![[LOGO]](../ad_grf/ad.gif)
An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: January 19, 1995
Time: A Week or So After #83,
Morning to Afternoon
Copyright 1995
COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA IS IN THE SUPPLY ROOM, CLIPBOARD IN HAND.
KAYLA: Bandages... (COUNTING) Three, four, five...
SHE ACCIDENTALLY KNOCKS OVER THE BOXES OF BANDAGES.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) Damn... (BEAT) That's the third time today I've done that.
KAYLA PUTS HER CLIPBOARD ON THE SHELF, AND WALKS BACK INTO HER OFFICE. WITH HER BACK TO THE DOOR, SHE PLACES HER RIGHT HAND ON THE PHONE.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) Come on, ring...
MARCUS COMES INTO THE DOORWAY, BUT DOES NOT ENTER. HOLD ON MARCUS' GRIN AS HE WATCHES KAYLA TRY TO WILL THE PHONE TO RING.
CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD IS AT HIS DESK, WHICH IS COMPLETELY OBSCURED BY STACKS OF FOLDERS. THE TELEPHONE RINGS; RICHARD DOES NOT LOOK UP AS HE GROPES FOR THE TELEPHONE. IT'S ASHLEY, TWO-WAY.
RICHARD: (DISTRACTEDLY) Richard Hunt.
ASHLEY: How about trying that again, only this time with a bit more enthusiasm?
RICHARD: Ashley!
RICHARD SMILES, PUTS DOWN HIS WORK, AND LEANS BACK IN HIS CHAIR.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Does this mean that you have good news for me?
HOLD ON ASHLEY'S GRIN.
CUT TO: CARVER & CARVER DETECTIVE AGENCY. ABE IS SITTING AT HIS DESK READING A FILE AND MAKING NOTES ON A PAD. JOHN STICKS HIS HEAD AROUND THE DOOR.
JOHN: 'You for hire?
ABE, STARTLED, LOOKS UP AND STARTS TO LAUGH WHEN HE SEES JOHN. JOHN WALKS IN AND SLOUCHES IN THE CHAIR OPPOSITE ABE. ABE COMES AROUND THE DESK AND PERCHES ON THE CORNER.
JOHN: (CONT'D) How's business?
ABE: Same old, same old. I'm considering walking around Salem Place wearing a sandwich board.
JOHN: I'd pay money to see that.
ABE: Yeah, you and Lexie both. (PUNCHING JOHN PLAYFULLY) How ya doing, buddy?
JOHN: I'm not so bad. (BEAT, GRINNING WIDELY) In fact, I'm pretty damn good.
ABE: That sounds suspiciously like news. Is it?
JOHN: Yup. (DEEP BREATH) I've got it, Abe. I've got all the answers... and all the dirt about my past. Now I just need some help deciding what to do with it.
ABE: Tell me all about it, partner.
JOHN: Abe, you're not going to believe this...
OUT ON JOHN.
CARVER AND CARVER, ABE'S OFFICE. IN PROGRESS.
ABE: Carly set you up?
JOHN: That's a fact. She found out I was the "dead" Alamain heir, and once she blew things with Larry, she planned my seduction.
ABE: To get at the Alamain inheritance?
JOHN: Exactly. She was so convincing, so good at the act... (BITTER LAUGH) I guess all those drama courses in school came in handy. She had me fooled, I'm afraid.
ABE: But how could you be expected to know? You had left your old life behind by that time.
JOHN: Yeah, but Carly didn't know that. She married me as quickly as she could, then had her accomplice kidnap me. She wanted me dead, Abe, so she would be my sole heir.
ABE: Then, she'd reveal who you really were, and claim the inheritance.
JOHN: Uh-huh. But it seems her accomplice had other ideas...
HOLD ON ABE'S INTEREST.
CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD IS ON THE PHONE WITH ASHLEY, TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.
ASHLEY: Well, I do have news...
RICHARD: And..?
ASHLEY: And, I think you'll like it.
RICHARD: If you ever get around to telling me...
ASHLEY: All right, all right. (BEAT) I'm getting ready to come back to the U.S.
RICHARD: That's great! I hope that means you're planning on coming to Salem.
ASHLEY: Yes, it does. (BEAT) I'll have to touch base in the city first, but then I plan to come out and see you.
RICHARD: Excellent. And you'll be bringing this hot story of yours, too?
ASHLEY: (TEASING) Richard, I'm hurt. Isn't it enough that I'm coming to visit you?
RICHARD: (SMILING) Of course, it is. (BEAT) But I know you better than that. You wouldn't be coming back without your story.
ASHLEY: You're right. (BEAT) I've got it. And it's big.
RICHARD: Were you able to recover all of the photos?
ASHLEY: Of course! Did you ever have any doubt?
RICHARD: No, not really. I know how sneak... er, resourceful you can be.
