Well, obviously you're not one to be fooled. I guess you caught me. It looks like I have no choice but to tell you what I really want from you.

* * * * * *

In the next episode of Covington Bay...

· Dana seeks to keep her property.

· Nikki and James play cat and mouse.

· Richie tries to deal with his guilt.