BO'S BOAT. BO AND CARLY ARE LYING IN BED IN EACH OTHER'S ARMS.

BO: Morning, Princess. You look like you're in a good mood.

CARLY: I am.

BO: Why?

CARLY: I just love waking up like this, in your arms.

BO: Me, too. Sometimes I wish we could stay in bed forever.

CARLY: That's a great idea.

BO: You really are in a good mood. Are you sure it's just me? Am I wearing a new cologne or something?

CARLY: No, Silly... I'm just... excited.

BO: Excited?

CARLY: Yeah. Excited. I know that someday, someday soon, I'll be Mrs. Bo Brady.

BO: Now I like the sound of that. Mrs. Bo Brady. Dr. Mrs. Bo Brady.

CARLY: And thanks to you and Abe, soon I'll have my son back.

BO: You know Carly, I'm still kind of worried about all this. I mean, how do you think knowing the truth about Vivian and Larry will affect Nikki?

CARLY: I don't care. I just want my son.

BO: Carly!

CARLY: I'm... sorry. It's just... I just want to marry you, and to be with you and Shawn-Douglas, and Nikki. Nothing else matters.

BO: I guess I can understand that. But I'm still worried about the little guy. You know how he feels about Larry and Vivian. At his age, something like this can leave a lot of scars.

CARLY: Bo, once he's with his mother everything will be all right.

BO: Maybe we should have him see Kim...

CARLY: I don't care. I just want him back, so we can start being a real family. (BEGINS SLOWLY KISSING BO'S NECK)

BO: Sounds wonderful, Princess...

BO KISSES CARLY, THEN BEGINS TO SLIDE THE STRAPS OF HER GOWN OFF HER SHOULDERS.

CUT TO: SALEM NATIONAL BANK. JACK IS STANDING OUTSIDE THE BANK, LOOKING AT HIS WATCH, THE GUARD ARRIVES AND OPENS THE DOOR.

GUARD: It's exactly 9:00 a.m., sir.

JACK: 9:00 a.m.? Who waits to do business until 9:00 a.m.? No wonder they call them bankers' hours.

JACK HEADS STRAIGHT TO A TELLER AND LAYS THE STACK OF BONDS ON THE COUNTER.

TELLER: Excuse me, did you say 5 million dollars?

JACK: Yes, and tell the loan officer... what's his name... Stone, that I want to see him.

TELLER: Yes, sir.

JACK: And be quick about it. I've got places to go and people to see. (SOTTO VOCE) Don't I, Jennifer?

HOLD ON JACK'S FACE.

CUT TO: JACK/JENNIFER HOUSE. ABIGAIL IS IN HER PLAYPEN. JENNIFER IS TALKING ON THE PHONE, ONE-WAY, TO KAYLA.

JENNIFER HANGS UP THE PHONE, WALKS OVER AND PICKS UP ABIGAIL.

OUT ON JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL.

CARVER & CARVER DETECTIVE AGENCY. IT LOOKS DESERTED, THE LIGHTS ARE OUT. ENTER CARRIE, DRESSED UP AND WITH CAREFULLY-APPLIED MAKEUP. SHE HESITATES IN THE DOORWAY.

LEXIE ENTERS FROM THE BACK, YAWNING. SHE FLIPS ON THE LIGHTS.

LEXIE WALKS OVER AND FLIPS THE SIGN ON THE DOOR TO READ "OPEN."

CARRIE: You mean you stayed here last night? All night?

LEXIE: Yeah, it's one of the down sides of detective work. If this keeps up we'll have to get a few roll-away beds!

CARRIE: All night...

LEXIE: But we don't expect you to, of course. Your hours will be strictly 9-5. Come on, I'll show you around.

THEY PEEK INTO THE CONFERENCE ROOM, WHICH IS LITTERED WITH FILES, PAPERS, EMPTY SOFT DRINK BOTTLES AND A PIZZA BOX. THEN THEY GO INTO ABE'S OFFICE. HE IS ASLEEP AT HIS DESK. THEY EXCHANGE SMILES.

LEXIE: (SHAKING ABE) Abe. Abe. Wake up, hon.

ABE: What? Where's that file? I wasn't asleep! I'm awake! I was (HUGE YAWN) thinking. Look, look at this, Lexie...

LEXIE: Sure, Abe. You always think with your eyes closed. Look who's here.

ABE: (RUBBING HIS EYES) Carrie, hi... I really was awake you know.

CARRIE: (TRYING NOT TO LAUGH) Sure you were. Dad thinks with his eyes closed, too.

ABE COMES AROUND THE DESK AND HUGS CARRIE.

CARRIE: Ready and willing! Lexie says you were here all night trying to find evidence against Lawrence.

ABE: (AWAKE NOW AND EXCITED) We sure were. And we think we may have just the thing to put him away, right Lex?

LEXIE: Right!

CARRIE: What did you find out? Can I help? What should I do first?

ABE: Lex, can you show Carrie the phones and files and stuff?

ABE LOOKS DOWN AT HIMSELF AND HOLDS HIS SHIRT AWAY FROM HIS BODY.

LEXIE: (TO CARRIE) Why don't we give this man some privacy and you and I can go see what needs to be done up front?

LEXIE AND CARRIE WALK OUT OF ABE'S OFFICE.

HOLD ON LEXIE AND CARRIE AS THEY WALK DOWN THE CORRIDOR, LEXIE GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO CARRIE.

CUT TO: CAPTAIN'S OFFICE/SALEM PD (FORMERLY ABE'S OFFICE, NOW JANET'S OFFICE.). ENTER JANET YAMADA, THE NEW CAPTAIN. SHE IS DRESSED IN A RED DOUBLE-BREASTED "POWER" SUIT WITH A WHITE BUTTON DOWN BLOUSE AND A FLORAL SCARF WORN LIKE A TIE. SHE CARRIES A BULGING BRIEFCASE IN ONE HAND AND A PILE OF FILE FOLDERS IN THE OTHER ARM. SHE IS OBVIOUSLY IN A BAD MOOD.

SHE SETS HER THINGS DOWN ON THE DESK.

SHE GOES TO SIT DOWN IN THE CHAIR AND STOPS SHORT. SHE RUNS HER HAND OVER IT AND LOOKS AT THE DIRT THAT COMES OFF IN DISGUST. JANET LOOKS AROUND THE OFFICE. THERE IS A LAYER OF DUST AN INCH THICK, USED COFFEE CUPS ON THE FILE CABINET AND THE REMAINS OF SOMEONE'S BAG LUNCH ON THE OTHER DESK. JANET CLENCHES HER FISTS AND MOVES TO THE DOOR. SHE TRIPS ON AN EMPTY PIZZA BOX. SHE WALKS TO THE DOOR AND LOOKS UP AND DOWN THE CORRIDOR.

