KAYLA'S LIVING ROOM. KAYLA, IN HER BATHROBE, SITS ON THE SOFA, SIPPING A CUP OF COFFEE. BRADY AND STEPHANIE SIT ON THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF HER, WATCHING TELEVISION. THE DOORBELL RINGS, KAYLA RISES TO ANSWER IT. IT IS CARRIE.

KAYLA: Carrie, hi, what a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here at this early hour?

CARRIE ENTERS THE LIVING ROOM AND KAYLA CLOSES THE DOOR.

CARRIE HANDS KAYLA A LARGE BAG. KAYLA PEEKS INSIDE.

CARRIE: What? This isn't the breakfast of champions?

KAYLA: The innocence of youth. Sit down and I'll get you some coffee. You can eat the donuts. I'll hold out for my oat bran.

KAYLA PUTS THE BAG ON THE TABLE AND WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN AS CARRIE KNEELS DOWN NEXT TO STEPHANIE AND BRADY.

STEPHANIE: Hi Cousin Carrie.

CARRIE: (LOOKING AT TV) Whatcha watching?

STEPHANIE: Barney!

CARRIE: Barney?

KAYLA ENTERS FROM THE KITCHEN AND HANDS CARRIE A CUP OF COFFEE.

CARRIE: Gee, I feel so out of touch... Who's Barney?

KAYLA: (POINTING AT THE TV SCREEN) That purple dinosaur...

CARRIE: (LOOKING AT THE TV) Well... T-Rex he isn't.

KAYLA: (LAUGHS) Thank goodness. (BEAT) So what's new with you? We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk for a long time.

CARRIE: I know, I'm sorry, I've been so busy. And I had to rush to the Post Office this morning to get the twinners birthday presents to them on time.

KAYLA: I sent mine off last week.

CARRIE: Show-off! (BEAT) Seriously, I wanted you to know how happy I am you moved back to Salem and that you're in this house.

KAYLA: Thanks, I'm glad, too. And I want you to know you have a standing invitation to come visit any time.

CARRIE: Thanks, but be forewarned, I'll take you up on the offer so often, you'll get sick of me and rescind it.

KAYLA: (LAUGHS) I doubt that.

CARRIE: You might be surprised... (STARING INTO HER COFFEE CUP) I... um... miss having a woman to talk to...

KAYLA: What about Ma?

CARRIE: Grandma is great. And I talk to Mom and Marlena on the phone. But it's not the same as having somewhere here... I mean Lexie has been terrific...

KAYLA: Is everything all right?

CARRIE: Well, (DEEP BREATH) I'm going to be testifying against Gus Bartoli.

KAYLA: The man who threw acid on you?

CARRIE: Yes. In fact, I'm going to talk to the D.A. later this morning (BEAT) And to be honest, I'm a little nervous.

KAYLA: That's perfectly understandable. You're going to be seeing him face to face for the first time since he attacked you.

CARRIE: I keep thinking, what if I screw up? What if he wins the case? What if...

KAYLA: Carrie, you are strong. You will not "screw up." You are standing up for yourself and your convictions. Everything is going to be fine.

CARRIE: (SMILES) You're right, of course. I think all I needed was a Brady pep talk.

KAYLA: Don't tell Pop that. He'll talk to you straight through to Christmas.

CARRIE: (LAUGHS) Yeah, Grandpa has been known to spin a long yarn or two.

KAYLA: (LOOKING AT CARRIE'S EMPTY COFFEE CUP) Can I get you some more coffee?

CARRIE: No thanks. I should probably get going. I don't want to arrive late at the D.A.'s office.

CARRIE GETS UP AND KISSES BRADY ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD.

BRADY AND STEPHANIE DON'T SEEM TO NOTICE HER. CARRIE LOOKS AT KAYLA.

CARRIE: Oh... before I forget... I wanted to tell you that I would love to help with the Community Center Benefit... if you need another pair of hands.

KAYLA: That would be wonderful... we need all the help we can get.

CARRIE: Great, but since school has started I'll probably only be available on weekends.

KAYLA: That's fine. Like I said, we need all the help we can get... whenever we can get it.

KAYLA WALKS CARRIE TO THE DOOR AND GIVES HER A BIG HUG.

CARRIE: Thanks, Aunt Kayla, I really appreciate it.

KAYLA WATCHES CARRIE AS SHE WALKS DOWN THE WALKWAY.

HOLD ON KAYLA.

CUT TO: SM. NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. JACK IS PACING. TOM AND BILL ARE TALKING WITH THE ADMISSIONS NURSE, WHEN BILL TURNS AND WALKS OVER TO JACK.

JACK: (STOPS) What?

TOM: Jack, everything's been taken care of. Jennifer Rose has been admitted and you'll be able to see her in a few minutes.

JACK: Are you sure she's ok? The move from Salem General didn't hurt her?

BILL: Of course not. If there had been any danger, I would have never let them move my little girl.

TOM: Bill's right, Jack. Jennifer is going to be fine. You have to trust us.

BILL: If you can't trust a family of doctors...

JACK: Right... Who can you trust?

BILL: Jack, I hope you know you can trust in us. We're family now. And the Hortons always take care of one other.

JACK: I'm beginning to find that out.

HOLD ON JACK.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT/INT. BO HAS JUST FINISHED DRESSING FOR WORK, HIS UNIFORM, CLEAN AND PRESSED. HE ENTERS THE GALLEY AND SEES SHAWN-D SITTING AT THE TABLE, IDLY DRAGGING HIS SPOON THROUGH HIS OATMEAL. SHAWN-D IS STILL IN HIS PAJAMAS.

SHAWN-D: So?

BO: If I'm late for work, I could get fired.

SHAWN-D: (SOTTO VOCE) I wish you would get fired.

BO: Hey! I heard that. How 'bout explaining what you meant? Don't you want me to be able to put food on the table?

SHAWN-D: I don't know Papa... I guess I just want you to be like my friends' dads.

BO: What do you mean?

SHAWN-D: If you got fired, you could be a fisherman like Paul's dad and we could go fishing all the time... Or you could work in an office like Chin's dad.

BO: (SOFTLY) Aren't you proud of your dad being a police officer.

SHAWN-D: I guess so... but I'm scared that you'll get hurt again...

BO: I'm sorry sailor, that's part of my job. But I'm always extra careful.

SHAWN-D: What if someone sneaks up on you?

BO: I understand Shawn-Douglas, but don't you think that it would be better for you and Grandma and Grandpa and all the people we love if I got the bad guys off the streets?

SHAWN-D: I guess (BEAT) Just promise me that you'll come straight home after work... okay?

BO: (SMILING) Ok, you've got yourself a deal... now lets get a move on!

OUT ON BO PROPELLING SHAWN-DOUGLAS INTO HIS ROOM TO FINISH GETTING READY.

EVE'S DESK. EVE IS SITTING AT HER DESK WITH HER LEGS CROSSED, FILING HER NAILS. JULIE COMES UP BEHIND EVE FROM HER (JULIE'S) OFFICE. EVE DOESN'T NOTICE JULIE.

EVE: (JUMPING AND BANGING HER KNEE ON THE OPEN DRAWER, PAPERS FALLING TO THE GROUND) Ow... Julie? Hi... (PUTS THE NAIL FILE DOWN AND TRIES TO LOOK BUSY) I was... ahhh... getting those notes together for you...

JULIE: Eve... (PICKING UP THE NAIL FILE) When I asked you to file, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind...

