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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: March 22, 1995
Time: Several Days After #91,
Morning to Afternoon
Copyright 1995
Introducing Christian Slater as Jordan Scott
JOHN'S OFFICE/RECEPTION AREA. JOHN WALKS UP TO PATRICIA'S DESK. SHE IS NOT THERE, SO JOHN PICKS UP A PEN AND WRITES ON A POST-IT.
JOHN: (TO HIMSELF, AS HE WRITES) Hi, I'm back and in my office. J. Black.
JOHN PUTS THE POST-IT ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN. JOHN THEN WALKS TO HIS OFFICE AND PUSHES OPEN THE DOOR. LEIGH IS SITTING ON THE SOFA, WAITING. JOHN GLANCES AT HIS WATCH.
JOHN: (CONT'D) I forgot how punctual you are.
LEIGH: (IGNORING THE COMMENT) Welcome back. You look rested.
JOHN: Thank you.
LEIGH: I made myself at home in your office, hope you don't mind. I wanted to be the first on your agenda, since it isn't often you request a meeting with me.
JOHN: It's all right. I hope you found everything you needed.
LEIGH: I did. (BEAT) How was the island? What did you do? You look like you got some sun. Was the weather good?
JOHN: It was great. Getting away was the best thing I have done in a long time.
LEIGH: Then it sounds like you've made some of those decisions you've been talking about.
JOHN: I have.
HOLD ON JOHN.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS HOLDING THE PHOTOGRAPH POSSIBLY CONTAINING STEVE'S IMAGE. HE STARES AT IT RELENTLESSLY, TRYING TO PULL THE TRUTH FROM IT.
JACK: This simply is not possible. (BEAT) You died. I was there.
HE SHIFTS IN HIS SEAT AND PLACES THE PHOTOGRAPH ON HIS DESK.
JACK: (CONT'D) Then again, we all thought Nick Corelli was dead, too.
HE STANDS UP AND BEGINS PACING.
JACK: (CONT'D) But, if the I.S.A. were hiding Steve, surely they would have brought him in to testify against Lawrence, just like they did with Nick. Yes, of course they would have. (BEAT) No, Steve must be dead. And yet...
HE GOES BACK TO HIS DESK AND PICKS UP THE PHOTOGRAPH.
JACK: (CONT'D) How can I deny what I see with my own eyes? Unless I'm not really seeing it. Perhaps my mind is only seeing what it wants to see.
HE PUTS THE PHOTOGRAPH BACK ON THE DESK AND RESUMES PACING.
JACK: (CONT'D) Maybe we should exhume the coffin, and make sure that it is Steve's body inside...
HE ABRUPTLY STOPS PACING. HIS EXPRESSION TURNS TO ONE OF DISGUST.
JACK: (CONT'D) What the hell am I saying? (BEAT) I don't know what's crazier... My thinking that my brother might be alive, or that I'm even considering digging up his grave.
HE GOES BACK TO HIS DESK AND SITS DOWN.
JACK: (CONT'D) No. No, I have to proceed with this in a more discreet manner. Start with this photo. See where it leads, if anywhere...
THE INTERCOM BUZZES, STARTLING JACK.
LISA: (V.O.) Mr. Deveraux?
JACK: (PRESSING THE BUTTON) Yes, Lisa?
LISA: (V.O.) Jordan Scott is here.
JACK: (PRESSING THE BUTTON) Thank you, Lisa. Please send him in.
MOMENTS LATER, THE DOOR OPENS, AND JORDAN SCOTT ENTERS.
JORDAN: Good morning, Mr. Deveraux.
JORDAN APPROACHES THE DESK AND EXTENDS HIS HAND.
JACK: (SHAKING JORDAN'S HAND) Mr. Scott.
JORDAN: It's a pleasure to meet you.
JACK: Likewise. Please, have a seat.
THEY SIT.
JACK: (CONT'D) I'd like to get right down to business, if you don't mind.
JORDAN: Not at all. (BEAT) You said on the phone that you have a photograph you'd like me to work on?
JACK: Yes. In fact, (PICKING UP THE PHOTOGRAPH ON HIS DESK) here's a copy of it.
JACK HANDS THE PHOTOGRAPH TO JORDAN, WHO TAKES IT AND LOOKS IT OVER.
JORDAN: Is this a recent photo?
JACK: Yes. Why do you ask?
JORDAN: Well... It looks like something out of a Vietnam prison camp. I didn't think there were any of those left.
JACK: Neither did I. But it seems there are. Not necessarily in Vietnam, but they are out there. This was taken within the last several weeks. Where it was taken, I'd rather not say.
JORDAN: I'll be damned... (LOOKING UP AT JACK) This is a big story, isn't it?
JACK: Yes, it is. That's why discretion is of the utmost importance in this matter.
JORDAN: Of course. So what, exactly, do you want me to do with this photograph?
JACK: See the light-haired figure on the right-hand edge?
JORDAN: (LOOKING BACK AT THE PHOTOGRAPH) Yeah... The one with something covering part of his face.
JACK: Exactly. I'd like a clear image of that man.
JORDAN: Okay... When you say "clear," how clear do you mean? Will this be for publication?
JACK: (AGITATED) No! Absolutely not!
JORDAN RAISES AN EYEBROW AT JACK'S REACTION.
JACK: (CONT'D) (CALMER) Ahem... Pardon me... No, I simply want to be able to identify the man.
JORDAN: You think he's American?
JACK: I think... that's a distinct possibility. I'd like you to help me find out for sure.
JORDAN: I'll certainly try.
JACK: Whatever you can do. Money's no object.
