''Oh my god, Doc, no -- you don't think that --'' Lucy begins,
clearly scared.
''I don't know what to think, Lucy. All I know is Greg is gone, Victor
never came home last night, and the last I heard he -- he went to see Greg.''
Kevin says, still a bit in shock. ''I have to go there, Lucy. I have to
go.''
''I'm going with you.'' Lucy says.
''No -- no, you need to stay here, with the kids.'' Kevin says.
''I'll have Jessie watch them -- you're not doing this alone anymore,
Kevin. No way.''
''I -- I don't want Jessie to know yet. About Greg or -- or about Victor.
Not until WE know what's going on.'' Kevin says. ''I don't want anyone
to know.''
''Can't we at least call Mac? I mean, Doc -- if -- if Greg Cooper is
out there somewhere, then this whole town is --''
''Lucy -- only a few people even know that Greg is ALIVE. I could get
in serious trouble for what I've done -- harboring a known fugitive and
murderer. And knowing Mac, he'd want to help me, and -- I'm not going to
let him put his job on the line that way. I need to do this myself.''
''No -- WE need to do this. Together.'' Lucy says.
''Lucy, this is dangerous.''
''Well, that's too bad -- ‘cause you're stuck with me, buster! I am
NOT giving you a choice in the matter, Kevin Collins -- you just got yourself
a partner.'' Lucy says adamantly.
Chris sees Jessie behind the desk at the Nurses Station, and approaches
her. ''I thought you had the day off.'' he says to her.
''I just got asked to work -- Dr. Gianelli just asked me to assist in
surgery in an hour.'' Jessie says matter-of-factly. ''His OR nurse was
supposed to be --'' Jessie stops.
''Jess -- we need to talk.''
''No, we don't. There's nothing to talk about.'' Jessie says.
''So that's it, huh? We're gonna throw the whole relationship away over
this.'' Chris says, following Jessie as she walks down the hall.
''I never said that.''
''You never said ANYTHING, that's the problem.''
''Chris, I have to work.'' Jessie tells him.
''Jess -- I love you, honey.'' Chris says, taking her hand. ''I know
I screwed up -- there's gotta be some way for me to fix this, Jess. Just
tell me what it is and I'll do it.''
''Okay -- can you make it so the last three months never happened?''
Jessie asks. Chris doesn't say a word. ''I didn't think so. Then I guess
there's NOT anything you can do, is there?'' Jessie walks away.
''Dr. Collins, I wish I could be of more help to you -- but I've already
told you all I know. Now, we agreed when we allowed your brother to stay
here that anything that happened we would NOT be liable for. So as far
as I'm concerned -- if he's gone, he was never a patient here, and I never
saw anything.'' the administrator at the psychiatric facility tells Kevin.
''How am I supposed to FIND him if your people won't help me?'' Kevin
asks.
''That's not my problem.'' the man tells him.
''Can I at least see his room? Maybe I can find a clue in there.'' Kevin
asks. The man sighs.
''You have fifteen minutes -- and then I want you out of there. Our
facility has a waiting list, and the room is being used by someone else
this evening.'' the man tells him.
''Alright -- fifteen minutes.'' Kevin says. He and Lucy go up to Greg's
room, and begin looking around.
''Um, Doc -- what exactly is it that we're looking for?'' Lucy asks.
''I don't know -- I'm guessing we'll know when we see it.'' Kevin says,
as they begin to tear the room apart. Lucy peels the covers off of the
bed, and sees a part of a photo lying there. Lucy picks it up.
''Doc -- is this -- Victor?'' Lucy asks. Kevin takes the picture.
''Oh my god, Lucy -- this is -- a photo of Victor taken around the time
that -- where's the other half, Lucy?''
''I don't know, I -- there it is.'' Lucy says, spotting it on the floor.
It's the photo of Greg with Victor and Marcia that Victor gave to him.
''Why is it torn in half?''
''This is Victor with Greg and -- Greg's mother. Oh my god Lucy -- he
has him. Greg has Victor -- we have to find him, there's no telling what
he's capable of.'' Kevin says worriedly.
September 10, 2001 -- Chris enters Patrick's hospital room. Patrick
is sitting up in bed, reading, very engrossed in what he's looking at.
Chris walks over to him, and grabs the magazine away, looking at its cover.
