EPISODE 55

“A MATTER OF TRUST”

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the cafeteria. It is bustling with employees, patients and visitors. Melody and Hillary Sorensen are sitting at a table. Hillary is sipping a cup of coffee while Melody munches an Caesar salad and iced tea.

Hillary: So, A.J. turned out all right?

Melody: Of course he did. He always turns out all right. He has the lives of ten cats.

Hillary: But, he wasn't even in danger.

Melody: This time. Those men might really come after him and he may not be so lucky to survive.

Hillary: You sound really worried.

Melody: Of course I am.

Hillary: I guess this answers the question of whether you love him or not, even after finding out about he and Patricia Tamakai.

Melody: Of course I love A.J.. Of course I want to be with him. That was never at issue. The question is…can we?

Hillary: Surely you’re going to at least try and work things out?

Melody: Yes, I am. In fact, A.J. and I are going to have dinner tonight so we can at least begin talking.

Hillary: (smiling) Well, that's great. You and A.J. should be able to work through this. I know he lied and he's made a big mistake, but if he tells you that Patricia Tamakai means nothing to him and he wants a life with you, you can work it out.

Melody: Hillary, it's not that easy. After all the lies A.J. has told me for the last three years, how can I trust him? And if we don't have trust, then what do we have?

* * * * * *

Scene: Greyhawk MedTech Inc., Nigel Greyhawk's office. Nigel and his wife Monica are sitting on the plush white sofa in his office, facing one another. Monica was looking at her dark-haired husband in disbelief.

Monica: (shocked) You want us to have a baby?

Nigel: (nodding and watching the joy spread across his wife's face. A glitter of tears started to pool in her eyes and spill down her cheeks) Yes. I want us to have a baby…as soon as possible.

Monica: (pulling her husband into her arms) Oh, Nigel! You can't imagine how glad I am to hear this news! I have wanted this for so long!

Nigel: (cupping her face in his hands) I know, I know. I've wanted it too.

Monica: Then why did it take all this time for you to come to this decision? We've could've had a child already…be started on our second.

Nigel: You're right. But Monica, I just wanted to make sure that our marriage would work. I wanted to make sure we would be happy.

Monica: And we have been, haven't we? We have been happy, just like I said we would, right?

Nigel: (wiping the tears from his wife's face) You never had any doubts that this marriage would work. But, I had a lot to work through. I had to put my past behind me before I felt right about making such a big step.

Monica: And now you feel right about it?

Nigel: Yes. It is over between me and Kevin. But despite the fact that it is over I’ve let my lingering feelings for him hold me back from moving on with my life… with our life. I guess I was afraid that me being… gay would come back to hurt us. But it hasn’t. We’re still here… stronger than ever. I’m always going to be who I am and I will always care about Kevin, but you are my wife. You are the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, have children with, raise a family. And right now, I want nothing more than that.

Monica: (a tremor of fear in her voice) Are you sure about that? Are you sure you can let go of that? I mean, Kevin Lassiter is single. Alec Stone has been dead for years. He's bound to want to move on with his life after all this time.

Nigel: I know that, Monica, but what does that have to do with me?

Monica: Nigel, he might want to move on with you… how would you feel if he did?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Community Park. It was a typically warm and sunny summer day. Many park goers were enjoying the late September afternoon; children laughed and played on the parks swings and slides, picnickers enjoyed meals of fried chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers, washing it down with cold glasses of ice tea, lovers of all ages relaxed under shady trees and walked hand in hand on the parks many paths. Nikki Lassiter and her boyfriend Richie Stone stood under a leafy tree, facing one another, Richie looking at Nikki in surprise over the information she'd just shared with him.

Richie: You have a date with James Greyhawk?

Nikki: (nodding) It's not a date exactly, we're just going to meet to discuss how we're going to stop you and Nathan from framing him for murder. It's part of our plan, remember?

Richie: Of course I remember. I don't like you spending time with Greyhawk.

Nikki: You think I enjoy it? I’m only doing this to get to the truth.

Richie: And I appreciate it. Nate does too. (Pause) So, James doesn't suspect anything? He has no idea that you're really looking for proof he killed Candice?

Nikki: (shaking her head) No. I was really careful when I talked to him, Richie. I don't see how he could suspect anything.

Richie: Neither do I, but James is not stupid. He's gotten away with murder so far and he's bound to be on the lookout for anything or anyone who might trip him up.

Nikki: Richie, have faith. I can handle James Greyhawk. Believe me, he doesn't suspect a thing. And he won't until he's arrested…if he killed Candice. (There was doubt in her voice)

* * * * * *

Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina's office. She rose to her feet from behind her desk, glaring at James Greyhawk, who'd just barged into her office. Michael is there, standing a few feet behind James.

