EPISODE 73

 

“A MOST UNLIKELY ALLIANCE”

 

ACT ONE

Scene:  The Covington Bay Twin Towers; Dr. Gloria Lassiter-Dailey's apartment.  Gloria is in her kitchen making herself a cup of hot tea.   As she shut off the whistling teapot, the started to pour herself a mug full of the steaming water, the doorbell rang.  Gloria looked curious as she put the pot back on the stove.  She went to the door and opened it.  She was surprised to see Jessica Jackson standing there.

Gloria:  (grinning at the sight of the African-American high school teacher)  Jessie! 

Jessica:  (as they embraced tightly)  Hi, Gloria!

Gloria:  This is a surprise!

Jessica:  I hope I'm not dropping by too late.

Gloria:  (shaking her head as she closed the door)  No. I was just going to have a cup of tea and watch some TV.

Jessica:  (smiling as they walked into the kitchen)  Let me guess.  You're going to watch ‘Families, Friends and Lovers’?

Gloria:  Of course.  I can't wait to find out who killed Grayson Manning.  I know it's not good for me, but I've been hooked since college, and I'm too stubborn to give up now.

Jessica:  You're not the only one, girl.

Gloria:  Why don't you watch it here with me; it can be just like when we were in college.

Jessica:   Not exactly.   Sabrina's not here to tell us how stupid the show is; even though she'd rather cut off her right arm than miss an episode.

Gloria:  (chuckled)  You got that right.   (Pause)  I'll pour you some tea and then we can roll the videotape.

Jessica:  Sounds great.  (Pause as Gloria starting making her a cup of tea)   And after the show we can talk about the men in our lives...another thing we used to do in school.

Gloria:  (turning to her sorority sister)  The men in our lives?  Jessie, are you trying to tell me you've met someone?

Jessica:  (shaking her head)  No, girl, the well is still dry.  But what about you?

Gloria:  Me?  The only man in my life is Glenn and I can't wait to get rid of him.

Jessica:  I'm not talking about Glenn, I'm talking about his son.

Gloria:  Zachary?  What about him?

Jessica:  (grinning)  I don't know, girlfriend.  Why don't you tell me?

Scene:  Markham's; the main dining room of the lavish Italian restaurant.  Dana Cooper and Dr. Zachary Dailey are seated at a table.

Zachary:  End the date?  Dana, we haven't even started dinner yet.

Dana:  (visibly upset)  I know, but it's obvious that your father doesn't approve of us dating.  I don't want to cause you any problems.

Zachary:  Dana, you know that my father and I don't agree on much of anything.  I could care less what he thinks.

Dana:  (nodding):  I know that, but...

Zachary:  Look, I'm sorry you had to deal with his bigotry.   It's not what I wanted for this evening.

Dana:  I'm sure you didn't.  But, I guess I shouldn't be surprised it turned out this way.

Zachary:  Why would you say that?

Dana:  Zachary, I knew your father would disapprove of us dating.  I didn't think it would be because of the differences in our races, but because I used to be married to Danny. When he finds out about that; he'll be even angrier.

Zachary (determinedly):  Dana, I am not going to let my father's racism or some stupid mistake you made in the past get in the way of us going out.

Dana:  Zachary, just because he thinks people of different colors shouldn't date doesn't make him a racist.

Zachary:  (surprised)  How can you say that?

Dana:  Sometimes being against interracial dating is not a matter of thinking one race is better than the other. It's much more complicated than that.

Zachary:  There is nothing complicated about being a bigot.   (He grabbed Dana's hand, gently caressing it)   We came here to have a good time, and that's exactly what we are going to do.

Dana:  (shook her head)  Zachary, I just don't think...  (She stood)  I think you should just take me home.

Zachary:  No, Dana, no.  I'm not going to let it end...not like this.

Scene:  The Lassiter Mansion; the foyer.   Richie Stone, Nikki Lassiter, Steven Lassiter and Pamela Lassiter are there.  Nikki stands alongside her boyfriend Richie and they both were face to face with Nikki's parents, Pamela and Steven.

