EPISODE 56

“JOB INSECURITY”

Scene: The offices of Dr. Gary Sorensen. Gary is pacing the floor in his plush office, rubbing his lightly stubbled chin in thought. His mind is filled with memories of his lunch with Derek Kendall.

Gary: (to himself) I really don't know what to think about Derek Kendall's visit today... and his request we start therapy again. Was he serious? Does he want to resolve his issues of the past.. or was there something else going on? And if so, what?

(His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.)

Gary: Come in.

(Hillary and Melody Sorensen walked in, and Gary broke out in a wide grin)

Hillary: Look who took a few minutes off from being Covington Bay's favorite surgical nurse to say hello.

Melody: Hi, Uncle Gary. I hope you don't mind me dropping by. My dry cleaners is downstairs and I have a few things to pick up. I thought I'd come up and say hi to my favorite uncle.

Gary: (grinning) Excusing the fact that I'm your only uncle.

Melody: That's just a minor point. I'm still glad to see you. How are you? We missed you at dinner last night. How come you couldn't make it?

Gary: (remembering his evening with Kevin Lassiter) Something came up.

Melody: Oh? Was it a patient emergency or something?

Gary: (cryptically) Or something.

Hillary: You might as well stop grilling him, Melody. He wouldn't tell me anything either.

Gary: I'll tell you all about it when the time is right.

Melody: I see. Then it must have something to do with a guy you met.

Gary: I didn't say that.

Melody: You didn't have to. (Pause) Well, I better be going. I've got to get my clothes and then go home and get ready for my date with A.J.. (She kissed Gary on the cheek) I'll see you later, Uncle Gary. Bye Hillary.

Hillary: Bye, sis. Have a good time.

Melody: (smiling) I'll try. Bye.

Gary: (as Melody walked out, closing the door behind her) Bye.

Hillary: Well, Uncle Gary, I'll talk to you later. I've got some paperwork calling my name.

Gary: Can that wait? I'd like to talk to you for a minute.

Hillary: Something wrong?

Gary: I'm not sure. (Pause) I had a former patient call me today...he wanted to meet me for lunch and talk. It's been a few years and he wants to start therapy again.

Hillary: Is that a bad thing? Do you think he needs therapy?

Gary: I imagine he does, Hillary. I just don't know if I'm the one who should be giving it to him.

Hillary: Why not? We're you able to help him before?

Gary: No. In fact, I failed him miserably.

Hillary: I find that hard to believe, Uncle Gary. You're a wonderful therapist. Who is this patient?

Gary: Derek Kendall.

Hillary: (surprise in her eyes) Oh, no.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter's office. Capt. Walter Stone and Det. Jake Collier are there.

Walter: Well, Jake? You want to explain what happened at the hospital today?

Jake: (embarrassed) I'm sorry, Captain. I made a mistake. I screwed up, I'm sorry.

Walter: Oh, you bet you screwed up. You had the entire hospital in an uproar while A.J. was playing Rip Van Lassiter. Don't you think you may have overreacted just a little?

Jake: Captain, you know how dangerous Victor Gianelli is. He's killed people for looking at him the wrong way and A.J. and Patricia have definitely crossed him. He has to know if we capture his two henchmen we could finally find a way to nail him and A.J. and Patricia are the only ones who can testify those two tried to kill them last night. When A.J. disappeared, I reacted in the most logical way I thought of.

Walter: I'm not so sure about that. You could've been more subtle, not had one half of this police force at the hospital and the other on the streets looking for Lassiter. And I heard that there was quite a scene with Melody Sorensen at the morgue. Do you really think you could've avoided putting her, not to mention her family, through that?

Jake: She insisted on going when I told them about A.J.'s body possibly being found. Look, I realize we came out of this with egg on our faces, but I still say I did the best I could with the information I had. I'm sorry for what happened, but I'm not sorry for the job I did.

Walter: (sighing) Well, I can't say I wouldn't have reacted the same way in your position. The thing is, the all could be avoided if we could just find Reilly and Slade.

Jake: I agree, and believe me, we are doing our best to find them. I just wish in the meantime that A.J. and Patricia would agree to be in protective custody.

Walter: If Lassiter said he won't do it, you can forget it. And unfortunately, we can't force him. I guess that means you'll have to work that much harder to find those thugs, won't you? (Pause) Keep me posted.

Jake: You got it. (Pause) Captain, can I address another issue with you?

Walter: What is it?

Jake: (hesitating) It's about my mother's visit to the station earlier today.

Walter: Yes?

Jake: I don't mean to be disrespectful, but do you really think that it was handled correctly?

