ABE'S OFFICE. ABE IS SITTING AT THE DESK BEHIND A MASSIVE PILE OF PAPERS AS LEXIE ENTERS THE ROOM. SHE LOOKS AROUND CAUTIOUSLY.

ABE: Here. Behind Mount St.Helen's. And I think all these papers are about to explode.

LEXIE: (COMES BEHIND THE DESK AND KISSES HIM) It's not that bad, is it?

ABE: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) Lex, it's incredible. I've got all of my work plus all of Roman's work. On top of that the only person in the office who can type is out with the flu, there's been another round of budget cuts, and the chief wants to hire someone to replace Roman for half his salary! I don't know how much longer I can take this!

LEXIE: Well (SMILES AND PULLS OUT A STACK OF PAPERS) You won't have to worry about it much longer.

ABE: Lexie! (GRINS) You didn't?

LEXIE: I did!

ABE GETS UP AND HUGS HER, VERY EXCITED.

LEXIE: Uh huh. You're not mad, are you?

ABE: No! I'm just excited. I'm sure whatever you picked must be perfect. I just can't believe we're finally doing this.

LEXIE: Believe it, baby. We are doing it. Goodbye Salem PD, hello Carver Detective Agency!

ABE: No more budget fights. No more paperwork. No more assignments. From now on, we get to pick our own cases. We get to do things our own way. And I don't have to deal with the chief anymore.

LEXIE: Have you told him yet?

ABE: No, I haven't told anyone. I wanted to make sure. But I typed this resignation letter up two months ago, when we started looking. And now I'm finally going to use it.

ABE LEAVES THE OFFICE WITH THE LETTER IN HIS HAND, AS LEXIE LOOKS SOMEWHAT DOUBTFUL.

CUT TO: CARRIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM. CARRIE IS STANDING INSIDE HER HOSPITAL ROOM SLOWLY PACKING A SMALL SUITCASE. ROMAN ENTERS QUIETLY.

CARRIE: Almost. I just have a few more things to pack...

ROMAN: You, um... Want any help?

CARRIE: Thanks, that's ok. See, I'm done. (CLOSES SUITCASE)

ROMAN: Oh. Well. I signed all the papers. Don't think I'll be able to write again for a while. (SHAKES HIS HAND IN MOCK AGONY AS CARRIE SMILES A LITTLE)

CARRIE: So.

ROMAN: So. I guess this means we're outta here, right, kiddo?

CARRIE: Yeah. Right. I guess.

ROMAN: Carrie, what is it? Something is really eating you up. What's bothering you?

CARRIE: (SITS ON THE BED) Dad, we need to talk.

ROMAN: (SITS ON THE BED NEXT TO HER) What about? You haven't changed your mind about Colorado, have you?

CARRIE: No, nothing like that. Dad, I'd like you to drop me off at the loft so I can talk to John.

HOLD ON ROMAN'S EXPRESSION.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE/SPECTATOR. JACK IS SITTING AT HIS DESK, WORKING. THE DOOR OPENS AND JENNIFER ENTERS.

JENNIFER: Jack, we need to talk.

JACK: Yes, let's talk. I can explain...

JENNIFER: No, Jack, it's too late for explanations. Philip called this morning. The network wants to relocate my show to New York. I've decided I'm going and I'm taking Abby with me.

JACK STANDS.

JENNIFER: Oh, I mean it, Jack, I have never been more serious.

JACK: But, after all we've been through?

JENNIFER: What we've been through? We? You went too far this time, Jack. You endangered my daughter.

JACK: But Jennifer...

JENNIFER: I gave you every chance and still you lied. Well, this is the last time. I will not be made the fool again.

JACK IS CRESTFALLEN, HE SINKS BACK INTO HIS CHAIR.

JENNIFER: I said it's too late, I just came to give you the divorce papers. The Judge has given me sole custody of Abby. He agreed that you were an unfit parent.

JACK: No, wait, I can change...

JENNIFER: No. I don't want Abby to ever know what a terrible, irresponsible, immature person her father is. I won't let you hurt her the way you've hurt me.

JACK: I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you.

JENNIFER: No, Jack, it's too late. I'm leaving you.

JACK: No... please... wait...

JENNIFER: But Jack, I hope you get back your paper. (BEAT) You know why?

JACK: Why?

JENNIFER: Because that's all you have. You'll have the Spectator, but you won't have anyone to love or anyone who will love you. You'll die a lonely old man.

JACK: No... no... no...

CLOSE IN ON JACK'S FACE. THEN WE HEAR:

PULL BACK, WE SEE VERN SHAKING JACK, WHO IS SLUMPED OVER HIS DESK, OBVIOUSLY ASLEEP.

AND OUT.

JACK'S OFFICE. IN PROGRESS. VERN IS SHAKING JACK'S SHOULDER.

DISORIENTED, JACK AWAKENS. HE SQUINTS, PUTS HIS HAND TO HIS NECK.

VERN: Jack, you look awful and (FLINCHING) smell worse.

JACK: Thank you, Vern, for sharing. But that's not why you get paid the big bucks. Shouldn't you be working?

VERN: Big bucks? Very funny, Jack. (BEAT) Are you all right? Did you spend the night here? Were there problems with the paper?

JACK: (FLAT) Jennifer and I had a fight. I spent the night here.

