EPISODE 39
“THE ATTACK”
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Dr. Glenn Dailey's office. He is on the telephone.
Glenn: Jason, I thought you were going to take care of this. (Glenn gnashes his teeth in anger as he listens) But, there must be something you can do. We just can't stand by and let this happen. You have to have some ideas. (He looks up as Dr. Laura Dailey appears in the doorway. Seeing her father is on the phone, she is about to step back out when he waves her in) Look, just do something and do it quickly. We don't have a lot of time. (Glenn hung up the phone and looked up at Laura, smiling) Hi, honey.
Laura: Hi. I didn't interrupt anything, did I?
Glenn: (shaking his head) No.
Laura: Was that Jason Bennett your divorce attorney?
Glenn: (sighing) Yes, it is, but I don't want to talk about that.
Laura: Are you sure? I know how upset you are about the divorce from Gloria.
Glenn: I’d much rather talk about more pleasant things. What brings my beautiful daughter for a visit.
Laura: It's about Zachary.
Glenn: (his smile disappearing) I see. So we aren’t going to talk about anything pleasant. What about your brother?
Laura: We had a discussion this morning about working to get this family together again.
Glenn: Really? That must’ve been a pointless conversation.
Laura: No, that’s not the case. He wants to bring us together just as much as you do.
Glenn: (suspiciously) He actually said that?
Laura: Yes. Don't you believe him?
Glenn: Actually, Laura, I'm not sure that I do.
Laura: Daddy, how can you not believe that Zachary is sincere? He would never lie...especially about this.
Glenn: He would if he wants to placate you, Laura.
Laura: I admit that Zachary is doing this because I asked him to. But this family is important to him. He'd like to see the divisions between us healed as much as anyone.
Glenn: And you believe that, considering how much resentment he has for me... how openly hostile is he towards me? He criticizes how I treated your mother, how I treated Gloria during our marriage, my relationship with Candice. Laura, your brother is a very bitter man who hates me. I don't know how easily that can be overcome.
Laura: I don't believe for a minute that Zachary hates you. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Sure you two have a lot to work out, but anything can be worked through when it's important. And bringing this family together is important.
Glenn: I believe that Laura, and I... (There was a knock on the door. Glenn looked annoyed) Where is Mandy!? I swear that secretary of mine...! (Pause) Come in! (Dr. Gloria Dailey walked in, Det. Jake Collier with her) Gloria, what bring you by?
Gloria: Hi, Glenn...Laura. I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
Glenn: No. (He noticed the troubled look on Gloria's face) What's going on? You look upset.
Gloria: I am. Glenn, something's happened.
Laura: Should I step outside?
Gloria: No, Laura, you can stay.
Jake: Besides, she might be able to help.
Glenn: Help with what?
Gloria: Glenn, A.J.'s missing.
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. Melody Sorensen and Natalie Lassiter are there. Melody is glancing at her watch as she worriedly paces the floor.
Natalie: Melody, can I get you something to drink; a cup of coffee or some juice?
Melody: No thanks, Natalie. I don't want anything...except for A.J. to show up safe and sound...just so I can throttle him for being so irresponsible. How could he do this?! How could he know there are killers out there after him and walk around as if there wasn't anything wrong?
Natalie: Melody, A.J. is a very confident, self assured man. He no doubt thought he could take care of this problem on his own...without help from anyone.
Melody: This is not a simple problem. There are mobsters out there who want to see him dead. You don't handle something like that yourself.
Natalie: Well, I've heard some stories about the dangerous situations A.J. has faced and gotten out of. I'm sure he saw this as the same thing.
Melody: Oh, I'm sure he did. But it looks like this time he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
Natalie: Melody, have a little confidence. A.J.'s only been missing a few hours.
Melody: And that usually wouldn't concern me, but he came here to visit his mother, which he never did. And his car is in the parking lot. And with one of those killers having been reported to be in the area, I can't help but worry. (Pause) Natalie, I can't lose him. I love him so much...he's the most important thing in my life. I can't lose him!
