Writer's note : I suck at summaries so I won't torture you all with one, but if you're really in memory trouble over what happened in last month's story let me know, and I'll try to muster up a not-too confusing summary for you. Please keep in mind this story is still taking place in January 1996, when the character of Hart Jessup and his story were still salvagable. - Jo Hartfix Part 2 by Jo Burgess fburgess@mail.awinc.com **Scene 11 - Top of the Towers Hart walks into the Towers at quarter to seven and scans the room for his sister. They hadn't spoken since he walked out earlier that afternoon. She wasn't home when he returned and Hart was anxious to talk to her before dinner. He spots her easily sitting alone at the bar. Wearing a short, clingy black dress with her mass of curls piled on top of her head, Blake stands out in a crowd. Hart smiles thinking, "Damn, my sister is one hell of a knockout." Hart steps down to the bar to sit next to her. "Can your jerk of a brother buy you a drink?" Blake: (smiling) Is that your idea of an apology? Hart: Yes it is. Blake: Then I accept. Hart: Good. Bartender bring my beautiful, forgiving sister a refill and me a mineral water please. Blake: You don't want a drink? You might need one to get through tonight. Hart: (laughing) No doubt, but I'd rather stay clearheaded. Blake: (as the bartender is setting down their drinks) Good idea, after all one of us is going to have to be the designated driver. Hart: So where's Ross? Blake: Working late. We're on our own. Hart: Oh. Blake: Is that all you have to say? Hart shrugs. Blake: You going to tell me why you nearly bit my head off this afternoon? Hart: I shouldn't have done that. Blake: No kidding. Why did you? Hart: I don't know Blake. I was in a bad mood and I took it out on you. I'm sorry. "It's okay." Blake looks past Hart and sighs. "Here we go." Hart turns to see Roger coming toward them. Roger gives his kids a smile. "Hart, Chrissy, I'm so glad you both came. Where's Ross honey?" Blake: Working. Where's your wife? Roger looks a little embarrassed. "Oh it seems she'd already made plans for this evening." Blake: She didn't want to come, huh? Roger laughs in response, gesturing to the dining area."Shall we get our table?" Hart: Yeah lead the way. Blake downs the remains of her drink and orders the bartender to bring her another before following her father. "Well," Hart says under his breathe, "this should be fun." Roger, Blake and Hart make their way through the salad with small talk, but they're left in an uncomfortable silence awaiting the main course. Blake breaks the silence by ordering another drink. "You want one Hart?" she asks when the waiter sets the glass down in front of her. Hart: What have you been drinking anyway? Blake: Scotch. Waiter bring him one too. Hart: No don't I'm fine thanks. Roger? Roger: I'm still working on my first. (another lapse in conversation) So Hart, how's Peter? Hart: Good. Roger: You getting to know him all right? Hart: Yes. Roger: How are you adjusting to being a father? Hart: I don't know. I'm doing the best I can. Roger: I'm sure you are. I just hope Vanessa and Bridget don't decide to yank Peter away from you now that you're finally getting to know your son. Hart: Roger please don't start. Blake: And we're off. Hart elbows Blake as Roger forges on. "I think it would be wise for you to keep an eye on those two, especially Vanessa. If she feels threatened by you in any way, she'll manipulate Bridget into cutting you out of Peter's life. Hart: Would you stop? Roger: I've seen her do it Hart. Vanessa is a very manipulative person and if you're not careful you'll end up on the outside of your son's life. Perhaps you should speak to a lawyer concerning... Hart cuts in angrily. "Roger that is enough! Stop trying to tell me what to do regarding Peter. He's my son and I'll so what I think is best when I have to. Roger: Son I'm only trying to... Hart: To contol me. To run my life. Well let me tell you something Roger, it's not going to happen so stop it. Blake: Oh waiter! Another drink please! Hart glances over a at Blake and after a quick mental count of how many she's had, he leans over to her whispering, "Blake don't you think you should slow down a bit?" Blake: No. Why? Hart: Because you're getting loaded and we haven't even had dinner yet. Blake: We are now. Hart sits upright as the waiter approaches with their meal and sets it out in front of them. Blake is about to take her first bite when she looks up at the entrance. "Uh oh." Hart and Roger turn to see Vanessa, Matt, Josh and Annie walking into the restaurant and sitting at a table nearby. Blake: Boy this evening is getting better and better huh? As soon as the waiter returns with her new drink, Blake takes a large swallow as Roger sighs and Hart shakes his head. The rest of dinner is accompanied by a dead silence at the Thorpe table. Blake polishes off her fifth scotch of the evening and she begins to signal the waiter for a refill. Hart picks up her glass and stands. "I'll get it for you." Hart approaches the bar, saying hello to the bartender as he puts the empty glass down. Bartender: Does Mrs. Marler want a refill sir? Hart: Yes she does, but her brother wants you to water it down. A lot. Bartender: I understand sir, no problem. The bartender moves off while Hart waits with his chin on his hand and too many thoughts racing through his mind at once. Hart: (thinking) Pull yourself together Hart. You're messing up big time. Go back over there, find an opening and grab it. You can do this. "Excuse me sir?" "Huh?" Harts blinks back into reality to see the bartender standing in front of him holding out the watered-down scotch. "Oh thanks." Hart returns to his table, giving the glass to Blake. Blake: Thanks bro. Can we go home now? Roger look hurt. "Don't you want to wait for dessert honey?" Hart: (to Blake) I'd like to stay a bit longer, how about you? "Sure why not." Blake gives Hart a big smile and a hard