EPISODE 32

“IN HIS MEMORY”

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Kevin Lassiter is on the telephone, nervously pacing the floor.

Kevin: Dr. Gary Sorensen, please.

Receptionist: May I ask who is calling?

Kevin: Kevin Lassiter.

Receptionist: One moment.

Gary's Voice: (after a few moments) Kevin, good morning.

Kevin: Morning. I'm not catching you at a bad time, am I?

Gary: No. I have a few minutes until my next patient shows up. How are doing? (Pause) I'm sorry. I guess that's an inappropriate question, huh?

Kevin: No, it's not an inappropriate question. And I'm fine…doing as best as I can under the circumstances.

Gary: I'm glad to hear that.

Kevin: I'm calling to thank you for the flowers you sent. They were beautiful. It was a very nice gesture.

Gary: No thanks are necessary, Kevin. I was glad to do it.

Kevin: Well, they've made this day a little brighter. (Pause) And on a day like this, that's something I need.

Gary: Like I said, Kevin. No problem. I just wanted you to know you were in my thoughts.

Kevin: And I appreciate that.Pause) Well, I'll let you go, I don’t want to keep you.

Gary: Sure. I'll talk to you soon.

Kevin: (hesitent) Gary….wait.

Gary: Is there something else you needed, Kevin?

Kevin: Yeah, as a matter of fact there is.

Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; the foyer. Nigel Greyhawk is entering from the living room as Monica Greyhawk walks in via the front door.

Monica: Hi, honey. You just missed Vicki; the driver has already taken her to school.

Nigel:  Oh.  Well, I'm sorry I didn't join you for breakfast, but I was talking to Dad.

Monica:   And it couldn't wait until you got into the office?

Nigel:  Actually, he had a surprise for me.  Two surprises really.

Monica:   Oh?  What were they?

Nigel: Yeah. My brother Lucas is in town, he just showed up out of nowhere, says he'll be in Covington Bay for a few weeks.

Monica: That is a surprise... not that Lucas would visit, but that he'd be around that long. I know our little hamlet isn't exactly his speed.

Nigel: Usually it wouldn't be, but apparently he's got a case he's working on that's going to keep him around for awhile.

Monica: What kind of case?

Nigel: He didn't say, but I'm sure I'll find out later. We're going to have lunch.

Monica: Well you make sure that's all it is. I remember the last time Lucas was home and you two were having what was supposed to be lunch.  He convinced you to jump on a plane and jet of to Las Vegas.

Nigel:  Yes, I remember... most of it anyway.

Monica:  What I remember is that it took you a week to recover.

Nigel (shaking his head): I should never get into drinking contests with Lucas.  A private detective does a lot more hanging out in bars than your average corporate executive does.

Monica: As if there is anything average about you. (She kissed him on the lips and walked into the living room. Nigel followed)   You must be glad to have Lucas back though.  I know how close you two are. 

Nigel:   Well, I’ve missed him and our weekly talks and his occasional visits home just aren't enough.  I hope this case, whatever it is, keeps him in town for a good long while.  But what I'd really like is if Lucas moved back to town.  Not much chance of that, though.  Lucas’ business is not only very successful, it gives him the kind of adventure and excitement that a guy like him thrives on. And there’s not much adventure or excitement in this boring little town.

Monica: And for that, I am forever grateful. Give me a quiet, simple life over excitement any day.

Nigel: I couldn't agree more. (Pause as a grim look came over Nigel's face) Unfortunately, things around here aren't going to stay uneventful for much longer around.

Monica: Why? Has something happened?

Nigel: No, but something is going to happen.

Monica: Nigel, what are you talking about? You're starting to concern me.

Nigel: You should be concerned, I'm definately worried. The rivalry between the Lassiters and the Greyhawks…I know it's been a few years since the feud has been alive, but now it's about to make a comeback.

Monica: Why? Have the Lassiters done something? I can't imagine them wanting to revive things, not after years of relative peace.

Nigel: It’s not the Lassiters. It’s my father. He’s done something, something that is bound to make the Lassiter's retaliate.

Monica: Really? Is it that bad?

