EPISODE ELEVEN
Written By Aaron D. Mullins
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Previously On
Autumn Lake:
SCENE ONE – AUTUMN LAKE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL “That brings to a close this month’s board meeting.” Andrew Van Hague, the hospital’s chief administrator, closed his portfolio and smiled at the group gathered in the boardroom. “I’d like to thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend. I know these meetings can seem tedious, but we managed to get quite a bit of work done.” The group began to disperse and Andrew made his way over to Will. “Dr. Bowman, a moment of your time?” “Sure, Andy.” Will grabbed a danish from the breakfast tray and joined the younger man near the rear exit. “What can I do for you?” “I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on the budget figures you put together. I know we didn’t spend a lot of time talking about it during the meeting… the numbers tend to put folks asleep… but I thought you should know the report was excellent. It looks like another productive quarter looms before us.” “Thank you, I appreciate that.” Will was grateful for the accolades. The budget had been a bear this time and it was good to see someone appreciated the work involved. “Was that all?” “Yes, for the most part.” The two men exited the boardroom, Will wiping his mouth on a napkin as they walked. “It was nice to have a Drummond present at this month’s session.” Andy nodded in the direction of Olivia Marshak, who was busy chatting with some other board members across the hall. “With the money they’ve put into this hospital, it can sometimes make for an awkward session, but she seemed pretty satisfied with our progress.” “Olivia’s an old friend,” Will commented. “I haven’t seen her in quite a while, but she’s not as much of a hardass as her old man used to be.” “That’s refreshing,” Andy said. Will shook Andy’s hand in farewell and made his way to his office, where he began preparing to head home for the day. It had been another long overnight shift and he needed a hot shower and about six hours sleep. As he was packing his briefcase, there was a knock at his door. “It’s open,” he called. He looked up to see Olivia poke her head around the door. “Hi stranger,” she said with a smile. “Your secretary said you were on your way out, but since I was in the building I thought I’d stop in and say hello.” “Well, hello there.” Will crossed the room to greet her, kissing her gently on the cheek. “It’s been a long time. You look fantastic, as always.” “Flatterer.” “It’s true.” He gestured for her to take a seat and he resumed packing his bag. “I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to speak to you before the meeting. Andy Van Hague was just telling me how good it was for you to be there.” “The hospital was always near and dear to my father’s heart. I’m just sorry I haven’t been able to devote as much time to the board as he did.” Will nodded in understanding. “It’s been a lot for you to take on since J.D. got sick. How is he, by the way?” “No change,” she said solemnly. “Maggie Whittaker’s doing an excellent job taking care of him, but it’s heartbreaking, to say the least.” “I know how much he means to you.” Olivia offered a tight smile in response. She had grown unaccustomed to speaking about her father; ever since she’d taken over control of the company, he’d been something of a non-entity in her business life. People felt it was rude, she supposed, to speak of him. It was nice to hear kind words from an old friend. “Will… I have to admit, there’s an ulterior motive to my visit.” “I figured there might be,” he said. “Not that I’m not glad to see you, but… well… things have been sort of distant between us since Diana and I split up.” “I hope you understand… Diana has been my best friend for as long as I can remember, and I just felt… I don’t know…” “Loyal?” He smiled. “No need to apologize, Olivia, I totally understand. And I’m glad Di had you there to talk to. I was a real ass, and, if it means anything, I do regret hurting her in the way that I did.” She chose not to respond, realizing that the less said about that, the better. “Well, regardless, I want you to know that I will always consider you a valued friend. And it’s because of that friendship that I owe you an apology.” “An apology?” “Yes. Will, it was terribly rude of me not to acknowledge your wedding to Karen and the news of your impending fatherhood. We’ve known each other for too many years for me to have let that go by without comment.” “Olivia…” “No, now listen. It’s no secret that I wasn’t… thrilled by the news that you were remarrying. You know I’ve always wanted you and Diana to work things out. But the baby puts a completely different spin on things. You’re doing the right thing and, at the very least, I wanted to wish you every happiness with Karen.” “Thank you,” he said, meaning it. “I have to admit, it’s