Keeping Up With The Deverauxes
Episodes 61 - 65
EPISODE 61 "THE MORNING AFTER"
SCENE ONE: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN on the happy couple. Sunlight is streaming through the window and JENNIFER is nestled against JACK'S bare chest. JACK begins to wake and groggily looks over at JENNIFER, who is fast asleep still. Brief worry runs through his mind and then, as if recalling what happened the night before, he melts into a satisfied smile. Looking at her with deep love in his eyes, he brushes her hair away from her face and thinks back to their relationship.
The first
time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love,
To the dark and the empty skies.
JENNIFER arrives at THE SPECTATOR and goes into DIANA'S office. The chair spins around and she finds JACK sitting there.
The flashback fast-forwards a little to the tail end of their conversation as the song plays in the background.
JACK (CONT.): Now tell me, why are you so interested in horses?
JENNIFER: Ah....because it's very interesting.
JACK: Hmmm. To bookies and greasy old men maybe but most women aren't interested in sports unless there's a man involved. Of course I know you're an exception to the rule.
JENNIFER: Ah, thanks for everything.
JACK: No, no. One more thing. What's the horse's name?
JENNIFER: (Beat) Ah....Jennifer's Beauty.
Jennifer rushes out of the office.
JACK: (Intrigued) She certainly is.
The first
time ever I kissed your mouth
And felt your heart beat close to mine
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command
JENNIFER and JACK are having a heated discussion in his office at THE SPECTATOR.
JENNIFER: Yes you are pushing me away or you'd go with me.
JACK: Look, You're going to be in very good company, so don't worry.
JENNIFER: Are you jealous of Emilio?
JACK: Emilio? Why?
JENNIFER: If you weren't jealous, you'd be going with me.
JACK: No, would you just lay off this going with, coming with.
JENNIFER: You're doing it again.
JACK: I'm not doing anything.
JENNIFER: You're pushing me away, Jack.
JACK: I don't push.
JENNIFER: You are. You are pushing me away.
JACK: I'm not a pushy person.
JENNIFER: Yes you are. You're pushing me.
JACK: You want to see push? I'll push you.
JACK grabs JENNIFER and kisses her passionately on the lips.
The flashback fast-forwards a little.
JACK escapes out of his office and JENNIFER touches her lips dreamily.
The first
time ever I lay with you
I felt the earth move in my hand
I thought our joy would fill the earth
And last 'till the end of time, my love,
And last 'till the end of time.
In the cave, about to make love. JACK leans forward and finally reveals how he really feels.
JACK: I am thankful you know....to your fairy godmother or college professor or whoever it is that sent you to work for me.
JENNIFER: Jack.
JACK: You know I don't....I don't express my feelings very well. I don't put into words.
JENNIFER: It's okay. It's alright because you already said it.
JACK: No I didn't. You said it. I just agreed with what you said. (Very emotionally) I just....love you....Jennifer. I love you.
JENNIFER smiles AND JACK takes her in his arms and begins to kiss her passionately. He lays her down in front of the fire. A shot of them is superimposed in front of the fire as they begin to make love.
The flashback fast-forwards a little.
Later, immediately after making love, they are lying together with her head resting on his chest. JACK leans up and kisses the top of her head. JENNIFER looks ecstatic, Jack is calm and relaxed. He almost looks as if he can't believe what happened between them has, after his past, he had found true love. There is a special bond and closeness between them. They are so happy and comfortable being close to one another.
The flashbacks segue into present day as the song ends. They are both sharing the same look today, lying together in each other's arms. JACK leans down and kisses the top of her head as he did then and JENNIFER stirs.
JENNIFER: (smiling and yawning) Hi.
JACK: (gazing sleepily her way. A smile playing on his lips) Howdy.
JENNIFER nestles herself in closer to him. She can't stop smiling. JACK is amused by her giddiness.
JENNIFER: I told you so.
JACK: Excuse me?
JENNIFER: I told you that you couldn't resist me.
JACK: (mock anger) Now, wait a minute-(breaking into a silly grin) Okay, you're right.
JENNIFER: (sitting up and clutching the bedspread to her chest) Jennifer Horton's right? And Jack Deveraux is admitting it? Stop the presses, this never happens!
JACK: (blushing) Well, you know...
JENNIFER: (looking deep into his eyes, her tone softens) I know.
JACK: (swallowing hard and sharing her intense look) Good. I just...I just wanted to make sure that you did.
The moment is powerful, as they look into each other's eyes and admit that they love each other.
JENNIFER: I always have, Jack.
JACK: I know.
JENNIFER: (giggling to ease the moment) I feel pretty silly, you know.
JACK: Silly?
JENNIFER: About...about (getting flustered) about (referring to making love) that. We haven't done that in a really long time.
JACK: (tilting her chin up to kiss her) You mean this? (laying a deep passionate kiss on her lips)
JENNIFER: (breaking into a smile as they come out of the kiss) Uh-huh.
JACK: (nuzzling her neck a little) Well, you know what they say, practice does make perfect. What do you say, Miss H., up for a little practice?
JENNIFER: (smiling from ear to ear) I think...I think it would be a shame if we didn't work on our technique.
JACK: (grinning as they lay back on the pillows and kiss) Technique? For the competition? Jennifer, I don't think I'd be able to please a whole panel of judges.
JENNIFER pulls the covers over them and playfully replies.
JENNIFER: Not a panel, Jack. One. And I think you'll do just fine.
OUT on the two of them giggling happily under the covers.
SCENE TWO: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN on JACK and JENNIFER coming up from under the covers. They are out of breath and JACK'S hair is all messed up.
JACK: I'd say that was a perfect ten.
JENNIFER: (catching her breath. Her hair is also messed up) I concur wholeheartedly.
JACK: Jennifer, do you think-
All of a sudden the door bursts open and JO walks in, leaving the door wide open. Not seeing them in bed, she walks over to the master bathroom and rummages through the medicine cabinet. JACK and JENNIFER stare at each other in disbelief and shock. JO walks back by and sees them, finally, but doesn't think anything of it.
JO: (oblivious to their state) Morning Jennifer, morning Ja (she stops, shocked at what she just walked in on, she can't believe it).
JACK: (wrapping the comforter around his waist and hopping over to close the door) Oh, for heaven's sake...
JENNIFER tries desperately to cover herself completely in the sheet JACK left around her.
JO: (turning red) I'm...I'm sorry. Brian said they heard noises and what sounded like a door close (realizing what the "door" was and what they may have heard) and Ginger needed toothpaste...oh dear. (Embarrassed, as she may be, she couldn't be happier to see them together).
JACK: (pulling a face) Some detective he is.
JO: Does this mean? (looking at the two of them anticipating an answer)
JACK: This means that if you do not get out of this room rather quickly (pushing her towards the door), I will be forever scared by this Freudian situation.
JO: (looking back and smiling to JENNIFER, who wants to stick her head in the ground somewhere) Bye Jennifer.
JACK: Very good. (Scooting her out the door, cutting her goodbye off to him) Well, that was interesting.
JENNIFER: (laughing) She looked almost as happy as we were, Jack.
JACK: Almost. If she were, then we'd have a problem. JENNIFER: Are you saying that you're happy, Jack?
JACK: (walking over to the bed and kneeling beside her side) Would you believe ecstatic?
JENNIFER: (brushing his hair out of his eyes and laughing) No.
All of a sudden, the door opens and VERN walks in.
VERN: Jo, honey, can you see if she has some mouthwash?
JACK: (standing up and clutching his "wrap") That's it. I'm getting dressed.
OUT on VERN, looking almost as embarrassed as both JACK and JENNIFER are.
SCENE THREE: HALLWAY OUTSIDE JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
It is a little while later. VERN is standing outside the bedroom, leaning against the wall. JACK exits JENNIFER'S bedroom, fresh from the shower and in a new suit minus the jacket. His hair is wet and combed back. Upon seeing VERN, he is not amused.
VERN: (throwing JACK a sly smile) So much for pushing her away, huh?
JACK: Don't you have other things to do than chastise me?
VERN: At the moment, no. (looking to the bottle in JACK'S hand) Is that-
JACK: Your aforementioned mouthwash? Yes, it is (handing him the bottle). Now, if you'll excuse me...(trying to step around VERN)
VERN: Don't you even think about it, Jack.
JACK: Hmmm...big words for someone who's staying in my house.
VERN: And dating your mother. Jack, I'm not scared of you.
JACK: I should work on that, shouldn't I? (Pretending to write on a pad of paper) Perhaps I'll make that a New Year's resolution. Become more menacing to Vern.
VERN: Jack, you're not going anywhere until you tell me what you're going to do about him.
JACK: Him?
VERN: Him, Jack. Him as in Colin. You said you told him he could go after Jennifer. Practically offered her to him on a silver platter. I assume this little...lovefest (JACK wrinkles his nose at this term) means that you've changed your mind about all that.
JACK: (placing his chin in his hand to think) In light of recent events, yes, yes, my plan has changed. I think that...well, I think that Jennifer and I, well, we have a good thing going here and-
VERN: Yada yada yada. I know that. I've been telling you all along. What are you going to do about the doctor? JACK: Dr. Moreau? No...no, I'll just talk to him. He seems to be a reasonable enough man.
