EPISODE 76

 

“THE DISCOVERY”

 

Act One

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Dr. Glenn Dailey's office.  It is empty.   Dr. Zachary Dailey angrily bursts in.

Zachary:  Dad, I...  (Zachary grew frustrated as he saw the office was empty)  Damn it, where is he!?

Gloria:  (rushing in)  Zachary, please don't...  (She breathed a sigh of relief)  Good.  He's not here.

Zachary:  No, he's not, but he's bound to show up eventually.  And when he does, we are going to have it out what he's done to you!

Gloria:  Zachary, I will not have you battling with your father over this.

Zachary:  (his blue eyes flaring with rage) Gloria, I have been at war with my father long before you came along.   

Gloria:  But you and I have cleared things between us.  Let's just forget it.

Zachary:  I can't forget it!  What he did was disgusting!  He took advantage of you when you were the most vulnerable.  You thought your son was hurt...maybe dead.  You don't think he deserve to pay for doing something so appalling!?

Gloria:  (nodding) I agree what your father did was reprehensible, but soon I will be divorced from that man.  He will no longer be part of my life...at least personally.  (Pause)  Look, I appreciate you wanting to support me but I can't let you do that, not at the expense of your relationship with your father.   I just think it's a shame that you two can't find some sort of common ground.

Zachary:  The only ground my father and I have in common is quicksand...and hopefully he'll be sinking fast very soon.  (Pause)  I am so glad you're getting a divorce from him.  When I thought you weren't I...

Gloria:  You what?

Zachary:  (hesitating)  I was upset and angry.  I couldn't believe you'd even think about reuniting with him.  I should've known better.  I should've never believed my father when he told me you were trying to work things out.  But he was so damned convincing.  I guess I'd forgotten what a good liar he is.

Gloria:  Lying is second nature to that man.  Just one of the many reasons I want him out of my life for good. 

Zachary:  Then you can get on with your life.

Gloria:  (nodding)  You're right.  Then I can get on with my life.

Zachary:  And what happens after that?

Gloria:  (curiously) What do you mean?

Zachary:  After you're divorced from my father...where do you see your life going?

Scene:  Dana Cooper's home; the kitchen.  Dana is there with Danny James.

Dana:  (slapping Danny across the face)  You liar!  You rotten liar!  That is not true!  We are not still married!

Danny:  (a smirk on his face as he rubbed his stinging cheek)  You're taking this better than I thought.

Dana:  Do you really think I'd believe such a lie!?

Danny:  It's the truth.  Why would I lie about something like this?  Why would I still want to be married to you?

Dana:  Because you think you can blackmail me into giving you $10,000.  But I won't because I don't believe you.

Danny:  (his huge, muscular body towering over her petite frame) I don't care what you believe, Dana, but it is true.  We are still married and unless you want this entire town, starting with that rich boyfriend of yours, to know the truth then I suggest you get the money.

Dana:  I don't have $10,000. And if I did I certainly wouldn't give it to you so you could break your murdering brother out of jail!

Danny:  (slamming his fist on the kitchen table) My brother is not a killer.  He doesn't deserve what is happening to him and I want him free.  It won't happen in this town, everyone has got him convicted, but he can be free out of the country.

Dana:  Maybe he can, but not on my dime.  (She waved her hand) Forget it, Danny, your extortion plan won't work.

Danny:  Oh, but it will since I got the truth on my side, Dana.  We are still married and I expect to be paid to keep that quiet.

Dana:   You must really think I'm stupid.  I know we're divorced.  We met with the lawyer together, remember?  We signed the papers, I can show you the copies.

Danny:  (nodding) Maybe you could, but it still would make us husband and wife.

Dana:  And how is that?

Danny:  Dana, do you remember how you told me you didn't like Wally Brown?   You said he was scum, that he was stupid, that he didn't know the difference between a legal brief and a pair of Fruit of the Looms.

Dana:  (nodding) I remember.  The guy's office should've been condemned.  I thought the rats would steal my purse if I put it down.

