Episode Three
SCENE ONE - INT. - BALLROOM - PARIS - NIGHT
Chaos in progress. Several of the guests have been shot. The "cops and doctors" have begun to take over the situation.
JACK is still lying on top of JENNIFER, looking in the direction of where the gunman exited.
JENNIFER: (worried and whispering) Umm . . . Jack are you okay? I mean . . . uh . . . were you shot or anything?
JACK: Shot? Huh? (turning to her) Oh no. Were you?
JENNIFER: No, but I had the wind knocked out of me by (raising her voice) some man who is still making my breathing a little difficult!
JACK: Hehehe. (getting up and sitting on the floor. He pulls JENNIFER up too and her gown is billowing around them. JACK is actually sitting on top of part of it) Better now?
JENNIFER: Much. (smiles and takes his hand) Are you sure you're okay?
JACK: Yes. (He cups her face and swallows hard) Yes, I am now.
BO comes up and taps JACK'S shoulder
JENNIFER: (glancing around and more than a little anxious) Bo, are Hope and Shawn okay?
BO: Hope is fine. She's going to check on Shawn. (To JACK) Come on.
JACK: Me?
BO: Yeah, you got a good look at the guy, right?
JACK: It - it wasn't that good -
BO: Damn it Deveraux! You're a reporter. You get good looks at things quickly for a living. Now which way are we headed?
JACK: (pointing out the door) That way. (To JENNIFER as he gets up) I'll be right back. Don't worry.
JENNIFER: (grabbing his hand) You be careful Jack. (She squeezes it as he walks away. Then she watches him walk out of the room and whispers to herself) Be careful. (She wipes away the tears which are slowly trickling down her cheeks) Okay Jennifer, pull yourself together. You've got to help around here.
JENNIFER stands up and begins to survey the damage. She sees BRANDON holding ANGELA, speaking to her and JENNIFER immediately realizes there's nothing to be done there. Then she spots HOPE with SHAWN and rushes over.
JENNIFER: Oh my God, Hope! (She kneels down beside HOPE) Are you - is Shawn okay?
HOPE: Uh - Jen, I don't know. He hasn't been shot, but he's unconscious and -
JENNIFER: Shh - it's okay. I'm gonna see if someone has called the paramedics. (gets up to go and call)
HOPE: (grabbing her arm) Hurry Jen. Greta's been shot and Victor - I think I heard someone else say that he had been shot too and there are probably others.
JENNIFER: Okay you just take care of Shawn. I'll get us help.
OUT on JENNIFER running out of the ballroom.
SCENE TWO - INT. - BALLROOM - NIGHT
It's calming somewhat. There are medical personnel rushing about helping. GRETA has been taken away and so has VICTOR. There is a paramedic checking on SHAWN, who is now awake. JENNIFER and HOPE are next to him. MARLENA and BELLE are frantic because JOHN has collapsed.
JACK and BO re-enter the ballroom
BO: Well thanks Jack. At least we were able to give the cops a good description of the guy.
JACK: Yeah. Sorry I couldn't do more Bo. (glances around and spots JENNIFER, HOPE and SHAWN.) It looks like there's something going on over there Bo. You should probably check it out.
BO: (noticing SHAWN being checked out) Why don't you come over with me?
JACK: (surprised) Oh - okay, sure.
The two men make their way over to the other three. JACK immediately gravitates to JENNIFER'S side.
BO: Fancy Face? (HOPE turns at the sound of his voice and wraps her arms around his waist) What happened big guy?
SHAWN: No big deal, dad. Bump on the head. That's it.
PARAMEDIC 1: (To HOPE and BO) We're going to take him to the hospital soon for observation. But you may accompany him in the ambulance if you would like.
HOPE: Thank you.
PARAMEDIC 2: Since he is stable, we're going to help some of the others with the critical patients and then we'll bring your son in.
HOPE: (nodding) Yes, of course. We'll stay with him.
