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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: March 22, 1994
Time: The Day After #43,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1995
BRADY PUB. BO IS SEATED AT ONE OF THE BOOTHS, HIS HEAD DOWN ON THE TABLE. HE IS SNORING QUIETLY. CAROLINE AND MAX ARE COMING DOWN THE STEPS FROM THE BRADY RESIDENCE, AND INTO THE PUB. WITH EACH STEP MAX TAKES, WE HEAR A LOUD "THUD."CAROLINE: (SPOTTING BO) Max! Please be quiet! Bo's been up all night, and he needs his rest.
MAX: Sorry. (BEAT) I'm hungry. What's for breakfast?
CAROLINE GOES TO THE CASH REGISTER AND TAKES OUT TWO DOLLARS.CAROLINE: You can wait until you get to school. (HANDING MAX THE MONEY) This should take care of it.
MAX: But Ma, the school food sucks!
CAROLINE: Max! How many times do I have to tell you to watch your language. (BEAT) Now, I'll drive you to school. You can either eat there or go hungry, it's your choice.
MAX: (GRUMBLING) I'd rather go hungry.
HOLD ON MAX'S SULLEN LOOK.JACK: I'd forgotten how hectic it can be for us in the morning.CUT TO: JACK & JENNIFER'S KITCHEN. JACK IS WALKING FROM THE STOVE TO THE KITCHEN TABLE WITH THE OATMEAL HE HAS MADE FOR BREAKFAST. JENNIFER IS GETTING ABIGAIL SETTLED IN HER HIGH CHAIR.
JENNIFER: Rosie does do a lot around here, doesn't she? But she needed to go to the dentist this morning. She promised to be back before we left.
JACK: (DISHING THE OATMEAL INTO THE BOWLS) Enjoy.
JENNIFER: (TAKING A SPOONFUL OF OATMEAL) Open wide, Abby.
ABIGAIL IGNORES THE SPOON, AND DIGS BOTH HANDS INTO THE BOWL OF OATMEAL.JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Abigail!
JENNIFER GETS UP TO GET A DAMP CLOTH TO CLEAN ABIGAIL'S HANDS. ABIGAIL LOOKS AT JACK AND GIGGLES, THEN RESUMES EATING THE OATMEAL WITH HER HANDS. JACK SMILES AND SHAKES HIS HEAD. JENNIFER RETURNS TO THE TABLE, AND WIPES OFF ABIGAIL'S FINGERS.JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Abigail, Mommy and Daddy are too tired for this. (TO JACK) But at least we got the story done.
JACK: Speaking of which...
JACK GETS UP FROM THE TABLE AND WALKS OUT THE DOOR. JENNIFER ATTEMPTS TO FEED ABIGAIL.JENNIFER: Come on, honey, eat your breakfast. When you're done, your Mommy and Daddy are going to go see the Bradys.
JACK WALKS BACK IN, HOLDING THE MORNING EDITION OF THE SPECTATOR.JACK: (CONT'D) Good... Vern got the picture in, too.
JACK HANDS JENNIFER THE PAPER, WHERE SHE SCANS OVER THEIR ARTICLE ON SHAWN-DOUGLAS' DISAPPEARANCE.JENNIFER: I hope it helps.
HOLD ON THE NEWSPAPER PHOTO OF SHAWN-DOUGLAS.JULIE: Doug, darling... have you been up all night? How are you, my love?CUT TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S KITCHEN. DOUG SITS AT THE KITCHEN TABLE, ABSENTLY STIRRING A CUP OF COFFEE. THE HALF-EMPTY COFFEE POT IN FRONT OF HIM SUGGESTS HE'S BEEN UP A WHILE. JULIE ENTERS.
JULIE WALKS OVER TO STAND BEHIND DOUG, HUGGING HIM AROUND THE SHOULDERS. HE BRINGS HIS ARMS UP TO RETURN HER EMBRACE. SHE THEN GETS A CUP AND POURS HERSELF SOME COFFEE, FINALLY SITTING DOWN AT THE TABLE HERSELF.DOUG: I got up around 2... or was it 3? I couldn't sleep. I'm glad I didn't wake you...
JULIE: I wish you would have. I hate to think of you sitting down here, all alone...
DOUG: I'm afraid I would have been poor company, love. I was thinking how afraid I am... how worried about Shawn-Douglas.
JULIE: I know... I can't believe this is happening.
DOUG: Me either... it's like... like the night when you called about Hope...
JULIE: Oh, Doug....
DOUG: It was so late, the phone rang... and I could tell, by your voice... that it was something awful. I never would have guessed how awful...
JULIE: But this won't end like that... it can't.
DOUG: No, it can't. Because if I know anything in this world, I know I can't... can't go through that again....
JULIE: (TAKING HIS HAND AND HOLDING IT TIGHTLY IN HER OWN) Oh, my love... Shawn-Douglas will come home safely... he has to.....
OUT ON THEIR TWO HANDS.
JOHN'S BEDROOM/HALLWAY. JOHN IS IN BED, SLEEPING. SUDDENLY, THE "LOONEY TUNES" THEME MUSIC BLARES FROM DOWNSTAIRS. JOHN SITS UP IN BED, AND GRABS HIS ALARM CLOCK, HOLDING IT LIKE A WEAPON.JOHN: Who's there? What is it?
AS REALIZATION DAWNS, JOHN RUBS HIS HAND OVER HIS FACE AND FLOPS BACK ONTO THE PILLOWS WITH A SIGH.JOHN: (CONT'D) Nikki. I'm going to have a talk with that boy...
OFF CAMERA WE HEAR BRADY CRYING. JOHN SIGHS AGAIN AND GETS OUT OF BED.JOHN: (CONT'D) I'm coming, Slugger. I'm coming.
AS JOHN EXITS THE BEDROOM, HE ALMOST TRIPS OVER IVAN WHO IS CARRYING A POT OF COFFEE.IVAN: Would you care for coffee, Mister Black?
JOHN: No thanks, Ivan. Not right this second, anyway.
JOHN STAGGERS DOWN THE HALL TOWARDS BRADY'S ROOM.JOHN: Geez, he feels warm. And soaking wet, too. Ivan, c'mere. Does it seem like Brady has a fever to you?CUT TO: BRADY'S ROOM. BRADY IS STANDING UP IN HIS CRIB CRYING. JOHN WALKS IN, PICKS UP HIS SON AND TRIES TO SOOTHE HIM. IVAN IS LOOKING IN FROM THE DOORWAY.
IVAN TENTATIVELY FEELS BRADY'S HEAD.IVAN: Perhaps a little...
JOHN DUMPS BRADY INTO IVAN'S ARMS AND BEGINS RUMMAGING THROUGH THE DRAWER OF THE CHANGING TABLE.JOHN: Here. Hold him for a minute while I find the thermometer...
IVAN: (SURPRISED) Me? I... I've not much experience with babies, Mister Black.
JOHN FINDS THE THERMOMETER AND HOLDS IT TO BRADY'S EAR. HE LOOKS AT THE GAUGE AND FROWNS A LITTLE.JOHN: A little high. We'll go with the Children's Tylenol for now, I guess. (TO IVAN) You're doing fine.
IVAN: Thank you, Mr. Black, but if you're ready...
