Covington Bay--Episode 69

EPISODE 69

“DUPED?”

ACT ONE

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the Medical Examiner's office. Dr. Daphne Williamson is there, doing some paperwork at her desk. The African-American woman looked tired. She rubs her eyes, then sips a cup of the coffee out of a Styrofoam cup, frowning at it's taste.

Voice: Hello, Daphne.

Daphne: (looking up to see Dr. Darian Jackson standing in the doorway. She was stunned to see him) Darian!

Darian: (hesitantly) Hi, Daphne.

Daphne: (a wary look in her dark brown eyes as she rose to her feet) What are you doing here?

Darian: I need to talk to you.

Daphne: Why? What could we have to say to one another? I haven't heard from you in almost three months.

Darian: I know.

Daphne: And considering how things ended between us, I really never expected to hear from you again.

Darian: And I never expected to be here. This was the last thing I wanted to have to do. But I had no choice, as hard as this is going to be.

Daphne: Coming here is hard for you? How interesting you should say that… given you weren’t the one who got dumped.

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

James: (sighing) Nikki, I really don't want to talk anymore. I've had just about enough conversation for one night. The boat will be at the marina soon and you can get out of here just like you've wanted.

Nikki: (annoyed) Is that how it is, Greyhawk? You've basically held me hostage this entire evening and as soon as things don't go your way, you want to pack up and go home?

James: I would think you couldn't wait to away from me. You’ve been demanding it since we got started on this… excursion.

Nikki: Oh believe me, Greyhawk, I don't enjoy spending time with you. But, as I said, this evening is not over until I have said my peace.

James: Nikki, I don't want to talk about Candice. I'd think you'd know that by now.

Nikki: (noting the redness of her wrist where James had grabbed her earlier) But isn't that why we are here? Isn't that what this is all about; making sure that Candice's killer pays for his crime?

James: Yes, but talking about her is not part of that. We can work through this without getting into the details of our relationship.

Nikki: Greyhawk, you may not want to hear what I have to say, but I am going to say it.

James: Go ahead. Say it.

Nikki: Look, I hate to admit this, but I made a mistake. I think I may have been wrong about you.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the solarium. Melody Sorensen and Monica Greyhawk are there.

Melody: Monica, I might just have to accept that my relationship with A.J. may be over.

Monica: Melody, I don't believe that...not for one minute. You love A.J. and he loves you.

Melody: But, that might not be enough to get us through this.

Monica: I believe that love can overcome any problem or obstacle. My marriage to Nigel is proof of that.

Melody: As far as I can see, your relationship with Nigel is wonderful and always has been. And now the two of you are planning to have your first child.

Monica: Yes, but we had to go through a lot to get to this point. Believe me, there were times when I didn't think we'd make it.

Melody: I'm surprised to hear you say these things. You and Nigel always seemed so happy. There's never been any sign of a problem between the two of you as far as I could tell.

Monica: I guess I've been pretty good at hiding things. But Nigel and I have worked through some pretty serious problems, the kind of things that could destroy most marriages. But we've come through it together. You and A.J. can do the same.

Melody: (shaking her head, surprised) Monica, I can't believe you were having all these problems and I didn't see it.

Monica: Melody, there's no need for you to feel guilty. The kind of problems we had really weren't very visible.

Melody: And you dealt with this all alone?

Monica: No. Like most people in this family, I had Hillary to talk to. And she was a godsend. I guess that’s the good thing about having a shrink in the family. Fortunately we're her sisters so we get a really good rate.

Melody: (laughing) Thank God. It's almost impossible to get an HMO to pay for a therapist.

(They shared a laugh, then their expressions turned serious again)

Monica: Melody, I know things look bad now, but I believe that you and A.J. can come through this. You can have A.J., a family and all the things that are important to you if only you want them badly enough.

Melody: Monica, I want them so badly. You can't imagine how much I want to be A.J.'s wife...what I would give to marry him and have his children. But what does that matter if it's not what A.J. wants?

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the living room. Nigel, Quentin and Lucas Greyhawk are there.

Quentin: Lucas, I don't know what is going on here, but I don't want you getting involved.

Lucas: Dad, I can't ignore the fact that A.J. and Patricia could be in danger.

Nigel: And getting involved could put you in danger, too.

Lucas: Hey, I can handle myself. It's not the first time I've been on the firing line, you know.