kick under the table. Hart tries not to wince as he addresses his father. "So Roger, how are things at WSPR?" Roger: Good. Dinah is a great business partner and things are going smoothly. Blake: Yeah right. That's not what Gilly Grant told me. Roger: I think Gilly was just too used to all the freedom she had in running the station before Dinah came on board. She'll get over it. Blake: Probably by quitting. Roger ignores Blake's remark, focussing on his son. "How's work? Being back at Lewis Construction panning out?" "There it is," Hart thinks to himself, "that's your opening." Hart: Despite the fact my boss hates my guts and has nothing better to do with his day than help David give me a hard time, everything's great. Thanks for asking. Roger looks concerned. "Perhaps it'd be better for you to get a job somewhere else." Hart: Oh sure people are clammering to hire guys like me with no education or skills. Roger: Well that's not true, you do have skills along with plenty of work experience. Hart you're a bright young man, you can do whatever you want. Hart: Like what? Roger: You can come work at WSPR. Blake laughs, but her laughter quickly turns to a look of astonishment when Hart asks, "Doing what?" Roger look taken aback, but recovers quickly. "Oh I'm sure we could find you something you'd like and the work environment would definately be more hospitable than where you're at now. Are you interested? Hart pretends to think about it. Blake is swallowing a mouthful of scotch when he finally says, "Maybe," and starts choking. Hart reaches over to slap her on the back a few times. Roger: Chrissy are you all right? Blake: (croaking) Just great Dad. (to Hart) Can we leave now? Hart: Blake I don't... Blake interrupts. "Hart I don't feel well, will you take me home please?" Roger: Go ahead and take your sister home. We can talk about this later. As a matter of fact if you're free tomorrow morning you can come by my office okay? Hart: Sure. I'll be there. Hart and Blake exchange goodnights with their father. Walking to the elevator they pass the Lewis/Reardon table in time to hear Vanessa saying, "He's exactly like his father. I don't want him around Peter and I don't want Bridget to allow him..." Vanessa stops in mid-sentence when she sees the siblings. She plasters a big, phony smile on her face. "Hello Blake, Hart." Blake smiles back. "Hi Vanessa." Blake swings her arm out and knocks Vanessa's glass of red wine into her white linen suited lap. "AHHHHHH!" Vanessa yells. "Vanessha, are you okay?" Annie lisps. "No I'm not you stupid blond bimbo! Look what she did to my suit!" Vanessa shrieks. "Oops! Sorry Van. Goodnight all." Blake grabs a shocked Hart's arm and tows him along to the elevator. Catching sight of her brother's expression, Blake says as the elevator doors are closing, "Oh don't worry Hart. I never did like her anyway. She's such a bitch." **Scene 12 - WSPR Hart arrives at WSPR first thing the next morning. He pauses at his father's office door to straighten his tie. Hart had started out wearing a whole suit, but it was too uncomfortable. "Brings back too many bad memories," he'd thought. Finally he decided to lose the suit jacket and wear his leather one instead. He was grateful to make it out of the house without Blake seeing him. One look at the tie and she would've pitched a fit, something Hart wasn't up to handling just yet. Fortunately she was too busy nursing her headache and nausea to notice him sneaking off. "Well here goes nothing," Hart thinks knocking on the door. "Come in," is Roger's muffled response. Plastering a smile on his face, Hart pushes open the door. "Good morning son, come in," Roger beams, "sit down. Would you like some coffee?" Hart: No thank you. Roger: How's Blake this morning? Hart: Hungover, but she'll live. Roger: Well I hope she feels better soon. (pauses) So, I guess you're here to discuss that job we talked about. Hart: Yes. Roger: (smiling) Okay then, I hope you don't think it too presumptuous of me, but I've already talked with Gilly and there are two assistant positions open right now, one in production and one in research. The pay is the same for both, it's probably not much more than what you're making now, but the benefits are great and the work is far less back-breaking I assure you. You interested yet? Hart deliberately hesitates, although he already knows exactly what he's going to do. "Sounds good so far, which is the furthest behind the scenes?" Roger laughs. "Looking for the one that will keep you as far away from me as possible huh? That's okay I understand. It would be research. Do you want the job?" Hart: Yes, when do I start? Roger: How about tomorrow morning at 9am? And you won't have to report to me either, just go to Gilly and she'll settle you in. "Fine. Thanks." Hart gets up to leave. Roger: Hart? Hart: Yes? Roger: I'm glad you'll be working here. Hart: Thank you for hiring me. Roger: You're welcome. Hart walks out of the office, shutting the door behind him with relief. "Thank God that's over," he thinks to himself, "now on to phase two." **Scene 13 - Phone booth on 5th Street Hart stands in a phone-booth, trying to go over what he should and shouldn't say to the man he'd soon be talking with. He finally resigns himself to dial a long-distance number, reversing the charges. The same low, gruff man's voice that called Hart the week before answered. "Hello." Hart clears his throat. "Hi, it's me." Mystery man: Well it's about time. Calling a little late aren't you? Hart: No, I just had trouble getting away to make this call. Mystery man: Something wrong with your sister's phone? Hart's jaw drops, as the phone nearly does. "What?" Mystery man: (laughing) You honestly think I wasn't serious when I said I'd be keeping a closer eye on you? Well I was so get used to it. Hart: Who's watching me? Mystery man: Never mind. Explain to me why you only got inside of WSPR just two days ago? Hart: If your spies are so good, why even bother