JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS AT HER DESK, ON THE PHONE, ONE-WAY. IN FRONT OF HER IS A BOX OF DONUTS, ONE DONUT IS HALF-EATEN. IN PROGRESS.

JANET STARTS TO ABSENTLY PICK UP THE DONUT, THEN CATCHES HERSELF, AND INSTEAD EYES IT DISGUSTEDLY. MORGAN KNOCKS AND OPENS THE DOOR.

JANET: Unfortunately, no. We've interviewed half of Salem, and the other half's under surveillance, and we still don't have anything concrete.

MORGAN: (SIGHS) I had hoped I'd come in today and find that the "clue fairy" visited in the night and left us the lead we've been waiting for.

JANET: No such luck. I was actually up most of last night going over and over this thing, and I kept hitting the same old brick walls.

MORGAN: Me too, I'm afraid. I even got up around 3:00 a.m. because I didn't want to disturb Candis with my tossing and turning.

JANET: Well, my cat was pretty happy I was awake and paying attention to her, but I was less than pleased... although petting her at least gave me something else to think about...

MORGAN: Yeah, sometimes moving to a different activity or problem helps...

JANET: So what other cases do we have pending at the moment? Anything interesting??

MORGAN: Hmmm... Actually, I was thinking of something other than police work...

JANET: So give...

MORGAN: A better way to take both our minds off this case and do a little good at the same time...

JANET: Sounds great. What'd you have in mind?

MORGAN: What say we head over to the Community Center and pitch in? Candis said they'd be painting and fixing things up today.

JANET: I like it. Semi-mindless labor that benefits the community. What could be better?

MORGAN: It'd also be a great opportunity for you to meet some of Salem's best people.

JANET: Say no more, Morgan, you've got me. Anything to get me away from this case. And these donuts...

MORGAN AND JANET HEAD OUT OF HER OFFICE, LAUGHING.

CUT TO: JULIE'S PENTHOUSE. DOUG IS SITTING ON THE SOFA, SURROUNDED BY REAL ESTATE BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS. JULIE COMES DOWN THE STAIRS AND SMILES AS SHE SEES HIM. SHE CIRCLES THE COUCH TO STAND BEHIND HIM, KISSING HIM ON THE CHEEK.

DOUG: I want to find the absolute perfect house.

JULIE: Well, don't overdo, darling. There's plenty of time, you know.

JULIE COMES AROUND THE SOFA AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO DOUG.

JULIE: Really?

DOUG: Yes, I was surprised. Apparently this recession has taken its toll on everyone. There are several beautiful estates for sale for a song...

JULIE: For a song? You should be able to get any of them you want.

DOUG: Hmmm... Are you suggesting I sing for our realtor?

JULIE: Well... your singing has always woven a spell on me...

DOUG: For which I daily thank the heavens.

JULIE: As do I...

JULIE LEANS IN FOR A QUICK KISS. THEN LOOKS DOWN AT THE REALTY BOOK DOUG IS HOLDING.

JULIE: Sorry, darling. I have to go into the office. Besides, I trust your judgement. Why don't you call the realtor and take a look at some of them today?

DOUG: It would be much more fun with you along, fair lady.

JULIE: I know. But I'm due at the Spectator to look at personnel files in an hour. Why don't we meet for lunch and you can tell me what you found?

DOUG: Sounds like a plan.

THE PHONE RINGS.

JULIE: No, it's probably Jack with his latest brainstorm. OK, Jack, I'm coming... I'm coming...

JULIE GETS UP AND ANSWERS THE PHONE, ONE-WAY.

JULIE HANGS UP THE PHONE.

JULIE: She's invited us to dinner tonight.

DOUG: What's the occasion?

JULIE: She wants to have a big family dinner to welcome back Uncle Bill and us.

DOUG: Sounds good... Not as good as Chinese, though...

JULIE: (SEDUCTIVELY) Maybe later.

DOUG: That's a promise I intend to hold you to.

JULIE: And if you forget, I'll just have to refresh your memory. (BEAT) Well, I had best get ready for work.

DOUG: You and Jack have fun.

JULIE: Oh, I intend to. I'm not so sure about Jack...

HOLD ON JULIE.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT/INT. BO IS SITTING DOWN, SIPPING A CUP OF COFFEE AND READING THE CLASSIFIED SECTION OF THE SPECTATOR.

GO TO: SHAWN-DOUGLAS' ROOM. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS LYING IN BED, DRENCHED IN SWEAT. HIS HANDS ARE CLENCHED INTO FISTS AND HE IS MOVING JERKILY, ALMOST CONVULSIVELY.

GO TO: BO AT THE TABLE.

BO PUTS THE PAPER DOWN, PUZZLED.

BO PICKS UP A PHONE BOOK AND BEGINS GOING THROUGH IT, WRITING DOWN NAMES AND ADDRESSES. SUDDENLY, HE HEARS A SCREAM.

BO: Shawn-D?!?

BO JUMPS UP IN A PANIC AND RUNS TO SHAWN-DOUGLAS' ROOM. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS DRENCHED IN SWEAT, TEARS RUNNING DOWN HIS FACE. HIS EYES ARE SWOLLEN AND RED.

BO CLIMBS IN BED AND HOLDS HIS SON CLOSE.

BO ROCKS SHAWN-DOUGLAS AS HIS SCREAMS AND HYSTERICAL SOBBING SUBSIDE INTO SNIFFLES AND HICCUPS.

BO: Yeah, it's me, kiddo. Are you okay? What happened?

SHAWN-D: I had a dream.

BO: A bad one, huh?

SHAWN-D: Uh huh.

BO: Remember what it was about?

SHAWN-D: Uh uh. I remember Mommy was there. And you and Carly. And you all... you all... (HE BEGINS CRYING AGAIN)

BO: We all what?

SHAWN-D: You left me... all alone. And I was scared. And you didn't come back.

BO: It was just a dream. That's all. It was only a dream. I'll never leave you, I promise... I promise...

BO HOLDS SHAWN-DOUGLAS, WHO LOOKS UNCONVINCED. HOLD ON FATHER AND SON. AND OUT.

ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. VIVIAN IS SEATED ON THE SOFA. IVAN ENTERS FROM THE KITCHEN, CARRYING A TRAY WITH A POT OF COFFEE, CUPS, AND A PLATE OF ENGLISH MUFFINS. HE SETS THE TRAY DOWN AND POURS A CUP OF COFFEE FOR VIVIAN AS SHE TAKES A MUFFIN. HE HANDS HER THE CUP.

IVAN: Can I get you anything else, Madame?

VIVIAN: No, this will be fine, thank you.

IVAN: Very good.

LAWRENCE COMES DOWN THE STAIRS AND ENTERS THE LIVING ROOM.

LAWRENCE: No, thank you, Ivan. (BEAT) I would, however, like you to check into that matter we discussed earlier.

IVAN: Yes, sir. I will attend to it right away.

IVAN EXITS TOWARD THE KITCHEN. LAWRENCE GOES TO THE TRAY AND POURS HIMSELF A CUP OF COFFEE.

LAWRENCE: (EQUALLY COOL) Vivian...

LAWRENCE PICKS UP THE "WALL STREET JOURNAL" ON THE COFFEE TABLE. HE SITS IN ONE OF THE CHAIRS AND BEGINS TO READ THE FRONT PAGE. THE TENSION IN THE AIR IS HIGH. VIVIAN IS STARING AT LAWRENCE. HE IGNORES HER AS HE READS THROUGH THE FIRST FEW PAGES. LAWRENCE FINALLY LOWERS THE PAPER AND RETURNS VIVIAN'S STARE.

VIVIAN: I don't understand why you're so hostile.

LAWRENCE: My God, Vivian, isn't it obvious? You've put us all in serious jeopardy by allowing the police to interrogate Nikki!

VIVIAN: But if none of us have done anything wrong, then we have nothing to worry about, do we?

LAWRENCE STARES AT HER, BUT SAYS NOTHING.

LAWRENCE: We've been over this before. I had nothing to do with Katerina's death. And if I had, I would have no reason to conceal that fact from you, now would I?

VIVIAN: Then why are you still so angry?

LAWRENCE: I'm angry because now the police are suspicious. Nikki unknowingly destroyed all of our alibis for that night. I'm sure that we're at the top of Captain Yamada's list of suspects.

VIVIAN: But...

LAWRENCE: And being dragged down to the police station was very upsetting for Nikki. You should have let them hold Ivan...

VIVIAN: I told you before, Ivan has been loyal to this family for many years. I wasn't going to sacrifice him unnecessarily.

LAWRENCE: Unnecessarily? You could have protected Nikki...

VIVIAN: (VEHEMENTLY) I was protecting Nikki. It's easy for you and I to live with lies...

LAWRENCE: We've certainly had our share, haven't we?

VIVIAN: (GLARING AT LAWRENCE) But Nikki's not used to that. He's still just a child. I didn't want him to have to live with lying to the police.

LAWRENCE: That's very noble, Vivian, but have you thought about how it would affect Nikki if you or I are arrested for Katerina's murder?

VIVIAN: Don't be ridiculous, Lawrence. They can't arrest us without any proof.

