JENNIFER'S ROOM/CORRIDOR. JACK IS STANDING NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BED, HOLDING ABIGAIL WITH ONE ARM WHILE HE GENTLY HOLDS JENNIFER'S HAND WITH THE OTHER. JENNIFER REACHES OUT TO TOUCH JACK'S FACE, BUT WINCES AS SHE RAISES HER ARM. JACK BENDS DOWN AND STROKES HER FACE GENTLY.

JENNIFER: Where am I?

JACK: University Hospital.

JENNIFER: I don't understand. What am I doing here?

JACK: You've been in an accident. But everything's fine... now.

JENNIFER STARTS TO SPEAK, BUT JACK LIGHTLY COVERS HER MOUTH WITH HIS HAND.

JACK RAISES JENNIFER'S HAND TO HIS LIPS AND KISSES THE INSIDE OF HER PALM.

ABIGAIL CHATTERS. JENNIFER LOOKS AT HER DAUGHTER.

JACK: She's fine. But she's missed you.

JACK LIFTS UP ABIGAIL.

ABIGAIL GIGGLES AND JACK HOLDS ABIGAIL CLOSE TO HER MOTHER. JUST THEN, THE NURSE ENTERS THE ROOM.

JENNIFER'S SMILE VANISHES.

JACK KISSES JENNIFER ON THE FOREHEAD AND JENNIFER REACHES UP TO CARESS JACK'S FACE. JACK HOLDS ABIGAIL IN FRONT OF JENNIFER AS SHE GIVES ABIGAIL A KISS. JACK TURNS TO GO.

JACK TAKES ABIGAIL AND LEAVES THE ROOM. THE NURSE PICKS UP JENNIFER'S WRIST AND BEGINS TAKING HER PULSE. GO TO: JACK AND ABIGAIL IN THE CORRIDOR. JACK PEERING THROUGH THE DOOR, LOOKING AT JENNIFER. HOLD ON JACK'S BRILLIANT SMILE.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. CAROLINE IS WAITING ON TABLES, JOHN ENTERS AND SEES CAROLINE AS SHE TURNS TO HEAD BACK TO THE KITCHEN. JOHN SNEAKS UP BEHIND HER AND TAKES HER BY THE SHOULDERS.

CAROLINE: Wha... oh, John! Oh, welcome home... We've missed you!

JOHN AND CAROLINE HUG.

CAROLINE: He's in his playpen, well, the Brady Pub Baby Holding Pen, anyway...

CAROLINE GESTURES TOWARDS A WELL-STOCKED PLAYPEN IN THE CORNER NEAR THE BAR. JOHN STRIDES QUICKLY OVER AND PICKS UP BRADY, SWINGING HIM IN THE AIR. BRADY COOS AND GIGGLES, AS JOHN, SMILING, BRINGS HIM IN FOR A TIGHT HUG. SHAWN COMES FROM THE BACK ROOM TO BEHIND THE BAR AND SEES JOHN.

JOHN: Thanks, Shawn, it's great to be back (HE BEAMS AT BRADY) Especially now!

CAROLINE JOINS THE THREE BY THE BAR. JOHN IS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING FACES AND TICKLING BRADY. BRADY SQUEALS IN DELIGHT, AS CAROLINE AND SHAWN LOOK ON, LAUGHING AT THEIR ANTICS.

JOHN: Well, Daddy's here, and he isn't leaving again for a very long time!

SHAWN: And that's good to hear!

CAROLINE: Are you in a hurry, or can you stay for a cup of coffee, maybe some chowder?

JOHN: No hurry, coffee sounds good. I'll take a rain-check on the chowder, though, the airplane food isn't settling too well...

CAROLINE GETS TWO CUPS OF COFFEE, AND SHE AND JOHN TAKE A TABLE, BRADY ON JOHN'S LAP.

JOHN IS STILL MAKING FACES AT BRADY, WHO KEEPS PATTING JOHN'S CHEEKS AND LAUGHING.

CAROLINE: Did you find out anything? Anything about your past?

JOHN: No, now, first your news... What's been going on with my family and friends in my absence?

CAROLINE: Well, it hasn't been all good... Jennifer was in a car accident...

JOHN: Oh, my God! Is she ok? What happened? What about Jack and Abby?

CAROLINE: Abigail and Jack are fine, but Jennifer is in a coma, although she's stable. Her car was broad-sided by a hit and run driver...

JOHN: That's rough... I'll swing by the hospital, probably tomorrow... it's getting pretty late now for a visit... and see if there's anything I can do.

CAROLINE: I'm sure that would be appreciated. This whole thing has been hard on everyone, especially Jack.

JOHN: (GRIMLY) I can imagine. (BEAT) So what else? Any more bad news?

CAROLINE: Maybe I should warn you about Carrie...

HOLD ON JOHN.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN ATTIC. VIVIAN AND IVAN ARE SITTING TOGETHER IN THE SMALL, DARK ATTIC. IVAN'S BACK IS TO US, AND VIVIAN IS HOLDING SOMETHING TO HIS FACE. WE COME AROUND AND SEE THAT THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF IVAN'S FACE IS BLOODY AND BRUISED, AND THAT VIVIAN IS HOLDING AN ICE PACK ON THE WOUNDS.

IVAN: Madame, do not blame yourself.

VIVIAN: But this was all my idea. If I had tried to talk to Lawrence, tried to reason with him...

IVAN: He is beyond reasoning.

VIVIAN: But why did he have to take out everything on you?

IVAN: Do not trouble yourself, madame. I have suffered far worse in my lifetime.

VIVIAN: I'm sure you have. But I'm sorry you had to suffer for me...

IVAN: I can think of no one better.

VIVIAN: We absolutely have to get out of here, Ivan.

IVAN: Out of this attic, or away from Mr. Alamain?

VIVIAN: Both. In that order. If we don't, one of us will be killed. It's just a matter of time.

IVAN: I agree. But Mr. Alamain has made escape difficult.

VIVIAN: He excels at that.

IVAN: Perhaps Mr. Kiriakis would be able to help?

VIVIAN: Perhaps. But we have to get out of this damn attic to talk to him!

IVAN: Yes.

VIVIAN: I hope Lawrence is not hurting Nikki.

IVAN: I do not think Mr. Alamain would hurt his son.

VIVIAN: I don't know... I can't help but worry. I wonder what he has in store for us. And for Nikki.

OUT ON VIVIAN'S WORRY.

SM. NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. ALICE AND TOM ARE STANDING NEAR THE NURSES' STATION WHEN JACK, HOLDING ABIGAIL, COMES DASHING TOWARDS THEM. ALICE, CONCERNED, GRIPS TOM'S HAND.

ALICE AND TOM VISIBLY RELAX WHEN THEY SEE THAT JACK IS GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR.

ALICE AND TOM LOOK AT EACH OTHER.

TOM: Yes, Jack, take deep breaths.

JACK TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND SHIFTS ABIGAIL IN HIS ARMS.

ALICE: Thank God in heaven.

ALICE HUGS JACK AND ABIGAIL AND THEN HUGS TOM.

JACK: Yes, I shouted for somebody right away. One of the nurses is in there now.

TOM: I'll go have a look...

ALICE: And I'll go and call the rest of the family. Oh, they'll be so relieved!

