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Summaries
Episodes 1-10
Dr. Glenn Dailey, chief of staff of Covington Bay Medical Center, is mourning the murder of his youngest daughter, Candice. Her accused murderer, Nathan James, is going on trial in a few hours. Glenn's wife, Dr. Gloria Lassiter-Dailey, Chief Surgeon at the hospital, tries to comfort her husband, but she's not sure Nathan killed Candice. Gloria knew Nathan and always thought he was a good kid. Glenn is sure he did, saying his motive was that he was in love with Candice and she rejected him.
Unfortunately, that isn't why Gloria came by to see Glenn. She is about to tell him her real reason for coming when he gets a phone call from his attorney who tells him that the hearing for he and Gloria's divorce is next week. Glenn is angry and asks that Gloria put the divorce off, at least until the trial is over. Gloria says she's put the divorce off long enough and refuses, storming out as Glenn's son, Dr. Zachary Dailey, who runs the hospital's AIDS wing, enters. He thinks Glenn should let Gloria go and give her the divorce without a struggle. Glenn tells his son to butt out of his business. An argument ensues and Zachary insinuates that Glenn is responsible for Candice's death.
Meanwhile, investigative reporter A.J. Lassiter is preparing to go to the courthouse to cover the murder trial. He tells his girlfriend, Melody Sorensen, a surgical nurse at the hospital, that he thinks Nathan is innocent and wants to prove it. Melody wishes A.J. would stay out of it, but A.J. refuses.
A.J. gets a phone call from his cousin, Kevin, who is Vice President of Lassiter Pharmaceuticals, the family business. The annual stockholders meeting is at the end of the week, and Kevin wants to make sure A.J. will be there. A.J., who really doesn't care about the business, is reluctant, but Kevin talks him into it.
A.J. gets a surprise visitor, a beautiful Asian woman named Patricia, who A.J. hasn't seen in years. He demands to know why she has come to visit him and she is playfully vague. When Melody, who'd been in the bathroom, enters, she wants to know who Patricia is. Patricia introduces herself as Patricia Tamakai-Lassiter…A.J.'s wife.
Sabrina Collier, Gloria's divorce attorney, and longtime friend from college, promises she will get Gloria's divorce from Glenn as quickly as possible. But, Sabrina's biggest concern is the Nathan James trial. She is defending Nathan in the murder trial and has lots of doubts whether she can win the case.
Elsewhere, Zachary and Glenn spar. Zachary says his father is a master and ruining lives such as Gloria's and Zachary's mothers. Glenn demands his son leave his office, which Zachary does.
Later, Glenn overhears Gloria and Sabrina discussing the Nathan James trial. Glenn suggests Sabrina drop the case since Nathan is guilty and since the trial will only end up hurting Sabrina's career.
Melody demands to know if what Patricia says is true. Is she married to A.J.? A.J. is forced to admit that she is. Melody, who has been seeing A.J. for three years, wants to know what is going on. After tossing Patricia out of his apartment, A.J. explains that he's known Patricia his entire life. She is the daughter of Harry Tamakai, who runs the Lassiter Estate, where A.J. grew up. Melody assumes they were childhood sweethearts, but A.J. says Patricia was a brat who was always tagging after he and Michael, Patricia's brother.
As for the marriage, A.J. says that Patricia went to college at the University of Nevada/Las Vegas, and A.J. was in Las Vegas to celebrate his new job as a foreign correspondent with a newsweekly. He met up with Patricia, they got drunk and got married. A.J. doesn't even remember the night. Melody wants to know why they never divorced. A.J. explains he was in Europe working for years and when he returned to live in Covington Bay, Patricia, who is also a reporter, was in Africa working for a travel magazine. A.J. simply explains there was no time for a divorce.
After the explanation, A.J. asks if Melody understands. She responds by slapping him and storming out.
Meanwhile, Patricia is at a phone booth talking to her brother, Michael. They are discussing Patricia's plans now that she's returned to Covington Bay and visited A.J.. Michael warns his sister against going through with her scheme and advises her to forget it. Patricia says she can't turn back now and plots her next move, saying that A.J. won't believe what she does next.
