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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: February 7, 1995
Time: The Day After #85,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1995
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/WAITING ROOM. JANET IS SITTING ALONG THE FAR WALL, ACROSS THE ROOM FROM CANDIS AND KAYLA. BO AND BOB APPROACH HER.
BO: (QUIETLY) Captain? (BEAT) We're ready to give you an update.
JANET LOOKS OVER AT CANDIS.
JANET: Go ahead.
BOB: We still haven't found anyone who saw anything last night. (BEAT) Based on the time that Morgan left the station, we figure that he'd been shot about twenty minutes before he was found.
BO OPENS UP AN ENVELOPE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, AND HANDS THEM TO JANET.
BOB: (CONT'D) We did catch a break, though. The guy that found Morgan is a reporter for the Spectator, and he happened to have his camera with him. After he covered up Morgan and called 911, he took photos of the crime scene and made notes about the general condition of the site...
BO: Before the rescue crew had a chance to contaminate it.
JANET: And what did he find?
BO: Well, one of the street lights was burnt out, so visibility was reduced. Maybe no one was able to see anything.
BOB: He also found some broken glass that appeared to be from a headlight.
BO: When officers arrived on the scene, he indicated where the glass was, and the officers took it into evidence. It's at the lab now... they might be able to figure out what type of car it was from.
JANET: Assuming it wasn't Morgan's... (BEAT) Okay, I want you two to get a hold of the folks at public works. They should know the cycle times of all the stop lights; maybe we can narrow down that twenty minute window. I also want every building in the area canvassed again... maybe one of the shopkeepers saw or heard something, but didn't realize it.
BO AND BOB NOD AND TAKE NOTES.
JANET: (CONT'D) I want the guys who did this.
HOLD ON JANET'S INTENSITY.
GO TO: THE OPPOSITE CORNER OF THE WAITING ROOM. CANDIS IS SEATED ON THE SOFA, WITH KAYLA SEATED NEXT TO HER. IT IS EVIDENT THAT CANDIS HAS BEEN CRYING.
KAYLA: Is there anything I can do to help?
CANDIS: No... thank you. (BEAT) The only people that can do anything now are the doctors.
KAYLA: You look exhausted. Would you like to go lie down for a while? I'll come get you as soon as we know...
CANDIS: (INTERRUPTING) I appreciate the offer, but I couldn't sleep if I tried. No, I'm going to stay right here until I know whether or not he's coming out of that operating room alive.
KAYLA: Of course he will. We have our very best in there with him.
CANDIS: I wish I could share your optimism.
CANDIS BURIES HER FACE IN HER HANDS FOR A FEW MOMENTS. KAYLA HANDS HER A TISSUE, AND SHE WIPES UNDER HER EYES AND NOSE.
CANDIS: (CONT'D) I'm sorry. I should be handling this better.
KAYLA: There's no need to judge yourself. You're just doing the best you can.
CANDIS: I close my eyes and keep hoping that when I open them, I'll be in bed with Morgan lying next to me, and all this will have been just a bad dream.
KAYLA PUTS HER HAND ON CANDIS'.
CANDIS: (CONT'D) When I married Morgan, I knew it wouldn't be easy. I knew about a cop's life, the danger... But none of that helps now. (BEAT) Dammit, it's just not fair!
KAYLA: (SADLY) I know. (BEAT) Believe me, I know.
CANDIS: (REALIZING THAT KAYLA IS THINKING OF STEVE) Of course you do. I'm sorry, Kayla.
KAYLA: Please, don't apologize. Right now, all your thoughts are with Morgan, which is exactly where they should be.
BO AND BOB APPROACH.
BOB: Candis, I'm so sorry about all of this...
BO: (HOPEFUL) Have you heard anything from the doctors yet?
CANDIS: No. No word, yet.
BOB: We're heading back to the station now. Is there anything we can do for you?
CANDIS: Um... Yes. Yes, there is one thing.
BO: Name it.
CANDIS: Our daughter, Denise. She's going to school at Ohio State. She's flying in, and her plane arrives in a couple hours.
BO: Don't worry. We'll have someone pick her up at the airport and bring her here. (TAKING OUT HIS NOTEPAD) What flight is she taking?
CANDIS: (TAKING A PIECE OF PAPER FROM HER PURSE AND READING FROM IT) United, flight 923.
BO: (WRITING DOWN THE INFORMATION) Okay. We'll take care of it.
CANDIS: Thank you.
BOB: When you get the chance, could you have someone call the station when there's news? We're all pulling for him.
KAYLA: We'll let you know.
BO: Thanks, Kay. Candis...
BOB NODS TO CANDIS AND KAYLA. BO AND BOB EXIT.
CANDIS: I don't think I've thanked you, yet, for staying with me.
KAYLA: Don't mention it. I know how important it is to have someone there, so you don't feel so alone...
KAYLA STOPS AS SHE SEES BILL APPROACH. CANDIS LOOKS UP, SEES BILL, AND QUICKLY STANDS. KAYLA STANDS, ALSO.
CANDIS: (ANXIOUSLY) Dr. Horton, how is he?
BILL: (MOTIONING TO THE SOFA) Please, have a seat, and I'll tell you what I know.
OUT ON BILL.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/WAITING ROOM. CANDIS SITS DOWN AND UNCONSCIOUSLY REACHES OUT FOR KAYLA'S HAND. KAYLA SQUEEZES HER HAND TIGHTLY. BILL SITS DOWN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF CANDIS.