EVE: I just had a snag and didn't want to ruin these new hose...

JULIE: Give it a rest, Eve... the filing is the least of my worries right now.

EVE: (PLAYING ON HER SYMPATHIES) Oh yes... I heard about poor Jennifer's accident. How awful! Is she going to be ok, poor dear?

JULIE: We hope so... (BEAT) But that is not the issue. Eve, you've been giving out the wrong information to clients. You had me scheduled for three meetings today at the same time. You forgot to cancel my appointments and the luncheon while I was at the hospital...

EVE: I can explain...

JULIE: (CUTTING HER OFF) And things that should have been to London and New York have been shoved under your desk, 10 proofs were never mailed... Eve you are nearly destroying my professional reputation. This is inexcusable.

EVE: Julie. I know. And I promise to do better. I'll take care of everything... (GROPING) You should be at the hospital with your family at a time like this.

JULIE: I do need to see how Jennifer is... But that does not excuse your behavior, Ms. Donovan. Things had better shape up around here...

EVE: They will... I promise.

JULIE: Now get to work. I'll be gone for a few hours, but I will be back... when you least expect it.

JULIE TURNS AND WALKS AWAY. HOLD ON EVE'S DISTRESS AND A PILE OF PAPERS ALL OVER THE DESK AND FLOOR.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS SITTING AT HER DESK WHILE JOE, FRED AND BOB ARE SITTING IN A SEMI-CIRCLE OF FOLDING CHAIRS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE DESK.

FRED: We tracked down the owner of the car. The paint samples were a definite match.

JANET: Why do I sense a `but' here?

FRED: Problem is, the owners of the car say they were on vacation out of state, and got back yesterday. They were getting ready to report the car as stolen when we arrived to question them.

JANET: Wonderful. Back to square one.

BOB: Not necessarily, ma'am. We did some checking on the family.

JANET: And?

BOB: Seems they have a couple of teenage kids they left at home while they went on vacation.

JANET: I think I can sense the next sentence. The night of the accident they threw a huge party, right?

BOB: Bingo. Neighbors called the cops, the whole nine yards. The kids say they noticed the car missing the next day.

JANET: But they didn't report it, right?

JOE: Jeez, Captain. You're psychic.

JANET: Yeah, yeah. They figured their parents would get back home and they'd play dumb and never mention the party. Kids.

BOB: Question is, who was driving? One of them? Or one of their guests?

JANET: That's the $25,000 question. And hopefully we'll get an answer.

FRED: The whole family's coming in later... maybe we can get some more information.

JANET: I hope so. I hate leaving an open book on this kind of thing.

HOLD ON JANET.

CUT TO: JENNIFER'S HOSPITAL ROOM. JACK IS SITTING NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BED, HOLDING HER HAND AND STARING AT HER. HE DOES NOT SEEM TO NOTICE WHEN THE DOOR OPENS, AND JUSTIN AND ADRIENNE ENTER.

JACK: (WITHOUT LOOKING UP) Hello... (TURNING SUDDENLY, RECOGNIZING ADRIENNE'S VOICE) Adrienne! And Justin! (STANDING UP) I'm sorry, I...

ADRIENNE: It's okay, Jack. You've got a lot on your mind.

ADRIENNE WALKS OVER AND GIVES JACK A LONG HUG.

ADRIENNE: Almost an hour ago.

JACK: You should have called. I could have made some arrangements...

JUSTIN: Jack, don't worry about us.

ADRIENNE: Yes, we're here for you, and for Jennifer. We can take care of ourselves.

JACK: I'm sure you can. (EXTENDING HIS HAND TO JUSTIN) Thank you for coming.

JUSTIN: (SHAKING JACK'S HAND) That's what family is for.

JACK: (LOOKING AROUND) We seem to be short on chairs...

JUSTIN: Don't worry, I'll get one from outside.

JUSTIN EXITS. JACK PULLS ANOTHER CHAIR UP TO THE BED AND HE AND ADRIENNE SIT DOWN.

ADRIENNE: They're back home. We thought that coming with four little boys in tow would be a little much, considering the circumstances.

JACK: Four boys... Yes, you're probably right.

ADRIENNE: (OPENING HER PURSE) But we brought plenty of pictures.

JUSTIN RETURNS WITH A CHAIR. HE SITS NEXT TO ADRIENNE.

ADRIENNE: Stop it. (HANDING A PICTURE TO JACK) Here's Alexander...

JACK: My, he's getting big.

ADRIENNE: And here's little Jackson. (HANDING JACK ANOTHER PICTURE)

JACK: (GRINNING SLIGHTLY) Nice blazer... and necktie. Are you trying to create the next Alex P. Keaton?

ADRIENNE: No, actually, it's what he likes. Much like his namesake, he prefers a suit and tie.

JUSTIN: Yes, I'd say we have a little executive in the making.

JACK: Just make sure to keep him in clip-on ties for the time being. It's been said that my current mental state is a result of oxygen deprivation of my brain, no doubt caused by wearing my neckties too tight at a young age.

JACK HANDS THE PHOTOGRAPHS BACK TO ADRIENNE.

JUSTIN: She will, Jack. She's a strong woman. And she's got a loving husband and daughter waiting for her. She's not going to let anything keep her down.

ADRIENNE: Justin's right. You know how much she loves you and Abby. She's going to beat this, and the three of you will be together again before you know it.

JACK: (TO JENNIFER) Did you hear that? I think they've heard how stubborn you are. (TO JUSTIN AND ADRIENNE) Thank you, both of you, for being here. If Jennifer... If Jennifer could speak right now, I'm sure she would tell you how glad she is that you're here for her.

JUSTIN: We're here for you, too, Jack.

ADRIENNE: That's right. (TAKING JACK'S HAND) I know that you're in a lot of pain right now, but we will help you, Jack.

JACK: Thank you. (BEAT) I... I'm glad you're here...

JACK SQUEEZES ADRIENNE'S HAND, AND THEY SMILE AT EACH OTHER. OUT ON JACK'S MELANCHOLY SMILE.

SALEM PD. BO IS WORKING AT HIS DESK, TYPING UP A REPORT USING THE "HUNT AND PECK" METHOD. HE IS CONCENTRATING AND DOESN'T HEAR JANET COME UP.

BO: (STARTLED) Oh, Captain Yamada. Well, sure, yes ma'am. I'll get right on it.

JANET: That was a joke, Brady! You know. A joke. I tell one, you laugh.

BO: (CAUTIOUSLY) Yes, ma'am.

JANET: (TO THE ROOM) Geez, what is it with people around here? I'm not an ogre! My jokes aren't that funny, I admit, but you all could at least make the effort. You know, suck up to the boss and all that.

THERE ARE SOME SMILES FROM OTHER OFFICERS, BUT FOR THE MOST PART EVERYONE JUST CARRIES ON WITH WORK.

BO: The hand's healing, we'll have the stitches out next week. Things seem to be getting better. (BEAT) At least I think they are.

JANET: You seem worried about him. I know what having a loved one in this business can do to a kid. It's tough.

BO: It is. This morning Shawn-Douglas asked me if I could do something else for a living. (BEAT) But you don't want to hear about my situation. I'd better get back to typing this report.

JANET: No, on the contrary, I do want to hear about it. If you want to tell me, that is. (BEAT) Look, Brady. If you want to stay on desk duty for awhile longer, until things straighten out, all you have to do is ask. No penalties, no questions asked.

BO: (SURPRISED) Um, thank you. I'll think about it.

