Home Transcripts Snappies Fan Creations M & M Press Links LAD World by Millie Episode 22 | Episode 23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episode 26 Episode 27 | Episode 28 | Episode 29 | Episode 30 | Episode 31 Episode 32 | Episode 33 | Episode 34 | Episode 35 | Episode 36 Episode 37 | Episode 38 | Episode 39 | Episode 40 | Episode 41 Episode 22: A chip off the old block Chicago - Tad is sitting in a bar, nursing a vodka on the rocks. For a minute, his thoughts go back to Liza: the two of them face to face under her kitchen sink; in front of her house before they were interrupted by Marian; sitting in the staircase of his house as they were about to kiss. A man sits right next to Tad. In his 50's, he has salt and pepper hair and bushy eyebrows. Man: How's the weather in Pine Valley these days? Tad is startled and almost spills his drink. Man: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.... Tad: No, please, I was lost, daydreaming.... Man: Dreams are good. I'm Roger Thorpe. (he offers his hand to shake) Tad: Tad Martin. (he shakes his hand) Roger: I know, I saw you on The Cutting Edge: once or twice. My stations are paying big money to broadcast your show. Tad: It's nice to finally meet you, Mr Thorpe. Roger: Call me Roger, please. Tad: You're a hard man to reach, Roger. Roger: Yes, I'm sorry about that. South East Asia can be murder on one's communication links. What can I do for you? Tad: Can I offer you a drink? Roger: Thank you. (to the bartender) Scotch. Straight up. ... So how is ol' Pine Valley? You know I was born there. On Front street. Tad: It's changed since then. Roger: How's Liza? (trying to appear nonchalant) Tad: Liza is doing okay. Roger: And busy, no doubt. The last time I saw her, it was live, on The Cutting Edge and you were helping her give birth to her little boy!! My  (he hesitates) grand... nephew. That was quite a coup. How is little Lawrence Martin Colby? Tad: Marty is wonderful. He looks very much like his mother. I think they have the same temper too: very determined. And stubborn. And very smart. Roger: What about Chandler? Is he giving Liza any more trouble? Tad: Not where Marty is concerned. Your ex-wife on the other hand.... Roger: Holly is... (a look of regret comes to his face) something else, I guess (he smiles sadly) but I'm not going to bore you with my marriage misadventures. You didn't come here for the gossip, did you? Tad: No, you're right. I have business to discuss. Roger: Oh? Something in television? (Tad nods yes) Why don't we go to my office?? CUT Back to Pine Valley - Liza's office. Liza looks tired, her head resting in her hands, staring into a pile of papers sitting on her desk. Her thoughts are elsewhere, daydreaming with Tad: under the kitchen sink, on the dance floor at Jacob's dancing at the end of her shower party, in his staircase about to kiss the day before. Suddenly, she sees Dr Joe passing by, leaving Brooke's office. Liza gets up fast to run after him. Liza: Dr Martin!!!! Joe: Liza? I forgot you work here now! How are you? Liza: I'm fine, thank you. I'm glad to see you. Would you mind if we talk a little? It's about Tad.... Joe: (going into her office) Oh? Is anything wrong? Liza: (offering Joe a seat) When did you last speak to Tad? Joe: A few days ago, maybe. He was still in Oklahoma. Liza: Did he sound upset? Joe: Stressed, maybe. Why? What happened? Liza: He came back home the night before. Joe: I thought, today.... Liza: I thought so too. You see, I found him the night before in the Valley Inn bar. Drunk. And very upset. Joe: That's not like Tad to.... Liza: I know. Joe: It was about Ray Gardner. Wasn't it? Liza: His research in Oklahoma was very successful. He found this boyhood friend of Ray's. A man called Thaddeus Simpson. Joe: Simpson? Never heard of him.... Liza: Well, it seems that Ray was one ordinary little boy who used to get beat up every day by *his* father. Joe: I'm not really surprised by this. It's fairly common in child abusers, patterns do repeat themselves. Liza: Well, that knocked Tad off his feet. Especially after he discovered this very old picture of Ray as a little boy. Ray looked very much like Jamie. Joe: Oh dear. No wonder he was upset. Liza: I just thought you should know. Joe: Thank you, Liza, you're a good friend... You know I always thought of Tad as my son. I couldn't love him anymore if he were mine, biologically. But Tad never thought of himself as my son. He never thought he was good enough. Especially after he made mistakes. He thinks of me as his father but of himself as Ray's son. And he hates that man so much that it makes it easy to hate himself. Liza: I guess he saw Ray in a different light. Joe: Could be. That's the thing about fathers, Liza: any man can become one, the trick is to *be* one. Marian knocks at Liza's door. Marian: Liza, darling, ready to go home? (she finally sees Joe) Joe? Hello. Joe: Hello Marian. Well I have to go, Liza, thank you for the tip. (Joe leaves) Marian: Good Bye Joe. Well, what was that all about? Liza: Nothing, just.... nothing that concerns you, mother. Marian: It's about Tad, isn't it darling? Liza: (changing the subject) Mother, I thought you wanted to go home. Marian: Why do I get the very eerie feeling that you're falling back in love with him again? Liza: (annoyed, Marian could always read her too well) That's because you're losing your mind. Again!!! Marian: Oh please, Liza don't you try to hide it! I'm right! Liza: Mother, I'm not going to re-run all those silly arguments we've had years ago about Tad. Marian: I was right then too, you know. And I am right now. Darling, have you lost your mind?? Tad Martin may have been a good friend to you. But you and I know that being involved with that man is hopeless. Liza: Drop it, mother, there's nothing to discuss. Your theory is all wrong. Marian: Where is he anyway? He hasn't been around in weeks. Or has he started to sleep with Holly already? Liza looks tired and annoyed. CUT back to Chicago, Roger Thorpe's office. Roger: Well, it's certainly an interesting offer, Tad. Tad: It's not bad, if I do say so myself. Roger: I like your confidence. Which is why I'm giving you my official Okay. As long as Liza is in on this deal. One condition, though: no one should know about my involvement in this venture. Certain people may not be happy about our little partnership. Tad: I understand. I don't think Liza would have a problem with this condition. Roger: I'm sure you're going to be very convincing. Now let me get legal on this. I'll be right back. Please, make yourself at home. Roger gets out of his office. Tad decides to take a little walk in Roger's office to take a peek at his view. As he heads for the window, Tad accidentally knocks over a cigar box on Roger's desk. Tad: Oh damn!!! Tad gets on his knees to pick up its content, but is surprised to find pictures in the box. Pictures of Liza as a little girl, with a new bike, or at Xmas opening gifts, Liza at her high school graduation, etc. Tad also finds this very old letter in Marian's hand writing. Tad: 1965??? (reading) ''Dearest Roger, I'm so very happy to announce to you the birth of a daughter into our little family. Liza is one happy little girl with her father's smile. Seeing her and Larry together made me realized that I have made the right decision. The best decision for her. I can only hope that my mothering skills will get better in time. At the very least, you and I know that my little girl has a wonderful father. But I will keep my promise, Roger. Please in return, respect my wishes, for her happiness. All my love, Marian.'' Tad puts everything back in its box and gets up, and looks around Roger's office, his eyes ends up on a picture of Liza and Roger at her college graduation, smiling. Tad: What the hell???? Marian, what does this mean? Episode 23: The merger It's a lovely May day in Pine Valley and Liza decided not to show up at work today: one of the perks of working at Tempo. She had her laptop with her and figured that she could accomplish just as much at home, with Marty. At Tempo, Brooke would show up every 15 minutes, *that* was very disturbing. Besides, if Liza had to hear to one more *Listen* from Brooke, she was going to scream. Now all she had to do is write a column on Ted Turner. So Liza was sitting in front of a blank screen with Marty on her lap, playing with him and teaching him the fine points of computer management. Liza:... See these two keys are very important, to quit. There! (she pushes the keys) Finish! So you see, with your mother has a big headache with Mzzzzz English, she can always press those two buttons and *poof*. Brookie is gone! *Poof* Marty who is more interested in tapping on the table gives the idea a big raspberrry. Liza: Maybe you're right. Any other ideas?? (she turns Marty around so he can stand on his two little legs on her lap, Marty responds by giving Liza a big smile, he likes this particular view). Gosh, you want to walk, don't you Marty? You want to walk? (Marty shakes yes) Yes! Give it a couple of months, Martin, it will happen. Marty: Ta! Ta!... (Marty looks straight at the door) Tad is standing just outside the screen door, observing, a smile on his face. Liza turns around and sees him. Liza: Ta?? Ta??? Eh? (to Tad with a smile) Hi! congratulations, you're a first word. Tad: (he enters the house) Happens to me all the time. Hi Marty! Marty reaches out for Tad as Liza easily gives in to her son's wishes. As Tad takes the boy he gives Liza a little kiss on the cheek. His touch feels warm to Liza. She couldn't help but notice how natural this combo is. Marty on his part, decides to play with Tad's tie. Marty: (screaming) TA! Tad: (giggling) Yes! Liza: You're back?!? Already. Tad: Short business trip. (Tad sits on the couch with Marty) How's my boy? (Liza follows him but decides at the last moment to sit on the chair next to the couch) Liza: And how are you? (she wanted to sit next to him and give him a hug or something but restrains herself) Tad: Much better. Thank you. My Ray Gardner neurosis is over. For now. (Marty forces Tad to stand him up) Geez, look at you, you're growing up so fast!!! (to Liza) I came directly from the airport... well, except for a little stop at Belinda's office. Liza: So business was good. Tad: Business was better. I went to Chicago. Liza: Chicago? (feeling of panicky - Chicago???? Is he moving there???) What's in Chicago? (trying to hide her worries) Tad: (kisses Marty on his cheek and gets up to put his in his playpen) Roger Thorpe. You know since I gave my resignation notice to Holly, I had to think about doing something else, with my life, my work. I had a lot of time to do that in Oklahoma. And I came up with this plan. This idea. So I went to find financing in Chicago. (Tad watches Marty settle down and steps away towards the foyer). Liza: Financing??? What are you talking about? Tad: A production company. An independent TV production company. Something small, for now. Liza: To do what? Tad: Documentaries. Talk shows, what ever we want! Liza: We? Tad: My partners and I. Liza: Roger? Tad: And you. Liza: Me???? Oh you must be kidding! Tad: No! Liza, this is perfect. (Tad sits right next to Liza and takes her hand) We had this great partnership at WRCW, we make this great team. We can't break this up. Why not give it another chance only on a smaller scale. Liza: So you went to Roger? (Liza gets up to get some breathing room, his touch overwhelmed her) Tad: I offered him a great idea. A great deal for him and for us. In return, we get some cash flow. Liza: What's the deal? (she stands behind him to give herself some distance, to give her some chance to think, clearly - sitting next to him was too much for her right now.) Tad: (staying down on the couch) It's a three way partnership. Roger gets 48 percent. We each get 26. But you and I get full creative power. Roger is your basic silent partner. Plus, I have this letter of intent from Roger stating that his 5 TV stations will buy any product we have to offer over the next 3 years. A letter that we can show to any bankers to get more financing. Liza: This is all very interesting, Tad, but I already have a job! Tad: That you hate. Liza: I don't hate it.. . I.... Tad: (getting up to her and interrupting) You loathe it! You wouldn't be here if you didn't hate it. I know you. You can't stand just being an observer. You have to be in the game. You told me two days ago that you miss the action. I'm offering a way to get back into the action. Independently. With very little overhead. We could work here! Or at my house. We can rent what ever we need, hire who ever we need, whenever we need them. Liza: (again she *escapes* Tad and walks around the living room, nervously) It's risky. Tad: So is crossing the street, I mean, so what? Since when is Liza Colby afraid of a little challenge?? Liza: What if we fail? Tad: (feeling like he's literally running after her) We get back on our feet, dust off and continue. Besides, failure??? The wonder team???? I don't think so!! There is no way, we're going to fail. I have complete faith in us... Come on, honey, where's that confidence? Liza: This is too good to be true. Tad: There are two conditions to the deal tho. Liza: <sigh> Here we go.... Tad: One, the deal won't go thru if you're not in it. Two, Roger asked to be left out of the official front office. He wants his involvement to be kept secret. Liza: That's his conditions? That's all?? I don't understand. Roger is not the type of guy to just give money for nothing. Tad: We get his money. Independence. And he gets part of one of the most innovative tv production company in the country. (he finally catches up with her and makes eye contact with her, taking her arms) Look, for him, it's a sure-deal, a money-maker, without him lifting a finger. On our side, we get to start our very own media empire, from the ground up. (Liza is tempted) You don't have to decide right away. I gave the paperwork to Lindy, for her legal expertise. So you can talk to her, and see what she thinks? Liza: I don't know. Tad: Trust me. Liza: What about Tempo? Tad: Brooke and Edmund will understand. I'm sure that they can see that your heart wasn't into this magazine thing. What do you say? Partners? (he offers his hand to shake) hmm? Liza: (she hesitates) Partner! (Tad rejoices) IF! If Belinda gives her OK on this (she takes his hand). Tad: Of course! (he turns the handshake into a hug) This is great. This is so great. Liza, you will not regret this. We should celebrate. Marian: Celebrate what? (Marian enters the house) Tad: Marian? Congratulate us, we now have a brand new TV production company. Colby-Martin Productions (Liza winces at the name, Tad notices)... We'll work on that name. Marian: Well, Liza, is this true you're leaving Tempo? Liza: It looks that way, mother. Marian: If it will make you happy, darling, then I'm happy. Liza: I think so.... I'm going to track down Lindy. (Liza goes to her room upstairs) Marian: Well (getting a little uncomfortable as she often did when she was alone in a room with Tad)... was this your idea? Tad: Yes. But I had a lot of help, from Roger Thorpe. Marian: (she tries to temper her shock) Really? Tad: Well you know, Roger seems to be a good guy when it comes to Liza. Do you know why that is, Marian? Marian: I wouldn't know, I haven't seen him in years. Tad: But you keep in touch, right? Marian: Not really. We're ex-in-laws, strangers, really. Tad: I don't know, Marian, I think that writing letters and sending pictures of your daughter to this *stranger*.... well, I'd call it *keeping in touch*. Marian: What are you talking about? Tad: You want to tell me what's going on, Marian? Or should I speculate. I don't think you would like my speculations, Marian. What are you hiding? Liza (walking downstairs): Belinda is at Jacob's! If we go now, we can catch her.... Tad: Wonderful! Liza: Mother, would you mind keeping an eye on Marty tonight? Marian: Of course not, Liza! Tad: Good, let's go! Let's go!! Liza: (getting her coat and kissing Marty good bye) He has a bottle in the fridge, it's all set up. (to Marty) You be a good boy for granny, all right. (she heads out with Tad) Bye mother. Tad: (letting Liza go ahead) Don't wait up, Marian. Episode 24: The company CUT to Jacob's. It's the dinner rush hour and the patrons are starting to fill the place. Belinda is at the bar, talking to Jacob and going thru some papers. Miles Christopher is there too, watching Belinda from afar. Holly is having coffee, watching Miles watch Lindy. Liza and Tad enters the restaurant, laughing. They briefly distract an annoyed Holly. Tad: (giggling) Oh really??? You think so...? Liza: Uh-huh! You never could hold your liquor. Tad: Oh yeah??? (spotting Lindy) Ah! the woman of the hour... Mzzz Keifer! Belinda: Who me? Tad: No, I'm talking about the cigar girl! Liza: Hi! Belinda: You're here. Tad: Yeah (pause) So? (pause - Lindy looks confused) Did you look at the papers? Belinda: You want my legal opinion, now? Are you always in this hurry? Tad: Hey there are times when I like to take my time (Liza looks a little embarassed, remembering the night they last made love. He wanted to take his time then) But, right now?? I don't think so! Liza: Did you read it? Belinda: Yes. Tad: And..... ? (getting impatient) Belinda: After two readings, I have to say.... it's an amazing deal, my advice is: go for it. Tad: YESSSSSS! Liza: You're sure? There's no loopholes, no trap? Belinda: It's a very straight forward deal, Liza and a good one for all parties. Tad: (looking at Liza) Well? Liza: Okay. Tad: (taking Liza to give her a big hug, he lifts her in the air) WOOHOO!!!  