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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: April 30, 1997
Time: Several Days After #162,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1997
CJ'S LOFT. CJ IS STANDING IN FRONT OF HIS EASEL HOLDING A PAINT BRUSH. HE STARES AT THE BLANK CANVAS. THE TELEPHONE RINGS, BUT CJ DOES NOT ANSWER IT. HE DABS HIS BRUSH INTO SOME PAINT, BUT DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO PAINT ANYTHING ONTO THE CANVAS. SOMEBODY KNOCKS ON THE DOOR, BUT CJ DOES NOT FLINCH. HE CONTINUES TO STARE AT THE CANVAS. AFTER A WHILE, ASHLEY'S VOICE IS HEARD THROUGH THE DOOR.
ASHLEY: (V.O.) CJ? CJ! CJ, I know you're in there.
CJ LOOKS UP FROM THE CANVAS, BUT DOES NOT MOVE FROM HIS POSITION.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) (V.O.) CJ, c'mon, open the door! If you don't open up, I'm going to make a big mess out here.
FINALLY, CJ PUTS DOWN HIS BRUSH AND SLOWLY WALKS OVER TO THE DOOR. ASHLEY CONTINUES TO KNOCK FRANTICALLY.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) (V.0.) If you don't open this door right now...
CJ OPENS THE DOOR. IN ONE HAND, ASHLEY IS HOLDING A PAPER BAG AND A CARDBOARD TRAY CONTAINING TWO PAPER CUPS. SHE HAS ANOTHER BAG TUCKED UNDER HER ARM.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) Oh, hi.
CJ: Hi. I'm sorry it took me a while to get to the door. I was... occupied.
ASHLEY: Hey, it's me. I understand. I'm glad you answered. Otherwise, I would've spilled this stuff all over your front door.
CJ: What's up?
ASHLEY: Nothing really. I thought you could use some company... and some breakfast. I brought donuts, bagels... (HOLDS UP THE BAG AND THE TRAY) And hot cocoa.
CJ: Thanks. You really shouldn't have.
ASHLEY: But I did. (BEAT) Are you going to let me in, or should we set up breakfast out here?
CJ: Oh. Sure, come in. Excuse the mess. I haven't gotten around to cleaning anything since...
ASHLEY: Hey, don't worry about it. I understand.
HOLD ON ASHLEY AS SHE STEPS INSIDE THE LOFT.
CUT TO: SHAWN AND CAROLINE'S BEDROOM. SHAWN QUIETLY BACKS INTO THE ROOM CARRYING A TRAY WITH A PLATE OF BACON, EGGS, HASH BROWNS, A YELLOW DAFFODIL, AND A SMALL TEAPOT. TURNING WITH A FLOURISH, HE SMILES WIDELY.
SHAWN: Happy Anniversary, darlin'!
HIS SMILE FADES AS HE SEES THE BED IS ALREADY MADE AND CAROLINE IS NOWHERE IN SIGHT. HE PUTS THE TRAY DOWN ON THE NIGHT TABLE AND LOOKS IN THE ADJOINING BATHROOM.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) Caroline? Mo chroi?
HE COMES BACK INTO THE ROOM AND SITS ON THE BED. HE LOOKS AT THE TRAY, SHRUGS, AND POURS HIMSELF A CUP OF TEA FROM THE POT. HE TAKES A SWALLOW.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) I swear, that woman... I love her to pieces, but she's not an easy one to surprise.
HE TAKES A STRIP OF BACON FROM THE PLATE AND GESTURES IN THE AIR WITH IT.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) You'd think one morning out of 365 she'd let herself sleep in a wee bit. Insomniac, that's what she is.
HE TAKES A BITE OF THE BACON AND LOOKS DOWN AT IT.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) Eh, not half bad. (BEAT) Now where would she be at this hour of the mornin'? I know she's not in the kitchen because I was just in there myself.
HE SAMPLES THE EGGS AND HASH BROWNS AND WASHES THEM DOWN WITH ANOTHER SWALLOW OF TEA.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) And I saw Max off to school myself, books and lunch and sports bag in tow, so she's not gone off to deliver something he forgot.
SHAWN PUTS THE CUP DOWN AND PICKS UP THE TRAY.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) Ah, no matter. I'll not be letting an early bird such as herself spoil my surprise. I'll just go ahead with plan B... once I come up with it.
HOLD ON SHAWN LEAVING WITH THE BREAKFAST TRAY.
CUT TO: VIVIAN'S OFFICE. JOHN AND VIVIAN ARE EACH REVIEWING RESUMÉS. SEVERAL STACKS OF FOLDERS ARE ON THE TABLE. JOHN TOSSES THE ONE HE WAS LOOKING AT INTO A PILE.
JOHN: Another miss...
VIVIAN SLOWLY PUTS DOWN THE RESUMÉ SHE WAS READING.
VIVIAN: Well, this one seems quite promising. (BEAT) So nice of Adam to recommend him.
JOHN: Adam?
VIVIAN: Adam Chandler. A true shark among men... which is why I care for him so.
VIVIAN PULLS THE LARGEST FOLDER OUT OF THE CENTER PILE.
VIVIAN: (CONT'D) Someone either thinks very highly of himself or he really is the second coming of Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump rolled into one. (BEAT) I am not sure that this executive search firm is worth their fee.
JOHN ALSO PULLS ANOTHER FOLDER OUT OF THE CENTER PILE.
JOHN: (READING) "Vivian, this woman is fabulously qualified - C.H." (BEAT) C.H.?
VIVIAN: Carl Hutchins.
JOHN: He's the one that sent you the first folio of "Hamlet," isn't he?
VIVIAN: Yes.
JOHN SCANS THE RESUMÉ.
JOHN: Well, he seems to be a good judge of talent. This woman does appear to be exactly what we're after.
JOHN PUTS THIS FOLDER ON THE CHAIR NEXT TO HIS.
JOHN: (CONT'D) How many does this make?
