Untitled

by Denise

Chapter 13

Episode 13 

SCENE ONE -- INT. -- SATURDAY -- AFTERNOON

The house is quiet. There is seemingly no one there. The doorbell rings. No answer. The doorbell rings again. JULIE's face appears in the window and she begins knocking.

JACK is kissing JENNIFER in an effort to keep her from noticing the doorbell.

JULIE: Okay kids. There's no use in ignoring me. I can see you.

JACK: (pulls back) I'm guessing that's not the neighborhood kids.

OUT on JACK and JENNIFER grinning at each other.

***

SCENE TWO -- IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (wrapping an arm around JACK's waist) No honest Julie. We came in here to get some tea and one thing led to another and well ... you know how it is.

JULIE: (smiling) Yes I do. I guess all those months away from each other got to you both. (BEAT) And speaking of being away from each other, my other half is still waiting at the front door with other assorted Hortons.

JACK: (sarcastically) Wonderful. (JENNIFER swats him) I mean, allow me to get the door.

JACK walks through the living room into the foyer and opens the door.

JACK: Hortons one and all. Let me see, we've got Gramma, (ALICE walks in and kisses his cheek) Maggie, (walks in and kisses his cheek) Hope, (walks in and pinches his cheek) Doug, (walks in with full hands) and Bo.

BO: (walking in) No kiss from me.

JACK: And you'll get no argument from me. Is there more in the car?

DOUG: Is my fair lady in charge?

JACK: Shall we?

DOUG, JACK, and BO walk out to get more stuff.

CUT TO: LIVING ROOM

HOPE, MAGGIE and ALICE are talking excitedly as JULIE and JENNIFER enter and greetings commence.

JACK: (huffing) Good ... good thing too. We're going to need ... every pair ... of hands.

They go through to the dining room and then return.

JACK: Did you buy out half of Salem?

JULIE: (pinching his cheek) Well if I did, it's my money and I happen to think you three are worth it. Now everyone, except for Grandma, outside! There's plenty more waiting for us.

OUT on JACK giving JENNIFER a pleading look as everyone heads out the door

***

SCENE THREE -- INT. -- JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM -- LATER

The house has been decorated. JACK, JENNIFER, BO and HOPE are sitting around the room.

JENNIFER: You two better watch it. You are after all Hortons by marriage and I know by now we must be rubbing off on you some.

JACK: Hmm ... yes, I think I've become more headstrong, obstinant and bossy since I've been around you.

BO: Goes double for me.

BO and JACK laugh.

HOPE: Bo!

BO: Well I have been in the family longer Fancy Face.

HOPE: You think you're so smart and charming, don't you?

BO: I'm not?

BO and HOPE exchange grins and lean in to share a kiss. JACK and JENNIFER exchange knowing glances and then JENNIFER clears her throat. BO and HOPE break apart and grin at JACK and JENNIFER.

HOPE: So I still can't believe you two invited Colin to this party.

BO: However, we should have known you'd do something that stupid.

JACK: Hey wait a minute --

BO: It was stupid.

JACK: Well you didn't think we could actually sit around doing nothing. Could you have if we'd given you the information you gave us?

BO: (shaking his head) I'm not even entirely sure I know what the hell you just said. (BEAT) But no, I probably would have needed to do something too.

HOPE: (smiles) Probably? As I recall you've done some pretty stupid things yourself Brady.

BO: It's a good thing I love you so much Hope because you never take my side. (smiles)

JENNIFER: I think the most upsetting thing is that we didn't really discover anything. Your father was so suspicious.

BO: (mutters) Gee, I wonder why.

JACK: (looking at BO) That's not entirely true, Miss H, we did find out that Shawn knew nothing of our connection to Colin and that they must be hiding something if they're acting so strangely.

HOPE: I hope Shawn isn't involved in something dangerous.

BO says nothing as the other three look at him.

HOPE: (looks at her watch) Well we've got to get over to the pub and pick up JT and get ready before tonight. (stands up and tugs on BO's hand) What do you say Brady?

