EPISODE 30

“THE OTHER WOMAN”

Scene: The offices of Dr. Gary Sorensen; Dr. Hillary Sorensen's office. Det. Angela Sorensen and Hillary walk in. Angela is munching on a cheese Danish and drinking a cup of coffee.

Hillary: Thanks for the ride to work, Angela.

Angela: No problem, the police station is just a hop, skip and a jump from here.

Hillary: Well, I appreciate it. (Pause) I'm just going to have to face facts and accept that the piece of junk I've been driving for the past eight years is past it's prime. It spends more time in the shop than on the road.

Angela: I've been telling you to get rid of it for so long. I don't know why you still have it; it's not like you can't afford a new car, especially now that you're working for Uncle Gary. He must be paying you pretty well.

Hillary: He does, but it's not the money; it's the sentimental value I guess. It was my first car and I love it. We've shared a lot of good times.

Angela (munching on her Danish): So did me and the last guy I dated. But when his engine started losing power before reaching it's destination, I knew I had to trade it in for a new model.

Hillary: That's a lousy analogy, especially since you have been out on a date in months.

Angela (taking a sip of coffee): Well, haven't you heard that they don't make cars like they used to? It's the same with men.

Hillary: Maybe you're just driving them too hard.

Angela: (grinning) And you said my analogy was lousy? (Pause) I better be going; I am not going to be late for my first day of work and give them a reason to make things difficult for me. Lord knows they'll do it just because I'm a woman entering the lion's den.

Hillary: Having been a police psychiatrist, I'm well aware that the Covington Bay Police Department is a bastion of male chauvinism. But, I'm sure you can handle it. You wouldn't have gotten the promotion if you couldn't.

Angela: Thanks for the confidence, sis. (Pause) After you, Melody and Monica's dire warnings last night about my new job, I was starting to wonder if you felt I could cut it.

Hillary: Angie, that was not our concern and you know it. We're worried about this promotion because you're going to come in contact with Eric on a regular basis. Considering how you feel about him, we just don't want it to affect your job.

Angela: That is not going to happen.

Hillary: Do you really believe that? Because I have to tell you, Angie, I definitely have my doubts.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Det. Eric Lassiter and Det. Jake Collier are there. Jake is sitting at his desk; Eric is propped on the corner of it.

Eric: Can you believe the nerve of that brother of mine? He's investigating the Nathan James case, as if the killer hadn't already been caught.

Jake: No need to recap, Eric, I was there, remember?

Eric: But, it's a waste of time. I made a good bust, I got the right killer.

Jake: And I agree. We got the right guy. But, A.J. doesn't believe that and like you, he loves to be right.

Eric: What A.J. loves is showing me up. That's what this is about. He's doing this to make me and the department look bad. He only wants to pump up his ego because it still bugs him that he couldn't cut it as a cop and I can.

Jake: Eric, I'm the first to say that A.J. has a big ego, but, I don't believe for one minute that he's getting involved in this investigation just to have one up on you or out of some strange sibling rivalry. A.J. doesn't operate that way. He wouldn't try to help Nathan James unless he actually believed the kid was innocent.

Eric: And like everyone else in this town, my brother has got you fooled. No one can ever believe his motives are less than pure.

Jake: I know you like to think the worst of your brother, but you're wrong.

Eric: How can you say I'm wrong? Isn't that why A.J. was here this morning; sticking his nose into the investigation? Did you search him before he left? I wouldn't be surprised if he stole some police files or something.

Jake: Well before you come up with a conspiracy theory to rival the grassy knoll, let me tell you that A.J.'s being here this morning had nothing to do with the Nathan James case.

Eric: Then why was he here?

Jake: (surprised) I can't believe you don't know. Don't you read the morning paper or watch the news?

Eric: No. They're full of crime stories; I can come to work and get more than my share. So, what's up? Why was my brother here?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor near the nurses desk. Dana Cooper and Natalie Lassiter watch as Melody Sorensen and A.J. Lassiter hug.

Melody: Thank God you're all right, A.J.!

