ALT.DAYS

Episode #65

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: August 16, 1994
Time: Day After #64,
Morning to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

DOUG AND JULIE'S DINING ROOM. JULIE ENTERS AND STOPS SHORT, SURPRISED TO SEE THE FORMALLY SET TABLE. THE TABLE IS SET WITH CHINA AND CRYSTAL, A LARGE BOUQUET OF STAR LILIES AT THE CENTER. DOUG WALKS INTO THE DINING ROOM CARRYING A TRAY LADEN WITH SERVING DISHES. HE PLACES THE TRAY ON THE TABLE.

JULIE: Good morning.

JULIE WATCHES AS DOUG SETS OUT A CORNUCOPIA OF DISHES.

DOUG: A better question might be, what did I do to deserve someone as wonderful as you?

JULIE WALKS OVER AND GIVES DOUG A LINGERING KISS.

DOUG: You're my karmic reward? Hmmm...

JULIE, SMILING, MOVES AWAY FROM DOUG TO ADMIRE THE TABLE SETTING.

DOUG: You inspire me.

DOUG PULLS OUT A CHAIR.

JULIE SITS AS DOUG SERVES BREAKFAST. AS HE REMOVES THE COVERS FROM THE SERVING DISHES, JULIE OOHS AND AAHS OVER EACH DISH.

DOUG: Lorenzo... I am wounded... grievously wounded... I cooked every morsel...

JULIE TAKES A BITE.

DOUG: (SMILING) Apology accepted.

DOUG TAKES A BITE, AS JULIE TRIES TO STIFLE A YAWN.

JULIE: Darling, please, it's not the company...

DOUG: You didn't sleep very well last night, did you?

JULIE: No. I hope I didn't disturb you.

DOUG: You didn't. I was worried about you. What was on your mind?

JULIE: Nick's miraculous reappearance.

DOUG: It is a miracle, isn't it?

JULIE: Or, a curse. With Nick it's hard to say.

DOUG: What could Nick have done that makes you believe his return is a curse?

JULIE: Oh, sweetheart, the list is too long.

DOUG: Give me the beginner's version.

JULIE: For starters, he was a pimp. Eve was one of his "girls."

DOUG: Not exactly a leading citizen.

JULIE: He was also into pornography. He held Jennifer and Frankie hostage and was going to film them losing their virginity.

DOUG: Not something you want to show your grandkids.

JULIE: And, this is the second time he has feigned his own death. The last time he made Eve believe she had killed him by talking him into drag racing some high school friends she was trying to impress.

DOUG: And, now he's back from the dead, again. That's enough to make Elvis proud. (BEAT) How does Eve fit into all this?

JULIE: Eve's been in love with Nick for years.

DOUG: How is she taking the news that Nick is alive?

JULIE: I talked to Shane last night and Eve was missing.

DOUG: She's a strong, young woman. She's survived a lot. She'll survive this, too.

JULIE: I hope you're right...

HOLD ON JULIE'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE, STILL IN HIS CLOTHES FROM THE DAY BEFORE, IS ASLEEP ON THE SOFA. HE CLUTCHES THE PHONE IN HIS LAP. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT HE'S BEEN THERE ALL NIGHT. THE FRONT DOOR SLAMS SHUT AND SHANE STARTLES AWAKE. HE PUTS THE PHONE TO HIS EAR.

EVE COMES INTO THE ROOM. HER EYES ARE RED AND PUFFY, HER CLOTHES MUSSED. SHE DROPS HER PURSE ON THE FLOOR WITH A THUD.

SHANE LOOKS FROM EVE TO THE PHONE, STILL GROGGY. HE PUTS THE PHONE ON THE FLOOR, STANDS, AND RUSHES OVER TO EVE, HUGGING HER.

HOLD ON SHANE'S ANGER.

CUT TO: SALEM CEMETERY. NICK LAYS ON A BENCH, NEAR HIS GRAVESITE. HE SLOWLY SITS UP, RUBBING HIS NECK.

HE REACHES INTO HIS POCKET AND PULLS OUT A PACK OF CIGARETTES. HE SEARCHES THROUGH HIS CLOTHES FOR A LIGHTER. WHEN HE DOESN'T FIND ONE, HE ANGRILY THROWS THE CIGARETTES ON THE GROUND.

HE TURNS HIS NECK TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT.

NICK BEGINS TO STAND UP, WHEN TARRINGTON COMES UP TO HIM, FOLLOWED BY TWO ISA AGENTS.

TARRINGTON: We finally tracked you down!

