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EPISODE 42

 

“A GRUESOME DISCOVERY”

 

 

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter and Michael Tamakai are there.

 

Michael: Patty, you have got to be kidding? You’re actually talking about leaving Covington Bay? You just got here.

 

Patricia: And look at all that has happened since I arrived. This whole thing has been one disaster after another. (Pause) I screwed up my big plans; nothing has turned out like I thought it would. (Pause) Now A.J. could be dead. He could be dead, Michael, and it would be all my fault!

 

Michael: Patty, you may have made some mistakes, but you're not responsible for A.J.'s being in danger. He is determined to find out who killed Candice Dailey, and he would've gone to that warehouse whether you were involved or not. It's not your fault some drug dealers showed up and tried to kill you.

 

Patricia: But that never would've happened if I hadn't been so headstrong...so determined to prove I could compete with A.J. and be just as good as he is. My bumbling almost got us killed last night. It still could get A.J. killed.

 

Michael: Hey, I'm the first to admit you've done some wrong things, chief among them not telling A.J. the truth about why you came back to town.

 

Patricia: Michael, will you get off that bandwagon? Sometimes the truth isn't the best choice to make and this would've been one of them.

 

Michael: So you're saying that you don't regret anything you've done since you came back?

 

Patricia: I regret the way I went about it. I should've handled things differently, I should've had a another plan, a better plan. (Pause) But I thought everything was foolproof. Instead, I wind up looking like the fool. And I think it's best that I leave now...once we find out if A.J. is okay...before things get worse.

 

Michael: I can't believe you think running away is the answer. Didn't you learn your lesson all those years ago when you ran away from your problems...and stayed away for all those years? Hasn't that terrible experience taught you that you can't hide from your mistakes, but you've got to face them and deal with them?

 

Patricia: Michael, what that experience taught me was that there are some situations that can't be resolved, that no matter how badly you might want it, you can't get what you want. I learned that the hard way before...I can't believe I almost forgot it.

 

Michael: So, you're just going to run away...leave your family and friends...just like that?

 

Patricia: Michael, I haven't been back long enough to have any friends. And as for family, you're the only one that matters. I will keep in touch with you just like I always have.

 

Michael: (angrily) Well, you know something, Patricia, I'm starting to why I should care.

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Evan Maitland and Captain Walter Stone are in Walter's office.

 

Walter: So now that Nathan James is due back in jail any moment, how soon will the trial get started?

 

Evan: I'm hoping by tomorrow, next day at the latest.

 

Walter: That quickly, huh?

 

Evan: Well, we've put this off long enough. I want to have the James kid tried and convicted by the end of the month...the sooner the better. If I've gotten one irate call from an angry citizen wondering why he hasn't been executed in the town square, I've gotten a hundred.

 

Walter: Evan, it was a pretty gruesome murder. And Candice Dailey was a loved girl from a respected family. Naturally people want justice.

 

Evan: And I'm just the man to give it to them.

 

Walter: Which I'm sure you'll remind your constituents of...especially around election time.

 

Evan: (smiling) You can't believe this is just about the pursuit of justice?

 

Walter: Evan, I've known you long enough to realize you care about getting the bad guys off the streets just as much as I do. But, you've also got a career and a political future to think about...especially if you're really planning to run against Jonas Lassiter in the senatorial election this year.

 

Evan: Now those are just rumors you read in the gossip section of the Journal. I have never even hinted that I was even thinking of leaving my job as D.A., much less running for the Senate.

 

Walter: I think the sparkle in your eye when you talk about it is a big enough hint for me. (As Evan chuckled, there was a knock on the door) Come in.

 

Eric: (walking in, Angela a few steps behind him) Hey, Captain, we need to... (Eric saw Evan standing there) Hi, Evan.

 

Evan: Det. Lassiter. (He sees Angela) How are you, Angela?

 

Angela: Fine.

 

Evan:  I guess this is my chance to congratulate you on your promotion.  I had coffee with Hillary this morning and she told me all about it..   Welcome.  You'll make a fine addition to the department.

 

Angela: Thanks, Evan.

 

Eric:  You done smoozing with your girlfriend’s sister, Evan?  We have something important to discuss with the Captain if you don’t mind.

 

Evan:  (giving Eric an annoyed look)   Ahh… Eric, I’ve missed your charm while you were vacationing in Las Vegas.   We’ll talk later, Walter.

 

Walter:  (as Evan walked out)  Bye.  (Pause)  Is there a reason why you were rude or was it just for fun?

 

Eric:  Just wanted to give you the details on the Johnson beating without the D.A. breathing down your neck.  Thought you’d like to talk to it without having to answer to him.

