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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: June 1, 1995
Time: Several Days After #99,
Afternoon to Evening
Copyright 1995
SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT. BO IS AT HIS DESK, FILLING OUT FORMS.
BO: (SOTTO VOCE) Yeah. This is why I became a cop. The adventure. The excitement. The feeling of satisfaction you get from filling out forms.
BO PUTS DOWN HIS PEN AND SIGHS. THE PHONE RINGS. BO PICKS UP THE PHONE. ONE WAY.
BO: (CONT'D) Salem Police Department, Officer Brady speaking. Yes, ma'am... I see... Well, ma'am, that's out of our jurisdiction... Yes, ma'am, "to protect and to serve"... We would love to help, ma'am, but there's nothing we can do about space aliens making a thermonuclear device from your leftover pot roast.
BO: (CONT'D, ROLLING HIS EYES) No, ma'am, I don't want the Earth to be run by giant, six-legged, pink lemmings.
BO SEES LEIGH ENTER THE ROOM.
BO: (CONT'D) Maybe you could lead them to a cliff...
LEIGH WAVES. BO RETURNS THE WAVE. LEIGH APPROACHES BO'S DESK.
BO: (CONT'D) Ma'am, I really think you should call the F.B.I. about this. If it's a threat against the whole country, it's out of our hands. The F.B.I. can help you. Yes, ma'am. You're welcome.
BO HANGS UP THE PHONE.
BO: (CONT'D) This is a nice surprise. What brings you to S.P.D. headquarters? (BEAT) Nothing bad, I hope.
LEIGH: It's my lunch hour.
BO: (SMILING) And you wanted to get fingerprinted, right?
LEIGH: (LAUGHING) No, I wanted to see if you would have dinner with me at Nick's tonight.
HOLD ON BO'S SURPRISE.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. KAYLA SITS IN A BOOTH, MADLY SCRIBBLING NOTES IN HER "BRIDE'S NOTEBOOK." THE BOOK IS BULGING WITH STICK-ON NOTES. AS SHE TURNS TO A PRIOR PAGE TO CHECK SOME INFORMATION, WE CAN SEE THAT EVERY PAGE IS COVERED IN NOTES. MARCUS ENTERS THE CAFETERIA AND WALKS TO THE TABLE. KAYLA IS SO ENGROSSED, SHE DOESN'T EVEN NOTICE HIM.
MARCUS: Paging the future Mrs. Hunter...
KAYLA: (STARTLED) Wha.. Oh, Marcus, am I glad to see you!
MARCUS LEANS DOWN AND GIVES HER A KISS BEFORE HE SITS.
MARCUS: And I'm glad to see you, too! I missed you this morning. You took off so early.
KAYLA: I had to...
MARCUS: So what was important enough to tear you from my side?
KAYLA: Well... (BEAT, AS SHE DRAWS A DEEP BREATH) I had an early appointment with the florist, we're going with orchids and greenery, very simple, but they're not sure if they can get enough orchids, and so if they don't we're stuck with lilies, which I think are awful, but oh, well... and the dress is coming along nicely but the bridesmaids dresses need something and I'm not sure what it is, and the caterer says he can definitely do something with some vegetarian dishes for the buffet but he's not sure about sushi, so I thought I might see if Aki from Euterpe could make some for us, and I was wondering if your groomsmen have gotten their tuxes fitted yet and if they'll mind wearing small orchids or if it will be too fussy, and the church had a conflict, but it turned out we had it booked first, but I do feel bad for the other couple, but there's nothing I can do and...
MARCUS LISTENS BEMUSEDLY AS KAYLA WORKS HERSELF INTO A FRENZY. HE LEANS ACROSS THE TABLE AND KISSES HER AGAIN. WHEN HE FINISHES, HOWEVER, SHE IS OFF AND RUNNING ONCE MORE.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) And Kimmie says Andrew still isn't sure if he wants to be a ring bearer but would rather be a junior usher if he can, oh, and did you want a full bar or just beer and wine, I tend to think just beer and wine would be fine...
MARCUS: Kayla...
KAYLA: And did you get usher gifts yet? And what song do we want our first dance to...
MARCUS: (MORE LOUDLY) Kayla!
KAYLA: Um.... yes?
MARCUS: Do we have to figure it all out this minute?
KAYLA: Actually, yes, we do, because the wedding really isn't too far off and...
MARCUS: Kayla, you're doing it again.
KAYLA: Doing...
MARCUS: The frantic bride thing. Relax, hon, please?
KAYLA: But there's so much to do, the invitations need to go out no later than tomorrow and I still need to buy those "Love" stamps, but at least they're all addressed...
MARCUS: I hate to see you so stressed... (BEAT) Let's just forget the whole thing!
HOLD ON KAYLA'S SURPRISE.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS WORKING AT HIS COMPUTER WHEN VERN ENTERS.
VERN: Jack, I need to ask you about the series that Miller is writing.
JACK: Just a minute, Vern...
JACK FINISHES TYPING AND TURNS TO FACE VERN.
JACK: (CONT'D) What about the series on the public transit system?
VERN: She's put a lot of effort into it, and I really think we'll need an extra day to run it all.
JACK: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) That good?
VERN NODS.
