EPISODE 29
“BROTHER TO
BROTHER”
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor; a small waiting area near the nurses’ station. Drs. Gloria and Zachary Dailey are there.
Gloria: Zachary, I need to know; what happened with A.J.?
Zachary: Gloria, I’m sorry about this...A.J. promised he would tell you himself. I could wring his neck for not keeping his word.
Gloria: He’s my son, let me wring his neck if it needs doing. In the meantime, tell me what happened!
Zachary: Well, I don’t know all the details, but... (At that moment, Zachary’s beeper went off) Damn! (He looked at the number) I don’t recognize the number, but I better take this. It could be important. Could you wait here for just a minute, Gloria? I’ll be right back. (Zachary rushed away)
Gloria But, Zachary!
Natalie (walking up): Morning, Gloria.
Gloria: Oh, good morning, Natalie. How are you?
Natalie: I have to admit I’ve had better starts to the day.
Gloria: Oh, really? Something wrong?
Natalie: It’s Barton.
Gloria: Trouble in paradise? Or, is there such a thing as paradise with Barton Lassiter? (Pause as she waved her hand) Sorry, sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Barton is your husband and you love him; it’s not my place to be so critical.
Natalie: Gloria, I know Barton is not the easiest man to get along with and I know you’ve had conflicts with him in the past. But, like you said, he is my husband and I love him.
Gloria: So, what’s happened? Are you and Barton having some sort of problem?
Natalie: It’s the same problem we’re always having. He wants me to have children right away and he can’t understand why now is not the right time.
Gloria: Natalie, like most Lassiter men, Barton wants what he wants when he wants it. The fact that it’s an inconvenience to you isn’t really all that important to him.
Natalie: Well, he’s got to understand that...or our marriage is in big trouble.
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the solarium. Kevin and Barton Lassiter are there.
Barton: Kevin, what were you doing eavesdropping outside my bedroom earlier this morning!?
Kevin (startled): Where did you get this idea?
Barton: Don’t deny it! When I was leaving my bedroom, I recognized the smell of cologne you wear and it could’ve only gotten there if you had of been outside the door. Now I want an answer. Why were you listening on my private conversation with my wife!?
Kevin: Honestly, Dad, I couldn’t help myself. Eavesdropping usually isn’t my stock in trade, but I was so fascinated by the topic of discussion.
Barton: And did you like what you heard?
Kevin: What? That Natalie doesn't want to have your child? Except for the fact that she married you, I always thought her to be a smart woman, but she’s much more intelligent than I could’ve ever imagined.
Barton: Does it really thrill you to know that you are ruining my marriage; destroying my second chance at happiness?
Kevin: It’s not my fault that your wife sees that you’re unfit to raise a child. You show it to her everyday.
Barton: Natalie doesn’t see you for the spoiled, hateful brat that you are. She doesn’t know that you will do or say anything to make me look bad.
Kevin: Oh, I’m sorry if I can’t tell you that I’m straight or that I will run the business the way you think I should or that I’ll forget all the rotten things you’ve ever done or said to me. I am not that understanding nor that forgiving. That’s one thing inherited from you.
Barton: Don’t even dare to think you inherited anything from me, Kevin. You are nothing like the son I would’ve wanted.
Kevin: But, I am the son you made.
Barton: You are the son I regret. But, I’ll get past it. I will have another chance at having the family that I deserve and that I can be proud of.
Kevin: Really? And how do you plan to do that when your wife won’t give you access to the golden child?
Barton: I will have my true and rightful heir, Kevin, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Kevin: Oh really? It seems to me that there’s a lot I can do.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the homicide department. A.J. Lassiter, Eric Lassiter and Det. Jake Collier are standing near Jake’s desk.
Eric: So, what the hell is going on here, A.J.? Why are you trying to make a fool out of me?
A.J.: I am not trying to make a fool of you. This isn't about you.
Eric: If you're trying to prove that Nathan James didn’t kill Candice Dailey then it's definately about me.
A.J.: It's about getting at the truth, making sure an innocent kid doesn’t spend the rest of his life in jail or get executed for a crime he didn’t commit.
