SCENE ONE: MEANWHILE SHANE AND GABRIELLE ARE CONTINUING THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO THE RIVERFRONT KNIFER. MORE AND MORE JACK IS LOOKING LIKE THE PRIME SUSPECT. THEY HAVE FOUND A HANDKERCHIEF WITH HIS INITIALS ON IT, JUST NEAR THE LATEST VICTIM.

SCENE TWO: AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION, ANJELICA HAS JUST ANSWERED THE DOOR.

 

ANJELICA: Why Shane Donovan, please come on in. Do what do we owe this pleasure?

 

SHANE COMES IN WITH GABRIELLE.

 

SHANE: Thank you Anjelica. You know my assistant Gabrielle Pascal don't you?

GABRIELLE: Yes, hello Mrs. Deveraux

ANJELICA: Please call me Anjelica.

GABRIELLE: Thank you Anjelica.

ANJELICA: Well Harper isn't here right now. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?

SHANE: As a matter of fact we're here to see Jack. Is he around?

ANJELICA: You're in luck. He just came in from a meeting. I'll go get him.

 

JACK COMES DOWNSTAIRS.

 

ANJELICA: I don't have to, here he comes. Jack you know Shane Donovan and Gabrielle Pascal.

JACK: I certainly do. It's good to see you both.

SHANE: Hello Jack.

GABRIELLE: Jack.

ANJELICA: They're here to see you.

JACK: Well would you like to sit down?

SHANE: Thank you.

ANJELICA: Well I could go and get some tea for you would you like?

SHANE: Anjelica we'd rather like to have a few words with Jack in private if you don't mind.

ANJELICA: By all means. Excuse me.

GABRIELLE: Thank you Anjelica.

JACK: So what's this all about?

SHANE: Does this happen to be your handkerchief? (He hands it to Jack.)

JACK: Uh....well....uh I don't know, it looks familiar but don't all handerkerchiefs look alike?

GABRIELLE: No that one's unique. We were told you special order all of your handkerchiefs including that one.

JACK: Oh yes, yes I do. But what's so important about a handkerchief?

SHANE: Well that particular handkerchief Jack was found in the purse of a prostitute last week just after she had been murdered.

JACK: So?

SHANE: So it seems you and I should have a little talk about the Riverfront Knifer case.

JACK: You think I'm involved in the Riverfront knifing?

SHANE: Well are you Jack?

JACK: No I'm not! I don't have time for this kind of nonsense. I'd like you both to leave.

GABRIELLE: Ah Jack you're welcome to consult your lawyer if you'd like.

JACK: I don't need a lawyer unless I choose to sue the two of you for slander. Now please get out!

SHANE: Oh we're not going anywhere Jack until you answer one more question.

JACK: Oh really what is that?

SHANE: What were you doing the night the last prostitute was murdered?

JACK: I don't know. It was a long time ago.

GABRIELLE: Well I think it'd be in your best interests to try and remember.

SHANE: We're waiting Jack.

JACK: Alright I know where I was but I don't want it publicized.

SHANE: Alright, fair enough.

JACK: I was with Melissa Anderson at her condo. We've been seeing each other only in private not in public. I'm sure the two of you can understand that....under the circumstances.

GABRIELLE: Yes of course.

JACK: If you have any questions, please ask her.

SHANE: Oh yes we will. Certainly. You can rest assured on that point.

JACK: Well if you have no more questions for me, I'm very busy.

SHANE: No that's all Jack, thank you for your co-operation.

GABRIELLE: Yes thank you we appreciate your time.

SHANE: Oh one thing, the handkerchief please.

JACK: Well certainly.

SHANE: Thank you and if we may I'd like to make a phone call before we leave.

JACK: Please go right ahead.

 

JACK WALKS UPSTAIRS.

 

SHANE: I think we should let Mickey Horton in on this.

GABRIELLE: Yes I agree.

SCENE THREE: SHANE CALLS MICKEY AND TELLS HIM THAT THEY HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT JACK IS INVOLVED. HE TELLS MICKEY THAT JACK SAID HE WAS WITH MELISSA AT THE TIME OF THE LAST MURDER. MICKEY SAYS HE WILL TALK TO MELISSA.

SCENE FOUR: BACK AT THE FISHING SHACK, FRANKIE TELLS JENNIFER HE CANNOT MAKE LOVE TO HER BECAUSE HE DOES NOT THINK SHE IS READY. JENNIFER SAYS SHE SEES THE BOND HE HAS WITH PAULA AND WANTS THAT SAME BOND WITH HIM. SHE ASKS HIM IF HE MADE LOVE TO MRS. CARSON WHY CANNOT HE MAKE LOVE TO HER.

