Episode 116: Vanishing Acts

Part Three of Four

Dr. Christina Sloan gasped, her father’s cruel words ringing her ears.

Christina: Daddy, how could you say that!? Do you know what you're accusing me of!?

Christopher: What am I supposed to think? I walk in here and find you in your robe, making out with a man you hardly know. Who knows what would've happened next if I hadn't arrived?

Christina: Nothing had happened or was going to happen! Patrick and I were saying goodnight. He was about to leave.

Christopher: (noting the wine glasses on the table) Doesn't look like you were saying goodnight to me.

Christina: Well, we were. (Though she wasn’t positive what would’ve happened next if Christopher hadn’t arrived; she had been putty in Patrick’s very strong arms) I certainly wasn't about to crawl into bed with Patrick. Look, can we drop this? This is not the kind of thing someone wants to discuss with their father.

Christopher: Christina, I just don't want you to make any stupid mistakes were Patrick Jackson is concerned. If he's the man you've decided upon, he's a good choice. But you and I both know that men don't marry women who give it up on the first date.

Christina: (shaking her head in confusion) Wait a minute?! What does that mean?

Christopher: It means that Patrick Jackson is a good choice for a husband. He's managed to overcome his impoverished background and make a name for himself in this town. Being a young black man, it says a lot that he's an assistant district attorney. And I'm sure you've heard that he will probably be appointed the interim DA once Evan Maitland steps down to run for the Senate against Jonas Lassiter when he comes up for re-election next year.

Christina: (flopping on her brown leather sofa) Yes, I've heard all the rumors. But Daddy, whether or not I was going to sleep with Patrick Jackson, I'm certainly not looking at him as marriage material. It was our first date and if you'd asked me earlier I would’ve told you it was going to be our last.

Concerned, Christopher sat next to his oldest daughter.

Christopher: What? Did something happen?

Christina: Nothing worth talking about. My point is that the date didn't go well and I wasn't interested in seeing Patrick socially again.

Christopher: (leaning back, crossing his arms) But clearly you changed your mind?

Christina: I'm giving him another chance.

Christopher: Good. You don't want to write him off so quickly, not when there is so much potential there. You don't meet men like Patrick Jackson every day.

Christina: What is that supposed to mean?

Christopher: That you have a history of picking men that are inappropriate for you. They're either not of your station, cheaters and liars or...

Christina: Are we going to go over my entire dating history because if so I’ll just cancel my therapy appointment for the tomorrow and I’ll save the hundred bucks.

Christopher: Are you seeing a therapist?

Christina: (sighing) No, Dad, I’m not. It was a joke. Do you think I need one?

Christopher: It was just a question. Look, I’m just pointing out that you haven’t had the best luck with men and that you may have finally met a decent one with prospects. (Pause) It's time for you to start thinking about your future. You've got your career underway and going relatively well. Now it's time to work towards marriage and children.

Christina: And you think Patrick Jackson is whom I should be working towards?

Christopher: He's the kind of man I'd pick for you. For once you were able to make the right decision where your love life was concerned. Now we just have to focus on making sure you do the right things to keep him. Having sex too early isn't one way to do it.

Christina: Daddy...

Christopher: Okay, okay. (He held up his hand) You say you weren't going to have sex with him. I guess I'll have to take your word for that.

Christina: (more than a little hurt) You'll just have to take my word for it? Can't you just say you believe me?

Christopher: (exasperated) Can we not play these word games? When are you seeing him again?

Christina: I'm not sure. Probably tomorrow. I'm sure he'll be dropping by the hospital in connection with the Nathan James case. The boy is recovering rapidly from his heart attack, so the police and the D.A.'s office will want him transferred to the jail infirmary as soon as possible.

Christopher: (his tone full of doubt) So you didn’t schedule another date? He is interested isn't he?

Christina: Of course he is! And we may have scheduled a date if you hadn't arrived when you did.

Christopher: You are not going to blame this on me. Well, if he does show up at the hospital tomorrow, don't let him get away without making some firm plans. And if he doesn't show up, you call him. Have it be a business related call of course; you don't want to be obvious. My point is no matter how you come in contact, be sure you get a commitment of some sorts from him.

Christina: (snappily) Like what time of year would he like to get married?

Christopher: (wagging a finger at his daughter) Watch that mouth. I'm only trying to do what's best for you. He may not have quite the background I’m comfortable with and there is his bad luck at having Darian Jackson for a brother. But, in the end, a man like Patrick is exactly what you need. He's good looking, successful and he's got a bright future ahead of him. You play your cards right and this time next year I'll be walking you down the aisle.

Christina: Who says I want to get married?

Christopher: Don't you think it's time to start working toward marriage and a family; a home and children to fill it with?

Children, she repeated to herself, preferably boys. And that was the point of this conversation. Christina knew her father loved her, she knew he only wanted what was best for her and wanted to see her happy. And he probably honestly felt a good marriage and a family would fulfill and complete her life. Christina had to admit that she was at the point in her life when she was ready to meet that special someone, fall in love and have a family. However, unlike her father, she hadn’t cast Patrick Jackson in that role. She liked him and was attracted to him, but she really wasn’t sure if she wanted to see him past this upcoming second date if it went anything like the first. The thing was, Christina knew her father already had her future mapped out. And she knew what his ultimate goal was.

More than anything what Christopher Sloan wanted was a male heir. He had three daughters and Christina knew it disappointed him to no end that his first wife, Christina’s mother, Denise or his second wife, Jennifer, who bore him two more daughters, had given him sons. But she or her sisters could give him a grandson. Christina imagined he, with Patrick as the father, had the child's name picked out: Christopher Sloan Jackson. And the child would follow in his grandfather’s medical footsteps. Never mind that his eldest daughter was named after him and had followed in his footsteps. She hadn’t done it simply to please her father, which was important to her, but because she truly loved being a doctor and enjoyed her work. She also liked working with her father, sharing his practice with him. But in the end, she was a woman, a mere female. She knew, and it hurt to face this, that having a male in the family to mold in his own image would mean so much more to him. He’d never admit, but she knew it to be true.

Christina: Daddy, can I have a couple of dates with Patrick before we make the wedding plans?

Christopher: Okay, I’ll drop it… for now. But you let me know how things go between you tomorrow.

Christina: Sure.

She had the dread feeling her father was going to orchestrate this entire relationship.

Christopher: Besides, there’s something else I want to discuss with you. I thought I'd wait until I saw you tomorrow to get into this, since we're both here, we can talk about it now.

Christina: What is it?

Christopher: Darian Jackson.

Christina: Darian? What do you want to talk about him for?

Christopher: About what's going on between the two of you. Did you really think I wouldn't find out?

* * * * * *

Nikki Lassiter turned away from Richie, anger creasing her brow.

Nikki: Richie, I can't believe that after all I've done for you and all I've risked for you that you have so little faith and trust in me.

Richie: (wiping his shoulder length strawberry blonde hair out of his eyes) Nikki, I don't want to have these doubts, but what am I supposed to think when I keep finding the two of you alone together? He must’ve really impressed you the other night on his yacht. Did it really bother you that I got delayed and couldn’t make it or were you just trying to pull the wool over my eyes?

Nikki: I don’t deserve this! Have you forgotten I got involved with James at your insistence?

Richie: It wasn't my idea that you spend time with him. You came up with that. I never wanted you to spend some second with that bastard.

Nikki: Are you suggesting that I used this whole thing as some secret agenda to get close to him? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds!? The reason and the only reason why I spent one moment with James was because we needed a way for someone to find out if James is behind Candice’s death. I was the only one who had half a chance of getting close to him.

Richie: I’ll give you that much. (His eyes narrowed) The question is how close are you getting?

Nikki: Do you realize how insulting you’re being?

Richie: And do you realize how much time you’re spending with him? You’re with him more than you are with me.

