EPISODE #14

EPISODE 14

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Written By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Casey Hutchison

SAME DAY. AFTERNOON/EVENING.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - MR. SMITH’S OFFICE

Andrea and Joshua enter the office. Mr. Smith is standing by the door. He shuts the door, goes to them, and motions for them to have a seat. Andrea and Joshua sit down. Mr. Smith takes a seat behind his desk.

MR. SMITH: Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, it is nice to see you.

ANDREA: Likewise.

JOSHUA: Um…, quick question. Weren’t there supposed to be other doctors here for this announcement? Aren’t there others in the running for this position?

MR. SMITH: Truthfully, they all got sent away. In fact, it has come down to the two of you alone. One of you will be chosen to take over the position of Chief of Staff at this hospital. And, that decision will be made right this very moment.

JACKSON FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM

Jennifer walks down the stairs. She is dressed in a simple black dress. She is wearing a diamond necklace and a pair of white and black pumps.

JENNIFER: Well, (sighs) it’s getting closer. In a matter of hours, it will be time for me to step up to the plate and reveal my true feelings for Philip.

Jennifer appears nervous. The camera zooms in on her.

COMMUNITY PARK - PRIVATE AREA

Lindsay and Cynthia are still standing face-to-face.

LINDSAY: So, let me get this straight. You were raped by your uncle. And, while he was on top of you, you hit him over the head with a bottle. Correct?

CYNTHIA: Yes.

LINDSAY: Cynthia…, I don’t know what to say.

CYNTHIA: How about you start with “I’m sorry.” Oh. Wait. Hold on. You’re incapable of saying that. I mean, my god, did you really think this was going to be your big prize for your deep dive into the history of my life? Did you think it would be fun for you to use this part of my history against me?

LINDSAY: Cynthia, I wasn’t thinking. And, I didn’t know…

CYNTHIA: You thought that this would be the nail in the coffin. You thought you were finally going to get me away from your father.

LINDSAY: I truly didn’t know the truth. The real story.

CYNTHIA: You should’ve dug a little deeper. Instead, Thomas saw something he thought you could sink your teeth into. And, you ran with it...no matter the cost to the people around you.

LINDSAY: You’re right. I did. And, for what it is worth, I am very sorry about this whole thing. And, I’m very sorry about what happened to you.

CYNTHIA: I don’t want your pity. Lindsay, I get it. You do not like me. And, in fact, I think you have some right not to like me. But, how dare you resort to anything to get me out of this family. That is low, even for you. You should be ashamed of yourself.

WHITMORE MANSION - LIVING ROOM

Stuart gets up from the couch. Judith does as well.

STUART: You and Michael had an affair?

JUDITH: Yes. We did.

STUART: Wow. I didn’t expect to ever hear that. That was like taking a knife straight to the heart.

JUDITH: Darling, I don’t know what to say. I am so sorry. I didn’t want the truth to come out like this.

STUART: It appears you didn’t want it to come out at all!

JUDITH: That is not true.

STUART: Like hell!

Stuart chuckles.

JUDITH: What’s so funny?

STUART: Michael seemed hesitant about doing the deal with me. It seemed as though something was holding him back. But, you’ll have to forgive me for not

guessing that the one thing that held him back was an affair he had with my wife.

JUDITH: I’m sure that wasn’t it.

STUART: Don’t tell me what you think was going through his mind! I can’t believe you did this to me. I can’t believe you did this to our marriage. To our family.

JUDITH: Stuart...I...I…

STUART: You are a miserable excuse for a wife!

Stuart walks out of the room. A tear strolls down Judith’s cheek.

Back at Memorial Hospital, in Mr. Smith’s Office, Mr. Smith puts his hands on the table. Andrea and Joshua hold hands.

MR. SMITH: Before I reveal who got the position, I just want to take the time to compliment you two on the amazing strides that you both have made at this hospital.

ANDREA: Thank you, Mr. Smith.