All the patrons including Holly look at them, Tad slowly brings her back down, they both have this sudden urge to kiss. After a long, awkward pause, Tad breaks the silence. Tad: Jacob, my man, champagne all around! We have just witness the birth of the Colby-Martin Production Company. Liza grimaces at the name. Tad: We need a better name for that thing, don't we? Liza is taken to the nearest table by Tad. Tad: First thing on the agenda: finding a name. CUT - Much later on, Tad and Liza are still looking for a name. Their table is filled with a few bottles of beer, one empty bottle of champagne, a bottle of wine and lots of empty glasses. Both of them are starting to feel the alcohol in their systems. Still, they're keeping their distance, sitting across from one another. Jacob and Belinda are observing from the bar. Tad: Ok... How about Crescent Road Production? Like the old neighborhood. Liza: You must be joking! Tad: Why not? It's where we first met! Liza: Why not call it Miss Crabapple's class then (they laugh)? Tad: I like that! (Liza doodles on some papers) Liza: I got it! ... LAD Productions! Tad: LAD???? What the hell is that? Liza: A contraction: you know, Liza + Tad equal LAD. Tad: We can't do that! Liza: Why not??? It's ... cute. Tad: Cute???? Who wants cute? And for one thing it rhymes with *mad*... Liza: So? Tad: Are you kidding? My mother already thinks I'm mad. More ammunitions for her. And on top of it, imagine if she knew ....(long pause)  Tad stops himself from talking, biting his lower lip, trying to not make eye contact, his heart wanted to continue his sentence, it was screaming *imagine if she knew that I was in love with you, and that all I want is take you home and make love to you all night long and for the rest of my life*. Tad however, stays silent, frustrating Liza to no end. Liza: If she knew what????? Tad: You know, if she knew that I was the one who initiated the deal, in the first place. And Opal, well... (Tad taks Opal's accent and tone) ''Oh Tad! Have you completely lost your mind. Associating with the likes of Liza 'the snake' Colby?? After what she has done to your sweet sister, Jenny...'' Tad and Liza together: ''God Bless her sweet soul!'' They giggle. Liza: (half-heartedly) I'm sorry. I shouldn't do this. Tad: Come on, Liza. Your feelings about Jenny were never a big secret. Liza: Yes, well... that was bad. Childish. Tad: Why did you.... feel that way? Liza: I don't know. Jealousy. And she was so damn perfect and sweet, I just wanted to scream. Tad: I hardly knew her, you know? I mean, when I was a kid.... Ray was so protective of her. He loved her. And then he would turn around, take one look at me and beat the crap out of me. I thought there was something really wrong with me. I guess I was jealous. And then, he took me away and I didn't have to think about that.... Liza takes his hand to comfort him. She always understood him so well, he thought. Liza: (smiling) So: 'LAD', it is.... Tad: (giggles) Only because all that booze I drank tonight made me weak. An old Beatles song is playing *I'm happy just to dance with you* Liza: (laughing) Dance with me! Tad: Oh I don't know .... Tad feels weak, totally seduced by her - Liza pulls him away to the dance floor. The song is a happy tune that fits perfectly to their mood. Lyrics start: ''Before this dance is thru, I think I love you too,  I'm so happy that you dance with me'' CUT to Belinda and Jacob who are watching them on the dance floor. Belinda: Do you think they're ever going to tell each other how they feel? Jacob: Maybe not in this century.... Belinda: Oh good, then we only have 18 months to go... Jacob: They're just scared. Belinda: Considering their history, I'd say it's kinda normal. Jacob: Want another margarita? (Belinda agrees) CUT to Miles, still observing from afar, nursing a beer. Holly comes to join him. Holly: Don't happy people make you sick? (he doesn't answer) She's very pretty... For a lawyer, I mean. Miles: What do you want, Ms Colby? Holly: Nothing. But I'm gathering that you want quite a lot, Mr Christopher. Or at least you want some satisfaction. Miles: What does that mean? Holly: (looking at Liza and Tad) Well, dear, sometimes you have to put the blame where it belongs. CUT to Liza and Tad still dancing and having a great time. The song: ''...And if someone tries to take my place, let's pretend we just can't see his face...'' CUT to later that night. Tad and Liza, a bit tipsy, decide to share a cab to get home. Tad walks her to her door. They're happily talking business. Liza: Now, wait a minute, I know that a show, a talk show, could be more expensive to produce. But it's also the easiest sell. We could put your mug on this thing and the syndication would be like that! (she tries to snap her finger, and fails) Tad: (giggling) Liza! A show, a daily show needs a staff, a base-station. And a huge budget. We don't want that. Think small. Documentaries are the way to go. Liza: You want to be the Ken Burns of Pine Valley???? Tad: Yeah!! No. Look, all we need is a good subject. Something juicy. And contemporary.... Liza: Headlines making stuff! Tad: (taking her shoulders as he often did when trying to convince her) Exactly!! Tad stops talking, looking at Liza like she's the center of the universe, he wants her so bad, he could feel his heart beating faster and faster. Tad: This is ridiculous. (Liza looks puzzled) Without a second thought, Tad kisses Liza. It is a long, very soft kiss. Tad suddenly remembers how kissing Liza felt like. This time, somehow, it is sweeter. His right hand very naturally caresses her cheek, while the other one finds its way on her shoulder and her back. After the initial shock, Liza very much gets into the kiss. Her whole body is trembling. She wants to get closer to him, her hands, her arms reaches out to him, hugging him. She wants him.  Slowly the kiss stops as Tad gently pulls back. He is trying to read Liza's face but all he could see is a look of surprise. Quickly, he feels like a fool and sobers up. Tad: (averting eye contact) I'm sorry... I shouldn't ... Liza stays speechless although all she could think of is inviting him upstairs, to her bed. Somehow the words elude her. Tad: The cab is ...hum... waiting.... Good night. (he runs off) Liza: (still stunned) 'Night... Episode 25: A kiss is just a kiss It's the morning after the kiss and Tad was invited by his parents for a Saturday morning brunch at the Martins' with Jamie. Opal and Palmer with Peter are there, so are Jake and Allie, Kelsey with Kevin and of course Ruth and Joe. [Editor's note: Ruth is played by the original Ruth, Mary Ficket].All the parents are reunited in the living room, surrounding Tad. Opal: ... Oh Tad! Have you completely lost your mind??? Associatin' with the likes of Liza 'the snake' Colby?? After what she has done to your sweet sister, Jenny... God bless her sweet soul (Tad smiles, thinking about the night before). Tad: Please..... Ruth: Tad, you mean, you quit your job at the tv station? I thought you love that job. Tad: Well, I did, before.... Opal: (interrupting) It's that Sliza Colby, she's connin' him into this... Tad: She's not. I... Ruth: (interrupting) Why Liza? Tad, she brought you nothing but trouble: first with Dixie and then Gloria.... Palmer: Maybe she's blackmailing him...? Joe: Please, people, let him explain. Tad: Thank you. It was just time for a change. I'm still in TV, it's just that now, I'm the boss. hum... We're the bosses... And no, Liza is not conning me into this, I was the one who brought about the deal. I was the one who made the first steps towards the company. Opal: But with Liza Colby?? I wouldn't trust that rat with a bag of cheese much less, your career. Tad: Ma' I wish you wouldn't say stuff like that about Liza. She's my best friend... Opal: With friends like that who needs enemies. Joe: Tad, I think the important thing is that you're happy with this. Tad: I am, Dad. Thank you. Ruth: As long as you're careful.... CUT - Same morning. On Saturday mornings, Marian was in the habit of taking little Marty on a stroll right after breakfast, to give Liza some free time. That particular morning, Liza decided to take a long shower. She hardly slept the night before. All she could think of was the kiss. The hot water felt liberating to her. Her mind went off. The shower door opened as another naked body came close to hers, kissing her shoulder. Tad: (softly) Hi. (his hand slowly caressing her back) Liza: (turning around, smiling at his sight) Hi (softly). Tad: They're gone for a long time? (Liza nods yes, smiling) Good, (he smiles back) I just want us to take our time. Our first time. They kiss passionately under the shower head. Marian (from the door of the bathroom): Liza? Marian's voice rings out in the bathroom putting a stop to Liza's fantasy. Liza: <sighs> Yes, mother? Marian: Belinda is waiting for you downstairs, darling... Martin and I will be on our way, now... Liza: Thank you, mother. CUT to Liza's living room. Belinda is searching thru her brief case. Liza: (from the stairs) Lindy, good morning. Liza walks down the stairs wearing only her red bathrobe, her hair still wet from the shower. Liza: I didn't expect you here this morning. Belinda: Well, I had a few papers to make you sign, before I head for the office. Liza: On a Saturday??? Careful with that workoholic stuff, I know how that works. Belinda: You know, I had to use an excuse to come here.... so, what happened? Liza: Hmm? Belinda: You and Tad left Jacob's late last night and in a very good mood, if I might had. Liza: Please, Belinda.... Belinda: Something did happen, didn't it? Liza: (avoiding Belinda's eyes and looking for her newspaper) Don't be silly. Belinda: Oh my... he kissed you. Liza: Now, don't go read ..... Belinda: I knew it. I won the bet! Liza: The bet???? There's a bet??? Belinda: Well, Jacob and I, we had this bet.... oh never mind... So how was it? Liza: (annoyed) Why, is it in the bet too? Belinda: That good, eh? Liza: I can't do that, Belinda, I mean Tad and I are friends. Good friends and if we get into this.... Belinda: Maybe Tad doesn't think it's a bad idea. What did he say? Liza: Nothing, he span off before anything could be said. He excused himself and ran off. Good thing too, because I could have invited him inside in a New York minute and... Belinda: That good! Liza: (exasperated) It was... <she sighs> wonderful, OK??? Happy now? .... We were arguing about something, I can't even recall what, and he just stopped, stared at me, and he said something like “this is ridiculous” and just kissed me (her mind wonders back to the kiss). But cool heads have to prevail here, we have a business now, we can't mess things up with sex... (Liza's mind goes back to her shower fantasy). This is just terrible, I hardly slept last night. Belinda: Maybe you should just let go of all that baggage... A knock at the door interrupts Belinda, it's Tad. At his sight, Liza's hand tries to straighten out her robe, from the neck down, making sure he would be able to see anything. She desperately tries not to look at him but couldn't, secretly wishing she was alone with him. Belinda: Well, Tad, what a coincidence we were just talking about you. Tad: (who couldn't keep his eyes off Liza, he adored that red bathrobe) My ears were burning. Belinda: Well, you guys are keeping me busy with that contract and new business... Tad: (still staring at Liza) Is there anything wrong? Belinda: (feeling like the fifth wheel) Nothing, just your ordinary lawyer talk.... Tad: (in a daze) Good, good. Belinda: (looking at both of them, feeling uncomfortable) Well... I should... go... I have a lunch date with a law book... I'll leave you two to your succesex... success!!! I mean, success (she wanted to kick herself, those damn freudian slips!). Liza: Bye, Lindy. (Liza goes to walk Belinda out) Belinda: (whispering to Liza) You know what they say: cease the day! Tad: Good bye Lindy... (long pause) Well.... Liza: Yes.... Have you had breakfast yet? (feeling self-conscious, she runs away from him, right into the kitchen) Tad: (following her, guessing that she's naked underneath that robe - love the robe, he thought) Yes. At my parents. I told them about... Liza: (interrupting) About? Tad: (trying to act casual) The production company and me leaving WRCW. Liza: That must have gone well... (laughing nervously, Liza decides to make coffee and reaches out for the coffee pot with some difficulty, her robe however would not collaborate and wouldn't stay in place). Tad: It could have been worst... (his eyes stare on her open neck as he wonders how a kiss would feel) Liza: (feeling his eyes on her, she turns her back to get some cups) Now all I have to do is tell Brooke (she could feel Tad standing right behind her, she wanted him to touch her shoulders and he was about to). Marian: (entering the house) Liza, darling, guess who's back from his little stroll and made a friend with the neighbor's dog? Liza takes that as her cue and runs off to the living room, leaving Tad very frustrated. Episode 26: Three's company It's been a month since the kiss. Tad and Liza have been trying very hard to ignore it since it happened. They're both putting a professional face on the whole matter. It also helps that they are never alone any more. Liza's house, headquarter of the new LAD Productions company, is a very busy place with Jamie, Marty, Marian, Petra and friends coming and going at will, much to the relief of Tad and Liza who couldn't begin to know how to react to each other, alone. Scene: Liza's house. Tad is at Liza's door, ringing the doorbell but getting no answer. He decides to go around by the backdoor which leads directly into the kitchen. Hearing Marty crying really hard, Tad decides to enter without knocking. He finds the kitchen in a mess with baby food splashed all over. Marty is in his little chair, screaming, refusing any food his mother is