[LOGO]

ALT.DAYS

Episode #51

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: May 10, 1994
Time: Immediately Following #50,
Afternoon to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

ALICE'S RESTAURANT. THE LUNCH RUSH IS OVER, SO THE PLACE IS NOT VERY BUSY. ALICE IS BEHIND THE COUNTER. TO HER SURPRISE, TOM WALKS IN.
ALICE: Tom! What are you doing here?
TOM STOPS IN HIS TRACKS.
TOM: Does that mean you're not happy to see me?

ALICE: Oh, get over here! Of course I'm happy to see you!

TOM CONTINUES TO WALK OVER TO THE COUNTER.
ALICE: (CONT'D) I just didn't expect to see you here this time of day.

TOM: So I surprised you?

ALICE: Why... yes. Yes, you did.

TOM: Good! (BEAT) I'm glad I haven't lost my ability to be unpredictable.

ALICE: You certainly haven't. Can I get you something?

TOM: Well...

ALICE: Oh, my... except donuts. I'm afraid we're all out.

TOM: That's all right.

TOM LEANS CLOSER TO ALICE AND SPEAKS SOFTLY.
TOM: (CONT'D) Actually, I came to this place to try to flirt with the owner.

ALICE: (TEASINGLY) Well, sir, judging from your secretive tone, I'd guess that you are a married man. (BEAT) What would your wife have to say?

TOM: My wife is a very understanding woman.

ALICE: I doubt that she would be that understanding.

TOM: Oh, I think she would. (BEAT) You see, my lady love is the best there ever was.

ALICE: (INTRIGUED) And why is that?

TOM: She's given me five wonderful children, a life filled with love... and she's still the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

ALICE: (TOUCHED) Oh, Tom...

ALICE LEANS TOWARD HIM AND THEY KISS.
ALICE: (CONT'D) It seems like only yesterday that we were "courting."

TOM: You're right.

TOM TAKES HER HAND.
TOM: (CONT'D) Maybe it's time we did a little courtin' again.

ALICE: I like the sound of that.

TOM: How about tonight?

ALICE: Tonight?

TOM: Tonight.

ALICE: All right. Why wait?

TOM: My thoughts exactly.

ALICE: So, what did you have in mind?

TOM: I'm inviting you to join me for a romantic dinner at Euterpe.

ALICE: That sounds wonderful. I accept.

THEY KISS AGAIN, AND SMILE AT EACH OTHER. HOLD ON THEIR SMILES.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS AT HER DESK, DOING PAPERWORK. THERE'S A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

JANET: Come in!
SPENCER ENTERS.
JANET: (CONT'D) What's going on, counselor?

SPENCER: Lawrence Alamain has been booked on all of the charges we brought against him.

JANET: You don't sound too confident.

SPENCER: I'm not. Alamain's high-priced showboat of an attorney will use every trick in the book to get him out on bail.

JANET: Then we have to work even harder, so that Lawrence doesn't get out. (BEAT) We've got to convince the judge that Lawrence is a flight risk, as well as being a potential danger to society.

SPENCER: I think I can sell the flight risk concept, but a potential danger? Lawrence always contracts out the dangerous stuff. (BEAT) To whom exactly is Lawrence a danger?

JANET: His aunt Vivian. (BEAT) And his son.

HOLD ON SPENCER'S SURPRISE.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. WE SEE SHAWN-DOUGLAS SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY IN JAMES' ARMS.

JAMES: Now, now, Shawn-Douglas. It's all right.

SHAWN-D: No, it isn't!

JAMES: Take it easy. It's all over now.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS CALMS A BIT.
JAMES: (CONT'D) There. That's better now. (BEAT) What did you mean when you said you shot Carly?
SHAWN-DOUGLAS STARTS TO CRY AGAIN.
SHAWN-D: I mean I shot Carly!
OUT ON SHAWN-DOUGLAS' SOBS.

ACT I

JAMES' OFFICE/WAITING ROOM. WE SEE SHAWN-DOUGLAS, CALMER, SIPPING A GLASS OF WATER. IN PROGRESS.
JAMES: Are you feeling better now?

SHAWN-D: A little...

JAMES: Can you tell me what happened?

SHAWN-D: I don't know.

JAMES: You said you shot Carly?

SHAWN-D: (BECOMING AGITATED) I don't remember.

JAMES: Shhh... it's okay. I want to help you.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS SILENT.
JAMES: (CONT'D) Tell me about the night your Papa and Carly were shot.

SHAWN-D: (BARELY AUDIBLE) Papa and Carly were on the dock. They were kissing. It was yucky. I saw Papa's gun. I wanted to look at it. I know Papa told me never to play with guns... (GETTING UPSET)

JAMES: It's all right, Shawn-Douglas. Tell me what you did after that. Can you tell me what happened?

SHAWN-D: I... don't... want to!!!

JAMES: No one's going to hurt you. But you've got to tell the truth. The truth will help you.

SHAWN-D: (NODS) I picked up the gun. (BEGINS TO CRY) I just wanted to look at it. I never meant to hurt anybody... I just wanted to look...

OUT ON SHAWN-DOUGLAS CRYING.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET AND SPENCER. IN PROGRESS.

SPENCER: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) Janet, I must have missed something. Since when is Lawrence Alamain a danger to his aunt and his son?

JANET: I didn't want to say anything about it... Vivian and John Black wanted to keep it quiet.

SPENCER: (IMPATIENT) Janet...

JANET: Lawrence locked Vivian and her servant, Ivan, in the attic of his house. Apparently, they were in there for weeks. (BEAT) He had Ivan beaten and made some very serious threats against them both.

