Melrose Place s03e18 Episode Script

Jake? Jake? Jake? Jake.
Jake, please, I need to talk to you.
What is it? My baby! Is he sick? It just happened No, the nanny! The nanny, she took him! What? We were on our way to the airport and I just put Austin in the car seat, then I was going around to the other side to get in, and she just took off! So I went running after her, screaming, but she was gone, and and Oh, God! I just I I want to call the cops, but I can't, because if they find him, then I'll lose him to the Carters, and if I don't, he stays lost out there with some lunatic! I'm stuck, Jake.
I'm really stuck.
None of this makes any sense.
I mean, it's not like she took him off the street or from a shopping center.
I mean it's like she went out of her way to do it like this.
Oh, my God.
Jake, she didn't want just any baby.
She wanted Austin.
Well, he seems to be doing better, don't you think? And you gave him some Ativan? Then he's probably calming down a bit now.
I know you have him, you crazy bitch, and I'll die before I let you take my baby away from me again.
Don't you wish they'd move the psych ward to the fourth floor? Excuse me, won't you? Take your hands off me.
Not until you tell me where he is.
I don't know what you're babbling about, but I happen to be on duty.
Don't you play dumb with me.
I know that you and the nanny were operating together.
Where's Austin? Are you saying someone stole your child? Where is he?! For your information, I'm in the process of adopting a child of my own, so I have no interest in your offspring.
But you know who does, don't you? Well, I can't be sure, of course, but I did place a call to the Carters recently.
You called them? Mm-hmm.
Why? To let them know that their grandchild was very much alive.
Frankly, I felt it was my civic duty.
Call security! Oh.
Worked up quite a sweat, didn't we? Mm-hmm.
Care to test your stamina again? Oh, please, no.
Look, I'd love to, but I can't.
It's late, and I want to beat Mancini into the office.
This guy's become my shadow.
The junior extortionist? Explain to me again why you're letting that idiot within 10 feet of you.
I have my reasons, Caitlin.
Hmm, that's what I'm afraid of.
You had your reasons for signing Amanda to a three-year contract at D&D.
I had to pacify her.
Besides, it bought us some time, didn't it? Well, time's up.
I've all but completed my study of the company's infrastructure.
Now all we have to do is put me in the driver's seat.
Why do I get the feeling that you know exactly how to nullify Amanda's contract? Because you're a very smart man, Peter.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh, uh listen, I wrote my rent check out yesterday and I was gonna drop it by, and then I got called into work at the last minute Tear it up.
Excuse me? Well, you'll have to write a new one, of course, but it will be for a different amount.
I don't get it.
Why? I've been in negotiations with the rent control board for months, and as of yesterday, I won approval for an across-the-board rent increase.
Congratulations uh, I guess.
Thanks.
Um, so, how much more will it be? Like, 5, 10%? Well, actually, these apartments have been undervalued for so long, I've been authorized a fairly hefty hike.
Your apartment, for instance, will be an additional $200 a month.
You can't be serious.
Mm.
Then I won't be able to live here.
Sounds like you've got a dilemma.
Either way, I need full rent, or 30 days notice by the end of the week.
Okay.
I don't know if you're gonna go for this, but I think it's good business.
First Security Insurance Company? Decent reputation.
What else? Very decent premiums.
Their rates are significantly lower than D&D's current provider.
Define "significant.
" Close to 40,000 a year.
Oh, now you've got my attention.
So? What's the hitch? There isn't one, really.
Their only requirement is all employees take a mandatory drug test.
I hardly see that as a problem.
If anything, it's a solution.
Considering what Allison's rehab cost us, weeding out other substance abusers is a smart thing to do.
Fine.
Then I'll start the arrangements.
Only I think the announcement about the mandatory drug testing should come from you.
Your employees already think I'm big brother around here.
They don't need more evidence.
All right, I'll round up the troops.
Hi, Peter, it's Caitlin.
It's your turn now, darling.
Go to work.
Jane: And I've never been late before.
Look, all I'm asking for now is an extended grace period.
End of business day Friday.
You have my word.
Thank you.
Hey.
How's it going? Obviously, I've had better days.
What can I do for you, Syd? Well, I was just wondering if you'd heard about the rent increases at the building.
Mm-hmm.
Mine's pretty stiff Has Amanda told you how much yours is gonna be? No, we've been exchanging phone messages.
Did you come all the way down here to complain about your budget? Because if you did, you're not gonna find a sympathetic ear today.
I've got my own money problems.
Exactly.
The way I see it, we can kill 2 birds with one stone by moving in together.
Ha! You've got to be kidding.
Think about it, even if she ups you to eight, between the two of us, it'd me a measly 400 apiece.
Sydney, the only place you and I will ever live together again is an old folks' home.
And even then, I would request another wing.
What am I supposed to do? I work my fingers to the bone just to scrape by.
I gave you any money that I had saved up, and now First of all, the money you gave back was mine to begin with.
And secondly, why don't you do something normal for a change and find yourself a roommate? In an effort to provide savings to the company, D&D will be switching to First Security as its health insurance carrier.
Despite the fact that they're less expensive, your coverage will not change in any way.
The only real difference is, mandatory drug testing required for all employees.
And, for the record, drug use is grounds for immediate dismissal.
In any event, this shouldn't be an issue for anyone who doesn't have a problem.
You will be notified with your testing time within the next day or so, and the results a day after that.
That's it.
Thanks.
She is so transparent.
This is probably her way of trying to catch me with alcohol on my breath.
Listen, I need to talk to you about something.
You want to grab a bite together? Actually, um I already have plans, but I have a few minutes now.
What's up? Well, it's about Caitlin and Peter.
I saw them together, in the biblical sense.
What? How? I was dropping something off at Caitlin 's house the other day.
Anyway, the problem is, should I tell Amanda? Oh I wouldn't.
I mean, I've been there before, and if you tell her, it'll only come back and hurt you.
And you don't think she has the right to know what she's up against? Billy, do yourself a favor and stay out of it.
Yeah, but Trust me on this one.
Listen, um, I've got to get to my A.
A.
meeting, so Hi.
Hey.
Terry, you remember Billy.
Hey, nice to see you again.
