ALT.DAYS

Episode #58

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: June 28, 1994
Time: Several Days After #57,
Morning to Afternoon

Copyright 1995

TEASER

CARRIE'S APARTMENT. TEXTBOOKS AND NOTEBOOKS ARE SCATTERED AROUND THE ROOM, AND THERE ARE SEVERAL EMPTY BOTTLES OF JOLT COLA SCATTERED ON THE TABLETOP. AN EMPTY PIZZA BOX IS UNDER THE TABLE, HIDING EVEN MORE NOTEBOOKS. THE FIRST RAYS OF THE MORNING SUN ARE COMING THROUGH THE BLINDS, AND CARRIE AND JONAH BOTH LOOK EXHAUSTED.

JONAH: (RUBBING HIS EYES) Carrie, come on! You've got to help me remember how many enzymes the pancreas needs to function correctly...

CARRIE: The what?

JONAH: The pancreas. How many enzymes...

CARRIE: I heard you. But I don't have time to worry about glands, I need to know when the Roman Empire fell.

JONAH: East or West?

CARRIE: What?

JONAH: East or West?

CARRIE: East or West what?

JONAH: You asked about the fall of the Roman empire. East or West? Rome or Constantinople?

CARRIE: Rome or ... (BURYING HER HEAD IN HER HANDS) I'm doomed...

HOLD ON THE CONFUSION.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT. SHAWN-D SITS AT THE TABLE, WHILE BO SPOONS OUT OATMEAL INTO TWO BOWLS. BO IS IN UNIFORM. BO PUTS THE POT BACK ON THE STOVE, THEN PUTS SOME FRESH BERRIES INTO THE OATMEAL. HE POURS THE REST OF THE BERRIES INTO A BOWL AND PLACES THAT IN THE CENTER OF THE TABLE. SHAWN-D BEGINS TO EAT, AS BO SITS.

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh...

BO: The new dinosaur pencil box I got for you?

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh... (EATING)

BO: How about the Pee-chee folders?

SHAWN-D NODS AS HE ADDS SOME MORE BERRIES TO HIS OATMEAL.

SHAWN-D: Yes, papa...

BO: Shawn-D... Are you all right with this?

SHAWN-D: (BETWEEN BITES) What, Papa?

BO: Going to school. We can call it off, if you don't feel up to it... if you're not ready.

SHAWN-D: (STOPS EATING, SPOON POISED IN MID-AIR) You'd do that for me?

BO: I would do anything for you. I hope you know that.

SHAWN-D PUTS DOWN HIS SPOON AND STUDIES HIS FATHER FOR A MOMENT.

SHAWN-D RESUMES EATING.

SHAWN-D: Thanks, Papa. (SCRAPING THE BOTTOM ON THE BOWL) Do we have any more oatmeal?

BO: (LAUGHING) You don't know how good it is to hear you say that. It's been... well... you haven't had your old appetite in a while...

BO STANDS, GOES TO THE STOVE, PICKS UP THE POT, RETURNS TO THE TABLE AND SPOONS SOME MORE OATMEAL INTO SHAWN-D'S BOWL.

SHAWN-D: That's okay, I like it warm, too. (HE TAKES A BITE)

BO WALKS OVER TO HIS DESK AND PICKS UP A BEEPER. HE TURNS TO SHAWN-D.

SHAWN-D LOOKS AT HIS FATHER.

BO: Ummm... just checking... (CLEARING HIS THROAT) And you remember your Aunt Kayla will pick you up from school and take you to Grandma's?

SHAWN-D: Yes, Papa.

BO: It's only for a few hours... but just in case... (HANDS S-D THE BEEPER) I got this beeper for you.

SHAWN-D EAGERLY TAKES THE BEEPER.

BO: Shawn-D, it's not a toy. I want you to use it only if you really need me. Understand?

SHAWN-D NODS, BUSILY CHECKING OUT ALL THE BUTTONS.

HOLD ON FATHER AND SON, HEADS BENT, CONCENTRATING ON THE BEEPER.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. JAMES IS SITTING AT HIS DESK AND JOHN IS ACROSS FROM HIM ON THE COUCH.

JOHN: No, not really. (BEAT) Vivian... Well, Vivian tried to help, but she wasn't around much when I was young. She travelled.

JAMES: I see...

JOHN: She did tell me that she loved me.

JAMES: How did that make you feel?

JOHN: I don't know... Maybe grateful... and a little surprised...

JAMES: And your brother?

JOHN SCOWLS. HE GETS UP AND PACES.

JAMES: Yes?

JOHN SITS BACK DOWN ON THE COUCH.

JAMES: Don't worry, we'll straighten that out in time. Now we're focussing on Lawrence. And what you're telling me is that Lawrence wasn't always evil?

JOHN: I remember the two of us standing in the garden, promising to look out for each other. Lawrence was not being manipulative... He did love me...

JAMES: Then your meeting wasn't as unproductive as you thought, now was it?

OUT ON JOHN'S SLOW SMILE.

ACT I

JANET'S OFFICE. JANET, SPENCER, AND SHANE ARE SEATED AT JANET'S DESK.

SPENCER: What's that?

JANET: Getting Judge Parsons to clear his docket and move up the Alamain trial.

SHANE: Yes, there are a great many people in Salem who would rather see Lawrence Alamain convicted and incarcerated sooner than later.

SPENCER: Well, I thank you, but I really didn't do anything.

JANET: (SURPRISED) You didn't?

SPENCER: Nope. I got the call from Judge Parsons' clerk, informing me that the trial had been moved up.

SHANE: Interesting...

JANET: (SMILING) And here I thought you were some kind of legal superman...

SPENCER: (STRAIGHT-FACED) Oh, I am.

CONFUSED BY SPENCER'S EXPRESSION, JANET AND SHANE STARE AT HIM BLANKLY FOR A MOMENT. THEN SPENCER GRINS, AND THE THREE OF THEM SHARE A LAUGH.

