EPISODE 62

 

“HUSBAND HUNTING”

ACT ONE

FADE IN

EXT--Covington Bay Medical Center.

INT--The fifth floor nurses station.

(Natalie Lassiter is talking on the telephone.  She looks tired and distressed.)

Natalie  (running a hand through her light auburn hair):  Barton, I'm sorry.

Barton's Voice:  (his tone tense and edgy)  And you think being sorry is going to resolve the problem?  I thought you said you'd be home over an hour ago?

Natalie:  And I thought I would be, but the nurse reliving me had a baby sitter who got sick and it's taking her a bit of time to find an new one.

Barton:  Why is it your problem… not to mention making it mine.

Natalie:  Because Janice is my friend and she needs a helping hand.  Besides, I can't leave the station unmanned; this is a hospital, you know.

Barton  (grumbling):  Yes, but you can't be the only employee there.

Natalie:  Bart, why don’t you just start without me?  Surely someone in the family is home for you to have dinner with.

Barton:  That isn’t the point, Natalie and you know it!  Fine!  I guess I'll see you when I see you.

Natalie:  (as the line went dead)   Barton.  (She hung up the phone)  Well, that went better than I thought.

CUT TO:

EXT--The Lassiter Estate.

INT--The dining room.

(Barton Lassiter is sitting alone at the majestic table, angrily cutting through a thick slab of rare prime rib.  There is a scowl on this face as he chews his meat.  After a few minutes, he hears arguing as Steven Lassiter and Pamela Lassiter walk in.)

Pamela:  I hope you're happy, Steven.  Nikki is wandering around out there doing God knows what. I just hope she makes it home without getting into anymore trouble.

Steven  (sitting at the table):  You're worrying about nothing.

Pamela:  I am worried about our daughter who has a penchant for finding disaster.  And that's what this Candice Dailey murder business is…a disaster. And I don't want her involved in it. It's why I grounded her in the first place.

Steven:  (sighing)  So you said.  I told you I was sorry, Pamela, and I am. What I did was wrong. We should've talked about this first. And when Nikki gets home, we will.

Barton:  I'm really not interested in hearing another arguement about how you can't control your children. 

Pamela:  And I suppose we should listen to your tips on how to best alienate your children.

Steven:  No need to bait him, Pamela. (Pause)  Don't worry, Bart, we'll adjourn this subject for now.  There's nothing we can do until Nikki gets home. Let's just enjoy our dinner.

Pamela:  (sipping a glass of freshly poured wine, her voice full of doubt)  I'll try.

CUT TO:

INT--The living room of the Lassiter Estate.

(Richie Stone and Kevin Lassiter are there. Kevin is holding a small velvet box.)

Richie: Uncle Kevin, what is that?

Kevin: Something I've been meaning to give you...something I should've given you a long time ago. I guess it just didn't seem appropriate until now.

Richie: I don't understand.

Kevin (handing it to Richie): Just open it.

Richie: (opening it, his eyes widening in shock) Oh, my God! I don't believe it!

CUT TO:

EXT--Markham's

INT--The main dining room.

(A.J. Lassiter and Melody Sorensen are sitting at a table.)

A.J.: I can't wait until dinner gets here. I am starved.

Melody: I'm a little hungry myself. It's been such a rough day, I've hardly have any time to eat.

A.J.: Yes, I guess it has been a rough day. Kind of hard to believe just a few hours ago half the town thought that I was dead.

Melody: What were we supposed to think? You run afoul of a known gangster and then disappear without a trace a few hours later. We had every reason to be concerned.

A.J.: Well, I'm sorry that I frightened you and my family, Melody.

Melody: A.J., I know what happened really isn't your fault…it was just circumstances I guess.

A.J.: I'm still sorry…especially since you had to go down to the morgue and identify what you thought was my body. That had to be terrible for you.

Melody: (sadly) I've never been more frightened in my life. When you were missing, A.J., that terrified me. Just the thought of losing you was almost more than I could bear. Even though I was angry at you for lying to me about Patricia…the thought that I would never see you again was inconceivable. I just couldn't imagine you not being in my life.

A.J.: I guess despite the circumstances, I should be grateful to hear that. Knowing that you love me, Melody, means we can work this out.