Uh, I'll meet you out front, okay? Sure.
Heh.
Listen, um, sometimes these things go long, so if it runs late, would you just tell Amanda that I had a dentist appointment or something? Yeah.
It's, uh pretty convenient, isn't it? You get to eat, see him, and go through the 12 steps all at the same time.
Billy Terry is a friend from A.
A.
We try to support each other as often as possible by going to meetings together.
Unless you've been through it, it's a concept you can't possibly understand.
It'd be nice if you could tear yourself away from your magazines long enough to care.
I washit in the face today, after all.
Sure, hon.
Just let me finish this, and we'll get you all fixed up.
I don't understand your sudden fascination with expensive real estate.
Anyway, we're supposed to be saving money for the baby.
Well, who says the 2 things have to be mutually exclusive? My, my, we're feeling awfully confident about our futures.
Well, what can I say? If a man has friends, he's a very wealthy man indeed.
Meaning what? Have you ever noticed how well Dr.
Burns lives? He's rich even by Doctors' standards.
Well, I never really thought about it, but what does that have to do with you? Well, I did a little digging and found out the good doctor's getting kickbacks from medical suppliers.
Yeah, he gets his extra cash funneled to him through his research projects.
Is that so? Mm-hmm.
Well, one word from yours truly, and he's ex-chief of staff.
Yeah, Burns has no choice but to be nice to me.
In fact, we got a golf date in the morning, and the subject of joining his Beverly Hills practice will definitely come up.
I love it when you exploit your resources, baby.
Dinner was wonderful.
So, what's the next course, kid? Uh, I was hoping it'd be sleep, if that's all right with you.
Really? Long day? Well, they all are lately.
I'm sorry.
I'm just a little tired.
It's okay.
Hey.
You know, you feel a little bit warm.
Probably from being in the kitchen.
Uh-uh.
Honey, your glands are swollen, too.
You know, you might've caught yourself a virus, kid.
Lucky for you, I've got a traveling pharmacy in here.
That's one thing we doctors are never in short supply of, medicinal samples.
I am perfectly fine.
I want you to take these antibiotics, and I'm gonna get you another full prescription tomorrow.
I really don't think that's necessary, Peter.
I know, but I'm the doctor, and I do.
Good girl.
Now, if I sound like I'm being bossy, it's only because I care.
Did you find anything else out? No, and I don't need to investigate it anymore because I know who's responsible.
What are you doing? I'm packing.
I am borrowing Matt's car and going up to the Carters', and I'm taking my baby back.
By force, if necessary.
What do you think you're gonna do, have some kind of shootout with him? You're being stupid, Jo.
No, I have to take matters into my own hands.
I'm not gonna let you do that.
Give me that.
No! Yougive methat! Hey! Don't you understand? I can't just sit around and do nothing! Yes, I understand! And I agree with you.
But I think it's a lot smarter if you leave this at home and take me with you instead.
Really? Are you sure? We'll leave in the morning.
And this stays here.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Jake.
So, do you honestly think that I'm gonna let you strong-arm me into taking you under my wing? Well, I'll put it this way If I have to go to the medical board about your medical supply company kickbacks, then you can say adios to your illustrious career.
If I keep my mouth shut viva la doctor.
I see.
Uh, naturally, I plan on assisting you in every major cardiac operation you perform, as well as being assigned a larger number of my own surgeries.
Mm-hmm? Oh, you know what, I was also thinking that, um, maybe in our spare time, we could co-author something for the journal, which would be great for the old resume.
Nice shot.
Thank you.
Mancini, after listening to your requests, I'm sure that we can work this out between us.
Oh, I never doubted it for a minute.
There is something, however, I need you to do for me.
And what would that be? There's a pharmaceutical company I've given a lot of business to.
Now, they're interested in giving us money for our little research projects.
I'd like you to head that up.
Oh, yeah? It'd be a simple matter of handling administrative financial details, under my guidance, of course.
Do you think you could fit that into your schedule? Oh, it would be my pleasure, doctor.
Only thing I need you to make sure that the little research project stays long-term.
I just bought this ski house in Aspen, and the mortgage is killing me.
Ah.
Heh.
Could you page Dr.
Burns, please? I don't believe he's in.
Well, that's surprising.
He said I could pick up a prescription this morning.
You must be Amanda.
Yes.
The doctor left these for you.
Four times a day, every day, for five days.
There's quite a bad bug going around.
Yeah, there is.
Thanks.
Well, what brings you to our fair hospital? Oh.
Well, I came by to see Peter, but, unfortunately, he's not in.
No, of course not.
He is probably on the fourth hole by now.
He and Michael are playing golf this morning.
Peter's playing golf with Michael? I'm surprised you didn't know that.
Oh, that's right, it's Wednesday, isn't it? Almost slipped my mind for a moment.
Listen, since the boys are so friendly these days, we really ought to have the two of you out to the beach house for dinner sometime.
Why don't you give me a call and let me know what would be a good time for the two of you.
Right.
I'll let you know.
Excuse me.
The first of the month isn't for another week, Amanda, and, you know, I gotta tell you, the rent increase is totally out of line.
I am not here about the rent.
I want to ask a favor.
Really? I'm fascinated.
I need you to do a little investigating for me.
There's a research grant that Peter's supposed to be involved with.
I want to know if it's legit.
I mean, I have a hunch that it's not, but I'm hoping you'll prove me wrong.
What are you suggesting, that he's on the take? Dr.
Burns is the chief of staff here, Amanda.
Rank never stopped anyone from padding their income.
Why come to me? I mean, by now, you know plenty of people on the staff here.
As it happens, I went to Michael first, and he assured me that the grant was on the up-and-up.
And you didn't believe him because you think he's involved, too.
Let's just say all signs indicate yes.
Hm, you're probably not far off the mark.
Michael is definitely a man who lives to profit.
So you'll help me? I can't say I'm not intrigued, Amanda, but really why should I? Let's just say it might not be necessary for me to raise the rent on everyapartment.
Here's the name of the company.
See what you can find out.
We've been on the road since 6:00 a.
m.
You need strength.
Eat something.
I'm not hungry.
Fine.
I'll get the check.
Wait, Jake.
Listen, I know I haven't said much in the last few hours, but I want you to know that I am glad you're here with me, really.
