EPISODE 46

“THE HEART OF THE MATTER”

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Captain Walter Stone's office. Walter and Det. Angela Sorensen are in his office. Walter is seated behind his desk; Angela is seated in the chair in front of it.

Walter: Det. Sorensen, I just wanted to talk to you for a few minutes before you and Eric get back to work.

Angela: I suppose you're upset about what happened earlier.

Walter: Yes, I'd say that two of my officers being at one another's throats does bother me. But, I'm hoping that once you and Eric get used to the situation, that will change.

Angela: Well, you can count on me to do everything to see to it that it does change. My conduct was unprofessional and I apologize for that.

Walter: Det. Sorensen, there is no need to apologize. The whole thing was sprung on you and you reacted the way most people have. I'm just glad you've calmed down and gotten some perspective now that you've had a bit of time to think about it.

Angela: Is this what you wanted to talk about?

Walter: No, there's something I want to say to you...something I should've said when you first arrived in this office this morning.

(Outside in the main office, Det. Eric Lassiter and Monica Greyhawk were standing near Angela's desk)

Monica: Eric, do you know how much I wish Nigel were Vicki’s father and not you?

Eric: Well, she is not Greyhawk's daughter, she is mine.

Monica: Then act like it! Eric, I am not asking for your money; Lord knows you never gave Vicki or me any of that after the divorce.

Eric: You know my situation. Unlike most of my family I am hardly flush with cash.

Monica: Trust me, Eric, your monetary situation is something I'm all too familiar with. But, I am asking you to give her a little of your time. Don't you care about Vicki at all? Don't you feel any sort of responsibility to the child you brought into this world?

Eric: I am there for Vicki when I can be.

Monica: And is that? You haven't seen her in months.

Eric: Monica, you just don't understand what my life is like! You never understood.

Monica: You're right about that, Eric. I don't understand how anyone could alienate themselves from their own family, throw away a marriage and cut themselves out a wonderful little girl's life, not to mention drinking themselves into a stupor more nights than not. No, Eric, I have never understood you or your life. But explain it to me. Make me understand. Make me understand why you can't be a father to our daughter.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Nigel and Lucas Greyhawk are sitting at a table, having lunch.

Lucas: If Kevin 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 Lassiter and Dr. Gary Sorensen standing in the doorway)

Lucas: Then maybe you guys can work things out.

Nigel: No, Lucas, we can't.

Lucas: Why not?

Nigel: (as he watched Gary and Kevin being taken to a table and stop and pause to talk to Nikki and Steven, who were dining together) Because I'm married. I have a wife and a stepdaughter that I made commitments to, commitments that I have every intention of keeping. More importantly, I love Monica and Vicki. They are part of my life...I couldn't imagine my world without them.

Lucas: Nigel, I know you love your wife and her daughter. She's a beautiful woman and Vicki's a great kid. Who wouldn't love them? But, that doesn't make a marriage, it doesn't make a relationship that you really will be truly happy with. And Kevin Lassiter...

Nigel: Lucas, what is this thing with pushing me and Kevin together? I know that you accept that I'm gay and I love you for that. But how can you want to see me in a relationship that you know will be destructive for everyone involved?

(Across the room, Gary and Kevin were standing at Nikki and Steven Lassiter's table)

Kevin: I'd like the two of you to meet Dr. Gary Sorensen. He has a private practice here in Covington Bay. Gary, meet my Uncle Steven and his daughter Nikki..

Gary: (shaking hands with them both) It's nice to meet you.

Nikki: Nice to meet you. You last name is Sorensen?

Kevin: Yeah. He's Melody's uncle.

Nikki: Really? Are you related to Randy Sorensen, the Algebra teacher at Covington Bay High?

Gary: Guilty as charged; he's my brother.

Nikki: Wow, small world.

Gary: That it is. I take it you're in his class?

Nikki: (grinning) Yes, and I'm struggling. Algebra is not my subject.

Gary: It wasn't mine either when I was in high school. And the fact that my brother was the teacher did me no good at all.

Nikki: Really? What good is nepotism if you can't use it to your best advantage?

Gary: (chuckling) That's what I always thought too.

Steven: Would the two of you like to join us?

Kevin: Well, I...

