Covington Bay--Episode 64

EPISODE 64

“THE MAIDEN VOYAGE”

Act One

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Dr. Gloria Dailey and Dr. Zachary Dailey are standing by the elevators. Nearby at the nurses station, Dana Cooper and Natalie Lassiter were watching.

Gloria: Zachary, don't you think you and I should talk?

Zachary: (coolly) What do we have to talk about?

Gloria: You've been avoiding me all day. And when you see me, you can't wait to get away. Considering we're supposed to be friends, I can't understand why you are being so cold.

Zachary: I'm just busy is all.

Gloria: No, you are not just busy. You are angry at me and I want to know why. (Pause) I've thought about it and thought about it, trying to figure out why you are so suddenly unfeeling towards me. And the only thing I can think of is the kiss.

Zachary: The kiss? (At that moment, images of Gloria and his father kissing flashed through his mind)

Gloria: The kiss that you witnessed in your father's office today. That's what this is about, isn't it?

Zachary: Why would I care what you do with my father?

Gloria: I'm not sure. But, for some reason that bothered you, didn't it?

(Dana and Natalie were standing at the nurses station. Natalie was going through some files while Dana watched Zachary and Gloria)

Dana: I wonder what that is all about? Zachary doesn't look too happy to see Dr. Dailey.

Natalie: Whatever it is, Dana, it is none of your business.

Dana: But they are supposed to be so close, such good friends. What could've happened? Why does he look so upset?

Natalie: Like I said, it's none of your business.

Dana: That's where you're wrong, Natalie. Where Zachary Dailey is concerned, everything is my business. (Pause) Now, if you'll excuse me…

Natalie: What? You're not going to go over there are you?

Dana: (smiling) Of course. That's exactly what I'm going to do.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Kevin Lassiter and Richie Stone are there. Richie is looking at a gold medallion in a blue, velvet box.

Richie: (smiling) Uncle Kevin, thank you for this medallion. It's wonderful. I'll treasure it always.

Kevin: I know you will. That's why I'm giving it to you. I think Alec would've wanted you to have it too. He loved you, Richie, loved you like the son he always wanted.

Richie: I never knew Uncle Alec felt that way.

Kevin: Well he did. So did I for that matter. (Pause as sadness swept across his face) But, I guess that wasn't meant to be was it?

Richie: Uncle Kevin, you can still be a father. It's not too late. Gay men adopt children all the time.

Kevin: (nodding) I know they do. And I've thought about it, believe me I have. But, I just don't know if I'm ready to be a father. I don't know if I should be a father.

Richie: Why would you say that? Uncle Kevin, you'd be a great dad. You're giving, caring, kind…everything a kid needs.

Kevin: I'm not so sure about that, Richie.

Richie: Why would you doubt that you ability to love a kid?

Kevin: Because I don't exactly have the best role model when it comes to parenting. You may not know my father well, but surely you've seen enough of him to know that in his case father does not know best.

Richie: I know you and your father don't get along. I know he doesn't agree with a lot of things in your life and believe me, I can relate to that…but just because you had a lousy father won't make you a lousy parent.

Barton: (walking in) Kevin, there you are. I've been looking for you. I'd like to talk to you... right now.

Scene: The Covington Bay Marina. Nikki Lassiter pulled her car into a slot right outside the docks. She turned off the car, pausing, an anxious look on her face.

(Nikki got out of the car, shut and locked the door. She started walking along the docks to where the yachts were berthed. The sixteen year old had only been walking a few minutes when she arrived at the majestic cruiser that was called The Cassandra, the Greyhawk yacht. She stood there, staring at the yacht, impressed by what she was seeing)

James: (suddenly whispering in her ear) Beautiful, isn't it?

Nikki: (jumping) James! (She whirled to face him) I didn't hear you coming!

James: (smiling) Didn't mean to frighten you.

Nikki: (still slightly shaken) Don't worry about it. (She was troubled by the realization that James could sneak up on her without her hearing him) I'm okay. Just clear your throat or something next time, okay?

James: I'll do what I can. (He nodded towards the yacht) So, what do you think?

Nikki: (nodding in agreement) It is very impressive. The Cassandra. It's named after your mother, isn't it?

James: Right. My father gave it to her last year for her birthday. (Pause) How did you know that?

Nikki: There's not much your family does in this town that isn't news. I remember reading about it. (Pause) That's quite a gift. Your mother must've loved it.

James: She did, but she told my father it was too much, that he shouldn't spend that much money on a gift.