have me call? Mystery man: Don't get smart. Tell me how far you've gotten. Hart: I'm still trying to remember everyone's name and where everything is. I haven't had the chance to do much else. Mystery man: (threateningly) You'd better not be stalling, because if you are... Hart: (interrupting) I'm not, I swear. I... Mystery man: (shouting) Do not interrupt me! Ever! Got it? Hart: (mumbling) Sorry. Mystery man: Now I'm telling you Jessup, stop draggin your heels and do what you're supposed to. I want this over with as quickly and quietly as possible, understood? Hart: Perfectly. Mystery man: Good, glad to hear you're still with me on this. Hart: Like you gave me a choice. Mystery man: Buck up kid, we're both getting a lot out of this deal so stop the whiny, poor victimized me routine. You're in this to save your own ass and you know it. Hart: (bitterly) Who's responsible for that huh? Mystery man: (mockingly) Why Hart I don't know what you're talking about. Hart: Oh of course not. Mystery man: Don't push your luck kid. Just do your part and soon you'll be able to go on with your life, but remember, until then I'll be keeping tabs on you so don't do anything stupid, got it? Hart: Yeah, I got it. Mystery man: I'll be in touch. Hart hears a click, followed by a dial tone. He hangs up the phone, exits the phone-booth and walks off into the night. **Scene 14 - House of Bloss Head hung down, Hart rushes up the walkway of the Marler house. He doesn't notice Ross sitting outside the door until he nearly steps on him. Hart: What the.....oh, Ross, sorry. What are you doing out here? Ross: What Blake refuses to let me do in the house, smoking a damn good cigar. Would you like one? Hart: No thanks, I tried them once and didn't much care for the taste. Ross: Oh well. Sit down then, if you go in now Blake might make you wash dishes. Hart smiles faintly as he sits down on the doorstep across from his bother-in- law. Ross: So where did you run off to after dinner? Hart: Um, I had an errand to run. Ross: Everything okay? You were rather quiet earlier. Hart: Nothing's wrong, I'm fine. Ross: It's all right Hart, I know what's troubling you. Hart stares at Ross in shock for a moment wondering, "How did he find out?" Hart struggles to keep his voice strong and steady, but it comes out in a shaky whisper anyway. "You do?" Ross: Oh course I do. I've been through the same thing. Hart doesn't bother to conceal his shock as he replies, "You have?!" Ross laughs. "You have met Dinah haven't you?" Hart looks confused. "Huh?" Ross: Hart I didn't find out about my child until years after the birth either. I know how you're feeling. You're upset at having lost out on those first few years, you're angry at the child's mother for not telling you, and the instant fatherhood terrifies the hell right out of you. Hart: (relaxing) Yeah, that's all true. Ross: I know. And the worst part is everyone expects you to feel a certain way, do certain things, which only adds to your confusion until you're tempted to run and hide somewhere. Hart: (nodding) Exactly. So what am I supposed to do? Ross: What you know deep down is right. Hart: But you've been through it, what did you do? Ross: I had faith in my ability to make the right decisions for both myself and Dinah. That's all you can really do Hart, that and love your son no matter what. You'll get through it, I promise. Hart: What if something gets in your way? Ross: Like what? "Nothing, forget it." Hart says ignoring the voice in his head that's screaming, "Tell him! You can trust Ross, he can help you! Tell him everything!" Ross: (sensing something's amiss) Hart what is it? If something is wrong you can tell me, I hope you know that. Hart: I do. Everything is okay, really. Ross: Has Roger done something to upset you? Hart: No, I told you I'm fine. Ross looks unconvinced and is about to speak again when the door swings open. It's Blake. Blake: I should've known you both would be hiding out here when there were dishes to be done. Well you can come in now, I'm all finished. Ross put out that smelly cigar. Ross: Yes dear. Hart starts to get up when Ross catches him the sleeve and whispers, "Hart if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you." Hart: I know Ross. Thanks. Hart straightens up. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight." He gives Blake a peck on the cheek and retires to his room. **Scene 15 - Hart's dream "Hart? Hart? Where are you Hart? I need you." "Katy? Katy I hear you, but I can't see you." "I'm here Hart." "I don't see you." "Come and find me my love, I'll be waiting." "Katy don't go, come back!" "I'll love you forever Hart." "KATY!!!!!!!" Hart runs out of a dark tunnel into a mist-filled street. He keeps running, calling out her name, but she does not answer. The mist thickens to fog. Hart can barely see around him. There is a gate in front of him, he goes through it. He's no longer on a street, the ground is moist beneath his feet. He calls to her again, still no reply. All he can see is the fog hugging stones on the ground. He searches for her calling her name over and over until finally he hears, "I'm right here Hart, you found me." Suddenly he trips and falls to the ground. He looks up into a stone that reads: Here lies Katherine Victoria Parker. Born 1973 - Died 1995 Hart bolts uprights in his bed gasping. He looks around and takes little comfort in seeing he's in his sister's guest room. His face is streaked with tears, but he makes no effore to brush them away. Instead he lies back down, buries his face in the pillow and cries. **Scene 16 - House of Bloss "Well good morning sleepy head," Blake greets Hart when he wanders into the kitchen, "Hmmmmm, 9am, why I'll bet that's the latest you've ever slept in your life." "Probably," Hart says while pouring himself coffee. Blake: Didn't you sleep well last night? Hart: Not really. Blake: Perhaps that's caused by the stress of working with Roger. Hart: (in a warning tone) Blake. Blake: I know, I know, don't start, okay I won't. Do you want some breakfast? I kept some warm for you. Hart: Yeah sure. Ross gone already? Blake sets a plate of food in front of Hart and sits down across from him. "Yes, he has court today and wanted to go in early to prepare." Hart: So what are your plans for today? Blake: Not much, just puttering around I guess. Hart: Don't you work anymore Blake? I thought you used to really be into PR and stuff. Blake: I know I was, but ever since I got married I just haven't been into it. I explored the wild, wacky world of private investigating for a while, but that didn't pan out. Hart: So now you just putter around? Blake: Yeah, sounds kind of boring doesn't it? Hart: Yes, but it's your life and if you're happy then don't change a thing. Blake: Thank you Hart Landers. Hart laughs. Getting up he gives Blake a peck on the cheek. "Great breakfast sis, but I gotta run." Blake: Where are you going? Hart: I have a date with my son. Blake: Well you be sure to give Peter a kiss from me, and Hart? Hart: Yeah? Blake: Try not to fight with Bridget today okay? Hart: I'll try. See ya later! Blake: Bye. (calls out after Hart's left the room) Hey Hart, want me to do some of your laundry? Hart: (calls back) Yeah sure, there's some next to my dresser! Thanks! Blake: Where? (hears the door slam) Blake gets up and walks to Hart's room. She sees a pile of clothes next to the dresser and a small stack on top of the dresser. "Did he say on or next to his dresser? Oh well it doesn't matter." Blake gathers both piles of clothes in her arms. Humming, she grabs a pair of jeans off the top of the dresser and casually flips them over her shoulder. She doesn't see a piece of paper fly out of one of the pockets as she turns to leave Hart's room. The paper flutters to the carpet, landing in plain sight and face up with the letterhead of Clayton Hospital boldly standing out against the white page. **Scene 17 - Boarding House "And so the wizard got on his horse and rode off in search of other people who were in need of his magic. Did you like that story Peter?" Hart looks down at Peter to see he's fast asleep. Hart gently lifts his son off his lap, setting him down on his bed and covering him with a blanket. Kneeling next to Peter's bed, Hart strokes his son's hair and looks at him thoughtfully. Hart: (whispering) I love you son, I really do. I hope you always know that no matter what happens. It's very important for a boy to know his daddy loves him and would do anything to protect him. I'll be the first to admit I'm far from being perfect. I've made more than my fair share of mistakes and I've hurt people. You see just because people are able to make choices in life,it doesn't mean they'll make the right ones. Sometimes a person will turn left when they should have turned right, say something mean when they should've said something nice, or hurt someone when they should've turned the other cheek. Everyone does something bad at some point and sometimes they're forgiven and sometimes they aren't. There are some people in the world that just can't forgive for whatever reason, no matter how much a person is sorry or has changed. There are even those who hold the sins of the father against his son. It's been my experience that these are people who look in the mirror, don't like what they see and have to take it out on whoever is around them. They end up alone and miserable and looking for an easy way out. But you don't have to worry about any of that,I'll never let any of it happen to you, I swear. I may not always be here Peter, but I will always be looking out for you. "What do you mean by that?" Startled, Hart turns to see Bridget standing in the doorway. Hart: How long have you been standing there? Bridget: I just got here. So what did you mean by saying you might not always be here? Are you going someplace? Hart: (flustered, but trying to hide it) Oh no, no I'm not going anywhere. I meant, um, you know that I won't be here all the time, like you are. Bridget: Oh I see. Hart you know that I want you to play a full part in my, our son's life right? Hart: Yes and thanks you for saying so because I want that too. Bridget: I'm glad. (an awkward pause) So any trouble getting him down for a nap? Hart: Nope. One story and out like a light. Bridget: Somehow that doesn't surprise me considering all the running around the two of you have been doing all morning long. It's nice to finally know where he gets all that energy from. Hart: Hey don't look at me, I'm exhausted. Blame it on his youth. Bridget: Oh yeah you're turning into an old man right before my very eyes. Hart: (smiling) Watch it, your hair will be turning grey right along with mine. Bridget: (giggling) Yes, but that's why God invented Clairol Nice 'n Easy. Hart: Can we get two for one? Bridget: I don't know. I'll have to check my senior citizen's discount. They both dissolve into a fit of giggles and hurry out of the room so they don't wake Peter. Hart gives Bridget a quick, friendly hug. "Ah what are we worried about? We're still young and good-looking." Bridget: (looking up at him) We certainly are. (pause) You know I like this. Hart: What? Bridget: Us not fighting. Hart: (nods) Me too. Does this mean we're getting past some of the bad stuff? Bridget: I hope so. Hart: So do I. Bridget: Do you mean it? Hart: Yes I do. (checks his watch) Well I should go. I don't want to overstay my welcome. Bridget: You don't have to leave. Stay, I'll put on some coffee and you can tell me more about your new job. Hart: Thanks, but I'll have to take a raincheck. I've been dodging every chore imaginable at Blake's and I'm beginning to feel guilty. I really should go home and start pulling my own weight. Bridget: Oh please you're a worse housekeeper than Blake, between the two of you you'll probably demolish the house. Hart: Hey! We're not that bad! Besides she need some wood chopped and I promised I'd do it and I think I should get to it before