VIVIAN PUTS DOWN THE ONE SHE WAS REVIEWING AND CHECKS THE PILE IN THE CHAIR.
VIVIAN: I have three here, plus the two you have there. (BEAT) However, we haven't even gotten to the ones that Victor recommended yet.
JOHN: Wonderful... and you still want to narrow it down to eight candidates to take over EcoSystems, right?
VIVIAN: Unless you want to interview every one of the candidates. (BEAT) And I know you don't want to do that.
JOHN: That's a fact.
JOHN PICKS UP ANOTHER FOLDER.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Hey, look... a Nobel prize for economics. (BEAT) Think he's overqualified?
VIVIAN: Slightly.
OUT AS JOHN TOSSES THE FOLDER IN THE "NO" PILE.
JACK'S OFFICE. THE SCENE IS ONE OF CHAOS JUST BARELY UNDER CONTROL. JENNIFER IS RIFLING THROUGH A FILING CABINET DRAWER. RICHARD IS SEATED IN FRONT OF JACK'S DESK, FURIOUSLY TYPING ON HIS LAPTOP COMPUTER. VERN RUSHES FROM ONE STACK OF PAPERS AT THE END OF JACK'S DESK TO THE FILING CABINET NEXT TO JENNIFER. IN THE CENTER OF THE STORM, JACK SITS IN HIS CHAIR, HIS DESK PHONE RECEIVER HELD TO ONE EAR AND HIS CELLULAR PHONE HELD TO THE OTHER. BOTH CONVERSATIONS ARE ONE-WAY.
JACK: (INTO THE DESK PHONE) Yes, I'm still holding... (INTO THE CELL PHONE) No, no, not you. Don't hold anything. The evening edition is going to run on time. I wanted to tell you to... wait just a second. (INTO THE DESK PHONE) Yes, Ms. Reynolds. Good afternoon. (BEAT) I was wondering if you could confirm reports that the Senator has been into the hospital for more tests... Yes, I realize that. (BEAT) Yes, he does. But as a public official, his right to privacy cannot override his constituents' right to know if he will be able to continue to perform his duties.
VERN RUSHES FROM THE FILING CABINET TO THE CREDENZA AND BEGINS SHUFFLING THROUGH A PILE OF VIDEO TAPES.
JACK: (CONT'D) (INTO THE DESK PHONE) So the official word is that the Senator is in "perfect health." Right. Well, I wouldn't use that as a slogan when re-election time comes around. Considering the millions of people who saw him in his last press conference, I don't believe too many people would buy it. (BEAT) Hello? Hello? (INTO THE CELL PHONE) I'll have to call you back.
JACK SLAMS DOWN THE DESK PHONE RECEIVER AND CLOSES HIS CELL PHONE.
JACK: (CONT'D) Damn. All right, people, what do we have?
RICHARD: I'm working on a framework of sorts, but without some hard facts, it's going to fall apart.
JACK: You heard the man! We need facts! Vern!
VERN, SEVERAL VIDEO TAPES IN HIS HANDS, WHIRLS TO FACE JACK'S DESK. ONE OF THE TAPES FLIES FROM HIS HANDS AND HEADS FOR RICHARD. RICHARD DUCKS AS THE TAPE PASSES OVER HIS HEAD. HE LOSES HIS GRIP ON HIS LAPTOP BUT MANAGES TO GET HOLD OF IT BEFORE IT HITS THE FLOOR.
RICHARD: Whoa... police beat flashback.
JACK: Vern, let's try not to decapitate our metro editor, please.
VERN: Sorry.
JACK: What we need are facts. We need the most recent medical records on the Senator, a list of his appointments, test results, footage that would show signs of a possible health problem.
JENNIFER: We're trying, Jack, but it's hard to dig up anything that hasn't come from the Senator's press secretary.
JACK: And gone through the requisite whitewashing.
VERN: What can we do, boss? Those records are confidential.
JACK: But the Senator could inform the public if he chose to do so. If everything is fine, as his office maintains, then what could be in his records that he doesn't want us to see?
JENNIFER: Isn't that a little paranoid, Jack?
JACK: I don't think so. After the atrocities that my... that Harper committed while in office, I've concluded that to be paranoid of politicians is a simple matter of common sense.
RICHARD: And you should know, having been one yourself.
JACK LOOKS AT RICHARD AND ARCHES AN EYEBROW. RICHARD SMILES SHEEPISHLY.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Sorry.
JACK: All we want is to find the truth.
UNNOTICED BY THE GROUP, STEVE QUIETLY ENTERS THE ROOM AND LOOKS AROUND. HE HAS A BEMUSED SMILE ON HIS FACE.
VERN: Which we aren't likely to get from the Senator's office.
JACK: Which is why we need to find it on our own.
JENNIFER: But where can we look, besides the Senator's hospital?
JENNIFER GLANCES TOWARD THE DOOR AND SEES STEVE.
JACK: There must be someone who knows what's going on. Someone who realizes that it's wrong to keep it a secret...
JENNIFER: Steve!
JACK: Steve? What would he... (LOOKS TOWARD THE DOOR) Oh.
STEVE: Hey, Jackson.
HOLD ON STEVE.
CUT TO: CJ'S LOFT. CJ AND ASHLEY ARE SITTING ON THE COUCH. CJ IS SWIRLING HIS HOT COCOA AROUND IN ONE HAND AND HOLDS A HALF-EATEN BAGEL IN THE OTHER HAND. ASHLEY RUNS HER HAND THROUGH CJ'S UNCOMBED HAIR.
ASHLEY: It would do you some good to get out for awhile. (BEAT) I'm not the only one who has been concerned about you.
CJ PUTS HIS COCOA AND BAGEL DOWN.
CJ: You don't need to worry about me. I'll be just fine right here.
ASHLEY: Uh-huh...
