EPISODE 20

“THE MESSENGER”

Scene: The Bay Club. Kevin Lassiter and Dr. Gary Sorensen are there having dinner.

Gary: So how is the world of big business these days?

Kevin: Lassiter Pharmaceuticals? Things are going well, I guess. We’re gearing up for our annual stockholders meeting later this week.

Gary: And according to the business papers you’ll have lots of good news to report.

Kevin: (taking a sip of his glass of red wine) I think so. It's been a fairly smooth transition since Grandfather decided to retire and turned the reins over my father and Uncle Steven. Lassiter Pharmaceuticals saw it's highest profits ever in our last fiscal year. I'm sure our stockholders will be pleased. Still, preparing for this meeting has kept me so busy I haven't had time for myself, like getting some much needed exercise. I really miss playing racquetball

Gary: Racquetball? I didn't know you played.

Kevin: Yep, usually with A.J., but like with dinner tonight, he cancels on me a lot. With him, a hot story comes before anything else. Besides that, I'm getting tired of beating him.

Gary: Looking for more of a challenge, are you?

Kevin: (nodding) It would be fun to play a game without already knowing the outcome.

Gary: Well, Kevin, if it's a challenge you're looking for...then I'm your man.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; near the pond. Nigel and Monica Greyhawk are there.

Nigel: Monica, we have been over this and us having a child is out of the question.

Monica: And why is that?

Nigel: You know why. Do I have to spell it out to you?

Monica: Nigel, I thought you were happy.

Nigel: I am. I love you and Vicki more than I ever thought I could love anybody. This marriage was the best thing that ever happened to me. But that love doesn't change a few certain facts.

Monica: I think it changes everything, Nigel. I think the fact that our marriage turned out better than either of us thought, despite the odds against us, proves that we belong together, that we made the right decision. (Pause) And what better way to prove that by having a child of our own? Are you going to tell me that it's something you haven't considered, that you haven't even thought about it?

Nigel: Monica, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it. You mean the world to me...and I couldn't love Vicki more than if she were my own. But, the idea of having a child with you...of you carrying my baby fills me with the kind of hope and joy that I never thought possible. You're a beautiful woman, Monica, and you'd have a beautiful child.

Monica: We would have a beautiful child. And you'd be a great father, Vicki is proof of that. (Pause) Nigel, do you know how much I love you...do you know how much you mean to me? I don't have the words. But, I know how to show you...and that's by giving you the gift of a son or a daughter. (Pause as she caressed his face wracked with a troubled expression) Nigel, please...let me do this for you.

* * * * * *

Scene: Mama J's. Dr. Gloria Dailey and Dr. Zachary Dailey are on the dance floor, moving slowly to a saxophone drenched jazz tune.

Gloria: (smiling) This is a surprise.

Zachary: What?

Gloria: You are a good dancer.

Zachary: That surprises you?

Gloria: Well, I remember when I married your father you barely danced at our reception. You wouldn't dance with me; said you didn't know how. Where you keeping this talent hidden?

Zachary: Back then I couldn't dance a whit. But, I've learned a lot in the last few years.

Gloria: Oh really? And what lucky girl was your teacher?

Zachary: What do you mean?

Gloria: Well, most men don't learn to dance this well unless it's a woman who teaches them. So who was she? Or was there more than one?

Zachary (embarrassed): Come on, Gloria...you see me everyday. You know I haven't been on that many dates.

Gloria: You're right you haven't. You seem pretty dedicated to your work.

Zachary: Well, I love running the AIDS clinic. We've accomplished a lot since it opened five years ago.

Gloria: I agree; you have a lot to be proud of. But, Zachary, you're a great guy...handsome, successful, caring, compassionate...

Zachary: (chuckling) If you don't quit, you're going to make me blush.

Gloria: Well, it's true. You're all that and more. You should have a special lady in your life; I can't imagine you'd have trouble finding one.

Zachary: Thanks. I'm glad you think so.

Gloria: I'm not the only one who thinks so. There are a lot of people at the hospital who think you're quite the catch.

Zachary: Are you saying that there are people at Covington Bay Medical Center talking about me?

