![[LOGO]](../ad_grf/ad.gif)
An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: April 19, 1995
Time: Several Days After #95,
Morning to Afternoon
Copyright 1995
LEIGH'S OFFICE. LEIGH IS SITTING BEHIND HER DESK. PATRICIA IS SITTING ON THE OTHER SIDE. THERE ARE PAPERS COVERING THE DESK. PATRICIA AND LEIGH ARE GOING OVER CHANGES TO A PRESENTATION.
PATRICIA: ...And on this slide, you wrote...
LEIGH: I know what I wrote, Patricia.
PATRICIA: I'm sure you do, Ma'am. But, I don't think you meant "resources are dwelling." I just wanted to confirm that you meant "resources are dwindling."
LEIGH: Make that change, then. (BEAT) Now, where's that overhead on the Riverside Project? I had it a second ago...
PATRICIA: You put it in a folder and stuck it in your briefcase so you could take it with you.
LEIGH SIGHS DEEPLY AND LEANS BACK IN HER CHAIR.
PATRICIA: Ms. McCloud, I... I don't want to step in where I'm not wanted, but after what you went through, it might be a good idea to take a day or two off to recuperate.
LEIGH: I appreciate your concern, Patricia, but I'm just fine. A little discombobulated, maybe, but I'll be fine.
PATRICIA: If you say so. (BEAT) I'll just pick up these overheads and make the changes you requested, then.
LEIGH: Thank you.
PATRICIA PULLS THE OVERHEADS TOGETHER AND HEADS FOR THE DOOR. AS SHE LEAVES THE OFFICE AND PULLS THE DOOR SHUT, JOHN ARRIVES.
PATRICIA: Mr. Black, thank goodness. I'm so glad to see you.
HOLD ON JOHN'S CURIOSITY.
CUT TO: JULIE'S OFFICE. JULIE AND RICHARD ARE BRAINSTORMING. IN PROGRESS.
JULIE: I really liked your idea of interviewing "gray-haired grad students"... a perspective on what the college experience is like when you're older, going back to studying after years in the work force or homemaking...
RICHARD: With any luck, it will encourage other retired folks to take the plunge, too.
JULIE: I know I love reading about, and hearing about, retirees staying active, both mentally and physically.
RICHARD: Which brings me to another article series... How about profiles of seniors who have embarked on successful second careers after retirement?
JULIE: That sounds marvelous! Another inspirational piece. I'll get Wilson started on the college piece, and...
THEY ARE INTERRUPTED BY JULIE'S INTERCOM.
JULIE: (TO INTERCOM) Yes, Lucille?
LUCILLE: (V.O.) CJ LeClere is here to see you.
JULIE: Send him in, please. (TO RICHARD) You don't mind, do you?
RICHARD: (HIDING HIS MISGIVINGS) Oh, not at all...
CJ ENTERS.
CJ: Julie, ma belle femme! I'm so very glad I caught you in the office. Richard... good to see you again.
RICHARD: (RISING TO CAUTIOUSLY SHAKE CJ'S PROFERRED HAND) Likewise.
CJ: Uh-oh... it looks like my timing is a little off, though. I dropped by to see if I could kidnap the ravishing Editor-in-Chief of this worthy publication for lunch, but it appears I've interrupted a meeting.
JULIE: Unfortunately, yes. Perhaps I can have a raincheck on lunch?
CJ: But of course. But my heart is broken, just the same.
RICHARD: Julie, I had forgotten to mention, but I have a conference call with the ad agency in about 20 minutes, so we'd have to wrap up here anyway. And I think I can handle the rest of this without you. So... go to lunch!
JULIE: Are you sure, darling?
RICHARD: Just don't be gone too long.
JULIE: I won't. I know you have quite a round of meetings scheduled this afternoon.
RICHARD: I wasn't thinking of that, I was thinking of how I would try to explain to your very jealous husband that you're taking a long lunch with another man.
HOLD ON THE THREE, LAUGHING.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS SITTING AT HIS DESK, BROODING AGAIN. HE PICKS UP THE PHOTOGRAPH THAT HE BELIEVES CONTAINS STEVE'S IMAGE.
JACK: (SIGHING) This is like a train wreck... I can't stop looking at it.
JACK PUTS THE PHOTOGRAPH BACK IN HIS DESK AND STANDS UP. HE STARTS TO PACE.
JACK: (CONT'D) Jordan says he should have something for me shortly... Maybe that will prove that this whole episode is just my imagination running away with me.
JACK GOES BACK TO HIS DESK AND SITS DOWN.
JACK: (CONT'D) But if I'm not seeing things...
THE DOOR TO THE OFFICE SUDDENLY SWINGS OPEN, AND VERN RUSHES IN.
VERN: Jack, we've got a big problem. Harrison got himself arrested while covering the mayor's press conference.
JACK: (IRATE) And why is it that he was there in the first place? Didn't I say that Phillips was to be the prime when covering the mayor?
VERN: Why yes, you did, Jack, but she's off today. (BEAT) I told you all this earlier this morning... or were you not listening, again?
JACK: (SHOUTING) Vern! (BEAT) Who else was covering the press conference?
VERN: Cory.
JACK: Cory... let him file the piece. (BEAT) And let Harrison sit in jail for a bit. Maybe he'll learn not to explode like that.
VERN: (SOTTO VOCE) Look who's talking...
JACK: (SCOWLING AT VERN) Was there something else?
