In This Life
by Jennifer
Episodes 46 - 48
EPISODE 46
SCENE 1
EXT. A SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY (THE DAY AFTER EPISODE 45)
JACK and JENNIFER are having breakfast at a cafe the morning after the coronation. JACK has his laptop set up on the table, next to stacks of paper and several micro recorders. He is typing on the laptop while talking on the phone with VERN. JENNIFER is watching him.
JACK: (animated) Vern, are you even listening to me?! Are you?
WAITER: (arriving with the food, serving JENNIFER) Your omelet, Madame. (to JACK, who is ignoring him) Your fruit plate, Monsieur.
JACK: (ignoring him) What do you think we're running here, a high school newspaper? I don't care if Hogan is ticked off that we're pushing his story to the B section, we've got a real news story to put on the front page!
The WAITER gives JENNIFER sympathetic smile. JENNIFER returns the smile and goes back to watching JACK, then sighs.
JACK: Look, I need to know that I can count on you, all right? Can I count on you?
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: Good, good, I'm glad to hear that...
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: All right, I'll check back in a few hours. Remember, I'm counting on you, Vern. (hangs up the phone, goes back to typing on the laptop) I tell you, Jennifer, I don't want to give the man another heart attack, but he's this close to giving me a heart attack...
JENNIFER: (sighs) Were you planning on eating that, or were you going to just let it go to waste?
JACK: (without looking up from the laptop) You're more than welcome to it-
JENNIFER closes the laptop.
JACK: Hey, wha-
JENNIFER: All right, Jack, enough of this.
JACK: I beg your pardon?
JENNIFER: Why don't you stop hiding behind this computer and tell me what's really going on.
OUT on JACK.
SCENE 2
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER knows something is bothering JACK, and is trying to get him to tell her what it is.
JACK: You want me to tell you what's going on.
JENNIFER: That's right.
JACK: Forgive me, but I'm going to have to buy a vowel here, Jennifer. What do you mean, what's going on?
JENNIFER gives him a look.
JACK: Oh, I get it... You're angry with me, right? That's it, that must be it--I promised the lady a romantic getaway, and I'm not living up to my word. I blew it again-
JENNIFER: (reaches across the table to take his hand) Jack, you know that's not what I meant.
JACK: (feigns ignorance) You know something? I just got hungry all of the sudden. Must be all that arguing with Vern. Going mano-a-mano with that man really works up one's appetite-
JENNIFER: If you think that's going to deter me, you're sadly mistaken.
JACK looks back at her.
JENNIFER: I'm stubborn, remember? Stubborn and pig-headed, you've said so yourself-
JACK: I'm not going to win this round, am I?
JENNIFER: (shaking her head) 'Fraid not, Deveraux.
JACK: Why does that not surprise me.
JENNIFER: Jack... (softly) Maybe it would help to talk about it.
JACK gives her a look. He is still uncomfortable with the idea of laying out his feelings on the table.
JENNIFER: Come on... it's me. It's me, not Whitney Baker, not Marlena... (beat) Just talk to me.
JACK: Look, I really appreciate the sentiment, Jennifer, I do. But with all due respect, I've had enough therapy to last me an entire lifetime. And please, no comments on my mental state-
JENNIFER: All right, fine. I won't push you if you really don't want to talk about it.
JACK: (happy she is dropping the subject) Thank you...
JENNIFER: But for what it's worth, last night really got to me too.
JACK does not say anything. JENNIFER knows she got through to him.
JENNIFER: Last night was probably the scariest moment of my reporting career. And you can't tell me you didn't feel the same way, Jack.
JACK: (trying to play it off) Jennifer, we are reporters. This kind of thing comes with the territory, you know that. It's par for the course-
JENNIFER: I don't care how nonchalant you're pretending to be, Jack Deveraux, I'm not buying it. You can't fool me. I know you. (beat) So why don't you just talk to me?
JACK: All right, you want me to talk? I'll talk.
JENNIFER: Good-
JACK: (overlapping) You want me to talk about how I had this feeling something was going to go down last night and I didn't do a damn thing about it, and because I didn't, one man is dead, several others are wounded, and the princess's life now hangs in the balance?
JENNIFER is taken aback by what JACK has just said.
JACK: Would that about cover it?
OUT on a surprised JENNIFER.
SCENE 3
INT. LAWRENCE AND CARLY'S STUDY - SAME
LAWRENCE is sitting at the desk, reading a newspaper article about GRETA having gone into surgery after she was shot. CARLY walks in the room.
LAWRENCE: (without emotion) She survived.
CARLY does not answer, but LAWRENCE is too angry to notice.
LAWRENCE: Damn it! (puts down the paper, gets up) Karl assured me nothing would go wrong with this... He told me he would go with his best sharpshooter, but obviously his definition of the best needs refining-
CARLY still has not said anything. Instead, she is fixing a drink, and LAWRENCE finally notices that she is not listening and seems worried about something.
LAWRENCE: Katarina? (walks over to her and lifts her chin up to look at him) What is it?
CARLY: (slips away from him) Nothing... (picks the newspaper up, tries to steer the conversation away from herself) It says here she’s in critical condition.
LAWRENCE: (watching her) Yes, she is.
CARLY: Then it’s simple, Lawrence. All we have to do is find a doctor to-
LAWRENCE: (firmly) No.
CARLY: I thought you wanted this taken care of.
LAWRENCE: Of course I do! But she’s far too heavily guarded at this point. They’re not about to let a newly-crowned princess be put in danger again, so if a doctor suddenly appears out of nowhere to treat her, that will stand out, don’t you think?
CARLY: I’m sure one of her current doctors could be persuaded to help us out... for the right price, of course.