IVAN HANDS BRADY BACK TO HIS FATHER.JOHN: There you go, pal. Say "thanks Ivan." (JOHN MIMICS A BABY VOICE, AS IF BRADY WERE SPEAKING) Thanks, Ivan.
IVAN: (TRYING TO MAINTAIN DIGNITY) You're welcome Master Brady... now if you will excuse me...
IVAN HASTILY LEAVES THE ROOM.JOHN: (TO BRADY) Now as soon as I can get myself dressed, we'll head over to the Pub to see if Grandpa and Grandma have found out anything about your cousin.
HOLD ON JOHN.JACK: (LOOKING AT DOUG) Poor man... He looks exhausted... The stress must be awful.CUT TO: BRADY PUB. JACK AND JENNIFER ARRIVE AND STAND IN THE DOORWAY FOR A MOMENT SURVEYING THE ROOM. TOM AND ALICE ARE SITTING IN A BOOTH ACROSS FROM BO. DOUG AND JULIE STAND NEARBY, OBVIOUSLY HAVING JUST ARRIVED.
JENNIFER: And Bo doesn't look much better. I'll bet he hasn't slept at all.
TOM AND ALICE WAVE THEM OVER.ALICE: Jack, darling. That article in the Spectator was a wonderful idea.
JULIE: Yes. Thank you for running it so quickly.
JACK: It's the least I could do.
JENNIFER SITS NEXT TO TOM. JACK SITS DOWN, BUT IS FIDGETY.JENNIFER: Bo, how are doing?
BO: All right... I just wish I knew something... anything... the waiting...
JENNIFER: Is there anything I can do?
BO: I think you and Jack have done a lot. That article should help... Thank you...
JENNIFER: You're welcome, Bo. Jack and I... really Jack... worked on that most of the night, making sure it was perfect. We wanted to make a difference. (TO JACK) Didn't we, Jack?
JACK: (UNCOMFORTABLE AT THE PRAISE) Anyone would have done the same... Excuse me... I think I need some coffee.
JACK GETS UP AND HEADS TOWARDS A POT OF COFFEE ON THE BAR. JULIE, DOUG, ALICE, TOM, BO AND JENNIFER FALL INTO AN EASY FAMILY DISCUSSION (WHICH WE DO NOT HEAR). JACK LOOKS AT THE HORTON GROUP WITH A MIXTURE OF ENVY AND DISCOMFORT WHEN JO AND VERN COME IN. JACK LOOKS AT THEM WITH RELIEF, GOING TO GREET THEM.JACK: (CONT'D) Hello, Jo. Vern. You've come to offer moral support, I suppose.
JO: Of course. Has there been any word on Shawn-Douglas?
JACK: No, not yet.
JO: (LOOKING AT THE FAMILY GROUP) I wish there was something I could do to help... I know what it's like to lose a child... (LOOKING AT JACK)
JACK: (UNCOMFORTABLE, QUICKLY CHANGING THE SUBJECT) Vern, did you happen to catch that John Wayne movie on cable last night? It was one of his best...
HOLD ON JO AND VERN'S SURPRISE.CUT TO: ALLEYWAY. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS SLEEPING BEHIND A SET OF BEAT-UP TRASH CANS. IN THE DISTANCE, A CAR HONKS ITS HORN AND A DOG BARKS, STIRRING SHAWN-DOUGLAS FROM HIS UNEASY SLEEP. HE PEELS OFF THE PLASTIC GARBAGE BAGS HE USED AS BLANKETS DURING THE NIGHT, AND YAWNS. STRETCHING, SHAWN-DOUGLAS LOOKS AT HIS SURROUNDINGS IN CONFUSION. SHAWN-DOUGLAS BEGINS TO STAND UP, WHEN A STREET PERSON DASHES PAST, PUSHING A GROCERY CART, AND SCREAMING NONSENSE. STARTLED AND FRIGHTENED, SHAWN-DOUGLAS CROUCHES FURTHER BACK BEHIND THE GARBAGE CANS. HE BEGINS TO SHAKE AS TEARS ROLL DOWN HIS FACE. OUT ON SHAWN-DOUGLAS.
BRADY PUB. JOHN ENTERS, CARRYING BRADY. HE NEARLY BUMPS INTO JO AND VERN, WHO ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT.JOHN: (PULLING BACK TO AVOID A COLLISION) Whoa, there!
JOHN ENTERS AGAIN, MORE CAUTIOUSLY.VERN: Hello, John.
JOHN: Hi, Vern. Jo.
JO: Hi, John. And hello there, little Brady.
BRADY: Hi!
JOHN: Have you guys been here a while? Is there any news about Shawn-Douglas?
VERN: No, there hasn't been any word. We stopped by to check in and see how everyone was holding up.
JOHN: Well, thanks for caring. I'm sure the family appreciates it.
JO: I wish we could do more. (BEAT) I know what it's like to lose a son...
JOHN: We all wish we could do more. (BEAT) I'm gonna go see Shawn and Caroline. Good to see you two.
VERN: You, too. I hope Shawn-Douglas is found soon.
JO: Yes, he's in our prayers.
JOHN: Thanks.
JO AND VERN EXIT. JOHN GOES OVER TO THE BAR, WHERE SHAWN AND CAROLINE ARE SEATED.JOHN: (CONT'D) Hey, Shawn, Caroline. How are you two doing?
SHAWN: We'd be much better if our grandson were back home where he belongs, but... we're holdin' up.
JOHN: (SITTING DOWN ON A STOOL AND SETTING BRADY ON HIS LAP) Jo and Vern said there haven't been any new developments.
CAROLINE: (SADLY) No, nothing.
JOHN LOOKS OVER AT BO, WHO IS ON THE PHONE. HE TURNS BACK TO SHAWN AND CAROLINE.JOHN: How is Bo doing? He looks... tired.
SHAWN: He should... He's been up all night.
CAROLINE: I think he spent most of the night next to the phone.
SHAWN: Aye. Either that, or goin' by the boat to see if Shawn-Douglas went back there.
JOHN: I can't even imagine what Bo must be going through. (BEAT) If anything ever happened to Brady, I don't know what I'd do.
JOHN HUGS BRADY.BO: Yeah. (BEAT) Thanks, Captain. I'll check in a little later. 'Bye.GO TO: THE END OF THE BAR. BO IS ON THE PHONE, ONE-WAY.
HE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND SIGHS HEAVILY. HE LOOKS OVER AT THE BOOTH WHERE THE HORTONS ARE SEATED. HE NOTICES JACK SITTING ON THE END, LOOKING RATHER UNCOMFORTABLE. BO GETS UP AND WALKS OVER TO THE BOOTH. THE HORTONS' CONVERSATION DIES DOWN.BO: (CONT'D) Jack, could I talk to you for a minute?
JACK: Certainly. (TO JENNIFER) I'll be right back.
JENNIFER: Sure.
BO LEADS JACK TO AN EMPTY TABLE AND THEY SIT DOWN. THE SITUATION IS OBVIOUSLY SOMEWHAT AWKWARD FOR BOTH OF THEM.JACK: What can I do for you, Bo?
BO: Actually, it's what you've already done. (BEAT) I wanted to thank you for writing that article about Shawn-D. I really appreciate it.