VERN: There are a lot of things we should talk about, Jack... but I'm not ready to deal with you while you're in one of your moods.
VERN TURNS AND WALKS OUT OF THE OFFICE. THE DOOR SLAMS BEHIND HIM. HOLD ON VERN'S GRIMACE AS HE STORMS DOWN THE HALLWAY.
ECOSYSTEMS. JOHN AND PATRICIA. IN PROGRESS.
JOHN: (PUZZLED) You're glad to see me?
PATRICIA: Yes. Maybe you can do something about Ms. McCloud.
JOHN: How's she doing today?
PATRICIA: She's definitely not herself. She seems very frazzled.
JOHN: I'll see what I can do.
PATRICIA BUZZES LEIGH'S OFFICE.
LEIGH: (V.O.) Yes?
PATRICIA: Mr. Black is here to see you.
LEIGH: (V.O., DISTRACTED) Um, okay. Send him in.
PATRICIA NODS TO JOHN, AND HE GOES INTO LEIGH'S OFFICE. LEIGH IS SHOVELING THROUGH PAPERS AND FILES IN HER OPEN BRIEFCASE.
JOHN: Leigh?
LEIGH: Where is it?!
JOHN: Where is what?
LEIGH: The Anderson proposal. I just had it a minute ago.
JOHN PICKS UP A FILE THAT IS SITTING ON TOP OF LEIGH'S DESK AND HANDS IT TO HER.
JOHN: Is this it?
LEIGH: Thanks.
JOHN: How are you feeling?
LEIGH: Feeling? (CHANGING THE SUBJECT) Did Malone ever get ahold of you?
JOHN: Yeah. Sam called me last week. (BEAT) Listen, Leigh, maybe you should take a couple of days off from work.
LEIGH: No... No, I'm fine. I just need to get back into my normal routine. I'll be fine. It's probably the damn rental car that's got me off balance... I've had my 'Vette for so long that I just don't like driving anything else. (RAMBLING NOW) The repairs should be finished soon, and everything will be back to normal.
JOHN: C'mon Leigh. You're kidding yourself.
LEIGH LOOKS AT JOHN, SHOCKED.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Being kidnapped and nearly killed is not something that you can simply set aside.
LEIGH: I'm not. I'm dealing with it in my own way.
JOHN PICKS UP LEIGH'S COFFEE MUG AND TAKES OUT A PAIR OF GLASSES.
JOHN: I can see how well that's working out. (BEAT) Have you thought about talking to a shrink?
HOLD ON JOHN'S QUESTION.
CUT TO: JOHNNY ANGEL'S. BOB AND BO ARE HAVING LUNCH. BOB IS IN HIS UNIFORM. BO IS IN CIVILIAN CLOTHING.
BOB: This is a great chance for you to spend some real quality time with Shawn-Douglas.
BO: Yeah. (DIPPING A FRENCH FRY INTO HIS KETCHUP) You and I've been working so hard lately, I've hardly seen him.
BOB: Are you making any special plans for the two of you?
BO: No. (DIPPING THE SAME FRENCH FRY INTO HIS KETCHUP) I don't want to be far from home, if I.A. calls. So, I thought Shawn-D and I would just go fishing, or to the zoo.
BOB: That sounds like fun. Shawn-Douglas will really enjoy that. (BEAT) Have you told him what happened?
BO: Briefly. (STIRRING HIS SODA WITH HIS STRAW) I told him there was another carjacking. The carjackers took a woman hostage. One of the carjackers was killed. Internal affairs is looking into the shooting. Shawn-D wanted to know if I killed a man. I told him that's what I.A. was looking into.
BOB: Good answer. How did he take it?
BO: All that time with Dr. Ector paid off. He took it well. I'm sure it'll be the topic of their next session, though.
BO PICKS UP HIS HAMBURGER. THEN HE PUTS IT DOWN.
BO: (CONT'D) I hate lying to him. I hate lying about this whole thing.
BOB: At this point, it's for the best.
BO: We should have told Abe the truth from the start. Abe is a friend of mine. I've already had to lie to a friend, and now to my son.
BOB: What's done is done.
BO: You're the hero, not me. You shot the perp. You saved Leigh McCloud's life. I don't want credit for something I didn't do.
BOB: You would do the same for me, if the roles were reversed.
BO: That doesn't make it right!
BOB: (SMILING) Besides, now you're Leigh McCloud's hero.
HOLD ON BO'S FRUSTRATION.
CUT TO: ALICE'S RESTAURANT. CAROLINE AND KAYLA ARE JUST FINISHING LUNCH. ALICE COMES OVER.
ALICE: What's this? Checking out the competition?
CAROLINE: (LAUGHING) Alice Horton! As if the Pub is even in the same league!
ALICE: (SMILING, TO KAYLA) I hope she's not just saying that to get a free lunch.
KAYLA: Of course not. I think she was aiming for dessert.
CAROLINE LEANS ACROSS THE TABLE AND SWATS KAYLA PLAYFULLY.
CAROLINE: It's good to see you back in here, Alice. How are you?
ALICE: I'm fine, glad to be back in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. What's going on with you two? It's not often I see mother and daughter here together in the middle of the day.
KAYLA: I've got the day off, so we're trying to find a wedding dress.
ALICE: That's right, the big day is coming up soon, isn't it? Have you tried that shop over on the riverfront?
CAROLINE: Yes, but they didn't have anything that appealed to Kayla. We're going to try over at Salem Place now.
KAYLA: And if that's no good, we'll try Brookville. Somewhere out there is a dress with my name on it.
