EPISODE 48

“A DECLARTION OF WAR”

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

Glenn: Derek Kendall...I haven't thought about him in a long time.

Gloria: (rubbing her shoulders as an involuntary chill passed through her body) And after what that man put us...and our families through...I never what to think about him again.

Glenn: But, Gloria, it was that experience though brought us together again. It made us realize that we loved each other, that we had reason to work on our marriage.

Gloria: And it turned out that we were wrong. The closeness we shared during that time only existed because of the crisis; it wasn't enough to sustain a marriage. It didn't take long for things to fall apart all over again once Kendall had been convicted and put in jail.

Glenn: (surprised) So, you're telling me the last few years of our marriage have meant nothing to you?

Gloria: Glenn, you know I wasn't been happy. Our life together was a battlefield. The situation with Kendall just gave us something else to stress about other than our crumbling marriage. (Pause as she shook her head) But, we're getting off the point; Derek Kendall is in jail and he's going to be there for a long time. I'm just trying to make you see that this marriage is over...I am not coming back to you. How many times do I have to tell you that it's finished before you accept it!?  

Glenn: (determinedly) Gloria, I just can't walk away from us. We had a good marriage...a strong bond. We could again if you would just give it a chance.

Gloria: I did...for years, but it didn't work. Eventually you have to give up and walk away. That is what I'm doing...and I'm not looking back.

Glenn: Well, I can't walk away because I remember the good times too vividly. I remember how happy we were when we first married...how much we loved each other. Sure, we drifted apart...it happens in marriage. But we came back together.

Gloria: Only because of the havoc that Derek Kendall made of our lives. We needed something to cling to with all he did to us...naturally we would turn to each other. If he had never come into our lives, we would've been divorced long ago.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Dr. Gary Sorensen and Derek are sitting together at a table.

Derek: (his voice soft and full of sorrow and regret) Dr. Sorensen, I'm well aware of what I did. I know that I tried to murder Dr. Dailey and his wife. (Pause as he shook his head, running his fingers through his thick blond hair) I still can't believe that I did those things...that I was capable of such violence. That seems like another person.

Gary: But, it wasn't. It was you.

Derek: (nodding) I know that. I know what I did. I can't blame anyone else for my actions except myself. (Pause) It took me a long time to be able to say that...you know that. I used to blame everyone else, Dr. Dailey...the hospital...the courts...the jury; everyone except myself for what I did. For awhile, I even blamed you, that it was your fault that I tried to kill those people. After all, you were my doctor. I believed you should've been able to help me...to stop me.

Gary: (as a flicker of guilt flashed through his gray eyes) Believe me, Derek, I thought that plenty of times myself.

Derek: I hope you realize what I do now. It wasn't your fault. There wasn't anything you could do. You helped me all that you could. I was just too far gone. I was beyond anyone's help. I wouldn't listen to anyone, I couldn't listen to anyone. All I could think about was getting revenge...making Dr. Dailey pay for what he'd done to me. I wanted him to suffer...I wanted to kill him. Just like he killed my wife and child.

(Across the room, Kevin Lassiter is sitting at a table with Simon Harrison and Dr. Laura Harrison. They have finished lunch and are wrapping up their meeting over coffee and dessert.)

Kevin: (writing in a pad) You know, these are great plans. If we can pull this off, the AIDS fund-raiser this year is going to make more money than ever.

Laura: (smiling) Well, we are going to see that it does. It's an important cause. And there's so many people that the AIDS clinic helps...how can we not want to raise all the money we can to keep it going.

Kevin: That's true. Zachary does a wonderful job keeping the place going.

Simon: Speaking of which, Zachary couldn't make today's meeting, but he said he does want to be in on our future meetings. I think he has some new ideas for improving the clinic that he'd like to discuss.

Kevin: And I'd be interested in hearing that. Any improvements that can be made to the clinic is something I'm all for. A place like that wasn’t there for Alec… (regret and sorrow filled his expression) …but it’ll be there for others in his situation. (Pause) Well, I guess that’s it for this meeting.

Laura: Not quite. There something I want to talk to you about, Kevin.

Kevin: Is it about the fundraiser?

Laura: No. In fact, it’s not business related at all.

Simon: Uh oh. Laura, I thought you said you weren’t going to do this.

Laura: No, you said you didn’t want me to do this. I never said I wouldn’t.

Simon: Semantics, semantics.

Kevin: What is this all about?

