EPISODE 61

 

“CRUISING INTO TROUBLE”

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT--The Lassiter Estate

DISSOVLE TO--A graveside.  It is night, but the moon is bright, making the headstone marked ALEC JASON STONE able to see clearly.  Richie Stone walks up to the plot, a bouquet of flowers in his hand.  He looks very upset and troubled.

Richie:  I'm sorry, Uncle Alec, I'm sorry.  I should've been here earlier today.  I wish I could've come for the service this morning, but things were...complicated and I couldn't make it. (He sighed) I really miss you Uncle Alec. I miss not having you in my life, telling me all those wild stories about Hollywood, taking me to baseball and football games, making those great dinners at you and Uncle Kevin's place. And I really enjoyed talking to you, telling you how I feel. I miss having you to confide in, Uncle Alec, I really do. I really need someone to confide in now. (Pause) I imagine you know everything that's going on down here…how screwed up my life has become. I can't believe I let all this happen. I can't believe things are such a mess. When did everything go wrong?  I want to make things right, but how can I? How can I without losing everything important to me?

Voice: Richie?

(Startled, Richie whirled and saw Kevin Lassiter standing behind him)

Richie: Uncle Kevin!

Kevin: Richie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you.

Richie: (angry and a little fearful) How long have you been standing there? How long have you been listening to me!?

CUT TO:

INT—Nikki Lassiter's bedroom. Nina Tamakai, Steven Lassiter and Pamela Lassiter are there. Steven and Pamela are bickering. Nina is nervous and keeps casting a wary eye at the terrace door.

Steven: Pamela, will you calm down!?

Pamela: Steven, how can you expect me to calm down after what you've done!?   You have completely undermined any authority I have with our daughter by taking her off the punishment I gave her.

Steven:  Pamela, I didn't promise Nikki anything.  I just said I'd talk to you.

Pamela:  And that was all Nikki needed to hear.  As far as she was concerned, she was given permission to do whatever she wanted.  That's why she's not here.  She's off doing God knows what, getting herself into more trouble.  And you are letting her do it.

Steven:  Look, Pamela, I...  (He glanced at Nina)  Nina dear, could you excuse us?

Nina:  Well, I...

Pamela:  Nina, you can't leave.  You were just about to tell me if you knew where Nikki had gone.  Do you know what her plans are for the evening?

Nina:  (shaking her head)  No, not really.  She really didn't tell me exactly what she is going to be doing.

Pamela:  Are you sure?  I know Nikki is your friend; I'm sure she told you everything and persuaded you to keep it quiet.  My daughter seems to be able to talk anyone into just about anything.  (She glared bitterly at Steven, then turned to Nina)  Well, Nina, are you lying to protect Nikki?

CUT TO:

EXT--The Covington Bay Twin Towers.

INT--Patricia Tamakai Lassiter’s apartment.  Patricia and Lucas Greyhawk are there.

Patricia:  You can't be serious!  After everything that has happened...after what your family has done to me, you're asking me out on a date?

Lucas:  Patricia, I realize you've had a tough day.    That's understandable...anyone would be.  But surely you need some relaxation...a high point to end the day on.  That's why I'm here...to make you feel better.

Patricia:  You can make me feel better by convincing your father to end this battle with the Lassiters, restore A.J.'s good name and release me from this professional blackmail he's got me in.

Lucas:   I can't talk my father out of anything...especially where the Lassiter's are concerned.  I have no control over what he's doing, so why hold it against me?

Patricia:  Lucas, even if you weren't getting supreme pleasure out of hurting A.J. and his family, I still wouldn't go out with you.  You forget I've known you my entire life.  I've seen how you romance women and then dump them after you've gotten what you want.  Is that what this is all about?  Am I just another notch on your bedpost?   And I’m sure you are aware that dating me would really tick off my brother Michael, who you dislike just about as much as A.J..

Lucas:  Patricia, my interest in you has nothing to do with A.J. or your brother.  I like you. You're a beautiful, smart, sexy young woman.  It's only natural I'd be interested in you.  Besides, you owe me after walking out on me last night.