TOM GOES DOWN THE HALL. ALICE TURNS TO GO TO THE PHONE BUT THEN TURNS BACK AND HUGS JACK AND ABIGAIL ONE MORE TIME. SHE HEADS TOWARDS THE PHONES. JACK LOOKS DOWN AT ABIGAIL.

JACK HOLDS ABIGAIL ABOVE HIS HEAD AND SWINGS HER AROUND. ABIGAIL GIGGLES WILDLY.

JACK SWINGS ABIGAIL AROUND AGAIN, THIS TIME THEY BOTH LAUGH.

HOLD ON JACK AND ABIGAIL WALTZING DOWN THE HALL.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. NICHOLAS IS SITTING ON THE COUCH, SCARED, BUT TRYING BRAVELY TO HIDE IT. LAWRENCE IS SITTING TO THE LEFT OF HIM, IN THE WING CHAIR.

NICHOLAS: Yes, Dad?

LAWRENCE: My behavior lately has been inexcusable.

NICHOLAS: What... What do you mean?

LAWRENCE: Why, I wasn't here to celebrate your birthday. I certainly didn't want to leave town on business. I hope you'll forgive me.

NICHOLAS: Oh I do. You've been busy at work, I understand. It's ok, Dad.

LAWRENCE STANDS AND GOES INTO THE NEXT ROOM. NICHOLAS FIDGETS ANXIOUSLY. LAWRENCE RETURNS WHEELING A TROLLEY. ON THE TROLLEY IS A BIRTHDAY CAKE, WITH A "9" CANDLE ON IT.

NICHOLAS: (BLOWING OUT THE CANDLE) It's very fancy. Thank you.

LAWRENCE: And I have a small gift for you.

LAWRENCE HANDS NICHOLAS A SMALL PACKAGE.

LAWRENCE: Go ahead... open it.

NICHOLAS TEARS OFF THE PAPER TO UNCOVER A COPY OF "GREAT EXPECTATIONS" BY CHARLES DICKENS.

NICHOLAS: I will...

LAWRENCE: Now, how about some cake?

LAWRENCE CUTS THE CAKE AND HANDS NICHOLAS A PIECE.

NICHOLAS: All right.

LAWRENCE: And we'll invite all your friends to a big party. Maybe at the zoo or the amusement park?

NICHOLAS: That would be great.

LAWRENCE: How is the cake?

NICHOLAS: Delicious, thank you.

LAWRENCE SITS DOWN WITH A PIECE OF CAKE AND BEGINS TO EAT. HOLD ON NICHOLAS' NERVOUSNESS.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN ATTIC. VIVIAN IS PACING WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE ATTIC, WHILE IVAN, HOLDING THE ICE PACK TO THE SIDE OF HIS BATTERED FACE, WATCHES HER WITH GROWING CONCERN.

VIVIAN: On the contrary, if I pace hard enough, maybe I'll wear a hole in the floor and drop through... Wouldn't that be priceless, the look on Lawrence's face as I crashed down from above...

IVAN: Madame, my dear Madame, consider the possibility of injury to yourself...

VIVIAN: We could end up with matching black eyes, Ivan, but it might be worth it.

IVAN: Madame, please.

VIVIAN: Don't worry, I know you're right, I should save my energy. Besides, if I anger Lawrence he might take away that ice pack he so "generously" provided.

VIVIAN WALKS OVER AND EXAMINES IVAN'S FACE.

IVAN: I will be fine, madame. The ice has helped already...

VIVIAN: Are you sure?

IVAN: I am sure.

VIVIAN PERCHES ON ONE OF THE PACKING BOXES. IVAN RISES AND BEGINS PURPOSEFULLY LOOKING AROUND THE ATTIC.

IVAN: Not at all. I was searching for means of escape. Sadly, there seem to be none...

VIVIAN: There is the window...

VIVIAN INDICATES ONE SMALL WINDOW, LOCATED ABOUT 6 FEET ABOVE THE FLOOR.

VIVIAN: I'm not sure anything is as dangerous as being trapped in this attic. Is there something we could use to climb down?

IVAN: I see nothing. Master Lawrence prepared this chamber carefully for our incarceration.

VIVIAN: Well, damn it, there must be something we can do. We can tie sheets together to make a rope... I did that once to get out of boarding school.

IVAN: You have told me that story, Madame. I believe it ended when the sheets ripped, and you landed in the middle of the fountain during a faculty dinner al fresco.

VIVIAN: Well, thank you for dredging up that happy memory, Ivan.

IVAN: I was simply pointing out the dangers involved in such an attempt.

VIVIAN: I know, I know. (BEAT) Perhaps one of us could feign sickness. When Lawrence arrived we could overpower him.

IVAN: If he came alone, which I would not count on, and if he actually cared whether one of us were ill or not.

VIVIAN: You have a point. Besides, that sort of thing only works in the movies. Too bad this isn't a movie, Ivan, like that Indiana Jones film Nikki loves. He talked me into watching it with him the other night... how long ago that seems... (HER EYES WELL WITH TEARS)

IVAN: I understand how worried you are about Master Nicholas, Madame, but he will be fine. Lawrence would do nothing to hurt his son.

VIVIAN: I'm not sure. I don't believe familial ties mean anything to Lawrence. Look at me, his "beloved" aunt, caged in the attic like some beast...

VIVIAN BEGINS TO PACE AGAIN.

VIVIAN: My heart be damned. If Lawrence hurts Nicholas, it won't make any difference if I die up here... (HER VOICE BREAKS)

IVAN INTERCEPTS VIVIAN AS SHE TURNS TO PACE BACK, AND HOLDS HER GENTLY, BUT FIRMLY BY THE SHOULDERS.

IVAN INCLINES HIS HEAD TO VIVIAN'S, AND AS HER EYES WIDEN, IVAN GENTLY KISSES VIVIAN. AND OUT.

BRADY PUB. CAROLINE AND JOHN ARE SITTING AT A TABLE. BRADY, IN HIS STROLLER, IS NEXT TO JOHN. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: (UNCOMFORTABLE) No, not really. I managed to dig up a lot, but I don't think any of it will affect the situation with Lawrence.

CAROLINE: What do you mean? Did you find someone else who might have done it? What did you discover?

JOHN: I found a lot of random pieces. I haven't put everything together yet... But when I do...

CAROLINE: I'll be the first to know?

JOHN: (SMILING) Something like that... Enough of me. How are things here? How is Bo? I'd like to drop in on him, you know, say hi, let him know I'm home.

CAROLINE: I really don't know what to say. While you were gone, Shawn-Douglas seemed to get worse.

JOHN: What do you mean?

CAROLINE: Well, he'd been acting up before, but he seemed to get more... disturbed... as time went by. He put his fist through a mirror and Bo had to rush him to the hospital for stitches.

JOHN: Poor kid. It must be really hard on him. First Hope, now Carly...

CAROLINE: And I'm worried about Bo. He's gone through so much lately. First, losing Carly... and now the new Captain has him on probationary status.

JOHN: Probationary status? What's he doing?

CAROLINE: Mostly paperwork... He's trying so hard...

JOHN REACHES OVER AND COVERS HER HAND WITH HIS.

CAROLINE: I'm sure that would help. Thank you, John.

JOHN: My pleasure.

