SALEM GENERAL/JENNIFER'S HOSPITAL ROOM. JENNIFER, HER HEAD WRAPPED IN BANDAGES, LAYS IN BED, STILL UNCONSCIOUS. JACK SITS NEXT TO HER, HOLDING HER HAND THROUGH THE SAFETY RAIL. HE IS DISHEVELLED AND LOOKS AS IF HE HASN'T SLEPT.

JACK'S EYES WELL UP WITH TEARS. HE LOOKS AROUND AND SPIES A TOTE BAG NEXT TO THE CHAIR. HE BEGINS TO GO THROUGH IT.

JACK REMOVES A BOOK AND LEAFS THROUGH IT.

JACK FINDS A SONNET HE WANTS TO READ AND STOPS LEAFING THROUGH THE BOOK. HE CLEARS HIS THROAT AND BEGINS.

JACK CLAPS THE BOOK SHUT AND DROPS IT TO THE FLOOR. HE REACHES UP TO RUB HIS EYES AND WE SEE THAT HIS HANDS ARE SHAKING. HE TAKES JENNIFER'S HAND IN BOTH OF HIS, STROKING IT.

HOLD ON JACK AND JENNIFER, AS JACK STARES AT JENNIFER, SILENTLY BEGGING HER TO OPEN HER EYES.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM/FOYER. LAWRENCE IS ON THE PHONE, ONE WAY. IN PROGRESS.

UNNOTICED BY LAWRENCE, NICHOLAS COMES SLOWLY DOWN THE STAIRS. UPON HEARING HIS FATHER'S VOICE, HE CROUCHES JUST OUT OF SIGHT AND LISTENS.

LAWRENCE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND NICHOLAS TURNS TO RUN UPSTAIRS, BUT THE STAIR SQUEAKS.

NICHOLAS: (TURNING AS IF HE WERE WALKING DOWNSTAIRS) Just me.

LAWRENCE: Ah. Good morning, Nicholas. You startled me.

NICHOLAS: I'm sorry. I was going to get breakfast...

NICHOLAS TRIES TO RUSH PAST LAWRENCE, WHO REACHES OUT AND PUTS HIS HAND ON HIS SHOULDER. NICHOLAS CRINGES AT HIS FATHER'S TOUCH, BUT QUICKLY HIDES IT.

NICHOLAS: (NERVOUS) No! Nothing's wrong... I'm... I'm hungry, okay?

NICHOLAS TURNS AND RUNS OUT OF THE ROOM AS LAWRENCE STARES AFTER HIM.

CUT TO: INTERROGATION ROOM, GENEVA POLICE STATION. JOHN AND SHANE ARE IN THE HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF THE ROOM.

SHANE: Remember, as we discussed last night, don't let Danielle know how much you've remembered.

JOHN: Right. I ask the questions, she does the talking. Hopefully, I'll be able to tell whether or not she's telling me the truth.

SHANE: (SLAPPING JOHN ON THE ARM) Good luck, old man. While you're talking to Danielle, I'm going to call the office and see if they've found anything on her from our surveillance records.

JOHN: Okay. (SIGHS) Here goes nothin'...

JOHN KNOCKS ON THE DOOR. A GUARD UNLOCKS AND OPENS THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. JOHN ENTERS. HE NODS TO THE GUARD, WHO EXITS AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. JOHN HEARS THE CLICK OF THE LOCK AND THEN TURNS TO A SMILING DANIELLE. SHE GETS UP FROM HER CHAIR, WALKS OVER TO HIM AND EMBRACES HIM.

JOHN: (HESITANT) Um... It's good to see you, too.

JOHN RELUCTANTLY HUGS HER BRIEFLY. THEY SEPARATE.

THEY BOTH SIT.

JOHN: What do you mean?

DANIELLE: I'm very anxious to find out why I'm here.

JOHN: You don't know?

DANIELLE: No, no one has told me anything. Your friend, Captain Donovan, has been very tight-lipped about the details.

JOHN: I see. Well, you're here because I need your help.

DANIELLE: My help? With what?

JOHN: I'm trying to piece together my past. (BEAT) And at this point, I think you know more about it than I do.

DANIELLE: What made you decide to start digging up your past? I thought you had resolved to forget it and move on.

JOHN: I had. But I decided that my son needed a dad who wasn't carrying around a ton of extra baggage.

DANIELLE: Ah, yes, your son... (BEAT) John, I want you to know how sorry I am about Isabella's death. I know how much you loved her, and I'm sorry for your loss.

JOHN: (SURPRISED) You know about that?

DANIELLE: Yes.

JOHN: How?

DANIELLE: I've... been keeping track of you. Just because I left doesn't mean I stopped caring. (BEAT) Anyway, I know I never really got along with Isabella, but I felt badly about her death... for your sake.

JOHN: Thank you.

DANIELLE: Katerina's death, however.. .

JOHN: You know about that, too?

DANIELLE: (REALIZING SHE HAS SLIPPED) Well... yes. I... grew up with her, you know. My mother worked for the Von Leuschners, and...

JOHN: (SKEPTICALLY) So you were just keeping track of an "old friend?"

DANIELLE: Yes... an old friend.

JOHN: Come on, Dani. This is me you're talking to. If you and Carly were such good friends, how come you didn't spend any time with her when you were in Salem? How come she never talked about you? I can't believe you two were that friendly.

DANIELLE PAUSES, THEN SIGHS RESIGNEDLY.

JOHN: To me? I don't understand...

DANIELLE: (PUTTING HER HAND ON JOHN'S) Katerina Von Leuschner was an evil woman, John. I was afraid that she was going to hurt you. I wanted to help, but...

JOHN: (TAKING HER HAND IN HIS) I still don't understand. What could Carly do to me? Why would she want to? Please, Dani, help me understand all of this...

DANIELLE: I guess it's safe to tell you, now that she's gone...

THEY ARE INTERRUPTED BY THE CLICK OF THE DOOR LOCK. THE DOOR OPENS AND SHANE ENTERS.

SHANE: I just got the information from the surveillance reports. It seems that Ms. Stevens was in Salem when Carly was killed.

JOHN DROPS DANIELLE'S HAND. HE TURNS AND LOOKS AT HER IN SHOCK.

DANIELLE: (SHIFTING UNCOMFORTABLY IN HER SEAT) John, it's not like it sounds...

SHANE: There's more.

JOHN: What else?

SHANE: When Ms. Stevens was apprehended by the Brussels police, she had a gun in her possession. That gun is the same calibre as the weapon that was used to kill Carly Manning.

OUT ON JOHN'S SHOCK.

SALEM GENERAL CORRIDOR/PATIENT LOUNGE. JACK WALKS OUT OF JENNIFER'S ROOM, CLEARLY SHAKEN. AS HE SLUMPS AGAINST A WALL, KAYLA WALKS UP TO HIM AND PUTS HER HAND ON HIS ARM. HE WEARILY LOOKS AT HER.

JACK: Still no change.

KAYLA: She'll pull through... She's strong...

