Covington Bay--Episode 74

EPISODE 74

“THE NAKED TRUTH”

ACT ONE

~~Scene: CBay Nights~~Scene: CBay Nights; a local bar. It is a dark, smoky dive. The music, a litany of '70's rock, fills the room. The customers, mostly men, do little talking. Much of the focus is on drinking. ~~Eric Lassiter and Melissa~~Eric Lassiter and Melissa Stone are sitting in a booth. Melissa twirls a half empty glass of white wine, taking an occasional glance at Eric, who is being served another beer by a dark haired, busty waitress.

Eric: (talking a deep gulp of his beer) ~~How long are~~ Are you going to ~~nurse~~ever finish that ~~wine? You've~~? You’ve been ~~looking at~~nursing it for ~~the last couple of hours.~~over an hour.

Melissa: (pushing the glass away) ~~I'm not really interested in drinking.~~ You know I’ve never ~~liked it~~been much. of a drinker.

Eric: Then why did you want to come here?

Melissa: I didn't. I thought we were going to go to your apartment so we could talk.

Eric: (nastily) And I told you I wanted to stop off for a few drinks first.

Melissa: ~~A few drinks? We've~~ But, we’ve been here for ~~hours.~~awhile now. ~~How long do you plan on staying here?~~ Can’t we just go to your place?

You know I work the night shift. I've got to be at work soon.

Eric: (motioning to the door) Then go. I wouldn't want you to be late.

Melissa: (frustrated) But, ~~Eric,~~ we need to talk.

Eric: (sighing) Melissa, I've had a hard day. And ~~it's all the fault~~most of it was caused by that ~~bitch...~~bitch, also known as my new partner,, Angela Sorensen. The last thing I want to do is talk.

Melissa: Eric, I~~'m sorry~~ understand that ~~about your day. That's what I want to talk to you about.~~. I feel partly responsible for ~~it.~~

~~Eric: And how's that?~~

~~Melissa:Melissa:~~what’s happened. If I hadn't of gotten in an argument with you last night, you wouldn't have left the apartment in a huff and ~~you wouldn't have~~ gone to Mama J's in the first place and ~~ran~~you would’ve never run in to Danny James. ~~That~~I was the catalyst for ~~most of~~ what happened. I know everyone blames you for what happened, but I know it's not all your fault. ~~I want you to know I'm sorry for my part in this. I just hope you can forgive me.~~I tried to explain that to your mother when I talked to her about it.

Eric: (chuckling) I bet that went over well. My mother loves to believe the worst of me.

Melissa: I don’t think she does, she was just upset about what happened. I just hope you can forgive me for my part in it.

Eric: (looking at her through blurry eyes) ~~Forgive you? Sure, why not?~~Hey, you were big enough to admit you were wrong. Who am I to hold a grudge?

Melissa: I'm glad to hear that. (Pause) I didn't mean to upset you ~~it's~~... for any of that to happen. It's just that ~~I was worried about you. That~~the dream you had about your ex-partner Pete Cooper seemed to really upset you and I...

Eric: (anger rippling through his voice) ~~Hold it, Melissa! Stop right there.~~ Melissa, I really think you should watch what you say from here on out.

Scene: ~~Dana~~Dana Cooper's home. Dana and ~~Zachary~~Dr. Zachary Dailey walk ~~in; Dana turns on~~into the ~~light.~~living room.

Dana: (closing the door) Would you like something to drink? I have some wine. or juice.

Zachary: (shaking his head) No, I'm fine.

Dana: Okay...then have a seat. (She motions to the sofa. Zachary sat down and then Dana sat next to him) Give me a second to check on my nephew. (She walked out, then returned a minute later)

Zachary: Everything okay?

Dana: Yeah. He’s asleep, just like he should be on a school night. Unfortunately, he didn’t clean his room like I asked, but with teenagers it’s never perfect. (Pause) I'm so glad we went out tonight, Zachary. I had a lot of fun.

Zachary: So did I, despite my father's interference. (Pause) I can't apologize enough for that, Dana.

Dana: ~~Zachary, there's~~There's no need to apologize for your father. How he feels is not your fault.