JANET: Well, I'm heading out to University Hospital to talk to Jack Deveraux. We've got a lead on the car that hit his wife.

BO: I'm glad to hear that. Jennifer is one of my in-laws. Everyone is pulling for her to come out of the coma.

JANET: Well, why don't you come along? (LOOKS AT HER WATCH) It's close enough to lunch time.

BO: Well... I could check in on Shawn-Douglas after his therapy appointment and make sure he's not giving my mom any trouble...

JANET: It's decided then. Come on, I'll drive.

JANET TURNS AND WALKS TOWARDS THE DOOR. BO FOLLOWS, SHAKING HIS HEAD.

CUT TO: SHANE'S OFFICE, I.S.A. HEADQUARTERS, GENEVA. JOHN AND SHANE ARE SEATED AT SHANE'S DESK.

JOHN: Honestly?

SHANE: Honestly.

JOHN: I'm inclined to believe her.

SHANE: Really?

JOHN: Yeah. (BEAT) I know it'll be a few days before the ballistics results come back and we know for sure...

SHANE: But...

JOHN: But I have a gut feeling that she's telling us the truth.

SHANE: (SKEPTICAL) I see...

JOHN: Look, I know that my memory is coming back slowly, but there are some things I'm sure of. I know Dani. I know her very well, I know what kind of woman she is.

SHANE: She's a thief.

JOHN: Yes, she is. But she's not a killer.

SHANE: How can you be so sure?

JOHN: I don't know... I'm just certain that she couldn't kill anyone.

SHANE: Not even Katerina Von Leuschner, her "greatest enemy"?

JOHN: No. Not even Katerina.

SHANE: I wish I could be so sure...

JOHN: If Dani really wanted to kill Carly, why didn't she do it last year, when she was in Salem?

SHANE: People knew she was there that time. This time it was perfect. She comes to town, kills Carly, and leaves. No one sees her come or go, no one suspects.

JOHN: I just don't buy it.

SHANE: You can't deny that it's possible.

JOHN: Okay, it's possible. We'll know when the ballistics results come back. I just know that Danielle's not a murderer.

SHANE: How, John? How do you know for sure?

JOHN: Look, I may not know everything about myself just yet. But I know this: I couldn't love someone who's capable of killing in cold blood. I couldn't do it.

SHANE: You loved Katerina...

JOHN: I'm not so sure.

SHANE: What do you mean?

JOHN: I've been thinking, remembering. I believe that Carly... Katerina... caught me on the rebound and that it was all part of a well-timed scam on her part.

SHANE: Interesting. And what led you to these conclusions?

JOHN: (PULLING SOME PAPERS OUT OF A FOLDER) I've been doing some recreational reading.

SHANE: (TAKING THE PAPERS FROM JOHN) Ahhh, more of Carly's letters.

JOHN: Pretty interesting stuff. Take a look at the sections I've highlighted.

SHANE: (READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER) "You have done very well, child. Now you understand what I was telling you about the art of persuasion. You applied the right kind of pressure, and just the right amount. Mrs. Stevens departed without any trouble, and now the door is open for you..." (BEAT, AS SHANE LOOKS AT JOHN) I don't understand.

JOHN: Keep reading.

SHANE GOES TO THE NEXT LETTER.

JOHN: It looks that way.

SHANE: But why?

JOHN: Check out the third letter. I think it's pretty clear.

SHANE TURNS TO THE THIRD LETTER AND BEGINS TO READ.

SHANE DROPS THE LETTER ON THE DESK, SPEECHLESS.

SHANE: Not only that, but it seems she forced Danielle out of the way in order to do so.

JOHN: So now you see... Dani's as much of a victim as I am.

SHANE: Yes, but unfortunately, it only gives her more motive to kill Carly.

JOHN: Maybe. I still think Dani's innocent.

SHANE: (PICKING UP THE LETTERS) Any idea who wrote these? Do you recognize the handwriting, or the signature?

JOHN: No. The handwriting is unfamiliar, and there isn't really a signature. The letters are only signed with a single letter. I think it's a `P.'

SHANE: (LOOKING CLOSELY AT THE LETTERS) Yes, I think you're right. Not much to go on.

JOHN: Could you take a shot at matching the handwriting with your files?

SHANE: That'll take some time...

JOHN: Well, it's worth a shot. Take a handwriting sample from them, and maybe you can come up with a match. (BEAT) In the meantime, I'm going to go over to Police H.Q. and see Dani.

SHANE: All right.

JOHN STANDS UP.

SHANE: (TAKING JOHN'S HAND) I'm glad to help. Not only has this search rejuvenated me, but it's given you back a great deal of your past. Hopefully we can put it all together for you.

JOHN: Yeah. It sure would be nice to go back to Salem with my life back. (BEAT) All of it.

HOLD ON JOHN.

CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. JACK IS SITTING NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BED, HOLDING HER HAND.

JACK BENDS DOWN TO WHISPER IN JENNIFER'S EAR.

THERE IS A LIGHT KNOCK ON THE DOOR AND MAGGIE WALKS INTO THE ROOM, CARRYING ABIGAIL.

JACK TAKES ABIGAIL INTO HIS ARMS.

MAGGIE: You're welcome, Jack. I'm going to run down to the cafeteria and get something to eat. Can I bring you anything?

JACK: No, thanks. Shawn and Caroline Brady stopped by earlier with some chowder.

MAGGIE: It seems everyone is helping...

JACK: Yes... it's amazing...

MAGGIE TURNS TO LEAVE.

JACK: Maggie, wait.

MAGGIE STOPS AND TURNS AROUND.

MAGGIE: Oh Jack, it's no problem at all. I love children, and besides, Abby's an angel.

JACK TAKES A LONG LOOK AT JENNIFER.

MAGGIE: Of course I'm interested! Thank you!

JACK: We still have to go through the red tape to get the permits, but you can consider it a done deal.

MAGGIE: I know that Jennifer will be so excited.

JACK: Yes, she will...

MAGGIE LOOKS AT JACK STARING YEARNINGLY AT JENNIFER.

MAGGIE EXITS.

ABIGAIL LOOKS AT JACK AND SMILES.

JACK, HOLDING ABIGAIL IN HIS ARMS, WALKS AROUND THE ROOM AND FINALLY FINDS A COPY OF TODAY'S SPECTATOR SITTING ON A CHAIR. HE PICKS IT UP AND READS.

JACK SITS DOWN NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BEDSIDE.

JACK IS NEAR TEARS.

OUT ON JACK, JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. CARRIE IS SITTING NERVOUSLY ON THE EDGE OF HER SEAT, CHEWING ON HER HAIR. D.A. SPENCER HANLON SITS ACROSS FROM HER. IN PROGRESS.

CARRIE: What exactly will I have to do?

SPENCER: You'll be called before the court as our primary witness. You just tell them the truth and you'll be fine.

CARRIE: But what about the cross-examination?

SPENCER: Cross-examination can get rough. But I'll be there. And remember, Bartoli's lawyer is not the enemy. He's there to help Bartoli, like I'm here to help you.

CARRIE: (DOUBTFULLY) Okay.

SPENCER: Carrie, you didn't do anything. You're not to blame. Bartoli is. And with you're help, I hope to put him away for a long, long time.

CARRIE: I hope so.

SPENCER: Any more questions?

CARRIE: Not right now.

SPENCER: Okay. We've been at this for a while. Why don't you go home and relax and we'll get together again closer to the trial date, okay?

