ALT.DAYS

Episode #61

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: July 19, 1994
Time: Several Days After #60,
Morning to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS SEATED AT HIS DESK. JENNIFER IS SITTING ACROSS FROM HIM.

JACK: Not yet. But since the trial starts today... I need to make a decision.

JENNIFER: How about Diane Lake? She's probably the most qualified person on the Spectator staff.

JACK: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) The most qualified? I'll admit, she's very good, but...

JENNIFER: Present company excluded, Jack. (BEAT) You aren't thinking of covering the trial yourself, are you?

JACK: I want the Spectator to run the true story on the downfall of Lawrence Alamain. (BEAT) I want to make sure that justice is served. I want to see for myself that Lawrence is put behind bars... for a long time...

JENNIFER: Because of Steve?

JACK: Yes. (BEAT) I want to be there because of what happened to Steve. And what happened to Jo, the Hortons... and you...

JENNIFER: Jack, I wish that we could put all of this behind us. (BEAT) I think that I've been able to.

JACK: (SOFTLY) Have you?

JENNIFER: I have everything I ever wanted: I have you, I have Abby, and I've got a career that I love. (BEAT) What Lawrence did to me is becoming an ugly fading memory. A memory that I will not allow to overshadow my life...

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S SINCERITY.

CUT TO: ALICE'S RESTAURANT. KAYLA AND MARCUS ARE HAVING BREAKFAST. KAYLA IS ABSENTLY PICKING AT THE FOOD ON HER PLATE. MARCUS WATCHES HER FOR A MOMENT.

KAYLA: Hmmm... Oh... fine... (YAWNS) You know, you shouldn't ask those complicated questions early in the morning...

MARCUS: (LAUGHS) I know... you night owl. (LOOKING AROUND THE RESTAURANT) And although Alice's is wonderful, it isn't like room service in Myrtle Beach.

KAYLA: Ahhh... but Myrtle Beach doesn't have Alice's donuts.

MARCUS: True... But then Alice doesn't serve breakfast in bed. (GRINS)

KAYLA: Hmmm... you know, maybe we should ask Alice about that. Her regulars might go for the idea...

MARCUS: I know I would... As long as I was sharing the breakfast with you.

MARCUS REACHES ACROSS THE TABLE AND LIGHTLY RUNS HIS FINGERS ALONG KAYLA'S CHEEK.

MARCUS: You mean I could have you and fresh crab cakes every morning?

KAYLA: Me, most definitely... as to those crab cakes... You're on your own.

MARCUS: As long as I have you... I don't need anything more...

KAYLA: No miniature golf? No fruit drinks with little umbrellas?

MARCUS: Nope, just you... and maybe a loaf of bread and a jug of wine...

KAYLA: Ahhh... so we don't have to go to Myrtle Beach to enjoy being together?

MARCUS: As I said, I'd enjoy you anywhere. (BEAT) And as to Myrtle Beach... there were some things we could have done without.

KAYLA: That horrid man?

MARCUS: What else?

KAYLA: Marcus, that man was an ignorant bigot. Can't we just forget him?

MARCUS: I'd like to... but I wanted things to be perfect... for you.

KAYLA: And they were... except for that one cretin.

MARCUS: Ahhh... but that one idiot was the proverbial fly in the ointment.

KAYLA: Fine, next time, I'll bring my fly-swatter.

MARCUS: (SMILING) My dragonslayer turns into a fly-slayer?

KAYLA: Yes! I will do whatever it takes to make sure no one like that ever bothers us again.

MARCUS: I know you will and I love you for it... But Kay, you can't slay all the dragons. This isn't a perfect world... And it never will be...

HOLD ON MARCUS.

CUT TO: JAMES' OFFICE. JOHN IS SITTING ON THE COUCH WITH HIS EYES CLOSED. JAMES SITS IN A CHAIR OPPOSITE JOHN. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: I'm talking on the telephone.

JAMES: With whom are you speaking?

JOHN: No, wait. She's on the phone.

JAMES: Who is she?

JOHN: Katerina.

JAMES: Can you hear what she's saying?

JOHN: No. I'm watching her from the other room. But I know she's talking about me, plotting against me.

JOHN BECOMES VISIBLY AGITATED.

JOHN PAUSES, THEN SMILES.

JAMES: A party?

JOHN: No, it's a private celebration. She told me to wait for her in the dining room. (BEAT) She's planning something special.

JAMES: Are you waiting for Danielle?

JOHN: No, Katerina.

JOHN'S SMILE TURNS INTO A FROWN, AND HIS JAW TIGHTENS.

JOHN: It's almost been an hour. Where is she?

JOHN BECOMES VISIBLY MORE UPSET.

SUDDENLY, JOHN CALMS.

JOHN: (SHOCKED) I... I... can't believe it!

JAMES: Where are you? What are you doing?

JOHN: I'm in the study. (BEAT) I've never seen this before!

