EPISODE #51

EPISODE 51

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Mike Larry

Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

NEW DAY. MORNING/AFTERNOON.

THE GRAND PIANO - DINING AREA

Quentin and Stuart are sitting at the bar. They are both drinking a cup of coffee.

QUENTIN: Thank you for meeting me today.

STUART: Just be glad I had this morning gap in my schedule.

QUENTIN: I know you’re a very busy man.

STUART: Yes, I am. We both are.

QUENTIN: Amen.

STUART: Anyway, why’d you want to meet up so bad?

QUENTIN: I just wanted to get the low down on the past five years.

STUART: Well, my wife cheated on me. We divorced. I almost died from my heart failing. But, then, I got a lifesaving transplant. Oh, and we lost everything and we were at the mercy of the man my wife cheated on me with.

QUENTIN: Yeah, I heard all about that. I really wanted to know how you’ve been coping with all of this. What’s your heart been telling you lately?

STUART: You’re hilarious. (sighs) It’s been telling me that I’m not long for this world. But, I’m going to make the most out of every moment.

QUENTIN: Very true. You know, Stu, I would like to get closer. I really do want to revive our brotherly relationship. I really want to be apart of the family.

STUART: Is that the story you’re sticking to?

QUENTIN: What is that supposed to mean?

STUART: Nothing. Nothing at all.

Stuart looks away from Stuart and takes a sip of his coffee.

THE PALACE HOTEL - AVA’S SUITE

Ava is sitting down at the desk. She is putting a pair of gold, hoop earrings. When she’s done, she looks over at the note she received from Keith last night.

AVA: What is this note all about?

Ava becomes deep in thought.

(FLASHBACK)

Ava is in her home she shared with Keith. Her nose is bloody. She is sitting on the floor. Her head is tilted back. She is crying and holding a paper towel up to her nostril.

KEITH: God, you’re so filthy. And, look, you’re getting blood all over the floor. If you wouldn’t do stuff like this, I wouldn’t have to beat you. I love you, baby. You just make it so hard sometimes.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

Ava comes out of her thoughts, wiping away a few tears. She stands up, grabs her purse and heads to the door.

AVA: I’m not gonna stand around here anymore. It’s time to take action.

Ava exits her suite, shutting the door behind her.

THRONE HILL CEMETERY

Jennifer walks up to the side by side grave plots of her parents. She lays individual bouquets of white roses by each headstone. She then takes a couple of steps back and sits down on a stone bench that faces the headstones.

JENNIFER: Hey, mom and dad. It’s me. Your little girl. I know that I haven’t talked to the two of you in a bit. I’ve just been so busy. I know that you two look down on me each day. So, you probably know that I’m close to finding the killer. Or, killers. I don’t know. Not sure. I just miss you two so much. And…

Before Jennifer can get another word out, she hears a twig snap. She stands up right away, alert. She’s quick on her feet.

JENNIFER: (calling out) Who’s there?!

A woman walks up to Jennifer.

VERONICA: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.

JENNIFER: (breathless) Oh, hey, Veronica. I’m sorry. I’ve always been jumpy.

VERONICA: You’re fine.

JENNIFER: What brings you all the way out here?

VERONICA: Same reason you’re here. I came to visit our father. But, if you want to be alone, I can leave. I have some work to do anyway.

JENNIFER: No, don’t leave.

VERONICA: Are you sure?

JENNIFER: Yeah. I would love the company.

Veronica and Jennifer smile at one another.

MIMI’S CAFE

Judith is sitting at a corner booth. She is drinking a cup of black coffee. She has her phone out and is looking at a picture of Jennifer’s personal notes of the investigation. As Judith examines the notes, Mimi comes up to her with a pot of coffee.

MIMI: Can I top you off?

JUDITH: Mimi, honey, hi. Yes. You can top me off.

Judith hurriedly turns off her phone. Mimi refills her cup.

MIMI: What brings you in tonight? Are you meeting Amy?

JUDITH: Oh...no. I just needed to get out of the house.

MIMI: I can understand that. This is the best place to clear your head.

JUDITH: That’s for sure. How are you doing? I haven’t talked to you in ages. I guess you can call me a bad mother-in-law.

