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EPISODE SEVEN

“THE GAUNTLET”

Scene: Covington Bay Courthouse, the courtroom where Nathan James's trial is being held. The courtroom is packed with reporters, onlookers, and the general public, including Nikki Lassiter and Richie Stone. Sabrina Collier and Michael Tamakai are at the defendants table. Sabrina is going over some notes as Michael watches.

Michael: So, what did you think?

Sabrina: Of what?

Michael: Of Nathan. Of what he had to say. If we didn't have enough working against us, now we've got a defendant who doesn't care if he lives or dies. Maybe we should've taken the plea Evan Maitland offered us.

Sabrina: What? He pleads guilty and he gets life imprisonment? That's as good as a death sentence, only it's a slow, painful one.

Michael: It doesn't bother you that our client's attitude isn't exactly conducive to winning a trial?

Sabrina: Of course it bothers me, which is why I told Nathan he needs to control thoughts like that. He certainly can't let the jury see them. But what can I do? He's a teenage boy grieving the love of his life. And he's on trial for murdering her. His attitude is hardly surprising.

Michael: Maybe, but what are we going to do about it?

Sabrina: (sighing) Right now, there isn't much we can do.

Voice: Well, well, well. Ms. Collier, it looks as if this day has finally come.

Sabrina and Michael looked up to see a handsome dark haired man standing in front of them. He had a friendly, almost warm smile and penetrating cobalt blue eyes. Impeccably dressed in a dark gray suit, it was tailored perfectly to fit his lean, muscled frame. He held a briefcase made of gleaming black leather.

Sabrina: Hello, Evan. Yes, I guess this day finally has come. Still not too late to drop the charges against my client.

Evan Maitland: (chuckling) And let a killer go free? Not hardly. I guess you haven't gained enough sense to accept the deal I offered you.

Sabrina: I have enough sense not to let my client go to jail for the rest of his life for a crime he didn't commit.

Evan: I guess this means the trial is on, doesn't it?

Sabrina: (icily) I guess it does.

Evan: Good. I'd hate to pass up a chance to play such a vital role in seeing justice done.

Sabrina: (smirking) Especially in an election year.

Evan: Sharp as ever, aren't you, Ms. Collier? I hope to see that during the trial. I'd like for this to be a bit of a challenge.

Sabrina: A challenge, Mr. Maitland? You don't know the half of it.

* * * * * *

Scene: Outside the courtroom. Patricia Tamakai is on the telephone.

Patricia: I can't talk long, the trial will be starting any second. I just wanted to check in. (Pause) I'll be in the office just as soon as we have the lunch recess. I've got some big news for you. (Pause) Thanks boss, talk to you later. Bye. (She hung up the phone)

Voice: Patty? Patty Tamakai, is that you?

Patricia turned to see a tall, handsome, broad shouldered man standing a few feet away. He had thick waves of dark blonde hair and cobalt blue eyes. He wore well worn, snug fitting jeans and a cotton blue pullover that molded to his muscled chest and biceps. A pair of scuffed black western boots adorned his feet.

Patricia: Yeah, who are you?

Man: (frowning) You don't remember me? I'm disappointed.

Patricia: Should I remember you?

Man: (smiling) Most women do.

Patricia: Well, I'm afraid you and your ego are about to be bit deflated because I'm at a total loss as to who you are.

Man: Then why don't you let me give you a few clues?

Patricia: Why don't you just tell me? I'm really in no mood for games.

Man: Really? But you always loved games, especially mind games. Toying with people, especially men, was always one of your most avid activities. So tell me, sweetheart, has that changed?

* * * * * *

Scene: The courtroom. Sabrina, Michael and Evan are there talking to one another.

Evan: The only guarantee I can make you is your client is going to be convicted of first degree murder.

Sabrina: How many times have you said that coming up against me in the past? And how many times have you been wrong?

Evan: About as many times as you have. (Pause) This makes it sort of a tie breaker.

Sabrina: I don't think so, because that implies this is a game, and this is no game, not when an innocent young man's life is at stake.

Evan: Throwing down the gauntlet, huh? (Pause) It was nice chatting with you, Ms. Collier. It was nothing if entertaining. (He walked away, going to the prosecution table)

Michael: Well, I never felt so invisible in my life.

Sabrina: Consider yourself lucky if Evan Maitland ignores you. As you can see, he's not exactly the most pleasant person.

Michael: I'd have to agree with that. (Pause) You two seem to have some history.

Sabrina: Of course we do. You don't practice criminal law in this city without coming up against the DA. We've had more than a few go rounds and he's right when he says we're about even. But this time is different.