OUT ON TARRINGTON'S RELIEF.

ACT I

DONOVAN LIVING ROOM/FOYER. SHANE AND EVE. IN PROGRESS.

SHANE: Fine? That's it?

EVE: That's it. (TURNING TO EXIT) I'm going to go lie down for a while...

SHANE: Eve, wait!

EVE STOPS AND TURNS BACK TO SHANE.

SHANE: I need to talk to you about something.

EVE: Can't it wait? I'm really tired. (BEAT) And the last thing I want to do is talk to anyone right now.

SHANE: The last thing you... Eve, tell me... do you know about...

EVE: (INTERRUPTING) Nick?

SHANE: (SIGHS) Yes, Nick. (BEAT) I'm sorry, darling, I wanted to tell you myself...

EVE: (SHRUGGING HER SHOULDERS) Well, there's no need for that now. (BEAT) I've already seen him.

SHANE: Listen, Eve, let me explain...

EVE: (CURTLY) Dad, I don't want to talk about it right now.

SHANE: But I want you to know...

EVE: Please, Dad, not now!

SHANE PAUSES, LOOKING AT EVE WITH SURPRISE.

SHANE: It's all right....

EVE: It's just that... After I saw Nick last night...

SHANE: Last night?

EVE: Yes, last night. I was at the cemetery when Nick...

SHANE: (INTERRUPTING) Last night?!

EVE: That's what I said...

SHANE: I don't believe this. Here I was, worried sick about you...

EVE: I'm sorry, I...

SHANE: Young lady, were you with Nick Corelli all night?

EVE STARES SILENTLY AT SHANE.

EVE: No, Dad, I wasn't with Nick last night! I never want to see Nick Corelli again! (TEARS BEGIN TO FLOW) I'm sorry he isn't really dead!

SHANE: Eve, I...

EVE TURNS AND RUNS FROM THE ROOM.

SHANE WALKS INTO THE FOYER.

GO TO: FOYER. SHANE GOES TO THE FOOT OF THE STAIRS AND PAUSES.

HOLD ON SHANE'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: SALEM CEMETERY. NICK IS SEATED ON THE BENCH, FACING TARRINGTON AND THE OTHER ISA AGENTS. IN PROGRESS.

TARRINGTON: Yes, well, we all have our off days.

NICK: What do you want, Tarrington? (BEAT) Haven't you gotten everything out of me yet?

TARRINGTON: Come now, Nick. Such hostility...

NICK: I think I have a right to be a little hostile. (BEAT) No, I have a right to be a lot hostile. You parasites took my evidence and my testimony and you sat on it! I lost four years of my life for nothing!

TARRINGTON: I wouldn't say that...

NICK: Well, I would.

NICK STANDS UP.

TARRINGTON: A slight exaggeration...

NICK: I've got nothing more for you, Tarrington. The well's dry.

TARRINGTON: Don't worry, Nick. I'm not here to ask anything more of you.

NICK: Is that so?

TARRINGTON: Yes.

NICK: Then why are you here? (BEAT) Oh, wait, I know. You want your car back. Here...

NICK TAKES THE CAR KEYS OUT OF HIS POCKET AND THROWS THEM ON THE GROUND NEXT TO TARRINGTON. ONE OF THE OTHER AGENTS PICKS UP THE KEYS.

TARRINGTON: Not quite.

NICK SIGHS AND FOLDS HIS ARMS DEFIANTLY.

TARRINGTON: We want to help you.

NICK: (DISBELIEVING) Yeah, right.

TARRINGTON: I'm serious.

NICK: I don't want, or need, any help from you. You've already screwed up my life enough.

TARRINGTON: I wouldn't be so quick to say no, if I were you. A great deal has changed in the last four years.

NICK: Yeah, well, you aren't me. And I'll be just fine.

TARRINGTON: Oh, really?

NICK: Yeah, really.

TARRINGTON: Salem is a much different place now.

NICK: I know that. (BEAT) But I'm not gonna let that stop me. I'm gonna try to salvage what I can of my old life.

TARRINGTON: We can help.

NICK: Like I said, I don't want your help! (BEAT) As far as I'm concerned, you and the ISA can go straight to hell!

HOLD ON NICK'S ANGER.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS SEATED AT HIS DESK, WHILE JENNIFER AND VERN SIT ACROSS FROM HIM. THE DESK IS COVERED WITH FILE FOLDERS. ALL THREE HAVE A LEGAL PAD IN FRONT OF THEM.

