EPISODE 79

 

“GASP!”

Scene:  The Lassiter Estate; the servant's quarters.   Nina Tamakai is walking down the hallway to her father's suite.  The Asian-American teenager has a worried look on her face as she approaches his door.

Nina:  (thinking)  Father is going to be so angry when he finds out I missed the school bus.  I guess I wasn't so sure what time it came since I'm so used to riding with Nikki.  (Pause)  Oh, I wish there was something I could do to talk him out of not letting me see Nikki.  She's my best friend.  I know she's kind of wild and she gets into trouble, but she's a good person.  And the only reason she defied her parents was to help Richie find out if James Greyhawk killed Candice.  But I can't tell Father that. He probably wouldn't change his mind anyway.  I just don't know what I'm going to do without my best friend.  (Pause)  But, right now, I've got to worry about getting to school on time.    I just hope Daddy can drive me.

(She knocked on the door, which was slightly ajar)

Nina:  (aloud)  Father?  (She knocked again)   Father?

(The door swung open, revealing Harry's spacious suite.  It was simply decorated with little color or personality.  The sparse furniture was functional and there was no television or radio.  However, the number of bookcases against the gray walls was crammed with dozens and dozens of books.)

Nina:  (walking in, looking curious as thoughts crossed her mind)   Father must be here.  He would never leave his door unlocked.  Maybe he's in the bedroom.  (As Nina started towards the bedroom door, she spotted a newspaper on the dining room table.  She was stunned to see her sister Patricia on the front page of the Covington Bay Times.  Nina picked up the newspaper, her eyes scanning the article about her sister's return to Covington Bay, her job at the Covington Bay Times and her marriage to A.J. Lassiter)  (Thoughts swirl through her mind) I can't believe this!   Patricia is home?  She's come back to Covington Bay after all these years and now she's married to Mr. Lassiter?  This makes no sense! Why didn't Daddy tell me about this!?

(Just then, Harry walked in.  Upon seeing his daughter in his room and reading the newspaper, anger slipped across his face)

Harry:  Nina!  What are you doing!? 

Nina:  (looking up at her father)  Father, what is going on?  What is this article all about?  Has Patricia returned to Covington Bay?

Harry: (grimly) Yes.

Nina: Well, why didn't you tell me? How long has she been back?

Harry: Nina, that really doesn't matter.

Nina: How can you say that? Patty's part of our family; she's been gone for over ten years. That doesn't matter?

Harry: Nina, when your sister left here ten years ago she ceased to be part of this family. Her return hasn't changed that.

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor. Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter and Dr. Christina Sloan step off the elevator.

Christina: I’m sorry, but there is no more news on Nathan. His condition hasn't changed.

Patricia: So you still have no idea what caused his heart attack and when or if he'll regain consciousness?

Christina: Like I said, his condition hasn't changed. I really can't say anymore than that right now. (Melody came out an adjacent corridor, stopping when she spotted Christina and Patricia)   If you'll excuse me, Mrs. Lassiter, I have things to do. (Melody looked angry at the mention of Mrs. Lassiter)

Patricia: Sure. Thanks for your time. (Christina walked away)

Melody: (angrily) Mrs. Lassiter? Do you actually have enough nerve to go by that name?

Patricia: (turning, a smile on her face) Good morning, Melody.

Melody: I asked you a question. Are you really going to use the Lassiter name?

Patricia: (coolly) Not that it's any of your business, but yes.

Melody: (angrily, her eyebrows arched) How dare you?

Patricia: Melody, I understand if you're upset that I am using the Lassiter name, but lest you forget, legally, I do have that right.

Melody: I am well aware of it, Patricia, not that you'd ever let me forget.

Scene: Covington Bay High School; the library. Nikki Lassiter and James Greyhawk are there, standing near the card catalogs.

Nikki: (annoyed) Greyhawk, what are you doing here?

James: Looking for you of course.  I saw you through the doorway so I thought I'd stop in and say good morning.

Nikki: Do you think that was wise?  We're not supposed to be seen together.  

James:   Nikki, we live in a small town. We go to the same school. It's certainly plausible that we'd run into each other from time to time.

Nikki: True, but usually we head in the other direction when we do. Remember, we don't like each other.

