EPISODE 70

 

“ON SECOND THOUGHT”

Scene:  Dana Cooper's house; the bedroom.  Dana is clipping on an earring as she looked at herself in the full length mirror. She took a step back, admiring the clingy blue dress that showed off her curvy figure well.

Dana: Girl, you look good. And a certain doctor will think so too.

(A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She gave herself one quick once over in the mirror before making her way to the front door of her home. She opened the door, a warm smile appearing on her face. Dr. Zachary Dailey stood in the doorway, also smiling, looking very handsome in a pale gray suit. )

Zachary: Hi. 

Dana: Hi.  (She kissed Zachary on the cheek) Come in.

Zachary: Sure.  (Zachary walked in and Dana noticed he was keeping one hand behind his back.)

Zachary: You look great. 

Dana: Thank you.  You look good yourself.   (She tried to peer over his shoulder.)   What is that you're hiding from me?

Zachary: Just these.  (He produced a huge bouquet of yellow roses.)

Dana: Oh!  They're beautiful. I love them. Roses are my favorite... especially yellow.

Zachary: I know.

Dana: How did you know that?  (She took the flowers from Zachary)

Zachary: I asked Natalie what you might like and she gave me a bit of advice.

Dana:  Well, I love them.  (She kissed him again.)  Thank you so much. I'll just go put them in water.

(Dana walked out, going into the kitchen. She found a clear vase in the cupboard, filled it with water and put the roses in. She re-entered the living room, holding the vase. She placed the vase on the living room table.)

Dana: They look great.  Thank you again.

Zachary: No problem. 

Dana: Shall we go?

Zachary: In a minute.  (His expression suddenly turned serious.)  There's something I'd like to talk to you about.

Dana:   Is there something wrong?

Zachary:   Maybe.  We need to talk about your ex-husband Danny James.  

Scene: Markham's; the bar. Dr. Glenn Dailey is there with his attorney, Jason Bennett.  Glenn is having a tonic water while his attorney sips on a tumbler of single malt scotch.

Glenn: So, what time is the meeting between you and Sabrina?   

Jason: (looking at Glenn from behind his tortoise shell glasses)   An hour before the divorce hearing is scheduled to begin.

Glenn: And you have everything worked out?  

Jason: (sighing, looking at his employer as one would a child.) Glenn, I've got it planned down to the letter.  Don't worry.  I know what I'm doing.

Glenn: Jason, I trust you.   I know you're going to see to it that everything works out in my favor.  

Jason: (sipping his drink) That's what you pay me for, isn't it?

Glenn: Rather well, I might add.  

Jason: Which is why you get the results that you do.   Look, you haven't said anything to Gloria or Sabrina Collier about this, have you?   We don't want them to know what's going on, not until the time is right.

Glenn: (doubtfully)  Of course I didn’t say anything.  I just hope it works.

Jason: Glenn, it will work, I assure of that.  I haven't let you down yet, have I?

(Meanwhile in elegant dining room, Dr. Gary Sorensen was having dinner with his niece and employee, Dr. Hillary Sorensen. It was a delicious dinner of seafood lasagna, steamed carrots in garlic sauce and a crisp white wine.)

Gary: You know, I really appreciate the dinner invitation. 

Hillary: I'm glad you agreed to join me for dinner.

Gary: I imagine so, but wouldn't you rather be here with Evan?

Hillary: You know I enjoy your company.

Gary: (grinning) True...and who wouldn't.  But I'm sure you and Evan had a romantic evening planned tonight.

Hillary: We did, but he got an emergency phone call about a case he's working on just we we're headed for the restaurant and had to cancel.  Hence my phone call to you.

Gary: I don't mind, especially since the evening is on Evan. (Gary took a bite of his seafood lasagna.) 

Hillary:  Did I say that?

Gary:  I thought it was implicit in the invitation.

