EPISODE 66

 

“BE HIS GUEST”

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the offices of Dr. Christopher Sloan.  Dr. Christina Sloan and Dr. Darian Jackson are there.  Christina is sitting behind her father's desk, looking up at Darian, who is glaring at her.  Dana Cooper is standing outside the door, listening.

Darian:  (slamming his fist on the desk)  You can't dismiss me so easily, Dr. Sloan, not on something so important!  You are going to listen to me whether you like it or not!

Christina:  (angrily, rising to her feet)  I don't like your tone or your attitude, Dr. Jackson.  Now get out of this office immediately before I call security!

Darian:  Aren't you going to even listen to me!?  We're talking about a young man's life!

Christina:  And my father and I are handling it.  We will find out caused Nathan James' heart attack.  And we won't miss anything.   

Darian:   But we really should talk.

Christina:  I'm not interested in what you have to say.

Darian:  Look, I realize that you and your father see this case as a media event, but I'm concerned with Nathan's health, not how to conduct myself at a press conference.

Christina:  Dr. Jackson, if you were concerned about this young man's health, maybe you would've been more thorough and not missed the cause of his heart attack.

Darian:  That's what this is all about...what caused his heart attack.  I came here because I might know why he so suddenly took ill after showing no indication of heart problems.

Christina:  (sighing)  Dr. Jackson, I realize you may be angry about being taken off the case, but my father and I can handle it.  He is a heart specialist, probably one of the best in the state.  Isn't that why you asked for him to consult with you?

Darian:  Yes, I wanted Nathan to have the best available.  I just didn't expect to be blind sided and tossed aside.  (Pause)  But none of that is important.  What is important is that we order a toxicology report on Nathan to be performed immediately.

Christina:  Why?

Darian:  Because there's a possibility that someone drugged Nathan, poisoned him and induced the heart attack.

Christina:  (her eyes widening)  Are you serious?

Darian:  Yes, I am serious.  Now will you call the lab, wake someone if you have to, and get a test done immediately?

Christina:  (shaking her head)  No, Dr. Jackson.  I won't.

Scene:  Aboard a yacht called The Cassandra.  Nikki Lassiter and James Greyhawk are there.  Nikki is watching as the boat moves further and further away from the marina.  James stands behind her, a smirk on his face.

Nikki:  (turning to James)  Greyhawk, turn this boat around and turn it around now!

James:  Nikki, I already told you I wouldn't the first time you asked me.  What makes you think I'd do it after the tenth time you asked?

Nikki:  Because I thought you'd realize that I mean it!  This is serious...it's kidnapping.  I know your family has no consideration for the law, but this happens to be a felony.

James:  Please, Nikki, you're exaggerating.

Nikki:  The police might feel differently.

James:  Really?  You agreed to meet me here.  You knew we'd be taking the boat out.

Nikki:  But I changed my mind.  I specifically asked to be taken back.  And I'm not asking anymore...I'm telling you to take me back!

James:  (laughing)  You are really amusing, Miss Lassiter.

Nikki:  (getting more and more angry)  This is not funny, Greyhawk!  Take me back!  Do it now!  I'm demanding you get me off this damn ship!

James:  Demand all you want.  It won't do you any good.

Nikki:  Fine.  If you won't listen to me, I'll talk to whoever is piloting this thing.

James:  That won't do you any good either.  Raymond has been with us since before I was born.  He is as loyal as the day is long; he'll do whatever I ask him too. (James smiled)  He'd even kill if I requested it.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Dr. Gloria Dailey's office.  Gloria and Sabrina Collier are there.  Sabrina stands in front of Gloria's desk as Gloria sits, reading a copy of The Covington Bay Times.

Gloria:  (shaking his head)  I don't believe it.  I just don't believe it!  This is today's paper?

Sabrina:  Yep, the afternoon edition.  I imagine it's all over Covington Bay by now.