she decides to do it herself. Bridget: Blake with an axe? I think you'd better go and I think you'd better hurry! Hart: (smiling) Okay, see you later Bridget. Bridget: Goodbye. Hart turns and disappears down the stairs. Bridget quietly slips back into Peter's room, sits on the bed and places one hand on his back. "You know what honey?" she says in a hushed voice, "I'm still in love with your daddy." **Scene 18 - House of Bloss Singing along with the song playing on her favorite radio station, Blake half dances into Hart's room with his freshly laundered and neatly folded clothes. Setting them down on the dresser, she turns to leave when she steps on a piece of paper. "What's this?" Blake wonders as she picks it up. "Clayton Hospital?!" she gasps, examining the form closer, "A bill? What in the world..." "Blake what are you doing?" Blake looks over to see Hart striding towards her. "I was bringing in your clothes and I found this." Hart grabs the bill out of Blake's hands. "Who the hell gave you permission to go rummaging through my stuff?" Blake: Hart I wasn't snooping, I found it on the floor it must've fallen out of one of your pockets when I was getting your laundry. Hart: Yeah well I'll do my own laundry fron now on. Blake: Hart why do you have a bill from Clayton Hospital? Hart: (snaps) It's nothing! Blake: Are you ill? Hart: No. Blake: Then why were you having tests done at Clayton? Hart if something's wrong I want to know so I can help. Hart: Blake I told you, it's nothing. Blake: It has to be something, otherwise you wouldn't have it! Hart: Will you get off my back? Mind your own business! Blake: (getting extremely upset) Hart what are you hiding from me? I'm your sister, I love you, you can tell me. Hart remains silent. Blake: Oh God, it's really bad isn't it? Are you dying? Hart: No of course not! Blake: (near tears) Don't lie to me! Tell me what's wrong, I can help! Do you need an organ? You can have one of my kidneys. Or do you need bone marrow? You can have that too. I saw on a talk show the other day about how transplants between family members have a very good success rate and also... Hart stares at Blake like she's gone crazy, but then smiles and interrupts her. "Blake stop it," he says softly but firmly while placing his hands on her shoulders, "you're jumping to conclusions again, and scaring yourself in the process. I am not dying, nor do I have any life threatening illnesses." Blake: (calming down) You're not sick? Hart: No I'm not. Blake: Then what was the bill for? Hart: A physical I had when I went back to Lewis Construction, you know for insurance purposes. Blake: A physical? That's it? Hart: Yes, that's it. Blake: Then why did you fly off the handle when you saw me with it? Hart: I didn't know how you found it, I guess I jumped to a few conclusions of my own and lost my temper. I'm sorry. Blake: I'm sorry too. Hart: It's okay, can I make it up to you by chopping that wood you wanted? Blake: Yes please, and when you're done I'll make you some cocoa. Hart: (smiling) Yummy! Blake: Yup, better get to work. "Yes ma'am," Hart salutes her and leaves the room. Blake smiles until he's out of sight, then her face turns grim. "Nice try little brother," she mutters, "but I don't believe your tall tale one bit. You're hiding something and I'm going to find out what it is whether you like it or not." **Scene 19 - Unknown location "You called me sir?" A tall, burly man asks as he approaches a large desk in a darkened room. "Yes I did," says the voice of the man who has been calling Hart. He sits with the back of his chair to his visitor so he cannot be seen. "I have a job for you Jackson, it's very simple. It would seem our young friend in Springfield is dragging his feet and becoming more and more uncooperative. I want you to see to it he is reminded how much I despise delays, subtly mind you, no need for any of this to be getting any unpleasanter. Understood?" Jackson: In other words you just want to yank his chain to mkae sure he remembers who's in charge? Man's voice: Exactly. "You got it. I'll get on it right away sir." Jackson turns and marches swiftly out of the office. Had Jackson known of her presence, he could have easily touched the young woman who was standing in the shadows outside the office doors as he passed through them. As it is he does not see her, and she stays hidden until he's well out of sight. Then she quickly tiptoes down the stylish hallway, up a grand staircase, and down another long hallway, this one more furnished and more homey, yet still as immaculate, than the one downstairs. She slips through a massive arched door, locking it behind her before hurrying across the living area into the bedroom. Sitting down at her vanity, Julie Camaletti stares at her stricken expression in the mirror, "Oh Hart," she whispers softly, "I've got to find a way to warn you. But how?" Julie suddenly jumps up and sprints toward the phone. She grabs the phone book out from under it and begins frantically flipping through the pages. Julie: Where is it? Where is it? (stops flipping the pages) Here it is. (picks up the phone and dials a number) Come on answer already! Man with Irish accent answers. "O'Riley's." Julie: Hi can I speak to..um... "Dammit!" Julie thinks, "What the hell is her name?" Man: Hello? Can I help you? Julie: Yes I need to speak to one of your waitresses, but I can't remember her name, oh wait I think it's Carol, no it's Sheryl. Is she there? Man: Yup, hang on. Sheryl: Hello? Julie: Hi Sheryl it's Julie Camaletti. Do you remember me? Sheryl: (coldly) Yes I do. What do you want? Julie: I need your help. Sheryl: (angerly) My help? Why the hell should I help you after the stunts you pulled? Julie: Please listen, the help isn't for me, it's for Hart. There's a long moment of silence. Julie: Are you still there? Sheryl: Yes. Go on. Julie: I don't have to tell you what would happen if the wrong person ever found out I told anyone what I'm about to tell