Nigel: I'm afraid so, Monica. When this all comes down, nothing's ever going to be the same…for any of us.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Dr. Zachary Dailey is at the nurse's desk, handing Natalie Lassiter a chart.

Zachary: Could you make sure that's done right away, Natalie? I'm anxious to see how Mr. Franklin reacts to the new treatments.

Natalie: You got it, Zach. (Pause) Do you know where Dana is? I saw her talking to you earlier, but now she seems to have vanished.

Zachary: She'll be back soon. Apparently a family friend of hers is in the hospital and she went to see how things are. Can you handle things until she gets back?

Natalie: (with an exaggerated sigh) I've done okay so far, what's a bit longer?

Zachary (smiling): That's the spirit.

Laura: (approaching Zachary): There you are big brother, I've been looking all over for you.

Zachary: Here I am. (He kissed her on the cheek) What's up?

Laura: I want to know what was going on between you and Dad yesterday. (Pause) You guys were having a shouting match could wake up the dead.

Zachary: You say that as if it’s something new. That’s just business as usual between me and him.

Laura: Well, maybe it’s time things change. I realize you and Dad have always had your problems, but the last thing this family needs is for the two of you to be at odds, especially now. This family is going through a terrible time with Candice's death and Dad's divorce from Gloria.

Zachary: I agree.

Laura: Then what are we going to do about it? How are we going to get you and Dad together and heal this family?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor. Rev. David Collier is sitting outside of a hospital room. Mama J.,, Danny James and Dana Cooper walk up.

Mama J.: Rev. Collier?

David: (standing) Mama J.. (He stood, clasping her hands) Thank you for coming.

Mama J.: Of course, Rev. Collier, of course. (Pause as she motioned to Dana and Danny) Do you know Danny James and Dana Cooper? They're friends of the family.

David: (shaking their hands) Nice to meet you both.

Dana: Nice to meet you, Reverend.

Danny: (as David shook his hand) You’re ministering at Southtown Community Church? What happened to Rev. Jenkins?

Mama J.: If you ever came to church you’d know that Rev. Jenkins has been very ill and Rev. Collier came over from St. Matthew’s to help out until he gets better.

Danny: Southtown is a little out of your neighborhood, isn’t it, Reverend?

David: I’m try to help wherever I’m needed.

Mama J.: And we really appreciate it. (Pause) Where is Polly?

David: She's in with him now. She'd probably like it if you went inside and spent some time with her, Mama J..

Mama J.: Of course, I'll go right in. (Pause) But first, how is Sam? Is he going to be all right?

David: The doctors aren't sure. He was beaten pretty badly and suffered some severe head injuries. He's been unconscious since they brought him in. If he doesn't wake up soon….

Mama J. (nodding): I see. Well, I'll get inside to Polly. (She looked to Danny and Dana) Wait for me, will you? There's something I'd like to talk to the two of you about.

Danny: Sure.

Dana: I'll stay as long as I can, but I do have to be getting back to work.

Mama J.: I understand, dear. (Mama J. went into the hospital room)

David: Thank you two for coming. Polly's going to need all the support she can get.

Dana: This is such a tragedy. She's a good woman. She sure doesn't deserve this grief, not after all she did to raise those boys and show them a way to a decent life.

David: You're right. (Pause) I need to make some calls. Could you excuse me?

Dana: Sure. (David walked away. Dana and Danny circled each other, barely giving each other a glance)

Danny: Why don’t you just get the hell out of here?

Dana: I came here to see what I could do for Mrs. Johnson.

Danny: You don't give a damn about that poor lady, her kids or anybody else. (Pause) The only reason you came here is because your boyfriend pressured you into it and you wanted to score points with him. Now you came up here, he's impressed, you can take off. You got what you wanted, isn’t that right?

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department. Det. Eric Lassiter, Det. Angela Sorensen and Capt. Walter Stone are there.

Angela: Captain, you can't be serious.

Eric: Is this some kind of joke? There is no way you hired her to replace Pete.

Walter: She isn't replacing him. No one could do that. But we need another body in this office, you know that.

Eric: That may be true, but why her? I didn't know we had quotas to fill around here. You gonna let affirmative action tell you how to run this office!?

