SCENE ONE: JACK IS BEING INTERVIEWED BY A FEMALE REPORTER AT THE LOFT. KAYLA COMES DOWNSTAIRS AS HE IS TALKING.

 

JACK: As far as I'm concerned I'm a representative of all the people of Salem not just the rich but the homeless as well. I can't tell you the feelings that go through me when I run into those people in the streets. It just tears me apart, especially in the cold. I know that I have to do something to help them....Oh there she is. Kayla join us! (He walks over to Kayla.) Kayla I don't believe you've met Mrs. Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton, please sit down. My wife Kayla.

KAYLA: Hello.

MRS. HAMILTON: My pleasure. You know it's really just like you're pictures. You two really seem to have it all. Oh there's one question I wanted to ask you Mrs. Deveraux, just to complete my article. That's if you don't mind.

JACK: Of course, that's what she's here for.

MRS. HAMILTON: Now do you plan to continue working now that you are the wife of the new state Assemblyman?

KAYLA: I'm not sure yet. I'm not sure what my plans are.

JACK: She'll do what's best for all concerned.

MRS. HAMILTON: How did you ever manage to catch such a charmer?

KAYLA: Just lucky I guess.

JACK: (Chuckling) Wait till we're alone, we'll see who got lucky!

MRS. HAMILTON: Well! Okay I guess that's all. You know it's really been a pleasure meeting you both. You know you two really are the perfect couple. All my readers are envious of you. Okay, I'm envious of you. Thank you.

JACK: Thank you. Darling don't go away.

KAYLA: Wait a minute I have something I want to say.

 

JACK TURNS AROUND AND STARES AT KAYLA.

 

KAYLA: Ah, I just thought you should know that Jack deserves everything that's coming to him.

MRS. HAMILTON: Okay, is that all?

KAYLA: Yes.

MRS. HAMILTON: Oh! Well thanks again Mrs. Deveraux.

JACK: I'll see you to the door.

 

JACK GOES OUTSIDE WITH THE REPORTER AND SHUTS THE DOOR. HE PULLS A ROLL OF BILLS FROM HIS POCKET.

 

JACK: That was great! Thank you so much. (He gives her some money.)

MRS. HAMILTON: Well I'm always glad to make a little extra cash although I must admit that was the strangest acting job I've ever been paid for.

JACK: Let's just call it a little joke I was playing on my wife, alright? Thank you very much. Goodbye have a good day.

 

THE REPORTER LEAVES AND JACK GOES BACK INSIDE TO KAYLA.

 

JACK: Very, very good. I am so proud of you.

KAYLA: You took a chance. What made you so sure I wouldn't tell her?

JACK: Oh I didn't take any chances at all. I know you very well.

KAYLA: I'm tired. I'm going to go lie down in the guest room. Don't you dare come near me!

JACK: Oh!

 

JACK LOCKS THE DOOR OF THE GUEST ROOM.

 

KAYLA: Jack, Jack, let me out!

SCENE TWO: STEVE IS STILL UNCONSCIOUS IN THE WOODS.

SCENE THREE: JACK IS ON A PHONE IN SALEM.

 

JACK: Have you dealt with Johnson or not?

THUG: (On phone) He won't be bothering you anymore.

 

MELISSA ARRIVES. AT FIRST JACK DOES NOT NOTICE HER.

 

JACK: What? Wha....(He sees Melissa.) Wait....Look I....I can't talk right now but obviously needless to say I need a full report as soon as you get back to town. Move it, right!

MELISSA: Hi Jack.

JACK: Melissa. Hello.

MELISSA: What are you doing out here?

JACK: Oh just tying up a few loose ends. How about you?

MELISSA: Just taking a walk.

JACK: By yourself?

MELISSA: Yes. I spend a lot of time walking around by myself these days. I can't seem to stay indoors. I can't seem to stay with people. I have a lot on my mind.

JACK: Well I better be going. Kayla's waiting dinner and everything you know.

MELISSA: How are things going?

JACK: Better, much better!

MELISSA: Good!

JACK: Well I....I'd better go.

MELISSA: Yeh.

JACK: Don't get frostbite.

MELISSA: Okay.

JACK: Melissa, I just wanted to say that....um....I'm sorry that things turned out the way they did.

MELISSA: So am I.

JACK: You deserve better.

MELISSA: So do you.

JACK: What does that mean?

MELISSA: Oh come on Jack. You're trying to make it sound like things are working out for you with Kayla. Maybe they are, I don't know but I do know that Kayla will never really belong to you, not as long as Steve's alive.

JACK: Melissa you don't know anything about....

MELISSA: Don't get mad at me. Anybody who's ever seen them together knows how they feel about each other. Jack, the reason I got into trouble in the first place is because of how I feel about you.

JACK: Look, look....

MELISSA: I'm not asking you to say anything. I'm not asking you to feel anything either. I just want you to know that I could have made you happy.

JACK: Melissa please don't....

 

MELISSA TAKES HIS FACE IN HER HANDS AND KISSES HIM GENTLY.

 

MELISSA: I'm just sorry that I'll never have the chance to prove it.

 

JACK IS LEFT STANDING ALONE THINKING.

