Covington Bay--Episode 86

EPISODE 86

“THINGS LEFT UNSAID”

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the third floor. A bathroom. Nigel Greyhawk comes out of a stall. He goes to the sink to wash his hands. He looks at himself in the mirror, seeing the bruises on his face and the reddened skin around his neck.

Nigel: (to himself) What a disaster this day has turned out to be.

(Nigel dries his hands on a paper towel and throws it away. As he heads for the door, Kevin walks in. Both men are surprised to see one another.)

Kevin: Nigel!

Nigel: Kevin! What are you doing here?

Kevin: Well, since this is a bathroom, I'd say you could probably guess.

Nigel: You know what I mean. Why are you here at the station? Did you hear about Eric being arrested?

Kevin: How could I not? It's all over the news.

Nigel: But I'm surprised you’d care enough to come down. You and Eric aren't close.

Kevin: I couldn't give a damn about that cousin of mine. He's an animal and he deserves to be behind bars.

Nigel: Then why are you here?

Kevin: A friend of mine is in trouble and I’m hoping to save her from some trouble.

Nigel: Sounds serious.

Kevin: It could be. (Pause as Kevin notes the bruises on Nigel's face. Concern grows in Kevin's expression) Speaking of serious, how are you? Those bruises and scratches look pretty bad.

Nigel: They look worse than they are. In a few days they'll be gone as if nothing ever happened.

Kevin: Except that it won't be as if anything happened, will it? This is something we all are going to be living with for a very long time.

Nigel: Damn I wish I could’ve stopped my father. By the time I knew about his plan, it was too late to do anything about it. Of course, that’s how he planned it.

Kevin: Nigel, I know you're not responsible for any of this; it's your father who's spearheading this campaign to destroy my family. You ~~even~~ tried to warn me of that yesterday at the memorial service.

Nigel: Well, I wish I could’ve done more than put up a flare.

Kevin: And how does ~~your father~~he feel about it now that the plan didn’t go as well as he thought? Does it bother him at all that his son was beaten and his step-daughter saw her father being arrested?

Nigel: Kevin, my father may be a hard man…even ruthless, but he's not heartless. He didn’t want this kind of fallout to happen. Naturally he was upset.

Kevin: (icily) But not enough to end his vendetta against the ~~Lassiters.~~

~~Nigel~~

.Lassiters, I would imagine. The thing is, what are you going to do now? How are you going to stop Monica and Vicki from being caught in the crossfire again? This is only going to get worse.

Nigel: Kevin, I am going to protect my wife and stepdaughter. I will do what I have to keep them out of the middle of this!

Kevin: Of course you will. You're a good father…you care about your family. I'm sure you'll make sure they don't suffer anymore than they have to.

Nigel: I'm surprised to hear you say that. I know how you feel about my marriage.

Kevin: I don't think the reasons you got married were right. It’s never good to do anything out of fear. But your wife is important to you… and so is Vicki. I can see that.

Nigel: I love my wife and my stepdaughter, Kevin, but I... (Pause) I really should be going. Captain Stone is upstairs waiting for me.

Kevin: Wait, Nigel.

Nigel: Kevin, I think we said everything we needed to say yesterday.

Kevin: Actually, Nigel, you did most of the talking... and now it's my turn.

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Det. Angela Sorensen is sitting at her desk doing some typing. A.J. Lassiter walks up to her.

A.J.: Hey, Angela.

Angela: (dryly) A.J.

A.J.: So, judging by the nameplate on your desk, I'd say congratulations are in order. You've made it to Homicide. Good for you. I know how hard you’ve worked to get this.

Angela: You're just now hearing about this? Melody didn't tell you? Oh wait, she was probably too busy crying her eyes out after finding out you've been married for the past six years.

A.J.: Wow, bringing that up took less than ten seconds. If you can't be nice Angela, I'm going to forget to congradulate you.

Angela: Save it, A.J.. I don’t want or need anything from you.

A.J.: Except for a pound of flesh, I imagine. So tell me, besides having the time of your life at the sight of Eric in handcuffs, why were you at the Greyhawks? You and Jake partners now?

Angela: Actually, I was there because Eric and I are…or were partners.

A.J.: (surprised) I can't believe Captain Stone would pair the two of you up. You and Eric hate each other.