LAWRENCE: And what makes you think that they're going to wait for proof? I'm sure they already think that one of us had a motive.

VIVIAN: What do you mean?

LAWRENCE: Katerina had told several people that she was going to sue for full custody of Nikki. Think about it. (BEAT) And thanks to Nikki's little "chat" with Captain Yamada, we now have no alibis.

VIVIAN: That's only circumstantial...

IVAN ENTERS.

IVAN: It's still there, sir.

VIVIAN: What? What's still where?

IVAN: A car, Madame. A blue sedan, parked across the street and about fifty yards down. Mister Alamain noticed it last night. This morning, he asked me to check for it again, and it is still there, in the same spot.

VIVIAN: So, someone has parked their car on the street. What...

LAWRENCE: How many men in the car this morning, Ivan?

IVAN: Two, sir.

LAWRENCE: The same two men as last night?

IVAN: I don't believe so, sir. It appears to be two different men.

LAWRENCE: The day shift...

VIVIAN: Day shift?

LAWRENCE: We're under police surveillance, Vivian. (BEAT) Are you still so sure that we have nothing to worry about? (HE GLARES AT HER)

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S WORRY.

CUT TO: LOFT. JOHN HAS JUST FINISHED WIPING THE REMAINS OF BRADY'S OATMEAL OFF THE HIGH CHAIR AND FLOOR. JOHN TAKES OFF BRADY'S BIB AND STARTS TO DRESS HIS SON.

BRADY SMILES. JOHN HOLDS BRADY ON HIS LAP AS HE BUTTONS THE CHILD'S OVERALLS.

BRADY LAUGHS.

BRADY NODS HIS HEAD AND REACHES OUT AND TOUCHES JOHN'S FACE.

JOHN EMBRACES BRADY AND KISSES HIM, THEN TOSSES HIM IN THE AIR. HOLD ON BRADY LAUGHING AND JOHN WITH A FAR-AWAY LOOK IN HIS EYES.

CUT TO: BRADY HOUSE. KAYLA IS HELPING STEPHANIE TIE HER SHOES.

STEPHANIE: Yes mommy.

THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. KAYLA FINISHES UP STEPHANIE'S SHOELACES AND GOES TO ANSWER IT. KAYLA OPENS THE DOOR TO FIND A SMILING MARCUS WITH A BOX OF DONUTS IN HIS HANDS.

MARCUS: Morning! And how are my two favorite girls today?

STEPHANIE: Hi Marcus! Is that ice cream?

MARCUS AND KAYLA LAUGH. MARCUS WALKS IN.

STEPHANIE: Yummy!

KAYLA: Well, she can have that later. We just had breakfast. (PACKS UP STEPHANIE'S COLORING BOOKS AND CRAYONS IN A BAG) Marcus, did you know that some of the local merchants donated some paint and other supplies to help with the clean-up?

MARCUS: No, I didn't. That's fantastic.

KAYLA: (SMILING WEAKLY) Yes, but I'm still worried that we won't have enough money to really bring the Center back on its feet.

MARCUS: Give it time, Kay. Give it time. This is only the beginning. (LOOKING AT WATCH) Hey, are we ready to go?

KAYLA: (TO STEPHANIE) Let's go, honey. (TO MARCUS) I hope no one minds that I'm bringing her along. Caroline's not feeling well, and I hate bothering Jennifer again.

MARCUS I'm sure it'll be just fine.

MARCUS PICKS UP STEPHANIE, WHILE KAYLA GRABS THE DONUTS AND HER BAG.

THEY EXIT THE HOUSE. AND OUT.

LEXIE AND ABE'S HOUSE/KITCHEN. LEXIE IS STANDING OVER THE SINK TRYING TO GULP DOWN TOAST AND ORANGE JUICE, WHILE SHE LOADS THE DISHWASHER.

ABE ENTERS THE KITCHEN. HIS TIE IS LOOSE AROUND HIS NECK AND HE IS CARRYING HIS SHOES.

LEXIE: We can't afford to turn away clients, babe, you know that. They can't get to us if we're not there.

THE TOAST POPS UP AND LEXIE TURNS AWAY TO PUT SOME BUTTER ON IT. ABE PULLS AN ENVELOPE OUT OF HIS JACKET POCKET AND APPROACHES LEXIE FROM BEHIND. HE HOLDS THE ENVELOPE IN FRONT OF HER.

ABE: Open it and see.

LEXIE: (LOOKING OVER HER SHOULDER) It's not our anniversary. It's not my birthday. It's not your birthday. (BEAT) What have you done?

ABE: Nothing! (BEAT) Yet. Go on, open it.

LEXIE OPENS THE ENVELOPE AND REMOVES A HANDMADE COUPON.

ABE: (HUGGING LEXIE) Wherever you want to go. The sky's the limit. First a wonderful dinner, then maybe some dancing, and then... we'll see where the night takes us.

LEXIE: But why?

ABE: Do I need a reason? Look, hon, we've been working and worrying too much lately. There's more to life than that. (BEAT) And it's my way of saying thanks for standing behind me with the agency and everything.

LEXIE: You know I'll always support you, in whatever you want to do. (BEAT) Are you sure you didn't do anything? Wreck the car? Break another vase?

ABE: (LAUGHING) Honest! I just want to treat you to a romantic evening.

LEXIE: It has been awhile since we've been out on a date, hasn't it? (WAVING THE COUPON) Do you really expect me to get any work done today?

ABE: You bet I do! I'm going to be watching you like a hawk. I expect a full day's work! (MOCKING) We can't afford to turn away any clients.

HOLD ON THE TWO OF THEM EMBRACING AND LAUGHING.

CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. EVE COMES DOWN THE STAIRS AND GOES INTO THE LIVING ROOM. SHE IS WEARING A LOW CUT RED SILK BLOUSE WITH A BLACK MINISKIRT AND HIGH HEELED BLACK SHOES. SHE LOOKS AROUND AS SHE ENTERS THE LIVING ROOM. NOT SEEING ANYONE, SHE SITS ON THE SOFA, BORED.

EVE GETS UP AND WALKS TO THE PHONE AND DIALS, TWO-WAY.

EVE: Julie?

JULIE: Yes?

EVE: It's Eve.

JULIE: Eve... how nice to hear from you.

EVE: Well, I thought I'd let you know I'll be coming by the office this afternoon.

JULIE: (HIDING ANNOYANCE) Oh?

EVE: Yeah, I thought I'd work for a while. I really need some money for new clothes and things.

JULIE: Now hold on a second, darling.

EVE: What?

JULIE: You make it sound like you're going to come into the office and be decorative and expect me to hand you a paycheck!

EVE: (CONFUSED) So?

JULIE: (EXASPERATED) Eve, I did not offer you some strange form of welfare. I offered you a job.

EVE: (UNCOMPREHENDING) Yes? So?

JULIE: Darling, if you want a paycheck, you're going to have to work for it.

EVE: Work for it? What do you mean?

JULIE: I mean you're going to have to work. And do a good job of it. I'll need you to help around the office, typing, filing, copying, that sort of thing.

EVE: Typing? I don't know how to do that.

JULIE: Well, you better learn then, hadn't you?

EVE: Julie! Why are you doing this to me?

JULIE: Doing what?

EVE: Why are you being so mean to me?

JULIE: Darling, I am not "being mean" to you! This has nothing to do with you personally.

EVE: It sure seems personal to me.

JULIE: Eve, I offered you a job as my assistant, and I'm telling you what is expected of you, or anyone else, in that position. Now you don't have to take the job...

EVE: Yeah, right. What else should I do, go live on the streets? You're just loving this, aren't you Julie?

JULIE: (SIGHS) Eve...

EVE: You love lording it over me! You know you can make me do anything you want. That's why you won't give me my money!

JULIE: I already told you, I'm doing my best to respect Nick's wishes. It looks like he knew you better than I thought. And I honestly believe he was right in setting things up this way.

EVE: Oh, yeah. Right. You mean, you don't trust me. Isn't that what you mean?

JULIE: Eve, if you don't calm down...

EVE: Why won't anyone trust me? I thought you did, Julie. I thought you cared. But it looks like I was wrong.

JULIE: No, you weren't. I do care. And I'm doing what's best for you, whether you believe it or not.

EVE: Yeah. Sure. Right. What it comes down to is that you don't trust me.

JULIE: You need to earn my trust.

EVE: Uh huh. Okay. Well, I guess I'll see you at the office then.

JULIE: Good-bye, Eve.

EVE: Bye.

EVE STANDS, HOLDING THE PHONE, STARING OUT INTO THE DISTANCE.

PHILIP ENTERS, AND EVE QUICKLY HANGS UP THE PHONE AND SMILES BRIGHTLY.

EVE: Hi! How are you today?

PHILIP: Just fine.

EVE: Good. Look, I wanted to apologize about last night. It's been sort of... traumatic for me lately.

PHILIP: I understand.

EVE: It was just so hard... breaking up with Frankie, returning to civilization... adjusting to life with flush toilets and no goats...

PHILIP: Really, it's okay. I understand.