ASHLEY LOOKS AROUND THE LOFT AND ROLLS HER EYES AT THE MESS. BOOKS AND PHOTO ALBUMS LITTER THE FLOOR AND MANY PARTIALLY-COMPLETED CANVASES ARE LEANING AGAINST THE WALLS.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) I'm afraid that if I leave you here much longer, some mammoth dust bunny is going to make a meal of you. (BEAT) It won't be that horrible to get some fresh air.
CJ: Maybe later. But I promise I will clean up after you leave.
AN AWKWARD SILENCE FILLS THE ROOM. CJ TAKES ANOTHER DRINK FROM HIS COCOA, THEN GOES BACK TO SWIRLING IT AROUND.
ASHLEY: Two ears, no waiting... if you want to talk about your father, I'll listen.
CJ SETS THE COCOA BACK DOWN. HE LOOKS AT ASHLEY AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME ALL DAY, HE SMILES.
CJ: Papa... Ashley, you won't believe what he's done.
ASHLEY: Oh?
CJ: In his will... he's leaving a legacy of understanding and tolerance. (BEAT) He's left us all hope.
HOLD ON CJ.
CUT TO: BRADY PUB/KITCHEN. CAROLINE IS MAKING HER FAMOUS CHOWDER AND DOES NOT NOTICE WHEN SHAWN POKES HIS HEAD IN THE DOOR. HE SMILES.
SHAWN: (SINGING) In the springtime, a young man's thoughts turn to romance...
CAROLINE TURNS AROUND AND SMILES AT THE SIGHT OF SHAWN. HE IS CARRYING A BOUQUET OF RED ROSES.
SHAWN: (CONT'D) In the springtime, a young man's heart turns to love...
CAROLINE: Oh, Shawn... I can't believe you remember that.
SHAWN: Remember? Hell, woman, if I can't remember the song I made up to win your heart, then I'm ready for the home.
SHAWN HANDS HER THE FLOWERS.
SHAWN: Forty-nine roses for forty-nine years of wedded bliss.
CAROLINE WIPES A TEAR FROM HER EYE.
CAROLINE: They're beautiful. (BEAT) But you know as well as I that the road we've traveled hasn't always been so blissful.
SHAWN: But we're still here, ain't we? Through thick and through thin, good times and bad, it's still you and me.
CAROLINE: You amaze me, Shawn Brady. For all the Irish blarney and bluster, you really are the sweetest, most loving and wonderful man in the world. (BEAT) And I'm thankful every day that you're mine.
CAROLINE SETS THE FLOWERS DOWN ON THE COUNTER, PULLS SHAWN TO HER, AND KISSES HIM. THE EMBRACE CONTINUES UNTIL THEY HEAR THE SQUEAK OF THE DOOR. KAYLA IS STANDING IN THE DOORWAY.
KAYLA: Whoops! Sorry.
OUT ON KAYLA'S EMBARRASSED EXPRESSION.
BRADY PUB/KITCHEN. SHAWN, CAROLINE, AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.
KAYLA: Hi, Ma. Hi, Pop.
SHAWN AND CAROLINE SEPARATE FROM THEIR EMBRACE. SHAWN MAKES A COUGHING SOUND AND CAROLINE BRUSHES AN IMAGINARY PIECE OF HAIR FROM HER FACE. THEY ARE BOTH BLUSHING.
CAROLINE: Kayla, we didn't hear you come in.
KAYLA: Obviously you two were otherwise occupied. (BEAT) It's not the first time I've caught you smooching.
SHAWN: What're you talkin' about, child?
KAYLA: Oh, Kim and I used to always sneak into the kitchen for a snack and see you guys.
CAROLINE: I never knew that.
KAYLA: We didn't want to get into trouble. (BEAT) Don't worry. I think it's so sweet how romantic you are after 49 years of marriage.
SHAWN: (MAKES SOME MORE COUGHING SOUNDS) So, is there a reason for your stoppin' by?
KAYLA: Yes, I almost forgot. I just wanted to see if there was anything I can do to help you get ready for tonight.
CAROLINE: Tonight?
SHAWN: What's goin' on tonight?
KAYLA: Don't tell me you've already forgotten! We're all taking you to dinner at Euterpe. Remember?
SHAWN AND CAROLINE BOTH NOD THEIR HEADS.
CAROLINE: Of course. How could we forget?
SHAWN: It's so nice of you kids to do this for us.
KAYLA: We're happy to do it. (BEAT) Is there anything that you need?
CAROLINE: Oh, no, we're all set.
KAYLA: Okay. If there's anything that you need, give me a call.
SHAWN: Thank you, darlin'.
KAYLA: Now, I'll get out of your hair. Besides, I know that Kim and Roman will probably be calling you soon.
CAROLINE: We'll see you tonight, Kayla.
KAYLA WALKS TOWARD THE DOOR.
KAYLA: See you tonight. (BEAT) And Happy Anniversary again.
HOLD ON SHAWN AND CAROLINE AS THEY WAVE GOODBYE TO KAYLA.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JENNIFER, VERN, AND RICHARD FALL SILENT AS JACK AND STEVE STARE AT EACH OTHER. STEVE LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE.
STEVE: Didn't mean to interrupt.
JENNIFER: You aren't interrupting.
STEVE: No, I am. Should've known things would be going a hundred miles a minute here. This place always was like the eye of a hurricane.
JACK: The eye of a hurricane is calm. It's the wall that's the storm.
JENNIFER ELBOWS JACK. HE GLARES AT HER.
JACK: (CONT'D) What?!
JENNIFER: (TO STEVE) Come on in and join the fun.
STEVE: Nah, I don't think so. I might get hit by flying debris.
HE STOOPS TO PICK UP FILES THAT HAVE FALLEN ON THE FLOOR. HE STARES AT THEM THEN SMILES.
STEVE: (CONT'D) Gotta say, though, that with everything changing so much since I've been gone, it's a relief to see that some things stay the same. Same papers in a mess. Same golf club on the wall.
VERN: (SOTTO VOCE) Same madman at the helm.