James: It may have been that way at one time, but we've gotten to know one another. Things are different now.

Nikki: They haven't changed for me. How many times do I have to tell you that I am not interested in you?

James: You can say it as much as you'd like, but I'd never believe it, not after the way you kissed me. And not after the wonderfully romantic evening we had last night.

Nikki: (thrown by his words) Greyhawk, I don’t have time for this. Richie is going to be here any minute and I don't want him to see us together. You know how much he hates you. And I don't want him to suspect for a minute that I'm trying to help you.

James: All right, all right.  Meet me in the cloakroom after your first class. I know you have a free period then.

Nikki: I am not meeting you in the cloakroom!

James: (grinning) Why not? Afraid you might not be able to control yourself?

Nikki: (as images of she and James kissing in the cloakroom flashed through her mind) You have an amazing ego…and a one track mind. You're really making me regret trying to save your obviously swelled neck.

James: Nikki, I realize we got together under strange circumstances, but whether you want to admit it or not there is something between us. I'm real interested in finding out what it is. If you'd think about it, sweetie, so are you.

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. Barton, Kevin, A.J., Steven and Pamela Lassiter are in there. A.J. is hanging up the phone.

A.J.:  Well, Eric’s not at home and he’s not answering his cell. 

Kevin: (icily)  Is that a surprise?  He’s probably still passed out from drinking himself into a stupor as usual last night.

A.J.: (thinking of his fight with his younger brother) Sometimes there are things to bring him out of his drunk. (Pause) I'm going to call him at the station.

Barton: Why are you bothering with calling him in the first place? We need to worry about what we're going to do about this? The Greyhawks are destroying this family in the press. You're a philandering adulterer and Eric's a bigot. I can only imagine what they'll say next.

A.J.: Uncle Bart, I understand your concern.  I want this bad press stopped as much as you do. But, you know what kind of temper Eric has. He's going to go nuts when he sees this. And if he connects the Greyhawks to it, there's no telling what could happen.

Steven: You think Eric might do something stupid?

A.J.:  I think it’s a safe bet that he will.

Pamela: And with everything else going on in this family, the last thing we need is more trouble, especially with Adam and Maggie returning home this evening.

Barton: (bitterly) I didn't need to be reminded of that.

A.J.: I'm going to try Eric at work. (A.J. dialed the number) May I speak to Det. Eric Lassiter, please?

Woman's Voice: He's not in right now.

A.J.: Do you know where he is or when he'll be returning?

Woman's Voice: I'm afraid I don't, sir.

A.J.: (frustrated) Then can I speak to Captain Walter Stone?

Woman's Voice: I'll connect you with his office.

(A few moments passed)

Voice: (on the phone)  Stone here.

A.J.: Captain Stone, this is A.J. Lassiter.

Walter: Oh hello, A.J..

A.J.: I'm looking for my brother. Do you know where he is?

Walter: (hesitating) Well, I…

A.J.: Captain Stone, this is an emergency. I really need to know where he is right now.

Walter: A.J., you wouldn't be calling about the article in the paper today, would you?

A.J.: (alarmed) Yes. I take it Eric has seen it?

Walter: Yes. And he figured out that the Greyhawk family is responsible for it.

A.J.: (gasping) Oh Lord.

Walter: He raced out of here and I'm afraid he may confront them. I sent a couple of my officers after him, but this might be better handled by a member of his family.

A.J.: I don't know about that, Captain, but I'll do what I can. Thanks. (A.J. hung up)

Barton: What happened?

A.J.: Eric has seen the article and he figured out the Greyhawks are behind it. Captain Stone thinks he might go to confront them. I'm almost certain he will.

Barton: (throwing his hands in the air) Great! With Eric's temper there's no telling what he might do! He might be giving them their next front page story!

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the foyer. Eric Lassiter and Nigel Greyhawk are there, facing one another.

Nigel: Eric, what are you doing here?

Eric: Don't play stupid, Greyhawk! You might be slime, but you're not a fool. But then maybe you are if you were stupid enough to take me on.

Nigel: What are you talking about?

Eric: Don't lie to me, Greyhawk, you're only going to make me angrier. I talked to Monica the other day and I got the feeling your family was up to something. But when I asked her point blank, she denied it. (Pause as Eric shook his head in amazement) My ex-wife may be a lot of things but she was never a liar. I guess marriage to a Greyhawk will do that to you, won't it?

