EPISODE 34

“THE ULTIMATUM”

Scene: The offices of Collier and Associates. Sabrina Collier and Michael Tamakai are in Sabrina's office.

Sabrina: So, how's your sister doing? I read about what happened last night in the Journal. That was quite a story. Sounds like she and A.J. are lucky to be alive.

Michael: As usual she escaped with the skin of her teeth. I can't believe that Patty could get into so much trouble after being in town less than 48 hours.

Sabrina: Michael, from what I remember, getting in trouble was something you sister did quite often when she was a kid.

Michael: I certainly cleaned up a lot of her messes back then. Thank God A.J. was there to do it this time.

Sabrina: Well despite the drama you and your family must be glad to have her back in town after all these years.

Michael: That remains to be seen.

Sabrina: What does that mean?

Michael: (shaking his head) Nothing, nothing. (He glanced at his watch) Well I see we're waiting for Lucas to show up once again. Honestly, Sabrina, I don't get why you're working with this guy.

Sabrina: Because he's the best PI's around. His PI firm is quite renowned in L.A..  And he has quite a reputation when he was an FBI agent.

Michael:   Yes, but as what?  Look, I know you have faith in this guy, but what has he done for us so far?   He hasn't made any progress in finding evidence to clear Nathan… if any evidence exists.

Sabrina: Michael, don't start that again. Besides, Lucas just started working on the case.

Michael:  Maybe, but how do you expect him to help us win the murder trial when he can't even show up for a meeting?  Do you really want someone so unreliable in our corner?

Lucas: (appearing in the doorway) Of course you want me in your corner. With my help, winning the Nathan James case is in the bag.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's hospital room. He is pacing the floor, a worried look on his face.

Nathan: (thinking) What am I going to do? How am I going to deal with this? Someone really did push me down the stairs. Someone tried to kill me and they said they'd try again. What do I do? Do I tell my lawyers? Do I tell the police? And if I do will it really matter? Will they, whoever wants me dead, get to me anyway? And who is doing this to me? Who wants to see me killed?

Danny: (walking in) You're finally back.

Nathan: Danny, hi.   Hi.  How are you?

Danny: I think the question is how you are doing, Nate.

Nathan: What do you mean?

Danny: The doctors were checking you out for a long time. I know they said you were going to be released today, but did they find something else wrong with you?

Nathan: No. I have been given a clean bill of health and right now all the paperwork is being done. I should be on my way out of here and back to jail in a few hours. Sort of makes me wish I was sick.

Danny: I can understand that. But, it won't be for long, Nathan. Soon you will be out of here for good.

Nathan: Do you know something I don't know? Has there been a break in the case?

Danny: No. We already discussed this, Nathan. You're going to get out of this and I'm going to be the one who sees to it.

Nathan: Danny, I told you no. That is out of the question. I can't let you try and break me out of jail. I won't let you do that. You can't risk your life and your freedom, not after all you've done to stay out of trouble.

Danny: I will not stand by while you go to prison for something you didn't do.

Nathan: But it isn't certain that will happen! The trial hasn't even started yet.

Danny: What will it take for you to see that the police think they have got their boy? As far as they're concerned, the case is closed. You're as good as convicted.

Nathan: Why are you saying that?

Danny: Because it's the truth, because I want you to face reality. And even if there was some hope that you'd win the trial, let's not forget someone is trying to kill you. I know you're not sure about that, I know you don't want to believe it, but I don't think we should take any chances. We need to get you free now before someone else can take another shot at you. You know I'm right, don't you?

Nathan: Well, I…

(Nathan was about to respond when the telephone rang)

Nathan: I better get that. It could be Richie. Nikki's looking for him and she told me to tell him she's trying to reach him.  (Nathan answered the phone) Hello?

Voice: Hello, Nate. Remember me?

Nathan: (fearfully; recognizing the voice as the man who'd called and threatened his life last night) What do you want?

Voice: Well, to talk to you of course. I have something to say to you.

Nathan: If it's more of what you said last night, I'm not interested.

Voice: You'll be interested in this.

Nathan: Why?

Voice: Because I've decided to give you a chance to live. Of course, in exchange for you life, there's something you have to do for me.

Danny: Nathan, what is going on? Who is that? Who are you talking to?

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

Hillary: So, that's it, huh? You think Nigel is still in love with Kevin Lassiter and that's why he's reluctant to have a child with you?