LAWRENCE: (coldly) I’m past such clumsy tactics, Katarina.
CARLY: It doesn’t need to be clumsy, Lawrence. I could go there myself-
LAWRENCE: I said no, Katarina! I don’t want to hear about this again, do you understand?
CARLY: (hurt) Perfectly.
LAWRENCE: (knowing he was too harsh, goes over to smooth things over, but she slips out of his embrace) Karl’s prize sharpshooter should have gotten the job done while he had the chance. Now we’ll have to start from scratch. (to himself) If he weren’t so damn valuable to me, I would have gotten rid of him a long time ago...
He looks over at CARLY who seems very distracted.
LAWRENCE: I’m sorry. (she does not answer) Are you certain nothing’s wrong?
CARLY: I told you-
LAWRENCE: I know what you told me, Katarina. I also know you seem troubled. (goes to where she is standing) Now, why don't you tell me what this is all about?
OUT on CARLY'S worry.
SCENE 4
CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER
JACK has told JENNIFER that he feels guilty about not having done something to prevent the shooting, but now he regrets saying anything and wishes he had just kept quiet about it.
JENNIFER: (gently) Jack...
JACK: No, no... please don't say it... Outburst over, see? Now we really must be getting back to work-
JENNIFER: We need to talk about this-
JACK: On the contrary, we don't need to talk about it. What we need to do is file this story so Vern does not blow a gasket-
JENNIFER: Is that what you really think? That you somehow failed everybody last night?
JACK sighs.
JENNIFER: Jack, what happened last night was not your fault. Nobody could have known what would happen last night.
JACK: (somberly) That's precisely the point, Jennifer--we did. We knew something was wrong. I mean, all that time, I had this gut feeling that something was going to happen and I knew, I just knew--even though we didn't have any proof--that Kate was up to something. I should have done something-
JENNIFER: Now you listen to me, Jack Deveraux. Don't you dare start second guessing yourself, do you understand?
JACK tries to say something, but JENNIFER interrupts him.
JENNIFER: What could you have done? Gone to the police? We already did that, remember? Bo and Hope already knew about it, and at that point it was out of our hands.
JACK does not answer.
JENNIFER: Did you hear me?
JACK: (quietly) Justin was devastated... And I had to be the one to tell him. I, of all people, had to be the one to tell him about Victor Kiriakis. (shakes his head) Now that's the kind of irony you find only in Greek tragedies.
JENNIFER: I know that can't have been easy telling him and Adrienne. But you have to know you didn't do anything wrong last night.
JACK: (clears throat) Thank you... for letting me unburden myself, but... we really do need to get back to work.
JENNIFER: (sensing she shouldn't push anymore) You're right. You're right, this is a big story. All eyes are going to be on The Spectator, and we can't drop the ball.
JACK: That's right.
JENNIFER: Okay, so what do we do first?
JACK: Yes, well, uh... that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about.
JENNIFER: What do you mean?
JACK: I think we should split up today.
OUT on JENNIFER'S curiosity.
SCENE 5
CUT TO: LAWRENCE AND CARLY
CARLY is worried about something, and LAWRENCE is trying to get her to tell him what it is.
LAWRENCE: Katarina, you know you can tell me anything.
CARLY: I know that.
LAWRENCE: Then, please, tell me what's troubling you.
CARLY: (reluctantly) There's something I have to tell you about last night.
LAWRENCE: What is it?
CARLY: Someone... saw me.
LAWRENCE: What do you mean someone saw you?
CARLY: I mean, I was careful, but apparently not careful enough. I had snuck into the ladies room just as the coronation was about to start--I was sure everyone would be in the ballroom at that time, so I thought-
LAWRENCE: Damn it, Katarina!
CARLY: I got away as fast as I could! But I think... she still saw me...
LAWRENCE: (suddenly realizing who it must have been) Jennifer Deveraux.
CARLY nods slowly.
LAWRENCE turns away from her. He is visibly upset.
CARLY: Look, Lawrence, I never should have mentioned it. It's not a big deal, really-
LAWRENCE: Katarina, we can not risk her connecting you and me to this. You know that!
CARLY: She only saw me for a split second. If I know her, she’s probably decided it wasn’t me she saw at all--just someone who happened looked like me. (turns LAWRENCE around to face her) She won’t find out, I promise you.
LAWRENCE: Never make promises you can’t keep.
CARLY: Even if she did think it was me, she’d never suspect me, Lawrence. We were friends, remember?
LAWRENCE: (dryly) Yes. Best friends.
CARLY: That’s right. Her dear friend, Dr. Carly Manning, who she put on a pedestal. She’d never for a minute think that her best friend Carly could ever be in on this.
LAWRENCE looks at her incredulously.
CARLY: (taking his hand) She won't ever learn about this. (kisses him) I'll make sure of that.
SCENE 6
CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER
JACK has just told JENNIFER that they will be splitting up today to investigate the shooting.
JACK: Something's been troubling me about this ever since we got back from the hospital.
JENNIFER: What?
JACK: Do you recall where Victor was last night, when he was shot?
JENNIFER: Yeah, he was... in the back of the room. Watching Kate, as I recall.
JACK: (nods) And where was Greta?
JENNIFER: She was on the stage, being crowned.
JACK: What about the others who were shot?
JENNIFER: Near the stage too... (beat) Where are you going with this, Jack?
JACK: Don't you find it odd that Victor was on the opposite side of the room where the others were hit?
JENNIFER: (seeing his logic) Oh my gosh, you mean...
JACK: It makes absolutely no sense for Kate to try and hurt the princess--or anybody else for that matter. Victor is the one she wanted to target, but not anyone else...