BO: (standing) Sounds like a plan. (JACK and JENNIFER start to get up) You two stay there. You look comfortable. We can see ourselves out.

JENNIFER: We're so sorry Bo.

BO: There's nothing to be sorry for Jenn. (BEAT) We'll see you later.

BO and HOPE leave and we can hear the door shut. JACK and JENNIFER look remorsefully at each other for a moment and then JACK pulls her close to him.

JACK: So are you comfortable?

JENNIFER: (smiles as she leans her head on his chest) I'm always comfortable with you Jack.

JACK: I hope that always remains the case.

JENNIFER: Of course it will. Why would you ever think otherwise?

JACK: Even if I continue to upset our friends with my self centeredness?

JENNIFER: To be honest, they expect it by now.

JACK: (chuckles and kisses the top of her head) Still, I don't want to purposely upset him. He's ... uh ...

JENNIFER: He's uh ... uh ... what, Jack?

JACK: Nothing, nothing.

JENNIFER: (smiles knowingly) Uh huh ... well, I don't think it's us Jack. He's worried about Shawn and upset that Colin is using him for something.

JACK: I hope you're right.

JENNIFER: (lifting her face to look at him) Of course I'm right. (kisses him gently) Now what do you say we go upstairs and help each other get ready for the party before Abby gets home. (JENNIFER stands up)

JACK: Why do I get the distinct impression (stands and faces her) that getting ready is the last thing on your mind.

JENNIFER: There's more to getting ready than just dressing. You, for instance (kiss) always need to relax and loosen up a bit before a family party. Fortunately for you I know exactly what you need.

JACK: (gives her a lingering kiss) You certainly do. (takes her hand and pulls her to the stairs) Come along Miss H because you know there's nothing I hate more than to be kept waiting.

JACK and JENNIFER run up the stairs.

OUT on the stairs and the sound of JENNIFER's giggles.

***

SCENE FOUR -- INT. -- JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE -- LATER

The party has started. JULIE, DOUG, ALICE, MAGGIE, MICKEY and other Salem residents are milling around the living room. ABIGAIL is running around entertaining everyone with her antics.

The doorbell rings. JACK and JENNIFER are there to answer it. PRINCESS GRETA is there with BRANDON.

JENNIFER: Well that's my Jack.

BRANDON: Your Jack? (BEAT) I was under the impression you two were finished?

JENNIFER: (stammering) Well, I ... uh ... well things change. (Doorbell rings) I have to get that, please help yourself and while you're at it ... rescue Greta before Jack's got enough information for a series on her.

JENNIFER turns to answer the door. BRANDON enters the living room. At the door are CAROLINE, SHAWN and COLIN.

JENNIFER: The Bradys. Lovely to see you. (Hugs CAROLINE) I'm so glad you could make it. (takes a gift from SHAWN) Caroline, Jack has been looking forward to seeing you for weeks.

JENNIFER takes CAROLINE by the arm and leads all of them into the living room. Spotting JACK she motions for him to join them.

JACK: Caroline! Great to see you. (kisses her cheek) It's been far too long.

CAROLINE: (a little stunned) Three years at least.

JACK: At least. (To SHAWN -- shaking hands) Good to see you as always Shawn. (faces COLIN -- extends his hand) Colin. So what do you think? Julie did a fantastic job didn't she?

JULIE appears at JACK's side.

JULIE: Be careful Jack, all that praise from you will go straight to my head. (BEAT -- to the BRADYs) Now aren't you two going to introduce me to your handsome guest?

JACK and JENNIFER exchange grins as the doorbell rings again. They quickly excuse themselves. Peeking in the door is VERN with HOPE, BO, SHAWN and JT behind him.

JENNIFER: Vern! (hugs him) Thank you for coming.

VERN: Wouldn't have missed it Jenny girl. (Hands her a plant)

JACK: (ushering everyone in the door) Oh what is that?