SPENCER: (SMILING) That's it... (BEAT) We can put Lawrence away for a long, long, long time...

JANET: Don't count your convictions before they hatch, Spencer..

HOLD ON JANET'S FROWN.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. THE DOOR IS PARTIALLY OPEN. JACK IS AT HIS DESK, ON THE TELEPHONE, ONE-WAY.

JACK: Yes, that would be fine. (PICKING UP HIS APPOINTMENT BOOK) Tuesday at 2 p.m. I'll see you then. (BEAT) Good day.
JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE.
JACK: (CONT'D) If this software is as efficient as they say, we can save a lot of time.
THERE'S A TAP AT THE DOOR, AND JOHN ENTERS.
JOHN: Hi, Jack.

JACK: (SURPRISED) John! What can I do for you?

JOHN: I came by to pick up Brady, and thought I'd stop in.

JACK: And how is young Mr. Black?

JOHN: Slugger's really enjoying the Day Care Center. (BEAT) I wanted to thank you again for inviting him in.

JACK: It was my pleasure. (BEAT) Besides, I know that Isabella would be happy to know he was here.

JOHN: (QUIETLY) Yeah, she would...

JENNIFER STARTS THROUGH THE DOOR, CARRYING A STACK OF FOLDERS. SHE DOESN'T SEE JOHN, AND HEADS STRAIGHT FOR JACK'S DESK.
JENNIFER: Jack, do you know where I might find pictures of the new housing development? They aren't in the files on Pace Construction.

JACK: You'd have to ask Vern. I'm not sure we even have any photos of it.

JENNIFER: Oh well... (SEEING JOHN) Hi John! I didn't know you were here.

JOHN: I just came by to say thanks again for letting Brady come to the Day Care Center.

JENNIFER: We're glad to have him. He's such a good little boy.

JOHN: And Abby's a delight. I saw the two of them playing together when I came to get Slugger yesterday.

JACK: It's nice to know that the children are practicing their social skills.

JOHN: (TEASING) I think it's more than that, Jack. I'd say that Slugger has got a crush on Miss Abigail.

JACK: (STERNLY) My daughter is too young for crushes.

JOHN: Aw, come on Jack... You don't think Brady is good son-in-law material?

JACK: Son-in-law?

JENNIFER IS TRYING TO STIFLE A GIGGLE.
JACK: (CONT'D) I don't think Abigail should concern herself with dating until she's at least 24... no, probably 25...

JENNIFER: (SHAKING HER HEAD) I'm nominating him for the "Protective Father of the Year" award. In fact...

JENNIFER WALKS BEHIND JACK'S CHAIR, AND PUTS HER HANDS ON HIS SHOULDERS.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I'll bet that he's been checking out the local convents.

JACK: (SHEEPISHLY) The Carmelites do have a nice convent in Brookville...

OUT ON JOHN AND JENNIFER'S LAUGHTER.

ACT II

JAMES' OFFICE/WAITING ROOM. JAMES KNEELS IN FRONT OF SHAWN-DOUGLAS, COMFORTING THE BOY. IN PROGRESS.
JAMES: It will be all right... trust me...
SHAWN-DOUGLAS' SOBS SUBSIDE. JAMES HANDS HIM A TISSUE AND HE BLOWS HIS NOSE.
JAMES: (CONT') Shawn-Douglas, I know you're scared, but we have to know the whole truth. Okay?
SHAWN-DOUGLAS NODS.
JAMES: (CONT'D) You picked up the gun?
SHAWN-DOUGLAS NODS.
JAMES: (CONT'D) You heard a loud noise. Then what?

SHAWN-D: (SHRUGS) I dunno.

JAMES: You heard a loud noise.

SHAWN-D: And then I was in the hospital.

JAMES: You don't remember anything else?

SHAWN-D: Well, maybe I went to bed. My head hurt real bad.

JAMES: Are you sure that's all you remember?

SHAWN-D: (BREATHING HEAVILY) No...

JAMES: What else do you remember?

SHAWN-D: I shot Carly!

SHAWN-DOUGLAS STARTS TO CRY AGAIN.
SHAWN-D: I didn't mean to... the gun...

JAMES: Shhh... Shawn-Douglas, it will be okay...

SHAWN-D: No it won't. I killed Carly and my papa hates me...

JAMES: Shawn-Douglas, your Papa would never hate you. He loves you...

SHAWN-D: But he didn't know... He didn't know...

JAMES: Shawn-Douglas, listen to me... your Papa loves you. All he wants is for you to get better. Now that you've remembered you can get better... Do you understand that?

SHAWN-D: (SNIFFLING) Maybe...

JAMES: Shawn-Douglas, I need to talk to your Papa now...

SHAWN-D: No... don't tell him...

JAMES: Shhh... it will be all right... everything will be all right... Believe me. Trust me... trust your Papa...

SHAWN-D: I'll try...

JAMES: Okay, I'm going to go talk to your Papa...

SHAWN-D: Don't leave! I don't want to be alone!

JAMES: You won't be alone. Denise will stay with you. You like her, don't you?

SHAWN-D: She's okay...

JAMES OPENS THE DOOR.
JAMES: Denise, can you come in for a moment?
DENISE ENTERS.
JAMES: (CONT'D) Denise, can you stay with Shawn-Douglas while I go talk to his father?

DENISE: Of course, Doctor.

JAMES: Shawn-Douglas, I will be right outside, with your Papa. Okay?

SHAWN-D: Okay...

JAMES EXITS AND CLOSES THE DOOR. BO JUMPS UP THE MOMENT HE SEES JAMES.
BO: What is it? Is it Shawn-Douglas? Is he okay?