EVE BATS HER EYES AT HIM AND SMILES COQUETTISHLY.

PHILIP: What does that mean?

EVE: Oh, I just meant that it would take a very understanding and caring man to overlook Kimberly's... past.

PHILIP: I see.

EVE: Oh, but Kimberly's beyond that now. It's taken a lot of searching, and a lot of men, but I'm glad she's finally found the right man for her.

PHILIP: Thanks. Look, why don't all three of us have dinner tonight? You and Kim can get reacquainted, and you and I can get to know each other.

EVE: Dinner? Tonight? Hm. I guess that could work out.

PHILIP: Okay. See you tonight.

PHILIP LEAVES AS EVE STANDS THERE, LOST IN THOUGHT.

HOLD ON EVE'S SCHEMING.

CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. ONCE AGAIN, THE DEVERAUX HOUSEHOLD IS IN UTTER CHAOS. BRADY AND ABIGAIL ARE BOTH SITTING IN A PLAYPEN AND CRYING LOUDLY. JENNIFER IS FRANTICALLY CLEARING AWAY THE BREAKFAST DISHES. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS SITTING IN FRONT OF THE TELEVISION WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL IN HIS HAND. HE IS QUICKLY FLIPPING THROUGH THE CHANNELS.

JENNIFER APPROACHES SHAWN-DOUGLAS WITH A TOWEL OVER HER SHOULDER, AND A CEREAL BOWL IN HER HAND.

SHAWN-D: I hate this TV! I can't watch anything I want!

JENNIFER: How about this?

JENNIFER PUTS THE BOWL DOWN AND WALKS OVER TO THE TELEVISION AND PICKS UP A VIDEO ON TOP OF IT.

SHAWN-D: (LOOKING AT VIDEO) I hate "My Little Pony!" That's girl stuff!

SHAWN-DOUGLAS TRIES TO THROW THE VIDEO, BUT JENNIFER INTERCEPTS.

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh.

JENNIFER: Well, play that for a while.

JENNIFER APPROACHES THE PLAYPEN. ABIGAIL HAS STOPPED CRYING, BUT BRADY CONTINUES TO WAIL. SHE PICKS BRADY UP AND HE SEEMS TO CALM DOWN A LITTLE. JENNIFER FINDS ONE OF BRADY'S TOYS AND HANDS IT TO HIM. BRADY BRIGHTENS. JENNIFER PUTS BRADY BACK DOWN IN THE PLAYPEN. TURNING BACK TO SHAWN-DOUGLAS, JENNIFER PICKS UP THE BOWL. SHE LOOKS INSIDE.

SHAWN-D: (WHILE PLAYING HIS GAMEBOY) I hate that yucky cereal. Grandma always makes me pancakes.

JENNIFER: Well, next time I'll make you some pancakes.

SHAWN-D: Never mind. I told my Papa that I didn't want to come here anymore.

JENNIFER LOOKS CONCERNED, AND IS ABOUT TO SAY SOMETHING WHEN SHE IS INTERRUPTED BY THE PHONE RINGING. SHE LEAVES SHAWN-DOUGLAS TO HIS GAME AND RUNS TO ANSWER THE PHONE, ONE-WAY.

JENNIFER HANGS UP THE PHONE, SIGHS, AND TURNS BACK TO SEE AND HEAR THAT SHAWN-DOUGLAS HAS BECOME FRUSTRATED WITH HIS GAMEBOY AND TOSSES IT TO THE GROUND, CAUSING ABIGAIL TO BEGIN CRYING AGAIN.

OUT ON JENNIFER.

COMMUNITY CENTER. JANET AND MORGAN, HAVING CHANGED INTO OLD CLOTHES, WALK UP TO THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CENTER.

MORGAN: They do a lot of good work here.

JANET: Well, I'm happy to have the chance to help out.

MORGAN OPENS THE DOOR AND THEY ENTER. INSIDE, KAYLA, MARCUS, CANDIS, AND VOLUNTEERS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD ARE HARD AT WORK. TWO PEOPLE ARE UP ON LADDERS, REPLACING LIGHT BULBS. A WOMAN IS REPAIRING THE HINGES ON A CABINET. STEPHANIE IS IN A CORNER WITH HER COLORING BOOKS AND CRAYONS. SHE IS ALTERNATING BETWEEN COLORING IN HER BOOKS AND ON THE WALL. KAYLA, MARCUS, AND CANDIS ARE ALL PAINTING. SEEING MORGAN AND JANET, CANDIS PUTS DOWN HER BRUSH AND GOES OVER TO GREET THEM.

CANDIS: (FEIGNING SHOCK) Why, sir, I'm a married woman!

MORGAN: (PUTTING HIS ARMS AROUND HER) I don't care. I won't tell your husband if you won't.

CANDIS: Deal...

THEY KISS. MORGAN TURNS TO JANET.

JANET: (EXTENDING HER HAND) It's a pleasure to finally meet you.

CANDIS GOES TO SHAKE JANET'S HAND, BUT NOTICES THAT HER OWN HAND IS SPLATTERED WITH PAINT. SHE LOOKS AT HER HAND FOR A SECOND, WIPES IT ON MORGAN'S SHIRT, THEN SHAKES JANET'S HAND.

MORGAN: (EXASPERATED) No respect, I get no respect...

JANET: (TO CANDIS) Please, it's Janet. I'm off duty. (BEAT) This is quite a project you have going here.

CANDIS: We've got a lot of work to do to get this center back in peak condition.

JANET: Your husband's told me a little about what you do here, but I'd like to know more.

CANDIS: Come on, I'll give you the tour. (SWEETLY, TO MORGAN) Honey?

MORGAN: Yes, dear?

CANDIS: (WITH MOCK HARSHNESS) Pick up a paint brush and make yourself useful.

MORGAN: (SALUTING) Yes sir, ma'am! (BEAT) No respect...

CANDIS LEADS JANET AWAY, AND MORGAN GOES OVER TO WHERE KAYLA AND MARCUS ARE PAINTING.

KAYLA: Morgan, hello! (GIVES HIM A HUG, HER PAINT BRUSH STILL IN HAND) It's been a while... Have you met Doctor Marcus Hunter?

MORGAN: I have now. Good to meet you, Marcus.

MARCUS: Likewise. Glad you could make it.

MORGAN: Kayla, how's Bo doing?

KAYLA: About as well as can be expected. He's having a really tough time dealing with Carly's death. (BEAT) Are you guys any closer to finding out who killed her?

MORGAN: I can't really talk about it...

KAYLA: Can you at least tell me if you're making any progress?

MORGAN: Let's just say that we're narrowing the field.

MORGAN NOTICES THAT CANDIS AND JANET ARE COMING OVER.

JANET: Thank you for the tour, Candis.

CANDIS: My pleasure. I'm glad you came down.

JANET: Well, this is a very worthwhile project, and I wanted to help out. Where I come from, everyone pitches in where they're needed.

MORGAN: And we needed a little time away from the office...

JANET: I also thought it was time that I started getting to know the people of Salem, other than the criminals.

CANDIS: Speaking of criminals, let me introduce you to one of our chief volunteers. This is Doctor Marcus Hunter, painter and plastic surgeon extraordinaire.

MARCUS, WHO IS FACING THE WALL AND PAINTING, TURNS TO CANDIS AND JANET.

CANDIS: Marcus, this is Captain Janet Yamada.

MARCUS EXTENDS HIS HAND, WHICH IS COVERED WITH PAINT. HE DOESN'T NOTICE BECAUSE HIS EYES ARE FIXED ON JANET.

MARCUS: (SMILING) Marcus, please. And the pleasure's mine. (HE FINALLY NOTICES THAT HE'S GETTING PAINT ALL OVER HER HAND) Oh, I'm sorry... (HE STARTS TO PULL HIS HAND AWAY)

JANET: (KEEPING A FIRM HOLD ON HIS HAND AND SMILING) It's okay.

AFTER ANOTHER COUPLE OF SECONDS, JANET LETS GO OF MARCUS' HAND.

KAYLA: Glad to meet you, Captain Yamada. I've heard a lot about you from my brother, Bo.

JANET: Please, call me Janet. And don't believe a word your brother tells you about me.

KAYLA: Listen, I know you two had quite an argument, and I'm sure Bo said some things that he shouldn't have. Believe me, that's not the real Bo. He's just hurt and angry right now.

JANET: Yes, I know. Your brother's temper is legendary.

KAYLA: He'll come around in time. This is really hard on him. His wife was killed three years ago, and now Carly...

JANET: (SURPRISED) I didn't know he was married before...

KAYLA: I know it's no excuse, but it's been doubly hard on him...

JANET: I understand.

KAYLA: You know, once he cools down, he'll probably realize that he shouldn't have turned in his badge, and...

JANET: I know what you're getting at. If Bo should change his mind and decide that he wants to rejoin the force, I'd be willing to discuss it with him. You can tell him that, if you think he'd want to hear it.

KAYLA: Thanks, I just might do that.

JANET: Well, I came down here to help out. What can I do?

