SCENE ONE: THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, KAYLA IS STILL AT HER PARENTS;THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR, IT IS JACK.

KAYLA: Jack.

HE IS HOLDING HER MAIL. HE HANDS IT TO HER AND FEELS AWKWARD.

JACK: Have you got a minute?

KAYLA: Sure, what's up?

JACK: Look, I know how much you hate me busting in here like this.

KAYLA: Well, what is it?

JACK: Oh, you're trying to decide on a name for the baby, huh?

SHE IS HOLDING A BABY NAME BOOK.

KAYLA: Well, it's not something that I really want to decide by myself. So, what is it you're here for?

JACK: Kayla.... Kayla (Beat) It's Steve and Marina.

KAYLA: Well, what about Steve and Marina?

JACK: He's just.... Marina's going to be out of his life.

KAYLA: What do you mean?

JACK: Just that. Marina's going to be out of Steve's life and out of your life too and everything.... well the two of you are going to be back together.

KAYLA: Well that sounds really great but how do you know that?

JACK: I.... look I just know that.... I just know.... she's going to.... everything's going to be back to normal.

KAYLA: Normal? I don't even know what normal is anymore. Steve's been beaten up, his car's been bombed. You know I don't even know if it's safe for me to go back.

JACK: Well, it makes sense. You've got to protect the baby. It's just that everything's going to be taken care of, alright. It'll be very soon.

KAYLA: Jack, what are you trying to tell me?

JACK: I'm.... I'm trying to help.

KAYLA: Maybe you are but....

JACK: No maybe, I am.... helping! Look I want.... I want everything to work out for you and for Steven.

KAYLA: Well, that's great except for what's best for me right now is not to be with Steve. I can't be with Steve until I have proof that he's really through with Marina. I just can't go back.

JACK: That's all that's keeping you apart?

KAYLA: Look Jack, I think that you should go.

JACK: Alright. I'm gone. I'm outta here. I'm gone.

KAYLA SHUTS THE DOOR. JACK REMAINS ON THE BRADY DOORSTEP.

HE THINKS OVER HIS THREAT TO MARINA.

JACK IS WITH MARINA IN HER HOTEL ROOM.

JACK: ....Stay away from Steve and Kayla, alright.

MARINA: Is that a threat, Jack?

JACK: Let me give you one last piece of advice from your pal, and maybe your only pal.

HE PLACES HIS HANDS AROUND HER THROAT.

JACK: It would take this much effort to snap that little chicken neck....

JACK COMES OUT OF THE MEMORY, HE HAS AN ODD LOOK ON HIS FACE, AND APPEARS TO BE IN DEEP THOUGHT.

HE THEN WALKS AWAY.

SCENE TWO: IT IS SNOWING, ISABELLA LOOKS OUT HER WINDOW AND THINKS BACK TO JACK.  MARINA ARRIVES. THEY ARGUE ABOUT MARINA NOT COMING ON THANKSGIVING. MARINA GIVES ISABELLA A BOX OF CHOCOLATES.

  SCENE THREE: AS SHE IS LEAVING, JACK ARRIVES AND THEY TALK OUTSIDE THE MAIN DOOR.

JACK: Hello, Marina.

MARINA: What are you doing here?

JACK: Oh, visiting. How about you?

MARINA: Same.

JACK: (With a smirk) Family?

MARINA: Butt out Jack.

JACK: You know when I first saw you I thought maybe you were coming here for a check-up. See if you were really crazy enough to stay in this town.

MARINA: I'm afraid not.

JACK: Then I thought again, maybe you'd want to give your face a rest you know so you'd want to have a nice long vacation at Bayview Sanitarium. You know you get past the rubber rooms and the rubber forks and it's probably the safest place to stay.

MARINA: That's not very funny.

JACK: I know it's not funny. It's also not funny what's happened to Steve and Kayla since you came to this town.

MARINA: I've never meant them any harm.

JACK: Oh, I'd hate to see what happens if you did intend some harm. I mean you've practically ruined their lives so far. I think it's just about time you went in there and locked yourself up (slight smile) for your own protection.

MARINA: Excuse me.

JACK: MARINA, LOOK OUT. PSHOOCHRRRRRGH! (Chuckling) Just checking your reflexes!

JACK WALKS THROUGH THE GATE, HE LOOKS THROUGH THE BARS ON THE DOOR.

JACK: Have a nice day!

