EPISODE 91

“LOST AND FOUND”

Scene: Greyhawk Manor; the third floor. Monica Lassiter-Greyhawk coming down the staircase into the foyer.  The doorbell is ringing.

Monica:  (she opened the door, Dr. Hillary Sorensen stood there)  Hillary! (Monica pulled her older sister into her arms)  Good to see you!

Hillary:   (walking in)  I'm lucky I made it in. It's like an armed camp out there…I had to show ID to get past the guard.

Monica:  (closing the door) They're to keep the reporters away.  I'm sorry if you were inconvenienced.

Hillary: I thought they were going to strip search me… (The psychiatrist grinned) ... not that I wouldn't have minded… you've got some cute security guards out there.

Monica:  (smiling)  Then you got something for running the gauntlet.  Thanks for coming by.  I'm glad you're here ... though I feel terrible about interrupting you in the middle of the workday.

Hillary: No problem. You're my sister and you need me. Where else would I be? (Hillary followed Monica into the living room)  How are things?

Monica:  I’m fine.  But it's not myself I'm really worried about ... it's Vicki.  I don't think I've ever seen her so upset.  It took me over an hour just to get her to stop crying.

Hillary: How she now?

Monica:  She’s sleeping, thank God. Of course, that can't last forever. Pretty soon she'll be awake and I'll have to make sense of all this for her. I don't know how I can do that…it makes no sense to me.

Hillary: I'm sure you'll think of a way, sis. You're a wonderful mother.

Monica: I'm not feeling so wonderful these days, Hillary. Even if I somehow make Vicki grasp what's happened, that won't be the end of it.  This mess is going to go on for months.  With Quentin pressing the issue, Nigel will certainly file charges so there’s bound to be a trial.  And Eric is so stubborn that despite all the evidence, he'll never plead guilty. The media is going to have a field day…and Vicki is sure to be picked on and stared at when she goes to school. How can I protect her from that?

Hillary: Monica, I'm sure you and Nigel will come up with a solution. He loves you.  And he loves Vicki like she was his own. He'll do whatever he has to get her through this.

Monica: (sighing)  I hope so.   Nigel and I were finally at a good place in our marriage.  Why did this have to happen now?

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the third floor.  Dr. Laura Dailey-Harrison and Dr. Zachary Dailey are walking down a corridor.  Simon Harrison is moving alongside them, propelling himself in his wheelchair.

Laura:  (surprised)  Melody is missing?  I just saw her a couple of hours ago.

Zachary:  That seems to be when most people saw her last.  But she left the hospital without saying where she was headed and no one has heard from her since.

Laura:  It's not like Melody to leave the hospital without letting someone know where she's going.

Zachary: That's what I thought.  But, I checked with Dana and she says when Melody left she didn't tell her where she was going ... that she seemed distracted or something when she left.

Simon:  She certainly has a lot to be distracted about with all that is going on with A.J. and his family.  I swear that family has a penchant for disaster.

Laura:  I heard through the hospital grapevine that Melody had a very ugly encounter with Patricia Tamakai this morning.  Maybe she just took off to clear her head.

Zachary:   You could have something there.

Simon:  What about A.J.?   Does he have any idea where she could be?   Or is he having trouble keeping track of the women in his life as usual?

Zachary:   Well, A.J.'s not here either.  He was supposed to drop by and visit Gloria, but never showed up.  His car's in the parking lot, but he's not around.

Simon:  (sarcastically)  This sounds like what happened yesterday.  (Pause)   Did you check his mother's office or a broom closet to see if he's taking a nap?

Zachary:  (annoyed)  Thanks for the suggestion, Simon, but we're trying not to push any panic buttons yet.  We don't want a repeat of yesterday.

Simon:  Well, I have a meeting.  Let me know how this drama turns out.

Laura:  (bending over and giving her husband a kiss on the cheek)  Bye, darling.

Simon:  Bye.  (Simon wheeled away)

Zachary:  I see your husband is as sympathetic as always.

Laura:  You know Simon, he has no patience for shenanigans and it seems the Lassiter family is always got lots of 'em going on.

Zachary:  Look, I agree that both A.J. and Eric need to get their lives together and stop stressing everyone else out.  You should've seen Gloria earlier.   Between Eric's arrest and both A.J. and Melody vanishing and our father’s latest behavior ... it's more than one person can take.

Laura:  (surprised)  Why did you mention Daddy?  Has he done something? 

Zachary:  He certainly has.

Laura:  Is it about the divorce?  I know he and Gloria had the divorce hearing this morning.

Zachary:   They actually never got that far.  Dad was able to get the divorced stalled... and he used Candice's murder to do it.

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

Lucas:  I know what happened between you and your daughter the night she was murdered, Dr. Dailey.

Glenn:  (angrily)  Nothing happened! How dare you suggest otherwise!

A.J.:  Greyhawk, Glenn maybe many things ... but he couldn't have raped then beat her to death.  Not his own child.

Lucas:  I'm not saying he hurt her.  I've done some investigating and there's nothing that leads me to believe Dr. Dailey gets off on doing' his little girl.

Glenn:  You've a very vulgar man, Lucas.

Lucas:  So I've been told.  (Pause)  Point is, my experience tells me that most incest perpetrators are unusually interested in their victim's sex life.  You seemed to know nothing about it ... and if you were sexually interested in her, you'd have made it your business to know who she was sleeping with.

Glenn:  (dryly)  So I'm not some sick deviant ... but you still think I'm hiding something about my daughter's murder.

Lucas: Well, something did happen the night she died that you've kept to yourself. 

Glenn:  There isn't anything to tell.

Lucas:   Really?  I think the police would be real interested in finding out about the knock down drag out fight you had with Candice on your front lawn that night.

A. J.:  What?!

Glenn:  (panicked)  We weren't fighting!

Lucas:  You neighbor seemed to think so.

Glenn:  Who are you talking about?  Mrs. Crandall, the busybody across the street!?  She can't hear a thing and her eyesight's not much better.

Lucas:  True ... but she couldn't miss you and Candice going toe to toe.  She said your daughter was quite upset ... very angry ... crying.  You kept trying to touch her ... calm her down, but she refused.  You even tried to drag her into the house and she wouldn't come with you.  The argument got quite heated.

Glenn:  Come on, Lucas, how could she hear anything!?  The woman has been nearly completely deaf for years.

Lucas:  She may not have heard your conversation, but body language speaks volumes.  I think she got the message when Candice slapped you and then took off in her car. 

Glenn:  You got this wrong!  You got this all wrong!

A.J.:  It's starting to sound very disturbing, Glenn.  Is this true?  Were you and Candice fighting that night?

Glenn:  (hesitated)  We had a little argument, so what?  Kids and parents argue all the time.

Lucas:  True, but they usually don't end with violence, do they?

