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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: February 22, 1995
Time: Several Days After #87,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1995
Introducing Cheryl Ladd as Holly Prescott
RICHARD'S OFFICE. THE DOOR OPENS AND A WEARY RICHARD DRAGS HIMSELF INTO THE OFFICE. HE IS CARRYING A VERY LARGE CUP OF TAKE-OUT COFFEE. HE THROWS HIS COAT AND BRIEFCASE HAPHAZARDLY ONTO A CHAIR AND SITS DOWN AT HIS DESK. HE TAKES THE LID OFF HIS COFFEE AND INHALES THE SCENT WHILE RUBBING HIS EYES. JULIE COMES IN JUST AS RICHARD IS BREAKING OUT INTO A WIDE YAWN.
JULIE: Richard, darling, are you all right? I was worried when Lucille said you hadn't come in yet.
RICHARD: Sorry, Julie. I'm fine, just running a little late this morning.
JULIE: You look awfully pale. I hope you're not coming down with something. It's ok to take that sick time I give everyone, you know.
RICHARD: I'm fine, I just didn't get very much sleep last night. I was up till all hours talking with an old friend.
JULIE: Oh? (BEAT) A male friend or a female friend?
RICHARD: What difference does that make?
JULIE: A-ha! It's a female friend!
RICHARD: Yes. (SIGHS) How do women do that?
JULIE: Do what?
RICHARD: That. Immediately sniff out any other women in the general vicinity. Is it some kind of radar or what?
JULIE: Maybe. I can't give away trade secrets. (BEAT) So, I guess this means your complaints about a nonexistent love life are totally unfounded, hmmm?
HOLD ON JULIE'S CURIOSITY.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, MORGAN'S ROOM. MORGAN IS IN BED WITH AN OXYGEN TUBE TO HIS NOSE. HE IS STILL ON A HEART MONITOR AND AN I.V., BUT, MOST OF THE EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN REMOVED. CANDIS AND DENISE ARE VISITING. DENISE LEANS OVER AND KISSES HIS FOREHEAD.
DENISE: You look much better today, Dad.
MORGAN: Thank you, sweetheart. I feel much better.
CANDIS: Well, don't think you're getting off that easy.
DENISE AND MORGAN LOOK SURPRISED.
CANDIS: (CONT'D) You gave us quite a scare, Morgan. And, if you don't think we have things to discuss, you've got another think coming.
MORGAN: Those things can wait. Right now, I want to look at my beautiful daughter.
DENISE: Well, your daughter thinks you need a nap. You've got to get plenty of rest, Dad, so Mom and I can stop worrying about you.
MORGAN: There's no need to worry about me. I'm going to be just fine. I think I'm the one who needs to worry about you. How did you get out of school? Aren't you missing lots of classwork?
DENISE: No problem. I've got a special dispensation from the Dean.
CANDIS: (SMILES) Whoa! "Dispensation"! See, Morgan? I told you she takes after my side of the family. "Dispensation..."
MORGAN: (STIFLING A LAUGH) No fair, Candis. It hurts too much to laugh. So, Denise, what does this dispensation do?
DENISE: I told the Dean about you and he gave me two weeks off to get things settled here. When I go back the professors will help me get caught up. And, I have friends in each class who agreed to take notes for me.
MORGAN: Two weeks is a long time, sweetheart. I think you ought to think about getting back now. (BEAT) I'm going to be fine.
CANDIS: We're both glad you're here, Denise. But, your father's right. You can't afford to miss that much school.
DENISE: I'll make you a deal. After we talk to Dr. Hunter this afternoon, we'll talk about when I should go back.
CANDIS: (SIGHS) I know better than to think it'll do any good to argue with you.
MORGAN: Which only proves your mother's right. You do take after her side of the family.
HOLD ON DENISE LAUGHING.
CUT TO: SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT. ABE ENTERS THE MAIN OFFICE AREA. FRED IS SITTING AT A DESK AND SPEAKING ON THE TELEPHONE, WHILE JOE SITS ON TOP OF THE DESK. JOE SEES ABE, AND WAVES TO HIM. ABE WALKS OVER TO FRED AND JOE.
JOE: Hey Carver, what brings you 'round these parts?
ABE: Thought I'd check out the old stomping grounds... and see if there was any progress on these carjackers.
JOE: We're following up on one lead right now. (POINTING TO FRED) He's talking to someone who might have seen something the night Morgan was shot.
FRED: (ON THE TELEPHONE) You're sure about that? (BEAT) Yeah, I'm sorry, too.
FRED HANGS UP THE TELEPHONE AND TURNS TO JOE AND ABE.
JOE: Nothing, huh?
FRED: Turns out the woman was at a completely different intersection, that night. (SCANS A REPORT) And, according to that night's reports, there was a stalled vehicle in that area, so that's what she probably saw.
ABE: Are there any other leads?
FRED TURNS TO LOOK AT JANET'S OFFICE. AFTER SEEING THAT HER DOOR REMAINS CLOSED, HE TURNS BACK TO ABE.
FRED: (HUSHED) Honestly, we've got nothing.
JOE: So far, every lead's been a dead end.
FRED: But, we're not giving up. Nobody takes a shot at one of our own and gets away scot-free.
ABE: I know what you mean, man. I wish there were something I could do to help.
THE DOOR TO JANET'S OFFICE OPENS, AND JANET WALKS OUT.
JANET: Abe, I'm glad you're here. Do you have a minute?
ABE: As a matter of fact, I do.
JANET: Good. Why don't you come into my office? We need to talk.
OUT ON ABE'S INTEREST.
RICHARD'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD. IN PROGRESS.
RICHARD: Despite what you're thinking, my love life is nonexistent. (BEAT) Most women seem to think going out with a guy who spends at least twelve hours a day at the office is a bad idea.
JULIE: You poor dear... should I fire you so that you and this mysterious friend of yours can spend more time together?
RICHARD: (SIGHING) I can't convince you that she's just a friend, can I?
JULIE: Well, not when you refuse to tell me anything about her, like her name and how you met her and...
RICHARD HOLDS UP HIS HANDS.
RICHARD: I surrender. (BEAT) Her name is Ashley, and she's a photojournalist. And I'm sure she'll be more than happy to trade embarrassing stories about me when she gets here later...
THE DOOR TO RICHARD'S OFFICE OPENS, AND ASHLEY ENTERS.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Or sooner.
ASHLEY WALKS TOWARD RICHARD'S DESK, AND TOSSES HER COAT ON ONE OF THE CHAIRS.
ASHLEY: Talking about me again, Hunt?
RICHARD: I was just telling Julie that you're the reason I'm so dead this morning.
ASHLEY: But Richard, it's a well known fact that you are not now, nor have you ever been, a morning person.
RICHARD STARES DOWN AT THE FLOOR WHILE ASHLEY LAUGHS.
JULIE: Ahem. (BEAT) Richard?
RICHARD: Oh, sorry, I have forgotten my manners, haven't I? Julie Williams, meet Ashley Bellafiore. Ashley, Julie is the editor-in-chief of Midsummer... my boss.
ASHLEY: It's nice to meet you, Ms. Williams. Richard's told me how much he enjoys working here.