A.J.: So I take it you heard about last night.

Melody: I just heard from some ER staff about what happened; they thought I already knew. They said you'd be okay, but I have to hear from you that you're all right.

A.J.: Well, I could use a good night's sleep, but otherwise, I'll be just fine.

Melody: Good. I was going to call you and find out how you were, but seeing you is so much better.

A.J.: (grinning) And I'm certainly glad to be seen...especially by you.

Melody (her expression suddenly turning cold): Well, I'm glad you're all right, A.J. (Pause) I have to go. (She started to walk away; hurrying into an adjacent corridor. A.J. came after her and grabbed her by the arm, stopping her)

A.J.: You can't just walk away.

Melody: And why not?

A.J.: Because it's obvious you still love me and you still care about me, despite what's happened.

Melody: Of course I do, I never denied that. I was terrified when I heard you'd been shot and I'm overjoyed to see that you're going to be all right. But, it doesn't change anything. It doesn't change the fact that you lied to me.

A.J.: No it doesn't, Melody, and I'm sorry about that. I'm sorrier than you will ever know. It was a mistake to lie to you; I should've known it would come out eventually. (Pause) But, we can get past this. We can work through this.

Melody: Really? I'm not so sure about that.

Back at the nurses station, Dana is straining to see into the corridor that A.J. and Melody had gone into. Natalie watches her with disapproval.

Natalie: Will you stop being so rude?

Dana: First she runs into his arms, then she runs away from him. What do you think is going on?

Natalie (dryly): I have no idea.

Dana: I'm sure you could find out. After all, you are a member of the family.

Natalie: Right and I'd like to stay one, so I'm going to butt out of their business. I suggest you do the same.

Dana: Boy, you're really cranky today.

Natalie: No, I'm just cranky with you.

Dana: I guess that means you're still upset about last night.

Natalie: And you don't think I have reason to be? Dana, you invited me out to dinner at Mama J's just so you could spy on Zachary. Do you think I like be treated that way?

Dana: It wasn't like that.

Natalie: Lying only makes it worse, Dana. I know a woman out to snare a man when I see one and in your case I've got 20/20 vision.

Dana: Okay, so I asked you to go to Mama J.'s with me so I could see what Zachary was up to. So I want to protect what's mine. Sue me.

Natalie: What I'd like to do is crack you over the head so you'd realize how silly you're being about this thing with Gloria and Zachary. There is nothing going on between them. The only competition you have for Zachary is your own stupidity.

Dana: (nodding) And after last night I realize you were right. Dr. Dailey is not interested in Zachary. In fact, she's encouraging him to go out with me.

Natalie: That's good to hear. I guess that means that things with Zachary are full speed ahead.

Dana: (frowning) Well...I'm not so sure about that.

Natalie: Why? Did you do something stupid, again?

Dana: Why do you assume I've done something wrong?

Natalie: Just looking at your track record.

Dana (sighing): I guess you have a point. But, I'm hoping I can fix it. (She spotted Zachary stepping off the elevator) And I'm going to try right now. Excuse me.

Natalie: Sure, I'll be here…working.

Dana stepped off the desk and walked over to Zachary, who was looking at a patient's chart.

Dana: Zachary, can I talk to you for a minute?

Zachary: Sure, what is it?

Dana: It's about what happened this morning. I'd have something to say to you about it.

Zachary: Oh yes, I'd like to talk about that too.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Stone residence; Richie's bedroom. Richie and Walter Stone are there.

Walter: Richie, just how long have you been planning to testify about the ineptness of my office?

Richie: Dad, it's not like that.

Walter: Then what is it like? You're not going to get on the stand and say that my office made a mistake; that you think your father was responsible for arresting the wrong man?

Richie: You’re making this out that I’m going attacking you personally and it’s not like that. All I’m testifying is that Nate and Candice were in fact lovers and did have a relationship.

Walter: And you know that how; because Nathan told you?

At that moment, Richie's cell phone rang.

Richie: (looking at the view screen) It's Nikki. Let me get that.