Angela: Well, the Captain has this thing about not letting personal feelings get the way of doing your job. Fortunately, due to your brother's penchant for being an ass, the partnership was mercifully brief and I am a free agent.

A.J.: Wow. His body is hardly cold in the ground and already you're dancing on his grave.

Angela: I will not apologize for being happy about being rid of Eric. And since when did you become a fan of his? You don’t like him more than anyone else.

A.J.: As much as I think what Eric has done is the height of stupidity and that he deserves whatever punishment comes his way, he's my brother and I still give a damn about him. I want to do whatever I can to help him. I just hope that he's not beyond saving.

Angela: A.J., his career is over. He'll never serve as a police officer again. He'll be lucky if he doesn't wind up in jail.

A.J.: I'm well aware of that. Look, where is he? I'd really like to see him.

Angela: I don’t think you can.

A.J.: Why not? Surely he's allowed visitors.

Angela: Yes, he is. (She smirked) But I think he's already got one.

A.J.: Really, who? Aunt Sabrina’s not here yet, is she?

Angela: No. I believe he’s visiting with Melissa Stone.

A.J.: (startled) Melissa?

Angela: Yes. She came here looking for Eric and I told her where she could find him.

A.J.: Why would you do that?

Angela: Is there a reason why I shouldn't have?

A.J.: (shaking his head) You know, don’t you? You know that my idiot brother is dating the Captain’s daughter.

Angela: Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.

A.J.: Do you realize that you’re making a bad situation worse by sending her up there because the odds are the Captain will find out.

Angela: I not only told Melissa where she could find Eric, I would've given her a map and a guide dog if she didn’t already know the way.

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; an Interrogation room. Det. Eric Lassiter and Captain Walter Stone are there.

Eric: You're going to regret this, you know. Turning your back on me…throwing me to the wolves. After all I've done for this department, I deserve better.

Walter: I don't like to see any cop go down, but damn it, Eric, I can't overlook your actions. What you did was ~~wrong, plain and simple.~~wrong. There is no justification what you’ve done. It was wrong and I won't risk the integrity of this department by trying to sweep this mess under the rug.

Eric: So I'm left to fight for myself?

Walter: Frankly, Eric, if you're smart, you'll go quietly. You've already lost your job…you'll never serve another day in this or any other police department. And considering that Nigel Greyhawk will undoubtedly press assault charges against you, I think staying out of jail should be your top priority.

Eric: I have worked too hard to let my career go.

Walter: Eric, this is a battle you have no chance of winning. I’d give up and focus on keeping your freedom. (At that moment, there was a knock on the door) That's probably Sabrina Collier.

Eric: Damn. I wished Jake hadn't called her.

Walter: I'm glad he did. Someone has to help you…even if you won't help yourself. (Walter opened the door. He was stunned to see Melissa standing there) Melissa! What are you doing here!? This really isn't the time or the place for a visit.

Melissa: (surprised) Daddy, I…I didn't expect to see you.

Walter: Then who did you expect to see?

Melissa: Eric! (She ran to him, throwing herself into Eric's arms) Eric, are you all right!? I heard what happened and I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!

Eric: Melissa, what are you doing here? This is not a good idea.

Melissa: (glancing at her horrified father) I know, but I had to. Where else would I be at a time like this? ~~You need someone…you need me.~~

Walter: (angrily) Anyone want to explain to me what the hell is going on here!?

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

Gloria: Zachary, what did you mean by us?

Zachary: (hesitating) Gloria, I...I really don't think...

Gloria: Think what? Zachary, if you have something to say, just say it. You know you can always tell me anything.

Zachary: I know. I know we've always been totally honest with one another... at least I've tried to be.

Gloria: Tried to be? Zachary, what does that mean? Have you not always been honest with me?

Zachary: (looking into her seeking eyes) Gloria, I just...I didn't ever expect for this to happen. And I certainly didn't expect for it to come out like this. I didn't expect to ever have to tell you that I...

(A knock on the door interrupted Zachary's words)

Gloria: (annoyed) I better get that. (She opened the door. Harry Tamakai stood there) Harry! Hello.

Harry: Hello, Dr. Dailey. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?

Gloria: No, of course not. Come in. (Harry walked in and Gloria shut the door) You remember Zachary Dailey, don't you?