CARRIE: Okay. Thanks.

CARRIE STANDS AND SHE AND SPENCER SHAKE HANDS. CARRIE WALKS OUT ON THE OFFICE. HOLD ON SPENCER AS HE RETURNS TO HIS DESK.

CUT TO: BUILDING EXTERIOR/ALLEY. CARRIE WALKS OUT OF THE FRONT DOOR, HEADING TOWARDS THE BUS STOP. AS SHE PASSES THE ALLEY, A FIGURE LUNGES OUT AND GRABS HER. CARRIE TRIES TO SCREAM, BUT A HAND COVERS HER MOUTH. THE THUG SPINS CARRIE AROUND AND SHAKES HER BY HER SHOULDERS AS SHE STARES AT HIM IN HORROR.

HE IS ABRUPTLY CUT OFF AS CARRIE QUICKLY STRIKES OUT. SHE RAMS THE HEEL OF HER HAND AGAINST HIS NOSE, WHILE STOMPING ON HIS FOOT. HE SCREAMS IN PAIN AND GRABS FOR HIS NOSE AS THE BLOOD BEGINS SPURTING. WITHOUT LOOKING BACK, CARRIE RUNS.

CUT TO: SM. NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. JACK IS ON THE PHONE AT THE NURSES' STATION. ONE WAY. IN PROGRESS.

JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE. HE TURNS TO FIND JANET STANDING NEXT TO HIM.

JANET: Mister Deveraux.

JACK: I'm sorry, were you waiting for the phone?

JANET: No, actually, I came to talk to you.

JACK: I see. Please... (HE MOTIONS TOWARD THE LOUNGE) Let's go where we can speak privately.

JANET ENTERS THE LOUNGE AND JACK FOLLOWS. THEY SIT AT THE TABLE.

JANET: Nothing conclusive yet, I'm afraid. We've tracked down the owners of the car.

JACK: And you've brought them in?

JANET: We've talked to them. They're not under suspicion.

JACK: I don't understand.

JANET: I can't go into too much detail, but... the owners of the car were out of town when the accident happened.

JACK: So who was driving the car?

JANET: That's what we're trying to determine.

JACK: Was it stolen?

JANET: (HESITANT) We think it was... borrowed.

JACK: Borrowed?

JANET: Mister Deveraux, I... Look, the owners of the car were out of town, and their children had a party. We think one of the kids at the party took the car. That's all I can tell you. That's more than I should tell you.

JACK: I thank you for your candor, Captain.

JANET: Look, we're doing everything we can to find the person responsible.

JACK: I know. I appreciate that.

JANET: And I'll keep you informed as much as I can.

JACK: I appreciate that, too.

JANET: I do have one thing to ask of you.

JACK: And that is...?

JANET: I would appreciate it if you wouldn't print anything in the Spectator about the investigation until we're done. If you were to print what I've told you, I could get in a lot of trouble.

JACK: Agreed. Nothing about the details of the investigation. (BEAT) It's not like I'm spending much time at the office these days...

JANET: Thank you.

JACK: And in return, you'll keep me informed of your progress?

JANET: As much as I possibly can.

JACK: Very good. If that's all, I'd like to get back to Jennifer...

JANET: Mister Deveraux, there's something else. I know how much you want to be with your wife, so I'll try to make this quick.

JACK: What is it?

JANET: As you probably know, we're investigating the murder of Doctor Carly Manning.

JACK: Yes...

JANET: And as I was checking some of the local resources, I noticed that you have been doing some investigating of your own into Carly Manning's life.

JACK: Yes, I have. I was doing it as a favor to Jennifer.

JANET: I'd like to know what you've found out.

JACK: I'm not sure that anything I've found will help you find out who killed Doctor Manning...

JANET: I like to be thorough.

JACK: I see. (BEAT) Perhaps we can do a little information sharing?

JANET: Sharing?

JACK: Yes. Jennifer asked me to put together a chronicle of Carly's life. If you've found something that I haven't...

JANET: I don't think...

JACK: Come now, Captain. It's only fair.

JANET: We'll see what we can work out. Will you tell me what you know?

JACK: All right. But I should warn you, I haven't found a great deal. Carly Manning is a very mysterious woman.

THE DOOR OPENS, AND ABE AND LEXIE ENTER. JANET TURNS TO SEE WHO HAS ENTERED.

JACK: Why, yes, we were. (SMILING AND MOTIONING TO TWO EMPTY CHAIRS) Won't you join us? We're having a Carly pow-wow.

JANET: I don't think...

JACK: Come now, Captain. We're here to get at the truth, right? Perhaps the Carver and Carver Detective Agency has unearthed some vital facts.

ABE AND LEXIE SIT DOWN.

JANET: Lexie, it's Janet, remember?

ABE: Well, Janet, we decided to take you up on your offer to share information about Carly Manning.

JACK: (SMILING) Excellent! Then let's get to sharing, shall we? I'd really like to get back to Jennifer...

JANET: All right, Mister Deveraux, then why don't you go first?

JACK: Certainly. I discovered that Carly attended school under a different name, ummm... "Kathryn Von Leis." She was a drama major, until she was mysteriously asked to leave.

JANET: You have documents to verify this?

JACK: Yes.

ABE: Anything else?

JACK: We received a call from John several days ago. He asked Jennifer about what Carly was like as a roommate in boarding school... Hmm... (CONTEMPLATING) Oh, yes. She told him that Carly's family had a summer home in Vienna.

JANET: I see. Is there anything else you can tell us?

JACK: Unfortunately, no. My investigation has been... put on hold for the time being.

LEXIE: Of course, Jack. We understand.

ABE: How is Jennifer doing, Jack?

JACK: The move from Salem General went without any complications, but there's been no change. (BEAT) Thanks for asking.

LEXIE: If there's anything we can do...

JACK: Yes, there is. Let's move this discussion along, so I can get back to her.

ABE: Sure. We'll pick up where you left off. John called...

JANET: Wait, who's John?

LEXIE: John Black. He's our partner.

ABE: And he's currently in Europe investigating... (CATCHING HIMSELF) Investigating Carly's past. Anyway, John went to the house, and he remembered some things. He remembered that he and Carly were... involved...

JANET: He remembered...? So, he knows her? Why hasn't he come forward...?

LEXIE: Janet, it's a long story. Very long. Let's just stick to Carly for now.

ABE: So, John and Carly were involved, but it ended badly.

JANET: What happened?

ABE: He didn't want to elaborate over the phone. He did say that there's much more to Carly Manning than anyone in Salem ever knew.

JANET: What else?

ABE: That's all we have right now.

JANET: That's not much...

LEXIE: We'll have much more information once John returns.

JANET: And when will that be?

ABE: We don't know.

JACK: (IMPATIENTLY) Your turn, Captain.

JANET: All right, here's my contribution. "Kathryn Von Leis" was just one of Carly Manning's, or Katerina Von Leuschner's, aliases. She had many more. And most of them had criminal records.

JACK: Criminal records?

JANET: Yes. Arrests for suspicion of extortion and embezzlement, among other things.

ABE: Any convictions?

JANET: None.

LEXIE: This gets more unbelievable every day.

JANET: But it's all true. We have the documents to prove it.

ABE: Can we get a look at them?

JANET: Perhaps. I'll need something more from you in return.

LEXIE: Like I said, when John gets back...

JANET: Then you can bring him to my office, and we'll exchange some more.