JACK: Okay, then.
VERN STANDS MOTIONLESS IN FRONT OF JACK'S DESK.
JACK: Was there something else?
VERN: Is everything okay, Jack?
JACK: Okay with what, Vern?
VERN: I know it's none of my business, Jack... but I know that something has been bothering you lately, and I just want you to know that if there's anything I can do to help...
JACK: While I appreciate the offer, Vern, I think your imagination has run away with you. (BEAT) Nothing is bothering me.
VERN: (UNCONVINCED) Whatever you say, Jack.
VERN LEAVES THE OFFICE, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. JACK PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE AND DIALS FOUR NUMBERS. TWO-WAY.
RICHARD: Hunt.
JACK: Richard, it's Jack. (BEAT) Can you and Ms. Bellafiore come down to my office as soon as possible?
OUT ON JACK'S QUESTION.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. KAYLA AND MARCUS. IN PROGRESS.
KAYLA: What... What do you mean, "Let's forget the whole thing"? (BEAT) Don't you want to get married anymore?
MARCUS: Kayla, I...
KAYLA: (INTERRUPTING) Oh my God, Marcus... Have I become such a basket case that you've changed your mind about me, about us? I know things have been really crazy, and I've been under a lot of stress, but I never imagined that it would have gotten so bad that you'd want to back out of the whole thing...
MARCUS: (GRASPING KAYLA'S HAND) Whoa, Kayla! Time out, okay?
KAYLA: I'm sorry. I'm babbling, I know. It's just that the wedding is so close, and I'm really starting to get panicked, and...
MARCUS: (INTERRUPTING) I know, Kay, I know. But try to relax for just a minute, and hear me out.
KAYLA: (SIGHING) All right. Go ahead.
MARCUS: I don't want to call the wedding off. I want to marry you more than I want anything else in this world. I want it every bit as much as I did when I proposed. Maybe more.
KAYLA: (SMILING) I doubt that, but go on...
MARCUS: As much as I want us to get married, I don't want to have to skip our honeymoon because I have to take you straight to therapy.
KAYLA: What...?
MARCUS: You said it yourself, things are crazy. And I've been watching you slowly drive yourself, and everyone else, insane over all the plans and details. (BEAT) That's not what I wanted for you when I asked you to marry me.
KAYLA: Believe me, it's not what I imagined, either. (BEAT) So, what do you think we should do about it? I'm open to suggestions.
MARCUS: Like I said, let's forget all the plans. (BEAT) Let's elope.
KAYLA: Elope?! (BEAT) We couldn't...
MARCUS: Why not? The church, the ceremony, the reception... that's for everyone else. Becoming husband and wife, that's for us. Let's just concentrate on that part.
KAYLA: You make it sound so easy.
MARCUS: It could be.
KAYLA: I don't know... (BEAT) At this point, it might actually be more work than going through with the ceremony.
MARCUS: How do you figure?
KAYLA: Well, there's the backlash from the entire Brady clan if we get married without them, but let's put that aside for the moment... We've already sent out the invitations, reserved the church, made arrangements for the dresses and the tuxes, set up the catering for the reception, put down deposits on practically everything... I could go on.
MARCUS: That's okay. I get the picture. It was only a suggestion.
KAYLA: And a very generous one. (BEAT) Thank you for the thought, but I just couldn't do it. When I think of all the work that's gone into it already, I can't bear to think of not seeing it through.
MARCUS: Then we'll see it through. Together.
KAYLA: I know, and that's how I know that everything will work out just fine. (BEAT) With you by my side, I know I can make it through anything.
MARCUS LEANS OVER AND KISSES HER. HOLD ON THEIR KISS.
CUT TO: SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT. BO AND LEIGH. IN PROGRESS.
BO: Us... out... tonight?
LEIGH: Do you have other plans?
BO: No, I just, ahhhh...
LEIGH: Is there a problem, then?
BO: Not.. exactly. I'm just... I guess I'm just not used to being asked out... instead of doing the asking.
LEIGH PICKS UP BO'S NEARBY COFFEE MUG AND WAVES IT UNDER HIS NOSE.
LEIGH: Smell the coffee, Bo? It's the 90s now, and if a woman wants to have dinner with someone, she asks.
BO: It just seems... weird.
LEIGH: Well, get used to it. Besides, we're friends, right?
BO: Right.
LEIGH: Well, friends ask friends to dinner.
BO: You're absolutely right. And since I'm sure Shawn-D would love to spend some time with his grandparents, providing they don't have plans, I'd love to have dinner with you.
LEIGH: You have my number at the office, why don't you call if there's a problem with your son? Otherwise, I'll pick you up at seven.
BO: You get your 'vette back?
LEIGH: Finally! Now I can show you what I'm really like behind the wheel!
BO: As long as you're not planning on breaking any major traffic laws...
LEIGH: (SMILING) Well... I do like to drive fast...
BO: If it's speed you want, you'll have to let me do the driving sometime. How do you feel about motorcycles?
LEIGH: I love them!
BO: Really? Cool!
HOLD ON THE TWO, CHATTING ABOUT BIKES.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS SEATED AT HIS DESK WHILE RICHARD SITS ACROSS FROM HIM.
