Covington Bay -- Episode 26

EPISODE 26

“THE BLAME GAME”

Scene: The Collier residence; the living room.

Sabrina Collier walks in. She looks tired and worn out. She tosses her briefcase on a chair, then kicks off her pumps and lies back on the sofa, sighing heavily. As she lies there, a tall, lean man walks in. He is wearing a pair of pajama bottoms, exposing his muscled, hairy chest. He is an attractive, rugged looking man with dark curly hair, graying at the temples and dark blue eyes.

Man: Sweetheart, you're home.

Sabrina (smiling wearily) David, what are you still doing up?

David: Waiting for you. I was starting to get worried; you said you'd be home over an hour ago.

Sabrina: Oh, I'm sorry, honey. I guess I should've called. Things just got so complicated with the James case I lost track of time.

David (leaning over the back of the sofa and gently stroking his wife's face) That's okay. I figured work was keeping you late... as usual. (Pause) You look tired. Tough day, huh?

Sabrina: You can say that again.

David: So how is Nathan? I heard about his accident; is he going to be okay?

Sabrina: Fine; he's going to be released in the morning.

David: That's good news.

Sabrina: I suppose.

David: What does that mean? Surely you're glad your client wasn't seriously hurt?

Sabrina: Oh, of course I am.

David: Then what's bothering you?

Sabrina: I'm worried about Nathan's safety.

David: Why? I thought you said he was okay.

Sabrina: He is now, but I don't know how long that's going to last.

David: Sabrina, I don't understand. What does that mean?

Sabrina: David, I think someone could be trying to murder my client.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the library. Nikki Lassiter is on her cell phone listening to Richie Stone’s voicemail.

Nikki (thinking to herself, hanging up without leaving a message): Richie, where are you? (Pause) Why aren’t you picking up? I really need to talk to you about what happened when I visited James Greyhawk tonight. And I want to talk to you about your conversation with Kevin. I don’t believe for a minute that you’re involved in Candice’s murder, but there is something eating at you… I need to find out what it is. I….

Voice: Nikki?

Nikki looked up to see a stern looking woman with short auburn hair staring at her from the doorway. The woman is attractive, smartly dressed in a cream colored business suit. She has hazel blue eyes.

Nikki: Mom. You're home late from work.

Pamela: Yes. I had a business dinner about the new exhibit at the museum and it ran longer than I expected. (Pause) What are you still doing up? You have school in the morning.

Nikki: I know, Mom, but I had some homework to finish up before I turned in. (Pause) In fact, I was just headed to bed.

Pamela: I'm glad to hear that, Nikki. You need a good night's rest if you're going to be prepared for school. What homework were you working on?

Nikki: Algebra. You know how much I hate that. (She groaned) When will teachers realize how pointless algebra is in real life?

Pamela: Probably never, since I said the same thing when I was in high school.

Nikki (smiling): I guess you're right. Well, I better say good night.

Pamela (as Nikki started to leave): Can you answer a question first?

Nikki (pausing): Sure. What?

Pamela: How did you know an Algebra assignment was given out today… when you weren't even in school?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the corridor outside the ER. Patricia Lassiter is on a pay phone.

Patricia: Michael, there's nothing to worry about, I'm fine.

Michael's Voice: Are you sure. What you went through sounds pretty serious.

Patricia: The doctor said I suffered a few scrapes and scratches and a little smoke inhalation, but I'll be okay. They're not even keeping me in the hospital overnight.

Michael: You were lucky you didn't get your fool self killed. What were you thinking getting involved with drug dealers? Does the Times send their rookie reporters on such dangerous assignments?

Patricia: First of all, I am not a rookie reporter, I've been on more than a few risky assignments and I know how to handle myself.

Michael: Given what I've seen since you came back to town, I'm not so sure.

Patricia: Look, I only called and let you in on this because I didn't want you to read about it in the morning paper and freak, not to be judged by you. (Pause) I gotta go; I want to see how A.J. is.