offering with every fiber in his tiny body. Liza: (begging) Just one. For mommy, Marty please... Liza is also a mess. Still in her bathrobe, she hasn't taken her shower yet. Her hair is covered with baby food. She looks exhausted and it's only 8:30 in the morning. Tad: So this is what *world war 3* looks like. Who's winning? Liza: It's official I'm the worst mother in the world. What took you so long???? Tad: Ah! He is. Liza: I don't know what's going on. He just decided he won't eat. Tad: (smiling at her misadventure, putting down his brief case, he takes her place) Let me try. (Tad takes the little spoon and is just as unsuccessful as Marty pushes the food away) Well I never! (he jokes to Marty) Why won't you eat, buddy? (he tastes a small sample of Marty's food and right away makes a face much to the delight of Marty who is all smiles) GAWD! That's awful!!! Have you tasted this? Liza: What? Tad: Liza, this stuff, I won't even try to describe it. No wonder he won't eat! Liza: It's new. I bought it yesterday, something about ''new and improved''.... Tad: I think we just found the guilty party, here. Let me try to fix that. (Tad gets up to the fridge) Good, you got eggs. He can eat egg, right? Liza: Yes. What are you doing? Tad: Making breakfast. Marty, scrambbled?? Marty: TA! Tad: Good choice. And we have cream too. Wonderful! Liza: Tad?!?! Marty: (imitating his mother) TA! Tad: Now don't worry about it. Eggs are good for you, they're full of protein and stuff. It's one of my specialties. And afterward, I'll mash a banana or a kiwi or something.... (He takes Liza by the shoulders) Now why don't you go upstairs, take a shower and relax. I'll entertain Mr Colby (he gives her a big grin). Liza: (she rolls her eyes) All right, but if you need me..... Tad: Just go! By the time she had finished her shower and dressed up, Tad had Marty all ready for his morning bath. Liza loved hearing Tad and Marty during that morning ritual. Tad was a lot more fun than Petra, Marian or herself at bath time: with lots of submarine battles, and flying rubber duckies, and Olympic champions and lots of out of tune renditions of ''Yellow Submarine'' or ''Take me out to the ball game'', always accompanied by Marty's little hands tapping on the water. And there were the *guy talks* with Tad giving advice on everything from shaving to girls to football betting. Liza had to smile everytime she saw and heard them together. She cherished those moments and was thankful that Tad was in her son's life. Tad was pretty much Marty's sole male influence. Adam would always be the distant father, one who couldn't begin to understand the needs of a small child. Liza knew full well that Winifried was the one that gave Marty his morning bath during his visits at Chandler Mansion. Liza decided to leave Tad and Marty alone for this precious moment of male bonding. She took Tad's advice and relaxed, had breakfast with the morning newspaper. Finally at 10 o'clock she went upstairs to check on them. Tad was reading the sport section to Marty, rocking him gently. Marty was all ears, fascinated by the weird noises Tad's voice made and by the color pictures. Tad: (seeing Liza) Hi. Liza: (smiling) That's nice. (with all her strenght she tried not to kiss Tad, not to tell him that she wanted him in her life as her lover, as the father of her child) Tad: (smiling back) Yeah, I think he likes it too. Liza: I think... he likes you. Tad: And why not??? Coco and I go from way back, right buddy??? Marty: TA! Liza: Thank you. Tad: For what? Liza: For doing this. Marty is a very lucky little boy to have you. Tad: Hey, I'm the one that should thank you. I missed doing this with Jamie. You know because of the bridge explosion, I missed the first two years of his life. I'm glad to be there for Marty's.... Liza gets the urge to get closer to Tad and to give him a small kiss on the cheek. Nothing big, just as a token of her affection. But the doorbell rings startling Liza. Liza: It's Adam. I forgot about him. Tad: What? Liza: That's why Petra isn't here this morning, I gave her the day off. Adam is picking up Marty. (looking at her watch) Actually, he's late. Tad: How's that working out? Liza: Well, you know Adam.... (door bell rings again) Tad: Why don't I get him ready while you tame Darth Vader a little? Liza: Right. (Liza heads for downstairs with Marty's bag) CUT to Adam waiting, impatiently at the door. Winifried is behind him. Adam: (annoyed) What took you so long???? Liza: (defensively) I was upstairs.... hey! I don't have to answer to you, Adam, you're lucky I'm letting you see Marty at all! Adam: (entering, ignoring her) Where's my son? Where's Lawrence? Laughters upstairs come closer. Tad and Marty's. Tad: .... So you see, that's how a good quarterback can read the defense... Adam: (resenting Tad's attachment to another one of his sons) What's *he* doing here? Marty: TA! Tad: And a good morning to you too, Chandler. Adam: (to Liza) I don't understand, how can you let this ... this buffoon handle my son??? Liza: Adam, do you want to take Marty for the day or do you want to fight? 'Cause I can't do both! Adam: Fine! (screaming) WINIFRIED!!! (scaring Marty) Winifried: Right here, Mr Chandler. Adam: Take my son's bag (she obeys). Adam for his part awkwardly takes Marty out of Tad's arms. Something Marty does not apprieciate. Liza picks up on this and goes to reassure Marty who calms down. She gives him a little pad on the back and Adam a deadly look. Adam: I'll bring him home, tomorrow morning. I'll leave you two alone, doing *what ever*... (he says with disgust, leaving). Liza closes the door behind him, regretting for a moment giving Marty to Adam. Suddenly, Tad and Liza are faced with a frightening realization, they both have a look of panick in their eyes: for the first time since the kiss, they are all alone together! Episode 27: Burning down the house! It's been hours since Adam picked up Marty. Liza and Tad hardly spoke for more than 5 minutes since then. They argued about the direction of their documentary and agree to disagree. For now, each of them would work on their different ideas individually. It was the perfect non-solution for them. Working together, but not close enough for them to get into trouble. And so, Tad was at his notepad, reading a book about the justice system and taking down notes while Liza was writing her ideas and questions on her laptop. The subject was simple: corruption in the justice system. Inspired by Adam's mishap with Judge Anderson during Marty's custody battle, Liza wanted the direct approach while Tad wanted to get philosophical about the subject. In this hot summer afternoon, they had their back turned to each other. Once in a while, each of them sneak a peek at the other. Tad's concentration was weak as his mind would run off to Liza's neck. He had spotted this little curve on her neck, half hidden by her hair. He began to fantasized about it, about how it would feel under his fingers. Liza too was not concentrating. Tad was wearing her favorite shirt, a simple white one that she often thought about unbuttoning. She could tell that Tad had been working out a lot these days. She had too. It was a way to get the frustrations out. All she could do is imagine the well-toned chest under his shirt. Tad was always very warm, she remembered.... It was getting too hot in this house! Liza: (to herself) Maybe I should turn up the air conditionner? Tad, trying to get back his concentration, started to tap his pencil on his notepad. In the mist of the silence, it *really* annoyed Liza. Suddenly, Tad's feet started to swing in tandem with the pencil, until Liza just couldn't stand it. Liza: Will you stop that!!!! Tad: What? Liza: That tapping! Don't you have anything better to do? Tad: No!!! (they pause, trying to get back to their work) And I still think we should go with the high road on this!! Liza: (iritated) And lose at least 20 stations in the process?? Oh... I don't think so! Tad: It's the kind of stuff you build on, for future references as.... Liza: (she interrupts) What?? As the company that puts people to sleep???? Tad: (he raises his voice) Ah Please! This is typical!! *Get into trash, so the audience can stay awake*??????? Liza: (raising her voice even more) No one is going to be interested, Tad!!!!! Tad: (now screaming, springing to his feet) IS THAT RIGHT??? Liza: (following him) RIGHT! Tad: WRONG! They stay silent, standing in front of each of other, staring at each other lips, hearing only their breathing. Tad: Fine, I'll call Roger, he'll settle this! Liza: YOU WILL NOT! I'M NOT LET ROGER THORPE INTO THIS!!! Tad: WHY NOT? HE'S THE THIRD PARTNER? Liza: AND CREATE A PRECEDENT??? OH NO! Tad: DAMN IT LIZA...! Liza: I'M NOT GOING TO TURN TO UNCA ROG ON THE VERY FIRST DISAGREEMENT WE HAVE. WE HAVE THE CREATIVE CARTE BLANCHE IN THIS GAME, WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS OURSELVES. Tad: OH *WE* HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS???? LIKE WHAT??? BY BEING TOTALLY UNCOMPROMISING ABOUT THIS??? Liza: Well, maybe I wouldn't be this uncompromising, if it wasn't SUCH A STUPID IDEA!!!!!! Tad: FINE!!!! Liza: FINE! They stare at each other again, not exactly sure what they should do next. Tad's first instinct was to kiss her, take her upstairs. Better yet, he wanted to take her right on this very spot and make love to her until the next morning. Tad: FINE!!!!!!! (Tad in a fury takes the backdoor and slams it hard, he was out and Liza could hardly breathe) CUT to Jacob's: Tad enters the restaurant slamming the door and running to the bar and Jacob. Tad: (knocking his head on the bar) AAAAAARGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH! Jacob: Running out of cold water? Tad: She is the most infuriating, exasperating woman I have ever known!!!! Jacob: And that's why we love her. Tad: Gimme a beer and a chaser! Jacob: Coming up! So? What happened this time? Tad: I don't know why I'm doing this. I mean the day started out great. I helped out with Marty. And then Adam picked Marty and BANG! All systems are gone. Jacob: Thaddeus, we both know what you really need.... Tad: Get drunk? Jacob: You need to get your butt over there and admit the obvious. Let the chips fall where they may. Tad: I like getting drunk better. Jacob: Yes, but my solution can be so much better in the end. And there's no hangover afterward. A cigarette maybe, if you're into that.... (Tad rolls his eyes and lets his head fall on the bar, hard) Tad, man, don't you think that if everyone in town already know how you feel that a bright woman like Liza would figure this out all by her lonesome? Tad: (pause, thinking about his options, changing the subject) .... My brief case??? Jacob: Excuse me? Tad: I forgot my brief case at Liza's (he takes off) Jacob: Good excuse! CUT to Liza's house. As Tad approaches Liza's house gingerly, he feels that something is terribly wrong. He spots Adam's car in the drive way. His fears are confirmed when he sees some smoke coming out of the basement window. Tad rushes into the house, breaking a window in the door his bare fist to unlock it, cutting himself in the process. Tad: (as he enters) LIZA!!! He can hardly see anything in the dark but thinks he spots her on the floor. Tad: Oh God! LIZA!!!! Episode 28: Bad timing He can hardly see anything in the dark but thinks he spots her on the floor. Tad: Oh God! LIZA!!!! It was not Liza. But still Tad continued to scream her name, looking for her. As no one answered his calls, Tad grabs the fire extinguisher in the kitchen and goes down to the basement, to the origin of the fire. It was a bunch of papers piled up on the floor and soaked in gasoline. Once the fire was out Tad opened the light as the smoke started to clear up. Tad was sweating bullets, coughing from the smoke and out of breathe. He was trying to read whatever was left of the burned papers but couldn't make out anything out of the aches. He suddenly heard footsteps. Voice: Hello? Is anyone here? Tad: (recognizing the voice) Down here, Derek! Derek: (coming down the stairs) What's going on? Somebody in the neighborhood called be about a prowler. Tad: That was me. Have you seen her? Derek: (clearing out the smoke with his hand and coughing) What the hell???? Tad: Her car isn't here. Derek: Liza's? I haven't seen her, Tad.... Tad: I found the basement on fire minutes ago, I knocked the door open.... Derek: Looks like you were here on time (Tad is looking at the pile closely). Tad: No, I wasn't (Tad has a very worried look on his face). I have this very bad feeling, Derek. Derek: Maybe she went out to dinner? Tad: Adam's car is here. Derek: So she left with Adam.... Tad: No. I mean: why would Adam be here, he picked up Marty this morning? (Finally he comes about a readable piece of paper - long pause) Corview.... Derek: What's Corview? Tad: Remember, they owned that plane, the one that went down. Adam owned Corview. And Christopher.... Derek: Who's Christopher? Tad: Miles Christopher. He worked for Corview and Adam at the time of the custody battle over Marty.... Adam fired him...(thinking) Derek, can you run a check on the man? Derek: Sure. Why? Tad: Just a gut feeling... Derek: I don't think that good enough, Tad... Tad: I think he's involved in this. Derek: The fire? All this because of this piece of paper? Tad: Please, Derek I don't have time to explain.... CUT to Chandler Mansion Winifried opens the door to find a very distraught Tad who just bursts in. Tad: Where's Adam? Winifried: Mr Chandler is out.... Tad: (who just runs upstairs to find Marty's room) How long ago? Winifried: (following Tad) Mr Martin, I don't think Mr Chandler would be very happy that you just... Tad: (in Marty's room where he is sleeping peacefully) Thank God! How long ago? (making sure that Marty is nicely tucked in) Winifried: Maybe an hour. He received this phone call and just left... Tad: What kind of phone call (getting out of the room)? Did he sound mad, angry? or worry? Winifried: Mr Chandler always sounds mad on the phone. Tad: Did he say a name? or named a place? Winifried: Something about Mount Evangeline. Which is strange since the place has been closed since... two years.... Tad: The cabin? What did Adam say exactly? Winifried: He said “you think you can scare me like that?” And then said something about meeting someone at Ms Colby's. And then he asked me where the keys for the cabin were and just left. Tad: (overjoyed, he kisses Winifried quickly on her cheek) Thank you! Thank you! (he runs off leaving Winifried confused but stops first) Winifried? Call detective Derek Fry at the PV Police department and tell him to meet me at Mount Evangeline, at Adam's cabin?... And keep a very close eye on Marty! Oh and call Stuart for Marty. Winifried: I will, Mr Martin but.... (Tad doesn't stick around) CUT to Liza's car on the way to Mount Evangeline. Adam is driving with Liza sitting next to him. They both look upset. Sitting in the back seat is Hayley, crying and Miles Christopher holding a gun to her head. Adam: (looking in the rear view mirror) You're going to regret this, Christopher! Miles: Just drive, Chandler. You don't want me to put a bullet in your daughter's head, now do you?.... Episode 29: Lives saver Tad is driving frantically in the middle of the night. His cellphone rings. Tad: Martin, here! Derek: Tad, where are you? Tad: Somewhere between Mount Evangeline and Pine Valley. You got something for me? Derek: Not really. Christopher is clean. He used to be a musician. He has no police record. Tad: Well, bully for him! Where are you guys? Derek: Tad, are you sure of what you're doing? Tad: If I'm wrong, fine. But I'm not! Something is going on here. I can feel it! Derek: We're on our way. Try not to do anything rash or foolish! Tad: I'll try. Now, just get there! CUT to right outside Adam's cabin on Mount Evangeline. Miles: (who just got out of the car) Now, Chandler, get out of this car. Slowly. Adam: (looking in the back seat) You knocked her out! Miles: I know, Chandler, now get out of the car and go to the backseat and pick your daughter up. And don't worry, she's not dead, she's just unconscious. Liza: How can you do that?? Hayley has nothing to do with this. Miles: Well, chuck it up to bad timing and bad manners. Now Chandler, do as I say (he points his gun in Adam's direction. Adam obeys). Good boy, now let's go that way (he points to the East). Adam: Why? Miles: Mr Chandler, tsk-tsk-tsk, you should know by now: I am a very thorough man. I know there's a cliff in this direction. Now, let's go. (They obey him as Miles follows them). CUT to the end of the trail Miles: Here! Right here. (They stop) Perfect. What a beautiful place to die. You know Mr and Mrs Chandler, I've done of lot of meditation on this cliff. About my life, or lack thereof. And I came to the conclusion that you two are responsible for my problems. (He throws them a rope) Now, tie her! Adam does, slowly always watching Miles, afraid of his reactions. Miles: Tightly. Come on, Chandler, you wanted me to render her ineffective. It's your turn....