Previously:
Tess' phone call about Brody prevented Kane from telling Paul his secret.
Janet freaked after learning Brody was in the hospital.
Victor began confessing to Russell.
The killer got more disturbing.
And now, tonight's episode...
A new day has arrived after a long, hellish night plagued the town of Breckenridge. The evening especially took its toll on Janet MacDonald, who became the target of the demented caller, and learned Brody Pearce was in the hospital.
Janet is in Brody's hospital room, sitting in a chair next to the unconscious young man. She his holding his hand and talking to him softly.
Janet: Oh God, I never thought everything would end up like this. I was only supposed to leave town for a little while and then when things got better I would come back for you. But your father found out where I was and threatened to hurt you if I returned. So I had to stay away. (She pauses to swallow) I knew he was hurting you, but I was afraid of what he'd do if I came back to claim you. I know abandoning you was terrible and cowardly and I know you don't want to hear me making excuses for myself, but your father would have killed the both of us. That's how much of a control freak he is. (She squeezes his hand tighter) But you don't have to worry about him anymore Brody. He will get caught and punished for what he's done to you. And if the police can't take care of him---than Mommy will.
At the police station, Russell Gault and Wade Atherton are in Victor Pearce's jail cell. Last night, Victor was starting to confess that his son Brody was the Night Prowler.
Russell: I decided to let you clear your head, so now you can start telling Officer Atherton and I exactly what's going on with you and your son. And don't try and stall. You have nothing to lose. Once Brody wakes up and fingers you as his attacker, you'll be going to jail anyway.
Victor (defeated): All right, all right. My son is the Night Prowler. But he didn't want to rob those houses. I made him do it. (Russell and Wade exchange looks of surprise)
Wade: But why?
Victor: I was jealous of all those wealthy people. They had everything. Everything I should have had too! (The two policemen wince at his sudden anger) You don't understand what's it been like for me since my wife left! She abandoned me---abandoned our son! I didn't know how to cope!
Wade (unsympathetic): Tell me Victor---were you the Night Prowler twenty-two years ago?
Victor (without missing a beat): Yes.
Wade: And did you also sneak up on women and molest them too?
Victor (almost as a stream of conciousness): Yes. They were blondes. I like blondes. They reminded me of my wife. Look. I admit I'm messed up. I'm sick. But I never meant to hurt my son like I did. I was just afraid of him telling you everything.
Russell (seriously): I think you need a lawyer Victor.
Meanwhile, at Valerie Talbot's home, she and Kane are sitting on the couch in the den.
Valerie: When's Paul supposed to come over?
Kane: A little after twelve.
Valerie: Don't you want to tell me first?
Kane: I'd rather tell him first. It does concern his grandparents. (Valerie pouts and looks away. Kane sighs) Val, please don't be like this. I've never hid things from you before. I'm not about to start either. But I'd rather tell Paul first. I hope you can understand honey.
Valerie (turning to face him): I'm sorry Kane. I'm being childish. It's just that I love you and I'm worried about you.
Kane: I love you too. (He pulls her close and kisses her passionately, pushing her back onto the couch. Valerie gets a little flustered and breaks away)
Valerie: What's gotten into you all of a sudden? It's only nine-thirty. Come on into the kitchen and I'll fix you some fruit salad. (She begins heading out of the den)
Kane stands there watching her leave, and suddenly a strong force within him pushes up to the surface. He moves toward her, a disturbing look on his face.
Kane: Why are you leaving me Valerie?
Valerie (turning around): I'm going into the kitchen. Come on.
Kane grabs a crystal vase on the coffee table and slams it onto the floor, shattering it into pieces. Valerie jumps at Kane's unnerving reaction.
Valerie: What the hell is the matter with you? You're not upset because I stopped you from kissing me are you?
Kane: I'm tired of being left alone!
Valerie: You need to cool down right now. I'm going to the kitchen. When you think you can control yourself, feel free to join me. (She walks away)
Kane looks around the empty room for a moment, then sinks back onto the couch. A migraine begins forming in his skull and he grabs his head as it starts to throb violently.
Kane (grimacing through the pain): Dear Lord, I'm cracking up again. Oh God, please don't let me go crazy again. I don't think I could handle it this time.
Paul Harper is inside his office at Grimes Incorporated, sitting at his desk. But instead of doing work, he's writing a letter to his grandparents Peter and Sophia Garrett in Portland, Oregon.
Paul (thinking as he's writing):
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Garrett:
You probably don't want to hear from me, but I feel it's time that you do. I'm your grandson Paul---Kane's son. Kane found me last fall and since then, we've become very close. He has just begun to mention you and from what he's told me, his childhood wasn't the best. He did say you and hit him and Aunt Ingrid a lot, but I know there's much more that went on.
Paul paused to rub his head and look over his letter. He picked up his pen and continued writing:
I plead with you to shed some light on what happened all those years ago while Dad and Aunt Ingrid were kids. I know you've done some things that were horrible, but I'm not writing you to chastise you---I'm doing this for Dad's sake. The stress of his past is wearing him down, and I'm afraid he won't be able to handle it. If you still love your son, please tell me what happened out there.
Your grandson,
Paul Harper
Paul perused the letter, then folded it up and placed it in his desk drawer. With a heavy sigh, he went back to his computer and went on with his work.
Back to Brody's hospital room at Breckenridge Memorial.
Janet: I don't know if you can hear me Brody, but I just want you to know I love you very much. You may not want anything to do with me---God knows what Victor has said to you about me---but I'm here for you now, and I will be from now on. Because I'm your mother, and you're my boy. My beautiful little boy. (With tears running down her cheeks, Janet kisses Brody on the forehead, squeezes his hand one last time, and walks out of the room).
A few moments pass, then Brody's hand begins to move, reaching outward to where his mother sat. His eyes are still closed, but he begins whispering throatily.
Brody: M-M-Mother...
You don't want to miss next week's episode! That's when the killer claims their first victim! Who will it be? Also:
Brody awakens and calls for his mother.
Kane considers seeking psychiatric help.
Paul learns about his father's behavior towards Valerie.
THIS HAS BEEN COME NIGHTFALL
BY BREE PERRY
COPYRIGHT 2001