Episode 21 - Confessions

SCENE ONE - Just outside Fort Cedar

In our last Episode, Stacy had just came across a group of women trying to organize a protest rally to protest the war. As we pick up the scene, Stacy has just been asked to join in. Let's read...

STACY (In shock at what she's seeing) - This is absolutely insane.

MONICA - No it's not.

SARAH (With a shocked look on her face) - You, of all people, should know that the government is covering up the real reason why our husbands and children were sent over there. I'm shocked.

STACY (Shocked & Disgusted) - I'm shocked that you guys are even attempting this. Talk about spitting on their graves.

KELLY (Stunned at Stacy's comment) - Stace, our husbands fought and died to give us the chance to hang onto the right to hold this rally. How is THAT spitting on their graves?

STACY - It just is.

TAMARA (Arriving out of the blue, taking Stacy by surprise) - Stacy, you and I both know that the reasons why the war in Iraq were all bogus to begin with. Now, look at the end result. Iraq had NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with the attack on this country, yet our government insists they played a role. I say prove it. THAT is why we're here holding this rally. It's
time to bring our troops home. It's time to bring our husbands home. WAY....WAY too many of our loved ones have died already.

STACY (Shaking her head and looking at Tamara with a feeling of self-centeredness and disgust on her face) - That is so self-centered. You all disgust me. Our government is telling us the truth.

Stacy begins to walk away even though she begins to wonder about that last statement and Monica sees it.

MONICA - (Shouting out at Stacy in the hopes she gets through to her) - You're in a state of denial if you believe that.

Stacy stops dead in her tracks knowing she had been caught saying something she didn't completely believe, but wasn't completely convinced otherwise. She eventually turns around to kook at Monica.

KELLY - Care to join us now Stacy?

Just then, another woman, Debbie, enters the scene. Tamara sees her and attempts to introduce her to Stacy.

DEBBIE - Hey girls. (Noticing Stacy) - Well...Who do we have here?

TAMARA (Looking halfway at Stacy, halfway at Debbie) - Hopefully a new member of our group. Debbie, I'd like you to meet Stacy. Stacy....Debbie.

DEBBIE (Cheerfully & with a smile as she shakes Stacy's hand) - Hi.

STACY (Non-Chalantly and without hardly any emotion at all as she shakes Debbie's hand) - Hi.

TAMARA - Well....I'll leave the two of you alone to get acquainted. Turning and now looking at Debbie - I've got some signs to finish putting together.

Tamara waves at Stacy as she leaves to tend to the signs laying on the ground not far from her.

DEBBIE (Smiling at Tamara as she leaves and in her usual soft nearly squealy voice) - Okay. (Turning back to Stacy) - So....You're the newbie everyone back in support group has been talking about....

STACY - (Feeling dubiously honored, yet otherwise not very special and shrugging her shoulders, flailing her arms in the air) - Live and in person...

KELLY - She's not convinced that what we're doing is the right thing.

Stacy looks at Kelly as if to say "Thank you very much, now mind your own fuckin' business...." Kelly reponds by going back to what she was doing.

DEBBIE (Shocked) - You're not?? Why??

STACY - I just think you guys are spitting on your husband's graves - MY husband's grave - by doing this. I mean if Leo were here....

DEBBIE (Intentionally interrupting Stacy) - He'd SUPPORT it. Why? Because he would know it's how we feel.

STACY - (Shaking her head but not surprised by Debbie's comment about Leo's possible thoughts on the pending rally) - You don't know Leo then.

DEBBIE (Making Stacy an offer) - Well then, maybe the two of us should go have a cup of coffee somewhere so we can discuss this and hopefully convince you to join us. How 'bout it?

STACY (Shaking her head with a smirk on her face) - I honestly don't know why I'm doing this...

DEBBIE - Trust me. You won't be making a mistake. (To Kelly) - Kelly, you and the rest of the girls make sure Stacy has a sign. Even if you have to use one of the extras.

KELLY (Acknowledging Debbie's comments despite not even looking at her) - Got it chief.

DEBBIE (Back to Stacy) - C'mon. The Star Burst Coffee House is just right down the street. Let's go in there for our cup of coffee. Then we'll talk...

STACY (Still wondering why she's even bothering to go with Debbie and still shaking her head with a smirk on her face) - Like I said....I don't know why I'm even doing this....I must be losing it...

Debbie & Stacy walk away from the rest of the group.

SCENE TWO - Crime Scene At Liquor Store

Cedarville PD Detectives David & Marcie Grant have just arrived at a crime scene involving the robbery of a liquor store resulting in the serious injury of the store owner. As we pick up the scene, David & Marcie are exiting their vehicle just as the injured owner is being placed into a waiting ambulance.

DAVID (To one of the patrol officers who took a statement) - What have we got here?

PATROLMAN (Responding to David's question) - We got a robbery. Took the cash. Cleaned out the ATM. The whole nine yards.

MARCIE - We saw someone being put in an ambulance. Any witnesses? How'd it all go down?

PATROLMAN - Yeah. The guy in the ambulance is the store owner. Was beaten up pretty badly. Other than that, he's okay though. Got one witness, but she ain't talkin' You know HEAR No Evil....SEE No Evil if ya know what I mean.

The patrolman acts as though he's giving out a hint that the witness isn't a very cooperative one.

DAVID - (Rolling his eyes in the back of his head and sighs with a smirk on his face) - Uhh....Huh. WON-DER-FUL. Anything else?

PATROLMAN - Like I said, she ain't talkin'.

MARCIE - Determined to talk to the witness - Ohh really?? We'll just see about that. Point her out to me.

DAVID - Anything else?

PATROLMAN (To Marcie) - Be my guest. My partner and I have been trying to get her to talk for the last 10 to 15 minutes. (To David) - Aside from that, just your usual convienence store robbery.

DAVID - Thanks.

PATROLMAN - You bet. Anytime.

The patrolman points out the witness to David & Marcie. It is someone they know very well from all the run-ins with the law that the person has had with them. The witness is dressed as a prostitute and is a WELL known "Regular Resident Visitor" to the Cedarville PD & City Jail. As Marcie rapidly approaches the witness with David not far behind in tow, we hear the witness say that she was just simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, though is thankful the robbers presumably never saw her

MARCIE (As she & David shows her badge & approaches the witness and talking sarcastically) - Well....Well....Well....If it isn't the city tramp herself, Shannon Westbrook...What happened Shannon? Did you get lost on your way home somehow? Or did that pimp of yours finally get tired of you and decide to dump you?

SHANNON (Recognizing David, who ultimately shows his badge, & Marcie & knowing that she's on her way to jail now for the way she's dressed as she grumbles to herself) - Ohh No...I wish you would...

DAVID - Shannon, we understand you were a witness in this robbery.

SHANNON (In her usual street-smart attitude) - Yeah, so what if I was?

MARCIE - So how 'bout you stop with the attitude and tell us what went down...

SHANNON (Continuing on in her street-smart attitude and looking at Marcie from the ground up as she thumbs her nose at Marcie) - Forget you bitch. I ain't tellin' you pigs nothin'

As Shannon tries to walk away by walking across the street in the middle of it, Marcie slams Shannon against the hood of a parked car and threatens to handcuff Shannon by holding both of her writsts. The left one behind her back while the right one is on the hood of the car with Marcie's hand wrapped around it as Marcie leans forward and just off to the right facing Shannon's right ear.

MARCIE (Almost yelling given the close proximity of her mouth to Shannon's right ear) - You've got a choice missy. You can either tell us what we want to know RIGHT HERE & NOW or we'll haul your ass in and charge you with prostitution. (Now sarcastic and waving her head in several directions) - Ohh yeah, while we're at it, we'll also ticket you with a moving violation and tack on the charge of hindering a police investigation as well - just for grins. YOUR choice missy.

Shannon looks over to her right to see Marcie sarcastically grinning from ear to ear. Meanwhile David just looks at Shannon and smiles almost laughingly at her predictament.

SHANNON (Stunned & shocked as she questions the legality of Marcie being able to carry out her threat and being responding to the allegations in in (again!) her street-smart attitude) - Prostitution? Moving violation? Hinder a Pig Investigation? Gimme a fuckin' break. (To the people around her) - Did anybody here see me solicit anyone for sex or violate a move OR hinder a cop investigation?

No one bothers to pay attention, much less answer her question, as everyone is watching the unfolding scene down the street back at the store.

SHANNON (Noticing the response to her three-part question after only a few seconds and in her usual street-smart attitude) - Nope. Don't look like it to me.

DAVID - You did try to cross the street while in the middle of it Shannon. You're also a known prostitute. Hell, you even look the part. Just look at yourself. Even Actress Lindsey Lohan owns less skimpier and provocative outfits than the one you've got on.

Marcie lets up on Shannon after frisking her, putting everyting she pulls out of Shannon's pockets onto the hood of the car and then back in once the pocket is cleared of all objects and no illegal contraband has been revealed, but she and David continue to keep Shannon cornered just in case she tries to bolt again.

MARCIE - One of these days....YOU ARE GOING TO GET HURT - OR WORSE KILLED. How many times have we told you this now? Fifty? Sixty? Seventy? How many times Shannon?

SHANNON (Knowing she's been told so many timess that she doesn't even remember anymore) - More times than I care to remember.

DAVID - Yeah? How do you think that looks on your rap sheet, huh?

MARCIE (Continuing her lecture to Shannon) - And given that attitude of yours, you become less believable and credible every day. And to think you wonder why David & I don't come to you when we're looking for CI's....

David shakes his head as he just looks at Shannon.

DAVID (Walking up to Shannon's left side) - One of these days Shannon, we're find YOUR CORPSE in a dumpster. Now, how do you think your loved ones are going to react when we tell them that you were killed because you were a hooker who's also a known small-time junkie?

Shannon looks at Marcie for a sympathetic look, but doesn't get one. In fact, Marcie looks at her as if to say "Don't look at me".

SHANNON (Getting agitated & feeling harrassed) - Man...I thought you two wanted to talk to me about the robbery.

DAVID (With a smirk on the left side of his face and raising his eyebrows) - Yeah we do.

MARCIE - So start talkin'

David & Marcie are all ears as David prepares to write down what Shannon says while he and Marcie continue to ask questions, but Shannon has other ideas.

SCENE THREE - Cedarville High School - 2nd Floor Hallway

It is now over an hour later and 2nd period classes have just finished. As we pick up the scene, Aruba Al Faheed is at his locker swapping books and other stuff needed for his next class when he is approached by some of his friends, who are trying to get him involved with some school activities. Among them is his girlfriend Ashleigh Wright, who's been hoping that Aruba would ask her out to the school prom. Meanwhile, some other students, who many believe to be "outcasts" amongst the school's student population, have taken a more discreet, if not "clandestine"
approach as they look on nearby and wonder if Aruba is just as loyal to THEM as he is to his other, more "normal" friends.

ASHLEIGH (Smiling at Aruba, who is her boyfriend, as she approaches) - Hey there sweetie.

ARUBA (Responding in a depressed & uncheerful manner as he continues to sort his books) - Hey babe.