(long pause as he watches them) You know, I was a happy man before I met you Adam Chandler. I wasn't rich or anything, but I had my moments. But you.... you promised me the sky.... From behind the bushes, Tad comes out if the shadows. Liza spots him but stays calm. Miles: Ironic, isn't it? The sky. And then, the sky started to fall with that plane... And that other plane that Mrs Chandler took.... I'm so happy your baby survived this, Mrs Chandler. Too bad you won't be there to see him grow up. Miles points his gun at them and is about to shoot when Tad jumps him from the side. One shot rings out hitting Adam. Liza: Adam!!! Tad and Miles fight as the gun is thrown far away. They get closer and closer to the cliff. No one is winning the fight. Liza slowly unties herself. Adam is showing no sign of life. Tad is winning the fight with Miles, hitting him repeatedly, finally getting in that last punch. Miles stunned, was slowly losing his balance, feeling the ground under his feet vanish. Then, Miles just falls on the edge of the cliff. As quickly as he could, Tad grabs Miles' hand who is dangling in mid-air. Miles looks down. Tad: Just... hold on. Hold on! I can pull you! Miles suddenly gives a peaceful smile in Tad's direction and just lets go of his hand. Miles falls to his death without a scream or a noise. In horror, Tad just closes his eyes. Silence falls in the forest as Tad lays still on the ground, his head turned away from the cliff. Liza: (breaking the silence, her voice filled with fear) Adam! Adam!! (As a bleeding Adam starts to wake up) The sound of the police sirens echoing in the air as the police is getting closer. Slowly Tad turns around to see Liza with Adam's head on her lap. She's stroking his hair as he is slowly regaining consciousness. Liza: (in tears) Adam! You're going to be fine. All right... At that very moment, Tad could see Liza crying over Adam and could feel Liza's feelings for Adam's resurface. The police soon arrives. CUT to later that same night. Derek is approaching Liza gingerly as she's stares at the ambulance taking away Hayley and Adam. Derek: Well, we got all we need here. The medics say that Hayley will be fine. Just a bump on the head. Liza: And Adam? Derek: Nothing serious. It's just a small flesh wound to the arm. He'll be fine. Liza spots Tad all alone, sitting on the porch if the cabin looking over the cliff. Derek follows her eyes. Derek: You were lucky he was around. Liza: Yes, I am. Derek: Tad is going to be fine. Maybe a black eye and a small cut, but that's it. Liza: (always keeping an eye on Tad) Thank you, Derek. For everything. Derek: You should thank him (pointing to Tad)... You want me to drive you back, I can have one of my men get your car.... Liza: No, no it's Okay. I'd rather do this myself. Besides, I'd like to rest here for a while. Derek: Okay, as you wish (looking at Liza looking at Tad) He's going to be fine... he's just in shock, it's not easy to watch a man die... (Derek goes back to the last police car around). Liza hesitates and finally decides to walk over to the porch, not quit sure what to do. His back turned away from her, Tad's eyes are red with tears and staring into the emptiness of the dark cliff. A man had just died because of his failure to hold on to him, he thought. Episode 30: Take my hand Tad and Liza are left alone in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere. With only the lights of the cabin to guide them, the air is thick and humid, it smells like rain. It was a moonless night. Liza is only a few feet away from him. Tad can feel her presence but decides to turn his head away from her, hiding his tears. She wants to reassure him, to hug him, to touch him but decides to keep her distance instead. Tad: (his voice cracking) You shouldn't be here, Liza. You should go home. Liza: (desperate for a joke) I still have a home?? (she faints a smile) Tad: Well... I... I broke your window, the one in the door, to get in. For the fire... Liza: I figured as much... Thank you. Tad: You should go home. Marty needs you. Liza: Marty is fine. I know that.... You checked on him before coming here, didn't you? And you left him in good hands. Tad: You know that? Liza: I know you. You wouldn't let anything happen to my son. Tad: Yes, well... (he wipes his tears from his eyes) maybe I shouldn't be around anyone, right now. Liza: Oh you're not throwing me out of here! Not when you need me. Tad: (sadly) I failed. Liza: What? Tad: I could have saved him! Liza: Miles? Tad: I should have held his arm, not his hand.... Liza: He wanted this. He wanted to die, he wanted to jump right after he was going to kill us.... You're not responsible for the actions of a mad man! Tad: The look in his eyes.... Tad stays silent for a while, closing his eyes, trying to forget Miles' eyes when he fell to his death. Tad: Still... (long pause) I'm sorry about the fight we had before at your house. Liza: Don't apologize! Tad: I shouldn't have blown up at you like that. Slamming the door.... it was ... childish. I should have stayed. Liza: I understand these things, you were defending your wronged point of view...(she smiles) And it was not a fight, it was an argument. We always have those. Tad: If I just stayed to deal with our problems, none of this would have happened.... Liza: Don't do this, don't blame yourself for this. Things happened. You saved us... Tad: Why are we always doing this.... fighting... arguing???? Liza: Pushing each other's buttons? Tad: (finally he turns to her with a sad smile) Since I was ten ... (he winces suddenly feeling his black eye. Liza can see a small cut above the right eye) Ouch! Liza: (making a gesture towards him) Tad, let me take a look... Tad: (evading her) No, it's all right (he walks away a few steps from her, turning his back to her). Liza: (respecting his wishes for distance) I think we're having fights because we can't deal with certain things right now... Tensions... Tad: Tensions? Liza: It could be with the new business... and then there's ... the closeness... we've been around each other a lot... Tad: Right. Liza: We should be able to talk about this... I feel like when we were 13 and couldn't stand each other because... Tad: Because.... we couldn't do anything about it? Liza: Something like that. And then, we rely on each other some much... I guess after all those months, it caught us by surprise.... Tad starts laughing. Tad: (holding his eye) Ouch!!! Liza: <sigh> Why can't you let me take care of you, just once? Hmm? (long pause - she goes to him, forces him to face her. A little rain starts to fall on them) I just want to help you a little with that (she puts her hand on his wound as if to shield it, he winces in pain). It's all right, it's all right. I won't hurt you . . . I promise. Tad: You promise? Liza: (nods yes and smiles) I promise. Soon her hand that was just checking his eye feels like a warm caress to him. Their eyes meet. His hand holds her hand to his face. Softly. They stay silent for a moment, waiting for one of them to make the first move. Tad smiles at her sadly, his free hand caresses Liza's face, very softly as he gazes into her eyes, trying to read her mind. At that very moment, nothing else matters to them. Liza knows she needs him, she wants him. And he wants her but waits for an answer. Liza smiles back and gives that answer right away. They kiss, a long soft kiss, that quickly becomes passionate. All the doubts and all the fears go away. He sweeps her off her feet. They end up on the cabin's bed, making love. Song: *Take my hand* by Los Lobos, from *The Neighborhood* cd [Ed. Note: It's beautiful, soft acoustic song with lots of Mexican influences.] ''Girl you know, You can't go on this way. Night after night, day after every day. Whisper to me what's in you aching heart. This love you need is not so very far. Chorus Baby, dry the tears from your eyes, and take my hand as we walk into the night. The soul on fire and the touch that's cold, Seems to me that's all you've ever known. Desperately looking for something that's real, Hard to find is the love that can heal. Chorus Baby, dry the tears from your eyes, and take my hand as we walk into the night. Tender are the dreams that we try so hard to hide so deep inside I don't know why you go on this way Night after night, and 'bout everyday Tell to me the secrets only a girl could know How much to feel and just how much to show.'' Episode 31: Confusion Scene: The cabin's bed, later that night. Liza's head is resting on Tad's shoulder. Tad is smiling and caressing her hair. Tad: Oh Liza, I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you. Don't let me be dreaming. Liza looks away. Tad: Liza? Liza: I'm alright. Liza kisses Tad, then gets up and goes outside onto the terrace. Tad gets dressed and joins her. Tad: Whoa...It's cold out here! I guess this is the hour they call the dead of night. (pause) I don't know... I don't presume to know what you're thinking, Liza, but if it's... please, please don't be sorry about this. Liza: I don't remember a time in my life anymore when I wasn't sorry. It's just like falling and falling and falling... Tad: Honey, you may think right now that maybe you made a mistake, but if you let me I swear I'll devote the rest of my life to proving that you didn't. Liza: I don't need you to prove anything to me... Tad: What does it matter if I say it... the rest of my life. It's no great prize, but it was always yours. We knew that. Liza: Oh, Tad, I don't... Tad: What? Don't say anything. Why do you think you have to say something? Tad wraps his arms around Liza Liza: I don't know what this is? I... I can't have it... I can't not know... Tad: It's all right. Liza: Oh God, help me. Tad: Oh, honey, honey, it's all right. It's all right. You're just cold. You're cold. Liza: I am... I am cold. Tad and Liza stares into the darkness. CUT: The next morning. Tad is sleeping alone in the bed as silence surrounds him. As Tad wakes up, he reaches out for Liza. But she's not there and her absence totally wakes him up as he opens his eyes for the first time. Tad: Liza? (he looks around) She was already dressed and looking outside the window. She hadn't been able to sleep and had spend her time watching the sun rise and Tad sleep. He looked so peaceful, she thought, happy. And he was, for the first time in a long while, he felt redeemed of all past sins. Tad had made love with his true soul mate and had slept the deep sleep of the righteous. Tad: (groggy) Hi... Liza: (smiling sadly at him) I didn't want to wake you. Tad: You're dressed?!? Liza: I couldn't sleep. Tad: Then you should have wake me.... Liza answers with a sad smile, her eyes going back to the window. Tad notices her moodiness, gets up, putting on his pants in a hurry to join her by the window. Her back is turned. Tad decides just to wrap his arms around her. At his touch, Liza feels her whole body relax and shiver at the same time. This feels good, she thinks for a second. Tad: (squeezing tightly) Hey! I meant what I said last night (she turns around but tries to avert any eye contact) I meant every word. I love you, Liza Colby.... I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.... Liza: (feeling like she was going to cave in, escapes by going outside) I can't talk about this right now... Tad: (following her outside) Marry me! Liza: (trying to contain her shock) ... you don't mean that! Tad: Yes, I do... I've never been this serious. After everything we've been thru I'm finally coming to my senses. I love you and I want to spend my life with you ... as your best friend, your lover, the father of your children. I want to be there every morning when you open your eyes, when you rock Marty, when you complain about everything and anything under the sun. I need you. I want you. I love you from the bottom of my heart... Liza: Tad, please... I... I can't do this right now. I have to leave... Marty... I have to get Marty... Liza goes inside to get her keys, silently. She quickly surveys the cabin to see if she's forgotten anything, desperately trying not to look at Tad who is just watching her, stunned by her reaction. Finally, she gets out of the cabin and gets to her car. Liza: I will see you in town, all right? (she says before getting in her car, driving away). CUT to later, Liza's house. Liza wonders around inside her house, picking up the mess the cops and Miles Christopher left the night before. But her thoughts go back to her night with Tad. Liza: (trying to touch his wounded eye) I won't hurt you. I promise. Tad: You promise? Liza: I promise. But then, they also take her back to years ago and her talk with a devastated Dixie when she learned about the *kisses*. [Dixie devastated, averting eye contact while Liza towers over her] Liza: I'm really sorry.... uh, you shouldn’t blame yourself. I mean sometimes... I mean maybe Tad needed something and you couldn’t give it to him. Maybe the old adage is true: Leopard never changes his spots. (giggles uncomfortably) ... Tad cheated on me. And Hillary (giggles again)... So... welcome to the club.... Dixie: I have to go home.... And then to her discovery of Tad's cheating with Marian 15 years before. Tad: Liza, you got it all wrong... Liza: Oh no. No. I don't think I do.... How many people know about your little affair besides your mother and Bob Georgia? How many people know what a disgusting little piece of trash you are? Tad: Wait a minute, man, this is ridiculous. You got no proof so you just go ahead. You rant and rave all you want. Liza: Oh I have proof... Liza sighs but continues her duty. In her quest to clean up the house a little she picks up Marty's little bear the one he likes so much, the one Tad gave him. Liza: ... What are you doing? Tad: Making breakfast. Marty, scrambled?? Marty: TA! Tad: Good choice. And we have cream too. Wonderful! Liza: Tad?!?! Marty: (imitating his mother) TA! Tad: Now don't worry about it. Eggs are good for you, they're full of protein and stuff. It's one of my specialties. And afterward, I'll mash a banana or a kiwi or something.... (He takes Liza by the shoulders) Now why don't you go upstairs, take a shower and relax. I'll entertain Mr Colby (he gives her a big grin)..... Liza hugging the teddy bear, smiles as she remembers the morning before. It seems like a million years ago. Phone rings and startles her. She decides not to answer, she knows all too well who it is. Machine: Hi. This is Liza, please leave a message. Tad: (on the phone) Liza, I know you're there, pick