Glenn insists that if Sabrina insists on defending Nathan, she'll ruin her career for defending a killer. Sabrina refuses to drop the case and asks Glenn to leave she and Gloria alone. Glenn goes away. Gloria vows she has to get out of the marriage. Sabrina promises that's going to happen. Later, after Sabrina leaves for the courthouse, Gloria talks to Zachary, who sympathizes with Gloria's eagerness to get a divorce from his father. Zachary knows how destructive Glenn can be, using what he did to Zachary's mother as an example. Gloria asks how Zachary's mother is, and he replies that her condition is still the same and the doctors don't see much of an opportunity for it to change. Clasping Zachary's hand, Gloria says that the one good thing that came from she and Glenn's marriage is her friendship with Zachary. Zachary agrees.
A.J. tries to get Melody to listen to him, but she is too angry and leaves for work.
A.J. heads for the courthouse where he runs into Michael. A.J. tells Michael about Patricia's return to town and what she did. A.J. asks Michael if he knew what Patricia was going to do and Michael reluctantly lies and says he had no idea what his sister was up to. A.J. believes him.
Later, after Sabrina and Michael go to see their client, A.J. is stunned to see Patricia at the courthouse. Demanding to know why she is there, Patricia tells A.J. is a reporter for the Covington Bay Times, the Journal's competition, and is covering the trial. The Times has a reputation for being a rag, but Patricia says the new owners have decided to improve the paper and hiring her was part of that. A.J. says Patricia can't compete with him, but Patricia says that A.J. is no longer Covington Bay's top reporter.
Gloria is worried when Melody shows up late for work. When she does arrive, Melody is clearly upset about something. Gloria correctly surmises that Melody is upset about something A.J. has done, but Melody rushes off, refusing to say what.
Natalie Lassiter, recently married to Barton Lassiter, is concerned because her husband wants her to quit working and starting having children. Gloria advises Natalie not to so early in the marriage, especially since Barton has two grown children, Kevin and Brandon, that he has poor relationships with.
Glenn continues to bother Gloria, insisting they get together for the evening to work on their problems. Gloria says it's no use...she wants a divorce. Glenn continues to press her, but Zachary steps him and says he and Gloria have a business dinner that night. Glenn is suspicious, but gives into defeat. Gloria is grateful for Zachary's help and decides to take him out to show her gratitude. Zachary says it isn't necessary, but agrees.
A.J. and Patricia spar, with Patricia insisting she will make a name for herself in Covington Bay as a journalist and A.J. will be eating her dust. A.J. accept the challenge, certain Patricia will be no match for him.
Worried about her son Eric, whom Kevin says has disappeared, Gloria drops by his place to see how he is. She is stunned, but not surprised to see her son lying drunk on his bed. He tells her he's been vacationing in Atlantic City for the past week and is angry that he intruded in his apartment. Eric is nasty to Gloria, especially when he learns Kevin has been trying to get hold of him. Eric makes nasty remarks about Kevin and Gloria storms out in a huff. But, that isn't the end of Eric's visitors. A woman named Monica also drops by...and she is very angry at him.
A.J.'s teenage cousin Nikki Lassiter drops by the courthouse with her boyfriend Richie Stone. Richie is Nathan's best friend...and is very concerned about his being on trial for murder. Richie is certain Nathan is innocent. But Richie has other problems. He is the son of Walter Stone, head of Homicide in Covington Bay, and he is testifying in the murder case...for the defense. Richie's father doesn't know this yet and Nikki tells Richie he should tell his father everything before he finds out from someone else.
Michael is upset about being involved in the case, being certain that Nathan did kill Candice. However, Sabrina tells Michael to keep those feelings to himself, they have a client to protect. When Michael asks Sabrina if she believes the boy committed murder, Sabrina doesn't answer. Nathan comes in and his grief over losing Candice is evident. In fact, Nathan seems not to care what happens to him, having lost the love of his life.
A.J. gets a mysterious call from someone who says they know who killed Candice. Just as A.J. is about to get the details, Patricia comes rushing up, demanding to know who A.J. is talking to.