Melody: A.J., the fact I love you was never in doubt. It's why I'm here…it's why I didn't give up on us. As for us working this out, I hope we can.

A.J.: We can.

Melody: I wish I could be as certain as you, A.J.. But it's not just the fact that you lied to me…that you betrayed my trust. That's just the tip of the iceberg. We also have to decide what our future is, where our relationship goes from here. Do we continue like we have, going along with no commitment?

A.J.: Melody, I…

Melody:  Is that what you want, because I don't know if I can keep living that way.  (Pause)  And there's one other thing too.

A.J.: And what would that be?  

Melody:  Your wife, A.J.. Just how do you plan on dealing with Patricia?

(Across the room, Patricia and Lucas were sitting together)

Lucas: So what do you think of the place?

Patricia: Markham's? It's beautiful. First I've ever been here.

Lucas: You're kidding.

Patricia:  I haven't been in Covington Bay for years. And when I was a kid, Markham's wasn't exactly the kind of place I hung out.

Lucas: But you grew up with the Lassiters.

Patricia: Yes, I did, but I was never one of them.

Lucas: But you've always talked about how well they treated you.

Patricia: And they did. In many ways, we were treated like family. Still, we were the majordomo's children and we had our place. The Lassiters may have not felt that way, but my father certainly did. He always made sure we remembered exactly who we are.  Of course any kindness they may have shown me are long since over after today's issue of the Times.  A.J. considers me a traitor and I’m sure the rest of the Lassiters will too.  And I’m sure my brother Michael will be at the head of the lynch mob.

Lucas:  That’s no surprise.  Michael is a self righteous prig.   Working with him on the Nathan James case, I got real tired of hearing him go on and one about the virtues of the Lassiter family and how loyal he is to them.

Patricia:   Well, Michael has reason to be loyal.  He wouldn’t be in the position that he is if it weren’t for the Lassiters.  Father could’ve never have afford to send Michael to Stanford for law school, even with Michael’s scholarships.   And Father made too much money for him to qualify for financial aid.  So  Adam and Maggie Lassiter helped to finance his education.  It was in the form of a loan of course, but they still did something not your average employer would do.

Lucas:  So then they paid for you to go to the University of Las Vegas as well?

Patricia:  They might of… but unlike my brother, my father would never take money to his daughter to college.   Why fill my silly little head with any other thoughts than marriage and children?

Lucas:  Archaic much?

Patricia:  A very apt description of my father if there ever was one.

Michael:  Okay, I guess that makes sense.  Michael figures he owes that family something, that’s why he’s got his nose so far up A.J.’s posterior.

Patricia:  Oh come on, Lucas, you know A.J. and Michael have always been close friends and it has little do with what A.J.’s grandparents did to help our family.  The Lassiters are kind, decent people, simple as that.

Lucas:   And with all that you betrayed them as easily as you draw breath.  Interesting.  Very interesting.  

Patricia:  I suppose you’re trying to make some sort of point.

Lucas:  Well, given how good you say the Lassiters have been to you and that you seem to care about them, you barely hesitated when you accepted the deal and decided to keep working for my father.  Was fame, fortune and success worth destroying those lifelong bonds?

FADE OUT

ACT TWO

FADE IN

INT--The main dining room of Markham's.

(Lucas and Patricia are sitting at a table.)

Patricia: Like I told you before, I had no choice.

Lucas: You had a choice, Patricia.

Patricia: Yes, a choice to wind up with nothing. And that's what would've happened if I walked out of that office with A.J.. I'd have no career, no job…I certainly couldn't be a journalist in Covington Bay, maybe nowhere. Your father said he'd ruin my career if I sided with A.J. and I have no doubt that he would.  I'd probably have to leave town.

Lucas: My father could have prevented you from working in Covington Bay, that's true, but the Lassiters certainly would've taken care of you if you sided with them. And with their connections, they could've eventually found you a job in your chosen profession somewhere.  And, because of A.J., they certainly have more in the journalism profession that even my father.  (Pause)  Patricia, you could've salvaged something by walking out of that office with A.J..

Patricia:  But my family is here.  I'd have to leave them and I've been away long enough.

Lucas:  So you betrayed your family and friends in order to stay near them.  Interesting dilemma you created for yourself don't you think?