RICHARD: I'm glad that you're ready to talk to us. (BEAT) Now, Little Miss Persistent might stop bothering me about when you're going to do something about the photos...
AS JACK GIVES RICHARD A TWISTED GRIN, THE OFFICE DOOR SWINGS OPEN AND ASHLEY RUSHES IN.
JACK: Please, shut the door.
ASHLEY DOES SO, AND SITS DOWN BESIDE RICHARD.
JACK: I realize that it appears that I've been very slow at getting back to you on the photos, but with something with this much potential impact, I wanted to be thorough.
JACK TAKES A SIP FROM HIS COFFEE MUG.
JACK: (CONT'D) I have a pretty well-placed contact that I've been consulting.
ASHLEY STARTS TO PROTEST, BUT JACK PUTS UP HIS LEFT HAND TO STOP HER.
JACK: (CONT'D) I would trust this man with my life... and the lives of my wife and child. (BEAT) His expertise has been invaluable.
ASHLEY SETTLES BACK INTO HER CHAIR.
JACK: (CONT'D) As I was saying, it is his expert opinion that there may, indeed, still be P.O.W. camps scattered about in southeast Asia.
ASHLEY: Isn't that what I said the day I walked in here?
JACK: You'll have to understand, Ms. Bellafiore... I needed more than just your sighting before deciding what to do next.
ASHLEY: So fine, you're convinced. (BEAT) Does this mean that you're going to finally get off your...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING) Ashley!
ASHLEY: Shut up, Hunt! I have a right to know! (TO JACK) Does this mean you're finally going to run my story?
OUT ON ASHLEY'S TIRADE.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. JENNIFER AND BILL ARE LEAVING THE CAFETERIA REGISTER. BILL SPOTS AN EMPTY TABLE AND POINTS TO IT. THEY SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE.
BILL: What's that beautiful granddaughter of mine been up to?
JENNIFER: She is so amazing. Every day, it's something new.
JENNIFER SEES MARCUS AND KAYLA.
BILL: It's such a surprise to watch your child grow up. You never know what she'll do next.
JENNIFER: (DISTRACTED) Yeah... I know what you mean.
BILL: Jennifer, what's wrong?
JENNIFER: Wrong? Nothing. Why?
BILL: I thought you might have asked me to lunch to discuss a problem.
JENNIFER: Problem? There's no problem. Jack's great. Abby's wonderful. (BEAT) Can't a daughter meet her father for lunch without there being a problem?
BILL: Of course she can. And any time you want to do that, you let me know. In the meantime, I can tell when something's up with you.
JENNIFER: It's nothing. Really, Dad, everything's fine.
BILL: Then why do you keep looking over at Marcus and Kayla?
HOLD ON JENNIFER STARING AT MARCUS AND KAYLA.
CUT TO: SALEM CEMETERY. OPEN WITH A CLOSE-UP ON HOPE'S HEADSTONE AND SLOWLY PULL BACK TO SHOW BO APPROACHING, CARRYING A BOUQUET OF MIXED FLOWERS. HE TOUCHES THE STONE BEFORE SITTING DOWN ON THE GRASS IN FRONT OF IT.
BO: Hi. This was a pretty hectic week. Shawn-D was trying out for soccer and little league. I don't know how we're going to manage both, but I couldn't say no.
BO HUGS HIS KNEES.
BO: (CONT'D) You'd be so proud of him, Hope. He's a really sweet kid. All the work with Dr. Ector has helped a lot. I still think you'd be doing a better job raising him, but I'm learning to deal with it better.
BO LAYS THE FLOWERS DOWN AND FUSSES WITH THEM A LITTLE BIT.
BO: (CONT'D) These are for you. I really miss you. But I know you're up in heaven looking down on our little sailor and me. That helps a lot when things get rough.
BO RUNS HIS HANDS THROUGH HIS HAIR.
BO: (CONT'D) Like now. I'm going through a rough spot at work. About the shooting. Everyone's treating me like I'm some kind of hero when I'm really just a big fraud. I don't know what to do about it, Fancy Face. Maybe if I talk to you about it, I can sort it all out...
HOLD ON BO.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, RICHARD, AND ASHLEY. IN PROGRESS.
RICHARD: Calm down, Ashley. Sniping at Jack isn't going to do you any good.
ASHLEY: Yes, Mother.
RICHARD: I'm serious. The last thing I need is for you to start going off, and...
ASHLEY: (INTERRUPTING) The last thing you need? Getting a little egocentric, aren't we, Hunt?
RICHARD: Actually, your egocentricity is the problem. Every time you go off half-cocked and hot-headed, thinking only of yourself, I'm the one who suffers the most.
ASHLEY: Oh, cry me a river... You can take all your suffering and shove it up your...
JACK: (INTERRUPTING) Enough!!!
ASHLEY AND RICHARD FALL SILENT.
JACK: (CONT'D) Thank you. (BEAT) Now, if you two have issues between yourselves that you need to resolve, I suggest you consult one of the therapists at University Hospital. Right now, I'm going to insist that we stick to the matter at hand... the story.
ASHLEY: Fine. Just tell me one thing.
JACK: Yes?
