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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: September 27, 1994
Time: Several Days After #70,
Morning to Afternoon
Copyright 1994
Introducing Judith McConnell as Norma Muir
SALEM INN. VIVIAN SITS AT THE DESK. SHE IS LOOKING OVER ACCOUNT LEDGERS. IVAN WALKS IN, CARRYING A CUP OF TEA. VIVIAN SIGHS.
IVAN: Madam... Is there something amiss?
HE SETS DOWN THE CUP OF TEA.
VIVIAN: Everything...
IVAN: But I thought Mr. Black's check...
VIVIAN: I'm sorry, Ivan. I didn't mean the money. John was more than generous. I've been going over the accounts and we will literally be set for life. (BEAT) But what kind of life?
IVAN: What kind of life would you like, Madam?
VIVIAN: Ideally? I'd like Nikki, you and I to return to Europe. I'm tired of this parochial little town.
IVAN: Then we should return to the Continent. (BEAT) You know wherever you go, I will follow...
VIVIAN: (SMILING) What would I ever do without you, Ivan?
IVAN: That, Madam, is something you will never have to find out.
VIVIAN: Good. (BEAT, TAPPING HER FINGERS) But what to do?
IVAN: I thought you said we could do whatever we wanted.
VIVIAN: Financially, we can. But, we have one problem.
IVAN: Oui, Madam.
VIVIAN: If we decide to leave, will Lawrence let us go?
HOLD ON VIVIAN'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: ABE'S OFFICE, CARVER AND CARVER. ABE IS GOING THROUGH SEVERAL SHEETS OF PAPER AND TOTALLING NUMBERS ON A CALCULATOR.
ABE: And that gives us a grand total of...
HE PRESSES A BUTTON ON THE CALCULATOR. HE LOOKS AT THE NUMBER WITH DISDAIN.
ABE: (CONT'D) Damn. It was right the first two times. (CALLING OUT TOWARD THE DOORWAY) Lexie! I've got the total!
LEXIE ENTERS WITH A SHEET OF PAPER.
LEXIE: Okay. I've totalled all of our expenses for the month: rent, phone, electricity, and so on. Here it is...
SHE HANDS THE PAPER TO ABE. HE TAKES A LOOK AND SINKS LOWER IN HIS CHAIR.
LEXIE: (CONT'D) That good, huh?
ABE: (HANDING LEXIE HIS SHEET OF PAPER) Here's the money we've brought in during the last month.
LEXIE: (LOOKING AT THE PAPER) Oh, no...
ABE: Oh, yes...
LEXIE: I know we haven't been doing a lot of business, but... This is it?
ABE: That's it. Most of the clients that we do have are either behind in their payments, or can't afford to pay much at all.
LEXIE: What are we going to do? I haven't even figured in Carrie's wages yet!
ABE: (FRUSTRATED) Damn! (BEAT) Well, I don't want to let Carrie down. I'll have to call John. (SIGHS) Again.
LEXIE: Thank God that John went into this venture with us. I don't know what we'd do without his help.
ABE: Without John's help, this "venture" would have ended a long time ago. (BEAT) Without John covering for us, we wouldn't even be able to pay the rent.
HOLD ON ABE'S FRUSTRATION.
CUT TO: SALEM INN. VIVIAN WALKS INTO HER ROOM, CARRYING HER TEA CUP. SHE SETS IT DOWN ON THE TABLE.
VIVIAN: It's now or never.
VIVIAN WALKS TO HER CLOSET AND STARTS RUMMAGING THROUGH HER CLOTHES.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) I'm going to have to see Lawrence today.
VIVIAN PICKS OUT A DRESS, HOLDS IT IN FRONT OF HER, SHAKES HER HEAD AND PUTS IT BACK.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) We're going to have to settle Nikki's future once and for all.
VIVIAN SELECTS ANOTHER DRESS, ADMIRES IT AND PUTS IT BACK.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) We can't live in fear of him for the rest of our lives.
VIVIAN TAKES OUT A DRESS AND HOLDS IT UP TO HER. SHE LOOKS IN THE DRESSING MIRROR, THEN PUTS IT BACK.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) It is time to make decisions and move on.
VIVIAN MAKES ONE FINAL SELECTION AND SMILES.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) This is perfect.
THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR.
VIVIAN: Yes, Ivan.
IVAN OPENS THE DOOR.
IVAN: Does Madame wish for anything further?
VIVIAN: Yes, Ivan, could you call and have the car brought around?
IVAN: Yes, Madame. May I ask where you're going?
VIVIAN: I'm going to visit Lawrence. It's time to settle our future.
OUT ON VIVIAN'S DETERMINATION.
JACK'S OFFICE. THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT TELEPHONES ON THE DESK: ONE RED, ONE BLACK, AND ONE WHITE. JACK HAS THE RED PHONE TO HIS LEFT EAR, THE WHITE PHONE TO HIS RIGHT EAR, AND THE BLACK PHONE PROPPED ON HIS RIGHT SHOULDER.
JACK: (SPEAKING INTO THE WHITE PHONE) Yes, I'll hold for Chief Tarrington.
JACK SWITCHES THE WHITE AND BLACK PHONES.
JACK: (CONT'D) (INTO THE RED PHONE) Shane, I hate to do this, but can I put you on hold again? (BEAT) Thanks.
JACK PUTS THE RED RECEIVER DOWN ON THE DESK, AND SHIFTS THE WHITE PHONE OVER TO HIS LEFT EAR. AS HE DOES THIS, JENNIFER WALKS INTO THE DOORWAY. JACK WINKS AT HER, THEN GOES BACK TO THE PHONES.
