Episode 116: Vanishing Acts

Part One of Four

Pulling her tighter in his arms, Patrick Jackson gently touched Dr. Christina Sloan's chin, tilted her head up and moved in for a kiss. Their lips met, soft and gentle at first. Then, as Patrick went in for another kiss, his muscular arms curled around her narrow waist and brought her to him, pulling her even closer. The kiss went on for sweet, lingering moments as Christina's eager hands explored the width of his broad shoulders and the muscles in his back. She knew she should stop it, stop him. After all, good girls didn't let men she hardly knew into their apartments late at night and make out with them. Then again, she never really thought of herself as a good girl, nor could she remember the last time she was kissed so thoroughly. But as quickly as the romantic moment began, it came to a crashing end. The front door to her apartment slam shut. She jerked from Patrick and gasped as she saw who stood a few feet away from them.

Christina: (gasping, her big brown eyes growing even wider) Daddy!

Christopher: What in the hell is going on here?!

Christina: (turning to face her father, whose dark face burned with anger) Daddy, what are you doing here?

Christopher: (his voice deep and gravely) Surprising you, apparently.

Christina pulled her robe, which had fallen open to reveal more of her ample breasts than one wanted to in front of her father, tighter around her curvy frame. She tried to regain her composure, which she'd lost partially from Patrick's kiss and partially from her father's sudden and unexpected appearance.

Christina: I---I thought you weren't getting back until morning.

Christopher: I got back early.

A set of keys, which Christina had given him in case of emergency, and what he'd used to let himself in with, dangled from his meaty fingers. Fatigue caused from several days of medical conferences and a bumpy flight home deepened in the lines on the older African-American's dark face; the tailored navy blue suit he wore was rumpled and wrinkled.

Christina: And you just let yourself in? You couldn't ring the bell?

Christopher: I'd usually do that, but I didn't expect you'd be here. I thought you'd be attending the party at the Lassiter Estate like you told me when we spoke earlier today. I dropped by to leave you a note to meet me at the hospital early in the morning so we could go over the Nathan James case. Looks like we're both surprised.

Christopher's withering glare went from his daughter to Patrick and back again. Christina wanted to dig a hole and pull the dirt in after her. She could say she was mortified, but that would hardly describe how she felt at this moment.

Christina: (motioning to the African-American assistant district attorney beside her, who is wearing a slightly mussed tuxedo) Daddy, this is Patrick Jackson. I’ve sure you’ve heard about him.

Christopher: Really? Why would you think that?

Christina: He’s an attorney with the D.A.’s office. He’s co-chair on the Nathan James case.

Christopher: (dryly) So you were just conducting a business meeting?

Christina: (sharply) He was my date for the party the evening.

Christopher: Given what I just walked in on, I should hope so. (Pause) You related to Dr. Darian Jackson?

Christina saw Patrick's hesitation, and knew it was because Christopher didn’t think too much of Darian given how they’d clashed after she and her father had replaced Darian as Nathan’s doctors after Nathan had suffered his heart attack.

Patrick: (warily) He’s my brother.

Christopher: (his tone grew frostier) I see.

Patrick: (stepping forward, his hand outstretched) It's nice to meet you, sir. Christina has told me a lot about you.

Christopher: (crossing his arms, refusing Patrick's handshake) Really? When did she find the time?

Christina: Daddy, please!

Patrick: (grabbing his tuxedo jacket off the sofa) Look, maybe it's best if I go.

Christopher: Took you that long to figure that out, did you?

Patrick: I'll call you in the morning, Christina. (He was practically running to the door) Nice to meet you sir.

Patrick cast a sympathetic glance at Christina before walking out.

Christina: Did you really have to embarrass me like that!?

Christopher: How about how you're embarrassing yourself?

Christina: What does that mean?

Christopher: When you told me about going to this party, you said this was your first date with Patrick Jackson... that you met him only the other day.

Christina: (shrugging) Yes. So?

Christopher: So it's your first date with a man you hardly know and you've already slept with him. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't raise you to be a slut, so why are you acting like one?