CANDIS: Did Morgan make it through the surgery, Dr. Horton?
BILL: Yes, he did. (BEAT) It was touch and go for awhile. The bullet entered his cheek and lodged in his brain.
CANDIS CLOSES HER EYES IN HORROR. KAYLA PUTS HER ARM AROUND CANDIS' SHOULDERS.
CANDIS: Oh my...
BILL: We called in Dr. Jones, the best neurosurgeon in our area. He was able to remove the bullet successfully.
CANDIS: What's the prognosis? Will there be permanent brain damage?
BILL: (SYMPATHETICALLY) I'm afraid we don't know right now, Candis. We'll just have to wait and see.
JANET COMES AROUND THE CORNER BUT STOPS SHORT WHEN SHE SEES BILL WITH CANDIS. BILL PATS CANDIS' HAND AND NODS TO KAYLA BEFORE TURNING TO GO. JANET STOPS BILL AS HE APPROACHES.
JANET: Dr. Horton? Can I speak to you for a moment?
BILL: Hello, Captain Yamada. What can I do for you?
JANET: I'd appreciate it if you would let my office know the minute Morgan's condition changes. Everyone down at the cop shop is anxious.
BILL: Certainly. I'll make a note on his chart for the ICU staff.
JANET: Thank you very much.
BILL CONTINUES DOWN THE HALL. KAYLA APPROACHES JANET.
KAYLA: Janet... I'm going to go and get Candis something to eat, she's got to keep up her strength. You'll stay with her until I get back?
JANET: Of course. I appreciate you being here for her, Kayla. I wish I could, but...
KAYLA: You've got to catch these creeps. Candis understands that, believe me. So, you do what you have to do to get them behind bars and don't worry. I'll stay with Candis as long as she needs me.
JANET NODS AS KAYLA DEPARTS. JANET GOES OVER AND SITS NEXT TO CANDIS.
JANET: Candis...
CANDIS STARTS TO CRY AGAIN AND JANET ENFOLDS HER IN A HUG. OVER CANDIS' SHOULDER WE SEE THAT TEARS ARE ROLLING DOWN JANET'S FACE AS WELL. JANET REACHES UP TO WIPE HER FACE AND THEN PULLS BACK FROM CANDIS. SHE PUTS BOTH HANDS ON CANDIS' ARMS.
JANET: (CONT'D) Are you all right? Do you need anything?
CANDIS: I just need Morgan to come through this, Janet. (BEAT) How could this have happened?
JANET: I don't know. Morgan is strong, he'll pull through. Besides, he is going to be very upset that he missed out on your dinner!
CANDIS LAUGHS A LITTLE AS JANET WANTED HER TO.
JANET: (CONT'D) Candis, listen to me. I give you my solemn promise that we will catch whoever did this to Morgan. (BEAT) They've crossed the line and made it personal. I will not stand for that.
HOLD ON JANET'S OUTRAGE.
CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE IS SITTING ON THE COUCH, READING THE MORNING EDITION OF THE SPECTATOR. HE IS VISIBLY DISTRESSED. EVE COMES IN, BUT DOES NOT NOTICE SHANE'S UPSET.
EVE: I'll see you later, Dad.
EVE PICKS UP HER PURSE, AND TURNS TO LEAVE. SHANE PUTS DOWN THE NEWSPAPER AND STANDS.
SHANE: Where are you going?
EVE: Euterpe... I work there.
SHANE: When should I expect you back?
EVE: Oh, I don't know. Sometime tonight.
SHANE: (CONCERNED) Be very careful when you drive tonight.
EVE: I'll be fine, Dad. Don't worry about me.
SHANE: It pays to be cautious. (BEAT) Maybe you should carry some protection with you.
EVE: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) Protection?
SHANE: Yes, something like pepper spray. I know the SPD has been offering classes on its use...
EVE: Dad, what's with you? I'm a big girl now, I can take care of myself.
SHANE: I know you are, darling. It's just...
SHANE PICKS UP THE NEWSPAPER AND HE POINTS TO THE COVER STORY, ABOUT MORGAN'S SHOOTING. HE READS.
SHANE: (CONT'D) "Lt. Zacariah Morgan was shot last night during a carjacking."
SHANE HANDS THE PAPER TO EVE, WHO SCANS THE ARTICLE.
EVE: Lt. Morgan and his wife come into the club. She performed at the Benefit... They're a nice couple. I hope he's okay.
SHANE: So do I. (BEAT) Do you see my point now? These carjackings are getting more and more dangerous.
EVE: I'm surprised they haven't caught anybody yet.
SHANE: Even more reason to be careful.
SHANE BRUSHES A STRAND OF HAIR FROM EVE'S FACE.
SHANE: (CONT'D) I wouldn't want anything or anyone to hurt my daughter.
EVE HUGS SHANE.
EVE: I promise to be careful, Dad.
OUT ON THE TWO.
JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS PROOFING A DOCUMENT ON THE COMPUTER. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JACK: Come!
DIANE ENTERS AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HER.
JACK: (CONT'D) Good morning, Ms. Lake! Do you have news about Lieutenant Morgan's condition?
DIANE: He's out of surgery. The doctors were able to remove the bullet.
JACK: (HOLDING UP HIS INDEX FINGER) Wait, just a moment...
JACK PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS. ONE WAY.
