EPISODE 65

 

“POISONED”

ACT ONE

Scene: The Lassiter Mansion; the living room. Kevin Lassiter and his father Barton Lassiter are there.

Kevin: (turning to face Barton) Dad, what would we have to talk about?

Barton: I'd like to continue our conversation from this morning.

Kevin: (shaking his head) I've had a tough day, I'm in no mood for a serious discussion. Besides, what good would it do? It's not going to change anything.

Barton: Kevin, I don't think you realize how serious this is! My wife won't have a child with me because of you!

Kevin: (shrugging)  And it’s my fault that you’re a you're a terrible father and that your wife can see it!?  How is that my problem?

Barton: You don't want to do anything to try and fix this?

Kevin: What should I do? Tell Natalie I was wrong, that you're a great dad after all and she should start having children with you immediately? I can't do that. Not only is it not true, I'm not that good of a liar.

Barton: And I cannot stand by and let things stay as they are.

Kevin: What other choice do we have? Natalie doesn't want to have kids with you because she sees what kind of father you are. She knows you for the hateful, mean-spirited, bigoted man you are and she knows that is not the kind of man she wants for her children. And I couldn't be happier that she realizes that.

Barton: You really hate me that much, don't you? You really despise me enough to deny me any chance at happiness?

Kevin: Dad, I haven't denied you anything. I didn't make you hate me because I'm gay. That was your choice. And now you have to live with that.

Barton: But I don't want to live with it, Kevin. And if you're honest, neither do you.

Kevin: (shocked) Do you think I like living like this? Do you think I enjoy not wanting to be in the same room with my own father or hating having a conversation with him because I know it'll turn into an argument at any moment? Do you think it feels good to know that my father doesn't respect, love or even like me? I hate it.

Barton: So do I. I don't like it either, Kevin. So let's change it. Let's you and I change it right now.

Scene: The Lassiter Mansion; the foyer. Richie Stone, Pamela Lassiter and Steven Lassiter are there. Richie is standing with his back to the open door, facing Steven and Pamela.

Pamela: Well, Richie, where is Nikki?

Richie: You want to know where Nikki is?

Pamela: Yes. She is supposed to be home; she was grounded today. Surely you must know that.

Richie: (genuinely surprised) She was grounded? I didn't know that.

Pamela: Yes she was.

Richie: Why?

Pamela: Richie, you must know why. She played hooky yesterday so she could go to that murder trial after I specifically told her to stay out of that mess.

Richie: Well, Mrs. Lassiter, that wasn't her fault. I asked her to go with me. I needed her to go with me for moral support. Nathan is going through a tough time and Nikki was just trying to help a friend. Don't blame her. I…

Pamela: (interrupting him) Richie, it's wonderful that you are sticking up for my daughter, but Nikki lied to me about staying out of this case. Furthermore, after I grounded her, she went ahead and did what she wanted to as if I hadn't said anything.

Richie: I'm sorry about that, but I don't know where Nikki is.

Pamela: Are you certain about that?

Richie: Yes. I haven't seen her since this afternoon at school. In fact, I was just going to look for her.

Pamela: How can you not know where she is? You two are usually joined at the hip. Is there something wrong?

Richie: Wrong?   Yes, there is something wrong.

Steven: What?

Richie: Nikki and I had an argument earlier today and she stormed off.  I’m trying to find her so we can patch things up.  But since she's not here, I was going to check out our usual haunts. I'll have her call you when I find her.

Pamela: (as Richie started to walk out) Wait a minute!

Richie: (anxious) Mrs. Lassiter, I really need to go. You want me to find Nikki and have her call you as quickly as possible, don't you?

Pamela: Yes, but don't worry about the phone call.

Richie: You don't want me to have her call you when I find her?

Pamela: That won't be necessary…because we're going with you.

Scene: The Covington Bay Marina; a boat called The Cassandra. Nikki Lassiter is out on deck, looking into the dark water. Her mind is swirling with thoughts.