JAMES: What do you see?

JOHN: It's Katerina's journal.

OUT ON JOHN.

ACT I

JAMES' OFFICE. JAMES AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: It's... old... the pages are yellowing... it has a leather cover. Black, I think. A gold initial stamped in the lower right hand corner... a "p."

JAMES: Come on. You're doing fine.

JOHN: Yes... a gold monogram stamped in the lower right corner.

JAMES: Can you tell me what's in the book?

JOHN: Writing...

JAMES: Katerina's writing?

JOHN: Yes.

JAMES: Can you remember what she wrote?

JOHN: I think it was about me... No... maybe about another man... (CONCENTRATING) I can't remember... I can't remember... (BREATHING HEAVILY)

JAMES: All right, that's enough for now... When I count to three, you will awaken relaxed and refreshed. And you will remember everything. One. Two. Three. (SNAPS FINGERS)

JOHN OPENS HIS EYES AND LOOKS AT JAMES.

JAMES: You remember the journal... That's a big step.

JOHN: But I don't remember where it is, or what's in it! It's all a big blur!

JAMES: It'll come to you in time.

JOHN: All I remember is this "P." Who is he? I have to know, Doc!

JAMES: We'll discover that... in time. We can't do it all in one day.

JOHN: I have to know!

JAMES: Why the urgency?

JOHN: What do you mean?

JAMES: I wonder, John... Are you more interested in discovering your past, or in proving Katerina's treachery?

HOLD ON JAMES' QUESTION.

CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD ARE WORKING ON THE NEXT ISSUE OF MIDSUMMER. IN PROGRESS.

JULIE: Good. How's your story on widowhood and grieving coming along?

RICHARD: It's coming along nicely. I've had some good interviews that gave me new and interesting insights.

JULIE: What other research are you planning on doing?

RICHARD: I'm going to talk to Father Patrick at St. Joseph's. He does pastoral counselling.

JULIE: Good idea... A strong belief can help people deal with the loss... Anyone else?

RICHARD: I'm going to speak with James Ector on Thursday about grief counseling. I might schedule a few more interviews after that.

JULIE: Sounds great. I like the idea of talking with Dr. Ector. He's done some good work with Shawn-Douglas.

RICHARD: That's good to hear. (STANDING) I'm going to head back to my office and get started on those ideas we talked about.

RICHARD TURNS TO LEAVE, BUT PAUSES AND TURNS BACK TOWARDS JULIE.

JULIE: You're very welcome. Tell me, Richard... Oh, never mind.

RICHARD: What is it?

JULIE: I admit I've been wondering how things went, but I didn't want to pry.

RICHARD: That's okay, you're not prying.

JULIE: All right, then. So, how did the date go?

HOLD ON JULIE'S INTEREST.

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

JAMES: Not necessarily. And I understand why you'd want to accomplish both those things. (BEAT) But I don't want you to lose your focus.

JOHN: Neither do I...

JAMES: Remember when we talked about how you kept getting involved helping other people with their problems? And how you thought it was keeping you from facing your own ghosts?

JOHN: Yes. And you think I'm doing it again?

JAMES: It's possible. You're the only one who can answer that. We've got to be very careful that these memories of Katerina don't allow you to hide from your past. (BEAT) You can't hide from the truth... and from yourself... any longer.

OUT ON JAMES' CONVICTION.

ACT II

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

JENNIFER: I know you didn't. It's all right.

JACK: I can't make that pain go away for you, Jennifer. But it's because of that pain... and your family's... that I need to be at the trial and see Lawrence convicted.

JENNIFER: And I appreciate that more than you know. But your strong feelings about this trial hardly make you an objective observer. (BEAT) And then there's the possibility that you may be called as a witness for the prosecution.

JACK: I suppose you're right. (BEAT) I'll send Diane to cover the trial, but I reserve the right to observe and write an editorial.

JENNIFER: Well, you'll have to fill me in on the details. (BEAT) If they subpoena me, I'll do my duty and testify, but I just can't bring myself to sit through the whole trial.

HOLD ON JENNIFER'S PAIN.

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

JULIE: (SMILING) Fantastic! So, who did you end up taking?

RICHARD: Diane Lake.

JULIE: Really? I didn't think you two got along.

RICHARD: We didn't. But we called a truce, now that we're both working on the same team, so to speak.

JULIE: I'm glad to hear that. (BEAT) What happened with Eve? Did she see you?

RICHARD: Oh yes! Eve definitely saw Diane and me together.

JULIE: I hope Eve didn't manage to ruin your evening.

RICHARD: No, in fact, she enhanced it.

JULIE: How did you explain all the evil stares I assume you got all evening?

RICHARD: Diane's a smart lady, so I think she saw through my plan right away.

JULIE: But, I thought you said that you had a good time.

RICHARD: We did... After Diane forced the truth out of me.