Richie did have reason to be upset because, despite herself, Nikki was finding herself drawn to James. She hated to admit it, but it was true. There was something about him, his charm, his wit, his looks… she didn’t know what quite it was, that she found compelling. Maybe Richie saw it, maybe he suspected and that’s why he was so angry and jealous. But she had to assure him -- and herself -- that nothing was going to happen between she and James.

Nikki: How did you think I was going to learn anything from him? Was he simply going to spill his guts over insults in the hallway? I had to get him to trust me. He has to believe that I’m on his side, that I want to stop you and Marc from framing him for murdering Candice. That was the plan. It's the only way he’ll open up so I can find out what he is hiding, if anything. I can’t get anything from him by doing things halfway. We wouldn’t have learned about the diary if I hadn’t spent time with him. Look, I know you don’t like it, I don’t like it. But, I don’t have a choice, not if we want to get to the truth.

Richie: (gnashing his teeth, nodding reluctantly) Okay, you’re right. You’re right. You have to spend time with him. I just don’t like it! I hate him, don’t you realize that?

Nikki: Oh, I have a pretty good idea.

Richie: Then you shouldn't be surprised that you spending time with him drives me nuts, even if it is for a good cause. He has hurt so many people in my life; Linda, Candice and Nathan. I just don’t want you to be his next victim.

Nikki: I won’t be. Nothing is ever going to happen between me and James, not in any way. I love you. You are the guy in my life and you’re the guy I want to be with.

Richie: (shaking his head in shame) I know that. I know that.

Nikki: Do you Richie? Do you really? Because you sure don’t act like you trust me. Otherwise you’d believe what I’m telling you and not be so suspicious, especially since I’ve done nothing but support you.

Richie: (slumping onto her bed) Nikki, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. It’s just that seeing him here… I just saw red. I couldn’t imagine any reason why he’d be in your bedroom. You still haven’t said why he was here.

Nikki: Well, it's a simple explanation. James hurt himself.

Richie: Hurt himself? What do you mean?

Nikki: He fell down the steps in the stone garden.

Richie: What!?

Nikki: Yeah, I found him there, hurt, almost unconscious. I wanted to call my Aunt Gloria or his family, but he didn’t want to bring attention to himself and cause any embarrassment to his family given everything else that was going on. He begged me to keep things quiet. So, I brought him up here, patched him up and let him rest for awhile.

Richie: (suspiciously) You sure he was hurt?

Nikki: Yes. Richie, despite your blind rage, you have to of noticed the bruises on his face, how he was in obvious pain and limping.

Richie: (nodding) Yeah, I noticed. But do you believe his story? You think that’s how he got hurt?

Nikki: Well, I don’t know. I guess so. How else could it have happened?

Richie: Maybe James was the guy who took the diary from us at the Dailey house.

Nikki: Possibly. But that guy wasn’t hurt or limping.

Richie: Maybe it happened after he took the diary. The person who held us at gunpoint set off the alarm on the way out of Dr. Dailey’s. Maybe that caused James to panic and he fell or something and that’s how he really got hurt.

Nikki: That’s quite a notion.

Nikki's mind reeled with the idea and it’s consequences. Was James the one who threatened them, held them at gunpoint and ran off with the diary? Were her instincts wrong and he really did kill Candice and was now trying to hide the evidence?

Nikki didn’t want to believe the charming, engaging young man she was getting to know was a stone cold killer. He might be a little aggressive and definitely full of himself, but a murderer? And yet she couldn't forget that sociopaths hid in all sorts of packages, not since her own life was on the line, Nathan’s too.

Richie: It's an idea that makes sense. James would have reason to want that diary and he’d know where to find it.

Nikki: True, but he could’ve gotten it months ago. And I’m having a hard time believing it only occurred to him 'he mentioned it to me that night on his family’s yacht. James is much smarter than that.

Richie: Of course he’s smart. He’s gotten away with murder and God knows what else so far. But everyone slips up and maybe James did by forgetting about the diary. I wouldn’t be so quick to buy his story about this fall. He could’ve easily left the party without anyone noticing just like you and Nina.

Nikki: (crossing her arms) Actually, Nina and I were spotted leaving by her father. Furthermore, I should have realized it before planning this whole escapade, but while you can leave the house without being seen, you can’t get on or off the estate without checking in at the front or back gate.

Richie: Is that going to mean trouble for you guys?

Nikki: Well, I’ve been avoiding having a discussion with my parents that is bound to get me grounded. So far they’ve had bigger concerns, but when Harry tells them about this, and he will, I have no doubt I’ll be in big trouble. As for Nina, you know how strict her father is. He already told her to stay away from me. Whatever my parents do to me, it’ll be ten times worse for her.

Richie: Nikki, I’m sorry. But maybe you should’ve told me you were going after the diary and this could’ve been avoided.

Nikki: (bitterly) Thanks, Richie. That’s a great help.

Richie: You can’t deny that if you’d of told me what you were doing…

Nikki: Like you told me what you were doing? Look, I’ll find a way to save both Nina and my neck. I don’t know how, but I’ll come up with something.

Richie: Let me know if I can do anything to help.

Nikki: I don’t think there’s anything you can do. Nina and I will have to find a way out of this ourselves.

Richie: Okay, but in the meantime, let’s get back to James. If he didn’t leave through the front gate, maybe he got off the estate by climbing over the wall that surrounds it.

Nikki: Well not only are those stone borders fifteen feet high, because of the party there's extra security. I'm not saying it's impossible, just difficult.

Richie: And maybe it was so difficult James hurt himself not at the Dailey's, but climbing that wall on his way back.

Nikki: Possibly. But, Richie, this a wild notion and we don’t have a shred of proof.

Richie: Fine. Then let’s get it. And we’ll start by seeing if he just drove through the gate like you and Nina. Let's talk to the guards right now.

Nikki: (grabbing Richie’s arm as he headed for the door) Not right this second.

Richie: Why not? This is important.

Nikki: So is saving our relationship or it used to be.

Richie: That hasn't changed.

Nikki: Has it? Because we're falling apart at a time when we should be coming together.

Richie: You really want to deal with this now? We’ve got a major lead to nail Greyhawk with.

Nikki: And it can wait a few minutes. Isn’t this why you came here tonight? To spend time with me, to work things out between us?

Richie: I did. And I’m sorry, Nikki. I'm sorry for everything. What more can I say than that?

Nikki: You can say a lot more, Richie. We keep having the same problems over and over. Between your jealousy and your dark moods, not to mention your violent temper, it’s having a toll on our relationship. You’re changing Richie. I’m starting to wonder what happened to the sweet guy I fell in love with.

Richie: He’s still here. And he still loves you. It’s just that I’m overwhelmed by all this crap in my life. And I don’t know how to handle it all. If the problems with Nathan weren’t bad enough, there are the memories of my Uncle Alec. You know he died five years ago this week.

Nikki: I know. I know you loved him a lot.

Richie: He meant so much to me. I still think about him all the time. I miss him and I didn’t realize how much until this week. He’s been long for so long, but it feels like yesterday when he died. And then when I went to his grave the other day…

Nikki: You went to your uncle’s grave?

It bothered Nikki that he hadn’t told her this. In the past, something so important they would’ve shared. Richie might have even wanted her with him. But instead she was just now hearing about it, another sign of the growing distance between them.

Richie: Yeah. Kevin asked me to come to the memorial service, but with everything going on with Nathan, I missed it. I felt so bad about that and I just had to pay my respects somehow.

Nikki: Kevin knows how close you and Nathan are. I’m sure he understood.

Nikki then realized that not only had she missed the memorial service, but hadn’t spoken to Kevin about it either. She hadn’t been that close to Alec, but she loved her cousin Kevin dearly and she knew how much he’d grieved his deceased lover. She felt bad she hadn’t been there for him, but she’d have to rectify that the next time she saw him.