ASHLEIGH - (Noticing Aruba's obvious depressed look) - What's up? I can tell what isn't

ARUBA - Still depressed & uncheerful - Not much.

ASHLEIGH (Being intentionally nosy to get to the bottom of Aruba's troubles) - Did you have another fight with your parents?

ARUBA (Adamant & wanting Ashleigh to stop bugging him) - I don't wanna talk about it.

ASHLEIGH (Getting the message & backing off) - Okay....Okay. Sorry I asked...

ARUBA (Apologizing for yelling at the girl he loves so deeply) - No. I'm sorry babe. It's just this....'thing'.

ASHLEIGH - (Now not even knowing what Aruba's even talking about) - What "thing'? She shakes her head Aruba....What are you talking about?

ARUBA - (Trying to brush it off as insignificant) - 'Tis nothing.

ASHLEIGH - Well obviously it has to be something or you wouldn't be so....."down" about it.

ARUBA - Told ya it's nothin'.

ASHLEIGH (Knowing that something is up, but realizes she and Aruba must get out of the hallway before the Hall Monitors catch them) - Tell ya what, why don't we skip this class and go into the cafeteria and talk about it.

ARUBA (Who would love nothing more than to skip his next class as its one he's had dozens of times before and knows the teacher generally doesn't mind if students skip out on class on occasion) - The cafeteria??? We'll most assuredly be caught there.

ASHLEIGH (Knowing that Aruba's right) - Ooo...You're right. Tell ya what. Meet me outside by the oak tree.

ARUBA - Why?

ASHLEIGH (Getting closer and intimate & smiling as she speaks in a soft-tone voice) - Well...I thought I would take your mind off whatever is troubling you and talk about more pleasant things. Like the prom.

Aruba feels Ashleigh working her hands up and down his body and beginning to feel aroused.

ARUBA (Smiling & knowing just EXACTLY what Ashleigh wants and knowing it's something he's been wanting to do with her ever since they first met) - Yeah. All right. Meet ya there.

Ashleigh & Aruba part ways. Meanwhile, some of Aruba's friends, who have and share the lockers around him, all joke around with him as they gather their books and head for class.

SCENE FOUR - The Law Offices of Stanley A. Finch

Cassandra Whitmore has gone to see attorney Stanley A. Finch. But what for? As we pick up the scene, she is just arriving for her appointment.

CASSANDRA (To the receptionist) - Excuse me, I'm here to see a Mr. Finch.

RECEPTIONIST (Thumbing through the appointment book) - And your name is...

CASSANDRA - Whitmore. Cassandra Whitmore.

RECEPTIONIST (Looking for Cassandra's name in the book & mumbling to herself in a whisper) - Whitmore....Whit...Ohh yes...Here it is. Have a seat.

Cassandra thanks the receptionist and takes a seat in the waiting room. Just as she does & as the receptionist was going to call Mr. Finch to inform him of Cassandra's arrival, he emerges from his office with a client as they finish their conversation.

RECEPTIONIST (Just catching Mr. Finch before he closed the door) - Excuse me Mr. Finch, but your 11 o' clock is here.

STANLEY - Send 'em in.

The receptionist directs Cassandra into Stanley's office and closes the door behind Cassandra as she leaves the two alone.


STANLEY - What can I do you for, Ms....

CASSANDRA (Answering his question by introducing herself) - Whitmore. Cassandra Whitmore. (Inquisitively in the hopes of jogging Stanley's moemory) I believe we spoke on the phone this morning?

STANLEY - Ahh yes. I remember now. You want to stake a claim towards someone else's estate. Correct?

CASSANDRA - Yes.

STANLEY - Why?

CASSANDRA (Fumbling for an answer out of embarrassment over what she did that involved the person who's name is on the estate) - Well....You see, it's because the deceased is the biological father of my son.

STANLEY - Ohh...I see. And how do you know this?

CASSANDRA - Well...You could say that I was fortunate enough to stumble across a "sympathetic ear" as it were in the personnel lab on base.

Stanley is taking copious notes on his legal pad.

STANLEY - Uhh huh. And this person with a "sympathetic ear" as you put it fits in HOW? What did you say or do? Did you threaten him or her?

CASSANDRA - I didn't threaten her. I just simply told her my story and what I planned to do once I got stateside. After I was done, she was all to eager to give it to me.

STANLEY - Give what to you?

CASSANDRA - A sample of his DNA.

Stanley is shocked and rolls his eyes in the back of his head in disgust at Cassandra's stupidity as he now knows that if he takes her case, he'll have to contend with privacy issues.

STANLEY (Fearing she may have done the worst) - PLEASE tell me you didn't accept it.

She nods in a manner indicative that she did accept it.

STANLEY (Collecting himself) - Okay...Putting aside for a second how this DNA sample was obtained, I have but three questions to ask. 1). Whose DNA is it 2). Who gave you the DNA sample and 3). Can this person be counted on as a reliable witness?

CASSANDRA (Trying to answer Stanley's question, but also trying to keep the identity of her "friend" a secret until she has enough confidence in revealing it to him) - Well, I'll put this way. I think by the time you get through talking to the person who gave me the DNA sample, you'll find that the person whose name is on the estate was a real Johnny Appleseed.

STANLEY - That doesn't answer my questions, Ms. Whitmore.

CASSANDRA - Well...Since you put it that way....The DNA sample is from Leo McFadden. The person who gave me the DNA sample is on this piece of paper. (She hands him a sheet of paper containing the name, address, and phone number of Deborah Stevens) I promised her I wouldn't give it out unless I felt it could benefit the both of us.

Stanley examines the piece of paper with a bit of cynicism and a smirk on his face.

STANLEY - And you believe her to be credible.

CASSANDRA - Yes sir, I do.

Meanwhile...We now pick up the scene at The Commissary pub on Fort Cedar, where we see Deborah enjoying a drink after the protest and rally she attended on base.

SCENE FIVE - Fort Cedar - Commisary Pub

As we pick up the scene in earnest, Monica has approached Debbie (who was the woman alluded to as the woman Cassandra Whitmore got the DNA sample from while working for the base personnel lab in Iraq) to chat with her about her chat with Stacy at the Star Burst.

MONICA - I see you talked her into attending the rally. She was quite the trooper out there.

DEBBIE - Yeah, but to be honest with you, I wasn't very comfortable about doing it, ya know. I was kinda hoping that one of you other girls would've done it instead.

MONICA - Ohh...I see. You mean so you wouldn't have to tell her about that little "tiltilating tryst" that you and Leo had?

DEBBIE - Ohh...You mean that little "tryst" as you put it that conceived my little daughter Tess? I couldn't tell her that. I couldn't bring myself to do it.

MONICA (Being blint) - Well what about your husband? I mean, sooner or later, he's gonna put two and two together and quickly realize that little Tess doesn't look anywhere like him.
And when he does, he's gonna have some questions to which you had better have answers to because it's not like you had kids before you met Doug, ya know.

DEBBIE (Feeling threatened) - Well let him ask them!
I don't need you breaking the news to him. And I also don't need you bugging me about it either.

MONICA - Well I am gonna keep bugging you about it because both of you are my friends and right now, you're hurting him. And i don't like that.

DEBBIE (Not wanting to deal with Monica's interrogation anymore) - Butt out. Just BUTT OUT.

MONICA (Being blunt) - I can't butt out. As I just said, I consider the both of you my friends. And I'll be damned if I'm gonna just sit idly by as you rip his heart out 'cause that's
EXACTLY what're doing. Ripping his heart out. And I won't stand for it.

DEBBIE (Feeling threatened) - Are you threatening me? 'Cause if you are, it ain't working.

MONICA (Being blunt) - I'm not threatening you. I'm just telling it like it is.

DEBBIE - Well I don't see how it's any of your business. So BUTT OUT.

Debbie storms out of the bar

SCENE SIX - Detective Squad Room - Cedarville PD

When we last saw David & Marcie, they were getting a statement from an uncooperative eyewitness to the robbery of a liquor store (and somehow manage to get it). David then asks her (In the only way he knew how to ask such a witness like the one he had before him) if she could identify the perpetrator(s) and wouldn't mind coming down to the police station to identify him/her/them in mug shot books. As we pick up the scene, Shannon (the witness) is still being flippant with the lips as she along with David & Marcie, who just wish she would shut up and stop her blabbering, are about to enter the Detective Squad Room.

DAVID (Tired of listening to Shannon's blabbering) - Blah...Blah...Blah. Yadda.....Yadda....Yadda. C'mon, sit down and shut up.

One of the other detectives walks in and notices Shannon sitting at Marcie's desk

DETECTIVE (Being Sarcastic) - Well.....Well....Well. Look what the cat dragged in.

SHANNON (Being Equally Sarcastic as well as pompant and arrogant) - Ohh...No. Whatever...

DETECTIVE - What'd you do this time? Lemme take a guess. You offered to bang someone who turned out to be an undercover cop. Right?

Shannon looks at the detective as though she was telling him he didn't know what he was talking about and to mind his own business.

CAPTAIN SANCHEZ (Walking into the room & seeing the detective harrassing Shannon) - How 'bout you doing something that these two (Referring to David & Marcie) are trying to do. That is YOUR JOB??

MARCIE - Captain, this is the lone witness in the roberry.

CAPTAIN SANCHEZ - Okay. Come here for a second.

David & Marcie huddle up with the Captain

CAPTAIN SANCHEZ - Did anyone do a background check on her?

DAVID - Near as we could tell...No. Then again, we didn't ask.

CAPTAIN SANCHEZ - Did you do a background check on her?

MARCIE - Well we tried to, but NCIC was down.

CAPTAIN SANCHEZ - Get one.

DAVID - But Captain, she's our only witness.

CAPTAIN SANCHEZ - Consider it eliminating the obvious.

DAVID - Okay...

SCENE SEVEN - Stacy's House

Stacy McFadden has just returned home from the rally and protest at Fort Cedar and is busy with the house cleaning she had planned to do earlier. As we pick up the scene, she is seen dusting off a floor cabinet in the living room where she has some flowers. She is dusting the area where one of the flower vases was when the doorbell rings.

*DOORBELL* Ding dong

STACY (To whomever is on the other side of the door) - Coming. Just a minute.

Stacy moves the vase that had covered the area she had just dusted and then goes to answer the door. Meanwhile, the doorbell rings again.

*DOORBELL* Ding dong

STACY (A little aggrevated and wondering who it is who would want to see her so urgently as she walks briskly to the door) - Keep your shirt on, I'm coming.

She opens the door and finds Brad on the other side

STACY (Somewhat surprised) - Brad.

BRAD (Feeling nervous and wondering what Stacy is thinking) - Hello Stacy. Can I come in? We need to talk.

STACY (Feeling uncomfortable, but knowing she's eventually gonna have to address the issue of a future with Brad anyway) - Umm...Yeah....Sure. Come on in.

Brad walks inside. Stacy shuts the door behind him.

BRAD - Ya know, I just wanted to come over to....umm...apologize and...you know....umm....set things straight. You know....Between us.

STACY - Brad, what on earth for?

BRAD - For blurting out that I loved you when I knew you weren't ready.