Nigel: Is this about Vicki? Eric, we may have our disagreements, but nothing has changed. You can see her whenever you want.

Eric: This is not about my daughter!

Nigel: Then what is this about?! Why have you invaded my home!?

Eric: (slapping the newspaper in Nigel's hand) This!

Nigel: (looking at the paper in horror, then looking up at Eric) Eric, my God! This is unbelievable!

Eric: I guess you're going to tell me you know nothing about this?

Nigel:   I had no idea this was going to appear in today's paper and certainly neither did Monica! I'm as stunned as you are.

Eric: So I guess that the Greyhawks don't own this rag? And you're not using it to write smear articles about me and my family?

Nigel: Look, Eric, I…

Eric: Nigel, I'm real tired of your lies. I know that you and your family are responsible for this. Now let me tell you something. You can write all you want about my brother and everyone else in the family and I don't give a damn. But you write about me and then you've got a real big problem!

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the servant's quarters. Nina and Harry are in Harry's suite.

Harry:  (snatching the newspaper from his daughter's grasp) Nina, what are you doing in my room?   Shouldn't you be on your way to school?

Nina:  I missed the bus and I was looking for you to give me a ride to school.  The door was open when I arrived.

Harry:  And that is your excuse for invading my privacy?

Nina:  Father, I am sorry.  (Pause)  I was just reading this article about Patricia.  Is she really married to Nikki's cousin A.J.?

Harry:  (dispassionately) I'm afraid so, but it really doesn't concern you.

Nina:   Patty is my sister.  Her coming home does concern me.   I haven't seen her since I was a child.  But this not only says she's married to Mr. Lassiter, but it talks about her being involved in some encounter with drug dealers.   (Worry creased the young girl's features) Do you know if she is all right?

Harry:  (pursing his lips together) I have spoken to your brother Michael and he says your sister was not seriously harmed.

Nina:  (relieved)  Thank God.  (Pause)  Father, how long has she been back?  Have you seen her yet?

Harry:  As far as I know, your sister has been back for several days.   And no, I haven't seen her yet.

Nina:  Well when can we see her?  Is she going to visit or can we visit her?

Harry:   Nina, you will not be seeing Patricia at any time.  She is no longer part of this family.

Nina:  Father, I know you and Patty had your differences …differences you won't tell me about, but she is still my sister. She is still your daughter. That hasn't changed no matter how angry you might be at her.

Harry: I do not wish to discuss this anymore. I have made my feelings clear. Your sister will not be part of our lives. Do not attempt to see her and reject all attempts for her to see you.

Nina: But, Father…!

Harry: (angrily) Nina, do not argue with me and do as I say! Now if you need a ride to school, please wait in the car. I will be there in a moment.

Nina: (stunned by her father's rage) All right, Father. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to anger you. I'll wait outside. (Nina walked out, her mind swirling with thoughts) I've always wondered why Father never wanted to talk about Patty…why he is so angry with her…why her return means nothing to him. What could she have done that was so horrible? What could she have done that would make him disown his own daughter?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor. Patricia and Melody are standing near the nurses station.

Melody:  You never cease to amaze me, Patricia. Just when I think you can't top yourself in nerve, you do.

Patricia: Melody, I apologize for that remark, it was uncalled for and cruel under the circumstances. I know how sensitive the subject of marriage is for you.

Melody: Of course you do. That's why you bring it up every chance you get. And now that you're announcing yourself to everyone you meet as Mrs. Lassiter, somehow your apology strikes me as just a little insincere.

Patricia: You may not want to believe this, but none of this is my fault.

Melody: Do you know how tired I am of hearing that old excuse? Do you ever take responsibility for anything you do?

Patricia: You're never going to forget that I let it slip to you that A.J. and I are married, aren't you?

Melody:  I don't buy it. Everything you do, everything you've done, everything you will do is calculated and designed to get you what you want. And what you want is A.J..

Patricia: What do I have to do to make you see that I am not after A.J.?

Melody: There's nothing you can do. I see it and soon A.J. will see it too. And then…

Patricia: (surprised, interrupting Melody) You told A.J. about your wild suspicions?

