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EPISODE 43

 

“GHOSTS”

 

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the foyer. Harry Tamakai is there talking to a slender dark-haired woman who looks very nervous.

 

Harry: (angrily) I warned you once before about smoking in this house. Did I not make it clear that it was not to be tolerated?!

 

Woman: (as Kevin entered the foyer, unseen by Harry) I'm sorry, sir. I just couldn't help it. It won't happen again.

 

Harry: You're right about that, young lady, it won't happen again. (Pause) I warned you and you violated my rules. (Pause)  You're fired. Please have your things packed and out of this house within the hour.

 

Woman: (horrified) But sir, what will I do? Where will I go? I don't know anyone in Covington Bay.  And I need this job!

 

Harry: I am afraid that is not my problem.

 

Woman: Please…!

 

Harry: You may go now.

 

(The woman scampered away as Kevin started to walk towards Harry)

 

Kevin: Harry?

 

Harry: (turning) Yes, Kevin?

 

Kevin: I just saw what happened.

 

Harry:  And?

 

Kevin:  Look, I'm not trying to tell you how to do your job; you somehow manage to keep this house in ship shape condition.

 

Harry: (dryly) But, there is a problem of some sort, sir?

 

Kevin: Yes…that woman. Don't you think you were a bit hard on her? Do you really think she should be fired?

 

Harry: Kevin, the staff must follow a number of rules and regulations in order to retained as employees of this household. One of them is no smoking in the house.

 

Kevin: I know. Grandmother put a moratorium on smoking in the house when Grandfather was diagnosed with asthma a couple of years ago.

 

Harry: And given that, I must strictly follow those rules, even with them away in Scotland.  The woman was caught violating the rules once before. She was given a second chance and she chose to violate them again.

 

Kevin: What she did was wrong, but to fire her? That seems a bit harsh.

 

Harry: I suppose you think I should ignore her behavior and continue as it never happened.

 

Kevin: I think you should reconsider. She's a good employee and you shouldn't get rid of someone who does a good job because they made a mistake.

 

Harry: Mr. Lassiter, your grandfather gave me complete and total control over the running of this house. And I shall run it as I see fit. I do not think overlooking negative behavior is a way to do that. It only encourages others to act in ways that are unacceptable. Do you understand what I mean?

 

Kevin: Yes, Harry, I think you're making it very clear.

 

 

Scene: Lassiter Pharmaceuticals; Barton Lassiter's office. He is on the telephone.

 

Barton: Well, Trent, that's just great. You must be so proud of your son getting accepted into Covington Bay Medical Center's intern program. It's a tough nut to crack. (Pause) Right, I'd say he deserves that sports car; he worked hard enough to get it. (Pause) Kevin? Oh, he's fine…doing his share to keep this company afloat. (Pause) No, he's not married yet…he's too busy playing the field. You know how these young men are. (Pause) Trent, I have to be going…I've got a meeting in just a few minutes. (Pause) Yes, maybe the four of us should get together soon. But, with our busy schedules and all, I just don't know when we'll have time. (Pause) Sure, as soon as we can. (Pause as Barton looked frustrated) Good-bye. (Barton hung up the phone) Two fathers having dinner with the sons they're so proud of? When hell freezes over.

 

(There was a knock on the door.  Before Barton could respond, a squat, overweight  man walked into the office. His round face was pudgy, enhanced by a set of double chins.  He had salt and pepper colored hair and blue eyes.  The dark gray suit he was well tailored, but seemed a little snug for his bulky frame)

 

Man:  You busy?

 

Barton:   No, Steven. I was just talking to Trent Williamson.

 

Steven: Really? How is Trent doing? I've hardly heard from him since he left LP to start that computer company of his.

 

Barton: You read the papers. Williamson Technocorp is doing great. I'm glad we invested in it when Trent was first starting up.

 

Steven: So am I. Trent deserved a shot at his own business. I'm glad we were able to help him realize his dream.

 

Barton: You're right. Our shares in his company brings us some tidy profit.

 

Steven: Which is always nice; helping a friend is even nicer.

 

Barton: Steven, when will you realize there are no friends in business, just colleagues or opponents?  And sometimes they are one and the same.

 

Steven: Well, I haven't realized that. I guess that might explain why I have friends and you don’t.

 

Barton: (annoyed) Steven, I don't have time for friends. I'm too busy keeping his company running. (Pause) So, what brings you by?   I thought you had a conference call from legal concerning our Japanese division?

