EPISODE 325
Written by: Bre L Drew
December 30, 2024
Last Time on Town and Country
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Samuel connects Max with Shauna, but she refuses to reveal her location, only assuring him she is fine, leaving Max even more heartbroken.
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Martha was shocked to learn Shauna plans to divorce Max after giving birth and leave town with the baby, as she conceived the child with Antoine.
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Daniel was furious to discover that Jacques had not only been hired at the Covington Group but also planned to push him out.
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Deirdre kept protesting about Emma's paternity, even after Esther showed her DNA test results. Meanwhile, Lenny's leukemia progresses, and she urgently needs a bone marrow transplant,
HOME FARM
Deirdre Covington paces to the stocked mini-bar in the opulent living room of Home Farm, her family’s estate. Between Esther Saunders’ outrageous claim that Emma could somehow save her cancer-stricken great-niece and the shocking revelation that Emma was her sister—born from Deirdre’s long-ago affair with her father—Deirdre desperately needed a stiff gin and tonic.
Esther lingers nearby, observing Deirdre.
Deirdre took a steady sip of her cocktail. “So, are you going to tell me how you managed to test my daughter?” she asked, waving the paper in her hand.
Esther exhales, clearly reluctant but knowing she had no choice. “Fine. Long story short—remember when I visited Emma in the hospital after the accident?”
Deirdre shrugs. She vividly recalls the coma Emma had fallen into after the accident caused by Deirdre’s scheme to sabotage Will Jackson’s car brakes—never imagining Emma would end up in the driver’s seat during the collision.
“Anyway,” Esther continues. "As I was heading to the elevator, a nurse bumped into me. Emma’s medical records were in her hand, and I saw we shared the same blood type. It didn’t take long to put the pieces together. Later, I ran a siblingship test. It confirmed we’re half-sisters.”
Deirdre stared, her grip tightening on her glass. “And you expect me to believe Emma just handed over her DNA for this?”
Esther rolls her eyes, frustration boiling over. “You’re missing the point, Deirdre. A young woman's life is at stake here."
Deirdre took another long sip, her eyes narrowing. “I’ll ask one more time. How did you pull this off?”
RADCLIFFE RECIEVING HOSPITAL
Lenny Lockhart lifted her hands to showcase her newly polished forest green nails. Her sister, Tanner Lockhart, who had just finished applying the polish, was putting the bottle into her tote bag.
“So, how do you like them?” Tanner asked, glancing up with a hopeful smile.
The two women were in Lenny's hospital room, where she'd been staying after an infection had compromised her immune system—complicating matters due to her leukemia. Tanner had decided to cheer her up by doing her nails. The smell of the polish still lingers in the air.
“Well, as someone who can’t remember the last time, I had my nails done, I rate these a ten out of ten,” Lenny said with a grin, admiring the color.
“Why, thank you,” Tanner repliesd, her smile widening. She could see a trace of happiness on her fraternal twin’s face, something that hadn’t been visible in months. “Maybe cosmetology school could be my calling,” she added, half-jokingly.
Just then, the door opens, and Sean Lockhart and Louise Saunders Lockhart entered, both wearing the same protective gear Tanner had on.
The sisters exchanged a brief, knowing look, aware of the hospital’s One visitor at a time policy for this floor policy.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Lenny asked, raising an eyebrow.
Louise glances at Sean before answering. “Dr. Saddleman said he wanted us all together.”
“Maybe it’s good news. We could all use some right now,” Sean said, squeezing Louise’s hand for reassurance.
Lenny remains silent, her cynical side preparing her not to expect anything hopeful.
A moment later, Dr. Ike Saddleman steps into the room, all six-foot-five of him, wearing the same protective gear over his white lab coat and slacks. He greeted the family before turning to Lenny.
“I have the latest results from your MRI and blood tests, Lynn,” he said, his tone professional but measured.
ONE AND ONLY
Perhaps it was the time of year, or it was the isolation, but Shauna Covington couldn’t shake the heavy feeling as she sat on the expansive sofa in the salon of the One and Only. The yacht had become her refuge since she left Max, though refuge felt like the wrong word when every thought cut her deeper.