ASHLEY: When are we going to stop talking about this story and actually put something in print? (BEAT) I risked life and limb to get those photos, and you haven't done a thing with them!
JACK: You're right, I haven't done a thing with them. Yet. (BEAT) This is an highly sensitive matter which requires extreme caution.
RICHARD: Caution, Ashley. That's when people think about all the possible consequences before they act...
ASHLEY: Stuff it, Hunt.
JACK: As I was saying... This story has international significance. Before I go public with any of it, I have to have the whole story. I have to be able to weed out the hearsay and speculation and give our readers the facts.
ASHLEY: The facts are in those photos, in black and white. What more do you want?
JACK: I'm not discounting the value of your photos, Ashley. They give a very clear account of what is happening, and when and where it's happening. But before I show that to the world, I want to be able to put it in context. I want to be able to tell people exactly who those prisoners are, and why they haven't been rescued.
ASHLEY: Maybe they haven't been rescued because we haven't told anyone they're there!
JACK: Believe me, I've considered that. However, I've been told that that's not the case. My contact believes the government already knows about these prisonsers. I'm in the process of getting both proof that it's true, and reasons why.
ASHLEY: Well, I'm sick of just waiting around. I can't answer your "why" questions, but I can go back there and find out exactly who the prisoners are. I'll bring you close-ups of these guys' faces, suitable for framing. Just get me a plane ticket, and I'm there.
JACK: I'm not...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING) Are you insane?! There's no way you're going back there! It's far too dangerous!
ASHLEY: Oh, God, here we go again!
JACK: (SOTTO VOCE) Round two...
RICHARD: Would you please just stop for a minute and think about what you're suggesting?
ASHLEY: I know what I'm doing. And I don't need you telling me to stop and think about it. (BEAT) I already have two over-protective big brothers, and I certainly don't want or need another one!
OUT ON ASHLEY'S ANGER.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. JENNIFER GLANCES UNEASILY AT BILL AND THEN DARTS A QUICK GLANCE TOWARD KAYLA AND MARCUS.
JENNIFER: I'm not looking at Kayla and Marcus.
BILL: Yes, you are. You did it again, just now.
KAYLA AND MARCUS GET UP TO LEAVE. AS THEY PASS BILL AND JENNIFER'S TABLE, THEY WAVE. BILL AND JENNIFER WAVE BACK.
JENNIFER: Okay, I was looking at them. It's just that I was talking to Kayla earlier and she's so caught up in wedding plans. It just got me thinking about weddings.
BILL: (SMILING) Oh, are you planning to marry again? Or have you started matchmaking for Abigail?
JENNIFER: (LEERING AT BILL) Not for Abby, but maybe...
BILL: (INTERRUPTING) Don't even go there, Jennifer Rose.
JENNIFER: Spoilsport. Actually, I was getting a little nostalgic about my wedding.
BILL: (LAUGHING) Now that was a wedding no one will ever forget!
JENNIFER LOOKS RELIEVED THAT BILL HAS ACCEPTED THE CHANGE OF SUBJECT.
JENNIFER: How could they? The whole town was there!
BILL: And the wild west show was an added bonus. I really thought that you and Jack had gone over the edge...
JENNIFER: Jack certainly did. I thought he'd never be cured of his hysterical laryngitis. But thankfully, everything turned out all right.
BILL: It's nice to see you in a happy marriage with a wonderful family, sweetheart.
JENNIFER: Thanks, Daddy. I have everything I've ever wanted.
BILL PATS JENNIFER'S HAND.
BILL: Your mother would be very glad to see you this happy, too.
HOLD ON THE TWO OF THEM.
CUT TO: SALEM CEMETERY. BO IS STILL AT HOPE'S GRAVE. IN PROGRESS.
BO: So you see, everyone's calling me a hero, but I'm really not. (BEAT) And I don't know if I can keep lying to everyone about it.
HE PAUSES AND SIGHS.
BO: (CONT'D) I wish you were here, Hope. I really don't know what to do about this. (SMILING) I'm sure you'd have an opinion, though, and we'd eventually work it out together...
ALICE APPROACHES FROM BEHIND BO.
ALICE: Oh, I'm sorry, Bo. I didn't mean to intrude...
BO: (TURNING TO ALICE AND STANDING) Oh, no, you're not intruding, Mrs. H. I have to go pretty soon, anyway.
ALICE: I can give you a few more minutes alone...
BO: No, stay... please. I'm glad you're here. We haven't had a chance to talk in a while.
ALICE: No, we haven't.
BO: So, what brings you here today?
ALICE: Oh, I was over visiting Tom... I do that every week... and I saw your motorcycle.
BO: Oh, yeah... (SMILING) Speaking of which, I'll have to take you on another ride sometime soon, now that the weather's gotten nicer.
ALICE: (SMILING) Yes, that would be fun.
BO'S SMILE FADES AS HE LOOKS BACK AT HOPE'S HEADSTONE.
ALICE: (CONT'D) Bo, dear, is everything all right?
BO: (ABSENTLY) Huh...? Oh, yeah. Everything's fine.
ALICE: The look on your face says something's troubling you.
BO SHIFTS UNCOMFORTABLY.
ALICE: (CONT'D) Shawn-Douglas is all right, isn't he?