 

Steven: I did. Things are fine there. We'll have a glowing report for the stockholders meeting this week.

 

Barton: Good. A lot of people had doubts about branching out in that part of the world.

 

Steven: Including me. But, you were right, Bart. This was a good business move.

 

Barton: Steven, it's like I told you…sometimes you have to take chances in business.

 

Steven: And this time you were right. But, there are times when you should play it safe. Some risks just aren't worth taking.

 

Barton: Are you alluding to something specific?

 

Steven: Yes, Bart, I am.

 

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Captain Walter Stone's office. Det. Eric Lassiter, Det. Angela Sorensen and Walter are there.

 

Walter: Well, Angela, are you calling your partner a racist?

 

Angela: (hesitating) Whether Eric is a racist or not…I don't know. I do know that his opinions on this case are giving the appearance of racism.

 

Eric: That's very diplomatic of you.

 

Angela: (ignoring Eric) But those opinions, coupled with some recent actions of Eric's are going to make solving this case difficult.

 

Walter: Recent actions? What recent actions?

 

Eric: They have nothing to do with this case, Captain. (Pause) Sorensen is just trying to make me look bad.

 

Walter: Really? Why don't you tell me what she is talking about? I'll decide if you look bad or not?

 

Eric: Like I said, it has nothing to do with this case. Our concern is that we can't work together. We have too many interpersonal conflicts for it to ever work.

 

Walter: And I told you to make it work. It's not up for discussion…you two are working together for better or for worse.

 

Eric: But, Captain…!

 

Walter: Damn it, Eric, what will it take for you to listen to me!? I am the boss here, I make up the assignments! Do your damn job my way or I will find someone who will!

 

 

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor foyer. Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter is pacing the floor when Michael Tamakai walks in.

 

Michael: Patty, have you heard anything?

 

Patricia: Not a word. Melody should be there by now. She has to know if it's A.J. or not.

 

Michael: I'm sure she'll let you know as soon as she learns anything.

 

Patricia: I'm not sure about that…she wasn't exactly nice before.

 

Michael: You don't think she's justified?

 

Patricia: Do you always have to point out my mistakes?

 

Michael: Someone has to…otherwise you'd forget them all too easily.

 

Patricia: Well save your lectures and condemnations for later, Michael. I'm too worried about A.J. right now. (Pause) Shouldn't you be with your client? I thought Nathan James had a heart attack?

 

Michael: He did, but he's in Intensive Care; there's nothing I can do for him. There's nothing any of us can do. Sabrina filled me in and then told me to come back and be with you.

 

Patricia: You didn't tell her about Melody going to the morgue, did you?

 

Michael: No, but she said that Dr. Dailey was going to the cafeteria for coffee and then she was coming back here to wait with us for news. What are you going to say when she gets here and asks where Melody is?

 

Patricia: I don't know.

 

Michael: You could try the truth.

 

Patricia: Michael, we can't do that. That's exactly what Melody didn't want.

 

Gloria: (walking in) What is it that Melody didn't want?

 

Patricia: (looking up) Dr. Lassiter.

 

Gloria: Patricia. (She glanced at Michael) Hello, Michael.

 

Michael: Hi, Dr. Lassiter.

 

Gloria: Well, Patricia, what didn't Melody want?   And for once, why don’t you try telling me the truth?

 

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the hallway outside the medical examiner's office. Lucas Greyhawk is standing at the end of the hallway near the pay phones. He watches as the door flies open and Melody Sorensen rushes out, tears streaming from her face. Jake Collier comes after her.

 

Jake: Melody, it's going to be all right!

 

Melody: No, Jake, it'll never be all right. It's never going to be all right again!

 

Jake: It will! It will! I know it doesn't seem like it now, but you'll get through this. It's tough, but you'll get through it.

 

Melody: I don't see how, I just see how! (She fell into Jake's arms, sobbing) A.J.! Oh God, A.J.!!

 

(Lucas watched as Jake held Melody before leading her down the hall)

 

Lucas: (shaking his head) I can't believe it! I just can't believe it. A.J. Lassiter…dead?

 

 

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter's office. Det. Angela Sorensen, Det. Eric Lassiter and Captain Walter Stone are there.

 

Walter: I hope I have made myself clear on this subject. I don't want to have to go over it again!

 

Angela: Yes, sir. I apologize for being so unprofessional. Det. Lassiter and I will work together as a team for as long as you need us to.