ASHLEY: Watch it, there, bub. You wouldn't want me and my resources mad at you.
RICHARD: Heavens, no!
ASHLEY: Seriously... I've got everything I need, and more. Once I put all the pieces together... we're talking Pulitzer, here.
RICHARD: Yes, I know. You've been talking Pulitzer for quite a while, now.
ASHLEY: And now, I'm going to deliver.
RICHARD: We're not getting just a little overconfident, are we?
ASHLEY: Well, I can't speak for you, but I know I'm not. (BEAT) Richard, this one is so big, it almost scares me.
RICHARD: (WITH A HINT OF SARCASM) You? I thought nothing scared you.
ASHLEY: Hey, I said almost. (BEAT) But it's that big.
RICHARD: (LEANING FORWARD IN HIS CHAIR) Do tell...
ASHLEY: Uh-uh, not over the phone.
RICHARD: (EXASPERATED) Not this again... You're such a tease.
ASHLEY: Am not!
RICHARD: Yes, you are. You call me up, grab my attention, and then clam up.
ASHLEY: Hey, I told you I'm coming to see you!
RICHARD: Yes, you did. I have to give you that...
ASHLEY: Thank you. As for the rest, you'll just have to wait until I get there.
RICHARD: You just want me to suffer with curiosity until then...
ASHLEY: Don't try laying any guilt trips on me, Hunt. Need I remind you that you had an opportunity to come with me?
RICHARD: No, you needn't. (BEAT) It's a good thing I stayed here, too...
ASHLEY: Why's that?
RICHARD: Never mind... I'll tell you about it when you get here.
ASHLEY: And I'll do the same. Right now, I've gotta go.
RICHARD: All right. Do me a favor, and call me when you reach New York, okay?
ASHLEY: Sure. I'll try to remember.
RICHARD: Try hard.
ASHLEY: Yes, Mother. (BEAT) I'll talk to you soon. 'Bye, Richard.
RICHARD: Good-bye, Ashley.
RICHARD HANGS UP THE PHONE AND SMILES. HOLD ON RICHARD.
CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. MARCUS SMILES, AS KAYLA CONTINUES TO STARE AT THE TELEPHONE.
MARCUS: Don't you know that a watched phone never rings?
KAYLA LOOKS AT MARCUS, STARTLED.
KAYLA: Marcus! I didn't hear you come in.
MARCUS: How could you? All of your energies were directed to that telephone.
KAYLA: I was just hoping to hear something about the Head Nurse position. Bill told me that they'd have a decision this week. (BEAT) Have you heard anything over at the hospital?
MARCUS: Nope. They're keeping pretty tight-lipped. I wouldn't worry. I can't think of a better choice for the position than you.
KAYLA KISSES MARCUS.
KAYLA: Thank you. I know you're biased, but it still helps.
MARCUS: Even if I do think you'd be the sexiest woman to ever grace the hospital halls, you're also a damn good nurse. I know that I'm not the only one who thinks that.
KAYLA: I knew there was a reason I hung out with you. You're certainly good for my ego.
MARCUS: I'm also a good food source. What do you think about grabbing some lunch?
KAYLA: 'Sounds good. I need a distraction and I'm not going to be much use here.
KAYLA GRABS HER PURSE AND JOINS MARCUS. THEY WALK OUT THE DOOR. JUST AS THE DOOR CLOSES, THE PHONE RINGS. OUT ON THE TELEPHONE.
JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS SEATED BEHIND HIS DESK. JENNIFER IS SITTING ON THE EDGE OF HIS DESK, READING THROUGH A PRINTOUT FROM JACK'S COMPUTER.
JENNIFER: Are you sure you want to do another editorial about the Republican Congress?
JACK: Why not? It's still a big issue.
JENNIFER: I just think they should do something worthwhile before we give them any more press...
JACK: Worthwhile? You don't think things will improve?
JENNIFER: I don't know. I'm just not assuming that they will. And if they do, I'm not assuming that a Republican majority will be the reason.
JACK: Is this skepticism I hear coming from the ever-optimistic Jennifer Deveraux?
JENNIFER: No, just... caution. After all, you know what they say...
JACK: What do they say?
JENNIFER: That "pro" is to "con" as "progress" is to "Congress."
JACK: Hmph. Perhaps when the Democrats were in control...
JENNIFER: Jack Deveraux...
JENNIFER IS INTERRUPTED BY A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JACK: (RELIEVED) Come in!
RICHARD ENTERS.
JACK: (CONT'D) Richard, hello!
RICHARD: Hello, Jack... Jennifer.
JENNIFER: Hi, Richard.
RICHARD: Am I interrupting something?
JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT JACK) Nothing at all.
JACK: How are things at Midsummer?
RICHARD: Great, just great.
JACK: So, what can I do for you?
RICHARD: Actually, it's what I can do for you. Or, more specifically, what a friend of mine can do.