Michael's Voice: (dryly) I suppose I should be grateful for that much. (Pause) What about Father? You gonna let them in on the news? He doesn't even know you're back in town.

Patricia: Well, I guess he'll find out soon enough, won't he?

Michael's Voice: Patricia, you really should…

Patricia (spotting A.J. coming out of the ER with Melissa Stone at this side): Michael, I gotta go, A.J.'s coming! (She hung up and walked over to A.J. and Melissa) A.J., how are you? Are you sure you should be up and walking around?

A.J.: I'm fine. The doctor said the bullet just grazed me. It looked worse than it really was. I can go home.

Patricia (surprised): They're releasing you?

Melissa: Against doctor's orders. We'd much rather he stayed overnight, but like his brother, A.J. has to prove he's as tough as he is stubborn.

A.J.: I'm okay. I don't need to take up a hospital bed from someone who's really sick.

Melissa: Fine, but will you at least follow the doctor's orders and take it easy? You don't want to aggravate that injury.

A.J.: Don't worry, I'll take it easy.

Melissa (smiling): Why don't I believe that? (Pause) Well, I better be getting back inside. Like you said, there are people here that are really sick.

A.J.: Thanks, Melissa. (Melissa walked away)

Patricia: A.J., thank God you're going to be all right. I was so worried about you.

A.J.: (suddenly angry) Feeling guilty about what you’ve done?

Patricia: What did I do?

A.J.: Are you serious? We could've been seriously injured or killed tonight …and it would've been your fault.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the library. Nikki and Pamela are there.

Pamela: Don't even try to lie, Nikki. I know you skipped school today.

Nikki: I didn't skip school…I took the day off.

Pamela: Without the permission of your parents? That sounds like skipping school to me.

Nikki: Mom, I didn't have any choice.

Pamela: Oh really? What was going on that was so important that you couldn't go to class? And if you tell me it was because of the Nathan James trial, you'll be sorry.

Nikki (hesitating): Nathan is my friend and Richie needed my support. I care about them and they're going through a rough time. Am I supposed to turn my back on them?

Pamela: You were supposed to do what I told you and stay away from this murder business. I ordered you not to even think of going to the trial and you completely ignored me.

Nikki: How did you find out I was at the courthouse? Surely A.J. didn't tell you.

Pamela: Why? Did you swear him to secrecy; involve someone else in your deception?

Nikki: Then A.J. didn't tell you?

Pamela: What does it matter how I found out? Let's address your actions, Nikki. That's what's on the table here.

Nikki: Mom, I had no choice! I cannot turn my back on the people I care about! Why can't you understand that?!

Pamela: Because these are people involved in a murder, Nikki and I don't want you mixed up in that.

Nikki: I'm not mixed up in anything. I'm just supporting my friends.

Pamela: And do you believe that I approve of you having the kind of friends that would have you anywhere near such danger, such ugliness? No, your involvement this ends... now.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the corridor outside ER. A.J. and Patricia are there.

Patricia: My fault? How is this my fault?

A.J.: If you hadn't of been there tonight, none of this would've happened.

Patricia: I had just as much of a right to be there as you. You forget, I also got a call to asking me to be there and get the scoop on Candice Dailey's murder. As much as you might like to think so, you're not the only reporter in this town.

A.J.: If you even dare to think you can compete with me in any way, you're fooling yourself. I knew you were a rank amateur, but tonight I saw how unprofessional you are. My cousin Nikki has more on the ball than you.

Patricia: You can't blame me for those drug dealers showing up? That's not who we were expecting.

A.J.: Which was apparent from the moment those men walked into the warehouse. But instead of playing it safe and staying hidden, you had to confront them.

Patricia: What was I supposed to do? They might have been the contact that could solve the Candice Dailey murder. I couldn't let them get away!