Her hand rests on her growing belly; she couldn't stop thinking about the choices she'd made—or the ones she still had to make. If Max discovered she was carrying Antoine's child, their marriage would shatter in ways she didn’t want to imagine. And if Antoine found out... she gathered all hell would break loose.
The future felt like a labyrinth with no clear path. Shauna sighed, her gaze drifting to the vast lake view through the salon windows. She'd spent weeks aboard the yacht, venturing out only to drive herself to OB appointments, while wrestling with one decision: she would divorce Max. It wasn’t what she wanted, but she couldn’t see another way.
The sound of the door opening jolted her from her thoughts. Shauna sits up straighter, her hand instinctively covering her stomach. Was it Max? Had he found her here? It was his yacht, after all—though she’d chosen it specifically because it was rarely used.
Peeking cautiously, her tension eased slightly when she recognized the figure stepping through the door.
“Hello, hello, hello,” Martha Saunders greets, her tone bright but her expression blurred with concern. She steps into the room, juggling several shopping bags. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
Shauna emits a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and shook her head. “No, you’re not. Actually, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been going a bit stir-crazy.”
Martha gave her a quick once-over, as she set the bags on the coffee table. “I can see why. This place…” She gestured around the sleek but coldly neutral salon. “It’s beautiful, sure, but it could use some holiday cheer.”
Martha shrugs off her coat, setting it aside before pulling items from the bags: strings of fairy lights, garlands, and even a tree.
THE CHATEAU
The recognizable notes of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 1: No. 2, March floated from the establishment's sound system, filling the upscale restaurant with a festive air.
Despite the decorations and the light afternoon crowd, Max Covington sat at the bar, far from feeling celebratory. He downs a shot of vodka, his mind consumed with thoughts of Shauna. This would be the first Christmas in years they wouldn’t spend together, and the memory of their last conversation replayed relentlessly in his mind. While hearing her voice had been a relief, there was something unspoken, something troubling, that gnawed at him.
Clearing his throat from the burn of the alcohol, Max signaled the bartender. “Can I get a vodka soda? Thanks.”
The bartender prepared the drink quickly, sliding it across the counter as Max hands over cash. Before he could take a sip, Daniel Covington approaches, his presence commanding as always. The older man wore a black overcoat, which he removed to reveal a navy blazer over a white oxford shirt and tie paired with matching slacks.
“I don’t think I need to guess what’s troubling you,” Daniel said, his tone composed.
Max glances at him, his expression sour. “Someone’s feeling perceptive,” he replied sardonically, taking a steady drink from his glass before setting it down on the monogrammed paper coaster. “My wife is God knows where, and you play a big part in that.”
Daniel’s machinations had done more than strain Max’s marriage—they had inadvertently cost him and Shauna their unborn child.
Daniel saw the pain etched across his son’s face and chose his words carefully. “Look, I’m more than aware I’m in no position to tell you what to do.”
“Like that’s ever stopped you before,” Max shot back
Daniel drew a slow breath, tempering his patience. He knew he deserved Max’s hostility. “Whatever is going on between you and Shauna, don’t let it stand in the way of working things out. I’d hate to see you lose her.”
Max studies his father, unsure whether he was being sincere. Instead of responding, he took another sip of his drink. “Well, I’m sorry, but I have to drink and run. I’ve had enough advice for one day.”
Grateful that he was still sober enough to drive, Max slid off the barstool and left the restaurant without another word.
Daniel watched him go, then signaled the bartender and ordered a scotch. As he took a hearty sip, a familiar figure caught his eye.
The man speaks animatedly on the phone as he enters the restaurant, and Daniel’s mood declines instantly.
“Vous me connaissez, je suis esclave du travail, mais ce sera bien d’avoir quelques semaines de repos à passer avec ma belle femme... Non, mon père, je ne quitte pas le prix des yeux. Donnez à la famille mon meilleur au revoir.” (Translation:
(You know me, I’m a slave to work, but it will be nice to have a few weeks of rest to spend with my beautiful wife... No, Father, I’m keeping my eye on the prize. Give my best to the family. Goodbye.)