JANITOR: Miles, sir. I mean, ma'am.

JANET: Miles, get your butt in here and clean this place up. I want you to clean like you've never cleaned before. I want this floor to be clean enough for me to see clear through to the floor below. Got it?

MILES: (SCRUBBING FURIOUSLY) Yes, sir. I mean ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

JANET: (PACING) (TO HERSELF) I left a good paying job at the New Orleans PD to come to this! I could've made captain in five years... but no!

SHE BEGINS OPENING ALL THE OFFICE BLINDS. WE SEE TWO UNIFORMED OFFICERS LAUGHING AND JOKING. A CLERK IS STUFFING FILES INTO A DRAWER ANY WHICH WAY. ANOTHER IS NODDING AT A DESK.

IN DISGUST, SHE PUTS THE BLINDS BACK DOWN. A CLOUD OF DUST RISES.

MILES JUMPS UP FROM THE FLOOR AND BEGINS APPLYING A DUST RAG WITH GUSTO.

JANET: (PACING AGAIN) This is my worst nightmare. I might as well be in the backwaters of Louisiana. At least there they don't hide the fact that the police are owned by whoever's got the most money.

SHE PICKS UP SOME FILES, FLIPPING THROUGH THEM.

SHE TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND LETS IT OUT SLOWLY.

SHE LOOKS AROUND THE OFFICE, WHICH IS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT BETTER.

MILES: (WITH HIS MOP) Yes ma'am. I've got it, ma'am.

HOLD ON JANET'S FACE, AS SHE WATCHES MILES MOP.

CUT TO: JACK/JENNIFER HOUSE. JENNIFER IS SITTING ON THE SOFA, ABIGAIL IS ON HER LAP, JENNIFER IS READING TO HER.

And then something went bump!
How that bump made us jump!
We looked!
Then we saw him step in on the mat!
We looked!
And we saw him!
The Cat in the Hat!

AS JENNIFER READS, THE FRONT DOOR OPENS, IT'S JACK. HE LISTENS TO WHAT JENNIFER'S READING.

JENNIFER LOOKS UP, STARTLED.

JACK: Yes, Jack... not the Cat in the Hat.

JACK AND JENNIFER LOOK AT EACH OTHER, THE TENSION IN THE ROOM IS ALMOST PALPABLE. YOU CAN SEE THEY BOTH WANT NOTHING MORE THAN TO RUN INTO EACH OTHERS' ARMS, BUT THEY WON'T.

JACK: I heard. Although I like Geisel, I've always thought that somehow my child would read... I don't know... maybe Adam Smith.

JENNIFER: I think Abby's a little young for economics.

JACK: How about Gibbons? "The Fall of the Roman Empire" is a good story.

JENNIFER: "Our."

JACK: What?

JENNIFER: You called Abby "my" child, she's "our" child.

JACK: So she is...

HE WALKS OVER, SOMEWHAT HESITANT.

JENNIFER: Of course, as you said, she's your daughter.

JACK PICKS UP ABIGAIL, LOOKS AT HER, KISSES THE TOP OF HER HEAD AND HOLDS HER CLOSE.

JENNIFER: She missed you, too. She's been inconsolable in the mornings without you.

JACK: And what about her mother?

JENNIFER: What about her?

JACK: Did she miss me, too?

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S ANSWER. AND OUT.

JACK/JENNIFER HOUSE. JACK AND JENNIFER, IN PROGRESS.

JACK: I'd hoped...

JENNIFER: What had you hoped?

JACK KISSES ABIGAIL, AND PUTS HER BACK IN HER PLAYPEN.

JENNIFER: I'd like that.

JACK SITS DOWN ON THE SOFA AND HOLDS OUT HIS HAND.

JENNIFER SITS WITHOUT TAKING HIS HAND. JACK PULLS IN HIS HAND.

JENNIFER: Truth?

JACK: (EXPECTING THE WORSE) Truth.

JENNIFER: No. I've missed you so much that I'm scared if I touch you, all my resolutions to deal with this... this mess will fly out the window.

JACK: Would that be so bad?

JACK REACHES OVER AND TRACES HIS FINGER DOWN THE SIDE OF JENNIFER'S FACE. SHE GRABS HIS HAND AND HOLDS IT.

JACK: Why?

JENNIFER: Because passion won't solve our problems.

JACK: You're right... it's just...

JACK LEANS IN AS IF TO KISS JENNIFER. THEN HE PULLS BACK, SERIOUS.

JENNIFER: What do they say? You learn to walk by taking the first step. Why don't you tell me about your trip and the new backer for the paper.

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S QUESTION.

CUT TO: CARVER & CARVER DETECTIVE AGENCY. CARRIE HAS UNPACKED A FEW PERSONAL THINGS, PICTURES, A COFFEE MUG, ETC. A LARGE PLANT WITH A BOW SITS ON THE DESK. BUSINESS IS PICKING UP. SHE IS FIELDING PHONE CALLS AND ORGANIZING FOLDERS. ABE COMES OUT FROM HIS OFFICE.

CARRIE: Only that it was a domestic matter. Something about his neighbors and photographs. I gave him an appointment for 2:00.

ABE: I hope this isn't one of those things where the neighbor's dog digs up his yard or something.

CARRIE: (LAUGHING) Well...

A WELL-DRESSED MAN ENTERS AND APPROACHES CARRIE.

CARRIE: (GESTURING TOWARDS ABE) This is Abe Carver, the owner. And you are...

DELANEY: (SHAKING HANDS WITH ABE) Delaney. Michael Delaney.

ABE: What can I do for you, Mr. Delaney?

DELANEY: I would like to hire you for a security detail. I have just purchased quite an expensive coin collection. Naturally I want to make sure it arrives at my home safely.

ABE: Of course. How can we help?

DELANEY PULLS A PIECE OF PAPER AND AN ENVELOPE OUT OF HIS INSIDE JACKET POCKET.

HE HANDS ABE THE ENVELOPE.

ABE: (LOOKING IN THE ENVELOPE, SURPRISED) Yes, of course it's acceptable. We'll see you at 9:00 at this address, Mr. Delaney.

THEY SHAKE HANDS.

CARRIE: If I can just get some information for our files from you, Mr. Delaney and give you a receipt...

DELANEY: Certainly.

LEXIE ENTERS FROM THE BACK. SHE PULLS ABE ASIDE.

ABE: A customer. Coin collector. Wants us to meet him in Brookville and transport a purchase.