Gloria:  (rising to her feet)  Damn!  Damn it!

Sabrina:  I can understand you being angry.

Gloria:  Oh, you bet it am!

Sabrina:  The Times has been known the stretch the truth and they certainly have published their share of gossipy articles about your family.  But, this is going overboard.

Gloria:  It certainly is.

Sabrina:  Well, you certainly have cause to take legal action...or rather A.J. does.  Imagine his being married to Patricia Tamakai for the past six years.  That's insane.  And for her to write it?  I just don't get it. What would she have to gain from publishing this?  Doesn't she know the kind of problems she could have by printing such lies?

Gloria:  (sighing)  Well, that's just it.  The marriage is no lie.

Sabrina:  (surprised)  What?  A.J. and Patricia have been married all this time?   But how did it happen?  Why?

Gloria:  (nodding)  Apparently, A.J. and Patricia got drunk six years ago in Las Vegas during a celebration of A.J.'s getting that correspondent's job in London.  Things got out of hand and they got married.  He says he hardly remembers it even happening.

Sabrina:  (shaking her head)  Oh, Lord.  Why didn't he have the marriage annulled or get a divorce?  He certainly has grounds.

Gloria:  He claims he just neglected to do it.  After all, in his mind, he was never really married, so it was easy for him to pretend like it never happened.

Sabrina:  (nodding)  A.J. can be irresponsible at times.  (Pause)  How long have you known about this?

Gloria:  I found out just yesterday.  Believe me, if I'd of known sooner, I would've been on him to end the marriage long ago.

Sabrina:  Of course you would've of.  (Pause)  What about Melody?  She must be devastated. 

Gloria: It’s mild to say she's very upset.

Sabrina:  I can imagine she would be if she found out about all this when she read this article.

Gloria:  Actually, she didn't.  She found out yesterday when Patricia showed up at A.J.'s apartment and told Melody herself.

Sabrina: (stunned)  What!?  Why would Patricia do that?

Gloria:  (shrugging)  I don't know.  Why does that girl do anything?  First she tells Melody in the worst way possible and now she prints it in the Times. And I don't even want to get into her rather strange version of what happened at that warehouse last night between she and A.J..  I don't get any of this.

Sabrina:  A.J. was certainly shocked when he got a copy of the paper.

Gloria:  What do you mean when he got a copy of the paper?

Sabrina:  Like yours, the paper was delivered by messenger.  I was with A.J. when he read the article.  He raced out of here like his butt was on fire.  I can't imagine what he said to Patricia when he caught up to her, but she showed up later at Michael's office, talking about how her life was ruined.

Gloria:  Well, if that's the case, she brought it on herself.  So has A.J. for that matter.

Sabrina:  Sounds like those two definitely know how to find trouble.

Gloria:  That's certainly the truth.  Look at all that's happened in the last couple of days.  It's been one disaster after another involving those two.  (Pause)  I shudder to think what could be next.

Scene:  The back seat of a limousine as it drives through the night.  A.J. Lassiter and Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter are seated in the back seat.  The windows are tinted so the passengers couldn't see out and there is a darkened glass window separating Patricia and A.J. from the driver.  Patricia looks angry and scared while A.J. leans back in the seat, looking surprisingly comfortable.

Patricia:  A.J., we have got to do something!  We have to get out of here!

A.J.:  And what do you think we should do?

Patricia:  Make them stop the car!

A.J.:  How?  You've been banging on the barrier, not to mention screaming at the top of your lungs and it's done you no good.   They're ignoring you...a luxury I don't have.

Patricia:  Very funny!  (Pause)  A.J., it's obvious these men work for Reilly and Slade.  They are going to kill us!  That's why we've been driving for so long.  They're going to take us far outside of Covington Bay, murder us and dump the bodies so we'll never be heard from again!

A.J.:  Calm down and stop panicking!  You don' t know that.  You don't know what's going on.