JACK: I'd like to be there too. (BEAT) In the meantime, though, I must excuse myself and get back to my wife.

JANET: Certainly. Thank you, Mister Deveraux. I'll be in touch.

JACK: (STANDING UP) Captain. (WALKING TO THE DOOR) Abe, Lexie.

LEXIE: Good-bye, Jack. And let us know if you need us.

JACK EXITS.

LEXIE: I hope so.

HOLD ON JANET.

CUT TO: JENNIFER'S HOSPITAL ROOM. ALICE IS SITTING WITH JENNIFER, HOLDING HER HAND.

JACK OPENS THE DOOR.

ALICE: You come here and sit down, Jack.

SHE PATS THE CHAIR NEXT TO HER. JACK SITS.

JACK: I got enough, don't worry.

ALICE: You make sure and take care of yourself, dear. You're no good to Jennifer or Abigail if you run yourself into the ground.

JACK: I'll be fine. (NODDING AT JENNIFER) How is she?

ALICE: There's been no change. I've been talking to her, telling her not to worry about Abby.

JACK: That's good. She should know that the child is well taken care of.

ALICE: She knows. She knows that you wouldn't let anything happen to Abigail.

JACK: I hope so...

ALICE: Jack, you know she trusts you, that she believes in you.

JACK: I know, it's just...

ALICE: Just what?

JACK: Before she left... that evening... I told her that she would be safe, that I wouldn't let anything happen to her...

ALICE: Jack Deveraux! Don't you dare try to blame yourself for this. Jennifer was hit by a drunk driver. There's nothing that you could have done...

JACK: I could have gone to pick up the child.

ALICE: Stop. Stop it right now. You are not to blame for this, do you understand me?

JACK: (OBEDIENTLY) Yes, Mrs. Horton.

ALICE: Has there been any word on the car that hit Jennifer?

JACK: Funny you should ask. I was just talking to Captain Yamada about that.

ALICE: And?

JACK: And it looks like it was some teenagers who got drunk at a party and then went for a joyride.

ALICE: That's awful.

JACK: Yes, it is. (BEAT) That's not all we talked about.

ALICE: Oh?

JACK: Captain Yamada wanted to know what I had learned about Carly's past. She was hoping it would help the investigation of Carly's murder.

ALICE: What have you found out, Jack?

JACK: I found out that Carly was not always as saintly as she appeared when she came to Salem.

ALICE: What do you mean?

JACK: She attended a private school in Europe, under an alias, and was kicked out.

ALICE: Oh, my...

JACK: There's more. Captain Yamada shared something that she had found. Apparently Carly had several aliases, and was involved in a number of illegal activities.

ALICE: My word... It's so hard to believe that Carly... And yet...

JACK: And yet what?

ALICE: I was helping Jennifer to gather information about Carly, to try to clear Carly's name. But when I checked the hospital's records on Carly's education, there was a problem.

JACK: What kind of problem?

ALICE: Well, according to the documents she provided, Carly was in college during the time that she gave birth to Nicholas.

JACK: I see...

ALICE: I just don't see how she could have had a child...

JACK: And stayed in a convent for several months during her pregnancy...

ALICE: And still graduated on time.

JACK: I'm beginning to think she didn't. Everything I've learned about Carly Manning tells me that she was good at deceiving people... Maybe even good enough to convince everyone she was a doctor when she never spent a day in medical school.

ALICE: Jennifer would be crushed. Her best friend...

JACK: Which is why she mustn't hear a word of this. Not until she's strong enough to handle it.

ALICE: Of course, dear. We'll wait for the right time to tell her.

JACK: (TAKING JENNIFER'S HAND) I just pray that we'll have to make that judgement. I pray that she'll wake up...

OUT ON JACK'S WORRY.

JO'S APARTMENT. ADRIENNE AND JO ARE SITTING AT THE KITCHEN TABLE, DRINKING COFFEE. IN PROGRESS.

ADRIENNE: He looked pretty worn down, and I doubt he's gotten two minutes of sleep these past few days.

JO: Poor dear.

ADRIENNE: Well one thing's for sure. Jack loves Jennifer and would do anything to make her well.

JO: Jack is very devoted to Jennifer ... and Abigail. (BEAT) I'll drop by the hospital later today.

ADRIENNE GETS UP AND POURS HERSELF ANOTHER CUP OF COFFEE.

JO: Yes, I'll be watching Stephanie this afternoon.

ADRIENNE: Mama, why don't I take care of Stephanie for you so you can go to the hospital?

JO: Oh, that's not necessary, dear. I'll go later. Besides, I adore being with my granddaughter. (BEAT) So, are you and Justin settled in okay?

ADRIENNE: Perfectly. You know Mama, Justin and I can stay at a hotel... We don't want to put you out.

JO: I won't hear of it! You're family... and you're not putting me out at all.

THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE FRONT DOOR. JO GETS UP TO ANSWER IT. KAYLA ENTERS, HOLDING STEPHANIE'S HAND. JO BENDS DOWN TO GIVE STEPHANIE A KISS, WHILE KAYLA GIVES ADRIENNE A HUG.

KAYLA: And she's growing every day! I swear one day, I'll wake up and she'll be a teenager.

ADRIENNE: (LAUGHING) You should see Alexander. He's practically ready for his driver's license!

KAYLA: Those boys must be a handful.

ADRIENNE: Oh, they are. But, they bring so much joy to our lives.

JO: I remember on my last visit, Jackson was just getting his first teeth.

ADRIENNE: He's got a full set now and he'll use them on anything and everything that fits in his mouth! I can't wait for your next visit, Mama.

JO: Once my classes are finished, I'll start planning for it.

ADRIENNE: And bring Vern.

JO: Oh honey!

STEPHANIE SITS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FLOOR, ABSORBED WITH HER BARBIE DOLLS.

KAYLA: (LAUGHING) You started it all by sending Stephanie that singing mermaid doll.

KAYLA LEANS FORWARD.

HOLD ON ADRIENNE, JO, AND KAYLA LAUGHING, WITH STEPHANIE LOOKING QUESTIONINGLY AT HER MOTHER.

CUT TO: KIRIAKIS STUDY. VICTOR IS SIPPING A CUP OF COFFEE, STUDYING SOME BUSINESS PAPERS WHEN HENDERSON TAPS LIGHTLY ON THE DOOR AND ENTERS.

HENDERSON: It's your nephew, Justin Kiriakis, to see you..

VICTOR: Justin? Justin! I had no... send him right in...

JUSTIN ENTERS, GRINNING.

VICTOR: Indeed..

VICTOR IS SMILING AS THE TWO MEN HUG. HENDERSON EFFICIENTLY CHECKS THE COFFEE POT, THEN LEAVES.

JUSTIN: No thanks, Uncle Victor, would you believe I've given it up?

VICTOR: You? Who couldn't manage to emerge from your room without at least three cups?

JUSTIN: It's all part of that "healthy Southwestern lifestyle" we've embraced...

VICTOR: It sounds like much has changed... What brings you to Salem so unexpectedly?

JUSTIN: Adrienne and I came as soon as we heard about Jennifer...

VICTOR: Oh, of course, that makes perfect sense... how is the young lady doing?

JUSTIN: Her injuries weren't too extensive, but it's the coma that's got everyone worried... Adrienne wanted to be here for Jack...

VICTOR: I quite understand. And where, pray tell, is that rambunctious brood of grand-nephews?

JUSTIN: We had to leave them with the Nanny... I don't think Salem is ready for that troop... and what with all that's going on... But I do have something for you...