(Across the room, Melody and A.J. are at a table)

A.J.: Dealing with Patricia? Melody, I have no intention of having anything to do with that woman.

Melody: I don't see how that's possible.

A.J.: Melody, once I'm able to get the marriage annulled and I certainly have grounds for it, Patricia will be out of our lives.

Melody: Really? She lives in this town…she is a competitor in your business. You have family ties.

A.J.: Once were no longer married, we won't have any.

Melody: A.J., how many times have you told me how close you and Tamakais have been to your family? You and Michael are like brothers. Patricia is bound to still be part of your world.

A.J.: Melody, I may have to see her from time to time. Covington Bay is a small town, you can't avoid bumping into everyone you know more than you might like. But seeing her means nothing because she means nothing to me…not after all she's done. I want nothing to do with her. She was a little brat when we were kids and she still is…only now she's able to cause a hell of a lot more damage.

Melody: You sound very bitter.

A.J.: You don't know the half of it. (Pause) Look, Mel, I don't want to talk about Patricia. This night is not about her, it's about us. It's about us getting our relationship back on track. Talking about Patricia won't accomplish that.

Melody: But, A.J., I just think…

A.J.: Melody, let's not discuss her. Not now. Let's just enjoy the evening, okay? This is a beautiful restaurant. You look beautiful…and I look pretty good too. I can think of a lot more fun things to do than talk about Patricia.

Melody: (nodding) You're right. So can I. (Pause) All right. Let's enjoy this wonderful evening in this lovely setting. I'm glad we came …I've never been here before.

A.J.: You've never been to Markham's?

Melody: No…I've heard a lot about it, though. The food is great, the dancing is divine… (she paused) …and it's owned by Victor Markham.  Isn’t that the man, the mobster who hired those drug dealers, the men who are out to kill you?

A.J.:  He’s the man we think may have done that.

Melody:  And you brought me here… into the lion’s den so to speak?  A.J., why would you do that?

A.J.:  Melody, I hardly think he would come after in the middle of a crowded restaurant, especially one of his own.

Melody:   Is this some sort of plan to smoke him out?  Is that the real reason for this date?

A.J.:  Oh, come on, Mel.  You know me better than that.

Melody:  How well I know you is up for debate.

A.J.:  Melody, our coming here has nothing to do with Markham’s possible involvement in that drug deal or Reilly and Slade.  Markham's is clean as a whistle, believe me, I know. I've investigated this place…so have the police. There's no criminal activity going on here. (Pause) I brought you here because it's one of the best restaurants in town and I wanted to show you a good time.

Melody:  Really?

A.J.:  Yes, really.  My mind isn't on business tonight. Though, I'd love to nail a crook like Victor Markham. It could happen…if the police can catch Joe Reilly and Slade Jenkins. But given Markham's propensity for covering his tracks, they are probably long out of town.

Melody: You hope. I hope. We were afraid today that those men had gotten you…killed you. I don't even want to think about how I'd feel if it happened for real.

A.J.: (grasping Melody's hand) I'm not going anywhere. You are not going to be able to get rid of me no matter how hard you try.

CUT TO:

INT--The Lassiter Estate; the dining room.

(Steven, Pamela and Barton are there having dinner.)

Steven:  Where's Natalie?

Barton:  (edgily)  She's working late.

Steven:  That bothers you?

Pamela:  Come on, Steven, don't you know that everything bothers your brother?

Barton:  Well, I certainly have a lot to be bothered about.  You read that article in the Times, didn't you?

Pamela:  Oh yes.  Is there any truth to the story?  Is A.J. really married to Patricia?

Barton:  He is.  I got confirmation from both A.J. and Harry.

Pamela  (surprised):  Harry's known about this all this time?

Barton:  Yes.  But I'm not surprised he's never said anything.  You know he's the soul of discretion.

Pamela:  Gloria must be beside herself.  And Melody must be devastated.

Barton:  Oh, who gives a damn about that.  I'm concerned about how this affects us.

Pamela:  I don't see how it does, except for a little bad press...and it's not the first time we've dealt with that.

Barton:  (turning to Steven)  You mean you haven't told her?

Steven:  No.  We had...other issues to deal with.

