PREVIOUSLY ON - - - ALL MY CHILDREN


Anna: Hey! What are you doing?
David: What was that you were just saying about trust?

Liza: What is it?
Adam: It's from your lawyer. It seems you're divorcing me.

Erica: Mr. Stamp is no longer representing me.
Judge: Who is, Ms. Kane?
Erica: I will be representing myself, your honor.

TODAY'S - - - ALL MY CHILDREN


[Gallery murmurs]

Jack: Erica, listen to me. Listen to me. You can't defend yourself.
Chris: You are charged with second-degree murder.
Judge: Silence!
Chris: You get that?
Erica: Chris, I know exactly what's at stake.
Chris: Then you also know you're out of your mind.
Judge: Ladies and gentlemen, I will have silence in this courtroom immediately!

[Gallery quiets]

Judge: Now, Ms. Kane, if you have some sort of hidden agenda where you think for one moment that you're going to make a mockery of this trial or --
Erica: No, your honor, no. The only thing I am saying is that I simply no longer choose to have Mr. Stamp represent me.
Judge: And if you represent yourself, do you understand what that means?
Chris: No, your honor, she does not understand what she means.
Erica: You no longer speak for me, Chris. Yes, your honor, I do understand.
Judge: Any mistakes you make you will be held accountable for. Since this is a voluntary order or decision on your part, I will not entertain any -- any -- motions for a mistrial based on your lack of appropriate representation. And, Ms. Kane, your incompetence will not be grounds for an appeal.
Erica: No, your honor. I understand that. The only appeal that I want to make is for my daughter's love.

David: I assume you're not going to claim that this just levitated itself into your purse.
Anna: No. You're not a fool.
David: Thank you. So you spent all that energy trying to convince me that you're trustworthy -- and you were very convincing, by the way -- and then you take this. What do you want to do with it, Anna?
Anna: I'll let you do the math.
David: You're going to test it to see if I'm telling the truth about my research. Is that right? You're amazing.
Anna: That sounded almost like a compliment.
David: Oh, it is. And yet, here you are standing there smiling, cool as they come. But you're ready to believe that I injected myself with a drug and what -- staged that whole performance last night?
Anna: Oh, no, no, no. You weren't acting last night. You were seriously ill.
David: So you think I actually made myself seriously ill to prove that I am not Proteus? Which means that you still believe that I am Proteus. Am I right, Anna?

Adam: We just made love. You told me you loved me. You told me you wanted -- wanted us to raise Colby together.
Liza: Yes.
Adam: That was you that said those words just now, wasn't it?
Liza: Yes. Yes.
Adam: Well, what the hell is this? What is it -- you -- you trying to test me? Is it a lie? Is it some kind of a sick joke you're playing?
Liza: Well, if it is, you deserve it.

Judge: Ms. Kane, it is not the function of this court to help you protect your daughter. It's the function of this court to get to the truth.
Erica: And you will, your honor, I promise. I will tell you everything that happened. If someone will swear me in?
Jack: Your honor, I respectfully remind the court that I have yet to rest my case.
Erica: Oh, Jack. You've had hours and hours to say everything you want. Just let me get on the witness stand so we can get on with this.
Judge: Ms. Kane, will you at least allow this court to assign you an attorney that can counsel you on legal procedures?
Erica: I don't need one, your honor.
Thank you. Jack: Your honor, if it pleases the court, I think now would be a great time for a short recess.
Judge: Granted. Court's in recess. We'll reconvene in 15 minutes.
Bailiff: All rise.

[Reporters talking at once]

Jack: All right, look, you may not be my choice for lawyer of the year, but you're a hell of a lot better than her trying to defend herself.
Chris: Do you think you're telling me something I don't know?
Jack: Well, then, for God's sake, talk her out of it, Chris.
Chris: Well, when was the last time you tried to talk her out of anything, especially when it concerned Bianca?
Jack: If she gets up on that stand, I'm going to have to tear her apart. You know that.
Chris: I know that.
Jack: Well, I don't want to do that to her, and I sure as hell don't want to do it with my brother's daughter sitting there watching me do it. So you figure something out!