Walter: Forget the phone, this is important.

Richie: But...!

Walter: (grabbing the phone from his son) Your girlfriend will have to wait. You and I need to clear this up.

After a few more rings, it stopped.

Richie: Dad, I told you after Candice was killed that I knew about the relationship.

Walter: I didn’t believe you then and I don’t believe you now.

Richie:  I have firsthand knowledge of them being together.  I’ve seen them together and I had a lot of conversations with Candice and Nathan about the relationship.  They were very much in love. 

Walter: So much in love that they kept the relationship a secret?

Richie: They kept it a secret because they were afraid. They knew that everyone would be against them, that people would try and break them up. And Candice wasn’t sure who wanted at first. But once she decided on Nate, once she realized she wanted to be with him, she didn’t want to keep it a secret anymore. She wanted the relationship out in the open. That’s when she decided to leave James Greyhawk for Nate.

Walter:  And you really think people are going to believe this ridiculous story of star crossed love between the poor little rich girl and the gang banger?  You may think you sound convincing, but no one will ever believe it.

Richie:  Nate was not a gang banger and you know it.  He put that behind him a long time ago.  And people will believe me because it's the truth.

Walter:  Richie, I know you want to believe he is innocent, otherwise you wouldn't be willing to lie on the stand to help your friend.  But doesn't the fact that he would ask you to commit perjury tell you something?  He's asking you to risk jail, your future and I won't let you do it.

Richie: Nathan would never ask me to lie.

Walter:  He is facing the death penalty, maybe life in prison if he's lucky.  He'll do whatever he has to in order to save himself, including taking advantage of a naive kid like you.  Richie, don't you see that you are being used?

Richie:  You're not even listening to me, are you? You haven’t heard a word I’ve said.

Walter:  I hear you.  And what I hear is that Nathan and his attorney knows how it will look to have the homicide captain's son testifying on his behalf. The papers will eat it up; it's bound to have an impact on the jury and cloud the fact that he is guilty.  Well I won't have it.  I won't have you ruin months of hard work because of some misguided notion of friendship.

Richie: I'm doing the right thing, Dad. And there's nothing you can do. I'm on the witness list. I will be testifying for the defense.

Walter: And that's where you're wrong, Richie. You will never take the stand in this case. Never. I'll see to that.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Nikki Lassiter is hanging up the phone while Melissa Stone watches.

Melissa: Richie didn't answer?

Nikki (puzzled): No.

Melissa: That's strange. You called seconds after I hung up from him.

Nikki: Maybe he rushed out right after talking to you. (Pause) Well, I guess I'll just have to catch him at school.

Pamela: (walking in) Which is where you should be headed, Nikki. The car is waiting for you outside. (Pause) Hello, Melissa.

Melissa: Hi, Mrs. Lassiter.

Pamela: Are you here for Alec's memorial service?

Melissa: Yeah.

Pamela: I wish I could attend, but I have meetings at the museum I couldn't get out of.

Melissa: Too bad, but I'm sure Kevin will appreciate that you're thinking of him. (Pause) Well, I better be getting to Kevin, I'm sure things will be starting soon. See you later, Nikki.... Mrs. Lassiter. (Melissa walked out)

Nikki: Did you really have to embarrass me in front of Melissa?

Pamela: I don't think she even noticed, and even if she did, too bad. You brought this on yourself. Now, I think you should be leaving for school. You don't want to be late.

Nikki: So you haven't changed your mind.  I'm actually grounded.  You're really going to do this to me?

Pamela: You did it to yourself, Nikki.

Nikki: There's not a chance you're going to change your mind?

Pamela: (coolly) I'll see you when I get home from work, Nikki.

Nikki: (icily) Good bye, Mother.

Pamela walked out.

Nikki: (thinking) I have to find a way to meet James.  It's the only way this plan to find out how he's involved in Candice's murder will work.  But that means getting this stupid punishment lifted.  (Pause) And I can only think of one way to do it. You won't like it, Mother, but what choice do I have?

