Episode Ninety:
Jack Discovers Marina's
Sister, Isabella, in a Sanitarium.

SCENE ONE: JACK DECIDES TO SEARCH MARINA'S HOTEL ROOM. HE IS INSIDE HER ROOM AND WEARING GLOVES.

 

JACK: Oh, the old behind the blotter trick.

 

HE LIFTS OUT A FOLDER HIDDEN UNDERNEATH THE BLOTTER ON THE DESK.

 

JACK: Let's see, animal, vegetable or mineral? "Bayview Sanitarium." I'd say that's vegetable. Alright Miss Toscano, let's see what kind of skeletons we have in our closet today?

 

JACK PERUSES THE CONTENTS OF THE FOLDER.

 

JACK: "Isabella Toscano"! Now there's a skeleton for you.

SCENE TWO: A SHORT TIME LATER JACK GOES TO BAYVIEW SANITARIUM TO SEE THIS MYSTERIOUS ISABELLA TOSCANO. HE BRIBES THE MALE NURSE TO LET HIM IN.

 

MALE NURSE: One minute and that's it. You're going to have to come up with another hundred or you're out of here.

JACK: (Giving him the extra money.) It better be worth my time and money.

 

JACK SLOWLY OPENS THE DOOR AND SEE ISABELLA SITTING THERE.

 

JACK: Isabella? Hi, I'm Jack. (He extends his hand, but she stares straight ahead.) Jack Deveraux. Look this is turning into an expensive little date. I hope we can get the most out of it. We have a mutual friend. Your sister Marina. (Isabella does not move.) I take it you're not the closest of friends?

ISABELLA: Have you seen her?

JACK: Er, yes, yes. I have seen her. Haven't you?

ISABELLA: Does she know you're here?

JACK: Ah, no. Actually she doesn't and I....er....that's why I'm here. You see she has a mutual friend but she is causing a little bit of trouble for two friends of mine and I thought maybe you and I together could do something about it.

ISABELLA LOOKS PUZZLED.

SCENE THREE: MEANWHILE STEVE GOES TO KAYLA AND ASKS HER IF IT IS TRUE THAT SHE IS PREGNANT. SHE SAYS YES AND HE ASKS HER WHY SHE TURNED TO JACK. SHE SAID SHE DID NOT TURN TO JACK, BUT THAT HE GUESSED SHE WAS PREGNANT. STEVE IS SURPRISED AND HURT THAT JACK COULD GUESS SHE WAS PREGNANT AND HE COULD NOT. HE IS AMAZED THAT JACK IS SO SENSITIVE.

SCENE FOUR: BACK AT BAYVIEW SANITARIUM.

 

JACK: Ah I know it's kind of a blind date but I hope that you can at least talk to me. Unless you're afraid to talk to me?

ISABELLA: I'm not afraid.

JACK: Good, good. I'm not afraid to talk to you either. (Beat) I need your help. If you could tell me anything about Marina, anything at all.

ISABELLA: I'm sorry, I can't help you.

JACK: I....

 

THE MALE NURSE COMES IN THE ROOM.

 

MALE NURSE: Sorry Deveraux, time's up.

JACK: Just a....

MALE NURSE: No man, now. You see this one, they watch her like a hawk and I'm not going to lose my job because of her.

JACK: Right, okay, I'll be right out. Um, thank you. Thank you for taking some time with me.

 

JACK TAKES ISABELLA'S HAND AND SLIPS HIS BUSINESS CARD INTO HER PALM.

 

JACK: I think we can help each other. I think you know that too. (Whispering ) I'll call you or you call me! I can help you.

 

HE WALKS OUT.

 

JACK: (To male nurse) Thanks a lot.

 

JACK IS PUZZLED BY ISABELLA.

 

SCENE ONE: EMILIO IS STILL IN HOSPITAL. HE IS ASLEEP WHEN JACK THUMPS HIM ON THE SHOULDER.

 

JACK: Alright, what is it?

EMILIO: Ooooh!

JACK: You called me. Look I've got a lot of things to do so this better be important.

