ALT.DAYS

Episode #50

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: May 3, 1994
Time: Several Days After #49,
Morning to Afternoon

Copyright 1995

TEASER

SPECTATOR/JENNIFER'S OFFICE. THE WALLS HAVE BEEN PAINTED A WARM IVORY COLOR. THE CARPETING IS ALSO IVORY. ROSE-COLORED VENETIAN BLINDS ARE AT THE WINDOWS. THE DESK, COMPUTER TABLE AND CREDENZA ARE OF WHITE OAK. A SET OF 3 FLORAL PRINTS IN GOLD FRAMES HANG OVER THE ROSE-COLORED COUCH, ACCENTED WITH TEAL THROW PILLOWS. AN IVORY-TEAL-AND-ROSE STRIPED WING CHAIR SITS OPPOSITE THE DESK. A WHITE OAK CONFERENCE TABLE AND FOUR TEAL SWIVEL CHAIRS ARE ON THE FAR END OF THE ROOM. A HUGE BOUQUET OF PINK ROSES SITS ON THE DESK IN A CUT GLASS VASE. JENNIFER, DRESSED IN A FLAX-COLORED LINEN SUIT WITH A MELON AND GOLD VEST, ENTERS AND LOOKS AROUND WITH A MIXTURE OF AWE AND EXCITEMENT. SHE PUTS HER BRIEFCASE ON THE WING CHAIR AND GOES TO SIT ON THE COUCH. SHE IMMEDIATELY JUMPS UP AND RUNS HER FINGERS OVER THE CONFERENCE TABLE, THEN GOES TO THE DESK. SHE LEANS DOWN AND SNIFFS THE ROSES. SHE OPENS THE ATTACHED CARD AND READS OUT LOUD:

JENNIFER GENTLY TOUCHES ONE OF THE ROSES. HER EYES WELL WITH TEARS.

JACK ENTERS FROM THE HALLWAY, GRINNING WIDELY.

HOLD ON JACK'S GRIN.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET EYES A BOX OF DONUTS ON THE TABLE. SHE REACHES FOR A GLAZED DONUT WHEN SHANE WALKS UP FROM BEHIND HER.

JANET: (TURNS SHARPLY) Oh! You startled me, Captain Donovan.

JANET QUICKLY DROPS THE DONUT BACK INTO THE BOX.

JANET: (CLEARS HER THROAT) I didn't have time for breakfast this morning. (DUSTING HER FINGERS) I know I should have fresh fruit or oat bran...

SHANE: Dull, very dull. I think I'd prefer beignets and coffee with chicory...

JANET: (SMILING) Or maybe eggs and kippers?

SHANE: Only if I can have Earl Gray to drink and an enchanting breakfast companion such as yourself...

JANET: (SHAKING HER HEAD) That English charm... (BEAT) I could be wrong, but I suspect you came by to discuss more than breakfast.

SHANE: You're a good cop, Captain. I can't get anything past you.

JANET: I'll bet you could get a snake past a mongoose if you put your mind to it.

SHANE: Hmmm... I think I'll take that as a compliment.

JANET: As you wish. But don't keep me hanging any longer. You've got information on Lawrence Alamain and the ISA, don't you?

SHANE: In a manner of speaking, yes.

JANET: Then in a manner of speaking, tell me.

SHANE: Someone in the ISA is protecting him. I have a hunch it goes all the way to the top.

HOLD ON JANET'S INTEREST.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT/INT. BO IS STANDING AT THE STOVE, COOKING PANCAKES. HE FLIPS ONE INTO THE AIR AND CATCHES IT NEATLY IN THE PAN. HE LOOKS SURPRISED.

BO FLIPS ANOTHER PANCAKE. HE GRINS.

BO LOOKS BEHIND HIM, EXPECTING TO SEE SHAWN-DOUGLAS SITTING AT THE TABLE. WHEN THERE IS NO SIGN OF THE BOY, BO TURNS OFF THE STOVE AND GOES TO THE BEDROOM DOORWAY.

GO TO: SHAWN-DOUGLAS' BEDROOM. THERE ARE TOYS STREWN ALL OVER. SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS DRESSED, BUT HE SITS ON THE FLOOR, ROCKING. BO GOES OVER AND CROUCHES NEXT TO HIM.

BO REACHES OUT AND TOUCHES SHAWN-DOUGLAS ON THE SHOULDER. SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOESN'T LOOK AT HIM OR RESPOND IN ANY WAY BUT CONTINUES TO SIT AND ROCK, STARING STRAIGHT AHEAD.

NO RESPONSE FROM SHAWN-DOUGLAS.

NO RESPONSE FROM SHAWN-DOUGLAS. BO STANDS.

GO TO: MAIN CABIN. BO RUNS OUT OF THE BEDROOM AND DIALS THE PHONE, ONE WAY. AS HE WAITS FOR THE CALL TO GO THROUGH, HE PUTS HIS HAND OVER HIS MOUTH, TRYING TO CONTROL HIS FEAR.