Natalie: And you won't.
Melody: I know I was angry at him for what he had done, but none of that seems important now. I can't believe I ever thought I could want him out of my life. How could I push away someone I loved so much?
Natalie: I didn't know you and A.J. were having problems.
Melody: We weren't until just recently. I said such horrible mean things to A.J.. I wasn't going to listen to what he had to say...how much he loved me...that he wanted to work things out. I almost refused to go out to dinner with him tonight. And even after I accepted, I considered calling him late and canceling. Now all I want to do is… (Patricia appears in the doorway at that moment) …hold him and tell him how much I love him and that (Melody turns and sees Patricia and Melody's expressions turns angry) …nothing or no one, no matter what they try to do, will ever break us apart.
Scene:
Richie: Nathan, I know 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, even if by some miracle I don’t wind up in jail for the rest of my life, what would I go back to? Candice is dead...and with her every dream I ever had died too. College… a career in medicine… a live together. 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. 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. I'm going to plead guilty.
Richie: (stunned) What!?
(The door swung open and Dr. Darian Jackson and Patrick Jackson stood there. Darian had a wheelchair.)
Darian: I'm sorry, Nathan, but it's time. The police are here to take you back to jail.
Richie: But you can't, not yet! He needs more time.
Patrick: Richie, he's fine. He has no reason to be here anymore.
Richie: But how can you be sure? He suffered a head injury when he fell down the stairs. Those can be pretty serious, can't they? You can't just take the chance he could be hurt until you're completely certain he's fine.
Darian: (glaring bitterly at his younger brother) I wish I could say otherwise, Richie, but he is fine, Richie. All the proper tests have been done. He's practically in tip top condition.
Patrick: (interrupting) Besides, he will be watched closely at the City Jail. If he has any problems, he'll be brought back to the hospital.
Richie: Who are you?
Patrick: Patrick Jackson. I’m with the D.A.’s office and I’m here to make sure the transfer back to jail goes smoothly.
Richie: (as both he and Nathan looked surprised) And you said your
last name was
Darian: (as Patrick looked uncomfortable) Patrick and I are brothers.
Richie: And you agreed to take this case, how could you!? Nate, did you know about this?
Nathan: Yeah, I've known Patrick since I was a kid.
Richie: I don't get this, Mr. Jackson. If you're Dr. Jackson's brother, then you know Richie, you grew up in the same neighborhood. Surely you must know he's innocent. How could you do this to him?
Scene:
Danny: Damn, I have no idea what to get. I don't know anything about drugs. Dealing was one of the few crimes I never committed. If I get the wrong thing and give it to Nate, I could kill him. (Pause) Maybe it's not worth the risk. (Pause) But, I have to chance it. I have to do something to keep Nate in this hospital or this whole plan won't work.
(Outside the room, Dana Cooper was coming closer, about to walk in)
Voice: (from behind) Dana! Dana!
Dana: (startled, turning) Zachary!
Zachary: We need to talk.
Dana: Zachary, I can't talk right now. I'm real busy.
(Inside, Danny heard Dana and Zachary. He looked stunned, his eyes searching for a place to hide and seeing there was none. Outside, Dana looked nervous and uncomfortable as she faced Zachary)
Zachary: Busy with what? Does it have anything to do with Danny James?
Dana: (startled) Danny James? I don't have anything to do with him.
Zachary: Really? That's not what I hear.
Scene:
Natalie: Look, I don't know what problems you and A.J. are having, but he is going to be all right. I'm sure he'll show up any minute with some explanation as to why his car is in the parking lot and why he never bothered to answer his phone or show up for work. He'll look at us as if we're crazy for having worried.
Melody: (smiling) That sounds like A.J.. (Pause) And I hope you're right, Natalie. Because I need him. No matter what's happened, no matter what he's done, it's not important. What's important is that I love him and I want to be with him. And if...when he shows up, I'm going to tell him just that.
