Episode 16 - Jennifer's TV Interview

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

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SCENE TWO - Cedarville Courthouse - Just outside court
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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".

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SCENE THREE - Chippequah Courthouse
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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.

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SCENE FOUR - Architect's Conference - The FonDuLac Hotel
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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

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SCENE FIVE - Cedarville Press Club
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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.

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SCENE SIX - Stacy's car
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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.

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

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SCENE EIGHT - Chippequah Memorial Hospital - Jennifer's Room
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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

Episode 15 - Steve Farley's Bombshell

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SCENE ONE - The FonDuLac Hotel - Cassandra's Room
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Detectives David & Marcie Grant from the Cedarville Police Department are busy working the case of the (apparent) woman who's been harrassing people by claiming that she is the mother of a child fathered by men who are overseas serving in the military. Based on a tip in the form of a license plate no. provided to them by two uniformed officers, they have identified Cassandra as the renter of the vehicle to which the number is registered to. As such, she has now become the primary focus of their investingation.

As we pick up the scene, we see David & Marcie at Cassandra's Hotel Room door as she (Cassandra) looks on in shock.

CASSANDRA (still trying to figure out what's going on): I don't quite understand. (oepns door) Sure I guess

David & Marcie walk into the room.

CASSANDRA (continuing): What is this all about?

MARCIE: We are investigating a case of a woman who's allegedly calling wives of military service personnel up on the phone or visiting their homes claiming that they are the mother of a child fathered by their husband.

CASSANDRA (realizing how chilllingly close that is to her own situation): Oh my god. (curiously) But what does that have to do with me?

DAVID: Do you have a rental car?

CASSANDRA (still wanting an answer to her second question): Yeah.

DAVID: It wouldn't happen to be a 2005 Mazda XLS, would it?

CASSANDRA: I suppose so. I'm not good when it comes to the makes of cars.

DAVID: It wouldn't happen to have this license plate number on it, would it?

David shows her a slip of paper that has the license plate number of her rental car

CASSANDRA: I suppose so. It's not like I go looking for that when I rent or buy a car. (getting back to her earlier question) Again, what does your case have to do with me?

MARCIE: Your car was seen leaving the home of one of the apparent victims last night.

CASSANDRA (shocked): What? Ohh....no...no. That can't be. That can't possibly be me.

MARCIE: How long have you been in town?

CASSANDRA: Since last night.

DAVID: When did you get in?

CASSANDRA: Ohh....I don't know. About 8:00 or 8:30 PM I suppose.

MARCIE: And where did you go after you left the car rental parking lot?

CASSANDRA: I went to see Leo.

MARCIE: Leo?

CASSANDRA: Yes. He's in the military and we served in Baghdad together for awhile until he left. Then I found out I was pregnant with my son Christopher and then I left.

MARCIE: Was Leo there?

CASSANDRA: I was told no, but I encountered this bitch who said she was his wife or some such deal like that. Hell, I don't know. I didn't know who the fuck she was. I kept insisting on seeing Leo, but she and this other guy who I didn't even know from a fuckin' hole in the ground kept telling me I had to leave. They even threatened to call the police on me. I told them that Leo is Christopher's father and that I was there to introduce Christopher to Leo as Leo has a right to know he has a kid. For all I know, that bitch and that other guy could be having an affair behind Leo's back if she's even married to Leo. Why don't you ask that bitch I talked to last night. Maybe she's the one you're after.

David & Marcie look at each other as if to think they've found the suspect they're looking for. Open and shut case.

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SCENE TWO - Leo's Quarters - Baghdad, Iraq
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An angry and irate Gen. Breyton has just walked in on a fight involving Leo. As we pick up the scene, he is seen looking at Leo with an angry look on his face as he approaches him and grinds his teeth to get to the point of his visit

LEO (shaking and knowing he just got caught slugging Tony Romano): Sir?

GEN. BREYTON (To Tony & Tyrone): You two stand back.

Tony, still smarting from Leo's punch and checking for blood, steps back as does Tyrone

GEN. BREYTON (To Leo): I should add ASSAULT to what I'm about to tell you. But I'll be generous this time. Mostly because I don't want to go through any more paperwork, though even that is up to Lt. Romano. So I'll get right to the point McFadden.

Leo breaths a sigh of relief but is looking for the other shoe to drop

GEN. BREYTON (continuing): There's a transport plane due to arrive here at 0600 tomorrow morning. You will be on that plane. That means you will be at Baghdad International NO LATER than 0545. If you are not at the airport when that plane arrives, I will see to it that you are thrown onto that airplane even if I thave to thrown you on there myself. Do I make myself clear McFadden?

LEO (in a low voice): Yes sir

GEN. BREYTON (like a drill seargent): I can't hear you

LEO (almost yelling): Sir yes sir

GEN. BREYTON: That's more like it

Gen. Breyton now turns to address what he has recommended as disciplinary action for Leo

GEN. BREYTON: Now as to what, if any, disciplinary action, I am recommending that you be given a General Discharge. Though that.is subject to the review board's discretion. I should have you court matialed for lying to the the last line of defense against terrorists when you lied to the Cedarville PD. But it just so happens I got word from Washington that they, along with the Cedarville PD, are investigating such a case. I might add that this investigation was not initiated by Military Intelligence.

TONY: Who initiated it then Sir?

GEN. BREYTON: The Cedarville PD. (looking at Leo) Count yourself lucky McFadden. Damn lucky.

LEO (breathing another sigh of relief): I do sir. I do.

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SCENE THREE: Outside The Chippequah Courthouse
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Channel 4 Action News Investigative Reporter Stephanie Blanton is just wrapping up one of her live reports when an old friend of her, Ton Fenton, who is covering the trial for rival station Channel 12 walks up

STEPHANIE (looking into the camera and holding a Channel 4 microphone): And that's the latest from here. We're live in Chippequah, Stephanie Blanton, Channel 4 Action News. Guys back to you.

DEWAYNE (after a couple seconds): And we're off.

Stephanie lets the top of her mic drop as looks over at Tom

STEPHANIE (sounding like she normally does when greeting her friends): Heyyyy.

TOM (flirtatiously and smiling like he normally does): Hey yourself gorgeous.

STEPHANIE (curious): So, what brings you down here?

TOM: The same thing the brought you over from the hospital (Tom already knew Stephanie was in town to visit Jennifer at the hospital).

STEPHANIE (chuckling): Figures.

TOM: Heard about the story Mark from Channel 7 has planned involving your sister Jennifer.

STEPHANIE (fearful and suspicious): Don't tell you're planning to do a follow-up.

TOM: Well....No. But i also heard that you plan to try to stop it though.

STEPHANIE (seeing another argument coming and rolling her eyes in the back of her head): Ohh no. Not you too.....

TOM (now trying to plead Mark's case): No, but you've got to admit that if what Mark says is true and that Jennifer can make her own decisions, then don't you think you ought to let him air the story?

STEPHANIE (adamantly): No. She has NO MEMORY For Pete's Sake She's in NO condition to be making decisions for herself. to say nothing of the fact that the hospital released information about Jennifer to Mark and that Mark spoke to her doctor without the consent or knowledge of myself, her other sister Marcie or her husband. No, there's no fuckin' way that story's going to air unless Channel 7 wants to fork over lots of $$$ in legal costs.

TOM: How do you even know she can't make decisions for herself?

STEPHANIE: Tom, if you had seen my sister in the condition she was in when I saw her last night, there's no fuckin' way she could make that kind of decision for herself.

TOM: Well obviously that's news to her doctor then.

STEPHANIE: Did Mark send you over here to plead his case?

TOM: In a way.

STEPHANIE: Figures

TOM: I also came over to find out what you were planning for lunch today.

STEPHANIE (somewhat flirtatiously and smiling rather flatteringly): Well that I think we can discuss without me raising my voice or calling a prticular someone else who just happens to be on live TV a bunch of undesirable names

TOM: Well, okay. I'm told there's this nice little trendy restaurant just up the street.

STEPHANIE: Ohh really?

TOM: Yeah. I'm also told it just opened up too.

STEPHANIE: Well then....Sounds like you've got yourself a date.

TOM: Great. (Hearing the call from his photographer) Uhh...oh. Sounds like they're calling me.

STEPHANIE (very flirtatiously): How 'bout 11:30 then?

TOM (being equally flirtatious in return): Jot it down. Laters.

STEPHANIE: Bye.

