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EPISODE 81 “CHILD’S
CRY” |
Scene: Covington
Bay Medical Center; the AIDS Wing. Dr. Zachary Dailey, Simon Harrison and
Dr. Laura
Dailey-Harrison are at the nurses station.
Zachary: (glancing at his watch) Kevin should be here any minute. When he arrives, we'll go to my office and discuss what I wanted to see the three of you about.
Laura: You're not going to give us any clue as to why you called this sudden meeting? You're acting kind of mysterious.
Simon: Yes. I'm starting to get concerned. There isn't some sort of problem is there?
Zachary: Not really.
Simon: But you asked Kevin to drop everything in the middle of the day and rush over here.
Zachary: Look, I'd love to get into this now, but I think it's best if we wait until we're all together.
Laura: In other words, you're going to let us burn with curiosity.
Zachary: (smiling) For the moment.
Laura: Zachary, you're so good at being closemouthed. I never want to come to you if I want someone to share the latest gossip with me.
Zachary: What is that supposed to mean?
Laura: Well, the entire hospital is buzzing about your hot new romance. The one you didn't tell your own sister about.
Zachary: (surprised, grinning) Hot new romance?
Laura: Yes. How do you think I felt hearing about your relationship from that gossipy nurse in Radiology?
Zachary: Little sister, what are you talking about?
Simon: (in a scolding tone) Laura, I thought I told you that you can't believe everything you hear?
Zachary: What exactly are you hearing?
Laura: There's gossip all over the hospital about you and Dana Cooper. Apparently the two of you are quite an item. And let me add that more than a few of the ladies on this staff are kicking themselves for not grabbing onto you when you were single.
Zachary: Well, you can tell all those broken hearted women that I still am single. Don't place too much faith in this gossip you've been hearing.
Simon: Exactly what I told her.
Laura: So you and Dana Cooper aren't dating?
Zachary: Yes we are, but we have only been out on a few dates. That hardly makes us an item.
Laura: (sighing) That's too bad. I actually was hoping the news was true. Zachary, you need a woman in your life. You're a great guy and you've been alone too long.
Zachary: I'm the first to admit that my love life has been on the wane.
Laura: That leads me back to you and Dana. You may have only gone on a few dates, but do you have any idea where it's going? Do you and she have a future?
Scene:
Dana: (thinking) What am I going to do? How did I get myself into this mess? (Pause) I've got to somehow come up with $10,000 or that bastard Danny James is going to ruin my life. He'll tell everyone, especially Zachary, that we're still married…and that I knew about it the whole time. It's a lie, I had no idea I was still married Danny. But Zachary would never believe me, especially after I lied to him about my marriage to Danny in the first place. Zachary would dump me in a heartbeat…he hates lies and deception. It would be over between us before things even really get started. (her thoughts continuing as she absentmindedly looked through some files) And to think he wants to use that money to bust that murdering brother of his out of prison. I'd love to go to the police and see him locked up. (Pause) But it would never work out that way. There's no proof…and Danny would certainly open his big trap and tell everything! (Pause) There must be a way to get rid of Danny without having to come up with the money. (as she continued to think) If only I could prove that Danny really did poison his brother and cause his heart attack to keep him in the hospital long enough to plan his breakout from jail. If that happened, the police would arrest Danny…and breaking his brother out of jail would be the least of his problems. Danny denies poisoning his brother but I saw him come out of the medical supply closet. No drugs have been reported stolen yet, but that's probably only a matter of time. I wonder if Darian has found a way to prove Nathan was poisoned. He was in Nate's room trying to get some evidence. Has he gotten it yet? And if he has, can I use what he knows to solve my own problems?
Natalie: (rushing up to the desk) Dana, what are you doing?
Dana: (startled, pulled from her thoughts) What?
Natalie: The phone was ringing off the hook, why didn't you answer it? (Natalie picked it up) Fifth floor nurses station. (Pause) Hello? (Natalie hung up) I guess they'll call back I just hope it's not an emergency. (She glared at her) Where is your head at? This is a hospital! You can't ignore a ringing phone!
Dana: I guess I was preoccupied for a few minutes.
Natalie: A few minutes? You've been preoccupied all day. What is going on with you?
Scene: Covington
Bay High School; the library. Nina Tamakai and Nikki Lassiter are
there; seated at a table.
Nina: Nikki, I appreciate you listening to me about my sister Patty's return to Covington Bay.
Nikki: Nina, it's no problem; I can imagine what a shock this is. Besides, what are best friends for?
Nina: You're right. And you are my best friend. I can't imagine my life without you.
Nikki: I feel the same way, girlfriend. We've got to do something to convince your father to let us keep hanging out.
Nina: I wish we could, but to try would be pointless. You know how stubborn my father is. He's not the type of man who changes his mind once he's decided on something.
Nikki: Well, there must be something we can do. We just haven't thought of it yet.
Nina: (glancing at her watch) Right now we need to think of a way to get to class before we're late.
Nikki: You're right. Of course, sitting in an Algebra class seems so pointless when you think about the really important things going on in our lives.