SCENE FOUR: SHE IS EATING THE CHOCOLATES AND LAUGHING. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

ISABELLA: WHAT?!

JACK CAUTIOUSLY OPENS THE DOOR.

JACK: Ah.... hi.

ISABELLA: Hi.

JACK: Are you alright?

ISABELLA: Why do you ask?

JACK LOOKS AT THE CHOCOLATES.

JACK: Ah, well, you're looking a little down.

ISABELLA: It's.... it's been a difficult day.

JACK: Yeah. (With a shrewd looking knowing she did not) I take it your sister didn't come by to get you out.

ISABELLA: No.

JACK: Well, maybe I have something here that will cheer you up.

ISABELLA: My money?

JACK: You said you needed it right away.

JACK HANDS HER AN ENVELOPE.

ISABELLA: I do. I had no idea my ring was worth this much money.

SHE TAKES THE MONEY OUT OF THE ENVELOPE AND SEES THE RING IN THE BOTTOM.

ISABELLA: What's this doing in here?

JACK: Well, you know, I don't trust pawn shops and I'm sorry but I know it means a lot to you.

ISABELLA: It does.

JACK: So, look why don't you just keep it and the money will be a loan. How about that?

JACK SLIPS THE RING BACK ON HER FINGER.

ISABELLA: My father gave me this ring.

JACK: See, I knew it was special.

ISABELLA: It is. It belonged to his mother. He said that I was the only one who could wear it.

JACK: So, the two of you were the closest, right?

ISABELLA: We were very close. He always treated me special like that. Even when Marina wanted most of his attention....

JACK AND ISABELLA (TOGETHER): ....which was most of the time.

ISABELLA: He never neglected me.

JACK: Which made you love him even more.

ISABELLA: I loved him more than anybody. Now that he's gone this ring is all I have to remember him by. Thanks for letting me keep it.

JACK: That's what friends are for. (Beat) I said, that's what friends are for. That's your cue. I was assuming we were friends.

ISABELLA: I could use a friend.

JACK: Good. Well, my friend, what else can I do for you?

ISABELLA: You've done enough already. I don't know how to thank you.

JACK: Why don't you thank me by getting some rest. I think you still look a little down. I should go.

ISABELLA: You probably should.

JACK: Yep. You sure you're going to be okay?

ISABELLA: I'll be fine.

JACK: Good.

JACK LEAVES AND SHUTS THE DOOR, SATISFIED WITH THE VISIT.

JACK: Okay.

SCENE ONE: THE NEXT DAY, MARINA IS FOUND MURDERED IN HER HOTEL ROOM. IT APPEARS SHE HAS BEEN HIT BY A LAMP. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SUSPECTS INCLUDING VICTOR, JACK, STEVE, AND KAYLA.

SCENE ONE: JACK IS WORKING ON AN ARTICLE AT HIS DESK. HE IS ON THE PHONE.

JACK: Look, Don, I'll get back to you.

HE HANGS UP AND SIGHS. JENNIFER COMES IN.

Jennifer tells Jack she knows why he is delaying the article on Marina's murder; 1:45 Min; 4 Meg

JENNIFER: Jack, are you done with the article?

JACK: I'll let you know when I'm done.

JENNIFER: Vern's waiting for it.

JACK: Vern can wait.

JENNIFER: He's waiting to go to press with it Jack.

JACK: READ MY LIPS! (Mouthing the words) "It's not ready!"

JENNIFER: (Mouthing the words) "It's not ready." Do you need some help with it?

JACK: No!

JENNIFER: Jack, are you having trouble spelling the big words? Cause I'm really good at....

JACK: Jennifer, leave it alone!

SHE SNATCHES THE ARTICLE OUT OF HIS HANDS.

JACK: HEY!

JENNIFER: It's about Marina Toscano. It's about her death.

JACK: Brilliant observation.

JENNIFER: I'm sorry Jack, I understand how you feel.

JACK: No, no, I don't want your understanding. I want my art.... article back.

SHE REFUSES TO LET HIM SNATCH IT BACK.

JENNIFER: This has something to do with your family, doesn't it Jack?

JACK: Look, I'm going to give you one more chance.

JENNIFER: You're holding up this article on purpose, aren't you? Aren't you?

JACK: I'm not holding anything up.

JENNIFER: Then why is it taking so long?

JACK: Because it's a very complicated situation.

JENNIFER: So, you're going to miss a deadline, Jack?

JACK: No! I'm working out all the facts, alright.