STACY - Well I appreciate that Brad, but you really didn't have to.

BRAD - Yeah I did.

STACY - You were just simply telling me how you felt. You should NEVER apologize for that or feel you have a need to. In fact, if ANYONE needs to apologize, it should be ME. I
should've been a little more sensitive.

BRAD - Stace, you were going through hell. I couldn't possibly expect you to accept my love confession.

STACY - But I'm not going through hell now. And I do accept your love confession. And I've been doing some thinking lately. I've been thinking that maybe I love you too.

BRAD (Somewhat surprised) - Really?

STACY - Yeah.

BRAD - What made you change your mind? I mean...Don't get me wrong....I'm glad you changed your mind. I'm just wondering what made you do it?

STACY - I got to thinking of all the times we were seeing each other - going out on dates, and the great times we had when Leo was alive and in Iraq over the holidays.

BRAD (Reminiscing) - Yeah. Those were fun times.

STACY - And then it hit me that I'd be fool if I were to let it all go to waste.

BRAD - What we had back then could never go to waste.

STACY - I know that now. But simple fact is Brad that it almost did and I shouldn't have let it get that far.

BRAD - Forget about it. The main thing is we're back together. We are back together, are we?

STACY (Reservedly, but with a smile) - Yeah.

BRAD (Somewhat surprised at the tone in which Stacy answered his question and detecting her reservation) - You say that with some reservation.

STACY - It's not that. It's just that I don't want to go too fast. I don't want to go too slow either. I think the latter is what almost killed what we had.

BRAD (Looking passionately into Stacy's eyes) - Yeah. I know. I guess what we really had wasn't just a friendship. But a relationship instead.

STACY ILooking passionately into Brad's eyes) - If it was, it was beautiful.

BRAD (Looking even more passionately into Stacy's eyes as he begins to move closer and talking in a near-whisper) - Maybe we can rekindle the magic.

STACY (Looking even more passionately into Brad's eyes as she begins to move closer and also talking in a near-whisper) - Maybe we can.

Brad & Stacy look passionately into each others eyes as they meet for the embrace and ensuing kiss. The first kiss being just a small one as the two of them take one more look into each others eyes, Stacy looking into Brad's eyes as if to say "YES, THIS FEELS RIGHT". Brad, sensing Stacy's desire, starts kissing her passionately

BRAD (Letting up from his kissing and whispering as he looks passionately into Stacy's eyes as he holds and caresses her cheeks as if she was a 1950s movie star while she looks at him passionately) - You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment to come.

STACY (Looking at Brad just as passionately and whispering back lustfully) - Yeah I do. It's been too long.

The two of them start kissing with an almost feverish manner. When the two let up, they both look down, then at each other again passionately. And then Brad starts kissing other parts of Stacy's body. Stacy looks up at the ceiling and is completely lost in delirious ecstasy.

On The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM

* Trish & Michael have made plans for the evening, but something will happen that could change their lives FOREVER. What is it?

* Cassandra quickly discovers that she and Debbie aren't THE ONLY ones whom Leo has had an affair with. Will a cat fight ensue or will she they all band together
to gang up on Stacy?

* David & Marcie get some not-so-surprising information on Shannon that could damage what little credibility she has left as a witness. What is it?

All this AND MORE on THE NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM

**CUE STANDARD ATS CLOSE

Trish & Michael May Think They're Going On Another One Of Their Many Evening Dates.



But This Time, Something's About To Happen That Could Change Their Lives FOREVER.

Coming soon....

Episode 20 - Dawn Of A New Day

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SCENE ONE - Stacy's Support Group Meeting
***********

It's almost New Year's and the talk around Cedarville is how everyone hopes the New Year will be better than this past one. As we pick up the scene, we see Stacy's support group meeting, which she's gone to almost religiously since she finally admitted barely a month ago that she was having problems coping with his death, is winding down and she and her newly found friend Tamara are at the group snack table

TAMARA (Talking as we pick things up in mid-discussion): Trust me Stacy, it doesn't any easier.

STACY: I wish it did. Hopefully the New Year will change things.

TAMARA: The more things change, the more they stay the same. There's no escaping it. Even today, there are times I wish John were still alive. But he's not. He died serving our country. And for that, I'll never forget him.

STACY (Not even hearing Tamara's last two comments and thinking misinterpreting her comments to be "high & mighty"): Well at least John wasn't executed by a gang of thugging terrorists like Leo was. Ohh, but I suppose that would change things, wouldn't it?

Tamara has a look on her face that says "Excuse Me?"

TAMARA (Wondering where Stacy's comments were coming from, yet remaining calm): No he wasn't. But it doesn't make his death any less significant. They both died doing what they loved the most outside of us - serving their country by sacrificing themselves for our freedom. We should never forget that sis.

Tamara strolls off as Stacy shakes her head wishing everyone in the group would stop calling her "sis" or referring to her as their "sister"

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SCENE TWO - The Al Faheed Household - Kitchen
************

Khalil al Faheed runs a construction business while his wife Clarita is the owner of a fancy furniture store specializing in Middle Eastern furniture. While his parents are the hard-working Arabs who have fled their homeland because of all the violence, their teenage son Aruba, on the other hand, is hell bent on joining a terrorist cell instead of joining the fighting forces who are fighting the very violence the Al Faheed's fled from. As we pick up the scene, it is the next day and Khalil and his family are all at the breakfast table talking as they consume the first meal of the day before heading out the door.

CLARITA (Trying to make conversation): Got a busy day today?

KHALIL (Responding while still chewing his food): Of course. It's busy every day.

CLARITA (Turning to her son): I hope you have some plans for today Aruba.

ARUBA: Yeah. I've got plans

KHALIL (Looking at Aruba as if to remind him of what he thinks of what Aruba has in mind): Not those plans.

ARUBA (Adamant and acting as though he thinks anything he does shouldn't be any of his parents' business) Yeah. Those plans

CLARITA (Worried & concerned): Ohh....But Aruba. You know how your father and I feel about the matter.

KHALIL (Before Aruba can respond): We disapprove & don't want you seeing those people again.

ARUBA (Rebellious): Yeah? Well I don't care what you approve or disapprove of father. They are my friends and I'll see them anytime I damn well please.

Khalil gets angry, goes around the table as Clarita pleads with him in an effort to keep the peace. Khalil simply goes around her and gets to Aruba, whom he picks up and holds in a threatening manner

KHALIL (Still grasping Aruba's shirt in a threatening manner as Aruba looks at him, almost fearful as Khalil grinds his teeth, shakely looks Aruba squarely in the eye and says the following): Now you listen to me. While you are living in our house - under our roof - You will follow our rules. Do I make myself clear?

ARUBA (His father still holding his shirt with both men seething): Go to hell traitor. Go to hell.

Aruba shoves Khalil in a manner that forces him to let go. Khalil and Clarita look at each other with fear (In Clarita's case), anger (In Khalil's case) and utter shock (Both of them) as Aruba storms out of the house, making certain he slams the door as he leaves.

Cue ATS Standard Open

************
SCENE THREE - Star Burst Coffee House
************

Brad is reading the paper when Claudia walks up.

CLAUDIA: Good Morning. Can I get you anything?

BRAD: No, I'm fine. Thanks.

CLAUDIA (Remembering him from the other day): Hopeless romantic huh?

BRAD (A little surprised): Excuse me?

CLAUDIA (Acting as though she's casually flirting with him): Been there myself. Know all the classic symptoms. Trust me, you've got 'em.

BRAD (Testing Claudia's knowledge): Well okay genius. Figure this one out. I'm in love with this woman who just lost her husband. Yet when I try to tell her, I just clam up. It's as though if I tell her, I run the risk of ruining the friendship we have and if I don't tell her, then I be left wondering what if. Ya know?

CLAUDIA: Yeah. But what does she think?

BRAD: Well...Every time we get together and talk, I try to subtlely nudge the conversation over to where I can put myself in a position to tell her. But every time I do, she backs away.

CLAUDIA: So....

BRAD (Continuing): So one night, I just blurted it out. It wasn't subtle. It wasn't non-chalant. It just came out. It's as though I said it with no emotion. I've been trying to say it with emotion ever since, but she won't even let me get near her now. It's as if we're not on speaking terms now.

CLAUDIA: Well Brad, I think even you have to kind of admit that you took her by surprise.

BRAD: Yeah, but the thing is, it's been weeks since it happened. Until her husband was killed, we were pretty close - And getting closer.

CLAUDIA (Realizing who she & Brad are talking about): Wait a minute. We're not talking about Stacy here, are we?

BRAD (Curious as to why Claudia is acting the way she is): Yeah. What about it?

CLAUDIA (Rolling her eyes and shaking her head): Ohh my god Brad....Ohh my god...

Brad looks on with a stunned look on his face as if he's missing something.

***********
SCENE FOUR - Trish & Michael's Place
***********



Trish & Michael have also awakened and are also eating breakfast and making plans for the day when Michael's cell phone rings. As we pick up the scene, Michael has just picked up the phone and is about to answer it.NOTE: We only hear one end of the conversation

MICHAEL (To the person on the phone):Hello....Yeah....Didn't my office fax those over to you? They should've.

By this time, Trish, who's in a lovemaking mood, moves over to where Michael is and starts to give him a massage until Michael pauses his conversation with his client on the phone

MICHAEL (Annoyed at Trish's untimely massage): Excuse me please. (Now looking at Trish) Babe...Please....Later?

TRISH (Flirtatiously persuasive and leaning on his right shoulder): Mmmm....But I just wanna skip working today and spend the whole day with you my dear lover.

MICHAEL: You know I can't. You know I've got a couple big meetings today.

Trish remains unimpressed with Michael's excuse

MICHAEL (Hoping for forgiveness): Rain check?

TRISH: On one condition.

MICHAEL: What's that?

TRISH (Being very flirtatious now): That we have dinner by candlelight at The Fon DuLac and I'm all yours the whole night.

MICHAEL: Mmm...Baby. You got yourself a deal.

Silence enters the room till it's broken by the tiny squeal of the voice on the phone saying "hello". Michael hears it and realizes he must get back to his conversation

MICHAEL (Turning back to the person on the phone as Trish walks away): Umm....Yes. I'm still here. Yes.....Yes.....I think we can do that.....Who?.....Uhh...Yeah....I thought Al Faheed Construction would be ideal for this....In fact, I called and left them a message.....They should be calling me back sometime today.....Okay cool....Listen...Why don't I get with the construction company and give you a call back....Sound good?....Okay bye.

**********
SCENE FIVE - Clarita's Fancy Furniture
**********


It's now a couple hours later and Clarita has just opened her little shop for the day's business and is busy arranging newly-arrived furniture when Stephanie walks in. She has never been to Clarita's shop or met Clarita before.

CLARITA (Immediately hearing the bells attached to her door ring and noticing Stephanie aimlessly looking around): Can I help you?

STEPHANIE (Responding): Wow. I...I...I've never seen this shop here before. Are you new to the neighborhood?

CLARITA: Uhh...Yes. I just opened up a few months ago. Can I help you find something?