VERN: He's part DiMera, Jack. They are incapable of reason. There is no way Colin is going to let you-
JENNIFER exits her room, catching the last bit of this conversation.
JENNIFER: Colin? What about Colin?
OUT on JACK and VERN, trying to figure out what to say.
SCENE FOUR: HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (trying to change the subject) My, don't you look fetching.
VERN: Yes, Jennifer, I do love that outfit. Did you do something different with your hair?
JENNIFER: (not buying it) It's jeans and a sweater. And a ponytail. Now, I heard Colin's name mentioned.
JACK: Oh, you mean callin'. I was telling Vern here that Adrienne, um, Adrienne should be callin' today.
VERN nods enthusiastically.
JENNIFER: She called yesterday, Jack. (trying to jog his memory) To wish us a Happy Thanksgiving.
JACK: Yes, that's true but...she said she'd call today. To wish us a happy day after Thanksgiving.
JENNIFER: (still unsure but willing to let it go) Alright. Vern, are Brian and Ginger ready?
VERN: Ginger is. Brian's coming with me down to the Brady Pub. They're having that touch-football for charity thing down in the park this afternoon and we're hoping to sign up there before it's too late.
JENNIFER: That sounds like fun. Jack, you should go.
JACK: Football? Oh no, I'd rather not. All that...all that running around and tackling.
VERN: It's touch football, Jack.
JENNIFER: As in two-hand. Go, Jack. Bo's gonna be there. I'm sure he'll have you on his team.
VERN: That's right, Jack. You should go. All the Bradys are going to be there.
JACK: Bradys Schmady's, what do I want-(catching VERN'S eye and knowing he means COLIN will be there so they could talk) Oh. On second thought, that sounds like a lovely idea.
JENNIFER: (jumping up and down in excitement) Oh, Jack, you're going to have so much fun. After we shop, Abby and I will come down and watch you play. I bet she can't wait to see her Daddy in action.
JACK: (deadpan) I'm sure she can't.
VERN: (clapping JACK on the back) Great news, Jack. I'll meet you downstairs, once you change.
VERN exits down the stairs.
JACK: Change?
JENNIFER: (laughing) You can't wear that, Jack. You have to wear sweats.
JACK: Jack Deveraux would never wear something that implies a bodily function.
JENNIFER: (giving him a quick peck on the cheek) I'm sure Brian has something you can borrow. I'll see you later. (heading off down the hall, then stopping) Oh, Jack, you're going to miss your call from Adrienne.
JACK: What ca--. Um, that'll be fine. I'll just give her a ring later.
JENNIFER: (smiling from ear to ear and nodding) You're going to knock 'em dead, Jack. I just know it.
JACK returns her smile but as she heads down the stairs, it turns into a look of fear.
JACK: (to himself, fearing VERN'S warnings about talking to COLIN) I'm just hoping you're wrong, Jennifer. I might be the one who winds up being knocked dead. I just might be.
EPISODE 62
SCENE ONE: EXT. SALEM PLACE
The camera pans out to all the excited shoppers rushing by each other and peeking in store windows. A Santa collecting donations rings a bell as JENNIFER and HOPE walk by, both laden down with bags and hot chocolate.
HOPE: (nodding ahead of her to ABBY, who is pointing into a store window to show JO and GINGER, also carrying quite a few bags) She's really enjoying herself, isn't she?
JENNIFER: (smiling widely) Yeah, she is. She loves hanging out with her grandma.
HOPE: (putting her arm around her) And her mommy. I only wish Shawn felt the same about me.
JENNIFER: Don't be silly, he loves hanging out with you.
HOPE: He loves hanging out with Belle Black even more.
JENNIFER: (laughing) Don't say that.
HOPE: (sitting down on a bench and pouting) It's true. Mom's not nearly as fun anymore.
JENNIFER: (joining her) I think you're fun.
HOPE: (rolling her eyes at her) You do? I mean, of course you do, you're my cousin.
JENNIFER: And your friend.
HOPE: Oh well, it doesn't matter, I'll see both, all three of my favorite guys this afternoon anyway. You are still going with me to this football thing down at the park right?
JENNIFER: (smiling giddily) I wouldn't miss it for the world.
HOPE: (pausing and trying to figure out what's making JENNIFER so happy) What's up with that?
JENNIFER: With what?
HOPE: That...that...Jennifer Rose Horton, you can't stop grinning.
JENNIFER: Sure I can (trying to make a serious face and then erupting into a gaggle of laughs). Okay, I can't. Let's just say I have a reason to be going to this football game this afternoon, too. A six foot, brown-haired, blue-eyed reason.
HOPE: Jack's going too? Great. We could use an extra voice yelling for the team.
JENNIFER: Well, I don't think he'll be yelling much. He might be a little distracted trying to catch and run and all.
HOPE: (surprised) He's playing? Jennifer, are you saying that Jack Deveraux, the man who wouldn't know a touchdown from a homerun is playing this afternoon? (leaning back against the bench and smiling in anticipation) This I've got to see.
SCENE TWO: EXT. BRADY PUB
IN on JACK and BRIAN about to enter the pub. JACK is pulling uncomfortably at the sweatshirt that BRIAN lent him.
JACK: What do you call this fabric anyway?
BRIAN: (annoyed) Jersey, Jack, it's called jersey.
JACK: As in New Jersey? No wonder those Soprano guys have such bad tempers. I mean, if I had to wear this all the time...
VERN: (walking up) Are you still complaining about the sweats?
JACK pulls a face, BRIAN rolls his eyes and all three enter the pub, where a slew of Salem's male population are surrounding a table, drawing up teams.
BO waves them over. BRIAN and VERN start to walk over, JACK instinctively stays behind. VERN notices this and pushes him over.
JOHN: (getting up) Scofield? How long has it been (they hug)?
BRIAN: Too long. How are you? John, isn't it?
JACK: (dryly) Now it is.
BRIAN grimaces and JOHN throws JACK a look.
BO: You guys come down here to play a little football? It is for a good cause, you know.
JOHN: The Isabella Toscano Black Cancer Treatment Center.
JACK: (moved) It's for Isabella? I didn't know.
JOHN claps him on the shoulder to let him know he misses her as well.
BO: Okay, let's get down to business here (making a note on some paper). We have Brady, Shawn, and Philip on our team...(looking around the room). Apparently they're off somewhere being teenagers.
JOHN: (chuckling) Imagine that.
BO: (resuming) John, Abe, Pop, Roman, and I. Vern and Brian and (biting his pen) We're still short one player. Hmmm...
BRIAN: No, you're not. Jack's playing.
All eyes go to JACK, who is now, in his embarrassment, looking down and shuffling his feet.
JOHN: (popping a beer nut into his mouth) Deveraux's playing? This should be interesting.
BO: (throwing JOHN a look to silence him, then proceeding to write) And Jack. (looking to Jack, he smiles).
JACK returns the smile, thinking that BO must really like him to save him like that.
BO: (closing his notebook) Okay, let's eat up and then head to the park. We've got some plays to work on.
The gaggle of men break off and talk amongst themselves. BO walks over to the bar to order. JACK follows.
JACK: I believe a thank you would be in order.
BO: (turning around) Oh, Jack. For what?
JACK: For...well...for what you did back there (nodding towards the booth).
BO: I didn't do anything, Jack.
JACK: Well, okay...for what it's worth then...
BO: (nodding in understanding) For what it's worth...
JACK: (looking around) So...I didn't hear your cousin Colin's name mentioned. Is he not joining us today for the little pigskin soiree?
BO: Oh, he's joining us...on the other team. Didn't Jenn tell you-we're playing the hospital team?
The door opens and COLIN and company walk in. JACK slowly turns around and he and COLIN lock eyes. He is not very happy about the turn of events.
SCENE THREE: EXT. SALEM PLACE
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (laughing) Oh, come on now, Jack may not be the most physically active guy you know, but...
HOPE: But what? Jenn, why do I get the feeling your talking much more than football here?
JENNIFER: Well...(blushing)
HOPE: Oh my God, I don't know why I didn't notice it before...the cheesy perma-grin, the sighing every few moments. You and Jack...you...you spent the night together last night, didn't you?
JENNIFER is embarrassed. She takes a deep sip of her hot chocolate to avoid answering.
HOPE: (knowingly) You did. You and Jack made (drawing it out for effect) hot passionate love last night.
JENNIFER nearly spits out her drink.
JENNIFER: Hope! (looking around to make sure no one heard that)
HOPE: Well, you did, didn't you?
JENNIFER: I can't believe...(lowering her voice) yes, yes we did.
HOPE: (excited) I knew it...I knew it...Jenn, I am so happy for you. How long has it been?
JENNIFER: (sighing) Too long. Hope, I'm not saying that it's fixing things or that it's going to be easy for Jack and me, but...but it was (breathlessly smiling) fantastic.
HOPE: (smiling along with her) A night to remember?
JENNIFER: I'd say.
HOPE: I'm impressed.
JENNIFER: Impressed?