JACK: I know... she always has been. But I need to be the strong one now... for her.

KAYLA: Jennifer loves you, Jack. And you are here for her. You are always there for her... And she knows it... That's all she needs.

JACK: I just wish I could do more. She looks so helpless...

JACK'S VOICE BEGINS TO WAIVER.

JACK SHAKES HIS HEAD, BUT KAYLA TAKES HIM FIRMLY BY THE ARM AND HE FOLLOWS HER DOWN THE CORRIDOR, WITHOUT RESISTANCE.

JACK CUTS HIMSELF OFF, AS IF HE HAS SAID SOMETHING TABOO.

JACK: Do you remember the date?

KAYLA: I will never forget it.

JACK: October 23rd... It's been three years and I still miss him... Oh God, Kayla, what if...

KAYLA: Jack, don't even think it.

THEY ARRIVE AT A SMALL PATIENT LOUNGE AT THE END OF THE CORRIDOR. KAYLA POURS HERSELF AND JACK A CUP OF COFFEE.

JACK: He always did watch out for his family, didn't he?

KAYLA: To the very end...

THEY SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE..

KAYLA: I'm here for you too, Jack.

JACK: You amaze me... After everything... our past... How...

KAYLA: Because it is the past. (BEAT) Do you remember when you told me that the saddest thing of all was that we could have been friends?

JACK: Yes...

KAYLA: Well, I want that friendship now. For me, for you, for Jennifer... and for our children.

JACK: And for Steve...

KAYLA PUTS HER HAND OVER JACK'S. HOLD ON THEIR HANDS.

CUT TO: MIDSUMMER OFFICES/EVE'S DESK. EVE IS SITTING AT HER DESK, LOOKING EXTREMELY BORED, AS SHE IDLY FLIPS THROUGH A FASHION MAGAZINE WHILE BLOWING DRY HER BRIGHT RED NAILS. WHEN THE PHONE RINGS, SHE GLARES AT IT, AND PICKS IT UP GINGERLY SO AS NOT TO DAMAGE HER NAIL POLISH. TWO WAY.

KELLY: (ANGRY) Is this Mrs. Williams?

EVE: No, she's out of the office today.

KELLY: This is Kelly Green, with Green cosmetics. We had a meeting today, and my staff and I have been waiting here for 45 minutes!

EVE PUTS HER HAND OVER HER MOUTH, HORRIFIED.

KELLY: And she couldn't take the time to call and cancel a meeting?

EVE: Well, she...

KELLY: Please inform Mrs. Williams that if this is the way Midsummer treats their advertisers, we choose not to business with you.

EVE: But...

KELLY: Good day.

THERE IS A LOUD CLICK, AS KELLY HANGS UP ON EVE.

EVE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND BEGINS TO CHEW ON HER NAILS, BUT STOPS AS SHE LOOKS AT THEIR BRIGHT RED AND STILL WET SURFACE.

EVE BEGINS AIR DRYING HER NAILS AGAIN AND TRYING TO RELAX. THE PHONE RINGS AGAIN. SHE LOOKS AT IT, AFRAID.

STACY: This is Stacy with Bristol Catering. We have Mrs. Williams luncheon buffet ready. We wanted to make sure there was someone to let us in. We'll be right over.

EVE: (PANICKED) Wait! The luncheon was... cancelled. It was cancelled. There was an emergency...

STACY: Excuse me?

EVE: We don't need the food. Mrs. Williams isn't here. There was a family emergency, so the luncheon was cancelled...

STACY: Look, Miss, I'm sorry about the emergency. But if you're going to cancel a catering job, we need more than five minutes notice.

EVE: But...

STACY: My staff spent the entire morning preparing this lunch. I have 25 plates of salmon piccata and caviar, 12 loaves of fresh-baked rosemary bread, and 25 perfect miniature chocolate raspberry tarts. You'd better plan on eating this because you will be paying for it.

EVE: (WHIMPERING) But...

THERE IS A LOUD CLICK AS STACY HANGS UP THE PHONE. EVE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND LOOKS AT IT IN FEAR.

THE PHONE RINGS AGAIN. HOLD ON EVE, STARING AT THE PHONE IN HORROR.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS SITTING AT HER DESK, READING THROUGH A FILE. THERE IS A BIG BOX OF DONUTS ON AN ADJOINING TABLE. THERE IS A KNOCK AT HER DOOR.

THE DOOR OPENS, AND JOE WALKS IN CARRYING A STACK OF FILES. JANET LOOKS UP AND WAVES HIM IN.

JOE PUT THE FILES ON JANET'S DESK, AND REACHES DOWN TO PICK UP A DONUT.

JOE: We aim to please. (BITING INTO A DONUT)

JANET: Don't you have some work to do?

JOE: Right. Later, Captain.

JOE TAKES ANOTHER BITE OF DONUT AND LEAVES THE OFFICE, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. JANET PICKS UP THE REPORT ON TOP OF THE STACK AND BEGINS TO READ THROUGH IT.

JANET CONTINUES TO READ THE REPORT.

JANET STANDS UP, WALKS TO THE DOOR, AND OPENS IT.

JANET WALKS BACK TO HER DESK AND SITS DOWN. JOE WALKS INSIDE HER OFFICE.

JANET: This hit and run case...

JOE: What about it?

JANET: The victim was Jennifer Deveraux. Isn't she a Horton?

JOE: Yes. It's a damn shame, too. She's such a sweet kid.

JANET: Brady was once married to a Horton, right?

JOE: Yup, Hope. She died about three years ago. Pretty bizarre death, as I recall.

JANET: The Hortons are one of Salem's mainstays, right?

JOE: You bet. They practically built University Hospital.

JANET: And Mickey Horton is a well-respected lawyer...

JOE: Yeah, everyone knows the Hortons. Funny thing is... for a nice family, they sure do have rotten things happen to them.

JANET: That's why I want this case followed up carefully.

JOE: We might already have a lead.

JANET: What is it?

JOE: There was an abandoned car discovered halfway submerged in the Salem River. We found paint fragments on the bumper and grill that seem to match the color on the Deveraux vehicle.

JANET: They didn't get washed away by the water?

JOE: Lucky for us, the car didn't go all the way into the river. And it was back-end, first...

JANET: Have that car searched top to bottom. Tell the lab boys I want this person caught ASAP.

JOE: Right away, Captain.

JOE LEAVES THE OFFICE.

OUT ON JANET'S DETERMINATION.

HOSPITAL LOUNGE. JACK AND KAYLA ARE AT THE TABLE, HER HAND STILL RESTING ON HIS. IN PROGRESS.

KAYLA: You already are.

JACK: Kayla, can I ask you something?

KAYLA: Anything.

JACK: What happened to... what happened to Steve... How did you get through it?

KAYLA: I had people like you, who stood by me.

JACK: It has to be more than that. I marvel at your strength.

KAYLA: It's not really a matter of strength. It's a matter of knowing where to draw it from.

JACK: I don't understand.

KAYLA: I draw my strength from the love of my family, and my memories of the love I shared with Steve.

