ALT.DAYS

Episode #48

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: April 19, 1994
Time: Several Days After #47,
Morning to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

DEVERAUX DAYCARE. MAGGIE, JO AND ALICE ARE SETTING UP FOR THE OPENING PARTY. WE SEE NORMA MUIR AND BETH FLETCHER, THE TWO NEW DAYCARE TEACHERS, SETTING OUT PAPER CUPS AND PLATES OF FOOD ON A TABLE. JO IS CARRYING A PUNCH BOWL.

JO: Are you sure we'll have enough to go around?

NORMA: (TO JO) I'm sure there'll be plenty. We have enough punch and cookies for everyone.

BETH BEGINS TO ARRANGE FRUIT SLICES, BUNCHES OF GRAPES, ETC. ON A PLATTER.

NORMA: I'm sure their parents would agree. I don't care what that new study found, I think children who've been eating chocolate frosted sugar bombs all day are more active.

BETH: Norma, always the diplomat... more "active"?

NORMA: Well... there are grandparents present.

ALICE: (SMILING) Who know exactly what you mean.

JO BEGINS TO MAKE THE FRUIT PUNCH.

MAGGIE: (TO JO) Need any help with that, Jo?

JO: No, thanks. I've got it. (LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM) Maggie, have I told you how impressed I am? I think you and Jennifer (NODDING) and now Norma and Beth have done a great job.

MAGGIE: Thank you, Jo. I'm happy the Daycare Center is finally opening. I think it's something we've needed for a long time. And I'm glad that in my own small way I could help.

ALICE: Maggie, don't be modest. We all know how hard you worked to make this happen.

JO: I agree. And you know, I've been thinking...

ALICE: What, Jo?

JO: I'd like to volunteer here a few hours a week.

ALICE: I've been thinking the same thing.

JO: Great minds...

MAGGIE: Great grandmothers... (TO NORMA) Well, what do you think? (WINKING) Can we use them?

NORMA: (TRYING TO BE SERIOUS) I don't know... Can they pass the test?

JO: Test?

NORMA: Yes. Can you simultaneously burp a baby, feed one toddler, read to another, ignore a noise level that nearly surpasses that on the runway at Salem International and maintain your sanity?

JO: Of course, I'm a mother.

HOLD ON THE GROUP, LAUGHING.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT. BO IS MAKING EGGS WHILE TALKING ON THE PHONE. ONE WAY.

BO HANGS UP THE PHONE AND SCOOPS THE EGGS ONTO TWO PLATES WITH A COUPLE PIECES OF TOAST.

BO SITS DOWN IN FRONT OF HIS PLATE AND OPENS A NEWSPAPER. SHAWN-D DOES NOT COME IN.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SLOWLY EMERGES FROM HIS ROOM AND SITS DOWN FOR BREAKFAST.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOES NOT SAY ANYTHING. HE PICKS UP HIS FORK AND STARTS PLAYING WITH HIS FOOD.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS PICKS UP A PIECE OF TOAST AND STARES AT IT. BO TRIES TO ACT "NORMALLY" AND READ HIS NEWSPAPER, BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT HIS ATTENTION IS ON SHAWN-DOUGLAS.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS REMAINS SILENT.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SHRUGS. HOLD ON BO'S WORRY AND FRUSTRATION.

CUT TO: JOHN'S LOFT. LAWRENCE WALKS UP TO THE FRONT DOOR, BUT IS STOPPED BY A UNIFORMED POLICEMAN, OFFICER WAGNER.

LAWRENCE: I'm here to see my son. (BEAT) Let me through.

WAGNER: I have my orders. No one is allowed in.

LAWRENCE: And who gave you those orders?

WAGNER: Captain Yamada. (BEAT) Now, I suggest you leave.

LAWRENCE GLARES AT WAGNER, THEN WALKS UP TO THE DOOR AND STARTS POUNDING ON IT.

THE FRONT DOOR OPENS PART-WAY, REVEALING VIVIAN. WAGNER PHYSICALLY RESTRAINS LAWRENCE FROM ENTERING THE LOFT.

LAWRENCE: (SEETHING) Let me in, Vivian.

VIVIAN: All right... If only to keep the peace. (TO WAGNER) Please join us, Officer Wagner.

OUT ON LAWRENCE'S RAGE.

ACT I

JOHN'S LOFT. A FUMING LAWRENCE ENTERS THE LOFT, FOLLOWED BY OFFICER WAGNER. ONCE INSIDE, WAGNER KEEPS CLOSE TO LAWRENCE, MUCH TO THE LATTER'S CHAGRIN. VIVIAN KEEPS A SAFE DISTANCE.

LAWRENCE: I want to see my son!

VIVIAN: I don't think that's such a good idea...

LAWRENCE: Vivian... do you want this to get ugly?

VIVIAN: Ugly? How could it possibly get uglier than it already is?

LAWRENCE: Don't try me, Vivian... (STEPPING CLOSER TO VIVIAN)

WAGNER STEPS BETWEEN THE TWO TO PREVENT LAWRENCE FROM NEARING VIVIAN.

VIVIAN: (CONSIDERING) Well...

LAWRENCE: Vivian, don't you dare.

VIVIAN: (TO WAGNER) No officer, I can handle this. (TO LAWRENCE) All right, Lawrence, you may see Nicholas. But only to avoid a scene. Remember, you're under watch.

