SCENE ONE: JACK AND JENNIFER ARE AT JACK'S OFFICE. JENNIFER IS HOLDING UP AN ARTICLE HE PRINTED ENTITLED "UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL FACES POSSIBLE LAW SUIT".JENNIFER: How could you print this story Jack, alright. You have no proof and you have no facts. You libeled by best friend.
JACK: Libeled? Wait a minute, wait a minute.
JENNIFER: Yes libeled. What do you mean wait a minute?
JACK: I said wait a minute. Just wait a minute and listen to this alright. And I quote. Informed sources say University Hospital faces possible law suits stemming from unanswered questions about recent deaths.
JENNIFER: Oh come on.
JACK: What is libelous about that?
JENNIFER: What do you mean? You know that they're attacking Carly. I mean they're making her sound like some kind of monster who is killing her patients to relieve their suffering because she believes in euthanasia.
JACK: Listen, Carly aside, this is an important news story and it concerns the public and they had a right to know. And I had to print this story.
JENNIFER: This is not a news story alright. This is innuendo. This is something that could destroy her career. Have you talked to Carly? Did you get her side of the story like a good reporter Jack?
JACK: No I didn't. If you try to get through to that hospital and talk to any doctor.... you.... alright, you got me there. I haven't got all the facts yet so you have my word.... I'm giving you my word that I will not print anything else on this until I get all the facts that I can. So understand that I am supporting you and your point of view. But you have to understand that you are causing me a lot of trouble here. I mean The Chronicle is going to scoop me if I don't move on this now.
JENNIFER: Oh come on Jack, they are not going to get the facts any sooner than you are and you know that.
JACK: Well we can only hope. But we both know how much is riding on the way I'm handling The Spectator these days. Kate Roberts is very supportive of me now but we don't know what she's going to be if I drop the ball on this.
JENNIFER: I realize that. I am very supportive of you also Jack.
JACK: Good.
JENNIFER: I hope you're as supportive of me when I tell you what I did with my job.
JACK: Wait a minute, wait a minute. This is going a little too fast for me here. You want my support on what you're going to do with your job? Are you about to tell me you're going to walk out on the TV show?
JACK LOOKS UP WITH A VERY WORRIED LOOK ON HIS FACE.
SCENE TWO: JENNIFER HAS JUST SURPRISED JACK THAT SHE HAS MADE A DECISION ABOUT HER JOB.JENNIFER: No. I'm going to stay home from now on and I'll do all my work at home and I'll go into the studio when they need me for taping.
JACK: Oh! Does this have anything to do with our child?
JENNIFER: Yes it does.
JACK: Is it because you think our child is still ill?
JENNIFER: I'm worried about our daughter, yes I am.
JACK: Huh, huh.
JENNIFER: And I want to be home with her in case of anything. In case they need to take her to the hospital, right away, I want to be there.
JACK: You know you flew off the handle a minute ago. I thought that was enough but this takes the cake. You are really over-reacting. You're ready to walk out on your job....
JENNIFER: I'm over-reacting?
JACK: .... for a child that's not even sick.
JENNIFER: I'm over-reacting? At least I'm not in complete denial Jack.
JACK: I am not in complete denial! I AM NOT! And I'll prove it you. We'll go back to the doctor. Only this time it's a new doctor.
JENNIFER: What new doctor?
JACK: A new doctor for our child.
JENNIFER: We have already discussed this alright. Dr. Raines is a wonderful pediatrician and Carly is my best friend.
JACK: Huh, huh.
JENNIFER: I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have Carly to help us through this and to tell us what was going on while she was sick.
JACK: Jennifer try to understand something. Carly is in deep trouble. The hospital is in deep trouble. We know that. We know that she's got her hands full. Now is not the time to put our child's life in Carly's hands.
JENNIFER: There is no one better equipped to handle any illness that Abby might have.
JACK: Will you stop saying she has an illness?
STOP IT!
JENNIFER: Will you stop pretending that she's fine?
JACK: No.... I WILL NOT LISTEN.... stop right now.