JACK: But... doesn't it hurt? Thinking of him?

KAYLA: Sometimes. But I remember the good times we had together. I think of how much I loved him, and how much he loved me.

JACK: How can you think of only the good times, and not think about how it ended?

KAYLA: I look at Stephanie's face, and that's all I need. She's living proof that the love Steve and I had won't die. No matter how bad it got, Stephanie kept me going.

JACK: But you're strong...

KAYLA: So are you, Jack. You just have to reach inside and find it.

JACK: I hope you're right. My daughter needs me. I can't let her down, too...

KAYLA: What do you mean, "let her down, too"?

JACK: Nothing, nothing. (BEAT) I wish she were here, instead of with Jo. I'd like to hold her and test this strength theory of yours.

KAYLA: (PATTING JACK'S HAND) Wait right here.

KAYLA STANDS UP AND WALKS TOWARD THE DOOR.

KAYLA: Trust me. I'll be right back.

KAYLA EXITS.

KAYLA RETURNS, CARRYING ABIGAIL.

KAYLA: Yes, it is. And she wants to see her daddy.

JACK STANDS UP. KAYLA HANDS ABIGAIL TO JACK, WHO SMILES AS HE TAKES HER INTO HIS ARMS. THEY SIT DOWN.

KAYLA CHUCKLES.

KAYLA: I picked up Abby from Jo's on my way over. I left her with the head nurse until I found out how you were holding up.

JACK: (SMILING) I think I'm doing a little better, now. (BEAT) Thank you.

KAYLA: You're welcome.

JACK LOWERS HIS HEAD AND RUBS NOSES WITH ABIGAIL. HE THEN DRAWS BACK AND LOOKS AT HER.

KAYLA: It's there, I know it. (TO ABIGAIL) And you know it too, don't you, Abby?

KAYLA TAPS ABIGAIL'S HAND WITH HER FINGER. ABIGAIL GRASPS HER FINGER.

ABIGAIL MAKES A SOUND THAT IS A CROSS BETWEEN A GURGLE AND A LAUGH. SHE LOOKS AT KAYLA AND SMILES. KAYLA SMILES BACK, THEN LOOKS UP AT JACK. HOLD ON JACK'S MELANCHOLY SMILE.

CUT TO: NICHOLAS' BEDROOM. NICHOLAS IS SITTING ON HIS BED, PLAYING A COMPUTER GAME. FROM THE LIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE GAME, IT IS AN OBVIOUSLY FAST-PACED, BUT NICHOLAS SITS STARING BLANKLY AT THE SCREEN. THERE IS A KNOCK ON HIS DOOR. NICHOLAS REMAINS SILENT. AFTER A MOMENT, THE DOOR SLOWLY OPENS AND VIVIAN PEEKS INSIDE.

NICHOLAS STARES AT HIS GAME. VIVIAN CLOSES THE DOOR AND SITS NEXT TO HIM ON THE BED. NICHOLAS FINALLY PUTS HIS GAME DOWN AND LOOKS UP AT VIVIAN.

VIVIAN: Well, why are you hibernating in your room on such a lovely day? Wouldn't you prefer to go riding, or for a walk?

NICHOLAS: I don't really feel like it.

VIVIAN: Are you sure you're feeling well?

VIVIAN PLACES HER HAND ON NICHOLAS' FOREHEAD.

VIVIAN REMOVES HER HAND AND LOOKS AT NICHOLAS IN CONCERN.

VIVIAN: Why, that's an odd question. Why do you want to know?

NICHOLAS: Just curious. (BEAT) Was he ever really mean to people?

VIVIAN: Nicholas, did Lawrence hurt you?!

NICHOLAS: Oh no, it's just something I heard about him.

VIVIAN: What have you heard?

NICHOLAS: Oh, it was probably nothing.

VIVIAN: Darling, you can tell me anything. You know that. I promise I won't tell Lawrence.

NICHOLAS: (DEEP BREATH) Well, a few days ago, I overheard him arguing with Mrs. Deveraux. She said some pretty bad things about him.

VIVIAN: Oh?

NICHOLAS: Then the next day, I went to the library and read some newspaper articles about him.

VIVIAN: What did you find?

NICHOLAS: Everything. (NEAR TEARS) Why did he lie to me Aunt Viv? Why did you?

VIVIAN: (STROKING HIS HAIR) Darling... I love you more than anyone else on this earth. You know that, don't you?

NICHOLAS: Yes.

VIVIAN: Then believe that everything I have done, I've done for you.

NICHOLAS: What do you mean?

VIVIAN: Just that I love you. I would never let anyone take you from me. And I would never let anyone hurt you, and that includes your father?

NICHOLAS: So you were protecting me?

VIVIAN: I was protecting us all. (BEAT) Nicholas, you must promise me you won't utter a word to Lawrence about what you found. And, above all, don't act suspicious around him. He's liable to figure out something's wrong.

VIVIAN STANDS UP AND BEGINS PACING AROUND THE ROOM.

VIVIAN: Let's just say, it would be best if your father didn't know that you've talked to me about this.

NICHOLAS: Has he hurt you, Aunt Viv?

VIVIAN: No... not yet.

NICHOLAS: If he touches you, I'll take you and we'll run away together!

VIVIAN RUNS UP TO NICHOLAS AND LIGHTLY COVERS HIS MOUTH.

NICHOLAS: But, how?

VIVIAN: Can you try? For me? Ivan and I are working on a plan to get us all away from Lawrence for good.

NICHOLAS: I'll try, but it'll be hard.

NICHOLAS STARTS TO CRY. VIVIAN PULLS NICHOLAS INTO A TIGHT HUG. HOLD ON THE TWO.

CUT TO: SALEM PLACE. CARRIE AND LEXIE ARE FINISHING COFFEE/CHOCOLATE AT JOHNNY ANGELS.

CARRIE: How could I resist a request from the boss?

THEY BOTH LAUGH.

LEXIE: Me, too. I definitely need to look at shoes, and I'd like to try on a few, more professional looking, suits...

THE TWO GET UP AND THROW THEIR CUPS IN THE TRASH, THEN START WALKING TOWARDS BALLISTIX.

LEXIE: Nothing like shopping to keep life interesting, I always say... Shall we look in here?

CARRIE: Why not? They sometimes have good sales at the end of summer...

THEY WANDER INTO THE STORE AND HEAD TOWARDS THE "SALE" RACKS IN BACK. LEXIE LOOKS THROUGH A RACK OF DRESSES, AND PICKS OUT A BRIGHT PINK LYCRA THAT LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD HIDE NOTHING.

CARRIE IS LOOKING ABSENTLY AT A TOP, BUT HER MIND IS CLEARLY ELSEWHERE.

LEXIE HANGS THE DRESS BACK UP AND WALKS TO WHERE CARRIE IS STANDING, AND PUTS HER HAND ON CARRIE'S SHOULDER.

CARRIE: Oh.. oh Lexie, I'm sorry... what did you say?