OUT ON BO'S FEAR.

ACT I

JENNIFER'S OFFICE. JENNIFER IS STANDING AT HER DESK. JACK HAS JUST ENTERED.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AROUND) Yes, it's wonderful.

JACK: And the floral arrangement?

JENNIFER: The roses are beautiful, Jack. I love them. (BEAT) And I love you.

JENNIFER WALKS AROUND HER DESK TO STAND FACE-TO-FACE WITH JACK.

JENNIFER: I'm glad you're pleased, and I'm glad to be back. (BEAT) Vern was right, I belong here.

JACK: Yes, I suppose he was right... But that's between you and me. If you tell him I said so, I'll deny it.

JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Whatever you say, boss.

JACK SMILES WITH SATISFACTION.

JACK: I have no idea. But, I'm not going to waste any time thinking about that. I'm going to concentrate on enjoying it, now that we're finally here.

JENNIFER: I like that idea...

THEY EMBRACE AND KISS. UNNOTICED BY JACK AND JENNIFER, RICHARD APPEARS IN THE DOORWAY, CARRYING A BEAUTIFUL AND EXTRAVAGANT BOUQUET OF ORCHIDS. RICHARD GRINS SLYLY AND WAITS A LONG BEAT. HE THEN TAPS ON THE DOOR, SURPRISING JACK AND JENNIFER.

JACK AND JENNIFER SEPARATE.

JENNIFER ATTEMPTS TO SMOOTH THE WRINKLES IN HER JACKET. JACK, WHO HAS TRACES OF LIPSTICK AROUND HIS MOUTH, TURNS TO RICHARD.

JENNIFER LOOKS AT JACK AND NOTICES THE LIPSTICK ON HIS MOUTH.

JACK: (STILL ADDRESSING RICHARD) I was about to brief her on her assignments for today.

RICHARD: Of course...

JENNIFER: Jack!

JACK: Yes?

JENNIFER PUTS HER HAND ON JACK'S CHIN AND TURNS HIS FACE TOWARD HER. SHE THEN WIPES THE LIPSTICK OFF OF HIS MOUTH.

RICHARD IS LOOKING ON IN AMUSEMENT. AS JACK AND JENNIFER TURN BACK TOWARD HIM, HE OFFERS THE ORCHIDS TO JENNIFER.

JENNIFER: (TAKING THE FLOWERS FROM RICHARD) They're lovely, Richard. Thank you!

RICHARD: Don't thank me, thank Julie.

JENNIFER: I will.

RICHARD: (SMILING MISCHIEVOUSLY) Oh, and, um, please don't tell her that you arrived here before the flowers. She wanted me to have them here waiting for you. If she finds out that I failed, she's sure to give me the assignment from hell.

JENNIFER: (GIGGLING) Don't worry, Richard, your secret's safe with me.

RICHARD: Thanks.

VERN ENTERS.

VERN WALKS OVER AND GIVES JENNIFER A HUG.

JACK: All right, all right, we'll have none of that. This is a place of business, we're here to work, not to get all mushy.

RICHARD LOOKS AT JACK AND SNICKERS.

JACK: Fine. (TO JENNIFER) I'll see you later.

JENNIFER: Okay.

VERN TURNS TO RICHARD.

JACK: (INDIGNANT) Vern, let's go.

VERN: Okay. 'Bye, Jenny Girl. I'll see you later.

JENNIFER: 'Bye, Vern.

VERN EXITS, FOLLOWED BY A GRUMBLING JACK.

JENNIFER AND RICHARD SMILE AS THEY WATCH JACK AND VERN EXIT. RICHARD TURNS TO JENNIFER.

JENNIFER: Thanks, Richard.

RICHARD EXITS. JENNIFER GOES TO HER CHAIR AND SITS DOWN. SHE PUTS HER HANDS BEHIND HER HEAD AND LEANS BACK. SHE LOOKS AROUND WITH A SATISFIED SMILE. HOLD ON JENNIFER'S SMILE.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. IN PROGRESS. JANET RAISES HER EYEBROW AT SHANE.

SHANE: Just that, I'm afraid. It would seem that there are some very important people protecting Lawrence. (BEAT) I'm not sure what else I can do.

JANET: I can't believe it! Why would anyone want to protect Lawrence Alamain? And who would want to?

SHANE: I'm afraid I don't have any answers. Much as I'd love to find out, and believe me I've tried, it seems this case is sealed tighter than a drum.

JANET: Hmmm... Maybe we're going about this the wrong way, Captain.

SHANE: Going about what the wrong way... Captain?

JANET: The whole Alamain case. (BEAT) We've been trying to prove what we suspect he's done.

SHANE: Right. So...

JANET: Well, I don't know about you, but I'm sick of all this sleuthing.

SHANE: (GRINNING) Seeing as I'm a spy, I don't think it would be good for my career to agree.

JANET: I say we go after Lawrence for what we know and can prove he's done and to hell with the rest... for now anyway.

SHANE: You know, Captain Yamada, I think you've got it.

