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Episode 87 "The Deal and |
Scene: Markham's. Victor Markham is in the office of his lavish Italian restaurant, going through some papers, but he's having trouble keeping his mind on work; his brown eyes scanning the same page over and over. Eventually, after a few moments of shuffling through the documents, he tossed his pen down and got up, starting to slowly pace the floor of his office, pulling a hand through his salt and colored hair.
Victor: (to himself) Well, everything is going well so far. I’ve got A.J. Lassiter and his wife
right where I want them… and they don’t suspect a thing.
(At that moment, there was a knock on the door) Come in.
(A tall man walked into the room. Appearing to be in his late thirties, he was handsome, with a strong, rugged face and dark blue eyes, the left of which possessed a tiny scar beneath it. He wore a pair of faded blue jeans and a snug fitting tee shirt that emphasized every muscle in his well developed physique. His thick hair was mostly blond, though slivers of gray had started to set in.)
Victor: Max; what are you doing here?
Max: (in a deep, rich Australian accent) Mr. Markham, there is something that I thought you should know.
Victor: What's that, Max? (Victor noted the troubled look in his employees' eyes) Is there something wrong? Some sort of problem?
Max: I'm afraid so. I think A.J. Lassiter found the bug I planted in his apartment.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Det. Jake Collier and A.J. Lassiter are standing near a set of metal gray filing cabinets in the bustling office.
A.J.: (puzzled, a concerned expression on his face) Dangerous? How so? What is going on? Is this about Reilly and Jenkins?
Jake: (shrugging his broad shoulders) I'm not sure…not yet. (Pause) Have you noticed anything strange or weird going on lately?
A.J.: Strange or weird? (He tapped his chin as if in thought) Let's see…. A woman I married while I was drunk shows up after six years, I nearly get killed by drug dealers, yesterday I was practically declared dead and buried by my family and friends, I get into a fist fight with my brother, who later is arrested for assaulting one of the most prominent citizens in town. And lets not forget that my family has become the target of a smear campaign in the press. (Pause as he shrugged, a sarcastic look on his face) Which strange or weird event would you be referring to?
Jake: (nodding; grinning) I get your point.
A.J.: (returning his smile) Good. Now why you tell me what this is all about? Exactly what has got you so concerned?
Jake: Well, I…
Sabrina: (interrupting)
Hello, Jake… A.J.
Jake: (turning) Hey, Mom.
(Sabrina, standing on her tip toes, kissed the handsome police detective on the
cheek; then turned and kissed A.J.)
A.J.: Hi, Aunt Sabrina. What are you doing here?
Jake: I called her about representing Eric.
Sabrina: (nodding) So, I guessed right. (Pause) You didn't say what you wanted over the phone, Jake, but once I heard the news on the radio, I figured that's what this sudden call to race down here was all about.
A.J.: Well, thanks for coming. (He clasped Jake on the shoulder) And I appreciate you making the call, Jake. I don't think Eric will appreciate it, but I do.
Jake: Hey, we're almost family. I have to do what I can.
Sabrina: I just wonder if Eric will even want me to be his attorney given how he feels about me. Did you tell him you tell him you phoned me, Jake?
Jake: Yes, and as expected he wasn't happy about it. He still considers you a traitor since you're representing Nathan James.
A.J.: Well, let's hope he's gotten some sense in his head and doesn't let that get in the way of his needing a good attorney.
Sabrina: (turning to AJ.) Seems you Lassiter boys always need a good lawyer, A.J.. You with your little marital problems with Patricia and now Eric. Can't you two stay out of trouble?
A.J.: Aunt Sabrina, you've known me all my life. What do you think?
Sabrina: (smiling) That you will continue to be the reason I can buy a new car every year. (Pause) Now, can I go see my client?
A.J.: Sure. I’d like to come with you… let Eric know I’m here and give a damn as much as he’ll care. (Pause) By the way, where is Michael? Usually the two of you are joined at the hip.
Sabrina: (hesitating) He has some other things to take care of. (Pause) Jake, where are they holding Eric?
Jake: Interrogation Room #1.
A.J.: Then, let's go.
Jake: (grabbing A.J.'s arm) Wait, A.J.. We weren't finished with our discussion.
A.J.: Can it wait until I’m done visiting Eric?
Jake: (hesitating as he let A.J. go) Well….sure…a few minutes won't matter.
A.J.: I'll catch up with you later.