ABE WAVES THE ENVELOPE.

LEXIE: You're kidding! And we've already got 3 appointments for this afternoon. Things are looking up.

HOLD ON THE TWO OF THEM GRINNING AT EACH OTHER.

CUT TO: FILE ROOM/SALEM PD. BO, IN PLAIN-CLOTHES, WITHOUT HIS POLICE PHOTO ID AND WITHOUT HIS GUN AND HOLSTER, IS LOOKING THROUGH FILES, SITTING SIDEWAYS TO THE DOOR. HE IS VISIBLY FRUSTRATED.

CAPT. JANET YAMADA ENTERS, SEES BO IMMEDIATELY, BUT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE HIM. SHE BACKS FROM THE ROOM, SLOWLY PULLS HER GUN FROM ITS HOLSTER, AND RE-ENTERS THE ROOM.

BO LOOKS UP, STARTLED.

BO: Who the hell...

JANET: (INTERRUPTS) Get those hands on your head! Just who are you, and why are you pawing through confidential police files?!

BO: Look, lady, I'm Bo Brady. I work here. What the hell is going on?

JANET: Bo Brady... (HOLSTERS GUN) You can put your hands down. You're Roman Brady's little brother... the "wonder-cop".

BO: Yeah, that's right. And you must be the new Captain... Peters said our new boss was a woman...

JANET: (NODS) So what's with all the research? Have you been assigned to a hot case?

BO: Not exactly... I'm digging up dirt on Larry Alamain.

JANET: Is he a suspect?

BO: Usually. (LAUGHS, JANET DOESN'T JOIN HIM) I'm looking for evidence to use against him in my fiancée's case to get custody of her son.

JANET: Then... you're off-duty?

BO: No...

JANET: You're doing this while on-duty?

BO: It's important...

JANET: I see. (LOOKING BO UP AND DOWN) And your uniform?

BO: Uniform? I haven't worn blues since God-knows-when. I've been up to my eyeballs in vice work, homicide, under-cover work...

JANET: But you're a rookie, right?

BO: I suppose... but...

JANET: And you're out of uniform, working on personal investigations while on duty.

BO: Well...

JANET: Look, I have a pretty good idea of how it's been for you working for Abe and Roman. But that's going to change, as of now. Be in my office in 10 minutes, in uniform.

BO: Look, I spent years as a PI, blazed through the academy, solved some pretty tough cases in my career, and I don't need some spoiled new Captain from some spit-and-polish Police force coming in and interfering with how I do my job!

JANET: Are you quite finished?

BO NODS, SOMEWHAT ARROGANTLY.

SHE TURNS ON HER HEEL AND LEAVES. BO IS CLEARLY FUMING, SHAKING HIS HEAD, HE LEAVES FILE ROOM. AND OUT.

JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS SITTING BEHIND HER DESK, LOOKING THROUGH A FILE, IT'S BO'S RECORD. BO ENTERS HER OFFICE WITHOUT KNOCKING, AS JANET LOOKS UP, HE OFFERS HER A MILITARY STYLE SALUTE, AND GRINS BOYISHLY. SHE REMAINS IMPASSIVE.

JANET: No, I suppose you'll do. I've been going over your file, Brady... in some surprise.

BO: Interesting stuff, huh? I've been in on some major busts in the last year or so... put a bunch of "bad guys" in jail...

JANET: That may well be... but how many have you lost due to improper procedure? Officer Brady, you have a criminal record yourself, you could qualify as one of those "bad guys". Theft, terrorism, illegal use of force... The department is lucky there haven't been more lawsuits.

BO: But...

JANET: You should never have been hired, Brady, it's that simple. Nepotism got you in here. That's particularly obvious in light of your abysmal scores at the Academy. Your own brother-in-law, Shane Donovan, had doubts as to your fitness.

BO: But they voted...

JANET: Yes, that's all in here, too, quite improper procedurally. And I have 27, no, 28 separate citings concerning your insubordination and generally bad attitude. You should have thanked your brother and Carver every single day for keeping you around, against all common sense, all Police sense...

BO: (INDIGNANT) Now wait a minute... I've done good work, I've solved some cases...

JANET: True, you have had some limited success. But that is far overshadowed by your glaring flaws when it comes to plain and simple police work.

BO IS SPEECHLESS.

BO: Dammit, would you just let me explain...

JANET: No, Officer Brady, I think I understand completely. As I see it, you're a walking, talking example of everything that's wrong with this department. You're a menace to yourself and to your fellow officers, a public hazard, and a disgrace to law enforcement officials everywhere. From now on, I will be watching you like a hawk, Officer, and if you step one toe across the line, you'll be out of here so fast, you'll blur.

BO: But...

JANET: You will report in at 0700 tomorrow, in uniform, and you will consult the duty roster for your assignment. Dismissed!

JANET GOES BACK TO LOOKING AT THE PAPERWORK ON HER DESK, BO STANDS FOR A MOMENT, LOOKING AT JANET, FUMING IMPOTENTLY. JANET DOES NOT LOOK UP AND BO FINALLY STALKS OUT. JANET TAKES A LONG, DEEP BREATH, LETS IT OUT SLOWLY.

HOLD ON JANET'S FACE.

CUT TO: ALICE'S RESTAURANT. THE LUNCH RUSH IS IN FULL SWING. WE SEE JONAH, WEARING AN APRON, LOOKING RATHER FRAZZLED. A CUSTOMER CALLS HIM OVER.

JONAH: Yes? Have you decided on your order?

WOMAN: I did. About 10 minutes ago. A seafood salad. Where is it?

JONAH: (FLUSTERED) Oh, oh. I'll go check it right now. I'm sorry.

A MAN AT THE NEXT TABLE FLAGS HIM DOWN.

JONAH: (GETTING MORE FLUSTERED) Sorry, sir. I'll get your burger right away.

HE PICKS UP THE SEAFOOD SALAD AND PUTS IT IN FRONT OF THE WOMAN. ON THE WAY TO THE KITCHEN HE SPIES A CHEESEBURGER PLATTER ON AN EMPTY TABLE. HE TAKES IT TO THE OTHER CUSTOMER.

MAN: Waiter!

JONAH: Can I get you something else?

MAN: Yes, another cheeseburger. This one has a bite out of it!

ENTER CARRIE, ABE AND LEXIE. ALICE GREETS THEM AT THE DOOR.

ABE: In the flesh, every last one of us.

ALICE: I'll show you to a table.

LEXIE: Can we sit at Jonah's station? We thought we'd come over and surprise him on his first day on the job.

ALICE: Well... how hungry are you?

CARRIE: Is he that bad?