A.J.: Patricia, if you had an ounce of instinct, you would've known those men were not the contact. But even after talking to them, you still didn't catch on that they weren't who we were supposed to meet. My God, they showed you the drugs and you still hadn't clued in to what really was going down. Luckily I was able to scramble to cover your butt or we wouldn't have made it as long as we did.

Patricia: It's not my fault we ran into the unexpected.

A.J.: No, but it is your fault that you were unprepared to handle what was thrown at us. If I didn't know it before, I knew it now. You're not cut out for this job, Patty. Get out before you get yourself or someone else killed.

Patricia: I know you'd rather blame me for what happened tonight than chalk it up to bad luck, but what I did was what every journalist does: I took a chance.

A.J.: Of course reporters take chances. It's how they get the story. But, there is a big difference between taking a chance and being stupid, which you were in spades. Furthermore, there are lots of good reporters in this town besides me, Patty. You just don't happen to be one of them.

Patricia (taken aback): A.J., I've never known you to be mean. Are you really so threatened by me that you'd resort to cheap shots?

A.J.: Patricia, when will you accept that I am not threatened by you? You and your paper are not competition for me, okay? The fact that the Times hired you only proves what a cut rate tabloid they are.

Patricia (angrily): I have had just about enough of your nasty remarks and put downs, A.J..

A.J.: Then I suggest you stay away from me because the only words I have for you are harsh ones.

Patricia: You're going to regret every rotten thing you've said to me, A.J.. After I'm done with you, your days as the number one journalist in this town are going to be history. This is war!

A.J.: How can it be war, honey, when you've only got a pop gun to do battle with?

Scene: The Collier residence. Sabrina and David are there.

Sabrina: So after I left Jerry Nyland's office, I just drove around, trying to figure out what to do next.

David: You really think this man tried to kill Nathan James?

Sabrina: I don't know what to think. Nathan says he was pushed…or he thinks he might have been. He's so unclear. But, I can't ignore that fact that the lights in that stairwell were the only place in the entire building where there was a blackout. And what was Nyland doing escorting James to the courtroom via the stairs instead of the elevators, which were working? Not to mention that Nyland was with Nathan alone, which is expressly against procedure.

David: But why would a security guard try to kill this kid? What would be his motive?

Sabrina: That's a big question. And Nyland was of no help. He pretty much refused to answer any of my questions and practically threw me out of his office. That could mean he's got something to hide or resents such an accusation from an ex-con on trial for murder.

David: So what are you going to do now?

Sabrina: Investigate of course. I certainly can't ignore what happened. Nathan could be confused, lying or telling the truth. And I can’t stop until I find out which.

David: Honey, you know I try not to interfere in your work, but if this man tried to kill your client and you start poking around, it could be dangerous.

Sabrina: Believe me, I have no intention of snooping around myself. Lucas Greyhawk is handling all the investigative work for the firm. I'll put him on it.

David: Good. I worry about you enough as it is, I don't need to feel any more stressed.

Sabrina (rubbing David's face): You're sweet to worry about me. But, I'm going to be fine…after I get a good night's sleep.

David: Then how about you let me carry you to bed and give you a nice, relaxing massage. Do you think that'll make you feel better?

Sabrina: Oh, honey…you know how your massages make me feel.

David (coming around to the front of the sofa and sweeping Sabrina into his arms): Then let's get to it.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; outside the ER. A.J. and Patricia are there.

Patricia: You know, I'm going to love knocking you down off that pedestal you put yourself on. You're going to find out just how much of an opponent I can be.

A.J.: And how's that? You gonna write a story about how you almost got us killed tonight? You gonna let everyone in this town know what a novice you are? Somehow that doesn’t smell Pulitzer to me.

Patricia: You know, A.J., of your many flaws, the worst is your smug, condescending attitude. But that's going to come to an end. I promise you that. (Patricia stormed away)

A.J. (whispering): Lady, I don't think you realize who you're messing with. Cross me, and I'll bury you.