STEPHANIE: Umm....Not really. Just happened to be out for my walk around the neighborhood and noticed your shop here. Strange I haven't noticed it before.

CLARITA: (Trying to give Stephanie a possible reason why she hasn't noticed her shop till now): Well....This is kind of a big neighborhood. Are you sure I can't help you find anything?

STEPHANIE (Trying to dismiss Clarita): Ohh...No. I'll just be looking around.

CLARITA: Okay. Holler if you need me.

With that Clarita goes back to arranging the newly-arrived furniture as Stephanie looks at and picks up a few items in passive fashion much like a shopper would normally behave.

*******************
SCENE SIX - Just Outside Fort Cedar
*******************

Stacy is outside Fort Cedar as she at her monthly support group meeting when she notices by a small group of women who appear to be trying to organize an anit-war protest, but seem to lack some leadership and organization. Curious though, she nonetheless approaches the women

STACY (Curious) Hello.

MONICA (One of the women in the group): Hello Stacy. Wanna join?

STACY (Knowing that what she sees is not normal): Join? What is this? What's going on here? What's with all these signs?

KELLY (One of the other women): We're holding a protest rally. Wanna join?

STACY (Perplexed): Protest rally? For what?

SARAH (Another one of the women in the group): The war. Why else would we be here holding a protest rally?

Stacy looks perplexed & confused as she really doesn't know how to feel or react to or about the situation

****************
SCENE SEVEN - Just Outside The Cedarville High School Campus
****************

Aruba has just arrived for school. But before he goes into his first hour class, he has a brief meeting with his "friends". The very same ones that are trying to recruit him into a terrorist cell and the very people his parents want him to stay away from

JUAQUENTO: Right on time Aruba. A good sign.

ARUBA (Fearful his father may be watching and is looking around): Can we just get this over with?

JUAQUENDO: Sure. Wouldn't want you to miss class. So, are you in or not? I need an answer NOW Aruba. No more putting it off.

ARUBA: If I say yes, what happens?

JUAQUENDO: Plans will move forward as originally outlined and you will be highly regarded as a warrior hero.

ARUBA: And if not?

JUAQUENDO: Well....It'd be a major disappointment. However, we will not think any less of you. That said though, I cannot guarantee you will not become a casualty once the plan is executed. In short, you will be considered by some in the cell as a traitor to the Almight one and to your own people. The weapons are non-discriminatory.

ARUBA (Feeling excited and inspired): I have never felt more ready in my entire life. Train me. I will not fail. I will not let you down.

******************

On The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM

* Aruba starts his training, but can his father convince him he's making the biggest mistake of his life? Will Aruba even listen to him?

* Will Brad FINALLY profess his love to Stacy or will he continue to chicken out and deny his true feelings? Will Stacy admit HER feelings for Brad or will SHE continue to deny hers as well?

* Stacy joins the protesters at Fort Cedar, but they want her to LEAD it. Will she do it or will she remain loyal to Leo's legacy?

* A blast from Cedarville's most recent past returns. How much trouble will she cause THIS time?

* Trish & Michael make plans for an evening date, but something else could change their lives FOREVER. What is it?

All this & more on the NEXT edition of AGAINST THE STORM.

Cue ATS Standard Close.

Episode 19 - Holiday Show 2005

************
SCENE ONE - Star Burst Coffee House
************

Brad is seen typing on his laptop as Rob walks in and walks up to the bar where Brad is sitting. Brad, who has been up all night, is working on an email to a "Dear Abby" like newspaper columnist, but is struggling to find the words to put in the body of the message.

ROB (Trying to be cheerful): Good Morning. Merry Christmas.

BRAD (Sounding kinda tired and depressed): Maybe for you.

Brad has felt rather depressed ever since Leo's death (see my post here on the EpiGuide for more info.). He's got one girl (Jennifer) chasing him, but he on the other hand is interested in Stacy. But he has also developed a close friendship with Jennifer & is wrestling with whom he loves he loves the most. He's also having to deal with Stacy's desire and wish to not be "rushed" into a relationship, but is having a hard time hiding his feelings for her.

ROB (Unchagrined): Still living that fantasy of yours, eh? (Noticing the screen of Brad's laptop on the other side of Brad's lattee) Ohh....What's this?? Dear Eppy.......

BRAD (Snapping the screen of his laptop from Rob's view): None of your damn business!

ROB (Concerned about Brad's mental state): Dude, you need help.

CLAUDIA (Owner of the Coffee House who just happens to see Rob & Brad talking): Hey guys. Merry Christmas. What can I get you Rob?

ROB (Noticing Brad's lattee): I'll have what he's having.

CLAUDIA (To her helpers in the back): One lattee.

Rob hands her a $10 to cover the cost. Claudia returns with his change.

BRAD: I'm writing one of those advice columists, Rob.

ROB (Cynical): Heh...You think somebody from the newspaper is going to help sort out your love life? Dude, I think I know the answer. It ain't rocket science. Jennifer's got the hots for you. Stacy's got baggage - And now a kid and....

BRAD (Interrupting): ....You don't think I've got a chance in hell with Stacy despite everything we've done together. Is that it?

ROB: I didn't say that...

BRAD: You didn't have to.

(Claudia returns with Rob's lattee)

CLAUDIA: Sorry I took so long. Here's your lattee Rob.

ROB (To Claudia): Thanks.

*************
SCENE TWO (Part One) - Stacy's House
*************


Stacy and Trish are sitting at the kitchen table talking over cups of coffee as Trish is trying to talk Stacy into getting out and not being so anti-social (which Stacy denies being). Two of the things being discussed are the big Annual Christmas Banquet at The FonDuLac benefitting the homeless in Cedarville and the Annual Christmas Party for the Cedarville's underprivleged and disadvantaged children, also at The FonDuLac. As we pick up the scene, Trish just popped the idea her going to help out at the Christmas Party for the kids.

STACY (adamant): C'mon....There is no way I am going to that event.

TRISH (Begging): Why not? Think of all the fun you'll have.

STACY (With a look of shock on her face & sarcastic): FUN?!?!?!? Ohh yeah I can see it now. Don't mind me kid. My daughter just lost her daddy. But glad to see you have your daddy here though.

TRISH: It doesn't have to be that way.

STACY: Well I'm sorry Trish, but it is.

Trish shakes her head as Stacy storms out of the kitchen.

Cue ATS Alternate Open as camera focuses on at Trish's somewhat surprised look

********
SCENE TWO (Part Two) - Stacy's House
********
TRISH (Talking to herself): I've got to get her involved in something.

(Trish's cell phone rings)

TRISH: Hello.....Ohh hi Michelle. Boy am I glad you called. I think I know of someone who can be of a lot of help to you over the next few days. Can we get together?

************
SCENE THREE - Stephanie's House
************

Stephanie & Greg have had yet another night's worth of passionate lovemaking. As we pick up the scene, Greg is seen in the kitchen as he finishes cooking breakfast for Stephanie, who is just waking up. Little does she know she's about to receive breakfast in bed. Greg is surprised to see Stephanie awake when he walks in with the tray.

GREG: Good Morning Sunshine.

STEPHANIE (Smiling as she sees the tray): Well is this a pleasant surprise. Good morning.

GREG: Figured you'd want to have breakfast in bed for a change.

STEPHANIE: Aww....You shouldn't have.

GREG: 'Tis no problem at all. Besides, it gives me an excuse to see that beautiful smile of yours.

STEPHANIE (Smiling rather flirtatiously at Greg's remark): You're just saying that because we....ummm.....did it for the first time since.....when???

GREG: Too long ago for me to even remember.

STEPHANIE (Looking at Greg and still smiling at him): I think it was...like....another lifetime ago.

GREG (Now looking down at Stephanie, who is laying down on the bed with Greg on & the tray set aside): I know it was another lifetime ago.

As the two of them put the tray aside, the look as though they want to resume their lovemaking.

************
SCENE FOUR - Star Burst Coffee House
************

Jennifer (pictured above), along with Deidre, Danielle, and Sharon, all friends of Jennifer's and students at Cedarville University, are at the Star Burst Coffee House, which is not far from campus and is the only WiFi HotSpot that is anywhere near campus. As we pick up the scene, the girls are seen talking about Jennifer and her dilemna with her desires to go after Brad, totally unaware that he's just across the room sitting at the bar.

DEIDRE: The two of you will never make it Jen. Remember what happened last time?

JENNIFER: Yeah, but I'm a little more wiser now.

(Deidre, Danielle & Jennifer notice Sharon pulling out her laptop)

DANIELLE (To Sharon): What are you doing? I thought we were on Christmas vacation.

Danielle is one of those people who are cynical about the Internet in general and, as such, is not knowledgeable that The Star Burst Coffee House is a HotSpot for Wireless Internet access or how to get on it if she knew how or wanted to.

SHARON (Responding to Danielle's question but totally forgetting Danielle's lack of knowledge of the Internet): I'm going shopping.

JENNIFER (Not sure of what Sharon is talking about): Ehhh....What are you talking about? You're logging onto your computer. Not going into a store.

DEIDRE (Who is just as knowlegeable about the Internet as Sharon is): Ahh....But you can shop on the Internet just as easily as you can in a mall.

Sharon nods as she winks at Jennifer & Danielle as they notice Brad at the bar

DANIELLE (Still cynical): Ohh...Just how are you going to "pay" for your "purchases", pre tell?

SHARON (Whipping out one of her many credit cards): With PLASTIC. How else?

DEIDRE (To Jennifer): Don't look now, but guess who's here....

*************
SCENE FIVE - The FonDu Lac Hotel - Grand Ballroom
*************


Michelle is in the Grand Ballroom of the hotel making final preparations for the Annual Christmas Party for underprivleged children, an event that, along with the Annual Christmas Banquet, is a tradition in Cedarville that is almost considered sacriligious to miss. As we pick up the scene, she is seen directing the staff in the setup and configuration of the Grand Ballroom.

MICHELLE (Pointing to one of the staff members and the direction of where she wants them to go): No....no. Over there. Yeah.

Michelle continues to direct people until Trish enters with Stacy childishly in tow.

STACY (Acting childish as Trish is dragging her inside): I'm telling you for the last time, I'm not doing this.

Michelle stops what she is doing when Trish & Stacy enter

MICHELLE (To Trish & Stacy): Hey guys. Glad you could help.

Stacy looks and acts as though this will be THE WORST Christmas she's ever had while Trish prepares to help pitch in

STACY: I'm not the one helping.

TRISH (Insistingly but playful): Ohh yes you are.

Trish hands Stacy an elf's uniform as she tries to come up with excuses as to why she shouldn't be helping out at all and tries to come up with more when Trish tosses her the uniform.

TRISH: You need more socialization. In other words, you need to get out more.

Michelle nods in agreement with Trish

STACY (Having reached the boiling point): No. What I really need is for two of my best friends to leave me the fuck alone.

Stacy causes a scene as she slams the uniform down to the floor and storms out of the room, leaving Trish & Michelle scratching their heads and worrying more about Stacy

**********
SCENE SIX - Stephanie's House
**********

Greg & Stephanie have just finished their breakfast and another round of lovemaking. As we pick up the scene, the two of them are in the bedroom talking.

