SOMERSET EPISODE 42

Written by: Steve Ungrey

Original airdate: 09/11/07

SCENE ONE

FADE IN -- Ski’s Sub Shop

Ski’s Sub Shop is the newest business our viewers get to see in Somerset. It’s a small sandwich shop located around the corner from Martin Enterprises, on the ground floor of the Wentworth Building.

Patrick and Susannah have adjourned to Ski’s to have a light lunch and catch up on what’s been going on.

SUSANNAH

(Looks around) You know, I never saw this place before when I was making my travels through downtown. Talk about being out of the way.

PATRICK

Most of the hospital staff swears by the food. We sometimes sneak out and bring subs back if we’re trying to catch a quick bite between patients.

SUSANNAH

I’ll have to keep this place in mind. My 70-hour weeks might be coming to an end here shortly.

Patrick laughs, albeit a bit nervously, when Susannah says this.

SUSANNAH

(Smiles) What… you think I’m kidding? And don’t tell me you’re 9-to-5 type guy who trades his white coat for a set of clubs and plays hooky in the afternoon.

PATRICK

I wish. The last time I played golf, I swear I had to check the foursome out afterwards for cuts and bruises.

Susannah nearly spits out her coffee, laughing at Patrick’s joke.

PATRICK

You see? I got you to smile.

Susannah cleans off her mouth with a napkin as soft music plays to transition scenes.

DISSOLVE TO -- Cleybank Corporation

Mike stands there in disbelief as George announces his intention to buy The Peoples Building.

MIKE

Oh, boy. This isn’t going to end well.

GEORGE

And why won’t it? I certainly have the money to purchase it.

MIKE

But what if it isn’t for sale? What if someone already owns it?

GEORGE

That’s not my problem.

MIKE

Well, what IS my problem, Mr. Cleypool, is that I’ve already done a story on Jack Martin’s intent to purchase the building.

GEORGE

Jack Martin doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

MIKE

He’s stronger than you think.

George produces a folder with papers inside it. Handing it to Mike, he smiles.

MIKE

Is this what’s called bribing a reporter? You know I’m above…

GEORGE

It is NOT a cash bribe, Mr. Wagner. You know I’m above that.

MIKE

How do I?

GEORGE

What this is, Mr. Wagner, is a desire for Cleybank to do a special section on the opening of the new shopping center I’m building north of Somerset. Think of all the ad money that would be bringing the Register.

MIKE

I’ll have to run this by Norman first.

GEORGE

No need. I already did.

Mike, by now, is growing visibly agitated. Is he going to be drawn into doing a story he doesn’t want to do? As he thinks about it, the Somerset theme starts.

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.

BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is presented today by Gain, the detergent that leaves a sunshine-fresh smell on your clothes. Get clean at a lower price, and rid stains with Gain.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

SCENE TWO

FADE IN -- Cleybank Corporation

The conversation between Mike and George continues.

MIKE

I have a better idea for this story.

GEORGE

Well, sit. I’d love to hear it. (Points at counter) Coffee?

MIKE

Thanks.

As Mike goes to pour a cup of coffee, George continues talking.

GEORGE

I sense you’re reluctant to do this story, Mr. Wagner, and I don’t know why.

MIKE

It’s because of one thing. I think the bigger story throughout this whole thread is that you and Jack cannot stand each other, and many people in Somerset would like to know why.

GEORGE

You know the answer to that as well as anyone else. You’re too young to recall it, but Jack sold Delaney Brands to a company that had no interest in keeping the property here in Somerset.

MIKE

But my readers don’t know that. I want to do a bigger story. I think people would love to know about the war between you two. I’m not saying I want to get you guys in the same room and talk, because it might trigger World War III…

George thinks it over and nods.

GEORGE

I like the way you think, Wagner.

MIKE

And besides, you both want the same building, right?

GEORGE

Correct. Why don’t you talk with Denise about scheduling more time with me to talk about my desire to buy the building?

MIKE

And I can run my idea by Norman. I’m sure he’ll love it.

