ALT.DAYS

Episode #47

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: April 12, 1994
Time: Several Days After #46,
Morning to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

JOHN'S LOFT. IVAN IS CLEANING UP THE KITCHEN. VIVIAN AND NICHOLAS ARE SITTING ON THE COUCH WITH NICHOLAS' SCHOOL BOOKS.

NICHOLAS: I don't want to fall behind either, Aunt Viv. (BEAT) Do you think I'll be able to go back to school soon?

VIVIAN DRAWS NICHOLAS TO HER FOR A HUG.

THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE FRONT DOOR. NICHOLAS GETS UP TO ANSWER IT, BUT IVAN COMES OUT FROM THE KITCHEN BEFORE NICHOLAS CAN GET TO THE DOOR.

IVAN OPENS THE FRONT DOOR, REVEALING A SEETHING LAWRENCE.

LAWRENCE: (PUSHING IVAN TO THE SIDE) Vivian!

NICHOLAS GOES BACK TO THE COUCH AND CLINGS TO VIVIAN.

HOLD ON NICHOLAS' AND VIVIAN'S PANIC.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, A PENCIL BETWEEN HIS TEETH, IS BUSILY TYPING. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. JACK LOOKS UP BRIEFLY BEFORE RETURNING HIS ATTENTION TO THE WORK AT HAND.

JACK TAKES THE PENCIL FROM HIS MOUTH.

THE DOOR OPENS AND LEIGH WALKS IN. JACK, STILL PREOCCUPIED WITH HIS SCREEN, DOESN'T LOOK UP. LEIGH STANDS QUIETLY BY THE DESK, LOOKING AROUND THE OFFICE AND OBSERVING. JACK IS STARTLED WHEN HE LOOKS UP AND SEES LEIGH. HE STANDS AND EXTENDS HIS HAND.

LEIGH: (SHAKING HANDS) That's quite all right, Mr. Deveraux. I understand about deadlines. Leigh McCloud.

JACK: Oh? Are you a reporter, Ms. McCloud?

LEIGH: No, nothing like that.

JACK: (SMILING) How can I help you then?

LEIGH: I'd like to discuss a business investment. (BEAT) One that I think would be mutually beneficial for Deveraux Publishing and the company I represent.

JACK: (JACK'S EYES NARROW) The answer was no before and it's still no.

LEIGH: Pardon me?

JACK: As you said, I'm under deadline. Good day, Ms. McCloud.

HOLD ON JACK'S ANGER.

CUT TO: JAMES' WAITING ROOM. WE SEE BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS WAITING FOR AN APPOINTMENT. SHAWN-DOUGLAS FIDGETS IN A CHAIR. BO STARES AT THE CLOCK ON THE WALL.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CONTINUES TO FIDGET IN HIS CHAIR.

SHAWN-D: (SULLEN) Nothing.

BO: Are you sure?

SHAWN-D: I'm sure. (GOES BACK TO FIDGETING)

BO GLANCES AT HIS WATCH.

SHAWN-D SQUIRMS, SAYING NOTHING. A NURSE, CARRYING A FILE FOLDER, WALKS INTO THE WAITING ROOM.

HOLD ON BO'S REACTION.

ACT I

JOHN'S LOFT. NICHOLAS IS COWERING BESIDE VIVIAN, AS LAWRENCE APPROACHES. IN PROGRESS.

LAWRENCE GRABS VIVIAN BY THE ARM.

IVAN TRIES TO SEPARATE LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN. LAWRENCE RELEASES VIVIAN, BUT THEN SHOVES IVAN OUT OF THE WAY.

VIVIAN: Face it, Lawrence, there is nothing you can do to get Nikki back. I have proof that you're an unfit parent... (BEAT) And, as you can see, he doesn't want you in his life.

LAWRENCE: You won't win, Vivian. (BEAT) Nikki, I told you that we're going home.

NICHOLAS: Don't let him take me, Aunt Viv!

NICHOLAS RUNS UP THE STAIRS.

LAWRENCE: And whose fault is that, Vivian? (BEAT) You're the one who has been feeding him lies.

IVAN: I think you should leave, Mr. Alamain.

LAWRENCE: I don't think so, Ivan.

LAWRENCE SPOTS A PORCELAIN EASTER EGG SITTING ON THE TABLE BESIDE THE COUCH. HE PICKS IT UP, INSPECTS IT, THEN PURPOSELY DROPS IT. THE EGG SHATTERS.

HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S THREAT.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS SITTING QUIETLY ON THE COUCH, TWIRLING THE STUFFED LION'S TAIL. JAMES IS SITTING ACROSS FROM HIM.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CONTINUES TO TWIRL THE LION.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SHRUGS.

SHAWN-S: Around...

JAMES: What did you do?

SHAWN-D: I walked... It was kind of scary at night. And cold. This dog barked at me.

JAMES: It doesn't sound like you had fun.

SHAWN-D: I was hungry mostly. This man in the park gave me half of his donut.

JAMES: That was nice of him. I'll bet if you'd gone back to your Grandma's she would have fixed you something to eat.

SHAWN-D: I couldn't go home.

JAMES: Why?

SHAWN-D: I was afraid to.

JAMES: Why? Did you do something that you might get in trouble for?

SHAWN-DOUGLAS HUGS THE LION AND BURIES HIS FACE IN ITS MANE. HOLD ON JAMES' CONCERN.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS LOOKING AT LEIGH SUSPICIOUSLY. LEIGH IS MOMENTARILY TOO SURPRISED TO SAY ANYTHING.

JACK: I'm sorry, I thought I was clear the first time. Good day.

LEIGH: I think we have a misunderstanding here...

