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***

EPISODE #49

EPISODE 49

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Mike Larry

Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

SAME DAY. AFTERNOON.

THORNE HILL - AROUND TOWN

ANDERSON MANUFACTURING - CEO OFFICE

Kimberly and Michael are sitting on the office couch. Both of them are still drinking an adult beverage as they were in the last episode.

KIMBERLY: Okay, it’s only one and we both have had two glasses. I think we should order up some food…(laughs), or we could get ourselves in trouble.

MICHAEL: I think you’re right.

As Michael gets his phone from the breast pocket of his suit jacket, there is a knock at the door. Kimberly and Michael look at one another and laugh.

MICHAEL: Did someone read our minds? (calling out) Come in!

Seconds later, Lindsay enters the office.

LINDSAY: Hey, dad...I…

KIMBERLY: (standing) Hi, sweetheart.

LINDSAY: Oh my gosh, Aunt Kim? What are you doing here?

Lindsay and Kimberly go to one another and hug.

MICHAEL: (standing) She’s here to help.

LINDSAY: (coming off the hug) What does that mean exactly?

KIMBERLY: Well, darling, I’m here to run this company and steer the Anderson family ship in a much better direction.

THE PALACE HOTEL - CARTER’S SUITE

Carter is sitting at the desk and typing up an EMail to a company on his laptop. As he finishes up the EMail, there’s a knock at the door. He lets out a sigh, closes his laptop, and walks over to the door.

CARTER: (opening the door) Cynthia.

CYNTHIA: Hi, Carter.

CARTER: Its been awhile.

CYNTHIA: Yeah. It has. But, we need to have a very serious talk.

CARTER: Okay. Come on in.

Cynthia enters the room, brushing pass Carter. Carter shuts the door, turns around, and walks over to Cynthia, who is by the bed.

CARTER: What’s going on?

CYNTHIA: I need to talk to you about my future with my current husband.

QUENTIN’S HOME - LIVING ROOM

Quentin is standing in the living room of his new home. Boxes are all around him. He is currently talking on his FBI issued cell phone.

QUENTIN: Things are coming along nicely.

EMERSON: (over the phone) Do you have your evidence room set up?

QUENTIN: Yes. I also installed the cameras around the house too.

RUSSELL: (over the phone) Did you get the audio set up okay?

QUENTIN: Yes, D.A. Portsmith.

Then, Quentin hears the doorbell.

QUENTIN: Someone’s here. I’ve gotta go. Talk to you guys later.

Quentin hangs up the phone. He walks over to the door.

QUENTIN: (opening the door) Hey. What are you doing here?

JUDITH: Your brother told me you were back in town. I just wanted to see if the rumors were true. Since I now have confirmation, I guess I can ask, what the hell are you doing here?

THE PALACE HOTEL - BALLROOM

Jennifer, Philip, Andrea, Joshua, and Veronica all walk into the ballroom.

JENNIFER: Oh my gosh. This place is absolutely gorgeous.

ANDREA: This is a breathtaking venue for the engagement party. You guys definitely picked the right place to host this thing.

PHILIP: All the credit has to go to Jenn.

JOSHUA: What can I say? My sis has good taste.

VERONICA: Of course she does. She runs her own online boutique and she plans one hell of a wedding so far. Is there anything she can’t do?

JENNIFER: (laughs) Okay, guys. I appreciate the compliments. Anyway, how about we go ahead and look around? I want to make sure that this is truly the right place.

PHILIP: Sounds good to me.

Everyone splits up and walks around the ballroom. Jennifer stays behind with Veronica and walks up closer to her.

JENNIFER: I appreciate you coming along with all of us today.

VERONICA: Of course. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And, I cannot wait for the engagement party. I have this amazing dress picked out.

JENNIFER: Good. I’m glad.

VERONICA: Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Yeah?

VERONICA: Thank you for trying to make me a true Jackson.

JENNIFER: Of course. I’ve come to terms with what happened between our dad and your mother. Like I said before, it wasn’t your fault. It’s time we all move on.

