The Diner of Love
3503 Angel Square Court
Llanview, PA  

"Nothin' Could Be Finer Than Some Lovin' In the Diner"
"There ain't no lovin' like some diner lovin', hey ho"

 

What can I get you?

Coffee's a dollar

I hope you like whip cream.

I just love the Voice of the Night. We have this special connection.


MARCAL SCENES

PAGE 44

Scene 49

 Ticking Clocks & Time's Witness
OLTL: 2/11/04 & 2/12/04 

 

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

 

 At the Llanview Police Station, Marcie is sitting at her desk talking on the phone.

Marcie: Yeah, Agent McBain really needs that tape. Ok, well, just call me as soon as it's ready. Yeah, I'll walk it back from forensics myself. Oh. Right. Yeah, that’s going to be fun, for Valentine's Day.

 


At the diner, Al is sitting in a booth and Luna is perched on the back of one of the benches.

Al: Simply Red's doing a couple of nights at the spectrum down in Philly. That's Marcie's favorite band. She was supposed to see them in New York with that guy Greg.

Luna: Oh, yeah, that's the night she was supposed to -- she had Eve McBain over for dinner, didn’t she?

Al: Yeah, so she missed the concert for me. I'm going to bring the band to her, on Valentine's Day.

Luna: Well, that's a tall order.

Al: Yeah. I'm talking to the band's manager later on. I'm telling you, Luna, if I can pull this off, I think it'll do it, you know? She'll finally see that it's really me, Al, inside of here and, you know, we'll finally get to be together.

Luna: Oh, gosh, darling, I hope it works. You know what, though? I'm going to miss you.

Al: I'm not going to see you anymore.

Luna: Yeah, you will. Someday. Oh, a long time from now.

Al: I've been thinking about Marcie so much, I kind of forgot everything else. I forgot completely that I was going to lose Al's memories. I got to go and say goodbye.

 


 

Al walks into the police station and rushes over to Marcie, who is still sitting at her desk.

Marcie: Oh, Michael. Listen, I'm really glad that you came by. I was going to call you. It's about Valentine's Day.

Al: I'm sorry. You're not going to cancel.

Marcie: Well, it's just that, like, I still have all this stuff at Jen's house and I really have to get it moved out, so --

Al: Well, then I'll help you move -- today, tomorrow, anytime. Just please don't cancel on me. Please?

Marcie: Ok.

Bo walks out into the main area and nods at Al.

Bo: How you doing?

Al: Hey. Commissioner, can I have a word with you?

Bo: Sure. What can I do for you?

Al: I found this in the lost and found.

Bo: This was Gabrielle's. She was going to read this while she was recuperating from that transplant, but then, when Al -- you know what? Her name is not really anywhere in here. How'd you know this was hers?

Al: If you remember, I did her post-op. It was in the room. I really thought you should have it. I hope I'm not being out of line here. I saw Gabrielle on New Year’s Eve, and -- well, she looked really happy.

Bo: That's nice to hear.

Al: Thanks.

Bo: Hmm?

Al: For keeping the community so safe. We appreciate it.

Bo: Thanks for dropping this by.

Al: Yeah.

Bo: Marcie, I'm going to be down in court.

Marcie: Ok.

 


 

At Rodi’s, Al is waiting for someone. Luna is riding shotgun as usual.

Luna: Whoo! Hey, what you did for Bo was really wonderful, even though he might think you're a little weird right now.

Al: Yeah, he probably does.

Luna: Yeah.

Al: You know, I have so many people to see. I didn't really get the chance to say goodbye to people last time I was on my way out.

Man: Excuse me. Michael McBain?

Al: Yes.

Luke: Luke West. I manage Simply Red. You want to book the band?

Al: Well, not exactly. You see, I'm a huge fan, but their biggest fan in the world lives right here in Llanview.

Luke: Very nice, I'm sure.

Al: No, no, no, hear me out, hear me out. You see, this fan -- her name is Marcie, and -- well, I'm just nuts about her. And I want to get her something incredible for Valentine's Day.

Luke: You want the band to serenade her?

Al: Yeah, yeah. You know, they're doing a show in Philly, so I figured, you know, they stop by for a late show here.

Luke: Oh. And it's that easy, is it?

Al: Well, we do have a great club here. I could guarantee a packed house. Ultra Violet -- it's off the hook.

Luke: Sorry, mate. We run a very tight schedule as it is.

Al: Please, just hear me out, ok? Now, if I could get them to sing just a couple of songs, I'm sure that would do it. That would help me to get through to her, man, because I -- I got to sound like a total lunatic right now. I know I must sound like an insane fan, but I really don't care. You see, I really love this woman with all of my heart, and our entire future is riding on that day.

Luke: That -- that is an amazing story, and it's touched me. It really has.

Al: Great! Then you'll do it? You'll talk to the band?

Luke: No! No way in hell!

RJ has been listening and approaches Al and Luke.

Luke: Now, look, I've got to go. Good luck with the girl.