Tom walks back to his live remote unit where he prepares to go on the air

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SCENE FOUR: Cedarville Courthouse
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The judge in Greg & Courtney's case has just called court back into session

BAILIFF (yelling as he sees the judge open the door to his chambers): ALL RISE

Everyone not already on their feet stands up

JUDGE: Be seated. Court is now back in session (bang of gavel). To say these tapes don't show a threat to the safety and well-being of the McFadden children by Mrs. McFadden would be blasphemous. To say they are authentic would also be blasphemous. Either way you look at it, this case is going to result in one nasty, ugly custody battle. And this divorce will be anything but a walk in the park.

The judge turns to Courtney McFadden

JUDGE: Ms. McFadden, based on what I saw on those tapes even at their unestablished face value, I am legally obligated to turn over custody of your children over to your husband. As such, ths court hereby orders that custody of the children in question will therefore be transferred to Mr. McFadden.

Greg lets out a silent cheer

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY (interrupting the judge): Objection your honor

JUDGE: Noted, but if you'd let me finish what I was saying.....

Courtney's attorney sits down

JUDGE (continuing): Furthermore, due to the nature of the case, the court will hereby appoint an attorney to represent the children and their best interests. (now turning to Greg McFadden) Mr McFadden, don't think this will somehow be walk in the park for you either. The court will also refer the matter over to Social Services. That means that a Social Worker will visit your home regularly and will closely monitor how you interact with your children. Said Social Worker will also file a report with the court and will be subject to oral and/or depositional testimony. Furthermore, the tapes which the court acquired from you which I saw in my chambers will be subject to examination by a court-appointed authentication expert. IF these tapes can't be authenticated or, worse, are found to be forgeries, you don't want that. You do not want to be on my bad side as I will not hesitate to revert custody back to your wife and throw you in jail. Is that clear?

GREG: Yes your honor.

JUDGE (facing both Greg & Courtney): Furthermore, Ms. McFadden will have NO visitation rights whatsoever.

COURTNEY (suddenly gets up and hollering as she's crying): Your honor

JUDGE (To Courtney): Ms. McFadden, you are doing well by my deciding not to throw you in jail today. Don't give me a reason to change my mind.

Courtney reluctantly sits back down as her attorney gets up

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY: We apologize your honor, however we do object on the issue of visitation and will appeal that ruling.

JUDGE: Apology accepted. You have ten days to file your appeal counsel.

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY: We also want to be heard on the matter your honor.

JUDGE: Denied. You can let yourself be heard in appeals.

Courtney looks across the room at Greg with a face of hatred

******************************
SCENE FIVE: Jennifer's Room - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
******************************

It's now later in the day and Brad has just arrived for a visit. As we pick up the scene now, Jennifer is seen lying in bed reading a book

DR. MATHIESON (Upon entering Jennifer's room): Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Yes.

DR. MATHIESON: You have a visitor.

JENNIFER: Is it that TV reporter?

DR. MATHIESON: No. Not him. He says he's a friend of yours. Shall I let him in?

JENNIFER (feeling a little unsure of herself): Sure. I guess.

DR. MATHIESON: If you'd rather not see him, I'll send him away.

JENNIFER: No. That's fine. Send him in.

DR. MATHIESON: Okay.

Dr. Mathieson leaves. A minute later, Brad cautiously opens the door, not knowing what to expect.

BRAD: Hey there gorgeous.

JENNIFER (not remembering Brad at all): Do I know you?

BRAD (feeling awkward and answering the only way he knows how): Yeah. My name's Brad.

JENNIFER (feeling as though she's meeting Brad for the first time): Hi. I'm Jennifer.

BRAD: I know.

JENNIFER (getting a strange feeling which she can't quite comphrehend in her present condition): You do?

BRAD: Yeah. (feeling really awkward) Look, I feel rather awkward about this. Maybe this was a bad idea.

Brad starts to leave

JENNIFER (catchinjg Brad just before he leaves): No wait.

Brad turns around.

JENNIFER: Dr. Mathieson said you were a friend of mine. I want to know my past. Are you a part of it?

Brad just stands at the door looking at Jennifer, but doesn't have a clue how to answer her question

**************************
SCENE SIX - Leo Quarters - Baghdad, Iraq
**************************

Gen. Breyton prepares to leave, but notices Tyrone's porn DVD collection and gets and uses it to pop an idea. He picks up one of the DVD covers and looks at it.

GEN. BREYTON (To Tyrone rather chastisingly): You know Davis, you ought to put these away (showing him one of the covers). You might scare the ladies off.

TYRONE (trying not to laugh, but smiling): Yes sir.

Tony walks over and picks up one of the DVDs

TONY: Whoa....Mind if I borrow this one dude? I think I've got every one of them in this particular collection but this one.

TYRONE (non-chalantly): I don't care.

GEN. BREYTON (To Leo): You could something like this yourself, McFadden. At least it'd keep you out of trouble.

LEO (smiling): Yeah, but it doesn't beat the real thing though.

GEN. BREYTON: I know. That's what got you in trouble. (To Tony and Tyrone) Before you put those away Davis, I wanna talk to talk to the both of you.

Tony & Tyrone look at each other rather puzzlingly and shrug their shoulders

GEN. BREYTON (continuing): Let's take a walk.

Gen. Breyton leaves followed by Tony & Tyrone, who are still wondering what he has in mind

GEN BREYTON (now outside with Tony & Tyrone): My gut instinct tells me he has no intention of showing up at the airport tomorrow. I'd like to the two of you to lead the charge of rousting him out of bed or anywhere else on base and dragging his butt onto that plane.

TONY (surprised): Sir?

GEN. BREYTON: The two of you are his best buddies, right?

TYRONE: Yeah, but....

GEN. BREYTON: You'll think of something. Grab as many people as you'll need.

TONY: What about the MPs?

GEN. BREYTON: Grab them too. In fact, I think they'll take great joy in it. It'll give 'em a few laughs.

Tony & Tyrone both chuckle

TONY (still chuckling): Sir, what if he should get away or go AWOL or something?

GEN. BREYTON: Trust me. Doing either is not in his best interests. If he does, the assault against you alone would be enough to get him court martialed.

TONY (who'd love to get even with Leo for the punch he threw): Yes sir.

Gen. Breyton walks off. Just as Tony & Tyrone start to head back, an Iraqi man overhearing the conversation offers them a cab ride to the airport with Leo in tow tomorrow and drives a hard bargain, making it hard for Tyrone to refuse. Upon discussing the matter, he and Tony agree to use the man in their plan and tell him when to meet them.

**********************
SCENE SEVEN: Architect's Conference - The FonDuLac Hotel
**********************

It's now lunchtime and Trish has arrived with a picnic basket, hoping to lure Michael away

TRISH (just as Michael arrives): Hey there sweetie.

MICHAEL: Hey yourself babe.

The two exchange a little kiss

TRISH (swooning and smiling): I was kinda hoping I'd lure you away.

MICHAEL: Honey, I'd love to. But we have this speaker coming up. And lunch is provided.

Trish looks somewhat rejected

MICHAEL (reaching a compromise): Look, tell you what. Picture this. You. Me. The Solar Room at The FonDuLac under the stars

TRISH (realizing how romantic that would be and smiling): Dinner?

MICHAEL (also smiling): Yeah.

TRISH: I'd love it.

MICHAEL: Good. Pick you up at 8:00 then?

TRISH (smiling and swooning): It's a date.

Steve Farley apporaches

STEVE (sarcastically): Care to take me out too? Surely you must remember me.

MICHAEL: How can I not? You were the reason I left town in the first place.

STEVE: Could've fooled me. Especially considering that you're Diane's ex and you were the one who KILLED her.

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

* Steve's just accused Michael of Diane's murder. How will Michael react?

* David & Marcie visit Stacy as they continue their investigation.

* Courtney vows revenge to get custody of the kids once again.

* Stephanie continues to confront Mark about his planned story on Jennifer for Channel 7 and tries to make plans to stop it from airing.

* Cassandra plots her next move.

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

Don't miss the next exciting episode.

See you all next time. :-)

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

Episode 14 - Leo Loses His Temper

*******************
SCENE ONE - Leo's Quarters - Baghdad, Iraq
*******************

Tyrone had just came in to get his stuff, but decided he's make a last ditch effort to get through to Leo by trying the only thing he hadn't yet - Getting in his face.

LEO (beginning to feel threatened): What the hell do you mean by that?

TYRONE (adamant but explaining himself): You know just exactly what I mean by that.

Tyrone walks over to his stuff where a picture of his wife Julia is. He picks it up and shows it to Leo

TYRONE: See the picture of this girl?

