INT. HOTEL ROOM.

IN on hotel room door. JACK and JENNIFER fiddle with the key for a moment and then walk in. JENNIFER walks over and throws herself on the bed and sighs. JACK fiddles with the flowers on the bureau.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING UP AT JACK) Do you think we should call Shane again?

JACK: (NOT PAYING ATTENTION) Huh?

JENNIFER: (SITTING UP) Jack, are you okay?

JACK: (COMING TO AND SHAKING HIS HEAD) Yes...I mean I'm fine.

JENNIFER: (NOT BUYING IT) Well, you can't blame me for asking. You've been kind of out of it since we left the church.

JACK: (FLASHING HER A SLY SMILE) Well, you know that churches and I never sat well with one another. Kind of like a fish in water, (CORRECTING HIMSELF) out of water. The church being the-(WAVING IT OFF) Never mind.

JENNIFER: (SMILING SLIGHTLY) Jack, you look like you've been looking for something. (GETS UP AND WALKS OVER TO HIM) Did you lose something Jack?

JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING. REFERRING TO HER.) I guess you could say that.

JENNIFER: Well, what is it? What are you looking for?

JACK: (NERVOUS. NOT WANTING JENNIFER TO KNOW HE'S LOOKING FOR "A SIGN") Um, my wallet.

JENNIFER: Jack, you have your wallet. You just paid for the hotel with it.

JACK: Did I say wallet? I meant...I meant...something from my wallet.

JENNIFER: (KNOWING HE'S LYING) Money, Jack? I'm surprised you haven't called Shane and had him set up a search party for that.

JACK: No, not money. I...I was looking for...(TAKING OUT HIS WALLET AND THUMBING THROUGH IT)...for...this. (HE PULLS OUT A BUSINESS CARD OF SOME SORT AND SMILES WIDELY).

OUT on JENNIFER'S amusement at JACK'S lies.

SCENE 2: IN PROGRESS

IN on JENNIFER'S amusing smile. SHE grabs the business card from him.

JENNIFER: (NARROWING HER EYES AND READING THE CARD) "Salem Place Hardware Store. For All Your Hardware Needs. Located in Salem since 1956." (TURNING TO JACK) You were looking for this?

JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Hehehehe. You see...you see...that little card right there. (STEPPING TOWARDS HER AND TURNING IT OVER) See this little card, it entitles you to...(READING THE CARD)...to a free gallon of paint with a purchase of fifty dollars or more.

JENNIFER: (RAISING HER EYEBROW AT HIM) Paint, Jack?

JACK: Well...well...I was thinking about just how much I like this color (WAVING TO THE WALLS). It would look just great in our kitchen, don't you think?

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT THE WALLS IN DISDAIN) It's yellow, Jack.

JACK: (PRETENDING TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE COLOR) It's actually more of a daffodil.

JENNIFER: It's mustard yellow, Jack.

JACK: (TURNING TO HER. SARCASTICALLY) Ya think?

JENNIFER: I know. Jack, what were you really looking for?

JACK: I told you. The paint card. You know I can't resist a sale. A penny saved is-

JENNIFER: (EXASPERATED. DRYLY.) is a penny earned.

JACK: (TOUCHING HER CHIN QUICKLY) I always knew you were a smart girl. That's why I marr-(STOPPING HIMSELF)...that's why I hired you.

JENNIFER smiles at JACK'S near mistake.

JACK: (WANTING TO FORGET WHAT HE ALMOST SAID) Now let's see...(WALKING TO THE WINDOW AND OPENING THE DRAPES TO LET THE SUN IN AND SQUINTING) Perhaps this, yes, of course, perhaps this will help you see the color more accurately. What do you think? (HE TURNS AROUND AND FLASHES HER A GREAT SMILE)

OUT on JENNIFER rolling her eyes.

SCENE 3: IT IS SOME TIME LATER.

IN on JACK sitting on the bed, reading. JENNIFER is pacing back and forth and wringing her hands together nervously. JACK looks up at her from time to time with concern.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING OVER TO JACK, WHO IS READING) What time is it?

