EPISODE 60
“FIRED UP”
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT--Covington Bay Towers
DISSOLVE TO--Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter's apartment. She is in her kitchen, taking items out of the refrigerator to make a salad. After she has all the fixings on the counter, she pauses, her mind reeling with thoughts of the day's events.
Patricia: (thinking) I can't believe all that's
happened today. Quentin Lassiter
owning the Times...using
me to hurt A.J.
and his family, then forcing me to choose between people I’ve known my
entire life and my job. And when I couldn't do it, A.J. walked out on me,
saying he wanted nothing more to do with me. How could this have happened
to me? How could everything had fallen apart so quickly after all the
plans I made before coming back to
Lucas: Gee, sweetheart... (he brushed past her and walked in) ...you don't sound too happy to hear from me.
Patricia: After what your family has done how can that surprise you? And don't tell me you don't know all about the dirty trick your father pulled.
Lucas: Of course I know about it.
Patricia: And how long have you known? What part did you play in this dirty scheme?
Lucas: None. I didn't know about my father's plan until this morning...after the wheels were already set in motion.
Patricia: As if you would've tried to stop him.
Lucas: Of course I wouldn't of. After what they have done to my family, the Lassiters deserve every miserable thing that happens to them. (He grinned) And I imagine right now the Lassiters must be pretty miserable.
Patricia: Well, you can count me among that elite group. (She pointed toward the door) And then you can get the hell out.
Lucas: You want me to leave? (He pushed the door close and stood in front of it) Surely you don't mean that.
Patricia: Lucas, I want nothing to do with you. You're crazy if you didn't think I'd be happy about what your father has done to the Lassiters...especially since you are taking such joy out of seeing a good man's reputation trashed with lies and slander.
Lucas: That's why they call it revenge, Patricia. You like seeing your enemies ruined.
Patricia: Well, I don't like it. Especially since your father used me as part of his plan. Hiring me because he knew I was married to A.J. and then announcing it in the Times, along with that filthy article about what happened last night and putting my name to it. Do you really think I'd be happy about it? Did you come over here so we could celebrate?
Lucas: I figured a celebration was in order. After all, you did stay on the winning team when you chose to stick with the Greyhawks instead of siding with A.J. and the Lassiters.
Patricia: And what makes you think I did that?
Lucas: Patty, my father told us everything. He said you were angry at first, but you came around and realized the only way you'd ever be a success in this town...or anywhere else was if you stood with us.
Patricia: Exactly. He gave me no choice. He made me as much a victim as he did A.J. and his family.
Lucas: Don't play the martyr, sweetheart, it's a role that you're terribly miscast in.
CUT TO:
EXT--The Lassiter Estate
DISSOLVE TO--The library. Kevin Lassiter and Harry Tamakai are there.
Kevin: You want to talk to me about Nina? Why? Is there some sort of problem?
Harry: I've noticed you been spending a lot of time with my daughter.
Kevin: Not particularly, but we do spend time talking. She's a great girl...and we have a lot in common.
Harry: (his brows raised) And exactly what would you have in common with a sixteen year old girl?
Kevin: Art, books, music… that kind of stuff. In fact, we we're talking about your daughters upcoming piano recital at Covington Bay High. She's very nervous about it.
Harry: As she should be; this is a very important event for her. Your father tells me that there will be people there who would hear her and offer her a scholarship at a music school.
Kevin: That's a possibility. Nina is very good, certainly better than when I was her age.
Harry: If I remember correctly, Kevin, you didn't apply yourself like you should have. You seemed to have...other things on your mind.
Kevin: (slightly annoyed at Harry's innuendo) You're right, I did. Look, Harry, what is this about? Do you have a problem with me spending time with Nina? Does it bother you that we've become friends?
CUT TO:
INT--Nikki Lassiter's bedroom. She is slipping on a light jacket, looking at herself in the full length mirror. She look nervous and starts to take deep breaths.