Me, too.
Stop her! Stop her! That woman has my baby! Everything's okay.
Sorry.
Hey, we're almost there.
Come on.
Your order's almost up.
Thanks.
Listen, you want a magazine or anything? I always like to read when I eat alone.
Oh, no, it's okay.
I'm used to it.
How come? You new in town or something? No, I've just been spending a lot of time alone lately.
Hmm.
That's too bad.
What's it like? The apartment.
Oh.
Um, it's clean, it's in a good area, it's a one-bedroom with a pull-out couch.
Um, there's a pool.
I don't know, it's pretty nice, I guess.
Hmm.
Why, do you know someone who's looking for a roommate? Yeah, actually me.
I've got to get out of the place I'm in now.
I made the mistake of moving in with the world's loudest person, and I work a lot of nights, being a waitress.
You know what I mean? Yeah, I know exactly.
I'm a waitress, too.
Is that right? Where? At Shooters.
It's a bar on Melrose.
Yeah, I know it.
Cool place.
So listen, I'm off work tomorrow.
Can I come by and see it? Yeah, that'd be great.
Um, here, my number's on this.
Cool.
I'll call you.
My name's Rikki.
I'm Sydney.
It's good to meet you.
Good to meet you.
See ya.
I don't think they're here, Jake.
Maybe they took off already.
We should've come sooner.
They could be long gone by now.
Yeah, well, if we can get inside, maybe we can find out where they went to.
This window's not latched, but It's jammed.
Give me a hand with it.
Hey.
What do you think you're doing? Uh, heh.
Hi.
We, um, we're looking for the Carters.
They're on vacation.
Who's asking? We're relatives of theirs.
We were just passing through town, though we'd stop by and say hello, but I guess we missed 'em.
Are they vacationing nearby? I mean, if they are, we could, um, go visit them there.
They're up at the lake.
Which lake is that? Seems to me if you was relatives, you'd know which one.
I think you'd best get off their property before I call the cops.
Oh, hey.
There's no need for that.
We were just leaving.
He knows where the lake is.
Let's just go.
The last thing we need is to be arrested in their town.
Hey, Billy.
What, Allison not home? No, she never is.
She's either at work or an A.
A.
meeting lately, and I don't even know if she sleeps here anymore.
That's pretty typical behavior when someone gets sober.
The only way they feel they can take control over the addiction is to completely restructure their lives.
Yeah, but to the point where they exclude the people they supposedly care about.
Well, for her, dealing with the addiction is primary right now.
Which, I guess, makes everything else secondary.
Look, all I can tell you is, the best way to stay close to someone who's going through something like this is to be 100% supportive.
I have been.
Really? Have you gone to any meetings with Allison? No.
It's not because I haven't thought about it.
You know, she's got her routine and her friends and this whole new life revolving around A.
A.
That I'm on the outside of.
Billy, admission is free.
Just go to a meeting with Allison and show her that you care enough to find out how it all works.
I just never realized how deceptive it was.
I thought that drinking gave me the courage to tell people off, to tell them how I really felt, but now I see it for what it was.
You you can't be honest with your words when When you're slurring them.
I mean, the fact is, what you're really doing is being dishonest with everyone, including yourself.
So, in my sobriety, I've made a vow to be truthful with the people who mean something to me, even if that might seem inappropriate to some.
Um for instance, there's someone who's helped me a lot.
I I couldn't have made it this far without him.
Getting sober and meeting him are the two best things that ever happened to me.
Hopefully, of course, he feels the same way.
Thanks for letting me share.
You need to get some sleep.
I can't.
All right, that's it.
Come here.
Come here.
We need to get some rest so we can regroup.
I can't close my eyes.
It just feels like like I don't know Giving up.
Well, that's not gonna happen, not by a long shot.
After today, it just seems even more hopeless.
Whatever it takes, Jo, we're gonna find your son.
I promise.
Jake, I don't know what I'd do without you right now.
Well, you don't need to worry about that because I'm always gonna be right by your side.
Hmm.
Jake.
Only one night, then? Yeah, we're just passing through.
Oh, that's too bad.
It's a beautiful area.
Takes more than one day to appreciate it.
Now that you mention it, actually, we were thinking of taking a breather from the drive, maybe grabbing some RR.
I hear there's a lake up here that's supposed to be pretty nice.
That'd be Clear Lake.
It's about an hour's drive north.
Got good fishing and camping up there.
Great place for the family.
Yeah, I got a friend.
I think he said he's got a cabin up there.
Maybe I'll look him up.
You got a phone book for the area? Sure do.
What's your friend's name? Carter.
Thanks.
Thanks a lot.
Hey, wake up.
We're goin' fishin'.
You didn't sleep well last night, did you? How'd you know? Tossing and turning all night.
So, what's bugging you? It's nothing to do with me, I hope.
No.
It's just I don't know how anything fits together anymore.
I go from being so clear about my sobriety and so close to you to feeling completely alienated from Billy and everyone else from my drinking life.
You're not the only one who changes when you get sober, Allison.
So do the rest of the people in your life.
Sometimes they roll with it and sometimes they don't.
The ones that don't become dead weight.
You either cut them loose or you drown trying to hang on.
Hmm.
I guess you're right.
Doesn't make it any easier to face.
And no one says you have to face it, not this minute, anyway.
What you need to do is to get away for a while get a new perspective.
Come to Miami with me.
Watch me win the big game.
My treat.
What? When? The team leaves tonight.
Oh.
I'd love to, but there's no way I can leave work on such short notice.
So I'll have a ticket waiting for you at the airport.
You can come at the end of the work day tomorrow.
Stay with me for the weekend.
You don't work weekends, do you? No.
Good, no excuses, then, you're coming with me.
Okay, why not? Nice pool.
Nice place, actually.
Glad you like it.
Um, so your share of the rent would be $400 per month, including utilities.
It's quiet, clean.
It's very centrally located.
What are the cons? Well, the other tenants can be a little nosey, and the landlord is a real wench.
I can deal with people like that easy.
Any cute guys? A couple.
Good 'Cause they're essential to the mix.
So, uh, what do you think? I like it a lot.
In fact I feel like I'm home already.