Simon: Run while you can, Kevin.

Laura: (grinning) Shut up, you! Look, Kevin, I know how much you loved Alec. We didn’t know each other well then, but I knew enough to see that you had a strong bond and you were very committed to one another. But…

Kevin: But…

Laura: Everyone grieves in their own time. I know you can’t put a date on such things. But Kevin, you're a wonderful man…too wonderful to be alone.

Kevin: I see.

Simon: (grinning) Kevin, I warned you. Apparently you didn’t see the matchmaking look in my wife’s eye.

Laura: (shaking her head as Kevin was unable to stop himself from casting a glance at Nigel, who was sitting across the room with Lucas) Look, I just want to see Kevin happy. He deserves it…and I think the right man would accomplish just that.

(Across the room, Lucas was looking at Nigel in surprise)

Lucas: Nigel, who are you trying to fool?

Nigel: (innocently) I don't know what you're talking about.

Lucas: You just told me that you went the Lassiter Estate to talk to Kevin.

Nigel: That is not what I said. Look, Vicki left her Ewie there and I went by to pick it up.

Lucas: Her Ewie?

Nigel: Her stuffed sheep. She can’t sleep without it. That’s the only reason I went by there. And Kevin just happened to be there.

Lucas: Why was Kevin home in the middle of a work day? Isn’t he Vice President over at Lassiter Pharmaceuticals?

Nigel: It’s the fifth anniversary of Alec Stone’s death. Kevin had a little memorial service.

Lucas: A memorial service? After five years?

Nigel: Well, Kevin always feel things deeply. And if you knew he and Alec… saw them together… the kind of love they had. You’d see why he can’t let go.

Lucas: And how did he feel about you being there?

Nigel: He was upset, given the time and place and after all that’s happened between us.

Lucas: But now enough to rush out of there without you two having a talk.

Nigel: Yes, we did talk.

Lucas: How did that go? What you’d guys talk about?

Nigel: The past mostly. And the future as well.

Lucas: The future, huh? Do you mean your future… you and Kevin, together?

Nigel: Lucas, of course not. Kevin and I don’t have a future.

Lucas: Really? You’re not going to tell that deep in your heart of hearts, when you push aside your marriage and how you think Dad might feel about you being that being with Kevin isn’t what you want? Because if you tell me that’s not true, I don’t believe you. And I don’t think you believe it either.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Covington Bay Times Building; Quentin's office. Quentin, A.J. and Patricia are there.

A.J.: (facing Quentin, a determined look on his face) Just the beginning? The beginning of what?

Quentin: (a joyful smirk filling his expression) Why my revenge of course. It's time your family started to pay for everything they have done to mine. And that article is just the start.

A.J.: Well, I'm afraid that your plan is about to fall down around your ears.

Quentin: And why is that?

A.J.: (shaking the paper in the air) Because you are going to print a retraction saying that this entire story is a pack of lies or I will sue you for all that you're worth! Somehow, I don't think that's going to make your revenge very sweet.

Quentin: (coolly) I have no intention of retracting that story.

A.J.: I have no intention of letting the likes of you get away with anything to ruin it. Now I insist you retract this story or you will be slapped with a lawsuit before the ink is dry on this rag.

Quentin: A.J., as far as I'm concerned that story is completely factual.

A.J.: The only factual thing about this story is that you spelled my name right. This depicts me as some bumbling fool who let two drug dealers escape. That is not what happened.

Quentin: Really? According to my editor, it's the story he received.

A.J.: What do you mean it's the story he received? (He turned to Patricia) So you really did write this piece of garbage?

Patricia: (shaking her head) No, I did not. That story bears no resemblance to the piece I wrote. Obviously the editor changed it.

A.J.: And I'm supposed to believe this? I'm supposed to believe that you're not in on it?

Patricia: In on what?

A.J.: Why Greyhawk's little revenge plan here…his scheme to bring me down. Did you really do this to me, Patricia? Is this why you came back to Covington Bay…to ruin my life?

Patricia: (stunned) A.J., I can't believe it! You're actually accusing me of being in on some plan with the Greyhawks?

A.J.: How else could this story have gotten written unless you wrote it!?

Patricia: (shrugging) That is not the story I turned in. I can prove it. I can show you all my notes…they won't look anything like that story.

A.J.: And what about our marriage? Like I said, very few people knew about that. How did it get so prominently displayed in the paper?

