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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: November 8, 1994
Time: Almost Immediately After #76,
Late Night to Early Morning
Copyright 1994
Introducing Dean Cain as Charles Jules Douglas Le Clere (CJ)
SMALL NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. JULIE, ALICE, AND MAGGIE, LOOKING ANXIOUS, ARE SITTING. MICKEY IS TRYING TO KEEP BUSY GETTING EVERYONE COFFEE OR JUICE. DOUG IS PACING BACK AND FORTH. THEY'RE ALL STILL IN SOME FORM OF THEIR COSTUMES, BUT HAVE TRIED TO TONE THEM DOWN, TAKING OFF THE HATS, MASKS, ETC.
DOUG: What is taking so long!? When will we know more about Robert's condition?
JULIE STANDS, WALKS OVER TO DOUG AND PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HIM.
JULIE: Uncle Bill will let us know. Please try not to worry, darling. We can't have you sick...
MAGGIE: I didn't even know Robert had a heart condition.
MICKEY: I don't think he does. (BEAT) Or if he does, he didn't tell anyone about it.
ALICE: It doesn't make any sense. He follows a healthy diet and he exercises regularly.
JULIE: I guess that doesn't always help as much as we think it will.
BILL OPENS THE DOOR AND EVERYONE TURNS TO HIM. DOUG PRACTICALLY LEAPS ACROSS THE ROOM.
DOUG: At last! Bill, what's going on?
BILL: Robert has had a massive heart attack. He's in surgery, we're doing an emergency triple by-pass.
EVERYONE LOOKS AT EACH OTHER IN SILENT FEAR.
DOUG: And...?
BILL: (RELUCTANTLY) I'd rather not say right now.
JULIE: Uncle Bill, this is Robert we're talking about. He's family. Can't you tell us anything more?
BILL: (PAINED) It doesn't look good so far. Robert... might not make it.
HOLD ON THE GROUP'S ANGUISH.
CUT TO: JANET'S APARTMENT. JANET UNLOCKS THE DOOR AND ENTERS, WITH SHANE FOLLOWING. JANET SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HIM.
SHANE: I can't remember the last time I stayed out this late.
JANET: Neither can I... but it must have been before I moved to Salem. (BEAT) And why didn't you ever tell me what a fantastic dancer you are, Captain Donovan?
SHANE: (LAUGHING) You never asked.
JANET: Well, I'm glad that you asked me to go with you. Dinner was fabulous, and the party was a scream.
SHANE: Maybe too much of one. I feel a bit guilty that we never made it to the Deveraux Party.
JANET: I'm sure Jack will understand... Simply tell him we were enjoying ourselves and lost track of the time...
SHANE: (SMILE) We were and we did... (BEAT) Though, it might have been nice if you'd let me lead during the tango.
JANET: I'll try to remember that... for next time.
SHANE: Next time? I like that...
JANET NEARLY BLUSHES AND LOOKS AWAY.
SHANE: (CONT'D) I'd have to say that this is the most fun that I've had in quite a long while. Thank you, Janet.
JANET: Thank you. (BEAT) I really needed a night like tonight to remind myself that I have a life outside of the police department.
HOLD ON JANET'S SMILE.
CUT TO: FLORENCE, ITALY. A PENSIONE. IT IS LATE MORNING. A BEAUTIFUL ITALIAN WOMAN, ANTONIA, IS STANDING AT AN EASEL AND CANVAS. SHE IS FRUSTRATED AS SHE TRIES TO CAPTURE HER MODEL ON THE CANVASS. THEN WE SEE HIM, FROM THE BACK, HIS BARE LEG DRAPED OVER ONE SIDE OF A HIGH BACK CHAIR. THE BACK OF HIS HEAD, SHOULDERS, AND ARM ARE HANGING OVER THE OTHER SIDE. HE IS APPARENTLY NUDE. IT IS CJ LE CLERE.
ANTONIA: Mi' amore. The sun. It is too early to paint.
CJ: Is the morning light throwing off your shadowing?
ANTONIA: Si... The sun is not high enough in the sky to give the right affect. We will have to wait.
CJ: It could be hours before the sun is in the right position for you to continue painting. (LOOKING AT HER LONGINGLY) What are we going to do with all that time?