JULIE: He's very much appreciated by everyone around here. And please do call me Julie. (LOOKING AT RICHARD, THEN ASHLEY) Have you known Richard a long time?
RICHARD: (SOTTO VOCE) Oh no...
ASHLEY: Well... it seems like a few eons now... Since I was a little kid, I guess.
RICHARD: (PROTESTING) Hey, I'm not that much older than you, Ash.
ASHLEY: Okay, okay, Mr. Sensitive... since I got into journalism, then. The-powers-that-be put us together during my internship at AP.
JULIE: And in all those years, I'm sure that you have a story or two that you could share about the mysterious Mr. Hunt?
ASHLEY: How much time do you have?
JULIE AND ASHLEY BOTH LAUGH WHILE RICHARD PUTS HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS. HOLD ON RICHARD'S DISCOMFITURE.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, MORGAN'S ROOM. CANDIS AND DENISE ARE SITTING NEXT TO MORGAN'S BED. THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. THE DOOR OPENS AND BO AND BOB ENTER.
MORGAN: Uh-oh. They're coming to get me. (TO CANDIS) I told you I was taking too many sick days.
BO: We're just making sure he's not faking it.
BOB: Yeah, but even so, it's about time this old man's taking some time off.
MORGAN: Who you calling old?
BO AND BOB GO TO SHAKE HANDS WITH MORGAN AND GREET CANDIS.
CANDIS: Do you officers remember our daughter, Denise?
BOB: Of course I do. How's school?
DENISE: It's going pretty well.
BO: I don't believe we've met. I'm Bo Brady... I think you went to high school with my niece, Carrie.
DENISE: Carrie and I had a whole bunch of classes together. How is she?
BO: She's visiting her mother in Europe right now. I hear she's having a great time.
MORGAN: You two are in uniform, so I take it this isn't purely a social call.
BOB: Actually we do have some business to take care of.
BO: Do you feel up to talking about the shooting?
CANDIS: Could you do this another time? I don't want to tire him out.
MORGAN: (HOLDING UP A HAND) It's okay, baby. I want to help them.
CANDIS: Are you sure? How do you feel?
MORGAN: I'm feeling okay.
BO: We promise not to push him, Candis.
MORGAN: (TO CANDIS) Why don't you take Denise down to the cafeteria and get yourselves something to eat?
CANDIS: Ok, but (SHAKING A FINGER AT BOB) promise you won't wear him out.
BOB: Yes, ma'am.
CANDIS AND DENISE GET UP TO LEAVE.
DENISE: We'll see you in a little while, Daddy.
MORGAN: Okay, ladies.
AFTER THEY LEAVE, BO TAKES OUT A NOTEBOOK.
MORGAN: (CONT'D) What can I help you with?
BOB: The night of the shooting... Can you tell us what happened?
MORGAN: I was driving home... I stopped at a stoplight...
BO: Were there any other cars around?
MORGAN: No... yes... maybe...
BOB: Maybe a car pulled up next to you, or behind you?
MORGAN CLOSES HIS EYES.
MORGAN: Another car... I think... (SIGHS AND OPENS HIS EYES) Everything's a blur...
BO: Take it slowly. You were waiting for a stop light...
MORGAN CONCENTRATES FOR A MOMENT.
MORGAN: (SIGHS) I'm sorry, guys. I'm afraid I'm not much help now. Doctor Horton told me that I may not remember very much at first. Or... I might not ever remember...
BOB: Don't worry about it. It'll come to you sooner or later.
MORGAN: I want to remember. Damn, I want to catch these guys.
BO: So do we, but you can't push yourself.
BOB: Yeah, just get yourself better and back to the cop shop soon. That's the important thing.
MORGAN: Thanks.
BO: We'll let you get some rest now.
BOB: Take it easy, man. We'll catch you later.
BO: We're outta here.
BO AND BOB TURN TO LEAVE. ONCE THEY'RE GONE, MORGAN CLOSES HIS EYES.
MORGAN: C'mon, try to remember... what happened?
HOLD ON MORGAN'S CONCENTRATION.
CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. RICHARD, ASHLEY, AND JULIE. IN PROGRESS.
ASHLEY: I don't suppose Richard told you about the time he picked up the entire Norwegian Bikini Team...
JULIE LOOKS CURIOUSLY AT RICHARD.
RICHARD: It was the Welsh National Female Swim Team!
JULIE: My, my...
RICHARD: Try to get your facts straight, huh, Bellafiore?
ASHLEY: (UNFAZED) Yeah, whatever. Anyway, they were in town for an international competition, and Richard was staying at the same hotel. One evening, as he was returning from...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING) I'm sure Julie has more important things to do than listen to stories that you find amusing.
JULIE: (SMILING) Actually, I have a few minutes to spare.
RICHARD: (PICKING UP SOME PAPERS) Oh, good, then you can look over this contract...
ASHLEY: So, you don't like the swim team story? Okay... How about the time you took the limo ride with the Czech ambassador's daughter? (TO JULIE) He was covering a summit meeting, and...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING AGAIN) And this is definitely not the appropriate time or place for that story.
ASHLEY: (CROSSING HER ARMS) Hmph. You're no fun this morning.
RICHARD: Sorry. Someone kept me up most of the night, talking up a storm.
ASHLEY: (GRINNING MISCHIEVOUSLY) What's wrong, Hunt? Starting to feel your age?
RICHARD: If I am aging, it must be because of all those times I had to save your skin.
ASHLEY: Oh, so you wanna go there, huh? Okay, let's talk about close calls, and who bailed who out. (TO JULIE) We were in Yugoslavia one time, and Richard was caught snooping where he shouldn't have been. Fortunately, I was able to charm the soldiers into letting him go...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING) Wait, just a minute. That's not exactly how it happened. Whose idea was it to go there in the first place?
ASHLEY: That's not the point.
RICHARD: Of course not.
JULIE LOOKS ON, TRYING TO HIDE HER AMUSEMENT.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) (TO ASHLEY) Are you trying to disgrace me out of my job here, or what?
JULIE: Oh, Richard, don't worry about that. (BEAT) I have a new-found respect for you.
RICHARD: (ROLLING HIS EYES) Wonderful...
ASHLEY: Lighten up, huh? I think Julie knows that nobody's perfect, not even you.
RICHARD: How do you know? I had been doing a pretty good job of convincing her, until now.
JULIE STIFLES A LAUGH.
ASHLEY: Then it's obvious she hasn't heard about some of your Australian adventures.
JULIE: Oh, this should be good...
RICHARD: (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Or not. (BEAT) Listen, it really breaks my heart to have to bring this delightful conversation to a close, but Ashley and I have a meeting with Jack, and we wouldn't want to be late.
THE THREE OF THEM STAND UP AND MOVE TOWARD THE DOOR.
ASHLEY: Awww... What a killjoy. I was just getting started.
JULIE: That's all right. I have some phone calls to make.
RICHARD REACHES THE DOOR AND OPENS IT. HE STEPS OUT OF THE OFFICE AND MOTIONS FOR ASHLEY TO FOLLOW.
RICHARD: Sorry to rush off, Julie. I'll check in with you later.
JULIE: Fine.
ASHLEY FOLLOWS RICHARD OUT OF THE DOORWAY. A MOMENT LATER, SHE TURNS BACK TO JULIE.