JACK: (TO VERN) Remember who signs your paychecks.
STEVE LAUGHS AS HE LAYS THE FILES ON TOP OF JACK'S DESK.
STEVE: Well, I just dropped by to take a look around. I'll see you guys tonight.
JACK: Sure. Tonight.
JACK SITS AT HIS DESK AND BRINGS UP A FILE ON HIS COMPUTER AS STEVE EXITS. JENNIFER AND VERN CROSS THEIR ARMS AND STARE AT JACK. SLOWLY JACK SEEMS TO BECOME UNNERVED BY THEIR STARES.
JACK: (CONT'D) Oh, all right. I'll go. I'll go.
JACK STARTS TO EXIT BUT PAUSES TO POINT TO RICHARD.
JACK: (CONT'D) Call House Representative Richard Callahan and see what he knows about our august Senator. Old Dickie owes me a favor.
GO TO: SPECTATOR/HALLWAY. JACK CATCHES UP WITH STEVE.
JACK: You know, it's a long drive over here for a two-second tour of the publisher's office.
STEVE: Yeah, well, I didn't want to interrupt.
JACK: You weren't.
STEVE: You were much better at false sincerity when you were a politician.
JACK: Shows what you know. I'm still great at false sincerity. It's with the real stuff that I run into problems. (GAZING STEADILY AT STEVE) Stay. I mean it... really. We can hijack Jennifer's office and I'll even chip in for a couple of cups of coffee.
STEVE: Real coffee? Not that fancy, shmancy flavored stuff?
JACK: The real stuff. Black and strong enough to remove epoxy paint.
STEVE: You're on.
HOLD ON STEVE AND JACK.
CUT TO: CJ'S LOFT. CJ AND ASHLEY. IN PROGRESS.
CJ: I'm just relieved that Doug, Julie, and Uncle Eli will be there to help me. There's no way I could ever do this alone.
ASHLEY: Oh, I don't know. I think you're the kind of guy who can accomplish just about anything he sets his mind to.
CJ: The emphasis on "just about."
ASHLEY: Hey, don't sell yourself short.
CJ: It's just such a huge responsibility. It's my father's... it's his dying wish. One of his biggest dreams. I just don't know if I can do it.
ASHLEY: The only thing that can stop you is you.
CJ: No offense, but that sounds so cliché...
ASHLEY: Maybe so, but it's true. (BEAT) And I'm not that easily offended.
CJ: (SMILING) I'll remember that.
ASHLEY: Now you just have to stop putting all this unnecessary pressure on yourself. Stop worrying about failing and start figuring out how you're going to succeed.
CJ: You make it sound so easy...
ASHLEY: Not at all. It's not easy. Simple, but not easy.
CJ: My point exactly.
ASHLEY: That's why you need help.
CJ: That's what I've been saying.
ASHLEY: No, you've been saying you don't think you can do it. I'm saying that you can, with help.
CJ: Are you volunteering?
ASHLEY: You bet!
CJ: Great. I have you, Doug, Julie, Eli... Now all I need is a small army.
ASHLEY: And that's where I can help you first.
CJ: How?
ASHLEY: Recruiting! I'll help you put together a small army. Or a pretty good team, at least.
CJ: You have experience at this kind of thing?
ASHLEY: Well, not exactly. (BEAT) But I can be very persuasive. It can be pretty tough to say no to me.
CJ: I've noticed that.
ASHLEY: So come on, let's get started!
ASHLEY STANDS UP.
CJ: Now?
ASHLEY: Yes, now! What better time than the present?
CJ: I'm assuming you're not going to take no for an answer...
ASHLEY: You've got that right, bub. Come on...
ASHLEY GRASPS CJ'S ARM AND PULLS HIM OUT OF HIS SEAT.
CJ: Okay, okay... Just let me change into something a little more presentable. I wouldn't want to scare off any potential helpers.
ASHLEY: Hustle it up, then. No time to waste.
CJ WALKS OVER TO HIS BEDROOM DOOR. HE PAUSES AND TURNS BACK TOWARD ASHLEY.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) Let's go! We've got work to do!
CJ SMILES AND GOES INTO HIS BEDROOM, CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. ASHLEY SMILES AND FOLDS HER ARMS CONFIDENTLY. OUT ON ASHLEY.
JENNIFER'S OFFICE. STEVE IS SITTING ALONE IN FRONT OF JENNIFER'S DESK. HE NOTICES A FRAMED PICTURE OF JACK AND ABIGAIL ON THE DESK. HE PICKS UP THE PICTURE AND LOOKS AT IT. AFTER A MOMENT, HE PUTS THE PICTURE DOWN AND PICKS UP A PAPER WEIGHT. HE IS TOSSING THE PAPER WEIGHT AROUND WHEN JACK WALKS IN CARRYING TWO MUGS OF COFFEE. STEVE PUTS DOWN THE PAPER WEIGHT AND TAKES ONE OF THE MUGS. JACK SITS DOWN IN JENNIFER'S CHAIR. STEVE FIDGETS WITH HIS COFFEE MUG.
JACK: It appears that we've traded places.
STEVE: What's that?
JACK: Usually I'm the fidgety one.
STEVE: That's why I'm here, little brother.
JACK: I'm sorry? I can start twitching and pacing if you'd like.
STEVE: No, I like it when you're still like this. I can keep my eye on you better this way. (BEAT) No, it's me. I'm goin' nuts.
JACK: Is this something you should discuss with Dr. Ector?
STEVE: I don't think the head shrinker can help me. I'm talking about something to do. I want... no, I need a job or something to keep me occupied.
JACK: What about talking to Abe? Maybe he can help you get your old position back.
STEVE: I thought about that, but they probably don't want an ex-cop, ex-P.O.W. with a few bent brain cells on the force.
JACK: Not that I'm agreeing with you on the brain cell thing, but you may have a point. They probably have a policy regarding hiring officers who have had past psychiatric counseling.
