HOME ARCHIVES PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS E-MAIL NEXT EPISODE

EPISODE NINE

“PUSHED TO THE BRINK”

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; Dr. Gloria Dailey's office. She is sitting behind her desk doing paperwork, but is finding it hard to keep her mind on her work. Sighing, the tossed down her pen, got up and started to pace the floor and rub her temples. She was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Gloria: Come in.

(A tall, slender young man with strawberry blond hair walked in, a wide smile on his face. He is dressed in a tailored dark gray suit)

Man: Aunt Gloria?

Gloria: (smiling) Kevin! (She hugged him)

Kevin: (his green eyes sparkling with delight) Hi, I'm not interrupting your work, am I?

Gloria: Not hardly. It's so good to see you. Lately all we've done is communicate by phone and even then all we talk about is Lassiter Pharmaceuticals.

Kevin: Well, it seems like that's all I'm talking about these days, especially with the stockholders meeting at the end of the week. There's a lot to do before Friday.

Gloria: I would imagine so. And don't worry, I'll be there.

Kevin: Good, so will A.J.. I spoke to him this morning and got confirmation from him. (Pause) But, what about Eric? Have you been in touch with him? Is he back in town?

Gloria: (sighing) Yes, I spoke to him.

Kevin: I take it that the conversation didn't go well?

Gloria: Do they ever with Eric?

Kevin: To my experience no. Did he say he would be there?

Gloria: He was noncommittal.

Kevin: I see. Well maybe since he's back, I should talk to him. He knows it's important the entire family be at the annual meeting.

Gloria: Kevin, you talking to him is not going to help.

Kevin: Look, I'm well aware Eric can't deal with my being gay, that's been obvious since I came out years ago. Believe me, I can handle anything he can dish out. You forget I've been belittled by the best.

Gloria: Speaking of Barton, are things aren't any better between you and your father?

Kevin: No, but that's to be expected. Dad disapproves of everything about my; my being gay, my choice of lovers, my business decisions, everything. I'd hoped that once he and Natalie were married he'd mellow out, but I should've known better.

Gloria: Well, your father will see you for the wonderful man you are one day and he'll regret all the bad blood between you.

Kevin: (sighing) That's something I don't hold out hope for.

Gloria: So what brings you by the hospital? As busy as you are, I know you didn't come by just to see your favorite aunt.

Kevin: (smiling) No, but that is a bonus. (Pause) I came to have a business lunch with Simon Harrison to talk about the yearly AIDS fundraiser. It's in a few weeks, you know.

Gloria: Is it that time of year already?

Kevin: Yes, it is. It's the fifth one. Seems like yesterday when we started having them. (A wistful look slipped across Kevin's handsome face)

Gloria: (squeezing his shoulder in comfort) Kevin, I'm sorry. I guess this has to be a rough period for you.

Kevin: (nodding) It is. And that surprises me. I thought it would be easier by now, I thought that eventually this time of year could go by and it wouldn't hurt so much, but it still does as much as ever. (He grimaced) I'm starting to wonder if I can ever get past this.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the third floor nurses lounge. Melody Sorensen bursts into the room, A.J. Lassiter a few steps behind her.

A.J.: Melody, I really think it's time for us to talk.

Melody: (turning to face A.J.) A.J., I'm in no mood to talk to you, not now.

A.J.: Then when? You want to have dinner tonight?

Melody: I can't. You know I have dinner with my father and my sisters every Monday night.

A.J.: Then I guess we'll have to talk now because we're not going to resolve the situation unless we hash it out.

Melody: And we will resolve it if that's possible. But I just found out a few hours ago that you've been married since Day 1 of our relationship. Do you really think that I've digested that bit of information so quickly!?

A.J.: Melody, I know this is a shock, but you have to know that marriage meant nothing to me. It was a mistake. It's not like I was living a double life with a woman in every port.

Melody: A.J., the fact that the marriage was the result of a drunken escapade isn't the issue. The issue was that you were dishonest. For the past three years you've led me to believe you were single when you weren't. I can't believe you don't see what a major deception this really is.

