EPISODE 38

"PLANNING STAGES"

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor. Dr. Darian Jackson and Dr. Zachary Dailey step off the elevator and walk to the lounge.

Darian:   I hear you were quite the hero at Mama J.'s last night.

Zachary:   Me? Heroic? Exactly who have you been talking to?

Darian: Actually, it's all over the neighborhood how you stepped in and stopped Eric Lassiter from arresting Danny James on a phony assault charge.

Zachary: Well, it wasn't exactly phony. Danny did hit Eric.

Darian: Maybe, but from what I hear, Eric was harassing Danny and pushed him into it.

Zachary: That's pretty much the way it happened. But, I'm no hero. I was just doing what anyone else would've.

Darian: That's not true. It's not often you see whites doing anything to help the blacks in Southtown.

Zachary: Maybe, but I wouldn't call what I did promoting racial harmony. (Pause) I just wish it hadn't of happened. Not only did Danny not deserve that, I felt so sorry for Gloria. Seeing her son drunk and acting like a bully was horrible for her. She was so embarrassed.

Darian: Nobody likes it when their kid turns our rotten. I guess even in a family as wealthy and powerful as the Lassiters there's a black sheep.

Zachary: (grinning) In the Lassiter family? There's more than one.

(At that moment, the elevator doors slid open and Patrick stepped off of them. He looked around for a moment and spotted Darian and Zachary. He at first hesitated to go over, but then took a deep breath and marched over to the doctors)

Patrick: Darian?

Darian: (turning, a surprised look on his face) Patrick, what are you doing here?

Patrick: I'm here on the Nathan James case. I understand he's going to be released soon.

Darian: Any minute now. His paperwork is almost finished. (Annoyed) Why? What does that have to do with you?

Patrick: I'm here to supervise and make sure his transfer back to jail goes smoothly.

Darian: Patrick, I thought you worked with the D.A.'s office. They got you doing guard duty now?

Patrick: (grimacing) Darian, I'm just here to make sure the prisoner is escorted back to jail. Lest you forget, he's a murderer and this is a very important case.

Darian: I know he's been accused of murder. And since I do read the local paper, I know there hasn't been a conviction yet.

Patrick: You know what I mean.

Darian: I know you want to believe that Nate could kill someone. I know your office is eager for a conviction. After all, this case is just a stepping stone up the ladder of success for Evan Maitland. And you get to ride his coattails.

Patrick: (sighing) It's my job, Darian, and I'm not here to argue with you. Now, how soon will Nathan James be ready?

Darian: Soon. His final paperwork is being prepared. It should be any minute now.

Patrick: Good. (He glanced at his watch) I'll be right back. I need to make some calls. (Patrick walked away)

Zachary: (sarcastically) Thanks for the introduction.

Darian: Oh, you don't want to meet that guy.

Zachary: You obviously don't care for him.

Darian: Let's just say we have our differences.

Zachary: How long have you known him?

Darian: We go way back.

Zachary: Really? (Pause) I saw him the other day at the courthouse before the trial was about to begin. He's the D.A.'s co-chair on this case, isn't he?

Darian: (bitterly) More like flunky.

Zachary: Wow, you really got it in for this guy. Is there a lot of bad blood between the two of you?

Darian: You could say that. He's my brother.

Scene: Covington Bay High School; a room full of old school furniture. It is barely lit by one single bulb. Nikki Lassiter walks in.

Nikki: (closing the door) Greyhawk? Greyhawk, are you here? (She is looking around in the darkness) Greyhawk, are you here? I don't have a lot of time...I have a lot of things to do before lunch is over!

James: (popping out from behind a huge wooden cabinet, startling her) Here I am!

Nikki: You jerk! You scared me.

James: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think you were so easily frightened.

Nikki: When people jump out at me in dark room, yes, it scares me. Now, what is this about? What did you want to see me for?

James: Oh, anxious to get down to business, are you?

Nikki: I'm anxious to get away from you. So, what is it? What couldn't wait until this afternoon?

James: Well, I... (Suddenly, James looked up, grabbed Nikki and pulled her close to him)

Nikki: What in the world are you doing!? Let me go!

