Episode One-hundred-thirty-five:
Jack and Jennifer Work Together
to Try Get Stephanie Returned Home.

 

SCENE ONE: JACK IS IN HIS OFFICE READING THE HEADLINE FROM THE CHRONICLE ABOUT STEPHANIE'S KIDNAPPING. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR THEN JENNIFER WALKS IN AND SHUTS THE DOOR. JACK TURNS TO LOOK AT HER THEN TURNS AWAY. SHE WALKS UP AND PUTS HER HAND ON HIS ARM AND HE SLOWLY TURNS TO HER. HE SLUMPS DOWN AND SITS ON HIS DESK AND JENNIFER, STILL UNSURE OF HOW HE FEELS, MOVES TOWARDS HIM AND PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HIM. HE WRAPS HIS ARMS AROUND HER AND RESTS HIS HEAD ON HER SHOULDER. HE SIGHS AND CLOSES HIS EYES, FINDING COMFORT IN HER ARMS.

THEY STAY LIKE THAT FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL JACK GETS COLD FEET AGAIN.

 

JACK: Wait a minute. What are you doing?

 

HE STANDS UP AND MOVES AWAY.

 

JENNIFER: Don't you know Jack?

JACK: Didn't your journalism teacher tell you don't answer a question with a question?

JENNIFER: I was just giving you a hug. It looked as if you needed one.

JACK: Well I've been sufficiently hugged now. I think I'll get to work.

JENNIFER: Jack, I'm here because I know you're upset about Stephanie. I'm here because I care.

JACK: Thank you. I appreciate your concern.

JENNIFER: How are you?

JACK: I could be doing better.

JENNIFER: Is there anything I can do to help Jack?

 

HE HOLDS UP THE HEADLINE ON THE CHRONICLE.

 

JACK: You could find this baby and bring her home safe and sound.

JENNIFER: I really wish I could.

JACK: Well unless you have another charmingly ingenuous solution, you better go now.

JENNIFER: Jack you need somebody, even if they don't have any easy answers.

JACK: What I need is to be left alone.

 

HE HOLDS ANOTHER PAPER UP IN FRONT OF HIS FACE AND PRETENDS TO READ.

 

JENNIFER: Jack, look at you.

JACK: Can't. I'm busy.

JENNIFER: You're reading a French newspaper.

JACK: So I read French.

JENNIFER: You're reading French upside down!

JACK: Oh!

 

SHE PULLS THE NEWSPAPER AWAY FROM HIS FACE.

 

JENNIFER: Jack just give me this, alright. Just talk to me, okay.

JACK: Can't you find somebody to talk to in your own office?

JENNIFER: Do you remember when we babysat Stephanie?

JACK: This is no time to go down memory lane.

JENNIFER: I saw how you looked after her. I saw how much you loved her Jack.

JACK: If this is supposed to make me feel better, call the other nurse.

JENNIFER: Don't you think I know what it feels like to be hurt or helpless or alone, Jack?

JACK: Look if you're going to start crying now, there's the door and there's an elevator behind it.

JENNIFER: Why is it so hard for you to admit that you can use a friend?

JACK: I'm going to proceed to ignore you now.

JENNIFER: You can ignore me but you can't ignore the way you feel.

 

JACK SIGHS.

 

JENNIFER (CONT.): When you want to talk about it, you know I'll be there.

 

JENNIFER WALKS OUT AND LEAVES HIM ALONE.

SCENE TWO: SHE GOES TO WINGS. MELISSA TELLS HER THAT EMILIO HAS BEEN HANDING OUT FLYERS ALL DAY. MELISSA WONDER WERE SHE HAS BEEN. JENNIFER TELLS HER THAT SHE WAS WITH SOMEONE THAT WAS HURTING BECAUSE OF STEPHANIE. MELISSA KNOWS, IT IS JACK. SHE TELLS JENNIFER THAT SHE FEELS FOR JACK. JENNIFER IS SURPRISED; AND SHE APPEARS HAPPY THAT MELISSA IS NOT BEING ANTAGONISTIC TOWARDS HIM. MELISSA TELLS HER THAT SHE ONCE LOVED JACK, AND THAT "HATE" IS JUST ONE OF THOSE WORDS YOU HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR. JENNIFER TELLS HER THAT JACK PUSHED HER AWAY. MELISSA IS NOT SURPRISED. JENNIFER TELLS HER THAT HE DID NOT MEAN TO DO SO, HE IS JUST IN PAIN. EMILIO SHOWS UP AND IS ALL TOUCHY-FEELLY WITH JENNIFER, TALKING ABOUT THEIR WEDDING JENNIFER IS NOT ENTHUSIASTIC THOUGH SHE TRIES TO SOUND AS IF SHE IS. MELISSA TELLS THEM THAT SHE HAS COME UP WITH AN IDEA TO HELP FIND STEPHANIE. SHE SUGGESTS A FUNDRAISER ON TELEVISION, *BUT* THE ONLY WAY IT WILL WORK IS IF THEY WORK WITH *JACK.* JENNIFER'S EYES LIGHT UP AT THE MENTION OF HIS NAME. EMILIO AGREES TO WORK WITH JACK. THEY DECIDE THAT MELISSA BETTER ASK HIM, BECAUSE JENNIFER SAYS HE WILL NOT LISTEN TO HER. MELISSA HEADS OFF TO TALK TO JACK.