Jacques Laurent ended the call and immediately noticed Daniel a few feet away. He approached with a practiced ease, his expression unreadable.
“I’ve bet you couldn’t resist bragging to your father about how much so-called success you’ve had at Covington,” Daniel said, his voice laced with disdain.
Jacques smirks. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were jealous,” he notes in his distinct French accent.
Daniel took another drink, setting the glass down heavily as Jacques claimed the seat Max had vacated. “Even though I’m no longer CEO, I’m still on the board,” Daniel said, his tone low but firm. “So, technically, you work for me.”
Currently, his daughter Courtney is in the CEO spot although he believes she doesn't belong there and is trying to get Jacques out of the Covington Group by any means necessary hoping Tommy will change his mind of the proposition he offered him.
Daniel leans back, unfazed. “You might’ve weaseled your way into this family by getting my sister to marry you, but there’s no way in hell I’ll let you take advantage of my father’s legacy,” he adds, his voice rising with controlled anger.
Jacques chuckles, the sound grating. “Look who sounds paranoid. My only intention is to make the Covington Group even more successful. If that makes us all richer, so be it.”
The bartender places Jacques’s scotch in front of him. He took a measured sip as Daniel finished his own drink and stood to leave.
“Would you like anything else?” Jacques asked, feigning politeness.
Daniel glares at him. “When hell freezes over.” He turned on his heel and walked out of the restaurant, his steps brisk with irritation.
Jacques watches him go, satisfied. Turning back to the bartender, he smirked. “By the way, put my drink on my brother-in-law’s tab.”
ONE AND ONLY
With the flatscreen television playing a cable Christmas movie starring two C-list actors, both Shauna and Martha worked on decorating the tree in the salon. The faint sound of predictable dialogue fills the room, but neither woman pays much attention as they focus on their task.
Shauna carefully drapes a strand of red garland onto the tree. “You know, it’s not too late to tell Samuel you want him back,” she said, glancing at her friend. “I know you didn’t really want to break up with him. You just felt like you had to after everything that went down with Murray.”
Martha sighs, her hands pausing over a tangled strand of lights. “I’ll always care about Samuel,” she admitted. “But like I told him, I have to put SJ first. After everything that’s happened, my son has to be my priority.” She began untangling the lights again before adding pointedly. "You’ll understand that when you become a mother. Speaking of which…” She looked up, her expression sharp. “Please tell me you’ve come to your senses and aren’t actually going through with the divorce that I know you don’t want.”
Shauna exhales and rolled her eyes slightly, though there was no real irritation behind it. Martha had been the only person she trusted with her plans, but she made no secret of how absurd she thought they were.
“I might as well go tell Antoine I’m having his baby while I’m at it,” Shauna mutters, half-sarcastic as she adjusts a strand of garland.
Martha debates whether to push further. “Shauna, come on. You can’t keep stringing Max along like this. I know you think you’re protecting him, but he deserves to know what’s going on.”
Shauna stops and turns to face her friend, her voice low and heavy with frustration. “Martha, I can’t, okay? I just... can’t.”
Martha purses her lips, her hands stilling on the lights. “Fine,” she said after a moment, her tone resigned but tight. “It’s your life. But if you’re serious about all this, you’re going to need a concrete plan.”
"And that’s still me and the baby leaving town after it’s born. I’ve got a few places I’m looking into.”
Martha steps closer, her expression softening. “You’re really going to leave the only place you’ve ever lived?” she asked quietly. “This doesn’t just affect Max and Antoine. What about your grandmother? It’s bad enough I have to see her worry about you every time I’m at work and can’t even tell her everything’s fine because it might blow your cover. What about her?”
​Shauna turns away, her gaze drifting to the tree as her hand instinctively rested on her belly. Her grandmother had always been her rock, the one constant source of support in her life. The thought of abandoning her felt like a fresh wound, but the faint movement of the baby under her palm reminded her of the new life she was responsible for.