JOHN GETS UP AND WALKS TO THE FRONT DOOR, PUSHING BRADY'S STROLLER. HE OPENS THE DOOR AND TURNS AROUND SO AS TO HOLD THE DOOR OPEN WITH HIS BACK WHILE PULLING THE STROLLER THROUGH. AS HE STEPS BACKWARD, HE RUNS INTO CARRIE.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. SPENCER AND MORGAN ARE SITTING ACROSS THE DESK FROM JANET. ALL THREE ARE RELAXED, AND SPENCER HAS HELPED HIMSELF TO A CHOCOLATE DONUT FROM A BOX ON JANET'S DESK.

SPENCER: Carrie is a solid witness, but I'd prefer to have some collaboration of her statements to make things easier on her.

JANET: I have the feeling she'll be able to handle herself on the stand.

SPENCER: That's not all that worries me.

MORGAN: You mean the attack?

SPENCER: Yeah. I tried to be reassuring, but...

JANET: You think she's in real danger.

SPENCER: Exactly. She's tough and determined, but I'm worried she may not make it to the stand.

MORGAN TRIES TO CLEAR HIS THROAT UNOBTRUSIVELY AS JANET AND SPENCER LOOK AT HIM.

MORGAN: Well...

JANET: Yes?

MORGAN: I have some patrol officers keeping an eye on her.

JANET: You do?

MORGAN: Look, Captain, I know the Department budget, but I've known Carrie Brady since she was a little girl. Hell, most of the officers here have. Everyone involved is doing this on a voluntary basis, off the clock.

JANET: (BEAT) Put them on the clock.

MORGAN: Excuse me?

JANET: I said put them on the clock. Anyone who's capable of stalking a kid and throwing acid in her face is bad news. I want Bartoli off the street, and Carrie Brady is going to help me do that.

MORGAN: Yes, ma'am. I'll tell the officers.

JANET: Good. So, how are things looking on the witness front?

SPENCER: I've got the files you sent me of statements taken the night of the Titan party. I'd like to go back and question some of those people again, as well as the rest of the guests your people are talking to now.

JANET: That's a lot of people to interview, Counselor.

SPENCER: Not if the workload is split between the P.D. and my office...

JANET: You got it. Morgan?

MORGAN: I'll get some officers on it ASAP.

SPENCER STANDS TO LEAVE.

SPENCER LOOKS CONFUSED AT THIS LAST STATEMENT AS MORGAN LOOKS ON, AMUSED. HOLD ON JANET.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. LAWRENCE IS SEATED IN A CHAIR, READING THE PAPER. NICHOLAS IS SITTING ON THE COUCH, READING HIS NEW BOOK. THE REMAINS OF THE CAKE ARE ON THE TROLLEY. NICHOLAS KEEPS LOOKING UP FROM THE BOOK AND SNEAKING NERVOUS GLANCES AT LAWRENCE. LAWRENCE FINISHES READING, FOLDS THE PAPER, AND SETS IT ON THE TABLE.

NICHOLAS: Yeah, it's great. Thanks for getting it for me.

LAWRENCE: It was my pleasure, Nikki. (BEAT) Do you think you could tear yourself away from it for a few minutes? There's something I want to talk about.

NICHOLAS: Um... okay, sure.

NICHOLAS MARKS HIS PLACE IN THE BOOK AND SETS IT DOWN.

LAWRENCE GETS OUT OF THE CHAIR AND SITS NEXT TO NICHOLAS ON THE COUCH. AS LAWRENCE SITS DOWN, NICHOLAS SLIGHTLY FLINCHES.

NICHOLAS: (SURPRISED) You're not?

LAWRENCE: No. I understand why you did it.

NICHOLAS: You do?

LAWRENCE: Yes. (BEAT) I know that your Aunt Vivian has been telling you things... bad things about me.

NICHOLAS: No, she...

LAWRENCE: (INTERRUPTING) It's all right, son. You don't have to defend her. I know that she's been telling you these things. And I know you might have a hard time understanding this, but...

NICHOLAS: But what?

LAWRENCE: Nikki, Vivian has been lying to you. She's been telling you lies about me so that you won't want to live with me anymore.

NICHOLAS: No... no, she hasn't. Aunt Viv would never lie to me. She loves me too much.

LAWRENCE: I'm sure she's done everything in her power to make you believe that. I certainly can't blame you for feeling that way. But, there are some things you should know about your Aunt Vivian.

NICHOLAS: (UPSET) What kind of things?

LAWRENCE: They're not good, I'm afraid.

NICHOLAS: (STARTING TO GET UP) I don't think I want to hear them...

LAWRENCE GRASPS NICHOLAS' ARM, CAREFULLY BUT FIRMLY.

FRIGHTENED, NICHOLAS SITS.

NICHOLAS: You mean John Black.

LAWRENCE: (SURPRISED) Yes... How did you know John Black was my brother?

NICHOLAS: He told me.

LAWRENCE: I see. (BEAT) Anyway, my father changed his will when we all thought Forrest had died. Everything that was to go to Forrest was given to Vivian.

NICHOLAS: But he wasn't dead...

LAWRENCE: That's right. And when we discovered that John was actually Forrest, he claimed his inheritance, and Vivian was left with nothing.

NICHOLAS: But that's no big deal, because you were there to take care of her.

LAWRENCE: Yes, Nikki, I was, but that wasn't enough for Vivian. Apparently, she wanted a fortune of her own.

NICHOLAS: So?

LAWRENCE: So, I think she sees you as a way to get that fortune.

NICHOLAS: What do you mean?

LAWRENCE: Well, she knows that you are my heir, and you will one day receive my share of the Alamain empire. I think she got close to you so that she could take control of your inheritance.

NICHOLAS: No... No, I don't believe it!

LAWRENCE: Nikki, wait. Listen to me. Vivian raised you from the time you were born, right?

NICHOLAS: Yes...

LAWRENCE: Well, she kept you hidden from me for eight years. Me, your own father! And she lied to you, too. She told you that you were someone else's child.

NICHOLAS: (UNSURE) Yes, but... She did it because she loved me...

LAWRENCE: (SADLY) No, Nikki, I'm afraid not. (BEAT) She did it for her own selfish reasons.

NICHOLAS: (BEGINNING TO CRY) But she told me it was because she loved me...

LAWRENCE: (TAKING NICHOLAS INTO HIS ARMS) I'm sorry, Nikki... I'm sorry, son. (BEAT) I didn't want to have to tell you this. But with things the way they are between Vivian and me right now, I thought it was important that you know the truth.

LAWRENCE HOLDS NICHOLAS AT ARM'S LENGTH AND LOOKS HIM IN THE EYE.

NICHOLAS: (WEAKLY) I understand...

LAWRENCE: (SMILING) Good. (WIPING NICHOLAS' TEARS AWAY) Would you like another piece of cake and maybe some milk to go with it?

NICHOLAS: Sure.

LAWRENCE: (STANDING UP) All right, I'll get the milk. I'll be right back.

LAWRENCE EXITS AS NICHOLAS STARES AFTER HIM.

OUT ON NICHOLAS' WORRY.

BRADY PUB. JOHN, CARRIE AND BRADY. IN PROGRESS.

CARRIE AND JOHN HUG.

JOHN: Yep, just a while ago. (PUTTING HIS HAND UNDER HER CHIN) Wait... Let's have a look at you. (BEAT) Wow, Marcus did a great job. Just great.

JOHN KISSES HER CHEEK.