JACK: (CONT'D) (INTO THE WHITE PHONE) Yes, I'll continue to hold. (BEAT) Do you expect him to be on the other line for long?
JENNIFER STARES AT JACK AS HE SWITCHES GEARS.
JENNIFER: (SOTTO VOCE) If you keep this pace up Jack, you'll either collapse in exhaustion or become a case for the X-Files.
JACK: (INTO THE BLACK PHONE) Now where were we... oh, yes. I want to double the number of issues printed, effective immediately.
HOLD ON JENNIFER, STARING AT JACK IN AMAZEMENT.
CUT TO: SALEM JAIL. VIVIAN IS ON ONE SIDE OF THE CLEAR PANEL, IN A SMALL ROOM WITH A CHAIR AND A PHONE. SHE IS NERVOUSLY TOYING WITH THE PEARLS SHE IS WEARING. THE DOOR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PANEL OPENS, AND SHE STARTLES. LAWRENCE, WITH A PRISON GUARD, IS LED IN, AND SEATED. VIVIAN PICKS UP THE PHONE, AND LAWRENCE, SCOWLING, FOLLOWS SUIT.
LAWRENCE: Well, if it isn't my dear, concerned Auntie. Come to find out if I have a date for the prison Prom?
VIVIAN: Lawrence, don't be vulgar.
LAWRENCE: Vulgar? I'm in a damn prison, and you're worried about my vulgarity? I could curl your perfectly coiffured hair with a few well-chosen words.
VIVIAN: I didn't come to fight with you, Lawrence.
LAWRENCE: Well what then? Did you come to gloat?
VIVIAN: Of course not.
LAWRENCE: I'm surprised. After your performance on the witness stand... I suspect you had more to do with my being convicted than I previously thought.
VIVIAN: Lawrence, no! You're my flesh and blood, you know I was a hostile witness.
LAWRENCE: Hostile to me, perhaps. But that's past, and you may well pay for that, in the end. Come now, Auntie, to the point of this visit. Certainly not to commiserate?
VIVIAN: It's vital we come to an understanding, Lawrence, regarding something very important to both of us.
LAWRENCE: And that would be?
VIVIAN: Nikki. We must decide what's best for Nikki's future.
HOLD ON VIVIAN'S CONCERN.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JENNIFER CONTINUES TO WATCH JACK WITH AMAZEMENT. JACK JUGGLES THE THREE PHONES. HE HOLDS THE BLACK AND WHITE TELEPHONE RECEIVERS UP TO EACH EAR, WHILE THE RED ONE RESTS ON HIS DESK.
JACK: (SPEAKING INTO THE BLACK PHONE) Yes, you heard me right. I said double the number of issues... I know what I'm talking about... Get back to me this afternoon.
JACK HANGS UP ONE OF THE PHONES, AND WAVES AT JENNIFER BEFORE PICKING UP THE RED TELEPHONE RECEIVER RESTING ON THE DESK. JENNIFER SMILES WARILY AND WAVES BACK AT HIM.
JACK: (CONT'D) (SPEAKING INTO PHONE) Shane, are you still there? Sorry to keep you waiting. (HEARS SOMETHING ON THE OTHER LINE) Uh, excuse me, Shane. It sounds like I'm finally getting through to Tarrington on my other line. I'm going to have to get back to you later... Thanks.
JACK HANGS UP THE RED PHONE AND DIRECTS HIS ATTENTION TO THE WHITE PHONE. JENNIFER SITS ON THE SEAT IN FRONT OF JACK'S DESK, WATCHING, FASCINATED.
JACK: (CONT') Yes, I'm here... What do you mean, he's not in the office? Just a few minutes ago, you told me he was on the other line... No, I do not wish to speak with someone else... Yes, do have him return my call... Jack Deveraux... D-E-V-E-R-A-U-X... 5-5-5-7-3-8-2.
JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE AND IMMEDIATELY BEGINS TO TYPE FURIOUSLY ON HIS COMPUTER.
JENNIFER: Jack, what are you...?
JACK HOLDS UP A FINGER, INTERRUPTING JENNIFER, AND CONTINUES TO TYPE. AFTER A MOMENT, HE STOPS TYPING, AND LOOKS UP AT JENNIFER.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Jack, don't you think you're taking all of this a bit too far?
JACK: Too far? Of course not. My dear, this is what being in the newspaper business is all about.
JENNIFER: Running yourself ragged?
JACK: Not at all. Our circulation is up, and we've gotten more reader response than ever about the stories on Corelli, Jo, and Kayla.
JENNIFER: That's great, Jack, but...
JACK: But, what? The readers are eating this up with a spoon! It makes OJ Simpson look like a shoplifter.
JENNIFER: So, you plan on taking this further?
JACK: All the way. It's the name of the game. I need to find out the whole truth and make sure that the entire world knows about it.
JENNIFER IS ABOUT TO SAY SOMETHING, WHEN ALL THREE PHONES BEGIN TO RING.
JACK: (CONT'D) (BELLOWING) Vern! Come in here!
JACK STARTS TO PICK UP THE PHONES, AS JENNIFER STANDS UP AND TURNS TO LEAVE.
JENNIFER: I'll talk to you when you're not so busy.
JACK WAVES TO JENNIFER, JUST AS SHE EXITS THE OFFICE. OUTSIDE JACK'S OFFICE DOOR, JENNIFER TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND WALKS AWAY. OUT ON JACK'S OFFICE DOOR, THE SOUND OF RINGING PHONES, AND JACK YELLING FOR VERN.
