ALT.DAYS

Episode #68

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: September 6, 1994
Time: Several Days After #67,
Morning to Afternoon

Copyright 1995

TEASER

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK SITS AT HIS DESK, PLAYING WITH A PURPLE MARBLE EGG. HE HUMS "HAPPY TRAILS" UNDER HIS BREATH. VERN WALKS IN, WITHOUT KNOCKING.

JACK: What is it, Vern?

VERN: Jack, look at these fig... (SEES THE MARBLE EGG) Jack what have you got there?

JACK: It's a magic egg...

VERN: A magic egg? Uh-huh. (NODDING) You know, Jack, sometimes you scare me...

JACK: Not to worry, Vern. I saw it in a little boutique this morning when I stopped to drop off my dry cleaning. It reminded me of... Abigail. (HE PLACES THE EGG ON A STAND AT THE FRONT OF HIS DESK) Now, what did you want to tell me?

VERN: (REGAINING HIS EXCITEMENT) Jack! Look at these numbers. Look at the results of that series we did on Nick Corelli!

VERN PUTS THE PAPERWORK ON JACK'S DESK. JACK LOOKS OVER THE FIGURES AND SLOWLY SMILES.

VERN: Wonderful? It's incredible!

JACK: It was worth all the pain to get results like this.

VERN: Jack. Look at the subscription numbers.

VERN TURNS A FEW PAGES.

VERN: And, Jack, look at the newsstand sales.

VERN TURNS ANOTHER PAGE.

VERN: We'll need a follow-up story...

JACK: Something poignant...

VERN: Something that will touch the people of Salem....

JACK: Something that will bring the whole saga home....

VERN: Home. That's it exactly!

JACK: What's it?

VERN: The follow-up... I just hope it's not too close to home...

JACK: Vern, what are you talking about?

VERN: I have an idea.

JACK: Yes?

VERN: The follow-up should be about Jo.

HOLD ON JACK'S SURPRISE.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS WORKING AT HER DESK, WHEN SHE HEARS A KNOCK ON HER DOOR.

THE DOOR OPENS. SHANE POKES HIS HEAD INSIDE AND WAVES.

JANET: Oh, hello... Captain Donovan.

SHANE IS SURPRISED BY THE USE OF HIS TITLE AND SURNAME, BUT SAYS NOTHING, WALKS IN AND SITS DOWN IN THE CHAIR NEXT TO JANET'S DESK.

SHANE: Not really. I haven't seen much of you in the past few days, so I came by to see how you were doing.

JANET: I've been busy here at the station.

SHANE: We haven't had a chance to chat since Nick's surprise revival.

UNNOTICED BY SHANE, JANET CRINGES AT THE MENTION OF NICK'S NAME.

SHANE: That's too bad. What's keeping you so occupied?

JANET LOOKS AT SHANE AND SIGHS. HOLD ON JANET'S MILD EXASPERATION.

CUT TO: SALEM INN. JOHN WALKS UP TO A UNIFORMED OFFICER.

THE OFFICER CHECKS JOHN'S I.D., AND FINDS JOHN'S NAME ON HIS LIST OF ALLOWED VISITORS. THE OFFICER NODS TO JOHN, WHO THEN KNOCKS ON THE DOOR. VIVIAN ANSWERS IT.

JOHN ENTERS, AND VIVIAN CLOSES THE DOOR. JOHN SEES THAT IVAN AND NICHOLAS ARE SEATED ACROSS THE ROOM, AND ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GAME OF CHESS.

VIVIAN LOOKS OVER TO IVAN AND NICHOLAS, WHO HAVE NOT HEARD JOHN'S STATEMENT. NICHOLAS IS ABOUT TO MAKE A MOVE.

FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM, WE HEAR LAUGHTER. JOHN AND VIVIAN TURN TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON.

IVAN: We will see about that, Master Nicholas...

JOHN TURNS BACK TO VIVIAN.

OUT ON JOHN'S SERIOUSNESS.

ACT I

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

VERN: Of course I do. She's had more than her fair share.

JACK: Then why subject her to more media attention? The coverage on Jo should be limited only to the overturning of her conviction. (BEAT) I thought you cared about my mother.

VERN: C'mon, Jack. You know I do. I care very much about her.

JACK: Then, do you want to enlighten me as to why you feel further exploitation is necessary?

VERN: Because I think that Jo deserves to have all of Salem know the whole truth.

JACK: I thought we were already reporting the truth.

VERN: Sure we are, but the truth remains that Jo did shoot Nick. Even if she didn't kill him, she shot him.

JACK: What are you getting at?

VERN: The public should know exactly what drove her to it. We need to get her point of view.

JACK: I suppose... I think Jo would rather the truth be known.

VERN: Good man! I knew you'd see things my way.

JACK: Don't let it go to your head... and definitely don't get used to it.

HOLD ON VERN'S SMILE.

CUT TO: SALEM INN. JOHN AND VIVIAN ARE SITTING ON THE COUCH, WATCHING IVAN AND NICHOLAS FINISH THEIR CHESS GAME.