Harry: Yes, how are you, Dr. Dailey?

Zachary: Fine, thanks.

Gloria: Harry, this is a surprise. What brings you here?

Zachary: If it’s a personal matter, I can step outside if you'd like.

Harry: (shaking his head) Oh, no, Dr. Dailey. I’m glad you’re here because this concerns you as well. I am here on behalf of Adam Lassiter, to invite you to a party at the Lassiter Estate this evening.

Gloria: (puzzled) I thought Adam and Maggie were still in Scotland.

Harry: Yes, but they phoned yesterday and announced they will be returning this evening and requested a celebration be thrown in their honor.

Zachary: Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter are throwing a party for themselves?

Gloria: Of course, that's not unusual for Adam and Maggie. They often threw their own anniversary and birthday parties. They said it was to make sure it would be a party they'd want to attend.

Zachary: That sounds rather eccentric.

Gloria: That describes Adam and Maggie. (Pause) Harry, why are they returning from Scotland so soon? I thought they were supposed to be there for at least a year.

Harry: I don't know the reason for the party...only that you have been requested to attend...you too, Dr. Dailey.

Zachary: Me? Why?

Harry: I would not have the answer to that. (Pause) May I have your RSVP now?

Gloria: (hesitating) Well, Harry, I don't....

Zachary: She doesn't know how she can turn such a great invitation down. Of course we'll be there. When does it start?

Harry: Promptly at 8:00 p.m..

Gloria: (surprised) Zachary, I...

Zachary: (interrupting again) You'll see us then.

Harry: Good. I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter will be pleased. (He went to the door) Good day.

Gloria: Bye. (Harry walked out) Zachary, why did you say I....we would go to that party!? I am hardly in the mood for celebration.

Zachary: Actually, Gloria, I think a party is exactly what you need.

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; a bathroom. Nigel and Kevin are there. Kevin has a hold of Nigel's arm and they are looking into each other's eyes.

Nigel: Kevin, I thought we said all we needed to say.

Kevin: Not everything. (releasing Nigel) Look, yesterday I was steeped in bitterness and angry over losing the most important thing in my life. I hated the world for taking Alec away from me. And seeing you only reminded me how alone I am, how much I've lost. I took that out on you and that was wrong. I’m sorry for that.

Nigel: You don’t have to apologize. I understand why you feel the way you do. We have a lot of history between us and not all of it good. I know that I hurt you when I couldn’t be what you wanted, that I wasn’t ready for the kind of relationship you wanted. I wish it could’ve been different. I wish that… well, I wish a lot of things.

Kevin: Nigel, I’ve resented you for a very long time for the choices you made. And while I don’t agree with them, as much as I think you’re wrong, I have to respect your choices...just as I expect my choices to be respected by you, my father and everyone else in my life. I should've told you that yesterday, but I didn't. I let my grief get the best of me and I'm sorry.

I'm always going to care about you, Nigel. We're not part of each others lives...our paths are going in different directions, but I remember the young man I fell in love with. I remember that very special time we once shared together. When Dad suggested that I spend the summer touring Rome, I jumped at the chance. Mom was dead, Brandon was gone and I knew he was only doing it to get rid of me because he couldn’t deal with me being gay… but I was still grateful to escape from the nightmare my life had become.

Nigel: And unlike you I wasn't exactly eager to go on that trip. I didn't see any reason to go away...especially alone to a foreign country. But Dad insisted. He had taken the same trip when he was my age and he said it was an incredible growth experience...my chance to see the world. He wanted the same for me. I wasn't happy about it, but I went. (Nigel smiled) Thank God, I did. (He then chuckled) I would’ve missed out on something special if I hadn’t of. ~~Of course, it didn't start out that way, did it?~~

Kevin: (smiling) Not hardly. It's so bizarre that two Americans from the same town who belong to families who hate each other would wind up sharing the same hotel room because of a hotel snafu.

Nigel: If I'd of read it, wouldn't have believed it. We were so upset about that...especially when we couldn't get another room because of some Kwanis convention that first week. It was like something out of a sitcom.

Kevin: Well, it only proves that truth is stranger than fiction. (Pause) But that mistake forced us to get to know each other beyond our family names. We found out we had a lot on common...that we saw things the same way. Kevin: It gave us the one of the best summers in our lives, didn't it?

