EPISODE 36

“WATCH AND LEARN”

Scene: Covington Bay Twin Towers. Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter, dressed in a pair of jeans and a gray pullover blouse, is rushing for the door. She opens the door and is startled to see Michael Tamakai standing there.

Patricia: Michael! What are you doing here?

Michael: (walking in) We need to talk.

Patricia: (sighing) I was on my way out.

Michael: Well, whatever you were going to do will have to wait.

Patricia: I don't have time for this right now. I just got a phone call from my editor at the paper. He wants to see me immediately.

Michael: In trouble again, are you?

Patricia: Of course not. They love me at the Times. After all, in less than twenty four hours I provided them with the scoop on Nathan James' accident and gave them the full story on my little adventure with drug dealers. Two front pages pieces. Not bad for someone a lot of people...like A.J. Lassiter...consider a novice, don't you think? Anyway, I gotta go. If you’re going to stick around, lock up when you leave.

Michael: (grabbing her by the arm) Not so fast, little girl.

Patricia: (pulling away) Michael, what is it with you? Every time I come within two feet of you, you're grabbing me.

Michael: That's because you keep trying to get away from me to avoid talking about the latest havoc you've caused.

Patricia: And what havoc are you blaming me for this time? (Pause) Have you been talking to A.J.? He says I'm at fault for what happened last night; are you taking his side?

Michael: I haven't talked to A.J.. I called him to see how he's doing, but he's not at work and he's not answering his phone. He's probably taking a well deserved rest after dealing with you.

Patricia: So you do blame me for what happened last night?

Michael: All I know is what I've read in the Journal; no one received any blame except the men who tried to murder you.

Patricia: Then what are you upset about?

Michael: About what you're doing with your life, Patricia.

Patricia: Michael, I don't have time for this. Either tell me what you're angry about or I am leaving.

Michael: This is about Lucas Greyhawk.

Patricia: Lucas? What does he have to do with anything?

Michael: That's what I want to know. Just when did you lose your mind and start dating him?

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

Nigel: You think it's a bad idea for Monica and I to have a child?

Kevin: Of course, it's a terrible mistake.

Nigel: Why? I love my wife. She loves me. We've got a good, strong marriage, and we both want children. We both accept our situation, we deal with things as they are. And I’ve let any fears about my sexuality get in the way of our future for too long. I’m not going to do that anymore.

Kevin: Nigel, if you honestly believe that you can just shove aside the fact that you are gay like it doesn't matter, then you're fooling yourself. Whether you want to believe it or not, you haven't truly dealt with who you are. And until you do, it wouldn't be fair to Monica, yourself and especially the child to go through with this.

Nigel: I have dealt with this. I know that I am gay and I always will be. I accept that and I can live with that. But it doesn't mean I have to give up my marriage, my family and any hopes of being happy. Lots of gay men are married and have families and they lead perfectly normal, happy lives.

Kevin: Normal and happy. You've used those words a lot today, Nigel. Apparently, you still believe the only way you can be happy is if you follow the traditional route that society, not to mention your father, says you should.

Nigel: It's the truth, isn't it? Look at you. Are you happy? Have you ever been happy living the life of a gay man?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Dana Cooper and Natalie Lassiter are there working.

Natalie: So, you never told me about last night.

Dana: What do you mean?

Natalie: Well, what happened after I left you at Mama J.'s?

Dana: You mean after you stormed out.

Natalie: Dana, I did have good reason. You only brought me there so you could spy on Zachary and Gloria. Worse, you're not sorry about it.

Dana: No, I'm not sorry about going there. A girl has to do what she has to do if she wants to win the game of love. (Pause as Natalie frowned at her) But, I am sorry you got caught up in all this. The last thing I want to do is hurt my best friend. I hope you forgive me.

Natalie: What choice do I have? I am your best friend, it’s my duty to forgive your worst transgressions. I just hope you learned your lesson and realized there is nothing going on between Zachary and Gloria.

Dana: (nodding) I do realize that. I know that Dr. Zachary Dailey is all mine. And tonight, I’m going to show him just how mine he is.

Natalie: Tonight? Do you and Zachary have a date?

Dana: Not just a date... it’s the beginning of something big.

At that moment, the elevator doors slid open and Danny and Mama J. stepped off of them.

Mama J.: You're leaving?

Danny: Only for a little while, Mama J.. I'll be back soon.