 

Walter:  That doesn’t sound good.  You don’t have anything, do you?

 

Eric:  Not yet.  We went to the hospital and talked to Mrs. Johnson. She doesn't know anything...or at least anything she was willing to share with us.

 

Walter: (sarcastically)   Okay, there’s an entire neighborhood of potential witnesses in Southtown.  Why aren’t you there canvassing the area?

 

Eric:   Because we felt that before we go any further, there's something else that should be taken care of.

 

Walter: Oh, I see. Does this have anything to do with A.J.? Because if you want to take some time off Eric, I understand.

 

Eric: (confused) What? Why would you mention A.J.? And why would I need to take time off?

 

Walter: You mean you haven't heard?

 

Eric: Obviously not. What has my perfect brother done this time?

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the hallway outside the medical examiner's office. Melody Sorensen is worriedly pacing the floor. Det. Jake Collier comes out of the office.

 

Jake: Melody?

 

Melody: (taking a deep breath to steel herself) Well, I'm ready, Jake. Let's get this over with.

 

Jake: It's going to be a few minutes.

 

Melody: Why?

 

Jake: Because the M.E. is in the middle of performing an autopsy. She'll wrap things up and then we can see the body.

 

Melody: Why do we have to wait; why can't you show me.. (She hesitated) ...the body?

 

Jake: Because we have procedures, Melody. There are certain ways things are done. I know it's tough, but you'll have to wait it out a bit longer.

 

Melody: But, I can't stand this waiting. I feel like I'm ready to scream!

 

Jake: I know...and I'm sorry. I wish I could push things through, but....

 

Melody: (taking a deep breath, shaking her head) I know, you can't. I guess letting me ID the body instead of Gloria is sort of bending the rules already. And I appreciate that, Jake. I don't want to put Gloria though any unnecessary pain. If it's not A.J., then I will have spared her that. But if it is...if it is...I don't know how I'm going to tell her. She'll be devastated.

 

Jake: I don’t think she’s the only one. A.J. has a lot of people who love him.

 

Melody: Including you?

 

Jake: A.J. and I haven’t been all that close since we grew up, but when I was growing up, both he and Eric were like the brothers I never had. (Pause) I’ve always wanted siblings, but Mom and Dad never had any more kids after me. A.J. was like a big brother to me; I was lucky to have had him. But, a lot of people feel that way about him. He has never been without people who love and care about him. I wonder if he knows how lucky he is?

 

Melody: Truthfully, Jake? I don’t think A.J. realizes how loved he really is.

 

Jake: I believe you’re right. (Pause) Look, I'm dying for a cup of coffee. Why don't you join me in the cafeteria?

 

Melody: (shaking her head) No, no. I don't want anything. I can’t really think about anything else but what I have to do. (Pause) But you can go though.

 

Jake: Melody, I don't want to leave you alone.

 

Melody: Jake, I'll be fine. (Pause) Go ahead, take a few minutes. I know this has been tough on you too since your family is so close to the Lassiters.

 

Jake: (nodding) I’ve had better days, that’s for sure. (Pause) Well, I better get that coffee. I'll only be a few minutes.

 

Melody: Sure. (Jake walked away, leaving Melody to pace the floor alone some more)

 

Voice: Melody? Melody, what in the world are you doing here?

 

Melody: (looking up) Lucas. I heard you were back in town.

 

Lucas:   (smirking)  A.J. gave you the good news, huh?

 

Melody: Something like that.

 

Lucas:   Oh, I’ll bet.  So, what are you doing here? I thought you liked to get to the bodies while they were still alive?

 

Melody: You mean you haven't heard? I thought you Greyhawk's had a pipeline to bad news about the Lassiters.

 

Lucas: I've been out of town...my pipeline's a little rusty. Has something happened, did someone die?

 

Melody: Lucas, you almost sound concerned...or should I say, hopeful?

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Dr. Glenn Dailey's office. Glenn and James Greyhawk are there.

 

Glenn: So you actually are going to get involved with Nikki Lassiter?

 

James: Involved? No, I wouldn’t call it that. But I am going to keep a close eye on her. I have to find out if she's telling the truth about her boyfriend and Nathan James trying to frame me. If it's true, then we have to stop them and use it to help convict Nathan and maybe Richie for good measure.

 

Glenn: And if it isn't true?

 

James: If it isn't true, then I need to find out what she is up to...why she is embarking on this grand scheme.

 

Glenn: Why would she lie about this? What would she have to gain from it?

 

James: I don't know, but no matter what she's up to, I'll find out.

 

Glenn: Well, be careful.