James: Not yet. There's something I've got to do first.

(As Nikki looked stunned, James put his arms around Nikki and started to kiss her)

Nikki: (pulling away) You creep! Let me go!

James: (keeping a tight grip on her) Don't move or you'll ruin everything.

Nikki: What are you taking about!? Let me go!

James: In just a minute! And don't turn around! (He looked over her shoulder, speaking to someone standing near the door) Hey man, there's someone in here!

Boy's voice: Sorry, dude! Didn't mean to interrupt!

Girl's voice: Don't be in here all day...lunch is almost over.

James: No problem. (Nikki heard the door close and he let her go)

Nikki: Why did you do that!?

James: I had no choice. I couldn't let them see you...see us together because that would create too many suspicions. I had to do something to stop them from seeing your face. And well, this is the cloakroom. It's make out central. Makes sense, don't you think?

Nikki: (sarcastically) Oh, it makes a lot of sense. But, they are gone now, right?

James: Yeah. We're safe.

Nikki: I wouldn't say you were safe.... (Nikki reached out and soundly slapped James) ...from me!

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan James's room. Richie Stone is in the room alone, worriedly pacing the floor. A few minutes later, Nathan walks in, fully dressed, buttoning his shirt.

Nathan: Richie, you're still here. Shouldn't you be getting back to school; your lunch break will be over soon.

Richie: I know, but I couldn't leave just yet.

Nathan: But, Richie, you can't take the chance of someone seeing you here and having it get back to your father. He told you to stay away from me. I think you should take his advice and do just that before you get into any more trouble.

Richie: Nate, I just hate leaving you now. I know there's nothing I can do to stop you from having to got to jail, but I can at least be here to support you.

Nathan: And I appreciate that. (He sighed) I hate the idea of going back to that place. Being in the hospital has almost been like a vacation. But, I guess I should get used to prison. After all, it's where I'm going to be spending my days for the next sixty years or so.

Richie: Nathan, don't talk like that. I know you have to go back to jail and I know things look bad, but you can't give up. The trial hasn't even started. And with everyone working to free you, we've got plenty of time to get the evidence we need to get you acquitted. You can't assume you're going to spend the rest of your life in jail.

Nathan: I don't have to assume it, Richie, I know it's going to happen. And you know, I really shouldn't be surprised by this. I guess I shouldn't have expected any less.

Richie: What does that mean?

Nathan: It means that my entire life has been one failure after another. First it was my parents dying, then my sisters were taken away and adopted into other families and then Danny was arrested and put in jail. I always manage to lose whatever was important to me, whatever was worth fighting for in my life. Why should I have expected now to be any different?

Richie: Nate, what is happening to you...losing Candice and then being accused of her murder is horrible and unfair. But, it doesn't make you a failure. You didn't do anything wrong. This is not your fault. You're a victim in this, too.

Nathan: Richie, I'm not a victim. I am as much to blame for this as the person who killed Candice. I helped them kill her.

Richie: Nate, that's nonsense!

Nathan: No, it's the truth. I am partially responsible for Candice's death. If it weren't for me, she would still be alive.

Scene: Lulu's. Danny James and Leo Jenkins are sitting in a booth while Dana Cooper sits in the next booth, listening to their conversation.

Danny: Listen, I don't think I can keep Nathan in jail. Are you sure you can't do it once he's back behind bars?

Leo: I can probably do it, but like I said, it's much more dangerous. In a hospital, not only will the security be much lighter, but the cops won't be so eager to fire on us during the escape. It'll be completely different in a police station. Much more of a chance of your boy getting hurt.

Danny: I guess you're right. I guess I need to find a way to keep Nathan in the hospital...if it already isn't too late. (Pause) I'm just wondering how I'm going to pull this off.

Leo: Danny, you are out of practice, aren't you? (Pause) It's a hospital, there are drugs everyone. There must be one there than you can use to make Nathan sick enough to stay in the hospital for a few days. That'll give you enough time to come up with the money and then we can do the job.

Danny: (shaking his head) First I make my brother sick, then I find a way to come up with ten thousand dollars. I don't know which will be more difficult.