Zachary (walking up): A.J.? A.J., I just heard some nurses talking about you being brought in with a gunshot wound. (Zachary looked him up and down) Are you all right?

A.J.: Hi, Zachary. I'm fine. Much better than I look.

Zachary: That's good to hear. So how did this happen? We're you working on some story?

A.J.: Of course, I don't get shot at unless it's a good reason.

Zachary: Have you told your mother yet? Does she know what's happened?

A.J.: No…and I'm not going to tell her. At least not tonight. I'm certainly not going to wake her up this late at night with this news, especially since I'm fine.

Zachary: But, A.J., I think you should tell her now, even if you have to wake her up. Surely you don't want her to read about this on the front page of the paper.

A.J.: Look, I know my mother hasn't had the best day, but…

Zachary: You don't know the half of it. Between your surprise marriage and your brother's antics, she's had the day from hell.

A.J.: She told you about Patricia, huh?

Zachary: Yes…and she's very upset.

A.J.: She has reason to be. But, don't worry. Patricia and I will get an annulment and it'll be settled. I just hope Mom forgives me. She was really upset.

Zachary: And she doesn’t have reason to be? I talked to you just this morning about your mother being upset about Eric’s behavior and now you’re our there stirring things up. It’s not such this situation with Patricia, now you nearly got yourself killed? Why can't you or Eric let a hour go by without getting in a big mess!?

A.J.: Zachary, believe me, the last thing I want to do is upset Mom. I’ll talk to her and try to smooth any ruffled feathers. (Pause) I appreciate your concern for her. It's nice that she has a friend like you. She needs that right now.

Zachary: Well, as your mother's friend, I know she'd want to know about you getting hurt. I think you should tell your mother what happened now. If you don’t want to do it, let me.

A.J.: Zachary, telling her now will only give her a sleepless night. Don’t worry. I will be on her doorstep bright and early and give her the news. For right now, let's just keep this between us, okay?

Zachary (hesitating): I'm not comfortable with this, but okay. We'll do it your way.

Scene: The Collier residence; the bedroom. Sabrina and David are lying in each others arms.

David: So, how was your massage?

Sabrina: Great. As usual, you know how to hit the right spots.

David: I am to please.

Sabrina: I'm so glad to have you, David. No matter what kind of day I have, no matter how lousy it is, you know how to make me feel better. Thank you.

David: No problem. I just wish I could do something to solve your problems.

Sabrina: You do, honey, you do. In your own special way. And I love you for it.

David: I love you too. (They started to kiss. After a few moments, the telephone rang)

Sabrina (groaning): Oh, darn. Do we have to answer that?

David: Considering our jobs? Yes. (David answered) Collier residence. (Pause as he listened, his brow furrowing in concern) Good Lord! (Pause) Yes, I'll be right there. Goodbye.

Sabrina (as David hung up): What's wrong?

David: Something terrible has happened. I've got to get to the hospital right away.

(David scrambled out of bed and started to dress)

Sabrina: What's happened?

David: That was Polly Johnson. Her boys were attacked and beaten earlier tonight…just a block away from their house.

Sabrina: Oh, my God! Will they be all right?

David (sighing): Andy was killed at the scene. Sam is being rushed to the hospital. I told Polly I'd meet her there.

Sabrina: David, that's terrible!

David: I know…they're good kids and Polly's a great lady. She's been a big help to me over the years. Honey, I'm sorry about this.

Sabrina: Don't be. (She watched as David clipped on his white cleric's collar) After all these years of marriage I've learned ministers have emergencies too.

David (nodding): Sadly enough, they do.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the library. Nikki and Pamela are there.

Nikki: Mom, I realize you're upset, but…

Pamela: Nikki, I don't want to hear any excuses or explanations. You lied to me, you disobeyed me and that is the bottom line.

Nikki: You still haven't told me how you found out about this.

