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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: November 1, 1994
Time: Several Days After #75,
Late Afternoon to Evening
Copyright 1994
DEVERAUX PUBLISHING. JACK AND ASSORTED PARTY PLANNERS ARE STANDING IN THE MAIN RECEPTION AREA, WHERE THE HALLOWEEN PARTY WILL BE HELD. EVERYONE IS TALKING TO JACK AT ONCE.
CATERER: Mr. Deveraux, the shrimp from the West coast didn't arrive.
DJ: Sir, what kind of music do you want? Contemporary, dance, or oldies?
ELECTRICIAN: Hey, how do you want me to hide the wires and cables?
CATERING ASSISTANT: Do you want brand sodas or generic?
EVENT PLANNER: There's a short in the microphone. What should I do?
VERN WALKS IN.
VERN: Jack, I need... (SEEING THE COMMOTION, ATTEMPTS TO TURN AND BEAT A HASTY RETREAT) This can wait...
JACK: Vern, you are not deserting a sinking ship. Stay! And you people... (DEEP BREATH) (TO THE CATERER) Find something local you can use instead of shrimp. Use your culinary imagination, that's what I'm paying you for. (TO THE DJ) Just keep everyone dancing. (TO THE CATERER'S ASSISTANT) Generic. Why even ask? (TO THE ELECTRICIAN) Hide the cords however you damned well please. Just make sure there are no lawsuits tonight. (TO THE EVENT PLANNER) Why are you asking me about a microphone? Call the DWP. Call your brother-in-law. Just take care of it. (TO ALL) And if you have any more questions... ask Vern.
VERN: Ask Vern? Now wait just a...
JACK: Come on, Vern, you want to contribute, don't you?
VERN: Jack...
JACK STARES HIM DOWN.
VERN: (CONT'D) Yes, Jack, I'd be thrilled to help, Jack. I'm always thrilled to help, Jack...
JACK CLAPS VERN ON THE BACK.
JACK: That's the spirit. Now what do you need?
VERN: A long vacation...
HOLD ON VERN'S DOLDRUMS.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. WE HEAR OINGO BOINGO'S "DEAD MAN'S PARTY" PLAYING. A SIGN BY THE DOOR, FLANKED BY AZTEC FIGURES, PROCLAIMS THAT IT IS "DIA DE LOS MUERTOS" ("DAY OF THE DEAD"). THE WAITSTAFF ARE DRESSED AS DAY OF THE DEAD FIGURES. JASMIN AND KEN ARE PLACING SMALL, FOLK ART CERAMIC FIGURES OF ALL SHAPES AND COLORS ON THE TABLES AS CENTERPIECES. DAVE WALKS BY, LOOKING RESPLENDENT IN A GOLD MATADOR JACKET. A HUGE SKELETON AND BLACK DRAPING DECORATE THE STAGE, WHERE A MARIACHI BAND IS SETTING UP. DOUG STANDS BELOW DIRECTING THEM. JULIE WALKS IN AND DOUG EXCUSES HIMSELF.
DOUG: Hello, Fair Lady. Have you come to lend a hand?
JULIE: (KISSING DOUG) I'd love to, but I've got to make an appearance at the Deveraux party first.
DOUG: Ah, duty calls. I'm sorry I can't be your date. There are so many things left to finish here...
JULIE: It seems we both have duties to fulfill. But don't worry, darling, I'm sure Richard will be able to escort me.
DOUG: Hmm. Richard, again. I think you've been spending far too much time with that handsome young man. And I'm not sure that I like it...
HOLD ON DOUG'S SPECULATION.
CUT TO: BILL'S OFFICE. BILL IS SITTING AT HIS DESK, BURIED IN HIS WORK, AND BY MOUNDS OF PAPER. ATOP ONE OF THE PAPER PILES, SITS A LARGE PLASTIC SPIDER. SOMEONE KNOCKS ON HIS OFFICE DOOR.
BILL: (WITHOUT LOOKING UP FROM HIS WORK) Come in!
JENNIFER OPENS THE DOOR AND ENTERS.
JENNIFER: Hi Dad! Happy Halloween!
BILL: Hi Jenn. Come on in. (ABSENTMINDEDLY) Halloween?
JENNIFER PICKS UP THE PLASTIC SPIDER AND HOLDS IT IN FRONT OF BILL'S FACE.
BILL: (CONT'D) Oh. That's why I found this in my office this morning. I figured one of the nurses was trying to pull a practical joke on me.
JENNIFER: Don't tell me you forgot today was Halloween!
BILL: Sorry, hon.
JENNIFER: Then, that's all the more reason why you should come to the Halloween party at Deveraux Publishing!
BILL: Party? I don't know...
JENNIFER: Come on, Dad! It'll be fun.
BILL: (GESTURES TO THE PILES OF WORK ON HIS DESK) I really don't think I can get away from all this.
JENNIFER: Of course you can. You're the boss!
BILL: Even hospital administrators have people and patients to answer to.
JENNIFER: But, today's Halloween. Besides, Jack and I want you to be there.
BILL: (SIGHS) It's a costume party, right?
JENNIFER: Yes...
BILL: So there. I can't go. I don't have a costume.
JENNIFER: Aha!
BILL: Aha, what?
JENNIFER: I have a costume all set up for you!
BILL: Really, Jenn, you shouldn't have...
JENNIFER: But I did. I'll drop it by Grandma's in a little bit.
BILL STARTS TO OPEN HIS MOUTH TO PROTEST.
JENNIFER: I expect to see you at the party... wearing the costume.
BEFORE BILL CAN SAY ANYTHING, JENNIFER TURNS ON HER HEELS AND LEAVES HIS OFFICE. BILL THROWS UP HIS HANDS AND SIGHS.
BILL: Strong-willed women... I never had a chance with any of them.
OUT ON BILL'S RESIGNATION.
DEVERAUX PUBLISHING. JACK AND VERN. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: Very funny, Vern. You don't have time for a vacation. We have a party to throw...
VERN: (SOTTO VOCE) And I know where I'd like to throw it...
JACK: Pardon?
