EPISODE 40
“LIFELESS”
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Michael and Harry Tamakai are there. Harry is moving about the room straightening things.
Michael: Father, you can't be serious. Patricia is back in town after all these years and it means nothing to you?
Harry: Of course it doesn't. I can't believe you would expect anything different.
Michael: I would expect you to be happy that your eldest daughter has returned home after being away for six years; ten if you count the four years she was in college before that.
Harry: I am well aware of how long Patricia has been gone, Michael. But, that doesn't change my feelings. It hasn’t been long enough as far as I’m concerned.
Michael: Look, I know there are a lot of bitterness between you and Patricia, but don't you think it's time you worked this out?
Harry: I do not need one of my children to tell me how to be a parent. Patricia was disrespectful enough to me...are you going to be too?
Michael: Of course not, Father. I just...
Harry: Michael, there is really no need to discuss this. I said when you sister left here that she ceased to exist as far as I was concerned. I meant those words.
Michael: There was a lot of anger, resentment and words said without thinking back then. But a lot is different now.
Harry: Not for me.
Michael: How did you know she'd returned?
Harry: Michael, I do read the newspapers.
Michael: So you know about what happened last night?
Harry: I know that your sister continues to involve herself with unacceptable elements.
Michael: And you could've lost her last night.
Harry: I lost her all those years ago when she chose to go against my wishes and cause this family pain and upheaval.
Michael: Father, I realize you were hurt by what happened, but so was Patricia. She suffered just as much as anyone else.
Harry: It was suffering she brought upon herself, Michael.
Michael: It wasn't quite that simple, for any of us. (Pause) Father, I know Patricia hurt you, but you can't say you don't care about her. Did it really mean nothing for you to read about her in the Journal?
Harry: It felt like reading about a stranger. Because Michael, that is what your sister is to me.
Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter and Melody Sorensen are there.
Patricia: You're joking, right? You actually think I'm after A.J.?
Melody: Why wouldn't you want him? He's someone you've known your entire life. And from what I hear, you were constantly at his heels when you were growing up. He's handsome, intelligent, dynamic, exciting. What young girl wouldn't fall in love with a man like that.
Patricia: And here I thought A.J. did his own P.R.. (Pause) You're way off base, Melody. Yes, we grew up together, A.J. and Michael are close friends. It only makes sense that I would spend a lot of time with him. (Pause) And yes, A.J. does have a lot of wonderful qualities. But, he's like a brother to me. Besides, if I wanted him, don't you think I would've made my move a long time ago?
Melody: No, because A.J. is a few years older than you. He was in college when you were in high school...there's no way he would've gotten involved with someone so young, not to mention that you worked for his family. But, now you're both adults and that age difference really doesn't matter so much.
Patricia: Melody, I realize you’re upset about A.J.’s vanishing act, so I'll excuse these silly accusations.
Melody: Look, you may have A.J. thinking you're this impetuous girl who acts
without thinking and can't be held responsible for her actions, but
I think you are as transparent as glass. You breeze into town and the
first thing you do is drop by and see A.J.. You see me there, and it wouldn't
be difficult for you to know that I'm A.J.'s girlfriend. Your brother Michael
or most anyone you know in
Patricia: You're wrong, Melody. I love A.J. and I care about him, but I don't think about him in any romantic sense. The whole idea is ridiculous.
Melody: Oh, you're right about that, Patricia. The idea of you and A.J. being together is ridiculous. Because he is in my life. I love him and he loves me. And nothing is going to change that...especially you.
Scene:
Glenn: Gloria, will you calm down?
Gloria: Glenn, I can't stop thinking about A.J..
Glenn: Nothing has happened to him. 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 what've said and all you've done.
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)
Gloria: (pulling away) Glenn... (They both turned to look at Zachary) Zachary, I...
Glenn: (angrily) Don’t you knock!?
Zachary: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I'm sorry. (He walked out)
Gloria: (going to the door) Zachary! Zachary, wait! It's not what you think!
Glenn: (grabbing Gloria by the arm) Gloria, what's wrong? Why are you running after my son?