''You're sitting here READING some boring pharmacology journal? Geez, all
you need is a pocket protector, a bow tie, and some Buddy Holly glasses
and you'd be the poster boy for Geek Magazine.'' Chris comments. ''So,
how much lunch money did you have to cough up to the jocks during your
tenure at high school?'' Chris teases.
''Probably as much as you did. Now give that back!'' Patrick says. Chris
hands him the magazine.
''I bet they've got killer crossword puzzles in there.''
''Oh, you're funny.'' Patrick says. Chris sits down in the chair next
to Patrick's bed.
''So -- how are you feeling?'' Chris asks.
''Fine -- my big event today was getting to eat solid food again.''
''Wow, there's an accomplishment!''
''Yeah, it was a really big thrill.'' Patrick says sarcastically. ''I'm
going stir-crazy in here, Chris -- I want to go back to work.''
''I know the feeling -- don't worry, you'll be out of here in no time.
Has Dr. Boardman given you any idea as to when you can go home?''
''A couple of days, he's guessing. Maybe even tomorrow.''
''Well, that's great! How many weeks you gonna have to take off?''
''Why do I need time off? I have my computer at home, I'll just get
a few things from the lab and I can work there for awhile.''
''Not on my watch, doctor. You need some time off -- at least a couple
of weeks.'' Patrick sighs.
''You're as bad as Eve.''
''Oh yeah -- I'm just someone who's only concern is your health and
well-being. What a HORRIBLE brother I am.'' Chris remarks. ''But, I can
be convinced to bend a LITTLE bit -- how about I smuggle some pizza and
chips in here tonight, and we watch the ball game?''
''Pizza sounds WONDERFUL -- can you make mine pepperoni and bacon?''
''Not in THIS lifetime, mister.'' Eve says, entering the room. ''Chris,
are you nuts? He just starting eating again today, the last thing he needs
is to fill up on junk.''
''What's the difference between pizza and the so-called 'food' served
from our cafeteria?'' Chris asks.
''Besides the fact that the pizza actually TASTES good? Not much.''
Patrick says. ''Chris and I are gonna watch the game in here tonight --
you don't mind, do you?''
''Patrick -- I was kind of hoping we could be -- alone tonight.'' Eve
says.
''Eve, I'm in the hospital, I had surgery barely a week ago -- do you
seriously
think I'm up for that right now?'' Patrick asks.
''Not THAT, just -- just being alone with you. You know -- just the
TWO of us.'' Eve says, glaring at Chris.
''I'll be home soon -- we'll have plenty of time then.'' Patrick says.
''Well, I'm gonna get going -- I'll be back in an hour or so.'' Chris
says.
''NO pizza!'' Eve tells him.
''Yeah, yeah, whatever.'' Chris says, and heads for the door. ''Pepperoni
and bacon.'' he mouths to Patrick before he heads out the door.
''God, what a pest.'' Eve comments. ''Does he ALWAYS have to be in here?''
''He's not always in here.''
''Yes he is -- last night, you guys were yammering about some stupid
football team for hours, the night before you were playing blackjack until
ten o'clock at night -- this brotherly bonding garbage is making me SICK!''
''Eve -- I'm finally developing a relationship with my brother. I would
think you'd be happy for me.'' Patrick says.
''I don't know how you can forgive him, Patrick. Look at what he did
to you!''
''Eve, I'm fine. I'm getting better every day.''
''That's not the point -- you almost died for him, Patrick. And I just
can't get past that. And I'm sick of him bugging you all the time. It's
like he doesn't even have a life or anything.''
''Eve -- he doesn't. Come on -- Jessie won't talk to him, and doesn't
have any other friends. He's lonely -- he just wants somebody to spend
time with that actually gives a damn about him. Look -- I need you to understand
that my relationship with my brother is VERY important to me. I've never
really had a family before, Eve. My parents were distant, my uncle hated
me -- Carrie was the only family I really ever had up until now. And now
I have Chris -- and you. And I really, really need you two to get along
with each other.''
''Patrick -- it's just --''
''Eve -- you and Chris were friends before. I know deep down that you
care about Chris a lot. Can't you just -- get past what he's done and get
along with him like you used to? For me?'' Patrick asks. Eve sighs heavily.
''Alright, alright -- I'll be nice.''
''Thank you.'' Patrick says, and he pulls her close and they kiss intensely.