A.J.: Look, I realize that I may have misled you and I am sorry, but I didn't see how it mattered. I love you, I'm involved with you. Patricia means nothing to me. The only reason we didn't get divorced was because it was inconvenient to get away because we were so busy with our careers. Most of the time I didn't even give it much thought.

Melody: And that says so much to me about how you feel about our future. It's no secret that I'd like to get married and start a family, but you always said you weren't ready and needed time. And I was willing to wait for you. But, it's clear that marriage wasn't in the cards for us... ever. If it were you'd of done something to end this marriage long ago.

A.J.: Mel, I am committed to you. I love you, you're the only woman I want in my life. We practically live together, we vacation together, our lives are intertwined. Why are you turning this into another discussion about getting married? One has nothing to do with the other.

Melody: That's where you are wrong. This whole incident has given me a new perspective on you, me and our relationship. And I've got a lot of thinking to do about where we go from here.

A.J.: Why? Yes, this threw you for a loop, but it doesn't have to change anything between us.

Melody: You really believe that?

A.J.: Of course. Patricia and I both want to end this marriage, we realize it was a mistake. We can get an annulment and it'll be like it never even happened and we can get back to exactly the way things were before all this.

Melody: You'd like that wouldn't you?

A.J.: Of course, wouldn't you?

Melody: No, A.J., I wouldn't.

(At that moment, Dana Cooper walked in)

Dana: Oh, sorry. I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

Melody: Well of course you are, Dana, but you should be aware of that since you saw us come into this room because you were standing down the hall using the phone.

Dana: (her lips pursing) I thought you'd be done by now. Besides, it's time for my break and I need to get my purse. (She went to her locker, and using her key, unlocked it. She pulled open her locker and started going through it)

Melody: A.J., I need to get back to work. Let's talk about this later, okay?

A.J.: Melody, I think we should come to some sort of resolution about this.

Melody: You really have the time to spend talking about this in the middle of the day? Shouldn't you be at the courthouse at Nathan James' trial?

A.J.: I was, but there was an accident at the courthouse. Nathan was rushed here.

Melody: What? Is he alright?

A.J.: I don't know. He's being examined right now. There hasn't been any word yet.

Dana: Yes, there has. Darian just went in to talk to Nathan's lawyers. He's probably telling them what happened right now.

A.J.: (tensing as he glanced at the door) I see. Well, Mel, I guess this will have to wait until later.

Melody: (shaking her head) I suspected as much. (She sighed) You better go. I know you'd hate to get scooped.

A.J.: Yeah. See you later. (A.J. rushed out)

Dana: I didn't cause any problems did I?

Melody: No Dana, not as much as you would've liked.

(As Dana looked stunned, Melody walked out)

* * * * * *

Scene: Nathan James's hospital room. He is sitting up in his hospital bed. A security guard is there. Sabrina Collier and Michael Tamakai walk in.

Sabrina: Nathan, hi.

Nathan: Hi guys.

Sabrina: Are you okay? The doctor said except for a few bumps and bruises you'll be fine.

Nathan: He's right. He says I gotta stay here overnight because of the possibility of a concussion, but I'll live. I've gotten hurt worse in a gang fight.

Michael: Sounds like you were lucky.

Nathan: I was. I could've broken my neck.

Sabrina: Thank God you didn't. (Pause) Look, Nathan, the doctor did have some disturbing news for us. He said you told him that your fall was no accident. He said you told him that you were pushed. Is that true? Is that what you said?

Nathan: Yeah, it is.

* * * * * *

Scene: Gloria's office. Gloria and Kevin are there.

Kevin: It was five years ago tomorrow that Alec died. I thought by now it would be easier to cope with, but it hurts as much as when it first happened. (Pause) Sometimes I wonder if it might be easier to get over if I, and other people who loved Alec, didn’t visit his grave every year on the anniversary of his death. And do you know that the Movie Classics Channel is doing a retrospective of Alec’s best movies tomorrow?