A.J.:  And I know Candice well enough to know she would have to be very upset to lash out at anybody like that.   So, Glenn, what was the fight about?

Glenn:  It doesn't matter.

A.J.:  In a murder investigation everything matters ... especially since a few hours after this fight, Candice was found dead.

Glenn:  It has nothing to do with her murder! 

Lucas:  Depends on what you were arguing about.

Glenn:  Like I said, it wasn't anything.  It was just a little spat.  (Pause)   Look, I've had enough of this both of you.  Not only have you hurled some horrendous accusations at me, you've made me relive one of the most painful nights in my life.  Does that make you happy?  Did you get what you wanted!?

Lucas:  Not yet... not until the truth comes out of that mouth of yours.  And I haven't heard that yet. 

A.J.:  Glenn, you may as well talk to us.  You can't hide it anymore.   It's going to come out one way or the other.

Lucas:  You can either tell us or you can tell the cops and they won't be as pleasant as I am.  Not to mention that once it gets to the police, the press is sure to find out.

A.J.:  With my help of course.

Glenn:  Why doesn't that surprise me?  You always were a muckraker, A.J..  You want to know what happened the night Candice died?  You want to know the truth?  Fine, I'll tell you.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit.  Danny James, Dr. Darian Jackson, Dr. Christina Sloan, Nikki Lassiter, Sabrina Collier, Det. Jake Collier and Det. Angela Sorensen are standing outside of Nathan James' hospital room.

Danny:  Someone tried to kill my brother!?  Who was it?

Darian:  Danny, calm down!

Danny:  How in the hell can I calm down?!  Someone tried to murder Nate!   I want to know who did this and I want to know now! The son of a bitch is not going to get away with this!

Angela:  That sounds like you're thinking of taking matters in your own hands.

Danny:  Why shouldn't I?  The cops have done a lousy job so far.  My brother wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you.

Angela:  Your brother wouldn't be in this mess if he hadn't of squeezed the life out of a 16-year-old girl.

Jake:  All right!  Let's not get into this.  We're really getting off the subject, which is finding out who did this to Nathan.

Darian:  Actually, my first priority is saving his life.  And now that we know about the drug that was given him we can work on counteracting it.  (Pause)   But, I'm going to need your help, Dr. Sloan. 

Christina:  And you expect me to just get in step with you after you flagrantly violated half of the ethical procedures on the books by performing tests on my patient?!

Darian:  I expect you to be his doctor and save his life.  The rest we can worry about later.

Christina:  All right.   What is the poison Nathan was given?

Darian:  Qualamethite.

Christina:  Qualamethite?  That's impossible!

Darian:  But it's true.  It's what the toxicology report revealed.

Sabrina:  Why is it impossible?

Darian:  Qualamethite is a new drug ... it's in the Quinine family.  Quinine is used for malaria.  But there have been some new deadly strains of malaria that is resistant to Quinine, which is why Qualamethite was created.  And like Quinine, Qualamethite can cause immediate cardiac arrest if given in high doses.

Danny:  And this is what Nathan was given?

Darian:  Yes.

Danny:  Well, what can you do?  Can you help him?

Darian:  Assuming the drug hasn't completely worked his way through his system, we can perform gastric levage, sort of like pumping his stomach.  And there are also drugs we can give him to counteract the effects of the poison.

Danny:  So you can save his life?  He's gonna be okay?

Darian:  It's going to take awhile, but yes. 

Sabrina:  But what about damage to his heart?

Darian:  I can’t promise that there won’t be any long term effects to his heart, but Nathan is young and healthy.  The odds in his favor for a complete recovery.

Danny:  That's great news!

Sabrina:  You still haven't explained why it's impossible that Nate was given this drug when it's clear that he has. 

Darian:  Qualamethite is a drug that is still being tested ... mostly because of the various side effects the drug can cause.  It's not on the market.

Danny:  What side effects?  Is this something we should be concerned about?

CHECK OUT SOME SIDE EFFECTS…….

Darian:  I don’t know.  Like any possible damage to his heart, I can’t promise that there won’t be any long lasting effects.  All we can do is run tests and monitor him.  But to continue this drug hasn’t been approved by the FDA.  It's not exactly a drug you can pick up at the corner store.   Whoever used it would have to know a lot about medicine to know what the effects would be. 

Angela:  So Nathan's attacker would have to be a doctor?

Darian:   I wouldn't say that.  Anyone with basic knowledge of drugs, and access to them, could've done it.

Sabrina:   If this drug isn’t on the market and hasn’t even been approved by the FDA, how would you get a hold of it?

Darian:   If you’ve read the recent business news you’d know that Qualamethite is manufactured by and currently being tested at Greyhawk MedTech Inc.

Sabrina:  Are you saying the Greyhawks are involved in this?  They had something to do with Nathan's poisoning?

Danny:  Damn them!

Jake:   Hold on, you can’t implicate them based on that.  It’s pure speculation.

Darian:  Of course.

Danny:  But the Greyhawks are the top suspects, right?  Everyone knows how unscrupulous they are.  And since Nathan was accused of killing the girl James Greyhawk was going to marry, that gives any of them motive to want to kill my brother.

(Nikki suddenly had a look of dread on her face as she recalled how Richie insisted on seeing James at the hospital right after Nathan's heart attack; an accusation James denied time and again)

Jake:  We can't assume anything.

Darian:  Exactly.  Some of the testing is being done right here at this hospital. The drug could've just as easily have come from here ... and this hospital is full of people who would have access to the drug and know its effects.

Sabrina:  But I can think of only one who would have a grudge against Nathan ... Candice's father, Glenn Dailey.  And he would certainly have access to and knowledge of this drug, don't you think?

Jake:  Until we have proof, let's not jump to any conclusions.  We'll get the answers to this, I promise you.  (He turned to Angela)  I think we should start by talking to Dr. Dailey.  We'll need to check and see if there's been any drug thefts in the past few days.

(At that moment, Danny got a slightly nervous look on his face as he recalled slipping into one of the drug supply closets, planning to steal a drug to keep Nate in the hospital long enough to plan his breakout from police custody)

Darian:  You do that.  I'm gonna work on getting Nathan to the road to recovery.

Jake:  Thanks for the help, Darian.

Darian:  No problem.

Jake:   Looks like we have some work to do, Angela.

Sabrina:  I'm coming with you.  I want to be there when you talk to Glenn.

Jake:  Mom, this is now a police investigation.  I really can't have you interfering or anywhere near Glenn.  You know that.

Sabrina:   Yes, but ...   (Just then Sabrina's beeper went off.  She pulled it out of her purse and looked at the number)  I have to take this.   I'll catch up with you later.  (She rushed away)

Jake:  That couldn’t have happened at a better time.  Let’s go, Angela.