Danny:  Well you were right.  The guy was a crook; his legal license was as fake as your eyelashes.

Dana:  What!?

Danny:  He wasn't licensed to practice law in this state or any other.

Dana:  (in disbelief) How do you know this?

Danny:  He told me himself.

Dana:  He told you this!?  When?

Danny:  A couple of years ago.

Dana:  (refusing to believe Danny's words) That can be!  You were in prison then.

Danny:  (nodding)  Right.  And so was Wally Brown; in the next cell block.  He'd been there for a couple of weeks when I spotted him.  I asked him why he was in jail and he told me he was stupid enough to rip off the wrong client.   They went to the state board and the world found out he was practicing without a license.

Dana:  (in desperation, shaking her head)  I don't believe you, Danny!  You're lying!

Danny:  Dana, it's true.  You can check it out.  The guys still locked up.  All you have to do is call the state pen...I'm sure he'll tell you what you all about.  Or you can check the papers from a few years ago; it must've made the news.   Face it, Dana, it's the truth. We are still married.

Scene:  The Sheridan Street Apartments; A.J. Lassiter's apartment.  A.J. is standing in his living room, looking at his brother Eric Lassiter in horror.  Eric is lying on the floor, his head under a table.  Blood trickling from his temple, Eric is looking at the underside of the table and the bug that was planted there.

A.J.:  Eric, are you all right?    (The concern grew in A.J.'s voice)  Eric! Answer me!

Eric:  (moaning; getting up)    I'm fine.  You barely tapped me.

A.J.:  (nodding)  Maybe,  but you hit your head pretty hard on the end of the table…and you're bleeding. (He reached for his brother) Are you all right?

Eric:  (pushing A.J.'s hand away) Like I said, I'm fine.  (He wiped away the blood with the back of his hand)  Why don't you worry about yourself?

A.J.:  (gingerly touching the bruise ringing his left eye)  This doesn't hurt too bad…it probably looks worse than it is.

Eric:  Wouldn't want to mar those golden boy looks, would you?

A.J.:  (annoyed) You never quit, do you? We just took punches at each other and it doesn’t faze you. We're brothers, we shouldn't be fighting like this.

Eric:  (icily) Really?  I can't think of anyone I'd rather smack around.

A.J.:  (his body tensing)  Maybe you better get out of here.

Eric:  (shrugging)  Sure.  I've had enough fun for one day anyway. Besides, you've got bigger problems than me to deal with.

A.J.:  Bigger problems than you?  What does that mean? (Eric hesitated, casting a quick glance at the table where he'd spotted the bug) Well, Eric? What are you talking about?

Act Two

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Glenn's office. Zachary and Gloria are there.

Zachary:  Haven't you thought about what you do next?

Gloria: (shaking her head) Not really.

Zachary: Why not?

Gloria: Because I don't think my life is going to change that much.  I'll get up, go to work, do my best to avoid Glenn, worry about my kids, spend time with good friends like you. (She smiled at him warmly, squeezing his shoulder) What else could I want?

Zachary: Well, what about the things you're always saying to me; that I should meet someone special…that I need romance in my life.

Gloria: Zachary, the last thing I need right now is romance.  I can't even think about dating anyone.

Zachary:  I can imagine you'd be a little gun shy after having been married to my father.  He put you through a lot of pain.  He shattered your trust.  I don't think it'll be easy to trust someone again.  Just remember that not everyone is like Glenn Dailey.

Gloria:  (smiling)  I am reminded of that, Zachary, every time I look at you.  I see all the things your father isn't.  And again I feel lucky that out of my hellish marriage to Glenn, I got you as my friend.

Zachary:  I feel the same way.

Gloria:  I just hope we'll always be as close as we are now.

Zachary:  Why wouldn't we be?

Gloria:  Yes, but didn’t you and Dana Cooper have a date last night?

Zachary:  Yes we did and it was great….I had a really nice time. Dana's a great girl. Bright, funny, attractive. She's got a lot of good qualities.  But what does that have to do with anything?

