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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: May 22, 1997
Time: Several Days After #163,
Afternoon
Copyright 1997
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. KAYLA IS IN THE HOT FOOD LINE, STARING BLANKLY AT HER CHOICES. MARCUS APPROACHES, BUT SHE DOES NOT SEE HIM. HE NUDGES HIS TRAY INTO HERS.
MARCUS: Desperately seeking something edible?
KAYLA: Marcus! (BEAT) You see that chicken?
KAYLA POINTS TO THE BAKED CHICKEN ON THE SERVING LINE.
MARCUS: Yeah.
KAYLA: I think it's still moving.
MARCUS: Have you got live food back there, Ellie?
ELLIE, THE CAFETERIA WORKER, ROLLS HER EYES.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) The lady here thinks she saw lunch doing the macarena.
ELLIE: Very funny, Dr. Hunter.
KAYLA: He does three shows a day in O.R. four. (BEAT) I'll take the fish, please.
MARCUS: Me, too.
ELLIE SERVES THEM THEIR FOOD. THEY EACH GRAB A BOTTLE OF WATER AND JOIN THE LONG LINE AT THE CASH REGISTER.
KAYLA: And Steffi wondered why I took her out for lunch on Take Your Daughter to Work day.
MARCUS: The downside of the medical profession... you're obligated to eat hospital food at least part of the time. (BEAT) Think we could get a sitter tonight? I'd like to take you out for a real meal at Euterpe.
KAYLA: I'm sure we could find someone. Maybe even Steve...
MARCUS: No, remember, he's working at Nick's now.
KAYLA: Oh, right.
AN AWKWARD SILENCE ENSUES. HOLD ON KAYLA AS SHE NERVOUSLY BITES HER LIP.
CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE AND JOHN ARE SITTING ON THE COUCH WITH COFFEE MUGS. IN PROGRESS.
SHANE: So let's hear it, old man. I assume this isn't a social call?
JOHN: Am I that transparent?
SHANE: Only to a good friend who knows you don't normally fidget.
JOHN: I was hoping you'd have turned up something on Dani.
SHANE NODS HIS HEAD.
SHANE: Ah, yes, Danielle. The lovely jewel thief who seems to disappear at will. It's been slow going, John.
JOHN: I appreciate any help you can give me. It's really important that I find her.
SHANE: I know you're anxious to hear from her. Honestly, I'm doing my best.
JOHN: I know. Perhaps I didn't start this conversation off right. The fact is, I've already heard from her. She called me at EcoSystems.
HOLD ON SHANE'S SURPRISE.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE/EXT. ASHLEY IS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE DOOR. SHE RAISES HER HAND TO KNOCK BUT STOPS. SHE UNCLENCHES HER HAND AND SHAKES IT. RICHARD COMES UP QUIETLY BEHIND HER.
RICHARD: Why not barge right in like you usually do?
ASHLEY JUMPS.
ASHLEY: Oh! Don't scare me like that!
RICHARD STUDIES ASHLEY'S FACE FOR A MOMENT.
RICHARD: I know that look. You were scared before I got here.
ASHLEY: I was not. I am not.
RICHARD: Uh-huh.
RICHARD POINTS TO JACK'S NAME ON THE DOOR.
RICHARD: (CONT'D) Getting called on the carpet by the boss?
ASHLEY: No! I haven't done anything! That little fire in the darkroom was just that. Little. Under control in no time. No loss of lives, equipment, or film.
ASHLEY'S EYES NARROW.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) You're looking a little pale yourself. You got one of those (IMITATING JACK) "Come to my office. Now." phone calls too, didn't you? What'd you do?
RICHARD: Nothing. I'm perfect.
ASHLEY SNORTS.
ASHLEY: So why would Jack call us in together? It's not like we work on the same projects. Did you talk to him about the donation to the LeClere Foundation?
RICHARD: Not yet. And I'm not going to now. He didn't sound like he was in a donating mood.
ASHLEY: Then what could it be?
RICHARD: There's only one way to find out. (RAISING HIS HAND TO KNOCK, PAUSING TO LOOK AT ASHLEY) Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want to do the honors?
ASHLEY MAKES A FACE AND GIVES RICHARD A SLIGHT SHOVE. HE KNOCKS TWICE.
JACK: (V.O.) Enter!
GO TO: JACK'S OFFICE/INT. JACK IS IN HIS CHAIR, BUT WITH HIS BACK TURNED TO THE DOOR.
JACK: Mr. Hunt, Ms. Bellafiore. Come in. Sit down.
ASHLEY AND RICHARD SIT DOWN. THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SHRUG.
ASHLEY: (BRIGHTLY) I hope you've got a really great assignment for us, Jack.
ASHLEY'S FALSE SMILE FADES WHEN JACK IS SILENT. THE SILENCE STRETCHES OUT FOR SEVERAL MOMENTS AS ASHLEY AND RICHARD EXCHANGE WORRIED GLANCES. SUDDENLY, JACK SWINGS HIS CHAIR AROUND TO FACE THEM. HIS FINGERS FORM A STEEPLE UNDER HIS CHIN.