Angela:  (grinning)  Getting out when the getting is good.  (As Jake and Angela walked away both Danny and Nikki looked nervously after them)

Darian:  Dr. Sloan, are you satisfied with what I've told you?  Can we get to work on saving Nathan's life now?

Christina:  I do hope you realize this could be the last medical procedure you ever perform in this hospital or anyplace else.

Darian:  Is that all you can think about?

Christina:  (smirking)  Oh yes ... it gives me something to look forward to.

Darian:  For right now, let's think about the patient, shall we?  (Darian walked away and Christina followed; Danny was right behind them, leaving Nikki alone with her thoughts)

Nikki:   Oh God, could James couldn't have done this?  Would he really try to kill Nathan?  (Just then, Nikki realized Nina was in Nathan's room)  Oh, God!  Nina!

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's room.  Nathan James and Nina Tamakai are there.  She is sitting at the edge of his bed, looking at him sympathetically.

Nina: Oh, Nathan…you're suffering because you fell in love with someone. No one should have suffer for that. It's not fair. It's just not fair. (At that moment, Nina felt Nathan's hand move) Oh my God! (Her eyes widened in surprise as his hand gently began to squeeze hers) Oh, God! Nathan: (murmuring) Ohh…ohh…

Nina: Let me call the nurse or your doctor. They'll be able to help!

Nathan: No! (He gripped Nina's wrist tightly)

Nina: Nathan! (She tried to pull away from him, but his grip was too tight) Nathan! Let me go! You're hurting me!

Nathan: I can't let you go! I can't let you leave me…Candice! You can't go, Candice…you can’t leave me.  I’ll do whatever I have to stop you!

Voice:  What is going on in here!?

Nina:  (turning to face Darian, Christina and Danny as they stood on the doorway.  Nathan released her wrist, his hand falling limply to his side) I ... .

Christina: Who are you?!  What are you doing in here!?

Danny:  Why are you in my brother's room!?

Nina:  My name is Nina Tamakai.  I'm a friend of Nikki Lassiter's.

Danny:   And we're just supposed to believe that?!  How do we know you're not here to finish my brother off!?

Nina:  (her eyes growing wide at the sight of Danny looming over her)  What!?  Why would I want to do anything to hurt Nathan?

Danny:   You tell me.

Darian:  (clamping his hand on Danny's shoulder)  Danny, calm down!  She's who she says she is.

Danny:  You know this girl?

Darian:  Nina volunteered here at the hospital last summer.  

Danny:  If find it hard to believe you and my brother are friends.

Nina:   We’re not.  I didn't know him very well.  But, I am concerned about him.  That's why I came to the hospital with Nikki ... to visit Nate.

Darian:  That's very kind of you, Nina, but you know only relatives are allowed in Intensive Care.  You can't be in here.

Nina:  I'm sorry.  I guess I must've forgotten.  I better be going.   I'm sorry.  (Nina rushed out of the room)

Christina:  That was weird.  She seems wired.

Darian:  (motioning to Danny)  I think having 'The Enforcer' here is enough to wire anybody.

Danny:   I didn't mean to come down on her, but what was I supposed to think?  You told me a few minutes ago that someone tried to murder my brother and then I walk into his room and find some strange girl here?  I can't take that calmly.

Darian:  Well, you have got to keep your cool, especially now that ...   (Just then, Nathan moaned and started to stir again, catching Darian's attention)  Nathan?

Danny:  Nate!?

Nathan:  (moaning)  I ... I ... Ohh ... I can't ... I can't ... !

Christina:   He saying something!

Darian:  Sounds like "I can't".  (Pause)  You can't what, Nathan?  Nathan, what are you trying to tell us?

(Outside the room, Nikki and Nina were talking)

Nikki:  Nina, are you okay?  You didn't get in any trouble for being in there, did you?

Nina:  No.  They just wondered what I was doing in Nathan's room and asked me to leave because I wasn't family.

Nikki:  Well, I'm sorry.  I didn't intend for you to be in there for so long.   But right after I got rid of your father, Jake Collier and Dr. Jackson showed up.  You won't believe what's happened.  Dr. Jackson found out that Nathan's heart attack was no accident.   Someone tried to poison him.

Nina:  What!?  Why?  Who would do such a thing?

Nikki:  The police aren't sure.  But, I could have an idea.

Nina:  How could you know anything about this?

Nikki:  The drug, Quala-something or other, that was given to Nathan was some medication that cures new strains of malaria.

Nina:  (puzzled)  Malaria?  I don't get it.  I thought Nate had a heart attack.

Nikki:  He did.  Dr. Jackson says when this drug is given in high doses it can cause a heart attack.

Nina:  My God!   And you think you know who could’ve given to him?

Nikki:  Nina, think about it.  Richie and James got into a fight because Richie says he saw James here right after Nate's heart attack; something that James denies.

Nina:  Are you saying you think Richie was telling the truth and James was lying ... that he was here and he poisoned Nathan?

Nikki:  Maybe.

Nina:  But where would James get this drug ... not to mention knowing anything about it?

Nikki: This drug is still being tested by the FDA.  It's not on the market yet.  But James could get hold of it since his father's company is manufacturing it. 

Nina:  And you really think James tried to kill Nathan?

Nikki:   He has the means and it looks like the opportunity.  And he clearly has the motive.  He truly believes Nathan killed Candice.   Maybe poisoning Nate is his way of getting back at him.

Nina:  Nikki, just a few hours ago you told me you couldn't believe James capable of killing Candice.  But you think he could murder Nathan?

Nikki:   I don’t know.  I'm not sure of anything.

Nina:  (sighing)  This thing is getting more and more complicated.  Everyday something new seems to happen that raises more questions.

Nikki:  What do you mean?

Nina:  Nikki, what if we've been wrong all along about this?  About Nathan.  What if ...   (she paused)  ... what if he really did kill Candice?

Nikki:  Nina, why would you say that?  Nathan didn't kill Candice.

Nina:  Really?  How can you be so sure?  You told me how Richie has been acting strangely and you don't know where his behavior is coming from.  And you can't figure out James either.  We can't be sure of either of them.  How can we be so sure of Nate?

Nikki:  Because ... because it just didn't seem possible.  The Nathan I know couldn't have beaten and raped Candice.  Nina, where is this coming from?  Why are you suddenly questioning whether Nate's innocence?

Nina:  Because I think Nathan just confessed to me.  He might of admitted to killing Candice.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Glenn's office.  A.J., Glenn and Lucas are there.

Glenn:  I can't tell you how much I regret what happened the night Candice died.   I shouldn't have let things get so out of control.  I handled it very badly.

A.J.:  Handled what?

Glenn:  Our argument.

A.J.:  Which was about?

Glenn:  Nathan James.  He was the only thing Candice and I ever fought about ... the only thing we ever disagreed about.