Gloria: Zachary, romantic involvements change things.  It might change things between us.

Zachary:  How?

Gloria:  Zachary, you and I spend a lot of time together.  We see each other here at work and we spend time together outside of the hospital.

Zachary:  And I enjoy those times.

Gloria:  So do I, but any woman you get involved with is going to make her the focus of her life...as it should be.

Zachary: (holding up a finger) Let's not rush things. At this point, Dana and I are just having fun.  We're not even remotely close to anything serious yet.  If it goes further than that...I don't know yet.  But no matter who comes into my life you and I will always be close.

Gloria:  I hope so, but some women wouldn't want their men to maintain a close relationship with another woman.  And I have the feeling Dana Cooper's that kind of woman.

Zachary:  What makes you think that?

Gloria:  (hesitating)  Look, I really shouldn't be saying this.  It's really none of my business.

Zachary:  Gloria, wait a minute.  If you have something to say, I want to hear it.

Gloria:  (hesitating)  But, I...

Zachary: Gloria, after what just happened, I'd hope we'd always be completely honest with one another.  If you have a problem with Dana, I want to know what it is.

Scene: Dana Cooper's home; the kitchen. Danny James and Dana are there.

Dana:  (shaking her head, horrified as the news sank in)  No!  I can't be married to you!  I can't!

Danny:  But you are...and it's going to cost you $10,000 to end it.  So how soon do I get my money...and you get the quickie divorce?

Dana: (slamming her cup down on the kitchen counter) You are crazy if you think I'm going to give a dime!

Danny: Dana, you know my sanity has never been in question. I'm not giving you an option. You will give me $10,000 in order to get your divorce or not only will you and I remain husband and wife, I will tell everyone in town, including your doctor boyfriend that you've known it the entire time.

Dana: Zachary would never believe you. He trusts me.

Danny: (laughing) The man already knows what a liar you are. You kept the fact that we used to be married from him. It won't take much to get him to believe you'd lie about this too. And you know how convincing I can be.

Dana: I could go to the police and tell them about you poisoning your brother and your plan to break him out of jail.

Danny: (annoyed)  I already told you I had nothing to do with Nathan's poisoning. As for telling the cops I plan to break my brother out of jail, you have no proof. It would be just heresy by a vengeful wife out to hurt her husband...which is exactly what I would tell the cops.   (Dana turned from Danny, unable to face the smirk on his face) Fact it, little girl, you have no choice but to come up with the money.

Dana: (shaking her head) But I don't have $10,000.

Danny: Probably not in your jewelry box or under your mattress, but you can come up with it.  You're a very resourceful young woman, Dana. You'll find a way to come up with the money. You always find a way to get what you want, don't you?

Dana: (bitterly, turning to face Danny, her face etched with hatred) Really? Then why aren't you dead?

Danny: Give me that money and I'll be good as dead. Nathan and I will leave the country and you'll never hear from us again.

Dana: What about the divorce?

Danny: As soon as I get the money, we'll take care of it. Only we'll make sure the lawyer has a license this time.

Dana: And I'm supposed to believe you?  I'm supposed to trust that once you get your blood money you'll give me the divorce and keep quiet?

Danny: Dana, despite all our troubles past and present, I never lied to you, not once. I certainly wouldn't start now.

Dana: (with a sarcastic laugh) Trust you? You never lied to me? That's a joke!

Danny: I have always been honest with you. You're the one who always had a problem with honesty.

Dana: (incredulously) You're calling me a liar!? You're the one who is blackmailing me!

Danny: True, but it doesn't make me a liar. And if you weren't so deceitful, I wouldn't be able to blackmail you, would I?

Dana: Get out of here, Danny! Get out!

Danny: Not until I find out when I'm going to get my money!

Dana: (shaking her head) I don't know! I can't imagine where I can get it!

Danny: Why don't you ask your new boyfriend to float you a loan? I'm sure you'll pay it back one way or another.