Fine, just make sure the last of the drug testing is wrapped up by day's end.
We've already wasted enough manpower on this.
What? Hi.
Hey.
Thought I'd drop by with that info you were after.
You feeling okay? I'm fine.
Why do you ask? I was just asking because I saw you taking pills.
Oh, well, I have the flu.
But I'm fine.
So what'd you dig up? I found out about Peter's grant.
According to the hospital computer files, um, it doesn't exist.
Michael The bastard lied to me.
And, as a matter of fact, I ran across a new research grant provided by the same company.
Only Peter's not the one handling it, Michael is.
You selfish little worm.
That greeting needs a little work, Amanda.
Anybody else might think it's kind of bitchy.
You found out exactly what I suspected The grant was bogus.
Only instead of telling me, as promised, you use the information for what? A promotion, country club membership? Let me tell you something.
If you think you're pulling this off, you're a fool.
Peter is a serious player.
And what am I, an amateur? To be honest, yes.
You don't know who you're dealing with.
He'll squash you, Michael, like a bug.
Thanks for the tip, but I can take care of myself.
Unlike you.
You got to get some rest, Amanda.
You don't look so hot.
You want to talk about last night? No.
Look, I can't handle, you know, anything like "I'm sorry," or that you regret it happened.
Not right now.
I just can't.
I don't regret anything.
Then what? Maybe it's the situation, maybe it's because I remember what it used to be like between us, but I feel close to you, Jo, probably closer than I ever have.
I loved being with you last night.
I really needed it, Jake.
But you know, my relationship now is with my child.
And emotionally, that's That's all I have room for.
Any anti-depressants? Nope.
Any medication at all? Just some antibiotics I'm taking.
Any use of non-prescription drugs, recreational drugs? Absolutely not.
All right.
That about does it.
We should have the results of your test back by the end of the day tomorrow, Miss Woodward.
And you'll have the company's overall results as well? Yes, ma'am.
We pride ourselves on being expeditious.
Well, your company's been wonderful.
I only wish we had switched to you sooner and these tests could monitor alcohol usage.
We were stuck with a huge rehab bill for one troublesome employee.
Hopefully, there won't be any other substance abusers.
More than likely, there'll be a few.
In most companies, come back positive for drug use.
Well, that's a sad state of affairs.
I'm fairly certain that we have a clean staff here.
But it'll be interesting to see who comprises the 2%, won't it? Great.
What time is it? Getting tired? No.
Yeah, me neither.
Where is he? Do they have him? No.
Maybe we're wrong, Jo.
No, we're not.
We can't be.
Jake, they have my baby.
I know it.
I can feel it.
And I'm not leaving until I get him back.
Ugh! Hello.
Peter: It's me.
How you feeling? Not much better, to be honest.
This bug is really starting to wear me down.
But we are going to take our entire course of antibiotics, right? Every last pill.
Yes, of course.
Good.
You on your way to work? Well, I'm trying to anyway.
What are you doing? Oh, I'm just lying here thinking about you.
I do miss making love to you, Amanda.
Do me a favor.
Save that thought for tonight, okay? And make it early.
Hang up already.
Hi.
Hey, roomie! Let me get that for you.
Thanks.
Where should it go? Kitchen.
Next time, I'll make sure the junk I buy weighs less.
Junk? This stuff is great.
You like that? Yeah.
Where'd you get it? Italy.
When I was there last summer.
You can have it if you want.
Oh, no.
I just thought it was neat.
You don't have to Keep it! Woman: Rikki! Seriously.
Hey, guys.
Just set 'em down over there.
Hey, Syd.
This is Trish, Anna, and Becky.
Hi.
Best pals a girl could ever have.
Hey, Syd, Rikki's told us all about you.
The place is great.
Thanks.
They seem nice.
They are.
And you're gonna love having them in your life.
Because you know what? Not only did you get yourself a new roommate, you got yourself a whole new set of friends.
That's cool.
It's gonna work out really great, isn't it? I wouldn't be here if I didn't think so.
Ready to grab the next load? Sure.
He's cute.
Ever do him? No.
Why not? He looks ripe for the picking.
Uh, I don't know.
I never thought about it.
Well, you need to start thinking more like me.
'Cause I'm planning on the two of us getting into a lot of trouble together, Sydney.
Peter, what's going on here? Amanda, come in.
Have a seat.
Wow, surprised to find you all here.
To what do I owe this honor? Amanda, we have the drug test results in and we have some rather unfortunate findings.
You want to take over from here? Miss Woodward, your tests came up positive for traces of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
What? We ran the test twice.
It's really quite conclusive.
Your employment contract strictly prohibits the use of drugs on the job.
You leave the board no choice.
We have to let you go, Amanda.
Well, this is ridiculous.
I don't use marijuana.
And there's obviously been some mix-up.
Peter, you know I don't do drugs.
This was a set-up, wasn't it? You set me up.
With that that virus you said I had and those pills you prescribed.
What kind of twisted game are you playing? This isn't a game, Amanda.
We need you to turn in your files, keys, and company items, and leave the premises as soon as possible.
I thought we had something together, that maybe we were even made for each other, but this was all a scheme, a trick? We're sorry to lose you here at D&D.
You were once a very valuable employee.
God, you get off on this, don't you? Messing with people's minds, screwing them over.
Don't blame me for this one.
You did it to yourself.
You clawed your way to the top, but you couldn't handle it.
You were too weak.
So you turned to drugs as a crutch.
You are lying, and everyone here knows it.
They're probably in on it in fact.
Sounds like paranoia to me.
That's an obvious indicator of marijuana usage.
That's right, enjoy the moment, Peter.
Because guess what? This game is not over.
It's my move.
And I'm gonna be handing you your jewels on a silver platter.
Allison.
Come in.
I didn't expect to see you for at least another hour.
My plane was early.
Well, remind me to send the airlines a thank you note.
Nice room.
I was afraid you might not show up, you know, change your mind at the last minute.
I know what I want.
Oh, my God, that's her.
Are you sure? Hey, we're here.
Yes, sweetheart.
Hello? Hello, there.
Oh, my God, that's him.
I knew they had him.
Here, let me get that.
No.
What, they have my baby? I have to get him back.