ASHLEY: We'll continue this discussion later, okay? We'll do lunch.
JULIE: I'm counting on it.
RICHARD: (LAMENTING) Something tells me I'm going to regret introducing the two of you.
JULIE AND ASHLEY SMILE AT RICHARD. RICHARD SIGHS. OUT ON RICHARD'S EXASPERATION.
JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS PROOFING AN ARTICLE. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
JACK: Come!
THE DOOR OPENS AND ASHLEY AND RICHARD ENTER.
JACK: (CONT'D) Richard, good morning!
RICHARD: Good morning, Jack.
JACK: (STANDING) And this lovely lady must be...
ASHLEY: (EXTENDING HER HAND) Ashley Bellafiore.
JACK: (SHAKING ASHLEY'S HAND) Jack Deveraux.
ASHLEY: Pleased to meet you.
JACK: Believe me, the pleasure's mine. (BEAT) Please, have a seat.
THE THREE OF THEM SIT DOWN.
JACK: (CONT'D) I'm glad to finally meet you face to face, Ms. Bellafiore.
ASHLEY: Ashley, please.
JACK: Ashley. I've heard a great deal from Richard about your considerable... talents. I'm very impressed with what I've heard.
ASHLEY: Thank you.
JACK: Richard has also told me a little bit, a very little bit, about this story of yours... just enough to tantalize me.
RICHARD: I was simply repeating what I was told. Ashley's quite a tease.
ASHLEY: Am not!
RICHARD: Are so.
ASHLEY: Am not!
RICHARD: Are...
RICHARD IS INTERRUPTED BY ASHLEY'S ELBOW SHARPLY HITTING HIS ARM. SHE TURNS TO JACK.
ASHLEY: I've been hearing quite a bit about you, too, Mr. Deveraux. Richard's been telling me all about Deveraux Publishing.
JACK: Please, it's Jack. And don't believe a word he's told you.
ASHLEY: Even the good things?
JACK: Well, in that case... Feel free to believe the good parts. They're probably accurate.
RICHARD: Now you see why he's the Publisher.
JACK: Yes... Well, Ashley, Richard has told me about your background, but I'd like to hear some of it from you.
ASHLEY: Sure...
ASHLEY REACHES DOWN AND PICKS UP HER PORTFOLIO.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) (HANDING THE PORTFOLIO TO JACK) Here are some samples of my work.
JACK TAKE THE PORTFOLIO AND OPENS IT. HE LEAFS THROUGH THE PAGES AS ASHLEY CONTINUES.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) I started out at AP. That's where I met Richard. After getting my feet wet and establishing some contacts, I started doing freelance work for Time, Life, Newsweek... My Life cover shot is in there.
JACK: (TURNING THE PAGES) Yes... very good work.
ASHLEY: As you can see, my work has taken me all over the world.
JACK: Indeed. You've been quite the traveler.
ASHLEY: I also did a short series for the Times. I took the photos and co-wrote the articles.
JACK: I see... (REACHING THE END OF THE PORTFOLIO) Well, you certainly have excellent credentials.
ASHLEY: Thank you.
JACK: It's evident that Richard's praise is well-deserved.
ASHLEY TURNS TO RICHARD AND SMILES. RICHARD SHRUGS.
RICHARD: I'm a journalist. I call 'em like I see 'em.
JACK: So, Ashley, tell me... Are you currently bound by any contract, or other commitment, to any publications?
ASHLEY: No, I'm still freelancing. My camera and I are available for hire.
JACK: Excellent. (BEAT) Now, let's discuss this new story of yours...
HOLD ON JACK'S INTEREST.
CUT TO: JANET'S OFFICE. JANET AND ABE ARE SEATED, DRINKING COFFEE.
JANET: Can I get you some more coffee, Abe?
ABE: No thanks. Nothing personal, but I'd forgotten how awful the coffee is here.
JANET: Yeah, I know what you mean. I tried drinking tea instead, but the tea was worse than the coffee. How can you ruin water?
ABE: Beats me...
ABE AND JANET SIT IN UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE FOR A MOMENT.
ABE: (CONT'D) Well, I guess we're done with the small talk, so I may as well be blunt, have you had a chance to talk to Commissioner Samuels, yet?
JANET: I met with him last night.
ABE: I see...
JANET: And, Abe, the Commissioner gave me an offer to extend to you. How would you like to re-join the force as a Captain?
ABE: (CAUTIOUSLY) Captain? Hmmmmm... I don't want to appear ungrateful, but I was hoping to stay at this precinct.
JANET: You would be at this precinct.
ABE: I don't think this office is big enough for two Captains, ma'am.
JANET: What I'm about to tell you is to be kept quiet for now. Commander Kelly is retiring and I am being promoted to Commander. That leaves the job of Captain open... for you, if you're interested.
ABE: Congratulations...
JANET: Thank you. And to you, I assume...
ABE: Yes, well... Captain Yamada, before I give you an answer, we need to discuss a few things.
JANET: Such as?
ABE: We haven't always seen eye-to-eye about how to run this department. And, our ideas of discipline are very different.
JANET: I didn't expect a clone of myself. I know we won't always agree. That's all right. Maybe it will teach us both something new. But, if I give an order, you back me up. I'll expect nothing less.
ABE: Nor would I.
JANET: So?
ABE: So... I know that I'm a cop, I've always been a cop. Being a P.I. isn't the same thing. This is where I belong. Captain Yamada, I respectfully accept your offer.
ABE STANDS. JANET STANDS. THEY SHAKE HANDS.
JANET: I'm very pleased. (BEAT) Now. If you'd like to accompany me, we can make the announcement together.
ABE: I would be honored.
HOLD ON ABE HOLDING THE DOOR AS JANET LEAVES THE OFFICE.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, MORGAN'S ROOM / CORRIDOR. BO AND BOB RUN INTO BILL AS THEY ARE COMING OUT OF MORGAN'S ROOM.
BILL: Hello, Bo. Officer Wisniewski, good to see you again. I assume you've been in to see Morgan?
BO: Yeah, we wanted to see if he remembered anything about the carjacking.
BOB: Doctor Horton... how's Morgan really doing? He's going to be ok, isn't he?
BO: Yeah, what's the real story?
BILL: Morgan is coming along well, all the indications are good. I don't see any reason why he shouldn't make a full recovery.
BOB: That's great to hear, Doc. Thanks.
BO: What about his memory? He couldn't remember too much about the shooting. Will he ever?
BILL: I don't know. I wouldn't get my hopes up, if I were you. Morgan's been through a very traumatic experience. If he doesn't remember what happened in the next few days... He probably never will.
BO AND BOB EXCHANGE SURPRISED LOOKS.
BOB: Wow. I had no idea...
BO: Me, neither. (BEAT) But we can't get bent out of shape over it. We've just got to keep on keeping on and hope for the best.
BOB: That's right. Maybe forensics has something on the glass samples by now.
BO: That would be great. C'mon Bob, let's go check in.
BOB: Thanks for being straight with us, Doctor Horton.
BILL: My pleasure, gentlemen. I hope you find the answers you need.
OUT ON BILL WATCHING BO AND BOB WALK DOWN THE HALL.