Richie: He did. Kevin’s that kind of guy. (Pause) Uncle Alec had been so good to me, spending time with me, listening to my problems, taking me on trips and vacations. We had such good times. Me and Uncle Alec and Kevin.

Nikki: (gently caressing Richie’s arm) Kevin enjoyed those times too. Just the other day he was talking about the time you guys went to Los Angeles when Alec was doing some meeting about some movie was going to direct.

Richie: (smiling, his mind and heart filled with memories) It was when he was negotiating to film 'A Killer's Touch'.

Nikki: Your favorite movie of his.

Richie: Yeah. That trip was a blast. Seeing all those stars and checking out the studios was fun, but, and I know it sounds silly, the best part was going to Disney World. It’s hard to believe, but Kevin loves amusement parks. He wanted to go on more rides than I did.

Nikki: That is hard to believe. Kevin is always been so serious. I don't think I ever seen him just have fun; he's never been out of a suit but once or twice. Or did he wear one to the park?

Richie: (teasingly) He tried, but Uncle Alec wouldn’t let him. (Pause) Anyway, when I was at my uncle’s grave, Kevin found me there and we talked. It brought back a lot of memories, not just about that day at Disney World, but of a lot of other times. And I realize that I haven't just missed Uncle Alec, but Kevin too. He used to be such a big part of my life and after Uncle Alec died, we swore we’d always be close; that we’d still spend time together and go see movies and just hang out like we always used to do. But that never happened. We tried at first, but eventually we just drifted apart. (He continued, his tone weary) I wish I could say it was just with Kevin, but it isn't. I never see Melissa anymore; she seems to always be busy with something. Things between Dad and I were bad enough after my parents got divorced and Mom remarried and moved to England with her new husband. But Candice’s murder and my testifying on Nathan’s behalf have made it worse. We hardly speak. (He looked up at her, his eyes full of pain) I’m tired of losing everything important to me, everything in my life is slipping away. The only constant, the only thing that’s been reliable, is you. You’ve always been there, beside me, supporting me and being there for me whenever I needed you. And I’m afraid I’m going to lose you too.

Nikki: (putting a comforting hand to her boyfriend's troubled face) Richie, you're not going to lose me. I'm not going anywhere. I'd think after all we've been through you'd know that.

Richie: But after how idiotic I've acted lately, I deserve to lose you.

Nikki: Richie, that's why I want to talk to you, why I want to clear things up between us. I want to avoid losing us, but we have to remember what we had if that's going to happen.

Richie: But, I do remember. I never forgot. I just let my feelings for James Greyhawk cloud my judgment. You don't know how much I hate him. He has caused the people in my life nothing but pain. He caused trouble for Linda Harrison and me when we were together.

Nikki: (nodding) I know. I remember. Don’t forget that what happened with the Harrisons affected my family too. It nearly cost my brother the election and almost destroyed Lassiter Pharmaceuticals.

Richie: True, but Greyhawk and his friends tormented Linda, made her life miserable. No wonder she ended up moving to Japan with her father, Charles. She couldn't take it anymore. (Pause) Then there was Candice. He wanted to rule her, possess her and control her. And he tried to do it with his money. She was interested at first; who wouldn’t be. But eventually she decided she didn't want that, that she wanted Nathan, he couldn’t stand it and he murdered her. He beat, raped and murdered her simply because she fell in love with someone else. And what about Nathan? Not only did he frame Nate for a crime James committed himself, he's tried to kill Nate twice. Once at the courthouse when he shoved him down the stairs and later at the hospital when he injected him with that poison that gave him the heart attack. The idea that he could cause all that pain and get away with it, is about more than I can stand. That's why I'm so angry. That's why I feel such rage.

Nikki doubted that James had done all that Richie believed he had. The charming, engaging young man she'd been spending time with simply didn't seem like a sociopath... a murderer. But evil hid in the most appealing packages. And Nikki couldn't forget that, not with all that was at stake, including her life... Nathan's too.

Nikki: Richie, I want to help you through this. But it's not going to work if you keep pushing me away.

Richie: I know. I just keep letting all this stuff get to me and I know I shouldn't. I'm determined not to let it again, I promise you that. I trust you and I need you. I won't forget that. And I won't let you forget it either.

Nikki: That's all I ask, Richie.

They embraced, then punctuated the moment in a warm and passionate kiss. And then they simply held one another. Nikki needed this, needed to be reminded of the closeness she and Richie had; of how good it felt to be with him and be held by him. She loved Richie and wanted to be with him. Nothing was going to come between them, not a murder, not Nathan's problems and certainly not James Greyhawk. She wouldn't and couldn't let it.

* * * * * *

James Greyhawk turned to Marc Tamakai as they stood in the blue sitting room.

James: Thanks for the escort, Tamakai, but you can go now.

Marc: (suspiciously) You want me to leave you here? Alone?

James: I don’t need a chaperone.

Marc: What you need is someone to stop you from causing trouble for Nikki. It’s got to stop.

James: What’s going to stop is your insufferable interference in things that you should stay out of. This doesn’t concern you. What will it take for you to understand that whether or not I go anywhere near Nikki is between me and Nikki!? Now back off or..

Marc: Or what?

James: Or you will regret it. You want a world of trouble, just keep getting in my way.

Marc: Is this supposed to be intimidating? If it is you’re really going to have to try a lot harder.

James: Do you really think that someone like you can make me do anything? Or have you forgotten a few facts?

Marc: What is that supposed to mean?

Nina: (walking in, wearing a maid’s uniform) Marc?

Marc: Nina, what are you doing here?

Nina: I saw you and James come in and I…

Marc: (interrupting) Nina, go back and help Father with the party... I'm sure he's looking for you.

Nina: I want to know what's going on.

Marc: This is between me and James.

James: We have nothing to talk about, except that you need to butt out of things that aren’t your concern.

Marc: Nikki is my concern.

Nina: Nikki? Is there something wrong? Where is she?

Marc: Nikki is with Richie. She’s fine.

James: Given the rage he was in when we left, I’d doubt if she were fine. That guy needs to get a handle on his violent temper.

Marc: Don’t make Richie out to be the one with the problem.

James: But he is. He attacked me unprovoked and not for the first time. And why? Because he can’t deal with the fact that Nikki and I are friends.

Nina: Richie attacked you? (Her eyes widened) Did he cause those bruises? Is that why your clothes are torn?

Marc: Richie didn’t do that.

James: How do you know? When you and Nikki rushed up, he had me by the throat.

Nina: Are you all right?

Marc: Nina, will you please go?

James: Why are you so eager to get rid of your sister? You don’t want her to hear the truth about Richie? And here I thought we were preaching honesty?

Marc: I’m simply looking out for my friends. I know it’s hard for the likes of you to understand qualities like loyalty.

James: And quite the loyal one you are, Tamakai. Is being a rabid guard dog part of the services your family provides to this family? The Lassiter's must appreciate such devotion.

Marc: We don’t work for the Lassiters. My father does.

James: (snarkily) And is that outfit your sister is wearing an evening gown? Not exactly designer, I think.

Nina: I…

Marc: Nina, you don’t owe this jerk an explanation. (Pause) Nikki happens to be like a sister to us. We would stand up for her like I would any other relative.

James: (snickering) A sister? Are you delusional? Sure you can't believe that you're actually part of this family? Have you forgotten your place?

Marc: Nikki, Nina and I grew up together in this house. We attended the same schools, have the same friends, we've been part of each other lives since we were born. Nina and I may not share the Lassiter name, but it doesn't make us any less family.

James: You and Nina may have been born raised in this house, but that doesn't make you anything more than the children of the help. And if the Lassiters did provide you with a few extra amenities, I'd chalk it up to good employee/employer relations. I'd be willing to bet that when it was dinnertime, there wasn't a place set for you. Furthermore, while you might feel special in that off the rack tux you're wearing, your sister is busy serving drinks and waiting on the guests. At least one of you doesn't have such delusions of grandeur.