MARCUS: You can work on this wall next to me... (HANDS HER A PAINT BRUSH)

JANET: (SMILING) All right... (TAKES THE BRUSH)

KAYLA GOES OVER TO THE CORNER WHERE STEPHANIE IS SITTING. MORGAN IS INSPECTING STEPHANIE'S "ARTWORK" ON THE WALL.

KAYLA: (SMILING) Enjoy it now, soon it will be covered up. Stephanie, why don't you do some coloring in your books, okay?

STEPHANIE: But the wall is so much fun...

KAYLA: But you're not supposed to go coloring up walls. Let's work in the books, okay? (SHE SITS DOWN NEXT TO STEPHANIE)

MORGAN WALKS OVER TO JOIN CANDIS.

CANDIS: Hopefully, it's going to help a lot of people, too. I really want this center to be successful. It means a lot to me.

MORGAN: I know. And it will be successful, I'm sure. (BEAT) I'm really proud of you, honey. (HE GIVES HER A KISS)

CANDIS: Thanks.

CANDIS AND MORGAN TURN AND SURVEY THE WORK BEING DONE. HOLD ON CANDIS AND MORGAN.

CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER. CARRIE IS AT HER DESK, TYPING. ABE AND LEXIE ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR.

ABE: (TAKING THE COUPON AND EXAMINING IT CLOSELY) Hmmm... Sorry, there's nothing here about getting off of work early. I guess you'll have to put in a full day...

LEXIE: (POUTING) Oh, come on...

ABE: (SMILING) We'll see...

CARRIE: Good morning, you two.

LEXIE: Hi, Carrie.

ABE: Good morning, Carrie. Is John in?

JOHN COMES OUT OF HIS OFFICE.

ABE: (LOOKING AT LEXIE IN MOCK HORROR) Oh, no! We've been caught!

LEXIE: (HOLDING OUT HER HANDS TO BE CUFFED) Guilty as charged.

JOHN: Don't worry, I'm not going to press charges. I do need to talk to you guys, though. It's something important. (BEAT) You too, Carrie.

ABE: What is it?

JOHN: I'm going to be gone for a while.

CARRIE: Where are you going?

JOHN: I'm going to Europe to try to dig up more information about my past. I have to track down my link to Carly, and find out what it means.

CARRIE: What link to Carly?

JOHN: (SITTING ON THE CORNER OF CARRIE'S DESK) I meant to tell you earlier, Punkin. But first, I wanted to see if it meant anything. I had a flashback at Carly's funeral, and it leads me to believe that I knew her before I came to Salem.

LEXIE: Were you able to get any information out of the Alamains?

JOHN: I discussed it with Vivian, but instead of finding answers, I just came away with more questions...

CARRIE: Wait a minute. You knew Carly before? Before you thought you were my dad?

JOHN: It looks that way. I don't know for sure... I have a memory of dancing with her, that's all. That's why I have to go to Europe, to try to figure it all out.

ABE: I wish I could go with you partner. I'd like to help...

JOHN: I appreciate it, but I know you have to stay here. Besides, I've already arranged to get some help. I talked to Shane, and he's just finishing up a case. Once he wraps it up, he's going to hook up with me and lend a hand.

ABE: That's good. I'm glad you'll have some backup.

JOHN: My main concern is you guys. I know this isn't the best time for me to take off. I want to make sure that the business isn't going to suffer...

LEXIE: We'll be fine, John. You've already been such a big help with the Alamain case. You go and find the answers you need.

ABE: She's right, partner. I know how important it is to you to put your past to rest.

LEXIE: And we'll keep working on the Alamain case. Who knows? Maybe Lawrence will be behind bars by the time you get back...

JOHN: That would be a nice "welcome home" gift...

THE PHONE RINGS. CARRIE ANSWERS IT.

ABE: I'll take it in my office. Lex?

LEXIE: Right behind you.

JOHN: I'll be with you guys in a few.

ABE AND LEXIE EXIT TO ABE'S OFFICE.

CARRIE: Sure, what's up?

JOHN: I want you to know that I haven't forgotten about our deal. I'm gonna let you know about everything that I find out. I'll call you whenever something new turns up, okay?

CARRIE: Thanks, John. That means a lot.

JOHN: It means a lot to me, too, Punkin. And you have to keep me updated on all the goings-on around here, okay?

CARRIE: You bet.

JOHN: Oh, and another thing. I'm going to ask your Aunt Kayla to take care of Brady while I'm gone. I'd really appreciate it if you could look in on him, too. Y'know, sorta help her out.

CARRIE: I'd love to, John. Brady's like a little brother to me.

JOHN: Thanks. You know, just the other day, he was telling me that you're the best big sister in the whole world...

CARRIE: (SMILING) He was telling you?

JOHN: That's a fact.

THERE IS A MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND CARRIE SENSES THAT JOHN IS CONCERNED.

JOHN: I guess you could say I am...

CARRIE: What are you scared of?

JOHN: I really don't know what I'm going to find out about myself. I want to know who I was before, but at the same time, I'm afraid that I may not like him.

CARRIE: Why wouldn't you like "him?"

JOHN: What if I was a terrible person before? What if I did terrible things? I don't want to let Brady down. Or Sami, or Eric, or you.

CARRIE: Well, for what it's worth, you couldn't let me down. It doesn't matter to me who you were before. I know who you are now, and I love you, that won't change.

CARRIE RISES FROM HER CHAIR AND SHE AND JOHN HUG.

HOLD ON JOHN'S FACE AS JOHN AND CARRIE HUG.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE/SPECTATOR. JULIE IS SITTING AT JACK'S DESK, GOING THROUGH THE PERSONNEL FILES, AND SEPARATING THEM INTO TWO PILES.

JULIE PICKS UP ANOTHER FILE AND IS PERUSING IT WHEN JACK COMES IN.

JACK STANDS BEHIND JULIE, AND FLIPS THROUGH THE LEFT HAND PILE, NODDING ABSENTLY. HE THEN STARTS TO FLIP THROUGH THE RIGHT-HAND PILE. JACK SPIES A FILE MARKED "HUNT", AND LOOKING RATHER PAINED, SURREPTITIOUSLY ATTEMPTS TO MOVE THE "HUNT" FILE TO THE LEFT HAND PILE. JULIE PRETENDS NOT TO NOTICE, BUT AT THE LAST MINUTE, SHE STAYS HIS HAND, AND PLACES "HUNT" FIRMLY BACK IN HER RIGHT HAND STACK.

JULIE: I can, and I do, Jack, darling. You promised me the best, after all...

JACK: Ahh, that. Well, Hunt may be good, but he's certainly not an over-40 woman...

JULIE: But his background is excellent, he's got lots of experience, and he's extremely clever and witty. He will be able to speak to my audience and not bore them.

JACK: But... but Hunt's my police reporter. The best we've ever had at the Spectator.

JULIE: And you told me yourself he was getting tired of that assignment. And that he'd planned on doing police reporting for a short time, only until he decided what he was really interested in.

JACK: And you think he'll be interested in Midsummer?

JULIE: I'd bet the farm on it... if I had one. It will be just the challenge a man like Mr. Hunt will relish. So, darling, I suggest you find yourself another police beat reporter.

JACK: Oh, all right!

JULIE: (SMILING) See? That wasn't too painful.

JACK: Easy for you to say. You just didn't lose one of your reporters.

JULIE: No, I gained an Associate Editor.

JACK: Don't gloat.

JULIE: Never, darling, it's so unbecoming...

JACK: Where am I going to find another police reporter?

JULIE: You'll think of something.

JACK: I'd better. If not, the Chronicle will... Hey, that's it!

JULIE: What's it?

JACK: I think I just found my new police beat reporter.

OUT ON JACK.

BRADY PUB. THE LUNCH RUSH HASN'T QUITE STARTED. SHAWN IS BEHIND THE BAR, POLISHING GLASSES. BO ENTERS, LOOKING DEJECTED. HE WALKS OVER TO THE BAR AND PULLS UP A STOOL.

BO: I've just been out looking for a job, Pop. Nobody is hiring.

SHAWN: Well, now, I'm sure you'll find something soon. It's only your first day looking, after all.

BO: I guess.

SHAWN: Have you tried any of those security firms downtown? I hear they pay real well and they're always looking for people.

BO: Nah, I don't think I'd fit in too well there.

SHAWN: What about down around the Riverfront? All those warehouses need somebody to watch them. I hear the pay's out of this world, if you can stand the late hours.

BO SLOWLY REALIZES THAT SHAWN IS TRYING TO HINT THAT HE IS WORRIED ABOUT MONEY AND HAVING TO SUPPORT HE AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS.

SHAWN: Ah, you know your mother. I had to threaten, beg and plead. I just took some soup up to her. She's feeling guilty for asking Jennifer to watch the children.

BO: Yeah, Jenn's been great. I'm sure she'd speak up if she couldn't do it. I hope Shawn-D behaved himself today.

SHAWN: Why wouldn't he? He's an angel, that boy.

BO: He's been a devil this past week. I don't understand it, Pop, it's like his whole personality has changed. He's acting up, saying no to everything and everyone.

SHAWN: All kids go through that. He's just testing his limits.