STEVE: I'll probably have people worried about my mental state wherever I go.
JACK: I'm sure we can come up with something. (LEANS BACK INTO THE CHAIR) Let's see...
STEVE: I don't wanna keep you, Jack. I know you've got a busy schedule.
JACK SITS UPRIGHT IN THE CHAIR.
JACK: No, it's okay. I want to help you. (BEAT) You're better off not trying to get reinstated on the police force. I understand the hours are horrible and the wages are even worse. I'm sure you can find something better than that.
JACK RESTS HIS CHIN ON HIS HAND. HOLD ON JACK'S DEEP THOUGHT.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN IS READING THE LAST TWO RESUMÉS.
JOHN: C.C. Capwell. He definitely seems qualified and is eager to find a new position. (DROPS THE RESUMÉ IN THE "YES" PILE) Then again, Augusta Lockridge seemed just as qualified... but Vivian hated her.
HE HESITATES A LONG MOMENT BEFORE DROPPING AUGUSTA'S RESUMÉ ON THE "NO" PILE.
JOHN: (CONT'D) The sad thing is that even the people I'm rejecting know more about business than I do.
THE INTERCOM BUZZES.
PATRICIA: (V.O.) Mr. Black, there is an overseas call for you on line three.
JOHN: (PRESSES THE INTERCOM BUTTON) Thanks, Patricia.
JOHN ANSWERS THE PHONE. ONE-WAY.
JOHN: (CONT'D) John Black here. (BEAT) Hello?
THERE IS A LONG SILENCE. JOHN SEEMS ABOUT TO HANG UP ONLY TO SUDDENLY STOP WHEN THE PERSON ON THE OTHER END OF THE LINE SPEAKS.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Danielle?
OUT ON JOHN'S SHOCKED EXPRESSION.
CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. THE DOOR OPENS AND RICHARD ENTERS. HE CLOSES THE DOOR AND SIGHS HEAVILY. HE SLOWLY MAKES HIS WAY TO HIS DESK, PLACES HIS LAPTOP ON TOP OF THE DESK, AND SLUMPS DOWN INTO HIS CHAIR.
RICHARD: (SOFTLY) Finally, a moment's peace...
THERE IS A SINGLE KNOCK AT THE DOOR BEFORE IT OPENS. ASHLEY STRIDES IN. THE DOOR OPENS FURTHER TO REVEAL CJ, STANDING IN THE DOORWAY WITH HIS HAND STILL HELD UP IN A KNOCKING POSITION.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) (SOTTO VOCE) I should have known it wouldn't last.
ASHLEY: Hey, Richie!
RICHARD: I can see that your progress in the knocking department was short-lived.
CJ ENTERS AND CLOSES THE DOOR.
ASHLEY: Stow it, bub. This is important.
RICHARD: With you, it's always important.
ASHLEY: Come on, I'm serious.
RICHARD: You're always serious.
ASHLEY: (TO CJ) Can I get a little help here?
CJ: (SHRUGGING) Why would Richard believe me any more than he believes you?
RICHARD: Because I know Ashley far too well and I know how she exaggerates. (BEAT) You, I'm not sure. Give it a shot.
CJ: She's not exaggerating. In fact, she's here on my behalf.
RICHARD: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) I see...
CJ: It's something that was important to my father.
RICHARD PAUSES AND HIS EXPRESSION SOFTENS.
RICHARD: Please, go on. I didn't know your father as well as I would have liked, but I know from others that he was a remarkable man. If it was important to him, I'm sure it's worthwhile.
CJ: (NODDING) Thank you.
ASHLEY: Great!
SHE GRABS RICHARD AND PULLS HIM OUT OF HIS CHAIR.
RICHARD: What...?
ASHLEY: Let's talk about it over lunch!
RICHARD GLANCES AT CJ, WHO SHRUGS SHEEPISHLY. ASHLEY PULLS RICHARD TOWARD THE DOOR.
RICHARD: I guess we're going to lunch.
CJ: She did tell me how she doesn't take no for an answer...
RICHARD: That's the truth.
ASHLEY: All right, you two, enough idle chit-chat. We've got business to discuss.
ASHLEY OPENS THE DOOR AND PUSHES RICHARD THROUGH.
RICHARD: It's a good thing that it happens to be lunchtime...
ASHLEY: Oh, yeah, like you'd say no to me.
RICHARD: Of course I would. But this is for Robert.
ASHLEY: And don't you forget it.
RICHARD EXITS. ASHLEY TURNS TO CJ.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) See? Piece of cake.
CJ: I don't know. Isn't it a bad strategy to intimidate the potential help?
ASHLEY: He's a lock. Trust me.
ASHLEY SMILES CONFIDENTLY. OUT ON ASHLEY.
JENNIFER'S OFFICE. STEVE AND JACK SIT IN SILENCE FOR A MOMENT, STEVE JIGGLING HIS LEGS AND LOOKING AROUND THE OFFICE AND JACK LOOSENING HIS TIE.
JACK: You could work here.
STEVE: Excuse me?
JACK: I said, you could work here.
STEVE: Yeah, right.
JACK: Why not? There are lots of things you could do.
STEVE: Like what?
JACK PLAYS WITH A ROCK PAPERWEIGHT PAINTED BY ABIGAIL.
JACK: What would you like to do?
STEVE: Don't go all head shrinker on me, Jackson. You know as well as I do that I'm only qualified to push a broom around here and that's not for me.
STEVE LOOKS DOWN AT HIS HANDS.
STEVE: (CONT'D) I wouldn't want to embarrass you and Jennifer like that.
UNSEEN BY STEVE, JACK HEAVES A SILENT SIGH OF RELIEF. STEVE LOOKS UP AND JACK MASKS HIS EXPRESSION.
JACK: Okay, so maybe the publishing world isn't for you. But the question is still on the table. Do you have any idea of what you might want to do? You must have some aspirations? Hopes? Dreams?