Pamela:  (angrily)  Nikki, where have you been tonight?

Nikki:  (glancing at Richie)  Didn't Richie tell you?

Pamela:  He said he didn't know where you were...that you'd had a fight and you just took off.

Nikki:  That's true.

Pamela:  But Nikki, you weren't supposed to go anywhere.  You were grounded.

Nikki:  Didn't Daddy tell you what we talked about when we had lunch?

Pamela  (giving her husband an icy stare):   Yes, he told me all about how you were able to manipulate him into countermanding my punishment for you.

Nikki:  Mom, I wouldn't call it manipulation.  I just explained the situation to Daddy and he thought you were being too harsh on me.

Steven  (in defense of himself):   Nikki, I told you I couldn't guarantee you anything, that I wanted to talk to your mother about it first.

Nikki:  It sounded like you were going to make her see some reason.

Pamela:  It sounds like you were trying to have things your way, like always.  Did you really think you'd get away with it?

Nikki:  I wasn't trying to get away with anything.

Pamela:  Really?  Then why don't you tell us where you have been?

Nikki:  I told you.  Richie and I had a fight and I went out to do some thinking.

Pamela: (motioning to Nikki's dress) Dressed like that?   Nikki, you look like you've been out for a night on the town.  Is that how you do your best thinking?

Nikki:  Look, Mom, I...

Pamela:  (angrily)  Nikki, I have had enough of your manipulations and your lies.  Now I want to know where you've been tonight.  And you're going to tell me the truth!

Scene:  Greyhawk Manor; the foyer.   James Greyhawk walks in.

Quentin:  (coming in from the living room, he was dressed in a robe and holding a book in his hand)  James?

James: Hi, Dad. How are you?

Quentin:  Fine.  You're home late.

James:  And you're up late.  You're usually in bed by now.

Quentin:   I’m headed there… just forgot my book.

James:   Then, good night. See you in the morning.

Quentin:  Not until we talk.

James:  Can't it wait?   I'm really tired.

Quentin:  I imagine you are. Sailing can be quite exhausting.

James:  (startled)  You know I used The Cassandra?

Quentin:  (nodding)  Yes, I do.

James:  (sighing)  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  There isn't much that doesn't escape your notice.  How'd you find out?

Quentin:  James, before the boat could be taken out, it had to be refueled. The Captain called me to see if I wanted to continue buying fuel from where we used to even though the price had been raised considerably.

James: (nodding)  I see.  I guess I should've asked about taking out the boat first.

Quentin:   Yes, you should've.  But you know I would've let you use it. The question is why didn't you ask me?

James:  (shaking his head)  I don't know...I didn't think, I guess.

Quentin:  Quite the contrary, son, I think you knew exactly what you were doing.  You didn't tell me not because you thought I'd care about you using the yacht, but who you used the boat with.  Am I right?

Scene:  Greyhawk Manor; the library.    Lucas Greyhawk,  Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter, A.J. Lassiter and Melody Sorensen are there.

A.J.:  I have something to say, and I want you both to hear it.

Lucas:  Is this another threat?   Let me know, so I can put it in the 'pointless endeavors' file.

A.J.:  (shaking his head)  This is no threat; it is a promise.  (Pause)  The both of you have done everything you can to make my life a living hell.

Lucas:  (smirking)  Glad to be of service.

A.J.:  (ignoring Lucas' taunting, putting his arm around Melody)  I just want the two of you to know that despite how hard you both have tried, you haven't defeated me, you haven't won.   And you both will be very sorry for every dirty trick you’ve pulled.  I promise you that.

Patricia:  A.J., I am not your enemy.

A.J.:   Save it, Patricia!  I'm not interested in your explanations for all the thoughtless and selfish things you've done since you came back to Covington Bay.  You’ve hurt me, but worse than that, you've hurt Melody. And for that you're going to be sorry.

Melody:  (tugging on A.J.'s arm)  A.J., can we spare ourselves another round.  You said what you had to say, now let’s get out of here.