CARVER & CARVER. ABE AND LEXIE. IN PROGRESS.
ABE: It sounds too simple. In order to get more revenue, we need more clients.
LEXIE: All right, Sherlock. Now, tell me how we can get more clients.
ABE: We've already taken out ads in the paper...
LEXIE: And passed the word through the Salem PD. What else can we do?
ABE: Maybe a bigger ad in the yellow pages?
LEXIE: Check to see how much that costs. Our advertising budget is close to nil.
ABE: So, I guess that rules out putting up a big billboard on the side of the road.
LEXIE: You got it, Babe. The word here is: cheap.
ABE THROWS UP HIS HANDS.
ABE: I've got it, Lex. We hire some thug to break into people's houses. That's sure to bring in new clients.
LEXIE: (GROANS) I hope you're joking!
ABE: Of course, I am. But, one thing that I am serious about... I do not like having John carry us financially.
HOLD ON ABE'S EXASPERATION.
CUT TO: SALEM JAIL. LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN. IN PROGRESS.
LAWRENCE: Nikki's future is none of your damn business, Vivian.
VIVIAN: How dare you!
LAWRENCE: How dare I?! I am Nikki's father, and I will have control over his future.
VIVIAN: Do you really think that's best for him?
LAWRENCE: Of course it is.
VIVIAN TAKES A DEEP BREATH, LOOKS AT LAWRENCE AND DECIDES TO TRY ANOTHER TACTIC.
VIVIAN: Think about it this way. Leopold was a very controlling father. Look back. Think... Is that really what you want for your son?
LAWRENCE: (TEETH CLENCHED) My father was a great man.
VIVIAN: Yes, he was... And he softened greatly in his later years. But, do you think he was a good father?
LAWRENCE: Of course he was.
VIVIAN: All right. But, can you honestly say that you had a happy childhood?
LAWRENCE: (ROTE) Of course!
VIVIAN: Lawrence... (BESEECHING) If you can't be honest with me, try and be honest with yourself. Your entire childhood was spent trying to please your father.
LAWRENCE: And I did please him... I think. (BEAT) I may not have had the happiest childhood, but I respected my father.
VIVIAN: Did you love him?
LAWRENCE: Don't be silly. Of course, I loved my father.
VIVIAN: You do now, because of the man he finally became. But, what did you feel about him when you were growing up? Did you love him, or did you fear him?
LAWRENCE SAYS NOTHING, MERELY LOOKING AT VIVIAN.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) I guess that answers my question. (BEAT) Then let me ask you this, Lawrence, do you know that Nikki is afraid of you?
LAWRENCE CRUMPLES A BIT.
LAWRENCE: (SOFTLY) Yes. Yes, I know.
HOLD ON LAWRENCE.
CUT TO: DEVERAUX DAYCARE. JENNIFER WALKS IN, AND ABIGAIL RUNS OVER TO HER.
ABIGAIL: Hi, Mommy!
JENNIFER: Hi, sweetheart! (BEAT) Give Mommy a big hug.
JENNIFER PICKS UP ABIGAIL, AND THEY HUG.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I needed that. (BEAT) Your Daddy is acting zealous again.
ABIGAIL: Jealous?
JENNIFER: No, sweetie... zealous... Daddy's really throwing himself into his work today.
NORMA WALKS TOWARD JENNIFER.
NORMA: Did you decide to trade the insanity upstairs for the insanity down here?
JENNIFER PUTS DOWN ABIGAIL. ABIGAIL GOES BACK TO PLAY WITH SOME DOLLS. ALL OF THE CHILDREN SEEM HAPPY, AND THERE IS A LOT OF LAUGHTER IN THE ROOM.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) It's not that insane down here, is it?
NORMA: No... It's a joy. I've been working with young children for thirty years, and I never tire of it.
JENNIFER GRINS SLIGHTLY.
NORMA: (CONT'D) And I'll tell you, after my husband died, it was being around the little ones that got me through the hard times.
THERE'S A WAIL FROM THE OTHER END OF THE ROOM. BRADY HAS KNOCKED DOWN A STACK OF BLOCKS THAT ANOTHER TODDLER WAS PLAYING WITH.
NORMA: (CONT'D) Duty calls...
NORMA QUICKLY GOES OVER TO THE CRYING YOUNGSTER. JENNIFER WATCHES INTENTLY.
JENNIFER: (SOTTO VOCE) She's nice... She's energetic... She's family-oriented... She's beautiful... (EPIPHANY) Norma, you may be just the woman that could bring a little light into Dad's life.
OUT ON JENNIFER'S MATCHMAKING.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. MAGGIE AND BILL HAVE JUST GONE THROUGH THE LUNCH LINE. EACH IS CARRYING A TRAY OF FOOD. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR A VACANT TABLE.
MAGGIE: (NODS TOWARD A TABLE) Here's an empty table, Bill.
BILL: Great, Maggie. (BEAT) Let's sit down before someone steals it from underneath us.
BILL AND MAGGIE SIT DOWN, AS THEIR TRAYS HIT THE TABLE, TWO MEN CARRYING TRAYS COME UP FROM BEHIND. THEY SEE BILL AND MAGGIE ARE SETTLING IN. THEY LOOK FRUSTRATED AS THEY TURN TO LOOK FOR ANOTHER TABLE.
MAGGIE: Whew! That was a close one.
BILL: Yeah. I forget what a fight it is to get a table here.