BO: Yeah, he's great. He's really looking forward to summer vacation. He didn't get a summer vacation last year...
ALICE: Oh, yes, of course. (BEAT) What about Shawn and Caroline?
BO: They're fine.
ALICE: Well, it can't be work that's troubling you. I've been reading all about how you saved Leigh McCloud's life...
BO: Don't believe everything you read...
ALICE: What do you mean?
BO: I... I really can't talk about it, Mrs. H. Internal Affairs hasn't finished their investigation yet, and...
ALICE: That's all right, dear. I understand. (BEAT) Surely, you don't think they're going to find anything wrong with what you did, though, do you?
BO: I don't think so.
ALICE: I'm certain you did everything you could.
BO: (GRIMACING) Yeah...
ALICE: If you need someone to talk to, once all of this has been cleared up, you let me know. I'd be happy to listen.
BO: Okay. Thanks, Mrs. H.
THEY HUG.
BO: (CONT'D) I'd better get going, so you can have some time with Hope...
ALICE: All right. (BEAT) Why don't you bring that great-grandson of mine by the house for some donuts?
BO: Mmmm... No way I can refuse an offer like that. We'll come by soon.
ALICE: I look forward to it. (BEAT) Take care of yourself, dear.
BO: You too, Mrs. H.
BO EXITS. ALICE SIGHS AND TURNS BACK TO HOPE'S HEADSTONE.
ALICE: He misses you so much...
HOLD ON ALICE.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. RICHARD, ASHLEY, AND JACK. IN PROGRESS.
RICHARD: Can't you see that I'm just trying to keep you from getting killed?
ASHLEY: All I see is that you're trying to tell me what to do, and it isn't going to work. (TO JACK) When do you want me to go?
JACK: I didn't...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING) You're not going...
ASHLEY: You have no say in the matter, so keep it to yourself!
RICHARD: Jack, back me up, here. Don't you agree that Ashley going back to that prison camp is out of the question?
JACK: I wouldn't say that. I think going there to get more information would probably be a good move, but...
ASHLEY: (TO RICHARD) There you are, Mr. Stick-in-the-mud. I'm going.
RICHARD: Fine. Then I'm going with you.
ASHLEY: What for?
RICHARD: You're going to need someone to back you up...
ASHLEY: Why? Don't you think I can handle it myself?
RICHARD: I didn't say that...
ASHLEY: (INTERRUPTING) I did just fine on my own last time, thank you very much...
JACK: (SOTTO VOCE) Round three...
RICHARD: Oh, yes, you certainly did. You were almost caught at the prison camp, you had half of your pictures stolen, and God knows what else that you haven't told me about...
ASHLEY: Hey, I made it back with all the photos, didn't I? What's the problem?
RICHARD: The problem is that you're too proud and too stubborn to acknowledge when you're in over your head...
ASHLEY: (INTERRUPTING) And you're too egotistical to realize that I'm not some damsel in distress that you need to rescue!
RICHARD: You say that, and then you go and get yourself into another mess...
ASHLEY: Oh, forget it, I'm wasting my time with you! (BEAT) Jack, I'm ready to go back tonight, if you want...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING) We're ready...
ASHLEY: Give it up, Hunt! I can do this by myself!
JACK SLIDES ONE OF HIS DESK DRAWERS OPEN.
RICHARD: Over my dead body...
ASHLEY: That can be arranged!
JACK SLAMS THE DESK DRAWER, CAUSING RICHARD AND ASHLEY TO JUMP. JACK CLEARS HIS THROAT.
JACK: Now that I have your attention, I'd like to remind you both of something.
ASHLEY: But...
JACK RAISES HIS INDEX FINGER, CUTTING HER OFF.
JACK: I'm the boss around here, and I decide who goes where. (BEAT) If anyone is going to southeast Asia... and I haven't made a decision about that, yet... it's going to be me.
RICHARD AND ASHLEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER, BOTH SURPRISED. THEY SIMULTANEOUSLY TURN AND LOOK AT JACK. OUT ON JACK'S CONVICTION.
NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. SHANE AND JANET ARE SIPPING COCKTAILS AT THEIR TABLE. IN PROGRESS.
SHANE: So, Janet, what'll it be tonight? Not another carjacking, I hope. We've done that. Maybe a robbery? Or a drug bust?
JANET: (LAUGHING) I was thinking maybe dancing.
SHANE: That's not a crime.
JANET: The way I dance, it is.
SHANE: That's not true. We've danced. (BEAT) Remember the night at Euterpe...
JANET: I'll never forget.
SHANE: You're a very good dancer.
JANET: No, not really. It's my dance partner. He makes me look good.
SHANE: Ah... Yes, well... Thank you.
JANET: Have I caught the silver-tongued Shane Donovan off guard?
SHANE: You have, actually.
NICK ARRIVES AT THE TABLE, INTERRUPTING SHANE AND JANET.
NICK: Well, look here, it's my two favorite customers.
JANET: We're you're favorites?
NICK: Of course you are. And the most reliable. Anyone who comes here instead of Euterpe is my favorite.
SHANE: We like to see a well-run establishment like yours get a good start...