JACK: Oh?
RICHARD: Yes. I received a call from my friend, Ashley.
JACK: The photographer.
RICHARD: Yes.
JACK: And...?
RICHARD: And she's coming back to the States with a story that she claims is Pulitzer material.
JENNIFER: 'Sounds like some story.
JACK: Indeed, it does.
RICHARD: So you'd still be interested?
JACK: Of course! I wouldn't pass over a story with such promise.
RICHARD: I'm glad to hear it.
JENNIFER: So, when will we get a look at this story?
JACK: Yes, when do we get to meet this mysterious friend of yours?
JENNIFER LOOKS SUSPICIOUSLY AT JACK.
RICHARD: Soon. I expect to see her here in the next few weeks.
JACK: Excellent! I'm anxious to meet Ms. Ashley Bellafiore, and see what she has to offer.
JENNIFER CROSSES HER ARMS AND NARROWS HER GAZE AT JACK. RICHARD NOTICES THIS.
RICHARD: Journalistically speaking, of course?
JACK: Of course.
RICHARD LOOKS AT JENNIFER, WHO SEEMS TO RELAX SLIGHTLY. RICHARD SMILES. JACK LOOKS AT RICHARD, THEN AT JENNIFER, AND SMILES INNOCENTLY. HOLD ON JACK.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. KAYLA AND MARCUS ENTER. DOUG, WHO IS TALKING WITH DAVE, WALKS OVER TO GREET THEM.
DOUG: Well, if it isn't the dashing Dr. Hunter... and his beautiful, if I hear my rumors correctly, fiancée?
MARCUS: The rumors are all true. Against what is probably her better judgement, she said yes.
KAYLA SMILES AND NODS RATHER ABSENTLY.
DOUG: From the looks of the bride-to-be, Marcus, she may be having second thoughts. Kayla? Are you there?
KAYLA: Wha.. um.. oh, Doug, I'm sorry.
DOUG: Regretting agreeing to be a Doctor's wife?
KAYLA: Not a bit! But I do confess, I am a little preoccupied at the moment... I'm waiting to hear from Bill Horton about the Head Nurse position.
DOUG: Oh, that's right, I think Bill mentioned that at dinner the other night...
MARCUS: You do seem to get all the good gossip, Doug.
DOUG: One of the privileges of being a club owner, Marcus. And Kayla, as far as I'm concerned, University Hospital's board would be crazy to hire anyone but you for the position. And they certainly aren't crazy. (SMILE) After all, Julie is on the Board and she has impeccable taste.
KAYLA: Thanks for the vote of confidence. Now if only I could convince the butterflies in my stomach!
DOUG: 'Sounds like they need some lunch. Right this way, Doctor, Head Nurse-to-be...
DOUG SEATS MARCUS AND KAYLA.
DOUG: (CONT'D) Can I get you anything to drink?
MARCUS: How about two glasses of Chardonnay? Maybe we can get the butterflies drunk first.
KAYLA LAUGHS NERVOUSLY.
DOUG: I'll send Dave over with them shortly.
DOUG LEAVES. MARCUS WATCHES KAYLA TOY WITH HER NAPKIN FOR A MOMENT, THEN PUTS HIS HANDS OVER HERS, CALMING THEIR NERVOUS MOVEMENT.
MARCUS: You really are on edge, love.
KAYLA: More than I thought I'd be. It's just... interviewing, and then thinking about the interview, what the job means... I see so clearly what I can accomplish in the position. And I want it, Marcus. I want to make those differences, implement those changes.
MARCUS: And I think you will. But you know, even if you don't get this exact position, you'll have other opportunities to make the changes you want to.
KAYLA: But not such a strong one.
MARCUS: Maybe, maybe not. I think it's safer, though, not to put all your emphasis on one position. If it's the right one, it'll happen. If not...
KAYLA: (INTERRUPTS) What! What have you heard? Are they selecting someone else?
MARCUS: Whoa, Kayla, I never said that. Truth is, I'm not privy to the decisions of the hospital board, especially this one, considering my rather close relationship with one of the candidates.
KAYLA: Then why are you discouraging me?
MARCUS: I'm not! It just isn't a good idea to stake your entire self esteem on one job. You are absolutely the best choice for the job. But you are also a successful, capable and multi-talented person whether you get this one or not. Okay?
KAYLA: (SOMEWHAT HESITANTLY) Okay...
DAVE ARRIVES WITH THEIR WINE AND SETS IT DOWN. MARCUS RAISES HIS GLASS.
MARCUS: A toast... to my beloved, a success, no matter what!
HOLD ON KAYLA'S SMILE AT MARCUS' TOAST.
CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER. JOHN AND ABE. IN PROGRESS.
ABE: What kind of other ideas?
JOHN: Revenge. (JOHN TIGHTENS HIS JAW) The perfect, evil revenge.
