THE EDGE OF NIGHT
Airdate: Wednesday, June 21, 1978
Summary Written By: Mark Faulkner
ACT ONE
The Norwood home in Mayfield.
Denise and April are arguing in the hallway outside of Denise's bedroom. April has just learned that Denise and Gus faked Denise's terminal illness in order to stall the divorce between Miles and Denise. Denise accuses April of being hysterical and suggests she calm down. April continues her accusations, stating that she asked Miles to run the blood tests himself. Denise retorts that April has always been prejudiced against their relationship, probably because April thinks that her "pal Nicole" will make a better sister-in-law. April says that it doesn't matter. She's going to tell Miles the truth, and this time he'll believe her because he'll make Gus confess the truth, even if Denise won't. Denise demands that she wait a minute, but April insists she's going to tell Miles the truth. Then he'll return to Monticello with her and Draper. "I suppose right to the arms of Nicole," Denise asks sarcastically. April replies that Nicole really loves Miles. She won't lie to him, or trick him, or make him be anything he doesn't want to be. At that moment, they hear the sound of a car engine starting outside. April realizes that Miles is leaving and rushes to the top of the stairs. Denise runs after her, grabbing April. April attempts to free herself from Denise's grip, but she holds tightly, declaring that she won't allow April to ruin her life. April screams for Denise to let go of her, and she falls from the top of the stairs to the landing, then tumbles down the staircase. Entering the room to see April falling the final length of stairs, Tree runs to her. She feels for a pulse and listens to April's chest for a heartbeat. Denise slowly walks down, no expression on her face. Tree announces that there's no pulse or heartbeat. As Denise looks on, Tree begins emergency resuscitation on April. They hear Miles attempting to start his car again. Tree instructs Denise to get him, but Denise continues to watch her victim, unmoved by Tree's words. Tree screams at Denise again to go outside and get Miles. She obeys and goes out the front door. Alone with April, Tree continues CPR, lamenting that it's too late. April is dead.
Opening Title
Commercial Break
ACT TWO
Scene One
The Norwood home.
Miles is performing CPR on April with Tree's assistance, while Denise interrupts his efforts with pleas of innocence. Miles orders her to go upstairs and go to bed. She's not doing them any good. Miles continues CPR, determined to bring his sister back. Denise says that April was having some kind of hysterical fit. Tree can attest to it; she must have heard their argument. Miles screams at Denise to go upstairs. She responds how horrible it is that April survived the heart operation, only to die like this. Miles yells that April isn't dead. Tree tells him it's been over three minutes. Miles keeps up the CPR until April begins to cough. Tree says that she can feel a pulse now. Miles listens to her heart. April has a regular heart rhythm. She's coming out of it. Denise is astonished. How can it be? April was dead. Miles instructs Tree to call the Clairmont for an ambulance and oxygen, then call April's obstetrician Dr. Stern. "But she was dead, I swear she was dead," Denise says quietly to herself, unable to believe that April has survived the fall.
Dissolve to:
Scene Two
The Karr home.
Mike and Draper are consulting with each other on their cases. Draper says that he's glad his morning case was settled out-of-court, otherwise he might have been tied up there all day. Mike says that he's sure Draper is anxious to get to Mayfield -and his bride. Draper replies that April really doesn't like being up there. Mike astutely realizes that it's because of her sister-in-law. Draper admits that there's no love lost between the two of them, so the weekend he spent in Mayfield wasn't the most restful he's ever had. Mike tells him to go on; he can handle the rest of the caseload, and besides, after Mike's visit to the hospital, Draper might have the assistance of his associate again. Draper asks if Mike is seeing the specialist again. He says that he isn't; however, Dr. Connolly is going to remove the bandages. Mike hopes that his eyes have healed somewhat since the last visit. Draper wants to know if it's possible that Mike's vision has returned. Mike replies that it's not impossible, and he'd gladly settle for at least half -or even less than that. He tells Draper that if Nancy should return home before he leaves, please don't mention it. Perhaps it's silly superstition, but Mike and Nancy have made a pact to not get too hopeful. The phone rings. Mike reaches for it, explaining that Nancy has placed everything he needs in a familiar spot. Mike answers the phone. Tree identifies herself and asks if Draper is there. Mike hands the receiver to Draper. Tree asks if Draper was planning on returning soon. Yes, he's probably going to leave in the next fifteen, or whenever he concludes business with Mike. Tree suggests that he leave immediately as there's been an accident. She attempts to assuage his fears by saying that April is fine, she doesn't even have any broken bones. Draper becomes alarmed when Tree reveals that April tripped and fell down the stairs. Tree assures him again that April is fine. She's awake, and they're not even taking her to the hospital as they first thought. Draper asks about the baby, but Tree remarks that she honestly doesn't know anything about that. Dr. Stern is still examining April. She tells him to just get to Mayfield as soon as possible. Draper says that he's on his way.