MIMI: Judith, I know you’ve been busy. It’s okay. And, I’m doing okay. In fact, I don’t know if Amy told you or not, but we have an appointment coming up with the adoption agency. They want to do a home visit.

JUDITH: That’s amazing. I’m so happy that you two are one step closer to getting a child. No one would make better parents than the two of you.

MIMI: That means a lot that you’re saying that. Thank you.

JUDITH: Of course.

MIMI: Well, I should check on the rest of the room. Talk to you later.

JUDITH: Sounds good, honey. Have a good night.

MIMI: You too.

Mimi smiles and walks off. Judith then picks up her phone again and goes back to the same photo that she had up previously.

JUDITH: (sighs) What are we gonna do? I have so much on my plate lately. It’s time I try and start cleaning up some messes around this town.

Back at The Grand Piano, in the Dining Area, Stuart and Quentin are still over by the bar. Stuart is signing a check, paying for their coffee.

QUENTIN: Thanks for the coffee and the conversation.

STUART: My pleasure.

QUENTIN: Hey, on a quick side note, did you hear about that new restaurant opening downtown later tonight?

STUART: Yeah. I think it’s called The Painted Dock.

QUENTIN: Correct. Anyway, the pre opener got great reviews by all the business journals. It made me want to snag a table for tonight. I would love it if you could come. You can even bring the kids along.

STUART: Sure. Why not?

QUENTIN: Really? You’re interested?

STUART: As long as you’re buying. Look, I better get back to the mansion. I have a conference call that I need to take care of. Have a good one. Seya tonight.

Stuart collects himself and walks off. As he is leaving the establishment, there is a dinging sound that comes from Quentin’s phone. Quentin retrieves his phone from the breast pocket of his suit jacket. The text message he has received is from Emerson.

//EMERSON//

Hope everything is moving along. Remember,

there’s a lot at stake. DA Portsmith and I are

counting on you. TTYL.

QUENTIN: (sighs) Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Quentin finishes off his cup of coffee.

Back at the Thorne Hill Cemetery, Jennifer and Veronica both sit on the stone bench.

VERONICA: You and Joshua both picked beautiful headstones.

JENNIFER: Thank you. It was important for us to send our parents out the right way. We wanted to deliver a loving tribute to them.

VERONICA: I was always saddened that I couldn’t make it to the funeral. I didn’t have enough money. That’s why I saved up my checks from The Chicken Shack for months upon months to make it out here. I had to meet you and Josh.

JENNIFER: I know. I’m glad you did save up. I judged you very harshly at first.

VERONICA: You just couldn’t believe your father had an affair. I understand.

JENNIFER: It was shocking to think that he went against the vows that he said to my mother. But, I’ve made peace with it. I love you, sis.

VERONICA: You just called me sis. And, you said ‘I love you.’

JENNIFER: Yeah. I guess I did.

VERONICA: (smiling) I love you too, sis.

Jennifer and Veronica hug one another.

JENNIFER: No matter what, I’ll always be your sister.

6TH STREET PAWN SHOP

The camera zooms out from a bell being rung by the motion of the front door to the shop being opened. In walks Ava. She begins to look around the shop. She touches inexpensive necklaces and some lovely silk scarves. Then, Mr. Drake walks up to her.

MR. DRAKE: Hi. Finding everything okay?

AVA: Um, I’m Ava McClain. I called earlier today.

MR. DRAKE: Ah, yes. Miss McClain, how are you?

AVA: Great. I’m good. Yourself?

MR. DRAKE: Wonderful. Anyway, if you’ll come this way, I will show you to our selection of guns that you wanted to see.

AVA: Thank you.

Ava and Mr. Drake walk to the front counter.

MR. DRAKE: Now, do you have a permit?

AVA: Yes.

MR. DRAKE: And, are you looking to buy today?

AVA: Of course. Let me see that Colt 1908 Vest Pocket with the Pearl handle.

MR. DRAKE: Certainly.

The camera zooms in on Ava’s determined expression. The camera then cuts to a man looking through the window of the shop. It’s Keith watching Ava purchase the firearm.

