EPISODE 77 “IT’S IN HIS KISS”

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; Barton and Natalie Lassiter's bedroom. Barton is looking at himself in a mirror as he tied his dark blue silk tie. As he finishes tying it perfectly around his neck, Natalie rushed out of the bathroom, in the process of clipping on an earring.

Barton: (looking at her, slightly annoyed) Do you have to rush around like that?

Natalie: Barton, I already told you I'm running late. I've got to hurry or I’ll be late for work.

Barton: You're not even going to have breakfast?

Natalie: I don’t have time.

Barton: But you got home late last night and now you're rushing off.

Natalie: And I'm sorry, but if I remember correctly, we did have a little time together last night. It led to me oversleeping. (She smiled, kissing him on the cheek)

Barton: (wrapping his arms around her waist) Thank God for that. You were exactly what I needed after the rotten day I had yesterday. (He kissed her) Are you sure you can't go in a little late?

Natalie: (shaking her head) You know the answer to that. (She pulled away from him and grabbed her purse and started dumping things into it) Besides, I thought you had a lot of work to do with the stockholders meeting coming up in just a couple of days.

Barton: I do.

Natalie: You look worried. I thought the company was doing very well.

Barton: It is. But there's trouble on the horizon.

Natalie: What trouble?

Barton: The Greyhawks are out to ruin this family and this time they've got the Covington Bay Times in their arsenal. That article about A.J. is just the start. Lord knows what they'll do next.

Natalie: I have to admit that article about A.J. and his marriage to Patricia Tamakai was nasty. Do you really think the Greyhawks are out to revive the family feud?

Barton: A.J. has already talked to Quentin about it. The war is definitely on. I just need to figure out a way to stop them before they strike the kind of blow we won't be able to recover from.

Natalie: Barton, your family is very powerful...and you've always beaten the Greyhawks before. I'm sure you'll be able to do it again.

Barton: I'm certain of that too. Unfortunately, I don't have the rest of the family behind me, willing to fight as dirty as Quentin Greyhawk. Steven is more interested in the childish problems of that bratty daughter of his and A.J. can't think about anything about his next byline. I'm going to have to handle the Greyhawks. It's up to me. And I will handle it...my way. I can't let Steven or A.J. or my father stop me from completely destroying that family.

Natalie: Your father? What does he have to do with anything?

Barton: (sighing) Oh, I guess I didn't have the chance to tell you. Kent told us yesterday that Dad and Mom are cutting their trip in Ireland short. They'll be home tonight.

Natalie: (smiling) Barton, that's great! I've missed Adam and Maggie. It'll be wonderful to have them home.

Barton: (icily) Oh really? I'm glad you think so.

* * * * * *

Scene: The dining room of the Lassiter Mansion. Kevin, Steven and Pamela Lassiter are there having breakfast.

Kevin: (as he munched on a piece of bacon) Grandfather and grandmother are coming home tonight? Why?

Steven: It probably has something to do with the Greyhawks declaring war on this family. I have no doubt they got the received a copy of yesterday's Times. Everyone else in this family did.

Kevin: Well, I'll be happy to see them. I've missed them since they decided to spend an extended holiday in Ireland. I just wish they weren't coming home to this mess.

Steven: Neither do I. However, with Dad here, we might be able to put our heads together and come up with a way to stop the Greyhawks before things get worse. Not only that, Dad will keep Barton in line. No doubt my big brother is planning some vicious scheme that'll only inflame the Greyhawks.

Kevin: (frowning, sipping his coffee) That sounds like my father. Take no prisoners.

Pamela: Well, I know this family is obsessed with the feud with the Greyhawks, but I think we should be more concerned with what is going on in this house. Nikki is running wild; playing hooky, breaking curfew, talking back to us. That's a great thing for your parents to come home to, don't you think?

Steven: (cutting into his sunny side up eggs) Pamela, we'll talk to Nikki and we'll work this out.

Pamela: (determinedly) You bet we will. We've got to get tough with that girl...both of us. You can't let her manipulate you or twist you around her finger.

Steven: (scooping a forkful of the gooey mix into his mouth) Pamela, I know how to handle our daughter.

