SOMERSET EPISODE 30

Original airdate: 08/24/07

Written by: Steve Ungrey

SCENE ONE

It is morning in Somerset, and we fade in on Grant’s Preserve as Susannah emerges from her bedroom dressed for work. As she is looking at her face in the mirror, the phone rings. She runs over to the kitchen wall and picks up the receiver.

SUSANNAH: Hello?

We see Nick at his office, turning on the computer screen.

NICK: So you’re still among the living, huh?

SUSANNAH: (Laughs) Hi! Yes, I am… I made it in last night, ran a bath, soaked in the tub for a while and then went in and went right to sleep.

NICK: You weren’t tipsy at all?

SUSANNAH: No, I felt just fine. Enough to come back in the car last night and… by the way, I’m sorry if you felt I overdid it with that kiss.

NICK: Don’t sweat it. It’s your way of saying you had a good night.

SUSANNAH: Well, then I won’t feel sorry. I’ll look forward to another time like this, if and when it happens.

NICK: Me too.

SUSANNAH: (Hears knock at door) Oops, I bet that’s Giovanni. I gotta run. (Pauses) Have a good day, okay?

NICK: You too. Talk to you soon. (Hangs up)

Susannah hangs up and goes over to the door, where Giovanni is waiting. She opens the door.

GIOVANNI: Buongiorno, Susannah!

SUSANNAH: Hi there. Thanks for offering me a ride into the city.

GIOVANNI: I’d rather have you home in one piece than in pieces at the hospital. How was your date last night?

SUSANNAH: (Laughs) Well, I wouldn’t call it a romantic date… but it was fun. I had to get out and enjoy myself.

GIOVANNI: You picked a good guy to head out with and talk business. Are you all set?

SUSANNAH: (Grabs purse) I am now. Let’s go.

The music plays as Giovanni and Susannah exit the house and head for his car.

CUT TO: The hospital, where Alana is rubbing her neck as she yawns and stretches. She puts a hand on her forehead, both because she’s warm and she’s experiencing a small headache. Mike comes in and notices Alana.

MIKE: Judging by how you look, I’m going to guess you’re not up for coffee.

ALANA: You guessed right. Can I take that rain check… I promise I’m good for it.

MIKE: On one condition. Did you walk here last night or drive?

ALANA: I walked over.

MIKE: Then you’re getting a ride back and an escort up to your place. No questions, no hassles.

ALANA: You’re sweet. I think I’ll take you up on it.

Taylor comes out and is ready to leave before she sees Alana.

TAYLOR: Heading home?

ALANA: Yes. I’m going to sleep off this illness and hope my fever breaks.

TAYLOR: OK. Don’t work at all, all right?

ALANA: Not a chance. (Turns to Mike) Let’s get out of here.

As Alana and Mike leave, Taylor goes back into the nurses’ lounge and dials a number.

TAYLOR: Hi Patrick, it’s Taylor at the hospital… hey, are you coming in here today or not until tonight?... Before 10? OK, can you do me a favor and stop by Alana’s place? (Pauses) She just left here with Mike and I’m worried. (Pause) Yes. She’s not looking good at all.

Taylor’s face looks frightened as the Somerset theme starts playing.

We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by Cheer, for the way you wash in hot, warm and cold water. All-Tempa Cheer… and by Pert Plus, the shampoo for hair that bounces and behaves.

SCENE TWO

At Martin Enterprises, Jack is stepping off the elevator to a cup of coffee offered by Joanne.

JACK: Well, good morning to you too!

JOANNE: (Hands him a sheet of paper) I knew you had a busy day ahead so I took the liberty of typing out an itinerary.

JACK: Geez, Joanne… you didn’t have to do that. (Scans the sheet) On second thought, I’m glad you did. Three interviews, a luncheon appointment… and I see I have to keep this appointment since I rescheduled it already…

JOANNE: You haven’t had a busy day like this in a long time.

JACK: Oh, relax, I certainly have. (Sees clock) What time is my first interview?

JOANNE: At 10. Already called the office here and confirmed.

JACK: Well, how conscientious. I better take this coffee and get the heck in my office to do a little homework.

JOANNE: Do you want me to hold calls?

JACK: No, you don’t need to do that. It’s called multitasking and if I haven’t mastered it by now…

JOANNE: (Laughing) Okay, Jack.

Jack enters his office as the music plays and the scene changes. We see an exterior shot of an apartment building.

CUT TO: Alana’s apartment, where the door opens and Alana and Mike come in.

MIKE: Are you sure you’re all right? You seemed awfully slow getting out of the car.

ALANA: Relax. I had a long night. I’m going to go straight to bed and sleep this off.

MIKE: Good to hear. You call me if you need anything, okay?

ALANA: You’re so sweet. Why have I treated you so bad?

MIKE: You haven’t. Yet, anyway. (Turns and opens the door) Take care of yourself.

ALANA: I will. Thanks…

Mike leaves the apartment, leaving Alana alone.

Alana turns to grab a cup and run water from the kitchen sink to take cold tablets. She takes the tablets with water and heads toward the hallway.

Near the bathroom, she stops, placing a hand on her forehead and grimacing. It’s clear she’s suffering from a more severe headache than she had when Mike brought her home. We see her run into the bathroom – it’s obvious she’s gone in to throw up – and when she emerges Alana is dizzy and unsteady on her feet.

As the dramatic music plays in the background, Alana makes it back to the couch and lies down, taking the thermometer. When she sees the temperature, Alana’s eyes widen. Clearly her fever has risen dramatically.