VERN: It would help if we knew where he was; no one has seen him since Julie saw him at Euterpe yesterday. Court was supposed to reconvene at nine a.m., wasn't it?

JENNIFER: It got pushed back a day. The judge had some sort of emergency. (BEAT) And... (CHECKING HER LIST) we have six reporters out trying to track down Nick.

VERN: Plus our ISA contact hasn't been any help...

JENNIFER: I don't think even Shane had an idea about this.

JACK NODS IN AGREEMENT. VERN LOOKS THROUGH HIS LIST OF IDEAS, AND SNAPS HIS FINGERS.

JACK: Others?

VERN: You know... Marlena Brady... twice... Roman, who died, then came back as John, well, Roman... And then that Roman turned out to be John, who was really the thought-dead Forrest... and the real Roman came back... (SHAKING HIS HEAD) Well, you get the idea...

JACK: It does seem like we're living in Salem's Lot, doesn't it?

JENNIFER: (CHIDING) Jack... is this the Spectator or the Inquisitor?

JACK: I know... we need a real news scoop. Something that will make Wilson over at the Chronicle have another ulcer.

JACK LOOKS AT HIS NOTEPAD, AND STARTS TO GRIN.

OUT ON JACK'S GRIN.

ACT II

SALEM CEMETERY. TARRINGTON SHAKES HIS HEAD AT NICK. IN PROGRESS.

NICK: I'm not interested in what you do or don't believe, Chief. (BEAT) And I've seen what you have to offer.

TARRINGTON: Do you have any plans, Mr. Corelli? Where will you live? How will you make ends meet?

NICK: I don't care, I'll work that out later. Right now I just want to wash my hands of you and your whole stinking organization.

TARRINGTON REACHES INTO HIS INSIDE COAT POCKET AND PULLS OUT A WALLET AND TWO SETS OF KEYS.

NICK: Stuff them, Tarrington. I'm not taking anything to ease your guilty conscience.

TARRINGTON PRESSES THE KEYS AND THE WALLET INTO NICK'S HAND.

NICK LOOKS IN THE WALLET, IT IS FULL OF CASH. HOLD ON NICK'S WHISTLE.

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

JENNIFER: There are better ways to get a new angle on this story than having to deal with your little (GRIMACE) bundt cake, Jack.

JACK: Name one. (BEAT) We've spent the last twenty-four hours trying to come up with something, and so far... nothing.

VERN: This is a very bad idea, Jack...

JACK: Vern, this is the scoop we've been waiting for. (BEAT) I'm not going to let this one get away.

JENNIFER: Why don't we wait a day or two to talk to Eve? (BEAT) You know, focus on what will happen at the trial first, and then worry about how Nick's reappearance affects the rest of Salem.

JACK CROSSES HIS ARMS, AND STARES ACROSS THE DESK AT JENNIFER AND VERN.

JACK'S VOICE TRAILS OFF.

JACK: And it will help illuminate what the ISA and Nick did to the citizens of Salem.

HOLD ON JACK.

CUT TO: EVE'S BEDROOM. EVE IS LAYING, FACE DOWN, ON HER BED. THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. SHANE'S VOICE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE OTHER SIDE.

EVE SITS UP ON THE BED. HER EYES ARE RED AND HER FACE IS TEAR-STREAKED.

SHANE: Eve, darling, I have to talk to you.

EVE: Later.

SHANE: I'm not going away, so you may as well open the door.

EVE STANDS UP IN A HUFF. SHE GOES TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT. BEFORE SHANE CAN ENTER, SHE TURNS, STALKS BACK TO THE BED, AND PLOPS DOWN ON HER STOMACH. SHANE ENTERS CAUTIOUSLY.

EVE: (GRUFFLY) Fine. Apology accepted.

SHANE: (WALKING TO THE BEDSIDE) Eve, please don't shut me out. I was wrong to assume that you and Nick...

EVE: (INTERRUPTING) Don't... I don't want to talk about him.

SHANE: (SITTING DOWN ON THE BED) Listen, I know you're angry. I know you're hurt. But, you can't ignore this and hope it'll go away.

EVE: (SITTING UP AND TURNING TO FACE SHANE) Dad, look... I'm sorry I stayed out all night. (BEAT) I just couldn't come home. I had too much to think about, and I didn't want to talk to anyone. Not even you.

SHANE: I understand, but I was so worried...

EVE: I'm sorry. I didn't want to call, because I knew if I did, we'd get into this conversation. (BEAT) I don't even want to get into this conversation now.

SHANE: You mean, about Nick.