JACK: No, I seriously doubt it. (BEAT) You work for Victor Kiriakis, don't you?

LEIGH: Well... Yes. And no.

JACK: That narrows it down. Can you be more specific?

LEIGH: Victor did hire me to serve as business manager for EcoSystems...

JACK: I thought so. (MOTIONING TOWARD THE DOOR) There's the door, Ms. McCloud...

LEIGH: But I don't work for him.

JACK: This is getting interesting.

LEIGH: Victor hired me on behalf of John Black. Mr. Black is my employer, not Victor Kiriakis.

JACK: I see. (BEAT) I must admit, you have me curious.

LEIGH: Curious enough to discuss that business investment?

JACK: All right. (MOTIONING TO A CHAIR) Please, have a seat.

LEIGH: (SITTING DOWN) Thank you.

JACK: So, what is this investment that you want to talk about? (BEAT) I must warn you, I've dedicated the majority of my resources to this publishing company, and I intend to keep them there. Any outside investments would have to be outstanding opportunities for me to even consider them.

LEIGH: Don't worry, Mr. Deveraux, I'm not asking you to invest in anything. I'm interested in investing in Deveraux Publishing.

JACK: Oh?

LEIGH: I've been looking into investment opportunities for EcoSystems. I've been concentrating on local businesses... profitable ones, anyway... and Deveraux Publishing looks like an excellent investment. It's still relatively small, but expanding rapidly, without showing signs of the typical corporate "growing pains."

JACK: (IMPRESSED) I see you've done your homework.

LEIGH: Of course. I must say, you've done an amazing job with this company in a very short time, Mr. Deveraux.

JACK: (FLATTERED) Thank you. (BEAT) And please, call me Jack.

LEIGH: All right... Jack. And you can call me Leigh. (LONG BEAT) If you don't mind my asking, how were you able to expand so quickly and so successfully from a single newspaper to where you are now?

JACK: (FEELING MORE AND MORE AT EASE) Well, I think that single newspaper had a great deal to do with it. The Spectator has always been a standard of excellence in the region. We've won several awards, you know.

LEIGH: Yes, I read all about them.

JACK: The Spectator continues to be the flagship of this company. Its success is what enabled me to begin venturing out into other areas, to take a few creative risks. A strong foundation is important.

LEIGH: I see.

JACK: It's also important to have your finger on the pulse of the community, to know what the people want to read. (BEAT) Take Midsummer, for example. It came to my attention that there weren't any publications out there for, and about, women over 30. We took the opportunity to fill that void, and Midsummer has been very well received.

LEIGH: I've read it... It's a good magazine.

JACK: Yes, I have an outstanding Editor-in-Chief in Julie Williams. She's taken charge of the project and made it her own. (BEAT) I feel that that's one of our other strengths... We have excellent people who are dedicated to creating a quality product. I daresay they're passionate about their work.

LEIGH: (IMPRESSED) Well, it's obvious to me that you're very passionate, yourself.

JACK: Yes, well... I'm committed to this company's success. I have to be. The competition is... ruthless.

LEIGH: So true.

JACK: Speaking of competition... I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. It's just that... Titan is our major competitor, and... Well, I'm sure you know what kind of a businessman Victor Kiriakis is. I can't be too careful.

LEIGH: I understand. You're looking out for your company's interests. I respect that.

JACK: Thank you.

LEIGH: You seem to be a very innovative and forward-thinking businessman...

JACK: (HUMBLY) I'd like to think so.

LEIGH: So tell me, what do you foresee for the publishing business once the "information superhighway" is up and running?

JACK: An interesting question, Ms. McCloud... Leigh. I was pondering that very subject the other day...

OUT ON LEIGH'S KEEN INTEREST.

ACT II

EUTERPE. SHANE IS SITTING AT A TABLE WHEN JANET WALKS IN. SHANE WAVES UNTIL SHE NOTICES AND JOINS HIM AT THE TABLE.

SHANE: No, in fact I got here a little earlier than anticipated.

JANET: Good. I'm always running late and was afraid you were starting to collect cobwebs.

SHANE: (LAUGHING) Usually I'm the one who's tardy. I've been setting my watch twenty minutes ahead lately, and have become nicely punctual because of it.

JANET: Maybe that's something I should consider doing. Of course knowing me, I'll figure it's just twenty more minutes I have to get somewhere.

THEY LAUGH.

SHANE: Not as well as I expected, I'm afraid.

JANET: So you weren't able to get anything more on Alamain?

SHANE: Let's say I ran into some roadblocks, and they've made me suspicious.

JANET: Suspicious about what?

SHANE: I'd rather not say... not until I get more information.

SHANE AND JANET NOTICE THAT MARCUS AND KAYLA HAVE ARRIVED TOGETHER FOR LUNCH. THEY WAVE AT EACH OTHER WHILE MARCUS AND KAYLA ARE BEING SEATED. KAYLA WATCHES AS SHANE AND JANET CONTINUE TO TALK.

GO TO: MARCUS AND KAYLA'S TABLE.

MARCUS LOOKS UP FROM HIS MENU AND GLANCES AT THEM.

KAYLA: Oh no, not at all. In fact, I'm happy to see Shane socializing.

MARCUS: (READING THE MENU AGAIN) I think I'll have the Caesar salad this time.

KAYLA CONTINUES TO WATCH SHANE AND JANET, BASICALLY IGNORING MARCUS' MENU SELECTIONS.

MARCUS: (LOOKING UP FROM HIS MENU) Huh? Did you say something, Kay?

KAYLA: Um, no. (PICKS UP HER MENU) What's today's special?

MARCUS: As long as it isn't Easter candy, I'll be happy.