* * * * * *

Pamela Fairchild Lassiter, draped in an ankle-length, navy blue evening gown, walked down the corridor of the Lassiter Estate that led to the ballroom, making her way through the throng of partygoers. A large navy blue sash and black heels complimented the silk dress. Her hair, a rich shade of French Roast coffee, was swept up and off her shoulders, her ears adorned by small, pear shaped diamonds. She looked elegant and regal, befitting given her role as the society matron of Covington Bay. As she was about to walk into the ballroom, Natalie Taylor Lassiter walked out. The sisters in law nearly bumped into one another.

Pamela: Oh, Natalie! Sorry, dear.

Natalie wore a peach off the shoulder top with a paisley print. The skirt, a shimmery satin, was pleated and went down to her ankles. A scarf the same shade and material of the skirt was draped around her neck. Her wavy hair, which brushed her shoulders, had the hues of toasted ginger.

Natalie: No it's my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going.

Pamela: (noting the troubled look on Natalie's face) Are you all right, dear?

Natalie: No, not really.

Pamela: Is there something I can do?

Natalie: Can you tell me where Barton is?

Pamela: I haven't seen him for sometime.

Natalie: And you have no idea where he could be?

Pamela: No. (Her brow furrowed) Is there a problem? You were looking for him sometime ago after that horrible incident with Kevin and Dr. Sorensen. You haven't spoken to him regarding his inexcusable behavior?

Natalie: Barton and I have already discussed it, Pamela. He knows I disapprove of how he behaved. Now, if you'll excuse me...

Pamela: (grabbing Natalie gently by the shoulder as Natalie started to walk away) Wait, dear. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to be so... harsh. I just.... What's wrong? You seem so upset. If it's not Kevin, is it something else?

Natalie: Well, as if what happened between Barton and Kevin weren't bad enough, I've heard that Barton and his mother got into a rather heated argument. Is that true?

Pamela: I guess this family is giving the partygoers a lot to gossip about.

Natalie: Do you know what they talked about, what was discussed?

Pamela: Fortunately I missed it, but I assume it was about the business and the problems with the Greyhawks. Maggie has made it clear she has some things to say about what's been going on here since she and Adam left for Scotland.

Natalie: Then it's more important than ever that I find Barton. I'm sure he's upset. I want to talk to him and find out if he's okay.

Pamela: Your husband is a big boy; I'm sure he's fine.

Natalie: How can we be sure of that?

Pamela: So he and his mother had words; would you expect any less? You and Bart haven't been married long, but you must've realized that those two have always been at loggerheads.

Natalie: Yes, I know that Barton and his mother have always had their issues.

Pamela: And they always resolve it one way or another. I'm sure they will this time as well.

Natalie: Maybe, but his mother gets to him like no one else.

Pamela: (grimly) He isn't the only one.

Natalie: Have you had words with Maggie too?

Pamela: (shaking her head) No, not yet. At least, not at length. But I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time. It's inevitable.

Natalie: So you're not happy about her return either?

Pamela: Natalie, despite all our battles over the years, I don't wish Maggie any ill will, you know that. The woman has raised a wonderful family. And the philanthropic work she's done at the Lassiter Foundation has helped a lot of people. I do love and respect her. And Adam has been like a second father to me. But, their sudden return is really causing a lot of conflict. It's not just Barton. Steven's not taking this well either.

Natalie: (surprised) Steven is fighting with his mother? That doesn't sound like him.

Pamela: He's not. Steven rarely has a harsh word for anyone.

Natalie: So why is he upset? He and Maggie have always been very close.

Pamela: Steven is very happy about his parent's return. He loves them dearly and he's glad to see them. But, he just feels that everything that has gone wrong since his parents left is his fault.

Natalie: But it's not his fault at all; Bart's either. Most of it was out of their control.

Pamela: (nodding in agreement) Yes, but my husband can't seem to rid himself of the weight of the world. And Maggie certainly isn't helping matters.

Natalie: I can understand Maggie being upset, but to blame it on Steven and Barton is unfair.

Pamela: (pointedly) Maggie has never been known for her fairness, or her tact.

Natalie: But can't she see that they couldn't have known about A.J.'s marriage to Patricia Tamakai, or all that ugliness Eric would get involved in?

Pamela: In Maggie's mind, they could've prevented it from finding its way on the front page of the Covington Bay Times. How, no one knows, but she seems to think so.

Natalie: And that's why they came home? To handle this situation with the Greyhawks?

Pamela: Seems so, dear.