Gloria: I have to explain what's going on. I don't want him to think the wrong thing.
Glenn: The wrong thing? Why do you care what Zachary thinks?
Scene:
Natalie: Dana, do you have the Roberts file?
Dana: (distracted) What?
Natalie: Do you have the Roberts file? Dr. Jackson needs to update it and... (She looked at Dana, who was staring off into space) Dana, can I have your attention?
Dana: (shaking her head) I'm sorry, Natalie, I'm sorry. I guess my mind isn't on work today.
Natalie: Your body hasn't been on it much either. What's going on? Did I interrupt something between you and Zachary earlier? You looked like things were pretty intense.
Dana: Yes, thanks to Darian Jackson. Damn him! Why can’t he mind his own business!?
Natalie: Meaning?
Dana: Apparently Zachary picked up on the tension between me and Danny.
Natalie: How could he not? A man would have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to. Actually, maybe only a dead man couldn’t see there’s a lot of history with you two. (Pause) So what happened? Did Darian explain just how well you know Danny?
Dana: No. But he did tell Zachary that there was something between Danny and me and that Zachary should ask me if he wants details.
Natalie: Sounds like to be that Darian was minding his own business, not to mention giving you the chance to tell Zachary the truth yourself. You should be grateful. And I hope you're going to take this opportunity to be honest with Zachary.
Dana: Natalie, I can't tell Zachary or anyone else I used to be married to Danny James. I can't take that chance. I've got too much to lose if that truth comes out.
(Several feet away, Patrick Jackson was on a pay phone)
Patrick: I don't know what's going on, Evan. The hospital is crawling with police and security. And whatever they are doing is preventing Nathan James from being taken back to jail. I don't know how long this going to take.
Evan's Voice: I can tell you what's going on. You heard about A.J. Lassiter's encounter with drug dealers last night, didn't you?
Patrick: Of course, I read his article on it. Why?
Evan's Voice: I don't know all the details, but word at the station is that the men who tried to kill Lassiter are connected to Victor Gianelli.
Patrick: Victor Gianelli. There's a name you don't like to hear very often. Do the police think Gianelli might come after A.J.?
Evan's Voice: They think he already may have. One of the men Lassiter dealt with last night had been sighted near the hospital today. And Lassiter has disappeared. No doubt the police are searching the place, trying to find him.
Patrick: Do they think he's dead?
Evan's Voice: I don't know. But I've spoken to Walter and they're pretty worried.
Patrick: Great. (Pause) How long do you think it'll take for them to search the hospital so we can get James back to jail where he belongs?
Evan's Voice: That's something you're going to have to find out. Can you keep me posted? I'm at the station going over some things with Walter.
Patrick: Sure, I'll notify you as soon as I find something out. Good-bye. (Patrick hung up the phone)
Darian: Planning strategy?
Patrick: (looking up) Darian, whatever it is, I'm not interested...unless you're ready to tell me I can take Nathan James back to jail.
Darian: You're chomping at the bit to persecute this kid, aren't you?
Patrick: Persecute? That would indicate that he is innocent, which he is not.
Darian: You're so certain he killed that girl?
Patrick: The evidence says so.
Darian: From what I understand, the evidence is circumstantial. But, let's face it, Patrick. You don't need any evidence to believe Nathan is guilty. He's black and he's from Southtown. That's all you need to know. Isn't that true, little brother?
Scene:
Patricia: I am not a threat to your relationship with A.J..
Melody: You got that right.
Patricia: I realize that I'm an easy scapegoat but you can't blame me for the difficulties you and A.J. may be having.
Melody: You don't call announcing that you're A.J.'s wife in one the most thoughtless ways possible your fault?
Patricia: I have apologized and explained how that came about. But I'm not talking about what I've done, let's look at A.J.'s actions. He never told you about the marriage.
Melody: Because it wasn't a marriage, it was a mistake. It was something that happened in a fit of drunken stupidity.
Patricia: You're right, that's true. And it was something A.J. chose not to share with you. He says he loves you, he says he wants to be with you, yet he fails to tell you something that has a powerful impact on the future of your relationship. I think that says a lot.
