Episode Twelve
SCENE ONE - EXT. - BO & HOPE'S HOUSE - TWO DAYS LATER - MORNING
JACK and JENNIFER are waiting for the door to open. JACK is nervously tapping his foot.
JENNIFER: (Puts a hand on his arm) Would you stop fidgeting Jack? You're making me nervous.
JACK: This from the woman who changed outfits four times to come over to her cousin's house.
JENNIFER: One of those times was your fault Jack.
JACK: (amused) How is it my fault that you looked so good in the bathroom this morning that your perfume fell over, leaving that spot on your dress? And who leaves open bottles of perfume lying around?
JENNIFER: It wasn't open Jack.
They grin at each other and before JACK can respond, HOPE answers the door.
HOPE: Hey you two. (Hugs JENNIFER) Bo will be down in a minute. (Hugs JACK and leads them both inside) I hope you didn't mind coming over here.
JENNIFER: No it was fine.
JACK: Yes (looks around the room) discretion is of the utmost importance here. Nothing I hate more than when people discuss private matters in public and then give you a hard time about hearing every word.
JENNIFER: It's called eavesdropping Jack.
JACK: Yes, I know you're familiar with it.
HOPE and JENNIFER exchange smiles.
BO: (coming down the stairs) At least now we've figured out how you get into so much trouble Jack.
JENNIFER: (Wraps an arm around JACK'S waist) As if we all didn't already know it's -
JACK: You.
JENNIFER: (at the same time) Me.
They exchange grins and JENNIFER reaches up to give him a small peck on the cheek.
JACK: So what can you tell us about Colin?
BO: Have a seat.
JACK and JENNIFER sit next to each other on the couch and HOPE sits next to JENNIFER. BO sits in the chair facing them.
BO: First, I'll say you two are one up on me. I've never met Colin, although I've heard plenty about him over the years from Pop.
JACK: He seems a bit young to be a legend.
BO: He's a few years younger than I am. But he was always a bit of a shining star. Far less reckless than I am and interested in protecting our family and helping out wherever he can.
JENNIFER: It's just so odd.
HOPE: What is?
JENNIFER: (looks to JACK) We spent months with him, told him about Salem and our friends and family and he never once mentioned that he was related to the Brady family.
JACK: Yeah, it is very strange. I distinctly remember Abigail showing him pictures of her "uncle" Bo. And not to mention he knows of your father Bo and him being in Salem. Most people would ask just out of curiosity.
BO: Well, it's about to get stranger. To the best of my knowledge my cousin is not and never has been any kind of doctor.
JACK, JENNIFER, HOPE: What?
OUT on JACK and JENNIFER looking at each other.
SCENE TWO - IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: What did you say?
BO: Colin is no doctor.
JACK: Well ... uh ... maybe, maybe we were mistaken. I mean there must be a million Irishmen with the name Colin Murphy. It's just not your cousin that's all. (Starts to stand)
HOPE: No, it's definitely Bo's cousin. (BEAT) We haven't met him but we spoke with Shawn yesterday and he said his nephew was here in Salem.
JACK: (murmurs as he sinks back down to the couch) Damn!
JENNIFER: (looking at JACK) Not a doctor.
BO: (calmly) No, I don't think so. Pop mentioned that he'd been in Africa but he made no mention of him knowing the two of you. Now, I was off from work yesterday so I haven't had a chance to check any records or call Shane, but I'm gonna do that today. So hopefully we'll have more to tell you soon.
JACK: (Stands and then helps JENNIFER up) Well thank you Bo. (Reaches over and shakes BO'S hand) We appreciate your help with this. I know - I know the emphasis you place on your family and so for you to -
BO: Jack, I place an emphasis on my entire family, immediate and extended. (Smiles) And I believe it's sort of a duty anyway for me to protect my little rugrat goddaughter.
JACK: (chuckles nervously) Rugrat ... that she is. (Seriously) Thank you Bo.
BO: Anytime, I mean that.
HOPE: (stands) Can we get you two something to eat or coffee? Juice?
JENNIFER: No, we have to be going to work. The news waits for no one right Jack?
JACK: (distracted) Huh? Right. Late news is no news.
JACK takes JENNIFER'S hand and they walk to the door. BO and HOPE follow them.
BO: We'll be in touch.
JACK nods.
HOPE: And we'll see you on Saturday no matter what.
JACK: Saturday?
JENNIFER: (laughing) He has such a selective memory. (Looks at JACK) Our house warming party Jack.
JACK: Oh no no. (To HOPE) Your sister has invited half of Salem, hasn't she?
HOPE: (teasing) Think of it this way Jack, it'll be a nice little reunion for you. It's probably been about ten years since you last saw them all.
JACK: (smirks) Amusing. That Horton humor. I just love it. (Opens the door) We'll see you Saturday.