A.J.:  (relaxing)  You're right.   We should go.

Lucas:   But A.J., don’t you think this poor attitude of yours is going to make working together very difficult.

A.J.:   I have no intention of working with you on the James case?

Lucas:  This nothing to do with the James case.

A.J.:   Then what are you babbling about?

Lucas:  (putting his arm around Patricia)  Patricia just explained to me your situation with Markham. And given the danger that is bound to come out of this, I figured you'd need some expert help, so I volunteered my services.

A.J.:  What!?

Lucas:  (grinning at the look of horror in A.J.'s eyes)  Aren't you going to welcome me aboard?

ACT TWO

Scene:  Greyhawk Manor; the library.   A.J., Melody, Patricia and Lucas are there.  A.J. is looking at Patricia in disbelief.

A.J.:  You invited this guy to work with us on the Markham situation?  Don't you realize that could sour the whole deal?!

Patricia:  I didn't exactly invite Lucas to do anything.  He just sort of horned in.

A.J.:  Well you can horn yourself back out!  We don't need your 'services', Greyhawk!

Lucas:  A.J., you are going up against two hit-men and maybe a very dangerous mobster. You're a journalist from Small-town, Illinois. Do you really think you can handle this?

A.J.:   I don’t need or want help from anyone, especially you!

Lucas:  Maybe you don't, but Patricia does.  She’s told me she'll feel much safer with me around.

A.J.:  Is that true, Patty?  Or is this another way to make me miserable?   Are you so enamored with this jerk that you'll do whatever he wants you to, even if it's stupid?

Patricia:  A.J., Lucas is experienced at this sort of thing. He was F.B.I before he became a private investigator.   He got experience dealing with men like Victor Markham.  He probably will be of some help.

A.J.:  And why would he want to do anything to help me?

Patricia:  Could it be that he wants some dangerous criminals off the streets?

A.J.:  Are you stupid enough to believe he's doing this out of some sense of justice?    This about hurting me!  That's what this man lives for!

Lucas:  Lassiter, not everything is about you.   I want Victor Markham and his men off the streets just as much as anyone else.   I care about this town.  You forget I grew up here too.

A.J.: You never had much affinity for Covington Bay in the past; you couldn't wait to leave and make your way out on the West Coast.  Why are you so involved in what goes on here now?

Lucas:  My reasons are my own, Lassiter.  The point is, you don't have much choice because I'm in whether you like it or not.  Try and shut me out and I'll go to the cops with this whole thing and you can bet Markham will find out.  That'll be the end of his pact you've made with him.

A.J.:  And what about when he finds out you're nosing around?  You don't think that'll end things?

Lucas:   I'm not some amateur.  I know how to handle myself in delicate situations.  You and Patricia will deal directly with Markham.  I'm talking about a strictly behind the scenes deal just to back you and the lady up.

A.J.:  No way!

Patricia:  A.J., listen to reason!

Lucas:    Don't fight me on this, Lassiter, or I'll fix it so Markham won't come within ten feet of you...and don't think I won't.

A.J.:  Then do it!  I'd rather risk never finding those hit men than be involved with anything that stinks of Greyhawk.

Lucas:  (anger flashing in his eyes)  Lassiter, I suggest you take that back.

A.J.:  (his body tensing)  Make me!

Melody:  (holding onto A.J. as he and Lucas started towards one another)  A.J., I think you should listen to Lucas!

A.J.:  (stunned, turning to Melody)  What!?   Surely you don't think he's right!?

Melody:  (nodding)  Yes, I do.

Scene:  The Lassiter Mansion; the foyer.  Pamela, Steven, Nikki and Richie are there.

Nikki:  Mom, I really wasn't anywhere in particular.  I was just walking around thinking about the fight I had with Richie.

Pamela:  In your best party dress?

Nikki:  This dress is new. I was thinking about wearing it to Nina's recital on Saturday and I wanted to see how it looked. That was when Richie came by and we argued. I wanted to get away from him and I really didn't think about changing.