Zachary: Maybe not, but I'm still sorry. (He shook his head) I knew he was a little narrow minded, but I would've never expected him to be a racist.

Dana: Zachary, I don't know if it's fair to call your father a racist.

Zachary: You honestly don't think saying that interracial dating is wrong is racist?

Dana: It's close-minded maybe, but I'd never say it was racist. It's not that simple. ~~Your father has never struck me as a bigoted man.~~ His concerns might be coming from a totally different place. other than his own prejudices. Maybe ~~he's~~he’s worried about how an interracial relationship will affect your ~~life.~~life, what other people will think, how they’ll treat you.

Zachary: ~~I hardly think~~ That would require my father ~~gives a damn~~to be concerned about ~~how anything affects me.~~ someone other than himself, which he is incapable of. He's too selfish and self absorbed to care about anything or anyone but himself. The fact of matter is, Dana, I don't care where ~~they are coming~~his feelings come from. He's wrong, plain and simple. (Pause) Look, can we not talk about this ~~anymore. This is about us having a good time. And I was doing that.~~anymore? Just the thought of him raises my blood temper.

~~Dana: So was I.~~

~~Zachary: Then let's not talk about my father anymore. Just the thought of him raises my blood boil.~~

Dana: (laughing) Well, I wouldn't want that. You're much too young to be having a heart attack. (Pause) Okay, we won't discuss your father...or any other unpleasant subjects for the rest of the evening.

Zachary: Sounds good to me.

Dana: So what do we talk about?

Zachary: (shrugging) I don't know. You got anything in ~~mind.~~mind?

Dana: (nodding) As a matter of fact, I do.

Scene: The Covington Bay Twin Towers; Dr. Gloria Lassiter-Dailey's apartment. Gloria and Jessica Jackson are there. Jessica is sitting on the sofa. Gloria is turning off the television.

Jessica: That was a great episode. Who would've guessed ~~Greyson~~Grayson Manning was killed by his third wife's sister?

Gloria: Don't be to sure about that, Jessie. Remember she has a evil twin.

Jessica: (grinning) You're right. (She stood) Well, this was fun, but it's late and I have English papers to grade ~~so I should be getting home. I imagine you probably want to be getting to bed anyway.~~.

Gloria: ~~Oh yes, my divorce hearing is in~~I should be getting to bed too. I have to be at the hospital early the morning. to see some patients before I meet with Sabrina and Glenn's lawyer.

Jessica: (nodding) ~~You must be glad about that.~~Oh, the divorce. That moving along?

~~Gloria: You bet. I've waited so long for this... too long. The only person who wants this divorce more than I do is Sabrina.~~

Gloria: And hopefully it’ll be over soon.

Jessica: ~~Oh yeah. She can't stand~~Well, if Sabrina has anything to say about it, it will. She despises Glenn~~. You think~~ and she ~~was the one who'd been married to him. But I guess it's nice she's so invested in helping you..~~

~~Gloria: I know, and~~ wants that divorce as much as ~~I appreciate her being there for me, I worry she's got too much~~you do. You’d think she was the one married to him.

Gloria: And I appreciate her dedication. I just hope that Sabrina's able to handle it with everything else that's on her plate. She does have a lot going on with this and the Nathan James murder case.

Jessica: ~~You know 'Bree, she thrives on stress.~~ But you know ‘Bree. She thrives on stress.

Gloria: And I could love to get rid of mine. Seems not a day goes by when some new tragedy doesn’t befall this family.

Jessica: I heard about A.J.'s encounter with some drug dealers. The paper said he wasn't hurt too badly. Is he okay?

Gloria: (sighing) He survived, thank God. But with A.J., one disaster is never enough. He has to pile another one right on top of it.

Jessica: Would you be referring to his marriage to Patricia Tamakai?

Gloria: Of course I am. I guess it's all over town by now.

Jessica: You don't make the front page of the Covington Bay Times and not expect to get attention.

Gloria: And my sons definitely like to get attention. (Pause) I never know what to expect with those two anymore. I'm sure Mama J. told you about what happened with Eric and Danny James.