JENNIFER: (teasing) With bells on right Jack?
JACK rolls his eyes and they walk out the door. BO and HOPE stand watching in the doorway as they walk to their car, still teasing each other and laughing.
HOPE: (waves) Bye! (Laughs as she closes the door) They're so happy.
BO: I know. All the more reason we've got to figure out what Colin is up to Fancy Face.
HOPE: I just hope it doesn't break your father's heart Bo.
BO: Me too. (Pulls her into an embrace) I'm afraid it just might though.
OUT on BO.
SCENE THREE - INT. - PARKING GARAGE - LATER
JACK and JENNIFER are in the car. JACK has it still running. JENNIFER is gathering her purse and briefcase.
JENNIFER: Aren't you turning off the car?
JACK: No, no I've got a story to go research.
JENNIFER: (facing him) Don't lie to me Jack Deveraux.
JACK: I'm not lying to you Miss - (looks at her) Horton. I'm ... (dejectedly) I'm lying to you.
JENNIFER: (nodding) The question is why. Why are you lying to me Jack? No secrets - that is our deal, remember?
JACK: Yes, I know. All right, I was going to go find out a little more about our problem.
JENNIFER: Colin? You were going to see him without me? Jack!
JACK: Not exactly. (Holds up his hands in surrender) Hold it. Before you go getting upset with me, I was going to tell you as soon as I got back.
JENNIFER: Jack!
JACK: I know you don't believe me -
JENNIFER: I believe you, but I don't see where this line of defense would help at all.
JACK: (slaps the wheel dejectedly) I don't either.
JENNIFER: (Putting her seatbelt back on) Well okay then. Let's hit the road ... Jack. (Laughs)
JACK: Haha. (Begins to pull the car out)
JENNIFER: (still laughing) So where are we headed?
JACK: The Brady Pub to talk to Shawn and maybe I'll let you buy me breakfast.
JENNIFER: Oh really? (BEAT) Wait, Bo has already questioned him.
JACK: Yes but we're reporters.
JENNIFER: He's a detective.
JACK: Uh huh. But we're two different breeds Jennifer. There's no way we'll ask the same questions Bo did.
JENNIFER: True. Plus it would probably be more difficult for Bo to question his father about his cousin.
JACK nods.
JENNIFER: So then what Jack?
JACK: Then we find Colin.
OUT on JACK'S determination
SCENE FOUR - INT. - BRADY PUB - A LITTLE LATER
It is past the morning rush so only SHAWN and a couple other patrons are in the restaurant when JACK and JENNIFER walk in. JACK holds the door as JENNIFER walks in laughing at something JACK had said.
SHAWN: (looking up from the table he's sitting at) Well, will you look at that? (Stands to greet them) The Deverauxes -
JACK: Uh uh uh (Glances down at JENNIFER and shakes his head)
JENNIFER turns and gives him a look and then smiles at SHAWN.
SHAWN: (laughs good-naturedly) Then how about Jennifer and Jack. (Hugs JENNIFER) My, my, you two are a sight for these old eyes. (Shakes JACK'S hand) After the tall tale this young lady told all of us, I never thought I'd see the two of you in here again all laughing and happy.
JENNIFER: I'm very sorry about that Shawn, but -
SHAWN: Think nothing of it. We've all done our fair share of things to protect those we love. And while I may not know the details, 'tis good to know you're all fine now.
JACK: Yes we are and since we're fine, we thought what better time than now to visit our favorite Irish pub in Salem.
SHAWN: Ah Jack, charmin' as ever I see. Breakfast is on me. What can I get you both?
JACK and JENNIFER sit at a booth facing each other.
JACK: I'll have coffee to start.
JENNIFER: Tea, please and we hope you'll join us for a bit Shawn.
SHAWN: Well (looks around) You hit me during the slow part of the morning. I'll get your drinks and we'll catch up a bit. (Walks to the kitchen)
JACK: Excellent work Miss H. Very ... casual. (Picks up the menu)
JENNIFER: (smirks) Thank you. Subtle is my specialty.
JACK looks up from his menu and raises an eyebrow, but says nothing.
JENNIFER: An eyebrow? An eyebrow Jack? Are you saying I'm not subtle?
JACK: (still reading the menu) I didn't say a word Jennifer.
JENNIFER: (whispers) Well I was this time.
SHAWN returns with two mugs of coffee and one with tea and sits down next to JACK.
SHAWN: Caroline and I have been enjoying the changes in the Spectator Jack.
JACK: Oh, thank you. (BEAT) It's been a great deal of work even for these few changes. Titan let it fall apart, but I knew somehow if I just -
JENNIFER: Ahem
JACK: (amused) If I just hired the right people such as the beautiful woman in front of us, who must have something caught in her throat? (JENNIFER smiles and shakes her head. JACK chuckles.) Anyway, I knew with the right people by my side we could rebuild it.