A.J.:  Right.  You never liked James and wanted Candice to steer clear of him.  Candice refused.  That's old news.  What was the fight really about?   How could it be so bad that Candice would slap you?

Glenn:  Candice told me that she wanted to delay her marriage to Lucas' brother until after she graduated by college.  She didn't want to marry him right outside of high school like she originally planned.

Lucas:  Sounds like a good idea to me.

Glenn:  It would be ... depending on her reasons.  But Candice was being influenced by the people around her.  She loved James ... she wanted to marry him ... she told me that.  Yet, everyone was always hammering at her about marrying so young and insinuating that her relationship with Nathan James was more than that and it was giving her doubts.  She was starting to question everything ... even though she knew what was best for her.

A.J.:  Or maybe she was just realizing what a mistake she was making.

Glenn:  That's your perspective.  But my daughter was perfectly happy with her relationship with James and her planned marriage until everyone else poked his or her nose into it.  And she had reached her saturation point.  She wanted some time to think ... some to collect her thoughts.

A.J.:  And you thought that was a bad idea?

Glenn:  Yes, because I knew she would be risking her entire future if she let everyone else get to her.

A.J.:  Not getting married at 16 is risking your entire future?  Glenn, this is not the Middle Ages.  Candice wasn't in danger of being considered an old maid if she didn't have a husband and a few kids by her 21rst birthday.

Glenn:  Look, I knew my daughter.  She wanted to marry James ... it was the rest of you that were confusing things for her.  Anyway, I tried to convince her not to delay the wedding ... to let things continue as planned.  I told her that nothing was worth losing someone she loved so much.  (He sighed)  And that's when things got out of hand.

Lucas:  How?

Glenn:  Candice told me that Nathan had been pushing her to break up with James ... saying that she was too young to be getting married.

Lucas:  Just like everyone else with an ounce of sense in their heads.

Glenn:  But Nathan had his motives of course.  He wanted Candice for himself ... .and I knew that.  I told Candice that and she wouldn't listen.  She refused to hear anything bad about that kid.  She insisted he was just a concerned friend.  And, I blew up.  The idea that troublemaker was interfering in Candice's chance for happiness was more than I could take.

Lucas:  And?

Glenn:  I lost my temper.  I yelled at Candice ... accused of her being involved with Nathan ... insinuated they were having an affair, even though I knew there was no chance that they could've been.

A.J.:  Despite the fact that everyone thought she could've been seeing him and she had birth control bills she got under his mother's maiden name.

Glenn:  That's no proof of a relationship.  And for the birth control pills, she and Nathan were friends.  He either could've told her his mother's maiden name or she somehow found out and used it to get those pills so she could hide the fact that she was sexually involved with James.  Besides, Candice denied the relationship.  She couldn't believe I would think she could betray James and get herself tied to someone like Nathan.  (Glenn shook his head)  She felt so hurt ... as if I didn't trust or believe her.  So she lashed out at me.  Then, she got in her car and drove off.  Believe me, I was stunned ... not just because of the slap, but that I'd driven my child to do it.  What kind of father ... what kind of man did that make me?  (He sighed, his eyes misting)  And I have had to live with that being the last time we spent together.

Lucas:  (doubtfully)  An incredible story.

Glenn:  How could I have turned on Candice like that?  She'd never lied to me, never given me a reason to not trust her.   How could I let myself lose faith in her, even for a moment?

Lucas:  Why didn't you tell the police this instead of making up some story about her going to the grocery store for milk?

Glenn:  Because I felt guilty!  Candice would've never been out of the house if it weren't for me!  If we hadn't fought ... if I hadn't said the things I said to her, she would've stayed home that night ... and she'd still be alive.  (A tear rolled down his cheek)  She'd dead because of me.  I'm partially responsible for what happened to her.  Do you really think I want the world to know that?

A.J.:  Glenn, if you had to go through all that, I'm sorry.

Glenn:   So have you two heard enough for one day?  Do I have to take any more of this!?

A.J.:    I think we've heard enough.

Glenn:  I guess you're going to run to the nearest phone and turn in this story right, A.J.?  You'd like nothing better than to make me look bad in the press.

A.J.:  You do a good job of looking bad all on your own, thank you.  But, don't worry.  There's not a story here ... yet.

(A.J. and Lucas walked out) 

Glenn: (picking up the telephone and punching a number)  It's me.  (Pause as he listened)  I don't care what you're doing, I need you to get over here now!  (Pause)  Not over the phone.  Just get here!  (Glenn slammed the phone down, then flopped into his chair, anxiety coursing through him)  God, what am I going to do now!?

(Outside the room, A.J. and Lucas were slowly walking down the corridor leading from Glenn's office)

A.J.:  Well that was quite a scene.  I don't think I've seen that much self-flagellation since Oedipus had that little accident with the fireplace poker.

Lucas:  And I didn't buy any of it.  Does he honestly expect us to believe that despite the evidence there was nothing going on between his daughter and the James kid, and that they fought because she was upset that he accused her of it?

A.J.:  So you think he was lying?

Lucas:  Of course he was lying.  And I can prove it.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the AIDS Clinic.  Zachary and Laura walk into Zachary's office.

Laura:  Zachary, this is not nearly as bad as you're making it sound.

Zachary:  Didn't you hear what I just told you? Our father got the divorce delayed by going to a judge and saying he needed time to grieve his daughter and see her murderer put to justice before he could deal with the divorce.

Laura:  What is wrong with that?  Dad has been through hell since Candice died.  We all have.  And who knows how long this is going to take to resolve itself?  And until we have, either by Nathan James being found guilty of the crime or someone else, we can't put it behind us ... we can't lay Candice to rest.  Do you really think it's too much to ask to let something as stressful as a divorce wait a few months?

Zachary:  Laura, it's not as if Gloria walked out on Dad last night and served him with papers this morning.  They've been separated for months.  If Gloria hadn't of delayed things out of deference to Dad when Candice was killed, their marriage would've been finished long ago.

Laura:  That's true.  I guess it's inconvenient for Candice to have died just when Gloria was getting her freedom.

Zachary:  That's not fair and you know it.  Gloria has been very considerate to Dad.  You seem to forget that she was going to leave him before, but then that mess with Derek Kendall struck.

Laura:  And they got back together.

Zachary:  But only because they'd been through a terrible ordeal together.   It wasn't long before all their old problems resurfaced and she realized the marriage would never work.  This marriage has been on life support for years and Dad won't let Gloria pull the plug.

Laura:  Considering you're a doctor, Zachary, I find your metaphors disturbing.

Zachary:  Laura, don't you see this is not about Candice or his grieving her murder.  It's about Dad using Candice's death to manipulate and get what he wants.

Laura:  That's a disgusting insinuation.  Say what you will about our father, but he loved Candice.  Do you really believe he would use her murder in such a despicable fashion.  Do you hate him that much?