Nikki: Well, it is rather extravagant.

James: So, you wouldn't like it if the man you loved gave you such an expensive present?

Nikki: I'd like it, but as I said, it is extravagant.

James: (shrugging, the wind gently ruffling his thick, dark brown hair) Maybe, but I guess you don't really have to worry about it.

Nikki: (suspiciously) What does that mean?

James: Well, you are dating Richie Stone. Last I heard, his family didn't have the money to buy a dingy, much less a beauty like this one.

Nikki: (glaring at James) Richie's family is hardly poor. And I don't appreciate comments like that, Greyhawk, so keep them to yourself.

James: I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't trash your boyfriend in front of you. It's just that he is trying to frame me for murder. That makes it kind of hard to see him in a positive light.

Nikki: But remember, Richie is being influenced by Nathan. He was the one who came up with the idea.

James: So you told me. But, with Nathan laid up in the hospital, fighting for his life, that means Richie is working alone, doesn't it?

Nikki: (surprised) You know about Nate's heart attack? How'd you find out?

James: (hesitating) I heard it on the radio.

Nikki: (wondering why James paused before answering her) Really? I didn't know it had made the news yet.

James: Covington Bay is a small town. Nothing stays quiet for too long. (Pause) So what is going on? Has Natha being ill changed anything? Is Richie still going to try and frame me?

Nikki: I don't know. I haven't had time to talk to Richie.

James: Well, Richie is so loyal to Nathan, and he hates me so much, he might strike out on his own, don't you think?

Nikki: Maybe.

James: Then I suggest we get on board...so we can discuss how we're going to deal with this.

Nikki: All right, but may I ask you a question first?

Scene: Markham's; the foyer. Melody and Lucas are there. Melody glared at Lucas and then turns to leave.

Melody: Good night, Lucas.

Lucas: Wait a minute. (He rushed in front of her, his huge, muscular body blocking her path) Can't we talk, just for a minute?

Melody: About what? You want to brag about what you've done to A.J. and his family, regale me with stories about how you're going to ruin them? Or will you tell me what a loser A.J. is and how I should break it off with him and take up with the likes of you?

Lucas: (smiling) The last ones a good idea, but no, that isn't what I was going to say. I just wanted to apologize.

Patricia: For what? This battle between the Lassiters and the Greyhawks? The very personal war between you and A.J.? You’re not sorry for that…you're getting way too much pleasure from it.

Lucas: You got me there. Seeing the Lassiters ruined does my heart good. But, what I'm sorry about is what it's done to you. I don't like seeing you get hurt.

Melody: Why do you care how I feel or what I think?

Lucas: Melody, I've always liked you…you know that. When we were kids, you had a special place in my heart. You still do.

Scene: Markham's; the hallway outside the ladies bathroom. Patricia and A.J. are there. A.J. has his hand around Patricia's wrist; she is struggling to get away from him.

Patricia: Let me go!

A.J.: (rage burning in his dark brown eyes) You're just lucky I'm grabbing your arm! Because I would love to wring your damn neck!

Patricia: If you're looking for Melody, she's not here. So you can leave me alone.

A.J.: I can see she's not here. (He looked up and down the plush carpeted hallway) Where is she?

Patricia: How should I know? She ran out of here a few minutes ago.

A.J.: (his grip tightening) Ran out of here? What did you say to her?

Patricia: Something you obviously hadn't.

A.J.: You told her about the article in the Times today, didn't you!?

Patricia: Yes, but…

A.J.: Damn you! Do you really like hurting me? Do you really get off on causing me pain!?

Act Two

Scene: Markham's; the hallway outside the ladies room. A.J. and Patricia are there. A.J. has a hold on Patricia's wrist.

A.J.: When does it end, Patricia!? When do you stop trying to ruin my life!?

Patricia: I thought Melody already knew about the newspaper. I assumed you would've told her. But, I guess you're still having a problem being honest with the love of your life.

A.J.: (bitterly) I don't need you giving me lessons about honesty.

Patricia: Maybe not, but you certainly need lessons in common sense. Didn't you think Melody would find out about what was in that paper today? I imagine everyone she knows has either read or heard about that article by now. Or, she could've walked past any newsstand and saw it herself. I can't believe, considering you continue to insist how much you love Melody, that you wouldn't let something like that be sprung on her.

A.J.: (uncomfortable; he let Patricia go) You let me handle my relationship with Melody.

Patricia: You keep this up and you may not have a relationship with her.

A.J.: What is that supposed to mean?