LEXIE: That's not important... Where were you just now?

CARRIE: Oh... I'm nervous...

LEXIE: About what?

CARRIE: I can't seem to get this whole Gus thing out of my mind. I'm nervous about talking to the D.A... about Gus... What if he tries to hurt me again?

LEXIE: We won't let him.

LEXIE HUGS CARRIE. BUT WE SEE CARRIE IS NOT ASSUAGED. OUT ON CARRIE'S WORRY

INTERROGATION ROOM, GENEVA POLICE HEADQUARTERS. SHANE, JOHN AND DANIELLE, IN PROGRESS.

DANIELLE: John...

JOHN: Dani, I want to know what's going on. I want to know what you were doing in Salem.

SHANE: Yes, we'd all like to know.

DANIELLE SCOWLS AT SHANE. SHE THEN TURNS TO JOHN, BESEECHING.

JOHN: Then why didn't you contact me?

DANIELLE: I wanted to, I really did. I heard about Isabella's death, and I knew I had to see you. I waited for a while... I knew you would need time to mourn. Then I went to Salem.

JOHN: But then what? I never heard from you.

DANIELLE: I know. I couldn't summon up the courage. I dialed the first part of your phone number dozens of times, but I couldn't finish it. I even went to your loft, more than once... I couldn't face you.

JOHN: Why not?

DANIELLE: I was afraid that you would slam the door in my face. I caused a great deal of trouble for you before, and I wasn't sure how you felt about me.

JOHN: You could have called...

SHANE: (TO DANIELLE) What about Carly Manning? What were you doing on the night she was shot?

DANIELLE: I was packing my things. I decided that I couldn't face John, so I had no reason to stay in Salem. I had arranged a flight for the next morning.

SHANE: But you didn't get on that plane. You didn't return to Europe until a couple of days later.

DANIELLE: No, I didn't. The next morning, I picked up a newspaper on my way to the airport, and saw that Katerina had been shot. I cancelled my flight until I could learn about her condition. Later that day, I found out that she had died. I decided to stay long enough to pay my "respects."

SHANE: "Pay your respects"? What is that supposed to mean? We know that there was no respect between you and Katerina.

DANIELLE: How do you know...?

SHANE: That's not important.

DANIELLE: Well, if you know how we felt about each other, then you'll understand that I couldn't let the death of my greatest enemy pass without a tribute.

SHANE: A tribute? What kind of tribute?

DANIELLE: I waited until everyone had left her grave side...

JOHN: You were there?

DANIELLE: Yes...

SHANE: Why? To confirm she was dead?

DANIELLE: Captain Donovan, don't be so prosaic. I came to bid her a "fond" farewell with a Hibiscus blossom... (WRY SMILE) She was terribly allergic to them, you know.

SHANE: So you came to the funeral to exult in your triumph over Carly?

JOHN: Come on, you two. Knock it off.

SHANE: I'm sorry, John. I'm don't buy her story.

DANIELLE: I don't really care what you think...

SHANE: You should. We know you had motive. We know you own a gun that matches the calibre of the murder weapon. And we can place you in Salem at the time of the shooting. I'd say we have enough evidence to conclude that you were the one who killed Carly Manning.

DANIELLE: That's absurd! I did nothing of the kind! (PLEADING) John, you've got to believe me. I could never kill anyone, not even Katerina. Surely, you realize that. (BEAT) Don't you, John?

HOLD ON JOHN'S SPECULATION.

CUT TO: SALEM GENERAL/JENNIFER'S ROOM. BILL IS SITTING NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BED, LOOKING AT HER. JACK ENTERS THE ROOM AND STOPS SHORT.

JACK TURNS TO GO.

JACK STUDIES BILL, NODS, THEN PULLS ANOTHER CHAIR AROUND AND SITS NEXT TO HIS FATHER-IN-LAW.

BILL: How could this be your fault?

JACK: I didn't protect her... And I promised her I would...

BILL: You can't blame yourself for this, Jack. Who could've known that that drunk driver would run the light?

JACK: I don't know... But I should have been able to do something. She's my wife...

BILL: Jack, you can't control everything. I know it's cliché, but sometimes these things just happen.

JACK: They shouldn't... not to someone like Jennifer...

BILL: I know... (STROKING JENNIFER'S HAIR) She's the best thing in my life...

JACK: Mine, too... (BEAT) You know, sometimes I think she would have been better off with someone else... I think I don't deserve her... (BEAT) But I can't imagine my life without her...

BILL STUDIES JACK.

JACK: I do love them... But...

BILL: And you're good for Jennifer.

JACK: I beg to differ. I've made a lot of mistakes...

BILL: (MUSING) I knew another young man once. He made many of the mistakes that you did...

JACK: What happened to him?

BILL: He married Jennifer's mother...

JACK: You... You're a doctor. One of the Hortons... I can't imagine you even knowing what a mistake is...

BILL: You'd be surprised, Jack. This isn't the time or place, but sometime you and I are going to have a long talk about my past. You'll come to realize I do understand.

JACK: I don't know... maybe you do... but sometimes I feel so... alone...

BILL: I know. I've sat by Laura's bedside for so many hours that I lost count years ago...

JACK: (PANICKED) Are you saying that Jennifer isn't going to come out of the coma? That she'll end up like her mother?

BILL: No, no! Not at all. The two situations are completely different. Jennifer is strong and stubborn.

JACK: Yes... I always used to tell her she was stubborn and feisty... But this...

BILL: Jack, you've got to believe Jennifer will be all right.

JACK: I'm trying...

BILL: Remember. Jennifer knows she has you and Abby waiting for her. It may take her some time, but she won't leave. She loves you too much.

WE SEE BILL'S HAND CLASPING JACK'S SHOULDER. THEN PULL BACK TO THE TWO MEN, SITTING SIDE-BY-SIDE, AT JENNIFER'S BEDSIDE.

CUT TO: SALEM PLACE. LEXIE AND CARRIE ARE IN BALLISTIX, IN THE ACCESSORIES DEPARTMENT. IN PROGRESS.

CARRIE TRIES ON A PEARL CHOKER AND PULLS HER HAIR ON TOP OF HER HEAD.

LEXIE: (LAUGHING) What I meant was, Abe and I will coach you, give you some idea of what to expect.

CARRIE: Oh, would you? That would help a lot. I don't know what I'd do without the Carver family... especially Jonah.

LEXIE: We're happy to help, you know that. (BEAT) (EYEING CARRIE) You and Jonah are pretty good friends, huh?

LEXIE MODELS A VELVET HAT AND LACE SCARF.

THE TWO OF THEM LOOK THROUGH THE SALE BASKET OF EARRINGS, PICKING UP AND DISCARDING, LOOKING IN THE MIRRORS, ETC.

CARRIE: I think they're too big. (PUTS THE EARRINGS BACK IN THE BASKET) Actually the three of us plan to study together most nights.

LEXIE: The three of you?

CARRIE: (GIGGLING) Yeah, me, Jonah and Binky.

LEXIE: Binky? Is this a new friend I haven't met?

