Covington Bay--Episode 72

EPISODE 72

“PLEADING HIS CASE”

ACT ONE

Scene: Markham's; the main dining room. Dana Cooper and Dr. Zachary Dailey are sitting at a table. Dr. Glenn Dailey is standing over them, glaring at the couple.

Glenn: Zachary, I need to talk to you...alone.

Zachary: (annoyed) Dad, as you can see, I'm on a date. Our dinner is going to be served any minute!

Glenn: I need to talk to you now.

Zachary: What is this about? What is so important that it can't wait?

Glenn: (insistent) It'll only take a few minutes.

Zachary: Dad, I...!

Dana: (interrupting; standing) Look, why don’t you two have your talk. I should call home and check on Timmy.

Zachary: Dana, you don't have to...

Dana: It’s okay. I need to make sure he’s done his homework and taken care of his chores... he'll try and get away with murder unless I'm there to watch him. (Pause as she looked nervously at Glenn) I'll be a few minutes. Excuse me. (She walked away)

Zachary: Why are you intruding on my evening!?

Glenn: I had to Zachary. I have to put an end to this before it gets out of hand.

Scene: The Lassiter Mansion; the library. Richie Stone and Nina Tamakai are there; hugging.

Voice: What is going on in here!?

Nina: (as she and Richie quickly separated, both of them looking surprised as seeing Harry standing in the doorway, glaring at them) Daddy!

Richie: Mr. Tamakai!

Harry: (walking in) I want an explanation, Nina! What are you doing with this young man!

Nina: Daddy, I'm not doing anything. Richie and I...

Harry: It is all too clear what you and Mr. Stone were doing! (Pause) Nina, I thought we talked about this!? I told you to stay away from boys!

Nina: Daddy, he was just upset about Nikki. I was just trying to make him feel better.

Harry: Oh yes, that was fairly obvious. I wonder what would've happened if I hadn't of walked in when I did.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the living room. Nigel Greyhawk is sitting on the sofa reading some files. Monica Greyhawk walks in.

Monica: Nigel, where is your father?

Nigel: (putting down his files) He went for a walk on the grounds; he should be back soon. Why?

Monica: I need to talk to him.

Nigel: About what? (He sighed) Or do I need to guess? (Pause) You saw the article in the newspaper.

Monica: Yes, I did.

Nigel: I’m sorry, Monica. I meant to tell you about it, but you know how today has been. Something always got in the way.

Monica: I know, Nigel, I know you would’ve told me when you had the chance. I’m not upset with you, I know you’re not part of any of this nonsense. It’s your father I’m angry with. Does he realize how many people he has hurt or will hurt in this vendetta with the Lassiters? Melody is devastated by all this. She feels as if her whole world is falling apart.

Nigel: (standing, surprised) You talked to Melody?

Monica: Yes. She was here... until she left with Lucas to try and find A.J.

Nigel: How did she find out about that?

Monica: She ran into Lucas as he was leaving and insisted on going with him.

Nigel: (throwing his hands in the air) Great. Now they're both in danger.

Monica: Well as it turned out they’re not.

Nigel: What does that mean?

Monica: A.J. and Patricia showed up here.

Nigel: (shaking his head in confusion) Then what happened? Were they in some sort of trouble?

Monica: I don't know the whole story. I'm just glad A.J.'s all right for Melody's sake.

Nigel: So am I, not just because A.J.'s a good man and I'd hate to see him hurt, but it means Lucas is out of danger as well.

Quentin: (walking in) Lucas is out of danger? Has he found A.J. and Patricia already?

Nigel: Yes. They both turned up safely.

Quentin: Good. I'm glad to hear that.

Monica: (harshly) Are you really, Quentin?

Quentin: (calmly) You’re upset.

Monica: Shouldn't I be? After what you have done to the Lassiters, a mean spirited act that directly hurt my sister!

Quentin: (nodding) I can understand you being upset. After all, I'm sure Melody was hurt by the article announcing A.J.'s marriage to Patricia. And I know you have a good relationship with Gloria Dailey since she's Vicki's grandmother. But that doesn't change the fact that I don't regret what I did. (His expression turned grim. His eyes darkened a few shades) Or that I'd do it again.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the library. Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter and Lucas Greyhawk are there. Patricia is looking at Lucas, a surprise on the face of the Asian-American journalist.