JORDAN: Tell you what... Let me take a first pass that this and see if I can actually do something useful with it. If I can, then we'll talk about a contract.
JACK: Fair enough.
JORDAN: (HOLDING UP THE PHOTOGRAPH) Is this copy for me?
JACK: No, I'll keep that one. (OPENING HIS DESK DRAWER AND REMOVING A MANILA ENVELOPE) Here's one that hasn't been handled.
JACK HANDS THE ENVELOPE TO JORDAN. JORDAN HANDS THE OTHER COPY BACK TO JACK.
JACK: (CONT'D) I assume that your facilities are secure?
JORDAN: Yes. The equipment is being used for some research, so only a few people have access to it.
JACK: Very good.
JORDAN: (STANDING) I'll be in touch soon.
JACK: (STANDING) I'll be waiting. Thank you.
THEY SHAKE HANDS. JORDAN NODS TO JACK AND THEN EXITS. JACK SITS BACK DOWN AND SIGHS HEAVILY. HOLD ON JACK.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN PUTS HIS BRIEFCASE ON THE DESK AND SITS DOWN. HE LOOKS AT LEIGH INTENTLY.
JOHN: I've come to a lot of decisions, in fact. One of which is that I'm not a nine-to-five button-down kind of guy.
LEIGH: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) I could have told you that. So, what does this revelation mean for EcoSystems?
JOHN: That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. (BEAT) You know, Leigh, I'm pretty well off, I can do just about anything I want.
LEIGH: And that's relevant because?
JOHN: Because I've finally realized that I've been struggling for no good reason. I've been trying to wedge myself into this corporate clone mold and it's just not working. And that's ok. I can accept it and be happy about it now.
LEIGH: I'm happy that you're happy, John. But what's the point?
JOHN: The point is that there are going to be some big changes here at EcoSystems and I absolutely need your help to implement them.
LEIGH: Consulting me first, that is a change. What can I do to help?
JOHN: Say that you'll replace me as CEO of EcoSystems.
LEIGH'S MOUTH OPENS FOR A MOMENT IN SHOCK. SHE LEANS BACK IN HER CHAIR AND LAUGHS NERVOUSLY.
LEIGH: That's funny. I could swear I just heard you offer me your job as CEO. You didn't really say that, did you?
JOHN: I surely did. Leigh, I know all of this is sudden and I shouldn't have blurt it out like that. Let me try it again. (BEAT) I am making you a formal, bonafide offer. I'd like you to assume the position of CEO here at EcoSystems starting yesterday. And if you're willing, I'd also like you to take over the day-to-day responsibilities of the Toscano Foundation. (BEAT) What do you say?
OUT ON LEIGH'S SHOCK.
JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN AND LEIGH. IN PROGRESS.
JOHN: Well, Leigh? Whaddya think?
LEIGH: I think I'm surprised. This is a very big promotion.
JOHN: One that I've given a lot of thought. I'm confident you'll do a great job.
LEIGH: It's a fantastic opportunity.
JOHN: You have already shown me I can trust you.
LEIGH: I can do this. There is no doubt in my mind that I can do this. But, from your point of view, isn't it a big risk?
JOHN: Leigh, I think we both know that you've been doing my job all along.
LEIGH: I'm flattered you noticed.
JOHN: I'm grateful to you for keeping things running. (BEAT) Let's face it, I'm not cut out for this stuff. And, you live for it.
LEIGH: It does bring me a lot of happiness.
JOHN: I'll stay on as Chairman of the Board. I'll show up for all the board meetings.
LEIGH: It'll be important to the employees, business contacts, and stockholders to know that you still have your finger in the pie.
JOHN: That's a fact.
LEIGH: John, this is a lot to take in all at once.
JOHN: Really? I thought you'd jump at the chance.
LEIGH: I have to admit it's something I've always wanted. Since I was young, I dreamed of being CEO of a big, important, influential company. I've worked my whole life to get to this point.
JOHN: Then, what's stopping you?
LEIGH: I'm not sure anything is stopping me. It's like winning the lottery. It hasn't quite sunk in, yet.
JOHN: How 'bout if I give you a day or two to think it over?
LEIGH: Thank you, but I won't need it. I know what I want and I'm not about to pass up a chance to get it. (BEAT) I accept your offer. We can discuss money, benefits, stock options later. But, I am thrilled to be the new CEO of EcoSystems.
JOHN: (REACHING OUT TO SHAKE HANDS) Madame CEO, EcoSystems is thrilled to have you.
HOLD ON JOHN AND LEIGH'S HANDSHAKE.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. MARCUS KNOCKS ON THE CLOSED DOOR.
JACK: Come in!
MARCUS ENTERS, AND LEAVES THE DOOR OPEN AS HE GOES IN.
MARCUS: (GRINNING) Hey there Jack!
JACK: Marcus? (JACK PUTS HIS HAND OVER THE PHOTOS) Is there something I can do for you?
MARCUS: Stop kidding around, Jack...
JACK STARES INTENTLY AT MARCUS.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) Lunch, remember? You, me, and Caroline's clam chowder? (SHAKING HIS HEAD) You forgot...
JACK: Sorry. I've been... distracted the past few days.
JACK COVERS THE STACK OF ASHLEY'S PHOTOS WITH A FILE FOLDER.
MARCUS: Well, if that's how you're going to be... Fine... (EYEING JACK) Seriously, I wanted to start doing all that groom and best man stuff today. Can't you get away for an hour?
MARCUS DOESN'T SEE JACK FLINCH AT THE WORDS, "GROOM AND BEST MAN."
JACK: (HESITATING) Uhm... yeah... sure, I guess so... Just let me wrap this up...