you, so you have to swear never to tell where you heard this. Sheryl: Okay I swear. Now what about Hart? Do you know where he is? Julie: In Springfield and I just found out that they're going to send him a warning. Sheryl: (snorts in disgust) A warning? Is that still what those people call the carnage they cause? Julie: Yes, look I don't know what they're going to do, but there has to be a way to let Hart know something is going to happen before it does. Sheryl: Did you say he's in Springfield? Do you know where? Julie: Yes he's in Springfield, but I don't have any idea where. I was hoping you would that's why I called you. Sheryl: Okay don't worry about it, I think I can find out how to get ahold of him. Julie: Good, please hurry. Sheryl: I will. Sheryl slams down the phone behind the bar. The short haired blond from one of Hart's dreams rounds the bar, calling out over her shoulder, "I gotta go, it's an emergency." She rushes out the door of O'Riley's Pub and jumps into her car, which blows up as soon as she turns the ignition. * * * The phone rings in the darkened office where the mystery man still sits in his turned around chair. He reaches out to answer it. "Is it done?" He listens. "You call that subtle?" **Scene 20 - Doctor's office "Come in," Dr. Terry McCluskey answers to the knock at his door. He glances up at his visitor, or rather his visitors, two police detectives whom the doctor recognizes. The older, greying detective greets Terry. "Good evening doctor." "Hello Detective Richardson," Terry nods at the younger blond officer, "Detective Eriks, what brings you both to my office this late in the work day?" Eriks: I see you remember us Dr. McCluskey. Terry: Yes I do. How could I forget the two vultures that were circling one of my patients last year? Richardson: Spare us any more of your indignation doctor, I think we got enough the first time around. We need to find Hart Jessup, where is he? Terry: Why? Do you need someone to railroad again? Richardson: Someone left a bomb in Sheryl Caroline's car earlier today, blew her sky high. Terry: (is clearly shocked) My God! Is she...? Richardson: Dead? Yes she is. We'd like to ask Mr. Jessup a few questions. Eriks: But wouldn't you know it, he seems to have disappeared a few months ago without leaving a forwarding address. Do you know where he is? Terry: No. Eriks: No? Isn't it kinda odd for a shrink not to know where his patient is? Terry: Not at all, Hart's been through hell, he needed some time by himself so I suggested he take a vacation and he did. Eriks: Where to? Terry: He didn't have a destinationm he just hit the road. He calls periodically, always from a different place and it's been a week or so since I last heard from him. Eriks: I don't believe you doctor. Terry: (raising his eyebrows) Oh really? Well I don't care Detective Eriks. Eriks: Look doctor, we're trying to investigate the death of a young woman here! We're finding it rather disturbing how the women in Hart Jessup's life always seem to end up dead! Now where is he?! Richardson puts a hand on his partner's shoulder and pulls him back. "Take it easy," he says to him, then to Terry, "We'd appreciate it if you'd let Mr. Jessup know we'd like to speak to him the next time he calls." Terry: Of course. Now if you'll excuse me I have some paperwork to finish. Richardson nods. "Certainly. Have a good evening doctor." He and Eriks leave. Terry curses. "Damn! What's going on this time?" He presses his intercom, "Marge, book me a seat on the next flight to Springfield." **Scene 21 - House of Bloss Meanwhile at the Marler home Blake is busy on the phone pumping Dr. Ed Bauer for information. Blake: So let me get this straight Ed, there's no way whatsoever I could get any info on a patient from a hospital without the patient's authorization? Ed: Exactly. Blake: Not even on billing? Ed: No Blake, I told you everything falls under doctor-patient... Blake: ...confidentiality, yes so you keep saying. Ed: Are you going to tell what this is about now? Blake: I'd rather not Ed and I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention we had this conversation to anyone. Ed: If that's what you want dear fine. Are you sure everything is all right? "No it's not," Blake thinks, but outloud she says, "Yeah all's well Ed. Thanks for letting me bug you at home this late. Night." Blake hangs up and leans back in her chair, frustrated determination setting into her features, "Rats," she mutters, "There has to be a way to find out what Hart's hiding, there just has to be." **Scene 22 - House of Bloss, the next morning Hart breathlessly hops into the living room on one foot trying to get his shoe on. Blake looks up from the paper in amusement. "Running late huh?" Hart nods as he throws open the closet, pulls out his jacket and tries to get both arms in it at once. Blake: (grinning ear to ear) Better hurry! Hart glares at her while unsuccessfully putting on his jacket. Blake laughs and gets up to help him. Blake: There you go dear, did you remember your homework and lunch money? Hart: Ha, ha, very funny. Blake: Now don't get in a snit, go to work and try to have a good day. Oh here take your mail with you to read when you get there. Pushing him to the door and practically shoving him out it, Blake waves and waits until Hart gets in his car before closing the door and bolting for his room. Once there she starts methodically searching through drawers muttering, "There has to be a clue in here somewhere." Sitting in his car, Hart pauses to take a breath and glance at his mail. He picks out one envelope with his name and address but no return ones or postage. Curious he rips it open and pulls out a newspaper clipping with the caption, "Woman Dies in Car Bombing." Hart reads the article and gasps in horror, "No! No, not Sheryl! Please God not Sheryl too!" The envelope drops from his hand, and a piece of paper falls out. Hart looks at it and sees the words, "WATCH YOUR STEP" written in bold