IVAN: Is that so, Master Nicholas? (MOVING HIS QUEEN) Check and mate.

NICHOLAS, OPEN-MOUTHED, STANDS UP AND LOOKS AT THE BOARD. JOHN AND VIVIAN LAUGH.

IVAN: (LAUGHING) You don't expect me to give away my secrets so easily, do you?

THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. THE OFFICER HESITANTLY OPENS THE DOOR.

VIVIAN: It's all right, Officer. They're friends.

THE OFFICER STEPS ASIDE, LETTING BO AND SHAWN-D COME IN. BO NODS TO EVERYBODY. SHAWN-DOUGLAS, DRAGGING A SHOPPING BAG, RUNS RIGHT TO NICHOLAS.

SHAWN-D: Hi Nikki! Look! You gotta see this!

SHAWN-DOUGLAS HOLDS OUT THE SHOPPING BAG AND NICHOLAS LOOKS INSIDE.

SHAWN-D: I came to see if you could come back to the boat and try them out. You haven't been over in a long time. Papa says it's okay.

NICHOLAS: (LOOKING AT VIVIAN) Well...

VIVIAN: I think that's a splendid idea.

NICHOLAS: (PUZZLED) You're sure you don't mind? It's okay for me to go?

VIVIAN: Absolutely. You can stay as long as you like.

BO: You sure can. What do you say we get a pizza for dinner?

NICHOLAS LOOKS FROM VIVIAN TO JOHN TO IVAN AND REALIZATION DAWNS. NICHOLAS NODS AND STANDS UP.

SHAWN-D: Good! Hurry up, I can't wait to get home!

SHAWN-DOUGLAS HEADS FOR THE DOOR AND STANDS THERE JIGGLING WITH EXCITEMENT. BO PLACES A HAND ON HIS HEAD.

NICHOLAS GOES TO VIVIAN AND KISSES HER CHEEK.

NICHOLAS JOINS SHAWN-D AT THE DOOR AND THE TWO START TALKING ANIMATEDLY. AS BO OPENS THE DOOR HE LOOKS BACK AND WIGGLES HIS EYEBROWS AT JOHN, WHO WAVES CONSPIRATORIALLY. VIVIAN AND IVAN LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SHAKE THEIR HEADS. HOLD ON THE CLOSED DOOR.

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

JANET: I'm not at liberty to discuss it. (BEAT) It's police business.

SHANE: Oh, yes, of course. I understand.

JANET: (SOTTO VOCE) I'm sure you do.

SHANE: What was that?

JANET: Nothing. (BEAT) Listen, this really isn't a good time. I have a lot of paperwork to catch up on.

SHANE: Ah, yes... paperwork. (BEAT) There's a well-known fact about paperwork: You can leave it for a little while, and it'll still be there when you get back to it.

JANET: (UNAMUSED) It also seems to propagate when you're not looking, which is why I have to keep at it. (BEAT) Was there something specific you wanted to discuss? If not...

SHANE: Yes. Actually, there is.

JANET: (GLANCING DOWN AT HER PAPERWORK) Go ahead, I'm listening...

SHANE: All right. (GRINNING MISCHIEVOUSLY) I have a confession to make. (BEAT) Ever since we finished working on the Alamain case, I've missed seeing you on a regular basis.

JANET DOESN'T REACT, MUCH TO SHANE'S DISAPPOINTMENT.

JANET FINALLY LOOKS UP AT SHANE.

SHANE: Of course. But you can't work 24 hours a day. You still have to eat. Let me buy you dinner... or lunch, if you prefer...

JANET: Look, Captain... We were spending quite a bit of time together. But that was business. We were working on the case against Lawrence Alamain. The verdict on that case is due at any time.

SHANE: (CONFUSED) Yes, that's true...

JANET: And, once that verdict has been delivered, then our business will be finished.

SHANE: That's it?

JANET: Yes, I think that just about covers it. (BEAT) Was there something I missed?

SHANE: (HURT) I thought there was. (BEAT) I thought that there was more between us than just this case.

JANET TURNS HER ATTENTION BACK TO HER PAPERWORK.

JANET LOOKS UP AT SHANE AND STUDIES HIS FACE.

SHANE: What makes you say that?

JANET: Friends don't lie to each other, Shane Donovan.

OUT ON JANET'S HURT.

ACT II

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

JACK: And that would be?

VERN: I think you should talk to Kayla.

JACK: I intended to, eventually... I'm sure she has a lot to sort out about this whole fiasco.

VERN: No, I mean for a story. Maybe she'd like to give an exclusive to the Spectator... reveal what it feels like to find out that Alamain was responsible for Steve's death and not Corelli...

JACK: (FIRMLY) I couldn't ask Kayla to do that... (SOFTLY) Not after... everything...

VERN: But this is solid reporting, Jack. Diane's sources say the verdict on Alamain could come in any time, even today.

JACK: And?