Gloria: Kevin, that’s great. Alec was a wonderful director and he made some great, memorable movies. We aren’t the only ones who miss him and mourn him. (Pause) There’s nothing wrong with you and the people who loved Alec paying homage to him on the anniversary of his death. I’m going to be there with you tomorrow, just like always. I want to be there for him… and for you.

Kevin: Thanks, Aunt Gloria. I appreciate that.

Gloria: Kevin, there is nothing wrong with how you are feeling. You lost someone very important to you.

Kevin: Important doesn't begin to describe what Alec meant to me. He was my world, my entire life. When he was diagnosed HIV positive, I refused to believe he would die, I just couldn't even think about it. And then he came down with AIDS and I still couldn't believe it. I didn't want to let him go. He used to tell me I was fighting harder to keep him alive than he was. But I had to, I had to fight with all I had because I didn't know if I could go on without him. But I didn’t want to go on. You know there were times I wished I was positive too just so I wouldn’t have to live without him.

Gloria: Kevin, I thank God that you weren’t positive. Losing Alec was bad enough, but losing you… I don’t even want to think about it.

Kevin: Look, I’m grateful for my health as well. (Kevin grimaces before continuing) But it doesn’t change that I miss Alec so much that it hurts. I started the Alec Stone AIDS Wing to keep his memory alive. I got more involved in the family business, I spend time with my family and my friends. I fill my life with so many things all in hopes that I won't have to stop and think and realize how empty my life is without Alec.

Gloria: These things take time, there is no time table on grief. Everyone is different. After Johnnie died, I wondered if I would ever get over the loss, if could ever get past the pain. And in many ways, I still haven't. It still hurts not to have shared my life with him, to have him here to see A.J. and Eric grow up. But it got better and I ultimately went on with the business of living. And part of living his letting someone else into your heart.

Kevin: You're not talking about dating, are you?

Gloria: Yes. Just like loss… loving someone is part of life.

Kevin: I know that. I know I should be ready to move on. To find someone new, something new. All my friends say it's been five years, that it's time to get on with life and that Alec would want me to date again. And they are right. He would want me to do just that, it was something he insisted on, but I can't even think it. Trying to get to know someone, going through all the motions and rituals it requires, and for what purpose?

Gloria: Well, if you're lucky, you fall in love.

Kevin: Yeah, you fall in love. You decide to make a life together. And then just when you think that everything is perfect, something happens and it's over and you're alone. (Pause) I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm being a real downer. I shouldn't spend so much time feeling sorry for myself; there are a lot of people in this hospital with worse problems than mine.

Gloria: But, that doesn't diminish what you are feeling. (Pause) Kevin, you're a good man. You're intelligent, caring, compassionate and you've got a good heart. I wish you'd give someone the chance to experience that.

Kevin: Well, I. . . (He glanced at his watch) Damn, I'm late for my lunch with Simon. I better go.

Gloria: Sure. (Pause) Kevin, I don’t mean to put pressure on you or rush you into something you may not be ready for. I just want you to be happy.

Kevin: It’s what I want too, Aunt Gloria. I just wish I knew where to begin.

* * * * * *

Scene: Covington Bay Medical Center; the fifth floor nurses station. Nikki Lassiter, Richie Stone and James Greyhawk are standing near the elevator, facing one another.

Richie: This is all your fault!

James: What are you talking about?

Nikki: Richie, calm down.

Richie: I can't calm down, not when I have to look this murderer in the face.

James: Murderer? Richie, I know you're upset about your friend, but to accuse me of killing Candice is not going to help things. Your friend killed Candice; it's why he's on trial.

Richie: He's on trial because Candice was a white girl from an wealthy family, the cops had to close this case as quickly as possible. They didn't take the time to look for the real killer, not when they can take the easy route and arrest the first black guy they come across.

James: So you're making this about race when that couldn't be further from the truth? Your father is Head of Homicide, Richie. Nikki, your cousin Eric was in charge of the case. Do you both believe your own family could be involved in some sort of racist cover up? (Pause) Or maybe you want to make trouble for my family. After all, Nikki, the Lassiters and the Greyhawks aren't exactly close.