''He's bringing the pizza, isn't he?'' Eve asks, cuddling next to him.
''Yeah, he is.'' Patrick says, laughing, and Eve kisses him again, somewhat
gritting her teeth in disgust.
September 13, 2001 - morning. Lucy awakens and sees Kevin pacing back
and forth like a caged tiger. ''Doc -- what are you doing?'' she asks.
''I'm sorry, did I wake you up?'' Kevin asks.
''Did you get any sleep last night?''
''How can I sleep -- FIVE DAYS, Lucy. It's been five days since
anyone's heard from my father! I can't keep this to myself much longer,
Lucy -- I have to bring the police in on it. Mary won't let me do this
on my own much longer.''
''Doc -- you know, Victor has disappeared before, and --''
''Not like this. Something is going on that --'' just then the phone
rings. Lucy answers it.
''Hello? Victor?! Oh my gosh, Victor -- where are you, we've been worried
sick!'' Lucy says, and Kevin grabs the phone away from her.
''Victor? Where are you? Are you alright?'' Kevin asks.
''Monk -- I'm fine. I'm sorry if you were worried.'' Victor says.
''Where are you? What happened?'' Kevin asks.
''I -- I got called away on -- on a mission of sorts.'' Victor states.
''Mission? What kind of mission?''
''Oh, I can't say, it's VERY top secret -- I just called to let you
know that I'm okay, and not to worry about me. Please call Mary and tell
her that I may be gone for awhile, and that I love her very much. I have
to go, Monk -- give my love to Lucy and the twins.'' Victor says, and he
hangs up.
''Victor! Victor!'' Kevin shouts, but the other end is dead.
''What did he say?'' Lucy asks.
''He's on a 'mission'.'' Kevin tells her.
''You see, I told you there was a good explanation.''
''I don't buy it, Lucy. Something's not right here. Something is DEFINITELY
not right.''
Somewhere unknown, Victor puts the telephone down, and looks straight
at someone who is pointing a gun at him. ''Please -- please, I'm begging
you, don't hurt him. I'm the one you want -- not Kevin. I'll do whatever
you ask -- just leave Kevin alone.'' Victor begs the person.
''What the hell -- what's going on in here?'' Chris asks, entering Patrick's
apartment. The kitchen is filled with smoke, and the smoke alarm is going
off. ''You let her COOK? Are you NUTS?'' Chris shouts over the alarm, as
Eve finally turns it off.
''I was just trying to help out -- Patrick is supposed to be taking
it easy.''
''I tried to do it myself Chris -- she wouldn't let me.'' Patrick says,
lying back on the couch.
''Look -- next time, just order in. YOU -- stay out of the kitchen --
you weren't allowed to cook when you were living with me, and now that
I'm living here the same rule applies. I just cleaned this kitchen yesterday
-- look at this mess, do you know how much work I have to do again now?''
Chris asks angrily.
''Oh, what's the big deal, so the stove got a little messy. Honestly,
you're even more anal than HE is!'' Eve says, pointing at Patrick.
''Hey!'' Patrick shouts.
''You know, it's amazing that the two of you are even STRAIGHT, as prissy
as you guys are with housekeeping. It's like living with The Odd Couple,
only BOTH of you are the neat freak!''
''I guess that would make you the slob, huh?'' Chris comments.
''Oh, shut up Ramsey -- Patrick, how much longer does he have to stay
here?'' Eve whines.
''Eve -- don't start. I told you -- Chris can stay here as long as he
likes.'' Patrick says.
''What was this supposed to be anyway?'' Chris asks, looking at Eve's
attempt at cooking.
''Chris -- leave her alone, she was just trying to do something nice
for me.'' Patrick says.
''Eve, the goal is to keep him OUT of the hospital, not put him back
in there.'' Chris teases.
''I'm sorry, okay. I was just trying to help.'' Eve says, and she stomps
off into the bedroom.
''Did you have to do that?'' Patrick asks.
''Do what?''
''Chris, she didn't mean any harm. Cut her some slack, okay?'' Patrick
gets up and goes into the bedroom. Eve is lying on the bed, crying. ''Hey
-- I know you meant well.''
''Patrick, I'm so sorry. I'm supposed to be helping you out, and taking
care of you, and -- I'm just making a mess of things.'' Eve says.