Patricia: (shaking her head) A.J., I don't know. I never told anyone about our marriage…never.

Quentin: Which I don't understand. A marriage to a Lassiter, especially a confirmed bachelor like A.J., is something a woman can be proud of. I can't fathom why someone would want to keep it secret.

A.J.: But, it's not a secret anymore, is it? You saw to that. (Pause) So, if Patricia didn't tell you…or anyone…how did you find out?

Quentin: A.J., you're a reporter. Surely you must know that you can find out anything about anyone if you look hard enough. And when it comes to Lassiters, I always am looking for the latest news.

A.J.: So how long have you known?

Quentin: Long enough. I just never had use for the information until now. But, I thought since you were appearing in our paper anyway on the story about your encounter with the drug dealers, why not mention your secret marriage to this lovely woman…who happens to work for your chief competition?

A.J.: And while that may be true, the major story isn't. I want a retraction printed in the next edition or else!

Quentin: A.J., are you listening? I told you that is not going to happen.

A.J.: And why not? Do you like spending time in court dealing with nasty lawsuits because I guarantee that is what is going to happen!

Quentin: And I don't think it will.

A.J.: What's to stop me?

Quentin: A.J., there's no proof that that story is false. Your story could be the phony one. After all, you've got quite the ego. The last thing a man of our stature wants is to look inept at his job.

A.J.: This story is a lie and you know it…more importantly, Patricia knows it. (He motioned to her) She was there; and she certainly isn't going to stand by while you tell such lies and attach her name to it.

Patricia: A.J.'s right. That is not the story I turned in.

Quentin: (a little too calmly) Maybe it was…or maybe the editor tinkered with it a bit. It is his prerogative, you know.

Patricia: That's more like a hatchet job. (Pause) The point is, you may have quarrel with A.J.'s family, but I don't like being used to do it. Changing my story…telling the world about my marriage to A.J.; I don’t like those kind of games. You owe A.J. a retraction and an apology. And if you won’t do it, then I will be A.J.'s star witness for his lawsuit.

Quentin: (shaking his head) No, my dear. What you will do is say nothing. Because if you play any part at all in a retraction, a lawsuit or anything like it, I will tell the world that you turned in this story as is.

Patricia: But, that would be a lie!

Quentin: Really? Where's your proof? The point is, you would be not only fired from this paper, but ruined in the journalism community. You won't be able to get a job anywhere, I will see to that.

Patricia: (surprised) So, you're telling me I have to go along with this…or my career is over?

Quentin: (nodding) Oh yes, that's exactly what I'm telling you.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Bay Club. Nigel and Lucas are talking as they continue to make their way through lunch.

Lucas: (as Nigel hesitated) Well, answer me, Nigel. Isn’t getting back with Kevin, a life with him what you really want?

Nigel: (after a few moments hesitation, the dark-haired young man shook his head determinedly, cutting forcefully into his chicken breast) Of course not.

Lucas: Why not? You love him.

Nigel: (defensively, looking up to meet Lucas' blue eyed gaze) I'm married…very happily so.

Lucas: (with a knowing look in his eyes) You keep saying that and maybe you'll convince yourself of it. But I will never believe it, not having seen you when you're really in love. And you were really in love with Kevin.

Nigel: Maybe, I was. But that is over. And even if I went nuts and decided to give up my wife and stepdaughter, who despite what you might think, mean the world to me, Kevin wouldn't take me back. He's very angry and bitter over the past. He still feels a lot of that pain and hurt…and who can blame him? I hurt him and he'll never forgive me for that. I don't even think I can forgive myself.

(Across the room, Kevin was sitting with Simon and Laura. Kevin clearly looks nervous and uncomfortable)

Simon: Laura, I think you're embarrassing Kevin.

Kevin: Not really. I'm glad you care about me and want to see me happy.

Laura: Good, then can I fix you up with someone? You know the head chef at Gianelli’s.

Kevin: I've never met him, but I did read an interview he did with the Journal. He's a good looking guy and the fact that he can cook is a plus. But according to the article he has a partner who also works at the restaurant. They were married in Canada last year. (Kevin smiled) That’s really not the type of relationship I’m looking for, Laura. Those things never work out.

Laura: Oh, you! No, Ian has a twin brother, Shane, who is gay.

Kevin: He has a twin who’s gay?

Laura: Actually he has four brothers who are all gay, but his twin is the only who is single.

Kevin: Wow, Christmas must be really interesting at their place.