VERN: Nothing. (CHANGING THE SUBJECT) So... what are you wearing tonight?
JACK: I don't know. Jennifer picked out my costume.
VERN: Uh-oh!
JACK: Uh-oh? What's that supposed to mean?
VERN: You let Jennifer pick out your costume?
JACK: Yes. What's wrong with that?
VERN: Beware of women choosing costumes.
JACK: My wife happens to have impeccable taste...
VERN: This is Jenny-girl, we're talking about, right? The same one who bought you those boxer shorts with the hearts and flying pigs last Valentine's Day?
JACK: How'd you find out about...? (JACK SQUINTS HIS EYES) Jo!
VERN: (TEASING) I'll bet she picked a Cupid costume out for you. (BEAT) Or better yet...
BEFORE VERN CAN FINISH HIS SENTENCE, THE CATERER WALKS UP TO JACK.
CATERER: Mr. Deveraux, I've located a local seafood distributor who's willing to fill our order. Should I go ahead and order the shrimp?
JACK: Of course, order it.
THE CATERER MAKES SOME NOTES AND WALKS AWAY.
VERN: Hey Jack, whose idea was it for this party anyway?
JACK: Mine.
VERN: Yours! Really?
JACK: I'm perfectly capable of engineering social ideas as well as journalistic ones. Besides, I thought that this party would be a good way of celebrating Deveraux Publishing's success for the adults, and to provide a safe place at the Daycare center for the children to have fun.
VERN: Why Jack, that was downright nice of you.
JACK: I have my moments.
VERN: (CLOSING HIS EYES) I'm getting a vision of what your costume might be. It's going to be something sweet and nice... like a cute, cuddly teddy bear.
JACK: No! Jennifer wouldn't do that. (FEARFUL) Would she?
HOLD ON JACK'S HORROR, AS HE IMAGINES HIMSELF IN A TEDDY BEAR COSTUME.
CUT TO: KIRIAKIS LIVING ROOM. LEIGH, DRESSED AS A GYPSY STANDS NEAR THE FIREPLACE. VICTOR, DRESSED IN HIS SUIT, ENTERS.
VICTOR: Leigh, I hope you'll forgive me for sending a limo, but I had some very important business to attend to...
LEIGH: I understand about business, Victor. Not to worry. Besides, not many Gypsies get a chance to ride in a stretch limo.
LOOKING LEIGH UP AND DOWN.
VICTOR: And you make such a beautiful Gypsy.
LEIGH: Thank you. (LOOKING AT VICTOR) Where is your costume? Or are you coming dressed as a corporate raider?
VICTOR: Droll... Ms. McCloud. In fact, I wanted to greet you before I went upstairs to dress. And to make sure you hadn't changed your mind about accompanying me.
LEIGH: Always the gentleman, Victor. (SMILE) And why would I change my mind about attending? The "buzz" is that the Deveraux party is the party to attend this Samhain.
VICTOR: Samhain?
LEIGH: Why Victor, you didn't know? The pagans call Halloween "Samhain."
VICTOR: And how do you know that? Was it in your tea leaves?
LEIGH: Oh, now, I can't divulge all my secrets at once, can I?
VICTOR: I suppose not. (BEAT) But I wonder, should I worry about you?
LEIGH: (SWEET SMILE) Only if you cross me... And I'm certain you wouldn't do that, would you?
VICTOR: Or you'd cast a spell on me?
LEIGH: Something like that...
VICTOR: Then forewarned is forearmed. (BEAT) Now, if you will excuse me, I'll go change...
VICTOR WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM.
LEIGH: Into what, Victor? Into what?
HOLD ON LEIGH'S MISCHIEVOUS SMILE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND JULIE. IN PROGRESS.
DOUG: (TEASING) I don't know if I can handle all the attention that you lavish on your handsome assistant...
JULIE: Oh stop... Darling, you are the only man on this earth for me. (BEAT) After all these years, I thought you would have figured out that much.
DOUG: Maybe I just like to be reminded...
DOUG LEANS OVER AND KISSES JULIE. ROBERT AND MARTY WALK UP TO THEM. ROBERT CLEARS HIS THROAT.
ROBERT: We hate to interrupt...
DOUG AND JULIE END THEIR KISS. JULIE TAKES A STEP BACKWARDS.
JULIE: Well, I need to get back to Deveraux now. (TAKING DOUG'S HAND) I'll see you later, darling.
JULIE TURNS AND STARTS TO WALK OUT. ROBERT FANS HIMSELF LIGHTLY.
MARTY: Bye, Julie.
DOUG: So, what can I do for you gentlemen?
MARTY: We wanted to go over the music for tonight.
MARTY HANDS DOUG THE NIGHT'S PLAYLIST.
DOUG: 'Looks fine to me... (TO ROBERT) But you don't, my friend. Robert, you are as white as a ghost!
ROBERT: It's nothing, mon ami... I'm just getting into the Halloween spirit.
OUT ON ROBERT'S ASSURANCE.
JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS SITTING AT HER DESK, BUSY AT WORK, WHEN SOMEONE KNOCKS ON HER DOOR.
JANET: (LOOKING UP) Come in!
SHANE OPENS THE DOOR AND WALKS INSIDE. HE HAS ONE HAND BEHIND HIS BACK.
JANET: (CONT'D) Can I help you, Captain Donovan?
SHANE: Let's drop the formalities, shall we, Janet? (BEAT) I've come with a peace offering.
JANET: (UNAMUSED) I don't really think you should...
BEFORE JANET CAN FINISH, SHANE TAKES HIS HAND FROM BEHIND HIS BACK AND PRESENTS JANET WITH A PAIR OF EARRINGS, EACH IN THE SHAPE OF A BLACK CAT.
SHANE: I saw these in a store the other day and immediately thought of you. It's appropriate for Halloween, and I know how you adore cats.
JANET MANAGES A HALF SMILE, BUT QUICKLY TURNS SERIOUS AGAIN.
JANET: Thank you, Captain...
SHANE RAISES AN EYEBROW.
JANET: (CONT'D) Shane... That was very thoughtful, but... this still doesn't settle everything between us.
SHANE: Do you think that you'll ever forgive me?