''No you're not.'' Patrick says, putting his arms around Eve and leaning
back slowly.
''I just can't compete with Chris when it comes to this stuff. I'm trying
so hard, and I just can't.''
''Who said this was a contest? Eve -- you've been here with me every
night since I got home. I never asked you to cook for me or clean for me
-- actually, I never asked CHRIS to do it, he just took it upon himself.
Just you being here is all I need.'' Patrick kisses her on the forehead
as he holds her close.
''You mean that?'' Eve asks.
''Of course I do.'' Patrick says. ''Now what do you say we order out
tonight, huh?''
''Does HE have to stay?'' Eve asks, looking at the door.
''Well, we can always --- eat in here, in private.'' Patrick suggests.
''No thanks -- you'll complain all night about crumbs in the bed, and
then I'll have to vacuum.'' Eve teases.
''Am I that bad?''
''Worse -- but I still love you anyway.'' Eve says, reaching up and
kissing him.
September 14, 2001 -- Chris enters the cubicle of a patient. Jessie
is also in the cubicle, taking the woman's vitals and making some notes
on her chart. ''Hi, I'm -- Dr. Ramsey.'' Chris says, eyeing Jessie. ''So,
how'd this happen?''
''I -- tripped and fell.'' the woman says. Chris notes the bruises on
her face and arms.
''I see.'' Chris says, examining her. ''So -- how many times has your
husband hit you before?'' Chris bluntly asks.
''I told you -- I fell, and --''
''Ma'am -- I know the difference between bruises from a fall and --
THIS. You don't have to put up with it, you know. There are places you
can go who will -- help you.'' Chris tells her, as Jessie quietly listens
in.
''I have two children -- and no money. I can't -- go anywhere.'' Chris
sighs.
''Okay -- I understand. Jessie is gonna patch you up, alright?'' Chris
says, looking over at Jessie. ''If you ever change your mind -- I want
you to call me, okay? Anytime, just call me -- I can get you somewhere
safe.'' Chris says, and he takes a business card out of his wallet and
hands it to the woman, then leaves. Out in the hallway, he runs into another
doctor. ''Dr. Sullivan -- have you got a minute?''
''I thought you didn't have much use for us ‘shrinks' as you put it.''
the man replies.
''I don't, but -- there's a lady in there who might need your help.
Classic case of spousal abuse -- maybe if you just go and talk to her.
She'll be okay physically, but -- I think you talking to her might help.''
''No problem.'' Dr. Sullivan says, and he goes into the cubicle, just
as Jessie leaves. She approaches Chris.
''Was that for my benefit?'' she asks.
''No, it was for my patient's benefit -- you just happened to be in
the room.'' Chris says, never looking up from the chart he's making notes
in.
''Well, it was -- nice.''
''I'm glad you approve.'' Chris remarks, and starts to walk away.
''Chris --'' Jessie begins. Chris turns around.
''Jessie -- you've made it perfectly clear in no uncertain terms that
you want nothing to do with me. And I'm not gonna beg you to change your
mind. I've already explained myself, and I've apologized more times than
I can count. If that's not good enough for you, I don't know what will
be.'' Chris says, and leaves.
Late that evening, Dr. Sullivan walks out to his car, and a figure comes
up from behind and grabs him . . . . .
September 15, 2001 -- morning. Kevin is getting dressed, and the phone
rings. Lucy answers it. ''Doc, it -- it's for you, it's the hospital.''
Kevin sighs.
''Dammit, I'm not even on call today. They're supposed to forward all
emergency calls to Tony Sullivan, he's covering for me.'' Kevin says, as
he grabs the phone. ''This is Dr. Collins.'' Kevin grumbles. ''What? Are
-- are you serious? Of course, I'll -- be right there.'' Kevin hangs up
the phone, a look of shock on his face.
''Doc -- what's wrong?'' Lucy asks.
''Tony Sullivan -- he's dead. He was murdered last night.'' Kevin says,
stunned.
Chapter 38
Kevin arrives at the hospital, where Mac is waiting outside of Kevin's
office. ''Mac -- how did this happen?'' Kevin asks.
''We're still trying to piece together all the details. It looks like
Dr. Sullivan was getting in his car, and someone grabbed him from behind
and strangled him. Did you know of anyone that would want to harm Dr. Sullivan?''