LAWRENCE: (EYING WAGNER) How can I forget, dear Auntie?

WAGNER BACKS AWAY SLIGHTLY AS VIVIAN TURNS TOWARDS THE STAIRWELL.

LAWRENCE: Don't you? Vivian, not even you would deny my right to see my son.

NICHOLAS RUNS DOWN THE STAIRS. WHEN HE SEES LAWRENCE, HE RUNS INTO VIVIAN'S ARMS, OBVIOUSLY AFRAID.

VIVIAN: It's all right, darling.

VIVIAN FLASHES LAWRENCE A WARNING LOOK.

LAWRENCE ATTEMPTS TO APPROACH NICHOLAS. BUT WHEN HE DOES, NICHOLAS STIFFENS AND PRESSES HIMSELF INTO VIVIAN'S ARMS. HOLD ON NICHOLAS' FEAR.

CUT TO: DEVERAUX DAYCARE. NORMA AND BETH STAND NEAR THE ENTRANCE AND GREET PEOPLE. JENNIFER ARRIVES WITH ABIGAIL AND ROSIE.

JENNIFER: Hello, Norma. (LOOKING AROUND AT THE PEOPLE) Today looks like a great success.

NORMA: It is, thanks in large part to you.

JENNIFER: Thanks to a lot of people, especially Jack.

ABIGAIL: Dada!

ROSIE: Right on cue.

JENNIFER: Oh Norma, how rude of me. This is Rosie. Rosie this is Norma Muir, one of our two permanent teachers here at the Center.

NORMA: Pleased to meet you, Rosie. (TO ABIGAIL) And good to see you again, little one. (HOLDS OUT HER ARMS) May I?

ROSIE: Of course...

NORMA TAKES ABIGAIL INTO HER ARMS.

ABIGAIL: (LOOKING AT JENNIFER, THEN ROSIE, THEN NORMA, SUDDENLY SMILING) Lov-y!

NORMA: I'll take that as a yes. Let's go meet the other children.

NORMA, HOLDING ABIGAIL, WALKS INTO THE CENTER AS ALICE WALKS OUT TO JOIN JENNIFER AND ROSIE.

ROSIE: (SLIGHTLY WOUNDED) Well...

JENNIFER: Oh Rosie, you know I didn't mean you. You are Abby's nanny and no one can replace you, but when you need a break, you can bring Abby to the Center.

ALICE: And, Rosie, the other parents don't have someone as wonderful as you to take care of their children...

ROSIE: Well, a break might be nice... but Abigail is still my little girl...

JENNIFER: I know, Rosie... I know...

ROSIE: Just like you...

JENNIFER: Rosie...

ALICE: I know what you mean, Rosie, she'll always be that little angel I held in my arms when her father brought her home...

JENNIFER: Please, ladies, no more of my baby stories. What do you think of the Daycare Center?

ALICE: I think it's wonderful. It will be a Godsend to the working women here.

ROSIE: I agree. I know how hard it is for a woman to work full time and find a care-giver for her child...

MITCHELL WALKS IN WITH HIS SON.

JENNIFER: I'm glad we could help...

MITCHELL: Was that Abby I saw earlier?

JENNIFER: It was.

MITCHELL: Great. Now that Abby's in Daycare, when will we be seeing you back here full-time?

JENNIFER: Ohhh... I have lots to keep me busy. Gotta run. See you later.

MITCHELL: Oh, okay, Jennifer, see you later.

MITCHELL AND HIS SON WALK INTO THE CENTER.

ALICE AND ROSIE EXCHANGE A LOOK AND WALK INTO THE CENTER. JENNIFER PAUSES TO LOOK AROUND THE SPECTATOR OUTER OFFICES.

HOLD ON JENNIFER LOOKING AROUND WISTFULLY.

CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD ARE SITTING AT HER SMALL TABLE. THE WHITEBOARD BEHIND THEM SHOWS A SCHEDULE OF STORIES IN PROGRESS, DEADLINES, ETC. IN PROGRESS.

RICHARD: (MAKING A NOTE) Great. What else have we got?

JULIE: I was thinking of a piece on volunteerism. It's a growing trend. I'm sure there are a lot of women over 40 in this community who spend a lot of time helping others.

RICHARD: And have you got a subject in mind?

JULIE: Maggie Horton does quite a bit with University Hospital and now the Deveraux Daycare Center.

RICHARD: (TEASING) Why is it that you've always got a family member or close personal friend in mind for these stories, hmmm?

JULIE: (LAUGHING) Darling, when you've been around for as long as I have, it's inevitable you end up related to, or friends with, just about everyone in town!

RICHARD: I never thought of it that way. (BEAT) I'm not sure about the Hospital angle, but I like the concept...

JULIE: What do you suggest?

RICHARD: How about the Community Center? I've heard a lot of good things about it.

JULIE: Candis Morgan and Kayla Brady have done a wonderful job with that place. The benefit show was spectacular, but I'm sure they'd be thrilled to get more publicity...

RICHARD: Okay. A good idea for a good cause. I'll get right on it...

OUT ON RICHARD'S THOUGHTFULNESS.

ACT II

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS SEATED AT HIS DESK. JENNIFER KNOCKS ON THE DOOR AND ENTERS.