JANET: I don't know. I trusted you, and you lied to me.
SHANE: How many times do I have to tell you? I knew absolutely nothing about the whole Lawrence and Nick mess.
JANET: So you've said.
SHANE: (ALL CHARM, HOLDING UP HIS RIGHT HAND) I swear it, on... the Great Pumpkin.
JANET LAUGHS, AND THIS TIME, CONTINUES TO SMILE.
JANET: Even so, why should I believe you?
SHANE: (SINCERE) Because I'm your friend.
JANET'S EXPRESSION SOFTENS.
SHANE: (CONT') (SMILING) And, because I've got invitations to the two hottest Halloween parties in Salem. And I don't wish to go stag tonight. (DEEP BOW) Would you do me the honor of being my guest?
JANET: (CONTEMPLATING SHANE) Thank you for your honesty... and your friendship. (BEAT) And, yes, I'll go to the parties with you.
SHANE: Fantastic! (BEAT) I hope the fact that these are costume parties doesn't pose a problem for you.
JANET: (LAUGHS) Remember, you're talking to a lady from New Orleans! I am always ready for a costume party.
SHANE: Perfect. Should I pick you up?
JANET: Why don't we meet there? I've got to finish up some of these reports here first.
SHANE: All right. We'll hit the Euterpe party first.
JANET: I'll be there!
SHANE TIPS AN IMAGINARY HAT TO JANET.
SHANE: Until later...
SHANE TURNS AROUND AND LEAVES THE OFFICE. HOLD ON JANET, SMILING.
CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE IS SEATED AT HER DESK. SHE IS NOW DRESSED AS CLEOPATRA, IN A WHITE ROBE WITH PLENTY OF GOLD JEWELRY AND A DARING DECOLLETE. SHE IS HOLDING A SMALL MIRROR IN FRONT OF HER AS SHE PUTS THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON HER MAKEUP. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JULIE: Come in!
THE DOOR OPENS AND RICHARD ENTERS. HE IS DRESSED AS AN 18TH CENTURY GENTLEMAN, COMPLETE WITH WHITE BLOUSY SHIRT, WAISTCOAT, OVERCOAT, AND CAPE. HE LOOKS AT JULIE AND DROPS TO ONE KNEE, BOWING HIS HEAD LOW.
RICHARD: (SOLEMNLY) Your highness...
JULIE: (PLAYING ALONG) You may rise.
RICHARD: (STANDING UP) Queen Cleopatra, you are a vision.
JULIE: Thank you, kind sir.
JULIE PUTS THE MIRROR AND MAKEUP DOWN, STANDS UP, AND WALKS OVER TO RICHARD. HE TAKES HER HAND AND KISSES IT.
RICHARD: (GRINNING MISCHIEVOUSLY) Perhaps we should stay here, so that I don't have to share your beauty with the other partygoers.
JULIE: Richard... You'd best behave yourself, or I'll have my asp bite you.
RICHARD: Your asp isn't the only one who can bite...
RICHARD PULLS UP HIS CAPE AND HIDES HIS FACE BEHIND IT.
JULIE: What are you talking about?
RICHARD: (FROM BEHIND HIS CAPE) I'll show you...
JULIE: By the way, what are you supposed to be...
RICHARD DROPS THE CAPE. HE IS GRINNING WIDELY, BARING HIS VAMPIRE'S FANGS.
JULIE: (CONT'D, WITH MOCK FRIGHT) Oh, my! A vampire!
RICHARD: Yes... A thirsty vampire...
JULIE: I'm crushed... You only want me for my blood. (BEAT) You'll suck me dry, and then leave me for the next pretty young neck that comes along.
RICHARD: Ah, Cleopatra, if you agree to run away with me, I will spare your life, and your lovely neck.
JULIE: You would forsake all those lovely young... necks down at the party?
RICHARD: For you, absolutely.
JULIE: (LAUGHING) You make a good vampire, Richard. (BEAT) It... fits you.
RICHARD: (CONFUSED) Is that a compliment?
JULIE: Of course. I think vampires are very intriguing.
RICHARD: I see.
JULIE: And I love your puffy shirt...
RICHARD: (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS COSTUME) Puffy shirt...?
JULIE: I think it's time we went down to the party. I'd like to have a dance with my favorite vampire.
RICHARD: Your wish is my command, your highness. (HOLDING OUT HIS ARM) Shall we?
JULIE: (TAKING RICHARD'S ARM) We shall.
THEY GO TO THE DOOR. RICHARD OPENS IT AND STANDS ASIDE FOR JULIE.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Thank you.
AS JULIE GOES BY, RICHARD LEANS TOWARD HER, HIS FANGS COMING PERILOUSLY CLOSE TO HER NECK. JULIE STOPS AND LOOKS AT HIM WITH DISAPPROVAL.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Watch it there, Count. If you want to keep those chompers, you'd better keep them away from this neck.
RICHARD: (SMILING) Sorry. (BEAT) Sometimes, it's hard to resist.
JULIE EXITS, FOLLOWED BY RICHARD. HE CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. HOLD ON THE CLOSED DOOR.
CUT TO: DEVERAUX PUBLISHING. THE SONG "MONSTER MASH" BY BOBBY "BORIS" PICKETT IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND. LISA, JACK'S SECRETARY, IS DANCING WITH A MAN WHO IS DRESSED AS A WEREWOLF, WHILE JO AND VERN ARE TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE MUSIC. JACK, WHO IS STILL IN HIS WORKDAY CLOTHES, WATCHES JO AND VERN INTENTLY FROM BESIDE THE PUNCHBOWL. JULIE AND RICHARD ENTER THE ROOM AND STEP ONTO THE DANCE FLOOR.
RICHARD: I've always wondered whatever happened to my Transylvanian Twist.
JULIE AND RICHARD DANCE. VICTOR, DRESSED AS A GREEK ORTHODOX BISHOP, ESCORTS IN LEIGH. JULIE SEES VICTOR, STOPS DANCING, AND STEPS INTO VICTOR'S PATH.
