1. CHANNING MANSION
It’s a cloudy and rainy day in New York today. The temperature has dropped and there’s a slight chill in the air. Rebecca is in the dining room looking out the window and playing back in her mind her evening with Olivia. She had not been able to get much sleep the night before. All she could think about were the endless threats from Olivia. Did Olivia really know something or was she just bluffing? How long has she known? Just what did she hope to gain? These were just some of the many questions Rebecca was seeking answers for.
William: Rebecca!
William comes charging into the dining room straight to Rebecca. Rebecca is startled out of her daydream upon hearing her name called.
Rebecca: What? What is it?
William: I specifically told you not to get involved and what do you do? The exact opposite.
Rebecca: What are you talking about William?
William: You went to see Olivia! I said to let me handle it. What on earth were you thinking? Just going there by yourself.
Rebecca: Who told you?
William: Gregory! He’s the only one smart enough to know when to rat you out. I know exactly how to deal with this and the way to go about it. You just couldn’t wait, could you?!
Rebecca: I had to see for myself. I couldn’t just go on your word. I needed to know. And for the record it’s true. She’s back and she’s out for blood. I can smell it on her. You think you’ve got this all under control? Well I’m here to tell you otherwise. I have a feeling that whatever she’s up it’s not good. I bet she’s been planning out her move for a long time now. She’s ahead and we have to catch her before it’s too late.
William: We might have been fine had you not stepped in and caused a problem.
Rebecca: I am not the problem here William! She is! If she knows half of what I think she knows then we are screwed!
William: What do you mean?
Rebecca: She made several threats to me and these weren’t just typical threats. It seemed very specific. It was if she had information or some type of proof of something. I had never seen her like that before. A very different Olivia was in that room last night.
Shouts are heard from inside of the house that gets both of their attention.
William: What on earth is that?
Rebecca: Sounds like Kyle and Mason.
Rebecca and William both leave the dining room. Meanwhile in the kitchen Mason and Kyle are in the middle of argument. Mason has approached Kyle about his threats to Kendall. Mason has for a while dealt with Kyle and his unwelcome opinions. Kyle always feels the need to stick his head in on things that don’t concern him.
Kyle: I did you a favor! Now you know the truth and you can get on with your life.
Mason: Get on with my life?! How can I get on with my life when you continuously try and destroy it each time?! You can’t ever see me happy.
Kyle: That is not true.
Mason: You’re jealous.
Kyle: Jealous? Don’t be stupid.
Mason: You’re jealous because you can’t stand the fact that I can lead a happy and simple life away from Channing Industries and be completely content. While you’ve sold your life away trying to be a clone of dad, all you’re going to really be is a sad, pathetic, and lonely man.
Kyle: You son of a bitch!
Kyle charges after Mason and pushes him against the wall. Mason punches Kyle in the stomach and spins him around. Grabbing Kyle by the collar, Mason shoves Kyle against the counter just as Rebecca and William enter.
Rebecca: Oh my god!
William: Kyle! Mason!
William comes forward and gets between the two of them. He tries to break them up but neither one of them breaks.
William: Enough. I said enough!
Mason breaks from the hold while William pulls Kyle to the side away from Mason.
Rebecca: What is going on here? I want answers!
Neither Kyle nor Mason answers her. William looks at both Mason and Kyle. The tension in the room is high.
It’s a cloudy and rainy day in New York today. The temperature has dropped and there’s a slight chill in the air. Rebecca is in the dining room looking out the window and playing back in her mind her evening with Olivia. She had not been able to get much sleep the night before. All she could think about were the endless threats from Olivia. Did Olivia really know something or was she just bluffing? How long has she known? Just what did she hope to gain? These were just some of the many questions Rebecca was seeking answers for.
William: Rebecca!
William comes charging into the dining room straight to Rebecca. Rebecca is startled out of her daydream upon hearing her name called.
Rebecca: What? What is it?
William: I specifically told you not to get involved and what do you do? The exact opposite.
Rebecca: What are you talking about William?
William: You went to see Olivia! I said to let me handle it. What on earth were you thinking? Just going there by yourself.
Rebecca: Who told you?
William: Gregory! He’s the only one smart enough to know when to rat you out. I know exactly how to deal with this and the way to go about it. You just couldn’t wait, could you?!
Rebecca: I had to see for myself. I couldn’t just go on your word. I needed to know. And for the record it’s true. She’s back and she’s out for blood. I can smell it on her. You think you’ve got this all under control? Well I’m here to tell you otherwise. I have a feeling that whatever she’s up it’s not good. I bet she’s been planning out her move for a long time now. She’s ahead and we have to catch her before it’s too late.
William: We might have been fine had you not stepped in and caused a problem.
Rebecca: I am not the problem here William! She is! If she knows half of what I think she knows then we are screwed!
William: What do you mean?
Rebecca: She made several threats to me and these weren’t just typical threats. It seemed very specific. It was if she had information or some type of proof of something. I had never seen her like that before. A very different Olivia was in that room last night.
Shouts are heard from inside of the house that gets both of their attention.
William: What on earth is that?
Rebecca: Sounds like Kyle and Mason.
