SCENE ONE: JACK ON THE PHONE AT THE HOSPITAL.

 

JACK: Great, great, but just don't lose him and keep me posted. That was one of my detectives calling from his car. They just spotted Marcus Hunter driving out of the hospital parking lot and they're tailing him. Melissa we are so close right now.

MELISSA: I hope so.

JACK: What do you mean, you hope so? This guy's going to lead us right to Kayla.

MELISSA: Jack I'm just saying. Don't get your hopes up until it happens. I mean they could have been talking about somebody else, not Kayla.

JACK: I'm going to find her tonight and if Johnson's there I'm going to kill him.

MELISSA: Jack! Don't say that.

JACK: It doesn't matter what I say or don't say. That's the way I feel.

MELISSA: Jack please. Don't do anything to hurt Steve. Even he was involved with this, you'll regret it.

JACK: Doesn't really matter. I'm not interested in him anyway....

NURSE: Mr. Deveraux? (She hands him the phone.)

JACK: Yes. Jack Deveraux. What? Wait a minute....(Melissa hands him a pen.) Oh thank you. Okay go ahead, yeh. Okay, good. Don't do anything. Wait til I get there.

MELISSA: Did they find her?

JACK: Yes we've got an address.

MELISSA: Do you want me to go with you?

SCENE TWO: MEANWHILE STEVE AND KAYLA MAKE LOVE IN THE HIDDEN ROOM. HE HAS GIVEN HER AN ENGAGEMENT RING WHICH SHE IS WEARING. HE HAS A SHOWER AND THEN THEY BEGIN KISSING ON THE BED AGAIN. DETECTIVES BREAK IN.

 

PI: Hands in the air, put 'em up.

STEVE: Hey, hey, they're up, they're up. Be cool.

 

JACK WALKS IN AND VIEWS THE SCENE OF KAYLA IN STEVE'S SHIRT AND STEVE TOPLESS BOTH SITTING ON THE BED. KAYLA LOOKS STUNNED AND THEN WIPES HER MOUTH WITH THE SLEEVE OF THE SHIRT. JACK IS STUNNED, HURT AND ANGRY. HE GRABS KAYLA AND HUGS HER.

 

JACK: Are you alright?

KAYLA: Jack, yeh, yeh, I'm okay.

 

JACK STARES OVER HER SHOULDER AT STEVE.

 

JACK: I was worried about you.

KAYLA: Well I'm okay really. Could you ask those nice policeman there to put their guns down please?

JACK: (To PIs.) It's alright. You can wait outside. (To Steve) I knew all along it was you.

STEVE: Jack listen, let me explain something....

JACK: No, no save it for the police. (He picks up the phone.)

STEVE AND KAYLA: (Together) Police!

KAYLA: What are you calling the police for?

JACK: I'm going to arrest the gentleman here for kidnapping.

KAYLA: No don't do that Jack.

STEVE: Kidnapping? Come on there's nothing like that going on here.

JACK: Salem Police Department?

KAYLA: You know Jack he saved my life.

JACK: What did you say?

KAYLA: Steve saved my life. Someone was trying to poison me and Steve realized it.

JACK: On come on Kayla, you can't possibly think....

KAYLA: No it's the truth. Now look someone was trying to poison me. They were trying to kill me.

JACK: Who would try to kill you?

STEVE: You might know something about it dude seeing as they were living in your house.

 

JACK GLARES AT STEVE.

 

JACK: I don't believe this. I don't believe any of this.

KAYLA: Well believe it. Look at me Jack. What was I like when you saw me last. I was sick, I was dying. Look at me now. Doesn't that prove something to you?

JACK: You don't have to prove anything to me. All I know is that I've been waiting for you. I've been staying up trying to find you day and night and then here you are. With him!

KAYLA: I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to make you worry.

JACK: Well I found you know and that's all I care about. (He brushes her hair with his hand.)

KAYLA: Jack don't press charges against Steve. He's not the one that's guilty.

JACK: Don't you see that he's making up these crazy stories just trying to get you to believe him.