been… difficult… trying to figure all of this out. And I missed having you and Randy to talk to about it. But I understand, completely.” “Good.” She exhaled deeply and smiled. “I’m glad I had the chance to tell you that. Now… how are things going in your life?” “Very well, actually. We’re both very excited about the baby, as you can imagine. The kids are good…” “Yes, I saw Emily just last night. She stopped by the house with Kyle. Unfortunately, she caught the tail end of another of Kyle’s tantrums, so if you see her before I do, please apologize for me.” Will laughed. “Those kids have been joined at the hip since they were born, I’m sure she understands.” “I don’t know, Will.” Her eyes grew dark. “Kyle’s been acting very moody lately. I feel sorry for poor Emily. He must be a bear to deal with.” “She’s a strong girl. Like her mother.” They laughed in unison, realizing that Emily did have many of Diana’s stronger qualities. “And Ross…” he began cautiously, monitoring her reaction, “Ross is just trying to move on. It’s been hard.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” she replied, picking imaginary lint off of her blazer. “Has there been… any word from Katie?” “She calls,” Olivia sighed. “But it’s always a short call, just to basically let us know she’s still breathing. I wish I knew more.” “And you’re still sure that Ross had something to do with her leaving?” She smiled. “Let’s not talk about unpleasant things, Will. I’m sure we’ll all learn the full story someday.” He nodded. She hadn’t changed in that way; still hesitant to talk about anything below the surface. “Well, I best be getting back to the office.” She crossed to the office door, accepting another kiss from him. “I’m glad we had a chance to speak. I was afraid I was going to miss you, what with your medical conference and all. When did you get back? Last night?” “Medical conference?” he repeated, perplexed. “I haven’t been out of town in a few weeks. Where did you hear that?” “Diana told me. She stopped by to see you yesterday and Karen told her you were out of town on a medical conference.” Will’s eyes grew wide in surprise. “Say that
again?” “Well, well, looks like someone’s found this side of sunrise.” Randy Marshak blinked several times as the image of Maggie Whittaker came into focus. She was sitting directly across from him in a tall Queen Anne chair, quietly knitting. The room was dimly lit and his head felt like a marching band had just passed through. “Maggie?” he said, trying to get his bearings. “Where am I?” “Our house,” she explained. “I had Kenny bring you here last night. What do you remember?” He tried to sit up, but relented against an oncoming swirl of nausea. “Oh man… I haven’t felt this bad in months.” “Well, you had quite a bit to drink, as I understand.” She continued knitting, but Randy could hear the tone of disapproval in her voice. “Try to rest. There’s a bottle of water on the table to your right. You should probably drink it.” He leaned toward the bottle, but it may as well have been a mile away. “Ugh, I can’t reach it,” he said, laying back against the cool pillow. “Can you hand it to me?” She raised an eyebrow at him and continued knitting, making no effort to rise from her seat. “Maybe later,” he mumbled. “What happened to me?” “Kenny said you were at Baxter’s last night. You apparently were drowning your sorrows in your old friend Captain Morgan. That about sums it up.” He blanched. “I take it from your not-so-subtle tone that you’re not very happy with me right now?” “No, I’m not.” She dropped her knitting into her lap and exhaled. “What the devil’s gotten into you, Randy Marshak? I thought you’d given up this reckless boozing thing a long time ago.” “Oh, come on, Mags, give me a break, huh? It’s been a rough week.” “Tell me.” He sighed and managed to slowly pull himself up to a sitting position. Reaching for the water bottle, he shook his head. “It’s a long story. Suffice it to say I’ve learned my lesson and I’m really sorry to have been a nuisance to you and Kenny. I’ll call the driver to come get me.” “You’ll do no such thing!” she exclaimed. “Randy, we’ve been friends for too long for you to dismiss me like that. Now I want you to sit there and tell me what’s on your mind.” Randy chuckled as he took a long swallow from the bottle. “Where’s Russell?” he asked, hoping to change the subject. “Church business,” she said. “He’s been gone for a few days, I expect him back this weekend.” “Oh, Mags,” he said, rubbing his bleary eyes. “I’m really sorry about all this. I don’t know why I let myself get so far gone last night. It’s really pretty much a blur.” “Does this have something to do with the problems you’ve been having with Olivia?” “Yeah, I guess, for a start,” he said. “It’s no secret, we’ve hardly said two words to each other in weeks. Between me working on my book and her spending all day at the office…” “So talk to her.” “I’ve tried.” “Try