Monica: What am I supposed to think? Nigel has always said he wants to put that part of his life behind him before he can feel comfortable having a baby. But, he hasn’t, he can’t. I’m starting to think he never will.

Hillary: I don't know whether he will or not. But Monica, even if Nigel does put his feelings for Kevin to rest, he's still gay. And that's something that isn't going to go away no matter how much Nigel might want it to.

Monica: I know that. And I can accept that. I think our marriage can work despite that… it has worked. (Pause) Oh, Hillary, do I sound like a fool?

Hillary: You sound like a woman who loves her husband very much.

Monica: And you don’t think I'm stupid for even hoping that Nigel and I can work out our problems and have everything I want in a marriage? Should I just give up now and let him go?

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Kevin and Nigel are there.

Kevin: So, you still care about me, Nigel.  You still have feelings for me.  You can’t forget the past. You can’t help but be sorry about how things turned out. Am I supposed to feel sorry for you? Are you trying to elicit sympathy? If that's the case, you're going to have to try a lot harder.

Nigel: Kevin, I don't expect you to feel sorry for me. I brought this on myself. I created this situation. I've got so many regrets... regrets that you can't even imagine.

Kevin: Somehow I doubt that. Your first regret is probably being gay, isn't that right?

Nigel: That's not fair.

Kevin: But, it's the truth, isn't it? You hate that side of yourself... those feelings you can't get rid of no matter how hard you try. You did everything you could to get run away from them. You broke up with me, you buried yourself in your work, you dated as many women as you could get your hands on. (Pause) And when none of that worked, you got married. You thought a strong marriage with a loving, caring woman would make the darkness inside you disappear. But, it didn't go away, did it, Nigel?   (Pause)  I could've told you things would never change no matter how hard you wanted them to, Nigel. In fact, I did tell you that time and time again. I tried to make you see breaking up with me was a mistake, that you had to accept who you were because it's the only way you'd ever be really happy. But, you couldn't see that, you swore that you'd be different, that you'd beat this thing as if it were disease to be excised from your body.

Nigel: But, I was wrong. Kevin, I know that now. I know that I can never change who I am no matter how badly I might want it. It took me a long time to accept that, but I have. I'm gay and I always will be.

Kevin: Wow. I’m surprised to hear you say that… hear you admit that after all these years.

Nigel: Well, eventually I had to face the truth and stop running away from it. And I have.

Kevin: You can't imagine how many times I wanted to hear those words. I had hoped so long and hard that you'd realize the way things were, deal with it and try to build something with me. I wanted so bad it hurt.

Nigel: And now?

Kevin: Now it doesn't matter anymore. So much time has passed Nigel. So many things have changed.

Nigel: Including your feelings for me. I know I killed anything you may have ever felt for me. I know you don't love me anymore. I hurt you so badly that it's not possible for you to have any feelings for me anymore.

Kevin: That sounds more like a question than a statement. Is that why you're really here?  Did you know that I'd be here today and picking up your step-daughter's toy was a cover?  Did you come to find out how I felt about you... if there was anything left of what we once had? Is this all just a smoke screen to see if we can pick up where we left off?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor. Dr. Gloria Dailey, Rev. David Collier, Det. Eric Lassiter, Det. Angela Sorensen and Mama J. are standing outside a hospital room.

Gloria: Well, I'd ask what was going on here, but I have a feeling I already know. Eric, what have you done this time?

Eric: Why are you blaming me? I am here in an official capacity to investigate a crime and this... Mama J. has a problem with me being involved.

Mama J.: I'm sorry, Glo. I shouldn't have said the things I did about your boy. It's just after last night and the stress of what's happened, I just got a little upset is all. I'm sorry.

Gloria: Don't be. After all, you do have good reason to feel as you do.

David: Why don't I take you down to the cafeteria, Mama J.? I'll bet you could use a cup of coffee.

Mama J.: Actually, I could. Thanks.

David: We'll be back. (Mama J. and David walked away)

Gloria: Okay, you want to tell me what is going on here?

Eric: Like I said, we're here to investigate a crime.

Gloria: Yes, the young man who was beaten last night and suffered some severe head injuries. He's my patient. 

Angela: How bad is it?

