SCENE ONE: LATER AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION, JACK COMES DOWNSTAIRS.

 

JACK: What is it Saunders?

SAUNDERS: A gentleman to see you sir.

JACK: Yes, what is it?

MAN: Are you Jack Deveraux?

JACK: Yes I am.

MAN: Thank you.

 

HE HANDS JACK AN ENVELOPE.

 

ANJELICA: What was that about?

JACK: I have just been served with divorce papers.

ANJELICA: You were expecting them weren't you?

 

JACK STARTS TO SHOW PAIN AND ANGER.

 

ANJELICA: Jack I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're better off without her.

JACK: Well I'm going to make sure she's not better off without me! If she thinks she can divorce me and live happily ever after with Steve Johnson, she couldn't be more wrong.

SCENE TWO: KAYLA OPENS THE LOFT DOOR AND JACK IS STANDING THERE.

 

JACK: Hi Kayla, can I come in. I heard you were looking for me earlier.

KAYLA: Yes I am.

JACK: You know they say that two people in the midst of a divorce should never meet like this, tempers being what they are.

KAYLA: Well good, let's not drag this out then.

JACK: I do hope you're referring to this meeting.

KAYLA: No I'm referring to our divorce. Look Jack I know that you're just trying to be selfish and vindictive. You're never going to get away with it.

JACK: Come on Kayla, threats at this late date. What could you possibly do to me that you haven't already done? You took me to court, you accused me of being a rapist in front of the whole world. Now it's my turn. I mean fair is fair.

KAYLA: Do you think it's fair that you try to ruin my life after all you've already done to me? I'm going to tell you something Jack. You may be able to delay this divorce but you can't stop it.

JACK: I wouldn't be too sure of that if I were you.

KAYLA: Oh I would. I'm going to get that divorce. Steve and I are going to be together. We are going to spend the rest of our lives together and you can go ahead and make it harder if you want but your the one that's going to suffer because I'm going to win.

JACK: We'll see who suffers and who doesn't Kayla.

 

STEVE COMES IN THE DOOR.

 

STEVE: Junior, I see your back with more threats. What did I tell you about that?

JACK: Relax Johnson, I didn't call this meeting, my lovely wife did.

STEVE: Oh really. Well it's over now but you know what, I've got a few things to say to you myself.

JACK: I wish I could say I was interested.

STEVE: I don't give a damn if you're interested or not. You're going to stand right there and you're going to listen to me.

JACK: (Looking down at where Steve is holding his shirt.) Sure why not?

STEVE: I tried with you Jack. I tried to understand you. I tried to help you. Hell I even gave you a damn kidney!

JACK: I never asked for anything from you.

STEVE: No you didn't ask but I gave it. I gave you back your life and all you want to do with it is make other people's lives miserable. Why is that?

JACK: I guess you could just say it was a big waste of your time.

STEVE: You're right!

JACK: Well since we are opening up here why don't you tell me why you did all those things in the first place?

STEVE: You wanna know why? Because I thought ....I thought you reminded me of somebody I knew a long time ago but I was wrong. You're nothing like that guy.

JACK: You're not exactly my kind of guy either!

STEVE: You think you're so damn cute don't you? You think you're cute in your fancy clothes and your big cars and your high-priced lawyers, huh? You think your money and your power can get you anything don't you?

JACK: Eventually, yes!

STEVE: Well it's not going to work this time Jack. You can hire all the sleazy over-paid lawyers you want and it's not going to do a damn bit of good because, you know what, Kayla and I are going to be happy. As a matter of fact we already are happy so you can just take your lawyers and your money and your sleazy deals and you can just stuff 'em where the sun don't shine cause I don't give a damn.

JACK: Sound pretty sure of yourself.

STEVE: I'm sure of myself dude, yeh! I almost lost Kayla once because of the past but I'm not holding on to that past anymore. So you can just take all your threats and everything you got and all your big deals and you can take 'em on out of here. You're not going to hurt us anymore.

JACK: You through?