Pamela:  Told me what?  What's going on now?

CUT TO:

INT--The fifth floor nurses station of Covington Bay Medical Center.

(Natalie is there, looking sadly at the phone as she thinks of the fight she had with her husband)

Dana  (bouncing onto the station, a wide grin on her face):  Hey, Nat!

Natalie:  Oh hi, Dana.

Dana:  What are you still doing here? Hasn't Janice showed up yet?

Natalie:  No.  She's having trouble finding a baby sitter.

Dana:  So?  It's not your fault she got herself knocked up by a guy who took of when he found out she was pregnant and won't give her a dime for diapers, much less child care.

Natalie  (annoyed):  Maybe not, but she's in a tough spot and she needs some help.  Why can't you or my husband understand that?

Dana:  Maybe because I know Janice is always having some sort of problem and wants someone to bail her out.  As for your husband, he probably would like to spend the evening with his wife. That isn't a crime, you know. Believe me, if I had a rich husband like Barton Lassiter, I certainly wouldn't be here working late at night. In fact, I wouldn't be working at all.

Natalie:  You're serious about that? You'd give up your job after all the training you've gone through?

Dana:  To please a rich and successful husband, you bet.  Believe me, when Zachary and I are married, if he wants me to quit work and stay at home, I will hand in my resignation before you know it.

FADE OUT

ACT THREE

FADE IN

INT--The fifth floor nurses station of Covington Bay Medical Center.

(Natalie and Dana are there.)

Natalie:  (surprised)  When you and Zachary are married? Is there something going on that I don't know about? The last I heard, Zachary was angry at you for keeping secrets.

Dana:  Well no longer.   I told Zachary all about my marriage to Danny earlier today.

Natalie  (laughing):  What? You actually tried the truth? How'd you manage it?

Dana:  (frowning)  Cute.

Natalie:  You actually told Zachary the truth about you and Danny? What did he say?

Dana:  He was annoyed that I lied, but once I explained that I did it to protect him, he understood.

Natalie:  (holding up her hand)  Wait a minute.  What do you mean you lied to protect Zachary?

Dana:  I lied because I was afraid of what would happen if people found out that he was dating a woman who was married to the brother of the man who murdered his sister.  (She grinned)  Try saying that twice.

Natalie:  Try saying that with a straight face.  (Pause)  And Zachary actually bought this?

Dana:  (nodding proudly)  Every word. In fact, he thanked me for trying to protect him. He sees me as quite the heroine. I tell you Natalie, that man is going to be mine before you know it.

Natalie: Okay, so you fooled him, but that's a far cry from marriage. And considering you've had two dates, I can't believe you're even going in that direction.

Dana: You bet I'm going in that direction…straight down the aisle.

Natalie: (confused) Dana, I don't understand this. Zachary's a nice man. A very nice man. And he's handsome and rich and all that, but hardly know him. You certainly can't have strong feelings for him, not to mention love. Why in the world would you think about marriage where he's concerned?

Dana: What is wrong with a woman seeing what she wants and going after it?

Natalie: Nothing, if she's doing it for the right reasons. So tell me, girlfriend, what are yours?

CUT TO:

INT--The main dining room of Markham's.

(Lucas and Patricia are at a table.)

Patricia: You know something, Lucas, I've had just about enough of this inquisition.

Lucas: Patricia, I'm only asking a few questions.

Patricia: All you've done is question me since we got here. What is this all about? I thought you asked me out for a little fun, not to talk about the disaster that my life is. I'd like to be able to forget this mess…at least for a little while.

Lucas: I guess I'm just trying to figure you out is all. You left this town a very innocent college girl. You came back a somewhat complicated and somewhat secretive young woman. I'm just curious about the transformation is all.

Patricia: It's called growing up. All of us do it…present company excepted of course.

Lucas: Ouch, that hurts.

Patricia: It's going to hurt even more if I get up from this table and storm off. And that's what is going to happen if you ask me any more questions about me, A.J., the newspaper, my brother or anything else. I came here to have fun and if I seem to remember correctly, you promised me that is what I would get.

Lucas: I did at that. Okay, no more serious questions about anything. From now on I'm going to keep my questions to: would you like some more wine, how was your dinner and did you enjoy it as much as I did?