EMILIO: I called you yesterday Deveraux.

JACK: Oh you did! Sorry about that. What is it?

 

JACK TAKES A SANDWICH FROM EMILIO'S FOOD TRAY AND BEGINS EATING.

 

EMILIO: They told me you were the one that gave me some blood.

JACK: So?

EMILIO: So, you saved my life and I want to know why.

JACK: Heh, heh. Contrary to popular belief, the only reason I kept you alive was because I wanted to find out what the hell you were doing trying to cut off my business assets. I'm talking about Jennifer Horton. Now you may not realize this....

EMILIO: Look....

JACK: ....but Jennifer happens to be one of the best cub reporters I've got.

EMILIO: Hey. It ain't like I did it on purpose man.

JACK: The point is, you did it, period. I mean you could have gotten her killed. How about that?

EMILIO: Lay off.

JACK: Well let's just say that she did die, say that she did die. What are you going to say? Oh sorry I didn't mean to do it, wasn't on purpose.

EMILIO: Look I said, lay off.

 

EMILIO GRABS JACK AROUND THE THROAT.

JACK: Whoa, take it easy, take it easy. WHOA!

 

EMILIO CONTINUES TO HOLD JACK'S THROAT AS JENNIFER WALKS IN.

 

JENNIFER: Oh Emilio. What do you two think you are doing?

JACK: Whoa, whoa, whoa.

JENNIFER: Answer me!

JACK: (Still being held by Emilio) Hi! (Beat) Hold it, hold!

JENNIFER: Emilio you're going to hurt him. The doctor told you not to move.

 

EMILIO LETS GO OF JACK.

 

JACK: That's right. What do we have to do, tie you up? But then again you'd probably like that wouldn't you?

 

EMILIO MAKES ANOTHER GRAB AT JACK.

 

EMILIO: That's it.

JACK: Jennifer, get him away. Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer! Stop him!

JENNIFER: STOP IT! Do you understand me, stop it.

JACK: That's right. Listen to your mother.

JENNIFER: I heard you guys all away at my granpa's office.

JACK: I'm just telling him the truth. The man walks in the middle of a gang warfare.

JENNIFER: He saved my life Jack.

JACK: The fact is, going with this guy for five minutes is like kissing your life goodbye. That's all.

JENNIFER: Are you finished?

JACK: Well, for the moment, maybe I am. See you later.

 

AS HE WALKS AROUND THE BED, EMILIO KICKS HIS BEHIND.

 

JACK: Oooh! Just consider this your Get Well card because I'm short on stamps.

 

EMILIO IS FED UP. HE PICKS UP A VASE OF FLOWERS SITTING ON HIS TABLE AND THROWS THEM AT JACK COMPLETELY WETTING HIM.

 

JACK: I got all wet.

EMILIO: Good.

 

JACK LEAVES

SCENE TWO: JENNIFER TELLS EMILIO TO IGNORE EVERYTHING JACK SAID. HOWEVER, EMILIO SAYS THAT MUCH OF WHAT HE SAID WAS TRUE, AND THAT JENNIFER IS IN DANGER IF SHE KEEPS HANGING AROUND WITH HIM. AFTER JENNIFER LEAVES, EMILIO LEAVES THE HOSPITAL AND ARRANGES TO MEET THE STINGRAYS ON THE PIER.

SCENE THREE: MEANWHILE JACK IS IN HIS OFFICE GOING OVER HIS FILE ON THE TOSCANO FAMILY.

 

JACK: Isabella, Isabella, Isabella. Why the hell were you ever in this thing? I don't get it.

 

JENNIFER KNOCKS ON HIS DOOR.

 

JENNIFER: Jack?

JACK: Ah what? What do you want?

JENNIFER: What's the matter with you? Why are you so upset?

JACK: Upset? Well that's part of being the boss, is being upset.

JENNIFER: Okay, I'm sorry I asked Jack.

JACK: Wait a minute. What's the matter with you?

JENNIFER: Nothing.

JACK: Nothing? Certainly. Get back in there. Get back in there. Go on.

JENNIFER: What, what?