Jessica: (nodding) Oh, I heard about it; everyone in Southtown is talking about it. White cops assaulting black men always seems to create stir.

Gloria: Jessie, I don't think Eric's harassment of Danny had anything to do with race. Those two do have a history.

Jessica: I know. Eric was the cop who arrested Danny and put him behind bars before. And then arrested Nathan for Candice's murder. (Pause) Now Eric may have been out of line, but you know the idea of Danny James being in jail doesn't exactly upset me.

Gloria: Jessie, I know you don't like Danny, and I'm not saying you don't have reason, but he didn't deserve what Eric tried to do to him. Besides, the last thing he needs is to be in jail, especially now that Nathan needs him so much.

Jessica: How is Nathan by the way? Is he going to recover from the heart attack?

Gloria: (shaking her head) I don't know. He's still unconscious; the doctors aren't sure how he's going to do at this point. (Gloria sighed) What makes it worse is that Danny has disappeared.

Jessica: What do you mean; disappeared?

Gloria: He's been missing since this morning....before Nathan had his heart attack. (Pause) Unless he showed up for work tonight.

Jessica: No, as a matter of fact, he didn't show up for work and we couldn't find anyone to take over for him. I filled in for Mama J. since she's spending the day with Polly Johnson at the hospital. Thank God we weren't busy or we would've been in big trouble.

Gloria: (a puzzled expression on her face) This is all so strange. Danny has been glued to Nathan's side since he was arrested for Candice's murder. He's always been there for him. His being gone now makes no sense.

Jessica: (nodding) I've known those boys most of my life and they have always stuck together .through all the troubles they've had over the years. Even when Danny was in prison and Nate was in foster homes, they still kept in touch, still stayed close. Danny's dedication to his brother is the one good thing he's done in his otherwise miserable life.

Gloria: And now Nathan's life is on the line. He could die and Danny is nowhere to be found. Why would he choose now to vanish?

Scene: The Sheridan Street Apartments; outside A.J.'s apartment. A.J. Lassiter and Melody Sorensen are there.

(A.J. and Melody are kissing, 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.

A.J.: (whispering) Get up.

Melody: (as she and A.J. scrambled to their feet) A.J., do you really think...?!

A.J.: (pushing Melody outside) Wait here.

Melody: (as A.J. started to go back inside, grabbing him by the arm) A.J., what are you doing!?

A.J.: (whispering) I'm going inside; I have to find out if someone's in here.

Melody: (terror in her eyes) A.J., no! Let's just call the police! We both have our cell phones, let's just do it from here.

A.J.: And take a chance that they might get away? No way.

Melody: What if it's those hit-men? They could have guns! Do you really think you can face them alone?

A.J.: Melody, I can't just stand out here and do nothing. (Pause) Now wait here. If you hear anything...if something happens, call the cops.

Melody: But, A.J....!

(He slipped into the apartment, closing the door behind him, leaving a terrified Melody in the hallway)

ACT TWO

Scene: The Sheridan Street Apartments; the corridor outside A.J.'s apartment. Melody is there; a worried look on her face.

Melody: A.J., you've been in there for at least five minutes. Surely you've searched your apartment already? Everything must be okay. Unless.... (Panic raced through her) ...unless something has happened and you can't come out! You could be hurt...or worse! I can't just stand out here and wait! I can't do nothing!

(Melody turned towards the door and slowly pulled it open. The living room was empty. Melody hesitantly stepped inside. She was about to call out for A.J., but thought better of it, realizing she could alert someone...if there was an intruder. The bedroom door was closed. She moved towards it, reaching out to open the door. A hand shot out and curled around her wrist. Melody gasped, looking into A.J.'s angry expression.)

Melody: A.J.!

A.J.: Melody, what are you doing in here!? I thought you were supposed to wait outside!?

Melody: A.J., you took so long I started to get worried. I thought something might of happened to you!

A.J.: Then you should be calling the police, not coming in here searching for me. What if they had of been an intruder and they already put me out of commission? You could be next.

Melody: Well, I wasn't. (Pause) I take it there was no one here.

