EPISODE 54

“A CONVENIENT TRUTH”

Scene: Covington Bay Community Park. It is a warm summer day and the park is full of park goers enjoying the afternoon sun by jogging, having picnics or taking a walk. Nikki Lassiter and Richie Stone walked hand in hand down a winding path. Nikki sipped a cup of lemonade, looking up at her boyfriend, seeing the worry lines in his young face.

Nikki: Feeling any better?

Richie: (nodding; the wind gently ruffling his bright red hair) I do. (Pause) Thank you for insisting we do this. It’s been awhile since we have some time together, just you and me.

Nikki: I think with all that’s been going on, we kinda got lost as a couple.

Richie: I know we have. Sometimes I wonder if we’ll ever go back to the way things used to be. When it was just classes and going to games and parties and having fun. (He stopped under a tree and turned to face his girlfriend) Do you think our lives will ever be without murder and death and trials and secrets?

Nikki: Yes. It'll be over one day. Isn't that why we came up with this plan to find Candice's killer?

Richie: (nodding) Yes it is.

Nikki: (to herself) I haven't told Richie about my evening with James Greyhawk. He doesn't know I'm going to be alone with him on his yacht, trying to get evidence that he killed Candice. I wonder how he'll react? Will he be jealous…scared for me? I have to admit I'm a little nervous myself. But, I guess anyone would be if they were going into an isolated spot with a potential killer. But, I don't want to tell Richie about that right now. It can't wait until later. Right now, I just want to be a girl spending time with her boyfriend. Richie needs that. Heck, I need that.

Nikki: (to Richie) This conversation is taking a serious turn. I want to avoid that. We came here to have fun…to enjoy ourselves…to be a couple in love. And I do love you, Richie Stone.

Richie: (his finger tracing Nikki's soft jaw line as he pulled her close for a kiss) And I love you, Nikki Lassiter.

* * * * * *

Scene: The offices of Collier and Associates; Sabrina Collier's office. Sabrina and David Collier are entangled on the sofa, locked in an passionate embrace, kissing. Sabrina pulled back, lying on the sofa, gently caressing her husband's lightly bearded face, smiling up at him.

Sabrina: You know, I wonder something.

David: What's that? (His fingers lightly brushed Sabrina's neck)

Sabrina: I wonder if your parishioners know what a sexy, attractive man you are.

David: (shaking his head) I doubt it. Most people don't think of their minister as a sexual being.

Sabrina: You can't tell me there aren't some women who watch you give a sermon from the pulpit, hearing that strong, powerful voice deliver the sermon, and wonder what it would be like to hear that voice whisper sweet nothings in their ears. I’m just glad it’s me.

David: (pulling his wife close for another kiss) Amen to that.

After a few passionate moments, Sabrina broke the embrace and struggled to sit up, pulling her hand through her mussed, raven colored hair.

Sabrina: I'd love to stay with you like this all day, but I can't. Lucas Greyhawk will be here any minute.

David: I understand. I should be getting back to the hospital and relieve Mama J.. She's probably exhausted from being with Polly Johnson all day.

Sabrina: I thought you were going to go home and rest?

David: I was… but I decided I’d rather spend that time with you. And missing a little sleep is well worth it. (Pause) Do you think you'll make it home for dinner tonight?

Sabrina: I think Lucas is my last appointment for the day. I should have no problem making it.

David: Good. It’s a date.

Sabrina: I hope you don’t expect me to cook?

David: I’ve learned by now that of your many and considerable talents, cooking isn’t one of them. (Pause) We’ll order in.

Sabrina: I’m liking this date better already.

David: I do hope this meeting with Lucas means that you’re letting him handle the investigation into Candice Dailey's death and Nathan James' accident.

Sabrina: (nodding) Of course, that's why I hired him.

David: Good. I'm very concerned about your safety, especially after you told me about your run-ins with this Nyland fellow. If he is somehow mixed up in this…if he has something to hide, you could be in real danger. You can let Lucas run that angle from now on, after all, he was trained at this sort of thing.

Sabrina: Believe me, I have every intention of dumping this is in Lucas' lap. The last thing I need is to get involved in this investigation myself.

David: I'm relieved to hear that. It takes a load off my mind.