EVE: (FLINCHING AT THE SOUND OF NICK'S NAME) Yes.

SHANE: Perhaps you'd feel better if you talked about it.

EVE: No, I wouldn't! I hate Nick Corelli! I hate him now, and I always will! (BEAT) And no amount of "talking about it" is going to change that!

SHANE LOOKS DISBELIEVINGLY AT EVE.

SHANE: I don't think you're being honest...

EVE: Oh, that's great! You still don't trust me!

SHANE: With yourself. (BEAT) I don't believe that you really hate Nick.

EVE: You're wrong, Dad. Dead wrong. (BEAT, AS EVE REALIZES HER POOR CHOICE OF WORDS) Oh, God...

EVE BURIES HER FACE IN HER HANDS, THEN LOOKS BACK TO SHANE.

SHANE RUBS HIS CHIN IN CONTEMPLATION.

SHANE: Well... Try to look at it from Nick's position...

EVE: (SHOCKED) You're defending him? (BEAT) Dad, this is Nick we're talking about. Remember?

SHANE: Yes, I know.

EVE: Unbelievable! First, Nick comes back from the dead. Then, you defend him! (THROWING UP HER HANDS) The world is definitely coming to an end...

SHANE: I know it sounds odd coming from me. But, I must admit... for once in his life, Nick was trying to do the honorable thing.

OUT ON EVE'S EXASPERATION.

ACT III

CEMETERY. NICK, TARRINGTON, AND THE ISA AGENTS. IN PROGRESS. NICK STARTS TO HAND THE WALLET BACK TO TARRINGTON, BUT PULLS IT BACK. HE HOLDS THE WALLET, SHAKING IT IN FRONT OF TARRINGTON'S FACE.

TARRINGTON: Must I remind you, Mr. Corelli, the ISA did protect you all these years.

NICK: Yeah, but at what cost?

TARRINGTON: Look at it this way: you're alive. (POINTS AT NICK'S GRAVE) You'd actually be lying here, a pile of dust by now, if it weren't for our protection.

NICK: Well, my undying thanks to the almighty ISA.

TARRINGTON: Just remember what we did for you.

NICK: Yeah, yeah. (BEAT) Now if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone.

TARRINGTON: Best of luck to you, Nick.

TARRINGTON AND HIS MEN LEAVE. NICK PUTS THE WALLET INTO HIS POCKET, AND WALKS OVER TO HIS GRAVE.

NICK LAUGHS AND BRUSHES AWAY SOME DIRT ON THE HEADSTONE.

NICK STARTS WALKING AROUND THE HEADSTONE.

NICK STOPS WALKING AND STANDS IN FRONT OF THE HEADSTONE.

NICK LIFTS HIS HEAD UPWARDS.

HOLD ON NICK'S DETERMINATION.

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

VERN: But...

JACK: No "buts," Vern. Send more reporters out in the field. Track down more of our contacts. Work the phones. Somebody, somewhere has got to have something they're willing to share.

VERN HEADS FOR THE DOOR.

JACK: I am, Vern. I feel it in my bones...

VERN SALUTES JACK AND WALKS OUT. JENNIFER WALKS UP TO JACK AND KISSES HIM. HOLD ON JACK'S SURPRISE.

CUT TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S LIVING ROOM. DOUG ENTERS FROM THE KITCHEN, ROLLING DOWN HIS SLEEVES. HE GOES TO THE FRONT DOOR AND LOOKS AT THE BRASS KEY RACK BY THE DOOR. INSTEAD OF HIS KEYS, HE SEES A SMALL SLIP OF PAPER. HE PICKS IT UP AND READS.

DOUG CROSSES THE ROOM TO THE VASE. HE LIFTS IT AND FINDS ANOTHER SLIP OF PAPER. HE UNFOLDS IT.

DOUG HEADS TOWARDS THE DINING ROOM.

CUT TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S DINING ROOM. DOUG LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM. HE LOOKS ON TOP OF, THEN UNDER, THE TABLE. HE FINDS A NOTE STUCK TO THE BOTTOM ON THE TABLE, HE PULLS OFF THE NOTE AND UNFOLDS IT.

DOUG HEADS BACK TO THE LIVING ROOM.

CUT TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S LIVING ROOM. DOUG GOES TO THE COAT CLOSET AND OPENS THE DOOR. HE TAKES DOWN A STACK OF PUZZLES. HE OPENS THE TOP BOX AND FINDS ANOTHER NOTE.

DOUG WALKS TO THE TV AND LOOKS FOR ANOTHER NOTE, BUT NO LUCK.