MAGGIE: I think someone should talk to hospital administration (EYEING HIM) about getting more tables down here... maybe even adding some space.
BILL: Maggie, you mean you think we have nothing better to spend our money on than more room and tables in the cafeteria? That money...
MAGGIE: (INTERRUPTING) Whoa! It was just a suggestion... And not a very serious one... Really, Bill, where's your sense of humor?
BILL: On vacation, I think. (BEAT) Where I need to be.
MAGGIE: You've been putting in a lot of time lately. Long hours, I hear.
BILL: You've been doing some hustling yourself. Volunteering here and putting in time at the Daycare Center. Where do you find the energy?
MAGGIE: Funny. I was going to ask you the same thing. (BEAT) You'd think with the amount of time we each spend at this hospital, we'd see more of each other.
BILL: Yeah. I rarely see you... And I never see Mom here anymore...
MAGGIE: Bill, you're not likely to either. I thought you knew... your mom has taken a break from her hospital responsibilities.
BILL: WOW! Maggie, I didn't realize how out of touch I've become.
MAGGIE: Do you talk to Alice much at home?
BILL: Not really. It's usually late when I get in. Have you talked to her lately?
MAGGIE: Yes. I try to call her every day. She misses Tom... (BEAT) Taking care of you helps her a bit, I think. And, Norm fills in a small spot of that emptiness. But...
BILL: I'll start spending more time with her.
MAGGIE: With your schedule? How will you fit her in?
BILL: Now, you're not going to start giving me a hard time about that, are you? Especially considering your own schedule.
MAGGIE: Who else is giving you a hard time?
BILL: Jennifer. Who else?
MAGGIE: She's just concerned.
BILL: I know. (BEAT) She thinks I should develop a social life.
MAGGIE: A social life might be exactly what you need. I think a diversion from work would be good for you.
BILL: I'll think about it.
MAGGIE: You know... (SMILING) I've seen one of the nurses giving you the eye. Nurse... Oh, what's her name. You know. The one on the 4th floor with the big brown eyes.
BILL: Nurse Castillo?
MAGGIE: Well, Bill Horton, you are a human male after all.
BILL: What's that supposed to mean?
MAGGIE: You notice the opposite sex. (BEAT) I was starting to think that you'd lost interest.
BILL: Hey, Maggie! (GRINS) I'm not dead. Nurse Castillo is a fine looking woman. (BEAT) But, I've got my hands full right now. I have responsibilities as chief-of-staff, plus my normal hospital duties. Dating isn't something I am interested in.
MAGGIE: And it never has been... not since Laura...
THE MENTION OF LAURA IS OBVIOUSLY PAINFUL TO BILL AND AN OFTEN FORBIDDEN TOPIC.
BILL: (WARNING) Maggie...
MAGGIE: All right, Bill, just think about it. Laura's been away for a long time. Maybe you need to start a new life.
BILL: Maggie...
MAGGIE: Just think about it, okay?
HOLD ON BILL'S AGGRAVATION.
CUT TO: SALEM INN. NICHOLAS AND IVAN ARE IN THE SUITE LIVING ROOM PLAYING CHESS. NICHOLAS IS MAKING A MOVE.
NICHOLAS: (GRINNING) Aha! Queen takes Bishop! I've got you on the run now, Ivan!
IVAN: Careful, Master Nicholas. Overconfidence can be dangerous. (BEAT) Things are not always as they seem.
NICHOLAS: (HIS BRAVADO FADING) Uh-oh. When you say stuff like that, it usually means you're about ready to crush me.
IVAN: (SMILING) Ah... This time, I shall only wound you...
IVAN MAKES HIS MOVE, TAKING NICHOLAS' QUEEN.
IVAN: (CONT'D) Knight takes Queen.
NICHOLAS: (PUTTING HIS HAND TO HIS FOREHEAD) Geez, I didn't even see that coming!
IVAN: That was my objective.
NICHOLAS: Man, I used to think I was good at this game...
IVAN: You are quite good, Master Nicholas. But I have had a few more years to learn. (BEAT) You must be patient with yourself. In time, I'm sure that you will be... (SMILING) "crushing" me.
NICHOLAS: I dunno. (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) So, where did Aunt Viv go? She's been gone for a long time.
IVAN: (HESITANTLY) She... ah... I believe she was doing some shopping...
NICHOLAS: Shopping for what?
IVAN: I... I am not certain. I did not think to ask...
NICHOLAS: Ivan, you don't have to lie to me.
IVAN: I do not know what you mean.
NICHOLAS: She went to see my... She went to see Lawrence, didn't she?
IVAN: (SIGHS) Yes... She has gone to speak to Mr. Alamain.
NICHOLAS: Why? Why would she want to talk to him?
IVAN: I do not know, exactly.
NICHOLAS: Come on, Ivan. I wanna know what's going on. (BEAT) I won't tell Aunt Viv you told me. I promise.
IVAN: I think I should let Ms. Alamain tell you...
NICHOLAS: (BECOMING UPSET) Ivan, please!
IVAN: (RELUCTANTLY) All right... I will tell you. (BEAT) She went to talk to Mr. Alamain about you.
NICHOLAS: What about me?
IVAN: Ms. Alamain hopes that they can reach an agreement... about who will take care of you.
NICHOLAS: Well, Aunt Viv will, right? Lawrence is in jail. He can't take care of me, even if I wanted him to.
IVAN: But he is still your legal guardian.
NICHOLAS: (STANDING UP, HIS EYES WELLING WITH TEARS) I don't care! Don't let him take me away from Aunt Viv!