Zachary:  Which question do you want me to answer first?

Laura:  (shaking her head)  You know, I don't know what disturbs me more ... your hatred of our father or the reasons behind it.

Zachary:  What does that mean?

Laura:  Zachary, it wasn't that long ago in this very office that I asked you if there was something going on between you and Gloria ... if there was a reason why you are so determined to see she and my father divorced.  You told me there wasn't.  Was that a lie?  Are you and Gloria involved?

Gloria:  (walking in)  Zachary, have you heard anything about ... ?   (She stopped short when she saw Laura)  Oh, I'm sorry. 

Zachary:  Gloria, shouldn't you be in surgery?

Gloria:  We never got the patient on the table before she flatlined.

Zachary:  I'm sorry.

Gloria:  Thanks, but it would've been a miracle if she survived the operation.  (Pause)   Zachary, I wanted to talk to you, but if I'm interrupting ...

Laura:  Actually, Gloria, you're just in time.  I think there's something we all need to talk about.

Scene: Greyhawk Manor. Monica and Hillary are in the living room.

Monica:   I always thought if I ever lost Nigel, it would be because he couldn't resolve his feelings for Kevin and would decide that it was him he wanted to be with.  But as it turns out, that aspect of Nigel's life is resolved. Kevin Lassiter is the least of my problems.

Hillary: What do you mean?

Monica:  You know that Nigel had been so reluctant to have a child and I was afraid it was because he couldn’t put his history with Kevin behind him.

Hillary:   But he has?

Monica:  Yes.  Nigel has finally put his past with Kevin behind him. He realized he will always have feelings for Kevin…and that he couldn’t deny that. But, he's happy with his life and he wants to stay with Vicki and me ... and he's ready for us to have a baby of our own.

Hillary:  And what happened to make Nigel finally come to this realization?

Monica:  He had a talk with Kevin.  They were able to deal with a lot of things, come to some closure.  Apparently they both came away with the feeling it was time to move on.  And they’re ready to… finally.

Hillary: (a slightly troubled look on her face)  I see.

Monica:   Hillary, you can't imagine how overjoyed I was to hear that. Nigel is my life…I love him more than I ever thought possible and I've wanted to share a child with him since the day we got married. I didn’t think it could get better, especially since he wanted to start working on having a baby right away. Just this morning we discussed baby clothes and names.

Hillary:  Really?

Monica:  Yes. But, you know how practical Nigel is.  He said I was getting ahead of myself…that we shouldn’t make so many plans. I might not get pregnant for months. But, I couldn't help it.

Hillary: Monica, I know you've wanted this for a very long time.  I just hope it gives you the happiness you deserve.

Monica: You're not even going to hide your doubts about my marriage, are you?

Hillary:  What kind of sister would I be if I did?  Look, Monica, I know you love Nigel and I truly believe he loves you and Vicki and he wants to make a life with you.

Monica: But?

Hillary: But, your husband is gay and by his own admission, he always will be.

Monica:  Hillary, we've managed to overcome all that. 

Hillary:  And now there’s something else?  You think that what happened today is a threat to your marriage?

Monica: I do. I think as long as we're in this house and in the line of fire, my child will always be in jeopardy and my marriage will have problems.

Hillary: I admit it won't be easy, but you can't throw in the towel.

Monica: Hillary, I don't want to. What I want is to get out of this house.  I want to move, Hillary, be away from the battlefield Quentin has turned this place into.  I want some peace and quiet where Nigel and I can be together and take care of our family and not worry about what problems the morning paper are going to bring.

Hillary: Monica, I understand your fears and concerns, but moving out of the house? Have you talked to Nigel about this?

Monica: Of course I have.

Hillary: And what did he say?

Monica: He was shocked, naturally. Nigel can't even conceive of ever leaving this house ... or leaving the family business.  I know he loves working with his Dad and living in this house. He's close to his father and his brothers.  But Nigel has his own family now. He has to make us his first priority ... he promised me that when we got married.

Hillary:  I remember ... I was at the wedding.  It was in his vows. But, I don't think he meant giving up the home he's had all his life and the business he someday is going to own. You're asking a lot.

Monica: I am asking him to be my husband and a father to my daughter first and foremost.  I have that right, don't you think?

Hillary:  How did Nigel respond to it?

Monica: He was so surprised he hardly said anything.  And I had to go upstairs and check on Vicki. When I got back, he was gone.

Hillary:  Gone?  Where did he go? To the office or something?

Monica: No. I called there ... he hasn't been in all day and he's not expected in.

Hillary: Well maybe he's off thinking about what you said.

Monica: Or maybe he decided he can't do it and he's filing for divorce.

Hillary: Don't you think you're getting a little ahead of yourself?  Nigel's not the type of man who makes snap decisions.

Monica:  I know. He always gives things a lot of thought and consideration before he makes a decision. 

Hillary:  Then that should give you some comfort.  Nigel's not going to make any choices until he mulls all the pros and cons.

Monica:  So what if he does that and decides he can't leave this house ... that no matter what, his father will always come first. What do I do then?

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the AIDS Clinic; Zachary's office.   Zachary, Laura and Gloria are there.

Gloria:  What did you want to talk to me about, Laura?  Is this about Melody?

Laura:  No.  It's about my father.  Zachary told me what happened today.

Gloria:  I see.  Laura, I'm sorry.  I can only imagine what you must be thinking.

Laura:  Yes, I'm thinking that I don't understand you, Gloria.

Gloria:  What?

Laura:  You used to be so loving and considerate where my father was concerned.   When did you grow to hate him so much?

Zachary:  Laura!  That isn't fair!

Gloria:  I don't hate your father.

Laura:  Then why are you so upset about having to wait until Candice's trial is over before proceeding with the divorce?  Not only that, Zachary says you believe Dad is just using his daughter's murder to stay married to you.  Is that what you really believe?  You think someone you once loved so much could be capable of such manipulation?

Gloria:  Laura, I really don't think this is the time.

Laura:  But, I do.  My father is going through hell.  He lost his youngest child ... she was brutally raped, beaten and murdered.  And her killer hasn't been brought to justice.  What is so wrong with him wanting to lay her to rest before he faces losing the woman he loves?

Gloria:  It's not that simple.  You know this marriage has been over for a very long time.  We would already divorced if fate hadn't intervened.  I know it's a bad time, but ...

Laura:  But what?  Why are you so eager to get out of this marriage?   What is it that ... ?

Zachary:  (interrupting)  Laura, we really shouldn't get into this right now.   Gloria just got out of surgery and I'm sure she's wondering if I found anything about Melody.

Gloria:  Yes.  Actually, that's why I'm here.  Any word yet?

Zachary:  No, I'm afraid not.

Gloria:  What about A.J.?  Has he turned up?

Zachary:  No.