SCENE THREE: MELISSA MEANWHILE HAD SPOKEN WITH EMILIO AND WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THAT HE AND JENNIFER NEVER TALK ABOUT PERSONAL THINGS. SO EMILIO NOW ASKS JENNIFER ABOUT WHAT SHE LIKES, ETC. JENNIFER IS THROWN BY THIS, AND DOES NOT SEEM TO WANT TO CONFINE IN HIM. HE WONDERS IF SHE STILL PLANS ON MARRYING HIM. ALTHOUGH BY THE TONE IN HER VOICE AND HER EXPRESSIONS SHE REGRETS HAVING SAID YES, HER PRIDE AND HER PAIN FROM JACK'S APPARENT DISINTEREST FORCES HER TO WANT TO PRETEND OTHERWISE. NOT TOO ENTHUSIASTICALLY, THOUGH NOT APPARENT TO EMILIO, SHE SUGGESTS THAT THEY GET MARRIED NEXT FRIDAY.

SCENE FOUR: AT THE SPECTATOR, JACK HEARS A KNOCK ON HIS OFFICE DOOR.

 

JACK: Come in. Got that piece on the oil spill. Put it on my desk.

 

JACK IS SURPRISED TO SEE HER OF ALL PEOPLE.

 

MELISSA: This isn't about oil.

JACK: I think you've got the wrong office.

MELISSA: I'm sorry about your niece Jack.

JACK: Thank you.

MELISSA: I'd like to help. I have a plan. It includes Jennifer, Emilio and you.

JACK: I see.

MELISSA: Emilio and I will sing at a fundraiser to raise reward money for Stephanie.

JACK: And this was your idea?

MELISSA: It will be tomorrow night at Wings.

JACK: It's not bad.

MELISSA: I was picked to present it to you.

JACK: Well I can write an article if that's what you want.

MELISSA: I want more than an article. I want the editor.

JACK: You want me to sell tickets to my staff. I can do that too.

MELISSA: I want you to work with us.

JACK: I don't sing.

MELISSA: You wouldn't be part of the entertainment. We need a relative.

JACK: Well if you need a relative, I think you should get Steve.

MELISSA: We can't find Steve.

JACK: Well I'm sure there's some relative out there of Stephanie's you can find.

MELISSA: But you're the one with the political background.

JACK: Hahaha. I used to have a political background. Not any more.

MELISSA: Look you've got clout. You can bring in people who will pay big and....and you're smart. You know how to get things done.

JACK: It wasn't easy for you to say that, was it?

MELISSA: I'll say whatever I have to, to get you to work with us.

JACK: You don't have to do this fundraiser.

MELISSA: Yes we do! And you know it.

JACK: (Beat) I'll let you know.

MELISSA: DAMMIT JACK! Can't you see when people are trying to help you?

JACK: I can....(Beat)....did Jennifer tell you to come over here?

MELISSA: So that's what this is all about, you and Jennifer.

JACK: No! I just don't think you need me in this fundraiser, that's all.

MELISSA: Jack, whatever there was between you and Jennifer, between you and me, you've got to get past it, for Stephanie's sake.

JACK: Call me tomorrow.

MELISSA: Tomorrow is too late!

JACK: I....I'll let you know.

MELISSA: You'll let us know! Great! You haven't changed.

 

JACK SLOWLY TURNS TO FACE MELISSA.

 

JACK: Neither have you. Don't let the door slam on your way out.

 

MELISSA WALKS OUT AND DELIBERATELY SLAMS THE DOOR.

SCENE FIVE: MELISSA GOES BACK TO WINGS AND TELLS THEM THAT JACK IS THINKING ABOUT IT. JENNIFER SAYS THAT MEANS HE WILL NOT HELP. JENNIFER CALLS THE TV STATION TO GET A CAMERA CREW BUT THEY TELL HER THAT ALL THE CREWS ARE TIED UP. AS SHE IS TELLING MELISSA THIS, SHE HEARS JACK'S VOICE IN THE BACKGROUND. SHE IS FIRST SURPRISED, AND HER EXPRESSION ALSO REVEALS JOY AT THE SOUND OF HIS VOICE.