Eric: But, he did do it. I made a airtight case against that kid. There is enough evidence to convict him ten times over. But, that doesn't matter to you. You will do anything to made me look bad just to pump your already inflated ego.
Jake: Guys, this is really not the place to get into this. (The phone on Jake's desk rang. He answered it.) Det. Collier. (Pause) Sure, I'll be right there. (He hung up) I have to go down to the M.E.'s office and get the report from Daphne about the Baker case. You two keep it down to a dull roar. (Jake walked away)
A.J.: Eric, I happen to believe the kid is innocent. As for your evidence; it's all circumstantial and you know it.
Eric: What I know is that you believe is this another way to stick it to your little brother, to prove you are the top dog in the Lassiter family. Well, you’re not going to win this one, A.J.. Your plans to undo my work is going to blow up in your smug little face.
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor, a pay phone. Zachary walks up to the phone and starts to dial. A hand reaches out and presses the receiver. Zachary turned to face Dana.
Zachary: Why did you do that? I need to make a phone call.
Dana: Did somebody page you?
Zachary: Yeah. I don’t recognize the number, but it could be important.
Dana: If you call that number, you’ll get another pay phone in this hospital.
Zachary: How do you know that... (Realization flickered in his expression) ...you paged me?
Dana: Yeah, I paged you.
Zachary: But, why?
Dana: Because I wanted to say good morning.
Zachary: You wanted to say good morning? Well, this is a strange way to do it.
Dana: Really? Well, how’s this for strange? (Dana pulled Zachary close and kissed him passionately)
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Gloria and Natalie are in the lounge.
Natalie: So what do I do, Gloria? How do I make Barton see that now is not the time to have a child?
Gloria: Natalie, I’ve known Barton for about thirty years and the one thing I can say about him is that he only sees what he wants to see and he won’t be happy until he gets what he wants. It’s up to you to not give into any pressure.
Natalie: Well, I have no intention of getting pregnant no matter how badly Barton might want it. Neither of us are ready for it.
Gloria: I can’t speak for you, but I have to agree about Barton. In my opinion, when it comes to your child, you love them unconditionally. With Barton, there will always be conditions.
Natalie: I’m hoping that will change, Gloria. I’m hoping that I can make Bart see that in order for him to be a good father to any future children, he has to be there for the children he already has. I’ll never feel comfortable about having his child knowing how terrible his relationship with Kevin is.
Gloria: And do you think that’s possible? Do you think Barton is capable of repairing his relationship with Kevin? They have always been at odds, even before Barton found out Kevin was gay.
Natalie: So I’ve been told. But, Barton has to at least try to make things right between he and his son. If I see that he’s at least making an attempt, maybe I’ll feel better about eventually having a baby. (Natalie glanced at her watch) I better be getting on duty. Thanks for the talk, Gloria, I’ll see you later.
Gloria: Bye, honey. (Natalie walked away)
Glenn: (walking up) Gloria, I need to talk to you.
Gloria: (sighing) Hi, Glenn. I knew you’d be getting in touch sometime today.
Glenn: Then you’re not surprised to see me?
Gloria: Assuming your lawyer has been contacted by Sabrina, I’m not.
Glenn: I have been contacted. And I can’t believe what I was told. You’ve moved the hearing from next week until tomorrow? How could you do this?
Gloria: I didn’t move it, the judge did. Apparently some pending cases were resolved or delayed and there was free time on the docket so we were moved up.
Glenn: Sabrina is really pushing this divorce, isn’t she?
Gloria: Sabrina is doing what she is paid to do, which is to get me out of this marriage. The fact that she can do it sooner than later is not a problem with me. Believe me, I want out of this mistake as fast as I can.
Glenn: Is that what this marriage was to you; a mistake?
Gloria: We’re getting a divorce, what does that tell you?
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the solarium. Kevin and Barton are there.
Barton: Do you really think you can interfere in my marriage and stop me from finally having a son that I can respect and be proud of?
Kevin: Seems to me the only way you’re ever going to have that son you’re so eager to crown the king of the castle is if you repair things with the children you already have. Natalie will understand if you can’t fix things with Brandon; he’s locked up in a mental institution, but I’m right here and there’s no way we’ll ever have a decent relationship.
