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EPISODE 3

“THE CHALLENGE”

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the hospital cafeteria. Dr. Glenn Dailey, Dr. Gloria Dailey and Sabrina Collier are there.

Glenn: (to Sabrina) Sabrina, it is not too late. You can drop this case, stop being Nathan James’ lawyer before the trial starts. There’s still time.

Gloria: Can we not do this now… here?

Sabrina: Glenn, I know you think you know everything but you don’t know much about being a lawyer. I couldn’t drop this case, especially not now, a few hours before trial. More importantly, I don’t want to. Nathan James is innocent and he deserves the best legal council available. (She smiled) And I’m the best.

Glenn: (coolly) If you do say so yourself.

Sabrina: The evidence is circumstantial and once this case goes to trial you and everyone else in this town is going to see that. (Pause) Glenn, I’m sorry about all of this. You may not believe that given our history, but I am. I realize Candice was your daughter and you loved her, and you just want to see her killer brought to justice as any parent would. But Nathan James is not the killer and I’m going to do everything I can, and then some, to free him.

Glenn: Sabrina, I’m not the jury, and this isn’t a courtroom so turn off the theatrics. You and I both know you never wanted this case. You’re only on it because the judge appointed you as part of your pro-bono work. You could’ve got yourself excused because of your connection to Gloria, Candice’s stepmother. I still don’t understand why you didn’t.

Sabrina: (pausing, hesitating before continuing) Glenn, I really don’t owe you any explanation about anything.

Glenn: Well you’re going to have to explain yourself to someone because a lot of people aren’t going to forget that you defended this killer. You don’t realize what a no-win situation you’re in, do you? That boy is guilty and even if you manage to pull some legal tricks and get him off that isn’t going to be much a victory for you. Covington Bay is a small town. People aren't going to forget that you defended him. Whether you free Nathan James or not you will have done irreparable damage to your career and your reputation. You can count on that.

Gloria: (gasping) Glenn!

Sabrina: And you'll see to it? Is this some sort of threat?

Glenn: I don't need to make threats, not when you'll prove to be your own worst enemy. (Pause, as realization flickered in his eyes) So that’s it now it makes sense. You took this case because of me. Do you really hate me that much?

Sabrina: Is that a trick question?

Glenn: You took this case because you knew how it would hurt me, watching you of all people, free that murderer. You’ve never liked me, you’ve been against my marriage to Gloria from day one and you’ve done everything you can to cause problems. Standing up for Nathan James is one thing, but pushing through this divorce, having the papers delivered today… you must really be happy with yourself. You’re quite the manipulator.

Sabrina: God, you ego is incredible. This isn’t about you, none of this is about you.

Glenn: Everyone knows how much you hate me.

Sabrina: Yes! For reasons just like this. Yes, I am happy that Gloria is finally divorcing you and I am glad… delighted to represent her. But are you so incredibly self-absorbed that you’d think I’d use your daughter’s death to get back at you? I wouldn’t waste the effort spending that much time trying to hurt you, not when you are so good at hurting yourself. I’m doing what I’m doing for Nathan. You don’t factor into it, Glenn, you never did. In fact, you barely even crossed my mind.

Glenn: You know, Sabrina, I…

Gloria: (interrupting) Can we please stop this!? I think we’ve embarrassed ourselves enough for one day.

Glenn: (noting that people were starting to stare) I should be going anyway, I’ve got to get to court. Someone has to stand up for justice.

Glenn walked away.

Sabrina: Gloria, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so riled up. You know how that man gets to me.

Gloria: He gets to me too. It’s why I can’t wait until we’re divorced. And thanks to you, it’s going to be very soon.

Sabrina: You’re right, girlfriend. And you can count on that.

* * * * * *

Scene: A.J. Lassiter's apartment. He is wearing a robe, anxiously pacing the floor back and forth. He paused, and with a determined look on his face, goes to the bedroom door and knocks on it.

A.J.: Melody! Melody, come on, I know you're in there! Melody, will you unlock this damn door and talk to me? This is getting us nowhere. Look, I know you're upset, but I explained the situation to you. Can't you understand how this all happened? (Pause as he waits, but get no response. He knocks on the door again) Come on, Melody! Melody, will you at least answer me!?

The door suddenly flies open and Melody Sorensen, fully dressed in a dark gray slacks and a pink blouse storms out, brushing past A.J..

A.J.: Thank God! (She is heading for the door) Melody! Melody, wait a minute, aren't we going to talk about this? (He rushed after her and grabbed her by the arm, turning her to face him) Melody, let's discuss this, please! (He is surprised to see the tears flowing down her cheeks, rage burning in her eyes)

Melody: A.J., I can't talk to you about this right now. I'm already running late for work.

A.J.: But, you're upset.

Melody: That surprises you!? After being involved with you for three years I find out you're married?! Yes, I think I should be a little upset.

A.J.: Granted. Which is why I think we need to sit down and calmly talk about this.

Melody: I’m really incapable of being calm right now. Like I said, I'm already late for work… so are you for that matter. Shouldn't you be at the courthouse by now?