JULIE: I'm sorry, Leigh... but your escort here is trying to crash this party. And you know that's not a wise idea, don't you Victor? (BEAT) But then again... ruining the celebration for everyone else is your idea of a good time, isn't it?
LEIGH TRIES TO SUPPRESS A CHUCKLE, WHILE RICHARD LOOKS ON IN CONCERN. JACK WALKS OVER TO THE GROUP.
VICTOR: I was invited to this soiree, Julie. (BEAT) Whether you care to believe me or not is none of my concern.
JACK: It's alright, Julie. I did invite Victor to the party. (BEAT) As a gesture of my wish to... bury the hatchet...
VICTOR: I wonder where you'd like to bury that hatchet, Jack?
JULIE: Jack, if you can't find a suitable place for it, I have an idea or two...
LEIGH: Jack... if you're going to use my dear friend Victor for target practice, I would like a good seat for the action. (BEAT) I do hope you'll go easy on him though... unless you'd like to see me home this evening.
VICTOR: I don't think that Jack will need to concern himself with your transportation arrangements, Leigh.
JULIE: So Victor... now that you're in the door, maybe you'll tell me just what it is this costume is supposed to represent.
JACK: Yes, Victor... I thought false prophets were out this year.
VICTOR: I decided to celebrate my Greek heritage this year. (LONG BEAT) (TO JACK) Enjoy your little moment in the sun while you can, Jack. (TO LEIGH) Now, why don't we get something to drink?
RICHARD INDICATES THE LOCATION OF THE PUNCHBOWL; VICTOR AND LEIGH WALK TOWARD IT.
JULIE: Be careful, Jack... (BEAT) Victor is very much the snake. Quiet now, but able to strike at any time.
OUT ON JULIE'S WARNING.
DEVERAUX PUBLISHING. JENNIFER IS BESIDE THE PUNCHBOWL, TALKING TO VERN AND JO. ALICE ENTERS, DRAGGING BILL BY THE HAND. ALICE WAVES TO JENNIFER, WHO WALKS ACROSS THE ROOM TO MEET HER FATHER AND GRANDMOTHER.
JENNIFER: Hi Grandma! (BEAT) Or should I say, Miss Marple?
ALICE: Well, I did solve the case of the reluctant Horton today. (BEAT) Didn't I, Bill?
BILL: Unfortunately...
ALICE: I'm just glad that you convinced your father that he should come to the party, Jennifer. (BEAT) He needs more of a life outside the hospital.
JENNIFER: And I'm proud of you, Grandma. (BEAT) You made sure that he showed up, and that he came in costume.
BILL: Sure, stick me with this ridiculous outfit, then talk about me like I'm not even here...
JACK, NOW IN FULL REGALIA, WALKS UP BESIDE JENNIFER. HE'S TRYING TO STRAIGHTEN OUT HIS COSTUME AS HE WALKS.
JACK: Remind me again why I'm wearing this. (BEAT) These tights are going to drive me crazy.
JENNIFER: Because you know how fond I am of your version of King Arthur. (BEAT) Don't you remember?
JACK: Yes, Lady Guenevere... a night of dreams come true... that ended with a big bang. (BEAT) And you wonder why I don't want to go on another cruise.
JENNIFER: (POKING JACK IN THE RIBS WITH HER ELBOW) Doesn't Dad look great in his costume?
JACK: That depends... who are you supposed to be?
BILL: See, I told you this was a bad costume choice. (BEAT) I wanted to be Marcus Welby.
JENNIFER: Dad! You're a very striking Robin Hood.
BILL: I'm too old to be robbing from the rich and giving to the poor.
JACK: (EVALUATING BILL'S COSTUME A LITTLE CLOSER) I don't think so. (BEAT) Besides, Sean Connery's interpretation of the older Hood is still one of the best.
BILL SCOWLS AT JACK. JACK SMILES BACK AT BILL, WHO FINALLY CRACKS A SMALL GRIN.
JACK: (CONT'D) Why don't I get us all something to drink?
ALICE: That sounds like a wonderful idea, dear.
BILL: I'll go with you, Jack.
JACK AND BILL WALK TOWARDS THE PUNCHBOWL.
ALICE: They do look adorable, don't they?
ALICE STARTS TO LAUGH, AND JENNIFER JOINS IN.
GO TO: BILL AND JACK, WHO ARE GETTING PUNCH.
JACK: I'd say you were more of a Kevin Costner "Robin Hood."
BILL: Really. (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS COSTUME) I thought I was much more of an Errol Flynn type... Dashing. Adventurous.
JACK: Not unless your British accent has improved.
BILL: (BAD ENGLISH ACCENT) Oy say, Sharriff. Me and me men 'aven't done a bleedin' thin'.
JACK AND BILL: (LAUGHING) Stick with Kevin Costner.
EYEING BILL.
JACK: And nothing personal, but with legs like yours, you could never be Errol Flynn.
BILL: You've got room to talk. Didn't you use to open for Elvis in Vegas?
JACK: (PUTTING HIS HAND ON HIS SWORD) You, sir, are a cad. Take that back or I shall run you through with Excalibur. (SIGHS) Besides, your daughter is the one who picked out this... ensemble...
BILL: So, King Arthur, what do the simple folk do?
JACK: Uh. Beg your pardon?
BILL: (SINGING)
![[notes]](../ad_grf/sing.gif){kind=small}
C'est moi, c'est moi!
JACK: I know it's you. What's your point?
BILL: "Camelot," Jack. What kind of King Arthur are you if you don't know any of the songs from Camelot?
JACK: Oh... sorry. About the only thing I know about King Arthur is that he slept with his sister and some watery tart gave him a sword.
BILL: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) You know, son, Jennifer must be an exceptional woman to find a romantic soul in you.
JACK: She is... but then... I know how to handle a woman...
(SMILE, SOFTLY SINGS)
Simply love her... love her...
HOLD ON JACK'S SMILE AS JACK AND BILL REJOIN ALICE AND JENNIFER. JENNIFER MEANWHILE, HAS SPOTTED NORMA.
JENNIFER: Oh! Look who's here!