Quentin: Lucas, I know you are more than capable at handling anything thrown your way, but I can't stand by and watch you risk your life.

Lucas: Dad, I know that you don't like the idea of me helping A.J., but...

Quentin: Lucas, this has nothing to do with the fact that A.J. is a Lassiter. After all they have done to this family, I more than anyone want to see them ruined, but I certainly don't want to see the man dead. I wouldn't wish that on anyone and I certainly wouldn't wish that on his family.

Lucas: Then what is the problem?

Quentin: The problem is I don't want you risking your life. A.J. was almost killed by drug dealers last night. If he has been attacked or kidnapped by them, I don't want you involved. Call the police. Let them handle it. Lucas, I insist you stay out of this!

Scene: A cabin outside of Covington Bay. A.J. Lassiter, Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter and Victor Markham are there.

Victor: It's important that you accept my offer. I think working together to find those men will prove beneficial to both of us.

Patricia: We already said no. What else do you need to hear?

Victor: You're not going to even consider it?

Patricia: Somehow dealing with my kidnapper leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Forget it, Mr. Markham. We're not interested.

Victor: Is your wife speaking for you as well, Mr. Lassiter?

A.J.: Ignoring the fact that you insist on referring to this woman as my wife, she doesn't speak for me.

Victor: Then you will at least think about what I offered?

A.J.: It doesn't matter that I turned out down flatly only a few moments ago?

Victor: I don't give up easily, Mr. Lassiter. Surely you must know that.

A.J.: That's something I'm fairly certain of.

Victor: Then you know I'm going to do whatever I have to do to convince you?

A.J.: I realize that, Mr. Markham, but I really don't think you need to bother.

Victor: I already said I'm not going to give up until you accept.

A.J.: And I told you don't need to bother...because I’ve reconsidered and I’m going to take you up on your offer.

Victor: (smiling) Wonderful!

Patricia: (shocked) What!? A.J., you can't!

A.J.: Oh, I can. And I will.

ACT TWO

Scene: Aboard The Cassandra. James and Nikki are there.

Nikki: When this thing first started, when I came to you to tell you what Richie and Nathan were doing, I wasn't sure if it wasn't true. I still had my doubts about you. I thought that they were right about you, but they just couldn’t prove it so they decided to make up the evidence they couldn’t find.

James: Framing a guilty man, you mean.

Nikki: Something like that.

James: I can’t believe you would listen to Richie's insane ramblings about me being a killer? You believed I could kill Candice? Why? Because of my last name?

Nikki: James, I didn't really know you very well. I still don't.

James: But you’ve learned enough to feel safe with me? You don’t think you’re going to be my next victim?

Nikki: Do I feel safe with you? I wouldn’t go as far as to say that. But, I don't think you’re a killer.

James: But if you thought I was guilty why did you come here? Why did you propose to stop your friends from framing me for murder if you believed I may have done it.

Nikki: What should I have done? I couldn't ignore what I found out about Richie and Nate. I had to see if it were true. Coming to you...spending time with you, seeing what the truth really was, is the only way I could do that.

James: And you believe me now? Why? Nikki, we've only been involved with this a day at the most. And most of that time we've hardly discussed the case. What changed your mind so quickly?

Nikki: What I saw tonight. James, since Candice was murdered, all I've seen from you is anger and rage against Nathan. You've spent so much time railing against him that I never saw an ounce of grief.

James: Just because I'm not crumpled in a ball of tears doesn't mean I'm not grieving Candice. Believe me, I am.

Nikki: I know you are. I saw that for the first time tonight. And seeing that and knowing what Richie and Nathan are planning makes me realize that you didn't kill Candice. You couldn't have.

James: Why are you telling me this? Why are you being so nice? I haven’t exactly made this evening pleasant.

Nikki: No you haven’t. And there's no excuse for your actions, however, I understand where it came from. More importantly, I know you're sorry you did it.

James: I sure am, sweetheart. I don't get off on hurting women...especially when they are as pretty as you.

(And as James spoke those words, Nikki looked up at him. Their eyes locked and continued in a warm gaze.)

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the Medical Examiner's office. Daphne and Darian are in her office.

Darian: You know something, this was a mistake. I should've never come here. After everything that’s happened, how it ended between us, I should’ve known better. I just didn't know where else to go. I'm sorry, Daphne, good bye.

Daphne: (as he started to walk out) Wait a minute. You're going to just leave, just like that?