Nikki:  (thinking)  Well, Nikki, you've gone this far.  You're actually managed to fool Greyhawk so far...at least I think I have.  He doesn't seem to completely trust me, but I think he's buying my story.  I think he's actually buying the fact that I'm here to protect him from going to jail for Candice's murder, instead of proving he really did kill her.  Point is, I have no idea of how I'm going to find out if he did it or not.  I certainly don't expect a big confession from him tonight, but I'm not going to spend this entire evening with him and come away with nothing.  I'm going to get more out of this than a great dinner and witty banter.

Voice:  (interrupting her thoughts)  And what is the cause of that serious look?

Nikki:  (looking up to see James standing near her, holding two flutes of liquid)  Greyhawk!  You snuck up on me again.

James:  (grinning)  I seem to have a habit of doing that.

Nikki:  (nervously)  I know.  Maybe I should tie a bell around your neck.

James:  (shaking his head)  No, I think I prefer the element of surprise.

Nikki:  And I like to see what's coming.

James:  (nodding)  Yes, you do strike me as a rather practical young woman...a little too practical if you ask me.

Nikki:  What does that mean?

James:  It means that you always look as if you have something deep and serious on your mind...as if you are carrying the weight of the world on that beautiful shoulders of yours.

Nikki:  (uncomfortable at his comment)  Life is pretty serious, Greyhawk, especially these days.

James:  That's true.  Things are pretty serious these days.  But that doesn't mean you and I shouldn't find a little fun when we can.  (He held out the flute)  Here.  Take this.

Nikki:  What is it?

James:  Just a little champagne.

Nikki:  Champagne?

James:  Yes.  It's 1956; a great year, I might add...from a little vineyard in Tuscany my family owns.  I think you'll like it.

Nikki:  But I...

James:  But, what?

Nikki:  James, the last time I looked, neither of us were drinking age.

James:    I wouldn't worry about it.  I promise you the cops aren't watching.

Nikki:  I'm not much of a drinker.

James:  A few sips won't hurt.  (He smiled as he held it out to her)  Have some...and then this evening can get underway.

Nikki:  (taking the flute and hesitantly sipping the champagne)  It's good.

James:  (sipping)  I'm glad you like it.

Nikki:  (taking another sip)  Look, Greyhawk, this champagne is great and your yacht is beautiful, but shouldn't we be getting down to business?  Have you forgotten why we are here?

James:  (shaking his head)  No, I haven't forgotten.

Nikki:  Then shouldn't we start talking about how we're going to deal with this issue?

James:  We will, we will.  But first, I've got something else in mind.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Dr. Gloria Dailey's office.  Sabrina Collier and Dr. Darian Jackson are there with Gloria.

Gloria:  (shocked)  Poisoned?  You think someone poisoned Nathan James and caused his heart attack?

Sabrina:  It's a possibility, isn't it?

Gloria:  Of course it is.  There are a number of drugs that can induce a heart attack.  And it certainly would explain why this could happen to a healthy seventeen year old boy.  But why would someone do this?

Sabrina:  We're not sure of that.  We're not sure it's even true.  That's what we need to know.

Gloria:  Has something happened that makes you think someone is out to kill him?

Darian:  Yes.  The fall down the stairs Nathan had yesterday.  He says he thinks he was pushed.

Gloria:  What!?  Have you talked to the police?

Sabrina:  Of course, but they're not willing to do anything.

Gloria:  Why not, if someone tried to kill him?

(Outside the room, Dana walks up to the door.  She stops and strains to hear what is being said inside)

Sabrina:  We have no proof of anything.  Nathan's not sure of what happened, and the police don't exactly consider him a credible witness.

Gloria:  But what about the heart attack?  Did you tell them your suspicions about that?

Sabrina:  Yes, but with no proof and no real suspects, the police aren't inclined to do anything.  As far as they are concerned, Nathan is a convicted felon headed for the electric chair for murder.  The only thing they care about is putting him away.  That's why we have to find out if someone is trying to kill him.  The question is, what can we do?  How can we find out if someone did poison Nate?