JACK: Another part of being a boss is knowing when your worker's minds aren't on their work. So where is your mind today?

JENNIFER: It's Emilio.

JACK: Well I could've guessed that.

JENNIFER: Jack, I'm worried about him. When I left the hospital he was talking really strange and I'm scared he's going to do something stupid.

JACK: He always does something stupid. Don't worry about it. He'll be alright.

JENNIFER: No something's going on. I'm going to find out.

 

SHE PICKS UP JACK'S PHONE.

 

JACK: Oh feel free to use my phone, really!

 

JENNIFER CALLS THE HOSPITAL AND ASKS TO SPEAK TO EMILIO. THE NURSE TELLS HER THAT HE HAS LEFT AND THAT HE DID NOT CHECK OUT. SHE IS WORRIED AND WANTS TO FIND HIM.

 

JENNIFER: Jack why are you just sitting there? We have to find Emilio.

JACK: Look Emilio is fine. He's not going anywhere. He's a big boy.

JENNIFER: Look I'm not going to let him get killed Jack.

JACK: Okay, just a minute. Wait a minute. Alright, I tell you, this is what you should do. Call Roman, call the police and have them get a car. You'll pick him up before he turns into a pumpkin. But you've got to remember that they're coming after you too.

JENNIFER: Emilio saved my life. I'm not going to let him go after Santos all by himself.

JACK: Look, we don't even know where he is. Maybe he's out eating a burrito somewhere.

JENNIFER: Well I'm not going to sit around and wait to find out Jack.

JACK: Jennifer, if you're going to do this thing, you're going to do it my way or you don't do it at all. Alright.

JENNIFER: (Pulling a face) Ooooh. I don't know Jack.

JACK: Come on! Come on, come on, come on. I don't know how you talk me into these things.

SCENE FOUR: MEANWHILE EMILIO HAS MET SANTOS ON THE PIER. HE STILL HAS A BANDAGED NECK BUT HE AGREES TO FIGHT SANTOS. THEY BEGIN TO FIGHT BUT EMILIO IS WEAK BECAUSE OF HIS NECK INJURY. SANTOS PULLS A KNIFE BUT JUST AS HE DOES JACK AND JENNIFER ARRIVE ON A MOTORCYCLE WITH JACK WEARING A HELMUT.

JACK: Give me that thing. Give it to me.

 

JACK THROWS A TEAR GAS PELLET DOWN ON THE PIER AND THAT STOPS THE FIGHT. EMILIO GETS IT IN HIS EYES BUT JACK GIVES JENNIFER A HANDKERCHIEF TO HOLD OVER HER MOUTH.

 

JACK: Here, hold it up.

 

THE POLICE ARRIVE DURING THE WHOLE MESS AND JENNIFER RUNS TO EMILIO.

 

ROMAN: Jack, never take the law into your own hands.

JACK: What? Look, don't you know who you're talking to? Oh forget it. Do you know anybody who'd be interested in a used bike?

 

EMILIO SAYS HE IS ALRIGHT AND THAT HE DID IT FOR HER. SHE AND EMILIO ARE COMPLETELY IGNORING JACK WHO MEANWHILE IS COUGHING AND SPLUTTERING IN THE BACKGROUND.

 

JACK: Ah anybody....ah nevermind.

 

JACK PUTS HIS HELMET BACK ON AND WATCHES AS JENNIFER AND EMILIO KISS. HE LOOKS SAD AS HE RIDES OFF ALONE.

 

SCENE ONE: MARINA TOSCANO IS IN HER HOTEL ROOM AND HAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FILE HIDDEN UNDER THE BLOTTER HAS BEEN STOLEN. SHE THINKS IT IS VICTOR THAT DID IT. THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. IT IS JACK.

 

MARINA: What did you do....

JACK: What?

MARINA: What are you doing here?

JACK: Answer a question with a question. Good avoidance technique, unfortunately it won't work.

MARINA: I was expecting someone else.

JACK: Obviously.

MARINA: Look I really don't have time for this. I was just about to leave.

JACK: Where are you going?

MARINA: That's none of your business.