HE SITS DOWN AND STARTS TO WRITE.JENNIFER: What do you mean stop right now? What are you doing?
SCENE THREE: JACK CONTINUES TO WRITE ON A PAD. JENNIFER IS FRUSTRATED THAT IN THE MIDST OF THE OF THEIR DISCUSSION ABOUT ABIGAIL, JACK IS WRITING A NOTE — THAT BUSINESS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT TALKING.JENNIFER: Will you please tell me what you're doing Jack?
JACK: Just writing a little note to myself.
JENNIFER: Oh that's good. We're having a discussion about our daughter's health and you're writing a note. Can you stop working for one minute....
JACK: This is not about work. (Beat) This is a note to myself. Perhaps you can peruse it for yourself.
HE TEARS OFF THE SHEET AND HANDS IT TO HER.
JENNIFER: "I, Jack Deveraux, vow to stop arguing with my wife as of this moment."
JACK: At least for today.
JENNIFER LOOKS SADLY AT HIM.JACK: I want to stop arguing.
JENNIFER: You realize that might be an impossible task.
JACK: Well one can try.... can't one?
JENNIFER: Yeah. I think we can try.
THEY HUG.JACK: I tell you what. If you think it won't.... hurt your show, and you think it's for the good of our family, you stay home and work from the house. I think you should do it.
JENNIFER: You do?
JACK: I most certainly do.
JENNIFER: You know you work too hard too Jack.
JACK: You're right and I tell you what we're going to do about it. Tonight I'm going to knock off early. A little bit earlier. And I'm going to take us out, just the two of us.
JENNIFER: Really?
JACK: Really. We'll go to the Penthouse and just have a ball. I'm going to show you off to Salem.
JENNIFER: Alright, okay, ah, seven o'clock?
JACK: Seven o'clock sounds very good. The Penthouse?
JENNIFER: Penthouse Grill. Maybe I'll call Jo and I'll ask her if she can babysit.
JACK: Good.
JENNIFER: Good. That sounds wonderful. I'm sorry. I'm sorry about our argument but I'm glad that you're going to do the right thing now. I mean I'm glad that you're going to get the facts and stop this whole ridiculous hospital rumor about Carly. I know you're going to do the right thing.
JACK: Right. I'm going to do the right thing.
JENNIFER: Bye.
JACK: Goodbye.
JENNIFER: I love you Jack Deveraux.HE LEANS OVER THE DESK AND THEY SHARE A TENDER KISS.
JACK: I love you Jennifer Deveraux.
SHE LEAVES AND JACK SLUMPS DOWN IN HIS CHAIR. HE PICKS UP THE NEWSPAPER.JACK: But does doing the right thing meaning killing the wrong story.
SCENE FOUR: LATER THAT EVENING JACK IS STANDING AT THE BAR AT THE PENTHOUSE GRILL SIPPING A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE. HE SEES KATE ACROSS THE ROOM.JACK: Well hello boss.
KATE: Jack.
SHE WALKS OVER TO THE BAR.JACK: Well look at you. Don't you look (Long beat).... nice.
KATE: Thank you.
JACK: One can only assume you're going to have a nice business meeting.
KATE: Well I am meeting someone. Someone very special. But is has nothing to do with business.
JACK: Ooooh, isn't that special then? Anyone I know?
KATE: I highly doubt it.
JACK: Well!
KATE: I must say you're looking rather handsome yourself tonight. I don't think I noticed what a good looking man you are Jack.
JACK: Really.
KATE: Yes.... really! So sorry it took me so long to notice. That's a heavenly tie. It brings out that vivid blue in those delicious eyes.
SHE RUNS HER FINGERS DOWN HIS TIE. JACK IS A BIT UNSURE HOW TO REACT.JACK: Thank you.
THE ELEVATOR OPENS AND JENNIFER ARRIVES.KATE: Jennifer.
JENNIFER: Hi.
JACK: Hello Jennifer. Right on time.
KATE: Now you two have a wonderful dinner.
JENNIFER: Well I couldn't wait.