Dana: (rage coursing though her, she rushed at Dana, poised to strike him) I hate you! I hate you, I hate you!

Danny: (grabbing Dana's arms and pinning them back) Hold on, little girl! Hold on! Calm down! Calm down!

Dana: (struggling as Danny pulled her close to him, trying to stop her thrashing) Let me go, you bastard! Let me go!

Danny: (looking into Dana's eyes that blazed with rage)   I will, just as soon as we’ve sealed the deal.

 (Before Dana could react, Danny swooped in, greedily pressing his lips to hers.  Dana struggled to pull away, pushing against Danny.  But, he pulled her even closer, continuing the hungry kiss.  Dana whimpered, trying to pull away again, but her struggles lessened and she leaned against her estranged husband, giving into his passionate demands.)

Scene: The Sheridan Street Apartments; A.J.'s apartment; the living room. A.J. and Eric are there.

A.J.: Eric, you want to explain yourself? What bigger problems than you do I have?

Eric: (hesitating) Why your lady trouble, of course. It must be awfully hard to explain to Melody about your wife. She must hate that your halo has even the slightest tarnish.

A.J.: (sighing) That's enough, Eric.   I've got things to do and I'm sure you have other people to bother.  And please, don't bother dropping by anytime soon.

Eric: That's not very brotherly of you, A.J..

A.J.: And what would you know about being a good brother?

Eric: (smirking) Oh A.J., you'd be surprised what I know. Later. (Eric walked out, closing the door behind him) (He paused, rubbing his chin in thought) A bug. Why would someone bug your apartment, A.J.? What is going on with you? I can't imagine, but I will find out.

(Eric walked away, disappearing through a stairwell door as the elevator doors slid open and Angela stepped off of them, a determined look on her face. She marched to A.J.'s apartment, knocking loudly. The door opened and A.J. stood there.)

A.J.: (angrily) Eric, I… (He stopped, stunned to see Angela standing there) Angela!

Angela: Can I come in, A.J.?

A.J.: (looking at her curiously) Sure. (Angela walked in as A.J. closed the door) Angela, this is a surprise. I've lived here for years and I don’t think you’ve ever dropped by.  This isn’t police business is it?

Angela:  Unfortunately, it’s personal.

A.J.:  Personal?  What personal issues would be have to talk about? 

Angela: What every one else in Covington Bay is talking about.

A.J.: (sighing) Oh. You've read yesterday's Times.

Angela: (icily, her emerald green eyes glaring daggers)  You bet I have.

A.J.: Well, I'm sorry, Angela. I know we've never seen eye to eye, but you know I love your sister. I hate having hurt her.

Angela: No, what you hate is that you got caught.

A.J.: I'd be lying if I said that wasn't true.

Angela: And lying is something you're pretty good at, isn't it? In fact, I'd say it's second nature.

A.J.: Angela, I know you are here to give me hell about what happened and believe me, I think your sibling loyalty is admirable, but this is between me and Melody. We are handling this.

Angela: What is there to handle, A.J.? I'd think things between you and Melody would be pretty much over.

A.J.: Of course it isn't. I love Melody and I want to be with her. We are going to work out our problems.

Angela: The fact that Melody is involved with you is the problem, A.J.! You can't make her happy, you're only going to continue to hurt her. So, why don't you do us all a favor and end this relationship now?!

Act Three

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Glenn's office. Zachary and Gloria are there.

Gloria: Zachary, I don't have a problem with Dana.

Zachary:  But you think she'd have a problem with us being friends?   What makes you think that?

Gloria:  Nothing in particular.   

Zachary:  And you're sure that's all it is?  I mean, Dana hasn't said anything to you to make you think otherwise?

Gloria:  No, not really.  It’s just that some women have problems with their men spending a lot of time with other women.

Zachary:   Well, I’m far from her man and even if things were serious between Dana and I, it wouldn’t change our friendship.  You can be certain of that.  I wouldn’t let it happen.