Gloria:  We do a toxicology analysis...check Nathan's blood.  That should give us some answers.

Darian:  That's what I thought.  We really need to get to work on this right away.

Sabrina:  Right, Gloria.  We have to find out what's going on.  If someone is trying to kill Nathan, we need to find out who is doing it and why.

Gloria:  (hesitantly)  I realize that, but...

Sabrina:  But what?

Gloria:  Sabrina, there isn't anything we can do.  I'm afraid there's nothing I...or Darian for that matter...can do to help you.

ACT TWO

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Gloria's office.  Dana stands outside the door and listens; Gloria, Sabrina and Darian are inside talking.

Sabrina:  What do you mean you or Darian can't do anything?  Don't you want to help Nathan?

Darian:  Of course we do.

Gloria:   Yes, but Darian, we are not Nathan's doctors.  I only initially diagnosed his heart attack and you were taken off the case by Dr. Sloan and his daughter.  We aren't involved in the case.   Ethically, we can't order any tests of any kind to be done on him.  He's not our patient.

Sabrina:  But his life could be at stake!

Gloria:  I realize that.  Believe me, I want to help Nathan just as much as you do.  But we don't have the right to interfere in his case in any way, not unless Nathan wants it and he certainly isn't in any condition to give us permission to do anything.  It's the same as another attorney not being able to interfere in the case of one of your clients.

Sabrina:  But....!

Darian:  Sabrina, unfortunately, she's right.  Ethically, we can't do anything.  (He sighed)  I should've realized that when you first came to me with your suspicions.

Gloria:  We have our ethical codes just like you do.

Sabrina:  (shaking her head)  I know, I know.  If you could do something, I know you would.  Damn Glenn for taking Darian off this case!  How could he do that!?

Gloria:  Easily.  He looked at what it could net him and went in that direction.

Darian:  What does that mean?

Gloria:  I talked to Glenn after the two of you left and found out why he assigned Christopher Sloan to the case.

Darian:  That's obvious; Dr. Sloan is a heart specialist.

Gloria:  You're right, he is.  But with my ex-husband, it's never that simple.

Sabrina:  Then what is going on?  Why did Glenn do this to Darian?

Gloria:  It's all about image of course.  Glenn has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow morning to update everyone on Nathan's condition.

Sabrina:  I'm not surprised.  Nathan James is big news in this town.  What does that have to do with Darian being taken off the case?

Gloria:  Darian is just an intern in this hospital.  A small cog in a very big wheel.  But, Dr. Sloan...

Sabrina:  Is a big cog in a big wheel?

Gloria:  (nodding)  Exactly.

Sabrina:  (angrily)  Why am I not surprised to hear this?

Darian:  You mean I was dumped because I'm not a big name around here?   Dr. Dailey did damage to my reputation, not to mention my feelings about my performance as a doctor because I'm just some poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks?

Gloria:  Yes, Darian.  (Pause)  I'm sorry.  What he did was terrible.  You have every reason to be angry.

Darian:  (gritting his teeth)  You're right, I do.  But there's no time to be angry; I'll worry about my ego later.  Right now, I'm concerned about Nathan and what we can do to save that kid's life.

Scene:  The Lassiter Estate; the foyer.  Richie, Steven and Pamela are there.

Richie:  You can’t go with me.

Pamela:  Why not?

Richie:  It's not necessary.  I can find Nikki on my own.

Pamela:  I'm sure you can.  We just want to make sure Nikki gets home as quickly as possible.  She's got a lot of explaining to do.

Richie:  I imagine she does, and I'm sorry that she went against the punishment you set down for her.  When I find her, I'll explain that you want her to come home right away.

Pamela:  You could, but I'd feel better if we went with you.

Richie:  Mrs. Lassiter, I understand that, but like I said, Nikki and I had a fight.  I'd like to work that out between us and I'd feel uncomfortable talking about it if we weren't alone.