Leo: I have complete faith in you, Danny. You forget, I've seen what you're capable of when you have to do something.

Danny: But, that was a long time ago.

Leo: But not long enough for you to forget how to play dirty.

Danny: (grimly) No, I know what I have to do and I'll do it. I have to. It's Nathan's life.

Leo: Glad you know you’re in. (Leo stood) I gotta go. Call me when you're ready.

Danny: Later. (Leo walked away. Danny sat there for a moment, then leapt to his feet and rushed out. Dana appeared from the next booth, a big grin on her face)

Dana: Gotcha.

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

Richie: Nathan, you had nothing to do with Candice's death.

Nathan: You don't think she died because of me?

Richie: Of course not. You had no more reason to want to hurt her than I did.

Nathan: But you think James Greyhawk killed her?

Richie: I'm certain of it.

Nathan: And what would've been his motive? He would've killed her out of revenge...killed her because she wanted me instead of him.

Richie: But, that doesn't make it your fault. James killed Candice...he did all those horrible things to her. It is not your fault.

Nathan: But, Richie, I can't help but think what would've happened if I hadn't of come along.

Richie: I don't know. Candice probably would've married James. He certainly wanted that and so did her father.

Nathan: Yes, and she would still be alive.

Richie: Maybe. But would she be happy married to James Greyhawk; caught in a loveless marriage with someone who only saw her as a trophy? I don't think so.

Nathan: But she'd still be alive. She would still be here...she would still... (He grimaced in pain) Richie, I just miss her so much. I miss her so much it hurts. Do you know every night I dream about her? I smell her perfume, I hear her laugh, I feel her hand touching my face. I relive every moment of our relationship...from that day we met in the hospital. I was being brought into emergency after being stabbed in some gang fight. She was here working as a candy striper. I was in pain...bleeding...so scared I was gonna die. And wondering how I was stupid enough to let this happen to me. (Pause) Candice knew who I was...why I was there, but it didn't matter to her. All she cared about was making me feel better, even by just talking to me and letting me know it would be all right and that I would get through this. Seeing that beautiful face, hearing her show such concern and caring for someone she didn't even know and should be afraid of...I think I fell in love with her at that moment. (He sighed) Of course it all ended when Eric Lassiter showed up and arrested me.

Richie: But, it didn't end there. That was just the beginning.

Nathan: I know. I guess it was just fate that the judge sentenced me to serve some of my sentence working in the emergency room so I could see first hand what violence does to people. It brought me in contact with Candice, Zachary Dailey, and you. It made me realize that the life I'd led was going nowhere and that I could go somewhere and do something with myself despite my background. Or at least I thought so. I guess this proves you can't really escape your past.

Richie: This proves that James Greyhawk was able to frame you for murder. But, he won't get away with it.

Nathan: Richie, I'm glad you're so sure. But, I'm not. Life has shown me that nothing good ever lasts, that once you're a loser kid from the wrong side of the tracks, it's where you'll stay. (Pause) I always thought of my life with Candice as when my world really started. But, now I know different. What I had with Candice was a fantasy. One way or another it would've never lasted. Me, facing prison, my life in shambles...that's reality. That's my life...as long as it lasts anyway.

Scene: Covington Bay High School; the cloakroom. Nikki and James are there. James is rubbing his jaw.

James: Why did you slap me?

Nikki: Why did you kiss me?

James: I had to.

Nikki: And I had to slap you. Don't you ever, ever touch me...especially like that...ever again!

James: It was necessary. I didn't want anyone to see who you were. Like you said, no one can know we're in contact, especially your boyfriend, since he is the one working with Nathan James to frame me for murder.

Nikki: So you believe my story.

James: I believe Nathan James would concoct such a nasty scheme. After all, anyone who could brutalize and murder Candice in the way she was killed is capable of anything.

Nikki: You're right. Is that why you insisted you see me here? You want to work together?

James: (grinning) You seem eager to join forces with me.

Nikki: What does that mean?

James: It means that maybe you enjoyed that kiss. Maybe you enjoyed it a lot.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor nurses station. Darian and Zachary are there.

