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EPISODE 78 “ALL THE NEWS |
Scene: Greyhawk Manor; Nigel and Monica Greyhawk's
bedroom. Nigel is there slipping into a gray sports coat as he finished
dressing for work. He reaches for his keys lying on the dresser, where there is
a baby picture lying there. Looking at it curiously, Nigel picked it up.
Nigel: (thinking) I wonder how this got out? Monica must've been looking through the family photos again. She keeps wondering what our child will look like. I have to admit I've been thinking about that too…especially now that Monica and I have started trying to have a child. Will he or she look like my side of the family or hers? Or will our child have a little bit of the both sides of the family? She could be pregnant already…she could already carrying my…my baby. (Pause) I never thought I'd say those words. I never thought I would be looking forward to having a child. But Monica has done that for me; she's given me the kind of life I can be proud of…that my father can be proud of. I certainly could never have those things if I… (As images of Kevin Lassiter slipped through his mind, he shook his head) There's no use even thinking about it. Kevin and I were wrong. We were never meant to be. I couldn't have worked…no matter how much we love… (He stopped himself) …or loved each other.
Monica: (her voice interrupting his thoughts) Admiring yourself?
Nigel (startled) What?
Monica: (grinning) You were the cutest little boy.
Nigel: Hardly. Despite what you or my mother think, I can't look at that picture without telling myself what a goofy looking child I was.
Monica: (shaking her head) You were not goofy looking. You were adorable. You still are. I can only hope our child looks like this. (She wrapped her arms around him, beaming, her brown eyes sparkling with delight) I can't wait to have your baby, Nigel. You are looking forward to this, aren't you?
Nigel: (seeing the hope and anticipation in her eyes) Of course I am.
Monica: So you don't have any doubts anymore? You know this is exactly what you want?
Nigel: (as images of Kevin unavoidably flashed through his mind) Of course…what more could I want?
Scene: Greyhawk
Manor; Quentin
Greyhawk's study. He is there on the telephone.
Quentin: (a satisfied grin on his face) I'm glad to hear that; just make everyone gets one before it hits the stands. (Pause) Right. (He nods) Goodbye.
(Quentin hung up
the phone as Lucas
Greyhawk appeared in the doorway)
Lucas: I'm not interrupting anything am I?
Quentin: (his grin widening) No, just conducting a little business.
Lucas: (walking in, shaking a finger at his father) You know if Mom were here, she'd never stand for that. She hates for business to be done before breakfast.
Quentin: You won't tell her will you?
Lucas: (shaking his head) I'll protect you. I hate to see anybody face Mom when she's angry.
Quentin: (slapping Lucas on the back) Thanks, son.
Lucas: When is she due back from her book tour?
Quentin: (sighing, crossing his arms) Not for another week. I know she loves writing and I'm very proud of her for being such a success as a romance novelist, but I miss her. She should be home, especially now that you're back.
Lucas: Well, I miss Mom too, but don't worry, I'll be here when she gets back. I'm going to be in town for awhile.
Quentin: That's good to hear. (Pause) You know, you never told me what you're working on. What kind of case in Covington Bay could occupy a top P.I. like you for that long?
Lucas: (hesitating) Well, I don't think you're going to be too happy about this.
Quentin: Really? And why not?
James: (walking in, anger streaked across his face) Because he's a traitor to this family.
Lucas: (annoyed) James, not only is this a private conversation, it's really none of your business.
James: The fact that you've turned against this family is everyone's business.
Quentin: (surprised, a curious expression on his face) James, is there an explanation for your rudeness?
James: Lucas is working to get a killer free.
Quentin: (surprised) What!?
Lucas: (grimacing at his younger brother) I'm working with Sabrina Collier on the Nathan James case. She hired me to get evidence to proving the kid didn't kill Candice Dailey.
Quentin: (nodding at James, then turning to Lucas) I see. Lucas, you do realize what a big mistake you've made, don't you?