JENNIFER: Well it loooks to me like your typical crassula plant.

JACK makes a face as BO, HOPE and SHAWN look at him questioningly.

VERN: And I made sure to buy the sickliest one I could find Jennifer.

JENNIFER smiles and kisses VERN's cheek.

BO: Jenn always has liked a challenge.

JACK: Well she'll have her work cut out for her with that thing.

JENNIFER: (still grinning) Well if it's anything like its predecessor, it will be worth it Jack.

HOPE: I missed out on so many fun things while I was kidnapped.

JACK: (rolls his eyes then grows serious) Alright, so are we all ready to investigate?

They all nod.

JACK: Good. (rubs his hands together)

JENNIFER: Remember, subtlety is the key here.

JACK smirks at her

BO: Well, let's get started.

JACK: (smiles) Ready to meet a legend?

OUT on BO and JACK exchanging looks

***

SCENE FIVE -- INT. - LATER

The party is in full swing. Everyone is there including the WESLEY family, KATE, VICTOR, the BLACK family and MIMI, as well as various other Salem residents.

JACK and JENNIFER are in a quiet corner, kissing.

BRADY: Jack, Jenn, hi.

JENNIFER: Brady! (hugs him close) Oh my gosh. I can't believe how old you look.

BRADY smiles.

JACK: I would've sworn you were as small as Abigail the last time I saw you.

JACK and BRADY shake hands.

BRADY: Well it's been a while.

JACK: And we've been neglectful.

BRADY: Nah ... I mean ... you know we talk.

JENNIFER: But we've been gone for too long. Brady, we know you've had a difficult time lately. We always promised your mother ...

JENNIFER gets quiet and her eyes fill with tears thinking of ISABELLA

BRADY: Listen, Jenn, I didn't mean to upset you. I just came over to tell you guys how glad I am that you're home now and I wanted to introduce you to a friend of mine and Belle's. (turns to MIMI) This is Mimi Lockhart. Mimi, Jack and Jennifer Deveraux.

MIMI: (smiling) I'm so excited to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Deveraux. I've heard so much about you.

JACK: (whispers in JENNIFER'S ear) Do people have nothing better to do than talk about us when we're not around?

JENNIFER: Oh Jack, don't (smacks him) You know that tickles. (to MIMI) I'm actually still Horton, but you can just call us Jack and Jennifer.

JACK: How is it that you've heard so much about us?

MIMI: (smiling) Oh well Belle is my best friend and we were looking through pictures that we found and there were a bunch of them of Brady's mom with you two so naturally I wanted to know about you.

JACK: Naturally. (BEAT) You have a very inquisitive mind Miss Lockhart. Have you given much thought to a career in journalism?

MIMI: Me? Oh gosh no Mr. Dev -- er -- Jack. I mean to be honest with you I haven't given much thought to anything.

JENNIFER: Of course not. You're what? Fifteen? Sixteen?

MIMI and BRADY smile.

MIMI: Yes sixteen.

JACK: Sixteen. (to JENNIFER) At sixteen you knew exactly what you wanted, did you not, Miss Horton? (JENNIFER nods) I'm merely concerned that the youth of Salem are wasting the vast majority of their day with which boy band is superior and thoughts of the opposite sex than with practical matters like their future.

JENNIFER: They're young Jack. That's what they're supposed to do. (BEAT) Are you going to be like this with Abby because if you are, let me know now so I can reserve a room for you at Bayview for during her teen years.

MIMI bursts out laughing and BRADY is stifling his.

MIMI: Oh my God you're exactly like I thought you'd be.

JACK and JENNIFER turn their heads to face MIMI, then look back at each other.

JENNIFER: Why does everyone say that?

JACK: (turns back to MIMI) Well thank you Miss Lockhart. (BEAT) Should either of you decide to do something with your lives this summer, we're looking for interns at the paper. The money is lousy, but we promise you'll learn a great deal and it will definitely be an experience to remember. My niece, Stephanie, is already signed up and Shawn is going to do it too.