Pamela:  (suspiciously, clearly unconvinced)   What was this fight about?  Richie wouldn't tell us when we asked him earlier.  Instead, he just took of to supposedly find you when he knew we wanted to go with him.

Richie:  Look, I'm sorry I just took off.  I just knew that if we all went tagging after Nikki, it would just make things worse between us.

Pamela:  But you obviously didn't find her since you showed up back here.

Richie:  No and I was planning on waiting around for Nikki so I could apologize for what happened.

Pamela:  And again I ask you...what was the fight about?

Nikki:  Mom, what Richie and I argue about is between us.  I don’t mean to be rude, but my relationship with my boyfriend is none of your business!

Pamela:  I am tired of your disrespectful tone!

Steven:  Nikki, there really is no need to be so rude to your mother.  You're the one in the wrong here.

Nikki:   I'm just saying that this is between Richie and I and we'll work it out.

Richie:  This whole thing is my fault.  None of this would've happened if it weren't for me, including Nikki's getting grounded.  The only reason she ditched school and went to Nathan's trial was so she could support me.

Pamela:  Oh, I am all too aware of the influence you have on my daughter, Richie.  In fact, you are one of the primary reasons I punished Nikki in the first place.   Maybe a little time apart is what my daughter needs to get some perspective.

Nikki:  Mother, I will never believe it was wrong to stand by a friend.  I thought you raised me to be loyal to the people I care about?

Pamela:  I also raised you to be honest and respectful to your parents, but that doesn't seem to have taken!

Steven:  Look, it's late and I really don't think we're going to accomplish anything tonight.  For now, I think we should all say goodnight and go to bed.  We'll pick this up in the morning.

Nikki:  That's fine, I've had enough of this inquisition.

Steven:  Then say goodnight to Richie.

Nikki:  (hesitating)  Can't Richie and I have a few moments alone?  I'd really like to talk to him.

Steven:  I'm sorry, Nikki.  Let's just say goodnight for now.

Nikki:  But...!

Richie:  Your dad's right, Nikki.  We'll talk tomorrow. 

Nikki:  (sighing)  All right.   Goodnight, Richie. I guess I'll see you at school unless I'm chained to my bed.

Pamela:  No need for the editorials, Nikki.   Just say goodnight.

Nikki:  (kissing Richie on the cheek)  Goodnight.

Richie:  Bye.  (He looked at Pamela and Steven)  Sorry about all this.  Goodnight.  (Richie left)

Nikki:  (as the door closed)  I guess I'll go to bed now.  (She headed up the stairs to her bedroom)

Steven:  Probably a good idea.  Just be warned that we will have plenty to discuss in the morning.

Nikki:  Let's just hope there's a big breakfast.    I hate to be persecuted on an empty stomach.

Scene:  Greyhawk Manor; the living room.   Quentin and James walk in.  James looks very nervous and anxious.

James:  Dad, you know who I was with tonight?

Quentin:  I'm not sure who the girl was, but it was obviously someone I'd disapprove of, otherwise you would have told me.

James:   Look I...

Quentin:  (interrupting)  James, why do you persist in getting involved with girls that are beneath you? Didn't you learn your lesson with the Dailey girl?

James:  Dad, I know you never liked Candice, but I loved her.

Quentin:  James, you're a teenage boy, what do you know about love?

James:  More than you think.  Candice meant the world to me.  I wanted to marry her.

Quentin:  Do you honestly think I would've ever allowed a marriage to take place between you and that girl?   Believe me when I say I would've done whatever I had to see that it never happened.

James:  (icily)  Looks like you didn't have to bother.  Candice is dead.

Quentin:  (angrily)  James, there is no need to take that tone with me.  I would never wish the horror that girl went through on anyone, nor would I want her family to suffer as they have, but that doesn't change the fact that I felt she wasn't right for you.  And now that you're sneaking around again, I can't help but wonder why I wouldn't approve of this new young lady in your life.