Patricia:  I know that we were kidnapped at gunpoint only one day after nearly being killed by hit men working for a mobster.  I think logic would assume that somehow the two events are connected.

A.J.:  Maybe.

Patricia:  Maybe?  A.J., we're going to die if we don't get out of here.  Now maybe we can get the door open and jump out.

A.J.:  Are you crazy!?  At this speed, we'd be killed.  Besides, we can't get the door open, it's locked from the outside.  And, don't even try to break the windows, they're probably bullet proof.

Patricia:  Great, so you're just giving up!?  You're just going to sit around and wait until they kill us?  You're not going to fight for our lives!

A.J.:  Patricia, I will fight when I have a chance to actually win.  Right now, doing anything is a waste of time.

Patricia:  A.J., what is wrong with you!?  You're being awfully casual about this whole thing!  You don't seem upset or scared or even annoyed at being snatched from Markham's.  You seem to be more bothered by me.

A.J.:  (smirking)  That's the first intelligent thing you've said tonight.  (Pause)  Patricia, sit back and shut up.  Just because you have the ability to talk doesn't mean you have to keep practicing it.

Patricia:  Can't you stop insulting me for just a minute!?  We happen to be in a tight spot.

A.J.:  And we got here because of you.

Patricia:  How is this my fault!?

A.J.:  Patricia, when it comes to disaster, all roads lead to you.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Gloria's office.  Gloria and Sabrina are there.  Gloria is on the telephone.

Gloria:  (into phone)  A.J., call me when you get this message, okay?  Bye.  (She hung up)

Sabrina:  A.J. not at home?

Gloria:  I didn't think he would be.  He had a date with Melody tonight.  She and A.J. were going to start to try to work things out between them.  (She glanced at the article)  This story isn't going to help much; this was the last thing she and A.J. needed.

Sabrina:  I can imagine.  Do you think they can get past this; do you think they can work out their relationship?

Gloria:  I hope so.  Melody loves A.J. and I know he loves her.  But, he  lied to her; he lied to her time and time again.  He ruined their trust and it's going to be hard for them to get it back.

Sabrina:  But, they've been together for a long time.  They won't throw away such a long lasting relationship so easily.

Gloria:  I hope not.  Melody is one the best things that has ever happened to A.J..  She's just what he need to put some normalcy and stability in his life; the kind of woman my son needs to settle down with.

Sabrina:  Settle down?  Gloria, A.J. may love Melody, and I know she'd love to be his wife, but I never had the idea that he was interested in settling down and getting married.  And frankly, the fact that he sort of 'forgot' he was married to Patricia Tamakai proves that.

Gloria:  Believe me, I thought of that.  I imagine so has Melody.  I can only hope this whole mess has made A.J. come to his senses and see what he could lose if he doesn't get his act together.  (Pause as a thought seemed to strike Gloria)  You know, something doesn't make sense here.

Sabrina:  (smiling)  I thought when it came to our kids, we were used to things not making sense.

Gloria:  No, I mean this story in the Times.  You said that A.J. received his by messenger?

Sabrina:  Right.  And so did you.

Gloria:  But, that makes no sense.  Why would someone messenger this trash to us?

Sabrina:  Maybe they wanted to make sure you read it.

Gloria:  That's obvious.  But who do you think would do it?  And why?

Scene:  A car as it races through the night.  A.J. and Patricia are sitting in the back seat of the car.

Patricia:  A.J., I am not going to sit and let you blame me for this.  Lest you forget, I was taken away at gunpoint too!

A.J.:  Maybe, but this whole thing started with that mess last night.  And that was your fault.

Patricia:  So you do agree this has something to do with those men that tried to kill us last night?

A.J.:  I don't think it's a coincidence that less than twenty four hours after two men who tried to murder us get away we are kidnapped.  Then again, I could be wrong...and if I am I couldn't even begin to imagine what this is all about.