VERN: Jack, what did you do now? So help me, if you did anything to hurt Jenny Girl... I'll... I'll...

JACK: You'll what, Vern? Challenge me to a duel?

VERN: I might...

JACK: Don't worry, Vern. Just chalk it up to yet another Jack Deveraux foul-up.

JACK SUDDENLY REMEMBERS JULIE'S CALL. HE LOOKS AT HIS WATCH AND QUICKLY RISES OUT OF THE CHAIR.

JACK: I can't tell you now, Vern. I have to go home to change. I'm taking the next flight out of here for La-La Land.

VERN: You're going to Los Angeles now? When Victor Kiriakis is about to take over the Spectator?

JACK SLAPS VERN ON THE BACK.

VERN: What then? What about Jennifer? What about...

JACK: Don't you worry, Vern. Once I get back the Spectator, all will be right with the world.

JACK EXITS OUT THE DOOR. HOLD ON HIS FACE.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN MANSION, UPPER HALLWAY/STAIRCASE. VIVIAN HAS JUST OVERHEARD NICHOLAS' LATEST TANTRUM OVER CARLY. IVAN WALKS PAST CARRYING SOME OF VIVIAN'S ORCHIDS ON A TRAY.

IVAN: Oui, Madame?

VIVIAN: What have you heard about that matter we discussed earlier?

IVAN: (DRYLY) Which matter, Madame? As I recall, there were quite a few.

VIVIAN: (ANNOYED) Stop being difficult, Ivan. You may think you're practically family, but I still pay your salary. You know which matter... the one involving our dearest friend, Dr. Carly Manning.

IVAN: These things take time, Madame. Our contacts are working on it. And you did want to them to be thorough, did you not?

VIVIAN: Yes, yes, they need to be thorough. But see if you can hurry them along, Ivan. Promise them whatever it takes ... within reason.

IVAN: (WITH A SLIGHT BOW) As you wish, Madame.

IVAN EXITS DOWN THE STAIRS.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S SMILE.

CUT TO: CARRIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM. ROMAN AND CARRIE, IN PROGRESS.

CARRIE: (SIGHS) That's why I was upset. I knew you'd get mad.

ROMAN: I'm not mad. I'm just, I dunno... confused. Why do you want to talk to John?

CARRIE: For one thing, I was pretty mean to him when he came to visit me. I feel bad about that. And...

ROMAN: And?

CARRIE: Dad, look I'm sorry. I love you. But, well, God, I wish I knew an easy way to say this...

ROMAN: Say what?

CARRIE: Dad, I love you. I really do.

ROMAN: Well, I love you too. (AWKWARD HUG)

CARRIE: And I don't blame you for any of this... I know none of it was your fault.

ROMAN: None of what?

CARRIE: Dad, you disappeared when I was a little kid. And then you came back. At least, we all thought you did.

ROMAN: John.

CARRIE: Yes, John. I don't blame him either. He didn't know what was going on.

ROMAN: Carrie, I really don't want to talk about this. Let's just get your things and I'll take you home.

CARRIE: No! Dad, please hear me out. I love you, I always will, but John is the one who raised me. He's the one who gave me the birds and the bees talk. He's the one who was there for my first date. He's the one I talked to about boys. He's the one that made everything safe after Marlena died.

ROMAN: Yeah, he was just a perfect dad, right?

CARRIE: No. He wasn't. We had plenty of fights, I even ran away once. And he came after me. He wasn't a perfect dad. But for most of my life he was my dad. And I want to talk to him, and I think you should too.

ROMAN: We'll see. Let's go.

THEY STAND, ROMAN PICKS UP CARRIE'S SUITCASE, THEY WALK OUT THE DOOR. AND OUT.

JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM/PORCH. JO KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.. JENNIFER ANSWERS, HER EYES ARE BLOODSHOT, SHE HAS OBVIOUSLY BEEN CRYING ALL NIGHT.

JENNIFER: (NUMBLY) He's gone. I throw him out of the house.

JO: No. What happened?

JENNIFER: He lied to me, he put his life, my life, Abby's life, even Billie Reed's life in danger.

JO: Jennifer, you'd better tell me everything. Maybe I can help you with that son of mine.

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S FACE.

CUT TO: LOFT. JOHN HEARS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. BRADY IS ASLEEP UPSTAIRS, THE BABY MONITOR IS ON THE TABLE. JOHN ANSWERS THE DOOR AND SEES ROMAN AND CARRIE. HE IS SURPRISED TO SEE THEM.

ROMAN: Carrie asked me to bring her.

CARRIE: I wanted to talk with you. Roman was taking me home from the hospital. Um... can we come in?

JOHN: Oh, yeah... sure... come on in.

CARRIE AND ROMAN ENTER.

JOHN: (UNSURE) Yes?

ROMAN: Marlena, Sammi and I are going to be leaving soon. We're not happy to be leaving Carrie behind but...

CARRIE: Dad! Come on. We've been all through this...

ROMAN: I know. I know. It's just that you're my little girl...

CARRIE: Dad....

ROMAN: John, you and I have been through a lot. I resented you for a long time, but I know you never meant to hurt me.

JOHN: No, I never meant to hurt anyone.

ROMAN: (DEEP BREATH) This is hard for me... I love Carrie and I believe you love her, too.

JOHN: Like my own...