Her head hurts once again, prompting Alana to cover her eyes with one hand and cry out in pain. By now it’s obvious this isn’t the flu – what is it? The picture fades to black as the music swells to a climax.

We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

Marah sees something she shouldn’t on a gripping episode of Finding The Light. Find your Light – with Finding The Light, weekdays on SONBC.

We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by Pantene. Pantene makes a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners for all types of hair – even yours.

SCENE THREE

At the Cleybank Corporation, George is busy at work in his office with Zachary also in his office. Both are reviewing a copy of that day’s Somerset Register, as Mike’s story has been printed.

ZACHARY: Dad, it looks like Jack’s got some serious backing for this X Project.

GEORGE: It’s all smoke and mirrors. He doesn’t have the backing yet. My sources are telling me his plan is no further along than mine.

ZACHARY: Well, he does want to declare some buildings historic landmarks, Dad – including the ones you wanted to tear down.

GEORGE: And you think that’s a good idea?

ZACHARY: Dad, I’ve frequented some of those restaurants. Of course I think it’s a good idea. Don’t you think you can get some more sympathy with the public if you shifted your plans to the riverbank?

GEORGE: What, offer up a competing vision of what downtown Somerset should look like? In a different place? Blasphemy!

ZACHARY: I’m just saying, Dad… it might be a good idea…

GEORGE: This is the man who singlehandedly destroyed Somerset when he sold Delaney Brands down the river. Do you know how long it took this town to recover its footing?

ZACHARY: The last I knew, Dad… the town was still standing a long time ago.

GEORGE: But it isn’t as vibrant as it could be. I wish I could figure out what was going on with this development.

ZACHARY: Doesn’t it say something about the People’s Building in that story?

GEORGE: It says Jack wants to buy the building. Why is beyond me. (Thinks about it) Actually, I have an idea why he’d want to do it, but he’s nuts if he does. (Pauses) Do me a favor. Do you have any major plans today?

ZACHARY: Dad…

GEORGE: You’re right. Forget I said that. I could sure use your help on a couple things here.

ZACHARY: (Pretends to roll up sleeves) Well, then you’ve got it. Where do I start?

The music builds as George pulls out a paper dealing with another project, ready to show off to Zachary. The scene changes.

CUT TO: Outside Alana’s apartment

Patrick is coming up the hall and knocks on the door.

PATRICK: Alana? (Knocks again) Alana? (Knocks louder)

ALANA: (Weak voice from inside the door) It’s open.

Patrick opens the door and finds Alana on the couch semi-conscious.

PATRICK: (Runs over) Hey Alana… (Bends over and kneels by her) Hey, how are you?

ALANA: I’ve been better. (Grimaces)

PATRICK: What’s wrong… what are you feeling? Can you speak all right?

ALANA: Yeah. It’s my head… I’m nauseous…

PATRICK: (Grabs thermometer and puts it in Alana’s mouth) Let me do a quick read here. (Waits and takes out thermometer, and his eyes widen) My God… 104.8. Can you stand?

ALANA: I may need help.

PATRICK: If I have to carry you down the stairs I’ll do it. You need to get back to the hospital and pronto. You shouldn’t have left there.

ALANA: (Groggy) What’s wrong with me?

PATRICK: I think I know. I don’t want to say anything, but I think I know.

ALANA: Call Mike for me, would you?

PATRICK: (Nods) Let’s get the heck out of here.

As Patrick grabs Alana’s purse, he slings her right arm around his shoulder. She’s wobbly on her feet, but she can walk toward the door. As the music builds, the two leave the apartment… the picture fades to black.

We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

SCENE FOUR

At Somerset Hospital, Patrick is at the nurses’ station when Mike runs in. He’s obviously agitated upon hearing the news about Alana.

MIKE: Patrick, what happened? How is she?

PATRICK: Hey. Have a seat over here. (Motions him over to the lounge area)

MIKE: (Walks over and sits down) I just left Alana not more than a half hour ago! How did she deteriorate so quickly?

PATRICK: She’s been sick for a few days. I thought it was a cold or a slight case of the flu, but a couple other symptoms have come to the forefront. I’ve got her upstairs with Dr. Kellman in neurology and he’s running a few tests.

Taylor walks over as Mike and Patrick are talking.

MIKE: Neurology? Patrick, what did she have, a stroke? (Pauses) Is she going to… die?

Taylor’s eyes mist slightly as Mike’s agonizing words hit home with Patrick. Patrick puts a hand on Mike, and he turns and sees Taylor there. The music builds before the change of scenes.

CUT TO: Martin Enterprises

Jack is inside his office studying a file when the phone buzzes.

JACK: (Picking up phone) Yes, Joanne? (Looks at clock) My 10:00 is here about 10 minutes early. That’s punctual indeed. (Pauses) No, I’m fine. I’ll be right out.

Joanne is looking up at another person, whom we cannot see.

JOANNE: He’ll be right with you.

In the background, the song “Cherchez La Femme” can be heard playing again as Jack looks at the resume and sticks it back in a folder. He walks out into the reception area to greet his interview, whom we still can’t see.

JACK: (Extends a hand) Donna Morgan! Welcome to Somerset!

DONNA: Thanks, Mr. Martin, it’s a pleasure to be here.

As the camera pans over to Donna, we see it is indeed a familiar face. “Cherchez La Femme” in English means Look for the Woman. She may be wearing glasses and a three-piece suit, but there’s no disguising it. The woman is Nick’s mystery woman from the bar in Washington.

The picture does an immediate cut to black, and the Somerset theme plays following the commercials.

Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.

Be sure to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

This program was pre-recorded.