Nikki: Oh, Daddy, I'm sure Kevin and Dr. Sorensen don't want us horning in their date, right?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; The Alec Stone Memorial AIDS Wing, Zachary's office. Zachary is sitting behind his desk, trying to get some paperwork done, but his mind keeps wandering.

Zachary: (as flashbacks of his witnessing the kiss between Gloria and Glenn flit through his mind) Gloria, I can't believe it. I don't understand. I thought things were over between you and my father. So, what was that kiss about? Why are you getting involved with him again? Why? (His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door) Come in. (Glenn walked in) Dad.

Glenn: Hello, son.

Zachary: What brings you by?

Glenn: Well, we need to talk, don't you think?

Zachary: About anything in particular?

Glenn: About what happened this morning. I think you and I need to clear up a few things.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Intensive Care Unit; the lounge. Dr. Darian Jackson, Sabrina Collier and A.J. Lassiter are there. A.J. is scribbling into a reporter's notebook.

A.J.: So, I understand Nathan James had a heart attack. Can you give me any details?

Sabrina: Boy, you don't waste any time do you, A.J.? Just a few minutes ago, everyone thought you were dead and you're already off working on your next front page story.

A.J.: Aunt Sabrina, the rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated. (Pause) So, give me the scoop. How in the world does a seventeen year old kid have a massive heart attack?

Darian: We don't know...not yet anyway. At his last check up Nate got a perfect bill of health.

A.J.: Is there history of heart problems in the family?

Darian: None that we know of.

A.J.: Did you ask Danny, Nathan's brother? He would know, wouldn't he?

Darian: We will, but we can’t find him right now. I'm sure he'll show up soon enough though, he never stays away from Nate for too long. Besides, there is no other family. Nate and Danny’s parents were killed in a car accident when Nate was barely out of diapers. Besides, Nathan is a seventeen year old boy. I have been his doctor since I got my license. I think I would've picked up on such serious heart damage.

A.J.: So what is his condition?

Darian: Critical. Worse, he hasn't regained consciousness since the attack.

A.J.: And his chances? I mean, is the kid gonna make it through this?

Darian: We're still doing tests...we're not sure how much damage was done to his heart...or how will affect him. And we won't know a lot of that until Nathan wakes up. Right now though, it doesn’t look good. Nathan is a very sick young man. (Pause) Is that it, A.J.? I'd like to look in on Nathan and then I do have other patients to see.

A.J.: Sure. I'll talk to you later. (Darian walked out, A.J. turned to Sabrina) So, Aunt Sabrina, what does this mean for the trial?

Sabrina: It's on hold for now, I imagine. I haven't spoken to the DA, but we certainly can't have a murder trial without the defendant present, can we?

A.J.: No. (Pause) I'm sorry about this, Aunt Sabrina. I know this has been a tough couple of days for you.

Sabrina: (sighing) I've had better, that's for sure.

A.J.: I'll bet. Your client falls down the stairs one day and suffers a heart attack the next; that's a lot to happen to one person, don't you think?

Sabrina: (thinking of her suspicion that someone is trying to kill Nathan) Yes, it is.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit, outside Nathan's room. Darian and Richie Stone walk out of Nathan's room.

Richie: Dr. Jackson, Nate looks so weak...I've never seen him like this. Is he gonna make it?

Darian: Richie, I wish I could say yes, but I can't. It's pretty serious. Even if he revives, there still is the possible damage to the heart to worry about.

Richie: How soon will you know something?

Darian: We're doing tests and hopefully we'll have news soon.

Richie: I don't understand this...how could it happen? Nate is a kid. How could he have a heart attack?

Darian: I don't know, Richie, I don't know. But we're going to have to find out. Learning the cause of this will be important in Nathan's recovery.

Richie: (grimly) If he recovers. (At that moment, Richie looked at the end of the hallway and saw James standing near a exit door) Greyhawk?

Darian: What did you say?

Richie: (glancing at Darian) I was just wondering what Greyhawk was doing here?

Darian: Which one? There are a lot of Greyhawk's in this town.

Richie: (looking down the hallway again and seeing the exit door closing) James Greyhawk.

Darian: (looking down the corridor) I don't see anyone.

Richie: He's gone now. What was he doing here?

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Lucas and Nigel are sitting at a table. Nigel is watching Kevin, who is across the room standing with Gary at Nikki and Steven's table.