Patricia: You want to what?

Lucas: I want to work with you in the search for those hit-men.

Patricia: (shaking her head) I don't think that's a very good idea, Lucas.

Lucas: Why not?

Patricia: Why would you want to be involved with this?

Lucas: Well, like I said, you are going to need protection.

Patricia: From what?

Lucas: (chuckling) You've got a mobster on one side and A.J. Lassiter on the other. And you're going after two very nasty killers. You're going to need some one to make sure that pretty little butt of yours doesn't get spanked…by them.

Patricia: (frowning at Lucas' double entendre) Lucas, I am more than capable of taking care of myself. And A.J.'s not exactly a wimp. You forget he's traveled the world, been in a lot of dangerous situations. He can handle himself.

Lucas: Then you have more faith in him I do. Are you willing to put your life in his hands?

Patricia: If it weren't for A.J., I wouldn't be here right now. He saved my life last night. He got us through that mess, I'm sure he'll get us through this too.

Lucas: Why are you so eager to keep me out of this, Patricia? Are you that concerned for my safety?

Patricia: Well, this could be dangerous.

Lucas: And you forget that I'm not exactly inexperienced when it comes to this sort of work. I had quite an adventurous history before I became a private investigator. I was with the FBI you know.

Patricia: (sighing) And I'll bet you'd love to regale me with exciting stories of your exploits, but I'm not interested. (Pause) Lucas, the reasons you should stay away from this are quite lengthy. One of the biggest is that Markham wouldn't like it. He only wants A.J. and I involved. He probably wouldn't take a third party horning in and we can't do anything to risk this plan. It's complicated enough already. I'd just rather keep things simple.

Lucas: (raising his eyebrows) Keeping it simple means you and A.J. together on this...alone. And that’s what this is all about.

Patricia: Lucas, I don't like the tone in your voice.

Lucas: And I don't like what I'm hearing. You seem determined to do everything you can to see to it that you and A.J. remain tied together and that no one else is involved. (He crossed his muscular arms) Maybe Melody was right.

Patricia: (turning away from Lucas, annoyed) Oh, Lucas, don't tell me you're going to start going on and on about how I'm after A.J. again.

Lucas: I suppose you're going to keep denying it.

Patricia: Yes, because it's not the truth.

Lucas: So you've said. But, Patricia, I'm starting to think that you are lying.

Scene: Outside of Greyhawk Manor. A.J. and Melody are standing near Melody's car. A.J. is looking at his girlfriend in confusion.

A.J.: Melody, I don't understand; you're not making any sense. First you're saying that Patricia is after me, that she wants to make our marriage a real one and now you say that it's what I want to? I don't get it. Where is this coming from?

Melody: A.J., all I know is what I see.

A.J.: And what do you see; a reunion between two lost loves?

Melody: What I see is that woman using every opportunity and every chance she can to intrude in your life...our lives. First she shows up at your place out of the blue and announces to me she is your wife. Then she takes a job at your rival paper, no doubt because it will put her in contact with you on a daily basis. I admit the situation with the Greyhawks is probably something she didn't count on, but it didn't deter her little plan. She is still your competitor and not only that, you're bound together in this dangerous alliance with Victor Markham. No matter what happens, she's more involved in your world than I am.

A.J.: Melody, none of this is my making.

Melody: (angrily) You made this situation when you married her!

A.J.: (sighing) I realize I made a mistake. And believe me, I want to change it as soon as I can. But you have got to believe that I no more want her in my life than you do. I wish she had never came back to town; she's been nothing but trouble since she got here. She's put my life, my job and most importantly, my relationship with you in jeopardy. Do you honestly think I enjoy any of the madness she's caused? Do you really believe after all we shared that she means anything to me!?

Melody: (shaking her head, sighing) No, I don't. I don't think you love her...and I don't think you want her in your life.

A.J.: Good, I'm glad we cleared that up.

Melody: But, it hasn't changed the fact that she is after you. She's so obvious, how can you miss it?

A.J.: I really think you've got it all wrong. If Patricia harbored some feelings for me, I'd know. She's not a stranger. I've known her since we were kids.

Melody: But, you haven't seen her for over ten years; she is not the girl you grew up with and thought of as your little sister.