Patricia: (rubbing her wrist, red where A.J. had grabbed her) All I've heard about is how much you love her and how wonderful things are. But from what I've seen, it isn't nearly as great as you would like to claim.

A.J.: (his teeth gnashing together; his six foot tall frame towering over Patricia) And what would you know about it!?

Patricia: I know you have a little problem telling Melody the truth. You didn't tell her about us being married for the past six years and you didn't tell her about that article on the paper. And that kind of deception does not a good relationship make.

A.J.: My relationship with Melody is not perfect. But I love her and she loves me. And we will work through our problems despite the havoc you've wrecked.

Patricia: (smirking) Really? I wonder.

A.J.: Don’t bother wondering about my problems, little girl, because soon you're going to have plenty of your own.

Patricia: Is this another threat? I hope not because you haven't come through on the other dozen you've made the past day and a half.

A.J.: Oh, believe me, I will. You are going to be very sorry you came back to town. I'm going to make you pay for trying to destroy my relationship with Melody, then declaring you're going to replace me as the top reporter in this town. And let's not forget your betrayal by siding with the Greyhawks against me.

Patricia: A.J., how many times do I have to tell you that I had no choice in that!?

A.J.: Patty, there are always choices. You just happen to have made the wrong one. Siding with the Greyhawks is bad enough, but you're compounding it by dating Lucas Greyhawk.

Patricia: I'm not dating Lucas Greyhawk!

A.J.: Really? Two of the best restaurants in two nights and you're not dating him? You better tell him that, because I've got the feeling his perception is entirely different.

Patricia: And why do you care who I date?

A.J.: There was a time when I would've cared, when I wouldn't have wanted to see you hurt, but you threw away any feelings I may have had for you with what you've done. All I want now is to take the Greyhawks down. And if you go down with them, it'll definitely be a plus.

Patricia: (shaking her head in bitterness) You are so smug and self-righteous. It is so easy for you to get on your moral high horse and proclaim the rest of us villainous and evil. But you don't understand what it's like for us who live in this town and don't have the almighty name that is Lassiter. You've got the money, the fame and everything you've ever wanted.

A.J.: I admit I grew up with advantages that a lot of people didn't have. But, I worked hard to get where I am and I didn't rely on my name or my money to get there. And I certainly have never used to it hurt people. Furthermore, Patricia, you are hardly some hard luck charity case. You may have been the majordomo's daughter, but we treated you like family. You had practically every advantage that I grew up with. You wanted for nothing. You have never been denied anything in your life.

Patricia: You're right, A.J.. I have never done without. I had free rein of the mansion, access to the family cars and use of the pool. I was even invited to tag along on family vacations only my father would never let me go. (A glitter of tears pooled in her eyes) Yes, I have never been denied anything in my life…except what I really wanted.

A.J.: (startled by her tears) What you really wanted? Patricia, what could you have possibly wanted in your life that you didn't get?

Scene: Markham's; the foyer. Melody and Lucas are there.

Melody: I have a special place in your heart?

Lucas: Yes, I do have a heart, you know.

Melody: I imagine you do, something has to keep the blood pumping in your veins. But why leave any room in it for me? Because I was one of the few women who didn't fall prey to your charms?

Lucas: You almost did. We did date once.

Melody: Yes, we went out once. And there was a reason why it was only once, Lucas. I quickly learned what kind of boy you were; you were a lying manipulator who used people to get whatever you wanted. And it seems you haven't changed one bit.

Lucas: I never claimed to be an angel. But then, neither is the man you claim to love so much.

Melody: If this your way of saying you're sorry, Lucas, you're not doing a very good job.

Lucas: Okay, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that, but insulting A.J. is a reflex. (Pause) Melody, I meant what I said. I know we only dated once, but you've always meant a lot to me. After all, if you remember correctly, things didn't end between us with that one date.

Melody: Lucas, my memories about you are very vivid.

Lucas: So then you don't have any warm feelings for me?

Melody: Lucas, I am grateful for what you did for me back then. I always will be. What you did makes me see you in a slightly different light than most people. But, that still doesn't change what you've done and what you're going to do to people who mean a lot to me. Saying you're sorry changes none of that.

Lucas: I'd hope it makes you realize that I'm not the complete villain that a lot of other people think I am.

Melody: Believe me, Lucas, I'm pretty clear on who you are. Look, I need to get out of here. And don't you think you should be getting back to Patricia?

Lucas: Oh, so you did see her?

Melody: In all her glory.