JOHN: No, come on, let's sit down. (MOTIONING TO AN EMPTY BOOTH)

CARRIE AND JOHN SIT AT THE BOOTH. BRADY IS NEARBY IN HIS STROLLER.

JOHN: Um... yeah, I think it was.

CARRIE: (EXCITED) That's great! What did you find out?

JOHN: Well, I found a lot of things, but I'm not quite ready to talk about it yet. I still need to sort it all out.

CARRIE: You haven't forgotten our deal, have you?

JOHN: No way. I'm gonna tell you everything... I promise. I just need a little time, okay?

CARRIE: Okay. I understand.

JOHN: (SMILING) Thanks, Punkin. (BEAT) So, what brings you here tonight? Did you come to see your grandma?

CARRIE: Actually, I wanted to check up on this little tyke... (REACHING DOWN AND TAKING BRADY'S HAND)

BRADY GIGGLES AND SMILES AT CARRIE.

CARRIE: Yeah, but I'm okay. I used some of the things I learned in self-defense class.

JOHN: I heard you made a mess of the guy.

CARRIE: I just did what I had to do to get away.

JOHN: Well, I'm proud of you. You've been a brave young woman during this whole thing... First the surgery, then agreeing to testify, then this attack... Are you having any second thoughts?

CARRIE: No. If anything, I'm more determined to help put Gus Bartoli away.

JOHN: Good for you. (BEAT) You know I'm in your corner... I'll be there for the hearing, the trial, all of it. I promise.

CARRIE: Thanks, John. That means a lot. I can use all the moral support I can get.

JOHN: Well, you've got it. You've got a lot of people pulling for you.

CARRIE: I know.

JOHN: Say, would you like to stay at the loft until the trial is over? It would probably be safer than staying by yourself...

CARRIE: Thanks, but I'm going to tough it out for now. (BEAT) I don't want to give Gus the satisfaction of having any control over me.

JOHN: (SMILING) Well, I must say, I respect your determination. But my offer stands, in case you change your mind, my door is always open to you...

CARRIE: I appreciate it, but I think I'm going to be fine.

JOHN: I know you will.

CARRIE: (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) Listen, I have to get going. I'm meeting Jonah over at the mall...

JOHN: Yeah, I need to head out, too. Shall we?

JOHN AND CARRIE STAND UP. JOHN COLLECTS ALL OF BRADY'S "BABY STUFF" AND THEY EXIT TOGETHER.

CUT TO: JENNIFER'S ROOM. JENNIFER IS SITTING UP IN BED, HOLDING ABIGAIL ON HER LAP. MICKEY, TOM, ALICE AND MAGGIE ARE CROWDED AROUND HER BED. JACK STANDS IN THE BACKGROUND.

TOM: We were praying for you night and day.

MICKEY: You had us pretty worried there, Jenn.

ALICE: I'm so glad you're back with us again, Jennifer Rose.

JENNIFER: (OVERWHELMED) I'm glad to be back.

ALICE NOTICES JACK LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM AND THEN AT JENNIFER A LITTLE FORLORNLY.

JACK LOOKS AT ALICE WITH GRATITUDE. ALICE SMILES AT HIM AND HERDS EVERYONE OUT THE DOOR.

JENNIFER: I love you too, Grandma.

JACK PULLS A CHAIR CLOSER TO THE BED AND GOES TO TAKE ABIGAIL FROM JENNIFER.

JACK PERCHES ON THE EDGE OF THE BED, PUTTING ONE ARM AROUND JENNIFER AND HOLDING ONTO ABIGAIL WITH THE OTHER.

JENNIFER: I don't want anything besides you and Abby. (BEAT) Jack? How long was I unconscious?

JACK: It seemed like an eternity, but it was only about five days. (BEAT) Do you remember anything about the accident?

JENNIFER: I remember going through the intersection at Oak and Miller and this car came out of nowhere, going fast. Everything was in slow motion, you know? I remember thinking "Thank God Abby is at Grandma's" and "Good thing my seat belt is on" and then it all went black.

JACK CLOSES HIS EYES TIGHTLY AND HUGS JENNIFER TO HIM.

JACK: No. They left the scene and the police are still trying to find out who is responsible. But don't worry, we'll see that justice is done.

JENNIFER: What about Carly's murder? Did they arrest Lawrence yet?

JACK: No. But let's talk about that later, all right? You should rest.

JENNIFER: It's just that I can't help wondering if Lawrence had anything to do with the accident.

JACK: I thought the same thing myself. Much as I hate to admit it, I think Lawrence is free and clear. On this one, anyway.

JENNIFER: (YAWNING) You know, I think I will take that rest after all. Will you stay with me?

JACK: Always. I just want to go and have a few words with your grandparents. I won't be far away, just outside the door.

JACK TAKES ABIGAIL FROM JENNIFER AND STANDS UP. JENNIFER CLOSES HER EYES AND BEGINS TO DRIFT INTO SLEEP.

HOLD ON JACK AND ABIGAIL, WATCHING JENNIFER.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN ATTIC. VIVIAN AND IVAN, IN PROGRESS. VIVIAN PULLS BACK, STUNNED.

IVAN: (SMILING) At your service... madame.

BEFORE THEY CAN SAY MORE, THEY HEAR FOOTSTEPS OUTSIDE, AND BOTH LEAP TO THEIR FEET. THE DOOR SLOWLY OPENS, REVEALING NICHOLAS, CARRYING A TRAY OF CAKE AND SEVERAL BOTTLES OF WATER.

NICHOLAS PLACES THE TRAY ON A LARGE CHEST.

NICHOLAS: Birthday cake... Lawrence gave it to me...

VIVIAN: I'm sorry that your birthday turned out so horribly. I wanted you to have the most wonderful 9th birthday... friends, presents, cake and candles... (HER VOICE BREAKS)

NICHOLAS: That's ok, Auntie Viv. I'm just glad I can be with you...

NICHOLAS AND VIVIAN SHARE AN EMOTIONAL HUG.

NICHOLAS HUGS IVAN.

NICHOLAS: I'm sorry you got hurt so badly, Ivan. My fa... Lawrence did this to you, didn't he?

IVAN: It's not bad, it looks worse than it is. You are not to worry about it.

NICHOLAS: But I do. And I'm sorry. What are we going to do now?

VIVIAN: I'm not sure, darling. Do you understand what's going on?

NICHOLAS: I know that Lawrence is a bad man, a mean person, and no matter how much I lo... how much I used to love him... (HIS VOICE BREAKS) I know I'm not safe here, and neither are you, or Ivan. (HE BEGINS TO CRY SOFTLY)

VIVIAN: Oh, my dearest child, you understand far too much.

VIVIAN REACHES OUT TO GATHER NICHOLAS IN HER ARMS, WHILE IVAN LAYS A HAND ON VIVIAN'S SHOULDER IN SUPPORT.

OUT ON VIVIAN'S ANGUISH.

BO'S BOAT/EXT. BO IS ON THE DECK, MAKING SOME MINOR REPAIRS TO THE BOAT. JOHN, PUSHING BRADY IN HIS STROLLER, WALKS UP AND GREETS HIM.

BO: John! Welcome back!

BO HELPS JOHN GET THE STROLLER ON DECK, THEN THE TWO MEN SHAKE HANDS AND PAT EACH OTHER ON THE BACK.

JOHN: Just got in today.