Natalie: Well, the Greyhawks were invited to this party as well, they're the guests of honor, in fact, so that must be part of whatever they have planned.

Pamela: (edgily) Maybe, probably. I don't know. Maggie is being infuriatingly close-mouthed about the situation; you know she loves to surprise people. But that is no doubt part of it.

Natalie: Do you think it involves the business as well?

Pamela: What do you mean?

Natalie: Barton's convinced that his parents came home to remove he and Steven from the head of Lassiter Pharmaceuticals and Adam would reclaim his former position.

Pamela: Steven's afraid of the same thing.

Natalie: But would Adam do that? Barton and Steven have done such a good job with the company; it's done great under their leadership.

Pamela: Yes, it has. Profits are up, the company has some new and innovative projects in development. They have been very successful.

Natalie: Then why take that away from them because of a few newspaper articles? That just isn't fair.

Pamela: No it's not. And I pray that isn't going to happen. Steven already thinks he's failed his parents. Now he's questioning everything else he's done, every decision made. And he's coming up lacking. If that's why they came home, it's going to devastate my husband. I don't think he... or Barton will ever be the same.

* * * * * *

Adam Lassiter held his Maggie DuBois-Lassiter in his arms as they moved across the dance floor of the ballroom with the grace and intimacy of a couple that knew each other completely. They looked to be the picture perfect pair, he dapper and handsome in his tuxedo, she elegant and stylish in a long flowing gray evening gown. By the warm glances they shared and how they gently caressed one another, the love they had for one another was obvious to everyone who watched them. It was a love that had weathered many a storm, lasted over five decades, raised a family and built an empire. There was little that the couple didn't know about one another, there was little they didn't share. They loved each other beyond compare, but that didn't mean they didn't disagree on things.

Adam: (his eyes blazing with the color of sapphires) Maggie, darling, I think you may be wrong about this.

Maggie: (wearing a pair of exquisite diamond earrings, complimented by a flawless pearl necklace) No, I'm right. I'm certain of it. We just need to figure out what we're going to do about it.

Adam: You really believe that Barton is up to something, that he has something to hide and that's why he wants us out of town?

Maggie: Yes. If hearing him say that he wanted us gone wasn't enough, talking to him convinced me.

Adam: (his lanky frame lithe and athletic, belying his 70 plus years) I'm not sure if what we heard was completely out of context. Yes, Barton can be...

Maggie: A liar? Deceitful? Dishonest? (Pause) Are those the words you're searching for?

Adam: (wryly) I prefer the term willful. But assuming that he's automatically got something to hide is unfair. Did he admit to anything when you talked with him?

Maggie: Of course not. Did you think he would? He denied it up and down and acted offended that I could even think he'd done anything underhanded.

Adam: Clearly he didn't convince you.

Maggie: Adam, I know my son. I know when he's lying and I know when he's telling the truth.

Adam: Maybe you're just upset about his saying he wanted us out of town.

Maggie: Well of course I am. Aren't you?

Adam: We weren't there for the entire conversation between Steven and Barton. What we heard could be out of context. And even if he really meant what he said about wanting us back in Scotland, it was probably out of anger because we swept into town on some mysterious mission, not to mention blaming them for what happened with the Greyhawks. They no doubt feel we've come home to remove them as head of Lassiter Pharmaceuticals.

Maggie: You don't think we have reason to do so?

Adam: Maggie, you know how I feel about this. I think you are heaping too much blame on the shoulders of our sons and its have a terrible effect on both of them. Why don't we cut them some slack?

Maggie: (her silver hair was swept off her shoulders and twisted in a chignon) Look, I know that for the most part things at L.P. have gone well. But Barton and Steven should've kept a better eye on what was going on around them. The Greyhawks would've never been able to hurt this family if you and I had of been home and running things.

Adam: Maybe, maybe not. But what's a little bad press?

Maggie: How about public humiliation and dropped stock points?

Adam: As if this family hasn't had worse, much worse, written about us. What about when we had that ugly scandal with Charles Harrison? Or the bad things that were said about Jonas when he ran for the Senate? And let's not forget the weeks and weeks of bad press we got when Rose died. Need I go on?

Maggie didn’t need to be reminded of any of it, especially the ugliness surrounding the tragic death of Rose Lassiter, Barton's first wife and the mother of his sons, Kevin and Brandon. She didn't think any of them would survive that. Given that Brandon would be in a mental institution for his entire life, not all of them had.