JACK: I didn't do much.
BO: That's not what Jennifer said.
JACK: It was nothing.
BO: Jack, it was a lot. Why don't you just accept my thanks?
JACK: All right... (DEEP BREATH) You're welcome. I was glad I could do something to help. (BEAT) I remember what Steve and Kayla went through when Stephanie was taken.
BO: Yeah...
THERE IS AN UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE. BOTH MEN NOD SLIGHTLY, BUT SAY NOTHING. JACK FINALLY BREAKS THE SILENCE.JACK: I'm sorry. Jennifer will never believe this, but I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what will help...
BO: We've never talked much, even under normal circumstances.
JACK: True. (BEAT) We could do something about that...
BO: We could...
JACK: After all, you are the godfather of my child.
BO: Say, how is Abby doing?
JACK: Very well, thank you. (BEAT) She's starting to talk...
BO: Really? That's great.
JACK: Just little words right now, but we'll work on that.
BO: I'm sure you will. She'll probably be quoting Shakespeare in no time...
BO GIVES JACK A HALF SMILE, THEN LOOKS DOWN AND SADLY SHAKES HIS HEAD.JACK: Something wrong?
BO: I was thinking about how I promised you I would try to be a better godfather to Abby. (BEAT) I've really blown it on that promise.
JACK: Don't worry about that. Right now, Shawn-Douglas should be your number one... your only priority.
BO: You're right, but...
JACK: (INTERRUPTING) But, nothing. There's no need to get down on yourself about Abigail.
BO: Still, I promised. I should have done better, I should have tried harder...
JACK: Bo, listen... I know what you're feeling. I know what it's like when you have to prove yourself, especially when you already have a few strikes against you. (BEAT) I also know that the hardest one to convince is that proverbial man in the mirror.
BO NODS.JACK: (CONT'D) So, tell that guy to give you a break. (BEAT) Jennifer and I still have the utmost confidence in you. Don't lose confidence in yourself.
THEY EXCHANGE A KNOWING LOOK. HOLD ON BO.KAYLA: Hi Ma... John. Any news?GO TO: MARCUS AND KAYLA, ENTERING THE PUB. MARCUS IS CARRYING STEPHANIE, PIGGYBACK. WHEN HE LIFTS HER DOWN, SHE RUNS TOWARDS CAROLINE, WHO IS STANDING NEAR THE BAR AND TALKING TO SHAWN AND JOHN. BRADY IS IN HIS STROLLER, NEXT TO JOHN. WHEN SHAWN SEES MARCUS, HIS EXPRESSION TURNS SOUR, AND HE WALKS AWAY. JOHN NOTICES SHAWN'S REACTION, AND LOOKS AFTER HIM IN CONFUSION. KAYLA AND MARCUS WALK UP TO JOHN AND CAROLINE.
JOHN: Nope. Practically everyone's out looking, but nobody's seen him.
KAYLA: How's Bo holding up?
CAROLINE: As well as can be expected. He's worried to death.
KAYLA: I know how it feels when your child is missing. (SHIVERS) You feel so helpless.
MARCUS PUTS HIS ARM AROUND KAYLA.MARCUS: But, Stephanie was found... and so will Shawn-Douglas.
STEPHANIE: Mama, why is everyone so sad?
KAYLA: Stephanie, remember? I told you. Your cousin Shawn-Douglas... went out to play without asking permission. His papa's worried because he hasn't come home yet.
STEPHANIE: But he'll be home soon, right?
CAROLINE: (LOOKING FROM STEPHANIE TO KAYLA) Why don't I take Stephanie and Brady upstairs so they can play together?
KAYLA: That'll be great Ma, thanks. (TO STEPHANIE) Steffi, would you like to go upstairs and play with Brady?
STEPHANIE: Yes, that'll be fun. (TO BRADY) Come on, Brady. I'll show you the new game Uncle Marcus taught me.
JOHN LIFTS BRADY UP FROM HIS SEAT, AND HANDS HIM TO CAROLINE.JOHN: There you go slugger. Be a good boy for your grandma!
CAROLINE WALKS OFF, CARRYING BRADY. STEPHANIE SKIPS ON AHEAD. AS CAROLINE LEAVES WITH BRADY AND STEPHANIE, MARCUS' PAGER GOES OFF.KAYLA: I thought today was your day off...
MARCUS: It is, but I'm on call for advice. This should only take a minute.
MARCUS WALKS OVER TO THE PHONE. KAYLA AND JOHN SIT DOWN AT THE BAR.JOHN: Hey Kay, do you have a clue what's up with Shawn? He took one look at you, and stomped off.
KAYLA: (MAKING A FACE) For some reason, Pop doesn't approve of me and Marcus. I've had more than one run-in about it with him.
JOHN: You and the doc look pretty good together.
KAYLA: Thanks. Sometimes Pop gets me so angry with that Brady stubbornness of his!
JOHN: I wonder what his problem could be? Heck, a plastic surgeon seems to me to be a pretty good catch. Who knows, in a few years, you may need to use his services.
KAYLA PLAYFULLY PUNCHES JOHN ON HIS ARM.JOHN: (CONT') Hey! What was that for!
KAYLA: You know why! Plastic surgeon, indeed!
HOLD ON JOHN AND KAYLA.CAROLINE: What's the matter?CUT TO: BRADY LIVING ROOM. SHAWN IS SITTING ON THE COUCH, GLOWERING. IN THE BACKGROUND, CAROLINE PUTS BRADY IN THE PLAYPEN WITH SOME STUFFED ANIMALS AND GETS STEPHANIE SOME PAPER DOLLS TO PLAY WITH. THEN SHE COMES OVER AND SITS NEXT TO SHAWN.
SHAWN: You have to ask? You know I don't like seeing Kayla with Marcus.
CAROLINE: (FRUSTRATED) Oh, Shawn, not that again. How many times do we have to keep having this conversation?
SHAWN: As many times as it takes until that thick-skulled daughter of yours sees sense.
CAROLINE: I really hate it when you do that. They're my kids when you're upset at them for something, but when everything's fine they're all yours.
SHAWN: Hmmpf. Maybe if you didn't let them have their own way all the time...
CAROLINE IS OBVIOUSLY GETTING ANGRIER BY THE SECOND, BUT MINDFUL OF STEPHANIE AND BRADY, TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND TRIES AGAIN.CAROLINE: At a time like this, you should be grateful that Kayla has found someone to be happy with. Isn't the family going through enough pain right now without you adding to it?
SHAWN: I'd love to be happy for Kay. But it's not possible. This relationship with Marcus is wrong. It's that simple.
CAROLINE STANDS UP AND GOES TO THE DOOR.CAROLINE: All right, Shawn Brady, I can see there's no talking to you.
SHAWN FOLDS HIS ARMS AND GLOWERS.CAROLINE: (CONT'D) Goodness, you're no better than Brady and Stephanie with that pout. Probably worse. I'm going downstairs to be with my son. You watch your grandchildren.
CAROLINE WALKS OUT AS SHAWN STARES AFTER HER.SHAWN: I might have a wee bit o' temper, but I'm right about Kayla and Marcus. You'll see Caroline Brady... You'll see...
OUT ON SHAWN.