 

JACK: Alright, when we do this thing, I want big. BIG, BIG, BIG. I want lights, I want dancing girls....oh, oh, these are the people you'll be talking to. Right over here. Introduce yourselves boys.

 

THE CAMERAMAN, SOUND AND LIGHTING GUYS INTRODUCE THEMSELVES TO EMILIO AND MELISSA WHILE JENNIFER STARES AT JACK.

 

JACK: And I'm the POD, producer of the day, that brought all this together. This is Jennifer Horton, obviously you know who that is, this is the talent, Melissa and Emilio.

 

JENNIFER SMILES REALIZING THE REASON SHE COULD NOT GET A CREW, JACK HAD BEAT HER TO IT.

 

JENNIFER: Jack, what is all this?

JACK: This is power which I obviously have a lot of over at WATB. Perhaps you two would like to show the crew around and give them the lowdown on this benefit.

EMILIO: Alright we've got some great ideas.

 

EMILIO AND MELISSA WALK OFF WITH THE CREW.

 

JENNIFER: (Smiling) So this is why I got the run around at the station.

JACK: I had the whole thing under control.

JENNIFER: I thought you didn't want to do anything that I was involved with.

JACK: (With a slight smile as well.) I think you're taking this whole thing a little too personally.

 

JENNIFER: How can I help it? Everytime I get close, you push me away, even when I'm trying to help you.

JACK: Now, you analyze too much, you know that.

JENNIFER: Well it doesn't help because I still can't figure you out.

JACK: Nothin' to figure out. I'm just trying to make you happy.

JENNIFER: Well then I guess the problem is that we both have very different ideas about what makes me happy.

 

JENNIFER WALKS AWAY AND MELISSA CONFRONTS JACK. JACK THINKS THAT, *AS USUAL*, SHE IS GOING TO LIGHT INTO HIM.

 

MELISSA: I heard what you said to Jennifer just now.

JACK: I didn't say anything. It was no big deal.

MELISSA: Yes it was.

JACK: Why would you say that?

MELISSA: (Smiling) I don't know. It's just that in a funny way I think Jennifer was right all along. You can be a nice guy Jack Deveraux.

 

MELISSA WALKS AWAY AND JACK SMILES TO HIMSELF.

SCENE SIX: ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM, EMILIO AND JENNIFER ARE TALKING.

 

EMILIO: Are you happy?

JENNIFER: Oh yeah, yeah. I mean we have a camera crew now.

EMILIO: I'm really happy too but not just because of the camera crew. I'm looking forward to next Friday.

JENNIFER: Yeah.

 

JACK HAS WALKED OVER, AND HAS EAVESDROPPED ON THEIR CONVERSATION.

 

JACK: Excuse me, I was going over the shooting schedule and I thought I heard you say something about next Friday.

EMILIO: That's right man, we're getting married.

 

JACK IS BEING RATHER SARCASTIC, AND IS TRYING TO ALSO PUMP THEM FOR DETAILS.

 

JACK: Married really! Next Friday!

JENNIFER: You look surprised Jack.

JACK: Surprised? Why should I be surprised? I knew that ring was good for something.

JENNIFER: Right, I mean it doesn't make any difference to you.

JACK: Like I said before. I just want you to be happy.

EMILIO: Ah, then you should be thrilled. You know why, because I'm going to make Jennifer the most happiest woman in the world.

 

JACK JUST SMIRKS AT JENNIFER. JENNIFER IS TRYING TO PRETEND THAT SHE IS EXCITED. EMILIO IS STILL OBLIVIOUS TO EVERYTHING.

 

MELISSA: Emilio could you help me with something?

EMILIO: Yeah sure.

 

EMILIO WALKS AWAY WITH MELISSA. JACK SHRUGS HIS SHOULDERS AT JENNIFER.

 

JACK: Congratulations.

 

SHE SLOWLY WALKS PAST HIM, MAKING SURE THAT SHE IS AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE. JACK TRIES TO SHRINK BACK, HOWEVER, DEEP-DOWN HE SEEMS TO ENJOY THE CLOSENESS.

 

SCENE ONE: KAYLA HAS FOUND OUT THAT STEPHANIE HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED; WITH THE HELP OF A FEMALE GUARD SHE ESCAPES. SHE THEN GOES TO THE AIRPORT TO CATCH A PLANE TO AUSTRALIA TO LOOK FOR HER. STEVE HAS GONE AS WELL.

SCENE TWO: JENNIFER IS ON THE PHONE ARGUING WITH THE PRODUCER. SHE HANGS UP ON DAN, FRUSTRATED.