up. (pause) Liza!! (pause) Pick up! (pause) Please... Fine. But I'm not giving up on this. He hangs up leaving Liza confused, feeling guilty. Marian arrives in a hurry while Liza erases the message. Marian: Darling, I heard what happened! Are you all right? (she gives Liza a hug. Liza takes it gratefully, she really needs it) Liza: No... I'm Okay mother, I'm fine. Everything is back to normal (she lies). Marian: Thank goodness Tad was there .... Liza: Yes, well, timing is everything. Marian: Darling, are you sure you're all right? You're as white a a sheet. You look like you're going to be sick... (she rambles on) You know the last time I saw you looking like that you were pregnant with little Marty (she laughs). Liza: (uncomfortable) I feel fine, just a little tired... I have take a shower and get ready to pick up Marty, would you mind sticking around? Marian: Well just try to stop me, darling. Episode 32: Happy birthday!! Stuart opens the door of Chandler Mansion for Liza. Stuart: Liza, so good to see you. Liza: Hi Stuart. Stuart: You came for my nephew? Liza: Is he OK? Stuart: Little Marty is just fine, Winifried, would you mind getting Marty ready to go? Winifried: Of course not. Stuart: Well that was quite an adventure you've had. Liza: How's Adam? Stuart: He's fine. It was just a flesh wound. He's getting out of the hospital this afternoon, which is why I wanted to talk to you. See it's our birthday today... Liza: That's right, happy birthday, Stuart. Stuart: Thank you. Anyway, I want to throw Adam a party and I was wondering if you would come? Liza: Oh Stuart, I don't know... Stuart: Please, I want this party to be perfect and I want Adam to realize what he has... I want you to make peace with Adam so that Marty can have friends as parents. Please Liza, I know Adam did terrible things to you, but everything turned out all right.... Winifried: There's master Martin... Liza: Hi sweetheart! (genuinely happy to see Marty and he responds in kind with a big smile) The phone rings, Winifried goes to it. Stuart: He's been a good boy.... I'm glad that Tad thought of calling me last night. Liza: He did? Stuart: When you see him, tell him... thank him for me. And he's invited to the party too. Liza: (getting uncomfortable at the mention of Tad's name) Stuart, I'll try to be there. Stuart: Wonderful. It's at the Valley Inn. At 7. Winifried: Ms Colby, you have a phone call, it's Mr Martin. Liza: (even more uncomfortable) Tell him... that I just left... I can't stay. Stuart: Is everything all right? Liza: Yes. I will see you tonight. Bye Stuart. Stuart: (giving Marty a little kiss on the cheek) I'll see you later. Bye Marty. Bye Liza. Liza had dropped off Marty with Marian who mentioned that Tad had called several times. Again Liza decided to ignore the calls. All afternoon she made significant efforts to avoid Tad. Instead, she went shopping. She had a party to go to and needed to get ready. CUT to later: Scene: Dinnertime at the Valley Inn in a private room. Stuart: Liza! I'm glad you came. Liza: I could never say no to you, Stuart. Adam: (coming thru the door) Yes. I think Stuart has a promising career at the U.N. How are you, Liza? (He offers his hand to shake) I guess, it's a rather stupid question after last night. You look wonderful. Liza: (surprised by Adam's civility, she shakes his hand) I'm OK. Really. Liza enters the room and looks around, right away she notices Holly who has been watching her since she arrived. Adam: Well, it was quite a learning experience. Liza: How's your arm? Adam: Nothing major. Just a lot of grief for the medical staff at PVH. Stuart: Is Tad coming? A great commotion interrupts the awkward conversation. Tad: (screaming) YOU LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU BIG MONKEY! Liza and Adam rush to the waiting room to see a rather inebriated Tad struggling to get away from the bodyguards Adam hired. Adam: Let him go. (Tad brushes off the guards) Tad: (approaching Liza) What are you doing with *him*? (he points to Adam) Liza: (trying to get Tad aside for a private conversation) You're making peace. He just wants us to be friends. Tad: (not trying to be private) Oh I'm sure you'll fix that, won't you? Liza: What are you doing here? Tad: I waited at your house for hours, I think it was hours. You never showed up. Liza: I didn't know. Tad: I've been calling you all over town. I've left a message. I left you *messages*. Liza: I was busy. Tad: I could have been bleeding to death... I would have been dead by now... Liza: I couldn't talk to you. Tad: (his voice gets louder) Why not? You can make love to me but you can't return a simple phone call? (Holly, Adam and Belinda who just walk into the room becoming witnesses to the scene) We have to talk about this! Liza: (embarassed, the discussion becomes very public) There's nothing to discuss. It was a mistake. A weakness that we have to forget. Tad: Well, see, I can't accept this. I won't. I know how I feel and I can't deny this anymore. And I know how you feel, 'cause I felt it last night when it was just you and me... Liza: Oh Tad, don't read.... it was just sex. Tad: Damn it Liza!! I know. I know. I love you (she turns away from him but he pulls her back) and you love me. It was there. It is there...here. We can do this, for real this time. Liza: Oh please, Tad, we can't go back. I don't want to. We're not 17 anymore. And besides, we were a disaster! Tad: I'm not that guy anymore. We were too young to know any better. But now, I know! Liza: Why are you doing this? Tad: You gave me that hope again, Liza. You let me taste it again. You showed me that you want to... Liza: No. No. Tad: Yes. Why can't you give us that chance? (with tears in his eyes) You promised, Liza. You promised. At those words, Liza remembers the night before, the simple overwhelming joy she felt in his arms, before all her doubts resurfaced. She did promise not to hurt him. And there he is, hurting like never before. All she can see is that cut below his black eye. It hasn't heal yet. All she wants to do is touch that wound, and make it all better. No matter the past or their lousy history. She cries quietly, torn apart. Stuart: (who just walks into the scene) Is everything all right? Liza: (Stuart's voice wakes her up) ... Tad, we can't change the past. You can't....  Tad: (mad, he interrupts) I can't what? hmm?.... Change??? Is that it?? Tad the cad 'till the day I die?? Hell (getting angry and cruel) why apply this little theory only to me? Right?? Liza 'the Sleaze' Colby, ratings whore, the one that did everything to keep Jenny away from Greg. The one who lied, cheated her way thru life. The one who organized Laurel Dillon's killing. Hell! you can even cry rape after what happened last night!!!! Just like you did with Jesse, right? You know what they say about the leopard and his spots! Adam: That's enough, Tad! Liza stays silent, crying, watching him, sadder than mad. Tad: (looking right into Liza's eyes) Fine! Have it your way. Tad thecad, it is. (But then before going, Tad goes directly to Adam) And you!!!! (he stands nose to nose with Adam, his eyes filled with anger) You hurt her again.... I swear I will rip you apart!!!!!  Tad walks out, passing by Belinda without seeing her. She walks directly to Liza. Belinda: What just happened here? Episode 33: Broken hearts The Chandler party has been over for a long time and Liza is sitting at the bar of the Valley Inn, alone, sipping a glass of white wine. Belinda spots her. Liza had evaded Lindy all night, trying desperately to avoid the Tad subject with some success until now.  Belinda: (sitting next to her, getting right to the topic at hand, Liza hated that!) Was Tad telling the truth? Did you sleep with him? Liza: I don't think this is relevant right now, counsellor. Belinda: Liza, well?.... Did you sleep with him? Liza: (she couldn't think of a good lie that would stick, and sighs) Yes. Belinda: You did? Liza: Yeah. Belinda: You slept with Tad? Liza: (nods yes) Belinda: How did it happen? Liza: How? I don't know. It was the night on the mountain. It was one of those surreal nights. You know... it was all so crazy. He saved our lives... he was a hero. You should have seen him. He was so sad, so devastated because Miles didn't survive. And then, it was all over and we were left alone and uh...well, neither one of us were in any shape to drive so...  Belinda: You stayed behind. Liza: Uh huh. And he was... he was so vulnerable... so sweet really... and he needed someone. Belinda: You. He needed you. Liza: Yes. I guess you're right. Nothing has ever been simple for Tad and me but that night it was. He needed me and I needed... something. So we made love. Belinda: You needed something? ... You needed him! You love him, Liza! Liza: Oh please... You have a direct connection to my mother, here? It was just a one time thing, a mistake. Tad and I are <sighs> - were - just friends and this should never ever have changed. Belinda: Why? Liza: Because. Because... Belinda: What? Because you can't trust him, because what Tad said tonight is true: you don't think he's never going to change? Liza, how can you think that after the year you two just had? He loves you, he has ever since you walked back into his house when you were pregnant with Marty. He's been faithful to *you*! Liza: How would you know this? Belinda: Oh please! Everyone knew it. It was a plain as the nose on his face. Liza: (annoyed) Why didn't you tell me that? If everyone knew, why wasn't I told??? Belinda: I don't know, maybe I thought you would buy a clue! I mean, how many close calls have there been?? And it wasn't exactly like it was my secret to tell.... Liza: <sighs> No matter. You don't know Tad like I do. Belinda: You're right. I've never known the 17 years old con artist who walked back into Pine Valley. And I know that that guy hurt you reallybadly. But... this is no the same man. This Tad is sweet and vulnerable, and willing to put himself on the line for you. Liza: Really, you mean the one who cheated on his wife just over two years ago with me, no less?? Belinda: Yes well, from what Tad told me about this, when he slept with you that time, Dixie wasn't much of a wife, and basically treated him like a criminal. Liza: I can't risk this. Belinda: Let me get this straight. You are unwilling to be deliriously happy with the man you love, a man who has been devoted to you for a year, a man who adores your son, a man that your son is crazy about on the off-chance that he could what??? Maybe .... cheat on you just like he did when he was a 17 years old kid??? <sarcastically> That makes sense... You're in love with the man. Liza: I am not in love with Tad Martin!! I wish you would stop saying that! Belinda: Oh plu-ease! He's all you've been thinking about since forever. (Liza stays silent, drinking her wine) .... Well... I know that Tad just couldn't make sense of it all... He was devastated tonight. Liza: He'll be fine. Belinda: I don't know, Liza. Sounds to me like you were his redemption. If you could forgive him.... he could have live down his past, finally, but now.... Liza: (looking worried, there's a lot of truth to Belinda's statement) You're reading too much into this. He's not going to do anything rash... CUT to LATER: It's one o'clock in the morning at Jacob's restaurant and Jacob's Ladder is officially closed. The lights are out, but Jacob is still in the place making last minutes adjustments to his cash registrer. A sudden noise at the door startles him. Voice: (screaming) HEY FOSTER!!! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE, OPEN UP! Jacob: What the hell??? (approaching the door he recognizes the face stuck to his window) What the hell do you want, Martin? Tad: OH COME ON, OPEN UP. IT'S GETTING COLD OUTSIDE. Jacob: (unlocking the door) Do you know what time it is? Tad: (still drunk, his speech slurring) Timing was never my strong suit. You're alone? Jacob: Yeah, I'm alone, it's one o'clock in the freakin' morning. We're closed. Tad: (disappointed) Oh.... Jacob: (taking pity) What? Tad: No, I thought... you think we could have a drink or something? Jacob: I think you've had your share.... the bar is all locked up. But I do have coffee... Tad: Fine... geez, I can't even do the wild thing right anymore. Jacob: What happened? Tad: It's over. Jacob: Has it ever begun? Or did I miss a chapter? Tad: Women!!! Can't live without them.... Jacob: Tad, what happened? Tad: I love her, man. And I told her. Jacob: Oh.... Tad: On the mountain.... it felt so right.... The rain, the cabin, I mean it never felt better.... Jacob: Whoa! Whoa! Back up, what happened exactly? Tad: We did it. Jacob: It? It? You mean you ....? Tad: We slept.... no... (he stops himself to find the right words) we made love. All night long. The kind of love making that changes your life forever, I felt it. And then, she just.... poof! Jacob: Poof??? Tad: It's like we were back in '83 and she couldn't trust me with a bar of soap, never mind.... like the last year never happened.... Jacob: Well... maybe you went a little too far? Tad: I don't think so. I mean I asked her to marry me and everything... Jacob: Oy! Were you sober at the time? Tad: She thinks I can't change. I found her tonight with Chandler, of all people.... at this stupid party.... Jacob: Don't go overboard with this, Thaddeus... Tad: No. No. I'm done, stick a fork in me. (he takes out a piece of paper out of his jacket) Jacob: What are you doing? Tad: You got an envelope? I'm going to live up to my.... My? what do you call it?... My reputation (he writes down something on the enveloppe). There! Jacob: What is that? Tad: The end of my association with Mzzzz Colby. Jacob: <sigh> Are you sure you should be making those decisions right now? I mean, not to be disrespectful or anything ...but you are stinkin' drunk, man. Tad: I'm Tad the cad, my friend. Ray Gardner's son, didn't you know? The most ...irrep..... unr.... what's that word??? (pause) Anyway, I'm bad, man! Jacob: I'll drive you home, Tad. Tad: OK. But I'm selling the house too. Guys like me shouldn't have houses... Episode 34: Picking up the pieces It's been a couple of weeks since Adam's party and Tad and Liza have been incommunicado ever since. Not that Liza didn't want to speak to him, she had endless sessions of her staring at the phone, picking it up, only to hang it up. She would also pass by Tad's house as often as she could, sometimes parking across the street. But she would always stop herself from getting out of her car. Tad on the other hand kept himself busy. And he was good at it. He realized that when he stood alone in a little office. The office was empty except for a few chairs and a desk. On the door's window was painted a few words: *Valley Investigations*. Tad had decided to reopen his old business. It's what Tad the cad did, and so this Tad would do it again. He started to unpack his briefcase. It was a brand new one since he hadn't picked up his old one at Liza's place. The unpacking took about 2 seconds. He took out a picture of Jamie which he put on the desk and a picture of Liza with Marty. He stared at it for a few seconds but decided to hide it in the desk. ''Why did I bring this??'' he thought. A knock on the door startles him. Tad: Come in. A young woman with reddish-brown hair enters. Woman: Hello. I'm sorry (notices the emptiness of the office). I was looking for Mr McDaniel. Isn't this Valley Investigations?? Tad: (getting up) The one and only. McDaniel retired and sold me back his business. Woman: Oh... (disappointed). It's just that.... I'm sorry (she goes away). Tad: (running after her) Whoa! But the business is still open. Are you a client of his? Woman: Sort of. Tad: Maybe I can help . I taught McDaniel everything he knew (he smiles). Woman: I don't