JONAH WALKS BY V-E-R-Y SLOWLY CARRYING A TRAY WITH ONE GLASS OF WATER ON IT. ABE WATCHES HIM.

ALICE: Well, he needs some work. But I'm sure he'll get the hang of it soon.

ABE: Alice, I can't thank you enough for taking a chance on Jonah. He really wants this job. Once he gets used to it he'll be the best waiter you've got.

WE HEAR THE SOUND OF BREAKING GLASS. ALICE CRINGES.

ABE, LEXIE AND CARRIE EXCHANGE LOOKS.

ALICE SHAKES HER HEAD AS SHE HEADS OVER TO SEE WHAT JONAH'S LATEST DISASTER IS.

CUT TO: JACK/JENNIFER HOUSE. JACK, JENNIFER, IN PROGRESS.

JENNIFER: Business first?

JACK: No. I wanted to get that out of the way so nothing would disturb us.

JENNIFER: And what about Billie Reed's money?

JACK: I called her from the bank. I've already got a money order for the $100,000 waiting for her to pick up. Tony Becker will never even know the money was missing. That's over and we're all safe.

JENNIFER: Good. And you'll never do anything that foolish again, will you?

JACK: Trust me, I've learned my lesson. No thing is more important than family or friends.

JENNIFER: Jack, the Spectator isn't just some thing... I know how much the paper means to you.

JACK: But not as much as you do.

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: I know I'm not the perfect husband, Jennifer. I know I've hurt you. I know you think I love the paper more than you, but I don't.

JENNIFER: You don't?

JACK: No... (PULLS HER HAND IN HIS TO HIS CHEST) The Spectator means a lot to me. I used to think I didn't really have a life until I became the owner and publisher of the Spectator.

JENNIFER: Used to think?

JACK: I had a lot of time to think while I was away. I realized that it really wasn't the Spectator that changed my life.

JENNIFER: It wasn't?

JACK: No, it was you.

JENNIFER: Me?

JACK: I had you and the paper so entwined in my mind that I thought it was the paper that gave me... I don't know... I guess purpose, a desire to do something worthwhile, something important.

JENNIFER: And it wasn't the paper?

JACK: No, it was you. And now Abigail. I understand now that the paper is just a thing, it's the people who are important.

JENNIFER: Do you mean that?

JACK: Yes. The paper can be forever. It can be a legacy for Abigail, and one day, her children. But people... Kayla reminded me that people aren't forever. You have to grab hold of the people you love and hold on tight for the time that you have them.

JENNIFER: You're talking about Steve?

JACK: Steve... Yes... and others...

JENNIFER: Others?

JACK: I realized that a year ago, we were celebrating Isabella's wedding and her son's birth. Now she's gone and he's without a mother. (BEAT) I had cancer, that could have just as easily have been me... and you and the Child would be alone...

JENNIFER: Jack, you're not...

JACK: No, I'm fine. But I just thought of Brady celebrating his first birthday without his Mother and John celebrating his first anniversary without a wife. And when I saw Stephanie, how big she's gotten... all I could think of was how much Steve loved her...

JACK'S VOICE TRAILS OFF. JENNIFER LEANS INTO HIM AND PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HIM.

JACK: Do you mean...

JENNIFER: I mean, I will never leave you, Jack, never.

OUT ON JACK'S FACE.

JACK/JENNIFER HOUSE. JACK, JENNIFER, IN PROGRESS.

JENNIFER: How about we forgive each other?

JACK: Me forgive you?

JENNIFER: You said you had a lot of time to think while we were apart, well... so have I.

JACK: And...

JENNIFER: With a little advice from my Dad I realized something. I'm as much to blame as you.

JACK: You didn't take the money.

JENNIFER: No, but I made you doubt yourself. I made you think I didn't trust you, didn't believe in you. Then, when you told me the truth, I threw you out.

JACK: I deserved it.

JENNIFER: Maybe. But I should have been adult enough to talk to you, rather than toss you out the front door.

JACK: So does this mean you do believe in me?

JENNIFER: I always have. I always will. I believe in you even when you don't believe in yourself. I know you can do anything you set your mind to.

JACK: (WONDER) You do believe in me...

JENNIFER: Yes. And I believe you can make the Spectator the number one paper in the country, if you want to.

JACK: I can't tell you how much this means to me, Jennifer. When I came in here, I wasn't even sure...

JENNIFER: (JOKING) Sure that I wouldn't toss some heavy object at you.

JACK: (RELIEVED) Exactly. I'm a little out of practice ducking.

JENNIFER: (LOOPING HER ARMS AROUND HIS NECK) Is there anything else you might be out of practice doing?

JACK: Hmmm... Can't think of a single thing.

JENNIFER: How about if I give you a reminder?

JENNIFER KISSES JACK, THEN PULLS BACK.

JENNIFER KISSES HIM AGAIN, HARDER.

JACK: Could be... Maybe just one more hint.

JENNIFER SHOVES JACK DOWN ON THE SOFA, LAYS FULL ATOP HIM AND KISSES HIM PASSIONATELY.

JACK: Yes... this does seem familiar.

THEY START TO KISS AND ABIGAIL LETS OUT A SQUEAL. THEY BREAK APART, SOMEWHAT CHAGRINNED.

JACK: (WICKED GRIN) Nap time? That sounds like an excellent idea.

JENNIFER: Mr. Deveraux, is that a proposition?

JACK: I certainly hope so, Mrs. Deveraux, I certainly hope so.

HOLD ON JACK'S SMILE.

CUT TO: ALICE'S RESTAURANT. TOM AND BILL WALK INTO THE RESTAURANT. MOST OF THE LUNCH CROWD IS GONE. JONAH IS WIPING OFF TABLES, WHILE ALICE IS BEHIND THE COUNTER.

ALICE: Bill! Darling! (COMES OUT FROM BEHIND THE COUNTER AND HUGS HIM) What brings two of the handsomest men in Salem to my humble little restaurant?

TOM: We heard rumors about your wonderful donuts.

ALICE: Well, they're justified. And I'll even give each of you a donut on the house. Sit down, sit down.

TOM: Yes, dear.

ALICE WALKS BEHIND THE COUNTER AND GETS TWO DONUTS AS TOM AND BILL SIT AT A SMALL TABLE. SHE BRINGS THEM THE DONUTS AND MILK, THEN JOINS THEM AT THE TABLE, SITTING NEXT TO TOM.

TOM: Well, I brought Bill here in hopes that you could help me persuade him to stay on for a while.

ALICE: Really? Bill? Are you thinking about staying?