LEO: How I can not? She looks gorgeous.

TYRONE: Yeah she does. No one knows that better than me. But you see man, unlike you, I know I'm going home to my wife.

LEO: You came here just to say that?

TYRONE: Naah man. I came here to show you what you've blown

Leo looks as though he thinks he's about to endure yet another round of torture

************************
SCENE TWO - Outside The Chippequah Courthouse
************************

Stephanie has just wandered over to where Channel 7 reporter Mark Devereaux, who had just ended a live report, is standing after learning that he plans to air a follow-up story on Jennifer

MARK (acting cheerful): Well....Top O' The Morning Stephanie.

STEPHANIE (not the least bit amused or in the mood): Don't patronize me Mark. You know why I'm here.

MARK (trying to act stumped and clueless): Really?

STEPHANIE: Yes. Does your planned story with my sister Jennifer ring a few bells?

MARK (acting as though his memory was just jogged): Ohh....That little thing.

STEPHANIE (sarcastically mocking him): Yes....That little thing.

DEWAYNE (yelling at Stephanie from the remote unit): Stephanie.....Eight minutes.

MARK (hearing Dewayne's call and wanting to avoid a confrontation): Shouldn't you be getting ready to go on the air?

STEPHANIE (not falling for Mark's trick): That can wait.

MARK: Look Stephanie....

STEPHANIE (getting to the point): Who the fuckin' hell do you think you are? Who's your source at the hospital? And just what right do you think you fuckin' have to get information on my sister? Neither I nor my sister or my brother signed anything to allow the hospital to release information on Jennifer.

MARK: Jennifer did.

STEPHANIE (looking shocked and wondering what he's talking about): What??

MARK: Her doctor tells me that despite her obvious condition, she's perfectly capable of making her own decisions.

STEPHANIE (looking really surprised & pissed now): Mark....HELLO.....She has amnesia for God's sake. She's in no condition to be exploited especially by someone the likes of you.

DEWAYNE (again yelling from the remote unit): Steph....Five minutes.

Stephanie ignores Dewayne even though she hears him

MARK (looking surpised): Exploited? Stephanie, the only way I plan to spin this is as a human interest story.

DEWAYNE (sounding really worried now): Steph...Four minutes. C'mon. You'd better get over here.

STEPHANIE (knowing she has to go): I have to go, but this isn't over yet. Not by a long shot.

MARK: As far as I'm concerned, it is. Her doctor says she's perfectly capable of making her own decisions and she's agreed to do an interview. And since she signed the release herself, I really don't see the problem with it. Now, you tell me where the ethics issue is.

DEWAYNE: Steph.....

STEPHANIE (frustrated at Mark): You're disgusting.

Stephanie walks back to the Channel 4 live remote unit and prepares to go on the air as Mark shakes his head.

*************************
SCENE THREE - Cedarville International Airport - Acme Car Rental Agency
*************************

Detectives David & Marcie Grant from the Cedarville PD are investigating the various reports the PD has received about a female claiming to be the mother of a child fathered by someone in the Armed Forces in Iraq

CAR AGENCY COUNTER CLERK: May I help you?

DAVID (flashing his badge as Marcie does the same): We're here on official business.

CLERK: I'll do what I can to help. What do you need?

MARCIE: Do you have a 2005 Mazda XLS with this licence plate number?

Marcie shows the number to the clerk.

CLERK: I wouldn't know, but I'll look it up though.

The clerk enters the number into her computer and retrieves the record she has.

CLERK: It appears we do, but I show that it's currently rented.

DAVID: We need to know who the renter is.

CLERK (looking disappointed): I'm afraid I can't give you that information without a warrant of some kind.

DAVID (pulling out a $20 in an effort to emprovise by trying to make a score): Would this help?

The clerk is tempted to accept it, but decides the better of it

CLERK: I'm not that cheap.

DAVID (disappointed, but not surprised): Well then, I guess we'll just have to return with a warrant then.

CLERK (candidly): I guess you will.

CLERK (continued): Anything else I can help you with?

DAVID (dsappointed): Nope. We'll be back.

David & Marcie leave the counter

***************************
SCENE FOUR - Cedarville Courthouse
***************************

Greg & Courtney's divorce hearing has just begun and Greg's attorney, Mitchell Rogers, is trying to introduce Greg's videotapes into court as evidence

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY: Look Your Honor, they've tried this before. They've tried painting my client as an unfit mother. And look what it got 'em. They wound up leaving the courtroom with their tails tucked between their legs.

MITCHELL: Your Honor, this is new evidence. It has never been introduced before. We have a right to be heard on this.

JUDGE: Approach the bench.

Mitchell and Courtney's attorney both comply with the judge's request

JUDGE: Alright Mr. Rogers, just what is this new evidence.

MITCHELL: They're videotapes Your Honor.

Courtney's attorney rolls his eyes into the back of his head

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY (acting as though he's reminding the judge): Your Honor, tapes can be doctored.

JUDGE: I'm well aware of that counselor. However if these tapes provide any evidentary proof of Defense Council's accusations, this court would be remiss if it didn't consider it.

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY: Your Honor....

JUDGE: As such, I will view these tapes in my chambers and return with my decision.

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY: You can't be serious....

The judge looks at Courtney's attorney as if to say he is serious

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY (throwing his arms up in the air, but convinced the tapes are doctored): Okay....

JUDGE: When we end this, court will stand in recess pending my return. Mr. Rogers, I expect you to hand the tapes over to the court clerk who will then in turn bring them to me.

MITCHELL: No problem sir. We have the tapes here.

JUDGE: Good. In that case, step back.

The two lawyers comply

JUDGE: Defense Council is instructed to turn over the evidence they wish to introduce to the court. I will then view it in the privacy of my chambers where I will make my decision as to whether or not the tapes are admissable.

COURTNEY'S ATTORNEY (standing up): Your Honor....Objection.

JUDGE: Noted Council

Courtney's attorney sits back down.

JUDGE: If there's no other objection, court stands in recess.

The judge waits for a few seconds, but hears nothing. He then bangs the gavel to signal the call to recess

BAILIFF: All rise.

Everyone rises as the judge leaves

***********************************
SCENE FIVE - Leo's Quarters - Baghdad, Iraq
***********************************

LEO: Look....I don't need you starting in on me too. It's bad enough I got Gen. Breyton on my back

TYRONE: Me starting in on you is exactly what you need man.

LEO: What's that supposed to mean?

TYRONE: You're a damn coward. You can't even tell your wife the truth. You don't even have any fuckin' clue what you're doin' to your wife. I feel sorry for her. And on top of that, you lied to her and the cops.

Leo looks surprised as he wonders how Tyrone found out about the incident at the Comm. Center

TYRONE (continuing): Whoa. You don't think I don't know what happened at the Comm. Center?

LEO (knowing the whole base must know by now and uttering to himself): Ohh fuckin' shit.

TYRONE: It's all over base dude.

LEO (thinking he's talking to himself): That private couldn't keep his fuckin' shut, could he? He just had to blabber it all over base.

TYRONE: Yeah. I suppose you could blame it on on him. Whatever. But still, you don't get it, do you?

Lt. Anthony (e.g. Tony) Romano walks in

TONY: Ohh....Sorry. Just came in to get my stuff. I'll come back.

TYRONE: 'Tis okay man. Just talkin' to Leo dude.

TONY: Why do you even bother man? Talkin' to him is like talkin' to a brick wall.

LEO (To Tony): C'mon man.

TONY (walking up to his face): No, make that a lying, cheating, scheming, son of a bitch brick wall who's more afraid of his wife than he is of bullets and mortar fire.

Leo punches Tony in the face just as Gen. Breyton walks in. Tony falls to the floor

GEN. BREYTON (To Leo): That will be enough.

Tony gets up, smarting from the punch he got from Leo

************************
SCENE SIX - Brad's Apartment
************************

Brad is seen watching the morning news on Channel 4 as he prepares for his trip to Jennifer's apartment when he gets a knock on the door. On the other side of the door is Trish & Michael, who, at Trish's insistence, have been making the rounds as Trish re-introduces everyone to Michael

BRAD: Hey.

TRISH: Hey yourself. Good morning. Headed out?

BRAD (scratching his head): Uhh...I'm about to. Come on in.

TRISH: Thanks

Trish & Michael walk inside Brad's apartment

TRISH: We'll only be a few minutes. I'd like you meet someone.

BRAD (pointing to Michael): Him?

Trish smiles

TRISH: Do you remember Michael Carlotti?