KAYLA: I do believe him.

JACK: Well then, we'll just have to leave things as they are.

 

JACK GLARES AT STEVE.

 

KAYLA: Good.

JACK: (Still staring at Steve.) Get your things. I'm taking you home.

KAYLA: I'm not going back to that house Jack until I figure out who's trying to kill me. (She puts her hand behind her back and Steve removes the engagement ring.) I'm going to stay with my folks for a while. You're welcome to come with me if you like.

JACK: (Still staring at Steve.) Oh I'll definitely come with you.

KAYLA: Good. You know Jack....

JACK: Just wait. Just wait until the car. Steve if I find you made all this up, you'll go to jail you know that.

STEVE: (Nodding) Fair enough.

JACK: Let's go Kayla.

KAYLA: Just a minute. (She puts her hand out to Steve) I just want to thank you for everything.

STEVE: It's alright baby. (Whispering) Everything's going to be alright.

JACK: Steve. Maybe you helped my wife, maybe you didn't but fro now on if she needs anything she'll get it from me. Don't come near her.

SCENE THREE: MEANWHILE JENNIFER HAS ORGANIZED A DANCE CONTEST. FRANKIE SEES HER DANCING WITH ALAN GRANT AND IS JEALOUS. JENNIFER AND ALAN WIN THE CONTEST.

SCENE FOUR: JACK AND KAYLA IN THE CAR.

 

KAYLA: Jack?

JACK: Not now. We'll just talk about it later.

KAYLA: I really want to explain.

JACK: Maybe I don't want to hear your explanation....that's not true....(very emotional) it's just that right now I'm just glad to.... have you here and I want you to know that I'm never going to let this happen again.

SCENE FIVE: JACK HAS BROUGHT KAYLA TO THE HOSPITAL TO SEE KIMBERLY. ROMAN ASKS HER IF SHE IS HAPPY WITH JACK.

 

ROMAN: Are you sure about that?

KAYLA: Yes. Jack loves me.

JACK: Actually, to tell you the truth, Jack worships Kayla. Roman how are you doing?

ROMAN: Real good. Good to see you again.

JACK: How's Kimberly?

KAYLA: She's good. She's doing a lot better and the baby's doing fine.

JACK: Terrific.

ROMAN: Listen Jack. I'm going to need to get a statement from you.

JACK: Well I'd like to but right now we're due at an impromptu little press conference down at the riverfront. (To Kayla) I was hoping you could come?

KAYLA: Sure.

JACK: Terrific, we can do this later.

ROMAN: Yeh.

KAYLA: See you tonight.

JACK: See you tonight.

 

JACK AND KAYLA LEAVE.

SCENE SIX: JACK AND KAYLA ARE ON THE WHARF WITH THE PRESS. JACK GIVES KAYLA BIG KISS ON THE CHEEK.

 

JACK: So to wrap it up, I'd just like to thank you for coming out on such a cold cold day and fighting the Christmas shoppers. We really appreciate your support, right honey?

KAYLA: Right.

REPORTER: What about you Mrs. Deveraux. What are your plans now that you're back?

KAYLA: Well Jack and I plan to stay with my family through the holidays and then I intend to devote most of my time to my husband's campaign.

REPORTER: Mr. Deveraux, one more question about your father's candidacy....

 

THE REPORTERS QUESTION IS CUT OFF BY STEVE ARRIVING ON THE PIER DRESSED AS SANTA AND SINGING JINGLE BELLS. KAYLA IS DISTRACTED BY STEVE.

 

JACK: I don't think I can comment on that....Kayla I think it's time to go.

 

STEVE CONTINUES TO DISTRIBUTE PRESENTS TO KIDS WHILE JACK DEALS WITH THE PRESS.

 

JACK: Kayla I think we need to go now.

KAYLA: Jack if you don't mind I'd like to stay here for a minute. There's some friends of mine I haven't seen in a while and I promise I'll catch up with you. I won't be too long.

JACK: Honey I don't think that would be such a good idea.

KAYLA: (Flirting.) Please, maybe I'll get you some more votes, who knows?