A.J.: Look, I admit that Patricia is manipulative and maybe even deceitful, but to suggest that she would come back here after all these years to claim her estranged husband after all these years makes no sense.

Melody: You're right, it doesn't. But love makes no sense. Look, A.J., it really doesn't matter whether you believe me or not. It really doesn't change things between us.

A.J.: And what does that mean?

Melody: It means that our relationship is in trouble, A.J.. I don't think we're going to make it. Not unless you're willing to make a choice.

A.J.: A choice? What kind of choice?

Melody: Between me and Patricia. You can't have both of us in your life. One of has to go. You've got to decide which.

ACT TWO

Scene: Outside of Greyhawk Manor. A.J. and Melody are standing near Melody's car.

A.J.: Melody, there is no option between you and Patricia. I want you, hands down.

Melody: Does this mean you'll cut all ties with her?

A.J.: (hesitating) I-I can't!

Melody: You mean you won't!

A.J.: This is not a matter of just having you in my life or having her. She has to be part of it...at least until we catch those hit-men. I know you don't like it, but I don't have a choice.

Melody: (shaking her head) You always have choices, A.J..

A.J.: (nodding) You're right. You always have choices. And I could choose to walk away from this, forget my deal with Markham, not even try and find out where those hit-men are or what Markham is up to. But, what purpose would that serve? It might get Patricia out of my life, but those killers would still be there, haunting my life, creating danger for us all. For the time being, Patricia and I have to stick together. I know this is hard for you to deal with; I'm no happier about this than you are. But we'll get through it because we love each other and we have shared so much. So much that we can't throw it away. You can't throw it away.

Melody: Do you think I like this? A.J., it's killing me to even think that you won't be a part of my life. I love you. I love you in ways you can't even imagine.

A.J.: And I feel the same way about you. Now if we can hold onto that, we can work through this.

Melody: How? A.J., I don't think you realize how much damage has been done to us.

A.J.: Melody, I know you're upset because I lied to you about Patricia or that she's in our lives, but...

Melody: This is so much more than just your lie. Believe me, the fact that you betrayed my trust hurts me more than you know. But this goes deeper than that. It goes to the very foundation of our relationship. Do you know what your secret marriage showed me? It showed me that you never intended on marrying me. It showed me that you never intended on us making a live together...having a family...having a life. And you knew those were things that I wanted...all I wanted. You knew that was all I was asking of you. (Tears started to well in her eyes) You said you needed time, you said you weren't ready for those things. And I was willing to give you that time. I was willing to wait because I knew in the end it would be worth it. Now I know it was never going to happen.

A.J.: That's not true.

Melody: Is it? Can you honestly tell me that you planned on marrying me someday, that you wanted to have a family, share a life? Can you honestly tell me that?

A.J.: (hesitating) Melody, I...

Melody: (insistent) Can you!?

A.J.: (regretfully, shaking his head) No, Melody, I can't.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the library. Patricia and Lucas are there.

Patricia: (waving her hand) Lucas, believe what you like. But, I am not after A.J..

Lucas: Then prove to me you're not.

Patricia: How? By letting you become involved in this situation?

Lucas: Yes. It makes sense. I can be a big help.

Patricia: It's also a recipe for disaster. Not only will Markham not want a third party involved, do you think A.J. will go for it for a second!? He can't stand you...you can't stand him. Your family is trying to ruin his. Do you need anymore reasons? Besides, you and I both know this isn't about protecting me. This just another way you're using to get at A.J.. Writing nasty articles in the paper about him or trying to ruin his career isn't enough. You have to come at him from all sides, don't you?

Lucas: If you're saying I like to watch A.J. squirm, you bet. (Pause) But Patricia, I am really concerned about you. This is very dangerous. You could get hurt. People don't come up against guys like Victor Markham and walk away. They usually wind up in a body bag.

Patricia: Lucas, I know this is dangerous. Believe me, just being around that man made my skin crawl. But we have no choice if we have any chance of catching those hit-men. And you can't be involved. It could ruin everything. If you start sniffing around, Markham might squelch the whole deal.

Lucas: Then he doesn't have to know I'm involved. I can work behind the scenes.

Patricia: Lucas, like you said, Markham is no fool. He's probably watching us like a hawk. We certainly can't hide you; you're kind of big to fit in my back pocket.