Marc: You are such a snob.

James: Look, I'm doing you a favor by telling you the truth. I can't believe this lunacy has gone on for this long.

Voice: That is enough. All of you… stop it!

Marc, Nina and James turned to see Nikki standing in the doorway.

James: (surprised) Nikki, we were just...

Nikki: (walking in) I heard enough to know what you were just doing. (Pause) Nina, could you leave James and me alone? We need to clear up a few things.

Marc: Nikki, I don't know how feel about leaving you alone with this guy. Where's Richie?

Nikki: He's getting changed and I don't need a babysitter. Please just go so I can talk to James.

Marc: (reluctantly) Okay, come on Nina.

Marc led Nina out of the room, closing the door behind them.

James: (seeing the angry look in Nikki’s eyes as she turned to him) You look upset.

Nikki: How intuitive.

James: What are you so angry about?

Nikki: You’re not clueless, James, you know exactly why I'd be angry with you.

James: (shrugging) Okay, you’re bugged about what went down with Marc and Nina. I get that. But what I don’t get is why you’re ticked at me.

Nikki: James, I heard what you said to them. Not all of it, but enough. Do you think I’d tolerate, for one minute, how you spoke to them?

James: How I spoke to them?

Nikki: You treated them like they were second-class citizens; with a complete lack of respect.

James: Well, it was clear that you didn’t hear the entire conversation. Otherwise you’d know the lack of respect was the other way around.

Nikki: And what makes you think you’re entitled you to the time of day, much less respect from either of them?

James: I’m a guest in this house. They are the servant’s children. For that reason alone they should watch what they say and whom they say it to.

Nikki: You think they should be belittled because they dared to speak their minds to a member of the almighty Greyhawk family? (Pause) To you they may just be the servant’s children, but Marc was right when he said we were more than friends; that we were like family.

James: You really feel that way?

Nikki: Yes. I could care less that they don’t have a royal pedigree or that they don’t come from money. If you know me as much as you claim to that shouldn't surprise you.

James: I knew they were your friends. I just never imagined it had gotten that deep. I would think you would know better than to let something like this happen.

Nikki: Something like what? Disliking the fact that you are an elitist?

James: So you determined to make me the bad guy?

Nikki: I knew you were a bit of a snob, I just didn’t think it was to this degree; that you could be so cruel and mean-spirited to two of the most nicest people I’ve ever known.

James: Nikki, the fact that you have taken them into your home and have feelings for them is admirable, but even you must know that there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed. Society, especially the one we live in, does have its rules that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Nikki: The world we live in? You mean the world where you treat people like crap because their bank account isn't as fat as yours? James, you and I just aren't from different worlds, we're from different galaxies. I don’t categorize people in that way.

James: Nikki, I'm not saying they're not decent people…

Nikki: (interrupting) We just shouldn't treat them with common decency. (Pause) You know this shouldn’t shock me. The way you look down on Richie is no secret. But I just figured your history with him played into the feelings you have for him. But, clearly it goes deeper than that. You don’t think he’s worthy because he’s not rich, because his father is a cop, because he doesn’t live in Covington Hills. It’s also why you refuse to believe that Candice could’ve been involved with Nathan James.

James: She wasn’t!

Nikki: Well, there seems to be evidence to suggest otherwise.

James: Candice would never get involved with a guy like that! She wouldn’t let him near her!

Nikki: Really? James, you can’t deny that they were friends… close friends.

James: They weren’t friends. She was trying to help him get past the 11th grade. Candice was a good person. She felt sorry for him and she was trying to be nice. She was his tutor. There was no more to it than that.

Nikki: You can’t believe that they could’ve been friends or anything else, can you? Why would someone like her want a poor black kid?

James: This is not about race. I don’t have a problem with black people or Asians or any other minority. I’m not a bigot!

Nikki: James, you may not be a racist, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a bigot. Black, red or yellow may not matter to you, but green does. And you’ve made it clear that you don’t think that people like Richie and Nathan and my friends are good enough to live in the same world that you do.

James: That we do. It’s your world too. Why can’t you just admit that?

Nikki: What I admit… what I know… is that you are the kind of person I don’t want to spend one more minute with.

James: Nikki, I see that you’re upset, but…

Nikki: (interrupting) You have hurt two of the kindest people I know, people who have done nothing to you. Well, if you want to know about crossed lines, you've crossed one. And there's no going back.

James: Meaning?

Nikki: It’s over. You and I are finished.

James: Finished? You must be joking.

Nikki: I wish this was even remotely funny, but there's no humor in being a bigot. I wanted to help you, I wanted to see some justice done where Candice’s murder is concerned, but all you’ve done is cause me problems with my parents, my boyfriend and now my friends. Well I cannot and will not let this go on. From now on, you are on your own.

James: Wait a minute! You’re just going to stand by and let your boyfriend frame me for Candice’s murder?

Nikki: (shrugging) That's highly unlikely.

James: What makes you so certain?

Nikki: I think I overreacted where Richie was concerned. Knowing him as I do, I don’t think he’s capable of doing something so despicable.

James: And if you’re wrong? His behavior has been unpredictable.

Nikki: Well, on the off chance that I’m wrong, then it’s your problem.

James: I know you're angry and I get that, but would you really just walk away from me, possibly let me be framed for a crime you know I didn’t commit?

Nikki: I’m sure your family can afford the lawyers who can handle a great defense for you if it comes to that.

James: (shocked) I don’t believe what I’m hearing. I thought you wanted to do the right thing!

Nikki: I do. And getting you out of my life is it. It’s finished James. If you didn’t believe it before, believe it now. We’re done!

And with a turn, Nikki swept out the room.

* * * * * *

Steven Lassiter looked at the shattered glass glittering on the carpet, then turned in shock to his brother.

Steven: Barton, stop this! You are out of control!

Barton: I'm out of control?! Where have you been!? This situation is out of control! Everything we’ve worked for in the past year is falling apart!? How can you stand there and act as if it’s nothing!?

Steven: What do you want me to do, Bart? Cry, stamp my feet, rail at the fates? You’re doing enough of that for both of us.

Barton: Why do you always have to be so complacent, Steven? What does it take for you to do whatever you have to in order to hold on to what’s important?

Steven: To what end? Say that I go along with whatever you have in mind and battle with Mom and Dad; start a war to keep our jobs? Do you really think that would accomplish anything? Do you think we’d have a chance to win? We may run the company, but LP is theirs to do with as they see fit.

Barton: So you’re just read to step aside? Steven, I can’t believe that you, as magnanimous as you may be, are willing to just give up so easily.

Steven: Barton, I don’t like this anymore than you do. I have worked damned hard over the past year. We’ve accomplished a lot over. And I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. But none of that matters if our parents have lost faith in us and want to take back the reins. (Pause) And if we embarked on some fruitless endeavor to stay at the helm, we would not only lose our jobs, we’d possibly be out of the company altogether, alienate our parents and no doubt rip this family apart. Is that what you want?

Barton: At least we would go down fighting!

Steven: Go down fighting!? (Pause as she shook his head) All right, you want to tell me what is going on; what really is going on?

Barton: How many times do we have to go over this? Our parents are taking away everything we have worked for.

Steven: So you’ve said, over and over and over. But it’s what you’re not saying that has got me curious.

Barton: What does that mean?

Steven: Barton, there is something you’re not telling me, a reason why you’re so upset about Mom and Dad coming back and possibly getting involved with Lassiter Pharmaceuticals again and it has nothing to do with giving up the co-presidency of the company. You have been frothing at the mouth since the moment we got the news.

Barton: I’m upset!

Steven: Oh I get that. But I’m starting to suspect it’s because you have something you have to hide. So what is it? What have you been doing that you don’t them to find out?

Barton: I don’t believe this! I’m trying to save our jobs and you’re hurling accusations. I want to make things right for both of us. You haven’t enjoyed running the company, working together?

