Keeping Up With The Deverauxes

by Jennifer-Lynn D'Anna

Episodes 11 - 15

Episode 11

IT IS A FEW DAYS LATER AND JENNIFER AND JACK ARE GETTING READY FOR LEXIE AND ISAAC'S MEMORIAL SERVICE. HOPE, BO, AND LEXIE HAVE DECIDED THAT FUNERAL SHOULD BE A JOINT ONE CONSIDERING THAT LEXIE WAS THE ONLY MOTHER ISAAC EVER KNEW.

Scene 1: The scene opens to Jennifer in her room straightening out her black dress and looking in the mirror. She then grabs her purse from the bed and walks across the hall to Jack's room, which is open. She makes a point of shutting and locking her door. Jack is in his room looking in his mirror and trying to tie his tie. Jennifer pauses at the doorway and notices his trouble with the tie and she smiles.

JACK: (TO HIMSELF) You'd think I'd be able to do this. (BEAT) I've been wearing these since-

JENNIFER: (STEPPING IN THE DOORWAY) Since birth, Jack.

JACK: (TURNING TO FACE HER) Jennifer, I didn't know you were

JENNIFER: Yeah, well, I've got really light feet. (SHE WALKS OVER TO HIM AND STARTS TO HELP HIM WITH HIS TIE) Let me help you with this.

(JACK LOOKS DOWN AT HER HANDS WITH GREAT LOVE. HE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON)

JENNIFER: All done. We should really be getting out of here. (SHE GOES TO TURN AWAY BUT JACK GRABS HER HANDS)

JACK: Jennifer, wait-

JENNIFER: (LOOKING HIM IN THE EYES WITH HOPE) Jack?

JACK: (PUTTING HER HANDS IN FRONT OF HIM, BUT STILL HOLDING THEM) I just wanted to say thank you. For the tie...for everything. (BEAT) I know it's been really hard on you and that, well,...today is going to be even harder. I just hope that what we were talking about the other day-at the hospital--that it's true.

JENNIFER: (PULLING HER HANDS AWAY SLOWLY, DISAPPOINTED) Yeah, I do, too. (BEAT) You're welcome. (BEAT) Are you ready?

JACK: As ready as I'll ever be. Abigail is at Maggie's?

JENNIFER: Yeah. I'm glad that Maggie offered to keep her. I just didn't want her to be there, Jack. She's too young.

JACK: That she is. (HE MOTIONS TO THE DOOR) After you...

(THEY EXIT THE ROOM AND JACK SHUTS THE DOOR. THE LAST SHOT IS OF HIM LOCKING IT)

Scene 2: Jack and Jennifer are in the car on the way to the funeral.

JENNIFER: Jack, the church is that way. (SHE POINTS OUT HER WINDOW)

JACK: I know that.

JENNIFER: Then why are we going this way?

JACK: I have my reasons.

JENNIFER: Jack, this is not funny. Where are we going?

(JACK PULLS THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPOT OF A LOCAL FAST-FOOD JOINT)

JENNIFER: Jack, don't tell me you feel like burgers now.

JACK: Au contrare. Now, madam, if you would just take a look about three houses down on your side.

JENNIFER: The morgue, Jack?

JACK: You make it sound so...so morbid.

JENNIFER: It is morbid, Jack. Do you really plan on going in there?

JACK: Now what kind of a question is that? Of course I'm going in there.

JENNIFER: Jack!

JACK: Listen, this will only take a moment. I just want to go in there and take a peek at the autopsy reports

JENNIFER: For Lexie and Isaac?

JACK: No, Jennifer, for a Sid and Ida Rollins...

JENNIFER: Very funny, Jack. (SHE GRABS HER PURSE AND GOES TO OPEN THE DOOR) Now, let's hurry. I don't want to be late.

JACK: Oh, no, no....(HE REACHES OVER HER AND CLOSES HER DOOR) You're waiting here.

JENNIFER: You want me to wait here at a fast food joint while you go snooping around?

JACK: We had an agreement.

JENNIFER: Agreement or none, Jack, there is no way I am staying in this car.

JACK: We shook on it.

JENNIFER: (ANNOYED) Fine, fine. (BEAT) Just hurry up, Jack.

JACK: I knew you would see it my way. (HE HURRIES OUT OF THE CAR AND SHUTS THE DOOR AND THEN SHOWS UP ON HER SIDE AND TAPS THE WINDOW)

JENNIFER: (ROLLING HER EYES AND THEN ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW) What, Jack?

JACK: I'll miss you while I'm gone (HE SMILES AND JENNIFER STICKS OUT HER TONGUE AND JUST ROLLS THE WINDOW UP ON HIM, CATCHING HIS FINGER. HE JUMPS AROUND SCREAMING OW!)

Scene 3: Jack breaks into the morgue. Someone else does as well.

(JACK IS AROUND THE BACK OF THE CITY MORGUE AND IS LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GET IN)

JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Good. It's Sunday. They're closed. (BEAT) Now the question is, how do I get in there? (HE LOOKS UP AND SEES A WINDOW) That was fast. (HE LOOKS AROUND AND GRABS SOME BOXES FROM THE TRASH AND STEPS ON THEM TO GET IN) Handsome and resourceful! (HE GOES THROUGH THE WINDOW AND WE CAN HERE HIM FALL AND YELL)

(MEANWHILE, JENNIFER IS IN THE CAR)

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) See, this isn't so bad. (LOOKING AROUND) I can sit here and be perfectly content while he snoops. (BEAT) Okay, who am I kidding? I'm going in after him, handshake or no handshake. (SHE OPENS THE DOOR AND LEAVES THE CAR)

(THE NEXT SHOT IS OF JENNIFER OUTSIDE THE BACK OF THE MORGUE. SHE IS ALSO LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GET INSIDE)

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) Allright, Jack, how did you get in here? Hmmm. (SHE LOOKS AROUND AND NOTICES THE BOXES AND THE OPEN WINDOW) Uh-huh. (SHE ADDS A FEW BOXES TO JACK'S PILE AND HOISTS HERSELF UP INTO THE WINDOW)

(THE NEXT SHOT IS OF JACK, WHO IS ALREADY INSIDE AND IS PICKING HIMSELF OFF THE GROUND AND DUSTING HIS SUIT OFF)

JACK: (TO HIMSELF) That wasn't so bad, was it? (BEAT) No cuts, no bruises, just a little dust. Now where do I-

(JUST THEN JENNIFER FALLS DOWN FROM THE WINDOW ON TOP OF HIM AND SCREAMS)

Scene 4: Jennifer and Jack "fall" for each other.

(JENNIFER IS NOW ON TOP OF JACK. HE IS FLAT ON THE FLOOR ON HIS STOMACH AND SHE IS ON TOP OF HIM ON HERS)

JACK: You just couldn't wait in the car, could you?

JENNIFER: (GETTING OFF OF JACK) C'mon, Jack, you know me better than that (SHE GETS UP AND HELPS HIM UP) So, did you find anything yet?

JACK: (NARROWING HIS EYES AT HER) Are you kidding me? How could I find anything with women literally falling on top of me? I almost expect there to be a downpour of bimpy blondes in here (HE LOOKS UP AND COVERS HIS HEAD)

JENNIFER: Jack, we've got to hurry. I want to be there for Hope.

JACK: Jennifer, will you listen to me? We'll make it in time. (HE STARTS WALKING AROUND) Now, where would they keep autopsy reports? (HE STARTS OPENING FILING CABINETS) Not here. (HE OPENS ANOTHER FILING CABINET) Nada. (HE OPENS ANOTHER FILING CABINET AND PULLS IT OUT TO REVEAL A DEAD BODY WITH TOE TAGS. HE AND JENNIFER JUMP AT THE SIGHT OF IT) Aaah! (BEAT, SHUTTING THE CABINET WITH A RULER HE FINDS ON TOP OF THE CABINETS) Definitely not there.

(HE STARTS LOOKING AROUND ON THE DESK WITH JENNIFER GOING THROUGH THE DRAWERS)

(ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY HEAR VOICES)

JENNIFER: (WHISPERING) Jack, did you hear that?

JACK: (WHISPERING) What kind of a question is that? Of course I did.

JENNIFER: We've got to hide. (SHE LOOKS AROUND FOR SOMEWHERE TO GO)

JACK: (PULLING HER BY THE ARM AND UNDER THE DESK) Quickly!

(THE DOOR OPENS AND TWO WORKERS COME IN)

(JACK AND JENNIFER HUDDLE CLOSER TOGETHER TO LISTEN)

WORKER #1: Can you believe this? They want me to come in here on a Sunday?

WORKER #2: That's such bull. Why do they want us here anyway?

WORKER #1: Jim said somethin' about making sure that the autopsy reports getting locked up.

WORKER #2: Does this have something to do with the two cold ones that the weird guy wanted?

WORKER #1: I dunno. (LOOKING AROUND ON THE ROOM AND PULLING SOME REPORTS FROM A MAIL SLOT) Here we go. Come on, let's get out of here. Marsha and I are in the middle of having a barbeque. (THEY GO TO EXIT)

(JACK AND JENNIFER GET OUT FROM UNDER THE DESK)

JENNIFER: (WHISPERING STILL) Jack, did you hear that? The two cold ones. They must be talking about--

JACK: Well, they weren't talking about beers.

(JUST THEN THEY HEAR THE WORKERS' VOICES AGAIN. JACK GRABS JENNIFER'S HAND AND DRAGS HER INTO THE BACK ROOM, WHICH IS SECURED BY A LARGE METAL DOOR)

(THE WORKERS ENTER)

WORKER #2: What? Did you forget somethin'?

WORKER #1: Nah. I just wanna make sure everything is locked up. Jim wanted to make sure that nuthin' was goin' on here. (HE NOTICES THE METAL DOOR BEING SLIGHTLY AJAR) Hmmm...What's this? Damn Louie. He's always forgettin' to lock somethin' up. (TURNING TO THE OTHER WORKER) Can you hand me the keys there?

(WORKER #2 THROWS THE KEYS TO HIM)

Thanks. (HE LOCKS THE DOOR AND THEN THROWS THE KEYS BACK) C'mon, let's get outta here. Marsha's gonna kill me (THEY LEAVE)

(THE CAMERA PANS OUT TO THE SIGN ON THE METAL DOOR. IT READS "CRYOGENICS. DANGER-FREEZING TEMPERATURES)

Scene 5: Jack and Jennifer discover they are locked in the freezing cryogenics room.

JENNIFER: (STANDING BY THE DOOR WITH HER EAR TO IT) Jack. Jack? I think they're gone.

JACK: (LOOKING AROUND AT THE METAL UPRIGHT COFFINS) W-h-h-a-t? (HE SHIVERS AND HUGS HIMSELF)

JENNIFER: (SHIVERING AND HUGGING HERSELF) I said I think they're gone. Let's get out of here. I'm freezing.

JACK: That's an understatement. (HE GOES TO OPEN THE DOOR)

JENNIFER: (WORRIED) Jack, what's the problem?

JACK: (TRYING TO REMAIN CALM) Nothing. (HE PUSHES HIS WHOLE BODY AGAINST THE DOOR, BUT IT DOESN'T BUDGE) It's just (HE PUSHES AGAIN) that (HE PUSHES AGAIN) this door (HE PUSHES AGAIN AND THEN LEANS AGAINST THE DOOR) this door...won't budge.

JENNIFER: What?! Jack, tell me your kidding me. (SHE TRIES THE DOOR HERSELF) Jack, what are we going to do?

JACK: I don't know. (BEAT) I don't know. (HE HUGS HIMSELF AS HE SHIVERS)

Scene 6: Jennifer and Jack debate what to do in order to get out of the freezer.

JENNIFER: Jack, I'm serious. We've got to get out of here. Before we end up like...like...them (SHE POINTS TO THE COFFINS AND SHIVERS)

JACK: We are not going to end up like them. (HE LOOKS BACK AT THE COFFINS)..at least I hope not. Give me a minute. Give me a minute. Oh, we'll call someone. Give me your cell phone.

JENNIFER: Call someone. Good..good (SHE OPENS HER PURSE AND GOES THROUGH IT) Oh no.

JACK: Please tell me that (IMITATING HER VOICE) "oh no" is because you forgot tissues.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING SADLY AT JACK) Jack, I don't have my phone. I must've left it at home. I was just so upset about the baby and Lexie and this funeral, I must've left it on the table or on my bed or

JACK: Jennifer, Jennifer, will you just shut up?

JENNIFER: You know, Jack, this is not my idea of fun either. There are tons of places I'd rather be than locked up with my ex-husband.

JACK: I'm supposing funerals are one of them.

JENNIFER: (PICKING UP SOME ICE AND THROWING IT AT HIM) I'm going to kill you, Jack Deveraux.

JACK: (DUCKING HER THROW) Hey, hey, violence never helped anyone.