Lucas: Play your cards right and that's where you can have me, sweetie.

Patricia: (frowning) Don't you ever quit?

Lucas: (grinning) I haven't met the lady who wanted me to.

Patricia: (sighing) Forgetting your feeble attempts at romance for the moment, even if you could get past Markham, there is no way you can work on this without A.J. finding out. And he will never stand for it.

Lucas: Patricia, I told you I am going to be part of this and I meant it. And there is nothing that you, Victor Markham or A.J. Lassiter can do about it.

Scene: Markham's; the dining room. Zachary and Glenn are standing near Zachary's table.

Zachary: Putting an end to what? Dad, I don't know what you are going on about, but I don't want you here when Dana gets back.

Glenn: You do realize what a mistake you’re making dating Dana Cooper. Do you really think it's a good idea to get involved with her?

Zachary: And why wouldn't it be?

Glenn: She doesn't seem to be your type.

Zachary: (testily) And what type would that be? You know nothing about her.

Glenn: Zachary, I just don't think you should be dating her.

Zachary: (as realization dawned upon him) You know, you are many things that disgust me. You're selfish, self absorbed, rude and manipulative. I guess it shouldn't surprise me that you're a racist too.

Glenn: I am not a racist!

Zachary: And how did I know those would be the next words out of your mouth?

Glenn: I am not a racist, Zachary. I have many very talented and skilled minorities working for me at the hospital.

Zachary: So have a lot of other white men with the same attitude as you. Only back then it would've been a plantation instead of a hospital.

Glenn: Don't make me out to be some narrow minded bigot.

Zachary: I don't have to make you out to be one...because that's what you are.

Glenn: Zachary, will you just hear me out!?

Zachary: You have nothing to say that I want to hear! I will not stand here and be insulted by your digusting and outdated opinions!

Glenn: This is not about Dana being black. I don't have a problem with blacks or any other minority. I believe that blacks or Asians or any other minority is just as capable and talented and intelligent as any white person. I certainly don't believe they are inferior in any way. I just don't think they should be dating any other race but their own.

Zachary: And you don't think that's racist?

Glenn: No, I think it's practical. Now look, Zachary....!

Zachary: Dad, go away. (His fists clenching) Get away from me, get away from me now before I bash your stinking face in!

Scene: The Lassiter Mansion; the library. Nina, Harry and Richie are there.

Nina: Daddy, nothing wrong was going on here!

Harry: Nina, don't compound your shameful actions by lying. I saw you in this boy's arms, letting him touch you!

Nina: Daddy, will you please listen...!

Harry: How could you be so disgraceful, so dishonorable!? Wasn't your sister's embarrassing behavior enough!?

Nina: Patty? Why are you mentioning her?

Harry: I thought I raised you better than to act so indecently!

Richie: Mr. Tamakai, I understand why you are so upset, but there was nothing going on here. I was upset...about my friend in the hospital. Nina was just trying to comfort me, that's all. We were doing nothing wrong...it was totally innocent.

Harry: It didn't look innocent to me.

Nina: But it was, Daddy, I swear it was! You have to believe that!

Harry: I... (He paused) All right, all right. Your intentions may have been innocent, but there is no excuse for letting this young man touch you, Nina. You don't want to send out the wrong ideas.

Nina: Daddy, that wasn't going to happen.

Richie: Of course not, I have a girlfriend. I happen to love Nikki very much.

Harry: Yes, well, I prefer not to take chances. (Pause) Nina, come with me. I'll see you to bed.

Nina: Yes, Daddy. (Pause) I'm sorry, Richie.

Richie: Don't worry. Everything will be okay.

Harry: (firmly) You can see yourself out, can't you, Mr. Stone?

Richie: Of course, Mr. Tamakai. Good night, Nina.

Nina: Good night. (Nina and Harry walked out)

Richie: (anxiously) I hope Nina doesn't get in trouble because of this. I don't want that on my conscience.

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

Monica: (stunned) You would do this again...knowing how many people would be hurt?

Quentin: Monica, I knew exactly what the effects of my actions would be before I did it. It changed nothing.

Monica: Because you had to get your revenge against the Lassiter no matter what?

Quentin: I know you're concerned about your sister.

Monica: Yes, and I thought family mattered to you?

Quentin: Of course. And you have every reason to be concerned for your sister. But I did not create the situation. A.J. married Patricia Tamakai of his own volition.