JENNIFER: And Victor was too far apart from the rest of the ones shot for it to have been errant bullets that got them...
JACK nods.
JENNIFER: Are you saying what I think you're saying?
JACK: There had to have been more than one assassin last night, Jennifer. (beat) The question is, who hired the second one?
OUT on JACK.
SCENE 7
IN PROGRESS
JACK has just shared his theory regarding the shooting with JENNIFER.
JENNIFER: So, you want me to go to the hospital and talk to one of the witnesses while you go to the police station?
JACK: They're going to be questioning Kate, and one of us should to be there. I can do that, while you try to get some information from one of the victims. Besides, the hospital is much safer. They've got police guarding Greta around the clock- (notices JENNIFER is smiling at him) What?
JENNIFER: You're worried about me.
JACK: (embarrassed) Well, I... I guess I am...
JENNIFER gets up and goes to his side of the table, then sits on his lap.
JENNIFER: (taking his chin and lifts his face so he is looking at her) Nothing is going to happen to me, Jack. I promise. I can take care of myself.
JACK: That's good. Because Abigail would be lost without her mother.
JENNIFER: (smiles, knows this is JACK'S way of telling her she's important to him) We wouldn't want that, would we?
JACK: (sincerely) And... I would be lost without her too.
JENNIFER leans over and gives him a kiss, then gets up.
JENNIFER: All right, I guess I should head on over to the hospital.
JACK: (as she starts to leave) Oh, wait, Jennifer...
JENNIFER: Yeah, Jack?
JACK: Last night... there was something you were going to tell me--before all hell broke loose. After all the craziness of last night, I never got a chance to ask you what it was.
JENNIFER: (feeling silly thinking she ever saw CARLY) Oh, it’s really not that important... I mean, after everything that’s happened, it’s really trivial, in fact.
JACK: (unconvinced) You’re sure about that.
JENNIFER: (hesitating, then finally tells him) All right... Remember when I told you earlier that night that I thought I had seen someone from my boarding school?
JACK nods.
JENNIFER: Well, I just thought I saw her again in the ladies room. But then I thought, this person has no reason to be here, so it couldn’t have been her. I’m sure my radar was just on full alert last night after all the Kate and Victor intrigue, so I convinced myself that I saw who I thought I saw.
JACK: Uh huh... Now you’ve piqued my curiosity. Just who was this mystery classmate of yours that apparently had a doppelganger at the ball?
JENNIFER: (embarrassed laugh) You’re going to think this is silly, but... I thought I saw Carly last night.
JACK: (surprised) As in... Dr. Manning?
JENNIFER: As in my best friend Carly, who I haven’t seen in years. Yes.
JACK: I see.
JENNIFER: There, I told you, and I feel sufficiently embarrassed now, so I am going to get to work. (kisses him) I’ll see you later.
JACK: (as she’s leaving) Yes... later...
OUT on JACK as he leaves for the police station, with a strange feeling about JENNIFER’S encounter.
EPISODE 47
SCENE 1
INT. A HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - DAY (SAME DAY AS EPISODE 46)
JENNIFER has come back to the hospital to interview one of the witnesses from last night's shooting, a man who was shot in the arm and claims to have seen the man who shot at GRETA. JENNIFER spots the doctor she is supposed to meet with, and she crosses over to talk with him.
JENNIFER: Excuse me... Dr. Chevaldae?
CHEVALDAE: Yes?
JENNIFER: (holds out her hand) Jennifer Deveraux, from The Spectator. I believe my co-publisher spoke to you earlier about letting me meet with one of the patients here... Mr. Krauss?
CHEVALDAE: Ah yes, Herr Krauss. Yes, I've been expecting you, Madame Deveraux. This way... (leads her to the patient's room)
JENNIFER: How is he doing, doctor? He is up for visitors, isn't he?
CHEVALDAE: (stopping in front of the room) Physically, he's fine, but emotionally... As you know, Madame, the events of last night were quite traumatic for everyone involved.
JENNIFER nods.
CHEVALDAE: He should be fine to speak with you, but I must ask that you stay no longer than half an hour, and if he should get upset-
JENNIFER: I promise I won't push him if that happens, doctor.
CHEVALDAE: (smiles) Good. (opens the door) Well... shall we go in-
JENNIFER hears noise coming from the room as soon as the door opens. It is KRAUSS, who is sleeping and appears to be having a nightmare.
KRAUSS: Nein, nein! Mein Arm... Mein Arm... Ich sehe ihn-
CHEVALDAE: Oh no... Madame Deveraux, this might not be a good time after all, I'm afraid we'll have to sedate him-
JENNIFER: It's all right, I understand completely-
Suddenly, KRAUSS stops screaming and his eyes shoot open.
OUT on JENNIFER and CHEVALDAE looking at each other in shock.
SCENE 2
INT. A POLICE STATION - SAME
JACK is at the police station, waiting for KATE to come out after her questioning. He is surrounded by fellow reporters, one of whom writes for The Salem Chronicle and has been eying him all morning.
JACK: (getting annoyed with the reporter) Can I help you with something, Torrance?
TORRANCE: Excuse me?
JACK: You keep looking in my direction--is there something you wanted to say, or did I accidentally wear my underwear over my pants this morning?
TORRANCE: (offended) For your information, I have not been looking at you, Deveraux. (mutters) For pete's sake, that ego of yours-
JACK: I heard that! (beat) What're you doing here, anyway? You couldn't be bothered to attend the coronation last night, but you're the first in line here at the station?