JENNIFER REACHES OUT AND PRACTICALLY HAULS NORMA TO THE GROUP. NORMA IS, NOT SURPRISINGLY, DRESSED AS MAID MARIAN.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Norma! What a surprise!
NORMA: But I was just downstairs, and you said...
JENNIFER: Of course, you had to come up, after spending so much time at the kid's party...
JACK: Mrs. Muir, how nice to see you again.
NORMA: Good to see you, too...
JENNIFER: (INTERRUPTS AGAIN) Norma, have you met my father, Bill Horton? Dad... this absolute gem of a woman is Norma Muir. She works at the Daycare Center. She's wonderful with the children.
NORMA: (EXTENDS HER HAND) Pleased to meet you, Dr. Horton. Jennifer talks so much about you, I feel I know you already.
BILL: That being the case, (HE TAKES HER HAND AND SHAKES IT) I would much prefer you call me Bill.
NORMA: Only if you return the favor and call me Norma.
BILL SMILES AND NODS.
ALICE: Norma, you look lovely. I can't imagine who suggested that costume, (LOOKS AT JENNIFER) but it is perfect for you.
NORMA: Well, actually, it was...
JENNIFER: (INTERRUPTS AGAIN) Just a fortunate coincidence. How lucky that Dad came as Robin Hood, isn't it!
JACK: (TRYING NOT TO SMILE) Indeed...
WE SEE ROSIE, DRESSED AS MAE WEST, WALK IN.
ALICE: Oh, I see Rosie just got here... I think I'll go say hello. If you'll all excuse me?
BILL: Of course, Mom, but remember we have to leave for the Euterpe party before too long.
ALICE: Just come find me when you're ready. Jennifer, darling, do have fun. And Jack, you've done a wonderful job with this party.
JACK: High praise indeed from the lips of Salem's premier party-giver. Thank you.
ALICE SMILES AT JACK, AND LEAVES TO TALK TO ROSIE. THERE IS A MOMENT OF UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE.
JENNIFER: Norma, did I tell you that Dad has only been the Chief of Staff a short time, but has already cut expenses by 10% and shortened the intern's hours so they're not asleep on their feet half the time?
NORMA: No, you didn't mention...
BILL: Jennifer, it really wasn't much...
JENNIFER: And Dad, did I tell you that Norma not only broke up a fight between two of our older daycare kids, but managed to calm down their irate parents, too?
NORMA: The joys of working with kids...
JENNIFER: And you both told me what a great movie Forest Gump was... isn't it amazing how much you two have in common?
JACK: (BARELY CONTAINING HIS AMUSEMENT AT JENNIFER'S MATCHMAKING) Oh, amazing...
JENNIFER: (GLARES AT JACK) Jack? Isn't that caterer over there trying to get your attention?
JACK: I don't see any...
JENNIFER: (SOTTO VOICE TO JACK) Do you want to be dragged away... by your sword?
JACK: (LOUDLY) You know, I think you're right! The caterer is calling.
JENNIFER: Let's both go see what he wants. Dad, Norma, you two enjoy yourselves...
BILL: (FAINTLY) Thank you, dear.
JACK AND JENNIFER LEAVE, AND THERE IS ANOTHER UNCOMFORTABLE BEAT, THEN BOTH BILL AND NORMA SPEAK AT ONCE.
BILL: (CONT'D) I'm sorry about Jennifer...
NORMA: I don't want you to get the wrong idea..
THE TWO STOP SHORT, THEN LAUGH. NORMA GESTURES FOR BILL TO CONTINUE.
BILL: I do want to apologize for my daughter. She can get very... motivated, when she has a particular idea in her head...
NORMA: That's all right. Jennifer is a doll. And she has the best of intentions.
BILL: Maybe... but subtlety is not her strong suit...
NORMA: Perhaps, but if not for your daughter, I might never have had the chance to meet you...
OUT ON NORMA'S INTEREST.
DEVERAUX PUBLISHING. JOHN AND BO ARRIVE WITH BRADY AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS. JOHN AND BRADY ARE WEARING MATCHING BASEBALL UNIFORMS. BRADY'S SAYS "MANAGER" ON THE BACK AND JOHN'S SAYS "BAT BOY." SHAWN-DOUGLAS IS THE GREEN POWER RANGER "TOMMY", AND BO IS DRESSED AS A PIRATE. BRADY STRUGGLES TO GET DOWN AND JOHN SETS HIM ON HIS FEET. HE POINTS TO THREE LITTLE GIRLS DRESSED AS A FAIRY PRINCESS, THE PINK POWER RANGER "KIMBERLY" AND A BLACK CAT, RESPECTIVELY.
JOHN: I see all your girlfriends are already here, Slugger. Go and have fun. And play nice.
BRADY: 'Kay!
BRADY HEADS OVER TO THE LITTLE GIRLS. SHAWN-D STARTS TO TAKE OFF TOO, BUT BO STOPS HIM BY KNOCKING ON HIS HELMET.
BO: Hold up there, Power Ranger. (BENDING OVER) Can you even hear me through that thing?
SHAWN-D LIFTS UP HIS HELMET AND GRINS.
SHAWN-D: Yes, Papa?
BO: Don't go wild on the candy all right? We've got a lot of stops to make tonight and I don't want you up later with a stomach ache.
SHAWN-D NODS AND RUNS OFF. JOHN AND BO GO OVER TO THE DRINKS TABLE AND HELP THEMSELVES TO A BEER.
JOHN: You do know that he's not going to take that advice, don't you?
BO: (GRINNING) Yeah, but as a parent, I feel like I have to say it. You know, so the kid doesn't think I'm slacking off.
JOHN LOOKS AT THE CROWD, ADMIRING EVERYONE'S COSTUMES.
JOHN: It looks like everyone went all out. I haven't worn a costume since...
BO: The cruise on the Loretta. Me, too. (BEAT) That seems a million miles away, in a whole other lifetime...
JOHN: It was. Gosh. I was only just starting to realize how I felt about Isabella on that cruise.
BO: And Hope was still with me. So many things have changed since then. We've changed since then.
THE TWO STAND SILENTLY, REMEMBERING THEIR WIVES. BO SHIFTS RESTLESSLY.