 

Walter: Good, I'm glad one of you has let that sink in. I hope you've gotten it too, Eric.

 

Eric: (icily) Don't worry. I got it.

 

Walter: Then get to work. (Pause) But first, I'd like to talk to you alone for a few moments, Eric.

 

Angela: Captain…

 

Walter: Don’t worry, Det. Sorensen, this has nothing to do with you or your partnership. It doesn’t involve you at all.

 

Angela: Of course. Excuse me. (Angela walked out, closing the door)

 

Eric:  So, Captain, what are we going to do about her?

 

Walter:  Excuse me?

 

Eric:  Look, I know you had to hire her to fill a quota and I know you have to pretend that you want her here, but it’s just between us now.  And we gotta figure out a way to get rid of her.

 

Walter:  (shaking his head in disgust)  You really don’t get it, do you?   Det. Sorensen is here because of her ability, nothing more, nothing less.  Furthermore, we are not buddies nor part of some ‘old boy’s club’.  She’s here to stay, get used to it.  Whatever problem you have with her is one I suggest you get over.  Frankly, you should worry about less about her performance and more about your own.

 

Eric:  What does that mean?

 

Walter: Det. Sorensen alluded to recent actions of yours that puts your feelings about race into question.

 

Eric: Captain, she didn't know what she was talking about.

 

Walter: Oh, I think she did. She was talking about a recent run in you had with Danny James at a restaurant, wasn't she?

 

Eric: Captain, I don't know what you heard but…

 

Walter: I heard what happened with Danny James.  That you harassed him and then tried to get him on a bogus bust.

 

Eric: That's not that's not the way it was.

 

Walter: Really? Then why don’t you tell me the way it was. And it better be good…because if it's not, I'm afraid you're in deep, Detective.

 

 

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

 

Patricia: Hello, Dr. Lassiter.

 

Gloria: What is going on? Where is Melody and what didn't she want?

 

Patricia: She just had to step out for a few minutes.

 

Gloria: Step out where? What is going on?

 

Patricia: She just went to the cafeteria to have a drink.

 

Gloria: Really? I was just in the cafeteria. I didn't see her.

 

Patricia: Then you probably missed her.

 

Gloria: Really? I don't think so. (Pause) Patricia, I can't believe you were able to keep your marriage to my son a secret for so long you're such a terrible liar. This obviously has something to do with A.J.! Now what is going on? Where is Melody and what didn't she want anyone to know!?

 

 

Scene: Lassiter Pharmaceuticals; Barton's office. Barton and Steven are there.

 

Barton: Steven, you seem upset.

 

Steven: I am and I can't believe you wouldn't think I wouldn't.

 

Barton: What are you talking about?

 

Steven: Charles Harrison.

 

Barton: (sighing) Oh, I see.

 

Steven: Oh, I see. Is that all you can say about what you've done?

 

Barton: Steven, don't overreact. I did what I had to.

 

Steven: You did not have to invite Harrison to this meeting.

 

Barton: And why not? Steven, he is running the London division of this company. Shouldn't we receive a report from him during the stockholders meeting?

 

Steven: No, we shouldn't. Charles Harrison shouldn't even be working for this company much less be giving stockholders reports.

 

Barton: But, he is working for this company…and you have to admit he's done wonders with the London division.

 

Steven: (nodding hesitantly) Yes, he's done a good job.

 

Barton: Then we were right in transferring him instead of firing him last year.

 

Steven: No, you're wrong. I still think we should've fired him…especially after what he did.

 

Barton: Look, we dealt with the mistake.

 

Steven: You call that incident a mistake!? It was a calculated move designed to…!

 

Barton: Steven, there is no need to get into the details. All that is ancient history.

 

Steven: I wouldn’t exactly call last year ancient history. (Pause) The point is, Barton, I don't like Charles Harrison and I thought I made it clear that if he stayed with L.P., he was never to return to this office.

 

Barton: Steven, calm down. He'll only be here a couple of days. Then he will be off to England again.

 

Steven: Bart, maybe he'll only be here a few days, but that isn't the point. The point is you knew I wouldn't like his being here…you knew I'd hate it. But, that meant nothing to you, did it? You just did whatever you wanted to…just like always.

 

Barton: I did what was best for this company. Charles has been running the division for the past year and doing a splendid job. He could've sent a representative. In fact, he offered to in light of the tension between you and he. But I told him he was the best one to explain the events of the past year in London and where he's going to take his division in the future. He deserves some of the glory, don't you think?