* * * * * *

Scene: The Stone residence; Richie's bedroom. Richie and Walter are there.

Richie: Dad, I'm sorry if we don't see eye to eye about this, but I have to testify. Even if I didn't want to now I'm on the witness list, I don't have a choice.   If I refused to testify Sabrina would just subpoena me.

Walter: Richie, I will not let that killer and his lawyer use you to get him off and make my office look inept in the process. You are not going to testify.    Furthermore, I want you out of this case. No more visits to your friend Nathan, no more going to the courthouse, no more contact with him whatsoever.

Richie: Dad, Nate is my best friend. He needs my support and he's going to get it.

Walter: I'm not giving you any choice, Richie. You will do what I say. I want you out of this case as of this moment, do you understand!?

Richie: You can't ask me to walk away from Nathan!

Walter: I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. Now, I don't want to ground you or punish you, but I will if that's what it takes to keep you out of this mess. Is that clear?

Richie: (after hesitating) It's clear. (Pause) Okay, I'll do what you want. I won't see Nate and I'll stay away from court. But, even I don't see him anymore, even if I don't openly support him, I still have to testify. There's nothing you can do about that.

Walter: (smiling, nastily) Really? We'll see about that son, we'll see.

Walter walked out, leaving Richie with a worried look on his face. At that moment, the cell phone rang.

Richie: (looking at the caller I.D. screen before answering) Hey, I'm glad it's you.  I was just about to call you.  (Pause)  No, I haven't talked to Nikki yet, but I will soon enough.  Right now we need to talk. We've got a problem...a big one.

* * * * * *

Scene: The offices of Dr. Gary Sorensen; Hillary's office. Angela and Hillary are there.

Angela (annoyed, sipping her coffee): Well, thanks for the confidence, sis. Didn't I convince you last night that I'm not going to let Eric affect my job? How am I supposed to feel when my own sisters don't believe in me?

Hillary: Angela, I know how bad your temper is. You have no patience for most men; especially men like Eric Lassiter.

Angela: And I deal with those type of men every day at the station. Today won't be any different.

Hillary: Eric's a special case. He hurt your baby sister…badly. And he ignores their daughter, a beautiful little girl. Do you think you can forget all that when you come face to face with him?

Angela: Hillary, I know I have a bad temper and I know I hit the roof at the mention of Eric Lassiter's name. I can't help it, I hate the man for what he did to Monica. She loved him so much and he used her and then threw her away. If it weren't for her meeting a decent guy like Nigel who knows what would've happened?

Hillary: Angie, I'm not denying that you shouldn't have bitter feelings toward Eric. Believe me, I do. It was hard for me to see him at the office and I did everything I could to have to avoid contact with him. But it was easy for me. I didn't work in his department. You're not going to have a choice.

Angela: Hillary, it was my decision to accept this job knowing that I might see Eric more than I'd like. But I had to take it, especially since Captain Stone came to me himself and asked me to fill the vacancy in the department. He wanted me specifically. Do you know how hard I've worked to get that kind of recognition?

Hillary: Of course I do.

Angela: Then you also know it was too important to me not to take it. If I let Eric affect my decisions, it would be like letting him have a victory over me and I'll be damned if I let that happen. Just like I'll be damned if I let my feelings for Eric get in the way of me being the best homicide cop that office has ever seen.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Eric and Jake are talking near Jake's desk.

Eric (surprised): Victor Gianelli? A.J. is entangled with the biggest criminal in this city and you just let him walk out of here?

Jake: I didn't let him walk out of here; he left of his own accord. I certainly couldn't hold him; he hadn't done anything wrong.

Eric: Except for interfering into a police investigation?

Jake: A.J. had no idea that he'd be running into a drug deal.

Eric: Maybe not, but he was looking into the Nathan James case. He still was poking his nose where it didn't belong.

Jake: Well, he almost got it shot off.

Eric: But, it didn't teach him anything. He's still out there running around determined to prove the James kid is innocent while Gianelli's men are in hot pursuit.

Jake: Unless they left town to avoid the heat.