Gloria: He’s critical, he’s suffered some severe head injuries and he’s in a coma. Right now we’re waiting for him to be stabilized long enough for us to operate.

Angela: Do you expect him to wake up anytime soon?

Gloria: I don’t know. I wish I had some answers for you, but at this point I don’t. (Pause) Angela, what are you doing here? Are you with homicide now?

Angela: As of this morning.

Gloria: And you’re working on this case… with Eric? I didn't think you two liked being in shouting distance of one another.

Eric: We don't. But for the time being we have no choice. We’re partners.

Gloria: You must be kidding. You’re partners.

Eric: Hardly. We’re working together. And if I have to say anything about it, this won't last long.

Angela:  I feel exactly the same way.

Gloria: In my opinion, this teaming shouldn't last long, especially since you both carry guns and know how to use them. (Pause) Well, Angela, congratulations. I know you’ve worked hard. You deserve this promotion. (Pause) I imagine you didn't think it would be a trial by fire.

Angela: Well, you know how life plays tricks on you.

Eric (annoyed) Can we discuss the case please?

Gloria: Eric, maybe you shouldn't be discussing it.

Eric: I have to; it's my assignment.

Gloria: But maybe it shouldn't be. Maybe you should get off this case.

Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina's office. Sabrina, Lucas and Michael are there.

Michael: You can guarantee an acquittal for Nathan?

Lucas: As far as I'm concerned, it's in the bag.

Sabrina: And how is that? Is there some sort of evidence out there that we don't know about? Have you found something?

Lucas: Actually, I haven't found anything. I've only been in town a few days; I haven't really done any investigating.

Michael: Then how can you guarantee anything?

Lucas: Because I'm the best at what I do. Because no matter how much evidence there is against your client, I can come up with enough evidence to counterbalance it. I can give you enough to create so many smoke and mirrors, cause so much confusion amongst the jury the won't know what end is up. They won't be able to convict Nathan for getting up in the morning, much less murder.

Michael: But we hired you to find the real killer.

Lucas: You hired me to get evidence to clear your client. Finding the real killer is a job for the police or the do-gooders of the world and I fit into neither category. Besides that, there's always the possibility that your client could be the killer. Surely you both have thought of that.

Michael: It's been discussed.

Sabrina: (warily) Michael... .!

Lucas: Look, I could care less if the kid did kill Candice Dailey and quite frankly neither should either of you. Your job and mine is to get this kid off. If he didn't do it and I can find the real killer, then that's great. It makes all of our jobs a lot easier and it looks real good on paper. But in the end, whether Nate did it or not, is not our problem. It's something he'll have to answer to God for, if there is a God.

Michael: You really believe that? You think it's okay to let a murderer run free?

Sabrina: Michael, stop it! I warned you before and I'm telling you again. Our job is to clear Nathan of murder and that's our only job.

Michael: Even if he did it? (Pause) Come on, Sabrina, surely you must have doubts. You can't just look at all the evidence, ignore that and act as if Nathan is being wrongly charged with murder?

Sabrina: I can because it's what I was hired to do, it's what you are hired to do. If I have problems with my client, if I have doubts, I keep those to myself and I don't let them affect my job. It's time you started doing the same thing. In fact, if you're going to stay on this case and in this office, you're going to have to.  (At that moment, the phone rang. Sabrina answered it) Yes, Julie? (Pause) Right now? I'm in the middle of a meeting. (Pause) Okay, I'll do it. I'm on my way. Bye. (She hung up) Gentlemen, I'm afraid I have to go.

Michael: Is there something wrong?

Sabrina: Oh, a client I defended, successfully I might add, on a burglary charge has been busted again on the same thing. I gotta go do my job again. (She tossed some files in her briefcase) Lucas, keep in touch. Michael, I'll see you later.

Michael: (as Sabrina walked out) Bye. (He glared at Lucas for a moment)

Lucas: You know you'll do so much better as a defense attorney if you stop worrying about pesky details like guilt or innocence.  Truth and honesty sometimes don't matter much in the courtroom.

Michael: I would expect a comment like that from you, Lucas.  And believe me, I'm not surprised.  Neither you or anyone on that family of yours has ever given a damn about truth or honesty.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's room. He is on the phone as Danny watches.

Danny: Nathan, what is going on? Who is that?

Nathan: I...

Voice: Is someone there?

Nathan: Yes.