Patricia:  I walked out on you because I couldn't stand you and A.J. bickering...acting like a couple of schoolboys seeing who's in charge of the sandbox.  And you're still doing it, only on a much larger scale.  I have no intention of getting between you two.

Lucas:  But you're not between us.  Seems to me you're standing squarely on my side after what you did earlier today.  I'd just like to do my part to welcome you.  I guarantee you'll have a great time.  I do know how to show a woman an evening she can't forget.

Patricia:  (nodding)  That I don't doubt.

Lucas:  Then why deprive yourself of that?  Surely a romantic evening of dinner and dancing is much more fun than that wilted lettuce and overripe tomatoes you've got in your kitchen.

Patricia:  You're awfully sure of yourself.

Lucas:  Of course.  It's why I'm such a great private investigator...not to mention being great at everything else I choose to indulge in.

Patricia:  (shaking her head)  You know, Lucas, until yesterday I hadn't seen you in almost ten years, but I hadn't forgotten you.

Lucas:  (grinning)   I am pretty memorable.

Patricia:  (smirking)  Of course you are. How could I forget such a large ego?
 
Lucas:  You know, all this romantic banter would be much better served in a great restaurant over a candlelit table.

Patricia:  You call this romantic banter?

Lucas:  It's a start.  (Pause)  So what do you say?   Do we have a date?

CUT TO:

EXT--Covington Bay Medical Center

INT--The eighth floor; Intensive Care Unit.  Sabrina Collier, Dr. Darian Jackson, Dr. Gloria Dailey, Dr. Christina Sloan, Dr. Christopher Sloan and Dr. Glenn Dailey are outside of Nathan James's hospital room.

Gloria:  Glenn, don't tell me you're serious about this?

Glenn:  I'm quite serious Gloria.  I've taken Dr. Jackson off the Nathan James case...and given it to Dr. Sloan and his daughter.  They'll handle things from here.

Gloria:  But why?  

Glenn:  Gloria, surely you agree that Dr. Sloan has much more experience in heart medicine that Dr. Jackson.

Gloria:  Of course, but to arbitrarily take Darian off the case without consulting him is not only unprofessional, it's insulting.

Glenn:  Gloria, I think you're overreacting.

Sabrina:  I think she's right on target.

Darian:  Look, I don't think this is the place for this.  This is the Intensive Care Unit.

Christopher:  And we have a patient to attend to.  So, if you'll excuse us?

Glenn:  Of course, Dr. Sloan.   Report to me the results later?

Christopher:  Of course.

(Christopher and Christina went into the hospital room)

Gloria:  I don't believe this!  How could you do something so horrible, Glenn?

Darian:  Gloria, I appreciate your opinion, but Dr. Dailey only did what was best for the patient. I think that's the important thing here.  We all want to see Nathan get better.  And if Dr. Sloan and his daughter can do that, who am I to complain? (Pause as he sighed)  I guess since I'm not needed, I'll call it a day.  Good night everyone.  (Darian walked away)

Gloria:  Darian!  Darian, wait!  (Darian kept going, disappearing down an adjacent corridor)

Sabrina: I'll go after him. (Sabrina also rushed down the hallway)

Gloria: (angrily whirling to Glenn) Glenn, you have pulled some unbelievable stunts in your time, but this is incredible! And you are not going to get away with it!

FADE OUT

ACT TWO

FADE IN

EXT--The Sheridan Street Apartments

INT—Melody Sorensen's apartment; the living room. The doorbell is ringing. Melody comes out of the bedroom, wearing in a slinky black dress. As she clips on an earring, she rushes towards the door.

Melody: I'm coming, I'm coming! (She opened the door and smiles upon seeing A.J. Lassiter standing there. He looks dashing in a dark blue suit.) A.J.! (She kisses him on the cheek) You're early.

A.J.: (walking in) I couldn't wait to get started. I have really been looking forward to spending some time with you.