JENNIFER: (PICKING UP MORE ICE AND THROWING IT) It's helping me right now.

JACK: Jennifer, will you stop it? (HE DUCKS) We have to concentrate here.

JENNIFER: (STOPPING) You're right. You're right. How about your phone, Jack? Do you have your phone?

JACK: Funny you should mention that.

JENNIFER: Jack, do you have your phone?

JACK: Well, you see-

JENNIFER: Do you have your phone, Jack?

JACK: It's in the car.

(JENNIFER PICKS UP SOME MORE ICE AND THROWS IT AT HIM. HE DUCKS)

Scene 7:

(JENNIFER IS NOW SITTING ON SOME BOXES IN THE FREEZER AND HAS JACK'S SUIT JACKET ON. SHE IS SHIVERING. JACK IS LOOKING THROUGH THE SHELVES FOR SOMETHING TO USE)

JENNIFER: It's no use, Jack. It's hopeless.

JACK: (LOOKING AT JENNIFER, CONCERNED) Miss Horton, have I ever let you down before?

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT JACK SARCASTICALLY) Do you really want me to answer that?

JACK: (STEPPING OVER BOXES TO GET TO HER) I don't mean that. I mean, in...in dire straits like these, have I ever let you down?

JENNIFER: (QUIETLY. PULLING A FACE) No.

JACK: What was that? I'm sorry I didn't hear you?

JENNIFER: (SMILING) I said no, Jack.

JACK: (POKING INTO HIS HEAR) Come again? I've really got to get my ears checked.

JENNIFER: I said no, Jack. You've never let me down in situations like these.

JACK: That's what I thought. Now I mean this is no train wreck or ill-fated cruise or jaunt to a foreign country ruled by an evil man, but I still can do this. Pretty soon we'll be out there again going about our lives-albeit separate lives. (HE GOES BACK TO LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO GET THEM OUT WITH)

JENNIFER: (FLINCHING AT THE TERM "SEPARATE") You know, Jack, you brought this on yourself.

JACK: (STOPPING AND LOOKING AT JENNIFER) Brought what on myself? If you say I shouldn't have been snooping..

JENNIFER: No, Jack. You brought this-our separate lives-on yourself. If you had only stuck around while we were in Africa.

JACK: Jennifer, I told you I was trying to provide for our family. (BEAT) Now do we really have to get into this right now?

JENNIFER: Yes, Jack we do. Because...because...we might not make it out of here. And before that happens I want you to know exactly how I feel about you.

Scene 8: Jennifer and Jack tell each other how they feel.

JACK: How you feel about me? Jennifer, I really don't think that a tongue lashing is going to be constructive at this point.

JENNIFER: (STANDING UP) Do you know what it feels like to be alone in a strange place, Jack? Do you know what it's like to not know whether or not the person you love is dead or alive? Do you know what it's like to wait by the phone hoping...hoping that person would call? Do you know, Jack?

JACK: (COVERING HIS EARS) I am not listening to this. (STARTS SINGING LOUDLY TO DROWN HER OUT) Whistle while you work (WHISTLING AND LOOKING THROUGH BOXES OF EQUIPMENT) Whistle while you work.

JENNIFER: Do you know what it's like to spend every day thinking that you weren't good enough...interesting enough...to keep that person around? That he went off and found someone else to do the job? That your history together and everything you fought for didn't matter? That you were just another girl to him?

JACK: (STOPPING AND LOOKING AT JENNIFER INTENSELY) Another girl? Do you honestly think that you were "just another girl" to me?

Scene 9: Jennifer has just accused Jack of cheating on her.

(JACK AND JENNIFER ARE STARING AT EACH OTHER. JENNIFER HAS JUST ACCUSED JACK OF LEAVING HER FOR ANOTHER WOMAN. JACK IS HURT AND ANGRY AT HER ACCUSATION.)

JACK: So, that's it? You think that you were just another notch in my bedpost? I cannot believe that you would even think that.

JENNIFER: (KNOWING FROM JACK'S EXPRESSION THAT HE NEVER CHEATED) What was I supposed to think, Jack? You were gone all the time. None of your plans panned out. And then this African princess-

JACK: How do you know about the African princess?

JENNIFER: (SHE LOOKS DOWN ASHAMED) Well, I....

JACK: You were in my room.

JENNIFER: Jack, I-

JACK: No need to lie, Jennifer. I knew you were in there. The box was backward.

JENNIFER: The box?

JACK: The box in my closet... the boots...now I'm assuming that's where you heard about this princess, right?

JENNIFER: (LYING) Yeah.

JACK: And if you had read on further you would have seen that I was working with the I.S.A. on that matter.

JENNIFER: What? The I.S.A.? Jack, why didn't you tell me?

JACK: Why didn't I tell you? Is that the best you could do, Jennifer? It seems obvious doesn't it?

JENNIFER: (TAKING IT ALL IN AND NOW FEELING ASHAMED ABOUT COLIN) You didn't want me and Abby to get hurt. (BEAT) Jack, what was this case about? Is Abby is some sort of danger?

JACK: (AVOIDING HER QUESTION) No, not now, anyway. I was just helping out Shane with something and I didn't want you involved. (BEAT) I cannot...I cannot...believe that you would think that I would...that I would...even look at another woman the way I look at you.

JENNIFER: Jack, I...

JACK: And to answer your question. I do know what it's like to wonder whether the person you love was dead or alive and I do know what it's like to wake up alone and to think that I'll never see this person again. I know because I...I (KICKING A BOX) I lived it. I woke up everyday, Jennifer. I woke up every day wondering, wishing, hoping that you and Abigail would call me, would write me, anything. You, you Miss Horton, will never know what I felt like when I came home and you weren't there. Your father, yes, your father assured me that you'd be back, but, but I knew better.

JENNIFER: Jack, did this case have something to do with my father? Is that why you took it?

JACK: (LYING) No. The honorable Bill Horton? Never.

(JENNIFER KNOWS HE IS LYING, BUT DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING. SHE IS OVERWHELMED THAT HE WOULD RISK HIS LIFE TO HELP HER FATHER)

Scene 10:

(JENNIFER AND JACK ARE STILL STARING AT ONE ANOTHER. THERE ARE A FEW SECONDS OF UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE. JENNIFER FINALLY SIGHS)

JACK: That...that is the sound of everything coming together.

JENNIFER: Jack, I thought-

JACK: (WAVING HIS HAND AT HER) Don't Jennifer. Don't. (HE IS HURT BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT HE WOULD CHEAT ON HER AND HE THINKS SHE CHEATED ON HIM) Can we just get back to the matter at hand? (HE STARTS DIGGING THROUGH SOME BOXES)

JENNIFER: But I want to tell-- (NOTICING HE IS NOT PAYING ATTENTION) Okay, Jack, do you got anything there?

JACK: No, but remind me never to eat here. Who in their right mind would keep hotdogs in with human mom and pop-sicles?

(JENNIFER SMILES A LITTLE AT THIS. SHE CAN'T BELIEVE THAT SHE THOUGHT JACK WOULD CHEAT ON HER BUT AT THE SAME TIME FEELS ASHAMED FOR THINKING IT AND TAKING ABBY AWAY AND STRIKING UP A RELATIONSHIP WITH COLIN)

JENNIFER: Don't worry about it, Jack. We'll find something.

JACK: (LOOKING SIDEWAYS AT HER) We will? Correct me if I'm wrong, but that sounds like a hint of optimism there.

JENNIFER: Yeah, I guess it is. I just really think that we'll get out of here. You can do it, Jack. I trust you. (BEAT) I believe in you.

(JACK AND JENNIFER JUST SMILE SLIGHTLY AT EACH OTHER)

Scene 11

(THE SCENE OPENS TO JACK AND JENNIFER TRYING TO HAUL ONE OF THE EMPTY METAL COFFINS ACROSS THE SMALL ROOM IN FRONT OF THE DOOR)

JACK: (GRUNTING) You got your end, Miss Horton?

JENNIFER: (BREATHING HEAVILY) Yeah. On the count of 3, okay. 1-2

JACK AND JENNIFER: 3! (THEY LIFT THE COFFIN UP AND DRAG IT TO THE DOOR AND LEAN IT THERE)

JENNIFER: (STEPPING BACK TO ADMIRE THEIR WORK) Now what, Jack?

JACK: Now, onto the other supplies. Hairspray?

JENNIFER: (REACHING INTO HER PURSE AND PULLING OUT A SMALL BOTTLE OF AEROSOL HAIRSPRAY AND HANDING IT TO HIM) Hairspray.

JACK: (LOOKING AT THE BOTTLE) Ah, bad for the environment, good for the Deverauxes (LOOKING AT JENNIFER) I mean, good for a Deveraux and a Horton. (BEAT) Matches?

JENNIFER: (DIGGING THROUGH HIS POCKET OF HIS JACKET AND PULLING OUT MATCHES AND HANDING IT TO HIM) Matches.

JACK: (READING THE BRADY'S PUB INSIGNIA ON THE MATCHBOOK) God bless the Bradys.

JENNIFER: Now, Jack, do you mind telling me what we are doing?

JACK: Ah, yes. What we have here Miss Horton is a simple chemical reaction. We are going to puncture this vile coffin-like thing here at the bottom and are going to simply place a burning substance in there and hope that the chemicals go--

JENNIFER: Go boom. Jack, do you think this is going to work?

JACK: Well, at this point we have no choice. Let's just hope that the explosion goes that way (POINTING TO THE DOOR) or you and I are going to have a lot of explaining to do to Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith back here (POINTING TO THE FULL COFFINS) in the afterlife. (BEAT) Now, onto the other supplies. Hammer?

JENNIFER: (PICKING UP THE HAMMER AND HANDING IT TO HIM) Hammer.

JACK: Cash?

JENNIFER: (GOING THROUGH HER PURSE AND THEN STOPPING) Cash, Jack?

JACK: Yes, cash. Dollars, dinero, moola, the great green-

JENNIFER: Jack, I know what cash is. What do you need it for?

JACK: I need to light something that can be stuffed into that little hole when I make it.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Why don't we use your cash, Jack?

JACK: Well, I....

JENNIFER: Well, I...Jack, you are so cheap.

JACK: I prefer to think of myself as thrifty.

JENNIFER: Nevermind. Here Jack (SHE HANDS HIM A TWENTY). Knock yourself out.

(HE TAKES THE MONEY AND SMELLS IT AND THEN LEANS DOWN AND HAMMERS A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE COFFIN AND THEN HAS JENNIFER SPRAY THE HAIRSPRAY WHILE HE LIGHTS THE MATCH AND CATCHES THE BILL ON FIRE. HE LEANS DOWN AND STUFFS IT IN THE WHOLE)

JACK: (DUCKING WITH JENNIFER BEHIND SOME BOXES AND SHIELDING HER) Well, it's now or never.

Scene 12

(THE SCENE OPENS TO A SMOKE FILLED ROOM. JACK AND JENNIFER ARE COUGHING AND STANDING UP)

JACK: Hey, the sign clearly says No Smoking.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT THE DOOR) Jack, Jack, it worked! (SHE HUGS HIM)

JACK: (UNCOMFORTABLE ABOUT HER HUGGING HE BREAKS AWAY) Yes, I suppose it did. Now, can we get out of here?

(JENNIFER AND JACK WALK OVER THE DEBRIS TO GET TO THE DOOR)

JENNIFER: Jack, what about the door? They'll know someone was in here.

JACK: (LOOKING BACK INTO THE FREEZER) Oh, we'll let them worry about that, won't we?

(JUST THEN THE SPRINKLERS COME ON. THEY LOOK UP AND TALK REALLY LOUDLY)

JENNIFER: We missed the memorial service, Jack.

JACK: I think we have a valid excuse.

JENNIFER: Jack, we can't tell anyone about this. We don't have any proof. (SHE COVERS HER HEAD WITH HER PURSE)

JACK: Oh, we'll get some.

JENNIFER: We'll, Jack?

JACK: Yes, we'll. I mean, after everything we've been through today...I mean...you had the hairspray.

JENNIFER: And you had the matches.

JACK: Yeah. I guess I did. Now, shall we take the back door? Unless you prefer climbing up to the window.

JENNIFER: The back door it is, Jack.

JACK: After you (HE MOTIONS FOR HER TO WALK OUT)

JENNIFER: Thank you, Jack. Thank you for everything.

JACK: Hey, what's a...an ex- husband to do? I mean, you are Abigail's mother and you do mean a lot to her.

JENNIFER: (HURT THAT HE DIDN'T MENTION THAT SHE MEANS A LOT TO HIM) Is that the only reason you did this, Jack? For Abby?

JACK: (LYING) Why else would I do it? I'd do anything for her.

JENNIFER: (HURT) Yeah. (BEAT) Well, we better get out of here, Jack.

JACK: Yeah, I guess we should.

(JENNIFER EXITS AND JACK STAYS BEHIND AND SIGHS AND LOOKS AT THE HOLE IN THE DOOR. HE THEN EXITS).