Natalie: That sounds like the smart thing to do. As for your problems, they'll work themselves out. You and A.J. have been together too long and love each other too much to let anything get in the way of your happiness. (Pause) I really hate to leave you now of all times, but I have to be getting back to work.
Melody: That's okay, I understand. I probably should get some work done myself… I just don’t know if I could think clearly right now.
Natalie: I'll be by later. Hopefully you'll have good news by then.
Melody: I hope so. (Natalie walked out, passing by Patricia in the doorway. Patricia walked into the lounge. She and Melody moved about the room, sharing cool glances occasionally)
Patricia: I take it there's no word on A.J.?
Melody: Not yet, but hopefully we'll hear something soon.
Patricia: Hopefully. (Pause) Where did Dr. Lassiter and Det. Collier go?
Melody: They went to talk to Glenn to see what the hospital can do...if anything.
Patricia: And you're just waiting here?
Melody: What should I be doing?
Patricia: How about looking for A.J.?
Melody: Where? We have no idea where to look. We don't know where to start. He's not in any of the usual places, and his cell phone was ruined in that fire last night. We don't have a clue as to where he could be.
Patricia: I understand that. But, I hate the idea of just standing around here and doing nothing.
Melody: Really? I would think that would be best for everyone. I think you've done enough already.
Patricia: You made that plainly clear earlier. Do you really blame me for everything?
Melody: It's hard for me not to considering your actions.
Patricia: I'm sorry the truth about my marriage to A.J. came out the way it did.
Melody: Really? Are you? Pardon me if have serious doubts about your sincerity.
Patricia: You're calling me a liar?
Melody: I'm just saying that you keep pretending that things just happen to you. You showed up at A.J.'s place after six years and just happen to let it slip that you are his wife. You just happen to get a job that will put you in competition and constant contact with A.J.. And you have a habit of showing up where he least expects you. These don't sound like accidents, not to me. I think the whole thing sounds rather calculated.
Patricia: Calculated? Just what are you accusing me of?
Melody: I don't know. What should I be accusing you of?
Scene:
Glenn: I don't get it. You actually think something has happened to A.J.?
Jake: We can't be sure. All we know at this point is that A.J. was last seen by Melody here in the hospital. His car is still in the parking lot; no one knows where he is. And one of the men A.J. was nearly killed by last night was reported to having been in this area. It's definitely reason to worry.
Glenn: Well, what can I do?
Jake: I'm bringing a few more men into the hospital. We need to question people and find out if they saw A.J. leaving. And if they did, was he alone or with someone matching Joe Reilly's description. We also want to search the hospital. Since this was the last place A.J. was seen, he could still be here. He could... (Jake hesitated)
Gloria: He could've been attacked by that killer and left right here in the hospital. Isn't that what you were thinking?
Jake: I'm sorry, Aunt Gloria. I don't mean to upset you.
Gloria: Jake, I couldn't be more upset than I already am. Besides, I've thought what you said a thousand times already.
Glenn: Gloria, A.J.'s going to be all right.
Gloria: Glenn, I hope to God you're right.
Glenn: Det. Collier, do whatever you need to find A.J. as quickly as possible.
Jake: Can I prevent all non-essential people from leaving the hospital until we do a complete search. I know it's been hours, but we don't want to take the chance of letting Reilly get away...if he was here.
Glenn: Sure. I'll make the proper phone calls.
Jake: Thanks.
Gloria: Jake, what can I do?
Jake: I think you should wait here with your husband. I think you could use a little support right now.
Gloria: (glancing nervously at Glenn) Yeah, I suppose so. I'll wait here. And please, as soon as you hear anything...!
Jake: I'll let you know.
(Jake walked out as Glenn picked up the phone)
Laura: Gloria, A.J. will be all right. We just have to believe that. He's going to be fine.