FROM BEHIND THE CHAIR, WE SEE THE WOMAN PUT DOWN HER PAINT BRUSH. SHE CROSSES THE ROOM AND STANDS IN FRONT OF THE MAN. THE MAN SITS UP. THE WOMAN SITS IN HIS LAP. OUT ON THE COUPLE'S EMBRACE.
SMALL NURSES' STATION / LOUNGE. DOUG, JULIE, MICKEY, AND ALICE CONTINUE THEIR VIGIL. MAGGIE WALKS BACK INTO THE ROOM.
MAGGIE: I just talked to Melissa and Sarah. They won't be able to make it back, but Robert is in their prayers.
ALICE: I'll call Jennifer later. There's nothing she can do now, but she'll want to know. She's always been so fond of Robert.
DOUG: As have we all...
MAGGIE: Oh my gosh!
MICKEY: What is it, Maggie?
MAGGIE: Did anyone think to call Robert's family?
MICKEY: I think we wanted to wait for some real news, but you're right, Robin and Mike would want to know as soon as possible. I'll call them now.
MICKEY STANDS AND EXITS.
ALICE: We also need to call Robert's brother, Eli and their sister, Suzanne. And CJ... Someone needs to call CJ and tell him about his father.
DOUG: I should be the one to call CJ...
DOUG STANDS, ABSENTLY KISSES JULIE, AND WALKS OUT THE DOOR.
JULIE: Grandma. You call Eli. I'll call Suzanne. (BEAT) I hope they can make it here in time.
MAGGIE: I'll wait here in case there is more news.
JULIE AND ALICE LEAVE. HOLD ON A WORRIED MAGGIE.
CUT TO: FLORENCE, A PENSIONE. CJ AND ANTONIA ARE KISSING PASSIONATELY. IN PROGRESS.
CJ: (BREAKING FROM THE KISS) Ahhh, Antonia, you are definitely an artiste!
ANTONIA: But I have painted nothing yet...
CJ: But in the art of amore, my love, you are a Michelangelo, a Serrat, a Picasso... (HE PUNCTUATES THE NAMES WITH KISSES TO HER THROAT)
ANTONIA: And you are a master...
THE TWO DISSOLVE INTO AN EROTIC EMBRACE, WHEN A KNOCK SOUNDS ON THE DOOR.
ANTONIA: (CONT'D) Va! Va via!
SIGNORA: Signore! Signore Le Clere! It is call... gli stati uniti... They say it is an emergency!
CJ: (DISENTANGLING HIMSELF FROM ANTONIA'S GRASP) Grazie, Signora, I'll be down in a minute! (TO ANTONIA) I'll be right back, love.
ANTONIA: But perhaps I cannot wait...
CJ: (STANDING AND PULLING ON HIS JEANS) I'm afraid you'll have to, bella mia. (WICKED SMILE) Unless you want me to send Paolo up to amuse you?
ANTONIA: That toad? Bah! I suppose I can wait... (SEDUCTIVE SMILE) if you make it worth my while. But must you take this call?
CJ: If someone is calling from the States, it really could be an emergency...
ANTONIA: But I am having an emergency! A veritable crisis of passion...
CJ: (REACHES OUT TO CARESS ANTONIA'S CHEEK) Keep the red lights and sirens on, I'll be right back. (WINK) We can explore some resuscitation techniques...
ANTONIA: (POUTING) I suppose I can wait for a few minutes. I'll dabble with my colors a little...
CJ: Excellent idea. Find a color to express your passion and we'll compare ideas. After all, we have all day, and lots of... paint.
HOLD ON ANTONIA AS SHE ADMIRINGLY WATCHES CJ WALK OUT THE DOOR.
CUT TO: JANET'S APARTMENT. JANET AND SHANE. IN PROGRESS.
SHANE: At this moment, it's hard to believe that you are a cop.
JANET SMILES AND LOOKS DOWN AT HER COSTUME.
JANET: It's pretty hard for me to believe I'm a cop right now.
SHANE: You're a very beautiful and dynamic woman, Janet. I must say, that even when we're working together, I enjoy your company.