CARRIE: Binky's the teddy bear Jonah got me as a get well present. He's huge! We take turns cooking. Well, I try to cook and Binky watches. Jonah gets take-out.

LEXIE: I see... (LOOKING AROUND THE STORE) Well, I don't see anything here I'm desperate to have. Ready to hit the shoe store?

CARRIE: Ok. I could use a new pair of boots. I hope they're on sale.

CARRIE HEADS FOR THE DOOR. LEXIE WATCHES HER. OUT ON LEXIE'S CONCERN.

JULIE'S OFFICE. EVE IS SITTING AT JULIE'S DESK SIPPING A SODA FROM ONE OF JULIE'S BAR GLASSES. THE PHONE OUTSIDE AT EVE'S DESK RINGS, BUT EVE IGNORES IT. INSTEAD SHE DIALS JULIE'S PHONE, ONE WAY.

EVE SLAMS DOWN THE PHONE IN FRUSTRATION AND PULLS OUT A PHOTOCOPY OF RICHARD HUNT'S FILE AS SHE BEGINS GOING THROUGH JULIE'S DESK DRAWERS.

EVE RUNS HER HANDS THROUGH HER HAIR, BEFORE TURNING BACK TO THE FILE BEFORE HER.

AS SHE REACHES OUT TO CLOSE THE FILE, EVE KNOCKS HER DRINK OVER. THE SODA INSIDE SPILLS ALL OVER THE DESK, SOAKING THE PAPERS THERE AS SHE INEFFECTIVELY PATS AT THE LIQUID WITH A HANDFUL OF TISSUES FROM HER PURSE.

EVE SINKS DOWN AND BURIES HER HEAD IN HER ARMS ON THE DESK. HOLD ON EVE'S MISERY.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. THE PUB IS BEGINNING TO GET BUSY WITH THE LUNCH CROWD. KAYLA ENTERS AND IS GREETED BY SHAWN.

KAYLA: No, nothing new. But I talked to Jack... That seemed to help.

SHAWN: What's this world comin' to? Drunk drivers, people being shot left and right. It's gettin' so I don't even watch the news anymore.

KAYLA: Yeah, Pop, it's a sad world...

SHAWN: But onto happier subjects. I guess you're here to pick up Stephanie and Brady, eh? Your Ma's just giving them some lunch.

MARCUS ENTERS AND WAVES TO KAYLA AS HE FINDS A TABLE. KAYLA WAVES BACK AND MOVES TO JOIN HIM.

KAYLA AND MARCUS HUG AS SHAWN LOOKS ON, CURIOUS. THEY BOTH SIT.

KAYLA: I'd love to, but I've got to pick up the kids. Ma's had them all morning and I don't want to take advantage. Give me a rain-check?

MARCUS: How about tonight?

KAYLA: Come over around 7:00, I've got a new recipe I've been dying to try out.

MARCUS: Well, I had something else in mind. (BEAT) Like a date.

KAYLA: (PLEASED) A date? Just the two of us? If I can get a sitter for the kids, you're on! I'll go talk to Pop now.

A WAITRESS, PEG, APPROACHES THE TABLE, CARRYING HER PAD.

MARCUS: In a second... (TO KAYLA) Great! I'll call you later, then. Sure you won't join me?

KAYLA SHAKES HER HEAD AS SHE STANDS. SHE GOES BACK TO THE BAR, WHERE SHAWN IS FILLING A DRINK ORDER.

SHAWN: Well now, Kay, it's your Ma's quilting guild night. You know how she hates to miss that.

KAYLA: Oh, I forgot. I hope I can find another sitter.

SHAWN: What's going on? If it's an emergency...

KAYLA: I've got a date.

SHAWN: (TEASING) A date, eh? It's good you're getting out again, putting the bloom back in your cheeks. (BEAT) Who's the lucky man, if you don't mind my askin'?

KAYLA: It's Marcus.

SHAWN: (SURPRISE) Marcus Hunter?

KAYLA: (LAUGHING) Yeah, Pop. How many Marcus's do you know?

SHAWN: I don't know that that's such a good idea, Kayla, to be dating Marcus.

KAYLA: Why? You like Marcus. (BEAT) Don't you?

SHAWN: Of course I like him. I like him just fine. He's been a good friend to you.

KAYLA: Then what's the problem?

SHAWN: (BLUSTERING) Why... It... It just don't seem right is all. Not right at all.

HOLD ON KAYLA'S SURPRISE.

CUT TO: SALEM GENERAL/WAITING ROOM. BILL IS PACING. TOM IS ON THE HOUSE PHONE. ALICE, HOLDING ABIGAIL, IS SEATED. JULIE, MICKEY AND MAGGIE GET OFF THE ELEVATOR AND JOIN THEM.

TOM: (HANGING UP THE PHONE) Nothing new, I'm afraid. That was Granger on the phone. Bill and I are going to go talk to him and see when it will be safe to move Jennifer to University.

ALICE: Yes, darling, do that. And hurry back and let us know if there are any changes.

BILL: Come on, Dad.

BILL AND TOM LEAVE.

ALICE: I haven't yet. But Tom and I just got here. Kayla was here for a while. I told her we'd watch Abby. Bill said Jack has barely left Jennifer's side...

JULIE: I hope he's getting something to eat... or some rest. He looked positively haggard when I saw him last...

MICKEY: I just hope he hasn't done anything crazy...

ALICE: Mickey, Jack may have some unconventional methods, but he'd never do anything that would jeopardize Jennifer's recovery...

MICKEY: I know... but Bill said he's never seen Jack look so... vulnerable...

JULIE: Poor darling. You just want to hold him. (BEAT) And he's never been so open to accepting help from us... from his family...

ALICE: Maybe that's all part of the good Lord's plan for us, and for Jack...

ABIGAIL STARTS FUSSING. ALICE FINDS A BOTTLE IN THE DIAPER BAG TO OFFER HER AND DISCOVERS IT'S EMPTY.

MAGGIE: Of course, Alice... come here, darling girl... (SHE TAKES ABIGAIL FROM ALICE) Let's go and get you something to drink... Then we'll go in and see your Mommy, ok?

MICKEY AND MAGGIE, WITH ABIGAIL, ENTER THE ELEVATOR TO GO TO THE CAFETERIA.

ALICE: Julie, dear, you're reading your grandmother's mind.

JULIE: Call it Horton intuition...

ALICE STANDS AND TAKES JULIE'S ARM. OUT ON JULIE AND ALICE WALKING OFF ARM-IN-ARM TO FIND JACK.

WINGS. THE ROOM IS DARK, THE FLOOR COVERED WITH SAWDUST, TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE THROWN EVERYWHERE. THERE IS A TAPE PLAYER SITTING ON THE BAR, SOFTLY PLAYING "SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME". EVE HESITANTLY WALKS IN. SHE SLOWLY WANDERS AROUND, MUTELY EXAMINING THE CHANGES. THE OLD "WINGS" SIGN LIES DISCARDED AGAINST A WALL. SHE WALKS UP TO IT AND SOFTLY RUNS HER FINGERS ACROSS THE LETTERS, TEARS IN HER EYES.