JACK PUTS THE FOLDER AND THE PHOTOS IN HIS DESK, AND MOVES A FEW OTHER PIECES OF PAPER AROUND.
JACK: (CONT'D) Let's go.
OUT ON JACK AND MARCUS, AS THEY EXIT THE OFFICE.
JOHN'S OFFICE. LEIGH AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS
LEIGH: This is a huge opportunity you're giving me, John, so much so that I'm nearly speechless.
JOHN: I suspect there may be folks out there who'd pay good money to see that.
LEIGH: Undoubtedly. But I want to make sure you know that I won't let you down.
JOHN: I know, that's why I chose you. (SMILES) You're going to be one very busy lady starting tomorrow, why don't you knock off early, today... in fact, take the rest of the day off.
LEIGH: I don't know, there's so much to do...
JOHN: All of which will wait until tomorrow. Knowing you, this will be the last day you take off for a long time, so you might as well take it. Let the whole promotion thing sink in...
LEIGH: Well, it would be nice to get some things in order at home, so I can concentrate more fully on the job.
JOHN: (LAUGHING) How could I imagine you might take the day and go walk by the lake, or shop, or something...
LEIGH: Well, maybe a little shopping...
JOHN: Whatever you like, Ms. CEO. I'll talk to the legal eagles and make it all official, and then let the corporate communications folks get on the announcements.
LEIGH: Oh, I really should go over some of the paperwork with you...
JOHN: Hey, I'm still your boss, and I say take a vacation day! I think I can muddle through. Hell, if it'll make you feel better, I'll hang around for a few hours and make sure all the wheels get turning properly. Will that make it easier for you to get out of here?
LEIGH: As much as anything... yes, you're right, I do need to let this sink in... This is quite a feeling, attaining one of my major career goals so suddenly...
JOHN: Enjoy the feeling, Leigh, enjoy it to the fullest.
LEIGH: I will. Thank you, John.
THE TWO SHAKE HANDS WARMLY, THEN LEIGH FLOATS OUT OF THE OFFICE.
JOHN: Now, to make it all official... but first, I'd better break the news to Patricia. Not that she's going to be broken-hearted to lose me...
JOHN GRINS AND PUNCHES THE BUTTON ON HIS PHONE/INTERCOM TO CALL PATRICIA. HOLD ON JOHN.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. EVE IS AT THE ENTRANCE, LOOKING LIKE SHE'S ABOUT TO KILL SOMEONE. IAN ENTERS. HE STARTS TO MAKE HIS WAY OVER TO EVE UNTIL HE IS INTERCEPTED BY JASMIN, WHO GENTLY GRABS HIS ARM.
JASMIN: Be careful, Ian. Approach the Wicked Witch of the Midwest at your own risk.
IAN: Another one of those days, hmmm?
JASMIN: Let's just say I'm glad all my limbs are still attached. And that I haven't committed Eve-icide. (BEAT) Yet.
IAN: (SMILING) Ah... That explains the shouting I heard earlier.
JASMIN: (FEIGNING SHOCK) What, were we loud?
IAN: I dunno, it was kind of overwhelming. Why don't you ask them across town?
JASMIN: (SMILING) Across town sounds like a good place to be today...
JASMIN EXITS AS IAN PROCEEDS OVER TO EVE.
IAN: (CHEERFULLY) Good afternoon, Ms. Donovan.
EVE: Wrong.
IAN: Oh? (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Looks like afternoon to me...
EVE: You know damn well what I meant.
IAN: Ohhh-kay. (BEAT) Something I can help with?
EVE: No.
IAN: You sure?
EVE: Yes, I'm sure... (COY SMILE) Well, yes, there is one thing...
IAN: Name it.
EVE: Stop being so damn happy all the time!
IAN: Hmmm... I can try...
EVE: Stop making fun of me, I'm serious. As much as you'd like to think so, your perpetual cheerfulness is not contagious. It's annoying, on a good day.
IAN: So what is it today?
EVE: It's infuriating!
IAN: Is there anything that isn't infuriating to you today?
EVE: If there is, I'll let you know when I find it.
EVE STALKS OFF TO THE KITCHEN.
IAN: (SOTTO VOCE) Well, wasn't that pleasant...?
IAN'S THOUGHT IS INTERRUPTED BY LYNN ENTERING.
IAN: (CONT'D) Ms. Hampton! Nice to see you!
LYNN: Hi, Ian. Please, call me Lynn.
IAN: As you wish... Lynn. What can I do for you?
LYNN: Well, you could tell me where I might find your boss. He should be expecting me.
IAN: Oh? Defecting to our side already?
LYNN: (SMILING) Hardly...
IAN: Well, one can hope...
LYNN: Actually, I'm here to try to convince Doug to do a little singing at Nick's.
IAN: A-ha! Trying to steal our talent now, too, huh?
LYNN: Just for a duet. Maybe two.
IAN: Well... For a chance to see that, I think we can lend a hand to the competition.
EVE RETURNS FROM THE KITCHEN, CARRYING SOME PAPERS.
EVE: Think again. We won't be doing anything for...
EVE STOPS WHEN SHE SEES LYNN.
EVE: (CONT'D) Oh... hello.
LYNN: (WARILY) Hi, I don't think we've met, formally. (EXTENDING HER HAND) I'm Lynn Hampton.
EVE SAYS NOTHING AND IGNORES LYNN'S HAND, WHICH IS SLOWLY RETRACTED.
IAN: (SMILING) Eve's not much for formal introductions. Lynn, this is Eve Donovan.
EVE: (TO LYNN) Something we can do for you?
LYNN: Yes, I'm here to see Doug.