HOPE: By your powers. Your feminine wiles actually coerced Jack into playing football. (getting up and adjusting her purse)
JENNIFER: (joining her) I wouldn't go that far.
HOPE: What other reason would Jack have for playing a game he despises then?
JENNIFER: Oh, he's keeping something from me.
HOPE: You say that so lightly.
JENNIFER: You have to know, Jack, Hope. He's always keeping something from me. (smiling, she walks ahead)
HOPE stands there pondering their relationship for a moment, then joins her.
It is a few hours later. The stands on one side are beginning to fill up as residents of Salem show up to watch the game. JENNIFER, HOPE, GINGER, ABBY, and JO arrive and are making their way to their seats, next to CAROLINE BRADY, who has baby ISAAC and MAGGIE.
ABBY: (pointing) Look, Mommy, there's Daddy!
JENNIFER looks and smiles to JACK, who is trying to stretch along with the other guys.
JENNIFER: Wave to Daddy, honey. (waving herself)
ABBY: (waving) Hi Daddy!
JACK waves back and smiles at his girls.
HOPE: (seeing ISAAC) There's my boy...one of them, at least.
CAROLINE: (handing her the baby) He was so good today. Did you get a lot of shopping done?
HOPE: I got a few things for Bo for Christmas.
MAGGIE: Any idea what you're getting Shawn?
HOPE: No idea. Bo wants to maybe try and get him a car but with the house and all...
MAGGIE: Oh, Mickey may be selling our old one. I'll let you know.
HOPE: (sitting down) That would be great.
JENNIFER sits down and ABBY hops on her lap. JO sits beside her and is talking to GINGER, who spots MAGGIE.
GINGER: Maggie!
MAGGIE: (hopping up) Ginger! I can't believe it. What are you doing here (giving her a brief hug)?
GINGER: Brian and I had Thanksgiving with Jennifer and Jack.
MAGGIE: (to JENNIFER) Speaking of which, we really missed you, but we're glad this one (mussing ABBY'S hair) is feeling better. Hi Jo. (making a little wave) Why don't you two come down here with me and Caroline and we'll get reacquainted?
JO looks touch that they'd include her.
JO: You don't have to pull our arms. (she and GINGER laughingly sit down on the other side with CAROLINE and MAGGIE)
HOPE: (looking onto the field) There's your daddy. And your brother, Shawn (waving ISAAC'S arms). Hmmm... I wonder how good the other team is.
JENNIFER: Who's the other team? (squinting to see who is playing)
HOPE: Oh, I thought you knew. The hospital team is playing. Craig Wesley, a few of the staff...Bo's cousin Colin is heading up the team.
JENNIFER: He is? (face falling as she looks out towards JACK) Oh no.
The camera pans out to the field, where the two teams are now in separate huddles. The hospital team is wearing gray Salem hospital sweatshirts and BO has handed out some green Brady Pub ones for his team. The huddles break and a few of the players mingle. VERN walks over to JACK, who is trying to remember things BO just said. He's pacing and whispering plays to himself.
VERN: You're missing a golden opportunity.
JACK: No, I think I've taken that golden opportunity already, Vern. The golden opportunity to make a fool of myself, that is.
VERN: You'll do fine, Jack. I meant you're missing a golden opportunity Colin-wise. (turning JACK so that he can see that COLIN is all alone by the water cooler)
JACK: You think it's that simple, don't you? I can just saunter up there and tell him that I take back what I said the other day. I'm sorry, I want my wife back.
VERN: I never said anything to the liking. You said it was simple, Jack. I just think that there's no time like the present to get this over with.
JACK: (exhaling) I suppose you're right. Here goes nothing. (starting to walk over to where COLIN is)
VERN: Good luck, Jack.
JACK: (under his breath) I'm going to need it.
COLIN: (seeing JACK) Ah, Jack, I see you've joined us for a little game of what you Americans call football.
JACK: I know it's not rugby, but...whew...Listen, we've got to talk.
COLIN: No, you've got to talk, I've got to listen.
JACK: (fake smiling) Yes. I figured I'd try talking to you about this. I mean, you are a reasonable man, aren't you?
COLIN: That depends.
JACK: (growing increasingly more nervous) Depends? Nevermind. It's about Jennifer.
COLIN: I sort have figured.
JACK: Yes...about what I said the other day.
COLIN: About you telling me to go after her? That the path is clear? I never properly thanked you for that, did I, Jack? (looking into the stands dreamily at JENNIFER)
JACK: (turning and seeing what he's looking at) Yes. (turning back and getting his attention) See, I wasn't really thinking when I said that. I was...(sighing) I changed my mind, I want my wife back.
COLIN: (nodding) No.
JACK: What do you mean, "no?"
COLIN: I mean no, Jack. That is part of the English language, isn't it?
JACK: But...
COLIN: But no Jack. Women like Jennifer don't come along everyday, you know. I'm going to take my chances while I can. (clapping him on the shoulder roughly and heading off to the playing field) See you on the field, buddy.
JACK stands there perplexed and rubbing his shoulder as COLIN hops out to start the game.
JACK: (to himself) What have I gotten myself into?
SCENE 5: PLAYING FIELD
The following action occurs throughout the length of the game and is interspersed with reaction shots from the crowd (JENNIFER, ABBY, HOPE, ET AL.) COLIN is guarding JACK as the first play of the game begins.
COLIN: (lowly, to JACK) You see, Jack, I think I know a few things Jennifer would just love to know.
They break as the play begins (SHAWN SR. is quarterback). JACK keeps his eye on the ball, but a worried ear on what COLIN is saying.
COLIN: (walking back with JACK after the first down) Things about tomb raiding and her father and how her dear old husband kept all of it from her.
As the second play begins, he starts again.
JACK: There's a reason...
COLIN: Will she understand that reason, Jackie-boy? Especially after she finds out just how much danger you put her and little Abby in? Will she understand that you handed her to me on silver platter as if she were a piece of cake you couldn't eat?
The second down is made and they walk back to start again.
COLIN: You see, I am not going to be made a fool of, especially by the likes of you. You are nothing to Jennifer. It's just a matter of time till she finds that out.
JACK is infuriated, but also frightened that COLIN knows so much. As the third down begins and throughout the rest of the game, COLIN begins to get violent, elbowing JACK and shouldering him on "touch" plays. In the crowd, JENNIFER notices something is wrong. JACK, however, is silent, playing with all his might and not fighting back. He doesn't want to lose JENNIFER and does not plan on giving up.
SCENE SIX: PLAYING FIELD
IN on the scoreboard which reads 24-21. It is the last play of the game and the Brady Pub team is losing. They are huddling for a last minute shot at victory. When they break, JACK looks over to COLIN, who is eyeing him with vengeance. They line up for the play.
COLIN: I see you're getting quite good at losing, Jack. Losing Jennifer should be no problem for you then. It is all a game to you, isn't it?
JACK doesn't say anything but when they break he groans in anger and makes his way to the end zone. To his surprise, SHAWN SR. throws the ball to him and he catches it. COLIN, unhappy about the turn of events, shoulders him in the chin and the eye. In slow motion, JACK goes down, unconscious but still holding onto the ball. His lip is bleeding. In the crowd, JENNIFER'S joy of him catching the winning ball slowly turns to horror as she screams his name and runs onto the field.
COLIN: (leaning over JACK and feigning concern. Lowly) That's what you get, Jack. (playfully squeezing his face). You need to learn to play games that you can win, chum. You really do. (smiling when he sees JENNIFER) Jennifer...
JENNIFER rushes past him and falls to the ground beside JACK.
JENNIFER: Jack? Jack? (crying) Come on, Jack? (shaking him) Come on, Jack. You won. You won the game. (when he doesn't respond, she turns to COLIN, whom a whole crowd has amassed around) What the hell did you do to him?
OUT on COLIN, looking nervous and flashing a fake smile.
EPISODE 63
SCENE ONE: INT. DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM
The scene opens to an empty living room, lights off. A key turns in the lock and then a light switch flicks on as JACK and JENNIFER walk in. JACK is limping and JENNIFER is helping him along. He is sporting one hell of a shiner and a busted lip.
JACK: (tentatively stepping forward) Ow..ow...ow.
JENNIFER: (propping him up against the staircase) Hold on, Jack. (walks over quickly to throw her purse and keys down on the desk then returns to him, smiling) I'm back.
JACK: (dryly) I see that.
JENNIFER: I'm surprised you can see anything (touching his eye as he winces), that's one heck of a shiner, Jack.
JACK: (sighing) It feels like it. (looking around frantic) Abigail? Where's Abigail? Dear God, Jennifer, we forgot the child.
JENNIFER: (laughing and pulling him over to the couch) No, we didn't forget her. She's with your mom and Vern. (checking to see if this jogs his memory) After you came to, I thought it would be a good idea if she went over to the Pub for your victory party. (smiling) One of us had to go. (sitting him down and instinctively brushing his hair out of his eyes) You don't remember any of that, do you?
JACK: (dreamily) We won?
JENNIFER: (grinning widely) You won, Jack. You caught the winning ball.
JACK: (grinning) I did?
JENNIFER: (nodding) You did. (moving to get the phone) Maybe I should call Dr. Wesley and see if we should bring you down. I think you may have a concussion.