HOLD ON JANET'S SMILE.

CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE IS SITTING AT HER DESK, TALKING ON THE TELEPHONE, ONE-WAY.

JULIE HANGS UP THE PHONE.

THERE'S A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

RICHARD ENTERS, AND SITS DOWN IN FRONT OF JULIE'S DESK.

JULIE: Good! (BEAT) Did she like them?

RICHARD: Yes, although I'm not sure how closely Jennifer looked at them. (BEAT) She and Jack were a bit busy when I got there.

JULIE: It's not surprising that they'd be hard at work already.

RICHARD: They weren't exactly working...

JULIE: (SMILING) Oh. (BEAT) Well, I can understand that... young love at the newspaper.

RICHARD: (CHUCKLING) Yeah, I guess that's what it is.

JULIE: I remember acting like that... it seems like it was only yesterday.

RICHARD: After seeing you and Doug together, it probably was yesterday. You two seem to be stuck in the "honeymoon" phase. (BEAT) How long have you been married?

JULIE: (LAUGHING) Which time?

RICHARD: (CONFUSED) Uh... the first time?

JULIE: Doug and I were first married in 1976.

RICHARD: Eighteen years; I'm impressed. (BEAT) I could tell that you'd been together a long time.

JULIE: However... we're not married right now.

RICHARD: Now I'm really confused. I thought you were "Mrs. Doug Williams."

JULIE: I've been that twice already, and the third time will be in a few months.

RICHARD: (FLIRTING) Hmmmm... If I'd known earlier that my beautiful and captivating boss was unmarried... (BEAT) Now things are getting interesting.

JULIE: (MOCK SHOCK) Why Richard, whatever do you mean?

THE DOOR TO THE OFFICE OPENS, AND DOUG ENTERS.

DOUG: Mr. Hunt, are you trying to make time with my fair lady?

OUT ON RICHARD'S SHEEPISH GRIN.

ACT II

JANET'S OFFICE. IN PROGRESS. INTRIGUED, SHANE RUBS HIS CHIN AND THINKS FOR A MOMENT.

JANET: I've already taken statements from Jack and Jennifer Deveraux, Julie Williams, and Alice Horton.

SHANE: Okay...

JANET: We're trying to track down Frankie Brady in Africa, but we're not having much luck yet. Plus, we'll need your statement.

SHANE: I'm not sure I understand. We still have no proof that Alamain murdered Carly Manning, right?

JANET: Correct.

SHANE: Then it must be... but he can't be tried twice for the same crime.

JANET: Of course he can't. We're not going after him again for Jennifer's rape.

SHANE: I'm afraid you lost me, Captain.

JANET PICKS UP A FILE AND OPENS IT.

SHANE: (LAUGHING) That's quite a list there. Especially the last one!

JANET: (SERIOUS) I'm not joking, Shane. Spencer and I decided to throw the proverbial book at Alamain to see if we can rattle him.

SHANE: (SMILING) Then so be it! And I have a feeling it will rattle more than just Lawrence.

JANET: What do you mean?

SHANE: I have a feeling that Lawrence's arrest may rattle some bloody highly-placed cages.

HOLD ON SHANE'S GRIN.

CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. DOUG, JULIE AND RICHARD. IN PROGRESS.

RICHARD LOOKS LIKE A KID WHO GOT CAUGHT WITH HIS HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR.

JULIE: Now Doug, you know very well that you are the only man for me. (BEAT) You always have been, and always will be.

DOUG: Thank you, Fair Lady. (TURNING TO RICHARD) But did you know that?

RICHARD: I do now. (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) I think I'd better be going...

RICHARD QUICKLY EXITS THE ROOM.

DOUG: (SMILING) I wanted to make sure that he knew that you are Mrs. Doug Williams, even if the ring isn't on your finger yet.

JULIE PLACES HER ARMS AROUND DOUG'S NECK.

DOUG: I'm working on it.

DOUG KISSES JULIE.

HOLD ON JULIE'S QUESTION.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND VERN ARE DISCUSSING POSSIBLE EDITORIALS. THE OFFICE DOOR IS OPEN.

JACK: Definitely the South African elections. I want an editorial to go with that banner headline, "Mandela proclaims, 'Free at last.'"

WE HEAR A TAP ON THE DOOR AND JO WALKS IN.

VERN: Not at all! But you're awfully early for our lunch date, Jo.

JACK LOOKS AT VERN, THEN BACK TO JO.

VERN: Not at all. (BEAT) Jack, if you need any help with that editorial, let me know.

VERN LEAVES THE OFFICE, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. JO SITS DOWN IN THE CHAIR WHERE VERN HAD BEEN SITTING.

JACK: She's fine.

JO: And, today's Jennifer's first day back here, isn't it? I'll bet she's excited. She missed working here, you know...

JACK, RECOGNIZING THAT JO IS STALLING, INTERRUPTS HER.

JO: (SIGHING) I want to talk about Eve.

OUT ON JACK'S ASTONISHMENT.