ABE: So, Carly's accomplice had another agenda?
JOHN: Right.
ABE: Do you know anything else about this accomplice?
JOHN: Uh-huh. Instead of killing me like he was supposed to, he brainwashed me and erased all my memories of being Forrest Alamain...
ABE: And gave you all of Roman's memories.
JOHN: It was Carly's accomplice who kidnapped the real Roman Brady.
ABE'S EYES WIDEN.
ABE: Oh my god! Then, that means...
OUT ON ABE'S REALIZATION.
JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, JENNIFER, AND RICHARD. IN PROGRESS.
JENNIFER: Come on, Richard. Stop being so mysterious and tell us what this hot story is.
RICHARD: I'd love to fill you guys in on it, but I think it would be better for Ashley to explain it herself. I don't feel that I could do it the justice it deserves.
JACK: (SKEPTICAL) I certainly hope you aren't setting us up for nothing, Hunt.
RICHARD: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) Jack, I'm disappointed. I would hope that you trust me enough to know that I would never send in a phony story.
JACK TAPS HIS CHIN WITH HIS INDEX FINGER.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) If you don't think it's worth the wait...
RICHARD STARTS TO LEAVE, WHEN JACK STOPS HIM.
JACK: You're absolutely right. I do trust you. Please accept my apology.
JACK EXTENDS HIS HAND TO RICHARD.
RICHARD: Apology accepted.
RICHARD AND JACK SHAKE HANDS.
JACK: Please, tell Ms. Bellafiore that I look forward to meeting her.
RICHARD: Will do.
JENNIFER: You know, this Ashley person can't get to Salem fast enough to suit me.
BOTH JACK AND RICHARD LOOK AT JENNIFER, STUNNED.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) What are you looking at?
JACK: You're actually looking forward to meeting her?
JENNIFER: Yes. Why does that surprise you, dear?
JACK: Well, um, uh... Hunt help me out here.
RICHARD OPENS HIS MOUTH, BUT CAN'T OR WON'T SPEAK.
JENNIFER: It's okay you two. My reporter's instinct has me curious. I've heard so much about Ashley Bellafiore that I'm actually quite anxious to meet her.
JACK AND RICHARD BOTH NOD, ACCEPTING JENNIFER'S NEW ATTITUDE. HOLD ON JENNIFER'S SMUG SMILE.
CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. MARCUS ESCORTS KAYLA BACK INTO HER OFFICE.
KAYLA: Thank you again for lunch.
MARCUS: (PULLING KAYLA IN FOR A HUG) Anything for my favorite lady.
KAYLA STEPS BACK FROM THE HUG; SHE IS STILL WORRIED.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) Kayla, you need to relax... You are the best person for the Head Nurse's slot. And even if the-powers-that-be decide that someone else should have the job, you and I will both know that you're still one of the best nurses that University Hospital has ever seen.
KAYLA: (SMILING) You really think so?
MARCUS: I know so.
MARCUS AND KAYLA START TO KISS. THE RINGING OF THE TELEPHONE FREEZES THEM BOTH IN MID-MOTION. HOLD ON THE PHONE.
CUT TO: ABE'S OFFICE, CARVER AND CARVER. ABE AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.
ABE: (SHOCKED) Carly's accomplice was...
JOHN: Stefano DiMera.
ABE: Unbelievable.
JOHN: Wait, it gets better.
ABE: Please, go on...
JOHN: Katerina and Stefano were lovers.
ABE: You're kidding!
JOHN: I'm completely serious. She was his lover and his protegé.
ABE: And the letters you found before...
JOHN: The mysterious letter "P." It was for "Phoenix."
ABE: Clever. (BEAT) And you say she was his protegé, as well?
JOHN: That's a fact. He was helping her go after her fortune... Or, more specifically, other people's fortunes.
ABE: Like the Alamain fortune.
JOHN: For starters. When she blew it with both me and Lawrence, Stefano pointed her toward a fortune here in Salem.
ABE: Kiriakis?
JOHN: Bingo. Stefano set up everything: Katerina's bumping into Justin and Adrienne in Tahiti, her identity as Dr. Carly Manning, everything. All she had to do was insert herself into Bo's life. And Hope's death made her plan that much easier...
ABE: So she knew Bo was the Kiriakis heir?
JOHN: Yup. She started out going after Bo. But then she decided to eliminate the middleman, and marry Vic himself. I guess she figured, "why wait?"
ABE: I'm surprised that she was able to fool Victor.
JOHN: Well, he was recovering from a stroke. (BEAT) But you're right. I wonder if he did know what Carly was up to.
ABE: Are you gonna ask him about it?
JOHN: Yeah, I plan to.
ABE: So, what happened after Carly married Victor?