VERN: Don't you see, we need a "local color" piece to go with it, something to bring it back to human interest.

JACK: Indeed. But I don't see how exploiting my personal connections...

VERN: (INTERRUPTING) Jack, it's the personal connections that put the Spectator head and shoulders above the other papers reporting this story. No other paper in Salem, hell, in the country, has the kind of contacts that you do.

JACK STUDIES VERN FOR A MOMENT, THEN NEARLY SMILES.

VERN: I don't follow...

JACK: You convincing me that we have to push the ethical envelope to get a good story. Usually, it's me convincing you.

VERN: You've got a point there. But this time, well, it's all a bit closer to home.

JACK: But that doesn't mean I have to stop thinking like a newspaper man. I'll go speak to Kayla right away. Call me on the cellular if the verdict comes in.

VERN: Will do, boss!

HOLD ON JACK, LEAVING HIS OFFICE.

CUT TO: SALEM INN. VIVIAN AND JOHN ARE SEATED ON THE COUCH. IVAN SITS ON AN ADJOINING CHAIR. IN PROGRESS.

VIVIAN: I agree. We need to look at all the options, then decide what's best for Nikki.

IVAN: Yes, Master Nicholas should be our priority.

JOHN: Agreed. So... how do you see your options?

VIVIAN: We could return to Europe. We might be able to hide from Lawrence while he's in prison.

JOHN: But remember the last time he was in jail? He pulled a lot of strings from behind bars...

VIVIAN SIGHS.

VIVIAN: Ivan, that's a lovely gesture, but no way for a boy Nikki's age to grow up.

IVAN: Yes, Madame, you are right... (WRY SMILE) as usual.

JOHN: If not hiding, then what?

VIVIAN LOOKS AT JOHN AND IVAN, THEN SEEMS TO REACH A DECISION.

JOHN: You mean deal with Lawrence? Well... I doubt he'd expect that... It might work...

VIVIAN: It has to. (BEAT) In his own way, Lawrence loves his son. I simply have to persuade him that it's in Nikki's best interest for us to live in peace.

JOHN: Simply? I'd say you've got your hands full, Vivian.

IVAN: Perhaps. But if anyone can convince Mr. Alamain, Madame Alamain can.

VIVIAN: I hope so. I pray so. Nikki has had enough... challenges in his young life.

IVAN: And he has dealt with them most eloquently.

JOHN: Yeah. He's come through like a champ.

VIVIAN: Now, if only his father will let him win.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET AND SHANE ARE FACING OFF. IN PROGRESS.

JANET: Oh, no?

JANET STANDS UP.

SHANE: What was a lie?

JANET: What do you think? The I.S.A. let an innocent woman be convicted of murder and the real killer roam free. And they let the Salem P. D. and the D.A.'s office spin their wheels for four years. And for what?

SHANE: I...

JANET: (INTERRUPTING) For nothing. This trial could have been held as soon as Nick Corelli gave his testimony to the I.S.A. But no... The I.S.A. had its own agenda, and to hell with the people that might be affected.

JANET SITS BACK DOWN AND DEFIANTLY FOLDS HER ARMS.

SHANE: Crystal. (BEAT) May I speak now?

JANET: I suppose.

SHANE: Thank you. (BEAT) Now, I do remember telling you that I had no idea that Nick Corelli was still alive. That is the truth.

JANET: I'd like to believe you. It's just a little difficult right now.

SHANE: Do you really think that I would deliberately keep that kind of information to myself, knowing how it would affect Kayla, Jack, Jo... my daughter? (BEAT) My God, Eve has been hurt by this as much, or more, than anyone else in Salem!

SHANE STRAIGHTENS UP IN HIS CHAIR.

OUT ON JANET'S CONTEMPLATION.

ACT III

JANET'S OFFICE. JANET LOOKS SHANE UP AND DOWN.

SHANE: That's not the impression I had a few days ago.

JANET: A few days ago I didn't know you'd put the I.S.A. before friends and family.

SHANE RUNS HIS FINGERS THROUGH HIS HAIR IN FRUSTRATION.

JANET: (INTERRUPTING) Thank you for coming by, Captain Donovan. If you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.

SHANE: Janet...

JANET: (STANDING) I can get an officer to show you the way out if you're lost.

SHANE HOLDS UP HIS HANDS IN SURRENDER.

SHANE GOES TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT. JANET SITS BACK DOWN AT HER DESK AND FOLDS HER HANDS, WATCHING HIM. SHANE TURNS.

JANET, REVEALING NO EMOTION, STARES AT SHANE. SHANE LOOKS BACK FOR A MOMENT, THEN TURNS TO LEAVE, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. HOLD ON JANET STARING AT THE CLOSED DOOR.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. EVE IS LISTLESSLY SITTING AT A TABLE FOLDING NAPKINS INTO FAN SHAPES. JASMIN, WEARING HER USUAL TIE-DYE, COMES UP WITH A CLIPBOARD.

EVE: Sure.