STEVE: The big one was getting home. I didn't think ahead any farther than that.
JACK: Don't push yourself about it. Just give it some time. Something will come to you sooner or later.
STEVE: I guess so. I hope it happens sooner.
STEVE STANDS UP.
STEVE: (CONT'D) Thanks for the coffee. I know you're busy with some big story, so I'll let you get back to it.
JACK TRIES TO WALK SLOWLY TO THE DOOR, BUT HE CANNOT. BY THE TIME STEVE HAS SET THE COFFEE CUP ON JENNIFER'S DESK, JACK IS STANDING BY THE DOOR AND HAS OPENED IT.
JACK: I'm glad you came by. Come any time. Any time at all.
STEVE: (SMILING) Sure. See you at home tonight.
STEVE EXITS.
JACK: See you.
GO TO: SPECTATOR/HALLWAY. STEVE STEPS OVER TO THE ELEVATOR AND PUSHES THE 'DOWN' BUTTON. HE TURNS TO SEE JACK HURRY BACK TOWARD HIS OFFICE. HOLD ON STEVE'S SMILE.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. RICHARD, ASHLEY, AND CJ ARE SEATED AT A TABLE NEAR THE STAGE. CJ'S EYES KEEP DRIFTING TO THE PLACE WHERE THE MICROPHONE HAD BEEN.
CJ: (SOTTO VOCE) Papa... the last time I saw you happy was here.
ASHLEY: (TO RICHARD) And that, in a nutshell, is what the LeClare Foundation is supposed to do.
RICHARD: I'm impressed... it's an amazing legacy.
CJ: He was an amazing man.
RICHARD: I think we might even be able to get our fearless leader to contribute to this.
ASHLEY: Jack "I never met a penny I couldn't pinch" Deveraux?
RICHARD: I know... But under it all, he's a pretty good guy in search of a few healthy tax deductions. (BEAT) If we get Deveraux Publishing in line as a corporate sponsor, it makes it a lot easier to get other companies interested in donating.
CJ: Really? (BEAT) It's not going to be that easy, is it? Because, if you haven't guessed by now, I am totally over my head in all this.
A GRIN SPREADS ACROSS RICHARD'S FACE.
ASHLEY: I know that look... it's the one you get when you've got an idea that seems great now but could lead to disaster later.
RICHARD: I think we'll be able to skip the disaster part this time.
ASHLEY: Are you going to tell us?
RICHARD: Let me make a few calls after I get back to the office and then I'll tell you.
HOLD ON RICHARD'S SMILE.
CUT TO: JOHN'S OFFICE. JOHN IS ON THE PHONE WITH DANIELLE. TWO-WAY. IN PROGRESS.
JOHN: Dani? Dani, is that you?
DANIELLE: John, I...
JOHN: (INTERRUPTING) It is you! My God, I can't believe it.
DANIELLE: I'm sorry to be calling like this.
JOHN: No. Don't be sorry. Never be sorry. Do you know how long I've looked for you? Where are you?
DANIELLE: I don't... (SHE SIGHS) I can't go into detail right now.
JOHN: I have time.
DANIELLE: I don't. Not now.
THERE IS AN INDISTINGUISHABLE NOISE IN THE BACKGROUND ON HER END OF THE LINE. THEN SILENCE.
JOHN: Dani, are you still there?
DANIELLE: Yes, but I can't talk now. I'll call again.
THE NOISE INTERRUPTS HER AGAIN.
DANIELLE: (CONT'D) I've got to go.
JOHN: Wait! Why did you call?
DANIELLE: I need your help.
JOHN: You've got it. I...
THE NOISE REPEATS AND THEN THE LINE GOES DEAD.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Dani? Dani!
OUT ON JOHN'S WORRIED FROWN.
NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN/EXT. NICK IS OUTSIDE SMOKING A CIGARETTE WHEN STEVE WALKS BY.
NICK: Steve Johnson.
STEVE: That's me.
NICK: You have some time? I'll buy you a cup of coffee.
STEVE: More coffee... I must look sleepy or somethin'.
NICK: What?
STEVE: Never mind.
NICK: So, whaddaya say? You wanna come inside?
STEVE: I dunno.
NICK: Somethin' wrong?
STEVE: I'm not sure. I still have a lot of questions about the bomb on that boat and what you had to do with it.
NICK: I'm sure you do. (BEAT) All that was Alamain's doing. I didn't want anyone to get hurt.
STEVE LOOKS UNCONVINCED. NICK DROPS HIS CIGARETTE AND CRUSHES IT OUT WITH HIS FOOT.
NICK: (CONT'D) I'll give you all the details, at least all the ones I know, but you gotta come inside.
STEVE PAUSES, THINKING FOR A MOMENT. THEN HE SHRUGS.
STEVE: Sure, why not? I got no place to be right now.
GO TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN/INT. NICK OPENS THE DOOR FOR STEVE AND FOLLOWS HIM INSIDE. THEY WALK OVER TO THE BAR.
NICK: How do you like your coffee?
STEVE: I think I've had enough coffee for today. (SHRUGGING) For some reason, people think I'm a little high-strung. Too much caffeine ain't such a good idea. (BEAT) I'll have some water, though.
NICK: Sure...
NICKS WALKS AROUND BEHIND THE BAR AND GETS A GLASS OF ICE WATER FOR STEVE. STEVE SITS DOWN ON A BAR STOOL.
NICK: (CONT'D) So, how're you doing?
STEVE: I've been better. (BEAT) I've been worse, but I've been better, too.
NICK: That's understandable.
STEVE: But I'd rather talk about the explosion.
NICK: Okay...
STEVE: A lotta people believed you were the one that made that happen.
NICK: That's the way it was supposed to be. I was workin' on nailing Alamain from the inside.
STEVE: That's what I've heard.
NICK: It's the truth. I wanted to put him away for keeps.
STEVE: I can relate to that.