JOHN: I dunno. Her journals are a little vague about that. Maybe Vic was onto her. Maybe she figured that Vic would leave the money to Bo, even though she was his wife. (BEAT) Maybe she just enjoyed pitting the two of them against each other.
ABE: Or maybe the divorce from Victor was Stefano's idea. Maybe he had other plans?
JOHN: I wouldn't doubt it. (BEAT) Unfortunately, we'll never know.
ABE: No?
JOHN: Well, if Stefano had other plans for Vic, he didn't tell Katerina. At least, she didn't write about them in her journals.
ABE: And we certainly can't ask her now.
JOHN: No, we can't.
ABE: And we can't ask Stefano, either. (BEAT) Unless, of course, "The Phoenix" is going to miraculously rise from the ashes again.
JOHN: Uh-uh, partner. That is definitely not going to happen.
ABE: You're sure?
JOHN: I'm sure. Stefano died in that fire in Chichén Itzá... He will not rise up out of the ashes.
OUT ON JOHN'S CONVICTION.
CARVER & CARVER. JOHN AND ABE. IN PROGRESS.
ABE: We've thought that any number of times before, John. (BEAT) How was Carly certain he was dead?
JOHN: Her journals spelled out what happened after we saw Stefano die. (BEAT) She even identified the body.
ABE: With all the stuff that was going on then, how would she have had time to go look at the body?
JOHN: Apparently, when she and Bo went to see Victor in the hospital, she had a few moments where Bo was busy talking to the Mexican authorities. She snuck down to the morgue, and ID'ed the body. She even took Stefano's ring off the body.
JOHN PULLS THE RING OUT OF HIS POCKET, AND SHOWS IT TO ABE.
JOHN: (CONT'D) It was in the safe deposit box... There's no doubt in my mind that it was Stefano's. (BEAT) Just to make sure, Carly called Stefano's personal physician. He sent a trusted dentist in and confirmed from the dental records that it was DiMera. (LONG BEAT) Once she had the confirmation, she ordered that the body be cremated. (BEAT) She even watched.
ABE: This is amazing... But when would she have had time to attend a cremation?
JOHN: The morning of their symbolic wedding ceremony... Carly wrote that on the morning of the wedding, she went back into town, watched Stefano burn, and then came back before any of us knew she was gone. (BEAT) From what she wrote, it looks like she was truly broken up about his death. She also wrote that she had to really put on an act to convince all of us that she was the happy bride... you should have heard all the nasty things she said about Doc... and IzzyB.
ABE: Did you talk with Marlena, to see if her memories of that day match the journal?
JOHN: Doc said that Carly was gushing over everything... almost like she was over-acting. (BEAT) She thought Carly was just excited about the ceremony...
ABE: Wow.
JOHN: Yeah... wow.
HOLD ON JOHN'S EXHAUSTION.
CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA UNLOCKS THE DOOR TO THE COMMUNITY CENTER. MARCUS WALKS IN. KAYLA FOLLOWS. BEFORE EITHER ONE SPEAKS, THE PHONE RINGS. KAYLA STANDS FROZEN, STARING AT MARCUS.
MARCUS: Well... Aren't you going to answer that?
KAYLA: It might be Bill Horton.
MARCUS: Isn't that what you've been waiting for?
KAYLA: Yes, but now I'm not so sure I want to know if I got the job.
KAYLA HESITANTLY PICKS UP THE PHONE.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) Salem Community Center. Kayla Brady speaking.
IT'S BILL HORTON. TWO WAY.
BILL: Kayla, this is Bill Horton.
KAYLA: Hello Bill. How are you?
BILL: Great, thanks. Kayla, I'm calling in regards to the position as Head Nurse.
KAYLA: Then, you've come to a decision?
BILL: We have...
KAYLA: And?
BILL: There were a lot of great candidates.
KAYLA LOOKS DOWN AT THE COUNTERTOP.
KAYLA: I see.
MARCUS SEES KAYLA'S LOOK OF DISAPPOINTMENT AND MOVES CLOSER. HE TAKES KAYLA'S FREE HAND.
BILL: It was a tough decision.
KAYLA: I understand.
BILL: But you were the Committee's choice. I'd like to officially offer you the position.
KAYLA: You would?
BILL: Yes... Are you still interested?
KAYLA: Interested? Of course I'm interested. Bill, this is the best news. Thank you.
BILL: I take that as a "yes?"
KAYLA: Oh, yes, yes... I accept! I promise, I'll do a great job.
BILL: I don't have any doubts. I'll see you first thing Monday morning to fill out the paperwork.
KAYLA: Absolutely. Thanks, again.
KAYLA HANGS UP THE PHONE AND THROWS BOTH ARMS AROUND MARCUS.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) Did you hear that? I am the new Head Nurse at University Hospital.
MARCUS: Congratulations, Head Nurse Brady!