Nikki: (thinking) Calm down girl, it's going to be all right. It's just dinner with James Greyhawk, that's all. You don't like him but the food's bound to be good. Don't think about the fact that he could be a killer...that he could've raped and killed Candice in cold blood. Forget the fact you'll be in the middle of nowhere with him on a yacht. Forget that. If you don't forget it, you'll chicken out. (Pause as she shook her head) No, you can't chicken out. Nathan needs you. He's counting on you. And so is Richie. (She smiles) Richie. Thank God he'll be there. He'll be on that boat just in case something goes wrong. I guess I'd be a lot more nervous if I didn't know he'd be there.
(There was a knock on the door, interrupting Nikki's thoughts and causing her to jump)
Nikki: (shaking her head) Stop being silly, Nikki. You're scaring yourself. It's probably just Nina. (Nikki opened the door. Nina Tamakai was standing there) Come in.
Nina: (walking in, closing the door) You look nice.
Nikki: Well, I am having dinner on a yacht. I guess I should dress up a bit.
Nina: Be careful, you don't want to give James Greyhawk any ideas.
Nikki: (as images of James kissing her earlier in the day flashed in her mind) Don't worry. James Greyhawk doesn't need any ideas.
Nina: What does that mean?
Nikki: (interrupting) Nothing. Is my mother home yet?
Nina: No. Why?
Nikki: I just wanted to make sure the coast was clear so I can get out of here without any hassles.
Nina: What hassles? I thought you talked to your dad and he took you off punishment?
Nikki: He did, but I doubt he's spoken to Mom about it so she'll expect me to be staying in tonight. I can't run into her or I'll never get out of here.
Nina: Then you better go. She’s usually home just about this time. (Pause) You know, you never cease to amaze me. Manipulating your parents, meeting a potential killer on a yacht and solving a murder is just another day at the salt mines for you. You take all these risks without even thinking about it.
Nikki: Of course I don't think about it. If I did, I probably wouldn't do it. (Pause) Look, I've got be running now. Just help me get out. I want to make sure the coast is clear until I'm off the estate.
Nina: Well, sure, but...
(At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Both Nina and Nikki froze, staring at the door. There was another knock, this time more persistent)
Voice: Nikki, it's your mother. Will you answer the door please? (Nina and Nikki look horrified)
CUT TO:
EXT--Covington Bay Medical Center
DISSOLVE TO--The eighth floor. Dr. Gloria Dailey and Sabrina Collier are watching as Dr. Darian Jackson stands near the door to Nathan's hospital room, grabbing hold of a young African-American woman.
Woman: Again, I ask you to get your hands off of me, sir.
Darian: (letting her go) Look, I'm sorry I grabbed you.
Woman: Is it a habit you make with women?
Darian: Only women who go into hospital rooms they have no business being in.
Woman: I have every right to be in there.
Darian: Really? I know all of Nathan's family and you're no family member of his. So again, who are you and what are you doing here?
Gloria: (walking up) Darian, I...
Darian: Don't worry, Gloria, I can handle this.
Gloria: Darian, I'm sure you can, but I think there's something you should know.
Woman: Yes, Dr. Dailey. Would you please explain to this man what is going on here?
Darian: Wait a minute? You know each other?
Gloria: Yes. Darian, this is Dr. Christina Sloan.
Darian: Christina Sloan?
Christina: Yes.
Darian: Any relation to Dr. Christopher Sloan?
Voice: Yes! (They all turned to see a lanky, dark skinned African-American male with salt and pepper colored hair. He was dressed in a lab coat over a dark gray tailored suit.) She is my daughter. (He glared at Darian) Now who are you young man, and what is going on here?
FADE OUT
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT--Nikki Lassiter's bedroom. Nikki and Nina are there, looking at the bedroom door. Pamela could be heard outside the door, knocking.
Pamela's Voice: Nikki? I know you're in there. I heard voices. Would you mind answering the door, please?
Nikki: (whispering) What am I going to do? I can't let her see me! I'll never get out of her and get to the yacht.
Nina: (whispering) Then what are you going to do?
Nikki: (whispering) I'll hide out on the terrace. You get rid of my mother so I can get out of here.
Nina: (whispering) Get rid of her? How?