JACK grabs her hand and gently pulls her back to the couch. He continues to hold her hand and stroke it while speaking.
JACK: No, I'm...I'm fine. In fact, it's all coming back to me now. I remember the ball coming to me and reaching up and then a...freight train...
JENNIFER: (concerned) A freight train named Colin Murphy.
JACK: (all coming back to him) Yes...the Colin Murphy Express plowing right into me. It was birds and stars from then on.
JENNIFER: (nodding in understanding) I'm glad you're okay, Jack.
JACK: (touched) I am too...glad that I'm okay and that you're okay now that I'm okay.
JENNIFER: (meeting his eyes and nodding, then chuckling) I know what you mean. (getting up and walking towards the kitchen)
JACK: Hey, where are you going?
JENNIFER: To get something to put on that war injury you have there. I'll be right back. (pausing) Oh Jack, you should have seen Abby's face after you got up. She was so proud of her father.
JACK: (smiling) I'm sure she was.
JENNIFER meets his look and then exits to the kitchen.
JACK: (dreamily) Proud of her father. She was proud of her father...(face dropping, realizing that someone else was once proud of her father as well)
Segue into flashback:
AFRICA-ALMOST 2 YEARS EARLIER
It is the middle of the night and JACK is walking through the brush to a campfire where someone is waiting. He is wearing khakis and a leather jacket and he has stubble on his face. When he reaches the campfire, the man turns around. It is BILL, JENNIFER'S father.
BILL: (nervously smiling) Jack, I'm glad you could make it.
JACK is wary of his motives and doesn't return the smile or the sentiment. BILL could see that he isn't getting anywhere, so he continues.
BILL: Where are Jenn and Abby?
JACK: (sitting down on a log by the fire and warming his hands) Where do you think they are? They are where all good people should be at this hour-in bed, where I should be right now.
BILL: (proceeding with caution) Right. (pacing in his apprehension) Jack, about the-they don't know right?
JACK: (flashing him an incredulous look) Of course they don't. Jennifer would never-Look, you called me here for a reason.
BILL: I just wanted to make sure that...that no one knows. I couldn't bear the thought of my little girl knowing--
JACK: (getting up, raising his voice inadvertently) And what about my little girl, huh? What about the fact that I have to keep lying to Jennifer every single time this happens, that my track record with her isn't good as it is, that I can tell that...that she's losing faith? I don't need that. (lowering his voice) I don't need this, Bill.
BILL: Jack, you have to understand that Jennifer...Jennifer's always been proud of her daddy. I can't..I can't bear the thought of disappointing her and the rest of the family.
JACK: So I can disappoint her all I want because she's used to it?
BILL: I'm not saying that...I'm saying...
JACK: (waving to stop him) I don't care what you're saying. Now, would you kindly tell me what you called me out here for?
BILL: (pausing for awhile, making JACK very nervous) I...(scratching the back of his neck) I have a problem...(JACK scoffs loudly)...He wants one more...I told him this would be it.
JACK: You told him that months ago.
BILL: I know. I know this is it though, Jack. I can feel it. He'll let me go and that will be the end.
JACK: You can understand why I have a hard time believing you, can't you?
BILL: Jack, I...I can't do this without you. I need your help.
JACK: Frankly, Bill, I don't know if I can.
BILL: You mean, you don't know if I want to.
JACK: Can you blame me? After all I just said...
BILL: I know, I know. Just one more, Jack. One more.
JACK: (shaking his head in disbelief) One more? You promise?
BILL: (tapping his chest) With all my heart. (extending his hand) And if we could keep it to ourselves again...for Jennifer?
JACK: (reluctantly agreeing and taking his hand) For Jennifer.
BILL nods and then walks away, promising this will be "it". JACK is left standing in the cold.
JACK: (to himself) For Jennifer.
Back to present day:
JACK: (dreamily recalling why he did the things he did) For Jennifer...
JENNIFER: (walking in with a bag of frozen vegetables in her hand) What's for Jennifer?
OUT on JACK, trying to come up an excuse.
SCENE TWO: INT. DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (playing dumb) For Jennifer?
JENNIFER: (giggling and sitting down beside him) Yeah, you said "for Jennifer".
JACK: I did?
JENNIFER: You did? Just how hard did Colin hit you anyway?
JACK: (lying) Oh, you're talking about "for Jennifer" I was..why, I was (spotting the desk calendar and reading December) just thinking about what I should get you for Christmas.
JENNIFER: I don't need anything, Jack, I have everything I could ever want right here.
JACK: (noticing what's in her hand) Including vegetables. Jennifer, don't you think those are a tad undercooked?
JENNIFER: We're not going to eat them, Jack. We're going to put them on your eye.
JACK: On my eye? Oh yes, the aforementioned shiner. Pity I miss my own victory party, though.
JENNIFER: (gently brushing the hair out of his eye again and putting the vegetables on it) There...how does that feel?
JACK: It feels...it feels cold.
JENNIFER: (laughing) That's what it's supposed to feel like. (touching his cut on his lip) I should go get some alcohol for that, too. I'll be right back (getting up). You just hold that right there. (she runs up the stairs)
JACK: (holding the veggies to his eye) Well, this is fun. (getting up and walking to the mirror by the wall entering the foyer) Let me take a look at this anyway. (taking off the veggies and looking at the eye and wincing) Real attractive there, Jack...real attractive. This should help you on the job circuit. Hey...(trying something. Putting his hand over his one eye) Now I feel like...(doing his best STEVE voice) Hey, baby. Come here sweetness. Billy Jack, we've got to boogie.
JENNIFER has witnessed this whole "exchange" from the staircase where she is standing with the first aid kit.
JENNIFER: Jack, what are you doing?
JACK: I'm...(embarrassed)...I'm...nevermind (putting the veggies back on his eye). You have the alcohol?
JENNIFER: (joining him in the living room) Right here (waving the first aid kit).
JACK: Good. (sitting down)
JENNIFER: Now let nurse Jennifer take care of you (dabbing some alcohol on a cotton ball).
JACK: Well, when you put it like that...
They both giggle as JENNIFER nurses his lip. OUT on the two of them trying to be serious.
SCENE THREE: INT. DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM
JENNIFER has just finished nursing JACK'S cut lip. She is admiring her handiwork.
JENNIFER: All done. That wasn't so bad, was it?
JACK: No, it wasn't. Your nursing skills have gotten better with age.
JENNIFER: (mock shock) I don't know whether I should be offended by that or not.
JACK: (caressing her hand) Don't be.
JENNIFER: (briefly looking at her hand and then at him) I really am glad you are okay, Jack.
JACK: (meeting her eyes) I know. I'm sorry for giving you such a scare back there, too.
JENNIFER: (sighing) It was the most violent game of touch football I've ever seen, I'll tell you that. I wonder whatever possessed him to act that way.
JACK: (recalling COLIN'S warnings about telling JENNIFER about the tomb raiding, etc.) I don't know. I'm just glad that it's over.
JENNIFER: I am too.
JACK: (sighing) Jennifer, I know I don't tell you this often, but...
JENNIFER: I know, Jack.
JACK: No, you don't. I love you. (moving his hand to brush her hair and touch her face) I've loved you from the second you walked into my office. You have to know that.
JENNIFER: (laying her hand over his and caressing it) I love you, too, Jack.
JACK: Just promise me that no matter what happens, you'll never forget that. Everything I do is for you and for Abigail. You are my life.
JENNIFER: (knowing he means something, but beyond moved) You're my life, too, Jack. You always have been. (she leans in to kiss him)
They begin to kiss but their lips are not exactly meeting up all the way because of the vegetables he still is holding to his eye. She laughs and mutters that "He is right. They are cold." He removes them and they melt into the couch, kissing.
SCENE FIVE: INT. DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM
IN on JACK and JENNIFER, kissing heavily. The front door swings open and they hear GINGER, BRIAN, and ABBY come in. They both shoot up and try to arrange themselves presentably.
BRIAN: Jack? Jennifer? (they enter the living room) Oh, there you are.
JENNIFER: (smiling to JACK slyly) Hi Brian.
BRIAN: (doing a double take) Oh, I hope you don't mind, but Dad and Jo were having such a great time, we left them there and brought Abby home. We've got to get up early to hit the road anyway.
JENNIFER: That's great. (looking around for ABBY) Where is she?
BRIAN: Well, she's...oh, what the heck...hit it girls.
ABBY and GINGER begin singing and walk in. ABBY is holding a big trophy with a football on the top of it. BRIAN joins in.
GROUP: For he's a jolly good daddy, for he's a jolly good daddy, for he's a jolly good daddy, which nobody can deny.
ABBY: (handing an embarrassed JACK the trophy) It's for you, Daddy. Uncle Bo said it went to the most valu...valu...
JENNIFER: Valuable.
ABBY: Valuable player.
JACK: (reading his name) Look at that.
ABBY: And they spelled it right, too.
JACK: They sure did.
GINGER: I didn't think you had it in, you, Jack, but you kicked some major a-(seeing ABBY)-butt.
BRIAN: We're all proud of you, Jack.