HOLD ON MARCUS AND KAYLA HUGGING.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. THE LUNCH CROWD HAS ARRIVED AND THE OPERATION IS IN FULL SWING. DOUG IS WALKING FROM TABLE TO TABLE, CHECKING ON HIS PATRONS. HE GESTURES HERE AND THERE TO VARIOUS STAFF MEMBERS, TWEAKS A CENTERPIECE AT AN EMPTY TABLE INTO PLACE, ETC. AS HE ARRIVES AT THE BAR, EVE APPEARS WITH HER CLIPBOARD.
EVE: Doug, I need this requisition approved.
DOUG IS SIGNING THE FORMS WHEN NICK APPEARS IN THE DOORWAY. EVE GRITS HER TEETH AND MAKES A SLIGHT GROWLING SOUND. NICK, UNDAUNTED, APPROACHES.
DOUG: Eve, what on earth is that sound you're making? (NOTICING NICK) Oh, I see. (BEAT) Hello, Nick.
NICK: Doug, good to see you. Hello, Evie.
EVE: Oh, just hello? It's not good to see me, too?
NICK: You know it is and always will be. But I've stopped saying it since you don't seem to care. (BEAT) You can't have it both ways, Evie.
EVE OPENS HER MOUTH TO MAKE A RETORT AND DOUG HANDS THE CLIPBOARD BACK, RATHER MORE FORCEFULLY THAN NECESSARY.
DOUG: There you go, Eve, all signed.
EVE GETS THE MESSAGE AND FLOUNCES OFF, GIVING NICK ANOTHER GLARE IN THE PROCESS. DOUG SIGHS. NICK SHRUGS.
NICK: You're just the man I was hoping to see, Doug.
NICK TAKES AN ENVELOPE OUT OF HIS INSIDE JACKET POCKET AND HANDS IT TO DOUG.
NICK: (CONT'D) This is your personal invitation to the Grand Opening of Nick's Cafe Americain.
DOUG: (AMAZED) You're done? Already?
NICK: For all intents and purposes. There are just a few little details to be finalized.
DOUG: I'm looking forward to it.
NICK: Of course Julie is included in that invitation. (GRINNING) And any other friends you'd care to bring along.
DOUG: (LAUGHING) As long as they're paying customers, right? (BEAT) You wouldn't be hinting about Eve, would you?
NICK RUNS A HAND THROUGH HIS HAIR.
NICK: I don't know... I'm not so sure about Evie any more.
OUT ON NICK'S HESITATION.
EUTERPE. DOUG AND NICK. IN PROGRESS.
DOUG: I'm not sure anyone has ever been, or ever will be completely sure about Eve.
NICK: Yeah, there is that. But I'm really not sure. I mean, I left the first time to protect her...
DOUG: From Alamain?
NICK: That, and from me... And maybe I should keep protecting her... Maybe it's best if we stay apart.
DOUG: But she loves you, Nick. How can you turn your back on that?
NICK: Well, given the looks she's been giving me, I'd be a fool to turn my back on her, period.
DOUG: (LAUGHS) I understand the sentiment... (BEAT) But, she's just covering. I know... I have an idea how Eve thinks. She still loves you.
NICK: If that's love, I'm not sure I want any part of it.
DOUG: Well, ultimately, it's your call. But if you ask me, I think you two have something. A real spark... (SMILE) not unlike Rick and Elsa.
NICK: And look what a happy ending they had. (SIGHS) Anyway, I've had too much work to do to think about this.
DOUG: I can imagine... if you're ready to open this soon.
NICK: All I've gotta do now is find some vocalists.
DOUG: Back to Eve...
NICK: No, I wouldn't poach on your talent... not yet, anyway. No, I've got a bunch of singers lined up to audition.
DOUG: What kind of music are you focusing on?
NICK: I'd love to find a great torch singer... someone who can woo an entire room...
DOUG: Well, given your last featured singer...
DOUG LOOKS OVER AT EVE, WHO IS TALKING TO IAN, IN THE BOOTH, AND NICK FOLLOWS HIS GLANCE.
DOUG: (CONT'D) I'd say you've doubtless got high standards. Good luck!
HOLD ON THE TWO MEN, WATCHING EVE.
CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER DETECTIVE AGENCY. JOHN AND ABE. IN PROGRESS.
ABE: What are you going to do now that your past is uncovered?
JOHN: Well, Abe, lemme tell ya. All the pieces are there. But, it's still disjointed. (BEAT) I'm gonna need some time to pull it all together.
ABE: It sounds like you need some time away from here.
JOHN: The first thing I need to do is decide what I'm going to tell Bo. (BEAT) Then, I am going to get on with the life that Carly and Stefano stole from me.
ABE: It sounds like you're leaving Salem for Alamania.
JOHN: If I do, it won't be permanently. My life and my son's life are here in Salem.
ABE: I'm very glad to hear that. You and Brady have become very important to the Carver family. We'd hate to see you leave.