NICK: Listen, Steve, I can make this pretty simple... What do you know about Lawrence Alamain?
STEVE: I know what I've heard from other people. And I've met the creep.
NICK: What's your impression?
STEVE: He's a snake. I wouldn't turn my back on him for a second.
NICK: Knowing that, who do you think arranged that bomb?
STEVE: You've got a point.
NICK: I'm not saying I'm without blame, though. I didn't make it happen, but I've spent a lotta nights wondering if there's something I could've done to stop it.
STEVE: A lotta things coulda gone differently that night. What's done is done.
NICK: Still, I wanna do something to try to make up for it, at least a little bit.
STEVE: You don't have to.
NICK: I want to. (BEAT) You lookin' for a gig, by any chance?
STEVE: I dunno... Why, you know of somethin'?
NICK: I'm in the market for another bartender.
STEVE: And you think you want the one-eyed man pouring drinks?
NICK: Hey, I can't be the only guy around here to give the place character. Whaddaya say?
STEVE: I guess I could give it a shot.
NICK ROLLS HIS EYES.
NICK: I hope you've got better jokes than that for the customers.
STEVE: (SMILING) I can work on it.
NICK: Can you start tonight?
STEVE: Tonight?
NICK: Why wait?
STEVE: No reason, I guess. (BEAT) You've got yourself a new bartender, Nick.
THEY SHAKE HANDS.
STEVE: I don't have to start callin' you "Mr. Corelli," do I?
NICK: No way. Someone calls me that, it reminds me of cops givin' me attitude.
STEVE: (STANDING UP) I'll remember that.
NICK: Can you be back here in an hour?
STEVE: You bet.
NICK: See you then.
STEVE TURNS AND WALKS TOWARD THE DOOR. NICK PULLS OUT A CIGARETTE AND LIGHTS IT AS HE WATCHES STEVE DEPART. HOLD ON NICK.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS SITTING AT HIS DESK AND WORKING ON HIS COMPUTER. THE OFFICE IS QUIET NOW, BUT STILL STREWN WITH PAPERS AND FILES. JENNIFER KNOCKS AND ENTERS. SHE STEPS OVER SOME FILES AND SITS DOWN OPPOSITE JACK.
JACK: I thought you might be the cleaning crew.
JENNIFER: I doubt that even our janitorial staff would be willing to clean up this mess.
JACK: You're right. I'll have Vern get on it first thing tomorrow morning.
JENNIFER: Very funny, Jack.
JACK: You think I'm joking?
JENNIFER: Uh-huh. (BEAT) How did everything go with Steve today?
JACK: I don't know... He wants my help, but I just can't seem to help him.
JENNIFER: I'm sure you did your best.
JACK: I just wish that I could wave a magic wand and make everything better for him. He's gone through so much. I don't know what to do anymore...
JENNIFER STANDS UP AND WALKS OVER TO JACK. SHE STANDS BEHIND HIM AND BEGINS TO RUB HIS SHOULDERS.
JACK: (CONT'D) That, Mrs. D., feels heavenly. After about 30 more hours of this, I'll be as good as new.
JENNIFER: Maybe it would help if we had some time alone tonight. Just the two of us.
JACK: Mmm, I think I like that idea.
JENNIFER TURNS JACK AROUND IN HIS CHAIR AND SITS DOWN ON HIS LAP. SHE WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND HIM.
JENNIFER: I thought you might.
JENNIFER PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE AND DIALS. ONE-WAY.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) Hi, Rosie. Jack and I are going to be late tonight. Do you mind watching Abby for a few hours longer? (BEAT) Thanks, Rosie. You're the best.
JENNIFER HANGS UP THE PHONE AND TURNS TO JACK.
JACK: Everything check out?
JENNIFER: Yep. It's a date for tonight.
JACK: We're very lucky to have Rosie.
JENNIFER: Very lucky. Don't get me wrong, I love every minute that I spend with Abby, but sometimes I want some alone time with my husband.
JACK: I couldn't have said it any better, Mrs. D.
JACK PULLS JENNIFER CLOSE TO HIM AND KISSES HER. HOLD ON THEIR EMBRACE.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. NICK SITS AT A TABLE WITH THE LEDGER IN FRONT OF HIM. HE CLOSES HIS EYES AND RUBS HIS FOREHEAD.
NICK: Damn, but I hate tax season.
LOUIS APPROACHES AND SETS A GLASS DOWN ON THE TABLE.
NICK: (CONT'D) Thanks, Louis. How'd you know I needed that?
LOUIS: You're going to ruin your reputation if you keep this up.
NICK PICKS UP A SMOLDERING CIGARETTE FROM THE ASHTRAY AND TAKES A DRAG FROM IT. HE EXHALES AND SQUINTS AT LOUIS THROUGH THE SMOKE.
NICK: Excuse me?
LOUIS: Pretty soon people will see through that tough-guy exterior to the big marshmallow heart underneath.
NICK: What are you skwawkin' about?
LOUIS: You and I both know that we don't need another bartender.
NICK STUBS OUT HIS CIGARETTE.
NICK: That's news to me. Do me a favor, Louis...
LOUIS: Yeah, yeah, keep my mouth shut.
NICK CHOKES BACK A LAUGH.
NICK: Yeah, that too. But go back in the office and get me all that payroll crap. Steve's starting tonight and I gotta have all the paperwork ready when he gets here.
LOUIS: Sure thing, boss. Whatever you say.
LOUIS DEPARTS. OUT ON NICK, LIGHTING ANOTHER CIGARETTE AND CHUCKLING.
EUTERPE. DAVE IS STANDING AT THE PODIUM WHEN JACK AND JENNIFER ENTER.
DAVE: Good evening.
JENNIFER: Hi, Dave. Think we could get a quiet table for two?
DAVE: Right this way.