JAMES: I think he'll be fine... now...

BO: Why? What happened?

JAMES: Bo... Shawn-Douglas has remembered what happened the night of the shooting.

BO: That's great! We can finally nail Larry!

JAMES: Bo, I think you should prepare yourself. It's not what you expect.

HOLD ON BO'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. SPENCER AND JANET. IN PROGRESS.

SPENCER: If Lawrence did all of that to Vivian and Ivan, why shouldn't I assume that I can get a conviction?

JANET: I've got Vivian, Ivan and Nicholas under protective custody. (SIGHING) But they don't want to testify against Lawrence.

SPENCER: (ANGRY) What? I would have thought that they would want him put away for good.

JANET: Want to hear my theory?

SPENCER: (CALMER) Okay.

JANET: I think Vivian's afraid of how it will affect Nicholas. No matter how horrible he's been, Lawrence is still Nicholas' father.

SPENCER: I wish they'd reconsider. (BEAT) Right now, we've got a good case against Lawrence. With their help, I think it would be air-tight.

THE DOOR OPENS, REVEALING SHANE.
SPENCER: (CONT'D) And Lawrence is going to fight this with everything he's got.

SHANE: Then we'll have to counterattack with everything we've got.

HOLD ON SHANE'S SERIOUSNESS.

CUT TO: SALEM INN. VIVIAN AND NICHOLAS ARE SITTING AT A TABLE, PLAYING CHESS. NICHOLAS IS IN DEEP CONCENTRATION, WHILE VIVIAN CONTEMPLATES HER MOVE. VIVIAN SMILES AS SHE MOVES ONE OF HER PIECES.

VIVIAN: (TAKING ONE OF NICHOLAS' KNIGHTS) I've captured your last knight!
NICHOLAS IS SILENT AS HE MAKES HIS MOVE.
NICHOLAS: Check mate.

VIVIAN: Why, Nikki! That's the second time you've beaten me today.

NICHOLAS: (SMILING) Usually, I'm not this lucky.

VIVIAN: I'm glad you like chess. I was worried that you were only interested in your video games.

NICHOLAS: I do like video games. (BEAT) But, after a while, they get kinda mindless.

THEY BEGIN TO RESET THE CHESS BOARD.
NICHOLAS: (CONT') I like chess... it makes me think. And it's fun to try to figure out your opponent's strategy, and beat them at their own game.

VIVIAN: (SMILING) You sound like Lawrence...

VIVIAN NOTICES THE SOUR EXPRESSION ON NICHOLAS' FACE AT THE MENTION OF LAWRENCE'S NAME.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) ... when he was a young boy.

NICHOLAS: Aunt Viv, was my father different when he was younger? Or was he as bad as he is now?

VIVIAN: Not at all, darling. Lawrence was a very sweet child.

NICHOLAS: Then, what happened to make him so bad?

VIVIAN: (SADLY) I don't know...

NICHOLAS: (WORRIED) I wonder if I'll grow up to be a bad person, too.

VIVIAN: No darling, you must never think that! You are a wonderful young man. You're bright, charming, intelligent, and very loving.

NICHOLAS: But, you said that my father was good when he was young.

VIVIAN: Yes, but the two of you are different in so many ways.

THE PHONE RINGS. IVAN WALKS IN FROM ANOTHER ROOM AND ANSWERS THE PHONE.
IVAN: Madame, it is for you.
VIVIAN STANDS UP AND WALKS OVER TO THE PHONE.
VIVIAN: Thank you, Ivan. Did the caller say who it was?

IVAN: It is the Salem Police Department.

VIVIAN: (TAKING THE PHONE) I wonder what they want? (ONE-WAY) Hello, this is Vivian Alamain... Yes... Oh really, how interesting... What is it this time?... Yes, of course... Thank you.

VIVIAN TURNS TO IVAN AND NICHOLAS.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) It's Lawrence...

IVAN: (CONCERNED) What has he done this time?

VIVIAN: He's been arrested.

OUT ON IVAN AND NICHOLAS' SHOCK.

ACT III

JANET'S OFFICE. IN PROGRESS. JANET AND SPENCER LOOK AT SHANE IN SURPRISE.
JANET: Counterattack? Just what do you have, Shane?

SPENCER: Yes, please elaborate.

SHANE: (SMILING) It's really nothing but a feeling.

SPENCER: Then, why do you seem so pleased with yourself? Surely, Captain Superspy must be following something more than a hunch.

SHANE: I do know that the recent turn of events has rattled some highly placed cages.

JANET: So, you said it might. But, I want details, Shane.

SHANE: Sorry, I haven't any. But, I can tell you that Lawrence Alamain's arrest is already known at ISA headquarters.

JANET: (CONFUSED) How could they have possibly gotten the news so fast? He was just arrested today!

SHANE FLASHES JANET A DEVILISH GRIN.
JANET: (CONT') You didn't!?

SHANE: I most certainly did. I called and made a personal report to Tarrington immediately following Alamain's arrest.

SPENCER: (SMILING AND SHAKING HIS HEAD) Well, I'll be! You stiff-lipped stuffy Brits certainly know how to surprise people!

SHANE CASUALLY LEANS AGAINST THE WALL.
SHANE: Even with a stiff upper lip, I can still speak loud enough to get the ISA's attention.
HOLD ON THEIR LAUGHTER.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JENNIFER AND JOHN ARE STILL CHUCKLING OVER JACK'S COMMENT ABOUT THE CARMELITE CONVENT. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: Seriously, Jack, I was kidding about Brady and Abby.