Mac asks.
''No -- no, Tony was one of my best staff members. He was a nice guy,
Mac -- he had a family -- a wife and -- two little girls.'' Kevin says
sadly.
''I know -- his wife is down at the police station now. She's distraught,
obviously.''
''You need to find whoever did this, Mac -- whatever it takes.''
''We will, Kevin -- we will.'' Mac tells him.
That same afternoon, Kevin runs into one of his colleagues in the hall.
''Linda -- have you got a minute?''
''No problem Kevin -- what can I help you with?''
''I wanted you to review a couple of cases for me -- you've done several
case studies in manic depression, and I thought you would have some good
insight.''
''Sure, I'll be happy to help.'' Linda tells him.
''Good -- the files are in my office, can you run down there with me?''
Kevin asks, and the two of them head for their office. As Kevin opens his
office door, he hesitates for a moment. ''Did you hear something?'' he
asks.
''No, I didn't hear anything.''
''Must be my imagination.'' Kevin says, and he gets the files from his
desk. ''Here you go -- let me know what you think about my notes.''
''Sure -- I'll have my analysis on your desk first thing in the morning.''
Linda tells him.
''Thanks -- I appreciate it.'' Kevin says. Linda walks out of Kevin's
office, and starts walking down the hall. A closet door opens as she passes
by, and the woman is grabbed before she can even scream . . . . . . .
Later that evening, Kevin paces in the living room of the Lighthouse.
''I just saw her Lucy. Not six hours ago, I saw her -- she was in my office,
and I gave her some files she was going to review for me. Lucy, this was
her first year in practice -- she was one of the best psychiatric residents
the hospital ever produced.''
''Doc -- it's not your fault.'' Lucy says.
''Two of my staff members have been murdered in the last 48 hours, Lucy
-- and Greg Cooper is MISSING. You can't tell me there's not a connection.
I have to tell Mac.''
''Doc -- if you tell Mac, then -- you'll be in so much trouble, Doc.
And I won't lose you again.''
''What the hell am I supposed to do, Lucy? Stand by and watch this maniac
murder every member of the psychiatric staff at General Hospital???? Damn
him!!!!!!'' Kevin shouts, and he picks up a lamp and flings it across the
room.
''Doc, stop it! You'll wake the children!''
''I want you to leave, Lucy -- I mean it. Take the kids and get out
of town, now.''
''No -- I won't leave you Doc. Not this time.''
''Lucy, dammit, just GO!!!!!!!! I'm not putting you and our children
in danger this way!''
''And I'M not leaving, so THERE!!!!!!! You listen to me, Doc -- there
HAS to be a way that we can stop him on our own. I'll think of something,
Doc. I know I will.''
''That's what I'm afraid of, Lucy -- that's exactly what I'm afraid
of.'' Kevin says.
September 17, 2001 -- Chris arrives home from work. Patrick is in the
kitchen, making dinner. ''Hey -- what are you doing?''
''What does it look like I'm doing -- I'm cooking.'' Patrick replies.
''I thought I was doing the cooking -- you're supposed to be taking
it easy.''
''Chris -- between you and Eve, you're gonna drive me insane. I'm fine.
I had a checkup today -- Boardman gave me the okay to go back to work part-time,
starting tomorrow.''
''Isn't it kind of soon?''
''As long as I'm careful, and don't overdo it, I'll be okay.'' Patrick
says. ''I can't sit around this place all day anymore -- there's only so
much cable TV reruns you can watch.''
''Why don't you try watching the soaps?'' Chris asks.
''The SOAPS? Don't tell me you watch that junk!''
''Hey -- ''Worlds Apart'' is NOT junk -- that happens to be one of the
most talented casts in daytime.''
''Is that what you've been taping every day at two o'clock? I was wondering
what the hell that was.'' Chris looks down sheepishly.
''Jessie got me hooked on it.'' he admits. Patrick starts to laugh.
''So, have you two -- talked at all?''
''Define 'talk'.'' Chris replies.
''I mean -- have you fixed things between you yet?''
''No -- I don't know that I can, Patrick.''
''She's your WIFE, Chris -- you need to talk to her.''
''I'm afraid of -- what she'll say.'' Chris admits. The two men leave
the kitchen and go sit down in the living room. ''Patrick I -- I've never
been really good with relationships. I always -- seem to screw up somehow.