JACK: Well I figured that as one Salem lover to another, I could give you a ride.

MARINA: I don't want a ride from you or anything else.

JACK: I'm sorry, did I upset you? Or maybe something else is upsetting you.

MARINA: Get out of my way.

JACK: Hey, hey, hey, hey. I'm sensitive. I can tell something's bothering you. Just tell me. Maybe I can help you.

MARINA: Nobody can help me. Nobody but....

JACK: Steve. Right. Steve. You were going to say Steve.

MARINA: I'm going to talk to him.

JACK: No you're not. You're not talking to Steve. Not until you talk to me and tell me what's going on. Maybe I should get the ball rolling. Let's start with Family Problems for 20. Let's see. You had a father, you had a sis....

MARINA: I don't want to talk to you about my father.

JACK: What's the matter? Not returning your calls?

MARINA: He's dead.

JACK: Good excuse. When did that happen?

MARINA: I just found out.

JACK: Oh no wonder you're upset. You didn't get put back into the will on time, did you?

MARINA: SHUT UP!

JACK: Look I have an idea. This whole thing, you can work it out and I can take you to Steve. You know he's a sucker for this sort of thing.

MARINA: Do you think I would really use my own father's death to get Steve back?

JACK: Well, if you thought it would work, I think you'd speed it along.

MARINA: You're disgusting.

JACK: Great minds think alike.

MARINA: For your information, I loved my father very much. He was the only family I ever had.

JACK: Nobody else?

MARINA: No one. No one except Steve.

JACK: Well I hate to tell you this but I don't think you have him either.

MARINA: Well we'll just see about it.

JACK: No we won't see about it. It's time to stay out of Steve and Kayla's life.

MARINA: You can't make me.

JACK: No I can't but I think I can make your life just about as miserable as you've made theirs. Now isn't that a frightening little prospect.

 

JACK GIVES MARINA A GENTLE SLAP ON THE BACKSIDE THEN PICKS UP HIS COAT AND LEAVES.

SCENE TWO: A SHORT TIME LATER JACK GOES BACK TO SEE ISABELLA. HE IS AT HER DOOR PAYING THE ATTENDANT AGAIN.

 

JACK: You're a rich man.

 

HE IS CARRYING A BUNCH OF LONG STEMMED PALE PINK ROSES. HE SHUTS THE DOOR AND WALKS OVER TO ISABELLA.

 

JACK: Hi! Remember me?

ISABELLA: Jack.

JACK: Deveraux, right. Right. Here, these are for you.

 

ISABELLA TAKES THE ROSES AND LOOKS PUZZLED. SHE REMOVES ONE AND KEEPS IT IN HER HAND.

 

JACK: What's the matter? Don't I even rate a thank you? It must be some lousy date.

ISABELLA: Why did you come back?

JACK: Well I wanted to see how you were doing and see if you'd heard from Marina.

ISABELLA: Why do you ask?

JACK: Well I don't know. I figured she's your sister. Although she doesn't act like your sister. She doesn't even act like you're alive. Why is that? It's alright. You don't have to talk about it. I know what it feels like to have a sibling that won't acknowledge that you're alive. It hurts. It hurts especially when you want to be close but you can't be because of the past.

ISABELLA: You talk from experience.

JACK: No, wait a minute. You tell me your family tales and I'll tell you mine.

ISABELLA: I can't.

JACK: Okay, maybe next time. Or the time after that. I tell you, I'll keep coming back here until you tell me. Or until you trust me enough to tell me. How about that? I'm telling you we want the same thing.

 

JACK TAKES ISABELLA'S HAND THAT IS HOLDING THE SINGLE ROSE AND LIFTS IT UP NEXT TO HER CHEEK.

 

JACK: You should always have roses. (Beat) Look I better go. That guy is going to charge me more money.

ISABELLA: Jack!

JACK: Yes.

 

ISABELLA OFFERS HIM THE ROSE.

ISABELLA: I'm sorry you've been so hurt.

 

HE GENTLY PUSHES HER HAND BACK.

 

JACK: Never return a gentleman's favor, okay.