James:  Dad, it's not that you wouldn't approve...I just don't want to bring her around yet. We just started seeing each other. I don't want to push things by introducing her to my family until I know where's it's going. The Greyhawks can be pretty intimidating, you know.

Quentin:  (nodding)  Oh, I know that. Believe me, I work hard at it. (Pause)  Son, I don't mean to come down so hard on you, I just don't want you getting involved with another girl that isn't worthy of you. Besides, don't you think it's too soon after Candice's death?

James:  I know what I'm doing.

Quentin:  That's what you told me when you announced you were marrying the Dailey girl.

James:  Well, this is different.  (Pause)  Now, I really would like to get to bed.

Quentin:  (as James turned and left the room)   Sure, son. Good night.  (Pause)  Son, you're hiding something, I just know it.  I guess it's up to me to find out what that is so I can protect you...just like I did with Candice Dailey.

Scene:  Greyhawk Manor; the library.   A.J., Lucas, Patricia and Melody are there.  A stunned expression on his face, A.J. is taking a few steps back from Melody.

A.J.:  I don't believe what I'm hearing.  You're siding with this guy?

Melody:  Of course not.  I'm always on your side, A.J..  And while I don't approve of Lucas' blackmail, I do think that you need someone like him in your corner.

A.J.:  Why?  You don't think I can handle this on my own?

Melody:  A.J., you can do anything you set your mind to.  But Victor Markham is a very dangerous man.  You don't know why he asked you to work with him to find those hit men.  He might be playing some sort of game or luring you in a trap.  And if he isn't, then you're going to be going after two men who almost killed you once already.  I just think you need backup and Lucas has lots of this kind of experience from his F.B.I. days.

A.J.:  But we can't trust him!

Melody:  A.J., just a few hours ago Lucas was willing to risk his life to save you and Patricia when he thought you'd been kidnapped.

A.J.:  (glaring at Lucas)  I wonder what his ulterior motive was for that!

Melody:  He did it because it was the right thing to do.  Lucas is no saint, but he's not evil either.

Lucas:  Thanks for the testimonial, Melody.

Melody:  Don't think for a minute I see you as some sort of savior, Lucas.

Lucas:  Hey, I'll take what I can get.  (Pause)   Well, Lassiter, I hope this means you're going to listen to reason.

A.J.:  (sighing as if defeated)  I really don't see that I have much choice do I.

Lucas:  Actually, you don't.

A.J.:  Then you win...this time.  You're in.   We're a...team.

Lucas:  You know you've make the right decision.

A.J.:  Really?  With you on one side and Victor Markham on the other, the only thing I want to do is take a bath.  (Pause)   Let's get out of here, Melody.

Melody:  (as A.J. pulled her out of the room)   Goodnight!

Lucas:  Well, this has been a night for the record books.

Patricia:  You just can't wipe that smug grin off your face, can you?

Lucas:  Why should I when I'm the big winner?

Patricia:  Lucas, the only thing you've won is more antipathy.

Lucas:  Not from you, I hope sweetie.  I'm looking forward to this...joint venture of ours.   Aren't you?

Patricia:  You never stop do you?

Lucas:  No, and you'd be disappointed if I did.

Patricia:  (sighing, shaking her head)  Goodnight, Lucas.

Lucas:  You're leaving?

Patricia:  (heading for the door)  That's what goodnight usually means.  (Pause)  You forget, I've got to get to work early in the morning.  Thanks to your father's manipulations, I'm working at the Times.

Lucas:  You know, you might be upset at having to work there now, but in the end, you'll realize that that paper is going to bring you the kind of success you could only dream about.

Patricia:  Really?  Well, I can't escape the feeling that this dream is going to be a nightmare.  Between the war between the Lassiters and the Greyhawks and this pact with Victor Markham, I wonder which side is going to be the one to do me in.  (A defeated look on her face, Patricia walked out)

Lucas:  Well, lady, I guess it's good you've got me to protect you.  And I'm going to enjoy every delicious moment of it.

ACT THREE

Scene:  The Covington Bay Twin Towers; Gloria's apartment.  Gloria and Jessica are in the kitchen.