IAN: And I see that you are taking some papers to the back office, Eve, which is where I believe Doug is hiding himself at the moment. Would you please tell him that Lynn is here?
EVE: Do I have the word "gofer" tattooed on my forehead, or something?
IAN: (PATIENTLY) No, but since you're going that way...
EVE: Fine.
IN A HUFF, EVE STOMPS OFF TO THE OFFICE. IAN TURNS TO LYNN.
IAN: Sorry about that. Eve is having a... bad day.
LYNN: (SOTTO VOCE, REMEMBERING SEEING EVE AT NICK'S) Yes, she seems to have a lot of those...
IAN: What?
LYNN: Oh, nothing. (BEAT) By the way, thanks for coming to opening night!
IAN: Believe me, it was my pleasure. I had a wonderful time. (BEAT) The club is great, and you... You were simply incredible.
LYNN SMILES MODESTLY. OUT ON LYNN.
JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD ARE REVIEWING THE MORNING'S MEETING.
JULIE: I hate to have to fire Pruitt; he's been with us from the start.
RICHARD: Yes, but his work has been atrocious for the past few months. You gave him every chance to turn it around, but it didn't happen. There's nothing more you can do for him.
JULIE: I know... but it still doesn't seem right. He's got so much talent, but he's not using it.
THE INTERCOM BUZZES.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Yes, Lucille?
LUCILLE: (V.O.) Ms. Bellafiore is looking for Mr. Hunt.
RICHARD SINKS DOWN IN HIS CHAIR A BIT, AND JULIE GRINS AT HIM.
JULIE: Please send her in.
ASHLEY ENTERS THE OFFICE, AND LOOKS AROUND APPROVINGLY.
ASHLEY: You've got some great artwork, Julie.
JULIE: Thank you Ashley. What can we do for you?
ASHLEY: Well, Ricardo here is supposed to be buying me lunch today. Care to join us?
JULIE: Not today, I'm afraid... I already have a lunch date. But you and I will have to do lunch soon, Ashley... (SMILING AT RICHARD) I want to hear all about Richard's wild past.
RICHARD: I'll gladly tell you whatever you want to know.
ASHLEY: Yes, but you'll leave out the juicy parts, Richard.
RICHARD FROWNS AT ASHLEY, WHO IN TURN SMILES RADIANTLY AT HIM.
JULIE: Richard tells me that you've brought a scalding hot story to Jack.
ASHLEY: He seemed to like it, I think. But I couldn't quite be sure.
JULIE: Jack is a bit hard to read at times...
RICHARD: Downright quirky, you mean...
JULIE: But trust me... you couldn't ask for a better person to be in your corner.
ASHLEY: That's a good thing to know.
JULIE: Richard had your portfolio in his office a couple of days ago; I was very impressed. Maybe once you're done with this story with Jack, you might consider contributing to Midsummer.
ASHLEY: I might be persuaded... as long as I don't have to call him (POINTING AT RICHARD) "boss"?
JULIE AND ASHLEY BOTH LAUGH, WHILE RICHARD GROANS.
RICHARD: I knew that having you two in the same room was a bad idea...
HOLD ON JULIE AND ASHLEY'S SMILES.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB. MARCUS AND JACK SIT AT A BOOTH. TWO STEAMING BOWLS OF CLAM CHOWDER ARE ON THE TABLE. MARCUS DIGS IN HEARTILY, BUT JACK LOOKS LIKE HE'S JUST PLAYING WITH THE SPOON.
MARCUS: I've got to admit, Jack... I'm starting to get a little nervous about the wedding. (BEAT) I never thought I'd love someone so deeply and need someone this much.
JACK: It can be a bit overwhelming...
MARCUS NOTES JACK'S FURROWED BROW.
MARCUS: Look, Jack... I know this whole situation is a little weird for you. Kayla was Steve's wife... and yours, for that matter.
JACK: That was another lifetime ago.
MARCUS: But still... I'm glad you're here, buddy. It means a lot to me to have you behind us. And I know it means a lot to Kayla.
JACK: I'd do anything to make sure she's happy. (BEAT) And I know that Steve would want both you and Kayla to be happy... so why not be happy together?
MARCUS' BEEPER GOES OFF.
MARCUS: Happens every time... I'll be right back.
MARCUS WALKS OVER TO THE PAYPHONES ALONG THE BACK WALL. JACK SITS ALONE, PLAYING WITH HIS CHOWDER.
JACK: (SOTTO VOCE) Can I risk wrecking their happiness on something that's probably a figment of my imagination?
HOLD ON JACK AS HE LETS THE CHOWDER FALL FROM HIS SPOON BACK INTO THE BOWL.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG WALKS UP AND HEARS IAN COMPLIMENTING LYNN ON HER PERFORMANCE THE NIGHT BEFORE. EVE IS STANDING BEHIND DOUG SETTING A TABLE, AS DOUG JOINS IAN AND LYNN.
DOUG: I have to add, Lynn, that I've heard a lot of singers in my time. You're one of the best.
EVE: (SOTTO VOCE) I can just imagine what else she's good at.
EVE LEAVES THE DINING ROOM AND HEADS FOR THE STAIRS.
DOUG: I'd be honored to have you join me for lunch.
LYNN: I'd like that, but, I can't stay that long. Maybe a raincheck?
IAN: I see Lynn's in good hands. So, if you two'll excuse me, I'm gonna check on something.
DOUG: By all means.
LYNN: It was wonderful to see you, Ian.
IAN LEAVES THE DINING ROOM AND HEADS FOR THE STAIRS AFTER EVE.
LYNN: (CONT'D) Ian seems like he knows music.