No, that's not the way, Jo.
What are you doing? This is what we came here for.
Jo, look.
Let me go, damn it! We've got to call the cops now.
They're just gonna take him away, and you know it.
No.
Jo, Jo.
If we don't, it'll never stop, Jo.
You'll get your baby back, and then the Carters will come after you.
It's like a crazy circle with these people, and you'll be stuck in the middle of it.
You'll always be looking over your shoulder both of you.
The Carters are guilty of kidnapping.
We can prove that.
If we go to the cops now, they'll be arrested.
And more than likely, they'll be jailed.
With a good lawyer, you'll probably get custody back.
But I couldn't stand losing him again, Jake.
I couldn't.
The only way to make sure of that is to do this legally and then no one can ever take him from you again.
There's a pay phone at the bottom of the hill.
Let's drive down and call.
No.
By the time we get back they could all be gone.
I'm not leaving my baby out of my sight again.
Please don't ask me to do that, Jake.
Okay, look.
I'll run down there, I'll be right back.
You stay in the car, and we'll wait till the cops get here.
Stay in the car.
All right.
I want to report a kidnapping, and I know where the kidnappers are.
It's a cabin up on Hollow Creek.
I'm about half a mile from there now.
It's a couple, a man and a woman.
They're middle-aged.
Name's Carter.
No.
There's no missing persons report.
Come on.
Come on.
Who's out here? Is anybody out here? You have my baby in there.
Oh, my God.
How did you find us? He does not belong to you.
You're trespassing.
Now get out of here.
Get out! Stop right there.
Stop her, Dennis, stop her! No! Aah! Unh! Ugh! She's gonna be okay, right? She's got a bullet in her back.
We won't know her chances till the doctors check her out.
Sheriff, my name is Jake Hanson.
I witnessed the shooting.
This man tried to kill my friend.
He shot her in the back.
That is a lie.
And this woman told him to do it.
That makes her an accomplice.
You prepared to make an official statement? Absolutely.
Sir, please turn around, put your hands behind your back.
What are you doing? That woman tried to kidnap our grandchild.
It's all right, Marilyn.
Mr.
Hanson, we've got to move.
You better pray that Jo recovers.
You're gonna have me to deal with.
You think that Peter drugged you? Oh, I'm sure of it.
He made me think I had the flu and prescribed antibiotics.
Only the antibiotics weren't tetracycline.
I should've listened to you.
You told me to watch my back.
Peter and Caitlin rolled right over me.
There's something I didn't tell you.
The night that I dropped off the performance reports at Caitlin 's house Peter was there.
So? So they were going at it like minks in heat.
That son of a bitch.
He not only gets me fired, he cheats on me, too.
And why the hell didn't you tell me about this sooner? Well, I mentioned it to Allison.
Oh, wait, let me guess.
Allison, in all of her vast wisdom, told you to stay out of it.
Sorry.
I thought it was the sensible thing to do at the time.
Forget it.
I mean, at least it's all starting to make sense.
Peter wanted me out of D&D so he could move his latest lover in.
I had an airtight He got me to violate the terms.
By failing the drug test.
Help me move this dresser.
I know it's got to be here somewhere.
Well, if you tell me what you're looking for, maybe I can help you.
I dropped the bottle of antibiotics the other morning, and a pill rolled behind the dresser.
I got him, Billy.
I got him.
Your father's so handsome.
What line of work is he in? He's a businessman.
Owns a couple companies.
That's great.
My dad never owned anything, except the reputation as the biggest loser in Athens, Ohio.
I was talking to one of the other tenants, and he mentioned that your sister owns her own clothing design business.
Yeah.
Jane's the successful one.
There are worse things than having a rich sister.
Not that she's gonna hand any of it my way.
Well, your parents must help you out financially.
No.
We're not really close.
Martin says the trouble with life today is parents who refuse to take responsibility for their children.
Who's Martin? He's this great guy.
You'll meet him.
Is he your boyfriend? No, he's the leader of this personal fulfillment seminar I've been taking.
I guess you could call him my guru.
Hey.
How are you feeling? I'm in the hospital? Yeah.
Doctor says you're gonna be fine, though.
I'm sorry, I never should've left you back at the cabin.
When I saw Carter with that gun I don't know what I would've done if I'm just glad you're fine.
Jake, what about Austin? How is he? He's fine.
He's with a social worker.
I want to see him.
Jake.
There's gonna be a custody hearing in a few days back in L.
A.
No.
No, I can't do that again.
I talked to your lawyer.
Waxman says don't worry.
Just concentrate on getting better.
Oh, God, Jake, I blew it.
If only I had just listened to you and not got out of that damn car.
Hey, you didn't pull the trigger.
Dennis Carter did.
Did they arrest him? Yeah.
He got out on bail a couple of hours ago.
He's got the home-court advantage here, but in L.
A everything's gonna work out fine.
You'll see.
No judge is gonna let your baby live with the Carters after what they did to you.
I want to believe that.
Believe it.
Are you okay? Oh, yeah.
Yeah, I'm great.
I just threw 3 interceptions, and the Dolphins are going to the bowl.
What could be better? I'm I'm sorry, I don't know what to say.
Well, don't say anything, okay? Because I don't want your sympathy.
What I need is a drink.
No, Terry, no! We can get through this together.
Fine, we'll both have a drink.
Don't throw away six weeks of sobriety on a football game.
It's not just a game, Allison! It's the playoffs! The ticket to the Super Bowl! You wouldn't understand.
One drink is not gonna hurt.
Oh, God, who do you think you're fooling? Come on, let's Lets make love or go to a movie, take a walk.
All I can think about right now is booze.
We'll get through this one minute at a time, one hour at a time.
Fine.
But you better get these bottles out of here.
Okay.
We'll get through it, Terry.
What are you saying, that Peter set you up, he caused you to fail a drug test? He's desperate, Matt.
The man will do anything.
Please, I need you to get this analyzed.
This is insane.
I wouldn't even believe you if it weren't for the other detective work you have me doing.
Come here, look at this.
I constructed a paper trail.
Something's definitely fishy, especially Peter handing off his research to Michael.
I need more than speculation, Matt.
Unfortunately, most of the incriminating documents aren't on the computer.