Laura: He’s an architect, he works at a firm in Autumn Lake, but he does lots of business here in Covington Bay.

Kevin: Sounds good.

Laura: So, when can I set you Shane up, nothing heavy. I’ll throw a little party and Shane will just happen to be there.

Kevin: He’ll just ‘happen’ to be there, huh?

Simon: Kevin, you better look out…knowing Laura, she's already planning your wedding.

Laura: (frowning as Kevin chuckled) Oh, you….!

(Derek and Gary were in the middle of lunch at the table on the other side of the room)

Gary: Derek, you still don't blame Dr. Dailey for the loss of your wife and child, do you?

Derek: (shaking his head) No, not anymore. I have to accept that losing them was an accident; that there was no malpractice involved. I just wish I could've accepted that after the courts cleared him of any wrongdoing in their deaths. Instead, I went crazy. I tried to get my revenge. I stalked him, threatened him. Even after the restraining order, I still couldn't get it through my head that I had to let it go. (Pause) All I could think about was what I'd lost and how much it hurt…and that someone…Dr. Dailey had to pay. (He sighed) I still can't believe I kidnapped he and his wife…held them at gunpoint for hours…how could I have done such a thing? (Pain burned in his eyes as the memories flashed through his mind)

Gary: Like you said, you were grieving your loss. (His voice took a dark tone as he too started remembering those dangerous, tragic events) Unfortunately, it got out of hand.

Derek: I'm just glad you were there…that you talked me into giving up the gun and letting them go. If you hadn't been there…who knows what I would've done?

Gary: I'd like to think you would've done the right thing.

Derek: So would I, but I'm not so sure. (Pause) All I know is that I'm out, I'm free and I'm trying to get my life back in order. That's part of the reason why I asked you to meet me, Dr. Sorensen. I need your help

Gary: (surprised) How can I help?

Derek: I'd like you to be my therapist again.

Gary: (even more surprised) What? Why?

Derek: Dr. Sorensen, there are still so many things I need to work out… that I need to deal with if I'm ever going to get my life back on track. You helped me more than anyone ever could. I'd like to think you'd be able to continue that.

Gary: (unsure, shaking his head in doubt) Derek, I don't know. Considering our history, I'm not sure it's wise if we continue therapy together.

Derek: But, you're the only one I trust. You're the only one I feel comfortable talking to. I know I'm asking a lot. That's why it took me so long to come to you and ask you this.

Gary: (curiously) Really? How long have you been out of jail?

Derek: A little over six months.

Gary: (his eyebrows raising in interest) That long? What have you been doing?

Derek: Working mostly, keeping myself busy on the job. Trying to adjust to life again. I thought I could do it on my own…but I can't. There are too many demons…too many ghosts that should be put to rest. (Pause) Can you help me, Dr. Sorensen?

Gary: I don’t know… I’m not sure.

Derek: Will you at least think about it?

Gary: (after hesitating) Alright. I'll think about it and get back to you.

Derek: Okay…I guess that's the most I can ask for. (Pause) You know, it's amazing the strange twists that take place in our lives…how fate is.

Gary: I don’t know what you mean.

Derek: One of the reasons I hated Dr. Dailey enough to want to kill him is because I didn't understand what I was going through. He couldn't see my pain. Now I guess he can.

Gary: Meaning?

Derek: Well, it's all over the papers. His wife is divorcing him…and his daughter was murdered a few months ago.

Gary: Yes. He's suffered a lot of tragedies lately.

Derek: (grimly) I guess now he can understand my pain, can't he? (Pause) I'm sorry this is happening to him. Losing his wife…and his child. No one deserves that kind of loss…no matter what. (Pause as Derek stood, a smile suddenly appearing on his face) I have to be going, Dr. Sorensen. Thank you for your time.

Gary: No problem, Derek. Where can I reach you…to discuss therapy?

Derek: (his voice holding a promise) Oh, don't worry, I'll be in touch. (Derek walked away)

Gary: (wondering what had happened was all about) That was weird. Weird and very creepy.

(Across the room, Kevin was sitting with Simon and Laura)

Laura: (eagerly) So when can I set you and Shane up? I think you two would hit it off.

Kevin: (shaking his head) Laura, I don't think I'm ready for that.

Laura: Kevin, it's not a big deal…it would be very low key. Like I said, I'd invite you and Shane to a dinner party at my house with some of our other friends. No pressure or anything like that. It would be a very casual situation.