BO: No, I think it's more than that. The past few nights he's been having nightmares. Ones where Hope, Carly and I leave him alone in the dark.

SHAWN: Ah well, that explains it. He's just a little boy, he can't deal with Carly's death the way we can. He needs some time and some extra loving.

BO: (BITTERLY) Yeah, well, I've got nothing but time. Thanks to Larry Alamain.

SHAWN: Now, Bo...

BO: (GETTING MORE AGITATED) No, Pop. All this is Alamain's fault. First he kills Carly. Then I'm forced to quit my job because that woman they hired refuses to arrest him. And now my kid's having nightmares because of what he's done.

SHAWN: Bo...

BO GETS UP.

BO STALKS OUT. HOLD ON SHAWN'S WORRIED FACE.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. VIVIAN IS SITTING ON THE SOFA, SIPPING A GLASS OF WINE, AS IVAN STANDS BEHIND HER.

VIVIAN: (STARTING AND SPILLING HER DRINK) What? Ivan? What is it? (WIPES HELPLESSLY AT HER SKIRT)

IVAN: I apologize.

VIVIAN: It's all right. I was just... thinking.

IVAN: About Dr. Manning's murder?

VIVIAN: Yes. What else do I think about anymore?

IVAN: Nothing, madame.

VIVIAN: Thank you, Ivan. You are quite droll. (BEAT) I just can't help but wonder...

IVAN: Where Mr. Alamain was that night?

VIVIAN: Yes.

IVAN: You realize, madame, it would have been easier if you had left me in jail, as Mr. Alamain suggested.

VIVIAN: Don't be ridiculous! I know how you feel about jail. It's taken a lot for you to remain calm through this whole ordeal.

IVAN: I have tried hard, madame.

VIVIAN: I hope you understand... I meant what I said. You have done so much for this family...

IVAN: And you for me. I can never repay you.

VIVIAN: Please... I did what I did because I wanted to. And it has been worth it. I made a committment to help you, and to shelter you. And I, unlike my nephew, intend to keep my word.

IVAN: I wish there was more I could do.

VIVIAN: You've done enough. I don't suppose it matters any more, who actually killed dear Carly. As long as the police don't take us down with the killer...

HOLD ON VIVIANS'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: LAWRENCE'S BEDROOM. LAWRENCE IS LYING ON THE BED, MUMBLING TO HIMSELF.

HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S QUESTION.

CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. JENNIFER IS HASTILY TRYING TO FINISH SETTING OUT LUNCH. SHAWN-DOUGLAS STARES BLANKLY AT HIS BOWL OF VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP, WHILE BOTH ABIGAIL AND BRADY CRY LOUDLY IN THEIR HIGH CHAIRS. JENNIFER RUNS TO ABIGAIL, WHOSE MOUTH IS WIDE OPEN, AND PUTS ONE OF HER OWN FINGERS INSIDE ABIGAIL'S MOUTH.

JENNIFER STARTS TO GO TO THE KITCHEN. SUDDENLY BRADY LETS OUT A HIGH PITCHED WAIL. JENNIFER RUSHES TO BRADY.

JENIFER PICKS UP BRADY WHO WHIMPERS SOFTLY.

JENNIFER PUTS BRADY BACK DOWN IN HIS HIGH CHAIR AND GOES INTO THE KITCHEN FOR SOME ICE. WHEN SHE RETURNS, SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS IN THE PROCESS OF PICKING OUT THE PEAS FROM HIS SOUP AND THROWING THEM AT ABIGAIL AND BRADY, MAKING THEM CRY EVEN MORE.

SHAWN-D: (STILL THROWING PEAS) I don't like peas!! And I'm not going to eat them. My soup is cold too! This is yucky!! (STOPS THROWING PEAS AND SITS WITH ARMS CROSSED)

JENNIFER: Shawn-Douglas, this is the third thing I've made you for lunch. First, you wouldn't eat your PB&J sandwich because you said you hated grape jelly. Then, you wouldn't eat the bologna sandwich unless I cut the crust off. When I did, you complained about the mayonaise. (LOSING PATIENCE) You are going to eat your soup, or you won't eat any lunch at all! Do you want to starve?

SHAWN-DOUGLAS PURPOSELY TIPS HIS BOWL OF SOUP ALL OVER THE FLOOR, KNOCKING OVER HIS MILK GLASS IN THE PROCESS.

JENNIFER STARES AT SHAWN-DOUGLAS, HIS FISTS AND MOUTH CLENCHED. THE FRONT DOOR OPENS AND JACK COMES IN. HE WALKS OVER TO JENNIFER AND GIVES HER A QUICK KISS.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS RUNS OFF.

JACK: And I you...

JENNIFER: Jack, do you think you can take care of things here for a while?

JACK: I guess so. I...

JENNIFER: (INTERRUPTING) Thanks. We're out of apple juice, and I need to run to the store to pick some up.

JACK: Jennifer...

JENNIFER GIVES JACK A BIG KISS, GRABS HER PURSE, AND RUNS OUT THE DOOR. JACK WATCHES JENNIFER'S HASTY RETREAT THEN TURNS BACK TO THE TABLE AS ABIGAIL STARTS TO CRY AGAIN.

JACK PICKS UP ABIGAIL. THEN LOOKS AROUND AND STARES IN ASTONISHMENT AT THE MESS AND THE CRYING CHILDREN.

OUT ON JACK'S DISBELIEF.

WINGS. JULIE AND DOUG ARE SITTING AT A TABLE, FINISHING THE LAST BITES OF LUNCH. MOST OF THE LUNCH CROWD HAS ALREADY CLEARED, AND ONLY A FEW TABLES ARE OCCUPIED. DAVE IS IN THE BACKGROUND, GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO ONE OF THE WAITERS.

JULIE: (SMILING) Why thank you, darling. I wish I could take that compliment for myself, but I believe Lorenzo deserves the credit.

DOUG: Ah, but that's where you're wrong. Of course the food was magnificent...

JULIE LOOKS AT HIM QUIZZICALLY.

JULIE: Oh, but, flattery will get you everywhere. (SHE LEANS OVER AND KISSES DOUG) I'd love to let you continue, but I need to go check on some of the club's accounts.

JULIE GETS UP AND SMILES AT DOUG. HE BLOWS HER A KISS AS SHE WALKS OVER TO THE BAR AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO A STACK OF PAPERS. DOUG LEAVES THE TABLE AND WALKS OVER TO THE PIANO, LEAFING THROUGH A STACK OF MUSIC. MARTY, THE PIANO PLAYER, WALKS IN FROM THE BACK ROOM.

DOUG: For me, too, Marty, for me, too. I'm so glad you agreed to come back here and work.

MARTY: For you anything. (LOOKING AT MUSIC) Find something you like?

DOUG: I like it all.

MARTY: OK, how about something you'd like to sing?

DOUG: (HANDING HIM SOME MUSIC) OK, let's try this and see if we've still got that old magic.

MARTY SITS DOWN AT THE BENCH. AFTER A FEW SCALE RUNS AND CHORD HARMONIZATIONS, DOUG CLEARS HIS THROAT, MARTY STARTS TO PLAY AND DOUG STARTS TO SING DUKE ELLINGTON'S "SOPHISTICATED LADY". AS DOUG SINGS, WE SEE JULIE, WHO LOOKS UP WHEN SHE HEARS THE MUSIC AND SMILES. JANET WALKS IN, DRESSED CASUALLY IN JEANS, A SILK CAMISOLE TOP, AND A SWEATER TIED LOOSELY AROUND HER WAIST. JANET IS OBVIOUSLY INTRIGUED WITH DOUG'S MUSIC. DAVE GREETS JANET AND SHE WHISPERS SOMETHING TO HIM BEFORE WALKING TOWARDS THE PIANO. SHE STOPS TO LISTEN, UNNOTICED BY DOUG, WHO IS WATCHING MARTY. DOUG AND MARTY FINISH THE SONG AND WE HEAR APPLAUSE. EXPECTING JULIE, DOUG TURNS TO THE SOURCE OF THE APPLAUSE AND BOWS. SURPRISED, HE BLUSHES A LITTLE WHEN HE SEES JANET.

DOUG: Thank you. I don't believe we've met. I'm Doug Williams. (EXTENDS HAND) And the piano man is Marty.

JANET: (SHAKING HANDS WITH BOTH MEN) It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Janet Yamada.

DOUG: Ah yes, the new leader of Salem's finest. It's a pleasure...

JANET WALKS OVER TO THE PIANO AND PLACES ONE HAND ON TOP OF IT.

MARTY: Thanks, I love to play.

JANET: (TO DOUG) And you, you were great. I loved your phrasing...

DOUG: Thank you. I've had a little music experience.

JANET: I can tell.

DOUG: Oh? Are you a musician?

JANET: Not professionally, but I grew up studying classical piano. Since I was surrounded by jazz my entire life, I also took that up when I was a teenager.

DOUG: "Surrounded by jazz..." Where did you grow up, if you don't mind my asking?

JANET: I don't mind. I'm from New Orleans.

DOUG: Really? I love that city... everything about it... the food, the music... What I wouldn't give to hear some authentic Dixieland...

