Previously, on Tomorrow Waits For No One: Officer Hardwick tailed Frank to SFO Int'l. Airport and discovered that he was flying to Twin Creek, VA.  Cole made plans to fly to Twin Creeks to see what the connection is to "Gian" (Marcus).  Frank found Marcus's last-known address and was surprised to find the charred remains of a house.  He visited the county recorder's office and was stunned when he is shown a death certificate for Marcus.

        Cole visited the TCPD and bumped into Frank as he exited the county building.  They lied to one another about their reasons to be there but neither believed the other.  Cole received a call from Ginny.  She told him that Corelli may not have been working alone and that Marcus's life may be in danger.

        Frank researched the Twin Creeks Informant's archives and discovered several articles about Marcus that painted him as a violent criminal who was tried but not convicted for the murders of his mother and his father's business partner.

        Cole arrived home to study the report detailing possible threats to "Gian" (Marcus).  He called the officer guarding him at the ICU but got no answer.  Calling for backup, Cole rushed to the hospital.  They arrived to find the officer out cold and Marcus missing.  Cole followed a trail of blood spatters to the elevator and noticed a bloody fingerprint on the button to the top floor.

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Installment 7
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Sept. 8

University Hospital: Construction Zone

      As the elevator doors part, Cole steps cautiously into the darkened new construction area, his gun leading the way.  He hears footsteps echoing from the other end of the cavernous expansion.

      "This is Det. Washington with the San Marcello Police!" he calls out.  "Identify yourself!"

      Hearing no response, he attempts to call for backup, but there is no reception on his cell phone.

      Meanwhile, on the other end of the floor, Marcus desperately tries to hide from his assailant.  Weak and feverish, he laboriously crawls into a ventilation shaft.

      Cole makes his way toward the area he heard footsteps, and notices more blood as he approaches the air duct.

      "Gian?" he calls to Marcus as he peers into the shaft.

      "Detective," answers Marcus, wearily.

      Just then, Cole is stabbed from behind!  "Gian, get...out of here," he yells, falling to the floor and losing consciousness.

      The attacker climbs into the ventilation shaft and quickly catches up to Marcus.  Just as he prepares to plunge the dagger into Marcus's back, a shot rings out.  The attacker slumps over revealing Cole, who then collapses again to the floor.

University Hospital: Patient Room

      After Marcus and Cole's injuries are treated, Marcus, who no longer needs intensive care, is returned to his regular hospital room.  He is happily surprised to discover his new roommate is Cole.

      "I pulled a few strings to get a bed here," Cole announces.  "I figure I don't really trust anyone else to do as good a job as I will," he smiles.

      "Even with you laid up in bed, I still feel safer with you here," Marcus admits while he clambers into his bed.

      "Well, I'm not guarding you, officially."

      "Obviously," chuckles Marcus.

      "I mean, besides my injuries, I'm on administrative leave, since I was involved in a fatal shooting," Cole starts.  "But that doesn't mean that I'm going to stop protecting you."

      "Why are you being punished?!?" Marcus angrily reacts, straightening up in his bed.  "If it wasn't for you, I'd...I'd be dead!"

      "No, it's okay Gian," Cole assures him.  "It's just standard procedure for an officer to be relieved of duty pending an investigation of any event like this.  It's alright.  Besides, I don't take nearly enough vacation time so I'll have tons of hours, even if the investigation lags on after I get out of here."

      Marcus sighs.  "Well, I guess.  As long as you're okay with it..."

      Using a laptop computer, Cole continues the investigation from his hospital bed.  He learns that the man he killed was Leo Corelli, a notorious mobster—from Twin Creeks, Virginia.  Since Frank had recently been to Twin Creeks, and Corelli was from there, Cole decides there most likely is a link.

      "Gian," he asks Marcus.  "Does Twin Creeks sounds familiar to you?  Or does the state of Virginia spark any memories?"

      Marcus ponders for a moment.  "Sounds vaguely familiar, but it doesn't trigger a strong reaction," he concludes.  "I think Virginia is a commonwealth though, not a state."

      Cole reacts with a raised eyebrow.

      "Why should it sound familiar?" asks Marcus.

      "There seems to be a connection," Cole replies.  "It appears that your attacker, Leo Corelli, is from there."

      "Twin Creeks, hmm," Marcus contemplates.  "No.  Doesn't ring a bell."

      "Anyway, Corelli came into the ICU dressed as a doctor," Cole continues.  "When the officer's back was turned, he was attacked with good, old-fashioned chloroform."

      "Wow.  I thought that only happened in the movies," Marcus comments.  "Why would he want me dead?"