JENNIFER: This has nothing to do with facts. It has to do with you wanting help and being too stubborn to ask for it.

JACK: No, no. The facts are this is my newspaper, this is my office and until it hits the newsstand, this is my article. Get the hint?

JENNIFER: Jack, I know that things in your family have been bothering you.

JACK: No, no. Look, the operative word here is, mine. Now leave me alone.

JENNIFER: I just want to help you and I know what's bothering you. Marina is a part of it.

JACK: Marina is not a part of it. Marina is dead as a door nail. End of story.

JENNIFER: End of story?

JACK: End of story. Give this to Vern.

JENNIFER: Where are you going Jack?

JACK: I've got a little assignment to work on.

JENNIFER: Okay, I'm coming with you.

JACK: Don't you have work you need to do?

JENNIFER: I'd rather be helping you.

JACK: Stay put.

HE RUBS HIS FINGER ON HER NOSE AND WALKS OUT. SHE WIGGLES HER NOSE, GRINS AND THEN THE PHONE RINGS.

JENNIFER: Hello, Jack Deveraux' office.

ISABELLA: Yes, is he there?

JENNIFER: No he isn't. He just left.

ISABELLA: Do you know when he'll be back?

JENNIFER: No he didn't say but this is his secretary. If you want to tell him anything, I can give him the message. (Beat) Hello?

ISABELLA HANGS UP WITHOUT SPEAKING AGAIN.

JENNIFER: Alright, Jack, if you're not going to tell me what's going on, I'm just going to have to find out for myself.

SCENE TWO: JACK ARRIVES BACK AT BAYVIEW TO SEE ISABELLA. HE SEES THE ATTENDANT THAT HE HAS BEEN BRIBING.

JACK: Hey, there you are. How are you doing?

MALE NURSE: This is getting dangerous man.

JACK: Oh, right. And danger costs.

MALE NURSE: Yeah, it can cost me my job.

JACK: Okay. Well here's a little something for your pension plan.

THE GUYS LAUGHS AT THE NOTE JACK GIVES HIM.

JACK: Oh, oh, yeah, dangerous for you. Costly for me.

JACK HANDS HIM A SECOND NOTE BUT THE GUY STILL LEAVES HIS HAND OUT.

JACK: Oh, you too much, you know that.

MALE NURSE: Yeah, I know.

JACK: Show me your Swiss chalet sometime.

THE GUY UNLOCKS THE DOOR.

JACK: Now, if anybody sees me here or knows I was here, like the police, I'm going to come looking for you.

MALE NURSE: Well you'll know where to find me.

JACK FOLLOWS THE GUY INSIDE AFTER CHECKING THAT NOBODY IS AROUND.

AS SOON AS HE SHUTS THE DOOR, JENNIFER COMES RUNNING UP AND PEERS INSIDE. SHE GOES OVER AND RUBS THE ICE OFF THE SIGN AND SEES THAT IT IS BAYVIEW TOWERS SANITARIUM.

JENNIFER: What? What's Jack doing here? Oh. Okay get a hold of yourself Jennifer. It's going to be really long cold wait.

SHE BEGINS DOING JUMPING JACKS TO KEEP WARM.

SCENE THREE: INSIDE JACK COMES INTO ISABELLA'S ROOM. SHE IS LISTENING TO THE BEETHOVEN TAPE HE LEFT FOR HER.

JACK: You like the music?

ISABELLA: Very much.

JACK: Good, I'm glad.

ISABELLA: I'm glad you're here.

JACK DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO TELL ISABELLA ABOUT MARINA'S MURDER.

JACK: I can't stay long.

ISABELLA: Okay.

JACK: So.... ah.... how are you doing?

ISABELLA: Fine.

JACK: Are you sure?

ISABELLA: Jack, why are you so serious? What's wrong?

JACK: There's something I have to tell you.

ISABELLA: What?

JACK: It's not good.

ISABELLA: It's about my sister.

JACK: There's no easy way to say this. Ah.... your sister's dead.

ISABELLA: No....

JACK: I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you that.

ISABELLA: What?

JACK: She.... actually she was murdered. Somebody killed her. I'm sorry.

ISABELLA: Do.... do they know who did it?

JACK: Ah.... no. They don't have a clue.

ISABELLA: I can't believe this. Marina.

JACK: Ah.... look. I'm a little confused. Actually I didn't think the two of you were very close.

JACK: Well, I know that. I just.... well of course you didn't want her dead. I know that.