ACT III

JACK'S OFFICE. JO IS SEATED IN FRONT OF JACK'S DESK. JACK IS IN HIS CHAIR. IN PROGRESS.

JO: Yes.

JACK: Eve, the man-eating ex-wife from hell? Eve Donovan?

JO: Yes, that Eve.

JACK: Well, I know that I have plenty to say about that... woman, but why do you want to talk about her?

JO: There was a scene at Euterpe the other night. Eve was there.

JACK: I don't understand...

JO: I'd rather not talk about the details... it was ugly.

JACK: (TENSE) What did she do?

JO: Please, Jack.

JACK: I'm sorry. I know how vicious she can be. (BEAT) Go on...

JO: She said a lot of things that I'd rather forget, but one thing stuck in my mind. (BEAT) She lashed out at me because I killed Nick Corelli.

JACK: (SOTTO VOCE) If that isn't the witch calling the kettle black...

JO: What?

JACK: Oh, I... I said, I wouldn't lend too much credence to what that witch says.

JO: She's right.

JACK: What?

JO: She's right. I'm a horrible person.

JACK: Nonsense!

JO: Jack, you're a journalist. Look at the facts. I killed a man in cold blood. I murdered him. That's a terrible thing to do. I must be a terrible person.

JACK: Jo, that's not true. (BEAT) I know that everything you've ever done in your life, you've done for your children. You did everything you could to... to protect us. That's not the mark of a terrible person.

JO: You're right, I would do anything for my kids. (BEAT) But that doesn't mean I've always done the right things.

JACK: What do you mean?

JO: I've always tried to do the best for my kids, but my methods, and their results, have sometimes been disastrous. (BEAT) Look at how I messed up your life, and... and Steve's life, when I gave you two up for adoption.

JO LOWERS HER HEAD IN SHAME. JACK GETS UP AND WALKS AROUND HIS DESK. HE SITS ON THE EDGE OF THE DESK. HE TAKES JO'S HAND IN HIS.

JO: Thank you, son. (LONG BEAT) But, what I did back then isn't what's bothering me. It's the more recent past that I'm having problems with.

JACK: Nick Corelli...

JO: I don't know if I can deal with it on my own anymore. There's so much pain, so much pressure. (BEAT) It's getting to be too much for me to handle alone.

JACK: You don't have to handle it alone. Adrienne would be here in an instant if you asked her, and... and I'm here, if you need me.

JO: I know you are. And that means the world to me, but... I think I need professional help.

JACK: You mean...

JO: I want to start seeing a psychiatrist.

HOLD ON JACK'S SURPRISE.

CUT TO: JOHN'S LOFT/CORRIDOR. THE ELEVATOR DOOR SLIDES OPEN TO REVEAL LAWRENCE. LAWRENCE CAUTIOUSLY EXITS THE ELEVATOR, EXPECTING TO SEE A UNIFORMED POLICE OFFICER. HE APPROACHES THE DOOR TO JOHN'S LOFT, LOOKING AROUND. WHEN HE IS SATISFIED THAT NO OFFICER IS PRESENT, HE POUNDS ON THE DOOR. JOHN OPENS THE DOOR.

LAWRENCE WALKS PAST JOHN, INTO THE LOFT.

JOHN: Do come in.

JOHN CLOSES THE DOOR. LAWRENCE TURNS TO FACE HIM.

LAWRENCE TURNS AND GOES TO THE FOOT OF THE STAIRS. HE CALLS UP.

JOHN: Holler all you want, Lawrence. It won't do you any good.

LAWRENCE RETURNS TO THE LIVING ROOM.

JOHN: They're not here. Nikki, Vivian, and Ivan have left.

LAWRENCE: What...?

JOHN: (SMILING) They're someplace safe. Someplace where you can't reach them.

LAWRENCE: Damn you! How dare you let her steal my son away again!

JOHN: Vivian hasn't stolen Nikki.

LAWRENCE: Where have they gone? (THREATENINGLY) You'd better tell me, right now.

JOHN: They're still in town, if that's what you're worried about. They're in protective custody... and there's not a damned thing you can do about it.

LAWRENCE: I wouldn't be so smug if I were you. (BEAT) I will find my son, and I'll take him back home where he belongs. He's my son, and he should be with me.

JOHN: I think you're wrong there, Lawrence.

LAWRENCE: As if I cared what you think.

JOHN: I'm thinking about what's best for Nikki.

LAWRENCE: What's best for Nikki? You think a woman who stole him away from his parents as a baby would be better for him than his own father?

JOHN: I don't know. (BEAT) She does love him, very much.

LAWRENCE: As do I. No one loves Nikki more than I do.

JOHN: Okay, you love him. (BEAT) Tell me this... What makes you think you would be a good parent?

LAWRENCE IS TAKEN ABACK BY THE QUESTION.

JOHN INQUISITIVELY COCKS AN EYEBROW.