Nikki: This has nothing to do with the problems our families have had in the past. This is about finding Candice's killer. We're just saying there is more to this than meets the eye.

James: Really? It seems quite simple to me. Nathan was obsessed with Candice. He wanted her and he couldn't have her so he killed her. It's the oldest story in the book.

Richie: That is not true and you know it.

James: And I suppose you're going to tell me Candice loved Nathan and that she was going to break our engagement to be with him and so I killed her in a jealous rage? Your theory is ridiculous, especially in light of the fact there's no evidence that a relationship even existed other than Nathan's word.

Richie: And mine. I knew about the relationship practically from the start and I will testify to that.

James: You know as well as I do the jury will simply assume you are lying to protect your friend. And what about your father? Somehow I don't think he's going to like you testifying for the defense.

Richie: The truth is you killed Candice. She went to tell you it was over and she showed up dead a few hours later.

James: I was at home doing homework that night. She never came by. I never saw her.

Richie: So you say, but I know your parents were out of town that night so you were home alone. No one can testify to where you were when she died.

James: Maybe not, but I don't need an alibi do I? (Pause) Look, Richie, I understand that you're upset about your friend, otherwise I might take offense at this. But I won't tolerate these accusations much longer without taking some sort of retaliation.

Richie: That sounds like a threat.

James: I'm just telling you how it is, Richie, I suggest you take heed.

(James walked away)

Richie: (angrily) Damn him! I'd love to bash his smarmy face in!

Nikki: Richie, I know you're upset, but you've got to calm down. Getting angry isn't going to accomplish anything.

Richie: It might, Nikki, it just might.

(Richie rushed away, going down an adjacent corridor)

Nikki: Richie!

(Richie kept going, disappearing at a turn at the end of the hallway)

Nikki: Richie!

A.J.: (walking up behind Nikki) Nikki, what's wrong? Where was Richie off to?

Nikki: I don't know A.J., I really don't. I don't know anything anymore where Richie is concerned. Ever since this whole thing started, he's been so upset and angry. It's so unlike him to be this way.

A.J.: But it is understandable. Nathan is his best friend and he was close to Candice. It would tear anybody up inside.

Nikki: Maybe, but I think there's more to it. There are times when I get the feeling Richie is keeping something from me, holding something back. I become more aware of it everyday.

A.J.: Keeping something from you, like what? Does it have anything to do with the murder?

Nikki: I don't know. But, there is something pulling at him. I just hope I can find out what it is and help him. . .before his anger gets out of control.

* * * * * *

Scene: A pay phone near the hospital entrance. Kevin is talking on it.

Kevin: Yeah, Kent, it looks like I'll be in earlier than I expected. My meeting was cancelled; Simon had an emergency to take care of. I'm going to stop and run a few personal errands and then I'll be in. (Pause) Hold down the fort, will you? Bye.

(Kevin hung up the phone and walked out of the hospital. He was about to head for the parking lot and his car when he spotted Richie standing near the bus stop, looking upset, his hands shoved in his pockets)

Kevin: (walking over to him) Richie?

Richie: (turning) Uncle Kevin, hi. I haven't seen you in a long time.

Kevin: You're right, it has been awhile. (Pause) What are you doing here?

Richie: I was just headed back to school.

Kevin: But what are you doing at the hospital in the middle of the day? Is there something wrong?

Richie: No, I'm fine.

Kevin: You're not convincing me. Richie, I realize we've lost touch, but you know I consider you part of my family. So tell me, what's bothering you?

Richie: Everything, Uncle Kevin, everything. I've gotten myself in a horrible situation and I don't know how to get out of it.

* * * * * *

Scene: The third floor nurses station. Natalie is there talking to Melody.

Natalie: So, what is up with A.J.? You guys got big plans tonight?

Melody: (shaking her head) No, not at all. Tonight's the night I have dinner with Daddy and my sisters.