Melody: (closing the door) So have I.

A.J.: Then how about a more enthusiastic kiss to prove it? (A.J. pulled Melody and kisses her hungrily. She responds, returning his kiss)

Melody: (pulling away, a little breathless) A.J….

A.J.: You know, Mel, we could forgo Gianelli’s and stay right here. We could spend the evening alone and order in. (He gently caressed her face) How does that sound?

Melody: Tempting. But, it's a really bad idea.

A.J.: And what is bad about you, me, your big bed and some takeout pizza?

Melody: It's bad because it's not going to solve our problems…and that's what this evening is all about, isn't it?

A.J.: Making love won't solve anything?

Melody: A.J., sex was never our problem. Trust is. And quite frankly, after what has happened, there's a lot to be done before that is part of our relationship again.

A.J.: You mean it's going to be a long time before you trust me again.

Melody: Honestly? Yes.

A.J.: (sighing) I understand that, Mel. I really do. I know you've been hurt finding out the truth about me and Patricia, and I know that I have to prove to you that I love you and I can be trusted.

Melody: A.J., I know you love me. I don't doubt that. It's everything else I have doubts about.

A.J.: Well, give me some time. I'll dash away all those doubts.

Melody: I hope so, A.J., I really do.

A.J.: Then let's get this show on the road, shall we? (Pause as A.J. kisses her) It's going to be all right, Melody. We're going to work it out. I love you and you love me. And we're going to get through this.

Melody:  And I want things to work out.  You're part of my life A.J.. I can't imagine you without it.

A.J.: (smiling) Believe me my dear, you won't have to. Ever.

CUT TO:

INT--The eighth floor lounge of Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit. Gloria and Glenn walk in.

Glenn: You know we could just go up to my office if you want to talk.

Gloria: Glenn, I have no desire to go to your office. This will do just fine.

Glenn:  I don't understand why you are so upset about this.

Gloria: You really don't see it, do you? By replacing Darian on this case without even consulting him sends a clear message to Darian and everyone he works with in this hospital. You're saying he made a mistake, he did something wrong to put a patient at risk. Don’t you know what that could do to his self confidence, not to mention his reputation?

Glenn: It was Dr. Jackson's idea to bring in another doctor. And from what I understand, he was happy that Dr. Sloan would be working on the case.

Gloria: I know that, but I'm sure he hardly expected that he would be shoved aside in the process. He thought Dr. Sloan would be consulting, not taking over.

Glenn: And that's the way it was originally intended, but Dr. Sloan persuaded me that it was best that Dr. Jackson no longer be associated with the case.

Gloria: Why?

Glenn: Gloria, let's face it, Nathan James did have a heart attack and Dr. Jackson himself admits that in all the times he has examined the young man, he never detected anything.

Gloria: So what does that mean? He was negligent? He made a mistake? That's a lousy thing to even insinuate until there is some sort of proof that Darian did miss something. Until then, we shouldn't assume anything.

Glenn: Gloria, what are the odds that Dr. Jackson didn't miss something? A seventeen year old boy does not have a heart attack with out there being some signs that Dr. Jackson should've discovered long ago.

Gloria: That would be true, but we don't know what caused the heart attack. We should've waited until we know more before any decision was made.

Glenn: I did what was best for the patient. Dr. Sloan feels that he and his daughter can more than adequately handle things and considering the man's skill and reputation, I agreed. Dr. Jackson can remain informed on the case, but in the meantime, he can spend his time where his energies will best be served… in the ER.

Gloria: Glenn, I realize Dr. Christopher Sloan is a big gun around here, but Darian didn't deserve to be given the short shrift in favor of him. When people hear he's been replaced, you know what they'll assume, that Darian did something wrong. How could you do something so damaging to his career?

Glenn: You're making too much of this.