Angela: I worked damn hard for this job! I deserve it! I'm not here to fill a quota!

Walter: I don't operate like that, Eric, and you know it. Sorensen is here because she is the most qualified applicant, not because I need a skirt to dress up the place. And I resent the implication.

Eric: I'm not implying anything, Captain, I'm saying straight out. Everybody knows this office has been criticized for years for not having women on the investigative team. I never thought you'd buckle under the pressure of some feminist wackos, but I guess I was wrong.

Walter: You are out of line, Lassiter, and I suggest you button it before you find yourself so far in you can't dig your way out. (Pause) Eric, I know you and Pete were tight, but you knew the day would come when you'd get a new partner. This can't surprise you.

Eric: You don’t think I'm not surprised to be partnered with my ex-wife's mean spirited sister?

Angela: You actually expect us to work together?

Angela: I certainly never expected it either, Captain. I'm not here to tell you how to do your job, but surely you must know of the history between our families. You can't expect us to work together.

Walter: On the contrary, Officer Sorensen, I do.

Scene: The Greyhawk Estate; the main living room. Nigel and Monica Greyhawk are there.

Monica: Nigel, that's a terrible thing to do the Lassiters. How could your father be so mean?

Nigel: Because he can't forget the past. Monica, I wish Dad would let this feud with the Lassiters die. Part of me can't blame him considering what happened, but that was so long ago. How could anyone hang on to that kind of bitterness and resentment for as long as he has? Sometimes you just need to move on.

Monica: Is there any way you can talk him out of this?

Nigel: You know my father, he can’t be talked out of anything once he sets his mind to something. And even if I could, it's too late for that; the plan is already in motion. Knowing Dad as I do, he waited until now to tell us about it so nothing could stop it. Now, all we can do is brace ourselves for the fallout. I'm sorry about this Monica; I never wanted this feud to start up again.

Monica: Why are you sorry? You haven't done anything.

Nigel: No, but Quentin is my father, and I'm afraid that what he has done will affect you and Vicki.

Monica: I don't see how. Except for Gloria, I don't have much contact with the Lassiters these days, including Eric. And Gloria would never let anything get in the way of her spending time with Vicki. Don't worry about us. We'll be all right. I'm more concerned with the effect it has on you. You seem really upset.

Nigel: I am. As much as I love and respect my father and I understand his bitterness towards the Lassiters, all I can think about is how many people have suffered and how many have been hurt because of this feud. And after all the hurt and pain, we've all finally been able to have a little peace. How are we going to be able to maintain that now with this business stirred up again?

Monica: (glancing at her watch) I wish I could continue this, but I’ve got to get to the hospital for my doctor’s appointment.

Nigel: Oh, of course.

(At that moment, a overweight Hispanic woman walked in, a telephone in her hand)

Woman: I’m sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Greyhawk, but you have a phone call.

Monica: Who is it, Maria?

Maria: It’s Harry Tamakai.

Nigel: Why would he be calling you?

Monica: (shrugging) I can’t imagine. (She took the phone from Maria) Thank you. (Pause as she took the phone) Hello, Harry. What can I do for you? (Pause) Oh, did she? (Pause) We were looking all over for it last night… I didn’t think it might be there. Yeah, I’ll be over to pick it up. Thank you for calling. (Monica hung up and put the phone on the coffee table)

Nigel: What's wrong?

Monica: You know we've been looking all over for Vicki's stuffed sheep.

Nigel: Yeah, I barely could get her to sleep without Ewey last night. (Pause) She left it at Lassiter Mansion?

Monica: Seems so. You know Eric was supposed to meet us there over the weekend to go swimming, but he never showed up.

Nigel: Right.

Monica: Vicki was very upset about her father disappointing her again. Gloria just happened to be there to see Pamela so stayed to calm Vicki down and ended up spending the day with her. I guess she must’ve left Ewey behind then. (She sighed) I’m already running late for my doctor’s appointment and I’m having lunch with Hillary after that. And I’ve got a bunch of errands to run.

Nigel: Then let me drop by and get it.