JACK: (VISIBLY RELIEVED) Oh... (COVERING) Of course you were. I knew that all along. I was just having a little fun...

JENNIFER: (SOTTO VOCE) Yeah, right...

JACK: What, Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Oh, nothing. (TO JOHN) I'm glad I get to see more of Brady, now that he's here at the Daycare Center. (BEAT) You know, I remember when Isabella was pregnant, and...

JENNIFER STOPS HERSELF. JOHN GIVES HER A QUESTIONING LOOK.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I'm sorry, John. I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories...

JOHN: Jenn, it's okay. I don't mind talking about IzzyB with other people. (BEAT) Quite the opposite. Talking about her helps me to remember, to keep her spirit alive.

JENNIFER: I admire that. It must take a lot of strength.

JOHN: It helps to have friends, like... well, like you two. (BEAT) I know IzzyB would be happy that we can talk, and remember the good times we had with her.

JACK: You're right, she would.

JENNIFER: I remember how excited she was to be having a baby. I remember when we threw her a baby shower... she was so happy.

JOHN: Yeah, she was... You don't know how much she appreciated that shower. (BEAT) And all the other things you guys did. (SIGHS) I know I haven't been very attentive of you two in the past. I'm sorry about that.

JACK: There's no need to apologize.

JOHN: Maybe not, but still... I want you to know that I'm going to change that situation.

JENNIFER: I'm glad. (BEAT) Remember the cruise, how romantic it was in the beginning?

JOHN NODS.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Isabella was so happy then. (BEAT) And the island...
JACK AND JENNIFER LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SMILE.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) How could we forget everything that happened when we were stranded on that island?

JOHN: I know I'll never forget it. I think that's when I realized how much I loved Isabella. (BEAT) I just didn't want to admit it to myself.

JACK: Yes, I remember that well. (BEAT) I tried to tell you how much Isabella cared about you.

JOHN: (RAISING HIS EYEBROW) Yeah, I remember that. I guess I didn't take it very well, did I?

JACK: No, you didn't. Not at the time.

JOHN: I'm glad I figured it out before it was too late...

JOHN FALLS SILENT, THEN SHAKES HIMSELF BACK TO ATTENTION.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Actually, I did come here for a specific reason.

JACK: And that would be?

JOHN: I'd like to invite the two of you... and Abby, of course... to Brady's second birthday party on the 19th. I want to celebrate the slugger's birthday in style.

JENNIFER: Thanks, John. Of course we'll come!

JACK: Absolutely.

JOHN: Good, I'm glad you'll be there. (BEAT) I'm sure IzzyB is watching, from somewhere... and I'm sure she's glad, too.

HOLD ON JOHN'S SMILE.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE/WAITING ROOM. JAMES AND BO. IN PROGRESS.

JAMES: That was all Shawn-Douglas remembered. It could be a delusion, but I don't think so. (BEAT) Does any of this coincide with what you remember or the police discovered?

BO: It might. (BEAT) I remember coming home... seeing Carly... tossing the gun on the seat... hearing the shot...

JAMES: That's it?

BO: Trust me. I've gone over that night in my mind a hundred times. I didn't see the killer.

JAMES: What about the gun?

BO: My gun? We never found it. We figured maybe the killer shot me with my own gun to cover his tracks.

JAMES: The bullet they... um... found in you... was police issue, right?

BO: Yes, but... What about Shawn-Douglas' head wounds?

JAMES: What about them?

BO: We thought the killer hit him.

JAMES: I wonder if there couldn't be another explanation?

BO: Such as?

JAMES: Shawn-Douglas thinks he remembers going to bed, his head hurt... Could he have injured himself?

BO: (UNBELIEVING) Well... I suppose... He's a small boy, it was a big gun... The recoil from the blast could have knocked him over... maybe he hit his head on the deck...

JAMES: Does that work?

BO: According to the police report of the trajectory, the shooter was on the boat, possibly near the edge... (HORRIFIED REALIZATION DAWNS, AS BO CAN NO LONGER DENY THE OBVIOUS) Oh God, no! That's it! I left my gun on the seat, Shawn-Douglas picked it up and it accidently went off. The force of the explosion knocked over Shawn-D and he hit his head.

JAMES: But why didn't you find the gun?

BO: He must have dropped it when he fell, it probably just slid overboard. (FIGHTING TEARS) Do you know what this means?

JAMES SHAKES HIS HEAD.
BO: (CONT'D) It means it wasn't Lawrence, it wasn't a hired killer! It was me! I was the one who killed Carly!
OUT ON BO'S HORROR.

ACT IV

JAMES' OFFICE/WAITING ROOM. BO AND JAMES. IN PROGRESS.
JAMES: You killed Carly?

BO: Yes, it's obvious! Can't you see?

JAMES: I see it was an accident, a horrible tragedy, but an accident.

BO: It's all my fault. I left my gun on the deck that night...

JAMES: You couldn't have known...

BO: I should have known! But I was too busy thinking about my hormones...

JAMES: Bo...

BO: No, it's true. I should have been thinking about my son's safety. I should have followed proper procedure for securing a weapon...

JAMES: It was a mistake...

BO: My mistake. Now Carly's dead and my son has spent the last year in hell.

JAMES: It's all in the past. You have to let it go.

BO: I will never forgive myself.

JAMES: You must. You're not the important one now.

HOLD ON BO'S TRAUMA.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. SPENCER HAS LEFT AND SHANE AND JANET ARE SITTING ACROSS THE DESK FROM EACH OTHER.

JANET: I'll say one thing for you, Shane, you sure do know how to make an entrance.