Gloria: And you're making too light of it. You didn't even consider Darian's feelings in this, did you? Dr. Sloan walks in and says he wants this case and you give it to him. I'd like to say it surprises me that you wouldn't give in to such ego stroking, but since your own requires so much attention, it doesn’t surprise me at all. You know, Glenn, every time I think I don't have another reason to want out of this marriage, you give me one. I can't wait until that hearing tomorrow that will put an end to this farce of a relationship.

Glenn: Do you really think it's going to be so easy to end things between us?

Gloria: Glenn, you can do all you want, but it won't work. I will get my divorce and this marriage will end. Now, Sabrina told me your lawyer requested to see her an hour before the hearing. I hope you're not going to pull anything at the last minute.

Glenn: Jason told me he has some last minute things he needs to iron out. He didn't even completely fill me in on it.

Gloria: So you're going to tell me you don't know what this is all about? I find that hard to believe.

Glenn: Well, I… (At that moment, Christopher walked in) Chris. Have you found something?

Christopher: We've done some preliminary tests. Christina is finishing up.

Gloria: You weren't with him very long.

Christopher: We'll start with more extensive testing tomorrow morning. Hopefully we'll know something by the end of the day. But, we should have something ready by noon.

Glenn: Good.

Christopher: Well, we have to be going. I'll talk to you in the morning, Glenn. (He nodded at Gloria) Dr. Dailey. (Christopher walked out)

Gloria: What's happening at noon tomorrow?

Glenn: Gloria, it's really nothing for you to be concerned with.

Gloria: Why not? I found Nathan James near death this afternoon, I saved his life. I'm as concerned about his health as anyone else. Now what is going on at noon.

Glenn: (hesitating) Reporters have been constantly calling the hospital, demanding information on Nathan James' status. Given that, we've decided to call a press conference for tomorrow noon to update the media on the boy's condition.

Gloria: (nodding) I see. Now this all makes sense. (Anger swept across her face) Glenn, you disgust me.

CUT TO:

EXT--The Lassiter Estate; the cemetery. Richie and Kevin are at Alec's graveside.

Richie: I don't believe this! You were eavesdropping on me, weren't you!?

Kevin: No, Richie, I wasn't. I would never do that. You know how much I respect someone's privacy.

Richie: Then why did you sneak up on me?

Kevin: I didn't. At least, I didn't mean to. I was in the library and I saw someone out here. Naturally I wondered who would be out here at this time of night. (Pause) I'm sorry, Richie. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll go and get out of your way.

Richie: (as Kevin started to turn away) No wait. Don't go. (Kevin turned to face Richie) I'm sorry, Uncle Kevin, I'm sorry. I overreacted. I'm sorry.

Kevin: It's okay.

Richie: No it isn't. I've had a lousy day, but there's no reason for me to take it out on you.

Kevin: Richie, it's okay. I understand. I heard about Nathan James having a heart attack.  How is he?

Richie: The doctors don’t know anything…except that Nathan's unconscious and he may not make it. (Pause) Uncle Kevin, I can't lose him. He's my best friend. He can't die. If he dies…if he dies… (As tears started down Richie's cheeks, Kevin pulled him into his arms) If he dies, this will be all my fault. I would've done this to him.

Kevin: How do you figure that? You're his best friend. You've done nothing but be supporting and try and help him since this whole thing started. You have no reason to blame yourself.

Richie: I wish that were true. But I'm not doing enough to help Nathan. I'm not doing all I can to get him out of this.

Kevin: What more can you do?

Richie: (as they broke the embrace) I could…I could… (He suddenly stopped himself) Oh, I don't know what I could be doing. But it has to be more than what I'm doing now.

Kevin: From what I hear from A.J., you're trying to clear Nathan. Sounds like you're doing a lot…risking a lot to help him.

Richie: I know, but… (Pause) Look, Uncle Kevin, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Kevin: Sorry for what?

Richie: Unloading on you. Talking about my problems when you've got so many of your own. Today had to be hell for you and I wasn't here to support you. And when I do show up, all I can do is cry about my problems.