Patricia:  (fearfully)  So what are we going to do!?  We can't just sit back and wait for something to happen.

A.J.:  As I said, right now we don't have much of a choice, Patty.  (Pause)  Now be quiet.  I really can't take much more of your going on and on.  (Pause)  Melody must be worried sick.  No doubt by now she's realized I've disappeared...and this time I'm not sleeping in my mother's office.  I can't imagine what she must be thinking!

Patricia:  (annoyed)  With all we're going through, all you can think about his your girlfriend?

A.J.:  Yes, Patricia, I love her.  She means the world to me.  I want her in my life.

Patricia:  (dryly)  So you've told me.

A.J.:  It's true.  I love her, Patty.  And we will work out our problems no matter what.

Patricia:  A.J., I'm not interested in hearing about your wonderful, magical relationship with Melody.

A.J.:  I'm not surprised.  You seem incapable of giving a damn about anything or anyone but yourself.

Patricia:  A.J., despite what you might think, I care about more than just myself and what I want.

A.J.:  Really?  Your actions say otherwise.  Siding with the Greyhawks is only one example.

Patricia:  How many times do I have to justify that to you!?

A.J.:  You can't justify betraying me and my family, Patricia, so don't even try.  The fact of the matter is you're selfish, you only care about yourself.  You've proven that since the minute you walked back into this town.  And I...

(At that moment, the car stopped and the engine shut off)

A.J.:  The car stopped.

Patricia:  (gasping)  What do you think it means!?

A.J.:  We're here.

Patricia:  We're where!?  A.J., where could they have taken us?

A.J.:  I don't know, Patty, I don't know.  But I imagine it won't be long before we find out.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Dr. Christopher Sloan's office.  Darian and Christina are there.

Darian:  What do you mean you won't do this?  You have to!

Christina:  Really, I don't have to do anything!

Darian:  Doesn't this boy's life matter to you!?  He's very ill; he could die.  And if we could find out that Nathan was drugged...that someone tried to murder him...we could save his life.

Christina:  And just where did you get this idea that someone is trying to murder Nathan James?  Do you have proof?

Darian:  Of course we don't have any proof, that's what the test is for.

Christina:  What about the police?  Have you spoken to them?  Last time I looked, they investigated these things, not residents looking for a way to climb out of a hole they've dug themselves in.

Darian:  What is that supposed to mean?

Christina:  It means that you don't exactly have credibility in this matter, Dr. Jackson.  Nathan James was your patient and he suffered a major heart attack.

Darian:  So naturally I must've made a mistake?  I must've missed something?

Christina:  People, especially young men, don't develop heart conditions overnight.

Darian:  Dr. Sloan, if I made a mistake, fine.  I'll admit that and I'll take whatever flak is due me.  I'd deserve it.  But, if I didn't make a mistake, if someone trying to murder that boy, we need to find out.  Not only will it help in making him better, but the police will get involved and they'll start working on trying to find out who did this.

Christina:  Look, Dr. Jackson, even if I believed your story and wanted to help you, there's nothing I can do.

Darian:  What do you mean?  Aren't you on the case?

Christina:  No.  I'm a resident just like you.  I'm merely spending time with my father as part of my rotation in this field.  I'm only observing.  My father is his doctor.  I can't order any tests on Mr. James.

Darian:  Then call him.  Let him know what's happening and he'll order the tests.

Christina:  I can't do that.

Darian:  Why not?

Christina:  Right now my father is on his way to Los Angeles to speak at a medical conference.

Darian:  What!?  What about Nathan!?

Christina:  What about him?

Darian:  I thought he was his doctor.

Christina:  He is.  I have no doubt my father will keep in contact with the hospital and monitor his condition.

Darian:  From 3000 miles away?  When is he getting back?

Christina:  He'll be back tomorrow evening.

Darian:  Then who is speaking at the press conference that you scheduled for tomorrow?

Christina:  It's been pushed back until the day after tomorrow.