Lucas: I guess that must've hurt considering the article in the paper announcing her marriage to A.J..

Melody: (sighing) More than you could know.

Lucas: A.J. was really upset to find out we were here. He went looking for you. I'm surprised you didn't run into each other in the elevator.

Melody: I took the stairs because the elevator was too slow. I'm even more grateful I did that now.

Lucas: But why are you running? You can't let Patricia chase you off.

Melody: Patricia's not chasing me off. Though she'd love it if she were.

Lucas: What's that supposed to mean?

Melody: What do you think?

Lucas: I'm asking you.

Melody: Lucas, you're a smart man. Though, so is A.J. and he can't see it either.

Lucas: See what?

Melody: Patricia's agenda. Why she really came back to town.

Lucas: She came back for a job with the Times. And she does have family here.

Melody: Maybe. But that's not why she came back after all these years.

Lucas: Really? What's your theory?

Melody: If you don't know Lucas, then maybe you're not as smart as I thought. And on that note, I will say goodnight.

Lucas: (gripping her by the shoulders) Not yet, lady. Not until you tell me why Patricia came back to Covington Bay.

Scene: The Covington Bay Marina. Nikki and James are standing near where The Cassandra is docked.

James: Sure. What is it?

Nikki: Why are we meeting here? I know we can't be seen together and our meeting has to be hush-hush, but why here?

James: (shrugging) Why not? Just because we're going to be discussing uncomfortable issues doesn't mean we shouldn't be in opulent surroundings, don't you think?

Nikki: (warily) You make it sound as if we're here to enjoy ourselves.

James: Why shouldn't we have a little fun along the way?

Nikki: I assure you I'm not here to have fun.

James: (grinning) We'll see about that, my dear, we'll see.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Kevin, Richie and Barton are there.

Kevin: (bitterly) Dad, we're right in the middle of something.

Barton: But, we need to talk now.

Richie: (glancing at his watch) Actually, Uncle Kevin, I have to be going. I'm running late for an appointment already.

Kevin: Oh, are you sure?

Richie: Yeah, I'm sure. I really need to go. (He went over and hugged Kevin) Thank you for the gift.

Kevin: No problem, Richie. (Pause) Why don't we get together soon?

Richie: Sure…soon. Bye, Uncle Kevin. (He glanced at Barton) Bye, Mr. Lassiter.

Barton: Good evening, Richie.

(Richie walked out)

Kevin: (glaring at his father) Are you happy about chasing my guest away? He couldn't wait to get out of here when you came in.

Barton: Seems to me he had an appointment.

Kevin: You would see it that way, wouldn't you? Anything to avoid taking the blame, right?

Barton: Kevin, I'm sorry for interuppting whatever it was you were doing with that young man.

Kevin: Which you somehow just turned into something dirty.

Barton: I walk into a room and see my homosexual son having an intimate conversation with a good looking teenage boy. What am I supposed to think?

Kevin: You make bigoted comments like that and you think we have any thing to talk about?

Barton: We have alot to discuss. And you're not leaving this room until we do.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the foyer. Richie is about to walk out the door.

Richie: Oh, my God, I can't believe I stayed here so late. I've got to make that boat! I better hurry!

(As Richie opens the door, he hears someone call his name behind him)

Voice: Richie?

Richie: (turning to face Pamela, who was coming out of the dining room, Steven behind her) Oh, hi Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter. I really can't stay and talk. I'm running late.

Pamela: Richie, wait a minute, I really need to talk to you.

Richie: But, I'm in a hurry.

Pamela: Richie, this will only take a second. I just need to ask you a question.

Richie: But…

Pamela: Richie, please! I just need a moment.

Richie: (turning) Sure. What is it, Mrs. Lassiter.

Pamela: Where is my daughter, Richie? Where is Nikki?

Act Three

Scene: Markham's; the foyer. Melody and Lucas are there.

Lucas: Talk to me, Melody. Why did Patricia come back to town?

Melody: It's not obvious to you?

Lucas: No. I hardly know her…and so do you for that matter.

Melody: I don't have to know her to see what she is up to. She came back to town for A.J.

Lucas: (incredulously) You've got to be kidding. She came back for Lassiter?

Melody: Of course.

Lucas: What makes you think that? What proof do you have?

Melody: I don't have any proof, except for the fact that Patricia has managed to insinuate herself into A.J.'s life in anyway she possibly can, like taking a job in his profession.

Lucas: So she wanted to be a reporter? So what?