JOHN: (CALMLY) I'm not sure. Maybe you should ask Jennifer Deveraux... or Alice Horton... or Frankie Brady, or Steve Johnson... if only you could. I wonder what they would say?

LAWRENCE: What...

JOHN: Do rape, kidnapping, torture and murder make a good father?

OUT ON LAWRENCE, UNABLE TO ANSWER JOHN'S QUESTION.

ACT IV

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND JO. IN PROGRESS.

JO: I can't handle everything I've done.

JACK: (SOFTLY) I know how horrible I was to you when I found out you put me up for adoption.

JO OPENS HER MOUTH TO SPEAK, BUT JACK RAISES HIS HAND AND CONTINUES.

JO: Son...

JACK: I forgave you for that long ago.

JO REACHES UP AND PLACES HER HAND ON JACK'S CHEEK. HE LOOKS AT HER WITH COMPASSION, AND PLACES HIS HAND OVER HERS.

JACK QUICKLY STANDS UP.

JO: Yes, I do. Giving you up for adoption was hard on me, but it's not the reason I need help.

JACK SITS DOWN AGAIN AT HIS CHAIR.

JO COVERS HER FACE WITH HER HANDS.

JACK: (PAINED) I know exactly how you feel... I killed Harper.

JO LOOKS UP AT JACK.

JACK: It doesn't change the fact that I killed him.

JO: Harper fell out of that bell tower. You saved your brother's life.

JACK: Yes, and you were trying to protect Steve as well.

JO: It was a little late, don't you think? Nick had already killed my son.

JACK: You were trying to protect his memory.

JO: Maybe. I don't know anymore. All I'm sure of is that I murdered a man.

JACK: Don't do this to yourself. You've already paid your debt, and everyone has forgiven you...

JO: Not Eve.

JACK: (STERN) Eve doesn't count. Everyone else has forgiven you... (SOFTER) it's time you forgive yourself.

JO: I know you're right, but I can't help feeling... dirty.

JACK: You shouldn't.

JO: I know. That's why I'm getting help. I've already made an appointment with Dr. Ector.

HOLD ON JO'S COMPOSURE.

CUT TO: THE SALEM INN. NICHOLAS IS WATCHING TV WHEN VIVIAN WALKS INTO THE ROOM. IVAN IS ARRANGING A LARGE SPRAY OF ORCHIDS.

NICHOLAS: I'm fine, Auntie Viv.

VIVIAN: (LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM) You're not too bored stuck here in the hotel?

NICHOLAS: No, it's kinda cool.

VIVIAN: (SMILING) Cool?

NICHOLAS: Yeah. We've got the whole floor to ourselves, so I can rollerblade in the hall. And Uncle John sent over all these neat videos and games...

VIVIAN: The police in the hallway don't bother you?

NICK: No, I feel safe here.

VIVIAN: I'm glad. No one should be able to hurt us here.

THE PHONE RINGS. VIVIAN ANSWERS. IT IS JOHN, TWO WAY.

JOHN: Vivian, it's John. I wanted to let you know, Lawrence stopped by.

VIVIAN: Oh no. What did he want?

JOHN: What else? He was looking for you and Nikki.

VIVIAN: What did he do when he found we weren't there?

JOHN: Let's just say he was not amused...

VIVIAN: Are you all right? Did he threaten you?

JOHN: I'm fine. Lawrence blew a lot of hot air and left. But I wanted to warn you, he'll probably be looking for you now.

VIVIAN: I understand, but I think we're reasonably safe here... at least for the moment.

JOHN: Vivian... my offer still stands.

VIVIAN: What offer?

JOHN: Vivian, don't be coy, it doesn't suit you. I will give you enough money so that you, Nikki and Ivan can live in Europe in safety. You'll never want for a thing.

VIVIAN: That's very generous of you.

JOHN: Perhaps. But I'm also well aware that my share of the Alamain fortune used to be yours. Helping you and Nikki flee Lawrence is the very least I can do.

VIVIAN: Thank you. (BEAT) Can I think about this?

JOHN: Of course you can. (BEAT) Say "hi" to Nicholas for me. And be careful. Meanwhile, I'm going to call Captain Yamada and tell her that Lawrence may be searching for you and Nicholas again and her men should be prepared.

VIVIAN: Thank you for everything, John.

JOHN: You're welcome, Vivian. Good-bye.

VIVIAN: Good-bye.

VIVIAN HANGS UP THE PHONE AND TURNS TO IVAN AND NICHOLAS.

HOLD ON VIVIAN GATHERING IVAN AND NICHOLAS CLOSER TO HER.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE/CORR. BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ARE SITTING. SHAWN-DOUGLAS STARES INTO SPACE, WHILE SILENTLY ROCKING HIMSELF. JAMES' NURSE, DENISE, EXITS JAMES' OFFICE AND MOTIONS TO BO.

BO GETS UP AND LEADS SHAWN-DOUGLAS INTO THE OFFICE. JAMES MEETS THEM AT THE DOOR, AND BENDS DOWN TO TALK TO SHAWN-DOUGLAS.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOES NOT ANSWER JAMES, AND CONTINUES TO STARE OFF IN THE DISTANCE.

