EPISODE 44

“TRAVEL PLANS”

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the foyer. Kevin Lassiter and Nina Tamakai are there. Harry Tamakai is standing behind a door in an adjacent room, listening to the conversation.

Kevin: How are you, Nina?

Nina: Oh, I'm great.

Kevin: And how is music class going? Your piano recital should be soon, shouldn't it?

Nina: This weekend. I'm so nervous.

Kevin: Why? You have nothing to worry about. You're a great pianist.

Nina: Thank you for saying so.

Kevin: Why not, it's true. You're wonderful. Your father must be very proud of you.

Nina: I think he is.

Kevin: You know, I wish I had of applied myself to my piano lessons when I was your age, who knows where my fingers might have taken me.

Nina: (laughing) I just hope I remember where my fingers go on the piano keys.

Kevin: Nina, you are a natural at the piano. I don't think you'll forget anything.

Nina: Well, if I do a good job at this recital, I'll owe a lot of it to you.

Kevin: How do you figure that?

Nina: You're the one who suggested I try the piece I'm going to be performing.

Kevin: I just thought it suited your talents and that you'd be able to handle it.

Nina: There were times when I didn't think I would. It's a very difficult piece, but it worked out great.

Kevin: I'm glad, Nina. You've got a wonderful gift and I think you'll go far with it.

Nina: Right now, I just want to get through this recital. (Pause) Thank you for all you've done, Kevin. I appreciate it so much.

Kevin: No problem, Nina.

Nina: (hesitating) Mr. Lassiter, could I ask you something?

Kevin: Sure. What is it, Nina?

Nina: Well, I need you to do me a favor. A big favor.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Det. Angela Sorensen is sitting at her desk in the office, busily arranging things.

Voice: Hi, sis.

Angela: (looking up) Monica! What are you doing here?

Monica: I'm here to see you. I hope I'm not interrupting.

Angela: I have a few minutes. What's up?

Monica: I want to apologize for last night.

Hillary: What is there to apologize for?

Monica: Well, I wasn't very encouraging about your promotion.

Angela: (bluntly) No you weren't.

Monica: I let my past with Eric overshadow what is a big success for you. And I'm sorry about that. You worked hard to get where you are and deserve it. Eric has ruined a lot of things in our lives, we shouldn't have let him ruin that.

Angela: Unfortunately your ex has that effect on people. Trust me, I get why you were concerned.

Monica: But do you forgive me?

Angela: Of course. (Angela stood, went around the desk to her sister and hugged her) I appreciate your coming down to tell me this.

Monica: (smiling) Good. So, how is your first day going? Have things run smoothly so far?

Angela: Is that your way of asking if I've run into Eric yet?

Monica: I was trying to be clever about the question, but yes. Have you run into him yet?

Angela: I certainly have…and then some.

Monica: What does that mean?

Angela: It means that I have seen more of Eric Lassiter in the last few hours than I have in the last few years.

Monica: Are you going to decipher that for me? Is he causing problems? Already?

Angela: Of course he is; isn't that what your pig of an ex-husband does best?

Monica: Well, can’t you avoid him?

Angela: No. And believe me, I wish I could.

Monica: Why? Are you working that closely together?

Angela: Would you call being partners working closely together?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division, Capt. Walter Stone's office. Walter and Det. Eric Lassiter are there.

Walter: I want to know what happened last night, Eric. Did you try to arrest Danny James unjustifiably?

Eric: Of course not. It was a valid bust. The guy took a swing at me.

Walter: The way I heard it, you provoked him.

Eric: Who told you that? Did some of those poor, downtrodden Southtown citizens call in and complain?

Walter: What does it matter how I found out? Did you provoke that scene last night?

Eric: Captain, that is not the way it happened.

Walter: Then how did it happen, Eric?

Eric: You looked at Danny James' rap sheet? He doesn't need much provocation to break the law. And you forget that it was me who put him away. He wouldn't be the first ex-con who wanted a shot at the cop who put him behind bars.

Walter: That is not answering my question. (Pause) Do you want to tell me what happened or should I just guess? (Pause) You were drunk off your butt last night…and I know you happen to be a mean drunk. You saw Danny James, decided to give him a hard time, he wasn't having it so he took a swing at you. Is that it?

Eric: And I suppose you believe this story? Captain, you've been to Mama J.'s. You know the kind of crowd that hangs out there. Half the people hanging out there have done time and they'd like nothing better than to peg a cop as being a racist. Whatever you heard is a lie.