Sabrina: David, I appreciate the concern, but I don't think I'm in any sort of danger.

David: But you've encountered Jerry Nyland twice now. And both times you said he was very threatening…that he made you a little frightened.

Sabrina: But, I was accusing him of attempted murder. Maybe it was just his way of reacting.

David: Do you really believe that? Or do you honestly think this man has something to hide?

Sabrina: My gut tells me that Jerry Nyland is definitely someone I need to keep an eye on.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the sixth floor. Dr. Zachary Dailey steps off the elevator, reading a file as he approached the nurses desk. As he got closer, Melody Sorensen came out of an adjacent corridor. She saw Zachary and headed for him.

Melody: Zachary! (Zachary didn't seem to hear her, absorbed in his file) Zachary!

Zachary: (looking up at the blond surgical nurse) Oh hi, Melody.

Melody: That must be some file. You didn't hear me when I called you.

Zachary: Sorry. I guess I was just caught up in things.

Melody: No problem…happens to us all. I just wanted to ask you if you'd seen Gloria around. She's not in her office and I know she doesn’t have any surgeries scheduled for right now.

Zachary: (remembering how short he was with Gloria earlier) I saw her upstairs at the AIDS clinic awhile ago. She was talking to Melissa Stone. I'm not sure if she's still there.

Melody: Oh. I just thought if anyone would know where she would be, you would.

Zachary: Why would you say that?

Melody: I know how close you are. Sometimes it's like you're joined at the hip.

Zachary: (images of Gloria kissing his father running through his head) I guess that happens when you work in the same place and you're related.

Melody: Maybe, but you two are close friends. Gloria can't stop singing your praises, especially after last night.

Zachary: Last night?

Melody: Your big evening at Mama J.'s. According to Gloria, you know how to show a girl a good time.

Dana: (walking up) That's something I can testify to myself. (Pause) Hi, Zachary. (She kissed him on the cheek, then gave Melody an icy glance) Melody.

Melody: Dana, shouldn't you be on the fifth floor? I was just there and Natalie was swamped with work, wondering where you were at.

Dana: I'm on my way there. I just wanted to say something to Zachary.

Melody: Fine. Just don't dawdle for too long. (Pause) I'll see you later, Zachary. (Melody looked disapprovingly at Dana before walking away)

Zachary: (coolly) Dana, maybe you better get to work. It looks like you're needed somewhere.

Dana: I want to talk to you. We never finished our conversation from earlier today.

Zachary: I know and I got the impression you wanted it that way.

Dana: Zachary…

Zachary: Dana, I have asked you repeatedly what is going on between you and Danny James and you have insisted there is nothing going on despite the fact that you can't be in the same room for more than two seconds without a verbal war breaking out. You don't have that kind of hostility without there being some history behind it. I've known that from the start…and Darian Jackson confirmed it for me. Of course, to his credit, he didn't tell me what was going on. Darian's not a gossip.

Dana: And I'm grateful for that. If you have to find this out…I guess I should be the one to tell it.

Zachary: Find what out? What's going on, Dana? I know you've known Danny since you were kids. Did you date? Were you lovers?

Dana: It was more than that, Zachary. Danny and I were married.

* * * * * *

Scene: Greyhawk MedTech Inc.; Nigel Greyhawk's office. Nigel and Monica Greyhawk are there. Monica looks shocked.

Monica: Kevin Lassiter? Why do you mention him?

Nigel: I saw him at the Lassiter Estate this morning. Trust me, I never expected to see him there or I never would’ve gone. I assumed he’d be at work this time of day.

Monica: I believe you. Why was he home? Taking the day off of work?

Nigel: Yeah and with good reason. Today was the fifth anniversary of Alec Stone’s death. Kevin has a memorial service for him.

Monica: (uneasily) Oh, I see. And when you were there, the two of you talked?

Nigel: Yes we did.

Monica: Well, given that you were out of the office most of the morning, you must’ve had quite a bit to say to one another.

Nigel: More than I thought. Turns out Kevin and I had a lot of stuff we needed to work through.

Monica: So what does that mean? What exactly are you trying to tell me, Nigel?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the sixth floor. Dana and Zachary are standing near the nurses station.

