Episode 57, originally published 09-Aug-97

High Strung

Cricket is dressed like a small child in a dress that for once partially covers her upper legs and is bordered with lots of frills. Rubber bands around clumps of her hair create two pig-tails. She is crawling around on the floor playing with a bunch of marionettes that resemble the cast of Y&R. "I'm really tired of this one," she says holding up the Paul Williams doll to someone offstage. "Nonsense," comes a voice from offstage, "you're just not using it right." A pair of man's hands comes into view and plays with the strings of the Paul marionette. "See," says Cricket. "All it does is stand around and smile at whatever I do. It doesn't have a life of its own." "You're lucky it has a life at all," the voice says. "After you stabbed it that one day. You really have to be more gentle with your toys." "Why can't you get this one here to work?" She holds up the Danny Romalotti toy, but it seems to have been stuck to the Phyllis and Little Daniel models with some weird goop. She stretches them apart, but they just snap back. "I'm working on that one. I'm afraid I only have enough solvent to separate Danny from one or the other of them, but not both." "But I want to go back to being married to him, not him and his son." "We'll see, we'll see... what about this one over here?" One of the male hands points to the Michael Baldwin doll. "He's very cute, but his strings have never worked. When you tug on him to do something, he always does something else." "Well, why don't you play with the Paul doll a little while longer while I work on--" She slams down the Paul doll on the floor and stomps on it, then she sticks it in a box marked "boring old spare parts". "I won't! I won't. I won't..." she chants. The scene blurs and fades out.

Michael arrives at Legal Aid to see a very surprised Christine, who seems to suddenly snap out of a daze. "You are NOT supposed to be here, Michael. I could have you sent back to prison right now for this." "I know," says Michael. "And after I tell you what I have to say, perhaps you will. But please, hear me out first." "A condemned man's last request? Ok. Take your best shot." "I met a woman at a diner--I didn't know her name. She asked me to represent her in a matter." "You can't represent anyone, Michael. You're disbarred." "Agreed. So I took her to my firm and tried to arrange things so they would represent her, except... she insists I be involved or she'll take her case elsewhere." "Well, you can work on the case, you just can't represent her. Or she can take her case elsewhere. Michael, you taught me the law--you know all this." "There's just one wrinkle--it's a divorce matter, and her husband is a famous rock star." "Phyllis."

Ryan and Nina are in Ryan's office. A very thin dog enters and begins barking at Ryan. "Hey, fella. What are you trying to say? Huh?" Ryan ruffles the dog's hair and looks at his tag. "It says `Bingo Wilson. Hope's Farm, Kansas.' This dog must belong to Hope Wilson." Ryan looks back at the dog. "You're a long way from home, fella." Nina says, "Hope Wilson, that's Victor's ex-wife. Maybe she left him on her farm when she moved here after her husband died. Family is very important to a dog--dogs are fiercely loyal--maybe that's why they always seem to happy and content..." she needles Ryan. Then she turns to Ryan and says, "Ryan, there are some people I have to see--I'll see you at home tonight." He nods and says "Sure" as she exits.

Michael nods to Christine. "Exactly. Phyllis. And I told my boss that I must not work on the case but he insists that if I withdraw and the firm doesn't get the chance at the money, he'll fire me." "And you'll go back to prison." "Now you're starting to see. I want to do the right thing, but every option ends up with me back in prison... except the dishonest one, where I work in silence and hope I don't get caught. Which is why I came to you." "Because you don't want to be dishonest? Michael, I find that--" "Hard to believe? Maybe. Because it involves believing I've really turned around. Well, if you think that of me, then you should get on the phone and call the prison because I'd rather be sent back than be dishonest. I really have changed, Christine. And now, it's up to you to either believe that or to send me back." "So I can either send you to prison or be party to the fact that I knew of the violation." "That's right. But at least it's now out in the open--full disclosure... No one can say I tried to hide anything... Anyway, that's all I came to say." He hands her a card. "What's this? Your card? I know where you work, Michael." "The phone number of the parole board is on the back--I'm sure they're waiting for your call if you think that's the right thing. Thanks for your time." He bows and slips out. "Michael, wait--" Cricket says. But he's already on his way back out. "Michael, I don't want this responsibility," she mutters under her breath.