JULIE: You admitted to Diane that you took her out just to discourage Eve?

RICHARD: It was either that, or wear my dinner.

JULIE: How did she take it?

RICHARD: Diane's a really good sport. She played along like a true pro. I swear I saw steam coming out of Eve.

JULIE: (LAUGHING) That's almost too good to be true! I'm glad that you had a good time.

RICHARD: I have to admit, I really did.

JULIE: So, do you think that you and Diane will be going out again?

RICHARD: I don't think so. We're just friends, and right now the friendship is tenuous enough.

JULIE: That's too bad. I hope you change your mind about that.

RICHARD: Oh, and are you going to supply me with a free dinner out if I do, Ms. Matchmaker?

JULIE: (LAUGHING) Just you try to stretch that generosity of mine, Mr. Hunt. (BEAT) We'll have to discuss this later. I have to pick up my grandmother to take her to Lawrence's trial.

RICHARD: Good luck with that.

JULIE: Thanks. We'll need all the luck we can take to keep Lawrence Alamain in jail.

HOLD ON JULIE'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET AND SHANE ARE SITTING, BOTH WITH A LARGE FILE IN FRONT OF THEM.

SHANE: That's a good sign that you're a thrall to detail.

JANET: Either that, or I'm a thrall to punishment. (BEAT) Okay, is there anything that you see that we could have possibly missed?

SHANE: Not that I can think of. (SITS BACK AND RUBS HIS EYES) I have a feeling that we're not going to find anything more.

JANET: You're probably right. We've combed this file with the finest teeth comb possible.

SHANE: Is it agreed, then, that we haven't missed anything?

JANET: Agreed.

SHANE: And, everything that we have, we've given to Spencer.

JANET: Everything, except whatever evidence your source has.

SHANE: What's that supposed to mean?

JANET: I wish you wouldn't be so secretive about this source!

SHANE: Don't you trust me?

JANET: I'm not so sure anymore.

SHANE: What did I do to deserve that?

JANET STARTS TO SPEAK, BUT PAUSES AND TAKES A DEEP BREATH.

SHANE: That's quite all right. I think all this work has made us all a bit frantic. (EXTENDS HIS HAND) A truce?

JANET: (SHAKES SHANE'S HAND) Truce. (BEAT) The trial is today, so it's now or never for your source.

SHANE: I know... but I'm sure that we'll get something. I'll make another call and try to speed up the process.

SHANE STANDS UP AND HEADS TOWARDS THE DOOR.

SHANE PAUSES AND TURNS AROUND TO WINK AT JANET.

SHANE OPENS THE DOOR AND LEAVES. JANET SMILES, THEN TURNS TO THE FILES.

OUT ON JANET.

ACT III

SALEM INN. VIVIAN, DRESSED IN A BATHROBE, IS STANDING IN FRONT OF HER CLOSET MOVING HANGERS AROUND. IVAN ENTERS AND VIVIAN TURNS TO HIM IN RELIEF.

IVAN: That would depend, Madam. What is the occasion?

VIVIAN: I'm going to Lawrence's trial. I just haven't quite decided what role I want to play...

IVAN: Madam... Vivian... are you sure that is wise?

VIVIAN: No, Ivan. I'm not sure. Lawrence did his best to be cruel and hateful last time we spoke... And he succeeded.

IVAN PULLS VIVIAN OVER TO THE BED. HE SITS DOWN NEXT TO HER, HOLDING HER HANDS.

VIVIAN: It seems I have no choice. I've been called as a witness for the prosecution.

IVAN: You are going to testify? No! It is out of the question. Mr. Alamain will be in a rage when he sees you on the stand against him.

VIVIAN: I've thought of that already. I'll be a hostile witness. Spencer Hanlon will make it clear that I am only testifying against Lawrence because I've been subpoenaed. I think it will protect me somewhat.

IVAN: I am not so sure. (BEAT) What are your true thoughts? Do you want to testify? Do you want to see your nephew put in jail?

VIVIAN: Lawrence should be made to pay for what he's done. (BEAT) But I must confess, there is still a part of me that wishes he didn't have to be locked up.

NICHOLAS, UNSEEN BY VIVIAN OR IVAN, ENTERS. NOT WANTING TO INTERRUPT, THE BOY TURNS TO LEAVE.

NICHOLAS, PANIC STRICKEN, TURNS BACK AND RUNS TO VIVIAN.

HOLD ON NICHOLAS' PANIC.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / EXT. JOHN STANDS ON THE DOCK.

BO COMES UP FROM BELOW DECK.

JOHN: Can we talk for a few minutes?

BO: Sure. Why don't you come below? I'll make us some coffee.

JOHN STEPS ABOARD THE BOAT, AND FOLLOWS BO DOWN THE STEPS.

GO TO: BO'S BOAT / INT. WHILE BO STARTS THE COFFEE, JOHN SITS AT THE TABLE. BO THEN SITS DOWN.