IVAN: Nicholas, please... Come sit down next to me.
NICHOLAS SLOWLY WALKS OVER AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO IVAN. IVAN PUTS A REASSURING ARM AROUND HIM.
IVAN: (CONT'D) You must believe that everything will work out for the best. (BEAT) You have your Aunt Vivian, and the two of you have me to look after you.
NICHOLAS: And Uncle John...
IVAN: Yes, and your Uncle John. He and I will make sure that nothing happens to your Aunt Vivian, or to you.
NICHOLAS: 'Promise?
IVAN: Yes. I promise.
NICHOLAS: I'm glad you're on our side, Ivan.
NICHOLAS LEANS AGAINST IVAN'S SHOULDER. HOLD ON IVAN'S CONCERN.
CUT TO: SALEM COUNTY JAIL. LAWRENCE AND VIVIAN. IN PROGRESS. LAWRENCE APPEARS GENUINELY HURT, BUT HIS ANGUISH TURNS TO RAGE.
LAWRENCE: If Nikki fears me, it's because of you!
VIVIAN: Me?
LAWRENCE: If you hadn't kidnapped my son when he was an infant, then I would have had the chance to raise him. He would have grown up knowing me.
VIVIAN: You mean that if you had raised him yourself, you would have had the chance to deceive him into thinking you're an upstanding citizen.
LAWRENCE: Your sarcasm is not amusing, Vivian...
VIVIAN: (SOTTO VOCE) Sarcasm...?
LAWRENCE: Because of your treachery, Nikki never had the chance to know me. He was never able to see what kind of a man his father really is.
VIVIAN: (LOOKING AROUND) I don't know... I'd say that the criminal justice system has taken care of that.
LAWRENCE: Vivian... I've about had it with your remarks...
VIVIAN: I'm sorry, Lawrence. (DEEP CALMING BREATH) Seriously, tell me... How in the world do you think you're going to be able to see to Nikki's needs if you're in a prison cell?
LAWRENCE: I've told you, Vivian, I'm going to appeal the verdict. And I'm going to win. I won't be locked up long enough to have any significant effect on Nikki.
VIVIAN: Are you serious?
LAWRENCE: Absolutely.
VIVIAN: If you were to win an appeal and get out of jail, what makes you think that it will change the way Nikki feels about you?
LAWRENCE PAUSES. UNABLE TO THINK OF AN ANSWER, HE CHANGES THE SUBJECT.
LAWRENCE: I am Nikki's father... his legal guardian. (BEAT) Even if the unthinkable were to happen, and I wouldn't be able to take care of Nikki myself... (BEAT) I could easily find someone who would be able.
VIVIAN: And who would that be?
LAWRENCE: I'd find the best governess money can buy.
VIVIAN: A governess?
LAWRENCE: Yes. If I can't take care of my son, then I want to make sure the person who does take care of him won't betray me.
VIVIAN: Money buys loyalty?
LAWRENCE: Yes.
VIVIAN: How paternal. Does money buy filial love as well?
LAWRENCE GLARES AT VIVIAN ANGRILY. OUT ON LAWRENCE.
JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE IS READING A LETTER, AS JENNIFER ENTERS.
JENNIFER: I saw your door was open, so I didn't bother Lucille to announce me. Hope you don't mind...
JULIE: Mind? I'm always happy to see you, Jennifer, darling. Sit down.
JENNIFER: You look amused.
JULIE: It's this letter from CJ. He's currently doing some portrait work in Venice...
JENNIFER: He has quite a life, doesn't he?
JULIE: Astonishing... 'Want to know more?
JENNIFER: Of course!
JULIE: He was doing a portrait of some rich old Duke's daughter... She insisted on being painted with her 5 Pekinese.
JENNIFER: What fun...
JULIE: Well, you know CJ. The girl was apparently beautiful, they were both enamored...
JENNIFER: What else?
JULIE: They ended up becoming... romantic... during one of the portrait sessions, and the dogs became quite unruly. CJ said they ended up nipping him, apparently attempting to "save" their mistress...
JENNIFER BEGINS TO GIGGLE.
JULIE: (CONT'D) So CJ ended up with these little, tiny dog bites over most of his body, before they got the dogs locked up in his bathroom. Then, the Duke comes to pick up his daughter...
JENNIFER: Oh, no!
JULIE: He takes one look at CJ, and asks what in the world happened. CJ said the dogs must have just gotten upset, and the Duke, very somberly, tells him that his daughter's dogs are undergoing psychiatric care, due to their propensity for attacking "tender young men." It was all CJ and the girl could do to contain their laughter.
JENNIFER AND JULIE ARE BOTH LAUGHING, NOW.
JENNIFER: Was there any trouble?
JULIE: Apparently not. The portrait got finished, it seems the relationship did, too. And now he's working on one of the foreign minister's daughters... her portrait, that is. He writes that, happily, she's a cat person!
JENNIFER: How fortunate for him.
JULIE: He goes on to compliment me effusively for my work at Midsummer. He is such a charming rogue... Do you remember him?
JENNIFER: I vaguely remember Hope talking about "Little Dougie."
JULIE She was so excited to have a little brother...
JENNIFER: I met him once, too. It was while I was at boarding school in Switzerland. He was in the area, and said he "heard a rumor there was a Horton at the school."
JULIE: Family was always of interest to CJ.
JENNIFER: He came by one afternoon, out of the blue, and whisked me off for a late lunch, and some shopping. He was the talk of the school for months afterwards, all the girls had huge crushes on him.
JULIE: That's just like CJ.