Nina enters Jill's office. Jill is seated at her desk. "Nina, what are you DOING here. Why aren't you at the gym. Don't you know how few days there are left in your trial period? If you're going to win your husband back, you have to work at it. Just think how surprised he'll be when he comes home and sees all the weight you've--" Jill stops talking immediately as the door bursts open. It's Keith. He doesn't see Nina and starts right in talking to Jill. "Jill, I've just found out that you're the grandmother of Ryan's son Phillip." "That's right--Ryan's only his stepfather, actually, but I am his real grandmother. This is Nina, Ryan's wife and Phillip's mother," she says pointing to Nina. "Oh, this is just great," says Keith. "So not only are you involved in this whole thing, you're the connecting bond between all of us so that it's really one great big family affair." "Well, I wouldn't put it quite that way," Jill says. "Well, how would you put it? Oh, never mind. Jill, I can't take any more surprises--I want you out of my house this evening." Keith storms out. Jill sighs and turns to Nina. "Uh, where were we?" "You were advising me about how to surprise my husband, and about how to keep my man. Jill, I suddenly think maybe you're not the best person to be advising me on this--I think I'd better go." "But Nina, ..." Jill starts to protest, but Nina is gone just as quickly.

The phone rings at Legal Aid. It's Paul. "Hi, Cricket. The weirdest thing just happened. I was setting up a security system here at a client's house and I went into the utility closet and suddenly it just slammed shut. I seem to be locked in!" Cricket shrugs. "Well, a smart detective like you, I'm sure you'll find your way out in no time. Michael Baldwin was here to see me." "Michael? What did he want?" "To tell me he reformed. And to give me the power to put him back in prison if I wanted." "Sounds like a trap of some kind." "Maybe, but I don't think so. Maybe he just finally realizes he really was wrong--" "In going after you while you were his law partner." "Well, not in going after me--who can blame a guy for that--just in not stopping to ask my opinion." "Chris, maybe it's time you--" But Chris is daydreaming again. She opens the spare parts box and takes the cell phone away from the Paul marionette, smashing it on the floor. Then, just as suddenly, she is lucid again. "Paul? Paul?" No answer. "Hmm. He must have hung up...."

Trisha enters Ryan's office and looks to the dog he is patting. "Funny, I thought I saw a dog LEAVING your office just a minute ago." "Very funny, Trisha--that was my wife," Ryan says. "If you say so," she says. Bingo starts to bark. "Come on fella," Ryan says, "tell us what you're barking about." "Where's he from?" "Kansas. Looks like he belongs to Hope Wilson--Victor's ex-wife." "Probably got tired of being tied up on the farm his whole life," Trisha speculates. "Maybe he heard there was more to life than sitting home in the evenings by the fire and decided to get out and see the world..." Ryan chuckles. "Maybe, but--" He is interrupted by the arrival of Mary Williams.

Nina goes wandering down the hallway at Jabot. Suddenly, Cole comes walking out of the lab and sees her. "Nina, hi!" he says. "Cole, it's really nice to see a friendly face." "What about your husband--I hope you haven't given up on your marriage--a marriage is something you can't neglect, you know." "Do you think maybe we could go somewhere and talk about it?" Nina asks. "Nina, I know you think that'd be a good idea but one thing you shouldn't be doing at a time like this is giving even the appearance of an impropriety. Spending time with me over coffee, it would be--" Ashley emerges from the lab and smiles at Cole and Nina. "See you at the Private Dining room in a few minutes," she says. Cole blushes and nods to her. Nina raises an eyebrow. "Private Dining Room, huh?" "Doing some research for my book." "Oh, it's a book about restaurants?" "About fragrances, actually..." Victoria enters from down the hall "Cole!" she yells angrily. "I just ran into Ashley and she says she's meeting you for lunch at the Private Dining Room." "It's research for a book," Nina volunteers helpfully. "Oh, and you'd know all about my husband and his research, wouldn't you, Nina? Cole, I can never get 5 minutes out of you when you're working on a book and this is the fifth time this week you've gone to the Private Dining Room with Ashley." "Fourth, actually," Cole corrects her. She looks at him irritatedly but he volunteers, "It was busy Wednesday and we had to go Gina's." "Oh, poor Cole. Slumming it with the Rich and Famous," Victoria says. Then she adds: "Spare me! I'm going to see my lawyer, Cole, I can't take any more of this."

"There you are, Bingo!" Mary says. She turns to the Ryan and Trisha. "I found this poor dog out on the street near Victor Newman's apartment building, howling into the air. It looks like it's Hope Wilson's dog--poor thing." "We were just discussing what he's trying to tell us." "Are you kidding?" Mary asks rhetorically. "It's written all over his furry little face--he's just hungry from his long trip. I was taking him to my house for a nice meal before he heads back home to Kansas where Hope has gone. Come on, Bingo--she's not here, and I have lots of sauerkraut and spare ribs left over from last night. My lord, I don't understand why Paul never eats up any more when he comes visiting. He used to eat double portions before he met Christine... well, all the more for you--and there should be plenty of leftovers for a doggy bag." Mary and Bingo exit.