JANET: Amen to that! He's caused enough trouble in this town.

SHANE: He's caused more than his fair share of trouble around the world. Putting Lawrence out of action will be a global kindness.

SPENCER: (JOKINGLY) Thanks a lot, guys. It's nice to know that I'm holding the fate of the entire civilized world in my hands when I go into Judge Parsons' courtroom. (BEAT) No pressure, or anything...

JANET: Oh, come on, Mr. Hanlon. I know you thrive on these pressure situations.

SPENCER: We'll soon find out.

SHANE: Trials like this are the stuff of which legends are made. (BEAT) Win this one, and you could be elected Salem's next mayor.

SPENCER: Yeah... Lose this one, and I could be branded Salem's leading town goat.

JANET: Don't worry... We've put together a solid case. The "good guys" are going to win this one.

THERE IS A MOMENT OF SILENCE AS THE THREE LOOK AT EACH, AS IF TRYING TO REASSURE THEMSELVES THIS WILL HAPPEN.

SHANE: I have a cheery thought...

SPENCER: Let's hear it...

SHANE: I hear that Lawrence Alamain is, shall we say, not enjoying himself behind bars.

JANET: Hah... He's going absolutely crazy in there. He rants and raves at his lawyer on a daily basis.

SPENCER: (THOUGHTFULLY) Yes... That is good news.

SHANE: How so?

SPENCER: Well, Childress is good. If anyone could have gotten Alamain out before the trial, he could have.

JANET: So what are you saying?

SPENCER: I'm saying that we've done very well... so far. Perhaps Childress decided that the only way to get his client out of jail quickly was to get the trial moved up, and hope for an acquittal. (BEAT) If that's the case, then I like our chances a little better than I did yesterday.

HOLD ON SPENCER.

CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER/ABE'S OFFICE. ABE IS STANDING BY THE PRINTER, TAPPING HIS FINGERS ANXIOUSLY. LEXIE COMES IN.

ABE: Very funny, Lex.

THE PRINTER STARTS TO WHIRR.

ABE TAKES THE SHEET OFF AND LOOKS AT IT WITH SATISFACTION. HE TURNS IT TOWARD LEXIE. WE SEE A HEADLINE "NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH! ORGANIZATION MEETING WEDNESDAY NIGHT!"

LEXIE TAKES THE SHEET FROM HIM AND READS IT.

ABE: It's time. We've been talking about it for months. We owe it to the neighborhood... and to ourselves... to try and get this thing moving.

LEXIE: Wednesday... time is going to be tight.

ABE: I know. (SMILING) But you work best under pressure.

LEXIE: That's true... Hey! How'd I get roped into this?

ABE: You don't think I could do this without you, do you?

LEXIE: I'm just teasing, you'd better not! (BEAT) So, what's next?

ABE: (WAVING THE FLYER) We go and plaster the neighborhood with these and see what kind of response we get.

LEXIE: What are we waiting for? Let's go!

HOLD ON THE TWO HEADING FOR THE DOOR.

CUT TO: SALEM PD SQUAD ROOM. BO AND BOB ARE GOING OVER THE WEEKLY DUTY ROSTER.

BOB: (EYEING BO) I wouldn't hold my breath, Brady. I don't think the Captain wants you anywhere near Alamain...

BO: Mistake. I'll bet I could get him to talk...

BO'S BEEPER GOES OFF.

BO GOES TO THE PHONE AND QUICKLY DIALS THE NUMBER ON THE BEEPER.

WE SEE THE SCHOOL SECRETARY, MYRNA, PICK UP THE PHONE, TWO-WAY.

BO: Yes, this is Bo Brady, my son goes to school there. He just beeped me.

MYRNA: Oh, yes, he's right here, Mr. Brady. His teacher brought him to the office during recess.

BO: He's okay?

MYRNA: I assume so. Would you like to speak to him?

BO: Can I?

MYRNA: He's right here.

BO WAITS AS SHAWN-D PICKS UP THE PHONE.

BO: Yes, I'm here. Are you all right?

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh... I just wanted to make sure the beeper worked.

BO: (DEEP BREATH) (RELIEVED) It does... Is your teacher there?

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh... Mrs. Willard brought me to the office.

BO: Can I talk to her?

SHAWN-D: Sure, just a minute.

BO WAITS AT MRS. WILLARD COMES TO THE PHONE.

BO: Mrs. Willard... Is my son really all right?

WILLARD: I think he's fine. I'm sorry to have troubled you. But your son became... agitated when I said he couldn't call you. And the school counselor had discussed his... background with me, so I decided it was best to let him talk to you. (BEAT) Did I do the wrong thing?

BO: No, you did the right thing. I just wanted to confirm his safety.

WILLARD: He's fine. And luckily, we're not too crowded this Summer session, so I should be able to give him the extra attention he needs.

BO: Thank you, Mrs. Willard, I appreciate this. Call if you need anything.

WILLARD: I will... And perhaps we can have a parent-teacher meeting when it's convenient.

BO: Of course, we can arrange that later.

WILLARD: Then I'll await your call. Good-bye, Mr. Brady.

BO: Good-bye, Mrs. Willard.

BO HANGS UP THE PHONE AND WALKS BACK TO BOB.

BO: I think so... I hope so...

BOB: Try not to worry. He'll be okay... He's just a little shaky...

BO: Him and me both...

OUT ON BO'S WORRY.

ACT II

CARRIE'S APARTMENT. CARRIE AND JONAH ARE SITTING AT THE TABLE. JONAH IS STARING AT AN OPENED ANATOMY BOOK. CARRIE IS SLEEPING, WITH HER HEAD RESTING FACE DOWN IN AN OPEN CALCULUS BOOK.

SUDDENLY, CARRIE WAKES UP WITH A START.