Lucas: What makes you think the relationship would be destructive? Nigel, you've got to realize that a gay relationship can be just as long lasting and happy as a straight one.

Nigel: And what would you know about a long lasting relationship of any kind, much less a gay one?

Lucas: Look, in my line of work, you meet all sorts of people from all walks of life. (Pause) You've heard me mention Larry Thomas, the guy who runs my L.A. office?

Nigel: Yeah. Does he have a long term relationship?

Lucas: He and Jon have been together for over ten years. And they have friends who have been in similar relationships that have lasted for decades. So it's possible. You can have that kind of happiness.

Nigel: And what about children?

Lucas: No kids yet, but I do know they’re planning on adopting.

Nigel: Lucas, I know these things are possible, but it just wouldn't work for me.

Lucas: Why not? Look, I know that coming out must be hard and I know that you're afraid of Dad's reaction, but I can almost promise you that he will eventually accept it. He loves his kids too much to push them out of his life. And I will be there for you every step of the way.

Nigel: Lucas, I appreciate the advise and I know you just want to help, but it’s not just how our father will react to this. My marriage is important to me. It didn’t start out that way, but I am really in love with my wife. And Vicki means the world to me. More importantly, I made a vow and a promise to both of them to be a good husband and father. I can't turn my back on that.

Lucas: Even if it means you can never be truly happy or have what you really want out of life?

Nigel: I am happy and I do have what I want out of life. And if you're talking about Kevin, it's over.

Lucas: And what makes you think that?

(Lucas noticed Nigel's gaze suddenly drift across the room. He turned around and saw Kevin with Gary, Nikki and Steven)

Lucas: I see. That's what makes you think that.

(Across the room, Kevin looks embarrassed and Gary looks surprise as Nikki smiles up at them)

Kevin: Oh, Nikki, this is not a date. In fact, Gary and I aren't even here to meet each other.

Gary: Right. We met in the entrance outside. I'm here to meet with a former patient.

Kevin: And I'm here to meet Simon Harrison so we can discuss the AIDS fundraiser this year.

Nikki: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you.

Kevin: Don't worry, you didn't.

Gary: Really, it's no problem. (Pause as Gary looks at the entrance and sees a tall, attractive blond man enter the room) There's Derek now. It was nice meeting you, Nikki...Mr. Lassiter.

Steven: Nice meeting you, Dr. Sorensen.

Nikki: Yes, nice meeting you.

Gary: I'll see you later, Kevin.

Kevin: Bye.

(Gary walked away)

Nikki: I hope I didn't frighten him away with all that talk about dating?

Kevin: No. Like he said, he's meeting with a former patient.

Nikki: Oh, it's just that he is really cute and he seems nice. I just thought...

Steven: Nikki, why don't you put some food in your mouth before you put your foot in it...if it isn't too late?

Kevin: It's okay. I know my cousin is only looking out for me. But I can't even think about a relationship right now. It's really the last thing on my mind.

(At that moment, Kevin looked out of the corner of his eye and saw Nigel staring at him. Kevin then gazed at him, neither of them able to turn away)

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Glenn's office. Glenn and Zachary are there.

Zachary: (surprised) You want to talk about this morning? Dad, I really have no interest in getting into this with you.

Glenn: I see. Then Laura was wrong.

Zachary: Laura?

Glenn: Yes. Your sister said you were interested in clearing the air between us. I told her she was wasting her time, that you weren't interested in dealing with things. I guess I was right. I actually hoped you had some to your senses and wanted to work things out… heal this family. I was a fool for believing that for a second.

Zachary: Wait a minute. That’s why you’re here?

Glenn: Yes. Laura said wanted to try and work things out between us. What else would I be talking about? (Pause) Wait a minute. You're talking about what you saw in my office, aren't you? This is about the kiss between me and Gloria, isn't it?

Zachary: Yes, Dad, it is. But, like I said, I don't want to talk about that.

Glenn: It really bothers you that Gloria and I are getting close again, doesn't it? Why? Are you so anxious to see me unhappy that you don't want Gloria and I to get back together?

Zachary: Because I know how unhappy Gloria was in the marriage. And just last night, she couldn't wait to get a divorce from you. How can things change so quickly?