 

ISABELLA HALF SMILES AS JACK LEAVES THE ROOM.

SCENE THREE: OUTSIDE HE HEARS MARINA ARGUING WITH THE ATTENDANT. HE HIDES AND WATCHES AS SHE GOES INTO ISABELLA'S ROOM.JACK LISTENS AS MARINA ASKS ISABELLA WHO GAVE HER THE FLOWERS. ISABELLA SAYS THAT IT'S NO ONE SHE KNOWS. THEN MARINA TELLS HER THAT THEIR FATHER DIED THIS MORNING BUT THAT SHE WILL TAKE CARE OF ISABELLA. ISABELLA SAYS SHE IS FRIGHTENED BECAUSE SHE THINKS MARINA HAS CHANGED.

 

SCENE ONE: JACK IS WORKING IN HIS OFFICE WHEN JENNIFER BURSTS IN.

 

JENNIFER: Jack, hi. You got a minute?

JACK: Jennifer.

JENNIFER: You got a minute?

JACK: No.

JENNIFER: You going somewhere?

JACK: Huh, uh.

JENNIFER: Where?

JACK: What is this? Twenty Questions?

JENNIFER: No. I was just....

JACK: You were just being nosey, that's all.

JENNIFER: Jack, I was not being nosey. I was just asking a question....

JACK: Look if you have a question about work, we'll talk. If you don't, we won't.

JENNIFER: What's the problem?

JACK: At this moment, you.

JENNIFER: Jack, I asked a few questions. It's really no big deal.

JACK: It is when there are things I need to do.

JENNIFER: Like what?

JACK: Like work. You know you sit at a desk, you write.

JENNIFER: Is that what you're doing? You're working on a story?

JACK: Obviously what we have here is a failure to communicate. I said no more questions and you're still standing here.

JENNIFER: But I don't see you moving.

 

JACK GIVES HER A LOOK.

 

JENNIFER: Jack, maybe I can help you.

JACK: No thank you.

JENNIFER: Well then it's not a story you're working on.

JACK: Look to get you off my back, it's personal.

JENNIFER: It's about Marina Toscano, isn't it?

JACK: I said I don't want to talk about it.

JENNIFER: Jack, come on, you can tell me.

JACK: I can tell you but I don't want to tell you.

JENNIFER: You've confided in me before.

JACK: Obviously I have but I don't want to. It was a mistake.

JENNIFER: Jack I can help you.

JACK: NO!

JENNIFER: Okay fine. You don't have to get so defensive about it.

JACK: Look, you don't have to push me alright.

JENNIFER: Okay from now on Jack I will won't ask.

JACK: So it's almost like I'm your boss again?

JENNIFER: Jack, if that's the way you want it, that's fine. That's just fine.

JACK: Good. While I'm your boss, where is that zoning article?

JENNIFER: It's right on your desk in front of your face.

JACK: Oh good. Then you can take a lunch. A nice long one.

JENNIFER: It would be my pleasure Jack!

 

JENNIFER SLAMS THE DOOR AS SHE LEAVES.

SCENE TWO: JACK GOES TO SEE ISABELLA ONCE AGAIN. AS HE IS COMING IN THE DOOR, HE THROWS HIS COAT TO THE ATTENDANT.

 

JACK: Give this to the hat check girl, will you?

ISABELLA: Hello.

JACK: You....you spoke first. We're making real progress here. How are you doing?

ISABELLA: Fine.

JACK: Good. You know our chaperone out there is getting richer everytime he sneaks me in here. (Beat) You're a hard one to get to know, you know that.

ISABELLA: I guess that's how these places work.

JACK: Does that bother you?

ISABELLA: Does it bother you?

JACK: Guess we'll call that a draw. Do you mind my being here?

ISABELLA: I don't mind.

JACK: I see you still have the flowers.

ISABELLA: They're nice.

JACK: Yeah. You just need to take a little better care of them, you know. Change the water and pluck off the....well I guess....I guess they've seen better days. I guess you have too.

ISABELLA: Do I look that bad?