BO: Boy, it's good to see you.

JOHN: It's great to see you, too, little brother. How're you holding up? Caroline tells me that you're still having some problems with Shawn-D.

BO AND JOHN SIT DOWN ON THE EDGE OF THE BOAT. JOHN KEEPING A LIGHT HAND ON BRADY'S STROLLER.

JOHN: It's got to be putting a lot of strain on you, especially so soon after...

BO: Yeah, I have my ups and downs. In fact, I'm glad you stopped by. I was out here, cleaning the bell (BO POINTS TO THE BELL THAT CARLY GAVE TO HIM) and all I could think of was Carly (NEAR TEARS) and how I'll never see her again...

JOHN IS CLEARLY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE TOPIC OF CARLY.

BO: Thanks. It's nice to see a friendly face today.

JOHN: Anytime. (BEAT) How's the murder investigation coming?

BO: As far as I know, there aren't any new leads. But the guys on the case really aren't telling me anything.

JOHN: Sounds like they're not getting very far.

BO: I don't know why they're wasting their time. They should just arrest Larry and be done with it.

JOHN: I'm sure they haven't come up with any concrete evidence. But, give 'em time, they'll come up with something.

BO: Yeah, I guess you're right. I wish there were something I could do. I feel so helpless... It seems my whole life is... I don't know, beyond my control... maybe out of control...

JOHN: You've got your son and a family who love you.

BO: I don't think I'm being a very good parent to that son.

JOHN: I think all parents have that same fear. Believe me, you're doing a better job than you think.

BO: I don't know...

JOHN: I've managed to raise three kids, who all turned out okay... and I'm working on the fourth. So, if I can do it, anyone, including you, can too.

BO: (SMILING) Thanks. I needed that pep talk.

JOHN: Hey, that's what big brothers are for. (CATCHES HIMSELF) Well, at least I still feel like you're my little bro. (LAUGHS)

BO: You know, I really do feel like I've got two big brothers.

JOHN: Thanks! Just don't ask both of us to borrow the car.

HOLD ON JOHN AND BO, LAUGHING.

CUT TO: SALEM PLACE. JONAH AND CARRIE ARE SEATED AT A TABLE AT JOHNNY ANGEL'S, DRINKING HOT COCOA. CARRIE IS VISIBLY EDGY.

CARRIE: Yeah, he just got in this morning. We talked for a little while.

JONAH: Is he going to the Community Center benefit?

CARRIE: (LOOKING OVER HER SHOULDER) I didn't mention it, but I'm sure he'll go. He's been as involved with the renovations as anyone.

JONAH: From what I've heard, everyone who's anyone is going to be there.

CARRIE: I know. It should be a huge success.

CARRIE LOOKS PAST JONAH, AS IF THERE WERE SOMEONE BEHIND HIM. CURIOUS, JONAH TURNS TO LOOK, BUT SEES NO ONE. HE TURNS BACK TO CARRIE.

CARRIE: I'm feeling a little cold. Let's take a walk, so I can get my circulation going.

JONAH: Sure. Let's go.

THEY GET UP FROM THEIR SEATS AND LEAVE JOHNNY ANGEL'S. CARRIE STOPS AND LOOKS AROUND NERVOUSLY. SHE THEN CHOOSES A DIRECTION, AND SHE AND JONAH BEGIN WALKING THROUGH THE MALL.

JONAH: Yeah, a paper bag over my head.

CARRIE: Come on, I'm serious...

JONAH: So am I. I'll have to go in disguise. If Lexie the Hun sees me there, she'll get all over my case, asking why I'm not studying or working at the hospital.

CARRIE: I take it things haven't gotten any better on the home front.

CARRIE TURNS AGAIN AND LOOKS OVER HER SHOULDER.

CARRIE: Sorry.

JONAH: Are you going to tell me what's wrong, or am I going to have to tickle it our of you?

JONAH REACHES FOR CARRIE'S WAIST, BUT SHE JUMPS BACK.

JONAH: I think you're imagining things. I'm sure you're scared about Gus Bartoli's friends. It's perfectly understandable, after what you've been through the last couple days.

CARRIE: Maybe you're right. Maybe, subconsciously, I'm a little afraid. (BEAT) Still, I can't shake this feeling...

JONAH: Well, don't worry. If there were someone after you, I'd be there to take care of you.

CARRIE: (LAUGHING) You? Yeah, right.

JONAH: (INDIGNANT) Sheesh! That's gratitude for you. Here I am, offering to be your "knight in shining armor," and this is the reaction I get?

CARRIE: (STILL GIGGLING SLIGHTLY) Oh, come on, don't pout.

JONAH CROSSES HIS ARMS DEFIANTLY.

JONAH: (GRUDGINGLY) Yeah, I guess so...

CARRIE: Hey, I know so. Just ask that friend of Gus' who jumped me in the alley...

JONAH: I still can't believe you broke that guy's nose...

CARRIE: You'd better believe it. (WITH MOCK SERIOUSNESS) Consider that your warning not to mess with me...

JONAH: Hey, I'm no dummy. (SMILING) I like my nose just the way it is, thank you very much.

CARRIE: Good. No knights, no damsels. Just good friends. Okay?

JONAH: Absolutely.

CARRIE AND JONAH HUG.

HOLD ON THEIR HUG.

CUT TO: SM. NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. JACK IS HOLDING ABIGAIL, WHO IS VERY INTERESTED IN A VASE OF FLOWERS ON THE COUNTER TOP. TOM AND ALICE ARE STANDING ACROSS FROM HIM.

TOM: And there doesn't seem to be any long lasting damage from the head trauma, thank heaven.

JACK: Yes, she's going to be fine. I won't let it turn out any other way. (BEAT) But there is something else I'm concerned about... She asked about Carly.

TOM: What do you plan to tell her?

JACK: I'm going to tell her the truth, of course. But I think it would be best if it was after Jennifer has made a full recovery.

TOM: I agree. She's in no condition to handle the news right now.

ALICE: It will break Jennifer's heart to realize that her best friend was a fraud.

JACK: Yes, it will. That's why I wanted to talk to you. I'm going to need your help when I do tell her.

ALICE: You can count on us, dear. We'll do all we can to help Jennifer.

OUT ON ALICE'S CONCERN.

BO'S BOAT/EXT. BO IS TALKING WITH JOHN, WHO IS NOW HOLDING BRADY. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: It's hard to say. I found a lot of clues, a lot of pieces to the puzzle. I still have to follow up on some things, and then I have to put it all together.

BO: It sounds like you made some good progress.

JOHN: I did. I just want to have the complete picture, or as much of it as I can, before I tell everyone about it.

BO: Sure, I understand.

JOHN: Besides, you've got enough on your mind right now. Once all this stuff with Shawn-D settles down, I'll tell you everything I've found. Deal?

BO: Deal. (BEAT) I'll bet little Brady's happy to see his pop again...

JOHN: Not half as happy as I am to see him... I really missed him. (PLAYFULLY SHAKING BRADY) What do you say, tiger? Are you glad your old man's back in town?

BRADY SHAKES HIS HANDS AND GIGGLES. JOHN NOTICES BO LOOKING FORLORNLY AT BRADY.

BO: Really? Are you sure?

JOHN: Sure, I'm sure. He hasn't seen his Uncle Bo in a while.