Monica: True, he did. You just took advantage of the situation.

Quentin: Exactly. (Pause) Monica, I am sorry if you are hurt and I am sorry if those you love are hurt...

Monica: But changes nothing, right? As you said, you'd do it again.

Quentin: Monica, you know that I am very fond of you. And I am fond of Vicki. You are my family...and you both are important to me. And as such I would never do anything to cause you immense or permanent harm.

Monica: But a little pain is okay? Quentin, I find what you did not only cruel, but unnecessary. I don't understand why you can't let go of this vendetta with the Lassiters!?

Scene: Outside of Greyhawk Manor. A.J. and Melody are standing near Melody's car.

A.J.: Melody, I'm sorry. I wish I could tell you that I was thinking of marriage and children and a family, but I can't.

Melody: Believe me, A.J., I appreciate your honesty.

A.J.: Melody...

Melody: (interrupting him, tears rolling down her cheeks) Let's forget this A.J.. Let's stop wasting both our times and call it quits...now.

A.J.: (cupping Melody's tear streaked face in his hands) No, Melody, no. I can't do that. I can't walk away from you...from us. I can't let you either.

Melody: (stepping back from him) What's the point? Can't you see we want completely different things?

A.J.: Melody, I admit that I haven't wanted to get married. And kids definitely seemed out of the realm of possibility. Let's face it, I've always lived for the moment. I've always gone from story to story or job to job...or relationship to relationship. I've never thought about the future or the next day. I've never wanted to. Life was always more exciting when you didn't know what was going to happen the next day.

Melody: And that can be exciting. Your love of adventure is one of the things that attracted me to you...and made me love you. But eventually, you have to realize that there's more to life than the next front page byline. Commitment and family and love...those are the things that are really important. Those are the things that really matter.

A.J.: Believe me, Melody, I appreciate those things in my life. They are important to me.

Melody: But not important enough.

A.J.: Melody, I admit that I'm not the picture of stability. And frankly, I don't know if I can be. But, how can I know that...how can we know where this relationship can go unless we work at it?

Melody: Do you really think we have a chance?

A.J.: Yes, I do. And I believe that because I love you so much I can't imagine you not being in my life. I know you feel the same way.

Melody: Of course I do, that's what makes this so hard.

A.J.: It should be hard to walk away from what we have...damn hard. (Pause) Look, I'm not saying we should go back to the way things were...we can't. And I'm not saying that we're going to wind up married and living happily ever after. But what I am saying is that we have been together too long and we have shared too much to give up on us. We have a lot to work through. We've got a lot of problems to hash out. And I think before we make any decisions about our future, we should try and do that.

Melody: (a confused expression on her face) A.J., I...

A.J.: Melody, please. I know you're hurt. I know it seems hopeless right now. But we can't give up on us. We have to give it a chance. Surely you must see that. Please, Melody, stay with me and let's work it out. Please!

ACT THREE

Scene: Markham's; the dining room. Zachary and Glenn are there.

Zachary: (quickly glancing around to make sure no one was staring at them) Do you hear me?! Get away from me!

Glenn: (taken aback by Zachary's rage) Fine. I guess this isn't the time to discuss this.

Zachary: There is never a time to discuss this. Don't you ever bring this up to me again, Dad. Or I swear you'll be sorry.

Glenn: This is not over. Count on it. (Glenn walked away, retuning to the bar)

Zachary: Just when I think I can't hate that man anymore...! (At that moment, Dana walked up) Dana!

Dana: Hi. You finish talking to your dad?

Zachary: You bet I have. (Pause) How is your brother?

Dana: He's fine...doing his homework just like he's supposed to. (She sat down)

Zachary: Really? Doesn't sound like any teenage kid I remember, including me.

Dana: Well, Timmy's a good kid.

Zachary: Probably influenced by you, no doubt.

Dana: I don't know about that. Pete and Lizzie were wonderful parents; they turned out a good kid. He's going to go places...he's got a bright future. He won't spend his life in Southtown.

Zachary: With you behind him that I don't doubt. (Pause) So, now that we've got family business out of the way, let's enjoy our dinner, shall we?

Dana: (hesitating) Zachary....

Zachary: What?

Dana: Maybe we better call it a night. I think we should just forget the whole thing.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the library. Richie is there alone.