BILL: Well, it has crossed my mind. What with all the problems Jennifer is having right now... I feel like maybe there might be something I can do to help.

ALICE: (SIGHING) Yes, poor Jennifer. It must be very hard on her. But I think things will work out.

TOM: You are ever the optimist, my dear.

ALICE: I'm not just being optimistic. Those two love each other, and I know they'll find a way to work things out.

BILL: I wish I could be so sure.

ALICE: Just you wait and see, Bill Horton, just you wait and see. Now then, it would be nice to have you back, no matter what the reason.

TOM: I was just telling Bill how Neil has resigned to take that post in Los Angeles so he can be near Noel and Liz. That leaves us without a Chief of Staff.

ALICE: And wouldn't it be nice to have another Horton in that position?

TOM: That's exactly what I've been telling Bill.

ALICE: (TO BILL) You could follow in your father's footsteps.

BILL: Well, I am tempted. It would be nice to be back among family...

ALICE: Then do it! What is it that commercial says? "Just do it"? Go on!

TOM: What commercial? What do you mean?

ALICE: Tom, you're such an old fogey (KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK). Jonah and I spent part of the day discussing college life, and he brought up that commercial.

TOM: I suppose it keeps you young...

ALICE: Tom, don't you change the subject on me. Now, Bill, are you going to stay or not?

BILL: Well, there's a lot to think about... like where would I live?

ALICE: You can stay with us, at least until you find an apartment or a house. Or I'm sure Mickey and Maggie would love to have you, they have plenty of room.

BILL: Well...

TOM: And of course, you'd have the position of Acting Chief of Staff. And you'd be doing me a big favor, taking the position until we can find someone permanent... And if you decide to apply for the job...

ALICE: And you'd be near us, and Jennifer and Abigail...

BILL: (LAUGHING) All right, all right! You two have talked me into it! I guess I'll just have to close my eyes and 'go for it'! I can't believe some of the things you two talk me into!

HOLD ON ALICE AND TOM'S SMILES.

CUT TO: SALEM PD LOCKER ROOM / CORRIDOR. BO IS COMING FROM JANET'S OFFICE, HE'S FUMING. HE STRIDES TO THE LOCKER ROOM, BUT HEARING VOICES, STOPS BEFORE ENTERING, THE DOOR IS HALF OPEN. THREE POLICE MEN ARE INSIDE.

BOB: Seriously? Wonder why?

FRED: I heard she found him in the file room, doing personal work while he was on the clock.

BOB: Geeze, someone alert the press. Bo Brady, doing personal work in the office. Whatever will happen next?

JOE: Hey, I'd rather have him here doing personal stuff than out there. (POINTS OUTSIDE)

FRED: Good point. Who'd wanna ride with someone like him?

JOE: What, Supercop ride in a car? I thought he flew to the site of the crime... (LAUGHS)

BOB: Yeah, especially since the only cases he works on are the ones where he sets out to find a crime before it happens.

FRED: Okay guys, who am I?

FRED WALKS UP TO BOB, SWAGGERING, AND POKES HIM IN THE CHEST WITH HIS FINGER.

BOB: (SQUEAKS IN MOCK FEAR) No sir, I'd never...

FRED: Yeah, you're a bad guy all right. I can feel it in my bones.

FRED PICKS BOB UP BY HIS LAPELS.

BOB: No sir, I'm just an accountant!

FRED: Look man, are you gonna assault me or do I haveta shoot ya?

FRED POINTS HIS FINGER AT BOB, PRETENDING TO PULL A GUN.

BOB LIGHTLY SLAPS FRED.

JOE: (LAUGHING) C'mon guys, cut it out. Someone might come in...

FRED: Yeah, so what? Now that Supercop's big brother and his other half are gone, Brady's history.

JOE: Seriously. The Dragon Lady is gonna make dogmeat outta him.

BOB: Everyone knows the only reason he got the job is cause of his brother. With him gone, the punk doesn't stand a chance.

FRED: Hope we're right. If not, one of us is gonna get stuck babysitting him.

JOE: No way, man. Did ya see how he treated Taylor? Geeze, what a jerk. If he'd been assigned to me, I'da kicked his butt good.

FRED: Yeah, didya hear why Taylor asked for a leave? She said cause her brother's sick. She told me she's not even sure she's coming back. How much you wanna bet being paired with Brady is the real reason she's going?

BOB: I ain't letting you take my money. Why should she bother coming back? They had her acting like some dumb rookie's secretary... I sure wouldn't come back. I'm gonna miss her though. She was good.

FRED: Yeah, she knew what she was doing. Too bad they screwed her over by assigning her to Brady...

JOE: So, you guys coming to the cookout at my place tonight?

FRED: Yeah, long as you don't fix that awful potato salad again.

BOB: Who else'll be there?

JOE: I invited just about everyone that's off duty tonight. Same group as always. Think I'll invite the new Captain too, try to get to know her...

BOB: Yeah, get on her good side, you mean!

JOE: Hey, if she cans Brady, she's doin' good by me.

BOB AND FRED CHORUS, "AMEN!" AND THEY ALL LAUGH. UNNOTICED BY THE MEN, BO CLOSES THE DOOR QUIETLY AND WALKS AWAY, DEEP IN THOUGHT. AND OUT.

JACK/JENNIFER BEDROOM. JACK AND JENNIFER ARE SNUGGLED UNDER THE COVERS, LOOKING WELL-SATISFIED. THEIR CLOTHES ARE SCATTERED ALL OVER THE ROOM, JENNIFER'S BLOUSE IS HANGING FROM A PICTURE FRAME.

JACK: Was that a complaint, Mrs. D.?

JENNIFER: Never. (SIGH)

JACK: What was that for?

JENNIFER: I was just thinking what a prodigious... memory you have.

JACK: Hmmm... yes... (KISSING HER EAR) They say it's like falling off a bicycle, you never forget...

JENNIFER: Isn't that riding a bicycle?

JACK: Why Jennifer Rose, I am scandalized, are you comparing me to riding a bike?

JENNIFER: Well... you're both har...

JACK: Jennifer! The child might hear.

JENNIFER: She's sound asleep in the nursery.

JACK: I think I must be an evil influence on you.

JENNIFER: You are definitely an influence... (GIGGLES) That's it, I'm under your influence.

JACK: You're drunk?

JENNIFER: (LAUGHING, FULL OF ENERGY) I am. I'm drunk on you, on having you back, on having you in our bed again... on just being with you.

JACK: I'm overwhelmed.

JENNIFER: You shouldn't be.

JACK: Why?

JENNIFER: You're right, why shouldn't you be? I say you never tell me how you feel, I do the same thing.