Darian: It's for the best. This was a mistake.

Daphne: Darian, you can't just walk in and out of my life like this. Not without an explanation. Considering our history, I think you owe me that.

Darian: I really don’t think we should be discussing who owes who what, Daphne, do you?

Daphne: You said you wouldn’t have come here unless you had no other choice and given what’s happened with us, I believe that. Do you need something? Are you in some sort of trouble?

Daphne: In a way. I needed your help with something. I guess I needed a favor.

Daphne: (shaking her head as she came from behind the desk and approached Darian) You have got to be kidding. You actually have the nerve after all this time to show up on my doorstep asking for a favor?

Darian: Yes, Daphne, I do.

Daphne: You must be desperate if you came to me.

Darian: I am. This was a last resort.

Daphne: Really? Then I’ll take great pleasure in telling you to go to hell.

Scene: A cabin outside of Covington Bay. A.J., Patricia and Victor are there.

Patricia: A.J., why would you want to get involved with this man? You were the one who told me about his reputation as a mobster.

Victor: It's just that, Patricia, a reputation. And clearly undeserved.

Patricia: Really? The police, the press and most of the people in this town seem to disagree. I haven't been back on Covington Bay long, but I certainly have got the word on you, Mr. Markham. Now I don't know what this is all about, why you have come to us with this idea of an alliance, but I am not falling for it. And I can't believe you would either, A.J..

A.J.: (turning to Victor) Would you mind giving us a minute? I think Patricia and I should have a talk.

Victor: Certainly. It's clear you two have a few things to work out. I'd just be outside arranging for you to be taken back to town. (Victor walked out, closing the door behind him)

Patricia: A.J., since when do you agree to work with mobsters!?

A.J.: Patty, if you would only stop blathering for one minute and think, you'd realize just why we need to go along with this.

Patricia: I can't think of one good reason. (She shook her head) All I've heard is what a crook this guy is and you want to join forces with him; have you changed that much since I left town?

A.J.: You've been away for almost ten years, Patricia, and we haven't seen each other in six. I think it's safe to say you don't know me very well.

Patricia: The A.J. I remember would never get involved with criminals.

A.J.: I would in this case.

Patricia: Why? It's obvious this man is up to something. Why else would he want to help us catch men who we think work for him?

A.J.: I don't know, but I want to find out and we can't do that unless we agree to Markham's offer. If we say no, he walks away and we having nothing. But if we join forces, we can find out exactly what he is up to.

Patricia: And what if he's setting us up or leading us into some sort of trap?

A.J.: That's the chance we'll have to take to get to the truth. And there is the possibility that he's not involved with those men.

Patricia: Are you saying you don't think he's a crook?

A.J.: I'm fairly certain Markham's up to his ears in illegal business in Covington Bay. But, there were some crimes that even Hitler wasn't responsible for during his reign. But, if Markham doesn't have these guys on his payroll and wants to find them to actually try and up his reputation, he might really be able to help us find them.

Patricia: Assuming they aren't stalking us already.

A.J.: I'm not sure these guys are in town anymore. Covington Bay is small and they are wanted by every cop in town. Their faces have been all over the news, and not just local either. There really isn't too many places they could hide. But, no matter where they are, Markham might be able to lead us to them. For our sakes, I'd feel a lot better if they were in jail. And it sure would look good if I...we were the ones to bring them in.

Patricia: A.J., we can't trust this man. We don't know what his agenda is.

A.J.: Patty, I hardly trust Victor Markham. But I want to find out what is going on. And if working with him is the way to do it, then so be it. The questions is, are you in on it with me? Without you this isn't going to come off. So what do you say? Are we a team or what?

ACT THREE

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the Medical Examiner's Office. Daphne and Darian are there.

Darian: I guess I deserved that.

Daphne: How dare you just walk into my life asking favors after dumping me like you did!? You have a hell of a nerve!

Darian: No, what I have is desperation. Like I said, I never would of unless I thought there was any place else I could go.

Daphne: What could be so important that you had to come here and remind me of...! (She stopped herself) What do you want, Darian!?

Darian: I think I should just go.

Daphne: (grabbing Darian as he started to walk away) Do you honestly think I'm just going to let you walk out of here without telling me what you want!? I know you'd just rather run away...that's your specialty, but I am not going to let you do it.

Darian: Does it really matter now?