They must be in Peter's personal files.
The man thinks of everything.
Maybe not everything.
What are you doing here? You haven't won, Jo.
Dennis and I will never give up.
Aah.
Even if you win custody now, we'll keep you tied up in court for 10 years.
Can't you just leave me and my baby alone? That baby is the only thing I have left from my son my son that you murdered in cold blood.
Get out of here before I scream.
I won't let you have my grandson, too.
I'd rather see God take him before I let that happen.
You must've been feeling great.
I just got a call from the lab.
The antibiotic Peter Peter prescribed for you was really THC.
I knew it.
The "marijuana in the brownies" routine.
Can the drug be traced back to Peter? Well, it's a federally-regulated drug, so, yes, it can be traced.
How long will it take? Couple weeks.
D&D's board of directors is meeting in two days.
Amanda, I'm doing the best I can.
I know that, but without proof, it's my word against his, and I'm an alleged dope fiend.
So bluff.
Bluff Mr.
Machiavelli himself? You got to be kidding.
Look, just hit the ball back into his court, make him worry.
Meanwhile, I'll keep digging.
Matt, this is a side of you I've never seen before.
I like it.
Don't push your luck, Amanda.
Billy What's going on? Why's Marlene crying? Well, Caitlin fired off the first round of pink slips this morning, and we're still at 30,000 feet.
Told Marlene and the others that they had 15 minutes to clean out their desks.
Well, I'm sure I'm next.
I'll get a jump-start on packing.
Well, don't sweat it.
I had dinner with Caitlin the other night.
Really? Business or pleasure? She told me that heads were gonna roll, but not mine.
I asked her to keep you on, too.
Why? To be honest, I don't know.
I must be a glutton for punishment.
Excuse me.
Allison Parker.
Terry.
Hi.
No.
No.
I just walked in.
It'll just take a minute.
How are you? No! Don't say that.
My feelings haven't changed.
I don't believe this! We're talking about your future and you take a call from your lover.
I went to the mat for you.
Terry is a friend from A.
A.
He's having a bad moment.
I'm sorry.
So am I.
Hi.
We need to talk.
Then you should make an appointment with my secretary.
Fine.
If you don't mind me telling her how you've been drugging me.
Drugging you.
I had one of those capsules you prescribed for me analyzed.
If you had a reaction to tetracycline, Amanda, don't blame me.
D&D's annual board meeting is day after tomorrow.
You're gonna go in front of the board and publicly apologize to me.
You know, it kills me to see you like this.
You're gonna tell them Caitlin's out and I'm in and that, regrettably, you're severing all ties to the agency.
Do you really think that you can threaten me? Do it, Peter, or I'm gonna hand your head to the A.
M.
A.
, not to mention have you arrested.
Scream all you want, honey.
You got no proof.
Besides, nobody's gonna listen to the sour grapes of a recreational drug user.
Now if you'll excuse me.
Peter you've been too good a teacher.
I wouldn't be here if I didn't have proof.
We've got big problems.
Now, I don't know where the hell Amanda got her information, but she knows enough to ruin everything that you have or want, Mancini.
Well, how did this get to be my problem? Amanda claims that I drugged her with THC Which you know that I wouldn't do.
But the only THC used in this hospital is signed out to your research project.
Oh, how convenient for you.
Don't worry.
I'll cover for you.
How are we gonna get Amanda off our backs? I'm gonna offer her a financial settlement.
Pay her off? Money's her weakness.
The only problem is Amanda's not speaking to me.
Big surprise there.
That's why I need you to set up the meeting Tomorrow night, midnight.
Why midnight? With all that's gone on at D&D, Amanda's drug problem, I can't be seen talking with her.
And how am I supposed to get her there? Use your charm.
But doctor, don't tell her about the payoff.
I wanna surprise her with that myself.
Careful, it's hot.
Oh, thanks.
I'm gonna make some calls, see if everything's running smoothly at Shooters.
Make sure she behaves herself.
Jake's a great guy.
Yeah, he is.
I wouldn't have made it through the last few days without him.
I don't know how I'm gonna make it through tomorrow or another custody hearing.
Jo, you'll do it.
And your friends are here for you.
I'm terrified, Jane.
I have no idea what's going to happen.
I mean, my life is so out of control I mean, my God, I can't even protect my own son.
I get him back from Kimberly, I let the Carters kidnap him.
What kind of mother am I? Jo you risked your life for Austin.
You're a wonderful mother.
It's just life can be so unpredictable.
You gotta roll with the punches and know that sooner or later, things have a way of working out.
You know I just wanna do what's right and what's best for my baby, for his welfare.
Well, then that's what you'll concentrate on tomorrow.
Austin and what's best for him.
Yeah.
Jake, are you okay? I was so worried.
I heard that Reed's father lost it and started shooting at you and Jo? Yeah, look, Sydney, I don't really have time for an instant replay right now.
Sure, I understand.
I'll see ya.
See ya.
So that's Jake? Seems like a great guy.
Wow, what a bod.
Too bad you lost him to another woman.
They're just friends.
Jo's going through hell right now.
Sydney, if he wanted to be with you, he'd be with you.
Thanks.
I feel much better now.
I didn't say it was hopeless.
You can get him back.
How? Come to a meeting.
Meet Martin.
The last thing I need is a lecture.
It's not about words.
It's about love.
Syd, I used to be a loser, too.
I didn't have any friends.
Nobody liked me or supported me.
Martin showed me how to make all my dreams come true.
And it won't cost you a penny.
It's free.
Allison, I, uh almost screwed up back in Miami.
If you hadn't been there for me But I was there.
Yeah.
I just wanna say I'm sorry.
I lost it.
It'll never happen again.
Or maybe it will.
I Well we're gonna be there for each other no matter what, right? I talked to my sponsor about it.
He hooked me up with a shrink who handles a lot of top athletes.
Let's face it, if I'm gonna keep playing football, I'm gonna occasionally lose a game.
I gotta find some way to deal with it.
I'm so proud of you.
I have something for you.
The minute you walked into the room at the Twin Oaks, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.
Oh Oh, Terry, we're both trying to make changes in our lives.
We're we're newly sober.
Newly sober, newly married.
