EPISODE 28

“A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME…”

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Dr. Gloria Dailey steps off the elevator, humming a jazzy tune, a smile on her face she casually sorts through her messages. Melody Sorensen is exiting an adjacent corridor and spots Gloria.

Melody (as they approach one another): Good morning, Gloria.

Gloria: Morning, Melody. Isn't it a great day?

Melody: You certainly seem to be enjoying it.

Gloria: I'd say I was in high spirits.

Melody: You went to Mama J.'s last night, didn't you? I guess I don't have to ask if you has a good time last night.

Gloria: Well, except for one rather unfortunate incident, it was a wonderful evening. I haven't had that much fun in a long time.

Melody: That's good, you deserve it. So, who did you go with? Judging by the smile on your face, I'd say a handsome man was responsible for your good mood.

Gloria: Well, he certainly is handsome. I went with Zachary.

Melody: (with a raise of her brows) Oh, really?

Gloria: Yeah. He felt I needed a night out after all the turmoil this family has been through lately. And he was right. It was so nice to be able to forget my problems for a couple of hours, definitely the cure for what ailed me. Good food, good music, good conversation and most importantly, a good guy to do it all with.

Melody: Sounds like you're a fan of Zachary's.

Gloria: Well, I've always liked him, always thought he was a wonderful man. But last night, he created quite an impression on me.

Zachary (walking up): Good morning, ladies.

Melody (smiling): Good morning, Zachary.

Gloria: It is a good morning, Zachary, thanks to you.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; Barton and Natalie's bedroom. The couple is there, talking. The door is slightly ajar and Kevin Lassiter is standing in the hallway listening.

Barton: Natalie, you want to explain what you're saying? I have two sons, I am more than ready for parenthood.

Natalie: Bart, I'm not trying to hurt you, but your relationship with your sons is not the best to say the least.

Barton: And that's my fault? You don't want to have my children because you think I've done a lousy job with Kevin and Brandon? You're blaming me for how they turned out?

Natalie: I can't speak to Brandon. As you said, he had a lot of mental problems as a kid, which led to his being institutionalized. I don't know what kind of parent you were to him, but I know what I see with Kevin and what I see I don't like. Kevin is a good, decent, caring man. But none of that matters to you because you can't get past the fact that he is gay.

Barton: Just because I'm not some gay advocate doesn't make me unfit to raise a child. Being uncomfortable with homosexuality doesn’t make me a bad parent.

Natalie: It’s more than being uncomfortable, that I could understand. Having a gay child can be an adjustment. But you refuse to even try with Kevin and as a result, you are mean, even cruel to him. I have problems with that kind of intolerance. The way you treat Kevin is how no child should be treated.

Barton: But, it would be different with our children.

Natalie: Why? Because he or she won't turn out to be gay?

Barton: I certainly would do everything I could to avoid it happening with another of my children.

Natalie: Bart, you’re not a stupid man. You know you can’t control your child’s sexuality. It could happen no matter what we do, how we raise them. But I’m not talking about homosexuality per se. It could be our child’s career choice or what school they want to go to or anything that conflicts with what you want. You can’t accept the decisions someone makes for their life if it’s not what you want. I see how that has affected Kevin's life and I won't see it happen to any child of mine.

Barton: So, that's it. You've deemed me a lousy father so having children is out?

Natalie: Barton, I am not saying we can never have children. Even if you were father of the year now still wouldn't be the right time because I’m starting the surgical nurses' program. But no matter when we decide the time is right, I have to see some changes in the relationship between you and Kevin before I will feel comfortable about us becoming parents.

Barton: You're being unfair. My relationship with Kevin is just as much his fault as it is mine.

Natalie: I don't agree. And the fact you can't see that makes my point. (She glanced at her watch) Look, I've got to go to work, so we'll have to finish this later. (Pause) Barton, I'm sorry. I don't mean to hurt you, but it's how I feel.

Barton: What do I have to do to change your mind?

Natalie: I think you already know the answer to that. (She kissed him on the cheek as Kevin bolted into an nearby corridor) I love you; see you later. (She walked out)

Barton (slamming his fist into his palm): Damn you, Kevin, damn you!

* * * * * *

Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; Quentin Greyhawk's library. Quentin is there, along with Nigel and Lucas Greyhawk.

Quentin: Lucas, you couldn't have come back at a better time. You'll be here to see the fallout when my plan to ruin the Lassiters hit the fan.

Lucas: Well, you know my timing was always pretty good. And the plan sounds great. I would love to see A.J.'s face when he finds out what you've done. In fact, I may have to pay him a visit to get a look at his pathetic mug.