Kevin: Maybe…and I appreciate the effort, but I have to say no.

Laura: Why? Kevin, give it a shot. What have you got to lose?

Simon: (annoyed, his British accent taking on a clipped tone) Laura, stop pressuring the man. He's obviously not ready to date.

Laura: Simon, I…

Gary: (walking up) I'm sorry, I hope I'm not interrupting.

Laura: Well, Gary, hello. It's been awhile.

Gary: Yes, it has.

Laura: Simon, you remember Dr. Gary Sorensen, don't you?

Simon: I certainly do. (They shook hands) How are you, Doctor?

Gary: I'm fine.

Laura: (motioning to Kevin) Have you met our Kevin Lassiter?

Gary: (smiling as he looked at Kevin) Yes, we are acquainted. In fact, Kevin is why I stopped by. I wanted to make sure we're still on for racquetball tomorrow.

Kevin: (nodding) Yep. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. I hope you're ready to lose miserably.

Gary: We'll see about that. (Pause) Tomorrow then. Nice seeing you Laura…Simon.

Laura: Bye. (As Gary walked away, Laura smiled at Kevin) Well, I see my efforts were no needed. You're already lining up your own dates.

Kevin: Laura, Gary and I are friends…we just met. This is not a date.

Laura: Really? The look in Gary’s eyes says it is.

(Lucas and Nigel were sitting together across the room)

Lucas: Nigel, you can overcome the past if you want to.

Nigel: Well, I don't want to. Kevin and I are finished and that's that. Can't you leave it alone?

Lucas: Sure…when you can.

Nigel: I can and I will. (Pause) Besides, even if I wanted Kevin, it can't work.

Lucas: Because of Dad?

Nigel: (annoyed) That and this damn feud. Once that paper hits the stands and the Lassiters read it, it's going to be war. The peace we've had in our lives in the last few years will be over.

Lucas: You got that right. The Lassiters will definitely retaliate. But, that's what Dad wants. He wants them to fight. It's going to make destroying them much more satisfying.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Covington Bay Times Building. A.J., Quentin and Patricia are there.

Patricia: (unable to believe what she was hearing) You're asking me to lie to keep my job?

Quentin: I'm asking you to be loyal to your employer. I know that's a rare commodity these days, but I'd like to think some people still believe in it.

A.J.: (disgusted) What would you know about loyalty?

Quentin: I'm very loyal, A.J.. I'm loyal to my family and the people I care about. And I'm loyal to getting what I deserve…and what I deserve is to see you and your family suffer and pay for all you've done. And that is what I'm going to do.

A.J.: Why would you dredge up all this garbage after all these years? Why not leave that feud in the past?

Quentin: Oh, you'd like that wouldn't you? Then you and you family wouldn't have to face all the things you’ve done.

A.J.: You insist on blaming us for what happened?

Quentin: (anger ripe in his voice) It is your fault.

A.J.: My fault? A lot of this happened long before I was born.

Quentin: Maybe it did, but you're still a member of that family…and I want you all to pay.

A.J.: No matter what, right? It doesn’t matter that this feud has hurt so many people already, ruined so many lives…you still can't let it go.

Quentin: I will let it go when each and everyone one of you are stripped of your power and your fortune. I won't rest until your families' name means nothing in this town.

A.J.: And writing nasty articles about me is how you intend to do it?

Quentin: Like I said, A.J., it’s a start.

A.J.: (determinedly) You do not want to do this, Greyhawk. You do not want to start a war with this family all over again. We have won each and every time you came at us…and we will again.

Quentin: I guess we'll see about that, won't we?

A.J.: You forget the opening salvo of this battle is based on a lie that can fall apart when Patricia tells what really happened.

Quentin: Miss Tamakai…or should I say Mrs. Lassiter knows the consequences of her actions. She can either remain loyal to her employers and build a career here at the Times that can take her to great success or she can side with you and end any chance of a career right here and now. It's all up to her.

A.J.: Well, I'd say you've got a problem, because her answer is simple. She will tell the truth, won't you, Patricia?

Patricia: (hesitating) I…

A.J.: (surprised) You are going to tell the truth, aren't you, Patricia?

* * * * * *

In The Next Episode Of Covington Bay

· A.J. demands Patricia make a decision.

· There's a change in Nathan's case.

· Patrick delivers bad news.

· Sabrina seeks Evan's help.