JONAH: (LAUGHING) I'm impressed! I guess studying by osmosis does work.

CARRIE: Huh?

JONAH: Weren't you hoping some of those equations would somehow filter themselves into your brain? I mean, that's why you were head first in the book, right?

CARRIE: Very funny, wise guy. (LOOKS AT THE CLOCK) Jonah! Why did you let me sleep so long? I wasted a whole half hour!

JONAH: You looked so cute with drool coming out the side of your mouth.

CARRIE TOSSES A PENCIL AT JONAH, THEN STANDS UP TO GET A DRINK OF WATER. JONAH STANDS AND WALKS OVER TO THE WINDOW.

JONAH: (LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW) What a great day! It's not fair!

CARRIE: What's not fair?

JONAH: (GESTURING TO THE MESS ON THE TABLE) This isn't fair. We're killing ourselves here.

CARRIE: You're the one who wants to become a doctor. I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but you've got plenty of years of studying ahead of you.

JONAH: I know. But, here it is, the beginning of Summer. We should be at the beach, not studying for mid-terms.

CARRIE: Wait until finals.

JONAH: (GROANS) Don't remind me. And who invented Summer term, anyway? I'll tell you, probably some Administrator with time on his hands...

JONAH TURNS BACK TO GAZE OUT THE WINDOW. CARRIE PICKS UP A BOOK AND THROWS IT AT JONAH, HITTING HIM IN THE LEG.

CARRIE: Back to work, Mr. Daydreamer. We've got a few more hours to go.

JONAH RELUCTANTLY RETURNS TO THE TABLE. HE SITS DOWN AND OPENS HIS BOOK. HOLD ON CARRIE AND JONAH, STUDYING.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. JAMES AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.

JAMES: Okay, let's try something else. What can you tell me about what you do remember? What about your life as Roman Brady?

JOHN: But that wasn't me, those memories aren't mine...

JAMES: Of course they are! You may not have asked to have your memories replaced with his, but you lived a lot of them, didn't you?

JOHN: Yes...

JAMES: Did you like being a police officer?

JOHN: It was the best job a guy could have. I loved going into the cop shop every day, facing the challenges... I guess I have a leaning towards that kind of work, now that I remember being a PI in Switzerland...

JAMES: Okay, that's the professional... What about the personal?

JOHN: The personal?

JAMES: Tell me about Marlena.

JOHN: I loved Marlena. Right from the start I felt this incredible bond with her, you know? Like we'd known each other in a past life...

JOHN'S FACE CONTORTS IN PAIN.

JAMES: What about the kids...

JOHN: (SMILING) Carrie was tough sometimes, especially when she got to be a teenager. It was hard to let her go live with Anna, but I knew it was what she needed.

JAMES: What about the twins?

JOHN: Sammi and Eric, now they were a handful, but I guess twins always are, huh? Everything double. (BEAT) But I think I was a good father to them, I was tough, but they always knew that I loved them.

JAMES MAKES SOME NOTES ON A PAD. HOLD ON JAMES' THOUGHTFULNESS.

CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER. LEXIE BURSTS INTO THE FRONT DOOR, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY ABE. BOTH ARE BREATHING HEAVILY.

ABE: You tricked me!

LEXIE: Is it my fault that the Wasserman's dog doesn't like you? I don't understand it... She's such a sweet little thing...

ABE: Sweet? Sweet? That "sweet" little thing is a... a barracuda! I'm lucky I escaped with life and limb intact.

LEXIE: Don't exaggerate. You're just mad because I won and now you have to pay up. You make me breakfast in bed for a month.

ABE: Ridiculous. You won because that pint-sized beast attacked me.

LEXIE: (UNSUCCESSFULLY TRYING TO STIFLE HER LAUGHTER) Binky? Binky attacked you? What'd she do, impersonate a rug so you could trip over her?

ABE: You laugh, but one day I'm going to come home and I'll be minus a leg...

LEXIE: Abe, she's a Pomeranian... I doubt she can even reach your leg... Now the Smith's Doberman...

ABE: Hurumph! (SITS DOWN) No respect... I get no respect...

LEXIE WALKS UP TO ABE AND KISSES HIM, THEN SITS NEXT TO HIM ON THE SOFA.

ABE: We did, didn't we? I was amazed by the way that people reacted. I thought they all might ignore us...

LEXIE: But instead everyone who saw the flyers told us they would come to the first meeting.

ABE: It seems like the neighbors do want to help themselves and cut down on crime here...

LEXIE: I think this Neighborhood Watch could be a real success...

ABE: I hope so...

LEXIE: I know so... if we get to work.

LEXIE STANDS AND GOES TO THE DESK WHERE SHE PICKS UP A LEGAL PAD AND A PEN. SHE BEGINS TO WRITE.

ABE WATCHES IN AWE AS LEXIE WARMS TO THE TOPIC.

ABE STANDS, WALKS OVER TO LEXIE AND STARTLES HER WITH A KISS.

LEXIE: You mean you just noticed, Mr. Carver?

ABE: Why don't I show you what I've noticed?

ABE, SMILING, PULLS LEXIE INTO HIS EMBRACE. OUT ON THEIR KISS.

ACT III

SALEM PLACE/JOHNNY ANGEL'S. BO AND BOB ARE FINISHING LUNCH. IN PROGRESS.

BO: Amazing...

BOB: Well, the mayor thought so...

THEY LAUGH AS BO'S BEEPER GOES OFF.

BOB: Poor kid, he's having a tough time of it, isn't he?

BO: This is his first day back at school in a long time. I'd better call him back. (STANDING) It will only be a minute.

BO WALKS TO THE NEARBY PAY PHONE.

GO TO: BO AT THE PAY PHONE. HE DIALS THE NUMBER DISPLAYED ON HIS BEEPER AND SHAWN-D ANSWERS. TWO-WAY.