DOUG: I don't know what I'd do without him. He has a real talent for picking out the right song for the right singer. He can find mood music for any occasion. What he has is a gift. (BEAT) Why am I telling you this? You're the competition.
LYNN: I promise I won't tell anyone. Just don't make me use it against you.
DOUG: Nick warned me that a beautiful, talented woman was coming over to bewitch me into singing for the competition. He didn't say anything about blackmail.
LYNN: I get what I want. No matter what I have to do to get it.
DOUG: A talented woman like yourself shouldn't have to resort to anything ugly to get what she wants.
LYNN: Nick warned me you were a charmer.
DOUG: What else did he warn you about?
HOLD ON DOUG'S SMILE.
GO TO: EVE AND IAN, AT THE FOOT OF THE STAIRS.
IAN: Eve wait. I wanna talk to you.
EVE: I've got nothing to say to you, Ian.
IAN: What's wrong? At least tell me that.
EVE: You and Doug fawning all over that woman! Geez, how pathetic. You two make me want to retch.
EVE HEADS UP THE STAIRS.
IAN: I should have seen it... she's jealous.
OUT ON IAN'S REALIZATION.
EUTERPE. RICHARD AND ASHLEY ARE SEATED AT A TABLE, WAITING FOR THEIR LUNCH TO BE SERVED.
ASHLEY: So, Richard, what's the deal with the POW story? Is Jack going to run it, or is he waiting for someone to scoop him?
RICHARD: Hardly. Jack's not the type to let anyone scoop him.
ASHLEY: He'd better get on the ball, then. (BEAT) I wasn't the only journalist there, you know.
RICHARD: True, but I don't think there were too many there that would be up for snooping around a POW camp.
ASHLEY: I was investigating, not snooping.
RICHARD: Sorry.
ASHLEY: And I can't be the only journalist with enough of a spine to try to find out what's going on there.
RICHARD: Yes, but you may be the only one... ahem... shall we say, determined enough to make not one, but two trips there, even after almost being caught the first time.
ASHLEY: I'm not gonna ask what adjectives you were thinking of before you came up with "determined."
RICHARD: Well, there was "crazy"... "stubborn"...
ASHLEY: Hey! I said I wasn't asking!
RICHARD CHUCKLES.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) It still doesn't make any sense. Even if he has an exclusive, why would Jack sit on this? What's going on?
RICHARD: To tell you the truth, I'm not sure.
ASHLEY: But you have an idea. (BEAT) Come on, Hunt, why's he stalling?
RICHARD: I wouldn't exactly call it "stalling."
ASHLEY: What, then? Journalistic constipation?
RICHARD: (STIFLING A CHUCKLE) I'm sure he'd appreciate that theory. (BEAT) All he's told me is that he has some concern about the repercussions and consequences of running a story like this. This could spark quite an international confrontation...
ASHLEY: What about the consequences of quashing a story like this? What about the prisoners?
RICHARD: I made that point, which I'm sure he'll consider.
ASHLEY: So what happens now?
RICHARD: Well, there is one more piece of information I have. (BEAT) But it doesn't leave this table, all right?
ASHLEY: Sure.
RICHARD: He didn't say anything about it, so I'm sure I'm not supposed to know. (BEAT) Jack is having one of the photos digitally enhanced.
ASHLEY: Oh, great. He's given my photo to some computer jockey who can send it out all over the world on the Internet?
RICHARD: Don't worry, Ashley, he's using someone that I recommended. This guy's done some work for Midsummer, and he's very good. (BEAT) And we can trust him.
ASHLEY: You'd better be right. What is Jack looking for, anyway? Jimmy Hoffa? The second gunman on the grassy knoll? Elvis?
RICHARD: I don't think so. Everyone knows that Elvis is working at a donut shop in Beaver Falls...
ASHLEY: What...?
RICHARD LAUGHS. ASHLEY REACHES OVER AND SLAPS HIM ON THE SHOULDER.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) Stop teasing me, I'm serious!
RICHARD: (REGAINING HIS COMPOSURE) Okay, seriously... I don't know what Jack is looking for, but whatever it is, it must be something pretty important.
ASHLEY: How do you know?
RICHARD: I've seen Jack in action plenty of times, and I know that he's not easily shaken. But something about this story has him downright spooked. I've never seen him like this before.
ASHLEY: That's not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the story is even bigger than I thought.
RICHARD: It's possible, although surpassing your Pulitzer-laden expectations would be an amazing feat, indeed...
ASHLEY STICKS HER TONGUE OUT AT RICHARD.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) I think there's something else. It's more than just big headlines and the international significance. Jack's done all that before. There's something strange going on with this one...
HOLD ON RICHARD'S SPECULATION.
GO TO: LYNN AND DOUG, AT A CORNER TABLE, GOING OVER SOME SHEET MUSIC AND SONG ARRANGEMENTS.
LYNN: So, I hear you really brought the house down with some Led Zeppelin on Valentine's day.
DOUG: (LAUGHS) I was just glad to get through it without embarrassing myself.
LYNN: I'm sure you were wonderful. I so admire a singer who occasionally breaks out of his usual milieu.
DOUG: As break-outs go, that was comparable to escaping from SingSing, believe me.
LYNN: Oh, that's not so bad. Once, when I was playing Nashville, all the audience wanted was Dolly Parton covers. Imagine if you will, me drawling "9 to 5" for a bunch of stomping good ol' boys.
DOUG: But did you enjoy doing Dolly?
LYNN: Understand, I have no problem with Ms. Parton's work. But for me, the experience ranks up there with my last root canal.
BOTH LAUGH.