Back at Mimi’s Cafe, Veronica and Jennifer are sitting at a table. Both of them are drinking iced tea and eating a turkey BLT sandwich.

JENNIFER: So, I think Philip and I finally settled on a wedding location.

VERONICA: Oh my gosh. Really?

JENNIFER: Yes. We are going to do a small family and friends wedding in Athens. We’re thinking maybe a Fall wedding.

VERONICA: Athens? As in Greece?

JENNIFER: Yes.

VERONICA: Wow. That is…

JENNIFER: (laughs) We wanted to go all out.

Judith appears from behind and walks over to the table.

JUDITH: Hello, girls. I couldn’t help but overhear. I think it is so great that you and my son are getting married in Greece. That’ll be a great time had by all.

JENNIFER: I hope so. How are you, Judith? I haven’t seen you in awhile.

JUDITH: I’m doing great. I apologize for me being scarce. I just needed some time to deal with my divorce and my sister being back in town.

JENNIFER: I understand.

JUDITH: Well, I better go. I hate to cut things short. But, I do have a facial today. I’ll see you at the engagement party though. Have a good lunch, girls.

VERONICA: Thank you.

JENNIFER: Thank you.

Judith makes her way to the front door of the establishment. As she does, her phone makes a dinging noise. She retrieves her phone from her purse and looks at the text message she has just received.

//VARGAS//

Hope you’re having fun these days. 

Your world may come crashing down 

soon.

JUDITH: What the hell does this mean?

The camera zooms in on Judith. She has a confused expression on her face.

***FADE OUT***

***END OF EP. 51***

EPISODE #50

EPISODE 50

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Mike Larry

Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

SAME DAY. NIGHT.

WHITMORE MANSION - FOYER

Stuart enters the foyer. He is holding a cup of tea, making it apparent that he just came from the kitchen. He goes to a small table, sets down the cup, and begins going over his mail from today. As he is about to open a manila envelope, there is a knock at the door. He lets out a sigh, puts down the envelope and walks to the door.

STUART: (opening the door) Judith.

JUDITH: Hi. Can I come in? It’s a million degrees out here. And, if I get bit by a gnat one more time, I’m gonna lose my mind.

STUART: Sure. Come on in.

Stuart moves aside and Judith enters. Stuart shuts the door.

STUART: (turning around) What brings you by? Is everything okay with Ava? Did my bodyguard for her see something suspicious?

JUDITH: Everything’s fine for now. This is not about Ava. It’s about your brother. I went to go see him today. We had a long chat.

STUART: Why would you go see Quent?

JUDITH: I had questions I needed answered.

STUART: Did you get the answers you were looking for?

JUDITH: No. In fact, I walked away from that visit having more questions than I walked in with. Something’s going on with your brother. I’m determined to know what that something is. I was hoping you would help me.

THE PALACE HOTEL - AVA’S SUITE

Ava is sitting on the bed, in a white bathrobe, scrolling through the contacts in her phone. She stops when she gets to Judith and clicks on the text message icon. She begins to text her sister.

//JUDITH//

I need to see u soon. Everything’s fine. I’m just

thinking about this plan that you and Stu want

to put into motion. Luv u, sis.

Ava stands. She begins to walk into her bathroom. Water is heard running from the shower. The camera pans over to Keith’s hidden camera and zooms in on it.

The screen fades in and out.

KEITH’S MOTEL ROOM

Keith is laying down, watching the live feed to Ava’s room on his computer. It is apparent that he is watching the bathroom camera.

KEITH: That’s right, baby. Scrub your dirty body.

Keith watches on in enjoyment of Ava showering.

PHILIP’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM

Philip and Jennifer are laying in bed. Philip is reading a James Patterson book. Jennifer is looking at a spreadsheet on her iPAD to see how the sales of her online boutique are doing. Jennifer then lets out a sigh.

PHILIP: Let me guess, you’re bored with that spreadsheet?

JENNIFER: Not at all.

PHILIP: What was that sigh for?

JENNIFER: I’m just tired.

Jennifer laughs. Philip puts down his book.

PHILIP: And, what was that laugh for?

Jennifer sets her iPAD down.

