EPISODE 22
“SUDDEN IMPACT”
Scene: The Covington Bay Heights. Eric Lassiter's apartment; the living room. Eric is lying on the sofa. An gory and blood drenched horror movie is playing the television. Melissa walks in, wiping her hands on a dishrag.
Melissa: Well, I finally got that disaster of a kitchen straightened up. Dinner should be ready soon. (Pause as she winced in disgust at the particularly gruesome murder taking place on the television) Eric, I can’t believe you’re watching this movie again. (She picked up the remote that lie on Eric’s chest and turned off the TV) Eric? (She moved closer to him, noting that he was asleep) Eric?
At that moment, Eric started to moan and move erratically on the sofa.
Eric: (murmuring) No...no, stop it. (He started to trash about on the sofa) No...stop it. It can't be happening...it can't...!
Melissa (moving to the sofa): Eric? Eric?
Melissa reached out and touched Eric on the shoulder, shaking him.
Melissa: Eric? Eric, wake up! You're having a bad dream, wake up!
Eric (shouting): No! (Suddenly, Eric jerked upright, grabbing Melissa by the wrist. He looked up at her, his eyes wide and full of rage) I’ll kill you, damn it! I’ll kill you both!
Melissa (struggling to get away): Eric, let go! You're hurting me. You're hurting me!
Scene: The home of Randy Sorensen. It is a quaint house with early American style decor and furnishings. The doorbell rings and Melody Sorensen walks into the living room.
Melody (calling into the other room): I'll get it! You guys just keep enjoying dinner. (She opened the door. Monica Greyhawk was standing there) Monica!
Monica: Hi, Mel. Sorry I'm late.
Melody: (hugging Monica) No problem. We already started dinner though.
Monica: Oh, that's okay. (She walked in and Melody closed the door) I'm glad you didn't wait for me.
Melody: We didn't have much choice, you know how cranky Angie gets when we don't eat on time.
Monica: I know, and believe me, I would not want to incur her wrath.
Melody: What held you up? Is everything okay?
Monica: Oh, everything's fine. Just a little trouble getting Vicki to sleep because she couldn’t find her favorite stuffed animal, you know the little donkey Nigel gave her when we first got married. But my wonderful husband took care of it by reading her a bedtime story and I couldn't help but sit and watch. He's so funny reading stories to her; doing the cute little voices and all. Vicki loves it.
Melody: Seems like you like it, too.
Monica (beaming): I just like watching Nigel with Vicki. He's so good with her.
Melody: He seems to be completely devoted to her.
Monica: He is. Both Vicki and I were lucky the day Nigel and I got married.
Melody: I’m so glad to see you happy, Monica. You deserve it after all you've been through.
Monica (sighing): Well, Eric and I had a difficult marriage, that's true. And the dealing with him after the divorce hasn't been much better.
Melody: How so?
Monica: Eric is ignoring Vicki. I mean, he's always been an neglectful father, but it's only gotten worse in the past few months. He's basically dropped out of her life. I can't remember the last time he spent any time with her and Vicki misses her daddy.
Melody: Have you talked to Eric about it?
Monica: Of course. But you know Eric; there's no reasoning with him. He has all kinds of excuses as to why he can't be there for Vicki. And I don't think he plans to change things. If it weren't for Nigel, Vicki wouldn't have a father figure in her life.
Melody: All the more reason to be grateful for him. (Pause) And given that Nigel clearly loves Vicki and you two have such a good marriage, why haven't you two had children of your own yet? What are you waiting for?
Scene: Mama J's. Dr. Gloria
Dailey and Dr. Zachary Dailey are sitting at a table having ribs, French fries,
cole slaw and frosty mugs of beer.
Gloria: (sitting back in her chair, wiping her mouth with a napkin) I've had enough. I can't eat another bite.
Zachary: Well, I should think not. You've made quite a little piggy of yourself, Dr. Dailey.
Gloria: I didn't see you exactly holding back either, Dr. Dailey.
Zachary: True, but I've never been here before, you have. I'm just making up for lost time.
Gloria: Uh, uh. Any excuse is better than none.
Zachary: Right. (He grinned) It's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Gloria (laughing): At any rate, I'm going to have a nice doggie bag to take home. There is nothing like munching on a cold rib in the middle of the night or for breakfast.