JACK: Good morning. To what do I owe this pleasure?

JENNIFER: Oh, well... It's "Be Kind to Newspaper Moguls Day," and I came by to give you a present.

JACK: "Be Kind to Newspaper Moguls"...

JENNIFER WALKS UP TO JACK'S DESK.

JACK: (STANDING UP) By all means...

JENNIFER GRASPS HIS TIE AND PULLS HIM IN TOWARDS HER FOR A KISS.

JENNIFER: Well, it's only for the special newspaper mogul.

JACK SITS DOWN. JENNIFER PULLS UP A CHAIR IN FRONT OF HIS DESK.

JENNIFER: Everything's going great. Norma and Beth are wonderful. (BEAT) And Grandma, Jo, and Maggie are all helping...

JACK: My... with all that Horton influence, this party is sure to be the social event of the season.

JENNIFER: I don't know if I'd go that far. It's just a daycare center.

JACK: (INDIGNANT) Just a daycare center? Absolutely not! It's the Deveraux Daycare Center. That's something special.

JENNIFER: You're right. (BEAT) So, are you going to make an appearance? After all, without you, there would be no Deveraux Daycare Center.

JACK: I don't know... Me and a bunch of little kids... I'm not sure that's the best idea. Besides, I have a lot of work to do today.

JENNIFER: Come on, Jack. It wouldn't kill you to show up for a few minutes. (BEAT) Please?

JACK: I'll do my best...

THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

LEIGH ENTERS.

LEIGH: Mr. Deveraux, Ms. Deveraux. (BEAT) I'm sorry, am I interrupting?

JENNIFER: (STANDING UP) No, Ms. McCloud, I was just leaving. (TO JACK) I'll see you later... at the Daycare Center.

JACK: I'll try...

JENNIFER: Nice seeing you again, Ms. McCloud.

LEIGH: Nice to see you, too.

JENNIFER: 'Bye, Jack.

JACK: Good-bye.

JENNIFER EXITS.

LEIGH: Thank you.

LEIGH SITS.

LEIGH: Well... nothing signed in blood yet, but yes, I think we'll be doing business in the future.

JACK: I'm glad to hear that.

LEIGH: I'm glad, too... Very glad.

JACK: Yes, well... Did you have something specific to discuss?

LEIGH: I guess you wouldn't believe me if I said I came for the company?

JACK: (SMILING, BUT ASSUMING SOME ULTERIOR MOTIVE) My, my... Flattery will get you... everywhere.

LEIGH: That's encouraging. (BEAT) I've been thinking about some marketing campaigns where Deveraux Publishing and EcoSystems could work together.

JACK: I see. Well, I'd like to hear them.

LEIGH: Good. (BEAT) First, though, did I hear your sister...

JACK: Sister?

LEIGH: The lovely blonde.

JACK: You mean Jennifer? (BEAT) Jennifer's my wife.

LEIGH: I see... All right, did I hear your wife mention a daycare center?

JACK: Yes, today is the grand opening of the Deveraux Daycare Center. The parents who work here seem pleased...

LEIGH: (IMPRESSED) I think it's a good move. (BEAT) Employee satisfaction increases productivity.

JACK: I've heard...

LEIGH: So, Jack, tell me more about it...

HOLD ON LEIGH'S INTEREST.

CUT TO: JOHN'S LOFT. LAWRENCE STANDS FACING VIVIAN AND A FRIGHTENED NICHOLAS. IN THE BACKGROUND, OFFICER WAGNER CLOSELY WATCHES LAWRENCE. IN PROGRESS.

NICHOLAS: I don't want to talk to you.

NICHOLAS TRIES TO AVERT HIS EYES FROM LAWRENCE. LAWRENCE, OBVIOUSLY HURT, KNEELS DOWN AND TRIES TO GET NICHOLAS' ATTENTION.

NICHOLAS SLOWLY AND RELUCTANTLY BRINGS HIS GAZE BACK TO LAWRENCE.

NICHOLAS: (FORCED POLITENESS) I'm sorry. I don't really want to.

NICHOLAS TURNS TO FACE VIVIAN.

VIVIAN: Of course, dear.

WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGING LAWRENCE, NICHOLAS HEADS BACK UPSTAIRS. STILL KNEELING, LAWRENCE TURNS HIS FACE DOWNWARD. ONCE NICHOLAS IS OUT OF THE ROOM, LAWRENCE STANDS AND STARTS TO LEAVE.

LAWRENCE TURNS TO FACE VIVIAN.

LAWRENCE: Do you?

VIVIAN: Yes, I do. But, I also know that he is, and has always been, better off with me.

LAWRENCE: How can you know that, when I never had a chance?

VIVIAN: I know...

LAWRENCE: Why is it that you never told me about my son when he was born?

VIVIAN: I've explained...

LAWRENCE: Yes, I've heard it. But, is the real reason because you've never really loved me?

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S SHOCK.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / EXT. SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND BO ARE SITTING ON THE DECK SORTING THROUGH FISHING EQUIPMENT. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS LISTLESS AND QUIET.

SHAWN-D: I guess so.

BO SIGHS A LITTLE, BUT CONTINUES TO SORT THROUGH THE TACKLE BOX. VICTOR ARRIVES AND PAUSES ON THE DOCK.