JACK: No, no, I didn't mean that. I mean you look nice.

ISABELLA: Thank you.

JACK: I mean you're very pretty. I was talking about being here. It must make you very unhappy sometimes.

ISABELLA: That's funny. I get the feeling you're a lot sadder than I am.

 

JACK IS SILENT AS HE STARES AT HER.

 

ISABELLA: Why are you staring?

JACK: I....I don't know. You're just very puzzling.

ISABELLA: How so?

JACK: Well I know that you're Marina's sister but for the life of me I can't see any likeness between the two of you. What happened Isabella? What happened between the two of you?

ISABELLA: I don't want to talk about Marina.

JACK: Okay, alright. I understand. It hurts to be estranged. I know that.But....(He touches her arm)....look....maybe that's....maybe that's why you let me talk to you. Because I know. I know I can help you....if you'll let me.

ISABELLA: I appreciate the offer, I really do but I don't need your help.

JACK: You....you mean you don't trust me.

ISABELLA: I don't know you.

JACK: I'm not here to hurt you.

ISABELLA: Why are you here?

JACK: I like you.

ISABELLA: You don't know me.

JACK: That's not from lack of trying.

ISABELLA: Why are you really here?

JACK: Why am I really here? I....ah....I thought you could use a friend. (Beat) I guess not. (Beat) Sorry to bother you.

ISABELLA: You didn't!

JACK: Didn't what?

ISABELLA: Bother me. You didn't.

JACK: Good. I tell what, if my savings account holds up, I'll drop back in and do lunch.

ISABELLA: Sure.

JACK: I....I'll talk to you later.

 

JACK LEAVES STILL COMPLETELY PUZZLED BY ISABELLA.

SCENE THREE: A SHORT TIME LATER, JACK IS BACK IN HIS OFFICE GOING OVER THE TOSCANO FILE. SOMEONE KNOCKS ON HIS DOOR.

 

JACK: Jennifer. Look I'm sorry....

 

HE OPENS THE DOOR AND ANJELICA IS STANDING THERE.

 

ANJELICA: Good.

JACK: Sorry I was expecting somebody else.

ANJELICA: Someone like Jennifer?

JACK: Anjelica, what are you doing here?

ANJELICA: I might ask you the same thing Jack. What are you doing here?

JACK: Well I work here, remember?

ANJELICA: Ah, yes. We were supposed to meet for lunch, remember?

 

SHE PRESENTS HIM WITH HIS LUNCH WRAPPED IN A FOIL "DOGGY BAG."

 

JACK: Ah....I am sorry.

 

ANJELICA: It seems that you are very preoccupied these days, Jack.

JACK: I have a lot of things going on.

ANJELICA: Huh, uh. Like a apologizing to Jennifer.

JACK: Like getting this newspaper out.

ANJELICA: I see. (She picks up an article on his desk entitled, "Toscano Heiress Romance.") A little research?

JACK: You could call it that, yes.

ANJELICA: Why the interest in Steve Johnson?

JACK: I didn't say anything about Steve Johnson.

ANJELICA: Oh come on Jack. Why aren't you talking to me? Why won't you tell me?

JACK: I'm talking to you. That's what I'm doing right now. Talking to you.

 

JACK IS AVOIDING HER EYES.

 

ANJELICA: Jack, I know you very very well and I know that right now you are covering up something. Now why can't you tell me?

JACK: There's nothing to tell. Nothing important, anyway.

ANJELICA: Huh, uh. I remember the good old days when we used to tell each other everything. I remember when we were close.

JACK: We are close. We're just busy.

ANJELICA: Huh, uh. With other people.

JACK: Jennifer....

ANJELICA: Like Jennifer Horton?

JACK: Anjelica!

ANJELICA: Like Steve Johnson. And you don't have time for me. I see.

JACK: I tell you what. Let's go to lunch right now. We're going to catch up and....

ANJELICA: No, no, no. Jack I know that you're very busy.

JACK: Open up your calendar. Tuesday. How's Tuesday for you?

ANJELICA: Tuesday I think that I have something planned.