BO: (CONT'D) And speaking of changes, do you have any idea what that key in Carly's things is to?
JOHN: No, not yet. But I think it's important. I have this gut feeling that it's not just a key to a box or a locker. (BEAT) It's the key to my past.
HOLD ON JOHN'S THOUGHTFULNESS.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG IS DRESSED AS ZORRO. ROBERT IS ONE OF THE MUSKETEERS.
DOUG: So, mon vieux, what do you think of the party so far?
ROBERT: 'Tis wonderful, Doug. You have outdone even yourself.
DOUG LOOKS CLOSELY AT ROBERT.
ROBERT: (CONT'D) What is wrong, mon ami?
DOUG: Are you sure you're feeling alright? Even in this light you look pale.
ROBERT: Mon Dieux. You are such a mother hen. This is a party. I am fine and I'm enjoying myself. I would recommend you do the same thing and stop worrying about me.
ROBERT TURNS ON HIS HEEL AND HEADS TOWARDS A GROUP OF LOVELY LADIES. DOUG WATCHES HIM. NICK WALKS IN DRESSED AS BOGART IN A WHITE DINNER JACKET, WHITE SHIRT AND BLACK BOW TIE. NICK APPROACHES DOUG.
NICK: (IN A BOGART IMPRESSION) So, what color does the dossier say my eyes are?
DOUG: (SURPRISED) Nick! If I didn't know Bogie had died over 30 years ago, I would swear you were him.
NICK: Well, like I told ya, he's a real hero to me.
DOUG: I can tell... (BEAT) So... how are renovations coming at Nick's Cafe?
NICK: Great. (BEAT) The architect and the designer are already at work.
DOUG: Hmmm... This town may not be big enough for the two of us.
NICK: Sorry. I don't do Westerns.
DOUG: Can't stand the competition?
NICK: Can't stand the saddle sores.
DOUG: (SMILING) I'm going to be watching my clientele very closely. If any of them start missing their reservations, you're gonna be in big trouble.
NICK: (MOCK SURPRISE) Now, who can't stand the competition?
DOUG: (MOCK ANGER) You think you're competition for me?
IAN PASSES AND OVERHEARS THE TWO PLAYFULLY ARGUING.
NICK: I'm not going to compete with you, Doug. I'm going to run this place out of business. (SEEING IAN) And, I'll start by stealing your staff.
IAN: (LAUGHING) I doubt you'd be willing to pay my price.
MICKEY AND MAGGIE ARRIVE AS GEORGE AND MARTHA WASHINGTON. THEY CROSS THE ROOM AND JOIN DOUG, NICK, IAN.
MICKEY: (PLAYFULLY TO NICK) I'm surprised to see Doug letting in the competition.
IAN: Argh... this is where I came in. (TO NICK AND DOUG) I'm not sure the town is big enough for the two of you.
IAN WALKS OFF, SHAKING HIS HEAD. DOUG TURNS AND ADMIRES MICKEY AND MAGGIE'S COSTUMES.
DOUG: You two look great!
MICKEY: As do you, El Zorro.
DOUG BOWS. JULIE ARRIVES WITH ALICE, BILL, AND NORMA IN TOW AND DOUG WAVES THEM OVER.
DOUG: (KISSING JULIE) At last, my Fair Queen. Come, I've saved a table for all of you.
DOUG HOLDS OUT ALICE'S CHAIR AS EVERYONE GETS SETTLED. AT HIS NOD, KEN BRINGS OVER A TRAY OF DRINKS AND SETS THEM IN FRONT OF EVERYONE.
DOUG: (CONT'D) So, how was the Deveraux Party?
JULIE: Very nice. The kids were having a marvelous time.
BILL: Jack and Jennifer will be here as soon as things start winding down.
ALICE: (LOOKING AROUND) This is spectacular, Doug. Tom would have loved this.
DOUG: I know. And since part of the tradition of Dia de la Muertos is to celebrate our ancestors and toast the dead, I'd like to propose a toast. (HOLDING UP A GLASS) To Tom.
EVERYONE ECHOES THE SENTIMENT AND DRINKS SILENTLY. JULIE WIPES A TEAR FROM HER EYE, WHILE ALICE SMILES AND PATS HER HAND. OUT ON ALICE'S SMILE.
EUTERPE. SHANE ENTERS, DRESSED AS SHERLOCK HOLMES, COMPLETE WITH HAT, CLOAK, PIPE, AND MAGNIFYING GLASS. HE IS MET BY EVE, WHO IS WEARING AN OFF-THE-SHOULDER BLACK DRESS, AND DARK EYE MAKEUP AND LIPSTICK.
SHANE: Hello, darling!
EVE: (GRUMPY) Hi, Dad.
SHANE: (GRINNING) You look positively... ghoulish this evening.
EVE: (UNAMUSED) Please, spare me the Halloween humor. I'm only dressed like this because Doug made me. (BEAT) Ian threatened to come up with a costume for me if I didn't do it myself.
SHANE: Oh, heavens, we couldn't have that, now, could we?
EVE: Dad, I'm really not in the mood...
SHANE: (ADJUSTING HIS PIPE AND GRINNING) Whatever you say, Morticia.
EVE: (POINTING A FINGER AT SHANE) Watch it, Sherlock, or I'll have to take that pipe and shove it...
SHANE: (INTERRUPTING) 'You like the pipe?
EVE: (CAUSTIC) It's great, Dad. Really.
SHANE BLOWS ON THE PIPE, AND BUBBLES COME OUT. SHANE GRINS PROUDLY. EVE PUT HER HANDS ON HER CHEEKS AND ROLLS HER EYES.
EVE: (CONT'D) Oh, God... (BEAT) Is there any chance that I'm adopted?
BEFORE SHANE CAN ANSWER, DAVE APPROACHES.
DAVE: Eve, could I have your help for a minute?
EVE: (TO DAVE) Sure. (TO SHANE) 'Bye, Sherlock.
SHANE: I'll see you later.
EVE WALKS OFF WITH DAVE. SHANE MOVES TOWARD THE BAR. HE BUMPS INTO NICK.