A.J.: You're right. There was no one here. And it doesn't seem like anyone has been here. Nothing is missing...nothing even seems to have been moved or touched.

Melody: Then maybe you left the door unlocked.

A.J.: (shaking his head) Melody, I can't imagine I would do that, not with everything that is going on.

Melody: Maybe it's because of everything that is going on that you had your mind on other things and got a little careless. You do make mistakes you know.

A.J.: Oh, I do know that. I just can't believe that... (Pause as he walked over to the door) Well, maybe you're right. Maybe I did just leave the door unlocked. It does seem to be the only explanation. (He looked at the doorknob and the frame) The door hasn't been tampered with; there's no indication anyone has been here. I guess I need to be more careful.

Melody: You don't sound certain. You really think some one did break in here tonight, don't you?

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

Zachary: So, what did you want to talk about?

Dana: You.

Zachary: Me? That's not the most exciting topic.

Dana: I would tend to disagree with that.

Zachary: And why is that; not that I'm looking for an ego boost.

~~Dana:~~ Dana: I don't mind giving you one. You're a very handsome, successful doctor. People like and respect you...I can't think of anyone who doesn't have wonderful things to say about you.

Zachary: (smiling) Oh, I can think of a few.

Dana: Well, they are the ones with the problem. I guess I just want to get to know you better. I want to know all about the life and times of Dr. Zachary Dailey.

Zachary: (shrugging) There isn't much to tell really, Dana. Like you, I grew up in Covington Bay.

Dana: No, you grew up in Covington Bay. I grew up in Southtown. Two completely different worlds.

Zachary: Not all that different; both are filled with people, both good and bad.

Dana: Only one has a lot more money than the other.

Zachary: That's really not very important.

Dana: You can say that because you've never had to worry about it.

Zachary: (nodding) You're right, I never had to worry about it. I always had the right things; the nicest clothes, the latest cars, whatever I wanted.

Dana: And I never did.

Zachary: Dana, from what I've heard, you didn't grow up poverty stricken.

Dana: True, my family was a lot better off that most people in Southtown. Daddy always had a job and Mama worked part time. But we still had to stretch things to make ends meet. I had to wear my brother Pete's hand-me-downs. And Mama made a lot of my clothes. Our television was used, our furniture was used, we never had a new car.

Zachary: Sounds like to me your parents did the best they could.

Dana: (nodding) Oh, they did. Don't get me wrong. My parents worked hard. They did everything they could to keep this roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food on the table. I'm grateful for all they did for me and my brothers.

Zachary: But, I get the feeling that wasn't enough for you.

Dana: Zachary, do you remember when we were in high school, how the mayor started sending some Southtown kids to Covington Bay High School to give them a chance at a better education?

Zachary: (nodding) Of course I remember. A lot of people showed some very ugly sides of themselves during that time.

Dana: I was one of the kids who was bussed to Covington Bay High School.

Zachary: Really? We went to CBay High around the same time?

Dana: Yeah, I guess we did. But we wouldn't have known each other; you wouldn't have even noticed me.

Zachary: Actually, I don't think you would've noticed me.

Dana: I find that hard to believe.

Zachary: Dana, when I was in high school, girls were not exactly part of my life. I was a geeky fat kid and they avoided me like the plague.

Dana: You're kidding? You a geek? I find that hard to believe.

Zachary: It's true. I'm sure there are some pictures floating around to prove it...I don't think I was able to burn them all.

Dana: (grinning) Well, I'd like to know more about this geeky fat kid, but let me finish my story. Maybe then you'll understand where I'm coming from.

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

Jessica: Gloria, the last thing that concerns me is the whereabouts of Danny James.

Gloria: I--I know...and you have every reason to feel that way. I'm sorry, Jessie, this is something I really shouldn't discuss with you.

Jessica: That's okay. I know you're just concerned about Nathan. I know you don't believe he killed Candice.

Gloria: The evidence is against him is strong, but no...I really can't believe he could so something so horrible to Candice.