Walter: How should I have handled it, Jake? Your mother came in her throwing around baseless accusations about a respected police officer being involved in a murder. What should I have done, dragged Nyland in here and started questioning him?

Jake: My mother wouldn't come to you with this unless she believed there was really something to be concerned about. If there is the slightest possibility that someone is trying to kill Nathan James we should check it out?

Voice: (from the doorway) I don't think so.

Jake: (turning to see Eric standing in the doorway) Eric, we were having a private conversation.

Eric: Really? Well, I'd like to join in, because the future of Nathan James is one I definitely have an opinion on.

* * * * * *

Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina's office. Sabrina Collier, Lucas Greyhawk and James Greyhawk are there.

Lucas: James, you have got a hell of a nerve showing up here.

James: I came to talk to Mrs. Collier about hiring you to clear the man who killed my fiancée. I wanted her to know how unethical I thought it was.

Lucas: And you actually think your opinion matters? You can be as angry as you want to be, but you have no right to barge into this woman's office and insult her. I don't know what you problem is, James, but I want you to leave now!

James: I was just on my way out. I can see appealing to her sense of justice and your loyalty to the family is pointless.

Lucas: I have not turned against the family and I resent you saying so. Now apologize to the lady and get out.

James: I can't apologize...not for something I'm not sorry for.

Sabrina: And I don't want your apology. But I do want an explanation. Why are you really here?

James: I told you why.

Sabrina: You haven't told me anything but a bunch of self-righteous babble. I have the feeling there is more to this visit than you're saying. Why don't you admit to what is really going on?

* * * * * *

Scene: The offices of the Covington Bay Journal; the office of Drake Williamson. Drake is a middle aged African-American, tall and husky. He has short black hair that is graying at the temples. He has a dark complexion and chocolate brown eyes. Drake is behind his desk, angrily talking into the telephone.

Drake: No, I don't have an response. But when I do, you will be the last to know. Goodbye! (Drake slammed down the phone as there was a knock on the door) Come in!

A.J.: (peeking his head in) Is it safe?

Drake: For you, Lassiter, no. Get in here! (As A. J. nervously walked in, Drake picked up the phone and pressed a button) Janice, hold all my calls. (He slammed the phone down again) I guess you know why I called you in?

A.J.: You probably read the Times' article about what happened last night.

Drake: Read it? I was hand delivered a copy by messenger. Apparently, someone wanted to make sure I didn't miss it.

A.J. (sighing) That's no surprise. Someone has gone through a lot of trouble to make me look bad.

Drake: And it certainly looks bad, Lassiter. (Drake held up the paper) According to this article, you are a bumbling fool who couldn't fight his way out of wet paper bag. Not only that, you lied about it to make yourself the hero in our newspaper. And to top it off, the article is written by your wife, your secret wife of the past six years. Looking bad is an understatement. The phone has been ringing off the hook all day from angry readers, stockholders, the editorial board and other newspapers anxious to get the story.

A.J.: Boss, I'm sorry about this.

Drake: A.J., it's not your fault. You're a Lassiter, well respected and well known in this town. People want to bring down the rich and famous. This piece of trash is their way of doing it. And it is trash. I've spent all day on the phone trying to let everyone know there isn't an ounce of truth to that article and that we will be doing everything we can to make the owners of the Times regret coming up with that filth.

A.J.: And believe me, I am anxious to do that. I want to fight this. But, before we get to that, there's a couple of things you should know.

Drake: What's that?

A.J.: (hesitating) Not everything in that article is a lie.

Drake: (shocked) What?! You mean you really did make up that story about those men who tried to kill you and your...Patricia Tamakai?

A.J.: No, what I wrote is the truth from start to finish. What is true is that Patricia Tamakai is my wife. We really were married six years ago in Las Vegas.

Drake: Great! That's just great! That's going to make our fight against this much harder. How are people going to know what to believe when we can't refute the entire article. Not only that, the fact that you could keep a marriage secret from your family, your friends and your girlfriend for all this time is going to call into question your credibility. Our readers, or anyone else for that matter, won't exactly trust someone that could perpetuate such a massive lie for so long. Do you realize what you've done!? You may have ruined the good reputation of this paper and your name with it, in one fell swoop!

A.J.: Boss, I know it looks bad, but the fact that I'm married to Patricia does not excuse the lies that the Covington Bay Times printed.

Drake: Maybe it doesn't. But the fact you could tell such a major lie damages your credibility. People are going to assume if you could lie about that, you could lie about anything. Don't you understand how this hurts us...and you?

A.J.: Yes, I do. I realize I made a stupid mistake. Believe me, I'm paying for it in more ways than you could imagine. But, we can't let this ruin my career or the reputation of this paper. We can fight this.