BO: Yes, son. What is it this time?

SHAWN-D: I'm scared.

BO: Of what?

SHAWN-D: I don't know.

BO: Okay. Here's what I want you to do. Calm down and take a few deep breaths. Can you do that for me?

SHAWN-D: I think so.

SHAWN-D TAKES A FEW BREATHS.

SHAWN-D: I guess...

BO: Shawn-D, remember what we talked about last time?

SHAWN-D: I should try not to worry so much. Everything's going to be okay.

BO: Yes. And it will. Do you believe that?

SHAWN-D: I guess...

BO: Your Aunt Kayla will be there when school's over. Think you can hold on until she picks you up?

SHAWN-D: Uh-huh...

BO: Good. You're doing great, Shawn-Douglas. I'll see you when I get off work.

SHAWN-D: Okay, bye, Papa...

BO: Good-bye, Sailor...

BO HANGS UP THE PHONE AND WALKS BACK TO JOHNNY ANGELS. HE SITS AND ABSENTLY BEGINS EATING BOB'S FRENCH FRIES.

HOLD ON BOB'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. JAMES AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: All right. At least that's something I should have no trouble remembering.

JAMES: Good.

JOHN: Where should I begin?

JAMES: How about with the children? Do you still have a relationship with Carrie, Sami, and Eric?

JOHN: Carrie and I have a good relationship. It was a little rocky after she came back to Salem and discovered I wasn't her fa... wasn't Roman.

JAMES: But, you've been able to repair that relationship?

JOHN: Yeah. We have an understanding. I've promised to keep her up to date on my life, and she's promised to come to me if she needs anything.

JAMES: Do you still feel responsible for her?

JOHN: Sort of. Especially now, that her... parents are away.

JAMES: What about Sami and Eric?

JOHN: We keep in touch. But I think that this is a time they should get to know Roman and Marlena better.

JAMES: How about Marlena? Do you still love her?

JOHN: For a while, right after Isabella died, I thought we still had something. (BEAT) I'm sure I'll always feel something for Doc, but she and Roman belong together.

JAMES: Is that how you really feel?

JOHN: (UNCONVINCING) Of course.

JAMES: You must have some lingering resentment towards Roman.

JOHN: No, not really... I mean, maybe, but none of what happened was his fault.

JAMES: But when he came back, the life that you knew fell apart.

JOHN: True. But, shouldn't he be the one to resent me? After all, I took his life.

JAMES: I don't know. We'd have to ask him.

JOHN: And he's probably say "no." He is a good guy... I should know...

JAMES: I suppose you would...

JOHN: Anything else you want to know?

JAMES: Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?

JOHN: No, not really. So Doc, how messed up am I?

HOLD ON JOHN'S QUESTION.

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

JANET: What kind of a cushion?

SPENCER: We have enough evidence to potentially put away Alamain for a long time. (BEAT) But I'd like to have a little something extra, for insurance.

SHANE: You have something specific in mind, counselor?

SPENCER: Some solid proof of Alamain's illegal dealings with GenCon would be perfect.

JANET: Yes, it would. Unfortunately, we don't have it.

SHANE: That's because all of that evidence was lost in the earthquake, and subsequent explosion and fire, at the Alamain estate.

JANET: That's one way to cover your tracks... manufacture an earthquake to destroy the evidence.

SPENCER: Indeed. At first glance, it would seem to be an act of God.

SHANE: An act of the devil would be closer to the truth.

JANET: Okay, so that avenue is closed. (BEAT) Is there anything else we can come up with? Something else we can prove?

SHANE RESTS HIS CHIN ON HIS FIST, DEEP IN THOUGHT.

SHANE: Perhaps.

JANET: Well, don't keep us in suspense, Shane... (CORRECTING HERSELF) Captain. (BEAT) What is it?

SHANE: It may be nothing.

SPENCER: It's worth a try, isn't it?

SHANE: Yes, I believe so. (BEAT) I'll have to call in some help.

JANET: Who?

SHANE: Well, as of yet, the I.S.A. has been more of a hindrance than a help.

JANET: Too true.

SHANE: However, there is one last resource there that I haven't yet tapped. But the source will have to remain confidential.

JANET: Superspy rules?

SHANE: (SMILING) Something like that...

JANET: Then agreed. Your source remains secret. We will do whatever it takes to convict Lawrence Alamain.

OUT ON JANET.

ACT IV

SAXTON'S CLOTHING STORE. BO AND BOB STAND NEAR THE COUNTER, TALKING TO THE MANAGER. IN PROGRESS.

BOB: No harm done. Sometimes these silent alarms can be sensitive.

MANAGER: The clerk swears he barely brushed the switch when he put down that box...

BOB: Don't worry. We're glad there was no real problem.

BO'S BEEPER SUDDENLY GOES OFF. BO LOOKS AT THE NUMBER.

MANAGER: Please officer, use our phone. It's the very least I can do.

BO: Thank you.

BO STEPS TO THE PHONE, AS BOB AND THE MANAGER BACK AWAY FROM THE COUNTER TO GIVE BO SOME PRIVACY.

BO DIALS. SHAWN-D ANSWERS, TWO WAY.

BO: Yes, Shawn-D, it's Papa. Where are you? Is everything all right?

SHAWN-D: I'm in front of school. Aunt Kayla's supposed to be here... she isn't here... What do I do? (NEARING PANIC)

BO: Calm down... take a deep breath...

SHAWN-D TAKES A DEEP BREATH.

SHAWN-D: Yes...

BO: Okay... (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Aunt Kayla isn't supposed to pick you up for another five minutes. That's probably why she's not there. Did you look at your watch?

SHAWN-D: Yes...

BO: Did you forget what time you were supposed to meet her?

SHAWN-D: No...

BO: Look, Shawn-D... (DEEP BREATH) I know you're scared, but you have to start thinking...