Melody: (nervously) Such as?
Patricia: Well, you've been with A.J. for six years. That's a long time in a relationship.
Melody: What's your point?
Patricia: Surely you and A.J. have discussed the future, where you want to take your relationship. And marriage had to of been part of that discussion. As you said, A.J. has many wonderful qualities. You love A.J.. You must if you've been with him for this long and he hasn't made a formal commitment.
Melody: A.J. and I are committed to one another.
Patricia: But obviously marriage is not part of that commitment. And I suspect that's solely on A.J.'s part.
Melody: (angrily) And how do you know that?
Patricia: Melody, I heard you a few minutes ago in this very room talk about how much you loved A.J. and that he was your world. A woman doesn't talk about a man like that unless she wants to spend her life with him...as his wife. But clearly that's not A.J.'s intention.
Melody: And you're so certain about that?
Patricia: Of course I am because he's married to me. And in the six years that I've been away, A.J. has never once contacted me about getting a divorce or an annulment. That says to me he's made no plans to get married. Now, or in the future, isn't that right, Melody?
Scene:
Gloria: I just want to find Zachary and tell him that he misinterpreted what he saw.
Glenn: And I ask you again, what does it matter what Zachary thinks about us?
Gloria: Damn it, Glenn, there is no us. And this is a reason why.
Glenn: What does that mean?
Gloria: I means that no matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, all you can think about is advancing your own agenda.
Glenn: My own agenda?
Gloria: To get me back. That's all you've talked about for months. And you've waited for the chance to accomplish just that. I guess my son missing is a perfect chance isn't it?
Glenn: If it's about the kiss, I was just trying to comfort you.
Gloria: Oh, and that's exactly what a woman who is terrified that her son could be hurt or dead needs; a quick roll in the hay.
Glenn: It wasn't like that.
Gloria: But, if I gave you the chance it could be, couldn't it?
Glenn: Gloria, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I just was trying to help you. I wanted to make you feel better.
Gloria: No, what you wanted was to make you feel better. That's what you always want. That's why I can't wait to be rid of you once and for all. I am so glad the divorce hearing was pushed up to tomorrow.
Glenn: You mean you're still going to have it now, even with what is happening? What if A.J. is still missing tomorrow?
Gloria: You'd love that, wouldn't you? For me to cancel the hearing? Glenn, I'm not going to give you the satisfaction. No matter what happens, we will have that meeting tomorrow. A.J. would understand. In fact, somehow I think he'd be glad I did it. (Gloria headed for the door)
Glenn: You're leaving? I thought you were going to wait here for Jake to return with news.
Gloria: I'm sure you can tell Jake he can find me in my office. I have no intention of staying here one more minute.
Glenn: And I suppose you'll tell Zachary what happened here; give him one more thing to hold over my head?
Gloria: If that's an attempt to get sympathy from me, Glenn, it's a very poor attempt. But then, you never were very subtle. (Gloria walked out)
Glenn: Damn, damn, damn, damn! (Glenn went the phone and angrily punched in a number) Jason, it's me! You have got to do something about this divorce! I don't care what you have to do, you've got to stall it! Now! (Glenn slammed down the phone as there was a knock on the door) Come in. (Jake walked in) Det. Collier.
Jake: Hello, Dr. Dailey. Where's Aunt Gloria? I need to talk to her.
Glenn: She's in her office. Why? Has there been news about A.J.?
Jake: Yes, there has.
Glenn: Well, has he been found? How is he?
Jake: (hesitating) I think I better share this with Aunt Gloria first. Excuse me. (Jake walked out)
Scene:
Patrick: I want Nathan James convicted because he's from Southtown and black? Darian, I don't find that very funny, especially since I grew up in Southtown and I'm black.
Darian: To your eternal regret.
Patrick: Are you saying I'm ashamed of being black?
Darian: Of course not. But you are ashamed of where you came from. As far as you're concerned, there's little good that came out of Southtown, including Nathan James.
Patrick: Darian, the James boys were always in trouble, you know that. Both Danny and Nathan have spent their lives in and out of jail.
Darian: True, but they have worked hard to change their lives.
