ALT.DAYS

Episode #69

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: September 13, 1994
Time: Immediately Following #68,
Afternoon to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

JACK'S OFFICE. JENNIFER SITS IN JACK'S CHAIR. VERN SITS ACROSS FROM HER. IN PROGRESS.

JENNIFER: It seems obvious, especially after Nick Corelli's testimony, but...

VERN: But we know Lawrence Alamain. Who knows what he might have done to ensure a "not guilty" verdict.

JENNIFER: Exactly. (LOOKING AT THE CLOCK) I wonder why Jack hasn't called yet?

VERN: Jack will call as soon as there's a verdict.

JENNIFER: Maybe we should call him.

VERN: Jenny girl, if we call Jack and his cellular phone goes off in court, Judge Parsons just might toss him in jail for contempt.

JENNIFER: I suppose you're right.

VERN: Besides, Diane is the reporter on this case. She'll call when there's something to tell us.

JENNIFER: What if she can't call? Maybe the batteries in her phone are dead.

VERN: There are phones in the lobby.

JENNIFER: What if they're all being used?

VERN: Then, she'll find a phone outside.

JENNIFER: What if those aren't working?

VERN: And what if the jury hasn't yet come back with a verdict and there's nothing to report?

JENNIFER: And what if... what if I calm down?

VERN: Sounds like a plan.

JENNIFER: I just hope the verdict is "guilty." Lawrence has been terrorizing the people of this town for too long. I want this to be the end of it.

HOLD ON JENNIFER.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / EXT. SHAWN-DOUGLAS AND NICHOLAS ARE SITTING BY THE RAILING. BOTH ARE HOLDING FISHING RODS.

SHAWN-D: Don't worry about it. Sometimes, they don't bite. That's the way it goes.

NICHOLAS: What do you do then?

SHAWN-D: (GRINNING) Then, we have hamburgers and french fries for dinner, instead!

BOTH BOYS LAUGH. BO COMES UP FROM BELOW DECK.

SHAWN-D: Ruckus?

BO: Yeah, ruckus! You guys are laughing up a storm. What's so funny?

SHAWN-D: Oh, nothing... We were talking about dinner. Huh, Nikki?

NICHOLAS: Yeah.

BO: Speaking of dinner, have you guys caught ours yet?

NICHOLAS: That's what we were talking about. The fish aren't biting today.

BO: They're not?

SHAWN-D: Nope. Not even a nibble.

BO: (PUTTING HIS HANDS ON HIS HIPS WITH MOCK STERNNESS) Well, you two, you know what that means?

NICHOLAS: Hamburgers and french fries for dinner?

BO LOOKS AT NICHOLAS WITH SURPRISE. UNABLE TO CONTAIN HIMSELF, SHAWN-DOUGLAS BURSTS INTO LAUGHTER. BO GRINS. NICHOLAS BEGINS TO LAUGH.

THE BOYS' LAUGHTER DIES DOWN. NICHOLAS TURNS TO BO.

BO: You betcha. We're always happy to have you come visit. Right, sailor?

SHAWN-D: Right!

BO: Your Uncle John is like my brother, so as far as we're concerned, you're family.

NICHOLAS: Really?

BO: Really. And we Bradys always look after our own.

NICHOLAS: Your family is close, huh?

BO: Yeah, we are.

SHAWN-D: Hey, Nikki! That means you're like my cousin, or something!

NICHOLAS: Yeah, I guess so. (TO BO) 'You think so?

BO: Absolutely.

NICHOLAS: That's cool. (BEAT) For a long time, it was just me and Aunt Viv. Now, I have a big, new family. That's good, since my... since Lawrence...

NICHOLAS FALLS SILENT AND LOOKS OUT AT THE WATER.

NICHOLAS: Nothing.

BO: 'You sure?

NICHOLAS: I don't want to talk about it.

BO: I know it's tough for you right now... (BEAT) You're worried about the verdict, aren't you?

NICHOLAS SIGHS HEAVILY. HOLD ON NICHOLAS' MELANCHOLY.

CUT TO: COURTROOM. THE COURTROOM IS A MASS OF CONFUSION AND CHAOS. ALL THE SPECTATORS ARE TALKING ANIMATEDLY. SPENCER IS DOING A VICTORY DANCE IN HIS CHAIR. LAWRENCE IS IN A RAGE, KICKING THE DEFENSE TABLE. CHILDRESS IS TRYING TO RESTRAIN HIM. PARSONS IS POUNDING HIS GAVEL.

WE SEE JOHN, WHO'S OBVIOUSLY TORN BETWEEN ANGUISH AND RELIEF. HE REACHES OVER TO PUT HIS ARM AROUND VIVIAN, WHO IS CRYING. IVAN HANDS HER HIS HANDKERCHIEF.

CHILDRESS: (THROUGH CLENCHED TEETH, TO LAWRENCE) Sit down and shut up! This kind of behavior is going to hurt your appeal.