JACK: Unfortunately, this is very serious. I've just heard something about the two of you that gives me great pause...
OUT ON JACK'S SERIOUSNESS.
JACK'S OFFICE. RICHARD, ASHLEY, AND JACK. IN PROGRESS. RICHARD AND ASHLEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER WITH CONCERN. ASHLEY TURNS TO JACK.
ASHLEY: I'm sure it's not as bad as you've heard...
RICHARD: (INTERRUPTING) What, exactly, have you heard, Jack?
JACK SIGHS AND SHAKES HIS HEAD SLOWLY.
JACK: This is not something to be taken lightly. The entire paper will be affected, and people around the country, around the world, will hear about it.
ASHLEY: (SWALLOWING HARD) What...?
RICHARD: Jack, I have no idea what this could be about...
RICHARD IS INTERRUPTED AS THE DOOR FLIES OPEN AND VERN BURSTS IN.
VERN: Jack!
VERN IS GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR AS HE RUSHES TO JACK'S DESK.
VERN: (CONT'D) Jack!
JACK: Vern.
VERN: Have you told them yet?
RICHARD AND ASHLEY NOTICE THE SMILE ON VERN'S FACE.
JACK: I was doing just that before you so rudely interrupted.
VERN: Well, get on with it!
VERN PATS JACK ON THE BACK AND GRINS AT RICHARD AND ASHLEY. ASHLEY FROWNS AT JACK.
ASHLEY: All right, Jack, what's going on here?
RICHARD: I take it from your smile, Vern, that this is good news.
VERN: Of course...
JACK: (INTERRUPTING) Vern! Quiet!
ASHLEY: (TO JACK) You've been yanking our chains!
RICHARD: Come on, Jack. The cat's out of the bag now.
JACK: Yes. (GLARING AT VERN) It would seem so.
ASHLEY: So spill it. What's the good news?
JACK TURNS BACK TO RICHARD AND ASHLEY AND SIGHS.
RICHARD: No offense, Jack, but you've had your fun.
JACK: It was rather amusing.
ASHLEY: Not from this side of the desk, bub.
VERN: Jack, that's just mean.
JACK: Am I the only one this this room with a sense of humor?
VERN: Are you going to tell them or do I have to do it?
JACK: Fine. I called you two in here to tell you that...
JACK IS INTERRUPTED BY A SQUEAL OF JOY AS JENNIFER RUSHES INTO THE ROOM.
JENNIFER: Jack! Jack! I'm so happy for you!
JENNIFER RUSHES OVER TO THE DESK. VERN JUMPS OUT OF THE WAY JUST BEFORE JENNIFER LUNGES AT JACK AND GIVES HIM A HUG.
JENNIFER: (CONT'D) It finally happened! You won! You won! You've got your Pulitzer!
SHE GRASPS HIS FACE IN HER HANDS AND GIVES HIM A HUGE KISS. RICHARD AND ASHLEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER IN SHOCK.
RICHARD/ASHLEY: Pulitzer?
JENNIFER SITS IN JACK'S LAP AND TURNS TO RICHARD AND ASHLEY.
JENNIFER: Oh, and congratulations to you two!
ASHLEY: Us? Why?
JENNIFER: Didn't Jack tell you? (TO JACK) Didn't you tell them?
JACK: I...
JENNIFER: (TO RICHARD AND ASHLEY) You both won Pulitzers, too!
RICHARD AND ASHLEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER IN DISBELIEF. THEY LOOK AT JENNIFER, THEN AT EACH OTHER AGAIN.
ASHLEY: We won.
RICHARD: (GRINNING) We won.
ASHLEY: (SHRIEKING) We won!!!
RICHARD AND ASHLEY JUMP OUT OF THEIR SEATS AND EMBRACE EACH OTHER. RICHARD LIFTS ASHLEY UP AND SPINS HER AROUND. THEY ARE BOTH LAUGHING. JENNIFER LEANS OVER AND KISSES JACK AGAIN. VERN WATCHES THEM ALL AND SMILES. HOLD ON THE CELEBRATION.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. JULIE IS STANDING AT THE PODIUM CHECKING THE RESERVATIONS BOOK. VICTOR AND VIVIAN ENTER.
VICTOR: Julie, what a surprise! Don't tell me Midsummer is on the brink?
JULIE LOOKS UP AND SMILES SWEETLY.
JULIE: Victor. Don't get all excited about a takeover just yet, darling. Midsummer is well and healthy. Once Doug's allergies calm down, I'll be back there full time.
VICTOR: I look forward to doing battle with you again.
JULIE: (IGNORING VICTOR, TO VIVIAN) Vivian, how lovely to see you again. That color is smashing on you. Shall I show you to a table?
VIVIAN: Thank you, Julie.
JULIE PICKS UP TWO MENUS AND LEADS VICTOR AND VIVIAN TO A TABLE. THEY SIT DOWN.
JULIE: (CONT'D) Jasmin will be with you in a moment. Enjoy your lunch.
VICTOR: Oh, Julie... please give Jack my congratulations.
JULIE: For what?
VICTOR: Really, Julie. I can't believe you haven't heard yet. For winning the Pulitzer on the prison camp story, of course.