Zachary: Your brother? I didn't know you had a brother...just sisters.

Darian: Well, as you can see, Patrick and I aren't that close so I don't talk about him much. Today was the first time in months that I've seen him.

Zachary: In Covington Bay? I find that hard to believe. You usually can't go a day without bumping into everyone you know.

Darian: Usually, but Patrick and I don't travel in the same circles.

Zachary: But, you're family. I know he's prosecuting Nathan and you believe in his innocence, but surely you're not letting this trial get in the way of a relationship with your brother.

Darian: Zachary, my brother and I were estranged long before this trial. In fact, Patrick has pretty much cut himself off from the entire family. (Pause) He wants nothing to do with any of us. And after all that's happened, we pretty much feel the same way.

(The elevator doors opened and Danny stepped off of them. He rushed over to Darian and Zachary)

Zachary: Danny!

Darian: Hi, Danny.

Danny: Hi. (Pause) Is my brother still here?

Darian: Yeah, but unfortunately not for long. He's due to be taken back to jail any minute now.

Danny: Then I'm not too late. Thanks!

(Danny rushed down a corridor)

Darian: (puzzled) What was that all about?

Zachary: I guess Danny wanted to see his brother before he's taken back to jail.

Darian: Maybe, but Nathan's room is in the other direction.

(At that moment, Dana came rushing out of an adjacent corridor)

Zachary: Dana! Dana!

Dana: (stopping) Oh, Zachary. Hi.

Zachary: Can I talk to you for a minute? I want to talk about tonight.

Dana: Oh, Zachary, I really don't have time. I'm right in the middle of something that can't wait. Can I catch up to you later?

Zachary: Of course. I'll talk to you later. (Dana rushed away) Wow, everyone's in a hurry today.

Darian: Yeah, if I didn't know any better, I'd swear Dana was chasing after Danny.

Zachary: Well, I know that's not true considering how things are between them.

Darian: Yeah. Those two have come quite a long way since they were kids, haven't they?

Zachary: What does that mean?

Darian: What does what mean?

Zachary: Well, you're making it sound as if Dana and Danny have known each other quite well.

Darian:  They did grow up together.

Zachary:  Yeah, but you're making it sound as if... as if there was something more.

Darian:   Well there is of course.  (Darian stopped himself) Wait a minute. You mean you don't know? (At that moment, the intercom paged Darian to the nearest telephone) I better get that. I'm sorry, Zachary,  I gotta go.

Zachary: Can we talk about this later? I'd like to know what you meant by that.

Darian: (hesitating) Maybe you better ask Dana. I think she should tell you about this. It really isn't my place.

Zachary: Oh, sure. (Darian walked away) I knew there was something going on between Danny and Dana, I just knew it. Now all I need to do is find Dana, and find out what it is she's hiding from me.

Scene: Covington Bay High School; the cloakroom. Nikki and James are there.

Nikki: Greyhawk, I know that you had a big ego, it runs in your family, but you are crazy if you think I enjoyed being slobbered all over by you. I used to have a pet bulldog with better technique.

James: So you're saying you didn't like it?

Nikki: I'm saying you disgust me and the less time I have to spend with you the better.

James: Ahh, but we're going to be spending lots of time together in the coming days and weeks.  We're going to have to get used to each other, like it or not.

Nikki: Well, I choose not to like it. And spending time together hardly means you kissing me.

James: But don't you miss being romanced by the man in your life?

Nikki: You are not the man in my life. And as for romance, Richie is very romantic.

James: Really? The biggest emotion Richie Stone seems capable of giving off is moroseness. When does he have time to be a boyfriend to his girlfriend when he's busy framing innocent people for murder?

Nikki: (sighing) My relationship with Richie is really none of your business. Now, why did you invite me here, James? We already had a date scheduled.

James: Well, that's why I asked you here.

Nikki: To cancel?

James: To postpone until this evening. Say around 7.

Nikki: Why so late?

James: My family is having a big meeting at my father's office this afternoon and I have to be there. Dad says it'll take awhile to hash everything out.

Nikki: But why would you have to be there? You're not involved with the business, are you?