Jennifer and Veronica smile at one another.

VERONICA: I agree.

Back at Anderson Manufacturing, in the CEO Office, Lindsay, Michael, and Kimberly all take a seat on the office furniture.

LINDSAY: I see you two are remincising.

MICHAEL: That’s my girl. You know what the good alcohol looks like.

LINDSAY: (laughs) Of course I do. I’m an Anderson.

KIMBERLY: You crack me up. So, tell me, what’s been going on these days? I heard about that Carter guy that broke your heart.

LINDSAY: Yeah. About that…

MICHAEL: Lindsay, what’s going on?

KIMBERLY: Do you two need a moment alone?

LINDSAY: No, it’s okay. I actually came here to talk to my father about the whole Carter situation. There’s something I need to tell you.

MICHAEL: What is it?

LINDSAY: We may be getting back together.

MICHAEL: (standing) Are you kidding me right now?!

Kimberly and Lindsay stand.

LINDSAY: Dad, please don’t get your emotions all twisted over this.

KIMBERLY: Michael, Lindsay’s a grown woman. She can make her own choices.

MICHAEL: That man made out with my wife. That man lied to your brother about someone who could’ve killed him. Wake up, Lindsay.

LINDSAY: Dad, I am awake. My mind is fully awake. I am not sure where Carter and I fully stand. However, we’re giving things a second chance. Please, don’t judge me harshly on this. I know he and Cynthia broke your heart. He knows I am not even forgiving him for that. But, I’m choosing to move on. I’m choosing to explore a relationship with someone who I have come to love.

MICHAEL: You love him?!

KIMBERLY: Michael, calm down. Get it together. Lindsay explained to you that she has not forgiven that man about what he did with your wife. She has the right to love him though. Your daughter has the right to be with him...whether you like it or not.

MICHAEL: I’ll tell you right now, I can be pissed about it. And, I will be. Sure, you can show whatever man you want a good time. Just don’t expect me to be okay with this one.

LINDSAY: Good to know where you stand. We’ve always been honest with one another. I expect nothing less. (voice breaking) I should get going.

Lindsay collects her things and leaves.

KIMBERLY: Seriously, Michael?

MICHAEL: What did I do? That man tore apart my second shot at a family.

KIMBERLY: Maybe you should take a page from Lindsay’s playbook. You don’t have to forgive. You don’t have to forget. But, you have to move on. You have to find a way to get on with the rest of your life. I know you’ve forgiven Cynthia. That’s the first step. Do yourself a favor and move onto the second one.

Back at The Palace Hotel, in the Ballroom, Jennifer and Philip are looking around the stage area. Philip is taking measurements with a tape measure.

PHILIP: Alright, it looks like the DJ booth will fit here nicely.

Philip walks back to Jennifer.

JENNIFER: Great. It’s all coming together.

PHILIP: Yes, it is. And, before you know it, it will be our wedding day.

JENNIFER: Gosh, this upcoming night is going to be so magical. I cannot wait to just be in your arms and dance the night away.

PHILIP: We could start dancing now.

JENNIFER: (laughs) Oh really?

PHILIP: Oh yes.

Philip grabs Jennifer’s waist and starts to sway with her.

The camera pans over to Joshua and Andrea.

ANDREA: Your sister and Philip are so cute.

JOSHUA: I am so glad that they’re happy.

ANDREA: Same here. For years, Jennifer has waited to have something that most people have. True love. We have it. They have it now. Your parents had it.

JOSHUA: Very true. Everything’s changing for this family. We’re having a baby soon. Jenn is getting married. Veronica is becoming a true Jackson.

ANDREA: Things are really good.

JOSHUA: Amen.

Veronica comes from the back part of the ballroom and goes over to Andrea and Joshua. Andrea and Joshua turn around to face her.

ANDREA: Hey, how are you doing, Veronica?

VERONICA: I’m doing good. This place is fabulous.

JOSHUA: Yeah, it is. They picked a good space.

VERONICA: I totally agree. Anyway, I just came to tell you guys that I do have to get back to work. So, I’ll see all of you soon.