Kevin: Richie, I understand why you couldn't make it to the memorial service. You were supporting a friend in a lot of trouble and that's important. And you were able to get here to pay your respects. I appreciate that. Believe me, I do.

Richie: Thank you for saying that, Uncle Kevin.

Kevin: Richie, I mean it. I also don't mind you talking to me about your problems. In fact, I wish you would. I have the feeling you could use someone to talk to.

Richie: What does that mean?

Kevin: Richie, it was pretty obvious to me at the restaurant that something is really bothering you about this murder business…something you're not saying. It's just as obvious to me now.

Richie: I think you're overreacting. I'm just upset about Nathan is all, nothing more.

Kevin: Are you sure?

Richie: Yes, I'm sure. (He glanced at his watch) Look, I gotta go. I'm already running late for an appointment.

Kevin: Can't it wait for just a minute? I'd really like to talk to you.

Richie: Uncle Kevin, there's nothing to talk about. Like I told you, I'm not hiding something where Nathan is concerned. I couldn't do that to my best friend.

Kevin: This isn't about Nathan. It's about Alec.

Richie: What about him?

Kevin: Could you come up to the house for a minute? There's really something I'd like you to see.

CUT TO:

INT--Nikki's bedroom. Nina, Steven and Pamela are there.

Pamela: Nina, answer me. Are you lying to protect my daughter?

Nina: (nervously) Mrs. Lassiter, I…

Steven: (cutting in) Pamela, of course she's not lying. Have you ever known Nina to lie about anything?

Pamela: No, but I also know how persuasive my daughter can be. The fact that she's running around God knows where tonight is proof of that.

Steven: Pamela, I am sorry you feel that way.

Pamela: How should I feel?

Steven: How about cutting Nikki, not to mention me, some slack?

Pamela: What does that mean?

Steven: It means that I think you're being too hard on Nikki.

Pamela: You think it's okay for her to play hooky from school and then lie about it?

Steven: No I don’t. But I'm looking at why she did it. And she didn't do it so she could spend the day at the mall or watching soaps on television. She did it to support a friend in a tight jam. She did it to help someone who needs someone to be there for them.

Pamela: You mean Nathan James?

Steven: Yes. She didn't go to school because she was at the courthouse. It was supposed to be the first day of the trial.

Pamela: I know that. And I told Nikki I didn't want her mixed up in this murder business. I told her I didn't want her playing investigative reporter, trying to find out if someone else killed Candice Dailey. And do you know why? Because what if the James kid didn't kill her, Nikki could get in trouble. She could get herself hurt or worse. Do you really want our daughter involved in something so sordid, not to mention dangerous?

Steven: Of course not.

Pamela: Then why did you countermand my punishment for her? I didn't lay down the law just because she played hooky and lied to me, though that would be reason enough. I did it because I don’t want her in any danger or taking any risks. I did it for her own good…to try and protect her.

Steven: But Nikki said…

Pamela: Said what? That she was able to take care of herself? That she could handle whatever came her way? News flash Steven, Nikki may seem like an adult, but she's a sixteen year old girl, which means sometimes she doesn't think before she acts…except when it comes to manipulating her father into getting what she wants.

Steven: (sighing) Pamela, I'm sorry. I guess I should've discussed this with you first. Look, when Nikki gets home we'll work this out…all of us.

Pamela: Yes. Let's just hope our very impetuous daughter gets home in one piece. (Pamela walked out)

Steven: (looking distressed, turning to Nina) Nina, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have been exposed to that.

Nina: Don't worry. It's okay.

Steven: Really? Something tells me things aren't going to be okay for quite awhile around here. (Steven walked out. Nina breathed a sigh of relief and ran to the door, closing it)

Nina: I don’t see how you do it, Nikki. I just don't think I'm cut out for life on the edge. (Nina headed for the terrace. She pushed the doors open and ran out) Nikki, I… (Nina was shocked to discover there was no one on the terrace) Nikki! Nikki, where are you!?