R.J.: Excuse me. I'm R.J. Gannon. I -- well, I own a few of the clubs here in town. Maybe you've heard of Capricorn.

Luke: Yeah. Good venue.

R.J.: Well, thank you. Thank you. I was thinking, I can make it available, one night only, February 14. Think about it. Simply Red, One Night Only.

Luke: The band has a gig.

R.J.: Well, that's fine, but they can drop in late, play a short set. Make it a surprise, if you want.

Al: Yeah, like Bruce Springsteen at the Stone Pony.

R.J.: And I can pay the full fee. Huh? Guarantee media coverage. Look, why don't you run it by the band and see what they say?

Luke: Oh, what the hell? I'll make the call.

R.J.: Cool.

Al: Yes! I can't believe it! Wait a second. Why did you help me?

RJ: ( smiles at Al) Simply Red, February 14 at Capricorn.

Luke returns.

Luke: He said he'd do the gig. I'm not sure why.

R.J.: Well, obviously, he stands behind all those love songs he writes.

Luke: I'll be in touch. See you guys.

R.J.: Great.

Al: You just saved my life.

R.J.: Look, forget about it. But look, spread the word about Simply Red performing at Capricorn, huh?

Al: No problem.

R.J.: Right.

Evangeline walks up to RJ.

Evangeline: I got a call you wanted to meet me here?

R.J.: Well, yes, I heard that court recessed early. You know, I have been following the trial.

Evangeline: R.J., I know how you feel about Todd, but I -- he's my client, and I don't have time to --

R.J.: No, no, no, no -- shh, shh, shh, no. I don't want to talk about him or any of that. I was just wondering if you have any plans for Valentine’s Day.

Evangeline: No plans yet.

R.J.: Hmm. So, what do you think about you and me, some great music, a long massage.

Evangeline: No talk about the case?

R.J.: No. No, no, no, None. Zero. Just you and me.

Evangeline: Oh -- you're on. You're on!

[R.J. Chuckles]

Evangeline: Thank you. Mmm.

 


 

Jessica spots Al and walks up to him.

Jessica: Hi. Have you seen Natalie around anywhere?

Al: No. Is something wrong?

Jessica: I just need to talk to her, that's all.

Al: Well, you know, if you need to talk to somebody, you could talk to me.

Jessica: It's kind of personal.

Al: Oh, it's a girl thing. You can't talk to a guy about it. I understand.

Jessica: No, that's not it at all. You just made me think of someone, a good friend of mine.

Al: Really? Who's that?

Jessica: Al Holden. He's one of my closest friends. I could tell him anything. Well, I should go and try to find Natalie.

Al: Goodbye, Jessica.

Jessica: You're talking like we're never going to see each other again.

Al: Yeah.

 


  

Thursday, February 12, 2004

 

At the police station, John is sitting in Bo’s office watching a videotape of he and Caitlin.

John's voice: I'm going to go take a look around, ok?

Caitlin’s voice: Come and kiss me first.

John's voice: Ok.

Caitlin’s voice: I love you so much.

A gunshot rings out.

John's voice: Caitlin!

Another gunshot is heard.

Someone knocks on the office door.

Marcie: I'm sorry. I just saw you come in. I thought maybe I could get you something -- coffee, tea, me? (laughs) What about a sandwich from Lundy's? You know, they make great smoothies.

John: Not now.

Marcie: Oh, ok. Yeah, sure. Well, if you change your mind, I'll be outside, ok?

Marcie walks back to her desk and finds a card.  She opens it and reads the message.

Marcie: "Tomorrow night will be more than just a Valentine's Day party. I have an incredible surprise for you. Michael."


 

At Rodi’s, Al talks to Natalie as she works the bar.

Al: Hey, Natalie, you coming to the Valentine's Day party at Capricorn tomorrow night?

Natalie: I don't know.

Al: Listen, I had to pull some strings, but I got Simply Red to play.

Natalie: Simply Red? I love that band. That's -- that's amazing. That's -- but I don't know that I'm really ready for that.

Al: Yeah, I know and I understand, but, I mean, what could be the harm in stopping by and listening to a couple of songs?

Natalie: I'll think about it.

Al: Good. Oh, yeah, by the way, whatever you do, don't mention a word of this to Marcie. It's a big surprise.

Natalie: No problem. Seems that you are pretty crazy about Marcie, about as much as Al was.

Al: Well, yeah. You got a problem with that?

Natalie: No, but you might. I mean, when a girl loses a guy like we did -- I'm just saying that Marcie may not be ready for a new guy, that's all.

Al: Depends on the guy. Plus, if you're at Capricorn tomorrow night, you don't have to serve drinks.

Natalie: Michael, oh, my god --

Michael’s cell phone rings.

Al: Hello? Dr. McBain.

Marcie: It's me, Marcie. I got your card.

Al: But did you get the message?

Marcie: I did. But I'm not going to be able to make that party after all, Michael.

Al: What? No, you have to make it. You are what makes it.

Marcie: You know, it's just -- it's really a bad time. Everyone here at the station -- half of the staff is out with the flu, and, you know, they're counting on me, so --

Al: For what? To answer the phones?