JENNIFER: (noticing the mud all over ABBY'S outfit) We're so proud that we're gonna go right upstairs and take a bath right away so that we can hug you properly.
BRIAN: Sorry, Jennifer, she and Sami Brady's little boy...
JENNIFER: (scooting ABBY to the stairs and laughing) I know-mudpies. They're an Abby and Will favorite.
GINGER: I'm going to go up with you too, Jennifer. I have a ton of packing to do.
JENNIFER: (to Jack) We'll be right back, MVP.
The three women exit, leaving JACK and BRIAN alone. After a few moments of silence spent watching JACK admire his name, BRIAN speaks.
BRIAN: She really was proud of you, Jack. She was running around telling everyone her daddy won the game.
JACK: A child's pride for her father. It seems to be a recurring theme today.
BRIAN: (lost) What?
JACK: Nothing. Nothing.
BRIAN: (sitting down on the sofa chair) I sure do miss Salem.
JACK: I missed it much myself when we were gone.
BRIAN: There's nothing like home.
JACK: Nope, nothing like it.
BRIAN: (beat) Jack, can I ask you a question?
JACK: I don't see why not. Usually I'm the one asking the questions, but a role reversal is nice.
BRIAN: Okay. What was up with that Colin guy? Why does he have it so bad for you?
JACK: Long story. Briefly, he loves Jennifer.
BRIAN: Oh.
JACK: No worry, though. We're going to try and.... It doesn't help that he now calls our stomping grounds home, though.
BRIAN: No, it doesn't. Have you talked to my dad about this?
JACK: Now, that's more than one question.
BRIAN: Sorry, but I think you should.
JACK: Why should I, Detective Scofield?
BRIAN: Oh, nevermind (going to get up).
JACK: Pray tell. Why should I talk to your father about these matters and who is to say that I haven't already?
BRIAN: (sitting back down) Alright. Jack remember how you said something earlier...the blurb about a child being proud of his father?
JACK: I said her, but go on.
BRIAN: Well, it works both ways. I've seen Dad look at Tanner with great pride, I've felt it with him ever since I was a little kid...whether it be the first time I learned how to spell my name or when I made the police force. Dads are immensely proud of their children, Jack, you know that.
JACK: Through Abigail, not through my two father figures, I assure you.
BRIAN: That's what I'm getting at, Jack. I see Dad look at you with the same pride...when you married Jennifer, whenever he'd get word from you or a picture of Abby. You're like a son to him, Jack.
JACK: I wouldn't go that far.
BRIAN: I would. He loves you like his own and he'll tell you like it is like his own. That's why I think you should keep him informed. Keep him in the know, okay? (getting up and stretching) I should really be heading up to take a nap. Football and then partying did a number on me. Think about what I said, huh?
JACK: (touched) I...I shall.
BRIAN goes to head up the stairs and JACK gets up and picks up the veggies, now melting on the couch. BRIAN watches him from the stairs.
BRIAN: Oh Jack?
JACK: Yes?
BRIAN: For what it's worth, I like having you as a brother. You keep things interesting.
JACK: (finding it odd but moving) Thank you. I like having you as a figurative brother as well.
BRIAN: You know what brothers do, don't you, Jack? They look out for each other. If you ever need anything...just know I'll be there.
JACK nods and BRIAN nods as well, heading up the stairs. Smiling to himself, he picks up the veggies and places them over his eye, imitating STEVE again and looking in the mirror.
JACK: (somberly, as if remembering) I know what brothers do, Brian, I know all too well. (he smiles painfully into the mirror and then quietly turns around and heads to the kitchen).
EPISODE 64
About a week later. Jack and Jennifer have been on the up and up, spending countless nights together, sharing friendly banter, but have rarely been seen outside the Deveraux home.
SCENE ONE: EXT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM-MORNING
VERN is leaning against the wall, waiting for JACK to get up. He looks very annoyed. JACK exits JENNIFER'S bedroom in his pajamas with a rather wide smile on his face. As he shuts the door, VERN speaks, causing JACK to hop a little in surprise.
VERN: (dryly) Morning glory.
JACK: (throwing him a look) Do you always linger outside bedrooms in the morn?
VERN: (nodding to the door) I take it things between you and Jennifer are going well?
JACK: (quickly glancing at the door and smiling) Couldn't be better. (walking past him) Now, if you'll excuse me. (entering his bedroom as VERN squeezes in the shutting door behind him).
VERN: Oh no you don't. Do you know what this is (holding up a mini cassette)?
JACK: All those years in media and you don't know what that is? (grabbing the tape from him and shoving it in his robe pocket)
VERN: It's your answering machine tape, Jack.
JACK: (giving him a look as if he's crazy) Wh-
VERN: It's your answering machine tape full of not so nice messages from one Dr. Colin Murphy.
JACK: (sitting down on the bed with a defeated look on his face) He was serious about it.
VERN: As serious as the notes I keep tearing off your car, the messages I keep intercepting. What's the deal, Jack?
JACK: (playing dumb) The deal. Frankly, Vernon, I don't know what you're talking about. (getting up and rummaging through his drawers in haste)
VERN: Oh don't play dumb with me, Jack. Something is going on and I know it. This, this whole thing has got to stop.
JACK: Thing?
VERN: You and Jennifer holing up here. You can't keep her here all the time you know. Jo and I can't take Abby to school everyday. You have to get a job sometime. Do you plan on never leaving this house ever again?
JACK: Well, it does have a nice décor.
VERN: (throwing his hands up in exasperation) When are you ever going to learn? (calming down) Listen, Jack, I'm willing to, and God help me for saying this, help you, but I can't help you if I don't know what you're running from. Please, please, tell me what's going on. What does Colin Murphy have on you that's gotten you so scared?
OUT on JACK, wondering just how to answer. He wants to tell him but doesn't know if he can.
SCENE TWO: INT. JACK'S BEDROOM
IN PROGRESS
JACK: I'm not scared.
VERN: You're not exactly being courageous though, are you?
JACK: What do you want me to do exactly? Walk straight into the fire? Play his game?
VERN: I remember a Jack Deveraux who lived in the fire.
JACK: You didn't like that Jack Deveraux.
VERN: Well, no, I didn't, but the stakes were different then. I know what or rather who the stakes are now.
JACK: (sitting down on the edge of the bed) You're right. I know you are.
VERN: (grasping his heart) Be still my heart.
JACK: (dryly) Very funny. What if...what if I told you that this wasn't all about me per se, that it's about someone much more...more important to Jennifer than I am?
VERN: (concerned) Is this about Abby? (incensed. Punching into his hand) Why I'll kill the bast-
JACK: Calm down there, Rocky, it's not about the child.
VERN: (calming down) If it's not about Abby and it's not about you...(sitting down on the bed beside JACK) Jack, I honestly don't know who Jennifer would...Oh my God, (jumping up at his lightbulb moment) this is about Bill and that little trollop.
JACK: They don't call you an investigative reporter for anything, do they?
VERN: (pulling a face) I don't get it, though. What's the big idea about Bill Horton bedding some young lass? I mean, it's not as if he and Laura are married or together for that matter. She's still in the home in Chicago, isn't she?
JACK: She almost had a brief period of clarity due to some new drugs but...to answer your question, she's still there.
VERN: And he's had relations before with other women? That's it, I'm lost. (sitting down on the bed again in defeat)
JACK: (sighing. Heeding Brian's advice, he decides to come clean) No fear, I was as well. (getting up and opening his closet and looking for something) Let's just say that the good, kind, honorable Dr. Bill Horton isn't what he's cracked up to be. I mean he's good and kind but honorable...
VERN: (in disbelief) So, you're telling me that Bill Horton was involved in some shady activities?
JACK: The shadiest (handing VERN an envelope from the top of his closet)
VERN: What's this?
JACK: A package from the ISA. My book.
VERN: (surprised) Your book?
JACK: About the whole experience. I guess my writer's block had been lifted. It just took a whole lot of danger to break it.
VERN: (flipping through the pages) I don't...Jack, this is about tombraiding...Are you saying that Bill Horton was a tombraider?
OUT on JACK, giving VERN a look that answers his question.
SCENE THREE: INT. JACK'S BEDROOM
JACK: Not only is he a tombraider but he's also a gambler. A bad one at that. He could have learned a thing about blackjack from Jennifer, I tell you.
VERN: You say "is"...
JACK: Is...was...I don't know now...and I don't care. Why do you think I cared so much when Elizabeth, Colin's fiancée, showed up? That was the very last time I spoke to Bill Horton.
VERN: And you're sure Jennifer doesn't know? According to Jo, Jennifer hasn't mentioned her father's name in months.
JACK: And she hasn't opened his letters, either. She knows something is up. To what extent, she has no idea.
VERN: I don't know, Jack (reading on), this looks like some pretty heavy stuff. (looking up at him) You kept all of this from Jennifer?
JACK: Every last word. She could never live with herself knowing that all the money her dad ever gave her was-
VERN: Was dirty.
JACK: (nodding) Exactly.
VERN: (taking out his glasses and putting them on to read some more) So, how did you get roped into this?
JACK: Accidentally. I followed Bill one night to see why he was acting so strangely. One thing led to another and...Apparently he'd been going it alone for so long that he needed someone to talk to.