FADE OUT

ACT THREE

FADE IN

EXT--Markham's

INT--The main dining room of Markham's, an elegant Italian restaurant. A.J. and Melody are at a table. The waiter is pouring glasses of white wine. Light dinner music plays overhead.

A.J.: (glancing at the waiter) Thank you. (The waiter nodded and walked away as A.J. picked up his glass) What should be toast to?

Melody: I don't know. Is a toast really in order?

A.J.: Of course it is. Toasts are for special occasion. And the fact that you're giving me another chance and not just tossing me out of your life is pretty special to me.

Melody: A.J. tossing you out of my life is pretty impossible. I love you. Believe me, I want things to work out between us as much as you do.

A.J.: I'm glad to hear that. I'm glad you want things to go back to the way they used to be.

Melody: (shaking her head) A.J., I don't know if things can go back to the way they used to be. After all, you are married.

A.J.: And I'll be divorced as soon as I get a chance. In fact, I'm meeting with Aunt Sabrina tomorrow to see how quickly I can get out of this marriage.

Melody: That's good to hear. But, divorce or not, Patricia will still be part of your life. She has family here and a job. She's always going to be around as a reminder of what's happened.

A.J.: Believe me, I hate that. I'd like nothing better than to see that woman out of Covington Bay, especially after…

Melody: Especially after what?

A.J.: (stopping himself) After all the trouble she's caused. Showing up at my apartment and announcing our marriage to you. Almost getting me killed last night.

Melody: Not to mention all the work related problems she's causing you.

A.J.: (bitterly) Oh yes, how could I forget that.

Melody: (curiously) A.J., is there something…?

A.J.: (interrupting) Melody, I don't want to talk about her anymore. She doesn't matter. We're not going to let her hurt us. I love you and that's all that matters. In fact… (he picked up his wine glass) That's what I'm going to toast to. How much I love you…and that I intend on proving it to you over and over again.

Melody: (smiling as they clinked glasses) That sounds like that could be fun.

A.J.: Oh believe me, my love. You will definitely enjoy it.

(As Melody and A.J. smiled at each other across the table, Patricia and Lucas appeared in the doorway, both of them dressed in dinner wear)

Patricia: I can't believe I agreed to have dinner with you. I must be out of my mind.

Lucas: No lady, you just know a good thing when you see it.

Patricia: Now why didn’t you check your ego at the door along with your coat?

Lucas: (grinning) Look, I just know you won't regret tonight. What is egotistical about that…especially if I come through?

Patricia: Oh, and you're promising me I'm going to have a good time tonight?

Lucas: Well, I'll put it this way. I can guarantee you this night will be very memorable.

CUT TO:

INT--The eighth floor Intensive Care Unit lounge of Covington Bay Medical Center. Gloria, Glenn, Christopher and Christina are there.

Gloria: Now I see what this is all about.

Glenn: Oh, and what would that be?

Gloria: This isn't about replacing Darian because he may have made a mistake. You replaced him because he isn't quite prominent enough to parade in front of the press tomorrow at your press conference, right?

Glenn: Gloria, you're being ridiculous! How many times do I have to tell you this is about replacing Darian Jackson with the best man around?

Gloria: Because this whole thing just doesn’t smell right. You love the media, Glenn, you love being in the spotlight. With the press coming here to discuss Nathan James, and you having your best heart specialist on the case, some of the spotlight is bound to fall on you, isn't it?

Glenn: Once again you think the worst of me.

Gloria: And once again you keep rising to the occasion. It doesn't matter to you that you are hurting a good doctors reputation, not to mention damaging with his self image. All you care about is what you can get out of it. Didn't you even stop to think about what this could do to Darian? Don't you remember what it was like to have suspicion and doubt plaguing you when Derek Kendall slapped you with that malpractice suit? Even though you were cleared of any negligence in the deaths of his wife and child, it hurt your career. Those rumors and suspicions followed you around for months after the trial. You were lucky to get back all that you had before that incident. Given that, how could up so casually put Darian in that situation?

Glenn: Gloria, you're really overreacting.

