ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON 15

Episode 45

Nigel spread the blanket over his husband's lap as Richard sat on their living room sofa and then he plopped down beside him with a satisfied sigh. " I'm glad to have you home, baby. And, before you asked I have been resting. And , I took all my medicine. Plus....." He pointed at the pill bottle on the coffee table in front of them. " Plus I remembered to fill that prescription of yours for pain. If you need it. Which I hope you don't. "

Richard smiled faintly as he tried to shift into a more comfortable position on the sofa. " Good. To all. Speaking of my medicine I think I may take a pill for now. "

Nigel cut his eye over to him. " Are you all right? I think they let you out too early. Do you need to see a doctor? I can take you back to the hospital on Metro. "

Richard laughed and shook his head. " No. Perish the thought. I'm fine. Just a little pain. In my stomach. Could you get me some water? I love you. "

Nigel looked at him for a long time and then said," Sure. Be right back. And , love you too. " As he got up he called over his shoulder," When I get back we can watch Rebel. "

Richard made a face. " That's on opposite Destiny's Hospital. "

Nigel laughed. " Since when you watch soaps ? You always called them cheesy and overacted. "

Richard looked slightly sheepish. " I don't watch it. Well , maybe occasionally in the hospital. When I found nothing else on. It's just that today Bernadette finds out which of the three men she's sleeping with is the father of her octoplets. "

Nigel laughed again. " Interesting. Well , today your real life brother is on Rebel to discuss his run for mayor and we're watching it to support him. Oh , and your father called. He invited us over to have dinner with them on Sunday. Part of this supervised visitation business with Lewis. "

Richard smiled and took his feet out of his shoes to put them on the coffee table in a relaxed pose. " Good. I can't wait to see Lewis. "

Nigel nodded. " Me too. And , the kids as well. Of course they also invited Wilson and Tania over too. Guess it makes sense since we all have supervise visits. "

Richard made another face as Nigel went to fetch a glass of water for him to take his pill. As Nigel left the room Richard quickly opened the bottle and put a pill in his mouth dry.

                    -------------

          The Rebel Show

Rebel : So , a big topic in this election is local gun violence and gun control policies. You have especially strong views on that , Dr.  Norland - Lane. Don't you?

Spencer ( seated in his wheelchair) : Yes. Most definitely I do. The statistics on gun violence in the country and city as well as the state as a whole are quite troubling to me. All gun related crime in the area has increased double fold since this time last year. That is including homicide, attempted homicide, assaults with a weapon and domestic violence. We also have seen a great surge in gang violence and youth related criminal activity in the city of Hyattsville. Of course, most states in the country have seen similar numbers but I'm more interested in this state, this city , this area. I'm concerned with the prevalence of guns on our streets.

Rebel : As a new parent, so am I, Dr. Norland - Lane. Although I myself reside in DC. If elected mayor what would you do locally to curb these numbers?

Spencer: I believe we need more community programs aimed at prevention and education about gun violence as well more local laws designed to remove the guns from the wrong hands......

Lazarus ( laughing brashly) : That's my issue with your little policy ! What hands will you take these supposedly troublesome guns from? The hands like yours? Or Black hands like mine? You are aware that the second amendment applies to me and my race as well?

Rebel : I think the community programs are a very good idea. Reverend Jones , what would you do to prevent gun violence on the streets?

Lazarus: We don't have a gun violence issue. We have an issue with the White Supremacy Criminal Just Them System. And , also the incompetent police force that are not capable of truly protecting and serving anyone. So as mayor my first action would be to defund their budgets !  Defund the police now !

( The audience members clap wildly. )

Dodie : That's not going far enough. I believe we need to abolish the police. They're useless and just an empty corrupt tool of oppression.......

( A woman in the audience stands up and yells," That's just because they arrested you for running down those children ! You should be in jail ! " )

( The audience clapped enthusiastically. )

Rebel : We have not heard from Mr. Van Owen yet. Mr. Van Owen , where do you stand on gun control?

Buckley: I don't see that we have a gun violence issue. Or an issue with guns. Guns are essential. They are constitutionally protected!

( Audience clapped wildly. )

Buckley: Guns are critical for the protection of our homes, businesses and families. A more important issue to me is that of family values. Traditional family values. While I do tolerate homes such as yours , Rebel, and Mr. Norland - Lane , here I believe the emphasis must be put on homes that have a strong father, mother and natural born children. Families like mine. If Rona Johnson, Tina Green and even Nicole Duncan had came from a strong traditional family unit their involvements in shootings would not have occurred.

Spencer: I disagree. For Nicole was a victim herself......

Buckley: Not of shooting Senator Jacobs' only son.

Spencer: She was a victim in the school bus shooting just like my niece and Susan Mullins. Just like my brother Richard and the others at the store. Just like my mother in law who was killed in the courthouse by gun violence. Just like myself. Just like too many others. These crimes didn't happen because of family values being lacking. They happened because guns in this country are too freely available and too revered. We need gun control. Point blank.

( The audience began to clap enthusiastically. )

                 -------

Jackson Holmes smirked at Winston," Your little candidate is very emotional, isn't he? "

Winston glared at the other man who stood beside him backstage. " He may be emotional but he is going to win. Spencer will be mayor. Watch. "

Not if I can help it , Jackson wanted to say but he kept silent and just smiled at him charmingly.