 

JACK: Congratulations. Only a couple of weeks on the job and you're already giving your new boss heartburn. Better him than me though.

JENNIFER: Jack I am not in the mood for your sense of humor right now, okay.

JACK: Don't worry about Dan the man. There is no way he can get you fired. He's just bluffing.

JENNIFER: That's not the point. I want to do a feature on the benefit for Stephanie. We've got to get the story our there so we can get her home.

JACK: So, does the producer have a problem with that?

JENNIFER: He wants to use the kidnapping as some sort of jump off point to get into Kayla's escape.

JACK: Huh, uh.

JENNIFER: That's what he thinks the drama is. If he thinks wants to do an exploitation piece, he can get another reporter because I don't want to be a part of it Jack.

 

JACK SEEMS TO BE GETTING A KICK OUT OF ALL THIS.

JACK: I know you think you're pretty smart, but you're not.

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: So you better get on that phone and call Dan back right now. Tell him you're going to do this assignment before he gives it to somebody else.

JENNIFER: Jack, I mean Emilio and Melissa are driving all over town handing out flyers for this benefit. Everybody here is working overtime because they care about Stephanie. That's the story Jack.

JACK: You're not telling me anything that I don't already know.

 

JENNIFER IS IN SHOCK THAT JACK WOULD SUGGEST SUCH A THING. JACK HAS A SMUG EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE.

JENNIFER: But you're asking me to turn my report into some sensationalized rehash and....

JACK: Did I say that? Did I even suggest something to that effect?

JENNIFER: You told me to call Dan and tell him that I would do the story. I can't even believe that you would stand there and tell me to do something so cheap and so....

JACK: Do you want somebody else to do it? If you turn it down, then somebody else will do and then it will be real sensationalism.

 

IT FINALLY DAWNS ON JENNIFER, WHAT JACK MEANS. SHE GETS A LOOK OF EMBARRASSMENT FOR BEING SO DENSE.

 

JENNIFER: (Beat) You think you know it all don't you Jack?

JACK: (With a pleased smug look.) Sometimes I know it all but this time, I definitely know it all.

 

JACK WALKS OVER TO DAVE, WHO IS TRYING TO HANG UP A SIGN. HE POINTS TO IT.

 

JACK (CONT.): (Talking to Dave) Oh Dave, I think you're sagging a bit on the right.

 

MEANWHILE JENNIFER SEEMS TO BE THINKING THROUGH WHAT JACK SAID. JACK WALKS BACK OVER TO JENNIFER.

DAVE TRIES TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE BANNER.

 

JENNIFER: You know Jack, I have to admit that if I do agree to do the story then at least I can control the tone, right.

JACK: Exactly! Then you can write one of those pieces like what you wrote for me.

JENNIFER: So you think I can handle this?

JACK: I know you can handle it. You're the only one who can do it.

JENNIFER: Jack.

 

JENNIFER RESTS HER HAND ON HIS SHOULDER AS HE TURNS TO WALK AWAY. HE TURNS BACK AND LOOKS AT HER HAND AND THEN AT HER. THEY BOTH LOOK AGAIN AT HER HAND AND SHE SLOWLY MOVES IT AWAY.

 

JACK: Of course, this is only my professional opinion.

 

JACK OF COURSE DOES NOT WANT TO ADMIT HOW HIGHLY HE THINKS OF HER. JENNIFER IS SLIGHTLY DISAPPOINTED, HOPING FOR A MORE PERSONAL REASON, BUT REALIZING IT *IS* JACK, AND HE *ALWAYS* AVOIDS TELLING HER HOW HE *REALLY* FEELS ABOUT HER.

 

JENNIFER: Of course. Of course.

JACK: So are you going to write the story or not?

JENNIFER: Yes I am! (Getting a big grin on her face.) On one condition.

 

JACK SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THAT "ONE CONDITION" IS AND LOOKS LIKE HE ALREADY REGRETS CONVINCING HER TO DO THE STORY.

 

JACK: Condition?

JENNIFER: You're going to help me Jack.

JACK: Since when do you need my help to do a story?

JENNIFER: Well you always used to help me write my pieces for The Spectator.

JACK: I think the operative word here is "write." This is TV. I don't know anything about tv.

JENNIFER: I know Jack but I just want to do it right and as you just recently noted, I'm not as smart as I think I am.

JACK: I knew I'd be sorry I said that.

JENNIFER: Jack, just say you'll help me, okay.

JACK: I think you write all those mushy things better than anybody.

JENNIFER: Yeah but Kayla's a friend. I'm afraid of losing my objectivity. You never do that Jack.

JACK: (An ironic laugh, as if he regrets his "objectivity" at times.) No, that's one thing I never lose.

JENNIFER: Exactly. So you have too much and I have too little. Together, we're a perfect match.