JACK: (CONT'D) Jennifer, could you come to my office, please? ... Diane's here... Thank you.
JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE.
JACK: (CONT'D) I hope you don't mind. Jennifer's very concerned about Morgan's condition...
DIANE: No problem.
JACK: (MOTIONING TO A CHAIR) Please, sit.
DIANE: Thanks, but I won't be staying long. I'm on my way to the police station after I update you.
JACK: As you wish.
JENNIFER KNOCKS AND ENTERS, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HER.
JENNIFER: Hi, Diane.
DIANE: Hi, Jennifer.
JENNIFER SITS IN A CHAIR IN FRONT OF JACK'S DESK.
JENNIFER: So, how is Morgan?
DIANE: I was just telling Jack... He's out of surgery, and they were able to remove the bullet.
JACK: Have the doctors given any prognosis?
DIANE: Nothing yet. It's touch-and-go. The next several hours are critical.
JENNIFER: Do the police have any leads?
DIANE: That's what I plan to find out next. One of my sources told me that there was some evidence gathered and taken to the lab, but they're playing it close to the vest until they know if it leads anywhere.
JACK: Please, keep us informed.
JENNIFER: Especially if there's any change in Morgan's condition.
DIANE: Will do.
JACK: Thank you, Diane.
DIANE EXITS.
JENNIFER: This is horrible.
JACK: Agreed. (BEAT) And I think it's time we did something about it.
JENNIFER: What do you have in mind?
JACK: First off, I plan to call Captain Yamada and ask her if she'd like to use the power of the press to help catch these Neanderthals.
JENNIFER: I'm sure she would. It couldn't hurt to have an editorial asking anyone with information to come forward.
JACK: I'd also like to run a piece or two about things one can to do avoid being a victim, and what to do if you are targeted.
JENNIFER: And we could do features on groups of people who are taking steps to protect themselves, like the neighborhood watch that Abe and Lexie set up.
JACK: Excellent. I think we have a plan, Mrs. D.
JENNIFER: That we do, Mr. D. (BEAT) Until the police can catch these creeps, the best way to help people is to educate them on how they can protect themselves.
JACK: And, speaking of the police...
JACK PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS. ONE-WAY.
JACK: (CONT'D) Yes. Captain Yamada, please.
HOLD ON JACK.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN IS SITTING AT HIS DESK GOING THROUGH THE DRAWERS AND PUTTING SOME PERSONAL THINGS IN HIS BRIEFCASE. THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR AND LEIGH WALKS IN.
LEIGH: Good morning, Mr. Black.
LEIGH WAVES A BROCHURE IN THE AIR.
LEIGH: (CONT'D) I just heard about this and I immediately thought of you. You would really get a lot out of it, I think.
JOHN TAKES THE BROCHURE AND FLIPS IT OPEN.
JOHN: (READING) "Business Principles and Your Success."
JOHN RAISES AN EYEBROW AT LEIGH AND SETS THE BROCHURE ON HIS DESK.
LEIGH: Now, I've taken the liberty of checking your calendar with Patricia and you're completely free next week. I've already asked her to check on flights to New York for you.
JOHN: That's very efficient of you, Leigh. (BEAT) But I'm afraid I'm not free next week.
LEIGH: Of course you are. There's nothing on your calendar at all.
JOHN: And it's going to stay that way. I'll be on vacation next week. And maybe the week after that, if I feel like it.
HOLD ON LEIGH'S DISPLEASURE.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/WAITING ROOM. CANDIS IS SITTING SILENTLY WITH HER HANDS COVERING HER FACE. SHE SITS UP STRAIGHT IN HER CHAIR. SHE FOLDS HER HANDS INTO HER LAP. HER EYES ARE RED. HER FACE TEAR-STAINED.
CANDIS: Dear Lord... (CANDIS REACHES FOR A TISSUE FROM THE BOX ON THE TABLE NEXT TO HER) Please watch over Morgan. (BEAT) Please bring him home to me. (CANDIS WIPES HER EYES AND CHEEKS) Let him get through this so we can finish our lives together... The way we were meant to.
CANDIS INHALES DEEPLY, FIGHTING BACK MORE TEARS. AS SHE TAKES ANOTHER DEEP BREATH, LEXIE AND ABE ARRIVE. CANDIS RISES TO HER FEET AND LEXIE HOLDS HER. CANDIS BEGINS CRYING AGAIN.
ABE: We just heard. How is he doing?
CANDIS STRAIGHTENS UP AND TURNS TO ABE.
CANDIS: (SNIFFLING) He's out of surgery. They removed a bullet... from... his... brain... Doctor Horton says... we have to wait and see.
LEXIE: He'll be okay, Candis. Morgan has too much to live for to give up now. He'll fight his way back.
ABE: She's right, Candis. Morgan is strong and tough and a fighter.
CANDIS: Thank you. I know you're right. But, I'm still scared. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't wake up next to him each morning.
LEXIE: It'll be a long time before you have to find out.
ABE MOVES CLOSER TO CANDIS AND HUGS HER.
ABE: He's too damn stubborn to give up.
CANDIS: (SMILE) You're right, there.
LEXIE: What can we do to help?
CANDIS: Besides what you are already doing... You can pray for a safer world.
OUT ON CANDIS.
JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN AND LEIGH. IN PROGRESS.
LEIGH: (SMILING) I'm sorry, I must have heard you wrong. Surely, you didn't just say that you...