Mama J.: Well, what about Nate? Have you seen him?

Danny: Briefly. But, he took a long time with his final tests before he was released and I had to take off before I could really talk to him.

Mama J.: Well, where are you going?

Danny: I have an appointment.

Mama J.: An appointment? What kind of appointment? (Her eyes narrowed in suspicion) Danny, what are you up to?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's room. Nathan James is worriedly pacing the floor.

Nathan: What am I going to do? What am I going to do? He's going to kill me! He's going to kill me! I've got to do something, I can't just wait for him to get me. (Pause) But who do I tell? The police? (Pause) They can't protect me. They can't do anything. He already got to me while I was under guard. They can't help! (Pause) My lawyers! I'll tell them. There must be something they can do. There has to be! (He picked up the phone and started dialing. As the phone started to ring, Nathan felt a strong hand grip his shoulder)

Voice: All right, Nathan, it's time. (Pause) I'm sorry. But you know what I have to do, don't you?

Nathan: (terrified; gasping) Oh, my God!

Scene: Covington Bay High School; the hallway. Richie Stone and Nikki Lassiter are there.

Nikki: All right, Richie, where have you been? I want to know and I want to know now.

Richie: Why are you so upset?

Nikki: Because I have been worried sick about you. I tried to call you all last night and your line was busy and then you disappear without a trace this morning. I thought you had gone to the memorial service, but Melissa said you never showed.

Richie: (nodding sadly) I wish I could've gone. I wanted so badly to pay my respects to Uncle Alec. But Dad forbid it. I don't know what I expected; he certainly never dealt with Uncle Alec being gay or dying of AIDS.

Nikki: I'm sorry. I know you were troubled about not being able to go. So where were you, and why haven't I been able to reach you by phone?

Richie: My cell phone ran out of energy and I didn't realize it until this morning. That’s why you couldn’t get through.

Nikki: And this morning? Melissa told me she talked to you about coming to the service. I called you right after she hung up and no one answered. Why didn’t you answer then?

Richie: I heard the phone ring. I just couldn't get to it.

Nikki: Why not?

Richie: Dad was talking to me and he didn't want to be interrupted.

Nikki: What was he talking to you about? The memorial service?

Richie: (sighing) No. Worse. He found out about me having to testify for Nathan.

Nikki: (grimly) Well you knew he would find out sooner or later.

Richie: I know and I should've told him myself. I guess I was just afraid of his reaction.

Nikki: And how did he react?

Richie: Like I expected. He was angry. He said I was betraying him, trying to make him and the police department look bad by saying they arrested the wrong person. He even accused me of lying about the relationship between Nate and Candice just to help him get an acquittal.

Nikki: But, doesn't he realize how honest you are, that you'd never lie about anything?

Richie: Of course not. My father doesn't trust anyone. I guess it comes with being a cop and dealing with criminals all day. He's suspicious of everyone.

Nikki: Well, he's going to realize he's wrong.

Richie: (shaking his head) My father realize he's wrong? Not likely. I just hope he's not able to go through with what he threatened to do.

Nikki: Which is?

Richie: He said he'd get me taken off the witness list.

Nikki: He can't do that.

Richie: My father is the head of Homicide; that's a lot of power in Covington Bay. He can do a lot of things you wouldn't think he could.

Nikki: But to get you taken off the defense witness list? I don't think so. That would be interfering with a trial or something. And he could get into all kinds of trouble for doing that.

Richie: Maybe, but what if he can get me pulled off the list? I'm one of Nathan's biggest witnesses. I'm the only one who can testify that there was a relationship between Nate and Candice. Without my testimony, Nathan will be convicted for sure!

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's hospital room. Nate is turning around, a look of horror on his face.

Nathan: No! Please don't do this! Please! (Nathan came face to face with Darian) Darian!

Darian: Nathan, I'm sorry. I know you don't want me to, but I have to do this.

Nathan: Do what!?

Darian: Sign your release papers of course. In a couple of hours you're going to be taken back to jail.

Nathan: (breathing a sigh of relief) Oh.

Darian: (eyeing him strangely) What is wrong?

Nathan: (shaking his head) What do you think? Like you said, I'm about to go back to jail in a couple of hours. Who wouldn't be upset?

Darian: Are you sure that's all it is? I mean, you look terrified.

Nathan: Don't you think I have reason to be? I'm going back to jail, going back on trial for a murder I didn't commit. And I could be executed for that crime.  I think that gives me reason to be frightened.