DOUG CROSSES TO THE THERMOSTAT. HE OPENS THE LITTLE DOOR AND A NOTE FALLS OUT.

DOUG WALKS TO THE PHONE. HE PICKS UP THE PHONE, THEN PUTS IT DOWN.

DOUG OPENS THE DRAWER AND PULLS OUT HIS KEYS AND A GREETING CARD. HE PUTS HIS KEYS IN HIS POCKET AND OPENS THE GREETING CARD.

DOUG SMILES AND DIALS THE PHONE. LUCILLE ANSWERS, TWO WAY.

DOUG: Lucille, this is Doug. Is Julie in?

LUCILLE: She's on the phone right now, Mr. Williams, can you hold?

DOUG: Of course. Thanks, Lucille.

LUCILLE PUTS DOUG ON HOLD. DOUG STARTS HUMMING TO THE ELEVATOR MUSIC, WHEN JULIE COMES ON THE LINE.

DOUG: (SINGING) I just called to say, "I love you."

JULIE: (LAUGHING) And, I love you. Thank you for breakfast this morning. It was wonderful.

DOUG: And, so are you. (BEAT) Lucille told me you were on the phone. Was it about Eve? Is there any word?

JULIE: I just hung up from talking to Shane.

DOUG: What did he say?

JULIE: Eve is home safe and sound.

DOUG: Thank goodness. Have you heard anything about Nick?

JULIE: Shane didn't have any news. He did say that Eve is upset about Nick's return.

DOUG: I can imagine...

JULIE: Shane said she's up in her room. He doesn't know if she'll go to the club or not.

DOUG: Goodness, her working is the least of our worries right now.

JULIE: Doug, you are so understanding.

DOUG: No. I just remember what we've been through. It hasn't always been easy.

JULIE: No, it hasn't. But, we got through it.

DOUG: And, so will Eve.

HOLD ON DOUG'S CONVICTION.

ACT IV

EVE'S BEDROOM. SHANE ENTERS, CARRYING A TRAY WITH TWO PLATES OF FOOD. HE PUTS DOWN THE TRAY AND HANDS EVE A PLATE.

EVE EYES HIM FOR A BEAT, THEN TAKES THE PROFFERED PLATE.

SHANE: I warmed up the casserole that Cook made last night. (TAKES A BITE) Interesting use of garlic. Very tasty.

EVE: I heard the phone ring when you were downstairs. Who was it?

SHANE: It was Julie. She was checking to see if you made it home safely.

EVE: Julie?

SHANE: Yes. She and I were both at Euterpe late last night trying to locate you. She was very concerned.

EVE: That's new.

SHANE: Come on, Eve. You worried a lot of us. Even Ian was driving around looking for you last night.

EVE: Really? Ian, too? Hmmm... It was nice of everyone to be so concerned.

SHANE: And we were... even Nick.

EVE: Yeah, Nick was concerned all right. Concerned about getting away from me.

SHANE: I think you're wrong. I think that Nick had your best interests at heart when he made the decision to keep you in the dark about his whereabouts.

EVE: My best interests?

SHANE: Eve... he was doing the honorable thing.

EVE: You think that Nick was doing the honorable thing?

SHANE: Yes, as ironic as it sounds, I do.

EVE: Then you know what I say? (NEARLY UPSETTING HER PLATE) To hell with honor!

SHANE: Pardon?

EVE: Honor? Give me a break.

SHANE: Eve, Nick sacrificed a lot...

EVE: Sacrificed?

SHANE: Yes, sacrificed... I think Nick's actions were an admirable display of duty to country and state.

EVE: Honor, sacrifice, duty? (SHAKING HER HEAD) Those are all stupid male rationalizations.

SHANE: I think not. They are important principles...

EVE: Bull! They're justifications for not living, for not loving, and for doing what the hell you please!

HOLD ON EVE'S ANGER.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JENNIFER'S ARMS ARE STILL AROUND JACK, WHO LOOKS ASTONISHED. IN PROGRESS.

JENNIFER: That was for you being such a wonderful man. (BEAT) In fact, you're so wonderful, I think you deserve another...

JENNIFER KISSES JACK AGAIN. THIS TIME, JACK RECIPROCATES.

JENNIFER: As long as you don't start singing, you are...

JENNIFER SITS DOWN.

JACK: (EMBARRASSED) I'm just doing my job. Every good journalist is committed to finding the truth.

JENNIFER: You can't fool me, Jack. I know it's more than that.