Steven: Of course I have. L.P. is a family business and I love working with my family.

Barton: And you don’t think I feel the same way?

Steven: I might be naïve, I’m no fool, Bart. I know you’d rather be running this company alone. You were never really happy about having to share the power.

Barton: This is really not the time to get into that.

Steven: You're really not going to try and deny it are you?

Barton: Look, I admit that at first that I thought that it would be better if L.P. had one person, one vision, one voice at the helm, but I’ve come to appreciate your input.

Steven: (skeptically) And when did this start, when you heard about Mom and Dad coming back?

Barton: Steven…

Steven: Barton, you never wanted to work together on anything until now, until Mom and Dad returned. Now it’s suddenly us against them. Now you would never want my help on anything unless your back was to the wall and you were desperate. And something tells me you’re terrified about now. So what is it? What are you afraid our parents are going to find out?

Barton: Nothing.

Steven: So you’re not going to tell me.

Barton: There’s nothing to tell. Why won’t anyone believe me!?

Steven: Anyone? So Mom or Dad or both of them are already suspicious.

Barton: You know she always thinks the worst of everyone. And while our father might be more open minded, she has a very powerful influence on him.

Steven: She can be difficult But she wouldn't accuse you of anything without reason. (Pause) I guess that explains the heated discussion you had with Mom earlier.

Barton: She’s as accusatory as you are. I didn’t like it then either.

Steven: So she's on to you already, and after only a few hours in town? Maybe whatever you've done is really why they came home and not because of any scandals with Eric and A.J. It must be pretty bad.

Barton: (startled by Steven’s notion) Are you listening to me!? How many times have I told you I have nothing to hide!?

Steven: Your denials aren’t helping. I’m only becoming more convinced.

Barton: You're determined to believe the worst, aren't you?

Steven: I guess that means you're going to keep mum? (He sighed in exasperation) Fine. Keep it to yourself. Just know that whatever it is, you can’t hide it from Mom and Dad. You couldn’t when we were kids and you won’t be able to now. Because they will find out. (Pause) You want my advice?

Barton: No, because I don’t need it.

Steven: The fact that you continue to deny what is obvious is proof that you do need it. (Pause) So even if you didn’t ask for it, I’ll tell you want I think you should do.

Barton: I guess I have no choice but to listen?

Steven: I've listened to you rant for the past half hour so you owe me. (Pause) Own up to whatever you’ve done. Tell the truth and hope they… and I... will forgive you. Because if you insist on playing innocent and keeping quiet, when the truth does come out, it’s going to be so much worse.

Barton: How many different times do I have to say it? I’m not hiding anything. I have no secrets. (Pause) Now if you’re not going to help me do something to save our jobs you can just get out and leave me to work this out alone!

Steven: I’ll leave you alone. It’s pretty obvious by your behavior that you’re determined to wind up that way. Can’t say I didn’t try though.

Steven walked out, leaving Barton to pace the carpet.

Barton: (pulling his hands through his hair) What am I going to do? What if Steven's right and their coming home might have nothing to do with A.J. or Eric’s antics? They could already know or at least be suspicious. (He gasped) No... if they knew, they'd come out and say so. Mother has never been one to hold back. (Pause) So all they have are suspicions. And it's got to stay that way. They can’t find out. They’d never forgive me for this. Never. (Pause) I have got to come up with something. And I’ve got to do it fast. (Barton reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a cell phone. Flipping it open, he punched in a number and put the receiver to his ear) It’s me. (Pause) No, that’s not why I’m calling. I wish it were, but things just aren’t going the way I’ve planned. In fact, we’ve got to put everything on hold. (Pause) Yes, it’s because my parents are back. We can’t do anything with them in town, you know that! We need to be more concerned with covering our tracks. We can’t let things lead back to us. If that happened, we’d both be ruined!

* * * * * *

Adam Lassiter pulled Natalie Lassiter into his arms, tightly embracing his daughter in law as they stood in Adam’s study.

Natalie: Adam, it’s so good to see you. (Her eyes glittered with warmth) I’ve missed you. This house hasn’t been the same without you and Maggie around.

Adam: I’ve missed you, dear. And I’ve missed this house. As much as I enjoyed Scotland, and it was quite an adventure, it’s good to be home.

Natalie: So you had a good time?

Adam: (beaming) Oh yes, it was wonderful. I loved it.

Natalie: It certainly seemed as if you enjoyed it from all the pictures and video e-mails you sent. They were so vivid and exciting. I felt as if I were there. I’m so envious.

Adam: Well, dear, you simply must go one day. Maybe you and Barton could go on a second honeymoon.

Natalie: Well, if you remember, Barton and I never had a first honeymoon. There was that business crisis right before the wedding and we had to postpone. We had barely gotten down the aisle before he was back at the office making overseas phone calls.

Adam: (nodding) Ah yes, I do remember.

Natalie: (with regret) And we never got around to going. Something always seemed to come up.

Adam: Maybe things will slow down after the stockholders meeting at the end of the week.

Natalie: I hope so. Barton has been so stressed out. He really could use the rest and relaxation.

Adam: He’s okay, isn’t he?

Natalie: Physically? I know he had a checkup last week and everything is fine. The doctor says he’s made a complete recovery from that mild heart attack he had last year.

Adam: That’s good to hear. That was one of my concerns when Maggie and I left Bart and Steven in charge at LP; whether it was good for his health.

Natalie: Stress is never good. But, I keep an eye on Barton, make sure he’s eating and sleeping like he should and we exercise together a few times a week just so I don’t stress out worrying about him. (Pause) I admit though, we probably could use a vacation from day to day life here.

Adam: Then I suggest you and my son work on doing just that.

Natalie: We’ll try. By the way, I wanted to thank you again for what you did for my brother.

Adam: Natalie, stop thanking me. I really didn’t do anything other than make a phone call to Human Resources.

Natalie: Which got Shawn a job when he really needed one. It was hard for him to find a decent job after he got out of jail for him. No one would hire him. If you hadn’t of put in a good word for him there’s no telling what would’ve happened, what kind of trouble he might have found himself in. Between him and my being able to help with most of my salary, it’s made life a lot easier for my family.

Adam: I was glad to do it and I’m delighted that things are better for your family financially. You know you can always come to me if you need anything.

Natalie: I know. That means a lot to me, too.

Adam: Well, I never had any daughters of my own, so it’s nice to have a sweet, wonderful girl to spoil. My son made a wise decision the day he married you. (Pause) And speaking of him, you really should get Barton to take you to Scotland. He always enjoyed visiting when he was younger. And he hasn’t seen most of the UK side of the family since he was a teenager.

Natalie: Well, I know I would love it.

Adam: Then let’s work on that husband of yours.

Natalie: I wish Barton were the only problem.

Adam: What do you mean?

Natalie: Well, something else has come up.

Adam: Really? Is there a problem?

Natalie: Oh no, nothing like that. In fact, it’s good news. (Pause) You know I’ve thought about becoming a surgical nurse.

Adam: Yeah. And like I said when I first heard of the idea, I think you should. You’d be very good at it.

Natalie: Thanks. It has been a dream of mine, but I thought I’d never be able to do it. Getting through nursing school was tough enough. I was always worried about working, paying the bills, making ends meet; the day-to-day stuff. But… (She paused, looking a little embarrassed) …that’s not a problem anymore.

Adam: So you’ve decided to go for it.

Natalie: (grinning) I start the program Monday.

Adam: (hugging her) That’s wonderful. Such good news! You must be so excited.

Natalie: I am. I can’t wait to get started.

Adam: I’m glad for you. (Pause) I imagine Barton is as proud and delighted as I am.

Natalie: (after a hesitation) He thinks I’ll be very good at it.

Adam: Well, how could he think anything else? Any man should be proud and supportive of his wife, especially for something like this.

Natalie: I know. (Pause; she wanted to change the subject) Anyway, because of that, those pictures will be as close as I get to Scotland for now. You know you are quite the photographer. You must know how wonderful you are with the camera.