EVE TAKES THE CLIPBOARD AND SIGNS WITHOUT LOOKING OVER THE ORDER. JASMIN LOOKS AT HER STRANGELY AS SHE TAKES THE CLIPBOARD BACK. EVE GOES BACK TO FOLDING NAPKINS.

JASMIN TWIRLS TO MAKE SURE EVE GETS THE FULL EFFECT OF THE TIE-DYED CHIFFON.

JASMIN SHAKES HER HEAD AND TURNS TO GO, BUMPING INTO IAN. IAN MOTIONS TO EVE AND JASMIN ROLLS HER EYES, MOUTHING THE WORDS "OUT OF IT." JASMIN LEAVES AND IAN PULLS UP A CHAIR NEXT TO EVE. HE STARTS FOLDING NAPKINS, TOO.

EVE: Not really.

IAN: You look like you could use the help. There's a lot of napkins here.

EVE: It's not going to work, Ian. Be off on your merry way.

IAN: Why not come into the sound booth later? It's quiet and private in there, if you want to talk...

EVE LOOKS UP FROM THE NAPKINS FOR THE FIRST TIME.

IAN: I just want you to know that we're friends. Friends talk to one another...

EVE: (EXASPERATED) Go to hell, Ian. I don't want to talk. All right? Now go away and leave me alone.

IAN: It's about Nick, isn't it?

EVE THROWS DOWN HER NAPKIN IN FRUSTRATION. HOLD ON IAN'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA IS SORTING DONATIONS OF BOOKS INTO THE SHELVES AT THE BACK OF THE CENTER WHEN JACK ENTERS.

JACK: Never say that at an airport, Kayla.

KAYLA LAUGHS AS JACK WALKS TO WHERE SHE'S WORKING AND PICKS UP A BOOK.

KAYLA: They were donated, Jack. I learned a long time ago, never say "no" to a donation.

JACK: Indeed. What next, soap opera magazines?

KAYLA: Be nice, Jack. I was about to take a break and treat myself to one of Alice's donuts from this morning and a cup of coffee, and if you behave, I'll share.

JACK: That would be... nice. Might we "break" in your office?

KAYLA: (CURIOUS) I don't see why not...

KAYLA WALKS BACK TO HER OFFICE, JACK FOLLOWING. SHE GETS OUT THE DONUT BOX AND HANDS IT TO JACK. AFTER KAYLA POURS TWO CUPS OF COFFEE, THEY SIT, EACH TAKING A DONUT.

JACK: Ahhh... well... I thought I'd visit. How is my lovely niece doing?

KAYLA: Stephanie is doing great... really enjoying her occasional days at your Daycare Center, and her swimming lessons at Salem Rec.

JACK: I've been by the Center, but I haven't seen Stephanie...

KAYLA: She's only there occasionally, so you probably missed her. She mostly goes to "help" Grandma Jo.

JACK IS SILENT, TOYING WITH HIS DONUT. KAYLA LOOKS AT HIM, SOMEWHAT CONCERNED.

KAYLA: Could be. I kind of hope not. As mild as the summer has been, a heat wave would be pretty jarring.

JACK: (ABSENTLY) Indeed.

KAYLA: So... how are Jennifer and Abby?

JACK: Oh... Jennifer's fine, and so is the child. She's been talking so much lately, Jennifer is threatening to buy her "Hooked On Phonics" so she can read and write, as well.

KAYLA: They do grow up fast, don't they? It seems like such a short time ago, Stephanie was a baby...

ANOTHER PAUSE, AND THEN JACK LOOKS SERIOUSLY AT KAYLA.

KAYLA: (A BIT SURPRISED) It's very... sweet of you to be concerned, Jack. It certainly hasn't been easy, these past few days. I feel constantly torn between anger and sadness.

JACK: I can well imagine.

KAYLA: I mean, Steve is gone, and I hate Lawrence for what he did to him, to us. But hating Lawrence won't bring back Steve, and now, to find out about Nick...

JACK: I understand... I feel the same way...

OUT ON JACK.

ACT IV

EUTERPE. EVE GIVES IAN AN ICY STARE. IN PROGRESS.

EVE: What kind of stupid question was that? Of course Nick is what's bothering me. What else could it be?

IAN: I'm not sure, but I still don't understand what the problem is.

EVE: What don't you get?

IAN: After the way you went on about Nick, I figured you'd be thrilled to have him bopping around, alive, well, and here in Salem.

EVE: (MAKES A FACE) Bopping?

IAN: Yeah, well, it's obvious that you're nothing close to happy about that.

EVE: Brilliant deduction, Sherlock.

IAN: It makes no sense.

EVE: (SIGHS) Okay, let me put it to you this way: how would you feel if the one person in the world you trusted, ended up lying to you... just like everybody else?

HOLD ON EVE.

CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. JACK AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.

KAYLA: You mean about Lawrence?

JACK: Yes, and about other things as well.

KAYLA: I know what you mean. We've certainly come a long way, haven't we?