JULIE: How do you know things before everyone else does?
VICTOR: I have my sources.
JULIE: I'm sure you do, darling. But it's not good form to delight in rubbing someone's nose in it. (TO VIVIAN) I'll leave him to you, Vivian. If anyone can handle him, you can.
JULIE WALKS AWAY. VIVIAN RAISES HER EYEBROW AT VICTOR.
VICTOR: I'm sorry, Vivian. That was terribly rude of me, wasn't it? Sparring with Julie has become second nature.
VIVIAN: I can see that. But let's get down to business, shall we?
VICTOR: All right, if you'd rather. I think I've solved the problem of your replacement at EcoSystems. That is, if you're still planning to leave?
HOLD ON VICTOR'S INQUIRY.
CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE AND JOHN. IN PROGRESS.
SHANE: Wait a minute. You've heard from Danielle?
JOHN: Yes. She called me the other day.
SHANE: So you do know where she is now.
JOHN: Actually, I still have no clue where she is or what she's up to.
SHANE: But I thought you just said you talked to her.
JOHN: I did, but she didn't answer anything for me. It was a very brief conversation and we were cut short. (BEAT) She asked for my help.
SHANE: Help with what?
JOHN: I don't know. But she sounded desperate. I have to find her, or at least find some clue about how to find her.
JOHN RUNS HIS HANDS THROUGH HIS HAIR.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Shane, I know I've asked you before, but have you pulled every string you know and looked under every single rock to find her? There's got to be some way.
SHANE: I've tried everything I can think of already.
JOHN SIGHS WITH FRUSTRATION.
SHANE: (CONT'D) But I will renew and redouble my efforts to help you find Danielle. If she's out there, we'll find her.
JOHN: Thanks, Shane. This means a lot to me.
OUT ON JOHN'S DETERMINATION.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. MARCUS AND KAYLA. IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: You did know that Steve had been hired at Nick's, didn't you?
KAYLA: Yes, of course I knew. And I think it's good that he's getting on with his life.
MARCUS: But...?
KAYLA: But nothing.
BILL TAPS MARCUS ON THE SHOULDER.
BILL: (GRINNING) Hey, you two, you're holding up the line.
KAYLA: Oh, sorry.
BILL: Oh, don't be sorry. The longer I stand in line, the longer I avoid having to eat this so-called lunch. If I didn't know better I would worry that this chicken will get up and walk off this plate.
MARCUS AND KAYLA SHARE A LOOK AND SILENT LAUGH. MARCUS PAYS FOR HIS AND KAYLA'S LUNCHES AND THE TWO STAND WAITING WHILE BILL PAYS FOR HIS.
BILL: (CONT'D) Did you two hear the good news?
MARCUS: No, but we could use some.
BILL: The Spectator picked up a couple of Pulitzers for the prison camp story. Jack is on cloud nine.
A BEEPER GOES OFF AND THEY ALL REACH FOR THEIRS TO CHECK.
BILL: (CONT'D) It's mine. Wouldn't you know it?
MARCUS: They always go off at meal times and other inopportune moments.
BILL: Yes. But on the bright side, I'm saved from wrestling with the chicken for my salad. I'll see you two later.
BILL DEPARTS AND MARCUS AND KAYLA WALK TO A TABLE AND SIT DOWN. AN AWKWARD SILENCE DESCENDS AGAIN.
MARCUS: Great news about that Pulitzer. Jack is most probably constructing an altar to it even as we speak.
KAYLA DOES NOT RESPOND.
MARCUS: Kayla? Are you all right? What's wrong? (SIGHING) Don't answer, I know. You're wondering how all this will affect Steve.
HOLD ON MARCUS' UNHAPPY EXPRESSION.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. ASHLEY IS STILL DANCING AROUND THE OFFICE WHILE RICHARD IS NOW SITTING IN STUNNED AMAZEMENT.
RICHARD: (SOTTO VOCE) I'll be damned, Ash... you were right about this story the whole time.
JENNIFER STOPS KISSING JACK AND JOINS ASHLEY IN HER HAPPY DANCE.
JACK: Six inch headline, Vern... "Spectator Awarded Top Journalism Prize." (BEAT) Anyone know if you can bronze a newspaper?
JACK GLEEFULLY OPENS HIS DESK DRAWER AND PULLS OUT THE EDITION THAT CONTAINED THE FIRST IN THE SERIES OF AWARD-WINNING ARTICLES.
JACK: (CONT'D) Maybe like how they do those gold-plated baseball cards.
THE PHONE RINGS AND JACK PICKS IT UP. ONE-WAY.
JACK: (CONT'D) Deveraux here. Julie, you've heard? Yes, everyone is here. I'll put you on speaker phone.
JACK PUNCHES THE BUTTON AND JULIE'S VOICE FILLS THE ROOM.
JULIE: (V.O.) Congratulations, everyone! I'm so proud of all of you.
ASHLEY: Thanks, Julie. Isn't it great?
RICHARD: Thank you, Julie.
VERN: Jack was just wondering if a newspaper can be bronzed.
JULIE: (V.O.) I think I'd go with a tasteful black matting and a gilt frame, darling.