Adam: I have my moments. I admit I was a little rusty. Until this trip, I’d rarely picked up the camera, except for a family photo or something. It was nice being able to do it whenever I wanted for whatever reason I wanted.

Natalie: Well, you were busy frittering your life away building a multi-million dollar corporation. (She grinned) I guess it’ll be difficult to have to put all that stuff away again.

Adam: What do you mean?

Natalie: You and Maggie are staying home, aren’t you?

Adam: Oh yes. As far as I know we’re back for good.

Natalie: (a little worried) Then I guess you’ll be returning to the company?

Adam: What gives you that idea?

Natalie: That is why you came home isn’t it? I know you and Maggie are upset about the bad press the family has received.

Adam: Natalie, that is in part why we came home, but I have no intention of returning to Lassiter Pharmaceuticals. When I stepped down and put Steven and Barton in charge, it was for good. Nothing has happened to change my mind about that.

Natalie: Are you serious?

Adam: Of course I am. I still have complete faith in Steven and Barton’s leadership. (Pause) I enjoyed building LP to the successful company that it is, and I loved the years I put in there. But my time is over. I have no desire to return to the grind of corporate life. I have left the company in my two sons very capable hands.

Natalie: But Barton’s convinced that you’re going to remove him and Steven. He’s been so upset from the moment he heard you were coming home.

Adam: (thoughtfully) I’ve noticed. And you think that’s why?

Natalie: Well of course it is, what else could it be?

Adam: Nothing, I suppose.

Natalie: He’s put so much into the company since you left he was just afraid all that work would mean nothing. (Pause as Natalie smiled) Adam, hearing that you still have faith in him is wonderful news. It’s going to be such a relief to Barton.

Adam: (more suspiciously than he intended) Let’s hope so.

Natalie: So, if you’re not going to return to the company, what are you going to do? You might be of retirement age, but you and Maggie are two of the most vital, active people I know. I can’t imagine that you, either of you, would just putter around the house all day. You’d go stir crazy.

Adam: (nodding) You got that right.

Natalie: Sounds like you have a plan on how you’re going to spend your time now that you’re back home.

Adam: (with a glint in his eye) As a matter of fact, I do.

* * * * * *

Barton Lassiter walked out of the library, freezing at the sight of Maggie regally sweeping down the corridor towards him.

Maggie: Barton, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.

Barton: (his jaw clenched) Mother, I’m really not in the mood for this right now.

Maggie: You and I really need to talk.

Barton: About what? Have more groundless accusations? You haven’t made enough for one day?

Maggie: (suddenly wrinkling her nose in disgust, realization flickering in her eyes) You’ve been drinking.

Barton: (smirking) This is a party, Mother, I’ll bet I’m not the only one.

Maggie: But I’ll bet they’re not getting themselves plastered for the same reasons you are.

Barton: And why would that be?

Maggie: Because you’re upset.

Barton: Do you blame me?

Maggie: No, I don’t. I realize that you have reason to be upset. I’m sorry that this has happened, son. Our homecoming wasn't supposed to be like this.

Barton: (surprised) You’re sorry? Really? Is this an apology I’m hearing? I might have to call Ripley’s because this is a moment is one for the record books.

Maggie: I wouldn’t exactly call it an apology.

Barton: So you’re not admitting you made a mistake with your wild accusations?

Maggie: What I admit is that I may have been wrong in questioning your honesty.

Barton: Isn’t that difference without a distinction?

Maggie: Not really. Because any suspicions I had were of your own making. You brought this entire situation on yourself.

Barton: What is that supposed to mean?

Maggie: From the moment we arrived home you were defensive; hesitant to answer a direct question. And then you grew more and more reactionary. It’s only natural that your behavior would raise our suspicions given your history.

Barton: And maybe I was reacting to your sweeping into town with some mysterious agenda. Not to mention your allusions and outright statements that you and Dad were less than pleased with the leadership of the company over the past year. You can’t be surprised that I’d be upset, even angry.

Maggie: As I said, you could have a point. After speaking with your father, I realize we could’ve handled things a little better. I always thought that your brother was the sensitive one, but clearly you have more in common with him than I ever realized. Obviously it was because of your sensitivity that you overreacted at the very valid criticism your father and I had. And it was your near hysteria that made me doubt you.

Barton: Wow. You’ve gotten so much better at putting your children in their place while presenting yourself as a paragon of parenting. Vacation hasn’t dulled your skills.

Maggie: Really, Barton, your attitude is trying my patience.

Barton: And your condensation is trying mine. Did you really seek me out for no reason other than to point out a different slant to my inadequacies?

Maggie: I’m trying to tell you that I misinterpreted your anxieties. I mistook your anger about losing your position at L.P. and saw it as deceit. You defensiveness wasn’t because of anything you might be hiding but because of your fear of the repercussions of your failure to handle things with the family and the business properly.

Barton: So I’m not a liar, just incompetent?

Maggie: I would never put it in such harsh terms. Can’t you just accept that I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt? That you haven’t done anything to my knowledge to make me have misgivings about you?

Barton: I’d like to. It’s just that having you admit you have a flaw is a surprise.

Maggie: Dear, I have many flaws and I have made more than my share of mistakes. I’m just better than most at hiding them. (Pause) Look, do you really think I enjoy doubting you, that I want to believe you would lie to me or deceive me?

Barton: What I think is that you expect it.

Maggie: As I said son, I think this entire situation was misread and misinterpreted.

Barton: But as you’ve taken great pains to point out, it’s my fault. I didn’t react with joy and excitement at your homecoming. And because I didn’t it gave you all the reason in the world to believe as you did. So either way, I’m to blame.

Maggie: Must you be so adversarial? You are missing the entire point of this conversation.

Barton: I guess I missed it under yet another reminder of how unfortunate it is for you to have such flawed children.

Maggie: Barton, I am trying to resolve this problem, but you are determined to make this difficult.

Barton: I’m having a hard time believing that you have changed your tune so quickly. It’s not like you to even hint that you are wrong about something. What is this really all about? Why the sudden change of heart?

Maggie: I find it interesting that you decry me for not taking you at your word, yet when I’m willing to do so, you don’t take me at mine. Well, I’ve had enough of this nonsense. Clearly my attempt to be conciliatory has been a miserable failure. (Pause) Since you obviously enjoy living under a cloud of suspicion, I guess I’ll let you. Don’t ever say I didn’t try.

Barton: (as Maggie started to walk away) Mother wait.

Maggie: (stopping and turning) Yes?

Barton: I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be so… difficult. I’m just angry that you initially didn’t believe me.

Maggie: And I explained why, didn’t I?

Barton: Yes. (Pause) I’m just glad you finally realized that I was telling the truth.

Maggie: So am I. A mother doesn’t like doubting her children. I want to be able to trust you.

Barton: You can.

Maggie: So you’ve convinced me… for the moment anyway. (Pause) Now that this has been resolved, I have to find your father. See you later, dear.

Barton: Goodbye, Mother. (Pause as he watched her walk away) Well, I’m not quite sure what to make of that. Was she being sincere… or setting me up?

* * * * * *

Standing with her uncle Gary and her older sister Hillary, Melody Sorensen turned to face them as they stood in the waiting room, a wrinkled, damp tissue clutched in her fingers.

Melody: (her voice was ragged, wracked with grief) What are we going to do? How are we going to deal with this?

Gary: (grasping his niece's hand, squeezing tight) Like we always have... as a family.

Melody: But another loss? (Tears tumbled from her ice blue eyes and rolled down her cheeks) After losing Mom so young and now Monica... How can we face that? How can we even be expected to?

Hillary: (grasping her younger sister by the shoulders) Melody, this is more tragedy than one family should have to bear, that's true. But we're strong. We'll get through it. We'll have to. We have to be there for Dad. He's going to need us now more than ever.

