oldEpisode Two-hundred-forty-five: With Only
a Few Hours to Go, Jack Still Does not Have
the Money; Eve Continues to Pressure Him to
Accept Her Marriage Proposal; but Feelings
for Jennifer Prevent Him from Accepting.

---

[Air mid-February 1991]

 

SCENE ONE: IT IS MOVING DAY FOR JACK. HE IS IN THE PENTHOUSE AND THE MOVERS ARE CARRYING IN LARGE BOXES.

 

MOVER: Well this is the last of it.

JACK: Oh goodie, more broken dishes.

MOVER: You're a riot, Mr. D.

JACK: Yeah I just live to amuse. Please just put that down.

 

THE MOVER IS ABOUT TO PUT IT DOWN BUT IT SLIPS AND HE KNOCKS ANOTHER BOX ONTO THE FLOOR.

 

JACK: I'll get it!

MOVER: Oh I'm sorry. I'll clean that up.

JACK: No, no, no. That's alright. I'll pick it up. Just.... just give me the receipt and go.

MOVER: You got to sign it.

JACK: Oh of course.

 

JACK SIGNS THE RECEIPT THEN FUMBLES THROUGH HIS POCKETS FOR SOME MONEY.

 

JACK: Oh and here, for you. For your hernia operation.

 

THE GUY HITS JACK ON THE SHOULDER IN THANKS AND LEAVES. JACK THEN LOOKS ON THE FLOOR TO SEE WHAT IS BROKEN AND FINDS A PICTURE OF JENNIFER WITH THE GLASS SMASHED. HE PICKS IT UP AND IS LOOKING SADLY AT IT WHEN FRANKIE ENTERS.

 

FRANKIE: Spanky.

JACK: Francoise.

FRANKIE: We need to talk.... about Jen.

 

JACK LOOKS FRANKIE UP AND DOWN.

SCENE TWO: BACK AT THE LOFT, JENNIFER IS STARING AT THE SHELL RING WHEN THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

 

JENNIFER: Oh Jack....

 

SHE OPENS THE DOOR AND EVE IS THERE.

 

EVE: Hello.

JENNIFER: Hello and goodbye.

 

EVE WALKS IN BEFORE JENNIFER CAN SLAM THE DOOR.

 

EVE: All I want is five minutes of your time Jennifer.

JENNIFER: For what Eve?

EVE: I need some information.

JENNIFER: Look I don't feel like playing twenty questions with you right now.

EVE: I've only got one question for you Jennifer. I just want to know when you broke up with Jack was it just temporary or is it really over with you two?

JENNIFER: Eve why do you care so much about my relationship with Jack?

EVE: You're avoiding my question Jen.

JENNIFER: Well seeing as it's none of your business but you won't leave until I tell you, yes it is over between me and Jack. Are you happy?

EVE: Well I don't know. That really depends doesn't it Jen.

JENNIFER: I don't know what you're talking about Eve.

EVE: I'm talking about Frankie.

JENNIFER: What about him?

EVE: Are you going to go after him again?

JENNIFER: I don't believe this Eve.

EVE: I think it's a very fair question.

JENNIFER: I'm sure you do considering you're the most self centered insensitive person I've ever known.

EVE: All I did was ask a simple question. You have no right to attack me.

JENNIFER: I have every right to attack you because you came here deliberately to hurt me and you are loving every minute of it, aren't you?

EVE: No I didn't. I'm sorry I hurt you Jennifer. I wasn't trying to.

JENNIFER: You would never have come here if you didn't want to talk about Jack.

EVE: Jennifer I just explained to you. I had to ask you about Jack because of Frankie.

JENNIFER: Oh, right, because of Frankie. I know all about your plans with Frankie. Well you can forget about it Eve.

EVE: Why, are you going to go after him again?

JENNIFER: No, as a matter of fact, I'm not. But I do know Frankie. He has far too much taste and intelligence to get involved with someone like you.

EVE: (Beat) You make me sick Jennifer. You call me selfish, well you're a hundred times worse, you know that. You don't want Frankie for yourself but you'd die if anybody else took him. Am I right?

JENNIFER: No Eve, that's not what this is about.

EVE: That's exactly what this is about Jennifer. You know that wide eyed look might work with the guys but you will never see the day you can put something over me.

JENNIFER: I have things to do Eve.

EVE: Do you think I give a damn.

JENNIFER: No I'm sure you don

EVE: You just love the idea that Frankie is hanging around just hoping against hope for another chance with you. You don't want him happy Jennifer. You just want him to keep seeing that gigantic ego of yours.

JENNIFER: I'm sorry Eve. Did you say something?

EVE: Right, fine. Okay, this little game you're playing is over, alright. You don't have a claim on Frankie anymore and you don't have a claim on Jack.