JACK: Yes, you do... So why don't you tell me exactly how you feel right now, truth or dare?

JENNIFER: Truth... I feel so full of energy that I could jump over the house. I feel about ready to burst with happiness. I feel... I feel...

JACK: Yes...

JENNIFER: Like quoting Shakespeare...

JACK: What?

JENNIFER: While you were away, I thought about the night you proposed up on the roof. Do you remember?

JACK: How could I forget, I was terrified.

JENNIFER: But you did it anyway.

JACK: Because I loved you more than I was scared of... commitment, I guess.

JENNIFER: You said you had no idea how to make a marriage work.

JACK: I didn't. I'm still not sure I do, but I want to try... with you.

JENNIFER: So do I.

THEY KISS. JENNIFER PULLS BACK.

JACK: Hmmm... (KISSING HER NECK, HER SHOULDERS) Dare.

JENNIFER: (QUOTING FROM MEMORY) Wouldst thou leave me so unsatisfied?

JACK: Pardon? ahhh... (CONTINUING) What satisfaction couldst thou have tonight? (WICKED GRIN)

JENNIFER: The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.

JACK: I didst give it thee before it was requested...

JENNIFER: Yes, you did. Yes, you did... Jack, I love you.

JACK: And I love you. Now... Mrs. D. about that dare...

JENNIFER: The dare... prove you love me.

JACK: With pleasure.

JACK PULLS HER INTO HIS EMBRACE, THEY KISS. JENNIFER PULLS THE COVERS OVER THEIR HEADS. HOLD ON THEIR LAUGHTER.

CUT TO: ALICE'S RESTAURANT BO WALKS IN, IN UNIFORM. CARLY IS WAITING FOR HIM AT A TABLE.

BO: What?

CARLY: Why are you wearing that uniform?

BO: You don't want to know.

CARLY: (LAUGHING) Yes, I do.

BO: It's nice to hear you laughing again, Princess.

CARLY: Well, if you could just see yourself...

BO: (GLUMLY) I have. I looked in the mirror.

CARLY: Then you know how... funny you look.

BO: Yeah, yeah. Thanks for all your support. I really appreciate it.

CARLY: I'm sorry... it's just... different.

BO: That's one word for it.

CARLY: So...

BO: So?

CARLY: So, why are you in uniform?

BO: I told you, you don't want to know.

CARLY: And I told you, I do want to know! Did all of your clothes get beamed up by a UFO? Did you forget to do the laundry again? Is there a costume party someone forgot to tell me about?

BO: Ha ha. Don't quit your day job to be a comedienne, okay?

CARLY: Well?

BO: There's a new captain.

CARLY: Really? What's he like?

BO: She is a bitch.

CARLY: Ooooh... I sense a story here.

BO: No story. She caught me in civvies in the file room today and read me the riot act.

CARLY: What for?

BO: Everything. You name it, she jumped on me for it.

CARLY: Poor baby. Don't worry, she'll come to love you, just like me.

BO: I don't think so. I almost felt like getting rid of me was a crusade to her.

CARLY: Isn't there someone you could talk to about it?

BO: And say what? That my captain is making me wear a uniform and pull a regular shift? That's not grounds for a complaint. Besides, if she gets wind of me complaining, she'll fry me for that, too.

CARLY: What about harassment? Couldn't you just talk to the Chief?

BO: Well, the problem is...

CARLY: What?

BO: I almost think she may be right.

CARLY: What do you mean?

BO: Some of the things she said... I guess they sort of struck a nerve.

CARLY: Like what?

BO: Like... Well, do you think I'm a good cop?

CARLY: Of course I do.

BO: Well, I think maybe... maybe you're the only one.

CARLY: Bo! What's gotten into you?

BO: Well, when I left the Captain's office, I kinda overheard some of the guys talking...

CARLY: What did they say?

BO: They said now that my brother isn't in charge, they think I'll be fired.

CARLY: I don't believe it!

BO: It's true. They think the only reason I got in was because of Abe and Roman. They said I'm such a bad cop this woman will have me begging to be let out by the end of the week.

CARLY: That's ridiculous! You're the best officer on the force. Everyone knows that.

BO: I can't help but wonder... maybe they do have something... Well, look, I really don't want to talk about this right now. I'm just too damn frustrated.

CARLY: Oh, Bo. Look, don't worry about it. We'll work it out. Just like this thing with Lawrence and Nikki and Vivian. Everything will be fine, and we can finally be happy.

BO: I hope you're right. (KISSES HER)

CARLY: I am.

BO: Yeah, you probably are. Let's just have a quiet, relaxing dinner, just the two of us. We'll talk about... I dunno, our wedding, buying a house... anything!

CARLY: Mmmmm... sounds wonderful. Just relaxing, forgetting about all our problems for a while.

BO: There's nothing we can do anyway, so we may as well not ruin a perfectly good dinner.

CARLY: Well, I have an idea then...

BO: Yes?

CARLY: (REACHES OUT AND SLOWLY RUNS HER HAND UP HIS ARM) Why don't we go back to the boat and spend some quality time together?

BO: I'd love to. But...

CARLY: But?

BO: It's just... I don't know why, but I'm still kind of upset. I've got a lot of frustration, and I really don't think it's such a good idea... us... well, you know... I think I'm going to the shooting range, shoot a few rounds, try and work things out a little in my head...

CARLY: All right. I'll be waiting... Now, let's order.

BO: Best idea I've heard all day.

BO AND CARLY LOOKS AT THEIR MENUS, HOLD ON BO, OBVIOUSLY CONCERNED.

CUT TO: NICHOLAS' ROOM/CORRIDOR. NICHOLAS IS LYING IN BED. THE COVERS HAVE BEEN KICKED OFF AND HE IS TOSSING AND TURNING, TALKING IN HIS SLEEP

NICHOLAS SITS UP IN BED, LOOKING AROUND, AS VIVIAN AND LAWRENCE RUSH INTO THE ROOM. IVAN STANDS IN THE DOORWAY.

NICHOLAS: I had a nightmare.

LAWRENCE: (SITS ON THE BED) What was it about?

NICHOLAS: It was about her.

LAWRENCE: Her?

VIVIAN: Carly.

NICHOLAS: (NICHOLAS NODS) I dreamed she came here, with Bo...

LAWRENCE: It was just a dream...

NICHOLAS: And she had a gun, and she said she was taking me with her, and if I didn't go she was gonna kill Aunt Viv, and then she started pulling me and saying she was my mom, and she was never gonna let me go...

VIVIAN: Nikki, Nikki, it's all right. I promise, I will never let her take you, I will never let her hurt you. I promise. We'll be together for always, I promise.