harder.” He smiled. “Life’s really pretty black and white for you, isn’t it, Nurse Ratched?” She joined him on the sofa. “This is your marriage we’re talking about, hon. You forget, I remember when you and Olivia were each others’ best friends. That kind of love doesn’t just disappear. You have to just work harder to find it.” “I know,” he agreed. “It’s just… we can’t seem to talk to one another these days.” “Oh, Randy, that’s just an excuse and you know it. You’re a writer, hon, you know how to communicate. Just open your mouth and use your words.” “Use my words?” he repeated with a laugh. “Sorry, I’m a mother, some habits die hard.” They sat in silence for a moment while he considered his situation. “Why did Kenny bring me here?” “I asked him to. I thought it would be for the best. He called and told me what happened and I knew that Olivia and the boys were having a business meeting at the house last night. I didn’t think you’d want them to see you like this.” “You’re a good friend, Mags.” She clutched his hand. “So let me continue to be a good friend, Randy. Tell me the truth… why are you drinking again?” “It’s no big deal.” “Yes, it is, Randy.” There was an urgency to her tone that caught him off-guard. “You worked so hard to stay sober, there must have been a reason you threw it all away?” He stood up, struggling to maintain his balance. She helped him, and he began slowly pacing the room. “It’s… I don’t know, Mags, it’s like some kind of nightmare that keeps haunting me.” “A nightmare? I don’t follow.” “It’s hard to explain,” he began. “For the last few weeks, it’s been bothering me. Every now and then I’ll hear a voice in my head… no, more than a voice, it’s a scream.” She unconsciously clutched her crucifix. “A scream? Whose voice are you hearing?” His eyes met hers. “It’s Katie, Mags. I keep hearing Katie in my head. She’s crying and screaming. I can’t see her, but I can hear her voice, over and over, saying ‘Help me, Daddy.’ It’s horrible.” Maggie slowly sat back down. “Oh my God, you poor man.” “It just doesn’t make any sense. I mean, it’s more than just a nightmare, that much I know. I want to talk to her about it, but the few times she’s called, she’ll only speak to Olivia. I can’t shake the feeling that it has something to do with why she left town so suddenly.” Another silence hung in the air as he turned to look at his old friend. “So, that’s pretty much it. It’s been haunting me, tearing me up inside. That, in combination with the problems I’ve been having with Olivia… well, it just got to be too much, I guess. I needed a drink to calm down.” “Randy, you don’t need a drink. You’ve got to promise me you won’t drink anymore.” He sighed. “Look, I mean, I know I made a mess of things last night, and I’m really sorry, but it’s not as bad as you…” “No, Randy, it is. Promise me, hon. Promise me you’ll stop drinking again.” “Maggie…” “Here,” she said, crossing the room to her desk. She opened a drawer and withdrew a small paper brochure. “Now, listen to me, hon, I want you to take this. This is a list of meetings that are held at Russell’s church.” “Meetings?” he repeated, accepting the brochure from her. “Oh, man, come on, Mags, I don’t need AA…” “Randy, if you really meant what you said… if you want to make peace with whatever these… voices… are you are hearing in your head and you want to make things work with Olivia, you’ve got to do it while you’re sober. Just go to one.” He shrugged. “All right, if you really think it can help.” “Honey, I know it can.” Randy stared at the brochure for a few moments, curious as to why this was so important to Maggie. But, as usual, he knew that there was a lot of wisdom to her words. It couldn’t hurt to at least try one of these meetings. After all, he’d had a history of blackouts when he drank in the past and if last night was any indication, he’d likely continue to have them. And who knew whose couch he’d end up on next time? “Well, I guess I’d better head home. Thank you, Maggie, for the couch… and the friendship.” “Of course. Why don’t you go upstairs and take a shower? I’ll drive you back to the house when you’re done. I need to spend some time with J.D. this afternoon, anyway.” “Deal,” he said, pulling her into an embrace. “You’re the best.” She smiled warmly as she watched him climb the stairs to the bathroom. As soon as she heard the water running, the smile disappeared and she quickly rushed over to the desk. Reaching inside for her address book, she quickly thumbed through until she found an international number. Carefully watching the stairs, she dialed the number on the desk phone and waited for an answer. “Honey, it’s Maggie,” she whispered into the
receiver. “I’m sorry to call you at this hour, but it’s important. Your
father was just here. It’s a long story, but suffice it to say he’s
started drinking again. Now, I want you to listen to me. This has gone
on long enough, and that man is falling to pieces over something he