Drake: You're talking about suing the Times?

A.J.: That's a start.

Drake: Are you really interested in getting in a legal battle with your wife? It could get ugly.

A.J.: I don't care. Patricia is the last person who's feelings I'm considering. I want her to go down with everyone else who were foolish enough to take me and my family on.

Drake: This has nothing to do with your family.

A.J.: It has everything to do with my family. (Pause) That's the other thing I wanted to tell you. That article and the revelations of my marriage is more about revenge against the Lassiters than selling copies of the Times.

Drake: How do you figure that?

A.J.: Because Quentin Greyhawk bought the Times. This article is part of his plan to ruin my family.

Drake: (grimacing) Wonderful. That's exactly what this paper needs...to be in the middle of a Lassiter-Greyhawk war.

A.J.: Boss, I understand what a problem this is. But, there's a lot we can do to fight this.

Drake: Actually, A.J., I'm not sure what we can do. What you just told me changes everything. I'm afraid this is a problem you're going to have to handle all by yourself.

* * * * * *

Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina's office. Sabrina, James and Lucas are there.

James: What is going on is that Nathan James is a killer. He murdered my fiancée and you are implying that I'm the one who has done something wrong.

Sabrina: I'm not implying anything. I'm just observing your reaction to this news...or should I say overreaction. I can't help but think we're not hearing the full story.

Lucas: Sabrina, just because he's upset for my being on this case is no reason to suspect him of anything other than anger at the possibility of Nathan James getting off.

Sabrina: Lucas, not once have I used the word suspect. That came from your brother and now from you.

Lucas: I agree James shouldn't have come here, nor should you expect me to drop this case. But, he does have a legitimate reason to be upset. Maybe I should've given it more thought before I took on this job.

James: Does that mean you'll at least consider dropping the case?

Lucas: No, it doesn't. I can't do that. I told you it would be unethical.

James: Too bad. For a minute there, I actually thought you were on my side. Excuse me. (James walked out)

Lucas: I'm sorry about my brother, Sabrina. He may have reason to be upset, but he shouldn't have come here and confronted you.

Sabrina: No, he shouldn't have. (Pause) You know, despite what James might think, you are very loyal to him. You stuck up for him.

Lucas: With good reason. James had nothing to do with Candice's death. It's wrong for you to even suggest it. I'm certainly not going to stand by and let you do it.

Sabrina: And you don't find his behavior just a little bit strange?

Lucas: What I find is that he's on edge. His fiancée was murdered, the man accused of his murder hasn't gone on trial yet. And his own brother is working to get evidence to clear him. He has reason to be upset. Like I said, I should've thought of it before I took this job.

Sabrina: And I should've thought of it before I hired you. In fact, it makes me wonder if I shouldn't fire you right now.

Lucas: What does that mean?

Sabrina: It means that I saw how you stuck up for your brother. And there's nothing wrong with that. Family should stick together. But, you are working to find evidence to clear Nathan James of murder. That means finding evidence pointing at someone else...the real killer. What if that evidence points to your brother?

Lucas: That's not going to happen. James isn't a killer.

Sabrina: So you believe. But what if he is? What if he killed Candice, or it looks like he did? What do you do then? Tell the truth, or protect your brother? Just which way will your loyalties lie, Lucas?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter's office. Walter, Eric and Jake are there.

Eric: I ran into Evan Maitland in the hallway. He told me about your mother's visit, Jake. I'm sure, despite the source, you're not going to buy her story.

Walter: (annoyed) Lassiter, this was a private conversation.

Eric: But this involves me. I worked hard on this case and I did a damn good job. I am not going to stand by and watch while he makes up some lie to confuse the jury or make them feel sympathy for Nathan James. He's a killer. He murdered Candice Dailey, he deserves to fry for that!

Jake: This has nothing to do with the kid's guilt or innocence. This is about the fact that someone is trying to murder him. Eric, you've known my mother your entire life. She's not only like family, she’s not some shyster lawyer. You know she would never make this claim unless she believed there was something behind it.

Eric: Jake, your mother is a lawyer and it's her job to get her client off no matter what it takes. And this claim that someone is trying to kill Nathan could be a legal strategy to get him off.

Jake: (angrily) Are you saying my mother would lie?

Eric: I'm saying that she is doing her job. And sometimes you have to cut corners or bend the rules to get the job done.

Jake: According to you. But not everyone operates that way.

Walter: (holding up his hands) Hold it you two, let's calm down here. (Pause) Jake, I'm not questioning your mother's ethics or ability as an attorney. She's always been a straight shooter in my mind. But you can't blame us for being skeptical about this theory.