Darian:  I don't believe this, I just don't believe it!  How could he just take off like that?

Christina:  It was a last minute decision.

Darian:  Then why didn't he give someone else the case, someone who can stay here and look after his patient?

Christina:  (angrily)  Just what are you saying, Dr. Jackson?

Darian:  I'm saying that I was pushed off this case so the great Dr. Christopher Sloan could be his doctor and come in and save the day.  But now, Nathan has no one looking out for him.

Christina:  I assure you my father is on top of this case.

Darian:  The only thing you assured me was that someone has to take action on this.  If I wait around for you or your father to do something, Nathan could die.

Christina:  I don't like your insinuation.

Darian:  Then that makes us even, because I don't like what I see here either.  (Glaring at Christina, Darian turned and stormed out, rushing down the hallway.  As he was about turn into a corridor, Sabrina approached him.  Dana was watching from nearby)

Sabrina:  Darian, there you are.

Darian:  Hi, Sabrina.

Sabrina:  Did you talk to Dr. Sloan?  Is the toxicology test on Nathan going to be performed?

Darian:  Don't worry, Sabrina, everything is under control.

Sabrina:  Really?  What does that mean?

Darian:  Like I said, everything's under control.   Excuse me, I've got to run.  (Sabrina watched as Darian rushed away)

Sabrina:  I don't know what's going on there, but for some reason, I'm very, very nervous.

Scene:  The Lassiter Mansion; the living room.  Steven and Pamela walk in.

Pamela:  You should've gone after Richie.

Steven:  Pamela, there was no way I was going to run after that boy.

Pamela:  Why not?  It was obvious he was lying.  He knows where Nikki is and he didn't want to tell us.

Steven:  You're right, he probably does.

Pamela:  And you're not concerned.  Nikki could be in trouble.

Steven:  What makes you think that?

Pamela:  The look on Richie's face.  He was desperate to get out of here.  He looked frightened and afraid.

Steven:  (plopping onto the sofa)  Well, Pamela, you may not realize this, but you can't be pretty intimidating.

Pamela:  If you're trying to be funny, it's not working.

Steven:  Pamela, will you calm down?  Working yourself up into a frenzy isn't going to do anyone any good.

Pamela:  Well, I'm worried.  It's getting late and Nikki's not here.  Richie seemed very afraid of something.  I can't help but be worried...real worried.

Scene:  Aboard The Cassandra.  Nikki and James are on deck.

Nikki:  That isn't funny, you know.

James:  What isn't funny?  What are you talking about?

Nikki:  That your employee would kill me if you asked.  Do you know how that sounds?

James:  It sounds like a joke to me.

Nikki:  Well, I'm not laughing.  Particularly since you're kidnapping me.

James:  Nikki, I admit I may have been a little pushy in getting you here, but I have no plans to hurt you.  I want to get to know you.  I think we should get to know each other, especially since we're going to be working so closely together.

Nikki:  Just because we're working together doesn't mean we have to get to know each other. 

James:  Maybe we should.  I think we might like each other.

Nikki:  You know, I've heard so much about how much you loved Candice, but for someone who's supposed to be grieving, you certainly don't act like it.  

James:  I did love her.  I was going to marry her.

Nikki:   So you say.  But she’s only been dead a few months, but you keep coming on to me.  Is chasing after a girl who doesn't want you part of your mourning process?

James:  (edgily)  I really don't want to talk about Candice.

Nikki:  And I think we should.  I'm tired of these pitiful attempts at romance, Greyhawk.  We are here to save your stupid neck and that's it.

James:  Even if that's the case, why do we need to talk about Candice?

Nikki:  I find it curious that you don't want to talk about her.  She was supposed to be the love of your life.

James:  She was...until Nathan James took her from me.  Losing her was very difficult.  It's hard to talk about.

Nikki:  But it's easy to talk about how interested you are in me, even though I don't want you.  Even though our families hate one another.  It's just all so strange.