JOHN: That I'm taking some time off? That's exactly what I said.
LEIGH: (HER SMILE TURNING INTO A FROWN) You're unbelievable. You take more time off in one month than I have in the last ten years!
JOHN: (COOLY) 'Sounds like you need a vacation. Take as much time as you like, you've certainly earned it.
LEIGH: You're missing my point!
JOHN: (IMPATIENTLY) Which is...?
LEIGH: There's work to be done around here, and you're never around to do it!
JOHN: (STERNLY) All right, that's enough! I can do without the lecture!
LEIGH: (DEEP BREATH) Look...
JOHN: Tell me, Ms. McCloud, who's the boss around here?
LEIGH: (SOTTO VOCE) That's open for discussion...
JOHN: I didn't hear you. Could you repeat that?
LEIGH: (THROUGH GRITTED TEETH) You are.
JOHN: Good. I'm glad we got that straight. (BEAT) I realize that you know a lot more about the business world than I do. That's why you're here, and that's why I value your advice. But...
LEIGH STIFFENS.
JOHN: (CONT'D) I'm still in charge here, and I'm not going to put up with you bawling me out like a punk kid. Understood?
LEIGH: Understood. But I am concerned.
JOHN: About what?
LEIGH: About morale.
JOHN: You think my taking a week off is going to ruin morale?
LEIGH: It's not just your taking a week off. It's a cumulative thing. (BEAT) With all due respect, your actions thus far haven't given the impression that you care much for this company.
JOHN: I've had perfectly...
LEIGH: (INTERRUPTING) Let me finish... please.
JOHN: All right. Go on.
LEIGH: You've told me, on several occasions, that you are committed to this business. I've witnessed the efforts you've made, and I've heard your reasons for not being here. I may not always agree, but I know what's going on. (BEAT) The rest of the staff, however, isn't privy to the same information that I am. All they have to go on is what they see: You're rarely here. And when you do show up, it's not for very long. (BEAT) If the owner of the company, who has the most at stake, doesn't seem to care about the company's success or failure, how are the employees supposed to feel?
JOHN SIGHS HEAVILY.
LEIGH: (CONT'D) Not to mention the concerns of our clients, which I'm sure you can imagine.
JOHN NODS.
JOHN: You do have a point, but here's where I'm coming from: I've made some major discoveries in the past several days, personal revelations that heavily impact my life and the lives of the Bradys. It's impossible for me to check this stuff at the door when I walk in here. It's driving me to distraction. I'm not doing myself, or EcoSystems, any good by sitting here and pretending to focus on business.
LEIGH: I didn't realize...
JOHN: There's no way you could have. Anyway, I need to sort these things out before I try to get anything accomplished.
LEIGH BEGINS TO SPEAK, BUT JOHN RAISES HIS HAND TO STOP HER.
JOHN: (CONT'D) And I know you've heard that before. This time is different. I've just completed a major quest in my life, and I'm about to start another. This new one, though, will be much more focused on the present... and the future.
LEIGH: I'm glad to hear it.
JOHN: I'm going to take a week, so I can get some closure on these things and be at peace with myself.
LEIGH: All right. You are the boss. And if you say you need time to get focused, then you certainly have the right to take it.
JOHN: Then I have your blessing?
LEIGH: (SERIOUS) You have my understanding. But, please remember: This company needs a leader. A leader who is committed to running a successful business. (BEAT) I don't know the degree of your personal problems, nor do I wish to know. That's your business. But all of us here have personal problems. We deal with them on our own time, and we still come in and do our jobs.
LEIGH STANDS UP TO LEAVE.
LEIGH: (CONT'D) Will there be anything else?
JOHN: No. If anything comes up, I'll let you know.
LEIGH NODS AND TURNS. WITHOUT A WORD, SHE WALKS TO THE DOOR AND EXITS. JOHN WATCHES HER EXIT AND, WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES, BREATHES A HEAVY SIGH. HOLD ON JOHN.
CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS ON HER PHONE, DIALING. JACK ANSWERS. TWO-WAY.
JACK: Deveraux here.
JANET: Jack, it's Janet Yamada. I just got your message.
JACK: Thank you for returning my call, Captain. What do you think about my idea?
JANET: I think it's a good idea, and I'd be very grateful to have the Spectator's help in educating the public.
JACK: Great. Would it be possible to get a list of tips on how to prevent carjackings, as well as how to react if attacked?
JANET: Definitely. I'll have the Outreach people prepare a packet for you.
JACK: I'll send one of my reporters down to the station. (BEAT) Business aside, do you have news on Morgan? I heard that the surgery was a success.
JANET: Yes, but's it's still touch and go. The bullet was lodged in his brain... The doctors hope there wasn't any permanent damage.
JACK: Everyone here is pulling for him. (BEAT) I guess I feel like the Spectator's got a special bond with this case since one of my reporters was the one who found Morgan.
JANET: That's right. We're all thankful that he was so thorough.
JACK: A reporter's instinct, I guess. (BEAT) Thank you again, for your help.
JANET: You're welcome. I'll speak to you later, Jack.
JANET HANGS UP THE PHONE. SHE STARTS TO GET BACK TO WORK WHEN SHANE ENTERS THROUGH HER OPEN OFFICE DOOR.
SHANE: Hello, Janet. How are you doing?
JANET: Not so good. You've heard?
SHANE: Yes, which is why I'm here. Is there anything I can do?