JACK: You're probably right. Tasteful and elegant.
JENNIFER: As opposed to flashy and boastful.
JACK PLAYFULLY GLARES AT JENNIFER. SHE STICKS HER TONGUE OUT AT HIM.
JULIE: Richard, I'm not forgetting that you were my employee first.
RICHARD LAUGHS.
JULIE: (CONT'D) (V.O.) And just where are you going to put that Pulitzer for International Reporting? (BEAT) Oh, dear, is there only one award for you and Jack to share? Would it be joint custody or a fight to the death for the precious trinket...?
VERN: That sounds like it could get ugly, Julie.
JENNIFER: I'm pretty sure that they each get their own. (BEAT) Though if they decide to wrestle for it, I'll be sure to call you.
ASHLEY: And I'll arrange for the mud pit.
JULIE LAUGHS.
RICHARD: (TO JACK) They think so little of us.
JACK: You noticed?
JENNIFER GOES TO THE MINI-REFRIGERATOR AND TAKES OUT A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE.
JENNIFER: I was hoping we'd need this.
HOLD ON BOTTLE AS THE CORK IS POPPED.
CUT TO: ABE'S OFFICE. ABE IS BEHIND HIS DESK AND JOHN IS SITTING ACROSS FROM HIM.
JOHN: And the phone went dead. (BEAT) I've got to try and find her, partner.
ABE: What did Shane say?
JOHN: That he'd look into it. (BEAT) He's not too optimistic, though, given that they haven't had any luck so far.
ABE: Well, I can't promise you anything, but I'll do my best for you. Whatever the Salem P.D. can turn up is all yours.
JOHN GETS UP AND STARTS TO LEAVE.
JOHN: Thanks, partner.
ABE: Don't be a stranger, John. (BEAT) Hey, you sure you don't want to come back to work?
ABE POINTS TO A LARGE STACK OF PAPERWORK ON HIS DESK.
ABE: (CONT'D) I need you, man.
JOHN: I think I'll pass.
JOHN GIVES ABE A SMALL SALUTE, THEN EXITS.
GO TO: SALEM P.D. SQUAD ROOM. JOHN PASSES A DESK AND STOPS WHEN HE SEES THE TOP OF BO'S HEAD BEHIND ANOTHER LARGE PILE OF PAPERWORK.
JOHN: In triplicate, Brady!
A STARTLED BO LOOKS UP.
BO: Don't even joke about that.
JOHN: Hey, I've been there... I've filled out these damn reports a million times.
BO: Yeah, but if memory serves, you hated the routine more than I do. (BEAT) A nine to five life isn't your style.
JOHN: Now give me some credit. I have been pushing my share of papers lately. You want to get out of here for a bit?
BO: You buying?
JOHN: Yeah. (BEAT) I'll tell the accountants it's a charitable donation.
BO LOOKS AT HIM SKEPTICALLY.
JOHN: (CONT'D) Preserving the sanity of a peace officer by saving him from a killer pile of paperwork. (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Your shift is over, right?
BO: Has been for ten minutes.
JOHN: Then let's go.
BO GETS UP AND GRABS HIS JACKET. OUT ON BO AND JOHN AS THEY EXIT THE SQUAD ROOM.
EUTERPE. VICTOR AND VIVIAN. IN PROGRESS.
VICTOR: I don't believe anyone would blame you for catching the next flight to Paris if the stack of files John placed on your desk is half as high as I suspect it is.
VIVIAN: (LAUGHING) You know I always appreciate impossible challenges.
VICTOR: That you do. And there is always exhilaration in perfecting the art of the deal.
VIVIAN: Power does have it's allure.
VICTOR: Then again, there are those who say that power corrupts. And most people consider the two of us corrupt enough as it is.
VIVIAN: Only those without imagination. (HER SMILE DISAPPEARS) Victor, we both know my desire to find a replacement at EcoSystems has nothing to do with work.
VICTOR: And everything to do with Lawrence. Has he gotten worse?
VIVIAN: No. He's been a perfect gentleman, arranging in advance for visits with Nicholas, not complaining about Ivan or I being there at all times. He's given me no trouble whatsover.
VICTOR: And that has got you more worried than ever.
VIVIAN: Yes. You know how Lawrence operates.
VICTOR: I certainly do.
VIVIAN: He thinks he can lull me into a false sense of security before he strikes. Unfortunately, my dear nephew forgets that I don't trust him one bit.
HOLD ON VIVIAN'S WORRIED EXPRESSION.
CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, JENNIFER, RICHARD, ASHLEY, AND VERN CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE. RICHARD REFILLS EVERYBODY'S GLASS WITH CHAMPAGNE.
VERN: I say it's time to let the staff in on the big news.
JENNIFER: Good idea, Vern. This is a day to celebrate.
RICHARD: I'm sure they've been wondering what all the screaming is about.
EVERYBODY EXCEPT JACK GETS UP AND HEADS TOWARD THE DOOR.
RICHARD: (TO ASHLEY) You'll have to clean up that mess of an apartment of yours if you want a good place to display your Pulitzer.
ASHLEY: I already have the perfect place.