Melody: Of course I did.

Patricia: (curiously) Did he find them as ludicrous as I do?

Melody: (nodding) As a matter of fact he did. He can't even fathom the idea of a relationship with you.

Patricia: He said that?

Melody: Would it bother you if he had?

Patricia: Look, I no more want a romantic relationship with A.J. than he does with me. But, his feelings about me do concern me.

Melody: And why is that?

Patricia: Melody, you may not like this, but A.J. and are friends. We always have been.

Melody: Really? A.J. uses words like pest, nuisance, troublemaker to describe you. Those don't sound like qualities used to describe a friend to me.

Patricia: With everything that has happened with the Greyhawks and this mess with Markham, things are tense between A.J. and I right now. But once this has died down and once we're divorced, I'm hoping we can go back to what we've always been…friends.

Melody: (shaking her head) No. I don't think so. That is not going to happen.

Patricia: And why not? Are you going to see to that? Are you so threatened by me that you won't even let A.J. continue a relationship that existed since he was a kid?

Scene:  Covington Bay High School; the library. Nikki and James are there.

Nikki: Greyhawk, will you just go away? I'm really not interested in this conversation, especially since my boyfriend will be here any minute.

James: So you deny that there's something between us?  Nikki, you can't say you didn't have a little fun last night.

Nikki: Of course I did.

James: Ah ha!

Nikki: Well, Greyhawk, I was on a huge yacht, it was a beautiful night and the food was great. The Marque DeSade could've shown up and I would've at least had a dance with him.

James: I see. You're going to make me work for it.

Nikki: It? And what would it be? Is the goal here to capture another notch for your bedpost?

James: You might find this hard to believe, but I don't sit around thinking of ways to try and get you into bed. I think about getting to know you, learning more about you. I think about us getting closer.

Nikki: (thrown by his words) Greyhawk, you're wasting your time. I have a boyfriend I love very much. You're a Greyhawk, I'm a Lassiter. Our family is constantly locked in battle. Your family would hate the idea of us getting involved and I'm sure mine would too. I remember how upset everyone got when your brother Nigel married Monica.

James: That's true. But, if there was something between us. If we really did get to know one another and come to mean something to each other, would you let our families get in our way?

Nikki: The question is pointless, Greyhawk, because it's a situation we'll never have to worry about. (Pause) Now for the last time, will you go away!? Richie will be here any minute and if he sees us together, he'll go ballistic, not to mention get suspicious. He can't think for a minute that we're working together or this whole thing will blow up in our faces.

James: All right, Nikki, all right. I'll take off. But don’t forget to meet me in the cloakroom during your free period.

Nikki: Why? You never said why.

James: Just be there. (James walked away)

Scene: The Lassiter Estate; the living room. A.J., Kevin, Pamela, Steven and Barton are there.

Barton: Well, this is terrible. My hot-headed nephew is only going to make a volatile situation worse.

Pamela: No one likes to be called a racist.

Kevin: (bitterly) Especially when it's true.

A.J.: I'm not going to stand here and debate my brother's views on race. (He walked to the door) I'm going to head over to the Greyhawks. Hopefully I can stop him before he does too much damage.

Steven: Good luck, A.J..

Kevin: Try and stay out of the line of fire. I think you've been in enough skirmishes already in the last few days.

A.J.: I'll do my best. (A.J. walked out)

Barton: I hope A.J. can do something. Though I hate leaving it in his hands.

Kevin: (tauntingly) Then maybe you should go to the Greyhawks and see what you can accomplish.

Barton: I'd eat ground glass before I'd step foot in that pit called Greyhawk Manor.

Kevin: (smirking) So I guess that means you're taking an hands off attitude?

Barton: (glaring nastily at his son) It means I'm going to work. No doubt since Eric is one of our stockholders, the company might be affected. This is exactly what we need a few days before the stockholders meeting.

Kevin: Come on, Dad, having a bigot on our board isn't exactly new. I can think of a few stockholders who belong to exclusive country clubs.

Barton: That doesn't make them bigots.

Kevin: (sarcastically) And the Civil War was just a little skirmish.

Barton: I’m going to the office. (He glared at Steven and Kevin) I hope the two of you are going to show up sometime today.