LOFT / GUEST ROOM. VIVIAN IS PUTTING CLOTHES IN A DRAWER, WHEN WE HEAR A DISCREET TAP AT THE DOOR.VIVIAN: Come in...
IVAN: Madame... Do you have a moment?
VIVIAN: For my Ivan-of-all-trades? Of course.
IVAN WALKS INTO THE ROOM.VIVIAN: (CONT'D) Is this about the living arrangements? I know they're not the best...
IVAN: No, the loft is fine. (BEAT) Anywhere is fine as long as I am... at your service, Madame.
IVAN REACHES OUT AND TAKES VIVIAN'S HAND, HE RAISES HER HAND TO HIS LIPS, BUT JUST AS HE IS ABOUT TO KISS IT, WE HEAR A LOUD SHOUT FROM DOWNSTAIRS. IT IS NICHOLAS.NICHOLAS: (V.O.) Nooo... Argh!
VIVIAN JUMPS, AND PULLS HER HAND FREE, READY TO RACE DOWNSTAIRS. THEN WE HEAR NICHOLAS CHEER.NICHOLAS: (CONT'D) (V.O.) Yes! All right! Good call!
VIVIAN STOPS AND TURNS TO IVAN.IVAN: Master Nicholas is watching a baseball game. Spring training, I believe they call it.
VIVIAN: Wretched American sport... The poor child is going to be corrupted by the time we return to the Continent.
IVAN: And will we return to Europe?
VIVIAN: One day... I must believe that. I must believe we'll escape Lawrence.
NICHOLAS: (V.O.) What are you, blind? He's out!
VIVIAN: (SMILING) At least Nikki has found a diversion from the strain of the past months.
IVAN: Madame, perhaps we could find a diversion as well...
HOLD ON IVAN'S INVITATION.BO: Y'know, when I look back, I see a lot of things that I took for granted.CUT TO: BRADY PUB. BO AND JACK. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: That just means you're human. We all have regrets.
BO: I always assumed that Hope and I would be together forever. I was wrong. (BEAT) Then Carly came along, and I thought, this time, it'll last. Wrong again.
JACK: It wasn't your fault...
BO: You'd think I would have learned my lesson. I had two chances with the most beautiful, wonderful, caring women...
JACK WINCES AT BO'S DESCRIPTION OF CARLY.JACK: Have you talked to John recently?
BO: What kind of a question is that?
JACK: (COVERING, REALIZING BO DOES NOT YET KNOW THE TRUTH) Nothing... I was thinking... about Isabella. How he'd lost her... I thought maybe he could help...
BO: He has. Both of us found love, that's what I cling to... remembering the love... not the loss... Most people aren't lucky enough to find that kind of love.
JACK: I understand. I feel like I've been given a second chance... after Jennifer's accident.
BO: Yeah, but you're taking advantage of your second chance. Me, I just keep screwing up. First Hope, then Carly, and now...
JACK: Now... we wait. (BEAT) You will get your son back. I believe that.
BO: I hope you're right. (EYEING JACK) It sounds a little strange, coming from you.
JACK: What do you mean?
BO: You always struck me as being more... fatalistic, more cynical.
JACK: Yes, well... I was... But I'm getting better...
BO: Oh, yeah? What's your secret?
JACK: Fatherhood. Raising Abigail has changed my outlook on life. You think about things more carefully when you have someone so dependent upon you.
BO: Yeah... You should think about things more carefully. Right now, I feel like I haven't given anything much thought...
JACK: Give yourself a little credit. You know what they say, about hindsight...
BO: I'm beginning to wonder if maybe Shawn-D really did run away. (BEAT) And if that's the case, then it's no one's fault but my own.
JACK: If Shawn-Douglas ran away, then I'm sure it's not as simple as that. He saw someone shoot Carly... and you. It's not your fault he was there.
BO: It's more than that. He was upset about me going back on the street, but I did it anyway. I put my own needs before his.
JACK: Well, I wouldn't...
BO: Maybe that was the last straw for him. Maybe I've been like this all along. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention to him, maybe I didn't do enough for him. (BEAT) Or maybe I did all the wrong things...
JACK: Second-guessing yourself like this won't help. You've done the best you can to raise your child and provide for him. That's all any parent can do.
BO LOOKS DOUBTFULLY AT JACK.MARCUS: So, John, how's life in the big ivory towers of the corporate world?GO TO: THE BAR, WHERE JOHN AND KAYLA ARE SITTING. MARCUS HAS REJOINED THEM, AND THE THREE ARE TALKING. IN PROGRESS.
JOHN: Well, I tell ya... I'm learning, but it's pretty slow going. (BEAT) If not for Vivian, I'd probably still be completely lost.
KAYLA: Vivian? Vivian Alamain?
JOHN: Yup. She's been teaching me a lot about the Alamain businesses.
KAYLA: Hmmm... That's surprising.
MARCUS: Yeah, from what Kayla's told me, you've always tried to distance yourself from the Alamains.
JOHN: Well, that would be kind of difficult to do, under the present circumstances.
KAYLA: What do you mean?
JOHN: Vivian, Nikki, and Ivan are staying with me at the loft.
KAYLA: What?
JOHN: Yeah, I know. Sometimes I wonder about it myself.
MARCUS: No offense, John, but why would they leave Lawrence's mansion to live in a two-bedroom loft?
JOHN: One reason: Lawrence. (BEAT) A while back, the three of them tried to run away. Lawrence caught them and locked Vivian and Ivan in the attic as punishment.
KAYLA: That's awful. Poor Nikki...
JOHN: He'd let them out to maintain appearances. Ivan slipped me a note and told me what was going on. I was planning to help them escape, when the cops arrested Lawrence for the Carver and Carver burglary.
MARCUS: The perfect opportunity to get the three of them out of there.
JOHN: Yeah. Anyway, Vivian and I were trying to figure out where they could go and be safe from Lawrence. Before I knew it, I was insisting that they move into the loft.
KAYLA: So, you're doing this to protect them?
JOHN: Yes. I know it might seem strange...
KAYLA: Very strange. I'm not sure I'd trust Vivian, no matter what the circumstances.
JOHN: Believe me, I'm keeping an eye on her. I'm never quite sure what she's up to. (BEAT) But I do know that she wants what's best for Nikki.
MARCUS: How's he coping? It can't be easy for a kid that age.
JOHN: He's adjusting quite well. He was miserable at Lawrence's. I think he's happy just to be away from there.
KAYLA: What about Ivan? He's a mysterious character.
JOHN: Ohhhh, man... If any of them are going drive me nuts, it'll be Ivan.
MARCUS: Why?
JOHN: He insists on acting like a servant, no matter what I do to try to stop him. The other morning, I get up to take a shower, right? I pull back the curtain, and there's Ivan, scrubbing the tiles!
KAYLA: (CHUCKLING) Oh, my... He needs to work on his timing, huh?
JOHN: He needs to loosen up and learn how to be someone's guest. Oh, well...
JOHN LOOKS OVER AND NOTICES JACK GETTING UP FROM THE TABLE WHERE BO IS STILL SITTING.JOHN: (CONT'D) Excuse me, will you guys? I want to go talk to Bo.
KAYLA: Sure.
MARCUS: You bet, man.
JOHN: (STANDING) Thanks.