Pamela: Seems to me she knows how to handle you. (Steven shook his head as his wife frowned in his direction. Kevin shifted in his chair, looking quite uncomfortable)

A.J.: (walking in) Good morning, everyone.

Steven: (surprised) A.J.!

Pamela: (smiling) Hello, A.J., this is a surprise.

Kevin: (relieved for a break in the tension) Yes, A.J., what bring you here?

A.J.: (looking at Kevin) You do, cousin. I'd like to talk to you if you don't mind.

Kevin: (a bit too eagerly) Sure.

A.J.: (grabbing a piece of bacon off the sterling silver platter in the middle of the table) Excuse us.

Steven: No problem.

(Kevin followed A.J. into the solarium)

A.J.: I hope I didn't interrupt your breakfast.

Kevin: (shaking his head) No. Believe me, I've had more than enough. So what are you doing here? (He looked at A.J.'s face) And where did you get that black eye?

A.J.: I'll get to that. Right now, Kevin, there's something more important we need to talk about.

Kevin: Which is?

A.J.: Me and Melody...and the future of our relationship.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate. Nikki Lassiter's room. She is standing out on the terrace outside her bedroom, her brow furrowed with thoughts.

Nikki: (to herself) Last night was certainly interesting. I certainly would've never expected for things to turn out like they did. (She looked at her wrist which was reddened slightly, the flesh tender) I would've never expected any of it.

(Her mind drifted back to thoughts of the previous evening, starting with how she got the marks on her wrist)

Nikki: (continuing to think) James really frightened me when he grabbed me like that. I know he was upset when it happened…and he did apologize right away…but he was so angry. Is that the kind of violence Candice had to face when she told him about she and Nathan? Could he have hurt her? Killed her?

(A troublesome look flickering across her face, she again touched the bruised area on her wrist, her thoughts continuing)

Nikki: (continuing her thoughts) Still, I remember how sorry he was after he hurt me. And he seemed so badly hurt when he talked about Candice and how much he loved and missed her. That just makes it hard to believe he could be a killer. (Pause) Candice's diary. That could be the key to this entire thing. I've got to find it. It could lead me right to James Greyhawk...if he killed Candice. But the whole story could be in Candice's diary. James said she wrote everything in it. Did she write something that could expose her killer?

Nikki: (thinking) I'm not sure what to make of you, James Greyhawk. One minute you're in a rage about Nathan, mourning about how much you miss Candice, or telling me how much you want to romance me. You're certainly not the rich jerk I've always thought you were. You're much more complicated than that. I do know one thing about you…you're trouble. Being around you could be risky in more ways than one.

(Nikki's thoughts are interrupted by the ringing of the telephone on her night stand. Nikki went into her bedroom, sat on her bed and answered the phone.)

Nikki: Hello?

Richie's Voice: Nikki, it's me, Richie.

Nikki: Richie, hi. I was just about to leave for school.

Richie: So was I. I just wanted to find out what's going on; you never got a chance to tell me? What happened with James Greyhawk last night?

* * * * * *

Scene: Dana Cooper's home; the kitchen. Danny James and Dana are kissing. They continue for a few passionate moments and then the telephone starts to ring. It rings a few times before either 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: (snarling) 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: (a little breathless) Hello?

Voice: Dana? It's Zachary.

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

Zachary: Is everything okay? I hope we could have some coffee this morning. Do you know you're late for work?

Dana: 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. (Dana watched as Danny looked slightly nervous)

Zachary: What is it, Dana?

Dana: (after a pause) No. There's nothing you can do. I just overslept and I'm running around like crazy trying to get myself together.

Zachary: I've had mornings like that. Well, I guess we’ll reschedule coffee. Maybe lunch.

Dana: Maybe. I’ll talk to you when I get there.

Zachary: Okay, bye.

Dana: I'll see you soon. (She hung up the phone and then turned to Danny) I saw the look on your face when I spoke to Zachary. You were afraid I'd tell him what was going on here, wouldn't you?

Danny: You don't scare me, little girl.

Dana: I will if I see to it this blackmail scheme blows up in your face.

Danny: But we both know that isn't going to happen, don't we? Dana, you will come up with that money or this perfect little life of yours you've got planned is going to fall down around your ears.

Dana: And where am I supposed to get $10,000. I'm a nurse. I'm barely making enough to scrape by.