Episode 12

Scene 1: Outside of Abby's bedroom door. Jack has just tucked her in and is leaving the room when he bumps into Jennifer.

(Jack is closing Abby's door gently when Jennifer comes out of her room. They are both in their pajamas. Jack is wearing a robe.)

JENNIFER: (LOCKING HER DOOR) She asleep?

JACK: Like a baby. She had quite the day with your Aunt Maggie today.

JENNIFER: Yeah, Maggie said they looked at pictures and that she talked to Sarah and Melissa on the phone.

JACK: That's good. How are Melissa and Sarah anyway?

JENNIFER: Good, good. Melissa is in the studio working on a new album and stays pretty busy touring and Sarah is in her second year of law school.

JACK: Just like her father. (BEAT) I suppose you just got off the phone with your other cousin. Did you give Hope my condolences?

JENNIFER: Actually I gave them to Bo. He said Hope's not taking it very well. I told him we were sorry we couldn't make it.

JACK: The flat tire story worked, then?

JENNIFER: For now. I don't know how long I can keep that lie going. Jack, you're not the type to change a tire yourself.

JACK: Are you saying I'm not manly? I'll have you know that underneath these silk pajamas is a man of steel.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) A man of steel who would sooner eat glass than get his suit dirty.

JACK: (SMILING) Well, you know...

(JENNIFER SMILES AND THEN GETS VERY SAD)

Hey, why don't you get out of here for awhile?

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: You look a little...a little upset. Why don't you go over to Hope's and be with her for a bit? I think it'll do you a world of good.

JENNIFER: (SURPRISED AT JACK'S SUGGESTION) Are you sure, Jack? What if Abby wakes up?

JACK: Then I'll tell her you'll be back soon...You will be back soon, won't you?

JENNIFER: Yeah. (BEAT) Thanks, Jack. (SHE GOES TO UNLOCK HER DOOR)

JACK: (WAVING HER OFF) Ah fugetaboutit.

(JENNIFER ENTERS HER ROOM AND SHUTS THE DOOR. SHE STANDS BEHIND IT THINKING TO HERSELF)

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) Jack, what's gotten into you?

(MEANWHILE JACK IS OUTSIDE THE DOOR)

JACK: (LOOKING AT THE DOOR. TO HIMSELF) Jack, what's gotten into you?

(HE LOOKS AT THE DOOR PAINED FOR A MOMENT. GOES TO KNOCK AND STOPS. HE THEN SIGHS AND TURNS TO WALK DOWN THE STAIRS)

Scene 2: Jennifer and Hope talk about what "happened" between Jack and Jennifer that day.

(THE SCENE OPENS WITH JENNIFER STANDING OUTSIDE BO AND HOPE'S DOOR. SHE RINGS THE BELL)

BO: (FROM INSIDE) I wonder who that could be. (HE OPENS THE DOOR) Jenn.

JENNIFER: Bo. I'm sorry. I should've called. I just wanted to see how Hope was doing.

BO: (MOTIONING FOR HER TO COME IN) No, no problem. Come on in. I'll get Hope. (HE RUNS UP THE STAIRS)

(JENNIFER LOOKS AROUND THE HOUSE AT THE PICTURES OF BO, HOPE, SHAWN, AND J.T. WISTFULLY. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, HOPE COMES DOWN)

HOPE: Jenn?

JENNIFER: Oh, Hope. I was just looking at the pictures.

HOPE: They're nice, aren't they?

JENNIFER: They are. (BEAT) How are you doing? (SHE GRABS HER SHOULDERS)

HOPE: (HUGGING JENNIFER) Better since you're here. (SHE PULLS AWAY) I won't lie to you, Jenn, it was hard today, but it's getting better. Bo and Shawn have been great and everyone else--

JENNIFER: I'm sorry I couldn't get there. We got a flat and Jack tried to change it.

HOPE: It's okay...Really, it is. You're here now. Come on, sit. (SHE SITS DOWN AND PATS THE SOFA) I want to hear about you.

JENNIFER: Hope, I didn't come here to talk about me. I wanted to be here for you.

HOPE: I know, Jenn, I know. I'd just rather talk about something other than me for today. I hope you understand.

JENNIFER: I do.

HOPE: Good. So, tell me, how are you? More importantly, how are you and Jack doing living under the same roof? It must be good since you rode to the (TEARS UP) service together.

JENNIFER: Actually, Hope, it has been good.

(THE SCENE ENDS WITH JENNIFER SMILING SLIGHTLY AT HOPE)

Scene 3: Meanwhile at the house Jack gets a visitor.

(JACK IS DOWNSTAIRS ON THE SOFA. HE IS DRINKING SOME COFFEE AND READING THE WALL STREET JOURNAL INTENTLY. STILL IN HIS PAJAMAS, HE HAS HIS FEET ON THE COFFEE TABLE)

JACK: (TO HIMSELF) What...down two points?!

(THE DOORBELL RINGS AND JACK GETS UP)

Jennifer, did you forget your (HE OPENS THE DOOR TO SEE GRETA) keys?

GRETA: Well, Jack, I didn't know I was supposed to have a set.

JACK: Not only is she royalty, she is humorous as well (HE BOWS). To what to I owe this visit, dear princess? (HE MOTIONS FOR HER TO COME IN)

GRETA: (WALKING PAST JACK) Actually, I need something I never thought I'd be asking for...

JACK: Well, if you're looking for gems and baubles and other worldly goods, I'm afraid to say I'm fresh out. But if you're looking for-

GRETA: I'm looking for advice, Jack.

JACK: Advice? I think I have some of that to spare. What do you need my advice on? Tailors, the best restaurants in town, how to write a scathing editorial?

GRETA: On men, Jack.

(THE SCENE ENDS WITH JACK LOOKING AT GRETA WITH GREAT CONFUSION)

Scene 4: Greta seeks Jack's advice. In turn she gives him some.

JACK: On men, your heiness? Surely you could pick one worthy of yourself. I'm really not sure I could be of any help.

GRETA: (GOING TO LEAVE) You're right. On second thought, I should just go...

JACK: (STOPPING HER AND MAKING HER SIT DOWN ON THE SOFA) No, no, no. I mean...I'm not the best at this type of advice, but I can try dispensing some. (HE SITS DOWN ON A CHAIR) So, tell me Princess, what's on your mind?

GRETA: Well, it's just...well, I didn't have anyone else to turn to...(LOOKING AROUND) Where's Jennifer?

JACK: Oh, she's at her cousin's.

GRETA: And you let her go? You really do surprise me sometimes, Jack Deveraux.

JACK: Well, I'm not entirely selfish. Only ninety-nine percent of the time. (HE SMILES) Now I suppose this has to do with one Mr. Austin Reed, does it not?

GRETA: (SMILING) Austin...men in general, Jack. (BEAT) Okay, I'll just come right out and say it. Do I strike you as..as...sexless?

(JACK LOOKS FLABBERGASTED AT HER QUESTION)

Scene 5: Back at Hope's Jennifer tells her what "happened" between her and Jack today.

HOPE: (SURPRISED AT JENNIFER'S REACTION) Good? Jenn, what could possibly have happened to make you change your mind? Just the other day you wanted to kill him.

JENNIFER: I don't know, Hope. I don't know. Remember how the other day I told you about the man I met in Ireland?

HOPE: I remember something of it...kind, gentle..yeah...

JENNIFER: Well, I think that one of the main reasons that I fell for him was, was out of reaction to Jack. He was involved with this African princess-

HOPE: Whoa, what do you mean by involved, Jenn?

JENNIFER: No, Hope that's what I thought too. And today...today I found out that I was wrong. Jack wasn't involved with this princess, he was doing a job with the ISA.

HOPE: Okay, well that explains this absence. But what about the rest of the absences, Jenn? Where was Jack all those times?

JENNIFER: (THINKING IT OVER) You're right. You're right. I don't know what I was thinking. It's just...

HOPE: You know what, Jenn, I'm not telling you what to do--I'm just saying that you and Jack can't expect a miracle cure. How do you know he's not lying to you?

JENNIFER: Hope, Jack would never lie to me.

(HOPE JUST LOOKS AT JENNIFER QUESTIONINGLY)

JENNIFER: No, he might keep stuff from me, but he'd never lie.

HOPE: Okay. Say Jack didn't lie to you and he was doing all this as a favor to Shane or something. What about this guy in Ireland?

JENNIFER: Colin?

HOPE: What about Colin, Jenn? Are you willing to admit your feelings for another man to Jack? Are you willing to admit that your feelings were nothing to yourself? What if you and Colin were to meet again? Are you sure that your feelings would not still be there?

(JENNIFER JUST LOOKS AT HOPE SADLY)

Scene 6: Back at Rancho Deveraux, Greta has asked Jack if he thought she was sexless.

JACK: (COMPLETELY FLUSTERED AT GRETA'S QUESTION) Sexless? Sexless! (HE GETS UP TO WALK AROUND) Princess, I really-

(GRETA IS AMUSED BY JACK'S REACTION)

GRETA: Jack, I normally wouldn't have asked you, but I couldn't ask Austin. It's just I've never..I've never..slept with anyone before.

JACK: (STILL WALKING) You never? You never! (TO HIMSELF) What is it with women telling me this stuff all the time?

GRETA: What was that?

JACK: Nothing, nothing. Okay (HE SITS DOWN ON THE SOFA NEXT TO HER). Princess, I don't think of you as...as... as sexless. I think you are a beautiful, intelligent, (PICKING UP A THROW PILLOW TO SHOW TO HER), tasteful woman.

GRETA: With no sex appeal whatsoever.

JACK: I didn't say that. I mean, sex appeal only gets you so far. Believe me, I know.

GRETA: Jennifer is a very sexy woman. You wouldn't call her sexless.

JACK: (THINKING ABOUT JENNIFER) Yes, yes, she is. But you see, Jennifer, Jennifer...I don't love...I didn't love Jennifer for that. I loved her for other reasons.

GRETA: So being sexless doesn't matter?

JACK: No, no. You're missing the point. It took me a long time...a really long time to admit that I was falling for Jennifer. I mean I always knew it. I just, I just had a hard time saying it. I saw her as this, this person who deserved to be with someone better...who deserved to be with someone who I thought could cater to her every whim, who could tell her these things on a daily basis. Luckily for me, she thought otherwise. I fell in love with Jennifer's mind long before I fell in love with her body. In fact, you could say that she was quite inexperienced when we first met.

GRETA: So you're saying that sex appeal plays only a minute part in a relationship?

JACK: Yes, I guess that's what I'm trying to get at. Might I ask what dark force put that idea in your head? Was it oh--Miss Sami Brady?

GRETA: No, actually, it was Nicole Walker.

JACK: I don't believe I had the pleasure.

GRETA: There is no pleasure, believe me. (BEAT) You know, Jack, you really are going to be great someday when it comes to have a talk with Abby about the birds and the bees.

JACK: If I'm still alive by then.

GRETA: (SMILING) What do you mean by that?

JACK: Well, Abigail will be about ninety-five by then. (BEAT) Could I interest you in a spot of tea?

GRETA: Actually, I'd love that. (BEAT) Are you expecting Jennifer back anytime soon?

JACK: (GETTING UP TO GO MAKE TEA) I really...I really don't know. (HE LOOKS SAD)

GRETA: (GETTING UP ALSO) Jack, do you want to talk about it?

JACK: First the tea, then my woes. Perhaps I'll put a little Bailey's in it to make the woes seem a little less daunting. (REMEMBERING JENNIFER'S TIME IN IRELAND) On second thought, none of that Irish stuff. If you'll give me a moment...(HE WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN)

GRETA: Jack, let me help...

JACK: (FROM THE KITCHEN) You'll do no such thing. Now sit your little sexless self down and relax.

GRETA: (SMILING) That I will. (SHE SITS DOWN)

Scene 7: Hope asks Jennifer if she can forget about Colin and go on with her life.

HOPE: Tell me, Jenn, that if you saw this Colin man again that you could forget about what lengths you went to for him? To get up and leave the love of your life, the father of your child, in the middle of the night and go to a foreign country is a pretty big step. I know you say nothing was there, but I have a feeling otherwise.

JENNIFER: You know what, Hope, it doesn't matter what happened then. It's over. I'll never have to see Dr. Colin Murphy again, God-willing.

HOPE: So, what do you plan on doing, Jenn? Going back to the house and telling Jack you love him? Can you do that?

JENNIFER: No, no, no. I don't know what I'm doing, Hope. I just know that I have to be by myself for awhile.

HOPE: In a house with your ex-husband?

JENNIFER: I know it's not an ideal situation, but I want to feel this out before I make any decisions.

HOPE: Do you think Jack can take the truth, Jenn? Do you think that he could still love you knowing that you were with another man?

JENNIFER: Hope, I....I really don't see any need in telling him.