A.J.: (glancing at his watch) Damn, you're right. If miss the opening statements, my editor would kill me.

Melody: Then I guess we’re finished, aren’t we?

Melody walked out, slamming the door behind her.

A.J.: (groaning) All this and I haven't even had my coffee yet. (A.J. turned and headed for the bedroom) Patricia Tamakai, I owe you for this one!

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center. Gloria and Sabrina are there.

Sabrina: (getting up) Well, Gloria, as fun as this morning as been so far, I've got to be getting to the courthouse.

Gloria: (standing) All right. Good luck. I hope things go well for you in court. Remember, you have a great track record.

Sabrina: (smiling) I do at that, don't I?

Zachary: (walking up, carrying a tray of food) Morning.

Gloria: Hello, Zachary.

Sabrina: Hey, Zach.

Zachary: How are the prettiest ladies in the room today?

Sabrina: One of them is about to get a really swelled head unless I get out of here quick. (She got up) Gloria, I'll see you later, okay?

Gloria: I will.

Zachary: Hey, good luck on the trial. I know Nathan's going to get justice with you in his corner.

Sabrina: Thanks for the kind words. (She kissed Gloria on the cheek) See you later, Gloria. Bye, Zachary, thanks for the compliment, you've always been a sweet talker.

Zachary: Anytime, Sabrina. (She walked away) I hope I didn't frighten her away.

Gloria: (smiling) With that handsome face, I don't think you could frighten anyone. Don't worry, like she said, she had to be getting to court. Why don't you sit down and join me?

Zachary: (sitting down) Sure, thanks. (Pause) So you okay? You looked pretty upset when you stormed out of Dad's office earlier.

Gloria: It's nothing a divorce decree couldn't cure. But, don't worry, I'll get that soon enough. (Pause) I hope you understand, Zachary. I know now may not seem like the right time, but I can't wait any longer. I have to get out of this marriage.

Zachary: Gloria, I understand completely. Unlike my mother, you survived marriage to my father. You're lucky to be walking away relatively unscathed.

Gloria: Except for wasting more years than I care to admit to, I'd say so. (Pause) So how is your mother? Any change in her condition?

Zachary: (sighing) No. She's the same. She's not getting any better, but she's not getting any worse either. I guess I should be grateful for that much.

Gloria: And what does the doctor say?

Zachary: He doesn't hold out much hope, but then he never did.

Gloria: I'm sorry, Zach.

Zachary: So am I. Unfortunately, that isn't helping Mom. (Gloria reached out and grasped Zachary's hand)

Gloria: Is there anything I can do?

Zachary: You're doing it by just showing you care, listening to me and being a friend.

Gloria: And I'll always be that. You've certainly listened to me go on and on about my lousy marriage to your father enough times to get that much from me.

Zachary: Then I'd say the fact that we've become friends is at least one good thing came from you being married to my father.

Gloria: (as Zachary placed his hand on hers) So would I, Zach, so would I.

* * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Courthouse; the third floor corridor outside a courtroom. A sign outside reads The People VS Nathan James. There is a crowd of people outside the courtroom; journalists, visitors and other onlookers milling about. Many of them are starting to file into the courtroom. The elevator doors slid open and A.J. stepped off with a throng of other people. He looked around until he spotted an slender Asian-American man talking to Sabrina. A.J. walked over to them.

A.J.: Michael, Sabrina, how are you guys doing?

Sabrina and the man, who'd been deep in conversation turned to A.J.. Michael Tamakai was a few inches taller than A.J. and had close cropped, neatly cut, jet black hair. He wore a dark brown suit tailored perfectly for his slender frame.

Sabrina: A.J., I'm telling you same thing I told the rest of those vultures out there; no comment other than Nathan James is innocent and we're going to prove it.

A.J.: (smirking) This vulture isn’t here to talk about the case. Can I have few moments with your co-council here?

Michael: (warily) A.J., I really don't think. . .

Sabrina: Michael, it's okay. We have a few minutes before we have to visit Nathan.

Michael: (sighing) All right. Be right back.

Michael followed A.J. into an adjacent corridor.

A.J.: You know what this is about, don’t you?

Michael: Patricia.

A.J.: Yes. When did that sister of yours get back into town?

Michael: Last night.

A.J.: Really? She's been in town less than twenty four hours and she's ruined two lives already. That must be a record for her.

Michael: What did she do?

A.J.: You don't know?

Michael: I couldn't begin to guess. But, Patty's capable of just about anything.

A.J.: You're right about that. She just showed up on my doorstep this morning just out of the blue and told Melody all about our marriage.

Michael: What!?

A.J.: You heard me. I know you two are pretty close. Did you have any idea what she was up to?

Michael: Of course not. I only knew she was going to drop by to see you.

A.J.: So why didn’t you call and warn me?

Michael: I never thought to. It didn’t occur to me that Melody would be there and Patricia would drop that bomb on her. I’m sorry. I guess I should’ve let you know.

A.J.: No, you had no reason to think there would be a problem. It’s not your fault. (Pause) What could she have been thinking!? Why would she pull such a stunt?