WITHOUT RECOGNIZING JAMES, SHAWN-DOUGLAS SITS DOWN. HE CONTINUES TO STARE INTO SPACE AND ROCK HIMSELF BACK AND FORTH. JAMES LOOKS AT BO AND MOTIONS TO THE DOOR.

BO AND JAMES EXIT THE OFFICE. BO SITS DOWN ON A BENCH, WHILE JAMES SPEAKS WITH DENISE. DENISE SHAKES HER HEAD AND ENTERS THE OFFICE. JAMES SITS DOWN NEXT TO BO.

BO: I'm not sure, but I found him that way this morning.

JAMES: Do you think it was a nightmare?

BO: I don't think so. He had already gotten up and dressed himself.

JAMES: Could it be something he's wearing that triggered this episode?

BO: Probably not. He's worn this outfit a dozen times in the past few months. If it were his clothes, wouldn't something have happened earlier?

JAMES: Maybe. What exactly was Shawn-Douglas doing when you found him?

BO: He was just sitting there, rocking back and forth.

JAMES: Yes, but was there any indication that he was doing anything immediately before?

BO: Usually, Shawn-D gets up and plays in his room while I make breakfast. (BO PAUSES TO THINK) Maybe he was playing.

JAMES: Do you know what he was playing?

BO: It could have been one of his video games.

JAMES: Which video game?

BO: He has a lot of games. It could have been any of them.

JAMES: Are there any new games?

BO: He just borrowed some games from one of his school friends... Oh no! (BEAT) I wonder if it was that new "Assassin" game!

JAMES: Assassin? It probably involves guns and shooting, right?

BO: Yeah. I told him I wouldn't buy that one for him.

JAMES: I think maybe the shooting in that game might've triggered your son's memory of the night you and Dr. Manning were shot.

OUT ON BO'S SHOCK.

ACT V

JENNIFER'S OFFICE. STACKS OF PAPERS AND FILES COVER JENNIFER'S RECENTLY TIDY DESK. DEEP IN CONCENTRATION, JENNIFER WORKS ON HER COMPUTER WHEN THERE IS A KNOCK ON HER DOOR.

JENNIFER CONTINUES TO WORK, WHEN ROSIE WALKS IN CARRYING ABIGAIL.

ABIGAIL: Mama!

JENNIFER: (SURPRISED) Rosie... Abby! I wasn't expecting to see you two!

ROSIE: If this is a bad time...

JENNIFER GETS UP AND REACHES FOR ABIGAIL, WHO SMILES BROADLY ONCE IN HER MOTHER'S ARMS.

ROSIE: It has been a while, hasn't it?

JENNIFER: A year since I've actually worked... and about four years away from the paper.

JENNIFER RUBS HER NOSE WITH ABIGAIL'S.

JENNIFER TICKLES ABIGAIL, WHO GIGGLES.

JENNIFER: That was a nice thought. Thank you, Rosie.

ROSIE: You're very welcome, Jennifer Rosie.

JENNIFER: Abby, would you like to go to a business lunch with mommy?

ABIGAIL: Eeeeeett!

ROSIE: (LAUGHING) I'd say that was a yes.

JENNIFER: Can you join us, Rosie?

ROSIE: I'd love to, but I promised Maggie and Norma I'd stop by the Daycare Center for a bit. (BEAT) Besides, I think this first "business" lunch should be a family affair.

JENNIFER: Okay, but you'll have to join us next time. Say "bye-bye" Abby.

ABIGAIL: Ba-ba Abby!

JENNIFER AND ROSIE BOTH LAUGH.

ROSIE WALKS OUT THE DOOR.

ABIGAIL: (CLAPPING HER HANDS TOGETHER) Dada!!

JENNIFER: All right, let's go!

JENNIFER PICKS UP HER PURSE. WE SEE ABIGAIL'S DIAPER BAG ON THE SOFA. JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL LEAVE THE OFFICE. HOLD ON THE PILE ON JENNIFER'S DESK.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE/CORRIDOR. BO LOOKS FRIGHTENED. JAMES IS CONCERNED, BUT REMAINS CALM. IN PROGRESS.

BO: Sure. Just help my son, Dr. Ector.

GO TO: JAMES' OFFICE. JAMES ENTERS AND FINDS SHAWN-DOUGLAS SITTING ON THE COUCH, VERY STILL. JAMES NODS TO DENISE, WHO EXITS. JAMES SITS DOWN NEXT TO SHAWN-D.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CONTINUES TO STARE AT THE WALL AND DOESN'T ANSWER.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS BEGINS TO ROCK SLIGHTLY, BUT DOESN'T RESPOND OTHERWISE.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS "COMES TO" FOR A MOMENT, LOOKING AT JAMES IN TERROR. BEFORE JAMES CAN SAY ANYTHING ELSE, SHAWN-DOUGLAS' EYES GLAZE OVER AGAIN AND HE BEGINS TO ROCK FASTER, HOLDING HIMSELF. JAMES CLOSES HIS EYES AND SIGHS, THEN GETS UP.