 

JACK GLANCES SIDEWAYS AT HER WITH A SLIGHT SMIRK ON HIS FACE.

 

JENNIFER: Will you do it? Will you help me?

JACK: I still think you can do it by yourself.

JENNIFER: I know but I think I can do it better with you. I mean I want to try and make the people understand why Kayla did what she did. I want them to feel what she felt when she knew her baby was gone. I mean if we do it well enough maybe we can persuade the kidnapper to bring Stephanie home. Maybe we'll make her realize that Stephanie needs to be home.

JACK: (Reluctant, but wanting to help, and also not minding having to work with and close to her.) Alright, I'll take a little time out to help you out.

JENNIFER: Great, great, let's get started. Come on. (Sitting at her laptop.) Now first we have to think about visuals here Jack. We have to think about the pictures that are going to make the biggest impact. I wonder what you have over at the paper....ah.....

 

JENNIFER IS THINKING, AND AS SHE DOES THIS SHE IS TAPPING HER WEDDING FINGER. JACK LOOKS DOWN AT JENNIFER'S HAND AND SEES THE ENGAGEMENT RING. IT DISTURBS HIM AND HE IS DISTRACTED.

JACK: Um..... before we get on to that.... ah.... I was just curious about something.

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: Well I know that you started your new job and you're working on this benefit and I just wondered if you'd had....time to prepare for your wedding?

JENNIFER: What about my wedding?

JACK: Well, I just wondered if you....you know, if you had time to make preparations.

JENNIFER: Oh yeah, yeah. I can manage.

JACK: Huh, uh?

JENNIFER: Huh, uh.

JACK: I'm assuming that the wedding date is still a week from today.

JENNIFER: Yeah, yeah, that's right.

JACK: Huh. No chance that an old friend and ex-boss could talk you out of going through with this?

JENNIFER: Jack, we've been over this.

JACK: Well, I....still think it's a big mistake.

JENNIFER: Yeah, but that's your opinion. Unless you give me a good enough reason, Emilio and I are getting married next Friday.

 

THEY LOOK IN EACH OTHER'S EYES FOR A FEW SECONDS.

 

JACK: Well....if it's what you want to do. I mean if it's really what you want to do, there's nothing I can do to stop it.

JENNIFER: No, there's nothing you can do to stop it.

JACK: (Beat) There's something I have to do.

 

JACK JUMPS UP FROM HIS CHAIR.

 

JENNIFER: (Frustrated, thinking Jack is trying cop out.) Jack, what about the story?

JACK: You get started without me.

JENNIFER: Jack, the point was we were supposed to do it..... together.

SCENE THREE: JACK GOES TO THE BAR AND PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS A NUMBER HE HAS IN HIS NOTEBOOK.

 

JACK: Hi, hi. Is this the Alpine Inn? Yeah. I would like to make a reservation for next Friday. For two!

 

HE HANGS UP AND GOES BACK TO JENNIFER. HE SITS NEXT TO HER.

 

JACK: Alright, all finished. What have you got?

JENNIFER: Alright, okay, listen to this. (Beat)

JACK: What?

JENNIFER: You're sitting.

JACK: So?

JENNIFER: When I used to read to you, you would always be standing up.

JACK: Oh, guess it's been a while.

JENNIFER: Thanks Jack, it's just easier. Ready?

JACK: (Now Standing) Ready, ready.

 

HE IS NOW STANDING CLOSE BEHIND HER, LEANING OVER HER SHOULDER. HE SMILES, WITH A LOVING EXPRESSION, WHICH JENNIFER CANNOT SEE. JENNIFER IS ENJOYING THE CLOSENESS AS WELL.

 

JENNIFER: I'm going to start with a photo of Kayla and I'm going to voice over, okay. (Reading) "This is Kayla Brady. She was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for the murder of Marina Toscano. But that was just the beginning of her ordeal." And then we could segue into the kidnapping.What do you think about that?

JACK: It's not bad....although I would change "ordeal" for "nightmare."

JENNIFER: "Nightmare," you're right, that's better.

JACK: Hmmm. Then I would drop the line about Marina Toscano.

JENNIFER: Ah....that's part of the story.

JACK: I know but it makes Kayla sound like she killed her. She didn't, right?

JENNIFER: Right, right. Okay, alright, what about this? "This is Kayla Brady. She was sentenced to fifteen years in prison but that was only the beginning of her nightmare. Is that better?"

JACK: It's better than what you did before,that's for sure.

 

JACK RESTS HIS HAND ON HER SHOULDER AS HE IS TALKING. SHE LOOKS DOWN AT IT AND THEN UP INTO HIS EYES. HE LOOKS AT HER FOR A MOMENT, THEN PULLS HIS HAND AWAY LIKE HER SHOULDER IS POISON.