 

Steven: Charles Harrison deserves to be in prison. It's only by his own manipulations that he was able to avoid paying for his actions.

 

Barton: Why do you see the situation as so cut and dried?

 

Steven: Because when it comes to what happened with that man, it is.

 

(There was a knock on the door)

 

Barton: (frowning) Where is my secretary today? Come in!

 

Nikki: (walking in) Uncle Bart? I heard Daddy was in here.

 

Steven: He is. (He smiles widely)

 

Nikki: Hi, Daddy.

 

Steven: (hugging Nikki) Hi, honey. What are you doing here?

 

Nikki: I'm here to see you of course. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?

 

Barton: No, as a matter of fact, we were finished.

 

Nikki: Then can we go to your office and talk?

 

Barton: (standing) No need…you can stay right here. I have a lunch meeting outside the office. I'll see you in a couple of hours, Steven. Bye, Nikki.

 

Nikki: (as Barton walked out) Bye, Uncle Bart. (Pause) Why does he always look so tense?

 

Steven: It's the stockholders meeting, Nikki. Barton's really putting a lot of work into it and the stress is getting to him.

 

Nikki: Well, Uncle Bart is used to it, I guess. He's always been so driven about running this company.

 

Steven: Yes, too much for his own good as far as I'm concerned.

 

 

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the foyer. Kevin and Harry are there.

 

Kevin: I'm not telling you how to do your job; it's only a suggestion.

 

Harry: And I have given your suggestion consideration. However, I respectfully disagree with you. Now, if there is nothing else, I have to begin looking for a replacement for the young lady.

 

Kevin: (shaking his head) No Harry, there is nothing else.

 

Harry: Then if you'll excuse me…?

 

(Harry was about to walk away when Nina walked into the house)

 

Nina: Hi, Daddy…Mr. Lassiter.

 

Kevin: Hello, Nina.

 

Harry: Nina, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?

 

Nina: Daddy, it's lunch hour and I came to check on Marc. Do you know if he's feeling any better? He looked horrible this morning. That sudden flu really seemed to knock him out.

 

Harry: I looked in on your brother a couple of hours ago and he was sleeping. I imagine he should be awake by now.

 

Nina: Good, I'll run up and see him.

 

Harry: I’m sure he'll appreciate the visit. I just hope he is well enough to return to school tomorrow. He cannot afford to get behind in his studies.

 

Nina: Marc? Daddy, you know how easy school is for him; he's weeks ahead of everyone else…including the teacher.

 

Harry: Well one can't be too careful. Don't stay too long, Nina, I don't want you being late for your classes.

 

Nina: I won't.

 

Harry: If you'll excuse me, I have to be getting back to work.

 

Nina: Bye, Daddy.

 

Kevin: Thank you, Harry.

 

Harry: (glaring coolly at Kevin before walking out) Certainly, sir. (Harry started to close the door he'd exited from behind him, but as he heard Kevin and Nina start to talk, he stopped and began to listen)

 

 

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor nurses station. Patricia, Gloria, and Michael are there.

 

Patricia: (taking a deep breath) I didn't want to tell you this…I thought Melody would be back with news by now.

 

Gloria: What news, damn it? Where did Melody go!?

 

Patricia: She went to the morgue.

 

Gloria: (horrified) What!? Why!?

 

Patricia: Jake came by and said the police found a man who'd been shot to death…and that he resembled A.J.. They needed someone to identify the body. Jake wanted it to be you as next of kin, but Melody persuaded Jake to let her do it.

 

Gloria: Why?

 

Patricia: She didn't want you to have to go through that stress. She didn't want you to have to worry unnecessarily, especially if it wasn’t A.J..

 

Gloria: But, I should've been told. I'm his mother…I should be there. I should be there in case…! (Pause) Oh, God! I can't even think about it being A.J..! I can't even think about losing him! I can't…!

 

(At that moment, Melody and Jake walked in)

 

Gloria: Melody! Patricia just told me the news about A.J.! (Her voice started to tremble) Was it him? Was it A.J.?

 

Melody: I…

 

Voice: Hi, everybody.

 

(At the same moment, everyone looked up to see A.J. standing in the doorway)

 

Melody: (stunned) A.J.!

 

Gloria: (gasping) Oh, my God! A.J.!

 

A.J.: Yes, it's me. What's going on? Why does everyone look like they've just seen a ghost?

 

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