Zachary (shaking his head): Oh no, you have got to be kidding. I cannot see Dr. Gloria Dailey renowned surgeon, creeping into the kitchen in the middle of the night and eating cold ribs or having them in the morning instead of a nice bowl of granola.
Gloria: Well, it shows how little you know me. I like jazz, I can dance and now you know I have poor eating habits. I'm just a well of surprises aren't I?
Zachary: You certainly are. And I can't wait to discover even more new sides.
Across the bar, Danny James and Dana Cooper are talking.
Dana (angrily): Will you get out of my way?
Danny: Why don’t you leave your doctor boyfriend alone and let him enjoy his evening?
Dana: Why are you bothering me?
Danny: You and I need to talk. We never did finish our conversation the elevator today.
Dana: That was no conversation; that was an ambush. You trapped me in there for whatever reason, and now you are continuing to harass me. Haven’t you caused me enough misery? Why don't you just leave me alone!?
Danny: Because you and I have unfinished business, lady. And we are going to deal with it right now.
Scene: The warehouse district; an abandoned warehouse. A.J. Lassiter and Patricia Lassiter
are standing inside the warehouse, startled at the sound of voices outside.
A.J.: Someone's coming! It could be my contact!
Patricia: Our contact. Like it our not, I'm part of this too.
A.J.: Well, for the record, I don't like it.
Patricia (tauntingly): But, there isn't much you can do about it, is there?
A.J.: Especially not now. (He motioned to a stack of wood crates) We’ll hide there and see what's going on. Let's not tip our hand too early.
Patricia: Gotcha.
As the door creaked open, they dashed behind the crates and crouched down. Two men entered the room. The first man was a thirtyish good looking blonde with grey eyes. He was well dressed in a blue tailored suit that fit his husky frame well. He carried a briefcase. The other was a stout dark haired man, about ten years older than his partner. He had ruddy features, a bibulous nose and a light beard flecked with grey. He wore rumpled khaki pants and a wrinkled white button down shirt.
Man#2: (slapping his meaty fist in his palm) Damn, Joe, they're not here.
Joe: Well, we are over a half hour late, Slade. Did you really expect them to wait around because you couldn't tear yourself away from that skank?
Slade: (his dark grey eyes glinting with delight) Hey, she was a sure thing, and I hate to admit it, but I’m not as smooth as you, buddy. When you’re as horny as I am you take it when you can get it.
Joe : And from the looks of that chick you probably would get something with her, and it would be something only a doctor would cure.
Slade: Yeah, yeah. So, what should we do now?
Joe: (with a shrug of his broad shoulders) Nothing we can do. The evening is a bust and we spent a lot of time putting this deal together. (He grit his perfect white teeth) The boss isn’t going to like this. And it’s your fault that things fell through. I just hope you’re ready for the fallout when he hears about this.
Slade: You’re going to tell him? You’re not going to back me up on this?
Joe: (smirking) What do you think?
A.J. (whispering): Patty, I don't know what this is all about, but I don't think these two are who we're supposed to meet.
Patricia (whispering): How can we know unless we talk to them?
A.J.: You're right, but I don't think we should take the chance. Something about this just doesn't smell right.
Slade: Well, if I’m going to get my head handed to me, at least I can get laid first. I think I’ll head back to the bar… that chick might be still waiting.
Reilly (sarcastically): For a dreamboat like you? I have no doubt.
Slade: (angrily): Up yours!
Reilly: Unfortunately for you, you’re not my type.
Slade: (wincing) Why do you keep saying stuff like that? You’re not even queer.
Reilly: (grinning) Maybe not, but the fact that it freaks you out is reason enough. Now let’s get the hell out of here.
Patricia (whispering): They're leaving! We can't let them go. We might miss the story.
A.J.: But, Patty, I don't think...
Patricia (coming out from her hiding place as the men headed for the door): Wait! We're here.
A.J. (shocked, as the men turned, surprise on their faces): Patricia, you little fool!
Scene: The Sorensen residence. Monica and Melody are in the living room, talking.
Melody: So, how about it, little sister? What are the prospects for you and Nigel having a baby?
Monica (hesitating): Well, Nigel and I are working on that...or talking about it at least.
Melody (smiling): Monica, that's wonderful. Does this mean I'm going to be an aunt for the second time soon?
Monica: With any luck.
Melody: Great. (She gave Monica a hug, not noticing the troubled look on her baby sister’s face) Well, we better get in to dinner. Daddy made pot roast and you know how much Angie loves it. Hopefully there will be a few scraps left.