WE SEE KAYLA AND JACK. KAYLA CRIES OUT AND HOLDS HER HANDS AGAINST HER CHEST, ROCKING. JACK RAISES A CLENCHED FIST AND LOOKS HEAVENWARD. NEARBY, DIANE IS WRITING FURIOUSLY ON A PAD.

PARSONS: I will have order! Counsellor, restrain your client!

WE SEE SPENCER, WHO TURNS TO LOOK AT SHANE, PEACHIE, MORGAN AND JANET. THEY ALL GRIN AND NOD IN SATISFACTION. SHANE CATCHES JANET'S EYE AND GIVES HER THE "THUMBS UP SIGN" BUT SHE LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE AND TURNS AWAY. CHILDRESS CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE WITH LAWRENCE.

LAWRENCE: (PUSHING CHILDRESS) Get off me, you worthless excuse for a lawyer!

PARSONS: Bailiff! Please help the defendant to his seat. (BANGING THE GAVEL) Order! The rest of you come to order!

OUT ON THE CHAOS.

ACT I

BO'S BOAT / EXT. BO, NICHOLAS, AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS. IN PROGRESS.

BO: About Lawrence?

NICHOLAS: Yeah. I know he's a bad person, but he's still my father. Shouldn't I love him no matter what?

BO: What do you think, Nikki?

NICHOLAS: I don't know. I keep remembering the time when he locked up Aunt Viv and Ivan in the attic.

SHAWN-D: Really? How scary!

NICHOLAS: Yeah, it was. I mean... he scares me... Is that wrong?

BO: Of course not. You're just being honest. Nothing's wrong with that.

NICHOLAS: And some of the things that he's done confuse me.

BO: How so?

NICHOLAS: I don't know why he was so mean to Aunt Viv. He keeps saying how important family is. And why would he want to hurt Ivan? Ivan's never done anything bad to him.

BO: I don't know, Nikki. It's hard to figure out some people.

NICHOLAS: I keep thinking that if he could hurt them, couldn't he hurt me, too?

NICHOLAS BEGINS TO SHAKE A LITTLE. BO PUTS A COMFORTING ARM AROUND HIM.

NICHOLAS: I hope so. (SIGHS) I dunno... since he's done so many bad things, maybe my father should go to jail.

HOLD ON NICHOLAS' GRIM EXPRESSION.

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

JENNIFER'S VOICE BREAKS. VERN GIVES JENNIFER A GENTLE PAT OF REASSURANCE ON HER SHOULDER.

VERN: He hurt his own family, too. (BEAT) Remember all the things that he's done to Vivian, Ivan, and Nikki.

JENNIFER: Nikki... I wish there was something I could do for him. (BEAT) Even after everything we've learned about Carly... she was important to me, and he's the innocent victim in all of this.

VERN: I think he'll be all right. (BEAT) John's looking out for him.

JENNIFER: You're right. John will do everything he can to help Nikki through this. (BEAT) But it's so unfair! Lawrence has left a path of destruction in his wake... (BEAT) He even caused his own father's death...

VERN: Don't worry, Jenny girl... I have faith that justice will be served this time, and that Lawrence will be put away for a long time...

JENNIFER: I hope you're right, Vern... that would be the best outcome for everyone. But... Lawrence seems to have the ability to get himself out of having to pay for his crimes. (BEAT) And even if he does have to pay, he never acknowledges that he's done something wrong.

VERN: This time will be different. (BEAT) Lawrence will have plenty of time to think about what he has done, and plenty of time to accept blame.

HOLD ON VERN'S ASSURANCE.

CUT TO: COURTROOM. EXCEPT FOR THE OCCASIONAL HUSHED WHISPER, SILENCE IS FINALLY RESTORED. JUDGE PARSONS FOLDS HIS HANDS AND BEGINS TO SPEAK.

LAWRENCE SHIFTS UNCOMFORTABLY IN HIS SEAT, AS HE CONTINUES TO SCOWL AT CHILDRESS.

THE MEMBERS OF THE JURY STAND UP AND FILE OUT OF THE COURTROOM.

WE SEE VIVIAN, OBVIOUSLY CONCERNED.

WE SEE JACK AND KAYLA LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND BOTH TAKE A DEEP SIGH.

PARSONS BANGS HIS GAVEL. WE SEE LAWRENCE, SEETHING. OUT ON HIS ANGER.

ACT II

BO'S BOAT / EXT. NICHOLAS, BO, AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS. IN PROGRESS.

BO: It's okay, Nikki. I understand what you're going through.

NICHOLAS: You do?

BO: Uh-huh. It's confusing when you love someone, and then you find out they did bad things, and hurt people.

NICHOLAS: It sure is. (BEAT) How do you know?

BO: Well, I was in love with a woman. I thought that she was the greatest thing on earth...

NICHOLAS: Was it Shawn-D's mom?

BO: No, no... It wasn't Shawn-D's mom. Hope was a wonderful person...