JANET: Does the ISA handle carjacking cases?
SHANE: Hmm, not usually, but I can try and look into it.
JANET: Thanks, Shane. We're looking for any help we can get with this.
JANET RUBS HER EYES.
SHANE: You look pretty tired. Did you have trouble sleeping?
JANET: Sleeping? (BEAT) Can you close my door?
SHANE CLOSES THE OFFICE DOOR, THEN GOES TO SIT OPPOSITE JANET AT HER DESK.
JANET: (CONT'D) Actually, I didn't get any sleep. I spent the night at the hospital, waiting for Morgan to get out of surgery.
SHANE: You should go home and try to get some rest.
JANET: No, not until we have some leads. I owe it to Morgan. (BEAT) You know... I keep wondering, would things have been different, if I'd accepted his and Candis' invitation to dinner last night.
OUT ON JANET.
JANET'S OFFICE. JANET AND SHANE. IN PROGRESS.
SHANE: Oh, no you don't. Don't even start to think like that.
JANET: Is that an order, Captain?
SHANE: Absolutely. Dwelling on "if onlys" will accomplish nothing except driving you crazy.
JANET: You're right, I know. (BEAT) I just can't help but wonder if I could have done something...
SHANE: You couldn't have. There was no way you could have known what was going to happen last night. (BEAT) But now, you can do something. You can find the people who did this, and see that they are punished.
JANET: If I could have caught these scumbags before, things never would have... I'm doing it again, aren't I?
SHANE: Yes. But, at least you recognize it.
JANET PAUSES AND LOOKS SHANE IN THE EYES.
JANET: (INTENSE) Shane, this just got personal. These carjackers have been a pain in my... They've been a problem from day one, what with all the pressure from City Hall. But now...
SHANE: Now, they've gone after one of your own.
JANET: And they've just become my life's work. (BEAT) This case was already at the top of my priority list. Now, it is my priority list. I'm not going to rest until it's solved and these creeps are put away.
SHANE: As if you allowed yourself any rest before...
JANET'S ANGER FADES, AND SHE CAN'T KEEP FROM SMILING.
SHANE: (CONT'D) Ah, I knew I could get a smile out of you, eventually.
JANET: Which is quite an accomplishment today.
SHANE: Well, now that I sense an upswing in your mood... How about lunch? I'm sure you need to recharge after the night you've had.
JANET: Thanks, but I really feel like I need to stay here and work. (BEAT) No rest, remember?
SHANE: Yes, but you have to eat. Otherwise, you'll end up falling asleep, face down on your desk.
JANET: So, you've had some experience in this department?
SHANE: (SMILING) Ah... No comment.
JANET GRINS.
SHANE: (CONT'D) I know... How about if I go to Euterpe, have Doug box up a lunch for us, and bring it back here?
JANET: Well...
SHANE: Oh, come on. A free lunch, with free delivery? How can you refuse an offer like that?
JANET: I... I guess I can't.
SHANE: Excellent!
SHANE GRINS WITH SATISFACTION, CAUSING JANET TO SMILE. HOLD ON JANET.
CUT TO: WAITING ROOM, UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. CANDIS AND KAYLA ARE SEATED ON THE SOFA IN THE CORNER. THE ELEVATOR DOOR OPENS, AND DENISE MORGAN ENTERS, ESCORTED BY OFFICER FRED THOMAS. THEY WALK OVER TO WHERE CANDIS AND KAYLA ARE SEATED. CANDIS STANDS, AND MOTHER AND DAUGHTER STARE AT EACH OTHER BRIEFLY.
DENISE: Oh, Mom...
THEY EMBRACE, AND BOTH BEGIN TO CRY. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THEY SIT ON THE SOFA.
FRED: I'd best head back to the station...
CANDIS: Thank you, Fred, for bringing Denise here.
FRED: It was the least I could do.
FRED KNEELS DOWN IN FRONT OF THEM. HE PUTS HIS HAND ON DENISE'S.
FRED: (CONT'D) (TO DENISE) Don't forget what we talked about. Your dad's doing everything he can to get himself through this. So you just keep believing in him.
DENISE NODS.
FRED: (CONT'D) (TO CANDIS) Have there been any new developments? Anything I can tell them at the station?
CANDIS: No, nothing new. He's out of surgery, and now we're just waiting.
FRED: If there's anything, anything at all, that any of us can do, don't hesitate to call.
CANDIS: I won't. Thank you.
FRED STANDS AND GOES BACK TO THE ELEVATOR.
KAYLA: (EXTENDING HER HAND TO DENISE) Hi, I'm Kayla.
CANDIS: (SHAKING HER HEAD) I'm sorry, where are my manners? Denise, this is Kayla Brady. She's the head nurse here. Kayla, this is my daughter, Denise.
DENISE: (WEAKLY SHAKING KAYLA'S HAND) Nice to meet you.
KAYLA: I wish we could have met under better circumstances.
DENISE: Don't we all... Do you know what's going on with my dad? When can I see him?
KAYLA: Well, as your mom said, the surgery is done, and it was successful. (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) Anytime, now, we'll move him from recovery to ICU. Once he's settled in, and we've run a few more tests, then you can see him.
DENISE: How long will that take?
KAYLA: It shouldn't be too much longer. Someone will come let you know as soon as he's ready.