“I don’t know,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
Martha hesitates before placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You’re not alone, Shauna,” she said softly.
Shauna nodded slightly but didn’t respond. Instead, she reaches for another strand of garland, focusing on the tree, as if decorating could distract her from the weight of the decisions she still had to make.
RADCLIFFE RECIEVING HOSPITAL
Dr. Saddleman glances briefly at his tablet, then back at the family. “All the tests confirm that the cancer has progressed.” His words cast a heavy shadow over the room, drawing worried looks from everyone—except one person.
“What else is new?” Lenny quipped sardonically, her voice carrying an edge.
Louise shot her a look, a mixture of chastisement and sympathy, but stayed silent.
Dr. Saddleman continues, unfazed. He had heard every possible reaction in his three decades of practice. “The progression is faster than we initially anticipated. The infection may have been a contributing factor.”
“So, what can be done in the meantime?” Sean asked, his tone hovering on the edge of impatience. Louise and Tanner exchanged uneasy glances at his sharpness.
Clearing his throat, the doctor pressed on. “We’ll continue with the current course of chemotherapy, but I must stress the urgency of securing a bone marrow transplant."
“What’s the plan for finding a match?” Tanner asked, her voice tight with worry but also determination.
“Most of your family has already been tested. I’ll also check the national registry, but we’re working against the clock here. Time is of the essence.” the doctor pauses, scanning their faces. “I’ll leave you to process this. Please let me know if you have any questions.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Louise said softly as the tall black physician exited the room, leaving the family alone.
Lenny could feel their gazes on her immediately. “What?” she said, exasperation lacing her tone. “I knew it wasn’t going to be some miracle. It’s pretty clear where all this is heading.”
Sean’s jaw tightened as he watched his daughter’s resignation. Without a word, he turned and walked out, the door closing firmly behind him.
Louise and Tanner exchange uneasy glances, the weight of the moment settling heavily between them.
Louise moves closer, wrapping an arm around Lenny, while Tanner leaned in from the other side. Both women held her quietly, their own fears and grief reflected in each other’s eyes as they wondered just how much more they could endure.
HOME FARM
Esther threw up her hands in exasperation. “Fine! You want to know how I did it? Steven and I came by one day. He snuck into Emma’s room and grabbed a hair sample from her brush. I tested it against mine. Satisfied?”
Deirdre, still holding her glass, blinks in disbelief. “Do you have any idea how insane that sounds?”
“Yeah, yeah, maybe we broke a few laws, but that’s not the point.” Esther’s tone sharpens. “Emma needs to get tested to see if she’s a match.”
“And if she refuses? What am I supposed to do?” Deirdre asked, her voice tight.
“Convince her,” Esther said strongly. “Or I will. One way or another, she needs to do it. Otherwise, my niece—” she paused, correcting herself, “Our niece—is going to die.”
Deirdre snickers, swirling the liquid in her glass. “You clearly don’t know my daughter. Convincing Emma of anything is no small feat.” She motions to the paper in her hand, then slams it on the table between them. “You know I could destroy this.”
Esther doesn't flinch. “Even you wouldn’t be that vindictive, Deirdre.”
But as she held her gaze, Esther notices the flicker of desperation in Deirdre’s expression—an edge that suggested perhaps she would.
“Oh, wouldn’t I?” Deirdre’s voice dripped with venom. “Maybe Emma is a Saunders biologically, but she’ll never know that.”
Esther glares at her. “If you don’t tell her, I will.”
Unbeknownst to them, Emma Covington Laurent had just returned home. Hearing much of their heated exchange from the doorway, she froze, unable to communicate, though she found her mouth gaping, and she quietly slipped away.
Breaking the silence, Esther smirks. “By the way, that’s just a copy. I’m ain't that feeble-minded.”
With that, she strode out of the room, leaving Deirdre alone, the paper taunting her from the table.
​
END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Emma tries to process her new reality.
Tricia sets Sean straight.
And an unforgettable event brings loved ones together.
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Onto Episode 326