Commercial Break
ACT THREE
Scene One
The Whitney mansion.
Anthony and Geraldine are having lunch on trays in his study. He comments that he feels ridiculous; he hasn't had his lunch in front of the TV since he was a little boy. "Come to think of it," he deadpans, "there weren't any television sets when I was a little boy." Geraldine chuckles. She simply wants to hear WMON's editorial on Mike Karr. Anthony says that one would think there weren't any other stories considering the way Mike's assault has been covered in the press. Geraldine replies that she thought he'd be interested in the story. Anthony agrees that he probably should want to hear what people are saying about him. Geraldine reminds him that his name has not been mentioned once in connection with the attack on Mike. Perhaps he's getting a bit paranoid about that subject. Anthony argues that his name has been implied, and that's almost worse. They turn up the volume on the set as Ben Everett gives his editorial. Ben reports that a special session of the Monticello Crime Commission met behind closed doors to discuss the chairmanship of Mike Karr. Ben recounts the attack on Mike and displays a sketch of the wolf mask that was allegedly worn by Charles "Chip" Beemer when he threw a cup of deadly chemicals directly into Mike's eyes. A clip is shown of an interview in which Mike states that despite his loss of vision, he feels that he can still serve in a useful function to the crime commission. Ben continues by reporting that it has been suggested that some members of the commission feel uncomfortable with Mike having an active role in the crime commission and rumors circulate that he'll be given an honorary membership. However, in the opinion of WMON News, Mike doesn't need any more honors. The best way to honor a man who has served the community well for so many years is to not sell him short and assume his disability makes him less of a leader. Moreover, WMON feels it would be a terrible thing for the city if Mike lost his chairmanship along with his eyesight. "Would you like to know what I think of the opinion of WMON?" Anthony snarls angrily. Geraldine suggests he be a little more charitable and less concerned that he's Mike's special target. Tony retorts that he is Mike's special target. He wishes that he could make Geraldine see that Mike is convinced he's the arch-fiend of Monticello. Geraldine dismisses it as nonsense, vowing to prove by it by going to see Mike and Nancy as soon as Mike is up for visitors. Deborah enters the room before Anthony can respond. She tells them that she is going out to lunch with Raney Cooper. Geraldine comments that Raney has become a hero to many people. Deborah agrees. He's certainly a hero to her... he saved her life, and not for the first time. That's why Anthony hired him in the first place -a reward for saving Deborah. Geraldine says that he deserves an award this time, too. Anthony jokingly informs Deborah that Raney can charge their lunch to him. She chuckles and leaves.
Commercial Break
ACT FOUR
Scene One
The Whitney mansion, continued.
Geraldine says that Deborah seems very impressed by Raney, and she must admit that she too thinks he was a brave man. Anthony replies that Raney certainly doesn't lack for nerve, though he does lack a few other important qualities. Geraldine smiles. Raney is a bit unpolished. Anthony states that he doesn't understand Deborah's taste in men. Geraldine thinks that Deborah just doesn't care for domesticated types. "Like me?" Anthony asks. Geraldine laughs, saying that she'd hardly call him domesticated. She thinks of him more as an "amiable tiger." Anthony laughs heartily at her words, then agrees that she's right about Raney. He's a long way from being domesticated or tamed, and it worries him that he's made such an impression on Deborah. Geraldine wants to know how he feels about Deborah's other young man. "Steve Guthrie?" Anthony responds. "Another undomesticated type, and less preferable even to Raney...because Steve Guthrie is the kind who bites."
CUT TO:
Scene Two
Calvin and Steve are having lunch at a restaurant.