know... this is important to me.... I don't even know you. Tad: Hi. I'm Tad Martin (he offers his hand to shake with a grin). Woman: Carla Soleito... hmm ... I mean Roberts [Ed. Note: she played by Amy Van Horne from The City]. Tad: What can I do for you? Carla: I'm looking for a package.... Tad: A package? Carla: A metal box that my father left me before he died about a year ago. Someone took it. Tad: You're sure it was stolen? Carla: Maybe not stolen but taken away from me... You think you can help me...? CUT to Liza's house, the kitchen. Liza has been staring at the phone all morning long. It's been a quiet morning since Petra came to take care of Marty. He's been crying a lot these days, sensing that something is wrong. Liza is lost day dreaming Flashback on Mount Evangeline Liza: I won't hurt you. I promise Tad: You promise? Liza: I promise... Marian enters the room with some letters and drops them on the table, breaking up Liza's daydream. Marian: What a beautiful day, darling. Liza: If you say so, mother... (she starts to open the mail) Marian: Oh Liza, can't you tell me what's going on? (Liza quickly opens one of the envelopes) Is it Tad? I mean I notice that he hasn't been around much lately well... since that mountain incident... Liza, not listening, is reading a small note over and over. *I quit*, it reads. Inside the envelope is his contract with LAD Production. Marian: Liza, what is it? Liza: Tad. Marian: Tad? Liza: He.... he quits. Marian: Just like that? Why? I thought he loved this little project. Liza: He does. Marian: I don't understand... Liza? What really happened on that mountain? Ever since that night you've been in this weird mood... Is it Tad? If he's been breaking your heart, I swear I will break his two legs and cut out his....! Liza: No, mother. That's not what happened. Marian: But darling, I know you're in love with him.... don't defend him, he must have hurt you horribly. You slept together that night, didn't you? And then, he just dumped you! Liza: No. *I* hurt him, mother. Marian: But... Liza: Yes, something did happen that night ... we.... <sighs> we slept together that night... but he didn't.... He said that he.... (long pause) He asked me to marry him. Marian: He did??? Liza: And I said no. Or rather I panicked and ran off. Marian: That's why he came to the house and just waited... Liza: That night at Adam's birthday party, he finally caught up with me and we had this huge fight... Marian: Liza, I don't understand if he loves you and I know you love him, where's the problem?? Liza: I can't talk about this, mother. Marian: Why not? You're obviously miserable! Liza: Because. Because it's complicated... Look, would you mind, I have a business to run, alone (she snaps at her but regrets it right away). Marian: (saddens that her daughter shot down on her again) All right... I'll go check on Marty... (before getting out of the kitchen) Liza? You know you can always confide in me, don't you? Liza: I know, mother, thank you. Liza takes her phone and starts to dial. Liza: Hi, this is Liza Colby, is he there? (she waits) Hi, Roger, I'm sorry to disturb you but I really need your help... Episode 35: Fathers A little later in the week, Tad is hanging out at Jacob's, at the bar talking to Jacob Foster. Tad: ... so everything is all set up. V.I., Valley Investigations is ready to go! Jacob: You're really going thru with this? Tad: Why not? Jacob: (sarcastically) Geez, I don't know... the words ''Liza Colby'' come to mind! Tad: Well do the words *brick wall* have any meaning to you?.... I'm serious, I'm thru with all of this. Women.... Why should I take women seriously when they don't...? Jacob: Have another drink, denial can be a very long journey. Tad: (taking the drink) As as a matter of fact, I'm sure that V.I. will be a great success. I already have a first client. Jacob: You do??? (Carla Soleito walks in the restaurant) Tad: There she is! Jacob: Where? Tad: (pointing) There. By the door. Jacob: (he spots her in disbelief) That's your client? Tad: Hmm uh! Jacob: By the door? Tad: Yes. Jacob: The pretty reddish brunette with the briefcase? Tad: Yep. Jacob: (slaps Tad upside the head) Are you out of your mind, man???? That's Carla Soleito! Tad: Ouch!!! Carla Roberts. Jacob: You're kiddin', she married that bum??? Tad: You know her? Jacob: Hmm uh! From my New-York City days. She was the heiress to the Soleito crime family. That's until Tracy Quartermaine stepped in as step-mommy dearest. Tad: I know that. Jacob: Then, what the hell are you doing with her as a client??? She's dangerous. And if *she's* not dangerous, she has enemies that are. Tad: She's only looking for a package. Jacob: Oh please, I don't want to know! Tad: Fine. Jacob: Have you completely last your mind? Opal: That's what I'd like to know. Tad: Hi Opal. Opal: (pulling him aside) Don't you *Hi Opal* me, Thaddeus J. Martin! I just received this very worried phone call from Brooke. You haven't seen Jamie in over a week!! Tad: Mama, this is none of your business. I was busy, that's all. Opal: That's all, my foot, that boy deserves a father.... Tad: (interrupting) You're right, that boy deserves a better father. Opal: Where is that comin' from? Tad: Nowhere... the truth is... Marian: (barging in) Tad, darling, we need to talk. Tad: Good, Marian. Great timing as always.... I'm selling my house. Opal and Marian: (together) What?? Marian: Darling, what ever happened between you and Liza, I'm sure, can be fix. Opal: All of this...., this is Liza's doin'???? I should have known, that schemin', connivin' b...... Tad: Mama! Don't! Opal: But.... Tad: No buts... (taking Marian aside for a private talk) So can you sell the house? Marian: Of course, darling, but why would you? I know you love that house. Tad: It's just a house. Marian: Tad, she loves you, she just panicked, she'll turn around. Tad: No, she won't. In the long run, she can never trust me. I can't live like that, neither can she. Marian: She's just just scared. I mean: asking her to marry you??? Are you crazy? Haven't you ever heard about dating?? Tad: For a long time, I've tried to be a better person. And I was. I mean I swear, Marian ever since that night Liza confronted Adam with the Corview business, I never even looked at another woman. Marian: I know. She knows that too, she just needs time... Tad: She had time, 15 years to be exact. Time will not solve anything. It's just the way things are, I've made mistakes and now I'm paying for it. Marian: Sometime a mistake can be the best thing that can happened to you. Tad: We're not talking about me any more, are we? (long pause, Marian looks awkward) You should tell her, you know... about Roger. He is her father, right? Marian: How did you find out? Tad: In Roger's office, there was this box with pictures and letters, I sorta put two and two together. You have to tell her. Marian: I can't. She would never forgive me. Tad: She forgave you for much worst. She has a right to know that her father is alive. I mean, he does care about her. Marian: Roger and I have a pact. Tad: I don't understand you loved him, right? So why chose Larry? Marian: Roger was ... a 17 years old young man who was lonely and very sad because Holly had dumped him. Again. And I was a 22 years old bored housewife whose husband was too busy proving himself to his father to be preoccupied with my needs. Things just happened, I fell in love with that fine young man... but he soon went back to Holly and his future. And I went back to the life I never really left. When I found out I was pregnant I begged Roger to keep our secret for Liza's sake. He agreed. Tad: On the condition that you keep in touch? Marian: (nods yes) No one else knows about this, Tad. Please, respect our wishes. Tad: You don't have to worry about me, Marian. But you should tell her, a secret like that... you can't keep it forever. I mean what if someone else knows about this. Marian: Who?? Tad: Holly. CUT to PV Airport Liza is waiting, checking on Marty in his stroller thinking back to the night when she and Tad made love. Roger: Liza?? (Liza wakes up from her daydream, she gets up) You didn't have to pick me up. Liza: Hello Roger, it's been a long time. Roger: Too long. (he hugs her very sincerely and warmly) How's my favorite niece? (pulling back, he spots Marty googooing away, Roger smiles) Is that...? Liza: Roger, this is my son: Lawrence Martin Colby. Marty, for short. Roger: (overjoyed) Oh my God, look at him. Can I? (he gestures towards Marty) Liza: Please. Roger gently lowers himself to the stroller, extending his hands to Marty. On cue, the baby responds back with a smile, his arms and legs swinging away, he really wants to be taken). Roger: Yes. (taking the baby in his arms) Look at you, little Marty, you're a big boy, aren't you? Marty: Popop! Roger gives Marty a little kiss on the forehead. He feels so proud, so happy. He has his first grand son in his arms. It takes everything he has for him not to cry at this very moment. He had dreamed of this for a long time. More than anything in the world, he wants to tell Liza every thing. How he is proud to know that she was his daughter, how he loves her, how he wants them to be a family. Liza: (she smiles) Looks like you made a friend! Episode 36: Encounters We open at Jacob's. Tad is still at the bar, on his cell-phone, nursing a beer early in the evening. Tad: Johnny? Come on!! You know I'm good for it! (listening) Okay... it's a package, like a metal box, a little one that could hold papers, that sort of thing. (listening) Right.... Thank you, Johnny, you're a prince! (Tad hangs up and returns to his beer). Jacob: You are still doing that! Aren't you? Tad: What?? Working? This PI business is a lot of fun, I almost forgot about that! Jacob: Boy, you just keep on lying to yourself.... (Jacob stops talking as Liza enters the restaurant with Roger Thorpe, forcing Tad to turn. Liza spots Tad right away but as their eyes lock, Tad turns away unable to withold eye contact - it hurts too much). Jacob: Who's the old guy with her? Tad: (drinking and trying to act unconcerned) Roger Thorpe. Her ... hmm... her uncle. Ex-uncle. Jacob: Why don't you go there, Tad? I know you want to.... Tad: No, I don't. All I want is another beer. CUT to Roger and Liza who are choosing a table. Liza's eyes are riveted on Tad. Roger can't help but notice. He decides not to say anything. Liza: (shaking herself off) So... how's Blake? Roger: (smiling sadly) Chrissie is wonderful. As usual. Liza felt a little embarrassed as she suddenly remembers how Roger would never ever call his daughter Blake. Blake was his ex-father-in-law's name and Blake Colby hated Roger. And vice-versa. Liza vaguely recalled hearing stories of fights between Roger and Holly about her cousin's name. Finally they had compromised naming the child Christina Blake Thorpe. Holly would stick to Blake and Roger to Chrissie. Liza's cousin grew up one confused little girl. Quickly, Liza's eyes went back to Tad. Roger: If you want to talk to him, you go right ahead... Liza: (ignoring his comments) I hear Chrissie is quite the reporter... Roger had this little smile as he watched Liza in deep denial, 'like father, like daughter' he thought. He was amazed: she looks so much like her mother when she was younger, he thought. She didn't look like him at all except for the fact that she was very tall. Roger: She wants to produce (again, Liza's eye are on Tad) ... you want to talk about it? Liza: (dazed) Hmm? Roger: Tad. Liza: What about Tad? There's nothing to talk about. What's done is done. Roger: Really? So why am I here? Liza: Strategy. (she consults the menu, trying to act casual) Since this is now a 2 way partnership.... Roger: (interrupting) He's in love with you. And you with him, if I might add. Liza: I am not! Roger: Oh I see we haven't pass that stage, yet? Liza: What stage? Roger: The one where you bury your head in the sand. Sweetheart, what's going on? (Roger wanted to kick himself for saying *sweetheart*, it was too revealing) Liza: Nothing. I don't want to talk about it. Roger: So why am I here? Liza: You have to talk to him. Roger: Oh, now *I* have to talk to him? Liza: Yes. For the good of the company. I know he will listen to you! Marian: (interrupting) What are you doing here????? (panicked) Roger: Hello Marian (he gets up). Liza: Mother? What's wrong? Roger: I'm here on business, Marian (trying his best to reassure her). Marian: (slowly relaxing, she giggles) Oh.... How are you, Roger? Roger: (shaking her hand) It's been a long time.... too long. Liza: Mother, are you Okay? You don't look so good. Marian: No. I'm fine. I do need to talk to you, darling. Liza: Now??? Marian: Roger, if you don't mind? Roger: Of course, not. (Roger gets up, and kisses Marian on the cheek) Marian, good to see you. You haven't changed a bit (Roger smiles as he heads for the bar). Liza: Mother, you know Roger came all the way from Chicago to discuss business. I wish you'd be more polite. Marian: Well, he'll get over it, I couldn't wait, darling. (long pause - Liza is getting impatient) Liza, I have found the perfect solution to your problem... CUT to Roger at the bar, next to Tad. Roger: Barkeep, one scotch, straight up. (pause, Tad is not looking at him, and neither is he) Mr Martin....? Tad: Mr Thorpe.... (long pause) How's the windy city? Roger: How are you, Tad? Tad: (laughs) How am I?? Boy! That's a loaded question! Roger: You're right. I'll try the direct approach: you can't give up on Liza. She loves you. She thinks she can't trust you but I think she's just scared. Terrified, really... Tad: Sir, with all do respect. I don't believe you know who you're talking to. Roger: Let's see, Thaddeus James Martin, born to Ray and Opal Gardner. Ray used to beat you up. He left you for dead in a Pennsylvania state park at the age of 9. Dr Jeff Martin found you and the Martins adopted you. I believe that's when you first met Liza. At 15, you got into a mess involving pot and the crashing of the family car and you ran away. When you came back two years later, you went from fast talking kid to fast talking con-artist. Liza and you started to see each other but you couldn't resist the idea of also sleeping with Marian. Your sister Jenny was an enemy of Liza's. You were married to Dottie Thornton, Hilarry Wilson, Dixie Coonie, twice and Brooke English who happens to be the mother of your son, James Edward Martin. You were at one point, Ted Orsini - something about losing your memory... You want me to tell you more?? Tad: (joking) Yeah! Do I have a long lost daughter somewhere too??? (he stops to think, regretting his joke, getting serious) Sorry, that was cruel.... Roger: (stunned) You know???? You know??