Nina: You're not talking about my problems are you? You're thinking of James Greyhawk and your trying to prove he murdered Candice?
Nikki: (as they got up from the table and headed for the door) It's all I can think about, Nina, especially now that I know Candice had a diary. If I could find it, I'll bet it could lead us right to the killer.
Nina: The killer? You mean James Greyhawk, don't you?
Nikki: (after hesitating) No…I mean the killer.
Nina: (surprised) You don't think James killed Candice? I thought you were so sure?
Nikki: (as they made their way through the crowded hallways) No, Richie is sure.
Nina: And you're not?
Nikki: No. I don't think I ever was.
Nina: Why not? What is it about James that makes you think he didn't kill Candice?
Nikki: (as images of James kissing her and their romantic evening together flashed through her mind) It's just a feeling I have.
Scene: Covington Bay High School; the second floor. James Greyhawk is
standing at a pay phone.
James: Do you have any idea when Dr. Dailey will be back? (Pause) Okay, thank you. No message. (James hung up) I hope you get back from court soon, Glenn. We need to talk. If we don't get together and resolve this soon, there's no telling what kind of trouble we could be in.
Richie: (walking up) That's a concerned look you have on your face, Greyhawk. Are you wondering if you're going to be able to get away with murder?
James: (sighing) Richie, isn't there someone else you could be harassing right now?
Richie: Sorry, I just get a little annoyed when killers are walking the streets.
James: What is it going to take for you to give this up?
Richie: When you are behind bars.
James: But that will never happen.
Richie: You're wrong about that. It's only going to be a matter of time before the truth comes out.
James: You've got that right. I just hope you can deal with it when it does.
Richie: Oh believe me, Greyhawk, I'm going to get quite the thrill from seeing you in jail.
James: I can't believe you can't understand the continual accusations are not only pointless but a waste of time. Face facts! If your friend Nathan survives his heart attack, he will spend the rest of his life in jail for murder…assuming he doesn't get the death penalty.
Richie: That's what you're hoping for. But the truth will come out in the end.
James: Really? And who is going to reveal this truth that you keep going on about? You? No one will believe the word of the killer's best friend. As for the police and the district attorney's office, as far as they are concerned, they have done their job. They won't be rushing to save the day. Face it, you have no one on your side, Richie. Your friend is as good as dead because no one gives a damn.
Richie: That shows what you know. There is someone who will get the evidence I need to prove you're a killer.
James: Oh really? And who would that be?
Scene: Covington
Bay Police Department; the Homicide Division. Captain Walter Stone is
in his office talking on the telephone.
Walter: Damn it, don't let any more calls through to my office if your value your job! (Pause) Look, just say we'll be releasing a statement later today. They'll get all the answers they need then. (Walter slammed down the phone as there was a knock on the door) Come in!
Evan: (walking in, Patrick behind him) Hey, Walter
Walter: Please don’t tell me you’re bringing some sort of crisis to my door?
Evan: No. We wanted to talk about the Nathan James case, let you know what the next step is going to be.
Walter: Fine. Anything to distract me from the latest disaster to hit this office. I suppose you’ve read the morning paper?
Patrick: It was kind of hard to miss.
Walter: Well, it’s a mess. I've got every irate citizen, civil rights organization and newspaper in the tri-state area calling me asking me all about the racism in this department. And let's not forget the occasional phone call from some nutcase commending my officers for trying to keep dangerous black men off the streets.
Evan: Any ideas how you're going to handle it?
Walter: No. But I’ve got bigger concerns at the moment to be honest.
Patrick: There's something else?
Walter: Eric Lassiter went nuts when he read the article accusing him of being a racist. He ran out of here, steam coming out of his ears, headed for Greyhawk Manor.
Evan: The Greyhawks? What do they have to do with this?
Walter: Everything. From what I gather, the Greyhawks own the Covington Bay Times and they are using it to bash the Lassiters. First A.J. in yesterday's paper and now Eric in today's edition.
Patrick: I've heard about this war between the Lassiters and the Greyhawks. I never knew it was so ugly.
Walter: Neither did I. And if Eric's gone over there to exact some sort of revenge, it's only going to get uglier.
Evan: You don't think that's going to happen, do you? Surely Eric must know that any contact with that family could only be disastrous.
Walter: True, but Eric Lassiter has never been one to avoid disaster, has he?
Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the foyer. Det. Eric Lassiter, Det.
Jake Collier, Det.
Angela
Sorensen, Quentin
Greyhawk, Lucas
Greyhawk, Nigel
Greyhawk and Monica
Greyhawk are there. Nigel and Monica are standing near the entrance leading to
the living room. His face is dotted with bruises and his clothes are torn and
bloody. He has a reddish bruise around his neck and is being supported by
Monica. Eric also has torn and bloody clothes and he is standing near Jake and
Angela. Jake is holding out his hand as Eric looks angry and stunned. Quentin
and Lucas stood by watching this scene, both of them looking on with
anticipation.
Jake: Eric, hand over your badge and gun. I'm sorry, but you are under arrest.