JOHN: Everything I care about is here. You, Lexie, the Bradys, the Hortons, all of my friends. I may have to go back to Alamania from time to time. But, it will only be for visits.
ABE: Good. Now, about that first problem you have. (BEAT) What are you going to tell Bo?
HOLD ON JOHN.
CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA AND MARCUS ARE HUGGING AND KISSING IN CELEBRATION. IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: When do you start?
KAYLA: On Monday!
MARCUS: This calls for a celebration right away. I want to take the future Mrs. Hunter out on the town. (BEAT) Do you think Jo could sit with Stephanie tonight?
KAYLA: I'm sure she wouldn't mind. I'll ask her when I call to tell her the good news.
KAYLA DOES A LITTLE DANCE. MARCUS GRINS PROUDLY.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) I can't believe it! Life is so great!
KAYLA HUGS MARCUS TO HER.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) I am in love with the most handsome doctor in town and we're getting married. I have a beautiful, healthy, happy daughter. And now a new job that I can really sink my teeth into.
MARCUS TWIRLS HER AROUND AGAIN. KAYLA LAUGHS JOYFULLY.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) How can anyone be this happy and survive?
OUT ON KAYLA'S HAPPINESS.
EUTERPE. DOUG IS POLISHING GLASSES BEHIND THE BAR WHEN CJ ENTERS.
DOUG: (SMILING) CJ, hello!
CJ: Bon jour, Doug!
CJ TAKES A SEAT AT THE BAR.
CJ: (CONT') (MOTIONING AT THE GLASSES) What's this? The owner doing the dishes? Don't you have employees for that?
DOUG: (LAUGHS) I do. (BEAT) But I love this place too much to deprive myself of any part of it.
CJ: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) I see...
DOUG: So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?
CJ: I came to tell you about father.
DOUG: Judging by the smile on your face, I assume it's good news.
CJ: The best. (BEAT) He's doing so much better, he'll be ready to come home soon.
DOUG: That's wonderful news!
CJ: And so, I'll be moving in with him, to take care of him while he finishes recovering.
DOUG: Absolutely not! I won't hear of it!
CJ: What? I don't understand...
DOUG: Robert will be coming to stay with us.
CJ: (PROTESTING) Doug...
DOUG: We have a huge house. You can stay right where you are, and there will still be plenty of room for Robert.
CJ: Doug, no. I can't let you do this. (BEAT) It's far too much of an imposition.
DOUG: Imposition, nothing. (BEAT) Other than my fair lady, there is no one more precious to me in the world than Robert.
CJ SMILES.
DOUG: (CONT'D) And you, too, of course.
CJ: (GRINNING) Of course.
DOUG: Therefore, I absolutely insist that both you and your father stay with Julie and me.
CJ: But, Doug...
DOUG: (RAISING HIS INDEX FINGER) Uh-uh-uh!
CJ: Doug, really...
DOUG: (FIRMLY) Not another word. I mean it.
CJ FUMES BUT SAYS NOTHING. HOLD ON CJ'S FRUSTRATION.
CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. MARCUS AND KAYLA IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: It's about time you found some happiness.
KAYLA: You're a big part of that happiness.
KAYLA KISSES MARCUS.
MARCUS: Seeing you smiling and happy makes me feel good.
KAYLA: After Steve died, I didn't think I'd ever feel happy again.
MARCUS: Kay, the last four years have been so hard for you. It's about time things turned around for the better.
KAYLA: Stephanie's what kept me going. She needed me so much. I don't know what I would have done without her.
MARCUS: You're a great mom. Those were terrible circumstances. I don't know how you could keep going.
KAYLA: Someone else was a real help, too.
MARCUS: (SMILING) Anyone I know?
KAYLA: Maybe... (SMILES) Thank you, Marcus. I don't think I have ever told you how much you meant to me after Steve died. You helped me pull my life together. I'm not sure if this would've been possible without you.
MARCUS: You would have made it with or without me. I'm just glad to know that I helped.
KAYLA: You did. (HUGGING MARCUS) I never thought my life could be this good again.
HOLD ON MARCUS' AND KAYLA'S HAPPINESS.
CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER / ABE'S OFFICE. ABE AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS
JOHN: I'm not entirely sure I'm going to tell Bo. Although I probably should...
ABE: I don't know... What good will it do to further torment Bo with tales of Carly's lies?
JOHN: Well, even though it wasn't all pleasant, I had to find out the truth about my past so that I could resolve my feelings and get on with my life. Maybe it's best Bo know the whole truth, so he can do the same with his feelings about Carly.
ABE: But what if Carly was sincere about Bo? What if she truly loved him and was leaving her sordid past behind her?
JOHN: Yeah, and what if Mary Poppins was a closet member of the Manson family? Face it, Abe, Carly was running another scam, and unfortunately, Bo got tied up in it.