JENNIFER: And I remember something else, too. When we were shopping, there were at least four women glaring daggers at him, and another four or five casting longing looks in his direction.
JULIE: He definitely started in his father's footsteps at a young age.
JENNIFER: And it sounds like he's still leaving trails of broken hearts...
JULIE: And psychotic puppies!
HOLD ON JULIE AND JENNIFER'S MIRTH.
CUT TO: SALEM JAIL. VIVIAN AND LAWRENCE. IN PROGRESS.
VIVIAN: What about love, Lawrence? I doubt that a governess, however competent or nice, would be able to give that to Nikki. (BEAT) I can.
LAWRENCE STARTS TO GET ANGRY AGAIN.
LAWRENCE: You love to throw that in my face, don't you, Vivian? Well, I love Nicholas, too. And don't think that I can't prove it!
VIVIAN: I'm not "throwing it in your face," Lawrence. I merely asked a question.
LAWRENCE GLOWERS AT VIVIAN.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) (SOOTHINGLY) Think about this for a moment... What if Nikki were just about to be born, hmmm? And he could be any kind of boy that you wanted. What would you wish for him?
LAWRENCE THINKS FOR A MOMENT. HIS FACE SOFTENS AND HE SMILES. IT'S AS IF HE'S FORGOTTEN VIVIAN'S EXISTENCE FOR A MOMENT.
LAWRENCE: I'd want him to be self-confident, of course. And smart. (BEAT) He should know what he wants and how to go after it. Of course, I'd help him with that. (BEAT) Athletic. Cosmopolitan, but down to earth, too. (BEAT) And happy. He should be happy.
VIVIAN'S EYES MIST UP AND SHE SMILES.
VIVIAN: You do see what I'm saying, Lawrence. You've just described Nikki to a perfect "T."
HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S SURPRISE.
CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER. LEXIE AND ABE. IN PROGRESS.
LEXIE: John doesn't seem to mind carrying the business. He uses it as a write-off...
ABE: We didn't start Carver and Carver so it would be a failure to give someone tax breaks. (BEAT) I wanna be the best detective agency in Salem... in the state.
LEXIE: Okay... I do, too. So, what are we going to do about it?
ABE: We need to come up with some ways to drum up business.
LEXIE: Agreed. (BEAT) And, Abe, remember, we already do some good things here. The Neighborhood Watch program is going and looks like a big success.
ABE: Yeah. That feels good to see people getting involved and looking after each other.
LEXIE: The people are starting to change. They're pulling together.
ABE: (LAUGHING) Mrs. Perkins may be pulling too hard.
LEXIE: (JOINING IN THE LAUGHTER) Yeah. I thought you were dead meat when she threw you across the room during self-defense class.
ABE: And, that guy, Rick. He looks more like someone we should be looking out for. Not someone who would be helping us protect our neighborhood.
LEXIE: He is a great motivator. (BEAT) It was amazing to see him getting everyone together and getting them excited.
ABE: It's really starting to snowball, isn't it?
LEXIE: My last count was 50 people.
ABE: By the way, did you ever get a hold of that self-defense instructor to schedule the follow-up session?
LEXIE: He'll be there next Tuesday.
ABE: Did you pick up the extra window stickers?
LEXIE: In the car and waiting for the next meeting to be distributed. Did you remember the training manuals?
ABE: I picked up the manuals at lunch. (BEAT) Lex...
LEXIE: Yes?
ABE: This Neighborhood Watch stuff is important. But it's not paying our bills. We need to find someone to take over running this program, so we can concentrate of Carver and Carver.
LEXIE: If we're going to make it the huge success we intended it to be. (BEAT) Abe?
ABE: Yeah, baby.
LEXIE: Our big break is just around the corner. I feel it in my bones.
ABE: I hope so. (BEAT) I can't feel good as long as I know we're leeching off of John.
OUT ON ABE'S INSECURITY.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL / CAFETERIA. BILL AND MAGGIE ARE ENJOYING THEIR LUNCH.
BILL: Have you talked to Mike lately?
MAGGIE: Yes, we called him the other day to wish him a happy birthday. He seems happy. Both Robin and Jeremy are doing fine.
BILL: I sent a card, I hope it got there on time. I meant to call too, but the time just got away from me.
MAGGIE: Apparently Jeremy helped Robin make the birthday cake. (LAUGHING) Mike said there were little holes all over it.
BILL: (LAUGHING) Ah, but what's the good of helping with the cake if you can't taste it along the way?
MAGGIE PICKS UP HER COFFEE AND CRADLES IT IN HER HANDS.
MAGGIE: (SIGHING) I just wish they were all closer. Mike, Melissa, Sarah... Why do kids have to grow up?
BILL: Yeah, it'd be nice to keep them little forever. But I guess that's what grandchildren are for, right?
MAGGIE: Exactly! That's why I have to borrow Abigail on occasion.
BILL: (MOCK POUTING) Well... okay. (BEAT) There's something to be said for having adult children. For one thing it's much easier to be friends with them.
MAGGIE: I think you're right. I get along much better with Melissa and Sarah now that they're older.
BILL: You know Mike and I had our share of problems when he was that age. We don't have the father-son relationship I would have wished for... but I'm glad we can be friends. That means a lot to me.
HOLD ON BILL'S SMILE.
CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS.
JENNIFER: Before I forget, there is a reason I stopped by your office.
JULIE: Darling, you never need a reason. Nevertheless, what can I do for you?
JENNIFER: Actually, I wanted to thank you for the articles Midsummer ran on grief.