Darian: You're right. It does. It would scare anybody. (Pause) I'm sorry, Nathan, I really am. I know you were working hard to get your life back together. It's not fair that this had to happen. But, you have to remember that it's not over yet. You've got a lot of good people on your side like A.J. Lassiter, Zachary Dailey and your attorneys. They believe in you and they want to help you. And they are just the kind of people who can get things done too.

Nathan: I know. And I appreciate what they're doing. But it doesn't stop me from being scared. Sometimes I wonder if I can make it through another day.

Darian: You can make it, I know you can. You've had a tough life and you've come through it so far. You'll beat this too. (Pause) I'm sorry, but I gotta go. I've got other patients to see. Keep the faith will you?

Nathan: I'll try, Darian. And thanks.

Darian: No problem. (He walked out)

Nathan: (thinking as he paced the floor) Sometimes I wonder if I'll make it through another day. If only he knew how literally I meant that.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor, near the nurses station. Danny and Mama J. are there.

Danny: Mama J., I'm not up to anything.

Mama J.: Really? What kind of appointment could you have that could make you take off now of all times?

Danny: What do you mean?

Mama J.: Your brother is in this hospital, about to be sent back to jail at any minute. Two boys you called your friends were attacked last night. One of them is dead and the other is barely clinging to life. You are needed here. Surely this appointment can't be so important that it can't wait.

Danny: But it is. And if I don't leave now, I'll be late.

Mama J.: For what?

Danny: I'll tell you about it later.

Mama J.: Tell me about it now because if you don't, I'll definitely know something's up.

Danny: Why are you being so suspicious?

Mama J.: Because you are being evasive. Danny, I told you last night not to do anything to make me regret helping you get back on your feet when you got out of jail. I can't help but think you're about to do just that.

(At the desk, Dana and Natalie were working)

Natalie: Well, Dana, I hope things work out between you and Zachary, but don't try to rush things. After all, you really haven't been seeing each other all that long. (Pause) Just promise me you won't push things too far too fast, okay? (She looked up at Dana, who was staring intently at Danny and Mama J.) Dana? Dana?

Dana: Shah! I'm trying to hear.

Natalie: (looking over at Mama J. and Danny) Whatever Mama J. and Danny are talking about is none of your business. Besides, I thought you could care less about what he’s up to?

Dana: Excuse me. (Grabbing a stack of files, Dana stepped off the desk and moved closer to Mama J. and Danny, keeping her head down, pretending like she was reading)

Danny: Mama J., I wish you would stop worrying.

Mama J.: Then stop giving me a reason to worry. Tell me where you are going and what you are up to.

Danny: I don't have time to get into it now, I'm already running late. But, I will tell you all about it when I get back.

Mama J.: And you'll tell me the truth?

Danny: Of course. You know I can't lie to you. You'd see right through me.

Mama J.: You got that right. Okay, go. But, try to be back before Nathan's released.

Danny: I will, I will. (He kissed her on the cheek) See you later.

(Danny ran for an open elevator and stepped onto it, pressing the down button. As the elevator slid close, Dana ran to the desk)

Dana: Nat, I'm going to take my lunch break.

Natalie: Now? I thought we were going to eat together?

Dana: I can't. I just remember I had some errands to run and I'll only have time to do them during lunch because of my date tonight.

Natalie: Oh. (Her eyes narrowed in suspicion) Are you sure that's all it is?

Dana: What else could it be?

Natalie: With you? Just about anything.

Dana: We'll talk about that later. In the meantime, I've gotta take off. I probably should run and take the stairs! (Dana ran down an adjacent corridor)

Natalie: Why do I have the feeling she's running smack dab into trouble?

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the rose garden. Nigel and Kevin are there.

Kevin: Nigel, I am not unhappy because I'm gay. I'm unhappy because I have a dysfunctional family led by a father who hates me. I'm unhappy because I have a job I hate, but I go to it everyday because I have nothing else in my life. I'm unhappy because I lost the one person that meant the world to me, meant more to me than anyone ever has, or probably ever will. I'm unhappy because my life stinks, but none of that has to do with the fact I'm gay. Believe me, I could be straight as an arrow and suffer the same miseries.

Nigel: Maybe you could, but you have to admit that life would be easier if you were straight.

Kevin: Nigel, I have no idea what my life would be like if I were straight so how could I admit anything?  And frankly, you don't know how insulting you're being right now.