Patricia: (chucking) You're incorrigible. Don't you ever stop with the bad come-ons?

Lucas: No, not as long as they keep working.

Patricia: So there are some women who do find you charming?

Lucas: Most women find me charming. Including you, but you'd never admit it.  (Pause)  It's probably going to be a few minutes before dinner. Would you like to dance?

Patricia: Of course. I want to experience everything this restaurant has to offer. It's a great place. Too bad it's owned by Victor Markham. I almost didn't want to come when you told me where we were going.

Lucas: Why not?

Patricia: Oh come on, Lucas. You've lived in Covington Bay most of your life. Surely you've heard of Victor Markham. He's supposed to be the biggest criminal in this town.

Lucas: I've heard rumors that Markham was involved in the mob, but there's never been any proof, just rumors and innuendo. I don't think he's even been charged with anything.

Patricia: Only because no one has ever been able to nail him.

Lucas: Patricia, you don't know if the man's guilty of anything.

Patricia: The two men who tried to kill me and A.J. worked for him.

Lucas: According to who? The police? A.J.? I find those sources to be highly suspect.

Patricia: I know there's never been any hard evidence against the man, but where there's smoke there's fire.

Lucas: Maybe. But look, I'm not here to talk about rumored mobsters. How about that dance?

Patricia: Why don't you let me step into the ladies room and freshen up. Then we'll have that dance.

Lucas: You got it. (Patricia got up and walked away. Across the room, A.J. and Melody were already dancing)

Melody: Mmmm…this is nice. You're such a wonderful dancer.

A.J.: You're not so bad yourself.

Melody: I always did like dancing with you, A.J..

A.J.: Why don't we do much of it?

Melody: Probably because you're too busy running around chasing after your first Pulitzer to worry about pesky little things like romance.

A.J.: Are you saying I'm not romantic.

Melody: You're romantic in your own way. But, I learned a long time ago that flowers and candy are not your style.

A.J.: Come on, Mel, you make me sound like some beer swilling Neanderthal.

Melody: Oh, you're not that bad. Still, it would be nice for an evening out not to be a special occasion.

A.J.: Is that a hint that you want more evenings out like this?

Melody: It would be nice. But then I want to take every chance I can get to be in your arms.

A.J.: (grinning) Play your cards right, lady, and you might get to be in my arms all night long.

Melody: Wait a minute, sir. Just because you bought me dinner does not give you reason to believe you're owed something in return. I am not that kind of girl.

A.J.: But you are the kind of girl who can be seduced.

Melody: And that's what you have in mind? Seduction?

A.J.: If I told you were being seduced, don’t you think that would take some of the fun out of it?

Melody: I'm just letting you know how hard it's going to be to seduce me. It's not going to be easy to win me over, A.J..

A.J.: Is this some sort of challenge? You know that I like a challenge.

Melody: (smiling) I know. And I'm going to have a hell of a lot of fun making you rise to the occasion.

A.J.: (raising his eyebrows) Are you being naughty, Miss Sorensen?

Melody: (laughing) You wish. (Then the song they were dancing to came to an end)

A.J.: Shall we go back to the table?

Melody: Why don't you go back? I need to stop by the ladies room and freshen up.

A.J.: You couldn't be anymore beautiful than are now.

Melody: (nodding) That's good….real good. But, you're going to have to do better than that…much better.

(Melody walked away as A.J. chuckled)

A.J.: Believe me, dear. I can do better than that. And I will.

CUT TO:

INT--The living room of the Lassiter Estate.

(Richie and Kevin are there. Richie is looking in shock at a gold medallion inside the velvet box. On it are the words 'Best Picture of 1990--Alec Stone'.)

Richie: This is the award Uncle Alec got from the U.S. Film Critics Association for 'A Killer's Touch'.

Kevin: Right. That was one of your favorite films that he made.

Richie: It's one of the few mysteries Uncle Alec made. I love that movie; it's one of my favorite movies of all time. (Pause) I must've seen it at least ten times when it was in the theater and a dozen more when it came out on DVD.  Uncle Alec was so proud of getting this award…I remember going to the award ceremony in New York. It was so much fun seeing all those famous movie stars and directors. I know I made such a big fool of myself gawking at everyone around me.