GO TO: BO AND JACK AT THE TABLE. JACK IS NOW STANDING .BO: Thanks, Jack. For the article, for the talk... Thanks.
JACK AND BO SHAKE HANDS.JACK: Anytime. If there's anything else I can do, let me know.
JACK WALKS BACK OVER TO REJOIN THE HORTONS. JOHN APPROACHES BO.JOHN: Hey, Bo.
BO: Hi, John.
JOHN: Mind if I sit?
BO: Go ahead.
JOHN SITS DOWN.JOHN: How are you holding up, bro?
BO: I... I'm tired, I guess. I haven't thought about it much. All I can think about is my boy, where he is, is he okay...
JOHN: I hear ya. (BEAT) You know, if you need anything, all you have to do is ask. Finances for a reward offer, private investigators, or plain old moral support. Whatever you need.
BO: Thanks. (BEAT) I could use some of that moral support right about now.
GO TO: THE BAR. MARCUS AND KAYLA ARE WATCHING BO AND JOHN.MARCUS: Bo is lucky to have so many people around him who care.
KAYLA: At times like this, you need your family around you.
MARCUS: Yeah, you guys are fortunate to have each other. (BEAT) I envy that about you Bradys. I wish I had a close family like that.
KAYLA: You do...
KAYLA TAKES MARCUS' HAND AND THEY LOOK AT ONE ANOTHER. OUT ON MARCUS.
BRADY LIVING ROOM. CAROLINE HAS RETURNED, BUT THE MOOD IS STILL TENSE.CAROLINE: I don't know why you are being so stubborn. It wouldn't kill you to admit that Marcus and Kayla might be good for each other.
SHAWN: And I don't know why you've accepted this... situation so easily.
CAROLINE: Kayla and Marcus have been friends for years, Shawn. It's not surprising that their relationship is growing, deepening...
SHAWN: It's not right, I tell you.
CAROLINE: And that's it, isn't it? Kayla isn't following the gospel according to Shawn Brady, so automatically she's wrong. (BEAT) Would you be this upset if it were Kimmy?
SHAWN: (FRUSTRATED) I don't want to talk about this anymore.
WITH THAT, SHAWN STANDS AND WALKS OUT THE DOOR. HOLD ON CAROLINE LOOKING AFTER HIM.JENNIFER: What were you and Bo talking about, Jack?CUT TO: BRADY PUB. TOM, ALICE, DOUG, JULIE, AND JENNIFER ARE STILL SITTING AT THEIR BOOTH. JACK HAS JUST REJOINED THEM. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: Oh, he wanted to say "thank you" for the article in the Spectator.
DOUG: That was a pretty long "thank you"...
JACK: Yes, well... I think he needed to get some things off his chest. And, he happened to have my ear. I did my best to make it a sympathetic one.
ALICE: I'm sure you did fine, dear.
JULIE: (CONCERNED) Jack, how does he sound? He looks positively awful...
JACK: He's not sounding much better. I doubt that he slept at all last night. (BEAT) He's definitely seen better days.
JENNIFER: I can't even imagine what he's going through. If anything ever happened to Abby...
JENNIFER GRASPS JACK'S HAND AND SQUEEZES IT TIGHTLY.JULIE: It must be unbearable. (BEAT) Especially after seeing Hope die, and then being there when Carly was killed... (TEARS WELL IN HER EYES) And now he might lose his son, too...
DOUG PUTS HIS ARM AROUND JULIE AND PULLS HER CLOSE. SHE LEANS HER HEAD AGAINST HIS SHOULDER AND CLOSES HER EYES.TOM: I know how bleak the situation looks, but we can't give up. We have to keep praying, keep believing that Shawn-Douglas will be found.
ALICE: Tom's right. We must try not to assume the worst.
JULIE: I know, Grandma, I know. It's just so hard... I swear, if Lawrence Alamain is behind this, I'll make him pay. I don't know how, but I'll make him pay.
JACK: Do you have any proof that Lawrence was involved?
JULIE: No, but Bo has a strong suspicion .
DOUG: Well, I wouldn't be surprised. This kind of thing is right up his alley.
ALICE: I agree. He's certainly capable of kidnapping a small child without blinking an eye...
JENNIFER: (SHUDDERING) He's capable of a lot more than that. He's evil...
ALICE: I'm sorry, dear, I didn't mean to dredge up bad memories.
JENNIFER: It's all right, Grandma...
JACK PUTS HIS ARM AROUND JENNIFER.JACK: I think it's about time we left. (BEAT) I'd like to spend a little time with our child.
JENNIFER: (STILL SHAKEN) Yes, I'd like to see my little girl...
JACK AND JENNIFER STAND UP.ALICE: Give Abigail a kiss from her grandma, okay?
JENNIFER: Okay, I will.
JACK HELPS JENNIFER WITH HER COAT.JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Call us if there's any news.
JULIE: We will.
JACK: Good-bye, all.
EVERYONE SAYS GOODBYE TO JACK AND JENNIFER AND THEY EXIT. JULIE TURNS TO DOUG.JULIE: You've been very quiet, darling. What's on your mind?
DOUG: I've been thinking about how Shawn-Douglas was acting recently. He was disturbed, upset...
TOM: Seeing Bo and Carly get shot clearly traumatized him. But, I thought Dr. Ector was making progress with him.
DOUG: Maybe so, but I don't know if it was enough.
ALICE: What are you saying, Doug?
DOUG: I'm afraid that Shawn-Douglas has run away.
JULIE: You really think so?
DOUG: I'm afraid that he's been crying out to his family for help and none of us heard him. I'm afraid that we let him down... I let him down... and he couldn't take it any more.
ALICE: I don't think that's the case, dear.
TOM: You can't blame yourself for everything that's happened to him.
DOUG: No, but I can blame myself for not listening better, for not doing more to help my grandson...
JULIE: Doug, you're talking nonsense. You've been wonderful with Shawn-Douglas. You've been attentive, understanding, patient... You've done all that anyone could ask.
DOUG: But it seems that it wasn't enough... First, my daughter, now my grandson...
HOLD ON DOUG'S DESPAIR.CUT TO: THE RIVERFRONT (OBVIOUSLY A "BAD" PART OF TOWN). WE HEAR "NOBODY'S CHILD" BY THE TRAVELLING WILBURYS BEGIN TO PLAY. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS WALKING SLOWLY DOWN THE ALLEY. THE WIND GUSTS, AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS SHIVERS, PULLING HIS JACKET CLOSER AROUND HIS SHOULDERS. HE SEES A CRATE, AND SITS DOWN ON IT, OPENING UP HIS BACKPACK. HE FEELS AROUND INSIDE AND PULLS OUT A CANDY-BAR, HIS LAST. HE'S UNWRAPPING THE WRAPPER WHEN HE HEARS A LOUD CRASH. HE JUMPS UP, DROPPING THE CANDY AND TURNS TO SEE THAT THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY A CAT, BEING CHASED BY ANOTHER CAT. HE LOOKS DOWN AT HIS CANDY, FLOATING IN A DIRTY PUDDLE OF WATER. HE REACHES FOR IT, BUT REALIZES IT'S NOW INEDIBLE. A TEAR ROLLS DOWN HIS CHEEK.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB. ALICE, TOM, JULIE, AND DOUG ARE SITTING AT A TABLE. BO AND JOHN SIT AT A TABLE NEARBY. JOHN REACHES OUT TO TAKE HOLD OF BO'S SHOULDER, AND BO LEANS FORWARD, PUTTING HIS FOREHEAD ON JOHN'S SHOULDER. JOHN GRIPS BO'S SHOULDER, AS BO STRUGGLES NOT TO CRY. OUT ON JOHN AND BO.