Hillary:   Seeing what you want to see... not a good quality in a shrink.  (She grinned)  That's okay.  Evan needs to learn what it means when he cancels at the last minute.  Do your worst!  (Pause)  So have you thought about what you're going to do about Derek Kendall?   Have you decided if you're going to continue therapy with him?

Gary: (nodding)   No, haven’t a clue.  And it’s not for lack of thinking about it.  I just don't know if it would be a good idea for either of us. I wasn't able to help him before, what makes me think I can now?

Hillary: Uncle Gary, you did help him. You stopped him from murdering Gloria and Glenn Dailey. 

Gary: I realize that. But maybe all that could've been avoided if I had of been more clued in to how sick he really was.

Hillary: Uncle Gary, you have got to stop blaming yourself.   Derek was very secretive.  He took great strides to hide how sick he really was.  And you and I both know it's hard to help patients if they are not completely honest with us...which he was not. 

Gary: And you don't think I should've seen that?

Hillary: I don't see how you could've of if the man was determined to hide it from you.

Gary: I want to believe that, Hillary, I really do. I sure would feel better if could believe there wasn't anymore I could've done. But, I just can't get past this guilt. I thought I'd put all that to rest, but Derek Kendall coming back to town has brought it up all over again.

Hillary: I still can't believe he came back. Does he really think he can get help here of all places?

Gary: I don't know. But recalling how secretive and deceitful Derek Kendall can be makes me wonder why he came to me for therapy. 

Scene: The Covington Bay Motel. Derek Kendall is standing in the doorway of his room, glaring at the person standing in his doorway.

Derek: What are you doing here?

Woman: (barging into his room) I should be asking you that question. 

Derek: I live here.

Woman: (looking around the room, which consisted of a rickety bed, a old black and white television and a bathroom from which strange smells emitted.) Why are you living here?  This place is horrible.

Derek: Well it's a step up from the prison I spent the last few years in.  (He closed the door, it squeaking on rusty hinges as he did.)

Woman: You can't do better than this?

Derek: I haven't been back long.  (He ran his fingers through his thick blond hair.)  I'm still getting my bearings.

Woman: Well, you're not going to get them at the Covington Bay Motel.  Or in Covington Bay for that matter. Derek, I want you to pack your bags and come with me. We're going home.

Derek: Sarah, this is my home... at least temporarily. 

Sarah: You shouldn't be here... you know that. This is the last place you ought to be.

Derek: (walking to the wood scarred bedside table, where a can a beer sat.)  And you've come here to take me back to Chicago?

Sarah: Yes, I have.  Derek, you're my brother and I love you. I want you to get on with your life and you're not going to be able to do it here... not with all the memories of losing Lisa and Caitlin. Not to mention what happened with that doctor and his wife. Do they know you're back in town?

Derek: (taking a swig of the beer) No they don't.

Sarah: Then let's keep it that way.  If these people find out you're back, there's no telling what could happen.

Derek: Sarah, there's nothing anyone can do to me for being in Covington Bay.  I served my time. I paid my debt to society. I have every right to stay wherever I want and there's nothing anyone can do about it.

Sarah: That may be true.  But you have no reason to be here. There is nothing for you in this town but pain and bad memories.

Derek: You're wrong about that, little sister. There's more for me in Covington Bay than you might think.

Scene: Aboard the Cassandra; the galley. James Greyhawk and Nikki Lassiter walk in.

James: Dinner is served.

Nikki: (taking in the flowers, the china, the low candlelight, the appetizing smells of the food) It looks wonderful.

James: I'm glad you like it. Sit down and I'll serve you. (James motioned, holding out a chair for her.)

(Nikki sat down and James started dishing out the food, which consisted of grilled salmon, pasta salad and red roasted potatoes.  He made her a plate, then himself and sat down.)

Nikki: I hope there's some left for seconds.   (She stabbed into the salmon.)   Because I think I'll be having it.

James: (grinning) I thought you had a healthy appetite.

Nikki: And what makes you think that?   Surely I haven't gained any weight?

James: Oh, no.  You have a wonderful figure.   Everything about you is wonderful.