JACK: Right! I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll take a cab and I'll leave the limousine for you at the curb. Don't be too late right?

 

HE KISSES HER CHEEK AND LEAVES.

KAYLA WALKS OVER TO STEVE (AS SANTA) AND REMINDS HIM THAT HE HAS FORGOTTEN TO GIVE ONE LITTLE GIRL A PRESENT. STEVE AND KAYLA FLIRT AND KISS ON THE WHARF AFTER EVERYONE LEAVES.

SCENE ONE: CHRISTMAS EVE 1987. SHANE DONOVAN'S MANSION. THE DOORBELL RINGS AND CARRIE OPENS IT. KAYLA AND JACK ARE THERE AND HE IS PILED UP WITH HEAPS OF GIFTS.

 

KAYLA: Hi Sweetie.

JACK: Merry Christmas!

CARRIE: Hi, are you okay?

JACK: I got it, I got it.

 

JACK AND KAYLA ENTER THE LIVING ROOM WITH MOST OF THE FAMILY ASSEMBLED.

 

KAYLA: Hi, sorry we're late.

ROMAN: We'd just about given up.

KAYLA: Well Jack has a very busy holiday calendar. This is our third party already tonight.

JACK: This is by far....my favorite party of the night! I want to thank you all for including us.

KIMBERLY: Including you? Are you kidding? You're a Brady now.

SHAWN: Could I have everyone's attention please?

CAROLINE: I have a strange feeling Shawn is about to make a speech.

SHAWN: I'm not going to make a speech. Christmas is a time when you take count of your blessings and we have a couple of blessings that we should be taking count of....My daughter Kayla who was gone for so long (Jack gives her a loving look.) is with us now safe and sound....My daughter Kimmy and my future grandchild are back from the hospital....I'd like to make a toast to my two daughters.

 

THE TOAST GOES AHEAD AND LATER JACK IS STANDING BEHIND KAYLA HUGGING HER.

 

JACK: You know Kayla, being an only child made me miss out on the real aspects of Christmas. I had a lot of presents and definitely a lot of parties but I think this is what Christmas is all about, families getting together sharing the joys of the holidays.

KAYLA: (Wriggling out of his arms) You know my family thinks this is a very special time and usually make a big deal of it....

JACK: Kayla....I want to thank you for making me part of the family. This is the best Christmas I've ever had and now that I have you back for good I know that all our dreams are going to come true.

 

THE WHOLE FAMILY SINGS SILENT NIGHT. JACK LOOKS IN KAYLA'S EYES AS HE SINGS.

SCENE TWO: THE BRADY KITCHEN. KAYLA IS MAKING COFFEE AND JACK ENTERS FROM BEHIND.

 

JACK: Morning!

KAYLA: Morning!

JACK: Are you alright?

KAYLA: Yeh, sure, why?

JACK: Well I just thought you were a little quiet last night and this morning I wake up and you're already out of bed. Is there something that you might want to tell me?

KAYLA: No, I just couldn't sleep. I was tired. I think everything I've been through just finally wore me out. Plus I always brew even at my folks house.

JACK: Honey! (He puts his hand on her shoulder.) I just want to let you know that I love you and I'm going to keep showing every day that I love you, alright.

 

HE IS ABOUT TO KISS HER CHEEK WHEN SOMEONE KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.

 

KAYLA: I should get that. My parents are downstairs working already.

 

SHE OPENS THE DOOR TO STEVE WHO IS HOLDING A HUGE SPRAY OF ROSES.

 

KAYLA: Steve.

JACK: What are you doing here?

 

STEVE WALKS PAST KAYLA AND JACK.

 

JACK: What's the matter with you? Don't you understand English?

STEVE: Oh calm down junior, I didn't come here to see your wife. I came here to see you.

JACK: Well thanks for the flowers but I'm already taken.

STEVE: They just happened to be on the doorstep. That's very funny. The card says they're for Kayla.

KAYLA: For me?

STEVE: That's right.

KAYLA: "To my beloved wife and a wonderful romantic night tonight. All my love, Jack....They're beautiful. thank you.

