It's late morning and Kane Garrett is in the kitchen of his condo, sitting and and staring into his cup of coffee. The bright sun is streaming through the window above the sink. Kane's mind is on Valerie Talbot and the realization of his increasing affection for her after he kissed her last night.
Kane: I am falling in love with Valerie, and it scares me to death. (Doorbell rings, he gets up to answer it. It's Paul Harper). Paul, come in. (Paul hugs his dad) How are you son?
Paul: Mom called me earlier and told me about the break-in. Zoe and Amaya are back at the mansion with her. I'm so glad you stayed with her last night, but why did you leave so soon? Mom was wondering.
Kane: Paul, I----oh damn, it's really hard to explain this, it's been a long time since I felt this way----
Paul: Dad, whatever you want to say, just say it.
Kane: Alright. (Pause) I left early because I was afraid to face Val.
Paul: What on earth for?
Kane: You mean she didn't tell you what happened?
Paul: Besides the break-in, and her trying to catch the creep and you staying, nothing else.
Kane: Paul, I kissed her last night before we went to bed.
Paul: Dad that's great! What's so bad about that? You know Mom loves with you with all of her heart.
Kane: Paul, the fact is I'm falling in love with her all over again, and I don't know if I can handle it.
At the Sherwood Diner, Roark Grimes is sitting at the counter drinking orange juice and talking with Larry Sherwood, who's cleaning the counter.
Roark: Larry, I got some bad news.
Larry: What is it?
Roark: Brody's back to his old ways.
Larry: Oh no.
Roark: Yeah, and this time he went off on Cordelia. He asked her out, she told him she was married, he accused her of lying to him to get out of saying yes.
Larry: That's bullcrap! What woman in her right mind would fake being married? You know Roark, I blame Brody's ignorant jackass of a dad for this. The way he bullies and belittles him.
Roark: I totally agree but still, Brody doesn't have to take after him----speak of the devil, he's coming in right now. (Larry looks up and sees Brody, who smiles and waves. Larry waves back slightly. Brody approaches them).
Brody: Hi guys, how's it been?
Larry: Fine. We're all fine Brody.
Brody: What's that tone of voice for?
Roark: We need to talk.
Brody: About what?
Roark: Your attitude.
Back to Kane's condo.
Paul: Can't handle it? Dad, if there are two people who are made to be together, it's you and Mom.
Kane: With all that's happened, I'm afraid I'd end up alone again.
Paul: But you also might end up together and happy for the rest of your life. How will you know if you never take a chance? Look, Dad, you took risks to find me didn't you?
Kane: I certainly did.
Paul: Well then, think of you and Mom in the same light. She needs happiness and love Dad, and you're the man to give her that.
Kane: Why do I get the feeling this is what you've wanted from the beginning?
Paul: It's not just me, it's what my sisters want too. They want their mother to be happy also. And they really like you. You four would have such terrific times together, I know it.
Kane: I don't want to screw this up Paul.
Paul: You won't. Now go over to Mom's and tell her how you feel. The longer you wait, the less time you'll have together.
Back to the diner.
Brody: My attitude?
Roark: Don't play around Brody. I'm talking about what happened between you and Cordelia Burnham at the college the other day.
Brody: I got stupid. I lost my temper. It happens, and I'm sorry.
Roark: I know you're having serious problems at home, but that's no excuse to act like a jerk.
Brody: You have no idea what it's like at my place. You have a great big house, parents that love you and will give you everything. What do I have? An old man that likes to yell and scream at me every chance he gets. My mom left before I was a year old. My grandparents are afraid to come visit me.
Larry: Brody I feel for you, I really do, but you had no right to go postal on Cordelia. I think you should apologize.
Brody: She'll never accept it.
Larry: Cordelia is a very rational lady. It's just that you are very irrational.
Brody: Oh God, if you only knew----
Roark: Knew what?
Brody: Nothing. I've said too much already. I have to get going. (He gets up and quickly heads for the door).
Larry: Brody, come back!
Roark: It's too late Larry. But he was about to open up to us. Something fishy is going on. And we need to find out what it is.
Brody is in the parking lot, a look of dread on his face.
Brody: They can't know what I'm doing. They can't find out anything----or my life is over.
Next on come nightfall....
Cordelia gets the women of Breckenridge to join her for the self-defense class.
A very happy Kane and Valerie plan a dinner party.
The night prowler strikes again.
THIS HAS BEEN COME NIGHTFALL
BY BREE PERRY
COPYRIGHT 2001