Marriage is a big decision.
Keep it as a friendship ring, token of how much you mean to me, whatever you want Just keep it.
Terry Allison, you deserve it for putting up with me.
Please.
I can't promise anything.
That's okay with me.
For now anyway.
The couples that shower together stay together.
I'll tell you what.
I'm feeling pretty clean.
You go ahead without me.
Hello? Yeah, Amanda, it's Michael.
You know, you were right.
Burns is out to destroy us.
Well, in your case, I hope he succeeds.
You want your job back, don't you? Why should I trust you? Because I owe you one.
Because you were straight with me and well, I wasn't with you.
I'm listening.
All right, Peter's palms are greasy, and I got the documents to prove it.
The problem is they're in his personal files.
I thought we could meet at the hospital, say around midnight.
We can sneak into his office and copy them.
If this is another one of your tricks Trust me.
I got as much riding on this as you do.
Look, I gotta go.
I'll see you later.
Amanda can be a snake, but at least she knew how to launch an ad campaign.
More than I can say about Caitlin.
Is this what I think it is? Oh.
Sort of.
You just met the guy! I probably know more about him from watching him play football.
I know all I need to know about Terry.
Well, you're just, uh, substituting one addiction for another.
Billy I wish, as a friend, you could just be happy for me.
You're a classic co-dependent.
Who made you the expert? You did.
Mrs.
Carter, do I understand you correctly? You fear for your life, perceive Ms.
Reynolds as a threat? She's unstable.
Anyone with her history doesn't deserve to be a mother! Ahem.
My client means, your honor, is that Jo Reynolds has repeatedly threatened her and her husband.
That's a lie.
Dennis Carter, your honor, is the one who tried to kill Jo Not the other way around.
My God, she came to our house, to our cabin! She already killed our son! I was just protecting my family! You hired a woman to impersonate a nanny for the sole purpose of kidnapping your grandson.
She made us think he was dead! The court gave us custody.
He was ours! Just stop it! Just stop this madness! If you can't control your client, Mr.
Waxman Jo, please.
No.
My baby is just 8 weeks old.
He's been through hell! He needs peace.
And if I can't give that to him, I want you to find a family who can a family who will love him as much as I do.
No, no, it's a trick! Your honor, I don't want my baby to be in the middle of this unholy war between me and the Carters.
That's how much I love him.
How much do you love him? Oh how noble of you, Jo.
You lost custody three weeks ago.
We are going to take ourbaby home! I disagree.
Sit down.
Why don't you take your seat, too, young lady? Mrs.
Carter, you and your husband have, by your actions, shown yourselves to be morally bankrupt.
As far as this court is concerned, the shooting of Ms.
Reynolds has nullified the current custody agreement.
Jo, I've been considering the same solution you suggest.
With your permission, I'd like to explore it further.
Look, everyone, it's Sydney! Hi, Sydney.
Hello, Sydney.
Hi.
The meeting's just getting started, but afterwards, I'll introduce you around.
Oh, I don't know how long I can stay.
I just wanted to Well, you can stay for as long or as short a time as you like.
Choice is yours.
Hi.
I'm Martin Abbott.
You must be Rikki's new roommate.
Sydney Andrews.
It's nice to meet you.
It's nice to meet you, Sydney.
Sydney, um why don't you sit up front? Okay.
Okay.
We allow people to treat us the way we think we deserve to be treated.
If your life's a mess, don't blame your parents or your sister or your boyfriend.
Blame yourself.
Numero uno.
Buck stops with you.
If you think you are crap, people will treat you like crap.
It's mind over matter.
Change your mind change your life.
Let's make this quick.
Just being in Peter's office gives me the creeps.
Yeah, uh, file cabinet's over there.
Stop right where you are.
Peter.
Amanda, breaking and entering.
Getting rather desperate, aren't you? Hardly, but I'm willing to do almost anything to beat you at your own game.
My sentiments exactly.
Aah! Hey! What are you doing? Michael! What the hell's going on here Michael Ow! Ow! Thought you just wanted to talk to her.
I changed my mind.
Michael, you set me Oh oh, my God.
That's the drug kicking in.
It causes abdominal spasm.
It must be extremely painful.
What'd you give her? It looks like a clear case of appendicitis.
Wouldn't you agree, Doctor? Appendicitis? Open the door.
What? Open the door! Open it! Oh, my God ow Peter, why are you doing this? Just offer her the cash.
Trust me, she'll take it.
I'd love to sit and chat with you, but this girl needs to be operated on.
It doesn't look as though she's gonna make it.
I'm calling the cops.
Mancini! You've got a bright future, Mancini.
We could be running this hospital together in the next few years Two of the richest, most powerful surgeons in town.
Now, don't be stupid.
You've lost patients before.
One more's not gonna make a difference.
Nurse: Ready, doctor.
Peter: Let's open her up, Mancini.
Scalpel.
Not me.
Him.
Doctor.
Eh I I can't do this.
Aren't you the one who's been bitching about not getting enough hours in the O.
R.
? How do you expect to join my Beverly Hills practice if you don't put in your time? Now cut her open, Doctor.
That's an order.
There's nothing wrong with this patient! Burns drugged her.
He wants to kill her! Go ahead, check her white count! Have you lost your mind or just your nerves? Get this doctor out of here.
He's clearly unstable! Yes, sir.
Come on, Mancini.
You're calling it a night.
No, you gotta you gotta believe me! I'm telling the truth! I'll make the first cut.
The appendix has to come out before it ruptures.
Give her a milligram of minaxolone in an I.
V.
, stat! Unless you wanna be an accessory to murder.
Nurse: Just do it! You better get a plastic surgeon down here.
I think I broke his nose.
Hello! Terry? Anybody home? Allison? Allison! She doesn't mean anything to me! Let go! That's not the impression I got! She's just some no-name bimbo who hit on me.
It's part of my addiction.
Oh how convenient! Don't take responsibility.
Just blame it on your addiction.
You know what I think, Terry? You don't want to get better and spoil all your fun.
You just wanna talk about being sober and being faithful.
Talk is cheap.
And I'm not.
Allison, don't go.
I need you.
Frankly, Terry, I don't need you.
Give it to the bimbo.
Oh, no.