SCENE ONE: JACK ARRIVES BACK AT THE LOFT WITH A BAG OF FOOD AND A HAMBURGER. HE PUTS THE BAG ON THE COUNTER AND GOES UPSTAIRS TAKING A BITE OF THE HAMBURGER.

 

JACK: Kayla? Kayla? (He unlocks the guest room door.) Kayla, guess whose home?

 

KAYLA COMES OUT OF THE ROOM AND GLARES AT HIM AS SHE WALKS DOWN TO THE KITCHEN.

 

JACK: Now what was that look for? I went out and rustled up some food. You should be grateful to me.

KAYLA: Grateful? I'll show you how grateful I am Jack.

 

SHE PICKS UP THE BAG AND STARTS THROWING FOOD AT JACK.

 

KAYLA: That is how grateful I am Jack, and That and That.

JACK: Kayla, Kayla, wait a minute....we don't have anything left to eat.

KAYLA: May be you don't. See you around Jack.

 

KAYLA TRIES TO OPEN THE LOFT DOOR BUT IT HAS LOCKED.

 

KAYLA: It won't open.

JACK: That's because I changed the locks and I have the only key. (He sits down and takes another bite of hamburger.)

KAYLA: So? You think you're going to keep me prisoner against my will. Is that it?

 

JACK NODS.

 

KAYLA: Just how long do you think that will last Jack?

JACK: Not long. Just long enough for you to calm down and think about things.

KAYLA: Are you crazy? Do you really think I'm going to change my mind?

JACK: Yes I do. In time. When you realize that staying with me is the only chance that your lover has to live out the rest of his natural life.

KAYLA: You may think that I'm going to scream and I'm going to shout and I'm going to cry but I'm not going to. I'm not going to give you the satisfaction. I'm just going to sit right over here and I'm going to wait for Steve to show up.

JACK: Okay. I will too! (He sits next to her and she moves away.) You really think he's going to come?

KAYLA: Yes I think he's going to be here.....Why don't you?

 

JACK TAKES A BIG BITE OF HAMBURGER AND THEM OFFERS IT TO KAYLA.

 

JACK: Have a burger?

KAYLA: If you've done anything to him Jack....Where is Steve?

 

JACK GETS UP AND STARTS TO WALK AWAY. KAYLA GRABS HIS ARM.

KAYLA: WHERE IS HE? (Jack holds on to her hand.) You tell me where he is. TELL ME!

SCENE TWO: STEVE STAGGERS OUT OF THE WOODS.

SCENE THREE: THE LOFT.

 

KAYLA: What have you done to him? Where is he Jack?

JACK: Steve is....Sorry Kayla I can't tell you that. That has to be left up to your imagination.

KAYLA: Jack if you don't I'll....

JACK: Hit me? Is that what you're going to do? Hit me.

KAYLA: No, after all that's more your style isn't it?

JACK: You know what. I think it's about time to hit the hay, don't you? Would you care to join me?

KAYLA: I'd rather die first.

JACK: I'll take that as a no. Alright. If you try to get away you'll get about two feet and I'm taking this with me. (He removes the handset from the phone cord.) Now please don't get angry. This is only a temporary situation and in a few days you'll be free to go wherever you want but in the meantime I want you to think about your future and I want you to think about the future of someone who shall remain nameless, someone you care about very much. That is If he has a future. (He starts to walk upstairs.) Sleep tight. Pleasant dreams!

SCENE FOUR: JACK IS ON THE PHONE AT THE LOFT.

 

JACK: Look I don't care how many pieces you think you left of him. I want you to find Johnson and bring him back here to me. You understand? Good.

 

KAYLA WALKS DOWN.

 

JACK: Good morning, did you sleep well?

KAYLA: Does it matter?

JACK: I suppose not but since I am your husband I thought I would ask.

KAYLA: Fine Jack. You want to pretend, we'll pretend. Why don't you ask me why I didn't sleep well last night?

JACK: Sweetheart, why didn't you sleep well last night?

KAYLA: Because I was thinking.

JACK: About what?

KAYLA: You keep threatening to hurt Steve if I try anything, if I even think about getting away. How do I know you even have him?

JACK: You don't. As a matter of fact you don't even know if he's still alive.

KAYLA: If you want my co-operation, I want proof and I want it now.

SCENE FIVE: MEANWHILE STEVE HAS FOUND HIS WAY BACK TO THE CABIN WHERE HE HAD BEEN STAYING WITH KAYLA.

SCENE SIX: THE LOFT.

 

JACK: Let me explain a few things Kayla. I don't have to prove anything to you. That's the beauty of all this. You see just the possibility, just the threat that Steve is still alive and that I have him, the same way that I have you is all that it takes.

KAYLA: I wouldn't be so sure about that.

JACK: The fact is I am sure about it and to be honest with you, because I do think that husbands and wives should be honest with each other don't you think, I'm totally confident that what I'm saying is true and that the threats I'm saying about Steve will be carried out.

KAYLA: You're bluffing.

JACK: And if I am?

KAYLA: Well then I have nothing to lose by getting away do I?