JUSTIN GOES TO THE DOOR, WHERE HE'S LEFT A GOOD-SIZED SHOPPING BAG, AND PULLS OUT A WRAPPED BOX, PROFFERING IT TO VICTOR.

THE GIFT IS A HANDSOMELY FRAMED FAMILY PORTRAIT OF JUSTIN, ADRIENNE, THE BOYS, AND A LARGE, GRINNING GOLDEN RETRIEVER.

VICTOR: Well, this is wonderful, it will go right over the mantelpiece over there... Rodney and all...

BOTH MEN LAUGH.

JUSTIN: Well, I'd think a man with a private jet would be able to fly to Texas more often than once a year!

VICTOR: Touché, Justin... but the past few weeks haven't been easy...

JUSTIN: Uncle Victor, what's wrong... business trouble?

VICTOR: Much worse, Justin, family problems. I'm worried about Bo...

JUSTIN: I understand... his losing Carly like that... But unless things have changed drastically, I'd guess Bo isn't too appreciative of your concern...

VICTOR: That's part of it, certainly. But there's the mystery surrounding Carly's death, and now her whole life....

JUSTIN: Mystery?

VICTOR: The police are investigating, and I'm concerned about what they might find...

JUSTIN: You'd mentioned to me last time we spoke that you were bothered by some inconsistencies in Carly's past...

VICTOR: Yes, and now I'm even more worried... Every piece of the puzzle that comes together leads us inexorably towards the conclusion that Carly Manning was not the person we believed her to be.

JUSTIN: And you're afraid that will affect Bo?

VICTOR: How could it not? I must be there for my son... But Bo... he's no more anxious to accept my help and support than he ever was...

JUSTIN: Would it help if... if I were to speak to Bo?

VICTOR: I suspect it wouldn't hurt... would you be willing to do that... for me?

JUSTIN: Uncle Victor... you know I'm like you in at least one way... there's nothing I won't do for family...

VICTOR: Yes, I remember. Luckily, you're more tactful and diplomatic than I tend to be...

JUSTIN: Lucky for you! But I can't make any promises... you're not the easiest person to get along with... as well I know... But you've mellowed, it's true. Bo needs to see that you've changed, and you're sincere...

VICTOR: Thank you, Justin, this means more than I can say...

HOLD ON THE TWO MEN'S UNDERSTANDING.

CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. JACK IS SITTING IN A BOOTH, HOLDING A CUP OF COFFEE, WITH HIS HEAD BENT DOWN FACING THE TABLE. SOMEONE SITS DOWN OPPOSITE HIM. JACK LOOKS UP AND SEES LAWRENCE.

LAWRENCE: Why Jack, such cynicism coming from the despondent husband.

JACK: What do you want?

LAWRENCE: I just dropped by to offer my best wishes for Jennifer's recovery.

JACK: Lawrence, drop the act. You don't give a damn about my wife.

LAWRENCE: Of course I care. I was once married to Jennifer ... or have you forgotten that?

JACK: (DISGUSTED) Go to hell!

LAWRENCE: (AMUSED) Is that a family saying? The other day, Jennifer invited me there as well. In fact, she provided directions.

JACK: Good for her.

LAWRENCE: (TAUNTING) Seems as though your lovely wife can't keep herself from me these days.

JACK: Save it, Lawrence.

LAWRENCE: Don't you want to hear how she came to me? I'm sure she didn't tell you anything about her little visit.

JACK: She told me all about her encounter with you... how you threatened her...

JACK GLARES AT THE STILL SMILING LAWRENCE.

LAWRENCE: Sorry to disappoint you, but I had nothing to do with your wife's collision. (BEAT) Are you sure she told you everything about our "encounter?"

JACK: Absolutely. Just what are you implying?

LAWRENCE: (SMILING) Jennifer and I had a long... talk... yes... talk... What a pity that a woman of such... passion... is married to such a... cold fish...

JACK: You bastard!!!!!

AS JACK STANDS, BO RUSHES UP TO THE TABLE.

JACK SITS BACK DOWN AND REGAINS HIS COMPOSURE.

LAWRENCE MOVES TO STAND UP, BUT BO PUSHES HIM BACK DOWN.

OUT ON BO'S ANGER.

CARRIE'S APARTMENT. JOE IS CLOSING HIS NOTEBOOK AND PREPARING TO LEAVE. CARRIE IS SITTING ON THE SOFA, OBVIOUSLY SHAKEN, AS ABE AND LEXIE RUSH IN.

LEXIE: Are you all right?

CARRIE: (VOICE SHAKING) I'm... I'm okay, guys.

JOE: (TO CARRIE) Ma'am, I'm pretty much done here. I'll get that description out ASAP. And if you could come down to the station tomorrow to look at mug shots?

CARRIE: Sure.

JOE: We can send a squad car around to get you, if you like.

CARRIE: (DISTRACTED AND SHAKING) Yeah. Thanks.

JOE: And don't worry, we'll catch him. Promise. You take care now.

JOE LEAVES AS ABE AND LEXIE POUNCE ON CARRIE.

ABE: We just heard on the police band radio that you were mugged. What happened?

CARRIE: (TAKING A DEEP BREATH) I left the D.A's and was walking towards the bus stop when someone grabbed me and dragged me into an alley.

LEXIE: God! I don't believe it!

CARRIE: He said if I testified against Gus more than my face would be messed up.

ABE: I can't believe it.

LEXIE: That slime....

CARRIE: Then I broke his nose.

ABE AND LEXIE BOTH STOP AND LOOK AT HER.

ABE: His nose?

CARRIE: Uh huh. Guess all those self defense classes dad had me take paid off. That and years of playing contact football with Jonah and the guys.

ABE: You broke his nose?

CARRIE: And maybe his foot. I stomped on it pretty hard. I think I heard something crunch. Joe said they're going to check Emergency rooms for anyone with a broken nose and injured foot.

LEXIE: I am impressed, girl.

CARRIE: It was really weird.

LEXIE: I know.

CARRIE: I could feel his nose breaking. And the sound it made... it was horrible. I wish he hadn't made me do it.

LEXIE: Sometimes you don't have a choice.

CARRIE: I guess not. (BEAT) But I feel sick.

LEXIE: Let me make you some tea, then you go to bed and sleep this off. You're in shock.

CARRIE: Okay.

LEXIE LEAVES AND GOES TO THE KITCHEN, AS ABE PACES THE ROOM.

CARRIE: Yeah. He was real nice.

ABE: Still want to testify?

CARRIE: (GRIMLY) More than ever.

ABE: I think you should tell your dad about this.

CARRIE: No. I don't want to worry him.

ABE: I'm sorry, Carrie. But I'm going to have to call him.

HOLD ON CARRIE AND ABE LOOKING STUBBORNLY AT EACH OTHER AND OUT.

CUT TO: DR. ECTOR'S OFFICE. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS SITTING IN A BEANBAG CHAIR. HE IS FIDDLING WITH A STUFFED LION. JAMES ECTOR IS SITTING ON THE COUCH ACROSS FROM THE BEANBAG. BETWEEN THE COUCH AND THE BEANBAG THE FLOOR IS LITTERED WITH ALL KIND OF TOYS AND STUFFED ANIMALS. IN PROGRESS.

SHAWN-D: (EXTREMELY UPSET) I was mad.

JAMES: Mad?

SHAWN-D: Yeah mad, Papa wasn't supposed to get hurt.