 

JENNIFER: (Frustatred) Why did you do that Jack?

JACK: (Embarrassed) Do....phrew....do what?

JENNIFER: Why did you pull away from me like that? I mean we were working really comfortably together. It was like the old times.

JACK: Ah.....I think I've helped you enough with this. I think you can do the rest on your own.

JENNIFER: Jack, no.

JACK: I really have to go. You know I do.

JENNIFER: Jack, you can't leave like this.

JACK: Why can't I? I have to go.

JENNIFER: Because....because I want to put you on camera!

JACK: You what?

JENNIFER: Yes. Steve and Kayla can't be here and this is exactly what this story needs. It needs someone who loves Stephanie and misses her and you're her uncle. And you could go on camera and you could talk to Kelly and make her see how she's hurting Stephanie's family. You could make her realize that she has to bring your little niece home. Will you do it Jack, please?

 

THIS IS ONLY AN EXCUSE FOR HER TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH JACK.

 

JACK: You want to put me on television?

JENNIFER: Yes Jack.

JACK: You know you have had some bad ideas in the past but this one is really bad.

JENNIFER: But it has to be an emotional story Jack and the only way I can do that is if I talk to Stephanie's family.

JACK: Well talk to Jo. Talk to Mrs. Brady. They are emotional, I guarantee you.

JENNIFER: No, no, no. I need somebody who can put their feelings into words and nobody does that better than you Jack.

JACK: In print maybe!

JENNIFER: No, but you can do it in person too. You can figure some way to get through to Kelly, I know it. And then people will realize that they need our help.

JACK: Do you remember who you're talking to here? I'm the king of the local lepers in Salem.

JENNIFER: No you're not. You're a prize winning journalist and people respect you.

JACK: Don't mistake respect for fear. People are afraid of me up top because I know where all the bodies are buried. I could dig up all the bodies in print if I wanted to. But the local citizens as far as they're concerned, I'm just the sicko son of the sicko Senator.

JENNIFER: No, that's not true, Jack, alright. Even if they do believe that about you, it's not true. Once they find out what you're really like and they listen to you, and they see you, they'll come to see you for who you really are like I have. And once they find out what you really feel for Kayla and Stephanie, they'll respond.

JACK: Really?

JENNIFER: Yes.

JACK: You really think I could get through to Kelly?

JENNIFER: Yeah. If anyone can get through to Kelly, it's you Jack.

JACK: Well....I mean if you put it that way, I'm sure I could do it.

JENNIFER: You will? Oh Jack, great, great.

 

SHE LEAPS INTO HIS ARMS.

 

JENNIFER: Oh thank you so much. I knew you'd come through Jack.

 

SHE GIVES HIM A BIG KISS ON THE CHEEK. JACK HAS A SHEEPISH GRIN ON HIS FACE, HE OBVIOUSLY ENJOYED THE KISS.

 

JACK: Ah....(Sighs, realizing the closeness between them, he tries to think of something.)....ah wait a minute. I am not.....I can't promise anything. (Prying her arms off him) I'm probably going to freeze up. I haven't made a speech since my campaign days.

JENNIFER: You'll be fine Jack. You'll be fine.

JACK: (Beat) Visuals! Visuals! You were talking about visuals before.

JENNIFER: Yeah.

JACK: Well I got the perfect visual. I've been carrying it around here.

 

HE PULLS THE BABY CARRIER SHE GAVE HIM OUT OF HIS BRIEFCASE. JENNIFER IS SURPRISED THAT HE KEPT IT, AND SEEMS TO BE HAPPY SINCE IT SEEMS TO IMPLY THAT JACK DOES CHERISH HER GIFT.

 

JENNIFER: Oh, I didn't realize that you still had this baby carrier that I gave you.

JACK: Well I....well you were talking to me before about babysitting,about babysitting Stephanie, and I realized that yes, I do want to babysit Stephanie. I don't want to be the kind of guy that just sends a card once a year on birthdays. I mean heck, I turned into that kind of guy with Alexander....(Emotional, stopping, realizing that Alexander is died.) with Alexander. So I figured I would start carrying this around...and I could use it whenever I....I never imagined I'd use it like this.

JENNIFER: Don't lose heart Jack. That's something that none of us can ever do.

 

JENNIFER SEEMS TO BE IMPLYING THAT SHE HAS NOT GIVEN UP HOPE FOR THEM. JACK SIGHS.