UNNOTICED BY EVE, DOUG APPEARS OUT OF THE DARKNESS BEHIND HER. HE DOESN'T NOTICE HER AT FIRST, BUT THEN STOPS AND WATCHES HER BEFORE CLEARING HIS THROAT.

EVE WHIRLS AROUND.

DOUG: I own the place. If you're looking for Julie, she's not here.

EVE: Naturally. Why would she be here? She doesn't care about this place.

DOUG: (IGNORING THE JIBE) Julie's at the hospital... with Jennifer.

EVE: Oh. I didn't think...

DOUG: Of course not. The whole family's there on and off... We're taking shifts so people can rest.

EVE: Is she... is Jennifer going to be okay?

DOUG: They don't know. All we can do is wait and see.

EVE: The waiting, and the not knowing, that's the hardest part.

DOUG: Yes, it is. (BEAT) But if you're not here to see Julie, why are you here?

EVE: Am I trespassing? Are you going to call the cops?

DOUG: No, stay as long as you like... But you seem upset...

EVE: So?

DOUG: I was wondering if I could help.

EVE: Why would you want to help me?

DOUG: You know, Eve, maybe if you weren't so quick to assume the worst, your life might be a little easier.

EVE: (SULKILY) Fine. Why should you care about what happens to me?

DOUG: Haven't you ever had someone in your life who cared about you without having a specific reason?

EVE: Maybe my Dad... (LONG BEAT) and Nick... He's why I'm here.

DOUG: (NONCOMMITTAL) Uh huh.

EVE: I don't know. I had a really bad day at work. And I didn't want to go home and face that big empty house. So I came here.

DOUG: To be closer to Nick?

EVE: Yeah. We did so much here. And now it's over. It's gone... just like Nick...

DOUG: I'm sorry.

EVE: Yeah. We're all sorry.

DOUG: But the past is over.

EVE: It's all I have.

DOUG: Maybe you should try and look to the future.

EVE: (BITTER) Sure. Things will be spiffy, right? I mean, just because I hate my job, my life is a mess, I'm broke... and I can't even come here to talk to Nick anymore...

DOUG: You know what they say, "it's always darkest before the dawn." Just let go of yesterday, and give tomorrow a chance...

EVE: Yeah, right. (SINGS) Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, you're only a day away... Blech.

DOUG: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) That's quite a voice you have there.

EVE: That's why Nick bought this club... for me. So I could have a place to sing.

DOUG: You don't say? You've just given me an idea.

EVE: How nice.

DOUG: Look. You need to face the fact that the past is over. If you don't let go, you'll spend the rest of your life lonely and bitter and alone.

EVE: Thank you for sharing.

DOUG: Just give the present a chance. You never know... it might be nicer than you think.

DOUG TURNS AND LEAVES, WHISTLING "TOMORROW," AS EVE STARES SUSPICIOUSLY AFTER HIM. AND OUT.

JO'S APARTMENT. KAYLA STANDS AT THE DOOR OF JO'S APARTMENT HOLDING BRADY, WITH STEPHANIE AT HER SIDE. KAYLA IS "DRESSED UP" IN A YELLOW DRESS AND FULL MAKE-UP. KAYLA KNOCKS AND JO ANSWERS THE DOOR. VERN IS BEHIND HER. JO LOOKS EXHAUSTED, HER EYES ARE RED AND SWOLLEN. SHE MOTIONS KAYLA INSIDE AND THEY HUG.

JO: I didn't want to, but the Hortons said they'd keep an eye on Jack and Abby for me...

KAYLA: I'm sure Jennifer will be all right. And once she's OK, Jack will be fine.

JO: I keep telling myself that. But I can't help but think...

KAYLA: You have to be strong, Jo. For Jack's sake. He needs your support.

JO: I know. That's part of why I came home. I didn't want him to see me... fall apart.

KAYLA: It looks like you had a shoulder to lean on... (LOOKS AT VERN, SMILING)

JO: (BLUSHING) Oh. Vern just came over for news about Jennifer...

VERN: Why don't I get the kids something to eat while you ladies talk?

JO: Thank you, Vern.

VERN TAKES BRADY FROM KAYLA.

STEPHANIE: Okay...

VERN: Come on, let's see what goodies we can find.

VERN, HOLDING BRADY, HEADS TOWARDS THE KITCHEN, WITH STEPHANIE AT HIS SIDE.

JO: Well... I... Ummm... anything special I need to do for Stephanie and Brady?

KAYLA: No. I want you to know I really appreciate you helping out with the kids tonight.

JO: It's no problem at all. I love spending time with Stephanie, and that Brady is such a darling. Besides, they'll help me keep my mind off everything else.

KAYLA: Thanks again. I don't know what I'd do if you couldn't help out. I forgot it was Ma's quilting Guild night. And Pop... he's busy with the pub...

JO: Is there a problem with you and your father? You're not fighting again, are you?

KAYLA: No, nothing like that. Pop just doesn't approve of my date.

JO: Date? You didn't mention you were going on a date.

KAYLA: Well... yes, I am. Marcus and I are going out on a date.

JO: Marcus? Marcus Hunter? Our Marcus?

KAYLA: Yes, that Marcus...

JO: I'll be. You and Marcus? Well, you kids have a good time tonight. And give my love to Marcus.

KAYLA: Thanks, Jo. I will. And thanks again for watching the kids.

KAYLA LEAVES WITH A WAVE AS JO STARES AT THE DOOR.

VERN COMES OUT OF THE BACK.

JO: (DISTRACTED) What?

VERN: Is something wrong? Kayla didn't have some bad news about Jennifer, did she?

JO: No. Nothing like that. Did you know she has a date tonight?

VERN: Really?

JO: With Marcus Hunter.

VERN: Nice fellow. I don't really know him, but I've heard good things about him.

JO: Marcus is wonderful. He's like another son to me. It's just... going to be hard, seeing Kayla with someone other than Steve.

VERN: Steve would want her to get on with her life.

JO: I know. It just... it seems so final...

VERN: I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. It's not always easy picking up the pieces, but you have to.

JO: I know. I'm glad I've got you.

JO AND VERN HUG AS VERN GENTLY KISSES HER. HOLD ON JO AND VERN.

CUT TO: SALEM GENERAL/PAY PHONES. JACK IS ON THE PHONE, TWO-WAY, TO ADRIENNE. IN PROGRESS.

ADRIENNE: Of course she will, you just hold onto those good thoughts. How are you and Abby holding up?

JACK: The Child is fine. Between Jo and Kayla she's being spoiled rotten. I'm... I'm ok.

ADRIENNE: You don't sound ok. A sister can tell. (BEAT) I'm catching the next plane out.

JACK: No! No. Really, that's not necessary. It will be too much trouble...

ADRIENNE: Don't argue with me, big brother. You need me. I'm coming. End of discussion.

JACK: But the kids... Justin...