Sabrina: What are you doing here, James? How dare you burst into my office like this!?

James: I just learned from my brother Lucas that you hired him to get evidence to clear Nathan James.

Sabrina: And this bothers you?

James: Of course it does! You didn't think that it wouldn't?

Sabrina: Frankly James, I never considered your feelings when I hired your brother. All I knew that is he is a top notch investigator and that is what we need in this case.

James: But you're wasting your time. Your client is a killer. My brother won't be able to find any evidence because it doesn't exist.

Sabrina: If that's the case, I'll have wasted my money, won't I? Who I hire is really none of your business. I'm trying to clear my client and how I go about that doesn’t concern you.

James: It does when you're using my family in your scheme to free that murderer. Don’t you think it's a bit unethical to hire my brother to clear the person who killed my fiancée? But what do you care about ethics, you took this case in the first place.

Sabrina: (growing visibly irritated) James, I don't have to stand here and listen to this. I'm asking you to leave. Now get out before I have you thrown out.

Michael: (smirking) And I'd be glad to do it for you.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Community Park. Richie and Nikki are standing under a tree, talking to one another.

Richie: How can you doubt that James killed Candice? He had all the reason in the world to want her dead.

Nikki: True… and trust me I don’t like the guy. But I have trouble seeing him as a killer, even though he is a good a suspect as any.

Richie: He's the only suspect as far as I'm concerned. (Pause) So, exactly what are you going to do to get information out of him? It won't be easy. He certainly isn't going to volunteer anything.

Nikki: (nodding) No, he's not. But, I am a reporter. I do have ways of getting people to tell me things they don't want me to. I don't expect him to make a confession, but he might slip up and tell me something that could lead to evidence nailing him as the killer.

Richie: (sighing) I hope this comes to an end sooner than later, not just for Nathan's sake, but for yours. This could be dangerous. Who knows what Greyhawk might do if he catches onto you. He killed once. What's to stop him from killing again?

Nikki: (trying to sound self assured and confident) I can handle Greyhawk. I'm not going to let him catch onto me. Believe me, I am going to be in complete control. (Images of him grabbing her and kissing her in the dark cloakroom a few hours ago flashed through her mind)

Richie: Nikki, I have confidence in you. If anyone can pull this off, you can. (he pulled his dark haired girlfriend into his arms) I just hate putting you in danger. I don't like you having to take these sort of chances, being anywhere near a guy like James Greyhawk.

Nikki: I don't like being around him either, but we really don't have any choice about that right now. It's the only way to get what we want, right?

Richie: (breaking the embrace) Right. So, where are you meeting him?

Nikki: (hesitantly) What?

Richie: Where are you meeting him? Where are you two going to have this so called date?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the cafeteria. Hillary and Melody are at table, talking.

Hillary: You're right. It's hard to regain trust once it's lost. But, Melody, A.J. does love you. You love him. You've been happy so far. Isn't it worth working on?

Melody: I'd say yes, if I knew what we have. But A.J. still shows no interest in marriage or a commitment. He says he loves me. He says he wants to be with me, but he doesn't want marriage. I’ve always known A.J. was hesitant to get married. I kept telling myself he would come around, that he'd want to settle down and make a life with me. But Patricia's return makes me wonder if that will ever happen.

Hillary: Why?

Melody: Because it's just another example of the craziness that fuels A.J.'s life. He loves the excitement of chasing his stories, the danger he gets into, the risks he takes. He gets off on his day being one unpredictable event after another. From a surprise wife, to an attempted murder, to a sudden heart attack is all in days work for A.J..

Hillary: (as Melody munched on her salad) And you want a little peace and quiet?

Melody: (nodding) Yeah. I want a little normalcy. I want to know what's going to happen from one day to the next. I want a little boredom just once in my life.

Hillary: But isn't this sense of excitement what drew you to A.J.?

Melody: Partially. He's a man of adventure, of action. Combined with good looks and a great sense of humor, what woman wouldn't want all that? But he’s not a kid anymore, none of us are. There comes a time when you have to stop playing games and be an adult.

Hillary: And you think it's time for that with A.J.? Do you really think he's going to give that side of him up?

Melody: No. I don't think he would. Not for me…not for any woman. Adventure and thrills are like breathing to him.

Hillary: So what does that mean for you? Can you live with that? Can you accept things the way they are?

Melody: I don’t know, I really don't. The answer would be easy…if I didn’t love him so damn much. And I do. I love him so much that I can't imagine my life without him. I guess that's my real problem isn't it?

* * * * * *

Scene: Greyhawk MedTech Inc.; Nigel's office. Nigel and Monica are there, sitting on the sofa. Nigel rises to his feet.