Monica: Don’t you have to be getting to work?

Nigel: I have a light schedule this morning… nothing really pressing. Besides, I do not want my stepdaughter to go through another rough night’s sleep.

Monica: Nigel, I’m not going to have you dropping by the Lassiter Estate.

Nigel: Why? I’m not afraid to go into enemy territory.

Monica:  (hesitantly)  Yes, but…

Nigel: The Lassiters don’t bite the last time I looked. Besides, it’s a work day.  Look, I know what you’re worried about and none of the family would be around now.  Everyone would be at work at this time of day.

Monica:  Yeah, I guess so.

Nigel:  Now you take care of what you need to and I will go the Lassiters. Problem solved.

Monica: You always seem to be solving my problems, don’t you?

Nigel: (pulling Monica into his arms) That my dear, is what I’m here for.

Scene: Dr. Gary Sorensen's office. Gary is sitting at his desk, talking on the telephone.

Gary: What is it, Kevin? There isn't anything wrong is there?

Kevin's Voice: No, not at all. I know we were talking about playing racquetball sometime; I was just wondering if you wanted to firm something up.

Gary: Sure. Just let me know when?

Kevin's Voice: How about tomorrow after work?

Gary: That's fine. What time?

Kevin: About 6:00. Maybe we could do dinner afterwards.

Gary: Sounds like a plan. Should I meet you at the Covington Bay Sports Center?

Kevin: Yeah.

Gary: Great; then I'll see you then.

Kevin: You'll see me then. I hope you're ready to get the pants beaten off of you.

Gary: Sounds like it’s going to be a quite a game. I look forward to it. Bye, Kevin. (Gary was hanging up the phone, as there was a knock on the door) Come in.

Hillary: (walking in) Hi, Uncle Gary. You're not busy, are you?

Gary: No, I was just finishing up a phone call.

Hillary: That phone call must've made you very happy. I haven't seen you smile like that in a long time. What's going on?

Gary: I'm not sure, Hillary, I'm not sure. But, I can't wait to find out.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the family burial land. Kevin is standing at a headstone marked with Alec's name on it.

Kevin: Well, Alec, another year has gone by…another year without you. I don't know how I made it through, but I did. Even though I miss you do much it hurts, I manage to go on, to keep living, to survive. Sometimes I wonder why, what's the point of it all when the reason for living is gone, but then I realize I have no choice. I have to keep living. I have to go to another day. I guess it's what life is all about. Besides, if I didn't, I'd make you angry. And you know I hated it when you got angry. (Pause) I know I haven't moved on with my life as fast as everyone thinks. I know even you wouldn't like it knowing that after all this time I still…I still haven't moved on. But, I'm going to try, Alec. I swear I am. I'm going to try and get on with things. I have to. For you…and for me too. I don't know if I can do it. I know it's going to be hard. But, I have to start. And I guess I might as well start now.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Zachary's office. Laura and Zachary walk in.

Laura: Zachary, will you answer the question? What do we have to do to get this family back together?

Zachary: Laura, I'm not sure there's anything we can do. Dad and I are so far apart on so many different things…it's not possible for us to see eye to eye.

Laura: You really believe that? You like having such a bitter relationship with your own father?

Zachary: Of course I don't. It would be great if Dad and I could be close, especially with Mom… the way she is. But that isn’t possible.

Laura: Why not?

Zachary: Laura, do you see the world around you? Dad and I disagree on everything from who killed Candice to how I should run the AIDS wing to how I should dress for work. And let's not forget Mom. I will never forget what he did to her. He destroyed her life and look where she is now!

Laura: Zach, I am not saying that you and Dad don't have problems or that he's a difficult man to love, but the fact of the matter is he is our father and he is the only father we will ever have. We owe it to ourselves to work things out and become a family. You know how important that is to me…it certainly was to Candice.

Zachary: You got that right. Candice made it her mission in life to bring Dad and I together and reunite the family. She hosted family dinners, had us go on outings together, anything she could do to bring us together. I can't say she got very far, but she never gave up trying.

Laura: Right, because Candice knew how important family was and how important it was to appreciate them and love them while they are here…because you'll never know when they'll be gone.