ANDREA: Sounds good. Have a good day.

VERONICA: Thank you. You too. Tell those two love birds that I said ‘bye’.

JOSHUA: We will.

Veronica nods and walks off. Then, Joshua holds Andrea close. They start to sway back and forth much like Philip and Jennifer.

ANDREA: What are you doing?

JOSHUA: Practicing for my sister’s big day.

ANDREA: Has it been that long since we last danced?

JOSHUA: For me...yes.

Andrea lets out a laugh as she and Joshua continue to slow dance.

Back at Quentin’s Home, in the Living Room, Judith and Quentin walk fully into the living room. Judith puts her purse down on the couch.

QUENTIN: You’re still as frank as I remember.

JUDITH: Good. I don’t care for change.

QUENTIN: I know. Anyway, I’m back in town to make amends and start a new life. I want a fresh start. I want to turn things around.

JUDITH: Its been five years. By now, I think we were all ready to put you behind us. We were comfortable with knowing that you wanted to live your hot-shot life somewhere else.

QUENTIN: Judith, I know I did a lot of wrong.

JUDITH: Yeah. You did. Especially by your brother. His health was deteriorating right before our eyes. He was literally on his death bed last year. Where were you? Oh, that’s right, you were designing jewelry and parading women through your penthouse.

QUENTIN: I’ll admit it. I lived the bachelor life. However, I realize now that I need to change. I want to repair things with everyone. I want to become the family man I always should have been. How about we hug it out?

JUDITH: This isn’t an episode of The Brady Bunch. Our issues cannot be solved in a thirty minute time span with a commercial break. This is real life, Quentin.

Then, Quentin’s phone rings.

JUDITH: You should get that.

Quentin gets his phone from his back pocket and looks down at it.

JUDITH: Go on. I’ll wait.

Quentin hangs up on the call.

JUDITH: Wow. You didn’t have to do that.

QUENTIN: Yes, I did. We are talking. It’s only right I hang up on that call.

JUDITH: Something tells me that you hung up on that call because you’re keeping something from me and everyone else around you.

QUENTIN: You brought jokes.

JUDITH: I wasn’t joking.

QUENTIN: I bet.

Judith picks up her purse and walks to the door. Quentin follows her.

JUDITH: I should be going. You have a good day, Quent.

QUENTIN: You too, Judith.

Judith smiles politely at Quentin and opens the door. She exits the home and shuts the door behind her. Quentin stares out the window.

QUENTIN: What am I gonna do about this whole thing?

Back at The Palace Hotel, in Carter’s Suite, Cynthia sets her purse down on top of the desk. She then walks back over to Carter.

CARTER: Does Michael know about what we did?

CYNTHIA: No. No. It’s not about that.

CARTER: What’s going on?

CYNTHIA: (sighs) As you already know, I moved out of the mansion. Since then, I’ve been talking things out with Michael a lot. Not too long ago, we had a fun night. He came to my room. We drank a lot and watched movies. It was martial bonding at its finest. Anyway, he wants me to move back into the house.

CARTER: I get it. You came here to tell me that you choose him. You should also know that Lindsay and I spent the night together too.

CYNTHIA: Okay. That’s good. That’s fine. You see, everything is getting back to normal. We are going to live our lives the way they should’ve been lived in the first place.

CARTER: Can you honestly say that knowing that our night of passion has to be kept secret? How can we go in two relationships while living a lie?

CYNTHIA: Carter, we have to. Michael is the best thing to ever happen to me. I want to keep him in my life. And, I know that you and Lindsay have gotten serious.

CARTER: Yes, we have. But, I just can’t forget you.

CYNTHIA: (getting closer to him) I know. I won’t forget you either.

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.

CYNTHIA: Seya around.

CARTER: Yeah. Same here.

Cynthia opens the door and leaves. She shuts the door behind her. Carter sighs once more and then clears off the desk, shattering a vase. The camera zooms in on him.

***FADE OUT***
***END OF EP. 49***