Maggie: But what is your point?

Adam: My point is that you're making too much of it. A bad day in the stock market and a few negative stories are not going to land us in the poor house or ruin a reputation we've spent a lifetime building.

Maggie: Darling, I admit it's only minor damage, but it's damage to be sure. And it's only the start of this latest battle with the Greyhawks. You know that as well as I do.

Adam: Well, after our early discussion with Quentin, I have no doubt about that.

Maggie: Speaking of which, what you were thinking walking into the library with a gun?

Adam: (shrugging) I wanted to give Quentin something to remember... add a little drama to the proceedings.

Maggie was unable to help but smile at the image of seeing her dashing husband, standing in the doorway, brandishing a pistol, though unbeknownst to Quentin, it was really a fancy cigarette lighter.

Maggie: (sarcastically) And drama is exactly what the situation was lacking. We just have to be ready for Quentin's next move, whatever that may be.

Adam: We?

Maggie: Yes, we. I don't think that Steven and Barton can handle what he is going to throw at them.

Adam: Why do you have so little faith in our children?

Maggie: (shaking her head) Adam, our sons are very capable and competent men. However, I'm very realistic about their shortcomings. Steven is riddled with self-doubt and he doesn't have the strength to deal with the kind of vicious tactics Quentin Greyhawk is going to use. Barton is too rash and impetuous. He doesn't think before he acts. You know how destructive he can be unchecked and we can't risk the kind of havoc Barton has the ability to wreak. It's best that if the Greyhawks are handled by the grownups in the family.

Adam: And you really think this plan of yours is going to work?

Maggie: Darling, don't you have faith in me?

Adam: Maggie, I have complete faith in you. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Otherwise I wouldn't have agreed to come back home without any idea of what you are planning.

Maggie: (smiling) That, and you like surprises.

Adam: I do. Especially because they always turn out to be very entertaining.

Maggie: (her eyes glittering with anticipation) I admit that this is going to be good... even for me. I can hardly wait to get the ball rolling.

Adam: (wryly) Self-doubt certainly isn't your problem, darling. And since you mentioned it, how soon do you plan on making your announcement?

Maggie: Soon enough. Do I have your curiosity piqued?

Adam: (pulling her even closer to him, whispering in her ear, their bodies melding together) Dear, you have everything about me piqued.

Maggie: Speaking of which, there’s something you’ve got me wondering about.

Adam: What would that be?

Maggie: Well, when I got home everyone was wondering why I was alone… why I arrived ahead of you. The family kept asking me where you were.

Adam: And did you tell them?

Maggie: No. I kept it to myself like we agreed. The question is, have you accomplished your goals?

Adam: Yes, I did.

Maggie: Good. Now, back to…

Adam: Don’t you want to hear the details?

Maggie: You can explain it to me later. Right now I’m more concerned with staying on the subject.

Adam: Which is?

Maggie: Barton. What he is up to and how we are going to put a stop to it. We've got to find out what it is before there's more trouble.

Adam: I still say that Barton's anger stems from a fear that he's going to be demoted, that he and Steven will no longer be allowed to run the company. You can't be surprised he'd be angry.

Maggie: Anger I expect. But Barton's reaction is much more than that.

Adam: What do you mean, darling?

Maggie: It's fear, Adam, combined with guilt. He has a look in his eye that I've seen too many times. For example, when he was a teenager and he was afraid I'd find out he's stayed out past his curfew or that he'd wrecked the car. He had that same look in his eye then that he does now.

Adam: So you think he's stayed out past his curfew or wrecked the car again?

Maggie: (her tone caustic) Very funny, dear.

Adam: Darling, you have great instincts and I can't pretend that Barton isn't capable of doing something underhanded. But until we have some proof, I'd rather give him the benefit of the doubt. I don't like the idea of issuing threats and letting him think we don't trust him without something to go on other than suspicion.

Maggie: Fine, then we'll keep our suspicions underwraps from here on out. We will tell him I overreacted and made a mistake in accusing him of everything. Meanwhile we are going to keep our guard up and our ear to the ground and simply wait. Eventually, Barton will slip up. It's inevitable because he's sloppy or so arrogant that he thinks he can get away with anything.