SALEM PARK. KAYLA AND MARCUS SIT ON A BENCH NEAR THE PLAYGROUND. STEPHANIE IS "TIGHTROPE WALKING" ON A LOW STONE WALL, AS KAYLA AND MARCUS WATCH HER.MARCUS: I'm glad you decided to get out of the pub for a while.
KAYLA: I hated to leave Bo, but I was worried about Stephanie. I know she could sense the stress and fear, even if she didn't understand exactly what was going on.
STEPHANIE RUNS OFF TO PLAY ON THE MONKEY BARS.MARCUS: Of course she could, she's a bright little girl.
KAYLA: Poor Bo... I haven't seen him this distraught since... Hope...
MARCUS: First Hope and now her son. I can't even imagine Bo's pain...
KAYLA: I think I know exactly how Bo feels. Stephanie is all I have left of Steve. It would rip out my heart if anything happened to her. It's the same with Bo, Shawn-Douglas is all he's got left of Hope.
MARCUS: We'll find him soon, don't worry.
KAYLA: I feel like I've got to watch Stephanie all the time. I'm afraid to take my eyes off her even for a second.
MARCUS: That's a normal reaction, I think. I find myself looking for her and counting heads in a crowd.
KAYLA WATCHES STEPHANIE AS THE LITTLE GIRL SMILES AND WAVES.STEPHANIE: Hi, Mommy!
KAYLA: Steve would be proud of her, don't you think?
MARCUS: Of course he would be. I know I am.
KAYLA PUTS HER HEAD ON MARCUS' SHOULDER.KAYLA: I'm so glad I have someone like you in my life.
MARCUS: So am I, Kayla, so am I...
HOLD ON MARCUS AND KAYLA.JOHN: I'm sorry, that was the office. I've got to go in for a little while. We'll be back as soon as we can.CUT TO: BRADY PUB. CAROLINE AND BRADY SIT WITH BO. JOHN IS WALKING BACK FROM THE PHONE. IN PROGRESS.
CAROLINE: You're more than welcome to leave Brady here, John.
JOHN PICKS UP BRADY AND PUTS ON HIS COAT.JOHN: Nah, I'll take him with me. He likes to flirt with my secretary.
JOHN GOES OVER TO THE DOOR. JUST AS HE'S PUTTING BRADY INTO THE STROLLER, MAX BURSTS IN.MAX: Why is everybody here!? I've been waiting and waiting at school.
CAROLINE: (DISTRACTED) I'm sorry dear, we lost track of the time I guess. There's been a lot of things going on...
MAX: But I was waiting for someone to pick me up. Finally I had to walk home.
CAROLINE: Please, Max. It's not that long a walk, I'm sure you didn't suffer too much.
MAX STOMPS OFF TOWARDS THE STEPS.MAX: Oh, sure. I'm just the adopted kid. Why should anyone worry about me?
JOHN MAKES A MOVE TO GO AFTER MAX, BUT CAROLINE WAVES HIM BACK. HOLD ON CAROLINE'S FRUSTRATION.JENNIFER: Thanks for coming along today, Jack.CUT TO: DEVERAUX CAR. JACK IS DRIVING. JENNIFER IS LEANING AGAINST HIM WITH HER HEAD ON HIS SHOULDER. BOTH OF THEM ARE WATCHING THE ROAD AHEAD.
JACK: Don't mention it.
JENNIFER: No... I know that family gatherings make you uncomfortable. I really appreciate your being there.
JACK: Don't worry. I managed just fine.
JENNIFER: I know.
JACK: I'm glad I went. Bo and I had a chance to talk. It was good.
JENNIFER: I'm glad you two could do that. He is Abby's godfather, after all.
JACK: Yes. (BEAT) We talked about fatherhood. It was... enlightening.
JENNIFER: Really?
JACK: Really. It made me think about how I've changed since the child... since Abigail was born. (BEAT) I feel like I've grown quite a bit in the last couple years.
JENNIFER: I agree.
JACK: It's a serious responsibility, raising a child. (BEAT) Bo told me he feels like he hasn't lived up to that responsibility lately. He blames himself for Shawn-Douglas' current emotional state...
JENNIFER: I feel so badly for him. He's had to live with so much tragedy. First Hope, then Carly... By the way, does he know about Carly yet?
JACK: He said he hasn't spoken to John... I'm certain he doesn't know yet. I didn't come right out and ask, of course.
JENNIFER: You couldn't...
JACK: It wasn't easy... listening to him speak about her with such... adoration...
JENNIFER: I'm glad you decided to wait to run the article, then. The last thing Bo needs right now is to find out the truth about Carly.
JACK: Yes, you're right. That's the last thing he needs right now. (BEAT) When he does find out, it'll be yet another painful blow...
OUT ON JACK'S CONCERN.
JOHN'S LOFT. VIVIAN IS SITTING ON THE COUCH READING A MAGAZINE, WHEN JOHN WALKS IN, CARRYING BRADY.VIVIAN: Any word on Shawn-Douglas?
JOHN: I'm afraid not.
VIVIAN: What a shame. He and Nikki are such dear friends.
JOHN PUTS BRADY IN HIS PLAYPEN. VIVIAN NOTICES THAT JOHN IS GATHERING NOTES AND HIS BRIEFCASE.VIVIAN: (CONT'D) Going to the office, John?
JOHN: Yeah. I've got some issues that need to be cleared before tomorrow. (BEAT) Now, where was the number for the sitter?
VIVIAN: (STANDING OVER BRADY'S PLAYPEN) You don't need to call a sitter. I can watch Brady this evening.
JOHN: (SKEPTICAL) Are you sure? I wouldn't think you'd want to after the last time.
VIVIAN: Oh, I just didn't remember how much babies can tire one out. I shouldn't have any problems tonight. Besides, I have Ivan here to help.
JOHN: If you're sure...
VIVIAN: I am...
JOHN HESITATES.VIVIAN: (CONT'D) John, you can trust me with your son. I would never let anything happen to him. He's my grandnephew, the same as Nikki... And you know I'd give my life for Nikki.
JOHN: Yes, I do... (BEAT) Thanks for babysitting, Vivian. I appreciate it.
VIVIAN: It's the least I can do, after everything you've done to help us.
JOHN WALKS OVER TO BRADY, AND BENDS DOWN TO GIVE HIM A KISS.JOHN: I'll see you later tonight, slugger.
JOHN PLACES HIS NOTES INSIDE HIS BRIEFCASE AND TURNS TO VIVIAN.JOHN: (CONT'D) Don't hesitate to call me if something happens. And, thanks again.
AS JOHN LEAVES, VIVIAN PICKS UP BRADY FROM HIS PLAYPEN AND SITS WITH HIM ON THE SOFA.VIVIAN: Hello Brady. I'm your Auntie Vivian. Can you say "Auntie"?