Either that, or I get screwed over.''
''Something tells me you've been screwed over more than you've screwed
up. Is that why you have such a hard time trusting people?''
''My -- OUR father taught me not to trust anyone. The women I've had
in my life just reinforced that idea. But not Jessie -- that one was all
my fault.''
''So tell her.''
''Patrick, it's not that easy. If I get her back, I -- I'm afraid I'm
just gonna mess the whole thing up again. And if I don't get her back,
I -- I don't know what I'll do. It's better this way.''
''Chris -- you can't live in relationship limbo for the rest of your
life. You've got to do something about this -- one way or the other.''
Patrick tells him.
September 20, 2001 -- morning. Kevin enters Mac's office. ''Hey mate
-- how are you doing?'' Mac asks.
''I just lost two of my best colleagues this week -- how do you think?''
Kevin replies.
''I'm sorry about that -- I wish I had some news for you, but --''
''Maybe I have some news for you. Mac, I -- Lucy would kill me if she
knew I were here, but -- I haven't exactly been honest with you.''
''What are you talking about?'' Mac asks.
''Remember when I told you that I killed Greg Cooper?''
''Yeah -- that night on the docks.''
''Well -- I lied, Mac. Greg Cooper is very much alive. And he's missing.''
''Kevin -- come, on you don't mean that --''
''I had him hidden away at a facility further upstate. And he disappeared
about a couple of weeks ago. And so did my father.''
''I thought Victor was out of town. You said he called you and --''
''I think he's being held against his will. Lucy and I have been looking
for clues, but -- so far we've had no luck. And I'm just afraid that, if
Greg is out there, he's trying to get some kind of revenge on me by --''
''You know -- you're in serious trouble here, Kevin.'' Mac tells him.
''I know -- but I'm not going to have the death of another innocent
person on my hands. If you want to arrest me, you -- you go ahead.''
''Kevin, I -- I don't want to get this town in a panic. And if I reveal
that Greg Cooper is on the loose, that's EXACTLY what will happen.''
''So what do you suggest?''
''I don't know -- I do know that if Cooper isn't caught, we could all
be in serious danger.''
''I'll do whatever you need.''
''Why don't you go home -- I'll figure out what we need to do and call
you tonight.''
''I'm sorry, Mac -- I was just trying to help my brother. I never meant
for any of this to happen.'' Kevin tells him.
Early that same evening, Patrick and Eve are sitting on the couch at
his apartment, cuddling. ''You know what I was thinking.'' Eve whispers.
''What?'' Patrick asks.
''We've only got a couple of hours before you have to leave, right?''
''Yeah.''
''Well -- there are a lot of things we can DO in a couple of hours.''
Eve suggests playfully.
''You mean -- like this?'' Patrick asks, as he starts to kiss Eve on
the neck, unbuttoning her blouse. Just then, the door bolts open.
''Hey -- either of you want to watch a movie with me tonight, I rented
a few really good ones and -- you know, need I remind you that that's my
BED you're doing that on -- keep that stuff in the other room where it
belongs!'' Chris says, as Patrick and Eve sit up, and Eve buttons her blouse.
''I'm gonna kill him -- Patrick, I'm gonna kill him.'' Eve says through
gritted teeth. Patrick sighs.
''Chris -- go home.'' Patrick tells him bluntly.
''I -- thought I was home.'' Chris says.
''Eve -- can I have a minute alone with my brother?'' Patrick asks.
Eve stands up.
''You know, you really know how to kill a mood, Ramsey.'' Eve comments,
and stomps off into the other room.
''What's with her?'' Chris asks, going into the kitchen, and getting
a glass of water. He then sits down in the living room next to Patrick.
''So -- any of these titles look appealing?''
''Did you not HEAR me? GO HOME.'' Patrick says emphatically.
''You're throwing me out?'' Chris asks.
''Well, when you put it that way -- yes, I'm throwing you out.''
''Alright, fine -- I'll go sleep in my car, how does that sound?''
''Chris -- it's not that I don't want you here. But I have a life, and
you have a life, and they're not exactly compatible. I'm volunteering at
the Waterfront Clinic tonight -- I've got two hours to spend with Eve before
I have to go, and YOU were not on our agenda for the evening. You need
to talk to Jessie, Chris -- tonight. You've been putting it off for too
long -- just go home, and have it out. And deal with it from there.''