GO TO: CORRIDOR. JAMES COMES OUT OF THE OFFICE AND BO JUMPS UP.

JAMES: No. But I'm worried, Bo. It's obvious that Shawn-Douglas has remembered what happened that night and his psyche can't handle it. I'm afraid if we don't find out what he's remembered soon...

BO: What? What?

JAMES: He could end up like this permanently, Bo.

BO SITS DOWN WITH A THUMP, TERRIFIED.

JAMES: I hesitated to force the issue, especially in such a small child. But under the circumstances...

BO: Anything, just name it!

JAMES: I'd like to try hypnosis. May I have your permission?

BO: Yes! You don't even have to ask. Anything! Whatever will help Shawn-Douglas...

HOLD ON BO'S FERVOR.

CUT TO: THE SALEM INN. VIVIAN SITS ON THE SOFA, NICHOLAS SITS NEXT TO HER, IVAN SITS IN AN ADJACENT CHAIR. IN PROGRESS.

IVAN: I want whatever you want, Madame.

NICHOLAS: Same here, Aunt Viv.

VIVIAN: I'll do whatever the two of you want. This is as much your decision as it is mine.

IVAN: What is it you want, Madame?

VIVIAN: That's a difficult question to answer. I know what I don't want.

IVAN: What is that, Madame?

VIVIAN: I don't want to keep hiding. I don't want to constantly look over my shoulder. I don't want to live in fear. I don't want Nicholas to live like this.

NICHOLAS: I don't mind, I'm happy as long as I'm with you.

VIVIAN REACHES TO HUG NICHOLAS.

NICHOLAS: But will he leave us alone?

VIVIAN: I don't know, Nikki. But I want a life, a life for you, me and Ivan, a life without fear. I want you to be happy. I want you to have a real home, a stable life... with a real family and friends.

IVAN: How will we do this, Madame?

VIVIAN: I don't know, Ivan. But I will do whatever it takes to ensure Nicholas a safe and happy life.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S DETERMINATION.

ACT VI

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS WORKING AT HIS COMPUTER WHEN JENNIFER ENTERS, CARRYING ABIGAIL. JACK TURNS AND, SEEING JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL, SMILES.

ABIGAIL: Dada!

JACK: Well, my two favorite ladies! To what do I owe this pleasure?

JENNIFER: Your two favorite ladies have come to take you to lunch.

JACK: I see. (BEAT) I'm not sure if I can let you do that.

JENNIFER: What do you mean?

JACK: I mean, this is your first day back on the job. (BEAT) I'll be taking you two to lunch. My treat.

ABIGAIL: Treet.

JACK: Yes, that's right.

JENNIFER: Well, you are the boss, so I guess I can't argue with you.

JACK: Then it's settled.

JACK GETS UP AND GRABS HIS COAT.

JACK: Yes, we wouldn't want to be caught with our diapers down.

JENNIFER: (GRINNING) Here, you take Abby.

JENNIFER HANDS ABIGAIL TO JACK.

JACK: We'll be here.

JENNIFER EXITS. JACK CARRIES ABIGAIL BACK TO HIS DESK.

ABIGAIL GIGGLES.

JACK POINTS TO HIS FRAMED FERRARO AWARD ON THE WALL.

ABIGAIL: Awa!

JACK: Yes... Mommy has one of those, too.

JACK WALKS OVER TO WHERE HIS FENCING FOILS ARE MOUNTED.

ABIGAIL LOOKS CONFUSED.

JACK GOES BACK OVER TO HIS DESK AND SITS DOWN, SETTING ABIGAIL IN HIS LAP.

JACK TURNS TO HIS COMPUTER.

ABIGAIL REACHES FOR THE KEYBOARD.

JACK HELPS ABIGAIL REACH OVER AND PUNCH A FEW KEYS.

ABIGAIL SMILES AT JACK.

JACK TURNS AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER.

JACK TURNS ABIGAIL AROUND TO FACE HIM.

ABIGAIL: Mama!

JACK: However, if you would rather be President, or an accountant, or a carpenter, or the lead singer in a rock band... That's fine by me. I don't care, as long as you're happy.

ABIGAIL SMILES.

JACK KISSES ABIGAIL ON THE FOREHEAD. HOLD ON THE TWO.

CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. DOUG AND JULIE HAVE BROKEN THEIR EMBRACE. IN PROGRESS.

JULIE: Is he all right? Did something else happen?

DOUG: I don't know. Bo called me from the hospital...

JULIE: Oh no...

DOUG: Bo said that Shawn-Douglas is physically fine, but he's not talking or reacting to anyone or anything. (BEAT) It's as if he's crawled into a shell...

JULIE: What happens now?

DOUG: Bo took him to see Dr. Ector. Maybe today is the day that there's finally a breakthrough.

DOUG WIPES A TEAR FROM HIS EYE.