JACK: That was quite the scare you gave us young man, but since all is well with you, I think it's about time I did a little reporting (He looks around the room)
JENNIFER: A little what?
JACK: Reporting (BEAT) I know you've heard of it, Jennifer. You take a pen or a pencil and a notebook and you ask questions of people to try to figure out the "who, what, when, why and how" of the situation.
JENNIFER: Yes Jack, I seem to recall it. What I meant was don't you think about cutting me out of this story. I am here to do a freelance piece -
JACK and JENNIFER are standing toe to toe throughout this entire exchange. At various points we see BO, HOPE and SHAWN exchange amused looks.
JACK: And what do you think I'm here doing?
JENNIFER: Other than making my life miserable? (BEAT) I thought you were here for the free food and champagne.
JACK: Hahaha, Miss Horton. Very funny. No, I'm here for a story so if you'll just excuse me. (He steps to the left, but she is there blocking him)
JENNIFER: I will not. This is my story Jack.
JACK: (steps to the right, but she's there again. He gives up and crosses his arms) It appears that we are at an impasse. So I'd like to propose a solution.
JENNIFER: (crossing her arms) And what would that be Jack?
JACK: Well our professional partnership has always proven to be successful in the past and in the midst of such a tragic occasion (JACK'S index finger points between the two of them) two heads are usually better than one.
JENNIFER: (grabs his finger) Are you suggesting we share a by-line?
JACK: I am. (BEAT) What do you say Miss H? It'll be just like old times.
JENNIFER: (wraps her hand in his) Fine Jack.
JACK: (shaking hands) Fine.
JENNIFER: But my name goes first.
They begin to walk away, their hands still clenched in their handshake.
JACK: Oh no "D" goes before "H".
JENNIFER: (shaking her head) That doesn't matter Jack. (drops JACK'S hand and then turns back to HOPE, BO and SHAWN, who are all stifling their laughter) We're just going to get some pens and paper -
JACK: I beg your pardon (pulls a pen and pad out of his inside right hand pocket) I always come prepared.
JENNIFER: (shooting him a look and then turning to HOPE and BO) Call us from the hospital with news. Leave a message at the hotel if you can't reach us. (turns back to JACK and pulls open his tux jacket) Now if I know you, you've come doubly prepared. (finds another notebook and pen in the opposite pocket) You always were a good little cub scout, Jack.
JACK: Hehehe. Keep your hands out of there in the future. (BEAT) Now you take that side (points in one direction) and I'll take this one. Meet you at the top of the stairs when you're done.
OUT on them looking intently at each other and then going in their separate directions
SCENE THREE - EXT. - PARIS - NEAR JENNIFER'S HOTEL - NIGHT
JACK and JENNIFER are walking down the sidewalk. JENNIFER'S shawl is wrapped around JACK'S neck like a scarf. We can see the ends of his undone bowtie sticking out from underneath it. JENNIFER is wearing JACK'S tuxedo jacket. In his right hand JACK is holding the notebook with her notes, his left holds JENNIFER'S right hand. JENNIFER'S other hand holds JACK'S notes. They're both reading as they walk.
JACK: I still don't understand the motive for this. The princess seems genuinely liked by all that know her.
JENNIFER: (frowning) Yes, Jack but who can tell what motivates political assassinations.
JACK: (skeptical) It doesn't add up. She is a princess but of some backwater hole that isn't really ruled by princesses anymore. She's not even moving there. She's acquired some money, but it wasn't a huge amount. (BEAT) No Jennifer, this princess is not going to affect the worth of the Eurodollar so it has to be something else, we just haven't hit upon the correct answer yet. (He stops and looks around. Then he lifts up his hand noticing that JENNIFER is no longer next to him.) Miss Horton, where did you (turns around and she waves at him fron about fifty yards back) go - oh! (He walks back to her) Why did you stop?