ALICE: What about Calliope, dear? She did such a lovely job on your first dress.
KAYLA: I called her first thing, but she's booked solid.
CAROLINE: And since June is just around the corner, we can't waste any time.
KAYLA: June! Can you believe it? It's coming up so fast. There's so much to do!
ALICE: You'll be a lovely bride, Kayla darling. And if that smile I see on Marcus's face every time I see him is any indication, you'll both be very happy together.
OUT ON THE THREE WOMEN DISCUSSING THE WEDDING PLANS.
ALICE'S RESTAURANT. ALICE HAS RETURNED TO THE KITCHEN. KAYLA AND CAROLINE ARE STILL DISCUSSING THE WEDDING. IN PROGRESS.
KAYLA: The bridal gown at Goldstein's was nice. But, it isn't what I was looking for.
CAROLINE: I can't believe how excited you are about this wedding. It's been a long time since I've seen you this enthusiastic.
KAYLA: I never thought I'd be excited about anything after Steve died. I never thought I'd be happy again.
CAROLINE: That was a difficult time.
KAYLA: It was. And if Marcus hadn't been there for me the whole time, I don't know how I would have gotten through it. He's turned all those feelings around for me. He loves me and Stephanie.
CAROLINE: He's a good man. He'll be a welcome addition to the Brady family.
KAYLA: He's wonderful. He's strong and independent. But he's sensitive and thoughtful, too. And with our shared love for medicine and helping people, we have a chance to really make a difference in the world.
CAROLINE: There's nothing that the two of you can't handle together.
KAYLA: Since Pop's come around to accepting our relationship, there's nothing to stop us from living happily ever after.
CAROLINE: In your father's defense, he only wants his kids to be happy. It's just that this time it took him longer to see that Marcus is the man you love and want to spend the rest of your life with.
KAYLA: Oh, I know Pop loves us. But he sure put up a battle on this one.
CAROLINE: Yeah, he did. But it didn't take too long for him to see that you, Marcus, and Stephanie will make quite a family. (BEAT) Maybe you'll want to expand that family, too. Any more grandchildren for me to spoil in the future?
KAYLA: We've talked about having kids. We both want them. But, with our schedules being so hectic and Stephanie adjusting to Marcus living with us, we don't want to rush into it.
HOLD ON KAYLA'S HOPE.
CUT TO: LEIGH'S OFFICE. LEIGH AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.
LEIGH: (CONDESCENDING) Please. I do not need to see a shrink. I'm getting along just fine.
JOHN: Come on, Leigh... This "tough gal" routine isn't gonna work with me.
LEIGH: I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not doing any kind of routine, I'm just getting on with my life.
JOHN: Are you really? Denying that something's there doesn't mean you've gotten past it. (BEAT) In fact, it usually means just the opposite.
LEIGH: (SARCASTICALLY) I didn't realize you were such an expert.
JOHN: I'm not. I've just seen a lot of people get hurt in a lot of different ways. And they never got over their pain by turning their backs and wishing it away.
LEIGH: Listen, John, I thank you for your concern, but I've dealt with this. It's in the past now, and that's where I want to leave it.
JOHN: I see. (BEAT) So there must be some other reason why you're stomping around, apparently mad at the world.
LEIGH: Where did you...? (BEAT, AS REALIZATION DAWNS) Patricia.
JOHN: She's concerned about you. And so am I. (BEAT) Not only as your friend, but also as the owner of this company.
LEIGH: Well, you don't have anything to fear.
JOHN: Look, I know that you're the consummate professional, but everyone has limits. (BEAT) Nearly getting killed is a pretty heavy thing to carry around with you. And I know from experience that running a company is damn near impossible with that kind of baggage.
LEIGH: Like you said, I'm a professional. I make my living by doing my job, no matter what the circumstances.
JOHN: Then you do admit that it's still a burden...
LEIGH: (PROTESTING) I didn't say that...
JOHN: Leigh, just think of how much better you could do if you didn't have to use so much energy to overcome those circumstances! You may not care that things would be easier, but you must at least realize that you could give that much more to the job.
LEIGH: (FOLDING HER ARMS) This is frightening... You're actually starting to make some kind of sense.
JOHN: Listen, Dr. James Ector at University Hospital is a really good psychiatrist. I couldn't have resolved the issues in my past without his help. (BEAT) Will you at least think about going to see him?
LEIGH: Well...
JOHN: Come on, it couldn't hurt. (BEAT) And I happen to know it would be covered by the company's health insurance plan.
LEIGH: (RESIGNEDLY) All right, all right. I'll think about it.
JOHN: Good. (BEAT) And while you're in that frame of mind...
LEIGH: Oh, boy...
JOHN: Kayla told me she gave you some information about a support group for victims of violent crimes.
LEIGH: Yes, she did.
JOHN: Have you thought about going?
LEIGH: No, not really. I try not to see myself as the victim type.
JOHN: That's exactly why you should go. They'd show you that there is no "victim type." It's not about what kind of a person you are. It's not about you at all. Someone else chose to inflict some kind of harm on you.
LEIGH: But I still have to deal with it.
JOHN: True, but it's a lot easier to deal with once you absolve yourself of any guilt you may be feeling over what happened.
LEIGH: Can we change the subject?
JOHN: On one condition: You'll consider going to the support group at least once.
LEIGH: Fine. I'll consider it.
JOHN: Okay. (BEAT) Change of subject... How about dinner? You still have that raincheck.