Nigel: Monica, didn't I just say that my relationship with Kevin is over?

Monica: Yes, but…

Nigel: But nothing, Monica. (Pause) Don't get me wrong, I will always care about Kevin. He was too important in my life for me not to always want the best for him. I want him to be happy, I want him to find love again. But, it's not going to be with me.

Monica: But if he's free…!

Nigel: But *I* am not. I am with you and that’s where I want to be. With you and our daughter… and our future children.

Monica: Nigel, I know you love us, I feel your love everyday. (Pause) But…

Nigel: But nothing. Kevin and I are over. It never would’ve worked between us. Never. Our relationship never would’ve survived. Neither of our families would've accepted the relationship. And being married, having that commitment and having children are too important to me. I can’t give that up for anyone.

Monica: It’s not like you couldn’t have a marriage of some sort to Kevin. And you certainly could have children any number of ways. As for your family, I can’t believe they wouldn’t eventually accept and support you. Your father loves you too much to cut you out of his life. Given that, if you could have your families’ blessing and all the other things in life that are important to you and Kevin, would you choose him instead of what we have?

Nigel: (hesitating) No. Because I don't believe that kind of relationship can work, at least not for me. It can never be as strong and mean as much as what we have can. And what we have is forever. You can be certain of that. I wouldn't want to have a baby if I didn't feel this way.

Monica: (rising to her feet) I know. And Nigel, you can't imagine how happy this makes me. I have wanted so long to have your child. I have wanted so long to give you such a precious gift.

Nigel: (gently stroking her hair) It's a gift we're giving each other.

* * * * * *

Scene: Collier and Associates. Michael, Sabrina and James are there.

James: I'm not going anywhere until you justify what you've done.

Sabrina: I don't have to justify anything, young man, especially to you. Now if you have a problem with your brother working for me, I suggest you talk to him. Maybe he'll see the error of his ways in taking this job. But, I have the feeling you've already talked to him…and he refused to quit. Am I right?

James: (not answering) What you are doing is making a big mistake.

Michael: And why is that? Just what is it that you're afraid of?

James: Nothing!

Michael: Really? What are you so afraid of? Do you think your brother will dig up something you don't want him to? Do you think he might clear Nathan and point to you as the killer?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Community Park; under a tree. Nikki and Richie are there.

Richie: Well, where are you meeting Greyhawk?

Nikki: You're not going to like it.

Richie: I don’t like that you’re anywhere near the guy to begin with. And your hesitation makes me even more nervous. So tell me where you two are getting together?

Nikki: On his family's yacht.

Richie: (his eyes widening in shock) You must be kidding?

Nikki: No. We’re meeting there in just a few hours.

Richie: (shaking his head) No you are not. Forget it, Nikki. There is no way in the world I'm going to let you do that!

Nikki: I was afraid you'd react like this.

Richie: How should I react?

Nikki: Like someone who knows this has to be done. It's where James wants us to meet…so we can be alone and there's no chance of anyone seeing us together. Considering the history between our families, not to mention my connection to you and Nate, no one can know what we're doing.

Richie: I understand that, but you're talking about meeting this guy in an isolated area. You're going to be miles away from shore on a boat with a killer. What if he catches onto you? What if he starts to suspect you? He could attack you, kill you and dump your body in the bay. You might not be found for weeks. In fact, he could already be suspicious and be planning your murder right now.

Nikki: (trying not to hear the words that sent chills up and down her spine) Richie, you're being ridiculous!

Richie: No, what was ridiculous was coming up with this crazy idea in the first place. There is no way in hell I'm going to let you be alone in the middle of nowhere with that guy. Forget it! I can't let you take that kind of risk!

Nikki: But I have to!

Richie: No you don't have to do anything, Nikki. In fact, you're not going to. This plan is over. We are stopping this thing before it even gets started.

Nikki: Richie, no! You can't call this off.

Richie: What should I do, let you go on a boat in the middle of nowhere with that man? No way.

Nikki: I know it's dangerous, but we knew that going in. We knew I would have to take some chances.

Richie: But this is too much. We'll just have to think of some other way to nail Greyhawk.

Nikki: There is no other way. The plan is already underway. If we pull out now, we may be losing any chance of proving Greyhawk is the killer. And we can't let Nathan down.

Richie: Nate wouldn't want you taking this sort of chance for him.

Nikki: True enough, but he is depending on us…on me to come through for him. I know it's dangerous, but we can't drop the plan. You see that, don't you?

Richie: (after hesitating) I do. And you can go through with it. But, on one condition.

Nikki: Which is?

Richie: I have to be there. I'm going to be on the boat with you.

* * * * *

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

Monica: (embracing her husband) So, how soon do you want to start on this little project?