Marcie: That and coordinating things. You know, I'm more up to speed than most people around here.

Al: Listen, Marcie, you want to tell me what's really going on here? Because this is the second time that you've tried to cancel this date.

Marcie: Yeah. All right, to tell you the truth, I'm really not ready to spend Valentine’s Day with anybody else. I'm still in love with Al.

Al: Look, there's no mistletoe or a kiss at midnight or anything like that. I mean, it's just a couple people --

Marcie: I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I got to go. Bye.

Al: I have to get her to fall in love with me by Valentine’s Day or else I'm going to be gone, forever.


 

At the police station, the phone on Marcie’s desk rings.

Marcie: Llanview Police Department. Oh, hey, yeah. Hold on, I'll buzz John.

John is still watching the video.  The intercom buzzes.

John: Yeah.

Marcie: Antonio Vega on line two for you, from Chicago.

John: Yeah, Antonio, what do you got?

In the main room, Bo walks over to Marcie’s desk.

Bo: Marcie, could you do me a favor -- call around and see if you can locate Rae Cummings for me?

Marcie: Yeah, sure. Will do.

Bo: Thank you.

John: All right. That's good. At least it's something, all right? Take care of yourself.

Bo: What's up?

John: That doctor in Illinois, the one who treated the love child killer -- the one who died?

Bo: Yeah?

John: No trace of a death certificate. Just returned mail marked "Deceased."

Bo: That was a few years ago.

John: Something about it, Bo, just not right.

Marcie is talking on the phone.

Marcie: Yes, any charges on Rae Cummings' card, call me right away. Ok, Thanks. Bye.

She hangs up and sees Al.

Al: Ok, just two minutes. You got to give me at least two minutes.

Marcie: Michael, what are you doing here?

Al: I got to change your mind about tomorrow night.

Marcie: Oh, no, listen, there are going to be other nights.

Al: No. The Valentine's party tomorrow night is our last chance. It's literally a matter of life and death.

Marcie: "Life and death"? Don't you think you're being a little melodramatic, Michael?

Al: Well, I know that it sounds like that, but, no, I'm not.

Marcie: All right, well, whose life? Whose death? I mean, who are we talking about? Because people -- they really do die.

Al: Well, it's sort of one of those Shirley McClain metaphysical sort of deals. Listen, I know that you think that I'm exaggerating here, but this is really important to me. I know that you're still hung up on Al.

Marcie: I am not hung up on Al. I'm in love with him.

Al: Right, right, and I get that. But I have really gone to a lot of trouble to make a big surprise for you. No pressure.

Marcie: Look, I really didn't want to get into this, but the station at college -- the radio station -- they asked me to put on a special Valentine's Day tribute for Al, so that's what I'm going to be doing.

Al: Sounds really nice. Think maybe you can make it afterwards?

Marcie: Oh, I --

Al: Hey, what if I had bailed on you and that stupid dinner party that you threw when you sprang my mom on me out of no place?

Marcie: It was not stupid, and that was completely different!

Al: No, it wasn’t.

Marcie: Yeah -- all right, ok. Ok, fine. If it really means that much to you -- but only after I do my radio broadcast.

Al: Great. Thank you, Marcie. I'm telling you, you are not going to regret this. It's going to be a night to remember.


 

At Rodi’s, Al asks Natalie for her advice.

Al: Hey, Natalie. Listen, do you think that Marcie would want, like, these animal pens or just some red roses or -

Natalie: Have you talked to your brother?

Al: John, no. Hey, do you know if he likes Simply Red?

Natalie: Listen I think that John may be under a lot of pressure right now, and he needs all the support he can get.

Al: Oh, all right. Well, I'll check on him when I get home. I'll ask him if he wants to go to that concert.

 


 

At the police station, Marcie signals to Bo.

Marcie: Commissioner?

Bo: Yeah?

Marcie: Rae Cummings just called in. She's on line one.

Bo: Thank you.

Marcie: Mm-hmm.

Bo: Rae?

Rae: Bo. I'm calling because I haven't been able to reach Nora.

Bo: Nora's right here.

Nora: Hey, Rae, hi. Where have you been?

Rae: I'm so sorry I missed testifying in court, but I had an emergency, a call from a suicidal patient. I had to go to her instantly.

Nora: Oh, fine. I just wish you'd called. We were -- we were getting worried about you.

Rae: I can't say much more about it to protect the patient's privacy. You understand.

Nora: No, yes, absolutely. Can I count on you tomorrow in court?

Rae: I promise I'll be in touch as soon as the crisis is over.

Bo: Rae, are you sure you're all right?

Rae: I'm just worried about the patient, Bo. I'll be in touch. I did the best I could.

Haver: Excellent. And congratulations for sticking to the script. And your little ad lib -- you clearly want to stay alive.

Rae: Yes, of course I do. Ok. What happens now?

Haver: Now, let's talk about my next victim, shall we? And how and when she's going to die.

 

 


 

 

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