JANET: Thank you, Shane. (SMILE) Allow me to return the compliment and say that I enjoy spending time with you.
SHANE: (SMILING) You know, I think we might have a lot in common...
JANET: That could very well be... I know I feel lucky having you... as a friend.
JANET CATCHES SHANE'S EYES, AND THEY SPEND A MOMENT LOCKED INTO EACH OTHER'S GAZE. OUT ON JANET AND SHANE, BOTH SEEMINGLY BREATHLESS.
JANET'S APARTMENT. SHANE LEANS IN, AS IF TO KISS JANET, BUT SHE SUDDENLY PULLS BACK, BREAKING THE SPELL.
JANET: (SHAKY LAUGH) Did I say friends? Who'd a thunk it? A Salem PD cop friends with a superspy.
SHANE STUDIES JANET FOR A MOMENT, DISAPPOINTED IN THE CHANGE OF SUBJECT. JANET SITS, OBVIOUSLY DISCONCERTED.
SHANE: I don't know. Roman Brady and I might have thought of it first...
SHANE JOINS HER ON THE COUCH.
JANET: Oh, of course, how silly of me... You have a long history with the SPD...
SHANE: I do... but right now I'm thinking about my future...
JANET: You're thinking about a career in local law enforcement?
SHANE: (WRY SMILE) That's not what I meant...
JANET: Well, if it were, I'd have to check your credentials...
SHANE: This could be interesting...
JANET: (IGNORING HIM) For example, did you notice that the whole Horton contingent seemed to just disappear? What do you make of that?
SHANE: (SURRENDERING) Ian said something about it being personal business. (BEAT) I hope that everything's all right.
JANET: Yeah, me too...
SHANE: In any case, the party was a huge hit, and it was still going on when we left. (BEAT) Not too bad for a provincial old town like Salem, eh?
HOLD ON SHANE'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: FLORENCE, ITALY, A PENSIONE. CJ PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE AND SPEAKS INTO THE RECEIVER. TWO-WAY.
CJ: Pronto.
DOUG: CJ, is that you?
CJ: Si... yes...
DOUG: This is Doug Williams. I'm calling from the States.
CJ: Doug? Padrone mio! This is a fine surprise! It's great to hear from you. Although, your timing could be a little better. I'm with the most beautiful...
DOUG: (CUTTING OFF CJ) CJ, I'm sorry, but there's an emergency. Is there any way you can make it back to Salem?
CJ: Of course, but what is it? Is it Julie... or Alice?
DOUG: No, it's Robert... your father.
CJ: What's happened?
DOUG: He's had a massive heart attack.
HOLD ON CJ'S SHOCK AND WORRY.
CUT TO: SMALL NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. MAGGIE SITS ALONE AT THE TABLE, FLIPPING THROUGH A MAGAZINE WITHOUT REALLY SEEING IT. EVERY FEW SECONDS SHE GLANCES UP AT THE CLOCK. BILL COMES IN AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO MAGGIE.
BILL: How're you doing, Maggie? (LOOKING AROUND) Where is everyone?
MAGGIE: I'm okay. Holding down the fort while everyone calls Robert's family. Is there any more news?
BILL: We've moved him to CCU. But it will be a while before we notice any change in his condition.
MAGGIE TAKES BILL'S HAND.
MAGGIE: Robert is lucky that you were there for him at the Club. I know that's going to make the difference.
BILL LOOKS A LITTLE EMBARRASSED.
BILL: You're very kind to say so. I did my best, but it all depends a lot on how things go the next few days. (BEAT) That and his will to recover.
MAGGIE: We'll all be right here for him, praying.
BILL: That's about all we can do now.
OUT ON BILL'S RESIGNATION.
JANET'S APARTMENT. JANET AND SHANE. IN PROGRESS.
JANET: Yes, the party was definitely a good one. Not quite as wild as some of those I've attended in New Orleans...
SHANE: I'm sure... I've been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras and...
SHANE PAUSES, AND NOTICES JANET'S CAT, ISIS, LURKING IN THE HALLWAY.
SHANE: (CONT'D) Well, who have we here? (TO ISIS) Here, puss, puss, puss...
JANET: I wouldn't bother, she's...