Daphne: I think I deserve to know what this is all about.

Darian: All right. (Pause as he pulled a vial of blood from his pocket) I need you to analyze this.

Daphne: (taking the vial) Blood?

Darian: Yes.

Daphne: Whose is it?

Darian: Who it is doesn't matter. I just know that you used to work in the Toxicology Lab before you started here, so you would know what to do, right?

Daphne: Of course I would. But, why do you need it analyzed? And why not just have someone at the hospital do it?

Darian: I can't.

Daphne: Why not? Darian, this isn't like you. You've never been one to skirt the rules. Why are you doing it now?

Darian: Because I don't have a choice.

Daphne: You must not. I can't imagine you doing something like this so it must be serious. And you can't tell me anything? You can't give me any of the details?

Darian: No. It's best you don't know anything. Like I said, I shouldn't have come here. (He took the vial) I'm sorry, Daphne...for everything. Goodbye. (He stared meaningfully at her for a moment and then started to walk out)

Daphne: (as Darian started to walk out) Darian, wait.

Darian: (stopping and turning to face her) What is it?

Daphne: (holding out her hand) Give me the vial.

Darian: Daphne, I.... You do realize what I’m asking you to do, don’t you? The kind of trouble you could get into if we were found out?

Daphne: Give it to me, Darian... before I change my mind.

Darian: So you're going to do it?

Daphne: You said you were desperate and you look like you are. I can't turn you away, not even after all that's happened between us.

Darian: Oh, thank you, Daphne! Thank you! (He rushed over and hugged her, then stopped himself and stepped away) I'm sorry.

Daphne: (unsettled) That's okay.

Darian: How soon will you have the results?

Daphne: I don't know. Maybe sometime tomorrow. You obviously need this done as quickly as possible.

Darian: Yeah, I do.

Daphne: I'll keep that in mind.

Darian: Well, I better go. (Pause) Thanks again, Daphne.

Daphne: No problem.

Darian: I'll be in touch, I guess. Bye. (Darian walked out)

Daphne: (shaking her head) Girl, you are a glutton for punishment.

Scene: Aboard The Cassandra. Nikki and James are on deck, staring warmly at one another.

Nikki (suddenly looking away, an uncomfortable look on her face): James, you just can’t take no for an answer, can you?

James: Why not? You don't like compliments?

Nikki: I don't like you forgetting why we are here. Or that I’m not interested in you.

James: Believe me, I haven't forgotten. And I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. But, it doesn’t mean I won’t pay you a well deserved compliment when I think it’s necessary. Look, it seems like we did resolve a few things, cleared up some issues between us. So maybe we shouldn't be so eager to go back to shore. After all, we still haven't gotten into the case. That is why we’re here.

Nikki: Are you suggesting we go ahead and have dinner?

James: Sure. I'm starving and the chef has prepared a great meal. I'll bet you're hungry too.

Nikki: I am. My stomach is probably growling louder than the engines of this boat.

James: Then let's go ahead and have dinner. We really shouldn't let this food go to waste.

Nikki: But...

James: Nikki, if you're worried about what happened earlier, believe me, it's not going to happen again. I promise you that. So let's have dinner.

Nikki: (suddenly smiling) Sure. Why not. Let's do it.

James: Great. I'll tell the captain. (James walked away)

Nikki: (to herself) You're getting in deep, girl. Let's just hope you don't get in over your head...there's no one around to throw you a life preserver.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the solarium. Melody and Monica are there.

Monica: Are you sure you know what A.J. does or doesn't want?

Melody: A.J. has made it clear throughout this that he has not changed his mind about marriage and children. He says he loves me and wants to be with me, but marriage isn't part of the picture.

Monica: And you can't live with that anymore?

Melody: Monica, I've waited for so long for A.J. to come to his senses and see that we belong together; that we could have a wonderful marriage and family. I know it could be that way if he would just let it happen.

Monica: Then maybe you should start working on making him see it. If I know you Melody, you haven't demanded he make a decision.

Melody: I don't want to give A.J. any ultimatums. Putting his back against the wall is not the way to handle things with him. He’s not the kind of man to be forced into anything.

Monica: I'm not saying you should try that. I just think you should do whatever you have to do to make him realize that letting you slip away will be the worst mistake he would ever make. A.J. needs to see that his life is nothing without you as his wife.

Melody: And how do I do that? I don't want to manipulate or coerce him into anything. We'd never be happy that way. I'll leave the scheming to Patricia.