JENNIFER: I feel like an old married couple right now. It’s not even 10 o’clock, and we’re already set to go to sleep soon.

PHILIP: I can change that.

JENNIFER: What do you mean by that, Mr. Whitmore.

Philip begins to kiss Jennifer’s neck. He makes his way down to her chest. But, they’re interrupted upon Philip’s phone ringing.

JENNIFER: Please, don’t answer that.

PHILIP: It could be something important. I have been waiting to hear from my accountant lately. I’m crunching some numbers for a business deal.

JENNIFER: Would they really call you this late?

PHILIP: Business never stops. No matter the hour.

Philip leans over and reaches for his phone on the nightstand.

PHILIP: (on the phone) This is Philip.

VARGAS: (over the phone) Hello, Whitmore.

PHILIP: (on the phone) Vargas.

VARGAS: (over the phone) That’s right.

PHILIP: (on the phone) What the hell do you want?

VARGAS: (over the phone) I’ve been thinking a lot the past couple of days. I didn’t mean to run after you gave me the money I requested. I just had to lay low for a few days. But, I’m back now. And, I’ve got some info to give you.

PHILIP: (on the phone) About what?

VARGAS: (over the phone) Your hit and run from last year.

PHILIP: (on the phone) What about it?

VARGAS: (over the phone) I’m going to tell you who did it.

ANDERSON MANUFACTURING - CEO OFFICE

Kimberly is sitting behind the desk. She is looking over some paperwork to officially make her the CEO of Anderson Manufacturing. Then, there is a knock at the door. Cynthia enters the office.

CYNTHIA: Michael, are you…

Cynthia enters the office and notices Kimberly.

CYNTHIA: ...available.

KIMBERLY: Sorry, Michael isn't available. He went home about two hours ago. I stayed behind to finalize some paperwork. Anyway, you must be Cynthia.

CYNTHIA: I am. Who are you?

KIMBERLY: You seriously don’t know me? I guess you and Michael really weren’t as close as either of you made this relationship out to be.

CYNTHIA: Again, who are you?

KIMBERLY: I’m his sister. And, you’re the bitch that screwed him over.

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Foyer, Stuart takes a sip of his tea.

STUART: Are you sure you don’t want any tea?

JUDITH: I’m fine.

STUART: Okay. Well, tell me more about this suspicion you have about my brother. What do you think he’s doing that could cause you to raise an eyebrow?

JUDITH: During our talk, I could tell he was being strangely distant. He was also being jittery and I could tell he was a bit nervous.

STUART: It has been five years. He’s got a lot of catching up to do. He probably just didn’t know where he stood. Wanted to tread lightly.

JUDITH: I know all of that already. Stuart, this was different. During our little talk, he got a phone call. I told him he could answer it. But, he avoided it.

STUART: So, he was being a gentlemen.

JUDITH: That’s not it. It’s almost like he didn’t want me to hear who he was going to be talking to. I think Quentin has a lot of secrets. I think he’s back in town with an agenda. For example, did you know he has bought a house here?

STUART: What? He told me he was staying at The Palace.

JUDITH: I see. 

STUART: How did he close on a house so quickly?

JUDITH: Now you see it too. You see that things aren’t adding up.

STUART: No, they’re not. Then again, I don’t have anything to go on of why he would have any secrets to keep. Or, why he would have to travel back here to do any business.

JUDITH: Same here. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

STUART: You want me to help you investigate him?

JUDITH: You don’t have to be so formal. Let’s just snoop around. Make a few phone calls. I want to know why he left his cushy life in the jewelry business to come back to Illinois. I highly doubt it was to focus on his family life. He hasn’t cared about this family in a long time. He’s planning something. I know he is. It’s our job to figure that out.

Back at Anderson Manufacturing, in the CEO Office, Kimberly stands and comes out from behind the desk. She walks over to Cynthia.

CYNTHIA: You’re Kimberly.

KIMBERLY: Oh, so you do know who I am after all.

CYNTHIA: I know of you. I’ve just never seen a picture of you or anything.