JENNIFER: (looking up at the building) This is my hotel Jack. (she looks flirtatiously at JACK)
JACK: Oh (BEAT) Oh - so you're probably a little tired and don't want to finish this (He holds up the notebook and smacks it against his palm) until tomorrow.
JENNIFER: No, I'm not tired (BEAT) But I don't want to finish this until tomorrow anyway.
JACK: Well then I suppose I should bid you adieu until the morrow.
He begins to unwind her wrap from his neck
JENNIFER: (grabbing the ends of it) Oh no you don't Jack. We've got business upstairs.
OUT on JENNIFER dragging him into the hotel by the ends of her shawl - wide grins on both of their faces
SCENE FOUR - INT. - JENNIFER'S HOTEL ROOM - PARIS - NIGHT
Entering her hotel room, JENNIFER still has one hand guiding JACK, who is behind her, by the ends of the shawl. His hands are placed on her waist. She tosses the key to the side table as he closes the door and then he spins her around to face him.
JACK: So what exactly did you have in mind Miss Horton?
JENNIFER: (kisses him on the lips lightly) Why don't you take this shawl off and I'll be right back okay?
JACK: Okay.
JENNIFER runs off to the bathroom and JACK unwraps the shawl from his neck. He smiles to himself as he walks toward the bed. He hops on there and then sprawls out with his head on the pillow.
JACK: Ah ...
JENNIFER comes back out dressed in her nightgown. JACK is obviously captivated by the sight of her.
JACK: Well, you're a sight for sore eyes.
JENNIFER: Hmmm ... you're not so bad yourself.
She climbs onto the bed with him and leans over him temptingly. She grabs his tie.
JENNIFER: (CONT.) You don't really need this, do you?
JACK: Oh. (reaches up to kiss her but she moves her face and grabs the phone) What the hell?
JENNIFER: After the things that happened I thought you might want to talk to Abby. I - I know it's late but I thought just this once we could wake her up and talk to her.
JACK: (smiling) Why don't you dial the number?
JENNIFER smiles and then dials the number. She holds the phone between them. Two-way.
ALICE: (groggily) He - hello.
JENNIFER: Oh grandma! Grandma, it's Jennifer.
ALICE: Jennifer Rose?
JENNIFER: Yes Grandma. I'm sorry to call so late, but I need to talk to Abby. Can you get her for me?
ALICE: Of course darling. Is everything okay?
JENNIFER: No grandma, it's not exactly but I'll explain it to you later.
ALICE: Okay, Jennifer. (we hear a mumbling) Here she is.
ABIGAIL: (yawning) Mommy?
JENNIFER: Yes it's me baby and I have a surprise for you.
ABIGAIL: Ooooh, what's the surprise mommy?
JENNIFER hands the phone to JACK.
JACK: Hello Abigail.
ABIGAIL: Daddy!
We see ALICE smiling behind ABIGAIL.
JACK: How's my favorite little princess doing?
ABIGAIL: I'm fine daddy. I miss you so much. Are you coming home with mommy?
JENNIFER is leaning in to hear and her eyes are brimming with tears.
JACK: Yes Abigail. Mommy and daddy will be home in a couple of days and we'll tell you all about Paris then.
ABIGAIL: Okay daddy. I can't wait to see you. I love you so much.
JACK: (smiles) I love you too.
ABIGAIL: Can I talk to mommy now?
JACK: (NODS) Of course.
JACK hands the phone back to JENNIFER.
JENNIFER: Of course you can talk to mommy. What is it baby?
It is JACK'S turn to lean in and listen to the conversation.
ABIGAIL: I don't want you to think I don't miss you too.
JENNIFER: (smiles at JACK) I know you do baby.
ABIGAIL: Thank you for finding daddy for us.
JENNIFER: You're welcome honey.
ABIGAIL: Well, grandma and me are kinda tired so we're gonna go to bed now. I love you mommy. Will you give daddy a kiss from me?