Gloria:  Zachary, I just want for you to be happy.  If Dana is the woman who does that for you...that's great.

Zachary:  Gloria, I appreciate your support.  Too bad my own father can't show the same common decency.

Gloria:  What does that mean?

Zachary:  I saw him while he was at Markham's last night. He was with his attorney, Jason Bennett, and he had a few choice words about my relationship with Dana.

Gloria: Let me guess…he disapproved, right?

Zachary: You bet. He made it clear I shouldn't be dating Dana because of the difference in our races.  He said it wasn't that, but he's not exactly subtle.

Gloria: I wish I could say I'm surprised. Glenn may have been the champion of hiring minorities and those with disabilities here at the hospital, but that was just for show…to look good for the press and the public. But, when it comes to people who are different, my soon to be ex-husband is less than understanding. He'd never admit it, but the fact that Nathan James was an African-American, and a poor one at that, was why he didn't want Candice around him.

Zachary: I know. It's also why he refuses to believe Candice and Nathan were in love. The man is a bigot, plain and simple. Dana makes excuses for him, but I won't. There isn't any excuse for racism.

Gloria: I agree.

Zachary: Dana and I talked about it. We're not going to let that get in the way of any…relationship we might have. I won't let that man dictate my life.

Gloria: That's good, Zachary, you shouldn't. If Dana makes you happy, then you should be with her.

Zachary: Like I said, I don't know what Dana makes me yet. That's still to be decided.

Gloria: Well, if it doesn't work out with her, then there are plenty of other women out there who'd appreciate a great guy like you.

Zachary: Let's hope so. (Pause) Look, Gloria, are you sure you don't have any objections to my dating Dana? Because if you do, I…

Gloria: (nervously) Zachary, I have no objections. Really.

Zachary: You'd tell me if you did, wouldn't you? You must know how important your opinion is to me.

Gloria: I'm glad it is, Zachary, but in this instance, I have no concerns. All I want is for you to be happy.

Zachary: (smiling) And I want the same for you, Gloria.

Gloria: Well, being divorced from your father will certainly be a start.

Zachary: (glancing at his watch)  Speaking of Dana, I need to be going.  We’re meeting for coffee this morning and she should be arriving about now. 

Gloria:   Fine.  I have to meet Sabrina in my office soon. We're just about head to the courthouse for the hearing.

Zachary: I wish I could be there to cheer you on.

Gloria: Zachary, divorces are not a spectator sport.

Zachary: Really? This is one I'd love to watch. (He kissed her on the cheek) I'll see you later.

Gloria: Bye. (Zachary walked out, leaving Gloria with a smile on her face. She absentmindedly brushed her cheek where Zachary had kissed her, then caught herself) I…what am I doing!? I can't believe I…

(Gloria's thoughts went back to her talk with Mama J. at her restaurant about Zachary and how she'd thought Gloria and Zachary had been on a date)

Gloria (pointing to Zachary as he moves across the room): He’s right there.

Mama J.: My, but he’s a handsome young man.

Gloria: That he is.

Mama J.: So, how long have you two been dating?

Gloria (surprised): Dating? Mama J., (Gloria laughs) Zachary and I aren’t dating.

Mama J.: Really? I saw you two on the dance floor and later having dinner. It sure looked like a date to me.

Gloria: Well, you misinterpreted things. Zachary and I are just friends. He’s Glenn’s son.

Mama J.: Which makes him your stepson.

Gloria: Soon to ex-stepson, God willing. At any rate, given that, doesn’t the idea of us being on a date sound silly?

Mama J.: No, it doesn’t.

Gloria: But, Mama J., have you looked at Zachary? He’s only a few years older than A.J..

Mama J.: So? You still haven’t told me anything that would prevent you two from dating...except that you’re not interested in him. And I didn’t hear you say that.

Gloria: I’m not interested in Zachary, not like you’re saying. He’s a friend, that’s it. The idea of us being anymore than that is impossible.