BRADY LOOKS UP AT HER AND SMILES.BRADY: Aaaaaaannnnn!
VIVIAN: (SMILING) Very good! Do you have a favorite toy?
BRADY: (POINTING TO A STUFFED BEAR) Baba!
VIVIAN REACHES DOWN AND PICKS UP THE BEAR.VIVIAN: This looks just like the bear that your cousin Nikki used to sleep with.
BRADY TAKES THE BEAR AND HUGS IT. HE THEN HOLDS IT OUT TO VIVIAN.BRADY: Hug Baba?
VIVIAN TAKES THE BEAR AND GIVES IT A SMALL SQUEEZE. BRADY SMILES AND HOLD HIS ARMS OUT. VIVIAN GIVES THE BEAR BACK TO BRADY, WHO THEN POINTS TO AN EMPTY BOTTLE NEAR THE COUCH.VIVIAN: Are you thirsty?
BRADY: Joooooo!
VIVIAN: Ah, would you like some apple juice?
STILL HOLDING BRADY, VIVIAN STANDS UP. IVAN WALKS DOWNSTAIRS.VIVIAN: (CONT'D) Ivan, is Nikki upstairs?
IVAN: Yes, Madame. He is sleeping. It seems young Nicholas tired himself out today.
VIVIAN: So there is a limit to his boundless energy?
IVAN: It appears so. Has Mr. Black gone to the office?
VIVIAN: Yes, and he's left us in charge of seeing after his son.
VIVIAN TICKLES BRADY, WHO BURSTS INTO GIGGLES.IVAN: You appear to have grown attached to the child.
VIVIAN: (SMILING) Yes, maybe I have. It reminds me of when Nikki was this young. It surprises me.
IVAN: How so?
VIVIAN: With everything that has happened recently, I half expected myself to turn into a bitter old woman.
IVAN: You could never become bitter.
VIVIAN: You're very kind, Ivan. (BEAT) I'm going to the kitchen to find Brady some juice. Would you mind watching him while I get his bottle?
BEFORE IVAN CAN ANSWER, VIVIAN PLACES BRADY IN HIS ARMS. VIVIAN WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN, LEAVING IVAN LOOKING RATHER UNCOMFORTABLE. IVAN LOOKS AROUND, AND SPIES A SMALL TOY PIANO. HE PUTS BRADY DOWN AND SITS HIMSELF NEXT TO THE PIANO.IVAN: Do you have visions of becoming a concert pianist?
BRADY LOOKS UP AT IVAN, AND POINTS TO THE PIANO.IVAN: Very well. A performance, then.
IVAN MANAGES TO WORK HIS FINGERS AROUND THE SMALL KEYS. HE BEGINS TO PLAY "TWINKLE TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR". AFTER HE FINISHES, HE LOOKS UP TO FIND BRADY SMILING AT HIM.IVAN: (CONT'D) (SMILING) So you enjoy Mozart, do you? Perhaps, a little Bach?
IVAN BEGINS PLAYING BACH'S "MINUET IN G MAJOR". HOLD ON IVAN HUNCHED OVER THE SMALL KEYBOARD, AS BRADY WATCHES IN AMAZEMENT.JENNIFER: Hi Rosie. How was everything today?CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. HOLDING ABIGAIL, ROSIE GREETS JACK AND JENNIFER AS THEY WALK IN THE FRONT DOOR.
ROSIE: Wonderful. Abby and I played a puppet game.
JACK SILENTLY WALKS OVER AND SITS ON THE COUCH.ROSIE: (CONT'D) Any news on Bo's son?
JENNIFER: No, not yet.
ROSIE: The family must be distraught.
JENNIFER: I know how sick with worry I would be if anything were to happen to Abby.
JACK STANDS UP AND WALKS OVER TO ROSIE.JACK: Rosie, why don't you take the rest of the evening off? Jennifer and I don't have anything planned for tonight, maybe you'd like some time to yourself...
ROSIE: Of course you know I love watching little Abby, but there are some things I'd like to do. Maybe I can finally see one of those Oscar-winning movies.
ROSIE HANDS ABIGAIL TO JACK.ROSIE: (CONT'D) Thank you, Jack.
ROSIE LEAVES TO GET HER COAT AND PURSE.JENNIFER: That was generous of you, Jack.
JACK: I thought it would be nice, if we could spend a quiet evening alone with our daughter.
ROSIE WALKS BACK INTO THE LIVING ROOM.ROSIE: Abby's had her dinner, but there's some leftover casserole if you two get hungry.
JENNIFER: Thanks, Rosie. Have a good evening.
ROSIE: You too. Bye-bye Abby!
ABIGAIL WAVES GOODBYE TO ROSIE. ROSIE WALKS OUT THE FRONT DOOR AS JACK AND JENNIFER SIT ON THE COUCH WITH ABIGAIL.JACK: (KISSING ABIGAIL'S FOREHEAD) She really is a special child, isn't she?
JENNIFER: We're very lucky.
JENNIFER PICKS UP A RUBBER BALL AND HANDS IT TO ABIGAIL. ABIGAIL TOSSES IT TO JACK, WHO PLAYS A LITTLE GAME OF CATCH BACK AND FORTH WITH ABIGAIL.JENNIFER: (CONT'D) (SMILING) You know Jack, all my life, I've dreamed of having a family of my own. The three of us, together like this, seems so perfect.
ABIGAIL LAUGHS AND TOSSES THE BALL ON THE FLOOR.JENNIFER: (CONT'D) (SERIOUS) But, I never dreamed of anything horrible happening, like what the Bradys are going through right now.
JACK: Bo seems so lost. He feels responsible for Shawn-Douglas' disappearance. He wants so much to do something, but he can't...
JENNIFER: I can imagine it must be torture for him. (REACHING OUT TO STROKE ABIGAIL'S CHEEK) For the first time in my life, I am responsible for another person's well being... I'd do anything to protect Abby and keep her safe...
JACK: I know what you mean...
JACK HOLDS OUT HIS HAND, AND ABIGAIL GRABS ON TO ONE OF HIS FINGERS WITH HER SMALL HAND.JACK: (CONT'D) Before you and Abigail, I never really knew what it meant to be a family. Now, I think I understand.
JENNIFER: You didn't exactly have the model family while you were growing up.
JACK: That's an understatement.. Even when I learned I had a real mother, a sister... and brother, it was awkward.
JACK LOOKS DOWN AT ABIGAIL, THEN UP AT JENNIFER AND SMILES.JACK: (CONT'D) But, now I believe I know what being a family is all about.
JENNIFER LEANS OVER AND KISSES JACK GENTLY ON THE LIPS. OUT ON THE THREE.
JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN IS SITTING AT HIS DESK, FLIPPING THROUGH A BUDGET REPORT.JOHN: (SOTTO VOCE) Well, I'm getting nothing out of this.
JOHN TOSSES THE REPORT BACK INTO HIS "IN" BASKET. AS HE PICKS UP ANOTHER REPORT, THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR.JOHN: (CONT'D) Come in!
LEIGH ENTERS THE OFFICE.LEIGH: Good evening, Mr. Black. I didn't expect to see you here so late.