Glenn: It's as simple as realizing how much in love we are.

Zachary: Nothing is that simple, Dad. For months Gloria has worked to get a divorce from you after years of a miserable marriage. Are you telling me in one instant, all that has turned around?

Glenn: Of course not. Gloria and I still have a lot to work out. But, we're getting on the right track. What you saw was just the first step in a reconciliation.

Zachary: No, I don't believe that.

Glenn: Why not? Gloria and I were happy once. Why can't we be again?

Zachary: Because you can't make her happy. That would require you to care about someone else besides yourself...and we both know you're incapable of that.

Glenn: And Laura said you want to try and work things out between us? It sounds like your opinion of me hasn't changed at all.

Zachary: It hasn't. I still see you as the same selfish bastard I always have.

Glenn: Then your sister was wrong.

Zachary: I told Laura that trying to make peace between us was hopeless, but that I was willing to try.

Glenn: But why bother? Your opinion is pretty clear. Why waste our time? I've got more important things to do...like get my wife back.

Zachary: And you really think you're going to be able to do that given all that's happened in the past?

Glenn: Well, you know what you saw in my office today? What do you think? (Smiling, Glenn walked out)

* * * * * *

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

Walter: I want to welcome you to this department. (He held out her hand and Angela shook it)

Angela: Thank you, sir. I'm glad to be here.

Walter: And we're glad to have you. I should've done this earlier, but with everything that's going on, I let it slip through the cracks.

Angela: Don't worry, it's not a big deal. (Pause) My only concern is that I do a good job.

Walter: Which I'm sure you will. (Pause) Unfortunately, it's not going to be easy on you. Being the first woman in this department, not to mention dealing with Eric...it's gonna be tough for awhile.

Angela: I've gathered that, Captain. But, I've done tough before...I can do it again.

(Outside, Eric and Monica were talking)

Eric: Monica, I've said it before and I'll say it again. I will visit Vicki when I can.

Monica: But you didn't answer my question! Is there something keeping you from your daughter...or do you just not give a damn!?

Eric: Monica, do me a favor and get out of here? If you’d like you can run home and tell Nigel how nasty the Lassiters were to you again...I'm sure it'll make his day.

Monica: Nigel is not part of this silly feud between your families. In fact, he hates it.

Eric: Oh, I'll bet. The Greyhawks have been trying to stick it to our family for years. Eventually they gave up because they realized they couldn't beat us, that we were too tough for them, that no matter what they did, they'd never really do anything to hurt our family.

Monica: That may have been true at one time, but now...

Eric: Now what? Go on with what you were saying, Monica. What are the Greyhawks up to?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit. Sabrina and A.J. are in the lounge.

A.J.: (closing his notepad) Well, that's it, Aunt Sabrina. Thanks for the story.

Sabrina: No problem.

A.J.: I just hope everything turns out for Nathan. No one deserves to go through what he's been through. (Pause) I better head back to the office.

Sabrina: Shouldn't you be waiting for Jake?

A.J.: Jake just wants to lock me in a hotel room until Reilly and Slade are caught.

Sabrina: And that's a bad thing?

A.J.: I can take care of myself. I've been in dangerous situations before...I can deal with this one too.

Sabrina: Let's hope so. I saw how upset your mother was at what happened today. She loves you, A.J., and when things happen to you...it worries her.

A.J.: I admit that my life is hectic...

Sabrina: That's an understatement.

A.J.: I think you're exaggerating. Sure, things happen to me, but it's not like my life is one shocking event after another.

(At that moment, a man in a dark blue suit walked up to A.J., holding a large manila envelope)

Man: A.J. Lassiter?

A.J.: Yes?

Man: (handing A.J. the envelope) This is for you.

A.J.: (suspiciously) Thanks.

Man: Have a good day. (He walked away as A.J. looked curiously at Sabrina)

Sabrina: I wonder what that is all about?

A.J.: I don’t know. Let’s find out. (A.J. opened the envelope and pulled out a newspaper) It's a newspaper.

Sabrina: Maybe a fan wanting you to autograph one of your stories?

A.J.: (grinning) It wouldn't be the first time.(He opened the newspaper and his eyes widened in horror) Oh, my God! What is this!? What is this!?

* * * * * *

In Episode 47 of Covington Bay: Black, White and Yellow