JACK: (SIGHS) You're right. It is more than that. Much more. (BEAT) I have a keen personal interest in exposing Lawrence and seeing him rot in jail for the rest of his life.

JENNIFER: Is it... Is it because of Steve? Is that why you're so consumed by this?

JACK: (CLENCHING HIS FISTS) I want this story so badly... I want this more than anything else in my journalistic career.

JENNIFER: Why?

JACK: Why? There are a number of reasons.

JENNIFER: Like...?

JACK: Like... Like the hell that Jo's been put through for the last four years, thinking she killed a man. Like the way that bastard, Lawrence, violated you... (JACK PAUSES AND TAKES A DEEP BREATH) And, yes, like... Steve's murder. (LONG BEAT) If it weren't for Lawrence Alamain, my brother would still be alive today.

JACK'S EYES BRIM WITH TEARS. HE SLUMPS DOWN INTO HIS SEAT. JENNIFER REACHES OVER AND TAKES JACK'S HAND IN HERS. HE PULLS HER HAND TOWARD HIM AND KISSES IT. HE THEN LOOKS BACK AT JENNIFER. HOLD ON JACK'S PAIN.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. IAN AND DAVE ARE SETTING UP FOR THE EVENING.

DAVE: I'll get right on that.

NICK WALKS INTO EUTERPE AND LOOKS AROUND. HE TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT THE DECOR, THEN NOTICES IAN AND DAVE.

DAVE: (READING FROM A CLIPBOARD) Jasmin, Ken, Mary, and Rick.

IAN: Good. Can I take a look at the work roster?

DAVE: Sure. (HANDS THE ROSTER TO IAN) I'll get going on that piano.

DAVE WALKS AWAY. NICK WALKS UP TO IAN, HOLDING A LIT CIGARETTE. HE TAPS IAN ON THE SHOULDER.

IAN TURNS AROUND, JUST AS NICK BLOWS A PUFF OF SMOKE. IAN, COUGHING, WAVES AWAY NICK'S CIGARETTE SMOKE.

NICK: Since when?

IAN: Ever since I've been here.

NICK: And just who are you? Are you in charge here?

IAN: I'm Ian Moreland. I work for Mr. Williams.

NICK GRABS ONE OF THE BREAD PLATES FROM A TABLE AND PUTS OUT HIS CIGARETTE, MUCH TO IAN'S DISDAIN.

IAN: I said, "Mr." It's Doug Williams, Julie's husband, who owns Euterpe.

NICK: Interesting.

NICK SURVEYS THE DINING ROOM ONCE MORE. OUT ON NICK.

ACT V

EVE'S BEDROOM. SHANE AND EVE. IN PROGRESS.

EVE: You might be amazed at what I truly think...

SHANE: Maybe I would. Try me.

EVE: Dad, all I know is that someone I thought I knew, someone who I loved with my whole heart and thought loved me back, deceived me.

SHANE: Deceit is a strong word. (BEAT) Sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, there are things you have to do. And you hope and pray that the other person will understand.

EVE: I can't. I won't.

SHANE: This isn't just fatherly advice, Eve. There have been times in my life when I've had to forgo any romantic involvement because of my work. (WISTFUL) I've even lost love because of it.

EVE: You're thinking of Kimberly, aren't you?

SHANE STRAIGHTENS UP AND PUTS ON A BRIGHTER FACE.

EVE: Whose cause? The last time I looked, your romantic life was like a desert during a drought.

SHANE LOOKS AS IF HE CANNOT DECIDE WHETHER TO HIDE UNDER THE BED OR CHASTISE EVE FOR DISCUSSING HIS LOVE LIFE.

HOLD ON SHANE'S RELUCTANCE.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS ALONE IN HIS OFFICE. HE IS TALKING ON THE PHONE WITH JO. IN PROGRESS. TWO-WAY.

JACK: Are you sure? Would you like Jennifer and I to stop by tonight?

JO: That's sweet of you to offer, but you two should have a nice quiet evening together with your daughter. (BEAT) Besides, Vern said that he was going to stop by after work.

JACK: He didn't mention that to me. (BEAT) If there's anything you need...

JO: I'll be sure to call you. And Jack, I want to thank you for being here for me last night. It meant so much.

JACK: I'm just glad that you didn't hear about it from somebody else.

JO: So am I...

JACK: I ran into Kayla on my way out yesterday.

JO: Yes, it was wonderful of her to stop by. I know that this affects her, too.

JACK: It affects us all. (BEAT) Lately, my mind has been filled with memories of Steve.