JOSHUA: Yes. Thank you.

MR. SMITH: Before me sits two people who are some of the hardest working this hospital has ever seen. I am so grateful for the work you two do, day in and day out. However, only one person can have the Chief of Staff position. Now, I don’t want the person who will not get the position to get down in the dumps. That’s because there is another position that has freed up.

ANDREA: There is?

MR. SMITH: Yes.

JOSHUA: What’s the other position?

MR. SMITH: Head of Cardiology.

JOSHUA: Mitzi’s retiring?

MR. SMITH: Yes.

ANDREA: Well, this is fantastic news. But, the question still remains. Who gets what position at this hospital?

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Living Room, Judith is sitting on the couch with she and Stuart’s wedding album. She is flipping through the photos and lightly crying. Then, Stuart reenters the room. Judith puts the album down and goes to him.

JUDITH: Darling, I am so happy that you came back into this room. I was hoping maybe we could talk this whole thing out.

STUART: What is there left to say? You had an affair with Michael. You’ve kept it from me for years. End of story.

JUDITH: I really was planning on telling you.

STUART: Oh yeah? When? When?! Were you going to tell me tomorrow? Were you going to tell me on our net wedding anniversary? Or, were you planning to wait till I was on my deathbed?

JUDITH: Stuart, like I said, I was planning to tell you. But, I didn’t know how. I didn’t know how to tell you that I went against our vows. I never planned on having an affair with Michael. It just happened.

Stuart then clears off the bar cart. He ends up breaking all the glass crystal and drinking glasses. Judith jumps back.

STUART: You didn’t mean for it to happen?! God, Judith! Tell me, when are you going to stop coming up with these lousy excuses for your misdeeds? When are you going to just tell me the damn truth?!

JUDITH: You want to know the truth?! Fine! I’ll tell you! You drove me to this affair! You are at fault just as much as I am!

STUART: Seriously? That’s the version of the ‘truth’ you want to put out? How the hell did I drive you to this affair?

JUDITH: You were always busy with work. All you wanted to do was work. And, all you wanted me to do was just host the dinner parties, make sure your suits were dry cleaned, and make sure I was there to make love to you anytime you wanted.

STUART: Okay. I’ll give you one thing. I, at one point, was a terrible husband. I didn’t take care of you the way I should have. But, I don’t think that gives you the right to go after another man.

JUDITH: It gives me the right to be happy.

STUART: You’re right.

JUDITH: About what?

STUART: You do deserve to be happy. But, not with me.

JUDITH: What does that mean?

STUART: It means that our marriage is over!

JUDITH: (laughs) That’s where you’re wrong, my dear. In fact, you couldn’t be more wrong. Our marriage is so far from over!

Back at the Community Park, in the Private Area, Cynthia turns around. She has just finished a phone call. She hangs up her phone.

LINDSAY: You didn’t have to do that. You didn’t have to cancel your meeting with Austin Dillon’s team. I know how important this meeting is for the company.

CYNTHIA: You’re right. This is a very important meeting. I know that. However, there are more important things that I have to deal with.

LINDSAY: Like what?

CYNTHIA: Well, it is time we blew everything up. It is time we had a real talk. Since I have become apart of this family, you’ve gotten to air your grievances about how you don’t like me. But, now it is my turn. And, you’re going to stand right here and listen to me. Do you understand?!

LINDSAY: (quietly) Yes.

Back at Memorial Hospital, in Mr. Smith’s Office, Mr. Smith sits two files on top of his desk. The files have labels on them. And, there are papers inside containing information about the two positions available.

ANDREA: You definitely have my husband and I waiting on pins and needles, Mr. Smith. So, tell us. Who gets what position?

MR. SMITH: Alright. I’ll go ahead and tell you two the results. The board and I met yesterday to decide the ending result. I think you’ll both be happy either way. We’ll start with the Head of Cardio position. That position will now be filled by Doctor Joshua Jackson.