Eric: Jake, are you out of your mind!?
Quentin: No, but you are if you thought you could get away with attacking my son!
Eric: Believe me, old man, if I'd of seen you first…!
Jake: Eric, let's not make this worse than it already is.
Angela: Listen, Eric! Stop being your own first enemy and give it up!
Eric: You shut the hell up, bitch! This was probably your idea. I just want to know how you talked Jake into it. It certainly wasn't with any feminine wiles because God knows you don't have any.
Angela: (trying to keep her anger in check) Attacking me isn't going to solve this problem, Eric.
Jake: She's right. Now please, Eric, let's make this easy as we can. (He held out his hand) Give me your badge and gun. Please.
Eric: (shaking his head) No, Jake, I'm not going to let you do this! Can't you see you're being sucked in by the Greyhawks!? They want to ruin everyone in my family and you're letting them get away with it!
Jake: Eric, I'm not going to stand here and argue with you anymore! By all accounts you forced your way into this man's home and attacked his son! I have no choice but to take you in!
Eric: And what about what they did to me!? Didn't you read that article!? Don't you know what they said about me and the department!?
Jake: I find that article as distasteful as you do. But that doesn’t change what you have done. It doesn't change that you attacked an innocent man.
Eric: Nigel Greyhawk is not innocent! None of the Greyhawks are!
Lucas: I've had about enough of this!
Quentin: And so have I. Det. Collier, I want this man arrested and removed from my property immediately. If you keep stalling, I will be on the phone to your superior and you might find yourself facing criminal charges.
Jake: Mr. Greyhawk, I am doing my job. Why don't you just let me do it!? (Pause) Eric, we can't put this off any longer. (He pulled out his handcuffs) I need your badge and gun. Let's do this as quickly and quietly as possible.
Eric: No way, Jake! I'm walking out of here. No way in hell am I giving up my badge and gun to you or anyone else. Now get out of my way!
Jake (standing his ground): Eric, please!
Eric: Get out of my way, Jake!
Jake: Eric…!
Eric: I'm getting out of here! (Eric tried to brush past Jake, but Jake
grabbed Eric and pushed him against the wall. Angela pulled out her gun and
aimed it at Eric. As Eric struggled, Jake pulled his friends gun from his
holster and shoved it in the space between his waist and his jeans)
Jake: (pulling Eric's arms behind his back) Eric Lassiter, you are under arrest for assault and battery. (He slipped on the handcuffs) You have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right anything you say might be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney…
Scene:
Nina: A feeling? You have a feeling James may not have killed Candice?
Nikki: Yes.
Nina: Well where did this feeling come from? Just the other day you were certain he was the murderer. What changed? Has he done or said something to you during the time you spent together to make you question things?
Nikki: (Images of James kissing her and then flashes of their evening together on the yacht flashed through her mind) Something like that. (Pause as she closed her locker) The point is, Nina, there's never really been any proof connecting Greyhawk to the murder. There's not one piece of evidence even remotely involving him in the killing.
Nina: But what about the fact that Candice told James she was going to leave him for Nathan and James was angry about it?
Nikki: That information comes from Nathan and Richie and they have no proof to back it up. In legal terms, it's called hearsay.
Nina: Maybe, but Nate and Richie wouldn't say it unless it were true. They certainly wouldn't lie, right?
Nikki: (hesitating; thinking of her feeling that Richie wasn't being completely honest with her) Of course not. I just want some hard evidence to go on and until I have it, I can't be sure who killed Candice.
Nina: I suppose you're right. (Pause as they started down the hallway) You know, you never told me what the evening was like last night.
Nikki: I told you about Candice's diary.
Nina: True, but you never told me what the evening was like. What was it like being on the Greyhawk's yacht? I hear it's very impressive.
Nikki: It is.
Nina: So what did you and James do?
Nikki: Talked mostly.
Nina: About what?
Nikki: The murder case of course. James does think I'm trying to prevent Richie and Nathan of framing him for Candice's death.
Nina: True, but you two were together on a lavish yacht for hours. You had to of talked about more than just murder and death.
Nikki: (nervously, wanting to change the subject) Nina, we really can't discuss this now. (They arrived at their classroom) Algebra awaits us.
Nina: Then let's talk after class. We both have free periods.
Nikki: (shaking her head) I can't.
Nina: Why not? (she grinned) Don't tell me you're going to spend the time studying.
Nikki: You know me better than that, Nina.
Nina: Then what are you going to do?
Nikki: I have to meet James. He says he needs to talk to me.
Nina: About what?
Nikki: I don't know. He was very mysterious about it.
Nina: And you have no idea what he could want?
Nikki: No…but I'll imagine I'll find out soon enough.
(Around the corner from where Nikki and Nina chatted, James and Richie
were talking in the adjacent corridor)
James: Well? Answer the question. Who is going to be Nathan's savior from a life behind bars?
Richie: (realizing his mistake; praying that James wouldn't even suspect he was referring to Nikki) His attorneys of course.
James: (smirking) Really? His attorneys have done a bang up job so far.
Richie: What about A.J. Lassiter? He believes in Nathan and everyone knows he's a great journalist who's solved a lot of cases the police couldn't.
James: I don't know if you read the papers, Richie, but A.J. Lassiter is too busy dealing with the scandals in his own family to go poking around in others. Face it, your friend is doomed. And unless you stop with these insane accusations against me you will be too.
Richie: Greyhawk, you might be a big name in this town, but you don't frighten me. I'm not afraid to take you on. I'd think you'd of learned that at the flower shop yesterday.
James: What I learned yesterday is that you are a nut.
Richie: I take it you're still denying you were at the hospital.
James: Of course I'm denying it.
Richie: You're lying! I saw you. I saw you in Intensive Care right after Nathan had his heart attack.
James: You must've saw my twin because I wasn't there.
Richie: Greyhawk, I spotted you as clear as day. I saw you then as well as I see you now!
James: What is the point of this? I wasn't at the hospital yesterday, but so what if I were? The last time I looked it was a public place.
Richie: You're right. It is. And there are any number of reasons why you would've been there. The question is why not just make up one of those reasons and be done with it instead of lying to me and saying you weren't there at all?
James: This is ridiculous! I've got to get to class.
Richie: (grabbing James by the wrist) Not yet, Greyhawk! You aren't going anywhere until I get the truth!
James: Get your hands off me, Richie!
Richie: Why are you lying about being at the hospital!? What have you got to hide!?
James: Get your hands off me, damn it!
Richie: Can't you tell the truth!? Just once in your miserable life!?
James: I said get your hands off me! (James shoved Richie, knocking him
against the bank of lockers)
Richie: (grinning) Oh, Greyhawk, you just gave me what I've been waiting for!
(Around the corner, Nikki and Nina were standing outside the classroom,
talking)
Nina: Well, I suppose it's for the best that you're meeting with James Greyhawk during your free period instead of hanging out with me.
Nikki: Why would you say that?
Nina: My father has forbid me to spend time with you…even in school. I've already broken his rules, I really shouldn't do it anymore.
Nikki: Nina, I really hate to encourage you to disobey your father, but seeing each other at school and spending time together here like we always do shouldn't be a problem. He's certainly not going to come here so how could he find out? I wouldn't tell him and neither would you.
Nina: I know, but my father always somehow manages to find out when any of his kids are doing anything wrong. He was always grounding Patty for not doing her homework or coming home after curfew or dating a boy when she was told not to even be around them.
Nikki: What about Michael and Marc?
Nina: (sighing) My brothers never do anything wrong. Father is always singing their praises, especially Marc. He gets good grades, he's popular, he's a great football player for the school. And since he's going to be a doctor, Father couldn't be more pleased. I pale in comparison. After all, I am just a girl who plays the piano.
Nikki: Nina, I know what it's like to have a brother's who's shadow you're living in. Sure your brother is a great football player who's going to be the next McDreamy, but mine is a Senator. Try living with that.
Nina: (laughing) Oh, Nikki!
(At that moment, Nikki and Nina heard shouting and the sounds of a
scuffle around the corner)
Nina: What is going on!?
Nikki: It sounds like someone is fighting! (Nikki ran down the corridor,
Nina a few steps behind her. They entered the adjacent corridor. Nikki was
horrified to see James and Richie grappling on the floor while several students
watched) Oh, my God! Richie! James! Stop it! Stop it! (Nikki ran,
grabbing at them, trying to pull them apart) Stop it, damn it! Stop
fighting! (She shoved Richie, who was on top of James, off of him)
Richie: Nikki!
Nikki: (as the three of them rose to their feet) What is going on here!?
James: (his lip bloodied; his clothes torn and mussed) Your boyfriend is insane, Nikki. He attacked me unprovoked!
Richie: Unprovoked! Just the fact that you're breathing is reason enough to want to bash your face in!
James: Do you hear him? Do you hear how crazy he is!?
Richie: Damn you, Greyhawk! (Richie came at James again, but Nikki
stepped between them)
Nikki: Stop it, Richie, stop it!
Richie: Nikki…!
Nikki: What is wrong with you, Richie!? How dare you attack James!?
Scene:
Natalie: Dana, what is your problem?
Dana: (shrugging) I've got a lot on my mind.
Natalie: Obviously. So what is it about? Or do I need to ask? Are you obsessing about ways to get Zachary Dailey to marry you? That's all that seems to be on your mind lately.
Dana: Believe me, I wish that was my only problem right now. (Just then, she spotted Dr. Darian Jackson coming off the elevator) Excuse me, I need to take a break.
Natalie: What? Now? You just came of a break a half hour ago.
Dana: I'll be right back.
Natalie: And when you come back, let's hope you still have a job.
Dana: (giving Natalie a backward glance before she rushed over to Darian) Darian, I need to talk to you.
Darian: Dana, whatever it is, I don't have time. I'm on my way out.
Dana: This will only take a minute.
Darian: It's a minute I don't have.
Dana: Look, I think you owe me some of your free time…especially after I covered for you last night so Dr. Sloan didn't catch you in Nathan James' room.
Darian: (angrily; crossing his arms) So you didn't do that out of the goodness of your heart? Why doesn't that surprise me? Okay, what do you want?
Dana: I just want to know if you found what you were looking for? Was Nathan poisoned?
Darian: (shaking his head) I thought I told you last night to stay out of this?
Dana: I am staying out of it.
Darian: Really? Everywhere I turn you seem to be there. I'm sure it's not by chance that you happened to be outside of Nathan's room just when Christina Sloan arrived.
Dana: Of course it was by chance. Why else would I be there?
Darian: Why don't you tell me…assuming you can handle the truth?
Dana: Instead of insulting me, you should be thanking me. I saved your butt last night. If you had of been caught in Nathan's room, Christina Sloan would've gone straight to Dr. Dailey and then where would you be? You wouldn't have not only been taken off Nathan's case, but your job would be in jeopardy.
Darian: So you're saying I owe you?
Dana: I'm saying that I did you a favor and all I'm asking in return is a little information. I just want to know if Nathan was poisoned or not. That is what you're so eager to find out, isn't it?
Darian: (sighing) Yes. I want to find out if Nathan was poisoned. But why does this matter to you? I know you don't care. You don't give a damn about anyone with the last name James.
Dana: I don't deny that.
Darian: Then why does Nathan's problems concern you one way or the other? What is your stake in all this?
Scene:
Laura: So, Zachary, what is in the cards for you and Dana Cooper?
Zachary: Well, I…
Simon: Laura, do you really think this is any of your business?
Laura: Of course it is. Zachary happens to be my brother. I care about him…and his romantic future.
Zachary: Which at this point is in doubt, Laura. I have no idea where this relationship is going. It's too soon, much too soon for that kind of talk. Dana and I are still getting to know one another.
Simon: And you should always take your time with these things. Marriage is not something to be rushed into.
Laura: I suppose you're right…both of you. (Pause) I just want to see you happy is all. (She put her arm around Simon) Marriage can be a wonderful thing.
Zachary: I've heard that. Haven't seen it very often, but I've heard it.
Laura: Speaking of which, have you heard from Dad?
Zachary: Is that a trick question?
Laura: Zachary, I'm just worried about him. You know he and Gloria's divorce hearing is this morning.
Zachary: Of course I did. Didn’t you hear my cheering?
Laura: I know you and Dad have your differences, but this is a tough time for him. You know he loves Gloria and doesn't want this divorce.
Zachary: I'm aware of that. I also know that he's made Gloria's life miserable and she deserves to be happy and go on with her life. She can't do that as long as she is married to him.
Laura: I'm the first one to admit Dad has made mistakes. But if he and Gloria still love one another…
Zachary: That's just it, Laura, she doesn’t love him. She hasn't loved him for a very long time.
Laura: And you're sure of this?
Zachary: Yes. You forget Gloria and I are good friends. We've talked a lot about her marriage to our father and the problems they had. There's no going back. He killed any feeling she had for him.
Laura: I really hate to hear that, Zachary.
Zachary: Laura, I know how important marriage and family is to you. It's important to me too. But sometimes it's just not meant to be.
Laura: Okay, maybe they aren't supposed to stay married. But what about you and Dad? You promised me you'd try and work things out with him; that we'd try and be a family. Where does that stand?
Zachary: Honestly? Laura, I think any relationship between Dad and I as dead as his marriage to Gloria.
(Nearby, Melissa
Stone and Kevin step off the elevator)
Kevin: Melissa, I'm glad I ran into you.
Melissa: Why is that?
Kevin: Well, I was wondering how you were holding up after what's happened.
Melissa: What do you mean what's happened?
Kevin: With Eric, of course.
Melissa: Uncle Kevin, like you told you yesterday Eric and I are very happy. We have some problems, but we will work them out. I know because of your history with him you don't think he's right for me, but…
Kevin: You're right, I don't think Eric is right for you. But I'm not talking about what we discussed yesterday. This is about something else entirely. Don't tell me you don't know.
Melissa: Know what?
Zachary: (walking up with Simon and Laura) Kevin, there you are.
Kevin: Hi, all.
Zachary: Kevin, I'm sorry to drag you away from work in the middle of the day, but if we could step into my office, we'll get this out of the way.
Kevin: Sure, but Zachary, could you spare a minute? I really need to…
Zachary: Kevin, I wish I could, but I'm on a timetable too. I've got patients waiting for me as we speak.
Kevin: I see. Okay. (He turned to Melissa) We'll have to talk later, Melissa.
Melissa: Sure.
Zachary: Let's go. Bye, Melissa.
Melissa: (as the foursome started down an adjacent corridor) Bye everyone. (Pause) What is going on, Kevin? What were you going to tell me about Eric?
Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the foyer. Eric, Jake, Quentin, Nigel, Lucas, Monica and Angela are there.
Quentin: (watching as Jake continued to read Eric his rights; he whispered to Lucas) How long have I lived for this day!? A Lassiter in handcuffs. It was certainly worth getting out of bed this morning.
Monica: (standing next to Nigel) I just don't believe this, Nigel. This is insanity. How could something like this happen?
Nigel: (his voice hoarse and raspy) Just call it the spoils of war.
Jake: (turning Eric to face him) Do you understand these rights as I have read them?
Eric: You bastard! I hope you know you've just lost a friend.
Jake: Really? The way I see it, I'm doing a favor for one. (grabbing Eric's arm) Let's go, Eric.
Eric: (yanking away) Don't touch me! I can make it on my own.
(Angela opened the door, stopping short at the sight of A.J., who stood there, poised to knock)
A.J.: (looking disappointed) God, I'm too late.
Lucas: Isn't that pretty much your lot in life, Lassiter?
A.J.: What happened here? What is going on?
Lucas: It's pretty obvious, don't you think? Your lunatic brother attacked Nigel and like most criminals he's going to jail.
A.J.: Eric, is this true?
Eric: I only did what you and the rest of our family don't have the guts to.
A.J.: Guts? Don't you realize what you've done is the worst thing possible!? How could you be so stupid!?
Lucas: He's a Lassiter, isn't he?
A.J.: (turning to Lucas) Shut the hell up, Lucas…or!?
Lucas: Or what? You bucking to be the second Lassiter in cuffs today? Don't worry because you take me on and you won't be going to jail. You're gonna need a hospital.
Quentin: Lucas, calm down. (Pause) There has been enough violence in my home for one day. Take Det. Lassiter out of here, Det. Collier. And make sure his brother leaves with him.
A.J.: Don't worry. Being in this house twice in two days is more than I can stomach. (Pause as he turned to Angela, Jake and Eric) I'll follow you to the police station.
Eric: Don't bother. You think I want you there? I can get plenty of self righteous moralizing from my fellow officers here.
A.J.: Despite the fact you've moved heaven and earth to ruin your life I'm going to do what I can to help you, even though it's probably too late.
Jake: We'll see you at the station. (As they headed to leave, a voice
broke through the tension in the foyer. Vicki came racing
into the foyer, the small child's eyes shining delight at the sight of her
father)
Vicki: Daddy, daddy!
Monica: (stunned) Vicki!
Nigel: Vicki, honey!
Vicki: Daddy, I knew you'd come and see me! (She threw her arms around Eric's waist) Mommy said you were too busy to visit, but I knew you'd come!
Scene:
Dana: I don’t have a stake in this. I'm just curious.
Darian: You have a morbid curiosity in things that don't concern you.
Dana: And Nathan James' case concerns you, even after you were taken off the case by the chief of staff?
Darian: I care about Nathan.
Dana: Doesn't change the fact that being in his room doing whatever it is you were doing is highly unethical. I helped you save your career. Can't you just give me a little information? My reasons for wanting to know don't matter…nor will they lose me my job.
Darian: You never change do you? You've always been a nasty little schemer.
Dana: You're getting off the topic at hand, Darian.
Natalie: (walking up) And you are dangerously close to becoming unemployed. Dana, it's time to get back to work.
Dana: Natalie, this will only take a minute.
Natalie: It's a minute you don't have. Now let's get back to work. And stop bothering Darian.
Darian: That sounds like great advice to me. (Darian walked away)
Dana: Damn it, Natalie! Do you realize what you've done!?
Natalie: Yes, I've saved you from losing your job and ruining your life.
Dana: That's where you're wrong! If I don't deal with this problem my life will be ruined!
Natalie: What? Will some devious scheme of yours not work out!?
Dana: You have no idea what is going on, Natalie!
Natalie: You're right, I don't. And right now I don't care.
Dana: Really? I thought you were supposed to be my best friend!
Natalie: I am. I don't know why, but I am. But if you don't straighten
yourself out, you're going to lose my friendship and a hell of a lot more! (Natalie
walked away)
Scene:
Richie: How dare I attack him?! Are you kidding!?
Nikki: No, because I don’t find any of this very funny. Now what is going on? Why did you attack James?
James: He can’t deal with the fact that his best friend is a cold blooded killer. And he’s proving he’s as prove violent and deranged that friend of his!
Richie: Greyhawk, I…!
Nikki: Damn it! Both of you stop it, shut up, and go to neutral corners. (Pause) Richie, I don't care what James said to you, attacking him is no answer.
Richie: Really? I got a kick out of taking a swing at him.
Nikki: And you think that's going to solve the problem? You think fighting Greyhawk is going to help Nathan?
Richie: Nikki, he murdered Candice! How can you say I'm the one at fault here?!
Nikki: Because you're the one who obviously started the fight.
Richie: You're taking his side…against me?
James: Maybe she's seeing you for the deranged flake that you are.
Nikki: Shut up, Greyhawk, or I'll take a swing at you myself.
Richie: Answer the question, Nikki? You taking his side against me?
Nikki: Richie, you know how I feel about violence. What you did was wrong. It doesn't matter who you did it to. Greyhawk might be…not the nicest person in the world…
Richie: Not the nicest person in the world? That's a rather mild way of putting it, don't you think?
Nikki: Look, I…! (Nikki looked around her, realizing James and a lot of other students were standing around watching them) Why don't we go where we can have a little privacy? Excuse us everyone.
(Nikki and Richie walked away. James looked after them, jealousy burning
in his eyes. Nina was watching him)
James: I can't imagine what Nikki sees in a dullard like that. He's obviously beneath her.
Nina: That's not a nice thing to say. You don't know Richie that well…or Nikki for that matter.
James: I know she doesn't deserve to waste her time on the likes of that jerk.
Nina: Since when did you become concerned about Nikki? You don't like her anymore than you like Richie.
James: I admit Nikki wasn't one of my favorite people. But that was because
of the conflict between our families. Now that I've gotten to know her… (James
stopped himself, realizing he'd said too much)
Nina: Now that you've gotten to know her…what? James, you don't have to stop. I know all about what's going on between you and Nikki.
James: (surprised) What?!
Nina: Nikki is my best friend. She confides in me. I know all about her suspicions about Richie and that he and Nathan are trying to frame you for Candice's murder.
James: Then you know she's working with me to stop them getting away with it.
Nina: As I said, Nikki is my best friend.
James: Then maybe you should be a friend to her. The kind of friend she really needs.
Nina: What does that mean?
James: You know she's doing all this to save Richie from himself. She wants to uncover his plan and stop him before he does anything to get in trouble.
Nina: Yes.
James: And you think that's what she should do? Stand by him no matter what he's planning?
Nina: Nikki loves Richie. She doesn't want to see him make a big mistake.
James: She is making the mistake by being involved with him in any way. Surely you must see that after today.
Nina: What I see is that Richie is going through a very difficult time and he's upset. He's acting in ways he usually wouldn't. I understand that and so does Nikki. It's what you do when you love someone.
James: He isn't worth her love. And if you are really her friend, you'll convince her of that.
Nina: Are you suggesting I tell Nikki to break up with James?
James: Yes.
Nina: Why would I do that?
James: Because she deserves more than someone who is capable of doing such a thing!
Nina: Really? What makes you think you know what Nikki deserves?
Scene:
Richie: (grinning) Nikki, that was brilliant! (He hugged her) For a minute you had me fooled! I almost bought it!
Nikki: (pushing away) Richie, what is wrong with you!?
Richie: Nothing, but I think you are the smartest person I've ever known.
Nikki: And what makes you think that?
Richie: That whole thing with turning on me in front of Greyhawk. That was really smart. He's definitely going to think you're on his side.
Nikki: (surprised) You think that was an act!?
Richie: It was, wasn't it? It had to of been. And you did a good job too. The more Greyhawk trusts you, the more he's likely to make a mistake that we can use to nail him.
Nikki: Richie, if you think I condone what happened upstairs you are sadly mistaken.
Richie: (startled) Nikki, what is wrong with you!?
Nikki: What is wrong with me?! Richie, you attacked James for apparently no reason.
Richie: I was trying to get the truth out of him!
Nikki: And you thought your fists would do the job?
Richie: Don't you know what he said to me!?
Nikki: No, I don't know, but I sure as hell don't care. You were wrong, Richie, just plain wrong!
Richie: Are you actually taking that bastard Greyhawk's side against me!?
Nikki: Richie, this is not about taking sides.
Richie: Really? That's how it sounds to me. Since when do you agree with Greyhawk on anything!? What in the hell is going on between the two of you!?
Scene:
Zachary: Thank you for coming. I apologize for bringing you here the middle of the day, but this was too important to ignore.
Kevin: Zachary, you know when it involves the AIDS Wing, I'm always available. I'm just anxious to find out what this is all about.
Laura: We all are.
Zachary: I received a phone call this morning concerning the AIDS Clinic.
Kevin: From who?
Zachary: Jason Bennett.
Laura: Jason Bennett? Isn't that Daddy's lawyer?
Zachary: Yes, but this has nothing to do with our father. Mr. Bennett is representing someone who wants to make a sizable donation to the clinic, specifically in the area of research and future treatments of HIV and AIDS.
Kevin: Really? How much is this sizable donation?
Zachary: $10 million dollars.
Simon: (gasping) Ten million dollars!?
Kevin: You're kidding! This is some sort of joke, isn't it?
Zachary: I don’t think so. Jason Bennett is a very respectable attorney in this town. I don't think he would be involved unless it was legitimate.
Laura: Ten million dollars!? Can you imagine all the wonderful things we could do with that kind of money? All the people we could help?
Kevin: Laura is right. There's a lot of good that can be done with that money. It's twice as much as yearly operating budget.
Zachary: Exactly what I thought when Mr. Bennett called me.
Simon: Who is Jason Bennett representing?
Laura: Yes, who do we need to thank for such generosity?
Zachary: I don't know.
Kevin: Didn't Mr. Bennett tell you?
Zachary: No, he didn't. See, that is a caveat of us accepting the money. The donor must remain completely anonymous. No one is to ever know who is giving this funding to the clinic.
Kevin: The donor wants to remain in the shadows? Don’t you think that's kind of odd? Most people who donate that kind of money wants the press attention if nothing else.
Zachary: You're right. It is odd.
Kevin: You sound suspicious.
Zachary: Truthfully, I am. There's something about this I don’t like. I'm really not sure if we should take this money or not.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the Homicide Division. Walter's
office. Walter, Evan and Patrick are there. Walter is pacing the floor.
Walter: (shaking his head) I can't believe I haven't heard from Jake and Angela yet. Something must've happened. If there was no problem, they would've gotten back to me by now. Hell, they'd be back here at the office. Damn! Eric was probably stupid enough to confront the Greyhawks.
Evan: Maybe, but your officers could've gotten there before Eric caused any problems.
Walter: I'd like to hope so, but lately, I haven't had that kind of luck.
Patrick: I hate to take off now, but I should be getting down to Daphne Williamson's office. She's got the autopsy report on the Parker case.
Evan: Sure. I'll see you back at the office.
(Patrick walked out, closing the door behind him) How's he working out?
Evan: Very well. He's intelligent, bright, a good litigator. He's got a great future in the defendant's office. That young man has come a long way from the streets of Southtown.
Walter: He's from Southtown?
Evan: (nodding) Yes, he was born and raised there. He has family there from what I gather. He doesn't talk about it much, though. It's been hard for him since he was put on the Nathan James case. He knew both the James kid and his big brother Danny when they were younger.
Walter: Really? That's not a conflict, is it?
Evan: Oh, no. Patrick's very driven. He doesn't let anything in his past get in the way of success.
Walter: Sounds like your kind of co-counsel.
Evan: (smiling) You got that right.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the Medical Examiner's Office.
Darian walks in.
Darian: Daphne, I'm sorry I'm late, but… (He saw that the office was empty. There was a slip of paper sitting on Daphne's desk, marked DARIAN. He picked it up and unfolded it. It read: Darian- I had to step out, but I'll be back in about ten minutes. Please wait. You'll want to hear what I've found out) Oh, you'll bet I'll wait for you, Daphne. I've got the find out the truth about Nathan. I've got to.
Patrick's Voice: What truth about Nathan?
Darian: (turning to face his brother who stood in the doorway) Patrick, what are you doing here?
Patrick: I should be asking you that question. Last time I heard ER doctors didn't hang out in the medical examiners office, especially asking questions about murder cases. You want to explain to me what is going on?
Darian: Why I'm here is really none of your business.
Patrick: I think it is. I happen to be co-counsel for the prosecutor of this case.
Darian: And I am Nathan's doctor.
Patrick: Why don’t you try again? I happen to know that as of last night you were taken off Nathan's case. Dr. Christopher Sloan and his daughter Christina are Nathan's doctors.
Darian: I'm still interested in his case.
Patrick: But you have no legal or ethical right to be involved in it. Now what is going on, Darian? Why are you in the ME's office asking questions about Nathan?
Darian: Patrick, I…
Patrick: I want an answer, Darian! (He picked up the phone) Or do I need to call your boss at the hospital and ask him?
Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the foyer. A.J., Eric, Quentin, Nigel, Lucas,
Monica, Jake, Angela and Vicki are there.
Vicki: (hugging Eric's waist) Daddy, Daddy! I'm so glad to see you! (Pause) Are you going to take me fishing like you promised?
Eric: (embarrassed and ashamed; pulling away from the child) Get me out of here! Get me out of here now!
Vicki: Daddy, what's wrong? Why are you leaving?
Jake: I'm sorry. I certainly didn't want it to turn out like this. (Angela
and Jake led Eric out of the mansion)
Vicki: (starting to cry) Daddy! Where are you going!? Why are they taking you away?! Daddy!
A.J.: I hope you're all very happy. (A.J. walked out)
Vicki: (headed toward the door) Daddy! Daddy, come back!
Monica: (running to her daughter, grabbing her before she could run out) Honey, calm down! It'll be all right!
Vicki: (struggling to get away) Mommy, why did they take Daddy away in those handcuffs? Why did he leave? Didn't he want to see me?
Monica: Of course he did, honey.
Vicki: Make them bring my Daddy back! Don’t let them take him away!
Monica: Vicki, honey, please! It'll be all right!
Vicki: (tears flowing down her face) No! I want to see my Daddy! I want to see my Daddy! (She started to cry harder) I want my Daddy!
Monica: Honey, let's go in the other room.
Vicki: I want to see my Daddy! I want to see my Daddy! (Monica led the
child towards the living room)
Nigel: I'll come with you.
Monica: (turning to Nigel, rage burning in her eyes) Stay the hell
away from me Nigel! All of you just stay the hell away! (Monica led the
wailing child into the living room. Her cries could still be heard in the
foyer)
Quentin: Nigel, I'm sorry. I certainly never expected anything like this.
Nigel: Oh, God! What have we done?
Coming Up In
- Gloria's divorce hearing gets
underway…and so does Glenn's plan to stop it.
- Darian learns the truth can
be costly.
- Nikki faces her feelings about James.
· Kevin's choice changes his life…but he doesn't know it yet.