JOHN HANDS BRADY TO BO. BO SETS BRADY IN HIS LAP AND MAKES SOME FUNNY FACES. BRADY, WIDE-EYED, REACHES UP AND TOUCHES BO'S CHEEK.

JOHN: Y'know, I'm really not sure what I'm going to do. I know one thing for sure: I'm not cut out to be an executive.

BO: (SMILING) What, you mean eight hours a day of signing papers and meeting with suits doesn't appeal to you?

JOHN: No, not at all. I can think of several better things to do with my time.

BO: Like...?

JOHN: Like you said, the detective agency. Once I get final resolution on my past, I want to really give this P.I. thing a shot, see how it works out.

BO: Anything else?

JOHN: Other than that, I don't know. I want to spend more time with my family, that's for sure. I've got some lost time to make up with Brady, and I want to be there to support Carrie through this Bartoli mess.

BO: Geez... Between work and all that's been going on with Shawn-D, I haven't even had a chance to talk to Carrie since she was attacked.

JOHN: I saw her earlier. She's doing fine. In fact, she's more determined than ever to nail Bartoli.

BO: I feel like I've let her down...

JOHN: Don't get down on yourself, Bo. She understands that you're going through a rough time right now. She knows she's got the support of everyone in the family.

BO: Yeah, I guess so...

JOHN: And that support is great... I know. I may not be related by blood, but the Bradys are my family.

BO: That feeling's mutual, John. (BEAT) Say, maybe you and I could get together and take our boys out. We could go to the museum or the park...

JOHN: I think that's a great idea. What does Brady think of it?

BO: I dunno, let's see. (SOFTLY, TO BRADY) Whaddaya say, kiddo? Do you wanna go to the museum with your pop, your cousin, and me?

BRADY STICKS HIS TONGUE OUT AND MUMBLES.

JOHN: I'm sure it does. We'll do it soon, whenever Shawn-Douglas wants to go.

BO: Great.

JOHN: Well, I think we'd better be going. It's probably about time for Brady to have a nap.

THEY STAND. BO GIVES BRADY BACK TO JOHN.

JOHN: Hey, don't mention it. That's what family is for, right?

BO: Yeah. (BEAT) That's what family is for.

HOLD ON BO.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. SHAWN IS BEHIND THE BAR AND CAROLINE IS WAITING TABLES. KAYLA AND MARCUS ENTER, MARCUS IS CARRYING STEPHANIE PIGGYBACK.

STEPHANIE: His name is Thunder! He's my horse!

MARCUS: And I've been galloping all day...

CAROLINE: (TRYING NOT TO LAUGH) Oh, I see. I'm pleased to meet you, Thunder. Can I get you a bag of oats?

MARCUS: Mmm! My favorite!

KAYLA: You're waiting tables tonight, Ma? Where's Peg?

CAROLINE: She was having her sister's bachelorette party tonight, remember? (BEAT) I have wonderful news. John is home!

KAYLA: That's fantastic! Brady was missing him something fierce. I was starting to have a hard time getting him to sleep.

MARCUS: Did he find out anything to tie Lawrence to Carly's murder?

CAROLINE: He was very mysterious about the whole thing. All John would say was that he needed to tie up some lose ends before he could talk about it.

KAYLA: I'm sure he'll tell us everything as soon as he can.

CAROLINE: I've got to go fill this drink order, so when you know what you want for dinner (GRINS AT MARCUS) other than oats, let me know.

KAYLA: Whatever's on special is fine with us.

MARCUS, KAYLA AND STEPHANIE SIT AT A BOOTH. STEPHANIE IMMEDIATELY STARTS PLAYING WITH THE SUGAR PACKETS AND THE SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS. KAYLA LETS OUT A HEAVY SIGH. MARCUS TAKES HER HAND.

STEPHANIE: I had fun!

MARCUS LEANS OVER TO TWEAK STEPHANIE'S NOSE. SHE GIGGLES.

KAYLA: I'm just upset about the phone call from Candis.

MARCUS: Those old pipes picked a helluva time to burst, didn't they?

KAYLA: What are we going to do about the benefit? Call people up and say we're not having one but could you send money anyway because we're too poor to fix the plumbing? What else is going to go wrong?

MARCUS: Come on, now. That's not the Kayla Johnson I know. The Kayla Johnson I know would be thinking positively.

KAYLA: You're right. I've already called Julie and Doug about moving the benefit to the new club. I'll just think good thoughts until I hear from them otherwise.

MARCUS: That's my girl.

MARCUS PUTS HIS HAND TO KAYLA'S FACE. SHE SMILES AND COVERS HIS HAND WITH HER OWN. STEPHANIE DISTRACTS THEM, POINTING TO SOMETHING OUTSIDE THE WINDOW AND THE THREE OF THEM LAUGH. GO TO: SHAWN, BEHIND THE BAR, GLARING AT THEM. CAROLINE COMES OUT OF THE KITCHEN, SEES HIS FACE AND LOOKS TO SEE WHAT IS SO UPSETTING TO HIM.

SHAWN SLAMS A GLASS DOWN ON THE BAR AND GOES BACK INTO THE KITCHEN WITHOUT SAYING A WORD. HOLD ON CAROLINE'S FRUSTRATION.

CUT TO: JENNIFER'S ROOM. CLOSE IN ON ABIGAIL'S SLEEPING FACE. PULL BACK TO SHOW THAT ABIGAIL IS IN A PLAYPEN THAT JACK HAS SET UP NEXT TO JENNIFER'S BED. WE SEE THE BED, WHERE JACK IS SITTING NEXT TO JENNIFER, HOLDING HER HAND.

JENNIFER: Of course I came back to you. I could never let go of you and Abby.

JACK: I was so worried about you. They took you to Salem General, and I couldn't find out what was going on... I was... anxious.

JENNIFER LOOKS LOVINGLY AT JACK. HE SIGHS.

JENNIFER: I'm sorry you had to go through all of that...

JACK: No, no, don't apologize. I was just scared, but you... you... You could have...

JACK BURIES HIS FACE IN HIS HANDS.

JACK: I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

JENNIFER: It's okay, you don't have to...

JACK: Wait. There's something I want to tell you.

JENNIFER: All right, Jack, I'm listening.

JACK: Good.

BEAT, AS JACK TAKES JENNIFER'S HAND.

JENNIFER: I know, Jack. I know.

JACK: It all became so clear... when I realized that I might lose you...

JENNIFER: (SQUEEZING JACK'S HAND) But you didn't. And you're not going to. I'm going to be with you until I'm old... and cranky... (SMILING) and nagging... and driving you absolutely crazy.

JACK: (SMILING) I certainly hope so.

JENNIFER: Don't worry, Jack. I know how much you love me. You may not say it a lot, but you show it all the time.

JACK: Well, I...

JENNIFER: Jack, hush.

JACK: (FLUSTERED) But... I'm trying to talk... to be more expressive...

JENNIFER: Just kiss me.

JENNIFER REACHES OUT AND TAKES HOLD OF JACK'S NECKTIE.

JACK: And I...

JACK IS INTERRUPTED AS JENNIFER KISSES HIM PASSIONATELY. HE BEGINS TO RECIPROCATE, BUT ABIGAIL WAKES UP AND BEGINS TO FUSS.

JENNIFER: Bring her up here.

JACK GOES TO THE PLAYPEN AND PICKS UP ABIGAIL. HE BRINGS HER TO JENNIFER.