JACK: You're very welcome. (To Steve) Alright let's get on with it. What did you want to see me about?

STEVE: I want to see you about these dude. Remember these? (He removes a bottle of pills from his pocket.) These are the pills Kayla forgot to take when you went on your honeymoon.

JACK: Hmmm.

STEVE: Well I got to thinkin about Kayla and how she got so sick and then when she went on the honeymoon she left these behind and she got all better again. Then she came back and she was livin' in your house and she got all sick again, remember that?

JACK: Please get to the point!

STEVE: The point is I had these pills tested and they're poison dude.

JACK: Poison?

STEVE: Poison. Remember I told you I thought someone was trying to poison Kayla. Well this is the proof now.

JACK: You never give up do you?

STEVE: What's that supposed to mean?

JACK: You just keep trying to sell me on this ridiculous story about Kayla being poisoned. Now how do I know that you didn't replace Kayla's medication with these pills so that you could come on like the big hero and....

STEVE: Oh what is that man? I don't believe you!

JACK: No?

STEVE: No. Kayla will you talk to him?

KAYLA: Ah....Jack. These pills are the only thing we have to go on right now. Why don't you listen to Steve?

JACK: Because I don't trust Steve that's why. There's only one way I'll believe his story. Take the pills to the police. Give them to me.

STEVE: No, no, no. Come on man. Are you kiddin? Where these pills go, I go.

KAYLA: Me too.

JACK: Alright we'll all go. Come on with me. We're going to find out what in the hell's going on here.

 

THEY ALL GRAB THEIR COATS AND LEAVE.

SCENE THREE: THEY ALL WALK INTO ROMAN'S OFFICE.

 

KAYLA: Roman can you see us for a minute?

ROMAN: Sure Sis, what's up?

STEVE: See these. I had these tested by the ISA but that's not good enough for junior here. He thinks that's not good enough proof!

ROMAN: What are they?

STEVE: Those were supposed to be Kayla's medication....

JACK: (Interrupting) He thinks they're Kayla's medication....

STEVE: Those were supposed to be Kayla's medication but those pills are laced with a poison called Atrophine and that's why Kayla was so sick....

JACK: We don't know that. Until the police prove it that's just his opinion.

STEVE: It's not my opinion, it's the ISA's opinion....

ROMAN: Okay, cool it guys, just relax. Carson, get these down to the lab and get them analyzed right away. Get the results back to me as soon as possible.

STEVE: Look Roman, if we find out that someone was really trying to kill Kayla, I want a full investigation.

ROMAN: You can count on it Jack. If anyone's trying to hurt my sister, I'll get to the bottom of it and soon as I find out, you'll be the first to know.

STEVE: And if you don't mind, I'd like to be the second to know, because I'm involved...

JACK: You're not involved in anything, you understand me. YOU'RE NOT INVOLVED IN ANYTHING.

STEVE: You listen to me. YOU LISTEN TO ME. If it wasn't for me we might be going to Kayla's funeral right now.

JACK: Johnson, do you mind? Just butt out of it and leave us alone.

ROMAN: I've heard enough of it. Why don't you carry on this discussion out in the hall. Kayla will you stay? I want to ask you a couple of things.

JACK: (To Kayla) I'll be right outside.

STEVE: (To Roman) I'm not leaving this building until I see those results.

SCENE FOUR: JACK AND STEVE OUTSIDE ROMAN'S OFFICE.

 

JACK: I wasn't kidding in there Steve. I want you to butt out and stay away from Kayla.

STEVE: Well that ain't goin to happen so you can keep dreaming friend.

JACK: I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND and it's about time you realized that.

STEVE: You got something to say then say it.

JACK: It's very simple. There's no place in Kayla's life for you anymore and I want you to stay away from her (pause) Did you hear what I said? I'm her husband and it's about time you remembered that.

STEVE: Don't you worry Jackson. I'm not going to forget you married Kayla.

JACK: I don't know but maybe you think I'm stupid or something but she's my wife and I was more than a little upset when I walked in and found you two in that bedroom together.