TORRANCE: I hate to break this to you, Ace, but you're hardly the only game in town. This is a big news story, so naturally, The Chronicle is going to be where the action is too. Besides, I'll be damned if you scoop us.
JACK: (coolly) Touché.
He turns around and smiles to himself.
JACK: (to himself) God, I've missed being a reporter...
TORRANCE: Where's that ex-wife of yours, anyhow? Now there's a real reporter-
KATE comes out into the lobby of the station, wearing a hat and sunglasses, but still recognizable. Beside her is her lawyer, who is unsuccessfully trying to shield her from the reporters, but they immediately swarm around them, sticking cameras, microphones, and micro recorders in their faces.
KATE: (snarling, as she tries to fight her way through) No comment!
TORRANCE: Ms. Kiriakis--is it true your husband was going to fight you for custody of your son-
LAWYER: Please, please, Mrs. Kiriakis has been through a terrible ordeal...
TORRANCE: Ms. Kiriakis-
KATE: I told you, no comment!
JACK can not get through the crowd of reporters to get close enough to KATE. He tries to push his way through, but keeps getting pushed out every time. Finally, he watches the commotion and gets an idea.
JACK: (to himself) All right, Kate... If you won't talk, then I'll just have to get... creative...
OUT on JACK'S grin as he backs away, unnoticed, from the rest of the reporters and sneaks further into the police station.
SCENE 3
CUT TO: JENNIFER AT THE HOSPITAL
JENNIFER and CHEVALDAE have walked in on KRAUSS having a nightmare, but he has now woken and sees them in his room.
JENNIFER: (to CHEVALDAE) Uh... maybe I should go-
KRAUSS: (weakly) Hello...
JENNIFER: Hello... (looks to CHEVALDAE, who nods to assure her it's okay) Hello, Mr. Krauss.
CHEVALDAE: Herr Krauss, this is Jennifer Deveraux. She's a reporter for an American newspaper. She wanted to speak with you for a little bit--would that be all right?
JENNIFER: I can come back later, if you'd like...
KRAUSS: (sitting up) No, it's fine.
CHEVALDAE: All right, then. (to JENNIFER) Half an hour, Madame, and if anything should happen, please fetch me immediately.
JENNIFER: Of course, doctor.
CHEVALDAE leaves the room, leaving JENNIFER alone with KRAUSS.
KRAUSS: You're a reporter?
JENNIFER: Yes... I was... wondering if I could talk to you about what happened last night. Would you be up for that today, Mr. Krauss?
KRAUSS nods.
JENNIFER: I know last night was very frightening. For all of us. If there's anything you can tell me at all, anything you might have seen, we can all get to the bottom of this...
KRAUSS: The police asked me these same questions last night.
JENNIFER: Can you tell me what you told them?
KRAUSS takes a deep breath and does not look at her. It is clear he is very upset remembering the coronation.
JENNIFER: (gently) I promise I'm only here to help...
KRAUSS: It was... terrible... He was terrible...
OUT on JENNIFER as she realizes he is talking about the assassin.
SCENE 4
CUT TO: JACK AT THE POLICE STATION
JACK has snuck away from the rest of the reporters and noticed that the office he saw KATE coming out of earlier seems to be empty.
JACK: Hmm, must be out getting coffee...
He smiles to himself and jiggles the door handle. His smile grows wider when he realizes it's unlocked.
JACK: Well look at this, the detective left his office unlocked? (looks to see if anyone is watching, then slips into the office) You really shouldn't do that... (glances at the desk, then begins to look through it) I mean, anyone could walk in-
The door opens and closes behind him, causing JACK to straighten immediately. The detective, LAPERRIERE, has returned and is not happy to have caught JACK snooping around his office.
LAPERRIERE: Indeed, anyone could walk in.
JACK slowly turns around, lets out an nervous laugh.
LAPERRIERE: (shooting daggers at JACK with his eyes) Silly me, I had thought my office would be safe from... what is it you Americans say--nosey? Yes, nosey reporters.
JACK: (more nervous laughter) Detective, I can... I can explain-
LAPERRIERE: Yes, please do. (sinister tone) Before I call the appropriate authorities-
JACK: No, no, there's no need for that...
LAPERRIERE: Well then, Monsieur... (squints his eyes to look at JACK'S press badge) Monsieur Deveraux... Would you kindly tell me what you are doing in my office?
OUT on JACK trying to think of a good explanation.
SCENE 5
CUT TO: JENNIFER AT THE HOSPITAL
KRAUSS is starting to tell JENNIFER about what he saw last night.
JENNIFER: (encouraging him) It's all right, Mr. Krauss... Take your time, I know this is difficult...
KRAUSS: The princess... We were all watching the princess being presented...
JENNIFER nods to urge him on.
KRAUSS: My eye caught some movement behind her. I wasn't sure what it was at first... I turned my head to see what it was, but it was too late... (starts to get upset) it was too late...
JENNIFER: What was it that you saw?
KRAUSS: (calming himself down) There was a man, hidden behind this grate... I could see him through the grate... I saw his gun... And then... then...
He starts to get upset again. JENNIFER wonders whether she should get CHEVALDAE.
JENNIFER: Mr. Krauss, it's all right... Do you want me to get the doctor?
KRAUSS: No... it's fine... I want to tell you this.
JENNIFER: Are you sure?
KRAUSS nods.
JENNIFER: All right...
KRAUSS: I saw the man who shot at Princess von Amburg. He was aiming at her, but she was moving, and he got others before he could shoot her...
JENNIFER: Mr. Krauss, did you see what he looked like?
KRAUSS: (very upset now) Just barely... It all happened so fast...
JENNIFER: (nodding) I understand. Do you remember anything about him at all?
