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EPISODE 19
“SUSPICIOUS MINDS”
Scene: Mama J’s. Jessica Jackson is sitting at the bar, talking to Darian Jackson, who is standing behind it, handing a customer a beer.
Jessica (as Darian turned to her): So, Danny just left in the middle of his shift?
Darian: Yeah. As soon as I told him Nathan said he was pushed down the stairs, he shot out of here.
Jessica: Where do you think he went?
Darian: Probably to the hospital to talk to Nathan. (Pause as he glances at his watch) Danny won't get to see him though, visiting hours are over. If he had of stuck around for a few seconds, I could've told him that.
Jessica (sighing) So was Nathan pushed down the stairs?
Darian: (shaking his head) I don't know. It's what Nathan claims and why would he lie about something like that? At any rate, his lawyers are checking it out. I guess we'll have to see if they come up with something. I just hope Danny doesn't go off half-cocked and do something stupid...but the way he ran out of here really worries me. (Pause) That family has enough problems without Danny's temper getting in the way of his common sense.
Jessica: (smiling wryly) Danny James with common sense? Now, that's a phenomena I've yet to see.
Across the room, Dr. Zachary Dailey and Dr. Gloria Dailey were sitting at a table, handing their menus to Abby Jefferson.
Abby: I'll be right back with your drinks.
Zachary: Thanks. (Abby walked away) I can't believe I've never been to this place before...it's great.
Gloria: Isn't it though? Like I told you, I used to spend hours here with Sabrina and Jessica studying for exams, gorging on barbecue or just having a good time. This place has a lot of good memories. (Pause) It's where I met Johnnie.
Zachary: A.J. and Eric's father?
Gloria: Yeah. (Pause) He came here all the time.
Zachary (laughing): Really? This doesn’t seem like the kind of place the Lassiters would choose to hang out in.
Gloria: Oh, he loved it. In fact, quite a few of the Lassiter family have been through these doors over the years. The Lassiters and the Jacksons have somewhat of a history. Mama J. used to be a maid for the Lassiter family. She wanted to open this restaurant, but no bank would grant her a loan, so the Lassiter’s loaned her the money to get it started.
Zachary: Wow.
Gloria: Anyway, this was a favorite place of Johnnie’s. He was here once having dinner with his brothers Steven and Barton. I came in with Sabrina and Jessie. Our eyes met and the rest is history.
Zachary (noting the faraway look in Gloria's eyes): Was it love at first sight?
Gloria (nodding): If not, it was pretty close to that. I married him a little more than a month later.
Zachary: Wow.
Gloria: (the warm smile on her face growing wider) The next five years were probably the best years in my life.
Zachary: I can see just by the look on your face that you loved him a lot.
Gloria: Oh yes. He was my whole world; everything to me. (Pause) If it wasn't for the kids, our kids, I don't think I could've survived his death.
Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; the living room. Nikki Lassiter and James Greyhawk are there.
James: So, Nikki, why don't you get to it. What is it you really want from me?
Nikki: I've come to realize something.
James: What?
Nikki: That Nathan is guilty. He did kill Candice.
James: And what made you come to your senses about that?
Nikki: The evidence.
James: Really? Just the other day you were saying the evidence was all circumstantial.
Nikki: True, but it’s not just the evidence. (Pause) Something strange that is going on with Nathan and Richie.
James: What do you mean?
Nikki: I've overheard a couple of conversations that they've had about you; conversations that made me suspicious. They’re up to something.
James: Like what?
Nikki: They are looking for a way to get Nate acquitted, but they know it'll never happen unless the police come up with another viable suspect.
James: But, there are no other suspects.
Nikki: Exactly, that's why Nathan and Richie have decided to fabricate another suspect...by framing you.
Scene: A pond on the Greyhawk Estate. Monica Greyhawk is walking down the trial leading to the pond. She gets closer and spots two people, a man and a young girl standing near the pond, talking. The man is tall and thin, which thick black hair and ice blue eyes. He is handsome, wearing a pair of khaki's and a white dress shirt. The girl, who looked to be about 8 years old, had long brown hair and eyes the same color. She had a heart shaped face, a pug nose and wore a pair of denim overalls and frilly pink shirt. He was bent at eye level with the girl.
Girl: Nigel, are there fish in the pond?