Laura:  (surprised) A.J.'s missing too ... again!?

Zachary:  We don't know that, not yet.

Gloria:  Look, I was just in the parking garage and as Sabrina said A.J.'s car is there.  I also talked to the parking attendant who saw him enter the building.   A.J. is in the hospital.   Have you tried using the hospital PA system?

Zachary:  No ... and I can't believe I haven't thought of it.  Excuse me.  (Zachary went to the phone as Laura turned to Gloria)

Laura:  Gloria, I'm sorry.  I didn't know all this was going on.  You must be really upset ... especially with Eric being arrested this morning.

Gloria:  (sighing) I've had better days, that's for sure.

Laura:  Does Dad know?

Gloria:  I don't know.  I haven't seen Glenn since this morning at the courthouse.

Laura:  Well, I'm sure he'd be concerned ... and I know he'd want to help you get through this.  He always was someone to lean on, you know.

Gloria:  He can be.  But, then there were the times I couldn't count on him at all.

Laura:  I know, but if you could just ... .!

Zachary:  (hanging up the phone)  There.  They should be paging A.J. any second now.  He's supposed to call this office.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; outside of Glenn's office.   A.J. and Lucas are there.

A.J.:  Look, I know Glenn's a liar.  He does it as easily as he breathes.   But, how do you know he's not telling the whole story about this?  (Pause as realization came over A.J.)  Wait a minute.  You know more than you let Glenn in on, right?  You didn't lay all your cards on the table with him, did you?

Lucas:  No good poker player does.

A.J.:  So what is it?  What did Glenn leave out of his sob story?

Lucas:  The fact that someone else was there that night during his fight with Candice.  His neighbor saw a man standing in the doorway while Candice and Dr. Dailey went at it.  After Candice took off, the man and Glenn went back into the house.  The guy came out about a half-hour later.

A.J.:  Did she see who it was?

Lucas:  Besides his being about 6' tall and slender, she couldn't make him out.  It was too dark.

A.J.:  What about the car he was driving?

Lucas:  It was small ... like a sports car.  That's all she could say.

A.J.:  Any idea who it could be ... and why Glenn wouldn't mention it?

Lucas:  Not yet.  But I'll find out.  I'll crack this case yet.   Look how far I've come in such a short amount of  time.

A.J.:  I suppose that's a dig at me?

Lucas:  A.J., you know I've never been known for my subtlety.

(Just then A.J. was paged over the loudspeaker)

A.J.:  (curiously) That's for me.

Lucas:  You a doctor here now?  Remind me to switch hospitals.  The hiring practices here are slipping.

A.J.:  (frowning as he went to a house phone at the end of the hall)  Shove it, Greyhawk.  (Lucas behind him, A.J. picked up the phone and dialed the number he'd been instructed to)

Voice:  Zachary Dailey.

A.J.:  Zachary, what's up?  I just got a hospital page to call you.

Zachary:  (relieved)  A.J., thank God!  Are you all right!?

A.J.:  I'm fine.  What is going on?  Why the page?

Zachary:  Where are you?  Is Melody with you?

A.J.:   I'm right outside your father's office and no, Melody is not with me.   Why?  What's wrong?

Zachary:  A.J., I don't want to explain over the phone.  Stay where you are. I'll be right there.

A.J.:  Okay.  (He hung up the phone)  Oh, God.

Lucas:  Is there a new crisis in the House of Lassiter?

A.J.:  I have the dread feeling that there is.

Scene:  Greyhawk Manor; the living room.  Hillary and Monica are there.

Monica:    Hillary, I can't imagine my life without Nigel  . I love him so much ... my life with him has been more wonderful that I could've imagined.  Vicki and I hit the jackpot when he came into our lives.

Hillary:  I know he's made you happy.

Monica:   I never thought having someone love you ... being in love with someone could be so fulfilling.  With Eric, love ... if it could be called that ... was about struggling and going from one crisis to the next.  I was spending all my time trying to make my marriage work ... make Eric love me and be the kind of father Vicki needed and deserved.  But I was fighting a losing battle.   I couldn't make Eric feel an emotion he was incapable of.  I just wish it hadn't of taken me so long to learn that lesson.   I can't believe I let it go on for so long.  When I think of the pain I endured ... wondering if Eric would come home at night ... and when he did would he be drunk or have another woman's scent on him.  But I thought I loved him.   I believed that if the love was strong enough, it could get us through anything.   How many times have your patients said that to you, Hillary?

Hillary:  More than I'd care to count.  It's a little more painful when it's your sister, though.  We could see what was happening, but we couldn't help you.

Monica:  I wouldn't let you help me.  I wouldn't listen to anything.   All I could do was insist that it was going to work with Eric, even though I had no evidence that it would.  That's why when it was over ... when Eric pushed me and Vicki out of his life with little more than the clothes on our backs, I couldn't come to you.   I was so ashamed at what I'd done ... that's I'd let myself be so made a fool of.

Hillary:  Like I said, Monica, it happens a lot.  I just think we should just be grateful that it's over.  You don't really need to go over all that ancient history.

Monica:  But I do.  It's because I went through all that pain with Eric that I appreciate my husband so much more.  You know a lot of people might see Nigel as boring or dull or predictable.  And you know something, he is predictable in many ways..  But, that's what I love about him.  I know I can always count on him.   I know what time he's going to walk through that door every night.  And if he's going to be late, he calls and lets me know.  He never leaves his house or comes home without making sure I get a hug and a kiss and an 'I Love You'.  He surprises me with flowers or a little gift for no reason at all ... and he hasn't forgotten how to be romantic even though we've been married for a few years now.  You remember a couple of weeks ago when he whisked me off for that ski weekend.

Hillary:  You're lucky.  I think Evan has forgotten romance and we're still at the dating stage.

Monica:  (smiling)  And Vicki ... from the moment they met, he treated her like his own child.  He spends time with her everyday after school ... helping her with her homework, going for a walk, or just talking about her day.  He's been a godsend to both of us.  I know we've had our problems ... his history with Kevin Lassiter ... his conflict over his sexuality ... but we worked through that.  We worked through that and now we're going to have our own child soon.  I can't lose that ... I can't lose him ... not when we're so close to our lives being perfection.

Hillary:  So what are you saying?

Monica:  That I will fight for my man and my marriage.  I'll do what I have to so we can hold things together.  I have to make Nigel see what we have to do to keep our family intact.

Hillary:  And you believe leaving this house ... separating Nigel from his father and brothers is the way to do that?

Monica:  Hillary, as long as we are here, we're going to be affected by Quentin's thirst for revenge.  Things have been so ugly so far and it's only going to get worse.

Hillary:  You're sure about that?  You can't talk to Quentin ... make him see what damage this is doing?