LEIGH: Thanks, but I'll have to cash it in another night. I've already made plans.
JOHN: I hope it's not another seminar.
LEIGH: No, it's something personal.
JOHN: Good, now I don't feel so bad... getting turned down again.
LEIGH: (SMILING) Well, you're a pretty tough guy. I think you can handle it.
JOHN: (SMILING BACK) I guess I can.
HOLD ON LEIGH'S SMILE.
CUT TO: JOHNNY ANGEL'S. BO AND BOB. IN PROGRESS. BO STARTS LINING UP HIS FRENCH FRIES IN A ROW.
BO: I sure don't feel like a hero.
BOB: Come on, everyone needs a hero sometimes, even Leigh McCloud. Looks like you're it for the moment.
BO BEGINS TO SQUIRT A PERFECT LINE OF KETCHUP DOWN EACH FRENCH FRY.
BO: Please, my white horse just went lame, okay? And I still don't understand why you're covering for me, either.
BOB: Lotsa reasons.
BO: Like...?
BOB: (TEASING) Like my poor heart couldn't take breaking in another new partner. Like, I've grown accustomed to your ugly mug across the squad room. (NODDING TO BO'S LUNCH) Not to mention your very weird eating habits.
BO: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) Stop fooling around, Wisniewski. I'm serious.
BOB: Me? Fool around? When have you ever known me to fool around? I tell you, I'm the soul of seriousness.
BO: Well, answer me this, Mr. Soul of Seriousness. What if it happens again? Huh? I'd be a risk not only to you, but and to everyone else on the street. I'm not willing to let that happen. Are you?
OUT ON BO'S CONCERN.
JENNIFER'S OFFICE. JENNIFER IS WORKING AT HER DESK WHEN THERE IS A KNOCK ON HER DOOR.
JENNIFER: Come in!
VERN ENTERS, LOOKING VERY FRUSTRATED.
VERN: (UNCONVINCINGLY CHEERFUL) Hi there, Jenny-girl.
JENNIFER: Hi, Vern. What happened? You look like you're ready to explode.
VERN: It's Jack... I can't take this anymore.
JENNIFER: (SIGHS) What did he do now?
VERN: It's not just now. This has been going on for a while now. I don't know what's with him. He's been very...
JENNIFER: Moody? Snippy? Evasive?
VERN: Yes, to all of the above.
JENNIFER: I can't give you an answer, Vern. But I will tell you one thing.
VERN: What's that?
JENNIFER: I'm not going to let him act like this any longer.
JENNIFER GETS UP AND STORMS OUT OF HER OFFICE. AFTER SHE LEAVES, VERN SIGHS.
VERN: Good luck to you, Jenny-girl. You'll need it.
HOLD ON VERN.
CUT TO: ALICE'S RESTAURANT. CAROLINE AND KAYLA ARE PAYING THE CHECK. THEY FINISH AND ARE LEAVING AS JULIE AND CJ ENTER.
CAROLINE: Julie, CJ, hello!
JULIE: If it isn't the mother of the bride... and the bride herself.
CJ: And both looking quite beautiful...
JULIE: Just don't let her fiancé hear you flirt with her.
KAYLA: (LAUGHING) No... flirt all you want. Marcus knows my heart is firmly his.
CAROLINE: Now we just have to find a dress for you to wear when you formalize it!
JULIE: Oh... dress shopping. No luck so far?
KAYLA: It's been awful!
CAROLINE: But we haven't given up hope.
JULIE: Well, good luck!
CJ: Indeed.
KALYA: Bye!
KAYLA AND CAROLINE EXIT. JULIE AND CJ FIND THEMSELVES A BOOTH TO SETTLE INTO.
CJ: You know, when I invited you to lunch, I did have something a little more... elegant in mind...
JULIE: You'd better not let Grandma hear you say that. And don't tell me you can resist those donuts!
CJ: They are quite tempting... although donuts are not the first thing I think of when I hear the word "temptation".
JULIE: And I'm not about to ask what is...
CJ: Why, Julie, whatever do you mean?
JULIE: I mean, I know how you are... a hopeless flirt!
CJ: Not hopeless, hopeful! Besides, lovely lady, you must know that I'm only this way when I'm around you... you bring out the Don Juan in me...
CJ STRIKES AN ARDENT POSE, WHICH MAKES JULIE GIGGLE. CJ BEGINS LOOKING AT HER MOONINGLY, WHICH CAUSES HER GIGGLES TO ERUPT INTO FITS OF LAUGHTER. CJ DROPS HIS POSING AS HE BEGINS TO LAUGH, TOO. HOLD ON THEIR SHARED MIRTH.
CUT TO: JOHNNY ANGEL'S. BO AND BOB. IN PROGRESS.
BOB: If I had to guess, I'd say I was pretty sure this carjacking freeze was a one-time deal. This was the first time you've had to confront this issue since you were shot. It's no wonder you reacted the way you did.
BO: I wish I could count on that.
BOB: I can. I'm betting my life on it. Besides, if you can get over being an arrogant, hot-headed, irrational S.O.B., which you have, you can get past this.
BO: Thanks. I think. But I'm still not sure...
BOB: What did you tell Dr. Ector about all this?
BO: I told him it all happened so fast... one minute we were in position, the next, the perp was down.
BOB: Which is the truth...
BO: Yeah... but can you really risk your life on the belief that I won't freeze up again? And then there's the I.A. investigation. I'll feel better when that's over with...