Gloria: And again you can't or won't see how your selfishness hurts everyone around you. Well, I won't let you do it, Glenn. One way or another, I'm going to stop you. I am not going to stand by and let this happen.

Glenn: Gloria, the decision has been made. There's nothing you can do.

Gloria: Watch me.

Glenn: You know, I can see how upset you are. Maybe we should go out for dinner and I can make you see…

Gloria: What? Have dinner with you? Are you kidding!? Haven't you been listening to anything I've said!? No, you probably haven't. (She shook her head) I can't believe I ever thought I loved someone so self-absorbed and self obsessed as you. God, I can't wait to get you out of my life!

(Gloria stormed away)

Glenn: Unfortunately Gloria, getting rid of me won't be that easy. But you'll find that out soon enough.

CUT TO:

EXT--Mama J.'s.

INT--The restaurant. It is a busy night, full of patrons enjoying their dinner or moving on the dance floor to the snappy jazz tune that played via the small band on the tiny stage near the back. Darian is sitting at the bar, a dejected look on his face as he stares at a half empty mug of beer. After a few moments, Sabrina walked in.

Sabrina: You know, Doctor, you've been working out. By the time I made it down to the parking lot, you were tearing out of there like you had your pants on fire.

Darian: Sabrina, what are you doing here?

Sabrina: I'm here to talk to you of course.

Darian: There's nothing to talk about.

Sabrina: You're wrong, Darian, you're wrong.

Darian: (as Sabrina slid onto the bar stool next to him) Look, I realize you are upset about what happened at the hospital…believe me, so am I. But I understand why Dr. Dailey did what he did. He was only doing what was best for Nathan. I can't fault him for that.

Sabrina: Darian, I couldn't begin to tell you the things Glenn Dailey should be faulted for, including the outrageous stunt he pulled today.

Darian: But if I made a mistake…

Sabrina: But you didn't.

Darian: The odds are that I did. A seventeen year old boy does not have a heart attack without there being some prior indication of it so I must've made an error. Dr. Dailey knows that. It's why he had me replaced.

Sabrina: I couldn't begin to fathom why Glenn had you replaced, but what he did was wrong and we will fight it…I will help you legally if it comes to that.

Darian: But, Sabrina…

Sabrina: Darian, listen to me. I know you didn't miss anything where Nathan's health was concerned. I really think there was no prior indication of any sort of heart condition.

Darian: Then what caused his heart attack?

Sabrina: Not what. Who.

Darian: (confused)  Are you saying someone did this to Nathan?  Someone poisoned him,tried to kill him?

Sabrina: I think that's what could've happened.

Darian:  Does that include his fall down the stairs?  Was that not an accident?

Sabrina:  I’m afraid that may be true.

Darian:   But who would do such a thing?

Sabrina:  If it’s what’s going on, I don’t know.  Right now we just need prove that it’s happening.  And I'm going to need your help to do it.

CUT TO:

INT--The living room of the Lassiter Estate. Richie is there, nervously pacing the floor.

Kevin: (walking in, holding a small velvet box) Richie, I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.

Richie: Look, Uncle Kevin, I don't know what you want to show me, but can't it wait. I really need to get going.

Kevin: Richie, it's only going to take a few minutes. I think it's important enough for you to stick around a bit.

Richie: But, I…

Kevin: Look, where ever you have to be, I'm sure it can wait a few minutes more. (He held up the velvet box, a smile on his face) Especially for this.

CUT TO:

INT--The terrace off Nikki's bedroom. Nina is there, looking frantic.

Nina: Nikki! Nikki, where are you? Where did you go? (She looked over the railing, but sees nothing but the darkness of the grounds below) What could've happened to you!? (She then noticed the trellis that stretched the entire vertical length of the house, going from Nikki's terrace to the ground) Wait! You must've climbed down the trellis!  My God, you’re crazy!  (Pause as a worried look slipped across Nina's face) I just hope you can handle whatever you're headed for tonight.

FADE OUT

In Episode 62 of Covington Bay