ROMAN: Then I have a favor. Will you keep an eye on her for me?

JOHN: (RELIEVED) You betcha. There's nothing I wouldn't do...

ROMAN: I know. And I know that the two of you have a good relationship. I hate to leave Carrie, but I feel better knowing that you and Abe will look out for her. That you'll be a part of her life.

JOHN: That's nice to hear. Abe's a good man...

ROMAN: So are you.

JOHN: Thanks. That means something coming from you.

ROMAN: Hey, you were me for a long time. (LAUGHING)

JOHN AND ROMAN SMILE AND SHAKE HANDS.

ROMAN: (TO JOHN) Good luck to you. I hope you find what you're looking for. (TO CARRIE) Carrie, I know you want a few minutes with John. I'll wait out in the car for you.

JOHN: Roman, thank you.

JOHN SHAKES ROMAN'S HAND AND SHOWS HIM TO THE DOOR. JOHN TURNS AROUND TO CARRIE AND SHAKES HIS HEAD.

CARRIE: (HARSHLY) Certainly not me!

SHE LOOKS UP AT HIM AND SEES THE HURT LOOK ON HIS FACE. SHE REALIZES THAT DESPITE EVERYTHING, SHE STILL LOVES HIM.

JOHN: I know. But you never gave me a chance...

CARRIE: I was so confused. I never imagined you could hurt me like that, betray the family...

JOHN: (SAD) Punkin... you know I never meant to hurt you or anyone. Least of all my family...

CARRIE: I know that. But you did hurt us...

JOHN: I know and I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say.

CARRIE: I'm sorry, too. But I think that maybe you've been hurt by all this, too.

JOHN: It's just that I had a life... a good life. Three great kids and a beautiful wife...

CARRIE: I need to know. Is it over?

JOHN: Yes, it is. Marlena and I have said our good-byes and now that I've made my peace with Roman, it's almost like I've come full circle.

CARRIE: You and Marlena should have never happened. But I think I understand.

JOHN: You do?

CARRIE: You were her husband and my dad.

JOHN: I was...

CARRIE: In a lot of ways you still are my dad.

JOHN: You mean that?

CARRIE: I do. Roman will always be my father... but I still think of you as Dad.

CARRIE EMBRACES JOHN. TEARS FILL BOTH THEIR EYES AS THEY TRY TO HOLD ON TO THAT FEELING.

CARRIE: (PULLING AWAY AND SMILING) I'd better get going. Give Brady a kiss for me. I'll stop by in a few days, ok?

JOHN: You'd better! Hey, Carrie, thanks. You're the best.

SMILING, CARRIE LEAVES THE LOFT. JOHN SHUTS THE DOOR AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, FEELS AT PEACE.

CUT TO: ABE'S CAR. ABE IS VERY EXCITED. LEXIE LOOKS WORRIED.

LEXIE: Well, I never actually said it was great...

ABE: It must've been something special for you to have signed the papers on it.

LEXIE: Well, actually, it was the best I'd seen in our price range.

ABE: So, where is it? Is it uptown? Lakeside? Near the mall?

LEXIE: Um. Not quite.

ABE: What's it like? What sort of building is it in? Is it a high rise? Are there elevators?

LEXIE: Um. No, it's not in a high-rise. No elevators.

ABE: Oh. Well, I'm sure it's really nice. Is it big? Lots of windows?

LEXIE: Abe...

ABE: And did you manage to find a cleaning service?

LEXIE: Abe...

ABE: What?

LEXIE: There's something I have to tell you about the building. I don't think it's quite what you had in mind...

ABE: Well, I'm sure it'll be great. So, where is it?

LEXIE: Um. Let's just say you'll be able to walk to work in the morning.

ABE: What?

LEXIE: Well, it's just a few blocks from home.

ABE: What do you mean, just a few blocks from home?

LEXIE: Well, it's down on 12th Street.

ABE: 12th street? What's there? There are no office buildings on 12th street!

LEXIE: Well. It's not quite an office building.

ABE: Then what is it?

LEXIE: It's more of a... storefront. Sort of.

ABE: Sort of?

LEXIE: Sort of.

ABE: What exactly does sort of mean?

LEXIE: Well. You know the dog grooming parlor down on 12th?

ABE: The one that was a front for a drug ring that we busted a few months back?

LEXIE: Yeah. That's the one.

ABE: The one next to the tattoo parlor?

LEXIE: Uh huh.

ABE: You didn't.

LEXIE: I did.

OUT ON ABE'S FACE.

JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM. JENNIFER AND JO IN PROGRESS.

JO: Oh, Jennifer... Jack told me about the money when he found it. I knew about Billie and Tony, too.

JENNIFER: What?

JO: When Jack first told me about the money, I tried to get him to turn it over to the police, but...

JENNIFER: You tried to get him to turn in the money?

JO: When he found the money, he didn't know it belonged to a drug dealer.

JENNIFER: Wait a minute. I don't believe this. What about Abby? What about your granddaughter?

JO: He never meant to hurt either of you.

JENNIFER: You're defending him?

JO: I won't deny what Jack did was wrong, but try and understand his side. Talk to him.

JENNIFER: I think we've both said enough already...

JO: Jennifer, if you talk to him, I know you can work it out. You two love each other. You've gone through so much... overcome so much. You can overcome this. You, Jack, and Abby belong together.