(At that moment, a young, slender woman with a rich mane of red hair and emerald green eyes walked in. She is pretty and wearing a pair of jeans and a denim short-sleeved shirt)
Woman: So, I hear you two are bad-mouthing me again. I'm not the only one under this roof who loves Daddy's pot roast. I saw a couple of helpings go on your plate, Melody.
Melody: Maybe, but you still got me beat by a few platefuls, Angie.
Angela (shrugging): Hey, I'm a cop. You build up an appetite walking those mean streets.
Melody (teasing):
Oh, yeah.
Angela: So, what's up, Monica? Why were you late?
Monica: Nothing, I was just spending some quality time with my husband and daughter.
Angela: And how are they?
Monica: Great. Vicki's as sweet as ever and Nigel is about the best husband I could ask for.
Angela (frowning): Anything has to be better after being married to Eric Lassiter, even a Greyhawk.
Monica: Angie, let's not get into bashing Eric.
Angela (bitterly): Why not? I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. Can you?
Scene: Eric's apartment. He is sitting upright on the
sofa, gripping Melissa's wrist. His breathing is heavy and labored. His eyes
are filled with rage and terror and sweat runs down his face. Melissa is
struggling to get away from him, but his grip is tight.
Melissa: Eric, will you please let me go!? You're hurting me! You're going to break my wrist!
Eric (letting her go and jumping to his feet): I'm sorry, I'm sorry. You okay?
Melissa (rubbing her wrist): I'll be fine. I'm more concerned about you. (Pause) You had the dream again, didn't you?
Eric: What are you talking about?
Melissa: The nightmares you’ve been having. It’s been going on for months, ever since Pete and Elizabeth were murdered. Isn't it time you talked about it?
Eric (shaking his head): There's nothing to talk about. (Eric went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. He pulled out a beer, popped it open and after shutting the refrigerator, he took a couple of long swallows.)
Melissa (following him into the kitchen): But obviously the two events are connected.
Eric: Melissa, I don't know what you're going on about, but you're way off base. I had a bad dream, everyone does. Forget about it.
Melissa: How can I when you have these dreams in which you wake up shouting at least twice a week?
Eric (slamming his fist on the kitchen counter): Why are you starting this crap again?!
Melissa: Because the dreams are continuing. It's obviously tearing you up and you're not doing anything about it. Eric, I know it's hard for you to express your feelings and if you don't want to tell me what is bothering you, then you should talk to someone.
Eric (shaking his head): Don't you dare start that
psychologist crap. I don't go for that stuff and I never will. (He took
another long swallow of the beer) I'm really in no mood to listen to this.
I've had a rotten day with both my mother and my ex-wife dropping by, then the
Captain tells me he's dropping the investigation into Pete and
Melissa: Eric, I'm only trying to help you.
Eric (icily): Funny, I don't remember asking for it.
Scene: The warehouse. Patricia is coming from behind
the stack of wood crates, A.J. a few steps behind her, looking shocked and
wary. Reilly and Joe are standing by the door, looking at both of them in
surprise.
Patricia: We're here. And we’re ready to get down to business.
Reilly: (looking at A.J.) Who’s she? I thought you were coming alone.
Patricia: (curiously) What do you mean you weren't me? You were the ones who...
A.J. (interrupting): Look, I had to have a backup. She's it.
Slade (looking Patricia up and down): She's your backup? Well, at least she's nice to look at
Patricia: What does that mean?!
A.J.: Patricia, this is no time to show us you’re an independent lady.
Slade: (leering) There are lots of things I’d like her to show me.
Reilly: Take it down a few notches, Slade. (Pause) Let’s get down to business, okay?
Patricia: Then you have what we came here for?
Reilly (holding up the briefcase): Right here.
Patricia (surprised): It's in there?
Reilly: Of course. Do you have something for us?
Patricia: Well, we...
A.J.: Of course we do. (A.J. patted his breast pocket) It's right here. But we gotta see what you got first.
Patricia (confused): A.J., I don’t get...
A.J.: Let’s get this over with. I think we’ve wasted enough time already.
Slade: Reilly, show him the stuff.
Reilly: You got it. (Reilly popped open the briefcase and held it out to A.J. and Patricia, revealing tightly packed bags of cocaine)
Patricia (stunned): Oh, my God!
Joe: Why are you surprised? You act like you weren’t expecting this.