James: I understand your skepticism, but don’t you think we should at least look into it?

Eric: This police department has better things to do than chase after ghosts created by a lying killer. And say that Aunt Sabrina believes this story. That only proves Nathan James pulled the wool over her eyes. It wouldn't be the first time a client has snookered his attorney. But we won't fall for it. One way or another, he will pay for what he's done.

Walter: If he lives long enough to see the inside of a courtroom. (Pause) The kid had a heart attack this afternoon. He's in serious condition. Doctors say it doesn't look good. He could die.

Eric: If he wants to do us all a favor and save the taxpayers some money, he will.

Jake: (sighing, shaking his head) I've had enough of this.. (Pause) Anything else, Captain?

Walter: No. I'll see you in the morning.

Jake: Later. (Jake walked out)

Walter: And to think that's the man you call your best friend.

Eric: If you can't be honest with your best friend, who can you be honest with?

Walter: What are you doing here, Eric? I thought you and Angela were working on the Johnson case?

Eric: We were. And Captain, I have some news for you.

* * * * * *

Scene: The offices of Dr. Gary Sorensen; Gary's office. Gary and Hillary are there.

Hillary: Derek Kendall came to see you?

Gary: Yes. Believe me, I was shocked.

Hillary: I thought he was still in jail. How long has he been out?

Gary: He was paroled a few months ago.

Hillary: And he came back to Covington Bay? I'd think this was the last place he'd want to be.

Gary: So do I. His only family is his sister Sarah and she’s in Chicago. He certainly has no friends left here after everything that’s happened.

Hillary: Then why did he come back?

Gary: I don't know. He wasn't very forthcoming.

Hillary: Well, what did he say?

Gary: That he wants to try and get his life back together. That he wants to work out his demons.

Hillary: And he wants your help in doing it?

Gary: Yes.

Hillary: What did you tell him?

Gary: (plopping on the brown leather sofa in his office) I told him I'd think about it. But, I don't think it's a good idea. I can't think it would be good for Derek to be back in town. All he has are the bad memories of losing his wife and child, suing Glenn Dailey for malpractice over their deaths and losing the case, becoming so lost in his despair that he turned to getting revenge on Dr. Dailey and his wife Gloria by kidnapping them and winding up in jail because of that. (Pause) The man's life was in ruin. He lost everything. And I was unable to help him.

Hillary: Uncle Gary, it wasn't your fault.

Gary: But I should've been able to do more for him. I was his therapist. He was counting on me to help him deal with his problems after losing his family. But, I had no clue how sick he really was. I failed him.

Hillary: You're wrong. Derek Kendall was a sick man who went to great lengths to hide how troubled he really was. And in the end you didn't fail him. You were the only one who convinced him to let Dr. Dailey and his wife go and give himself up. If you hadn't of been there, he may have killed him both. You saved their lives and his.

Gary: Maybe, but I still can't help but think that if I had of done my job in the first place, it wouldn't have gotten as far as it did. How can I promise to help Derek with his problems after I wasn't able to before?

Hillary: Uncle Gary, you did the best you could for a very troubled man. I don't think anyone could've helped him. He and A.J. Lassiter were very close friends, they’d known each other for years and A.J. didn’t see how ill he was either. He was as surprised as the rest of us. No one blamed you for what happened. I wish you'd stop blaming yourself.

Gary: I thought I had. I thought I'd dealt with all that stuff...but seeing Derek again brings it all back. (Pause) I'm not sure what to do. If I turn Derek away, who knows what could happen to him. He may not seek the help he needs and never heal himself. And maybe this time I can help him. I failed him before...maybe this time I can be there for him. On the other hand, maybe it's best...considering our history, that he sees someone else.

Hillary: Sounds like you've got a lot of thinking to do.

Gary: I do. And no matter what I decide, I can't help but wonder if it's the right decision.

Hillary: You said he’s been out of jail for months. Why did he wait so long to contact you?

Gary: He wasn't clear on that. (Pause) I don't know, maybe I should try and help him. He's seems to have gotten rid of the a lot of the anger and bitterness he felt towards Dr. Dailey.

Hillary: How do you know that?

Gary: Because he mentioned Candice Dailey's death and he fact that Gloria Dailey is divorcing him. He'd read about it in the paper and said now Dr. Dailey knew what kind of pain he had gone through when he lost his wife and child. Derek said no one should have to go through that kind of pain.

Hillary: And you think he meant he felt sorry for the man he once tried to take revenge on by killing him?

Gary: I guess so. What else could it mean?

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Cleaners. Melody is paying for the clothes she is receiving.