Barton: Because you hate me so much?
Kevin: Because you are incapable of being a warm, loving father. You can never accept me for who I am. For that reason alone we can never be what a father and son should be.
Barton: We can never be really father and son to each other because you are so inflexible.
Kevin: And you aren’t? Dad, you loathe everything about me. You won’t even try to change your opinions.
Barton: And if I did want to change things between us, would you give it a chance? Or would you rather hold on to your hate and do what you could to ruin my marriage?
Kevin: I wouldn’t give it a chance because it wouldn’t be real! The only reason you would even try to make things right is to convince Natalie to have a child, not to be the way a father should be. And let’s face it, you could never pull it off. You’re not that good of an actor. I wouldn’t buy it and neither would Natalie.
Barton: This must really make you happy, knowing how badly I want a child and being responsible for me not having one.
Kevin: Did you listen to one thing your wife said to you? She doesn’t want to have your child because you are an unfit parent. And no matter how much you want to make me the bad guy, it doesn’t wash with Natalie and it never will. (Pause) But, I will say this. I am so glad that your wife is smart enough to see what a lousy father you’d make. It’s about time you got what you deserved; absolutely nothing.
Barton: (glaring at Kevin) I’ve had just about enough of this nonsense; I need to get to work. (Pause) Enjoy your little victory while you can, Kevin. Just know that I will get what I want. Eventually, Natalie will see you for the hateful little brat you are and that I'm not to blame for how bad things are between us. You can only hide your true colors for so long.
Kevin: And maybe that’s your problem, Dad. Your true colors are so blatantly obvious.
Barton walked out, passing by Nikki in the doorway.
Nikki: Wow, Uncle Barton didn’t look happy. But then, he usually never does.
Kevin: You’re right about that. I just thank God he’ll never be able to inflict that kind of unhappiness on another innocent victim.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. A.J. and Eric are standing near Jake’s desk.
A.J.: Eric, this is not about undoing your work.
Eric: What do you call trying to prove we arrested the wrong man?
A.J.: I call it getting at the truth!
Eric: It is what it always is with you, A.J.! You want to show me up.
A.J.: Eric, I know you have this imagined sibling rivalry between us, but it just isn’t there. I’m sorry if I’m stepping on your toes, but I cannot stand by and let an innocent kid lose his life.
Eric: What you cannot do is watch me succeed at the one thing you couldn’t.
A.J.: Oh, my God! That old chestnut?
Eric: Well it’s true, isn’t it? You wanted to be a cop, but you couldn’t cut it, so you had to settle for writing about cops instead. And you can’t stand the fact that your screw up little brother not only is a cop, but a damn good one.
A.J.: Eric, I admit that I was disappointed that my career on the force didn’t work out, but that was a long time ago. I’m happy with my job, I couldn’t imagine not being a reporter. (Pause) And I’m glad you’re a cop; I’m glad you’re the best at what you do.
Eric: Then why do you spend so much time proving that cops like me couldn’t make a good bust? This isn’t the first time you’ve stuck your nose in a police investigation, A.J..
A.J.: And it’s not the first time I’ve solved a police investigation, is it?
Eric: (shaking his head) I wondered how long it would be before you reminded me about the Jenkins case.
A.J.: This is not about the Jenkins case!
Eric: Really? I arrested Peter Jenkins for killing his wife and you proved I was wrong; that his son did the deed. Made me and the entire department look quite the fool and you were the hero. (Pause) Is that what this is about, A.J.? Hoping for another go around? Your ego need a little boost?
A.J.: Eric, you have got to stop taking this personally. I’m not playing games.
Eric: Neither am I. If you think for one minute, I’m going to stand by and let you get away with this, you’re wrong. Nathan James is a killer and trying to prove otherwise is only going to cause you a whole lot of trouble. And I’m going to be just the one to give it to you.
A.J.: I can’t talk to you when you’re like this. I guess Mom was right.
Eric: What? Did she come running to you about yesterday?
A.J.: I talked to her and she said you were being more unreasonable than usual. You want to explain why you treated Mom so badly and upset her so much?