JENNIFER: What about Jack?

EVE: I'm sure it would make you very happy if he joined a monastery or something. But...somehow I can't see Jack taking a vow of chastity, can you?

JENNIFER: Get out of here, Eve, right now.

EVE: JACK'S A SINGLE MAN NOW,JENNIFER. You know attractive single men are so hard to come by, it's only a matter of time till some sexy little young girl gets him.

JENNIFER: Are you going to get out or am I going to have to throw you out?

EVE: Oh I'd like to see you try Jen.

JENNIFER: You've got nothing to say to me and I've got nothing to say to you, alright. So if you don't mind, I don't feel like listening to you talk about Jack anymore because you don't know anything about him and you probably never will because you're not capable of it, Eve.

 

JENNIFER LEADS EVE OUT THE DOOR.

 

EVE: Oh.... REALLY?

JENNIFER: Yes....

 

REALLY! JENNIFER SLAMS THE DOOR IN EVE'S FACE.

 

EVE: Don't be so sure, Jennifer.

SCENE THREE: BACK AT THE PENTHOUSE JACK QUICKLY PUTS THE PICTURE OF JENNIFER BACK IN A BOX.

 

JACK: As you can see I'm very busy and I don't have the time or inclination to talk to you about Miss Horton.

FRANKIE: Okay, fine, fine. Just listen to me alright.

 

JACK PAUSES IN HIS UNPACKING TO LISTEN.

 

FRANKIE: Look Jack, Jen's really upset about this breakup. I personally think you two are better off apart....

JACK: I suppose you see yourself as the consolation prize?

FRANKIE: Oh don't be stupid Jack. If that's what I was after you'd be the last person I'd be talking to.

JACK: What are you talking about then?

FRANKIE: Well if you shut up and let me finish, you wouldn't have to ask that. (Beat) Now as I was saying, I think you two are better off apart, for right now. You just need some time to work things out. But in the long run, you two.... you belong together.

JACK: Well Francoise, I appreciate your sentiments but.... ah.... frankly it was a mistake from the beginning. (Beat) The sooner that you and the rest of the misguided yentas in this town figure that out, the better we'll all be.

FRANKIE: You know Jack I have heard people say a lot of things about you

JACK: Hmmm

FRANKIE: .... but nobody's called you a fool. But that's exactly what you are, a fool. If you think all you have to do is snap your fingers and say.... oh gee I don't love her anymore. Because that's not the way it happens man.

JACK: How the hell would you know how it happens?

FRANKIE: You really have to ask that.

 

FRANKIE SHAKES HIS HEAD IN FRUSTRATION AND WALKS TO THE DOOR.

 

FRANKIE: And whoever your decorator is, they stink.

JACK: Thanks.

 

FRANKIE LEAVES. JACK WALKS OVER AND PICKS UP THE BROKEN PICTURE AGAIN. HE SLOWLY TRIES TO PULL OUT THE BROKEN SHARDS OF GLASS.

SCENE FOUR: BACK AT THE LOFT, JENNIFER IS STILL UPSET BY EVE'S VISIT AND WHEN FRANKIE COMES BACK AND TELLS HER HE HAS BEEN TO SEE JACK, SHE TELLS HIM THAT HE AND EVE MUST BE WORKING IN SHIFTS. SHE TELLS HIM THAT EVE WANTS HER BACK WITH JACK TOO SO THE SHE CAN HAVE FRANKIE. SHE DECIDES SHE CANNOT STAND THINKING ABOUT JACK ANYMORE AND WANTS TO GET BACK TO WORK. SHE DECIDES TO GO SEE TANNER SCOFIELD AT THE MIDTOWN MOTEL. FRANKIE SAYS HE WILL GO WITH HER.

SCENE FIVE: JACK HEADS OFF TO WORK AND VERN FOLLOWS HIM INTO HIS OFFICE.

 

VERN: Jack you don't seem to understand the time's running out. Our backs are against the wall. You're not comprehending this. It's now or never, do or die.

JACK: You forgot, there's no tomorrow Vern.

VERN: Oh don't be a wise guy. If you don't do something Jack, Alamain is going to own 49% of this paper. And he's not going to stop there. He's going to go for full control of The Spectator and when he gets it Jack, you and not necessarily me, but you will be out on the street.

JACK: You know something Vern, I used to think of this office as being a cold forbidding place. But I've realize that whenever you walk into it, it turns into a very warm, very special little corner of hell.

VERN: Oh well I am sorry if I'm depressing you but Diana made it very clear Jack. If you don't top Alamain's bid tonight.... tonight.... she's going to sell her shares to him.

JACK: It's not going to happen. It's not going to happen Vern. You are looking at a former politician. Nobody knows how to raise the green stuff they way I do with the exception.... of the family, alright. So don't worry about a thing, alright. Don't worry about a thing. Don't worry that little head, okay.