JANET PAUSES IN SURPRISE AS ISIS RUNS OVER TO SHANE AND LAUNCHES HERSELF INTO HIS LAP, PURRING MADLY.
JANET: (CONT'D) Well! I was going to say that Isis isn't much for strangers, but she seems to like you.
SHANE: I have a way with felines. (SHANE IS STROKING ISIS, WHO KNEADS HIS LAP AND THEN CURLS UP IN IT, PURRING) She really is a love. (BEAT) You have excellent taste in cats... and your cat seems to have impeccable taste in people.
JANET: Perhaps. But I think it proves it's time to see if Salem has a reputable pet shrink.
JANET SMILES, AND SHANE, SEEING THAT SHE'S TEASING HIM, LAUGHS.
SHANE: Well, I'll see if I can sleuth out one to recommend. Now, as to the issue of your Isis' residence on my lap... If you don't want to traumatize her by interrupting her sleep patterns, I suggest you offer me a drink.
JANET: White wine okay? That's all I have in.
SHANE: That would be fine.
JANET: (RISING) But regardless of Isis' beauty nap, this will have to be "one for the road". We both have to work tomorrow.
SHANE: Janet, I hate to be the one to break it to you... but it already is tomorrow...
HOLD ON THE TWO, LAUGHING.
CUT TO: FLORENCE, ITALY, A PENSIONE. DOUG AND CJ ON THE PHONE. TWO WAY. CJ GRIPS THE PHONE SO HARD HIS KNUCKLES TURN WHITE.
CJ: (TRYING TO MAINTAIN CONTROL) Doug, what's happening, where is he?
DOUG: He's here at University Hospital. Bill Horton is the attending physician.
CJ: How bad was the heart attack? (BEAT, PANICKING) Dio, Doug, tell me that he's going to be all right.
DOUG: Bill said they had to do a triple by-pass. (LONG BEAT) I'm afraid it doesn't look very good for Robert, CJ.
CJ LOOKS FOR HIS WATCH AND REALIZES THAT HE'S LEFT IT UPSTAIRS. HE TURNS TO LOOK AT THE CLOCK ON THE WALL.
CJ: It's 10:30 here, I can get on the noon flight. I'm on my way. Tell Mon Pere that I'm coming, tell him to hold on.
DOUG: I will, just hurry.
CJ HANGS UP SO FORCEFULLY THE PHONE FALLS OFF THE DESK. THE SIGNORA COMES OUT TO SEE WHAT HAS HAPPENED. CJ HOLDS UP HIS HANDS IN APOLOGY AS HE HEADS FOR THE STAIRS.
CJ: Mi dispiace... I'm sorry... C'e mio padre... it's my father...
HOLD ON CJ AS HE TURNS AND DASHES UP THE STAIRS, TAKING THEM THREE AT A TIME.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S BEDROOM. KAYLA AND MARCUS ARE IN BED, ASLEEP. THE ALARM CLOCK GOES OFF. KAYLA'S RIGHT HAND WHIPS OUT FROM UNDER THE COVERS TO HIT THE SNOOZE BAR.
MARCUS: (YAWNING) Was that the alarm?
KAYLA: Uh-huh. (BEAT) It's too early...
MARCUS: Sorry Kay, but I've got an early surgery today. (BEAT) And you should know by now all about the life of a doctor.
MARCUS SITS UP AND RUBS HIS EYES.
KAYLA: It just seems like we don't have enough time to spend together.
MARCUS: Well, we do spend more time together than most doctors and their spouses.
KAYLA: (POUTING) Well, Dr. Hunter, what do I have to do to get to spend more time with you... schedule myself for surgery?
MARCUS: Well, if you want to play doctor... just tell me where it hurts. (KISSING HER HAND) There? (KISSING HER SHOULDER) There? (KISSING HER NECK) How about right here?
KAYLA: (GIGGLING) I think I'm feeling better already. (BEAT) But, since all your instruments seem to be ready, maybe we ought to continue.
OUT ON MARCUS AND KAYLA KISSING.
JACK & JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. JENNIFER IS IN BED. SHE REACHES FOR JACK, BUT ONLY FINDS HIS PILLOW.