Gloria: I hope so, I hope so. I already lost A.J.'s father to the dangers of his job. I don't think I could stand it if history repeated itself.
Scene:
Dana: Zachary, what does that mean? I hardly know Danny James.
Zachary: So you keep saying. And I believed that, despite the fact you went nuts every time his name was mentioned and you blew a gasket if he walked into the room.
Dana: I told you why. The man bothers me. He's a liar and an ex-con and his brother is no better. I just have no use for people like him.
Zachary: Maybe not, but you seemed to have a special kind of distaste for Danny James. And you two would have these veiled arguments that would say something, but not actually say it straight out. But now I want some straight talk from you, Dana. I know there is something between you and Danny.
Dana: And how do you know that? Did he tell you something?
Zachary: Just what would he have to tell me?
Dana: Nothing.
Zachary: Dana, we may have only gone out a few times, but one thing you have to know about me is that I have no tolerance for lies. I demand truth and honesty in my relationships. If you can't give me that, there is no point in going on.
Dana: But Zachary, there is nothing going on between me and Danny. Whatever he told you is a lie.
Zachary: But he didn't tell me anything. Darian did. He said that you and Danny had some history.
Dana: Of course we do. We've known each other since we were kids; we grew up in the same neighborhood.
Zachary: True, but said there was more to it. But he wouldn't tell me anything specific. He told me to ask you, that it should come from you. So I'm asking you again, Dana. What is going on between you and Danny James?
Dana: (hesitating) Zachary, I...!
Natalie: (walking up) Dana, there you are!
Dana: Natalie!
Natalie: Yes, it's me, your co-worker. Only you haven't been working much today. (Pause) I hope I'm not interrupting anything here?
Dana: Well, actually...
Zachary: It's not anything that can't wait. Dana, if you have work to do, you probably should do it. This is something we can clear up later.
Dana: But, I...!
Natalie: Let's go, Dana.
Dana: (staring at the medicine supply room door) In a minute. There's something I need to...
Zachary: Dana, we can talk later. I think you need to get back to work now.
Natalie: Zachary's right, Dana. To the job! Let's go.
Dana: (annoyed) Oh, all right! (The nurses walked away. After a few moments, Zachary went in the other direction. Danny soon came out of the supply room, a relieved look on his face)
Danny: That was close. I don't know why Dana was up here, but thank God that little troublemaker didn't catch me; it would've been all over. (He patted his pants pocket) Well, I got what I came for. I just hope it's not too late to get to Nathan!
Scene:
Richie: I don't get it. Your entire family is behind Nate. They know he didn't kill Candice. But what about you? Why do you believe he could do this?
Patrick: I have no intention of discussing this case with you, Mr. Stone.
Richie: Why not? Nathan has a right to know why the prosecution, especially someone who knows him, thinks he’s a killer. Is the evidence that compelling? Or is it easier to think that as you make your way up the ladder of success?
Nathan: Richie, please. Let's not do this. Let's just let it go. Patrick is only doing his job.
Richie: Well, his job is wrong!
Patrick: Young man, I understand that you are troubled about this, but I will not tolerate your berating me. Right now you are preventing me from doing my job and I suggest you step aside or...
Darian: (interrupting) Patrick, there is no need to threaten Richie. He's just concerned about his friend.
Nathan: Right. (Pause) And I appreciate your concern, Richie, but we knew this time was coming. Let's not make it any worse.
Richie: But, Nate, we need to talk. I don't understand why you're going to...
Nathan: (interrupting) We'll talk about it later. In the meantime, let's get this over with. After all, you can't avoid the inevitable, can you? (Pause) I guess we should go now, huh?
Darian: Yes, but you'll need to get in the wheelchair.
Nathan: (climbing in) Sure.
Patrick: I'll speak with the guard. (Patrick walked out)
Richie: Nate, we can't let it end like this.
Nathan: Richie, we can. Right now, we don't have much choice.
Patrick: (walking in) I'm afraid there's been a delay.