KAYLA STANDS UP.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) I've got some things to do in my office, so I'll leave you two alone. (BEAT) If you need me, just go to the nurses' station and have them call me. If I don't answer, they'll page me.
CANDIS: Thank you, Kayla. For everything.
KAYLA: You're very welcome.
KAYLA EXITS. CANDIS TURNS TO DENISE.
DENISE: (DESPERATELY) He's going to recover, Mom, he's going to be okay. (BEAT) He has to.
THEY EMBRACE.
CANDIS: I pray you're right, baby. (BEAT) I pray you're right.
OUT ON CANDIS' WORRY.
BRADY PUB. CAROLINE AND JOHN ARE SITTING IN A BOOTH HAVING A CUP OF COFFEE.
JOHN: This is nice, it's not often you get to sit down and chat.
CAROLINE: It is nice, isn't it? It's been a pretty slow day for some reason.
JOHN GESTURES TO SHAWN, WHO IS AT THE BAR BUSILY REARRANGING THE GLASSES.
JOHN: How's Shawn doing these days?
CAROLINE: He's fine. I think he appreciates a slow day every now and then too, but he'll never say that.
JOHN: Is he letting up on Kayla and Marcus any?
CAROLINE: He's been very quiet on that front lately, thank goodness. He says above all else he wants Kay to be happy.
FROM THE BAR, SHAWN STOPS WHAT HE IS DOING AND FIDDLES WITH THE RADIO. HE LISTENS FOR A MOMENT AND THEN MOTIONS TO CAROLINE AND JOHN.
SHAWN: Caroline, John, come here!
CAROLINE AND JOHN GET UP AND GO OVER TO THE BAR.
CAROLINE: What is it, Shawn?
SHAWN: I just heard on the radio that Lieutenant Morgan was shot last night during a carjacking.
JOHN: What else did they say? How badly was he hurt?
SHAWN: Not much I'm afraid. Just that he was found at the scene by a reporter from the Spectator and he had to have surgery right away.
CAROLINE: How awful for Candis. I'm going to call Kayla and see if she knows anything more. And I'll go and start a pot of chowder to bring over.
CAROLINE LEAVES THROUGH THE BACK DOOR TO GO UP TO THE HOUSE.
JOHN: Everyone down at the Cop Shop must be going nuts. You can be sure Chief Samuels is going to be giving Janet an earful.
SHAWN: This carjacking business has gotten out of hand. I don't deny anyone the right to have a gun if they're tryin' to protect home and family, but to use one for thievery...
JOHN: I wonder if I should go by the hospital and see if I can help? Or maybe the station would be better? I was planning to go over and talk to Bo anyway... though this probably isn't the best time.
HOLD ON JOHN'S INDECISION.
CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET'S ON THE PHONE, ONE-WAY.
JANET: I see.
BO AND BOB COME IN TO THE OFFICE, AND JANET MOTIONS FOR THEM TO SIT DOWN.
JANET: (CONT'D) Thank you, Dr. Horton. (BEAT) Please let me know if there's any change.
JANET HANGS UP THE PHONE.
JANET: (CONT'D) They're moving Morgan to the ICU. (BEAT) Please tell me that you've got some new information.
BOB: We still haven't found any witnesses. But, we were able to narrow the estimated amount of time between when Morgan was shot to when he was found down to about ten minutes.
JANET: Oh?
BO: There was a stalled car about three blocks from the station. We got a call from the towing company, and they said their driver remembered that Morgan was waiting with the driver of the car. (BEAT) The tow truck called back to base when it arrived at the scene, and Morgan left right after that.
BOB: Other than that, we've got nothing. (BEAT) We may have to wait for Morgan to wake up to give us an idea of what happened, and what they looked like.
JANET: I think we can safely assume that the carjackers are willing to shoot people now. (BEAT) We've got to work even harder to get these guys...
HOLD ON JANET'S DETERMINATION.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S OFFICE. KAYLA IS AT HER DESK WORKING, WHEN MARCUS COMES IN. HE'S STILL WEARING HIS SURGICAL SCRUBS.
KAYLA: How'd surgery go?
MARCUS: Good, but long. That kid banged up his face pretty bad with his motorcycle.
KAYLA: Next time, maybe he'll wear a helmet.
MARCUS: I wouldn't bet on it. Some people never learn. (BEAT) Hey, what's the latest on Morgan?
KAYLA: He's on his way to ICU, but probably won't regain consciousness for a while.
MARCUS: Is Candis with him?
KAYLA: Uh-huh. And their daughter just flew in from school.
MARCUS: How're they doing?
KAYLA: Oh, Candis is putting up a pretty strong front. But I know how much hell she's going through right now.
MARCUS: I guess if anyone can relate with her, it's you. I remember how you felt with Steve.
KAYLA SIGHS AND MANAGES A SMALL SMILE.
KAYLA: Yes, but Candis has her family and her friends here to help her get through this... just like I did.
KAYLA REACHES OVER TO HOLD MARCUS' HAND. OUT ON THE TWO.
CARVER AND CARVER. ABE AND LEXIE, LOOKING FRUSTRATED, ARE SITTING AT THEIR DESKS.
LEXIE: I just wish there was something we could do!
ABE: I know what you mean, Lex... we can do some investigating on our own, but its times like this...
LEXIE: ... That you wish you were still on the force?
ABE: (SURPRISED) Does it show that bad?
LEXIE: Only to me...
HOLD ON LEXIE.
CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. SHANE ENTERS CARRYING A BROWN PAPER BAG, AND FINDS JANET DOING PAPERWORK.
SHANE: Care for a light nosh?
JANET: (SURPRISED) Shane! (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) I didn't realize that you'd been gone long enough to get the food and get back here.
SHANE: And I didn't even get a speeding ticket.
JANET: I can check that, you know.
SHANE LAUGHS, THEN OPENS THE BAG AND REMOVES THE COVERED DISHES.
SHANE: (MOCK FRENCH ACCENT) For Madam, we have grilled chicken in herb sauce, steamed vegetables, and bread pudding.
JANET: You're too good to me.
SHANE: Yes, yes I am.
SHANE SITS DOWN AS JANET DIGS IN TO THE FOOD.
JANET: Aren't you going to eat?
SHANE: I had lunch earlier, (LOOKING AT THE STACK OF FOLDERS AND NOTES ON THE DESK) but I gather that you haven't had a chance to eat for awhile.
JANET: You know how it is... you get so busy, you forget to eat.
SHANE: Any progress?
JANET: Nothing major. (PAUSING TO CHEW) But we are making waves in the community. (BEAT) The Spectator's going to run some tips on what you can do to prevent being carjacked, as well as what you should do if it happens to you.
SHANE: Sounds like my conversation with Eve earlier...
JANET: Well, she seems like a smart girl. I'm sure she'll listen to you.
SHANE TRIES NOT TO LAUGH WHILE JANET WOLFS DOWN THE REST OF HER FOOD.
JANET: Thank you. I really needed that.
SHANE: Glad I could help. (BEAT) Is there anything else you need?
JANET: You mean, other than a second-in-command around here?
SHANE: Is it that bad?
JANET: Let's put it this way... "Fun Janet" hasn't made an appearance since Halloween, and she doesn't seem to have a return trip on the schedule any time soon.
THE PHONE RINGS. JANET ANSWERS, ONE-WAY.
JANET: (CONT'D) Captain Yamada. (BEAT) Oh, hello Councilman Blake.
JANET ROLLS HER EYES.
JANET: (CONT'D) No sir, nothing new yet...
SHANE GETS UP AND HEADS TOWARD THE DOOR.
JANET: (CONT'D) Hold on for a moment, Councilman...
JANET COVERS THE RECEIVER WITH HER HAND.
JANET: (CONT'D) Thank you again, Shane.
SHANE: You're welcome. (BEAT) I'll check on you later.
JANET NODS, THEN PICKS THE PHONE BACK UP. HOLD ON SHANE AS HE SHUTS THE OFFICE DOOR.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS AT HIS DESK, MAKING A FINAL PASS AT HIS EDITORIAL.
JACK: (READING HIS COMPUTER TERMINAL) "If everyone can do their part by taking precautions while driving, we might be able to eliminate this hostile crime from our streets."
JACK PRESSES THE "PRINT" BUTTON ON HIS COMPUTER.
JACK: (CONT'D) That should do it for my editorial...
JACK PICKS UP SOME PRINTOUTS ON HIS DESK.
JACK: (CONT'D) ... and these carjacking articles look good. The safety tips alone could help. (READING) "Check inside, and under your car before entering. Be aware of all cars around you, at a stoplight. Avoid parking in dark lots."
JACK PUTS DOWN THE ARTICLE.
JACK: (CONT'D) Jo's taking a night class tonight. And if I remember correctly, the parking lot at the University hasn't fixed their lights.
JACK PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS. JO ANSWERS. TWO-WAY.
JO: Hello?
JACK: Hello Jo, it's Jack.
JO: Oh hi, son. How are you?
JACK: I'm fine. (BEAT) I was making the finishing touches to my editorial, and I remembered that you had class tonight.
JO: Yes, I'm getting ready for it right now.
JENNIFER QUIETLY WALKS INTO JACK'S OFFICE. JACK DOES NOT NOTICE HER ENTER.
JACK: I won't keep you long, but I wanted to make sure that you're careful tonight.
JO: Are you talking about what happened to Morgan?
JACK: Yes, I am. Whoever did this to him, is still out there. (BEAT) I think the parking lot at the University is still having those lighting problems.
JO: I'll be careful. There's a lot near my class that's well lit. And I can always call for an escort to walk me to my car.
JACK: Good. (BEAT) Why don't you give us a call tonight when you get home?
JO: I will. Thanks for calling, Jack.
JACK: I'll talk to you tonight, then.
JACK HANGS UP THE PHONE. HE LOOKS UP AND NOTICES JENNIFER SMILING AT HIM. OUT ON JENNIFER.
JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: Doing a little eavesdropping, Mrs. D?
JENNIFER: (WALKING OVER TO JACK'S DESK) I wouldn't say that. I just happened to come in, and I didn't want to interrupt your conversation.
JENNIFER STANDS NEXT TO JACK AND LEANS BACK AGAINST HIS DESK.
JACK: (TEASING) That was very considerate of you.
JENNIFER: (SMIRKING) I know. (BEAT) I'm glad you called Jo to make sure she's being careful. I know that you worry about her.
JACK: It's only natural. She is, after all, a single woman living on her own...
JENNIFER: And she's your mother.
JACK: Yes, there is that. (BEAT) When it comes to one's family, one can never be too careful.
JENNIFER: That's true.
JACK: Life is too fragile a thing to be taken for granted.