HOPE: Jenn, don't do this. Be honest with him. If you think there's a chance for you, be honest. You don't want secrets looming over your head. They are bound to come out someday. They'll be worse then.

JENNIFER: Why do I get the feeling that you're not talking about just me here, Hope?

Scene 8: Jack comes back with tea and discusses his long-lost family.

(JACK RETURNS TO THE LIVING ROOM WITH A TRAY OF TEA. GRETA IS LOOKING ON THE SHELVES AT THE PICTURES)

JACK: (SNEAKING UP BEHIND HER) Find anything interesting?

GRETA: (JUMPING A LITTLE, THEN HITTING JACK) You really should not sneak up on people like that. (BEAT) I was just admiring your lovely family.

JACK: (SETTING DOWN THE TEA ON THE TABLE BEHIND THE SOFA AND WALKING BACK OVER TO GRETA LOOKING AT THE PICTURES) They're okay...as family's go.

GRETA: (SMILING) Jack, you are awful. (POINTING TO A PICTURE) That's Jennifer's brother, Mike, isn't it? And that's his wife, Carrie Brady?

JACK: Uh-huh. Austin's ex-wife. She really is a nice girl. That's his son Jeremy right there (HE POINTS TO ANOTHER PICTURE).

GRETA: (POINTING TO ANOTHER PICTURE) And that?

JACK: (NARROWING HIS EYES TO TAKE A BETTER LOOK) Oh, that's my sister, Adrienne, and her husband, Justin Kiriakis', Victor's nephew. And that's their brood.

GRETA: Lots of boys.

JACK: Yes. That's (POINTING) Alexander, Victor, Joseph, and little Jackson.

GRETA: After you?

JACK: Who else?

GRETA: And this little girl (PICKING UP A PICTURE)?

JACK: My niece Stephanie. She and her mother Kayla live out in California. She was my brother Steve's daughter. There's a picture of my brother Steve and Jo, my, um, mother, right there (HE LOOKS AT THE PICTURE WITH GREAT SADNESS).

GRETA: (SETTING DOWN THE PICTURE OF STEPHANIE) You were adopted, weren't you, Jack?

JACK: (POURING THE TEA) I was a lot of things. Adopted was one of them.

GRETA: (WALKING OVER TO GET HER TEA) And you didn't meet your mother until you were an adult, right?

JACK: (HANDING HER A CUP) Yes.

GRETA: How was that? I mean this may sound strange to you, but I've known since the coronation who my birth father is. I just don't know if it's worth telling him.

JACK: (SITTING DOWN ON A CHAIR) Telling him that he has a beautiful, intelligent albeit sexless daughter? I think he'd be thrilled.

GRETA: I just don't know if I'll be thrilled, Jack. I mean he never had anything to do with me. (SHE SITS DOWN ON THE COUCH)

JACK: Let me tell you something about parents, dear Princess. And listen up because it is very important that you realize this before you are one. I didn't until I had that little girl upstairs to think about. (BEAT) We screw up. Sometimes we do things that seem like the best thing for the child and it isn't so.

GRETA: I can't imagine that you could ever do anything that wrong with Abby.

JACK: Oh, I did. I suppose you know that I've had quite the shady past now, don't you?

GRETA: I've heard something to that effect.

JACK: And I'm not to say that I should be forgiven for all my actions (REFERRING TO KAYLA'S RAPE) but, but...did you know I left Jennifer and Abigail when she was very young because I felt guilty over something I had done that may have hurt her? I felt guilty so I left them to fend for themselves. I thought that Jennifer would be better off without me here and that I would always hurt her or our daughter. (BEAT) I was wrong. I've learned that leaving was the worst possible thing I could do. The point is, we make mistakes. My mother made a mistake giving us up, but she had her reasons and Jo.. Jo and I have an understanding now. I think that any father would be an idiot to be less than thrilled to have you in his life especially now. (BEAT) Words spoken by a once reluctant father.

GRETA: Jack, do you want to have more kids?

JACK: Well, I...one is fine. I do remember Abigail talking about wanting a baby brother though. (BEAT) Heheheh, I don't think that's going to happen.

GRETA: What if you and Jennifer got back together? Would you want kids then?

JACK: Well, that, Princess, is not going to happen. Not by a long shot.

Scene 9: Hope covers for herself.

(JENNIFER HAS JUST ACCUSED HOPE OF KEEPING A SECRET) JENNIFER: Hope, are you keeping something from Bo? Is that what this is about?

HOPE: (FLUSTERED) No. (SIGHING) Jenn, I'm just saying that relationships should be built on honesty.

JENNIFER: Like yours and Bo's?

HOPE: Well...well...yes. (LOOKING AT THE CLOCK) Wow, it really is getting late.

JENNIFER: I'll take that as my cue to leave (SHE GRABS HER PURSE).

(THEY BOTH GET UP AND GO TO THE DOOR)

Are you sure you don't want me to stick around so you could talk? I feel bad leaving only talking about myself.

HOPE: No, don't. I really needed to hear something other than "I'm sorrys". I got enough of them today at the service. I just, I just...(SHE STARTS TO CRY)

JENNIFER: Oh, Hope (SHE HUGS HER). How's Abe? He must be broken up too.

HOPE: He's dealing. Jenn, I tell you it's a good thing Stefano didn't show up at the service today. I think Abe would've done something rash.

JENNIFER: Wait...Stefano didn't show up to his own daughter's funeral?

HOPE: No. I mean I was a little surprised. Lexie and he had gotten so close in the past year. I guess it was for the best.

(JUST THEN BO COMES DOWN THE STAIRS)

BO: What's for the best?

HOPE: I was just telling Jenn how good it was that Stefano didn't show up at the service today.

BO: (PUTTING HIS ARMS AROUND HOPE) Yeah. Speaking of DiMera, I just got off the phone with my cousin in Ireland. He said that it looks like they're getting DiMera's estate ready in Ireland for some reason. It looks like he might be taking a little jaunt.

HOPE: Well, it makes sense. The only thing holding him in Salem was Lexie and now that she's gone (SHE CRIES).

BO: (HUGGING HER) Let's just hope it's a permanent vacation.

(JENNIFER MOTIONS BYE TO BO AND SHUTS THE DOOR. OUTSIDE SHE PAUSES)

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) I've got to tell Jack about this (SHE RUNS UP THE WALK)

Scene 10:

GRETA: But, Jack, you said that you and Jennifer we're getting along better.

JACK: I did? I meant to say we weren't brandishing sharp knives every time we come into contact.

GRETA: You know, Jack, I really hope that this works out. From what I understand, you and Jennifer were perfect together.

JACK: Were perfect. Past-tense. (HE GETS UP AND WALKS BEHIND THE COUCH)

GRETA: ( FOLLOWING JACK WITH HER EYES) What makes you so sure that there isn't any magic there?

JACK: Let's just say that Jennifer doesn't need any magic when she has Lucky Charms Boy to play with.

GRETA: Are you saying that there was another man in Jennifer's life?

JACK: One with a brogue, yes.

GRETA: And that's why she left you in Africa?

JACK: I'd bet my insignificant life on it.

GRETA: Have you asked her about her time in Ireland?

JACK: (TURNING TOWARDS HER) Have I asked her about it? Do you think she'd tell me if I did? It's really none of my business.

GRETA: Jack, the Jennifer Horton I know about would never leave unless she suspected things were over.

JACK: She thought I left her for another woman.

GRETA: Did you?

JACK: Did I? Of course I didn't.

GRETA: Then why would she think that?

JACK: (TURNING AWAY) I was gone. I'm always gone. I mean, I mean.. I don't have the best track record with Jennifer. I also don't have the best record when it comes to knowing what she wants or needs. I just thought she understood that...that...that's how I deal with things. I would never leave her for another woman...never. I just figured that when I came home I could tell her what happened and she'd throw her arms around me and we'd put on Johnny Mathis records and dance. But...

GRETA: But it never happened.

JACK: That's beside the point. I thought you came here to talk about you and your Austin troubles.

GRETA: Jack, you're changing the subject.

JACK: No, I'm actually adding to it. (BEAT) You know what my advice to you is, Princess? Fight. No, don't run out and ruin your pretty little manicure on Samantha Brady. Tell Austin how you feel...tell him how you feel...before it's... (HE TURNS HIS BACK TOWARDS HER) it's too late.

(THE SCENE ENDS WITH GRETA LOOKING AT JACK CONCERNED AND JACK LOOKING AWAY BROKEN-HEARTED)

Scene 11:

GRETA: (WALKING TOWARDS JACK) Contrary to what you say, Jack, I don't believe it's too late for you and Jennifer.

JACK: Well, I thank you for your extreme overconfidence. I'll be sure to write it down in my diary tonight before I retire.

GRETA: Jack, you are unbelievable...you really are.

JACK: You should see my second act.

GRETA: (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) I'd love to stay and observe but I really have to get going. (BEAT) Will you kiss Abby for me? (SHE SETS DOWN HER CUP AND MOVES TOWARDS THE DOOR)

JACK: (WALKING WITH HIS ARM AROUND HER) I must apologize with my lack of mind-blowing advice. I'll try to brush up on my quotations and fables for next time.

GRETA: Jack, you helped me more than you'll ever know.

JACK: (STOPPING HER) I can help even more, you know.

GRETA: (AMUSED) You can?

(JACK REACHES DOWN AND UNBUTTONS ANOTHER BUTTON ON HER TOP AS GRETA WATCHES HIM WARILY)

JACK: (SMUGLY) Instant sex appeal. A little does go along way.

GRETA: Jack, you are crazy (SHE HITS HIM), but thank you so much for everything (SHE HUGS HIM).

JACK: Well, you know...

(JUST THEN THE CAMERA PANS OUT TO JENNIFER WHO IS IN THE WINDOW. SHE HAS BEEN THERE EVER SINCE JACK WALKED GRETA WITH HIS ARM AROUND HER TO THE DOOR. SHE IS VERY JEALOUS.)

Episode 13

Scene 1: Greta has just finished hugging Jack, thanking him for his advice. Jennifer, unbeknownst to them, has been watching from the window and is seething.

GRETA: (BREAKING THE EMBRACE) You're weird, Jack Deveraux, but sweet.

JACK: (TOUCHING HIS CHEST) She likes me...she really does. (BEAT) I'm just sorry I couldn't solve your problems (HE GOES TO OPEN THE DOOR).

GRETA: And I'm just sorry that I couldn't help with your Jennifer (SHE STOPS WHEN SHE SEES JENNIFER WHO IS AT THE DOOR)

JENNIFER: (NONCHALANT) Jennifer what?

(JACK AND GRETA JUST LOOK AT EACH OTHER FOR ANSWERS)

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Scene 2: Jack and Greta have just opened the door to find Jennifer standing there. She wants to know what they are talking about.

JENNIFER: Well, don't just stand there. I heard my name. What about Jennifer?

JACK: Well, the princess and I were discussing what to get you...to get you...as a housewarming gift...

JENNIFER: (TO GRETA) But, Greta, you've already gotten us a housewarming gift.

GRETA: (NERVOUS) The plant...right. (LOOKING AT JACK)

JACK: Not her...me.

JENNIFER: You want to get me a gift, Jack? Well, wonders never cease!

JACK: Well, well, I thought it would be apropos...We are living together in a new place. Perhaps a new bedspread, maybe even a jewelry bo-

(JENNIFER IS ENJOYING HIS LIES)

GRETA: You know what? I'm going to leave and let you two discuss this. (TO JACK) Jack, thanks again. (TO JENNIFER) Jennifer.

JENNIFER: (NODDING) Greta.

(GRETA LEAVES AND JENNIFER WALKS PAST JACK INTO THE HOUSE. HE REMAINS AT THE DOOR)

JACK: (CALLING TO GRETA) Drive carefully, Princess!

(JENNIFER IS INSIDE MIMICING JACK'S WORDS. SHE IS VERY ANGRY)

(JACK TURNS AROUND AND SEES JENNIFER'S MIMICING)

JACK: Really, it's not a very becoming look for you, Miss Horton.

JENNIFER: (IGNORING HIS COMMENT AND WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM) So, you want to buy me a gift, Jack?

JACK: (FOLLOWING HER INTO THE LIVING ROOM) That's what I said, isn't it?

JENNIFER: How about a plane ticket to Ireland?

(JACK IS ANNOYED BY THIS COMMENT. THE SCENE ENDS WITH HIM LOOKING AT JENNIFER WITH EXTREME ANGER AND CONFUSION)

Scene 3: Jennifer has asked Jack for a ticket to Ireland. He doesn't like this idea at all.

JACK: Ireland? Now why would I do that? I mean, what could you possibly need a ticket to Ireland for? Wait, don't tell me, you want to go back to bartending? Well, missy, there's a quaint little pub right here in Salem where you could do that. Perhaps you've heard of it...

JENNIFER: You think you're funny, don't you?