Nikki: (whispering) Just tell her you haven't seen me and you don't know where I am.
Nina: (whispering) What!? You want me to lie?! I can't lie to your mother!
Pamela's Voice: Nikki!? (She knocked louder) What is going on? Answer this door!
Nikki: (whispering) Nina, you're going to have to lie to her just this once!
Nina: (whispering) But I can't!
Nikki: (whispering) You're going to have to, Nina. You know how important this is to me… to Richie… to Nathan. I have to get out of here. Please, Nina! Help me out!
Nina: (nodding) All right. I'll do what I can.
Nikki: Thanks, girlfriend! (Nikki ran out onto the terrace and closed the door behind her)
(Nina opened the door)
Pamela: (startled to see Nina) Oh! Nina!
Nina: Hi, Mrs. Lassiter.
Pamela: (walking in) Hello, dear. Where is my daughter?
CUT TO:
INT--The library. Kevin and Harry are there.
Harry: Kevin, Nina is a sixteen year old girl.
Kevin: I’ve noticed that.
Harry: And she’s very impressionable. (Pause) Do you mind if I speak frankly here?
Kevin: You always have, so I would expect no less of you.
Harry: Then to be frank, I don’t think it's not a good idea for you to be spending so much time with my daughter.
Kevin: And why not? Or do I need to guess? It’s because I’m gay, right?
Harry: Surely you're not surprised by that?
Kevin: No I'm not. Your son Michael and I used to be friends. We were very close...until you convinced him that having me for a friend wasn't exactly the best idea.
Harry: All I did was make my son realize that your lifestyle is not something he should be exposed to...that maintaining a relationship of any sort with you would only reflect badly on him.
Kevin: How so? Michael is not gay and spending time with me isn't going to change that. It's the same with Nina.
Harry: Kevin, I realize I may be out of touch with today’s world, but I don’t approve of the gay lifestyle.
Kevin: I think I’ve been aware of that for quite some time, thank you for making it crystal clear.
Harry: And I don’t want my child to think it’s acceptable either. And if I let her spend time with you, she’s going to think it is.
Kevin: Wow, you really are being frank. You’ve known me all of my life. You think so little of me?
Harry: What I think is that you are a very unhappy, very bitter young man who is disconnected from his father and alone in the world because of the life he has chosen to live.
Kevin: I am disconnected from my father because he can't accept me for who I am. I am alone because the person I planned to spend my life with died.
Harry: Kevin, I mean no disrespect, but all of your problems in your life stem from your choice to live as a homosexual, which is my point. And it's a life I didn't want my son Michael nor my daughter to be part of. I am asking you to stay away from Nina.
CUT TO:
INT--The eighth floor of
Darian: Dr. Sloan. It’s nice to finally meet you.
Christopher: Really? I wish I could say the same.
Darian: Look, I’m sorry. I think we started off all wrong. I'm Dr. Darian Jackson...Nathan's doctor. I didn't mean to grab your daughter like that, but she was going into a restricted room and she refused to explain to me why.
Christina: Because I don't have to.
Darian: But I think you do. No one can just walk into a ICU room. I had no idea who you were.
Christina: Well you should've asked instead of just assaulting me.
Darian: Assaulting you? Are you crazy? I was stopping you from going into my patients room with out my permission. I was doing my job, which is to protect my patient.
Christina: Your patient? It seems like we have another misunderstanding here, Dr. Jackson.
Gloria: I think we're all misunderstanding here. Why don't we start over from the beginning?
Sabrina: Yes, it seems to me all of us may have overreacted.
Christopher: (sternly) There is no time for that, there is a patient to be attended to. Now if you'll excuse me, Dr. Sloan and I have work to do.
(Christopher and Christina started to go into the room. Darian started to follow. Christopher and Christina stopped short and turned to Darian)
Christina: What are you doing, Dr. Jackson?
Darian: I'm going with you. I am Nathan's doctor.
Christina: Actually, Dr. Jackson. You aren't.
CUT TO:
INT--Patricia's apartment. Patricia and Lucas are there.
Lucas: Patricia, you are no victim.