Voice: Don't tell them what's going on.

Nathan: What?

Voice: Don't tell them what's going on. Or you don't have a chance.

(The line went dead. Nathan hung up)

Danny: Nathan, who was that?

Nathan: Uh... no one.

Danny: You expect me to believe that. It's obvious it wasn't no one. You were talking to someone. And you look terrified. What is going on?

Nathan: Nothing. It was just a wrong number.

Danny: You expect me to believe that? I don't. You happen to be a lousy liar. Now what is going on, little brother? And I want the truth!

Scene: Hillary's office. Hillary and Monica are there.

Hillary: Do you want to let him go?

Monica: Of course not. I love him.

Hillary: Is that what Nigel wants?

Monica: No. He says he wants to stay married. But, should we? Can it even work?

Hillary: Monica, when you first told me about your problems with Nigel, I told you it's something that is not going to disappear, that you would always have to deal with it one way or another. I still believe that.

Monica: So it's hopeless?

Hillary: Of course not. Lots of gay men marry for lots of reasons and many of them go on to have happy marriages.

Monica: But lots of them don't too.

Hillary: You're right. But, it all depends on what Nigel really wants... you or Kevin Lassiter.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Kevin and Nigel are there.

Kevin: Answer the question, Nigel. Did you come here hoping to find out if there was a chance for us?

Nigel: Of course not. Kevin, I'm married. I love my wife. What I felt for you… what I feel for you… can never lead to anything. I know that. I’ve known that for a very long time.

Kevin: Then what is this about? Why did you come here?

Nigel: I told you I came here to pick up Vicki’s Ewey. It had nothing to do with you. I have put things put things in perspective. I’ve looked at myself and realized that there are certain things you can never change and that you have to deal with things as they are, not as you'd like them to be.

Kevin: Meaning?

Nigel: Meaning that I know that there are things that will never change. One is that I'm gay. And two is that I will always love you. It took me a long time to accept that, to be able to feel those feelings without hating myself, hating what I was. I'm comfortable with myself now, Kevin, I can live with myself.

Kevin: Are you telling me you're ready to come out after all these years?

Nigel: No, of course not. Accepting that I'm gay and being able to live with that doesn't change the fact that the lifestyle isn't right for me. I want all the same things I've always wanted; a marriage, children, a family. Things I could never have with you or any other man.

Kevin: Things you've convinced yourself you need a woman to have. But, that isn't the point here. Nigel, you haven't changed at all. This is the same thing I heard from you all those years ago when you broke up with me.

Nigel: You're wrong, Kevin. Back then I couldn't live with who I was. Now I can.

Kevin: Admitting that you're gay is not the same as living with it, especially since the only person you're admitting to is yourself.

Nigel: But I've admitted it to Monica. She knows. She knows the whole story.

Kevin: Really? Does she know you're here telling me how much you love me?

Nigel: No, but she will. I've always been honest with my wife. That isn't going to change now.

Kevin: Well bully for you. How wonderful it is that you can be honest with your wife about your alternative lifestyle.

Nigel: I'm not living an alternative lifestyle. That's the point.

Kevin (bitterly): Boy, do I know that.

Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina's office. Michael and Lucas are there.

Lucas: Are you sure A.J. isn't here throwing his voice because that sounds like something he would say.

Michael: He would be right.

Lucas: Mikey, just because your father has spent his life cleaning up after the Lassiters doesn’t mean you have to tow the party line.  Or is hating my family part of the job description that came with being a servant for them?

Michael: I don't need to have known the Lassiters to dislike you or your family, Greyhawk. I've been around long enough to see the rotten things you've done up close. I didn't like you when we were kids and that hasn't changed a bit.

Lucas: You don't have to like me. I'm here to do a job for Sabrina, so how you feel means little to me. (Pause) Your sister, however, that is a different story.

Michael: My sister? What is that supposed to mean?

Lucas: She's grown into quite a beauty. She's not the little girl in pigtails that used to tag after you and A.J.

Michael: You've seen Patricia?

Lucas: Oh yeah. We had a date last night.

Michael: You're lying. Patricia would never go out with a Greyhawk, especially you. She knows that you're nothing but trouble.

Lucas: Mikey, I don't know if you realize this about your sister, but she likes trouble.

Michael: Look, whatever nasty scheme you have in mind where my sister is concerned, forget about it!  Stay away from her!