Opal: Erica, what are you doing?
Erica: I'm going to keep my daughter out of jail.
Opal: But, Honey, you can't do it like this.
Erica: Opal -- watch me.
Opal: Honey, I know that you want to save your baby.
Erica: She's already too close to the edge, Opal. And if Chris starts pushing her, then she might have remembered.
Opal: And that's what you're afraid of, I know, but --
Erica: Can you --
Opal: You need a lawyer. You have got to think of yourself.
Erica: Can you imagine what that would do to Bianca if she had to -- had to face the fact that she is the one who killed Frankie? I mean, that would destroy her.
Opal: Oh, my Lord. I don't know if what you are doing is just bullheaded and crazy or if it's the bravest thing I ever saw.
Erica: It's not a choice, Opal. I am doing what I have to do.
Opal: Well, all right then, but at least get yourself a real lawyer protecting you. Get Chris back in here and make him do things the way you want.
Erica: I can't. He's too good. I didn't count on him being so good.
Opal: Or so in love with you that he would try to save you in spite of yourself.
Erica: No, don't say that. Please don't say that. Look, I know that I'm -- I'm hurting a lot of people. And I just -- I can't think about that right now.
Opal: Honey, how long do you think you can keep this up?
Erica: As long as it takes to keep Bianca safe.
Opal: I know that you don't want to hear this, but you --
Erica: Listen to me, Opal. Bianca will not remember as long as she thinks that I did it. And if that means I'm going to jail, then that's where I am going.
Opal: No --
Erica: I can't even begin --

Chris: Opal -- I need to talk to Erica, privately.
Opal: Yeah. You sure do.
Chris: Thank you.

Erica: I know what you're going to say. But you don't understand about Bianca, Chris. I am so upset about her. I mean, she doesn't know how much I love her. And -- and if you were to question her, she'd --
Chris: Cut the bull.
Erica: What are you talking about?
Chris: I'm talking about you acting like some mindless flake. Look, I don't know what kind of a game you're up to, Erica, but I've had it right about up to here with you and I am this close -- this close -- to walking out.

Adam: You make love to me and then serve me with divorce papers.
Liza: I didn't mean for it to come now.
Adam: Oh, that's terrific. That makes all the difference.
Liza: I wanted to wait till the holidays were over --
Adam: This isn't about timing, Liza. You just said this is what I deserve.
Liza: Yes, because you drive me crazy.
Adam: How? Liza: We came home and Colby was here and she sees you and her eyes just light up and she comes running into your arms and she adores you. I adore you.
Adam: Great! You adore me, I adore you. Hey, Colby adores both of us. Then what the hell am I doing with divorce papers in my hand?
Liza: Because it scares me.
Adam: Why?
Liza: I have to -- I have to ask these things because of Colby. What am I doing?
Adam: You think I'm not good for our daughter? What gives you the right to say that?
Liza: I have to.
Adam: Why? Why? Why do -- why -- why am I always wrong when it comes to Colby?
Liza: Look at your children.
Adam: No, that isn't fair.
Liza: You know, you're talking about fair. It's not about what's fair. This is about a little girl's life and your lousy track record.
Adam: This is wrong. You know, it's wrong. It's irrational.
Liza: Let's talk about Hayley and what's going on in her marriage.
Adam: It's not Hayley's fault that Mateo is a bastard.
Liza: She chose him.
Adam: She made a mistake.
Liza: What about -- what about J.R.?
Adam: J.R. has some problems, yes.
Liza: He is an angry and sad teenager who has a wonderful mother who couldn't even help him.
Adam: A wonderful mother who took time to have an affair with David Hayward. No! Don't tell me that it's over with my kids. They've got -- they're young. They've got plenty of time to get it all together.
Liza: After a lot of pain. I just -- I want you to hear me. I -- I want Colby to -- just to be --
Adam: Safe.
Liza: Promise me that loving you will not ruin her life.
Adam: I can't.