VERN: Listen Jack, listen. Level with me okay. Is there any possible chance of you pulling this off?

JACK: Vern! Look at this face, what do you think?

 

JACK GIVES A BIG SMILE AND VERN FROWNS. JACK'S FACE TURNS TO WORRY.

 

JACK: Don't answer that.

 

JACK WALKS BACK INTO HIS OFFICE.

 

JACK: Where the heck is the Godfather when you need him?

 

AT THAT MOMENT, LAWRENCE WALKS IN BEHIND HIM.

 

LAWRENCE: Good afternoon Mr. Deveraux.

JACK: Mr. Alamain. (Beat) Well I was a little worried about you. I haven't seen you in my office in.... what.... two days!

LAWRENCE: And I was worried about you too Jack. That's why I've returned for our very pressing business. By the way, did you know that it's twelve noon.... precisely!

JACK: Really? Thank you very much. Next time I need to check the time I'll just.... call, thank you.

LAWRENCE: That means you have exactly twelve hours until I become your partner. More than enough time to plan a little welcome aboard party, if you're so inclined. I know I am. I haven't looked forward to anything this much Jack in a long time.... a long long time.

JACK: You know you've just reached me at that busy time of the day again. I guess you'll just have to see yourself out of my office.

LAWRENCE: Don't you mean our office?

 

JACK SPINS ROUND TO FACE LAWRENCE.

 

JACK: Please!

LAWRENCE: I own half this paper.

JACK: Not yet you don't.

 

JACK'S VOICE IS HOARSE FROM STRESS AND ANGER.

 

JACK: The point.... what I'm trying to say is.... you're.... you're never going to own this paper.

LAWRENCE: You need money to out bid me for Diana's shares. Lots of money.

JACK: I'll find the money.

LAWRENCE: How? The banks won't loan you money unless you demand the funds at gun point.

JACK: Well that's my business isn't it?

LAWRENCE: Jack, why don't you just learn to accept the inevitable. I'm going to win in the end. I always do. (Beat) Now I have no problems with the front page format although I think we could lay in some more color photographs, above the fold of course.

 

JACK SNATCHES THE PAPER OUT OF LAWRENCE'S HANDS.

LAWRENCE: Ah, you're going to have to work on those communication skills I see. Can't stand a little constructive criticism Jack?

JACK: Mr. Alamain, you have two choices! You can walk out that door right now or you can.... you can.... ah....

LAWRENCE: What exactly are the choices again Jack?

 

JACK REALLY HAS NO ANSWER.

 

LAWRENCE: Life's funny isn't it. When you left my country two months ago, I'm sure you and Jennifer felt that you'd never see me again. And here we are, together again. But you and Jennifer aren't together, are you.

JACK: (Whisper) Ah.... no.

LAWRENCE: This is all you have left....

 

EVE HAS COME TO THE DOOR AND IS LISTENING.

 

LAWRENCE: .... and come midnight, you'll share it with me.

JACK: No, no I won't!

LAWRENCE: You will. We've shared things before Jack and we're going to share The Spectator. (Beat) Face it Jack, you're out of options.

 

EVE COMES IN AND JACK SIGNALS HER TO LEAVE BUT SHE REFUSES.

 

LAWRENCE: Well hello. Miss Donovan, is it?

EVE: Yes, that's right.

LAWRENCE: And what brings you to our office?

EVE: To your office?

JACK: Please.... please ignore that.... remark.

EVE: I'm working with Jack on an article. That's what I'm doing.

LAWRENCE: I see.

JACK: Ah no....

LAWRENCE: Found yourself some new people have you Jack? No doubt you're hoping she'll be as promising as Jennifer?

 

JACK GLARES AT LAWRENCE KNOWING FULL WELL WHAT HE MEANS.

 

JACK: Look I.... Mr. Alamain, I'm sure there's someplace that you need to be.

LAWRENCE: Don't worry. I wouldn't dream of interfering in such a noble educational experiment.

 

LAWRENCE TURNS TO EVE.

 

LAWRENCE: Although I find it hard to believe there's a man alive who could teach you lessons.

 

LAWRENCE WALKS TO THE DOOR AND RUNS HIS FINGERS OVER JACK'S NAME. JACK PUSHES HIS HAND AWAY.

 

LAWRENCE: I'll have the sign painters fix that in the morning Jack. (Beat) You're going to lose the paper. (Beat) Just like you lost Jennifer.

 

JACK IS ANGRY BUT HE TURNS AWAY. HOWEVER LAWRENCE IS DETERMINED TO GET A REACTION.

 

LAWRENCE (CONT.): Just like you lost Steve.