JACK AND JENNIFER FOLLOW DAVE AS HE LEADS THEM TO THEIR TABLE. THEY PASS BY THE LARGE ROUND TABLE SET UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAIN ROOM. SHAWN, CAROLINE, BO, SHAWN-DOUGLAS, MAX, STEPHANIE, KAYLA, MARCUS AND JOHN ARE LOOKING AT THE MENU.
SHAWN: I wonder how the lamb is.
CAROLINE: Probably quite similar to how it was when you had it last month.
BO: Still bickering after all these years.
KAYLA: At least there's no food flying.
BO: Yet.
MAX: You guys had food fights?
KAYLA: Not me... it was all Bo's fault. (BEAT) And Kim's. (BEAT) And Roman's.
MARCUS: Blame them if they're not here?
BO: You got it...
STEPHANIE: Sounds like you had fun when you were little, Uncle Bo. (BEAT) Mommy, can we have a food fight?
KAYLA: No, sweetie, that wouldn't be a good idea.
MARCUS MOTIONS STEPHANIE CLOSER.
MARCUS: We might try it sometime, okay? But not tonight.
STEPHANIE: Okay.
SHAWN: That's one portion of your childhood that I don't chose to remember.
CAROLINE: And as the person who had to clean up after the mess, I don't want to think about it either.
MAX: (SOTTO VOCE) No wonder they give me such a hard time.
CAROLINE: John, you okay? You haven't said much tonight.
JOHN: Uh... yeah, I'll be fine.
DOUG WALKS OVER TO THE TABLE, STOPPING BESIDE SHAWN-DOUGLAS.
DOUG: And how's my favorite boy?
SHAWN-D: I'm just fine, Grandpa Doug.
DOUG: You haven't gotten bored with all the toys you got for your birthday, have you?
SHAWN-D: No way! (BEAT) I totally love the Powerbook you gave me.
BO: My kid the web-head. (BEAT) Doug, you have managed to make it almost impossible for me to get him to go to bed at a decent hour.
JOHN: So, if I need a tutor for the Internet, I should call Shawn-D?
SHAWN-D: I'm your man.
BO: You think you might be willing to share some of this knowledge with your old man?
SHAWN-D: Maybe... but it's really easy. Everything I know I learned in school.
SHAWN: A lot different than when I was a lad.
SHAWN-D: I've even got an email pal in Dublin.
SHAWN: Really now?
SHAWN-D: Yeah... we video conferenced last week.
DOUG: That's amazing!
CAROLINE SMILES AT SHAWN, THEN AT DOUG.
CAROLINE: It's a different world now, isn't it?
MARCUS: Certainly different than when I was in school.
MAX: Hey Shawn-D, maybe you could help me get my web site up...
SHAWN-D: Cool.
HOLD ON THE GROUP.
CUT TO: RICHARD'S OFFICE. HE LOOKS UP FROM HIS LAPTOP AND OVER AT THE WALL CLOCK.
RICHARD: Six hours ahead... she should be home by now.
HE PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS, HUMMING WHILE HE WAITS FOR THE OTHER PARTY TO PICK UP. HE SMILES WHEN THE CONNECTION IS MADE. ONE-WAY.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Hello, Beautiful. How's my best girl?
HE LEANS BACK IN HIS CHAIR AND PUTS HIS FEET UP ON THE DESK.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Working, as usual. And I suppose you've just come in from some big society gala? (BEAT) Oh, dinner with the Prime Minister. How utterly boring.
HE LISTENS INTENTLY FOR A FEW MOMENTS, HIS SMILE WIDENING UNTIL HE BREAKS OUT INTO A SHOUT OF LAUGHTER.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) You did not say that. Did you? (BEAT) You're going to get in trouble one of these days for speaking your mind like that. (BEAT) Yes, I know that's what they all love about you. (BEAT) Yes, me included. I'm your most ardent admirer, you know that.
HE TWIRLS THE PHONE CORD AROUND HIS FINGER AND LETS IT SNAP BACK.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) What makes you think I want something? Maybe I'm just calling to say I love you... Ow, that hurt! I do too call just because... Do too. (BEAT) Do too.
HE TAKES HIS FEET OFF THE DESK AND SLIDES HIS CHAIR IN CLOSER TO IT. HE REACHES FOR A PAD OF NOTES.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Okay, okay. I admit it. I have a proposition for you... No, it's not like that. (BEAT) You'll never let me forget that, will you? It was years ago. (BEAT) Oh, thanks, but I'm plenty humble with you around. Now about this proposition... Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're a busy woman. I know... But you're perfect for this. (BEAT) No, I am not just saying that to get on your good side... Am not. (BEAT) Am not.
HE RUNS HIS FINGERS THROUGH HIS HAIR AND ROLLS HIS EYES.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) (RAISING HIS VOICE) Mother! Stop already! Do you want to hear about it or not? (CALMER) Okay, then...
HOLD ON RICHARD.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. "SUPERMAN," BY R.E.M., IS PLAYING AS THE BAR BEGINS TO FILL WITH PATRONS. STEVE LOOKS HAPPY AS THE OTHER BARTENDER SHOWS HIM THE ROPES. NICK LOOKS ON.
NICK: Looks like you're getting the hang of this already.
STEVE: Hang out in enough pool halls and you know all there is to know about pouring a draft beer.
NICK: What about margaritas and Tequila Sunrises?
STEVE: What's a little lime-ade and some orange juice?
NICK: You've got a point.
SEVERAL SALEM P.D. DETECTIVES WALK INTO THE BAR.
NICK: (CONT'D) (SHAKING HIS HEAD) I still don't get it. How did someone like me end up opening Salem's favorite hang-out for flatfoots? (LAUGHING) And now I've even got one tending bar.
GRINNING, STEVE HANDS NICK A BEER.
STEVE: What will you do?
NICK SILENTLY TOASTS STEVE.
NICK: Enjoy it.
STEVE TURNS TO POUR ANOTHER DRINK. NICK WATCHES HIM AND SMILES WITH SATISFACTION. HOLD ON NICK'S SMILE. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.