JAMES: What do you mean?

SHAWN-D: He promised me when my mom died that nothing bad would ever happen to him and that we would always be together.

JAMES WRITES SOMETHING DOWN DISCREETLY IN HIS LITTLE NOTEBOOK.

SHAWN-D DOESN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION, HE IS CONCENTRATING ON PULLING THE LION'S TAIL. DR. ECTOR WATCHES HIM CURIOUSLY.

SHAWN-D: (FORCEFULLY) I don't have to talk about her if I don't want to!

JAMES: No you don't... not if you don't want to.

SHAWN-D: Carly's nothing but a big liar.

JAMES: Why?

SHAWN-D: She told me that she loved me and that she really wanted to be my new mom and have a family with me and Papa. (HE STOPS AND LOOKS AT THE LION'S MANGLED TAIL AND CONTINUES) But she never really cared about me. All she cared about was being with Papa. She didn't want me around. (STARTS TO CRY) If she really loved me, she would have spent time with me. But she always left me to stay with Grandma and Grandpa. (SOBBING)

SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS UNABLE TO TALK THROUGH HIS TEARS. DOCTOR ECTOR GETS UP AND GOES TO THE BEANBAG AND HUGS SHAWN-DOUGLAS. HOLD ON JAMES' CONCERN.

CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. IN PROGRESS.

LAWRENCE: As opposed to what? Throwing temper tantrums in hospital cafeterias?

BO TENSES, BUT REFUSES TO BE BAITED.

LAWRENCE: Oh, unlike you, Officer Brady... the wild-eyed paragon, the rebel without a clue....

BO: But we weren't talking about me, Larry, we were talking about you... with an ego like yours, I'm surprised you'd want to change the subject...

LAWRENCE: (AMUSED) Cut me, Brady, I bleed...

JACK: No, Lawrence, I don't think you do...

BO: Listen to me... I know you killed Carly. And now you're trying to ruin her name... I won't let you get away with either.

JACK LOOKS AT BO WITH SOME ALARM. CLEARLY HE THOUGHT ONLY JENNIFER HELD THIS OPINION SO FIRMLY.

LAWRENCE: Oh, Brady, you sound as pathetic as the deluded Mr. Deveraux. You of all people should know, if I wanted Carly, or Jennifer hurt...

JACK: You utter bastard...

LAWRENCE: If I wanted either hurt, which, by the way, I didn't...

BO: Yeah, right...

LAWRENCE: Oh, no, petty little gadflies like you two are far too amusing to eliminate. But, if I did want you or your lovely... ex-lovely?... ladies hurt, I'd make sure you knew about it.

OUT ON THE TENSE THREESOME.

SALEM CEMETERY. EVE WALKS TO NICK'S GRAVE, CARRYING AN ARMFUL OF LILIES IN VARIOUS COLORS. SHE PUTS THEM ON THE GRAVE, THEN SITS DOWN.

SHE PAUSES FOR A MOMENT, RUNNING HER HAND THROUGH HER HAIR, UPSET.

EVE SIGHS AGAIN AND SNIFFLES A LITTLE.

HOLD ON EVE TALKING AND SETTLING DOWN TO READ THE BOOK.

CUT TO: JO'S APARTMENT. JO AND ADRIENNE ARE SITTING AT THE KITCHEN TABLE, DRINKING TEA. JO IS LOOKING AT A FRAMED FAMILY PORTRAIT, EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE JUSTIN GAVE TO VICTOR.

ADRIENNE: (LAUGHING) If they grow any faster I'm just going to forget about clothes for them and buy little barrels with shoulder straps.

JO I'm so glad you and Justin are here. And I know Jack is too, even if he has a hard time saying it outright.

ADRIENNE: He doesn't have to say it. I know. I just wish there were more I could do for him. He's so worried about Jennifer.

JO: It's enough that you're here. That's all Jack really needs, to feel everyone's love. And Jennifer will come out of this just fine. She's strong and a fighter, you'll see.

ADRIENNE: (WISTFULLY) Being a fighter isn't always enough.

JO: You're talking about Steve. He fought as hard as he could.

ADRIENNE: It still hurts sometimes to think about it, doesn't it? (BEAT) I'm glad to see that Kayla and Stephanie are looking so well.

JO: Yes. I'm thrilled they've come back to Salem. And Kayla is starting to get involved in the community, go out on dates...

ADRIENNE: Oh? Is she dating anyone special?

JO: She's been seeing a lot of Marcus lately. I'm glad... Marcus is like my third son. But it still throws me for a loop, sometimes, to see her with anyone besides Steve.

ADRIENNE: I know, Mama. But she's got to move on. We all do. That doesn't mean that we don't love Steve or cherish his memory any less.

JO: Of course. I'm thrilled that Kayla is getting out, she's a beautiful woman and she deserves to be happy. (FINGERING THE PORTRAIT) Like you and Justin and the boys so obviously are.

ADRIENNE: Oh we are. I never thought that I could be this happy. Justin loves his job, we love living in Texas, and the boys. Well, the boys just make everything in life that much more special.

JO: (LAUGHING) I'll remind you of that the next time you call and tell me that Joey and Victor drew a mural on the living room wall. Or that Alexander cracked his head open sliding down the bannister. Or that Jackson's been up all night crying with his teeth.

ADRIENNE: (LAUGHING) You do that, Mama. That's what I'm counting on you for.

HOLD ON THE TWO WOMEN HUGGING.

CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. JACK AND BO ARE SEATED AT A TABLE, BO HAS A COKE, JACK IS DRINKING ICE WATER. IN PROGRESS.

JACK: He certainly thought he had something on me...

BO: It was sweet, if somewhat reckless, of Jennifer to try and beard that jerk in his den...

JACK: (SOFTLY) That's Jennifer, sweet and reckless...

BO: How is Jennifer... and how are you, Jack? That's part of the reason I stopped by, to see how things were going...

JACK: She's stable, but no change... it's the coma that's worrisome...

BO: That's rough, man... I wish there was something that I could do...

JACK: So do we all, Bo, so do we all...

BO: I know... I realize that I haven't always been the best of friends to the people in my life... I just get so tied up in my own problems... Anyway, I realize now that I need to make some changes...

JACK: Funny how crisis can do that...

BO: Exactly. Losing Carly, well, it opened my eyes to how fragile life is... how quickly someone you love can be... taken...

JACK: (SOFTLY) Indeed...

BO: Oh, man, I'm sorry, Jack, I didn't mean...

JACK: It's always there, Bo, but it doesn't always demand to be fed. Continue...

BO, PUZZLED, LOOKS AT JACK, THEN CONTINUES.

JACK: That's much appreciated, Bo, you don't know... It's been difficult. But I'm also realizing what a vital thing friends and family are, especially in times of crisis. (BEAT) How is Shawn-Douglas doing?

BO: Better all the time. He's still having a hard time expressing how he feels...

JACK: That is the rub sometimes, for many of us...

BO: Yep, I can definitely see where he learned that. But we're seeing Dr. Ector, and he's helping a lot. How's little Abby doing with what's going on?

JACK: The child is well. We're lucky in that she probably has little idea what's really going on... except that she's staying with several different people, and her father is upset and distracted.

BO: Speaking of Abby... well... I've been thinking about her a lot, what with Shawn-D and Jennifer... I know the reason you asked me to be her godfather was because of Carly, and now that she's gone... well, I really haven't done such a good job... (BEAT, THEN THE WORDS COME IN A RUSH) I just want you to know I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to pick new godparents for Abby, when Jenn wakes up...

