Previously, on Tomorrow Waits For No One: Marcus's father Vincenzo drove into town with Marcus bound beside him.  Cole gave chase but Vincenzo ran him into a guardrail.  Marcus freed his hands and grabbed the steering wheel, crashing their car into the side of the bridge.  He escaped but Vincenzo followed him onto the catwalk.  They struggled and Vincenzo lost his grip and fell into the river below.  Cole caught up with Marcus who came clean about his identity.  Cole forgave Marcus.

Thinking Marcus double-crossed him, Frank flew to Twin Creeks in pursuit of the stolen Van der Griff jewels.

Gail and Philip bumped into each other while getting coffee.  Philip apologized on behalf of Rhonda for her rude behavior.  Gail vented about how awful Rhonda has continued to be to her.  Philip assured her that they get to know each other the way he does.  Secretly, Gail vowed to expose the true Rhonda to Philip.

Marcus explained to Cole that he had been coerced into breaking into the Van der Griff Museum with the aid of Al Slezak, the man who attacked Cole at the warehouse.  After stealing the jewels, Marcus took a cadaver from the morgue, placed it in his home, and torched it.  Then he took the jewels to his cabin at Lake Claire to hide them under an old oak.  He'd planned to return the jewels as soon as his father thought he was dead.  Marcus shared that he still has no memory of coming to San Marcello.  Marcus also told Cole that he'd been accused of murdering his mother and Joe Corelli, though he didn't do it.  He hypothesized that was the reason Leo, Joe's son, tried to kill him in the hospital.
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Installment 15

Sept. 19

SMPD: H.R.

      Marcus walks to the H.R. offices, steeling himself for an uncomfortable conversation with his boss.  He walks into the reception area where Jenny is busy at work on the computer.

      "Hi Jenny," he greets.  "Is Ms. Lynn in her office?"

      "Good morning, Marcus.  Yes, she is."  Jenny stops typing and asks Marcus for an update on his condition.  "How are you doing?  Det. Washington called in and said you were in the hospital."

      "Yeah, I, uh, I was," Marcus reacts uncomfortably.

      "Well, glad you're feeling better enough to come back to work."  Jenny looks at him with a furrowed brow.  "What's the matter?  You look worried."

      "I am," he glumly replies.  "I...I have to quit."

      Before the words escaped Marcus's mouth, Rhonda opens her door, overhearing his pronouncement.  "Tell me I didn't hear what I can swear I just heard," she glowers.

      "May we talk in your office?" Marcus requests.

      Inside, Rhonda frostily offers Marcus a seat and he sits down.

      "What is this nonsense?" she demands.  "You call in sick on your second and third day of work and now you're quitting?!?"

      "Well...I...I guess I should start by telling you that I've recovered my memory," he starts.  Rhonda continues to stare at him, emotionlessly.  "My name is Marcus," he nervously utters.  "Lazano.  Well, I have to fly back to Virginia, where I come from, to take care of some unfinished business."

      Rhonda exhales slowly.  "And why must you quit?  How long will it take you to wrap up your affairs in Virginia?"

      "Do you mean you'd still want me to work for you?  I thought, well, after the last couple of days and now this——"

      "Do you still want this job?" she presses.

      "Uh, wh—yes.  Yes.  Of course I do," he excitedly responds.

      "Then, how long should it take you to finish your business in Virginia and be back here to work?"

      "I...a week," he offers.  "Maybe two."

      "Fine," she agrees.  "It's taken me months to find someone competent for this job.  There's no reason I can't wait two more weeks."  She thumbs through the calendar on her desk.  "I'll give you until October 2nd to take care of things.  Then I'll expect you back here, full-time, devoted to this position."

      "Yes, Ma'am!" Marcus promises, jumping to his feet and clumsily shaking her hand.  "Thank you, Ms. Lynn."

      Marcus leaves the office.  "See you in a couple of weeks, Jenny."

      "Not a couple!" shouts Rhonda out her open door to a bewildered Jenny.  "No more than two!"

SMPD: Chief Evans's Office

      "You wanted to see me, Chief?" Cole says as he pokes his head in the office.

      "Yes, come on in."

      Cole comes in and closes the door behind him.

      "Take a seat," the chief offers.  Cole sits in a chair in front of the desk.  "I just wanted to let you know," Evans continues, "IAD has ruled that your involvement in the fatality of another suspect was not sufficient to place you on administrative leave again."

      "Great," Cole responds.

      "Since the gun that misfired, killing Mr. Slezak, belonged to the victim, they've ruled it an accident.  And, since you weren't directly involved with Mr. Lazano's fall from the Hollis Ave. Bridge, you are not being held accountable.  But this is the second, and possibly third, death connected to this case this month," chides Chief Evans.