ADRIENNE: You let me worry about Justin and the kids. Either they'll stay here or they'll come with me. We'll work it out. Hopefully I'll be in Salem by tomorrow.

JACK: If you're sure it won't be a bother...

ADRIENNE: I'm sure. We're family, and family is more important than anything.

JACK: Well then. I guess I'll see you soon.

ADRIENNE: I love you, Jack. Keep up your spirits.

JACK: I will... Good-bye.

BOTH HANG UP. JACK LEANS HIS HEAD AGAINST THE PHONE.

OUT ON JACK.

CHEZ VOUS RESTAURANT. MARCUS AND KAYLA ARE SITTING AT AN INTIMATE CORNER TABLE ENJOYING DINNER AND WINE.

KAYLA SPEARS A BITE OF HER DINNER AND EXTENDS IT TO MARCUS, WHO TAKES THE PROFFERED MORSEL AND CHEWS, APPEARING TO ENJOY IT.

MARCUS EXTENDS A BITE OF CHICKEN TO KAYLA, WHO GETS THE BITE, BUT MANAGES TO DRIBBLE SOME OF THE BUTTER ON HER CHIN. SHE REACHES FOR HER NAPKIN, BUT MARCUS IS FASTER, AND DELICATELY DABS THE BUTTER FROM HER FACE.

KAYLA: Really good... I haven't had food this fancy since our last dinner at Wings, and there's been a lot of chowder between then and now....

MARCUS: You'd better not let Shawn hear you say things like that, or he'll ban you from the Pub...

KAYLA NODS ABSENTLY AND TOYS WITH HER WINEGLASS.

KAYLA: Oh, nothing, really, I was thinking about Pop...

MARCUS: Nothing's wrong, I hope?

KAYLA: Not really... he seemed... I don't know... upset that I was going out with you tonight.

MARCUS: Maybe Shawn's not comfortable seeing you date... He is a little old fashioned...

KAYLA: I know. Pop makes the Pope seem liberal. But this time it seemed... different. Jo was happy I was going out, and if anyone would be upset, you'd think it'd be Steve's mother...

MARCUS: But you must admit, Jo is much more... umm... relaxed about things than your Pop...

ELTON JOHN'S "THE ONE" BEGINS PLAYING.

MARCUS: Sure he will. And in the meantime, I have a much better idea than worrying... Would you care to dance, M'lady?

KAYLA: Why... It would be my pleasure, Sir...

MARCUS RISES, AND BOWS, OFFERING HIS HAND TO KAYLA. SHE RISES, SMILING, AND THEY GO TO THE DANCE FLOOR WHERE OTHER COUPLES ARE ALREADY DANCING. THEY BEGIN SLOW DANCING TO "THE ONE", AND AS THE DANCE CONTINUES, THEY DRAW CLOSER TO EACH OTHER. HOLD ON KAYLA AND MARCUS, SLOW-DANCING.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN DINING ROOM. LAWRENCE, VIVIAN, AND NICHOLAS ARE SEATED AT THE DINING TABLE. IVAN IS SERVING DINNER.

NICHOLAS: (NOT LOOKING UP FROM HIS PLATE) Nothing.

LAWRENCE: "Nothing." I'm sure you did something.

NICHOLAS: (NERVOUSLY) I did homework and I played with my games...

LAWRENCE: Homework? What are you studying?

NICHOLAS: History, math, spelling... you know...

LAWRENCE: No, I don't know. I want to make sure that they're teaching you the right things.

VIVIAN: I'm sure they aren't studying corporate takeovers and industrial espionage, if that's what you mean...

LAWRENCE: (ICY) Nikki's education is hardly something to joke about, Vivian.

NICHOLAS: It's no big deal.

VIVIAN: Really, Lawrence. A bit cranky tonight, aren't we?

LAWRENCE: No, Vivian, but I wish that you would think before you speak. Speaking carelessly can cause others a great deal of pain.

LAWRENCE LOOKS AT IVAN, WHO IS REMOVING THE COVER FROM A SERVING TRAY. HE THEN LOOKS AT VIVIAN. VIVIAN'S EYES GROW WIDE AS THEY MEET LAWRENCE'S.

NICHOLAS: (NODDING IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT) Sure, Aunt Viv. I know it's important to always be polite.

LAWRENCE: (SMILING) That's my boy.

NICHOLAS NERVOUSLY AVERTS HIS EYES FROM LAWRENCE. HE LOOKS DOWN AT THE PLATE THAT IVAN HAS PLACED IN FRONT OF HIM. HE THEN LOOKS AT IVAN.

LAWRENCE: Yes, thank you, Ivan. I don't know what we would ever do without you. (HE GLARES AT VIVIAN)

IVAN: (COOLY) I hope you shall never have to find out, sir.

LAWRENCE: (SMILING SLIGHTLY) Yes, let's hope...

NICHOLAS: Why wouldn't Ivan be with us?

VIVIAN: (INTERRUPTING) I think it's a silly thing to talk about. Ivan will be with us for a long, long time.

VIVIAN LOOKS AT IVAN, HER EXPRESSION BETRAYING HER FEAR. IVAN FORCES A SMALL SMILE, AS IF TO REASSURE HER.

NICHOLAS: (DISTANT) Yeah, I guess so.

VIVIAN: I think the thing we should be most thankful for is that we're all together, and nothing is going to force us apart. We Alamains must stick together.

LAWRENCE: And we must always remember that in such a troubled and violent world, safety and togetherness are quite fragile...

NICHOLAS: Can we please stop talking about bad things happening?

VIVIAN: Certainly, darling.

LAWRENCE: Of course, Nikki. What would you like to talk about?

NICHOLAS: I don't know.

NICHOLAS LOOKS NERVOUSLY AT VIVIAN. HE SUDDENLY PUSHES HIS CHAIR AWAY FROM THE TABLE AND TAKES HIS NAPKIN OUT OF HIS LAP.

LAWRENCE: (SURPRISED) But you've hardly touched your dinner...

NICHOLAS: I'll eat it later, when I'm hungry. I'd like to go do my homework.

VIVIAN: All right, dear, if you're really not hungry now...

LAWRENCE: You may be excused, Nicholas, if you promise to eat later.

NICHOLAS: I promise. I'm going to go do my homework.

NICHOLAS STANDS AND QUICKLY LEAVES.

VIVIAN: I'm sure it's nothing serious. He's probably tired. He's still adjusting to the rigors of school and homework.

LAWRENCE: That had better be all it is. I would hate to find out that you've been speaking... carelessly around my son.

VIVIAN: I told you I wouldn't say anything to him about the things you've done. (BEAT) And those veiled threats against Ivan were not necessary. All you did was upset Nikki.

LAWRENCE: I'll take care of Nikki, don't worry. You just make sure that you use discretion when choosing topics of conversation.

LAWRENCE GRINS SLIGHTLY AND GLARES AT VIVIAN.

HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S THREAT.

CUT TO: SALEM GENERAL. JACK IS ON THE PHONE TO JO, ONE-WAY, IN PROGRESS, AS JULIE AND ALICE WALK UP.

JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE AND TURNS TO FIND ALICE AND JULIE STANDING BY.

JACK: Yes... she seems to think I need someone to take care of me...

JULIE: And she's perfectly correct, Jack Deveraux... When was the last time you had anything to eat...

ALICE: Or some sleep?

JACK STARTS WALKING BACK TOWARDS JENNIFER'S ROOM, AS JULIE AND ALICE FOLLOW.

ALICE: You really must take care of yourself...

JACK: Enough! Even my own mother isn't mother-henning me like you two. My health is not what's important.

ALICE: Jack, darling, how can you possibly help Jennifer, if you drive yourself so hard?

JULIE: You'll be no good to her if you're in the next hospital room.

ALICE: And there's your daughter to think about...

JACK: (SOFTLY) Abigail... Yes... I suppose you're right, ladies. But no more nagging... As charming as you are, I can't abide nagging...

JULIE: Then behave yourself, Jack, and take care of yourself. You are important to us...

ALICE: Very important, Jack. So, I expect you to join us tonight at Alice's for dinner...

JACK: I'm afraid I can't... I have to stay here...

JULIE: Now... what did you just promise? (MOCK-THREATENING) Don't make us nag you again...

JACK: (RECOILS IN MOCK HORROR) Very well, I'll have a quick dinner with you...

ALICE: Wonderful, darling... You can meet us there after you spend some time with Jennifer...

JACK, JULIE AND ALICE ARRIVE AT JENNIFER'S ROOM. MICKEY, MAGGIE AND ABIGAIL ARE WAITING. JACK TAKES ABIGAIL INTO HIS ARMS, WHERE SHE NESTLES, PLEASED TO BE WITH HER DADDY. THE ELEVATOR OPENS AND BILL AND TOM EXIT.

TOM: She's stabilized, so that's good news.

JULIE: The coma?

BILL: Unchanged, but the doctors are optimistic...

TOM: Dr. Granger said he'd release her to be moved to University Hospital tomorrow morning, provided she remains in stable condition.

BILL: Jack... do you want her moved?

JACK: Of course... if there's no danger...

TOM: As long as she doesn't have any complications tonight... it should be no problem.

JACK: Then let's move her. Nothing against this hospital, but I'd feel better if she were at University. So her... our... family can take care of her....

JULIE LOOKS AT JACK WITH SOME SURPRISE, THEN TAKES AND SQUEEZES HIS HAND. OUT ON JACK AND THE HORTONS.

INTERROGATION ROOM, GENEVA POLICE HEADQUARTERS. IN PROGRESS.

SHANE'S PAGER BEEPS. HE CHECKS THE NUMBER.

JOHN: No problem.

SHANE KNOCKS ON THE DOOR, AND THE GUARD UNLOCKS THE DOOR AND LETS HIM OUT.

DANIELLE: You can. You know it's the truth. If I had wanted to kill Katerina, I had plenty of opportunities. Besides, murder is not my crime of choice...

JOHN: That's true. (BEAT) I'll tell Shane to run a ballistics check on your gun. If you're telling the truth...

DANIELLE: (INTERRUPTING) Which I am...

JOHN: If you're telling the truth, then your gun won't match the bullet they took out of Bo, and you'll be off the hook.

DANIELLE: Why are you and the Captain so interested in Katerina's death?

JOHN: Because I know that she's a big part of my past. In fact, this whole investigation started with a flashback that I had at her funeral. The more I looked into my past, the more her name or her face came up.

DANIELLE: I'm not surprised...

JOHN: Since she seemed to be so involved in my life, I figured that trying to solve her murder might help unlock some of the secrets in my past.

DANIELLE: And has it?

JOHN: Yes. I'm remembering more and more. (BEAT) And considering what I've remembered about Carly... I couldn't really blame you if you had killed her.

DANIELLE: I see. So you remember your marriage to her...

JOHN: Yes.

DANIELLE: And do you remember how our marriage ended?

JOHN: I remember that you were the one who disappeared, not me.

DANIELLE: I know. I wanted to tell you the truth when I was in Salem, but she threatened me...

JOHN: Carly?

DANIELLE: Yes. She was the one who forced me to leave you eight years ago. I never would have done that to you...

JOHN: I know. At least, I know most of the story.

DANIELLE: You do? How?

JOHN: I found some of her letters. I know a lot of the things she was up to... at least, from her point of view.

DANIELLE: I think it's about time you heard about things from my point of view.

JOHN: I agree.

DANIELLE: Tell me something... Do you remember when we were married, before I left?

JOHN: Yes.

DANIELLE: How much of it?

JOHN: Everything.

DANIELLE: Everything? Even that night in the garden?

JOHN: (SMILING) Even that night in the garden.

DANIELLE: And you remember everything we said to each other that night?

JOHN: Uh-huh.

DANIELLE: I want you to know something. (BEAT) I feel the same as I did that night. Even after all these years, I still love you...

DANIELLE TAKES HIS HAND. HE SMILES SLIGHTLY, INTRIGUED. HOLD ON JOHN.

CUT TO: SALEM GENERAL/JENNIFER'S ROOM. JACK IS SITTING NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BED. ABIGAIL SITS ON THE BED, NEXT TO HER MOTHER, SUPPORTED BY JACK.

JACK REACHES OVER AND LIGHTLY TOUCHES JENNIFER'S CHEEK.

JACK'S VOICE BEGINS TO WAIVER, BUT HE CLEARS HIS THROAT AND CONTINUES.

ABIGAIL GIVES A LITTLE LAUGH AND JACK SMILES.

JACK TENTATIVELY STROKES JENNIFER'S HAIR.

JACK LIGHTLY RUNS HIS FINGERTIPS OVER JENNIFER'S FACE, AS IF TO VERIFY SHE'S STILL THERE.

JACK'S EYES FILL WITH TEARS AND HE QUICKLY WIPES THEM AWAY.

JACK'S EFFORTS TO CONTROL THE PAIN CAUSE HIM TO TREMBLE.

STILL HOLDING ABIGAIL, JACK BENDS OVER JENNIFER, LIGHTLY RESTING HIS HEAD ON HER STOMACH. ABIGAIL REMAINS SILENT, STARING AT JACK. SUDDENLY, ABIGAIL REACHES UP WITH ONE HAND, AND LIGHTLY PATS JACK'S HAIR.

JACK, SURPRISED, RAISES HIS HEAD, LOOKS AT ABIGAIL AND SMILES. ABIGAIL RETURNS THE SMILE, PROUD OF HERSELF, THEN POINTS TO JENNIFER.

JACK TAKES ABIGAIL'S HAND AND KISSES IT AS HE GIVES A SLIGHT LAUGH.

JACK LOOKS AT ABIGAIL, WHO IS STARING INTENTLY AT JENNIFER.

OUT ON JACK AND ABIGAIL, LOOKING AT JENNIFER, WHO IS PEACEFUL AND MOTIONLESS IN THE BED. FADE TO BLACK.