BRAD (feeling as though he just got surprised): Holy fuckin' shit. You're Michael?

MICHAEL (scratching his head): Uhh....Last time I checked. Yes.

BRAD (shaking Michael's hand and still feeling surrpised): How long has it been? Y...Y....You've changed.

MICHAEL (trying to downplay the whole thing): Uhh....It's been awhile. And yes, I've changed. But looking at you, you've changed too. Last time I saw you, you were in....like....High School. Weren't you?

BRAD: Uhh....Something like that. Wanna beer? Got a few.

MICHAEL: Uhh....Well no. Actually I have a meeting I need to be getting to in a few minutes. Can I take a rain check?

BRAD: Here ya go.

Brad hands Michael a blank piece of paper

MICHAEL (chuckling): Uhh....Looks like rubber to me. But yeah, I'll take it.

TRISH: Say hey....Have you heard anything from David, Marcie, or Stephanie on Jennifer yet?

BRAD: Spoke with David last night. I assume Marcie was with him As for Stephanie.....

Brad, Trish and Michael turn to the TV where Stephanie can be seen reporting from Chippequah

****************************
SCENE SEVEN - The FonDuLac Hotel
****************************

David & Marcie got the warrant to get the information they needed from the Car Rental agency and are now about to confront Cassandra

HOTEL CLERK: Can I help you?

MARCIE: We're here on official police business

David & Marcie flash their badges

HOTEL CLERK: Uhh....Okay. How can I help you?

DAVID: Do you have a Cassandra Whitmore registered here?

HOTEL CLERK: Lemme look it up.

The clerk looks up Cassandra's name on the computer and finds the information he needs

HOTEL CLERK (continues): Yes we do.

MARCIE: Great What's her room number

The clerk looks reluctant to divulge that information, but David brandishes a warrant addressed to the hotel

DAVID: We have a warrant if you need assistance.

David hands the warrant to the clerk

HOTEL CLERK: Uhh....Just a minute.

The clerk places a phone call summoning his supervisor to the front desk

HOTEL CLERK (To His Supervisor): Uhh...These people handed me this warrant and are seeking the room number of one of our guests.

The Supervisor examines the warrant and discovers it's valid and instructs the clerk to provide them with any requested information.

HOTEL CLERK: The room number is 613. You can take these elevators (pointing to the main elevators).

DAVID: Thank you.

Meanwhile in Cassandra's room, Cassandra has just finished changing Christopher's diaper and has just sat back down on the sofa when the there's a knock on the door. She gets up to answer it, but is a little surprised since she's not expecting anyone

CASSANDRA (opening the door just enough to see David & Marcie on the other side): Yes. Can I help you?

MARCIE: Are you Cassandra Whitmore?

CASSANDRA (curious): Who's asking?

MARCIE: I'm Lt. Marcie Grant and this is my partner Lt. David Grant. We're from the Cedarville Police Department. May we come in?

David & Marcie show their badges as Cassandra is shocked and surprised and left wondering what she did to get the attention of the police

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

* Brad joins the effort in helping Jennifer regain her memory. Will she remember their argument the day she disappeared?

* David & Marcie confront Casandra about her visit to Stacy's house

* The judge finishes reviewing the tapes. Is Courtney's goose cooked or does Greg even have a case?

* Stephanie continues to confront Mark about his planned story on Jennifer for Channel 7 and tries to make plans to stop it from airing.

* Steve gets wind that Michael is back in town and reminds him of the past.

* Gen. Breyton lowers the boom on Leo.

Don't miss the next exciting episode.

See you all next time. :-)

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

Episode 13 - The Return Of Michael Carlotti

*****************
SCENE ONE - Stephanie Hotel Room in Chippequah
*****************

It's the dawn of a new day in Cedarville and Stephanie Blanton, Investigative Reporter for WCDR-TV Channel 4 is seen in her hotel room in nearby Chippequah talking to her boss on the phone.

"Can't you get someone else down here to cover it, like someone who lives here".

"Well geez Steph, you've been down there for so long, you're practically considered a resident there", Roger Clayborn, her boss at the station says to Stephanie over the phone.

"Har dee har har. Funny Roger", Stpehanie says

"Steph....Seriously....No joke. I really need you to cover this trial", Roger says "Besides, you know if it wasn't for you and the hard work you put into the investigation which lead to this trial, it wouldn't be happening in the first place", Roger says

Stephanie gives a look that basically says "I know Roger. You don't have to remind me."

"You don't want all that work flushed down the drain by a bunch of carefree penny-pinching lawyers, do you?", Roger asks

"Of course not", Stephanie says, resigning herself to the fact she may well be assigned by Roger to cover the trial "But I wasn't exactly expecting my sister to suddenly fall off the face of the earth for several months either"

"I know Steph. But life's rough. Life's tough> But I need someone down there to cover that trial and you know the power trip Channel 7 gets when either us or Channel 12 don't show up to cover stories", Roger says

"Of course. They're always quick to rub it in our faces as they prove yet again their tabloid approach to news leads to breaking stories even though we're tops and theiy're dead last in the ratings", Stephanie says

"Well then.....Unless you want to see another one of those ads, I trust you'll be at the courthouse this morning when court begins?", Roger asks

"Yeah I suppose", Stephanie says "Tell the live unit crew I'll meet 'em there", she adds

"That's the spirit", Roger said "See ya later", he added

"Yeah....Laters", Stephanie responds

"And Top O' The Morning to you too", she adds as she rolls her eyes and hangs up the phone just as the buzzer rings. Stephanie goes to answer the door where she finds David & Marcie standing. She lets them in

"Good Morning", David said

Stephanie looks at David as if she was wondering what tropical paradise island he and Marcie came from.

"It's a beautiful morning alright", Stephanie said "That is if you don't mind be reminded of a certain obligation better known as your job", she adds

Marcie, who entered the room with a cup of coffee, looks as though she's gagging on the stuff as she attempts to respond to Stephanie's last comment.

"We got 'reminded' of ours too", David says as Marcie catches her breath "In fact, we're going to have to head back to Cedarville if....and I quote we want to keep our jobs end quote", he added.

"Well, I just got roped into doing mine down here", Stephanie said "You know that big trial that's supposed to be getting underway today?", she added

"Yeah", Marcie said, now recouperated from her earlier incident.

"Guess who's covering it for Channel 4", Stephanie said

David tries not to laugh at Stephanie's predictament, but winds up letting out a little chuckle anyhow

******************************
SCENE TWO - Trish's Apartment
******************************

Trish is seen drinking some orange juice when the doorbell rings. She goes to answer it.

"Good Morning", Michael says as he smiles

"Same to you", Trish says as she smiles and opens the door so he can come in "Come on in"

"Thanks", Michael said "Same ol' beautiful place I see", he added

"Just couldn't find it in me to give it up", Trish says "Want some breakfast?, she asks

"Nah...I ate before leaving the hotel", Michael said "I'll take some coffee though", he added

"Comin' right up", Trish says, knowing just how Michael likes his coffee

"You know, there was so much left unsaid last night", Michael said

"Some things are best left that way", Trish says, handing Michael's cup of coffee to him

"Mmmm....Great coffee", Michael says, sipping the cup

"I fixed it just the way you've always loved it sweetie", Trish said

Michael looks as Trish as if to say she didn't have to such trouble.

"Maybe you're right. Some things are best left unsaid", Michael said "But I've been doing some thinking though", he added

Trish raises her eyebrows and smiles as she and Michael sit down on the sofa in the living room.

"I'm thinking of not leaving Cedarville once the conference is over", Michael said

Trish is taken aback by Michael's last comment and lets out a jolt as she puts her coffee cup to her lips which causes her to splatter some hot coffee onto her fingers and the table and momentarily choke on her coffee as she gasps for air.

****************
SCENE THREE - Cedarville Court House
****************

Greg has just arrived for the first day of the hearing in the divorce proceeding of him and his wife Courtney. He is quickly followed by Courtney and her entourage of lawyers.