JENNIFER: We'd love to have you join us.

BRADY: Thanks, we'll think about it. (BEAT) Well we should let you get back to your other guests.

JENNIFER nudges JACK with her elbow.

JACK: Uh ... Brady. Are you available for lunch sometime this week? Jennifer and I would love the opportunity to catch up with you.

BRADY: Sure. I have physical therapy on Wednesday, so maybe that afternoon?

JACK: Say, 12:30?

BRADY: I'd like that.

JACK: Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Wouldn't miss it. Should we meet you at the hospital?

BRADY: Nah, I'll meet you at the Spectator.

MIMI: It was nice to meet you both. This is a great party.

JENNIFER: It was nice to meet you too sweetie. As for the party, that was all Julie's doing, so we can't take the credit.

MIMI: Well she did a great job. (starts to walk away with BRADY and then turns back) Thanks for having me.

JACK: Our pleasure.

MIMI smiles and JACK and JENNIFER wave at her before turning to each other

JENNIFER: She's cute.

JACK: Yes she is. Now (kisses her) quit smooching with me Miss H and let's get back to work.

JENNIFER: Okay Jack, but I'll miss you.

JENNIFER reaches up and kisses him and then they walk off in separate directions looking back and smirking at each other.

***

SCENE SIX -- JACK and JENNIFER's HOUSE -- LATER

The party is still going strong. JACK and JENNIFER walk over to BO and HOPE casually.

BO: Hi, everyone. Thank you for your attention. I just wanted to take this moment to make a toast to three of my favorite people -- my beautiful, sweet goddaughter, Abigail and her one-of-a-kind parents, Jack and Jennifer. Welcome home you three. May you find all the happiness, love --

HOPE: -- And adventure --

Everyone laughs.

BO: And adventure you could ever want, right here in Salem where you belong. Good luck.

HOPE: (raising her glass) To Abby, Jenn and Jack!

EVERYONE: Cheers (sips)

Chants of "speech, speech" are heard. JACK plays it off like he's not interested in speaking while JENNIFER pulls him to the fireplace.

JACK: Oh no really.

JENNIFER: (barely containing her laughter) Come on Jack, your public awaits.

JACK: Well when you put it that way. (grins at her and clears his throat) Unaccustomed as I am to making speeches ... (JENNIFER giggles and JACK turns to smirk at her before facing the group again) Seriously, Jennifer, Abigail and myself would like to thank darling Julie for this wonderful party. And we'd also like to thank all of you, our family, friends, acquaintances and even a few strangers we've only had the pleasure of meeting this evening for coming to our little soiree and making us feel so welcome and happy to be back in Salem. And now I believe we'll hear a few words from my beautiful partner ... Miss Horton?

JENNIFER: Oh, well, I guess I'd just like to say thanks to Jack for giving in to me and letting us have this party. (wraps her arms around his neck and kisses his cheek and then whispers) Thanks Jack.

JACK: (whispers) Anything for my favorite Horton. (louder) Yes, well ... And now we don't want to hog all the limelight, so Jennifer and I would like to introduce our good friend, Colin Murphy. He's here visiting his family, the Bradys. So please everyone welcome Colin to Salem (clapping) Come up here Colin so the folks know who you are.

COLIN reluctantly walks up to JACK and JENNIFER. JACK shakes his hand.

JACK: (cont) Everyone please do your best to welcome Colin to our fair city. Make him feel at home and show him some of that Horton hospitality for which Salem is so famous.

Everyone toasts COLIN while JACK and JENNIFER slip away, nodding at VERN, JULIE and MICKEY.

CUT TO: JULIE AND CAROLINE

SHAWN: Well there's not much to tell that you don't already know. He's just come over from Rome.

VERN: Oh Rome. What was he doing over there exactly?

CUT TO: JULIE AND CAROLINE

CAROLINE: To be honest with you, I don't know. He travels a great deal from what I understand.