Nina enters Cricket's office at Legal Aid. "Well, hello stranger," Cricket says. "Hi," Nina says quietly, not sure what she wants to volunteer. "Nina, it's none of my business, really, but shouldn't you be out exercising, or fixing dinner for your man, or doing something to let him know how much he means to you?" A well dressed man pokes his head in the glass door. "Christine Williams?" Cricket nods to him. "Yes, I'm she." "This is for you," he says, handing her a document and exiting all in one smooth motion. "Petition for divorce...?" "Divorce?" Nina asks. "Whose?" "Mine, apparently. It says here Paul feels like I've been neglecting him and instead obsessing about Danny, Michael Baldwin, etc. I can't BELIEVE this. I try to be a perfect wife, and then... well, I don't know what I'm getting upset about--I HAVE been the perfect wife. This is obviously Paul's problem. Now, let's get back to your petition for divorce." "Wait a minute, maybe I don't think that's my problem either." "Nina, will you listen to yourself? Of course it's your problem." "Why, Cricket? Why when you're faced with a divorce is it Paul's problem and when I'm faced with divorce it's my problem?" "Nina, I would love to be wrong on this, I really would, but I'm just sure I'm not. Trust me on this, ok? I'm your best friend--if you can't trust me, who can you trust?" "I don't know, Cricket. That's a very, very good question. But I really can't continue this right now--I have to go." Cricket shrugs as Nina rushes out. "Gee, I wonder what's got her all upset."

Nina comes home looking a little tired. Phillip is there. "Hi, Mom! Dad was looking for you. But then he went out--maybe to see that 20-year-old he's been dating." "That's nice, honey," Nina says. "Gee, Mom, you're not mad?" "Why should I be?" "Well, what if he doesn't come back to us?" "Phillip, you are the most wonderful son I could have. And I--I think I'm a pretty damned good mother. And if Ryan doesn't want that--well, then don't you think he deserves whatever second-rate choice he makes?" Phillip smiles. "All right! I've been telling the kids at school it was time you came out of your shell and started to kick butt the way you used to!" "Kick butt?? Phillip, you're too young to use language like that." "Sorry, Mom." "Still, it really does describe the situation accurately, doesn't it?" she says with a contented smile and gives him a big hug. He smiles, nods, and hugs back. Nina gets up and says, "I'm going shopping." "What for?" Phillip asks. "I don't know--a new husband?" she says jokingly. "Mom..." "Ok, it's premature for that--I don't know--just something to cheer me up. Mostly I just want to get out of the house. I'll be back later." "Ok, Mom." he says.

Ryan arrives home and Phillip greets him. "Hi, Dad!" "Is dinner ready? Where's your mom?" "She left you a note." Ryan goes to the kitchen and finds a note on the fridge.

 
  Ryan,

  I'm out shopping, so make your own dinner--or maybe Trisha
  will make you some if you don't remember how.  I'll be back
  later.  By the way, I've decided this marital trial period
  is a big joke.  You're welcome to stay as long as it takes
  you to decide, but if you decide you don't want me, that's
  fine, too.  I don't want to be with anyone who thinks I'm a
  struggle to be around.  I can do better than that.

  Love, Nina

The phone rings. "Hi, Ryan, it's Trisha." "Hi, I was just thinking about you." "Want to get some dinner?" "No, no... I think I'm just going to have a quiet evening at home tonight--thanks, though."

Young Cricket is with her dolls again. She shakes the Nina doll. "Daddy, this one's supposed to be my best friend. Can't you make her listen to me better? I can barely control her. And while you're at it, couldn't you take a knife to her and whittle her down a little?" A tired voice says, "My work is never done, I guess. I did get the Michael Baldwin model fixed up, did you see?" "Yes, Daddy, I'll play with him awhile while you work on the Nina..." The scene fades and we see the oft-replayed scene of Cricket with Michael in the hotel room from years ago. "Michael, do you mean my job depends on putting out for you? That I'll be fired if I don't?" "No, Christine," he says. "Your job at this law firm is secure. You're the best lawyer here. I just mean to say that I love you dearly--you are a goddess and I find myself unable to resist your womanly charms." "Well," says Christine, "when you put it that way... I can hardly blame you. You may have your way with me." Cricket wakes up from her dream. She is in pig-tails again, crying. "Oh, Daddy. If the Michael doll is going to be fixed I don't want him to be an ex-criminal. That's really yucky. Can you make it so he never did anything bad? Oh, please, Daddy, can you?" "Well, I normally don't like to--" "But you did it for the Nina and Cole when the Victoria doll went crazy and wanted to go on strike." "Well, that was an emergency, and I did things in a rush--and just look at what a mess I made of the replacement doll." "Oh, please, Daddy... find some way to rehabilitate the Michael. I don't want to be dating a criminal." "All right, all right! Just go back to your playing. Daddy will think of something..."

That's all for this episode. Hope you learned something. Don't miss Episode 58!
If you missed any older episodes, see the index.

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