STEVE: Oh yeh, I'm through with you Jack. You make me sick. You get out of here. You do yourself a favor and you get out of our lives.

JACK: (He walks towards the door and stops.) I see. Let me see. We're through with you Jack so please just get the hell out of our lives. Is that it? I'm sorry I can't do that, because I'm not through with you. Have a nice day!

 

JACK SLIDES THE DOOR SHUT AND THEN SIGHS. HIS LOOK TURNS TO REVENGE.

SCENE THREE: JACK COMES IN THE DOOR OF THE DEVERAUX MANSION AND THROWS HIS JACKET ON THE COUCH.

 

ANJELICA: Did you catch up with Kayla?

JACK: Yes I did! I listened to them rant and rave for me fighting this divorce and I told them exactly what they can do about it.

ANJELICA: You know, I've been thinking. Maybe you oughta just give Kayla the divorce. I mean why not get it over quickly and get on with your life especially when you consider the possible fallout an ugly divorce could have on your career?

JACK: I'm not going to let her get away with slandering my name, the family's good name.

ANJELICA: Well ordinarily I would agree with you. Family honor and family reputation are very important but so is your health. I can't help but worry about what possible effect this is going to have on you physically.

JACK: Don't worry about me Anjelica. Making Steve and Kayla pay for what they did to me and the family has given me a whole new lease on life.

SCENE FOUR: JACK GETS OUT OF THE LIFT AT THE HOSPITAL AND WALKS INTO THE DOCTOR'S LOUNGE. LATER MELISSA COMES IN TO GET HER PURSE AND JACK GRABS HER. SHE SCREAMS AND HE COVERS HER MOUTH.

 

JACK: Don't! Don't scream!

MELISSA: Jack.

 

JACK KISSES HER PASSIONATELY ON THE MOUTH.

 

MELISSA: What was that for?

JACK: Because I felt like it!

MELISSA: What are you doing here?

JACK: Oh I'm um....I'm just here for a check-up.

MELISSA: Is everything ok?

JACK: Hmm..mm. Everything's just fine! The doctors say that everything is in....perfect working order. What are you doing here?

MELISSA: Um.....what am I doing here?....I'm having breakfast with my grandmother!

 

THEY BOTH LAUGH.

 

MELISSA: What are we doing here?

JACK: Well, I'm having what they call a stolen moment and I hate myself for having to do it this way. Am I rushing things?

MELISSA: I'm not complaining.

 

THEY BEGIN TO KISS AND THE DOOR BURSTS OPEN AND IN COMES A VERY ATTRACTIVE BLONDE.

 

BLONDE: Oh there you are. We just a call from the office and there's been another shooting incident down on River Street.

JACK: Alright, I'll be right down.

BLONDE: Okay, you want me to set up for a statement?

JACK: Yes, yes. Bring the car round front and I'll join you. I'll be right down there.

BLONDE: Got it.

JACK: I....have to go.

MELISSA: Who was that?

 

THE BLONDE COMES BACK IN.

 

BLONDE: Excuse me, there one more thing. I was thinking that your meeting with the police commissioner may run a little bit long and I'm wondering. Should I call the three o'clock with the city planner and reschedule?

JACK: No, no. Just tell them we'll be a little late.

BLONDE: Okay, great thanks!

JACK: Okay. (She leaves) Uh....I hired her to....to replace you.

MELISSA: She's pretty.

JACK: She's good.

MELISSA: I can see that.

JACK: Look you don't have anything to worry about. She's not half as beautiful as you are.

 

JACK SNEAKS ANOTHER PASSIONATE KISS FROM MELISSA.

 

MELISSA: Now tell me how good she is.

JACK: She's not even an eighth as good as you are.

MELISSA: And she's not efficient?

JACK: I have to double check everything she does.

MELISSA: And you haven't even noticed what great legs she has?

JACK: No, no, not even when she wears those lacy black hose!

MELISSA: Oh yeh, right!

JACK: I've gotta go, really. I do. Okay, bye.

MELISSA: Bye!

 

HE TURNS BACK.