SHANE: (LAUGHING) It's all part of the training at Spy College, didn't you know? Grand Entrances and Unobtrusive Exits 101.

JANET: I could use some of that. What's the tuition like?

SHANE: Oh, I don't think you need any improvement. You've made quite an impression just being yourself.

JANET BLUSHES AND LOOKS AROUND THE OFFICE, ANYWHERE BUT AT SHANE. SHE PICKS UP A PEN AND PUTS IT BACK DOWN AGAIN. SHE OPENS HER DRAWER AND CLOSES IT. SHANE, EVER THE GENTLEMAN, HIDES HIS AMUSEMENT.
JANET: Umm... Uh... Too bad Spencer had to leave, huh?

SHANE: Yes, wasn't it? He's certainly got his work cut out for him trying to keep Alamain in jail.

JANET: I hope he succeeds.

SHANE: I'm sure he will. From what I know of him, Spencer doesn't like to fail.

JANET: I don't know what Lawrence would do if he was released. (BEAT) And I definitely don't want to find out.

HOLD ON JANET'S TREPIDATION.

CUT TO: SALEM INN. VIVIAN HANGS UP THE PHONE. IVAN AND NICHOLAS LOOK WARY. IN PROGRESS.

IVAN: What are the charges?

NICHOLAS: Is he going to get out?

VIVIAN: I don't really know anything more. Lieutenant Morgan did say that they're trying to make a case to refuse bail.

VIVIAN CROSSES OVER TO THE COUCH AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO IVAN. IVAN TAKES HER HAND.
IVAN: Perhaps this is a good opportunity for us to escape.

VIVIAN: I don't know, Ivan. As long as Lawrence is in jail we're safe. (BEAT) But if he's released and finds out we've fled... he'll never rest until he finds us.

IVAN: I know of a few places, in Eastern Europe. We can hide there for a time. Lawrence would not be able to find us.

VIVIAN: Perhaps. If it were just the two of us. (SHE LEANS OVER AND TAKES NICHOLAS' HAND) But you, Nikki. I couldn't condemn you to that kind of life.

NICHOLAS: I wouldn't mind, Aunt Viv. I'll be happy anywhere as long as I'm with you and we're all safe.

VIVIAN: I know you would, darling. You're a very brave boy and true. Thank you. (BEAT) But there's another reason I don't want to go.

OUT ON VIVIAN'S HESITATION.

ACT V

EUTERPE. TOM AND ALICE ENTER. DAVE WALKS OVER TO GREET THEM.
DAVE: Good evening, Dr. and Mrs. Horton. Table for two?

TOM: Your best table, Dave. I'm taking out my best girl for a night on the town, and we're going first class, all the way.

DAVE: Certainly. Right this way...

DAVE LEADS THEM TO A TABLE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE. TOM PULLS OUT ALICE'S CHAIR FOR HER, THEN SEATS HIMSELF. DAVE GIVES EACH OF THEM A MENU.
DAVE: (CONT'D) I'll be back shortly to take your order. Would you like to start off with something to drink?

ALICE: I'd like a white wine.

TOM: Make that two.

DAVE: Two white wines, it is.

DAVE DEPARTS.
ALICE: This was such a good idea, Tom. It feels wonderful to go out and celebrate... just because.

TOM: (TAKING HER HAND) Any night that I get to spend with my beautiful wife is cause for a celebration.

ALICE: (BLUSHING) Oh, stop...

AT THAT MOMENT, CALLIOPE APPROACHES. SHE IS DRESSED IN WHITE ROBES TRIMMED WITH GOLD. SEVERAL GOLD CHAINS DANGLE AROUND HER NECK. SHE IS ALSO WEARING SEVERAL GOLD BRACELETS AND A GOLD HEADBAND. SMALL GOLD BUSTS OF KING TUT DANGLE FROM HER EARS.
CALLIOPE: (SURPRISED) Dr. H, Mrs. H! What a nice surprise. (SUDDENLY FEARFUL) Oh, no! Did I mess up my calendar? Is tonight Poetry Night? (LOOKING DOWN AT HER COSTUME) This outfit is totally wrong for Poetry Night. I'm not ready for Norm...

TOM: Don't worry, Calliope. I'm here for dinner.

CALLIOPE LOOKS AT TOM AND SIGHS WITH RELIEF.
TOM: (CONT'D) I'm out romancing Alice tonight.
CALLIOPE WALKS AROUND TO STAND BEHIND TOM.
CALLIOPE: Well, Mrs. H, aren't you the lucky one! Being romanced by the most romantic man in Salem!
CALLIOPE PUTS HER HANDS ON TOM'S SHOULDERS.
ALICE: Don't I know it!

CALLIOPE: (LEANING CLOSE TO TOM'S EAR) Are you sure that one woman is enough for you, Dr. Horton? I mean, shouldn't such a romantic soul be shared with others?

ALICE: (TEASINGLY INDIGNANT) Certainly not! He's all mine!

TOM: I'm sorry, Calliope. Alice is right. Although you do look lovely as a modern-day Cleopatra...

CALLIOPE SMILES AND STRIKES AN EGYPTIAN POSE. ALICE GIVES TOM THE "EVIL EYE", BUT THEN SMILES.
TOM: (CONT'D) I only have eyes for Alice.
TOM LEANS OVER AND GIVES ALICE A KISS.
CALLIOPE: Oh, I envy you. Two such wonderfully hopeless romantics... and at your age.
TOM TURNS AND LOOKS AT CALLIOPE, HIS EYEBROWS RAISED. ALICE IS SHOCKED.
ALICE: At our age?

TOM: (QUIETLY) Now you're in trouble...