Nikki: (looking uncomfortable) Shouldn't we discuss the case?   We need to figure out what we can do to protect you from being framed for killing Nathan.

James: (sighing) Fine.  We'll discuss the case...for a little while anyway.  Now, exactly what is your boyfriend up to?

Nikki: From what I've been able to glean, he plans to dig up evidence against you and use it to prove you killed Candice.

James: But how can he?  There is no evidence.  Everything points to Nathan James.  I was never even considered a suspect.

Nikki: True.   But the evidence against Nathan is circumstantial.  Couldn't the same kind of evidence be complied against you?

James: No.  There isn't any evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, that could even remotely connect me to having killed Candice.

Nikki: And you're sure about that? There isn't anything evidence that might make some believe you could've killed Candice? Any evidence at all?

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the foyer. Lucas Greyhawk, Melody Sorensen and Monica Lassiter are there.

Melody: Lucas, what happened with you and Patricia?   Why are you back from your date already?

Lucas: It just ended early.

Melody: (suspicion growing in her dark blue eyes) Why?  

Lucas: Sometimes these things just happen.   Look, ladies, I need to go.

Melody: Lucas, wait a minute.   (She grabbed him by the arm.)    What's going on?  Why are you being so evasive?

Lucas: Melody, I'm not being evasive.  I just need to go.

Melody: Where?

Lucas: Does it matter?  Melody, the last time I saw you... a little more than an hour in fact, you told me in no uncertain terms that you wanted nothing to do with me. Why are you so interested in my comings and goings now?

Melody: I just have the feeling you're keeping something from me.   What is it with men who can’t be straightforward?

Lucas: (sighing)  Melody, I just didn't want to worry you, not until I know for sure.

Melody:  Then it must be about A.J.  What does he have to do with where you are going? I thought the two of you actively avoided each other.

Lucas: Believe me, I'd rather have an incurable rash than be anywhere near your boyfriend. But, I can't stand by and do nothing when he could be in danger... especially when Patricia might be involved too.

Monica: Danger? 

Melody: Has something happened? Does this have to do with those drug dealers who nearly killed A.J. last night?  Lucas, tell me what is going on! I'm not letting you leave here until you do! 

Scene: Markham's; the dining room. Jason and Glenn are there having dinner.

Glenn: No, Jason, you've never let me down. You're one of the few people I've always been able to say that about. You've seen me through rough times.  But this is the roughest.  I can't lose Gloria.  I can't let my marriage end.

Jason: And I'll do my best to see that it doesn't.

Glenn: I know you will. Just be aware that she-wolf of an attorney of Gloria's, Sabrina Collier, will do everything they can to push this divorce through. The woman has been a thorn in my side since Day 1.

Jason: You've never liked her, have you?

Glenn: No. She's always gone out of her way to cause trouble for me and Gloria. I tell you, stopping her from getting what she wants will be nearly as sweet as getting my wife back.

Jason: Well, I will say this, Ms. Collier is going to be quite surprised by what greets her when she shows up for court in the morning.

Glenn: Good. That woman deserves to be knocked down a peg or two. Not only is she determined to ruin my marriage, but she's representing Nathan James, the man who murdered my daughter. She's even got Gloria convinced that that scum didn't do it.

Jason: I understand he's in the hospital; suffering from a heart attack?

Glenn: Yes.

Jason: How is his prognosis?

Glenn: Grave.  

Jason: I imagine that must be difficult for you...having to provide medical care for the man who killed your daughter.

Glenn: Of course it is.   And at first I wanted him out of my hospital.  But now I've changed my mind.  I want him to get the best care possible and get well.  I even put the best heart specialist on my staff to work on his case.

Jason: That's very commendable, Glenn.  I don't have children, so I can't fathom what it would be like to lose one, but I don't think I could do that.   But I guess you have to forego those personal feelings when it comes to the sick.