Nigel: I'm sorry if I upset you.

Kevin:  Then leave.  Run back to your perfect little life with your wonderful wife and start planning for your baby.  And leave me to wallow in the misery that is my big gay life.  If you can.

Nigel:  But I can. Because I see now all we have left are memores... that's all they ever were. My mistake was letting all that get in the way of the future. I'm not going to do that anymore. And neither should you, Kenneth.  You're a good man, a decent man with... with a lot of wonderful qualities.  Maybe it's time you let someone else see that.

Kevin:  Well Nigel, that might be the first smart thing you've said today.  Now, can you say good bye and actually leave this time?

Nigel:  Actually, there's one more thing.

Kevin: What else is left?

Nigel: I just wanted to warn you, to let you know about...

Kevin: About what?

Nigel: Our families. I know things have been peaceful between us for years now.

Kevin: Yes they have, thank God. We're all glad the Lassiter/Greyhawk war has been dormant. And I hope it always stays that way. We certainly don't need to revive that conflict. There's been too much pain because of that damned feud already.

Nigel: You're right, that's why I think that you should know this.

Scene: Covington Bay Twin Towers; Patricia's apartment. Patricia and Michael are there.

Patricia: Me? Dating Lucas Greyhawk? Where in the world did you get that idea?

Michael: From Lucas himself. He told me you went out on a date last night? Is that true?

Patricia: We started to.

Michael: So you are dating him?

Patricia: Not exactly. Like I said, we started to go out, but we showed up at the same restaurant.  A.J. was there with Kevin.  A.J. and Lucas started bickering and acting like a couple of high school kids so I got angry and left.

Michael: So you admit you're dating him?

Patricia: Yes, I tried to go out with him once to see if he had changed since high school, but he's still the same arrogant, egotistical, selfish jerk he always has been. If I never see him again, that'll be fine with me.

Michael: Well that's good to hear. Patty, I want you to stay away from him, he's nothing but trouble, and he always will be.

Patricia: I know that and I plan on steering clear. I've got too many other things to do to even think about Lucas Greyhawk.

Michael: That's good to hear. I wish I didn't have to think about him.

Patricia:  Why would you have to think about Lucas?

Michael: He's our investigator on the Nathan James case. Sabrina hired him to find evidence we can use to clear Nate.

Patricia: (surprised) Lucas is working on the Nathan James case? I knew he was a P.I. and I knew he was in town working on a case, but I didn't think it was this one.

Michael: It is, which means you'll probably run into him from time to time. I hope you're going to stick to your guns and steer clear of him.

Patricia: Don't worry. I'll do what I have to.

Michael: Good. Now that we've settled that, let's talk about Father.

Patricia: (holding up her hand) Not interested. I have to be going now.

Michael: Patty, you can't go on like this.  He's going to find out you're here, especially after your little escapade last night. Do you really want him to find out by reading the Times or the Journal?  And what about Nina and Marc?  You haven't seen your younger siblings since they were little kids.

Patricia:  And I want to see them.  But as for our father, I don't give a damn if and when he finds out I'm home nor am I interested in seeing him. 

Michael: You're that bitter about the past, you're still that angry?

Patricia: Michael, why ask me questions you already know the answer to? (Pause) Just do me a favor, will you? Don't tell Father where I live.  Bye!

(She walked out)

Scene: Covington Bay High School; a hallway. Richie and Nikki are there.

Richie: Nikki, what am I going to do? If I don't testify for Nate, he's going to be convicted for sure!

Nikki: But, your father cannot stop you from testifying. It would be witness tampering or something.  (Pause)  Why don't you go see Sabrina during your lunch break? Talk to her and tell her what's happened. She's got to be able to do something.

Richie: Yeah, you're right. Maybe that's what I'll do. I just hope she can find a way to stop my father.

Nikki: She's a smart lady, I'm sure she can. (Pause) So, is that why you disappeared this morning?

Richie: What do you mean?

Nikki: Well, I imagine you wanted to give Nathan the bad news. Did you tell him what happened?

Richie: (hesitating) Yeah. I dropped by the hospital and told him all about it.

Nikki: And how did he take it?

Richie: Not well. But what did you expect? I've taken some of his hope away.

Nikki:  Richie, don't give up yet. Like I said, talk to Sabrina.

Richie: I will.  But, that isn't all that's bothering me.