SHAWN-D: (INTERRUPTING) Papa, it's Aunt Kayla. Bye!

SHAWN-D HANGS UP. BO LOOKS AT THE RECEIVER FOR A MOMENT THEN HANGS UP.

BOB: (CLEARING HIS THROAT) Umm... Bo...

BO: (NOT HEARING BOB) No, I'm not being fair. The poor little guy's been through hell. I'm the one who needs to be more responsible. I have to help Shawn-D... I will help Shawn-D...

BOB WALKS UP TO BO AND LIGHTLY PATS HIS SHOULDER.

BO: What?

BOB: In the meantime... we're on duty...

BO: Of course... I'm sorry... I got distracted. Let's go.

BO WALKS OUT THE DOOR.

MANAGER: I will, Officer...

BOB TURNS AND LOOKS AFTER BO.

BOB: I hope so...

HOLD ON BOB'S WORRY.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS AT HIS DESK, WORKING, WHEN LEIGH OPENS THE DOOR WITHOUT KNOCKING AND ENTERS.

JACK: (SURPRISED) Ms. McCloud!

LEIGH: I hope this isn't a bad time...

JACK: (STANDING) No, no... not at all. (MOTIONING TO A CHAIR) Please, sit down.

LEIGH AND JACK SIT.

LEIGH: (SOTTO VOCE) If you only knew...

JACK: What?

LEIGH: Oh... there were a couple more questions I wanted to ask you before we sign the deal between EcoSystems and Deveraux Publishing...

GO TO: OUTSIDE JACK'S OFFICE. VERN IS AT THE DOOR, TRYING TO LISTEN IN ON THE CONVERSATION. HE GOES OVER TO LISA'S DESK.

LISA: Hello, Mr. Scofield.

VERN: Lisa, can you tell me who Jack's meeting with right now?

LISA: Oh, it's Ms. McCloud from EcoSystems. (BEAT) She didn't have an appointment, but Mr. Deveraux was free.

VERN: Thanks.

VERN GOES BACK TO THE DOOR AND CONTINUES TO LISTEN. LISA LOOKS AT HIM CURIOUSLY.

LISA NODS.

GO TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND LEIGH.

LEIGH: It certainly does. (BEAT) I appreciate getting the chance to see you.

JACK: Fortunately, you caught me at a good time.

LEIGH: (SMILING) Yes. I had a feeling that I might get lucky if I came by.

JACK: Ah... that "woman's intuition" at work.

LEIGH: I'm not sure I believe in "woman's intuition." (BEAT) But I definitely believe in... instincts. They rarely steer me wrong.

JACK RAISES AN EYEBROW AS HE CATCHES ON TO LEIGH'S FLIRTING. HE SMILES.

LEIGH: Yet another thing we have in common... We see what we want, and we go after it.

JACK: Indeed. (BEAT) Do you mind if I ask you something?

LEIGH: Not at all.

JACK: What is it you're after? (BEAT) Here at Deveraux Publishing, that is.

LEIGH IS SURPRISED BY THE QUESTION, BUT COMPOSES HERSELF QUICKLY.

JACK: I see. (BEAT) We're after the same things then... Success for Deveraux Publishing, and profits for its investors.

LEIGH: And a long and productive relationship... for our companies.

JACK: Absolutely.

LEIGH: Well, I'd better be getting back to the office. (STANDING) I'll have the final paperwork ready for your signature by the end of the week.

JACK: (STANDING) I'll be waiting... anxiously.

LEIGH: (FANNING HERSELF WITH HER NOTEBOOK) My, my... You do know how to motivate a lady, Jack. (BEAT) I'll call you when the papers are ready.

LEIGH MOVES TOWARD THE DOOR.

LEIGH: (OPENING THE DOOR) Good day, Mr. Deveraux.

LEIGH EXITS. JACK WALKS CASUALLY TO THE DOOR. BEFORE HE CAN PASS THROUGH THE DOORWAY, VERN ENTERS, PUSHING JACK BACK INTO THE OFFICE.

VERN: (AGITATED) We have to talk, Jack. Now.

HOLD ON JACK'S SURPRISE.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. KAYLA AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS COME THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR. CAROLINE IS STANDING BEHIND THE BAR, AND WAVES AT THEM WHEN THEY ENTER.

KAYLA: Hi, Ma.

SHAWN-D: Hi, Grandma.

CAROLINE: Shawn-Douglas, how was your first day at Summer school?

SHAWN-D: Fine.

CAROLINE: That's good. Was your teacher nice?

SHAWN-D: She was okay...

CAROLINE: Would you like something to eat? I made some fresh chowder.

SHAWN-D: No thanks, I had lunch at school.

SHAWN-D RESTLESSLY LOOKS AROUND THE PUB.

SHAWN-D: Cool!

SHAWN-DOUGLAS QUICKLY SCURRIES UP THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE BRADY RESIDENCE. KAYLA AND CAROLINE WATCH HIM UNTIL HE REACHES THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, THEN SIT DOWN AT AN EMPTY BOOTH.

KAYLA: I'm fine. (BEAT) I was wondering... Would you and Pop watch Stephanie for the weekend?

CAROLINE: Well, of course we will, Kayla. You know that we're always here for our grandchildren. (BEAT) Is there something wrong?

KAYLA: No... it's just that I'm going away for the weekend, and I wanted to make sure that either you or Jo could watch Stephanie while I'm gone.

CAROLINE: You know I'm happy to have Stephanie here.

KAYLA: Thanks, Ma.

CAROLINE: You've been working very hard at the Community Center, and you deserve a few days to relax.

KAYLA: I'm glad you think so...

CAROLINE: Do you have anything special planned?

KAYLA: You could say that... I'm... I'm going with a friend...

CAROLINE: That's nice. Anyone I know?

KAYLA: Someone you know very well.

CAROLINE: It can't be Kimmie, she'd have told me.