Eric is face to face with his ex-wife Monica Lassiter Greyhawk, who is currently married to Nigel Greyhawk. Monica is angry with Eric because he isn't spending enough time with their eight year old daughter, Vicki. Eric claims not to have time. Monica insists he makes time because their child needs her father. Not interested, Eric throws her out and head for the refrigerator to get a drink.
At Covington Bay Medical Center, Natalie and African-American nurse Dana Cooper are busy working. But their work is interrupted by the presence of Zachary, who Dana is dating. Dana admittedly likes Zachary because of his good looks and the fact he has money.
At the courthouse, A.J. tries to get details about who killed Candice from his mystery caller, but Patricia's interference cause the caller to hang up. Naturally, A.J. is outraged at his estranged wife and demands he stay away from him.
Gloria returns from her visit with Eric very upset and in tears. When Zachary asks what is wrong, Gloria refuses to talk about it, insisting she wants to be alone. She also cancels their date for the evening. Zachary later shows up at the courthouse to support Nathan and asks A.J. if he could find out what is upsetting his mother. A.J. agrees to talk to her.
Michael and Sabrina are concerned about Nathan's defeatist attitude, especially since the trial is about to start. Evan Maitland, Covington Bay's DA and an old nemesis of Sabrina's bicker about the upcoming trial, each declaring themselves as the winner. But Michael senses that their bantering is much more personal. Sabrina insists there is nothing personal between she and Evan and is offended that Michael would even suggest such a thing.
A man vaguely familiar to Patricia, who claims to know her from childhood, flirts with her. As is dawns on Patricia that the man is Lucas Greyhawk, A.J. comes up, surprised to see the man, who is own childhood enemy. Lucas is a private investigator working on the West Coast. A.J. wonders why Greyhawk, with whom the Lassiters have always feuded, is in town. Lucas refuses to say. The tension is thick between the two men, especially since A.J. is holding an old grudge against Lucas, one that causes him to punch Lucas in the face. Patricia is stunned, but Lucas says A.J. owes him that one. The two cross swords, each warning the other to stay out of their way. But Lucas is certain they'll meet again. Patricia is digested by Lucas and A.J.'s fighting, but A.J. tells her she's the last one to be throwing stones at anyone.
Meanwhile, it's revealed that Lucas is going to be working on the Nathan James case for Sabrina, trying to get evidence to clear the young man of murder.
Nikki is stunned when Richie tells her he knows who killed Candice.
Michael and Sabrina wait the start of the trial and are wondering why things are being delayed. They are also concerned that Nathan's brother Danny, his only living relative hasn't shown up yet. While they don't know why Danny hasn't arrived, they do find out why the trial is being delayed: something has happened to Nathan.
Patrick Jackson, Evan's co-counsel on the Nathan James case, arrives at the courthouse. He and James meet and they both agree that Nathan is guilty and want to see justice done.
Nikki is stunned when Richie says James killed Candice. He has no evidence, but thinks James did it because he was upset about Candice and Nathan's relationship. Knowing the police already feel they have their killer, Nikki decides to check out James herself.
Nathan has fallen down the stairs and is out cold. When she ask the guard, Jerry Nyland, what happened, he is less than helpful and his actually hostile towards her. Meanwhile, Glenn and Zachary bicker about Zachary's defense of Nathan while A.J. looks on. Michael rushes in and tells Zachary what happened to Nathan. Zachary goes off to help. But Glenn actually smiles at the prospect of Nathan being hurt.
Later, everyone gathers at the hospital where Nathan has been brought. Dana shows her disdain for Nathan and is certain he killed Candice. When Richie arrives to check on his best friend, he is rude and demanding to Dana, who is less than helpful. James Greyhawk then shows up and accuses Richie accuses him of being responsible for Nathan's problems.
A.J. arrives at the hospital and runs into Melody. He wants to discuss their problems but she isn't ready to talk. A.J. says they have to clear things up right now.
Sabrina and Michael meet with Nathan's doctor, Darian Jackson, who says he has bad news about the young man.