      "Beats me.  He was a well-known thug with connections to the Mid-Atlantic Mafia," explains Cole.

      "The Mafia?!?  Why on earth would the mob want me dead?"

      "That's the 64,000 dollar question, isn't it..." Cole ominously wonders.

Valley Towers Hotel: Restaurant Bar

      A little after 5 p.m., Gail arrives to meet Philip to discuss his sister's bridal shower.

      "Hello, Philip," Gail says as Philip stands to offer her a seat at his table.  "I hope you haven't been here long."

      "No, I just arrived, actually."

      A waiter appears and asks for their order.  "Uh, I'll have a desert sunrise," she tells the waiter.

      "And I'll have a martini."

      The waiter takes his leave.

      "So, were you successful?  Did you get me a list of women to invite to the Ann's shower?"

      "As a matter of fact, I have," gleams Philip as he pulls out a manila folder and hands it to Gail.

      "I'm impressed," she comments with a smile as she peruses the list.

      "Well, I had help," he admits.  "I enlisted your cousin's aide on this little caper."

      "Roger?" gasps Gail.  "He knows it's a surprise, doesn't he?"

      "Rest assured, Gail."

      Gail examines the neatly typed list of names and contact information.  "How did he get all of this?"

      "Simple enough," explains Philip.  "He stole...no, he borrowed her address book and brought it to me for a few hours.  I had Donna transcribe it."

      "So, that's what my tax dollars are being used for," smiles Gail.  "I approve."

      The waiter brings them their drinks.

      "Put these on my tab," Philip instructs the waiter who nods and walks away.

      "Thank you, Philip.  So, now that we have this taken care of, tell me how you're doing?" she prompts.  "I hear you're working on a big case involving an embezzlement at the Bank of San Marcello."

      "Not much to report so far.  The police are still conducting an investigation.  No strong leads yet, I'm afraid."

      "That's a shame," Gail empathizes.  "And how is Ms. Lynn?" she asks, though more stilted.

      Philip tenses.  "Uh, well, she's doing...just fine."

      Gail sees her opportunity.  "Philip, I hope I'm not prying but I, well, I was about to knock on your office door yesterday and I, ahem, well...I overheard you and Ms. Lynn arguing."

      "Did you," he replies, guardedly.

      "I didn't intend to eavesdrop.  Please understand that.  Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, if you'd ever like to talk about anything bothering you, I'm here to listen."

      "I appreciate that, Gail," Philip says thankfully.

      "I mean, you and I have been acquainted for awhile now and soon we'll be family," Gail continues, "I just want you to know that I've always respected you and I'm happy that our paths will cross more often now."

      "I like you too, Gail," he tells her.  "If you don't mind, however, I'd prefer not to discuss the state of my romantic life with you.  It just feels a tad inappropriate."

      "Oh.  Well...I understand."  She blushes.

      "As I'm sure you would," Philip says as he finishes his drink.  "But I'm happy that we'll soon be family as well.  I hope you don't mind, but I have an early day tomorrow, so I'll bid you good evening."  He stands.  "But stay and have another drink, if you wish.  I'll tell the waiter to put it on my tab."

      "Thank you, Philip," Gail says, let down.  "We'll talk...soon."

      Philip smiles at her and departs.

      Gail watches him leave, and sighs.

University Hospital: Patient Room

      Cole sits in a wheelchair next to Marcus's bed and the two chat.  They begin to hint that they are mutually attracted.

      "I have to be honest with you Gian," Cole begins.  "This is no ordinary case for me.  I care about you.  A lot more than I should."

      "Yeah, I feel it too.  I mean, at first I thought, you know, you're like a knight in shining armor.  Of course I'm going to be drawn to you," Marcus admits as Cole moves nearer to him, gazing deeply into his eyes.

      "But it's more than just appreciation," he continues.  Without realizing it, Marcus leans toward Cole.  "I'm just not sure...like, what I'm supposed to be feeling."

      Cole draws even nearer and kisses Marcus on the lips.  After a moment, Marcus pulls Cole closer to him.  The kiss continues for what seems like minutes.  Slowly, Cole pulls away.

      "I, uh...we should both get some sleep," Cole recommends.

      "Yeah.  Good idea," Marcus nervously agrees.  "Good night," he says, unable to break his gaze.

Sept. 9

University Hospital: Nurses Station

      In the morning, Cole is taken to radiology for a CT scan to monitor his healing progress.  Frank ducks behind the Nurses Station as Cole is wheeled toward the elevators.  After the elevator doors close, Frank emerges and approaches Dr. Martinez.

      "Dr. Martinez?" hails Frank.

      "Yes?"

      "I'm Frank Cain.  I was driving the car when your mystery patient ran into the street last week."