SHAWN-D: My mom was the best.

BO: (TOUSLING SHAWN-DOUGLAS' HAIR) You bet she was. (BEAT) No, this woman... She was someone I knew... before I married Hope. It was a long time ago. (BEAT) She was very kind, and loving, and generous, and wonderful. But, she was only that way to me. To other people, she was mean, and cruel, and selfish.

NICHOLAS: What did you do?

BO: Well, nothing, at first. For a long time, I had no idea how badly she was treating other people.

NICHOLAS: What did you do when you found out?

BO: I didn't get a chance to do anything. She was taken away.

SHAWN-D: You mean, the police caught her?

BO: (HESITANTLY) No, not exactly...

NICHOLAS: What happened to her?

BO: She... she died.

NICHOLAS: Oh.

BO: But, see, here's my point... Even though she's gone, and I know she did bad things, there's still a part of me that loves her.

NICHOLAS: But, how? How can you love someone like that?

BO: Well, when I think about her, I try to remember the good times we had. And I try to forgive her for the bad things she did.

NICHOLAS: I don't know if I can ever forgive Lawrence...

BO: Maybe not. (BEAT) But maybe you will, in time. I think it's possible to know about a person's evil side, and still love them.

NICHOLAS: Really?

BO: Really.

NICHOLAS: I'm not so sure...

BO: Sometimes, it's not something you decide to do. It just happens. Sometimes, no matter what you know up here, (POINTING TO HIS TEMPLE) you still have different feelings here. (POINTING TO HIS HEART) (BEAT) There are times when your head just can't tell your heart what to do.

BO PATS NICHOLAS ON THE SHOULDER AND TRIES TO SMILE REASSURINGLY. HOLD ON BO.

CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE / HALLWAY. JACK AND KAYLA ARE STANDING AGAINST A WALL, A FEW FEET FROM THE COURTROOM DOORS.

JACK: I think she'll be relieved. The trial has been hard on her. I've tried to be there for her, but...

KAYLA: But nothing, Jack. I'm sure that Jennifer appreciates your support in getting her through this.

JACK: Yes, well... I have no reason to believe that she wouldn't get through this ordeal. It's the genetic destiny of all Hortons to be strong-willed, and able to survive any crisis. (BEAT) And how about you?

KAYLA: It's been hard, but I've got a lot of people who have helped me. (BEAT) Marcus has been a major source of strength and inspiration.

JACK: (GRINNING) Marcus, huh? Seems that you and my best man are getting serious...

KAYLA SMILES SHYLY.

KAYLA: She's been remarkably calm since Nick returned.

JACK: Too calm. (BEAT) I can't tell if she really comprehends what has happened in the past few weeks.

KAYLA: I think she knows, Jack. She's just dealing with it in her own way. (BEAT) She has me, you, Jennifer, Adrienne and Justin to help her.

JACK: I feel like I'm not doing enough for her.

KAYLA: I think being there for her is enough. (BEAT) Is she still seeing Dr. Ector?

JACK: Yes. I think she's seen him twice since she found out about Nick. (BEAT) The man is going to get one hell of a paper out of her case.

KAYLA: Jo will get through this, Jack. She's a lot stronger than you think.

JACK: And Lawrence's "guilty" verdict will help the healing process. She'll be able to live with the knowledge that Steve's death was vindicated by the courts. (BEAT) And I know that it's the happiest day I've had in awhile.

KAYLA: Me, too... Knowing that Lawrence won't be able to hurt the people I love anymore, makes me feel a whole lot better...

AS KAYLA FINISHES HER SENTENCE, SHANE WALKS UP.

JACK: Shane.

KAYLA: (TERSE) I want answers, Shane Donovan. (BEAT) Did you know about Nick... about Lawrence... all along?

HOLD ON KAYLA.

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

VERN: What are you talking about?

JENNIFER: The last time he was in jail, Lawrence managed to cause a lot of problems.

VERN: Remember, this time it's a state offense. Most likely, he'll get put in the state penitentiary rather than the local jail.

JENNIFER: I don't know if that's enough to stop him. Lawrence is a master manipulator. (SIGHS) There's only one way to get him out of our lives.

VERN: You don't mean...?

JENNIFER NODS.

JENNIFER: I'm not just suggesting it, Vern. I think it's the only way that he'll leave us alone, and truly be out of our lives for good.

OUT ON JENNIFER'S NEED FOR RETRIBUTION.

ACT III

BO'S BOAT / EXT. NICHOLAS, BO AND SHAWN-D. IN PROGRESS.

BO: Why?

NICHOLAS: Because part of me loves Lawrence. I mean, he's my dad and we used to do lots of good stuff together. But now... after what I saw him do to Aunt Viv and Ivan... I kinda hate him, too.

BO: I know it's confusing, Nikki.

NICHOLAS: And, Bo....

BO: Yeah?

NICHOLAS: What if I'm just like him?

BO: You're nothing like him.