JACK: Well, I am rather comedic..

JENNIFER: You think you could stand there and lie to me, Jack. You are not buying me a gift. You are coming up with an excuse as to why...why she was here.

JACK: (AMUSED) The princess? Why would you care? Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?

JENNIFER: (HITTING HIM WITH HER PURSE) What you detect is a hint of violence, Jack.

JACK: (PRETENDING TO SHIVER IN FEAR) Oooh, now we wouldn't want that, would we? (BEAT) Not that it's any of your business, but the Princess was here to ask my advice on something.

JENNIFER: (SHE TURNS HER BACK TO HIM) On what, Jack? How to function on half a brain?

JACK: (SMILING. HE IS ENJOYING JENNIFER'S JEALOUSY) I know it's may be hard for you to believe, but the Princess and I, well, we're what you might call friends.

JENNIFER: Jack, you have no friends. (SHE TURNS TOWARDS HIM AND SMILES. HE IS GIVING HER A PUPPY DOG LOOK)

JACK: Now that the statements have been made, are we through with all this? I'd really like to get some sleep sometime this evening. I need an entire eight hours of beauty sleep, you know. (HE GRABS THE PAPER ON THE COFFEE TABLE AND PROCEEDS TO WALK TOWARDS THE STAIRS)

JENNIFER: Jack, don't go...(SHE GRABS HIS ARM TENDERLY)

(THE SCENE ENDS WITH JACK LOOKING AT JENNIFER WITH DEEP LOVE AND HOPE IN HIS EYES)

Scene 4: Jennifer has just asked Jack not to go.

JACK: (LOOKING AT JENNIFER'S HAND ON HIS ARM) You don't want me to go?

JENNIFER: No, Jack, stay. I want to talk to you. I have news.

JACK: (LOOKING DISAPPOINTED) Alright. (HE SIGHS AND SITS ON THE CHAIR)

JENNIFER: (SHE PACES) While I was at Hope's, Jack, I realized something.

JACK: How is Hope by the way?

JENNIFER: She's dealing. (RESUMES PACING) When I was leaving, she said something interesting to me. I went to hug her and then in the middle of it all I could think about is Abe. I don't know why I was thinking about him. Maybe it was because..

JACK: (LOOKING ANNOYED) Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer, will you just spit it out?

JENNIFER: (STOPS PACING AND KNEELS DOWN IN FRONT OF HIM AND PUTS HER HANDS ON HIS KNEES) Jack, Stefano didn't go to Lexie's funeral. (SHE SMILES)

JACK: (UNIMPRESSED BY HER REVELATION) Well, Jennifer, you didn't really expect him to go, did you? He is Salem's current resident pariah, after yours truly, that is.

JENNIFER: Jack, that's not all. Bo came down and overheard what Hope and I were saying and said that he just got off the phone with his cousin in Ireland and said (NOTICING JACK'S ANNOYED LOOK) Jack, Stefano is going back to Ireland.

(JACK'S EARS PERK UP AT THIS)

Scene 5: Jennifer has just told Jack that Stefano is going back to Ireland.

JACK: (RELIEVED, BUT NOT SHOWING IT) So, that's the reason you wanted to go back to Ireland?

JENNIFER: (PULLING HER HANDS AWAY AND COVERING FOR HERSELF) Why else would I go back, Jack?

JACK: Nothing...nothing. I just didn't want to separate this family unit we've got going now. Are you sure Stefano is going back to Ireland?

JENNIFER: Jack, do you ever listen to what I say?

(HE THROWS HER A LOOK)

Bo said that his cousin in Ireland said that the DiMera estate was being prepped as if someone was coming.

JACK: (GETTING UP AND PACING HIMSELF) As if someone was coming? What about if someone was there already? Did he say anything about that?

JENNIFER: (GETTING UP AND RUNNING OVER TO HIM) Jack, do you think that's we're Lexie and the baby are?

JACK: Well, it's a good guess. (BEAT) Did Bo say anything else?

JENNIFER: No. Jack we've got to go to Ireland and find them.

JACK: We've...what's with this we've? I think we've gone as far as we could go.

JENNIFER: What are you saying, Jack?

JACK: I'm saying...I'm saying that we've got to call Bo and Hope and Abe and Johnboy and whoever else is involved with this whole thing. We've got to tell them what's going on so that they can get on this.

Scene 6: Jack has just suggested telling Bo and the Gang about he and Jennifer's theory.

JENNIFER: You're going to let someone else scoop us, Jack?

JACK: Jennifer, this is not a story. You're not thinking clearly. How many times do I have to tell you that Stefano DiMera is a dangerous man? He was looking for us today at the morgue. We are not Sherlock Holmes and Watson anymore.

JENNIFER: But we were.

JACK: Yes, we were. Now we're Sherlock and Watson after they've been married, in Vermont, of course, divorced, and sharing custody of their bloodhound. It's not just us anymore.

JENNIFER: That didn't stop you from taking that ISA case, Jack.

JACK: That was different.

JENNIFER: How, Jack? How was that different? You put us in danger-me and Abby and you.

JACK: (SOFTLY) I had my reasons.

JENNIFER: And I have my reasons now, Jack. If I can help Hope, I want to.

JACK: (NOTICING JENNIFER'S SADNESS AND DETERMINATION) Okay, maybe we'll hold off on telling them....but just until we have some concrete proof. And I don't want you doing any snooping around without me, you understand?

JENNIFER: (SMILING SLIGHTLY) I understand. And Jack, now that we're going to be in danger, I think we should spend a lot of time together...you know to keep an eye on each other...for Abby.

JACK: (SMILING SLIGHTLY BACK AT HER) Yes, if we must...for Abigail. (BEAT) But I won't like it.

JENNIFER: (SMILING WIDER) You think I will? I'm beginning to dread even suggesting it.

JACK: (SMILING WIDER BACK AT HER) It's going to be awful.

JENNIFER: True, true. But I think we can manage.

JACK: I think so too. It is going to take a lot of work, though.

(A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE PASS)

JENNIFER: (YAWNING) I think I'm going to head to bed now. I need all the rest I can get...especially now that I have to spend all my time with you. You coming up?

JACK: Actually, I think I'm going to stay down here for a bit. Could you get the light on you're way up? (HE SITS DOWN ON THE COUCH AND PROCEEDS TO LAY DOWN AND PULL A THROW OVER HIM)

JENNIFER: Sure. (SHE GOES TO GO UP THE STAIRS AND PAUSES TO LOOK AT HIM BEFORE TURNING OUT THE LIGHT)

Jack?

JACK: (LOOKING UP FROM THE COUCH AT HER) Yes?

JENNIFER: Were you really going to buy me a present?

JACK: Well....well...no. (BEAT) Would you like one?

JENNIFER: No, it's okay. I just wanted to know. (SHE TURNS OUT THE LIGHT. IT IS COMPLETELY DARK AND ALL WE CAN HEAR IS THEIR VOICES)

(A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE PASS AGAIN)

JACK: Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Yes, Jack?

JACK: Did you really think I would buy you a ticket to Ireland?

JENNIFER: No, Jack.

JACK: What makes you so sure?

JENNIFER: You're too cheap, Jack.

JACK: (CORRECTING HER) Thrifty.

JENNIFER: Goodnight, Jack.

JACK: Goodnight, Miss Horton.

(JENNIFER PAUSES TO LOOK AT HIM IN THE DARKNESS. AFTER JACK HEARS HER HEAD UP THE STAIRS, THE CAMERA PANS TO HIM ON THE COUCH. HE TURNS ON THE T.V. AND WE CAN NOW SEE HIM BY IT'S LIGHT)

JACK: (TO HIMSELF, HOPEFUL) Goodnight, Miss Horton.

Episode 14

IT IS THE NEXT DAY. JENNIFER AND JACK HAVE JUST SAID GOODBYE TO ABBY AND ARE COMING BACK INSIDE THE HOUSE. BOTH ARE ALREADY DRESSED. JACK IS IN A LIGHT GRAY SUIT AND JENNIFER IS WEARING A PALE PINK SUNDRESS AND SANDALS. THEY ARE COMING IN THE DOOR.

JACK: (WALKING IN BEHIND JENNIFER AND CLOSING THE DOOR) She really does like taking the bus, doesn't she?

JENNIFER: Yeah she does. I'm just glad she likes it here.

JACK: And what about you?

JENNIFER: (TURNING TO HIM SMILING) What about me, Jack?

JACK: Do you like it here?

JENNIFER: What kind of question is that, Jack? Of course I like it here. Salem is my home.

JACK: (CHANGING THE SUBJECT SINCE HE REALLY MEANT IF SHE LIKED IT HERE WITH HIM) Silly question, huh? (HE CLAPS HIS HANDS TOGETHER) Okay, Miss Horton, where do we start today?

JENNIFER: I really don't have any idea, Jack. Do you have any suggestions?

JACK: Well, I'd say, we'd start with (IMITATING STEFANO'S VOICE) Alexandra Carver's house. We'll just drive over there and have a little visit.

JENNIFER: Jack, now? Abe's not going to be home now. From what I understand Abe goes in really early nowadays.

JACK: (THROWING HER A LOOK) That's the point, Miss Horton. We'll just take a little drive over there and have a look-see.

JENNIFER: Jack, now I know why you don't have any friends. You have at one time searched all of their houses.

JACK: Do you have any better ideas? Really, I'm open to suggestion.

JENNIFER: (MOCKING HIM) No. Let me just grab my purse (SHE GOES TO THE COUCH AND PICKS UP HER PURSE AND HEADS TO THE DOOR)

JACK: (SHAKING HIS HEAD AT THE SIZE OF HER BAG) Do you really need all that?

JENNIFER: Yes, Jack. I do. I need my brush, my lipstick, my cell phone...

JACK: You can't possibly need all that. I can't think of a single time since I've known you that you packed lightly, except of course that time I packed your things when you were going to marry-what was his name?...Eduardo? No. Enrique? No-

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Emilio, Jack. Emilio. And you brought me a leather dress to wear, Jack. (SHE OPENS THE DOOR AND THEY WALK OUT)

(ALL WE HEAR ARE THEIR VOICES)

JACK: And it was about the size of that bag, as I recall.

JENNIFER: You didn't seem to mind then, Jack.

JACK: (TRYING TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT) Well, I...Would you look at that-a rose bush!

Scene 2: Jack and Jennifer have arrived at the Carver house. Jennifer is in the front bushes squinting in the window. Jack sneaks up behind her.

JACK: Did you know that these people have one of those dreadful lawn elves?

(JENNIFER JUMPS AT THE SOUND OF JACK'S VOICE. SHE LOOKS BACK AT HIM AND THEN HE SETTLES IN NEXT TO HER LOOKING IN THE WINDOW)

Is the coast clear?

JENNIFER: The coast is clear, Jack. Let's go...(THEY GET UP AND WALK OVER TO THE DOOR AND JENNIFER PULLS OUT HER CREDIT CARD AND OPENS THE DOOR. JACK WATCHES HER WITH AMUSEMENT. SHE NOTICES AND LOOKS AT HIM) I learned from the best, Jack.

(THEY ENTER AND JACK SHUTS AND LOCKS THE DOOR BEHIND HIM)

JACK: You would think that Salem's finest would, I don't know, have some sort of an alarm system. Then again, he probably figures he is the alarm system (HE TURNS AROUND AND SEES JENNIFER LOOKING THROUGH THE DRAWERS OF THE DESK) Now, Miss Horton, don't let me stop you.

JENNIFER: (STOPPING TO LOOK AT JACK) Jack, there's got to be something around here.

JACK: In the desk, I think not. I don't think Alexandra would be writing it down. (PRETENDING TO CHECK OFF A LIST) Things to do today: Go to the market, check. Pick up dry cleaning, check. Fake own death and skip country, check.

JENNIFER: (NARROWING HER EYES AT JACK) No, Jack, I don't think she'd write it down. Maybe she wrote down a phone number or something of someone Stefano knew in Ireland. And if she did take Isaac out of the country, she would need his documents, wouldn't she? They might be in here.

JACK: (THINKING IT OVER) You're right. I'm sure that Stefano had those doctored, but he might need the real things to do that. And her mind obviously wasn't working properly towards the end, so maybe she did scribble something down...(HE NUDGES HER OUT OF THE WAY ANDSTARTS LOOKING THROUGH THE DRAWERS HIMSELF)

JENNIFER: (STEPPING BACK AND LOOKING AT HIM) Don't let me get in your way, Jack.

JACK: (LOOKING UP AT HER SMILING SMUGLY) I knew you wouldn't mind.

(THE SCENE ENDS WITH JENNIFER CROSSING HER ARMS AND NARROWING HER EYES AT JACK)

Scene 3: Jack and Jennifer are exhausted from searching the house. They are both sitting back on the couch looking a little weary.

JENNIFER: Jack, we've searched this whole house. There's nothing here.

JACK: (LOOKING AT HER VERY TIRED) Huh?