KAYLA: Oh, don't tell me you didn't love indulging in all the chocolate bunnies with Stephanie.

MARCUS: Okay, maybe a little. (BEAT) Hey, that Easter egg hunt was a blast, wasn't it?

KAYLA SHIFTS UNCOMFORTABLY IN HER SEAT AND LOOKS DOWN AT HER MENU.

MARCUS: "Sure?" Come on... all those eggs... all that chocolate... Jack under a bush...

KAYLA: Well... Ummm... Marcus, there's something I've been meaning to tell you...

MARCUS: (CONCERNED) What's wrong, Kayla?

HOLD ON KAYLA'S UNEASINESS.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. JAMES AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS. IN PROGRESS.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CONTINUES HIS SILENCE.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SLOWLY SHAKES HIS HEAD.

SHAWN-D: (QUIETLY) No.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CONTINUES TO SIT QUIETLY, ALMOST DEJECTED.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS LOOKS UP AT JAMES BUT DOES NOT SPEAK.

AGAIN, SHAWN-DOUGLAS LOWERS HIS HEAD AND REMAINS QUIET. JAMES STANDS UP AND OPENS THE DOOR. HE MOTIONS BO INSIDE HIS OFFICE. WHEN BO ENTERS, HE NOTICES SHAWN-DOUGLAS' SULLEN EXPRESSION.

JAMES: Yes. We're all done for today, but I'd like to talk with you for a moment, Mr. Brady.

BO: Sure.

BO WALKS UP TO SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND KNEELS DOWN NEXT TO HIM.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CONTINUES TO LOOK DOWN.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS STANDS UP AND WALKS OUT OF THE OFFICE.

JAMES: No, in fact, he was very reluctant to say anything. I'm concerned.

BO: Any more outbursts?

JAMES: None. He was withdrawn and afraid, unlike previous sessions where he seemed to want to lash out at everything.

BO: Do you think this is an improvement?

JAMES: Not necessarily.

BO: I don't know what to do, Dr. Ector. All I want is for my son to be happy again.

JAMES: I know, but it's obvious that Shawn-Douglas is harboring some deep emotional scars. It may take some time before he opens up.

BO: What can I do?

JAMES: I want you to keep a close eye on your son for the slightest change in his personality.

BO: I'll do that. Thanks, Doctor.

BO TURNS AROUND AND WALKS TO THE DOOR. AS HE OPENS THE DOOR, HE PAUSES TO COLLECT HIMSELF BEFORE SEEING SHAWN-DOUGLAS. OUT ON BO'S ANXIETY.

ACT III

DEVERAUX DAY CARE CENTER. A LARGE SIGN ON THE DOOR ANNOUNCES "GRAND OPENING! APRIL 12TH!" THE WALLPAPER AND CURTAINS ARE NOW HUNG AND ALL THE ACTIVITY CENTERS ARE SET UP. THE ROOM LOOKS SPARKLING AND SHINY. ALICE AND MAGGIE ARE FOLDING UP NAP RUGS AND PLACING THEM IN A LARGE BASKET. JENNIFER IS STANDING IN THE KITCHEN AREA WITH A PAD, MAKING A LIST.

ALICE: You can never have too much apple juice and graham crackers.

MAGGIE: And we should probably have an emergency supply of diapers and wipes, too.

JENNIFER WRITES FOR A MOMENT AND THEN LOOKS IN A FEW CABINETS AND DRAWERS.

MAGGIE: (GETTING UP) Here, give them to me. May as well put them on now.

ALICE: I think I'll call Calliope and see how the painting smocks are coming along.

MAGGIE: She was such an angel to do that.

ALICE: (LAUGHING) Well, you know Calliope. How could we say no?

JENNIFER: She insisted that old shirts would ruin the ambiance!

WHILE ALICE GOES TO THE PHONE, TWO REPORTERS WANDER IN.

SHARON: Jenn, Hi! It's great to see you.

MITCHELL: We just came in to see how things were going.

JENNIFER: (GESTURING) It looks great, doesn't it?

SHARON: This Day Care Center could not come at a better time! Our regular caretaker is moving to Wyoming and I was in a panic over what to do with Kevin.

MITCHELL: And Elsa's mother just can't handle the twins by herself anymore.

JENNIFER: Well, not to worry. We've got lots of great things planned. (BEAT) And you can come and visit at lunchtime.

MITCHELL AND SHARON BOTH LOOK AT THEIR WATCHES AND GROAN.

MITCHELL: Back to the grind. You know how Vern is when there's a deadline to be met!

JENNIFER: Oh boy, do I remember that! (BEAT) Well, take care. See you next week!

AS THE TWO LEAVE THE ROOM, JENNIFER WATCHES THEM WISTFULLY. HOLD ON JENNIFER.

CUT TO: JOHN'S LOFT. VIVIAN AND LAWRENCE ARE FACING OFF AS IVAN STANDS BY. IN PROGRESS.

LAWRENCE: Don't think for a minute that you've won, Vivian. John can't protect you forever. Sooner or later, you'll have to leave here, and when you do...

VIVIAN: I told you, Lawrence, your threats don't...

LAWRENCE: (IGNORING HER) When you do, I'll get my son back. (BEAT) And I won't allow anyone to get in my way.

VIVIAN: We both know you've already lost your son, Lawrence. Even if you could get him away from me, he doesn't want to have anything to do with you.

LAWRENCE: We'll see about that.

JOHN ENTERS THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR.

VIVIAN, IVAN, AND LAWRENCE ALL TURN, SURPRISED TO SEE JOHN.

JOHN: Nikki called me at work and asked me to come back. He said Lawrence was here causing trouble.