"Ready for today Greg?", Mitchell, his lawyer, asks him

"Got the tapes", Greg asks

"Of course", Mitchell says

"Good. Let's set this court back on its ear then", Greg responds

"Tapes? What tapes", Andrea, one of Courtney's lawyers, asks

"Mitchell, now wait a minute, if you're going to pull a fast one....", Andrea says

"We're not going to do anything of the kind", Mitchell says, cutting Andrea off "We're just submitting evidence", Mitchell says

"Evidence of what?", Courtney says "Puh-leaze.....When are you going to give up that song and dance?", Courtney snidely asks

"It's no song and dance Courtney", Greg says "I take matter like this very seriously", he adds "And the evidence I have will nail you to the cross. Greg emphatically continues

*****************
SCENE FOUR - Trish's Apartment
*****************

"Not leaving Cedarville?", Trish asks, now recovered from her earlier shock "Michael, have you seriously thought this through?', she asks

"Yeah", Michael says "Ever since we ran into each other last night, I've been thinking more and more of how great it would be if we got back together again", he adds "I dunno. Maybe I'm just crazy", he continues

"No....I'm just a little surprised though", Trish said "I mean, what about your business?", she asks

"I can simply run that from here", Michael says

"Michael", Trish says, thinking he might be making too sudden a decision

"Truth is babe", Michael says "I've been thinking for a long time about coming back", he adds "Been thinking about it for weeks, if not months", he continues

Trish starts to cry

"Then when I knew about this conference being here", Michael said, "I just basically said 'This is it'. I'm coming back home to you, my sweet love"

"Michael", Trish says with a smile on her face, knowing it appears that her man has finally come home to stay

"I'd have bought you a boquet of roses, but....well.....you sorta ruined my surprise last night", Michael says

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry", Trish apologetically says with a bit of laughter and lots of joy

"Forget about it", Michael said "A boquet of roses would never do a beautiful woman like you justice", Michael adds with a smile

Trish reaches over and she and Michael embrace in a huge hug followed by several kisses

"God, I missed you", Michael said

"I missed you too", Trish said, smiling and looking passionately into his eyes as she strokes his face as if she was wondering if she dreaming or not

*********************
SCENE FIVE - Chippequah Court House
*********************

Channel 4 Investigative Reporter Stephanie Blanton, who broke the story that led to the scandal which subsequently led to the trial she's about to cover, has just arrived at the courthouse and spots the live remote unit waiting for her. She is also quickly joined by Mark Devereaux from rival station Channel 7, who is known for its tabloid-style approach to news and is dead last in the ratings as a result. She's also joined by fellow colleague and friend Tom Fenton from rival station Channel 12. Channel 12, unlike Channel 7, is more like Channel 4 in its news coverage, which is straightforward, simple and not known to be flashy. But nevertheless, the two stations sometimes clash while covering stories.

"Hey guys", Stephaie says as she walks up to the Channel 4 Action News crew that will be with her for the day

"What's up", photographer Dewayne Chapman asks

"Not much. You?", she responds as she takes the earpiece and mic that she'll need.

"Heard about your sster. Anything we can do?", Dewayne asks

"Nope", Stephanie says "Besides, who told you guys?", she curiously asks, knowing she didn't tell anyone at the station besides Roger.

"You don't know?", Dewayne asks

"Know what?", Stephanie asks in return

"See that guy with the Channel 7 crew?", Dewayne asks

"See him? I fuckin' know him", she says "But what does that have to do with the price of tea in China", Stephanie rhetorically asks

"Apparently he's got a source at the hospital", Dewayne says "He's been blabbering about it on camera ever since he got here".

"A source - here in Chippequah??", Stephanie asks, now with greater concern and wondering what Mark Devereaux and his crew could be up to.

Dewayne nods

"Apparently he's planning some big scoop for their 5:00 PM newscast tonight", Dewayne says

"Really? Well I'll give him a scoop alright - A scoop of my mind", Stephanie says "When are we to go on", she asks

"Ten minutes", Dewayne says just before he notices Stephanie wandering over to Mark's area "Where are you going?", Dewayne shouts out

"This won't take long. Be right back", Stephanie shouts back in response

As she walks over to Mark's area, she notices that he's on the air. Being the ethical journalist she is, she stands not far off camera until Mark is cleared of the airwaves. Meanwhile, Mark is just wrapping up his report.

"And that's the latest from here. We're live in Chippequah, Mark Devereaux, 7NEWS", Mark says as he signs off and hands it back to the studio

"And we're off", Mark's photographer says

"Good. Because I have a few things to say to you, Mr. Devereaux", Stephanie says

Mark turns to look at Stephanie, knowing he's been caught and now has some explaining to do

****************************
SCENE SIX - Cedarville PD Detective Squad Room
****************************

David & Marcie have just arrived when the captain spots them

"Ahh....Nice to see you two jailbirds actually had the consideration to come into work today", Captain Marshall sarcastically says

"Well, we weren't going to come in at all, but since you dragged us all the way back here, we figured it was the leastwe could do", Marcie sarcastically responds in her usual 'Top O' The Morning To You Too ASSHOLE' manner

"Well, in that case, I suppose you wouldn't mind working this one", Capt. Marshall says

"What is it", David asks as Marcie takes the file from the captain and opens it

"Apparently some woman is out there trying to claim that she is the mother of some child which she has claimed a number of guys in the military are/is the father of", Captain Marshall says

"Why do we have it then? Why is this not a matter for the feds?", David asks

"They're just as stumped as we are", Captain Marshall says

"They're investigating this too?", Marcie asks

"Yep", Capt. Marshall said "But they didn't get last night's little tip", he adds

"Last night's tip?", David asks

"Apparently this woman has been at this for the past several days, using public pay phones", Captain Marshall says "But last night, she apparently decided that using a pay phone wasn't going to work, so she decided to pay her next victim a personal visit", Capt. Marshall says "Got this plate number just last night", he adds, handing it to David "Ran it through DMV. Came back as being registered to a car rental agency. NCIC came back clean on it".

"So what angle are we investigating this from?", David asks

"A possible extortion angle", Capt. Marshall responds

"Wait a minute", Marcie says, noticing the address in the report from the night before "This isn't just some ordinary address", she continues

"You the two of you know one of the victims?", Capt. Marshall

"Yeah. A friend of ours", Marcie says, showing the file to David

"David, that's Stacy's house", Marcie says

"We'll look into it sir", David says

"Okay", Capt. Marshall confidently says "Glad to see the tweo of you back at work again, even if it's a Bunkel case", he continues "And oh yeah, hope your sister feels better soon", he adds

"Thanks", David says as he and Marcie prepare to leave "We'll be on the air", he adds as they grab a radio and leave.

***************************
SCENE SEVEN - Leo's Quarters, Baghdad, Iraq
***************************

As per ordered by Gen. Breyton in our last episode, Leo has been confined to quarters with MPs standing outside. As we pick up the scene, he is sitting in the room and reliving and recalling his entire day and his actions over the last several months. In addition, he's also fearful of what might happen next. He's also pacing the room floor from time to time.

Some several minutes later, one of his roommates, Sgt. Tyrone Walker approaches the MPs outside. Leo doesn't want to hear from Tyrone and tries to act as though he's sleeping, but Tyrone doesn't buy it.

"Yo dude....I know you ain't sleepin'. GET UP", Tyrone exclaims

Leo gets up ready for a fight, but knows he doesn't want one

"Don't tell me you're here to rub it in".

"Nope", Tyrone says "I'm here to get my shit", he continues "But before I do, we gonna have this out", he adds in a manner that leaves Leo wondering what he did to warrant such a comment from Tyrone, of all people.

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

* Brad joins the effort in helping Jennifer regain her memory. Will she remember their argument the day she disappeared?

* David & Marcie work the case of the mysterious extortionist. Could Cassandra be the person they're looking for or is her arrival in Cedarville and visit to Stacy's house just an untimely coincidence?

* Greg & Courtney's divorce proceedings kick into full swing

* Stephanie confronts Mark about his planned story on Jennifer

* Trish & Michael talk about their future - if the even have one

Don't miss the next exciting episode.

See you all next time. :-)

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

Episode 12 - Leo's Call To Stacy

*************************************
SCENE ONE - Stacy & Leo McFadden's Home
*************************************

When we checked in during last week's show, Stacy, who's now six months pregnant and living at home alone while her husband Leo is away in Iraq serving his country, she was in an altercation with Cassandra Whitmore, who flew into Cedarville from New York under the impression that Leo wasn't married. Shortly after telling Stacy that she is the mother of Leo's son Christopher, Cassandra has been told to leave. But Cassandra has thus far refused.

We pick up the scene now with Brad's arrival.....

"Brad, do me a favor & show this bitch the way off my property", Stacy demandingly asks. She then closes the door.

Cassandra blushes & looks flirtatiously at Brad

"Uhh....Sure", Brad says, still trying to figure out what's going on.

"Why Brad.....Mmmm.....What a name", Cassandra says, flirting with him.