Patricia: Your father used me. He lured me to town with that job just so he could hurt A.J..
Lucas: Maybe he did. Maybe he concocted this entire scheme, but you didn't have to stay with him.
Patricia: Really? What was I supposed to do?
Lucas: He gave you a choice, Patricia. You could've walked out of that office with A.J.. It’s what he would’ve done in your position.
Patricia: How can you be sure of that? A.J. enjoys power and success just as much as anyone else. That’s what your father is offering.
Lucas: True, but A.J. also has an annoying little moral streak that colors everything he does. He doesn't lie, he doesn't cheat and he doesn't steal.
Patricia: Since when did you become a fan?
Lucas: (chuckling) I’m not. I can’t stand the guy. He’s a self-righteous, egotistical blowhard. And those are his best qualities.
Patricia: Is there a point to all this?
Lucas: The point is you could've sided with A.J. But you chose power, fame and fortune because you knew you'd never get that with him.
Patricia: And that's what I'm going to get with the Greyhawks?
Lucas: Of course. You must know who is going to win this battle with the Lassiters. If you didn't, you wouldn't have done what you did. (Pause) I know you must be upset. I know you must feel a little torn since you've known A.J. and his family your entire life, but you made the right choice. And I am here to make sure you realize that.
Patricia: And how do you intend on doing that?
Lucas: Like this. (Grinning, Lucas pulled Patricia into his arms, and kissed her)
FADE OUT
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT--Patricia's apartment. Lucas and Patricia are kissing.
Patricia: (pulling away) What are you doing?
Lucas: What does it look like? Or should I say feel like?
Patricia: It feels like you are trying to take advantage of me. But that's what you Greyhawks are good at, aren't you?
Lucas: Patricia, don't act like the outraged female. You enjoyed that kiss. You liked it just as much as I did.
Patricia: Don’t delude yourself. What was the point of that!?
Lucas: Besides being a great kiss? It was an attempt to make your realize that the Greyhawks is where your future is. With us, you will get what you want. You'll have success in your career, lots of money, fame. And me. What else could you want?
Patricia: You assume that's what I want.
Lucas: You wouldn't have sided with my father if you didn't want what he can give you. And you wouldn't have let that kiss linger as long as you did if you didn't like how it made you feel.
Patricia: Lucas, how I feel is used.
Lucas: You may feel that and it may even be justified. But I suggest you get over it. You being in a bad mood is going to be a damper on our evening.
Patricia: Our evening? Lucas, what are you talking about?
Lucas: That's why I'm here sweetheart. Put on something dazzling. You and I are headed for a romantic night on the town.
CUT TO:
INT--The library. Harry and Kevin are there.
Kevin: You want me to stay away from Nina?
Harry: Yes.
Kevin: I don't believe it.
Harry: This surprises you?
Kevin: What surprises me is that you could do this again. Michael and I were friends...good friends. But you ruined that. You destroyed a wonderful friendship because you're being so close-minded. And now you're doing it all over again.
Harry: I am trying to protect my children.
Kevin: From what? I'm no threat to them.
Harry: Yes you are. Your life is not only something I consider immoral, it's destructive. It tears apart families. It costs people their lives. I don't want my children to be part of that and I'm asking you do respect my wishes.
Kevin: (sighing) Look, Harry, you are her father. And you can control everything about Nina, except her thoughts. I certainly can't force myself into Nina's life, not because I agree with you, but because I won't put her in such a difficult position. She's a sweet girl and she could only get hurt.
Harry: Good, then we understand each other.
Kevin: No, Harry, I don't understand you. I never will.
Harry: If you'll excuse me, Kevin, I have work to do. (Harry headed for the door, then stopped and turned to face Kevin) Oh, I'll handle telling Nina you won't be attending her piano recital.
Kevin: (shocked) What? You don't want me to go to the recital?
Harry: As I said, Kevin, I don't want you to be part of my daughter's life.
Kevin: But that recital is important to her. She's worked so hard to get this point, it's her night and it was important that I be there.