Melody: Well, she shows up practically everywhere and anywhere he goes, including his apartment first thing in the morning where she announces to me that she was A.J.'s wife. You don't find that a little suspicious?

Lucas: I think Patricia is just a reckless, impetuous young woman.

Melody: And I think you and A.J. have more in common than you think. Neither one of you can see her for the manipulative schemer that she is. She came back to this town to make her marriage to A.J. a real one. And you would do good to see that and stay away from her.

Lucas: If she wanted A.J., why not just go after him?

Melody: She can't actively pursue A.J., it wouldn't get her anywhere. He doesn't love her…he loves me. Furthermore, he sees her as this little girl he grew up with, not a woman. She has to work on him, get him to change his view of her. But she has to start by getting me out of the way. That's why she announced that they were married. She didn't do it thoughtlessly. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Lucas: I think you're wrong.

Melody: Why? She's dating you so naturally she wouldn't even notice any other man, especially A.J.?

Lucas: (smiling) I can't imagine why any woman would prefer Lassiter over me. But, I can't explain matters of the heart. I just think you're wrong about Patricia.

Melody: And I think you are a fool, Lucas. I may have only known that woman a little more than a day, but she is a schemer and a user. I thought that from the start and this thing with the newspaper confirms it.

Lucas: That only confirms she knows a winner when she sees one.

Melody: (laughing, shaking her head) Why do I even bother? When it comes to that woman, you're about as blind as A.J. is.

Lucas: Look, even if what you say is true, her grand scheme won't work. You and A.J. are pretty tight and he has no interest in her. If she tries to come between you two, she's going to be wasting her time. And instead of running out of here, you should stick around and finish your evening with A.J.. Maybe that'll show Patricia that her plan, if she has one, is hopeless.

Melody: What, and she'll turn to you? You know, I hope she does. You two deserve each other. Good night, Lucas.

Lucas: You’re just going to take off and leave A.J.?

Melody: I've had enough of this situation for one evening. I really don't want to deal with A.J., Patricia or you.

(Lucas watched as Melody walked out)

Scene: Markham's; the hallway outside the ladies room. A.J. and Patricia are there. He looks at her with concern as tears brim in her eyes.

A.J.: Patricia, why are you crying? What did you want that you never got?

Patricia: A.J., I…

A.J.: I what? Patricia, why are you so upset?

Patricia: A.J., I really have had enough conversation today. I better get back to Lucas. He has to be wondering where I am.

A.J.: (the anger returning to his eyes) Then go to him. And you better hurry. He's probably about the only friend you've got left. And he's not much of one at that. But you made your bed, you have to lie in it. And I mean that literally and figuratively.

Patricia: (trying to ignore the sting of A.J.'s words) Good night, A.J.. I guess you have something to do yourself convincing your girlfriend you're not a liar. Lord knows what a tough job that will be.

A.J.: (shaking his head in disappointment) You know, Patricia, just when I think you just might be able to dig yourself out of the hole you've got yourself in, you throw in another shovelful of dirt. Good luck…you'll need it.

(A.J. started to walk away, but found his path blocked by two husky men in perfectly tailored suits. One was a middle aged man with close cropped red hair. The other was African-American and bald.)

A.J.: Excuse me.

African-American Man: (his voice enhanced by a Jamaican lilt) Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter?

A.J.: No!

Older Man: (his voice deep and smoke-roughened) You are A.J. Lassiter and Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter, aren't you?

A.J.: (annoyed) Well, yes, but…

African-American Man: Could you come with us, please?

A.J.: (warily) Come with you? I don't think so.

African-American Man: Please. (His voice suddenly held a trace of menace) Come with us. (A grim expression tightened his dark features) Now.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor. Dana and Natalie are watching as Gloria and Zachary talk near the elevators.

Natalie: Dana, stay out of it! Whatever is going on with Gloria and Zachary is their business.

Dana: Natalie, Zachary looks upset. Don’t you think I should be concerned? I just want to make sure he's all right.

Natalie: You can do that…after he's done talking to Gloria.

Dana: Maybe, but this way, I have a chance of finding out what it's all about.

(Gloria and Zachary were standing near the elevators, talking)

Gloria: Zachary, we have always been able to talk to each other. So why can't you tell me why you're so upset about that kiss that you witnessed, especially since you haven't let me explain why it happened.

Zachary: Gloria, you don't owe me any explanation…you really don’t. If you want to take up with my father again, you're more than welcome to do just that. It's your business…it's your life. I may not understand it, but you can do whatever you want to.