Richie: (to himself) Well, as much I'd like to, I can't hang around here. Mr. Tamakai could be back any moment and I don't want to make things worse for Nina. (Pause) But, I can't leave, not without finding out what happened to Nikki. (He thought for a moment) I guess I'll just wait outside and talk to her when she pulls up in her car. (Richie walked out of the library, went through the foyer to the front door. He opened it. Nikki stood there, about to slip her key into the lock) Nikki! (Richie pulled her into his arms) Nikki! Thank God you're all right, thank God!

Nikki: (surprised) Richie!

Richie: Nikki, I am so sorry. I let you down! I got delayed here and I missed the boat.

Nikki: Well, I figured that out after awhile. But, there's no need to be sorry. (She walked in and closed the door) Why are you here?

Richie: I came here to wait for you. Are you okay? Did James hurt you? Did you have any problems with him?

Nikki: Richie, why don't we go into the living room and sit down. There is so much I have to tell you about what happened tonight.

Voice: That sounds like a good idea.

(Nikki and Richie looked up to see Pamela and Steven standing at the top of the staircase in the foyer)

Nikki: Mom!

Pamela: Nikki, why don't we all go in the living room and talk about tonight. Your father and I would be interested to hear what happened too.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the library. Quentin, Nigel and Monica are there.

Quentin: Why can't I give up on the Lassiters? Monica, I can see why you'd ask that. The fact of the matter is you don't fully understand what that family has done to me...to the Greyhawks.

Monica: I know the whole story. I've heard it plenty of times. This whole town has...it's legendary.

Quentin: But you still think I should forget it?

Monica: Yes. It's not healthy to hold onto that kind of revenge...that kind of hatred for so long.

Quentin: Interesting you should say that. (Pause as he glanced at Nigel) Nigel seems to feel the same way. I guess I know who influenced his thinking.

Nigel: Dad, you know that's not true. I've had my doubts about this feud long before I married Monica.

Quentin: (nodding) That's true...you have always had doubts. But you still understand why I have to do this, don't you? You're still on my side, aren't you?

Nigel: Of course. That goes without saying. I support whatever decision you make.

Monica: Quentin, let's not turn this into some dividing issue between us. You know how important you are to me and to Vicki. And that fact that I disagree with that you've done changes none of that. It's just that my family means as much to me as yours does. And I don't want to see them hurt anymore.

Quentin: Neither do I, dear. As I said to Nigel when he voiced the same concerns you have, the Lassiters are my target and no one else. I will to my best to minimize the pain and damage to everyone else, especially you and Vicki.

Monica: Minimize? Don't you think a little pain is too much?

Quentin: Monica, we're starting to talk in circles here. You're not going to change your mind and I'm certainly not going to change mine. I guess that happens in families sometimes. But nonetheless, we love each other and we stick together. I imagine this will be no different. (Pause) Now if you'll excuse me, I’m going to turn in. Good night. (He walked out)

Nigel: Night, Dad.

Monica: (sitting on the sofa) Nigel, I don't understand your father. How can he be so loving and caring on one hand and so cruel and ruthless on another?

Nigel: He's a very complex man. Not easy to figure out. I've known him my entire life and there are still things about him I don't understand.

Monica: A man thirsty for revenge is something I'll never understand. Your father claims he's going to do everything he can to minimize the damage this causes to my and my family and anyone who is not a Lassiter. But I wonder if he can do that. I wonder if he knows how destructive this vendetta can really be...including to himself?

Scene: Outside of Greyhawk Manor. A.J. and Melody are standing near Melody's car.

A.J.: Melody, you can't give up on us. You just can't.

Melody: It would be so much easier if I could. I wish I could just walk away from here and never look back.

A.J.: And the fact that you can't means that we love each other...that we should be together. Don't you see that?

Melody: A.J., I'm not sure if we do belong together. I'm not sure if we can work it out. (after a hesitation) But, I can't let go. I can't end things between us. Not without giving it a try.

A.J.: (grinning) Melody, you don't know how glad I am to hear that.

Melody: (after a pause) Oh, A.J.! (She ran into his arms) I love you! I love you so much!

A.J.: I love you too, Melody. (He kissed her deeply. She responded, returning his kiss) We're going to work through this. We'll get through it together. I promise.