JULIE: You're very welcome. We got a lot of positive responses on those articles.
JENNIFER: I know that the articles were geared for a slightly older audience, but they helped me, too.
JULIE: I'm glad. They helped me, too.
JENNIFER: I miss Grandpa.
JULIE: Me, too. He was so much a part of all our lives.
JULIE REACHES OUT AND LAYS A COMFORTING HAND ON JENNIFER'S SHOULDER.
JENNIFER: Julie, how do you think Grandma is doing? I admit I've been so tied into Lawrence's trial, that I haven't spent too much time with her lately.
JULIE: I'm sure she understands. We've all been preoccupied with the trial. (BEAT) Doug and I had her over for dinner the other night, and I can honestly say that she seems to be doing better than expected.
JENNIFER: (RELIEVED) Do you really think so?
JULIE: I think having family around has helped, especially now that your father is in the house. I think she likes taking care of him.
JENNIFER: I think he likes being taken care of.
JULIE: Don't they always?
OUT ON JENNIFER'S AND JULIE'S LAUGHTER.
SALEM JAIL. VIVIAN AND LAWRENCE. IN PROGRESS.
LAWRENCE: (SURPRISED) I suppose I have.
VIVIAN: Now, to continue this fantasy a bit longer... What do you think Nikki would be like if he had to live in fear, in an unstable environment, unsure of his family relationships?
LAWRENCE: Don't try and manipulate me, Vivian. Nicholas knows that I love him.
VIVIAN: Maybe he does, somewhere deep down. But he's a child, Lawrence. You can't just tell children that you love them. You have to show them. They have to experience your love and feel that it surrounds and protects them.
LAWRENCE: I can do that. I'll be out of here soon.
VIVIAN: What if you're not? Can you hug him through the bars? Can you play catch with him? Can you watch his soccer matches?
LAWRENCE: Vivian...
VIVIAN: One more question, Lawrence. (BEAT) How did you like your governess when you were a boy? Wouldn't you have rather had more time with Leopold and Filomena?
HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S REALIZATION AND SADNESS.
CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS.
JENNIFER: Yeah, I know how much it's meant to Grandma to have Dad there with her. (BEAT) When he's there.
JULIE: What do you mean?
JENNIFER: I mean, he hasn't spent too much time at home lately.
JULIE: Working long hours?
JENNIFER: That's an understatement. (BEAT) I'm worried about him.
JULIE: Worried? Why, darling?
JENNIFER: All he does is work these days. (BEAT) I want him to have a life.
JULIE: He does have a life. He's Chief of Staff at the hospital, following in his father's footsteps. I know he loves doing that. (BEAT) It seems to me that he has the life he wants.
JENNIFER: He may say that, but I'm not so sure.
JULIE: Oh, no?
JENNIFER: There's more to life than just work.
JULIE: Well... That's true.
JENNIFER: And I don't want Dad to miss out on anything. (BEAT) I know he loves his job, but... his life won't be complete if that's all he has.
JULIE: (SMILING) Careful, darling... Don't be too quick to start planning your father's life for him. (BEAT) He's a big boy. He can take care of himself.
JENNIFER: I know that, Julie. And I don't want to try to run his life.
JULIE: So what do you want to do?
JENNIFER: I want to make sure that he doesn't deny himself a chance to be happy.
JULIE: But, he's said that he is happy. He has his work, he has you, he has Abby...
JENNIFER: I know, but... I want more for him.
JULIE: I think that's wonderful, darling, but the important thing is what your father wants.
JENNIFER: (SADLY) I know, you're right. (BEAT) I just... I mean, I know Dad has his career, and his family, and that makes him happy, but...
JULIE: But what? What more do you want for him?
JENNIFER: He's a handsome, warm, caring man. (BEAT) What about love? What about romance?
JULIE: Your father is in love. (BEAT) With Laura.
HOLD ON JENNIFER.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. BILL AND MAGGIE. IN PROGRESS.
MAGGIE: I know how important it is to be close with your children... all of them.
BILL: I just wish I could do more for Jennifer. I know this whole trial business has dredged up a lot of bad memories for her...
MAGGIE: I'm sure it has. (BEAT) Be grateful that she has Jack to help her through it. He was there for her then, and he's there for her now.
BILL: I know. (BEAT) But she's still my little girl.
MAGGIE: Of course. (LONG BEAT) This trial has really caused an uproar in our family. What with Nick Corelli being alive... There could be some major problems.
BILL: Are you talking about Doug's club?
MAGGIE: Yes. (BEAT) The subject came up when I was talking to Julie the other day. She's trying hard to hide it, bless her heart, but I know she's worried. They don't know what's going to happen with Nick's will and the ownership of the club.
BILL: It's been even harder for Doug.
MAGGIE: The poor dear... Did you talk to him about it?
BILL: I had lunch at Euterpe the other day with Jennifer and Abigail, and I noticed that Doug seemed preoccupied. We talked briefly, and he admitted his fears about losing the club.
MAGGIE: He can't lose it. Euterpe means so much to him.
BILL: I know. His face lights up with pride every time he talks about it.
MAGGIE: Mickey said he's hoping that Doug and Nick can reach some kind of agreement.
BILL: Doug mentioned that, too. (BEAT) It would be great if they could come up with a compromise. I don't think either one of them wants this to go to court and be dragged out for God knows how many years.
MAGGIE: Not only that, but the circumstances are so crazy. If it were to go before a judge, who knows what the decision would be?
BILL: I think Doug would just as soon not find out.