Zachary: (stunned) You and Danny James were married!?

Dana: Yes. For about five years. (Pause) We only lived together for a couple of those years. Danny spent the most of our marriage in jail for burglary.

Zachary: I can't believe what I'm hearing. I knew there was something between the two of you. Childhood sweethearts, maybe. A broken love affair. But marriage? Dana, I just don't understand it!

Dana: Believe me, I don't understand it either. I've asked myself over and over and over how I could I marry a man like Danny James.

Zachary: And why did you?

Dana: I thought Danny was exciting…that he lived life on the edge. He was wild, he liked to have fun. And that was something I was looking for at the time. My parents died and I had to live with my brother Pete and his wife and their kid. Mom and Dad were never strict with me, but Pete was so overprotective and so controlling. I know now that he did it because he loved me, but I didn't see it that way then. I wanted to break free and run my own life and do what I wanted when I wanted. Danny James gave me that opportunity and I took it. (Pause) Pete was so angry and so hurt that I could marry Danny after all his warnings, after all he did to make my life better. But I wasn't listening, I wasn't hearing him. All I could hear was Danny's promises that we'd be happy together. Everything else was blocked out.

Zachary: And were you happy?

Dana: Can you be happy with a man like that; a vulgar, spiteful criminal with a murderer for a baby brother?

Zachary: But he couldn't have always been that way.

Dana: Does it really matter? That was a long time ago. I’m just glad I was able to get my life together and that my brother forgave me my foolishness after the farce of a marriage was over. Lord knows I didn't deserve it.

Zachary: So it ended badly.

Dana: With a man like that badly is the only way it could end. (Pause) Look, Zachary, you have your answer. You know what was going on between Danny and I. I hope that's the end of your questions. I hope you'll let this go now.

Zachary: Let it go? Dana, do you really expect me to do that?

* * * * * *

Scene: Greyhawk MedTech Inc., Nigel’s office. Nigel and Monica are there.

Monica: (fearfully) What is it that you and Kevin needed to work out?

Nigel: (motioning to the cream colored sofa against the wall) Have a seat, honey.

Monica: (anxiously) Do I need to? Is this something I need to sit down to hear?

Nigel: I just want to explain what happened today.

Monica: Nigel, I don't need you to sit me down to tell me what happened today. I already know.

Nigel: (confused) You do?

Monica: Of course I do. I suppose I should've expected it. I never thought it would happen…I prayed it wouldn't. But, I should've known otherwise. I should've known things couldn't stay the way they are.

Nigel: Monica, what are you talking about?

Monica: Kevin Lassiter. You want to get back together with him, don't you? You guys talked… and you realized that you still had feelings for each other. That you still… loved each other. And now you want to be… with him, don’t you?

Nigel: Monica, I…

Monica: That's why you've been so distant. That's why you've been pushing me away, shutting me out. You were realizing that Kevin is who you want to be with. And talking to him confirmed that.

Nigel: Monica, will you listen!

Monica: I don't need to hear what you have to say, Nigel. I guess I should only blame myself. I've been so difficult to live with lately, hounding you about having children. But maybe it was good, if it forced you to see Kevin is where you really belong.

Nigel: Monica, where did you get such an idea!? I admit I've been a little withdrawn lately, but what makes you think I would be getting back together with Kevin?

Monica: Because I know how much you loved him.

Nigel: Right. I loved him. Past tense. I loved him. Yes, I will probably always have feelings for him, but what we had his over. Kevin and I aren't destined to be together. We never were. How many times have I told you that?

Monica: A lot. But saying it, and feeling it are two different things. You might say you don't love Kevin, but it doesn't mean you do.

Nigel: Again, my relationship with Kevin is in the past. I'm happy with you. I want to stay married to you.

Monica: But….

Nigel: My talk today with Kevin made me see that he is still living in the past, that he can’t let go of the past and it’s stopping him from moving on, getting on with his life. And when I saw that, I realized I’d been doing the same thing. I’d been living in the past, letting my relationship with the past stop me from moving on with us… with our future.

Monica: Because you still loved him?