STEVE: Oh come on dude, man, we were talking and we were haven supper....

JACK: What were you doing before that? That's what I want to know.

STEVE: I don't like what you're insinuating.

JACK: I'm not insinuating anything. I'm asking you a question....

STEVE: And you can just keep your mouth shut about it.

JACK: Alright well let's just let the past be the past. Just forget about it. We'll put it all behind us but I'm not going to let you interfere in my marriage anymore. You understand that. Now that I have Kayla back we're going to put our lives back together and nobody's going to interrupt that, nobody, you understand that. JUST PUT THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK HEAD. THERE IS NO ROOM IN KAYLA'S LIFE FOR....

STEVE: ALRIGHT. I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THIS ANYMORE, HEAR ME.

ROMAN: You two are disturbing the peace. Get in the office right now.

STEVE: (To Jack) YOU DON'T HAVE TO TELL ME....

ROMAN: Let's go.

STEVE: (To Roman) What?

JACK: Kayla? What's wrong? Are you alright?

ROMAN: We just got the report back from the lab. Those pills are laced with poison. I'm officially opening a full scale police investigation for the attempted murder of Kayla Deveraux.

SCENE FIVE: JACK AND KAYLA ARE SITTING AT A TABLE AT SHENANIGAN'S

 

KAYLA: Something wrong?

JACK: No....I can't tell you how happy I am to have you back again Kayla. I don't know. I want to jump up on top of the table and shout it to the world. I can't tell you how worried I was when you were gone. I kept having this really sinking feeling that I was going to lose you, that I'd lost you! The important thing is we're going to forget all this. Put it all behind us and just get our life back to normal again. Right?

KAYLA: Yeh.

JACK: You know one thing. Maybe you don't realize this but the last couple of days you've been with me there's been a total change in my campaign. I mean I really feel rejuvenated. I feel....

KAYLA: Jack?

JACK: Yeh?

KAYLA: I....it's just that I can't....uh....think that far ahead right. You know there's still someone out there trying to kill me and I....

JACK: Oh honey. I know Steve's been filling your head with all sorts of things but you have to believe me when I tell you that nobody in my family would ever poison you. I don't know who or why anyone would want to hurt you in the first place. You have to believe that.

 

MELISSA APPROACHES THE TABLE AND HANDS KAYLA A SMALL TOY BEAR WITH A BALLOON ATTACHED.

 

MELISSA: Kayla I have a delivery for you.

 

KAYLA REMOVES THE CARD AND READS IT.

 

KAYLA: "I love you and can't wait until this evening. Jack."

JACK: Honey....(He touches her hand)

KAYLA: Jack don't you see what sort of pressure you're putting me under!

JACK: (Looking very hurt) I'm sorry.

KAYLA: No I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me. I guess I'm not back to normal yet.

JACK: That's alright. I just wanted to cheer you up!

KAYLA: They did. They're beautiful. I love them and I really appreciate the thought. Please forgive me.

JACK: There's nothing to forgive. I mean it's totally understandable that you feel this way....I just want to do anything I can to help you.

KAYLA: You are helping.

JACK: Gosh, I'm late for a meeting. I hate to leave you like this honey.

KAYLA: It's okay.

JACK: Are you going to be alright?

KAYLA: Hmmm.

 

JACK GETS UP AND WALKS AROUND TO KAYLA.

 

JACK: Look I'm going to have a limousine waiting for you. To take care of you, to do anything you want, alright? I'll see you later. (He kisses her cheek.) Melissa?

MELISSA: Yes.

JACK: Thanks for....thanks for helping out.

MELISSA: Oh it's no problem. I'll see you later.

JACK: Okay. (To Kayla) I'll see you later....tonight.

KAYLA: Yeh, bye. Have a good meeting.

 

JACK LEAVES THE RESTAURANT AND MELISSA WALKS AROUND TO FACE KAYLA.

 

MELISSA: How dare you treat Jack that way!