 

James: When dealing with a Lassiter? Always. (He glanced at his watch) I better be getting back to school. I've got a chemistry test I can't afford to be late for. (Pause) I just hope the security swarming this hospital doesn't make me late.

 

Glenn: I hope it's over soon. It's already delayed Nathan James being taken back to jail.

 

James: (smirking) What I wouldn't give to see that kid dragged away in chains. It would do my heart good.

 

Glenn: What would do my heart good is if Nathan James' stopped beating.

 

James: Wishing death on another person? That's not good karma for a doctor.

 

Glenn: Nathan James killed my daughter so I'm justified in seeing him dead. And the only thing that would be better than the knowledge that he's dead...is being able to do it myself.

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor near the nurses station. While Dana Cooper and Natalie Lassiter work at the desk, Dr. Gloria Dailey, Patrick Jackson and Dr. Darian Jackson stand several feet away.

 

Darian: Gloria, you can't be serious!  Nathan suffered a heart attack?

 

Gloria: Yes, and a pretty massive one at that. I may be a neurologist, but I recognize a heart attack when I see one.

 

Patrick: You don’t think he could be faking to avoid going back to jail?

 

Darian: (angrily) For Christ’s sake, Patrick! I...

 

Gloria: (interrupting) No, he’s not faking, Mr. Jackson, I assure you of that.

   

Darian:   So how bad it is it?  Is he going to be all right?

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter’s office. Eric, Angela and Walter are there.

 

Angela: How long has A.J. been missing?

 

Walter: As far as we can gather, a few hours.

 

Eric: And you sounded the alarm? Don’t you think you may have jumped the gun?

 

Walter: Eric, this mess involves Victor Gianelli. You know how dangerous that man is. He would kill someone if they looked at him the wrong way and A.J. gets himself tangled with two of his top henchmen. If he disappears under strange circumstances, you bet we’re going to be on the alert.

 

Eric: You’re forgetting who you are dealing with. A.J. loves writing stories, but he loves them even more if they’re about himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if he orchestrated this whole thing to get attention.

 

Walter: Eric, I’m the first to admit your brother craves the spotlight; he’s certainly given this department enough headaches over the years, but in my experience, he’s not irresponsible.

 

Eric: Irresponsible!? I’ve known him my entire life and he does what he wants to do no matter who it hurts or who it affects! But somehow he manages to come out smelling like that expensive cologne he wears. Captain, you’ve probably got the entire police force on alert for nothing!

 

Walter: Eric, I know you have problems with your brother, but this is no place to deal with your sibling rivalry.

 

Eric: (icily) My brother is hardly a rival to me.

 

Walter: And whether he is or not is not my concern. Making sure he’s not found floating face down in the bay is.

 

Eric: I’m just telling you that A.J. is known for his vanishing acts. He goes off for days hunting his next exclusive.

 

Walter: Sort of like you going off for days on a bender?

 

Eric: This is not about me.

 

Walter: Oh, but it is, Eric. But that’s for you and your shrink to deal with. Right now, my concern is saving A.J.’s life. Now, if you want to show an ounce of concern for your brother, why don’t you go to the hospital and see how your mother’s doing? She could use the emotional support...if you’re capable of it.

 

Eric: (shaking his head) No, they don’t need me at the hospital. I’m sure A.J. has enough of a cheering section already.

 

Walter: Fine, then I suggest you get back to work on the Johnson case.

 

Eric: We can’t do that, Captain. Not yet.

 

Walter: Why not?

 

Angela: We ran into a problem, Captain.

 

Walter: What? With the case?

 

Eric: No, with each other. This partnership has got to end...and end now.

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the hallway outside the medical examiner’s office. Lucas and Melody are there.

 

Melody: So, that’s the story. A.J. could be dead and I’m here to identify the body.

 

Lucas: Wow. Melody, I don’t know what to say.

 

Melody: You mean you’re not going to cheer or are you going to wait until you share the news with your family so you have a collective sigh of relief?

 

Lucas: Melody, I may not be A.J.’s biggest fan, but I hardly want to see him dead.

 

Melody: Oh, I imagine not. With A.J. dead, your family has one less reason to get up in the morning.

 

Lucas: Melody, I’m really sorry about this.

 

Melody: Lucas, save your phony concern. I know you hate A.J..

 

Lucas: What gives you that idea?

 

Melody: What about the fact that you have tortured him ever since you were kids? You two have been at each others throats since you were old enough to play in a sandbox.

 

Lucas: That may be true, but I don’t hate A.J..

 

Melody: All the rotten things you’ve done to him say otherwise.