SCENE FIVE: AT THE DEVERAUX MANSION, SHANE AND GABRIELLE HAVE LEFT. ANJELICA COMES DOWNSTAIRS TO TALK TO JACK.

 

ANJELICA: Jack. Is there something you want to tell me?

JACK: Shane Donovan wants to make a Federal case out of the fact that he found some dead hooker with my handkerchief in her pocket. I don't know. I don't know, I probably just dropped it on the pier and she picked it up. It's no big deal.

ANJELICA: Jack stop it! Don't lie to me. It's obvious you went to a prostitute. So what men do these things.

JACK: Yes they do. And since we're being so open with each other, she was alive when I left her.

ANJELICA: I believe you.

JACK: You're probably the only one that does.

ANJELICA: Oh Jack come on. What person in his right mind is going to believe that Jack Deveraux killed a prostitute? It's ridiculous.

JACK: I know that. But I don't think Shane Donovan feels the same way.

ANJELICA: Don't worry about him, he doesn't have a case. But Jack you've got to be more careful. You have a reputation to protect.

JACK: I know that.

ANJELICA: Jack I know how hard it is to be a Deveraux sometimes. I came to it by choice but you didn't. You were born a Deveraux. You had no choice. But you are a member of a very distinguished family. You have a family name to uphold. You've got to remember that.

JACK: I couldn't forget that even if I wanted to but I also know one other thing that Deveraux don't always live by the book and I learned that from my dad.

ANJELICA: Alright Jack just stop it!

JACK: I will not let some....some dead bimbo get in the way of my political career. Dad'll know how to handle this sort of thing. He always does.

SCENE SIX: MELISSA IS SITTING IN SHENANIGAN'S LOOKING AT JACK'S ADOPTION PAPERS.

 

MELISSA: (To herself) Dammit Jack. All this and you're not even a Deveraux. Maybe I should just tell you the truth.

 

MICKEY COMES IN.

 

MICKEY: Melissa.

MELISSA: Hi dad.

MICKEY: We have to talk. Listen I just got a call from Shane with some disturbing news about Jack Deveraux.

MELISSA: Is he alright?

MICKEY: He is now a suspect in the Riverfront Knifer case.

MELISSA: What? That's ridiculous. Jack would never do that.

MICKEY: Not only that but when he was questioned about his whereabouts the night the last hooker was killed, he said he was with you at the condo. Is that true?

MELISSA: Yes he was with me. I can't believe they are trying to blame such a horrible crime on such a wonderful man.

MICKEY: He is not a wonderful man. He is using you.

MELISSA: He is not dad. Jack cares about me.

MICKEY: He has a funny way of showing it. Melissa if your relationship ever becomes public during your trial you are the one who will suffer. You are the one who may be found guilty. Not Jack Deveraux.

MELISSA: Dad that's enough. I love Jack and he loves me and someday we will be together.

MICKEY: I hope you live that long.

SCENE SEVEN: AT THE FISHING SHACK. FRANKIE TELLS JENNIFER SHE IS RUSHING THINGS BUT SHE SAYS HE DID NOT WAIT. HE SAYS HE CANNOT MAKE LOVE TO HER BECAUSE HE THINKS HER HEART IS NOT IN IT. AS THEY ARE TALKING PAULA ARRIVES AND HAS DECIDED TO DISTRIBUTE THE PETITION TO GET HER BACK ON THE HOTLINE. JENNIFER IS JEALOUS AND FEELS IMMATURE. JENNIFER TELLS FRANKIE THAT HE HAS PAULA UP ON A PEDESTAL AND HE TREATS HER LIKE A KID. SHE TELLS FRANKIE THAT HE HAS TO MAKE A CHOICE BETWEEN HER AND MRS. CARSON AND THEN LEAVES.

SCENE EIGHT: MELISSA IS STILL AT SHENANIGAN'S WHEN JACK ARRIVES. HE GOES TO USE THE PHONE AND SHE FOLLOWS HIM.

 

MELISSA: Hello Jack.

JACK: I have to talk to you....Alright. Shane Donavon and Gabrielle Pascal were just at my house. They've got this idea that I'm involved in the Riverfront Knifer case. They're going to ask....

MELISSA: Jack I know. My dad was here. He told me what happened.

JACK: Your dad? Wait a minute. How does he know?

MELISSA: Shane called him at the office.

JACK: And what did you tell him?

MELISSA: Don't worry. I didn't tell him that you lied, that you weren't with me when that woman was murdered.

JACK: I was with you. You just don't remember what time I left.

MELISSA: Yes I do. Jack I remember it perfectly. You left the condo a good hour before that murder took place. I remember because I was hoping you'd stay that night and you didn't.

JACK: So....do you actually think I committed murder?

MELISSA: No of course not. But why did you lie Jack? You put me in a very awkward position.