Eric: Like you, Mom was sticking her nose into my life when I damn well didn’t ask for it.
A.J.: Well, like me, Mom happens to love you, little brother. We know you’ve been through a hell of a time lately and we are concerned about you.
Eric: And you show your concern by trying to prove I can’t do my job?
A.J.: (shaking his head) I give up. No wonder Mom was so upset, she... (realization came over A.J.) Damn! Damn!
Eric: What’s wrong?
A.J.: I have to go. I only hope it’s not too late! (A.J. rushed out)
Jake: (walking over, a cup of coffee in his hand) Where was he off to?
Eric: I don’t know. I just wish it was always so easy to get rid of him.
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor near a pay phone. Dana and Zachary are kissing.
Zachary: (pulling away) What was that about?
Dana: What do you think? I wanted to say good morning.
Zachary (annoyed): And you paged me, just for this?
Dana: (surprised) This bothers you?
Zachary: Dana, I was in the middle of something important when you paged me. I have to get back to it.
Dana: Get back to what?
Zachary: I don’t have time to get into it now. I’ll talk to you later. Bye. (Zachary stormed off)
Dana: Damn, I can’t win with that man!
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. Glenn and Gloria are there.
Glenn: I don't understand why you are rushing into a divorce without looking at all our options.
Gloria: I don’t want to be married to you anymore, our only option is divorce. What is it going to take for you to realize that?
Glenn: I just think you’re acting rashly. I know that I made some mistakes. I know I hurt our marriage with my drinking, but I’m not drinking anymore. I haven’t had a drink in a long time.
Gloria: And that’s good. I’m glad to hear that, I just hope it sticks this time.
Glenn: It will, I swear. Can’t you believe me this time?
Gloria: Like I believed you all the other times?
Glenn: It’s true. If I could get through Candice’s death without drinking, what does that tell you? I mean it this time.
Gloria: (shaking her head) No, Glenn. I’m sorry. It’s good that you dealt with such tragedy as losing Candice and didn’t give into your demons. But it changes nothing between us. I gave you too many chances, let you hurt me too many times. The alcoholic rages, the blackouts. I will never subject myself to that again. Never. We have been all through this. It’s over, accept that.
Glenn: After everything we’ve been through you seem to be in such hurry to end things. Why? What’s the reason for the rush?
Gloria: Isn’t years of misery enough reason?
Glenn: I just want to know why you’re so quick to toss us aside? It can’t be that you just want to be free of me; there has to be more to it.
Gloria: Like what?
Glenn: Another man. Is that it, Gloria? Is there another man in your life?
Gloria: Of course not. Do you honestly think I would be ready to get involved with another man after what you put me through? It’s going to be a long time before I’m ready to let myself feel anything for any other man again.
Glenn: Gloria...
Gloria: (glancing at her watch) I can’t do this anymore, and I can’t wait anymore. I’ve got to go. Good bye, Glenn. (Gloria rushed away, going onto an open elevator. As the doors slid close, Zachary rushed up to the lounge)
Zachary: Where did Gloria go?
Glenn: I don’t know, she just rushed out of here.
Zachary: Obviously to get away from you. Were you bothering her again?
Glenn: I was trying to save my marriage...and I will. Count on it. (Glenn walked away)
Zachary: Damn it, Gloria, I wanted to tell you about A.J. myself before you found out some other way. I just hope you don’t hear about this in a way that will only make it worse.
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the solarium. Nikki and Kevin are there.
Nikki: (hugging Kevin) Kevin, I just wanted to say goodbye before I left for school. I hope today is everything you want it to be.
Kevin: I’m sure it will be, thank you.
Nikki: Has anyone else arrived yet?
Kevin: Well, Melissa’s here, but she’s on the phone talking to Richie, trying to convince him to come.
Nikki: It would be nice if he would; he should be here. He’s always talking about how much his Uncle Alec meant to him.
Kevin: I know, but Melissa thinks Walter won’t be happy about Richie’s coming.
Nikki: Well, he’s right about that. Richie’s father couldn’t deal with his brother being gay, much less that he died from AIDS. Still, I just hope Richie decides to come anyway.