Harry: You being there will only encourage her connection to you, a connection I want severed. As I said, Kevin, I will send your regrets.
Kevin: And what about when Nina comes to me and asks me why I won't be there? How can I explain this to her?
Harry: She is my daughter, Kevin. I will handle her. (Harry walked out, leaving Kevin upset and angry)
CUT TO:
INT--Nikki's bedroom. Nina and Pamela are there. Nikki is out on the terrace, hiding, looking very frustrated.
Pamela: Nina, where is Nikki?
Nina: She's not here right now.
Pamela: But I thought I heard voices.
Nina: (nodding) You did.
Pamela: Who were you talking to?
Nina: I...I... (She looked at the television) I was watching television.
Pamela: Why were you watching television in here? Don't you have your own television?
Nina: My television's broken...the picture tube or something. So I thought I'd watch tv in here. You don't mind do you?
Pamela: Oh, of course not dear, not as long as Nikki doesn't. But, what took you so long to answer the door?
Nina: (shrugging) You know those soap operas, Mrs. Lassiter. You get so engrossed in them you sometimes forget what's going on around you.
Pamela: (smiling) I've been known to indulge in them a time or two so I understand.
Nina: Well, the shows over, I guess I'll go to my room and get some homework done. (She headed for the door)
Pamela: Wait a minute, Nina. What about Nikki? Where is she?
Nina: She's not here.
Pamela: That is obvious. But surely you must know she's been grounded. Are you telling me she's not at home?
Nina: Actually, I...
Pamela: You what? Nina, what aren't you saying? Do you know where my daughter is?
Steven: (walking in) Nikki, I... (He stopped short upon seeing Nina and Pamela) Oh, hi.
Pamela: Steven. I was just looking for Nikki. It seems she's not here.
Steven: She isn't?
Pamela: No. I grounded her. I specifically told her she was to go straight from school to work until the trial was over and now she's not here. She completely ignored what she has been told to do.
Steven: (hesitating) Not exactly.
Pamela: What do you mean, not exactly. What is going on?
Steven: I had lunch with Nikki today and...
Pamela: And what!? Steven, don't tell me you relieved her of her punishment!?
Steven: I told her that I would discuss it with you.
Pamela: Which to Nikki means she can do whatever the hell she wants! Steven, I told you that she would come to you and try and convince you to take her off punishment. And I told you to let me handle it, to let me call the shots this time. Why didn't you let me!?
Steven: Pamela, it's not that simple.
Pamela: Yes it is, Steven. I am Nikki's mother and I punished her not just because he played hooky from school, but she lied about it and is determined to get herself hurt or worse investigating this murder. I am not only trying to protect her, but teach her that she can't break the rules without there being some sort of consequences. But you took that away from me. You have made me powerless. Why did you do that, Steven!? Why!?
Steven: (glancing at Nina) Pamela, I really don't think this is the time to discuss this.
Pamela: Well, I think this is the perfect time to discuss this, Steven. And I'm not leaving here until we do.
(Nina worriedly glanced out at the terrace, a confused, troubled look on
her face)
CUT TO:
INT--The eighth floor of
Darian: What do you mean I'm not?
Christina: Just as I said, Dr. Jackson. You are no longer Nathan James' physician.
Darian: Why not? I have been his doctor for years.
Christina: And now he is suffering from a heart attack. An attack that according to all accounts, you didn't detect in your years of being his doctor.
Gloria: We don't know what the cause of his attack was.
Christopher: Well that's why my daughter and I are here. We are going to find out what happened to this young man and why.
Darian: And I'm grateful for that. I was glad when I heard you were being brought in to consult on this case. If anyone can help Nathan, you can.
Christopher: Exactly. And your assistance is not required. We are taking over this case now.
Darian: But you can't do that. You can't just decide I'm not longer on this case.
Voice: (walking up) Maybe he can't. But I can.
Gloria: (shocked) Glenn!
FADE OUT
In Episode 61 of
- Glenn's decision outrages
Darian...and Gloria.
- Patricia makes a decision
about her love life.
- Nikki is trapped by her lies.
- Kevin wonders what to do next.