SHANE: (CONT'D) Hello, Nick.
NICK: Hey, Captain. (LOOKING AT SHANE'S OUTFIT) Oh, excuse me... I guess it's "Inspector Holmes."
SHANE: (EXAMINING NICK'S COSTUME) And you must be... Rick...
NICK: The one and only. (BEAT) Have you seen Evie tonight?
SHANE: Yes, I just spoke with her.
NICK: How's she doin'?
SHANE: Somewhat grumpy, as per usual these days... (CONFUSED) But why are you asking me? I'm just the hapless father, after all. You know, the last to know everything...
NICK: Actually, I think that's become my position. The last to know part, that is. (BEAT) Evie still won't talk to me.
SHANE: I'm sorry about that.
NICK: (SURPRISED) You are?
SHANE: Yes. (BEAT) I know we've had our differences in the past, Nick. (BEAT) But I have a great deal of respect for what you did in the Alamain case. I believe you did the right thing.
NICK: Thanks, Captain. I just wish someone could convince your daughter.
SHANE: You've probably heard this a lot already, but give her time. You know how Eve can lash out when she's been hurt.
NICK: Yeah, I know.
SHANE: Damn it all... If only I had known what was going on. (BEAT) I never would have allowed things to happen like they did. I never would have hurt Eve like that.
NICK: I know that. Tarrington told me how you were kept in the dark about the whole thing. (BEAT) Believe me, Captain, if I could have thought of another way to handle the whole mess, a way that wouldn't have hurt Eve, I would have done it.
SHANE: (STUDIES NICK) I do believe you, Nick. (BEAT) I know how the I.S.A. can back you into a corner and force you to make some difficult choices. (BEAT) You made a lot of sacrifices to help bring down Lawrence Alamain. For that, I thank you.
SHANE EXTENDS HIS HAND.
NICK: (SHAKING SHANE'S HAND) I appreciate your understanding. (BEAT) I just hope that I can repair the damage I've done to my relationship with Eve.
SHANE: I think you can. Just be patient.
NICK CHUCKLES.
SHANE: (CONT'D) Something funny?
NICK: It's a little strange, you giving me advice on how to win back your daughter.
SHANE: (SMILING) Well... Things change. And people change.
NICK: Let's hope it's for the better.
GO TO: THE BAR. EVE IS WATCHING NICK AND SHANE TALK. SHE IS OBVIOUSLY UPSET BY THEIR APPARENT COMRADERIE. IAN WALKS OVER AND STANDS BESIDE HER. FOLLOWING HER GLARE, HE SEES SHANE AND NICK.
IAN: Hey, how about that? It looks like Nick and your dad are getting along pretty well.
EVE: So?
IAN: So, isn't that great?
EVE: Hmph. It would have been great, back when Nick and I were together. (BEAT) Now, it doesn't matter at all.
IAN: Do you really believe that?
EVE: I wouldn't have said it, otherwise.
IAN: So all those feelings you used to have for Nick, all that love, you've forgotten it? You've just shut it off?
EVE: Yes.
IAN: I don't believe you.
EVE: Believe what you want. (BEAT) I'm doing what I have to. I don't have a choice.
IAN: What do you mean?
EVE: If I allow myself to feel anything for Nick, if I start to believe that there's a chance for us, then I'm opening myself up to be hurt again.
IAN: But, think of what you have to gain. Isn't that worth the risk?
EVE: No. (BEAT) He betrayed me. He lied to me. I gave him my heart, and he broke it and left. (BEAT, AS TEARS WELL IN HER EYES) I can't allow myself to be hurt like that again. I couldn't take it.
IAN, SEEING EVE'S PAIN, PUTS HIS ARM AROUND HER SHOULDERS AND PULLS HER IN FOR A HUG. SLOWLY, SHE PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HIS WAIST AND HUGS HIM BACK.
GO TO: THE OPPOSITE END OF THE BAR. SHANE HAS LEFT, AND NICK IS ALONE, WATCHING IAN AND EVE. SEEING THEM EMBRACE CLEARLY UPSETS HIM. HOLD ON NICK.
GO TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS, WHO ENTER DRESSED AS FRANKENSTEIN AND HIS BRIDE. THEY WALK OVER TO THE BAR.
KAYLA: White wine, please.
MARCUS: Make that two.
AS THEY WAIT FOR THEIR DRINKS, THEY OBSERVE THE CROWD.
KAYLA: Interesting collection of characters.
MARCUS: I'll say...
JANET ENTERS THE ROOM. HER BEADED GOWN OF GOLD, PURPLE, AND GREEN LIGHTS UP THE ROOM.
KAYLA: Wow.
GO TO: SHANE, WHO SEES JANET, SMILES, CROSSES THE ROOM, AND OFFERS HER HIS ARM. SHE TAKES IT, AND THEY WALK TOWARDS SHANE'S TABLE.
SHANE: You look exquisite, Janet.
JANET: (GRINNING) What, this old thing? (BEAT) Since I missed Mardi Gras this year, I haven't had an opportunity to wear my King Bacchus special in awhile.
KAYLA AND MARCUS WATCH SHANE AND JANET INTENTLY. DOUG WALKS PAST THEM, AND OVER TO SHANE AND JANET.
DOUG: Good evening, Shane. (BEAT) And this vibrant creature... Captain Yamada, you should explore this side of your personality more often. (LONG BEAT) It suits you.
JANET: Thank you, Mr. Williams. (BEAT) I may have to let "fun Janet" out a little more.
SHANE: I know that I'd like that.
OUT ON SHANE'S GRIN.
EUTERPE. CARRIE AND JONAH ARRIVE AND STAND IN THE DOORWAY FOR A MOMENT, LOOKING AT THE CROWD AND THE DECORATIONS. CARRIE IS DRESSED AS A FLAPPER AND JONAH IS A MUMMY WRAPPED IN SURGICAL GAUZE.
JONAH: Wow! Will you look at this place? And listen to that band!
CARRIE: (CRANING HER NECK) Is there a table up front? Maybe I can use the band for my lab in Music Appreciation.
JONAH KNOCKS ON CARRIE'S HEAD.