LAWRENCE: I was doing nothing of the kind. I was merely having a discussion with Vivian...

JOHN: Calling your own son a liar, Lawrence? That's not very kind.

LAWRENCE: Nikki's not a liar. I never said he was. He simply misunderstood when Vivian and I... disagreed. We raised our voices...

NICHOLAS COMES DOWN THE STAIRS. HE RUNS TO JOHN AND HUGS HIM.

JOHN: (PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND NICHOLAS) It's okay, kiddo. Everything's gonna be fine.

LAWRENCE IS VISIBLY HURT TO SEE NICHOLAS RUNNING TO JOHN.

NICHOLAS: Uh-huh.

JOHN: Will you go upstairs and check on Brady for me?

NICHOLAS: Sure.

JOHN: Vivian, Ivan, would you go with Nikki, please? I'd like a word with Lawrence... alone.

VIVIAN: All right, if that's what you want...

JOHN NODS. NICHOLAS, VIVIAN, AND IVAN GO UPSTAIRS.

JOHN: Simple. I don't want you coming around here anymore.

LAWRENCE: (FURIOUS) You want? How dare you interfere with my family like this?

JOHN: They're my family, too. Don't forget that.

LAWRENCE: They belong at the house with me!

JOHN: They deserve better than that.

LAWRENCE: (SMUGLY, MOTIONING AROUND THE ROOM) And you call this better? (BEAT) I have always provided very well for my family. I certainly can provide them with more than a shabby two-bedroom apartment.

JOHN: Yeah, you did a helluva job providing for them. You gave Vivian and Ivan a life of imprisonment in the attic, with all three of them living in fear of what you might do next.

LAWRENCE: I did what I had to do to keep my son. Vivian and Ivan betrayed me, they tried to take away Nikki. (BEAT) Nikki never wanted for anything.

JOHN: Never wanted for anything... Except a stable family, with people that love each other and love him.

JOHN AND LAWRENCE GLARE AT EACH OTHER ANGRILY. HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S ANGER.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. JANET AND SHANE ARE DEEP IN CONVERSATION. IN PROGRESS.

SHANE: (LAUGHING) I think you have my life confused with Ian Fleming's version of reality. It's not all glamour and glory.

SHANE PAUSES TO TAKE A SIP OF HIS WINE.

JANET NODS.

JANET: Sounds like we lead similar lives, except that in my case, police work has postponed a family for me. My mother and siblings still live in Louisiana, but...

SHANE: Is that regret I hear in your voice?

JANET: No... (BEAT) My career has brought a lot of meaning to my life. It's tangible. I know that when the case is closed, I've done my job, and that I've done it well.

SHANE: Agreed. (BEAT) Still, our chosen career does tend to limit one's social life, doesn't it?

JANET: Yeah... it does seem that almost all of my friends are cops.

SHANE: Indeed?

REALIZING WHO SHE'S TALKING TO, JANET STARTS TO LAUGH, AND SHANE JOINS HER. OUT ON THE LAUGHTER.

ACT IV

EUTERPE. MARCUS AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.

MARCUS: Come on, Brady, you can't hide anything from me. I know you too well...

KAYLA: It's about the Easter Egg Hunt...

MARCUS: (SOFTLY) Are you sorry you kissed me?

KAYLA: Oh, Marcus, no, nothing like that. That kiss meant a lot to me... I hope we have more...

MARCUS: (GRINNING) I think that could easily be arranged... (SEEING KAYLA'S SERIOUS DEMEANOR) If not that, then what?

KAYLA: It is about the kiss, but not what you think.

MARCUS: Kayla, I do know you, but you're going to have to help me out here. I'm lost...

KAYLA: There were apparently some people in the park who saw us kissing...

MARCUS: I think most of Salem saw that kiss you laid on me, Ms. Brady...

KAYLA: Yes... well...

MARCUS: Come on, Kay, spit it out. It can't be that bad.

KAYLA: Stephanie heard some people say... some horrible things... she didn't understand... I tried to explain...

MARCUS: Ahhh... what you're trying so hard not to say, is that Stephanie heard someone toss out some racial epithets because you're white and I'm black?

KAYLA: Oh Marcus... yes... I was appalled... In this day and age... how can people think like that?

MARCUS: Kayla, honey, don't be surprised. I'm not.

KAYLA: You're not? But this is 1994...

MARCUS: And to a lot of people it could just as easily be 1894... Kay, I've had to deal with this my whole life. Don't you remember what happened to my parents?

KAYLA: How could I forget? They were murdered in a church bombing...

MARCUS: Killed by a bunch of racists who didn't like them... didn't want them in town, just because of the color of their skin...

KAYLA: (COVERING HIS HAND WITH HERS) Marcus... I didn't mean to dredge up old memories...

MARCUS: (COMPOSING HIMSELF) But it's not only that, Kayla. It happens every day.

KAYLA: In Salem?

MARCUS: Of course, in Salem and probably in every other city in the U.S...

KAYLA: I don't understand. People say things to you?

MARCUS: Rarely. It's much more subtle. The building manager who thought you'd made a great tenant when he talks to you over the phone, suddenly finds he has no vacancies when you arrive and he sees you.

KAYLA: There are laws...

MARCUS: You have to prove it...

KAYLA: But...

MARCUS: Or maybe you walk into a department store or a fine jewelry store and you suddenly realize store security is watching you...

KAYLA: Why don't you fight? Why don't you say something? If I saw someone do that to you, I'd...

MARCUS: Slay the dragon for me?

KAYLA: Yes.

MARCUS: Sometimes the beast is more like a hydra. You cut off one head and two more spring up in its place...

KAYLA: Marcus, I don't believe it, I won't believe it.