HOLD ON DOUG AND JULIE HUGGING.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. JAMES IS SEATED IN FRONT OF SHAWN-DOUGLAS. JAMES HAS A NOTEPAD AND PEN. SHAWN-DOUGLAS HAS HIS EYES CLOSED. IN PROGRESS.

SHAWN-D: Yes.

JAMES: What's your name?

SHAWN-D: Shawn-Douglas Brady.

JAMES: How old are you?

SHAWN-D: Eight.

JAMES: What's your papa's name?

SHAWN-D: Bo Brady.

JAMES WRITES SOMETHING DOWN IN HIS NOTEPAD.

SHAWN-D: I played a video game.

JAMES: Did it upset you?

SHAWN-D DOESN'T ANSWER.

SHAWN-D STARTS ROCKING BACK AND FORTH IN HIS SEAT.

JAMES: What about the game reminded you of that night?

SHAWN-D: There was a gun. (BEAT) There was a gun and then there was a loud noise and then Papa and Carly fell down.

SHAWN-D'S ROCKING INCREASES.

SHAWN-D'S ROCKING INCREASES AGAIN, AND THE BOY IS NEARLY HYPERVENTILATING.

OUT OF SHAWN-DOUGLAS' ROCKING.

ACT VII

ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM/FOYER. WE SEE LAWRENCE READING A NEWSPAPER. THE DOORBELL RINGS. LAWRENCE RISES TO ANSWER IT.

LAWRENCE ANSWERS THE DOOR. IT IS JANET AND TWO UNIFORMED OFFICERS.

JANET GIVES LAWRENCE A COLD STARE AS THE TWO UNIFORMED OFFICERS FLANK HER.

LAWRENCE: (COLD LAUGH) I know, Captain, I know. I'm out on bail, in case you've forgotten.

JANET: It isn't the burglary this time.

LAWRENCE: What kind of games are you playing, Yamada?

JANET: No game. I'm serious... deadly serious. Lawrence Alamain, you are under arrest for kidnapping, attempted murder, attempt to commit bodily harm...

ONE OF THE UNIFORMED OFFICERS HANDCUFFS LAWRENCE.

HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S FURY AS JANET CONTINUES READING HIS RIGHTS.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. SHAWN-DOUGLAS, STILL UNDER HYPNOSIS, HAS CALMED DOWN AND STOPPED ROCKING, BUT HE IS BREATHING HARD. IN PROGRESS.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS' BREATHING BEGINS TO RETURN TO NORMAL.

SHAWN-D: Yes.

JAMES: Are you ready?

SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOESN'T RESPOND.

SHAWN-D: Okay.

JAMES: Good. (BEAT) I want you to think back to the night your papa and Carly were shot...

SHAWN-DOUGLAS BEGINS BREATHING HEAVILY AGAIN.

SHAWN-D: (SOFTLY, ALMOST INAUDIBLE) Yes.

JAMES: Good. Tell me what you remember.

SHAWN-D: (SLOWLY) It was dark. I was on the boat. (BEAT) Papa and Carly were on the dock. They were... hugging and kissing.

JAMES: That's very good, Shawn-Douglas. (BEAT) Keep going, nice and easy. Take your time.

SHAWN-D: They were kissing and... There was a gun. There was a gun on the boat.

JAMES: Was the shooter on the boat?

SHAWN-D: The gun... The gun was on the boat.

JAMES IS CONCERNED ABOUT SHAWN-DOUGLAS' ANSWER, BUT DECIDES TO LET IT PASS.

SHAWN-D: I was playing...

JAMES: (CONFUSED) Wait, Shawn-Douglas... slow down. We were talking about the night your papa and Carly were shot. (BEAT) Now you say you were playing. When were you playing?

SHAWN-D: That night.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS GROWS MORE AGITATED. HE STARTS BREATHING HEAVILY AGAIN AND ROCKING IN HIS SEAT.

JAMES: You didn't know what? What didn't you mean?

SHAWN-D: (HIS VOICE BREAKING) I didn't know... I love my papa... He'll hate me.

JAMES: (PUTTING HIS HAND ON SHAWN-DOUGLAS' SHOULDER) Shawn-Douglas, it's okay. You papa could never hate you. He loves you very much. He'll protect you from whatever is upsetting you. You're going to be all right.

SHAWN-D STOPS ROCKING, BUT CONTINUES BREATHING HEAVILY.

SHAWN-D: The gun... The gun...

JAMES: Yes, there was a gun.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS BEGINS TO SOB.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOESN'T RESPOND. HE CONTINUES TO SOB AND SHAKE.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOESN'T ANSWER.

SHAWN-D: (SOBBING) Yes...

JAMES: Can you tell me?

SHAWN-DOUGLAS SOBS UNCONTROLLABLY.

SHAWN-D: I did! (BEAT) I shot my papa...

JAMES LOOKS ON IN SHOCK AS SHAWN-DOUGLAS BREAKS DOWN COMPLETELY. HOLD ON JAMES' SHOCK. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.

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