Gloria: But, Zachary, if you would just listen to me for a minute, I'd tell you…

Dana: (walking up) Hi, Zachary. (She kissed him on the cheek) I'm not interrupting anything am I?

Zachary: No, no you're not. (He returned her kiss) Gloria and I were pretty much finished here…and I came looking for you anyway.

Dana: Really, why?

Zachary: I just wanted to make sure you'd be ready for our date. Is it still okay to pick you up in about an hour?

Dana: You bet. I was just about to go home and get ready.

Zachary: As was I.

Dana: You still haven't told me where we are going.

Zachary: It's a surprise. But, I think you'll like it.

Dana: If I'm going to be with you, I think there's no doubt about that.

Zachary: Good. (Eyeing Gloria, he kissed Dana on the cheek) I'll see you soon. Good night, Gloria.

Gloria: Bye.

Dana: (as Zachary walked down a corridor) He's a wonderful man, isn't he?

Gloria: Yes, he is.

Dana: I'm certainly glad to have him in my life.

Gloria: I imagine you would be, but I wasn't aware you and Zachary were that close.

Dana: (smiling) We're getting there.

(Just then, the elevator doors slid open and Darian and Sabrina walked off and upon seeing Gloria, hurriedly walked over to her)

Sabrina: Gloria!

Gloria: (turning to Sabrina and Darian) Hi. I didn’t expect to see either of you tonight.

Sabrina: We didn't expect to be back, but we need your help.

Gloria: On what? Does this have something to do with Nathan?

Darian: (eyeing Dana) Yes, but we really should discuss this in private. Can we go to your office?

Gloria: Sure. (Gloria, Sabrina and Darian walked away and rushed down a hallway as Dana watched, frustrated)

Natalie: (walking up to her) Well, I'm out of here. Janice showed up, so I'm going to go home to my husband. Hopefully I'll still have one. (Pause) I guess you'll be leaving to get ready for your date with Zachary soon.

Dana: Sure. I just have something else to take care of first.

Natalie: Oh really? What's that?

Dana: I don't have all the details yet, but when I know, girlfriend, so will you.

Natalie: (as Dana walked away) Dana, what trouble are you headed for now?

Scene: Markham's. Lucas is sitting at his table, sipping a glass of merlot. He glanced at his watch.

Lucas: (to himself) Where is Patricia? She should've been back by now. (He glanced over at A.J.'s table) But, Lassiter isn't back either. Maybe they had run into each other and were having it out. But they've both been gone so long. Why weren't they back? (He sat there a few minutes more before rising to his feet) They should've been back by now. Something must've happened. I hope they haven't killed one another.

(Lucas was about to walk away from the table when the maitre d' approached him.)

Maitre D'.: Mr. Greyhawk?

Lucas: Yeah?

Maitre D'.: Mrs. Lassiter asked me to give you a message.

Lucas: Mrs. Lassiter?

Maitre D'.: Yes. You are dining with a Mrs. Lassiter, aren't you?

Lucas: Well, I… (Lucas then remembered A.J. and Patricia were married) I guess I was. What is the message?

Maitre D'.: She said she was sorry, but she had to leave.

Lucas: What? She had to leave?

Maitre D': Yes.

Lucas: Are you certain?

Maitre D': (seemingly insulted) Of course I am.

Lucas: (confused) Did she say why? Did she seem upset or something?

Maitre D'.: No. She was just in a hurry to leave.

Lucas: Was she with anyone?

Maitre D': Not that I know of. If you'll excuse me.

Lucas: (as the man walked away) Sure. (Lucas shook his head, confused) I don't get it. What is going on?

Scene: Markham's. A.J. and Patricia are in the hallway outside the ladies room with the two men.

Patricia: (frightened) Who are you, what is going on!?

Older Man: Just come with us. Let's not make this difficult.

A.J.: Forget it. Let's get out of here.

African-American Man: I'm afraid Mr. Lassiter, that I can't let you do that. (He opened his jacket to reveal a gun in a holster) Now please, come with us.

Patricia: Oh, my God!

(A.J. looked into the cold gray eyes of the other man, certain he was carrying a gun too.)

Older Man: Are you going to cooperate?

A.J.: (managing a smile) Since you asked so nicely, lead the way.

To be continued….

Coming Up in Covington Bay…

· Dana eavesdrops and gets caught by the person least expects.

· Barton has a big request for Kevin.

· Natalie wonders if she's hearing the truth.

· Richie's lies only make matters worse.

· Nikki realizes she's on her own.