Adam: Maggie, I really don't like playing these games with our own children. What about taking Barton at his word?

Maggie: We'd be fools do to that after some of the stunts he's pulled. Remember that it was Barton who was behind that mess with Charles Harrison. That disaster nearly destroyed the company.

Adam: I’m well aware of that.

Maggie: And Barton was at the center of it. Acting as self-righteous, angry and denying everything as he does now. Do you want to risk that he's done something else of such mammoth proportions?

Adam: No.

Maggie: Look, I would love to take what he says at face value, but history says we can't. I don't being deceitful to our kids either, especially since we taught them how important honesty and straightforwardness is. But frankly, Barton hasn't given us much of a choice. Not if I we hope to avoid what I feel in my gut is a disaster waiting to happen.

* * * * * *

Barton Lassiter paced the floor of the library of the Lassiter Estate, taking a deep gulp of the 50-year-old malt scotch from a crystal tumbler, the bitter liquid burning down his throat. How ironic, he thought. Outside the grand, spacious library a lavish party was going on. People in elegant formal wear were dancing, the finest foods were being served, champagne and expensive wines were flowing freely. He should be out there enjoying himself, drinking and dancing, having a good time with his wife and networking with the guests. But there was no way he could have a good time. His mother had seen to that. Damn it, how could he love someone, but be so infuriated and angry with them at the same time?

Just a few days ago his plans were going so well, so delicately crafted, so quietly and discretely laid out. The world was nearly in the palm of his hand. All his hard work was finally going to see fruition. Now it was about to slip through his fingers. If his mother didn't believe that he wasn't up to anything and had nothing to hide, then everything could be exposed, the truth of his actions could be laid bare because she wouldn't rest until she had her suspicions confirmed or denied. And he couldn't let that happen. If it did, it would be disastrous. There was no telling what he could lose if what he'd done was uncovered. But if the threatened exposure of his actions weren't bad enough, there was an immediate and even more pressing problem to deal with.

Steven: (poking his balding head into the room) Bart, what are you doing in here?

Barton: I could ask you the same question.

Barton took another healthy gulp of scotch, emptying his glass. He ran his hands through his graying, dark blond hair, which was the same color of his neatly kept beard, then poured himself another glassful.

Steven: Madison Bennett wanted to see that first edition Hemingway that Kevin got at the Fairchild Book Auction last month. Kevin was supposed to show it to him, but he's not around so I thought I'd let him look at it.

Steven scanned one of the shelves of books that framed the room and carefully slid out a book. Madison Bennett, whose family were longtime friends of the Lassiter family, was the mayor of Covington Bay and had been for as long as anyone could remember.

Barton: He's probably off doing God knows what with that new... friend of his.

The disdain in Barton's voice hard to miss as he recalled seeing his son and Dr. Gary Sorensen in each other's arms as they openly danced in the ballroom earlier tonight, not to mention seeing them kissing near the pool. That seemed to be a makeout spot for Kevin; it wasn't the first time Bart had saw him there with another man. Barton was as disgusted then as he was now.

Steven: (folding his arms over his ample belly) You do know you created quite an ugly scene between Kevin and Dr. Sorensen.

Barton: (as he plopped into a comfortable leather easy chair) So I've been told.

Steven: And are you so embarrassed that you're hiding out in here getting drunk?

Barton: Getting drunk might be the only way to get through this evening.

Steven: So you're going to let your homophobia stop you from enjoying the party?

Barton: This is not about Kevin! (His dark eyes flared with rage) Besides, I am not in the mood to be lectured on tolerance and understanding.

Steven: Couldn't you just try and let go of this hate for Kevin? He is your son, your first born. And given that Brandon will probably be in a mental institution for the rest of his life, Kevin is the only son you're really going to have a chance to be close to.

Barton: Do you really think I'm going to settle for Kevin and Brandon as a legacy?

Steven: Meaning?

Barton: Meaning that one of the reasons I finally remarried after all these years was so I'd have another shot at fatherhood.

Steven: (startled) You and Natalie are planning to have children?

Barton: Yes.

Steven: Soon?

Barton: Yes, as soon as possible. Why does that surprise you?

Steven: Because you’ve been married barely six months.

Barton: Weren’t you and Pamela hardly down the aisle before she was pregnant with Jonas?