JULIE: You know Jack was in Rome right before he found Jennifer in Paris?

CUT TO: VERN, MICKEY AND SHAWN

SHAWN: You don't say. That ... (stops himself)

MICKEY: Awfully strange him being in Africa with them, then in Ireland with Jenn, then Rome like Jack and now here in Salem. Makes one wonder if he wasn't in Paris too.

SHAWN: That it does.

CUT TO: JACK, JENNIFER, BO AND HOPE

The foursome is chatting by the drink table as VERN walks up.

JACK: Damn. Come through Julie, come through.

JULIE pops up behind JACK.

JULIE: Sorry darling. Caroline is no better.

JENNIFER: Damn.

HOPE glances sideways at JENNIFER and then smirks at BO.

HOPE: Thanks Julie.

JULIE: I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help.

BO: Listen we can't be seen conspiring like this. Some people seem to be going, so we'll talk later.

BO and HOPE start mingling as do JACK and JENNIFER separately, attempting to get people to start thinking about going home.

LUCAS walks over to JENNIFER

LUCAS: Some things never change. Good to see you Jack. (shakes hands) I'll call you later this week, Jenn. (kisses JENNIFER's cheek) If you'll excuse me I've got to find my son and get him off to bed.

JACK: Oh I saw him running around with Abigail a few minutes ago. Over there. (points toward the kitchen)

LUCAS: Thanks Jack. Talk to you guys later.

LUCAS walks off. JACK and JENNIFER walk toward the door. JOHN and MARLENA soon appear.

JOHN: We had a great time. Thanks.

JENNIFER: Good. We're so glad you could come.

MARLENA: Well we wouldn't have missed it. You know you two look great and I can't get over how big and smart Abby is getting.

JACK: Kids grow quickly.

JOHN: They certainly do.

MARLENA: Well, we'll see you two soon. Take care.

JACK/JENNIFER: Thanks. Bye!

OUT on JACK and JENNIFER waving and then shutting the door.

***

SCENE SEVEN -- INT. -- JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE -- LATER

In from the foyer on a few cups and plates around the room. The camera pans out to see JACK, JENNIFER, BO, HOPE, SHAWN D and VERN together. ABIGAIL is asleep in JENNIFER's lap. JT is asleep on SHAWN's chest.

JACK: (pre-occupied) Night -- Vern.

HOPE: So now Mr. and Ms. Sneaky what's the new plan?

JENNIFER: (looking at JACK) New plan is I whisk Jack off to bed after we deposit this little one here in her room so we can all get some rest.

BO: Uh huh ... (raises his eyebrows at HOPE) rest.

JACK: (still distracted) Excellent plan Miss Horton, excellent plan. (gets up and starts pacing) We should probably lay low for a while, wait for information from Shane and for Colin to mess up. (stops suddenly and speaks softly) And he will mess up.

SHAWN, JENNIFER and HOPE all look at JACK, wondering.

BO: (walking over to JACK) Of course he will. And yeah, we've got Shane on it, but we've got some of the best investigators in this town on the case too.

JACK: Oh really?

BO: Yes really. Now I know we don't always see eye to eye on everything, but we've worked together before, fairly successfully. And I think with Jenn and Hope we stand a helluva chance of figuring out what Colin is up to and in the process we all take care of our family. You'll see, it'll work out Jack.

JACK: (half-smiling) I see the Horton clan is rubbing off on you. (Hits the desk) Alright, you're right. No more feeling sorry for us just because tonight didn't really gain us much information.

Over JACK's shoulder we see HOPE smile at JENNIFER.

JACK: (cont) We're gonna figure all of this out, help Shawn, help ourselves ...

SHAWN: (teasing) Why not cure cancer while you're at it Jack.

JACK: (spinning around) I'll have you know young Shawn Brady that if I put my mind to it, I probably could. (Looks at JENNIFER and ABIGAIL and smiles) But I think right now (looks over at BO) I think I need to concentrate on getting my sleepy gals to bed. So Bradys thank you for all your assistance but --

BO: (chuckling) Don't let the door hit us on the way out?