Gloria:  Jessica, I don't get what you mean.

Jessica:  You and Zachary were on a date last night, weren't you?

Gloria:  (shocked)  A date!?  Are you kidding?

Jessica:  No.  You two looked like you were having a great time.

Gloria:  Because we're friends, good friends.  How could you even suggest or think there's more to it than that?

Jessica: Actually, I'm not.  Sabrina was the one who intimated there was something going on between you two.

Gloria:  Sabrina has an overactive imagination.

Jessica:  Gloria, you and I both know Sabrina is one of the most realistic, level-headed people around.

Gloria:  Then she's just wrong.   There's nothing between me and Zachary but friendship.  The idea of anything else is ridiculous!

Jessica:  Why?

Gloria:  Jessie, the man is half my age...he's young enough to be my son.  I'm married to his father.  Do you really think that's the type of relationship I should be getting involved in?

Jessica:  Of course not.  You'd be asking for nothing but trouble.

Gloria:  I'm glad you realize that.

Jessica:  I do, but you better talk to Sabrina.  She's got other ideas.

Gloria:  Believe me, I will.  (Pause)   Honestly, just because a man and a woman are close doesn't mean there has to be romance involved!?  I'd think we'd be past that sort of nonsense by now.  (Gloria sighed)  Of course, in Zachary's case, it may not matter.

Jessica:   What does that mean?

Gloria:  (remembering how cold Zachary was to her earlier)  Zachary's upset with me about something.

Jessica:  What?

Gloria:  (shrugging)  I don't know. I really don't.  I've asked him, but all he does is avoid the subject.

Jessica:  That doesn't sound like Zachary.  I don't know him well, but he always seemed like a straight shooter to me.

Gloria:  I know, that's why I'm so puzzled.  I don't get why he just won't tell me what's bothering him.

Jessica:  This really bothers you, doesn't it? 

Gloria:  Like I said, Zachary and I are close friends.

Jessica:  Then I'd imagine the two of you will work it out.   I'm sure he'll be ready to talk about whatever is upsetting him soon enough.

Gloria:  I hope so.  I'd hate the lose the only good thing that came out of my marriage to Glenn.

Scene:  Dana Cooper's home; the porch.   Dana and Zachary walk upon it.

Dana:  Oh, that was a wonderful evening, Zachary.   Thank you.

Zachary:  Are you glad I talked you into staying?

Dana:  Oh, I sure am.  The food, the dancing...it was better than I imagined it would be.

Zachary:  I'm glad you had such a nice time.

Dana:  But is this going to be the last one?

Zachary:  Why would you think that?

Dana:  Zachary, your father disapproves of us dating.

Zachary:  I thought I made it clear I don't care what my father thinks.

Dana:  You might now, but he won't let this go.   I'm sure he's going to do whatever he has to end this, especially when he finds out I was once Nathan James' sister in law.

Zachary:  There's nothing he can do to come between us as long as we want to keep dating, Dana.  And I hope you want to continue dating.

Dana:  Of course I do.

Zachary:  Then it's settled; you and I are going to continue seeing each other and Glenn Dailey can just go to hell.

Dana:  I'm glad you're so defiant, but I have to remember that he is my boss.

Zachary:  Dana, there's nothing he can do.  Stop worrying.

Dana:  I'll try.

Zachary:  Hey, this relationship is between you and me, not you and me and my father.  Remember that; I'll be sure to make sure my father does too.

Dana:  All right, I will.

Zachary:  Good.  And now that we've settled that, how are we going to bring this wonderful evening to a close?

Dana:  Who says it has to come to a close?  (Dana wrapped her arms around Zachary and kissed him deeply.)

Zachary:  (as they parted)  If you're going to be kissing me like that, I sure as hell don't want it to.

Dana:  Good.  Then why don't you come inside for awhile?

Zachary:  Are you trying to tempt me, Nurse Cooper?

Dana:  I think I am.  Is it working?

Zachary:  (grinning)  I think it just might be.