NICHOLAS: But how do you know? Don't most kids grow up to be like their dads?

BO LOOKS AT NICHOLAS, AS IF WEIGHING WHAT HE'S ABOUT TO SAY.

NICHOLAS: Mr. Brady's you're father. He owns the pub. Shawn-Douglas is named after him.

BO: So you'd say Shawn is my father?

NICHOLAS: Sure. I've seen all the cool things he does for you and Shawn-D.

BO: You're right, Nikki, Shawn did, and does, a lot for me. He raised me. He sat with me when I was sick. He took me fishin'. He taught me right from wrong. (BEAT) But he's not my biological father.

NICHOLAS: Then who is?

BO: My natural father is Victor Kiriakis.

NICHOLAS: You mean Cousin Brady's grandfather?

BO: One and the same.

NICHOLAS: That's just like me. Aunt Viv and Ivan raised me, but Lawrence is my dad.

BO: Exactly. (BEAT) And, you might not know it, but Victor has done some bad things...

NICHOLAS: Really?

BO: Really. (BEAT) But, I'm not like him, at least I don't think so.

NICHOLAS: Shawn-D says you're the best.

BO: He does, does he? (LOOKING AT SHAWN-D) Well thanks. (WINKS AT SHAWN-D) Then maybe that proves it.

NICHOLAS: What?

BO: I didn't want to be like Victor, I wanted to be my own person, so I could do what I think is right. And I have...

NICHOLAS: So, I don't have to be like Lawrence if I don't want to.

BO: It worked for me.

NICHOLAS HUGS BO.

HOLD ON BO AND NICHOLAS.

CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE / HALLWAY. SHANE, KAYLA, JACK. IN PROGRESS.

JACK: And the second question?

SHANE: The second question... did I know about Lawrence? (BEAT) Yes, I knew that he ordered Steve's death. (LOOKING AT KAYLA) We both knew, didn't we, Kayla?

KAYLA: (SADLY) Yes.

SHANE: We heard the tape of the conversation in which Lawrence ordered Nick to "take care of" Steve. If only that tape hadn't been destroyed...

KAYLA: We knew all along. But, without the proof, we couldn't do anything about it.

JACK: But now, luck has turned in our favor. Nick produced enough evidence to finally see Lawrence brought to justice. (BEAT) I think things worked out as well as they possibly could have. It's finally been proven that Lawrence, not Nick, was responsible for Steve's death.

KAYLA SIGHS AND LOOKS DOWN.

SHANE: Jack, I hope you understand that I had no idea that Nick was still alive. Had I known, I never would have let your mother go through that trial.

JACK: I know, Shane. Nick made it very clear that the I.S.A. kept the truth from just about everyone. It wasn't your fault.

SHANE: Thank you. (SOTTO VOCE) I wish everyone shared your sentiments.

KAYLA: What, Shane?

SHANE: Oh, nothing. (BEAT) I'm happy for Jo.

KAYLA: She does seem to be getting back to her "old self" again.

JACK SMILES IN AGREEMENT.

JACK: What's that?

SHANE: Lawrence Alamain has been convicted. After years of trying, we've finally caught him red-handed, and proven his guilt.

JACK: Amen to that.

KAYLA: And now, he'll pay for his crimes.

JACK: I wonder what kind of a sentence the judge will give him?

SHANE: I don't know.

KAYLA: Whatever it is, it won't be enough for everything he's done. (BEAT) I just hope he gets a life sentence, so he'll never be free to hurt anyone else again.

THEIR CONVERSATION IS INTERRUPTED WHEN DIANE STICKS HER HEAD OUT OF THE COURTROOM.

JACK: (TURNING TO DIANE) Yes?

DIANE: Judge Parsons is ready to pronounce sentence.

JACK: All right. Thank you, Diane. (TO KAYLA AND SHANE) Shall we?

KAYLA: Absolutely.

JACK: (STEPPING ASIDE) After you.

KAYLA AND SHANE WALK TOWARD THE COURTROOM DOOR. JACK PAUSES FOR A MOMENT. HOLD ON JACK'S GRIM EXPRESSION.

CUT TO: SALEM COUNTRY COURTROOM. LAWRENCE AND CHILDRESS ARE IN A HEATED CONVERSATION. THEY SPEAK IN HUSHED TONES, WITH THEIR HEADS DOWN.

CHILDRESS: Mr. Alamain, I did my best. As a matter-of-fact, I did better than any other lawyer you could have hired.

LAWRENCE: For your sake, you better hope that your best was good enough.

CHILDRESS: And, if it wasn't?

LAWRENCE: I will make sure that you have a hard time picking up a client list any more serious than fraudulent accident cases and two-bit hookers.

CHILDRESS: Mr. Alamain, if my best isn't good enough, you will be so far behind prison walls that you'll have a hard time picking up a bar of soap in the shower room.

LAWRENCE: There is not a prison guarded well enough to keep you safe from me.