JENNIFER: We still have a long way to go, but it is improving and it's worth it.
JACK: Yes it is. (BEAT) So what is new with you and Caroline? We've heard your nephew is here visiting.
SHAWN: (looks strangely at them) Yes he is, but what would make you ask such a thing Jack? No one is supposed to know he's here.
OUT on JACK and JENNIFER'S discomfort
SCENE FIVE - IN PROGRESS
JACK: Haha. What would make me ask such a question ... Jennifer?
JENNIFER: You know just friendly conversation. We were talking with Hope this morning and she mentioned that he was here and we just thought it would be an interesting story - for the paper.
JACK'S eyes widen and he lifts his hand to his face to shield his mouth from SHAWN and mouths "a story".
SHAWN: Story?
JENNIFER: Yes, first impressions of Middle America and all that.
SHAWN seems amused and lets them continue.
JACK: Middle America, yes. You know there's absolutely nothing Americans love than to hear that their little town is adored by foreigners and what with you and Caroline providing your nephew with all the comforts of home he must just love it here.
JENNIFER: (really getting into it now) Right, I mean this place must be some little Irish oasis for him.
JACK: Why it's a veritable Mecca for Irish-Americans here in Salem.
SHAWN laughs.
JENNIFER: And not just Irish-Americans but everyone who wants to feel Irish can come here and they're welcomed.
JACK: (Slams his fist excitedly) I've changed my mind. The focus of the story should be the pub and the Bradys. Jennifer, we're gonna need data about the Irish population here in Salem.
JENNIFER pulls out a notebook and begins writing.
JACK: We'll want to interview Shawn and Caroline, build in the excitement with the idea of someone coming to America and making a name for themselves. A success story - the people of Salem with love it.
JENNIFER: They'll just eat it up Jack.
JACK: Right and Shawn. (Turns to face him)
SHAWN: (completely baffled, yet amused) Uh, yes Jack?
JACK: We'll still want to interview your nephew and gain a better understanding of how realistic this place is to a true blue Irish establishment.
SHAWN: But Jennifer, she worked in a pub in Ireland.
JENNIFER: (covering) Yes I did, but it'll be better to hear it from a true Irishman and um ... it's just not objective if I were to be contributing my views while writing the story.
JACK: (looks at her with admiration) So where can we find your nephew Shawn?
COLIN: (V.O.) Right behind you.
JENNIFER and JACK look up startled to see COLIN smiling at them. SHAWN also grins.
OUT on COLIN
SCENE SIX - IN PROGRESS
SHAWN: (standing) Let me introduce all of you. Jack Deveraux, Jennifer Horton, my nephew Colin Murphy. Colin, meet the best reporting team in town, Deveraux-Horton.
JENNIFER: Horton-Deveraux.
JACK: Oh no, I think the man had it right the first time Jennifer.
JACK and JENNIFER exchange smirks
COLIN: I was listening to the two of you pitching your story. Your professionalism and enthusiasm is impressive and catching.
JACK: Yes, well thank you. (Looks at his watch) Would you look at the time Jennifer? We have that thing at the place ...
JENNIFER: (trying to figure it out) That thing at the ... oh right the trial, we have the trial to cover.
JENNIFER stands.
JACK: Right the trial at the courthouse. (Stands) Colin, it was lovely to see you here. Other than just the story we wanted to be sure that Caroline and Shawn's invitation to our little soiree on Saturday is extended to you.
COLIN: Thank you Jack. That's very kind of you two. I'd be happy to be there.
The phone rings.
SHAWN: I've got to get that. We'll see you on Saturday.
JENNIFER: Goodbye Shawn. (Waves)
JACK: (To COLIN) You realize that your little secret won't be safe around our daughter on Saturday. You might want to tell your family that we're acquainted.
COLIN: I didn't notice you rushing to admit to an acquaintance Jack.
JACK: Touché, Doctor Murphy.
JACK and COLIN stare at each other for a moment, but say nothing.
SHAWN: Jack, Jennifer. That was Vern and he said they need you back down at work soon. Some sort of crisis.
JENNIFER: Thanks Shawn. Colin. We'll see you both at the party.
JENNIFER grabs JACK'S arm and they leave the restaurant.
SHAWN: Well my boy it seems you have some explaining to do. Just why didn't you tell me that you know the Deverauxes?
OUT on SHAWN
SCENE SEVEN - IN PROGRESS
COLIN: Yes I do know Jack and Jennifer.
SHAWN: How?
COLIN: I knew them in Africa. I was staying in the same area as they were and we became friendly.
SHAWN: And why did you not mention this to me?
COLIN: I didn't realize they were back in Salem. Last I knew Jack was seeking their fortune in Africa still.