JACK: You know what, you're right! YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! If I'm bluffing then you've got nothing to lose. Is that right? So here's your chance. GO FOR IT!

 

JACK SLIDES OPEN THE LOFT DOOR AND KAYLA STARTS TO LEAVE.

 

JACK: But....remember what I was saying, if I'm not bluffing and you go out that door, Steve is going to pay for it. But what the hey, go ahead, call my bluff! Go on. Just remember what the stakes are here, somebody else's life. What is it you call him....Sweetness?

 

KAYLA WALKS AWAY FROM THE DOOR.

 

JACK: It's a wise decision. The first of many I hope.

 

HE SHUTS THE DOOR.

 

KAYLA: You're not going to get away with this Jack. Steve won't let you....much longer.

JACK: We'll see.

KAYLA: Yes we will won't we?

SCENE SEVEN: A LITTLE LATER MARCUS ARRIVES TO SEE KAYLA AT THE LOFT. JACK OPENS THE DOOR.

 

MARCUS: Ah ha.

JACK: Dr. Hunter, Marcus, come in, we haven't seen you in quite a while.

MARCUS: Well hey I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

KAYLA: No of course not.

MARCUS: Great.

KAYLA: I'm so glad to see you.

MARCUS: So how are you two doing? I mean married life and all.

JACK: Oh we couldn't be happier, could we honey?

KAYLA: You're the boss Jack.

JACK: So what is this, a social call or did you want to see us about something in particular?

MARCUS: Well actually I came to see Kayla. I had a few questions about the new Emergency Center plans I thought we'd go over. You got a moment?

JACK: Well actually no, this is a terrific time for both of us. You know I've been so anxious to find out what you guys have been cooking up in the way of enhancements and changes. You know the constituents are just as interested in this new center as they are in the low income housing project.

MARCUS: Great! Well here they are.

KAYLA: Well let me clear a space.

JACK: So, is the construction ready to start?

MARCUS: Well the ground's been broken and they're laying the foundations so as soon as everyone's seen and approved the basic layout then....

 

THE PHONE RINGS.

 

KAYLA: Jack I bet that's that call you were waiting for all morning.

JACK: Yeh, I'm sure it is.

MARCUS: Well I'll wait. I'll wait for you.

JACK: Thank you very much.

 

JACK ANSWERS THE PHONE.

 

JACK: Good morning, Jack Deveraux here.

 

WHILE JACK IS ON THE PHONE, MARCUS WALKS OVER TO TALK TO KAYLA.

 

MARCUS: So Kayla....let's see here....yes the waiting room, yeh right here....what do you think? Do you like this arrangement?

KAYLA: I like it but there's something I'd like better. (She mouths the word STEVE.) I think it's needed right now.

MARCUS: Yeh you know, brilliant minds they think alike. Matter of fact I'm one step ahead of you. I already put an order in for that and it's on it's way.

KAYLA: Great, great.

SCENE EIGHT: STEVE STRUGGLES INTO HIS CAR.

SCENE NINE: THE LOFT

 

KAYLA: When do you think it will be here?

MARCUS: Well it's hard to say. You know transportation is pretty tough in this kind of weather but don't worry, it shouldn't be too long.

 

JACK FINISHES HIS PHONE CALL.

 

JACK: Look I'm sorry that took so long.

MARCUS: Oh no problem. You know Kayla, she had a really good suggestion about the waiting room but I wanted to ask you some financial questions. You got a moment?

JACK: Well the files are upstairs. That is if they're not in the office.

MARCUS: Well look, never mind, it's okay. I gotta be getting back. You guys were relaxing. I had an early lunch at the hospital so....er....

KAYLA: Well Marcus why don't you come back later tonight or tomorrow? Meanwhile I can fill Jack in on all the plans and he can get some figures together for you.

MARCUS: Yeh, that'd be great! Jack?

JACK: Sure, no problem.

MARCUS: Alright, then, I'll give you a call.

JACK: Ah, actually I think we're going to have to give you our card to do that.

MARCUS: Oh yeh okay.

JACK: And make sure you call before you come over next time. So that we're home. We don't want you to waste a trip.

MARCUS: Sure. Okay Kayla, you take care and keep in touch.

KAYLA: Thanks for stopping by Marcus.

MARCUS: No problem, no problem.

JACK: Drive careful Doc.

MARCUS: Yeh, see you later Jack.

JACK: Alright.

 

MARCUS LEAVES AND JACK SHUTS THE DOOR.

 

JACK: Well?

SCENE TEN: THE LOFT.

 

JACK: What are you looking for out there Kayla? A white knight. The only kind of white knight that is going to come through all that snow is a snowman....Look at me. He's not coming. Forget it.

KAYLA: I wouldn't be so sure if I was you Jack.

JACK: Oh, because it is me I am sure and I know why I'm sure. Look Kayla you're just going to have to face the fact that you're my wife and you're going to stay my wife, Mrs. Jack Deveraux and nothing's ever going to change that.

KAYLA: Maybe you're right Jack. I am your wife but you can't control the way I feel. No matter what you do, or say, or how many threats you make, you'll never get what you want and you'll never have the part of me that you really want. EVER!