JOHN: I wanted to talk to you... about Carly.

BO: Oh.

JOHN: I remembered something else from my past. I remembered that she kept a journal. (BEAT) And if I can find that journal, maybe I'll know more about my time with her.

BO: I don't know, John... I don't remember ever seeing her with a journal. (BEAT) And even if she had kept one in the past, she probably would have destroyed it a long time ago, so that there would be no incriminating evidence against her.

JOHN: I saw a side of Carly that she never showed to you, Bo... I think she would have kept the journal, because she would be able to use it to her advantage later on.

HOLD ON JOHN.

CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM. JULIE WALKS INTO THE ROOM AND LOOKS AROUND.

NORM TROTS OVER TO JULIE. HE BARKS, AND SITS IN FRONT OF HER, OFFERING HIS PAW.

ALICE WALKS INTO THE ROOM, DRYING HER HANDS.

JULIE: That's all right. (PATS NORM ON THE HEAD) I was greeted by Sir Norm here. (LOOKS UP AT ALICE) Are you sure you're up to this trial, Grandma?

ALICE: Yes, absolutely. It's the right thing to do.

JULIE: It may be the right thing to do, but if you'd rather not, I'm sure the judge would understand.

ALICE: I've made up my mind to go. (BEAT) Julie, dear, even though he would have been as overprotective as you, Tom would agree that I should do this.

NORM BARKS, SITS UP AND LICKS ALICE'S HAND.

JULIE: You... and Norm are right. It's what Grandpa would've wanted.

ALICE: Let me get my purse, and I'll be ready to go.

ALICE WALKS FROM THE ROOM, WITH NORM FOLLOWING OBEDIENTLY BEHIND. NORM STOPS AND TURNS TOWARDS JULIE. HE GIVES A SHARP BARK.

OUT ON JULIE'S SMILE.

ACT IV

JO'S APARTMENT. THE DOORBELL RINGS AND JO ANSWERS THE DOOR. STEPHANIE HOPS IN, FOLLOWED BY KAYLA AND MARCUS.

JO LEANS DOWN TO HUG STEPHANIE.

KAYLA: Hello, Jo. Thanks for watching Stephanie on such short notice.

JO: You know that is never a problem, honey. (BEAT) Are you sure about going to this trial?

KAYLA: I'm sure. (SPEAKING SOFTLY SO STEPHANIE CAN'T HEAR) I owe it to Steve to see that justice is served. I know that Lawrence Alamain is responsible for Steve's murder. Shane and I heard those tapes incriminating him. (BEAT) It's just too bad they were destroyed and that there isn't anyone who can testify that the conversation took place.

JO: (ALSO SPEAKING SOFTLY) There should have been. If I hadn't killed Nick, there would be.

HOLD ON JO'S ANGUISH.

CUT TO: VIVIAN'S BEDROOM / SALEM INN. VIVIAN IS SEATED ON HER BED WITH NICHOLAS SITTING NEXT TO HER. IVAN IS STANDING NEARBY. IN PROGRESS.

NICHOLAS: But if you testify against Lawrence, won't that make him angrier?

VIVIAN: I hope not. (BEAT) As I explained to Ivan, I'm a hostile witness.

NICHOLAS: What's that?

VIVIAN: It means that everyone, including Lawrence, will know that I didn't volunteer to testify against him. They'll know that I'm there only because the prosecution called me to testify.

NICHOLAS: I'm still scared, Aunt Viv. Even if you're a hostile witness, Lawrence is going to be mad at you. He might try to hurt you.

VIVIAN: (PUTTING HER HAND ON NICHOLAS' CHEEK) Oh, my dear boy... Try not to worry about me.

NICHOLAS: I can't help it.

VIVIAN: I'll be extra careful, I promise. (BEAT) And I promise to come right back here as soon as I can.

NICHOLAS: Well...

IVAN: Do not worry, Master Nicholas. I will make sure that nothing happens to either of you.

VIVIAN: See? I feel much better already, knowing that Ivan will be looking after us.

NICHOLAS: Okay. (BEAT) But you'll come right back, right?

VIVIAN: Absolutely.

NICHOLAS: I still wish you didn't have to go...

VIVIAN: I know. A part of me wishes that, too...

NICHOLAS: (CONFUSED) A part of you?

VIVIAN: Yes. (BEAT) There's another part of me that wants Lawrence to go to jail, so that he can't hurt you anymore.

NICHOLAS: Or you... Like when he locked you and Ivan in the attic.

VIVIAN: I just want us, all of us, to be safe. That's why I have to go to the trial. (BEAT) Do you understand?

NICHOLAS: Yeah. (BEAT) Be careful.

VIVIAN: I will, I promise.

VIVIAN LEANS OVER AND KISSES NICHOLAS ON THE CHEEK.

NICHOLAS: (STANDING UP) Okay.