Nigel: No. I was afraid, not so much that I would someday get back together with Kevin, but that because the possibility was there it was enough to keep me from moving on, even though I’m married, happily so and that my history with Kevin is just that... history. But I can’t live like that anymore. I can’t live in fear of the past. The past can only hurt us if we let it and I won't let it... not anymore. (Pause) Monica, you are my wife and I love you. I love Vicki. And I'm going to love our children too.

Monica: (stunned, her brown eyes widening in shock) Our children? Do you mean…?

Nigel: I've come to a decision, Monica. I want to start having children. I want us to have a family…and as soon as possible.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Community Park. Nikki and Richie are lying under a tree. Richie is sitting against the tree; Nikki is in his arms.

Nikki: This has been a wonderful few hours…us being alone. (Pause) I think it's the most fun I've had in a few weeks.

Richie: That I would have to agree with. I can't help but feel guilty though.

Nikki: (turning to face him) Why?

Richie: I feel bad about lying here with you and enjoying myself with all this pain and tragedy going on.

Nikki: Richie, you have no reason to feel guilty.

Richie: How should I feel? One of my best friends is dead and the other is fighting for his life. And here I sit in a park, enjoying the summer day, acting like I don't have a care in the world.

Nikki: And don't you think Candice and Nathan would want you to do just that? They wouldn't want you to sit around worrying about them twenty four hours a day. They'd want you to enjoy life, have fun.

Richie: I know, Nikki. But, that doesn’t stop me from feeling bad about it.

Nikki: You can't stop living because of someone else's problems. We can't let murder and death and trials consume our lives. We can't lose sight of us and what we have in the midst of all this insanity around us.

Richie: And we won't. You're the only good thing in my life right now, Nikki. You're the only thing that really makes me happy.

Nikki: I'm glad to hear that. I just wish you'd say it more often.

Richie: I will, Nikki, I will. I realize I've been consumed by helping Nathan…it's become almost an obsession. But Nikki, I haven't forgotten you, not once. I need you…you're my lifeline. I'm not going to let you go.

Nikki: Believe me, Richie, the feeling is mutual. (They hugged)

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the Alec Stone Memorial AIDS Clinic, Zachary's office. Dana and Zachary walk in and close the door.

Dana: Thanks for getting us a little privacy, Zachary. The last thing I need is for someone to over hear us. It's bad enough having to tell you about this.

Zachary: And it's obvious you wouldn't have told me if I hadn't of gotten suspicious. The question is I don't understand why.

Dana: You mean it's not obvious?

Zachary: No it’s not. Surely you knew I'd find out eventually. Covington Bay is a small town and if Darian knows about this, so must a lot of other people. And given your acrimonious relationship with Danny, it would be only a matter of time before he'd tell me to get at you. How did you expect to keep this from me? And why would you want to?

Dana: Zachary, I didn't want to.

Zachary: You seemed to try awfully hard to do just that. Did you think it would make me think less of you, that it would change things between us?

Dana: No. I knew I could tell you and I knew you wouldn't care…you wouldn't judge me. You're a good, decent man and you wouldn't hold some stupid mistakes I made against me.

Zachary: Then why not be honest?

Dana: Because I was worried about what other people would think about you when or if it came out. I was concerned about your reputation in this hospital…in this town. Zachary, your family is very well known, very well respected. And you've been in the press a lot since your sister was killed. How do you think people would react if they found out we were dating and my connection to your sister's killer?

Zachary: I don't care what people think.

Dana: But what about your father? How did you think he would react, given he believes Nathan killed Candice?

Zachary: (icily) My father's reaction means even less to me.

Dana: Well, it means a lot to me. Zachary, I just didn't want my past to come back and hurt you. Lord knows people will raise an eyebrow because you're white and I'm black. But this? I just didn't want you to be damaged by this.

Zachary: So you're saying you did this to protect me?

Dana: Yes. (Pause) I'd be lying if I didn't say I was thinking of myself too, of keeping my past hidden. I've worked so hard to put that man behind me and I didn't want to deal with the shame of marrying him.

Zachary: I wish you had of told me. I wish you could've been honest. (Pause) But, I understand why you weren't.

Dana: (hopefully) You do?

Zachary: Yes, I do. I'm not excusing the lies mind you, but I see you, in part, were looking out for me. But, I don't need you to protect me by not telling me the truth. Understand?