Mama J.: Oh, child, nothing is impossible when it comes to love. I’d think you know that by now.

(She then thought of her conversation with Jessica last night at Gloria's apartment where she same topic was discussed)

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!?  You're kidding aren't you?

Jessica:  No.  You two looked really comfortable with one another.

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 people around.

Gloria: (gasping as her thoughts brought her to the present) Well, that can't be true. Zachary and I are just friends…there's no way, no chance of it ever being anything more than that. I wouldn't want that. I wouldn't.

Sabrina: (walking in) Gloria?

Gloria: (surprised) Sabrina.

Sabrina: Hi. I saw Zachary in the hallway and he told me you were here. Are you ready to slay the dragon?

Gloria: (distracted) Sure…of course. (Pause) Let's go.

Sabrina: Wait a minute. What's wrong?

Gloria: What's wrong? Nothing.

Sabrina: Nothing? Gloria, this is your best girlfriend here. I know you about as well as you know yourself. So tell me, what's got you so upset?

Gloria:  (shaking her head)  Nothing...nothing.  Let's just go and get this divorce.  I can't wait to be free of Glenn Dailey.

Scene: The offices of Jason Bennett.  Jason is leaning back in the huge black leather chair in his spacious office overlooking downtown Covington Bay, talking on the telephone.

Jason:  (into the telephone)  Look, I just want you to be careful.   We can't make any mistakes that could put you in a bad position legally.  (Pause)   No, I'm not telling you we can't proceed as planned, you just have to be careful.  This situation is dicey at best.

(At that moment, Glenn Dailey burst into the office. The fifty-something year old doctor looked very anxious)

Glenn (insistent):  Jason, we need to talk!  (Jason looked up at Glenn, anger flaring in his eyes)

Jason:  (giving his employer a wicked glare)  I'll have to call you back.  (Pause)  Don't worry.  This won't take long.     (He slammed the phone down, rising to his feet)  Glenn, what is the meaning of this!?  Since when do you burst in my office!?

Glenn:  Since I pay you a very hefty sum to take care of my legal matters.

Jason:  Which I do very well, let's not forget that.  But that doesn't give you the right to burst into my office.

Glenn:  I wouldn't have, but your secretary wasn't at her desk.

Jason:  She is taking care of another matter for me, but my secretary's absence still doesn't give you the right to walk into my office making demands.

Glenn:  (sighing) Look, I'm just worried about the divorce hearing.  I'm just afraid this plan to delay things long enough for me to get Gloria back will not work.

Jason:  (slipping back into his chair) And I assure you it will,  I wouldn't tell you otherwise, you know that.

Glenn:  I know...  (He started to pace the floor)  I'm just nervous, I guess.  I've wanted this opportunity to finally get Gloria back and now it looks like I'm going to have it.  I love my wife, I don't want to lose her.

Jason:  (sipping coffee from a huge black mug) You won't...if you're able to persuade her to reconcile.

Glenn:  Give me this chance and I will.

Scene:  Dana's home; the kitchen.   Danny and Dana are kissing.  It continues for a few passionate moments and then the telephone starts to ring.  It rings a few times before either of them seem to hear it.  Dana pulls away from Danny, who has a sly grin on his face.  She is breathing heavily and the desire that filled her expression moments ago turns to anger.

Dana:  You son of a bitch!

Danny:  Isn't that what you said the first time I kissed you?

(Dana didn't respond, she just turned from Danny, going to the telephone)

Dana:  Hello?

Voice:  Dana?  It's Zachary.

Dana:  (surprised, looking back at Danny)  Zachary!  This is a surprise.

Zachary:  What's a bigger surprise is that you're not here yet.  I thought we had a coffee date this morning?

Dana:  (still flustered)  What?

Zachary:   We were supposed to meet this morning.  But more importantly, you’re late for work.

Dana:  (stammering)  Oh, yes.  I know.

Zachary:  Dana, you're sounding kind if strange.  Is there something wrong?