Quentin: Well, I wouldn't rush out to see him; I have the feeling that by the end of the day, we'll be hearing from A.J. ourselves.

Nigel: Or from his attorney.

Quentin: What's that?

Nigel: Dad, I wish you would've run this by me first. You're putting yourself in a very precarious legal position with what you've done. A.J. may very well take you to court over this.

Quentin (laughing): He wouldn't dare. That would only make matters worse for him. Don’t worry, Nigel. I know you're paid quite well to cover my legal assets, but I know what I'm doing. The Lassiters can't touch us.

Nigel: I wouldn't count on the Lassiter's sitting back and taking it. They didn't get where they are by not fighting back hard against their enemies.

Quentin: Good, I want them to fight. I want them to struggle and squirm against me. It's only going to make ruining them even sweeter.

Nigel: Dad, I know you hate the Lassiters, and you have valid reasons to, but I wish you'd forget this vendetta.

Quentin: I can't Nigel. That family has hurt us too much, too many times for me to ever, ever forget.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division, a waiting room. A.J. Lassiter, Patricia Lassiter and Det. Jake Collier are there.

A.J.: Come on, Jake, don't you think you might be a little melodramatic? Do you really think these guys will come after Patricia and I?

Jake: A.J., it's not that big of a stretch to come to that conclusion. You and Patricia saw Reilly and Slade not only do a drug deal, but try to kill you. They've already iced one man who could finger them, whose to say they don't come after you? Victor Gianelli doesn't take chances or leave loose ends.

Patricia: Which we've suddenly become.

Jake: Exactly.

A.J.: But, you can't be sure of anything. I mean, Reilly and Slade murdering Cane may have had nothing to do with us. Maybe they just had some sort of falling out.

Jake: Maybe, but that still doesn't change the fact that two criminals associated with a major crime boss can be fingered by the two of you. Regardless of why they killed Cane, they may still come after you guys.

Patricia: Unless you catch them first.

Jake: And believe me, we're trying. We've got an APB on them and practically the entire police force is on alert. But, until then, we've got to make sure the two of you are taken care of.

A.J.: What does that mean?

Jake: It means that as of now, until this is over, the two of you are going into hiding.

Patricia: What?

Jake: You both are going under protective custody.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Gloria, Zachary and Melody are there.

Melody: Zachary, your ears must've been burning. Gloria was just singing your praises.

Zachary: Oh, really?

Gloria: I was just telling her about last night and how much fun we had.

Zachary: She's right; it was fun.

Melody: It sure sounds like it. I know I could use a night like that. (Melody glanced at her watch) Oh, I better run, I've got a consult. See you two dancing fools later.

(Melody walked away)

Gloria: Thank you again for last night, Zachary. Despite what happened with Eric, I still enjoyed the entire evening. You don't know how much I appreciated the time we spent together.

Zachary: There's no need to thank me. I had just as much fun as you did. But, if you really want to show me your appreciation, there is something you can do for me.

Gloria: And what's that?

Zachary: How about we go out again sometime? Soon.

Gloria: Zachary, I don't think that would be a very good idea.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the solarium. Melissa Stone is there alone. Kevin Lassiter walks in.

Kevin: Melissa, I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Melissa: Oh, don't worry. It's so beautiful out here. I was just enjoying the wonderful day.

Kevin: Good. (Pause) Aunt Gloria should be arriving soon, so we can get started.

Melissa: Fine. (Pause) I tried to call Richie to see about coming over while you were upstairs, but he was in the shower. I hope he calls me back; I'd really like to convince him to be here.

Kevin: So would I, but I don’t want to cause Richie any problems with his father. I feel bad enough about putting you in a tight spot with Walter.

Melissa: Uncle Kevin, I'm a grown woman with a life of my own. I don't need my father's permission to do anything.

Kevin: And what about Eric's?

Melissa: Eric? What about him?

Kevin: I saw his reaction to the mention of the anniversary of Alec's death. He hated Alec about as much as he hates me. I'll bet he doesn't like the idea of you being here.

Melissa: I really didn't take Eric's opinion under consideration.

Kevin: Melissa, I don't understand why you are taking Eric's opinion under consideration on anything. How did you get involved with a guy like that?

Melissa: Uncle Kevin, I understand you and Eric aren't close, but…

Kevin: And with good reason. Even before I came out the closet and he introduced me to his patented homophobia, I thought he was a grade A jerk. He's a user; self absorbed, manipulative and mean-spirited. I don't understand how a smart, intelligent woman like you could get mixed up with such a bigoted creep.