Dana: (nodding) Yes, I do. I know honesty is important to you.

Zachary: Honesty is everything in a relationship, Dana. And if we're going to have a relationship, I expect that from you.

Dana: I know and you'll get that. From here on out, I will be completely truthful with you.

Zachary: Good.

Dana: So, now that it's settled, are we still on for our date tonight?

Zachary: Of course we are. I'm looking forward to it.

Dana: (smiling) So am I. (Pause) I better be getting back to work before Natalie sends out the National Guard. I guess I'll see you later.

Zachary: You will at that.

Dana: Great. (Dana headed for the door)

Zachary: Dana?

Dana: (stopping and turning to face Zachary) Yes.

Zachary: Thank you for looking out for me. I don't like the way you did it, but it's nice to know someone is on my side.

Dana: Oh, Zachary, I definitely am on your side. Count on it. (Dana walked out, beaming she closed the door behind her) (To herself) It worked! It worked! I guess it is a good idea to tell the truth…as long as you bend it your way. Zachary Dailey, you're one step closer to being all mine.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Melody and Natalie are at the nurses station.

Melody: Surgery?

Natalie: Yes. There was a car accident over on Fifth Street…there were a lot of a victims. Gloria went into to help out.

Melody: That's just like her. After all she's been through today, she's in there saving lives, pushing her own problems aside.

Natalie: It's what makes her a great doctor.

Melody: You're right about that.

Hillary: (approaching the desk) Hey, sis.

Melody: Hillary! (Melody climbed from behind the desk and ran to hug her sister) What are you doing here?

Hillary: Checking on a patient…and checking on you. How are you?

Melody: How should I be?

Hillary: I don't know. Last night you told me you didn't know if you and A.J. had a future, that your relationship was in serious trouble because of his marriage to Patricia Tamakai. You were very upset. I just want to see how you are now.

Melody: I'm still not sure about the future if that's what you're asking. I don't know where, if anywhere, my relationship with A.J. is going.

Hillary: Have you talked to A.J.?

Melody: A little.

Hillary: And what did he say?

Melody: Before or after I thought he'd been murdered?

Hillary: (puzzled) What does that mean?

Melody: It means that A.J. has put me through another crisis and it makes me wonder if our lives will ever be normal.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Community Park. Nikki and Richie are lying under the tree, kissing.

Nikki: (as they parted) I wish this didn’t have to be over.

Richie: (caressing her face) Neither do I. Unfortunately, I should drop by Sabrina Collier's office and tell her what my father is trying to do. I'm hoping she can stop him.

Nikki: I think she can. You father might be head of Homicide, but he can't control the witness list on a trial. He doesn't have that kind of power.

Richie: I hope not. Nevertheless, I need to talk to her. Then I guess I'll stop by the hospital and see Nate. You want to come with me?

Nikki: I can't. I already have plans.

Richie: Can you postpone them? I could really use your moral support at the hospital.

Nikki: And I wish I could give it to you, but I can't.

Richie: Why? What do you have to do that's so important?

Nikki: (after hesitating) I'm having dinner with James Greyhawk.

* * * * * *

Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina is in her office with Michael.

Sabrina: (glancing at her watch as she sat behind her desk) Great. Lucas is late, again.

Michael: (annoyed) That surprises you? He's never on time. The guy is nothing but trouble. Him and his whole family. You do know what they’ve done, don’t you? You’ve seen the article in the Times? The Greyhawks are not only attacking the Lassiters, but using my sister to do it.

Sabrina: I realize that, but it has nothing to do with this case. Furthermore, you can't always work with people you like, Michael. (There was a knock in the door) That must be Lucas… I guess Connie isn’t back from lunch. (Sabrina got up and answered the door. She was surprised to see James standing there) James! What are you doing here?

James: (edgily) I'm here to talk to you, Mrs. Collier.

Sabrina: About what?

James: The Nathan James case. I know what you're doing…and you're not going to get away with it.

* * * * * *

Coming Up In Covington Bay…

· Monica reacts to Nigel's news.

· Nikki finds herself trapped.

· Melody wants to make changes in her love life.

· A.J.'s career problems worsen.

· Jake is accused.