black letters. He jumps out of the car, backs away from it down the driveway and nearly jumps out of his skin when he bumps into someone. "Whoa Hart, it's okay, it's just me!" Hart whirls around, sees Terry McCluskey and hugs him. "Man am I ever glad to see you!" Terry: Good to see you too. What has you so jumpy? Hart: (rambling) I've got to get out of here Terry1 They're going to be after me next! They're going to kill me like they killed everyone else! I've gotta go Terry! I gotta leave, I gotta leave right now! Terry: (shakes Hart by the shoulders firmly) Hart calm down, get ahold of yourself. Take a deep breath and try to relax a bit. Now I take it you heard about Sheryl? Hart nods numbly. Terry: Okay. Everything will be all right. You can handle this, I know you can. I also know there's been an awful lot going on that you have not told me, am I right? Hart nods again. Terry: Fine. We're going to go somewhere right now and talk. This time you are going to tell me everything, and I mean everthing Hart, no holding back okay? Hart: Okay. Terry: Good, let's go. Terry leads Hart to his car parked down the street and they drive off. Back in the house, Blake is fiddling with the lock on a small, metal box she found tucked in the back of a drawer. When the box finally pops open, Blake throws her arms up in triumph. "Yes! Blake Marler, lock-picker extraordinare!" Looking inside, she immediately spots a bottle of pills. Plucking it out, she examines the label. "Prescription for Hart Jessup...Lithium Carbonate. What the heck is this for?" Blake places the bottle back in the box, shuts it, ignoring the rest of its contents, and replaces it in the drawer. "I have to talk to Ed," she says on her way out of Hart's room. **Scene 23 - Jessup farm Leaning back against the porch steps of the Jessup farmhouse, Dr. McCluskey lets out a long sigh. Terry: Well Hart, that's quite a story you've just told me. Is that all or is there anything you've left out? Hart: (in a low, flat voice) No that's everything. Terry: Fine then. I take it there's no way to convince you to seek help from the police. Hart: You've got that right. Terry: Well I have to hand it to you, you sure know how to keep a secret, even from me. Hart: (shrugs) What can I say? Secrets, lies, pain, the ability is in my genes. Terry: Hart don't go there, don't do that to yourself, not now. Hart: (getting angry) Why not Terry?! Can you seriously sit there after what I've told you and think this would all be happening if Roger Thorpe wasn't my father? Terry: Hart you're the one who's keeping the truth from coming out, not your father. Hart: Oh gee thanks Terry, that makes me feel better. Who's side are you on anyway? Terry: Yours, always yours. Hart: You've an odd way of showing it. Terry: I'm being honest. You are in total denial of the seriousness of this situation... Hart: (interrupts) I'm in denial?! Excuse me but it's the people I care about who are being killed. I'm painfully aware of what's going on. Terry: Yes, so much so you're putting your health at risk and you don't even seem to realize it. Hart: I can handle all this. Terry: Can you? After everything you've been through the past few years can you really keep insisting you can handle it? Hart: Yes. I can. I have to. Terry: Hart please, for your own sake please put an end to this. If you don't want to go to the police then go to your father and tell him what's happening. Hart: Are you crazy? I can't tell Roger! Terry: Well you have to tell someone Hart, someone who can help you out of this mess. Listen to me, you can't go on like this for much longer, you just can't, you'll come apart if you do and I'm saying this as your doctor and as your friend. Find a way out, before you're the one who ends up dead! Hart nods and whispers, "Okay, I'll try." Off in the shadows within earshot of the conversation, a dark figure slips away unnoticed. **Scene 24 - Cedars hospital "Ed! Ed I need to talk to you!" Blake calls out as she chases Ed down a hospital corridor. Ed doesn't slow down as Blake catches up. "Hi sweetie, I'm sorry I can't talk now I'm late for a meeting." "But Ed I need to ask you something, it's important," she insists. "I'm sorry but so's this meeting honey. Can it wait?" "No," Blake thinks but says, "I guess so." "Okay see you later." Ed gives Blake a peck on the cheek before disappearing into an elevator. Hands on hips and tapping her foot Blake mutters, "Great. Who else can I talk to about this? Ah to hell with it! I'm going straight to the source!" **Scene 25 - WSPR Ten minutes later Blake bursts into Roger's office at WSPR. "Where's Hart?" Roger looks up from his cup of coffee surprised. "Hi Chrissy, how are you?" Blake: I'll be better when I talk to my brother, where is he? Roger: Probably at his desk. Go down one floor, turn... Blake: Yes, yes I know where he's supposed to be, but he's not there. So where is he? Roger: How should I know? I rarely see him. Blake: I thought maybe you were torturing him up here or something. Roger: Is something wrong Chrissy? You seem upset. Blake: Well I'm not. I'm perfectly all right. I just need to talk to Hart. Roger: Well honey if he's not here I don't know where he could be. I could help you find him. Blake: Don't bother Dad, I can do it myself. Blake stalks out of Roger's office and back down to the research department to see if Hart's in yet. "Hello again," says the blond woman at the next desk, "he's still not here. You can wait for him if you want." "No that's all...," Blake turns to leave but pauses as her eyes fasten on Hart's computer. "Hey are you guys hooked up to the internet?" Blond: Of course. "You know I think I will wait for him." Blake says, sitting in front of the the computer and logging on. "Okay little brother, let's find out what the world wide web has to say about those pills I found." "Hi Blake. What are you doing?" Blake nearly jumps out of her chair when she hears Hart's voice behind her. "Oh hi, you startled me." Hart: Sorry. What are you doing on my computer? Blake glances guiltily at the screen, grateful she hadn't begun a search yet. "Nothing, just passing time. So where were you? And why didn't you take your car today?" Hart: Oh I (pauses)...got a ride with someone and stopped for breakfast. Blake: Huh? I thought you didn't want to be late? Hart: I didn't, but then my stomach woke up. Blake: I see. They stand there for a minute looking at each other before Hart asks expectantly, "Well?" Blake blinks in surprise. "Well what?" Hart: What are you doing here Blake? Blake: Oh. That. Right. Well, um, Hart...