Melody: (as A.J. broke the embrace, she reached into her purse and pulled out a tissue. She stared wiping her tears) I'm going to hold you to that. (Pause) A.J., you never did explain to me why you came here.

A.J.: When we got back to Markham's, we found that Patricia's car had broken down. She needed a ride, only she didn't want to go home. She wanted to come here to explain to Lucas what had happened. I was just giving her a ride. When I saw your car parked outside, I thought I'd come in and explain to you about my disappearance. I didn't want you to think I had ran off with Patricia.

Melody: (hesitating) Actually, I hadn't. After my fight with Patricia at Markham's, I left. I came by here to see Monica and that's when I ran into Lucas. He told me he suspected you were kidnapped by Victor Markham, and we were coming to find you.

A.J.: (pause) Is that what Greyhawk meant by rescue mission?

Melody: Yes, he was risking his life to save yours.

A.J.: (suspiciously) Why? What's his angle?

Melody: A.J., I don't think he had one. He just wanted to do the right thing.

A.J.: Lucas Greyhawk knows nothing about doing the right thing and he always has an angle. (His tone and expression was grim) And I'm going to find out what it is.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the library. Patricia and Lucas are there.

Patricia: Lucas, what is with you? Don't you think this a big enough mess as it is without you sticking your nose in? You really don't think you've caused A.J. enough problems?

Lucas: Patricia, as hard as this is for you to believe, this is more than about A.J. Lassiter. My life does not revolve around him.

Patricia: Really? Well, you could've fooled me. Isn't that really why you want to horn in on this mess so you can rain on A.J.'s parade?

Lucas: I really want to help. Markham is a dangerous man. A.J. may be a top notch reporter, but I don't think he's prepared to deal with the likes of Victor Markham. You don't know what he's up to, what he really wants. If he's sincere and wants to help find those killers, then you'll be dealing with a couple of very nasty guys. And if he has his own agenda, then you have no clue what to expect. You need help, why can't you see that?!

Patricia: Lucas, I would like nothing better than to go to the police, but that's really not an option. Not if I want to find a way out of this.

Lucas: Then let me help you...and A.J.. You're going to need it.

Patricia: Maybe we will and I'm sure you have...talents that could be useful. But, like I said, A.J. will never go for it.

Lucas: I know how to handle A.J..

Patricia: I'd think that would be like handling a live grenade. (She sighed, slumping onto the sofa)

Lucas: You look tired. Has tonight gotten to you?

Patricia: Lucas, this past few days has gotten to me.

Lucas: (sitting next to Patricia on the sofa) It has been eventful, hasn't it?

Patricia: More than I ever thought.

Lucas: Patricia, we may not have known each other well as kids, but I remember you always liked adventure and excitement. And someone doesn't exactly spend all that time in Africa scouring through the jungles without enjoying a little danger.

Patricia: Lucas, I admit I like a little intrigue and thrilling escapades, but this is not what I expected.

Lucas: What were you expecting? What did you think your return to Covington Bay would be like?

Patricia: Does it really matter now?

Lucas: Patricia, you haven't been home in almost ten years. I remember when we were kids that you were pretty tight with your family, especially after your mother died. Why would you stay away for so long?

Patricia: (nervously) I've been busy.

Lucas: So have I, but I found time to come home and see my family. Why haven't you?

Patricia: (visibly uncomfortable, standing) Lucas, I need to take off. It's been a long day and I have a job to get to in the morning, thanks to your father who'd rather ruin my career than let me quit.

Lucas: Is that your way of avoiding answering my question?

Patricia: (coolly) It's my way of saying that you are more involved in my life that I like already, Lucas. Don't expect anymore.

Voice: I'd take her advice if I were you, Greyhawk. The lady is nothing but trouble... (both Lucas and Patricia looked up to see A.J. and Melody standing in the doorway) ...but then maybe you deserve to feel a little of the misery she's brought to my life.

Lucas: (annoyed) Lassiter, what are you doing here?

A.J.: Actually, Melody and I are about to leave. But, I have something to say and I want you both to hear it.

In the next episode of Covington Bay

· Dana and Zachary seek an understanding

· Jessica's questions make Gloria nervous.

· Nikki has to think fast on her feet.

· An unholy alliance is formed.

· Someone deals with an intruder.