Can't be 9:00.
Where are my clothes? Amanda Where do you think you're going? I've got a meeting to get to.
Peter injected you with a very powerful drug.
Now, as your doctor, I'm telling you to get back in bed and sleep it off.
Michael, you don't understand.
My job's on the line.
Yeah, well, don't worry about it.
I told the cops everything Well, almost everything.
Your boyfriend's going away for a very long time.
Ex-boyfriend.
He's going to beat me if I don't get to that meeting.
Hey.
Around.
Thank you.
Now, don't I get some thanks for saving your life? Yousaved my life? Yes, and got cut doing it.
Just ask the nurses in the O.
R.
Last night.
I was unbelievable, a real hero.
If you say so.
Thanks.
Now get me my clothes.
No.
I'm not signing you out of the hospital.
Then I'll get them myself.
So how did you like Martin? I liked him.
He made a lot of sense.
There's still time to sign up for his new course.
It probably would be very educational, but with my salary and these measly tips, there's no way I can shell out 1,200 bucks.
I know it's a lot of money, Sydney, but most people earn at least $50,000 in the first 6 months after they complete Martin's seminar.
You're kidding! One guy I know earned half a million.
That wouldn't happen to me.
Besides, takes money to make money.
I understand.
And so does Martin.
Teaching is a labor of love for him.
Let me talk to him, Syd.
Maybe you can come to work in the office.
And then when you're able to contribute, you will.
You're saying I can take the course without paying for it? We're just here to help you, Sydney.
Because we care.
Miss Mills, if you'll give us a few moments, I think the board's about ready to take a vote.
Certainly.
Amanda! Surprised to see me alive? Forgive the interruption, but I have information relevant to the appointment of Miss Mills as president of D&D.
How dare you! This woman is no longer an employee of D&D.
Miss Woodward, if you have a grievance with this agency, I suggest you pursue it through the proper channels.
My grievance is with her.
Amanda recently failed a mandatory drug test.
Oh, I failed the test, all right, because her lover, Peter burns, drugged me.
Are you going to listen to the ravings of a drug addict? Peter told me I had the flu and prescribed antibiotics.
The capsules he gave me contained THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
I'm calling security.
Here's the lab report.
I'm Michael Mancini, Amanda 's doctor.
I confirm those results.
The only THC available at the hospital was registered to a research project I was conducting with Dr.
Burns.
What Peter may or may not have done is irrelevant.
Are you saying you had nothing to do with his attack on me last night? What attack? I'm afraid Dr.
Burns is in police custody, charged with attempted murder, among other things.
This is unbelievable.
You're right.
Pure fabrication.
What's unbelievable is that Burns' former secretary can hold herself out as executive material and get away with it.
She was his secretary? Yeah, back in Minneapolis.
And from what I hear, they were quite close, both in and out of the office.
Are you going to take the word of a disgruntled employee and her boyfriend over mine? Do you have any proof of this, Doctor? No, but I can put you in touch with a couple of doctors back in Minnesota who do.
I've proven I can run D&D better than she ever could.
She's running it into the ground.
That's a crock, and you know it.
I'm one of the best account executives in this business.
My record speaks for itself.
That's right.
Everybody knows you're a self-centered, back-stabbing twisted tramp.
If I'm guilty of anything, it's trusting Peter Burns for being what he appeared to be, an honorable and decent man.
Like you know anything about being decent.
I am so sick and tired of people usurping my power.
Good Lord, doesn't anybody have a brain in here? Can't you see what's going on? Can't you see what she's trying to do? I'm not having it! I will not have it! Well It's up to you to decide who you want running D&D.
I think it's pretty clear.
Well, even though most of us here were brought in by Peter, he's evidently displayed an appalling lack of judgment.
I don't think a vote will be necessary.
Miss Mills, I think you need a vacation somewhere else.
You got five minutes to pack up your office and get out.
One day you will all be so sorry you ever messed with me.
I'm already sorry I ever met you.
Oh, well.
That covers it.
Allison.
I have nothing to say to you.
Listen, I know how you must hate me, but I'm begging you, don't turn your back on me now, not after all we've been through.
Let's talk about what happened.
We'll go to a counselor.
Whatever I need to do to win your trust back, I'll do it.
It's too late.
Allison, I thought giving you the ring would keep me faithful, but I was wrong.
Afterwards, all I wanted to do was dive on anything with a pulse.
I don't really want to hear this.
Allison, I made an unforgiveable mistake.
But I had to hit rock bottom before I realized it, and I do now, and I'm gonna get my act together.
I swear! Terry, maybe you can fool yourself, but you can't fool me.
Not anymore.
I saw you clearly for the first time last night.
Allison, please Falling off the wagon and bedding groupies is who you really are.
You're angry right now.
I'm not angry! I'm just being truthful.
And the truth is, we don't have anything in common except our addictions.
It's over.
Fine.
If that's the way you want it.
Hey, I'm a famous football star, and you're nothing but the big loser in this relationship.
I can have any woman I want.
When I first met you, I thought you were arrogant, but I was wrong.
You're pathetic.
Jo, with Matt's help, I've bought you a few minutes with the baby.
Ohh thank you.
Thank you, Matt.
May I hold him? This is highly unusual, but, uh Let Mommy look at you.
Ah.
I miss my baby so much.
The most beautiful baby in the world.
If you asked me, I'd say you looked just like your mom.
What about the family who's adopting him? They're good people, Jo.
And I've had you registered with child services.
When Austin's 18, he'll know where you are and be able to contact you.
Could I have a moment alone with my son? It'll be okay.
Please? I'll just be down the hall.
I think we'll join her.
See you, guy.
I know you're too young to understand what I'm about to tell you, but I hope that maybe in years to come, like when you're a young man you'll remember me.
Oh, Austin I'm gonna think about you every single day for the rest of my life.
You'll never leave my thoughts, never leave my my prayers.
Please don't hate me for this.
There's nothing I want more in the whole world than to be your your mommy to be with you to watch you grow up.
But I have to do what's best for you.
I'm sorry.
It's time.
You're gonna have a wonderful life with people who can give you all the things that I can't.
Please don't forget me, Austin, okay? Don't forget how much Mommy loves you.