STEPHANIE (Admiring the amount of lovemaking she and Greg did): I didn't think I missed being with you that much. WOW.

GREG (Also admiring the lovemaking he and Stephanie did): I know the feeling. (Now looking at Stephanie) It's been way too long baby. I want you. I need you.

STEPHANIE: I need you too. But I know I can't have you if you're married to Courtney.

GREG: I know, which is why I have a proposal.

STEPHANIE (Raising her eyebrows and smiling somewhat in perked excitement): Mmm....

GREG: We elope as soon as my divorce is final.

Stephanie laughs at the suggestion in complete surprise

STEPHANIE (A little, but pleasantly, surprised by the suggestion and even chuckes at it): You're kidding.

GREG: Nope. I'm not Steph. I love you. I want to be with you. I want to have kids and grow old with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

STEPHANIE: I want to do all those things too. But now is just not the time.

GREG (Reitering that he knows he can't marry Stephanie until his divorce with Courtney is final): I know that. Which is why I want to wait till my divorce with Courtney is final before we proceed with any plans of our own babe.

Greg exits the bedroom and goes into the bathroom

STEPHANIE (Thinking to herself, but smiling nonetheless as she sips her cup of coffee): He's only kidding. He's got to be. Ahh...But I suppose there's no harm in being a hopeless romantic. Then again, getting married to him before his divorce with Courtney would be sweet revenge considering the fact the bitch stole from me in the first place. Hmmm.....

**********
SCENE SEVEN - Sun Burst Coffee House
**********

In our last scene here, Jennifer (pictured) & her friends Deidre, Danielle and Sharon walked into the coffee house and took a table. In the middle of their conversation, Jennifer spots Brad sitting at the bar. As we pick up the scene, Jennifer begins to act like a High School teenager rather than the mature college student that she is.

DANIELLE (Puzzled and perplexed at what Jennifer is doing): Jennifer, what are you doing?

JENNIFER (Trying to slide under the table but failing): Cover for me. Don't let him see me. It's important

SHARON (Feeling Jennifer's feet around her own across): Ohh don't be silly. And get your feet away from me. (Sharon is sitting across the table from Jennifer).

JENNIFER: I don't want Brad seeing me. He knows I love him.

The other three girls are left scratching their heads as another one of their friends, Matty, who works at the coffee house as a waitress, walks up to their table to take their order

MATTY: Hey guys. Can I take your order?

****************
On The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
****************

* Will Brad confront Stacy about his feelings for her?

* Will Jennifer confront Brad about her feelings for him or will she chicken out once again?

* Cedarvillians "re-discover" the power of mistletoe and later the power of dating on New Years Eve.

All this & more on the NEXT edition of AGAINST THE STORM.

Cue ATS Standard Close

See you all next time. :-)

Against The Storm is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved.

Episode 18 - Tony & Leo's Kidnapping

*********
SCENE ONE - David & Marcie's Car
*********

David & Marcie have the money and are helping Stacy carry it to the corner. Along with them is an entourage of other police officers who have surrounded the area and are carefully hidden as they would be for any sting operation. The money is placed in plastic trash bags and placed at the intersection of Cimerron & Princeton streets, which coincidentally is the corner where The FonDuLac Hotel sits on.

MARCIE (To David & the other officers via two-way radio as she & Stacy walk back to the car): Okay, the trap is set.

DAVID (Returning Marcie's transmission): Copy.

Marcie & Stacy reach the car a few seconds later. Marcie jumps in the passenger seat. Stacy gets in the back seat right behind Marcie. David is at the wheel.

MARCIE: Anything?

DAVID: Nope. Not since you left it.

All 3 lie in wait

************
SCENE TWO - Iraqi Taxi Cab - Baghdad, Iraq
************

Tony & Leo are in the back of a Baghdad taxi cab being driven by an Iraqi citizen. As we pick up the scene now, Leo is busy untangling himself from his bedding and trying to figure out what the heck is going on as he spews forth cuss word after cuss word at Tony, who is laughing his head off.

LEO (To Tony rather angrily): You owe me big time. I fuckin' own you.

Tony just laughs Leo's comments off.

LEO (Just now sitting up and looking out the window): Where the fuck are we?

LEO: What the fuck do you mean? Who the hell is this guy?

TONY: Whoa. You mean you've never been in a taxi cab before?

LEO: A taxi cab? What the fuck? I'm getting out.

Leo opens the door but the cab is on the freeway doing about 50 MPH. Leo quickly shuts the door.

TONY (Realizing Leo's predictament): Uhh...I don't think you really want to do that.

LEO (Realizing he's gonna have to wait): Gen. Breyton put you up to this?

TONY: Yep. But not the cabbie part though. That was mine and Tyrone's idea.

LEO (To the cab driver): Pull over.

TONY (Before the driver can do anything): No don't do that.

LEO (To Tony): How do we even know we can even trust this guy? (To the cab driver again) Pull over man.

TONY (To the cab driver again): No don't. It's okay man.

The cab driver keeps right on going as though they weren't there as Tony showers him with what little money he has.

TONY (Pointing to a road sign and talking in his best Barney Rubble drawl): Baghdad International Airport. Next Right. (Spotting the plane) And there's the plane.

LEO: I'm not getting on that plane. But I am getting out of this cab when we get there.

Tony notices the cab driver going past the airport

TONY (To the cab driver): Yo dude....You missed the exit.

IRAQI CAB DRIVER: It's construction. Not to worry though.

TONY: Well get off at the next exit then.

The cab driver complies, but doesn't back track to the airport. Instead, he pulls into an adjacent parking lot. Once he sees the other men, he stops the car

TONY: Hey, what are you doin' man? Take us to the airport.

The cab driver exits the vehicle. A moment later, Leo & Tony see the other vehicles and realize they are in danger.

TONY: Ohh fuck.....A trap.

Leo & Tony attempt to leave the vehicle but are confronted by several armed thugs, two of whom point their weapons right at Leo & Tony's heads with the barrel located right between the eyes.

LEO (Realizing what's just happened and at a near whisper with his hands in the air): Ohh fuck.

*********
SCENE THREE: Channel 4 Studios - Lobby Area
*********

Greg is waiting in the lobby of the Channel 4 studios when Stephanie exists the elevator. As we pick uip the scene, we see Stephanie in the elevator just as it reaches the lobby floor. The elevator door opens almost immediately.

STEPHANIE (Trying to act pleasantly surprised to see Greg and smiling): Hey there Romeo.

GREG (Noticing Stephanie's flirtatious smile): Hey there. Thought I might take my favorite girl out to dinner. How 'bout it?

STEPHANIE (Unsure if she wants to go out): I dunno

GREG (Knowing what Stephanie's problem is): Well babe, you can't dwell on the problem with Mark Devereaux and your sister forever ya know. So how 'bout it?

STEPHANIE: (Knowing that Greg's right and sighs to that effect): Yeah....You're right. Let's go.

*****************
SCENE FOUR - The FonDuLac Hotel
*****************

Cassandra is in her room with Baby Christopher when she decides to leave her room to get a quick bite to eat. Knowing she can't afford the food at restaurant & bar, she makes plans to go to one of the fast food joints across the street.

CASSANDRA (To Baby Christopher, who just makes coddling and cooing noises): I'll be back in a flash sweetie.

After counting her money in her purse, she immediately heads for the door. Once on the other side, she ensures that the door is locked. She then heads for the elevators and ultimately out the door. While enroute to her destination, she notices the trap David & Marcie set for whomever its intended for (she doesn't know it's a trap). Not knowing it's a trap, she decides to check it out.

DAVID (Looking in the binoculars from inside the car): Well.....Well.....Well. What do we have here? He asks as he hands the binoculars over to Marcie.

Marcie can see Cassandra daning around and showing off the money as if it was something she just found or she had just won the lottery, but most everyone else on the sidewalk is rather cynical if they react at all.

MARCIE (Still trying to keep a naked eye on her as she hands the binoculars over to Stacy): I think we may have just found out culprit. Stacy?

STACY (Looking into the binoculars): That's the bitch who was at my doorstep last night.

DAVID (Wanting to be sure before he and Marcie move in with the calvary): You certain of that?

STACY: I'd swear to it on Leo's uniform if I could.

DAVID: Let's go.

MARCIE (To the other officers on the radio): Move in NOW. Move in.

David & Marcie bolt across the street both yelling things like "Freeze", "Put the money down", etc. as they do. Cassandra, not knowing what's going on, refuses to comply at first. She is ultimately shoved into the side of a squad car by Marcie as she plows into Cassandra after crossing the street. Marcie then puts handcuffs on Cassandra.

***************
SCENE FIVE - Terrorist Headquarters - Somewhere in Iraq
***************

The Terrorists have just arrived with Tony & Leo. This whole scene takes place with the characters speaking Arabic

TERRORIST #1 (To the leader upon arrival and in arabic): We're brought two of them, your majesty.

LEAD TERRORIST: Ahh.....Two is even better.

LEO (In English to the terrorists): You'll never get away with it.

LEAD TERRORIST (In English - To Leo): We already have. Feeble, narrow-minded American.

The Lead Terrorist then signals to his pals to take Tony & Leo back to their waiting cells.

LEAD TERRORIST (To the computer technician in Arabic): The trial will proceed in two hours. I want the servers to be ready.

TERRORIST COMPUTER TECHNICIAN (In Arabic): Yes sire. They will be.

Episode 17 - Cassandra Plots Her Next Move

*************
SCENE ONE - Cedarville Police Department - Bunkel Division - Detective Squad Room
*************

MARCIE: She called you?

STACY (Part sarcastic): Call me? Ohh yeah. I'd say she did. Left me a nice little voicemail.

DAVID (Half surprised someone would be so dumb): Wat a second. She left you a voicemail??

STACY: Yep! She said that she was the mother of Leo's child and that if I didn't fork over $400,000 she would go the media.

MARCIE: Do you still have the voicemail?

STACY: Yeah.

DAVID: You wouldn't happen to remember the phone number given, would you?

STACY: That's the reallystrange thing. There was no number. She must've used caller ID blocking or something.

MARCIE: Well....We can get that from the phone company. But we're going to need access to your phone. Home, cell, everything.

STACY (Not sure what Marcie has in mind but knows David & Marcie know what they're doing): Uhh....Yeah. Sure.

Captain Marshall walks in

CAPTAIN MARSHALL (To David & Marcie): Just got a few more complaints on that extortionist friend of yours. Ohh yeah, as if that wasn't enough, the mayor is now getting involved. So if I were you two leadbutts, I'd get on those two leads if I were you.

DAVID: We just got a third one.

CAPTAIN MARSHALL (Being his usual sarcastic self but not knowing how closely accurate his comment is): Yeah? How? Did it somehow manage to fly in here on a magic carpet?

MARCIE (Summarizing the captain's own words and smiling at David): You could say that.

DAVID (Before Captain Marshall can get a word in edgewise and smiling and winking back at Marcie): You're standing next to her.