JACK: It's still surprising to me that we're able to be here like this, and conduct a civilized conversation with each other.

KAYLA: I feel the same way. But, I'm glad that we've been able to deal with our past.

JACK: Yes, it's a good thing that we're in such accord, because... (HESITATES) ... because I have something I'd like to ask of you.

KAYLA: What is it?

JACK: Kayla, I'm not here only as a friend and Steve's brother... but also as the owner and publisher of the Spectator...

KAYLA: Yes?

JACK: What I'd like to ask you is this: would you give your exclusive story to the Spectator?

HOLD ON KAYLA'S INTEREST.

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

JOHN: I can handle that one.

VIVIAN: No, I don't think that would be a good idea. Lawrence has made it painfully obvious that nothing you say matters to him.

JOHN: Yeah, you're probably right. I can't guarantee that I'd stay calm enough to have a civil discussion with him right now.

IVAN: Madame used to be able to reason with Mr. Alamain.

VIVIAN: Yes, and I may still be able to use my powers of persuasion. If anyone talks to Lawrence, I think it has to be me.

JOHN: Are you sure you're up to it?

VIVIAN: I don't think that matters. It must be done.

THE PHONE RINGS AND IVAN GETS UP TO ANSWER. ONE-WAY.

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

IVAN: The jury has reached a verdict...

OUT ON VIVIAN'S ANTICIPATION.

ACT V

COMMUNITY CENTER. JACK AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.

JACK: (UNCOMFORTABLE) Yes... We have all the facts and figures from the murder trial, but I was hoping you could give us the personal side. I want to give everyone the story about Steve Johnson, the man. (BEAT) I don't want him to be Steve Johnson... murder victim.

KAYLA: (HEAVY SIGH) I see.

JACK: Look, just forget it...

KAYLA: (SOFTLY) I'll do it.

JACK: (NOT HEARING KAYLA) I'm sure I couldn't have picked a worse time to ask...

KAYLA: Jack, I'll do it.

JACK: (STILL RAMBLING) I know this whole trial has reopened some painful wounds, and... (BEAT, AS REALIZATION DAWNS) You'll do it?

KAYLA: Absolutely. I'd be honored.

JACK: Not as honored as I am. To be honest, I didn't think you would go for the idea.

KAYLA: And I probably wouldn't have, if I was only thinking of myself.

JACK: Kayla Johnson think only of herself? That would be a first.

KAYLA: (EMBARRASSED) Stop, I'm serious.

JACK: So am I.

KAYLA: I have to think of Steve's memory... and Stephanie, too. (BEAT) You're right, Steve isn't just another murder victim, another statistic. He was a wonderful man, a loving husband, and a caring father. I'll do whatever I can to help you tell people about that side of him.

JACK: Thank you.

KAYLA: People should know about his life, so they can understand how horrible is was that it was cut short.

JACK: And so they can understand what a vicious monster Lawrence Alamain is for killing him.

KAYLA: If this story hurts Lawrence, so much the better.

JACK: Amen to that. (BEAT) Steve's life will be the focus of this story, of course, but doing damage to Lawrence... Let's just say it's moved to the top of my list of hobbies.

KAYLA: I'll be happy to help... with both of those goals. (BEAT) I think Steve would be proud to see us working together for such a noble cause.

JACK: I'm sure he would, once he got over the shock of seeing me working for any noble cause whatsoever...

KAYLA: Come on, Jack. In spite of everything that happened in the past, Steve knew that you had a good heart. He never gave up on you.

JACK: (SOFTLY) No, he didn't...

JACK IS INTERRUPTED BY THE RINGING OF HIS CELLULAR PHONE.

JACK FLIPS THE PHONE OPEN AND PUTS IT TO HIS EAR. TWO-WAY.

DIANE: Jack, it's Diane.

JACK: Diane, what's going on?

DIANE: I got word that the jury has reached a verdict. Court is going to reconvene within the hour.

JACK: I'm on my way. Save me a seat, will you? I don't want to miss this.

DIANE: Will do, boss. See you soon.

JACK CLOSES THE PHONE AND PUTS IT BACK IN HIS POCKET.

JACK: The jury has reached a verdict. Court is reconvening within the hour. I'm sorry to cut our conversation short, but...

KAYLA: That's okay, we can talk on the way.

JACK: On the way...?

KAYLA: To the Court House. I hope Diane is saving two seats, because I'm going with you.

HOLD ON KAYLA'S DETERMINATION.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. EVE AND IAN. IN PROGRESS.

IAN: I don't know, Eve. But, in your case, I would talk to Nick. I would find out why he lied to you.

EVE: Why? He'll just lie again.

IAN: Eve, Nick came back to you. He loves you.

EVE: Loves me? (DRY LAUGH) Nick Corelli doesn't love me. You don't leave someone for four years if you love her. If Nick cared, he would have found a way to contact me.

IAN: I see. (BEAT) What was your phone number in that hut in Africa?

EVE: He could have found a way...