Eric: Even if that's the case, you know how Gianelli operates. We've never been able to get close to him without somebody getting hurt or killed. The guy doesn't leave any loose ends. How could you let them walk out of here?

Jake: Like I said, I couldn't hold them. They refused protective custody. They insist they can take care of themselves. Let's hope they're right.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. A.J. and Melody are talking in a corridor.

A.J.: Melody, I realize you're angry, but you can't throw away three wonderful years.

Melody: Years based on a lie.

A.J.: I never lied to you once, not about how I feel about you. I love you.

Melody: But not enough to tell me the truth.

A.J.: The fact that I kept this from you doesn’t mean I love you any less. Quite frankly, Melody, I didn't think I was that important. The marriage between Patricia and I was just something on a piece of paper. There were no feeling or emotions connected to it. I married her because I got drunk. I didn't divorce her because…because I was stupid and it seemed easier to pretend it never happened.

Melody: And most of all, you never expected to get married again.

A.J.: Oh, come on, Melody…

Melody: That is part of it. You can't deny that, can you? You never intended on marrying me. How could you when you were committed to someone else?

A.J.: What you call loving you, only wanting to be with you, eager to spend every moment I can with you? To me that is a commitment. A committed relationship doesn’t have to mean marriage.

Melody: To me it does and you knew that's how I felt. And you never said you didn't ever intend to get married; you said you weren't ready and that you needed time to make such a big step. I understood that, and I was willing to wait because I knew that one day you'd realize that what we had was wonderful, and that marriage and children would only make it better. I wanted to believe that one day you realize what it was what you wanted. Now, have to wonder if that day was ever going to come. Have I been wasting my time with you, A.J.? Has all this been leading nowhere?

Nearby, in the fifth floor lounge, Dana and Zachary were talking.

Dana: Zachary, I owe you an apology.

Zachary: Well, Dana, I…

Dana: No, let me finish. What I did was wrong. I shouldn't have paged you just so I could kiss you. As much as I might have wanted to do that, there is such a thing as being professional.

Zachary: But, Dana…

Dana: Will let me apologize and say I'm sorry for what I did? Or are you so angry you're not going to forgive me?

Zachary: Dana, if you would let me get a word in edgewise, I'd tell you there's nothing to forgive. You really didn't do anything wrong.

Dana: (surprised): I didn't?

Zachary: No, you didn't. (Pause) In fact, what you did was very cute and very romantic. Usually when I get a page it's some sort of emergency. It was a very pleasant surprise.

Dana: So you liked it?

Zachary (smiling): Very much.

Dana: Then why did you get so upset with me?

Zachary: Because you caught me at the wrong time. I was right in the middle of something important. But, you had no way of knowing that and I overreacted. If anyone should be sorry, it should be me. I just hope you can accept my apology.

Dana: (throwing her arms around Zachary) Oh, of course, Zachary, of course.

Zachary: Then I guess this means we're still on for tonight.

Dana: Oh, Dr. Dailey, you can count on that. (She pulled Zachary into a kiss)

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Jake and Eric are at Jake's desk.

Eric: How did Patricia Tamakai get involved in this? I didn't know she was in town.

Jake: Apparently she just got back recently. Do you know where she's been, I haven't heard about her in years.

Eric: Last I knew she was working for some travel magazine.

Jake: Well, now she works for the Times. Apparently, she and A.J. have this big competition going on. They were certainly going at it last night.

Eric: A.J. and Patricia have always been in each other's faces, ever since we were kids.

Jake: Well, Patricia Tamakai is not a kid anymore. She's quite the beauty.

Eric: Is that your way of saying you wouldn't mind going at it with her?

Jake: Yes, but in a totally different way than your brother. (They chuckled nastily) Look, Eric, maybe you should talk to A.J. and convince him how much danger he's in.

Eric: No way. A.J. made his coffin; let him lie in it.

Jake: You can't mean that. You and A.J. may have differences, but you're still brothers. And whether you admit it or not, I know you care about him. You'd be shattered if something happened to him.

Eric: You might be right about that.