KRAUSS: He had dark hair... dark hair and a beard... and he didn't look too old, maybe in his forties, but I could not really tell...
JENNIFER: (trying to take all of this in) Thank you, Mr. Krauss, this helps very much...
KRAUSS: He just kept shooting... he wouldn't stop... (starts to cry) he wouldn't stop...
JENNIFER: (worried about him) It's all right... I'll get Dr. Chevaldae, you'll be all right...
She presses the call button to get the doctor. CHEVALDAE comes in moments later.
JENNIFER: Dr. Chevaldae, I didn't want to upset him any further-
CHEVALDAE: You did the right thing, Madame Deveraux. (to KRAUSS) Herr Krauss, I'm right here, we'll take care of you now...
KRAUSS: (overlapping) He wouldn't stop shooting...
OUT on JENNIFER watching him, thinking about what he has told her.
SCENE 6
CUT TO: JACK AT THE POLICE STATION
JACK has just been caught snooping into a detective's office. He is trying to come up with a good explanation for what he's doing.
JACK: What am I doing here?
LAPERRIERE: (eying him with suspicion) Yes, Monsieur Deveraux, what are you doing here? Where you clearly should not be.
JACK: (nervous laugh) Well, you see...
He knows there's no way out, so he might as well tell the truth.
JACK: (clears throat) You see, detective...
LAPERRIERE: Laperriere. Detective Laperriere.
JACK: Yes, Detective Laperriere, you see, I was, um... Detective, there's no sense in trying to pull the wool over your eyes- (notes LAPERRIERE'S confusion) -that is, there's no sense in trying to fool you with some outlandish story, so I will just tell you the truth.
LAPERRIERE: And that is?
JACK: I'm a reporter.
LAPERRIERE: (annoyed) Yes, I had deduced that already, Deveraux.
He walks past JACK to sit at his desk. JACK stands awkwardly for a moment, then decides to sit down.
LAPERRIERE: That doesn't explain what you were doing in my office where I don't recall having invited you.
JACK: All right, I admit it, I should not have been trespassing. It's just that I'm a reporter, and reporters can get a little overzealous when they are working on a story. You can understand that, can't you?
LAPERRIERE glares at him.
JACK: Well, since you're here now, perhaps I should just cut to the chase. (again, noting LAPERRIERE'S confusion) Uh... I'll get right to my point. (beat) What do you know about Kate Kiriakis hiring someone to kill her husband?
OUT on LAPERRIERE.
SCENE 7
JACK has just asked LAPERRIERE for information about KATE'S involvement in VICTOR'S murder.
LAPERRIERE: I should have guessed that's what you wanted.
JACK: You could say I have a vested interest in this story. My sister... (voice trails off) well, it's a long and convoluted tale, but suffice it to say, there are many people in Salem who will want to know exactly what happened to Victor Kiriakis-
LAPERRIERE: And you're just the man to report it?
JACK: Precisely. (beat) All kidding aside, Detective--what did she say?
LAPERRIERE: (sighs) What you would expect her to say. She didn't do it.
JACK: (sarcastically) Of course she didn't.
LAPERRIERE: The problem is all this evidence is circumstantial--her motive, her opportunity... There's nothing to tie her to this crime. We haven't even found the shooter, though if only we could... (shakes his head) One person dead, four other people injured--if she did do this, she'll have to pay... (gets up and stands by the window; lights a cigarette)
JACK: (realizing there's not much more information he can get from here) Well... thank you for your time, Detective.
LAPERRIERE ignores him and continues to look out the window.
JACK: (mutters) I'll show myself out... (stops at the door) Detective?
LAPERRIERE: (after a while) Yes?
JACK: Don't you think it's rather... interesting that Victor Kiriakis was so far away from the stage when he was shot?
LAPERRIERE turns to look at him.
JACK: The princess and the other three people hit--they were quite a distance away from where Victor was shot. (arches an eyebrow) Something to think about, eh?
OUT on LAPERRIERE as he processes what JACK just said.
SCENE 8
CUT TO: JENNIFER AT THE HOSPITAL
JENNIFER is outside of KRAUSS'S room, thinking about what just happened and what he told her about the shooter. Though it is not much information and she is not even sure it was reliable, she has an uneasy feeling about the whole thing.
JENNIFER: (to herself) Why would someone want to kill Greta?
She is staring off into the distance, not really paying much attention. A few feet away, several police officers are guarding GRETA'S room. Voices from that direction catch JENNIFER'S attention and she turns to see what's happening.
CUT TO: THE POLICE OFFICERS OUTSIDE GRETA'S ROOM
OFFICER: I'm sorry, you are not authorized to be here. We can not permit you in the room.
CUT TO: JENNIFER
JENNIFER: (muttering) What's that all about?
A WOMAN is talking to the OFFICER, with her back to JENNIFER.
WOMAN: (in a low voice, as if to hush the OFFICER) All right, I'll go, I'll go... There's no need to fuss...
The WOMAN turns around to walk away, and JENNIFER is stunned when she catches a glimpse of the her face.
JENNIFER: (disbelieving) No, it can't be... it can't be...
She sees the WOMAN quickly turn the corner. JENNIFER runs to catch up with her and manages to get a hold of her arm to turn her around.
JENNIFER: (facing her) Oh my God, it is you...
OUT on CARLY'S shock at having come face to face with JENNIFER.
SCENE 9
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER has just spotted CARLY at the hospital, and she has followed her.
JENNIFER: It is you... I thought I was crazy for thinking I saw you at the coronation, but... you're here...
CARLY does not know what to say. She knows she shouldn't even be at the hospital, after LAWRENCE told her he didn't want her to go there, and now she has been caught by JENNIFER. She tries to think of something to throw JENNIFER off.