(A.J. and Sabrina walked away)
Jake: (thinking) I'm sure a few minutes won't matter, A.J.. But I have to tell you about that bug, even though Eric doesn't want me too. Lord knows what kind of danger you could be in.
Scene:
Walter: (bursting into the office; rage burning in his eyes) Melissa, you and I need to talk.
Melissa: (shaking her head) Daddy, if you're going to tell me to stop seeing Eric, there really isn't anything to talk about. I love him and I need him.
Walter: He is no good for you!
Melissa: Oh, Daddy, how can you know anything about my relationship with Eric?
Walter: You're right…I don't…because you chose to keep it secret from me. And that tells me all I need to know.
Melissa: Like I said, that was only temporary.
Walter: Then when were you going to tell me about it?
Melissa: (shrugging) I wanted to tell you from the start…but Eric thought that we should keep it secret.
Walter: And why is that? What reason did he give you to lie to me!?
Melissa: He said you and he were having problems…that there had been difficulties between you after Pete Cooper's death.
Walter: Oh, you got that right. Eric has never been the model depiction of a police officer, but he's always done a damn good job and delivered the goods. That's why I've overlooked his many flaws...like his drinking, his womanizing and his general obnoxious behavior. But after Pete's death, he's fallen apart. His drinking has turned into a full fledged problem, he's even more obnoxious and rude than ever, his work habit are abysmal…he hasn't cleared a case since the nailing the James kid for Candice Dailey's murder.
Melissa: And you can't understand that he's grieving his friend? Pete Cooper was like a brother to him.
Walter: I'm aware of that and believe me, I've cut him a lot of slack. But, Melissa, you know his history. Why can't you see that he is not a man who can handle a relationship? You know what he did during his marriage.
Melissa: So he's had bad relationships in the past. Haven't we all? But, what we have is different.
Walter: And how is that?
Melissa: (shaking her head) Monica and Eric weren't right for one another. He never really loved her and was going to break up with her, but she got pregnant and he had to marry her and take responsibility for his daughter.
Walter: Even if that is the truth, which I doubt, he didn't exactly do a good job taking care of his wife or baby, did he?
Melissa: Daddy, he was miserable in that marriage. Monica didn't understand
him…she didn't understand his work and how much it means to him…and what it can
do to you seeing the worst the world has to offer day in and day out. Of course
it's not going to make him a suit and tie kind of guy who comes home at
Walter: Melissa, you can't compare what happened with your mother and I to Eric's marriage to Monica Greyhawk.
Melissa: But the situations are similar.
Walter: Eric's marriage to Monica Greyhawk didn't fail because she couldn't handle being the wife of a cop. Eric was verbally abusive to her…he bragged about the constant cheating he did…he considered his child an annoyance. Eric destroyed that marriage with his cruelty and inconsideration…and there is no way I'm going to stand by and see it happen to my daughter.
Melissa: Daddy, it won't happen to me! And knowing that, I'm not going to stop seeing Eric. I love him and he needs me now.
Walter: What he needs is a good attorney who can try and keep his butt out of jail…but if it's going to keep him away from you…prison is sounding like a real good idea to me.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Interrogation Room #1. Nigel Greyhawk and Eric Lassiter are there.
Eric: (shocked) A condition? You want me to agree to a condition before you'll drop charges that should've never been pressed in the first place? Is this some kind of joke?
Nigel: (grimly) No, Eric, because none of this is funny. And you should know by now that I don't have the greatest sense of humor.
Eric: Well, out of all the Greyhawks, you're the most dour that's for damn sure. But the fact of the matter is, I shouldn't have to agree to anything for you to drop the charges. I shouldn't even be here.
Nigel: Surely you can't think you've done nothing wrong! You intruded into my home and attacked me...assaulted me. You don't believe I had reason to want to see you arrested!?
Eric: I had to do something after that garbage your father plastered all over the front page of that rag he calls a newspaper.
Nigel: And you thought attacking me would make everyone see what a big mistake they made?
Eric: (shrugging) So, I got the wrong Greyhawk. Next time, I'll go for Big Daddy Greyhawk...or even Lucas will do.
Nigel: You know, Eric, you are really making me regret the decision I've made.
Eric: And what decision is that? To drop the charges if I do what? Publicly apologize? Get down on my hands and knees and beg? Shine and wax your car? Just what do you want from me!?
Nigel: (shaking his head) This is amazing. After all you've done, you're still trying to come across as the victim. You've learned nothing from this, have you?