JONAH: Hell-o? Anybody home? Carrie, how can you think of school on a party night like this?
CARRIE: Well...?
JONAH: Come on, lighten up, girl. You've got to think of something else besides school.
CARRIE: Look who's talking. Weren't you studying until two hours ago? And don't think I don't know where you got all that surgical gauze.
JONAH SHRUGS HIS SHOULDERS SHEEPISHLY.
CARRIE: (CONT'D) Really, I've been thinking of anything but school. That's my problem. (BEAT) Especially since I talked to my Mom.
JONAH: You got through to her? Where is she now? What did she say?
CARRIE GRABS JONAH'S HAND AND PULLS HIM ONTO THE DANCE FLOOR.
CARRIE: She said it's time to party and have fun! Dance with me, Jonah!
JONAH GRINS AND JOINS IN. HOLD ON THE TWO DANCING WITH ABANDON.
GO TO: JANET AND SHANE, DANCING. SHANE NOTICES THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE LOOKING IN THEIR DIRECTION.
SHANE: (WHISPERING IN JANET'S EAR) Don't look now, but I believe your costume is causing quite a stir.
JANET: I noticed. I guess it's not every day that Salem's police captain dresses so flamboyantly. (BEAT) Did you catch Marcus and Kayla's reaction?
SHANE: (SMILING) Yes, I did.
JANET: I see that you and I are very similar.
SHANE: How so?
JANET: Let me guess. I'll bet that you're the type of person who enjoys shaking things up a bit.
SHANE: Right, you are. I'm curious, though. How did you pick up on what I thought was well hidden under my stuffy British reserve?
JANET: Elementary, my dear Sherlock! It was a good guess. You Brits are some of the most outwardly conservative, but inwardly... smoldering... people I've ever met.
SHANE LOOKS AT JANET, OBVIOUSLY INTENT ON THE SMOLDERING ASPECT OF HER DESCRIPTION, BUT HE QUICKLY CATCHES HIMSELF AND LAUGHS.
SHANE: It looks as though you've blown my cover!
HOLD ON JANET AND SHANE, LAUGHING.
GO TO: KAYLA AND MARCUS, DANCING. MARCUS NOTICES KAYLA LOOKING AT SHANE AND JANET.
MARCUS: Does that bother you?
KAYLA TURNS AND LOOKS AT MARCUS.
KAYLA: Does what bother me?
MARCUS: Seeing Shane with Janet.
KAYLA: No, of course not. Shane and I are friends. Nothing more. (BEAT) But, does it bother you? I know that you and Janet are pretty close.
MARCUS: Yeah, but we're just friends, too.
MARCUS BRUSHES KAYLA'S CHEEK WITH ONE OF HIS HANDS.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) Don't you know? I've already got someone special in my life.
KAYLA: (SMILES) So do I.
KAYLA PULLS MARCUS CLOSE.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) Someone very special.
OUT ON KAYLA AND MARCUS, DANCING CHEEK TO CHEEK.
EUTERPE. THE MARIACHI BAND FINISHES THEIR NUMBER AND TAKES A BREAK. WE SEE IAN, IN THE BOOTH, PUTTING ON A CD: STING'S "SISTER MOON". HE GAZES DOWN ON THE DANCE FLOOR, WHERE COUPLES IN COLORFUL COSTUMES ARE SLOWLY DANCING. WE SEE SHANE AND JANET, DANCING. SHANE WHISPERS SOMETHING IN JANET'S EAR, WHICH CAUSES HER TO LAUGH. SHANE GRINS, AND PULLS HER A LITTLE CLOSER. WE SEE CARRIE AND JONAH, SITTING AT A TABLE. HE'S GESTURING WILDLY, AND CARRIE IS GIGGLING. SHE PUNCHES HIM ON THE SHOULDER, AND HE GRINS AT HER, GLAD HER MOOD HAS IMPROVED. WE SEE KAYLA AND MARCUS, WHO ARE DANCING NEARBY. KAYLA TAKES HER HEAD FROM MARCUS' SHOULDER AND SMILES UP AT HIM. THE TWO KISS, AND AT HIS QUESTIONING LOOK, KAYLA NODS. THE TWO BEAT A HASTY RETREAT FROM THE DANCE FLOOR AND OUT THE DOOR. WE SEE EVE, MAKING NOTES BEHIND THE BAR. NICK IS SEATED AT THE FAR END FROM HER, WATCHING HER. EVE CATCHES HIM LOOKING, SCOWLS, AND GOES BACK TO HER WORK. NICK CONTINUES TO WATCH HER, SAD AND RESIGNED.
GO TO: THE HORTON GROUP, STILL LAUGHING AND TALKING. MAGGIE REJOINS THE GROUP AND THE MUSIC QUIETS AS WE HEAR MAGGIE.
MAGGIE: Doug... I think you might want to check on Robert. He got awfully winded while we were dancing, and he seems to have disappeared.
DOUG: He hasn't looked good all day. I hope he's all right. I'll go check.
BILL: I'll come with you.
BILL AND DOUG GO TO EVE AND QUESTION HER, BUT SHE SHAKES HER HEAD. THEY THEN CATCH DAVE, BUT HE ALSO SHAKES HIS HEAD. IAN, NOTICING THIS, COMES DOWN FROM THE BOOTH.
IAN: Doug, who're you after?
DOUG: Robert. Have you seen him?
IAN: Yeah. He was dancing with Maggie Horton, then he stopped, and took off to the patio. He's still out there, far as I could tell.
DOUG: Thanks...
THE TWO MEN HURRY OUTSIDE TO THE BALCONY. ROBERT IS THERE, LYING ON THE FLOOR, COLLAPSED. BILL RUSHES TO HIS SIDE.
BILL: Robert!
BILL HE CHECKS FOR A PULSE, AND FINDS NONE.
BILL: (CONT'D) Damn! He's in arrest.
BILL BEGINS CPR.
BILL: (CONT'D) Doug! Call 911 immediately! He's in coronary arrest!
DOUG RUNS INTO EUTERPE. HOLD ON BILL, ADMINISTERING CPR. FADE TO BLACK.