BO: Sure, Victor. (TO SHAWN-D) Hey, Shawn-D, Grandpa Victor is here to see you.

VICTOR: How are you today, Shawn-Douglas?

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SHRUGS.

SHAWN-D: No thank you. (TO BO) Can I go downstairs?

BO: Sure.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS GOES BELOW WITHOUT AGAIN ACKNOWLEDGING VICTOR. BO RUNS HIS HAND THROUGH HIS HAIR IN FRUSTRATION.

VICTOR: Normally Shawn-Douglas would jump at a trip to the park.

BO: Well... lately he hasn't been "normal" about anything. He's getting more and more withdrawn every day. I don't know what to do.

VICTOR: Just say the word and I can arrange to have a specialist here in a matter of hours.

BO: I appreciate the offer, but I think we'll stick with Dr. Ector.

VICTOR: It doesn't seem like he's helping Shawn-Douglas. In fact, the boy's gotten worse.

BO: That's not true. Dr. Ector is doing everything he can to help my boy. He's as worried as I am. It's just going to take some time.

VICTOR: Bo, look, I know you can't afford a specialist. It would be my pleasure to...

BO: Money can't buy everything, Victor. Not good health, not love, and certainly not me or my son. (BEAT) I thought you knew that by now.

OUT ON BO.

ACT III

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND LEIGH ARE DEEP IN DISCUSSION. IN PROGRESS.

LEIGH: Not many companies have realized how important a daycare center is. I'm impressed.

JACK: I'd love to take all the credit, but it was Jennifer's brain child.

LEIGH: Then, kudos to both Deveraux. (BEAT) You know, Jack, Deveraux Publishing is a wonderful investment for EcoSystems, from both a financial and employee standpoint.

JACK: Why thank you. I assure you, you won't be disappointed.

LEIGH: (SMILING AT JACK) Everything I've seen so far has most definitely been impressive.

JACK: Good. (BEAT) Do you have everything you need to present your ideas to John?

LEIGH: Yes, I believe so. And I'd like to bring up the daycare idea to him as well. I think he'll like it, especially considering how much he relies on his family to watch his son.

JACK PAUSES AND WE CAN SEE ALMOST SEE HIS EPIPHANY.

LEIGH: (CONFUSED) You're welcome... for what?

JACK: A brilliant idea...

JACK TURNS TO LEIGH.

LEIGH: By all means, please do. I'll just gather my things. It's been a pleasure talking with you, Jack.

JACK: The pleasure was all mine. Good day, Ms. McCloud.

LEIGH BEGINS TO GATHER HER THINGS TOGETHER, AS JACK QUICKLY LEAVES THE OFFICE. HOLD ON LEIGH WATCHING JACK.

CUT TO: CARRIE'S APARTMENT. JONAH AND CARRIE ARE ON OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE COUCH. THERE ARE STACKS OF BOOKS AND PAPERS ON AND AROUND THE COUCH. CARRIE IS READING A HISTORY TEXTBOOK AND MARKING IT WITH A HIGHLIGHTER PEN. JONAH READS A PAGE FROM AN ANATOMY BOOK, CLOSES THE BOOK, MUMBLES TO HIMSELF, THEN LOOKS AT THE PAGE AGAIN TO CHECK HIMSELF. CARRIE LOOKS UP AT HIM IN AMUSEMENT.

JONAH: (STILL CONCENTRATING) Uh-huh...

CARRIE: Jonah... Earth to Jonah!

JONAH: What...?

CARRIE: You're really into that stuff, huh?

JONAH: Sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you... I'm just trying to make my brain a big sponge so I can soak up everything in this book. (BEAT) If I don't, I might not ever be "Dr. Carver."

CARRIE: Don't worry... I have faith in you.

JONAH: (PUTTING DOWN HIS BOOK) Thanks. (BEAT) How's it going with the Civil War, there?

CARRIE: Well... I think the Union's going to win.

JONAH: (SMILING) I hope so. (BEAT) I could use a short break, what about you?

CARRIE: Sure.

JONAH: (STANDING UP) Those sodas I brought should be cold by now. Want one?

CARRIE: Yeah, that sounds good.

JONAH GOES OVER TO CARRIE'S REFRIGERATOR AND OPENS IT. HE TAKES OUT TWO CANS OF SODA.

CARRIE: Nah... The can's fine.

JONAH RETURNS TO THE COUCH AND HANDS CARRIE HER SODA.

THEY BOTH OPEN THE TABS AND TAKE A DRINKS.

CARRIE: How much sleep have you gotten in the last few days?

JONAH: Probably about as much as you, if that much. (BEAT) How are you holding up?

CARRIE: I'll be glad when exams are done. (BEAT) Between studying and...

CARRIE STOPS.

CARRIE: Between studying and worrying about the trial, I've hardly slept at all.

JONAH: Does the D.A. know how much longer it'll be before it's over?

CARRIE: (GLUMLY) It's hard to tell. There are a lot of ways to make it drag on...

JONAH: I'm sorry. I wish they'd just throw Bartoli in jail and get it over with, for your sake.

CARRIE: Me, too.

JONAH: It would sure make your life simpler if you could put that whole mess behind you.

CARRIE: I hope so.