(Barton stormed out)

Steven: I guess I'll ride in with Barton. Pamela, you want a ride with us?

Pamela: I think I'll drive myself. Hearing Barton go on and on about the Greyhawks isn't my idea of a relaxing way to start the day. I'll walk with you to the car, though.

Steven: Sure. What about you, Kevin?

Kevin: I'll be in soon. See you at the office.

Steven: See you.

Pamela: Bye, Kevin.

Kevin: (as Pamela and Steven walked out) Bye. (Kevin paused as he was left alone, his mind swirling with thoughts) Nigel, you tried to warn me yesterday about this war. You tried to tell me what's going to happen between our families. I wonder if you have any idea just how bad it could get…for all of us.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the dining room. Quentin, Lucas, Monica and Vicki are at the table having breakfast.

Quentin: (cutting into a stack of French Toast) The cook outdid herself this morning. This French Toast is delicious.

Monica: (taking a bite) Certainly is. (She turned to Vicki) How do you like it, sweetie?

Vicki: It's yummy, Mommy!

Lucas: (taking a few more slices off the silver platter) I'm with Vicki on this one. These are great. I'd forgotten how good the food is around here.

Quentin: I hope it's enough to tempt you to stick around town for awhile.

Lucas: Dad, I already told you my business will keep me here for a few months at least.

Quentin: Well, I wish it were a permanent move.

Lucas: Dad, my business is in L.A.. And don't even start with me about coming to G.M.T. Nigel might love the corporate life, but it's not for me.

Quentin: Okay, okay. You can't blame me for trying. (Pause) Speaking of Nigel, where is he?

Monica: He had to answer the door.

Quentin: (surprising) Really? Who would be visiting this early in the day?

Monica: (shrugging) I don't know, but he said he'd get rid of whoever it was and be right in. I can't imagine what's keeping him.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the foyer. Eric and Nigel are there.

Nigel: Eric, you might find this hard to believe, but I am sorry about this.

Eric: You're right. I do find that hard to believe.

Nigel: I don't like this anymore than you do. These are horrible accusations. This might hurt your career.

Eric: Isn't that the point? Isn't that why your family wrote it?

Nigel: Eric, I would never endorse something like this. It only affects you, but the entire police department. Not to mention Monica and Vicki.

Eric: Now why bring my daughter into this?

Nigel: Covington Bay is a small town. Everyone at Vicki's school knows you are her father. Do you think I want people to see this, knowing how it might affect her? People talk and who knows what the other parents would say to their child about this or what those kids might say to Vicki? I would never do anything to hurt that little girl!

Eric: I always thought you were a coward, Greyhawk, but to stand behind a eight year old girl is pathetic. Why don't you just admit that you are partly responsible for this!?

Nigel: Eric, I swear to you I am not. But I think that…

Eric: (shoving Nigel) Did you really think you'd get away with it? Did you think I'd stand by while you wrote this filth about me!?

Nigel: (fear in his eyes) Look, Eric, I am sorry about this, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

Eric: Leave!? That's a good one. (Eric started approaching Nigel, rage and danger burning in his eyes. Nigel started to slowly back away) Don't you know me well enough, Greyhawk? Don't you know that I'd make you pay for this?

Nigel: (warily) Eric, don’t do anything you're going to regret and don't make matters worse.

Eric: Regret? I never have regrets when it comes to teaching Greyhawks a lesson. I know your father is the mastermind behind this, but you're a good place to start!

Nigel: Eric… (Nigel's words were cut off when Eric forced Nigel backwards, slamming him against the wall. Nigel tried to move to get away, but Eric grabbed Nigel by the shirt and punched him twice across the face. As blood spurted from Nigel's mouth, he lashed out at Eric, socking him across the mouth, then shoving him away. As Eric fell to the ground, Nigel ran into the living room, where a phone was on the table next to the sofa. Gasping, he punched a couple of numbers) Security, this is Nigel Greyhawk, I…!

(Nigel's words were cut off when Eric's arm curled around his throat. He dropped the phone and it clattered to the floor. Nigel flailed helplessly struggling to get free, gasping for air. He clawed at Eric's arm, but the cop was too strong and he only tightened his grip)

Eric: Do you know how easy it would be to choke the life out of you, Greyhawk? If I squeeze just a little longer, or a little tighter, the next article your family writes will be your obituary!