JOSHUA: Seriously? Mr. Smith, thank you so much. I am honored to carry on this position. I am honored to try and fill Mitzi’s shoes.

MR. SMITH: The board felt this was the right pick. Andrea, that means you are the new Chief of Staff. Congratulations.

ANDREA: (joyfully) Oh my gosh. Thank you.

JOSHUA: When do we take over our new positions?

MR. SMITH: Well, that’s where things get tricky.

ANDREA: I’m not following. What does that mean?

MR. SMITH: You two will be starting tomorrow morning.

JOSHUA: Seriously?

MR. SMITH: Yes. Oh, and one more thing.

ANDREA: What is it, Mr. Smith?

MR. SMITH: This hospital is going into a new era. And, I am very happy to have you two lead Memorial Hospital into this new era. Congratulations to the both of you. I know you’ll go on and do great things.

Andrea and Joshua smile at one another.

Back at the Community Park, in the Private Area, Cynthia puts her phone in the pocket of her suit blazer.

CYNTHIA: I know that things got tough for this family. I know it probably was not easy for you losing your mother to cancer. In fact, that is where our lives overlap.

LINDSAY: What do you mean?

CYNTHIA: I too lost my mother to cancer, Lindsay. I know what it feels like. And, see, if you had gotten the chance to know a little about me, we probably could have connected on a whole new level. Instead, you just had to be the vindictive bitch.

LINDSAY: I never meant for things to play out like this.

CYNTHIA: That’s bull, and you know it. (sighs) After my mother died, my father started to go insane. See, your father decided to heal his wounds. Mine just turned to whisky and abuse. My aunt Myrna realized that I was in a terrible environment. However, she could not take me in. So, she sent me away to my uncle’s home. Things were good for awhile. They really were. But, then there were just little things that I started to notice in him. Some things were off about him. I remember at one point, he offered to wash my body in the shower. The passes at me continued for quite awhile. His passes at me finally came to a high point one night. That was the night he raped me. That was the night I killed him.

LINDSAY: But, you were convicted for his murder. It was in self defense. So, I’m really not understanding the whole thing.

CYNTHIA: Well, I’ll help you understand. Two days passed before anyone found out what happened to my uncle. My aunt Myrna had stopped by to deliver a care package. When she found my uncle, she was absolutely horrified. She then found me sitting next to his body. The next thing she did was call the police. I tried to tell everybody what happened. But, the event was so traumatic that I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t tell them that I had been raped. I was mute. (sobbing) Anyway, they had

no choice but to believe that I had killed him. When I finally got my voice back, I told everyone what happened. My aunt Myrna was right there by my side. She is

ultimately the one who cleared my name.

LINDSAY: Cynthia, I can’t even begin to imagine the trauma that you went through during this whole period of your life.

CYNTHIA: (continues to sob) Lindsay, I know you don’t like me. But, your father is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can’t let you take him away from me. So, tell me, are you going to take him away from me. Are you going to spin this tragic event in my life to your advantage?

LINDSAY: I would never do something like that.

CYNTHIA: (collecting her things) Yeah right. I guess that we’ll just have to wait and see what you do next.

Cynthia and Lindsay have a short pause between each other. The tension continues to build. Then, Cynthia storms off.

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Living Room, Judith steps closer to Stuart. She has an intimidating expression on her face.

JUDITH: You are not about to leave me. And, I am not about to leave you. We still need one another, Stuart.

STUART: I don’t need you, Judith.

JUDITH: You sure about that? You still need me to keep you out of prison. And, I need the same from you.

STUART: That situation is more of a ‘you’ problem.

JUDITH: That’s a load of crap.

STUART: Is it? After all, you are the one who cut the brakes to Jennifer and Joshua’s parents’ car. Not me.

JUDITH: And, you taught me. See, we need one another, darling. You’re an accessory to that murder. That is why I am not going anywhere. And, you are not going anywhere either. We are going to just go on with the rest of our lives. We are going to live happily ever after.