Lucas: Or what? Michael, don't bother threatening me. It means nothing coming from a Lassiter. It means even less coming from one of their errand boys. (Lucas walked out)

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's room. Nathan and Danny are there.

Danny: Well, are you going to tell me who was on the phone? And don't even try to convince me it was no one because I won't believe it.

Nathan: All right, I'll tell you. I was never a good liar anyway. I could never lie to you. (Pause) It was a reporter.

Danny: A reporter?

Nathan: Yeah, a reporter from the Times. They want to know if I'll tell my story, they want exclusive rights to my version of what happened between me and Candice.

Danny: I hope you told them to jump in the lake. The last thing you need is to talk to some reporter from that rag. They would just twist the truth and make things worse for you.

Nathan: (nodding) I know, that's what Sabrina said when they called before. She said I should just hang up on them and not listen to what they have to say.

Danny: Well, for once, your attorney is right. You can’t trust anybody. Anybody but me, that is. (Pause) I’m going to help you, Nate, whether you like it or not.

Abby: (walking in) Hi, Nate, I... (She stopped short) Oh, hello, Danny. I didn't know anyone was here.

Danny: Well, as you can see, I am here.

Abby: I hope I'm not interrupting anything? I can come back..

Danny: (glancing at his watch) No, you may as well stay. I've got to take off anyway. I've got an important appointment.

Nathan: With who?

Danny: We'll talk about it later, little brother. Catch you later. (Danny walked out)

Abby: I hope I didn't scare him off?

Nathan: (shaking his head) No. I'm starting to learn there's very little that scares my brother... very little at all.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the family burial plot. Kevin and Nigel are there.

Nigel: Kevin, I don't expect you to understand. I don't think you ever understood my need for marriage and a family.

Kevin: Nigel, I understand those needs; I wanted those things too. And I had them with Alec. Oh, I know you don't see it as a real marriage. In your mind, we were two guys playing house. But he was my spouse, my life partner in every sense of the word. So what if we didn't have a piece of paper that made it legal. We felt it, we knew it. And that's what was really important. As for a family, we wanted that too. And we would've had it... if Alec had of lived.

Nigel: And I'm sure you and Alec would've been very happy. In fact, I wish he was here for you and you could have all those things.

Kevin: You and me both. It would've been perfect. We would've had what most people would kill for: someone you love more than life, a home, children. The American dream.

Nigel: Or as close as you could get to it.

Kevin: I should've expected something like that from you. More than anything you want everything in your life to be accepted by the norms of society, isn't that right? You want people to look at you and say there is a man with morals, values, and virtue. A family man who works hard and brings home the bacon to his wife and children. You want the white picket fence and everything that comes with it, lock, stock and mortgage.

Nigel: Is there anything wrong with that? Why did you always put those dreams of mine down?

Kevin: Nigel, I never did that. I put down that you had to live a lie to do it.

Nigel: But, I'm not living a lie. I love my wife. I love our stepdaughter. And I love being married. It's right for me.

Kevin: Why? Because society says it should be. Or even more importantly because Quentin Greyhawk likes it.

Nigel: Why bring my father into it?

Kevin: Because more than anything that's what it's all about. Your whole life is about pleasing your father, living the life he wants for you. And somehow being not only gay, but in love with a Lassiter, his sworn enemy, is not the life Daddy planned for his little boy, is it?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor. Gloria, Eric and Angela are there.

Eric: Are you kidding? Get off this case? Why?

Gloria: You saw Mama J.'s reaction. She doesn't trust you. She doesn't think you can solve this case.

Eric: I don't give a damn what she thinks!

Angela: You know, this seems to be getting personal. I think I'll get a cup of coffee myself. Excuse me.

Gloria: (as Angela walked away) Eric, you should care what Mama J. thinks. She's very well respected in Southtown; a lot of people listen to what she has to say. And I have no doubt what happened in her place last night between you and Danny James is all over that neighborhood. Everybody is going to believe you're a racist, bully cop.

Eric: But, that isn't true!

Gloria: Maybe it isn't. But the people in Southtown will believe it is. How effective do you think you'll be investigating this crime if no one will cooperate with you?

Eric: I'll be damn effective. I've dealt with these Southtown people before and they've always been less than cooperative. They're like that with all cops, it's an unwritten rule.  But it's never stopped me from getting the job done in the past.  It won't now either.