Natalie: So, A.J.'s all alone tonight, huh? Well, I'm sure he'll keep himself busy. I know that job of his has always got him into something.

Melody: You got that right.

(At that moment, a tall, heavily muscled black man stormed up to the desk, his face twisted in rage. He is bald, has dark brown eyes and is wearing worn, faded jeans and a blue flannel shirt)

Man: (urgently) Natalie! They said at the courthouse that Nathan has been hurt and he was taken here. Where is he, I need to see him!

Natalie: Danny, he's being examined by the doctor's right now. You'll have to wait.

Danny: (loudly) Damn it, I want to see him now!

Natalie: Danny, be patient. If you would just wait a few minutes…!

Danny: Why are you making this so damned difficult!? I just want to see Nate!

Melody: Sir, we'd be able to help us if you'd just tell us who you are and why you want to see the patient.

Natalie: Melody, this is Nathan’s brother, Danny.

Melody: I see. Well, Mr. James, I understand your concern, but…

Danny: (interrupting) Are you going to tell me where he is or do I have to search every room on this floor!?

Dana: (walking up) What is all the yelling here? Why are we…? (She looked at Danny) Oh, it’s you, making a scene as usual. Why am I not surprised?

Danny: (glaring at Dana) Oh great! As if my day didn't suck enough already, I have to run into you.

Melody: I guess you two know each other.

Dana: Oh yes. I well acquainted with Mr. James here. And believe me, I have the scars to prove it.

* * * * * *

Scene: Nathan's hospital room. Sabrina, Michael and Nathan are there.

Michael: You're saying someone pushed you? But who, why?

Nathan: I'm not sure. I may not even have been pushed. I could be just mistaken. I mean, everything happened so fast. But, I don’t know, I…

Sabrina: (as Nathan shook his head in confusion) Nathan, why don't you explain to us exactly what happened?

Nathan: I was coming down the stairs with the guard when suddenly the lights went out, everything went black. I couldn't see anything. (Pause) I felt, or I thought I felt a pair of hands shoving me, pushing me down the stairs. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital.

Michael: So, it could've happened, but you're not sure?

Nathan: No. Maybe I got scared when the lights went out and I stumbled and fell. I mean, the only person in the stairwell was the guard. Why would he shove me down a flight of stairs? That makes no sense.

Sabrina: No, it doesn't.

Michael: He could've been just grabbing for you or something and it felt that way.

Nathan: Maybe. . .I guess that's what could've happened. (Pause) I'm not really sure. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything to Darian. It's just when he asked that's the first thing that came to mind.

Sabrina: Sure, we understand. (Pause) Look, Nathan, until we're clearer on what happened, let's keep this between us. Don't tell anyone what happened, including your family.

Nathan: Okay. My family would just freak anyway.

Darian: (walking in) Excuse me, Mr. Tamakai, Mrs. Collier, I have to examine Nate and then he needs some rest. You can talk to him later.

Sabrina: We're done for now anyway. (Pause) See you later, Nathan.

Nathan: Sure. (Pause) What about the trial? Where do we go from here?

Sabrina: We'll talk about it later. You just rest and get well.

Michael: Yeah. Bye.

Nathan: (as they walked out) Bye.

Michael: (as he and Sabrina passed by the guard outside the door and started down the corridor) So, what do you make of that?

Sabrina: I don't know, but I'm certainly going to look into it.

Michael: (grabbing Sabrina by the shoulder, stopping her) Wait a minute. Certainly you don't believe Nathan was shoved down the stairs by the security guard? Why? It makes no sense.

Sabrina: You're right it doesn't. But, I've got a bad feeling about this whole incident and I've got to check it out. I just can't help but think there's more to this than meets the eye.

Michael: And if there is?

Sabrina: Then we've got trouble. More than we ever could've bargained for.

To Be Continued. . .

In The Next Episode Of 'Covington Bay'. . .

· Danny James' arrival at the hospital exposes a bitter war between he and Dana.

· Someone else finds out about the marriage between A.J. and Patricia.

· Eric faces a firestorm of problems when he returns to work.