Anna: Do I still think you're Proteus? Is that what you're asking me?
David: Yes, it is.
Anna: Well, the one thing we know about him is that he has a medical background -- at least that's what we think we know.
David: You could be wrong.
Anna: Yeah, yeah. It could just be smoke and mirrors.
David: And that's why he's known as the God of many disguises.
Anna: That is the only thing we are certain about -- that he's been able to keep this disguise going for so long because he's brilliant at play-acting. And you fit the bill.
David: So do you.
Anna: You suspect me? Oh. That's a new twist.
David: Why shouldn't I?
Anna: No reason, I guess.
David: Isn't it comforting to know that our relationship is on such solid and stable ground?
Anna: What, mutual suspicion isn't a solid basis for a relationship?
David: Well, it's not with most people.
Anna: Yeah, but we're unique, aren't we?
David: Are we? Or are we just --
Anna: What?
David: Never mind.
Anna: Yeah. What did you want, anyway? Blind faith? Undying love and commitment?

Bailiff: Ladies and gentlemen, this court is about to reconvene.

Bianca: Oh, God.
Leo: Come on, come on. We're getting out of here. Let's just go home.
Bailiff: All rise.
Bianca: No, I'm ok. I'm fine.
Leo: No, you're not fine. Let's go.
Bianca: I will be fine. I got to be here for my mom.

[Judge pounds gavel]

Judge: Court is now back in session. The people may continue.
Jack: The prosecution rests, your honor.
Judge: The defense may proceed.
Erica: As I said, your honor, I will be taking the stand myself.
Bailiff: Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give this court is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?
Erica: I do.

David: Sorry, Anna. I can't let anyone interfere with my research.
Anna: No, your ticket to redemption and forgiveness.
David: Maybe my ticket to Sweden and the Nobel, not to mention a patent worth millions.
Anna: Oh, money and power. It's nice to know the old-fashioned values aren't dead.
David: Yeah, I've always considered myself an old-fashioned kind of guy.
Anna: Is that what you call it?
David: Right now, Pine Valley -- I get to look down at it. After I'm finished with this, Pine Valley will be looking up at me.
Anna: Triumphant at last.
David: How would you like to share that with me, Anna? Hmm? Or would you feel more triumphant bringing me down? You do have power over me now.
Anna: Well, you just ground my evidence under your heel.
David: But you do know my secret.
Anna: Yeah. I guess I do.
David: So, what are you really going to do with it, Anna?

Adam: No, I can't give you any guarantees. And I sure as hell am no good at predicting the future.
Liza: I'm not asking for that.
Adam: No, I think if you're honest with yourself, Sweetheart, that is exactly what you're asking.
Adam: If after everything we've been through, all that we have shared with each other, if you still want a divorce, then you show me where to sign.

Erica: To begin with, I believe that I was the only one who saw through Frankie. I saw her as a con artist from the moment she staged that accident with my car.
Chris: Don't go there, Erica. Please.
Erica: And even though she didn't try to sue me, that was a red flag. This has never been about you, honey, and who you are. I didn't like Frankie and who she was. She was out to hurt you. She was after the money, Bianca. She wanted to exploit you, and I knew it.

Ronnie: Can you say "dig your own grave"?

Myrtle: This can't be helping her.
Opal: She doesn't care. Look at the expression on Bianca's face. That's all that Erica is thinking about.

Erica: I know that I've told you this so many times. But I am hoping that if I tell you this now, here, in front of everyone, that you'll hear me. I'm so proud of you. You have experienced so much sorrow, more than anyone your age should ever have to. And you have handled it beautifully, Honey.
Judge: Ms. Kane, this is getting a little far afield. Are you sure this is the direction you want to go in?
Erica: Oh, yes, yes, your honor. This is exactly what I want to say. You loved your father. And you lost him. And you loved Sarah. And you lost her. And you have been targeted by the tabloids just because you're the daughter of a celebrity. And I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you from that. But, you know, it didn't matter because you stood up. You stood up to all of it. So when you say that I'm ashamed of you because you're gay, that breaks my heart. I could never be ashamed of you for any reason. You're my hero. Don't you know that?
Bianca: Oh, Mom, I love you.
Erica: I want the right person to love you. The right person. I don't care if it's a man or a woman. That's your choice. I just want you to be happy. You deserve that, honey. You deserve that. I'm so sorry that you've been hurt. I would do anything if I could take away that pain for you.
Bianca: I know you love me, Mom. I love you, too.