Kevin: Did you ever get a hold of him last night?
Nikki: (shaking her head) No, I didn’t. And I’d still like to talk to him.
Kevin: Maybe if you run, you can catch him while he’s talking to Melissa.
Nikki: (nodding) You’re right. (She rushed out)
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Melissa is on her cell phone.
Melissa: Richie, I wish you could come to the memorial service; Uncle Kevin would love to have you here.
Richie: And I would love to be there, Melissa. You know how much I loved Uncle Alec. But Dad would have a fit. You told me how he reacted when he found out you were going, it would be even worse if I decided to go.
Melissa: Maybe, but Daddy doesn’t have to know. I certainly wouldn’t tell anyone, and neither would anyone else.
Richie: I know, but I’m afraid of him finding out; you know how hard it is to keep things from him. Things are bad enough between us already.
Melissa: He's changed so much since Mom moved to London and remarried. He's never been the easiest man to deal with, but he's never been so angry and volatile.
Richie’s Voice: Exactly. And I don’t want to do anything to stir up the pot.
Melissa: Richie, I understand the position you’re in, but this a family occasion and this is a time for us to stick together as a family. Please reconsider; I’ll do whatever I can to cover for you.
Richie: All right, Melissa, I’ll think about it.
Melissa: Hope to see you soon. (Melissa hung up as Nikki walked in)
Nikki: Oh, darn! I missed him!
Melissa: Hi, Nikki. Did you want to talk to Richie?
Nikki: Yeah.
Melissa: Well, he’s at home. If you call him right back, I’m sure you can get a hold of him.
Nikki: (pulling her cell phone out of her jeans pocket) Then I’ll do just that.
Scene: The Stone residence, Richie’s bedroom. Richie is hanging up his cell phone, a troubled look on his face.
Richie: Well, Uncle Alec, I think I owe it to you to be there. As for telling Dad a lie, it wouldn’t be the first and it won’t be the last, so what’s one more? (There was a knock on the door) Come in.
Walter: (walking in) Richie, I’m glad you’re still here.
Richie: Oh, well, I was just about to leave for school, Dad.
Walter: You’re going to have to be a few minutes late, I need to talk to you.
Richie: What about?
Walter: About your friend, Nathan James.
Richie: (nervously) What about him?
Walter: Oh, Richie, I’m sure you know what this is about. You had to know that eventually I’d find out what you’re up to. I’m head of Homicide; my office investigated this case and arrested the James boy for the murder. The fact that my son is testifying for the defense is something that won’t stay quiet, especially in a town like Covington Bay. I’m surprised it hasn’t made the papers yet.
Richie: Dad, I was going to tell you.
Walter: Oh really? When? Before or after you testify that your father doesn’t know what he’s doing?
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Natalie is at the desk, working. Dana comes up.
Dana: Hello, Natalie!
Natalie: (coolly) Good morning, Dana.
Dana: Well, I guess you're still upset about last night.
Natalie: Dana, I don’t like being used as a pawn in your game to snare Zachary Dailey.
Dana: That’s not what it was.
Natalie: Oh, really? Then what was it?
Just then, A.J. stepped off the elevator and rushed up to the desk
A.J.: Is my mother in her office?
Natalie (noting his disheveled appearance): A.J., what happened? You look awful!
A.J.: I’ll explain later. Is my mother here?
Natalie: No. She went to the Lassiter Estate. I’m surprised you’re not there. They're visiting Alec's grave this morning.
A.J.: (smacking his forehead) Damn it, I forgot. Kevin’s going to kill me...if I mother doesn’t first.
At that moment, the elevator door slid open and Melody stepped off of them. Her eyes widened when she saw A.J..
A.J.: Melody!
Melody: Oh, A.J.! I just heard what happened! (She ran to him, throwing herself into his arms) Are you all right!? Are you all right!?
A.J.: (smiling) Right now, lady, I’m better than I have been in a real long time.
In the next Covington Bay
· Melody and A.J. get closer.
· Walter makes demands of Richie.
· Nikki hatches a scheme to solve her problems.
· Dana is not about to give up on Zachary.