JACK REACHES OVER AND TAKES JENNIFER'S HAND.
JACK: (CONT'D) I learned that lesson all too well, when I nearly lost you because of a drunk driver. (BEAT) And if something as simple as a phone call could help keep Jo safe, well... I couldn't let that opportunity pass by.
JENNIFER: Not everyone would take the time. I think it's admirable how you look after your mother.
JACK: (EMBARRASSED) Yes, well... Thank you. (BEAT) I wonder... Do you think we should send some flowers to Morgan at the hospital?
JENNIFER: I think that's a great idea.
JACK: And I wonder if there's any way we could help Candis out at the Community Center. Perhaps a monetary donation, or some kind of incentive program to persuade some of the staff here to volunteer some time?
JENNIFER: You're just full of good ideas tonight, Mr. D.
JACK: I aim to please. (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) It's about that time, isn't it?
JENNIFER NODS AND WALKS OVER TO THE COAT RACK TO RETRIEVE JACK'S COAT, WHILE JACK SHUTS DOWN HIS COMPUTER. JENNIFER TURNS TO JACK AS HE STANDS. SHE IS SMILING BRIGHTLY.
JACK: (CONT'D) What are you smiling about?
JENNIFER: You. (BEAT) Y'know, no matter what people think, Jack Harcourt Deveraux, you really are a nice guy.
JACK: (SMILING) Well, thank you, I...
JACK PAUSES AS HIS SMILE FADES.
JACK: (CONT'D) Wait a minute... "No matter what people think"? What do you mean by that?
JENNIFER: Nothing, Jack.
JACK: If it was nothing, you wouldn't have said it.
JENNIFER: (TOSSING JACK'S COAT TO HIM) Here, put your coat on.
JACK FUMBLES WITH THE COAT, BUT FINALLY GETS A HOLD OF IT AND PUTS IT ON.
JACK: Now, tell me what people think about me.
JENNIFER: It's not important. (EXTENDING HER ARM) Come on, let's go home.
JACK RELUCTANTLY LOCKS HIS ARM AROUND JENNIFER'S. THEY WALK TO THE DOOR, AND JACK TURNS OUT THE LIGHT. THEIR SILHOUETTES ARE VISIBLE IN THE LIGHT FROM THE HALLWAY. JACK TURNS TO JENNIFER.
JACK: But it is important...
JENNIFER TURNS AND PUTS A FINGER TO JACK'S LIPS. THEN, SHE LEANS OVER AND KISSES HIM.
JENNIFER: Say goodnight, Jack.
JACK: (DEADPAN) Goodnight, Jack.
JACK PULLS THE OFFICE DOOR CLOSED. HOLD ON THE DARK OFFICE.
CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER. IN PROGRESS. ABE LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE. LEXIE SMILES AT HIM.
LEXIE: It's okay to say it out loud, babe. I understand.
ABE: You do?
LEXIE: Yeah. Even with all the problems we had with the SPD, I know you, Abe. Deep down you still consider yourself a cop.
ABE: You're right. I do miss the life. And I've been wondering a lot more lately if...
LEXIE: You should ask Janet to reinstate you.
ABE: You do know me better than I know myself. (BEAT) What do you think? Should I?
LEXIE: No one's more qualified than you. Maybe Janet can shake a few dollars loose. You won't know unless you ask.
ABE: But what about you? And Carver and Carver? I don't want to let you down.
LEXIE HUGS ABE.
LEXIE: Don't you worry about that, right now. I'm like a cat, I always land on my feet.
HOLD ON THE PAIR HUGGING.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/ICU. BILL STANDS OUTSIDE THE UNIT WITH CANDIS AND DENISE.
BILL: I don't want you to be shocked when you see Morgan. There's a lot of machinery and it looks very scary. But he's holding his own. (BEAT) 'Ready to go in?
CANDIS: (DEEP BREATH) Yes. I just want to see him for myself.
DENISE: Me, too. The not knowing is scarier.
BILL LEADS THEM IN TO MORGAN'S BED. MORGAN'S FACE IS HEAVILY BANDAGED. HE'S HOOKED UP TO EKG AND EEG MONITORS. AN OXYGEN TUBE IS HOOKED UNDER HIS NOSE. THE ROOM IS EERILY SILENT, JUST THE PINGS AND BEEPS OF THE MONITORS ARE HEARD. BILL STANDS BACK AND MOTIONS TO CANDIS AND DENISE THAT IT IS OKAY TO APPROACH THE BED. CANDIS GASPS A LITTLE BIT WHEN SHE GETS CLOSER. SHE TAKES MORGAN'S HAND AND HOLDS IT TO HER CHEEK. DENISE GOES TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BED AND TAKES HIS OTHER HAND. SHE TRIES HARD NOT TO CRY.
CANDIS: Morgan? Honey, I'm here. Don't be afraid.
DENISE: I'm here too, Daddy. I love you. Please don't leave us, I'm not ready to let you go.
CANDIS: (TO DENISE, STERNLY) Your father is not leaving us, Denise. He knows I would follow him and drag him back by the ear if he did.
TEARS START TO ROLL DOWN CANDIS' CHEEKS. SHE KISSES MORGAN'S FINGERS AND SQUEEZES HIS HAND TIGHTLY.
CANDIS: (CONT'D) Don't you make me come after you, Morgan. We need you too much.
HOLD ON CANDIS AND DENISE WATCHING OVER MORGAN. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.