"I'm still not quite sure what's goin on here, but I believe you've been told to leave and I've been asked to see to it that you do", Brad says in his usual down-to-earth self.

"Ohh....Well....Perhaps I could leave with you then", Cassandra says, still flirting with him.

"I don't even know you", Brad exclaims.

"That can change, you know", Cassandra says, still not getting what Brad is telling her.

"Whatever. Just leave", Brad says

"You know, for someone who doesn't even live here, you seem to have quite a lot of authority", Cassandra says, now realizing that flirting with Brad isn't going to work

"You know, for someone who not only doesn't even live here, but is also a total complete stranger around here, you lot a lot of nerve telling the one person who does live here what to do and how to talk", Brad says in response "You need to leave - NOW", he continues

"Look...I'm here to see Leo and I'm not leaving until I do", Cassandra threateningly says

Stacy, who is inside her home and has become increasingly annoyed and angry with the argument outside, storms across the living room, picks up the handset to her cordless phone, and heads for the door yet again.

"Okay, I'll put it this way. If you're off this porch in 30 seconds, I'm calling the police"

"Right. You don't even have a phone", Cassandra aroogantly says.

"He may not have a phone, but I do and I will use it", Stacy angrily says as she reopens the door and shows the handset to her cordless phone to Cassandra

**********************************
SCENE TWO - The FonDuLac Hotel - Greg's Room
**********************************

Greg McFadden is on the phone talking to Stephanie, who is in her hotel room in Chippequah.

"So when do you plan on coming back", Greg asks as he talks to Stephanie over the telephone.

"Probably tomorrow", Stephanie says from her hotel room in Chippequah on the other end of the line.

"Can't wait to see you babe", Greg says

"I can't wait either", Stepahnie says. "I can't wait till you're divorced from that wretched bitch of a wife of yours so we can get back together and start seeing each other again", she continues.

"Me either", Greg says as he notices a knock at the door. "Look, my lawyer's at the door", he continues

"At THIS hour?", Stephanie asks.

"You know....Business", Greg says "I'll call you tomorrow", he adds, answering the door to Mitchell, his lawyer, inside.

"Okay...Love you....Bye", Stephanie says

"Love you too sweetie. Bye", Greg responds. He then hangs up the phone after Stephanie hangs up on her end.

"Hello Mitchell. Sorry about being on the phone there", Greg says

"No problem. I'll just make things plain and simple by spelling it out to you", Mitchell says

"Talk to me", Greg says

"They're not settling for anything less than full custody of the kids and the yacht", Mitchell says

********************************
SCENE THREE - Stacy & Leo's Home
********************************

"You've got 60 seconds to leave - NOW", Stacy says, looking squarely at Cassandra

"Well....Since you put it that way......This isn't over", Cassandra says, looking squarely at Stacy "Not by a long shot Miss Goody Two Shoes", she continues.

"As far as I'm concerned, it is because there's nothing left to say", Stacy angrily responds as she stands toe-to-toe with Cassandra and looks at her squarely in the face. "If she doesn't leave Brad, call the police", Stacy continues.

Stacy hands Brad the phone, goes back inside and slams the door shut. Cassandra looks over at her car and then at Brad in the hopes of making one last quick hit on him.

"Well....What are you waiting for? Christmas?", Brad asks

"You've got me blocked in", Cassandra says as Brad prepares to join Stacy inside the house.

Brad then notices that his car is in Cassandra's way.

"Whatever....", Brad says, rolling his eyes and wondering why Cassandra put her vehicle in that position in the first place as he walks on over to his car door. Cassandra follows him.

"What are you doing?", Brad asks as Cassandra opens the passenger door to put Christopher in his car seat

"I am putting my child in his car seat and securing him", she responds "That bitch pretending to be Leo's wife may not give a damn about my child or what happens to him but I do.

"Make it quick, huh?", Brad responds back "Don't wanna be out here all night", he continues.

Brad jumps in his car, starts the engine, backs out of the driveway and pulls up to the front of the house. Cassandra then does the same, but before she can pull even with him, Brad then backs up to re-enter the driveway. Cassandra tries to back up to pull even with him, but is blocked by another car going down the street, a patrolling squad car from the Cedarville PD, whom Cassandra nearly backs into. Cassandra takes off before she really gives the police a reason to pull her over.

Brad then gets the attention of the officers in the squad car.

"See that car that just took off?", Brad asks

"Yeah", Joey, one of the officers in the squad car says

"The driver was over at my friend's place here and we had to threaten to call you guys to get her to leave", Brad says

"Is she drunk or unruly", Lisa, the other officer in the car says

"No. Just uninvited and not welcome", Brad says in response "Looks as though she may have a baby too", he continues

"Okay....We'll keep an eye out for her in case she returns.", Joey says

"Thanks", Brad says

Joey and Lisa resume their patrol while Brad pulls back into Stacy's driveway. Once inside, Stacy thanks Brad for all his help and for being there when she needed him and takes her phone back. Brad, figuring Stacy must be tired and wanting to go to bed, leaves himself.

***************************
SCENE FOUR - Military Communications Center - Baghdad, Iraq
***************************

"I'd like someplace where I call my wife in Cedarville please", Leo tells the officer on duty.

"Follow me", the officer says

Leo follows the officer to a terminal not in use.

"Thank you", Leo says

"Gonna finally tell your wife, eh", the officer asks. Leo gives him a None-Of-Your-Damn-Business look.

"That's okay", the officer tauntingly says "Between you and me, it's not only the base. It's all over the country. Even the Iraqi civilians are talking about it on the street - Hee Hee Hee", the officer says with a laugh

"Just leave me alone, okay", Leo says

"Ohh Sure. Glad I'm not you. Ha....Ha....Ha", the officer says, laughing out loud as he walks away "You in deep doo-doo now. Hee....Hee....Hee", he continues, laughing his head off until he sees Gen. Breyton in front of him. The officer salutes him as he passes by.

"Enjoy your cheap laughs while you still can, private", Gen. Breyton says.

"Uhh....Sir...Yes sir. At your service sir", the private comms officer says with a smile on his face.

"And wipe that smile off your face.", Gen. Breyton says "You're foaming at the lips", he continues.

"Yes sir", the private says as he returns to his post with Gen. Breyton non-chalantly looks around.

Meanwhile, back at the house in Cedarville, Stacy hears her computer signal that Leo is trying to call her using a VoIP client connected to the Internet. Stacy walks over to the computer and answers Leo's call.

"Hey babe", Leo says when he sees the connection.

"Hi Leo", Stacy says in her tired state.

"You look tired. I won't keep you though", Leo says

"Normally I would say okay, but....", Stacy says, her voice drifting and trailing off

"But what?", Leo asks

"Probably nothing. But nothing you need to be worried about", Stacy says.

"Heh", Leo says, brushing off Stacy's last comment "Well, what I wanted to call you about is......is......", Leo says, his voice trailing off as he looks for any sign of Gen. Breyton's prescence.

"That you love me? I know that. What else?", Stacy says

"Well....There's rumor going around that there's this woman claiming to be the mother of her child and that I'm supposedly the target", Leo says

Those words get quickly Stacy's attention.

"Was her name Cassandra Whitmore by any chance?", Stacy asks

Leo's throat drops into this stomach

"Ohh God....She's been there", Leo says, thinking he's talking to himself as he rolls his eyes

"So you know about her?", Stacy asks

"Babe...I just found out about this myself", Leo says "I'm shocked", he continues. "Listen babe, whatever she says, don't believe her", Leo pleadingly says "According to official sources.....You know....Military Intel.....She's a scam artist", Leo says "She supposedly has done this for quite a while".

"Leo, you're scaring me, you're saying the woman at our doorstep tonight was a scam artist?", Stacy asks, now rattled by what Leo just said "Hold on sweetie. Someone's at the door", she continues, hearing the knocking at the door

"If that's her, you hang up and call the police", Leo says as Stacy gets up to answer the door

*********************************
SCENE FIVE - David & Marcie's Hotel Room
*********************************

David and Marcie are in bed getting ready to go to sleep.

"You were right David", Marcie said "We shouldn't have gone after Jennifer like that", she continues

"You got that right", David said "Who knows what sort of damage was done as a result of that

The room phone rings. Brad is on the other end.

"Who could that be?", Marcie asks

"I dunno, but we'll find out", David says as he picks up the receiver "Hello", he says to Brad, who is on the other end

"David, it's me, Brad", Brad says "I've been doing some thinking. What can I do to help?"

