EPISODE 45

“HER PREROGATIVE”

Scene: The Bay Club. Lucas and Nigel Greyhawk are at a table looking at their menus.

Lucas: It has been a hell of a morning, hasn't it? Hard to believe just a few hours ago I was thinking of actually sending flowers to A.J.'s family.

Nigel: Thank God he's alive.

Lucas: Yeah. It's not often a worthy opponent comes along; Lassiter's a damn good one. I'd hate to see him done in...unless I'm the one who is doing it.

Nigel: I would just hate to see A.J.'s family go through that kind of loss.

Lucas: You mean you would hate to see Kevin go through that kind of loss.

Nigel: Lucas…

Lucas: Nigel, you're the one who brought him up earlier. It's obvious he's on your mind. Isn't that the reason for this lunch? You want to have a heart to heart about Kevin Lassiter?

Across the room, Nikki and Steven Lassiter are sitting at a table. A waiter is serving Nikki a soda and Steven a gin and tonic.

Nikki: Daddy, I'm so glad you were able to take some time off and come out to lunch with me.

Steven: How could I pass up the chance to spend some time with my beautiful daughter. (Nikki beamed as her father smiled warmly at her) We haven't seen too much of each other with me being so busy with the stockholder's meeting and you trying to save the world.

Nikki: What does that mean?

Steven: Your mother tells me you've been busy running around town trying to clear Nathan James of murder.

Nikki: Well, I've been doing what I can to help. Nate's innocent and I want to help him.

Steven: That's very commendable of you dear. It's nice that you want to help your friends, but you could get into trouble getting involved in a murder investigation. Things could get dangerous.

Nikki: Daddy…!

Steven: Well, I worry about you. Isn't a father entitled to do that?

Nikki: I guess so, but I wish you wouldn't worry.

Steven: You're a Lassiter. In this family, there is always reason to worry. I'm still in shock over what's going on with A.J..

Nikki: Daddy, there is nothing to worry about. Uncle Bart said A.J. was just fine. He came out of this situation smelling like a rose, just like he always does.

Steven: And you're eager to take after him, aren’t you?

Nikki: After my wonderful father, he's the man I most admire.

Steven: That's the second compliment you've paid me in the last minute and while I enjoy and appreciate them, I can't help but think you have ulterior motives.

Nikki: Of course. I'm motivated by loving my father.

Steven: Come on, Nikki, you'll have to sound more convincing than that if you want me to believe you. Believe me, I know when someone is shining me on…I've heard Barton do it enough times. (Pause) Besides, you haven't come by for lunch since the last time you wanted something…a new car if I remember correctly.

Nikki: And it drives wonderfully Daddy, thank you.

Steven: So, Nikki, what do you want this time? Or do I need to ask?

Nikki: (hesitating) Daddy, I do need a favor from you.

Steven: And would that favor be convincing your mother to lift your punishment for cutting school yesterday?

Nikki: Well, Daddy, don't you think grounding me for months is a little excessive?

Steven: No, Nikki, as a matter of fact I don't. I'm you are going to walk away from this lunch very disappointed.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Det. Jake Collier and Melody Sorensen are standing in a corridor.

Melody: I want to thank you.

Jake: For what?

Melody: For all that you did today. I know this had to be difficult for you. You and A.J. are close. I know you were afraid something had happened to him too.

Jake: Thank God it didn't. It's embarrassing to know he was asleep in his mother's office this entire time, but I'm glad he's all right.

Melody: So am I. When he walked into that room earlier, I didn't think I'd ever been happier to see anyone in my life. Having to go down and see that body was probably the most difficult things I ever had to do. The entire time…all I could think about was losing A.J. and what my life would be like without him. Seeing that body, even though it wasn't him, terrified me. All I could think about was that A.J. was still missing, that I could still lose him and that the next body I identify could be him. Thank God you were there Jake, if you hadn't of calmed me down, I would've lost my mind.

Jake: Oh, I think you would've held it together, Melody. You're a strong lady, you proved that by going down there in the first place.