NICK: So it's not that you're trying to avoid a certain assistant manager at Euterpe, is it?
SHANE: Eve?
NICK: Yes, Eve.
SHANE: I might ask you the same thing.
NICK: Touché!
HOLD ON NICK AND SHANE.
CUT TO: KAYLA'S OFFICE. THE UBIQUITOUS "BRIDE'S NOTEBOOK" SITS OPEN IN FRONT OF KAYLA AS SHE TALKS ON THE PHONE TO KIMBERLY. TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.
KAYLA: ...so Marcus suggested we elope.
KIMBERLY: Oh, I don't think so, sister mine!
KAYLA: I know. It was an interesting idea, though.
KIMBERLY: One all we brides get at one point or another. So, how are our dresses coming?
KAYLA: I love my dress. Calliope has outdone herself.
KIMBERLY: That's saying something. Does it light up?
KAYLA: (LAUGHING) No, it's fairly traditional. But I'm worried about the maids' dresses.
KIMBERLY: We are going with the shades we discussed, right? I'm not going to end up in lavender... or heaven forbid, sunny yellow, am I?
KAYLA: No, they'll be like we discussed. The dresses just need something, and I can't figure out what. They just seem not quite... I don't know...
KIMBERLY: Kayla, honey, it's okay. Either it'll come to you, or to Calliope, or if worse comes to worse, when I get there, maybe I can suggest something. There will still be time.
KAYLA: That's true...
KIMBERLY: I'm just sorry I'm not more help to you now. I wish I could be there, help run errands, keep you sane...
KAYLA: That last part is a full-time job. But you already have helped with it. I feel so much better having talked to you...
KIMBERLY: That's what big sisters are for.
KAYLA: Yes, and I have the best.
HOLD ON A SMILING, MORE RELAXED KAYLA.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. LOUIS WALKS UP TO BO AND LEIGH, WHO ARE WAITING TO BE SEATED.
LOUIS: I'm sorry to keep you two waiting. Your table's ready now.
LOUIS STARTS TO LEAD BO AND LEIGH TO THEIR TABLE.
LEIGH: Busy night?
LOUIS: Busier than usual. We've got a party of seven celebrating an anniversary. They're keeping us all busy with the champagne orders.
BO: Enjoying quite a bit of bubbly, are they?
LOUIS: Not only that. (BEAT) For some reason, they brought their own Akavit.
THEY ARRIVE AT THEIR TABLE. BO AND LEIGH SIT DOWN AND LOUIS HANDS THEM MENUS.
LOUIS: (CONT'D) And I don't know how they set the bread basket on fire...
LOUD LAUGHTER CAN BE HEARD IN THE BACKGROUND.
LOUIS: (CONT'D) And yet, when they made the reservation, I'm certain that they said it was some kind of a staff meeting.
LEIGH: (LOOKING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LAUGHTER) I wish that some of my staff meetings could be like that...
BO: Okay, I'll be sure to slip a burning bread basket into your office next week.
LEIGH: (SMILING) That's quite all right. I can do without the pyrotechnics.
LOUIS: I'll have somebody come by to take your drink orders.
BO: Thanks, Louis.
LOUIS TURNS AND WALKS AWAY. BO LOOKS AROUND THE CROWDED DINING ROOM.
BO: This place is packed. (SMILES) Thanks for suggesting dinner.
LEIGH: You're welcome. I have a feeling this is going to be a fun evening.
BO: I think you're right.
A WAITER APPEARS. OUT ON BO AND LEIGH, ORDERING DRINKS.
KAYLA'S OFFICE. KAYLA IS WORKING AT HER DESK WHEN MARCUS ENTERS.
MARCUS: Hi, gorgeous! It's quittin' time.
KAYLA: Marcus! (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) Is it time to go already?
MARCUS: Do you need a few more minutes?
KAYLA: No. This can wait until tomorrow.
KAYLA CLOSES HER FILE AND LEANS BACK INTO HER CHAIR.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) I spent a lot of time today doing wedding stuff. I almost forgot that I actually have a job to do.
MARCUS: I never knew weddings could be so hectic.
KAYLA STANDS AND WALKS OVER TO MARCUS. SHE PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HIM.
KAYLA: Promise me I'll never have to go through planning another one.
MARCUS WRAPS HIS ARMS AROUND KAYLA.
MARCUS: Promise. Until it's Stephanie's turn.
KAYLA: Hopefully she'll plan on something small and intimate.
MARCUS: Speaking of planning, what are you up for tonight? Do you feel like going out?
KAYLA: No, let's stay in. It's been a tough day.
MARCUS: Okay. How does pizza and a movie sound?
KAYLA: Sounds great. Make the movie a comedy. Something to get my mind off of weddings.
MARCUS: I know this great comedy. How about "Four Weddings and a Funeral"?
KAYLA GIVES HIM THE "EVIL EYE."
KAYLA: Oh, great. That will help so much.
KAYLA PLAYFULLY PUNCHES MARCUS IN THE ARM. HE TRIES TO DODGE HER FOLLOW-UP PUNCH. BEFORE KAYLA CAN GET IN YET ANOTHER JAB, HE GRABS HER BY THE WAIST AND KISSES HER. HOLD ON THEIR EMBRACE.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. BO AND LEIGH. IN PROGRESS.