Scene: Covington Bay
Police Department; Homicide Department. Det. Eric Lassiter, Det.
Angela
Sorensen and Det. Jake
Collier are there. Eric is standing near the window, looking down on the city
streets below. Angela sits in a chair in front of Walter's desk
while Jake leans against the filing cabinet, sipping a cup of coffee.
Eric: (turning to Angela, glaring nastily at her) I thought you said the Captain wanted to talk to us?
Angela: He did.
Eric: (bitterly) Then why wasn't he here when we arrived?
Angela: (shrugging) I don't know.
Eric: (suspiciously) Are you sure he even wanted to see us? Maybe you misunderstood him.
Angela: (snapping at Eric) I heard him quite clearly, Eric. He said he wanted to meet with the three of us immediately.
Jake: (interrupting) Eric, calm down. I'm sure he'll be here any minute.
(Then there was a
knock on the door)
Eric: Maybe that's him.
Angela: (smirking at Eric) Knocking on the door of his own office?
(As Jake opened
the door, Eric glared nastily at his partner. A dark haired man in a navy blue
suit stood there, holding a large envelope in his hand)
Man: (looking at Jake) Eric Lassiter?
Jake: (shaking his head) No.
Eric: (stepping forward) I'm Eric Lassiter. Who the hell are you?
Man: (walking into the office and handing Eric the envelope) This is for you.
Eric: (looking at it) What’s this?
Man: (shrugging) Have a nice day.
(Jake nodded at
the man and he walked out.)
Jake: What have you done this time, Eric?
Angela: It looks a little big to be a subpoena, though I can think of lots of reasons why someone might want to sue you.
Eric: I guess I'll open it and find out what the hell is going on.
Walter: (standing in the doorway, holding a similar envelope) Don't bother. I can tell you all about it.
Eric: Captain? You got one too?
Walter: (walking in and closing the door) I certainly did. This was delivered to me at home this morning.
Eric: Is this what you wanted to talk to us about?
Walter: Yes.
Jake: Captain, what is going on? Is there some sort of problem?
Walter: (angrily) You bet there is. Eric, why don't you open that envelope? Once you see what's inside, I'm sure you'll realize the three of us have a lot to discuss.
Scene: Lassiter Manor;
Nikki's bedroom. Nikki,
Steven and Pamela Lassiter
are there.
Nikki: Do you really think we should get into this now? It's going to make me late for school.
Pamela: As much as you might like to avoid this discussion, Nikki, you can't. You have behaved disgracefully as of late, and it has to be dealt with.
Nikki: Disgracefully? Don’t you think that's a bit strong?
Pamela: What would you call playing hooky from school to attend a murder trial I distinctly told you to stay away from?
Nikki: Mom, I was supporting Richie. I don’t think you realize the pain he has gone through since Candice was killed. He lost one good friend and his best friend in on trial for her murder. Now Nathan's suffered a heart attack that he may never recover from. Should I just turn my back on him when he needs me the most?
Steven: Nikki, we understand that your loyalty for Richie, but….
Nikki: (interrupting) But what? It's wrong to support one of the most important people in your life just because it might make you miss a couple of classes?
Steven: Look, Nikki, the fact that you want to stand by your boyfriend is admirable, but…
Pamela: (cutting in) Steven, I'll handle this! (Pause) Nikki, I don't care if you want to support your boyfriend. The fact that he chooses to associate with killers is his problem, not yours.
Nikki: (stunned) How can you say Nathan is a killer? He hasn't been convicted of anything.
Pamela: Nevertheless, it is an element I do not want you to be involved in as I have told you from the start. Since that poor girl was murdered you've been so busy supporting Richie that you've missed classes and ignored your school work. Now you are skipping school altogether and when I punish you for it, you went to your father to get him to supersede my orders. To make matters worse, you flagrantly ignored my curfew and stayed out most of the evening.