Before Stuart can reply back to Judith’s remarks, the home phone rings. Judith walks over to it and picks it up.

JUDITH: (on the phone) Whitmore residence. Vargas. Hello. What? How in the hell did Philip get ahold of Greg? We cannot have Philip hiring the best hacker in the whole world. Look, you need to take care of this situation. Yes. I am telling you that exactly. You do whatever you have to do, Vargas. Goodbye.

Judith slams the phone down on the hook.

JUDITH: Now do you see why we need one another?

Back at the Jackson Family Home, in the Living Room, Jennifer reenters the living room. She is carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. She sets all of this down on the coffee table. She opens the bottle of wine and pours herself a glass.

JENNIFER: The time is coming.

Jennifer takes a sip of her glass of wine.

JENNIFER: I know tonight is going to be prefect. I just know it.

The camera zooms in on Jennifer. She is smiling.

***FADE OUT***
**END OF EP. 14***

EPISODE #13

EPISODE 13

Created By: Casey Hutchison

Written By: Casey Hutchison

Executive Producer: Casey Hutchison

NEW DAY. MORNING.

JACKSON FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM

Jennifer is sitting on the couch. Her laptop is sitting on her lap. It is open, and she is typing an email to Laura Hughes. The email contents is about Jennifer thanking Laura for letting her carry her line exclusively. Then, Andrea enters.

ANDREA: Good morning.

JENNIFER: Hey.

ANDREA: What are you up to?

JENNIFER: I’m just sending an email to Laura Hughes. I am thanking her for letting me carry her line.

ANDREA: You really closed the deal?

JENNIFER: You bet.

Jennifer closes her laptop. Andrea sits down.

ANDREA: Congratulations.

JENNIFER: You should be congratulating yourself. After all, without you, me closing this deal wouldn’t have been possible.

ANDREA: It was my pleasure to help.

Then, Jennifer’s phone makes a dinging sound. Jennifer picks up the phone from the coffee table and stares at it.

ANDREA: Everything okay?

JENNIFER: Not really.

ANDREA: What’s going on?

JENNIFER: Well, Philip wants us to go out tonight to discuss the future of our relationship. But, I think I may back out.

ANDREA: Why would you want to back out?

JENNIFER: Because, I’m nervous as hell.

WHITMORE MANSION - LIVING ROOM

Judith is sitting on the couch. She is drinking a cup of tea. She has a blank stare on her face. She is also quite pale.

JUDITH: (to herself) How the hell am I going to tell Stuart the truth about what happened between Michael and I?

Then, Stuart enters the living room.

STUART: Hi, honey. How are you today?

Judith looks over at Stuart. It is made apparent that her heart is beating quickly and that she is very nervous.

COMMUNITY PARK - PRIVATE AREA

Lindsay is pacing. She lets out a sigh. Then, Cynthia walks up to her.

CYNTHIA: Hello, Lindsay.

LINDSAY: Hello. Thanks for coming.

CYNTHIA: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Look, I have a meeting to get to with Austin Dillon’s team. So, if you are going to slap me again, go ahead and do it. Frankly, I do not have time for this.

LINDSAY: I’m not going to slap you. I just need to talk to you. That is it. I just wanna talk to you.

CYNTHIA: About…?

LINDSAY: Well, I know what you did. And, I am giving you a chance to tell me why the hell you did what you did.

CYNTHIA: What are you talking about?

LINDSAY: Really? You don’t have the slightest clue?

CYNTHIA: Lindsay! Come on! I told you that I don’t have time for your games. Just because you are currently unemployed and living off a trust fund, doesn’t mean the rest of us are.

Lindsay lets out a laugh.

CYNTHIA: (frustrated) Lindsay!

LINDSAY: (getting closer to Cynthia) I know your dirty, little secret. I know you killed someone, Cynthia. I just want to know the real story behind your misdeed. Why did you murder a man?