"Well", David says with a surprised look on his face "You still got a key to Jen's place?", he asks

"Yeah. I think so", Brad says

"Good", David says "Here's what we need you to do tomorrow", he adds

"What is it?", Brad asks, fumbling for a pen and paper as he drives down the street, but finds none, so he turns on his laptop PC instead.

"We need you to dig up any pictures of all of us with her in them", David says

"All of them?", Brad asks, hoping he'd be able to leave out the pictures with him & Jennifer in them

"Well....okay, leave out the ones with you in them if you want", David says "Afterall, we wouldn't want to hurt your pride, now would we?", David sarcastically asks

"Okay, I'll dig 'em up, but I'm not delivering them to her though", Brad sarcastically responds

"That's okay because all you need to do is drop them off here and we'll do the rest", David says "You still got the name of the hotel and the address", he asks

"Yeah", Brad responds

"Cool. We'll see you tomorrow then", David says

"Alright. Laters", Brad says before hanging up the phone.

"Who was that?", Marcie asks

"Brad", David responds "I think he's coming to his senses now", he adds

***************************************
SCENE SIX - Leo & Stacy's Home
***************************************

"Can I help you?", Stacy asks Joey and Lisa, the two officers who passed by earlier

"Are you the resident who lives here", Lisa asks

"Yes. My name is Stacy McFadden. Is there something wrong", Stacy asks

"Ms. McFadden, I'm Officer Joey Scalia and this is my partner Officer Lisa Myers", Joey said "We received a report from someone claiming to be a friend of yours that you had an uninvited and unwelcome female guest here earlier this evening", Joey adds "We're doing a follow-up investigation"

"That would be my friend Brad that you're referring to", Stacy says "And the woman, well....yeah, you could say she was unwelcome", Stacy adds "She claimed to be the mother of my husband's baby or something", Stacy continues "I told her she had to leave and ultimately had to threaten to call you guys if she didn't", Stacy continues

"Where is your husband now, Ms. McFadden? Can we perhaps speak with him?", Lisa asks

"He's in Iraq serving our country, but he just called me and were in the middle of a conversation when you knocked", Stacy said "Would you like to talk to him?", she asks

"If at all possible, yes we would", Lisa says

"Sure. Hope you don't mind talking through a computer", Stacy said as she invited the officers in.

Joey and Lisa speak with Leo, who gives them the same story he gave to Stacy. Upon the end of their conversation with Leo, they thanked him and they are now ready to leave.

"Ms. McFadden, if this woman ever comes back, don't hesitate to call us", Lisa said as she and Joey hand Stacy a business card "These cards have our names and direct numbers on them. You can also page us too", Lisa continues "Our pager numbers are also on the cards we just gave you", she adds

"Thank you officers", she says as she prepares to show them out

"If you can't get a hold of us or if you're in a life threatening situation, no matter who or what is responsible, call 911", Joey says "And if that woman comes back and threatens you, call 911 without hesitation or return threats to make such a call", he adds.

"I will. Thanks again officers", Stacy said

"No. Thank you - and your husband", Joey says with his usual New York accent

"You got that right", Lisa says as Stacy unintentionally closes the door. Realizing she may have closed the door prematurely, she looks through the peephole, but finds Joey & Lisa heading back to their squad car.

Stacy returns to the computer.

"Listen sweetie, I'm tired and pooped", Stacy says "Was there anything else you wanted to say?", she asks

"Just that I love you", Leo said

"Love you too. Bye now", Stacy says

"Bye", Leo says as she disconnects

Meanwhile back in Baghdad....

"A scam artist, eh McFadden?", Gen. Breyton asks

Leo turns around and notices Gen. Breyton accompanied by two MPs.

"How many more lies are you going to tell?", Gen. Breyton asks

"But sir", Leo pleadingly says

"You told that story no only to your wife, but to a couple of civilian police officers as well", Gen. Breyton said "Congratulations McFadden! You not only guaranteed yourself a trip home to the states, but you also managed to practically guarantee yourself a dishonorable discharge for lying to the police

"But sir", Leo pleads even further

"McFadden, consider yourself confined to quarters", Gen. Breyton says "Get him out of here", he orders to the MPs

Leo begs and screams as the MPs escort him out.

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

* Greg & Courtney have another meeting, but this time with lawyers in tow. What will happen?

* Trish & Michael ponder the idea of getting back together again, but has time finally caught up with them? Has Trish really forgiven him for the events that lead to his departure nearly three years ago?

* Brad joins the effort in helping Jennifer regain her memory. Will she remember their argument the day she disappeared?

* Leo is fearful of what Gen. Breyton will do next.

Don't miss the next exciting episode.

See you all next time. :-)

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

Episode 11 - Auld Acquaintences Be Remembered

*******************************
SCENE ONE - Stacy & Leo's Home
*******************************

As we ended our last episode, Cassandra Whitmore, the woman whom Leo has been seen with while the two were serving our country in the Middle East, and who claims to be the mother of Leo's child Christopher, has arrived at what she thinks is just Leo's house for a surprise visit (and shocks the hell out of Leo's wife, Stacy, in the process), but as you're about to witness, the surprise is on her. Read on....

"Excuse me?", Stacy says, still reeling from the bombshell Cassandra just dealt to her

"What part of my previous statement did you not understand?", Cassandra asks, wondering who the woman in front of her thinks she is

"Leo, the father of your child?", Stacy asks "Ohh no....You are sadly mistaken lady", she adds before Cassandra can respond. "Who the fuck are you?", she asks, again before Cassandra could get a word in edgewise and thinking she must be a con artist (if not a complete wacko).

"I told you my name is Cassandra Whitmore", Cassandra responds. "Who the fuck are you?", she returns

"I'm his wife" Stacy snaps in response.

Cassandra now looks as though she has been punched in the gut.

******************************************
SCENE TWO - The FonDu Lac Restaurant
******************************************

Trish is seen sitting at the bar when she realizes she sees an old acquaintance sitting not far from her. After spending several minutes debating with herself as to whether the man is or isn't her long lost lover Michael Carlotti, who left town after divorcing his wife Diane instead of going back to Trish nearly three years ago, Trish gingerly, yet almost excitedly walks up to the man whom she thinks is her long lost lover.

"Michael? Michael Carlotti?" she asks in an attempt to get the man's attention

"Trish?", the man asks with a shocked and surprised look on his face. Trish responds by smiling and showing him a ring that she's wearing which the man now recalls giving to her before.

"Oh my gosh", Michael says, still reeling from the surprise "I don't believe it", he said

Trish nods in a positive manner as she smiles. The two exchange hugs.

"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?", Trish asks

"Not a thing", Michael said "Sit down. Have a seat", he adds "I would've though you would've ditched that ring and gotten married by now", he continues, noticing she still has the ring he gave her, which is part of the symbol of their love.

"Whoa....Ditch the ring which you, the one man I almost married (not to mention the one man who made me like the happiest woman on earth) gave to me?", Trish asks "I don't think so", she adds. "Too many fond and happy memories", she continues as she looks at the ring.

"Well....For what it's worth, I still have mine", Michael says, showing his hand to her.

Trish and Michael look into each other's eyes and they skiddishly and nervously put the two rings together side by side as they remember the love they had for each other.

"The two rings still form the symbol of our love", Michael adds.

"I remember when you gave this to me", Trish said "You said no matter where we were, we'd still be together as long as we wore the ring", she adds, trying to fight back tears of joy and happiness "I suppose that's why I never got married", she adds. "You were my guardian angel", she says, filled with emotion and still fighting off tears of joy and happiness.

A waiter stops by, but can obviously tell Michael isn't ready to order. He then moves on.

Meanwhile, at the front door, Rob & Michelle look over at the obvious conversation Trish and Michael are having at his table.

"Who's that guy with Trish", Rob asks out of suspicion

"Dunno", Michelle said "But whoever he is, Trish spotted him as she was sitting over at the bar", she adds

"Think he might be hitting on her?", Rob asks, still suspicious of what's going on at his table

"The two of them seemed to be in a rather intense and emotional conversation when I stopped to take their order", said the waiter who was at Michael's table a few moments earlier

"Maybe we ought to ask him to leave then", Rob cluelessly says

"Whoa....Wait a minute cowboy!", Michelle exclaims "Suppose she and him are having a happy conversation", she hypothetically adds. "Moreover, suppose they're business partners discussing business", she again hypothetically adds. "Do you really want to be the one to tell him he has to leave?", she continues, thinking Rob really wouldn't be stupid enough to put himself in that position.