LEIGH: This man said that the neighbor murdered his mother?
BO: Yeah, and we weren't expecting what we saw once we arrived on the scene.
LEIGH: Pretty grotesque?
BO: No... Actually, more like confusing. Instead of finding a murder victim, there was only a tree.
LEIGH: A tree?
BO: Uh-huh. The tree had been cut down with an axe. This guy claimed that the tree on his neighbor's lot was actually the reincarnation of his mother. He kind of freaked out when his neighbor cut it down to put in a flower bed.
LEIGH: (LAUGHING) Did you book the neighbor?
BO: No, but we did have to bring in the other guy for harassing his neighbor.
LEIGH: Boy, that definitely makes my boring business life sound incredibly dull.
BO: I don't believe that.
LEIGH: Honestly, I've been so busy with work that I haven't had a chance to explore this town. There's excitement out there... I just know it.
A LOUD CHEER IS HEARD FROM ACROSS THE ROOM.
BO: (LAUGHING) There's your excitement.
LEIGH: Judging from all the champagne bottles I see on that table, I'd say maybe a little too much excitement.
HOLD ON THE TWO, LAUGHING.
CUT TO: DEVERAUX DAYCARE CENTER. JACK ARRIVES AND STANDS IN THE DOORWAY, WATCHING ALL THE CHILDREN. NORMA WAVES TO HIM AND COMES OVER.
NORMA: Hello, Jack. It's not very often we see you here.
JACK: A situation I keep meaning to remedy. Luckily, today is Rosie's day off and I get the privilege of collecting the child. I hope she was no trouble?
NORMA LOOKS TOWARD ABIGAIL, WHO IS ROCKING A DOLL IN THE CORNER.
NORMA: Not at all. She really enjoys playing with the other children. You and Jennifer might want to think about having her come more regularly.
JACK: Perhaps... I'll speak to Jennifer about it and see what she thinks.
JACK GOES OVER TO ABIGAIL AND GETS DOWN ON HIS KNEES.
JACK: Hi.
ABIGAIL THROWS HER ARMS AROUND JACK'S NECK IN A BEAR HUG. OVER HER SHOULDER, WE SEE HOW MUCH THIS STILL TOUCHES HIM.
ABIGAIL: Daddy! Time to go home?
JACK: Yes, it is. Did you have fun today?
ABIGAIL: Yes! Daddy have fun too?
JACK: Well, I wouldn't say it was fun. Interesting maybe, but not fun.
ABIGAIL: I love you, Daddy.
JACK: Well, that's very good, because I love you too. You always cheer me up, did you know that?
ABIGAIL RUNS TO HER CUBBY-HOLE AND PULLS OUT A CARDBOARD BUTTERFLY WITH PIPE CLEANER ANTENNAE AND PAINTED MACARONI NOODLES GLUED ONTO IT. JACK FOLLOWS HER.
ABIGAIL: Look! Butterfly!
JACK: I see. And a lovely butterfly it is, too.
JACK REACHES INTO ABIGAIL'S CUBBY-HOLE AND PULLS OUT HER JACKET.
JACK: (CONT'D) How about we put your jacket on and go and show your butterfly to Mommy?
ABIGAIL: Okay.
JACK: And then we'll go home. To peace and blessed quiet.
OUT ON JACK'S HOPE.
NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. JANET AND SHANE ARE FINISHING UP THEIR DINNER.
SHANE: How was the gumbo?
JANET: Not bad... but the folks in the French Quarter have nothing to fear.
SHANE: (TAKING JANET'S HAND) You still miss New Orleans, don't you?
JANET: At times. But Salem does have some really great things, too.
JANET SMILES AT SHANE. SHANE THEN KISSES HER HAND.
SHANE: You know, I was thinking... I would love a native's tour of New Orleans one day. Care to be my tour guide?
JANET: (EXTRACTING HER HAND FROM SHANE'S) I don't know.
SHANE: Did we just stumble into an old memory?
JANET: You could say that.
SHANE: If you want to talk about it...
JANET: Mmmm... no. (BEAT) But you're not exactly an open book either, Captain Donovan. Maybe you should start off by telling me a little more about you.
SHANE: Anything in particular you want to know?
JANET: Kimberly would be a good start. What made her so incredible? How did you two meet?
SHANE: Well, ah... We... we met on a stakeout.
JANET: A stakeout? She worked with you?
SHANE: Um... Not exactly. We didn't really meet during the stakeout...
JANET: What happened, then?
SHANE: Well, she... I... She was the one I was watching.
JANET: Oohh, this sounds like a good story...
SHANE: (SMILING) Perhaps I'll tell it to you another time, when we know each other better. (BEAT) Much better.
HOLD ON SHANE.
CUT TO: JENNIFER'S OFFICE. JACK IS CARRYING ABIGAIL WHEN THEY COME UP TO THE CLOSED DOOR.
ABIGAIL: Mommy ready to weave?
JACK: I don't know if we'll be getting any handmade blankets, but I certainly think she'll be ready for dinner.
JACK OPENS THE DOOR AND SEES JENNIFER WORKING INTENTLY AT HER COMPUTER.