ISABELLA: Jack, you've got to get me out of here.

JACK: What?

SCENE FIVE: KAYLA VISITS DR. NEIL CURTIS FOR HER FIRST SONOGRAM, WITHOUT STEVE.

SCENE SIX: JACK IS STARTLED BY ISABELLA ASKING HIM TO GET HER OUT OF BAYVIEW.

ISABELLA: Will you help me get out of here, please?

JACK: Look, there is no problem here. I am sure--

JACK IS INTERRUPTED BY THE MALE NURSE.

MALE NURSE: It's time to go.

ISABELLA: C.... Can't he just stay here for just one second (walking to the nurse, to plead with him)?

JACK: I'll be back. Don't worry!  (Gesturing) we'll talk to your doctor, and we'll take care--

MALE NURSE: You're wasting your time, the only way she can get out of here if her sister signs her release (he leaves).

ISABELLA: Yeah, (walking towards Jack) but there has to be another way? He can't be serious.

JACK: (Gesturing) Oh, don't pay attention to him. We'll take care of the whole thing.

ISABELLA: (Raising her voice) I can't spend the rest of my life in this room!

JACK: (Grabbing her) Listen to me (pulling her towards him, but she turns away), I'm telling you, I'll take care of it.

ISABELLA: (Turning towards him) He said that if Marina--

JACK: Don't pay attention what he said. I'm not. I'll do whatever it takes to get the papers to get you out of here.

JACK: (Cont.) I promise (tilting his head and flashing her a look). Okay?

JACK WALKS OUT, BUT STOPS AND WATCHES ISABELLA, WHO NERVOUSLY IS NOT SO SURE.

HE THEN LEAVES.

ISABELLA: (Speaking softly) Keep your promise, Jack. Please keep your promise.

SCENE SEVEN: JACK LEAVES ISABELLA'S AND IS COMING OUT THE MAIN ENTRANCE, WALKING FURTIVELY.

Jennifer surprises Jack outside of Bayview; 1:35 Min; 3.5 Meg

JENNIFER CREEPS UP BEHIND HIM.

JENNIFER: Jack.

THEY BOTH SCREAM IN FRIGHT AND HE PUTS HIS HAND OVER HER MOUTH.

JACK: What are you doing here?

JENNIFER: I followed you here.

JACK: You followed me?

JENNIFER: I've been waiting for you to come out.

JACK: All this time. You could have frozen to death.

JENNIFER: I'm fine, alright. What are you doing here?

JACK: Me? I'm a.... 'm a.... I was doing an investigation. Yeah, that's it.

JACK BEGINS TO WALK AWAY AND JENNIFER LEAPS ONTO HIS BACK TRYING TO STOP HIM.

 

JACK: Jennifer.

JENNIFER: You're not going to get away with that Jack.

JACK: Alright, give me a minute and I'll give you another.

JENNIFER: You know what I think?

JACK: What, is that your investigative little nose speaking?

JENNIFER: Whatever is going on in that sanitarium has something to do with Marina Toscano, doesn't it?

JACK: What do you mean it has something to do with Marina Toscano?

JENNIFER: Well it has nothing to do with investigating a story Jack.

JACK: Alright you got me. You caught me with my pants down.

JENNIFER: I knew it. It's Marina, isn't it?

JACK: Wrong!

JENNIFER: Then what?

JACK: It's Harper, it's my father.

HE TURNS AWAY FROM HER AND FAKES SOBBING, INCLUDING HEAVING HIS SHOULDERS UP AND DOWN.

JENNIFER: Oh Jack. Don't even give me that one. Your father is in jail.

JACK: I know but we're going to appeal his case. He's pleading insanity.

JENNIFER: Oh, when?

JENNIFER: Approximately when Jack?

JACK: I don't know. I don't know, alright. I'm not his lawyer.

JENNIFER: Okay, alright, fine. I will drop this whole thing but I'm not buying anything you just said.

JACK: I'm not asking you to buy anything and I'm not going to stand out here and freeze my....

JACK: (Cont.) I'm not going to freeze waiting for you to get convinced this has nothing to do with Marina Toscano. You got that? Good.

JACK WALKS AWAY. JENNIFER WATCHES HIM GO WITH A LOOK OF DISDAIN, BUT SHE ALSO SEEMS TO ENJOY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT JACK IS UP TO AND BEING, ESPECIALLY BEING AROUND JACK TO DO SO.

JENNIFER: Yeah, I got it Jack.