JENNIFER: Come here, Abby. What's wrong?

ABIGAIL BEGINS TO QUIET DOWN AS JENNIFER GENTLY ROCKS HER. JACK SIGHS.

JACK: I'm sorry. Things were so crazy... You were still unconscious... I hardly left the room, I...

JENNIFER: Jack, what?

JACK: I... I had to forego the child's birthday party.

JENNIFER: (MORTIFIED) Oh, no... Oh, Abby, I'm so sorry... (SHE KISSES ABIGAIL'S FOREHEAD) I'm so sorry about your birthday. (LOOKS AT JACK) What are we going to do?

JACK: When you come home, we'll celebrate. We'll celebrate you coming home, and we'll celebrate our daughter's first birthday.

JENNIFER: I missed her first birthday...

JACK: (SMILING) That's all right, I'm sure we can get a note from your doctor...

JACK'S SMILE FADES WHEN HE SEES THAT JENNIFER IS NOT AMUSED.

JENNIFER: You think so?

JACK: Do you remember your first birthday?

JENNIFER: Well, no...

JACK: There you go. I hardly think the child will suffer any emotional scarring. (TO ABIGAIL) Will you?

ABIGAIL SMILES AT JACK.

JACK SITS ON THE BED NEXT TO JENNIFER.

JACK BENDS DOWN AND KISSES ABIGAIL ON THE HEAD. THEN HE LEANS OVER AND KISSES JENNIFER.

OUT ON THE THREE OF THEM.

JANET'S OFFICE. JANET, MORGAN AND SPENCER ARE GOING OVER TITAN PARTY GUEST LISTS, IN PROGRESS.

JANET: I'd guess you're probably just as lucky you weren't there. It seems it was a pretty dangerous evening.

MORGAN: (SOBERLY) I just wish I might have been there to prevent what happened to Carrie.

EVERYONE IS QUIET FOR A MOMENT.

JANET: Not really. Fingerprint check indicates that all the prints belong to family members. I suppose it might have been a guest, wearing gloves or something, but I rather doubt it.

SPENCER: So one of the resident kids did it?

JANET: That'd be my guess. But I don't have any evidence to support it, and without that...

SPENCER: Think maybe we could get one of the kids to break down and confess? Might a chat with Salem's "Dangerous D.A." push their buttons?

JANET: Not to impugn your reputation, Spencer, but I'm not sure even that would do the trick. These kids are surprisingly cool customers.

SPENCER: Well, maybe a lie-detector test would shake 'em up. Certainly would have me, back when I was a teenager. And I was a pretty cool customer myself. Put my folks through years of hell...

MORGAN: (DRYLY) Oh, I can't imagine...

JANET: I suppose that's a thought. Both kids have alibis, but one's is pretty shaky.

SPENCER: Well, the test is always a good fall-back position. Even if we can't use it in a criminal case, there's always the option of trying to get it admitted if Deveraux decides to pursue civil damages.

JANET: True. Beyond that, I think our best bet is to try and find witnesses. There must have been at least a few people on the road that night.

MORGAN: I can put a few more officers on it, if you like.

JANET: Yeah, put Joe, Bob and Fred to work on the case. If anyone can come up with something, it'll be those three. Keep me posted.

MORGAN: You bet. Now, I've divided these lists...

HOLD ON MORGAN, JANET AND SPENCER EXAMINING MORGAN'S LISTS.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. KAYLA, MARCUS AND STEPHANIE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR MEAL. SHAWN IS NOW BACK AT THE BAR, AND IS KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THEM.

MARCUS: It was a rough day. I had to do emergency surgery on a little girl that was hit by a car. Unfortunately I couldn't repair all the damage.

KAYLA: That's terrible. I'm sorry.

MARCUS: That's really the only part of the job I hate. (HE RUFFLES STEPHANIE'S HAIR) When you see these little kids in pain and you can't help them...

KAYLA PUTS HER HAND OVER MARCUS'. SHAWN, LOOKING ON, TURNS HIS HEAD IN DISGUST AND BEGINS POLISHING THE BAR VIGOROUSLY.

MARCUS: Let's not talk about it anymore. I'm going to have that little girl's face in front of me tonight for a while as it is. (BEAT) Do you feel better about the benefit now?

KAYLA: Yes. I hope that Julie and Doug will be able to come through for us. I really want this to be a success.

MARCUS: How could it not be with you running the show?

KAYLA: Thanks for the flattery. This means more to me than just a benefit for a good cause. This is a way for me to establish myself in the community again, to pay back some of the good fortune I've enjoyed.

MARCUS: I understand. How much money do you think we'll be able to raise?

KAYLA: Well, enough to fix that plumbing for one thing. I'd like to get a new swing set for the kids. And I know Candis would like those drafty windows replaced. Let's hope the citizens of Salem are generous with their piggy banks.

STEPHANIE: You can have mine, Mommy!

KAYLA AND MARCUS BURST OUT LAUGHING AND KAYLA ENVELOPES STEPHANIE IN A BEAR HUG.

HOLD ON KAYLA AND STEPHANIE'S HUG.

CUT TO: JENNIFER'S ROOM/CORRIDOR. JACK IS ASLEEP IN THE CHAIR NEXT TO JENNIFER, WHO IS ALSO ASLEEP. THEY ARE HOLDING HANDS. THEY LOOK PEACEFUL. WE SEE ADRIENNE PEEKING IN THROUGH THE WINDOW.

ADRIENNE: Surely it wouldn't hurt to...

JUSTIN: I know you're excited, but they need their rest. We'll see them tomorrow.

ADRIENNE: I guess you're right.

ADRIENNE LOOKS IN THE WINDOW ONE MORE TIME. JUSTIN GENTLY PULLS HER AWAY AND LEADS HER DOWN THE HALL. SHE RESTS HER HEAD ON HIS SHOULDER.

CUT TO: SM. NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. ALICE AND TOM ARE SEATED AT THE TABLE, DRINKING JUICE.

ALICE: I know, dear. She had everyone fooled it seems.

TOM: Except you.

ALICE: No, that's not totally true. I wasn't suspicious until after she was murdered. I just felt there had to be a reason.

TOM: I'm proud of Jack for putting Jennifer's well-being first. She's going to take all of this very hard.

ALICE: I never expected anything less of him. He does love our Jennifer Rose, doesn't he?

TOM: If I didn't believe it before, I certainly do now. I'm just worried about what will happen when Jennifer does find out about Carly.

ALICE: We'll be there for her and help her get through it.

TOM: Alice, dear, like we're always there for our family.

OUT ON ALICE AND TOM.

BRADY PUB. KAYLA, MARCUS, AND STEPHANIE HAVE FINISHED THEIR MEAL. A WAITRESS COMES BY AND CLEARS THEIR PLATES. SHAWN IS AT THE BAR.

MARCUS PATS HIS STOMACH. STEPHANIE, AMUSED, WATCHES HIM AND PATS HIS STOMACH.

KAYLA: That sounds good. Let me just go ask Mom about watching Stephanie while we're out. (TO STEPHANIE) Come on Sweetness, let's go find Grandma.

KAYLA AND STEPHANIE DISAPPEAR INTO THE KITCHEN. MARCUS PICKS UP HIS CUP OF COFFEE AND BEGINS TO SIP IT, WHEN SHAWN SITS DOWN OPPOSITE HIM.