Gloria: I've heard some talk...and more than one lady...and a few men...have their eye on you. So tell me, Dr. Dailey...why are you still single?

Zachary: The reason is simple. I haven't met the right person... (he grinned) ...or should I say woman?

Gloria: (grinning widely) I got your point. So, Zachary, just what kind of lady are you looking for? Who is the right woman for you?

Across the room, Dana Cooper is sitting at a table, watching Gloria and Zachary as they dance. Natalie Lassiter is sitting across from her, her back to the dance floor.

Natalie (reading the dinner menu) Boy, I am starving. Everything on this menu looks so good, I'm tempted to have one of everything.

Dana (unable to take her eyes off Gloria and Zachary): Yeah, Mama J.’s does have great food.

Natalie: Well, I think I'm able to narrow my choices down to about three dishes. What about you? Any idea what you might have? (Natalie looked up and spotted Dana's menu sitting on the table) Dana, you haven't even looked at the menu.

Dana: I know, but...

Natalie: What are you looking at? (Natalie turned and saw Gloria and Zachary dancing) That's Zachary and Gloria!

Dana: I know. What a surprise that they would be here.

Natalie (her eyes narrowing in anger): Really? Why do I have trouble believing that.

At the bar, Darian Jackson is working behind the bar and Jessica Jackson is sitting there watching.

Jessica: Darian, I know you've had a hard day...why don't you let me take over and you can go home?

Darian: No, Jessie, I'm sure you have lots of papers to grade. (Pause) I can handle it. Besides, maybe Danny will be back soon.

Jessica: I hope so. Finding out Nathan may have been pushed down the stairs had to of been a shock, but that's really no excuse for his running out on the job.

Darian: Oh, come on, Jessie. Nate's the only family Danny has and the kid is in a tight spot. I think Danny's entitled to be a little upset.

Jessica: Maybe, but I've seen the problems that Danny James can cause when he's upset, his criminal record can attest to that. I just don't want his temper to cause any more problems for Mama J.. He… and Danny been enough trouble since the day she took those boys into this family.

Darian: As you have always pointed out.

Just then, a husky black woman came from the back of the restaurant, wiping her hands on a grease stained towel. She is wearing a dirty apron over a dark green housedress.

Jessica: Mama J..

Darian: Hi, Mama J..

Mama J.: Hey, how are my grandbabies doing? (She gave them each a kiss on the cheek)

Jessica: We're fine. How are you? You look tired.

Mama J.: Well, it's been a busy night and there's a lot of work to be done around here. You know I can't relax until it's all done.

Jessica: But, I'll bet you could take a break and get off your feet for awhile. Knowing you, you've probably got next week's chores finished.

Mama J.: Child, don't worry about me. I'll get some rest when I need it. (Pause) Now, I need to talk to Danny. Where is he, out taking a cigarette break? I keeping telling him those cigarettes will kill him; told your Granddaddy the same thing, but he didn't listen either.

Darian: No, Mama J., he had to take off for awhile.

Mama J.: What? In the middle of his shift? Where did he go? (Pause as Jessica and Darian hesitate to answer) Answer me, kids! Where did that boy go off to this time?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's room. He is tossing and turning in bed, trying to sleep.

Nathan (frustrated) Damn, I just can't get any sleep. (Pause) I just can't get this mess out of my mind! I just can't stop thinking about it!

He got up and went into the bathroom. He splashed some water on his face, dried it with a towel, then went back into his room. He stopped short, stunned to see Danny sitting on his bed.

Nathan: Danny?

Danny: Hey, bro. Having trouble sleeping?

Nathan: Danny, what are you doing here?

Danny: I can't come to see my little brother?

Nathan: It's after visiting hours and there's a guard outside...how did you get in?

Danny: Hey, a con never reveals his secrets.

Nathan: But, why are you here? Do you know what kind of trouble you could get in?

Danny: Nate, you and I need to talk. There are some things we need to deal with.

Nathan: What things?

Danny: The fact that someone tried to kill you today.

* * * * * *

Scene: Mama J's. Natalie and Dana are sitting at a table talking.