NICHOLAS EXITS. IVAN ALSO GOES TO THE DOOR.

IVAN: (TURNING BACK TO VIVIAN) Oui, madame?

VIVIAN: (SOFTLY) I want you to stay here and keep a close eye on Nikki.

IVAN: Of course, but... You don't think Mr. Alamain would try anything here, do you?

VIVIAN: (NERVOUSLY) I don't know what to think about Lawrence right now. He's like the proverbial wild animal backed into a corner. I'm not sure there's anything he wouldn't do at this point. (BEAT) Even from jail, he's a threat to us.

IVAN WALKS OVER TO VIVIAN AND PUTS HIS HANDS ON HER SHOULDERS.

VIVIAN: Yes, very. (BEAT) I didn't want Nikki to see it. I don't want to upset him.

IVAN: Of course. (BEAT) Perhaps I should accompany you to the courthouse...

VIVIAN: No, I don't want to leave Nikki's safety in the hands of some stranger. I need you here.

IVAN: Then allow me to call Captain Yamada and ask for a police escort for you. (BEAT) I am sure it would make Master Nicholas feel better...

VIVIAN: All right. Go ahead and call.

IVAN: (GOING TO THE DOOR) Oui, madame.

VIVIAN: Ivan...

IVAN PAUSES AND LOOKS BACK AT VIVIAN.

IVAN NODS AND EXITS, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. VIVIAN WATCHES THE DOOR CLOSE. HOLD ON VIVIAN'S NERVOUSNESS.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / INT. BO BRINGS THE COFFEE BACK TO THE TABLE. JOHN SITS AT THE TABLE. IN PROGRESS.

BO: How dark?

JOHN: She thought that she was entitled to whatever she wanted. (BEAT) Her ego was completely out of control.

JOHN STOPS TO TAKE A DRINK OF THE COFFEE.

BO SHIFTS IN HIS SEAT, LOOKING UNCOMFORTABLE.

JOHN: I'm sorry, Bo...

BO: Don't be, I needed to know the truth. And so do you. I'll do whatever I can to help you figure out what happened between you and Carly.

JOHN: I'm glad you said that. (BEAT) I think it might help if I could go through her things.

BO: Hmmm... (STROKES HIS BEARD) Kimmie packed up her stuff. She and Ma gave away most of her clothes to the Community Center. (BEAT) I didn't keep much... just her wedding gown...

BO ABSENTLY STIRS HIS COFFEE, CLEARLY UPSET BY THE THOUGHT OF THE WEDDING.

BO LOOKS UP AT JOHN, AND GRINS SLIGHTLY.

OUT ON BO.

ACT V

HORTON LIVING ROOM/HALLWAY. JULIE IS GATHERING UP HER HANDBAG WHILE ALICE GETS A SWEATER FROM THE HALL CLOSET. NORM IS SITTING IN THE DOORWAY TO THE LIVING ROOM. JULIE GOES TO ALICE AND PUTS HER ARMS AROUND ALICE.

ALICE: Yes, Julie, I am. (SQUARING HER SHOULDERS) Lawrence Alamain has done too many evil things to this family... my family. I'm not going to stand by idly and hope that justice is done... not when I can do my part to see that it is.

JULIE: All right, darling. I just wanted to be sure.

ALICE LEANS DOWN TO GIVE NORM A HUG AND A KISS ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD.

NORM GOES TO TOM'S EASY CHAIR AND HOPS ONTO IT. HE SITS ERECT AS IF ON GUARD DUTY AND BARKS.

ALICE AND JULIE LEAVE. HOLD ON THE CLOSED DOOR.

CUT TO: JO'S APARTMENT. JO AND KAYLA ARE TALKING. MARCUS AND STEPHANIE ARE STANDING NEARBY. IN PROGRESS.

STEPHANIE: Mmmm! Grandma's chocolate chip cookies? Yummy!

JO: Yes, Stephanie. There are some in the cookie jar.

STEPHANIE: I know where that is! (GRABBING MARCUS' HAND) Come on, Uncle Marcus!

MARCUS FOLLOWS STEPHANIE TOWARD THE KITCHEN. HE LOOKS AT KAYLA, WHO MOUTHS THE WORDS, "THANK YOU." MARCUS SMILES AND DISAPPEARS INTO THE KITCHEN WITH STEPHANIE. KAYLA TURNS BACK TO JO.

JO: I can't help it. I really messed things up by killing Nick. (BEAT) He could have testified against Lawrence Alamain. He could have proven that Alamain was trying to kill Bo, and was responsible for...

JO SHUDDERS.

JO: (NEAR TEARS) Nick could have testified that Lawrence Alamain ordered him to kill my son.

KAYLA PUTS HER ARMS AROUND JO.

THEY SEPARATE.

JO: (SADLY) Maybe so... but it's a hollow victory. (BEAT) It didn't bring back my son. And now, I'm in therapy to try to deal with what I've done.