JENNIFER: There's nothing here, Jack. We should just pack it in and go home.

JACK: Jennifer, we can't. I feel like we're missing something. Something very easy.

JENNIFER: Like what, Jack? I mean we've looked through all the drawers, all the cabinets, all the closets... (SITTING STRAIGHT UP AND GRABBING HIS ARM) Wait, Jack, the closets!

JACK: (CONFUSED) What?

JENNIFER: (PULLING HIM OFF THE COUCH) The closets, Jack! No woman would leave town without clothes. And with a child...she would pack some of his clothes, too. Sentimental stuff...christening gowns. I bet Abe hasn't even noticed. (SHE PULLS HIM UP THE STAIRS AND INTO ABE AND LEXIE'S BEDROOM)

(JUST THEN THE CAMERA PANS DOWN INTO THE LIVING ROOM. ROLF AND STEFANO'S OTHER HENCHMAN HAVE SNEAKED IN)

Scene 4: Jennifer and Jack are in Abe and Lexie's bedroom.

(JENNIFER AND JACK ARE LOOKING THROUGH LEXIE AND ABE'S CLOSET FEROCIOUSLY)

JACK: (THUMBING THROUGH ABE'S SUITS) Wool...wool...wool...does this man own a good spring suit?

JENNIFER: (SHE STOPS LOOKING THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE CLOSET AND LOOKS UP AT HIM) Jack, we are not here to judge other people's clothing styles.

JACK: (PICKING UP AN AWFUL HOT PINK GOWN FROM LEXIE'S SIDE AND HOLDING IT UP TO HIMSELF) Are you honestly going to stand there and say that this doesn't deserve some kind of comment?

JENNIFER: (GRABBING THE DRESS) Jack, put it (SHE HEARS VOICES COMING UP THE STAIRS) Jack, someone's coming.

JACK: Ya think? (HE GRABS HER HAND AND THEY RUSH AROUND THE ROOM LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HIDE. THEY FINALLY DECIDE TO GET UNDER THE BED JUST AS THE HENCHMEN ENTER)

HENCHMAN: Geez, Rolf, you mean to tell me that we're here to pick up some clothes?

ROLF: Not just any clothes. How many times do I have to tell you that these are special clothes?

HENCHMAN: I don't see what's so special about a wedding dress. I mean she's not going to wear it again, is she?

ROLF: Now I know why you are still single.

HENCHMAN: Hey, what's that supposed to mean?

(THE HENCHMEN CONTINUE TO TALK AND THE CAMERA PANS OUT TO JACK AND JENNIFER WHO ARE STUCK UNDER THE BED. THEY ARE FACING EACH OTHER AND WHISPERING VERY SOFTLY.)

JENNIFER: Jack, did you hear that? They're here for Stefano.

JACK: Yes, I heard that. I just hope they hurry up. I don't want to be stuck here all day.

JENNIFER: You don't think they heard us, do you?

JACK: No, but they will. Now will you just shut up.

JENNIFER: Don't tell me to shut up, Jack. I am whispering.

JACK: If that's what you call it.

JENNIFER: Are you saying that I cannot whisper, Jack?

JACK: That's exactly what I'm saying.

JENNIFER: I'll have you know that I speak very softly.

JACK: So softly bats can hear you.

(JENNIFER HITS JACK AND THEY WHISPER FOR A FEW MOMENTS)

HENCHMAN: Hey, Rolf, do you hear that? (HE PULLS OUT HIS GUN)

ROLF: (TURNING TOWARDS HIM) Hear what?

HENCHMAN: It sounds like someone's in here.

(JACK AND JENNIFER JUST LOOK AT EACH OTHER SCARED)

Scene 5: Jack and Jennifer, still under the bed, almost get caught.

ROLF: I don't know what you are talking about. I don't hear a thing.

HENCHMAN: It sounded like voices.

ROLF: There is nobody else here. We checked the place out, remember?

HENCHMAN: (PUTTING AWAY HIS GUN) Well, I still say I heard something. I just didn't want it to be those pesky Dever-(MISPRONOUNCING THE NAME) auchses.

(UNDER THE BED JACK CRINGES AT THE PRONOUNCATION AND MOUTHS HIS NAME CORRECTLY)

ROLF: I don't think you have to worry about them much longer. Stefano has got plans for them.

HENCHMAN: I wish I had plans for her. That little blonde is quite the looker.

(UNDER THE BED JENNIFER SMILES AT JACK)

ROLF: She is quite striking, isn't she? (HE GOES BACK TO THE CLOSET) I wonder how she fell in love with that fool of a man Deveraux.

(UNDER THE BED, JACK MAKES A BIG DEAL OUT OF SHOWING HOW ANNOYED HE IS AT THAT STATEMENT. JENNIFER JUST SMILES WIDER).

HENCHMAN: They have a really pretty daughter, though. Have you seen her?

(UNDER THE BED, JACK AND JENNIFER LOOK SHOCKED AND SCARED ABOUT THE MENTION OF ABBY)

ROLF: Yes, she too is quite lovely. Quite lovely, indeed. (BEAT. HE TURNS BACK TOWARDS HIM WITH BAGS OF CLOTHING) I believe we're all done here. We've better get out of here, Stefano wants Alexandra to get this as soon as possible. And you know how Stefano gets when he's upset.

HENCHMAN: I know, I know...you don't wanna be anywhere near him. You got everything on the list, right?

ROLF: Everything but that pink dress.

(UNDER THE BED, JACK LOOKS AT JENNIFER WHO IS CLUTCHING THE PINK DRESS)

Stefano will just have to buy her another one. It's not as if she will be attending many parties where she is at now. Let's go.

(THEY EXIT. JACK AND JENNIFER CRAWL OUT FROM UNDER THE BED)

JENNIFER: (GETTING UP FROM THE FLOOR AND RUNNING OVER TO HIS SIDE OF THE BED) Jack, did you hear that? Lexie must be alive...he mentioned her.

JACK: (LOOKING SCARED) Yeah, well, he also mentioned someone else.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING JUST AS SCARED AS JACK) Abby.

Scene 6: Fearing for Abby, Jack and Jennifer want to get out of there right away.

JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) Jack, we've got to get out of here right away. (SHE STARTS TO GET TEARY) Nothing can happen to her, Jack. Nothing.

JACK: (GRABBING HER SHOULDERS AND TRYING TO COMFORT HER) Nothing will, Jennifer. I'll see to that. (HE GRABS HER HAND AND THEY START TO GO OUT) Let's go...(THEY STEP OUTSIDE OF THE DOOR AND JACK STOPS. HE CAN HEAR ABE AND CELESTE DOWNSTAIRS. CELESTE INSISTS ON ABE GOING UPSTAIRS AND TAKING A NAP AND SHE'LL CLEAN UP THE HOUSE. RELUCTANTLY, ABE STARTS UP THE STAIRS)

(JACK AND JENNIFER EYES WIDEN AND THEY RUN BACK INSIDE. THIS TIME THEY HIDE IN THE CLOSET)

(ABE COMES IN AND SITS DOWN ON THE BED AND YAWNS. HE TAKES OFF HIS SHOES AND PLACES HIS KEYS ON THE NIGHTSTAND AND THEN LAYS DOWN TO SLEEP)

(JACK AND JENNIFER JUST LOOK AT ABE AND THEN EACH OTHER WONDERING WHAT TO DO)

Scene 7: Abe has fallen asleep and is snoring loudly. Jack and Jennifer need to leave and don't know what to do.

(THE SCENE OPENS WITH JACK AND JENNIFER IN THE CLOSET. JENNIFER IS PEEKING OUT THE CLOSET AT ABE WHO IS SLEEPING WITH HIS BACK TOWARDS THEM AND JACK IS SITTING ON THE FLOOR WITH HIS HEAD ON HIS HAND. HE LOOKS VERY BORED)

JENNIFER: (WHISPERING) He's asleep, Jack. We can try and make it now. (SHE GOES TO OPEN THE DOOR AND ABE ROLLS OVER AND ALMOST WAKES. HE IS NOW FACING THEM)

JACK: (STANDING UP) Do we have a plan B?

JENNIFER: Jack, we've got to get out of here.

JACK: Thank you for the newsflash. Oh, I know (HE GRABS HIS CELL PHONE AND SINKS BACK INTO THE CLOSET AND DIALS)

JENNIFER: Jack, what are you doing?

(JACK JUST HOLD HIS FINGER UP AND THEN REPEATS A NUMBER BACK TO WHOEVER HE IS SPEAKING TO)

Jack?

JACK: Thank you. (HE HANGS UP) Now what did I tell you about whispering? Your big mouth almost made our daughter an orphan earlier.

JENNIFER: Jack, I---

(HE COVERS HER MOUTH WITH HIS HAND AND AFTER A SECOND REMOVES IT)

JENNIFER: Jack, I---

(HE COVERS HER MOUTH AGAIN AND THEN REMOVES IT AFTER A SECOND)

JENNIFER: But, Jack-

(HE GOES TO COVER HER MOUTH AGAIN BUT SHE GRABS HIS HAND)

Don't you dare do that again, Jack Deveraux!

JACK: Fine. Will you give me a second please? I'm working on something. (JENNIFER GOES TO SPEAK, BUT JACK LOOKS UP AT HER) One second.

(JENNIFER WHISPERS SOMETHING VERY SOFTLY)

JACK: (LOOKING UP FROM DIALING) I heard that.

(WHISPERS SOMETHING ELSE INAUDIBLE AND JACK JUST LOOKS AT HER AGAIN)

Kiss Mrs. Horton with that mouth? (HE GOES BACK TO DIALING)

(OUTSIDE OF THE CLOSET, ABE'S PHONE RINGS. HE ROLLS OVER AND ANSWERS IT)

ABE: Abe Carver.

JACK: (INSIDE THE CLOSET CHANGING HIS VOICE. HE NOW SOUNDS LIKE A LITTLE OLD LADY AND IS SPEAKING VERY SLOWLY) Hello. Is this Commander Abraham Carver?

(JENNIFER JUST LOOKS AT JACK WARILY)

ABE: (CONFUSED) Yes, yes, it is. (BEAT) Who's this?

JACK: (LOST FOR WORDS) Why this is...this is Thelma Mae...Thelma Mae (LOOKING AROUND AND SEEING A SHOE HORN) Shoehorn, your neighbor.

(JENNIFER IS AMUSED BY JACK'S "LAST NAME")

ABE: (SITTING UP) Shoehorn? Um, yes, what is it that you need Mrs. Shoehorn?

JACK: Well, I...well I...was calling to inquire about where you got one of those...one of those...interesting little lawn creatures? Especially the one on the front lawn. Could you please tell me? Me and my husband (LOOKING AROUND AND SEEING A TIE), Ty, would love to get some.

ABE: Well, I (GETTING UP AND GOING TO THE WINDOW) Now which one are you talking about?

JACK: (PUSHING JENNIFER OUT OF THE CLOSET AND WAVING FOR HER TO GO) The one right by the fence. (JENNIFER RUNS OUT OF THE ROOM)

ABE: (LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW STILL) Which fence? The east or west side?

JACK: (SNEAKING OUT OF THE CLOSET HIMSELF AND WALKING SOFTLY OUT OF THE ROOM) Um, um, I'm not sure...Let me ask Ty...Ty, Ty? Which fence are you talking about?

(FINALLY OUT OF THE ROOM, JACK GRABS JENNIFER'S HAND)

Mr. Carver? I'm sorry, but Ty just informed me that he doesn't want any lawn ornaments. In fact, he finds them downright hideous. I really am sorry for troubling you. (HE HANGS UP)

ABE: (CONFUSED AND ANNOYED) Oh, okay. Goodbye. (HE SHAKES HIS HEAD) Talk about wacky neighbors. (HE GOES BACK TO BED)

(OUTSIDE OF THE ROOM, JACK AND JENNIFER MAKE THEIR WAY DOWNSTAIRS TO THE "PINK PANTHER THEME" . THEY ARE HIDING BEHIND THINGS TO NOT BE SEEN AND NARROWLY MISS GETTING CAUGHT BY CELESTE WHEN ABE CALLS FOR HER. THEY FINALLY GET OUTSIDE)

JENNIFER: Jack, that was great!

JACK: No time for applause, Miss Horton. We've got work to do. Let's go find our daughter (HE GRABS HER HAND AND THEY RUSH OFF)

Episode 15

Scene 1: Jack, Jennifer and Abby are in the car. Jack and Jennifer have just picked up Abby from school and she is sitting in the backseat. As they are driving, Jack and Jennifer are sneaking peeks of concern in the rear view mirror of Abby.

ABBY: Mommy, Daddy, are you going to tell me what's wrong?

JACK: What's wrong, Princess? What makes you think something's wrong?

(JENNIFER LOOKS OVER AT JACK WITH LOOK OF GREAT CONCERN)

JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS ABBY) Baby, nothing's wrong.