Pamela:  Richie, pardon me, but I'm really not concerned about any problems between you and my daughter.  The only thing that matters is getting her home and making her understand who calls the shots around here.  (Pause)  Besides, I hold you partially responsible for Nikki's current behavior.  Nathan James is your friend.  You're the one who got my daughter involved in this murder business.

Richie:  I never wanted Nikki involved in this.

Pamela:  Well her closeness to you involves her.  That's another reason I punished her.  I figure the less time she has to spend with you, the less likely she is to be running around trying to solve a murder.

Richie:  I'm sorry you feel that way, but I love Nikki.  I'd never do anything to hurt her.

Steven:  Richie, we realize that.  We know how close you and Nikki are, and none of this is personal.  We just want Nikki to be safe.

Richie:  So do I.  Her safety is very important to me.  And the faster I get to her, the faster I can make sure she's all right.

Pamela:  What do you mean the faster you get to her?  Richie, you're making it sound like you know where she is.

Richie:  I said that I didn't.

Pamela:   Why do I have the feeling you’re not telling the truth?

Scene:  The Covington Bay Marina; aboard a boat called The Cassandra.  Nikki and James are there.
 
Nikki:  You've got something else in mind?  Greyhawk, what are you talking about?

James:  I'm talking about having a good time, enjoying ourselves.

Nikki:  We're not here to have a good time.

James:  True.  Something very serious has brought us together, but why let that ruin what could be a lovely evening?

Nikki:  Greyhawk, this is not an opportunity for fun and romance.  I thought the idea was how to protect you from being framed for murder.

James:  And we'll get to that.  But Nikki, this is something that is going to take a long time to resolve.  It's not going to be easy...we're going to have to spend a lot of time together.  Why shouldn't we get to know each other and have a little fun while we do it?

Nikki:  You can't be serious.

James:   When it comes to fun, I’m always serious.

Nikki:  (shaking her head)  And I am serious when I say I am not going to play a part in whatever this is you've set up. I'm here to save your butt from jail and you're acting like we're on a date.

James:  And that bothers you?

Nikki:  Of course it does!  It's inappropriate in many ways, the biggest being I happen to have a boyfriend.

James:  Ah, yes. Richie.

Nikki:  Yes, Richie.  I happen to love him very much!

James:  So you say.  But, don't you find your boyfriend to be too intense for someone his age?

Nikki:  Richie may be a little occupied with this trial, but his best friend has been accused of murder.  That's not something you easily forget.  He can't help but want to spend every moment trying to help Nathan.

James:  And what do you want?

Nikki:  What do you mean?

James:  Wouldn't you like to put this nasty business on the back burner and have a little fun?  Don't you want to enjoy yourself...remember what it's like to be sixteen years old and have a good time?

Nikki:  What I want is to help Richie.  That's what this is all about.  That's why I'm here.  I'm not interesting in having fun or a good time or any of that stuff.  And I especially am not interested in doing it with you.  I don't like you, Greyhawk, or hasn't that occurred to you yet?

James:  What has occurred to me is that you're a young lady I'd like to get to know better.  And that's what I intend to do.

Nikki:  Greyhawk, what about preventing Nathan from framing you for murder and using Richie to do it?

James:  I'm not exactly concerned about that...especially with Nathan hanging on by a thread in the hospital.  I'm not sure what Richie can or will do on his own, but I think we can handle it...together.  (James reached out and caressed Nikki's shoulder)

Nikki:  (brushing away his hand)  Maybe this was a bad idea.  I think I better go.  (Nikki turned to leave)

James:   (grabbing her by the arm)  Oh, no, Nikki.  You're not leaving yet.  Not while I've got you where I want you. 

ACT THREE

Scene:  The Lassiter Mansion; the living room.  Barton and Kevin are there.

Kevin:  Change things?  Are you kidding?  Don't you think you're about twenty years too late to be talking reconciliation?

Barton:  I'm not talking reconciliation.  I don't even know if that's possible.