SALEM PD/SQUAD ROOM. JANET AND ABE ARE BOTH SMILING AS THEY EXIT HER OFFICE.
FRED: They look happy about something.
JOE: (TURNING TO SEE JANET AND ABE) Maybe a break on the carjackings?
JANET: (LOUDLY) People! I need your attention for a minute.
THE ROOM QUIETS AS EVERYONE FOCUSES ON JANET.
JOE: A break in Morgan's case, Captain?
JANET: Unfortunately, no. (BEAT) But, I do have some good news... (TURNING TO ABE) Effective immediately, Abe Carver is back on the Salem PD.
CHEERS AND WHISTLES ERUPT FROM THE ASSEMBLED OFFICERS.
FRED: That's terrific! (BEAT) What will you be doing, Abe?
ABE: The details are still being ironed out, but Commissioner Samuels went ahead and told the Captain here to give me back my badge.
JANET: Okay everybody, now let's get back to work.
JANET STOPS TO SHAKE ABE'S HAND, THEN RETREATS TO HER OFFICE. AS THE CROWD DISPERSES, BO AND BOB ENTER.
BO: Did we miss a party or something? I haven't seen that many smiles around here in a long time.
ABE: Well, you just missed Janet's announcement. I'm back on the force.
BOB: Abe! That's great news!
BOB EXTENDS HIS HAND, THEN HE AND ABE SHAKE HANDS.
BO: This is really wonderful, Abe! Roman's gonna flip when he hears... and if you don't call him right away, that infamous Brady grapevine will spoil the surprise for him.
HOLD ON BO'S GRIN.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, RICHARD, AND ASHLEY. IN PROGRESS.
ASHLEY: What I have, is one hot story.
JACK: So I've heard. Just how hot is it?
ASHLEY: Scorching.
JACK: (INTERESTED) I see. Can you elaborate? What's the story about?
ASHLEY LEANS IN CLOSE TO JACK AND RICHARD.
ASHLEY: I found out that there are M.I.A.'s and P.O.W.'s being held in prison camps in Southeast Asia.
JACK STRAIGHTENS UP, AND PLACES HIS HAND OVER HIS CHIN. HE STARTS TO SHAKE HIS HEAD.
JACK: How can that be?
ASHLEY: It's true.
JACK: I'm not so sure. Hasn't the government been quite adamant in their insistence that there are no more P.O.W.'s in Asia?
ASHLEY: Yeah, well that's what they say.
RICHARD: It doesn't mean it's true.
ASHLEY: They also say that Oswald acted alone.
RICHARD: And that there is no Project Bluebook.
JACK TAKES A MOMENT TO THINK.
JACK: I watch enough of the "X-Files" to disbelieve the government's stance on Bluebook. (TO ASHLEY) So, Ms. Bellafiore, you have fifteen minutes to convince me that your story has validity.
HOLD ON JACK'S CHALLENGE.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB. SHAWN AND CAROLINE ARE BUSY SETTING UP FOR STEPHANIE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY. CAROLINE IS WORKING ON THE TABLE SETTINGS, AND SHAWN IS BLOWING UP BALLOONS.
CAROLINE: Can you believe that Stephanie is five years old already?
SHAWN: It doesn't seem possible. It seems like only yesterday that she was a wee babe.
CAROLINE: I'm just sorry that we couldn't have done this party four days ago, on her real birthday. Everyone's schedules were so hectic, there's no way all of the family could have made it.
SHAWN: I wouldn't worry too much about it. Considerin' all the things that have happened to this family over the years, conflicting schedules is a pretty minor problem, indeed. (BEAT) Besides, a belated birthday party just means more days to celebrate.
MAX ENTERS THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR.
CAROLINE: I supposed you're right. Stephanie was such a sweetheart about the whole thing. She's a very understanding little girl.
SHAWN: That's 'cause her ma is raisin' her right. She's a little angel.
CAROLINE: That, she is.
MAX: (SOTTO VOCE) Yeah, right. She's a little brat, most of the time.
SHAWN: Hullo, Max! What was that you said?
MAX: Nothing.
CAROLINE: Max, I'm glad you're home. Would you please take your books upstairs, and then come down and help your father hang up the balloons?
MAX: (MOANING) Aw, do I have to?
BEFORE SHAWN OR CAROLINE CAN RESPOND, JONAH ENTERS THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR.
JONAH: (CHEERFULLY) Hey, Bradys!
CAROLINE: Hello, Jonah!
SHAWN: Hello, laddie.
JONAH: Hey, Max, what's up?
MAX: Not much.
JONAH: Are you here to help with the decorations, too?
MAX: (SURPRISED) Is that why you're here?
JONAH: You bet! We're gonna have a great time!
MAX: We are?
JONAH: Sure! I'm glad you're here, so you can be my right-hand man. We're gonna make this the most jammin' birthday party Stephanie's ever had!
MAX: (CHEERING UP A LITTLE) Really?
JONAH: Really. You with me?
JONAH HOLD OUT HIS HAND.
MAX: Yeah, I'm with ya.
MAX GIVES JONAH "FIVE," WHICH JONAH RETURNS.
JONAH: All right, that's my man!
MAX: I've gotta go put my books away. I'll be right back.
JONAH: Okay.
MAX EXITS UP THE STAIRS.
SHAWN: Jonah Carver, you're a miracle worker!
JONAH: Really? What did I do?
CAROLINE: Just before you walked in, Max was about to give me an earful of attitude about helping with the party. You saved the day.
JONAH: Aw, it was nothing. (BEAT) 'Sides, Max and I have something in common.
SHAWN: What's that?
JONAH: We're both missing Carrie. (BEAT) Have you heard from her lately?
CAROLINE: We talked to her just a few days ago. She said things are going well. She and Anna are getting along marvelously.
JONAH: I'm glad for her. I still wish she was here, though.
SHAWN: We all do.
CAROLINE: But, this is something she needed to do. And she'll be home soon enough.
JONAH: Not soon enough for me.
OUT ON JONAH.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/MORGAN'S ROOM. MORGAN IS SITTING UP IN BED, HIS EYES CLOSES AND HIS BROW FURROWED IN CONCENTRATION. CANDIS AND DENISE COME IN TO SEE HIM POUNDING HIS FIST ON THE BAR OF THE BED. THEY IMMEDIATELY RUSH TO HIS SIDE.
DENISE: Daddy? What's wrong?
CANDIS: Morgan, baby, are you in pain?
MORGAN OPENS HIS EYES, SURPRISED.
MORGAN: It's ok, I'm ok. It's just that I ... dammit! I can't remember what happened! Bo and Bob are trying to catch these bastards and I can't help them.
CANDIS AND DENISE EXCHANGE A LOOK OF RELIEF.
CANDIS: You can't push it, hon. You've got to take it slowly.
DENISE: Yeah, Dad. Try and put it out of your mind. Then ta-da! The answer will just appear! That's what I did last semester with biology.
CANDIS: And you passed with flying colors. That's my daughter!
MORGAN: If it's all the same to you, I'll stick with my own method.
CANDIS: Just take it easy for now, all right?
MARCUS OPENS THE DOOR. DENISE GIVES HIM THE ONCE-OVER AND UNCONSCIOUSLY STRAIGHTENS HER HAIR. CANDIS NOTICES AND SMIRKS A BIT.