JACK: (NOT LOOKING UP) Fifteen minutes from the last time you asked.

JENNIFER: I'm going to call Shane (SHE GOES TO PICK UP THE PHONE ON THE NIGHTSTAND).

JACK puts his hand over hers. They stare at each other for a moment.

JENNIFER: (SOFTLY) Jack-

JACK: (LOOKING AT THEIR HANDS AND THEN TO HER) You are not calling Shane.

JENNIFER: Jack, maybe he knows something.

JACK: He said he'd call. Now just relax. Your nervousness is making me nervous (HE REMOVES HIS HAND AND RETURNS TO READING).

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT HIS CALMNESS) You'd never tell.

JACK: (LOOKING UP AT HER FROM THE BOOK) Come again?

JENNIFER: (FRUSTRATED) Jack, how can you sit there so calmly? Someone you know and love may be hurt or even worse.

JACK: (PUTTING THE BOOK DOWN) Do you think that I'm not affected?

JENNIFER: No...Yes. I...I just don't understand how you can sit there and go about your business. (SITTING DOWN ON THE EDGE OF THE BED AND TURNING AWAY) I never did.

JACK: (PLACING THE BOOK ON THE NIGHTSTAND AND LEANING FORWARD) Jennifer. Jennifer, is that it? You think that I don't care?

JENNIFER: (NOT LOOKING AT HIM) Jack, it's silly, I know. You care. I know that. (SHE WIPES AWAY TEARS FORMING IN HER EYES AND TRYING TO BE CHEERFUL) So, how 'bout those Cubs?

JACK: (LEANING FORWARD AND CAREFULLY TOUCHING HER BACK, MAKING HER TURN TO HIM) I do, you know. I do care. I...I just...

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT JACK WITH TEARS IN HER EYES) I know. I just...you just have a funny way of showing it.

JACK: (SMILING WEAKLY) It's a Jack Deveraux staple. Afraid of heights, afraid of being stuck in tiny places for too long, afraid of emotion...(LOOKING HER IN THE EYES). The latter being the most severe. Just because I go about my business, our business, it doesn't mean that I don't care. You know that, don't you? (HE GENTLY STROKES HER HAIR.)

JENNIFER nods sadly.

JACK: I'm just not good with that stuff, that's all (SMILING)I can go on and on you know about the things I'm not good at if you'd like...I can't make a good cup of coffee, I can't spell very well...

JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY AT HIM) Appreciative. A-P-P-

JACK: (STILL STROKING HE HAIR) See, there's that famous Miss Horton smile? Where have you been all this time?

JENNIFER: (GIGGLING THROUGH HER TEARS) You can't swim either, Jack.

JACK: That, that I'll give you.

JENNIFER: (SERIOUS) Jack, you know there are a lot of things that I can't do, either.

JACK: (GUFFAWING) Come on now.

JENNIFER: I'm serious, Jack. I can't make a good cup of coffee either...

JACK: That's just a matter of opinion.

JENNIFER: Why do you do that?

JACK: Why do I do what? (HE STROKES HER HAIR)

JENNIFER: Why do you insist that I can't do anything wrong?

JACK: Because you can't. You can do anything you set your mind to. I know it (HE LOOKS AT HER WITH DEEP LOVE). You're the strongest woman (CORRECTING HIMSELF) person I know.

JENNIFER: (WANTING TO CRY) Jack, how can you say that? You hardly know what I-

JACK: Jennifer, I don't have to know. I believe in...I believe in you.

OUT on JENNIFER'S face filled with emotion.

SCENE 4: IN PROGRESS

IN on JACK'S surprised look.

JACK: What, you...you look so surprised. You do believe me, don't you?

JENNIFER: (UNCOMFORTABLE) Jack-

ALL OF A SUDDEN THE PHONE RINGS.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT THE PHONE) We should really get that.

JACK: (NOT WANTING TO STOP TALKING BUT KNOWING THEY SHOULD ANSWER) We should. (HE PICKS UP THE PHONE AND HANDS THE HANDSET TO HER)

JENNIFER: (NERVOUS. LOOKING AT JACK.) Hello?