KIMBERLY: Well, here I am. In the flesh. But, enough about that. I want to talk about you. You know, I think Michael is still in love with you. That’s okay. I’m fine with that. I just want to make sure that you aren’t going to be sticking your tongue down another man’s throat while you wear that beautiful diamond ring on your finger.

CYNTHIA: Kimberly, I’ve apologized up and down for my actions. Michael and I are moving past all of that now. I’m even moving back into his home. We’re gonna make this marriage work.

KIMBERLY: I think you should. With boundaries and rules set of course. Michael was upset today that Lindsay and Carter are giving things another chance. Now, I’m new to the situation. However, that did not stop me from playing devil’s advocate. I told Michael that he should move on. In a way, I’m playing for your team. But, I also have to look out for my brother.

CYNTHIA: Of course. I understand. Carter and I made a mistake. It won’t happen again. I feel nothing for him. I love my husband.

KIMBERLY: So, you can tell me, with one hundred and ten percent certainty, that you will never go against your marriage to my brother ever again?

Cynthia pauses for a moment. She becomes deep in thought.

(FLASHBACK #1)

Carter is laying Cynthia down on the bed in his hotel suite. He begins to unbutton her blouse and kiss her chest. Cynthia begins to undo his pants.

(END OF FLASHBACK #1)

(FLASHBACK #2)

Cynthia leans in and lightly kisses Carter.

CYNTHIA: We have to do this.

CARTER: (deep breath) I understand.

CYNTHIA: Goodbye, Carter.

Cynthia collects her purse and walks to the door.

(END OF FLASHBACK #2)

Cynthia is pulled out of her thoughts upon Kimberly speaking to her.

KIMBERLY: Hello? I’m waiting for an answer.

CYNTHIA: (deep breath) Oh. Sorry. Yeah. Of course. I am going to stay faithful to Michael. He is my husband. I love him very much. I’m going to make good on our vows.

KIMBERLY: (smiling) I’m very happy to hear that. Take this conversation as a warning. If you do ever hurt my brother again, I will rain down a hurt on you that you have never felt before. Do you understand me?

CYNTHIA: Yes.

KIMBERLY: Good. Very good.

Back at The Palace Hotel, in Ava’s Suite, Ava comes out of the bathroom. She is wearing a white, linen bathrobe. She has a towel wrapped around her head. As she begins to walk all the way out of the bathroom, she notices an envelope that has been slid under her door. She picks up the envelope and opens it. She takes out a note and reads it.

I’M ALWAYS WATCHING YOU.

LOVE -K

After reading the note, Ava lets it drop to the ground. She begins to look around frantically, fearing what tomorrow holds.

Back at Philip’s Apartment, in the Bedroom, Philip and Jennifer sit up in the bed. Philip is still on the phone, talking to Vargas.

PHILIP: (on the phone) What are you talking about? Have you known all this time who ran me down in front of Mimi’s Cafe?

VARGAS: (over the phone) I have.

PHILIP: (on the phone) Who the hell was it?

VARGAS: (over the phone) After I tell you this, that’s it. I won’t tell you anymore information besides who it was. And, this should connect more dots for you concerning who killed your future wife’s parents.

PHILIP: (on the phone) Enough of the games. Tell me who it was.

VARGAS: (over the phone) It was me. I was told that you were a threat. My employer told me to take care of you. I tried my best. I…

Then, there is a static heard over the phone.

PHILIP: (on the phone) Vargas? Vargas? Are you there? Hello?!

Philip sighs and hangs up the phone.

PHILIP: Dammit!

JENNIFER: Baby, what is it?

PHILIP: (turning around) It was Vargas. This whole time. It was Vargas. He’s the one who ran me down outside of Mimi’s Cafe.

JENNIFER: Oh my god. We have to call the police.

PHILIP: We can’t.

JENNIFER: Why not?

PHILIP: Because, whoever murdered your parents, told Vargas to take care of me. This was around the time that we were getting close.

JENNIFER: And, these people wanted to put a stop to that.

PHILIP: Correct. And, now, it’s our turn to put a stop to them.

The camera zooms in on Philip and Jennifer. Both of them have confused expressions on their faces. They’re trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

***FADE OUT***
***END OF EP. 50***