JENNIFER GIVES HIM A PASSIONATE KISS OBVIOUSLY TO CLAIM HER TERRITORY IN FRONT OF KATE.
JENNIFER: Thank you.
JACK: Heheheh.
WAITER: Mr. Deveraux, your table's ready.
JENNIFER IS WIPING LIPSTICK FROM HIS LIPS AND DOING IT VERY SLOWLY.
JACK: Oh thank you. Thank you very much. And Kate you have a good time this evening yourself.
KATE: Oh I can assure you I will.
JACK: Right.
JENNIFER DRAGS HIM AWAY TO THE TABLE. JACK NOTICES A MAN ARRIVE TO SEE KATE.JACK: Well look at that? It appears that Ms Business does has a date after all. Very interesting.
SCENE FIVE: THEY HAVE ORDERED, AND JACK IS TRYING TO EXPLAIN HIS POSITION ON THE HOSPITAL STORY.JACK: Thank you. What I'm trying to explain is this Jennifer. I haven't been able to get word one out of the hospital. There's been a total press black-out.
JENNIFER: Why is that? Why would they do that?
JACK: I think you know why. They're protecting someone. It's called a cover-up. I mean it goes so far as the police. The police information officer will not give us anything. So I have no choice except to go straight to Mrs. Levin's attorney.
JENNIFER: Right but then you'd have to print part of the story. You can't do that. You can't print part of a story Jack.
JACK: I'm not going to print any part of any one story. But I'm not going to sit back and allow The Chronicle scoop me.
JENNIFER: Right, that's fine, that's fine. I can't stop you from doing your job but I also don't have to sit here and listen to you either.
SHE GETS UP FROM THE TABLE.
JACK: Wh...what are you going to do?
JENNIFER: I'm going to the hospital. I am going to talk to Carly. I am going to get the facts for you alright. I will come back and tell you so I can save you from a libel suit.
JACK: That's good. That's.... what right now?
SHE WALKS OFF AND LEAVES HIM ALONE.
SCENE ONE: IT IS STILL THE SAME NIGHT, AND JACK IS STILL AT THE PENTHOUSE GRILL. HE NOTICES THAT KATE'S DATE HAS LEFT AS WELL SO HE WALKS OVER TO HER TABLE.JACK: Excuse me. What happened to your special date?
KATE: Oh he.... he had to leave.
JACK: Oh.... oh, well we can't win 'em all, can we? Well if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on the little family.
WAITER: Mr. Deveraux, you forgot your credit card.
JACK: Oh so I did. Thank you very much.
JACK GETS OUT HIS WALLET TO LOOK FOR CASH FOR A TIP.
JACK: Oh I can just show you.... oh very timely. Perhaps you have change for a.... for a five?
SCENE TWO: MEANWHILE, KATE HAS BEEN WATCHING HIM CLOSELY THINKING THAT JACK IS VERY GOOD LOOKING AND SHE WOULD BE A FOOL TO LET HIM GET AWAY. ALSO SHE REALIZES THAT IT WOULD DRIVE VICTOR CRAZY.JACK: (To waiter) Thank you. It's no problem.
KATE: Jack?
JACK: Yes.
KATE: What happened to Jennifer? I thought you two were having dinner together.
JACK: Ah, she.... she had to go somewhere else.
KATE: Oh I hope everything's alright.
JACK: Oh everything's just fine. She just had to go and take care of some business.
KATE: Well do you have to get home right away?
JACK: Well not.... excuse me if you're looking for a shoulder to cry on, you better be forewarned. Mine isn't the best.
KATE: Ah please, I'm hungry. I don't want to eat alone. Come on. Sit down, join me. We can talk about the paper.
JACK: Alright, I'll get us some coffee.
KATE: Ah, Jack, I'll buy.
SHE TIPS HALF OF HER WINE INTO HIS GLASS.KATE: Jack I'm sorry that Jennifer had to leave but I'm awfully happy that you could join me. Where did she go, to the studio?
JACK: No, she.... alright. The reason she left was because she was a trifle upset with me, that's all.