MELISSA (CONT.): Do you have any idea how much Jack cares about you? How much he loves you. You're everything to him Kayla. He was so worried about you when you were missing. He couldn't eat, he couldn't sleep. He turned Salem upside down looking for you!

 

THE WHOLE RESTAURANT CAN HEAR WHAT SHE IS SAYING. ANJELICA WALKS UP.

 

MELISSA: I know you don't care about Jack the way a real wife should but for you to treat him the way you just did. You don't deserve his love Kayla.

ANJELICA: Excuse me Melissa. How dare you speak about Jack like that in public.

MELISSA: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause a scene.

ANJELICA: What on earth did you think you were doing and don't apologize to me. Apologize to Kayla.

MELISSA: I'm sorry.

 

SHE LEAVES ABRUPTLY.

 

ANJELICA: Kayla I don't know what to say. I'm sorry too.

SCENE SIX: ROMAN IS AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION QUESTIONING HARPER AND ANJELICA. STEVE IS THERE TOO. HARPER IS NOW DETERMINED TO INCRIMINATE MELISSA IN KAYLA'S POISONING.

 

HARPER: She got sick literally that night. In fact you were there Mr. Johnson.

STEVE: Yeh I was there.

ROMAN: I'll be sure to have a word with Melissa about that.

 

JACK ENTERS THE HOUSE.

 

STEVE: Jackson!

JACK: What's going on here?

HARPER: Captain Brady just stopped by for a few questions in the investigation of Kayla's poisoning. You know I still can't get used to saying that.

JACK: Well I don't know who or why anyone would want to hurt Kayla but you can be damn sure it wasn't anyone in this family.

 

STEVE LAUGHS CYNICALLY.

 

STEVE: Well they were in this house dude!

JACK: Maybe you don't know anything about family loyalty but in this house we love each other and what's more we trust each other.

STEVE: Yeh. I guess I don't know anything about family loyalty.

JACK: Well if you don't mind, please leave.

STEVE: I don't mind.

 

STEVE LEAVES AS JACK STARES AFTER HIM.

 

ROMAN: Senator, Mrs Deveraux, I'll stop by later and ask a few more questions.

ANJELICA: I can hardly wait.

SCENE SEVEN: THE BRADY LIVING ROOM WITH A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREE WITH LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS. KAYLA IS DRESSED IN A LOW CUT BLACK DRESS. JACK WALKS IN THE DOOR.

 

JACK: Kayla! Look at you!

KAYLA: Hi Jack.

JACK: Kayla I can't tell you what it means to me to see you waiting for me like this.

KAYLA: I'm trying. I really am.

JACK: Honey you don't have to try at all, alright. Just be yourself.

 

SHE NODS.

 

KAYLA: Right.

JACK: Just be yourself, just be yourself.

 

HE KISSES HER TENDERLY ON THE LIPS THEN DOWN HER NECK. SHE BEGINS TO SQUIRM.

 

JACK: What is it?

KAYLA: (Holding her hands in front of her chest.) You're going to think this sounds really crazy, specially after everything we've been through together but I just feel funny being in my mom's house with you like this.

 

JACK LOOKS HURT AND DISAPPOINTED.

 

JACK: Look we're married alright!

KAYLA: See I knew that you would think that this was silly. I just don't feel comfortable and I want our first night to be something really special. You understand that don't you.

JACK: To tell you the truth, no I don't understand but I'm not going to push you. I'll wait because soon we're going to have our own home and our own bed and then it will be perfect.

KAYLA: Right, thank you for understanding Jack.

JACK: Right....look I'm just....I'm burning up in this. I'm going to go upstairs and change into something a little more comfortable and then maybe we can spend a quiet evening together in front of the fire alright.

KAYLA: That'd be nice.

JACK: Alright. I'll be back in a minute. (He kisses her cheek and leaves.)

SCENE EIGHT: BACK AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION, ANJELICA HAS TOLD HARPER ABOUT MELISSA'S OUTBURST AT KAYLA AND HE TELLS HER THAT HE WILL NOT TOLERATE THAT SORT OF BEHAVIOR.