KAYLA: Ma... it's not a woman...

CAROLINE: You're going with Bo?

KAYLA: Ma, no, I'm going to go with Marcus.

OUT ON KAYLA.

ACT V

DONOVAN COMMUNICATIONS ROOM. SHANE SITS IN FRONT OF THE COMMUNICATION CONSOLE. HE'S ON THE PHONE, TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.

OPERATOR: Please hold.

SHANE SITS, TAPPING A PENCIL.

SHANE SMILES AS HE FINALLY MAKES THE CONNECTION WITH MISS PEACH.

PEACH: Laddie, is that you?

SHANE: Who else would it be?

PEACH: So good to hear your voice.

SHANE: Yours, too.

PEACH: How are the children?

SHANE: Andrew and Jeanne are growing like weeds. And they love California.

PEACH: Hmmm... I don't know about California... I think maybe I should take them on a vacation... Perhaps the Highlands of Scotland...

SHANE: Peach, you're incorrigible.

PEACH: Takes one to know one. Now... I know you didn't track me down to chat, so tell me, what's up?

SHANE: Peach, I need a favor...

PEACH: The Alamain case...

SHANE: How did you know?

PEACH: Laddie, you know I have my sources...

SHANE: (LAUGHING) Peachie, sometimes I think you and your sources know more than the entire ISA...

PEACH: (TEASING) Shhh... don't tell Tarrington, he'll force me into retirement for sure...

SHANE: Your secret's safe with me... (BEAT) Now about Alamain...

PEACH: Off the record?

SHANE: Agreed.

PEACH: Although it was never proven in a court of law, I believe that Lawrence Alamain had something to do with that virus...

SHANE: The one that almost killed you...

PEACH: The very one...

SHANE: And...

PEACH: And if I could prove that. Well... we'd both get our man, now wouldn't we?

HOLD ON SHANE'S NOD OF AGREEMENT.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. CAROLINE AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.

KAYLA: Yes, Ma.

CAROLINE: Okay... Are you sure that you're ready for that?

KAYLA: I've thought about this a lot. I know that Marcus and I are ready for the next step in our relationship.

CAROLINE: You mean...

KAYLA: I mean we'd like to become more than friends...

CAROLINE: Is this Marcus' idea?

KAYLA: He asked me to go, yes, but he's been great. He never pressured me to commit. Said we could have separate rooms...

SHAWN ENTERS THE PUB FROM THE KITCHEN, AND SPOTS HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER. HE COMES CLOSER SO THAT HE CAN HEAR THEIR CONVERSATION.

KAYLA: I confess, I am nervous, but I know that I'm ready for this.

CAROLINE: Dear, all I want is for you to be happy. And if Marcus is the one who makes you happy, then you have our support.

SHAWN HEARS THAT LAST STATEMENT AND CANNOT CONTAIN HIMSELF ANY LONGER, HE WALKS UP TO THE BOOTH.

HOLD ON SHAWN'S OUTRAGE.

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

VERN: Stopping you from making the biggest mistake of your life!

JACK: What are you talking about?

VERN: You know what I'm talking about!

JACK: No, I most certainly do not. (BEAT) Are you talking about my editorial? I thought it might stir up a little controversy, but do you honestly think my objection to the latest tax hike proposal is that big a mistake?

VERN: Don't be coy with me, Jack. I'm talking about you and Leigh McCloud. What do you think you're doing?

JACK: We're negotiating a business deal.

VERN: Come on, Jack! I heard you two talking.

JACK: Eavesdropping, were you?

VERN: Yes, I was. And it's a good thing, too. How can you do this to Jennifer?

JACK: How can I do what to Jennifer?

VERN: Carry on with another woman!

JACK: (STUNNED) What? Vern, I...

VERN: Don't you know what a good thing you have in Jennifer? (SHAKES HIS HEAD) And after she put on that lovely party for you, too.

JACK: Don't be silly, Vern. Of course I know how wonderful my wife is. I would never do anything to jeopardize my marriage.

VERN: But, I heard...

JACK: (DRAMATIC) I can't believe you, Vern. How could you think so poorly of me? I'm wounded... deeply wounded...

VERN: Now, Jack...

JACK: (SERIOUS) I love Jennifer. And you should know that better than most.

OUT ON JACK.

ACT VI

BRADY PUB. KAYLA, CAROLINE, AND SHAWN. IN PROGRESS.

CAROLINE: Shawn, please!

SHAWN: No, I want to hear what the girl has to say for herself.

KAYLA: I'm not a little girl anymore, Pop. I'm a grown woman! The only wishes I need to abide by are my own.

SHAWN: Would you listen to this? Plain stubborn, if you ask me.

KAYLA: I'm not asking anybody. If I want to go away with Marcus for the weekend, then I damn well will!

SHAWN: (FURIOUS) You're what!?! Over my dead body!

CAROLINE: Calm down, Shawn! You'll disturb the children.

SHAWN: I will not calm down. I can't believe what I'm hearin'. How can you be sleepin' with a man you're not married to?

KAYLA: I make my own decisions. I'm an adult.

SHAWN: Adulterer, perhaps.

KAYLA: You wouldn't be saying that if I were Kimberly! Oh no, not your best and brightest!

SHAWN: We're talking about you, Kayla, not Kim. (SHAKES HIS HEAD) Don't you realize you're only going to get hurt?

KAYLA: Pop, Marcus would never hurt me.

SHAWN: That's what you said about Shane. Look what happened there!

KAYLA: That was a long time ago. (BEAT) And, frankly, it has nothing to do with this!

SHAWN: Oh, yes it does. That relationship was proof of the pain that comes from breaking your marriage vows.

CAROLINE: Shawn, stop it! Please let it go.

SHAWN TURNS TOWARDS CAROLINE.

CAROLINE: If you're going to be angry at me, then so be it. But, Kayla should not have to pay for my sins.