Patrick: Apparently Nathan didn't work hard enough because a girl is dead and he killed her.
Darian: And you can't see it any other way?
Patrick: There is no other way to see it. Darian, I know the people in Southtown want to believe Nathan James is some poor kid whose being railroaded by the white man, but that just isn't the case. He killed her and he's going to pay for that.
Darian: It's obvious that you and I will never agree on this, but we still are brothers. You still have a family. How long do you intend on ignoring that?
Patrick: I'm not ignoring anything. I'm well aware of where I came from.
Darian: And you've done everything you can to distance yourself from it.
Patrick: And what is wrong with that? We grew up poor with no parents. That's not ideal to me.
Darian: We had Mama J.. She was mother and father to us and a damn good one if you ask me.
Patrick: Mama J. did what she could under the circumstances. And I will always be grateful to her.
Darian: And you show it by cutting yourself off her and the rest of the family? We haven't seen or heard from you in months. I've tried to contact you and so has Mama J., but you never return any of our phone calls.
Patrick: I'm busy.
Darian: Too busy to return a phone call?
Patrick: I'm the assistant D.A. now.
Darian: I know. I had to read about it in the Journal. Congratulations. I'm glad you're making it...we all are. It's just too bad you had to leave your family behind to do it.
(At the desk, Dana and Natalie were talking)
Natalie: Dana, you don't have much choice but to tell Zachary the truth. It's only going to be a matter of time before he finds out.
Dana: And what makes you think that?
Natalie: For one thing, too many people know...like Darian.
Dana: And he wouldn't say anything, he already proved that. And if I talk to him, I'm sure I can make him understand that no one can find out about this. Besides him, no one else in this hospital knows about the marriage.
Natalie: What about all the people you grew up with in Southtown?
Dana: Natalie, you forget I don't live in Southtown anymore, and
Zachary doesn't exactly hang out in that part of
Natalie: But what about Danny himself? There is no love lost between the two of you. He'd be only too glad to tell Zachary the truth if he thought it would hurt you. I can't believe he hasn't already.
Dana: He's threatened to, but he actually hasn't followed through.
Natalie: He will soon enough...when it suits him.
Dana: No he won't. (She thinks of her knowledge of Danny's plan to free Nathan from jail, including Danny's stealing drugs from the hospital to use to keep Nathan from behind bars) I can take care of Danny.
Natalie: Since when?
Dana: Don't worry. I can handle him.
Natalie: Dana, I think you're not seeing that eventually Zachary will eventually find out. He's already suspicious and you can't stall him forever.
Dana: But, Dana, I could lose him if he find out I used to be married to the man who killed his sister.
Natalie: How do you figure? Zachary doesn't believe Nathan killed Candice. And he certainly isn't going to hold a bad choice in men against you. I know you're ashamed of your past with Danny James, but I don't think Zachary will let it come between you. Lying to him will.
Dana: I just can’t take the risk; I don't want my past to become common knowledge. Do you think I want everyone to find out about me and Danny? Not everyone is as understanding as Zachary, especially his father. It's just best if this stays secret.
Natalie: And how are you going to answer Zachary’s questions? He is going to expect for you to tell him something.
Dana: And I will.
Natalie: You mean you're going to lie to him.
Dana: Actually Natalie, I'm going to tell Zachary the truth. (She grinned mischievously) At least my version of it.
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Michael and Harry are there.
Michael: Father, you can't mean that!
Harry: Michael, there is really no use in continuing this discussion. I have things to do and so do you. Sabrina Collier pays you very well. You shouldn't take advantage of their good nature.
Michael: Let me worry about my job. (Pause) Look, it doesn't have to be this way with you and Patricia.
Harry: Oh, really? Let me ask you. Does Patricia wish to see me? Has she even asked about me since she has been back?
Michael: (hesitating) She is still angry about what happened.
Harry: Which is your way of saying that she's not interested in reconciling. Am I right?
Michael: (sighing, nodding) She feels that way now.
Harry: And do you honestly think that will change considering the problems that exist between us?
Michael: Anything can change if you want it to.