Nigel: For me, Kevin, I'd say it was the best. I don't know if anything will ever come close.

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

~~Gloria: Zachary, please. What were you going to tell me?~~

~~Zachary: I didn't expect to ever have to tell you that I...~~

~~(A knock on the door interrupted Zachary's words)~~

~~Gloria: (annoyed) I better get that. I'll see who that is and then we can finish our talk. (She opened the door. Harry Tamakai stood there) Harry! Hello.~~

~~Harry: Hello, Dr. Dailey. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?~~

~~Gloria: No, of course not. Come in. (Harry walked in and Gloria shut the door) You remember Zachary Dailey, don't you?~~

~~Harry: Yes, of course, your husband’s son. How are you, Dr. Dailey?~~

~~Zachary: I'm good...thanks for asking.~~

~~Gloria: Harry, this is a surprise. What brings you here?~~

~~Zachary: If it’s a personal matter, I can step outside if you'd like.~~

~~Gloria: (puzzled) A party, tonight? I thought Adam and Maggie were still in Scotland.~~

~~Harry: Yes, but they phoned yesterday and announced they will be returning this evening and requested a celebration be thrown in their honor.~~

~~Zachary: Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter are throwing a party for themselves?~~

~~Gloria: Of course, that's not unusual for Adam and Maggie. They often threw their own anniversary and birthday parties. They said it was to make sure it would be a party they'd want to attend.~~

~~Zachary: That sounds rather interesting.~~

~~Gloria: That describes Adam and Maggie.~~

Zachary: As I recall it would. I remember when they had just returned from Kenya on safari and Mrs. Lassiter told me all about hunting wild boar. I didn't believe her...I thought she was joking.

~~Gloria: Until you saw that necklace with the boar's tusk on it.~~

~~Zachary: It must've weighed twenty pounds.~~

Gloria: (smiling) Not to mention broke a few laws getting it into this country. (She turned to Harry) Harry, why are they returning from Scotland so soon? I thought they were supposed to be there for at least a year.

~~Harry: I don't know the reason for the party...only that you have been requested to attend...you too, Dr. Dailey.~~

~~Zachary: Me? Why?~~

~~Harry: I would not have the answer to that. (Pause) May I have your RSVP now?~~

~~Gloria: (hesitating) Well, Harry, I don't....~~

~~Zachary: She doesn't know how she can turn such a great invitation down. Of course we'll be there. When does it start?~~

~~Harry: Promptly at 8:00 p.m..~~

~~Gloria: (surprised) Zachary, I...~~

~~Zachary: (interrupting again) You'll see us then.~~

~~Harry: Good. I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Lassiter will be pleased. (He went to the door) Good day.~~

~~Gloria: Bye. (Harry walked out) Zachary, why did you say I....we would go to that party!? I am hardly in the mood for celebration with all that's going on.~~

~~Zachary: Actually, Gloria, I think a party is exactly what you need.~~

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. A.J. and Angela are there. Angela is seated at her desk and A.J. is standing a few feet away.

A.J.: Angela, I never thought you would’ve been someone to kick a person when their down.

Angela: Most people, no. Your brother, yes.

A.J.: Look, you have every reason to hate my brother given how he treated your sister Monica. But his life is pretty much in the toilet. He's been disgraced as a cop. He might even go to jail and you know cops don't last long behind bars. Do you really think it was necessary to add this last touch?

Angela: You bet and I'd do it a thousand times more if I could. (She stood and walked over to a file cabinet, angrily yanked it open and started rifling through it)

A.J.: (walking over to Angela) Monica has moved on with her life and he's soon out of yours. Don't you think it's time for you to stop running around with the matches to burn him at the stake?

Angela: Only because I no longer have to. He's gone up in flames. Now I can move on to a new target.

A.J.: Really? And who would that be?

Angela: You.

A.J.: Me? I know you're upset about what's going on between me and Melody, but you can't compare that to my brother.

Angela: Really? Because I think you're just as bad as Eric, maybe even worse. Al least Eric is honest about the fact that he's a womanizing pig, but you pretended you loved my sister. I think that might be a bit more insidious.

A.J.: (annoyed) Look, you might have a mad on for my brother and you can be angry at me...you have that right. But don't ever say I pretended to love Melody. She means more to me than you could ever imagine.