(Tad nods yes) How???? Did Marian tell you?? Tad: No. I sort of bumped into it. In Chicago, I knocked over a box of yours in your office. I found pictures, letters.... (Roger's eyes go straight to Liza) You don't need to worry about me, Roger. I'm not going to tell her. I mean, it's not my secret to tell. Roger: Thank you. Tad: But you should tell her. Trust me on this one: secrets have a way of coming out all wrong, especially the big ones. CUT to Marian and Liza who looks exhausted. Marian: (rambling on) ... so you see, that nice Mr Johnson, who is really a sweetheart.... Liza: (interrupting) Mother, can you get to the point? Marian: I have found the perfect office space for you, darling. Somewhere where you can work and meditate without interruptions. Liza: I love working at home, Marty is there.... Marian: Oh darling, I know you love being at home but I know you: you miss having a place to go to every morning.... Now this little office is very inexpensive, it's secure and I hear your neighbor is really quiet. The concierge told me that they hardly show up... so you see, it's perfect! Liza: (suspicious) Who's the neighbor, mother? Marian: I don't know (she lies). It's some kind of detective agency (Liza is tempted)... Oh darling, would you at least think about it? Maybe discuss it with Roger? Liza: I'll think about it... CUT to Tad and Roger Tad: The one thing I don't understand is why wait? Why didn't you tell her before? I mean it's not like Marian had a relationship to lose with Liza back then. They barely talked to each other in those days... Roger: Timing is everything, Tad, and my wife... I mean my ex-wife would not have been too happy to discover this. I wanted to save my marriage. Tad: You're right, Holly is not a happy camper. Roger: Meaning? Tad: I think she already knows. And she's waiting for just the wrong moment to tell Liza.... Episode 37: Holly terror!! CUT to Tad's Valley Investigations office. Carla: So where is it, Tad? hmmm? Where's my package? Tad: I'm on the case as we speak, Ms Soleito.... I have two very good leads, one of them is bound to give us some results. Carla: I should hope so.... Tad: What's in that box anyway? Carla: Nothing that should concern you. When can I expect results? Tad: Two-three days, max. Carla: Fine (she gets up). I'll call you tomorrow morning. Tad: I'll be there (Carla leaves. Tad gets into one of his draws) ... (to himself) three days, max.... (he gets a black box out of his desk and opens it) I just need some time to figure out what to do with it. (The box contains papers, letters, a notepad and a 38 caliber gun) For now, we'll have to find a safe place for you. Tad gets up, putting on his jacket and the now closed metal black box into his brief case. Quickly, he gets out the door. In the hallway, across from his office, stands a tall blonde woman, she's looking for her keys. She turns to him. Liza: (surprised) Tad??? You're Valley Investigations? Tad: (uneasy) Yes.... well that was my old... (he can't hold eye contact) ... hmmm ... business (long awkward pause - for a second, Tad finally forces himself to look at her - she looks fabulous, he thought but kicked himself for thinking that way - he was thru with her, and that was that!) Liza: Mother found this little office for... I didn't know... (Liza was almost mad at Marian for setting her up, but still she was happy to see Tad again). Tad: Oh... (trying to be polite but distant) well... I... I should go (he moves towards the exit). Liza: (trying to salvage the conversation) Oh... how's Jamie? Tad: OK... I guess. I don't really see him much these days... And Marty? Liza: Good... he's well... He misses... (her eyes tear up, she couldn't finish the sentence). Tad: (he knew the end of her sentence) I gotta go... (as coldly as he could muster) Bye. As he heads out the door, Tad stops himself for a minute to pull himself together, his eyes closed to catch the tears. Liza on the other side, unlocks her office door quickly, crying quietly. CUT to the Valley Inn bar. Holly Colby is alone at the bar. She hasn't decided yet just how drunk she wants to be. For now, she was just thirsty. A familiar shaddow comes from the dining room. It is Roger Thorpe. *God, he's handsome* she thinks for a second and regrets thinking that way, he still gets to her. Roger: (spotting Holly right away) Hol! Long time, no see. Holly: Never long enough. What are you doing here, Roger? (''As if I didn't know'' she mumbles to herself) Roger: Business. Courtlandt Electronics. Holly takes one long sip of her marguerita to give herself some courage. Roger: (noticing her mood) You don't have to worry, Hol. I'm not here for WRCW. Five TV stations is my limit. Holly: And the FCC's... Roger: That too (he smiles). Mind you, I could always swap stations with Chandler. I wouldn't mind having a base on the East Coast (she orders another drink with a gesture). Careful with that, Hol, I know how dangerous you can get when you have one too many. Holly: (bitterly) How wonderful that you know me so well, Roger. Roger: (he comes closer to Holly, she still smells of jasmine, he thought, he whispers to her) Whatever I have done, Holly, I'm sorry... I'm sorry you're punishing yourself for that... I still love you, you know, since we were 10. Always will. And I know, you still love me... CUT to the Valley Inn front desk - Tad approaches the clerk. Tad: Excuse me, does the Valley Inn still have those vaults, safety deposit boxes? Clerk: Yes, sir. Tad: I'd like to have one. Clerk: I'll get the paper work (Tad stays there looking sad thinking about his meeting with Liza minutes ago). CUT back to the bar. Holly: You have a lot of nerve, Roger Thorpe. I used to find that attractive but now... it's just boring. And pathetic. Roger: (he smiles) I'm hurt... (looking at his watch) I'd love to stay for a drink, Hol, but I have to leave. Business again. Maybe we can get together sometime? Dinner maybe? I'll be sticking around for a while. Holly: (sarcastically) Aren't we lucky? Roger leaves. Holly is in dismay and finished her drink quickly, only to order another one. She feels like a failure, after all those years of hurt and betrayal, Roger Thorpe still gets to her. Tad: (sneaking up on her) You know, I think those taste a lot better when drank slowly. Holly: (she smiles at Tad, he was exactly what the doctor ordered and she gestures him to sit next to her) Come on, Martin, don't be scare, I won't bite. I mean if that's what you want.... Tad: Tough day at the station? Holly: Tough decade, dear... And what brings you here? (before he could answer, she interrupts him) First, let me buy you a drink, you look like a vodka on the rock kinda guy. Tad: Good guess. Holly: Barkeep, vodka on the rocks for my friend here. Tad: Friend?? Oh my, should I be worried? Holly: (with a small smile) Only if I tempt you... After a few drinks and lots of flirting, Tad almost forgot about Liza and Holly about Roger. Tad did find Holly very attractive in a dangerous sort of way, he has always been a sucker for older women. And Holly recognized Tad's con artist charm. He reminded her of somebody... who?? Roger? Nah! It didn't matter... They were now officially drunk. Holly: I tell you what, Tad Martin, why don't you and I go up to my room for a night cap? Tad: Why don't we. CUT - Holly's room: Holly had the same room Liza had when she first came back to PV. For a minute, Tad thought about Xmas eve that year and that kiss he gave Liza. Maybe he fell in love with her at that very moment but was too dumb to realize it? Holly: (coming to him with a drink) Here we are. Vodka and ice. Simple enough. Tad: Thank you. Holly: I never understood why you like vodka so much. Tad: It's the maudlin russian in me. Holly: Depressed and poetic or ruthless and cold? Tad: Both.... All four. (he raises his glass to her and drinks it). Holly: (finishing up her drink quickly) Well, maybe I should take care of that cold part (she approaches him slowly, coyly with a knowing smile on her lips). How did you get that scar? (she touches his chin slightly) Tad: (swallowing his own breath) It's an old war injury. Holly: Fascinating!! (she almost whispers) I don't want to fall into cliche~ here but you have the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. Tad: They're from my father's side. Holly: Oh. Good. (finally she kisses him and he responds with as much passion. Rather quickly, Holly goes for the top buttons of his shirt while the long kiss continues. Tad's hands are all over Holly's body. But, suddenly Holly feels his hands grab her upper arms, pushing her away. Tad: (pulling away, shaking his head) No!... No, I'm sorry... I can't do this... I can't (he grabs his coat and walks out of her room as fast a he could, leaving Holly stunned). CUT to the Valley Inn Bar. Tad: (entering the bar, his shirt buttoned up) Rick, my friend, get me the biggest glass you have and fill her up!! Now! CUT to much later. Rick the bartender is watching a dead drunk Tad passed out on one of the tables. Rick: I didn't know who else to call.... but I remembered the last time Mr Martin... well, I hope it was okay to call you? Liza goes down to Tad, stroking his hair softly. Liza: You did the right thing, Richard. I'm glad you called me. Episode 38: The doctor is in the house CUT to Tad's living room as Liza enters followed by a taxi driver helping out a passed out Tad. Liza: Just put him on the couch. Cabdriver: (as he obeys Liza) You know what's good for a hang over? Tomato juice and soy sauce... Liza: (taking money out of her purse and giving it to the cabdriver) Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. Cabdriver: Anytime (he takes one last look at Tad)... You know that must have been one huge heartbreak (he leaves). Liza: It is (looking sad). Liza looks around the living room, the house is a mess. Tad mumbles as Liza gets closer to him. Liza: (trying to sit him straight and taking off his jacket without cooperation from Tad) Come on, Tad... just.... help me out.... a little... Tad: (mumbling, whining) But she started it, ma'... I promise I won't fight with her anymore... I promise.... Finally the jacket is off and Tad right away falls back on the couch. Tad: (still mumbling) I promise... hmm... (Liza, sitting next to him, strokes his hair gently). Liza: I'm sorry, Tad. The door bell rings and Liza goes to answer it. Liza: Dr Joe! Hi. I'm sorry... I didn't know who else to call... Joe: Is he Okay? (he walks straight to the couch) Liza: Yes. He's had too much to drink. Thank you for coming, I didn't think it was a good idea for me to stay here.... Joe: What happened? Liza: I don't know. The bartender at the Valley Inn called me. He said that Tad had drinks with Holly, my aunt, he disappeared with her a while and then came back, determined to get drunk. Joe: I see. Liza: I'm glad you do because I certainly don't. Why he is doing this? I mean it's not like him... I've seen Tad take the worst possible hits and not do this. It's like he wants to go back in time, he wants to be Tad the cad again. I've never seen him like this. Joe: I have... He's running away again....(he pauses) Do you remember when Tad was 15...? Liza: Hmm I wasn't... close to Tad at the time, we kept fighting. Joe: When Tad was 15, he had a hard time adjusting. His girlfriend Suzanne was rejecting him, he was getting into all kinds of trouble with pot and stealing. He had problems accepting the fact that he was now a Martin. The pressure got to him. And he ran away. Liza: I don't see how this relates to... Joe: I think that he's running away right now from everyone and everything he loves. He thinks he doesn't deserves all of it. But my guess is it's not working out too well. He misses all those things. He misses you, Jamie, Marty, his family. Even this house, and it hasn't been sold yet.... Liza: <sigh> This is all my fault... Joe: You can't blame yourself for this, he's doing this by himself..... It's obvious that you care about him, Liza, or you wouldn't be here... You need time.... (he puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder) You need to go home to your family, Tad will be just fine and so will you. CUT to Later: It's morning in Pine Valley again. Tad's house. Joe: (loudly) Good morning. (he pokes a sleeping Tad with a cup of black coffee) Tad feels his head swelling as he opens his eyes. Tad: Is it? Joe: Well at least you haven't lost your ability to speak. Tad: (finally taking the coffee) Hi dad. Joe: (mad) Right. Shame on you Tad Martin, especially after last night!!!!!!! Tad: Yes, dad... (he drinks the coffee, trying to remember the night before) What happened last night? Joe: And of course, you don't remember... I thought maybe that headache would help out? Tad: So I had a little too much to drink, so what? Joe: Tad! You're not a child anymore, you can't run away forever! Tad: Run away??? Nah! No, I'm not... Joe: Really?? When was the last time you saw Jamie? Why are you selling this house? And why are you copping out of your responsibilities towards that new company of yours? Tad: It's not my company anymore. Joe: Bull!! Now, I don't know what happened between you and Liza but there is no reason for you to go off the deep end like that! Tad: This has nothing to do with Liza! Joe: She loves you, you know that. Or she wouldn't have picked you up from the floor at the Valley Inn Bar last night. Tad: She was there? Joe: The bartender called her... You want to tell me what's really going on? Tad: <sighs> We... we slept together... at the cabin the night of the Miles Christopher kidnapping.... Joe: (unsurprised) Oh. Tad: And it wasn't like the last time Liza and I.... You know, just two people in the dark.... This was real and I told her how I feel. How I felt. Joe: You did? Tad: I asked her to marry me and she turned around and just ran off, to Chandler of all people. Joe: Sounds like you scared her off.... Tad: She thinks I can't change, that I haven't changed, that I'm still Tad the cad.... Joe: She actually said that? Tad: She didn't have to, I saw it in her eyes. Joe: Oh! Of course, mind reading.... Tad, have you ever thought about taking things slowly? Maybe ask her on a date before asking her to marry you??? Tad: We're pass that, dad. Joe: Really? Sounds to me like you two were never there. I mean you've known each other since you were 10: you went from fighting to ignoring each other to jumping into bed, to being enemies. Then, you were working colleagues, lovers, enemies again and finally great friends. I mean let's face it, your history with Liza was never as simple as a small date. After all of that no wonder, Liza is scared. Maybe a few dates are all you two need. Tad: I can't.... I feel like such a failure. I failed at the marriage thing, several times, and now I'm even failing at the cad thing. Joe: How do you mean? Tad: Last night... I was having drinks with Holly Colby. Joe: Her aunt. Tad: Right. And she invited me upstairs to her room. Joe: (disappointed in his son) Oh Tad.... Tad: And I couldn't do it. I mean I would have been able to... it's just.... all I could think of was .... Joe: Liza? Tad: And how much it would hurt her. I mean I know we're not together, we never were but still.... Joe: See! You're not that kid anymore. There is hope. Tad: No, there's none. I'm too far gone. Joe: Don't be silly! Tad: No, I mean I'm in over my head, dad, with something. Something big. It's too dangerous for anyone who get near me. Joe: Are you involved with drug dealers? What? Tad: I have this box hidden away and its content could blow a whole crime family sky high.... So you see, I don't have a choice anymore... Joe looks stern. Episode 39: Baby sitting LATER the day after Tad got drunk, in Liza's office. Marian brought Marty over from a walk. Marian: Liza, you want to tell me what happened last night? Liza: (exasperated) Mother!!... Marian recognizes that tone, that exhausted tone Liza has had ever since she was 5. Marian had hit a nerve. Marian: Can't you confide in me, darling? Liza: It has nothing to do with you! Marian: It's about Tad, isn't it? Liza: You mean outside of the fact that you set us up by having me sign a lease for this office when you knew full well that Tad was across the hallway! Marian: I also know that you miss him very much, Liza. Really darling, why are you being so proud about this? I thought you had forgiven him for all those things that happened centuries ago. Even *I* know that he's not the same man. Liza: I can't believe you're defending him! Marian: Liza, I'm defending your happiness. And he makes you happy. The phone rings. Liza: Liza Colby... (listening)Yes... I'll be right there.... CUT to downstairs, outside the building. Tad is coming to his office. He feels little weird but decides that it's the hangover when suddenly a man grabs him from behind. He's a tall, rather large fellow with a nice suit and slick black