Nigel: Yes, there are, Vicki. Dad had been put in years ago.
Vicki: Really? Can we go fishing one day?
Nigel: Sure, that sounds like fun. I didn't know you liked fishing.
Vicki: I don't know if I like it or not, I've never been. My daddy said he'd take me a couple of times, but then he had to work, so we never got to go.
Nigel: Well, your daddy is a busy man. It takes a lot of time to catch the bad guys.
Vicki: I know. He'll take me when he can...but until then can you take me? That way, when I do go with Daddy, I'll be real good at it.
Nigel: Sure, honey. I'll make you an expert at it so your daddy will be real proud.
Vicki (throwing her arms around Nigel's neck): Thanks, Nigel.
Monica was watching, a warm smile on her face.
Nigel: No problem, honey.
Monica (stepping out of the shadows): There you two are. I've been looking all over for you.
Vicki: Hi, Mommy.
Nigel: Hi, honey. I thought you were already gone to have dinner with your family.
Monica: I was about to leave. I just wanted to tuck my daughter into bed first.
Vicki (frowning): Does that mean it's my bedtime?
Monica: Yes it does. Why don't you go up to the house and get ready for bed? I'll be up in a minute.
Vicki (sighing): Okay. (Her face then brightened) Nigel, will you come too and read me a story?
Nigel: I'd love to.
Vicki: (hopefully) Will you read my new ghost story book to me?
Nigel: Vicki, I don't what you to have nightmares.
Vicki: I won't, I promise. Anyway, even if some ghost or monster came, you'd scare them away, wouldn't you?
Nigel (as Vicki looked up at him with large, loving eyes): You bet I would honey. I'd never let anything old ghost or monster scare my best girl. (Pause) All right, a ghost story it is.
Vicki: Good! Don't be too long, I'll be waiting!
They watched as Vicki disappeared up the trail to the house. Monica then turned to Nigel.
Monica: God, I love you. (She hugged and kissed him passionately)
Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; the living room. James and Nikki are there.
James: Richie and Nathan want to frame me for Candice's murder? Are you joking?
Nikki: Of course not, I wouldn't joke about something like this. It's hard for me to even come to you with this information.
James: Then why are you?
Nikki: Because I don't want to see an innocent person go to jail for something they didn't do. You may not be my favorite person, James, but I do have a sense of justice.
James: Exactly how did you come to this conclusion?
Nikki: Like I told you, I overheard some conversations between Nathan and Richie. Richie completely believes in Nathan's innocence. Despite the evidence, overwhelming as it may be, Richie's faith in his friend is unwavering. Nathan can be quite convincing.
James: Considering that your cousin A.J. and members of Candice's own family are behind Nathan, I believe that.
Nikki: Anyway, Richie is as convinced of your guilt as he is of Nathan's innocence. But not only are you not on the suspect list, there is no evidence pointing to you as the killer.
James: So, Nathan convinced Richie to find evidence, whether it exists or not?
Nikki: Exactly.
James: And this doesn't convince Richie that Nathan could possibly be guilty?
Nikki: Like I said, he's got Richie completely snowed. Richie believes anything Nathan says.
James: And you don't?
Nikki: Not anymore, not after the conversation I overheard. If Nathan was the decent, honest kid he claims to be, then he would never come up with such a dirty plan, not to mention convincing his friend to go along with it. No, he hasn't changed, not one bit. He's still the little punk that ran around in gangs, only his crimes are a lot worse.
James: Oh, I believe that. I never bought his changed act for one minute. I warned Candice he was no good. I told her she shouldn't trust him, but she said he changed, that he deserved another chance. (He paused as sadness crossed his face) I only wish she had of listened, or I'd of been more insistent.
Nikki: (sighing) Well, we are all living with regrets these days.
James: So, why are you telling me this? Why not go to the DA with this news? It would solidify their case and Nathan would go to jail.
Nikki: Because I don't have any proof; just a conversation I overheard. I need evidence, hard evidence or the police won't listen to me.
James: And how do you intend on getting that evidence?
Nikki: That's where you come in...actually it's where we come in.
James: We?
Nikki: Yes, we. We're going to have to work together on this.
Scene: Mama J's. Danny and Jessica are at the bar; talking.