MARCUS: Denying it doesn't help...

KAYLA: But fighting it will. I will not allow my daughter to grow up in a world where people are judged by the color of their skin...

MARCUS: (LEANING OVER TO KISS HER) That's my Kayla... still ready to slay the dragon for me...

SUDDENLY A BEEPER GOES OFF. MARCUS CHECKS HIS.

KAYLA: Ooops... must be mine. (CHECKING HER BEEPER) Yes... looks like Candis. Must be some crisis at the Community Center. Will you excuse me for a moment?

MARCUS: Of course, fair dragonslayer...

KAYLA: Don't tease me, Marcus, I meant every word...

MARCUS: I know you did... Now go make your phone call.

KAYLA WALKS OVER TO THE PHONES.

GO TO: BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS, WHO HAVE JUST WALKED IN THE FRONT DOOR. DAVE SPOTS THEM.

BO: Yes, is he around?

DAVE: I think he's in back, want me to get him for you?

BO: If you could.

DAVE NOTICES SHAWN-D'S UNUSUAL QUIET.

BO: We've had better...

DAVE: How about a super special chocolate hot fudge sundae? A Dave extravaganza guaranteed to cheer up the Grinch himself.

SHAWN-D SHRUGS.

SHAWN-D: I guess.

BO: What do you say to Dave?

SHAWN-D: Thanks.

DAVE: You're welcome. (SWEEPING HIS ARM TOWARD THE KITCHEN) Shall we?

BO NODS.

BO: Thanks.

DAVE AND SHAWN-D HEAD FOR THE KITCHEN. BO SPOTS JANET AND SHANE AND WALKS OVER TO THEIR TABLE.

SHANE: Hello, Bo.

JANET: Hello, Brady. I saw your son. How's he doing?

BO: We're not sure. He's not angry anymore, but he's unusually quiet.

JANET: I'm sorry the news isn't better. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

BO: Allowing me to take some vacation days to be with my son is help enough. Thank you.

JANET: The very least the SPD could do...

BO SEES DOUG ENTER.

SHANE: I'll call you later...

BO WALKS OVER TO DOUG.

SHANE: We go way back...

JANET: Should I ask for details?

SHANE: I'm not sure there's time enough for that story right now.

JANET: Then we will have to do this again. I suspect this is a story I will love to hear...

GO TO: DOUG AND BO, STANDING NEAR THE BAR.

BO: Hope you don't mind.

DOUG: Of course not, anything for Shawn-Douglas. How's he doing?

BO: Can we sit?

DOUG: Of course.

THEY SIT AT A NEARBY VACANT TABLE.

HOLD ON BO.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND LEIGH ARE IN MID-DISCUSSION ABOUT THE POTENTIAL INVESTMENT IN THE SPECTATOR BY ECOSYSTEMS. IN PROGRESS.

JACK: As I'm sure you realize, Leigh, one has to be bold to succeed in business.

LEIGH: I am very impressed. With cornerstones like the Spectator and Midsummer, I'm sure you will succeed.

JACK: (ENJOYING THE COMPLIMENTS) Thank you. There are those who would say that I'm trying for too much, but none of the long-term goals are unattainable.

LEIGH: From EcoSystems' standpoint, your plan to utilize recycled paper is especially encouraging.

JACK: And a partnership with EcoSystems would make that plan much easier to implement, wouldn't it? (LONG BEAT) You did say that John was the one who suggested that you speak with me?

LEIGH: Yes, I did. (BEAT) Victor has no idea that I'm here.

JACK: And do you plan to tell him?

LEIGH: (SMILING) Victor was my mentor, Jack, but, I'm my own woman. I think it could be... fulfilling to compete against Victor. (BEAT) Don't you agree?

JACK: Only if I win, Leigh; only if I win...

LEIGH SMILES AT JACK AND BEGINS TO SAY SOMETHING ELSE, BUT THE DOOR TO THE OFFICE OPENS SUDDENLY.

JACK: That's all right. (BEAT) Leigh McCloud... Jennifer Deveraux.

LEIGH EXTENDS HER HAND. LEIGH AND JENNIFER SHAKE HANDS.

JENNIFER: (TO LEIGH) It's nice to meet you, Ms. McCloud. I'm sorry about the interruption. Deveraux Publishing would be a good investment.

LEIGH: I agree.

JACK: Jennifer... you wanted something?

JENNIFER: I just wanted to tell you that everything down in the Day Care Center is going great... (BEAT) and to see how your day was going.

LEIGH LOOKS AT HER WATCH, THEN GETS UP FROM HER CHAIR.

JACK GETS UP, WALKS OVER TO LEIGH, AND HANDS HER HIS BUSINESS CARD.

LEIGH: I will. Good-day, Jack. (BEAT) Ms. Deveraux, it was nice meeting you.

LEIGH LEAVES, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HER. JACK TURNS TO GO BACK TO HIS DESK, BUT JENNIFER HAS APPROPRIATED HIS CHAIR. JENNIFER GRINS AT HIM, AND JACK SITS WHERE LEIGH HAD BEEN.

JACK NODS IN AGREEMENT. BEFORE HE CAN SAY ANYTHING, THE DOOR TO HIS OFFICE FLIES OPEN, AND VERN RUNS IN.

OUT ON VERN'S PANIC.

ACT V

EUTERPE. THE WAITER HAS JUST TAKEN AWAY SHANE AND JANET'S LUNCH PLATES. JANET LOOKS AT HER WATCH.

SHANE: Ah, duty calls.

JANET: Believe it or not, we actually solved some cases this week, and I need to go through and finally close those files.

SHANE: It's nice to know that Salem's finest is doing such a admirable job.