VERN: And help him. Jack, you didn't--?
JACK: Me? (making a face) Never! That stuff scares the bejesus out of me. I merely went along to bail him out of trouble. There's nothing worse than a lying father...unless it's a dead, lying father, that is.
VERN: Was he working for someone?
JACK: Who wasn't he working for? He had several financiers, one of them being this bigwig over in Pretoria.
VERN: Elizabeth's father?
JACK: Yes. And by some miraculous leap of faith that only happens in soap operas, my ex-wife, love of my life's father's lover meets, falls in love with, and is to marry my ex-wife, love of my life's wannabe lover.
VERN: Sadly, I understood that. So, you think Elizabeth told Colin all this?
JACK: I don't see any other way he could've found out. Bill kept his nose clean for the most part. What he couldn't do, I swept under the rug.
VERN: So now, in between (nodding to JACK'S face, which is still faintly bruised) giving you shiners and fat lips, he's threatening to tell Jennifer all of this unless you step aside?
JACK: Once again, you're on the money, Mr. Scofield. We should get you a prize.
VERN: (mulling it all over) Hmmmm...
JACK: Hmmm? Hmmm as in "very interesting" or hmmm as in, "I wonder what our next step is"?
VERN: I think you should t-
JACK: (folding his arms) I am not telling Jennifer. I have my reasons. Surely (flashing him an empathetic look) you understand why I won't do that.
VERN: Would you let me finish? (JACK nods to let him proceed) I was saying, I think you should go down and talk to Dr. Murphy, Jack.
JACK: Hello? (pointing to his eye) Need I remind you that the last time I tried that I wound up with this beauty?
VERN: (getting up and standing his ground) You also basically pleaded with him, Jack. Now the Jack Deveraux I once knew would never let anyone outsmart him. (pushing him to look at himself in the mirror) So, you're going to get showered, get dressed, and then you and I are going to drive down to the hospital or wherever it is that leprechaun is living and you are going to tell him that you aren't scared of him.
JACK: But I am.
VERN: No, you aren't. (exasperated) Jack, do you love Jennifer?
JACK: What kind of a question is that? Of course, I do.
VERN: Good, then I know you'll have no problem fighting for her.
JACK: Who said anything about fighting?
VERN: I did, Jack...because if you want to keep her, you're going to have to...you're going to have to fight like you've never fought before. (walking out after flashing him a look of warning).
OUT on JACK, wondering if he's up to the fight.
SCENE THREE: INT. DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM
IN on JENNIFER, putting on her coat. JACK is leisurely walking down the stairs in his best suit. Upon seeing her, however, he rushes down to greet her.
JACK: Where are...where are you going?
JENNIFER: (laughing) To the hospital, Jack.
JACK: What are you going there for?
JENNIFER: I have an appointment with Marlena, Jack, I told you about it this morning.
JACK: Why do you have to see her?
JENNIFER: Jack, you know why. We have a lot of things to discuss. I have a lot of things to discuss. Now, give me a kiss, I'm going to be late (she leans in for a kiss)
JACK: (not wanting to let her go) Kiss? Jennifer, I, (leading her to the couch) I was hoping you could stay in today. You could (sitting her down and joining her) talk to me.
JENNIFER: (smiling) Jack, I don't think that will help much.
JACK: Why? I'm a good listener.
JENNIFER: You're an awful listener. Besides, Jack, my family is probably starting to wonder where I am. I haven't seen them in a week or so.
JACK: (leaning in and nuzzling her neck to preoccupy her) I wonder why that is.
JENNIFER: (pushing him away and laughing) Jack, come on now, there's time for that later. I really should be going.
JACK: (sighing in defeat) Okay. You're going straight to Dr. Evans' office and then coming back?
JENNIFER: (walking to the door and throwing him a strange look) Yes. Why?
JACK: No reason...no reason at all.
JENNIFER: (reluctantly buying it) Alright, (picking up her purse and keys), I'll be back in a little while. I love you.
JACK: (now standing and smiling weakly) I l...you know.
JENNIFER: (smiling) I know (she exits wistfully).
JACK: (angry that COLIN may intercept her and tell her everything) Dammit!
VERN and JO walk in from the kitchen to see his outburst.
VERN: Jack, what's going on?
JACK: Jennifer...Jennifer just left to go to the hospital.
JO: To see Colin?
JACK: No...Marlena. I'm doomed, I tell you. That smarmy little Irishman is just bound to run into her and...
VERN: (grabbing his coat from the foyer) The hell he is.
JACK: What are you doin'-
VERN: I'm doing what I said I would, Jack. I'm helping you. Jo, can you stay here and make sure Mr. Irish Spring doesn't show up? (JO nods) Jack, come on, we've got a little fire to walk through.
JACK looks at him in disbelief over his actions. After a moment, he nods and they exit to go see COLIN.
EPISODE 65
SCENE ONE: EXT. MARLENA'S OFFICE/HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN on JENNIFER, bending over a water fountain, taking a drink. As she stands up and wipes her mouth, COLIN walks down the hall, reading his charts and runs smack into her.
COLIN: (smiling) Jennifer? We've got to stop meeting like this.
JENNIFER: (brushing herself off) Yeah, we do. (remembering his hurting JACK the other week) I'm sorry, I'm running late. (reaching for the doorknob to MARLENA'S office, only to be stopped by COLIN'S hand over hers) Colin, what's--?
COLIN: No, I'm not letting you go in there. Not until you hear what I have to say.
JENNIFER looks at him curiously just as JACK and VERN round the corner. Upon seeing them, they hide behind the wall.
JACK: (LOWERING HIS VOICE) What did I tell you, Vern? I'm doomed. Paradise lost.
VERN throws him a look to "shut-up" and peeks around the corner.
JACK: What do you see?
VERN: (WHISPERING AS WELL) Not much...mostly staring...Jennifer does not look happy.
JACK: It's over, Vern...completely and utterly over.
VERN: Wait, I think she's about to speak.
OUT on JACK, moving in close so that he can maybe hear.
SCENE TWO: EXT. MARLENA'S OFFICE/HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (brushing his hand off hers roughly) I think we talked enough the other day.
COLIN: Come on now, you still don't think I hurt Jack on purpose, do you?
JENNIFER: (angry) It doesn't matter what I think, it's what I know. I know that I don't associate with people who use their fists to settle wars.
COLIN: It's like I said, love, it was all fair. I just got a little too rough, that's all.
JENNIFER: A little, Colin? A little would be accidentally stepping on someone's toes, not knocking him out cold.
COLIN: (pausing and reading her face) You really think that he's the one, don't you? The one who will open up doors for you, the one who will save you if need be, the one who will always be there for you. Jennifer, you know better than that. He's let you down time and time again. He's only bound to do it again.
JENNIFER: Maybe you're right.
COLIN starts to smile, thinking she's seeing the light. Behind the wall, JACK winces in pain.
JENNIFER: Maybe Jack has let me down before, but he's not going to again. Ask me how I know that. Ask me. (when he doesn't answer, she proceeds) It's because I know Jack, Colin. I know him better than you or anybody else ever will. But you're right, Jack would never open doors up for me. Instead, he'd push me to walk through them myself. He'd never run in and save the day, he'd push me to do it myself.
VERN smiles to JACK, who breathes a sigh of relief.
COLIN: And what about being there for you?
JENNIFER pauses, thinking back to all the times JACK wasn't there.
From behind the corner, JACK pleads with her.
JACK: (under his breath) Come on Jennifer. Come on.
COLIN: (taking her pause for an answer) Exactly.
JENNIFER: (a bit shaken, she adjusts her purse strap) I...I really should be going.
Behind the corner, JACK'S face falls, knowing that his years have disappointing her have shaped her answer.
COLIN: (softening) Jennifer, I never meant to hurt you. I just want you to know what you're getting into. I'm your (smiling) good friend Colin, remember?
JENNIFER: (sighing) Colin, if you really want to be my friend, you have to stop this. You and I, we're...Listen, I wish you all the happiness in the world--
COLIN: As do I you, even if I believe you are making a huge mis-
JENNIFER: (defiantly) Enough, Colin. I have to go.
COLIN: As do I (thumping his clipboard). (as she opens the door to MARLENA'S office) Oh Jennifer, have you spoken to your father lately?
Behind the wall, JACK'S face goes completely white.
JENNIFER: (curiosity piqued) No. Why?
COLIN: Oh, no reason at all. I was just wondering about the chap, that's all. G'day. (he exits into the open elevator)
OUT on JENNIFER, standing there, wondering what that was all about.
SCENE THREE: HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN on JACK, pacing and breathing heavily. He looks up to the ceiling as if pleading with someone. VERN tries his best to calm him down but grows increasingly more angry as he does.
JACK: What the hell? (rubbing his face in frustration) Oh, I could just hit something right now.
VERN: So could I. I think a nice Irish punching bag would be good right now. The nerve of that guy!
JACK: The nerve is right. We've got to do something.
VERN: That's why we're here. (looking around) Where did the little (mumbles) go?