ABE: Yeah, given that Bo was the only heir to the Kiriakis fortune, it's pretty likely Carly knew that, which prompted her "great love" for him. Especially when things didn't work out with Victor.
JOHN: As sad as it is to consider, that's the scenario I envision. But the question remains, what's this information gonna do to Bo?
OUT ON JOHN'S CONCERN
COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA DIALS THE PHONE AS MARCUS STANDS IN THE BACKGROUND. JO ANSWERS, TWO-WAY.
JO: Hello?
KAYLA: Jo, hi, it's me.
JO: Kayla, sweetie! Have you gotten any news about the job?
KAYLA: (SLYLY) As a matter of fact, I have.
JO: And? Don't keep me in suspense!
KAYLA: (SQUEALING) I got the offer a few minutes ago from Bill Horton and I accepted!
JO: That is wonderful! I knew you would get it! Didn't I tell you? I am so proud of you, darling.
KAYLA: Isn't it great? I wanted to call you right away to tell you the news. (BEAT) And to ask a favor. Marcus wants to go out and celebrate. Can you baby-sit tonight?
JO: Of course I can! Vern and I were just planning a quiet evening at home. And having a granddaughter around will complete the picture.
KAYLA: You are wonderful, Jo. I will make it up to you for the short notice, I promise.
JO: Nonsense! Bring Steffie over whenever you like.
KAYLA: Thanks. We'll see you later tonight, then.
KAYLA AND JO HANG UP. KAYLA TURNS TO MARCUS WITH A SMILE.
MARCUS: Remind me to give Jo a hug, will you?
KAYLA: Get in line.
MARCUS: I'll make all the arrangements and pick you up at 7:30. We'll drop Stef off on the way. Okay?
MARCUS KISSES KAYLA BRIEFLY.
MARCUS: Now, I've got to get back to the hospital. Try and come down from the stratosphere a little bit, okay?
KAYLA: Impossible!
MARCUS LEAVES. HOLD ON KAYLA'S GRIN.
CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER DETECTIVE AGENCY. JOHN AND ABE. IN PROGRESS.
ABE: (SIGHS) I'm really glad for you that this whole mess is over with, and that you've got your memory back.
JOHN: You're not the only one, buddy. I can't believe what a difference it makes.
ABE: You sound relieved.
JOHN: You bet I do. It's like a giant weight's been lifted off my shoulders.
ABE: You'll be walking a little easier, so to speak.
JOHN: No kidding. Plus, I can finally make some peace with my life. (BEAT) This time it's my life, not Roman's life. I can finally focus on my son.
ABE: I've got to hand it to you, John. I don't know if I could've handled everything you have without completely losing it.
JOHN: Believe me, there were times...
ABE: It must be pretty overwhelming to be able to integrate all the parts of each of your lives into one.
JOHN: Yeah, it is. I'm going to keep seeing Dr. Ector to help me out with it. (BEAT) There's the Forrest Alamain childhood, the John Stevens young adulthood, the Roman Brady adulthood, and finally the John Black years. (LAUGHS) I sound like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
ABE: Don't push yourself.
JOHN: I know it's going to take a while to pull everything together, but it's tough not to want everything to fall together overnight.
ABE: I think I know what you mean.
ABE PUTS HIS HAND ON JOHN'S SHOULDER.
ABE: (CONT'D) Hey, if there's anything you need, or you just want to talk, I'm here for you, partner. I mean that.
JOHN: Thanks, Abe. It means a lot. (HE LOOKS AT THE CLOCK) I've taken up too much of your time.
ABE: Don't worry about that.
JOHN: Actually, there's one person I need to talk to right now... Carrie. I promised her that I'd let her know what happened. No more secrets... (HE NODS HIS HEAD) No more secrets...
HOLD ON JOHN.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND CJ. IN PROGRESS.
DOUG: I won't have it any other way. You and your father will stay with me and Julie.
CJ: That's so thoughtful of you.
DOUG: I'll hire a nurse to take care of Robert.
CJ: You and Julie are too kind.
DOUG: Nonsense.
CJ: You have always been so generous to me and to Papa.
DOUG: Robert and I have been through an awful lot. Whenever I needed sound advice, or a shoulder to cry on, Robert was there.
CJ: You've helped him out a lot, too.
DOUG: That kind of support really bonds people. Your father and I and closer than brothers. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't do everything I could to help him. (BEAT) You'll understand one day what it means to have that kind of a friend.
CJ: I know Papa would do the same for you.
DOUG: I know it, too. (BEAT) Besides, I owe it to you. I've been around for your whole life. What kind of godfather would I be if I let you leave?
CJ: I've always had a very special feeling toward you and Julie.
DOUG: And I for you... I feel closer to you than just a godfather. It's more like... being a father.
OUT ON CJ AND DOUG. FADE TO BLACK.