Glenn: Trust me, Jason, I'm not doing this out of some ethical desire to uphold the Hippocratic Oath.  I'm doing it for myself and for Candice.    I want that killer to get well so he can go on trial, be convicted and punished for his crimes so that everyone can see him for the killer that he is.  I want justice and if it costs my hospital a little money for me to get it then it's going to be well worth it.

Scene: Dana's house; the living room. Dana and Zachary are there.

Dana: (startled) Why would you want to talk about Danny?  I thought he was a closed subject. I told you all about our marriage.

Zachary: I know and that's not what this is about.

Dana: Then what is it?

Zachary: Dana, Danny has disappeared.   No one knows where he is.  Apparently he's been missing since early this morning.

Dana: I heard that.  But what does that have to do with me?

Zachary: I was just wondering if you might any idea where he might be.

Dana: Why would I know where Danny James is?   I have nothing to do with that man!

Zachary: I know you don't.  I'm just exploring all avenues, I guess.  It's really important that we find him, especially since Nathan is so sick.  I don't even think Danny knows about the heart attack.

Dana   I'm sure Danny will turn up sooner or later.   He was never one to stay away when you wanted him to.

Zachary: That's why it's so strange that he would vanish like this. He has been practically glued to Nathan since this mess started.   Why would he choose now of all times to disappear?

Dana: I don't know, but I say let's enjoy it.   Look, can we not talk about Danny James and concentrate on our wonderful evening ahead?  I have been looking forward to this all day.

Zachary: As have I.  And I'm sorry about asking you about him.  I should've figured you'd have no idea where he'd be.   So if you're ready, we can go now, okay?

Dana: You can bet I'm ready for whatever this night will bring.   (She threw her arms around Zachary)   And I mean whatever.

(Pulling him close, Dana gave Zachary a long, lingering kiss.  He responded, his arms curling around her waist, deepening the kiss.)

Scene: Greyhawk Manor. Lucas and Melody are there with Monica.

Melody: Lucas, tell me what is going on!

Lucas: (sighing) All right. After you left the restaurant, I went back to my table. I sat there and waited for Patricia to get back... only she never did. What did happen was that the host gave me a note from Patricia saying that she had to leave the restaurant.

Melody: Did he say why?

Lucas: No, just that she had to go.

Melody: What does that have to do with A.J.? Maybe Patricia had enough of your alleged charm.

Lucas: I'll ignore that.  Look, it wasn't as simple as he walking out on me. A.J. never came back to his table.

Melody: Are you trying to say A.J. and Patricia left together? 

Lucas: They may have, I'm sure not by choice.  A.J. may have lied to you about his marriage to Patricia and he may not be one of my favorite people, but he had no idea you'd left the restaurant without him. I find it hard to believe he would take off with Patricia under those circumstances. That's not his style.   Have you heard from him?  I mean, you left him at that restaurant without telling him where you were going.   He would’ve tried to call you, work things out between you?  Has he?

Melody:   No, he hasn’t and you’re right.  He would’ve called me by now, not that I had any intention of talking to him.  Lucas, are you sure they could've been kidnapped or something?

Lucas: I'm not sure of anything.  That's why I'm going to check things out.

Monica: You mean you haven't called the police?  Don't you think they should be notified?

Lucas: Not yet, not until we're more certain of something.  After what happened at the hospital today, I don't think the cops are going to jump if A.J. disappears for a little while.

Melody: You're probably right.  Damn A.J. for fixing it so no one will help him when he needs it.

Lucas: If he needs it.  I'm not sure of anything.

Melody: But you are concerned, otherwise you wouldn't be getting involved.  You wouldn't help A.J. unless you thought he were really in trouble.

Lucas: Melody, I just want to check some things out.  Now if you'll let me go, I'll call you just as soon as I have something.

Melody:   No.   Wait.  I'm going with you. 

Scene: Markham's. Hillary and Gary are seated at a table.

Hillary: Uncle Gary, it is possible that he really wants help.  Maybe now that he's been released from jail he wants to start over and put his past behind him.