"No", Rob said. "But people usually aren't around here this late discussing business though", he adds

"Well then you my dear handsome prince, haven't been noticing some of the activity that usually goes on around here", Michelle says with a tone of experience in her voice as she walks away.

**********************************************
SCENE THREE - Gen. Breyton's Office - Baghdad, Iraq
**********************************************

"As such, I think you should tell your wife the truth", Gen. Breyton says, continuing his earlier comment from our last episode

"Sir, I can't", Leo says

"Can't or won't", Gen. Breyton responds

"Sir, do you have any clue what you're asking me to do", Leo asks, almost crying

"I'm saying you should come clean and tell the truth", Gen. Breyton said.

"I may as well tell her that I'm divorcing her because that's exactly what she'll do", Leo insistently says

"Then that's what she does", Gen. Breyton said "You'll just have to deal with it", he adds "But I will not have a man under my command who's pre-occupied with his own personal war to fight the one we were sent here for", Gen. Breyton adamantly says.

"As such, I am ordering you to head over to the Communications Center where you will call your wife and tell her the truth", Gen. Breyton continues

"But sir", Leo says "I can't", he adds.

"Can't or won't, Lieutenant?", Gen. Breyton asks

Leo is at a loss for words as he looks as though he's begging for sympathy from Gen. Breyton, who is offering no such thing.

"I almost find it amazing that this is the same man who just a couple of months ago stood up to gunfire, mortal shells and even grenades, to rescue three of his own buddies in a military rescue operation which earned him three purple hearts I might add. But when it comes to dealing with his own wife, his ducks, cringes, and cries like a baby.

"I've even heard you have a reputation of being a real Johnnie Appleseed around here", Gen. Breyton continued "Didn't really put much stock in it till now", he adds. "But when it came down to that reputation being tested - YOU FAILED", ge. Breyton adds, rubbing salt into Leo's situational wound

"Sir....Is there anything else?", Leo asks, wanting to end this otherwise one-way conversation

"I used to be like you myself", Ge. Breyton said "Looking back on my own experience, I was just as brash, bold, brazen, and Johnnie Appleseedish as are you are - or at least were", Gen. Breyton recalls "But then I got married all that changed", Gen. Breyton continues "Except for the Johnnie Appleseed part", he continues with his lecture

"Then one time while in Vietnam, I too had an affair with another woman while serving my country", he continues "It came back to haunt me", Gen. Breyton said

Leo suddenly becomes more relaxed now that he knows he's not alone

"I didn't tell my wife till after I came back home in '75", Gen. Breyton recalls

"What happened?", Leo asks

"By the time I got back from 'Nam, my wife not only divorced me ex-parte', she also took my kids and my home", Gen. Breyton said. "Had to live on base till I could find a more suitable place to live", he recalls. "On top of that, my C/O at the time had found out about my marital situation since it affected my wages as a military officer, and you know what he told me?", Gen. Breyton asked

"No, what?", Leo responded

"He told me he tried to get me on the next transport plane out", Gen. Breyton said "You see, I too learned of the pregnancy of the woman who I'd been having an affair with while in the middle of a warzone", Gen. Breyton said "And, like you, I quickly became pre-occupied, even obsessed with the situation", Gen. Breyton continues "And I was waging war with myself too".

As a result of the whole thing, I told myself if I ever got someone under my command like that, I'd do exactly what my C/O tried to do.

Leo's mouth instantly turns into a runway for flies at the sound of those words as the thought of being sent home on a transport plane from Iraq sends shivers up and down his spine.

********************************
SCENE FOUR - Stacy & Leo's Home
********************************

"No....No.....That can't be", Cassandra said "Leo told me he wasn't married", she adds

"Well obviously your intel is wrong as I have the ring and the certificate to prove it", Stacy said

"Look....I don't who the fuck you think you are, but I want to see Leo NOW", Cassandra adamantly says "I DEMAND that you to let me see him", Cassandra demands.

"Well first of all, my husband is in the Middle East serving his country", Stacy responds "And secondly, last time I checked, this is still MY property", she adds "so you are in NO POSITION WHATSOVER  to be telling me to do shit, Miss Goody Two Shoes", Stacy continues

"So you can take your Miss High-And-Mighty attitude and SHOVE IT UP YOUR FUCKIN' ASS along with your claim of my husband being the father of your child. You are UNAMERICAN, you fuckin' bitch", Stacy responds "Now, if you don't mind, I have a friend stopping by. You know, someone I'm supposed to know. So GET THE FUCK OFF MY PROPERTY YOU FUCKIN' BITCH", she adds as she sees Brad into the driveway and feeling stressed out and the baby kicking inside her.

"You know....For someone who's obviously about to become a mother herself, you seem to be rather liberal with the potty mouth", Cassandra sarcastically says "I don't appreciate people using that kind of language around my child", she adds "Might I offer you a bar of soap", Cassandra asks as she convienently whips out a bar of soap and offers it to Stacy as if Stacy was accepting charity

"You are UNAMERICAN", Stacy says, now seething with anger, her eyes bulging and shooting fire from their sockets and with a look of K I L L on her face, but she stops short of doing anything or saying anything else as Brad walks up, disturbed by what he heard as he was getting out of the car (and now seeing Stacy in the state she's in) and notices Cassandra, whom he knows is a total stranger to him and Stacy.

"You okay Stace", Brad asks as Stacy looks at Cassandra as if she's daring her to do or say anything else. Brad notices this and looks at Cassandra.

"Who are you?", Brad asks, not knowing Cassandra from a hole in the ground

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SCENE FIVE - Just outside The FonDuLac Restaurant
*****************************

Trish & Michael have just had dinner and are taking a stroll outside as they prepare to leave.

"You know, in a fit of rage, I almost took the ring off when I heard you left town after divorcing Diane", Trish confesses

"There was a point where I thought I'd never see you again either", Michael responded "And I almost took it off myself", he admitted

"You and I have such wonderful memories, lierally growing up together", Trish said

"I know", Michael said "How I wish things would've worked out differently", he adds

"They still can", Trish affectionately says "Remember.....As long as we still have the rings, the symbol of our love, we will always be together", she reminds him.

"Yeah....You're right", Michael admitted "Hate it when you are", he adds with a chuckle

Trish responds with a soft giggle

"It's not like I'm married", Michael adds "And even if I were, our love is stronger than any marriage", he adds

"It sure is", Trish says

Michael smiles

"You know, with all the commotion, you never said why you came back to Cedarville", Trish recalls "So, old friend and dearest lover, what brought you back to town", she curiously asks

"Business I'm afraid", Michael responds "Have a business conference to attend this week", he adds

"Ohh...", Trish says.

"Last time I recall, you said you were going into business yourself", Michael recalls

"Yep", Trish responds. "Real Estate Investor & Interior Decorator", she adds

"Two professions rolled into one, eh?", Michael asked

"Yeah", Trish responds

"Must keep you busy", Michael said

"Sometimes", Trish said.

The two continue their stroll.....

*************************
SCENE SIX - Gen. Breyton's Office - Baghdad, Iraq
*************************

"You're going to put me on a transport plane back to the states?", Leo asks

"Damn straight I am", Gen. Breyton responds

"But....But.....But sir, I....I....I can keep this in check", Leo said, pleading his case

"McFadden, what part of my story did you not understand?", Gen. Breyton asks

"B...B....But sir....", Leo says

"No buts McFadden. It's done", Gen. Breyton said

"I don't understand", Leo said

"McFadden....With you getting those purple hearts, the people back in Cedarville think of you as a hero", Gen. Breyton said "I even hear the mayor is planning to have a parade upon your return", he adds "How do you think most people will react if they learn that you committed adultery while over here?", he asks "You better think about that", he continues

"Sir....With all due respect, I will not board that plane", Leo said

"Oh yes you will", Gen. Breyton said "You'll be on that plane even if I have to throw you on there myself", he adds

"Now you haul your ass over to the Communications Center and you get on the horn with your wife", Gen. Breyton said "Dismissed Lieutenant", he added.

"Under extreme duress....Sir, yes sir", Leo said

Leo walks out of Gen. Breyton's office.

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On THE NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
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* Leo calls Stacy as per orders from General Breyton. What will he say to her when asked about Cassandra?

* Trish & Michael ponder the idea of getting back together again, but has time finally caught up with them? Has Trish really forgiven him for the events that lead to his departure nearly three years ago?

* Will Brad rethink his position on Jennifer? We he try to help her regain her memory?

* Greg & Courtney have another meeting, but this time with lawyers in tow. What will happen?

Don't miss the next exciting episode.

See you all next time. :-)

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