JENNIFER: It was you I saw last night... wasn't it?
She laughs, then pulls CARLY in for an embrace, taking CARLY by surprise.
JENNIFER: (as she hugs her) C'mere, you! (pulling away) I am so mad at you, why didn't you say something last night when I saw you? (hugs her again) What are you doing here, anyway?
CARLY: I... look, Jennifer, this is a bad time-
JENNIFER: (sees CARLY'S outfit) Oh, I'm such an idiot--you work here, don't you? Of course!
CARLY is relieved that JENNIFER has come to that conclusion.
JENNIFER: I hadn't heard from you in a few years, so I wasn't even sure you were still in Paris... How are you anyway? How's... (she can not bring herself to mention LAWRENCE) How's Nicky?
CARLY: (wanting this to be over so she can get away as quickly as possible) He's fine... (nervous laugh) And it's Nick now. He's eighteen now, you know--he says he's far too old to be called Nicky now...
JENNIFER: Gosh, they grow up so fast, don't they? (notices CARLY seems nervous) What is it? Is something wrong?
CARLY: (quickly) No, nothing's wrong...
JENNIFER: (knows she's lying) Come on, Carly, it's me you're talking to. I know when something's bothering you... I know we haven't talked in a long time, but I'm still your best friend, you know that.
CARLY nods.
JENNIFER: Is it... Greta?
CARLY: (nervous) What? What makes you say that?
JENNIFER: I saw you outside her room a few minutes ago... I guess they've been keeping a close eye on her after last night.
CARLY: Yes, that's right... They'll only let in her personal doctor. Nobody else can go in, not even the rest of the staff.
JENNIFER: I don't blame them. She'd been princess for only a few minutes, and then...
CARLY suddenly thinks of a way to throw JENNIFER off her trail.
CARLY: Uh, Jennifer...
JENNIFER: Yeah?
CARLY: Look, there's no point in lying to you. You were... right. There is something wrong. But you have to promise that you won't breathe a word of this to anybody. (takes JENNIFER'S hand) Can you do that? Can you promise me?
OUT on JENNIFER'S worry.
SCENE 10
IN PROGRESS
CARLY has thought of a way to keep JENNIFER from suspecting anything about her.
JENNIFER: Carly, you know you can trust me...
CARLY: Good.
JENNIFER: What is this? This sounds really serious, like...
CARLY: The last thing I want to do is drag you into something dangerous-
JENNIFER: Dangerous!
CARLY: I need you to promise me you'll stay away from me after I tell you this, all right? Promise me. (beat) I won't be able to forgive myself if you end up getting hurt because of me.
JENNIFER: I really don't like the sound of this-
CARLY: You'll just have to trust me. (beat) All right?
JENNIFER: (after some hesitation) All... all right. Tell me what it is, and I'll-
CARLY: You won't get involved. Promise me.
JENNIFER nods.
CARLY: (lowers her voice even more) Somebody's after Greta. You've already figured that out, I'm sure, but there's so much more to it that you don't understand.
JENNIFER: Wait a minute, how do you know all of this-
CARLY: Don't ask. And please, whatever you do, stay out of it. I mean it, Jennifer. I know you, and I know you'll be tempted to get involved, but don't. You could... (thinking of just the thing to say to scare JENNIFER) you could get me and a whole lot of other people in trouble.
JENNIFER can not believe what she's hearing.
JENNIFER: What!
CARLY: Look, I have to go, but... promise me.
JENNIFER: (scared for CARLY, but decides to just say what CARLY wants to hear) I... promise.
CARLY: (smiles) Good. And remember, not a word--not even to Jack.
JENNIFER: (starts to protest, but then just nods) All right, I won't. But you'll have to promise me that you'll be careful.
CARLY: I will. (hugs JENNIFER, then abruptly breaks away and leaves)
JENNIFER: Carly, wait!
CARLY does not turn around
JENNIFER: (softly) Be careful...
CUT TO: CARLY, OUT OF JENNIFER'S LINE OF SIGHT
CARLY: (to herself) I told you, Lawrence... I told you she wouldn't find out. And if I've done my job, she'll stay the hell away...
CUT TO: JENNIFER
JENNIFER: Oh, Carly, I'm sorry I had to lie to you... But if you're in danger... I can't stay away...
OUT on JENNIFER'S determination.
EPISODE 48
SCENE 1
EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE - EVENING (A FEW DAYS AFTER EPISODE 47)
JACK and JENNIFER have finally returned from PARIS and have just come back from VICTOR'S funeral. They are holding hands as they walk up to the door and are both quiet. JENNIFER is watching JACK.
JENNIFER: You all right?
JACK: I'm not really the one you should be asking that.
JENNIFER: What do you mean?
JACK: I mean... my family is safe and sound. Justin and the kids--they can't really say the same, can they?
JENNIFER: (rubs his arm affectionately) You were wonderful for coming today, you know. I know you and Victor weren't exactly the best of friends, but it was really amazing of you to be there and pay your respects. It meant a lot to the people who were grieving today.
JACK: Well, there goes my reputation as a cold-hearted snake.
JENNIFER: (smiles) And it meant a lot to Alexander.
JACK: (quietly) That it did. (puts his hand at the small of her back and leads her in the door)
JO is coming down the stairs as they walk in.
JO: Oh good, you're home...
JACK: How's Abigail?
JO: She's fine. She's upstairs working on her book report. (beat) How was the funeral?
JACK: Oh, just peachy. As good as they come, really-
JENNIFER: Jack... (puts a hand on his arm) I think everyone's still in shock, Jo. It's going to be a while before this sinks in with anyone.