Stacy, realizing who the man standing next to her must be, waves her hand as if to say "hello"

CAPTAIN MARSHALL (Noticing Stacy as he heads over to his office): Well....What are the two of you waiting for? The magic carpet to return? Get on it leadbutts.

Captain Marshall closes the door to his office as David & Marcie shake their heads as if to wonder what he thinks they've been doing all along.

**************
SCENE TWO - Channel 4 Studios - Newscast Set & Weather Center
**************

The 4:00 PM show is ending and the credits are rolling. Channel 4 Action News at 5:00 PM is about to go on the air. As we pick up the scene, Meteorologist Joe Weinstein is in the Weather Center and is preparing to go on the air. Meanwhile, Anchors Stan Morris and Lydia Marshall are on the set and are just seconds from going on the air with the preview and are about to give Joe his cue.

STAN (Reading the TelePrompter as music plays): Coming up next on Channel 4 Action News @ 5:00...

JOE (Reading the TelePrompter in the Weather Center as the same music plays): I'm Joe Weinstein in the Weather Center, a hurricane is on its way here to Cedarville. I'll have all the details.

LYDIA (Also reading the on set TelePrompter also as the same music plays): Plus a man once thought to have died in the recent New York Subway Bombing has been found alive. How did he survive? We'll have all the details & talk to some experts.

STAN: All this & more as Channel 4 Action News @ 5:00 starts RIGHT NOW.

The Channel 4 Action News theme music and graphics play for a few seconds as the voiceover announcer says the following.....

ANNOUNCER (Pre-recorded voiceover which only the viewers hear as the music is playing & graphics are being shown): You are watching Stan Morris, Lydia Marshall, Chief Meteorologist Joe Weinsten with Weather, and Jeff McGreggor on sports. This is Channel 4 Action News at 5:00.

LYDIA (As the camera focuses on her and Stan who is sitting to her right and as the theme music comes to a close): Good evening everyone. Welcome to this edition of Channel 4 Action News. I'm Lydia Marshall.

STAN: And I'm Stan Morris. We begin tonight with some Breaking News.

LYDIA: It appears as though as the next hurricane could be coming to a neighborhood near you as RIGHT NOW there is a hurricane off the coast of Cedarville.

STAN: That's right. And for all the details, we bring in our Chief Meteorologist Joe Weinsten who joins us LIVE tonight in the Weather Center. Joe, just how far out is this thing and how close is it to striking Cedarville?

JOE (In the Weather Center pointing at some monitors all throughout): Well guys, I'll put it this way. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has already posted warnings up and down the coast, but that's not the bad news though. The bad news is that if all projections hold up as they are now, Cedarville will be Ground Zero of what *may* be a Category 5 hurricane by the time it gets here. It's already a Category 3 and is rapidly intensifying. Now, the energy driving this thing is simple. Lots of WARM water out in the Atlantic Ocean and NO land in between it and us. That's why this is so bad. Now that said of course, it doesn't neccessarily mean it *will* be a Category 5 when it arrives, but to be honest with you guys Stan & Lydia, it doesn't look good. As for the rest of our weather, I'll have that a little later on in the newscast. Meanwhile Stan & Lydia, back to you guys in the studio.

LYDIA: Joe, should people start boarding up and moving inland now or when should we start this process?

JOE: Lydia, as I said before, the warnings have already been posted. So people should already be beginning the process of boarding up and carrying out evacuation plans. If they don't, there'll eventually be a time when it'll be way too little way too late. Stan....Lydia?

STAN (To Joe): Alright Joe thanks a bunch. (To the viewers) Our Chief Meterologist Joe Weinsten LIVE from the Weather Center for us tonight.

*****************
SCENE THREE - The FonDuLac Hotel - Cassandra's Hotel Room
*****************

Cassandra Whitmore is in her hotel room watching TV. What is on the TV is Channel 7's 5:00 PM newscast, which is in the middle of reporting its daily capsule of big major stories from around the world. Baby Christopher is sound asleep in the bedroom.

7NEWS ANCHOR #1 (On TV): Also covering the world tonight, a man once believed to have died in the recent bombing of the New York City Subway system has apparently been found alive.

7NEWS ANCHOR #2 (Also On TV): The man had apparently been taken to a psychatric care facility and was registered as a "John Doe". Apparently when a friend of the man's family, a reporter for one of the local TV stations had learned of this "John Doe", she went to interview the doctors. When the reporter recognized the man and told doctors, she started contacting members of his family. At this hour, he is reportedly in the care of family. What a miracle.

7NEWS ANCHOR #1: What a miracle indeed. But we have a miracle of our own right here in Cedarville.

The newscast goes into Mark Devereaux's interview with Jennifer. Meanwhile, Cassandra opens up her laptop and logs on to the Channel 7 website. She knows of some friends who lost loved ones and is checking to see if the man is one of them. It is not. She then logs off and closes her laptop, but not before jotting down the 7NEWS Tip Line. She then picks up the phone in her room and dials the number. On the other end, a phone is ringing at the Channel 7 studio.

At the Channel 7 studio

STAFF MEMBER #1 (Hearing the phone and sees no one answering it, but is on the other side of the room and unable to answer it himself): Will somebody get that?

No one makes an attempt to answer the phone.

STAFF MEMBER #1 (Frustrated & rolling his eyes in the back of his head as he walks over to the phone): Jesus peoples. Has everyone suddenly gone deaf or something? The phone can't answer itself, ya know.

He then picks up the receiver.

STAFF MEMBER #1 (Talking to Cassandra, who's at the other end, on the phone): Hello....7NEWS Tip Line.

CASSANDRA (Talking to the Channel 7 staff member on the phone and not knowing just exactly how to word her question): Hello, is this the number to call in to report potential news stories?

STAFF MEMBER #1 (Trying not to make Cassandra sound dumb but still pointing out that she dialed the right number): Uhh....Well this is the 7NEWS Tip Line, Ma'am.

CASSANDRA: Great. Because I have a story for you.

**************
SCENE FOUR - Channel 4 Studios - Satellite Center
**************

Channel 4 Action News Reporter Stephanie Blanton is in the satellite center watching Channel 7's newscast on one of the monitors. Most in particular, she's watching, with much anguish and frustration, Mark Devereaux's interview with Jennifer. As we pick up the scene, she's brooding over how Mark Devereaux managed to get his story on Jennifer and be able to get it to air without even so much as a sanction from the local Journalistic Ethics Council.

STEPHANIE (To no one but herself and in frustration): Ohh Jen, why did you even commit to this interview?

Fellow ReporterValerie Wyndham walks in and notices Stephanie's brooding.

VALERIE: Still upset about that interview, eh?

STEPHANIE (Answering Valerie's question): Ohh Val, you have no idea how frustrated I am right now.

Valerie takes a close look at the monitor.

VALERIE: Well Steph, you did consult with a lawyer and the Ethics Council.

STEPHANIE: Yeah and look what it got me. An "I can't do anything" from the lawyer and a "There's nothing wrong here" from that joke of an "Ethics Council. You do know that the vast majority of those clueless morons are either current or former Channel 7 staffers, right?

VALERIE: You did what you could.

STEPHANIE (Referring to how Jennifer's face looks on camera): My god, look at this. If there was a face that has EXPLOITED stamped all over it, this would be it. They make her look awful.

VALERIE: You know what I think you need?

STEPHANIE (Sarcastic and thinking wishfully): Mark Devereaux's head on a fuckin' platter? Not to worry, I'm gonna have that. And gloat gleefully as I do.

VALERIE (Thinking she knows what Stephanie really needs): I think you need to go out and have some fun.

Wally Mashburn, one of the many interns working at the station, walks in.

WALLY: Hi Ms. Wyndham. Ms. Blanton, you have a visitor waiting for you down in the lobby.

Valerie smiles at this news

STEPHANIE: Ohh...Thanks Wally.

VALERIE (Trying to be nosy and playfully acting as though she's just caught Stephanie and knowing it couldn't possibly be Reporter Tom Fenton that's down in the lobby as he can be seen on live television on one of the other monitors in the room): Aha...So you and he *are* getting back together, aren't you?

STEPHANIE (Responding just as playfully): I'm not going to tell you. Besides, knowing you like I do, it'd be enough for you to start up that rumor factory of yours.

Valerie is widely known around town as being somewhat of a "Rumor Factory". Nothing bad. But definately very inquisitive and gossipy.

VALERIE (Trying to act as though she doesn't have a clue as to what Stephanie is talking about): Rumor Factory? What rumor factory?

STEPHANIE: You know what I mean. You're not the Hollywood Gossip Reporter around here for nothing you know.

VALERIE: Ohh....You think I might try to make a story out of it or something. Why would I do that?

STEPHANIE (Trying to tease Valerie): Ohh I don't know. Maybe it's because Brad Pitt turned you down again for like what....the umpteenth time now?

VALERIE (Admitting she'd been caught and sighing): Touche.

STEPHANIE: You know, maybe you ought to give that up.

VALERIE (Feeling insulted but yet determined): What? No way girl. You watch. I'm gonna land that hunk even if it's the last thing I do.

STEPHANIE (Not very hopeful at Valerie's chances): Good luck. You're gonna need it.

Stephanie starts to go back to what she was doing.

VALERIE (Reminding Stephanie of the visitor waiting for her in the lobby): Don't you have a visitor waiting for you downstairs in the lobby?

STEPHANIE: Ohh boy, you're right.

Stephanie leaves the room, leaving Valerie all to herself.

**************
SCENE FIVE - Cedarville Police Department - Bunkel Division - Detective's Squad Room
**************

David & Marcie Grant have just heard the message left in Stacy's voicemail box as Stacy dialed up her voicemail number using Marcie's desk phone and entered all the pertinent information. As we pick up the scene, David is winding up his conversation with the phone company that provides the voicemail box for Stacy as David & Marcie try to arrange to get a copy of the message left by the mysterious person onto tape or disc.

DAVID (To the person on the phone): Alright, thanks a bunch.

MARCIE (To David as he hangs up the phone): So, what do we have to do now? Go down and get it?

DAVID: No, actually they're sending a copy of it and all the neccessary paperwork to us via courier.

STACY: So, I guess this means I'll have to sign my life away I suppose....

DAVID: Naah. Not really. It's just a standard form they have to have. You know, so they won't get sued...

STACY (Sarcastically): Yeah right. Like I'm gonna sue them? I want this person out of my life. Anything they can do to expedite the process is fine by me.

MARCIE: Well, it ain't like they haven't been sued before.

STACY: Yeah, you're probably right.

DAVID (Looking like a man deep in thought): I've been thinking. Why don't we change our tactics?

MARCIE: How?

DAVID: Why not sweet talk the captain into letting us borrow $400,000 and we do exactly as this person wants. Put it out there and see if they pick it up.

MARCIE: Do you honestly think Captain Leadbutt will let us borrow $400,000 from the Department's General Fund to set up a trap to nab an extortionist? You must be crazy.

DAVID: Well if the Mayor is giving him lip service as he says he is, I can't think of a better or faster way to get him off the captain's back.