Richie: A delay?
Nathan: What's going on?
Patrick: I don't know. The guard just said there's some sort of problem in the hospital. They're not letting anyone leave.
Darian: I wonder what that could be all about?
Patrick: As I said, I don't know. I just hope it doesn't last long. (Pause) If you'll excuse me, I'll use the chance to make some calls. (Patrick walked out)
Richie: I can't believe that's your brother.
Darian: Let me tell you, neither can he. (Pause) I guess there’s a few things I could take care of while we’re waiting. I'll be right back. (He walked out)
Nathan: Wow. I wonder what is going on?
Richie: That's what I want to know.
Nathan: What do you mean?
Richie: Nathan, you know what I mean! What is this nonsense about you pleading guilty!?
Scene:
Glenn: Gloria, will you calm down?
Gloria: Glenn, I can't. I can't stop thinking about A.J. and what could've happened to him.
Glenn: Nothing has happened to him. Like Laura said before she had to handle that emergency with a patient, A.J. will be found safe and sound.
Gloria: I want to believe that, but how can I? A.J. came to the hospital to see me, but he never did. And his car is still here, which means he probably never left. And with that killer having been spotted in the area, what else am I supposed to think?
Glenn: Look, I know it's hard, but you've got to think positive. You've always told me how A.J. was able to get himself out of one scrape or another his entire life. You've always said he was a survivor and he always pulled through. He'll do it this time, no matter what he's facing.
Gloria: I hope so. Glenn, I love him so much. He and Eric are all I really have in the world. They might drive me crazy, but I love them with all my heart. Losing them would be like ripping it out.
Glenn: (getting up and stopping Gloria, putting his hands on her shoulders) Gloria, you won't lose A.J.. This family has suffered enough loss already with Candice's death. God couldn't be that cruel.
Gloria: Really, Glenn? Sometimes, I wonder.
Glenn: (pulling Gloria into his arms) Gloria, it's going to be all right. I promise you that. It's going to be all right.
Gloria: Thank you, Glenn, thank you. I appreciate you being here, helping out now.
Glenn: Gloria, you know I'm always going to be here when you need me. (Glenn lifted her face to meet his gaze, gently rubbing her cheek) You'll get through this, honey, and I'm going to help you...if you'll let me. (Glenn bent down, kissing Gloria. And as their lips met, the door swung open and Zachary stood there, stunned by what he was seeing)
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the foyer. The doorbell is ringing. Kevin Lassiter enters from the living room and answers the door. Michael Tamakai is standing there.
Michael: (surprised) Kevin! This is a surprise.
Kevin: Well, I do live here.
Michael: True, but doesn't Lassiter Pharmaceuticals need their Vice President, especially with the stockholders meeting coming up?
Kevin: They can do without me for one day. (Pause) How'd you know about the meeting anyway?
Michael: I do read the papers and the L.P. meeting is big news in the financial section this week. But then when isn't anything this family does not big news?
Kevin: Never. And to my eternal regret. (Pause) So, you here to see your Dad?
Michael: Yeah. Is he around?
Kevin: Of course. You know how dedicated he is. This time of day he’d be in the kitchen putting the chef through his paces. Come on in.
(Michael walked in and Kevin shut the door)
Michael: So, why are you home, Kevin? (A concerned look crossed his face) Are you feeling okay?
Kevin: I’m fine. But, thank you for your concern. (Pause) Well, your father's in the kitchen and I'm sure you know how to find it. After all, you did grow up here. (Pause) Excuse me. (Kevin walked out as Harry walked in from the library)
Michael: Father, there you are. I was just coming to look for you.
Harry: Michael, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?
Michael: I took a little time off to drop by and see you.
Harry: Do you think that's wise? Certainly your boss can't appreciate you taking off in the middle of the day.
Michael: Father, I'm not a first year law student interning at the office. I can take a few personal hours in a day without there being any problem.
Harry: Let's hope so. Just remember when you think the boss isn't watching your every move, they usually are.