JENNIFER: I don't know if I can forgive him this time. He put the paper ahead of his wife and his child. He got involved in one of his schemes and didn't even consider the consequences.

JO: He was trying to do the right thing...

JENNIFER: No, Jack has a family, he should act like other husbands.

JO: But you knew that Jack wasn't like other men when you married him. What Jack did, he did for you and Abby. You two are the most important people in his life. Talk to him, don't give up on him.

JENNIFER GETS UP AND BRUSHES THE TEARS FROM HER EYES.

JO: Don't you dare call her. I'll stay with Abby.

JENNIFER: Are you sure?

JO: There's nothing I'd rather do than spend the day with my beautiful granddaughter.

JENNIFER GETS UP. SHE NOTICES THE BRIDE AND FIREMAN DOLLS LAYING ON THE TABLE. GENTLY PICKING THEM UP, SHE HOLDS THEM TIGHTLY TO HER BODY. SHE PAUSES, THEN PUTS THEM CAREFULLY BACK INTO THE HOPE CHEST.

CUT TO: ROMAN'S CAR. ROMAN IS IN THE CAR. CARRIE OPENS THE DOOR AND GETS IN.

CARRIE: Yeah, things are cool. (BEAT) Dad?

ROMAN: What is it, Carrie? Is there something you want to talk about?

CARRIE: With you and Marlena leaving... it's just that we haven't had a lot of time together lately.

ROMAN: Maybe you could come with us?

CARRIE: Dad!

ROMAN: I know... this is your home. But you will keep in touch and visit your old man, won't you?

CARRIE: You know I will. I can't let my little brother and sister hog all your time!

ROMAN: Sammi and Eric... If it weren't for you, they might never have been born. Remember when Marlena went into labor?

FLASHBACK TO ANDREA BARBER'S CARRIE AT ABOUT 5 YEARS OLD BEING FASCINATED WITH THE FACT THAT "NO WONDER WOMEN HAVE BABIES AND NOT MEN." ROMAN AND CARRIE LAUGH AT THE MEMORY.

FLASHBACK TO YOUNG CARRIE IN A COMA. ROMAN DISGUISED HIMSELF AS SANTA AND SNUCK INTO HER HOSPITAL ROOM.

CARRIE: And you were.

ROMAN: And I'm here for you now, even in Colorado. You know that, don't you? Marlena and I will always be there.

CARRIE: I know, Dad. And I'm lucky to have such a great family.

THEY EMBRACE IN THE CAR AS ROMAN DRIVES AWAY FROM THE LOFT.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. LAWRENCE IS POURING HIMSELF A DRINK WHEN VIVIAN ENTERS.

LAWRENCE: I seem to recall a few times when you've imbibed this early, Vivian. Was there something you wanted?

VIVIAN: (LOOKING AROUND) What, no Carly? Where is she, applying for beatification?

LAWRENCE: (ANNOYED) Don't start, Vivian. I am sick of your jibes about Katerina.

VIVIAN: But Lawrence, I simply asked where she was.

LAWRENCE: I don't see that it's any of your business, but if you must know, she is out buying school clothes for Nicholas.

VIVIAN: School clothes? How horrid! She has absolutely no taste, Lawrence. She's so, so... common. Before you know it, Nicholas will look just like that little brat of Bo Brady's.

LAWRENCE: (LOSING HIS PATIENCE) It's really none of your business, Vivian. Need I remind you that you have no say in anything concerning Nicholas?

VIVIAN: (DETERMINED) I may not be making the decisions any more, but I certainly have opinions! And I didn't give Nicholas the best money could buy only to have him turn out like any ordinary child.

LAWRENCE: (PUTTING HIS GLASS DOWN) Vivian!

VIVIAN: You mark my words, Lawrence, before you know it, that woman will have swept Nikki away and he'll be living on that wretched boat, dressed in blue jeans and eating hot dogs!

LAWRENCE: (THREATENING) Vivian...

VIVIAN: Is that really how you want the heir to Alamain Industries raised?

LAWRENCE: That is enough, Vivian! Katerina and I will decide how Nicholas is to be raised. Period.

VIVIAN: You know I'm right, Lawrence. I can see it in your eyes. You're beginning to doubt Carly's motives too. You know I wouldn't have taken Nicholas if I didn't have a good reason...

LAWRENCE: Enough, Vivian! I am not discussing this with you any longer!

LAWRENCE GLARES AT VIVIAN, THEN WALKS UP THE STAIRS.

VIVIAN SMILES, GRABS HER PURSE, AND COAT AND EXITS OUT THE FRONT DOOR. AND OUT.

ABE'S CAR. ABE AND LEXIE, IN PROGRESS.

LEXIE: Look, Abe, I don't think you understand the reality of the situation.

ABE: And what is that supposed to mean?

LEXIE: It means we have a very small budget. The kind of office you're thinking of is way out of our league.

ABE: Oh, so now this is my fault?

LEXIE: No, it's no one's fault. I guess we just... weren't connecting. But you haven't even seen the place yet. Be positive. I think it has lots of potential.

ABE: Not that word.

LEXIE: What word?

ABE: "Potential." I hate that word. Whenever something has potential, that means it's in bad shape. It's like the term `handyman special'.

LEXIE: Well. There's that too.