DOUG: It sounds like you've been around the club circuit a few times.
LYNN: More than a few. But I must say, Euterpe and Nick's are both a cut above. In spite of the very different themes and atmospheres, you and Nick both run wonderful clubs.
DOUG: Nick's Cafe has certainly had an impressive beginning, it's true. And my thanks for the kind words about my "baby."
LYNN: Your "baby" is quite deserving of them. I find it difficult to believe that a small town like Salem is blessed with two such special establishments.
DOUG: My thanks again. And you're right about Salem... it's truly a unique little town. How do you like it so far?
LYNN: It's smaller than I'm used to, but charming. Almost as charming as the people in it... which certainly includes you, Doug Williams.
HOLD ON DOUG'S SMILE.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB. JACK AND MARCUS. IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: It means a lot for me to hear you say that. I always figured that's how my homey would react... Thanks, Jack.
JACK: What's a best man for?
MARCUS: Yeah, that's true. You know, Jack, I'm sure, that you weren't always my favorite person...
JACK: I suspect that's an extreme understatement.
MARCUS: No comment. Anyway, after what happened with you and Steve and Kayla, well, I never thought I'd get to this day, but I'm glad I did, and I'm glad it worked out for us all to be friends.
JACK: Well, as my child's new favorite philosopher, Pumba says, "You've gotta put your behind in your past..."
MARCUS AND JACK LAUGH.
MARCUS: Stephanie likes that one, too, so much that I can almost quote the text word for word.
JACK: I keep trying to get Abigail to evidence an interest in Shakespeare... or at least Dickens... but to no avail. It's Disney or nothing.
MARCUS: Give her time, Jack. Soon, it'll be her wedding, and you'll be wishing for the old days with her running around singing "Hakuna Matata."
JACK: Her wedding???
MARCUS: Hey, Jack, chill. It'll be a few years at least. Listen, back to the wedding thing...
JACK: Not Abby's...
MARCUS: No, mine! What do guys talk about when they talk about weddings??
JACK: I don't know... Tux styles?
MARCUS: The band and what kind of music?
MARCUS AND JACK LOOK AT EACH OTHER, THEN INSPIRATION STRIKES.
MARCUS AND JACK IN UNISON: Bachelor party?
JACK: Hmmmm... that could get interesting.
MARCUS: Probably too interesting for Kayla's taste. Or mine...
JACK: Or Jennifer's. Or mine, for that matter...
MARCUS: Well, I can think of one area I could use some advice on.
JACK: As long as it's not the honeymoon.
MARCUS: I've got that one covered. No, I thought you might want to go shopping with me. I still need to get a wedding gift for Kayla and I'd like your opinion.
JACK: I think I can handle that... (BEAT) At least that...
OUT ON JACK.
EUTERPE/UPSTAIRS OFFICE. THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS ARE OFF; ONLY ONE LAMP ILLUMINATES THE ROOM. EVE IS SITTING ON THE SOFA, POUTING. THERE'S A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. IAN OPENS THE DOOR SLOWLY.
EVE: I didn't say to come in.
IAN: Too late. (BEAT) It's awfully dark in here Eve, are you sure...
EVE: Touch that lightswitch and I hurt you, Ian.
IAN ACQUIESCES, AND JOINS EVE ON THE SOFA.
IAN: Is it so hard for you to admit that you're jealous?
EVE: (INCREDULOUS) Jealous?? Of that two-bit crooner? (BEAT) I just don't understand why everyone's falling all over themselves for someone so... common.
IAN: Common? You need your eyes checked, Eve... Lynn is a real stunner, and her voice is amazing.
EVE SCOWLS.
IAN: (CONT'D) And Bogie himself would think she's one classy dame. What do you care anyway, Eve? Are you afraid that all the men in town will stop paying attention to you?
EVE STANDS UP.
EVE: How dare you, Ian. (BEAT) I thought you were my friend.
IAN: I am your friend, Eve... believe me. I'm just trying to get you to see that there's no reason for Lynn to be the object of your hostilities. She's very nice.
HOLD ON IAN'S ASSERTION.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. JULIE AND CJ ARRIVE AT EUTERPE. THEY WALK TO THE MAITRE D'S DESK, WHERE DAVE STANDS.
DAVE: Don't you two make a handsome couple?
CJ: I think Julie would make any man look good.
JULIE: You gentlemen certainly know how to turn a woman's head, don't you, darlings?
DOUG WALKS OVER.
DOUG: I'm not sure I like my wife being one-half of a handsome couple with anyone except myself.
CJ: I'm sorry Doug. I will only be seen in the company of exquisite women.
JULIE: That'll be enough from both of you. I think you two have bent over far enough to kiss the Blarney Stone.
JULIE SPOTS RICHARD AND ASHLEY.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Look. (POINTS TO RICHARD AND ASHLEY) Should we ask them to join us for lunch?
CJ: (MOCKINGLY POUTING) That means I'd have to share you. I really wanted you all to myself.
DOUG: I'm afraid that is a privilege that is reserved for marriage.
JULIE: I thought you'd like to sit with them. You and Ashley hit it off at Nick's opening the other night.
CJ: We talked.
JULIE: And...
CJ: That's it. She's OK. Not someone I would spend a lot of time with.
JULIE: She's beautiful, bright, a great sense of humor.
CJ: Yeah. She's all those things.
JULIE: I thought you'd enjoy her company.
CJ: What's not to enjoy?
JULIE: Why CJ, have you met your match, darling?
CJ: What match?
JULIE: Here's a beautiful, independent, brilliant, talented woman who's not intimidated by you. Does that put you off?