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor nurses station. Melody and Patricia are standing near there.

Patricia: You surprise me, Melody. Here I thought you were a self assured, self confident woman. Now I see that you're riddled with insecurities where your relationship with A.J. is concerned. But then I guess you have reason to be.

Melody: Let's get this straight, Patricia! You are no threat to me! If A.J. wanted to remain your friend, I wouldn't like it, but not because I'm afraid by some miracle he might decide he loves you, because I know that's the last thing I have to worry about.

Patricia: Really? Why else wouldn't you want A.J. and I to be friends unless you were afraid of our past together?

Melody: First off all, you don't have a past with A.J.. You were the servants daughter who tagged after a boy she had a crush on.

Patricia: That's a cruel thing to say.

Melody: And all that you've done to A.J. since the minute you flew into Covington Bay hasn't been cruel?

Patricia: None of what has happened is my fault. How was I to know that the Greyhawks were using me to hurt A.J.?

Melody: Maybe you didn't, but you should've quit the minute you found out.

Patricia: I had no choice. Quentin Greyhawk said he'd ruin my career if…!

Melody: Patricia, save it, I'm not interested! I'm sick of hearing how none of this is your fault! But that's your mantra, isn't it!? (mimicking Patricia) Poor little me, I'm not to blame for the havoc left in my wake. Don't try it on me, because I don't buy it. I see you for the scheming little manipulator that you are and soon so will A.J.. And that will the reason he'll want nothing to do with you. You are your own worst enemy, Mrs. Lassiter, and I can't wait to see you self-destruct! (Melody turned and stalked away)

Patricia: (angrily) You know, Melody, you have no clue who you're dealing with. But don't worry. You'll know soon enough.

Scene: Covington Bay High School; the library. Nikki is sitting alone at a table, an impatient look on her face.

Nikki: (looking at her watch) Where is Richie? He's really running late. I wonder what this appointment could be that is keeping him from meeting me on time? He was so mysterious about it. He actually avoided telling me where he was going. But his behavior has been so strange lately anyway. I just wonder…

Richie: (rushing up, out of breath) Nikki! I'm sorry I'm late.

Nikki: (startled) Oh, Richie! Good morning.

Richie: (bending over and kissing her on the cheek) Good morning. (He sat down at the table) I know we don't have a lot of time so let's get right to it. What did you find out when you spent the evening with Greyhawk?

Nikki: Can we talk about something else first?

Richie: (annoyed) Nikki, we don't have a lot of time. We're both due in class in ten minutes.

Nikki: I know that Richie, but this shouldn't take long.

Richie: (sighing) Okay, what is it?

Nikki: Where were you this morning?

Richie: (surprised by the question) What?

Nikki: Where were you this morning? Why were you late meeting me?

Richie: Nikki, I told you I'd be late.

Nikki: Yes, you did. But you didn't say why.

Richie: Does it matter right now?

Nikki: Yes, especially since you're avoiding answering me. I want to know where you were, Richie.

Richie: Nikki, this really isn't the time for this. You said you had something to tell me about Greyhawk's involvement in Candice's murder. Don't you think that's a little more important that trying to keep tabs on me!?

Scene: Lassiter Pharmaceuticals. Steven is sitting behind his desk doing some paperwork when there was a knock on the door.

Steven: Come in.

Kevin: (walking in, holding a sheet of paper) Uncle Steven, I just read this memo about Donald Ryan resigning from the Lassiter Foundation? Is this true?

Steven: (leaning back in his chair, sighing) Unfortunately it is. But I don't blame him; he's starting his own PR firm and you know how long he's wanted that.

Kevin: I do and I wish him luck. I'm sure he'll do great. But, what does this mean for us? We've got to find someone to take his place.

Steven: What about Don's assistant? Schaffer's worked under Don for years. He does a good job.

Kevin: True, but I don't think he's got what it takes to head the Foundation. I wouldn't feel completely comfortable promoting him.

Steven: Honestly, neither would I. I guess this means we start putting out feelers.

Kevin: Yeah and it's going to be tough. Don was great, he really knew how to make the foundation do the most with the funds it had to work with.