OUT ON BO'S CONCERN.
JOHNNY ANGEL'S. BO AND BOB. IN PROGRESS.
BOB: C'mon, Bo, don't worry about that, too! It was a clean shoot all the way around. My statement, Leigh's, Abe's, all confirm it.
BO: But if they do a check on our guns?
BOB: No reason to. I've seen a bunch of these come and go, and I can't remember I.A. ever checking ammo, casings, ballistics, anything like that in a shooting like this. Leigh was in danger. We were in position, the perp was shot. That's it. End of story.
BO: I just hope to hell I.A. sees it that way.
KAYLA AND CAROLINE WALK BY, DOING THEIR SHOPPING. KAYLA SPIES BO AND NUDGES CAROLINE. THEY BOTH WALK OVER TO WHERE BO AND BOB ARE SITTING.
KAYLA: Look, Ma! It's my little brother... the hero!
BO: (UNCOMFORTABLE) Kayla...
KAYLA: I'm surprised you're not surrounded by throngs of well-wishers and autograph hounds...
BO: (MORE UNCOMFORTABLE) Bob, you done?
BO STANDS UP.
BOB: (STANDING) Um... yeah, I guess so. Mrs. Brady, Kayla, nice to see you.
CAROLINE: Nice to see you, too, Bob. Bo...
BO: Yeah. See you both later. Bob?
BOB: Coming...
BO WALKS AWAY AS BOB FOLLOWS. BOB CASTS A LOOK BACK AT THE PUZZLED KAYLA AND CAROLINE AND SHRUGS. CAROLINE AND KAYLA WATCH BO AND BOB WALK AWAY, THEN START TO WALK TOWARD THE SHOPS OF SALEM PLACE.
KAYLA: I'm worried about him, Ma.
CAROLINE: Me too, sweetheart... but it will just take time for him to come to terms with the fact that his actions, however justified, left a man dead.
KAYLA: Time... at least he has it. When Abe told me Bo was involved in the shooting, I was sure he was the one on the gurney. (BEAT) Has he said anything about how the sessions with Dr. Ector are going?
CAROLINE: No, he hasn't. (BEAT) I called Roman last night, and asked him to talk to Bo. Maybe that will help.
KAYLA: I think it would.
KAYLA STOPS ABRUPTLY AND GRABS CAROLINE'S HAND.
KAYLA: Ma! Look at that dress!
HOLD ON KAYLA AND CAROLINE AS THEY WINDOW SHOP.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE, EXT. JENNIFER WALKS UP TO LISA'S DESK.
JENNIFER: Lisa, please hold his calls while I'm in there.
LISA: No problem... but are you sure you want to go in (POINTING AT JACK'S CLOSED DOOR) there alone?
JENNIFER: I have to. (BEAT) Somebody's got to end this mood he's in.
JENNIFER TAKES A DEEP BREATH, THEN OPENS JACK'S DOOR. JACK IS WORKING AT HIS COMPUTER, AND APPARENTLY DIDN'T HEAR HER ENTER. JENNIFER SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT.
JACK: (TURNING TO FACE THE DOOR) What the... Jennifer!
JENNIFER: This nonsense has gone on long enough, Jack. I want you to tell me what's bothering you. (GRITTING HER TEETH) Right now.
JACK: But Jennifer, I...
JENNIFER CUTS HIM OFF.
JENNIFER: No more buts, Jack. (BEAT) I can't take anymore of this... this brooding.
OUT ON JENNIFER'S ANGER.
JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: Brooding? I'm not brooding. I'm pondering.
JENNIFER: I don't care what you call it. I want to know what's bothering you.
JACK: What makes you think something is bothering me?
JENNIFER: You've been distracted and irritable. And we've been through this often enough that I know it means you're hiding something.
JACK: Since we have been through this so often, then you know that when I am prepared to discuss this, I will.
JENNIFER: I've been very patient, waiting for you to discuss whatever it is.
JACK: I appreciate it. And, if you'll bear with me just a little longer...
JENNIFER: I've waited long enough, Jack. You should know by now that keeping things from me only makes them worse.
JACK: This is different.
JENNIFER: How is it different? You know something, and it's upsetting you. You won't tell me. How is that different from any other time? When are you going to learn that you feel better when you share your troubles?
JACK: I will tell you. Just not right now.
JENNIFER: You've been saying that for days... for weeks, now. I'm tired of making excuses for you. Everyone wants to know why you are acting so odd. And I'm not going to try to explain why anymore.
HOLD ON JENNIFER'S FRUSTRATION.
CUT TO: BRIDAL BOUTIQUE. CAROLINE IS SEATED NEAR A PLATFORM THAT IS HALF SURROUNDED BY MIRRORS.
KAYLA: (V.O. FROM THE DRESSING ROOM) Ready, Ma?
CAROLINE: Sure, sweetheart. Let's have a look.
ROXETTE'S "THE LOOK" BEGINS TO PLAY IN THE BACKGROUND. KAYLA WALKS OUT OF THE DRESSING ROOM AND STEPS ONTO THE PLATFORM. SHE IS WEARING A V-NECK DRESS WITH A STRAIGHT SKIRT. THE DRESS IS FAIRLY SIMPLE, EXCEPT FOR THE LARGE POOFY SLEEVES THAT MAKE EVERYTHING ELSE LOOK OUT OF PROPORTION. KAYLA LOOKS TO CAROLINE FOR A COMMENT.
KAYLA: What do you think?