Gloria gets a visit from her nephew Kevin, who is still looking for Eric to attend the stockholders meeting. Gloria tells Kevin not to expect Eric to come, but knowing how important it is, Kevin decides to talk to Eric himself, even though he and Eric don't get along because Eric can't accept that Kevin is gay. The discussion then shifts to Kevin's problems. He is morning the loss of his lover, Alec Stone, to AIDS. Alec died five years ago. Kevin is planning the annual AIDS fundraiser in honor of Alec death and wondering if he can ever get past his loss and love again. Gloria encourages him to do so, but Kevin doesn't know where to begin.
In the nurse's lounge, A.J. tries to talk to Melody, but she hasn't even begun to process the fact he is married and has been for years. He promises her he will get an annulment as soon as he can and they can get on with their lives together. Melody doesn't think things will ever be the same between them. The conversation is interrupted by Dana, who has come to take her break. When she tells A.J. that there's news on Nathan's condition, he leaves to get the story.
Sabrina and Michael talk to Nathan, who told his doctor, Darian Jackson, that his fall was no accident and he was pushed. However, the guard was the only person besides Nathan, who was in the stairwell, but no one can imagine why Jerry Nyland would do such a thing. Nathan thinks maybe he imagined it or when it went dark in the stairwell he got scared and only thought he was pushed. Sabrina says until they know more, they should keep things to themselves. Nathan agrees. Later, Sabrina tells Michael she's got a bad feeling about the whole thing and they should investigate it as quickly as possible.
Richie accuses James of killing Candice and James denies the accusation. Richie says James killed her because of her relationship with Nathan, which Candice was supposed to have told him about (and break up with him) the night she was killed. But James insists there was no relationship and that he never even saw Candice that day (though he has no alibi since he claims to be alone doing homework that night). According to Richie, Nathan and Candice kept their relationship a secret, but he knew about it. James speculates no one will believe him and will think he's lying to protect Nathan. Flying into a rage, Richie attacks James and Nikki has to pull them apart. James tells Richie if he keeps throwing around accusations, he's going to be sorry. He takes off, leaving Richie to rail against Greyhawk. Nikki tries to get her boyfriend to calm down, but he won't and storms off. Nikki later tells A.J. what happened and worries what will happen if Richie doesn't get his rage under control. Meanwhile, Richie runs into Kevin (Richie and Kevin know one another because Alec Stone was Richie's nephew and they used to be quite close). Kevin notices there's something wrong with Richie, who calls him Uncle Kevin. Richie says he's a terrible situation he has no idea how to get out of.
Danny James, Nathan's brother, arrives at the hospital demanding to see his brother. He runs into Dana, who he is annoyed at the sight of. When Natalie asks if they know one another, Dana confirms that they do and that their history isn't a pleasant one.
Eric returns to work and is confronted by his boss, Walter Stone, who is angry that Eric just took off for a few days without letting anyone know. Walter warns Eric not to let it happen again or he's going to find his job in jeopardy. Eric is arrogant about the whole thing, thinking he's too valuable to the department to ever be let go. Eric does get some bad news however. Six months ago Eric's partner, Pete Cooper and his wife Elizabeth were gunned down in the bad part of town and the killer was never caught. Walter says the investigation has to end. Eric is outraged and threatens to quit if Walter closes the case. After Eric storms off, Walter says to himself that he has even more bad news to give the young cop.
A.J. and Gloria discuss Eric, expressing their worry about him and his recent behavior. A.J. thinks there's nothing be too concerned about, but Gloria is particularly troubled about her son. Gloria later asks A.J. why Melody is so upset. A.J. is about to tell her about his marriage to Patricia when Patricia walks in. It is then that A.J. gives his mother the shocking news.
Dana and Danny bicker and after the fight is over, Natalie wants to know what it was all about. Dana tells her best friend that Danny is her ex-husband and they had a very bad marriage. Later, Melody chastises Dana for getting into an argument with Danny in the middle of the hosptial floor.
Elsewhere, Danny plans to break Nathan out of jail and spirit him out of the country, but Nathan won't have anything to do with such an idea. Danny tells his little brother it's his only chance at survival. Later, Dana is on the elevator when Danny steps in. As the elevator doors shut, he stops the car from moving…trapping them together. He then says he and Dana have things they need to settle.