Reilly: What’s going on with you? You’re acting kind of… (Pause) Look, did you bring the money with you? (He watched as A.J. and Patricia hesitated) You do have it, don’t you?
Scene: Mama J’s. Danny and Dana are at a table,
talking.
Dana: Danny, we have nothing to talk about.
Danny: You’re wrong about that, sweetheart. We have plenty of unfinished business.
Dana: We do not! But, even if we did, now is not the time to talk about it. Can’t you see that I’m busy?
Danny: Doing what; chasing after that skinny white boy? When did you start having a taste for vanilla?
Dana: You know, in some circles, that kind of talk would be considered racist.
Danny (shrugging): So what? I got a problem with white people. I don’t care who knows it. (Pause) Answer my question; why are you so hot after the doctor?
Dana: That’s none of your business, Danny. What I do and who I do it with is none of your concern.
Danny: I could care less who you hunker down with Dana, but we have things to settle.
Dana: Like what? We are divorced. Our lives are completely separate and that’s the way I like it.
Danny: Why don’t we step outside and I'll fill you in? You can take your eyes of Mr. Whitebread for one second, can you? Are you that afraid you’ll lose him to the lady he’s with?
Gloria and Zachary are sitting at a table talking.
Zachary: So, what’s next?
Gloria: What do you mean?
Zachary: Well, we’ve had a few beers, danced a few dances and had a great meal. What is next on our agenda, Dr. Lassiter?
Gloria: How does bed sound?
Zachary (startled): What?
Gloria (realizing her mistake): No, I mean...I think I should be getting to bed. As much fun as I’ve had, it’s been a long day and I need some sleep. I have surgery in the morning. And I’ll bet you’ve got a busy day ahead of you too.
Zachary (nodding): Actually, I do. But, we’ve had such a great night, I guess I’m kind of reluctant to let this it end.
Gloria: So am I. I haven’t enjoyed myself as much as I have tonight in a long time, Zachary.
Zachary: Then maybe we can do it again sometime?
Gloria: That you can count on. (They stared warmly at each other for a moment)
Zachary: Shall I walk you to your car?
Gloria: I’d like that.
(They gathered their belongings and headed for the door. As they were about to leave, Zachary noticed Dana talking to Danny)
Zachary: That’s odd.
Gloria (looking over at Danny and Dana): Isn’t that Dana?
Zachary (nodding): Yeah, and she’s with Danny James.
Gloria: Nathan’s brother? Didn’t you tell me she doesn’t like him?
Zachary: Yes, and she doesn’t look too happy to see him. (Pause) I’m going to find out what’s going on. Excuse me for a minute, will you?
Scene: Eric’s apartment. Eric and Melissa are there.
Melissa: Eric, I care about you, I just want to get at the root of what’s bothering you.
Eric: Right now, Melissa, you are bothering me. After having a rotten day, I had a bad dream and all of a sudden, you’ve got me laying on a shrink’s couch. You’re making too much of nothing. Why don’t you just forget it?
Melissa: It’s awfully hard when I see how much these dreams are upsetting you. (Pause) But, fine. If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t mention it again.
Eric: Good. Talking is not your strong suit anyway. There are other things I’d much rather you be doing with your mouth. (Eric grabbed Melissa and started to kiss her, but she pulled away. Eric looked angry) What’s wrong with you?!
Melissa: I’m really not in the mood.
Eric: Why not? Is this some sort of punishment for me not pouring my heart out to you?
Melissa: Of course it's not punishment. I’m just not in the mood.
Eric (reaching for her): Well, that’s not the first time you’ve said that. I’ve always been able to change your mind before, haven’t I? (He grabbed her and tried to kiss her, but she turned away. Rage burned in Eric’s eyes) Fine, you’re not interested.... (He shoved her away) ...there’s lots of other women in town who will be. (Eric took the last swig of beer, draining the bottle, then grabbed his car keys off the kitchen counter)
Melissa: You’re leaving?
Eric: Well, there’s really not much reason to stick around, is there? (Pause) Don’t be here when I get back...I might have company and it could get embarrassing. Unless of course you’re into that sort of thing.
Melissa (as Eric headed for the door): Eric, wait please! (He walked out, slamming the door behind him) Eric!
Scene: The Sorensen residence; the living room. Melody,
Angela and Monica are there.
Melody: Look, Angela, we are all more than aware of Eric’s flaws, but insulting him is unnecessary. What point does it serve?