JENNIFER: (GROGGY) Jack?
JENNIFER SITS UP, LOOKS AROUND AND NOT SEEING JACK, GETS OUT OF BED, AND WALKS TOWARD THE BATHROOM DOORWAY.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Jack?
THERE'S NO ANSWER, SO JENNIFER WALKS OUT INTO THE HALLWAY.
CUT TO: ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM. JENNIFER WALKS UP TO THE DOOR AND SEES JACK. HE IS SITTING IN THE ROCKING CHAIR HOLDING ABIGAIL, WHO IS CRYING; HE DOESN'T SEE JENNIFER.
JACK: (TO ABIGAIL) I remember waking up when I was little, and being scared of the dark, too. (DRYING ABIGAIL'S TEARS) But whenever you feel afraid, I want you to remember that Mommy and Daddy love you very much, and that we would never let anyone or anything hurt you.
ABIGAIL STOPS CRYING, AND SMILES AT JACK.
ABIGAIL: I love you, Daddy.
JACK: And I love you, Abigail. (BEAT) You'll always be my special little girl.
JENNIFER SMILES WIDELY.
JACK: (CONT'D) Maybe what you need is a special song to scare off all the bad things when you get scared. (BEAT) You think so?
ABIGAIL: I like songs...
JACK: I know you do.
JACK STARTS TO SING "HAKUNA MATATA." ABIGAIL SMILES AND CLAPS. HOLD ON JENNIFER AS SHE WATCHES JACK AND ABIGAIL.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S BEDROOM. KAYLA AND MARCUS. IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: I think maybe I should send a bouquet of roses to Jo for keeping Stephanie overnight with her.
KAYLA: That's a great idea!
MARCUS: Yeah? I've got a lot more great ideas. (SMILING WICKEDLY) I can share a few of those with you, if you're interested.
MARCUS LEANS OVER AND KISSES KAYLA.
KAYLA: I thought you had to go.
MARCUS TURNS AROUND AND LOOKS AT THE CLOCK.
MARCUS: I can certainly spare another half hour or so. (MOVING CLOSER TO KAYLA) I don't think I need to shave for my patients.
KAYLA: A half hour, huh? You're quite the stud muffin, aren't you?
MARCUS: But, of course!
KAYLA GLANCES AT THE CLOCK.
KAYLA: Actually, we're both going to be late if we don't get moving.
MARCUS: Yeah, you're right. (BEAT) You know, maybe we can conserve time and water by showering together.
MARCUS WINKS AT KAYLA.
KAYLA: You know very well, that if we showered together, we won't be saving any time or water.
MARCUS: I'm willing to test that theory, if you are.
KAYLA LAUGHS AND GETS OUT OF BED. SHE PUTS ON A ROBE, AND GOES TO THE BATHROOM, LEAVING MARCUS ALONE IN THE BED. MARCUS TAKES A PILLOW AND COVERS IT OVER HIS HEAD. HOLD ON MARCUS AND THE PILLOW.
CUT TO: SMALL NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. DOUG, JULIE, ALICE AND MICKEY RETURN TO THE LOUNGE. MAGGIE PUTS ASIDE THE MAGAZINE.
JULIE: Any news?
MAGGIE: Bill was here a little while ago. They've moved Robert to coronary care, but it's still touch and go.
THE GROUP IS SILENT FOR A MOMENT AS THEY DIGEST THAT INFORMATION.
MAGGIE: (CONT'D) How did the phone calls go? Were you able to get through to Robert's family?
JULIE: I spoke to Suzanne, but apparently there's an airline and a rail strike in Paris. She's terribly upset but doesn't know how or when she could get here.
ALICE: And I talked to Eli. His health has deteriorated quite a bit since we last spoke. His doctors have advised him not to travel.
MICKEY: That's what Robin said. She goes over there twice a day to take care of him. She'd come, but she's afraid to leave him in someone else's care for very long.
MAGGIE: Oh that's awful, I hope Eli gets better. What about CJ, Doug?
DOUG: Well, that's the one spot of good news. He'll be on the next plane out of Florence and should be here in Salem in a few hours.
ALICE: Thank goodness at least one member of Robert's family can be here.