MARCUS: Hello! Can I come in?
MORGAN: Marcus, old pal! Come on in.
CANDIS: Hello, Marcus.
MARCUS EXTENDS HIS HAND TO DENISE. DENISE TAKES IT AND HOLDS ONTO IT A LITTLE LONGER THAN NECESSARY.
MARCUS: You must be Denise. I recognize you from that picture on your parent's mantelpiece. I'm Dr. Hunter.
DENISE: (CRINGING) Mom, please get rid of that awful picture. It's from the sixth grade for heaven's sake!
MORGAN AND CANDIS LAUGH AND MARCUS GRINS.
MARCUS: Parents! (BEAT) Morgan, I came by to discuss your reconstructive surgery.
MORGAN: Can you do anything?
MARCUS: Yes, as a matter of fact. I am very optimistic about repairing all of the damage. As for scarring, I should be able to minimize it. Maybe even eliminate it altogether.
MORGAN: Hear that, Candis? You'll still be able to go out in public with me.
CANDIS: Morgan! As if I'd let a little thing like a scar worry me. I'm glad you're alive!
MARCUS: You were very lucky, pal.
MORGAN: As lucky as you can be after being shot in the face. (BEAT) Thanks, Marcus. When can we do it?
MARCUS: Not too much longer, but you've got to get stronger before we put you under anaesthesia again.
CANDIS: I am so glad you can help, Marcus.
DENISE: (OVER ENTHUSIASTIC) Yes! Thank you so much Doctor Hunter. I feel so much better knowing that my father is in your very capable hands...
CANDIS HIDES A SMILE WITH HER HAND AND LEANS DOWN TO WHISPER IN MORGAN'S EAR.
CANDIS: Don't look now, but your daughter just developed a crush on your plastic surgeon.
MORGAN: (AMUSED) Oh, so now she's my daughter, huh?
HOLD ON CANDIS AND MORGAN'S AMUSEMENT.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB. SHAWN IS WIPING OFF TABLES AS HE HEARS THE DOOR OPEN AND JO ENTERS.
SHAWN: Well, look who we have here. If it isn't Jo Johnson.
JO: Hello, Shawn. It's been a long time.
SHAWN: Too long, Jo. What's been keepin' ya away?
JO: School... Work...
SHAWN: Romance, I hope. Still seein' Vern Scofield?
JO: Oh... (SMILE) Once in a while.
SHAWN: Good. I'm glad to hear it. Vern's a good man.
JO: He gets my vote.
CAROLINE COMES DOWN THE STAIRS CARRYING BRADY. BRADY IS RUBBING HIS EYES.
SHAWN: Did Brady have a good nap?
CAROLINE: He sure slept soundly. (SEEING JO) Hello, Jo. How are you?
JO CROSSES THE ROOM TO SEE BRADY.
JO: I'm fine. And you look great, Caroline.
SHAWN: It's all the babysitting she does that keeps her young looking.
JO: How come you're sitting? Where's John?
CAROLINE: John regained most of his memory. Now he's trying to piece it together with his present...
SHAWN: While sitting in the sun at a tropical resort somewhere in the South Pacific.
JO: Tropical resort? I wish he'd said something. I would have gone to help him.
CAROLINE: Yeah, white sand and warm water sound much more inviting that snow and ice.
JO: Seriously, John has been so torn apart by this whole deal. I hope it helps him.
CAROLINE: Me, too. I hope he finds what he's looking for.
HOLD ON CAROLINE'S CONCERN.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, RICHARD AND ASHLEY. IN PROGRESS.
RICHARD: Well, Ashley, go ahead. You should probably start at the beginning...
JACK: Brilliant deduction, Watson. Do you always state the obvious when you're excited?
ASHLEY: You should have seen him last night, he was speechless. I know I've not seen that particular miracle too often.
RICHARD: But you'll never hear the end of this, if you don't let up and start talking...
ASHLEY: OK... from the beginning... I originally went to cover the signing of a top-secret peace treaty.
JACK: Must've been top secret, because I haven't gotten a whiff of any such thing.
ASHLEY: That was partially due to secrecy, yeah, but the other part was nothing was happening! I've never seen a treaty move so slowly. Both sides had difficulty resolving issues from land reclamation to where the commas should go in the documents. Got so bad I actually did some shopping!
RICHARD: Even left her camera back at the hotel.
ASHLEY: Well, I did carry the small one...
RICHARD: I knew it...
ASHLEY: Anyway, I got bored pretty quickly, so I checked with some of my local contacts to see if there was anything else newsworthy going on.
JACK: And apparently there was.
ASHLEY: In spades! One of my guys said he had a lead on something that would push the treaty to the back page. We got together, followed the lead...
RICHARD: And not a very big one at that.
ASHLEY: But it panned out big time. We discovered one of the camps! We almost got caught by a patrol, but managed to get away. That's when things got dangerous, and when I was sure this was the real deal. My contact backed out...
JACK: Clearly not a dedicated news hound.
ASHLEY: Clearly. I went back the next day, with a local guide, we were careful... we got close... and that's when I got the pictures.
OUT OH ASHLEY'S EXCITEMENT.
ISLAND RESORT. WE SEE LIGHT STREAMING IN THROUGH THE OPEN BALCONY DOORS OF A BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED, TROPICAL HOTEL ROOM. JOHN STEPS OUT FROM THE BATHROOM AND WALKS THROUGH THE DOORS ON TO THE BALCONY. A BEAUTIFUL BEACH SPREADS OUT BELOW HIM, TO THE RIGHT, TENNIS COURTS, TO THE LEFT, A POOL AREA, IN FRONT, BEACHFRONT VOLLEYBALL.
JOHN: Well, here I am! Time to do some thinking. (BEAT) But I think I'm too keyed up to work anything out right now. John Black, what you need is some activity!
WE BEGIN A MONTAGE, WHILE STEEL DRUM MUSIC PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND. WE SEE JOHN SWIMMING LAPS, UNTIL THE POOL BECOMES CROWDED WITH KIDS. WE SEE JOHN IN A BEACH CHAIR, READING, TRYING TO CONCENTRATE. HE SIGHS IN DISGUST AND TOSSES THE BOOK ASIDE. WE SEE JOHN PLAYING VOLLEYBALL WITH SOME OTHER VACATIONERS. WE SEE JOHN ON THE BEACH, PLAYING STICKBALL WITH SOME LOCAL KIDS. WE SEE A SOMEWHAT DISHEVELED JOHN WALKING ON THE BEACH, TOSSING STONES INTO THE WAVES. FINALLY, WE SEE JOHN, FRESHLY SHOWERED AND WEARING A CHANGE OF CLOTHING, AT AN OUTDOOR BAR, LAVISHLY DECORATED WITH FLOWERING PLANTS. THE BARTENDERS ARE TOSSING BOTTLES, PUTTING ON QUITE A SHOW. JOHN WATCHES, TRYING TO LOOK INTERESTED BUT FAILING. ONE OF THE BARTENDERS, BRYAN, NOTICES.
BRYAN: Hey, don't try so hard. I don't do this to entertain, I do it 'cause I can.