Dana:  (glancing back at Danny)  Yeah, Zachary, as a matter of fact, there is something wrong.  Very wrong.

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

A.J.:  Angela, I can't end things with Melody.  I love her.  I want her in my life.

Angela:  Maybe you do.  Maybe you care about my sister, you might even love her.  But it doesn't mean you're the best thing for her, nor do you belong together.

A.J.:  And what makes you the judge of that?

Angela:  A.J., you can't give my sister what she wants or needs.

A.J.:  How do you know that?

Angela:  A.J., Melody wants to marry you.  She wants to have babies with you.   It's what she's always wanted.

A.J.:   I'm aware of that.

Angela:  But it's not what you want, right?  You've never wanted to marry my sister and that still hasn't changed, has it?

A.J.:  Melody and I are working through that.

Angela:  How?  By you saying there isn't going to be a marriage and her agreeing?  It's how you've always handled things before.  I'll bet it's no different now.  You still have no intention of marrying Melody in the near future, if any.

A.J.:  (nodding reluctantly)  That may be true.  But...

Angela:  But what?  You love her so that makes it okay?  A.J., all that means is that you're so selfish that you refuse to see that you can't give Melody what she wants.  But she hopes you can.  She's convinced herself that one day you will marry her.  It's why she hasn't left you, it's why she continues to stay in this relationship even after you hurt her so badly.   Surely you must know that.

A.J.:  I'm aware of what Melody wants.

Angela:  Don't you think it's wrong to use her love for you to keep her thinking that someday you will be married?

A.J.:  I've told Melody that marriage is not in the plans for us.  Despite everything, I've never led her to believe otherwise.

Angela:  Maybe you haven't, but that doesn't mean she hasn't stopped hoping.   But if those hopes are never going to be realized, why not end it now before she really gets hurt when years from now she still doesn't have what she truly wants?   Why not let her down easy and let her get over you so she can find someone who will marry her and give her the family she wants?  Don't you think that's the right thing to do?  Don't you think that's the fair thing to do?

A.J.:  (visibly touched by Angela's words)  Angela, I....  (At that moment, Angela's cellular phone started to ring.  She reached into her purse and pulled it out)

Angela:  (answering it)  Angela Sorensen.  (Pause)  Sure, Captain, I'll be right there.  (She hung up and put the phone back in her purse)   A.J., think about what I said.  I know we've never been friends, but I know you're not a bad person, you're certainly not like your brother.  Prove it by being the first Lassiter not to victimize one of my sisters.

A.J.:  I wouldn't say I'm victimizing Melody.

Angela:  But you are hurting her.  And it all could be avoided if you only do the right thing.  (She went to the door and walked out, leaving A.J. alone with this thoughts)

Scene:  Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division.  Det. Jake Collier is sitting at his desk doing some paperwork.  Eric rushes in and charges to Jake's desk.

Eric:  Jake!  We need to talk.

Jake:  Eric, what are you doing here?  You usually don't stagger in for at least another hour.

Eric:  I had a reason to get up early this morning.

Jake:  (eyeing Eric)  Really?  Does it have anything to do with that bump on your head?

Eric:  Forget that, it's nothing.  I've got something more important to talk about.

Jake:  Really?  Is this about a case?

Eric:  (shrugging)  It could be.  That's what I want to find out.

Jake:  Eric, you're talking in riddles.  What's going on?

Eric:  Jake, someone is bugging my brother.

Jake:  And who would be bugging your brother?  If it's you that's no surprise.   I know what a kick you get out of giving A.J. a hard time.

Eric:  That's not what I mean.  Someone has planted a bug in his apartment.

Jake:  What?  Are you serious?

Eric:  Yes! And  I want to find out who and why.  (He smirked)   And what I can do to use it to my advantage.

In The Next Episode of Covington Bay….

·      Dana has to think fast.

 

·      The Lassiters and the Greyhawks engage in baby talk.

 

·      Nikki starts to search for Candice's diary.

 

·      Richie's secrets are becoming harder to hide.