ABIGAIL: Mommy!
JENNIFER LOOKS UP, STARTLED.
JACK: We thought you might like to amscray romfay orkway.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Amscray romfay orkway... (BEAT) Oh, yeah... I think I do need to get out of here.
JACK: What say that my two ladies accompany me on a fine repast at Chez Bernie's?
JENNIFER: You want a hot dog for dinner?
JACK: Why not? And afterward, we can take a nice leisurely walk through the park.
JENNIFER: What's gotten into you tonight, Jack?
JACK: Nothing. (PULLING ABIGAIL TOWARD HIM) I just feel like having a nice, quiet evening with my family.
ABIGAIL: No tawking?
JENNIFER: Don't worry, sweetie... (TAKING ABIGAIL FROM JACK) Daddy just means that he wants to spend tonight with just the two of us, with no interruptions.
JACK: We both could use some calm, Jennifer. (BEAT) Especially if I have to go out of town soon.
JENNIFER: What are you talking about, Jack?
JACK GRABS JENNIFER'S PURSE AND STARTS TO LEAD JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL TO THE DOOR.
JACK: We'll discuss that later, okay? (BEAT) But let's just enjoy tonight.
HOLD ON JENNIFER'S WORRY.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. A WAITER BRINGS DINNER AND LEIGH AND BO LEAN BACK AS HE PLACES IT IN FRONT OF THEM. THEY BOTH LOOK AT THE FOOD APPRECIATIVELY.
BO: This looks good.
LEIGH: So does this. (BEAT) So... Have you heard anything about when the trial is going to be? For the carjackers?
BO TENSES A LITTLE.
BO: No, it depends on how the court calendar is. The judges and courtrooms are pretty backed up, lately.
LEIGH: Do you know who the judge would be? I hope they get a really tough one. I don't want those guys getting off.
BO TOYS WITH HIS FOOD AND LOOKS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE.
BO: I don't know.
LEIGH NOTICES BO'S RETICENCE.
LEIGH: Well, we'll just have to wait and see, then. (BEAT) Did you get a chance to watch that mini-series on Elizabeth Taylor last week?
BO: (RELIEVED AT THE CHANGE OF SUBJECT) No. Was it good?
LEIGH: I don't know, I was hoping you could tell me. My V.C.R. went on the fritz.
BO: Nope, sorry. Shawn-Douglas has control of the V.C.R. in our house. Perhaps you'd be interested in six hours of the Power Rangers?
OUT ON BO AND LEIGH'S LAUGHTER.
NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. LYNN IS ON STAGE, SINGING "THE SWEETEST DAYS." SHANE AND JANET ARE DANCING AGAIN, VERY CLOSE. SHE IS RESTING HER HEAD ON HIS SHOULDER, AND BOTH HAVE THEIR EYES CLOSED.
GO TO: BO AND LEIGH'S TABLE. SHE IS TELLING A STORY AS THEY LINGER OVER DESSERT AND BO IS LAUGHING AT HER DESCRIPTIONS. THE TWO SEEM RELAXED AND ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME.
GO TO: A CORNER TABLE, WHERE ASHLEY IS SITTING ALONE. SHE LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM. SHE LOOKS TOWARD THE ENTRANCE AND SEES RICHARD ENTER. THEY BRIEFLY MAKE EYE CONTACT BEFORE ASHLEY TURNS AWAY AND TAKES ANOTHER SIP FROM HER DRINK. PULL IN TO A CLOSE-UP OF ASHLEY'S FACE. SUDDENLY, A WHITE NAPKIN IS DANGLED IN FRONT OF HER. PULL BACK TO SHOW RICHARD STANDING BEHIND HER, WAVING HIS MAKESHIFT PEACE FLAG. HE MOTIONS TOWARD THE EMPTY SEAT WITH A QUESTIONING LOOK. SHE GRUDGINGLY NODS. RICHARD SITS DOWN AND THEY STARE AT EACH OTHER.
GO TO: KAYLA'S HOUSE. SHE AND MARCUS AND STEPHANIE ARE SITTING ON THE COUCH, WATCHING "BEETHOVEN'S SECOND" WHILE EATING POPCORN. ALL THREE ARE LAUGHING. EVEN KAYLA APPEARS RELAXED. PAN TO THE "BRIDE'S NOTEBOOK," LYING FORGOTTEN ON THE DINING TABLE.
GO TO: ALICE'S HOUSE. BILL AND ALICE ARE CLEANING UP THE KITCHEN TOGETHER, WASHING AND DRYING THE DISHES. NORM COMES IN, CARRYING HIS FOOD BOWL. LAUGHING, ALICE TAKES IT FROM HIM AND WASHES IT. BILL GIVES AN EXCITED NORM A DOG TREAT.
GO TO: THE PARK. JACK, JENNIFER, AND ABIGAIL ARE WALKING THROUGH THE PARK. ABIGAIL NOTICES THE SWINGS AND POINTS TO THEM. JACK NODS, SETS HER IN THE SEAT, AND PUSHES HER. JENNIFER GETS IN THE NEXT SWING AND JACK BEGINS TO PUSH HER, AS WELL. HOLD ON JACK, PUSHING ABIGAIL AND JENNIFER. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.