CJ: You don't fool me, Julie. The only reason you want them to join us is so you can sit next to Richard.
DOUG: I think I've heard enough. I'm going back to work.
HOLD ON DOUG HEADING TOWARD THE STAGE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE, UPSTAIRS OFFICE. EVE AND IAN. IN PROGRESS.
EVE: Oh yeah, she's really nice. (LONG BEAT) I saw the way she kissed Nick...
EVE STOPS, REALIZING HER SLIP.
EVE: (CONT'D, BACKTRACKING) I mean...
IAN: (SMILING) I know exactly what you meant, Eve.
IAN CROSSES HIS ARMS.
IAN: (CONT'D) Now we're getting somewhere.
EVE: Oh, really?
IAN: Yes, really. You are jealous of Lynn.
EVE: I'm not even going to dignify that with a response.
IAN: No need. Your feelings are perfectly clear to me.
EVE: If you can read my feelings so well, when are you going to figure out that I want you to leave?
IAN: Oh, that came through, loud and clear. I'm just choosing to ignore it.
EVE: You're impossible.
IAN: And you're over-reacting.
EVE: (INCREDULOUS) Over-reacting?! To what?!
IAN: To Nick and Lynn.
EVE SNORTS IN DISBELIEF.
IAN: (CONT'D) That kiss was nothing more than a little showmanship... something to draw a few "oohs" and "aahs" from the crowd. (BEAT) Come on, Eve, you've been up there plenty of times. I can't believe you don't know a staged kiss when you see one.
EVE: I do know an act when I see it. And there wasn't any acting going on up there.
IAN: (THROWING UP HIS HANDS IN RESIGNATION) Okay, fine. You win. They weren't just acting. So what difference does that make to you? I thought you didn't care what Nick did, or with whom he did it.
EVE: I don't.
IAN: Then why have you been angry ever since that night?
EVE: I haven't!
IAN: Sorry, Eve, that won't fly. I have witnesses.
EVE: Who, the staff? Like you can believe anything they say about me. They all hate me...
IAN: They don't hate you, Eve. They just hate being treated like punching bags. Again, if you weren't so angry all the time...
EVE: I am not angry!
IAN RAISES HIS EYEBROWS. EVE RECOGNIZES HIS "I-TOLD-YOU-SO" EXPRESSION.
EVE: (CONT'D) All right, maybe I am angry! You know why?
IAN: Please, tell me.
EVE: I'm angry because you're always on my case, trying to figure out why I'm angry! If you would just leave me alone, everything would be just... ducky!
IAN: I see. (BEAT) And Nick Corelli has nothing to do with your mood?
EVE: (SEETHING) Nick Corelli is history. He can go straight to hell, for all I care. In fact, he can take you with him!
EVE QUICKLY STANDS UP AND STOMPS OUT OF THE OFFICE, NEARLY TRAMPLING IAN IN THE PROCESS. HE WATCHES HER EXIT, SMILING AND SHAKING HIS HEAD.
IAN: Not bad, Eve. You almost sound like you believe it.
HE PAUSES AND RUBS HIS CHIN IN CONTEMPLATION.
IAN: (CONT'D) But, me thinks the lady doth protest too much.
OUT ON IAN.
EUTERPE. JULIE AND CJ WALK UP TO ASHLEY AND RICHARD'S TABLE.
JULIE: Richard, Ashley, I had no idea you two were going to be lunching at Euterpe.
RICHARD: (LOOKING AT HIS PLATE) "Lunched" would probably be a more appropriate word.
JULIE: (GESTURING TOWARDS CJ) You remember CJ, I'm sure.
RICHARD: Certainly. Good to see you again, CJ.
CJ: You too, Richard. (TO ASHLEY, WARY) Hello.
ASHLEY: (EQUALLY WARY) Hello.
JULIE: Can we be terribly rude and ask to join you?
RICHARD GETS UP TO PULL OUT THE CHAIR NEXT TO HIM FOR JULIE.
RICHARD: Please do. We'd be thrilled, wouldn't we Ash?
ASHLEY SCOOTS AWAY A LITTLE BIT AS CJ SITS DOWN NEXT TO HER. SHE STARES AT CJ, UNSURE AS OF YET WHAT TO THINK OF HIM. CJ STARES BACK.
ASHLEY: Yup, thrilled.
JULIE: (SENSING THE AWKWARDNESS) Now Ashley, darling. Here is our chance. Do tell me all the dirt on Richard and don't leave out one juicy bit.
ASHLEY FORGETS ABOUT CJ FOR THE MOMENT AS SHE WARMS TO HER SUBJECT. SHE PLUNKS HER ELBOWS ON THE TABLE, RESTING HER CHIN ON HER HANDS.
ASHLEY: The problem is where to start...?
RICHARD: Gosh, will you look at the time? Waiter! Check please!
JULIE: (LAUGHING) Richard, I do believe you're embarrassed! How bad could it be? Why, I know for a fact that CJ here has gotten into quite a few escapades of his own. And he's not embarrassed. Are you, CJ?
CJ: (AMUSED) Not yet. Am I about to be?
ASHLEY LOOKS AT CJ WITH NEW INTEREST.
ASHLEY: Just what kind of escapades are we talking here? I don't know if anyone can beat Hunt's stint with the Rockettes. He looked so cute in those red sequins and...
JULIE: Well, there was that time the Contessa's dog bit CJ in the...
RICHARD: (RED-FACED) Waiter!
CJ: (MORTIFIED) Check please!
HOLD ON JULIE AND ASHLEY'S LAUGHTER.