JACK: (spotting COLIN at the nurses' station) I think I figured that one out there, chief. (nodding to the station)
VERN: (enraged) Let's tear him apart...
JACK gives him an odd look and proceeds to walk over to the Nurses' Station, calmly. COLIN'S back is to him as he is filling out charts. For some reason, JACK is channeling the JACK of yore: he is calm, level, and firm. COLIN is surprised by this.
JACK: (dripping with sarcasm) Why, if it isn't Doctor Colin Murphy.
COLIN: (looking up) Why, if it isn't Jack Deveraux (turning to face him and seeing VERN) and company. Dare I ask what brings you to my humble workplace?
JACK: Dare I ask what the hell you were up to back there with Jennifer? Somebody seems to have a set of the loose lips. Perhaps we should find someone to fix that. Surely we could find a doctor around here somewhere.
COLIN is uncomfortable being in earshot of the nurses. JACK senses this. They walk a few steps away from the station so that the nurses' cannot hear them. VERN remains where he is, sneaking peeks at JACK and COLIN and smiling nervously to the nurses, who know something is up.
COLIN: Spying now, Jack? Interesting career choice.
JACK: Not as interesting as yours, though-Doctor by day, henchman by night? Tell me, are you a professional tap dancer on the weekends? I can see it now. (waving hands wildly) Doctor Colin Murphy sings and dances his heart out in a wonderful production entitled, "I'm from England, I'm from Ireland, I'm from Australia". (making jazz hands, evoking strange looks from VERN, COLIN, and the entire nursing staff)
COLIN: (chuckling) Quite the entertainer, you are. (trying to walk by) Now, if you'll allow me to get back to work.
JACK: (stepping in front of him) No.
COLIN: What was that?
JACK: That was the word "no". You do know what that word means, don't you? I mean, you so efficiently used it on me the other day, I just figured...
COLIN: (looking around to make sure no one is watching and stepping closer to him) Are you threatening me, Jack?
JACK: (holding his ground) Do you feel threatened?
COLIN: (beat) I don't have time for this. (starts to walk off and JACK grabs his arm)
JACK: Then make time. Unless, of course, you want all the pretty little nurses (nodding and flashing a fake smile to them) to know all about our little talk.
COLIN: (brushing his hand off his arm and looking around to make sure no one was watching) Five minutes.
JACK: Ten.
JACK gives VERN a look and then walks to the Nurses' Lounge, where he opens the door for COLIN.
JACK: (waving them inside) After you, kind sir.
COLIN enters. After JACK enters, the door shuts as the nurses' look around wondering what that was all about. VERN smiles trying to cover.
SCENE FOUR: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
JENNIFER is settling into her chair in MARLENA'S office. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, she picks up a photo on MARLENA'S desk. As she is admiring it, MARLENA walks in.
MARLENA: (shutting the door behind her) Long time, no see.
JENNIFER: (jumping a little) Oh, I'm sorry, Marlena. I was just looking at this picture of Belle. She's grown into such a beautiful young woman.
MARLENA: (gazing at the picture lovingly) She has, hasn't she? It's amazing. It seems like just the other day she was a little girl.
JENNIFER: (setting the picture down as MARLENA settles into her seat) They do grow up fast, don't they?
MARLENA: Too fast. (beat) So, I assume things are going well for you and Jack.
JENNIFER: Why would you say that?
MARLENA: Well, it's been ages since I've seen you, as a therapist, that is. The last time you were here we talked about some pretty heavy stuff.
JENNIFER: The miscarriage (fiddling with her purse), yeah.
MARLENA: Jennifer, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable.
JENNIFER: It's not...it's not that..it's...Marlena, Jack and I have been really happy the last couple of weeks.
MARLENA: (smiling warmly) I can tell.
JENNIFER: (returning her warm smile) It's just that it hasn't been this good in such a long time that...
MARLENA: That you don't want to talk about such a bad thing for fear of ruining it all.
JENNIFER: Am I crazy for thinking that?
MARLENA: No. It's only natural for us to want to forget the bad and live only in the good.
JENNIFER: But it's not healthy, is it?
MARLENA: What do you think? (beat, making notes) Jennifer, what do you think of when you go to bed at night?
JENNIFER gets up and goes to fix herself some coffee. She pauses a long time before speaking.
JENNIFER: That's a silly question.
MARLENA: Is it?
JENNIFER: I don't know...I don't know what I think of before I got to sleep...I guess how happy I am now with Jack and Abby and...it's like we were when we were first married. We're silly, we play games...
MARLENA: But?
JENNIFER: (growing quiet) But...but then there are times when this aching feeling gets the best of me. I mean, I know people are capable of changing, I know that Jack can, but I always get this sinking feeling that things will go back to the way they used to be. That as soon as everything hits the fan, he'll close back up, and we'll be back to square one. Does that make any sense?
MARLENA: It makes perfect sense. You fear the unknown because you've been there and done that. It's not unknown to you anymore.
JENNIFER: Yeah. It's like I'm not giving him a chance because no matter what I do, my mind keeps thinking back to all those times he let me down.
MARLENA: Have you ever thought that you're not giving yourself a chance, Jennifer?
JENNIFER: (lost) I'm sorry, I don't understand.
MARLENA: Are you guarding yourself from getting too close or allowing yourself to fall completely in love with him again because you fear not losing him but losing yourself?
OUT on JENNIFER, pondering the question at hand.
SCENE FIVE: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN on JENNIFER, absentmindedly stirring the coffee and trying to come up with an answer to MARLENA'S question.
MARLENA: Jennifer?
JENNIFER: (turning towards her) I'm sorry...just...just thinking.
MARLENA: (getting up to fix herself some coffee as well) Do you like yourself, Jennifer?
JENNIFER: What kind of a question is that? Of course I do.
MARLENA: Did you like yourself at all when you were in Ireland?
JENNIFER: Well...well, no. I was so confused. I still am. I lost this wonderful thing, two wonderful things, and Marlena, I know that losing the baby was not my fault.
MARLENA: (smiling) Good. Did Jack tell you that?
JENNIFER: Yes, but...(sitting back down as MARLENA makes her way to the desk)
MARLENA: You need to blame somebody. And if it can't be you, it has to be Jack.
JENNIFER: (tearing up) That's awful, I know...
MARLENA: Jennifer, let me tell you something, not as a therapist, but as a friend. I've known you for a long time, remember? (JENNIFER smiles and nods) And when I came back to town, you were already married. I didn't know what to think of this Jack Deveraux at all. Nobody did, but it wasn't my place or anybody else's. You loved him, Jennifer. You saw past everything. And it was easier then, wasn't it? You didn't have much background to go on with each other, just hope. Now that he's disappointed you, that's all you think of. You are so afraid of getting hurt again, of feeling lost, of being numbed by not just his actions, but your actions as well. You don't trust yourself. Jennifer, it's never going to be the same again (JENNIFER'S face falls), but it is going to be better...if you want it to be. It's going to take a lot of work and there's going to be some rough patches...
JENNIFER: I don't know if I can do it, Marlena. I wish we could just go on like we were right now.
MARLENA: And forget all that's happened? You can't. It would be detrimental to your relationship, Jennifer. You need to talk. You need to be open and honest now more than ever.
JENNIFER: (incredulous) Jack would rather eat glass first.
MARLENA: I didn't say Jack, I said you, Jennifer. Talk to him, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for him. All he has to do is listen.
JENNIFER: I don't know if I can...
MARLENA: You did it once before, didn't you?
JENNIFER: I did, but...
MARLENA: Jennifer, tell me this. Could you spend the rest of your life being as happy as you are right now? Could you spend it never talking about what went wrong, avoiding it like the plague, in hopes that it will never come back? Can you?
OUT on JENNIFER, seriously mulling over MARLENA'S question.
SCENE SIX: INT. NURSES' LOUNGE
IN on COLIN, watching JACK pour himself some coffee.
COLIN: (looking around the room) Did you do something different with the place since the last time we were here?
JACK: (waiting for him to finish) Are you quite finished?
COLIN: What's this about, Jack (settling into a chair)?
JACK: (pacing, very sure of himself) I'm fairly sure you know.
COLIN: Are we talking about the fact that I'm going to blow the whistle on you and Bill Horton's excursions or the shiner I put on your face?
JACK stops, narrows his eyes at him and proceeds.
JACK: Cutting to the chase, are we? No fear, I can do that as well. (refreshing his coffee) Coffee?
COLIN: Now that you ask...
JACK places the coffeepot back on the burner, having no intention of pouring COLIN any.
JACK: You are right, Colin. The honorable Bill Horton and I did have our share of adventures but let me assure you, none of them were at my suggestion.
COLIN: Oh, come on now, Jack, we all know your love of the almighty dollar and as I recall, you do have a bit of a tainted past.
JACK winces at his knowledge of this but then shakes it off. After throwing him a look of warning, he speaks.
JACK: Then you also know that I've come a long ways as they say from that past. I ask you this, Colin, what do you plan on accomplishing by telling Jennifer about this little tidbit of knowledge you have? Do you expect her to fall into your arms and thank you for being so truthful? Do you really?
COLIN: I don't expect anything. I'm merely looking out for her, that's all.
JACK: Is that what they call it nowadays?