IAN: How? What did you want him to do?

EVE: I wanted him to send a fax, a telex, a telegram, smoke signals, tin cups and a string... I don't care how... But, if Nick had loved me, he would have found a way.

IAN: What was he supposed to say? "Hi, Eve, don't tell anyone, but I'm not dead yet."

EVE: He could have asked me to go with him. But he didn't...

IAN: Maybe he had a reason.

EVE: Why are you defending him? I thought you were my friend.

IAN: I am your friend, Eve. I want you to be happy. (BEAT) I think Nick could make you happy.

EVE: I don't think so, or, he wouldn't have ignored me for four years.

IAN SIGHS AND WALKS OVER TO GET A CHAIR.

EVE: What?

IAN: Stand on the chair.

EVE: Why?

IAN: For once, Eve, just do it.

EVE: Fine.

EVE STANDS ON THE CHAIR.

EVE: Shorter.

EVE GETS OFF THE CHAIR WITH IAN'S HELP.

IAN: My point is: a new perspective can change your outlook. (BEAT) Maybe thinking about this from Nick's point of view will make things look different.

HOLD ON EVE ROLLING HER EYES.

CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE. PEACHIE IS WALKING DOWN THE HALL WHEN SHANE STRIDES UP BEHIND HER.

PEACHIE: Oh, hello laddie!

SHANE: I assume you're here for the verdict?

PEACHIE: Of course. I want to see, first hand, how this whole thing finally plays out.

SHANE: I know. That's exactly why I'm here.

PEACHIE: How are you doing, laddie? You seem a bit tense...

SHANE: I'm more than tense. I'm angry.

PEACHIE: Angry? At whom?

SHANE: Well... You, for one.

PEACHIE: Me?

SHANE: You, Tarrington, the whole bloody I.S.A.!

PEACHIE: Oh? And what is it we've done?

SHANE: It's the handling of this case against Alamain. I don't understand why you let things go so far. (BEAT) An innocent woman was convicted of murder. Nick Corelli was assumed dead and the real killer was allowed to walk the streets, wreaking even more havoc on the people of Salem! Tell me, Peachie, what's wrong with this picture?

PEACHIE: I'll admit, it's not pretty, but there was a purpose for the I.S.A.'s silence. The case against Alamain was put on hold so we could use him.

SHANE: I'm sorry, but that's a pill I can't swallow. Not only was Alamain allowed to do more damage to people that I love, but his freedom solved nothing. Tarrington and the other bloody I.S.A. bureaucrats screwed up, plain and simple. And the people of Salem are the ones paying for it!

PEACHIE: I understand your anger, Shane, but you know how it is. Sometimes, we have to take calculated risks.

SHANE: I hardly consider myself part of that collective "we." I was deceived, just like everyone else. (BEAT) Maybe it's time I removed myself from the situation... completely.

PEACHIE: What are you talking about?

SHANE: Perhaps it's time for me to give up my life as a spy. Too many people are getting hurt, and I just don't have the stomach for it anymore...

PEACHIE: Surely, you're not serious...

PEACHIE STOPS AS SHE SEES VICTOR APPROACH.

PEACHIE: (NODDING) Mr. Kiriakis.

VICTOR: (ABSENTLY) Oh... Hello, Shane.

SHANE: Victor.

VICTOR: (TO PEACHIE) I didn't want to interrupt... I'd best get inside and find a seat.

PEACHIE: Certainly.

VICTOR WALKS INTO THE COURTROOM.

PEACHIE: I doubt it's anything that nefarious.

SHANE: You don't know Victor Kiriakis like I do.

PEACHIE: I know him better than you might think. (BEAT) I was the one who called him and told him the jury was in. I knew he wanted to be here when the verdict was read.

SHANE: You called him? Why would you... (BEAT, AS REALIZATION DAWNS) Wait. Wait just a minute... The "private party" that was holding the evidence of Lawrence's involvement with the virus... It was Victor, wasn't it?

OUT ON SHANE'S SUSPICION.

ACT VI

SALEM COURTHOUSE / HALLWAY. SHANE AND PEACHIE. IN PROGRESS.

SHANE: So I am right. (BEAT) Damn it all, Peachie, can't you see what I'm getting at? If Victor had the evidence that means he's probably as guilty as Lawrence. They might have been working together!

PEACHIE: This is a perfect example of the greater good. Victor's only a little goldfish, so we let him go in order to catch... a piranha.

SHANE: And what were you trying to catch with Lawrence as bait? Moby Dick?

PEACHIE: (CHIDING) Laddie. (BEAT) We didn't bring Nick Corelli's testimony to light until now for a reason. To quote a... philosopher... The good of the many outweighs the good of the few.

SHANE: Give out the company rhetoric if you want, Peachie, but the whole thing stinks of rotten fish to me!

SHANE STALKS OFF INTO THE COURTROOM. HOLD ON PEACHIE LOOKING AFTER HIM.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JENNIFER OPENS THE DOOR. SHE SEES VERN SETTING SOME FILES ON JACK'S DESK. VERN LOOKS UP AND SMILES.