The camera zooms in on Cynthia. She is in absolute shock.

PHILIP’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM

Philip enters the living room. He is drinking a cup of coffee. Then, there’s a knock at the door. He goes to the door and opens it.

PHILIP: Joshua.

JOSHUA: Hey, Philip.

PHILIP: Hey, what are you doing here?

JOSHUA: We need to talk.

PHILIP: Oh. Um…, did Jenn forget to fill you in on…

JOSHUA: I know all about what Greg uncovered. I’m not here to talk about that. I’m not even here to talk about the investigation.

PHILIP: Then, why are you here?

JOSHUA: Because, we need to set some ground rules when it comes to my sister and the future of the relationship you two share.

Back at the Jackson Family Home, in the Living Room, Andrea walks over to the couch and sits next to Jennifer.

ANDREA: You know, I think that you’ve got every right to be nervous.

JENNIFER: Really?

ANDREA: Of course. Why would you think that you don’t have any right to be nervous about discussing the future of your relationship?

JENNIFER: Because, I’ve known Philip for years. I should be very comfortable around him. I shouldn’t be nervous around someone I’ve known since I was in

diapers.

ANDREA: Jennifer, he hid a secret from you. And, it wasn’t your everyday secret. Now, I will give him a point that he didn’t murder your parents. But, he did not tell you that he spent their final moments with them. That is something huge. For the past year, you have been wondering what your parents were like in their final moments. And, all along, he knew.

JENNIFER: Do you think I should go out with him?

ANDREA: I do. I think it is high time you get your true feelings out in the open. It seems like he is the only one doing the talking. It is time that you say what you need to say. But, those are my feelings. Those are not your feelings. So, tell me. How do you feel about this whole thing?

JENNIFER: I think that I should have him over. I think that I should give him a piece of my mind. Privately. I think we have too much baggage to take care of for this whole thing to unravel publicly.

ANDREA: Well, go for it. You got this!

AMY & MIMI’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM

Amy and Mimi are sitting on the couch and making lists of things to do before their wedding day arrives.

AMY: So, how many guests have checked fish for their main course? And, how many have checked chicken for theirs?

MIMI: I’ve got 32 for fish and 28 for chicken.

AMY: Good. Well, I think we’re all set for now. I think we can stop there for the day and take a little time for ourselves.

MIMI: Sounds good to me.

AMY: Hey, is everything okay with you?

MIMI: Yeah. Why do you ask?

AMY: You just seem off.

MIMI: (sighs) It’s for good reason.

AMY: Mimi, what’s going on?

MIMI: I decided that I no longer want a relationship with my parents. And, I’m not gonna try and force them to accept me anymore.

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Living Room, Judith sets her cup of tea down on the table in front of her. She gets up and goes over to Stuart.

JUDITH: How long have you been standing there?

STUART: Not very long.

JUDITH: Oh.

STUART: But, I did think that I heard that you were debating on telling me something. What do you need to tell me.

JUDITH: Nothing. Nothing at all.

STUART: Judith.

JUDITH: (sighs) Fine. I still have issues with you making that deal with Michael to sell him eight of our hotels.

STUART: Do you really think I’m stupid?

JUDITH: Pardon?

STUART: Judith, I know that you have said what you need to say concerning Michael. And, I know damn well that by the look you had on your face, there is something more you have to tell me. So, what do you need to say to me?

Back at the Community Park, in the Private Area, Cynthia sets her purse down on the bench next to Lindsay’s.

LINDSAY: Cat got your tongue?

CYNTHIA: No. Not at all. I’m just shocked at the fact that you’d be stupid enough to take false information from someone. Gosh, you really are determined to bring me down this badly?

LINDSAY: (laughs) False information? This is far from it. In fact, this new information I acquired about you comes from a very reliable source.

CYNTHIA: Who is this supposed reliable source?