Jessica: It's hard for me to believe too. He was a bad kid, but he'd changed so much since he got out of that gang and started pulling his life together. He was going back to school, working at the hospital. He was doing great in my class...he really seemed to take to some the authors we covered in my literature class. He was a good kid.

Gloria: But you still have your doubts?

Jessica: My doubts stem from my association with his brother, Danny, who is capable of anything. Maybe that's not fair, but that's how I feel. (She sighed) Look, I better be going. Like I said, I've got a lot of papers to grade before I hit the sheets.

Gloria: Okay. See you soon?

Jessica: Of course. (They hugged tightly. Gloria walked to the door and opened it for her.) Bye, honey.

Gloria: Bye. (Jessica walked out and Gloria closed the door. Grabbing the tea cups from the living room table, she went into the kitchen and put them into the sink as a thought crossed her mind) Oh, did I have an appointment with a patient tomorrow afternoon? I better check my calendar. I might have to reschedule if the hearing runs long.

(Gloria's purse lie in the kitchen table. She grabbed the purse and opened in, staring to look for her appointment book. Instead, she came across a napkin from Mama J.'s. She grabbed the napkin, memories of her evening there with Zachary sweeping through her mind) (Then images of Zachary being cold to her earlier today followed those thoughts. A wave of sadness overcame Gloria. She sat at the kitchen table, looking troubled and concerned)

Gloria: I'm going to find out why you're so upset with me, Zachary, I will. Our friendship...what we have...is too important for me not to.

Scene: Dana Cooper's home; the living room. Dana and Zachary are there sitting on the sofa.

Dana: Zachary, most of the kids who went to Covington Bay High School back then were upper middle class kids like your family...or out and out filthy rich like the Lassiters or the Greyhawks.

Zachary: True.

Dana: Do you know how it felt for a kid from the worst section of town to go to a school like that? I didn't have the right clothes or the right shoes or the latest hairstyle. I certainly didn't drive the right car...I didn't even have a car, I had to take the bus to school.

Zachary: And that made you feel inferior to the other kids?

Dana: Of course it did. The fact that a lot of people didn't even want us Southtown kids there only made matters worse. It wasn't as bad as I'm sure what kids went through during de-segregation or now that the schools have been merged since Southtown High burned down a few years ago but I had my share of nasty stares and racial slurs and comments that I wasn't as good as them and never would be.

Zachary: But Dana, those people were just snobs and bigots.

Dana: Maybe they were, but all I could see are the things that everyone else had that I didn't...and it made me never want to feel that way again. I don't mean to sound ungrateful...my parents worked hard to provide me with that they did...and they wanted me to have more than they did. But I didn't. I'm living in the same house, struggling to make ends meet just like they did.

Zachary: Dana, you've just started in your career. You've got plenty of time to see a lot of success.

Dana: Oh, I know that. And I will. I am not going to wind up living in Southtown for the rest of my life. I want more than that for me and Timmy.

Zachary: I'll say this...you're a very beautiful, very determined young woman. You can accomplish just about anything you want.

Dana: Oh believe me, I will. (Pause) Here I am going on and on about me when we were supposed to be talking about you.

Zachary: That's okay. We've got plenty of time to learn about each other...which I am very eager to do. Somehow, I have the feeling I've only scratched the surface of a very fascinating young woman. (Pause as Zachary stood) And on that note, I better be going. We both have to be at work early in the morning.

Dana: (standing) You're right. I had a nice time tonight, Zachary.

Zachary: So did I.

Dana: I hope we do again soon.

Zachary: Count on it. (Pause) In fact, why don’t we have a cup of coffee at the cafeteria in the morning? Be a nice way to start off the day.

Dana: I’m not a fan of hospital coffee, but I can’t complain about the company.

Zachary: Good. (He pulled Dana into his arms and they kissed passionately. He smiled at her as Dana walked him to the door) See you in the morning.

Dana: (as Zachary opened the door) Bye. (Dana closed the door behind him, then leaned against it) You're right, Zachary, I can accomplish anything I want...and right now I want to marry you. I am not going to be trapped in Southtown like everyone else around here. I'm going to get out...and you're going to help me.