JENNIFER: Mommy and daddy love you too. Tell grandma that mommy will call her tomorrow.
JACK: Good night Abigail.
JENNIFER hangs up the phone and looks at JACK. She then leans down and gives him a peck on the cheek.
JACK: What was that for?
JENNIFER: That was from Abby. (she leans down again and presses a tender and much longer kiss on his lips)
JACK: Hmmm ... was that from Grandma Horton?
JENNIFER: (slaps him playfully) That was from mommy.
JACK: (smiling) Oh well, I hope there's more where that came from.
JENNIFER: I've been saving them up for over six months. (she begins to open his shirt) I just hope your back can handle all I've got in mind for tonight.
JACK: (whispers) Don't forget (BEAT) it's had over six months of rest too.
JACK rolls her over onto her back on the bed and begins to kiss her and she giggles with delight at his touch. She pulls out the rest of his shirt and finally removes it.
OUT on their kissing.
SCENE FIVE
It is a short time later. JACK'S clothes are strewn everywhere and JENNIFER'S nightgown lies on the floor next to the bed. JENNIFER has the comforter wrapped around her. JACK is out of the room.
JENNIFER: (calling to him) Do you think this place has room service at this hour?
JACK: (V.O.) I certainly hope so.
JENNIFER: I'm starving. We didn't get much of anything to eat before at the coronation.
JACK: (stepping out of the bathroom - he is wearing JENNIFER'S robe over his silk boxers, but it is open) Well you had that cracker.
JENNIFER: (looking up at him and laughing) You look ridiculous.
JACK: Thank you. (BEAT) That's the look I was attempting to create.
He climbs onto the bed right behind her. She is leaning over the menu which allows JACK the opportunity to nuzzle her ear.
JENNIFER: Mmmm ...(her hand instinctively moving up in what would appear to be a deflecting motion, but instead she strokes his face) Jack, I (BEAT) I can't concentrate on the menu.
JACK: (still kissing her) That's the idea.
JENNIFER: I'm hungry.
JACK: So am I.
JENNIFER: (turns her face and kisses him) There's plenty of time for that later.
JACK: (seriously) Jennifer, there's never enough time for us and once we're back in Salem, we'll have to be pretending - all the time pretending -
JENNIFER: (smiles at him and tosses the menu. She wraps her arms around his neck) You're right. Tonight reminded me of that. But when I'm with you Jack, the rest of the world (She pushes an imaginary item out of the way) just goes away and it seems like time is on our side.
JACK pulls away from her but strokes the side of her face.
JACK: I know (BEAT) I know the feeling.
JENNIFER: (nods and her eyes filling with unshed tears) I missed you so much Jack.
JACK: Well that's one good thing about this new game of ours (BEAT) we'll be together all the time.
JENNIFER: Driving each other crazy.
JACK: (smiling and pulling her close to him as he lies back on the bed) Just like the old days.
JENNIFER: (also smiling) Yeah it is (BEAT) but how are we going to explain this to Abby?
JACK: (sighing) I don't know Jennifer. We'll - we'll just have to figure that out. And we will figure it out honey. Don't we always do what's best for Abigail?
JENNIFER: Yes, we do. (she settles in the crook of JACK'S arm)
A few moments pass where they're just enjoying each other's embrace
JACK: Tell me something, are you still hungry, Jennifer Rose?
JENNIFER: Starving!
JACK: Good, 'cause do you hear that?
JENNIFER: (looking at him) I didn't hear anything.
JACK: (sitting up) Are you - you're telling me that you didn't just hear someone say room service?
JENNIFER: Have you finally lost your mind Jack?
JACK: There it is again. (lifting the covers - his voice is muffled under the covers) Oh yes there's something which will satisfy me under there.
JENNIFER: Ah! Jack! (giggling) Just don't forget to leave a tip this time Jack!
OUT on them unseen under the covers, giggling and whispering things to each other
END EPISODE THREE
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