Zachary (smiling): That sounds like something she would say.

Laura (returning his smile): Where do you think I heard it? (Pause) The point is, Zachary, she was right. We're a family and we need each other. And we need to do whatever we have to be a family. Candice's death has made that more crystal clear to me than ever.

Zachary: Laura, I understand what you’re to do. It’s certainly not a bad thing. But I don’t think it’s going to work.

Laura: Why not, especially if it’s what we all want. I want it. And I know Dad does. I’ve talked to him. He wants this family to be whole again and he’s willing to work at it. All you have to do is meet him halfway. The question is, Zachary, are willing to do that too?

Zachary: Honestly, Laura, I don't know what good it would do…but for you, I'll give it a try.

Laura (hugging her brother): Thank you, Zachary, thank you. That's all I can ask.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor. Dana and Danny are standing outside a hospital room.

Dana: How dare you lecture me on goodness and decency? What have you ever done in your entire life for anyone but yourself?

Danny: I never claimed to be anything but what I am.  People know who I am and what I'm about. But you, everything about you is phony. You pretend to be this upstanding caring nurse, but you're really this Southtown girl looking for a rich husband to take her to the right side of the tracks. And you'll do whatever it takes to get there.

Dana: Just because I'm trying to improve my life and get something for me and Tim doesn't make me phony. I’ve worked hard for every thing I've got.

Danny: And once you get this doctor, it’ll be the last work you ever do because you’ll quit this job and make your career spending the man’s money. Isn’t that the point?

Dana: You have no right to criticize me, Danny. So I want a man who loves me and can give me more than life in Southtown. There's nothing wrong with that. Am I supposed to settle for less…for men like you my entire life?

Danny: You think the doctor is better than me because he's got money?

Dana: He's better than you are because he's kind and caring and has a sense of morality. He doesn't go out of his way to hurt people. Zachary doesn't have a selfish bone in his body…you have nothing but.

Danny: I admit the doctor seems like a nice guy…he went out of his way to get me out of a jam. But, is that and his money going to be enough to satisfy you?

Dana: What kind of question is that?

Danny: Dana, I have known you your entire life. I know you better than you know yourself.

Dana: You know nothing about me.

Danny: I know everything about you. I know you like to dance on the edge, I know you like to take risks, run a little wild.

Dana: That was a long time ago. I was a little girl who didn't know any better; who thought it was cool to hang around with a bad boy and have life be one unpredictable moment after another. But now I'm a woman…

Danny: You got that right. (He grinned wickedly) You are a woman.

Dana: And I know that taking risks and making life unpredictable leads to nothing but trouble. It got me involved with you…it made me marry you. And it nearly ruined my life. I almost lost my family, my friends and my self-respect because I was stupid enough to believe that you had changed and married you. I turned my back on everyone I loved because they didn't approve of our marriage. Thank God they took me all back after you acted true to form and wound up back in jail. I've had enough pain and upheaval to last me a lifetime, Danny. I won't have anymore…especially at your hands. (Dana walked away)

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter's office. Eric, Angela and Walter are there.

Eric: Captain, do you really expect the two of us to work together? To act as a team?

Walter: I expect you to do what every other officer does in this department; put your personal feelings aside, leave them at the door and get the job done.

Eric: How can we get the job done when we can't trust our partner to be there for us, to watch our backs?

Walter: Eric, if you're questioning Officer Sorensen's skill as a police officer, I suggest you take a glance at her record. She got to where she is with determination and hard work. And she gathered a lot of awards and commendations along the way. She's qualified for the job. I wouldn't have hired her if she weren't.

Eric: Great, so she’s more like Cagney and Lacey instead of Charlie’s Angels. But I still don’t want to work with her. You have to switch teams. Pair her with Jake and I'll take his partner.

Walter: I don’t have to do anything. I make the assignments around here, not either of you. I'm not going to break up a working team just because you can't leave your emotions out of the office.

Angela: Captain, with all due respect, when you offered me the position, I had no idea that I'd be working with Eric.

Eric: And now that you know, do us all a favor and quit.