Steven: That’s hardly the same. Pamela and I weren’t on our second marriage and neither of us had already raised children.

Barton: People do have second families and children late in life.

Steven: Maybe. But I had the impression that Natalie about to enter the surgical nurses program?

Barton: So?

Steven: Well, I would think that having a child right now would be less than ideal.

Barton grimaced, wondering just how he was going to deal with his wife's career plans and her reluctance to have a child, which definitely was putting a crimp in his plans.

Barton: We'll deal with it. Look, I really don't want to talk about this. I just want to sit here and enjoy the peace and quiet. (He looked up at Steven, who stood there and watched him) That is your cue to leave.

Steven: If this mood of yours isn't about Kevin, then what is it about?

Barton: (draining his glass) Steven, you have this amazing and rather annoying capacity for naiveté, even at your age.

Steven: Oh. (Realization dawned upon him) So this is about our parents.

Barton: (mocking) Ahh... the light bulb finally clicked on, did it?

Steven ignored his younger brother's insults, something he'd done practically since Barton was old enough to talk.

Steven: You've been in this nasty mood since you found out they were coming home. Now you're even worse. And since you and Mother talked earlier, I'd guess it didn't go well.

Barton: (getting up and walking over to the marble topped bar, pouring himself another glass of the brown liquid) Of course it didn't.

Steven: Well, given that Mother overheard you scheming to get her out of town, I didn't think a warm homecoming was in the cards. I just don't get why their return upsets you so much.

Barton: You're not curious as to why they came home so suddenly and threw this big splashy party at the last minute; inviting the entire town, including the Greyhawks, to attend?

Steven: Of course I'm wondering. Did Mom tell you something?

Barton: Mom isn't talking; you know how she enjoys her little games, pulling people's strings, being in control.

Steven: Our mother is not that Machiavellian.

Barton: How many times have we heard the story about her playing Lady MacBeth in high school? Perfect casting if you ask me.

Steven: Don't you think that is over the top and out of line?

Barton: Steven, you are missing my point, which is she won't say anything until she's ready. You were off talking to Dad, I'm sure it's the same with him.

Steven: (shaking his head) No, Dad didn't have much to say.

Barton: And it doesn't bother you that they both are being so secretive about this grand announcement?

Steven: Dad's not being secretive about anything.

Barton: I thought you said he didn't have much to say.

Steven: He didn't, but that's because he's as much in the dark as the rest of us.

Barton: (in disbelief) What!?

Steven: He doesn't know why Mom insisted on coming home or why she is throwing this party.

Barton: You're telling me that he cut his trip short and came back from Scotland for reasons he doesn't even know? (Pause) Why would he do that?

Steven: (shrugging) I don't know for sure, but I got the impression that he wanted to come home and Mom's plans just made it easier.

Barton: And you don't think Dad's holding back?

Steven: Has our father ever been the type to lie and be secretive? If he says he doesn't know anything, I don't doubt him.

Barton: (with a sigh) I suppose you're right. Well, this is not good, not good at all.

Steven: Why would you say that?

Barton: Steven, will you stop acting as if there isn't a problem here because there is.

Steven: Bart, I know you aren't happy about our parents coming home, you have made that crystal clear. But there is nothing for us to do but deal with it.

Barton: I'd love to deal with it. I'd like to make the plane reservations back to Scotland right now.

Steven: That isn't going to happen and talking about it is only going to make matters worse. Wasn't having Mom overhear you talk like that enough? Doesn't it matter to you that you hurt them like that?

Barton: Steven, she was hardly hurt by what she overheard. (Bitterness dripped from his voice) There is very little that gets to that woman.

Steven: No parent likes to be rejected by their children. Now I hope you apologized for what you said and offered some kind of explanation.

Barton: Apologize? I was too busy defending myself.

Steven: From what?

Barton didn't want to answer because he didn't want to get into his mother's suspicions that he was up to something. He wanted to keep Steven in the dark, just like he always had.

Barton: Steven, aren't you afraid of what is going to happen now that they are back? Mother made it clear she doesn't think we've handled things well; that we should've known about the Greyhawks buying the Journal and that they would use the power of the press against us whenever they could. According to her, this whole mess is our fault and she's back to handle it.

Steven: And you think Dad is going to come back to Lassiter Pharmaceuticals and we'll be removed from running the company?