SHAWN: I'm trying to stop her from makin' a mistake!

KAYLA: (NEAR TEARS) If I remember correctly, those marriage vows that you speak of were, "until death do us part." In case you hadn't noticed, Steve is dead!

KAYLA STARTS TO CRY. BEFORE SHAWN CAN SAY ANOTHER WORD, KAYLA RUNS OUT OF THE PUB IN TEARS. CAROLINE GIVES SHAWN A HARD LOOK, AND FOLLOWS KAYLA. SHAWN TURNS TOWARD THE BAR, AND PUTS HIS HANDS ON IT, GRIPPING TIGHTLY. HOLD ON SHAWN'S GRIM EXPRESSION.

CUT TO: CARRIE'S APARTMENT. CARRIE AND JONAH ARE BOTH ON THE FLOOR, LEANING BACK AGAINST THE COUCH, ASLEEP. SUDDENLY, THERE'S A LOUD RINGING COMING FROM AN ALARM CLOCK SITTING ON THE COFFEE TABLE.

JONAH REACHES TO THE TABLE, PUSHES AWAY A FEW BOOKS AND FINALLY MANAGES TO SHUT OFF THE ALARM CLOCK. JUST AS HE DOES THIS, A SECOND ALARM BUZZES.

CARRIE MOVES A FEW BOOKS THAT ARE AROUND HER, FINDS THE SECOND ALARM, AND SHUTS IT OFF. AS THE BUZZING FROM THE CLOCK STOPS, THE OVEN TIMER AND THE RADIO START.

CARRIE: (SHUTTING OF THE CLOCK RADIO) This is insane...

JONAH COMES BACK TO THE COUCH, AND START TO TOSS HIS BOOKS AND NOTEBOOKS INTO HIS BACKPACK. CARRIE FRANTICALLY SEARCHES THROUGH THE RUBBLE THAT IS ON THE FLOOR FOR HER BACKPACK.

JONAH STOPS CRAMMING HIS THINGS INTO HIS BAG.

CARRIE: Jonah, not now! I've got to find this thing right now or else!

JONAH TOSSES THE MISSING BACKPACK AT HER. IT LANDS AT HER FEET.

JONAH: It was on the couch. (BEAT) Now, hurry up or we'll be late!

CARRIE QUICKLY STUFFS HER BOOKS AND NOTES INTO THE BACKPACK. JONAH GOES TO THE DOOR WHILE CARRIE PICKS UP HER KEYS FROM THE KITCHEN COUNTER. ONCE SHE PICKS THEM UP, JONAH OPENS THE DOOR AND GOES OUT INTO THE HALLWAY. CARRIE QUICKLY JOINS HIM, THEN SHUTS THE DOOR AND LOCKS IT. HOLD ON THE TWO STRESSED-OUT EXAM TAKERS RUNNING FOR THE STAIRS.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB/EXT. KAYLA SITS ON THE STEPS, HUGGING HER KNEES AND SOBBING. CAROLINE COMES OUT THE DOOR AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO KAYLA, PUTTING HER ARMS AROUND HER.

CAROLINE: I won't make excuses for your father, honey. (BEAT) Or myself. I can't anymore.

KAYLA PULLS BACK AND WIPES HER EYES.

CAROLINE: He knows that, honey, he knows. It's his anger talking.

KAYLA: I can never measure up, never. Kimmie can do no wrong and I can do no right. I love Kimmie, you know I do Ma, but honestly, why does Pop always set us against each other like this? Can't he be proud of us both?

CAROLINE, SILENT, PATS KAYLA ON THE SHOULDER.

CAROLINE: That's part of the grieving, darling.

KAYLA: I know that now. I've been so careful to take things slowly with Marcus. I didn't want to rush... like I did with Shane. That's all it was, I see that now, both of us rushing and feeling empty. (BEAT) But with Marcus... I thought that... (SOBBING) And Pop's trying to kill it...

KAYLA PUTS HER ARMS AROUND CAROLINE'S WAIST, HER HEAD IN CAROLINE'S LAP. CAROLINE STROKES HER HAIR. OUT ON KAYLA'S DISTRESS.

ACT VII

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

VERN: (DISBELIEVING) Nothing to worry about? I heard what you said...

JACK: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) You did? Tsk, tsk... you know what they say about eavesdropping...

VERN: As you would say, I was investigating.

JACK: Touché. (BEAT) But there's no story here.

VERN: I'm concerned about what these games between you and Leigh McCloud might do to Jennifer.

JACK: They won't do anything to Jennifer. These are just the games that people play when doing business... Stroke each other's ego a little, keep each other alert... It's harmless.

VERN: You'd better keep your ego in check before you hurt Jennifer.

JACK: Trust me, Vern, my ego is under complete control. (BEAT) Although it certainly doesn't hurt my self-esteem to know that a beautiful, intelligent woman like Leigh McCloud would be interested in me...

VERN FUMES.

VERN: Business... (BEAT) I don't know what kind of business she's thinking about, but I don't think it has anything to do with publishing.

JACK: (STERNLY) Enough, Vern...

VERN: Fine. I won't say anything more.

JACK: (RAISING HIS HANDS IN MOCK ELATION) Hallelujah!

VERN: But I'm not going to let this drop.

JACK DROPS HIS HANDS AND SIGHS.

JACK: Fine.

VERN: And I'm going to keep my eye on you, whenever you're around her.

JACK: Am I to deduce that you don't trust me, either?

VERN: Most of the time, I do. But when you're with Leigh McCloud, I'm not so sure.

JACK: Thanks for the vote of confidence, Vern.

VERN: Awww, come on, Jack. I think that she messes with your head. She seems to be good at these mind games.

JACK: Exactly. That's what makes her such an interesting opponent. (BEAT) I rather enjoy our little verbal dances... it keeps me sharp.