JANET: Oh, I wouldn't be so quick to judge. You should see our stack of unsolved cases.

SHANE: (LAUGHING) I definitely know about those. (BEAT) I had a delightful lunch, Janet.

JANET: So did I. It was a refreshing change from the station cafeteria.

SHANE: Shall we plan on doing it again soon?

JANET: (SMILING) I'd like that.

SHANE: Wonderful. I'll call you next week to arrange the time.

JANET: Thanks again, Shane.

JANET STANDS UP TO LEAVE, WHILE SHANE STANDS AND OFFERS HIS HAND. AFTER SHAKING HANDS, JANET WALKS AWAY AND SHANE SITS DOWN AGAIN. AS JANET WALKS TOWARDS THE ENTRANCE, SHE PASSES MARCUS.

JANET: And miss talking to the charming Dr. Hunter?

MARCUS: Join me?

MARCUS GESTURES TO THE EMPTY CHAIR ACROSS FROM HIM, AND JANET TAKES A SEAT.

MARCUS: You probably didn't notice me because you were so entranced by your lunch date.

JANET: It wasn't a date. Shane and I were discussing a case.

MARCUS: (EYES WIDENING) Shane and you? My, but aren't we on friendly terms. What happened to your rule about not getting involved?

JANET: (AMUSED, BUT SLIGHTLY ANNOYED) Must I remind you again, Dr. Hunter? Captain Donovan and I are not involved.

MARCUS: (LEANING FORWARD) But you two looked so cozy.

JANET: Stop it already! I can have you arrested for harassing the police captain.

MARCUS AND JANET BREAK INTO LAUGHTER.

GO TO: SHANE, SIPPING SLOWLY ON A CUP OF TEA, WHEN EVE WALKS OVER TO HIM.

SHANE: Hello, sweetheart. I was wondering when my lovely daughter was going to stop by and say hello.

EVE: (BLOWING A LOCK OF HAIR OUT OF HER FACE) It's been such a busy lunch hour, I haven't had a chance before now.

SHANE: We haven't had a chance to really talk to each other since Easter.

EVE: I guess we've both been preoccupied.

SHANE: Yes, but I'm still concerned about you.

EVE: I have a break coming up in about ten minutes. If you can wait, we can talk then.

SHANE: Consider it a date. I'll order another cup of tea.

EVE: I'll send the waiter over.

HOLD ON SHANE, WATCHING EVE AS SHE WALKS AWAY.

CUT TO: JOHN'S LOFT. JOHN AND LAWRENCE ARE FACING OFF. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: That's easy to solve. (MOTIONING TOWARD THE DOOR) There's the door. Don't slam it on your way out.

LAWRENCE: Don't look so smug, John. I'll give you the same warning I gave Vivian.

JOHN: And that is...?

LAWRENCE: Nikki is my son, and he belongs with me. I'm going to get him back, and no one is going to stand in my way. No one. Not Vivian, and certainly not you.

JOHN: Is that a threat?

LAWRENCE: I told you, it's a warning. (BEAT) If you feel threatened, that's your problem.

JOHN: Fine. Now, I have a warning for you. (BEAT) You're out on bail, and every move you make is being watched by the authorities. If anything happens to me, or to Vivian, or to anyone else close to me, you're going to be the number one suspect.

LAWRENCE: (SMUGLY) Let the "authorities" do what they will. (BEAT) I meant what I said. I will get Nikki back.

JOHN: I think this conversation is over. (BEAT) You'd better leave... now.

LAWRENCE: And what will you do if I don't?

JOHN: I'll call the cops, for starters. (BEAT) Maybe a charge of disturbing the peace won't hurt you much, but it's sure not going to help your burglary case any.

LAWRENCE: (FUMING) You don't scare me, John. (BEAT) However, I do have other matters to which to attend...

LAWRENCE WALKS TOWARD THE DOOR.

LAWRENCE PAUSES AT THE DOOR AND TURNS BACK TO GLARE AT JOHN.

LAWRENCE EXITS.

NICHOLAS, VIVIAN, AND IVAN COME DOWN THE STAIRS.

JOHN: Yes, everything's fine... for now.

NICHOLAS: (AWESTRUCK) That was so cool how you stood up to him. I don't think anyone else would do that.

JOHN: It was nothing. I'm just protecting... my family.

VIVIAN AND NICHOLAS SMILE WARMLY.

VIVIAN: He's fine...

IVAN: He is still sleeping, sir. The... disturbance did not awaken him.

JOHN: That's good. Thanks for checking on him.

VIVIAN: We're the ones who should be thanking you. (BEAT) Lawrence isn't going to give up, you know.

IVAN: He will undoubtedly return.

JOHN: You're right, both of you. I'm sure we haven't heard the last of him.

NICHOLAS: (UPSET) Isn't there anything we can do to make him stay away?

NICHOLAS PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND VIVIAN, WHO RETURNS HIS EMBRACE.

JOHN GOES OVER TO THE PHONE AND PICKS UP THE RECEIVER.

JOHN: (DIALING THE PHONE) I'm calling in the reinforcements.

HOLD ON JOHN'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND BO ARE SITTING AND TALKING AT A TABLE. IN PROGRESS.

BO: No, but there is a change in Shawn-D. He isn't having any more outbursts.

DOUG: That sounds positive.

BO: Not really. He hardly talks to anyone and when I try to get close to him, he pulls away.

BO BURIES HIS FACE INTO HIS HANDS.

BO: I don't know what to do anymore.

BO LIFTS HIS FACE AND LOOKS, ALMOST PLEADING AT DOUG.

DOUG: It's tough being a parent. We want so much for our children to be happy. Sometimes it seems the harder we try, the less it works.