''She doesn't want to see me, Patrick.''
''How do you know that? Have you even TRIED to see her? You've been
avoiding her like the plague. Every time I talk to Jessie, I ask her if
she's talked to you, and she tells me that you won't go anywhere near her.
GO HOME.''
''You're right -- I know you're right.'' Chris says, looking down sadly.
''Good -- then do it before I have to physically remove you from my
premises.''
''Can I come back here if she kicks me out?'' Chris asks. Patrick laughs.
''Just go, alright.'' Patrick says, as Chris heads for the door. ''Hey
--'' Patrick says, and Chris turn around, ''Good luck little brother.''
''Thanks -- I'm gonna need it.'' Chris says, and he leaves.
Kevin arrives home. ''Doc -- where have you been?'' Lucy asks.
''I -- went to see Mac. And then I -- went out to -- think about some
things.'' Kevin tells her.
''Doc -- you didn't tell Mac that --''
''I HAD to, Lucy. I didn't have a choice.'' Kevin says, going through
his mail. He finds a letter, with no stamp and no address -- just his name
on it, in the pile. ''Lucy -- where did this come from?''
''I don't know, it was in the mailbox I guess -- I haven't gone through
any of the mail yet, and --'' Kevin opens the letter carefully. He reads
it in shock -- the words are taken from newspapers, letters cut out from
headlines.
''By the stroke of midnight, the third strike will have occurred.
Do you know where your staff is?''
''Oh my god.'' Kevin says. ''Lucy -- it's gonna happen again tonight.
He's going to kill someone tonight. I have to warn them -- I have to warn
all of them!'' Kevin says, frantically picking up the phone . . . . . .
In a small, dark room, Victor is tied to a chair. ''Please -- I have
to have my medication.'' Victor begs. ''I can't help you if I don't have
my medication. Please son -- don't do this, I'm begging you -- don't do
this.'' The person Victor is talking to leaves.
Jessie is sitting on the couch, reading, and the doorbell rings. She
gets up to answer it. ''Hi.'' Chris says quietly, as she opens the door.
''Hi.'' Jessie replies, trying not to make eye contact with him.
''Can I come in?'' he asks. Jessie lets him in. ''You're not -- busy
tonight, are you?''
''Not especially.''
''Good.'' Chris says, and an awkward silence fills the room. ''Jessie
-- I guess we need to -- talk about things, huh?''
''I guess so.'' Jessie says, and they sit down on the couch.
''You look beautiful tonight.'' Chris comments.
''Cut the crap, Chris -- get to the point.''
''Well -- that was blunt.''
''I'm not in the mood for another apology session.''
''And I'm not in the mood to give one. Jessie I just --- I need to know
-- can we fix this or not? Because I -- I want to. I want to fix it --
I love you, so much.'' Chris takes her hand. ''Do you still love me, Jess?''
Jessie looks in his eyes, and pulls him close and kisses him on the lips.
''Of course I love you -- I'll always love you.'' Jessie tells him.
Chris smiles.
''Oh, baby.'' Chris says, and he pulls Jessie close, and starts to kiss
her, hard. He runs his hands up and down her body, and pushes her down
on the couch. He starts to kiss her on the neck, moving downward with his
mouth toward her breasts as he begins to remove her clothes. At the point
where they are both halfway undressed, Jessie stops him.
''Chris -- no, we can't do this.'' Jessie says.
''Why not?'' Chris asks, sitting up, obviously frustrated.
''Because I -- I just can't Chris. I just can't.''
''But -- but you said you still loved me. You do still love me, Jess?''
''Oh, of course I do. But I -- I can't get past it. And if I make love
to you right now I -- I'll take you back. And I can't take you back, Chris.
I'm sorry.''
''No -- no, Jessie you don't mean that.''
''Yes, I do.''
''Baby, I'm your husband. We're MARRIED, Jessie! We took VOWS!''
''I know -- and I'm sorry.'' Jessie says, in tears.
''What can I do, honey? You name it. We'll go to counseling -- hell,
I'LL go to counseling myself. We can even go on any kind of new age San
Francisco thing you want to cleanse our relationship -- you just tell me
what it is and I'll do it.'' Jessie half smiles at his suggestions.
''I want to start over.'' Jessie says.
