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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: September 20, 1994
Time: Several Days After #69,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1994
JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD ARE SITTING AT HER CONFERENCE TABLE GOING OVER SOME STORY IDEAS. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JULIE: Come in!
LUCILLE, JULIE'S SECRETARY, COMES IN CARRYING A VASE WITH A DOZEN LONG-STEMMED RED ROSES. SHE SETS THE VASE DOWN ON THE DESK AND JULIE STANDS UP TO READ THE CARD. JULIE SMILES AND LEANS FORWARD TO INHALE THE SCENT.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Doug. Ever the romantic.
LUCILLE: (GRINNING) I'll say!
LUCILLE TURNS AND WALKS OUT THE DOOR. RICHARD STANDS UP AND TOUCHES ONE OF THE ROSES.
RICHARD: These are lovely. What's the occasion? An anniversary?
JULIE: Why yes, one of them. Today happens to be the anniversary of our first marriage. How did you know?
RICHARD: Lucky guess. I always seem to be around when one of the Hortons gives or receives flowers...
LUCILLE RETURNS, CARRYING A NOSEGAY OF RED ROSES AND A CRYSTAL BOWL OF RED ROSES. BEHIND HER ARE TWO DELIVERY MEN CARRYING A LONG BOX AND AN IKEBANA ARRANGEMENT, BOTH OF RED ROSES.
JULIE: Oh my goodness, there's more?!
LUCILLE: 18 to be exact! And all of them red roses.
JULIE: Oh how sweet, one for every year.
RICHARD LEANS AGAINST THE DESK IN AMAZEMENT AS JULIE MOVES PAPERS AND BOOKS TO MAKE ROOM FOR ALL THE FLOWERS. LUCILLE AND THE DELIVERY MEN CONTINUE TO BRING IN ARRANGEMENTS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.
RICHARD: If this is what Doug does for your first marriage anniversary, what's he do for the second one?
JULIE: (SLY LAUGH) That's not for public knowledge, darling.
HOLD ON THE PROFUSION OF RED ROSES.
CUT TO: SALEM JAIL. VIVIAN IS SEATED ON ONE SIDE OF A COUNTER WITH A GLASS PARTITION. LAWRENCE IS ESCORTED IN BY A PRISON GUARD AND SEATED FACING VIVIAN. LAWRENCE REACHES FOR HIS PHONE. VIVIAN PICKS UP HERS.
LAWRENCE: Hello, Vivian.
VIVIAN: Hello, Lawrence. How are you?
LAWRENCE: How do you think I am, locked up in here?
VIVIAN: Is it awful?
LAWRENCE: "Awful"? Dear Auntie, "awful" doesn't begin to describe it.
VIVIAN: Lawrence. I am sorry. I hate to see you here. I hate to see you suffering.
LAWRENCE: Even after I locked you up in the attic? (BEAT) Come now, Vivian, your compassion doesn't run that deep.
VIVIAN: Lawrence, you're my nephew, my family, my blood. I love you. I never want to see you suffer.
LAWRENCE: (BITTER) I'm touched.
VIVIAN LOOKS AT LAWRENCE, AS IF TO RESPOND, THEN CHANGES HER MIND.
VIVIAN: What are you going to do next?
LAWRENCE: I'm going to appeal. I've been railroaded and I will not stop until I get this ridiculous verdict overturned.
VIVIAN: Do you think you can?
LAWRENCE: I will get out of here.
VIVIAN: Then what?
LAWRENCE: I'll have my vengeance on Salem. What else?
VIVIAN: What if you don't get out, Lawrence?
LAWRENCE: (CONTROLLED) I will.
VIVIAN: It could take years. Meanwhile, there is someone else you need to consider.
LAWRENCE: Who Auntie Dearest, you?
VIVIAN: No, your son...
LAWRENCE: Nicholas...
VIVIAN: Exactly! If you don't get out, what will happen to Nicholas?
HOLD ON VIVIAN'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. NICK WALKS IN AND LOOKS AROUND. IAN SEES HIM AND APPROACHES.
IAN: Are you looking for someone?
NICK: Yeah. Is Doug Williams around?
IAN: I'm sorry. Doug is unavailable today.
NICK: This is kind of important. Do you have a number where I can reach him?
IAN: Actually, Doug and Julie are celebrating an anniversary today, so I'm pretty sure they don't want to be interrupted.
NICK: An anniversary celebration? I'd have to be a cad to interrupt that, wouldn't I?
IAN: It would match your reputation.
NICK: (WICKED SMILE) "That best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."
IAN: Which means?
NICK: That I've waited four years already. I suppose I can wait a few more days.
NICK TURNS AROUND AND STARTS WALKING AWAY.
IAN: Tell me something, Nick.
NICK TURNS BACK AND LOOKS AT IAN.
NICK: Yeah?
IAN: Do you plan on taking the club away from Doug?
OUT ON IAN'S CONCERN.
JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE, WITH RICHARD'S HELP, IS TRYING TO FIND PLACES TO PUT ALL THE ROSES. JULIE SURVEYS THE ROOM.
JULIE: I think I need a bigger office...
RICHARD: Or a less extravagant husband...
JULIE: Bite your tongue...
RICHARD: All right, how about a suggestion? Maybe we bank the flowers along the wall...
RICHARD MOVES SEVERAL OF THE TALLER ARRANGEMENTS.
JULIE: A wall of flowers... not bad...
RICHARD SURVEYS THE OFFICE, WHICH IS NEARLY WALL-TO-WALL ROSES.
RICHARD: It appears I could take some lessons from the Master, eh?
JULIE: Lessons?