ABE: No. Not that.

LEXIE: Well, it's actually not that bad. I can do most of it myself.

ABE: No. (MOANS AND PUTS HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS)

LEXIE: (FORCED CHEERFULNESS) Here we are!

ABE: Wonderful.

THEY GET OUT OF THE CAR. THE BUILDING DATES BACK TO THE 1920'S. IT WAS ONCE BEAUTIFUL, BUT IS NOW IN A STATE OF DISREPAIR. IT DESPERATELY NEEDS PAINTING, AND THERE ARE GRAFFITI AND OLD SMOKE STAINS ALL OVER THE EXTERIOR. THERE ARE 4 STOREFRONTS. ONE SAYS: "RESALES - USED FURNITURE ETC. WE CLEAN ATTICS." ANOTHER SAYS: "DONITA'S SCHOOL OF BEAUTY CULTURE." THE THIRD SAYS: "CHECKS CASHED HERE." AND THE LAST SAYS: "LIQUATER'S DOG GROOMING SALON." LEXIE TAKES A KEY OUT OF HER PURSE AND OPENS THIS DOOR AND STEPS INSIDE. ABE FOLLOWS.

ABE: Do we have electricity?

LEXIE: Should, it was on this morning.

ABE: Wait, here, I found it. (TURNS LIGHT ON) Oh.

ABE AND LEXIE LOOK AROUND. THE ENTRY IS SMALL AND DARK. 2 LIGHT BULBS DANGLE FROM THE CEILING. THE CARPET IS THREADBARE AND COULD BE EITHER BROWN OR GRAY.

ABE: Oh.

LEXIE: Abe?

ABE: Lexie, I cannot believe you did this.

LEXIE: Abe?

ABE: Look at this place Lexie! I cannot believe you actually signed a lease on this dump. What were you thinking?

LEXIE: Well, I'm sorry Abe. This is the best I could do on our budget. And if you think this is bad, you should see some of the dumps I've looked at the past month. This is the Ritz! It actually has electricity. There's glass in the windows. The plumbing works. And there's no giant cockroach army lurking anywhere. If you had seen all the places I've seen, done all the hunting I've done, you'd know what a deal this place is!

ABE: (QUIETER) I'm sorry Lex. It's just... this really isn't what I had in mind.

LEXIE: (QUIET, SAD) Me either. But, well, it's just the best I could get. Starting a business takes money, and we don't have anything near enough to pay the rent uptown. Besides, this way we can stay in the old neighborhood, help people out.

ABE: Yeah. I guess so. This'll just take a little getting used to...

LEXIE: So, wanna take a look around?

ABE: (SHRUGS) Sure.

THEY WALK DOWN THE HALLWAY TOGETHER, HAND IN HAND.

CUT TO: SALEM PLACE MALL. CARLY IS OVERLOADED WITH SHOPPING BAGS AND NOT LOOKING WHERE SHE IS GOING AND BUMPS INTO ANOTHER SHOPPER.

VIVIAN: (SARCASTICALLY) Carly, darling. What a surprise running into you.

CARLY: I haven't got time for sparring with you Vivian, I'm busy.

VIVIAN: Yes, Lawrence said you were buying school clothes for Nikki. (LOOKING IN THE BAGS) It looks as if you've drained your bank account. I do hope you charged all of this to Lawrence? And got yourself a little treat as well?

CARLY: I don't need Lawrence's money to provide for my son.

VIVIAN: Oh maybe not now, but there was a time when you were penniless, dear, and needed all the charity you could get. I've often wondered what would've happened if I hadn't been around to save the day...

CARLY: (ANGRILY) Save the day? You?! If you hadn't been around, Vivian, I would have my son and we would be happy now. Thanks to you and your evil lies he won't even speak to me.

VIVIAN: (GESTURING TOWARDS THE BAGS) So you're trying to buy his love? It won't work, you know. Nikki's too smart for that. He'll see through you in a second.

CARLY: (SEETHING) I am not trying to buy his love. Once he realizes how long I have been looking for him and how much I love him, he will accept me.

VIVIAN: Well, you say you love him, but from what I can see, you haven't made any attempt to get to know him very well.

CARLY: Of course I have! And I'd know him better if it weren't for your meddling!

VIVIAN: (TAKING AN ITEM OUT OF ONE OF THE BAGS) If you know him so well, darling, why don't you know that wool sweaters give him a terrible rash and that he absolutely hates the color purple?

SHE THROWS THE SWEATER UP IN THE AIR. CARLY CATCHES IT.

VIVIAN TURNS ON HER HEEL WITH A SATISFIED SMILE. HOLD ON CARLY EYEING THE SWEATER DOUBTFULLY.

CUT TO: JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM/PORCH. JO IS SITTING ON THE SOFA WITH ABBY. GO TO: PORCH. JACK IS SNEAKING AROUND, TRYING TO LOOK INSIDE WITHOUT BEING SEEN. BUT HE TRIPS ON SOMETHING AND FALLS AGAINST THE GARBAGE CAN. AT THE SOUND OF THE CRASH, JACK SWEARS.

JO GETS UP AND PUTS ABBY IN HER PLAYPEN. JO LOOKS OUT THE PEEPHOLE AND SEES JACK. SHE OPENS THE DOOR. JACK IS JUST GETTING UP, BRUSHING HIMSELF OFF.