CAPTAIN MARSHALL (Overhearing their conversation from his office): Neither can I. Set it up. I'll get the money. But if you two birds lose it, I'll turn those two badges of yours into saucer places and have both of your heads on a platter. Got it?

DAVID (Surprised yet also ecstatic): Yes sir.

David & Marcie look at each other with stunned looks on their faces as Captain Marshall closes the office.door.

**************
SCENE SIX - Baghdad, Iraq
**************

It's now 0600 & the dawn of a new day in Baghdad. Tony & Tyrone are looking for Leo at Baghdad International Airport to see if he has reported to the transport plane, which is on the tarmac waiting for him, as per Gen. Breyton's orders. As they expected, they learn that he's nowhere in sight. As we pick up the scene now, they are now just outside his quarters where Leo is sleeping. Along with them is the Iraqi Taxi cab driver they met the day before, who has just pulled up. They also have a few other soldiers, mostly buck privates who are all chomping at the bits to pull what they think is a good practical joke on one of their superiors. But as we're about to find out, the cab dirver has a few ideas.of his own.

TYRONE (To the cab driver as he stands outside the driver's door): Good, you're here. Listen, we're just about to go in and get him. When we do, we'll put him and one of us in the back seat and you'll take over from there. Got it?

IRAQI CAB DRIVER (Speaking in English as though he was speaking to one of his customers): Yes sir.

Tony, Tyrone and the rest of the gang go inside Leo's Quarters to roust him out of bed. Meanwhile, the cab driver waits till all of them are inside and out of sight and then picks up his cell phone and dials a number.

IRAQI CAB DRIVER (In Arabic to the person at the other end of the line): I'm on site. The Americans have just gone inside to get my passenger.

MYSTERY VOICE (In Arabic to the cab driver): Do they suspect anything?

IRAQI CAB DRIVER (In Arabic): No. They do not. They have no idea what is about to hit them.

MYSTERY ARABIC VOICE: Alright. Make it look as though you are complying with their wishes. But do not take them to the terminal. Park the car in an adjacent parking lot. I'll have men waiting.

IRAQI CAB DRIVER (In Arabic): Yes sir.

The commotion inside really begins to heat up as Leo has been awakened.

MYSTERY ARABIC VOICE: The trial starts in two hours. It's imperative to get the American and whomever else you can get here within the hour so they can be prepared.

IRAQI CAB DRIVER (In Arabic & noticing the soldiers emerge from Leo's Quarters with Leo kicking and screaming): Not to worry sir. They will be. I have to go now.

The cab driver quickly hangs up his phone just as they arrive with Leo, who is immediately placed in the back seat via the driver's side. Tony gets in on the passenger side. Tyrone & friends are laughing.

TONY (Trying to control his laughter): Tally ho driver. Take us to Baghdad International Airport.

Leo is struggling to figure out what just happened while the driver takes off.

***********
On The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
***********

* Leo & Tony realize they are in trouble. Will they be able to get out before its too late?

* David & Marcie spring the trap which they hope will nab the extortionist. But the surprise could be on them. What is it?

* Jennifer is transferred to Cedarville Memorial. Will her care there help to bring back her memory?

* Trish & Michael have their romantic dinner date. But will it end with a night of love and romance?

* Everyone makes preparations for the hurricane.

All this & more on The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM. Don't miss it.

See you all next time. :-)

Against The Storm is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved.

Episode 16 - Jennifer's TV Interview

***************
SCENE ONE - Architect's Conference - The FonDuLac Hotel
***************

Michael Carlotti is attending the Architect's Conference which brought him to Cedarville. As we pick up the scene, Michael is now seen with his lover Trish Martin, who thought she could lure him away for lunch and arrived with picnic basket in hand. He's also seen with Steve Farley, who was married to Diane until her death (which everyone in Cedarville believes Steve is solely responsible for) some three years ago and has just accused Michael of killing Diane.

MICHAEL (unimpressed with and not surprised by Steve's accusation): Still sticking to that same old story, eh Farley?

TRISH (fearing Michael & Steve may be causing a scene): Michael, please. He's not worth it.

STEVE (To Michael): Yes I am. Especially when you consider that the murder weapon had your fingerprints on it.

MICHAEL (countering): Ohh really? And just how do you suppose I would manage to knock myself out then? If memory serves me right, I was unconscious when the police arrived and the first thing I remember seeing was Dr. Pendleton giving me a complete examination in the ER of Cedarville Memorial.

TRISH (noticing the crowd getting bigger): Michael, let's just get out of here.

STEVE: (To Michael): You mean that's what you want to remember.

MICHAEL: And what about the gloves?

TRISH (Trying to drag Michael away from the scene): Michael....

MICHAEL (To Trish rather adamantly but stern): No Trish. If I'm gonna move back to Cedarville, I'm gonna have to start learning to address my demons. And apparently (turning back to look at Steve squarely in the eye) that starts right now. Now, shall I repeat the question?

STEVE: What gloves?

MICHAEL: The gloves you wore when you shot & killed Diane.

STEVE (Adamant): I didn't wear any gloves. Didn't have a need to.

MICHAEL (Just as adamant): Yes you did. How else could my fingerprints get on that weapon and not yours, yet it was me who was knocked senselessly to the floor?! Given this, I couldn't have possibly shot Diane and you know it.

Michelle Monroe, owner of the hotel, sees the confrontation in the hallway and works her way to the scene

STEVE (Accusingly): You KILLED my wife. You SHOT her. And you know what the best part is Trish, he STILL loves her to this day.

Michael clenches a fist and reaches back as though he's gonna throw a punch, but Rob suddenly grabs him from behind and restrains him. Trish meanwhile frantically gets out of the way just as Michelle approaches

MICHELLE: Is there a problem here?

Michelle then sees Steve in back of her as Michael strugles and groans to free himself of Rob's grasp

MICHELLE (looking at Steve rather suspiciously): Nevermind. I just answered my own question.

Steve looks at Michelle as if he's not to blame.

Cue ATS standard open & close

MICHELLE: Alright Farley, what are you trying to do this time?

MICHAEL (before Steve can respond): Trying to pick a fight with me. What else?

MICHELLE: Yeah....I figured that much.

STEVE: I heard Michael was in town. So I figured I'd inform him of my plans. Plans to seek justice for Diane's death.

MICHAEL: Well if you want to do that, why don't you just simply haul you ass down to the police station? I'm sure David & Marcie would just LOVE to hear your story.

STEVE: I have. And a jury of my own peers believed me.

MICHAEL: You mean you bought the jury off.

MICHELLE: Look, I could give a fuckin' rats ass about who said what to whom or where or why. All I want is for this scene to stop. And that starts with you Steve. (Pointing to the door) See the door behind you? Go through it - NOW

STEVE: And if I don't?

MICHELLE: (rephrasing her command): Let me put it like this. To the best of my knowledge, David & Marcie are still somewhere in the hotel. If they are, it wouldn't take much for me to page them.

Just then David & Marcie can be seen exiting the elevators after having visited Cassandra Whitmore's room

MARCIE: So what do we do now genius?

DAVID: Talk to some of the other complaintants and.....

David & Marcie see the incident near the main lobby door which involves Steve, Michael, Michelle & Rob

DAVID (asking as if Marcie knew the answer even though he knows she doesn't): What the hell is going on here?

MARCIE (just as puzzled, but determined to find out): I don't know. But I don't like it.

David & Marcie approach the scene. As they do, Michelle can be heard telling Steve to leave. Both quickly recognize the parties involved

DAVID (looking at Steve and being sarcastic): Need us to help take out some of the trash Michelle? Or should we just simply throw it in the back of a squad car?

********************
SCENE TWO - Cedarville Courthouse - Just outside court
********************

The judge has just rendered his decision regarding custody of Greg & Courtney's children and dismissed the case for the day

COURTNEY: I will never surrender the children to you.

GREG: You don't have a choice. Either your surrender the kids or I'll do everything in my power to have you locked up. It'll only take a phone call.

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY: Courtney, we have to do this.

COURTNEY (acting as though she has a quick solution to her dilemna): No we don't. I can just simply take the kids and go into hiding.

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY: You know that's not an option.

COURTNEY (looking more vindictive than ever): Like hell it isn't.

GREG: Do you honestly expect me to believe you can do this? Show me the kids - NOW.

Courtney's attorney leaves to get the kids. Courtney turns around and looks at Greg, who looks at her as if to say that she isn't going to get away with doing anything to keep him away from the kids

COURTNEY (To Greg): I will get those kids back. That is a promise.

Greg looks at her non-chalantly as if to say "Blah...Blah. Whatever".

*********************
SCENE THREE - Chippequah Courthouse
*********************

Channel 4 Action News Reporter Stephanie Blanton and rival Channel 12 Reporter Tom Fenton, a long time friend of Stephanie's, are both eager to head off to lunch. as we pick up the scene, Tom Fenton is just wrapping up a report for the midday newscast.

TOM (looking into the camera): That's the latest from here. We're live in Chippequah, Tom Fenton, NEWS12

After a brief pause, Tom is told he is free to go.

STEPHANIE (waving and almost whispering): Hey there

TOM (remembering his date): Ahh, my lunch date.

STEPHANIE (in the mood for some exotic food): So, where is this nice little trendy restaurant you mentioned earlier? I'm up for some exotic food. You?

TOM: Funny you should mention that because the restaurant specializes in exotic food.

STEPHANIE (feeling hungry and imagining the thought of such food): Ugh. Let's go then

Stephanie and Tom start walking towards the restaurant

TOM: Still trying to find a way to put pressure on Channel 7 to not air a story on Jennifer?

STEPHANIE: Tom, you know as well as I do that once Mark Devereaux gets his dirty little hands on Jennifer, he'll never let up.

TOM: It's quite obvious you and I don't see Mark in the same light.

****************
SCENE FOUR - Architect's Conference - The FonDuLac Hotel
****************

STEVE (Looking sqaurely at Michael and not even taking his eyes off of him, but talking directly to David & Marcie): No need to resort to such drastic measures. I'll leave on my accord. Besides, I'd like to talk to the two of you outside.

MICHAEL (Angrily responding): Yeah....So you can try to sell your fake bill of goods onto them yet again just like you tried to do all those years ago.

Steve steps forward toward Michael as Trish begs Michael to not make the scene bigger than it already is

MARCIE (Not wanting to arrest Michael, but willing to do so in order to diffuse the situation): Michael, we can just as easily put you in the back of a squad car too, you know.

TRISH (Now begging and pleading with Michael): Michael....PLEASE.

DAVID (Tapping Steve on the shoulder): Yo....That doesn't look like a door to me.

STEVE (Still looking squarely at Michael and not taking his eyes off of him and again directing his comments at David): You're right David. I'm not looking at a door.

Marcie fingers the handcuffs in back of her and looking at Steve as though she's going to put them on him and arrest him if he makes another move toward Michael. Rob & Michelle try to clear the area of spectators before leaving themselves

STEVE (continuing, now talking to Michael): This isn't over yet. Not by a long shot.

MARCIE (Before Michael can get a word in edgewise and still fingering her handcuffs): Alright Farley, you've ended it. Now let's go - NOW.