      "It couldn't be helped sir," Cole defends.  "If Al Slezak or Vincenzo Lazano had had the opportunity, they'd have killed Marcus.  And me, for that matter."

      "I'm not questioning your actions, detective.  But, now that this case is over, I'm hoping you'll take some time off.  Relax a bit."

      "Yes, sir," Cole smiles.  "I'll look into putting in for some time off right away."

      "Good, good," the chief approves.  "That'll be all.  Now, I don't want to see your ugly mug around this place for awhile," he kids.

      Cole stands and shakes the Chief's hand  "No, sir.  I'm taking a vacation."  As Cole exits the office, he chuckles to himself, "in Twin Creeks, Virginia."

Sept. 20

University Hospital: Dr. Martinez's Office

      Marcus visits Dr. Park and Dr. Martinez the next morning and explains to them the truth about his identity.

      "But I only have vague memories of the last two weeks before the night I was hit by Frank's car," he informs Dr. Park.

      "That is not unusual, Gian," she replies.  "I mean, Marcus.  That will take me awhile to get used to."  Marcus smiles.  "If you'd like, Marcus, we could use hypnosis to try to unlock the memories of that night."

      Marcus agrees.

      Under hypnosis, Marcus has a vivid recollection of burying the Van der Griff jewels under a distinctive old oak behind his cabin at Lake Claire and of being chased through the woods by Leo Corelli and Al Slezak before being struck by Frank's car.

      Marcus struggles to conjure memories of events that occurred in the weeks between the time he left Twin Creeks and the night of the car crash but is still unable to remember how or why he came to San Marcello.

      "That's okay, Marcus," Dr. Park consoles.  "We've made a lot of progress today.  We'll continue once you get back from your trip."

University Hospital: Nurses Station

      Marcus meets Cole who greets him holding a small suitcase outside of Dr. Martinez's office.

      "You packed?" Cole asks.

      "Yes," Marcus replies while walking to the reception desk.  "You know, I'd planned to tell Frank this morning that I'd be moving out today."

      Cole stops, prompting Marcus to as well.  "Planned to?"

      "He wasn't home," Marcus informs Cole.  "He either went to work really early or he went into hiding last night because he's afraid of what you might do to him."

      "I wouldn't put it past him, that snake," spits Cole.  "I wouldn't put anything past him.  If I do get my hands on him, God help him."

      "You know, in a way, I can't really blame him," reflects Marcus.

      "What?!?" Cole explodes.  "He kept your identity from you!  Damn near got you killed!"

      "I know but...it was an opportunity for him," Marcus justifies.  "Let's just say that...I understand his motivation."

      They continue to the reception desk.  "May I have my bag, Nurse Renwick?" Marcus requests.

      "Here it is," she says as she pulls out a small duffel bag from underneath her desk.  "Well, once again, I find myself wishing you the best.  Mr. Lazano, is it?"

      "Yes" he confirms as he takes the bag from her.  "Thank you," he smiles before departing with Cole.

      "To the airport," Cole prompts.  "Next stop, Twin Creeks."

      They pass a television in the waiting room.  "And now onto the national weather map," the KSLV newscaster announces.  "Hurricane Jorge continues to strengthen as it approaches the North Carolina and Virginia coastline.  Upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, this storm is expected to continue intensifying in the next 48 hours, likely coming ashore by Sunday."

Rhonda's Apartment

      After sharing a romantic evening together at the sushi restaurant downtown Rhonda invites Philip in to her living room.  "How about a nightcap?"

      "What a lovely way to end the evening," he agrees, accepting the offer.

      Once inside, Rhonda walks to the dry bar in her dining room and begins to prepare glasses for their drinks.  "Your usual bourbon and tonic, darling?" she asks.

      Philip moves behind her and wraps his arms around her waist.  "I think I'm in the mood for something different tonight," he purrs into her hear.

      Rhonda melts as Philip begins to nibble on her neck.  "Oh, Philip," she moans.

      Their passion explodes.  Like animals, they begin to tear each other's clothes off.  In between the removal of each article of clothing, they kiss fervently.

      Nearly naked, Rhonda bites Philip on the ear.  He grunts and responds by gently scratching down the length of her back with his fingernails.  Rhonda wails delightedly.

      "Oh, Philip," she whimpers.  "Take me into the bedroom."

      Philip scoops Rhonda into his arms and carries her into the other room where they ardently make love.

Sept. 21

Twin Creeks International Airport

      On a deceptively warm and clear day, a hurricane warning is issued for Clairemont County as Hurricane Jorge approaches the coast.