VERN: Jack's on his way to the courthouse.

JENNIFER: Has the jury reached a verdict?

VERN: Yes. Diane called. She said the courtroom is packed.

JENNIFER: That's no surprise. There are a lot of people who want to see Lawrence Alamain finally get his due.

JACK: And you?

JENNIFER: Me? I think I just want it be over. Once and for all... and finally over...

JENNIFER CLOSES HER EYES FOR A BEAT, IN PAINFUL MEMORY.

JENNIFER: Yeah... (DEEP BREATH) And I think maybe I should go to the Court House... Jack might need me.

VERN: He'll always need you, Jenny-girl.

JENNIFER: Ah... Vern...

VERN: But don't tell him I said that.

JENNIFER: (HOLDING UP HER HAND) Promise.

VERN: But court is set to resume any minute. I think the best thing you can do is, be here for Jack when he comes back.

JENNIFER CROSSES THE ROOM TO VERN AND HUGS HIM.

HOLD ON VERN, BLUSHING.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. IAN AND EVE. IN PROGRESS.

EVE SIGHS AND CROSSES HER ARMS DEFIANTLY.

EVE: Oh, yeah? Well, who the hell is he to decide what's best for me?

IAN: The man you love... and the man who loves you.

EVE: Bull. If he really loved me, he would have confided in me. He would have given me the chance to go with him.

IAN: Didn't you say that, back then, you knew Nick better than anyone?

EVE: I did... at least, I thought I did.

IAN: And that he knew you better than anyone?

EVE GLARES AT IAN AND POUTS.

EVE: Take it any way you want. It doesn't mean anything.

IAN: I think it does. I think it means a lot. If anyone could have made a guess as to what was best for you at that time, it was Nick.

EVE: Yeah, well... He guessed wrong.

UNSEEN BY IAN OR EVE, NICK ENTERS.

EVE: Really? I thought you knew everything.

IAN: Hardly. (BEAT) I do think you should give Nick a break. Think about it: He'd been working undercover for weeks. He'd just been shot! And he was about to testify against Lawrence Alamain.

EVE: You're sure up to speed, for someone who hasn't been in town long.

IAN: What can I say? I read the Spectator.

EVE: (SOTTO VOCE) Oh, puh-leeze. (BEAT) So, what's your point?

IAN: My point is that Nick was obviously in a lot of danger, and things were only going to get more dangerous once he testified. He had to make a snap decision about whether or not to tell you. (BEAT) He probably decided that it would be better for you if he didn't put you in danger, too.

NICK WALKS UP TO IAN AND EVE.

EVE: Nick!

NICK: Things were getting too dangerous. I was trying to protect you.

IAN LOOKS AT NICK, THEN LOOKS AT EVE.

NICK: Nah... I'm no hero.

EVE: I'll say.

IAN: Eve...

EVE: Here's a news flash for you... both of you! I don't need you, or anyone else, to protect me! I can take care of myself! I always have, and I now I know I'll always have to!

NICK: Evie...

EVE QUICKLY STANDS UP AND STORMS OUT OF THE ROOM. NICK, CLEARLY HURT, WATCHES HER GO.

NICK: I dunno. I really screwed things up this time. (SIGHS HEAVILY)

IAN: You look like you could use a drink.

NICK: Yeah... Yeah, I could.

IAN: (SMILING AND MOTIONING TO THE BAR) Well, step up to the bar, Nick Corelli. This drink's on me.

NICK SMILES WEAKLY. OUT ON NICK.

ACT VII

SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE. JACK AND KAYLA ARE ALMOST TO THE DOOR OF THE COURTROOM. KAYLA IS HOLDING ON TO JACK'S ARM, SO THAT THEY DON'T GET SEPARATED IN THE SEA OF PEOPLE CROWDING THE HALLWAY. JACK FINALLY GETS NEAR THE DOOR.

JACK SPOTS JOHN OPENING THE COURTROOM DOOR, AND HE AND KAYLA MAKE A MAD DASH FOR THE ENTRANCE.

JACK AND KAYLA DART INSIDE, AND JOHN CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND THEM. JACK IMMEDIATELY STARTS EVALUATING WHO IS IN THE COURTROOM.

JOHN: It wasn't that bad when I got here a few minutes ago. (BEAT) I was going to go make a phone call, but after seeing the nightmare out there, I think I'll wait.

JACK: (STILL LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM) If it's an emergency, I have my cellular...

JOHN: That's okay, Jack... it can wait.

JACK FINALLY CATCHES DIANE'S ATTENTION. SHE STANDS UP, SO THAT SHE CAN BE MORE EASILY SEEN.

JOHN NODS, AND HEADS BACK TO HIS SEAT. JACK AND KAYLA WALK UP TO WHERE DIANE IS SITTING. JACK SITS TO DIANE'S LEFT, AND KAYLA SITS BESIDE HIM.