JOHN: 'That a fact... (HE CHECKS THE BARTENDER'S NAME TAG) Bryan?
BRYAN: What can I pour you?
JOHN: Beer, please.
BRYAN: Hey, man, I could get fired for serving just a plain old beer. How about a Yellowbird? Mai Tai? Sex on the Beach?
JOHN: Ok, ok, give me something tropical, but not too sweet. And no umbrellas...
BRYAN: You got it. (HE BEGINS TOSSING BOTTLES AROUND AGAIN, MIXING JOHN'S DRINK). So, if you don't mind my asking, what's eatin' you?
JOHN: Don't mind you asking at all. I'm supposed to be thinking...
BRYAN: Thinking?? Now, that's rough. Much more difficult than juggling rum bottles, that's for sure. Why would you want to think in a beautiful place like this?
JOHN: It's a long story. But maybe that creation of yours will lubricate the thinking process, eh?
BRYAN: Worth a try, man, worth a try. Enjoy.
JOHN TAKES THE DRINK, AND GETS OUT HIS WALLET TO PAY FOR IT.
BRYAN: (CONT'D) Nah, don't worry about this one. You'll probably like it so much you'll go broke on 'em before you leave. And anyway, I'm feeling kinda bad for you, what with all this thinking in your future.
JOHN: Thanks, Bryan. Have a good one.
BRYAN: Hey, you too.
BRYAN MOVES TO TAKE ANOTHER DRINK ORDER, AS JOHN WALKS TO THE EDGE OF THE BAR, WHICH IS RAILED AND OVERLOOKS THE BEACH.
JOHN: Ok, so I've done the vacation thing, and the bar thing. Now to do what I came here for... think. (BEAT) Oh, who am I kidding? I'm a doer. I want to find something to do, and do it! But what do I want to do? This is my life, and I don't have a clue!
JOHN NOTICES SOME PASSERSBY STARING AT HIM.
JOHN: (CONT'D) And what's worse, I am now talking to myself.
HOLD ON JOHN'S FRUSTRATION.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, ASHLEY, AND RICHARD. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: What happened once you took the photos?
ASHLEY: Well, the proofs were stolen from my hotel room the next day, along with about half of the negatives.
JACK: Half?
ASHLEY: I learned long ago that when you have something this big, you split it up and hide it in several different places, just in case someone tries to take it away from you. (BEAT) The important thing is that I got all the negatives back.
JACK: (INTRIGUED) May I ask how you managed that?
RICHARD: Yeah, I'm curious about that, too...
ASHLEY: Let's just say that I have a lot of friends in low places, and that all the negatives left with me.
JACK: You wouldn't happen to have any proofs with you, would you, Ashley?
ASHLEY: Nope. I burned the ones I recovered before I flew back to the States... thought it was safer that way. (BEAT) Besides, I wanted to see if you were really interested before I showed you the pictures.
JACK: I must admit... you've piqued my interest. I want to see the photos... badly. I trust that they are safely stored now?
ASHLEY: Very safe.
JACK: How long until you could get them here?
ASHLEY: A couple of days. (BEAT) So, do we have a deal?
JACK: We have a deal. Richard, I'm counting on you to make sure that those negatives get into the Spectator's lab the second Ashley brings them in.
ASHLEY: I want access to the lab. I won't trust this to just anyone...
JACK: That can be arranged... (CHECKING HIS WATCH) Now, if you will excuse me, I have an appointment. Richard, why don't you go introduce Ashley to Vern... he can arrange for you to see our photo labs.
JACK PICKS UP HIS BRIEFCASE AND GRABS HIS COAT.
JACK: (CONT'D) Ashley, Richard built up your reputation... I'm glad to see that his praise was well-placed.
JACK EXITS THE OFFICE.
ASHLEY: He seems very cool, Hunt.
RICHARD: He is. For a story this hot, you needed somebody who can see the big, Pulitzer-filled picture. And Jack Deveraux is that man.
HOLD ON ASHLEY'S SMILE.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE. NICK IS STANDING ON THE STAGE, TALKING WITH THE ELECTRICIAN.
NICK: So you can handle that spotlight problem?
ELECTRICIAN: No problem, Mr. Corelli. Let me go out to the truck and get a couple of things, and I should have it fixed for you in about an hour.
THE ELECTRICIAN WALKS OUT, PASSING LYNN AS SHE ENTERS.
NICK: Lynn! I wasn't expecting you.
LYNN: I had mentioned to Sam that I wanted a chance to rehearse so that I could have a feel of the room before opening night... he suggested today.
NICK: Yeah, that's a good idea. But the electrician is trying to get the lighting straightened out, so you're going to have to wait a little bit before getting up on stage.
LYNN: That's not a problem, Nick. (BEAT) Besides, this way I can be available in case he needs to see how effective the lighting actually is.
THE ELECTRICIAN COMES BACK IN, CARRYING A LARGE TOOL KIT AND A LADDER.
NICK: Why don't we wait this one out at the bar?
NICK LEADS LYNN OVER TO THE BAR. ONCE SHE SITS DOWN, NICK GOES BEHIND THE BAR.
NICK: (CONT'D) What can I get you?
LYNN: A club soda would be nice.
NICK: You got it.
NICK PICKS UP A GLASS AND THE BOTTLE OF CLUB SODA, THEN POURS.
NICK: (CONT'D) (HANDING LYNN THE GLASS) You know, I haven't had a chance to find out much about you, except that you have an incredible voice.
LYNN TAKES A SIP OF HER DRINK, THEN SETS DOWN THE GLASS.
LYNN: Oh, I've been around a little bit. I did show tunes in Jersey, dance music in L.A., blues in Kansas City... but the situations just never worked out the way I wanted them to. (BEAT) So here I am in Salem, ready to forget the past and move on with life.
LYNN TAKES ANOTHER DRINK AS NICK SEEMS TO DRIFT OFF.
LYNN: (CONT'D) More than you wanted to know, right?
NICK: No, it's not that... In fact, I couldn't agree with you more about moving on with life.
NICK POURS HIMSELF A GLASS OF CLUB SODA.
NICK: (CONT'D) (RAISING HIS GLASS) To the future.
LYNN: (RAISING HER GLASS) And the present.
OUT AS THEIR GLASSES TOUCH.
BRADY PUB. THE PUB IS DECORATED AND STEPHANIE'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE WAITING FOR HER ARRIVAL. THE PUB DOOR OPENS, AND STEPHANIE WALKS IN WITH KAYLA IN TOW.
EVERYONE: Happy Birthday, Stephanie!!
STEPHANIE: Mommy! Look! It's my party!!!
KAYLA: It sure is, sweetness!
CAROLINE: Stephanie, honey, kids, you want to play some games?
STEPHANIE: Yeah!
SHAWN-D: Sounds great! C'mon Brady! Hey, Max, wanna play?
MAX: (SCOWLING) I'm not a kid!
JONAH: Well, I still am, sometimes. Let's go!
JO: Here, Caroline, let me help you.
JENNIFER: Come on, Abby, let's go play games!