doesn’t even know about. Now, you know I love you like one of my own
children, Katherine Anne, but it’s time you came home. It’s time you
gave the people you love some answers and deal with the past. I mean it
this time… either you start talking, or I do.” “You better hurry up, you’re gonna be late for your meeting.” Alicia ran a towel through her hair as she stepped out of the small bathroom that adjoined her studio apartment. Lounging on the bed, Kyle Marshak sighed and stared at the ceiling. “I’ve got time. I’d still be in class right now if I hadn’t skipped it, so it all works out.” “No regrets about skipping?” she asked, throwing him his boxer shorts. “None.” He pulled his boxers on and crossed the room, taking her into his arms. “Thank God you were home last night. You’re the perfect tonic for my bad temper.” “And, boy was it bad,” she laughed, pulling him into a kiss. “Seriously, though, I’m glad you stopped by. It’s been too long since we… you know… had a little fun.” “I know. And I’m sorry about that. I’ve really missed you, you know?” She hesitated slightly as she reached for a brush. It wasn’t like Kyle to use phrases like “missing” her. “It was a good night. I had some frustrations of my own to work out. I’m glad we were able to be there for one another.” “Now it’s off to the lion’s den,” he sighed, settling back onto the bed. “I wish I was in better spirits… after the things my mother told me last night, it’s almost like I wonder why I even bother trying, you know?” “Hey,” she said, rubbing his shoulders. “You can’t let them get you down. Remember, there’s still plenty of time for you to convince the board that you’re the right choice for president of Drummond. Don’t let your mother’s sick pre-occupation with Jason distract you from your real goal.” “You know, you’re right. Maybe I did overreact a bit last night, but I’m also not ashamed of the things I said…” “Just be careful not to play into your mother’s hands,” she cautioned. “How do you mean?” “Well, blowing up at her and Jason is exactly what she expects from you. Why not surprise her? Go back, tell her you’ve given her comments some thought and that you’re going to prove her wrong. But be calm and rational about it. She won’t know what to do.” He laughed and pulled her down onto his lap. “You’re amazing, you know that? How is it you know exactly the right things to say?” “Because I understand you, Kyle,” she said, stroking his face. “I know what it’s like to want something so bad you can taste it, and I know how to fight to get those things.” “There’s still Jason to contend with,” he said. “Well that’s the easy part.” “What do you mean?” “Look,” she began, stroking his outstretched leg, “the way I see it is, your brother stands between you and your goal. So you just have to find a way to eliminate him.” “Eliminate him?” he repeated. “That sounds vaguely sinister.” Alicia shrugged. “It doesn’t have to be. Just find something that you can use that causes Golden Boy to come down a few notches in the eyes of your mother. But be careful… make sure she doesn’t know it’s you, or she’ll accuse you of sabotage.” “What a brilliant little schemer you are.” “I have my moments.” They fell into a passionate kiss and allowed their hands to roam freely for a few moments before Kyle finally pulled away. “I’m afraid I have to go…” “Ah yes, the dreaded Hernandez and Bates meeting.” He smiled as he pulled his shirt on. “Wish me luck.” “In all things.” She watched as he finished dressing and reveled in the control she had over him. “So, have you decided on what you are going to say to Emily about last night?” she asked. “Not yet. I’m still a little pissed at her for the way she reacted. She wouldn’t even listen to me…” “That’s what you have me for,” she purred. “And then, to find out she’s been singing with Whit’s band. I mean, what the hell is that all about? And why has she been keeping it a secret? What a stupid secret.” “Maybe there’s more to it than that,” Alicia suggested. “Meaning?” “Well, maybe Little Miss Purity has finally given it up… to Whit.” “Don’t make me laugh,” he said flatly. She could tell the thought had crossed his mind. “Well, whatever you decide, let me know. I’m spoiled now, I want more.” She raised her eyebrow at him. “Down girl,” he said. “Remember, ours is strictly a physical relationship…” “Of course. Who’s asking for roses and sonnets?” He finished dressing and leaned over to kiss her. “You’re one of a kind, Alicia Sinclair. You understand me. And you’re always there when I need you.” “Go to work, knucklehead,” she teased, pushing him toward the door. “Don’t forget to check down the hall before you leave. We don’t want another encounter between you and Diana Harris.” “True, true.” Kyle poked his head out the door and smiled back to her. “Coast is clear. See you later.” She waved goodbye as the door closed behind him. A sly smile crossed her face as she