George shakes Mike’s hand as music plays to transition scenes.

DISSOLVE TO -- Ski’s

Susannah is finishing up a half-sub with ham and salami while Patrick has the works. In between bites, the two are talking about work.

SUSANNAH

I get Donna in the office later this week, so I’ll be able to breathe a bit and concentrate on other matters.

PATRICK

Including having a social life?

SUSANNAH

Like what type of social life do you want me to have?

PATRICK

Well, let’s see… I know you’re into jazz music.

SUSANNAH

You remembered that from so long ago, I’m impressed.

PATRICK

I know you like sports from when you played softball. We’ve got some great minor league sports here in town.

SUSANNAH

If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you were angling to take me out.

PATRICK

Well, listen… I know you’re not ready for anything more than just light chit-chat and friends thanks to your schedule, and I respect that. You think my schedule is any different?

SUSANNAH

If anything, it’s worse. (Laughs)

PATRICK

You got that right.

As Patrick takes a bite of sub, the two switch conversation subjects.

SUSANNAH

I hear Alana is out of the hospital?

PATRICK

(Looks up) Yes, yes. She had an attack of viral meningitis, but luckily we were able to get to it in time and stop the fever from doing any damage.

SUSANNAH

What a relief. That’s nothing to sneeze at, no pun intended.

PATRICK

Well, she’s got a great guy taking care of her while she’s recuperating. About the only thing she’s lacking is someone to help clean her apartment.

SUSANNAH

Tell her if she absolutely needs help, I’ll volunteer my services.

PATRICK

I didn’t know you were a cleaning woman on the side.

SUSANNAH

I’m not. I just want to widen my circle of friends here in Somerset, that’s all. I’ll have Donna once she arrives, assuming she’s the type that likes to hang out after work…

\PATRICK

If all her time isn’t monopolized by Nick, that is…

The two laugh and share a fun moment as the music builds into commercial break.

We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

The shareholders have come home to roost… will the news be good or bad? Tune in to Novi, part of the SONBC daytime lineup. Weekdays.

A still shot of the Somerset logo appears with accompanying music.

BILL WOLFF: In just a moment, we’ll continue with the second half of Somerset. This portion of our program is presented by digestible, all-vegetable Crisco, for foods that taste great without the cholesterol.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

SCENE THREE

FADE IN -- City Hall

Nick is working at his desk and has his back turned to the door. He’s on the phone with Mike, who has returned to the Register.

NICK

(Looks out window) George wants to buy The Peoples Building. I was afraid of that.

MIKE

I don’t want word to leak out that we talked, but my hands are tied. Apparently Norman and George have already talked and the paper will get some advertising for the new shopping center.

NICK

Isn’t that a bribe?

MIKE

In this day and age it’s called revenue. I know our owners in Denver will love to see that.

NICK

Whatever happened to the days of local ownership, anyway? (Laughs)

As Nick is talking, we see a shadowy figure at Nick’s door and the figure creeps in behind Nick.

NICK

Anyhow, I’m sure Jack will be willing to cooperate.

MIKE

Oh, I know he will. In fact, when I sent him an e-mail on his PDA he responded back right away with three words. Bring it on.

NICK

(Laughing) Sounds like Jack. I think that will make for some good copy for you.

MIKE

I’m going to head in to talk to Norman since he just got back. I’ll keep you posted.

NICK

Sounds good. Take care.

As Nick puts down the phone, a hand touches Nick’s shoulder. Instead of jumping out of his seat, Nick smiles.

NICK

I always wanted to get a shoulder rub from my secretary. (Turns around) But you’ll do.

We see Donna’s smiling face, as she takes off her sunglasses.

DONNA

Considering you don’t have a secretary… You’re just lucky I wasn’t someone else, handsome.

NICK

Welcome back. I missed you.

Nick rises and embraces Donna, lightly kissing her on the lips and then tightly holding on to her.

DONNA

Me too. See? This friends with benefits thing isn’t bad after all, is it?