Pamela: Not that it matters, but I followed you when you left the house this morning. You didn't even attempt to go to school today. You drove straight to the courthouse..

Nikki (shocked): You followed me?

Pamela: Yes, I did. I wanted to trust you, I wanted to believe you, but something told me you were lying to me when you said you'd stay out of this trial business. Nikki, I can't tell you how disappointed I was to be right.

Nikki: I can't believe you followed me.

Pamela: Save your indignation, you don't have the right. (Pause) For your own good, I can't let this go on. Therefore, until this trial is over, you are grounded.

Nikki: What!? You can't be serious!

Pamela: Starting tomorrow, you will go straight to school and after school you will come straight home with no detours in between. And to make sure of that, one of the chauffeurs will drive you back and forth to class. (Pause) As for the weekends, you can forget about hanging out with your friends, going to the mall or any of that because you will be spending all your time here at home.

Nikki: Mom, you're treating me like I'm a prisoner. All I wanted to do was help a friend!

Pamela: Nikki, whether you want to believe this or not, I'm not doing this to hurt you. I'm trying to protect you from ruining your future, which is exactly what you are doing by getting involved in this trial.

Nikki: Then I'll stay away from the trial, I promise.

Pamela: Nikki, you've proven that your promises don't mean anything. Now I'm sorry, but this is the way it has to be. (Pause) I'm going to say good night now and I suggest you go to bed too. After all, you do have school in the morning.

Nikki: Mom, come on, just give me another chance! Just give me another chance, please! I swear I won't…

(Pamela walked out)

Nikki: Oh, darn it! (At that moment, the telephone rang) Maybe that's Richie! (Nikki answered it) Hello?

Voice: Nikki, it's James Greyhawk.

Nikki (surprised): James? Why are you calling so late?

James' Voice: Well, I thought you'd want me to get back to you as soon as possible about what we discussed earlier.

Nikki: You mean you've come to a decision already?

James: I think we need to talk more about it if what you say about Nathan and Richie is true and they are trying to frame me for murder.

Nikki: Well, it's true. This is certainly something I would lie about.

James: Well, I wouldn't imagine that you would. Therefore, we need to talk. Can you meet me after school tomorrow?

Nikki: After school?

James: Yeah. I think we should meet on the Greyhawk yacht at the Covington Bay Marina.

Nikki: The marina? Why there?

James: Nikki, we shouldn't be seen together…people would ask questions. The yacht is private and out of the way. We can talk and hash this out. Can you be there?

Nikki (hesitating): Well, I…

James: Nikki, is there something wrong? You do want to work this out, don't you?

Nikki: Yes, of course. I'll be there.

James' Voice: Good. See you then. Good night.

Nikki (as the line went dead): Good night. (She hung up the phone) Darn it, what am I going to do now?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; outside the ER. A.J. is on the telephone.

A.J.: There it is in a nutshell. (Pause) Once again I make the front page. I guess it's good some things never change, isn't it? (Pause) Later, boss. (A.J. hung up as Patricia came walking by) I just turned in my story about tonight's events. I hope you read it…and take notes.

Patricia: Believe me, A.J., I wrote a story too on what happened…and I think you're going to be very surprised.

A.J.: What? We're you able to spell your name right?

Jake (walking up): A.J., Patricia, there you are!

A.J.: (turning to Jake): Jake, what are you doing here?

Jake: Trying to catch up with you. I need to talk to two about what happened tonight. I've been assigned to this case

A.J.: Jake, does it have to be now? We already gave statements to the police at the scene and I'm beat.

Patricia: So am I. Can this wait?

Jake: No it can't. We have to deal with this now.

A.J.: Why?

Jake: Because if we don't, the two of you could be dead by morning.

Next time in Covington Bay…

· Nigel and Monica struggle to deal with their conflict.

· Kevin interferes in his father's marriage.

· A.J. and Patricia learn the danger is not over.

· A member of the Lassiter family becomes a target.