KATE: Hmmm, I'm sorry. I assume it was serious.
JACK: No, it was not serious. She was just.... she was upset about the Carly Manning rumors and that fact that I was.... I was prepared to print them.
KATE: You know frankly I'm a little surprised.
JACK: I don't know why. It's really rather simple. Carly's her close personal friend.
KATE: Yeah but you are her husband and a newsman. A journalist has certain priorities. I would think Jennifer would understand that. My word she was a reporter herself at one time.
JACK: She still is a reporter. She just has other priorities and expects me to have the same.
KATE: So here you sit with me instead of your wife.
JACK: Oooh, no, no, no, no. Let's get our facts straight here. We were both dumped here tonight.
KATE: No, I cut the evening short.
JACK: Oh you did. Really. How very interesting. Why did you do that?
KATE: He was a bore. If you must know he was one of those people who thinks he knows more about you than you know about yourself.
JACK: Hmmm, and what did he think he knew?
KATE: Heheh. One of these days I might....might tell you. Though we don't know each other well enough.... not yet. No Jack tonight I just want to relax and unwind and.... aaaaaah, thank heaven I've got you to do it with.
JACK: Well I'm really flattered but really I think you can hold your own with just about anyone.
KATE: Yeah but to relax with anyone and feel totally comfortable.... that's a different ball game. But then we do have a certain chemistry together, don't we? Maybe that's why it's just so easy.
JACK IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT KATE IS ON ABOUT.
SCENE THREE: SOME TIME LATER, THEIR DINNER STILL IS IN PROGRESS.JACK: Okay, here's the bottom line. I still can't print the story on Carly Manning.
KATE: Because of your wife.
JACK: No because I don't have the facts. All I've got is just a pile of rumors but I can't pin the rumors down because of this whole press black-out that's going on at the hospital.
KATE: There has got to be a way to get around all this especially with your connections.
JACK: I can't use Jennifer's family, especially tonight.
KATE: Jack that's not what I'm talking about. You are a journalist and you're one of the finest journalists I've ever known.
JACK: Here, here.
KATE: You'd like to get this story as much as anybody else and if anybody can do it, you can.
SCENE FOUR: JENNIFER RETURNS TO THE PENTHOUSE GRILL WITH AUSTIN WHOM SHE MET AT THE HOSPITAL.JENNIFER: Oh there's Jack.
AUSTIN: Well you better get over there quick if you still want to have dinner with him.
JENNIFER: You know what Austin. Why don't you join us?
AUSTIN: No Jen, this is between you and your husband. I'm just going to have a drink at the bar and be on my way, okay.
JENNIFER: Okay, thanks a lot.
AUSTIN: You got it.
SCENE FIVE: JENNIFER GOES OVER TO JACK AND KATE WHERE THE TWO OF THEM ARE WORKING ON THE CARLY STORY.KATE: Jack I just know you can come up with a way to get a headline story on Carly Manning. And I don't have to tell you how this would boost our circulation.
JACK SEES JENNIFER.JENNIFER: Is that all you care about, making money off someone else's tragedy?
JACK: Jennifer.
JENNIFER: Are you trying to ruin somebody's reputation when Carly can't even defend herself?
JACK: Wait a minute, why can't Carly defend herself?
JENNIFER: If I tell you it might end up on the front page of the newspaper. Look I'll tell you one thing. Anyone who prints lies about Carly Manning is beyond contempt. And I'll tell you another thing, my husband has high standards and I don't appreciate anyone trying to lower them.
KATE: Jennifer.
JACK: Wait a minute, wait a minute, please. We were not sitting here discussing printing lies about Carly. We were just discussing the situation. Now I suggest that you and I discuss this at home.
JENNIFER: I think that's a very good suggestion Jack.
JACK: Good. Kate, thank you for dinner and I'll talk to you tomorrow morning.
KATE WATCHES AS JACK LEAVES AND DECIDES THAT HE WILL BE A CHALLENGE BUT SHE IS DEFINITELY GOING FOR IT.
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