JACK: Stupid trash cans, what idiot put them there?

JO: You did.

JACK: Oh. (BEAT) (PEERING INSIDE) Is Jennifer home?

JO: No, she just left for work. I'm taking care of Abby.

JACK: Good.

THEY ENTER THE HOUSE.

JO: Yes, she did. Oh, son, I am so sorry.

JACK: Not as sorry as I am...

JO: Where have you been? And why were you sneaking around the house?

JACK: I spent the night at the Spectator. I was sneaking around because... because I wanted to make sure Jennifer wasn't armed.

JO: (SHAKING HER HEAD) Jack, this is serious.

JACK: I know. But right now I need to take a shower and pick up some clothes and my suitcase.

JO: What? You're just running away without even trying to fix things with your wife?

JACK: Of course not. I got a call from Julie. She found someone in Los Angeles who is interested in backing the paper.

JO: But you shouldn't go now. You need to resolve things with Jennifer.

JACK: I have to go. I need to get the paper back. And this is my last chance... Besides, this will give us time to think.

JO: Think about what?

JACK: (LOOKING AWAY) To think about whether or not our marriage is over.

HOLD ON JACK'S FACE.

JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM. IN PROGRESS. JO TURNS JACK AROUND AND LOOKS INTO HIS EYES. JACK LOWERS HIS HEAD, TRYING TO HIDE HIS FACE FROM HER. JO PUTS HER FINGER UNDER HIS CHIN, LIFTS IT AND LOOKS INTO HIS EYES.

JACK: Sometimes love isn't enough.

JO: Don't say that. It's not true.

JACK: Would that it were so. (BEAT) Jennifer has lost faith in me... she's lost respect for me. Without that...

JO: Well, whose fault is it? If you had been honest with Jennifer from the beginning, none of this would have happened.

JACK: Aha! I was waiting for that. Say, "I told you so." Okay say it! Say, "I told you so, Jack." Say, "This time you have lost Jennifer for good. It's too late."

JO: Jack, it's not too late. It's never too late.

JO HUGS JACK. HE PUTS BOTH OF HIS ARMS AROUND HER. QUICKLY EMBARRASSED, JACK STRAIGHTENS UP AND EXTRACTS HIMSELF FROM HER EMBRACE.

JO: Have faith. You'll see. Everything will work out.

JACK: Well, before that can happen, I need to talk to the backers in L.A. After that, I can pay off Billie, the paper...

JO: What about Jennifer?

JACK WALKS OVER TO ABIGAIL, WHO IS IN HER PLAYPEN. HE PICKS HER UP AND GIVES HER A GENTLE KISS.

HOLD ON JACK LOOKING AT ABIGAIL.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT. CARLY IS SITTING, OPENING BOXES AND LOOKING AT THE CLOTHING SHE'S BOUGHT FOR NICHOLAS. BO ENTERS.

BO: (SEEING SHOPPING BAGS, ETC) (PLAYFUL) Did you buy all that for me?

CARLY: No, for Nikki...

BO: (PICKING UP SWEATER) I'll bet he loves everything.

CARLY: I'm not so sure...

BO: (SEEING HER DOWNCAST EXPRESSION) How'd it go with Nikki today? Did you have another fight?

CARLY: Yes... Oh, Bo, I don't know if he'll ever accept me. He acts like he hates me, and it's all that woman's fault...

BO: Vivian?

CARLY: She tells Nikki lies about me. She'll say anything to turn him against me. She wants him to love only her... and Lawrence.

BO: Princess, no amount of lies can keep you two apart. The more Nikki sees you, the more he will see what a wonderful, loving person you are, and he won't be able to help but love you.

CARLY: Oh, Bo, do you think so? I wonder sometimes. The more he's in that house, with that woman poisoning his mind against me...

BO: Spend more time with him. Bring him over to the boat, or to Mom and Pop's to play with Shawn-D. We can go out and do things together... You know I'll do anything to help you with your relationship with your son.

CARLY: You mean that? Really? Because I've been thinking about talking to Mickey Horton about beginning custody proceedings.

BO: You want to take Nikki away from Larry and Viv?

CARLY: He's my son.

BO: But Vivian has been the boy's guardian all his life. And no matter what I think of Larry, Nikki obviously loves him. It'd be hard on Nikki, being torn away from what little security he has... it could really hurt him if it was done the wrong way.

CARLY: Then we'll do it the right way. I'll make sure he understands it's the best thing for him. You agree he can't possibly be brought up in that house, don't you...

BO: Well, Larry and Vivian are hardly what you'd call model citizens. And I know we could make a good home for Nikki here... but it'd still be hard on the kid...

CARLY: Only at the beginning, and we can make it easier. We can have Kim council him.

BO: That might help... And Nikki seems to like Kim. But do you think you could get custody? Lawrence is his father.

CARLY: (THINKING) Maybe we'd need to get some information that would convince the judge that Nikki should be with me... us...

BO: Information? What kind of information?

CARLY: Well, we know Lawrence hasn't always been honest in his business dealings...

BO: Business dealings? That's nothing compared to his other crimes. (BEAT) You know I've always wanted to nail Larry, and if I can do that, and help you and Nikki, too...

CARLY: Bo, you mean that? It would mean so much for me to be able to have Nikki always, to be mother to both our sons....