ABBY: Then why did you pick me up from school? And why are you two being so quiet?

JACK: (LOOKING AT ABBY IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR) Well...You see, Mommy and I, well, we, we, we missed you. We couldn't wait another moment for our Abigail fix.

ABBY: Is that it, Mommy? Is that what you and Daddy picked me up from school for?

JENNIFER: (LOOKING WORRIEDLY AT JACK AND THEN SMILING AT ABBY) Yeah, Baby. Daddy's right. We just couldn't wait to see you.

JACK: (LOOKING AT ABBY AGAIN IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR) And you know what else Mommy and Daddy missed?

ABBY: What?

JACK: Your sweet little voice. So whaddya say, Abigail? Should I strike up the band? I'll start if you like. (STARTS SINGING) "When the saints go marching in...When the saints go marching in..."

(ABBY STARTS SINGING ALONG AND JENNIFER GLANCES AT JENNIFER WHO IS HAPPY THAT HE IS CALMING HER DOWN. SHE SMILES SLIGHTLY AT HIM AND LOOKS DOWN AT HER HANDS, WHICH ARE RESTING IN HER LAP. JACK NOTICES HOW NERVOUS SHE IS AND HE REACHES OVER AND PUTS HIS HAND ON HERS. THE SCENE ENDS WITH JENNIFER LOOKING AT JACK'S HAND ON HERS AND HIM LOOKING AT IT ALSO-EXPECTING HER TO PULL AWAY. WHEN SHE DOESN'T, A LOOK OF GREAT LOVE WASHES OVER JACK'S FACE)

Scene 2: Jack, Jennifer, and Abby return home and Jack and Jennifer figure out what to do.

(ABBY AND JENNIFER HAVE JUST WALKED IN THE DOOR AND JACK IS FOLLOWING. HE CLOSES AND LOCKS THE DOOR BEHIND HIM AND DROPS HIS KEYS ON THE SMALL TABLE WHERE JENNIFER'S KEYS ARE)

ABBY: (WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM) So then Sam brought a picture of her new puppy in (SHE SETS HER BOOKBAG DOWN ON THE SOFA AND TURNS TO JENNIFER AND JACK WHO ARE JUST STARING AT HER LOVINGLY) What's wrong, Mommy?

JACK: (FLASHING JENNIFER A LOOK OF CONCERN THEN KNEELING DOWN TO TALK TO ABBY) Oh, Mommy's just a little emotional today. We just missed you so much. Abigail, have we ever told you how much we love you?

ABBY: Yes. You tell me all the time.

JACK: That we do. Daddy and Mommy just want you to know that you are the most perfect little girl in the world. And that we love you more than anything in the world...more than the sun, the moon, and the stars.

ABBY: Daddy, I know. (SHE LOOKS AT JENNIFER) I know you love me, Mommy. (SHE WALKS OVER TO JENNIFER AND GRABS HER HANDS) Please don't cry.

JENNIFER: (SCOOPING ABBY UP IN HER ARMS) I love you too, Baby. (SHE HUGS HER CLOSE)

(JACK JUST LOOKS AT THE TWO OF THEM WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES. HE KNOWS HE WOULD DIE IF ANYTHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO EITHER OF THEM. AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE, ABBY SPEAKS)

ABBY: Mommy?

MOMMY: Yes, baby?

ABBY: I have to go to the bathroom.

MOMMY: (SMILING AT JACK) Oh, okay. (SHE SETS HER DOWN) I guess I got carried away, huh?

ABBY: That's okay. I like to be hugged by you. I'm going to the bathroom and then up to my room to set up a tea party. Would you like to come?

JENNIFER: I'd love to.

ABBY: (TURNING TO JACK) Daddy?

JACK: I'll be there with bells on.

ABBY: Good. I'll call you when it's ready. (SHE RUNS UP THE STAIRS)

(JENNIFER TURNS TO WATCH ABBY RUN UP THE STAIRS. TURNING AROUND, SHE LOOKS AT JACK AND TRIES NOT TO CRY)

JENNIFER: Thank you for helping me there, Jack.

JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) Ah, it was nothing. Just being my usual goofy self.

JENNIFER: Yeah, well, thank you for being your usual goofy self.

(JACK AND JENNIFER SMILE AT EACH OTHER AND THEN LOOK DOWN AT THEIR FEET. A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE PASS)

JACK: Okay, Miss Horton, where do we go from here?

JENNIFER: (EYES LIGHTING UP) Where do we go, Jack?

JACK: Yes, I mean, do you want to start making the phone calls or would you rather I do the dirty work.? You know the more that I think about it, I think I should do them. You have this way of getting totally off subject.

JENNIFER: (DISAPPOINTED A LITTLE THAT JACK WASN'T TALKING ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP) I have a way of doing that? Jack, you are the king of superfluous conversation.

JACK: (LOOKING PLAYFULLY SHOCKED) Me? Little ole me? I am very concise, I'll have you know. Short and sweet is what many have called me.

(JENNIFER RAISES HER EYEBROWS AT THIS DOUBLE ENTENDRE)

JENNIFER: Jack, you are anything but short. You can be sweet though sometimes. A kind of warped sweet, but sweet nonetheless.

(A FEW MORE SECONDS OF SILENCE PASS. THEY ARE BOTH NERVOUS ABOUT WHAT MAY BE HAPPENING BETWEEN THEM. THEY ARE UNSURE ABOUT HOW THE OTHER ONE FEELS OR IF THEY COULD WORK THIS OUT)

JACK: Well, I'll get started on the phone calls. (HE GOES TO GRAB THE PHONE)

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AROUND FOR SOMETHING TO DO) Good. Hope's number is in the address book. I'm going to try and rustle up something to eat for everybody. (SHE GOES INTO THE KITCHEN)

JACK: (SITTING DOWN ON THE COUCH WITH THE ADDRESS BOOK AND LOOKING THROUGH IT) Oh Jennifer? Do you have John Black-slash-Roman Brady of yore-slash-Forrest Alamain's phone number here.

JENNIFER: (COMING BACK IN FROM THE KITCHEN HOLDING A DISHTOWEL) It should be in there. Jack, why do you want to call John?

JACK: You heard the man...he was JT's godfather, after all. (BEAT) Do you think that would be a problem?

JENNIFER: No, I don't think so. Jack, you don't think that John is involved in this plot, do you?

JACK: Well, I...well...I just think that he should be here. (BEAT) I have my reasons.

JENNIFER: Okay, Jack. By all means, don't tell me your reasons. (SHE GOES BACK INTO THE KITCHEN) Jack, what do you think about chinese food?

JACK: In general or for tonight? In general, I think that it's a bit salty and a tad too Americanized, but

(A DISHTOWEL COMES FLYING OUT FROM THE KITCHEN AND HITS HIM ON THE HEAD. HE PULLS IT OFF.)

(IN A MOCKINGLY HAPPY VOICE) Chinese Food? That sounds wonderful! (BEAT) Just remember to order extra potstickers...you always eat them all.

(ALL OF A SUDDEN A SECOND DISHTOWEL COMES FLYING OUT AND HITS HIM SQUARE ON THE HEAD. HE ALSO PULLS THIS ONE OFF)

(TO HIMSELF AS HE THUMBS THROUGH THE ADDRESS BOOK) Well, you do.

Scene 3: It is some time later. Jennifer, Jack, and Abby are upstairs having a tea party with Abby when the doorbell rings.

(JACK WALKS DOWN THE STAIRS WEARING A RATHER LARGE PINK HAT, A FEATHER BOA, AND LARGE PLASTIC PEARLS WITH MATCHING CLIP-ON EARRINGS. HE HAS A TINY PINK TEACUP IN HIS HAND)

(THE DOORBELL RINGS AGAIN)

JACK: Hold on, hold on.... (HE GLANCES IN THE MIRROR AND PULLS OFF HIS HAT, COMPLETELY FORGETTING ABOUT THE PEARL JEWELRY AND THEN OPENS THE DOOR TO FIND BO AND HOPE OUTSIDE) Officer Brady. Hope. Come in. (HE GESTURES FOR THEM TO COME IN)

(BO AND HOPE EXCHANGE AMUSED LOOKS AND THEN WALK IN CAUTIOUSLY)

BO: Jack, I didn't know we had to dress up. I left my pearls at home.

JACK: Hehehehehe. Oh you mean these? (HE PULLS OFF THE EARRINGS) Well, I only wear them on Thursdays. If I could take your coats.

(BO AND HOPE HAND JACK THEIR JACKETS)

Please, have a seat. Jennifer should be down momentarily.

(HE GOES TO PUT THE COATS UP IN THE HALL CLOSET)

HOPE: Jack, excuse us if we're a little wary, but you sounded, well, urgent on the phone. We haven't even eaten yet.

JACK: (SHUTTING THE CLOSET DOOR) No worry. We ordered Chinese. I hope that will do. However, if you prefer something else...

(HOPE LOOKS AT BO FOR HELP)

BO: Chinese is fine, Jack. We just want to know what's up. It was kind of sudden the way you called us.

(JUST THEN JENNIFER COMES DOWN THE STAIRS. SHE IS WEARING A FLAPPER HAT WITH FEATHERS AND HAS A SEQUINED SCARF ON)

JENNIFER: Can't we just have family over for dinner? I know it's a bit spur of the moment...

JACK: (STEPPING BEHIND JENNIFER AND TAKING OFF HER HAT AND HANDING IT TO HER) Impromptu, if you will.

JENNIFER: We just wanted to visit and we figured that we'd invite a few close friends over and save you the trouble of cooking supper.

HOPE: A few friends, Jenn? Who else is coming?

(JUST THEN THE DOORBELL RINGS)

JACK: That must be them now. (HE LOOKS AT JENNIFER) No worry, I'll get it. (HE WALKS TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT) John, Marlena, you look lovely. Do come in (HE GESTURES FOR THEM TO COME IN)

(JOHN AND MARLENA ENTER AND JACK SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND THEM AND GETS THEIR COATS)

BO: (SEEING JOHN AND MARLENA) What the hell are they doing there?

(THE SCENE ENDS WITH BO AND JOHN LOOKING AT EACH OTHER WITH GREAT TENSION AND THE REST OF THE GROUP FEELING IT)

Scene 4: The dinner party begins.

JACK: (SEEING HOW TENSE THE SITUATION IS, GLANCES AT JENNIFER) Well, shall we all move this into the living room? I think that it would be more comfy in there.

(JOHN, MARLENA, AND JACK STEP DOWN INTO THE LIVING ROOM WHERE BO, HOPE, AND JENNIFER ARE)

HOPE: (TRYING TO MAKE THINGS LESS TENSE) Marlena. How's Belle?

MARLENA: Good, good. Shawn?

HOPE: Great.

JOHN: (GLANCING AT BO AND THEN TURNING TO HOPE) How are you, Hope? Are you handling things okay?

(MARLENA, JOHN, BO, AND HOPE CONTINUE TO MAKE TENSE SMALL TALK AND JACK AND JENNIFER CONTINUE TO LOOK AT THEM NERVOUSLY)

(THE DOORBELL RINGS AGAIN)

JACK: I think that's our last guest. Jennifer, if you would. (HE GRABS JENNIFER'S HAND AND THEY MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE DOOR)

JENNIFER: What, now? Don't tell me you've lost all your ability to answer doors by yourself? (SHE LOOKS BEHIND HIM AT THE SITUATION IN THE LIVING ROOM)

JACK: (LOOKING BEHIND HIM QUICKLY AT THE SITUATION ALSO) I wonder what's wrong with them. (NOTICING JENNIFER'S ANNOYED LOOK) Did you put Abigail to bed?

JENNIFER: Yes, she's out like a light. I told her we'd save her some chinese food. She wasn't too happy about missing all the fun, though.

JACK: Good. (HE PUTS HIS HAND ON THE DOORKNOB) I want her to miss all this...a barrel of fun, if you will. (HE OPENS THE DOOR) Commander Carver, do come in. (BOTH JACK AND JENNIFER GESTURE FOR ABE TO COME IN)

(JACK CLOSES THE DOOR AND THEN LOOKS AT JENNIFER)

Let the games begin.

Scene 5: Everyone is seated at the dining room table and Jennifer and Jack are trying to entertain them and keep everyone happy.

ABE: And then I had the most interesting phone call today. Some little old lady....Thelma Mae Shoemaker.

(JACK PULLS A FACE AT THIS WRONG NAME AND JENNIFER LOOKS AT HIM NERVOUSLY)

She wanted to know where I purchased my lawn ornaments, but at the last minute...