''Okay. Okay, we can do that -- start over, fine. So what, we start
dating again?''
''No -- not like that. I want everything that happened to go away. I
want to start over without it there, hanging over our heads.''
''I -- Jessie, you know we can't do that.''
''I know -- and that's why I can't take you back, Chris. I want to --
but I just can't do it. Too much has happened, I just -- I can't forget
it, Chris. I wish I could.'' Chris fights back tears.
''I wish I could, too. Jessie, I wish there WAS some way to just forget
all that's happened and start over.''
''But there's not.'' Jessie says.
''No -- there's not.'' Chris says. He gets up and heads for the door.
''I'll -- I'll have the rest of my things out of your place by the end
of the week.'' Jessie nods, as she sits on the couch and cries. ''I love
you Jess.''
''I love you too.'' she replies through her tears. Chris walks out the
door, and stands on the porch, taking a deep breath. Just as he's about
to walk away, his phone rings.
''This is Dr. Ramsey. Who? Yeah, I -- I remember you. You -- alright,
calm down. Can you tell me where you are? Okay -- okay, I'll be there as
soon as I can. You just hang on, alright.'' Chris hangs up the phone and
leaves in a hurry.
''Thanks for coming out here, Brian.'' Patrick says to the man.
''No problem -- hey, I need to get home, my girlfriend hates it when
I'm late.'' Brian says to him.
''Oh, I know that feeling. Have a good night.'' Patrick says, as the
man leaves the clinic. As he walks out to his car, someone grabs him from
behind . . . . .
Meanwhile, in the clinic, the phone rings. ''Waterfront Clinic.'' the
nurse answering the phone says. ''Just a minute -- Dr. Reardon -- did Dr.
Evans leave yet?'' the nurse asks.
''Yeah, he left about fifteen minutes ago.'' Patrick tells her. The
nurse gets back on the phone.
''I'm sorry Dr. Collins -- he's already gone. I'd try his cellphone.''
the nurse says, and hangs up.
Chris walks along the docks of the waterfront late at night. He looks
out into the river, and sighs as he thinks about Jessie, and all of the
time they spent together, as memories come rushing back to him . . . .
. . . .
Everybody's high on consolation
Everybody's trying to tell me what's right for me
I need a drink and a quick decision
Now it's up to me, ooh what will be
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'd
Better learn how to face it
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'd
I'd pay the devil to replace her
She's Gone - what went wrong
Up in the morning look in the mirror
I'm worn as her tooth brush hanging in the stand
My face ain't looking any younger
Now I can see love's taken her toll on me
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'd
Better learn how to face it
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'd
I'd pay the devil to replace her
She's Gone - what went wrong
Think I'll spend eternity in the city
Let the carbon and monoxide choke my thoughts away
And pretty bodies help dissolve the memories
But they can never be what she was to me
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'd
Better learn how to face it
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'd
I'd pay the devil to replace her
She's Gone - what went wrong
Chris turns around and starts to walk away, when someone comes running
down the docks, and bumps into him. ''Hey, will you watch where you're
going, you --'' Chris stops as he looks into the eyes of the person standing
in front of him. ''No -- no, it can't be you.'' Chris says, a look of terror
coming over his face, as the person grabs him forcefully . . . . . . .
.
Eve enters the Recovery Room, and approaches the bar. ''I had an order
to pick up -- Eve Lambert.'' she says, and turns and sees Jessie sitting
at the bar, drinking. Eve approaches her.
''Hey Jess -- what are you doing here?''
''Getting drunk. You?''
''I just stopped by to see a patient and thought I'd grab a late snack,
I uh -- didn't eat much tonight.'' Eve tells her.
''Well, come on and join me.'' Jessie says, obviously a bit drunk.
''I don't think you need anymore, Jessie. Come on, why don't you come
over to my place, we'll get you sobered up.''
''I don't want to be sober -- not tonight.'' Jessie tells her.
''Come on, Jess -- you can't drive like this -- let's go over to my
place.''
''Why did I have to fall in love with him, Eve? Why did I have to fall
in love with Chris Ramsey?'' Jessie asks.
''I have no idea -- come on, let's go.'' Eve says.
On the docks, a pair of gloved hands take Chris' watch and wallet, as
Chris lies unconscious on the docks, his forehead covered in blood . .
. . . . .