JO GOES OVER TO THE COUCH AND SITS DOWN. KAYLA FOLLOWS AND SITS DOWN BESIDE HER.

KAYLA: I think he would understand. (BEAT) I'm sure that, wherever he is, he knows that you loved him too much to let his murder go unpunished.

JO: But... I killed a man.

KAYLA: I know. (BEAT) But I believe that it was all too much for you... The grief, the anger... It caused you to lose control for a little while.

KAYLA PUTS HER HAND ON JO'S.

JO: Thank you.

KAYLA PUTS HER ARM AROUND JO'S SHOULDERS. HOLD ON THE TWO.

CUT TO: DONOVAN HOUSE/COMMUNICATIONS ROOM. SHANE IS SEATED AT THE CONSOLE, TALKING ON THE PHONE TO MISS PEACH, TWO-WAY.

PEACHIE: But the prosecution is getting antsy, eh Laddie?

SHANE: That's an understatement. The trial begins today. So whatever it is that you've got, I need it now.

PEACHIE: I'm very close, Shane. Hours, in fact. A day on the outside. I believe that the I.S.A. finally has proof that Lawrence Alamain was behind the creation of that nasty little virus.

SHANE: That's wonderful, but can you get it to me today or tomorrow?

PEACHIE: I think so. (BEAT) But that's not all, Laddie. There's another little tidbit I've stumbled upon. And if I can get my hands on it, it could blow the whole Alamain case wide open.

OUT ON PEACHIE'S HOPE.

ACT VI

SALEM COUNTY COURTROOM. JACK AND DIANE ENTER THE COURTROOM.

DIANE IS TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH JACK. JACK STOPS AT THE FIRST ROW OF PUBLIC SEATING.

JACK SITS DOWN, AND EVALUATES HIS VIEWING RANGE. NODDING HIS HEAD IN APPROVAL, HE LOOKS UP AT DIANE.

DIANE SITS DOWN, THEN TURNS TO JACK.

JACK: You are, of course. And I expect you to write circles around the Chronicle's reporters. (BEAT) But, in order for me to have the right perspective from which to write my editorial, I need the best possible view of the proceedings... visually speaking.

DIANE: Whatever you say, Jack...

GO TO: THE COURTROOM DOOR. MARCUS IS ESCORTING KAYLA. KAYLA IS VISIBLY TENSE.

KAYLA: I can't believe this day is finally here.

MARCUS: Yeah, finally. (BEAT) We get our chance to see that justice is served. For Jo's sake... and for Steve's.

KAYLA: You're right. (BEAT) Let's find a place to sit.

MARCUS: Well, (POINTING TO THE FRONT ROW) there's Jack. It looks like there's room in the row behind him. (BEAT) Do you want to be that close?

KAYLA: Sounds good to me.

KAYLA AND MARCUS START TO WALK UP TO WHERE JACK IS SITTING.

GO TO: THE COURTROOM DOOR. JULIE AND ALICE ENTER.

ALICE: I'll be fine, dear. I want to do all that I can to make sure that Lawrence Alamain pays for what he's done to our family. (BEAT) Your grandfather would want that.

JULIE: I'm sure he's watching.

ALICE: I know he is. (BEAT) The strength I feel from him will make this much easier.

HOLD ON ALICE'S ASSURANCE.

CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD IS WORKING AT HIS COMPUTER WHEN THE PHONE RINGS. HE PICKS IT UP. TWO-WAY.

ASHLEY: Richard, it's Ashley.

RICHARD: Ashley! I'm glad you called...

ASHLEY: Really? Thanks...

RICHARD: Yes. I assume, since you're calling, that you have more to tell me about this story of yours?

ASHLEY: That's it?

RICHARD: What do you mean?

ASHLEY: I thought you were my friend. (BEAT) You're not happy just to hear from me?

RICHARD: I am your friend. And because I'm you're friend, I know you very well. (BEAT) When have you ever called me just to chat?

ASHLEY: Well...

RICHARD: (SMILING) Don't think too hard. You might break something.

ASHLEY: Ha, ha. You're a regular comedian, Richard.

RICHARD: I try.

ASHLEY: Don't quit your day job.

RICHARD: Don't worry. (BEAT) So, are you going to tell me about this hot story of yours?

ASHLEY: I can't.

RICHARD: What do you mean, you can't?

ASHLEY: Not over the phone.

RICHARD: I see. (BEAT) I guess if you told me, you'd have to kill me, anyway, right?

ASHLEY: (STERNLY) Come on, Richard, I'm serious.

RICHARD: (NOTING ASHLEY'S TONE) You are serious.

ASHLEY: Very.

RICHARD: So, is this as big as you initially thought?

ASHLEY: Bigger. (BEAT) This one is really hot.

RICHARD: You told me that before. (BEAT) How about if you tell me something new?