hair. He's now nose to nose with Tad who is being pushed against the wall by the neck. Tad can hardly breathe. The voice of another man's voice rings out. Man: (with a thick Brooklyn accent) Well, how about that, Rocko? A Tee Vee star! The other man is much shorter but he is wearing the same type of suit. Man: Mr Martin, I hear you have something that belongs to us. Tad: I.... I don't think so. (The big guy tightens his hold on Tad's neck) Man: (calmly) Please. I'm a professional. It's my job to know these things. Now, let me give you a choice here, I either get the box or you die... There. Simple enough. The big guy lets go of Tad's neck. Man: Have a nice day. Oh... before I go... try tomato juice and soy sauce for that hangover. It works wonder. They leave. Tad is stunned, he was being watched. Tad goes directly to his office after the encounter, still a little shaken. He could hear voices from Liza's office. Mostly crying. Marty's. Tad tries to ignore it, concentrating of unlocking his door which wouldn't cooperate. Finally, he gives up and knocks on Liza's door. Marian: (she's on the phone) Come in... oh darling, please, granny is trying .... Tad: Is everything all right? Marian: Tad!!! (she motions for him to come in) Tad: Marian (he looks around)? Where's Liza?? Marian: She had to run a errand... oh Marty, please just five minutes (Marty's crying was getting stronger). Tad: Are you all right? Marian: Frankly no... I wish I could be better at this..... Tad by instinct walks right over to Marty and picks him up from his stroller. Tad: Hi buddy! hi!.... (Marty reassured, stops crying and recognizes Tad right away) Yes, there you are! Marian: You are a magician, Tad! Tad: What are you doing here, Marian? Marian: Actually I was about to go when Liza was called away, which reminds me... would you mind staying with Marty for a few minutes, I have someone to meet... in this building and well, I'm late. Tad: No, I can stay a little. Marian: I should be back in a jiffy, darling. His bag is right there. Tata!! Marty: TA! Tad: Hey Marty! Long time no see, hey buddy! Yes, well... sorry about that. It couldn't be help. You can always complain about us to your therapist once you're older. (Marty smiles) Just kidding! ... I think I made a big mistake, Marty. See, I told your mother that I love her and she freaked. And then, I freaked too. Let that be a lesson to you, young man: the truth is not always the best policy.... (Tad smiles) it's a joke..... 'cause you know I would be dead by now if I hadn't told her. As oppose to a walking deadman, like right now. (he kisses him on the forehead) What a mess! You're right! You're right, I'm an idiot! Marty: Mama! Tad: Yes, well, she's one tough nut to crack (Liza is at the door listening in on Tad) And Marty, I'm sorry I can't be with you at this time. I don't want you to think that I abandoned you. I love you, man. It's just... sometimes (a tear comes to his eyes) well sometimes a guy has to pull back a little, you know? But I do love you. And I love your mother, that's never going to stop. Are we OK on this?? (Marty nods) Good. Liza: (making noises to be sure Tad hears her) Tad? What...? Where's my mother? Tad: She had to leave for a few minutes. Business, she said. Liza: Oh.... Tad: Anyway, I sorta calmed Marty down a little. Liza: He probably needs a nap. Tad: Right (he hands Marty to his mother. Marty protests a little)... He's grown so much since... well since the last time I saw him..... Liza: I know. You know he stands up alone now.... Tad: Stands?? Liza: Well, I put him on the floor and he gets up and he just stands there all by himself. Without moving. Tad: He doesn't want to go anywhere? Liza: No. It's the funniest thing. Mother and I, we keep on urging him to come to us, but he just doesn't want to budge. He's very stubborn. Tad: I guess he's scared. (''like mother, like son'' Tad thought) ...Of falling or something. Liza: Right. Tad: It will happen... hmmm I'd like to thank you for last night... you didn't have to.... I was pretty much out of it... anyway, thank you for everything. Liza: Well, the bartender said you had a few drinks with Holly, I guess that can drive anyone into a bottle... Tad: (looking at the floor, a bit embarassed) Liza, hmm, I want you to know that... well... nothing happened between Holly and me. Liza: I know. I never thought... Tad: OK... well, I should ... (he moves towards the door) Liza: (desperate to continue the conversation) Hmmm... How's your head? I mean that hangover must be killing you. Tad: I'm handling it (he smiles). Liza: You know, last night someone told me tomato juice and soy sauce were wonderful for hangovers.... Tad: (panicking) What did you say? Liza: About hangovers.... Tad: Who told you that? Liza? Liza: The cabdriver, I guess, last night when I took you home.... Tad leaves in a hurry without another word, Liza is left confused. Episode 40: Stuck [Ed. Note: This was written months before the whole Stuart and Marian in the elevator AMC scene.] PV Hospital, a few days later. The door of the hospital elevator is almost closing on itself, Tad is running after it... Tad: (he screams) Can you please hold the door? The door re-opens and Tad quickly enters. Tad: (out of breath) Thank you! (his eyes rises to see Liza with her briefcase, pushing the door button. She was wearing her black dress. Tad wonders for a minute if it's the same dress she wore when they first made love after Janet's trial. He always loved it, it was simple and easy to take off. He clears his throat at the thought). Liza: Hi. Tad: (trying to stay neutral) 8th floor, please. Liza: (pushing the button) Right. Both of them decide to watch the numbers a top the door of the elevator. Tad: (still not looking at her) How's Marty? Liza: He's good. He's with Adam for a few days. Tad: Still not walking? Liza: Nope. They stay still and silent. Suddenly the elevator gives away weird noises and quickly stops dead in its track, shaking its passengers into each other's arms. For a second, Liza feels comfortable.... Liza: (trying as fast as she could to pull away from Tad) What's going on? Tad: (reaching for the buttons and pushing them) Looks like we're stuck... Liza: We're stuck??? Tad: Yep! (he pushes the emergency button and a bell rings out, briefly) Liza: We can't be stuck. No. No... Don't just stand there, do something! Tad: (annoyed, how pushy could that woman be!) I just did... Relax, they'll get to us, soon enough... it's not like you're claustrophobic or anything... (long pause) Are you? Liza: No! It's just... I have this meeting.... Tad: Well, I'm sure they'll wait for you. Tad slides down the wall of the elevator facing the door to sit down on the floor. He looks very calm, too calm, Liza thought. For a moment their eyes meet, Tad decides to close his. It didn't work, he could still see her. They stay silent for a long time. Liza: (breaking the awkward silent) So... why are you here? Tad: I came to see my dad. And a client (he lies). Liza: Your client is sick? Tad: Yep. Liza: What's the case? Tad: It wouldn't... interest you... Boring stuff (she decides to sit next to him, being careful not to touch him, he tries not to notice but fails, great legs!). Liza: I got time. Who's the client? Tad: Playing 20 questions, are we? Liza: I'm just curious.... you never did tell me about that case of yours. Tad: You never asked. Liza: Well maybe... maybe I'm asking now. Tad: My client lost her cat. Liza: So... you're not going to tell me? Tad: (not answering) What are you doing here? (trying not to sound worried) You're not sick or anything? Liza: No. I have an appointment. I'm meeting Jack. Tad: Montgomery? Here? Liza: He's been here daily, with Bianca being sick and all... Tad: Yes, of course. What do you want with him? Liza: It's for the documentary. He's still the DA. Tad: Oh... Liza: I need background informations. Tad: Is that going well? Liza: The documentary? It's going well, considering... (long awkward pause) You were right, by the way... we do need to take some of that high road... Tad: I was? I was right?? (he finally looks at her, teasing her) Little old me? Moi?? Right??? Liza: (trying not to laugh) Don't gloat! Tad: Please... just for a second (he grins, she smiles back, giggling). Liza: Can't you be graceful for once? Tad: Please, when have I ever been ungraceful? Even in grade school... Liza: When? Tad: 5th grade when I took the rap for those papers *you* took, the ones from that English teacher... Liza: Oh come on! You told me... No!!! You *dared* me to take them! Tad: And that makes me responsible? Liza: You knew full well that this was a provocation... Tad: Hey I'm not the one who got caught! That was such an amateur move! Liza: I was 10! Tad: So was I! Liza: And that absolves you from any responsibility? Tad: Hey! You're lucky I liked you so much or I wouldn't have said a word. Liza: (giggling) *Liked???* You *liked* me?? What??? Does that mean you don't *like* me anymore? At those words Tad finally turns to her. She was all smiles and all he could do was smile back at her. It was a bitter-sweet, almost innocent smile, she thought. The smile of a man who knows her so well and likes her, loves her, anyway. His eyes were seeing her as herself, not some mirror image of some obsessive egocentric man. Yes, he still likes her. He still loves her. And she too loves him. She decided to trust him. She had all along. Over taken by the urge to touch her face, Tad moves towards her. He had dreamt many times of that moment, of how her skin would feel like. As his hand grew closer to her, he wonders how she would react to a kiss. And then suddenly, the elevator's door opens up to reveal Jake Martin. Jake: Are you Okay? Tad: Jake? Hi. Great timing as usual (Liza looks disappointed). Tad gets up on his feet and turns to Liza to offer his helping hand. She takes it, feeling the energy going thru her body. Back on her feet, they both stay still for a moment, enjoying the touch, looking into each other's eyes. Liza: Thank you. Tad: You're welcome (he lets go of her hand and gets off the elevator). Good luck with Jack. (Tad leaves in a hurry). CUT to Tad with Derek in an hospital room. Derek: Tad, how are you? I see that eye cut has healed nicely. Now, you want to tell me about the cloak and dagger stuff?? Tad: Derek, I'm in over my head. And I might need your help... Episode 41: The truth is relative Tad is driving down to Jacob's thinking about what happened a few hours earlier in the hospital elevator with Liza. Tad: ...Hey! You're lucky I liked you so much or I wouldn't have said a word... Liza: Liked?!?!? You *liked* me???? *You* *liked* me?? Does that mean you don't like me anymore, Tad Martin? Tad's face turns to her, smiling back at her... Tad in his car smiles back at the memory. The smile fades as he thinks of his meeting with Derek earlier in the day, after his encounter with Liza. Tad: ...so what are you saying? Derek: Tad, those guys, they don't fool around. If the box you have is what I think it is... well, let's just say your life isn't worth a lot and frankly neither are the lives of the people near you. Do they know you have it? Tad: Do they know for sure? No. They think I do or at least they think I know who does. Derek: Where is it? Tad: In a safe place. Derek: (impatiently) Tad?!?! Tad: No one can access it but me. Derek: You have to give it to us. Tad: But not now, Derek. I mean what if that box doesn't have enough to put them away? What if we need more proof? Derek: Fine, just make sure you don't bring anyone else into this.... BACK to the car: Tad: (to himself) I got to get rid of that Soleito case... Tad looks in his rear-view mirror and notices a familiar car. Tad: Still tailing me, you little bastards! CUT to Jacob's Belinda is at the bar, talking with Jacob. Liza enters the restaurant in a hurry, out of breath. She makes a B-line for the bar. Liza: Hi. Have you seen Tad? Jacob: Not since last night. Belinda: Did you try his new office? Liza: (can hardly contain herself) I have tried *everywhere*. His cellphone, his office, his house. I saw Dr Martin who hasn't seen him which is really weird because Tad told me he was going to see him, and he didn't. I've tried Brooke, the Valley Inn. Nothing! Belinda: You actually *talked* to him?? Where? Liza: The hospital. The elevator.(almost giggly) I need to talk to him. Belinda: Whoa! Whoa! Liza, calm down, what's wrong? Liza: (smiling) I was. Belinda: What? Liza: I can't really explain until I talk to Tad. Belinda: (taking Liza aside) Oh! My... God! You're pregnant! (dead serious) Liza: (laughing) No! Don't be silly. It's just... I... Marian: (interrupting) Liza, darling, I'm glad I found you. Liza: I'm glad someone found someone, mother. Marian: What? ....Anyway, I'm going away, darling. Liza: Away? Where? When? Marian: Right now. Carlifornia. San Francisco. A colleague was supposed to go but cancelled at the last moment. I have to fill in. Liza: That's rather sudden. Marian: It was an offer I couldn't refuse. Anyway, I'll be back in a week. You'll have the house all to yourself, darling. Liza: You have to leave now? Marian: Yes (she hugs Liza). Good Bye darling, kiss my little grand son for me. I'll be back soon. (she leaves) Belinda: Goodbye Marian.... (back to Liza) So.... Liza's eyes are following Marian who happens to cross Tad at the door. Tad: Bye Marian. Tad nervously looks behind him as he enters. Liza looks straight at him, ignoring Belinda and rushes towards him. They meet in the middle of the room. All eyes are on them. Liza: Hi (she smiles at him). I need to talk to you. A surprised Tad is taken by the arm by Liza who leads him to a corner. Turning around Tad spots the two men who have been following him all day. Liza: I've been trying to get in touch with you all day. Tad: (looking over his shoulder) Can't this wait? Liza: No... maybe we should go elsewhere... Tad: (coldly) Well here I am. Now, what is it? Liza: OK... I've been thinking about what happened this morning, about us, about what happened on the mountain.... ''Timing is everything'' he thought. Tad could read her eyes like an open book, he knows what she's about to say. He's been waiting for those words for a long time. Caught between what he wanted to hear and the eyes of his pursuers who were paying closer attention to Liza and him, Tad had to do something. Tad: (faking anger) We're not going to rehash this again, are we?? Liza: (surprised) No, I.... Tad: (interrupting) What??? You want to set me up for the kill? (he raises his voice in anger) You figured if you couldn't finish me off the first two times, you could get your knife in the middle of my back one last time??? Liza: (confused and stunned by his anger) No, Tad... Tad: (loudly making sure everyone could hear him) Is there no end to your revenge scheme? What ever I did years ago.... You know, right now, it pales with everything you put me thru since you came back!!! (he could see tears running down Liza's cheeks silently, he regretted every word, but he had to continue to make sure the wiseguys wouldn't go after her) I curse the day I ever met you. You're a destroyer. You want my blood?? hmm? You're ruined my life, not once, twice, with Dixie and Gloria. And that pretend-friendship, that was a thing of beauty!!! Well NO MORE!!! What ever you have to say, I don't want to hear it. EVER! Tad storms out, soon followed by the wiseguys. Liza is left in dismay, crying, not understanding what just happened, like she had talked to a complete stranger. Belinda joins her to comfort her. Belinda: Liza? (Liza is in a daze) Liza, come on, let's sit down. Liza: I don't want.... CUT to outside Tad moves closer to his car but the wiseguys finally catch up with him. Man: Mr Martin... we have things to do, places to go... Next: Episodes 42 - 59