JANET: Or eat some red beans and rice... Or maybe a muffaletta...

DOUG: Mmmm. I just ate, but somehow the sound of that makes my mouth water.

JANET: Yes, I miss the city sometimes... especially the Vieux Carre...

DOUG: Ahhh... the Quarter is amazing... I have never heard such... if you'll pardon the pun... a medley of music in my life.

JANET: I know... Jazz... Cajun... Blues...

DOUG: Dixieland... Zydeco... Why I even found an Irish pub with a Celtic harpist!

JANET: Yes! That's New Orleans... That's one thing I really miss... That marvelous music... There were always so many choices... Now...

DOUG: You can't find any Zydeco gris gris in Salem?

JANET: (LAUGHING) No... Nor any Celtic harps, I suspect...

DOUG: Maybe one day...

JANET: I hope so... (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) I've taken up too much of your time Mr. Williams...

DOUG: Doug... please.

JANET: Doug, it was a pleasure meeting you. I'd better eat before the kitchen closes. I hope to hear more of your music some day.

JANET GOES BACK TO TALK TO DAVE, WHO SEATS HER AT A TABLE.

HOLD ON DOUG, DEEP IN THOUGHT.

CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA AND MARCUS ARE STILL PAINTING. CANDIS AND MORGAN ARE WORKING JUST AHEAD OF THEM, COVERING THE MOLDING WITH TAPE AND PREPARING THE WALL TO BE PAINTED.

MORGAN: I admit, she's not as bad as everyone says. She just runs things a lot differently than the way most of the guys are used to. It'll just take some time for everyone to adjust.

CANDIS: What about you?

MORGAN: Personally, I'm glad she's here. If the last few weeks are any indication, I think we're going to work really well together. She's a good cop.

CANDIS: I'm sorry she had to leave so soon. I think she was really enjoying herself, and it's great to have support from the police department.

MORGAN: What about me? Don't I count as "support from the police department"?

CANDIS: Well, sort of. Your participation is really mandatory, though.

MORGAN: Is that so? What if I hadn't showed up?

CANDIS: (MOCKING A THREATENING TONE) You don't want to know.

MORGAN: Hmmm... I probably don't.

CANDIS: Honey, I think you should invite Janet over for dinner sometime. I got the impression that she hasn't made a lot of friends in Salem yet.

MORGAN: (HESITANT) Well...

CANDIS: And I'll bet she'd like to get out and be more social.

MORGAN: I don't know...

CANDIS: And I like her. I'd like to get to know her better.

MORGAN: (RESIGNEDLY) I don't really have a choice here, do I?

CANDIS: (SMILING) No, not really. (SHE LEANS OVER AND KISSES HIM) Come on, you'd enjoy it, too. Admit it.

MORGAN: Yeah, you're right. (BEAT) Okay, I'll invite her over for dinner. It's just that...

CANDIS: Just that what?

MORGAN: Well, if it gets around the department that I'm having the boss over for dinner, everyone's gonna think I'm brown-nosing. You know how those guys can be...

CANDIS: You sound like a high school kid...

MORGAN: Okay, okay. (WITH MOCK CONCERN) But if my reputation suffers, it'll be your fault.

CANDIS: I can live with that.

MORGAN: (LOOKING UP TOWARD THE SKY) The things we do for love...

GO TO: MARCUS AND KAYLA.

MARCUS: Yeah, it does. You can take the kid out of the neighborhood, but...

KAYLA: I know. (BEAT) I think Steve would really be happy about what we're doing here.

MARCUS: You know he would. This place meant a lot to him, as much as it does to you.

KAYLA: (SIGHS) Being back here reminds me of the good old days... The times Steve dressed up as Santa Claus and gave gifts to the Riverfront kids. The times he worked with the gang kids, trying to keep them from killing each other...

MARCUS: Homey really did care about the kids. His own childhood was pretty messed up, and he wanted theirs to be better.

KAYLA: I just hope we can find some donors who feel the same way. The work that all of these volunteers are doing is great, but we still need big money contributions to really make the Center successful.

MARCUS: Well, speak of the devil. Here's one of your donors now...

KAYLA TURNS TO SEE JOHN ENTERING THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR. HE LOOKS AROUND, SLIGHTLY AWESTRUCK BY ALL OF THE ACTIVITY. HE SEES KAYLA AND MARCUS, AND WALKS OVER.

MARCUS: Pretty well, man...

KAYLA: So, John, did you come to help with the renovations? There's a brush here with your name on it... (PICKS UP A DRY PAINT BRUSH AND HANDS IT TO HIM)

JOHN: Uhhh, sure, I've got a little time. First, though, I need to talk to you.

KAYLA: What is it?

JOHN: Well, I've made arrangements for a sizable donation for the Community Center to come from the Toscano Foundation.

KAYLA: John, thank you so much...

JOHN: Hey, it's my pleasure. I know Isabella would have been behind this project 110 percent. I also plan to personally contribute each month, to help cover upkeep costs, supplies, and such.

MARCUS: That's great, John. Very generous...

KAYLA: (GIVING JOHN A HUG) Very generous, indeed. I can't thank you enough.

JOHN: Actually, I do have a favor to ask of you.

KAYLA: Name it.

JOHN: Well, I've got a lead about my past, and I need to go to Europe to follow up on it.

KAYLA: Kim mentioned that you had remembered something, but she thought she should let you tell everyone about it when you were ready.

JOHN: And I will, once I've had the chance to check it out and find out exactly what it means. Anyway, I'm going to be gone for a while, I'm not quite sure how long. I was wondering if you could take care of Brady while I'm gone?

KAYLA: Absolutely. I'd be happy to.

JOHN: Normally, I'd take him with me, but I really don't know what to expect when I get there. I'm not sure what I'm going to find, if I find anything at all.

KAYLA: Do you think it's going to be dangerous?

JOHN: I don't really know, but I'm not going to take any chances when it comes to Brady's safety.

KAYLA: Of course.

JOHN: I'd ask Caroline to watch him, but she's been under the weather lately, so I don't want to put another burden on her.

KAYLA: I understand. Brady can stay with Stephanie and me as long as it takes.

JOHN: Thanks, Kay, I really appreciate it.

KAYLA: I hope you can find the answers you're looking for.

JOHN: Yeah, me too.

HOLD ON JOHN.

CUT TO: HORTON KITCHEN. ALICE IS PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON A HUGE HAM PRIOR TO SLIPPING IT INTO THE OVEN. JENNIFER WALKS IN THROUGH THE KITCHEN DOOR, LOOKING HARRIED.

JENNIFER: It was worse. It was children... I baby-sat for Shawn-Douglas and Brady again today, and... and I just couldn't handle it. I am such a failure...

ALICE: Now, Jennifer Rose, you are no such thing.

JENNIFER: But Grandma, you don't understand. After spending the whole day with the kids, when Jack got home... I just ran! I ran right out the door and left him there at the mercy of the children.

ALICE: Now, I'm sure it wasn't all that bad...

JENNIFER: Yes, it was. First, my show got cancelled, and now I can't even handle a house and a few kids. Poor Jack probably thinks I've had a breakdown or something...

ALICE: "Poor Jack" thinks no such thing. It was a big adjustment for you, coming from the workaday world to becoming an instant day-care center. I know it, and Jack knows it. You just need to be a little easier on yourself.

JENNIFER: But to just run away...

ALICE: Let me tell you a little story, darling, about one memorable day at the Horton household, before your father was even born.

JENNIFER: Is this going to be one of your stories that makes me feel like an idiot for complaining?

ALICE: Just listen... The twins, Tommy and Addie, came home from kindergarten with the chicken pox. Mickey was just a toddler. Between chicken soup, reading stories, cleaning house and trying to keep those children from scratching off every inch of skin on their bodies... I tell you, darling, I was at my wits end.

JENNIFER: Knowing you, Grandma, you handled it like a pro.

ALICE: Hardly. I burned dinner to a crisp, and just sat down on the kitchen floor and cried. When Tom came in, I ran past him, sobbing, out the door.

JENNIFER: What'd he do?

ALICE: That darling man gave the children sandwiches, bathed them, put them to bed, and had a cold drink ready and Gershwin on the stereo when I came back.

JENNIFER: What happened then?

ALICE: I cried on Tom's shoulder, convinced I was a terrible wife and mother, and didn't deserve him, or the children.

JENNIFER: I'm sure he told you were a great wife and mother.

ALICE: He told me he'd rather do 5 gall-bladder operations, deliver 3 babies and diagnose 15 cases of tonsillitis than take care of a house and children!

JENNIFER: Grandpa knew how hard it really is to run a household.

ALICE: Exactly. He convinced me that what I was doing was extremely difficult, and that I was doing a fine job. And so are you, Jennifer Rose Horton Deveraux.

JENNIFER: You haven't seen my house...

ALICE: But that's what I'm telling you, dear, you really aren't giving yourself enough credit. Why, you're not really over Carly's death yet, and you're expecting to bounce right back.

JENNIFER: That's true. And I'm not the only one.

ALICE: What do you mean?