(her voice trails off). Hart: Yes? Blake: I really need to talk to you about something. Can you come home? Hart: Now?! Blake I just got here! Blake: I know but this is really important and you're probably going to be mad when I tell you what I did but I had to, I needed to know what was going on because I was worried about you and I still am but... Hart: (cuts her off) Whoa slow down! Blake what are you talking about? Blake takes Hart's arm and starts pulling on it. "Come on, let's go. I'll tell you at the house." Hart holds his ground. "Wait a minute! Tell me what? What's on your mind? Spit it out already! Blake gives a pointed glance at Hart's co-worker. Hart: Um Penny, I don't mean to drive you off, but could you give us a few minutes? "Oh sure no problem. I need to run these notes up to Gilly anyway." The blond gathers up some papers and exits. Blake closes the door behind her. Hart: Okay we're alone, now what's up? Blake takes a deep breath before turing to face her brother. "It's time for us to be straight with each other Hart. It's time for the truth." "The truth Blake?" asks a confused Hart, "I don't understand what you mean." Blake: Okay before I tell you, first you have to know I did it because I was worried about you." Hart: Worried? Why? Blake: Because Hart, you've been acting so strangely since you came back. I've known for quite awhile something was up that you weren't telling me about. I wanted to help and you weren't letting me. Hart: Huh? Blake I don't... Blake: (finishes) know what I'm talking about right? What I'm talking about is this job you took working for our father whom I know you can't stand being in the same room with. I'm talking about the bill from Clayton Hospital I found that you nearly bit my head off over. I'm talking about those walks you take so late at night every once in awhile which you come back from so wound up I'm afraid you might break if I breathe on you. So that's why I did it. Hart: (exasperated) Did what?! Blake: I searched your room this morning. Shocked, Hart almost whispers, "You did what?" Blake: I searched your room and I found a bottle of pills called Lithium something. Now I want to know what they're for and what you've been hiding from me. "How could you?" Hart asks, his throat tightening, "How could you betray me like that Blake? You're my sister, I thought I could trust you." "Hart you can," Blake almost pleads, "I love you." She reaches out to touch him. He backs away. Hart: (incredulously) You love me? Breaking a trust, you call that love? Oh wait of course, to a Thorpe that is love! I almost forgot! My god Blake you've really learned the family way from Roger well haven't you? You've both stabbed me in the back and then proclaimed to love me! Congratulations sis, you're exactly like dear old dad! Hart's words hit Blake like a punch in the face. Her eyes well up with tears and her voice cracks as she tries to defend herself. "Hart Jessup that's the cruelest thing you've ever said to me. All I was trying to do was look out for you. Hart: (shouting) Well no one asked you to! Blake: (her voice rising) Of course not and no one should have to! We're family and even though we're the farthest thing from a normal one, I thought the whole idea was to take care of wach other! Excuse me for trying to play the part of a sister watching over her brother, it's not the Thorpe way! The Thorpe was is to lie through one's teeth to each other, something you've certainly gotten down pat! Hart: Oh sure, blame me! Blake: Dammit Hart! I'm not trying to blame you! Or hurt you! I was only trying to help! Is that so goddamn hard for you to believe? Or are you so jaded that you think no one cares about you? Hart: This is not about whether you care Blake, this is about you snooping into things that don't concern you! Why can't you mind your own business? Blake: Because you've been lying to me! I find a medical bill and a bottle of pills which you've been hiding , so naturally I want to know what's wrong with you! Hart: You want to know what's wrong with me? Blake: Yes! Hart: You want to know why I'm taking lithium? Blake: Yes I do! Hart: You really want to know? Blake: Yes dammit! I really do. Hart: Okay. I have bipolar disorder. Blake: (confused) You have what? Hart: Bipolar disorder. It's manic depression Blake. Blake: (shocked) Hart, I had no idea. Hart: Of course not, I was "hiding" it remember? Blake: How long? Hart: I was diagnosed almost two years ago. I don't know how long I've actually had it, but I can take a good guess. "But how'd you know? I mean, how could you..." Blake stops short when her gaze falls on something behind Hart. Hart, not noticing her distraction and still angry, carries on sarcastically. "How'd I know I was manic depressive? Well gee swinging back and forth between feeling like I could kill someone and wanting to kill myself might've had something to do with it! But when I slit my wrists one day," Hart pushes up his sleeves to show his scarred wrists, "and ended up on the psychiatric ward of a hospital, then I thought there just might be something wrong!" "Hart." Blake whispers crying openly. "What?" Hart demands. Blake gestures behind Hart at the door to the office. Hart turns around to see a stunned looking Roger standing in the doorway. Hart stares at his father in horror as the colour drains from his face. to be continued....