JONAH: What do you mean, you hope so? Of course it will. Once Bartoli's put away, you can concentrate on school, and... and the rest of your life. You'll have one less major worry.

CARRIE: Maybe so. (BEAT) I'm not sure how much simpler my life would be, but I'd like to find out.

HOLD ON CARRIE.

CUT TO: EUTERPE/SOUND BOOTH. EVE AND IAN ARE SORTING THROUGH CDs, TRYING TO WORK OUT THE MUSICAL SELECTIONS FOR THE EVENING. EVE HOLDS UP A COLLECTION OF WALTZES.

IAN: Depends. (BEAT) I was thinking more of a Latin theme.

EVE MOVES CLOSER TO IAN.

IAN MOVES BACK A FEW STEPS.

EVE: Doing what?

IAN: We're friends. Nothing more.

EVE: Friends dance with each other.

IAN TAKES EVE'S HAND AND TWIRLS HER AROUND.

EVE: What's so wrong about wanting more?

IAN: Come on, we've had this conversation so many times. It's not as if I'm irresistible...

EVE PUTS A HAND ON IAN'S CHEST, TOYING WITH THE BUTTON ON HIS SHIRT. HE ROLLS HIS EYES.

IAN: (LAUGHING) Yeah, right. (BEAT) 'Fess up, Evie. Maybe you're still missing Nick a little too much?

EVE STIFFENS AND MOVES AWAY. HOLD ON EVE'S COLD EXPRESSION.

ACT IV

JOHN'S LOFT. LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN. IN PROGRESS.

LAWRENCE: Then why, Vivian? Why did you take my son from me? Why are you trying to keep him from me now?

VIVIAN: You know the answer to that. (BEAT) Just because I love you doesn't mean I think you're capable of raising a child.

LAWRENCE: Who are you to judge?

VIVIAN: Someone who loves Nikki and wants to protect him from any danger.

LAWRENCE: He's my son. I would never put him in any danger...

VIVIAN: Lawrence, you tried to kill your own brother when you were children!

LAWRENCE PAUSES, MOMENTARILY SPEECHLESS.

VIVIAN: Perhaps, but things really haven't changed. You haven't changed. You raped Jennifer Deveraux...

LAWRENCE: I wasn't myself, then. I was under the influence of those drugs that Mother gave me.

VIVIAN: Lawrence, please. That defense may have worked in the courtroom, but both you and I know that you can't place the blame for your past actions on a few pills.

LAWRENCE: I have changed, Vivian. Having a son has changed me.

VIVIAN: Only your motivations, Lawrence, only your motivations...

LAWRENCE: And what is that supposed to mean?

VIVIAN: It means... There's really no kind way to say this, so I'll be frank...

LAWRENCE: Please do.

VIVIAN: You're a violent man, Lawrence. Your motivations have changed over the years, but you've always resorted to violence.

LAWRENCE FOLDS HIS ARMS DEFIANTLY.

LAWRENCE: No, go on... This is intriguing.

VIVIAN: As a child, you were motivated by jealousy. You were jealous of the attention your father gave to Forrest. (BEAT) Later in life, you were motivated by greed, by your hunger for money and power. (BEAT) Now, you're obsessed with your son, and resorting to violence to keep him.

LAWRENCE: Bravo, Auntie. (BEAT) I think you missed your calling. You should have been a psychiatrist.

VIVIAN: Hardly. I'm just observant. (BEAT) I had a great deal of time to think about such things when I was being held prisoner in your attic.

LAWRENCE: You were there because you betrayed me.

VIVIAN: I was trying to escape with Nikki because you betrayed me, and Nikki. (BEAT) You've committed horrible acts against those closest to me: Nikki, Ivan, and... John.

LAWRENCE: Ah, yes... John. Forrest was always your favorite, as well.

VIVIAN: He's a caring man, and he's been very generous in looking after Nikki, Ivan, and me.

LAWRENCE: (CONTEMPTUOUS) A knight in shining armor to save you from your other nephew, the terrible dragon.

VIVIAN: I'm sorry, Lawrence. I do love you, but I can't forgive you for the things you've done to this family. (BEAT) And I certainly can't trust you to take care of Nikki.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: ECOSYSTEMS/JOHN'S OFFICE. PATRICIA IS AT HER DESK WHEN JACK WALKS IN.

PATRICIA: Do you have an appointment, Mr. Deveraux?

JACK: No... but I think he'll see me.

PATRICIA GIVES JACK AN ICY STARE, BUT HITS THE INTERCOM BUTTON, TWO-WAY.

PATRICIA: Mr. Black, a Mr. Deveraux is here to see you. Should I tell him that he needs an appointment first?

JOHN: (SURPRISED) No. Please show him in, Patricia.

PATRICIA GETS UP FROM HER DESK.

PATRICIA LEADS JACK INTO JOHN'S OFFICE, THEN LEAVES.

JACK SITS DOWN IN ONE OF THE CHAIRS IN FRONT OF JOHN'S DESK.

JACK: John, we've been through a lot together over the years, right? And yet, we really don't know each other well. (BEAT) Between the Cruise, the incidents in Alamainia, and the investigation about Carly, you'd think that we might be closer.

JOHN: (BEWILDERED) Well, Jack, I hadn't really given it much thought. (BEAT) Is there a point that you're trying to make?