      "Oh," replies Dr. Martinez.  "I'm glad to see your injuries are healing nicely."

      "Thank you.  Look, uh, I've been following the case in the papers and I feel real bad about what he's been going through, all because of me."

      "Well, it's my understanding that you couldn't possibly have avoided hitting him," counters the doctor.  "He ran right out in front of your car, didn't he?"

      "Well, true.  But I still feel responsible, in a way.  I'd like to at least meet him, face-to-face.  Apologize in person, you know."

      "Hmm," considers Dr. Martinez.  "That might not be a bad idea."

      Inwardly, Frank's hopes rise.

      "I'd like to consult with Dr. Park before I give the okay though."

      Frank tenses, frustrated.  But he maintains a neutral posture.  "Sure.  Dr. Park.  Where is he?"

      "Dr. Park is a woman," Dr. Martinez explains.

      "Did I hear my name?" Dr. Park asks as she enters the station.

      Dr. Martinez walks toward her, Frank following.  "Ah, Dr. Park.  Yes, we were just discussing allowing John Doe a new visitor," affirms Dr. Martinez.  "Meet Frank Cain, the man who was driving the car that hit our patient."

      "Pleased to meet you," Dr. Park says, extending her hand.

      "Uh, yeah.  A pleasure," Frank replies as he shakes her hand.  "So, Dr. Martinez and I were wondering if it would be a good idea if I visited him."

      "That's an interesting proposition," deliberates Dr. Park.  "Though unlikely, that could possibly trigger a memory.  Yes, I'll allow it."

      "Great!" exclaims Frank.

      "But I would like to monitor your meeting," she continues.

      "Yeah, sure," Frank agrees.

      "This way then," directs Dr. Park.

      "I'll leave you in good hands then, Mr. Cain," Dr. Martinez bids him farewell.  Frank nods at him and follows Dr. Park toward Marcus's room.

      Dr. Park approaches the guard stationed outside of Room 712 and flashes her security badge.  Frank follows, holding up his temporary visitor's badge.

University Hospital: Patient Room

      Dr. Park knocks and they enter the room.  "Gian?" Dr. Park greets.  "I'd like to introduce you to Frank Cain.  He's here to see you."

      Frank steps up to Marcus's bedside as Marcus straightens himself up in bed.  "Hiya.  I'm, um, the guy who, uh, ran you over."

      "Oh," exclaims Marcus.  "Wow.  I...don't really know what to say."

      "I hope you'll say that you might be able to forgive me," Frank begins.  "Someday."

      "Of course," Marcus quickly responds.  "I don't bear you any ill will."

      Feigning concern, Frank profusely apologizes for his role in the accident.  "I feel like I should...I don't know, like, take care of you to relieve my guilt, you know?"

      Marcus feels touched, but tells him not to worry about it.  "I don't hold you responsible for the accident.  I mean, it was an accident, right?"

      "Nah.  I'm not going to accept that.  There are no accidents," Frank waxes philosophically.  "Powers greater than us caused that accident for a reason.  I'm supposed to be your guardian angel."

      "Well...okay," Marcus replies, accepting Frank's generosity.

      "Gian, how are you feeling right now?" asks Dr. Park from the foot of the bed.  "Does meeting Mr. Cain trigger anything for you?

      Marcus mulls it over for a moment.  "Hmm.  No.  No memories, at least."

      "Well, I'll leave you two to get acquainted then," she says as she prepares to leave.  "I'll check in on you later."

      "Thanks, Dr. Park," Marcus says as she leaves.

      "So, how are you getting along in here?" Frank queries.  "Anything I can do for you?"

      "Well, if you can help me get my memory back, I'll be eternally grateful," Marcus muses.

      "Yeah.  I'll do anything I can," Frank replies with his crooked smile.  "Look, I'm gonna get going.  But I'll be in touch."  Frank retreats.  "Hey, I'm really glad you don't hate me."

      "No way," Marcus declares.  "It was an accident and you've been nothing but kind to me.  I'm glad to have met you."

      Frank takes his exit.

University Hospital: Parking Lot

      Upon returning to his car, Frank wonders if Marcus must really have amnesia.

      "Huh.  I was sure he was faking it all along, but now I don't know," he thinks to himself as he climbs into his car.  "I wonder if there's a way to get my hands on the missing jewels in spite of his amnesia."
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On the next installment of Tomorrow Waits For No One:

Dr. Park to Marcus: "Gian, what is it?  Did you have a memory?"

Marcus to himself: "Oh my God.  I can’t believe I did those things."

Gail to Philip: "Oh, Philip!  Everything’s falling apart!"
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