Natalie: I can't believe this, Dana. Zachary told you he couldn't go out with you because he already had plans, so you find out where he's going and you follow him.

Dana: Why can't you believe this was just a coincidence?

Natalie: Because I know how upset you were when Zachary couldn't have dinner with you. What were you hoping to find when you trailed him here; on a date with another woman?

Dana: He is on a date with another woman.

Natalie: Dana, I don't know if you've noticed, but he's with Gloria, his stepmother. She and Zachary are friends...good friends.

Dana (pointedly): And I want to know just how friendly they are.

Gloria and Zachary were still dancing to the soft jazz music the filled the air around them.

Gloria: So tell me, who is the perfect woman for you? Is she blonde, brunette, red-head?

Zachary: These days breathing would be nice.

Gloria: Oh, come on, Zachary. It's not that bad. Didn't you have a date with Dana Cooper just recently?

Zachary: Yeah, and we had a nice time. Dana's a great girl, we had a lot of fun. We have a date tomorrow night and I'm looking forward to it.

Gloria: Zachary, that's wonderful! I don't know Dana very well, but she seems like a nice girl and she's a good nurse. You could probably do worse.

Zachary: Hold on, don't start throwing the rice yet. This will only be our third date. I don't know where it's going...if it's going anywhere. I'm certainly not rushing into anything.

Gloria: Well of course. You have to take these things slowly.

Zachary: This coming from a woman who married a man a month after she met him?

Gloria: That was different. Johnnie was a one of kind. Guys like him don't come along too often. I couldn't risk letting him get away.

Zachary: I'm sure he felt the same about you.

At the bar, Jessica, Darian and Mama J. were talking.

Mama J.: So, Nathan says he was pushed down the stairs? That poor boy, no wonder Danny ran out of here. He must be worried sick.

Darian: But, at this point there's no proof of anything and Nate's not even sure what happened. His lawyers are looking into it. I just hope Danny doesn’t do anything foolish in the meantime.

Jessica: (bitterly) Would you expect any less from Danny James?

Mama J.: Jessica, there's no need for that kind of talk. Those boys are in trouble.

Jessica: Those boys have always been in trouble, Mama J.. Only this time instead of making the police log next to the Obituaries, they're making the front page in big bold print.

Mama J.: Come on, Jessica, there is no reason to be so mean spirited. I think you could afford to show Danny and Nathan a little Christian charity.

Jessica: Using the word Christian and the James boys in the same sentence is like showing up at the Sunday service stark naked. (Pause) Well, I should be getting home and grade some papers. (She kissed Darian and Mama J. on the cheek) I'll see two of you later. (Pause) You probably won't need to tell me how this turns out. Odds are it'll make the morning paper. Good night.

Mama J.: (as Jessica walked out) Bye honey. (Pause) Speaking of going home, you look exhausted. Why don't you go home and I'll take over here; things can run fine in the back without me.

Darian: No way, I know you've been here since the place opened. Why don't you go home, Mama J.? I'll hang around until Danny comes back and if he doesn't, I'll close up for you.

Mama J.: And have you yawning and falling asleep while you're trying to save some poor soul’s life? No way, son. I want you to get from behind this bar and get out of here. And that's a order.

Darian: Look, I really want to stick around until Danny shows up. I just want to make sure that he’s not out there getting himself into trouble… again.

* * * * * *

Scene: Nathan's hospital room. Danny and Nathan are there.

Nathan: How did you find out?

Danny: What does it matter how I found out? I just want to know if it's true or not. Did someone try to kill you?

Nathan: (shrugging) I don't know what happened.

Danny: What do you mean you don't know?

Nathan: Everything happened so fast...and it was dark. I can't be sure of anything. It could've been an accident and I could've been pushed. My lawyers are looking into it.

Danny: Your lawyers? You trust them? They haven't done much for you so far, what makes you think things will change now?

Nathan: They're doing what they can.

Danny: Well it's not good enough. It hasn't been from the start. They are not going to be able to help you, Nate. You're going to lose this case; you're going to go to jail for murder, what will it take for you to accept that?