Melody: I just wanted to spare Gloria some pain.

Jake: And you did. (Pause) Well, I better be getting to work. I've got to wrap things up here and then head for the station.

Melody: Okay, I know you have your work to do. I just wanted to thank you. You're a good man, Jake Collier. (She pulled him into a hug) I appreciate all you did today; I know you think you were just doing your job, but I'll never forget it.

Jake: I'm just glad everything turned out all right. I'll be seeing you Melody.

Melody: Bye, Jake.

Jake: Bye. (Melody walked away. Jake looked after her.) You're a lucky man, A.J. Lassiter. I wonder if you know how much?

* * * * * *

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

A.J.: So, can I help you pack? Can I drive you to the airport? If you're leaving town, Patricia, I want to do everything I can to help.

Patricia: I said I was thinking of leaving.

A.J.: And it's something you should give serious consideration.

Patricia: You still blame me for everything, don't you?

A.J.: Why shouldn't I? It is your fault. All of this, all of it happened because of you. Don't you think you've caused enough problems? Don't you think it's time for you to leave?

Michael: A.J., Patricia was just as worried and upset about you as anyone.

A.J.: Worried and upset? No, I think she was guilty because she knew she was responsible for all of this. But then, maybe you weren't guilty, maybe you didn't feel anything. Lord knows how thoughtless you are.

Patricia: You're a real bastard, you know that?

A.J.: There's a 'b' word that I could call you too, but I think I won't out of respect to your brother. I just hope you're going to do the right thing, Patricia and leave town.

Patricia: You really want me out of town?

A.J.: You bet. The only thing that will make your leaving even better is if we were divorced. But don't worry, that will come in time too.

Patricia: I guess that firms my decision. I'm not leaving town. I'm staying right here in Covington Bay.

A.J.: And why is that?

Patricia: Because I wouldn't give you the satisfaction. I won't let you be the one to drive me out of town, A.J. Lassiter, I have family and a job here…every reason to stay here. I'm not going to leave just because you don’t like it. You'll just have to get used to me being here.

A.J.: Considering what you've put me through so far, that's going to take some doing. (Pause) Look Patricia, in the end, I don't care what you do. Just stay out of my way.

Patricia: A.J., we're hardly done with one another.

A.J.: Oh, yeah. There is a divorce to get, isn't there? I'll have Aunt Sabrina start on that as soon as possible.

Patricia: I'm not talking about the divorce. I'm talking about the fact that I'm with the Times now. Don’t forget that there's a new reporter in town…one that's going to bring and end to your reign as Covington Bay's top newshound.

A.J.: Please, Patricia, don’t start that competition stuff again. It's ridiculous, you can never compete with me…you don't have the stuff. I think last night proved that.

Michael: Don't you think you two have went at each other long enough? We've all been through a lot. Let's stop this now before we say things we could all regret.

A.J.: Believe me, Michael, there is nothing I could say that I would regret. But, you're right. This has gone on long enough. I've had about all I can stomach of your little sister. (A.J. walked out)

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Nigel and Lucas are there, having lunch.

Nigel: You're right, Lucas. I need to talk to someone about this, and besides Monica, you're the only one who knows the whole story.

Lucas: And it's kind of hard to talk to your wife about the man you're in love with.

Nigel: Lucas...

Lucas: Nigel, you obviously still have feelings for the guy; he was the first person you thought of when you heard about A.J..

Nigel: I don't deny how I feel about Kevin.

Lucas: After all these years. (He shook his head) And I have trouble staying interested in a woman after the first date.

Nigel: I've tried to get over him, I've tried to get past this. I've given it my best shot, but the feelings are still there.

Lucas: Nigel, I told you that the feelings you have for men would never go away no matter how many women you dated…even if you actually married one of them.

Nigel: Lucas, I have come to grips with the fact that I will always be gay. I know that's not going to change no matter how much I might like it to.

Lucas: So what does this mean? Are you ready to come out of the closet? Are you ready to be who you really are?