Monica: What does she have to do with anything? A.J. doesn't love her; he made a mistake when he married her.

Melody: True, but that means nothing to Patricia. She's after A.J.. She wants to make their marriage a real one.

Monica: (surprised) Are you sure about that?

Melody: I have no proof. It's just a feeling I have. But I'm sure everything she does is simply a maneuver to get to her goal of nabbing A.J..

Monica: Well Melody, if that's the case, you've got to dig in your heels and fight for what's yours. And now is the time to do it.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the living room. Nigel, Lucas and Quentin are there.

Nigel: Lucas, I agree with Dad. You really should stay out of this.

Lucas: Look, Dad...Nigel, I really don't think the police will do anything, not after they came off looking like fools when they thought A.J. had been kidnapped earlier today. I just want to look into this. If I come up with something concrete, then I'll go to the police and let them take it from there. Believe me, I'm not interested in playing hero...especially when I'm not being paid for it. (He grinned)

Quentin: (exasperated) Lucas...! Aren't you even going to listen?

Lucas: Dad, I'm glad you're concerned, but I have to do something. I can't stand by and let something happen to A.J. and Patricia.

Quentin: So, I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?

Lucas: Could I talk to you out of doing anything you wanted?

Quentin: I guess I have my answer, don't I? (He sighed) All right, Lucas, all right. I guess I really shouldn't be surprised. You'd never been the kind of man to turn your back on someone in trouble...even a Lassiter. (as his son headed for the door) Just be careful... please. Victor Markham is a very dangerous man.

Lucas: Under the right circumstances, big brother, so am I. I'll see you later.

(Lucas rushed out and into the foyer. As he entered, he saw Monica and Melody coming out of the solarium)

Lucas: Melody!

Melody: (surprised) Lucas, what are you doing here? I thought you'd still be on your date with Patricia.

Lucas: No. It ended early.

Melody: Why? Did something happen? (Pause as Lucas hesitates answering her) Well, Lucas, did something happen tonight with you and Patricia?

Scene: A cabin outside of Covington Bay. A.J. and Patricia are there.

Patricia: You're asking to work with me? Just a few hours ago, you wanted to drive me out of town.

A.J.: Believe me, Patricia, nothing would please me more than to have you out of my life. But, Markham wants us both.

Patricia: Boy, you're making this sound so enticing; working with a mobster, hunting down hired killers, being involved with a man who can't stand me. (She sighed) Not exactly what I pictured life would be like when I came back to town.

A.J.: And what did you think it would be like?

Patricia: (hesitating) I don't know. Just not this.

A.J.: (puzzled by her attitude) Look, I just need to know if I can count on you, Patty. Are you with me on this?

Patricia: (nodding) Sure. I'm interested in finding out what this is all about too. (Pause) I guess we've got a deal.

Victor: (standing in the doorway) Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear that. (He walked in, closing the door behind him) The car is waiting outside. You can return to Covington Bay momentarily.

Patricia: Good.

A.J.: So what's our next step, Mr. Markham?

Victor: First of all, I insist you call me Victor since we're going to be working together.

A.J.: Sure...Victor. And you can call me A.J.. (Pause) So, what is our first step?

Victor: We can work out those details at our next meeting.

Patricia: Which is when?

Victor: (cryptically) Soon. Very soon. (Pause) I think we've all made a great decision here. This collaboration is going to be lucrative for all of us.

Patricia: Can we go now?

Victor: Certainly. But first... (he held out his hand) ...shall we seal the deal with a handshake?

A.J.: Sure. (He shook Victor's hand and when Victor turned to Patricia, she shook his hand as well)

A.J.: I guess we'll be in touch soon?

Victor: Count on it.

A.J.: Then we'll say goodnight. (A.J. and Patricia walked out, leaving Victor with a big smile. He went to the telephone, picked it up and quickly punched in a number)

Victor: Hello, it's me. (Pause) Yes, they just left. Everything went according to plan. (Pause) Of course they are suspicious, they'd be fools not to be. But, they won't be able to stop me. They won't even know what's going to happen to them...not until it's too late.

Coming Up In Covington Bay

· Lucas avoids the truth.

· Melissa makes a desperate plea to Eric.

· James says something Nikki doesn't expect to hear.

· Danny's absence raises questions.

· Glenn crashes a dinner party.