LINDSAY: My brother’s girlfriend. Her name is Becky. And, she’s a detective. Thomas got her to run a background check on you. Nothing really popped up. In fact, your past was more clean than the top of Mr. Clean’s head. But, they decided to dig just a little further. That’s when they found out what you’ve been trying to hide all along. Now, Cynthia, I am prepared to go to my father with this information. But, I am giving you one chance to tell me your story.

CYNTHIA: Congratulations, Lindsay.

LINDSAY: On what?

CYNTHIA: For figuring out the truth.

LINDSAY: So, you did murder someone?

CYNTHIA: Yes, I did.

LINDSAY: Wow. What was the guy’s name?

CYNTHIA: Victor Mansfield.

LINDSAY: Why’d you kill him?

CYNTHIA: It’s a long and complicated story.

LINDSAY: Why would you say that?

CYNTHIA: Because, Victor was my uncle.

Back at Amy and Mimi’s Apartment, in the Living Room, Amy scooches closer to Mimi and grabs her hands.

AMY: You’re right. That probably was a very tough choice to make. How are you holding up? Are you okay?

MIMI: Yeah. It actually didn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would. I guess my relationship with them was already too far gone.

AMY: Are you sure this is the right thing to do?

MIMI: I’m afraid it is. I’m ready to move on with my life. I’m ready to not be harshly judged by the ones who supposedly love me anymore. I’m ready to just live and love the way I want to.

AMY: You are so brave. And, I love you so much for that. And, I promise you that we will live the best life possible.

MIMI: Thank you for making such a promise.

AMY: That’s how much you mean to me.

Amy and Mimi lean in and kiss one another.

MIMI: I love you.

AMY: I love you too.

Back at Philip’s Apartment, in the Living Room, Joshua enters the apartment. Philip shuts the door, turns around, and walks over to him. In the process, he sets his cup of coffee down on the coffee table.

PHILIP: Look, if you are here to do the whole macho-brother-thing, then you can go right back over to that door and leave.

JOSHUA: I’m not here to do that. I am here to just tell you how vulnerable my sister is at the moment, Philip.

PHILIP: I already know she is.

JOSHUA: Do you? When we came over here yesterday, I could see that you were starting to suck her back into your orbit. And, I don’t think she is ready for that yet. Not by a long shot.

PHILIP: Then, why did she agree to go out with me tonight?

JOSHUA: She did?

PHILIP: Yeah. She did. Tonight, we are going to discuss our real feelings for one another. And, of course where we stand.

JOSHUA: And, you think she’s ready for that?

PHILIP: She agreed to it. Look, can I tell you something, Joshua? Something I think you need to hear.

JOSHUA: Go for it.

PHILIP: Just back off. And, I mean that in the best way possible. I will take things as slow as Jenn wants to take them. But, in order for us to get our relationship back on track, I need some time with her alone. And, I can’t do that with you in my way. So, will you please just back off?

JOSHUA: Only if you really hear her out. I need for you to listen to everything she’ll say to you tonight. And, I mean…

PHILIP: Josh, everything will be fine. Trust me. I promise you that I will consider Jennifer’s feelings. And, her feelings alone.

JOSHUA: Then, we have a deal.

Back at the Jackson Family Home, in the Living Room, Jennifer walks over to the desk in the room. She picks up the home phone, dials, and puts it to her ear. After a couple of seconds, she begins to speak on Philip’s voicemail.

JENNIFER: (on the phone) Hey. It’s me. Look, I am going to change the plans that we had set up for tonight. Why don’t you come over here? We’ll open a bottle of wine and still talk like we planned. I would just feel more comfortable here. I hope you understand. Call or text me back when you get this. Bye.

Jennifer hangs up the phone and smiles.

Back at Philip’s Apartment, in the Living Room, Joshua is now gone. Philip is over by the door. He shuts the door and walks over to one of the end tables in the room. He picks up a picture of he and Jennifer.