Melissa: Look, I realize Eric isn’t exactly the boy next door, but he has some good points.

Kevin: Really? I've known him my entire life and I've yet to see one. He certainly has never given any women he's been involved with decency and respect. During his marriage to Monica, he verbally abused her, ignored their child and blatantly cheated on her every chance he could. You're right, he's not the boy next door. If he were, I’d suggest moving out of the neighborhood.

Melissa: Well, no one could ever accuse you of being objective where Eric is concerned.

Kevin: You're right. I hate the bastard and I have no trouble admitting it.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; a waiting room. A.J., Patricia and Jake are there.

A.J.: Protective custody? Jake, that is out of the question.

Jake: Oh, really? You got a death wish or something?

A.J.: No, what I have is a life. I've got a very important job, a family who needs me, and thanks to my wife here, a relationship to repair. I can't vanish for a few hours, much less a few days.

Jake: And what if you get killed? Your job, your family or your relationship won't matter much then, will it?

A.J.: Jake, I can take care of myself. I've been in dangerous spots before and I've always come through unscathed. I think I can muddle through this.

Patricia: For once I side with A.J.. I can handle myself. I've traveled the world. If I can face pygmy cannibals in the African jungle, I'm not going to be sidelined by two petty crooks from Covington Bay.

A.J.: Pygmy cannibals? You can't be serious.

Patricia: So I embellish a bit. You get my point.

Jake: Well my point is that you're suffering from a gunshot wound, A.J. and you both were almost burned to death last night. You barely made it through that, do you think you'll be so lucky if Reilly and Slade come after you?

A.J.: I am not going to be holed up in some dive hotel for God knows how long. You'll just have to work that much harder to catch those two.

Patricia: I hate myself for saying this, but again, I agree with A.J.. Protective custody is out of the question. I'll just have to be more careful.

Jake: I don't think being a little more careful is going to help you here.

A.J.: Well, unless you're going to arrest us, forget the protective custody idea. In fact, I'd like to get out of here. I'm tired, I need a pain pill and I've been in these clothes for over 24 hours. If for that reason than any other, can we go?

Jake: I guess you can. I certainly can't hold you against your will. I just hope you don't get your fool selves killed.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; Quentin's office. Quentin, Lucas and Nigel are there.

Nigel: Dad, I understand your battles with the Lassiters, believe me I do, but…

Quentin (interrupting): But you're concerned about how this is going to affect Monica and Vicki. I promise you I'm going to do everything I can to see they don't get hurt. Monica may have been married to Eric Lassiter, but she is a Greyhawk now, so is Vicki. And we Greyhawks protect our own. (Pause) I've really got to be getting to the office. Nigel, are you going to ride in with me?

Nigel: No, I'm going to have breakfast with my wife and daughter. I'll see you at the office later.

Quentin: Sure. (Pause as he turned to Lucas) Lucas, how long are you going to be in town?

Lucas: At least for a few weeks. I've got a case to keep me here for a while.

Quentin: Good. Then let's plan for the three of us to get together real soon and tear up this town; we'll make it a real boys night out.

Lucas: Sounds good.

Nigel: I'm game, but let's take it a little easy this time. Our last boys night out almost cost us $10,000.

Quentin: Not to mention your mother nearly divorcing me. (Pause) Okay, we won't be so wild this time.

Nigel: Why don't I believe that?

Quentin: I guess you know your old man too well. (Pause) See you kids later.

Lucas: Bye, Dad. (Lucas turned to Nigel) So, what's up with you? You got some time to catch up later?

Nigel: Yeah, what about lunch?

Lucas: Lunch it is.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the solarium. Melissa and Kevin are there.

Melissa: There's a lot of bad blood between you and Eric, isn't there?

Kevin: Rivers of it, Melissa. I couldn't begin to get into all the rotten things he's done to me and anyone else he comes near. I just wish you'd stay away from him. He's only going to hurt you.

Melissa: Uncle Kevin, I appreciate your concern and I'm the first to admit Eric's not the easiest man to love, but we have a good relationship and I know we can be happy together.

Kevin: That concerns me, Melissa.

Melissa: What concerns you?

Kevin: That you love Eric. That gives him the power to hurt you in ways you could never imagine. And believe me, he's just the kind of man to use it.

Melissa: Uncle Kevin…

Harry (appearing in the doorway): Excuse me, Kevin, but there is a phone call for Miss Stone. I believe it is her brother.

Melissa: Oh. I need to take that.

Harry: If you follow me, I'll take you to a phone.

Melissa: Right. Excuse me, Kevin.