ASHLEY: I'd be happy to, but like I said, not over the phone.

RICHARD: So why did you call? Coming to Salem for a visit?

ASHLEY: No. (BEAT) I want you to go with me to get the story.

RICHARD: I thought you were being serious.

ASHLEY: I am. I'll tell you everything I know about this story, but only if I can tell you in person.

RICHARD: (CONTEMPLATING) I see...

ASHLEY: So, what do you say? Will you join me?

HOLD ON ASHLEY'S ANTICIPATION.

CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY COURTROOM. THE PUBLIC SEATING IS NOW FILLED. JACK HAS TURNED AROUND IN HIS SEAT, TALKING TO MARCUS AND KAYLA. JULIE AND ALICE ARE SITTING TWO ROWS BEHIND KAYLA AND MARCUS, TALKING TO EACH OTHER. SPENCER IS SEATED AT THE PROSECUTION'S TABLE, LOOKING OVER HIS NOTES. MARK CHILDRESS, LAWRENCE'S ATTORNEY, IS SEATED AT THE DEFENSE'S TABLE. THE TALL, LANKY BAILIFF STANDS IN FRONT OF THE DOORS FROM THE JUDGE'S CHAMBER.

JACK: (TURNING BACK AROUND) I just hope that I don't catch a glare off his head... (BEAT) Well, well, well... the guest of honor is here.

WE SEE LAWRENCE BEING ESCORTED TO THE DEFENSE'S TABLE BY TWO POLICE OFFICERS.

THE BAILIFF TURNS, AND OPENS THE DOORS. JUDGE PARSONS ENTERS.

EVERYONE IN THE COURTROOM STANDS.

THE JUDGE TAKES HIS SEAT, AND LOOKS OVER THE ASSEMBLED CROWD.

THE CROWD SITS DOWN.

SPENCER: (STANDING) Spencer Hanlon for the people, your honor.

CHILDRESS: (STANDING) Mark Childress for the defense, your honor.

PARSONS: Let the record note the counsels.

SPENCER TAKES HIS SEAT.

LAWRENCE STANDS.

GO TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS.

GO TO: JUDGE PARSONS.

LAWRENCE: Not guilty.

PARSONS: Let the record show that the defendant has elected to plead not guilty.

LAWRENCE AND CHILDRESS SIT DOWN.

SPENCER GETS UP FROM THE PROSECUTOR'S TABLE, AND WALKS TO THE SPACE IN FRONT OF THE JURY BOX.

OUT ON SPENCER.

ACT VII

RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD IS ON THE PHONE WITH ASHLEY, TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.

RICHARD: That depends. Exactly where are you going? You can at least tell me that much...

ASHLEY: (HESITANT) I don't know... Okay, I will tell you this: I'm going to Southeast Asia.

RICHARD: Southeast Asia, huh? Does this story have anything to do with the nuclear arms situation in North Korea, or the death of Kim Il Sung?

ASHLEY: No, it doesn't. I'm not going to North Korea.

RICHARD: Which country are you going to, then?

ASHLEY: First, you have to answer my question. Are you going to go with me?

RICHARD: I must admit, I am intrigued. (BEAT) It's a tempting offer...

ASHLEY: So, say yes.

RICHARD: I'm sorry. I can't.

ASHLEY: (DISAPPOINTED) No... You're supposed to say yes. Try again.

RICHARD: The answer's still no. (BEAT) My boss would not appreciate me vanishing and running off to... where did you say it was?

ASHLEY: I didn't.

RICHARD: Oh.

ASHLEY: Nice try, though.

RICHARD: Not quite good enough, apparently.

ASHLEY: Nope.

RICHARD: So, I guess you're not going to tell me anything more?

ASHLEY: Not a peep.

RICHARD: Well, then... what shall we talk about?

ASHLEY: Gee, Richard, I'd love to stay on the line and chat, but I wouldn't want to break my streak...

RICHARD: (SMILING) Touché.

ASHLEY: Really, I should get going. I have to pack, make flight arrangements...

RICHARD: So, you're just going to take off?

ASHLEY: Absolutely. I just wanted to give you a chance to come along. I've done that, so now I have places to go, photos to shoot...

RICHARD: I'd feel better if you would at least tell me where you're going, in case you need me to bail you out of some jail somewhere.

ASHLEY: Puh-leeze. I told you... not another word until I get back.

RICHARD: You just make sure that you do get back. Preferably, in one piece.

ASHLEY: Don't I always?

RICHARD: So far...

ASHLEY: And this time won't be any different. (BEAT) Trust me.

RICHARD: Like I have a choice.

ASHLEY: I appreciate your concern, Richard, but I'll be fine. Don't worry.

RICHARD: Someone should worry for you, since you never do it yourself.

ASHLEY: I'm too busy to worry. (BEAT) Listen, I'll call you as soon as I get back, okay?