RICHARD: Romance lessons, from Doug. I'd say he has this love and romance thing pretty well wrapped up...
JULIE: He is a master at making me feel... (SMILE) like the most beautiful girl in the world.
RICHARD: (EYEING JULIE) Trust me, I don't think he has to work very hard... I take it this isn't the first such display in your long history?
JULIE: (LAUGHS) No, although this may be the most... heady... (SHE BREATHES DEEPLY OF THE FRAGRANCE OF THE ROSES)
RICHARD: Maybe you'd better enlighten me... I could use the instruction...
JULIE: Let's see... He surprises me with little gifts and cards or sumptuous romantic dinners...
RICHARD: I see. Candlelight and champagne?
JULIE: Only the very best...
RICHARD: Cristal?
JULIE: (SMILE) A man after my own heart... I knew I liked you Richard...
RICHARD: Uh-oh, flattery from the boss-lady. Should I worry?
JULIE: No, I promise, no dreadful assignments this week...
RICHARD: Phew! So... tell me more about Doug...
JULIE: He sings... the most wonderful love songs...
JULIE IS INTERRUPTED BY A MESSENGER AT THE DOOR. HE WEARS FORMAL LIVERY, AND HOLDS AN INTRICATELY WROUGHT SILVER TRAY BEARING AN ENVELOPE AND A SINGLE WHITE ROSE.
MESSENGER: Julie Williams?
JULIE: Yes...
MESSENGER: For you, my lady
THE MESSENGER PROFFERS THE TRAY, AND JULIE REMOVES THE ENVELOPE AND ROSE.
JULIE: Thank you... wait...
JULIE LOOKS AROUND FOR HER PURSE TO TIP THE MESSENGER.
MESSENGER: No need, my lady. To gaze upon your beauty is the only reward I need for this service.
THE MESSENGER BOWS DEEPLY, TURNS AND LEAVES. JULIE BEMUSEDLY SMILES AND OPENS THE ENVELOPE. IT IS AN ENGRAVED INVITATION TO MEET DOUG AT EUTERPE IN THE PRIVATE DINING ROOM. JULIE SHOWS THE INVITATION TO RICHARD.
JULIE: Now do you understand?
RICHARD: Only the most beautiful love songs...
HOLD ON JULIE'S SMILE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. NICK AND IAN. IN PROGRESS.
NICK: I don't know. (BEAT) I don't know if I want the club back from Doug.
IAN: I don't understand.
NICK: Wings was my club. I loved that joint.
IAN: It must have been quite a place. Eve talked about it like it was heaven on Earth.
NICK: For us, it was. (BEAT) But that was a long time ago. And this place... (LOOKING AROUND) This isn't Wings anymore.
IAN: Maybe not, but...
IAN STOPS HIMSELF.
NICK: But, what?
IAN: Never mind. It's not my place to tell you how to live your life.
NICK: Ahhh, go ahead... what the hell? I've been dead for four years. I'm open to suggestions.
IAN: (HESITANTLY) Well... okay. I was going to say that maybe you should start over.
NICK: That's what I'm trying to do.
IAN: I mean start over from ground zero. Maybe you could build a new club...
NICK: (CONTEMPLATING) Hmmm... It's worth considering.
IAN: It's just an idea...
NICK: But not a bad idea. (BEAT) Y'know, you seem to be pretty wise for your years.
IAN: (SMILING) Nah, I've got everybody fooled.
NICK: I don't think so. I consider myself a pretty good judge of character.
IAN: Well, let's just say that I... have a lot of experience.
NICK: Yeah... I imagine you do.
EVE ENTERS AND, SEEING NICK AND IAN, SCOWLS. IAN SEES HER COMING.
IAN: Hi, Eve...
EVE: (INTERRUPTING) (MALICIOUS) Well, aren't we all chummy here?
IAN: (NERVOUSLY) Um...
EVE: How could you?!
NICK: Evie, I...
EVE: (TO NICK) Not you, (TO IAN) You!
IAN: Me? What did I...?
EVE: Why are you so friendly with the man who broke my heart and destroyed my life?!
HOLD ON EVE'S ANGER.
CUT TO: SALEM JAIL. LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN. IN PROGRESS.
VIVIAN: Well, Lawrence? What's going to happen to Nikki?
LAWRENCE: Let me remind you, Auntie, that Nicholas is still my son. My being in jail does not change that.
VIVIAN: But it does. How do you plan to raise him?
LAWRENCE: I don't expect to be here that long, but for the time I am, I can hire someone...
VIVIAN: Lawrence, Nikki is, and always will be, an Alamain... Wouldn't it be best if he were raised by an Alamain?
LAWRENCE: Don't you think I know what's best for my son?
VIVIAN: I don't doubt that you love him. But think about it, Lawrence. What happens if you're stuck in jail for the next fifty years?
LAWRENCE: I won't be.
VIVIAN: But what if you are? Do you want your son raised by strangers? Do you want to see him on monthly prison visits? Do you want him to see you like this?
LAWRENCE: I...
VIVIAN: Let him go, Lawrence. Let him go before you really hurt him...
OUT ON VIVIAN'S PLEA.
EUTERPE. EVE STANDS WITH HER ARMS FOLDED OVER HER CHEST, GLARING AT NICK AND IAN.
NICK: Evie, don't take it out on Ian. I'm the one you're mad at.
EVE: (COLDLY) That's right. I am.
NICK: And I understand that. But let's try and talk this out.
IAN DISCREETLY RETREATS TO THE BAR.
EVE: I have absolutely nothing to say to you, Nick Corelli. And I don't want to hear anything you have to say to me.
NICK: Evie, come on. You're not even trying to see my side of this.
EVE: Your side! You don't have a side! You were wrong, Nick. Wrong, wrong, wrong!
EVE RUNS OFF, CLOSE TO TEARS. NICK LOOKS AFTER HER AND SIGHS HEAVILY. HE REACHES INTO HIS POCKET FOR HIS CIGARETTES AND IS JUST ABOUT TO LIGHT ONE UP WHEN IAN COMES UP BEHIND HIM, CLEARING HIS THROAT. NICK LOOKS AT IAN AND THEN AT THE CIGARETTE. HE SIGHS AGAIN AND PUTS THE CIGARETTE AND LIGHTER BACK IN HIS POCKET.
IAN: Things didn't go well this time either.
NICK: It's a good thing I have a thick skin. (BEAT) You're her friend. You probably know Evie better than I do now. What should I do? How can I get her to listen to me?
IAN: She's still in shock. And she's angry. (BEAT) I think all you can do is give her more time.
NICK: Time, huh? I've got plenty of that on my hands.
NICK SIGHS AND REACHES FOR HIS CIGARETTES AGAIN. HE SALUTES IAN WITH THEM.
NICK: (CONT'D) Guess I'll go and waste some of it.
HOLD ON NICK LEAVING.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN IS SEATED AT HIS DESK, AND LEIGH IS SEATED ACROSS FROM HIM.
LEIGH: Are you sure you know what you're doing?
JOHN: Very sure. (BEAT) How long will it take to get the breakdown of my holdings?
LEIGH REMOVES HER GLASSES, RUBS HER EYES, THEN REPLACES HER GLASSES.
LEIGH: You're asking a lot. (BEAT) Your vast, and I do mean vast, fortune is a hard thing to define. The accounts aren't set up to tell you where the money came from in the first place. (BEAT) When do you need it?
JOHN: Yesterday. (BEAT) (GRINNING) But I'll settle for as soon as humanly possible.
LEIGH: (SIGHING) Oh, all right... (BEAT) I'll get the accountants right on this.
JOHN: Thanks, Leigh. I appreciate it.
LEIGH STANDS, AND STARTS TO WALK TO THE DOOR. SHE TURNS BACK TO JOHN.
LEIGH: You, Mr. Black, owe me for this one.
JOHN: (SMILING) That's a fact.
LEIGH: Maybe once you've finished with this, you'll start paying more attention to your business...
JOHN: I've got a lot to learn. (BEAT) I hope you're up to the challenge of teaching me.
LEIGH PUSHES HER GLASSES ABOUT HALF-WAY DOWN HER NOSE, AND PEERS AT JOHN OVER THE FRAMES.
LEIGH: (SMILING) I'm always ready for challenges. (BEAT) I'll get back to you as soon as the accountants get those answers for you.
LEIGH OPENS THE DOOR, LEAVES, AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HER. HOLD ON THE DOOR.
CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY JAIL. LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN. IN PROGRESS.
VIVIAN: Lawrence, I know that you and I have been at odds for a while now...
LAWRENCE: That's one way of putting it...
VIVIAN: Please, let me finish.
LAWRENCE: Oh, there's a point?
VIVIAN: Of course there is. If you'd give me half a chance, I'd get to it.
LAWRENCE: Oh, please, do continue...
VIVIAN: I was about to say that, despite what has gone on between us, I do know that, somewhere in that heart of yours, you really do love Nikki.
LAWRENCE: I've known that all along. What was it that enlightened you?
VIVIAN: I'm not sure, exactly. I've had time to recollect, and think about this very carefully. (BEAT) I finally realized that, no matter how misguided they were, your actions have been out of love for Nikki.
LAWRENCE: Well, it's lovely that you've had this revelation, Vivian. Now, about that point you were getting to...?
VIVIAN: My point is this: If you truly love your son, then you'll do what's best for him.
LAWRENCE: Oh, and I suppose that you're the one who knows what's best for him?
VIVIAN: I know him better than anyone else. If anyone knows what he needs, it's me.
LAWRENCE: Forgive me if I'm somewhat skeptical, hearing this from the woman who kidnapped my son as an infant because she thought it was "best for him."
VIVIAN SHIFTS UNCOMFORTABLY IN HER SEAT.
LAWRENCE: (CONT'D) Tell me, Vivian, in the midst of all of your recollection and contemplation, did you give any thought to your own motives for keeping my son from me for the first eight years of his life?
VIVIAN: Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about that. (BEAT) I know that what I did was wrong.
LAWRENCE: It was unforgivable.
VIVIAN: Nikki has forgiven me.
LAWRENCE: Of course he has. You had eight years to brainwash him...
VIVIAN: (EXASPERATED) Lawrence, we've covered this territory countless times before. What's done is done. Sitting here arguing isn't going to change it.
LAWRENCE: Then what do you suggest we argue about?
VIVIAN: I suggest we discuss the future. Nikki's future.
LAWRENCE: You obviously have a plan already worked out...
VIVIAN: I've given it a lot of consideration, trying to come up with the... arrangement that will be best for Nikki.
LAWRENCE: And for you, no doubt.
VIVIAN: I am not concerned about myself! (BEAT) Nikki's happiness is my only priority right now.
LAWRENCE: And I'm sure you think he'll be happy with you.
VIVIAN: I love him with all of my heart. I would do anything for him... absolutely anything.
VIVIAN PAUSES AND STARES INTENTLY AT LAWRENCE.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) What about you, Lawrence? Can you say the same thing?
LAWRENCE SILENTLY RETURNS VIVIAN'S STARE. OUT ON LAWRENCE.
RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD IS BUSY AT HIS COMPUTER WHEN THE PHONE RINGS. RICHARD ANSWERS IT. TWO-WAY.
RICHARD: Richard Hunt.
ASHLEY: What... no hello?
RICHARD: Ashley? Is that you?
ASHLEY: Last time I looked... (BEAT) So, isn't it a little bit late there for you to still be at the office?
RICHARD: I was just wrapping up a few things. (BEAT) Are you at least going to tell what time zone you're in?
ASHLEY: Well... let's say that the sun has already risen this morning.
RICHARD: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) Ashley, how long do you plan on keeping the location of this mystery story a secret?
ASHLEY: Until I get the whole story. (BEAT) But I'll tell you all about my adventures while you listen to me practice my acceptance speech for that Pulitzer.
RICHARD: You're enjoying this, aren't you?
ASHLEY: Enjoying what?
RICHARD: Calling me up, and yet saying nothing.
ASHLEY: Yep.
RICHARD: (SIGHING) Well... when do I get to see those soon-to-be-award-winning photos that you promised me?
HOLD ON RICHARD'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: EUTERPE / PRIVATE DINING ROOM. THE ROOM IS FILLED WITH ROSES AND CANDLES. VIOLIN MUSIC IS PLAYING SOFTLY IN THE BACKGROUND. DOUG AND JULIE ARE SEATED, FACING EACH OTHER. THEY NIBBLE AT THEIR DINNER.
JULIE: Mmmmm... Delicious. When's the last time we had Quail in Rose Sauce?
DOUG: (DRAMATIC) Sweetheart, when I dine with you, I'm so consumed with your beauty, I never notice what I'm eating.
JULIE: (NOT BELIEVING THE HYPERBOLE FOR A SECOND) Darling, you don't notice what you're eating when "Frasier" is on.
DOUG: Because I'm thinking about you.
JULIE: Uh-huh... (TAKING ANOTHER BITE) Lorenzo and Aki did a wonderful job tonight. This is perfect.
DOUG: Everything is perfect when you're by my side.
JULIE: (SMILING) You don't give up, do you?
DOUG: You, above all, should know that.
JULIE: You're right, I should. We've been through a lot...
DOUG: Too much, in many ways. But as long as we always end up together...
JULIE: Let's try and keep it that way this time...
DOUG: I plan on it.
JULIE: Good...
DOUG TAKES JULIE'S HAND AND KISSES IT. JULIE AND DOUG EACH TAKE A BITE OF FOOD AND SIP OF WINE. SUDDENLY DOUG SMILES.
DOUG: Do you remember the Trattoria d'Oro?
JULIE: That darling little cafe off the Via Roma?
DOUG: The very one. And that annoying waiter... What was his name?
JULIE: Jean-Luc?
DOUG: Giuliano, I think.
JULIE: First, he bumped you in the head when he was seating that Romanian couple.
DOUG: (LAUGHING) Then, he poured half a bottle of wine in my lap when the chef came to talk to him.
JULIE: (JOINING IN THE LAUGHTER) And, he thought you were Andy Williams.
DOUG: Because you told him that.
JULIE: But, Doug, he was so apologetic when he turned around and accidently hit you in the face with that cream puff.
DOUG: It was a very good cream puff, too.
THEIR LAUGHTER WANES. JULIE BECOMES SERIOUS.
JULIE: Doug, do you worry that maybe things are going too well?
DOUG: Never. But, I'm the eternal optimist.
JULIE: And I'm the cynic.
DOUG: I wouldn't say cynical... pragmatic perhaps...
JULIE: All right, the pragmatist. But everything is so perfect...
DOUG: (DETERMINED TO KEEP THE MOOD LIGHT AND ROMANTIC) Perfect? This is nothing. Do you know what the most perfect night has to be?
JULIE: (SURRENDERING AND JOINING THE GAME) Costa del Sol?
DOUG: Nope.
JULIE: Cairo!
DOUG: Uh-uh.
JULIE: Portofino...
DOUG: Almost in a class by itself, but no...
JULIE: Our third anniversary, here in Salem.
DOUG: That was memorable, but I was thinking of Budapest.
JULIE: Budapest. (SIGHS) Waltzing on the rooftop.
DOUG: A clear sky. Just you, me, the stars and the Danube in the near distance.
JULIE: And a twenty piece orchestra. How did you get them to agree to play for us? (BEAT) And, how did you get the hotel to agree to let them up on the roof?
DOUG: Once I told them it was for you, they dropped everything to help.
JULIE: Mr. Williams, you do know how to turn a lady's head.
DOUG: Oh, Mrs. Williams, you ain't seen nothin', yet.
DOUG REACHES INTO HIS POCKET AND PULLS OUT A SMALL WRAPPED BOX. HOLD ON JULIE'S SURPRISE.
CUT TO: SMALL NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. BILL IS POURING HIMSELF A CUP OF COFFEE, WHEN JENNIFER WALKS IN CARRYING ABIGAIL.
JENNIFER: Hi, Dad.
ABIGAIL: Grammpa!
BILL: Why if it isn't my two favorite ladies! What brings my lovely daughter and granddaughter here today?
JENNIFER: We both had some free time, and I thought it was the perfect day to bring Abby to see her grandfather at work.
BILL: I'm honored to have such a prestigious visit.
BILL OPENS HIS ARMS AND WELCOMES ABIGAIL INTO A GIANT HUG.
ABIGAIL: Bear hug!
JENNIFER: She couldn't stop chattering all the way over here. Grandpa's the tops in her eyes.
BILL: (LAUGHS) Don't let Jack get wind of that...
JENNIFER: Don't worry. She idolizes him just as much.
ABIGAIL: Juice, mommy?
JENNIFER: Okay, honey. Do you want apple or grape juice?
ABIGAIL: Apple!
JENNIFER: Of course... It's Daddy who likes grape...
JENNIFER OPENS UP A JAR OF APPLE JUICE AND POURS A SMALL CUP FOR ABIGAIL.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Here you go, honey.
BILL: So, what have you two been up to today?
JENNIFER: Abby was in Daycare, so Rosie could go visit her sister in Springfield. I took the afternoon off and picked her up early.
BILL: The afternoon off? That sounds like a nice idea. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be taking the late shift here tonight.
JENNIFER: Dad, you work too hard.
BILL: (MAKING LIGHT OF IT) You know what they say, no rest for the wicked. So, how's the Daycare Center doing?
JENNIFER: Oh, it's wonderful. The parents give glowing praises, and the children seem to love it.
BILL: More companies should think of establishing a childcare program like the one Deveraux has.
JENNIFER: I agree. The people who run our Center are wonderful, especially the two teachers, Beth and Norma.
BILL: They sounds like exceptional women...
JENNIFER: They are...
ABIGAIL FINISHES HER JUICE AND HOLDS HER CUP UP TO BILL.
ABIGAIL: Juice!
BILL: Would you like some more juice, honey?
ABIGAIL NODS HER HEAD.
JENNIFER: Abby, what do you say?
ABIGAIL: Please...
BILL: (SMILING) When you ask so politely...
BILL REFILLS ABIGAIL'S CUP. JENNIFER WATCHES BILL AND ABIGAIL, WHEN SHE SUDDENLY SMILES, AS IF SHE'S JUST HAD AN EPIPHANY.
RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD IS ON THE PHONE WITH ASHLEY, TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.
ASHLEY: Hold on a second there, bub. I haven't promised you anything yet. If this publisher friend of yours makes me a good offer, then we'll talk.
RICHARD: You mean, I don't get a sneak preview?
ASHLEY: A sneak preview? What makes you think you're so special that you deserve a sneak preview?
RICHARD: (THINKING) Um... Old times' sake?
ASHLEY: Hmph. Pretty lame.
RICHARD: Sorry, it's all I could think of on the spot.
ASHLEY: To be honest, I wish I could give you a look at the photos.
RICHARD: What do you mean?
ASHLEY: I mean, I don't have them. Someone broke into my hotel room last night and took everything I'd shot so far.
RICHARD: (CONCERNED) Are you all right? You weren't hurt, were you?
ASHLEY: No, I wasn't around when it happened.
RICHARD: Do you need any help? Someone to back you up?
ASHLEY: Hey, Hunt, you had your chance to come along. You passed.
RICHARD: Ashley, I'm serious...
ASHLEY: So am I. It's gonna take a lot more than one little break-in to faze me.
RICHARD: Did they take anything else?
ASHLEY: No. It looked like they tore up the room until they found the photos, but nothing else was missing.
RICHARD: How did they get in?
ASHLEY: Through the window. They cut a hole in the glass and let themselves in.
RICHARD: Sounds like a professional job.
ASHLEY: The police thought so.
RICHARD: So, what happens now?
ASHLEY: Now, I'm going to be busier. I've gotta try to recover my photos, plus shoot some more. (BEAT) And this time, anything I shoot stays with me.
RICHARD: Do the police have any leads?
ASHLEY: Not really. But I'm not going to sit around and wait for the police to solve this.
RICHARD: (SUSPICIOUSLY) I don't like the sound of that...
ASHLEY: Come on, Richard. You know I'm not going to sit back and let someone take my story.
RICHARD: I know. I just hope you're not going to do anything foolish.
ASHLEY: No, I'm not. But I am going to get some answers. (BEAT) I can guess why these people stole my photos. Now, I've gotta find out who took them, and get them back.
HOLD ON ASHLEY'S DETERMINATION.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN IS AT HIS DESK, LOOKING OVER SOME PAPERS, WHEN HIS INTERCOM BUZZES. HE PRESSES THE BUTTON.
JOHN: Yes?
PATRICIA: (V.O.) Ms. Alamain is here to see you, Mr. Black.
JOHN: Thanks, Patricia. Send her in. (BEAT) Oh, Patricia?
PATRICIA: (V.O.) Yes, sir?
JOHN: You can take off whenever you need to. You don't need to wait for us.
PATRICIA: (V.O.) Thank you, Mr. Black.
THE DOOR OPENS AND VIVIAN ENTERS. JOHN STANDS AS SHE APPROACHES HIS DESK.
JOHN: Hello, Vivian.
VIVIAN: John...
JOHN: (MOTIONING TO A CHAIR IN FRONT OF HIS DESK) Please, have a seat.
THE TWO OF THEM SIT DOWN. JOHN LOOKS AT VIVIAN CURIOUSLY.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Are you all right? You look a little pale...
VIVIAN: I'm fine... Perhaps a bit upset...
JOHN: Why? What's wrong?
VIVIAN: I went to see Lawrence this afternoon.
JOHN: That explains it... What happened?
VIVIAN: I went to discuss Nikki's future. I tried to find out what his intentions were, regarding the care and custody of Nikki.
JOHN: And...?
VIVIAN: And, I didn't get any straight answers. Lawrence seemed to think that he would be the one raising Nikki.
JOHN: That's gonna be tough, since Lawrence is going to be in a prison cell until well into Nikki's adulthood.
VIVIAN: Lawrence believes he can get the conviction overturned in Appeals Court.
JOHN: Did he say that?
VIVIAN: He swore he wasn't staying in prison...
JOHN: Maybe he's planning on breaking out...
VIVIAN: John, that's not funny.
JOHN: It wasn't meant to be.
VIVIAN: (SHAKEN) God forbid. Do you think...?
JOHN: I don't know. I didn't mean to scare you, but I wouldn't put anything past Lawrence.
VIVIAN: That's probably wise.
JOHN: But, then again, he may not be able to get away with anything. I think the authorities will be watching him pretty closely.
VIVIAN: The authorities... Let's hope that they do their jobs, and keep Lawrence behind bars.
JOHN: Okay... Let's assume, for a minute, that Lawrence's conviction stands, and he stays in prison. Do you think he'll let Nikki stay with you? Do you think he'll let you, Nikki, and Ivan live in peace?
VIVIAN: I honestly don't know. (BEAT) He's so consumed with bitterness and rage right now... I can't tell what he's thinking.
JOHN: But you do plan on keeping Nikki with you, don't you?
VIVIAN: I'll try. (BEAT) But, without Lawrence's financial support, I don't know how I'm going to take care of myself, much less Nikki. (BEAT) As you well know, my finances are not what they once were.
JOHN: Yes, I know. (BEAT) Let me tell you why I asked you here.
VIVIAN: I was wondering why you wanted to meet with me after hours like this...
JOHN: I wanted to make sure we could talk without any interruptions.
VIVIAN: Talk about what?
JOHN: Vivian, I have a proposition for you.
HOLD ON VIVIAN'S INTRIGUE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE, PRIVATE DINING ROOM. AS DOUG WATCHES HER, JULIE OPENS THE BOX AND GASPS. THE BOX CONTAINS TWO GOLD RINGS. THE FIRST IS AN ENORMOUS MARQUIS-SHAPED DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING, AND THE SECOND A WEDDING BAND.
JULIE: Doug! I... I don't know what to say.
DOUG: Say you like them.
JULIE: I love them! They're exquisite!
DOUG: Good! I'm glad they're to your liking!
JULIE LEANS OVER AND KISSES DOUG.
JULIE: My love, you are absolutely the best.
DOUG REACHES OVER AND TAKES THE ENGAGEMENT RING FROM THE BOX.
DOUG: I believe that we've delayed this event long enough.
JULIE: As long as we're together, I'll wait until the end of time.
DOUG: I know that we've both wanted to make this official for a long time now, but... fate, circumstance, whatever you want to call it, kept intruding. First it was Carly's shooting, then Jennifer's accident, and later... your grandfather's passing.
JULIE: It just didn't seem right to go on with our plans.
DOUG: I know, but now there's nothing standing in our way.
DOUG TAKES JULIE'S LEFT HAND AND SLIPS THE RING ON HER FINGER.
DOUG: (CONT'D) Fair lady, I want you to be my beautiful bride for the third and final time.
OUT ON JULIE, AS SHE GAZES LOVINGLY AT DOUG, TEARS IN HER EYES.
JOHN'S OFFICE. VIVIAN AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.
JOHN: Vivian, I've discussed this with my business manager.
VIVIAN: Discussed what?
JOHN: The proposition.
VIVIAN: (CAUTIOUS) What kind of proposition?
JOHN: Let me begin by saying that at this point, my assets are so mixed together, we can barely tell where the money originally came from.
VIVIAN: My, that is a problem.
JOHN: You know my late wife, Isabella, left me her inheritance from the Toscano fortune.
VIVIAN: I remember.
JOHN: And, once we discovered that I was Forrest Alamain, I inherited half of the Alamain fortune. And, that included the Von Leuschner estate that Lawrence weaseled out of Katerina and Francois.
VIVIAN: John, you seem to attract money like most people collect lint.
JOHN: Perhaps... When you add the Toscano fortune, the Alamain inheritance, and the Von Leuschner swindle together...
VIVIAN: You have a fortune and a half.
JOHN: On the nose. It makes me dizzy just thinking about it.
VIVIAN: It is quite a responsibility.
JOHN: It's overwhelming. (BEAT) After financially struggling as Roman Brady, I suddenly have more money than I know what to do with.
VIVIAN: It will guarantee your son's future...
JOHN: Yes... I want Brady to have things, but, I don't want him to be spoiled. I want him to appreciate his humble origins...
VIVIAN: How noble...
JOHN: But, I am also one of the richest men in America... probably the world.
HOLD ON JOHN.
CUT TO: SMALL NURSES STATION / LOUNGE. JENNIFER AND BILL. IN PROGRESS.
BILL: Jennifer, the Daycare Center sounds wonderful.
JENNIFER: Dad, I think you should come by and see it. (JENNIFER SUPPRESSES A SMILE AS SHE HATCHES A PLAN) You might find something of interest...
BILL: I know you put a lot of time into making it a success.
JENNIFER: You should see what we've accomplished.
BILL: I'll try, but my schedule here is pretty hectic.
JENNIFER: (PUSHING) When do you think you could make it?
BILL: I don't know, sweetheart. I have rounds and...
JENNIFER: Come by at the end of the day... any day...
BILL: Well, I don't know...
JENNIFER: Dad, this is important to me. Jack and I've worked hard. (BEAT) I thought you would want to share in our success.
BILL: Of course I do. (SHAKING HIS HEAD) You win. I'll pick a date and let you know...
JENNIFER: Thanks, Dad. (LEANS OVER AND GIVES BILL A KISS ON THE CHEEK) You need the break, I've been worried about you...
BILL: Me? Why would you worry about me?
JENNIFER: You're working too hard.
BILL: Not for a Chief of Staff...
JENNIFER: How many hours did you put in this week?
BILL: Ummm... A doctor can't punch a clock, Jennifer. If my 40 hours are up, do you want me to leave the operating room?
JENNIFER: Of course not. (PLAYING THE TRUMP CARD) But, even Grandma says you're working too hard.
HOLD ON BILL'S CHAGRIN.
CUT TO: EUTERPE / PRIVATE DINING ROOM. JULIE IS ADMIRING THE WEDDING RINGS. IN PROGRESS.
DOUG: You see, Fair Lady, I found one perfect, wide wedding band that I liked at that antique shop down on Front street. All that remained was for the jeweler to gently cut it into two...
JULIE: So we get two halves of the same band...
DOUG: Just as you and I are two halves of the same heart and soul, two that have merged as one perfect love...
JULIE: Oh, Doug...
THERE IS A DISCRETE KNOCK AT THE DOOR
DOUG: Yes?
DAVE: I've brought dessert.
JULIE: Is it...?
DAVE ENTERS, CARRYING A SMALL POT AND A TRAY OF FRUITS AND CAKES. JASMIN FOLLOWS DAVE, CARRYING A BOTTLE AND TWO GLASSES.
JULIE: (CONT'D) (INHALES DEEPLY) Chocolate!
DAVE SETS UP THE FONDUE, AS JASMIN OPENS THE DEEP RED MERLOT AND POURS IT INTO THE BOWL-SHAPED GLASSES. THE TWO EXCHANGE CONSPIRATORIAL SMILES, THEN QUIETLY LEAVE.
DOUG: My love... (HE RAISES HIS GLASS) The richness of this wine is nothing to the richness of our love. As the grapes blend to make a perfect whole, so do we blend as a perfect relationship, each lending flavor and depth to our timeless connection.
JULIE: You are the fulfillment of every dream I ever had made real, Doug, and you yet surpass those dreams each day. I adore you beyond all possible measure.
THE TWO DRINK. OUT ON THEIR VOWS.
SMALL NURSES' STATION / LOUNGE. JENNIFER AND BILL. IN PROGRESS.
BILL: I know... And your grandmother is rarely wrong. But, University's a big hospital and it takes a lot of work to keep it running. And I love every minute of it.
JENNIFER: I'm glad that you're happy, Dad. But I think you're taking it a little too far. You may as well live here.
BILL: Jennifer Rose. I'm a doctor, we're supposed to be dedicated.
BILL PICKS UP ABIGAIL AND TICKLES HER. ABIGAIL LAUGHS AND TRIES TO TICKLE BILL BACK. JENNIFER SMILES.
BILL: (CONT'D) And I am. Especially to this little lady!
ABIGAIL: Laugh, Grammpa!
JENNIFER: Abby adores you. (BEAT) But you're changing the subject. I think you're hiding behind work so you don't have to feel lonely. I think you're using it to fill the void and I'm worried about you.
HOLD ON JENNIFER'S CONCERN.
CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD AND ASHLEY. IN PROGRESS.
RICHARD: Come on, Bellafiore... Let's hear the details. (BEAT) What types of people are you upsetting?
ASHLEY: Sorry, Hunt. I don't want to get into this over the phone. (BEAT) Maybe I'll drop by Salem and tell you all about it... after I get my pictures back, plus take a few more.
RICHARD: But you will come to Salem once you get your photos?
ASHLEY: Well...
RICHARD: (PRESSURING) We've got an international airport, Ashley. Plenty of direct flights from Europe and Asia every day.
ASHLEY: We'll see, Hunt... we'll see. (BEAT) But for now, I'm gonna concentrate on getting to the bottom of this mystery...
HOLD ON ASHLEY'S DETERMINATION.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. VIVIAN SQUIRMS IN HER CHAIR A BIT.
VIVIAN: I didn't think you were the sort of man to brag, John.
JOHN HOLDS UP HIS HANDS, PALMS OUT.
JOHN: No, Vivian, you're missing the point. I'm sorry. I should have explained myself better.
VIVIAN: Explained what better?
JOHN: You and Nikki are my family. My blood family. That means a lot to me and I want to be able to share my financial and emotional successes with you.
VIVIAN: (TOUCHED) Why, John. That is the nicest thing you could say. Rekindling these ties with you has made me happy, too. And I know that Nikki adores having you for an uncle and little Brady for a cousin.
JOHN: I'm glad. Nikki's a swell kid and I think having him to look up to will help Brady, too.
JOHN OPENS HIS DRAWER AND REMOVES A CHECK. HE LOOKS AT IT FOR A MOMENT.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Please take this in the spirit it's intended. Finding out I have an aunt and a nephew, having two of the puzzle pieces fit together... You can't possibly know what that means to me. I want to return the favor. I want to help you build a new life.
JOHN HANDS THE CHECK OVER TO VIVIAN, WHO LOOKS AT IT WITH WIDENING EYES. OUT ON VIVIAN'S SHOCK.
SMALL NURSES' STATION / LOUNGE. BILL AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS.
BILL: No need to worry. I am just doing my job, Jennifer. (BEAT) I'm Chief of Staff now, and that's a big responsibility.
JENNIFER: There's more to life than work, Dad. (BEAT) But that's the only life you've allowed yourself since Mom... (LONG BEAT) since Mom had to go to the sanitarium.
BILL: Your mother was and always will be the center of my life.
BILL LOOKS OVER TO ABIGAIL, WHO IS PLAYING WITH HER TEDDY BEAR.
BILL: (CONT'D) Along with you and Abby, and Mike and Jeremy, of course.
JENNIFER: I miss Mom so much...
BILL: I know...
JENNIFER: But I think it's time to move on, Dad. (BEAT) We can't put our lives on hold just because Mom isn't able to be with us. (BEAT) You need to have some fun in your life.
BILL: Well, let me see...
BILL OPENS UP HIS APPOINTMENT BOOK, AND TAKES A PEN OUT OF HIS POCKET.
BILL: (CONT'D) I can block off 45 minutes for "fun" next Thursday... (TEASINGLY) How's that?
JENNIFER: (SIGHS IN DEFEAT) You're hopeless, Dad.
ABIGAIL RUNS OVER TO BILL, AND GRABS HIS HAND.
ABIGAIL: Grandpa!
BILL: But I always have time for you, my darling! (BEAT) And since your birthday is next month, Grandpa only has a few weeks to find the perfect gift for his most special girl.
ABIGAIL GIGGLES. BILL PICKS HER UP AND GIVES HER A HUG, AND ABIGAIL RESPONDS BY GIVING HIM A KISS ON THE CHEEK. BILL CARRIES ABIGAIL OVER TO THE WINDOW SO THAT THEY CAN WATCH A BIRD THAT IS FLYING AROUND. JENNIFER OBSERVES THEM, AND SMILES.
JENNIFER: (SOTTO VOCE) I think you'll make time for a little bit of fun, Dad... (BEAT) All you need is the right lady.
HOLD ON JENNIFER'S PLOTTING.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN AND VIVIAN. IN PROGRESS.
VIVIAN: (STILL STARING AT THE CHECK) Oh, my...
JOHN: Something wrong?
VIVIAN: (SNAPPING OUT OF IT) Oh... No! No, nothing's wrong...
JOHN: Good.
VIVIAN: That's an awful lot of zeroes.
JOHN: Yeah, it is. But it's for family, and where family's concerned, the sky's the limit. (BEAT) I wanted to make sure it would be enough.
VIVIAN: Indeed...
JOHN: With that, you should be able to easily start a new life for you, Nikki, and Ivan.
VIVIAN: With this, I can start a new life, and then some. (BEAT) It may sound immodest, but with my business acumen, this could be the beginning of a second Alamain financial empire.
JOHN: (SMILING) That's a fact. (BEAT) And you're not being immodest at all. I've seen your talent for business first-hand.
VIVIAN: (FLATTERED) Thank you, John.
JOHN: Thank you, Vivian. (BEAT) Your business advice has been invaluable to me. Without your help, I'd still be lost in here.
VIVIAN: Well, I have faith in you.
JOHN: Thanks. That means a lot.
VIVIAN: (SMILING) My, would you listen to us? Such a little mutual admiration society we've become.
JOHN: We've certainly come a long way, haven't we?
VIVIAN: And been through a lot. (BEAT) Much of this past year has been such a nightmare... But it did bring us closer together. You, me, and Nikki. For that, I'm grateful.
JOHN: Me, too.
VIVIAN: (HOLDING UP THE CHECK) And I'm so very grateful for this. You really have given Nikki and I our lives back. I can't ever thank you enough.
JOHN: Just be happy, Vivian. And take care of that nephew of mine. That'll be all the thanks I need.
VIVIAN: I just pray that Lawrence will allow me to do that. I hope he'll agree to leave us in peace.
HOLD ON VIVIAN'S ANXIETY.
CUT TO: EUTERPE, PRIVATE DINING ROOM. THERE IS MUSIC PLAYING AND DOUG AND JULIE ARE DANCING.
JULIE: This has been divine, darling...
DOUG: No more divine than you...
JULIE: Could you have ever imagined such happiness?
DOUG: No... And it will only get better...
JULIE: Remember our first wedding?
DOUG: How could I forget... you were so beautiful...
FLASH BACK TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S FIRST WEDDING (SEPTEMBER 16, 1974). WE SEE DOUG GIVE JULIE ADDIE'S PEARLS. FADE OUT OF FLASHBACK.
DOUG: (CONT'D) As you were at our second wedding...
FLASH BACK TO: THE SECOND WEDDING (MAY 22, 1981). WE SEE DOUG SINGING "TILL THERE WAS YOU" AS JULIE WALKS UP THE AISLE. FADE OUT OF FLASHBACK.
JULIE: What do you think our next wedding will be like?
DOUG: It will be the best. Because now we know for sure that we shall never be parted.
THEY DANCE WITHOUT SPEAKING FOR A MOMENT. JULIE SIGHS.
JULIE: It's going to be difficult... without Grandpa...
BOTH ARE SILENT FOR A MOMENT.
DOUG: It could never be the same without Tom. But you know his spirit will be there, looking over us.
JULIE: He was so happy we got back together, he and Grandma both...
DOUG: You know, I always thought that love was the best it would get in the beginning, and then it mellowed to something nice, but not nearly so intense as it matured.
JULIE: And now?
DOUG: Now I know for sure... when you find your soul mate, your one perfect partner, it only improves, the love deepens and the intensity increases with every passing moment. I love you...
JULIE: And I love you...
THE MUSIC, A RECORDING OF DOUG SINGING "THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE WORLD" SWELLS, AND THE TWO LOOK DEEPLY INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES. THEY MOVE CLOSER TOGETHER, THEIR LIPS ALMOST TOUCH, AS THEY PAUSE A TIMELESS MOMENT BEFORE DISSOLVING INTO A PASSIONATE KISS. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK AS THE MUSIC ENDS.