JO: I've been thinking about him, too. In fact, I was looking at a picture taken of him, you, and Kayla at their second wedding.

JACK: This week is the anniversary of that wedding, isn't it?

JO: Yes, it is... (DEEP BREATH, CHANGING THE SUBJECT) How are Jennifer and Abby doing?

THE DOOR TO JACK'S OFFICE OPENS, AND JENNIFER PEEKS INSIDE. JACK MOTIONS FOR HER TO COME INSIDE.

JO: Oh, then I should let you go.

JACK: Be sure to call us if you need anything.

JO: I will. Give my love to Jennifer and Abby.

JACK: Absolutely. Good-night.

JO: Good-night, son.

JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE, AND JENNIFER GOES TO STAND BEHIND HIM. SHE STARTS RUBBING HIS SHOULDERS.

JACK: Yes, she sounds like she's doing well. (CLOSES HIS EYES) Ahh, that feels good.

JENNIFER: You're so tight. (BENDS HER HEAD NEXT TO JACK'S) Why don't we call it a day? I've finished up everything in my office.

JACK: I don't know. I really should stay here and work on the story.

JENNIFER: I'm sure it can wait until tomorrow. Besides, we don't have any more leads than we did this afternoon. And, you'll work better after a good night's sleep.

JENNIFER STARTS TO KISS JACK'S NECK.

JENNIFER: Eventually.

JACK TURNS HIS FACE TO MEET JENNIFER'S. HE KISSES HER, AND PULLS HER INTO HIS LAP.

JENNIFER PULLS HERSELF UP, AND PICKS UP JACK'S BRIEFCASE. SHE HANDS IT TO JACK.

JACK TAKES THE BRIEFCASE, AND GOES TO OPEN THE DOOR.

JENNIFER WALKS OUT, AND JACK FOLLOWS, AFTER SWITCHING OFF THE LIGHTS TO HIS OFFICE. HOLD ON JACK'S NAMEPLATE ON HIS OFFICE DOOR.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. NICK AND IAN, IN PROGRESS.

IAN: Yeah, Mr. Williams is really willing to try new things.

NICK: The room seems so... different. (BEAT) Definitely not what I was expecting...

NICK WALKS OVER TO AN EASEL, WHICH HOLDS A POSTER THAT SAYS "SOUTHEAST ASIAN WEEK: AUGUST 22-28".

IAN: Everyone seems to love all the exotic ideas. (BEAT) Doug is really a trend-setter. He makes my job a lot easier.

NICK: (LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM) Yeah... I bet he does.

IAN: I'm sorry, I never did catch your name.

NICK RETURNS HIS ATTENTION TO IAN. HE GRINS BEFORE RESPONDING.

OUT ON IAN'S SHOCK.

ACT VI

EUTERPE. IAN AND NICK. IN PROGRESS.

NICK: Yep, that's what I said.

IAN: So, you're Eve's Nick.

NICK: (SMILING) That's right. The very one.

IAN STARES AT NICK WITH SURPRISE.

IAN: No, no... I'm sorry. I don't mean to stare. It's just that... well, I've heard so much about you, from Eve. It feels kind of strange to actually meet you, face to face.

NICK: So, Evie's been talking about me, huh?

IAN: Yes... often.

NICK: (SOTTO VOCE) Hmmm. I guess you haven't talked to her since yesterday...

IAN: What?

NICK: Oh, nothing.

DOUG ENTERS FROM THE BACK OFFICE AND APPROACHES IAN AND NICK.

IAN: Um... Hi, Doug.

DOUG AND NICK EXCHANGE CURIOUS GLANCES.

DOUG AND NICK SHAKE HANDS.

NICK: Yeah, well, being "dead" has taught me that it doesn't pay to put things off.

DOUG: I see. (BEAT) Let's go someplace quiet, where we can talk privately. I'm sure we have a lot to discuss.

NICK: (LOOKING AROUND, BEMUSED) I'm sure we do.

HOLD ON NICK.

CUT TO: EVE'S BEDROOM. SHANE AND EVE, IN PROGRESS.

EVE: Do you still believe that?

SHANE: Of course I do. Absolutely. (BEAT) (BITTERSWEET) I have to...

EVE: (CONCERNED) Dad...

SHANE PATS HER SHOULDER AND STANDS UP.

EVE GRABS HIS HAND.

SHANE: I'm glad. You know you can always come and talk to me.

EVE: And I'm sorry that I worried you last night. I'll try not to do it again.

SHANE STRUGGLES FOR A MOMENT.