JACK: Bo, that's not...

BO: (HOLDS UP HIS HAND TO FORESTALL JACK) I'm not saying I wouldn't try to be a better godfather for that sweet little girl... I'd like a chance to do better. I just wanted to give you the option...

JACK: Picking Abigail's godparents was a difficult decision. Jennifer was always set on Carly, and while I had some ideas of my own (BEAT) Carly it was. We discussed various godfathers, but it came down to you and Marcus Hunter...

BO: Well, if you want to ask Marcus, now...

JACK: Wait, Bo, let me finish. At the time, Marcus was away a lot, and we weren't even sure if he'd be staying in Salem. Whereas you... you and Carly were solid. And Bo, while we may not have always been the best of friends, it's obvious you've been a good father to your boy...

BO: But I certainly could have been better...

JACK: Oh, couldn't we all... At any rate, it was you and Carly that we chose, and now that Carly is gone... I suppose we should consider choosing a new godmother. But unless you feel you aren't up to it... well, I'd be very pleased if you'd choose to remain the child's godfather...

BO: I'd be proud, Jack, and from now on, I'll be a proper godfather to her. Like I'm starting to be a proper father to my son... and a proper friend...

JACK HOLDS OUT HIS HAND, AND BO SHAKES IT, OUT ON THE TWO MEN'S HANDS.

POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM, GENEVA. JOHN AND DANIELLE ARE SEATED AT THE TABLE.

JOHN: I wish I could say that I came for unselfish reasons, but I can't. I need to talk to you about some things.

DANIELLE: What "things"?

JOHN: Carly, specifically.

DANIELLE: Oh. (BEAT) Am I still a suspect in Katerina's murder?

JOHN: Shane still has his suspicions.

DANIELLE: And you?

JOHN: I want to believe you.

DANIELLE: You can, John. You know me well enough to know that I couldn't kill her, no matter how much I hated her.

JOHN: That may be so. Unfortunately, what I "know" doesn't count as proof.

DANIELLE: What about the ballistics tests? Do you have the results back yet?

JOHN: No, it'll be a few days before we get them.

DANIELLE: In the meantime, I'm locked up in this dreadful cell. I really can't stand it, you know. I hate spending a long time in cramped places...

JOHN: I remember...

FADE TO: JOHN'S FLASHBACK OF DANIELLE IN A SMALL BATHROOM. THE DOOR IS CLOSED AND SHE IS TRYING TO TURN THE KNOB TO OPEN IT. JOHN IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR.

JOHN: (SUPPRESSING LAUGHTER) Just calm down, Dani, calm down. We'll get you out of there. Can't you unlock the door from the inside?

DANIELLE: Don't you think I would have done that already? There's a keyhole, but there's no key. (SHE JIGGLES THE KNOB) John, get me out of here!

JOHN: (GOING TO THE DRESSER) Hold on...

JOHN REMOVES A SET OF LOCK-PICK TOOLS FROM A DRAWER. HE RETURNS TO THE BATHROOM DOOR AND GOES TO WORK ON THE LOCK.

JOHN: I've almost got it...

THERE IS A CLICK. JOHN STANDS UP AND OPENS THE DOOR WITH A HUGE GRIN ON HIS FACE.

BEFORE JOHN CAN SAY ANYTHING ELSE, DANIELLE LEAPS INTO HIS ARMS.

DANIELLE: My hero...

DANIELLE WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND JOHN'S NECK AND KISSES HIM PASSIONATELY. HE RECIPROCATES AND CARRIES HER TOWARD THE BED. HE LAYS HER DOWN.

JOHN IS SERIOUS, AS IF CAREFULLY PONDERING THE QUESTION.

JOHN: (SMILING) Yes. (BEAT) Yes, I'd rather have you right here...

JOHN LAYS DOWN NEXT TO HER, AND THEY BEGIN TO KISS PASSIONATELY. FADE BACK TO: JOHN'S SMILING FACE.

JOHN: As a matter of fact, I am.

DANIELLE: (STANDING AND WALKING OVER TO HIM) And do you remember what we did after you so gallantly rescued me?

DANIELLE SITS ON HIS LAP.

DANIELLE: (PUTTING HER ARMS AROUND HIM) So do I...

DANIELLE KISSES JOHN. HE BEGINS TO RESPOND, BUT THEN PULLS BACK.

DANIELLE: (STANDING) No, I'm sorry.

JOHN: Don't apologize. (BEAT) It's just that... I'm here to find my past. That's all I can concentrate on right now. Until I resolve that part of my life, I can't even think about a romantic relationship... with anyone.

DANIELLE: It's all right. I understand.

JOHN: I still need your help. There's a lot that I can't remember, and I need you to fill in the blank spots.

DANIELLE: Of course, John. I'll help you in any way I can.

JOHN: Thank you. (LOOKS AT HIS WATCH) It's getting late. I need to get back to the hotel, so I can call to check up on Brady before I turn in. We'll talk about Carly tomorrow, okay?

DANIELLE: All right. (BEAT) John?

JOHN: (STANDING UP) Yes?

DANIELLE: Is there anything you can do about my sleeping arrangements? That tiny cell really is unbearable for me.

JOHN: I'll talk to Shane and see what we can do.

DANIELLE: (PUTTING HER HAND ON HIS ARM) I appreciate it.

JOHN: And I appreciate your help.

DANIELLE: Hopefully, we can help each other.

DANIELLE PUTS HER FREE HAND ON JOHN'S CHEEK, MOVES CLOSE, AND GIVES HIM A QUICK KISS ON THE LIPS. SHE THEN STEPS BACK AND SMILES. HOLD ON DANIELLE'S SMILE.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT/INT. BO IS ON THE PHONE, ONE WAY. IN PROGRESS.

BO ABSENTLY PUTTERS AROUND THE GALLEY FOR A FEW MINUTES, PUTTING AWAY SOME DISHES. THEN HE SQUARES HIS SHOULDERS AND GOES INTO HIS CABIN. HE OPENS THE CLOSET AND PULLS OUT A BOX, AND OPENS IT. IT'S OBVIOUSLY CARLY'S THINGS, HER CLOTHES, GREETING CARDS, LETTERS, A DRIED FLORAL BOUQUET, BOOKS, PICTURES, ETC. BO SLOWLY GOES THROUGH IT.

BO REACHES THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX AND FINDS THE MAYAN WEDDING DRESS, WHICH HE PICKS UP.

BO CRIES QUIETLY INTO THE FOLDS OF THE DRESS, AS THE GUITAR SOLO FROM STING'S "FRAGILE" PLAYS SOFTLY IN THE BACKGROUND.

CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. JACK IS SITTING NEXT TO JENNIFER'S HOSPITAL BED, HOLDING HER HAND.

JACK LEANS FORWARD, HIS LIPS ON JENNIFER'S FOREHEAD.

JACK REACHES FOR A PICTURE ON THE TABLE NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BED.

JACK SETS DOWN THE PICTURE AND STROKES JENNIFER'S HAIR.

JACK TAKES A DEEP BREATH.

JACK LOOKS TOWARDS THE DOOR.

JACK LIGHTLY BRUSHES JENNIFER'S CHEEK WITH HIS LIPS.

GENESIS' "SINCE I LOST YOU" BEGINS TO PLAY. JACK KISSES JENNIFER SOFTLY ON THE LIPS. AND OUT.