      The jetliner carrying Marcus and Cole touches down at Twin Creeks International Airport.  As they taxi to the terminal, Marcus wonders if it's right to retrieve the jewels he stole before his supposed death.

      "Now that we're here," he worries, "I'm not so sure if it's such a good idea."

      "Well, if the Van der Griff jewels are returned to their rightful owner, it will take the pressure off of Twin Creeks law enforcement to find and prosecute you," Cole reasons.  "Then, you can begin a new life in San Marcello and put your past behind you."

      "Man, I'm so lucky to have someone so supportive in my corner, especially considering you're a cop yourself."

      The plane pulls into the jetway and they debark.  In the baggage claim area, Cole and Marcus are greeted by Det. Riley.

      "Have a good flight?" she asks.

      "Not bad," Cole replies.  "Marcus, meet my partner, Det. Ginny Riley."

      Marcus extends his hand.  "Pleased to meet you," he says as they shake hands.

      "I parked in the short-term lot," she explains, leading them out of the building.  "Where to next?"

      "I have a cabin at Lake Claire," Marcus announces.  "I'll sit up front and give you directions."

      The threesome proceed to the rented car and head to Lake Claire, a resort lake on the outskirts of town.

Lake Claire: Marcus's Cabin

      Ginny, Cole, and Marcus arrive at the cabin and Marcus uncovers a key to the front door hidden under a planter on the front porch.

      "I secretly bought this place last year," he tells them.  "It was my hideaway to escape from my father every once in awhile."

      Inside, Marcus lights a lantern and pulls a shovel out of a utility closet.  "I hid the jewels in a box buried underneath an oak tree behind the cabin."

      They proceed outdoors and Marcus begins digging under the majestic old oak.  Marcus breaks a sweat intently shoveling to recover the booty.  After several minutes, the blade of the shovel hits metal.

      "That's it."  Marcus kneels and digs with his hands for a few moments, finally hauling out a small metal box.  Grinning as Cole and Ginny look on, Marcus opens container.

      But they are shocked when they find nothing inside.

      "I...I don't understand it!" declares Marcus.

      "Marcus, are you sure you put the jewels here?" Cole inquires.

      "Yes," Marcus replies, scrunching his eyes as if to visualize a past action.  "I know I placed them in this box and buried them!"

      "The ground doesn't look as if it's been disturbed recently," Ginny hastens to add.  "I'd say whoever took the jewels must have done it at least a few weeks ago."

      "But it's only been a month since I buried them," says Marcus, perplexed.

      They retreat to the kitchen and sit at the table to strategize.  Marcus wracks his brain to come up with a theory of what became of the Van der Griff jewels.

      "Let's check around the cabin, just in case," suggests Cole.

      As they search the cabinets, cupboards, closets, and drawers, Ginny fills them in on what she's been up to since arriving in Twin Creeks.

      "I've been working with the TCPD," she shares.  "They've uncovered a lot of underworld activity here in Twin Creeks.  Vincenzo Lazano is known to head up the local mob here."

      She stops searching for a moment and looks Marcus in the eye.  Marcus looks back at her intently.

      "A power struggle has been erupting in recent months to unseat your father as the head of the regional crime syndicate.  If Vincenzo is indeed dead, his cousin Vittorio Cuzzupe is poised to take over the syndicate."

      "Cousin Vito," utters Marcus.  "He's trouble."

Twin Creeks: Commonwealth Diner

      Sitting at a booth in the crowded downtown diner, Frank is approached by an elegantly-dressed man vaguely resembling Vincenzo.  "Excuse me.  As you can see, it's rather busy in here today.  May join you?"

      "Uh, yeah, sure," Frank uncomfortably agrees.

      The man strikes up a seemingly casual conversation.  "Hard to believe they're expecting a hurricane here soon."

      "Um, yeah...whatever," Frank replies tersely.

The man's demeanor quickly darkens.  "So, why are poking around town, looking for information on the Lazano family, eh?"
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On the next installment of Tomorrow Waits For No One:

Vittorio to Frank: "Nothing would make me happier than to rid myself of the rest of the Lazano clan."

Frank to Vittorio: "What do you think about working together?"

Gail to Philip's Answering Machine: "I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me to the wedding next Saturday."

Philip to Rhonda: "I thought you weren’t going."

Rhonda to Philip:  "I’ve changed my plans.  I’d love to attend your dear sister’s wedding."

Television Meteorologist: "Jorge has now been upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane."

Marcus to Cole and Ginny: "We have to return to Lake Claire."
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