JO: How's Justin holding up? I don't think I've ever seen him like this... And Bo? He must be devastated too.
JENNIFER: (nodding) They're both taking it pretty hard.
JO: (after a while) Well, I'd better get going, Vern's waiting for me. Oh, and Jack-
JACK: Yes, yes, tell Vern I say hi too.
JO: (laughs) No, that's not what I was going to say, son. Someone called for you while you were out.
JACK: (not really paying attention) Oh?
JO: Yes, it was someone named... Robert Garber, I think. I wrote down his information on the pad by the phone...
JACK does not register the information at first, then realizes what she just said.
JACK: (to himself) Robert Garber...
OUT on JACK as he recognizes the name.
SCENE 2
IN PROGRESS
JO has just told JACK that someone named ROBERT GARBER called him, which takes JACK by surprise. He is thinking about this person as JO readies to leave.
JO: All right, I'll see you both later. Oh, and by the way, I've got a roast in the oven, Jennifer. It should be ready in about twenty minutes, so just keep an eye on it, all right?
JENNIFER: Jo, you didn't have to do that! That's so sweet of you...
JO: (waves hand dismissively) Well, I figured neither of you would be up for cooking tonight. Besides, I've heard bad things about that take-out place you two love so much... (starts to step outside)
JACK: Uh, wait... Jo...
JO: (stops at the door) What is it, Jack?
JACK: You, uh... you said the person who called was named Robert Garber?
JO: (thinks about it) Yes, I think that was his name... He said it was pretty important--I told him you'd get back to him as soon as you got home.
JACK: (quietly) Thank you.
JO: (looks at her watch) Oh my goodness, is that the time? I'm late already... Jennifer, if Vern calls, could you tell him I'm on my way?
JENNIFER: Oh, of course!
As JO is leaving, JACK slips away quietly to the living room to retrieve JO'S note with ROBERT GARBER'S information on it.
JENNIFER: (realizing JACK isn't next to her) Jack?
She goes into the living room and finds him studying JO'S note.
JENNIFER: Jack, what is it? Is something wrong?
JACK: (looks up) No, nothing's wrong. (decides to think about this phone call later)
JENNIFER: (incredulous) Are you sure?
JACK: (kisses her forehead, then walks past her to get to the desk) I'm sure.
JENNIFER: Does this have anything to do with who called? Who is this Robert Garber, anyway?
JACK: He was, uh... he was an old friend of Harper's. One of his lawyers.
JENNIFER: (surprised) Harper's lawyer? But why would he be calling you?
JACK: Good question. I haven't really figured that out myself. It's probably just to invite me to his country club for a round of golf or something.
JENNIFER: Out of the blue?
JACK: Let's forget about him for now, I've got something more important to talk to you about at the moment. Something rather pressing.
OUT on JENNIFER'S curiosity.
SCENE 3
IN PROGRESS
JACK has just told JENNIFER that they need to discuss something important.
JENNIFER: Well, what is it? I'm all ears.
JACK: (holds up a newspaper) This.
JENNIFER: (confused) This? (takes the newspaper) What about this, Jack?
JACK: Vern told me the article you wrote about the coronation was a runaway hit. Issues were flying off the newsstands...
JENNIFER: Oh. (smiles) That's great news, then.
JACK: (nods) Yes, it is... (grins) I even forgive you for overshadowing my piece on Victor's death and Kate's arrest-
JENNIFER: (laughs) Jack, I'm sure that was a hit too.
JACK: It's all right, Jennifer, you don't need to stroke my ego. I know a page-turner when I see one, and this is definitely it. We've really whetted the public's appetite with this.
JENNIFER: Well, uh... I don't understand what the problem is, then.
JACK: Problem? No, there's no problem. Just a little dilemma, that's all.
JENNIFER: What's that?
JACK: Who are we going to assign this series to?
JENNIFER: (surprised) What do you mean?
JACK: I mean, whoever it is has to be capable of taking the ball from you and running with it. I was thinking Frank Davis. He joined the staff after I left, but I've read his work, and I'm very impressed. I think he'll do a good job with it-
JENNIFER: Wait a minute, Jack...
JACK: What?
JENNIFER: Who says I'm willing to give this story up?
OUT on JACK'S surprise.
SCENE 4
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER has just told JACK that she doesn't want to give up the assassination story.
JENNIFER: I didn't say I was going to walk away from this story, Jack.
JACK: (laughs) You're kidding, right?
JENNIFER: Why would I be kidding? What's that supposed to mean?
JACK: Nothing, just that... we have reporters who are more than competent who can take over. You don't have to worry about them messing it up for you.
JENNIFER: I know that, but I want to be the one to work on it. Why, don't you think I'm capable of doing this?
JACK: Oh, no, don't try twisting my words around, Jennifer. Of course I think you're capable--more than capable. In fact, I think this is one of the best stories you've ever written-
JENNIFER: So why don't you want me to do it?
JACK: Jennifer, you are a publisher. You've got enough responsibilities on your plate, are you sure you want to add a live series to that as well?
JENNIFER: Well, you're going to keep working on your Victor story, aren't you? Or were you going to hand that off too?
JACK: Well...
JENNIFER: I rest my case. If you think you can carry out your publisher duties and work on your story, then I can certainly do the same.
JACK: I don't doubt your ability to do this, but-
JENNIFER: But what?
JACK: But I'm just surprised, that's all.
JENNIFER: Why?
JACK: Because you're the one who was worried about us going back into investigative reporting and possibly putting Abigail in danger... And now you've changed your mind?