NICK

(Breaks embrace) Naa. I’ll get used to it. So are you back to stay?

DONNA

You bet. Jack has me at the Somerset Inn for as long as I need to use it. I told him it’d hopefully be a couple weeks tops.

NICK

Annabella is back in Italy for a week, but when she gets back she said she’s dying to meet you in the flesh.

DONNA

I’m looking forward to getting settled in. Mom said she can’t wait to meet you either. I told her we weren’t exactly inseparable just yet, but…

NICK

Hey, the fact you’re back here is good enough for me. (Kisses Donna once again)

DONNA

Just wanted to stop in and say hi. I’ve got to get back and do some unpacking. Did you want to do the honors and walk with me to work on my first day?

NICK

You act like you’re in kindergarten and I’m walking you to school.

DONNA

Mom and Dad did that on my first day of kindergarten. Been there, done that. This is a new chapter of my life.

NICK

Then… (takes Donna’s hand and kisses it) I’d be delighted.

Donna smiles and blows a kiss to Nick as she leaves the office. Nick sits down to start working again as the music builds to change scenes. Now if he can only recall what he was working on since he got so distracted…

DISSOLVE TO -- Ski’s

Victoria has taken up a corner table with a diet soda and a meatball sub, and she has numerous papers spread out in front of her. Taylor walks in the front door and sees Victoria and can’t help but laugh.

TAYLOR

(Walking over) You are going to be soooo glad when this exam is over, aren’t you?

VICTORIA

Don’t remind me. I take the exam Friday and I can’t wait until it’s behind me. I’m going to go out with Zachary that night and have a blast.

TAYLOR

How is the studying going?

VICTORIA

I think I have a decent grasp of it. I’m worried how I’ll adapt to the material since it’s pretty damn hard.

TAYLOR

You’ll manage. You’ve done a good job before.

VICTORIA

Hey. Sit with me and keep me company until I get the urge to start studying again.

TAYLOR

I think I can do that. Let me grab something to order.

Taylor rises from the table and walks over to place an order as Victoria looks down at her notes, wondering how she’s doing. The picture fades to black.

We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

SCENE FOUR

FADE IN -- Ski’s

Victoria and Taylor are chatting over subs as Victoria has her books pushed to the side.

VICTORIA

I’m so glad I pushed my decision to move out to after the exam was out of the way. I’m going to lie low the night before the test because I just want to be as simple as possible.

TAYLOR

(Munching on sub) Well, you won’t have to worry. You’ll pass this exam.

VICTORIA

I’m not sure. Alana said she actually failed this test once before she passed it.

TAYLOR

Then if the worst happens you’ll have a built-in escape hatch, right?

VICTORIA

Right. (Pauses) Have you talked to Alana today?

TAYLOR

She’s lying low. Patrick told her not to really start moving around until later this week, so she’s catching up on TV, sitting at her computer, talking with her folks…

VICTORIA

In short, living her life for a change.

TAYLOR

I’ll tell you one thing. (Smiles) That date with Mike can’t get here fast enough for her.

Victoria laughs as Taylor cracks up too. Music builds for the next scene.

DISSOLVE TO -- The Register

Mike is in Norman’s office pitching his idea for a bigger story.

NORMAN

So you think you can pull off a Jack Martin vs. George Cleypool story and their fight over The Peoples Building, huh?

MIKE

Jack’s already said he’d take part provided he didn’t have to sit in the same room with George. I can do a he said, he said type of story and have a great faceoff with both of them.

NORMAN

I like what I’m hearing from you. Let’s go ahead and do it on one condition.

MIKE

You name it.

NORMAN

You should investigate who really owns this property. Might make for a good third party story.

Mike begins to see the merit of that idea as the music builds and the picture fades to black.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

The Somerset theme plays over the closing credits.

BILL WOLFF: Men’s slacks by Dockers. Watches by Marvella.

Join us again each weekday at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And be sure to stay tuned for Point Palace, which follows immediately over most of these SONBC stations.

This program was recorded.