Kevin: (chuckling) So did I. I had met a few famous people during my years with Alec, but never so many at one time in one room. It was overwhelming.

Richie: Uncle Alec was so nervous. He had worked so hard on that movie and it meant so much to him. He really wanted to win, but he wasn't favored, so he didn’t think he had a shot.

Kevin: And when they announced his name, he didn't even seem to notice, he just started applauding, thinking someone else had been called. He didn't realize it was him until he noticed we were jumping up and down and shouting. But somehow, he was able to get upon that stage and give a wonderful, very moving speech.

Richie: He thanked you, didn't he?

Kevin: Yes, he did. He said he couldn't have done it without me, that I had been his lifeline during the filming of that movie. (Pause) It was a tough time for Alec. He had so many doubts about that movie and if he could do it, even though he was an acclaimed director. I spent hours and hours on the phone with him, talking to him, making him realize he could do it. (Pause) I think I'm still paying for those phone bills.

Richie: (as he and Kevin laughed) That was a great time, Uncle Kevin, probably one of the best in my life. I think of it a lot when I think of Uncle Alec and how much I loved him and what he meant to me.

Kevin: I know, Richie. That's why I want you to have that award.

Richie (stunned): You want me to have it?

Kevin: Yes.

Richie: (shaking his head) No, Uncle Kevin, I can't. I can't take this.

CUT TO:

INT--The Lassiter Estate; the dining room.

(Steven, Pamela and Barton are there)

Pamela (shaking her head): I don't believe it. The Greyhawks are responsible for that filth?

Barton: Yes, and furthermore, it's just the beginning.

Pamela: And Patricia is going along with them? How could she? She grew up in this house, we treated he like a member of this family.

Barton: And that was our mistake, wasn't it? Well, no matter. She'll pay along with the Greyhawks when we ruin them for what they've done this time.

Pamela: And you're really in the mood for another slugfest with that family?

Barton: I'm always in the mood to squash the Greyhawks. Only this time, I'm going to do it for good. There will be no coming back for them this time.

Pamela: No matter what it does to the rest of the family? Don’t you think we've all suffered enough because of the battles with that family?

Barton: Look, we may have suffered a few losses, but that's nothing compared to what we could lose if we don't fight this. Don't you realize that they want to ruin our reputation, our business, everything that's important to us? I can't believe you don't want to do all we can to stop them.

Pamela: What I want is an end to this war.

Barton: There will be one. And I'm going to be the one to fire the last shot.

Steven: You mean Dad will.

Pamela: What do you mean?

Steven: Dad received a copy of the Times too. And now he's coming home; he and Mother should be here tomorrow evening.

Pamela: When did this happen?

Steven: This afternoon. Not only that, he's throwing a dinner party and he wants the entire family to be there.

Pamela: You've got to be kidding?

Steven: Come on, Steven, doesn't throwing a party to celebrate your homecoming sound just like my father?

Pamela: Yes, but hasn't he had enough Lassiter family dinners to last him a lifetime? Harry is still trying to clean the blood off the walls from the last one.

Steven: Well, Dad is obviously planning on circling the wagons and taking on the Greyhawks. That has to be it; he wasn't coming home for the stockholder's meeting. I got his proxy to vote his shares last week.

Barton: (annoyed) Steven, we've got to do something about this.

Steven: About what?

Barton: Dad. We have to stop him from coming home. And we've got to do it fast.

CUT TO:

INT--Markham's; the main dining room.   A.J. is sitting at his table alone

Voice:  Lassiter?

A.J.: (looking up to see Lucas grinning down at him)  Greyhawk! What in the world are you doing here?

Lucas: I'm having dinner. I hear the revenge is wonderful here. I know you'd think I would've had enough today, but somehow, I just haven't gotten my fill.

CUT TO:

INT--Markham's; the ladies restroom.

(Patricia is looking in the mirror, touching up her makeup. She finishes by taking a few swipes at her long black hair. As she turns to go, the door sweeps open, and Melody steps in)

Patricia: Melody!

Melody: (stunned) My God! I just can't get away from you, can I?

Patricia: No dear, no such luck. And I guess you better get used to it, because I'm not going anywhere.

FADE OUT

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