SCENE FOUR: MEANWHILE ISABELLA HAS BEEN HAVING FLASHBACKS TO THE NIGHT OF MARINA'S MURDER. IT SEEMS THAT SHE AND MARINA HAD A BIG FIGHT AND ISABELLA, OUT OF SELF-DEFENSE, KILLED HER. ALL ALONG VICTOR HAS BEEN PROTECTING HER, HE HAD A COLLECTION OF TAPED CONVERSATIONS VARIOUS PEOPLE HAD WITH MARINA, AND ISABELLA KILLING HER. WITH ISABELLA REVEALED AS THE REAL KILLER, KAYLA IS CLEARED. ISABELLA HAS GROWN FOND OF ROMAN, AND VICE-A-VERSA; SHE IS WORRIED THIS WILL RUIN HER RELATIONSHIP.

SCENE FIVE: A SHORT TIME LATER, JACK IS ON THE PHONE AGAIN AT WINGS. HE IS PLOTTING SOMETHING FOR JENNIFER'S WEDDING.

 

JACK: So you were able to work on what I've got? Yeah. Just tell them I want them to go over every pin, bolt and sprocket. I mean I want this thing to run! (Beat) Well if you have to get a special driver then go ahead and do it. I know you can do that. The point is, this Friday cannot mess up. It has to go off without a hitch. Alright, I knew you could do it.

 

JACK HANGS UP AND TURNS ROUND TO SEE JENNIFER STANDING BEHIND HIM.

 

JACK: Ah, Jennifer. Hehehehe I thought you were still working.

JENNIFER: Well we were supposed to be working together but you keep making phone calls. What's going on?

JACK: Don't be too curious. Remember what happened to the inquisitive cat!

JENNIFER: I'm a reporter. It's my job to be inquisitive.

JACK: Well if you put it that way, it's about your wedding.

JENNIFER: Are you getting me a present?

JACK: Maybe the biggest surprise of your life!

JENNIFER: What are you talking about? What do you mean surprise Jack?

JACK: You'll see.

JENNIFER: No I don't want to see. I want to hear, right now.

JACK: If I tell you know, then you won't be surprised on your wedding day.

JENNIFER: Exactly Jack. You know how much I hate surprises, so tell me.

JACK: Listen, there's nothing that you can say or do that is going to make me tell you. There you have it.

JENNIFER: There's nothing I can do? If you think I'm going to let you spring some surprise at my wedding, you're crazy.

JACK: Just take it easy, alright. This is just a....oh I don't know, it's just an idea....a special idea for your wedding day. I'm just trying to be gracious.

JENNIFER: Why? Why, do you still think that I shouldn't marry Emilio?

JACK: There's nothing I can do to stop it, is there?

JENNIFER: Give me one reason why I shouldn't marry him.

JACK: Well I could give you a list of reasons.

JENNIFER: I don't want a list of reasons Jack. I want one reason, just one. There is one reason that would make a difference. Jack?

JACK: Jennifer, alright, I'm going to tell you right now. (He puts his hands on her arms.) I want you to be happy, you and Emilio. I mean I wish you every happiness in the world, honestly. I just hope that your wedding day is a day you'll never forget.

 

JACK AND JENNIFER ARE LOOKING AT EACH OTHER. WHEN APRIL AND NICK COME OVER TO GET THE FUNDRAISER UNDERWAY. APRIL NOTICES THEIR CLOSENESS; SHE HAS ALWAYS FELT THAT JENNIFER DID NOT LOVE EMILIO.

 

APRIL: Were we interrupting something?

JENNIFER: Oh no. You're not interrupting anything. Actually we were just talking about the wedding and Jack was just saying what a great day it was going to be, weren't you Jack?

JACK: Oh yes, it's going to be.... it's going to be a great day!

SCENE SIX: EMILIO AND MELISSA HAVE BEEN STRANDED AFTER THEIR CAR BROKE DOWN. LATELY, DESPITE MELISSA PUSHING JENNIFER TOWARDS EMILIO, SHE HAS BECOME A LITTLE JEALOUS, AND SHE SEEMS TO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH HIM.

SCENE SEVEN: JACK IS WAITING FOR THE EVENT TO START WHEN JO AND ADRIENNE COME OVER, FOLLOWED BY SHAWN AND CAROLINE.

 

CAROLINE: Jack.

ADRIENNE: Caroline, Mr. Brady.

SHAWN: Ah, we've been looking for you Jack.

 

ON ACCOUNT OF HIS RAPE OF KAYLA, HE IS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THEM, AND THEY WITH HIM.

 

JACK: (Surprised) For me?

CAROLINE: Yes, we'd like to talk to you, if you have a minute.

JO: Of course he does. Excuse us.

 

JO PULLS ADRIENNE AWAY.

 

JACK: (Uncomfortable, trying to figure out what to say.) Ah....well it's been a long time, huh.

SHAWN: (Also uncomfortable) Look this isn't easy for either of us, you know.