JO, JENNIFER, CAROLINE AND JONAH HERD SHAWN-D, STEPHANIE, ABIGAIL AND BRADY TO A CORNER OF THE PUB, WHERE "PIN THE TAIL ON SIMBA" HAS BEEN SET UP. JACK WALKS OVER TO KAYLA, WHO'S WATCHING STEPHANIE GET BLINDFOLDED.
JACK: He'd be so proud of her.
KAYLA: You know, Jack, I was just thinking the same thing.
JACK: It's only natural we think of Steve today. I still remember the day she was born as if it were yesterday. He was so proud and happy...
KAYLA: He was...
JACK: And watching Abby grow up reminds me how much Steve has missed, will miss.
THE CHILDREN CONTINUE TO PLAY, AS THE BLINDFOLD IS REMOVED FROM STEPHANIE AND ANOTHER CHILD TAKES HIS TURN.
KAYLA: Seeing his daughter, and his niece, grow... yeah, sometimes, it's hard...
JACK: But I'm glad you've found someone to make it easier.
KAYLA: I couldn't have made it without Marcus, you know. First as a friend...
JACK: And now as your partner. We are all happy for you both, Kayla.
KAYLA: Thanks. But maybe not everyone (SHE SHOOTS A GLANCE AT SHAWN, WHO'S POURING PUNCH INTO A PUNCHBOWL).
JACK: (FOLLOWING HER GLANCE) He seems to be doing better about it all. And remember, not all of the Hortons were exactly thrilled about my relationship with Jennifer.
KAYLA: And look how well that turned out.
JACK: Indeed.
BO ARRIVES AT THE DOOR.
BO: Hello, everyone!
STEPHANIE: Uncle Bo!
STEPHANIE RUNS TO BO, WHO SCOOPS HER UP AND GIVES HER A KISS. HE CARRIES HER OVER TO WHERE THE REST OF THE KIDS ARE, AND PUTS HER DOWN, SO HE CAN GIVE SHAWN-D A HUG. HE PULLS A SMALL BOX FROM HIS UNIFORM POCKET AND GIVES IT TO STEPHANIE.
BO: Sorry I'm late, Birthday Girl! But even though Shawn-D got you a present, I wanted to give you something just from your Uncle Bo.
STEPHANIE: Thanks!
STEPHANIE GOES TO PUT THE GIFT ON THE TABLE WITH THE OTHER PRESENTS.
CAROLINE: Son, are you still on duty?
BO HUGS CAROLINE, AND KISSES BRADY, WHO SHE'S HOLDING.
BO: 'Fraid so, Ma. We're all putting in extra time to catch the car-jackers. But I couldn't miss Stephanie's birthday.
BO NOTICES ABIGAIL STANDING AT HIS FEET, LOOKING UP AT HIM WITH WIDE EYES.
BO: (CONT'D) Or miss out on a kiss from my best god-daughter.
BO PICKS UP ABIGAIL, WHO PEERS INTERESTEDLY AT THE BRASS ON BO'S UNIFORM. HE PUCKERS HIS LIPS AT HER, AND SHE PLANTS A KISS ON THEM. HOLD ON BO AND ABIGAIL.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE. NICK AND LYNN ARE FINISHING THEIR DRINKS. SAM ENTERS TO BEGIN REHEARSING. WHILE LYNN IS SEARCHING THROUGH HER BAG FOR SHEET MUSIC, NICK GOES TO THE STAGE AND HELPS SAM PUSH THE PIANO TO A MORE ACCESSIBLE PLACE ON THE STAGE. SAM GLANCES OVER AT LYNN.
SAM: That is one fine lady.
NICK: She is pretty special, isn't she?
SAM: She's got beauty, talent, and professionalism.
NICK: And, don't forget the most important thing of all: style. (BEAT) That lady has style to spare.
NICK WATCHES LYNN WALK OVER TO SAM AND GIVE HIM THE SHEET MUSIC. SAM PLAYS THE INTRODUCTION TO "WHAT WILL I TELL MY HEART" AND THEN LYNN AND SAM BEGIN. NICK IS ENTRANCED. HE IS SO ABSORBED BY LYNN'S SINGING, HE DOESN'T SEE OR HEAR IAN ENTER THE ROOM AND COME UP BEHIND HIM.
IAN: (SMILING) So, Nick, ya gotta thing for singers, huh?
HOLD ON NICK STARING AND SMILING AT LYNN.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB. THE PARTY GAMES ARE WINDING DOWN, AND STEPHANIE IS SITTING WITH MARCUS AND KAYLA.
KAYLA: Are you having a good time, Sweetness?
STEPHANIE: (SMILING) Uh-huh! I can't wait to see what the cake looks like.
MARCUS: (TEASING) Cake? What cake? (SMACKS HIS HAND TO HIS FOREHEAD) I thought you said you wanted "snakes", not cake.
MARCUS TICKLES STEPHANIE AND SHE STARTS TO GIGGLE.
STEPHANIE: You're so silly, Uncle Marcus.
MARCUS: Yeah, well so are you, birthday girl.
KAYLA HUGS STEPHANIE TO HER. THEN, SHE TILTS STEPHANIE'S FACE UP TO HER.
KAYLA: I want you to know, Sweetness, that even though you can't see him, your Daddy's here in spirit.
STEPHANIE: What do you mean? (LOOKING AROUND) Do you see him?
KAYLA: No, I don't. But, I know that somewhere, he's watching you right now. And he wants you to know that he loves you very much.
STEPHANIE: Tell him that I love him too. (BEAT) Mommy?
KAYLA: What is it, honey?
STEPHANIE: Did Daddy bring me a birthday present?
KAYLA LAUGHS SOFTLY.
KAYLA: I'm sorry, Steph, I don't think he did.
STEPHANIE: That's okay. I got a whole bunch of presents from everyone else.
SHAWN WALKS OVER, AND JOINS THEM. HE IS HOLDING A FROTHY, PINT OF BEER.
SHAWN: Hope you don't mind if I join you folks.
MARCUS: (CAUTIOUS) Not at all. Have a seat.
SHAWN SITS DOWN AND PLACES THE BEER IN FRONT OF MARCUS.
SHAWN: Though you might be gettin' a little thirsty there.
MARCUS: Thank you very much, Shawn.
SHAWN: Think nothin' of it, my friend. (BEAT) How's the birthday girl doing? Are you enjoying yerself, darlin'?
STEPHANIE: Yup! There aren't going to be any snakes on my cake are there?
SHAWN: Snakes? Whatever gave ya that idea?
STEPHANIE: Uncle Marcus told me.
SHAWN: (CHUCKLING) Well, if you like, I could go out and put some in there for you.
STEPHANIE: Ewww! No!!!
MARCUS, FEELING DARING, EDGES CLOSER TO KAYLA, AND PUTS HIS ARM AROUND HER. SHAWN NOTICES, BUT DOES NOT REACT.
SHAWN: Can I get either of you anythin' else?
KAYLA: No thanks Pop, I think we're okay.
CAROLINE WALKS UP TO SHAWN.
CAROLINE: Shawn, can I have a hand with the C-A-K-E?
STEPHANIE: Cake!!!
SHAWN: (TO KAYLA AND MARCUS) The both of you are in trouble now that the young one can spell!
SHAWN GETS UP AND FOLLOWS CAROLINE TO THE KITCHEN. AFTER HE LEAVES, KAYLA AND MARCUS EXCHANGE SURPRISED LOOKS. OUT ON THE TWO.