CAROLINE: (CHOOSING HER WORDS CAREFULLY) You look... lovely, dear.
KAYLA: C'mon, Ma. I look like the female version of Popeye.
CAROLINE BREATHES A SIGH OF RELIEF AS KAYLA RETURNS TO THE DRESSING ROOM. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, KAYLA REAPPEARS. THIS TIME, SHE IS WEARING A SKIN TIGHT DRESS THAT BARELY LEAVES ANYTHING TO THE IMAGINATION. CAROLINE GASPS WHEN SHE SEES KAYLA.
KAYLA: Don't worry, I'm not taking this one either. (BEAT) But this might do well for the wedding night.
KAYLA GOES TO CHANGE INTO ANOTHER DRESS. THIS TIME, WHEN SHE STEPS OUT OF THE DRESSING ROOM, SHE HAS DONNED A VERY LACY AND FRILLY DRESS. KAYLA LOOKS AT CAROLINE AND SHRUGS.
KAYLA: Maybe if I were eighteen years old, and really liked doilies?
CAROLINE: It's not that bad.
KAYLA: Wait... you haven't seen the back.
KAYLA TURNS AROUND AND REVEALS AN ENORMOUS BOW ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE DRESS.
CAROLINE: I'm sorry. It is that bad.
KAYLA: One more, then I quit.
THE NEXT TIME KAYLA STEPS OUT OF THE DRESSING ROOM, SHE'S DRESSED COMPLETELY IN GOLD.
CAROLINE: I think we might need to pass out sunglasses to the guests.
KAYLA: This might work out if I were ever going to attend the Oscars... (LAUGHING) ...as the statue.
CAROLINE BEGINS TO LAUGH. SOON, BOTH WOMEN ARE NEAR HYSTERICS. THIS CAUSES THE SALESPERSON, TRICIA, TO ENTER THE AREA.
TRICIA: Did we find anything, Ladies?
KAYLA AND CAROLINE, UNABLE TO CONTAIN THEMSELVES, BURST INTO LAUGHTER AGAIN. HOLD ON TRICIA, LOOKING EXTREMELY APPALLED.
CUT TO: ALICE'S RESTAURANT. CJ AND JULIE ARE NOW FINISHING UP THEIR LUNCH. CJ IS TELLING JULIE A STORY WHICH HAS HER LAUGHING. IN PROGRESS.
CJ: And I ran out the back door as fast as I could, wearing nothing but my pants. I circled around to side of the house just in time to see my shirt and my shoes flying out of her bedroom window!
JULIE: (LAUGHING) CJ, CJ... You do have quite a talent for finding beautiful women... and trouble.
CJ: (SMILING) Usually in the same place.
JULIE: So, did you ever see Claudia again?
CJ: Ah... no, I didn't.
JULIE: Hmmm... too bad. Why not? Her father?
CJ: No. Annette.
JULIE: (CONFUSED) Wait a minute. Who's Annette?
CJ: The young lady I met on my way back to the studio.
JULIE: (SMILING) You're shameless.
CJ: True, true. (BEAT) Of course, they all pale in comparison to you, Julie.
JULIE: You, young man, are going to get yourself in trouble with my husband if he ever gets wind of this conversation.
CJ: I won't tell if you won't.
JULIE: Just try to behave yourself, all right?
CJ: All right, I'll be serious. (BEAT) There's a reason I asked you to lunch today.
JULIE: (INTRIGUED) I was wondering... I had a feeling you didn't invite me out just to stroke my ego.
CJ: No. (BEAT) I've been talking with Papa's doctors, and while he is getting better, he still is not really well.
JULIE: Should we be worried?
CJ: No, no. It's just that his recovery is going to take some time.
JULIE: But we all anticipated that.
CJ: Yes, we did. And I've decided that I'm going to stay here in Salem until he has completely recovered.
JULIE: I think that's wonderful!
CJ: But there's still one problem. Papa no longer needs my attention 24 hours a day.
JULIE: You're right about that. (SMILING) I've heard him mutter something about strangling you a couple of times...
CJ: Only because I make him obey doctor's orders. (BEAT) Anyway, my point is that I need to find something to do with my time besides keeping Papa's hand out of the cookie jar.
JULIE: (GRINNING MISCHIEVOUSLY) Well, with all the lovely women around Salem, I'm sure you'll find a way to occupy some of that time...
CJ: (SMILING WISTFULLY) Yes, there is that...
HE RUBS HIS CHIN IN CONTEMPLATION FOR A MOMENT, THEN HIS EXPRESSION TURNS SERIOUS.
CJ: (CONT'D) But we're having a serious discussion here.
JULIE: Oh... right. I'm sorry.
CJ: So, seriously... Can you help me find something to keep me busy here in Salem?
OUT ON JULIE'S CONTEMPLATION.
ALICE'S RESTAURANT. JULIE AND CJ. IN PROGRESS. JULIE PONDERS THE CONTENTS OF HER COFFEE CUP FOR A MOMENT. SHE LOOKS AT CJ WITH A SMILE.
JULIE: What about a showing, darling? You're an artist, you have art, it's perfect!
CJ: Except for one thing: all my work is still in Florence, remember?
JULIE: A technicality. We could have your paintings shipped quite easily.
CJ: I don't know, I think that may be overkill. Besides, if Papa saw all my things coming over in big crates, he might get the wrong idea, like he's taken a turn for the worse or something. I don't want to worry him.
JULIE: Robert wouldn't think that.
CJ: Julie...