Walter: You could be right, but I don’t think so. I have no doubt that you did everything you have been accused of.

Eric: Oh, really? And what makes you believe that?

Walter: Knowing you is enough, Det. Lassiter.

* * * * * *

Scene: Greyhawk MedTech Inc. Quentin Greyhawk is in his office, sitting behind his desk as he talks on the telephone.

Quentin: Well, that's great to hear, darling, but when will you be home? (Pause) Good, I'm glad to hear you're wrapping things up there…I really miss you. (There was a knock on the door and Nigel Greyhawk poked his head in the door. Quentin waved him in) Yeah, I can't wait for you to get back. (Pause as Quentin smiles) I love you too, honey. Bye. (Quentin hung up) That was your mother.

Nigel: Really? I thought it might be your stock broker.

Quentin: (as Nigel grinned) Funny. (Pause) She's just about wrapped up her book tour in London and she'll be home by tomorrow, the next day at the latest.

Nigel: That's good to hear. So, how are things going? Mom taking the U.K. by storm?

Quentin: You know your mother, could she do anything but?

Nigel: That's true.

Quentin: I can't wait until she gets back. I really miss her. Life is a little less exciting when your mother's not around.

Nigel: She certainly is a live wire all right.

Quentin: That she is. (Pause) What are you doing here? Did you have some business to discuss?

Nigel: No. Lucas called a little while ago and asked me to meet him here.

Quentin: Did he say why?

Nigel: No, I was hoping you might know. We were supposed to have lunch so I can't imagine what can't wait until then.

Lucas: (rushing in) Good, you're both here.

Quentin: Lucas, what is going on?

Lucas: You won't believe what has happened. I'm still blown away by it. A.J. Lassiter....

Quentin: (interuppting) Lassiter? Does this have anything to do with the plan?

Lucas: No, except to say that the plan may not be necessary.

Quentin: Lucas, you know it's necessary. We have to get our revenge against the Lassiters and we're starting with A.J..

Lucas: I realize that, Dad, but you can't take revenge against a dead man, can you?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. Melody Sorensen, Dr. Gloria Dailey, Det. Jake Collier, Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter and Michael Tamakai all look in shock and horror as A.J. Lassiter stands a few feet away from them.

A.J.: What is going on here? Why do you all look as if you've just seen a ghost.

Melody: (running into A.J.'s arms, tears flowing down her face) Oh, A.J.! Thank God, thank God! Thank God you're all right. I was so worried.

A.J.: Yes, Melody, I'm fine. We went through that this morning when you first saw me remember? It was only a few hours ago.

Melody: (releasing A.J.) I know, but so much as happened since then.

A.J.: Obviously. What did I miss?

Gloria: So, you're all right, A.J.? You're really fine.

A.J.: A little banged up from last night, but I'm good.

Gloria: (her eyes brimming with tears as she hugged her eldest son) Good. I couldn't be happier to hear that.

A.J.: What is this all about? Why does everyone act like something bad has happened to me?

Jake: A.J., where have you been for the last several hours?

A.J.: My mother's office.

Gloria: You've been in my office since early this morning? Doing what?

A.J.: I came here to see you to tell you about last night…like I promised Zachary I would. But, when I got here, you'd already left for Alec's memorial service. I went in your office to wait for you. (Pause as he grinned) That sofa of yours is awfully comfortable…and I fell asleep.

Patricia: I don't believe this. We were worried sick. You had the police on full alert looking for you. Melody had to go down and identify a body she thought was yours…and you were asleep in your mother's office!?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter's office. Eric and Walter are there.

Eric: I don't get to defend myself? You automatically have decided that I'm guilty?

Walter: Eric, I have seen what happens to you when you have a few too many drinks. You get mean and you start a fight. For months you've been going on benders and showing up to work with a hangover or still drunk. And since Danny James is hardly one of your favorite people, it doesn't take much for you to want to go toe to toe with him. You're constantly angry and in a rage against something or someone. I have no problem believing you capable of harassing Danny James into a fist fight so you could have reason to arrest him.

Eric: You make me sound like a booze hound who can't control his drinking.

Walter: Can you?

Eric: Oh, this is ridiculous. Is this a poor man's intervention? Am I supposed to break down into tears and beg for the help I so desperately need?