Scene: CBay Nights. Eric and Melissa are sitting in a booth. Eric has just ordered another drink from the waitress, who is walking away.

Eric: Let's end this conversation right now, Melissa.

Melissa: Eric, I know how much that dream last night upset you and I just...

Eric: And right now you're upsetting me, Melissa. Drop it, I don't want to talk about Pete or dreams or anything else relating to that subject!

Melissa: All right, all right. Let's drop it.

Eric: (sarcastically) Thank you. (He knocked back the last of his drink just as the waitress slid another beer in front of him. Eric gave her a slight nod before she walked away.)

Melissa: How much longer are we going to be here? I'd like to spend a little time alone with you before I have to be at to work.

Eric: (with a lecherous grin) You want to be alone, huh? Well, I'm not really in the mood.

Melissa: I'm not talking about having sex.

Eric: Then why do you want to be alone? I already told you I'm not interested in conversation. And since sex is off the table, what's the point?

Melissa: So what are you saying? I should just leave?

Eric: You can do whatever you want. I'm going to enjoy my drink and relax.

Melissa: (visibly hurt) Then maybe I should go. I'm sure the hospital won't mind if I get there early. (Melissa stood) I'll call you tomorrow.

Eric: Whatever.

Melissa: (hesitant, the hurt deepening in her expression) Goodbye, Eric.

Eric: Thought she'd never leave....now I can drink in peace. (As he took another sip, he spotted a newspaper tucked down in the seat of the booth. Curiosity piquing him, Eric pulled the newspaper out and unfolded it. It was a copy of the current Covington Bay Times, the one announcing A.J.'s marriage to Patricia. Eric looked at the headline in shock) Well, well, what is this? My big brother had a wedding and he didn't invite me? (Eric smiled wickedly) I guess this means I should pay him a visit and congratulate him.

Scene: The Sheridan Street Apartments; A.J.'s apartment. A.J. and Melody are there.

A.J.: (closing the door) I don't want to believe that someone broke on here and violated my privacy, but my life is one big question mark right now, I can't help but question everything that goes on.

Melody: If you're that uncertain, maybe you should call the police. They might be able to find fingerprints or something.

A.J.: (shaking his head) I doubt if the police are going to come to my rescue anytime soon after what happened today. And I certainly don't want to call them over here for nothing.

Melody: But none of that was your fault.

A.J.: Maybe not, but I'm not on good terms with the Covington Bay Police Department...as if I ever were.

Melody: So what are you going to do?

A.J.: Nothing. I probably am overreacting. I obviously just left the door open. I guess I should be grateful that everything is okay...especially since you came charging in here like the ~~calvery.~~Calvary. I thought I asked you to wait outside?

Melody: A.J., I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have taken such a big risk, but I couldn't stand around and do nothing, not when you could be in danger.

A.J.: Is that why you were going with Greyhawk to find me and Patricia?

Melody: Right.

A.J.: Well, I don't want that to ever happen again, Melody. I don't want you taking those kinds of risks.

Melody: Even though you do?

A.J.: I'm an investigative journalist...it's part of my job. It's bad enough I have to worry about Lucas Greyhawk and Patricia either getting hurt or stabbing me in the back, I don't want to have to be concerned about you too. Promise me you'll never take chances like that ever again.

Melody: (shaking her head) A.J., I can't do that.

A.J.: Why not?

Melody: Because I love you. And I can't stand around while you could be in danger. I can and I will do whatever I have to so you'll be safe.

A.J.: (putting his arms around Melody) Melody, I appreciate your concern for me, more than you'll ever know. But I don't want you in the middle of this, you'd only make things more dangerous than they already are.

Melody: And how could I do that?

A.J.: Because I'd be so worried about you I wouldn't be concentrating on the task at hand...which is to put an end to all this madness. I can't work effectively if your life is at risk too.

Melody: A.J., I...

A.J.: Melody, I know you want to help and the best way you can do that is to stay out of this. Please...promise me you'll do as I ask.

Melody: (hesitating) All right, all right, I'll do it. I'll stay out of it.

A.J.: Great. That's a big load off my mind.