VERN: Yeah, well, just make sure you don't go stabbing yourself in the... the...

JACK: The what?

VERN: You know.

JACK LOOKS DOWN AND THEN LOOKS BACK AT VERN, SHOCKED.

VERN: (MOVING TOWARD THE DOOR) Just watch your step...

JACK: But now I have you to do that for me.

VERN: (OPENING THE DOOR) I'm serious, Jack. (BEAT) I'll be watching Leigh McCloud... and you.

VERN EXITS AND CLOSES THE DOOR. HOLD ON JACK'S EXASPERATION.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB/EXT. CAROLINE AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.

KAYLA: I was so sure about this trip before... And now... now I don't know what to do.

CAROLINE: You have to do what's right for you. (BEAT) Just because your father shouts the loudest, doesn't mean he's right.

KAYLA: It's so hard... I know that we have to work and struggle for our happiness, but... I never expected I'd have to fight my own flesh and blood for it.

CAROLINE: It's not fair, I know. (BEAT) All I can say is... you have to follow your own heart.

CAROLINE TAKES KAYLA'S HAND.

KAYLA: And what about Pop?

CAROLINE: Your father is still carrying around a lot of anger and grief about... about what happened between me and Victor.

KAYLA: But that was so long ago...

CAROLINE: Yes, but Shawn's a proud man. Proud and stubborn.

KAYLA: You don't need to tell me that.

CAROLINE: Yes, but he can also be loving and forgiving... I know...

KAYLA: To you... maybe...

CAROLINE: Kayla... Your father can be an insensitive lout sometimes, but I think he's acting this way because he loves you.

KAYLA: He sure has a funny way of showing it.

CAROLINE: Yes, sometimes he does.

KAYLA: It's so frustrating... I feel like I can never measure up to his standards. I feel like I'm not good enough for him.

CAROLINE: Oh, Kayla, you know that's not true...

KAYLA: (SIGHS) You're right, but still...

CAROLINE: I know... You shouldn't feel like you have to try. (BEAT) Don't worry... Your father's problems are his own, not yours.

KAYLA: You think so?

CAROLINE: I know so. (BEAT) You go on that trip... We'll be happy to watch Stephanie.

KAYLA: I don't know, Ma. Maybe it would be better if I asked Jo.

CAROLINE: Why, dear?

KAYLA: I don't want to cause any trouble between you and Pop.

CAROLINE: Now, Kayla, you don't need to worry...

KAYLA: And I don't want Stephanie exposed to any comments that Pop might let slip out.

CAROLINE: You don't think that he would...

KAYLA: I don't think that he would say anything intentionally, but I know his temper. When he gets riled up, he's not always in control. (BEAT) Stephanie's already overheard some cruel remarks that people have made about Marcus and me. I wouldn't want her to overhear any more... especially from her own family.

CAROLINE: (SADLY) If that's what you want...

KAYLA: It is. (BEAT) I'm sorry, Ma. You know it's not because of you...

CAROLINE: I know.

KAYLA: (STANDING UP) I'd better get going.

CAROLINE ALSO STANDS.

CAROLINE: Anytime, dear.

CAROLINE AND KAYLA HUG.

CAROLINE: Okay... Good-bye.

KAYLA: 'Bye.

KAYLA WALKS AWAY. CAROLINE TURNS BACK TOWARD THE PUB DOOR.

HOLD ON CAROLINE'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: BRADY PUB. SHAWN IS FURIOUSLY POLISHING THE TOP OF THE BAR. THE SWEAT ON HIS BROW BETRAYS HIS ANGER. CAROLINE ENTERS THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR AND GOES OVER TO THE BAR. SHE WATCHES HIM IN SILENCE FOR A FEW MOMENTS.

SHAWN: (WITHOUT LOOKING UP) So be it.

CAROLINE: Shawn Brady, will you look at me when I'm talking to you?

SHAWN STOPS POLISHING AND LOOKS AT CAROLINE.

CAROLINE: I think you know what I'm going to say. (BEAT) You should go apologize to your daughter.

SHAWN: Apologize? Apologize for what? For stating my opinion?

CAROLINE: It's more than that, and you know it. You saw how hurt she was when she ran out of here.

SHAWN: Maybe so, but it's for her own good.

CAROLINE: Her own good?

SHAWN: Better she be hurt a little now than go any further with Marcus and get hurt even worse.

CAROLINE: (DISBELIEVING) You aren't going to see her side of this, are you?

SHAWN: I'm on her side! I'm tryin' to protect her!

CAROLINE: She's not a little girl anymore.

SHAWN: Aye, she's made that abundantly clear.

CAROLINE: So why can't you respect her wishes and let her make her own decisions?

SHAWN: I can't stand by and let her do somethin' so terribly wrong.

CAROLINE: So you're right, she's wrong, and that's it.

SHAWN BEGINS TO POLISH THE BAR AGAIN.

SHAWN STOPS POLISHING AND LOOKS AT CAROLINE.

CAROLINE: (ANGRILY) All right... If you want to fight about Victor, fine. We'll fight about Victor.

SHAWN THROWS DOWN HIS RAG AND RETURNS CAROLINE'S GLARE.

SHAWN: I've said it a thousand times, and I'll keep sayin' it until somebody listens... She's only gonna get hurt! If she tries to have a romantic relationship with Marcus, it'll only end in disaster!

CAROLINE: You don't know that for sure.

SHAWN: I'd stake my life on it.

CAROLINE: Well, your life isn't at stake here, but your relationship with Kayla definitely is.

SHAWN: What are you talkin' about?

CAROLINE: If you keep this up, you might just alienate your daughter... permanently. (BEAT) Not to mention your granddaughter.

SHAWN CROSSES HIS ARMS DEFIANTLY.

SHAWN: That decision isn't mine to make. (BEAT) It's Kayla's.

HOLD ON SHAWN'S DETERMINATION. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.

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