 

JACK VERY SLOWLY TURNS BACK TO FACE LAWRENCE. HE IS MORE THAN ANGRY, HE IS FURIOUS. HIS LIPS ARE TENSE AND WHITE. HE GLARES AT HIM WITH HATRED.

 

JACK: The Spectator is mine! (Beat) And no one's going to take that away from me. (Beat) Not you, or Rupert Murdoch or anyone else! (Beat) So tomorrow morning when you wake up, you're going to find I still own this paper.

LAWRENCE: Well may the best man win.

 

JACK WATCHES AS LAWRENCE LEAVES.

 

EVE: Well.... I take it you've decided to accept my offer, huh?

JACK: What.... what?

EVE: Jack, I'm the only person you know who's got enough money to outbid Lawrence. All you have to do is marry me.

JACK: It's nothing personal but I'd rather eat rat poison.

EVE: Hah, very funny. I think you're going to want to after Mr. Charm moves into your office.

JACK: That's not going to happen.

EVE: Oh yeah. What are you going to do about it Jack?

JACK: I don't know.... I don't know but.... I'm going to do something.... something.

SCENE SIX: MEANWHILE FRANKIE AND JENNIFER ARE LOOKING FOR TANNER BUT HE SEEMS TO BE OUT. WHILE THEY ARE AT THE HOTEL, JENNIFER SEES A GUY TRY TO HIT ON A GIRL AND ATTACKS HIM. FRANKIE PULLS HER OFF HIM AND PUSHES HER INTO A ROOM AND TELLS HER HE WILL NOT LET HER OUT UNTIL SHE TELLS HIM WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER.

SCENE SEVEN: AT THE SPECTATOR, JACK IS CALLING THE BANKS AGAIN.

 

EVE: It's four o'clock Jack.

JACK: There's plenty of time.

EVE: It's down to eight hours now.

JACK: Plenty of time.

EVE: What are you doing?

: Just trying to call one more time. (Beat) Hello, this is Jack Deveraux. Yes I want to talk to you about that lo.... I want.... hello?

 

EVE CUTS THE PHONE OFF.

 

JACK: You didn't have to do that.

EVE: Jack, there's only one way for you get out of this Jack.

JACK: Look I have got plenty of alternatives here.

EVE: You know something, you do. You have a lot of alternatives Jack. Come on why don't I show you what they are.

EVE WALKS OUT AND JACK FOLLOWS HER.

SCENE EIGHT: EVE DRIVES TO THE MIDTOWN MOTEL AND PARKS OUTSIDE.

 

JACK: So you dragged me all the way across town just to look at this, huh.

EVE: I sure did.

JACK: I know I'm going to hate myself for asking this but.... why?

EVE: I used to hang out here a lot when I was working as a.... (Trying not to cry) hooker. And this is not the kind of place the high class hookers work at. But then you know that. You used to spend some time here yourself, way back when, didn't you?

JACK: Please, make your point.

EVE: Look around you Jack. That's the point. this is where you end up when you run out of money and when you run out of power. But we're different. You don't have a wife and I don't have a husband. We don't have love so we need.... we need something else. We need.... something to fill the empty spaces.

JACK: Money!

EVE: Yeah, money. But this isn't just about affording fine wines and getting really good food. This is about a reason to wake up in the morning Jack. And now that Jennifer is out of your life, what else do you have besides The Spectator. I mean what else do have Jack?

SCENE NINE: IN THE MOTEL ROOM, JENNIFER IS REFUSING TO TALK TO FRANKIE BUT HE WILL NOTLET HER GO. SHE RUNS TO THE DOOR BUT HE GRABS HER BEFORE SHE CAN LEAVE. THE DOOR IS LEFT SLIGHTLY AJAR.

 

FRANKIE: Look I know that you were held prisoner. We were too but somehow we have forgotten about it but you haven't. Why?

JENNIFER: Maybe because I'm the only one.... maybe because I'm the only one who....

FRANKIE: What.... what?

JENNIFER: Nothing. Just forget it.

FRANKIE: No! What happened with Alamain, what?

JENNIFER: Frankie, please just stop, alright.

FRANKIE: No, come on. Talk to me. Why can't you get this out? Why can't you get past this? Come on.

JENNIFER: I thought that I was doing the right thing. Then it happened so quickly. Lawrence came to me...

FRANKIE: Lawrence came to you and....

JENNIFER: Yes....

FRANKIE: Yes, what happened after he came to you Jen? What happened?

JENNIFER: Nothing happened. It was big misunderstanding.

FRANKIE: Don't tell me that. I want the truth.

JENNIFER: FRANKIE PLEASE. Just forget about it.

FRANKIE: No I want to know what happened with you and Alamain.

JENNIFER: Nothing happened. Just stop it.

FRANKIE: DAMMIT, YOU TELL ME.