Walter: Look, Eric, I don't know how serious your situation is. I do know that ever since Pete Cooper died, you haven't been the same. And I understand that. After all, Pete was your best friend…the two of you were like brothers. It’s only natural that his death would affect you. Especially since you haven't dealt with it very well.

Eric: Of course I've dealt with it. Pete has been dead for over six months. I've dealt with it and accepted it and moved on.

Walter: I find that hard to believe after you flew into a rage and threatened to quit yesterday when I told you we had to drop the investigation into he and his wife's deaths.

Eric: And that surprised you? You turned your back on one of the best cops…and best men this department has ever seen.

Walter: I did not turn my back on Pete. Believe me, it wasn't an easy choice to make, but there are other crimes in this town and you know we've had budget problems and are low on manpower. I had to fight to get Angela Sorensen placed in this office.

Eric: You had to fight to get her? I don't believe it? You asked for her? She wasn't forced on you?

Walter: No she wasn't. She was the best person qualified for the job.

Eric: The only thing she's qualified to do is cut meat that that sharp tongue of hers.

Walter: Eric, Angela is not the issue here. Neither is my decision to close the book on Pete and Lizzie's deaths. What is at issue here is you and what is happening to your life. You are headed down a path of self destruction. What are you going to do to get off it…before it's too late?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Det. Angela Sorensen and Monica Greyhawk are at her desk.

Monica: You're Eric's partner? Are you joking?

Angela: Monica, you know I have no sense of humor. It's true.

Monica: But, can't they do something about it? You and Eric shouldn't work together. You'll kill each other!

Angela: Believe me, we've delivered some death blows already. I knew Eric Lassiter was a repugnant man, but everything he says or does only serves to remind me how much I dislike him.

Monica: Angela, can't you talk to your Captain about this?

Angela: Oh, I already did, for all the good it did me. The Captain insists that Eric and I put aside our personality differences and do our job.

Monica: But, can you? Having to see him in this office is one thing, but working with him everyday is something else altogether.

Angela: Monica, I don't have a choice, not if I want to keep my job. And like I said last night, I've worked too hard to let anything get in my way…especially Eric Lassiter. (Pause) Besides, Captain Stone is right. Eric and I are professionals and we should conduct ourselves as such. Asking to be transferred in the first place was a big mistake. I only hope I haven't made myself look too bad my first day on the job.

Monica: Of course not…your reaction to having to work with Eric was natural. It’s how anyone would've reacted.

Angela: Maybe, but I can't afford to make mistakes like that. I'm the first woman in this office. People are waiting for me to fall flat on my face. I can't let that happen... even if it's means being joined at the hip with your ex.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. A.J., Patricia, Melody, Gloria, Jake and Michael are there.

Jake: You were asleep in your office this entire time; that's just great. My Captain's going to love this. (He sighed) And I thought my days of foot patrol were over.

A.J.: I don't get this. Why did you hit the panic button?

Jake: Because Joe Reilly was sighted in the area. You disappear, your car is still in the parking lot. You weren't at work or at home. Naturally we were a little concerned.

A.J.: And what's this about a body?

Melody: There was a body that the police said fit your description. I went down to identify it.

A.J.: Well, it obviously wasn't me.

Melody: No, it wasn't. But, it was a terrible experience. When I saw the body, I instantly knew it wasn't you, but all I could think about was you and what could've happened to you…shot like that man I saw…or something equally as horrible. I panicked, I went hysterical. I ran out of the medical examiner's office, so worried I couldn’t think straight. If Jake hadn't been there to calm me down…I'm just glad he was there.

A.J.: Melody, I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm sorry you all had to.

Gloria: And to think I almost went into my office so many times today. When I got back from the memorial service I had to consult about a case involving a young man who suffered a severe head injury. I was going to go there again, but then I heard about your disappearance. After a couple of hours, I thought I'd try resting my eyes for a few minutes when Abby Jefferson came and told me Nathan James collapsed.

A.J.: Nathan James collapsed!?

Gloria: Yeah. He had a heart attack.

A.J.: How is that possible? He's a seventeen year old kid. And from what I know he had no history of heart problems. Can you give some details? Do you know what caused the heart attack or how he's doing?

Jake: A.J., worry about your next front page story later. We've got more immediate concerns.

A.J.: Like what? I'm fine…all is right with the world. All this hysteria was for nothing.

Jake: This may have been a false alarm, but A.J. and Patricia are still in very real danger. I insist that the both of you get into protective custody until we find Reilly and Slade. And I can't take no for an answer.