Steven: The man did a damn good job, that's for sure. (Pause) By the way, have you heard anything from A.J.?

Kevin: (shaking his head) No. I hope he gets there in time to prevent disaster. Eric's so hotheaded there's not telling what he might do.

Steven: Sad, but true. (Pause) I take it from what you said at the house that you believe the accusations against Eric?

Kevin: (sighing) Uncle Steven, I wish I could say that these accusations are baseless, but I know Eric. I know what kind of hate he's capable of. His being a racist wouldn't surprise me at all.

Steven: But you know how close he was to Pete Cooper. And he was really hurt when his partner was killed.

Kevin: Maybe, but having a black friend or co-worker doesn't mean you're not a racist.

Steven: (nodding) You're right.

Barton: (walking in) What is going on around here?

Steven: Besides you barging into my office again?

Barton: I'm serious, Steven. I just got a phone call from Harry.

Kevin: Harry? There isn't a problem at home, is there?

Barton: I don't know. He said he's downstairs and he's coming up to talk three of us.

Steven: What would Harry have to talk to us about? What couldn't wait until we got home?

Barton: He didn't say, but I don’t like it.

Kevin: You don't think there's some sort of problem is there? Maybe he's going to quit or something.

Steven: Harry quit? That's ridiculous. He's been with us forever…before you were born, Kevin. He's like family. He'd never leave us.

Barton: I agree with Steven on that. Harry would never leave. No, I'm sure that's not the reason he's dropping by.

Steven: Well, let's not going looking for trouble.

Barton: Why shouldn't we when it finds us so easily? Anyway, I asked him to meet us here.

(Just then, Steven's phone gave a quick ring)

Steven: (answering) Yes, Tina? (Pause) Send him in. (Pause as Steven hung up the phone) That's him. I guess we're about to find out what he wants.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the dining room. Monica, Lucas, Quentin and Vicki are there having breakfast.

Monica: So, Lucas, what are you plans here in Covington Bay? Nigel told me you were working on a case.

Lucas: (nodding as he poured syrup over his French Toast) Yep, the only one that matters in this town. Sabrina Collier hired me to get evidence that Nathan James is innocent.

Monica: Really? Well good luck. Melody told me A.J. has been trying to help Nathan for months and he's come up with nothing.

Quentin: Well, I certainly think an ex-F.B.I. agent and renowned private investigator like my son has a much better shot at solving this case than a small town reporter like A.J. Lassiter.

Lucas: Is that a compliment on my detective skills or an insult of A.J.'s?

Quentin: (grinning as he sipped his coffee) I'd say a little bit of both.

Vicki: (her mouth full of food, her chin dripping with syrup) Mommy, where's Nigel? He's missing all the French Toast.

Monica: You're right, honey. I can't imagine what's keeping him.

Quentin: Let me find out. I'll give whoever dropped by this time of morning a piece of my mind.

Monica: No, let me. (She stood) You just keep enjoying your breakfast. But leave Nigel a few scraps why don't you?

Lucas: (grinning as Monica headed for the door) We'll try, but no promises. (Pause) So, Dad, what are you up to today?

Quentin: I've got a pretty busy day planned.

Lucas: (a smirk on his face) I can imagine.

Quentin: I don't think you can. I haven't told you the next phase in my plan, have you?

Lucas: No, but I'm eager to hear about it.

Quentin: (glancing at Vicki) We'll talk about it before I leave for the office. I guarantee you're going to love it.

Lucas: If it's anything like what I saw yesterday, I'm sure I will.

(Just then a horrific scream echoed into the dining room)

Quentin: (shocked) Oh my God!

Vicki: (alarmed) That sounded like Mommy!

Quentin: (as Lucas was already on his feet and rushing out of the room. Quentin followed his son into the foyer) Vicki, stay here!

Lucas: (looking around) Where did it come from?

Quentin: The living room, I think.

(Quentin and Lucas ran into the living room, stopping short)

Quentin: (his eyes widening in horror) Oh no.

(Eric, his face and clothing streaked with blood, stood over Monica. Monica was kneeling on the ground, tears flowing down her cheeks as Nigel lie bloodied and unmoving, on the floor next to her)

In The Next Episode of Covington Bay…