JENNIFER: You know what a sweetheart Shawn-Douglas usually is.

ALICE: That little boy is an angel. He's been through so much... losing his mother... and now Carly.

JENNIFER: Well, today Shawn-D was an absolute brat.

ALICE: My great-grandson?

JENNIFER: Yes. And I just don't understand. The last two days he's been horrid, to me, to Stephanie...

ALICE: He sounds like an angry and confused little boy. How can we expect him to understand why he's lost two mothers?

JENNIFER: I'm really worried about him, Grandma. Today he was playing with his toys... you know those little action figures... and they were all shooting and killing each other...

ALICE: A lot of little boys play those kinds of games, Jennifer.

JENNIFER: Shawn-D usually doesn't. Hope hated those war games. (BEAT) I'm going to tell Bo about it when he picks Shawn-D up today. They're both having a hard time... losing Carly (HER EYES FILL WITH TEARS)

ALICE HUGS JENNIFER.

JENNIFER TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND PULLS AWAY FROM ALICE.

ALICE: She did make some wonderful contributions...

JENNIFER: He's having a hard time getting facts on Carly, though. Do you think you or Grandpa could check the hospital files and give Jack some information he could use?

ALICE: Of course, darling, I'll talk to your Grandfather when he gets home.

JENNIFER: Speaking of home... I'd better get back there. I want to catch Bo when he picks up Shawn-Douglas, and Jack and I need to get ready to come back for dinner tonight.

ALICE: You just relax and be nice to yourself, and everything will be fine.

JENNIFER: Thanks, Grandma, for everything!

JENNIFER HUGS HER GRANDMOTHER. OUT ON THEIR HUG.

CARVER & CARVER/LEXIE'S OFFICE. ABE AND LEXIE ARE SITTING AT THE CONFERENCE TABLE. ABE IS GOING THROUGH A FILE. LEXIE HAS A PAD AND A PENCIL IN FRONT OF HER, BUT SHE IS STARING OFF INTO SPACE.

ABE NOTICES THAT LEXIE HASN'T HEARD A WORD HE'S SAID.

LEXIE: (STARTLED) Huh?

ABE: You didn't hear any of that, did you? What planet were you on?

LEXIE: I did too hear every word!

ABE: Oh yeah?

LEXIE: Should we go out or stay in tonight?

ABE: (GRINNING) Oh, so that's what's going on. Either one is fine with me, it's your decision.

LEXIE: Well, I vote we stay in.

ABE: Really? You don't want to get all dolled up and go to a fancy place?

LEXIE: I already did some shopping at lunchtime.

ABE: Shopping? I'm treating you to a romantic dinner. What'd you go and buy food for? It's no treat if we have to cook it.

LEXIE GETS UP AND GOES OVER TO SOME SHOPPING BAGS. SHE TAKES SOMETHING OUT AND THROWS IT INTO ABE'S LAP. HE HOLDS IT UP AND WE SEE THAT IT IS A PAIR OF SILK PAISLEY BOXER SHORTS. ABE LOOKS OVER THEM AT HER, SLIGHTLY AMAZED.

ABE: Lexie!

LEXIE: (SLYLY) So, Mr. Carver, how hungry are you?

ABE THINKS FOR A MOMENT AND REACHES FOR THE INTERCOM.

CARRIE: Yes, Abe?

ABE: Lexie and I have to go out on a case. Don't expect us back for the rest of the day, ok?

CARRIE: Ok, I'll close up shop.

LEXIE GRINS.

HOLD ON ABE HOLDING THE BOXER SHORTS.

CUT TO: COPY ROOM/CORRIDOR. EVE IS STANDING AT THE COPY MACHINE, HER ARMS FULL OF PAPERS. SHE IS TALKING TO HERSELF AS SHE VICIOUSLY JABS AT THE "START" BUTTON WITH HER BRIGHT RED FINGERNAILS.

THE COPY MACHINE STARTS BLINKING AND BEEPING. EVE FRANTICALLY LOOKS AT THE MACHINE.

EVE OPENS THE DOCUMENT HANDLER, LOOKING INSIDE THE MACHINE. SHE NOTICES THE BLINKING LIGHTS.

EVE BEGINS PULLING AT EVERY HANDLE AND LEVER IN SIGHT, PUSHING BUTTONS RANDOMLY. PAPERS FLY EVERYWHERE.

EVE QUICKLY PICKS UP ALL THE PAPERS AND STRAIGHTENS UP THE ROOM.

EVE TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM, TRYING TO STRAIGHTEN THE MOUNTAIN OF PAPERS IN HER ARMS. JUST AS SHE ROUNDS THE CORNER SHE BUMPS INTO SOMEONE, DROPPING HER PAPERS EVERYWHERE.

STRANGER: Um. I'm sorry.

EVE LOOKS UP AND SEES A YOUNG MAN, SEYMOUR. IN THE BACKGROUND WE HEAR THE PET SHOP BOYS "OPPORTUNITIES." SHE FLASHES HIM A SEXY SMILE AND UNOBTRUSIVELY ADJUSTS THE NECKLINE OF HER BLOUSE.

SEYMOUR: Oh. Okay. That's cool. Your papers are everywhere.

EVE: (PRETENDING DISMAY) Oh no! You're right! Could you be a dear and help me? Please? My boss is such a monster... She sent me to make copies and the copier's broke, and if this stuff gets messed up she'll kill me!

EVE BENDS OVER AND STARTS PICKING UP PAPERS AS SEYMOUR OBVIOUSLY LOOKS DOWN HER BLOUSE. SHE SMILES.

THE MUSIC SWELLS AS SEYMOUR GETS DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND PICKS UP PAPERS, CAREFUL TO KEEP HIS FACE AT EVE'S CHEST LEVEL. HOLD ON SEYMOUR'S LEERING.

CUT TO: MARCUS' CAR. MARCUS AND KAYLA ARE IN THE FRONT SEAT, STEPHANIE IS IN THE BACK IN HER CAR SEAT, ASLEEP.

MARCUS: I'll say... Tonight I might apply any ice cream I get directly to my sore muscles!

KAYLA: (LAUGHS) Definitely! But wasn't it great to be back at the Community Center again?

MARCUS: Sure was. I'd forgotten how much fun it was to get a bunch of people together for a good cause.

KAYLA: Yeah, everyone had a great time, besides getting the job done!

MARCUS: You know, Kay, I haven't seen you this happy or relaxed in quite a while...

KAYLA: That's because I didn't feel like I was doing anything much to be happy about. I didn't feel like I had any direction, I was just going through the motions... except for Stephanie, of course...

MARCUS: She was quite a trooper today, wasn't she...

KAYLA: And just look at that little face

WE SEE STEPHANIE'S PAINT-SMUDGED FACE.

MARCUS: Ahhh, she's a kid. Kids love being dirty and smudgy.

KAYLA: Were you a smudgy child, Dr. Hunter?

MARCUS: The smudgiest, I assure you...

KAYLA: Stephanie wasn't the only one who got messy today... Did you see how Janet Yamada looked when she left?

MARCUS: Like she'd had a fight with a paint can and lost... Yep. And I especially enjoyed watching Candis and Morgan's marking pen fight... those two are certainly a great couple.

KAYLA: Yes, so full of love and energy... The Center is sure lucky to have Candis, and all those other people...

MARCUS: And you, Kayla, especially you...

KAYLA: Back at you, Marcus. What would we have done without your brilliant repair efforts today...

MARCUS: (HIS BEST DR. MCCOY IMPERSONATION) "Dammit, Kay, I'm a doctor, not a carpenter"...

MARCUS AND KAYLA LAUGH.

MARCUS: Being a gentleman, I should protest... but I won't... I will, however, provide the wine, and while you're cooking and bathing, I'll run out and pick up a video we can watch after Stephanie's in bed. What are you in the mood for...

KAYLA: Something brainless... definitely a comedy!

MARCUS: Comedy it is... and I'll be sure and get some ice-cream, too...

AT THE WORD ICE CREAM, STEPHANIE STIRS IN HER SLEEP AND MUTTERS "CHOCOLATE." OUT ON KAYLA AND MARCUS' LAUGHTER.

DONOVAN LIVING ROOM/FOYER. PHILIP IS SETTING THE TABLE FOR 3 PEOPLE. KIMBERLY IS IN THE KITCHEN.

PHILIP: Yeah, someone just pulled into the driveway. That must be her.

KIMBERLY: I'm just about done. Could you give me a hand with this casserole?

PHILIP: Sure.

PHILIP WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN. GO TO: FOYER. EVE ENTERS WITH SEYMOUR.

SEYMOUR IS LOOKING AROUND IN AWE.

EVE: (DISTRACTED) Thanks. Kim! Kimberly! Hello!

KIMBERLY: (ENTERING FROM DINING ROOM) Eve?

EVE: Oh, there you are. I was wondering if I should check Dad's bedroom.

KIMBERLY: We were just finishing making dinner. I... Well, I didn't realize you were going to be bringing someone.

EVE: Oh, yeah. Sorry. This is Seymour. Seymour, this is Kimberly, my dad's ex-wife. And her boyfriend Philip must be... getting dressed?