Erica: I'm finished, your honor.
Jack: Not so fast, Ms. Kane.
Jack: I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.
Jack: Ms. Kane, you've just made a rather eloquent statement of love for your daughter, which I have to assume was meant in some way to be your defense, since you've chosen not to reveal anything of what you might know about the night Frankie Stone was murdered despite assurances to this court that you intended to do so.
Erica: You make it sound as if I lied.
Jack: However, for the time being, let's just deal with your feelings for your daughter. Now, isn't it true that from the very moment Frankie stone entered Bianca's life, everything you've done has been for your own selfish motives?
Chris: Object. Don't let him get away with that.
Jack: In point of fact, isn't your only interest really in keeping your daughter to yourself, for you and you alone, despite what it may cost her or anyone else?
Chris: That's badgering. It's argumentative.
Jack: And that's not love, now, is it, Ms. Kane? What that is is your self-serving, almost neurotic possessiveness towards your daughter.
Erica: How dare you. How dare you say these things to me, Jackson Montgomery. You know that everything I've done has been to protect my daughter.
Jack: From Frankie Stone?
Erica: From anyone who would try to hurt her.
Jack: Well, let's move on to Frankie Stone for just a moment. After you struck this young woman with your automobile, you left her on the side of the road. And instead of calling an ambulance for her assistance, you called your lawyer.
Erica: I have already explained that. I knew that she wasn't really hurt.
Jack: And how would you know that? Are you a medical doctor?
Erica: I know when someone is trying to con me.
Jack: Oh, yes. Yes. And despite that, I mean, you -- you've already testified that you didn't trust her from the very beginning.
Chris: Don't answer that.
Erica: I disliked Frankie Stone because I knew what she was. She tried to hide it, but I knew it. And I knew that I would have to keep her out of my daughter's life.
Jack: Yes, we've heard. We've heard Vanessa Cortlandt testify that you threatened to kill Frankie Stone.
Erica: I was angry.
Jack: And that wasn't the only time that you threatened to take that young girl's life, was it?
Erica: Jack, if you are going to hold me to every word I've ever said, then --
Jack: On October 30, 2001, in the corridors of this very courthouse, you were overheard to threaten Frankie Stone's life. Only, this time, it was a little bit different, wasn't it? This time, you actually said it to Frankie Stone. Now, do I have that right?
Erica: You know that I say things I don't mean!
Jack: Is it right?
Erica: Yes.
Jack: Did you ever make good on any of these threats, Ms. Kane?
Erica: Jack.
Jack: Did you?
Erica: No.
Jack: So, you do mean to tell this court --

Opal: You can't go now.
Chris: Why not?
Opal: Because Erica needs you.
Chris: She's the one who tied my hands behind my back.
Opal: I know, but still --
Chris: Look, Opal, she's throwing her life away in there, and I sure as hell am not going stand in there and watch her do it.

Jack: Ok, let's try this another way. Your daughter, Bianca, walked in on Frankie stone in bed with a boy. Is that correct?
Erica: Yes.
Jack: And then when Bianca left, Frankie Stone called you, right?
Erica: Yes, she did.
Jack: And she told you that Bianca was very upset, correct?
Erica: Yes.
Jack: Is that when you threatened to kill her? Yes or no, Ms. Kane?
Erica: Yes.
Jack: And then what happened?
Erica: Then, I -- I w
ent to see Frankie. Jack: To see her or to kill her?
Erica: No.
Jack: "No"? "No"? "No," what? Which is it?
Erica: I -- I --
Jack: You what, Ms. Kane?
Erica: All right. Yes! Yes, I shot her! Yes, I shot her! I had to!

[Gallery murmurs]

Jack: Would you please repeat that for this courtroom, Ms. Kane?
Erica: I shot Frankie Stone. I killed her.
[Judge pounds gavel]
Judge: Order!