JULIE: Okay, he is a worrier. (BEAT) So?
CJ: So, you've just given a name to this vague uneasiness. I want to start painting again. (BEAT) Do you think that's a good idea?
JULIE: I think it's a wonderful idea, CJ! I was wondering how long you could go without it.
CJ: (FLIRTING) I don't know. I've never had to go without it for very long.
JULIE: I won't touch that one with a ten-foot pole.
CJ: Would it be asking too much of your hospitality if I used one of your spare bedrooms? Or I could look for some rental space along the riverfront...
JULIE: Stop, stop, stop. I know the perfect spot. Just leave it all up to me, darling.
HOLD ON JULIE'S ASSURANCE.
CUT TO: SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT. BO IS AT A DESK, TYPING UP A REPORT. BOB ENTERS AND SITS DOWN AT THE DESK FACING BO'S.
BO: How'd the interrogation go? Did you get a confession?
BOB: (FRUSTRATED) No, the guy lawyered up on me. (BEAT) Damn!
BO: Sometimes it just burns me up how these punks take advantage of the system.
BOB: Yeah, well, the system's far from perfect. But, we just do the best we can...
BOB'S VOICE TRAILS OFF AS HE SEES LEIGH ENTER AND APPROACH THEM. BO TURNS, FOLLOWING BOB'S GAZE, AND SEES LEIGH.
BO: (STANDING UP) Hello, Ms. McCloud.
LEIGH: Officer Brady. And please, it's Leigh, remember?
BO: Leigh... right. What can I do for you?
LEIGH: I wanted to speak to you briefly.
BO: Sure, have a seat.
BO GRABS A CHAIR AND PUTS IT NEXT TO THE DESK. THEY SIT DOWN. LEIGH LOOKS A LITTLE UNEASILY AT BOB.
BO: (CONT'D) You remember my partner, Bob Wisniewski.
LEIGH: Of course. (TO BOB) Good to see you again, Officer.
BOB: Likewise, Ms. McCloud. It's good to see you out and about.
LEIGH: (TO BO) Is there someplace we could speak... privately?
BOB: (MISCHIEVOUSLY) Ummm... Unfortunately, all the interviewing rooms are occupied at the moment.
BO: We can talk here. Bob and I don't have any secrets from each other.
LEIGH: (SKEPTICAL) All right...
BOB: (SMILING) Don't mind me at all. I'm not even here.
BO: (TRYING TO IGNORE BOB) What was it that you wanted to discuss, Leigh?
LEIGH: Ah, right to the point.
BO: Sorry. I may not be in uniform, but I'm still on duty.
LEIGH: I don't understand...
BO: I'm on administrative duty while Internal Affairs finishes investigating the shooting.
LEIGH: (INCREDULOUS) What? You stop a scumbag from killing me, and you're the one under investigation? That's not fair...
BO: It's okay. Anytime a cop fires his weapon in the line of duty, there's an investigation.
BOB: It's standard procedure.
BO: (SARCASTICALLY) Thank you, Bob.
BOB: (AMUSED) Oh... sorry.
BO: (TO LEIGH) It's nothing to worry about.
LEIGH: If you say so. (BEAT) If there's any way I can help, though, you be sure to let me know.
BO: Thanks, I will.
LEIGH: Now, the reason I came... I wanted to invite you to dinner, tonight, my treat.
BO: (SURPRISED) Dinner?
LEIGH: Yes. I'd like to properly thank you for saving my life.
BO: (UNCOMFORTABLY) But I...
LEIGH: (INTERRUPTING) ...Was "just doing your job," I know. I'd like to thank you anyway.
BO: Well, that's very generous. (BEAT) I don't know what to say...
BOB: (INTERRUPTING) What my partner is trying so say is that he would love to go to dinner.
BO: (TO BOB) I thought you weren't even here?
BOB: (SHRUGGING) I lied.
BO: Well, I can speak for myself, thank you very much. (TO LEIGH) I'm sorry, Leigh, but I can't. I... I don't have anyone to watch Shawn-Douglas tonight.
BOB ROLLS HIS EYES.
LEIGH: All right, I understand. It was kind of short notice.
BOB: Some other night would be great, though...
BO: (GIVING BOB A DIRTY LOOK) Bob...
LEIGH: Why don't you call me and let me know what night would be best for you? (BEAT) I'll even spring for the sitter.
BO: You don't have to do that...
LEIGH: I insist.
LEIGH STANDS UP.
BO: (STANDING UP) All right. I'll call you.
LEIGH: Good. (BEAT) I have to get back to the office. Thank you for your time.
BO: No problem.
LEIGH TURNS TO EXIT.
BO: Wait a second!
LEIGH: (TURNING BACK TO BO) Yes?
BO: What's your phone number?
LEIGH: (SMILING) You're a cop. I'm sure you can find out. (BEAT) See you later. (TO BOB) Officer Wisniewski.
BOB: (NODDING) Ms. McCloud.
LEIGH EXITS. BO WATCHES HER LEAVE, THEN LOOKS BACK AT A GRINNING BOB.
BO: (SITTING BACK DOWN) Thanks for the support, partner.
BOB: I like her.
BO: Hmph. Then why don't you go to dinner with her? (BEAT) Hell, you're the one who...
BOB: (INTERRUPTING) Who's watching out for you.
BOB GIVES BO A WARNING LOOK.
BOB: (CONT'D, COVERING) I can't let you go and do something as foolish as turning down a free dinner with such a beautiful and charming lady.