JACK: Melissa I'm sorry but I thought if I told them I was with you they would resolve this whole thing quicker and I would avoid anymore negative publicity.

MELISSA: No Jack I think it's wrong. I want you to tell my father the truth.

JACK: I can't tell your father the truth. I can't. Look if I admit to your father now that I was lying, how is that going to look. Melissa we are just going to have to leave things the way that they are. They believed you and it's all over.

MELISSA: Jack I don't know. I hate lies. They only make things worse.

JACK: Melissa, honey, I will never ask you to do anything like this again. Will you do this for me? Just once. (He kisses her.) Well?

MELISSA: Okay, I'll go along with you....this time. (She kisses him.)

 

SCENE ONE: JACK AND MELISSA ARE OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

 

JACK: I can't tell you how much I appreciate your coming down to keep an eye on this place for me.

MELISSA: Jack I feel like a spy.

JACK: It's not spying. It's more like a service to the community. Melissa you are going to be helping so many people if this place never opens.

MELISSA: If you say so.

JACK: I say so. Now look you better get in there and I better go. I don't want anybody to see us together down here. But I will talk to you later. (He goes to kiss her but people come by and he leaves.) Bye.

MELISSA: Bye.

 

MELISSA GOES IN AND THE HOMELESS MAN MONTY IS THERE. HE TELLS EVERYONE HE SENSES TROUBLE.

SCENE TWO: MEANWHILE ON THE PIER THE STINGRAYS ARE HANGING OUT. THEY ARE ALL CONGRATULATING ONE OF THEIR MEMBERS CALLED EMILIO FOR MESSING UP A DOCTOR'S CAR AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. STEVE COMES DOWN AND TELLS EMILIO TO LAY OFF THE COMMUNITY CENTER. EMILIO THREATENS HIM.

SCENE THREE: JACK IS DOWN AT THE RIVERFRONT TALKING TO CONSTITUENTS.

 

JACK: Thank you for coming by. I'll see you there, alright. Thank you, bye bye.

 

ANJELICA ARRIVES.

 

JACK: Anjelica, what are you doing down here in my neck of the woods?

ANJELICA: Sweetheart. Cindy told me you'd be here so I thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing.

JACK: I am doing great, building a broad network of support to tear down that Community Center.

ANJELICA: You know I still don't understand the change but your father taught me years ago never to question. I'm sure you have your reasons.

JACK: I do and they're very good, believe me....Oh hi madam. My name's Jack Deveraux and I'm your new Assemblyman. Would you look at that. Look at that little baby. (Jack kisses the baby.)

ANJELICA: That is a beautiful baby.

JACK: Beautiful, beautiful baby. Well we can certainly see where she gets her good looks. You live in the neighborhood don't you?

WOMAN WITH BABY: Yes I do.

JACK: Well I'm sure you'd be interested in coming to the next neighborhood meeting. I'm discussing the negative effects of the Community Center. And as a parent I'm sure you'll be very interested in cleaning up these streets.

WOMAN: Of course. It was nice meeting you.

JACK: It was nice meeting you. I'll see you there.

 

DURING THE CONVERSATION ANJELICA WAS LOOKING LONGINGLY AT THE BABY.

 

JACK: So what do you think?

ANJELICA: I think that is a very cute baby.

JACK: Not the baby. My speech!

ANJELICA: What?....Oh pardon me. It was fine.

JACK: Anjelica, what are you thinking?

ANJELICA: Nothing, just that that mother was about my age.

JACK: Do I detect a note of maternal instinct in that voice?

ANJELICA: Oh heck phooey, absolutely not. I'm much too busy to raise a child....What would you think if I did?

JACK: Well if we're shopping. I always did want a brother.

ANJELICA: I'm sorry I didn't deliver.

JACK: You know that's something I always wondered. Why didn't you and dad just go ahead and have a family of your own when you first got married?

ANJELICA: Too busy. Besides, have you any idea what pregnancy does to your figure?

JACK: Not first hand.

ANJELICA: I don't know Jack. I guess, I guess I never thought I wanted a child of my own badly enough.

JACK: You saying I was enough?

ANJELICA: Ha ha, as a teenager, yes, sometimes.

JACK: I think you're just having a little change of heart.

ANJELICA: Maybe I am.

JACK: Well maybe you should stop thinking about it and start doing something. I mean you can see for yourself, dad can produce mighty good offspring.

ANJELICA: I certainly can.

SCENE FOUR: AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. STEVE ARRIVES BACK WHEN SUDDENLY EMILIO WALKS IN.

 

STEVE: Emilio, I seriously hope you're not here to start something.

EMILIO: Oh I'm not. (He then whistles his friends to come in.)

 

RAOUL, EMILIO'S BROTHER WALKS IN WITH A FEW OTHER GANG MEMBERS. AS THEY WALK IN KAYLA, MELISSA AND MONTY COME BACK WITH SOME BOXES. STEVE TELLS KAYLA TO DO WHAT THEY SAY AND STAY OUTSIDE. THEY CALL THE POLICE AND EMILIO AND RAOUL PULL GUNS ON STEVE. DURING THE STAND OFF EMILIO BEGINS TO GET SCARED.

 

SCENE ONE: JACK AND MELISSA ARE WALKING ON THE PIER DISCUSSING THE STAND OFF AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

 

JACK: If I set the whole thing up myself, it couldn't have worked out better.

MELISSA: Jack you didn't.

JACK: No, no, no. I didn't do anything but I can't help it if I turn the whole thing around to my advantage. The whole situation, it's so handy now.

MELISSA: Don't you see, Steve might get hurt, maybe even killed. Look I know you don't like him Jack but this is ridiculous.

JACK: No, no, no, no, no. This is not personal. I am not thinking of myself. I'm thinking of the people. I've been saying for a long time now that this Community Center is bad. It's a detrimental influence. It's bad for the neighborhood. It draws out the wrong kind of people. I've been trying....It's just a matter of time before we had violence!....You have a quarter?

MELISSA: Who do you want to call?

JACK: No, no, not me. I want you, I want you to call the news and tell them that Jack Deveraux is making an appearance down at the Community Center. Make sure the television people are there too.

MELISSA: Jack I don't if you should do that.

JACK: You've never doubted my judgment before.

MELISSA: You're right.

JACK: Does that mean you don't trust me now?

MELISSA: Who do you want me to call first?

JACK: Let me show you, this way.

SCENE TWO: OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY CENTER, THE POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE IN ACTION. STEVE IS STILL HELD IN THE CENTER BY THE STINGRAYS. ROMAN IS IN CHARGE. INSIDE THE CENTER, RAOUL IS LOSING HIS COOL AND EMILIO IS BEGINNING TO GET SCARED. HE WANTS TO SURRENDER BUT RAOUL INSISTS ON STAYING.

JACK ARRIVES WITH AN ENTOURAGE OF PRESS.

 

JACK: Right come along this way. We have the camera crews coming this way. We'll just set up right here.

ROMAN: Excuse me is there something I can do for you here?

JACK: Yes as a matter of fact there is. You can tell the people how the police are going to protect the innocent citizens of this town.

ROMAN: Well the short answer is we're doing all we can. Now buzz off will ya?

JACK: Right, right, while people are afraid to walk the streets, afraid for their lives. I tell you this has to stop!

REPORTER: Do you have any specific recommendations Assemblyman?

JACK: Yes I do. We have to get the scum off the streets and give the streets back to the people who work and pay taxes.

ROMAN: That isn't very specific now is it Assemblyman?

JACK: Oh isn't it? Do you have any better....

MONTY: Cap'n Brady, Cap'n Brady? Can I talk to you?

ROMAN: Buzz off I'm busy here. Anybody who doesn't have official police business will they get behind the lines right now. I'm talking to you old timer. I'm trying to save a man's life in here.

MONTY: But I can do that. I can save his life. I can.

ABE: Come on (He forces Jack behind the police line.)

JACK: Let's make sure that the police do their part.

ABE: Yeah, yeah, come on.

 

JACK NOTICES KAYLA AND GIVES HER A LOOK. JO AND ADRIENNE ARRIVE AND ARE WORRIED ABOUT STEVE. MONTY PUSHES THROUGH THE LINE AND TELLS ROMAN THAT RAOUL AND EMILIO ARE HIS SONS.

SCENE THREE: MELISSA IS PACING ON THE PIER.

 

JACK: (To herself.) Oh Jack what's going on?

 

JACK RUNS DOWN THE STEPS.

 

JACK: Melissa.

MELISSA: How did it go?

JACK: It'll be in tomorrow's paper. The police made me leave but not before I was able to get a few things over the press. Things keep going the way they are, I'm going to be in headlines all week long.

MELISSA: Jack, you seem very happy about this. You know Steve and Kayla are my friends.

JACK: Don't kid yourself. I don't remember seeing those two friends defending you when you were first accused of poisoning Kayla.

MELISSA: Well I have to understand that. I mean Kayla did almost die and they didn't know who was doing it.

JACK: I didn't know who was doing it either but I trusted you. I believed in you didn't I?

MELISSA: Yes.

JACK: I trusted you then so can't you trust me now?

MELISSA: I trust you Jack.

JACK: Good. Come on (He hugs her) we're a team. We've got to think like a team. It's good for me and it's good for you and vice versa. Right?

MELISSA: Right.