KIMBERLY: (SIGHS) He's in the dining room. Come on in. We can just set another plate.

SEYMOUR: Rad.

THEY ALL GO INTO THE DINING ROOM, WHERE PHILIP IS WAITING.

PHILIP: (LOOKING AT KIMBERLY) Are you... yeah, sure. Eve, who's your friend?

EVE: This is Seymour. I met him at the office. I bumped into him. (GIGGLES)

PHILIP: I see...

PHILIP SETS ANOTHER PLATE AT THE TABLE.

KIMBERLY: I fixed a salad and a chicken casserole.

EVE: Oh. A casserole. How nice. I bet Philip's not interested in you for your cooking skills...

EVE GIGGLES AND SEYMOUR CHIMES IN WITH A LAUGH THAT IS REMINISCENT OF BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD.

SEYMOUR OGLES KIMBERLY AS PHILIP LOOKS ON IN DISTASTE.

EVE: OK... I'll sit next to Seymour. We met outside the copy room. Isn't that sweet?

PHILIP: Unbearably.

KIMBERLY GLARES AT PHILIP, WHO SHRUGS. SEYMOUR REACHES FOR THE CASSEROLE AT THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE AND IMMEDIATELY BEGINS SLOPPING IT ONTO HIS PLATE WITH A FORK.

SEYMOUR: Oh, that's okay.

EVE: Seymour's in a band. Aren't you sweetie?

SEYMOUR: Yeah.

EVE: And he works for one of the big name writers at the paper. A columnist. What was his name, bundt cake?

SEYMOUR MUMBLES SOMETHING AROUND A MOUTHFUL OF CASSEROLE.

EVE: Horrible. Beastly. The copy machine was broken, and Julie was just awful.

KIMBERLY: I'm sure it couldn't have been that bad.

EVE: I'm sure you're used to a different sort of atmosphere, Kim. One where everyone likes you and knows you... intimately.

PHILIP STARES AT EVE IN AMAZEMENT AS KIMBERLY'S LIPS TIGHTEN.

EVE: Not for a long time. Not nearly as long as Kim. I guess she's just better cut out for that sort of thing than I am.

PHILIP: (TIGHTLY) Why don't we change the subject?

EVE: Why? You don't like to hear about Kim's past?

KIMBERLY: Eve, the past is the past...

PHILIP: For which, Eve, you should be grateful.

EVE: And what's that supposed to mean?

KIMBERLY: Philip...

PHILIP: (SIGHS) Nothing, Eve, nothing...

WE HEAR THE SOUND OF A FORK BEING SCRAPED ACROSS A PLATE. PHILIP, KIMBERLY AND EVE TURN IN UNISON AND LOOK AT SEYMOUR, WHO HAS FINISHED EVERY LAST MORSEL ON HIS PLATE.

PHILIP AND KIMBERLY EXCHANGE A LOOK OF DISBELIEF, WHILE EVE SMILES WICKEDLY.

CUT TO: ABE & LEXIE'S BEDROOM. ABE AND LEXIE ARE IN BED. THERE ARE TWO CHAMPAGNE FLUTES ON THE BEDSIDE TABLE AND SOME CHEESE AND CRACKERS. ABE LEANS OVER AND FEEDS LEXIE A PIECE OF CHEESE.

LEXIE: Are you really hungry? (BEAT) For food?

ABE: (LAUGHING) Lexie! A man's gotta keep up his strength, you know.

LEXIE: (LOOKING HIM OVER) I'd say you've demonstrated your strength quite nicely.

ABE PULLS LEXIE CLOSER, KISSING THE TOP OF HER HEAD.

LEXIE: (KISSING HIS CHEST) Mmmm. How about Carver? Don't you want to see what else I bought?

ABE COLLAPSES AGAINST THE PILLOWS IN MOCK EXHAUSTION.

LEXIE MOVES TO GET OUT OF BED.

ABE: Hey, what about the fashion show?

LEXIE: I'm afraid it will have to be postponed. I spent far too much money. Money we haven't got. I'll return the rest of the things tomorrow.

ABE: (PULLING HER INTO HIS EMBRACE) Did I forget to tell you that I bought the winning lottery ticket?

LEXIE: Now that you mention it...

LEXIE MELTS INTO ABE'S ARMS. HOLD ON THEIR KISS.

CUT TO: HORTON DINING ROOM. TOM, BILL, MICKEY, MAGGIE, DOUG, JULIE, JACK, JENNIFER, ABIGAIL, AND JO ARE SEATED AROUND THE HORTON DINING TABLE. ABIGAIL IS IN A HIGH CHAIR. TOM IS AT THE "HEAD" OF THE TABLE. THE TABLE IS SET AND PARTIALLY COVERED WITH DISHES AND PLATTERS OF FOOD. IN PROGRESS.

JACK: Leaving me at the mercy of all those little people...

JULIE: Come on, Jack, you know you loved it. And if you ever decide to give up your publishing empire, you can always start a new career in day care.

JACK: (WRYLY) Thank you, Julie.

JULIE: (SMILING BRIGHTLY) You're welcome, Jack.

MAGGIE: Come on, you two, stop teasing and tell us more about this new magazine.

JACK: "Midsummer?" Well, I have to confess, it was Jo who really gave me the idea.

JO: Thank you, son. But it's your idea, and it's a wonderful idea, you deserve the credit.

JACK: (EMBARRASSED) Always the proud mother...

JULIE: It's going to be fabulous. We're dedicating it to the sophisticated woman over 30.

JACK: We want to cover, art, politics, literature, film...

JULIE: And topics like ageism, sexism, care of elderly parents...

MAGGIE: It sounds wonderful. Sign me up as a charter subscriber...

JULIE: I can do better than that. I haven't talked to Jack yet, but I was thinking for the first cover...

ALICE WALKS IN WITH A LARGE, COVERED DISH AND PUTS IT ON THE TABLE.

JULIE: Well...

ALICE: Usually I have to stop the boys from talking shop... But I see it's contagious.

JULIE: OK, Grandma, I promise no more shop talk.

JENNIFER: Grandma, are you sure we can't help you.

ALICE: No. I've been doing this for over 50 years.

DOUG: Then maybe it's time to let us do some of the work...

ALICE: No. I'm almost done. And besides I love seeing you all here, chatting away...

ALICE HEADS BACK INTO THE KITCHEN.

JULIE: Uncle Bill, I know Grandma said no shop talk, but tell me, how do you like being back at University Hospital?

BILL: I love it. It's so good to be back in my old stomping ground... hard at work.

MAGGIE: And he is hard at work. I see him there all the time. Running interns ragged, berating residents...

BILL: It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. (LAUGHS) Besides, Mrs. Horton, you wouldn't know so much about my schedule, if you weren't there all the time yourself.

MICKEY: She has been putting in a lot of hours these past few weeks...

MAGGIE: It gives me something to do and it's important.

JENNIFER: Do you really like it?

MAGGIE: Yes, especially working in Pediatrics. But, I confess, sometimes I wish I had something more...

JENNIFER: More? Aunt Maggie, I've been thinking...

ALICE WALKS IN WITH A LARGE DISH FILLED WITH SCALLOPED POTATOES. THEN DISAPPEARS BACK INTO THE KITCHEN.

JACK: Are you sure you don't mean infamous? I can just feel my arteries hardening looking at all that cream and cheese.

JO: Jack, I can always run into the kitchen and whip up a batch of green tuna noodle casserole if you'd like...

JACK: No! Ummm... I mean, no thanks. There's already such a bounty before us.

BILL: (REACHING TO SNEAK A BITE OF SCALLOPED POTATOES) For which I am grateful. My mouth is watering... But it seems like Mom has cooked enough to feed most of Salem...

MICKEY: With the way you eat, little brother, she has to.

BILL: Hey, the only reason I am conditioned to grab for my food is because my older siblings never left anything for me...

TOM: Now boys...

JULIE: (LAUGHING) Nothing ever changes around here, does it?

DOUG: Thank God. I was beginning to think nothing in Salem was the same. But seeing all these familiar faces around the table... It gives me that old, warm glow...

MAGGIE: I know exactly what you mean. No matter how crazy the world seems to get, you think everything will be all right as long as you can come to Alice's...

JULIE: For warm donuts and a sympathetic shoulder...

ALICE WALKS IN ON THIS, CARRYING A LARGE, GLAZED HAM.

TOM: Just that they're the best in the world... Now put down that ham and comes join us.

ALICE SETS THE HAM DOWN IN FRONT OF TOM.

ALICE: Well... I felt inspired. It's been a long time since I've been able to cook for so much of my family.

BILL: Mom, on behalf of that family I think I can safely say, "thank you" for this feast.

ALL CHORUS, "HEAR, HEAR."

THEY ALL JOIN HANDS.

JENNIFER SMILES AND SQUEEZES JACK'S HAND.

THE FAMILY SAYS "AMEN" AND THEN EVERYONE STARTS TO PASS DISHES, PUT FOOD ON THEIR PLATES, ETC. HOLD ON THE HAPPY FAMILY GROUP. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.