Michael: Father, I didn't come here to discuss my job.
Harry: I assumed that. Why are you here?
Michael: First off all, this isn’t going to be easy to hear and I want you to remain calm.
Harry: It depends on what you have to say, but I’m getting upset already because you’re avoiding telling what you have to say. Michael. I don't have a lot of time, I'm very busy. Get to it!
Michael: Alright! It's about Patricia.
Harry: (nodding) I see. I imagine you're going to tell me she has
returned to
Michael: (shocked) You mean you know?
Harry: Yes, I know.
Michael: How long have you known? How did you find out?
Harry: Does it matter?
Michael: No...I guess not. I guess what matters now is what we do about it.
Harry: There’s nothing to be done.
Michael: How can you say that? Don't you know what Patricia coming back to town means?
Harry: To me? Absolutely nothing.
Scene:
Patricia: I don't like what you're insinuating.
Melody: I don't think I insinuated anything, I think I was pretty straightforward. Unlike you.
Patricia: I am not up to anything!
Melody: And I am not stupid enough to believe that. You seem to be doing whatever you can to insinuate yourself into A.J.'s life at every turn.
Patricia:
Melody: Not that small. You've been in town less than 72 hours and you've spent most of it joined at the hip with A.J.. I cannot believe it's all happenstance.
Patricia: So what are you saying? I want something from A.J.?
Melody: Oh, it's not something you want from A.J.. It's A.J. himself that you want.
Scene:
Richie: Nate, I don't get it. You are not guilty. Why would you plead that?
Nathan: Because I have to.
Richie: Why? It's a lie.
Nathan: But it's the best thing to do.
Richie: For who? Certainly not you because you spend the rest of your life in jail. And certainly not for the people who love and care about you and want you in their lives.
Nathan: I'm not so sure. You and Nikki are risking your educations and your relationships with your parents for me. A.J. Lassiter nearly died last night trying to get evidence to clear me. And Danny...I'm so afraid of what he might do if I don't clean this mess up first.
Richie: And you think ruining your life is the answer? Nathan, I won't let you do that. We are willing to take these risks. You sacrificing your future won't change that. We're still going to do what it takes to clear you.
Nathan: Richie, this is for the best. I’m sorry. The decision has been made.
(At that moment, the phone rang)
Nathan: (as fear crept over him) I’ll get that.
Richie: (noting Nathan’s panic stricken look) Let me answer that. (Richie answered it) Hello? (Pause as Richie looked surprised) Yes, this is him. (Richie looked stunned) What!? Hold on, I'll be right there! (Richie hung up and headed for the door)
Nathan: Richie, what's wrong?
Richie: They're towing my car!
Nathan: What?
Richie: My car is being towed. My father will kill me if that happens! I'll be right back!
Nathan: (as Richie rushed out) Okay. (Pause) That was strange; they're towing Richie's car. Why would they do that? Even better, how would they know to find him here? (The phone rang again. Nathan got up from the wheelchair and answered it.) Hello? (There was no one on the other end of the line.) Hello?
Suddenly, someone grabbed Nathan from behind, wrapping their arm around his throat. He gasped and struggled, trying to pull their arm away, but they were too strong. Then, the other hand appeared before him, holding a syringe filled with liquid. The hand pushed the air bubbles out of the syringe, some of the liquid spurting through the air. Nathan shook his head no, continuing to struggle and the needle was plunged into his arm and the fluid injected into his veins. He was then shoved aside. As he fell to the ground, he heard the person running, the door closing behind them. He started to get up, but he started to shake uncontrollably, his body convulsing violently. He cried out helplessly as he thrashed about. Moments later, his thrashing subsided...and he ceased moving at all.
Coming Up In
- Michael gets an earful from Harry.
- Kevin faces more of his difficult past.
- Melody and Patricia draw battle lines.
- Dana tries to explain.
- Jake's investigation takes a surprising turn.