 

Lucas:  I’m not exactly the villain where he and I are concerned. He’s given as good as he got.

 

Melody: You know, Lucas, I’m not really interested in hearing about how you and A.J. went tit for tat.

 

Lucas: I imagine not. (Pause) How soon will you know something?

 

Melody: As soon as the M.E. is free. Apparently she’s already busy.

 

Lucas: Well, maybe I can push things along.

 

Melody: How’s that?

 

Lucas: The ME's an old girlfriend of mine. I could talk to her...see what she can do to give you an answer sooner than later.

 

Melody: I find it hard to believe that any old girlfriend of yours is still speaking to you. And she’s still speaking to you?

 

Lucas: Not all the women I go out with hate me. We went out...do you hate me?

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. Patricia and Michael are there.

 

Patricia: You’re angry that I’m thinking of leaving?

 

Michael: I’m angry that once again you are running away from your problems...and leaving the rest of us to clean up your mess. You never learn, do you?

 

Patricia: Yes, I’ve learned. I’ve learned what a mistake it was to come back here.

 

Michael: Because you came back here with some grand scheme that I told you wouldn’t work because it was based on lies and deceit. You should’ve told A.J. and everyone else the truth from the start.

 

Patricia: I think you’re wrong, Michael. The truth...the truth just wouldn’t have worked.

 

Michael: And I see what a big success lies have gotten you. (Pause) Patricia, you can’t do this...you can’t just run again. You’ve got to face things and deal with what has happened. Maybe there is a way to resolve this.

 

Patricia: I am resolving this...by getting on a plane back to Africa just as soon as A.J. is found. I just hope he’s found alive.

 

Michael: Patricia, I really wish you... (Michael’s cell phone rang) ...excuse me. (Michael reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the phone. He answered it) Michael Tamakai.

 

Sabrina’s Voice: Michael, it’s Sabrina. I need you to come to the hospital right away.

 

Michael: Sabrina, I’m already here with my sister.

 

Sabrina: Why? Is she ill?

 

Michael: No. I’m sure you’ve heard about A.J. disappearing. I’m with her waiting for word on him. (Pause) Is that why you need to see me?

 

Sabrina: No, it’s about Nathan.

 

Michael: Nathan? Shouldn’t he be on his way back to jail by now?

 

Sabrina: Michael, after what’s happened, we all wish he were.

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor nurses station. Nearby the desk, Darian, Patrick and Gloria are talking. Natalie is at the desk working while Dana watches the others talk.

 

Dana: I wonder what that is all about?

 

Natalie: (looking up) I don’t know, but it’s none of our business. We have work to do...work you’ve been ignoring all day.

 

Dana: You aren’t curious?

 

Natalie: I’m curious about how you’re going to keep your job if you don’t do any work.

 

Dana: Oh, come on, Natalie. I just want to know what’s going on.

 

Natalie: And you’ll find out...if they want you to know.

 

(Nearby Darian, Gloria and Patrick were talking)

 

Gloria: He’s alive. I was able to resuscitate him, but it doesn’t look good.

 

Darian: How bad is it?

 

Gloria: We won’t be sure until we do some tests, but his condition is critical.

 

Patrick: Where is he now?

 

Gloria: Intensive care.

 

Darian: Gloria, this makes no sense. There was nothing wrong with him. He is a healthy seventeen year old kid. They just don’t collapse from a heart attack.

 

Gloria: Was there any sign of heart trouble in his history?

 

Darian: No. I've been Nate's doctor as long as I've been practicing.  He's in great shape.

 

Patrick: So how could this have been caused?

 

Gloria: I don’t know. But we better find out. It’s going to be important if we want to keep him alive.

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter’s office. Walter, Angela and Eric are there.

 

Walter: You two don’t want to work together? I wasn’t aware that I gave you an option.

 

Eric: Captain, we told you that this partnership wouldn’t work.

 

Walter: And I told you to make it work. Do you really think a few hours is going to change my mind on the subject.

 

Angela: But, Captain, we’re unable to be an effective team because of our differences.

 

Walter: Look, I’m not asking either of you two love each other, or even like each other. I’m asking you to be a couple of professionals and do your job. I realize there is a lot of personal history between the two of you, but...

 

Angela: This has nothing to do with Eric having been married to my sister. It’s about how Eric is handling this case, Captain. He is exhibiting some views that I cannot tolerate.

 

Walter: Views? What are you talking about?

 

Eric:  Sorensen, I suggest you tread lightly here.

 

Angela: Why should I? Since we started this case, you’ve been rather heavy handed about your views.

 

Walter: Would you mind explaining to me what you’re talking about?