Melody: (smiling) Besides, I don't think chasing after hit-men would fit into my schedule at the hospital. (Pause) But A.J., you have to promise me that you'll do everything you can to bring an end to this. I want our lives to be back to normal...at least normal for us.

A.J.: That's a promise I can keep. I want this over as much as you do. I like a little excitement in my life, but I think the last few days has been a little over the top. (Pause) Now, why don't we go to bed? It's been a long day...you must be tired.

Melody: I'm exhausted. You must be tired too.

A.J.: I am. (Pause) It'll be nice to have you with me tonight, Melody. You know how much I love holding you while we sleep. I'm glad you came here tonight. I know we've got a lot to work through, I know I've got a long road to hoe to earn your trust again. But I think the only way that's going to happen is if we spend time together and remember all the reasons why we love each other.

Melody: I agree...I just hope it's enough.

A.J.: It will be.

Melody: You sound so certain.

A.J.: Of course I do. Have you ever known me not to get what I want?

Melody: Actually, I haven't.

A.J.: Then, my dear, that's all you need to know. (Pulling Melody into his arms, A.J. kissed her passionately)

ACT THREE

Scene: The Sheridan Street Apartments; the next morning. A.J.'s apartment; the living room. A.J. and Melody are there kissing. A.J. is wearing a robe, Melody is fully dressed.

A.J.: (as they parted) I can't believe you have to dash off so early.

Melody: Plight of being a surgical nurse. You never know when those darn patients will need medical attention. Besides, how many times have you dragged out of a warm bed to chase your next byline?

A.J.: I guess you have a point there.

Melody: Want to make plans for lunch?

A.J.: Why don't we play it by ear? I'm not sure what my day is going to be like. ~~Why don't we play it by ear?~~ I'll be at the hospital later to do some follow up work on the Nathan James case. Let's hook up then, okay?

Melody: Sure. (Pause) What about this ~~MarkhamMarkhamMarkham~~Markham thing?

A.J.: I don't know. Right now we have to wait until we hear from him to see what the next step is. I imagine at some point he'll want to touch base. I suppose I'll have to call Patricia...and Greyhawk so we can make some sort of plans on how to handle this operation.

Melody: You make it sound painful.

A.J.: I'd almost rather undergo the operation you're about to assist on...without anesthesia.

Melody: (chuckling) Poor baby. (She kissed him on the cheek) I'll see you later.

A.J.: (as Melody walked out) Later. (A.J. turned and headed for the bedroom door when the doorbell rang) ~~Melody, don't tell me you are gonna forgoe the operation so we can play doctor?~~I wonder who that could be...unless Melody forgot her key. (A.J. went to the door and opened it. He was surprised to see Eric standing there) Eric!

Eric: (wearing the same clothes as last night; they were wrinkled and mussed as if he's slept in them) Good morning, big brother. (He walked in) I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

A.J.: What are you doing here? (A.J. closed the door)

Eric: I'm here to congratulate you.

A.J.: About what? (A.J. watched as Eric held up the newspaper, grinning) I see. You know about the marriage. Did you come here to gloat?

Eric: (smirking) What do you think?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the nurses lounge. Melody is there sitting on a sofa, sipping a cup of coffee.

Voice: Hi, sis.

Melody: (looking up into Angela's grim face) Angie, ~~this is a surprise. You here at the hospital on business?~~what are you doing here?

Angela: ~~No,~~ I'm here to see you. (She sat down) You got a few minutes?

Melody: Actually, I do. I'm supposed to be in emergency surgery, but unfortunately, the patient never made it to the table.

Angela: I'm sorry to hear that.

Melody: Thank you. (Pause) ~~So what's up? That's a very serious look so early~~ ~~So what brings~~ What do you want to see me about? You look kinda serious.

~~Melody: If being a lying, cheating bastard was illegal I sure would have one.~~

Angela: After what I’ve learned, how could I be anything but? (Angela reached into her purse and pulled out the front page of yesterday's Covington Bay Times) A.J.'s married. He's been married since before you met.

Melody: (uncomfortable) I know.

Angela: So you know about this? (Melody nodded) For how long?