Harry: Well, I don't want it to and I suspect neither does your sister. (Pause) Michael, you’ll have to excuse me We have wasted enough time talking about this already.
Michael: But, Father...!
Harry: (interrupting) I expect you will be at dinner as usual on Sunday?
Michael: (sighing) Of course, Father.
Harry: Then I shall see you then. And don't be late; dinner will be served promptly at six.
Michael: I'll be on time.
Harry: Good. See you then.
Michael: (as Harry walked out) Well, I knew this wouldn’t be easy. I just hope Dad is ready to set a extra place at dinner.
Scene:
Melody: I really don't want to talk about the specifics of my relationship with A.J.. It's none of your business.
Patricia: You made it my business when you accused me of trying to steal A.J.. I'm just letting you know that I may have spilled the beans, but the fact that A.J. never told you is where the real problem in your relationship lies. And I'll bet you told A.J. the same thing.
Melody: Look, Patricia, don't concern yourself with me and A.J., okay? Whatever our situation is, we'll work it out. And we'll start with ending his marriage to you.
Patricia: And you think that'll solve your problems? You think just because A.J. is no longer married to me, he'll marry you? It hasn't happened before, what makes you think it'll change now?
Melody: You know from the start I figured you were nothing but trouble and I was right. Deny it all you want, but you are after A.J.. You are not fooling me.
Patricia: Think what you want, Melody. Blame me if you want. That probably makes it easier for you to deal with the fact that A.J. isn't interested in making a commitment to you. But even after we end the marriage, the problems will still be there. Then you'll have to look closer to home to blame someone. I just hope you can handle it.
Melody: And I hope you can handle that no matter what happens between A.J. and I; whether we stay together or break up, whether we get married or not, he'll never want you. You will never have him because there is one thing that is very clear about A.J.'s feelings and that is that he has none for you.
Patricia: You're wrong about that. A.J. does have feelings for me. You forget we grew up together. We lived in the same house. We're like family.
Melody: You were the servant's daughter. And the Lassiters are decent people. Naturally they'd treat you kindly.
Patricia: (annoyed) Don't make it like the Lassiters treated us like dogs they threw a few table scraps. Any feelings between my family and the Lassiters are genuine.
Melody: That may be. But, A.J. sees you as the troublemaking little girl he couldn't get rid of as a kid. He hasn't changed opinion of you. That's a long way from being love.
Patricia: (angrily) You're wrong... (she stopped herself) ...about my intentions that is. I am not after A.J..
Melody: And if you say it enough times, someone might believe you, but I don't. Just remember that when you try your little games with A.J.., okay? I'm watching and I won't let you get away with anything.
Jake: (walking in) Hello, ladies.
Melody: Jake! Is there word on A.J.?
Jake: Yes.
Patricia: What is it? Have you found him?
Jake: (hesitating) Look ladies, I was on my way to Gloria's office, but I thought I'd stop by and get you two so we could discuss this together.
Patricia: What is it!? Has something happened?
Jake: I'm afraid so. It's not good news.
Scene:
Richie: Hi, Abby.
Abby: Hi, Richie. Is Nathan still here?
Richie: Yeah. He hasn't been taken back to jail yet. There's some sort of delay. Something's going in the hospital.
Abby: I know. There seems to be police and security guards all over the place. You don't think it has anything to do with Nate, do you?
Richie: If it did, I'm sure we would've heard about it. (Pause) By the way, where have you been?
Abby: What do you mean?
Richie: Well, Nate said you came by over an hour ago, left and never came back. He was looking for you earlier, wondering what happened.
Abby: (as they walked into the room) Oh, I... (Abby eyes widened in horror as she saw Nathan lying on the floor) Oh, my God! Nathan!
Richie: (turning, also looking horrified) Nathan! (They ran to him and Richie bent over him)
Abby: (as Richie looked him over) What's wrong with him?
Richie: I don't know. He's not breathing!
Coming Up In
- Kevin
struggles to break free of his tragic past.
- Danny's trash is Dana's
treasure.
- Zachary ponders his love
life.
- The women in A.J.'s life are horrified by Jake's grim news.