JULIE: I just wish this was going to be a happy visit.
OUT ON THE GROUP'S CONCERN.
JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. JENNIFER QUIETLY RETURNS TO THE BEDROOM AND GETS INTO BED. A MOMENT LATER, JACK RETURNS. JENNIFER IS SITTING UP IN BED AND SMILING AT HIM.
JACK: Did I wake you?
JENNIFER: Nope. I was already awake.
JACK GETS BACK INTO BED. JENNIFER IMPULSIVELY LEANS OVER AND GIVES HIM A BIG KISS ON THE CHEEK.
JACK: What have I done to deserve such a cheerful morning greeting?
JENNIFER: You've just proven to me what a wonderful father you are.
JACK TURNS CRIMSON RED.
JACK: You mean, you saw... you heard?
JENNIFER CONTINUES TO SMILE AND NOD HER HEAD.
JACK: (CONT'D) Great. Just great.
JENNIFER: Come on, Jack. You looked perfect with Abby. I thought it was... sweet.
JACK GRIMACES AT THE WORD "SWEET."
JACK: Sweet?
JENNIFER: Of course. I'll say it again: you're a wonderful father, Jack Harcourt Deveraux.
JACK: (LAUGHS RUEFULLY) Imagine the public reaction to your statement. (BEAT) I can only dream what Steve would say.
JENNIFER: I think that your brother would agree with me. He knows all about the love shared between fathers and daughters.
JACK: I know how much he loved Stephanie.
JENNIFER: I'm sure that wherever he is, he knows how much you love Abby.
JACK: And, I know how much your father loves you...
JENNIFER SMILES.
JACK: (CONT'D) Except maybe when you're playing matchmaker.
HOLD ON JENNIFER'S INDIGNATION.
CUT TO: SMALL NURSES' STATION / LOUNGE. DOUG, JULIE, MICKEY, MAGGIE, AND ALICE. IN PROGRESS.
ALICE: CJ coming home may be the best medicine we could prescribe for Robert.
JULIE: Agreed. And it will be wonderful to see him again. (BEAT) In spite of the circumstances.
MAGGIE: I can't even remember the last time we saw CJ.
MICKEY: Sure you do, Maggie. He must have been about 14. It took everything we had to keep Sarah from fainting at his feet.
MAGGIE: She had quite a crush on him.
MICKEY: Crush? It seemed more like a hormonal imbalance to me.
ALICE: That young man has quite a reputation.
JULIE: (TO DOUG) Darling, remember the last time we saw CJ. (BEAT) What was the name of that young lady he was with?
DOUG: The one in Monaco?
JULIE: That's it. What was that young lady's name? She was wearing that avacado-colored dress.
DOUG: Jessica, I think. (BEAT) Remember she kept trying to talk CJ into going with her to a Mets game.
JULIE: Nearly had him convinced until that ex-model came up to return a pair of CJ's socks.
ALICE: I think your stories about CJ are blown out of proportion. He has never been anything but a gentleman when I've seen him.
JULIE: Being a gentleman is part of his charm.
ALICE: Nonsense. (BEAT) Whenever CJ has come to town to visit, he has always been the first one to run errands for me, help me with the cleaning and cooking. A first rate young man whose father should be very proud of him.
MICKEY: I agree, Mom. Whatever his charms with the ladies, CJ is a respectable and honorable man. (BEAT) Robert can be very proud of the job he did raising his son.
HOLD ON DOUG AND JULIE, EXCHANGING A GLANCE.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S KITCHEN. KAYLA, STILL IN A ROBE, IS PULLING A BAGEL FROM THE TOASTER, AS MARCUS, MOSTLY DRESSED BUT STILL BUTTONING HIS SHIRT, RUSHES IN.
KAYLA: Bagel?
MARCUS: Since you were so bent on detaining me and distracting me, I only have time for a glass of juice
MARCUS FINISHES BUTTONING, NOT NOTICING HIS BUTTONS ARE OFF-KILTER, AND GRABS A GLASS TO POUR HIMSELF SOME JUICE.
KAYLA: Me??? I'm not the one who insisted on making sure my back was "squeaky clean..." Not to mention my front.