Nigel: Who I really am is a man who loves his wife and stepdaughter and wants nothing more than to stay married. Being gay doesn't change that.

Lucas: Do you honestly believe that?

Nigel: What I believe is that it's time for me to put the past behind me. I'm ready to do that, I'm ready to move on with my life with Monica and Vicki at my side…along with any children of our own we might have.

Lucas: You're actually planning on having a child with your wife.

Nigel: Yes, what's so unusual about that?

Lucas: It's only the biggest mistake you'll ever make.

Across the room, Nikki and Steven are dining together.

Nikki: Daddy, you don't see how wrong Mother is to ground me? All I was trying to do was help a friend.

Steven: And you were expressly told by your mother to stay out of this murder investigation. Furthermore, you cut class to go to the trial yesterday. Nikki, I can't have you missing school…even if it is to help a friend. Your mother is only doing this for you own good.

Nikki: I stand by a friend, see him through a tough time and this is what I get; grief and problems from my own family? It's not fair, it's not right. And it goes against everything you've ever told me about friendship.

Steven: (sipping his drink) How so?

Nikki: You're the one who said we should stand by the people we care about and believe in, even when it was tough, even when it easier to walk away. Well, I didn't walk away. I stood by my friends and my own family turns against me.

Steven: Your mother and I have hardly turned against you.

Nikki: I think punishing me for helping out a friend is turning against me. What is that supposed to teach me; never to hold out my hand to people who need it because it might cost me something? Isn't that what you've said is wrong with this world so many times?

Steven: Leave it to you to turn my words against me.

Nikki: Daddy, I'm just saying that in helping out Nate, I was only doing what you and Mom taught me; I was only taking the valuable lessons you've give me and applying them to my life. How many kids do that these days?

Steven: Are we getting to your summation, counselor, or is this it?

Nikki: Daddy, I'm being serious.

Steven: Not to mention very persuasive.

Nikki (eagerly): Does this mean the punishment is lifted!?

Steven: What it means is that I will talk to your mother and see what we can do.

Nikki: (gleefully) Thank you, Daddy, I knew I could count on you.

Steven: What, to be a pushover?

Nikki: Daddy, you're hardly a pushover.

Steven: Somehow, I think your mother will disagree.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Eric, Monica and Angela are gathered around Angela's desk.

Eric: You could have me out of your life with one simple word to the Captain.

Angela: Do you honestly think I'd let you drive me out of here, give you that kind of power over me?

Monica: I don't think this is a good place to fight…people are watching.

Eric: (ignoring Monica) I'm just trying to save you some grief, Angie

Angela: Don't do me any favors. Look Eric, whether we like it or not, we are stuck with one another.

Eric: And you're so willing to accept that?

Angela: I am willing to do my job…even if it's difficult at times.

Eric: This situation is more than difficult…it's impossible. We cannot work together. Beyond the fact I can't stand you, you're not qualified for this job. You only got in because…

Angela: Don't even go there, Eric. I am as qualified as you or anyone in this department. I got this job because I earned it. Don't dare make out be to some example of affirmative action.

Eric: You said it, I didn't.

Monica: (interrupting) Stop it, both of you. You're embarrassing yourselves. Everyone is looking at you.

(Both Eric and Angela looked up to see the entire room were glancing over at them. At that moment, Walter called across the room from his doorway)

Walter: Det. Sorensen, could you come in my office, please?

Angela: Right away, Captain.

Eric: Maybe he's going to see the light and boot you out of here.

Angela: Give it up, Eric.

(Angela walked away and went into Walter's office)

Monica: You know, Eric, I realize there's no love lost between us, but don't you think you should ease up on Angie?

Eric: My distaste for your sister has nothing to do with you. Believe me, I've got plenty of reasons separate from that to dislike her.

Monica: Why, because she never liked you and thought you were the worst thing that ever happened to me?

Eric: It's a start.

Monica: And it turned out she was right, didn't she?