Melody: (to a slightly overweight young woman) Thanks, Kim.

Kim: No problem, Miss Sorensen. I bet you look great in that dress.

Melody: (smiling) It's one of A.J.'s favorites.

Kim: Oh, do you have a romantic evening ahead of you?

Melody: With any luck.

Kim: In that dress, you don't need luck, girl.

Melody: (laughing) Thanks, Kim. Bye.

Kim: Bye.

(Melody turned and bumped right into Jake)

Melody: Oh! Jake, I'm sorry.

Jake: Oh hi, Melody.

Melody: (seeing the troubled look on Jake's face) Well, that's not a very enthusiastic hello. You look like you've had a bad day.

Jake: Rotten. Probably one of my worst.

Melody: I'm sorry. (Pause) Would you like to talk about it...over a cup of coffee?

* * * * * *

Scene: Collier and Associates; Sabrina's office. Lucas and Sabrina are there.

Lucas: Sabrina, I resent that question.

Sabrina: And I think I have a legitimate reason for asking it. James is your brother. Naturally you'd want to protect him.

Lucas: Of course I would, but not if he's done something wrong.

Sabrina: You sure about that?

Lucas: First of all, James did not kill Candice Dailey. He may be a spoiled brat, but a killer he's not. And even if he did do it, I wouldn't cover it up. Not only would that be unethical in my business practices, it would be illegal. Despite what you and a lot of other people in this town might think, my family is not evil incarnate. If he did do this, he would deserve to go to jail. I'd feel that way and so would everyone in my family, including my father.

Sabrina: Lucas, I don't mean to insult you.

Lucas: (shaking his head) But like you said, you do have legitimate reasons for asking the question. (Pause) Look, Sabrina, if you have any doubts about me being on this case, I'd understand if you wanted to hire someone else. But, you're not going to find anyone better than me.

Sabrina: Not that I want to feed your ego, I know you’re the best. And under these circumstances, I need the best. Lucas, I know you'll do your job. I have complete faith in you.

Lucas: Glad to hear it. So, why did you want to see me?

Sabrina: Well, I... (Then her intercom buzzed. Sabrina picked up the phone) Yes, Connie? (Pause) What? (She sighed) Okay, I'll be right there. (Sabrina hung up the phone) One of my associates need to talk me with me about his day in court and it can't wait. I'll be right back, Lucas.

Lucas: No problem. (Sabrina walked out. Lucas walked around the office, eventually arriving at the window. He stared out onto the Covington Bay city streets, until he heard the door slam behind him) That was fast. (He turned to see a very angry Michael standing in the office) Tamakai. You look upset. What is it this time?

Michael: You know I thought your family couldn't sink lower than they already have...until today.

Lucas: (smirking) Let me guess. You've read the article in the Times.

Michael: Yes, I have.

Lucas: (sarcastically) And you didn't like it?

Michael: You're damn right I didn't. And you're about to find out just how much.

* * * * * *

Scene: The offices of the Covington Bay Journal. A.J. and Drake Williamson are in Drake's office.

A.J.: You cannot tell me this paper is going to stand by and watch while the Times makes up lies? This article trashes not only my reputation, but the Journal's as well.

Drake: And there's no proof of that, is there? The article in the Times refutes everything in your article, but neither one of you can prove what really happened...unless your wife is willing to say what she wrote is a lie.

A.J.: She isn't. She's siding with Greyhawk on this one.

Drake: Then there's nothing we can do. A lawsuit will simply be a waste of time.

A.J.: I can't believe your attitude. This paper has always stood for truth and honesty. Did I miss something? Has that changed?

Drake: No, but this paper can't afford to become entangled in a long legal battle with the Greyhawks. You know we've had financial problems for sometime now. We're barely able to keep our head above water. Frankly, it continues to surprise me that the owners haven’t either tried to sell the paper or shut us down. But now the Fairchilds may do just that.

A.J.: Why? I know Clayton Fairchild believes in the paper and the work we do here.

Drake: I believe he does too. But he didn’t amass one of this countries largest and most successful media empires by hanging on to losing propositions. And I don’t think he’s going to be in the mood for a newspaper war with Quentin Greyhawk, which is exactly what’s going to happen now.

A.J.: Since when have you run from a newspaper war?

Drake: I haven’t and I wouldn’t. Believe me, I’ll fight for as long and as hard as I can. But Greyhawk has the resources and the reasons to want to destroy this paper...and if he takes down the Journal...we all go with it.

* * * * * *

In the next episode of Covington Bay...

· A.J. refuses to give in.

· Jake and Melody get to know one another.

· Sabrina breaks up a fight.

· Eric and Angela deliver grim news.