JENNIFER: Well, you were right, Jack... I mean, we're experienced reporters--we're not going to do anything too dangerous.
JACK gives her a questioning look.
JENNIFER: Look, Jack, just trust me, okay? I really want to keep doing this story, and I need your support.
JACK: You know you have it. Of course I support you 100%. I'm just curious to know why this story is so important to you.
JENNIFER turns around. She remembers her conversation with CARLY, and CARLY making her promise not to tell JACK about what she may be involved in.
JENNIFER: (quietly) It just is.
JACK: Why? Is there something you found out?
OUT on JENNIFER thinking of what to say.
SCENE 5
IN PROGRESS
JACK has just asked JENNIFER if she found out something about the assassination attempt on GRETA, and JENNIFER is trying to think of what to tell him, since she promised CARLY she would not reveal that she knows of CARLY'S involvement.
JACK: Did you uncover some piece of information in Paris?
JENNIFER: You know what, I-
ABBY: Mommy, Daddy! You're back!
ABBY comes rushing down the stairs.
JENNIFER is relieved that they were interrupted before she had to tell JACK anything.
JENNIFER: Hey, baby... (pulls her into a hug) Grandma Jo said you were working on your book report?
ABBY: Uh huh, but it's all done now.
JACK: Our child's a genius. (to ABBY) If those classmates of yours give you a hard time about being brilliant, you just leave them to me, all right?
JENNIFER: (laughing) Jack!
ABBY: I need help with my other assignment, though.
JACK: All right, we are at your service.
ABBY: I'm supposed to bring something to show-and-tell that shows what my parents do for a living. Can I bring a copy of The Spectator to class on Friday?
JACK: (lights up) Of course you can, Abigail! I know just which issue you should bring, too. The one from a few days ago, with Mommy's article about the princess's coronation. (looks at JENNIFER) Your classmates can learn the phrase, 'Pulitzer-worthy'.
JENNIFER blushes.
ABBY: Cool! Thanks, Daddy!
JACK: Anytime, sweetheart.
JENNIFER: You know what? What do you say I go help you with that show-and-tell project, huh?
ABBY: Okay! We'll be upstairs, Daddy. (takes JENNIFER by the hand and leads her upstairs)
JENNIFER: (smiles at JACK) I guess we'll be upstairs, then. Are you going to call this Robert Garber?
JACK: (looking at JO'S note again) Yes, I suppose I will...
ABBY: (tugging at JENNIFER'S hand) Come on, Mommy!
JENNIFER: (laughs) Okay, okay... (to JACK) Let me know what it's all about...
JACK nods without looking up. After a while, he sits down at the desk and begins to dial ROBERT GARBER'S number.
CUT TO: ROBERT ON THE OTHER LINE
ROBERT: Robert Garber.
JACK: Bob... It's Jack Deveraux.
ROBERT: Jack! Good, you did get my message. I'm so glad you called me back.
JACK: (wary) Yes, yes I did get the message. So if you don't mind me asking... To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?
OUT on JACK.
SCENE 6
IN PROGRESS
JACK is talking to ROBERT GARBER.
ROBERT: I suppose you are a little surprised to have me calling like this all of the sudden.
JACK: The thought crossed my mind, yes.
ROBERT: Jack, I was a very good friend of your father's. And heavily involved in his affairs, for that matter.
JACK: (bristling at the mention of HARPER, but managing to keep his cool) Which is precisely why I wonder what reason you could possibly have for calling me.
ROBERT: All right, I guess I should just come right out and say it, then.
JACK wonders what he means.
ROBERT: This probably isn't going to come as a shock to you, but... there were bank accounts Harper had that he had kept confidential.
JACK: Bank accounts?
ROBERT: Several Swiss bank accounts that were opened fifteen, twenty years ago--I'm not surprised you never knew about them. My job was to make sure that it was kept hush-hush.
JACK: So why are you telling me this now?
ROBERT: Because there's been some unusual activity on them, Jack.
JACK: (straightens in his chair) And what do you mean by... unusual?
ROBERT: I mean, funds are being siphoned out into an unknown account. I can't trace where the money is going.
JACK: What do you mean, how is that possible? You said no one knew about them, right? So who would have access to these accounts?
ROBERT: There were only three people who knew about these bank accounts, Jack. Your father, your stepmother, and Victor Kiriakis. I think we can safely eliminate two of the three, which just leaves...
JACK: ... Anjelica...
OUT on JACK'S realization.
SCENE 7
EXT. THE BALCONY OF AN UNKNOWN VILLA - SAME
An unidentified man is sitting on a lounge chair. His butler approaches him and hands him his drink.
BUTLER: Sir, a Mr. Barton has called for you. (gives him the phone)
MAN: Ah yes, thank you. I've been expecting his call.
BUTLER: Yes, of course, sir. (leaves)
MAN: (into the phone) Well? Has it been arranged?
BARTON: It's all been taken care of. No one's touched these accounts in years. I wouldn't be surprised if they've been forgotten.
MAN: I assure you, no one will ever know they're missing. There were only two other people who knew about them, and one's dead, and the other... well, I have a feeling she won't be bothering us. This should do for a while, though. Once my wife is out of the picture, all my other assets can be unfrozen, and I can... reveal my miraculous resurrection...
He begins to laugh. The camera pulls out, and we see who is talking: VICTOR KIRIAKIS.
To Be Continued...
Chapters 1 - 5 *** Chapters 6 - 10 *** Chapters 11 - 15 *** Chapters 16 - 20 *** Chapters 21 - 25 Chapters 26 - 30 *** Chapters 31 - 35 *** Chapters 36 - 40 *** Chapters 41 - 45 *** Chapters 46 - 47