JACK: Yes, the point... (BEAT) The point is that you and I do have one strong common bond. (BEAT) Isabella.

HOLD ON JOHN'S SURPRISE AT HEARING HER NAME.

CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. CANDIS AND KAYLA ARE SITTING IN THE LOUNGE AREA, DEEP IN DISCUSSION. THE TABLE IN FRONT OF THEM IS PILED WITH PAPERS, FOLDERS AND A CALCULATOR.

CANDIS: Everyone's finding it hard these days. People are able to donate time more than money, it seems.

KAYLA: And we need that, too. (GESTURING TO THE PAPERS) But time doesn't pay the electric bill.

RICHARD COMES IN THE DOOR AND WAITS FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO INTERRUPT.

KAYLA: Right. Something different, though.

CANDIS: A bake sale? A car wash?

RICHARD: Maybe I can help.

CANDIS AND KAYLA TURN AROUND TO FACE RICHARD. HE COMES FORWARD AND SHAKES THEIR HANDS.

CANDIS: It's nice to meet you, Mr. Hunt. Your magazine is a godsend, believe me.

CANDIS GESTURES TO THE SEATING. RICHARD SITS DOWN NEXT TO KAYLA, HOOKING AN ARM CASUALLY OVER THE BACK OF THE COUCH.

KAYLA: What can we do for you?

RICHARD: Midsummer's planning a story on community activism. I'd like to profile the Community Center... and it's two lovely administrators.

CANDIS: (TEASING) Oooh, you've got my okay. Flattery will get you everywhere.

KAYLA: We could certainly use the publicity, Mr. Hunt.

RICHARD: Please, call me Richard.

KAYLA: All right... Richard.

MARCUS ARRIVES AND STOPS JUST INSIDE THE DOOR AS HE SEES CANDIS AND KAYLA IN ANIMATED CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD. HE ESPECIALLY NOTICES WHERE RICHARD'S ARM IS PLACED. OUT ON MARCUS' JEALOUSY.

ACT V

COMMUNITY CENTER. MARCUS IS OBSERVING THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN RICHARD, CANDIS, AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.

CANDIS: Not at all... except that means we've got to clean this place up a bit.

THE THREE LAUGH. THE PHONE RINGS.

CANDIS GOES TO ANSWER THE PHONE. KAYLA AND RICHARD STAND.

KAYLA: And it was nice meeting you, Mr. Hunt.

RICHARD: Richard...

KAYLA: (SMILING) Richard...

MARCUS STARTS TO WALK TOWARD KAYLA.

RICHARD EXITS. KAYLA TURNS TO MARCUS AND SMILES.

MARCUS: Hi, Kayla. (BEAT) Can we talk for a minute... in private?

KAYLA: Sure... let's go into my office.

KAYLA AND MARCUS GO INTO HER OFFICE. MARCUS CLOSES THE DOOR, THEN GIVES KAYLA A PASSIONATE KISS.

MARCUS: I wanted to ask you something... will you go away with me for the weekend? (BEAT) Just the two of us...

HOLD ON KAYLA'S SURPRISE.

CUT TO: JOHN'S LOFT. LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN ARE STILL FACING EACH OTHER. LAWRENCE CRUMPLES. IN PROGRESS.

VIVIAN: I'm sorry, Lawrence. Just because I love you doesn't mean I'm blind to your faults.

LAWRENCE: Nikki is my son. He belongs with me.

VIVIAN: Don't make this any harder than necessary. Nikki doesn't want anything to do with you.

LAWRENCE FACE CONTORTS WITH RAGE.

LAWRENCE PUSHES PAST VIVIAN TO THE STAIRS. OFFICER WAGNER PHYSICALLY RESTRAINS LAWRENCE FROM GOING ANY FURTHER. LAWRENCE STRUGGLES A BIT, BUT FINALLY CALMS. WAGNER LOOKS QUESTIONINGLY AT VIVIAN.

VIVIAN: Not yet. (TO LAWRENCE) I have one last thing to say to you, Lawrence.

LAWRENCE: What is it, Auntie? Another lecture on my faults?

VIVIAN: No, just an observation. We do have something in common, you and I.

LAWRENCE GLARES AT HER.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S HOPE.

CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN AND JACK. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: Yeah, she was always like that. Always trying to see the good in people.

JACK: She was a perceptive woman.

JOHN: That's a fact.

JACK: When I discovered her in Bayview, well... I knew she didn't really belong there. That's why I helped her to escape.

JOHN: (SMILING) I remember her telling me that story. (BEAT) She always spoke highly of you, Jack. Even when you...

JOHN STOPS, NOT WANTING TO INSULT JACK.

JACK SIGHS.

JOHN: (BEAT) I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it...

JACK: That's all right. You were making an excellent point. Even when I gave everyone cause to give up on me, Isabella was one of the few people who still had faith.

JOHN: That faith of hers worked some miracles. (BEAT) Heck, if not for IzzyB, I'd probably still be mortal enemies with Victor. Now, look at us...

JACK: (HIS EXPRESSION SOURING AT THE MENTION OF VICTOR) Yes, who would have thought...

JOHN NOTICES JACK'S EXPRESSION AND ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT.

JACK: Yes, I did want to discuss something with you, but it has nothing to do with Carly.

JOHN: Okay... what is it?