ALICE: What in the world does age have to do with romance?

CALLIOPE, THOROUGHLY EMBARRASSED, GRINS SHEEPISHLY. HOLD ON CALLIOPE.

CUT TO: SALEM INN. VIVIAN, NICHOLAS AND IVAN. IN PROGRESS.

IVAN: What other reason could you possibly have? I swear I would do anything in my power to keep us safe.

VIVIAN: I know that, Ivan. You've been my loyal... aide de camp... for years. I would never doubt your abilities. It isn't that.

IVAN: What is it then?

VIVIAN HESITATES.
NICHOLAS: I'm practically a grown-up, Aunt Viv. I can handle whatever you want to do.

VIVIAN: It's not that either, sweetheart.

NICHOLAS: What is it, then?

VIVIAN: I don't know if I can explain it to you... I don't know that I can explain it to myself. (DEEP BREATH) Lawrence is an Alamain. He wears the power that comes with being an Alamain like a mantle. I know he abuses that power, but... he is my nephew. (BEAT) And perhaps some small part of me remembers and still loves the sweet little toddler he once was. (BEAT) I can't do it. I can't desert Lawrence in his hour of need.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE/WAITING ROOM. IN PROGRESS. BO POUNDS HIS THIGH WITH A FIST.

BO: I'm doing it again! I am thinking about myself first and my kid second. When will I ever learn?

JAMES: Bo, you've got to stop blaming yourself. If you don't, it will only make things worse for Shawn-Douglas.

BO: (CONCERNED) Why? How is the little Sailor taking all of this?

JAMES: I think now that he's remembered, Shawn-Douglas can only get better. After all, most of the problems stemmed from his repressing the memory for so long.

BO: So, everything will be all right now, right?

JAMES: We're not out of the woods, yet. What you need to do, Bo, is be strong for your son. You have to reassure Shawn-Douglas that you love him.

BO: Of course I love him.

JAMES: Shawn-Douglas isn't so sure about that. He thinks that his Papa will hate him for what he's done.

BO: (STUNNED) How could he ever think that? Shawn-Douglas has got to know that I love him with my whole heart. I would never turn away from him, no matter what. Ever.

OUT ON BO'S ANGUISH.

ACT VI

EUTERPE. TOM AND ALICE LOOK ON AS CALLIOPE'S FACE TURNS A BRIGHT SHADE OF RED. IN PROGRESS.
CALLIOPE: Well, I... What I meant was... I certainly didn't mean to imply...

TOM: (SAVING CALLIOPE) It's easy to be romantic with you, Alice, my love, at any age. (SERIOUS) I knew I loved you the moment I saw you. You're the love of my life.

ALICE BEAMS AS TOM GALLANTLY KISSES HER HAND.
CALLIOPE: (AWED) Wow... I thought love at first sight only happened in fairy tales.

TOM: Not with me. Didn't I ever tell you the story of how I met shy, bookish Alice Grayson? I pursued her relentlessly until she agreed to marry me.

CALLIOPE: No, you never told me that story.

CALLIOPE SETTLES INTO A CHAIR. SHE LEANS FORWARD, CLASPING HER HANDS UNDER HER CHIN.
CALLIOPE: (CONT'D) Tell me now. Start at the beginning. And don't leave out any of the juicy parts.

ALICE: That's not quite the way I remember it. (TO CALLIOPE) Tom Horton was so hooked on baseball I thought that the only way he'd notice me was if I lay down across home plate stark naked with a rose in my teeth.

CALLIOPE: Mrs. Horton! (LOOKING AT TOM) Baseball?

TOM SHRUGS MODESTLY.
ALICE: Tom was a wonderful baseball player. So good in fact, he could have gone to the majors.

CALLIOPE: (TO TOM) Really? Why didn't you?

ALICE: He decided to become a doctor instead. To help people and support his family.

TOM: And because I made a better doctor than a baseball player.

A FANFARE IS HEARD FROM THE STAGE. CALLIOPE, TOM AND ALICE TURN IN THEIR CHAIRS TO SEE MARTY AT THE PIANO.
MARTY: And now, for your entertainment pleasure, Euterpe is proud to present two that are better than one. Those two peas in a pod, a dynamic duo, two halves of a whole...

DOUG: (V.O.) Marty! Get on with it already!

MARTY: With no further introduction, ladies and gentlemen, Doug Williams and Robert LeClere!

HOLD ON THE CROWD'S APPLAUSE.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE / WAITING AREA. IN PROGRESS. BO LOOKS AT JAMES IN SURPRISE.

JAMES: Try to look at it from Shawn-Douglas' point of view. All he can see is that he killed Carly, seriously wounded his father, and that he is a horrible monster of a boy.

BO: He probably thinks I'm going to give him a terrible punishment.

JAMES: Not only that, but he's sure that you'll hate him for life. I think that was part of why your son suppressed his memory of that night.

BO: What was the other part?

JAMES: Of course there was the horror of the moment. But the fear of losing not only Carly, but his father was overwhelming.

BO: After already losing his mother...

BO COVERS HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDS. AFTER A MOMENT, HE LOOKS UP AT JAMES, AGONIZED.
BO: (CONT'D) What should we do now? Does my son need to be hospitalized?

JAMES: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) No, I don't think so. I think the healing has already begun. His remembering is the first step.

BO: Good...

JAMES: But, you and Shawn-Douglas must continue counseling.

BO NODS HIS HEAD IN AGREEMENT.
JAMES: (CONT'D) And most important, you must be extremely supportive and loving. Try to make your son's life as normal as possible, but also as stress-free as possible.