James:  What does that mean?

Nikki:  How quickly you can move on after Candice's death.  How you really don't want to talk about her.  It makes me wonder.

James:  Wonder what?

Nikki:  About your relationship.  You said you loved her, that she loved you, that you were engaged to be married.  I'm just wondering how true that is.

James:  (angrily)  Are you questioning my relationship with Candice?

Nikki:  Yes, I guess I am.

James:  Then I guess you stop before you go any further, little girl. My relationship with Candice is off limits as a topic of discussion.  Period.  (Pause)  Now if you'll excuse me, I'll check on dinner.  (James walked away)

Nikki:  (to herself)  Well, it would seem that I have touched upon a raw nerve.  James does not walk to talk about Candice.  I wonder why.  Is he grieving...or is it something else?  And what do I have to do to find out?

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Gloria's office.  Gloria and Sabrina are there.

Gloria:  So did Darian talk to Dr. Sloan?

Sabrina:  Apparently so.

Gloria:  And he ordered the tests?  You'll be able to find out if Nathan was poisoned?

Sabrina:  It would seem so.  Darian wasn't too happy though.  He seemed very angry and upset about something.

Gloria:  It's a tense situation.

Sabrina:  Maybe.  But it seemed to be more than that.  Something was definitely going on there.

Gloria:  But you have no idea what?

Sabrina:  No.  But it worries me.

Gloria:  Why?

Sabrina:  Because Darian was acting very strange.

Gloria:  How?  Did he say something?

Sabrina:  No Gloria, he really didn't say much of anything.  And that's why I'm so concerned.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit.  Darian walks up to Nathan's hospital room.

Darian:  (pausing outside the door)  I'm doing the right thing...I'm doing the right thing.  I have to save Nathan.  I have to find out the truth. (As Darian went into the room, Dana peered from the around the corner.  She ran to the door)

Dana:  What are you up to, Darian?  Just what are you up to?

Voice:  Dana!

Dana:  (whirling around to face Danny glaring at her)  Danny!

Danny:  What are you doing sneaking around my brother's hospital room!?

Dana:  Actually, Danny,  I think you're the one who should be answering questions here.  Starting with, where in the hell have you been all day?

Scene:  A log cabin.  A.J. and Patricia are there.  It is a sparsely decorated, rustic room.  A fire blazes in the fireplace.  There are plenty of comfortable chairs and a huge sofa to sit on.  Patricia paces the floor while A.J. sits on the sofa, sipping a cup of coffee.

Patricia:  I can't believe you're being so relaxed.

A.J.:  What should I be doing?

Patricia:  More than just sitting there drinking chicory coffee.

A.J.:  Chicory's my favorite.

Patricia:  And you think because there was a big pot of it brewing in the kitchen we should just help ourselves?  It could be poisoned.

A.J.:  (grinning)  Well, it if is, what a way to go.

Patricia:  A.J., what is wrong with you!?  We have been kidnapped and locked in this cabin, remember?  All the doors and windows are shut tight.  Whoever put us in here doesn't want us to get away.

A.J.:  True, but they obviously want us to be comfortable while we wait.  That makes me think that the hit men aren't behind this.

Patricia:   Are you’re sure of that?

A.J.:  Patty, if Reilly and Slade were after us, we'd be dead.  They are hit men...hired killers.  Guys like that don't whisk you away in chauffeured limos and put you up in luxurious cabins stocked with plenty of food and great coffee.

Patricia:  Then what is this all about?  Who brought us here?  And why?

(At that moment, the front doorknob started to jiggle)

Patricia:  Someone's coming in!

A.J.:  Yep.  I think we're about to get the answer to all of our questions.

(The door swung open and A.J. looked on shock at the person standing before him)

Patricia:  A.J.?

A.J.:  (gasping)  Oh, my God.  It's you.

In The Next Episode of Covington Bay