BO: (CALMER) Yeah... Thanks. (BEAT) I think.
HOLD ON BO'S UNEASINESS.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: You shouldn't feel obligated to explain my behavior to others.
JENNIFER: (ANGRILY) Well, somebody should! You're not explaining anything to anybody!
JACK: Jennifer, please calm down...
JENNIFER: That's rich, coming from the man whose behavior even has Vern upset.
JACK: Listen, I'm sorry if Vern is upset...
JENNIFER: (INTERRUPTING) "I'm sorry" isn't good enough, Jack. I want you to tell me what's going on. And I want you to tell me now.
JACK: Jennifer, I told you... I have very good reasons for not saying anything just yet.
JENNIFER: You always think you have "good reasons," Jack. However, your judgement about what's a good reason and what isn't... Well...
JACK: What?
JENNIFER: Sometimes it really stinks!
JACK: (SOTTO VOCE) Don't beat around the bush...
JENNIFER: What was that?
JACK: Nothing.
JENNIFER: Come on, Jack. Haven't you figured out by now that you can trust me with anything?
JACK: Of course. It's not that simple, though.
JENNIFER: It never is with you, is it?
JACK: All I'm asking for is a little patience and understanding...
JENNIFER: Jack, I've given you a lot of patience, and a lot of understanding. But I'm only human! I have limits!
JACK: Listen... I just want to wait until I'm sure about this. I don't want to cause you any alarm unneccessarily. (BEAT) If it turns out that I'm wrong, then it would be a huge letdown, and I want to protect you from that.
JENNIFER: Jack, I'm a big girl. I can handle disappointment. What I can't handle is being shut out, and watching this secret eat away at you from the inside!
JACK: I'll be fine. Just a little while longer...
JENNIFER: No, Jack, it's been too long. (BEAT) We're supposed to love and support each other, but it's pretty hard for me to support you if you don't trust me enough to tell me what's going on.
JACK: That's not it at all...
JENNIFER: Well, what am I supposed to think? You know, I thought we were finally past all the secrets. I thought you really believed in me, in us.
JACK: I do.
JENNIFER: Then tell me what's bothering you.
JACK: I can't.
JENNIFER: So, we've regressed that far, huh? Jack doesn't trust anyone but Jack. (BEAT) I thought I knew you better than that.
JACK SIGHS.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I thought you loved me.
OUT ON JACK'S PAINED EXPRESSION.
PARKING LOT, SALEM PLACE. A WEARY KAYLA AND CAROLINE STOP AT THE CAR. THEY HAVE ONE SHOPPING BAG APIECE.
KAYLA: Oh, Ma, I'm so discouraged. Those dresses were worse than the last place. What are we going to do?
CAROLINE: Don't worry, we'll find it. We did get some other things crossed off our list. You found a pair of shoes you liked, and a dress for Stephanie.
KAYLA: Who will probably say "Mommy, it's ugly" when I show it to her.
CAROLINE: She will not, she'll love it. With three layers of crinoline, she'll be in heaven! Not to mention that doll in the matching dress.
KAYLA: (BRIGHTENING) It is a Steffie dress, isn't it? And the doll will make a nice keepsake for her.
CAROLINE: I thought a new daddy would be enough, but yes, the doll will be very special. (PEERING IN HER BAG) And we've got the covers for the bulletins, a book for you and Marcus to pick the readings from, a gift for Kimmie and a sample of the chocolates you want for favors.
KAYLA: I guess we did get a lot of things done today. (SIGHING) I just wish the dress had been one of them. I know just what I want. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to exist anywhere but in my head.
CAROLINE: We still haven't tried any of the stores in Brookville. We can go on your next day off.
KAYLA: I think I'll give Calliope another call tonight. Maybe if I beg shamelessly and say I'm desperate, she'll be able to squeeze me in.
HOLD ON KAYLA'S ANXIETY.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK AND JENNIFER. IN PROGRESS.
JACK: I do love you. You know that... don't you?
JENNIFER: I'm not so sure. It certainly doesn't feel like it today.
JACK: Today's no different than any other day.
JENNIFER: Then what happened to the openness we used to have in our marriage?
JACK: It's still there.
JENNIFER: I don't think so. Why won't you open up to me about what's bothering you?
JACK STARTS TO SAY SOMETHING, BUT IS INTERRUPTED BY JENNIFER.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Don't bother, Jack. I don't want to hear any more excuses.
JACK: But...
JENNIFER: I've had enough. Call me when you're ready to stop treating me like a stranger, and start treating me more like the friend, lover, and equal partner I thought I was to you.
JENNIFER TURNS ABRUPTLY AROUND AND STARTS TO STOMP OUT OF JACK'S OFFICE. JACK QUICKLY STANDS UP.
JACK: Jennifer... wait.
JENNIFER STOPS, BUT DOES NOT TURN AROUND.
JENNIFER: Jack, I told you. I've had enough.
JACK: I know. That's why I want to tell you... everything.
JENNIFER SLOWLY TURNS AROUND.
JENNIFER: Everything?
JACK: Yes. (VERY QUIETLY) It's about Steve.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Steve? I don't understand. How could your brother have anything to do with this?
JACK TAKES A DEEP BREATH.
JACK: I think that...
JACK PAUSES AND TAKES ANOTHER DEEP BREATH BEFORE CONTINUING.
JACK: (CONT'D) I think that Steve is still alive.
HOLD ON JENNIFER'S SHOCK. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.