Gloria: Let's hope not. Two good kids were brutally beaten last night. One of them died, the other may not make it. And if he does, he'll probably never be the same. Someone has to be brought to justice over it. I hope you're able to do it.

Eric: Is that doubt I hear in your voice, Mom? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. A.J.'s the one who you usually save the encouraging words for.

Gloria: Eric, in the last twenty-four hours, I have had you verbally assault me for daring to wake you up out of a drunken stupor. Later I saw you, drunk or almost there, harass and try to illegally arrest a man simply because you were looking to cause trouble. Just how encouraging do you think I should be? (Pause) Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a patient to see.

(Gloria went into the hospital room as Angela walked up, a cup of coffee in her hand)

Eric: You're back quickly.

Angela: Well, Mrs. Johnson will be here soon. I want to be there when she's questioned. (Pause) Your mom didn't look too happy. I guess things didn't go too well between you, huh?

Eric: (sighing) Well, everyone can't like you.

Angela: You're right about that. And it's amazing to me how often you prove it.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's hospital room. Nathan and Abby are there.

Nathan: Abby, it's so good to see you. You can't imagine how much I appreciate this visit.

Abby: What are friends for? I said I'd always be here for you and I meant it. I know today's tough for you... having to do back to jail and all.

Nathan: I know I've only been out for a day and I've even been under guard, but I've enjoyed I so much. It's not prison. It's not the cold, iron bars, the nasty smells all around you, the screams and taunts of the other prisoners…

Abby: Oh, Nate, I hate this, I wish there was something I could do.

Nathan: Thank you, but there isn't. I'm going back to jail, it's going to happen. The doctors are finishing the paperwork as we speak.

Abby: So how soon is it going to happen?

Nathan: Any minute, I guess. Right now I've got the last few moments of the closest thing to freedom I'm going to know for a long time.

Abby: Don't say that, Nathan. You're going to get out of this. You're going to get out of these murder charges. I believe that. I have faith that the truth will come out.

Nathan: From your lips...

Abby (shaking her head all of a sudden): Look, I need to get a drink. I think I'll go down to the cafeteria. Would you like anything?

Nathan: No, I'm fine.

Abby: Okay then, I'll be right back.

Nathan: And I'll be here, right where you left me. (Abby walked out. After a few moments, the phone rang. Nathan stared at it, fear in his eyes, then answered it) Hello?

Voice: It's me. I told you I'd call back soon. I hope you're alone this time.

Nathan  (nervously): I am.

Voice: Good, then we can talk without any interruptions.

Nathan: Did you mean what you said? Did you really mean you wouldn't kill me... or try to again?

Voice: Of course I meant it. But first, you have to do something for us and then we’ll let you live.

Nathan: But what could I do?  I can't go anywhere or do anything, I'm in jail or close to it.

Voice: You could plead guilty to murdering Candice Dailey.

Nathan: What?

Voice: You could plead guilty to the murder you've been charged with.

Nathan: But, I can't do that. I'm innocent!

Voice: So you've said. But, the police, most of the people in this town and certainly neither do the men and women of the jury don't believe you. They're going to fry you. You're sure to be convicted and sure to get the death penalty. But, if you plead guilty, you'll get twenty-five years to life.

Nathan: You want me to spend my life in jail for something I didn't do?

Voice: Is it better than dying strapped to a gurney while they inject poison in your veins? Look, I am giving you the chance to live... to end this now. You can stop all the grief your family is bound to suffer and save yourself from going through a trial you're sure to lose. But, most of all you get to live. And all you have to do is plead guilty.

Nathan: I can't do that!

Voice: Then you're a dead man. And I'd think you'd learn I was capable of doing it after your little accident yesterday.

Nathan: Why are you doing this to me!?

Voice: I didn't do this to you, you did this to yourself. You only have yourself to blame. If only you'd...

Nathan: If only I'd what?

Voice: (ignoring him) Nathan, I have given you two options and you need to make a decision. Now you have a choice. You can either confess to murder or you can be dead before the day is out. Life or death, it's as simple as that. So, what's it gonna be?

Coming Up In Covington Bay

· Nathan comes to a decision.

· A.J. gets an unwanted visitor.

· Dana catches onto Danny.

· Michael wants Patricia to tell the truth.