Melody: I know. You’re right. Dad has to be our top priority. He is still mourning our mother, even after all these years. I can't even think about how we're going to break this to him. I don't know if he'll be able to take it. I don't know if I can.

Hillary: (her voice a painful whisper) Telling Dad will be hard. Probably one of the hardest things we'll ever have to do. But we will, and right away.

Gary: When will he be back from that teacher's conference in Portland?

Hillary: Tomorrow, but we certainly can't wait until then.

Gary: (surprised) You think we should do it tonight?

Hillary: As much as I hate to, we're going to have to.

Melody: But we'll have to phone him and that is no way to hear this kind of news.

Hillary: I agree, but we don't have much choice. He needs to hear this from us, from his family. We can't risk the chance that he could hear about it on the news.

Melody: Do you think that could happen? Covington Bay is a small town; why would he hear this all the way out in Oregon?

Hillary: The Lassiters have always been prominent, even more so since Jonas was elected to the Senate. Besides that, Kevin is vice president of a major corporation, not to mention his earlier success as an author. And Monica's marriage to Nigel makes her somewhat of a notable figure as well. This will be news in the business world if nothing else. I can't risk Dad hearing it by some anchorperson.

Gary: She's right. We can't wait to tell Randy. And there's Angela, she needs to be told as well. I can't believe she hasn't already heard.

Melody: You’re right. I wish we could avoid the inevitable, but we don't have that luxury.

Hillary: (glancing at her watch) It's still early on the West Coast so he should be awake. Hopefully he's in his room or isn't out having dinner or at a meeting or something.

As his niece started to walk away, Gary gently touched her arm.

Gary: Honey, do you really want to do this? Maybe you should let me...

Even as he said it, the tremor in his voice and the hesitation on his face made it clear that he'd never be able to go through with it.

Hillary: I appreciate the offer Uncle Gary, but I'll do it. (She noted the relief in Gary's pale gray eyes) It's going to be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life, but I'll do it.

Across the room, Lucas was standing with Sabrina and A.J..

Lucas: (sympathetically, his rugged face deep with sincerity) A.J., I’m sorry. I am truly sorry for your loss. I know how close you and Kevin were.

A.J.: Thanks, Greyhawk. But, I...

Lucas: (interrupting) I mean it. You and I have had our differences, but I always liked Kevin. He was a good man.

A.J.: Don't talk about Kevin like that.

Lucas: Like what?

A.J.: (snapping) Like he's dead!

Sabrina: Have you heard something about Kevin and Monica?

A.J.: No, not yet. (He forced himself to admit, pushing back the tears that threatened to pool in his dark eyes, refusing to cry because that would mean accepting what he wasn't ready to accept) But, I'm not ready to write anyone off yet. The police and the Coast Guard are still looking. There's no definitive word on anything.

Lucas: I know, but I heard the van went down pretty fast... that there's been no sign of any survivors. You would think that something or someone would've been found at this point.

A.J.: Maybe, but it hasn't been that long. I'm not giving up on my cousin, not hardly, not yet. Are you ready to declare your sister in law dead so quickly?

Lucas: Look, I...

A.J.: I don't have time for this, Lucas. (He dismissed Lucas with a shake of his head) I'm going to find my brother or Evan Maitland and see if either of them have any news on the search. Excuse me.

A.J. stormed out of the waiting room.

Lucas (turning to Sabrina): Well, I tried.

Sabrina: Lucas, you can't blame him for being upset. He just lost one of the people closest to him in the world. A.J. and Kevin were like brothers.

Lucas: I realize that. I've known A.J. since we were kids. I know how close he and Kevin were. And, I meant that when I said Kevin was a good guy. I did like him. He was an honest, compassionate, caring guy. And while he didn't seem like it, he was a strong man, pretty tough when he needed to be. He didn't take anybody's crap. And no one could pull anything over him. Ever.

Sabrina: That's a pretty good description of the kind of man Kevin was. (She brushed tendrils of her raven hair behind her ear) But, I didn't think you and Kevin really knew one another, much less were friendly.

Lucas: Why would you say that?

Sabrina: Your families have been at war since before either of you were born. And beyond your feuding families, you and Kevin have traveled in completely different circles. In high school you were with the jocks, played on the football and baseball team and chasing cheerleaders. Kevin has always been quiet and studious. When he wasn't writing, he was in band and doing piano recitals. You're an ex-FBI agent and private investigator. He's a published author and corporate executive. He's gay and spent most of his adult years in a long-term relationship. You're straight and you wouldn't know a relationship if it walked up and bit you.

Lucas: (a bit annoyed by her assessment of him, perhaps because it was painfully true) Your point being?

Sabrina: I'm just looking for the common ground. I'm just wondering where and when you became so fond of Kevin?

Lucas was hardly about to explain why he knew Kevin so well. He'd gotten to know Kevin through his relationship with Nigel. And Lucas definitely didn't want Sabrina finding out about that. She'd been curious enough about the connection between his brother and Kevin after watching them embrace after learning that he and Sabrina had survived the explosion of the apartment building. She had already been asking questions. And Lucas didn't want her to find the answers. Kevin might be dead, but Nigel was alive. Losing Kevin was going to be more than Nigel could bear. Having his past with Kevin revealed now of all times was the last thing he needed.

Lucas: I liked the man and now he's gone. A lot of people will miss him. What else matters?

Sabrina: Nothing, I suppose. (Though she had a knowing look on her face that said it wasn't nothing) I guess I'm just talking. Talking because I don't want to think about what's happened tonight. I'm not sure I could handle it if I had to think about it.

Lucas: Sabrina, we're just getting to know one another, but the one thing I do know is that you're not the kind of woman who would avoid facing anything, even if it's difficult. That isn't the woman who dragged me down several flights of stairs out of a burning building.

Sabrina: (her voice weary) I think that woman has had about more than she can take. All this violence and loss and pain. All these lives changed forever in an instant.

Lucas: (placing a large, comforting hand on Sabrina's shoulder) Lives tend to be that way.

Sabrina looked into the warm blue gaze of his eyes, feeling that he cared. And she had the feeling Lucas was referring to more than the events that been taken place.

That damn kiss. He wasn't going to let her forget it. As if she could. Her lips still tingled because of it. And married women weren't supposed to think or feel things like that. He withdrew his hand, breaking the warm moment.

Lucas: Look, I hate leaving you right now when you're so upset, but I should be getting back to Nigel.

Sabrina: Oh God. Nigel. I was so concerned about A.J. I hadn't thought about him. He must be devastated.

Lucas: Nigel loved Monica a lot. This is going to be very difficult for him to deal with. (Pause) I better get to him. Are you going to be around for awhile?

Sabrina: Yeah. I've been waiting for Sydney Carlyle to arrive and take over as Nathan's security. And David should be here soon.

Lucas: (as if he’d forgotten) David… your husband.

Sabrina: Yes, my husband. (Pause) And I want to be here for A.J., the Sorensons and the Jacksons.

Lucas: The Jacksons?

Sabrina: Look, I know that the police are saying that Danny did a terrible thing. And if it's true, he's caused your family a lot of pain. But Mama J. and her family cared a lot about Danny. He was a member of their family. No matter what has happened or how it happened, this’ll hurt them.

Lucas: Hey, I understand. I just didn't know you were all that close to them.

Sabrina: I've known the Jackson family most of my adult life. Jessica, Mama J.'s granddaughter, Gloria and I were sorority sisters at Covington Bay University. We spent a lot of time at Mama J.'s restaurant studying for tests or some such thing. We even waited tables every once in awhile.

Lucas: You waiting tables? (A smile creased his lips) I find that hard to believe.

Sabrina: Waiting tables is a perfectly respectable job, I'll have you know.

Lucas: I'm sure it is. I just don't see you taking orders from anyone.