Eric: You know, I'm really not interested in hearing you tell me what a rotten husband I was.

Monica: Okay, let's talk about what a rotten father you are. Or have you forgotten you are a father?

Eric: I'm in no mood for this.

Monica: You're never in the mood to discuss your daughter, Eric. And you do have a daughter…one that loves you very much and is aching to see you.

Eric: And I don't have the time.

Monica: You don't have an hour in your day to see Vicki? You can not watch a baseball game on television, or not go to a movie one night and spend the time with your daughter instead.

Eric: I don’t spend my time watching TV or going to movies. This job consumes nearly every moment of my day.

Monica: Except for the time you run off to Atlantic City for drunken weekends of gambling.

Eric: Monica, drop it. I will see Vicki when I have time and that is it.

Monica: Which means you never will. (Pause) Eric, do you know how much I wish you weren't her father? Do you know how much I wish Nigel were her father? Believe me, it would make life so much easier…for all of us.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Nigel and Lucas are there, having lunch.

Nigel: You think it's a bad idea for me and Monica to have children?

Lucas: I thought it was a bad idea for you two to get married.

Nigel: Lucas, you don’t understand.

Lucas: You're right, I don't. You are a gay man in love with another man. But, you persist in staying in this marriage and now you want to bring children into it. Do you know what a mistake that is?

Nigel: Lucas, I love my wife and our stepdaughter.

Lucas: I have no doubt that you do. But, it's not what you really want, is it? It’s not what you dream about.

Nigel: I dream about being happy. And I'm happy.

Lucas: Nigel, I remember what you were like when you were with Kevin. I was there, remember? I have never seen you so happy and full of joy and life.

Nigel: Lucas, I was a kid, a kid living in a fool’s paradise. That relationship couldn’t last. It had to end.

Lucas: Because you let it, because you got scared and ended it.

Nigel: With good reason. Dad would never accept that I was gay…much less that I was in love with a Lassiter. He would cut me off, shut me out of his life. Lucas, I couldn't stand that.

Lucas: You don't know if that would happen. He loves us, all of us, very much. Family is the most important thing in the world to him. There is nothing he wouldn't do for us.

Nigel: He would never accept this.

Lucas: He would have a hard time with it, sure. But, he'd accept it. You're his son and he loves you.

Nigel: I know he loves me. But, what he loves is the married man who's going to give him his first grandchild. That's who he respects, that's who he looks at with such pride. I'd lose all that if he ever found out about me and Kevin. And besides, even if I ever were foolish enough to tell him the truth, I'd never get Kevin back. We were finished a long time ago.

Lucas: And there’s no chance that you guys would work it out? Does Kevin still feel the way that you do?

Nigel: I’m not sure how Kevin feels.

Lucas: But it would be easy enough for you to find out, wouldn’t it? So if he feels the same way you do, then the two of you have a chance. After all, Alec Stone has been dead a long time and Kevin's not involved with anyone else is he?

Nigel: No, I don't think he is. (At that moment, Nigel looked up and saw Kevin and Dr. Gary Sorensen standing in the doorway)

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor nurses station. Melody and A.J. are standing near it, hugging.

Melody: A.J., I'm so glad you’re all right!

A.J.: Really? Is that why you ran off only moments after learning I was still in the land of the living?

Melody: I had to talk to Jake. He was very helpful during this entire thing, A.J. I wanted to thank him. He's a good man.

A.J.: Yes, he is. (Pause) But, I want to talk about us. Are we still on for dinner tonight?

Melody: Yes we are.

A.J.: Good, I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my lady.

Melody: So am I. But, I hope you realize that we still have a lot to work through. I love you and I'm glad you're safe, but I haven't forgotten what happened with Patricia.

A.J.: I know you haven’t. But, I wish you could. Hell, I wish I could forget Patricia Tamakai.

Melody: But she’s not going away, is she?

A.J.: No, I’m afraid she isn’t.

* * * * * *

In Episode 46 of Covington Bay: The Heart of The Matter