Jake: (surprised) I am?

Eric: Yeah because the only worse thing than having a perfect brother is having a dead perfect brother. My mother would erect a shrine to him…if she hasn't already.

Jake (shaking his head): You're impossible. (Pause) I have to take off; I'm testifying in the Jacobs case today.

Eric: Oh, check you later.

Jake: See ya. (Jake walked out. Eric headed for his desk and was about to sit down when he spotted Angela walking in. A smirk on his face, he sauntered over to her)

Eric: Hey, Angie.

Angela (groaning) Great. I knew this moment would come, I just didn't think it would be so soon.

Eric: What are you doing here? Isn't the meter maid's office on the third floor?

Angela: Drop dead, Lassiter.

Eric: I wouldn't give you the satisfaction, sweetie.

Angela: Will you get out of my way? I'm here to see Captain Stone.

Eric: Why? I don't see a cup of coffee or a steno pad in your hand. That would be the only way you would be seeing the Captain.

Angela: Oh, really? Want to make a bet on that?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. Dana and Zachary are kissing.

Zachary: (pulling away) Dana, I don't think this is a good idea.

Dana: Why not? Do you have someplace to rush off to?

Zachary: No, we are at work and people are staring.

Dana: (glancing around them to notice passerby and other staff members are looking) I suppose you're right. We don't want to fuel the rumor mill do we?

Zachary: I think we already have.

Dana: So, what time are we getting together tonight?

Zachary: I'll let you know later. I've got meetings this afternoon and I'm not sure how long they'll run. But, they will not interfere with our date.

Dana: They better not, Dr. Dailey. Because tonight, you are all mine.

Danny: (walking up)  Wow, some folks really do give at the office.

Zachary: Danny!

Dana: (angrily) What are you doing here!?

Nearby in the corridor, A.J. and Melody are talking.

A.J.: Melody, the last three years have not been a waste. My time with you has been some the best times in my life. I don't want to lose that and you can't tell me you don't feel the same way.

Melody: Of course not, A.J.. You know how much I love you. I couldn't imagine my life without you. That's why this hurts so much.

A.J.: And that's my fault and I'm sorry. I know we have a lot to work through. But, we can do it, no matter how impossible it seems now.

Melody: You betrayed my trust A.J.. And once you lose that, how can you ever really get it back?

A.J.: I don't know, but I'm not going to give up without a fight. I'm not going to let you walk away from me, Melody, not over someone who means nothing to me.

Melody: And how do you think we can fix this? Where do you suggest we start?

A.J.: We start by talking; by spending time together and hashing things out. Let's do it tonight. Let's have dinner.

Melody: A.J., I don't know. I think it's too soon for that. I still have a lot to think about.

A.J.: Melody, we can't work anything out unless we work it out together. So, please. Let's have dinner tonight. Please?

Melody (after hesitating): All right, A.J., all right. I don't know what good it will do, what we can accomplish, but I'll have dinner with you.

A.J.: Great, great. You won't regret it. (Pause) I'm going to go home and get a good night's sleep so I can be refreshed and ready for tonight.

Melody: You do that…you look exhausted.

A.J.: I am. It was a hell of a night.

Melody: So I heard. (Pause) By the way, what about the woman?

A.J.: What woman?

Melody: The woman…the other reporter you were with last night. They mentioned downstairs that a woman came in with you. How is she?

A.J.: (nervously) She's fine.

Melody: Good. Who is she?

A.J.: Who is she?

Melody: Yeah. I know you usually work alone, so I thought it was strange when they said you came in with someone. Is she someone I know?

A.J.: Melody, I…

Melody: Well, A.J., who is she? Why are you being so evasive? (Recognition came over her face) Oh, I see. Now I know who you were with you last night. Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, why shouldn’t you spend your evenings with your wife?

* * * * * *

Next time in Covington Bay

· A.J. tries to explain.

· Glenn succeeds in his plan to delay the divorce.

· Alec Stone's memorial service brings a shocking visitor.

· Eric and Angela draw battle lines.