James: No, but one day I will run Greyhawk MedTech Inc.. It's only natural I be in on some aspects of the business.

Nikki: (grinning) Yeah, I imagine they'll need someone to take notes and serve coffee. (Pause) Fine, Greyhawk, I'll see you at seven. And do me a favor. Keep your hands and your lips to yourself, or you'll find them severed off and tossed into the bay for the fish to feed off of.

James: If you're trying to make a point, I think I got it.

Nikki: Good, I'm so glad we understand each other. Good-bye.

James: (as Nikki walked out) Bye. (Pause) I don't understand what you're all about, Miss Lassiter, but I will, I will.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the sixth floor lounge. Darian is standing at the elevator, waiting for the door to open. It slides open and Patrick is standing there.

Darian: Oh, I think I'll just wait for the next elevator. (Darian started to walk away)

Patrick: (rushing after his brother) Wait a minute, Darian,  I need to talk to you.

Darian: (turning) What about? I haven't heard from nor seen you in months. What could you possibly want to talk to me about now?

Patrick: (taking a deep breath) I understand you're the physician who has been taking care of Nathan James?

Darian: Yes. Why?

Patrick: As I said, I'm here to make sure he is escorted back to jail. Is everything in order? Is he ready to be transferred?

Darian: I just signed the final papers and was going to go upstairs and tell the guards he can be taken to jail.

Patrick: Good. I'm glad everything is in order.

Darian: And order is how you like things, isn't it?

Patrick: (sighing heavily) Darian, I don't have time. Let's just do our jobs and move on, shall we?

Darian: You can't spare a few minutes for your brother? Don't you want to know how I am...how Mama J. or your sisters are? Do you care?

Patrick: If I want to know how any of you are, I'll call you...after business hours. Right now, we both have a job to do.

Darian: And with you the job always comes first, doesn't it, Patrick? (Darian glared at his brother when Patrick didn't respond) Fine, let's go.

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

Richie: Nathan,  I know my words mean little to you right now, especially with what you're facing, but you'll get through this. You're survive, you'll be cleared and you can go on with your life.

Nathan: Richie, I don't believe that. (Pause) And even if I did, what would I go back to? Candice is dead...and with her every dream I ever had died too. I had such a future planned with college and a career and a life with her. It was all there...I almost had it. But now that she's gone...it doesn't matter. Nothing matters. Nothing except saving myself and a lot of others unnecessary pain.

Richie: Nate, that's not the first time you've said that. What does it mean? Are you planning to do something?

Nathan: Yeah, Richie, I have. I've come to a decision about this case. I know what I have to do now. It's the one thing I can do to make everyone's lives a lot easier.

Richie: I don't like the sound of that.

Nathan: Maybe not, but it has to be done. (Pause) When I get back to jail, Richie, I'm going to call Sabrina and tell her I'm changing my plea.

Richie: Changing your plea? To what?

Nathan: Guilty, Richie. I'm going to plead guilty.

Richie: (stunned) What!?

(The door swung open and Darian and Patrick stood there)

Darian: I'm sorry, Richie, but it's time. The police are here to take you back to jail.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; a hospital corridor; the seventh floor. Danny creeps down it, looking back and forth, making sure no one is behind him or watching him.

Danny: I know there was a supply room somewhere on this floor. I'm sure I've seen it walking around here with Nate... (He spotted a door marked Medical Supply) Jackpot! (Glancing up and down the hallway, Danny slipped inside. Behind glass doors were drugs and medicines) Great, now I'm here, where do I begin? What do I give Nathan that will make him sick enough to stay here for a few days, but won't hurt him? I don't know anything about drugs. Where in the world do I begin?

(Outside the room, Dana was coming down the hallway)

Dana: Damn! Where did he go!? I hope I didn't lose him! (She spotted the medical supply room) I should've known! (Pause as she grinned, coming closer to the room) Danny James, you bastard, I've got you now!

Coming Up In Covington Bay

· Dana finds herself in a crisis.

· Laura hits a major roadblock in trying to reunite Glenn and Zachary.

· Melody and Patricia square off.

· A search begins for A.J.

· Nathan gets the point.