AS EVERYBODY EXITS, JENNIFER TURNS AND SEES THAT JACK IS STILL SITTING AT HIS DESK. HE IS STARING QUIETLY AT THE PRIZE-WINNING COPY OF THE SPECTATOR. SHE QUIETLY CLOSES THE DOOR AFTER THE LAST PERSON HAS LEFT AND TURNS TO JACK.
JENNIFER: I know what you're thinking.
JACK LOOKS UP AT JENNIFER.
JACK: Do you?
JENNIFER: You're thinking that all this joy and celebration comes at Steve's expense.
JACK: Yes. This is all a little strange and somewhat unnerving.
JENNIFER: Maybe what you need to do is share the joy with Steve.
JACK DOES NOT RESPOND. JENNIFER TURNS AROUND, OPENS THE DOOR, AND EXITS. JACK LOOKS AT THE DOOR FOR A MOMENT AND PICKS UP THE TELEPHONE. HE DIALS. ONE-WAY.
JACK: Hello, Steve?
HOLD ON JACK.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/CAFETERIA. KAYLA AND MARCUS. IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: I can't go on like this anymore.
KAYLA: Like what?
MARCUS: Like we're in limbo. (BEAT) I love you, Kayla.
KAYLA TAKES HOLD OF ONE OF MARCUS' HANDS.
KAYLA: I love you, too. You know that, don't you?
MARCUS: Yes, I know you love me. But...
MARCUS PULLS HIS HAND AWAY FROM KAYLA'S.
MARCUS: (CONT'D) I also know that you love Steve. You always loved him and I know that you always will.
KAYLA: Of course I'll always love Steve. But that still doesn't mean...
MARCUS: (INTERRUPTING) No, Kayla. I mean that you really love Steve and that will never change.
OUT ON MARCUS' STATEMENT.
ALICE'S RESTAURANT. JOHN AND BO ARE SITTING IN ONE OF THE BOOTHS. ALICE WALKS UP TO THEM AND PLACES A LARGE PLATE OF DONUTS ON THE TABLE.
JOHN: This is exactly what I was looking forward to. Alice's famous donuts.
ALICE: There's plenty more.
BO: How's it going, Mrs. H?
ALICE: I can't complain. (BEAT) Have you heard the news?
JOHN: What news is that?
ALICE: Jack, Richard, and Ashley have won a Pulitzer for their story on the prison camp in Southeast Asia.
JOHN: Is that a fact?
ALICE: Jennifer just called me with the good news.
BO: That's great.
JOHN: I bet Jack's counting the rising points in his stock right now.
ALICE: (LAUGHING) I wouldn't be surprised. (BEAT) Bo, how was your date with Lynn the other night?
BO: (TURNING SLIGHTLY RED) Um, what?
ALICE: Your date? How was it?
JOHN: I haven't heard about this.
BO: Wait a minute. How did you hear about this, Mrs. H?
ALICE: Oh, I have my sources. (BEAT) I'll talk to you boys later.
ALICE SMILES, WINKS AT BO AND THEN LEAVES.
JOHN: So tell me, Bo. What's the deal here? Is it serious?
BO: I wouldn't call it serious. Not just yet.
JOHN: What would you call it?
BO: I'm not sure. One thing that I am sure of is that I've made up my mind to get on with my life and look to the future.
JOHN: I'm glad. It's always hard to make that decision, but it's the best thing you could do. (BEAT) So does Lynn factor into your future?
BO: I'm not sure, but she just might.
HOLD ON BO'S OPTIMISM.
CUT TO: EUTERPE. VIVIAN AND VICTOR. IN PROGRESS.
VICTOR: You certainly have good cause to not trust Lawrence. I certainly wouldn't.
VIVIAN: Just look at what he did to that Steve Johnson fellow.
VICTOR: What Lawrence did...?
VIVIAN: Come now, Victor, don't be coy. We both know what really happened.
VICTOR: (SMILING) Vivian, you never cease to surprise me.
VIVIAN: It's a family trait, my dear. Which is why I dare not turn my back on Lawrence for a moment. If he went to such great lengths to destroy the life of a complete stranger, I don't want to imagine what he would do to me over Nicholas.
VICTOR: Not to mention what he's done in the past.
VIVIAN: (SHIVERING) I try not to dwell on that.
VICTOR: I'm sorry. (BEAT) I won't deny that Lawrence is a formidable opponent, Vivian, but so are you.
VIVIAN: Thank you, Victor, but this is much more serious than your average business deal. I have custody of Lawrence's son.
VICTOR: Of course. Business is business, but family...
VIVIAN: Exactly. The normal rules of combat don't apply.
VICTOR: What do you plan to do?
VIVIAN: I'm not certain. I do know that I will never willingly give Nikki back to that monster. (BEAT) Unfortunately, I also know that Lawrence never stops until he gets what he wants. And he wants Nikki.
VICTOR: Is there anything I can do to help?
VIVIAN: The thing that would help me the most is finding someone to take the helm at EcoSystems so that I can take Nikki and get as far away from here as possible.
VICTOR: Are you sure that running is the best thing to do?