BO: I'll talk to Roman, and maybe Abe and Lexie. They'll probably have some ideas where to start. (BEAT) I'd better pick Roman's brain now, while I still can.

BO STANDS UP AND PICKS UP HIS MOTORCYCLE HELMET.

BO: Just for a while. While I'm gone, why don't you get some rest. You look tired.

CARLY: (ABSENTLY) Tired? (SUDDENLY, SHE CATCHES HERSELF, AND SHE GETS UP AND WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND BO) I don't know, I'm not so tired... (SEDUCTIVE) Are you sure you have to go?

BO: Well...

THEY KISS, THEN BO PULLS AWAY.

CARLY: Ooh, baby, I'll try.

BO LEAVES. CARLY'S EXPRESSION IS HARD, RESOLUTE.

OUT ON CARLY'S FACE.

CARRIE'S APARTMENT/CORR. THERE ARE BOXES IN THE HALLWAY. CARRIE STOPS TO LOOK AT THEM AS SHE UNLOCKS HER DOOR. AUSTIN COMES OUT OF HIS APARTMENT CARRYING A BOX. HE STOPS AND LOOKS AT HER.

CARRIE: Hi Austin.

AUSTIN: I didn't know you were out of the hospital.

CARRIE: (SHRUGS) I am.

AUSTIN: Oh. So, how are you?

CARRIE: Tired. Sore. My face itches.

AUSTIN: Oh. Um....

CARRIE: So. Are you leaving?

AUSTIN: Yeah... I'm crashing with a friend till I can find a gig somewhere else.

CARRIE: Good luck.

AUSTIN: Are you sure you really want me to go?

CARRIE: I'm sure.

AUSTIN: Well, can I like, call you sometime?

CARRIE: No. I don't think that's a good idea.

AUSTIN: Can I write?

CARRIE: No.

AUSTIN: So this is it?

MUSIC BEGINS: "SOMETIMES LOVE AIN'T ENOUGH" BY PATTY SMYTHE AND DON HENLEY.

AUSTIN WALKS OVER TO HER. HE REACHES OUT AND TRIES TO TOUCH HER FACE, BUT SHE PULLS HIS HAND AWAY. HE TAKES HER HAND AND GENTLY KISSES IT.

CARRIE: Please... go.

AUSTIN: (NODS) I've just got a little more to pack.

CARRIE: Good.

CARRIE TURNS AND UNLOCKS HER DOOR AND GOES INSIDE AS AUSTIN LEANS AGAINST THE CLOSED DOOR.

CUT TO: JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM. JACK COMES DOWN THE STAIRS, DRESSED IN A FRESH SUIT, CARRYING A SUITCASE. ABIGAIL IS BACK IN THE PLAYPEN. JO IS IN THE KITCHEN. JACK PUTS DOWN HIS SUITCASE AND WALKS TO THE PLAYPEN AND PICKS UP ABIGAIL.

GO TO: JO, WHO IS STANDING AT THE KITCHEN DOOR, LISTENING. JACK GIVES ABIGAIL ONE LAST KISS, PUTS HER BACK IN THE PLAYPEN, AND PICKS UP HIS SUITCASE. JO WATCHING, HAS TEARS IN HER EYES.

JACK LOOKS AT ABIGAIL, THEN WALKS OUT THE DOOR. AND OUT.

JACK/JENNIFER LIVING ROOM. JO IS ON THE SOFA, READING. JENNIFER WALKS IN. JO PUTS DOWN HER BOOK AND GETS UP.

JO: Does that mean that you've changed your mind since this morning?

JENNIFER: Well, I was just worried that...

JO: Then you do still care about him?

JENNIFER TURNS AWAY, RELUCTANT TO ADMIT THAT JO WAS RIGHT.

JENNIFER: How was he?

JO: He looked just as bad as you do. Oh, Jennifer, he's devastated. He is afraid you don't want him anymore.

JENNIFER: (OBVIOUSLY AFFECTED) Where is he now?

JO: (DEEP BREATH) Jack had to leave town on business.

JENNIFER: (ANGRY) Business? Now?

JO: Jack found some possible backers for the paper in Los Angeles. He had to be there today to meet with them.

JENNIFER: (BITTER) And yet again, he puts the Spectator before me and his daughter. Jack's decision is obvious. No one forced him to go. He chose the paper over his marriage.

JO: But...

JENNIFER: There are no "buts" about it. Jack made his decision.

JO: Listen to me. All Jack is trying to do is protect what he cares for most in the world: you and Abby.

JENNIFER: No, Jo. Jack only cares about himself and the paper. And if that's what he wants, I won't fight him. I can't... not anymore...

JO: Jennifer, you know you don't believe that. Do you really want to give up Jack? Do you really want Abby to grow up without her father?

JENNIFER: But I thought Jack loved me, that he trusted me. I had faith in Jack... I've always had faith in Jack. And now I'm afraid that I was wrong.

JO: Jack loves you more than you know. Give him time. (BEAT) Look at how much Jack has changed since he met you. You brought out all the love that he was afraid to show.

JENNIFER: I don't know...

JO: Yes, you do, you do know. Thanks to that so-called Father of his, Jack was taught not to show his feelings. But, for you and for Abby, he does show how much he cares.

JENNIFER: Sometimes...