NICK'S CAFE. NICK AND IAN. IN PROGRESS.
NICK: I wouldn't say I only have a thing for singers. I just appreciate beauty and talent. (BEAT) And, as you can see, (NODDING TOWARD LYNN, WHO IS STILL SINGING ONSTAGE) my new singer has an abundance of both.
IAN: I know how much you appreciate beauty and talent. You were the first one to put Eve up on a stage.
NICK, TRYING TO IGNORE THE SUBJECT OF EVE, DOESN'T RESPOND.
IAN: (CONT'D) Maybe this isn't the best time to bring it up...
NICK: (ALOOF) So don't.
IAN: But, I have to. I think Eve should be the one up on that stage.
NICK: You don't think Lynn's got what it takes?
IAN: No, it's not that at all. (LOOKING AT LYNN) She's a very beautiful woman. And she has a wonderful voice.
NICK: That she does.
IAN: But you can't tell me that when you started working on this place, and you envisioned a singer up on that stage, that it wasn't Eve you were imagining.
NICK: (SIGHS) Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn't. Either way, that's all it is. Imagining. (BEAT) My customers can't see or hear Eve singing in my imagination.
IAN: Come on, Nick. You know that Eve would have been perfect up there.
NICK: That doesn't mean squat. (BEAT) Because she's not up there. So we'll never really know, will we?
IAN: Never's a mighty long time. A lot can happen.
NICK: Yeah, well, I can't afford to just wait and see. I'm about to open a business here, and I need a singer. (BEAT) And Eve has made it abundantly clear that she wants nothing to do with me.
IAN: I don't believe that's really true. Do you?
NICK: One thing I know about Evie: She's never had a problem saying exactly what she wants. And once she's decided, that's that. Nobody's gonna change her mind.
IAN: Maybe things are different, now. Maybe she's not telling you what she's really thinking.
NICK: I can't read her mind, Ian. All I've got to go on is what she's told me. (BEAT) And she's told me to get lost. Repeatedly.
IAN SHAKES HIS HEAD SADLY.
NICK: (CONT'D) So, maybe it's time I started listening. Maybe it's time to move on.
NICK LOOKS BACK UP AT LYNN AS SHE CONCLUDES HER SONG. HOLD ON NICK.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB. THE PARTY GUESTS ARE ENJOYING THEMSELVES. CAROLINE AND SHAWN BRING OUT STEPHANIE'S BIRTHDAY CAKE AND SET IT ON THE BAR. STEPHANIE AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS LET THE BALLOONS THEY ARE TRYING TO KEEP IN THE AIR FALL TO THE GROUND. THEY RUN FOR THE BAR AND CLIMB UP ON BARSTOOLS. EVERYONE FOLLOWS AND CROWDS AROUND.
SHAWN-D: Yay! The cake is here! I want a rose!
STEPHANIE: Light the candles, Grandpa!
SHAWN: (STRIKING A MATCH) Ok, I'm lightin' em sweetheart.
CAROLINE: Do you have a wish all ready, Stephanie?
STEPHANIE: I have a million trillion wishes!
JO LEANS OVER TO GIVE STEPHANIE A QUICK HUG.
JO: (LAUGHING) And every single one of them will come true if you wish hard enough, honey.
STEPHANIE: (AWED) Really?
KAYLA: (DEADPAN) Thanks, Grandma.
THE CROWD LAUGHS. EVERYONE LAUNCHES INTO "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" AND STEPHANIE BLOWS OUT THE CANDLES WITH GUSTO. MAX CRINGES AND ELBOWS JONAH.
MAX: Did she just spit on the cake? If she did I'm not having any.
BEFORE JONAH CAN ANSWER, CAROLINE COMES OVER.
CAROLINE: Max, Jonah, can you help me serve the cake?
JONAH BURSTS OUT LAUGHING AND CLAPS MAX AROUND THE SHOULDERS.
JONAH: We'd be happy to help, wouldn't we Max?
MAX GIVES JONAH AN EVIL GLARE AND THEN STARTS LAUGHING TOO. AS THEY HELP CAROLINE WITH THE CAKE, SHAWN COMES OUT FROM BEHIND THE BAR AND DRAWS KAYLA ASIDE.
SHAWN: Kayla, there's something on my mind. I've been thinking a lot about your relationship with Marcus and...
KAYLA: (INTERRUPTING) Pop, not now, not at Stephanie's party.
SHAWN: Hear me out, all right. I'm not trying to pick a fight with you.
KAYLA DOESN'T ANSWER BUT JUST STARES AT SHAWN.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) It's hard enough with your brother and sister so far away. I'm not about to make it worse by ruining the time I can spend with you and Bo.
KAYLA: (CAUTIOUSLY) Ok. So...
SHAWN: All I want is for you to be happy. That's all I ever wanted for any of you kids. (LONG BEAT) And if being with Marcus makes you happy (DEEP BREATH) then I won't stand in your way.
KAYLA'S EYES FILL WITH TEARS. SHE REACHES OUT AND HUGS SHAWN.
KAYLA: Thanks Pop. You don't know what that means to me. And Marcus.
HOLD ON KAYLA'S TEARY SMILE.
CUT TO: ISLAND RESORT. JOHN IS STRETCHED OUT ON HIS STOMACH IN A LOUNGE CHAIR BY THE POOL. THE SETTING SUN HAS CREATED A SLIGHT GLARE OFF OF THE EMPTY GLASS BESIDE THE CHAIR; A WATCH, A BOTTLE OF SPF-15, AND A YANKEES BASEBALL CAP ARE NEXT TO THE GLASS.
JOHN: (PICKING UP THE WATCH) Guess it's time to turn over...
JOHN SHIFTS POSITION, SO THAT NOW HE IS LAYING ON HIS BACK. HE PUTS THE WATCH BACK DOWN, AND PICKS UP THE BASEBALL CAP. AS HE GOES TO PUT THE CAP ON, A WOMAN WALKS TOWARD HIM, AND PLACES HER BAG ON THE CHAIR BESIDE JOHN'S.
HOLLY: Is this seat taken?
JOHN: (STARING) No... please, sit down.
SHE SITS DOWN ON THE LOUNGE CHAIR, AND PULLS OUT HER BOTTLE OF SUNTAN LOTION FROM HER BAG.
HOLLY: I'm Holly Prescott.
JOHN: John Black.
HOLLY: Well, it's nice to meet you, John. (SPYING JOHN'S GLASS) Waiter!
THE WAITER HURRIES OVER.
HOLLY: (CONT'D) I'd like a rum swizzle, and please bring Mr. Black a refill of whatever he was drinking.
WAITER: Yes, Ms. Prescott.
THE WAITER LEAVES.
JOHN: Thank you.
HOLLY: Well, I'll let you buy the next round.
HOLLY SMILES AT JOHN, WHO SHYLY SMILES BACK.
HOLLY: (CONT'D) Great day to work on your tan, isn't it?
JOHN WATCHES ADMIRINGLY AS HOLLY STRETCHES OUT ON THE LOUNGE CHAIR.
JOHN: It sure is...
HOLD ON JOHN'S INTRIGUE. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.