MAGGIE: I pray that he and Nick can work this out on their own.
OUT ON MAGGIE'S CONCERN.
EUTERPE. DOUG IS STANDING BY THE ENTRANCE, OBSERVING THE OPERATION. KEN AND JASMIN ARE BOTH CARRYING TRAYS TO TABLES. DAVE IS ESCORTING A COUPLE TO THE LAST EMPTY TABLE IN THE HOUSE. IAN IS READJUSTING THE SPEAKERS. EVE IS CONFERRING WITH THE BARTENDER.
EVE: Let's try to do this in one trip, shall we? (HANDING THE BARTENDER THE LIST) Do you need anything else from the storage area to get through tonight?
DAVE RETURNS TO THE ENTRANCE AREA.
DAVE: Things are really hopping tonight, Doug.
DOUG: Yeah...
A PAIR OF CUSTOMERS GETS UP FROM THEIR TABLE, AND WALK TOWARDS DOUG.
CUSTOMER #1: Another fabulous night, Mr. Williams.
CUSTOMER #2: This has become our favorite place to go in Salem. (BEAT) We love everything about it! The food... the atmosphere... I'm so glad you've brought something like this to Salem.
DOUG: Thank you both. (BEAT) Have a pleasant evening, and come back again soon.
THE COUPLE WALKS AWAY. DOUG TURNS BACK TO THE DINING AREA, AND WATCHES THE ACTIVITY INTENTLY.
DOUG: (SOTTO VOCE) I've got to figure out some sort of compromise with Nick. (BEAT) I cannot lose my club.
HOLD ON DOUG'S DETERMINATION.
CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: I know Dad loves Mom. I love her, too. But, Julie, I don't think she's ever going to get well. She'll never be able to love Dad again... She'll never be able to love me...
JULIE: Darling, your mother does love you. You were the center of her life. You and your father. (BEAT) I know you were young when Laura... went away. But, Jennifer, you should have seen the love in her face every time she looked at you.
JENNIFER: I know... People tell me how much she loved me...
JULIE: Loves you...
JENNIFER: But I can't pin all my hopes on her... She may never come back. (BEAT) Dad has to realize that... He has to move on with his life...
JULIE: That's easier said than done, darling. Bill loves Laura. He always has and I suspect he always will...
JENNIFER: But it's been so long...
JULIE: And your father remembers every moment...
JENNIFER: He's lucky. I have so few memories of her...
JULIE: I remember Laura... I remember the day she brought you home from Rosie's farm. I remember how she talked to you. She would tell you how strong, confident, independent, and beautiful you were. (SMILE) I think that's why you grew up to be the smart, strong-willed woman you are.
JENNIFER: I don't remember that...
JULIE: Laura spent hours playing with you. She couldn't spend enough time with you. It was almost as if she knew how little time you would have together.
JENNIFER: Julie, those are your memories, not mine... I love to hear them, but...
JULIE: Why don't you talk to your father? He might be able to help you remember Laura. He must have a warehouse of memories of the three of you.
JENNIFER: (SIGHS) Mom and Dad must have been wonderful together.
JULIE: Being around Bill and Laura was a reminder of what everyone wants in a relationship. They were romantic and gentle and respectful. They genuinely cared for each other and looked out for each other's best interest.
JENNIFER: Like you and Doug.
JULIE: (SMILES) Bill and Laura were my role models. And, Grandma and Grandpa, too.
JENNIFER: Were you close to Mom?
JULIE: She was my best friend... I was maid of honor at her wedding... Laura was so happy that day.
JENNIFER: She loved Dad a lot, huh?
JULIE: Jennifer, I think your mother would have exploded if the minister had made them wait five more minutes to exchange vows. Bill and Laura fit together perfectly.
JENNIFER: Like two halves of a whole...
JULIE: Exactly. I know why your father hasn't been interested in dating anyone else. No one could ever replace Laura...
HOLD ON JULIE.
CUT TO: SALEM JAIL. LAWRENCE SITS QUIETLY FOR A FEW SECONDS, HIS EYES WELLING WITH TEARS. HE TRIES TO TURN AWAY FROM VIVIAN, BUT SHE NOTICES HIS EMOTIONAL RESPONSE.
VIVIAN: Lawrence?
LAWRENCE BRUSHES AWAY THE TEARS, TRYING TO HIDE THE ACTION FROM VIVIAN.
LAWRENCE: (QUIETLY) I lost Nikki once. The pain I felt when I found out that I'd missed the first years of his life was pure hell, Vivian. (BEAT) That's why it is so difficult for me to even think about losing him again.
VIVIAN: You won't be losing Nikki, Lawrence... I'm not trying to take him away from you. (BEAT) I love Nikki with all my heart, and only want what is best for him. (BEAT) I know that's what you want, too.
LAWRENCE: I love my son more than anything in this world, Vivian. I want to do what is best for him... (BEAT) Even if the best thing for Nicholas means that I have to let him go.
VIVIAN: He's a good boy, Lawrence. (BEAT) He'll make us both proud.
LAWRENCE: I'd like to be alone now.
VIVIAN: Of course.
VIVIAN GETS UP TO LEAVE. SHE SIGNALS THE GUARD, WHO OPENS THE DOOR FOR HER.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) You've made the right choice, Lawrence.
AS VIVIAN WALKS AWAY, LAWRENCE LOOKS AFTER HER, HIS PAIN NEARLY PALPABLE, THEN HE CRUMPLES, PUTTING HIS FACE IN HIS HANDS. HOLD ON LAWRENCE'S GRIEF. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.