Michael: Knowing Patty, she probably didn't know she'd do it herself until it actually happened. You know how she is; reckless and impetuous, she does things without thinking all the time. And you know she loves nothing more than a practical joke, especially on you. That's probably what this was all about.

A.J.: I don't doubt that, but her practical joke might cost me the woman I love!

Michael: Patty probably didn't think that far ahead. She was no doubt relishing seeing the look on your face when it all came out. I don't think she meant to hurt anyone. She's not malicious, A.J..

A.J.: I know that, but she's done serious damage none the less. And I'm going to wring her little neck when I get a hold of her.

Michael: (laughing) How many times have you said that over the years. I'll never forget the time she stole your clothes when you went skinny dipping in the Lassiter Estate pond.

A.J.: Neither will the Ladies Historical Society who were touring the grounds that day. That was over twenty years ago and some of old biddies still give me dirty looks. (Pause) So where can I find her? After I kill her, I'm going to divorce her.

Michael: She’s staying with me until she finds a place of her own.

A.J.: Thanks. If you talk to her before I do, tell her I'll be paying her a visit.

Michael: Of course. (Pause) What about Melody, do you think she'll get over this?

A.J.: She's angry right now, but Melody's a reasonable woman so I'm sure she'll get over it. At least I hope so.

Sabrina: (approaching the men) Michael, we should be going. We should talk to Nathan before the trial starts.

Michael: Sure. A.J., talk to you later.

A.J.: See ya in court.

Michael walked away with Sabrina and A.J. went back into the corridor outside the courtroom. A few moments passed and the elevator doors slid open. A.J. was stunned to see Patricia step off with a crowd of people. He rushed over to her.

A.J.: Patricia, what the hell are you doing here?

Patricia: (smiling) Well hello, A.J.. You know that isn't a very warm greeting for someone you haven't seen in so long, especially someone you're married to.

A.J.: Don't give me that sweet smile, Patricia, I've had just about enough of your rather sick sense of humor. I want to know what you are doing here and I want to know now. (Patricia stared blankly at him) Answer me! Are you following me?

Patricia: Hardly. Why does everything have to do with you? (Pause) Oh wait a minute, everything has to do with you, your ego wouldn't let you think otherwise.

A.J.: After what you did this morning, how can I not believe that you’re only here to cause me more problems. (Pause) You want to explain to me why you told Melody about our marriage? What was the point of that?

Patricia: Look, I'm sorry for what I did, really I am, but I couldn't resist the opportunity.

A.J.: To what; ruin my life?

Patricia: A.J., you know I love to see your face turn red and watch the veins on your neck pop out. Gives me as much as a thrill now as when we were kids.

A.J.: So this was just a joke. (Pause) Well great. You ruined my relationship for so you could have a laugh.

Patricia: Oh A.J., I'm sure your girlfriend will get over it. You've been known to sweet talk a woman into just about anything. I am sure you'll smooth this over. Hey, if you need me to, I'll talk to her.

A.J.: You just keep your distance, from both of us. So you can get out of here now.

Patricia: A.J., I already told you I'm not here because of you.

A.J.: Then why are you here?

Patricia: Think about it. There's a murder trial going on here, one of the biggest this city has seen in years. It's hot news, there are reporters from all over the state covering this story.

A.J.: Maybe, but since when is Travel Magazine interested in a small town murder?

Patricia: They aren't, but the Covington Bay Times is.

A.J.: What!? You're working for the Times?

Patricia: As of yesterday afternoon, I'm their newest and no doubt most talented reporter.

A.J.: I don't doubt that, the paper is a rag. A fourth grader could write circles around most of their staff.

Patricia: Not any more. The Times is cleaning house. They were just sold to a new buyer who wants to upgrade it's image, make it more respectable, more competitive with the Covington Bay Journal. And I am going to help them get there.

A.J.: (laughing) Right. You've spent most of your time writing soft articles on what sunscreen to use when taking pictures of wild boar. You're not cut out to work for a real newspaper. . .even one has trashy as the Times. You do realize you're only going to make a fool of yourself, don't you?

Patricia: The only person that will be the fool is you when I prove you wrong and wipe up the floor with the Journal.

A.J.: Amazing. I didn't think you could be more of a brainless twit than you already are, but you're proving me wrong. If you are part of the Times' quest for respect and integrity in this town they are in big trouble. Do you honestly think a wet behind the ears, fluff piece writer like you can lock horns with award winning, top notch journalists like the ones at the Journal and win?

Patricia: Why don't you just say what you really mean? Can I compete with a reporter with your reputation and your awards?

A.J.: (nodding, a smirk on his face) Well, now that you mention it. . .

Patricia: Believe me, A.J., I can. . .story for story, scoop for scoop, byline for byline.

A.J.: You're dreaming.

Patricia: No you're dreaming, Mr. Lassiter and I guarantee it's going to be quite a nightmare for you. I know you've been top dog in this town for years, but those days are over. You have finally met your journalistic match my dear husband, and I'm it.

to be continued...

In the next episode of Covington Bay...

· A.J. and Patricia declare war.

· Gloria receives two propositions.