Eric: Cut the lecture and get to the point, Greyhawk! What pound of flesh do you want in exchange for dropping the charges!?
Nigel: Eric, do you know the worst thing about all this?
Eric: You're going to have to wear makeup to cover that shiner I gave you?
Nigel: (ignoring the comment) It's what this did to Vicki.
Eric: (taken aback) Vicki?! What does she have to do with this?
Nigel: Eric, your daughter saw you get arrested today. It ripped her apart...she must've cried for about an hour. Monica had to keep her from school she as so upset.
Eric: I’m sure she’ll get over it. Bad things happen and there's damn little any of us can do to prevent most of it. Kids bounce back quickly. She’s probably forgotten already.
Nigel: Not likely. This is something that will be with her for a long time. It's going to take everyone's efforts to get her though this. When I married Monica, I swore I'd take care of her and that child. I never wanted anything bad to happen to either of them.
Eric: And yet it did, like I said, bad things happen. Is there a point to all this?
Nigel: Eric, I know that you haven't been....attentive to Vicki...your life keeps you very busy. But, she is your daughter. You must love her, want what is best for her.
Eric: And what is best for her, Nigel? Tell me because I'm sure you think you know.
Nigel: She needs not to be in the middle of this war between our families. She needs the support of the people that love her. She needs for all of us to look out for her and forget our differences and conflicts. She needs love...from all of us...unconditionally. I'm willing to do what I have to give that to her...and I know Monica is. It's time for you to do the same.
Eric: (nodding) I see. (He laughed bitterly) I finally see where this is heading.
Nigel: You do?
Eric: Yes. Your little deal is so obvious. You'll drop the charges if I agree to stay away from my daughter forever, right?
Nigel: Eric, I...
Eric: (interrupting) I'll bet that not only do you want me to stay away from Vicki, you want to adopt her or something...turn her into a full fledged Greyhawk. You'd probably even like to make her forget that I am her father and you're the Daddy...that she ever had anything to do with someone named Lassiter, isn't that it!? (Pause as Eric's eyes burned with rage and he threateningly approached Nigel) That’s what this is all about, isn’t it Greyhawk!?
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter's office. Walter and Melissa are there.
Melissa: Eric is not going to go to jail…not after I explain that this whole situation is my fault.
Walter: How is any of this your fault?
Melissa: The night that Eric had that…incident with Danny James, he was supposed to be at home with me. But, we got into an argument and he stormed out. He ran into Danny James and since Eric was already angry at me and given his history with the James family, things were bound to get out of hand.
Walter: And you think a fight with you excuses Eric harassing Danny James? Even if it did, what about Nigel Greyhawk? What about the fact that Eric intruded into the man's home and attacked him…choked him until he passed out?
Melissa: That never would've happened if it weren't for the article in the Journal…and the article would've never come about if it weren't for the incident with Danny James. Now do you understand?
Walter: No, I don't understand. I don't get how a perfectly intelligent young woman could let herself get so involved with a relationship that is bound to ruin her life. None of this is your fault, Melissa. No argument you and Eric had justifies his actions. What he did to Danny James was police harassment…what he did to Nigel Greyhawk was criminal and I don't think having a spat with his girlfriend is going to fly as a defense!
Melissa: Maybe it won't, but I will stand by Eric. I'm not going to turn away from him now.
Walter: Melissa, Eric's life is shot. He's has finally destroyed anything and everything decent he's ever had in his life. I won't have him hurt you more than he already has.
Melissa: Eric has never hurt me.
Walter: Really? You lied to me…you kept secrets from me…and Eric convinced you to do it.
Melissa: It wasn't completely his idea. I thought it was a good idea as much as he did.
Walter: There you go again...making excuses for everything Eric has done…mostly by blaming yourself. Melissa, he is definitely hurting you and it's got to end now before it gets worse.
Kevin: (standing in the doorway) I couldn't agree more.
Melissa: (looking up) Uncle Kevin!
Walter: (grimacing) Great. As if my day weren't bad enough already.
Kevin: (sarcastically) Hello, Walter. Good to see you too.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Interrogation Room #1. Nigel and Eric are there. Eric is threateningly approaching Nigel.
Eric: So how long did it take for you to come up with this plan, Greyhawk!? How long did you have to think before you and your father came up with the idea to steal my daughter!?
Nigel: Eric, if you would just listen!
Eric: Listen to what?! How you're going to take Vicki away from me in exchange for giving me back my job? Is my child the price for my career? Just what kind of sick barter system is that?!
Nigel: Eric, I have no intention of taking Vicki away from you.
Eric: Then what is this all about!? You'll only drop the charges if I stay away from Vicki, right?
Nigel: No, Eric. You wouldn't be more wrong. I want quite the opposite.
Eric: (stunned) What!?
Nigel: Eric, you are Vicki's father...and I respect that...and I certainly would never try to change that. Your daughter loves you...she wants you to be part of her life. She needs that from you. And that's what you're going to give her.
Eric: Come again?
Nigel: Let's face it, Eric. You have never been much a factor in Vicki's life...not when you were married to Monica and certainly not after. Until today you hadn't seen her in months.
Eric: (defensively) Great, I'm about to get the same lecture I get from Monica about how to be a good father.
Nigel: Actually no. Because Monica pleaded to your sense of decency and responsibility to get you to pay attention to your daughter. I'm appealing to something more innate; your sense of survival.
Eric: So what exactly are you saying here?
Nigel: I will drop the charges on the condition that you become a father to Vicki...that you actually play an active role in her life. No more promising to show up for her school events and blowing them off without a word. No more refusing to return her phone calls. No more pretending that she doesn't exist. In short, Eric, you will either become a parent...or you will go to jail. Can I make it any clearer than that?
Eric: No...and let me make this just as clear...go to hell, Greyhawk! There is no way I'm agreeing to this devil's bargain!
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; a hallway outside of the Homicide Department. Jake is standing there, shoving quarters in a vending machine. He punches a few buttons and a candy bar drops down. Taking it, he ripped open the package and wolfed half of it down in one bite.
Jake: (thinking) Why would anyone would plant a bug in your apartment, A.J.? Is it Markham? Reilly and Slade? Maybe the Greyhawks as part of their plan to ruin your family? Maybe even a rival reporter. It could be anyone. That's why I have to talk to you about it. I don't want anything to happen to you…or anyone close to you...like Melody. I imagine she's at your place a lot. That could put her in danger too. (Pause as he shakes his head) Isn't just like you, Jake, to get attracted to a woman who's in love with a man who's like a brother to you? (Pause, he spoke aloud) I've got to stop thinking about her…she's definitely a woman I don't have a chance with.
Voice: Oh really?
Jake: (turning to face Melody; startled at the sight of her) Melody, hello.
Melody: (smiling) Hi, Jake. So tell me…who is this woman you don't have a chance with…and what can I do to change that?
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; a hallway outside the Interrogation Room. A.J. and Sabrina are there.
A.J.: I appreciate you coming down here to help Eric, Aunt Sabrina.
Sabrina: I just hope I can. Sounds like Eric has got himself in a bit of a bind.
A.J.: (nodding) I know...but if anyone can help him, you can.
Sabrina: Thanks for the confidence. I just hope Eric appreciates it.
A.J.: I have no doubt that he won't...or at least he'd never admit it anyway.
Sabrina: Just like he'd never admit that he appreciates you standing by him.
A.J.: No he wouldn't...and he sure doesn't deserve it...but he's the only brother I got. And for some strange reason, I love the jerk...even though I don't like him very much.
Sabrina: You know, A.J., you don't have to go in with me. You and Jake looked like you were having a pretty serious discussion when I got here.
A.J.: We were...but Jake did say it could wait. Though I have to admit I am concerned.
Sabrina: Don't tell me there's more trouble on the horizon?
A.J.: I don't know.
Sabrina: (frowning) Could it have anything to do with those men that tried to kill you and Patricia the other night? They were employees of Victor Markham, right?
A.J.: Rumor has it. Markham denies it though.
Sabrina: Of course. Criminals usually do deny things like that. (Pause) When did Markham deny it? I don't remember reading anything in the press about his commenting on that entire situation.
A.J.: (realizing his mistake; he certainly couldn't let anyone know about his alliance with Markham) It's for a story I'm working on for the future.
Sabrina: Well, be careful, A.J.. Victor Markham is a very dangerous man. And if he was involved with those hit men, there's even more reason to worry about him.
Scene: Markham's; Victor's office. Victor and Max are there.
Victor: What? How could Lassiter have found the bug!? I thought you said it was well hidden.
Max: (defensively) It was, Mr. Markham, very well hidden.
Victor: Then how did Lassiter find it!?
Max: As I said, I'm not sure if he found it or not.
Victor: What do you mean?
Max: I was listening in at Lassiter's apartment just like you wanted. He and his girlfriend were talking about finding his door open when he got home last night.
Victor: Another stupid mistake you made.
Max: And I apologize for that. But as I explained when I saw him pull into the parking garage, I had to get out of there....I hadn't even planted the bug yet. I was in a hurry, but it turned out okay...Lassiter didn't suspect a thing.
Victor: So you say...but go on.
Max: This morning his brother Eric, the cop you told me about, dropped by. Eric starts digging at A.J. about his marriage to the Tamakai woman. Things got really nasty and they started fighting. A.J. must've knocked his brother down because he hit the table where I planted the bug.
Victor: (annoyed; interrupting) So you think it could've fallen or Eric spotted it?
Max: I'm not sure...because if Eric Lassiter did see the bug he didn't let on. Right after that, he left. Then a woman, A.J. called her Angela, I guess she’s his girlfriend’s sister, shows up and she and A.J. get into it. She was all over A.J. about his being married to Patricia Tamakai and how her sister got hurt over it. I tell you that lady was a real hellcat; she ripped Lassiter a new one. It didn't get violent, but the lady has a way with words.
Victor: Well, Angela Sorensen does have a reputation for not being a genteel woman.
Max: And why shouldn't she? Lassiter's a dog for treating his lady that way.
Victor: (eyeing his employee strangely) Sure. (Pause) Look, do you think they found the bug?
Max: If they did, no one was letting on. They were too busy hashing out their personal problems. And would they do that if they knew someone was listening in?
Victor: Or it could've been a decoy. Lassiter could be onto us.
Max: If he found it, do you think he suspects we planted it.
Victor: Given the fact that I just entered his life and made him that bargain to work with him to find Reilly and Slade then no less than twenty four hours later he finds a bug in his house? I'm the first person he'd suspect. Lassiter's no fool.
Max: Read the front page of the Times lately...it seems no one in that family is exactly a brain trust.
Victor: (sighing) Enough about the personal foibles of the Lassiters, Max. That only matters if we can use them to our advantage. (Pause) We need to find out if the bug has been discovered.
Max: I could check out Lassiter’s place...see if it's been tampered with. If it was moved or even touched...I'd be able to tell.
Victor: Any chance of Lassiter showing up like last night?
Max: (shaking his head) I checked. He's at the police station...probably to help out that brother of his. You did hear about Eric Lassiter being arrested, didn't you?
Victor: Of course...but that matters little to me. My focus is on A.J. and our plan working. Yours should be too, Max. Now get over to A.J.'s place and see what you can find out.
Max: Will do. (Pause) Oh, and could you have your chef or cook or whatever Pietro calls himself to make up that chili using the recipe I gave him? I really got a hankering for it.
Victor: (sighing) Max, this is an Italian restaurant.
Max: (shrugging) He can put some pasta in it...it goes real good with that chili. See ya later! (Max walked out)
Victor: (sighing as she slumped into his chair) Sometimes I really shouldn't make promises to friends to hire their children.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Interrogation Room #1. Eric and Nigel are there.
Nigel: Devil's bargain? Is that what you think this is!?
Eric: Of course it is. You want to tell me where to go and what to do... dance to your tune. Is having a Lassiter at your bidding better than having one behind bars?
Nigel: (incredulously) You have got to be the most self absorbed man I have ever known! Get this, Eric, this is not about you! You are not the victim! Do you think I want you in my life!? Do you think I want you anywhere near me or my family!? You are a foul mouthed, vindictive, mean spirited man...and you belong in jail! But Vicki needs her father, that’s what this is about! It's all about her...that sweet little girl and making her life the best it can possibly be. It's what I want...it's what you should want too.
Eric: (surprised) You're serious, aren't you?
Nigel: Of course I am. I would never play games with that child's life.
Eric: But it won’t work. It’s just not going to happen.
Nigel: And why not? You can't love your daughter? That should be easy, that should be like breathing.
Eric: That isn't...that isn't what I mean. I’m talking about your father.
Nigel: What does he have to do with anything?
Eric: You might care about Vicki, but Quentin Greyhawk doesn't.
Nigel: You're wrong. My father cares for Vicki. He's been very kind and loving to her since Monica and I were married.
Eric: And we know what a good liar he is. What he wants more than anything he wants is revenge against me and my family. You were there earlier today...he was salivating when he saw me dragged off to jail. He's probably dancing in the streets...I can only imagine the article he's going to have on the front page of the Times in the morning...hell, he might even publish a special edition this afternoon just for the occasion. He won't be happy about this...in fact, I think pissed to hell will be mild to how he's going to react. How you gonna deal with that?
Nigel: (hesitating) I'll deal with that. But why do you care?
Eric: (shrugging) I don't. However, he won't let you go through with this plan....he'll try to talk you out of it or get the charges pressed on his own.
Nigel: He can't talk me out of it. And he can't get the charges pressed on his own. He wasn't there during the...attack, neither was Monica. All I have to say is that I hit you first and that you were defending yourself...or that the whole thing was a big misunderstanding.
Eric: You think people will believe that you, Nigel Greyhawk, attacked me?
Nigel: I'll make it believable.
Eric: You never struck me as being a good liar.
Nigel: I’ll do what I have to. Look, I will I will handle my father and I will handle what I tell the police. It's really not your problem. What is your problem is helping your daughter get though this. Are you willing to do what it takes to accomplish that!?
Eric: It doesn't look like I have much of a choice. I either play Daddy or go to jail. You got it, Greyhawk. You win.
Nigel: No, Vicki wins. (sighing) At least I hope so.
Eric: So what happens now? You go drop the charges and we all get on with our lives?
Nigel: Actually, no. Before we do anything else, there's a few things we need to get straight between us. Or this deal is off right now.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Walter's office. Walter, Melissa and Kevin are there.
Walter: Kevin, what are you doing here?
Kevin: Surprisingly enough, I'm here for the same reason you are...to convince Melissa to cut Eric from her life.
Melissa: I've already told you, Uncle Kevin, I will not leave Eric. I love him and I need him in my life. He needs me.
Walter: (to Kevin) You knew about this relationship?
Kevin: I found out about it a couple of days ago...and believe me, I am no happier about it that you are.
Walter: Is that supposed to be some sort of comfort?
Kevin: Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day that we'd agree on anything.
Walter: Get out of here, Kevin. This is a private discussion between family, which you are not!
Kevin: I care about Melissa just as much as you do. And I want what's best for her.
Walter: And what would you know about what's best for anyone, Kevin!?
Melissa: Don't talk about me as if I weren't here! I am an adult and I will live I my life I see fit...and Eric is part of that life. No matter what happens to him, I won't desert him. I won't! (Melissa walked out, slamming the door behind her)
Walter: Melissa! Melissa!
Kevin: Let her go, Walter. There's no talking to her...not now.
Walter: Somebody's gotta talk some sense into her!
Kevin: I have tried ever since I found about this! But there's no getting through to her. She's convinced that she is in love with Eric and that he loves her. She doesn't see him for the man she is and she refuses to listen!
Walter: But I am her father!
Kevin: A lot of good that has done her! This affair has been going on for months and you never saw a thing.
Walter: They were good at hiding it.
Kevin: Really? Eric works here...Melissa is your daughter! I know she doesn't live at home anymore, but certainly you must see her on occasion. Don't you wonder what's going on in her life...who she's seeing...what she's doing? Do you even ask?
Walter: I don't need you to tell me about my relationship with my child!
Kevin: What relationship? Last I heard things weren't exactly
gangbusters between you and Melissa. She told me how you've practically
ignored her and Richie
since you divorced their mother and she moved to
Walter: And she didn't listen to me then, either.
Kevin: Thank God she didn't. It was a wonderful service and she was there to show how much she cared for and loved Alec. Too bad we can't say the same for Richie...you managed to coerce him into not coming when I know how badly he wanted to be there.
Walter: I only told Richie that it was inappropriate.
Kevin: To what? Mourn his dead uncle? Or is it mourning his dead uncle who died of AIDS that's the problem?
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Homicide Division. Melody and Jake are standing near a row of file cabinets.
Melody: So, Jake, the woman you care about who you don't have a chance with. Who is she?
Jake: Oh...her.
Melody: Yes, her. Who is she? Anybody I know?
Jake: (shaking his head) No, I don't think so. We works here at the station...Vice. We went out a few times and I thought that...I thought it was going somewhere. Turns out I was wrong. She just told me that all she wanted was to be friends.
Melody: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Jake: So was I.
Melody: Well, you're there are a lot of women out there, Jake, and many of them would appreciate a nice guy like you.
Jake: Oh, sure.
Melody: Yes, sure. You have a lot of qualities that women look for. You're definitely handsome... (she playfully squeezed his biceps) ....you seem like you're in pretty good shape. You've got all your fingers and toes... (she looked down at his sneakered feet) ...at least I think so. You have a good job...and you're straight. (She grinned, looking up at him) You are straight, aren't you?
Jake: Of course I am...not that there's anything wrong with it.
Melody: (giggling) I'm just asking because I know lots of guys who would be interested. Kevin Lassiter...my uncle Gary...and...
Jake: Don't go any further. Both Kevin and Gary are great looking guys, but I'm not gay. And even if I were, neither of them are really my type.
Melody: (laughing) Well, you do have a sense of humor. Another qualities the ladies like. (Pause) Look, I know that you're probably licking your wounds over this Vice lady, but why don't you let me set you up?
Jake: (shaking his head) Melody, I don't think so.
Melody: Why not? I work in a hospital. I know lots of single women and some of them would be perfect for you.
Jake: Maybe, but...
Melody: But what? I know we don't know each other that well...but I have a good sense about you. I think I know exactly the kind of woman you'd like.
Jake: Is that why you came down here? To play matchmaker?
Melody: Playing matchmaker was a spur of the moment thing. Actually I came here to see A.J.. No. I heard about what happened with Eric and when I called the Journal to see how he was doing, they said he was here. I thought I'd come down and see if he could use some support.
Jake: I'm sure A.J. will appreciate that. It's a nice gesture.
Melody: A.J. needs me. Where else would I be?
Jake: (nodding) Of course. And I think he'll need your support. This is a pretty ugly situation.
Melody: It's awful. I just can't believe it all. That disgusting article in the Times. And then Eric attacking Nigel Greyhawk and getting arrested. How do things look for him?
Jake: Grim. I just hope my mother can help him.
Melody: Sabrina's representing him?
Jake: If Eric will let her. I just hope for once in his life he does the right thing.
Scene: Covington Bay Police Department; Interrogation Room #1. Nigel and Eric are there.
Eric: More conditions? Haven't you laid down enough already?
Nigel: No. What I've done is extended the offer...now that you've accepted, we need to get down to specifics.
Eric: Such as?
Nigel: Well, number one, Every Saturday morning at
Eric: (shocked) You can't be serious!?
Nigel: Eric, one thing you learn real quick when you're a parent is that you don't get to sleep in.
Eric: And what if I've been up late working on a case or I'm following a hot lead that I can't pass up when I'm supposed to be visiting Vicki!?
Nigel: I know you're a cop and sometimes you might have to work weekends, especially if you're on an important assignment...but for the most part, you're undoubtedly free. So unless you have an excuse like being in the middle of a shootout or something, there are no excuses and you will show up at the time I have requested.
Eric: You mean demanded?!
Nigel: Phrase it however you want. The point is you will be there. You will be sober, shaved and adopt a decent attitude during the time you are with Vicki. No rude, obnoxious or distasteful behavior. And as far as Vicki is concerned, we are one big happy family. There won't even be a hint of the discord between the Greyhawks and the Lassiters.
Eric: That's going to be difficult to hide.
Nigel: Maybe, but we are all going to make an effort. We have to for Vicki's sake.
Eric: What am I supposed to do all day with an eight year old child?
Nigel: (shaking his head) You haven't a clue about how to be a parent, do you? Eric, there are a world of things you can do with a child. Visits to the zoo, going to the park, reading them a story...the sky's the limit. Or fishing...do you know Vicki loves to fish?
Eric: (nodding) Yeah... Granddad taught her how. (Eric looked slightly embarrassed) She was always asking me to take her.
Nigel: Actually you promised to take her but you never did. Well, now you have a chance to do that.
Eric: Is that all?
Nigel: Of course not.
Eric: How come that doesn't surprise me?
Nigel: I'm really getting tired of sparring with you, Eric. Your options are limited here so I suggest you stop giving me a hard time. (Pause) Now at first, your visits will take place at Greyhawk Manor.
Eric: You expect me to spend the day at that crypt you call a house?
Nigel: (ignoring Eric's protest) And while either Monica or I won't stay in the same room, your time with Vicki will be monitored. And naturally if you want to take her off the estate, one of us must go with you.
Eric: (angrily) You're nuts if you're saying I can't spend time alone with my own kid!
Nigel: Don't play the parent being denied of their rights, Eric, it's role a for which you are poorly miscast. (Pause) I don't trust you alone with Vicki...and I know Monica wouldn't feel comfortable with it either. This is the way it has to be and it's non-negotiable. Maybe if through some miracle you actually prove you're a decent parent that might change. But for right now that is the way it has to be. You got it?
Eric: (begrudgingly) I guess so.
Nigel: One last thing. Don't renege on this deal in any way. If you don't show you on time for your visits with Vicki, stone cold sober and show nothing less than complete love to your daughter and common respect to me, Monica or anyone else you encounter at Greyhawk Manor, you will regret it. I'll find a way to bring these charges against you and you'll be right back where you started from. Is that clear?
Eric: (smirking) Clear.
Nigel: Good. Now, we'll go and meet with Captain Stone and arrange to have the charges dropped. Once that is taken care of...you and I are going to Greyhawk Manor.
Eric: Why? I thought you said our deal was for Saturdays.
Nigel: You're right, it is. But, we've got a lot of reparations to make. We have to talk to Vicki, calm her down...make her understand that this whole thing was a big misunderstanding. She has to know that what she saw today was resolved. Not only that, you're going to assure her that you are going to be a factor in her life...and you always will be.
Eric: Always is a long time. Do you really expect to keep this hanging over my head for the rest of my life?
Nigel: Eric, is it inconceivable that once you start spending time with Vicki and get to know your daughter that you might fall head over heels in love with her? I know it took me about a minute after I met her. Surely you can consider that possibility?
Eric: (after pausing, a flicker of emotion in his eyes) The only thing I'm considering is that I underestimated you.
Nigel: What does that mean?
Eric: You might not be much in the boxing ring, but you're a pretty tough guy, Nigel. I always thought of you as the wimpy Greyhawk.
Nigel: I'm glad you realize that. It'll make it clear to you that this is no game...this is Vicki's life. Don't test me...not even once.
(As the two men glared at one another, the door swung open and Sabrina and A.J. walked in)
Sabrina: (shocked) What in the world is going on here!? What are you two doing together? This is completely inappropriate!
Nigel: Hello, Mrs. Collier. I assume you're here to represent Eric.
Sabrina: Yes. But what is this all about? Why are you here, Nigel?
Nigel: Eric and I were just having a little chat.
A.J.: What could you and Eric possibly have to talk about? Comparing war wounds? Thanks to my brother, that's a club I could join.
Eric: Why don't the two of you take off and take your self righteous attitudes with you...I don't need either of you here.
Sabrina: Eric, I realize I'm not on your list of favorite attorneys, but you need one. From what I hear you're in a pretty dicey situation.
A.J.: Yes, Eric, this is no time to hold grudges.
Eric: There's always time to hold a grudge...but that has nothing to do with why I don't want the two of you here. I don't need a lawyer. Greyhawk and I have worked it all out.
A.J.: Worked it out? What does that mean?
Nigel: Eric and I have come to an understanding. This whole thing has been resolved...and I'm dropping the charges.
A.J.: Dropping the charges!? Are you serious!?
Eric: Disappointed big brother?
A.J.: Despite the fact that you could use a little taking responsibility for your actions, I don't want to see you in jail or lose your badge. (Pause) I'd just like to know why? What's this all about? I can't fathom why you'd drop the charges. Not only do you have Eric dead to rights, but isn't this just the thing that your father would use in his quest to destroy my family? Why in the world would you let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers?
Nigel: I'm just doing what needs to be done.
A.J.: Why? What could make you do this? Did Eric say something to you? (Pause) Did he threaten you?
Eric: (chuckling) That's it, A.J., always thinking the best of me.
Nigel: Look, A.J., the reasons are my own. I'm doing what I have to. I don't think I really need to explain myself.
Sabrina: Well, I can't imagine why you'd do this, Nigel, but if it's going to lighten my work load, I'm all for it.
Nigel: I'll leave you family members to hash this out...Eric will you meet me in Captain Stone's office momentarily?
Eric: I'll be right there. (Nigel walked out)
A.J.: Eric, are you going to explain what this is all about? I'm baffled.
Eric: (smirking) That must be tough for a know-it-all like yourself.
Sabrina: Well, before the two of you give me another client to defend, let's part company now. Eric, I'm not going to get into what happened...nor what your mother will think when she finds out. But, I'm glad it worked out. (Pause) A.J., can you walk me out, I'd like to talk to you.
A.J.: Sure. (Pause) Eric, I don't know what went on here...but you've got luck you don't deserve to have. (A.J. and Sabrina walked out)
Eric: (muttering) Yeah...real lucky.
TO BE CONTINUED....