SCENE ONE: JACK COMES INTO BLONDIE'S AND AFTER CHECKING THAT NO ONE CAN SEE THEM HE WALKS UP TO MELISSA.

 

JACK: Hey there.

MELISSA: Hi.

JACK: Am I glad to see you?

 

JACK KISSES HER.

 

MELISSA: Jack, I'm glad too but I thought we agreed not to meet in public.

JACK: You're right, you're right. But I, well I just had to see you. I had to show you this. Here.

MELISSA: What?

JACK: It's a report from the detective. It's going to get you off the attempted murder case.

MELISSA: Jack that's terrific. What does it say?

JACK: Don't get too excited. It's just a preliminary report but this guy is really good. He is very thorough and I thought you could use the encouragement.

MELISSA: Will you stop worrying. I am not discouraged. I know I'm innocent.

JACK: I know that too that's why I hired this guy, to prove it.

MELISSA: Oh Jack, I don't know how to thank you. I can't believe you're so willing to help me.

JACK: Don't you know by now how much I care about you. Come on, I'm going to do anything to get you out of this. Anything.

 

JACK AND MELISSA KISS PASSIONATELY.

 

HARPER: JACK! What on earth is going on here?

HARPER (CONT.): I can't believe what I just witnessed. (He takes Jack aside.) Melissa I would like to speak to my son please, alone.

JACK: Melissa it's alright I'll handle it.

MELISSA: Okay.

JACK: Okay dad, I know what you're going to say and you were right. It won't happen again.

HARPER: I don't want to hear it Jack. Who do you think you are, some average John Doe run-of-the-mill citizen? Have you forgotten what you are and what you represent? Are you out of your mind? Jack you're a politician, for heavens sake. You have a reputation to uphold and here I find you huddled in a corner kissing the woman who's accused of trying to kill your wife and right here in public for all the world to see. You should be damn grateful that who spotted you and not some lousy reporter.This would make hotter copy than Gary Hart.

JACK: Alright, alright you've made your point. I told you it won't happen again.

HARPER: It better not!

JACK: Look I admit that it was poor judgment but I was anxious to tell her the news.

HARPER: What news?

JACK: I've been thinking about Melissa a lot lately and I really believe that she's innocent. There is no way, no way at all that she could have tried to kill Kayla and I'm going to help her prove it.

HARPER: What?

JACK: I've hired a private detective dad. He's going to clear Melissa's name and find out who really did it.

SCENE TWO: MEANWHILE SHANE AND GABRIELLE ARE INVESTIGATING THE CONTINUAL ASSAULT AND MURDER OF WOMEN IN SALEM. THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF SUSPECTS AND JACK IS ONE OF THEM.

SCENE THREE: BLONDIE'S.

 

HARPER: What is this about hiring a detective to clear Melissa?

JACK: There is a lot of evidence about the poisoning that hasn't been uncovered yet. That's why I hired the private detective. That evidence has got to lead us to the person who really did it. I'm going to find that person and clear Melissa's name.

HARPER: Jack I'm very disturbed by what you've done.

JACK: Why? It's the only decent thing to do. I know in my heart that Melissa is innocent so I try to find the person who's guilty. I would think you would want to do the same thing.

HARPER: I do but not this way.

JACK: What is that supposed to mean?

HARPER: Son, I think you've lost sight of a few very important facts.

JACK: And what are they?

HARPER: Well the fact that you are not in the strongest position with your constituency.

JACK: I'm very aware of that dad.

HARPER: Well then just because you won the election doesn't mean you can just forget about the people. You lost a lot of supporters during that rape hearing and you're going to have to work very hard to regain their respect and loyalty.

JACK: What do you think I've been doing all this time?

HARPER: I'm not sure! Jack don't you see that you can't risk having the press discover that you are helping Melissa. If that leaks out your career would be over before it starts. And if you're not worried about my career then start thinking about mine. Have you even considered what a scandal like this might do to my campaign. Let me tell you it could cost me the Presidency.

JACK: Now I think you're exaggerating a little bit dad.

HARPER: (Banging the plates on the table.) No I'm not!....I an not willing to risk my career because of your poor political judgment.

JACK: What do you think I'm trying to do, ruin your campaign? I am probably your biggest political supporter.

HARPER: Then why don't you start acting like it?

JACK: Okay what do you want me to do? Should I just drop Melissa, is that it?

HARPER: Jack, trust me son. If Melissa is truly innocent it will come out in the trial. Come on, have some faith in the justice system would you?

JACK: Alright, alright....(He gets up to leave then changes his mind.) You're right.

 

MEANWHILE MELISSA IS WATCHING FROM THE SIDE OF BLONDIE'S.

 

MICKEY: Melissa? Hi honey.

MELISSA: Hi dad.

MICKEY: Would you like to join me for lunch?....Melissa?

MELISSA: Oh I'm sorry what did you say?

MICKEY: I asked if you'd like to have lunch with me?

MELISSA: Yes, sure?

MICKEY: Dave, how about a table for me and my lovely daughter? Thank you.

DAVE: Enjoy your lunch.

MICKEY: Thanks Dave. (To Melissa) So what brings you to Blondie's?

 

JACK IS WATCHING FROM HIS TABLE WITH HARPER AND MICKEY NOTICES.

 

MICKEY: Melissa I thought you told me you were going to try and get Jack Deveraux out of your system?

MELISSA: You don't understand. Something wonderful has happened.

MICKEY: Well that's good. I'd like to hear about it.

MELISSA: Jack has hired a private detective to gather evidence and clear me of the attempted murder charge.He knows I'm not guilty and he's really trying to help me.

MICKEY: Melissa, I have told you this before and I'm going to repeat it because it's extremely important. Any, any....

 

ANJELICA ARRIVES.

 

ANJELICA: Well if it isn't two of my most favorite people in the whole wide world. Hello darling, Jack!

JACK: Anjelica. I'm glad to see you.

ANJELICA: Thank you. What's for lunch?

 

JACK GIVES HARPER A LOOK OF FRUSTRATION.

 

JACK: Excuse me. I have a phone call to make.

 

HE LEAVES THE TABLE.

 

ANJELICA: What's going on?

HARPER: Jack and I had a little disagreement.

ANJELICA: No kidding. I hadn't noticed.

 

JACK PUTS DOWN THE PHONE AT THE BAR AND RETURNS TO THE TABLE.

 

ANJELICA: Darling I'm glad you're back. Your father was just leaving.

HARPER: Can I safely assume that you made a phone call and fired a certain private detective?

JACK: Yes, yes, you can be happy now. I followed your....advice!

HARPER: Good! I am sure you will come to realize that it was the right decision. Now if you will excuse me. I would love to stay and chat with my lovely family but as you know the campaign calls.

ANJELICA: Yes I know darling and good luck. I'll see you this evening.

HARPER: Thank you....Son?

JACK: Goodbye dad!

ANJELICA: Ah well, alone at last. Now you can tell me what that was all about.

JACK: He was just being stubborn. He wouldn't even listen to my side of it.

ANJELICA: Side of what?

JACK: It's nothing. It doesn't matter anymore....You know something Anjelica, I think you were right.

ANJELICA: That doesn't surprise me a bit. What was I right about this time?

JACK: About me and Melissa. I think I could have saved myself a lot of grief and listened to your advice about getting us together in the first place.

ANJELICA: Why do you say that Jack?

JACK: Because I think that Melissa is the right girl for me.

ANJELICA: Oh Jack how can you say that? The woman tried to poison your wife!

JACK: She did not!

ANJELICA: Well she didn't luckily but she certainly tried.

JACK: No. She is innocent. I don't care what dad says. I'm going to try and do anything to clear her name.

SCENE FOUR: JACK JUMPS OVER MELISSA'S BACK FENCE AND KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.

 

MELISSA: Jack, hi, come in. I'm glad you're here. How did it go with your father?

JACK: Not very well. We had a little disagreement.

MELISSA: About ?

JACK: About you and me.

MELISSA: I thought so. I had the same argument with my dad. In fact we argue about it all the time.

JACK: Melissa I have to tell you something. I hope you understand. I had to call off the investigation and fire the private detective.

MELISSA: I see.

JACK: Look I....my father made me realize that it's just not a good time right now. It's too risky especially....

MELISSA: Jack I understand. I just have to accept the fact that you can't help me.

JACK: I know, I don't think that you understand. It's not that I don't want to or that I just gave up. I want to help you anyway I can. It's just that right now my hands are tied. Do you understand that?

MELISSA: Yes....I just wish things were different Jack.

JACK: I wish things were different too. As much as I want to help you right now, I cannot risk going against my father and risking his campaign. This election is too important to him and it's too important to me.

MELISSA: You love your dad a lot don't you?

JACK: ....Yeh I do. Sometimes I forget it but being a Deveraux is not like being anyone else. I've a reputation to live up to. My father's and my own....I....Look I better get out of here before somebody sees me.

MELISSA: Okay. (She turns away.)

 

JACK GRABS HER AND KISSES HER. 

 

MELISSA: Jack.

JACK: What?

MELISSA: Being a Deveraux is important to you isn't it?

JACK: Yes it is! It's more important than anything.

SCENE ONE: STEVE AND KAYLA ARE IN THE NEW COMMUNITY CENTER AS JACK WALKS IN.

 

STEVE: This place has a future.

JACK: Future? You two better wake up. By the time I'm finished with you, this place won't be anything.

JACK (CONT.): Turning this place into a Madison Square Garden is not going to happen.

STEVE: Jack, calm down here man. Don't bring our differences into this. Come on just let it be now, come on.

JACK: And why should I do that?

STEVE: For the good of the community maybe?

JACK: Who died and left you in charge of the community? Look you don't even have a job. There is a majority of respectable people out there who aren't so anxious to have gangs down here making the area unsafe.

STEVE: The area's already unsafe.

KAYLA: Just stop it Jack. Just stop it. This is your way of revenge. Why should you spoil everything for this community just because you're against everything that we're for.

JACK: Get off the soap box Kayla. You don't care about the community, just about you and him. Is this boxing ring good the for community? Just get yourself a pool table Steve. Building up this community center will not get the gangs off the streets. Now maybe it will improve your image with your so-called friends....

KAYLA: That's not true.

STEVE: Oh come on Jack. When are you going to get off your soap box dude, get off your ivory tower and stop thinking you know what's right for this community. You don't know these people. You're not one of these people. You're nothing but a parasite, you're a carpet bagger and they're standing in the way of your profit.

JACK: Don't even pretend to understand what I'm trying to do here. I will get the gangs off the streets my way, so just stay out of it. And I will shut this place down.

 

JACK WALKS OUTSIDE AND IS ATTACKED BY A MUGGER.

 

JACK: Aaarrrrggggghhhhh!

MUGGER: Say one more thing and it will be your last buddy.

 

STEVE COMES OUT AND PULLS THE MUGGER OFF JACK.

 

MUGGER: What is this? This is none of your business.

STEVE: None of my business? This is my business down here. Now you get out of here and don't try anything like this again, you hear. You're going to mess it up for all of us.

JACK: Wait a minute....wait a minute! What do you mean letting him go? We had him.

STEVE: What do you mean we had him. You're just lucky I came out here, uh?

JACK: This is exactly what I'm talking about you know. This place just draws out the criminal elements.

STEVE: We're trying to get these kids off the street and help them.

JACK: Oh? Is that why you just let him go? For all I know you two just set this whole thing up.

STEVE: Oh you are out of your mind, you know that?

JACK: You have been dying to get back at me, haven't you Kayla, haven't you?

STEVE: You shut up and you leave her out of this.

JACK: No you did. You're trying to get back at me. You set this whole thing up. You had this guy lying in wait to scare me off. Well you know what, it's not going to work. As a matter of fact you just made things worse, for the center and for you. I'm going to work even harder to shut this place down.

SCENE TWO: MELISSA IS WAITING IN THE PARK FOR JACK. THEY SEE EACH OTHER BUT WAIT UNTIL THE COAST IS CLEAR BEFORE TALKING.

 

MELISSA: Hi.

JACK: Hi.

 

JACK KISSES HER.

 

MELISSA: Thanks for meeting me.

JACK: You know that I will always try to get time to see you. II just don't have very much time right now. I have to run off to a press conference.

MELISSA: Alright, I'll get right to the point. Kayla got in touch with me.

JACK: Kayla? What are you talking to Kayla for?

MELISSA: Well she told me all about the new community center that she and Steve are working on and I think it sounds like a great idea. But she also said that you wanted to stop it from happening.

JACK: I should have known that Kayla would try to pull something like this....Yes it is true.

MELISSA: Jack why? How can you be against something that could do so much good? This is exactly the sort of thing you've always stood up for.

JACK: I have my reasons, alright?

MELISSA: That's what I told Kayla. To tell you the truth Jack, I don't see what those reasons could be.

JACK: It's too complex to talk about right now.

MELISSA: Kayla thinks it's because of some personal vendetta against her and Steve.

JACK: Is that what she told you?

MELISSA: Is it true? Do you really believe this is such a bad idea Jack or are you so in love with Kayla that you would ruin Steve and Kayla's dream by destroying the center.

JACK: I swear to you this has nothing to do with Steve or Kayla. Yes I want to close the center down but that's only for the good of the people. I would never let my personal feelings get in the way of a decision like this.

MELISSA: Then why would Kayla think that?

JACK: Well obviously Steve and Kayla don't like my politics. So they're blaming a difference in political philosophy on personal problems to disguise the real issue. Politics are tricky. You can't please everybody. Sometimes there's winners, sometimes there's losers but the important thing is to see the whole picture. Now I can see what the entire community needs and the center doesn't fit. You believe in me don't you? You know I would never hurt the people for some petty vendetta.

MELISSA: Yes I believe you. I guess I just had to hear it for myself.

JACK: Don't let what Steve or Kayla or anything anybody else says ever change that.

MELISSA: I'm sorry. I just know how you feel about Kayla.

JACK: How I used to feel about Kayla. I'm getting over her and I have you to thank for that.

 

JACK KISSES MELISSA AGAIN.

SCENE THREE: JACK CALLS A PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT THE MUGGING AND STEVE AND KAYLA ARE WATCHING IT ON TV.

 

REPORTER: (ON TV) Can you tell us more about your mugging at the Community Center?

JACK: (On TV) Yes I can. He came up behind me and grabbed me. I could see that he was a gang member. One of the many gang members in the area. We struggled for a minute then Steve Johnson one of the co-ordinators behind the new Community Center jumped in to help me. He helped him get away.

STEVE: Did you hear that?

KAYLA: I don't believe this.

STEVE: Well you better believe it baby. It's obvious he's doing everything he can to make sure we don't get the funding for this place.

KAYLA: Ssshhh, ssshhh, ssshhh.

REPORTER: (On TV) What are your feelings about this?

JACK: (On TV) Well I think this only goes to show us that the new Community Center will become nothing more than a legalized hangout for the gangs, a place where decent people are afraid to go. Left to their own devices and the help of Mr Johnson, these gang members should become experts at their craft.

STEVE: Oh isn't that sweet? Look at him. I do everything I can to help him and this is how he repays us.

 

SCENE ONE: STEVE GOES TO WASHINGTON TO GET FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

SCENE TWO: KAYLA GETS NEWS FROM CALLIOPE THAT THE PLANE HAS BLOWN UP. KAYLA IS CONVINCED THAT STEVE WAS NOT ON THE PLANE.

SCENE THREE: SHE GOES TO THE PIER TO THINK AND MEETS AN OLD HOMELESS MAN WHO READS FORTUNES. AS SHE IS TALKING TO HIM, SHE HEARS A FIGHT GOING ON AND STEVE APPEARS IN A FIGHT WITH GANG MEMBERS. STEVE TELLS THE GUYS TO BACK OFF. HE EXPLAINS HE GOT A FLAT TIRE AND MISSED THE PLANE.

SCENE FOUR: STEVE AND KAYLA GO BACK TO THE LOFT AND MAKE LOVE. SHE IS DISTRACTED AND THINKS THAT THE PLANE CRASH WAS AN OMEN OF BAD THINGS TO COME.

 

SCENE ONE: THE TEEN GROUP OF EVE, JAKE AND A FEW OTHERS ARE ALL AT SHENANIGAN'S. FRANKIE COMES IN WITH JENNIFER AND THEY TEASE HIM ABOUT LIKING OLDER WOMEN. JENNIFER IS UPSET EVEN THOUGH SHE KNEW ABOUT FRANKIE'S AFFAIR WITH PAULA.

SCENE TWO: JACK KNOCKS ON MELISSA'S BACK DOOR.

 

MELISSA: Hi, I'm so glad to see you.

JACK: I don't know why!

MELISSA: Because it's a beautiful day and I thought we could spend some time together. I'm always happy to see you.

JACK: Yah! Maybe because I'm such cintilating company lately!

MELISSA: Jack, what's wrong?

JACK: I'll tell you what's wrong. They did it! They actually pulled it off. Johnson and Kayla were able to get the money for the Community Center. I don't know how anybody in Washington actually listened to them.

MELISSA: Jack they're just trying to help.

JACK: If they go through with this, this place is going to be a lot of trouble unless I find a way to shut it down.

MELISSA: Are you sure you want to do that? I mean Jack, a Community Center is a great idea.

JACK: Not if Johnson's involved it won't be. I know the kind of people he surrounds himself with, gangs, punks, greasy old bums. That does not represent the community. I've got to find a way stop it.

MELISSA: Jack....

JACK: And I need you to help me.

MELISSA: Me? What can I do?

JACK: I need somebody to get inside, find out everything they can. I want you to keep an eye on the Community Center for me. Will you do that?

SCENE THREE: KAYLA AND STEVE ARE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER DISCUSSING WHAT TO SPEND THE FUNDING ON WHEN ROMAN ARRIVES WITH A WARRANT FOR STEVE'S ARREST. HE SAYS THAT HE PULLED A GUN ON SOME GANG MEMBERS TO SHOW THEM HOW SENSELESS VIOLENCE IS. ROMAN TELLS HIM THAT HE CANNOT STOP VIOLENCE BY BREAKING THE LAW. HE ASKS STEVE TO SHOW HIM HIS GUN LICENSE AND STEVE DOES NOT HAVE ONE.

SCENE FOUR: BACK AT MELISSA'S APARTMENT.

 

JACK: So Melissa how about it? Can you help me out?

MELISSA: Jack I don't know I....I don't know if I could do something like that.

JACK: Sure you can, come on. You'd be great. It'd be easy for you to get a job down there or volunteer. But I have to know everything that's going on down there.

MELISSA: Wh....what makes you think anything is going on?

JACK: Because Johnson's involved. I guarantee you within one month that center is going to be a hang out for low life on the riverfront.

MELISSA: Jack what are you looking for?

JACK: Well....first of all I'd like to know how the money's spent, if it's going into the Community Center or if it's just going into Johnson's pockets. What I need for you to do is to focus on Johnson and Kayla. Find out where the money is going, how it's being used, who's using it....

MELISSA: Jack I don't think that Steve and Kayla would....

JACK: You have got to get inside there for me. Tell me everything that's going on, everything, no matter how inconsequential.

MELISSA: Jack I don't know what you want me to look for.

JACK: We'll know when we find it. Alright. Who knows, maybe you'll find something that I can take to Washington and use and get the funding cut off.

MELISSA: Look I don't know....Jack you know I would do anything to help you but spying on Steve and Kayla....

JACK: I don't like that word....Look....look I know this is out of character for you and yes it'll be hard but it has to be done. I owe it to my constituents to clean that place up.

 

HE STROKES HER HAND AND BEGINS TO KISS HER FINGERS.

 

JACK: Now I will understand if you can't do it but I need your help. Will you help me?

SCENE FIVE: BACK AT SHENANIGAN'S. FRANKIE AND JENNIFER ARE CONTINUING TO GET A HARD TIME ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH PAULA. FRANKIE HAS PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE ABOUT IT IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP PAULA BEING FIRED. JENNIFER IS VERY DISTRESSED ABOUT THE PUBLICITY AND RUNS OUT OF THE RESTAURANT.

SCENE SIX: PAULA COMES IN AND SAYS SHE IS KEEPING HER JOB.

SCENE SEVEN: EVE RUNS AFTER JENNIFER AND TELLS HER TO IGNORE THOSE CREEPS INSIDE. IN AN ATTEMPT TO BREAK UP FRANKIE AND JENNIFER, EVE TELLS JENNIFER THAT SHE SHOULD FEEL HUMILIATED AND BETRAYED

SCENE EIGHT: BACK AT MELISSA'S APARTMENT.

 

JACK: Look I know you don't understand this but it has to be done. I owe it to the people who voted for me.

MELISSA: Jack it's just doesn't seem right.

JACK: What, you think I'm going to tear this place apart out of revenge just to get back at Steve and Kayla? Is that it?

MELISSA: Aren't you?

JACK: No, that's not it at all. Melissa (taking her face in his hands) I have a responsibility to my constituents. I can not let them down.

MELISSA: I know that.

JACK: You know me, probably better than anybody, even better than my dad. You know that I'd never let the constituents' goals and wishes, get in the way of my personal problems. Now you believe me don't you?

MELISSA: Yes.

JACK: That Community Center's going to be nothing but trouble. They think it's going to stop the violence? They've got a boxing ring there. That invites violence. But we can stop them, the two of us together. (He kisses her.) I need you. Will you help me? What do you say?

 

THE DOORBELL RINGS.

 

MELISSA: Who's is it?

MICKEY: It's me, dad!

JACK: I better go.

MELISSA: Jack no! I'm tired of keeping our relationship a secret.

JACK: So am I but we agreed that it's best for now.

MELISSA: Alright but even if we have to keep it a secret from your parents and the public, it doesn't mean we have to keep it a secret from my parents.

JACK: Melissa....

MICKEY: Melissa, let me in....Hi honey.

MELISSA: Hi.

JACK: Mr Horton. It's good to see you sir.

MICKEY: Save it Deveraux! I'm not one of your constituents. You're wasting your breath.

MELISSA: Dad please don't. Jack is very important to me.

MICKEY: Is that a fact? If you were important to him, he wouldn't even be here right now considering the circumstances.

JACK: I better go.

MELISSA: No Jack you don't have to.

JACK: Yes I do if my presence here causes any undue strain on your family. Besides, I think you've got enough problems.

MICKEY: You've got that much right Deveraux. You have no business here, personal, professional or any other kind.

JACK: I want you to know something Mr Horton. I would never hurt Melissa.

MELISSA: Jack I'm sorry. I thought my parents would be more tolerant.

JACK: That's alright. Think about what I said.

MELISSA: I will

 

JACK LEAVES.

 

MELISSA: I don't see why you must to treat Jack like that dad.

MICKEY: I don't see how you can fall for that act of his.

MELISSA: It's not an act. Jack cares about me.

MICKEY: Melissa I don't know what his motives are but I don't trust them. Honey, don't you see he's using you.

MELISSA: No he's not. He wouldn't do that.

MICKEY: Wouldn't he? Have you forgotten what he did to Kayla, that he raped her?

MELISSA: Dad there were extenuating circumstances, you know that. He was pushed beyond his limits. I'm sure Kayla must have thought that too or she wouldn't have settled for that assault charge.

MICKEY: Melissa there can never be any excuse for what he did to Kayla. I can't tell you how much it pains me to see you associating with a man who is capable of that kind of violence. Now how can you defend him?

MELISSA: Because I know Jack. He is decent and caring and he has a good heart. All he ever wanted was for Kayla to love him, like I love him. He never would have done what he did under normal circumstances.

MICKEY: You really believe that don't you?

MELISSA: Yes I do.

MICKEY: Is there anything I can say to make you stop seeing Jack Deveraux?

MELISSA: NO! Dad look, the last thing I want right now, the last thing I need, is to be in conflict with you and mom over this but I believe in Jack and yes I will go on seeing him for as long as he wants me to. You'll just have to trust my judgment. I know I'm right about Jack.

SCENE NINE: ALAN TRIES TO CONSOLE JENNIFER ABOUT THE TROUBLE WITH FRANKIE AND EVERYONE LAUGHING AT HER. ALAN SAYS THAT SHE COMES FIRST WITH HIM UNLIKE FRANKIE. JENNIFER TRIES TO DEFEND FRANKIE AND SAYS THAT HE JUST MADE A MISTAKE.

SCENE ONE: KAYLA IS PUTTING UP RAPE SEMINAR POSTERS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND JACK WALKS IN. HE GRABS THE POSTER OFF THE WALL.

 

JACK: This is a real obsession with you isn't it Kayla?

KAYLA: What are you talking about?

JACK: I'm talking about rape Kayla. If you were really afraid of being raped you wouldn't be down here. I don't know why you stay down here. This place isn't going to fly, I'll see to that.

KAYLA: Yes it will. I got funding from Washington. So you see there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it. I've won Jack.

JACK: We'll see about that.

 

THE PHONE RINGS AND JACK PICKS IT UP BEFORE KAYLA CAN GET TO IT. SHE GRABS IT AND HE RELUCTANTLY LETS HER HAVE IT.

 

KAYLA: Excuse me....Community Center, Kayla speaking.

MELISSA: Hi Kayla it's Melissa.

KAYLA: Melissa, hi! What can I do for you?

 

JACK IS PLEASED.

 

MELISSA: Well I was about to ask you the same question. Um....I'd like to help out at the Community Center if that's alright?

KAYLA: Uh....well we do need help down here but out budget doesn't really allow for salaries.

MELISSA: Oh you don't have to pay me. I just want to help.

KAYLA: Well great then. We can use about ten more volunteers like yourself. Thanks a lot.

MELISSA: You don't have to thank me. I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Listen, I'll see you soon okay. Bye.

KAYLA: Bye....That was Melissa. She wants to help out down here.

JACK: Well, isn't that special!

KAYLA: Well we have volunteers. You know what that means Jack?

JACK: No but I'm sure that you'll tell me.

KAYLA: That means the community knows that they need a center like this. Then they'll get more public enthusiasm and there you have it. I think you've lost Jack.

JACK: No....I haven't lost by a long shot.

KAYLA: It's over. May as well forget it.

 

KAYLA LEAVES.

 

JACK: (To himself) It's a long way from over Kayla!

SCENE TWO: JENNIFER COMES BACK INTO SHENANIGAN'S AND SHE AND FRANKIE DECIDE TO MAKE UP. PAULA COMES IN AND TELLS THEM THAT SHE IS ALLOWED TO TEACH BUT SHE HAS BEEN FIRED FROM THE HOTLINE. JENNIFER THINKS ALL IS FINE BUT FRANKIE IS STILL UPSET ABOUT THE HOT LINE STUFF AND WANTS TO CONTINUE TO GET HER RE-INSTATED.

SCENE THREE: BACK AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER, KAYLA IS UNPACKING SOME BOXES.

 

JACK: Kayla I would give you a hand unpacking but I'm afraid you won't be here long enough to use that stuff.

KAYLA: You know Jack isn't there something that these Assemblymen do in the afternoon.

 

STEVE WALKS IN AND GRABS JACK.

 

STEVE: What are you doin' here?

JACK: Now wait a minute. That sign out there says Community Center. I have as much right to be here as you do.

STEVE: The hell you do. I want you out of here right now.

JACK: No! You're the one that's going to be out of here before you have a chance to turn around.

STEVE: Why don't you give it up Jack? You got no concern for this community. This is your private revenge against us.

JACK: You give yourself too much credit. But either way....you're going to lose.

STEVE: I'm afraid you got that backwards dude. You're the only loser I see in this town.

JACK: You don't understand me do you? I'm going to wait and wear the two of you down and I won't stop until I do. Because I'm a Deveraux! (He laughs as he walks away.) Have a good day, you two.

STEVE: Ha, ha, ha.

KAYLA: I have trouble remembering he's your brother.

STEVE: ....I have trouble forgettin'!

 

OUTSIDE THE CENTER JACK PAUSES WITH A RAPE FLYER IN HIS HAND. HE LOOKS BACK INSIDE AND THEN WALKS AWAY WITH REVENGE ON HIS FACE.

SCENE FOUR: AT SHENANIGAN'S, FRANKIE INSISTS THAT HE HELP PAULA AND JENNIFER IS UPSET BECAUSE IT WILL PUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP ON THE LINE. FRANKIE SAYS HE IS DOING IT ANYWAY.

SCENE FIVE: MELISSA IS AT HER APARTMENT. SHE GOES TO THE BACK DOOR AS JACK COMES IN AND PICKS HER UP. HE SPINS HER AROUND THE ROOM.

 

JACK: You've done it! You did it! (He is joyous.)

MELISSA: Jack.

JACK: I am so proud of you. I was right there when Kayla took your call.

MELISSA: Jack, look, I'm still not sure I did the right thing. I don't know if I can go through with this.

JACK: You can. Melissa....(He kisses her neck)....I can't do it without you. You know what this is just the beginning. We are going to do great things together, you and I. We're the perfect team. (He kisses her.)

 

SCENE ONE: JENNIFER GOES TO SEE MIKE AND TELLS HIM SHE IS READY TO START PRACTICING BIRTH CONTROL. HE GIVES HER THE BROTHERLY LECTURE ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY. SHE SAYS SHE IS EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD AND KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING. MIKE TELLS HER THAT SHE IS BEING PRESSURED INTO HAVING SEX WITH FRANKIE. MIKE DECIDES TO HELP HER ANYWAY.

SCENE TWO: JACK IS SITTING AT A TABLE AT SHENANIGAN'S WITH CINDY, HIS BLONDE ASSISTANT.

 

CINDY: Let's see, after the luncheon, you have a meeting, a photo session and two interviews.

JACK: Just an average day in the life of an Assemblyman.

CINDY: Well you're very good at it.

JACK: Well thank you very much.

 

MELISSA WALKS IN.

 

CINDY: Well look I have a million things to do. (She gets up to leave and he begins to stand.) Oh please don't get up. Here's your schedule and I'll see you at the photo session.

JACK: I don't know what I'd do without you.

CINDY: I hope you never find out. See you.

JACK: Bye, bye.

 

JACK SEES MELISSA ACROSS THE ROOM. SHE IS LOOKING JEALOUS. HE GOES OVER TO HER.

 

JACK: Melissa, I didn't know you were here.

MELISSA: I know.

JACK: Well how long have you been here.

MELISSA: Long enough.

JACK: Something wrong?

MELISSA: No why?

JACK: I don't know. It just seems like something is bothering you. What is it?

MELISSA: It's nothing.

JACK: Melissa, come on. You're a horrible liar. Now tell me what's bothering you?

MELISSA: It's you Jack. I'm jealous of you and Cindy.

JACK: Me and Cindy?

MELISSA: Yes. When I came in and saw the two of you joking around the way we used to, when I had her job, it just got to me that's all. Seeing her with you like that.

JACK: Melissa. That's her job. You have nothing to worry about. She's not half as good as you were.

MELISSA: Really?

JACK: Yes really. She can't hold a candle to you. But look, if she really bothers you, I'll get rid of her, if that's what you want.

SCENE THREE: BACK AT SHENANIGAN'S.

 

JACK: Melissa. Look if it would make you feel better, I'll get rid of her, if that's what you want.

MELISSA: No, that's okay. I guess I'm just over-reacting and being silly. I know you'd never get involved with an employee. You're too conscientious for that.

JACK: You're right. You do know me, probably better than anybody.

 

ANJELICA WALKS UP BEHIND HIM AND PUTS HER HAND ON HIS SHOULDER SURPRISING HIM.

 

JACK: Aaaaaahhhhh!

ANJELICA: Jack, tried to scare you! Hello Melissa how are you?

MELISSA: Fine thank you.

ANJELICA: Darling, didn't you have a meeting this morning?

JACK: Ah....er....Yes I do!

ANJELICA: Better get going.

JACK: (Looking at his watch.) Ah....well I am late. Melissa I'll talk to you later alright.

MELISSA: Okay.

JACK: Anjelica. (He kisses her cheek.)

ANJELICA: Bye sweetheart.

JACK: The human clock.

ANJELICA: Have a good day.

JACK: I certainly will. (He leaves.)

MELISSA: Well it was nice seeing you again Mrs. De....

ANJELICA: Oooh Melissa. Do you have to run off so quickly?

MELISSA: Well I have a lot to do.

ANJELICA: The morning's still young. Why don't you stay and have breakfast with me? We haven't had a chance to chat in such a long time. What do you say, join me?

MELISSA: Okay. I guess I have a few minute.

SCENE FOUR: JENNIFER GOES TO SEE FRANKIE AND ASKS HIM TO GO TO THE FISHING SHACK WITH HER SO THEY CAN TALK. SHE TELLS HIM SHE HAS FOUND A WAY FOR THEM TO SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS.

SCENE FIVE: BACK AT SHENANIGAN'S.

 

ANJELICA: Melissa I'm so glad you decided to join me. It has been such a long time since we've had a chance to talk.

MELISSA: Yes it has.

ANJELICA: Can I get you a croissant or something with your coffee?

MELISSA: No thank you.

ANJELICA: Harper and I want you to know how grateful we are for everything you've done for Jack.

MELISSA: What do you mean?

ANJELICA: Well Melissa you were the one that convinced Jack to take Steve Johnson's kidney. You saved his life.

MELISSA: Well I'm just glad he listened to me.

ANJELICA: So are we and we want you to know how much we appreciate it.

MELISSA: Well it was no big deal.

ANJELICA: Well it was to us. Of course that was in the past. Now we feel you are threatening Jack's life.

MELISSA: What are you talking about?

ANJELICA: Don't get me wrong Melissa. I don't blame you.

MELISSA: Well you could have fooled me.

ANJELICA: It's perfectly clear you're in love with Jack and I understand completely. He's a wonderful man.

MELISSA: Yes he is.

ANJELICA: You would have made a good couple....once. But not now Melissa. It's too late.

MELISSA: I don't think so.

ANJELICA: It is absolutely imperative that Jack maintain a spotless reputation especially considering everything that Kayla Brady has done to him.

MELISSA: I am not tarnishing Jack's image.

ANJELICA: Not yet you're not but if the press gets wind of your little affair, his reputation will be shot.

MELISSA: We're being careful. Besides you're over-reacting.

ANJELICA: I'm over-reacting. You are the woman accused of trying to kill Jack's wife. Now if you were the average citizen in Salem what would you think? Jack has the Deveraux name to uphold and Melissa if you really love him you will leave him alone, forever.

MELISSA: Don't count on it. You know you and Senator Deveraux are so concerned about Jack being the perfect Deveraux, whatever that means. Maybe it's time that you stopped worrying so much about Jack upholding his precious name and let him live his own life. He is a grown man, he knows what he wants. And for your information, Jack and I are both well aware how important a good reputation is to his political career.

ANJELICA: Oh well that's a relief. I'm glad to hear that!

MELISSA: And one more thing!

ANJELICA: Oh I can hardly wait.

MELISSA: It is not too late for Jack and me! We're going to be together someday.

ANJELICA: Really, and you think his supporters will stand for it.

MELISSA: Yes they will, once they see all the good things Jack is doing in Salem, they won't care about the past.

ANJELICA: Fine, yes you are incredibly naive Melissa.

MELISSA: No. I have more faith in Jack than any of you Deverauxes. Thanks for the coffee.

SCENE SIX: JENNIFER AND FRANKIE ARRIVE AT THE SHACK. SHE HAS FIXED UP THE PLACE WITH FLOWERS AND PICTURES. SHE PUTS ON THEIR FAVORITE TAPE AND ASKS HIM TO DANCE. HE ASKS HER WHAT IS GOING ON AND SHE TELLS HIM SHE LOVES HIM AND WANTS TO BE WITH HIM. SHE ASKS HIM TO MAKE LOVE TO HER.