JO: Jennifer, there is nothing or no one who means as much to Jack as you and Abby.

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S FACE.

CUT TO: ABE'S OFFICE/CORR. ROMAN IS PACKING THINGS FROM HIS DESK INTO A BOX, GOING THROUGH STUFF, MOVING FILES, ETC. BO WALKS IN.

BO: Hey Roman! More packing, huh?

ROMAN: Just collecting a few things for my new desk in Colorado, whatever I end up doing...

BO: You gonna try and get on the force there?

ROMAN: Probably. Police work is what I know, after all. But I think I'll take a couple weeks off and settle in first. I need some time with Doc and the kids.

BO: Yeah, it'll be great for you to have some stress-free time with Sammi and Eric. You guys will be able to be a family again, be together... (WISTFUL)

ROMAN: Sounds to me like you'd like to have your family together, too. Is Carly still having problems with Nikki?

BO: It's not really Nikki, it's Vivian and Lawrence. Vivian is filling Nikki's head with lies about Carly, trying to keep him from seeing his mother as the wonderful person she is. And Larry hangs all over them, so they barely have a moment to just be together.

ROMAN: That's tough. Isn't there anything Carly can do?

BO: Carly's thinking of trying to get custody of Nikki, but I'm afraid it'll be too hard on him, especially after the whole Lisanne fiasco...

ROMAN: I don't know, Bo, I think Carly has the right idea. It can't be good for the boy to be raised in that family. After everything Alamain and his aunt have done, I wouldn't want any kid I cared about living with them!

BO: A lot of what Larry did was to protect Nikki, though. I'd never defend the jerk, but the whole Lisanne thing was to keep Nikki from being hurt...

ROMAN: But what about everything that happened in Lawrence's country? I know I wasn't here, but how could you forget?

BO: What do you mean?

ROMAN: The earthquake, the fact that Lawrence tried to kill Mrs. H, Julie, Jennifer... Hell, he raped Jennifer, and kept Carly's own brother prisoner. He tried to kill you, Kay, and Shane. The man has gotten away with murder.

BO: You know, big brother, you're right. We've all been so preoccupied with Nikki we seem to have forgotten that.

ROMAN: Lawrence is not fit to be father to a Nikki. And Vivian's no saint either. She stole the kid, for heaven's sake, from the woman you love. I think Carly should go after her son.

BO: I'd love to nail Larry, but a lot of what you say is history. Our word against his... and his high-priced lawyer's. What I need is something current, some real dirt on Larry Alamain that we can use against him to get custody of Nikki. Any ideas?

ROMAN: Well, I wish I could help, but I'm almost outta here... But you have Abe and Lexie. And, honestly, John might be a good source for info. He's not too fond of his brother, but he's in a position to know a lot about what goes on in the Alamain empire.

BO: Good idea, bro. I'll talk to Abe and Lex, and see if John's got anything that'd help. Nikki's his nephew, after all, I'm sure he'll want what's best for the kid.

ROMAN: Hey, listen, Bo, I know you're not gonna like to hear this, but I'm gonna sound off like a big brother....

BO: (INTERRUPTS) As if I could stop you, like I ever could...

ROMAN: I'm serious... I want you to be careful. Lawrence is a pro at the game, and he's damned dangerous.

BO: Yeah, yeah...

ROMAN: Bo, you watch your back. Better yet, make sure you've got a couple people watching your back. I don't want to have to come all the way back to Salem to bail you out of trouble.

BO: And you would, too, wouldn't you? Chewing me out all the way...

MUSIC IN BACKGROUND, NO LYRIC, FAMILIAR STRAINS OF "HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER," INSTRUMENTAL ONLY.

BO: Yeah, but you were always there for me. I just wish I could have been there for you...

ROMAN: You always have been.

BO: No, that day on the beach, when I thought you'd died... I held you... Then I had to leave you there, and when I came back, you were gone...

ROMAN: You did everything...

BO: (IGNORING INTERRUPTION) I've always felt guilty, as if I'd tried harder, we'd have found you, and there would never have been that imprisonment for you, the whole damn awful situation...

ROMAN: But that's all over and done with. You did what you could. There was no reason for you to think I might still be alive. (BEAT) I'm back now, and together with Doc and the kids, and we're going off to start a great new life. I don't want you to feel guilty, Bo, it's all turned out for the best. And (SLIGHTLY GRUDGINGLY) at least if I can't be here to play big brother, I know John will keep your butt in line... and safe.

BO: But no one will be the same as my one and only big brother. I really am gonna miss you, Roman. Much as we fight, as many hassles as we get into, I love you, man...

ROMAN: And I love you, little brother. You're the best...

THE MUSIC SWELLS. BO AND ROMAN HIT EACH OTHER'S SHOULDERS AND THEN BREAK INTO A LONG HUG. BOTH ARE CLEARLY STRUGGLING TO HOLD THEIR EMOTIONS IN CHECK.

CUT TO: CARRIE'S APT. CARRIE SITS ON HER SOFA, MIRROR IN HAND. HER HAND IS SHAKING. SHE REACHES UP TO HER FACE AND SLOWLY REMOVES HER BANDAGE. WHEN SHE SEES HER FACE, SHE BEGINS TO CRY, SOFTLY. SHE BURIES HER FACE IN HER ARMS AND SOBS. FADE TO BLACK.