Angela: Melody, how can you be so sympathetic to that bastard after how he treated our sister? He screwed up her life in so many different ways I can’t count them all. Have you forgotten that?
Melody: Of course not. But, Monica not only lived through it, she survived and now she’s very happy with Nigel. They’ve got a great marriage. In fact, Monica just told me she and Nigel are talking about having their own children.
Angela: Really? (Pause) Well, I guess you could do worse as far as husbands go, Monica.
Monica: I guess that’s about as good an endorsement as I’m going to get from you, isn’t it?
Angela: I'm just grateful you’re still not married to Eric.
Melody: Angela, cut it out.
Angela: Melody, I realize you’re deliriously happy with A.J., but don’t let that blind you from seeing his little brother for the creep he is.
Melody: I am more than aware of Eric’s flaws. I just don’t see the point in going on and on about them.
Angela: I suppose you’re right. Fine, I’ll drop it for now, at least until the next terrible stunt he pulls, which for Eric, won’t be long. (She shook her head as she got looks of disapproval from her sisters) Okay, okay. I’ll lay off. (Pause) Look, I’m headed back into the dining room and finishing dinner. You two coming?
Melody: We’ll be there in just a second.
Angela: Fine, but I warn you, I just got my second wind. Don’t be surprised if there’s nothing left!
(Angela walked out)
Monica: Thanks for not telling Angela about my talk with Eric today. There’s not telling how she would’ve reacted.
Melody: I know how she would’ve reacted. That’s why I didn’t tell her. She would’ve been screaming to light the torches and head to his place with a lynch mob in tow.
Monica: I’m sometimes tempted to do the same myself. (Pause) I tell you, Melody, I constantly wonder what I was doing when I not only fell in love with Eric, but I was stupid enough to get pregnant and I compounded that mistake by marrying him. What could I have been thinking?
Melody: You were in love. And Eric proposed. He promised he’d be a good husband and father.
Monica: But he wasn’t. He was never a good husband or father, not from the very start. To this day I don’t understand why he insisted we get married. Marriage and fatherhood were the last things he wanted.
Melody: Is it really worth going over and over. You’re done with Eric and you’re happy now. None of that matters.
Monica: I know. But you’ve always so smart and sensible about your relationships. You would never pick a guy who would screw up your life so badly. I mean A.J. could never be as cruel and manipulative and deceitful as Eric. He’s not perfect, but I don’t think you’ll ever have to worry about him hurting you like Eric hurt me.
Melody (nodding, trying to hide the pain in her eyes): Yes. I’ve always thought that too.
Scene: The warehouse. Patricia, A.J., Reilly and Joe
are there.
Reilly: Well, where’s the money?
A.J.: Well...
Reilly: Well, what?
A.J.: We don’t have it.
Joe: What do you mean you don’t have it? We made a deal! What is this!?
A.J.: It’s called being careful.
Reilly: What do you mean?
A.J.: Well, we heard some things...about you and your boss.
Reilly: Like what?
A.J.: That he sets up these deals and then doesn’t follow through. We heard of a few customers who got double crossed and we just didn’t want to risk it.
Joe: Where did you hear that? It’s a lie! Our boss operates on the up and up! He never double crossed anyone.
Reilly (glaring at Joe): Look, this deal is straight. We’re not here to rip you off. We’ve got the stuff...you know we’ve got it. So, how about it? Are we gonna finish this or not?
A.J.: Yeah, just let us get the money. I got it out in the car. We’ll be right back, okay?
Reilly: And we’ll be waiting.
(A.J. and Patricia headed for the door)
Patricia (whispering): Are we going to make it out of here alive?
A.J. (whispering): Only if you keep your big mouth shut.
Joe: Wait! Where are you going!? Stop!
A.J.: Don’t look back, Patricia. Just keep moving!
They were just about at the door when a big, hulking bald man walked in. A.J. and Patricia stopped short.
Patricia: Oh, God!
Man: I’m sorry I’m late, but I’m here now. You guys ready to deal? (The man took a quick survey of the scene) What is going on?
Reilly: I don’t know. (He and Joe pulled out their guns and aimed them at Patricia and A.J.) But I have the feeling these two can tell us, can’t you?
In the next episode of
· Melody confides in one of her sisters.
· Gloria, Zachary, Danny and Dana play musical tables.
· Eric faces an old enemy.
· Things get bloody for A.J. and Patricia.