Nikki: What else is there? Has something else happened?

Richie: Yeah. Getting me pulled off the witness list isn't the only thing my father is doing to me.

Nikki: Well, what else?

Richie: He...

Jessica: (walking up) Richie! Nikki!  What are you doing?

Richie:  Hey, Miss Jackson.

Jessica: Richie, shouldn't you be in gym? And don't you have Algebra now, Nikki?

Nikki: Yeah, but we had something important to talk about.

Jessica: It can't be more important than your studies, especially since you both missed class yesterday. Now move along, both of you.

Nikki: But...!

Jessica: Move along!

Nikki: All right.

Richie: We'll talk later.

Nikki: Yeah. I didn't even get to tell you about my meeting with James...

Jessica: (sternly) I said, get to class!

Nikki: Okay, we're going! (She headed in one direction as Richie headed in another) Sometimes school can be such a drag!

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

Kevin: Nigel, whatever it is, I don't want to hear it.

Nigel: But, Kevin, I really think you should know about this!

Kevin: I know enough already, Nigel. Believe me, I've gotten an earful from you today. And I have had all that I can take. Now get out.

Nigel: Kevin, I know you're upset, but you have to listen to me. I...

Kevin: Nigel, I told you I wasn't interested. I told you I didn't want to hear it. Now if you won't leave, then I will.

Nigel: Kevin, don't leave, not until we're finished.

Kevin: But we are finished. How many times did you say that today? You can show yourself out. Goodbye.

Nigel: (as Kevin walked out) Kevin, don't! Kevin! (Pause) Damn, I wanted to warn you what my father has done. I didn't want you to find out in the worst way possible. But now, that's exactly what is going to happen.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; a half hour later. Nathan's room. He is on the telephone.

Nathan: Do you know when Mrs. Collier will return? (Pause) All right. Have her call Nathan James just as soon as she gets in. Good-bye. (He hung up as Richie walked in)

Richie: Hi, buddy.

Nathan: Richie! What are you doing here?

Richie: Since when do I need a reason to see my best friend?

Nathan: You don't. Actually, I expected to see Abby come through that door.

Richie: Abby?

Nathan: Yeah. She came by here awhile ago, said she had to get a drink and she never came back.

Richie: Why?

Nathan: I don't know. I think it's kind of strange.

Richie: Sounds like it. But I'm sure she'll show up soon enough with an explanation.

Nathan: I'm sure she will. But what's your explanation? Shouldn't be in school?

Richie: I was, but this is my lunch break and I thought I'd spend it with you.

Nathan: Well, thanks. I could use a friendly face, especially now. I'm going to be taken back to jail any minute now.

Richie: I know. I saw Dr. Jackson outside and he told me. (Pause) I guess this won't make what I have to say any easier.

Nathan: (worriedly) You've got bad news?

Richie: I'm afraid so. (Pause) Nate, something has happened. I think this is the last time we're going to see one another.

Scene: Lulu's, a greasy spoon type of diner. It is a dirty, dingy place, filled with the scent of grease and smoke. There are patrons in every booth and waitresses in grey uniforms, ones that used to be white are making their way through the restaurant carrying plates of grease thickened food. Danny walks in and looks around for a minute until he spots a hulking white man with dreads sitting at a booth alone. The man was dressed in a ripped tee shirt about two sizes two small for him and a pair of worn jeans. Danny walked over to the booth.

Danny: Hey, Jackson. (He held out his hand)

Leo: (looking up at Danny with cold brown eyes) You're late.

Danny: (taking back his hand and sliding into the booth) Sorry, man. I got held up.

Leo: I already ordered. I hope you're buying.

Danny: I called this meeting, didn't I?

Leo: Yeah you did. I was surprised to hear from you. Like I said, I thought you gave up the old life. I guess it was too attractive to you, huh?

Danny: Something like that.

Leo: You were real mysterious about what you wanted. What kind of job you need done?

Danny: (hesitating, taking a deep breath) It's simple. I need you to help me break somebody out of jail.

As Leo's eyes widened in surprise, Dana appeared in the doorway of the diner. She spotted Danny and Leo, a mischievous smirk on her face..

Coming Up In Covington Bay

· Danny plans Nathan's breakout, unaware that Dana hears every word.

· Nikki's meeting with James gets too close for comfort.

· Michael is surprised about Harry's reaction to Patricia's return.

· Gloria questions her divorce from Glenn