BO: I'll try... No... I'll do anything for him.

JAMES: Would you like to see Shawn-Douglas now?

BO: (ANXIOUS) Of course, I would!

JAMES: Remember, he's still very fragile.

JAMES AND BO WALK INTO THE OFFICE. SHAWN-DOUGLAS SITS QUIETLY, TIGHTLY HUGGING A STUFFED LION.
BO: (SOFTLY) Sailor?
AT THE SOUND OF BO'S VOICE, SHAWN-DOUGLAS JUMPS UP, DROPPING THE LION, AND RUNS INTO BO'S ARMS. HOLD ON BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS' TEARFUL EMBRACE.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS BUSY TYPING AT HIS COMPUTER WHEN JENNIFER ENTERS, CARRYING ABIGAIL.

JACK: (SMILING) My, my. The lovely Deveraux women coming to visit me twice in one day. I'm overwhelmed.

ABIGAIL: (SMILING AT JACK) Dada!

JENNIFER: Well, you'd better get used to it. Abby likes coming to visit her dada.

JACK: Is that so? (BEAT) I guess I'll have to adjust.

JENNIFER: Abby and I have agreed that it's time to call it a day.

JACK: I believe you two are correct. Let me finish up here...

JACK TYPES A FEW LAST WORDS.
JACK: (CONT'D) Okay. (MOVING THE MOUSE AND CLICKING) Save... Exit... Done.
JACK FLIPS THE SWITCH ON THE MONITOR AND STANDS UP. HE PICKS UP HIS BRIEFCASE AND OPENS IT ON HIS DESK. HE PICKS UP SOME FOLDERS ON HIS DESK, LOOKS THROUGH THEM, AND PUTS THEM IN THE BRIEFCASE.
JENNIFER: I'm glad John stopped by. It was nice of him to invite us all to Brady's birthday party.

JACK: Yes... Yes, it was.

JENNIFER: I think John appreciates being able to leave Brady at the Daycare Center during the day.

JACK: I think so. (BEAT) I think it's worked out well, all around. I'm glad I'll get a chance to see Brady more often. It reminds me... It reminds me of the boy's mother.

JACK LOOKS SAD AS HE CLOSES UP HIS BRIEFCASE.
JENNIFER: You miss Isabella, don't you?

JACK: (SURPRISED) What...?

JENNIFER: Come on, Jack. It's obvious...

JACK: Yes, yes... I do miss her. (BEAT) She was my first real friend in Salem.

JACK LAUGHS SOFTLY, REMEMBERING.
JENNIFER: What is it?

JACK: I remember... She once told me that she and I got along so well because we were both a couple of sneaks.

JENNIFER: (CHUCKLING) Well, she definitely had you pegged right.

JACK: (PRETENDING TO BE INSULTED) Ouch, that hurts. (BEAT) You shouldn't make comments like that, especially not in front of the child.

JENNIFER: Oh, don't worry, Jack. Abby thinks her daddy is perfect.

ABIGAIL: Dada!

JACK PICKS UP HIS BRIEFCASE AND HIS COAT AND WALKS OVER TO JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL.
JACK: (SERIOUS) Perhaps she does now, but I wonder...

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: What's going to happen when she's older, and she finds out about... about the all-too-human mistakes I've made in the past?

JENNIFER SETS DOWN ABIGAIL'S DIAPER BAG AND REACHES UP AND TOUCHES JACK'S FACE.
JENNIFER: She'll love you, unconditionally, just like her mommy does.

ABIGAIL: Mama!

JACK TAKES JENNIFER'S HAND AND KISSES IT. HE THEN TAKES ABIGAIL'S HAND AND KISSES IT.
JACK: I hope you're right. If I ever lost Abigail's love... or yours...
JENNIFER PUTS HER FINGER TO JACK'S LIPS .
JENNIFER: There's no need to even think about that, 'cause it'll never happen.
JACK PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND THE BOTH OF THEM. OUT ON THE THREE.

ACT VII

JAMES' OFFICE. SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND BO ARE HUGGING. IN PROGRESS.
JAMES: I'll be outside...
JAMES AND DENISE EXIT. BO PICKS UP SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND CARRIES HIM OVER TO A CHAIR. HE SETS SHAWN-DOUGLAS DOWN IN THE CHAIR AND PULLS UP ANOTHER, SO THEY CAN SIT FACE-TO-FACE.
BO: Are you okay, Shawn-D?

SHAWN-D: (HESITANTLY) Did he tell you? Did he tell you what I did?

BO: Uh-huh.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS STARTS TO CRY.
SHAWN-D: I'm sorry, Papa... I didn't mean to...
SHAWN-DOUGLAS BREAKS DOWN. BO PULLS HIM OFF OF THE CHAIR AND ONTO HIS LAP.
BO: It's okay, Sailor, it's okay. (BEAT) I know you didn't mean to hurt anybody. I know.
BO PULLS SHAWN-DOUGLAS CLOSE AND HOLDS HIM TIGHTLY AS THE BOY CONTINUES TO SOB.
BO: (CONT'D) Don't worry, everything's gonna be all right. Things are gonna start getting better now...

SHAWN-D: Papa?

BO PULLS BACK SO HE CAN LOOK AT SHAWN-DOUGLAS.
BO: Yeah?

SHAWN-D: Do you hate me for what I did?

BO: Oh, Shawn-Douglas, no... No, I could never hate you. Never.

SHAWN-D: I'm so sorry...

BO: It was an accident, Shawn-D. I know you didn't mean to do it. It wasn't your fault.

SHAWN-D: But... but I shouldn't have been playing with it. You told me to never play with guns. I'm sorry...