SHANE LEAVES. EVE STANDS AND GOES OVER TO THE DRESSER. SHE TAKES A PHOTO OF HER AND NICK OUT OF A DRAWER. HOLD ON EVE GAZING AT THE PHOTO.

CUT TO: EUTERPE / UPSTAIRS APARTMENT. DOUG ESCORTS NICK INTO THE ROOM.

NICK GIVES THE ROOM A WARY ONCE-OVER. THE FLORALS AND PINK AND GREEN COLOR SCHEME ARE A DEFINITE DEPARTURE OVER THE BLACK AND WHITE DECOR NICK HAD USED.

DOUG HAS TAKEN A SEAT AT THE TABLE, AND NICK WALKS UP TO THE CHAIR THAT HE IS TO SIT IN, BUT DOES NOT SIT DOWN.

DOUG: Wings was floundering, and now Euterpe is thriving. (BEAT) And Nick... This is my club now.

NICK: Don't be so sure of that, Mr. Williams.

NICK QUICKLY WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM, SLAMMING THE DOOR ON HIS WAY OUT. OUT ON DOUG'S DISTRESS.

ACT VII

JACK & JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. JACK IS SEATED ON THE COUCH, LOOKING INTENTLY AT A PHOTO OF STEVE HOLDING STEPHANIE.

JENNIFER STARTS DOWN THE STAIRS, CARRYING A VERY SLEEPY ABIGAIL.

JENNIFER: Look who came to see her daddy!

JACK PUTS DOWN THE PHOTO AND TAKES ABIGAIL FROM JENNIFER.

JACK: You have a good command of the obvious, my darling child. (BEAT) And I am so lucky to have you, and your wonderful mother.

JENNIFER: Are you okay, Jack?

JACK: (PULLING ABIGAIL CLOSER) I am when I'm with the people I love.

JACK LEANS OVER ABIGAIL'S HEAD AND GIVES JENNIFER A TENDER KISS.

JENNIFER: I could go for that.

JENNIFER TURNS FOR THE STAIRS, WITH JACK AND ABIGAIL RIGHT BEHIND HER. HOLD AS THEY CLIMB THE STAIRS.

CUT TO: EVE'S BEDROOM. EVE IS SITTING ON THE BED, WHICH IS STREWN WITH PICTURES OF NICK, EVE'S MAGAZINE COVER, A HANDKERCHIEF WITH "NC" EMBROIDERED ON IT, SHEET MUSIC FOR "WIND BENEATH MY WINGS" AND VARIOUS OTHER BITS OF MEMORABILIA. SHE IS LOOKING INTENTLY AT A PICTURE OF NICK. WE HEAR, "WIND BENEATH MY WINGS" BEGIN TO PLAY AS WE FADE INTO A MONTAGE: EVE AND NICK DANCING AT WINGS; EVE WAKING TO FIND NICK ASLEEP IN THE CHAIR IN HER ROOM, WHEN EDDIE WAS HOLDING HER HOSTAGE; EVE, ON STAGE, SINGING "SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME", WHILE NICK PROUDLY STANDS IN THE SHADOWS; EVE SCREAMING ON THE CLIFF AS NICK'S CAR GOES OVER THE EDGE; THE TWO WAKING UP AFTER THE NIGHT THEY FIRST MADE LOVE. FADE BACK TO: EVE, WHO IMPATIENTLY BRUSHES A TEAR FROM THE CORNER OF HER EYE.

CUT TO: DONOVAN GARDEN, BENEATH EVE'S WINDOW. NICK STANDS BELOW, LOOKING UP AT THE LIGHT FROM EVE'S WINDOW. HE PICKS UP A PEBBLE FROM THE GROUND AND LOOKS AT IT FOR A MOMENT. HE LIFTS HIS HAND AS IF TO TOSS IT AT THE WINDOW, THEN SHAKES HIS HEAD AND LETS IT FALL.

CUT TO: EVE'S BEDROOM. EVE TENSES SUDDENLY. SHE PUTS DOWN THE PICTURE AND GETS UP, WALKING TO HER WINDOW. SHE OPENS IT AND LEANS OUT. WE SEE NICK, BELOW, QUICKLY MOVE INTO THE SHADOWS BEHIND A TREE. EVE FAILS TO SEE HIM, BUT CONTINUES TO LOOK OUT THE WINDOW. NICK WATCHES HER FROM BELOW.

HER VOICE BREAKS, AND TEARS TRAIL DOWN HER CHEEKS. OUT ON EVE LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW, AND NICK WATCHING HER. FADE TO BLACK.

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