Monica:  Quentin knew what damage he was going to cause and didn't care.  All he wanted was revenge and damn whoever gets in the way of his quest.  He won't stop ... he won't stop for anyone.  He might be sorry we got hurt ... he might even regret it.   But it wouldn't stop him from doing it again if he had to.  No, we have to leave this house ... there's no other way.  I have to make Nigel see that getting out of this house and getting away from his father is what we have to do and we have to do it now.

Quentin's Voice:   And do you really think that is what is going to happen?

Monica:  (startled; turning to face her father-in-law, who looked enraged)   Quentin!  We're you listening to my private conversation!?

Quentin:  (stalking in)  This is my house and as far as I'm concerned there is little that goes on that is private ... especially when it concerns my sons.

Monica:  Look, Quentin, I really don't think ... !

Quentin:  Think!?  Apparently you aren't thinking at all if you think I'm going to let the likes of you take my son away from me!  That will never happen!   Never!

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the Intensive Care Unit lounge.   Nina and Nikki walk in.

Nikki:  Nina, this makes no sense.  Are you sure you're not mistaken?

Nina:  Nikki, I heard Nathan as clear as day.  He thought I was Candice ... or something.  He was very angry ... enraged in fact.  He swore he'd never let anyone else have me… have Candice.

Nikki:   I’m sorry Nina, I’m just having a hard time believing this. The Nathan I know could never hurt anyone.

Nina:  Nikki, this is not some book or TV show where the police always catch the wrong person before the real killer is caught.  This is real life where the police usually get the right person the first time around.  I heard his voice ... I saw the look in his eyes.   And I know what it felt like when he grabbed me.  It was very convincing.  

Nikki:   Well, it certainly does tie into the district attorney's case.  But maybe there's an explanation for it.  Nathan has been unconscious for well over a day and he suffered a heart attack.  He could've been confused or delirious or something.

Nina:  Enough to confess to murder?

Nikki:  Like I said, I don't know what to make of it. (Pause)  Did anyone else hear you?

Nina:  No.  He stopped talking before his brother and those doctors came in.

Nikki:  Did you tell them what he said?

Nina:  No.  I didn't have the chance before they threw me out.

Nikki:  Good.  Right now we need to keep this to ourselves.

Nina:  Nikki, are you sure that's the right thing to do?  This is evidence in a murder case.  I know you want to help Nathan, but if he did kill Candice and we have proof, shouldn't we tell the police?

Nikki:  Of course we should.  Believe me, I don't want Nate to be guilty anymore than you ... it would devastate Richie to find out he's been wrong all this time.   And, if he killed Candice, he should pay, no doubt that.  But, we can't tell the police or anyone else.  This is really no proof.  Words said in a semi-conscious state isn't evidence, it certainly would never stand up in court.   I doubt if a judge would even allow it to be used as evidence.

Nina:  Since when did you become so conversant in the legal system?

Nikki:  You forget that before he became a Senator, my brother Jonas was district attorney of this town.  I picked a few legal tips from him.  The point is, we need concrete proof before we can do anything; whether it be learning Nathan killed Candice or that James tried to kill Nathan because of that.  This whole thing is going to be harder than I thought.

Nina:  (shaking her head)  Nikki, this is becoming way too complicated ... and I don't want to be involved anymore.  I just want to go back to school and lose myself in my English Lit. class and forget all this.  You should too ... your grades could use some improving.

Nikki:  Nina, I can hardly worry about what the significance of Walt Whitman as compared to Ernest Hemingway when there's real life drama going on.

Nina:  None of that is going to get you into a good college.

Nikki:  You're sounding way too much like my mother.  You're starting to scare me.

Nina:  You could stand to listen to your mother once in awhile.  (Pause)   Well, I'm going to head back to class.  You coming?

Nikki:  Nina, have you forgotten why we came here?  I thought you were going to help me Candice's diary?

Nina:  I was ... to my eternal regret.  But it's late and we have to be getting back to school.  I can't risk missing any classes ... my father would certainly find out.

Nikki:  You're right.  Well, what about after school?  We can come back then.

Nina:  No, I can't.  My father is expecting me home right after class.   If I don't, he'll know I'm hanging with you and then I'm dead.  Just consider me out of the murder investigation business.

Nikki:  Nina, how can you just walk away from this after what you've heard today?

Nina:  Easily.  I like life nice and normal and quiet.  And I'm only too eager to get back to it.  As far as I'm concerned, my involvement in this just finished.  (Pause)  Now, are you coming to school with me or not?

Nikki:  Yes, but I'm not giving up on you.  I need your help.

Nina:  And I wish I could give it to you, but I can't.  Find another girl.   I'm sorry I ever heard the name Nathan James.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; Nathan's hospital room.   Darian, Christina and Danny are gathered around Nathan's bed.  Nathan lies in the bed, awake and fully conscious.

Nathan:  (weakly)  So I'm going to be all right?

Darian:   We have to take a lot of tests.  But the odds are in your favor to have a complete recovery.

Danny:  How long do you think it'll take?

Darian:  Qualamethite is a pretty dangerous drug.  First it's got to work it's way out of his system and then he's got to recover from any cardiac damage it caused ... which hopefully will be minimal.  But the drugs we're giving him should counteract most of the effects.

Darian:  (insistently) But do you have a timetable?

Darian:  A couple of weeks or so.  Nathan's young and healthy so he should bounce back quickly.

Danny:  Two weeks don't sound quick to me.

Christina:  (glaring at Darian)  It is a bit conservative.  A week should be plenty of time for you to be up and released.

Darian:  (returning Christina's stare)  I think we don't want to rush things.  We shouldn't take any chances with Nate's health.

Nathan:  Besides, the longer I'm in here ... the less time I'm in jail.

Christina:  Are we a halfway house now?

Darian:  (ignoring Christina)  Look, at this point, I'd say we shouldn't be in a hurry.  None of us are going anywhere, right?

Danny:  Right.

Darian:   For now we should let the police know Nate has regained consciousness.  They'll want to question him about that attack.

Nathan:  But, I don't remember much.  I was in my room and someone grabbed me from behind and stabbed me with a needle.   My heart felt like it was going to burst in my chest and I passed out.

Danny: And you have no idea who could've done it?

Nathan:  None.  I wish I did.  I guess I should've said something when the threats first started.

Darian:  (startled)  Threats!?  What threats!?

Nathan:  The other day I got a phone call from someone who said that if I didn't plead guilty to killing Candice, they'd kill me.

Danny:  What!?

Nathan:  Yeah ... they said I had a few hours to decide.  Well, I couldn't make up my mind and I asked for more time, but he said too late and hung up the phone.  It was a little while later that I was attacked.

Danny:  I don't believe this!  Why didn't you say anything!?

Nathan:  They told me not to.  They said if I told anyone the deal was off and I was dead.  I was scared ... I thought they were serious ... especially after being shoved down the stairs.