VIVIAN: Admittedly, it's not an ideal solution, but I think I'll be better able to protect Nikki and myself if we're closer to home.
VICTOR: If you'd like, I could call in some favors and make it more difficult for Lawrence to follow you.
VIVIAN: I appreciate that, Victor, but I don't want to drag you into this. This is a family problem.
VICTOR: I understand. You'll let me know if you change your mind?
VIVIAN: Of course. Thank you.
VICTOR: You won't be offended if I keep an eye open on your behalf, will you?
VIVIAN: No, I won't.
VICTOR: I'm sure I don't need to tell you to be careful.
VIVIAN: Believe me, I will. I can't afford not to be. Nikki is depending on me. I can't let him down.
HOLD ON VIVIAN'S CONCERN.
CUT TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL/CAFETERIA. KAYLA AND MARCUS. IN PROGRESS.
MARCUS: I just wonder if you still love Steve... if you're still in love with Steve. (BEAT) Not just some lingering feelings, and not because of Stephanie, but because you'd rather be with him.
KAYLA: What do I have to do to get this through to you... I love you, Marcus Hunter. We're married, aren't we?
MARCUS: Are we?
KAYLA: Look at me.
KAYLA PUTS A HAND ON MARCUS' CHEEK.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) We are married. (BEAT) But right now, you're really getting on my nerves.
MARCUS: See, I knew...
KAYLA CUTS HIM OFF.
KAYLA: Do you think I agreed to marry you in the first place out of some sort of duty? Or because you were there for me when I thought Steve was dead? Or because we became best friends or I felt like I had to have a permanent father for Stephanie?
KAYLA LOOKS DEEPLY INTO MARCUS' EYES.
KAYLA: (CONT'D) None of those reasons apply. I married you because I fell madly in love with you. (LONG BEAT) And a love this strong doesn't go away just for the sake of convenience.
MARCUS: That's exactly what I've been saying here, Kayla... because if that applies to us, it certainly applies to you and Steve.
HOLD ON MARCUS' WORRY.
GO TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. JACK WALKS IN AND SCANS THE ROOM FOR STEVE. STEVE WAVES FROM THE BAR AND JACK WALKS OVER. STEVE HOLDS OUT HIS HAND FOR JACK TO SHAKE.
STEVE: Congratulations, brother. This is a big day for you.
JACK SMILES EXUBERANTLY BUT IT FADES QUICKLY.
JACK: Yes, yes it is. But I don't want to appear insensitive. I wanted to come by and talk to you...
FROM THE DOOR, JO RUSHES OVER AND EMBRACES JACK.
JO: Jack! I just heard the news! I am so proud of you.
OVER JO'S SHOULDER, JACK SEES VERN AND JENNIFER STILL STANDING AT THE DOOR. JACK GIVES THEM THE DEATH GLARE. VERN JUST LAUGHS AND JENNIFER SMILES AND SHRUGS. ASHLEY AND RICHARD COME IN BEHIND THEM, STILL ALL BUBBLY AND EXCITED. JO HAS RELEASED JACK SLIGHTLY AND IS KISSING HIM ON THE CHEEK.
JO: (CONT'D) My baby boy winning a Pulitzer! I just can't believe it. I'm so happy for you! I've never known a Pulitzer prize winner before.
JACK LOOKS OVER AT STEVE, WHO SEEMS TO BE ENJOYING HIS DISCOMFORT IMMENSELY.
JACK: I don't suppose youre going to help me here.
STEVE: Nope, not a chance.
NICK AND LOUIS COME IN FROM THE BACK.
NICK: The award winners have arrived! Congratulations!
JENNIFER: Thanks for opening up especially for us, Nick.
NICK: No problem at all, its not every day I get to rub elbows with celebrities. Louis, show these people to our best table. Steve, crack open a bottle of bubbly, on the house. Billy is cooking up something real special.
NICK GOES OFF TO THE KITCHEN AND EVERYONE CONVERGES ON THE TABLE. AS JACK IS BEING LED AWAY BY JO, HE TURNS BACK TO STEVE, WHO IS STARTING TO OPEN THE CHAMPAGNE.
JACK: We still have to talk...
STEVE: Later, Jackson. Enjoy your moment.
OUT ON JACK, TORN BETWEEN SADNESS AND ELATION.
ALICE'S RESTAURANT. JOHN AND BO. IN PROGRESS.
JOHN: Well, little brother, I'm glad to see that you're looking to the future. (BEAT) It's what we all should do...
BO: Are we still talking about me?
JOHN: (SMILING) I guess not. Sorry.
BO: Don't be. If there's something on your mind, I'm listening.
JOHN: Oh, I dunno. Lately I've been thinking that I need to start looking toward the future, too.
BO: So, what do you see in your crystal ball?
JOHN: I'm not sure. One thing I do know, though... Unlike you, I'm not trying to leave my past behind.
BO: What do you mean?
JOHN: If anything, my past left me behind. Everything I knew was taken from me.
BO: I know. But you remember it now. You've gotten it back.
JOHN: Not all of it. I'll probably never get everything back. But I still need to go back to the past before I can really start moving toward the future. There are still some things within my reach.
BO: Like what?