JACK: Anjelica, please. Don't do this to me. I'm sorry.

ANJELICA: Oh come on Jack. It's like you say. We are both very busy people.

JACK: Look we're going to work this out, alright. We're going to work....

ANJELICA: Huh, uh.

JACK: How about Tuesday?

ANJELICA: I will let you know.

 

JACK GIVES A HEAVY SIGH.

 

ANJELICA: A word of advice about the Johnsons, Jack, my love. When you role around in the mud you get dirty.

JACK: It's a good thing I have a shower in the morning.

ANJELICA: I'm perfectly serious Jack. I know first hand those people are trouble.

ANJELICA KISSES JACK ON THE LEFT CHEEK, STROKES HIS FACE AND THEN LEAVES. JACK SHUTS THE OFFICE DOOR.

JACK: But those people are me!

SCENE FOUR: MEANWHILE MARINA GOES TO STEVE TO PLEAD FOR HIS HELP WITH VICTOR. HE TELLS HER THAT HE TRIED TO HELP HER GET THE KEY AND THAT HE CANNOT DO ANYTHING ELSE.

SCENE FIVE: KAYLA COMES IN AND TELLS STEVE TO GET RID OF MARINA. WHILE THEY ARE TALKING, MARINA HIDES THE REAL KEY IN A CERMANIC MUG/STEIN, OF A SEA CAPTAIN ON THE BOOKSHELF. STEVE THROWS MARINA OUT OF THE HOUSE.

SCENE FIVE: JACK IS SITTING AT HIS DESK WORKING. HE CANNOT FIND SOMETHING.

 

JACK: Do I have to think of everything around here? Jennifer.

 

HE DECIDES TO CALL HER.

 

JACK: JENNIFER! JENNIFER! JENNIFER!

 

SHE DOES NOT COME IN SO HE GOES TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT. JENNIFER IS STANDING THERE WAITING.

 

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: What is the file name on the zoning article?

JENNIFER: "Zoning."

JACK: Right! I could have thought of that. I need some help around here. Where have you been?

JENNIFER: I've been at lunch. A very long lunch, just like you ordered.

JACK: Where did you go? California?

JENNIFER: I had lunch with Emilio.

JACK: I thought you said a nice long one.

 

JACK SITS DOWN AND IS OBVIOUSLY UPSET.

 

JENNIFER: (She Knows that Jack does not want her to go out with Emilio because Jack feels something for her. She is hoping that by prodding him, Jack would admit how he feels.) What's the matter Jack?

JACK: What's the matter? Nothing? Why?

JENNIFER: You're disappointed that I'm seeing Emilio. But that's what you wanted isn't it? For me to start seeing Emilio? I mean it is okay that I'm seeing Emilio isn't it?

JACK: Sure of course. Why not?

JENNIFER: Then say it.

JACK: Say what?

JENNIFER: I want you to say it out loud. I want you to say, Jennifer I am so glad that you had lunch with Emilio.

JACK: Jennifer, I am don't have.... Jennifer, I don't have time for this sort of thing.

JENNIFER: Well if you really mean it you will say it.

JACK: Jennifer.

JENNIFER: Obviously you don't mean it.

JACK: Alright, alright. Aside from the fact that he's a dead beat and a loser and you probably had to pay for it, (Not too convincingly) I'm thrilled that you went to lunch with Emilio. How about that?

JENNIFER: That was so sincere Jack.

JACK: Well that's about as good as it gets.

JENNIFER: Yeah, well I believe that. You're a terrible actor Jack.

JACK: Thank you! (Beat) Jennifer, wait a minute! (Beat) Alright, (Having a difficult time trying to say it, but not wanting to let on that he is not happy that she went out with Emilio, he does.) I hope you had a.... a.... nice.... lunch with Emilio. How's that?

JENNIFER: (Pleased but she is sure that he is not happy, which means that he does care for her.) It was good. (Beat) But I still don't believe you.

 

SHE GRINS AT HIM AND HE HALF SMILES BACK. SHE WALKS OUT, SHUTS THE DOOR AND STOPS TO THINK ABOUT HIM.