NICHOLAS: Really? No matter what?

VIVIAN: Really. You are my son, Nikki. After everything we've been through together, and everything she's put you through... I'll never let her take you away from me. I love you, Nikki.

NICHOLAS: I love you too, Aunt Viv.

LAWRENCE: Why don't you try and get some sleep now?

NICHOLAS: (YAWNING) Okay.

VIVIAN: And no more nightmares. Everything will be all right. I'll take care of Carly. I promise. She will never separate us. No matter what it takes, I will keep her away from you.

NICHOLAS: Thanks, Aunt Viv (SLEEPILY) G'night.

LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN TURN OFF THE LIGHT AND LEAVE, SHUTTING THE DOOR BEHIND THEM. THEY STAND IN THE CORRIDOR.

LAWRENCE: Vivian, what are you talking about?

VIVIAN: Carly, that's what I'm talking about. You let her into our home, you welcomed her with open arms. And now look what she's done.

LAWRENCE: I...

VIVIAN: You let your love for her blind you to what she really is. And now, she may take Nikki away from us.

LAWRENCE: I won't allow that to happen. I made my choice. She took me in before, but now I see her as she really is. I will not let her take my son from me.

VIVIAN: And just how do you propose to stop her? She's got detectives investigating you. She wants to make sure you never have a hope of seeing your son again.

LAWRENCE: I'll take care of it. I have plans. The situation is under control.

VIVIAN: Under control? What do you mean?

LAWRENCE: Don't worry, Vivian. The less you know, the better.

VIVIAN: What? You're not planning to do something stupid, are you?

LAWRENCE: It's under control. And no, I'm not planning anything stupid. What I have in mind should keep Carly away from Nikki for a good, long time.

LAWRENCE WALKS DOWN THE CORRIDOR AND DOWN THE STAIRS. VIVIAN AND IVAN EXCHANGE A LOOK. OUT ON VIVIAN'S FACE.

NICHOLAS' ROOM/CORRIDOR. VIVIAN AND IVAN IN PROGRESS.

IVAN: Madame, I would assume Mr. Alamain has a plan.

VIVIAN: Yes, but what sort of plan? And why won't he tell me what it is?

IVAN: Perhaps he is afraid you might do something...

VIVIAN: No... I have a bad feeling about this. He is up to something... something that worries him... Something he wants to protect me from...

IVAN: Protect you?

VIVIAN: Yes. I have a feeling he's trying to keep me out of this. I hope he doesn't have some idea about playing the hero of the piece.

IVAN: Madame?

VIVIAN: I just don't know. I wonder what he meant? He couldn't mean... no, he wouldn't... Would he?

IVAN: Madame?

VIVIAN: Ivan, I think I know what Lawrence plans. And I have to make sure he doesn't do it. He has no... experience. He's sure to lose his nerve.

IVAN: Madame, what do you mean?

VIVIAN: Ivan, I need a gun.

IVAN: A gun?

VIVIAN: Yes, a gun. I already have one, but it's registered to me. I need something that can't be traced back to me. Something anonymous. Something... common.

IVAN: Madame, are you sure?

VIVIAN: Yes. I intend to make sure that Lawrence doesn't take the blame or mess things up somehow. I intend to ensure that Carly will never get Nikki, never.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: CARVER CAR. ABE AND LEXIE ARE IN THE CAR, THEY HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN DRIVING FOR A WHILE.

LEXIE: Yeah. Spooky country out here.

ABE: But it's worth it. All that money, for one night's work. Feels good, doesn't it?

LEXIE: What do you mean?

ABE: Well, Bo coming to us was one thing. He's an old friend. But this guy... we never met him before. He chose to come to us and pay us because he believed we could get the job done.

LEXIE: Ah, I see. Feeling proud of yourself, huh?

ABE: I don't know that I'd put it like that. It's just... it feels good, you know?

LEXIE: Yeah, I know. I feel the same way. I really think we're gonna make it in this business.

ABE: I know we are.

LEXIE LEANS OVER AND KISSES HIM.

LEXIE: (LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW) Are you sure?

ABE: This is the address written down.

LEXIE: It's awfully dark. I wonder where they are?

ABE: I don't like this...

LEXIE: Neither do I. Let's check it out.

ABE AND LEXIE GET OUT OF THE CAR AND WALK UP THE DRIVEWAY. THE YARD IS OVERGROWN WITH WEEDS, AND THE HOUSE IS BOARDED UP.

LEXIE: Oh, God.

ABE: What?

LEXIE: Abe, this was a set-up. Someone wanted to get us away from the office for a long time.

ABE: But why?

LEXIE: Maybe to give them time to go through our files, to see what we dug up.

ABE: Who would want to... (REALIZATION DAWNS) Lawrence!

LEXIE: Exactly. Let's get back there, maybe we can still catch him at it.

ABE AND LEXIE RUN TO THE CAR.

CUT TO: JACK/JENNIFER BEDROOM. JACK AND JENNIFER ARE SITTING UP IN BED, JENNIFER IS WEARING JACK'S PAJAMA TOP. THEY'RE NIBBLING FROM A MIXED FRUIT PLATE, RASPBERRIES, GRAPES, ETC. JENNIFER POPS A GRAPE IN JACK'S MOUTH, HE TAKES IT AND LICKS HER FINGER.

JENNIFER: We have to keep your strength up...

JACK: We have to keep something up.

JENNIFER: What did you say about being an evil influence...

THEY KISS, THEN PULL APART AND JACK POPS ANOTHER GRAPE IN HIS MOUTH.

JENNIFER: I've always told you, Abby is unique.

JACK: She is a child without peer, it's obvious. How would you feel about being mother to the first woman president?

JENNIFER: I'll be happy no matter what Abby decides to do.

JACK: And you would be, wouldn't you?

JENNIFER: Yes. I just want Abby to be healthy and happy, I don't care what she does.

JACK: You're an amazing woman, Mrs. D.

JENNIFER: Thank you, Mr. D.

JACK: I think I've said this before, but you really are easy to please.

JENNIFER: Ahhh... but only you know how.

JACK: Do I?

JENNIFER: Yes, you do. Just stay by my side and remember to tell me you love me every once in a while. If I know you're with me, the rest of the world can just drift by.

JACK: Contra mundum?

JENNIFER: Contra mundum...

JACK TAKES THE FRUIT PLATE, PUTS IT ON THE SIDE TABLE AND PULLS JENNIFER INTO HIS ARMS. AS HE TRAILS KISSES DOWN HER FACE, HER NECK, TO HER SHOULDER AND COLLAR BONE, THEY SINK DOWN INTO THE BED. AND OUT.

ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. LAWRENCE ENTERS THE ROOM AS THE PHONE RINGS.

THE PHONE RINGS.

THE PHONE RINGS.

LAWRENCE PICKS UP THE PHONE.

LAWRENCE HANGS UP THE PHONE.

HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S FACE.

CUT TO: NICHOLAS' ROOM. NICHOLAS IS SLEEPING ONCE AGAIN, HE IS TOSSING AND TURNING, MOANING IN HIS SLEEP.

HE WAKES UP, AND LOOKS AROUND, CONFUSED. HE GETS OUT OF BED AND WALKS DOWN THE HALLWAY TO VIVIAN'S ROOM. HE KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.

NICHOLAS OPENS THE DOOR AND GOES IN. HE LOOKS AROUND, AND WALKS OVER TO VIVIAN'S DRESSER. HE TAKES A KEY OUT OF HER JEWELRY BOX AND UNLOCKS A DRESSER DRAWER. HE BEGINS GOING THROUGH THE DRAWER.

HE CONTINUES SEARCHING THE DRAWERS.

NICHOLAS GETS TO THE BOTTOM DRAWER AND FINDS A METAL BOX. IT IS LOCKED. HE FINDS ANOTHER KEY IN THE JEWELRY BOX AND OPENS THE METAL BOX. INSIDE IS VIVIAN'S GUN.

HOLD ON NICHOLAS' FACE.

CUT TO: CARVER & CARVER OFFICES. THERE IS A RATTLE AT THE DOOR. A MASKED FIGURE DRESSED IN BLACK CUTS THE GLASS IN THE DOOR, REACHES IN AND UNLOCKS IT. HE OPENS THE DOOR AND STEPS INSIDE. HE WALKS TO CARRIE'S DESK AND TURNS ON A FLASHLIGHT AND SHUFFLES THROUGH THE PAPERS ON HER DESK, AND THEN THROUGH THE DRAWERS. HE PULLS EVERYTHING OUT AND SCATTERS IT, OBVIOUSLY LOOKING FOR SOMETHING. FINDING NOTHING, HE PROCEEDS TO ABE'S OFFICE. ABE'S DESK IS CLEAN, BUT THE INTRUDER FORCES THE LOCK ON THE DESK AND GOES THROUGH THE DRAWERS, REMOVING SOME FILES AND PLACING THEM IN A SATCHEL. HE THEN DOES THE SAME IN LEXIE'S OFFICE. WHEN HE REACHES THE SPARE FILE ROOM, HE PICKS UP MOST OF THE FILES THAT WERE LEFT IN THE ROOM AND PUTS THEM IN HIS SATCHEL. CLOSING THE SATCHEL, HE LEAVES.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT. CARLY IS STRAIGHTENING UP. SHE HEARS A NOISE, GOES IN AND CHECKS SHAWN-DOUGLAS, WHO IS TALKING IN HIS SLEEP. CARLY LEAVES HIS ROOM, SHE IS PACING, OBVIOUSLY RESTLESS, AND SEEMS ALMOST ANNOYED. IN HER TIDYING, SHE SPIES NIKKI'S PICTURE, AND PICKS IT UP, STUDYING HIS FACE.

CARLY SETS PICTURE DOWN, AND RESUMES CLEANING, BUT GETS MORE AND MORE FRANTIC. FINALLY, WHEN SHE NOTICES SHE'S BEEN DRYING THE SAME SPOON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, SHE TOSSES IT INTO THE SINK AND GOES TOPSIDE. CARLY WALKS FROM THE DECK OF THE BOAT TO THE DOCK, AND, HER PACE SLOWING, GOES TO THE VERY END OF THE SLIP IN WHICH THE FANCY FACE IS BERTHED, TO HER RIGHT. WE SEE HER STARING INTO THE WATER, STILL TENSE.

BO COMES IN FROM THE DOCK. HE STARTS TO GO INSIDE THE BOAT, BUT WHILE HE STANDS ON THE DECK, THE MOONLIGHT COMES FROM BEHIND A CLOUD TO REVEAL THAT CARLY IS STANDING ON THE DOCK. BO, IN THE PROCESS OF UNBUCKLING HIS HOLSTER, DROPS HIS GUN AND BELT ON THE FRONT CUSHION OF THE BOAT, AND GOES TO HER.

CARLY: Oh, hi, baby... no, everything's ok, I was just thinking...

BO: About Nikki?

CARLY: What else? That's all I can think about these days...

BO: That's what you should be concentrating on... your son, our family, and our being together forever.

CARLY: It's just so frustrating. I want my son with me, and yet he acts like he hates me.

BO: That'll change, trust me. How could he not grow to love you as much as Shawn-Douglas and I do? Which reminds me, is the little sailor in bed?

CARLY: Yes, for over an hour now. He even talked in his sleep a little bit, it was so cute. (BEAT) This is what I miss with Nikki, all the little things...

BO: Soon, Carly, soon, it'll all work out, and you'll have your son.

CARLY: Have Abe and Lexie come up with anything?

BO: A few things, but nothing as serious as what we need. I have a feeling, though, that something's gonna surface, some connection that will get us the details we need to fix Larry good.

CARLY: Oh, I hope you're right... I'm so tired of this (SIGHS)

BO TAKES CARLY IN HIS ARMS, SHE HOLDS HIM AROUND THE SHOULDERS, AND THEY STAND TOGETHER.

CARLY: The stars are beautiful tonight, aren't they? Let's make that wish, and see if it comes true...

BO: I feel like my wishes already have come true, just holding you like this...

CARLY: I just have one wish left... Ready? 'Star light, (BO JOINS IN) 'star bright, first star I see tonight, wish I may, wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.'

BOTH CLOSE THEIR EYES... BO HAS A SMILING, FARAWAY LOOK, BUT CARLY'S RESOLUTE, ALMOST ANGRY, FOR A MOMENT. THEY OPEN THEIR EYES.

CARLY: I know how beautiful I feel in your arms... oh, Bo, kiss me, make me forget everything, for just a little while...

BO: Nothing but me, nothing but us, nothing but now....

BO HOLDS CARLY TIGHTER AND KISSES HER PASSIONATELY. HIS ARMS CIRCLE HER WAIST, NEARLY LIFTING HER FROM HER FEET, HERS CLING TO HIS NECK AS THE DISSOLVE INTO THEIR DESIRE FOR EACH OTHER. THE MOON PASSES BEHIND A CLOUD AND BO AND CARLY ARE LOST IN THE SHADOWS. A SHOT RINGS OUT, BO AND CARLY FALL. FADE TO BLACK.