Nathan: I can't accept that, I won't. I have to believe that they will find a way to clear me. I have to believe it. It's all I've got.

Danny: Well, you have got nothing. And now that someone is trying to kill you. As far as the people in this city is concerned, you're an evil black man who slaughtered some pretty young white girl and you deserve to die. Whoever is after you now is probably some racist looking to save the taxpayers the expense and time of a trial.

Nathan: Danny...!

Danny: Nathan, stop it! You have got to face reality. It was bad enough that they want to railroad you to the death chamber, but now someone wants to do the job a little early. You can't get out of this, Nathan. If you let things keep going the way they are, you're going to wind up dead.

Nathan: And what do you suggest I do?

Danny: Let me handle things. Let me do what should've been done a long time ago.

Nathan: Are you still talking about planning an escape, breaking me out of jail?

Danny: I'm not going to talk about it anymore, Nate, I'm going to do it. I'm going to save your life and get you out of here...whether you like it or not.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; near the pond. Nigel and Monica are there. She is caressing his face.

Nigel (grasping her hand; gently squeezing it): Monica, I wish I could tell you what you want to hear. I wish I could say that we should start trying to have a baby, but I can't do that. I can't stop thinking of the pitfalls. It would be so easy to let this happen, but it is fraught with risks. I'm not sure if can take those risks. Would it be fair to you, to Vicki and to the child if...

Monica (stopping him): Nigel, I'm not afraid; having your child doesn't frighten me a bit, because I know it's the right thing. Why can't you see that it is too?

Nigel: Because despite the fact we're happy now, ours is not a perfect situation.

Monica: What marriage is? Nigel, every marriage has its problems, its difficulties, its risks.

Nigel: And you know me, Monica. I'm not a risk taker. I believe on playing on the side of discretion. Taking chances is not part of who I am. I can't change that, especially when an innocent child is involved.

Monica: But, Nigel, I am willing to take that risk because I have faith in you...and in us that everything will turn out all right.

Nigel: I wish I had your faith. It would make things a hell of a lot easier.

Monica: Well, can't you at least think about it...consider having a child? Please?

Nigel (hesitating): All right, Monica, all right. I'll think about it. But, I can't promise I'll change my mind.

Monica: Oh, you will change your mind, Nigel. I'm going to make you see that this right for us. (She hugged him, smiling as Nigel's expression was full of doubt) You can count on that.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Kevin and Gary are having dinner.

Kevin: Are you challenging me to a racquetball game?

Gary: You bet. (Pause) So, what do you say, you gonna take me on?

Kevin: You sound pretty sure of yourself.

Gary: I am. I love the game and when I love something I do my damnedest to be the best I can be at it.

Kevin: And you think your best is enough to beat me?

Gary: I'm willing to give it try, are you?

Kevin: Sure, why not?

Gary: Great! Is later this week good for you?

Kevin: Unfortunately it isn't. I'm really snowed under with work this week.

Gary: Well, maybe next week?

Kevin (cutting into his chicken breast): Oh hell, I'm going to need something to relax me with all the madness around the office. Why don't I give you a call later in the week and we'll set up something?

Gary: (grinning) Sounds great; something to look forward to.

* * * * * *

Scene: Mama J's. Natalie and Dana are watching Gloria and Zachary dance.

Natalie: Do you know what you're saying and how silly that sounds? You're actually insinuating that Gloria and Zachary are more than friends.

Dana: And what is silly about that?

Natalie: Because Gloria is old enough to be Zachary's mother and she's still married to Zachary's father, for Pete's sake.

Dana: That means they can't be romantically involved? May-December romances happen all the time. Zachary's an attractive man and Gloria looks great for a woman her age. Hell, she looks good for a woman my age.

Natalie: Maybe. But, I've known Gloria for a couple of years. She's not the type to get involved with a younger man, especially her husband's son. I can't see her playing with that kind of fire. And Zachary's not exactly a risk taker himself.

Dana: I know, but they are always together...involved in these intimate discussions.