CAROLINE: (Sincerely) We want to thank you for all that you've done to help Kayla through the trial. All that you've doing now. Well if there's one thing I've learnt in my life, what matters is right now. Today.

SHAWN: Listen Jack, what she's trying to say is that we're grateful, alright. I mean if Steve and Kayla see fit, I mean if they see themselves clear to let what's past be past well then's the way it should be.

CAROLINE: Yes, so thank you from all of us.

JACK: (In shock) I....ah....I mean I don't know what to say. Heh heh. I don't know what to say.

SHAWN: It's a bit strange for everybody, isn't it?

JACK: Yes, strange, that's a good word for it. Good but strange. Thanks.

 

JACK IS IN SHOCK, BUT PLEASED, FINALLY IT SEEMS THAT PEOPLE ARE EXCEPTING THE NEW HIM, AND THAT HE HE MAY BE ABLE TO GET ON WITH HIS LIFE. JENNIFER HAS BEEN WATCHING FROM THE SIDE, AND IS SO VERY PROUD AND HAPPY FOR JACK.

SCENE EIGHT: A LITTLE LATER, MELISSA AND EMILIO ARRIVE AND HURRY TO GET READY. EMILIO GIVES JENNIFER A KISS BEFORE HE HURRIES OFF. AS ALWAYS JENNIFER IS NOT TOO RECEPTIVE. AS HE LEAVES, JENNIFER NOTICES THAT JACK IS WATCHING FROM THE BAR. HE TURNS AWAY AS SHE NOTICES HIM.

THE FILM CREW GET READY AND SUDDENLY IT IS SHOW TIME! JENNIFER RUSHES TO THE BAR AND DRAGS JACK TO THE STAGE.

 

JENNIFER: Jack, come on, hurry up. Jack let's go.

JACK: (A little flustered) What, where....what. Wait a minute, my notes!

JENNIFER: No notes. Just wing it.

JACK: Cue cards, what about cue cards?

JENNIFER: Jack.

JACK: Wait a minute.

DIRECTOR: Five, four, three, two.....

 

JENNIFER LOVINGLY HANDS JACK THE MICROPHONE; THEIR HANDS TOUCH.

JENNIFER: This is Jennifer Horton reporting live from Wings where a special benefit is being held to raise funds to aid in the search for Stephanie Kay Johnson. She's an infant who's in need of medical attention and she's been missing for the last three days. I have a member of her family here who would like to say a few words. This is Stephanie's uncle,Jack Deveraux. Mr. Deveraux.

JACK IS SOMBER AND SERIOUS.

SCENE NINE: THE INTERVIEW IS WRAPPING UP. JENNIFER IS SO PROUD OF JACK. EVERYONE IS IMPRESSED WITH JACK'S IMPASSIONED WORDS.

 

JACK: I think that pretty much says it all. We would like to get Stephanie back and I would like to say on behalf of both of Stephanie's family, thank you for the support and....ah....we would like to get her back....

JENNIFER: Jack.

JACK: Ah, thank you very much, thank you.

 

JACK STEPS DOWN OFF THE STAGE AND EMILIO AND MELISSA GET UP TO SING. JACK IS BACK AT THE BAR; JENNIFER IS CLOSE BY. JACK AND JENNIFER WATCH EACH OTHER AS EMILIO AND MELISSA SING.

Seems like I've been waiting my whole life
For you to walk right through my door and make it right.
I try my very best to forget all the times
Love was just heartbeat away
All the nights spent dreaming of you.

Only this time
I can see this love is real
Only this time
Not afraid to let you near
I have always been the last to know if love was really true
Only this time
Only this time
Only this time
I know it's you.

 

WHILE THEY ARE SINGING, MICKEY GETS A CALL TO SAY THAT KAYLA HAS BEEN CLEARED COMPLETELY. HE INTERRUPTS EMILIO AND MELISSA TO ANNOUNCE THE NEWS. EVERYONE IS OVERJOYED. JENNIFER RUNS OVER TO JACK. JENNIFER IS HAPPY FOR JACK. JACK IS IN SHOCK.

 

JENNIFER: Everything's going to be alright. Kayla's innocent.

JACK: (Shocked, surprised) Did he mean that? Is everything alright?

 

INSTEAD OF THINKING ABOUT EMILIO, HER FIANCÉ JENNIFER HUGS JACK TIGHTLY.

 

JACK: Ah, Jennifer.

 

EMILIO COMES OVER.

 

EMILIO: Ah you don't mind if I borrow my fiancée, do you?

JACK: (With a knowing look) Not at all. I just want to congratulate you on having a beautiful wedding day.

 

JENNIFER, NOT TOO HAPPILY, LEAVES WITH EMILIO.