* * * * * *

Scene: Greyhawk MedTech Inc.; Quentin's office. Quentin, Nigel and Lucas are there.

Quentin: A.J. Lassiter is dead? Lucas, are you certain?

Lucas: Melody Sorensen was in near-hysterics when she came out of that office. The way she was crying and calling A.J.'s name…that's the only thing that makes sense.

Nigel: This is awful.

Quentin: You bet it is. What is this going to do to my plan!?

Nigel: Dad, surely that can't be all you're concerned about? I know you hate the Lassiter family, but I never thought you'd wish them dead.

Quentin: And I don't. I want a level playing field with the Lassiters and a family in grief isn't exactly a good opponent.

Lucas: Dad, can't you put a halt to things?

Quentin: It's too late. There's nothing I can do to stop it now. (Pause) Lucas, are you sure? Are you positive A.J. is dead?

Lucas: Dad, like I said, I only have Melody's reaction to go by. I didn't see the body. But, under the circumstances…

Quentin: Under the circumstances, this is something we better check out. I've got friends in the police department. They have to know something. (Pause as Quentin went to the phone and dialed a number. Lucas turned to Nigel, who was staring out of the window of his father's office, a painful look on his face. Lucas walked over to his brother)

Lucas: This has really upset you, hasn't it?

Nigel: Lucas, I just can't believe A.J.'s gone.

Lucas: Neither can I. I never liked him much, but I sure as hell respected him. To accomplish all he has at such a young age, not to mention he was able to compete with me and beat me at my own game. I gotta respect a man who could do that.

Nigel: You know I never had much use for any of the Lassiters, but there was a time when I would've called A.J. a friend.

Lucas: (whispering) When you were involved with Kevin, right?

Nigel: (nodding, glancing nervously at his father, who was busy on the phone) A.J. knew about me and Kevin.. He used to arrange it so we could spend time together cover for us so no one would notice when we'd vanish for a few hours at a time. (Pause) My God, Kevin! He's loved A.J. so much. He's going to be devastated by this…especially today.

Lucas: Why is today so special?

Nigel: Today is the fifth anniversary of Alec Stone's death. Alec Stone was Kevin's lover.

Lucas: I know who he was. But how do you know today is the anniversary of the man's death?

Nigel: (glancing again at Quentin, who was still engrossed in his conversation) Not now, Lucas. Let's talk about this at lunch.

Lucas: And I have the feeling that we have a lot to talk about.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the foyer. Kevin and Nina are there. Harry is standing behind a nearby doorway, listening.

Nina: I'm not sure if I should ask you this.

Kevin: Nina, go ahead. You know I'm always glad to help you..

Nina: Could you come to my recital this weekend?

Kevin: Well of course. Thank you for asking. But, won't your family be there?

Nina: Of course. But, I would've never gotten this recital, nor learned this piece if it weren't for you. You've been a great help to me…it just would help me if I knew you were in the audience.

Kevin: And I will be, right in the front row cheering you on, honey.

Nina: (hugging Kevin) Thank you, Kevin.

Kevin: It's my pleasure. I'm honored you asked me.

Nina: Well, I better get up to Marc. I want to talk to him before I have to be back at school. Thanks again!

Kevin: No problem. Bye, honey.

Nina: Bye. (Nina bounded up the stairs)

Kevin: (smiling) We always talked about having children, Alec, I wonder if they would've been as beautiful and wonderful as that sweet girl? (As Kevin turned and went into the foyer, Harry watched after him, an angry look on his face)

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the Homicide Division. Eric and Walter are in Walter's office.

Eric: Captain, I really think you're over-reacting. I drink occasionally and I like to party. I don't think it means anything.

Walter: It wouldn't…if it only happened occasionally. But with you it happens alot, enough to concern me. You're a good cop, Eric, I don't want to lose you.

Eric: And you won't.

Walter: How can you be sure of that; I'm not. I'd feel a lot better if I thought you were dealing with your problems.

Eric: I'd be able to deal with my problems if I could solve my partner's death, get my new partner off my back and be able to have a few drinks without you declaring me an candidate for Betty Ford.

Walter: Frankly Eric, I think Betty Ford or some type of counseling is just what you need.

Eric: And I'll pretend I didn't hear that nonsense.

(At that moment, the phone rang. Walter answered it)

Walter: Stone, here. (Pause) Really? (Pause) Well, that's great news. (Pause) So, what was going down? (Pause) Okay, I'll wait on that. Bye. (Walter hung up) That was Jake and in case you're interested, your brother has turned up alive and well.