COLIN: (pausing) Jack, we all know that it's just a matter of time till you do it again.
JACK: "It" being?
COLIN: (leaning forward) Leave when the going gets tough, skip the light fantastic out of town.
JACK: I do not skip anywhere. I have never skipped anywhere.
COLIN: (chuckling) You greet everything with a joke, don't you?
JACK: Would you prefer me to be serious? Trust me, Dr. Murphy, you don't want me to be serious.
COLIN: (getting up) I'm serious when I say I'm not going to let you hurt her again.
JACK: And I'm serious when I say you don't have to worry about that.
COLIN: But Jack, can't you see? I'm not even going to let you have a chance to. The second Jennifer hears about your escapades...
JACK: (slamming down his coffee on the table) They were not my escapades, dammit!
COLIN: You seemed to readily go along with them...at least that's what I heard.
JACK: Forget what you heard, Dr...Dr...(noticing his hair) Lightsocket. Remember what I'm telling you right now.
COLIN: And that would be?
JACK: (suddenly losing faith in himself) That would be...that would be...
COLIN: (walking by) That's what I thought...
JACK: Don't you walk away from me (grabbing his arm).
COLIN: (looking hard at JACK'S hand on his arm) Jack, I don't think that is a good idea.
JACK: You're right. (taking his hand off his arm and feigning apology) I'll tell you what a good idea is, though, Colin, if that is your real name. A good idea is to stay away from Jennifer. Far, far away...
COLIN: I'll let her make that decision for herself. Or are you afraid of that, Jack? You think your little Latin phrases and seashell rings can erase the fact that you have been living a lie for the last few years? Do you think it will diminish the fact that you hurt her, failed her once again?
JACK: (hurt that JENNIFER let him know this stuff, but trucking on) You think you know everything about me, don't you?
COLIN: I know enough, Jack. I've told you that already.
JACK: Apparently you don't. (thick with emotion but yet firm) Nobody, nobody is ever going to love her the way I do...not you, not Emilio, not Francoise...nobody. She is the one constant thing in my life and always has been...and I'm warning you...if you ever, EVER, think about hurting her...
COLIN: You're going to what? Sick all your friends on me? Sorry, Jack, you don't seem to have any. Use all your power in Salem on me? Sorry, Jack, you don't seem to have anymore...not around here at least.
JACK: (angry beyond belief) If you ever, ever utter a word about Africa or even look at her in a hurtful way. I'm (pointing on COLIN'S chest) afraid you will rue the day you ever, ever met Jack Deveraux. (stepping away and sweating profusely) Do you understand?
COLIN: (shocked that he'd go so far) I...I think I do. Will that be all, Jack?
JACK nods, not sure of what to make of COLIN'S complacency.
COLIN: (opening the door and looking back) Don't worry about me, chum, I won't say a word to Jennifer. You, my friend, will bury yourself.
COLIN exits, leaving JACK to wonder what the hell that was about.
SCENE SEVEN: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN on JENNIFER, mulling over MARLENA'S question.
MARLENA: Do you think you can go on like this, Jennifer? Without confronting the issues you and Jack already have?
JENNIFER: (nervous) Well, I...(the session timer goes off and she breathes a little sigh of relief)
MARLENA: You were saying?
JENNIFER: I was saying...you know, I'm sure you have a patient waiting and (getting her coat).
MARLENA: Jennifer, you can stay if you...
JENNIFER: No, that's alright. I have a ton of holiday shopping to do, you know...ties for Jack, toys for...
MARLENA: (letting JENNIFER'S excuse go) Right. How are you spending the holidays by the way?
JENNIFER: With my gram, of course.
MARLENA: And your father?
JENNIFER: He's actually...you know, that's funny--that's the second mention of him today.
MARLENA: Oh? (getting up and walking with her to the door)
JENNIFER: (walking to the door) Yeah. Colin was asking about him earlier.
MARLENA: You seem surprised by that. Didn't they work closely together in Africa?
JENNIFER: (remembering something) Yeah. It's just...nevermind.
MARLENA: (finding this odd) Okay. (kissing her on the cheek) Happy Holidays, if I don't see you.
JENNIFER: You too.
MARLENA: Give my love to your family.
JENNIFER: Same goes for us. (they hug and she exits, smiles and throws a little wave to the receptionist and steps out into the hallway, thinking back to something she just remembered)
NANCY: (walking down the hall and bumping into a clearly zoned out JENNIFER) Hey, you should (realizing who it is)-Jennifer Horton, what are you doing (looking at MARLENA'S name on the door) here?
OUT on JENNIFER, clearly annoyed that NANCY is being a busybody.
SCENE EIGHT: INT. NURSES LOUNGE
JACK is pouring himself some coffee as COLIN'S line about him burying himself runs through his head. He can't shake the feeling that something is about to happen that will ruin everything.
BO: (opening the door, seeing JACK and going to close it) Oh, Jack, I didn't know you were in here.
JACK: I'm just leaving, actually.
BO: (walking in) So soon? I just saw Colin leave. I thought he'd be coming back.
JACK: No, I don't think we have to worry about that. Can't say that the good doctor and I have much to chat about, unless of course you count the fact that we both love the same woman, that is.
BO: (shooting him a strange look) Right. (pouring himself some coffee as JACK watches him) Let me ask you something, Jack. Do you trust him?
JACK: About as far as I can throw him. I take it you feel the same way.
BO: I don't want to. (taking a sip) He is family, after all.
JACK: And bad seeds run rampant in families. Ask me, I'm the baddest of them all.
BO: (glancing at him so he knows it's not true) Trouble is, I can't find nothing on the guy. He's as clean as a whistle. Even his story about working for the ISA checked out.
JACK: (finding this interesting) He worked for the ISA?
BO: Double-crossing his uncle Steffy. Remember?
JACK: I knew he was working for someone but...
BO: What?
JACK: Nothing. Nothing. (trying to change the subject) So, what are you doing here?
BO: J.T. had a checkup. He's with Mrs. H. right now. She's showing him off to the staff.
JACK: As she rightfully should be.
BO: Jack, if you find anything out-
JACK: You'll be the first to know. (walking over to the door to leave)
BO: Thanks man.
JACK: You're welcome, (trying it on for size) man.
BO smiles and JACK heads out into the hallway, finding this info about COLIN very interesting. JENNIFER and NANCY see him as they walk down the hall.
JENNIFER: (smiling in surprise) Jack, what are you doing here?
JACK: Um, I-
VERN: (walking over and saving him) Well, Jennifer, Jack thought it would be nice if you did a little Christmas shopping, so I drove him down here to surprise you and I'll take his car home.
JACK: (relieved) Yes, that's it.
JENNIFER: Okay...(to NANCY) Nancy, I'll have to get back to you on that...
JACK nods and smiles to NANCY, who can tell something is wrong. They both go to the elevator and he leads JENNIFER on it.
VERN: (remaining with NANCY and trying to cover for them) How 'bout those Cubs?
SCENE NINE: EXT. SALEM PLACE
JACK and JENNIFER are both walking around, taking in the hustle and bustle. He keeps thinking about the conversations he had with BRIAN about a child's pride and then keeps replaying his and COLIN'S last conversation in his head.
You think your little Latin phrases and seashell rings can erase the fact that you have been living a lie for the last few years? Do you think it will diminish the fact that you hurt her, failed her once again? You, my friend, will bury yourself.
JENNIFER: (trying to get his attention) Jack?
JACK: (coming to) Yes?
JENNIFER: You're awfully quiet this morning. I was saying that I was thinking we'd get Abby a new bike for Christmas.
JACK: A bike, that's good.
JENNIFER: (cocking her head and trying to read his face, which is a million miles away) Are you okay? Do you not want to do this right now?
JACK: (confused) Do what?
JENNIFER: Shop. Jack, are you okay? (Instinctively feels his brow for a fever)
JACK: I'm...(touching her hand and chuckling) I'm fine.
JENNIFER: Are you really? I've never known you to be so quiet.
JACK: I'm thinking.
JENNIFER: It's what you're thinking about that scares me, Jack.
JACK: Jennifer, do you love me?
JENNIFER: (screwing up her eyes wondering what this is all about) Of course I do. What kind of a question is that?
JACK: Do you think I'll always be there for you?
JENNIFER: (grimacing) You overheard me talking to Colin, didn't you?
JACK: It doesn't matter. I just need to know that you...you trust me.
JENNIFER: I...I do. Jack, this is scaring me.
JACK: Don't be...there's nothing to be scared about. I just need to make sure I'm doing the right thing.
JENNIFER: Doing--? Jack, will you please tell me what's going on?
JACK: (reading her face and then deciding that he won't tell her about BILL, that he can't) Nothing. Nothing's going on. I just...nevermind, let's go get the child her Christmas bike.
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: (smiling and trying to make happy) Come on, it is the season for giving, after all...(grabbing her hand and pulling her into a store as she worries about what he is not telling her. MARLENA'S voice asking her if she could go on like this, without being open and honest runs through her head)
Do you think you can go on like this, Jennifer? Without confronting the issues you and Jack already have?
OUT on JENNIFER, almost positive that she can't.
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