Danny:  Whoever tried to kill you yesterday did that too?

Nathan:  They never confessed to it ... but certainly implied it.

Christina:  And you have no idea who could be responsible?

Nathan:  I wish I did, but no.

Darian:  That does it.  We got to get Det. Collier and Det. Sorensen back up here so they can arrange police protection for Nathan.

Danny:  Police protection!?  What the hell good is that going to do!?

Darian:  Danny, the cops can help Nathan.

Danny:  Really?  They haven't done much for him so far.  He wouldn't even be here if it weren't for that racist scum Eric Lassiter!  And let's not forget he was in a courthouse being guarded by cops when he took a tumble down the stairs.   For all we know they could be behind all of this!

Christina:  Calm down, Mr. James, this is a hospital room.

Danny:  I will not be calm until my brother is safe and since none of you can do that, I will!  (Danny headed for the door) 

Darian:  Danny, wait!  (The door closed behind him)  Damn it!

Nathan:  Maybe you should go after him.

Darian:  I can't.  You need my help more than Danny right now.

Nathan:  But, Danny ...

Darian:  Danny's just going off half-cocked as usual.  He'll calm down and get a cool head.

Christina:  But, what will he do before that happens?

Darian:  (annoyed)  Look, if you can't be helpful, why don't you go order the meds we're going to need.

Christina:  What?  Are you ordering me around!?

Darian:  Well, someone has to and since as you continue to remind me, you're Nathan's doctor, only you are authorized to do it.

Christina:  How convenient of you to remember that.  Fine, I'll take care of it.  (Pause)  And I'll get the police up here too.  I'm sure they'll want to talk to Mr. James.  (Christina walked out)

Nathan:  Darian, what's going on?  Why is that woman here?  Why is she my doctor?  What happened?

Darian:  Let's not worry about that right now.  Let's worry about getting you well and keeping you safe.  (Pause)  You really had us concerned there for awhile.  We were wondering if you'd make it.  We were so happy when we walked in here and you were waking up.

Nathan:  That's good to hear.

Darian:  Yeah, I'll bet your friend Nina was happy too.  Even though we chased her out of here because she's not a relative.

Nathan:  (surprised)  Nina?  Nina Tamakai?  She was here?

Darian:  Yeah.  I don't know how long she'd been here, but she was the first to see you wake up.

Nathan:  And what did she say?

Darian:  What do you mean?

Nathan:  Did she have anything to say about when I woke up?  Did I talk to her?  Did I say anything to her?

Darian:  I'm sure you must've had.  You were still mumbling when we came in.

Nathan:  And what did I say?

Darian:  Nothing really ... nothing we could make sense of anyway.  Most of your words were slurred together.

Nathan:  Oh, I see.  I guess it was probably the same way with Nina, huh?

Darian:  I guess so.  I mean you were just coming out of a coma after having a heart attack.  I can't imagine you saying anything important.

Nathan:  (a worried look in his eyes)  No ... neither can I.

Scene:  Covington Bay Medical Center; the corridor outside of Glenn's office.  A.J., Lucas, Gloria, Zachary and Laura are there.

A.J.:  What do you mean Melody is missing?

Gloria:  A.J., when was the last time you saw her?

A.J.:  This morning at my place.  What makes you think she's missing?

Zachary:  Apparently she left here hours ago and didn't let anyone know where she's going.

A.J.:  That's impossible.  Melody is one of the most dedicated, responsible people I know, especially about her job.  There's no way she'd leave and not let anyone know where she's going and when she'd be back.

Zachary:  From what I gather, she was rather distracted when she left so she may have forgotten.

A.J.:  Well, I ... I guess with everything that's going on, it's feasible.  (Pause) Did you try her cell phone?

Zachary:  Of course.  No answer.

A.J.:  What about her family?  Maybe she spoke to one of them.

Zachary:  We did that.  No one has seen her since she left the hospital.

A.J.:  (shaking his head)  I don't believe this!  She can't have gotten caught in the middle of this mess with Slade and Reilly, she can't!

Lucas:  A.J., let's not jump to conclusions.  There could be plenty of explanations as to where Melody could be.

A.J.:  Then why can't I only think of one!?

Jake:  (walking up with Angela)  What is going on here?  Why the gathering?

Gloria:  Jake ... Angela ...! Melody is missing.  We were just trying to figure out where she could be.

Jake:  (startled)  Missing!?

Angela:  Oh God!

Gloria:  Yes, no one has seen her since she left the hospital few hours ago.

Jake: Angela and I just saw her at the police station.

A.J.:  The police station?  What was she doing there?  Did something happen to her?

Jake:  No.  She was there to see you, A.J..

A.J.:  Me?

Jake:  Yeah.  She heard about Eric's arrest and she came down to see how you were.

A.J.:  But, I never saw her.

Jake:  You missed each other.  And when Melody realized that, she left.

A.J.:  Did she say where she was going?

Jake:  Yeah.  She said she had to drop by your place and pick up some dry cleaning before coming back here.

Zachary:  But we called your apartment, A.J..  There was no answer.   Something must've happened after she left.

A.J.:  But if she were in an accident or something, we'd know by now.  This is bad, real bad.

Lucas:  Let's not try and think the worst.

A.J.:  We've got to ... !  (At that moment, the elevator doors at the end of the corridor slid open and Melody stepped off of them)  Melody!  (A.J. ran to her, the group behind him.  He flung his arms around his girlfriend)  Oh, Melody!  Thank God you're all right!  Thank God!

Melody:  (stunned)  A.J., what is going on?  Why do you look so panicked?  (She looked at the group around her)  Why does everyone look so panicked?  (Pause)   Wait, why am I asking?  This is the Lassiter family, isn't it?   These days, a hangnail is reason to panic.

Jake (watching uncomfortably as A.J. and Melody embraced):  So you're okay?

Melody:  I'm fine.  Why is everyone so worried?

Angela:  (as A.J. released her)  You're were supposed to be here awhile ago, sis.

Melody:  I admit I was a little late ... but it couldn't be avoided.

Gloria:  Melody, what happened?  You were late for surgery.  That's not like you.

Melody:  I was on my way here when I came on a real bad traffic accident.  I got out of the car to help until the ambulance arrived and then drove in with the EMT's.   Things were really dicey and we almost lost the patient on the way in.  I guess I just forgot to call in all the excitement.  I'm sorry.

Gloria:  That's okay, it's understandable.

A.J.:  Why didn't you answer your cell phone?  Zachary said he tried calling you.

Melody:  I left it at your place by accident when I went to pick up the dry cleaning.  Of course I forgot that too.  But, after what happened there ...

A.J.:  Wait a minute, what do you mean what happened there?

Melody:  Something happened at your place, A.J..  I'm afraid it's not good news.

Coming Soon In Covington Bay.....