Melody: I-I just found out yesterday.

Angela: So A.J. has been lying to you all this time?

Melody: (nodding) Yes.

Angela: So what are you going to do about it?

Melody: What do you mean?

Angela: Have you broken up with him yet? Have you told that liar where to go?

Melody: (hesitating) Angela, A.J. and I are...

Angela: Are what? Don't tell me you've forgiven him? Don't tell me you've been that stupid!?

Melody: Of course not! I haven't forgiven A.J. for anything. We've got a lot of work to do before we can get back to what we had.

Angela: Get back what you had!? Melody, are you crazy!? You've got to dump the son of a bitch...and do it now!

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the emergency room nurses station. Melissa is there working, but she looks troubled and upset. Zachary walks up to the desk.

Zachary: Good morning, Melissa. Busy night?

Melissa: Morning, Zachary. (Pause) Actually, it was kind of quiet. And in my frame of mind, I’m glad. I don't think I could handle a stressful evening.

Zachary: What’s wrong? Anything I can do to help?

Melissa: I wish you could, but I don't think there's anyone who can do anything but me. And I don't have the first clue as to how to fix this.

Zachary: Is this about a man in your life?

Melissa: Is it that obvious?

Zachary: These things usually are.

Voice: Zachary?

Zachary: (turning to face Gloria, a cool expression on his face) Gloria. Good morning.

Gloria: Good morning. (Pause) Can we talk for a minute?

Zachary: (coolly) Actually Gloria, I don't have time right now.

Gloria: Zachary, I'm only asking for a few minutes. Certainly you can spare that.

Zachary: (reluctantly) Sure.

Gloria: Let's go in to the lounge. (Gloria and Zachary walked into the lounge)

Zachary: Whatever this is, Gloria, I don't have a lot of time.

Gloria: (angrily) And I have run out of patience! Who are you, Zachary Dailey? What happened to the kind, compassionate young man I've known for six years!? Since when have you been replaced by this cold hearted replica of your selfish, self absorbed father!?

Zachary: Don't compare me to that man!

Gloria: Why shouldn't I? He acts like a jerk and right now so are you. I don't get it, Zachary. What is wrong? Why are you so cold you me!? You treat me like I've done something wrong and I don't know what it is!

Zachary: You haven't done anything wrong...in a sense.

Gloria: What does that mean? What have I done to upset you so? I've been trying to figure out why you could be so angry and the only thing I can think of is what you walked in on yesterday in your father's office. Is that it? Are you upset about seeing your father kiss me?

Zachary: (hesitating) Gloria, I...

Gloria: Zachary, I deserve an answer! We've been friends too long to be evasive with each other now.

Zachary: (sighing) You're right, we have. (Pause) And you're right about why I'm so upset, Gloria. I didn't like what I saw yesterday.

Gloria: I'm glad to hear you admit that. Now, you want to tell me why it bothered you so much?

Scene: Dana's home; the bathroom. She is in the shower, scrubbing herself, thoughts swirling through her mind.

Dana: (to herself) Last night was great...and just the beginning. It's only going to be a matter of time before Zachary and I are husband and wife. Soon he's going to be mine...and I'm going to be set for the rest of my life. I can put this house...and Southtown behind me. I can forget about growing up poor, about having to work, about everything. And maybe best of all, I can forget about Danny James. (Pause) I wonder where he is? He must've had something to do with Nathan's heart attack...he had to of. If he hadn't of, he wouldn't have disappeared, would he? Well, whether he comes back or not, he's out of my life. Danny James is never going to cause me any problems again.

(Dana turned off the water off and stepped out of the shower. She turned to look at the towel rack, but it wasn't there.)

Dana: That's strange. I thought I had a towel there.

Voice: Is this what you're looking for?

(Dana jumped startled, looking toward the doorway. Danny stood there, her towel in his hand, a wicked grin on his face)

In The Next Episode of Covington Bay...

· Gloria is stunned by Zachary's admission.

· A.J. and Eric come to blows...and then things get really ugly.

· Angela takes matters into her own hands.

· Dana gets more than one shock from Danny.