Natalie: Because they are friends, nothing more. Dana, you forget that the Lassiters and Dailey’s are going through a tough time right now. With Gloria's divorce from Glenn and Candice's murder...it's a tough time for that family. I think Gloria and Zachary are simply looking to each other for support. Don't you think it's only natural?

Dana: Yes, but it's just this feeling I have...these vibes when I see them together. I can't help but think that there's something going on.

Across the room, Gloria and Zachary are still dancing.

Gloria: That's nice of you to say, Zachary. (Pause) You can't imagine how much I cherish those memories of Johnnie. Things like that only come a long once in a lifetime. I thought maybe you got that lucky twice when I met your father, but...

Zachary: But, what? You're going to let marriage to my father sour you on relationships? Gloria, you made a mistake, but don't give up on the future. You've got a lot of years and you're too young to put yourself out to pasture.

Gloria: Young? Me? Come on, Zach, you read all the reports. Women my age don't exactly have suitors banging down their door.

Zachary: Women your age? You talk like you're ready for retirement.

Gloria: You forget my oldest son is your age.

Zachary: I haven't forgotten that. Gloria, you're a beautiful woman…inside as well as out. And it's your maturity; the kind of knowledge about life and people and love that comes with age that makes you most attractive. It's the kind of a thing a man of any age would find attractive.

Gloria (smiling): And I suppose next you're going to tell me a man your age would be interested in a woman old enough to be his mother?

Zachary (seriously): He'd be a fool not to be.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan and Danny are there.

Nathan: Danny, you can't do this…you can't even consider it. Do you know what kind of trouble you could get into helping me to break out of jail?

Danny: What do you suggest I do, stand by while you get killed!?

Nathan: Look, I know you're upset about the fall I took today, but I don't know if it was a deliberate attempt to hurt me. This whole thing could be a big misunderstanding.

Danny: Do you really believe that?

Nathan: What I believe is that the truth will come out. Sabrina, Michael, Nikki, and Richie are all pulling for me and they are doing everything they can to help me. I have faith that I will be cleared and that if someone tried to hurt me, he or she will pay for what they did.

Danny: Faith? Since when has faith or trusting anybody but each other gotten us anywhere? Nate, you've got to take off those rose colored glasses and face the truth. You're going to wind up the loser here. One way or another, you will not survive. But you can if you get away from here. You can go some place out of this country and start over. And you won't be alone, I'll be with you. I mean, what have I got to stick around here for if I don't have my little brother?

Nathan: Danny, it's just not right, okay? I can't do this. Breaking the law is not the way to solve your problems. I had to learn that the hard way. I thought you knew it too.

Danny: Nate, I know you’ve seen some rough places over the years, but you have never done time. You don't know what hard is until you've been in the state pen, you can't even begin to imagine. You'd never survive, Nate, I know that. There is only one way out of this. And you've got to take it.

Nathan: But, Danny…

Danny: Nate, you can't talk me out of this. I'm doing this for your own good. It's going to take me a few days to iron out my plans, but I'll get it done, I promise you. (Pause) I've never been able to help you much as a brother, Nate. I'm glad I finally can.

Nathan: Danny, will you please… (But, before Nathan could finish, Danny turned and walked out) God, what am I going to do? How am I going to stop this before it gets out of hand? (At that moment, the phone rang. Nathan turned to it, a confused look on his face) Who could be calling so late? (He answered the phone) Hello?

Voice (a deep, raspy, throaty voice) You got lucky today, boy.

Nathan: What?

Voice: You got lucky today. But next time, you'll learn your luck has run out.

Nathan: Who is this!? What are you talking about?

Voice: You'll find out who it is soon enough. Too bad you won't live long enough to tell anyone about it.

Nathan: Look, you can't do this, you can't just threaten me.

Voice: Believe me, boy, this is no threat. I'm going to kill you. But, don't worry, I won't make you wait too long before I do the job.

Nathan: Wait, I… (the line went dead. Nathan's expression was filled with horror as he hung up the phone) Oh, my God. What do I do now? What do I do now?

* * * * * *

In the next episode of Covington Bay…

· Gloria and Zachary find things getting a little too close for comfort.

· Melody solicits opinions about her love life.

· A.J. faces an explosive situation.