Angela: You would like it to be that easy, wouldn't you? Well I…

Walter: Stop it! I want this kind of bickering to stop right here and now. You two are a team and that is it. End of discussion.

Eric: Captain, can't we talk about this, just you and I?

Walter: Why bother, Eric? I said end of discussion. Now you two have a lot of work to do. In fact, talk to the desk sergeant. He's got an assignment for you. (They both hesitated) Move it!

Angela: Yes sir.

Walter: Later, Captain.

Eric: (as they walked out of the office) I hope you don't get used to this office sweetie, you won't last the week.

Angela: Oh, and you're going to see to that, are you?

Eric: Count on it, lady, count on it.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; a couple of hours later. It is on the eighth floor and Danny is sitting outside the room alone. Dana walks up.

Dana: Mama J. still inside?

Danny: Oh, you came back. I figured you thought you already did your good deed for the day, looking in on the downtrodden.

Dana (annoyed): I only have a few minutes, Danny, I have to be getting back to work. Is there any word on Sam?

Danny: No. Mama J.'s in there with him. Rev. Collier took Polly home to get changed and get something to eat. They'll be back soon. (Pause) Should I tell them you were here, or would you rather I say it in front of Zachary so he'll take notice?

Dana: Go to hell, Danny.

Eric: (as he approached the scene; Angela alongside him) Oh, I'm sure he'll wind up there eventually…his kind usually does.

Danny (angrily): What are you doing here? I hope you're not here to give me more trouble.

Eric: As much fun as that might be, I'm here on business.

Dana: What business is that?

Eric: Heard about the Johnson boys being attacked; one of them killed. I'm here to investigate. How are the two of you involved?

Danny: We’re not. I’m a friend of the family.

Eric: You have friends?

Dana: (noting Angela) You’re Melody’s sister, right?

Angela: Yeah.

Dana: I heard you were a cop. I’m Dana Cooper. I work with Melody. How’d you get lucky enough to work with this guy?

Angela: (smirking) I drew the short straw. (She noted Danny) And you are?

Danny: Danny James.

Eric: Of the infamous James family.

Danny: Go to hell, Eric.

Eric: You first.

Angela: Eric, can we save this witty banter for later? (Pause) How do the two of you know the family?

Dana: Everybody in the neighborhood knows Mrs. Johnson. She owns the fruit stand on Fifth Street and she's practically babysat for everyone under the age of forty. She's a nice lady and she raised two good kids, despite the fact they grew up in the projects. I hope you find whoever did this. Do you have any suspects yet?

Eric: No, but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out. Most of the crime in Southtown is gang related after all.

Danny: The Johnson boys weren't in any gang.

Eric: How do you know that?

Danny: You live in Southtown long enough and you know who's wearing what colors. But, Andy and Sam wanted no part of that.

Dana: He's right. They were good kids; they had plans to go to college. They weren't in any gang. If that's what you think, you're way off base.

Eric: We'll see.

Dana: What do you mean we'll see?

Danny: What it means is that it has to be gang related. After all, the crime took place in Southtown and the victims were black. It has to be some kind of gang violence. After all, what else is there for young black men to do, isn't that right, Det. Lassiter?

Scene: The offices of Dr. Gary Sorensen; Hillary's office. Hillary and Monica walk in.

Monica: Are you ready to go to lunch?  I’m starved.

Hillary: Sure. We can leave just as soon as I get my purse. But, you said you just came from the doctors? Is everything okay?

Monica: Everything is fine. Just a check up to make sure that everything is going like it should.

Hillary: That’s good to hear.

Monica: Yes, especially now.

Hillary: Why? What’s going on? Is there something to be concerned about?

Monica: No. Like I said, everything is fine. Nothing to worry about.  I wanted to make sure it was okay for Nigel and I to start working on getting pregnant.

Hillary: (startled) What? You and Nigel are going to have a baby?

Monica: We’re thinking about it.

Hillary: Really?

Monica: Yes, it's about time, don't you think?  We've been married for a couple of years now.  Of course I don’t need to think about it. You know I’ve wanted to have Nigel’s baby for a long time.