CUT TO: KIRIAKIS LIVING ROOM. VICTOR IS WORKING AT THE DESK, WHEN JOHN AND BRADY, WHO IS CARRYING A TOY CAR, ENTER.
BRADY: Grampa!
BRADY RUNS OVER TO VICTOR, AND THEY HUG.
VICTOR: Hello, Brady. (HOLDING BRADY'S CHIN IN HIS HAND) He looks more like his mother every day. (NOTICING JOHN'S SERIOUS EXPRESSION) Is this something wrong?
BRADY MOVES AWAY FROM VICTOR, AND STARTS TO PLAY WITH HIS CAR.
JOHN: I just thought that you should hear this from me; I've made Leigh CEO of Ecosystems.
VICTOR: Well... I know she'll do a fine job.
JOHN: You are the one who recommended her in the first place.
VICTOR: I know, but not as CEO, that was your job.
JOHN: (SIGHS) I'm just not cut out for the corporate life.
VICTOR: I think I understand.
JOHN: (CONT'D) I'm also giving Leigh control of the everyday business of the Toscano foundation. Unless you have any objections.
VICTOR LOOKS OVER AT BRADY, WHO IS HAPPILY PLAYING WITH HIS CAR.
VICTOR: No, I don't have any objections... Leigh is a very wise choice. And as to the Toscano Foundation, I have my own ways of remembering Isabella.
BRADY REALIZES HE'S BEING WATCHED, SO HE WAVES AT HIS GRANDFATHER. VICTOR SMILES, THEN TURNS BACK TO JOHN.
VICTOR: (CONT'D) I do wonder though... what will you do, John?
HOLD ON VICTOR'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/CAFETERIA. JENNIFER AND BILL ARE SITTING AT A TABLE, TRAYS IN FRONT OF THEM.
BILL: I'm glad you didn't mind having lunch so late, honey. I hope you're not starving.
JENNIFER: I'm fine, Dad. I do wish you wouldn't get so caught up in your work, though. I know if it weren't for me and Grandma nagging you, you'd forget to eat at all.
BILL: (AMUSED) Oh, I think it's a safe bet to say I'd surface every few days of my own accord.
JENNIFER: Laugh all you like, but I know you too well. You live and breathe for work and that's it. (BEAT, SLYLY) Unless you're going to surprise me and tell me that you've been dating again?
BILL: Jennifer, don't start.
JENNIFER: I was only wondering if you'd seen Norma again.
BILL: Norma is a very lovely woman. And that's as far as I'm willing to go on the subject. (BEAT) And how is my lovely granddaughter? What hijinks has she gotten up to this week?
JENNIFER: I just want you to know that I know you are changing the subject. Abby is her usual wonderful self. Although we did have some problems with temper tantrums last week. I hope that doesn't become a habit.
BILL: Ah, temper tantrums. I remember them well.
JENNIFER: Well, it must have been Mike having them. I know I was the perfect child.
BILL: Uh-huh.
JENNIFER: It's true! Mike was the one always getting into trouble, like that time he tried to sneak out of the house and fell out of the tree. I certainly never did anything like that. Well, unless you count that time when Jack and I were out on that ledge... But I was an adult by then, so it's totally different and...
BILL PUTS HIS HAND OVER JENNIFER'S.
BILL: Jennifer Rose. You're rambling.
JENNIFER: (EMBARRASSED) Am I?
BILL: Yes. Now, my fatherly intuition has been telling me ever since you walked into my office that something is bothering you. Why don't you just tell me what's on your mind?
OUT ON JENNIFER'S INDECISION.
KIRIAKIS LIVING ROOM. JOHN, VICTOR AND BRADY. IN PROGRESS
JOHN: Well, as things stand now, I can pretty much do what I please.
VICTOR: So what pleases you?
JOHN: There are a bunch of things that potentially could. For one, I still own a piece of Carver and Carver. But since Abe's back at the Cop Shop, Lexie may not be far behind. Still, I could run a small agency myself...
VICTOR: Or make it a bigger agency...
JOHN: Hey, I just got free of one corporate entity, no way I'm starting another. It'll be small potatoes for me, at least for a while. Right now, though, I just want to spend some time with Brady, and enjoy life as a whole person, all memories intact.
VICTOR: You're certainly calmer and more collected than I've seen you for years.
JOHN: That's a fact. And I appreciate the support you've given me to help me get here.
VICTOR: I just want everything to work out for you and Brady, John. Because I care about both of you.
HOLD ON THE WARM MOMENT.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/CAFETERIA. JENNIFER PUSHES AWAY HER PLATE AND TOYS WITH HER NAPKIN. BILL WATCHES HER.
JENNIFER: Oh... it's probably nothing. It's ok, I don't want to bother you. Don't worry about it.
BILL: (TEASING) Come on, tell your old dad what the problem is. I fixed your bike wheel that time, didn't I? How much worse could it be?
JENNIFER: Da-ad. Ok, you win. (BEAT) It's Jack. I'm worried about him. He's been acting weird lately.
BILL: Weird how? Weird like he's sick? Weird like the business is failing? Or weird like normal?
JENNIFER: Weird like something major is bothering him and he won't tell me what it is. The only thing I could get him to admit is that it's not about us.
BILL: Well then you just have to trust him. Honey, you know what Jack's like by now. If you push him too hard he'll just dig his heels in deeper.
JENNIFER: Yeah, but this is different. I've never seen him quite this bad before. Maybe if I tried a different tack...
BILL: Jennifer, trust me. What Jack needs now is time. He'll tell you what's on his mind when he's ready. And he always has eventually, right?
JENNIFER: You're right. But I can still wish that he would hurry up and do it soon.
HOLD ON JENNIFER'S HOPE. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.