 

Angela: Captain, Det. Lassiter has deemed this case solved. As far as he’s concerned, the Johnson kids were victims of gang violence, when there is no evidence of any such activity and everyone connected to the victims insist there is no way the young men were part of any gang.

 

Eric: And they could be lying or trying to protect those kids. Or maybe no one can really see what is going on around them.

 

Walter: Eric could be right, Det. Sorensen. His theory sounds valid to me.

 

Angela: Captain, that would be true. But it’s more than just a theory to Eric, it’s the solution. His stance is affecting our ability to work on this case. Everyone we talk to views Eric as some racist cop and that belief is tying our hands.

 

Walter: Det. Sorensen, every cop in this city has been accused of being a racist. It comes with the territory. Surely you’ve dealt with the accusation yourself.

 

Angela: Of course I have. Only in my case, there wasn’t even the slightest truth to it.

 

Walter: But, in this case there is? Det. Sorensen, are you accusing your partner of being a racist?

 

* * * * * *

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; outside the medical examiner’s office. Melody and Lucas are there.

 

Melody: Lucas, you and I never dated.

 

Lucas: Really? I seem to remember picking you up in my car, taking you to dinner and a movie. Driving you home. Wasn’t that a date?

 

Melody: It was a mistake. It only happened once and it ended with me fighting you off in the backseat of your car. And you driving me home and practically shoving me out of the car when we got to your house. I’m surprised you even slowed down to let me out.

 

Lucas: That’s the way you remember it?

 

Melody: That’s the way it was. Don’t tell me you’re going to try to deny it.

 

Lucas: No. I admit that in those days I was just a randy young man trying to add as many notches to my bedpost as I could. But, what teenage boy wasn’t?

 

Melody: Not many. But most of them grew out of it.

 

Lucas: Are you saying I haven’t?

 

Melody: Are you saying that you have?

 

Lucas: Look, it’s been a long time since a woman had to fight me off in the backseat of my car.

 

Melody: Oh, that’s right. I remember hearing you drive a Ferrari these days. It doesn’t have a back seat.

 

Lucas: (grinning) Touché’.

 

Melody: (as a small smile crossed her lips) Lucas, you surprise me.

 

Lucas: How’s that?

 

Melody: Well, if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you’re trying to make me forget my problems...at least for a few minutes.

 

Lucas: But, you do know better, don’t you? After all, I’m a Greyhawk. When have we done anything good for anyone, especially someone so closely connected to the Lassiters?

 

Melody: (embarrassed) Lucas, that’s not exactly what I meant.

 

Lucas: Really? Now, I’m the one to be surprised.

 

Jake: (walking up) Melody, I... (He saw Lucas) Greyhawk, what are you doing here?

 

Lucas: Taking off. (Pause) I’ve done my good deed for the day. Now it’s time to kick a puppy and pull some wings off flies. Later. (Lucas walked away)

 

Jake: What was that all about?

 

Melody: Honestly, I’m not so sure.

   

At that moment, the door opened and a slender, attractive dark skinned woman appeared in the doorway. She wore a white lab coat over a grey pantsuit.

 

Jake: Daphne.

 

Daphne: Hi, Jake.

 

Jake: Daphne, this is….

 

Daphne:  Melody, how are you?  (Pause)  I guess this isn’t the time to ask that, is it?

 

Jake:  You two know one another?

 

Melody:  Yeah, Daphne worked in the ER at the hospital before coming to the medical examiner’s office.

 

Jake:  I see.  This town gets smaller and smaller everyday.

 

Daphne:   It sure does.  (Pause)  I guess you’re here about A.J., huh?

 

Melody:  Yes.  You’ve seen the body… is it A.J.?

 

Daphne:  Actually, I didn’t.   One of the other examiners here handled the… body when it came in.  He had to go testify in court so I’m going to show it… him to you.  But if you’d rather not go in, I’ll do it for you and let you know.

 

Melody:  (shaking her head)  No, no.  I’ll do it.

 

Jake:  Or let me, Melody.  Please.

 

Melody:  No, I’ve come this far.  I can’t turn back now.

 

Melody and Jake followed Daphne into the office and to the drawers where the bodies were held.

 

Daphne: (stopping) This is it.

 

Melody: (shakily) Okay.

 

Jake: Are you sure you’re ready for this, Melody?

 

Melody: (taking a deep breath) Yes.  Go ahead.

 

Daphne: (sliding the drawer open, revealing a body covered by a sheet) Okay. (She pulled back the sheet)

 

Melody: (gasping in horror as she looked at the body) Oh, my God! A.J.!!

 

* * * * * *

 

Coming Up In Covington Bay