Anna: Before I tell you what I'm going to do, why don't you tell me how it works?
David: How what works?
Anna: This miracle drug of yours, the one that could have saved Dixie's mother, that might some day save Dixie herself. How does it work?
David: Well, I could tell you, but I'm not sure you'd really understand.
Anna: Oh, right. It would go over my head.
David: No, that's not exactly what I was saying.
Anna: You didn't have to. You must hate this.
David: Hate what?
Anna: The fact that I've got the upper hand and you're having to ask me not to use it.
David: Well, how would you feel if it was reversed?
Anna: Yeah. You don't have to worry. I know how much this research means to you. I'm not going to tell anyone.
David: Thank you.
Anna: Oh. Do you think you could say that like you actually meant it?
David: Oh, you mean like I actually believe that I can trust you?
Anna: See? We're back to that again. You can trust me, David. You can. I'll prove it to you.
David: It's never going to be simple with us, is it?
Anna: Is simple what you want?
David: I have to get back to Pine Valley. I have work to do.

Adam: We can go on with this marriage, wherever it takes us -- no charts, no maps, no way of knowing what's going to happen next. That's the way it'll be if we stay together.
Liza: No guarantees.
Adam: No. Or we can end it right here.
Liza: We would know what would happen.
Adam: Oh, yes. You know, the trouble with us is we need to know what's going to happen next. I'm not talking about a crystal ball. We need to program the damn thing. You're as bad as I am.
Liza: Yes, I am.
Adam: Yes. But we can't control our children's lives. We can't predict that they'll never have any pain, that they'll be successes or failures or be happy or sad.
Liza: Don't you think we should try?
Adam: How? How can I promise you that Colby will never have the same kind of pain that J.R. and Hayley have? I wouldn't insult your intelligence by trying.
Liza: Thank you, I think.
Adam: What I can promise is that I will try like hell, fight like hell to keep Hayley and Colby and J.R. From having that kind of pain. I've been doing it all my life. That's what's gotten me in so much trouble. I couldn't stop even if I wanted to, which I don't. That's me. Take it or leave it. Take me, or leave me.
[Liza tears up the divorce papers - but stops Adam from hugging her]
Liza: No, don't.

David: What are you doing lurking outside the Valley Inn, Vanessa? Waiting for me?
Vanessa: Obviously I wanted to see you, Darling.
David: Oh, really? What for? You need help setting up your next tryst with your boyfriend in the front seat?
Vanessa: David, really, I'm so sorry you found out about that little arrangement between Larry and me.
David: Yeah, it was kind of hard not to. You were doing the nasty in my bed, remember?
Vanessa: Let's not be crude, huh? Besides, we have far more interesting things to talk about. Hmm. I had -- well, first of all, I found out something quite fascinating about you, dear. I had the most interesting conversation sitting in the bar next to one Roger Smythe the other evening. My, the man certainly can down his martinis, can't he?
David: Damn it.
Vanessa: Yes, well, he did get rather talkative. You know, David, I don't think I would have shared quite so much information with him had I been you.

David: It's not like I had much choice. Vanessa: No, no, of course not. You were too busy saving his life. He told me all about it. Well, you know, actually I had no idea you were such a humanitarian, Dear.
David: I don't understand something. What the hell do you think you're going to get out of this? My research is vitally important, Vanessa. It will save lives.
Vanessa: Yes, and it will also make you a household name, a very rich household name, darling. And as Roger was saying, it might even win you the Warneford prize. Or, dare we dream, the Nobel?
David: There are no "we's" involved in my research.
Vanessa: Well, that's where you're wrong, Darling. You see, as the wife of the chairman of the board of the hospital, I can be very influential in getting you exactly what you want.
David: Really? And what do you want in return?
Vanessa: My son's happiness, of course.
David: Oh, come on, give me a break. You're offering something, you want something in return. So, come on, Vanessa, be straight with me. What's the bottom line?
Vanessa: I've been trying to get in touch with you for two days, David.
David: I left town.
Vanessa: Mm-hmm. So did Anna Devane. You were with her, weren't you?
David: It's none of your damn business.
Vanessa: Oh. Your future is my business, dear, and I do not want you wasting your time with someone like that.
David: Wait a minute. Excuse me, but since when do you think you have the right to tell me who I can and cannot spend time with?
Vanessa: Since now. You see, if you do want my help in winning the Warneford or the Nobel. Trust me, my Darling, you have no idea how much I can help you. But first you're going to have to dump Anna Devane -- immediately.