Gary: That's possible, Hillary, but as far as I'm concerned, this man shouldn't even be in Covington Bay.  He has no family here; I'm sure he hasn't gotten his old job at the Journal back.  All he has in this town are bitter memories of the past, constant recollections of all that he has lost.  He should be far away from here.

Hillary: I agree.  Covington Bay probably isn't the best place for him.

Gary: Then why did he come back?  Is he here to deal with his ghosts and get on with his life or is it something else; something I need to be worried about?

Hillary: Why else would he come back?

Gary: Maybe for revenge.   You're a police psychiatrist.  You know what prison does to people.  Derek may have gone in to be rehabilitated, he may have received therapy there, but what if he fooled everyone else like he fooled me?  What if he came back here to try and hurt Glenn and Gloria Dailey again?   Or anyone he thought did him wrong?

Hillary: That's a possibility, Uncle Gary, but if that is the case, why hasn't he done anything?  He told you he's been in town for months. 

Gary: I don't know.

Hillary: Then maybe you should find out.  

Gary: You think I should start therapy with him again?

Hillary: I think you need to get at the truth. And if working with the man is the way to do it, then I say you have no choice.

Scene: The Covington Bay Motel; Derek's room. Derek and Sarah are there.

Sarah: (turning to face her older brother) You think there could be something for you in Covington Bay?  I find that hard to believe.

Derek: Why?  

Sarah: This town holds so much loss for you.  You lost your wife...your child...your career...your freedom.  And it all is associated with this town.   Do you really think it's healthy to be here?

Derek: (taking a sip of his beer) I think this is exactly where I need to be.   This is where my demons are...it's where I can stare down and face my problems.  And that's what I intend to do.

Sarah: How?

Derek: Sarah, like you said, I lost so much here, everything that ever meant anything to me.  Lisa and Caitlin died and I became so lost in my grief that I blamed an innocent man for their deaths.  I put him through a terrible legal ordeal.  And then when I lost the case...when it was proven that Glenn Dailey was no guilty of malpractice, I couldn't let it go.  I had to make him suffer.   I still can't believe I stalked that man...terrorized him...kidnapped he and his wife and threatened to kill them  I am so grateful that Dr. Sorensen was there.  If he hadn't of talking me out of killing those people...I...  

His face wracked with agony, Derek sank onto the bed. Sarah ran to Derek, sitting next to him, hugging him.  

Sarah: Derek, this proves it.  Staying here is only going to continue to hurt.  It's obvious that you've got a lot of issues to deal with concerning this town.

Derek: You're right.  I do have a lot of issues to deal with revolving around Covington Bay.  And the only way to deal with those issues is to stay right here and face them. Believe me, I don't like living with this pain and anger anymore than you do. But the only way I can put it in the past is if I deal with them head on.

Sarah: How?

Derek: I've got to confront Dr. Dailey and his wife.  I've got to meet with them face to face.

Sarah: (shocked, grabbing Derek by the arm) What!? Derek, you can't do that!? You have to stay away from those people! Going anywhere near them is the worst thing you could possibly do.  What you have to do is get out of town  before they know you're here. Derek, to even think this is only going to lead to disaster! Now I want you to forget this crazy idea, pack your bags and come back with me to Chicago. Those people have suffered enough... not just because of you, but they are dealing with their own loss. Haven't you heard about the man's daughter being murdered?

Derek: Of course I have. It's been in the paper for months.

Sarah: Right, it has. That family is dealing with enough grief as it is. The last thing they need is to have you coming around bringing up the past.

Derek: I disagree, Sarah. Now is the best time to settle things between me and Glenn Dailey once and for all.

Scene: Markham's. Jason and Glenn are there having dinner.

Jason: Glenn, there's something you must realize about this divorce.  You can't stall it forever.  If your wife is determined to get out of the marriage, she will.

Glenn: Maybe, but she won't be determined, not for much longer.

Jason: You really think you can win her back after everything that's happened between the two of you?