Michael: How so?

Sabrina: The stakes have never been this high. I have to win this one and I'm going to.

* * * * * *

Scene: Outside the courtroom. Patricia and the man are there talking.

Patricia: Exactly what are you giving me here, clues or insults?

Man: Actually it's a compliment. How could anyone not admire a woman who always got what she wanted by batting her big brown eyes, a talent that had worked wonders since the day you were born?

Patricia: Since the day I was born? Did we grow up together?

Man: Not exactly. We both grew up in Covington Bay, but we didn't cross paths very often. . .to my chagrin of course. You were always too busy tagging after your brother Michael or A.J. Lassiter to give me the time of day.

Patricia: So you know my brother and A.J. as well? Were you one of their friends?

Man: No. I never really cared for either of them.

Patricia: Really? Because everyone likes A.J.. He was always very popular... except with... (Pause; her eyes widened in shock) Oh, wait a minute. Are you. . .?

A.J.: (rushing up) All right, Patty, you and I need to talk. (He stopped short, looking at the man.) Well, well, Lucas Greyhawk, this is a surprise.

Lucas: (smiling) Hello, Lassiter, it's been awhile.

A.J.: (tensely) Not long enough. This seems to be my day for unwelcome ghosts from the past. What brings you back to town?

Lucas: Well, I do have family here.

A.J.: Yes, but since when do the Greyhawks hang out in the city courthouse? Your family tends to avoid things that represent truth and justice and decency.

Lucas: Good one, Lassiter. You still possess just the tiniest bit of wit. But, you should know I'm in town on business.

A.J.: Business? Last I heard, you were a big time private investigator. Or, has that gone under?

Lucas: Hardly, Greyhawk Investigations is stronger and more profitable than ever.

A.J.: Good for you. But why would you have business in Covington Bay? You always said this town was too dull for you and you had bigger and better things to do.

Lucas: I do, but Covington Bay does occasionally generate a spark of adventure that can even interest me.

A.J.: I see. (Pause) You know Lucas, it's really good to see you. You've been missed.

Lucas: Really? Why do I find that hard to believe? Could it be the incredible lack of sincerity in your voice?

A.J.: No, Lucas, I am sincere. I am glad to see you. It finally gives me the chance to give you what I've owed you since the last time you were in town.

Lucas: Really? I can't imagine what that could be. And even if you owed me something, why would I be interested in anything that came from you?

Patricia: Guys, I don't like the direction this conversation is going.

A.J.: Don't worry, Patty, I just want to give Lucas a little reminder of what I owe him. (He reeled back and punched Lucas, who groaned, falling to the floor)

Patricia: (leaping to aid Lucas) A.J.! What in the world!?

A.J.: (looking down at Lucas) Well, Greyhawk, does that refresh your memory?

Patricia: What in the world is wrong with you? Have you lost your mind?

A.J.: (rubbing his bruised hand as he smiles) Temporary insanity? That sounds like a good defense. Of course, once everyone knows that I hit a Greyhawk, I'm sure I'd get a medal rather than a conviction.

Patricia: You have gone nuts! (She bent over Lucas, brushing back his hair) Are you all right?

Lucas: If I said I was seriously injured, what would that get me?

Patricia: (startled) What!? (She leapt to her feet)

A.J.: (annoyed) Oh, he's all right. Get up, Greyhawk. (He held out his hand) You're not hurt, I barely clipped you.

Lucas: (grinning as he grabbed A.J.'s hand and was pulled upright) Maybe, but you still have a hell of a right cross. You been working out?

A.J.: You don't stay a top notch reporter by getting out of shape, mentally or physically.

Lucas: I see modesty is still one of your best attributes.

Patricia: (angrily) Well, I see this situation hasn't changed a bit. You two still have this dumb rivalry going on, don't you?

Lucas: Oh yeah and we always will, till one of us wins. . .or dies. Whichever comes first.

Patricia: Do you always greet each other by coming out swinging?

A.J.: Lucas deserved that punch and he knows it. It could've been worse, but my anger has lessened over time.

Lucas: I can't believe you're still nursing a grudge, Lassiter, just because I played a little trick on you.

A.J.: That little trick almost got me killed. You blew my cover with those drug dealers just as I was about to get to the leader of the operation.

Lucas: Hey, I needed an in with them so I could close the case I was working on. I didn't know you were involved until you showed up. I had to use you to get them to trust me; you would've done the same, wouldn't you?

A.J.: (begrudgingly) Maybe.

Lucas: Besides, I did create a diversion so you could get away and you still got the story, didn't you?