Danny: I have faith in you, Dana. You can come up with the money.

Dana: And just when am I supposed to give in to your extortion?

Danny: You have a little time. With Nathan being so ill, I won't be breaking him out of jail any time soon. There's no telling how soon I'll be able to go through with my plans. So, I guess until Nathan's well enough to travel, I won't need the money. I wouldn’t waste time if I were you though. You don't want to take care of something like this at the last minute.

Dana: You're a bastard, you know that, don't you?

Danny: (smirking) So you've told me.

Dana: (disgusted at the sight of the grin on his face) I have to be getting to work now. Get out of here.

Danny: Sure. We're done for now anyway. Unless you'd like me stick around.

Dana: Why would I possibly want to spend any more time with you than I have to?

Danny: That kiss we had a few minutes ago says that spending time together is something you wouldn't mind at all.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department, the Homicide Department. Det. Eric Lassiter and Det. Jake Collier walk into an interrogation room.

Jake: (closing the door, a stunned look on his face) Eric, I don't believe you! You found a bug in your brothers house and you didn't say anything?

Eric: No, why would I?

Jake: I don't know, I can think of about a dozen reasons, starting with the fact that he is your brother.

Eric: Since when has that ever mattered to me?

Jake: (frowning) Unfortunately, never. But, Eric, your brother could be at risk. Someone could be bugging him to gain some sort of information that could cause him problems in his personal or professional life. And what about this mess with those hit-men after him? There could be a very real possibility they could be behind it. A.J. could be in big trouble. Don't you think he should know about it?

Eric: What I think is that there is something going on with my brother and I want to find out what it is.

Jake: And telling A.J. could help. He might have an idea who might be bugging him.

Eric: Maybe, but do you think he'd tell us? If he had any idea about this bug, he'd keep whatever the reason is to himself. It might get in the way of his next big story. We need to keep this to ourselves long enough to find out who planted it.

Jake: Why? So you can use this against A.J. somehow? You only want to indulge in a personal vendetta and I don't get why. A.J.'s a good man. He's never done anything to hurt you.

Eric: What do you call this bump on my head?

Jake: (sarcastically) No doubt it was well deserved.

Eric: Jake, I am sick of everyone in this town treating A.J. like the golden child and looking at me like I was something on the bottom of their shoe. He's up to something and I want to find out what it is.

Jake: And we can do that…with A.J.'s help. And that's what we're going to do.

Eric: Meaning?

Jake: Eric, you are my best friend, but there's no way in hell I'm going to stand by and let this go on. Either you tell A.J. about the bug or I will. And believe me, it's no idle threat.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; Nikki's bedroom. She is there on the telephone.

Nikki: Richie, I really can't get into this now.

Richie: You don't want to tell me what happened?

Nikki: I want to get out of here before my parents see me. We can talk at school.

Richie: Oh, did you guys really get into it after I left?

Nikki: No, but they will definitely get into it today. I'm sure I'm about to be grounded until my wedding day. I just want to get out of here before I run into them. I want to avoid that particular conversation for as long as I can.

Richie: Nikki, I am so sorry. I feel like this is all my fault.

Nikki: How?

Richie: If I hadn't of gotten you involved in this murder investigation, you wouldn't have played hooky the other day and you wouldn't have gotten grounded.

Nikki: Richie, I don't blame you for any of this. I chose to get involved with helping Nathan. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to.

Richie: But what are you going to do if you get grounded? You won't be able to continue getting the evidence proving Greyhawk murdered Candice.

Nikki: Look, I'm going to find a way out of this. I have to. I can't stop working on this case, not now.

Richie: So you did find something?

Nikki: I don't know. I'm not sure where this information is going to lead. But like I said, Richie, I'll tell you all about it at school. Why don't you meet me in the library in a half hour and we can discuss it then?

Richie: Sure. I might be a few minutes late though...I've got an errand to run.

Nikki: Really? What?

Richie: (hesitating, a hesitation that Nikki didn't miss) Nothing important. I'll just be a few minutes late, okay?

Nikki: Sure. See you then. (Nikki hung up, a concerned look in her face) (Thoughts swirled around in her head) What's going on with you, Richie? That's not the first time you've avoided explaining where you've been and what you're up to. I know I have no reason to worry, it's probably just my imagination working overtime. Still... (A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Nikki froze, looking alarmed) Darn it! It's probably my parents! That's the last thing I wanted!