OUT on JACK watching JENNIFER attentively.

SCENE 5: IN PROGRESS

IN on JENNIFER, who is still on the phone.

JENNIFER: I see. (BESIDE HER JACK CRINGES AT THOSE WORDS) That's...that's wonderful. (SHE SMILES AND PULLS THE PHONE AWAY A LITTLE SO SHE COULD TELL JACK) Everyone's okay. Hope has the baby! (BACK INTO THE PHONE) In about fifteen minutes? We will. Thank you, Shane. Thank you for everything. Tell the kids we said hello. Bye. (SHE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND LOOKS TO JACK, WHO IS BEAMING) Oh my goodness. Jack, I don't know if I've ever been so relieved.

JACK: (GETTING UP. SMILING.) I'm glad for you.

JENNIFER: (JUMPING UP AND HUGGING HIM) And I have you to thank for getting me through this. You're wonderful, Jack.

JACK: (UNCOMFORTABLY HUGGING HER BACK) No, I'm not. I'm...I'm just a friend.

JENNIFER: (BREAKING AWAY AND LOOKING UP AT HIM) Jack, you know that's not all you are. You know it.

JACK: (SMILING UNCOMFORTABLY) I guess I'll have to take your word on it. (HE TURNS AWAY AND PLACES THE PHONE BACK ON THE NIGHTSTAND)

JENNIFER looks at him wondering what made him change like that.

JENNIFER: You will, Jack.

JACK: (TURNING AROUND) I will what?

JENNIFER: Have to take my word on that, Jack. That you are wonderful. Without you, I couldn't have made it through all this...I mean, you called Abby, you took me to the church...

JACK: I did nothing you couldn't do yourself.

JENNIFER: (UPSET) But you did, Jack.

They lock eyes. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, JACK speaks.

JACK: (LOOKING AT HIS FEET) So what's this I hear about fifteen minutes?

JENNIFER: Shane said that's when Hope, the baby, and the others will get here. I can't wait to see the baby, Jack. Hope must be so happy.

JACK: (SMILING) I bet she is. (BEAT) Well, aren't you going to get ready?

JENNIFER: Ready?

JACK: For the baby. Little Isaac, JT, whatever they're calling him, doesn't want to see his cousin Jennifer looking so sad, you know, with mascara running-(HE POINTS TO HIS FACE TO INDICATE HER CRYING)

JENNIFER: Yeah, right. (BEAT) I guess I better get ready, then. (SHE GOES TO GO INTO THE BATHROOM BUT STOPS TO LOOK AT HIM) Jack?

JACK: (TURNING AROUND TO LOOK AT HER) Yes, Miss Horton?

JENNIFER: (TOO NERVOUS TO SPEAK ABOUT COLIN. TRYING TO READ HIS FACE.) Nothing. (BEAT) I'll be out in a minute, okay?

JACK: (SMILING THROUGH HIS PAIN) Okay.

JENNIFER exits into the bathroom. OUT on Jack sighing and wondering what to do.

SCENE 5: A FEW MINUTES LATER

IN on JACK who is standing with his hands in his pockets and is nonchalantly pacing, wondering what to do. JENNIFER emerges from the bathroom and is looking at him for a moment.

JENNIFER: (BREAKING THE SILENCE) All done. (SMILING A LITTLE AT HIM)

JACK: (LOOKING AT HER WITH GREAT LOVE AND TAKING HER ALL IN) I see.

JENNIFER walks over to the flowers and plays with them. There are a few moments of uncomfortable silence.

JACK: (WATCHING HER ALL THE WHILE. NOT KNOWING WHAT TO SAY.) Your hair. You put it up.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Yeah, I figured since our bags are still with the others...

JACK: Good thinking.

JENNIFER: (NERVOUSLY LAUGHING) I know you like it down. Like a-

JACK: (EMOTIONAL OVER THE MEMORY) Like a curtain. (CHECKING HIS WATCH) You better get going, Miss H, if you want to make that welcoming party.