Kevin:   You got that right.  We can never be father and son...not like a father and son should be.  Too much has happened.

Barton:  I know that. We've hurt each other in so many ways.  But maybe it's time we tried to put that behind us...or at least deal with it.

Kevin:  Why should we?  What is there to be gained by it?

Barton:  You have to ask?  Kevin, we are related whether we like it or not.  We'll always have that connection; there's no denying it.

Kevin:  (bitterly)  Unfortunately, you're right about that.

Barton:  Then let's deal with it, Kevin.  Let's see if we can work something out between us.

Kevin:   Do you really think I'm that foolish?  I have had enough of your lies and deceit to recognize it when I see it.  You're not interested in reconciling me with anymore than I with you.  The only reason you want to try is so you can put on a show for your wife so she'll consent to getting pregnant.

Barton:  You're right, Kevin, I admit that.  I want to have a baby with my wife.  I want to be a parent again.  I want to see if I can do it right...if I can have the kind of relationship with my son or daughter that I never had with you or Brandon.  And if seeing what we can do to work things out between us is a way to accomplish that, then I'm willing to try.

Kevin:  But it can't work between us.  We disagree on the most basic things in life.  There are some things that can't be overcome.

Barton:  I think anything can be overcome if you want it badly enough.  (Pause)  Kevin, I'm not suggesting we're going to become best buddies and start going on fishing trips together.  I'm not even suggesting that we can come to some sort of understanding.   I don't know if we can ever work things out between us.  All I ask is that we try. 

Kevin:  Dad, I don't trust you.  I can't believe that this isn't any thing more than just one big manipulation to get what you want.

Barton: You have a point.  It could be just that.  Then again, it could be a chance for us to deal with some problems between us, maybe even make peace.  (Pause)  Don't you want to see if that's the case?

Kevin:  (hesitating)  I...I...Dad, I need time to think about this.  After all this time, I don't know.   I need time to think about it.

Barton:  (nodding)  I understand.  This is a big step for both of us.

Kevin:  You're right.  And taking it just isn't going to be that easy.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Gloria's office.  Gloria, Darian and Sabrina are there.  Dana is standing outside the office, listening at the door.

Sabrina:  So, what can we do, Gloria?

Gloria:   Talk to Dr. Sloan or his daughter of course.  Once we explain to them what is going on, I'm sure they'll give us permission to perform a toxicology exam.

Darian:  We hope.

Sabrina:  What makes you think they wouldn't help?

Darian:  They weren't exactly cooperative before.

Gloria:  I know don't know Christopher Sloan well, but he does have a reputation for being difficult.  Still, the man is an excellent doctor.  I know he'd want to do anything to help us find out if someone wants to hurt Nathan.

Darian:  Unless of course, it interferes with the press conference he's got planned.

Gloria:  Darian, I know you're smarting over being taken off the case, but lets not worry about that.  The important thing is finding out if what you and Sabrina suspect is true.

Darian:  You're right. (Pause)  I wonder if either Dr. Sloan or his daughter are still in the hospital?

Sabrina:  Their office would be a good place to start.

Darian:  Then that's where I'll begin.  Excuse me, ladies.

(Dana looked panicked for a moment and rushed down the hallway slipping into an adjacent corridor as Darian left the office and continued in the other direction)

Dana:  Danny, I don't know what you've done to your little brother, but something tells me this is why you've vanished.  (She hurried after Darian)

(In the office, Gloria and Sabrina were still there.  Sabrina spotted an large envelope on Gloria's desk.  It looked unopened and a streak of concern slipped across Sabrina's face)

Gloria:  Sabrina, maybe one of us should go after him.  He looks very upset.

Sabrina:  He is and he should be.  But, Darian's got a level head.  I'm sure he'll handle himself just fine.  (Pause as she glanced at the envelope on the desk)  There's something you and I should talk about.

Gloria:  What's that?  This isn't about the divorce is it?

Sabrina:  No.  This has nothing to do with the divorce.