Hillary: I also know that Nigel has been very reluctant about it, that he’s had definite doubts about it.

Monica:  And he still does, even now.

Hillary:  That surprises you?  His doubts are legitimate ones that you certainly can’t ignore.

Monica: I realize that. But I know he wants a baby. He loves Vicki. He loves her a lot.  But, I know he wants to have a child of his own.  And finally, he’s willing to at least think about it. That’s some progress. He’s refused to even consider it before now.

Hillary: You do understand why he’s hesitant don’t you?

Monica: Of course. I understand it. I really do. But I thought that he was past all that. I thought that he was safe and comfortable and secure in our marriage. I can’t believe that he still… that he still can’t put the past behind him.

Hillary: Do you really expect him too, Monica? Do you really think that your husband can ever put the past behind him? I wonder if you really know what the circumstances of your marriage to Nigel actually are.

Scene:  The Lassiter Estate, the living room.   Nigel is there with Harry Tamakai, a slight middle aged Asian man, who is handing him a ratty stuffed sheep.

Nigel:   Harry, thank you.  I appreciate you calling Monica and letting us know about Ewey.  Vicki is going to sleep a lot more soundly tonight.

Harry:  Glad I could return... (he hesitated, an snotty look on his face)  ...your step-daughter's toy.   Surprising that she would leave it behind since it's so important.  But then children can be careless, can't they?

Nigel:  (dryly)  Yes.  Well, I'm sorry you had to be bothered with it.  I apologize if you were inconvenienced.

Harry:  Thank you.  I appreciate your concern, but don't worry.  It was no more than a brief interruption of my day.  However, I do need to be getting back to it.  I shouldn't be delayed any longer.

Nigel:  You go right ahead, I realize you're busy.  I can show myself out.  I do know where the door is.

Harry:   (wryly)  I imagine you would  (Pause)  I hope your step-daughter will be feeling better.  Children can become attached to inanimate objects until we are able to wean them from such dependencies.  Who knows what would've happened if I hadn't of found it?  I guess it must be a comfort to know that you don't have to really do anything to make her feel better.  (Pause)  Have a nice day.

Nigel:  (as Harry walked out)  The same to you.  (Pause)  I see he's as warm as ever.  Some things never change around here.  (He paused)  Then again, so much has, hasn't it?  (He paused for a moment, his mind swirling with thoughts before he headed for the door... nearly colliding with Kevin in the process)  Kevin!

Kevin:  (stunned)   Nigel?  What are you doing here?

Nigel:  I...

Kevin:  How could you come here?  Why would you come here now... today?

Nigel:  (stammering)   I came to pick up... Vicki's sheep.  You know how attached she is to this thing.

Kevin:  (calming down)  Oh.  Oh yeah.  She left it here when she was swimming the other day.  (Pause as he walked into the room)  I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to overreact.

Nigel:   It's okay.  I'm the last person you would expect to see.  And you have to know I would never come here if I knew you were home.  I thought you'd be at work in the middle of the day.

Kevin:  Usually I would be.  But not today. I really didn’t feel like sitting behind a desk, you know?

Nigel: I guess I do. I guess I… understand.

Kevin: You do?

Nigel: Yes. Kevin, read this morning’s paper. I saw the article about Alec’s death and the fundraiser for the AIDS clinic next month. Today is the fifth anniversary of Alec’s death.

Kevin: Yeah. Then you know why I’m not at the office.

Nigel:  Kevin, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. How are you doing? (Pause) Stupid question.

Kevin: It’s okay. It’s a natural question. Hell, at least you’re not asking why I’m still having a memorial for Alec even though he’s been dead all this time. That’s the look I get from most people, like I’m some pathetic soul who can’t let go of the past.

Nigel:   How could you?  You loved someone you lost.  And I know how much you loved Alec, what he meant to you.  Letting go of that kind of love is hard.

Kevin:   And you know how hard it is for me to let go of the past... of the people I've loved.  After all, how long did it take me to get over you?

Coming Up In Covington Bay

· Kevin's past with Nigel is revealed.

· Eric and Angela get a surprise in their investigation.

· Laura's attempt to heal her family hits a major roadblock.