JENNIFER: Aren't-aren't you coming?

JACK: I think...I think I'd much rather stay here.

JENNIFER: Jack, come on, it will be fun.

JACK: No, no. I...I'd (SMELLING HIS ARMPITS MOCKINGLY AND GRIMACING) like to freshen up myself. Besides, I'll be bored silly. Who am I going to speak with? John? I think not.

JENNIFER: You can...you can speak to me.

JACK: No, no. We'll have plenty of time for that later. You better run along. You don't want to miss the grand entrance.

JENNIFER: (RELUCTANTLY WALKING TO THE DOOR. TURNING TO LOOK AT HIM.) If you change your mind...

JACK: (DEFIANT BUT DRY) I don't think you have to worry about that.

JENNIFER nods and exits. OUT on JENNIFER outside the door, upset that JACK had a change of heart.

SCENE 6: INT. HOTEL LOBBY

JENNIFER is down in the lobby when the whole gang arrives. She beams as HOPE rushes over to her with the baby.

JENNIFER: (HUGGING HOPE) Oh, Hope, I'm so happy for you! (TO THE BABY) Hi little guy. Hi. (SHE PLAYS WITH HIS FEET)

HOPE: Oh, Jenn, I'm so happy too. (NOTICING THAT JACK'S NOT THERE) Where's Jack?

JENNIFER: (BITING HER BOTTOM LIP) He's not coming.

HOPE: (CONCERNED) Did you tell him about Colin? About what happened, Jenn?

JENNIFER: I tried. It's just, Jack, Jack has this way of (FRUSTRATED, SHE BURIES HER HEAD IN HER HANDS)

HOPE: (RUBBING HER BACK) It'll be okay, Jenn. He'll understand.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT HOPE WITH TEARS IN HER EYES) I hope so.

Behind her, COLIN clears his throat. JENNIFER turns around.

JENNIFER: Colin? What-what (LOOKING TO HOPE AND THEN BACK TO HIM) What are you doing here?

HOPE: (FLASHING COLIN A LOOK. SARCASTICALLY.) Colin was working with the ISA all along, Jenn. I'm sure he'd be delighted to tell you all about it.

OUT on JENNIFER looking nervously from HOPE to COLIN.

SCENE 7: THE HOTEL ROOM

IN on JACK, lying on the bed, talking out loud to himself.

JACK: (TO THE CEILING) You just couldn't give me one sign, could you? (TO HIMSELF) What am I doing here? Talking to the ceiling? Next thing you know I'll be talking to Harper and Duke (SHIVERING AS IF HE EXPECTED TO SEE THEM) Tell you what (HE GROANS AND GETS UP) I'm not going to wait around for some silly sign...I'm going to make my own sign...that's what I'm going to do...(HE WALKS TO THE DOOR AND STOPS AND SPEAKS SOFTLY TO HIMSELF AGAIN) That's what I'm going to do.

OUT on JACK exiting the room.

CUT TO

SCENE 8: IN PROGRESS

HOPE: (LOOKING FROM JENNIFER TO COLIN) I see you two have a bit of catching up to do. I think I see my husband over there. (SHE SQUEEZES JENNIFER'S ARM AND WALKS OFF TO BO)

COLIN: (ONCE HOPE HAS GONE) I wanted to tell you.

JENNIFER: (ANGRY) Tell me what? That you were using me?

COLIN: It wasn't like that.

JENNIFER: You're right. You were using me and Jack.

COLIN: (STEPPING CLOSER TO HER) Jennifer Rose, you've got to listen to me.

JENNIFER: I do not.

COLIN: But you and I were, are, chums. (BEAT) God, I've missed you so much (HE EMBRACES HER)

At that very moment, JACK walks into the lobby and sees JENNIFER in an embrace with COLIN. Her back is to him, so she does not know he is there. JACK stops at the doorway, sneaks back into the hall and steadies himself on the wall. He wasn't prepared to see that and is thoroughly heartbroken. OUT on Colin holding JENNIFER, who is uncomfortable, and looking smarmily at JACK.

END OF EPISODE 27

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