Nigel: I told you as soon as possible. I want to start having children right away. (He grinned) We can start working on it tonight if you like.

Monica: (smiling) Oh, I like, I like! (She pulled her husband close for a kiss. As they parted, Nigel once again saw tears flowing down his wife's face)

Nigel: Why are you crying?

Monica: Because this news makes me so happy, Nigel. I’ve wanted this for so long… I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally going to happen.

Nigel: (shaking his head) And it will. We have a good marriage and this is only going to make it better. This is right for us, for our family, for everyone. I could never be happy with Kevin. All he can give me is pain, rejection, heartache and loss. I know I'd never have that with you.

Monica: Oh no. We're going to be so happy, Nigel. You, me, Vicki and our child.

Nigel: We certainly will be happy Monica, you can count on that. After all, with all we've got going for us, how could we be anything but?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the cafeteria. Melody and Hillary are there.

Melody: (as Hillary sipped her coffee) Am I a fool, Hillary? If I were smart, wouldn't I just walk away?

Hillary: Not if you love him. Not if you think you can work it out. You have every reason to and work it out. You have to fight for what you really want.

Melody: Oh and it would be a fight all right.

Hillary: What do you mean?

Melody: A.J.'s wife, Patricia. She wants him. She wants to make their marriage real.

Hillary: What? Did A.J. tell you this?

Melody: (sipping her tea) No. I doubt if A.J. is even aware of it.

Hillary: So you heard it from Patricia?

Melody: No. I figured it out and I confronted her.

Hillary: I imagine she denied it.

Melody: Of course. She'd be a fool to confess that, especially to me. Playing her cards now would ruin her whole plan.

Hillary: Her plan?

Melody: To get A.J. back. I'm sure that's why she came back to town…to claim her husband.

Hillary: Are you sure of this?

Melody: Of course. She's done everything she could to insinuate herself in his life. Of course she wants him back.

Hillary: (smiling) I guess this means you and A.J. will have a lot to talk about over dinner tonight.

Melody: Yes. I just hope we have a peaceful evening for once so we can really deal with our issues with no distractions. If A.J. and I are going to find our way to getting back together, tonight is going to be a big step in getting there.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Community Park; under a tree. Nikki and Richie are there.

Nikki: (shocked) What? Richie, that's crazy.

Richie: No crazier than you going out on a boat alone with that guy.

Nikki: Richie, you can't.

Richie: I can't let you be by yourself with him either. I'll just climb on board and hide somewhere.

Nikki: Look, I appreciate your concern, I love you for wanting to protect me, but it's too risky. What if you get caught, it'll ruin the whole plan.

Richie: That's just the chance we're going to have to take. I love you too much to let you risk your life like this without some backup. I'm going to be on that boat Nikki, and that's all there is to it.

* * * * * *

Scene: Collier and Associates. Michael, Sabrina and James are there.

James: (gnashing his teeth in rage) That is ridiculous! And if you even think of telling anyone that lie, I'll sue!

Michael: Good. Sounds like you'll be needing a lawyer anyway.

Sabrina: Michael, please! I will handle this. Why don't you go and take care of that paperwork we discussed earlier?

Michael: Sabrina, I…

Sabrina: (sternly) Michael, please go and take care of it now. And close the door behind you, please?

Michael: (annoyed) All right. You know where to find me.

Michael walked out, closing the door behind him.

James: Are all your employees so rude?

Sabrina: I really don't think you should be so quick to condemn someone for rudeness, James, not unless you want to be taken to task for your own behavior. Now, again, I am asking you to leave.

James: I thought we were going to discuss this? Isn't that why you asked your flunky to leave?

Sabrina: (angrily) I will not have you talking about my employees like that, James. As for discussing this, there is no point. I've had enough of this nonsense. Your brother works for me. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you discuss that with him.

James: You're not going to justify doing this?

Sabrina: I don't owe you an explanation; I don't know you anything. Now for the last time, leave my office.

James: (his eyes narrowing into slits, burning with rage) Fine. I'll go. I see appealing to your sense of decency is pointless…since you don't have any.

James flung the door open and stopped short, coming face to face with Lucas, who was about to knock on the door. Both men looked surprised to see one another.

James: (gasping) Lucas!

Lucas: (bewildered) James, what in the world are you doing here?

Sabrina: That, is a question I definitely want the answer to. Your brother wasn't exactly candid with me, Lucas. Maybe he will be with you.

* * * * * *

COMING UP IN COVINGTON BAY

· Melody seeks some peace in her life, but thanks to Patricia, she doesn't get it.

· A.J. goes to his office and finds that his career is in jeopardy.

· James' answers to some tough questions creates some suspicions.

· Eric and Angela go in hot pursuit of a suspect.

· Jake is accused.