Angela: Then why don't you marry her?

A.J.: What does marriage have to do with this?

Angela: It's like I said this morning, A.J.. If you love her so much...if she means so much to you, why can't you give her the one thing that matters most to her?

A.J.: (hesitating) I...that's something for Melody and I to work on and resolve.

Angela: Meaning that you'll never marry her. Melody may not see that, but I do. You don't want to make a commitment to my sister. Like your brother, you're not capable of a loving relationship...unless it's with yourself. Do Melody a favor and break it off now so she can go on with her life. You can never make her happy so end this relationship. If you don't...I'll find a way to.

(Angela walked away as Jake approached)

A.J.: (looking up to see Jake walking towards him) Jake, hi.

Jake: That didn’t look like a good conversation.

A.J.: Well, you know Angela has brought bashing the Lassiter men to an art form.

Jake: I know. Unfortunately, you Lassiter men keep giving her reason.

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; an Interrogation Room. Walter, Melissa and Eric are there.

Walter: What is this all about!? Since when do the two of you do more than just pass each other in the hallway?

Melissa: (turning to her father) Daddy, I didn't want you to find out like this….

Walter: Find out what…or do I even need to ask!? (Rage burned in Walter's eyes) How long has this been going on!?

Melissa: For a… few months.

Walter: And you never thought to tell me!?

Melissa: We would've eventually…when the time was right.

Walter: Which would never be never because you know that I wouldn’t stand for this!

Eric: Captain, frankly, it's really none of your business.

Walter: Now that is where you are wrong!

Melissa: Daddy, I realize you're upset, but Eric is right. This is our relationship and it's between us.

Walter: A relationship? Melissa, this man isn't capable of a relationship. Surely you know his history….how he treated his ex-wife…how he ignores his child? Not to mention his drinking? And you wouldn't be here if you hadn't heard about Nigel Greyhawk? You honestly consider him the kind of man you want to be involved with?

Melissa: Daddy, Eric isn't perfect…I know that. But you don't know him the way I do.

Walter: Oh, believe me, I know him better than you do…better than you ever could. And he I don’t want him anywhere near my daughter.

Melissa: That isn't for you to decide!

Walter: We'll see about that. Now I want you to go to my office, Melissa, and wait for me there.

Melissa: No, Daddy. I want to stay here and be with Eric. I came because he needs me…he needs my support.

Walter: Melissa, this is no place for you. Eric's attorney is going to be here any moment and he's got a lot of legal matters to work through.

Melissa: But none of this would be happening if it weren't for me. That's why I…!

Walter: You're to blame for this? That's ridiculous. Where would you even get such a notion?

Melissa: Daddy, if you'd just let me explain…

Walter: Right now, Melissa, I want you to go in my office and wait for me.

Melissa: And I said I can't leave Eric!

Eric: But maybe you should. Like your father says, my lawyer will be here soon and we do have things to talk about. We can get together later.

Melissa: Eric, I just…

Eric: Go on now and wait in your father's office. (Keeping a victorious eye on Walter, Eric pulled Melissa into his arms and kissed her) We'll have plenty of time to hook up later.

Melissa: (headed for the door) Aren't you coming, Daddy?

Walter: I'll be there in a minute.

Melissa: (warily) Okay. (Melissa walked out, closing the door behind her)

Eric: (smirking) Well, Captain, I guess it's just you and me. Take your best shot.

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

Gloria: (shaking her head) Zachary, you're wrong. A party is the last thing I need right now.

Zachary: I have to say I disagree. After the day you've had, I'll bet you could use the distraction.

Gloria: You're right…but an evening with the entire Lassiter family is not a distraction I need, especially with the revived war with the Greyhawks…that is bound to be what everyone is talking about. And I'm sure there will be lots of questions about my divorce…or lack of divorce from your father…a subject I'm in no mood to discuss.

Zachary: True, but I understood you are quite close to the Lassiters.

Gloria: I am…even though Johnnie died so long ago, I've always been close to them…they're like my second family, especially Adam and Margaret. I would've never gotten through losing Johnnie or found the strength to continue my education and become a doctor if it weren't for them. And they certainly were a big help with A.J. and Eric.

Zachary: And you don't want to be there to welcome them home?

Gloria: Well, I have to admit it would be nice to see them… hear about their adventures in Scotland.

Zachary: Not to mention that A.J. and Eric will probably be there…it would probably be nice to see your sons without a disaster being the cause.

Gloria: (nodding) That's true.

Zachary: This will give you a chance to forget your problems and spend some time with your family. I think you should go. It'll probably be a lot of fun.

Gloria: Well…Adam and Margaret always did know how to throw a great party. Okay, I’ll go. It might be fun. But are you planning to attend? Harry did say you were invited too.

Zachary: (smiling) Sure. I could use a party myself. Of course, you have to promise to save me a dance.

Gloria: (grinning) After how well you danced at Mama J's? That's a promise I wont have trouble keeping.

Zachary: Great. Then I'll see you there.

Gloria: It's a date. (She suddenly realized what she said, then turned away nervously) We'll see each other there.

Zachary: Right. (He glanced at his watch) Well, I have a meeting to get to. Talk to you later.

Gloria: Tonight if not before.

Zachary: Later. (Zachary walked out, breathing a sigh of relief) Thank God I got out of there before Gloria started questioning me again about that damn slip. I can't let her find out how I really feel about her. It would ruin everything! (Pause) But, we'll see each other tonight. I have that to look forward to...and I can't wait.

(Back in Gloria's office...)

Gloria: (frowning) It's a date. Gloria, how could you say something so stupid!? (She shook her head) I can't keep doing this. I've got to be careful about what I say around Zachary. He can't find out how I feel about him. It would ruin everything…I'd lose his friendship. I can't risk that. I have to have him in my life, even if it's only a little bit.

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; a restroom. Nigel and Kevin are there.

Kevin: Do you ever think about that summer, that time we had together?

Nigel: Of course. How could anyone ever forget falling in love in Rome? It was something very few people experience.

Kevin: You got that right. We stayed at a four star hotel and had a chauffeur at our disposal. Not the way most kids see Rome.

Nigel: (grinning) You know what I mean. It was a wonderful time.

Kevin: (nodding) Yes, it was.

Nigel: I still remember that little cafe we used to visit...the one near the hotel we stayed in.

Kevin: (smiling) Oh yes, it was run by that Italian couple...what was their names?

Nigel: Pietro and Amelia. Wonderful people...so loving and caring from the moment we met them. They really took a shine to us, didn't they?

Kevin: They sure did. They told us all the best sights to see, the places to explore, the stores to shot at. And they never steered us wrong. They made our trip so much better.

Nigel: I'll never forget them. I wonder why they were so kind to us...just a couple of kids tramping around the city.

Kevin: They were kind people...and they said it was pleasant watching two people fall in love for the first time.

Nigel: They said that?

Kevin: (nodding) Yep.

Nigel: (amazed) You mean they knew?

Kevin: (smiling, nodding) Nigel, we didn't hide it very well. We couldn't disguise how we looked at each other...the way we touched one another when we thought no one was looking. But, we didn't have to. We were in a foreign country where no one knew us, where we were strangers. There was no one watching us, no one looking over our shoulders. We could be who we wanted to be. We didn't have to pretend.

Nigel: (wistfully) No. We didn't have to pretend, did we? Things were so different then. It was another time...another life. Sometimes I wish that... (At that moment, someone walked into the bathroom. He looked at Kevin and Nigel strangely as he passed them by and went to a stall) I better go. I imagine Capt. Stone is waiting for me.

Kevin: Nigel, I.... (Kevin sighed) Sure. Maybe you better go. Bye.

Nigel: Goodbye, Kevin.

Kevin: (thinking) After all this time...after all that has happened, I still care about that man. He's still got a piece of my heart...God help me. God help both of us.

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Jake and A.J. are there.

A.J.: What do you mean by that crack, Jake?

Jake: It was a joke. Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.

A.J.: Oh, I shouldn’t be so touchy. Thing is, you’re right. My brother and I do keep giving Angela… and her sisters reason to be angry with us. Believe me, I don’t blame her for being upset with me. She’s only concerned about Melody.

Jake: How is Melody, by the way? I know how upset she was about everything that went on yesterday.

A.J.: Yes, but it all turned out fine.

Jake: I imagine she must still be pretty worried considering Reilly and Slade are still out there.

A.J.: She is, but like I told you...Reilly and Slade are probably long gone from Covington Bay. Have you gotten any leads on them at all?

Jake: No...have you?

A.J.: You say that as if you're think I'm trying to track them down.

Jake: If it's going to net you a hot story? I wouldn't put anything past you.

A.J.: I didn’t get anywhere in my career by not taking a few risks.

Jake: Even if they are stupid ones. (Pause) Look, A.J., I don’t want to get into all that. Did you talk to Eric before all this began?

A.J.: No, but I wish I could’ve. Maybe I could’ve done something to stop him. I can't see how Eric's going to get out of this mess without losing everything.

Jake: (sighing) I know. Losing his badge...the possibility of going to jail...it's a mess.

A.J.: And even if Eric avoids jail he'll still no longer be a cop and let's face it; this job was all Eric had. His whole world...his entire identity is about his being a cop. He's so self-destructive already. What's going to happen when the only thing left in his life is gone?

Jake: I don't know. I'm certainly worried. But, I don’t want to get off track. There really is something you should know. Eric was going to, but obviously all this happened before he had the chance.

A.J.: It sounds serious.

Jake: It is serious...maybe even dangerous.

Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; the Interrogation Room. Walter and Eric are there.

Eric: You're awfully quiet, Captain. And here I thought you'd at least congratulate me on my good taste. Melissa is a great girl.

Walter: Eric, I know you're trying to bait me...and it's not going to work. I won't let you get to me, not like this. I won't be forced to stoop to your level.

Eric: So you’re not happy about Melissa and I?

Walter: I know I wouldn't want the likes of you anywhere near my daughter...that's why you kept it quiet for all this time. You even convinced Melissa to keep a secret and she's never lied to me before.

Eric: Maybe she knew it was none of your business.

Walter: And maybe you have poisoned my daughter just like you've poisoned everything else in your life. But no more. You have enjoyed playing with my child, but it's over. You just saw the last you're ever going to see of her.

Eric: You can't stop me from seeing Melissa.

Walter: Oh, trust me, Eric, I can. I'm the chief of Homicide in this town. There's a lot I can do and get away with it.

Eric: You're going to start throwing your weight around? Captain, that's so unlike you.

Walter: I've seen how you treat women Eric, I won’t see that done to Melissa. You may have used what you laughingly call charm to hook her, but it's over. You will stay away from her or jail will be the least of your problems!

(A knock on the door cut through the tension in the room)

Walter: Come in! (Both Eric and Walter was surprised to see Nigel walk in)

Eric: Greyhawk!

Nigel: Hello, Eric...Captain Stone.

Walter: Mr. Greyhawk, I’ve been expecting you, but this it’s really inappropriate for you to be here. Why don't I show you to my office?

Nigel: Well, I’m actually here to see Eric.

Walter: What?

Eric: Really? You here to gloat, rub salt in the wound?

Nigel: We need to talk before this goes any further. There's a few things I need to say to you...alone.

Walter: Mr. Greyhawk, I really don't think that's a good idea.

Nigel: I don't think there'll be a repeat of what happened at my home, not in a police station with a guard right outside the door.

Walter: Yes, but Eric hasn't even met with his attorney yet.

Nigel: Look, all I want are a few moments alone with Eric. I think I'm owed that under the circumstances.

Walter: I suppose you’re right.

Eric: Don't I have anything to say about it?

Walter: What do you think? (Walter headed for the door) I'll be back in a few minutes. (Walter walked out)

Eric: I don't know what this is about, Greyhawk, but I'm not interested.

Nigel: Eric, if you would just give me a minute!

Eric: To what? Haven't you and your family done enough already!? Is this little chat the next step the scheme to ruin my family?

Nigel: No. I'm hoping to resolve this now.

Eric: How?

Nigel: By dropping the charges.

Eric: What!?

Nigel: I'm dropping the charges against you, Eric. That's why I came down to the station.

Eric: You're kidding right? This is a joke? Some sort of trick?

Nigel: No. I'm dropping the charges.

Eric: Why? Why would you let me off when you've got me where you want me?

Nigel: Oh, I'm not letting you off, Eric...not easily anyway. See, I will drop the assault charges against you. But only on one condition.

TO BE CONTINUED....