* * * * * *

Scene: Dana Cooper's kitchen. Dana and Danny are there.

Dana: (suddenly angry) That kiss meant nothing. You took advantage of me.

Danny: (that smirk appearing once again) And you took advantage of the moment. You enjoyed it, there's no denying that.

Dana: You certainly think a lot of yourself, don't you?

Danny: I just know how we are together…and it's as good as it ever was.

Dana: You're dreaming.

Danny: And you're dreaming if you think you can ever have in your entire life with Mr. Rich White Doctor than what you had in that one moment with me. I know you, Dana. You want excitement and risk. You want to chances and live on the edge. That doctor might give you the chance to live in the lap of luxury, but I don't think he'll ever give you what you really want; what you really need.

Dana: And you think you know what I need?

Danny: I should…I've given it to you often enough.

Dana: I don't think you realize how little you know me.

Danny: (shaking his head) Oh, I know you all too well. And that's what you hate the most, isn't it? (Danny headed for the door) See you soon.

Dana: (as Danny walked out) You're wrong, Danny, you're wrong! (Danny's words swirled around in her head, making her spin with thoughts) You couldn't be more wrong! I want nothing to do with you. And that kiss…I didn't enjoy it. (She brought her hand to her lips) How could I enjoy it. I hate you. No matter what you think, I do hate you. I do. (Her words sounded hollow and empty as tears crept into her eyes.) I do.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; Barton and Natalie's bedroom. Barton and Natalie are there.

Natalie: Bart, I know you and your parents have had problems over the years, but why are you unhappy about them coming home?

Barton: It's not that he is coming home, it's why.

Natalie: Why is he coming home?

Barton: It's about the Lassiter/Greyhawk war. I'm sure he got a copy of yesterday's Times. He's probably coming home so we can circle the wagons and plan on how to strike back.

Natalie: And what is wrong with that? Shouldn't the family band together now of all times?

Barton: Yes, but he's going to take over. You know how he is, he's going to want to run things and he gave that power up when he left the company for me and Steven to run.

Natalie: Maybe he wants to work with you on this. Or maybe he wants to spend time with his family.

Barton: I don't believe that. No, the old man is going to swoop in and start calling the shots. And I resent him giving us the power, but interfering when we get the chance to use it to destroy the Greyhawks once and for all.

Natalie: You're not sure that's even the case. I don't think you should jump to conclusions.

Barton: Don't be naive, Natalie. I know my father. He's always thought only he could handle the Greyhawks even though I beat them back the last time they came at us. I'm sure he's coming back to prepare for another go around.

Natalie: And what if he is? He is your father and head of the family. Don't you think he has that right?

Barton: What I think is that I can handle the Greyhawks. I can ruin them, destroy them once and for all. I don't need anyone help, not A.J.'s or Steven's or my father's. I know how to take care of them and I'm going to do it. Dad might think he's come back to take over, but he's in for a big surprise.

Natalie: (looking upset) And is this what you want our children to do to you someday? Are you looking forward to the day your son tries to lock you out of his own family?

Barton: (surprised) What? Natalie, that is not what I'm doing. You don't understand.

Natalie: Unfortunately, Bart, I understand all too well. (She headed for the door) I need to get to work.

Barton: Natalie!

Natalie: Goodbye, Barton. (Natalie walked out)

Barton: Damn it!

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the solarium. Kevin and A.J. are there.

Kevin: A.J., I know you and Melody are having problems, but why do you look so grim? I thought you were optimistic about working things out.

A.J.: I was...I am. I know that with time Melody and I could work things out, but maybe I need to make some decisions first.

Kevin: What kind of decisions?

A.J.: Well, I got a visit from Angela Sorensen this morning.

Kevin: Did she give you that black eye? I know Lassiter men aren't exactly tops on her list.

A.J.: Not that she’s not capable of it, it wasn’t her.

Kevin: Why did she drop by to see you anyway? You’ve never been one of her favorites.

A.J.: She heard about my marriage to Patricia.

Kevin: (sighing) I see. And knowing Angela's antipathy for deceit, especially when it comes from a Lassiter, I'm sure she wasn't too happy.

A.J.: She was very angry. And I understand that. I hurt Melody very badly… it's only natural and would stand up for her. That kind of sibling support is admirable.

Kevin: Certainly something you or I aren't used to.

A.J.: Well, she’s very protective of her sisters. I remember how venomously she went after Eric when he was married to Monica.

Kevin: Yes, but you can't compare the two situations. Eric was abusive to Monica in just about every way possible. You never set out to hurt Melody.

A.J.: No, but I did. I still can't stand to see the pain in her eyes. Angela just wanted to make it clear just about badly Melody is hurt and to give me a piece of advice.

Kevin: Which was?

A.J. She thinks I should break up with Melody...that I should end the relationship now because I can't promise marriage...which is what Melody wants.

Kevin: Well, that’s always been an issue between the two of you. And she’s right. You should be fair to Melody. You know what she wants, what she's always wanted. And if you can't give that to her, then you should end the relationship. As long as you stay together, she's always going to hold out hope, not matter how many times you tell her otherwise, that you will eventually get married. But, you must know that...otherwise you wouldn't be here talking to me.

A.J.: True. (A.J. shook his head) Kevin, I love Melody, I really do and the last thing I want to do is hurt her. (He sighed) But I guess I am hurting her as long as things continue like they are. Even after Patricia and I get a divorce, I guess the central issue is going to be there, isn't it?

Kevin: You're right, it is. So what are you going to do about it?

A.J.: What can I do? Maybe it's time I face facts. Maybe it's time I let Melody go.

* * * * * *

Scene: The interrogation room of the Covington Bay Police Department. Eric and Jake are there.

Eric: You'd really turn on me like that...blow me out of the water? I am trying to get at the truth!

Jake: That is crap and you know it. You just want to give your brother a hard time...even if it puts his life at risk. Well, I won't be party to that. A.J. needs to know there is a bug in his house so we can find out who planted it.

Eric: And if you tell A.J. anything, you'll never find out. He'll never cooperate with the cops.

Jake: What makes you think that?

Eric: Jake, since the day we started as rookie cops A.J. has been a thorn in our sides. He'll do whatever he has to get his next story. Over the years, he's lied to us, interfered in police investigations. And you'll never convince me he hasn't stolen police files or tapped into our computers to get information.

Jake: I'll never believe that, Eric. He could easily find out any police information he needed to know with a source in this department, which I’m sure a guy like him is smart enough to have.

Eric: But don't you see my point? A.J. never has and never will cooperate with us. He even refused to be put into protective custody so he can be protected from those hit-men just so he can be the one to catch them.

Jake: (sighing) Okay, Eric. You have a point. A.J. just might shut us out once he finds out about the bug.

Eric: Then he can't know about it. It's the only way we'll get at the truth.

Jake: And how can we do that? A.J.'s probably the only one who can figure out who would bug him.

Eric: I'll bet if we put our heads together we could come up with something. What about those hit men...who happen to work for Victor Markham? They could be bugging A.J. to find out if he's close to nailing them.

Jake: I don't buy that. Bugging people is not Markham's style...murder is. He'd sooner kill both A.J. and Patricia than bother with planting listening devices.

Eric: You could have a point.

Jake: I think Reilly and Slade are out of the country where they can't be traced to Markham; it's too risky to keep them anywhere near Covington Bay. This probably has nothing to do with Victor Markham or the hit men.

Eric: You don't think the timing is suspicious?

Jake: (nodding) Of course it is. But you know Markham's MO as well as I do. Don't you think if he wanted to kill your brother and his wife they'd already be dead?

Eric: (sighing) Yeah.

Jake: I'm glad you agree. Now shall you call A.J. or shall I?

Eric: Nobody is calling A.J.., not yet. We shouldn't turn over this piece of information. There's too much to gain by keeping it to ourselves.

(Jake was about to reply when Angela walked in)

Angela: Here you are. The Captain would like to see us.

Eric: (angrily) Can't you see we're having a private conversation!?

Angela: (glaring daggers at her partner) Save the male bonding for later. (Pause) He wants you in on it too, Jake.

Jake: Me? Is this about a case?

Angela: I don't know what it's about.

Eric: Maybe the Captain has come to his senses and he's going to partner us, Jake.

Jake: I don't think so. Ray Davies and I have been partners for years. We're a good team. I don't think he's going to change things just because you don't like it.

Eric: One can only hope.

Angela: Eric, why don't you just shut up and get to the Captain's office. Unlike you, I don't like to keep my boss waiting. (Angela walked out)

Eric: (icily) Bitch. I hate that woman...if that's what she is.

Jake: Eric, you really should ease up on her. She's a good cop...and you two are partners whether you like it or not.

Eric: Well I don't like it...and that's why I'm going to see that this partnership doesn't last. (Eric headed for the door) Don't call my brother, Jake. We're not finished.

Jake: Eric, you're not going to change my mind.

Eric: Apparently, you've forgotten how persuasive I can be.

* * * * * *

Scene: Nikki's bedroom. Nikki and Nina Tamakai are there.

Nikki: (looking shocked) Your father caught you and Richie hugging?

Nina: Yes. But, I swear Nikki, there was nothing going on. Richie was so upset about Nathan's heart attack and he was worried about you being on that boat alone with James Greyhawk that he started to cry. I was just trying to comfort him. There was nothing more to it.

Nikki: Nina, you don't have to convince me of that. I trust you.

Nina: And neither would Richie. He loves you. He'd never lie to you…and he certainly wouldn't get involved with another girl.

Nikki: (a little too quickly) Of course not.

Nina: Unfortunately my father's not so trusting.

Nikki: Certainly he doesn’t think there was something going on between you and Richie?

Nina: He did at first, but I think I was able to convince him otherwise. Still, he was upset that I was alone at night with a boy. And considering the problems you're having with your parents, he thinks you're a bad influence. That's why he told me that…that we couldn't be friends anymore.

Nikki: (surprised) Is that what you meant about us not being friends anymore? (Nina nodded) Well, he can't do that. We've grown up together…we're more than friends. We’re like sisters. He can't take that away from us.

Nina: Nikki, he's my father. He can do whatever he wants. And what he wants is for us to stop being friends. I can't spend any time with you either here or at school.

Nikki: You can't be serious! We're not supposed to have lunch together or even ride back and forth to class anymore?

Nina: No. We're not to have any contact at all.

Nikki: Well surely you didn't agree to it.

Nina: Of course I did.

Nikki: But Nina, your father is wrong!

Nina: Maybe he is, but he is my father and I have to do what he says. I'm not like you, Nikki. I can't defy my father or be deceitful to him no matter what the reason. (Pause) I have to be going. Father has arranged for the school bus to start taking me back and forth to school. I don't want to miss it.

Nikki: Nina, let's talk about this. Let's try and work this out. I love you. I can't lose our friendship. I need that...especially now.

Nina: Nikki, this is not easy for me either. But I don't have a choice.

Nikki: I'll have Daddy or Uncle Barton talk some sense into him.

Nina: (tears welling in her eyes) Nikki, you know how stubborn my father is. He'll never change his mind. And I can't ask your father or uncle to get involved in family affairs. That would only make Father angrier than he already is.

Nikki: But he's wrong!

Nina: Nikki, let it go! My father is not trying to hurt me. He's only doing what he thinks is best for me. He's trying to protect me. How can I be angry at him for that?

Nikki: Nina...

Nina: (starting to cry) I have to go, Nikki. Father told me I only had a few minutes. (Nikki looked torn apart as Nina walked out)

Nikki: (shaking her head) I don't believe this, I just don't believe this! I'm losing my best friend...my boyfriend is acting really suspicious...and James Greyhawk wants me to be his next girlfriend. How could this day get any worse?! (As if in response, there was a knock on the door, Nikki ran to the door) Nina, I... (Nikki was surprised to see her parents standing there) Mom...Dad.

Pamela: Good morning, Nikki. You look surprised to see us.

Nikki: Well, I was just on my way out. I have to be getting to school.

Pamela: Don't worry, Nikki, we won't delay you for long. What we have to say to you won't take but a few minutes.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor nurses station. Dana is there looking at some charts, but she is unable to keep her mind on her work. Her mind keeps going back to images of Danny kissing her.

Dana: (thinking) That bastard! How dare he do this to me?! Taking advantage of me...blackmailing me...and then he kisses me. Kissing me when I didn't want it. Well he's going to be sorry for this. One way or another I'm going to make him pay. But, I don't know how. Right now I have no choice but to pay him the money he wants. If I don't he'll ruin my life. He'll tell Zachary we're still married and then Zachary will dump me. But where am I going to get it? Where am I going to get $10,000!?

Natalie: (rushing up to the desk, looking frazzled and frustrated) Dana, I'm so sorry for being late.

Dana: That's okay...you're due once a year.

Natalie: I know I'm rarely late, but I still hate it, especially when it's for personal reasons.

Dana: Personal reasons? Something wrong, girlfriend?

Natalie: Nothing I want to get into now. We'll talk over lunch, okay?

Dana: Sure. (At that moment, Zachary walked up to the desk)

Zachary: I see you finally made it in. (He leaned over and gave her a kiss)

Dana: (smiling as Natalie raised her eyebrows in annoyance) Yeah. (She then caught Natalie's suspicious gaze)

Natalie: You just got here?

Dana: Did I say anything about you being late?

Natalie: No, but then I'm not late as often as you.

Zachary: Oh, I hope I didn't start anything here.

Natalie: Nothing we don't talk about everyday.

Zachary: Well, before I cause anymore problems, I'll go and get to work and let you do the same. Lunch later?

Dana: Sounds great to me. Gives me something to look forward to.

Zachary: (he gave her a kiss on the cheek) Bye.

(Zachary walked away)

Natalie: Well, it looks like you and Zachary are getting along. Don't tell me your quest to snare a husband is actually working.

Dana: It's proceeding nicely.

Natalie: Don't buy that dress yet, girl. You are a long way from getting that man down the aisle.

Dana: Natalie, you know me. I always get what I want...and I do what it takes to get it.

Natalie: True. But in the end, will it make you happy?

Dana: Of course it will. How could it not? There's nothing more I want than Zachary Dailey. (Images of her and Danny kissing flashed through her mind, causing her to hesitate) Nothing.

* * * * * *

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the solarium. A.J. and Kevin are there.

Kevin: Maybe it's time you let Melody go? A.J., you can't mean that!?

A.J.: Kevin, I may not have a choice. Melody wants marriage. I can't give that to her. I can never give her the kind of family life she wants.

Kevin: Why not? It's obvious you love her.

A.J.: I do. I can't imagine my life without her.

Kevin: Then why the reluctance to marry her? You have had a lot of women in your life and you've never wanted to marry any of them and I'm sure it was because they weren't the right one. But Melody is. She's the perfect woman for you and you know that. I just don't get why you're ready to let her slip through your fingers just because you're afraid of making a commitment.

A.J.: Kevin, it's not that simple.

Kevin: I think it's very simple to want to be with the person you love more than anything and making a commitment. It should be easy. You shouldn't have to even think about it. I know I never did.

A.J.: You and Alec were a very special couple.

Kevin: And so are you and Melody. A.J., I just think you need to realize what a wonderful woman you have.

A.J.: I do.

Kevin: Then why are you willing to risk losing her? Does the idea of marriage scare you that much?

A.J.: (after a pause and a deep sigh) It’s not just the idea of marriage. Look, I love Melody and there are times when I’ve considered marriage. I’ve even thought about doing something about it.

Kevin: Wait a minute. You actually want to marry her?

A.J.: I might. Maybe. Melody’s a wonderful woman. Any guy would be lucky to have her as a wife. And she certainly would make a great mother. But I’m not sure I’m quite ready for that. And even if I were… even if I wanted to… I couldn’t marry Melody.

Kevin: (surprised) Because you already have a wife. (Pause) Or is there something else. Something more?

A.J.: Yes.

Kevin: You’re hiding something else? You’ve got more secrets and lies rolling around in that head of yours? And it’s part of the reason why you can’t commit to Melody.

A.J.: Yes. And it’s the biggest one of all.

* * * * * *

To be continued…

In The Next Episode of Covington Bay....

· Nigel and Monica makes plans for the new arrival.

· Someone is throwing a party...but no one wants to attend.

· Lucas' investigation makes James uncomfortable.

· Quentin looks to the future.

· A.J. confesses.