Steve says that Deborah didn't get a balling-out or a citation for the incident with Chip Beemer. Calvin tells him that Chief Marceau was furious with her for going after Chip without a back-up man. Steve says that it should have been him, but Calvin insists no one blames Steve because he was out on special assignment. Besides, it was all Deborah's idea to search Beemer's apartment without a warrant. Steve grouses that if he and Calvin pulled a stunt like that, they'd walk out of Marceau's office in civilian clothes. Calvin reminds that Deborah did crack the case, and that makes up for a lot of her disregard for procedure. Steve asks Calvin to give him a rundown of what happened. Calvin admits that he arrived late; all he knows is what Deborah told him. Chip caught Deborah searching his apartment and tried to force her to leave in Raney's car and Raney went after him with Deborah's service revolver. Steve jokes that maybe Raney will get a citation. Calvin replies sarcastically that he's sure that will make Steve really happy. Steve asks why. Raney already has his girl. What does he care if Raney gets a medal for doing his job?
CUT TO:
Scene Three
Deborah arrives for lunch at the same restaurant where Steve and Calvin are dining. She apologizes to Raney for being late. Did the police send her out with a SWAT team, Raney teases. She tells him that she's had enough of hostage rescuing for a while, but laments that she was forced to do paperwork in a tiny office all day yesterday. Raney comments that he's relieved she survived the situation but feels guilty that he was responsible because it never would have happened had he not hired Chip Beemer in the first place. Deborah says that he's not to blame. He was only trying to do Chip a favor and couldn't have known how rotten he really was. Raney says that he certainly couldn't have known that Chip would blind Mike Karr then try to steal his girl. Deborah bristles at Raney's words. She's obviously uncomfortable to being referred to as "Raney's girl." He apologizes, adding that he can't help it. It's how he feels about her. Deborah blushes. She thanks him for saving her life, admitting that the words just seem inadequate. Raney assures her that no thanks are necessary. And he knows that she doesn't like hearing about his feelings --that he loves her. Deborah quietly remarks that no woman in the world minds hearing those words. "Unless they come from the wrong guy," Raney responds dejectedly. He realizes that he's making her uncomfortable and agrees to drop the conversation. Deborah reveals that she wishes she could find some way to adequately repay him. Raney pulls from his pocket the diamond ring he once attempted to give to her, saying that he considers it a good luck charm; he was carrying it the day he had the shootout in the parking garage with Chip. Deborah sternly reminds him that she has already made her feelings about the ring very clear. He knows, but it's the only favor he can think of. It's not like they're engaged -she's not ready for that- but he'd consider it a favor if she'd take the ring and maybe wear it on occasion. After long contemplation, Deborah relents and accepts the ring, while Steve surveys the scene sadly from a table across the room.
Commercial Break
ACT FIVE
Draper rushes into the Norwood home and is met by Tree, who assures him April is fine. Draper starts toward April's room, but Tree stops him. She says that Miles and Dr. Stern are still with April, and they won't let anyone in to see her. Draper becomes extremely agitated. He insists that Tree tell him exactly what happened and don't lie to him. Tree retorts that she is telling the truth. April is okay. She didn't even break a bone; she was just badly shaken up. However, it was a terrible shock to her system. Tree admits that she did keep one thing from Draper. When April fell down the stairs, she had a sort of coronary -a cardiac arrest, but it wasn't a thrombosis. Draper screams that she did lie to him. He tries to push past her into April's room. Tree begs him to wait, adding that Miles' car had fortuitously stalled in the driveway. He put April through emergency cardiac resuscitation and managed to bring her back. Draper wants to know how long it took to revive her. Tree is forced to admit April was without heart action for at least three minutes... maybe more. Draper demands to know how it happened. How could April just fall down a flight of stairs. Miles and Dr. Stern emerge from the bedroom with news that April is resting comfortably. Draper anxiously tells Miles that he knows April had a heart attack. Miles corrects him. It was only a brief cardiac arrest, and April pulled through it quite well. He pauses to add that there's only one permanent result of the fall. Draper looks at them questioningly. Dr. Stern reports that the fetus was aborted. His words are lost on Draper. Miles touches his shoulder in support. "April lost the baby, Draper...I'm sorry."
FADE OUT
COMMERCIAL BREAK
CLOSING CREDITS
Written By
HENRY SLESAR
Associate Writer
STEVE LEHRMAN
Directed By
JOHN SEDWICK
A Presentation of
PROCTER & GAMBLE
PRODUCTIONS
Supervising Producer
JOHN POTTER
Executive in Charge
of Production
ROBERT E. SHORT