Glenn: Yes, if Gloria will just give me a chance to prove that we belong together.  But with your help, Jason, I'm going to have that chance.  And I'm going to use it to my best advantage.

(At that moment, he spotted Dana and Zachary entering the dining room. His eyes widened in surprise.)

Glenn: What in the world does he think he is doing!?  

Jason: Who?   (He turned to watch Dana and Zachary being seated.)    Isn't that your son?

Glenn: (gnashing his teeth) Yes, it is.   I'd like to be surprised by what I was seeing, but somehow I'm not.

Jason: It surprises you that your son would want to have dinner in a wonderful restaurant with a very beautiful woman?

Glenn: Really?   Is that the way you see it?   Because I see something else entirely.

Scene: Aboard the Cassandra. Nikki and James are in the dining area eating.

James: Nikki, there is no evidence against me.  The only way Richie and James could come up with such evidence is if they manufactured it, lied about things.  But they are good at lying.   Look at that whole piece of garbage they made up about Candice and Nathan being lovers.

Nikki:  You sure that’s a lie?

James: Of course it is!  Candice would never have anything to do with the likes of Nathan James.

Nikki: Why not?  Because he's poor...or because he's black?

James: Nikki, I may be a snob...and as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing wrong with be a bit discriminating.  But I am not a racist.  Candice wouldn't be involved with Nikki not because he's black, but because he's from the wrong side of the tracks.  He didn't have the same class or breeding that she did.   They had nothing in common.

Nikki: But, they did spend a lot of time together, even I know that.   Candice was tutoring Nathan and he was working at the hospital.

James:    She felt sorry for him, she was trying to help him out of the squalor and poverty he'd grown up in.   That's why she tutored him and helped him get that job at the hospital.  But he took it the wrong way, he wanted her in a way that could never be.  And when he couldn't have her, he....   (James stopped himself, pain and loss in his face.)   Look, why are you we talking about this?  Candice and Nathan were not lovers.  She loved me, not him.  She was going to marry me, not him. 

Nikki:   Yes, but maybe she was keeping it secret?  Could she have done it without you finding out?

James:  No way.  I knew everything there was to know about Candice; how she thought, how she felt about things, what she wanted out of life, where she kept her diary.

Nikki: (surprised) Her diary?  Candice kept a diary?

James: Of course.  Don't all you girls keep a diary where you write your deepest darkest secrets; the things you don't want anyone to know?

Nikki: Actually, I use a computer.  My handwritings terrible.  I'd never be able to read what I wrote.

James:   Candice kept a diary.   In fact, I gave her the last one she had for her birthday.  It was beautiful...leather bound...gold embossed...engraved with her initials.  It was beautiful.

Nikki: Sounds like it.  How long had she been keeping a diary?

James: Apparently she'd been doing it her entire life. She told me she recorded every detail of her life in it. She was very meticulous about it too. She took a half hour out of every day no matter what, to write in it. She even took it on vacations and holidays.

Nikki: I see.

James: (noting Nikki's faraway look) Nikki?   What are you thinking about?  You seem a million miles away.

Nikki: Oh, it's just a fleeting thought.  

James: There isn't a problem is there?

Nikki: Nothing that I can't work on solving later.  

Scene: Greyhawk Manor. Lucas, Melody and Monica are there.

Lucas: Melody, you can't go with me! This could be dangerous!

Monica: Lucas is right.  He is trained at this stuff.

Melody: And I am a nurse.  If Patricia or A.J. are in danger and we find them, they could be hurt. They'll need medical attention. You certainly can't give it to them.

Lucas: I know, but... ! 

Melody: But what?!  Lucas, we're wasting precious time. You know I'm right. Let's go!

Lucas: (hesitating) All right.  Let's go.

Melody: Be careful! 

Lucas: She will be. 

(With Melody in the lead, Lucas opened the door. But, both of them stopped short, stunned by what greeted them on the doorstep. Lucas and Melody came face to face with A.J. and Patricia, the latter looking as surprised as the former.)

Coming Up In Covington Bay