JOHN: Danielle, for one.
BO: Danielle? I thought she was in jail somewhere in Europe.
JOHN: She was, in Belgium. She's out now.
BO: So what does that mean? What happens now?
JOHN: I don't know. I have to see her, though. I can't just let this go.
BO: I didn't realize you still felt so strongly about her.
JOHN: I'm not exactly sure what I feel. That's why I need to see her. I need to be face to face with her so I can work it all out.
BO: So you know she's out of jail. Do you know where she is?
JOHN: Not exactly. But I have a feeling I'll be seeing her soon.
BO: Did you hear from her?
JOHN: Briefly.
BO: So? What did she say?
JOHN: Not much. She apparently didn't have much time.
BO: Sounds like there's some kind of story there. (BEAT) You're not gonna keep me in suspense, are you?
JOHN: No. There's not very much to tell, though.
JOHN SIGHS HEAVILY. HOLD ON JOHN.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. RICHARD AND ASHLEY ARE AT THE BAR WAITING WHILE STEVE OPENS ANOTHER BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE. BOTH HAVE THEIR GLASSES WITH THEM.
ASHLEY: Man, does this taste sweet.
RICHARD: It should. It's Dom Perignon. I can't believe Jack actually sprang for the stuff.
ASHLEY: I'll bet Jennifer had something to do with that.
RICHARD: You're probably right.
ASHLEY: Anyway, I wasn't just talking about the champagne. I was talking about success.
RICHARD: (SMILING) I'll have to agree with you on that one. We've had our triumphs before, but this...
ASHLEY: This is the ultimate kiss-off to all those guys who would talk to my torso because they didn't think I had anything going on between my ears.
RICHARD: I guess you showed them, huh?
ASHLEY: Damn straight. (BEAT) That's not the best part, though.
RICHARD: What is?
ASHLEY: This is really for my grandpa. He was the one who put the camera in my hands and sent me out there. He was the one who first believed in me.
SHE LEANS BACK AND LOOKS UP.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) I know he's watching now, smiling.
SHE LOSES HER BALANCE AND ALMOST FALLS OFF THE BAR STOOL. RICHARD REACHES OUT TO CATCH HER BUT SHE WAVES HIM AWAY.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) (HOLDING UP THE GLASS) Didn't spill a drop.
RICHARD: Getting a little tipsy, are we?
ASHLEY: Who, me?
RICHARD: I don't see anyone else falling off the furniture. Looks like they better bring the food soon...
ASHLEY: (SITTING UP) Speak for yourself, bub. I'm not drunk, I'm high on life.
RICHARD: I see... I suppose you're allowed. After all, you've achieved one of the greatest ambitions of your life.
ASHLEY: (RAISING HER GLASS) So have you.
RICHARD: Here, here.
THEY TOUCH GLASSES AND DRINK.
ASHLEY: The only thing missing is someone special to share the moment with.
RICHARD: What am I, chopped liver?
ASHLEY: Sometimes I wonder...
RICHARD SMIRKS.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) You know what I mean.
RICHARD: What about CJ? I'm sure he would be happy to help you celebrate.
ASHLEY: No, not this time. CJ's not in much of a celebrating mood these days. He's having a pretty tough time dealing with his dad's death.
RICHARD: That's understandable.
ASHLEY: But what about you, Richie? How come you're not out with someone?
RICHARD SHRUGS.
ASHLEY: (CONT'D) We really need to work on your non-existent social life. It's high time you had a woman in your life.
RICHARD: Stop. You sound like my mother.
ASHLEY: Well, someone's gotta pull that stick out of your hiney. You obviously aren't going to do it.
RICHARD: My hiney is just fine, thank you very much.
ASHLEY: Yeah, right. You need a social life, bub. And, being the wonderful, generous friend that I am, I'm going to help you get one.
RICHARD: Whether I want it or not, eh?
ASHLEY: Bingo.
RICHARD: (LOOKING UPWARD) Heaven help me.
HOLD ON RICHARD'S EXASPERATION.
GO TO: THE TABLE. LOUIS AND NICK ARE SERVING LUNCH. AS EVERYONE AT THE TABLE IS DISTRACTED WHEN RICHARD AND ASHLEY RETURN, JENNIFER LEANS OVER TO JACK.
JENNIFER: So, are you speechless?
JACK: Please tell me you aren't suggesting that I make a speech.
JENNIFER: (GRINNING) You don't remember, do you?
JACK: Uh-oh. Whenever you say that, you mean is that there is something I should remember.
JENNIFER: Let me take you back in time to a picnic catered by Loretta...
JACK: (FROWNING) I have no idea what you are talking about.
JENNIFER: You're lying.
JACK: Am not.
JENNIFER: Are too.
JACK: And how do you know that?
JENNIFER: I know you.
JACK: And I know you too, Mrs. D. And I know exactly what you are up to.
JENNIFER: Ah-ha! You do remember the conversation.
JACK: I never said that I did.
JENNIFER: But you do. We were on...
JACK: (INTERRUPTING) The Cruise that Defied Description.
JENNIFER: Bingo! And we were discussing...
JACK: The speech I would give when I won my Pulitzer.