LAWRENCE AND CHILDRESS ARE CUT OFF BY THE BAILIFF ANNOUNCING THE COURT IS IN SESSION.

EVERYONE STANDS. JUDGE PARSONS ENTERS AND TAKES HIS SEAT.

EVERYONE SITS.

LAWRENCE AND CHILDRESS STAND.

WE SEE KAYLA INTENTLY WATCHING PARSONS.

WE SEE JACK, FISTS CLENCHED IN WHAT MIGHT ALMOST BE A PRAYER.

WE SEE LAWRENCE BRACE HIMSELF.

THE COURTROOM ERUPTS. OUT ON LAWRENCE'S SHOCK.

ACT IV

COURTROOM. LAWRENCE IS STILL STANDING. THE CROWD IS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE; MOST OF IT SOUNDS LIKE SIGHS OF RELIEF.

LAWRENCE STARTS TO WALK TOWARD THE BENCH, BUT THE BAILIFF BLOCKS HIS PATH. JUDGE PARSONS BANGS HIS GAVEL REPEATEDLY.

THE CROWD QUIETS. LAWRENCE RETURNS TO HIS SEAT UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF THE BAILIFF.

LAWRENCE GLARES AT CHILDRESS, WHO AVOIDS EYE CONTACT WITH HIM.

THE BAILIFF GOES OVER TO THE DEFENSE TABLE. LAWRENCE LOOKS UP AT HIM, AND GETS UP VERY SLOWLY. THE BAILIFF THEN PUTS HANDCUFFS ON LAWRENCE, AND TAKES HIM OUT OF THE COURTROOM.

GO TO: JACK AND KAYLA. SHANE IS SITTING RIGHT BEHIND THEM.

KAYLA: Yeah... and now the whole Johnson family can sleep easier at night, knowing that Lawrence got what he deserved for taking Steve away from us.

JACK: (SMILING) I think all of Salem will be thinking that, Kayla.

KAYLA: So now what, Jack?

JACK AND KAYLA STAND, AS DOES SHANE.

SHANE: Look Jack, why don't I take Kayla back to the Community Center? That way you'll be able to be at the Spectator in just a few minutes.

JACK: (TO KAYLA) Is this okay with you?

KAYLA: Fine.

KAYLA GIVES JACK A QUICK HUG.

JACK DARTS OUT OF THE COURTROOM.

SHANE: I want to. I need to feel that you believe me when I say that I didn't know anything about this. (BEAT) Besides, maybe you can help me figure out how to help Eve adjust to Nick's return.

HOLD ON SHANE'S DILEMMA.

CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE / HALLWAY. REPORTERS ARE RUNNING THIS WAY AND THAT, SHOUTING. SPECTATORS ARE TRIPPING ON CAMERA CABLE. COURT OFFICERS ARE INEFFECTUALLY TRYING TO MAINTAIN SOME KIND OF ORDER. DIANE IS SHOUTING INTO HER CELLULAR PHONE TRYING TO GET THE STORY IN TO VERN. THE DOORS TO THE COURTROOM SLAM OPEN AND A JUBILANT SPENCER EMERGES. REPORTERS MOB HIM. CHILDRESS EMERGES RIGHT AFTER HIM AND ALSO GETS MOBBED. HE PUSHES THROUGH THE REPORTERS WITH A "NO COMMENT." SPENCER LAUGHS. JOHN, VIVIAN AND IVAN COME THROUGH THE DOORS WITH STUNNED LOOKS ON THEIR FACES.

JOHN: He still could, if the case goes to the Appeals Court.

IVAN: Do you really think that Mr. Alamain will appeal?

JOHN: I'm not sure anymore... Lawrence certainly wasn't his smooth controlled self just now, was he? (BEAT) But if I had to guess, I'd say yes.

VIVIAN: I think we should worry about that when and if it happens. Right now I want to get home to Nikki and break the news to him as gently as possible.

IVAN PUTS HIS ARM AROUND VIVIAN COMFORTINGLY.

OUT ON THE THREE GOING OUT THE ENTRANCE.

ACT V

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK ENTERS. HE GOES TO HIS DESK AND SITS DOWN. MOMENTS LATER, VERN RUSHES IN.

JACK: Yes, Vern?

VERN: Diane just finished phoning in the story. Alamain got exactly what was coming to him...

ON THE END OF THE SENTENCE, JENNIFER ENTERS.

JACK: Yes, Lawrence and his life sentence.

JENNIFER: (CONTEMPLATING) Life in prison...

VERN LOOKS AT JENNIFER WITH CONCERN.

VERN LOOKS RELIEVED. JENNIFER WALKS OVER AND PULLS UP A CHAIR TO SIT NEXT TO JACK.

JENNIFER: What about you?

JACK: I'm... satisfied. (BEAT) The verdict isn't going to bring back my brother, but I think justice was served.

VERN: You bet it was. Alamain's going to be locked up for the rest of his life. He won't be able to ruin any more lives.

