Tarnished Armor
Part 158

Adam’s study. Five minutes later.

The doors to the study are closed.

Adam and Liza are eating sandwiches on the couch.

Adam: All right. What we are doing is highly illegal.

Liza: And that would be...?

Adam: Against the law. Open to prosecution. Very bad.

Liza hits Adam’s arm.

Adam: We are re-setting the log-in times for every action ever done on the Pine Valley Hospital system. We’re not altering the dates that the original data entry people put in. We are only changing the computer system’s internal clocking system. When someone goes to check, they will see that all of the records were supposedly re-entered as of two o’clock this afternoon.

Liza: You don’t think that looks suspicious?

Adam: So what if it does? We’re Adam and Liza Chandler. Just two more patients of a large facility.

Liza: Two patients who just had all of their records re-examined.

Adam: As of this morning. Not this afternoon. Which is why, when anyone asks us if we had anything to do with this, I am going to become outraged and bitter, and you are going to become teary-eyed and ask, “Is it true? Can it be? Could Dr. Clador have made a mistake? Maybe Jake is really the father? Please! Tell me what’s going on.” It’s akin to “I don’t know nothing about birthing babies.”

Liza: More tears? I’m tired of the waterworks. Why can’t you cry? I’ll just be outraged.

Adam: You're much more convincing than I am when it comes to these things. I always blink a lot and have to resort to sniffling.

Liza: That’s because you have no imagination.

Adam: No imagination? I came up with that whole thing about our mutual blame for our night together.

Liza: After I specifically told you not to embellish.

Adam: It was a brilliant touch. I was beginning to look like a deer in the headlights, between your constant glaring at me and my sudden inability to speak.

Liza: It’s not my fault that you have a problem vamping.

Adam: Vamping?

Liza makes a shocked face. Then her expression changes to horror. Then she gets up and begins to pace. Then she turns and stares at Adam.

Liza: You... you ... damn and blast, woman! What are you saying?

Then Liza sits down on the couch and takes another bite of her sandwich.

Liza: Vamping.

Adam: Did you ever notice that when you’re telling a huge whopper, you use the word, “oh” a lot?

Liza: Oh, please.

Adam: “Oh, it’s awful.” “Oh, how can you forgive me?” “Oh, Adam, Colby is your child.”

Liza: She is your child. That’s not a lie.

Adam: Sounds like someone can’t take a little constructive criticism.

Liza: I have been doing fine for years. Long before I ever met you. And may I just point out that I’m always the one who saves your sorry rear every time you mess up?

Adam: That’s true.

Liza: You see.

Adam: Yes, I do see. I see that I am willing to accept constructive criticism.

Liza: In your dreams.

Adam: Who sat there and let you prattle on about our night of passion?

Liza: Prattle?

Adam: The confrontation, the argument, the passion. The chemical combustion.

Liza: I was brilliant. And I came up with the whole thing in less time than it takes to say “Bah!”

Adam laughs.

Adam: Bah?

Liza: Bah.

Adam: Wait ‘til she learns “humbug.” How long am I supposed to be outraged with you for?

Liza doesn’t answer. The computer beeps.

Adam goes over to the computer. Liza follows him.

Adam removes the disk.

Adam: Let the games begin.

Liza takes the disk from his hand. She puts it back in the box and locks the box. Then she puts the box in the safe.

Adam comes over to the safe and shuts it. Then he re-locks it.

Liza begins to fuss with her bracelet.

Adam puts the portrait back in place. Then he turns to Liza.

Adam: Here. Let me do that.

Adam reaches his hand towards Liza.

Liza: I can do it.

Adam: It’s a little tricky.

Adam goes to take the bracelet. Liza slaps his hand away.

Liza: Which part of “I can do it” didn’t you understand?

Liza struggles a little more with the bracelet. Then she thrusts it at Adam.

Liza: Here. Since you’re so intent on proving your prowess.

Adam takes the bracelet and the key. With a few quick movements, he restores the bracelet to its original form.

Adam: Allow me.

Adam takes Liza’s wrist and begins to put the bracelet back on her wrist.

He snaps the clasp shut.

Then he looks into Liza’s eyes.

Adam: All done.

Liza stares at Adam.

Liza: All done.

Liza goes over to the door. She locks it. She turns and faces Adam.

Liza: Where’s Hayley?

Adam: Out.

Liza: And Winifred’s with Colby.

Liza walks over to Adam. She reaches out and touches his cheek. Then she pulls him towards her, and draws him into a kiss. Then she begins to back him up towards the couch, removing his jacket.

Liza pulls away from Adam, looking into his eyes.

Adam: Are you sure?

Liza is quiet for a moment.

Liza: Yes.

Adam draws her back into a kiss. They ease their way onto the couch.

 
Tarnished Armor Index
Part One Hundred and Fifty Seven
Part One Hundred and Fifty Nine