Sabrina: We all must start somewhere. And unlike you, Mr. Greyhawk, some of us weren't born with wealth. Anyway, from the minute I met her, Mama J. treated me like family. She's been kind of like a surrogate mother to me, like she is with everyone. This is going to be very hard on that family. And Nathan, that poor kid. With all he's been through, Danny's been his rock most of his life. I can't even begin to imagine how he's going to take the news.

Melody: (approaching Sabrina and Lucas) Hi… I'm sorry to interrupt.

Sabrina: (grasping Melody’s hand) Honey, it's no problem.

Lucas: Melody, I'm sorry for your loss.

Melody: Thank you, Lucas. (Pause) Have you seen A.J.; I thought he was here with you?

Sabrina: He was, but he went to find his brother to see if there have been any new developments.

* * * * * *

A.J. Lassiter spotted Mama J. and Darian standing outside of Nathan's room.

A.J: Mama J., Darian.

Darian: (turning to the investigative reporter as he approached) Hey, A.J..

Mama J.: (pulling A.J. into a tight embrace) I'm sorry. So sorry for your loss.

A.J.: Thank you, Mama J.. I'm sorry about Danny. I know he was important to you both.

Mama J.: Thank you for saying that, especially under the circumstances.

A.J.: So you believe Danny is guilty of everything he's being accused of? Burglary, kidnapping, possibly murder?

Darian: We really aren't sure of anything.

A.J.: I don't think we have all the answers either. But I'm going to get them and right now only my brother and Evan Maitland may have those answers. Have you see either of them?

Darian: I think Maitland went to call Patrick and notify him of what’s happened. As for your brother, the last I saw of him, he was tearing off after Danny after the car went into the river. (Bitterness permeated Darian's tone) I guess the possibility of Danny's death isn't enough to put an end to Eric's hatred.

A.J.: I can't explain or answer for Eric's behavior. But I do want to get to the bottom of it. I want to know everything about what happened tonight; why all those people we love might be dead.

Voice: Well, fortunately for some, they're not all dead.

As a raspy, smoke roughened voice echoed throughout the room, A.J. turned to face his younger brother.

A.J.: Eric! I was just about to come find you.

Eric: (his obsidian blue eyes glittering with contempt) Really? Come to get a statement about tonight's events? Sorry, no comment. You know I've never had much use for the press.

A.J.: (snapping) This is no time for your smart-ass remarks, Eric!

Eric: (smirking) I'm afraid those are the only kind I have for you, big brother.

Darian: (grabbing Eric by the arm) How about for me!? You said they're not all dead? Does that mean Danny and the others are alive? Did they survive that car going into the river?

Eric: (pulling away from Darian) Like a black cat spreading bad luck, your boy survived. He's in the E.R..

Mama J.: (gasping) He's alive!?

Eric: Yeah. Monica too.

A.J.: Is she all right?

Eric: Besides ruining her overpriced dress, she's fine as far as I can tell.

A.J.: (clasping his hands together) Thank God!

Mama J.: (pulling Darian into an embrace) Danny is alive! Oh thank God, he's alive!

Darian: (as they broke the hug) But you said he's in the ER? What's wrong with him?

Eric: (his jutted chin riddled with the stubble of a five o'clock shadow) Do I look like a doctor?

Darian: You have no idea how he's doing?

Eric: Frankly, I'm more concerned about his victims and making sure he doesn't hurt anyone else. I can promise you he won't have a chance to. Looks like this town is going to be rid of the James boys soon enough.

Darian: Damn you, Lassiter! I... (He stopped himself) I don't have time for this. We've got to get to Danny. Let's go, Mama J.. Excuse us, A.J..

A.J.: (as Mama J. and Darian rushed away) Of course.

Eric: Well, this has been fun as usual, A.J., but I've got to go.

A.J.: Wait a minute, what about Kevin?

Eric: What about him?

A.J.: You said Danny and Monica got out of that car and made it out of the river? Well what about Kevin? Where is Kevin?

Eric: I don't know.

A.J.: What do you mean you don't know?

Eric: Just what I said. I don't know where Kevin is.

A.J.: Weren't you looking for him?

Eric: No. I was looking for an escaped felon. And I got him. Fortunately, Monica was there as well. Vicki's too young to lose her mother.

A.J.: Especially when all she would have left is you as a father.

There was a flicker of something, possibly the realization of truth in Eric's eyes. But only a flicker before he chuckled nastily.

Eric: A.J., I've got a lot to do, so if you'll excuse me...

A.J.: (stepping in Eric's path) You haven't answered my questions about Kevin.

Eric: I told you that I don't know where he is. There’s nothing more to say.

A.J.: But you found Monica and Danny.

Eric: Yes. And Kevin was nowhere around.

A.J.: (incredulously) You didn't look for him!?

Eric: With a dangerous felon on my hands, looking for our missing cousin was hardly my first priority!

A.J.: So what you're saying is that you don't give a damn.

Eric: Does that surprise you? (Pause) If you want answers, check with the Coast Guard. I'm sure they're still searching for him. Unless they realized what a lot of us knew long ago; that he's a lost cause.

A.J.: You son of a bitch! Even now you won't let go of your hatred for him! You can't stop spewing your filth long enough to realize that we may have lost our cousin tonight!

Eric: I may be many things, but I'm no hypocrite. I have never made a secret of my feelings for Kevin. I'm supposed to suddenly feel remorse or guilt because he’s dead?

A.J.: You could feel something. He was our cousin. We grew up together.

Eric: No, you grew up with him. Even before he came out to the world, I hated his guts. I guess I must always known there was something not right with him.

A.J.: Can't you just once have a little compassion... or at least common decency?

Eric: I didn't like the guy. You could say I even hated him. And it wasn't only because he was a queer. Kevin gave me lots of reasons to dislike him. But if you think I wanted him dead, you're wrong. Nobody deserves what happened to him, especially when all he did was try to save someone else's life. I guess I have to give him credit for doing something right for once. For one moment, he was more than a self-righteous and grandstanding faggot.

A.J.: Bastard!

Rage coursing through him, A.J. grabbed Eric by his wrinkled gray tee shirt and shoved him across the room, sending a stunned Eric tumbling into the chairs against the wall, then to the floor. Melody rushed into the room as Eric was picking himself off the floor.

Melody: A.J., what is going on in here!? I could hear you down the hallway!

Eric: (his eyes blazing with hatred) You do realize you just assaulted a police officer, don't you, A.J.?

Melody: (leaping between them) Stop it, both of you! Do you really think now is the time to be fighting?

Eric: Get your boyfriend under control, Melody. We might share the same last name, but I won't hesitate to throw his ass in jail if he lays a hand on me again.

Melody: (turning to A.J. as Eric stalked out of the waiting room) What was that all about? Can't you stop this battle with your brother for one minute and consider yourself lucky to have him?

A.J.: You must be joking. There are many things I could say about having Eric as a brother, but being lucky isn't one of them. But forget him. He's not important.

Melody: A.J., I know the two of you have your issues and you've never really gotten along, but you have to make peace with him. You never know when something can happen and...

A.J.: Melody, will you just hold on. (He grasped her by the shoulders) Eric just gave me some news about Monica.

Melody: (with dread) What? Did they find her?

A.J.: (nodding, smiling) Yes... and she's alive.

Melody: (stunned, faltering for a moment) Monica is alive?

A.J.: Yes. Eric told me right before you got here. She's alive. And according to Eric she's not hurt.

Melody: (launching herself into A.J.'s arms) Oh thank God! Thank God! Are you sure? Is Eric sure?

A.J.: (seeing the joy in his fiancée's eyes) He seemed so.

Melody: (eagerly) Well, do you know where she is?

A.J.: In the ER.

Melody: I have to go to her! I have to see her now. (She stopped herself) Oh, wait! My father! Angie!

A.J.: What about them?

Melody: I can't let them hear Monica is dead! Hillary went to phone them and tell them! I have to stop her before it's too late!

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