Opal: You can't just desert her.
Chris: Not my choice, Opal.
Opal: But, what, you're going to just let her be devoured by the sharks?
Chris: She's the one who cut me loose, remember?
Opal: Oh, my Lord, it's like talking to a stone. You know, you two are perfect for each other. You are just as bullheaded as she is. Now, are you going to go in there with me or not?

Anna: Chris? Chris, I need to talk to you. I've got some information.
Chris: I'm busy right now.
Anna: It's about Proteus and David Hayward.

Erica: I -- I shot Frankie Stone because I had to. To protect myself.
Jack: Oh, now, wait, wait. Let me make sure I'm hearing this right. You're now changing your plea to one of self-defense?
Erica: Yes. I decided to tell the truth.
Jack: Well, how convenient. After weeks of denying killing Frankie Stone and after stonewalling us here in court on direct testimony, in cross-examination, you all of a sudden decide to tell the truth?
Erica: Jack, don't treat me like this. I said I would tell you what happened.
Jack: No, I think you've told this court enough, Ms. Kane, but I do want to thank you. I want to thank you for finally admitting to killing Frankie Stone.
Erica: But I have to tell --
Jack: I have no further questions for this witness, your honor.
Erica: Jack, you can't do this to me. I have got to tell my side of the story! You can't shut me down -- can he do this?
Judge: Yes, he can. But I have a few questions myself I think I'm going to ask you. You will not leave this courtroom, Ms. Kane, without getting an opportunity to tell your side of the story.
Jack: Your honor, I beg the court's pardon, but I need to ask for a brief recess.
Judge: What is it now, Mr. Montgomery?
Jack: Something has come to my attention, something which alters everything about this trial.

Liza: I can't say that I won't call the divorce lawyer ever again.
Adam: Well, I'll just have to make sure you never want to.

David: It's my choice to spend time with Anna if I want to, and I do want to.
Vanessa: Oh, you are not being smart, David.
David: And why is that? Because I'm not going to cave in to your blackmail? Stay the hell out of my life. And while you're at it, keep your mouth shut about my research.

[David leaves Vanessa]
Vanessa: Oh. Well, this is worse than I thought. Oh, David. Are you falling in love with a WSB operative? Because that will never do, dear. Never.

Chris: Whatever you've got on Hayward, you've had plenty of time to tell me before this. Right now I'm busy.
Anna: No, you gave me that truth serum to use on him.
Chris: You gave it to him?
Anna: Did you think I wouldn't?
Chris: And what happened?
Anna: Oh, he talked a blue streak. Some of it was pretty interesting, you know. I mean, if I was his shrink, I would have been fascinated --
Chris: Anna --
Anna: I can tell you, categorically, that David is not Proteus. So you can close the book on him, ok?
Chris: I don't have time for this right now.
Anna: I wonder if he believed me.
Anna: Actually, maybe this will come in handy.

Erica: Oh.
Chris: You ok?
Erica: You're here. I was just so afraid that you had walked out --
Chris: No, no, no, no, no. I'm not leaving you alone, Erica. Never.
Erica: I'm sorry. I just -- I had to do it. Do you understand?
Chris: No. And I don't give a damn. Understanding is not a requirement. So, how's it going?
Erica: Oh. I -- I don't know. Something about some new information. Jack called for a recess, and the Judge just ordered us all to stay here in the room. And Jack has been over there just talking and talking to this Ronnie person ever since and -- look, Chris, I just have a bad feeling because Jack was brutal to me up there.
Chris: I know, I know. I saw. I saw.
Erica: And so whatever this is I --

[Judge pounds gavel]
Judge: All right. Mr. Montgomery, can we proceed?
Jack: Your honor, in light of the defendant changing her plea, the prosecution would like to add another witness to its list. We'd like to add Erica Kane's daughter. The prosecution will be calling Kendall hart to the stand.

[Gallery murmurs]

ON THE NEXT - - - ALL MY CHILDREN


Anna: You've been avoiding me.

Leo: What's the crisis now?
Greenlee: It's a big, fat, neurotic one. It's the return of Laura.

Kendall: Hello, Erica.
[Erica slaps Kendal]
Woman: Oh, my God!