JACK: Something like that. (smiles) You understand of course.

BO: Of course.

BO walks back to HOPE and helps her stand. She leans down and kisses JENNIFER on the cheek.

HOPE: Don't get up. Jack can walk us out. And promise me you'll clean the rest of this in the morning.

JENNIFER: (smiles and smoothes ABIGAIL's hair as she stirs a little) I promise. Thanks for everything today you two. (BEAT) And you too Shawn.

HOPE takes JT from SHAWN.

SHAWN: (stands and then gives JENNIFER a kiss on her cheek) I love to help. See ya Jack.

SHAWN picks up some of JT's things and heads for the car. JACK walks BO and HOPE to the door.

JACK: Thanks again for everything.

BO: Glad we could help.

HOPE: Yes we are. (hands JT to BO) Could you take care of JT?

BO: Of course. We'll see you Jack.

JACK: Good night Bo, JT.

BO walks down the path leaving JACK and HOPE in the doorway.

JACK: Well?

HOPE: Well nothing. I just want to make sure you're okay.

JACK: Of course I'm okay. I'm Jack Deveraux, aren't I?

HOPE: Jack ...

JACK: (sighs) Sorry. Yes I will be fine. I take my family's welfare seriously Hope. (BEAT) I wasted a lot of years with Jennifer and Abigail, I don't intend to waste or lose any more.

HOPE: (quietly) I can understand that. I -- well you know as well as anyone how much I lost out on Jack. I won't let anything stand in the way of my family's happiness.

JACK: (looks at her questioningly) Hope, this is about more than this thing with Colin, isn't it?

HOPE: What?

JACK: This melancholy mood just now. What's bothering you, Mrs. Brady?

HOPE: Jack, I -- no it's just Colin --

JACK: (grabs her wrist) Hope. Have you forgotten just who you're talking to here? Even if I didn't know you, I'd be concerned and I do know you and you've got me truly worried. And it isn't just me ... Jennifer, Julie, even you're grandmother ... we're all worried. Whatever it is, it can't be worse than anything we've all done or had done to us.

HOPE: You'd be surprised Deveraux. I've got to run, Bo is waiting.

JACK: Hope you can trust me with anything and not just because you're Jennifer cousin.

HOPE nods.

JACK: And I'm not going to judge you. I've -- I've done a lot of despicable things in my life --

HOPE: Not this Jack. (reaches up and gives him a hug and a kiss on the cheek) See ya.

HOPE begins to walk away.

JACK: Hope! (HOPE turns back) Think about what I said.

HOPE: I will Jack. Thank you. Now get back in there with Jenn and Abby.

HOPE goes out to the car. JACK watches her as she walks away and then enters the house, slowly walking to the living room. A slow, romantic piano piece begins to play. JENNIFER and ABIGAIL are sleeping on the couch. JACK turns out the light and grabs a blanket from the bench.

JACK: What could be upsetting you so much Hope?

He looks down at JENNIFER and slightly rubs her cheek, causing her to stir.

JENNIFER: Hmmm ... oh Jack, I'm sorry, I fell asleep.

JACK: Yes you did and you did it beautifully, I might add.

JENNIFER smiles as he joins her on the couch. She nestles into him with ABIGAIL still resting on her lap. JACK gently places the blanket over ABIGAIL and then kisses JENNIFER on her forehead.

JACK: (cont) And you know I can't think of anything better than you so comfortable you could fall asleep feeling safe.

JENNIFER: I do feel safe here. (turns her head and kisses him softly) I love you Jack.

JACK: (plays with her hair and smiles) I love you too Jennifer.

OUT on JENNIFER and ABIGAIL sleeping and JACK's reflective face.

To Be Continued...

Prologue *** Chapters 1 - 3 *** Chapters 4 - 6 *** Chapters 7 - 9 *** Chapters 10 - 12 *** Chapter 13

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