Barton: Don't you think so? It seems a foregone conclusion to me since our parents think our leadership hasn't been flawed at best. And you know how difficult it was for Dad to leave to begin with, no doubt he's missed it.

Steven: Well of course. The man spent his entire life building LP to the conglomerate it is today, but as hard as that choice was, he made it and I don't think he's regretted it then or now, even with all that's happened. Besides, our parents have done nothing but applaud and praise how we've run the company. And the stockholders meeting is in a couple of days; you and I both know we have a lot of good things to report that'll reinforce the job we've done.

Barton: Maybe, but as you say, the stockholders meeting is in a couple of days. Until now you and I had joint control of our parents shares; we were going to vote their proxies. That is no doubt going to change now; all the power is being taken out of our hands.

Steven: Did Mom tell you that?

Barton: She doesn't have to. It's logical, don't you think? They certainly wouldn't return now just to have us vote their proxies.

Steven: Okay, so they vote their shares? So what? They're not going to do anything to go against us or hurt us.

Barton: Steven, you have always seen the bright side of things or tried to be the peacemaker, but sometimes it blinds you to the truth, to what is going on around you. Mom has admitted that she and Dad came home to take on the Greyhawks, but you and I both know there's more to it. This is only the start. We're having the reins taken from us, but it doesn't have to be that way. We don't have to let it happen.

Steven: We? So we're back to that again? Barton, don't start this; I don't want to hear it.

Barton: Well, you better listen, unless you're ready to give up everything we've worked for. We have to stick together for this fight. We've fought a lot of battles over the past year together and won. We can fight this one.

Steven: Bart, we don't have to fight our parents. They aren't the enemy.

Barton: Really? Because this sure as hell feels like war.

Steven: Only because you feel threatened by their return.

Barton: And you don't?

Steven: No. I love our parents, I'm happy they are home.

Barton: This has nothing to do with love. This is about the fact that all our hard work that might be for nothing!

Steven: Our hard work isn't for nothing. What we have accomplished won't change just because the circumstances do. But, I don't know why you insist that is going to happen. Dad couldn't stop praising the work we've done and how proud he is of what we've accomplished. He insisted that he and Mom both are very proud of us. I believe that; I believe him. We should be glad they still feel that way despite everything.

Barton: What do you mean despite everything? Don't tell me you agree with them; that we should be removed from heading the company?

Steven: Barton, we can't ignore that a lot of bad things happened on our watch.

Barton: And none of that is our fault! A.J. and Eric had some dirty secrets and inexcusable behavior and the Greyhawks used it to their advantage. How are we to blame for any of it?

Steven: You don't think that we've should have seen it coming? That when Quentin Greyhawk bought the Covington Bay Times it shouldn't have raised all sorts of red flags? They have been out to destroy us for years. This feud goes back to when we were kids. We've should've been watching them like they clearly have been watching us and none of this would've ever happened. They obviously were waiting for an opportunity of weakness, they saw it and lashed out at us.

Barton: That's not the way it is. We were blindsided by our own family. A.J. and Eric are to blame for this. It was bad enough they were unable to behave in a respectable manner, they couldn’t keep their scandals out of the press. If they weren’t as reckless as their father was, there would be nothing to write about. Mom can blame us all she wants, but she's wrong.

Steven: Is she? Because if they were at home and Dad was in power, I don't see the Greyhawks pulling this off. Face it, Barton. We disappointed our parents. We let them down when they put a lot of faith in us and the family is suffering for it. And no matter what other successes we've had, we can't ignore that.

Barton: Steven, the Greyhawks have hardly struck a fatal blow. The company is still as strong as ever. You think that we deserve to lose everything because of some bad press and a few panicky stockholders? You're just ready to step down and hand the reins back to Dad?

Steven: Barton, I don't like this anymore than you do. I've enjoyed being in charge, working with you and all the accomplishments we've made together. But in the end, it's not our company and who runs it isn't our call. If Mom and Dad feel that things would run better in their hands than we just have to accept it.

Barton: And that is where you are wrong. I don't accept that. I refuse to. I will fight them or anyone else who tries to take away what is rightfully mine! I have worked too hard and too long to get to this point and no one will take it away. (Anger coursing through him, he hurled the glass against the wall; it shattered in a thousand pieces) No one!

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