 

JACK: You know what! Kayla and I could never do this. Kayla and I could never just, just kid with each other.

MELISSA: I'm not Kayla.

 

JACK SMILES AT HER AND LEAVES. THE BLONDE IS WAITING FOR HIM OUTSIDE AND MELISSA WATCHES THROUGH THE GLASS.

 

BLONDE: Oh Jack, wait, there are a few things I forgot to go over with you, inside, okay? (She holds his arm.) So we need to talk about them okay?

JACK: Alright!

 

THEY LEAVE AND MELISSA TALKS TO HERSELF.

 

MELISSA: I'm not Cindy either!

SCENE FIVE: MELISSA IS DOING RESEARCH ON GANGS. SHE IS ON THE PHONE AT HER APARTMENT.

 

MELISSA: What gangs are involved? The Vipers? Yeh I thought they would have killed each other off by now. Hmm....mmm. I've been working for Mr. Deveraux for a few months now. Do you know which gang is the biggest problem?....No I'm still writing....Oh really. You think he's cute, huh? Well I'll be sure and tell Jack you said that. (The doorbell rings.) Could you hold on for a second Officer Phillips? Thanks.

 

MELISSA ANSWERS THE DOOR AND IT IS MICKEY. HE GIVES HER A LECTURE ABOUT THE TROUBLE JACK IS AND TELLS HER TO STAY CLEAR OF HIM. SHE TELLS MICKEY HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT JACK AND THINKS BACK ON THINGS.

 

JACK: Melissa, you heard your dad, he thinks you're throwing me out of your life.

MELISSA: If I have to lie to him, I'll lie.

JACK: Listen to you. This is all wrong. We have to stop worrying about my problems for a minute and start worrying what's best for you.

MELISSA: What's best for me is to keep on seeing you.

JACK: I don't think so.

MELISSA: I don't care about anything else. That's how bad I want you.

JACK: Then you better start caring!

MELISSA: What's best for you Jack? Do you want me or not?

JACK: Stop it!

 

HE KISSES HER PASSIONATELY.

 

JACK: How's that for an answer?

 

MELISSA COMES BACK TO REALITY.

 

MICKEY: Melissa do you think Jack's returning all these feelings?

MELISSA: I know he is.

MICKEY: Well then already he is not being honest with you.

SCENE ONE: THE SHOOTING AT THE RIVERFRONT NEAR THE NEARLY COMPLETED COMMUNITY CENTER. KAYLA AND STEVE ARE FENDING OFF THE PRESS. JACK ARRIVES.

 

JACK: Well if it isn't my lovely wife!

STEVE: Jack you let her go, you let her go.

JACK: I want to thank you both for coming down here today to show your support. Did you know I was making a speech?

STEVE: You're not going to be making anything. I'm going to give these news reporters a real story. (To Kayla. ) Come on.

JACK: Hey, just trying to be friendly!

 

STEVE AND KAYLA LEAVE.

 

JACK: Alright Cindy, let's get on with it. Let's get down to business.

CINDY: Alright. (She adjusts his tie and jacket.) Okay that's good. Are you ready?

JACK: (Looking with anger in the direction of Steve and Kayla) Yeh, I'm ready!

SCENE TWO: BACK AT MELISSA'S APARTMENT. SHE IS ON THE PHONE WHILE MICKEY WAITS.

 

MELISSA: That was Jack.

 

SHE WALKS OVER AND TURNS ON THE TV TO VIEW THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

 

JACK: (On TV) No this isn't just my problem or these people's problems. Violence in the streets is everybody's problem because it festers and grows and innocent people get hurt everyday. That's why we have to put an end to it right here! These people deserve to have safe streets just as much as anybody else.

REPORTER: Is this going to be one of your pet projects?

JACK: No it's not because I'm going to put an end to it right now.

 

MELISSA IS GRINNING AS JACK MAKES HIS SPEECH.