PHILIP: I can’t wait to strengthen our relationship. And, I meant every word that I said to Joshua. I intend to put your needs above my own. You are the most important thing in my life. I love you so much, Jenn. And, I can’t wait to express that love tonight.

Back at the Community Park, in the Private Area, a confused look comes across Lindsay’s face. She is trying to sort all the information out.

LINDSAY: You murdered your uncle?

CYNTHIA: Yes. But, you must know that I had to.

LINDSAY: Okay, now I really don’t understand.

CYNTHIA: Lindsay, there’s a lot you don’t know.

LINDSAY: You better start talking, Cynthia. I will not hesitate to go to my father with this information. But, for once, I am trying to be the better person. I am trying to get all the facts straight. But, getting those facts straight is going to take some help from you.

CYNTHIA: I don’t feel like talking about this, Lindsay. Certainly not with you. This story only brings up bad memories.

LINDSAY: Just start talking. Why did you murder this Victor guy?

CYNTHIA: I had to murder my uncle! He raped me!

LINDSAY: (taken aback) Raped you?

CYNTHIA: Yeah. And, (voice breaking) if you would’ve dug just a little bit deeper, you would’ve probably discovered the whole truth. But, like always, you just want instant gratification. Regardless of who you hurt. I murdered that terrible, horrific, piece of trash human being in self defense. I murdered him right in the middle of my rape. (tearing up) I still have nightmares about him on top of me. And, me hitting...him...over the head with a bottle. I killed a man in self defense! And, you are no better than him for trying to turn this situation around and make me seem as though I am some cold blooded murderer! How dare you do this to me!

JACKSON FAMILY HOME - KITCHEN

Andrea is about to step out of the house. She is gathering her things when her cell phone rings. She sets everything down and retrieves her cell phone from her purse. She answers the call.

ANDREA: (on the phone) Hello? Oh. Hello, Mr. Smith. No. You’re not interrupting me. So, why’d you call? Oh, really? You know who you want to be the next Chief of Staff? Yeah. Yeah. Of course, I will come in. This just seems very quick though. Well, I’m glad we agree on something. And, yes I will bring Joshua. Okay. Seya soon. Bye.

Andrea hangs up her phone.

ANDREA: Well, let’s see who’s gonna take home the prize.

Andrea smiles, grabs her things, and exits through the backdoor.

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Living Room, Stuart is holding two pills in his right hand and a glass of water in his left. He takes both pills. He then sets the water glass down on the bar cart.

JUDITH: Thanks for taking your pills.

STUART: (turning around) Yeah. Whatever. It only delayed our discussion. But, now, we are free to talk. No interruptions.

JUDITH: Stuart, all I really wanted to talk to you about was Michael and the deal. That’s it. I promise.

STUART: Judith, we’ve been together all of our adult lives. I know things about you that others don’t. That includes all of your facial expressions. I know when you are lying to me, Judith. And, you’re lying to me right now. Don’t do anything foolish, darling. I just want to know what is going on.

JUDITH: That’s the thing. I don’t know that you want to know what is going on. But, I will tell you that this thing does have something to do with Michael.

STUART: Did he do something to you? Oh, god, please don’t tell me he leaked our financial woes to the press. I mean, all of you told me not to trust him. And, to think we just got all of our issues fixed.

JUDITH: This has nothing to do with our financial crisis.

STUART: Okay. Then, what is this about?

JUDITH: (sighs) When I tell you, do you promise that you won’t get mad at me? Please. I need you to promise me that.

STUART: That depends on what you have to tell me.

JUDITH: I thought you might say that. (deep breath) Stuart, I’m so sorry. I am so very sorry about all of this.

STUART: Sorry about what?

JUDITH: (tearing up/voice breaking) A couple of years ago, Michael and I had a year long affair with one another.

The camera zooms in on Stuart. An expression full of shock and hurt comes across his face. He is doing everything he can to contain himself.

***FADE OUT***
***END OF EP. 13***