Jessica: Darian, we've known Danny since he was a kid and he's always been one to act without thinking. It's why he has a record.
Darian: I know, but look at what his life has been like. He loses his parents in a drunk driving accident when he was barely a teenager. Nathan was just a toddler and their sisters were not even six months old. The court breaks them up, putting Danny in a foster home here with Mama J. Nathan gets adopted by one family and his sisters by another who up and leave town. They all get separated. Yes, Nathan finally found Danny here years later, but you know what happened before he got here.
Jessica: Look, I realize that Danny has had a tough life, so has Nathan. No one should have to endure what they have. That's a tragedy. But it doesn’t change what he’s done, who he is. Danny James is nothing but trouble… and his brother is no different.
Darian: Jess…
Jessica: Darian, you know I’m right. No, life hasn’t been fair to them, but they don’t have the right to exorcise their demons on the rest of us. And that’s what those boys have done. None of our lives have been untouched by having Danny and Nathan around… and not for the better.
Across the room, Gloria and Zachary are sitting at a table, talking.
Zachary: Johnnie died in
Gloria (nodding): Yes. He was offered a job as a war correspondent for the Chicago Daily Report. Johnnie didn't want to take the job, but it was a boom to his career, he would've been a fool to turn it down. But, he didn't want to leave his family, especially since I was just going back to finish med school after Eric had been born. The thing is, he really wanted to go. Like most Lassiter men, he has a taste for excitement and adventure. With Johnnie, it wasn't in the boardroom like Steven and Barton, but with his pen, and piece of paper and wherever the story would take him.
Zachary: So he went?
Gloria: I talked him into it. He was concerned about me not being able to concentrate on my studies while looking after two small children, so I compromised by moving into the Lassiter Estate with his family so they could help.
Zachary: And he succeeded in
Gloria: Which didn't surprise me. I
always knew Johnnie would be the absolute best at whatever he chose to do with
his life. (Pause) The only problem was with that kind of success, he
wanted more. He had to get the bigger story, and that meant taking chances,
taking risks. You can't do that in a place like
Zachary (as she shook her head in sadness): I'm sorry, Gloria, I didn't mean to bring up such painful memories.
Gloria: Zachary, it's okay. Most of the memories aren't painful ones, so it makes the rest easier to talk about. I miss Johnnie even today. I wish he had of had the chance to see his sons grow up. A.J. and Eric are far from perfect, but I'd like to think he'd be proud of them.
Zachary: (smiling) I think he'd be even prouder of you, raising them while making your own successful career as a surgeon.
They paused their conversation as Abby dropped off their drinks.
Gloria: I know he'd be proud, he certainly pushed me enough to reach for that dream. (Pause) In the end, even though it hurt like hell when Johnnie was killed, I don't regret a moment of it, not one second. It's especially precious to me because I've ever been that happy, or felt that kind of love since. And I don't think I ever will again.
Zachary (sipping a frosty mug of beer): What you and Johnnie had was pretty special. And when you compare something like that to marriage to my Dad, naturally you'd feel that way. You're a wonderful and warm woman, Gloria, I find it hard to believe you won't find love again.
Gloria: Thanks, but I definitely have my doubts.
Zachary: Hey, I know how you feel. My love life hasn't exactly been gangbusters either. Meeting the right woman hasn't been in cards for me
Gloria: What about Dana Cooper? Haven’t you been out a few times?
Zachary: Yes.
Gloria: And you don’t see any potential there?
Zachary: Too soon to tell.
Gloria (sipping a mug of beer): Well, whether it’s Dana or someone else, you've got plenty of time for the right woman to come along. And for a good man like you, Zachary, I have no doubt that she will.
Zachary: I keep hoping. (Pause as a saxophone drenched jazz tune started. Several couples made their way to the dance floor and started swaying to the music) That's nice.
Gloria (smiling): It sure is. I love this song.
Zachary: Well, in that case, would you like to dance?
Gloria (shaking her head): Oh no, Zachary, you don't have to do that.
Zachary: I know, but I want to do it. Come on, what do you say? (He stood) Dance with me? I promise I won't step on your toes too many times.
Gloria: Well with an offer like that, how can I refuse?
Smiling, Gloria took Zachary's outstretched hand and he led her to the dance floor. As they started to dance, Dana Cooper appeared in the doorway of the restaurant, and upon spotting them, anger slid across her face.
Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; near the pond. Nigel and Monica are there kissing.
Nigel (surprise on his face as they broke the kiss): What was that for?
Monica: For what you just did with Vicki. You are so good with her. She adores you, you know.
Nigel: And I adore her. She's a great kid.
Monica: And you are a great stepfather, just like I knew you would be when we got married.
Nigel: Hey, you know about my doubts… about a lot of things in the beginning. But, things turned out better than I ever hoped. I love that girl and I love being a father. It's one of the best feelings in the world.
Monica: (as she put his arms around his neck) Nigel, you were meant to be a father. You're a warm, caring, kind man with a lot to give. Vicki is proof of that, I'm proof of that. You've done so much for us, reminded us what being loved was all about. And believe me, after being married to Eric, that was something we had forgotten.
Nigel: Monica, I'm just being a husband and a father, which is what I promised you when you agreed to marry me.
Monica: Eric promised the same thing and he was never any good at either of it. Why he married me after I got pregnant with Vicki, I’ll never know because it was clear from the start that he didn’t want to be a husband, much less a father.
Nigel: I know he hurt you. I’m sorry you had to go through all that.
Monica: Well, I have Vicki and she’s the light of my live, so I can’t completely regret my life with Eric. I just wish I hadn’t taken so long to see that he never loved me and didn’t want a daughter. I think I would’ve saved myself a lot of pain if I had of. But that doesn’t matter now, because now we have you. And you have made me and Vicki happy, happier than we've ever been. We've got a good marriage, we've got a good family. And I think it's time we started thinking about making some changes.
Nigel: Like what? What do you want to change? Aren't things near perfect like they are?
Monica: Yeah, but it would be even better if we...had a child of our own.
Nigel (his happy expression suddenly turning dark and stormy): No, Monica. We can't do that. And you know why.
Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; the living room. Nikki and James are there.
James: We need to work together on this? You and me?
Nikki: Yes. Nathan wants to frame you. He wants to fabricate evidence to make it look like you killed Candice and he’s using Richie to do it. And Richie's so blindly trusting of Nathan that he'll go along with whatever Nathan wants. If we can prove what Nathan is up to, we can turn it over to the DA and make sure he goes to jail.
James: I see, but Richie will go to jail too. Won't your plan get your boyfriend thrown in jail?
Nikki: I want to protect Richie. He's the main reason I'm doing this. If I can stop him before he actually does anything, he can't get in trouble. But, I can use whatever I uncover as ammunition against Nathan, stop this before it starts and see to it that Nathan pays for everything he's done.
James: This is quite a story, Nikki.
Nikki: It's no story, it's the truth. I certainly have no motivation to help you. You don't like me anymore than I like you. Like I said, I'm doing this to save Richie from making a big mistake.
James: Why not just confront him with what you know?
Nikki: Because he'd just deny it. And if Nathan found out I was onto him, he'd turn Richie against me and then I wouldn't be able to help him. I love him, James and I want to see him get out of this unscathed.
James (nodding) You are taking a big risk by getting involved with this; not to mention coming to me.
Nikki: Let me tell you, it wasn't easy, but I'd do anything to help Richie. That's how much I love him (Pause) So, what do you say, do we have a deal?
James: (shrugging) Nikki, I'm not quite sure what to make of all this. Like I said, it's quite a story. You've got to give me some time to think about it, decide what to do.
Nikki: There's nothing you can do. You certainly can't go to the police, not without evidence. And unless we do something, you'll wind up facing murder charges and Nathan will get off scot-free. Surely you're willing to aside any personal animosity you might have for me to accomplish that.
James: As I said, I'll get back to you. (Pause) So, if there's nothing else...
Nikki: Well, I see subtlety is not your strong suit. (Pause) All right, I'll wait to hear from you. But don't take too long. There's not telling what could happen if we wait. I'll show myself out. (She walked out)
James: Oh, don't worry, Miss Lassiter. I have no intention of keeping you waiting. I don't know what you're up too...but I think it’s going to be fun finding out.
In the next episode of
- Gloria
and Zachary's evening is full of surprises.
- Monica
tries to persuade Nigel to change his mind.
- A startling phone calls prompts Nathan to make a difficult choice.