Gloria:  Then what is it?  What's wrong now?

Sabrina:  (picking up the envelope)  You haven't opened this yet, have you?

Gloria:  (shaking her head)  No.  I received it by messenger this afternoon, but things have been so crazy I haven't had time.  Do you know what's in it?

Sabrina:  (nodding)  Oh yes, I'm afraid I do.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the office of Dr. Christopher Sloan.  Christina is there, seated behind her father's desk.  There is a knock on the door.

Christina:  Come in.

(As Darian walked in, Dana came rushing up to the door, stopping to listen)

Christina:  (frowning)  Dr. Jackson, what are you doing here?

Darian:  I'd like to speak to your father.  Is he here?

Christina:  No.  My father has left for the day.  If you want to see him, you'll have to make an appointment. 

Darian:   Well, since he's not here you'll do.  We need to talk to you about Nathan James.

Christina:  Dr. Jackson, I have nothing to say to you about my patient.

Darian:  Up until a few hours ago, he was my patient.

Christina:  'Was' is the operative word here, Dr. Jackson.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do.  (She looked down at the papers on her desk)

Darian:  (slamming his fist on the desk, causing Christina to look up at him, startled)  You can't dismiss me that easily, Dr. Sloan.  Not on something so important.  You are going to listen to me whether you like it or not!

Scene:  The Lassiter Estate; the foyer.  Richie, Steven and Pamela are there.

Richie:  You think I'm lying?

Pamela:  What should I think?  Nikki has become quite deceptive these days and she didn't used to be that way.  I can't help but believe she didn't get it from being around you.

Steven:  Pamela, we don't know that.  Attacking the boy certainly won't help things.

Pamela:  Steven, we need to get at the truth and I don't think we're getting it from Richie.

Richie:  Look, I can find Nikki, and I can bring her home if you'll just let me leave!

Pamela:  Richie, you have two choices.  You can either stay here and tell me the truth or we can all leave together to find Nikki.  What's it going to be?

Natalie:  (walking in the front door)  Hello, everyone!

(At that moment, Barton walked in from the living room; Kevin a few steps behind him)

Barton:  Natalie, you finally made it home.

Natalie:  (rushing over to her husband)  Hi, honey.  (She kissed him)  I'm sorry.  I meant to be home much earlier than this.

Barton:  I'm just glad you finally got here.

Kevin:  (looking at Richie)  Richie, what are you still doing here?  I thought you'd left long ago.

Richie:  (backing towards the door)  Actually, I was just on my way out.  I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter, but I just can't wait around here anymore.  (Then Richie turned and raced outside)

Pamela:  (rushing to the door as everyone looked shocked)  Richie, Richie!  Quick!  Steven, go after him!

Steven:  Are you kidding?  What do you want me to do?  Tackle him and hold him down until he tells us what we want to know?

Pamela:  We have to do something!

Steven:  And we will, but now's not the time, Pamela.  One way or another, Nikki will come home.  And then we will handle this.

Pamela:  Oh you are right about that, Steven.  And this time, we'll do it my way.

Scene:  Covington Bay Marina; aboard The Cassandra.  Nikki and James are there.  James is gripping Nikki's arm.

Nikki:  Let me go!

James:  (releasing her)   As you wish.

Nikki:  I've had enough of this!  I'm getting off this boat and I'm getting off now.

James:  I don't think so.

Nikki:  And what is going to stop me!?

(At that moment, the boat rumbled to life and started to pull away from the dock)

Nikki:  What are you doing!?  Stop this boat!  Stop it now!

James:  I'll stop it when we get where we are going.

Nikki:  No, Greyhawk, you'll do it now or I'll just jump overboard!

James:  (smirking)  Fine.  Jump.

Nikki:  (hesitating as she stared into the black water)  Stop this boat now, Greyhawk, I mean it!

James:  I don't think so, Nikki. You and I have got quite an evening ahead of us and I guarantee that it's going to be very memorable.

In The Next Episode of Covington Bay....