Kevin: Sure. (Melissa and Harry walked out, leaving Kevin to think to himself) One way or the other, Melissa, I'm going to make you see what a creep Eric is and get you away from him.

Barton: (walking in) There you are, Kevin. I've been looking for you.

Kevin: Whatever it is, Dad, I'm sure I'm not interested. Especially not today.

Barton: I realize that you're in the midst of mourning your dead lover, but this can't wait. I have a question to ask you and I need the answer right away.

Kevin: Okay, what is it?

Barton: Just what the hell were you doing eavesdropping outside my bedroom door this morning?!

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Gloria and Zachary are there.

Zachary: You don't think we should go out again? Why not? I thought you said you had a good time.

Gloria: I had a wonderful time, but I think you should be going out with women your own age.

Zachary: What does that mean?

Gloria: It means that you should be dating, having fun, injecting a little romance in your life. You're hardly going to get that spending time with someone you see as a mother figure.

Zachary (laughing): You're kidding right? You think I see you as a mother figure?

Gloria: Well of course. I am old enough to be your mother.

Zachary: So is Raquel Welch and believe me, when I look at her, Mother is the last thing on my mind.

Gloria: So, what are you saying?

Zachary: I'm saying that to me you're not a mother figure. You're my friend; my very beautiful, very vibrant friend. A friend I'd like to get to know better. (Pause) Look, I know you think I should be dating and finding the woman of my dreams and believe me, I want that too. But, that doesn't mean I can't spend time with a good friend. And I'd like to think that's what we are on our way to becoming, Gloria.

Gloria: I'd like to think that too. (Pause) I just don't want to get in the way of you meeting the right woman for you, Zachary. I don't want you to forego a date in order to take me out, like you had to do last night with Dana.

Zachary: Will you stop worrying about that? I didn't mind it one bit and I'm sure Dana didn't mind postponing our date for one evening.

Gloria: I hope not, Zachary, and I hope the two of you have a great time tonight. I want to see you happy and in love. You deserve it.

Zachary: Thank you, Gloria. But don't forget, so do you.

They held each others gazes for a moment.

Gloria (breaking the gaze): It would be nice to see a young man in my life have a successful relationship. Lord knows A.J. or Eric don't seem capable of it.

Zachary: True. But, I'd think considering what's happened A.J.'s love life would be the last thing on your mind. In fact, I'm surprised you're not more upset.

Gloria: More upset about what? What are you talking about, Zachary?

Zachary (startled): You mean you haven't spoken to A.J.?

Gloria: Not since yesterday in my office. Why?

Zachary: Damn him, he promised he was going to tell you himself!

Gloria: Tell me what? Zachary, what is going on? What has my son done this time?!

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the Homicide Squad room. A.J., Patricia and Jake enter, leaving from the waiting room.

Jake: I think you are both making a big mistake. I realize protective custody is an inconvenience, but I'm talking about saving your lives.

A.J.: And I can take care of myself. Besides, I'm in the middle of a big story that I can't step away from. The Nathan James trial is going to be starting again soon, unless of course the contact notifies me again and we finally catch the real killer.

Jake: We did catch the real killer. That's why Nathan James is on trial.

A.J.: I don't believe that, I never have. And I'm not going to stop until I prove it.

Patricia: Unless I prove it first.

A.J. (glaring at Patricia): Are you still here?

Patricia: Well, actually I was about to leave.

A.J.: Then this day does have a bright spot.

Patricia: Just don't forget that I'm on this case too, A.J.. You're not the only one with the inside track to finding Candice Dailey's killer.

A.J.: Well, don't forget that some tracks can be derailed, sweetheart.

Patricia: God, I could stay all day and listen to this witty banter, but I gotta run. Jake, keep me up to date on finding Reilly and Slade.

Jake: Unless they find you first.

Patricia: Subtle, real subtle.

Patricia walked away and left the office.

Jake: She seems like a handful.

A.J.: And then some.

Jake: A.J., beyond this thing with Reilly and Slade, you're wasting your time chasing after this contact in the Nathan James case. It's probably just somebody yanking your chain. We've got the kid dead to rights. The only thing you're going to do is piss your brother off. He certainly won't be happy to find out you're trying to prove he made a bad bust.

Eric (standing nearby): You got that right.

A.J.: Eric!

Eric (glaring at A.J.): So is this true, big brother? Are you trying to make a fool out of me?

* * * * * *

In the next Covington Bay

· Kevin gets a surprise.

· Sibling rivalry rears it's ugly head for A.J. and Eric.

· Zachary gives Gloria the bad news, but what Glenn has to say is even worse.

· Richie is forced to tell the truth.