Marcie points to the door and looks at Steve as if she's a mother telling her child which direction she wants it to walk next.

MICHAEL (Just as Steve begins to walk away, but looking squarely at him, not taking his eyes off of him): As far as I'm concerned, it is.

Steve walks away with David & Marcie not far behind. They all walk outside and prepare to leave the hotel. The scene continues outside

DAVID (To Steve): Now, just what is it you'd like to talk to us about.

STEVE: I'd like you to re-open the case of Diane's death.

MARCIE: Come on Steve. It's not going to reveal anything different. I think we all know who killed her. (Sarcastically) And it certainly wasn't David. Problem is, officially I can't prove it.

STEVE: I'm convinced you'll find something.

DAVID: Steve, how many times must we go down the same ol' path with you? Re-opening the case won't reveal a damn thing that's not already in the case file. You know that.

STEVE (Adamant): What I know is that Diane's killer is still at large. What's more is that he's in that hotel right now and you won't do a damn thing about it. That's what I'd like to see.

DAVID (Now frustrated): What I'd like to see is you walking away because you're not telling us anything that's not already in the case file. Not only that, you're annoying me and you're beginning to bore me now.

MARCIE (To David rather snidely with a slight chuckle): Beginning to bore you? (To Steve, waving her hand as David gets in the car) Bye.

STEVE (shaking his head): All those tax dollars on this police force in this one horse crappy town.

MARCIE (Handing Steve a business card with her badge no. as well as David's as she fastens her seat belt) : Farley, if you're not happy, file a fuckin' complaint, not that they'll take you seriously anyway. But either way, start walkin' NOW or I'll stuff you in the back seat

Steve walks off as David & Marcie drive off themselves

******************
SCENE FIVE - Cedarville Press Club
******************

Stephanie & Tom have made their way back to Cedarville and are now at the press club where all the media and press people hang out and socialize. As we pick up the scene, the two of them are talking about their day when Mitchell Endicott enters and is approached by club personnel.

TOM: Ugh. What a day. Was a nice lunch we had today.

STEPHANIE: Yeah it was.

Stephanie now notices Mitchell and his problems getting past security.

STEPHANIE (continuing): Ohh...There's my company now.

Stephanie rushes over to help Mitchell get past security.

STEPHANIE (To the security people): It's okay. He's with me.

The club security people finally lets Mitchell through.

MITCHELL (Sarcastic): Whew...With security people like that, you certainly won't have any problem with terrorists.

STEPHANIE: Well....I'll admit, it's not as public as the FonDuLac. Anyway, I'm glad you're here. I could really use your help.

MITCHELL: Yeah. I figured that much when I got your message.

Stephanie's cell phone rings

STEPHANIE: Hold on. (Answering the phone) Hello?

MARCIE (On the phone at the police station): Hey there. Saw that you left several messages. What's up? What's with all the messages?

STEPHANIE (To Marcie on the phone): We got a problem.

MARCIE: Ohh?

STEPHANIE: You know Mark Devereaux from Channel 7?

MARCIE: Yeah. But what's he got to do with the price of tea in China?

STEPHANIE: There's no other way to tell you this. He's planning to do an expose' on Jennifer for the 5:00 PM news.

MARCIE (In shock): WHAT???

STEPHANIE (Trying to be reassuring): Not to worry though. I've got Mitchell with me right now and I was just about to discuss this with him to see what he could do.

DAVID (Who's also at the police station): Stephanie, it's David. We're on the speaker right now. What does Mitchell have to say on the matter?

STEPHANIE: Well I don't know because he just got here when you called.

MARCIE: Well I for one can't believe Mark Devereaux would stoop so low. Then again, yes he can. Afterall, he works for sleazy Channel 7. They make even the Hollywood tabloids look small time. Steph, hand the phone to Mitchell so he can weigh in on this.

STEPHANIE: David & Marcie want to talk to you.

Stephanie hands the phone to Mitchell.

****************
SCENE SIX - Stacy's car
****************

Stacy has just finished with an appointment with her gynecologist and is on her way back home. While en route, she checks her messages in her cell phone voice mail

VOICEMAIL: You have seven new messages. First message, left today at 10:00 AM. I have some news about Leo you don't really want to know. He is the father of my child. If you don't follow my instructions to the letter, I'll go straight to the media. I want you to leave $400,000 in unmarked bills in a trash bag. Leave the bag at the corner of Cimerron & Princeton. Be sure you're alone as I will be watching. Remember, if you fail to comply or go to the police, I will expose your husband.

Stacy immediately hangs up the phone

STACY (Terrified): Ohh my god. That sounds like......that woman I talked to last night.

Stacy sees the police station and frantically merges into the left lane so she can walk in to tell David & Marcie.

****************
SCENE SEVEN - Channel 4 Action News Room - Weather Center
****************

Channel 4 Action News Chief Meteorologist Joe Weinstein is seen chatting on the phone with the Director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, as he and they look at radar screens as they look at what appears to be a Hurricane on the horizon. As we pick up the scene, Joe is just winding up his conversation.

JOE: Yeah, I thought that had all the makings of a hurricane. Thanks Max.

Joe hangs up the phone just as Roger walks in.

ROGER: The meeting to plan the 5:00 PM newscast is in 15 minutes. Heard you got something.

JOE: Ohh yeah, I got something alright. Joe points to the radar screen A hurricane. Figures to be at least a Category 5 by the time it gets here.

ROGER (Not immediately getting Joe's definition of the word "here"): Ugh. I feel sorry for those in the path of that monster.

JOE: That would be us as WE are in the path of this monster.

ROGER (Now realizing what Joe was saying): You mean that thing is headed here?

JOE: Yep. If all the projections hold up, Cedarville will be ground zero for what could be a catastrophe of cataclismic proportions.

ROGER (To Himself): There goes my idea for the lead story.

JOE: How so?

ROGER: We're leading off with this hurricane. Think you can get some info. together for the start of the top of the show?

JOE: Sure. Don't see why not.

Roger leaves the Weather Center, leaving Joe to work on what is now the lead story for the 5:00 PM newscast.

*****************
SCENE EIGHT - Chippequah Memorial Hospital - Jennifer's Room
*****************

Channel 7 Reporter Mark Devereaux is in Jennifer's Room and preparing for his planned interview with Jennifer. With him is Dr. Mathieson, her current doctor along with Dr. Judy Endicott, a psychologist from Cedarville Memorial Hospital who will be Jennifer's doctor when she returns to Cedarville. As we pick up the scene, they are just about to start taping.

MARK (To Jennifer): I'm going to ask you some questions. I'd like you to do everything you can to answer them. Okay?

JENNIFER (Responding to Mark): Okay. I'll do my best.

MARK: That's all I expect of you.

Mark signals the cameraman to start rolling. The cameraman complies, making sure the lens is looking squarely at Jennifer.

CAMERAMAN: You're on.

MARK (To Jennifer, not exactly knowing where to start): What do you remember about the accident?

JENNIFER (Trying to respond as best as she can): Not much. It's all a blur. It's as if everything is....like....all scrambled and all jumbled together. It's as if several things were happening all at once. I don't know what to make of it.

Jennifer goes into as mcuh detail as she could as to what led up to her accident as outlined in Episode 6, and answers the rest of Mark's questions as best as she can, but she eventually wears down to the point where she can't really focus anymore. At some point during the interview, Dr. Mathieson & Dr. Endicott leave the room, leaving Jennifer all alone with the Channel 7 news crew. Mark eventually tells the cameraman to stop rolling

MARK: Well...Thank you very much Jennifer. I can assure you that when people back in Cedarville see this, they'll have nothing but compassion and best wishes for you. Of course, they'll also know you're in the best care possible.

JENNIFER: Thank you.

MARK (To the cameraman, whispering): We'll talk to the doctor next.

The cameraman acknowledges Mark's comment. Just as they were packing up, Brad abruptly walks in and is taken aback by the sight of the Channel 7 news crew

BRAD (In total shock): What the hell is going on here?

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SCENE NINE - Cedarville Press Club & Cedarville Police Station
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MITCHELL (Taking the phone from Stephanie): Hello? To whom am I speaking to

DAVID (On the phone at the police station): Mitchell, it's me, David Grant along with my wife Marcie. What, if anything, can you do about this situation?

MITCHELL: Well, to be quite honest, I'm not sure there's anything I can do.

MARCIE (With David at the police station): What do you mean?

MITCHELL: Well, unless Jennifer's in a position where she can't make her own decisions, I don't think there's much I can do.

STEPHANIE: Mitchell, she doesn't have a memory. As such, she's in no condition to be making decisions for herself.

MITCHELL: Not neccessarily true.

MARCIE (Puzzled): How do you figure?

MITCHELL: I've represented lots of people who've suffered from some form of amnesia. Typically, even though they don't have a memory of their past, most people in Jennifer's situation are perfectly capable of making decisions affecting the present and the future.

STEPHANIE: So what you're saying is even though she doesn't have a memory of her past, she can still make decisions for herself?

MITCHELL: Essentially, yes.

DAVID: Mitch, is there any kind of clinical and/or legal proof of this?

MITCHELL: There's all kinds of clinical and legal proof David. On top of that, there's a mountain of case law supporting it.

MARCIE: But it's possible that if her judgement is influenced by umm...."outside sources", her judgement can be clouded, can it?

MITCHELL: Yes, but the same can be said for any of us.

DAVID (wanting to get to the point): Alright....Alright.....Alright. What are our chances of stopping this thing from airing at all Mitch?

MITCHELL: On the surface, I'd have to say slim and none with slim halfway out the door.

MARCIE (Not happy at the news she's hearing): Alright look, let's do it this way. Mitch, you and Stephanie iron this thing out from where the two of you are. We know you'll do what's best. Keep us posted though.

MITHCELL: They want us to handle it and keep them posted.

Mitchell hands the phone back to Stephanie

STEPHANIE: Yeah guys, will do.....

Stephanie hangs up the phone.

Meanwhile back at the police station....

MARCIE: I'm sure Mitchell & Stephanie will work something out.

Marcie suddenly has a chilling thought

MARCIE: Ohh my god.

DAVID (Noticing how terrified Marcie is looking): What?

MARCIE: BRAD. He's down there. Someone needs to tell HIM.

DAVID (Realizing the magnitude of the new problem and getting a nauseating feeling): Ohh brother.

Marcie starts to pick up the phone when Stacy frantically walks in. David & Marcie notice her and are a little surprised to see her.

STACY (To David & Marcie, almost scared): She called me.

MARCIE (To Stacy) Who called you?

STACY: That extortionist. I think I may recognize the voice.

DAVID (To Stacy): Who's voice do you think it is?

STACY: The woman who came to visit me last night.

David & Marcie look at each other as if a HUGE break in the case just dropped in their laps.

FADE TO BLACK.

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On The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
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* Stacy got a call from someone who wants money from her. Is it Cassandra as David & Marcie suspect?

* More on the Hurricane headed for Cedarville

* Tony & Tyrone prepare to drag Leo to the airport.

* Cassandra plots her next move.

Cue ATS Short Open & Close

See you all next time :-)

This time is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved