EPISODE 89

“CRY”

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the nurses station. Dana Cooper is there alone, absentmindedly filing some patient charts. The young African-American nurses' mind is not on her work; she has a faraway expression in her chocolate brown eyes.

Dana: (to herself) How could I have let this happen? How I have been so stupid? I'm still married to Danny after all these years! Why didn't I look into the guy that handled by divorce from Danny? Why!? (rage ripe in her voice) Damn you, Danny James! Damn you!

Voice: Dana? Dana, what's wrong?

Dana: (looking up into Zachary's concerned expression) Zachary !

Zachary: I just heard you saying something about Danny. Is there something wrong? Has he done something to you?

Dana: Besides annoy me? No.

Zachary: (suspiciously) Really because you look a lot more than annoyed.

Dana: Danny James always upsets me...and why shouldn't he? There has to be some price to be paid for having been foolish enough to marry that bastard.

Zachary: Dana, what exactly did Danny do to upset you so this time?

Dana: It doesn't matter.

Zachary: Yes it does. You've kept so much about your relationship with that man from me already....you can't continue to do that. Not if...

Dana: If what? If we're going to continue to see one another.

Zachary: (hesitating) I just don't think there should be secrets in a relationship...of any sorts...and we've had enough of those already.

Dana: Zachary, don't you understand why I didn't tell you about my marriage to Danny? It's not exactly something I'm very proud of. I'd like to forget I ever knew the man, but I can't. I just can't!

Zachary: Why not? It’s obvious he's done something to bother you. What are you trying not to tell me?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the eighth floor where the Intensive Care Unit is located. Danny James is standing outside of Nathan's hospital room, looking though the window at his unconscious brother, who is hooked up to an array of monitors and machines. Abby Jefferson stands alongside him; the concern in her face just as serious and intense.

Abby: Danny, he's been like that for so long. Do you think he'll ever wake up?

Danny: He's got to. (Pause) It can't end like this.

Abby: He doesn't deserve it...not after all he's been through. Not after the rough life he's had. (Pause) It's all so unfair! He was just getting his life together before all this began. He got out of the gangs...had a decent job...he was even going to go back to school.

Danny: I know. He was certainly going to make more of himself than I ever did...or ever will.

Abby: But all of that changed. It all went away when...

Danny: When he met Candice Dailey? That is what you were going to say, wasn't it Abby?

Abby: Danny, I don't like to speak ill of the dead. Lord knows that poor girl suffered terribly with what the man who killed her did to her. But I just can't help but think that if Nathan had of never got involved with her none of this would've ever happened. That relationship brought him...all of us...nothing but trouble and heartache.

Danny: Believe me, I agree Nathan should've never gotten hooked up with that girl. Boy didn't have enough sense to know that rich people...especially rich white people...are not the kind of people we need to be getting hooked up with. It's bound to lead to nothing but a mess. I just wish I'd seen it. I wish I would've saw what he was doing and stopped it.

Abby: So do I.

Danny: Can I ask you a question, Abby?

Abby: Sure. What?

Danny: Why are you here? Why have you stood by Nathan from the minute this whole thing started?

Abby: Danny, I love him. You know that. Where else would I be?

Danny: Lots of other places besides with the guy that dogged you.

Abby: Danny, there's no use holding a grudge against Nate, not now. What good would me hating him do? He suffering enough already.

Danny: Maybe. But let's face it. Nathan messed around on you. You were as much in the dark about the thing he had goin' with Candice as the rest of us.

Abby: You're right. Nate did cheat on me; he hurt me so bad and in a lot of ways I'm still angry at him for that. But he needs me. He needs everyone to stand beside him. Having his family and the people who care about him be there for him is the only way he's going to get through this. (Abby turned to the window to look at the unconscious teenager lying in the bed) I just wish he'd wake up. He has to recover from this heart attack...he has to.

Mama J.: (walking up) And he will. No way we're going to let that boy get away with lying in that bed loafing'.

Danny: (turning) Mama J.. How are you?

Mama J.: Don't worry about me, Danny, I'm fine. How are you? (She pulled her into his arms)

Danny: I'm fine.

Mama J.: Thank the Lord. We were all so worried about you when you disappeared from the hospital and then didn't show up for work last night. I thought something bad happened to you.

Danny: I'm fine, Mama J., I'm fine.

Mama J.: (suddenly looking annoyed) Then where have you been!?

Danny: Well, I...

Mama J.: How could you just disappear at a time like this when your brother needs you the most, not to mention skipping a day of work without a word to anyone?

Danny: I had something to take care of.

Mama J.: (crossing her arms) Really? What would that something be?

Abby: (suddenly looking uncomfortable) I think I'm gonna get a soda or something.

Mama J.: Why don't you try goin' to school? Don't you have a Math test about now?

Abby: But, Mama J.! What about Nathan?

Mama J.: Nathan ain't going anywhere. I guarantee he'll still be here when you get back. Now scoot. You didn't do all that studying to get an F because you didn't show up. Get on outta here girl!

Abby: (sighing) Sure. I'll be back when I'm done with the test.

Mama J.: You'll be back when school is over. I better not see you around her for at least 3 hours or you will be sorry.

Abby: (She kissed her on the cheek) Okay, then. I'll be back right after class. Bye Danny.

Danny: Bye. (Abby walked away) That's a good girl you got there.

Mama J.: Yes, she's certainly changed a lot since she came to live with me after what happened with her mama and daddy. (Pause) But let's not change the subject. I want to know about you.

Danny: What about me?

Mama J.: Boy, don't even try to look innocent with me. Your brother was supposed to be taken back to jail yesterday and you knew that. You said you'd be there for him during his transfer, but you weren't because he has a heart attack. He's in critical condition...he could've died. If Richie Stone hadn't of found him when he did, he may have.

Danny: Look, Mama J., I'm sorry if I wasn't here. I certainly didn't want to be away from Nathan now and I didn't intend to miss work either.

Mama J.: Danny, you forget I've known you your entire life. Everything you do is intentional and it usually gets you into trouble. I just want to know what kind of mess you're getting yourself into!?

Danny: None.

Mama J.: Don't bother lying to me; you know that's something you can't get away with.

Danny: I know you're upset about me missing work and I'll make it up to you.

Mama J.: Danny, I am upset about you blowing off your shift, but that isn't my main concern. The fact that you weren't here for the only family you have is more troubling to me. You have been at Nathan's side since he was arrested for murder, but all of a sudden you disappear at a critical time. I can't help but think that you wouldn't stay away unless you were in trouble or making trouble for yourself.

Danny: Mama J., can we talk about this later? Have you talked to Darian ? Has he told you anything about Nathan's condition?

Mama J.: Stop trying to change the subject with me, I'm not having it! I suspected you were up to some foolishness the other day and now I'm certain of it. You're going to tell me what you were doing today, Danny James, instead of being here and you're going to tell me now!

Scene: The offices of Dr. Gary Sorensen. Gary is standing in his office, staring thoughtfully out of his ten story window.

Gary: (thinking) Well, it's been a day since I had lunch with Derek Kendall and I haven't heard from him yet. I thought he would've gotten in touch with me...at least I hope he had. I still can't believe he's popped up in town after all these years, after all that has happened....(There was a knock on the door) Come in.

Hillary: (walking in) Hey, Uncle Gary.

Gary: What's up?

Hillary: One of my patients cancelled so I'm going to go out for a couple hours.

Gary: Really? (He grinned) Playing a little hooky?

Hillary: Hardly. I'm going to drop by Greyhawk Manor and see Monica. I just got off the phone with her...she's very upset about what happened there this morning.

Gary: Can you blame her? Nigel attacked...and Eric arrested for it...and Vicki witnessing that arrest. Both Monica and Vicki must be devastated. How could Eric have done such a thing? What was he thinking?

Hillary: Uncle Gary, you know as well as I do that Eric has never been the type to think about anything. He was certainly thoughtless when it came to Monica and Vicki during their marriage. But, I can't believe he would risk his career over it though. I know from working with Eric during my police psychiatrist days that his career is everything to him.

Gary: So you've said. I wonder how he's going to react to losing his job...maybe even his freedom? We both know what could happen to a man when he has nothing left.

Hillary: You're not talking about Eric anymore, are you? This is about Derek Kendall, I guess.

Gary: Hillary, I told you last night at dinner that he's all that has been on my mind.

Hillary: I take it you haven't heard from him yet?

Gary: (standing near a huge window in his office; staring out on the city streets below) Not yet...not since I met him for lunch at the Bay Club the other day.

Hillary: Well, I guess since you're so concerned about him this means that if he does come to see you, you will continue therapy with him, won't you?

Gary: (nodding) How can I say no? Hillary, he's suffered so much...losing his wife and child...going to jail for nearly killing Glenn Dailey and his wife. And prison had to be so difficult for a man like him. He had such a bright career...he was such a talented writer...probably one of the best reporters the Journal ever had.

Hillary: Shame it all had to go to waste.

Gary: But it doesn't have to go to waste, Hillary. Maybe I can help Derek...maybe I can finally give him some peace so he can put all this pain behind him and make up for not helping him before.

Hillary: Uncle Gary, you've got to stop blaming yourself for what happened. You couldn't have predicted how close to the edge he was.

Gary: But I should've seen it. I was his shrink...I should've seen his pain. But, I didn't and he almost killed two innocent people because of it. And now I have a second chance to help him.

Hillary: And what about your doubts? You told me yourself that Derek Kendall was a very devious, very deceitful man and you wasn't sure if you could trust that he's here to exorcise his demons...that he could be here to make trouble...maybe exact revenge on Glenn Dailey for the death of his wife and child.

Gary: He says he doesn't blame him anymore. He says he realizes none of that was Glenn's fault.

Hillary: Which may be true. But he has no family here...certainly no friends left. He shouldn't be in this town.

Gary: I agree, but he seems to think Covington Bay is the place to start his life over.

Hillary: And if that's just a ruse and he's really up to no good?

Gary: Hillary, I have a better handle on him now. If his reasons for returning to town are less than honorable, I can figure that out and stop him before he does anything. But if he just wants to get his life back together then maybe I can help him I can do that. Either way I'm going to treat this man. I just hope he comes back to me for help. (Pause) Of course, no matter what, I do have a concern.

Hillary: Which is?

Gary: I'm concerned about Glenn and Gloria Dailey. I wonder they'll feel when they find out the man who tried to murder them is back in town?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Gloria Lassiter-Dailey walks out of a patients room, writing on a chart. Sabrina steps off a nearby elevator and walks up to her former sorority sister.

Sabrina: Hey, Glo.

Gloria: Hello, Sabrina.

Sabrina: How's it going?

Gloria: (sighing) Not good. Just checked on Sam Johnson and his condition hasn't changed.

Sabrina: I'm sorry to hear that. David's been spending so much time here at the hospital with his mother...I've hardly seen him.

Gloria: Could that have anything to do with the fact that you're a very busy attorney too?

Sabrina: (smiling) A little. (Pause) So how are you doing? I am worried about you...especially after how you left the courthouse earlier.

Gloria: I've calmed down...at least as much as I can under the circumstances. I was really looking forward to getting that divorce. I was ready to get on with my life, you know?

Sabrina: I know and I'm sorry.

Gloria: (as they started walking down the corridor) Sabrina, it's not your fault. I don't blame you.

Sabrina: I know you don't...but maybe I should've seen this coming. I should've suspected Glenn would try something.

Gloria: Could anyone have imagined that Glenn would use his own daughter's murder to further his cause?

Sabrina: (as they stopped at the elevator and Gloria pressed the up button) I have to admit...as much as I hate the guy even I didn't think he was that sleazy. (Pause) So what did A.J. have to say when you talked to him about it?

Gloria: A.J.? I haven't seen or heard him today.

Sabrina: (as the elevator door slid open and after people got off, they got on) Really? I could've sworn I saw his car in the parking lot and he came here to specifically talk to you.

Gloria: (pressing the sixth floor button) Maybe something delayed him.

Sabrina: (the elevator doors sliding close) Maybe. But what?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Glenn's office. Dr. Glenn Dailey and A.J. Lassiter are there.

A.J.: You know, Glenn, in the six years that you've been married to my mother, I have seen you do some selfish, disgusting things to manipulate and keep her married to you, but using Candice's death is the worst! Don't you have any honor or dignity...if not for yourself, then for Candice!?

Glenn: I will not be sorry for what I have done! I am grieving my daughters' murder! Her killer remains unconvicted for her crime! I need time to heal from that pain and see that Nathan James pays for what he's done! It's a very stressful time and the judge saw that. It's why he delayed the divorce until Nathan's trial is over.

A.J.: You really expect me to believe this is about Candice's death!?

Glenn: I happened to have loved my daughter!

A.J.: You loved your daughter just like you love everyone else...as long as you're able to control them. The minute they try to wiggle out from under your grip or think for themselves, you turn on them or do whatever you have to get them back in line. I've seen you in action with Candice, Zachary, Laura and my mother. But it's over! The manipulation stops! You are not going to get away with this!

Glenn: I'm not trying to get away with anything, A.J.. Like I said, I'm emotionally unprepared to deal with the pain of a divorce right now. I need this time to heal and to see justice done. Now if during that time, Gloria and I come together as we should, then that's just a happy byproduct.

A.J.: That will never happen. My mother is through with you. She'll never take you back...why can't you accept that and let her go!?

Glenn: I've had enough of this, A.J.. Get out!

A.J.: Do you really think I'm that easy to get rid of!? You hurt one of the most important people in my life; I'm not about to walk out of here and let you off the hook. I told you that you will pay for this and I meant it.

Glenn: And just what are you going to do?

A.J.: My mother and Aunt Sabrina might want to play nice and let the legal system handle this, but I'm not so inclined, not when I can resolve this so much more quickly.

Glenn: Is this some sort of threat? Are you going to attack me if I don't do what you say? I thought your brother was the violent one in the family.

A.J.: I don't need to use fists when words that draw just as much blood.

Glenn: Oh, I get it. You're going to write nasty articles about me, is that it?

A.J.: Let's just say I know you've got skeletons in your closet, Glenn. The ugliness surrounding your first marriage, that mess with Derek Kendall and who knows what else I can dig up?

Glenn: You'd resort slinging mug and scandal sheet gossip? (Glenn shook his head) I always thought you were nothing more than an tabloid journalist, A.J., I guess I was right.

A.J.: Oh, don't worry, Glenn. I'm pretty talented...I can make the most salacious story sound like Pulitzer Prize winning material.

Glenn: Well, it's not going to work. The situations surrounding my first marriage and that nutcase Derek Kendall are common knowledge...it's already made all papers. No one cares about events that took place years ago.

A.J.: Believe me, I'll make them care. And I won't stop with you. I'll move on to that lawyer of yours, Jason Bennett. I'm sure there's got to be some dirt that shyster has swept under the rug. And Judge Franklin, the pro-family judge who signed off on your ludicrous request? There have been rumors about his preference for underage girls of the Asian persuasion. Maybe it's time to find out if those rumors are true.

Glenn: (horrified) You can't be serious!

A.J.: When you hurt my mother, I tend to get quite serious. Believe me, Glenn, I will take you and anyone else I have to down if you don't back off. Now I'm giving you the chance to drop the charges now or I swear you and everyone else behind this are going to find themselves with the kind of bad press only philandering presidents can dream of. (Pause) So what do you say, Glenn? Do you call your attorney and put an end to this mess... (A.J. picked up the phone) ...or do I dip my pen in poison? It's your choice. Make it. Now.

Glenn: (with a hateful glare) You're going to regret this, A.J.. (Glenn took the phone from A.J. and started to dial)

Scene: A.J.'s apartment. The door opens and Max Shepard slips into the apartment. He closes the door behind him, dropping a lock pick kit into his pocket.

Max: This is going to be easy. Of course, I don't know if I can stand looking at this awful decor again. Sometimes Americans have horrific taste! (Max walked over to the coffee table and peered under it, looking at the listening device taped to it's underside) Looks fine. Certainly hasn't been touched. I don't think Lassiter has found this. I don't think the Boss has anything to worry about. (Pause as he Max stood) I better get out of here. I can't wait to get to that chili!

(At that moment, the doors lock started to jiggle and the knob started to turn. Max looked alarmed, rushing for the kitchen door. He disappeared behind the door as Melody walked into the apartment)

Melody: I've got to hurry or I'm going to be late for work! (She closed the door behind her and headed for the bedroom)

(In the kitchen, Max is backing away from the door. He is stopped by a small breakfast table that he jars. A glass is sitting on the edge of the table...and it slips off. Max watches in horror as it falls and crashes to the ground)

(In the living room, Melody is headed for the bedroom, but stops when she hears the breaking glass)

Melody: A.J.? A.J., what are you doing here? I didn't think you'd be home. (Melody headed for the kitchen door) A.J.? Is everything okay? Why aren't you answering me?

(In the kitchen, Max moves to a window, adjacent to the door. He pulls out his gun and levels at the kitchen door)

Max: (whispering) God, I hate killing women.

Melody's Voice: (outside the door) A.J.?

(The door started to swing open and a grim look swept across Max's face, his finger tightening on the trigger of his weapon. But that moment, the doorbell rang, and Melody stopped just as she had the door halfway open)

Melody: (turning to the door as Max lessened his trigger finger's grip) Just a minute, A.J., the doorbell rang. I'll get it. (Melody went to the door and opened it. A dark haired young man stood there, wearing a bike messengers outfit) Yes?

Man: I have a delivery for A.J. Lassiter.

Melody: He's in the other room. (She turned to the kitchen) A.J.? A.J., could you come here for a minute!? You have a delivery! (Pause as there was no response) Oh, let me get him.

Man: (impatiently) Lady, I don't have a lot of time. Can you sign for it?

Melody: No problem. I'm his girlfriend, I guess it's okay.

Man: Whatever. (He gave Melody a pen and his chart; she signed her name and he handed her a small envelope)

Melody: (puzzled) Is that it?

Man: It's what they gave me.

Melody: Oh. Well, thanks. (The messenger looked at her expectantly until Melody was hit with a realization) Oh, I'm sorry. (She went to her purse on the sofa and picked it up, pulling out a few dollars. She handed it to the messenger) There you go.

Man: Thanks. See ya.

Melody: Bye. (Melody closed the door as the messenger left. She eyed the envelope suspiciously) I wonder what this is all about? (She headed for the kitchen door) A.J., I was calling you! Why didn't you answer me? (Melody walked into the kitchen. As the door slid close behind her, a horrific scream rippled from the room, Melody's cry echoing through the entire apartment.)

Scene: The offices of Dr. Gary Sorensen; Gary's office. Gary and Hillary are there.

Hillary: The answer to that is simple, Uncle Gary. They won't be happy about it; not after what Kendall put them through.

Gary: It would be nice if I could avoid that encounter for as long as possible. It wouldn't be good for anyone. Derek can't be ready to face his victims…and with everything the Lassiters and the Daileys are going through…this kind of ghost from the past is one they don't need haunting them.

Hillary: But, this is a small town, they're bound to run into him sooner or later.

Gary: I'm surprised they haven't already; Derek says he's been in town for months now.

Hillary: What has he been doing all that time?

Gary: I don't know…he was rather mysterious about it all. There's rather a lot he didn't say…which makes me very… (There was a knock on the door) Why didn't Clark buzz me?

Hillary: He went to get his hair done, remember? I think he's getting a new color.

Gary: Didn't he just get it done two weeks ago?

Hillary: Yes, but do you really think that was a good color for him?

Gary: (grinning) Are any of them good for him?

Hillary: (smiling) Good point.

Gary: (walking and opening the door; Derek is standing there) Derek, hello.

Derek: Hi, Dr. Sorensen. This isn't a bad time, is it?

Gary: No. Come in.

Derek: (walking in; noticing Hillary) Oh, I'm sorry…I thought you weren't busy.

Gary: I'm not. Derek, I'd like you to meet my niece…and my partner here at the office, Dr. Hillary Sorensen. Hillary…Derek Kendall.

Hillary: (as they shook hands) Nice to meet you, Derek.

Derek: Nice to meet you, too.

Hillary: Well, I'll better be going.

Derek: I hope I’m not chasing you off.

Hillary: No, I was on my way out. (Pause) I'll see you later, Uncle Gary.

Gary: Let me know how things turn out at Monica's.

Hillary: Of course. Bye. (Hillary walked out)

Gary: So why are you here? I assume it's because you want to talk about seeing me as a patient again.

Derek: Yes. Have you thought about it? Will you be my therapist again?

Gary: Derek, I have given this a lot of thought…and I have many reservations about it.

Derek: I know you do…and you'd be stupid not to considering how I tricked and lied to you before. But you have to believe me, Dr. Sorensen, I'm not lying to you now. I really want to get treatment. I really want to get better.

Gary: And you really think Covington Bay is the place to do it?

Derek: I think it's the only place to do it. This is where all my demons are; this is where I have to exorcise them.

Gary: (taking a deep breath) Then I hope I'm able to help you.

Derek: (his eyes shining with pleasure) So you'll do it?

Gary: Yes, Derek, I will.

Derek: (gratefully; vigorously shaking Gary's hand) Thank you, Dr. Sorensen, thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. I really think that you'll get me through all this pain from my past.

Gary: Let's hope so.

Derek: How soon can we start?

Gary: I'm not sure. I'll talk to my secretary and we'll work on setting up a schedule.

Derek: Great.

Gary: How can I get in touch with you?

Derek: I’m staying at the Covington Bay Hotel.

Gary: You've been there the entire time you've been back in town?

Derek: Yes. I haven't been able to afford anything else. I'm working on it though.

Gary: So you don't have a job?

Derek: Just odd stuff here and there. I'm working for Bennett Catering right now as a waiter.

Gary: And do you like that?

Derek: It'll do for now.

Gary: But you haven't found anything permanent?

Derek: Well, the only thing I've ever wanted to do…the only thing I know how to do is be a reporter. I know that's out of the question; the Journal would never hire me back after the scandal of what I did brought them…and not even a rag like the Times would hire someone with my rep.

Gary: That sort of limits your options, doesn't it? At least in Covington Bay.

Derek: Is that your way of saying I shouldn't stay in town?

Gary: I'm not saying anything. You just should realize how hard life is going to be for you if you decide to remain here.

Derek: I know it won't be easy, but it's what I have to do. Look, I'll find a job... a new career. I know it won't be as a reporter, but I'll find something. You'll get paid, don't worry.

Gary: That isn't what I mean, Derek.

Derek: I know. I’m just overreacting I guess. (Pause) I'll wait to hear from you. (He held out his hand) Thank you, Dr. Sorensen. You won't regret this.

Gary: (they shook hands) I'm hoping I don't.

Derek: See you later, Doc. (Derek turned to go)

Gary: Derek, wait. There's something I want to ask you.

Derek: What's that?

Gary: It's about Glenn and Gloria Dailey.

Derek: What about them?

Gary: I guess I'm wondering…just how do they fit into the plans you've made for your life here in Covington Bay?

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit. Mama J. and Danny are standing outside of Nathan's room.

Mama J.: Danny, stop trying to fool me into thinking you aren't up to anything. I know you better than that.

Danny: You might know me pretty well, but you're wrong this time.

Mama J.: I am never wrong when it comes to my kids lying to me…and I do love you like a son, you know that, don't you?

Danny: Of course I know that. You've always been there for me and Nate after Mama and Daddy died.

Mama J.: Your mama was a good friend of mine…and I always liked your daddy, he was a good man. Of course I'm gonna look out for you…you didn't have anybody else.

Danny: Ain't that the truth. Losing our parents…then having our sisters taken away from us and adopted by some other family…life hasn't been the same since.

Mama J.: I'm sorry about that. But Danny, we're getting off the subject. I want to know where you were all day yesterday. The only thing that could've kept you from being here for Nate was if there was trouble. Tell me what it is.

Danny: (after hesitating) Mama J., I can't do that.

Mama J.: What do you mean you can't do that?

Danny: I can't tell you where I was. It's best if you don't know.

Mama J.: Well, if I wasn't worried before, I sure am now. Danny, please, whatever you are going to do, stop it now! Stop it before it's too late! I know you want to help Nathan, but this scheme you're coming up with is only going to make things worse for the both of you!

Danny: This has nothing to do with Nathan!

Mama J.: Everything in your life has to do with Nathan; he's about the only person you give a damn about and I know that this mess he's in is killing you. You want to help him…want him to be free of all this and get back to the life he was making for himself before all this happened.

Danny: You bet I want to. Nathan was finally getting his life together. He got out of those damn gangs that got hold of him while I was in jail…he was back in school…working her at the hospital for Zachary Dailey. He was even talking about going to college and being a doctor. (He shook his head) Can you beat that…a James kid a doctor? I don't even think Mama and Daddy had those kind of hopes for Nathan. And then this had to happen…he got his life blown apart because he was stupid enough to get involved with some white girl.

Mama J.: Danny…!

Danny: Mama J., don't start! I know you want to preach to me about equality and friendship among the races, but I don't believe that…it ain't been my life. And it ain't been Nathan's either. Nate should've never had anything to do with that girl. They weren't right for each other. It would've never worked.

Mama J.: Danny, I've lived long enough to know that there's plenty of bigoted people in this town. But you can't say that Nathan falling in love with Candice was wrong.

Danny: Nate knew it was wrong. He knew he shouldn't be hooked up with that girl. That's why he kept it secret…that's why he didn't tell anyone. He knew I would've stopped it. (Pause) I wish I had of known. I wish I had of seen it. If I had, he wouldn’t be lying in that hospital bed right now. (Danny shook his head) Well, I couldn't do anything for him before…and I wasn't here for him when I got myself locked up, but I can do something now. I can help him now.

Mama J.: So you admit you're up to something?

Danny: Mama J., just leave it alone. Stay out of it.

Mama J.: I can't, Danny. I can't stand by while you do something foolish! Now tell me, does this plan of yours have anything to do with your vanishing act for the past day?

Danny: Like I said, Mama J., it's best if you don't know. I don't want you in the middle of this.

Mama J.: But I am in the middle of this! I'm in the middle because I love you and your brother in there! I don't want to see either of you get hurt! And Danny, I can't help but think that whatever you've got in mind will only lead to trouble for both of you.

Danny: You're wrong. This is the answer to everything. It's going to solve all our problems.

Mama J.: Look, Danny, I…

(At that moment, Dr. Christina Sloan walked by and headed for Nathan's room. Surprised, Danny rushed over to her and stepped in front of her)

Danny: Excuse me, where do you think you're going? Who are you?

Mama J.: Danny!

Christina: I could ask you the same question.

Danny: I'm Nathan's brother, Danny. Who are you and why are you going in my brother's room!?

Christina: I happen to be Nathan's doctor.

Danny: Really? I know for a fact that Darian Jackson is Nathan's doctor and you don't look anything like him.

Christina: Dr. Jackson is no longer your brother's doctor. He is now under my father's care, Dr. Christopher Sloan's…and I'm assisting on the case.

Danny: Christopher Sloan? Isn't that the heart doctor Darian was talking about?

Mama J.: Yes, Danny. He took over the case yesterday while you were…away. This is Dr. Christina Sloan.