BO: That's the thing. I don't think I've tried hard enough.

DOUG: But, you are raising him by yourself. That's not an easy job.

BO: Hope always knew what to do. She was a wonderful mother.

DOUG: And you're a very loving father.

BO: But, no matter how much I love my son, I'm not doing a very good job at being a single parent. I've spent too much time worrying about my own life, my job... my love life. I never gave Shawn-D the attention he obviously needed.

DOUG: You shouldn't blame yourself.

BO: Who else is to blame? It's all my fault. (BEAT) Hope wouldn't have let our son become so neglected.

DOUG: (SLIGHTLY HARSH) Now Bo, stop that. It's not going to help Shawn-Douglas. You need to stop dwelling on the past and what should have or could have been. You need to concentrate on the here and now... that's what's real.

BO: (STRAIGHTENS A LITTLE) I'm sorry, Doug. You're right. Feeling sorry for myself isn't going to help.

DOUG: (SOFTER) Remember, you're not alone in this. Julie and I are here for anything you need. Don't forget that.

BO: Thanks Doug, I appreciate it.

DOUG: That's what grandparents are for.

BO: (CHECKING HIS WATCH) I'd better get the Sailor and take him home before your dinner crowd.

DOUG SEES THAT BO IS STILL CLEARLY WORRIED.

BO: Yeah. I just needed someone to listen... and to kick me into place. Thanks, again.

DOUG: Take care of both of you.

BO: I'll try...

BO GETS UP TO LEAVE. OUT ON BO'S WORRY.

ACT VI

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND VERN LOOK DISHEVELED AND EXHAUSTED. VERN SITS AT THE CONFERENCE TABLE DOING LAYOUTS, WHILE JACK IS ON THE PHONE AND KEYING AT THE SAME TIME. JENNIFER COMES BACK IN.

VERN: Unless we work fast we're going to miss deadline on the business section.

JENNIFER: Where is everybody?

JACK: Out sick. That virus thing that's going around. (BEAT) Vern! The story on Salem Mortgage is okay.

VERN: Great. What about the stock quotes?

JACK: (HOLDING UP THE PHONE) As soon as I can get through...

JENNIFER: Why don't I help?

VERN: The classifieds are all set up. Did you okay Mitchell's story? We've only got 10 minutes!

JACK TWISTS AROUND AND LOOKS AT THE CLOCK. HE HANDS THE PHONE TO JENNIFER.

JENNIFER TAKES THE PHONE FROM JACK AND BEGINS WRITING FURIOUSLY. VERN RUNS FOR THE OTHER PHONE WHILE JACK BEGINS KEYING AGAIN. JACK STOPS FOR A SECOND TO KISS JENNIFER ON THE CHEEK, THEN GOES BACK TO KEYING. HOLD ON JENNIFER'S SMILE.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. SHANE AND EVE ARE SEATED AT A TABLE. IN PROGRESS.

SHANE: It's all right, darling. I understand.

EVE: (RELIEVED) Good.

SHANE: But, there's something you need to understand, as well.

EVE: (NERVOUS) Oh? What's that?

SHANE: You're my daughter, and of course I want to be there when you need me.

EVE SMILES.

EVE'S SMILE FADES.

EVE: I see.

SHANE: I'll be around as much as I can, but I do have other responsibilities.

EVE: I know, Dad.

SHANE: I'm always with you, in spirit, no matter where I am. (BEAT) I love you, Eve.

EVE: Thanks, Dad. I love you, too.

SHANE: I'm glad you understand. (BEAT) Now, let's talk about you...

EVE: (CURIOUS) What about me?

SHANE: That's what I'd like to know. I've been worried about you, lately. It seems to me that you've been unhappy. And not just because I had to spend some time away.

EVE SHIFTS UNCOMFORTABLY IN HER SEAT.

EVE: Do I have to?

SHANE: No. (BEAT) But, I'd feel much better if you did. I think you'd feel better, too.

EVE: (RELUCTANTLY) Well... okay. (BEAT) I've been thinking about Nick, lately. (BEAT) I've been thinking about him a lot.

SHANE FROWNS SLIGHTLY.

SHANE: Eve... I know I've said this before, but you have to get on with your life. That chapter is closed, and you've got to learn to accept that.

EVE: (SOFTLY) That's what Nick keeps telling me...

SHANE: What?

EVE: (COVERING) Um... I said, that's what Nick would tell me.

SHANE: It's what you have to do. You have to let him go, so you can move on.

EVE: I don't know. (BEAT) I loved him, Dad. I loved him so much. I can't forget all of that.

SHANE: (DISMAYED) Oh, honey, I wish you could. It really would be for the best.

EVE: I'm sorry. I can't, not now. (BEAT) But, that doesn't mean I can't get the rest of my life in order. (BEAT) And that includes my finances.

SHANE: Well, that's a start. (BEAT) Tell you what... I'll help you out, financially or otherwise, if you really need it. Otherwise, I'm going to give you the space and the opportunity to work things out on your own.

EVE: (HESITANTLY) Ummm... Okay.

SHANE: What? Is something wrong with that?

EVE: No, not really... (BEAT) Can I still come to you for advice?

SHANE: (SMILING) Of course, darling.

EVE: (SMILING BACK) Good. You've got a deal.

HOLD ON EVE'S SMILE.

CUT TO: LOFT. VIVIAN, IVAN AND NICHOLAS ARE ALL SEATED ON THE COUCH. NICHOLAS CLINGS TO VIVIAN. JOHN IS PACING. THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR AND JOHN SLIDES IT OPEN TO REVEAL JANET.