A.J.: And a few scars in the process, but I suppose you think I should thank you.

Lucas: It's always nice to be appreciated.

A.J.: Greyhawk, the only thing I have for you is a warning. I don't know what brings you back to Covington Bay, but stay out of my way. If you cross me again, a sucker punch will be the least of your problems.

Lucas: A Lassiter threatening a Greyhawk. . .how original.

Patricia: Are you two listening to yourselves? You sound like a couple of kindergartners. Any minute I expect Miss Jenkins to call us back to class because recess is over.

Lucas: Patty, make no mistake, A.J. and I aren't playing little boys games anymore. We're both well aware how dangerous the other can be. It's what makes it so much fun. See ya around, Lassiter.

A.J.: Somehow I don't doubt that.

(Patricia shook her head in distaste as Lucas walked away)

Patricia: I can't believe you hit him. I know you've always been at odds because of the bad blood between your families, but you were never violent.

A.J.: I'm not violent. Greyhawk deserved that.

Patricia: There is never any excuse for violence. That was so childish of you.

A.J.: You are hardly the one to judge childish behavior considering the stunt you pulled this morning. If you weren't a woman, I'd punch you.

(Smiling, A.J. walked away and went into the courtroom)

* * * * *

Scene: The courtroom. Richie and Nikki were sitting in one of the front aisles.

Richie: When is this thing going to start? I can barely stand the tension.

Nikki: Neither can I, but unfortunately, trials can be a long drawn out process. We just have to patient.

Richie: You're right. I'm just so upset and worried about Nate. I hate to see him going through this.

Nikki: So do I, believe me. (Nikki was looking around the courtroom)

Richie: Who are you looking for, your cousin, A.J.?

Nikki: No. Nate's brother, Danny or anyone else from Nate's family. I don't see them, do you?

Richie: Come to think of it, no. I hope they get here soon. Nate needs the support.

Nikki: They probably just got caught in traffic or something.

Richie: I hope so. The last thing Nathan needs is to feel more alone than he already does.

Nikki: (gently rubbing Richie's face) Nathan won't be alone, not as long as he has friends like you.

Richie: (smiling) Thanks, but that doesn't do him any good, not unless I was doing something to help him, really help him, like catching the real killer.

Nikki: That would be great, but we don't have any idea who really killed Candice.

Richie: You're wrong about that.

Nikki: What do you mean? You're not telling me you know who killed her, do you?

Richie: Yeah, as a matter of fact, I do.

Sabrina and Michael were at the defendants table. Michael was anxiously glaring at his watch, while Sabrina looked around the room with a worried expression on her face that grew every moment.

Michael: When is this going to get started? We're running late and that's odd. Judge Perkins is usually such a stickler about starting court proceedings on time.

Sabrina: You're right, but I'm glad for the delay because we've got a bigger problem.

Michael: Oh really? How could this situation get any worse?

Sabrina: How about the fact no one from Nathan's family is here?

Michael: What? (He looked around the room) You're right. I don't see any of them. Where could they be? You don't think they just wouldn't show up for trial would they?

Sabrina: (shaking her head) I find that hard to believe. They both have been very supportive of Nathan from the start. I can't believe they wouldn't show, especially when he needs them the most.

Michael: Possibly. Or maybe they've come to realize the truth; that he did kill Candice.

Sabrina: (slamming her pencil on the table) Michael, I don't need this from you, not now. I don't believe for one second that Nate's family think he killed Candice, not after how strongly they have stood behind him. I will not have this kind of talk from you, especially here.

Michael: I'm sorry, Sabrina, I can't help but voice my opinion.

Sabrina: You can't help but think if you get me angry enough I'll take you off this case, but the only way that's going to happen is if your job goes along with it. Is that clear?

Michael: (edgily) Crystal.

Sabrina: Good. Now I can worry about why Nathan's family isn't here. If the jury walks in and sees that, it'll be devastating to his case, not to mention what it will do to Nathan.

Michael: Well maybe there's really no reason to panic. There was a really bad traffic accident earlier today, maybe they got snarled in that. We may have no reason to panic. . yet.

At that moment, a tall, husky man in guard's uniform walked up to the defendant's table.

Man: Mrs. Collier, you better come with me.

Sabrina: Jerry, what's wrong? (Alarm flickered in her eyes) Has something happened to Nathan?

Jerry: Yes. I'm afraid so.

To be continued...

In The Next Episode of Covington Bay…

· Nathan's downfall puts the trial on hold.

· Richie's confession shocks Nikki.

· A.J. tries to repair his relationship with Melody.