JENNIFER: Right again. Except that it was the speech that we would give when we won our Pulitzer, but that's beside the point. I also remember there was something else you would say when you won the Pulitzer.
JACK: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) I see an attempt at revisionist history here, Mrs. D. You were trying to make me say...
JENNIFER: Yes?
JACK: You know. And I said that if I did tell you... "you know"... Then when I won my Pulitzer...
JENNIFER: (INTERRUPTING) Our Pulitzer.
JACK: We'd be staring at each other over the crudites with nothing left to say.
JENNIFER: So I ask again. Are you speechless?
JACK: (SOFTLY) Not even remotely. And to finish this convoluted conversation and to answer your silent question, yes, I still do love you.
JENNIFER: See? I knew you knew what I was talking about.
JENNIFER GIVES JACK A KISS ON THE CHEEK.
JACK: And if I recall the rest of the conversation correctly, you said you would pay for the celebration dinner. (TO THE TABLE) Jennifer's picking up the tab, everyone!
EVERYONE EXCLAIMS WHILE JENNIFER GIVES JACK A PLAYFUL SHOVE. OUT ON JACK'S GRIN.
ALICE'S RESTAURANT. JOHN AND BO. IN PROGRESS.
BO: And that's it? She just hung up?
JOHN: Yeah. I've talked to both Shane and Abe and they can't think of any other way to find her.
BO: That's really tough, man. What are you going to do now?
JOHN: Keep looking for her. What else can I do? I'm sure as hell not going to give up. There has to be some way to find her.
BO: I'm sure there is. If you need my help, I'm here for you.
JOHN: Thanks, Bo.
BO: And hey, if she called once, she's bound to call again, right?
JOHN: Right. Assuming whatever... or whoever... she needed help with doesn't stop her first.
HOLD ON JOHN'S CONCERN.
GO TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAFETERIA. KAYLA AND MARCUS. IN PROGRESS.
KAYLA: What do you want me to say? What do you want me to do?
MARCUS: I don't know.
KAYLA: I don't know either. I don't know anything anymore.
MARCUS: Leaving things this way just isn't working, Kay. Not really. Not for any of us. (BEAT) Every time it feels like we have a marriage again, Steve pops up and poof, it's gone. And we both end up feeling guilty as hell.
KAYLA LOOKS AROUND AT THE OTHER STAFF MEMBERS. SHE PUTS HER HEAD DOWN AND HER HAND ON HER FOREHEAD.
KAYLA: Do we have to talk about this here?
MARCUS SHIFTS HIS CHAIR TO BLOCK KAYLA FROM EVERYONE ELSE'S VIEW. HE HOLDS HER HANDS.
MARCUS: I'm sorry, honey. But you know once we get home, there'll be Stephanie to take care of and dinner to cook and bills to pay... Here's as good a place as any. Are you saying you don't feel guilty?
KAYLA: No. I can't say that.
MARCUS: So the situation remains unresolved. What are we going to do about it?
KAYLA: That's been like a broken record in my head for months now. How do we resolve it without one or all of us getting hurt?
MARCUS: I don't think were going to be able to avoid it. It's always easier when you can point the finger at a bad guy, but there aren't any here.
KAYLA: None of us deserves any more hurt or pain over this. Especially Steve. He's been hurt far too much already. So... what do we do?
MARCUS: I think we need help, Kay. We can't do this alone anymore.
HOLD ON MARCUS' SERIOUSNESS.
CUT TO: NICK'S CAFE AMERICAIN. DURAN DURAN'S "OUT OF MY MIND" IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND. JACK NOTICES THAT STEVE IS ALONE AT THE BAR AND EXCUSES HIMSELF.
STEVE: Here's the dude of the hour. I'm proud of you, Billy Jack.
JACK SHAKES HIS HEAD NO.
JACK: I don't feel comfortable with this. I feel like I'm profiting on your pain, Steve. (BEAT) I'd gladly give the damn thing back...
STEVE: Would you lighten up, little brother? The past is the past, and you and your people earned these awards. Don't go spoiling it for everybody with one of your guilt trips. (LONG BEAT) Besides, the story was about my trip to hell and back, and if you don't realize how much what you did means to me...
STEVE GRABS JACK BY THE COLLAR AND PULLS HIM HALFWAY OVER THE BAR. JACK'S EYES WIDEN.
STEVE: (CONT'D) I'll have to knock some sense into you. And you wouldn't want that, would you?
STEVE LETS GO AND JACK STRAIGHTENS HIS CLOTHES.
JACK: Uh, no, I wouldn't want that.
STEVE GESTURES TO THE TABLE.
STEVE: Now go on back there and enjoy your celebration.
JACK: I just want you to understand...
STEVE: I do. It's all right.
JACK GOES BACK TO THE TABLE. STEVE TURNS HIS BACK, OSTENSIBLY TO PUT UP NEW STOCK.
STEVE: (SOTTO VOCE) Sweetness... I've either got to get you back or let you go forever, because I can't go on like this.
FADE TO: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. MARCUS AND KAYLA EXIT THE CAFETERIA AND GO THEIR SEPARATE WAYS. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.