Scene:  The Sheridan Street Apartments; the eighth floor.   A.J. and Melody get off the elevator and walk down the corridor to his apartment.

A.J.:   He's not going to get away with this!   He is not going to get away with this!

Melody:  A.J., calm down!

A.J.:  Melody, how do you expect me to calm down?   Lucas Greyhawk is determined to stick his nose in every facet of my life.

Melody:  True, but yelling about it is only going to raise your blood pressure and wake your neighbors.

A.J.:  You don't think I should be upset about this!?   First it's that article in the paper, then he tells me he's in town to solve the Nathan James case and now the Markham situation.  He's everywhere I turn.  And you and Patricia are determined to keep him there.

Melody:  You think I was wrong in giving my opinion?

A.J.:  Melody, I value your opinion, but I can't believe you'd think I'd be better off working with Greyhawk!

Melody:  A.J., I'm sorry if I didn't agree with you, but Lucas can be of help.  I'm sure his F.B.I. training will come in handy.

A.J.:  But I don't trust him.  He is not in this because it's the right thing to do.  He has an ulterior motive!

Melody:   A.J., I don't see Lucas as darkly as you do.  I can't forget he was going to risk his life for you tonight.

A.J.:  And you don't think there was a reason behind that!?

Melody:   I think he honestly didn't want to see you or Patricia get hurt.

A.J.:   You actually trust him?

Melody:  I just don't think he's as bad as you say he is.

A.J.:  Melody, I know you like to see the good in people, but there is no good in this man.  Don't forget what his family has done to mine.

Melody:  I am not saying Lucas is a saint, believe me.  I know what nasty things he's capable of.  But I also know that he can be a good guy when he wants to.

A.J.:  Really?  Name one good thing he's ever done.  (Melody hesitated)    My point is made.

Melody:  A.J., let's face it, in the end, Lucas didn't give you must choice.  You have to play it his way or he'll go to the police and tell them about your deal with Markham.  And as much as I'd like for this whole matter to be turned over to the police so you'd be out of danger, but I know that if that were to happen, you'd probably never find out what this mobster is up to....or have a chance at catching those hit men.

A.J.:  So you accept this situation?

Melody:  For now, what choice do I have?  I just hope we all come out of this alive.  And when it's all over I want Lucas, and especially Patricia, to be out of our lives.

A.J.:  I can guarantee you that.  I don't want to be involved with either of them anymore than you do.

Melody:  Good, because that is the only way we'll even have a chance at working things out between us.

A.J.:  (sighing)  You know, I can't believe how stupid I've been.

Melody:  What do you mean?

A.J.:  After all that's happened, you agreed to come home with me tonight and instead of being grateful, all I've done is rail about Lucas Greyhawk.    I should be telling you how much I love you...and that I'm glad you haven't given up on us.  (Pause as he pulled Melody into his arms)   For now, why don't we forget about Lucas and mobsters and surprise wives.   Let's not talk about any of that for the rest of the night, okay?

Melody:  (smiling)  Sounds like a good deal to me.

A.J.:  In fact,  I'd rather not talk at all.

(They started to kiss, embracing tightly, their lips hungry and searching. Melody felt herself being pulled back as A.J. leaned against his door. At the same moment, the door flew open and she and A.J. went tumbling to the ground. Breathless, Melody was startled at first, but then the humor of the situation struck her. She started to giggle as she looked down at A.J..)

Melody:   (laughing)  A.J., I can't believe you let that happen!  Why didn't you warn me you were opening the door?

A.J.:  (looking up at her, his expression completely serious)  Because I didn't open the door.

Melody:  (gasping)  What!?

A.J.:   The door was open, Melody.  And I know I locked it before I left.   Someone's been here.

Melody:  (fearfully)  Or, they could still be here.

Coming Up In Covington Bay...

·      Gloria's questions make Jessica uncomfortable.

 

·      Zachary and Dana take the next step.

 

·      Melissa struggles with Eric.

 

·      A.J. gets a surprise.