Eric: I see. Isn't that pretty much what I predicted?

Walter: And you're more interested in being right than your brother being alive?

Eric: Right now, I'm interested in getting back to work. After all, my partner and I do have a case to solve.

Walter: Eric, this conversation and this problem isn't finished.

Eric: Really? Think again. (Eric walked out, slamming the door behind him. He paused for a moment, taking a big sigh before spotting Angela and Monica talking. He marched over to them.)

Angela: I can't let them win, Monica, I can't. I am going to stay a member of this department and that means I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and accept that like it or not, I'm stuck with Eric Lassiter.

Monica: That sounds like what I said during most of our marriage.

Eric: And we were able to get out of that situation, weren't we? Who says lightning can't strike twice?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor lounge. A.J., Patricia, Jake, Melody, Michael and Gloria are there. Jake is hanging up his cellular phone.

Jake: I'm sorry about that call, but I had to tell the Captain that you were alive and well. I hope you used the time to think about what I said.

A.J.: I've given it all the thought it deserves and the answer is no. I am not going into protective custody.

Jake: A.J., you and Patricia need protection. You may not have been in danger this time, but next time you may not be so lucky.

A.J.: None of this would've happened if you hadn't of overreacted.

Gloria: But don't you think you shouldn't take such risks? Jake says these men are very dangerous.

A.J.: I'm aware of that, I'm the one they tried to kill last night. But, I can't afford to put my life on hold for a day much less the length of time it will take to catch those guys if they ever are caught.. Mom, I appreciate your concern, but I am going to be fine. Don't worry about me.

Gloria: How can I not when you give me so many reasons to? The last few hours have been some of the worst in my life. And I'll do nothing but worry until those men are behind bars... we all will. Why put yourself and the rest of us through that when you don't have to? Don’t you think you're being a bit selfish just so you can play the big, macho hero?

A.J.: Mom, it's not like that. I… (At that moment, there was a call over the PA for Gloria)

Gloria: I better get that, no doubt it's another emergency. Seems that's all my life is these days.

(Gloria walked out and A.J. sighed heavily, hanging his head)

A.J.: I really wish she would understand.

Jake: A.J.'s she's your mother. She can't understand why you would risk your life when you don't have to. (Pause) This conversation isn't over, but I need to coordinate a few things. Don't leave this room…any of you. (Jake walked out)

Melody: Excuse me, I have to do something. I'll be right back.

A.J.: Sure. (Melody rushed out after Jake, going past the nurses station and seeing him headed down a hallway)

Melody: Jake! Jake!

Jake: (stopping in an adjacent corridor and turning to Melody) Melody, what is it?

Melody: Jake, do you have a minute?

(Back in the fifth floor lounge, Patricia, Michael and A.J. were left behind)

Michael: I'm glad you're okay, A.J.. We were really worried.

A.J.: Hey, I'm a survivor, Michael. If I can get through Patty's return to town, I can get through anything.

Patricia: Don't start, A.J..

A.J.: Could you do me a favor and take Jake up on his request? I'd love to have you out of my hair for a while.

Patricia: Shut up, A.J.. I'm really not in the mood.

Michael: Besides, it doesn’t matter. Where Patty is going, I don't think she'll have to worry about gangsters.

A.J.: Why, where is she going?

Michael: Back to Africa.

A.J.: Is this true?

Patricia: I'm considering it.

A.J.: Then let me be the first to wish you a safe trip because believe me sweetheart, having you out of Covington Bay will make near death well worth it.

* * * * * *

Scene: Greyhawk MedTech Inc. Quentin in on the telephone. Nigel and Lucas stood nearby.

Quentin: (hanging up the phone) Good news, A.J. Lassiter is alive.

Nigel: Are you sure?

Quentin: Yes. My sources say he is now having a warm reunion with his family at the hospital. He's fine…for now.

Nigel: That is good news.

Lucas: So this means…?

Quentin: It means that the plan is underway and is going to go off without a hitch. A.J. Lassiter may not have died today, but by nightfall, he'll wish he had.

* * * * * *

Coming Up In Covington Bay

· Patricia comes to a decision.

· Jake and Melody share a warm moment.

· Eric faces ugly details of his past relationships.

· Nikki manipulates her father.

· Quentin Greyhawk's plan comes to light.