lay back on the bed. Kyle was right about one thing; she did understand him. More than he knew. And as far as he was concerned, she didn’t want him for anything more than sex. But that wasn’t quite true. Sure, she really didn’t care for him much beyond that… but she wasn’t about to lose this opportunity to get herself ensconced in the Drummond Mansion, no matter how she had to do it. Standing on her bed, she reached up into the antique air vent that led into the room. Releasing the register panel, she peered into the dark vent and saw that the flashing beacon of her digital video recorder was still blinking away. She smiled slyly into the camera. She’d managed to record at least three or four of her “sessions” with Kyle and it wouldn’t be long before she had enough dirt on him to guarantee a spot for herself as the next Mrs. Kyle Marshak. “Sorry, Emily,” she whispered softly with a big smile on her face. Sighing contentedly, she threw herself back down on the bed and imagined what life would be like as a Drummond wife… The weekend in Denver had been fabulous, but exhausting. Her legs were still sore from skiing as she entered the grand foyer and handed Foster her faux mink coat. “Do something with that, Foster dear,” she commanded, removing her sunglasses. “Oh, it is so good to be home again. How I miss the great halls of the Drummond Estate when I’m off on my little jaunts.” “It’s good to have you home, Mrs. Marshak,” Foster intoned, clapping for the rest of the butlers to gather. “Is there anything at all you need right away?” “Yes,” Alicia said after a moment. “Champagne. And strawberries. On the terrace, I believe.” “Right away, ma’am.” “Oh, and Foster?” “Ma’am” “Do tell the nursery that I’m back. I’m sure I’ll want to see little Kyle junior tonight before I retire.” “Of course, ma’am.” She made her way to the terrace, where she saw the handsome, strong back of her husband as he leaned to look over the rose garden. “Darling Kyle,” she cooed. “I’m back from Denver! Lisa Gastineau sends her love, darling.” The man turned and she was shocked by what she saw. “But… you’re not Kyle…” “That’s right, Alicia,” came the calming tones of Michael Drummond. “It’s me… Michael… the man you really love…” Awaking from her dream with a start, Alicia grasped the sides of the bed. Catching her breath, she tried to shake the dream from her memory, but she couldn’t. All she could see was the handsome, smiling face of Michael Drummond, looking at her with genuine fondness and concern, welcoming her home. “Oh God,” she whispered. “What the hell is going on with me?”
Will sat silently considering Olivia’s statement. Diana… back in Autumn Lake. He could hardly believe it. He’d played it off as an innocent misunderstanding, but he doubted that Olivia believed him. The revelation had shocked him, but what had disturbed him even more was Karen’s role in the matter. If what Olivia said was true, not only did Karen know that Diana was back, but she had deliberately deceived her into thinking Will had left town. Why would she do that? He couldn’t help but shake his head in frustration; the answer was obvious. She was jealous… insecure… worried about what Diana’s return would mean for them. Did she have reason to be? He considered this question for a moment. He’d never kept it a secret that he’d regretted the affair that ultimately led to the dissolution of his first marriage. He’d spoken openly about his regret at not being able to talk to Diana in greater detail about that before she filed for divorce. It was an open wound, an unresolved hurt that he’d carried around for the last three years. In fact, he’d spoken to Karen about it in the early days of their relationship. It was her willingness to listen, to be sympathetic, that had first moved their relationship towards intimacy. She’d helped salve, if not completely heal, that wound. “Diana…” he whispered the name, feeling the old familiar regrets filling his heart. He remembered the expression on her face the day she’d discovered his latest infidelity. Devastation wasn’t strong enough to describe the sadness and hurt in her eyes. The silence had nearly killed him as she methodically packed her bags and left the house. After all this time, to have the chance to speak to her, to explain, to… what? Make it better? Could he? Was she even interested in his explanation after all this time? And what did this mean for him and Karen? Where would they go from here? Although her deception was understandable, it was a deception nonetheless and he’d told her how much he’d come to need an honest, uncomplicated relationship. Sighing, he reached for the desk phone and buzzed his secretary. There was only one thing left to do. “Sandy, please have my wife paged and ask her to come to my office. It’s an emergency.” Don't miss an episode! Join our episode notification list by clicking below...
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