JACK: I hope that's the case. Even when incarcerated, he'll have to be carefully watched.

JENNIFER: Maybe, after having twenty years or so to think about it, Lawrence will realize all the damage he's done.

JACK: (TAKING JENNIFER'S HAND) I wouldn't count on that, if I were you. (BEAT) People like Lawrence Alamain are never able to see all the wrong they do to others. They're only aware of the perceived wrongs done to them.

VERN: Exactly. All they think about is themselves. (NOTICING JACK AND JENNIFER MOVING CLOSER) Well, I'm going to go make sure that Diane's story is ready and on time. This one deserves special attention.

JACK: Thanks, Vern.

JENNIFER: 'Bye, Vern.

VERN NODS AND EXITS, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. JENNIFER TURNS TO JACK.

JACK: Yes... I'm relieved... As Vern said, Lawrence is finally going to be put away. It's going to be hard for him to hurt anyone else.

JENNIFER: You're right. It is a big relief.

JACK SIGHS HEAVILY.

JENNIFER PUTS HER HAND ON JACK'S CHEEK. HE LOOKS AT HER AND SMILES FAINTLY. HOLD ON JACK.

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / INT. NICHOLAS AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ARE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES, AMIDST MUCH SHOUTING. BO, WHILE DOING SOME PAPERWORK, IS WATCHING THEM AND OFFERING OCCASIONAL ENCOURAGEMENT.

BO: You guys are both good. I get dizzy just watching you.

FROM ABOVE, ON DECK, WE HEAR:

BO: (LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD ABOVE) Permission granted. Come on down.

JOHN, IVAN AND VIVIAN ENTER. VIVIAN LOOKS STRAINED, AND IVAN IS SOLICITOUS OF HER. BO PUTS ASIDE HIS PAPERWORK AND WALKS UP TO THEM.

JOHN: Yeah. Guilty. Life.

BO: (SOFTLY) (TRIUMPHANT) Yes!

JOHN: (MORE LOUDLY) So, Bo, I was wondering if I could drag you and Shawn-Douglas away from the game for a while, maybe catch a malt at Salem Place?

BOTH BOYS HAVE STOPPED PLAYING. NICHOLAS WALKS OVER TO VIVIAN AND HUGS HER, CONCERNED. SHAWN-DOUGLAS STANDS NEAR NICHOLAS.

SHAWN-D: But...

BO CASTS HIM A MEANINGFUL LOOK AND THEN LOOKS AT NICHOLAS AND VIVIAN.

JOHN: Great. You know, Shawn-D, I'm sure the mall has some video games. And I have a pocket full of quarters.

SHAWN-D: Cool! Hey, Nikki... you can play while I'm gone, if you wanna.

NICHOLAS: Thanks, Shawn-D. But I think I need to talk to Auntie Viv.

BO, JOHN AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS LEAVE. VIVIAN SITS DOWN, WITH IVAN STANDING NEXT TO HER. SHE DRAWS NICHOLAS CLOSE IN FRONT OF HER, SO SHE CAN LOOK INTO HIS FACE.

NICHOLAS: It's about Lawrence, isn't it?

VIVIAN: Yes, I'm afraid it is. The jury found your father guilty, Nikki. They've sentenced him... sentenced him to life in prison.

NICHOLAS: Life?

VIVIAN: My little love... I know this has been difficult for you...

IVAN: Master Nicholas, I want you to believe that everything will work out... for the best.

NICHOLAS: I don't know what to think. I...

VIVIAN: Think about our finally being safe.

NICHOLAS: But, even from prison, can't he still hurt us?

VIVIAN: He's already hurt you more than I can stand. But I think we're safe with Lawrence in jail.

NICHOLAS: And he can't hurt you or Ivan?

VIVIAN: I don't believe so.

NICHOLAS: Then I'm glad he's there!

VIVIAN: I knew you'd feel that way. And I know it's hard to think things like that about your father. (BEAT) You and I are going to do a lot of talking in the days to come about this, about how you feel, but for now...

IVAN: For now, we must come to a decision regarding the future. (HE LOOKS WARMLY AT VIVIAN AND NICHOLAS) Our future.

VIVIAN: We are going to make a life for ourselves. A good life. A magnificent one. And there's only one way to accomplish that.

IVAN: Madame?

VIVIAN: I must go and talk to Lawrence. I have to make him see, for all our good, he must let us go.

HOLD ON VIVIAN'S DETERMINATION

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

JACK: Yes, it has. We've all been working flat out since Nick's "resurrection."

JACK WALKS TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT. VERN IS OUTSIDE TALKING TO LISA, JACK'S SECRETARY.

VERN COMES INTO THE OFFICE.

JACK: Very funny, Tonto. (BEAT) Is Diane's story ready?

VERN: Yes, the final's already gone down to the typesetting room. Everything is under control. (BEAT) Why don't you two go on home? I can handle anything that comes up here.

JACK: For once, Vern, we are on the same wavelength. I can't think of anything better right now than to go home and be with my family.

JENNIFER: After the emotional day we've had, some downtime with Abby sounds perfect.

JACK LEANS OVER THE DESK AND PICKS UP HIS BRIEFCASE. HE GESTURES TOWARDS THE DOOR.

AS HE AND JENNIFER LEAVE, JACK CLAPS VERN ON THE SHOULDER.

OUT ON VERN, SMILING, WATCHING JACK AND JENNIFER DEPART.

ACT VI

EUTERPE. SHANE WALKS IN, AND LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM FOR EVE. JULIE, WHO IS STANDING BESIDE THE BAR, SEES HIM.

SHANE WALKS OVER TO HER.

JULIE: Yes. Jack called me a few minutes ago. The poor darling sounds exhausted. I'm just glad that it's over, and that Lawrence is safely behind bars. (BEAT) How are you doing?

SHANE: All right, I guess. (BEAT) There are a lot of people who think that I already knew about Nick and what Lawrence did to Steve. How do I convince them that I was left out of the loop?

JULIE: People will come around, Shane. (BEAT) Anyone that knows you realizes that you wouldn't have been a part of something that could hurt Eve so badly.

JULIE LOOKS OVER TO THE KITCHEN DOOR, AND SEES EVE WALKING INTO THE DINING AREA. SHANE FOLLOWS JULIE'S GAZE AND SPOTS EVE.

HOLD ON SHANE'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: JOHNNY ANGEL'S. JOHN, BO, AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ARE SEATED AT A TABLE, DRINKING MILK SHAKES.

BO: Hmmm... I guess so. John?

JOHN: No, thanks.

BO: (HANDING SHAWN-DOUGLAS A 10-DOLLAR BILL) Okay, sailor... How about getting us two super deluxe cheeseburgers and fries?

SHAWN-D: (TAKING THE MONEY) All right!

SHAWN-DOUGLAS GETS UP AND GOES OVER TO GET IN LINE AT THE ORDER WINDOW.

BO: Yeah, he's doing a lot better. In time, I think he'll be all right.

JOHN: That's great.

BO: What about you? Has Dr. Ector been able to help you uncover any more of your past?

JOHN: Nothing much. We've been able to figure out some things that seem to be keeping me from remembering, so I'm working on those now.

BO: Good.

JOHN: One of the big problems I have is allowing myself to get distracted. The doc thinks I'm avoiding finding out about my past by spending all my time helping everyone else with their problems.

BO: Like helping Nikki and Vivian get through Larry's trial?

JOHN: Yeah. (BEAT) But, hey... they need me right now. There's no telling what Lawrence will do.

BO: I know you're being strong for Nikki and Vivian, but how is this affecting you? It can't be easy...

JOHN: It's not. I don't know what to think of the whole situation. (BEAT) When I thought I was Roman, I spent a lot of time trying to nail Lawrence. Then, when I found out that we were brothers... (PAUSES AND TAKES A DEEP BREATH) I was torn. I'm still torn. I know how evil Lawrence is. I've seen how much pain and destruction he's caused.

BO: Haven't we all...

JOHN: But, even though I know he has to pay for his crimes... I still can't bring myself to rejoice. (BEAT) I just can't.

HOLD ON JOHN'S ANXIETY.

CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. JACK AND JENNIFER ENTER THE HOUSE, AND ARE MET BY ROSIE.

JENNIFER: You're absolutely right, Rosie. I'm just glad I managed to drag Jack away for the night.

JACK: You don't know what a bully my wife can be.

ROSIE: (LAUGHING) Ah, but I do. When she was little...

JENNIFER: No, not another embarrassing story...

ROSIE: (IGNORING JENNIFER) She used to threaten my very peace of mind until I would take her to the park. (WHISPERS TO JACK) Don't ever get on Jennifer Rosie's bad side.

JACK: (EYES UPWARD) Tell me about it.

JENNIFER: Hey! What is this? Pick on Jennifer night?

JACK: Whatever makes you think that, my dear?

JENNIFER: (SHAKING HER FINGER AT JACK) Just remember what Rosie said.

JACK: (SALUTING) Yes ma'am! (TO ROSIE) Is my daughter in bed already?

ROSIE: Yes, I put her down about an hour ago. (BEAT) And there's some dinner in the oven for you two.

JENNIFER: Thanks, Rosie.

ROSIE: If you don't need anything else, I thought that I'd go visit Alice.

JENNIFER: Oh I'm sure we'll be fine here. Give my grandma a kiss from us.

ROSIE PICKS UP HER PURSE AND COAT.

JACK: Goodnight, Rosie.

AFTER ROSIE LEAVES, JACK TAKES JENNIFER'S HAND AND LEADS HER TO THE COUCH. THEY SIT.

JENNIFER SNUGGLES CLOSE TO JACK.

JACK: At least the trial's finally over.

JENNIFER: And it looks like Lawrence is out of our lives for good.

JACK: I just wish...

JACK'S VOICE TRAILS OFF.

JACK: It's nothing.

JENNIFER: C'mon Jack, what is it?

JACK PULLS JENNIFER CLOSER TO HIM.

JENNIFER: Before he got to Steve?

JACK: Yes... and before he got to you...

JENNIFER WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND JACK.

JACK SMILES AND KISSES JENNIFER.

JENNIFER: More wishes?

JACK: Yes. I wish that Kayla could say the same thing about Steve.

JENNIFER RESTS HER HEAD ON JACK'S SHOULDER.

OUT ON JACK AND JENNIFER, HOLDING EACH OTHER.

ACT VII

JOHNNY ANGEL'S. SHAWN-DOUGLAS STANDS IN LINE WAITING TO ORDER. BO AND JOHN SIT AT A TABLE. IN PROGRESS.

JOHN: Maybe even Lawrence... (BEAT) He killed his... our father with that earthquake... And I think he loved Leopold... And I know losing Nikki has been hard on him.

BO: But you can't waste too much sympathy on the man.

JOHN: No, of course not. But I can't feel any measure of satisfaction... or relief.

BO: I'd think you would be relieved.

JOHN: Yes, and no. This will make it more difficult for Lawrence to get to Nikki and Vivian, but certainly not impossible.

BO: Larry does have contacts that can cause trouble if he wants them to.

JOHN: Exactly. I can only hope that Lawrence will decide to let Nikki and Vivian live in peace.

BO: Do you think he might... or could? His memory is as long as his reach.

JOHN: That's a fact. And it worries me. (SLOW SMILE) But I think I've figured out a way to help Vivian loosen Lawrence's grip, at least financially.

HOLD ON JOHN.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. SHANE AND JULIE. IN PROGRESS.

JULIE: Darling, your friends and family know you better than that. You've been a wonderful father to Eve, and a good friend to us all.

SHANE: I try... (BEAT) How's Eve doing here at Euterpe?

JULIE: She's been coming in every day... But, it's obvious that she's in pain.

SHANE: She's been brave about this whole muck.

JULIE PURSES HER LIPS AND DECIDES NOT TO COMMENT.

SHANE: Are they working out their differences?

JULIE: Eve won't even talk to him.

SHANE: I can't tell if that's good or bad.

JULIE: I know you never approved of Nick, but...

SHANE: Nick did a wonderful thing. He risked his life. I know that... And I know Eve loved him...

JULIE: "Loved" may be the word.

SHANE: What do you mean?

JULIE: I mean, Eve had built the late, great Mr. Corelli into such a fantasy, the real Nick can't compete.

THE HOUSE LIGHTS GO UP, JULIE AND SHANE TURN TOWARDS THE STAGE. GO TO: DOUG ON STAGE.

EVE JOINS DOUG ON STAGE TO APPLAUSE. MARTY PLAYS THE INTRO TO "WHAT NOW, MY LOVE?" AND DOUG AND EVE BEGIN TO SING.

DOUG: (SINGING) I walk the nights... Without a coat... Strength in my heart... And my soul...

CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR DOUG SING AS WE SEE JACK AND JENNIFER CUDDLING ON THE SOFA.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND EVE. THE SONG CONTINUES. IN PROGRESS.

CUT TO: SALEM JAIL. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR DOUG SING AS LAWRENCE LIES ALONE ON HIS CELL BUNK.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND EVE. THE SONG CONTINUES. IN PROGRESS.

CUT TO: SALEM DOCK. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR DOUG SING, AS WE SEE JOHN, ALONE ON THE DOCKS, STARING OUT AT THE WATER.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND EVE. THE SONG CONTINUES. IN PROGRESS.

CUT TO: SALEM INN. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR EVE SING, AS WE SEE VIVIAN READING, NICHOLAS PLAYING VIDEO GAME, AND IVAN SERVING VIVIAN TEA AND NICHOLAS HOT CHOCOLATE.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND EVE. THE SONG CONTINUES. IN PROGRESS.

EVE: (SINGING) What now, my love?... now that it's over... I feel my whole world... falling all around me...

CUT TO: BO'S BOAT / EXT. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR EVE SING AS WE SEE BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ON THE DECK, LOOKING AT THE STARS.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. THE SONG CONTINUES. DOUG AND EVE. IN PROGRESS.

DOUG AND EVE: (SINGING) Look at the sky... Where the earth ought to be...

CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR DOUG AND EVE SING AS WE SEE JANET WORKING ALONE.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. THE SONG CONTINUES. DOUG AND EVE. IN PROGRESS.

EVE: (SINGING) If you should live... Live, or, die...

WE SEE SHANE, PROUDLY WATCHING EVE.

EVE: (SINGING) My last good-by...

DOUG AND EVE END THE SONG TO THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE. AS THEY TAKE THEIR BOWS, OUT AND FADE TO BLACK.

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