RICHARD: Please do. (BEAT) Oh, by the way... I mentioned to my publisher that you might have a big story...

ASHLEY: (INSULTED) Might? Might?

RICHARD: (SMILING) He's very interested.

ASHLEY: Good. When I get back, we'll talk, and see if he makes me an offer. (BEAT) I've gotta go.

RICHARD: All right. (BEAT) You be careful, young lady.

ASHLEY: Good-bye, Richard.

RICHARD: Good-bye.

RICHARD HANGS UP THE PHONE. HOLD ON HIS CONTEMPLATION.

CUT TO: DONOVAN HOUSE / COMMUNICATIONS ROOM. SHANE IS ON THE PHONE WITH PEACHIE, TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.

PEACHIE: Let's just say that it's solid proof of an even more serious crime that Alamain committed.

SHANE: Please, Peachie, don't keep me in the dark like this! What have you got?

PEACHIE: I don't want to discuss details right now, laddie. I want to make sure I can actually get this proof before I go telling you what it is.

SHANE: I have no doubt that you'll get it.

PEACHIE: Normally, I'd agree with you. (BEAT) However, things are a bit... different, in this case.

SHANE: How so?

PEACHIE: I've had an extremely difficult time learning what little I do know. (BEAT) The top brass is not pleased that someone is poking around in this area, and they've been attempting to block me at every turn.

SHANE: (ANGRILY) Bloody bureaucrats... damn them all!

PEACHIE: Why so hostile, laddie?

SHANE: I'm frustrated! Here I am, trying to help solve a case in the town where I live, and my superiors are trying to stop me! What good is being an I.S.A. agent if I can't even help the people closest to me?

PEACHIE: Try not to take it personally. I'm sure it's not anything against you.

SHANE: I'm sorry, Peachie, but I do take this personally. I've made it abundantly clear how important this case is to me, and to most of the people of Salem. (BEAT) If the bloody "powers that be" don't see fit to let me do my job on such a case, then I take that very personally.

PEACHIE: Well, don't go getting yourself all worked up just yet. Remember, anger leads to recklessness, and that's when people start getting hurt...

SHANE: I know, I know... You're right, of course. It's just that I've been working on this case for so long... I've invested too much to not see it all the way through, no matter what the top brass says...

PEACHIE: Don't worry... I've invested quite a bit of time and effort in this case, too, you know...

SHANE: I know. I appreciate all the help you've given me.

PEACHIE: Always glad to help. Now, as I was saying, I've invested too much in this case to let it drop.

SHANE: (SMILING) Then, I take it, you still have a few more tricks up your sleeve?

PEACHIE: Why, of course I do, laddie! You should know that by now.

SHANE: Yes... I suppose I should.

PEACHIE: (DETERMINED) Don't despair. I'm not even close to being done with this case. (BEAT) Not by a long shot.

HOLD ON PEACHIE'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE. CHILDRESS IS STANDING BEFORE THE JURY, CONCLUDING HIS OPENING STATEMENT.

GO TO: JACK AND DIANE.

DIANE: (FURIOUSLY SCRIBBLING NOTES IN HER NOTEPAD) Yes, he does. It'll be interesting to see how much substance there is behind his speech...

JACK: Indeed. (BEAT) I know that the prosecution has some strong evidence...

DIANE GLANCES CURIOUSLY AT JACK.

GO TO: CHILDRESS.

GO TO: JULIE AND ALICE.

ALICE: He has taken great measures to hide behind a mask of respectability, at least in the public eye. (BEAT) Fortunately, we know better.

GO TO: CHILDRESS.

CHILDRESS RETURNS TO HIS SEAT AND SITS DOWN.

GO TO: MARCUS AND KAYLA.

MARCUS TAKES KAYLA'S HAND AND GIVES HER A LOOK OF REASSURANCE. SHE PUTS HER HEAD ON HIS SHOULDER.

GO TO: JUDGE PARSONS.

SPENCER: No objections, your honor.

CHILDRESS: No, your honor. No objections.

PARSONS: Good. Mr. Hanlon, is the prosecution ready to call its first witness?

SPENCER: (STANDING) We are, your honor.

PARSONS: Proceed, then.

SPENCER: The people call Mrs. Alice Horton.

ALICE STANDS UP. JULIE, STILL HOLDING ALICE'S HAND, LOOKS AT HER WITH CONCERN. ALICE SQUEEZES JULIE'S HAND AND GIVES HER A REASSURING SMILE. ALICE PROCEEDS UP THE AISLE. SPENCER OPENS THE SWINGING HALF-DOOR FOR HER. SHE ENTERS AND NODS TO SPENCER. SHE PAUSES AND LOOKS OVER AT LAWRENCE. LAWRENCE GLARES AT HER ANGRILY. ALICE MEETS HIS STARE WITH A LOOK OF GRIM DETERMINATION. HOLD ON ALICE. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.

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