MARCUS: But I love to mention your front... now that you mention it... (HE CHUGS THE JUICE)
KAYLA: You can't possibly go to work on an empty stomach!
MARCUS: Considering my work is surgery, an empty stomach is generally the best plan, Kay.
KAYLA: You have a point there, Doctor.
MARCUS: I'll call the florist after I get out of surgery. What does Jo like?
KAYLA: If you can get them this time of year, I know she loves freesia.
MARCUS: I'll special-order if I have to. The lady definitely deserves to get what she likes. (HE PUTS DOWN HIS JUICE GLASS AND REACHES OUT TO PULL KAYLA CLOSE TO HIM) Not unlike another lovely lady of my acquaintance.
KAYLA: I have what I like, right here.
KAYLA FIXES MARCUS' BUTTONS, HUGS HIM, THEN BREAKS AWAY, PICKING UP HER BAGEL AND SLATHERING IT WITH CREAM CHEESE.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) I think I'll pick up Stephanie early from day care today... it's been a while since she and I had any real time together.
MARCUS: Yeah, it's been a hectic few weeks. I think that's a good idea. Hey, why don't you both come to my place after you've done your mother/daughter stuff. I'll cook dinner for the three of us.
KAYLA: That sounds wonderful... but Stephanie is such a fussy eater...
MARCUS: I'll find something she likes. Maybe Marcus' Magnificent Macaroni and Cheese?
KAYLA: That might work!
MARCUS: I'll do something a little more... interesting for us...
KAYLA: Aww, I was looking forward to your "specialty."
MARCUS: (GRINNING) That ain't my only specialty... If you're real nice, I'll show you some of my other ones.
KAYLA: Are they culinary?
MARCUS: Well, there are food products involved, but you don't do 'em in the kitchen.
OUT ON MARCUS, LEERING PLAYFULLY AT KAYLA.
JACK'S AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. IN PROGRESS.
JENNIFER: What do you mean, "except for my match making?"
JACK: The way you threw your father and Norma together...
JENNIFER: I did not throw them together!
JACK: On no?
JENNIFER: Well... fine... maybe I did...
JACK: Aha!
JENNIFER: But their meeting was a huge success.
JACK: Don't you think there was a moment of... awkwardness?
JENNIFER: Dad and Norma hit it off beautifully.
JACK: (DOUBTFUL) Maybe... but, regardless, I think you should probably leave your father alone. He seems happy with his life.
JENNIFER: He is not happy with his life.
JACK: How do you know that?
JENNIFER: If he was happy with his life, he wouldn't be hiding at the hospital all the time.
JACK: He's not hiding. That's his job.
JENNIFER: He spends too much time there. He is turning into a workaholic. And, why do people become workaholics?
JACK: Because they have lots of work to do?
JENNIFER: Because they are missing something from their lives. My dad is trying to compensate for the lack of romantic love in his life by working too much.
JACK: Well, Dr. Freud, that was a wonderful diagnosis. (BEAT) But, there is someone else's love life who needs more attention than your father's.
JACK LEANS CLOSE TO JENNIFER AND BEGINS TO NIBBLE ON HER NECK.
JENNIFER: Really? Should I try more matchmaking?
JACK: I don't think his wife would like that very much.
JENNIFER: (PULLS BACK SO SHE CAN KISS JACK) Well, what his wife doesn't know...
JENNIFER SMILES AND KISSES JACK. HOLD ON JACK AND JENNIFER KISSING.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S KITCHEN. IN PROGRESS.
KAYLA: Dinner at your place sounds wonderful. (BEAT) Steffi and I will be there with bells on.
MARCUS: Great!
MARCUS HUGS KAYLA.
KAYLA: How did I get so lucky to find someone so terrific?
MARCUS: (TAKING A STEP BACKWARD) I really don't know.
KAYLA PUNCHES HIM IN THE ARM.
MARCUS: Ouch! (BEAT) I can sue you for abuse, you know...
KAYLA PUNCHES HIM AGAIN.
KAYLA: Now you'll have a reason to sue me.
MARCUS: Easy... I've got surgery in about (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Whoa, look at the time! (BEAT) I've got to go.