JACK: As I said before, I treasured Isabella's friendship. It still means a great deal to me. I'd like to try to repay some of the kindness she always showed me.

JOHN: It's really not necessary... Your friendship was all she wanted...

JACK: Perhaps... But I do want to do something for you in her honor.

JOHN: I'm sure she would appreciate it, but...

JACK: Good. (BEAT) I know how important Brady was to her, and I'd like to help look after him. I would like for Brady to spend your workdays at Deveraux Daycare, as my special guest.

JOHN: (SURPRISED) Wow, that's a great offer...

JACK: I know that Jennifer, Mrs. Horton, and the rest of the ladies would love to spend more time with your handsome young son. (BEAT) And I would like to be able to stop in and say "hello" to him on occasion.

JOHN: It would be a real relief to have someplace stable for the slugger to go. I hate asking Caroline to watch him so much of the time... (LONG BEAT) Jack, it's a very gracious invitation, and I accept.

JACK: Excellent! (BEAT) There are a few forms to be filled out... I'll have them ready for your signature whenever you'd like to bring in Brady.

JOHN: (EXTENDING HIS HAND) I really appreciate this, Jack.

JACK: (SHAKING JOHN'S HAND) It's my pleasure.

JOHN: I know Isabella would appreciate it, too.

JACK: Yes, well... that's what friends are for.

JACK LOOKS AT HIS WATCH.

JACK STANDS UP.

JOHN: I'm sure he'll love it. Thanks again, Jack.

JACK: You're welcome. Thanks for your time.

JACK TURNS AND EXITS. JOHN IS DEEP IN THOUGHT.

JOHN PICKS UP THE PHONE AND STARTS TO DIAL. OUT ON JOHN'S GRIM EXPRESSION.

ACT VI

COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA AND MARCUS, IN PROGRESS.

MARCUS: How about "yes?"

KAYLA TAKES MARCUS' HAND.

MARCUS REMOVES HIS HAND FROM KAYLA'S.

KAYLA HUGS MARCUS.

HOLD ON MARCUS AND KAYLA'S KISS.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. EVE STORMS OUT OF THE SOUND BOOTH, NEARLY KNOCKING OVER JASMIN. IAN FOLLOWS.

IAN: Ah, I stuck my foot in my mouth... again... (BEAT) What's up?

JASMIN: Doug and Robert are rehearsing. I thought you'd want to come out and watch.

IAN: Sure, I do. They're a great team.

IAN AND JASMIN STAND QUIETLY IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM, WATCHING THE STAGE. MARTY IS PLAYING A LIVELY VERSION OF "TOGETHER" WHILE DOUG AND ROBERT DO SOME TAP STEPS. DOUG STOPS SUDDENLY AND LETS OUT A SHOUT.

MARTY: What is it, boss?

DOUG: The intro! What if it went something like this...?

DOUG WALKS TO THE PIANO AND PLAYS A FEW NOTES. HE AND MARTY ARE DEEP IN CONVERSATION, MAKING NOTES ON THE SHEET MUSIC AND GESTURING. UNNOTICED BY DOUG AND MARTY, ROBERT LEAVES THE STAGE. WHITE-FACED, HE DRINKS FROM A GLASS OF WATER ON THE BAR AND WIPES HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDKERCHIEF. HOLD ON ROBERT'S PAIN.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / INT. BO HAS JUST SHOWN JOHN INSIDE, AND IS POURING A CUP OF COFFEE. HE HANDS THE CUP TO JOHN.

JOHN: Thanks. Hey, how's Shawn-D doing?

BO: Still no change. I really don't know what to do.

JOHN: What has Dr. Ector said?

BO: To wait it out. (BEAT) I know it's going to take time, but I want everything to be back to normal this instant.

JOHN: If there's anything you, or Shawn-D needs, don't hesitate to ask.

BO: Thanks, I appreciate it.

JOHN: Speaking of, where is that boy of yours?

BO: Ma offered to watch him for a few hours today while I took care of some errands.

JOHN: Do you have a few minutes to talk?

BO: Sure. In fact, I've finished up everything, and even had some time to kill before I picked up the sailor. (BEAT) What's up?

JOHN: This is a little difficult. (SIGHS) What I have to tell you might change things between the two of us.

BO: Come on John! After all we've been through together over the years... What could possibly come between our friendship?

JOHN: (PAUSES BRIEFLY) What about Carly?

OUT ON BO'S SURPRISE.

ACT VII

EUTERPE. ROBERT, HIS COLOR BACK TO NORMAL, IS SITTING ALONE AT A TABLE READING A LETTER. DOUG COMES UP AND STRADDLES A CHAIR ACROSS FROM HIM.

ROBERT: (SMILING) It is. Thank goodness he likes writing letters.

DOUG: Well don't hold me in suspense! What does he say?

ROBERT SHUFFLES THROUGH THE PAPERS A BIT.

DOUG: What's he gotten himself into now?

ROBERT: He went to Sicily to paint the olive groves. While there he met (READING) "one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Long dark hair, expressive eyes, lips the color of wine. I asked if I could paint her portrait."

DOUG: She said no.

ROBERT: Not quite. Listen, listen. (READING) "She said yes, but only on the condition that I paint her sisters as well. Imagine my delight when I arrived at her house to find three others as lovely as she. And their mother with the face of an angel..."