Nikki: I explained that. Richie and I had a fight and I was out thinking.
Pamela: In your best dress?
Nikki: I explained that too.
Pamela: I know you did, but that's probably a lie just like everything else that comes out of your mouth.
Nikki: (horrified) Mom!
Steven: Now Pamela, I really think you're being a bit harsh.
Pamela: And I think someone needs to show our daughter that she can't do what she wants when she wants…not without certain penalties. Believe me, Nikki, you are going to be punished for what you've done…and this time it's going to stick.
Scene: The Lassiter Estate;
the solarium. Kevin
and A.J.
Lassiter are there.
A.J.: (as Kevin looks stunned) Now do you see? Now do you get why I can't marry Melody? Even if I wanted to, even if I were ready… I can't!
Kevin: (shaking his head) A.J., I don't believe it. Does Melody know about this?
A.J.: Of course she doesn't.
Kevin: You've been keeping this to yourself all this time…ever since you came back from England after you left that correspondents job with NewsTime Magazine?
A.J.: Yes. This isn't exactly something you share with people, you know.
Kevin: I disagree. You should've told someone, not carried this around with your for years. We're your family, we would've supported you, you must know that.
A.J.: I know that. But I just couldn't tell anyone…I just couldn't. (He sighed) I guess I just got tired of keeping to myself.
Kevin: Are you going to share with this with Melody? She deserves to know.
A.J.: No, I can't tell her.
Kevin: Why not? If she knew, it might change things between the two of you.
A.J.: Of course it would change everything.
Kevin: Then tell her.
A.J.: I can’t. Look, this is complicated. I love Melody. And yes, maybe I’d like to marry her someday. I might be even closer than she knows. But if we got married, I would have to tell her the truth…the whole story. And I can't do that.
Kevin: Why not?
A.J.: Come on, Kevin, I shouldn't have to explain this to you. Given what is going on, I can’t marry her. I can’t ask her to make the kind of sacrifices she’s have to with me as her husband. More importantly, I won’t ask her. I've been avoiding this for a long time…facing what I have to do. I can't let this go on anymore. It's not fair to stay with Melody when I have no intention of marrying her no matter how much I might want it, even if I were ready someday. I have to break it off with her…and I have to do it now.
Scene: Greyhawk
Manor; Nigel and Monica's bedroom. Nigel and Monica are there. Monica is
holding the picture of Nigel as a child.
Monica: (smiling) I don't care what you say. I think you were an adorable child.
Nigel: I think you are biased.
Monica: So what if I am? I think there's nothing wrong with believing your husband was the best looking baby in the world.
Nigel: (grinning) Well, if you insist on bestowing me with that honor, I guess I'll have to let you. (Pause as they chuckled) Do you know Mother has all these old clothes packed away in the attic?
Monica: Really?
Nigel: Yes. We've been trying to persuade her for years to donate all our baby clothes to charity, but she said she can't let them go, she's got too many good memories associated with them. (Pause) Of course, she donates thousands of dollars in new baby clothes to the shelters and hospitals around town so I guess we can't criticize her too much.
Monica: (smiling) Well, I think that's sweet. (Pause as an idea flickered in her mind) Say, do you think your mother would mind I dressed our child in some of your baby clothes?
Nigel: Mind? She'd love it. It would give her even more reason to fawn over her grandchild, Dad too for that matter. (He laughed) Of course, who would've thought that our child, heir to a billion dollar corporation, would be wearing hand-me-downs?
Monica: I would…because they are part of you. (Pause) I'm so glad you're happy about this child, Nigel. I knew that eventually you'd see that we belong together and that having a baby together will only make our wonderful marriage even better.
Nigel: (nodding) I'm glad you had that faith, Monica. I'm glad you believed in us…believed in me.
Monica: (throwing her arms around Nigel) Of course I have faith in you. I knew that with time we'd work through everything and get to the point we're at now. I love you, Nigel! I love you so much! (They kissed passionately. As they parted, Monica smiled warmly at her husband) So, you want to take a little time to work on that child we're going to have?
Nigel: I wish I could, but I've got a lot of work to catch up on. Taking yesterday afternoon off… (images of Nigel's meeting with Kevin fleeted through Kevin's mind) ….put me behind. I do have to be getting to the office.
Monica: I understand. But can we schedule a little rendezvous tonight?
Nigel: (smiling) You got it, sweetheart.
Scene: Greyhawk Manor; Quentin's study. Quentin, Lucas and James are there.
Quentin: Lucas, you know I don't like to interfere in your business decisions , but taking on this Nathan James case was a big mistake.
James: I'm glad you see it my way, Dad. Someone has got to make Lucas face the fact that he's betrayed this family.
Quentin: James, your brother has not betrayed this family and I think you should apologize for accusing him of doing such a thing.
James: But Dad, you just said...!
Quentin: I said it was a mistake for Lucas to have taken this case. I never said doing so was a betrayal to our family.
James: He's working to let a killer go free! Someone who murdered the girl I loved! You don't think I should be upset by that!?
Quentin: James, I understand why you might be upset by this. But Nathan James hasn't been convicted of anything. In the eyes of the law, he is innocent until proven guilty. I don't think Lucas should've taken the case, but he's only doing his job.
Lucas: Dad, why does my taking this case bother you?
Quentin: I just don't like the way it looks. This family has been tied to the murder of Candice Dailey because of James' involvement with her. I don't like the idea of the Greyhawks becoming further involved with it.
Lucas: I understand that, but I can't apologize for taking the case. I believed I did the right thing. I still do.
Quentin: And as much as I might disagree with your decision, I have to respect it. I just hope you can help that poor young man...assuming he recovers from his heart attack.
Lucas: I don't believe what I'm hearing!? You're letting him off this easily!? Nathan James murdered Candice!
Quentin: I know you believe that, but it doesn't change the fact that he hasn't been convicted of anything. And if he is innocent, don't you want the truth to come out? Certainly you can't want an innocent man to spend the rest of his life in jail for a crime he didn't commit.
James: But he isn't innocent! And any investigation is a waste of time!
Lucas: So you said, James. And if that is the case, then Sabrina Collier has wasted a lot of money and I will have wasted a lot of time. But if the kid didn't do it and I can find the real killer then it will have been worth it not just for Nathan but you too. Candice Dailey's real killer will be behind bars. Isn't that what we all want?
James: I can see this is getting nowhere. I might as well just go to school since no
one sees things my way. (James walked
out)
Quentin: He's really upset.
Lucas: Yes and I'm sorry about that. But I don't understand why James is so against me looking into this case; especially if it might lead to the real killer.
Quentin: Obviously he's so convinced Nathan James did it, he's afraid you might come up with evidence that would get the boy acquitted even though he's the killer.
Lucas: That's a possibility. But I can't help but think there's more to it than that.
Quentin: What do you mean?
Lucas: Dad, I want to ask you a few questions about James...and his relationship with Candice Dailey.
Scene: Lassiter
Mansion; the solarium. Kevin and A.J. are there.
Kevin: A.J., do you honestly think breaking it off with someone you love…someone who loves you is the right thing to do? Is that fair to Melody or yourself?
A.J.: I think I am being fair to Melody. She doesn't deserve what she would wind up with if she married me. I can't give her the things she wants…and I've ignored her feelings for too long. I can't ignore them any longer.
Kevin: You're making a terrible mistake, A.J.. If Melody knew the truth, she'd still marry you.
A.J.: And that's what I want to avoid. I know she'd still marry me…I know she'd deal with my problem, but I can't ask her to do that. I can't ask her to give up everything she has ever wanted.
Kevin: But, A.J…
A.J.: Kevin, it's no use going over this. I'm going to do what I have to do.
Kevin: Really? I don't think you're so certain about this decision you've made.
A.J.: And what makes you think that?
Kevin: If you really wanted to do this, you would've just broken up with Melody and kept your secret to yourself. You obviously want me to talk you out of making the dumbest mistake of your life.
A.J.: (sighing) Maybe I do. Or maybe I just wanted to get this off my chest. I've kept this to myself for so long. It's been tough keeping this secret.
Kevin: It sure explains a lot.
A.J.: What do you mean?
Kevin: I always wondered why you came home from England and quit that correspondent's job and came home so suddenly. You loved that job.
A.J.: I sure did. But I had to leave it. I had to come home after… (He hesitated, taking a deep breath) ...I just couldn't stay anymore. Unfortunately, I might have left England behind, but the scars are still there. And now I know they'll never really heal.
Scene: The Lassiter Estate; Nikki's bedroom. Nikki, Steven and Pamela are there.
Steven: Could we please calm down before things get out of hand?
Pamela: Steven, they are already out of hand and you know it. The idea is to prevent things from going further astray.
Nikki: Well remember you can only ground me for a couple of years. I'll be going to college when I'm eighteen.
Pamela: Your smart mouth never quits, does it?
Barton: (walking in; holding a large envelope) Steven, there you are. I need to talk to you.
Pamela: Barton, this is not the time. We're in the middle of something.
Barton: Well, whatever it is can wait. I'm sure whatever Nikki has done this time she'll just do again, so why even bother getting angry about it?
Steven: (cutting in) Bart, I don't know what you want, but…
Barton: (holding out the envelope) I want you to see this. It was just delivered.
Steven: (taking it) Isn't this…
Barton: The same kind of envelope that yesterday's Covington Bay Times was delivered in? Exactly.
Steven: Is it as bad as yesterday?
Barton: No…it's worse.
Nikki: You know, I think I'll let you guys hash this out. I really should be running to school.
Pamela: Nikki, we are not finished here!
Nikki: Don't you think this family crisis is more important than berating me for being a bad girl?
Pamela: Personally, Nikki, I think you are becoming a family crisis.
Steven: (reading the newspaper) Good Lord. Pamela, look at this.
Nikki: I'll see you later!
Pamela: (looking after Nikki as her daughter rushed out of the room) Nikki!
Steven: Pamela, let her go. We'll deal with it later. I think you should read this.
Pamela: (taking the newspaper) Steven, I really don't think...! (Her eyes widened in surprise as she scanned the headline of the paper) I don't believe this! It can't be true! This has to be a lie.
Barton: Maybe. Or maybe this family is in more trouble than we could ever imagine.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide
Division. Eric, Angela, Jake and Walter
are in Walter's office. Eric pulls his
copy of the Covington Bay Times out of the envelope. He looks at it in horror.
Eric: I don't believe this! This must be some kind of mistake! They can't have printed this crap!
Jake: Captain, is this really today's copy of the paper?
Walter: Unfortunately it is.. It's on every newsstand in this city.
Eric: But it's not true!
Walter: It's not true? Look at the headline, Eric. (Eric looked at the headline which read COP ACCUSED OF RACIST ATTACK. The byline read: Eric Lassiter believed to have harassed man because he was African-American.) It's all about your encounter with Danny James at Mama J.'s the other night. Are you going to tell me that didn't happen?
Eric: Yes it happened! But my almost arresting Danny had nothing to do with the fact that he was black. He hit me first. He resisted arrest. I had every reason to bring him in.
Walter: So you said. This is what I heard when this incident was first brought to my attention the other day. But this article makes it seem like your entire motivation for nailing James was because of his race. And everyone at that restaurant are quoted as saying just that. It even notes that your own mother had to intervene on James's behalf.
Eric: Captain, this article is a lie. I am not a racist.
Angela: Danny James seems to think so. And so does that nurse at the hospital, Dana Cooper. Furthermore, Polly Johnson was very upset about you being involved in the investigation of her son's attack. None of them wanted you involved in that case because they perceived you as being bigoted.
Eric: And you are quick to point that out, weren't you?
Walter: Actually so does the article. It actually speculates on whether how your alleged racism might affect your performance on this case.
Angela: Which is why I thought Eric should've never been part of it in the first place.
Eric: Don't even try to use this to shut me out!
Walter: Don't attack Det. Sorensen. She didn't create this situation. You did.
Eric: You're blaming me for this article!? You honestly think I'm a racist?
Walter: It doesn't matter what I think. It matters how this looks. And since article hit the stands, I have received dozen of phone calls from irate citizens and reporters wanting to know if this departments is run by bigots. It's a mess.
Jake: Captain, you can't believe Eric is a card carrying member of the Ku Klux Klan.
Walter: What I know is that we have got a public relations mess on our hands...and I'm not sure how we're going to deal with it.
Jake: I just wonder what this is all about. First A.J. gets roasted in yesterday's Times and today Eric. And in both cases, the newspapers were delivered.
Eric: Jake, what are you saying? You're not making sense.
Jake: A.J. got his copy of the Times at the hospital yesterday. It was delivered by messenger just like yours. I talked to my mom this morning and she mentioned that Aunt Gloria got a copy of yesterdays paper too.
Eric: Are you saying there's some kind of scheme going on to make the Lassiters look bad and they want to make sure we don't miss out on the news?
Jake: It would seem so.
Angela: But who would do that?
Walter: Someone who obviously hates your family, Eric.
Eric: (nodding) And I don't have to look to far to figure out who that could be. (Pause) When I was at A.J.'s apartment this morning, he said he had problems with the Greyhawks. I wonder if this could be it.
Walter: The Greyhawks!? Are you telling me this police department is being accused if racism because of your family feud?
Eric: I don't know.
But there's only one way to find out.
(Eric turned and stalked out of the office)
Walter: Where is he going?
Jake: Where do you think?
Walter: You think he's going to confront the Greyhawks? Eric wouldn't be that foolish. (Walter then thought about what he said and looked at Angela and Jake, then sighed) You better go after him.
Scene: Covington Bay High School; the library. Nikki walks in and glances around for Richie.
Nikki: (thinking) I guess Richie isn't here yet. Well, he said he was going to be late. I'll just wait for him. (She glanced at her watch) I hope he shows up soon...I've got to be getting to my first class soon. (She sat down at a table, her thoughts continuing) I'm so glad I was able to escape my mother's tirade. Thank God we had yet another family crisis to get in the way of her being a dictator. (Pause) I wonder what they were so upset about reading in the paper. (Pause) Probably something to do with the family business or something. Well, I can't be concerned about that...I've got my own problems. I've got to find that diary. I've got to find Candice's diary. I'm just surprised the police haven't found it; it would probably help in their investigation. I guess it's up to me to find it. But where do I start looking? (Aloud) Where do I start?
Voice: How about with me?
Nikki: (looking up) James!
James: Well, how about starting with me? I think I'm a great place to begin.
Scene: Greyhawk
Manor; Quentin's library. Quentin and Lucas are there.
Quentin: James' relationship with Candice Dailey? What can I say? It was a mistake. It never should've happened.
Lucas: You didn't approve of her?
Quentin: Candice Dailey was a perfectly lovely young woman. But James had no business becoming involved in such a serious relationship at such an early age. He wanted to marry her.
Lucas: And you were against it.
Quentin: Of course I was. Lucas, you know I think marriage and family are the most important things in the world, but a seventeen year old boy shouldn't even be thinking about such things. He hasn't even finished high school, traveled the world or gone to college.
Lucas: I'm sure you told James this.
Quentin: Of course I did. But he wasn't listening. He was determined to marry the girl no matter what any of us thought.
Lucas: Including Glenn Dailey. He must've been against it.
Quentin: (shaking his head) No he wasn't. Glenn was all for the marriage, which only egged James on. Your brother said Dr. Dailey was the only one who understood how he felt, how much he loved Candice and wanted to be with her. He and Glenn Dailey started spending a lot of time together. That man was ingratiating himself into our family.
Lucas: I can't believe he wanted his sixteen year old daughter to get married.
Quentin: He wanted his sixteen year old daughter to get married to a Greyhawk. Glenn Dailey is a very ambitious. I'm sure he was eager for the marriage to take place because it would tie him to us.
Lucas: But isn't he married to Gloria Dailey? Not to mention being chief of staff at one of the top hospitals in the tri-state area.
Quentin: That marriage has been on the rocks for years. In fact, rumor has it a divorce will take place any day now. The point is, Glenn Dailey wanted his daughter to marry James because of what it would net him. I tried to make him realize what a mistake it would be, but he was only concerned about himself.
Lucas: So the marriage was on.
Quentin: James and Candice started making plans…and so was I.
Lucas: You were planning to stop the wedding?
Quentin: Of course I was.
Lucas: How?
Quentin: Any way I could.
Lucas: But the girl was killed before you got the chance.
Quentin: Yes, she was. I certainly didn't want things to end that way. That girl died a horrible, painful death. I can only hope whoever did it pays for it.
Lucas: Well, I'm doing my part to see to that. I just hope James calms down and doesn't fly into a rage every time I mention my investigation.
Quentin: I'm sure he'll get over it. James wants the killer brought to justice just as much as the rest of us. I'm sure he'll soon realize that whatever you uncover is only going to be for the best. If Nathan James didn't kill Candice, surely James would want to truth to come out, wouldn't he?
Lucas: (thoughtfully) I can't imagine why he wouldn't.
Scene: The
Lassiter Estate; the solarium. Kevin and A.J. are there.
Kevin: What do I have to do to talk you out of making the biggest, not to mention the dumbest mistake of your life!?
A.J.: There's nothing you can do. I have to do this. I have to do what's fair to Melody.
Kevin: You think breaking her heart is fair? This is going to destroy her!
A.J.: I have no doubt this will hurt her. But eventually she'll get over it and she'll move on with her life. She'll find the kind of happiness you can't have with me.
Kevin: A.J., you're a fool. I should go to that phone, call Melody and tell her the truth myself.
A.J.: But I know you won't do that. You'd never betray my confidence.
Kevin: (sighing) No I wouldn't, even if it's to save you from yourself. But don't think I'm giving up on you A.J.. If there's anything I can do to talk you out of this, I'm going to do it.
A.J.: I appreciate that you want to help, cousin, but this is for the best.
Kevin: Walking away from love is never for the best, A.J.. Alec tried to do that to me once. When he started getting really sick he tried to leave town to 'protect' me for the pain of watching him die. I wouldn't let him; I stopped him. I wanted him with me for as long as we could be together whatever the circumstances.
A.J.: Your situation with Alec was different.
Kevin: True. You're not dying and you're not sick. But you're leaving Melody because you're doing what you think is best for her. Alec was wrong and so are you.
(Barton, Pamela
and Steven then burst into the room, caught in an argument)
Barton: We have got to figure out what to do about this! Do you know what this is going to look like for the family? This is going to affect all of us.
Pamela: I fail to see how this is going to affect the rest of us. So people will look and whisper when a Lassiter walks into the room, but it's no more than we're used to. I'd think we'd be used to a little bad press…just not so much at one time.
Barton: This is more than just this article. It's about the war the Greyhawks have declared on this family, can't you see that!? This is just the start! They won't be finished until we are all maligned and destroyed!
Steven: Barton, I understand that you are upset, believe me, this article distressed me too. But yelling at my wife won't solve anything.
Kevin: What is going on here?
A.J.: Are you still going on about that article in yesterday's paper?
Barton: No, this is about today's edition.
A.J.: Today? What did they say about me this time?
Barton: Your ego never quits, does it?
A.J.: You mean it's not about me?
Barton: You almost sound disappointed that your precious name isn't being dragged through the mud for the second day this week.
Kevin: Dad, why are you in such a frenzy? What in the world are you going on about?
Barton: (handing Kevin the newspaper; A.J. looked over Kevin's shoulder) This.
A.J.: (stunned) My God!
Barton: And I thought your secret marriage was bad; imagine finding out my other nephew is Covington Bay's version of Mark Fuhrman.
Steven: We shouldn't assume this article is true. After all, there were some inaccuracies in the article about A.J., weren't they? We really should talk to Eric first.
Kevin: I have no trouble believing it. Racistville is just a short drive from Homophobialand.
Steven: Kevin, I know you've had your problems with him, but we should give him the benefit of the doubt.
Kevin: When it comes to Eric, there is no doubt that you can believe the worst of him.
A.J.: My brother has always been close-minded, but this… (Pause) I hate to say it, but there must be some truth to it or Greyhawk would've never printed it. Look, yesterday's article was bad, but this is worse. Greyhawk is not going to let up.
Barton: And that means we have to strike back now!
A.J.: I think first we should talk to Eric. I can only imagine what his reaction to this article is going to be…especially if he realizes the Greyhawks are involved.
Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the foyer. Nigel and Monica are coming down the
staircase leading into the spacious foyer.
Monica: You know, I was going by a baby store yesterday and I couldn't help but notice all the wonderful things they had. I went in there and browsed for more than an hour, daydreaming about the things we would buy for our son or daughter.
Nigel: (as they arrived at the foyer) Monica, I am as excited about the prospect of us having a baby as you are, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Monica: What do you mean? I thought you wanted a baby.
Nigel: I do, believe me, I do. But, we just started trying. Who knows how long it's going to take? Sometimes couples try for years before they get pregnant.
Monica: Well, we're not your average couple.
Nigel: You got that right.
Monica: I'm just saying that we won't have to wait years to have a baby. It's going to happen and soon. I just feel it. For all we know, I could be pregnant right now.
Nigel: Maybe. And if you are, I couldn't be happier. But let's not set ourselves up for disappointment or frustration. Let's just relax and nature will take it's course.
Monica: I know I'm probably getting excited and getting ahead of myself. I can't wait to get pregnant and feel your baby inside me. I can't wait to give birth and see the look in your eyes when you lay eyes on your child for the first time. I want to hold my baby, feel his little heart beat against mine. There are so many things I want us to share Nigel...so many wonderful things.
Nigel: I can't wait either. Believe me, I've got my own dreams about the future. But...
Monica: But you just don't want to get ahead of yourself, right?
Nigel: Right.
Monica: Okay, you're right, I probably shouldn't either.. You're being as practical as always. (Pause) I'll calm down and when it's ready to happen it's going to happen.
Nigel: Good. Now, we better get into breakfast. The cook is making French Toast this morning and I want to get a few slices before Lucas gets them all.
Monica: (grinning) Mmmm! French Toast! Let's go!
(As they headed
for the dining room, the doorbell rang)
Monica: Who could that be at this time of the morning?
Nigel: Why don't you go in the dining room and start breakfast. I'll get the door.
Monica: Okay, but you'll be sorry when I get the last of the French Toast.
(Nigel laughed,
walking towards the door as Monica went into the dining room. He opened the door and was stunned to see
Eric standing there)
Nigel: Eric, what are you doing here?
Eric: I'm here to get answers, Lassiter, and you're going to give them to me. And if you lie to me, I swear you will regret it!
In Episode 79 of Covington Bay...
· Nikki finds herself growing suspicious of everyone around her.
· Glenn traps Gloria.
· Someone has questions about Patricia's past.
· Nigel suffers for his honesty.
· An arrest is made.