DIANE: We met on the first day of the trial, Jack.

KAYLA: Your articles on the trial have been very informative, Diane.

DIANE: Thanks. (BEAT) It keeps the boss happy.

KAYLA LOOKS AT JACK AND SMILES.

DIANE: If it's not, then we must be headed to a mistrial. (BEAT) My sources say the jury is going home today.

GO TO: TWO ROWS AHEAD OF JACK, JANET AND MORGAN ARE SEATED.

JANET: I'll be better when this is over.

MORGAN: But you'll have that first blockbuster case under your belt as a member of the Salem P.D.; all of the hard work we've put into this case is about to pay off...

JANET: (LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM) Yeah, I guess so...

JANET'S GAZE STOPS WHEN SHE SEES SHANE, SITTING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROOM.

SHANE SUDDENLY LOOKS UP, AND SEES JANET STARING AT HIM. HE SMILES AT HER, BUT SHE LOOKS AWAY. SHANE DEJECTEDLY LOOKS AROUND, AND SEES PEACHIE SITTING JUST BEHIND KAYLA, WHO IS STILL IN AN ANIMATED CONVERSATION WITH JACK AND DIANE. SHANE CONTINUES TO LOOK AROUND THE ROOM, AND SEES JOHN AND VICTOR SITTING TOGETHER, WITH VIVIAN AND IVAN DIRECTLY BEHIND THEM.

VICTOR: Lawrence has done many terrible things, Vivian. (BEAT) I'd like to see that he pays for them.

VICTOR TURNS TO JOHN.

JOHN: Thanks for the concern, Vic... but Brady and I will be fine, no matter what happens here today.

VICTOR NODS IN UNDERSTANDING, THEN TURNS BACK TO VIVIAN.

IVAN: He is with Mr. Brady and Master Shawn-Douglas this afternoon.

VIVIAN: Yes, it seems that Shawn-Douglas has some new video game for them to play.

VICTOR: And it keeps Nikki away from this little spectacle...

JOHN: Yeah, how about that?

JOHN LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM, AND NOTICES THE TWO ATTORNEYS. SPENCER IS SITTING AT THE PROSECUTION'S TABLE, AND LOOKS CONFIDENT AND RELAXED. CHILDRESS LOOKS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AS HE SITS AT THE DEFENSE TABLE. THE DOOR AT THE BACK OF THE COURTROOM OPENS.

LAWRENCE IS LED INTO THE COURTROOM BY THE BAILIFF, AND ESCORTED TO THE DEFENSE TABLE.

THE BAILIFF LEAVES, AND LAWRENCE SITS DOWN.

CHILDRESS: (EXASPERATED) Face it Lawrence... it doesn't look good, no matter how much you threaten me.

THE BACK DOOR OF THE COURTROOM OPENS AGAIN.

THE ASSEMBLED CROWD RISES.

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

THE CROWD SITS DOWN.

THERE ARE A FEW MURMURS FROM THE CROWD, BUT THEN SILENCE IS RESTORED.

THE BAILIFF LEAVES THE COURTROOM THROUGH THE BACK DOOR, AND RETURNS QUICKLY, LEADING THE 12 MEMBERS OF THE JURY.

THE FOREMAN OF THE JURY RISES.

THE FOREMAN HANDS A PIECE OF PAPER TO THE BAILIFF, WHO CARRIES IT TO THE JUDGE. THE JUDGE LOOKS AT IT, FOLDS THE PIECE OF PAPER IN HALF, AND HANDS IT TO THE BAILIFF. THE BAILIFF RETURNS IT TO THE FOREMAN.

THE FOREMAN DIRECTS HIS GAZE AT SPENCER, AND DOES NOT SEE LAWRENCE STARING AT HIM.

GO TO: KAYLA, AS SHE TAKES JACK'S HAND.

GO TO: THE JURY BOX.

LAWRENCE: (ENRAGED) What! (BEAT) This is your fault, Childress!

GO TO: JACK AND KAYLA. JACK LOOKS SKYWARD.

KAYLA SQUEEZES JACK'S HAND AND SMILES.

GO TO: THE BENCH. PARSONS IS BANGING HIS GAVEL LOUDLY.

THE MELEE CONTINUES. JOHN AND VIVIAN EXCHANGE A HUG OF SUPPORT. PEACHIE IS TAKING NOTES ON WHAT IS HAPPENING, AND SMILES A HUGE GRIN OF SATISFACTION. SPENCER IS SITTING BACK IN HIS CHAIR, GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR. MORGAN GIVES JANET THE THUMBS UP SIGN, THEN HER GAZE REVERTS TO SHANE, WHO IS STARING AT LAWRENCE. LAWRENCE IS RANTING AND RAVING, AND CHILDRESS IS TRYING TO CALM HIM DOWN. THE BAILIFF IS APPROACHING THE DEFENSE TABLE, IN CASE LAWRENCE NEEDS TO BE RESTRAINED. HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S RAGE. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.

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