JOHN: I wanted to look over the budget reports before tomorrow's meeting. Don't want to be unprepared. (BEAT) Is there something I can help you with?
LEIGH: I saw your lights on, and I thought I'd remind you about the budget meeting. Obviously, you remembered. (BEAT) I also wanted to tell you how impressed I was with Vivian during our lunch. She has an amazing business sense.
JOHN: Yes she does. (BEAT) I just wish I could trust her.
LEIGH: Maybe if the three of us met again, some of your fears about her would be alleviated. Besides, Vivian had some very interesting ideas for EcoSystems. I'd listen to them.
JOHN: (HESITANTLY) Do you really think it's worth it?
LEIGH: I do. Vivian can teach you a lot about the business world. And maybe, just maybe, make it easier for you to trust her.
JOHN: (GRUDGINGLY) Okay, we'll set up something.
HOLD ON LEIGH'S GRIN.JACK: There we go... All tucked in, nice and snug.CUT TO: ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM. JACK IS TUCKING ABIGAIL INTO BED. IN PROGRESS.
ABIGAIL: Dada!
JACK: Yes, Dada gets to put you to bed tonight. (BEAT) I'm glad Mama let me do this. It's important for us to have some quality father/daughter time, just the two of us.
ABIGAIL GRINS.JACK: (CONT'D) I must admit, I don't know a great deal about little girls. (BEAT) But, I'm learning. Slowly. You'll have to give me lots of pointers, okay? Deal?
ABIGAIL: Deeee!
JACK: Deal. Good.
ABIGAIL PICKS UP A SMALL STUFFED HORSE THAT IS LAYING NEXT TO HER. SHE HOLDS IT UP TOWARD JACK.ABIGAIL: Oh-see.
JACK: (TAKING THE HORSE AND PUTTING IT BACK DOWN NEXT TO ABIGAIL) Yes, I see Mr. Horsey. It's time for you to go to sleep now, okay? Sleep?
ABIGAIL PICKS UP THE HORSE AGAIN. SHE KISSES IT ON THE HEAD AND THEN HOLDS IT UP TO JACK.ABIGAIL: Oh-see!
JACK: Oh, I see. Mr. Horsey needs a goodnight kiss. Okay.
JACK KISSES MR. HORSEY ON THE HEAD AND PUTS HIM BACK DOWN. ABIGAIL GIGGLES.JACK: (CONT'D) All right, now it's time for Mr. Horsey and Ms. Abigail to go to sleep.
ABIGAIL: Dada!
JACK: Yes, that's me. (BEAT) Aren't you tired yet?
ABIGAIL GIGGLES AGAIN.JACK: (CONT'D) Hmmm... apparently not. I guess you need a little coaxing.
JACK LOOKS AROUND SUSPICIOUSLY. WHEN HE IS SATISFIED THAT JENNIFER IS NOT NEARBY, HE BEGINS TO SOFTLY SING STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S, "NOTHING'S GOING TO HARM YOU" TO ABIGAIL.JACK: (SINGING)
![[notes]](../ad_grf/sing.gif){kind=small}
Nothing's gonna harm you...
Not while I'm around...
Nothing's gonna harm you...
No, sir...
Not while I'm around...
ABIGAIL BEGINS TO SETTLE DOWN.JACK: (CONT') (SINGING)
No one's gonna hurt you...
No one's gonna dare...
Others can desert you...
Not to worry...
Whistle, I'll be there...
ABIGAIL SMILES AT JACK.JACK: (CONT'D) (SINGING)
Not to worry, not to worry...
I may not be smart...
but I ain't dumb...
I can do it...
Put me to it...
Show me something I can overcome...
Not to worry, mum...
ABIGAIL SLOWLY CLOSES HER EYES.JACK: (CONT'D) (SINGING)
Being close and being clever...
Ain't like being true...
I don't need to...
I won't never...
Hide a thing from you...
Like some...
Nothing's gonna harm you...
Not while I'm around...
Nothing's gonna harm you...
Not while I'm around...
AS HE FINISHES THE SONG, JACK SEES THAT ABIGAIL HAS FALLEN ASLEEP. HE GENTLY PULLS HER BLANKET UP TO COVER HER SHOULDERS. WE SEE THE DOORWAY. UNNOTICED BY JACK, JENNIFER HAS BEEN STANDING AND LISTENING. TEARS ARE STREAMING DOWN HER CHEEKS, AND SHE IS SMILING. HOLD ON JENNIFER'S TREMULOUS SMILE.VICTOR: Bo, I wanted you to know... I'm doing everything I can think to do...CUT TO: BRADY PUB. BO SITS ALONE AT THE TABLE, HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS. VICTOR APPROACHES HIM AND, AT BO'S SLIGHT NOD, SITS DOWN.
BO: I appreciate it, Victor. I know you're... you're as worried about Shawn-D as I am.
VICTOR: I'm worried about you, too, Bo. This is more than anyone should go through... if there was anything I could do to spare you this... any price I could pay, I would.
BO: I know, Victor. And I understand. A father would do anything... anything for his child... And there's nothing more horrible than knowing there's nothing that can be done...
VICTOR: I've not been the best father to you, Bo, I know that, and I'm sorry. To his credit, Shawn has been... but I'm here now... and I hope it helps... even a little.
BO SAYS NOTHING, BUT PUTS HIS HAND OVER VICTOR'S AND GRIPS IT FOR A MOMENT. THE TWO MEN SIT IN SILENCE.MARIUS: Hey there, little guy... m'name's Marius. It used to be "Pete", but I changed it to Marius 'cause it sounded better. I found it in that vampire book... forget the name. Book was in a trash bin and I read it one night... reading do make the time pass...CUT TO: SALEM PARK. SHAWN-DOUGLAS SITS ON A PARK BENCH, ALONE. A VAGRANT, WRAPPED IN A SHABBY COAT, SITS DOWN NEXT TO SHAWN-D, WHO SHRINKS AWAY FROM HIM. THE VAGRANT, MARIUS, SMILES AT SHAWN-DOUGLAS REASSURINGLY.
SHAWN-D: V-v-vampire?
MARIUS: Nah, kid, just the name. If I could drink blood, you think I'd be this skinny? Not a chance! But I do have some dinner here... want some?
MARIUS PULLS A FUZZY-LOOKING DONUT FROM HIS POCKET, SPLITS IT IN HALF AND PROFFERS IT TO SHAWN-D, WHO TAKES IT, AFTER A MOMENT'S DELIBERATION.SHAWN-D: Thank you.
MARIUS: You're welcome. Polite kid. Good to see that. Too many of them nasty little bugger children running around... yellin' at us street folk... How'd you come to be here, son?
SHAWN-D: I ran away...
MARIUS: From what? Foster home? Orphanage?
SHAWN-D: From my Gramma and Grampa's. And from my Papa.
MARIUS: Was your Papa mean to you?
SHAWN-D: No! My Papa is the best!
MARIUS: Then I'll tell you what I think, kiddo. I think you should high-tail it back home to your Papa-the-best. And you should stay there. The streets are no place for a kid, 'specially a polite one.
SHAWN-D: I can't! I can't go back! (BECOMING AGITATED) I can never go home...
HOLD ON SHAWN-DOUGLAS. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.
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