SHAWN: It's not everyday that ya meet people from Salem in the wilds of Africa. You might have mentioned it to me in passing.
COLIN: I'm sorry. I didn't think it was anything big.
SHAWN: (softly - thinking outloud) I wonder why they said nothing?
COLIN: Well I can't begin to explain Jack and Jennifer but I think it would be best if we kept it quiet as to why I'm here Uncle Shawn, even from them.
SHAWN: Well of course. (BEAT) Now I've got a bit of paperwork to do. Would you mind watching the place while I do it?
COLIN: Not at all. It's the least I can do.
SHAWN: (Slaps a hand on his shoulder) You're a good lad. I'm glad you're here Colin.
SHAWN walks to the back.
COLIN: So am I.
OUT on COLIN
SCENE EIGHT - INT. - JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - LATE EVENING
JACK comes in holding a notebook and rubbing the back of his neck. JENNIFER comes out of the bathroom in her pajamas, drying her hair with a towel. JACK sits on the bed, still concentrating on the papers.
JENNIFER: Hey! Did you get Abby to sleep?
JACK: (waves but doesn't look up) Hmm ...
JENNIFER drops the towel and then walks over to the bed and hops on staring at JACK.
JENNIFER: So what has you so distracted?
JACK: Budget.
JENNIFER: Ugh! Jack! We've looked at it all day.
JENNIFER grabs the notebook and leans in planting kisses all over JACK.
JACK: Miss - Miss Horton ... Jennifer (Kisses her back a bit) Jennifer! This is about providing for our future generations.
JENNIFER: I am thinking of our future generations Jack.
She begins to unbutton his shirt.
JACK: Jennifer Rose Horton, I'm shocked.
JENNIFER: What can I say? You bring out the animal instinct in me Jack.
JENNIFER tosses the notebook to the ground and then yanks his shirt down off his shoulders.
JACK: Well (A kiss) down girl. Give me a moment of your time and I'll give up the budget for tonight. (Another kiss) I promise.
JENNIFER: (backing off) I'm not going to like this am I?
JACK: I promise I'll make it worth your while. (Smiles)
JENNIFER: You're irresistible. (Kisses him again) At least put your shirt back on so I can concentrate on what you're saying.
JACK: (laughing) You're unbelievable, you know that? (She settles onto the bed facing him) Mild mannered Jennifer Horton by day ... (pulls his shirt back up) wanton sex goddess by night.
JENNIFER: (shrugs) It's a skill. (BEAT) So what's up?
JACK: Colin.
JENNIFER: You stopped our fun for him. I may not want to go back to it once this conversation is over.
JACK: (knowing she's exaggerating, he ignores it) What do you make of him keeping stuff from the Bradys, especially something as innocent as knowing us.
JENNIFER: Well it's rather suspicious. Of course we'll have some explaining to do ourselves.
JACK: True. (BEAT) I wonder how long he's going to be staying in Salem.
JENNIFER: Who knows? Until he's finished whatever he's here to do I guess. I thought you were going to be nicer to him, by the way.
JACK: Well I can't just turn immediately nice or he'd figure it out in a heartbeat.
JENNIFER: It's this whole doctor thing that's throwing me for a loop Jack. Why would he be pretending to be a doctor in Africa if he wasn't in on the scam?
JACK: I don't know Jennifer. But it's as if everything we know about him is a lie.
JENNIFER: I'm afraid you're right.
JACK:(Upset) I can't believe I fell for his lines Jennifer. I'm - we're smarter than that and yet I trusted him, trusted him in a way I only trust a few people. I let him - be in charge of you and --
JENNIFER: (taking his hand) We're safe Jack. Nothing happened to us.
JACK: (looking at her lovingly) Something could have though. (He caresses her cheek; his voice is thick with emotion) I thank God everyday that nothing happened to you two Jennifer.
JACK leans in for a kiss. After they break apart, JENNIFER leans back and smiles at him.
JENNIFER: Better now?
JACK: A little. (smiles) We'll have to pump everyone for more information on Saturday, but until then I've got bigger concerns.
JENNIFER: Oh no. No budget tonight.
JACK: Well that's certainly important but I meant the pressure of making this entire conversation worth your while.
JENNIFER: Oh well, (wraps her arms around his neck) I don't think you'll have any problems Jack.
JACK: Ya think? (Pulls her closer to him and begins to kiss lightly kiss her neck)
JENNIFER: I know. You never have disappointed before. Now first things first.
JACK: (stops kissing and looks at her) What's that?
JENNIFER: Getting rid of this shirt.
JACK grins at her as she yanks his shirt down, removes it and then tosses it to the floor. He looks at her in wonderment and she smiles and pulls him down on top of her.
OUT on their kissing
END EPISODE TWELVE
Previous | Next
Home | Continuing Story | Short Stories | Links