MARCUS KISSES KAYLA SOFTLY.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) I'll call you later.
KAYLA: Bye, Marcus.
MARCUS WALKS OUT THE BACK DOOR. HOLD ON KAYLA AS SHE MUNCHES ON A BAGEL, WATCHING MARCUS WALK AWAY.
SMALL NURSE'S STATION / LOUNGE. MAGGIE, DOUG, JULIE, ALICE SIT AND WAIT. MICKEY COMES IN CARRYING A SMALL BOX WITH FOUR CUPS OF COFFEE IN IT. HE HANDS A CUP TO JULIE, DOUG AND MAGGIE, AND KEEPS ONE FOR HIMSELF.
MAGGIE: What time is it, anyway?
JULIE: (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) Very early in the morning.
MICKEY: I don't think there is going to be any more news tonight. We should get Mom home.
ALICE: Thank you, Mickey. I would appreciate a ride home.
MICKEY: Mom, I'm sorry we kept you out so late. We should have gotten you home sooner.
ALICE: Nonsense. A family friend is in trouble. I couldn't have slept knowing Robert was in so much danger.
MICKEY: Nevertheless, it's not good for you to up all night.
ALICE: I think I know when I'm ready for bed.
MICKEY: Mom, I think you could run the entire town if we gave you a chance...
ALICE: Hmmmm... Isn't there a mayoral race coming up sometime soon? I wonder...
MICKEY: I wonder why I say things like that to you?
ALICE: So do I, son, so do I...
ALICE STANDS AND PATS MICKEY'S CHEEK.
MAGGIE: Shall we go? (TO JULIE) And, darling, you will call and let me know if there's any change?
JULIE: Of course. (STANDING TO KISS ALICE GOOD-BYE)
ALICE: I have some paperwork to do for the volunteer program. So, I'll stop by to check on Robert tomorrow... or is that today?
JULIE: It's an eternity.
ALICE SADLY NODS AND TURNS TO LEAVE.
MICKEY: Good night.
MAGGIE: 'Night
DOUG AND JULIE: Good night.
MICKEY, MAGGIE AND ALICE WALK OUT THE DOOR. HOLD ON DOUG AND JULIE.
CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. JACK AND JENNIFER ARE KISSING AS THE PHONE RINGS. JACK BREAKS AWAY AND ANSWERS THE PHONE. TWO WAY.
JACK: Deveraux residence.
JULIE: Hello, darling, it's Julie.
JACK: Julie, a pleasure as always. What can we do for you?
JULIE: I'm afraid it's bad news. Robert had a massive coronary last night at the Euterpe party. Doug and I are at the Hospital, we've been here all night. Uncle Bill's taking care of him.
JACK: (TO JULIE) Just a moment... (TO JENNIFER) Robert had a heart attack last night. Julie and Doug are at the hospital.
JENNIFER SITS UP STRAIGHT AND LISTENS INTENTLY.
JACK: (CONT'D) (TO JULIE) What does Bill say?
JULIE: Robert's condition is guarded. The next 48 hours are critical. CJ is on his way from Italy. I knew you and Jennifer would want to know.
JACK: Of course. Is there anything we can do?
JULIE: Just send good energy. (BEAT) I also wanted to let you know I spoke to Richard, and he'll be holding down the fort at Midsummer.
JACK: I wasn't the least bit worried.
JENNIFER TUGS ON JACK'S PAJAMA SLEEVE.
JACK: (CONT'D) Julie, can you hold on a minute?
JULIE: Of course...
JENNIFER: Jack, I'd like to go the hospital to be with Julie and Doug.
JACK: Of course... I'll tell Julie you'll be right there... I'll follow as soon as Rosie can get here.
JACK SPEAKS INTO THE RECEIVER AGAIN.
JACK: (CONT'D) Did you hear that Julie?
JULIE: Every word. I'll expect you shortly. And Jack... thank you.
JACK: No thanks necessary. You're... family. And so is Robert.
JULIE: Good-bye, darling.
JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE.
JENNIFER: I can't believe it... everything's been going so well lately. How can this happen?
JACK: (SADLY) "In the midst of life, we are in death."
OUT ON JACK. FADE TO BLACK.