SHAWN: Marcus, do you think we can talk for a bit?

MARCUS: Sure thing. What's on your mind?

SHAWN: I don't think you ought to be dating my daughter.

MARCUS ALMOST SPITS HIS COFFEE OUT. HE ABRUPTLY PLACES THE CUP DOWN ON THE TABLE.

SHAWN: It's pretty bloody obvious!

MARCUS: I don't understand. What's obvious?

SHAWN: Well, why don't you try lookin' in the mirror, and maybe then you'll understand!

MARCUS GRIPS HIS FISTS TIGHTLY TOGETHER.

SHAWN: (DEEP BREATH) Now Marcus, I think you're a fine person and an excellent doctor...

MARCUS: But...

SHAWN: But... well, I just think people should stick with their own kind.

MARCUS PUSHES HIS COFFEE CUP AWAY AND STANDS UP.

SHAWN CROSSES HIS ARMS AND STARES STOICALLY INTO THE SPACE IN FRONT OF HIM. MARCUS PLACES SOME MONEY ON THE TABLE.

MARCUS GIVES SHAWN ONE MORE LOOK, THEN EXITS THE PUB. SHAWN STANDS NEAR THE TABLE WATCHING MARCUS GO OUT THE DOOR. KAYLA COMES BACK TO THE TABLE.

SHAWN: He left.

SHAWN STANDS UP AND WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN WITHOUT ANOTHER WORD. HOLD ON KAYLA'S CONFUSION.

CUT TO: SALEM PLACE MALL. CARRIE AND JONAH ARE SITTING ON A BENCH BY A FOUNTAIN. JONAH IS TALKING EXCITEDLY AS CARRIE NODS ABSENTLY. SHE LOOKS NERVOUS. IN PROGRESS.

CARRIE: Huh?

JONAH: Okay, so it's med student humor. You could have at least pretended to listen... snorted or something.

CARRIE: Oh.

JONAH: What is it?

CARRIE: There's a guy at the bench behind us. I saw him earlier at Johnny Angel's, and I think I saw him walking behind us in a couple of other stores.

JONAH: What? You mean...

CARRIE: I think he's following us.

JONAH: Are you sure it's the same guy? I mean, maybe it just looks like the same guy?

CARRIE: No. It's the same person. I'm positive.

JONAH: Oh, jeez... What should we do? (HE TURNS TO LOOK AT THE BENCH BEHIND THEM)

CARRIE: Don't look, stupid!

JONAH: Oh. Why?

CARRIE: We don't want him to know we're on to him.

JONAH: Oh. Sorry. But what should we do?

CARRIE: Don't act like we know he's there for starters.

JONAH: Act normal. Check. Okay... Why don't we get up and walk outside and drive away?

CARRIE: No. We want to stay where there's lots of people. We don't want him to be able to get us in the parking lot. We should walk toward the movie theater. There's always lines there.

JONAH: Okay.

CARRIE AND JONAH GET UP AND START WALKING. A MAN GETS UP FROM THE BENCH BEHIND THEM AND FOLLOWS THEM AT A DISTANCE.

CARRIE: Don't know. Don't look. Okay, see the corner coming up?

JONAH: Yeah.

CARRIE: The second store on the right is a TV store. They have a giant screen TV on display right in front.

JONAH: So?

CARRIE: We turn the corner, nice and slow and normal. Then we duck behind the projection TV real quick.

JONAH: Okay.

CARRIE: Okay. Here we are.

JONAH AND CARRIE TURN THE CORNER QUIETLY, THEN QUICKLY DASH BEHIND A PROJECTION TV ON DISPLAY IN THE CORNER OF A STORE. THEIR SHADOW WALKS PAST THEM. CARRIE POKES HER HEAD OUT FROM BEHIND THE TV AND SHE AND JONAH RUN BACK THE WAY THEY CAME.

CARRIE: Yeah. He kept on going. Now, we get to lose ourselves in the crowd. C'mon!

JONAH: What?

CARRIE DRAGS JONAH INTO A SHORT LINE AT THE MOVIE THEATER, WHERE THEY BUY TICKETS TO "JURASSIC PARK" THEY WALK INTO THE THEATER AND SETTLE DOWN.

JONAH: Are you sure?

CARRIE: Sure I'm sure. He has no idea we went to the movies, and even if he did, he doesn't know which one. The place is dark, so he can't look for us, and there's at least six exits. We shook him, partner!

JONAH: I hope so.

JONAH SETTLES DOWN NERVOUSLY, LOOKING AROUND, AS CARRIE LOOKS AROUND, A GRIN OF TRIUMPH ON HER FACE. HOLD ON JONAH AND CARRIE.

CUT TO: JENNIFER'S ROOM. JACK IS ASLEEP IN A CHAIR NEXT TO A SLEEPING JENNIFER. HIS ELBOW IS PERCHED ON THE ARM OF THE CHAIR, WHILE HIS HEAD RESTS ON HIS FIST. ABIGAIL IS QUIETLY PLAYING WITH A STUFFED BEAR IN HER PLAYPEN. JACK BEGINS TO SNORE, CAUSING JENNIFER TO AWAKEN. SHE LOOKS OVER AT ABIGAIL AND SMILES. TURNING TOWARDS JACK, JENNIFER GAZES LOVINGLY AT HIM. JACK'S HEAD MOVES AND ACCIDENTALLY SLIPS OFF HIS ARM, WAKING HIM WITH A START. JENNIFER GIVES A LITTLE LAUGH AND SMILES AT HIM.

JACK PULLS HIS CHAIR CLOSE TO JENNIFER. HE REACHES OUT FOR HER HAND.

JENNIFER: A little stiff, but other than that, I feel like being with my family.

JACK BRINGS JENNIFER'S HAND UP TO HIS LIPS AND TENDERLY KISSES EACH OF HER FINGERS.

JENNIFER LIGHTLY GRASPS JACK'S HAND.

JACK: (CONFUSED) Your what?

JENNIFER: While I was in the coma, I dreamed that you were the captain of a pirate ship... Oh, you wore this very sexy puffy shirt... and you were in search of Orange Crush and Grandma's doughnuts.

JACK: (CONFUSED, BUT SMILES) OK...

JENNIFER: Oh, and you saved me and my family from this evil dictator. Then, you and I sailed the seas and lived happily ever after.

JACK: A happy ending...

JENNIFER: Uh huh. There was also something about lasagna.

JACK: Boy, all this food! I don't really care for lasagna.

JENNIFER: Neither do I.

JACK: Well, that sounds like quite a dream.

ABIGAIL STARTS TO CHATTER. JACK GETS UP, PICKS ABIGAIL UP FROM HER PLAYPEN AND SITS BACK DOWN NEXT TO JENNIFER.

JENNIFER: Really!? What did she say?

JACK: Well, let's try to coerce some verbiage out of her. (TURNS TOWARDS ABIGAIL) Come on, don't you want to say hello to your mommy?

JENNIFER: Let me try. Abby... Abby... say something to mommy.

ABIGAIL GIGGLES AND SMILES, BUT DOES NOT TALK.

ABIGAIL CONTINUES TO GIGGLE. JACK AND JENNIFER COO AND MAKE FACES AT THEIR DAUGHTER. OUT ON THE THREE, LAUGHING TOGETHER. FADE TO BLACK.