JANET: My pleasure. (BEAT) You said on the phone this had to do with Lawrence Alamain.

JOHN: Yes.

JOHN GESTURES TO VIVIAN, IVAN AND NICHOLAS.

JANET: (NODDING) Yes, hello. (BEAT) I take it Lawrence has figured out that you've been staying here?

VIVIAN: Yes, he was here harassing us.

JOHN: Fortunately, Nikki called me at the office and I came right home. (BEAT) I'd like to get an officer to keep an eye on things when I'm not around.

JANET: I think we can arrange that. (BEAT) Why don't we inspect the premises, John?

JANET AND JOHN MOVE OUT OF THE OTHERS' EARSHOT.

JOHN: I had thought of that myself, but... it's a delicate situation.

JANET: I understand. Family obligations... (BEAT) Look, why don't you think about it. If I come up with a safe place in the meantime, I'll let you know.

JOHN: Thanks, I will. I appreciate it.

JANET MOVES TOWARDS THE DOOR. SHE NODS TO VIVIAN AND IVAN.

VIVIAN: Thank you, Captain Yamada.

JOHN CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND JANET.

NICHOLAS RUNS UPSTAIRS. JOHN SITS DOWN IN THE ARMCHAIR FACING VIVIAN AND IVAN.

VIVIAN: And we do appreciate all your help, John.

JOHN: And I've enjoyed having you...

IVAN: But the Captain thinks perhaps we might be safer elsewhere?

JOHN: In a word, yes. (BEAT) But of course, you can stay here as long as you like.

VIVIAN: As long as we're safe from Lawrence, I don't care where we are.

JOHN: Really?

VIVIAN: Really. John, dear. I know you're doing everything you can to help us. But you can't be here 24 hours a day... You have a job, a son of your own...

JOHN: All right. Then we'll see what we can come up with. We will find a safe haven for you.

OUT ON JOHN'S RELIEF.

ACT VII

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, JENNIFER, AND VERN ARE SEATED AROUND JACK'S DESK. ALL THREE ARE EXHAUSTED, BUT HAPPY.

JENNIFER: Oh, I don't know. There was that one time a few years ago, when someone spilled coffee all over the front page of the classifieds...

JACK: Yes, I remember that... We finished up with, what, 40 seconds to spare?

JENNIFER: Yeah, I think that's right.

VERN: Why don't I remember that?

JACK: You were conveniently on vacation at the time.

JENNIFER: Yeah, Vern, if you had been there to help us, we may have cut 20 seconds off our time.

VERN: Well, this one was close enough for me.

JACK: Agreed. I vote that we not have a repeat performance anytime soon. All those in favor?

VERN AND JENNIFER: Aye!

JACK: Good.

VERN: You know, Jenny Girl, with you back here, it feels like old times. (BEAT) It's like you never left, like you belong here.

JENNIFER: It did feel good. (BEAT) But, I don't know if I belong here anymore... As you said, that was a long time ago. A lot of things have changed.

JACK IS DEEP IN THOUGHT. THERE IS A TRACE OF A SMILE ON HIS FACE.

JENNIFER: 'Bye, Vern.

JACK IS STILL DEEP IN THOUGHT. VERN LOOKS AT HIM CURIOUSLY.

JACK: (SNAPPING OUT OF IT) What? Oh, yes. Absolutely, Vern.

VERN: Absolutely, what?

JACK: Er... We'll talk later.

VERN: Right... See you later, boss.

VERN EXITS. JACK TURNS TO LOOK AT JENNIFER, WHO IS BEAMING.

JENNIFER: I'm so proud of you, of us. (BEAT) We had a tough challenge, and we succeeded. It felt good.

JACK: Yes, it did.

JENNIFER: Especially since I've been doing nothing but puttering around the house for so long. It's nice to accomplish something, to feel useful.

JACK: Well, you definitely proved to be valuable today. Invaluable is more like it.

JENNIFER LEANS OVER AND GIVES JACK A KISS.

JACK: Thank you. We couldn't have done this without you.

JENNIFER SMILES.

JENNIFER: (TEASING) What do you mean? You frequently leave me with a glow...

JACK: (EMBARRASSED) Not that glow... I mean the glow you get when you're happy, when you've done something that you're proud of.

JENNIFER: Oh, that glow. Well, it feels good.

JENNIFER PUTS HER HAND ON JACK'S.

JACK: (SMILING) Certainly. I'm always open for discussion on that topic. (BEAT) I don't know about you, but I think it's time we called it a day.

JENNIFER: (STANDING UP) I think you're right.

JACK: (STANDING) So, shall we go over to the Day Care Center and pick up our daughter?

JENNIFER: (PICKING UP JACK'S COAT AND HANDING IT TO HIM) Definitely. I can't wait to tell Abby what an exciting afternoon her mama had today.

JACK: (TAKING HIS COAT FROM JENNIFER AND HANDING HER COAT TO HER) I'm sure she'll be delighted to hear about it.

JENNIFER: Okay, let's go.

JENNIFER GOES TO THE DOOR. JACK PAUSES, OBSERVING HER ENTHUSIASM. HOLD ON JACK'S CONTEMPLATION.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / EXT. BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ARE SITTING ON THE DECK, WATCHING THE SUNSET. SHAWN-DOUGLAS STARES INTO SPACE.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS NODS.

SHAWN-D SHRUGS.

SHAWN-D SHRUGS AGAIN.

SHAWN-D REMAINS SILENT.

SHAWN-D FROWNS.

BO HUGS SHAWN-DOUGLAS, SHAWN-DOUGLAS HESITATES, THEN RETURNS THE HUG. OUT ON THEIR TENDER MOMENT. FADE TO BLACK.

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