(THE DOORBELL RINGS AND JACK GETS UP TO GET IT. HE OPENS THE DOOR TO A CHINESE FOOD DELIVERY MAN, WHO IS LOOKING DOWN AND HAS A LARGE STRAW HAT ON. JACK CANNOT REALLY SEE HIS FACE)

CHINESE DELIVERY MAN: Dever- woe

JACK: Hehhehehe. Yes, that's us. (LOOKING AT THE DELIVERY MAN VERY ODDLY AND DIGGING IN HIS POCKET FOR CASH)

CHINESE DELIVERY MAN: Lots of food. Big party? (HE PEEKS IN THE DOOR TO SEE EVERYONE AT THE TABLE)

JACK: (HANDING HIM THE MONEY) I guess you can say that. Did you get extra potstickers? Never mind. (HE GRABS BOTH BAGS AS THE DELIVERY MAN COUNTS HIS MONEY)

CHINESE DELIVERY MAN: No tip?

JACK: (SETTING DOWN THE BAGS AND SLAPPING HIM ON THE HAND) It's pronounced Dever-oh. That's your tip.

(HE SHUTS THE DOOR QUICKLY AND GOES INSIDE)

(OUTSIDE THE DELIVERY MAN TAKES OFF HIS HAT. IT IS ROLF, STEFANO'S HENCHMAN)

ROLF: (TO HIMSELF) Stupid and cheap. Two of Stefano's least favorite qualities in a man. This should be amusing. (HE WALKS AWAY)

Scene 6: Dinner is underway. All of the guests are still wondering why they are there.

(JENNIFER IS REACHING ACROSS THE TABLE WITH HER CHOPSTICKS TO GRAB A POTSTICKER AND JACK IS DOING THE SAME. JENNIFER GETS TO IT A SECOND BEFORE JACK AND GRABS IT. IT IS THE LAST ONE. JACK GIVES HER A LOOK AND JENNIFER JUST GLOATINGLY SMILES)

(A FEW SECONDS OF UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE PASS)

JOHN: (SETTING DOWN HIS CHOPSTICKS) I give. Will you two tell us what we're doing here?

(JACK AND JENNIFER TOSS EACH OTHER LOOKS)

JACK: Well, John, we're sharing a very important meal with friends. Breaking bread, mingling, mixing fine food with fine talk.

BO: We're serious, Jack. We want to know what's up.

JACK: (LOOKING AROUND AT ALL OF THEM. THEY HAVE STOPPED EATING AND ARE STARING AT JACK AND JENNIFER) Well...well...are you done with that, Commander Carver? (LOOKING AT ABE'S UNFINISHED CHINESE FOOD)

ABE: No, Jack, I'm not. But I tell you what I am going to be done with if we don't get some answers soon...this dinner. (HE PUTS DOWN HIS NAPKIN)

JENNIFER: (STANDING UP) Abe, don't go. Jack and I, we actually called you here for a reason.

JOHN: This better be a good reason. (MARLENA SHOOTS HIM A DISCOURAGING LOOK)

MARLENA: What John is trying to say is that we know you'd have a good reason to pull us away from our families tonight. We're just a little curious as to what it is.

JENNIFER: It is, really. See Jack and I have been doing a little research.

(EVERYONE AT THE TABLE JUST GROANS AND SHAKES THEIR HEADS)

JACK: What Jennifer's trying to say is, we came across some information that could prove helpful to all of you.

HOPE: What is it, Jack? (TO JENNIFER) Jenn, will you just tell us?

BO: Tell us what's going on. If this, if this, whatever it is, concerns us, we have the right to know.

JACK: (LOOKING DOWN AT JENNIFER) There's no time like the present, huh? Okay, Lexie, Lexie and the baby are not dead.

(EVERYONE JUST LOOKS AT THEM IN SHOCK)

Scene 7: Jack has just told everyone that Lexie is not dead. He and Jennifer are now trying to explain their theory.

ABE: (GETTING UP) I cannot believe this. I buried my own wife and son. I know they are dead.

JACK: Did you see them with your own two eyes?

ABE: This is ridiculous. I'm getting out of here. (HE WALKS TO THE DOOR. THE OTHERS, ANGRY THAT JACK WOULD EVEN SUGGEST SUCH A THING, FOLLOW SUIT)

JACK: (JUMPING IN FRONT OF ABE AND THE OTHERS) Will you just answer my question, Commander Carver. Did you see the bodies with your own two eyes?

ABE: No, Jack. I didn't. That doesn't make them any more undead though, Jack.

JACK: What if I told you I had proof that they weren't dead, Abe? What if I told you that Jennifer and I found out that they were alive and even knew where they were?

(ABE AND THE OTHERS STOP AND LOOK AT EACH OTHER)

ABE: (RELUCTANTLY) Tell us what you know, Jack.

JACK: (LOOKING AT JENNIFER) Do you want to take this or shall I?

Scene 8: Jack has just finished telling Abe and the others what he and Jennifer know.

JACK: ( PACING AND LOOKING AT JENNIFER, WHO IS POURING COFFEE FOR EVERYONE. THEY ARE ALL NOW IN THE LIVING ROOM) So that's when Jennifer and I decided to invite you all here. And somewhere between the moo goo gai pan and the lo mein we got here.

ABE: (SITTING IN A CHAIR) I should really bring you in for breaking and entering and destroying public property, but I've got to admit, you two make a pretty good case. Nothing circumstantial, of course.

BO: And they were getting the DiMera estate ready. Why would Stefano go there of all places? He could go anywhere in the world.

HOPE: But, Lexie, why would she do such a thing?

MARLENA: He's her child, Hope. She was probably afraid you were going to take him away.

HOPE: But to fake her own death?

MARLENA: She knew you would want your child back, especially with JT gone.

JOHN: She's a DiMera, Hope. She'd do anything to get what she wants. (LOOKING AT ABE) I'm sorry, Abe.

ABE: It's quite alright. I blame Stefano for this. I just,..I should've seen it.

JENNIFER: So what do we do now?

ABE: We aren't doing anything. I'm going to call the station and have them put an APB out on Stefano's two cronies and then I'm going to put a call into the ISA and have them put out a national search on Stefano.

JENNIFER: But we know they're in Ireland, Abe.

ABE: We can never be too sure. Not with Stefano DiMera. Can I borrow your phone?

JACK: Sure. It's over there (HE POINTS TO THE PHONE)

BO: Abe, are you sure you want to call?

ABE: What are you saying, Bo? I should withhold evidence? You're a policeman yourself, you should know better.

BO: I'm not...I'm just saying...you can't trust anyone, Abe. You call everyone in on it and Stefano could be gone faster than you could say "top of the morning". I'm saying that we should hold onto this information ourselves for a little while longer. Besides, you said yourself that Jack and Jenn's evidence was not circumstantial, so they'll have a lot of explaining to do as to why they were breaking every law to get it.

(JACK AND JENNIFER LOOK AT EACH OTHER SURPRISED)

ABE: You're right. Can we at least call Shane on it? We know he can be trusted.

BO: Yeah, I'll call him tonight. I know one thing, though. I'm getting on the first plane to Ireland tomorrow.

JOHN: No need. I'll just tell them to fuel up the Black jet and we'll leave ASAP.

BO: Wait a minute, where do you think you're going?

Scene 9: John has just insisted on going with Bo to Ireland.

MARLENA: Bo's right, John. You don't need to go.

HOPE: Neither does Bo. If he goes, I'm going.

BO: No, you're not. You're going to stay here and take care of Shawn D. I'll be fine by myself.

JOHN: Quit being such a hero, Brady. I'm going along too.

MARLENA: (GRABBING HIS ARM) John, I really...

JOHN: Marlena, I'm going. Don't try to talk me out of it, Doc.

HOPE: And I am too.

BO: You are not going. Case closed. You are staying right here in Salem, Fancy Face.

HOPE: (LYING. LOOKING AT JENNIFER) Fine. At least let John go, Bo.

BO: I don't need him, Hope. I'll be fine.

HOPE: (LOWERING HER VOICE TO TALK TO BO) You need his money, Bo. We can't do this on what we have. Not with me not working and you taking all the time off from the police station. He does have a jet and connections. (BO LOOKS BACK AT JOHN AND MARLENA, WHO ARE HAVING A HEATED CONVERSATION). He wants to help.

BO: Fine, fine. (TURNING TOWARDS THE OTHERS) We'll leave first thing in the morning.

ABE: I'm going along also. We need someone there who can talk to Lexie. I'm not sure if that person is still me, but I've got to give it a shot. I owe it to what we once had.

BO: No argument here. Then the three of us will be leaving as early as possible. I'll call Shane and see if he can get us some reliable contacts in Ireland. I'll also call my cousin and see if he could lend a hand.

JENNIFER: Bo, maybe I should come along. I did spend some time there and I know a few of the locals pretty well.

BO: (NOTICING JACK'S LOOK OF CONCERN) No, Jenn. You stay here with Hope. I have my cousin. We'll manage. She needs you now.

JENNIFER: But, Bo-

BO: No buts, Jenn. (BEAT) We really should get going. We have a lot to do before morning. Fancy Face?

(HOPE JOINS BO AND JACK HANDS THEM THEIR COATS AND THEN HANDS JOHN AND MARLENA THEIRS. THEY ALL SAY GOODBYE AND EXIT. ABE STOPS BEFORE EXITING AND TALKS TO JACK)

ABE: Jack, I don't condone your methods, but I do appreciate your help. I'm sorry for jumping all over you like that. (BEAT) Do you really think that the lawn-

JACK: They're hideous, Abe. Especially the gnome in front.

ABE: (TURNING TO JENNIFER) Jennifer. (HE NODS AND EXITS)

Scene 10: Jack and Jennifer decide what they do next.

(EVERYONE HAS JUST LEFT. JACK AND JENNIFER ARE NOW WALKING BACK INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND ARE VERY TIRED. JENNIFER STARTS TO CLEAN UP THE DINING ROOM)

JACK: Leave that. I'll get it later. Come put your dogs up (HE SITS DOWN ON THE COUCH AND PUTS HIS FEET ON THE COFFEE TABLE)

JENNIFER: (WALKS OVER AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO HIM AND PUTS HER FEET UP) It was one hell of a night, wasn't it, Jack?

JACK: (MOUTH OPEN) Such language! Really, I do think that all of our dinner parties are destined for failure. How are your dogs, Miss Horton? (HE TAPS HER FEET WITH HIS)

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Barking.

JACK: (SMILING) Barking? (HE PRETENDS TO BE LISTENING FOR SOMETHING) Yup, I think I hear them.

JENNIFER: (GIGGLING) Very funny. Jack, I wish I knew what was going on between John and Bo.

JACK: I'd say classic male rivalry. I would be very upset if my wife was extremely close to another man, especially one as handsome and rich as John Black.

JENNIFER: You think John's handsome, Jack?

JACK: Not to myself. But I can see where some would find him aesthetically pleasing.

JENNIFER: Some.

JACK: Some.

(A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE PASS)

JACK: You still thinking about going to Ireland?

JENNIFER: I just think I could be of help, Jack.

JACK: Helping Hope really is important to you, isn't it?

JENNIFER: Jack, she's more than my cousin. She was always like the sister I never had. If I could help her, I want to.

JACK: I know how that is. Should I call in the cavalry?

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: The cavalry, the caretakers, the recruitments...so that you can go help your cousin?

JENNIFER: Jack, you think I should?

JACK: We should. You and I and Hope--and don't tell me that she wasn't going because I saw her flash you that look. I would rather go with you than find out that you and Hope stowed away on some plane full of chickens. We'll go-with no chickens.

JENNIFER: Jack, we can't leave Abby. What if Stefano tries to do something to her?

JACK: I have a feeling that Stefano is going to be too busy with (REFERRING TO JOHN AND BO) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid over in Ireland, but to be sure I'll call Shane myself and see if we can get her some sort of protection.

JENNIFER: Not a bodyguard, Jack. I don't want to make her feel odd.

JACK: An inconspicuous one. And I'll call Jo and Vern tonight and have them stay here. And we'll tell them that they can't let her out of their sight.

JENNIFER: You think they'll do it?

JACK: I know they will. Abigail misses Jo so it'll be perfect for her. She'll fly in and they'll bond.

JENNIFER: What about us, Jack?

JACK: What about us?

JENNIFER: What about Abby missing us, Jack? She just moved in here and she loves having us together.

JACK: She'll be okay. We'll tell her we're going on a little vacation. She'll probably think we're getting back together and be happy.

JENNIFER: It would make her happy, huh?

JACK: Yeah. (BEAT) It would.

JENNIFER: (SOFTLY) It would.

(THE SCENE ENDS WITH JACK AND JENNIFER SITTING ON THE SOFA LOOKING WISTFULLY AHEAD OF THEM. THEY WANT TO SAY MORE, BUT CAN'T, SINCE THEY'VE BEEN SO HURT IN THE PAST. EACH KNOWS THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANCE OF RECOVERY BUT DON'T KNOW IF THEY WANT TO TAKE IT.)

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 - 50  Chapters 51 - 55 *** Chapters 56 - 60 *** Chapters 61 - 65 *** Chapter 66 

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