BO: I shouldn't have left my gun out like that. If it's anyone's fault...

SHAWN-D: I shouldn't have picked it up. You told me...

BO: It's over now, Shawn-D. It's all over.

SHAWN-D: But...

BO: Now that you've remembered, we can work on making it all better.

SHAWN-D: Papa?

BO: Yes?

SHAWN-D: Do you think Carly would forgive me?

BO IS STUNNED. HE PULLS SHAWN-DOUGLAS CLOSE AND HUGS HIM, TRYING TO HIDE HIS LOOK OF SURPRISE.
BO: Um... I'm sure that wherever... wherever Carly is right now...
BO PAUSES, WONDERING WHETHER IT WOULD BE HEAVEN OR HELL.
BO: (CONT'D) I'm sure that wherever she is, she doesn't blame you for what happened. She loved you very much.

SHAWN-D: I loved her, too.

BO: And she knew that. She knew that you would never want to hurt her.

SHAWN-D: Are you sure?

BO: Yeah, Sailor, I'm sure.

SHAWN-D: I love you, Papa.

BO: I love you, too, Shawn-Douglas. No matter what, I'll always love you.

SHAWN-D: Promise?

BO: Promise.

SHAWN-DOUGLAS MANAGES AN UNEASY SMILE.
BO: (CONT'D) And I promise you something else, too. (BEAT) I promise I'm not going to let anything hurt you ever again.
SHAWN-D THROWS HIS ARMS AROUND BO. BO HUGS HIS SON TIGHTLY. A TEAR FALLS FROM BO'S EYE. HOLD ON THE TWO.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND ROBERT ARE FINISHING SINGING "TOGETHER." THEY TAKE A BOW AS THE AUDIENCE BREAKS INTO APPLAUSE. DOUG GRABS THE MICROPHONE.

DOUG: Thank you all very much!
MORE APPLAUSE.
DOUG: (CONT'D) Robert and I would like to dedicate this next number to a very special couple.
DOUG BLOWS A KISS TO ALICE AND TOM, WHO ARE SITTING AT A TABLE NEAR THE STAGE. ALICE SMILES AT TOM, WHO TAKES A HOLD OF HER HAND. MARTY BEGINS TO PLAY THE PIANO. DOUG AND ROBERT BEGIN TO SING "I REMEMBER IT WELL," BY LERNER AND LOEWE (FROM "GIGI").
DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] We met at nine.
ROBERT SHAKES HIS HEAD AND POINTS TO HIS WRISTWATCH.
ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] We met at eight.

DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] I was on time.

ROBERT: (SHAKING HIS HEAD AGAIN, SINGING) [notes] No, you were late.

DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] Ah yes! I remember it well... We dined with friends.

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] We dined alone.

DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] A tenor sang.

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] A baritone.

DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] Ah yes! I remember it well... That April moon!

ROBERT: (SHAKING HIS INDEX FINGER AT DOUG, SINGING) [notes] There was none that night... And the month was June.

DOUG: (SCRATCHING HIS HEAD, SINGING) [notes] That's right! That's right!

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] It warms my heart to know that you remember still the way you do.

DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] Ah yes! I remember it well... How often I've thought of the Friday...

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] Monday

THE AUDIENCE LAUGHS. DOUG AND ROBERT BEGIN TO WALK OFF OF THE STAGE.
DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] ...night, when we had our last rendezvous... And somehow I've foolishly wondered... if you might by some chance... be thinking of it too... That carriage ride.

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] You walked me home.

DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] You lost a glove.

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] I love a comb.

DOUG AND ROBERT NOW STAND IN FRONT OF TOM AND ALICE'S TABLE.
DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] Ah yes! I remember it well... That brilliant sky.

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] We had some rain.

ALICE LAUGHS AS SHE PLACES HER HAND ON TOM'S SHOULDER.
DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] Those Russian songs.

ROBERT: (SINGING) [notes] From sunny Spain.

THE AUDIENCE LAUGHS.
DOUG: (SINGING) [notes] Ah yes...
DOUG STOPS SINGING AND SIGNALS MARTY, WHO STOPS THE MUSIC. DOUG LOOKS DOWN AT TOM AND ALICE.
DOUG: (CONT'D) I know you two have this song memorized. Please, finish it for us...
DOUG HANDS THE MICROPHONE TO TOM, WHO AT FIRST REFUSES. THE AUDIENCE BEGINS TO APPLAUD, ENCOURAGING TOM TO CONTINUE THE SONG. FINALLY, TOM STANDS UP AND TAKES ALICE'S HAND. ROBERT HANDS HIS MICROPHONE TO ALICE. DOUG SIGNALS MARTY, AND THE MUSIC BEGINS AGAIN.
TOM: (SINGING) [notes] Ah yes, I remember it well... You wore a gown of gold.

ALICE: (SINGING) [notes] I was all in blue.

TOM: (SINGING) [notes] Am I getting old?

ALICE: (SINGING) [notes] Oh no! Not you! How strong you were... how young and gay... A prince of love in ev'ry way.

ALICE LOOKS AT TOM AND SMILES LOVINGLY.
TOM: (SINGING) [notes] Ah yes! I remember it well.
THE AUDIENCE BREAKS INTO WILD APPLAUSE. TOM AND ALICE SMILE AND BOW. THEY TURN TO EACH OTHER AND KISS. OUT ON TOM AND ALICE'S EMBRACE. FADE TO BLACK.

[ Previous Episode (#50) | Next Episode (#52) ]

[ ALT.DAYS Home Page | ALT.DAYS List of Episodes ]