DOUG: Mamma Mia!

ROBERT: Oh, to be young again...

HOLD ON DOUG AND ROBERT'S LAUGHTER.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS ON THE TELEPHONE WITH SPENSER, TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.

SPENSER: Me, too. Gus Bartoli, to his credit, took it pretty well when his alibi fell apart. (BEAT) Ceceilia Bartoli turned out to be the key after all...

JANET: No words of revenge against his sister?

SPENSER: I didn't hear any. (BEAT) Gus and his attorney, Mr. Dwyer, were adamant about no charges being filed against the sister before they agreed to the plea bargain.

JANET: It will be at least five years before he's up for parole, right?

SPENSER: At least. More likely it will be...

JANET HEARS A LOUD DISTURBANCE ON THE OTHER END OF THE PHONE.

JANET: I can tell. Hang in there. Bye.

JANET HANGS UP THE PHONE, AND STARTS TO STRAIGHTEN UP HER DESK. SHE SEES MORGAN WALKING BY HER OFFICE. JANET GOES TO THE DOOR.

MORGAN: Sure.

JANET HEADS BACK TO HER DESK. MORGAN ENTERS, AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. MORGAN NOTICES THAT SHE'S SMILING.

JANET: The Bartoli case is closed.

MORGAN: (SURPRISED) That's great news! (BEAT) How did this happen?

JANET: Gus' alibi fell apart. Seems the sister was in Las Vegas gambling when Carrie Brady was attacked, and not in the hospital.

MORGAN: Combine that with his previous arrest record of violent crimes...

JANET: Exactly. A plea bargain for a guilty plea suddenly seemed like a great idea to Mr. Bartoli.

MORGAN: Has anyone told Carrie Brady?

JANET: Spenser said that he wanted to do it.

MORGAN: Well, I can tell that you're happy.

JANET: Gus Bartoli is going to pay for his crime. That means we did our job well, and that makes me happy.

MORGAN: And now you can concentrate a little more on Lawrence Alamain and his ISA connections.

JANET: (GRIMACING) Don't remind me. Figuring out who Lawrence has in the ISA is like trying to put together a 2,000 piece jigsaw puzzle of a black hole without the picture of what it's supposed to look like when it's done.

MORGAN: But, at least we know more now than we did a few weeks ago.

JANET: True. (BEAT) But I won't be satisfied until I see this puzzle solved.

HOLD ON JANET'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT. BO AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: It's a complicated story...

BO: Come on, John. Talk to me.

JOHN: Okay... Let me start at the beginning. (BEAT) You know that I've been looking into my past, trying to get back the memories that Stefano took away from me.

BO: Yeah, I know.

JOHN: Well, when I went to Europe last year looking for my past, I found out a lot about Carly.

BO: Carly? I don't understand.

JOHN: We knew each other, a long time ago. The search for my past turned up a lot of things about her past, too...

BO: Like what?

JOHN: It's not good...

BO: John, tell me!

JOHN: She wasn't the good doctor that everyone in Salem believed her to be. (BEAT) In fact, it looks like she wasn't even a doctor at all.

BO: What the hell are you talking about?

JOHN: She may not have ever gone to college, or to medical school.

BO: That's insane. Who's been telling you lies like that?

JOHN: Bo, they're not lies...

BO: Of course they are! Carly graduated from the Sorbonne...

JOHN: Maybe. The only thing that University Hospital has is a letter from her advisor.

BO: Isn't that enough?

JOHN: In some cases, maybe. But that's not all we've discovered about Carly.

BO: "We"? Who's "we"?

JOHN: Um... Well, I'm not the only one who's been investigating Carly.

BO: Who? Who else?

JOHN: Jack Deveraux, Mrs. Horton, Shane, Janet Yamada...

BO: (ANGRILY) And none of them told me a thing...

JOHN: Don't be angry with them. They were looking out for you. With everything that's going on with Shawn-Douglas, they... we... figured you had enough to deal with.

BO: You should have told me.

JOHN: I'm telling you now. (BEAT) I'm sorry I waited so long...

BO: Why now? I'm nowhere near getting things resolved with Shawn-D...

JOHN: Because Jack's writing a story. Soon, all the facts about Carly will be on the front page of the Spectator.

BO FALLS SILENT.

BO: I don't think I can deal with this right now... My son needs me.

JOHN: I know. I hate having to bring this up now, but I didn't want you to learn about this by reading it in the newspapers.

BO: You said Jack's writing the story?

JOHN: Yeah.

BO: Well, at least I know Jack'll be fair.

JOHN: It's still gonna be pretty ugly, bro.

BO: What do you mean?

JOHN: She did some pretty evil things, Bo. She hurt and deceived a lot of people.

BO: I can't believe it. (BEAT) You're absolutely sure? You have proof?

JOHN: I'm afraid so.

BO: Let's hear the rest of it.

JOHN: Are you sure?

BO: Yes. I want to know it all, before everyone in Salem knows. I want to be prepared.

JOHN: All right. (BEAT) I told you before that Carly and I knew each other a long time ago.

BO: Right...

JOHN: That's not the whole story. (LONG BEAT) We were married, Bo. Carly used to be my wife.

BO STARES AT JOHN IN DISBELIEF. HOLD ON BO'S SHOCK. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.

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