 

JACK: I'd like to introduce a new staff member for me. Cindy? This is Cindy Law. Cindy is going to be a familiar sight down here. Her main function is to keep me abreast of the situation. I want to know what's going on down in the offices and departments that are dealing with this problem. I want to know what's going on down on the street and I want all of you to know that if you have any tips, please call.

 

MICKEY TURNS THE VOLUME DOWN ON THE TV.

 

MICKEY: Melissa, do you see what I'm talking about? This guy is dangerous. Is that why you are so attracted to him because everything he does spells trouble?

MELISSA: It's because I care about him.

MICKEY: Melissa, you've done this with Pete, with Lars Ingland. You go out and you find a guy who has a head full of problems and you try to fix them no matter what it means, no matter what it costs you. Why don't you learn?

MELISSA: And why can't you like who I pick?

MICKEY: Because the people that you pick always end up hurting you.

MELISSA: Dad, Jack is going to end up being President. Isn't anyone good enough for you?

MICKEY: I don't think that guy is going to end up being President and no he is not good enough for you.

 

MICKEY LEAVES AND MELISSA TURNS THE VOLUME BACK UP.

 

JACK: Well I think Cindy is more equipped to answer that question than I am. Cindy?

CINDY: Thank you Jack.

 

CINDY BEGINS TO TALK AND MELISSA THROWS A SHEAF OF PAPERS AT THE TV.

 

MELISSA: Oh who asked you!

SCENE THREE: LATER MELISSA IS SORTING OUT NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS WHEN THE DOORBELL RINGS.

 

JACK: Hi

MELISSA: Hello.

JACK: Hi. Look I hope it's alright that I came over.

MELISSA: Of course it's alright. I'm just surprised to see you that's all.

JACK: So....tell me.

MELISSA: Yes

JACK: Did you see the broadcast?

MELISSA: Yes

JACK: Yes, and....how did it come off?

MELISSA: Well I thought you looked great.

JACK: Uh....huh.

MELISSA: I think you made those people down there feel a lot better knowing that they have someone like you working to help them.

JACK: So you have any ideas so I can help them?

MELISSA: Actually now that you mention it I've been doing a little research. (She lifts up a box full of files.)

JACK: You're kidding.

MELISSA: No.

JACK: I mean I was kidding Melissa.

 

MELISSA HANDS HIM A FEW FOLDERS.

 

JACK: What is this?

MELISSA: Well it's the start on a few files that I've been making about the gangs on the riverfront and what other cities have done about their gang problems, things that have worked, things that haven't, stuff like that.

JACK: You never cease to be able to amaze me you know that. Come here and tell me why you did this.

MELISSA: Because it's something that you care about.

JACK: You know I have a little surprise for you too.

MELISSA: You do.

JACK: Hmmm....mmm.

MELISSA: What?

JACK: I'm going to get you off this attempted murder charge.

MELISSA: Oh Jack what do you know? Tell me.

JACK: All I know right now is that I hired a private detective agency to do their own investigation into what really happened with Kayla and when they get to the bottom of it, I don't know who they are going to find, all I know is that it's not you.

MELISSA: Oh Jack. (She hugs him.) Do you know how this makes me feel? Do you know what this means?

JACK: It means I can't breathe.

MELISSA: No, it means that once we get all this behind us and you get your divorce from Kayla....

JACK: Hmmm....mm?

MELISSA: We can come out in the open Jack. We can stop sneaking around and hiding in hospital lounges and uh....

 

JACK IS KISSING HER NECK.

 

JACK: And uh....what?

MELISSA: I forgot what I was saying.

 

THEY SIT DOWN TOGETHER ON THE COUCH.

 

JACK: Whoa what was that? (He picks up a bag he had sat on.)

MELISSA: Oh that's nothing.

JACK: Oh no, no wait a minute....

MELISSA: Jack! Please give it to me.

JACK: I just want to take a look at it.

MELISSA: Jack? Jack please.

JACK: It's a....black lacey hose. Why Melissa, I don't think I've ever seen you in black lacey hose.

MELISSA: Please....

JACK: You'll look lovely.

MELISSA: Jack?

JACK: What? (He takes her in his arms and kisses her.)