Rebecca and William both leave the dining room. Meanwhile in the kitchen Mason and Kyle are in the middle of argument. Mason has approached Kyle about his threats to Kendall. Mason has for a while dealt with Kyle and his unwelcome opinions. Kyle always feels the need to stick his head in on things that don’t concern him.
Kyle: I did you a favor! Now you know the truth and you can get on with your life.
Mason: Get on with my life?! How can I get on with my life when you continuously try and destroy it each time?! You can’t ever see me happy.
Kyle: That is not true.
Mason: You’re jealous.
Kyle: Jealous? Don’t be stupid.
Mason: You’re jealous because you can’t stand the fact that I can lead a happy and simple life away from Channing Industries and be completely content. While you’ve sold your life away trying to be a clone of dad, all you’re going to really be is a sad, pathetic, and lonely man.
Kyle: You son of a bitch!
Kyle charges after Mason and pushes him against the wall. Mason punches Kyle in the stomach and spins him around. Grabbing Kyle by the collar, Mason shoves Kyle against the counter just as Rebecca and William enter.
Rebecca: Oh my god!
William: Kyle! Mason!
William comes forward and gets between the two of them. He tries to break them up but neither one of them breaks.
William: Enough. I said enough!
Mason breaks from the hold while William pulls Kyle to the side away from Mason.
Rebecca: What is going on here? I want answers!
Neither Kyle nor Mason answers her. William looks at both Mason and Kyle. The tension in the room is high.
2. JOE AND CARTER’S APARTMENT I N CHELSEA
Carter slowly starts waking up in bed. He leans over and notices that Joe isn’t there. Wiping his eyes as he looks over at the clock, he sees that it’s 8am. Carter gets out of the bed wearing just his underwear. He checks the kitchen first to find Joe. Joe is seated at the kitchen counter having cereal.
Carter: When’d you get out of bed?
Joe: About an hour ago?
Carter: An hour ago? Oh god. Why?
Joe: Thought you might want this.
Joe throws a newspaper at Carter. Carter slightly still asleep hasn’t caught on to what this might be. He unfolds the newspaper to reveal the front cover. On the front page are various pictures of Daniel and Paloma from the previous evening with the headline “State Senate Candidate Parties with Underage Girl”.
Carter: You did it. You really did it! I can’t believe you pulled this off.
Joe: What do you mean you can’t believe?
Carter: No, I don’t mean it that way. I’m just shocked. This is amazing! Thank you.
Carter kisses Joe.
Joe: It feels kind of odd to be celebrating this.
Carter: Oh don’t you start feeling sympathy for this man.
Joe: I’m not. I’m feeling sorry for the helpless girl in the photo. Her name is Paloma Herrera. She’s a good kid. I looked her up. Good grades and a promising future. This could destroy that.
Carter: Or make her one of the most sought after people.
Joe: For what? Fifteen minutes. That’s nothing compared to the rest of her life.
Carter: Joe-
Joe: Listen, I don’t want to argue. It’s too early. So, what do you think is going to be Daniel’s reaction when he finds out about this?
Carter: Who knows? I’m sure he’ll go right into damage control that’s for sure. He’s always been good at that. But this… this I’m not so sure he can bounce back from.
There’s a knock at the front door.
Joe: Who could that be at this time in the morning?
Another knock.
Carter: I don’t know. You expecting anyone?
Daniel: Carter!
Carter immediately recognizes the voice from the other side of the door. Carter looks back at Joe unsure of what to do.
Carter slowly starts waking up in bed. He leans over and notices that Joe isn’t there. Wiping his eyes as he looks over at the clock, he sees that it’s 8am. Carter gets out of the bed wearing just his underwear. He checks the kitchen first to find Joe. Joe is seated at the kitchen counter having cereal.
Carter: When’d you get out of bed?
Joe: About an hour ago?
Carter: An hour ago? Oh god. Why?
Joe: Thought you might want this.
Joe throws a newspaper at Carter. Carter slightly still asleep hasn’t caught on to what this might be. He unfolds the newspaper to reveal the front cover. On the front page are various pictures of Daniel and Paloma from the previous evening with the headline “State Senate Candidate Parties with Underage Girl”.
Carter: You did it. You really did it! I can’t believe you pulled this off.
Joe: What do you mean you can’t believe?
Carter: No, I don’t mean it that way. I’m just shocked. This is amazing! Thank you.
Carter kisses Joe.
Joe: It feels kind of odd to be celebrating this.
Carter: Oh don’t you start feeling sympathy for this man.
Joe: I’m not. I’m feeling sorry for the helpless girl in the photo. Her name is Paloma Herrera. She’s a good kid. I looked her up. Good grades and a promising future. This could destroy that.
Carter: Or make her one of the most sought after people.
Joe: For what? Fifteen minutes. That’s nothing compared to the rest of her life.
Carter: Joe-
Joe: Listen, I don’t want to argue. It’s too early. So, what do you think is going to be Daniel’s reaction when he finds out about this?
Carter: Who knows? I’m sure he’ll go right into damage control that’s for sure. He’s always been good at that. But this… this I’m not so sure he can bounce back from.
There’s a knock at the front door.
Joe: Who could that be at this time in the morning?
Another knock.
Carter: I don’t know. You expecting anyone?
Daniel: Carter!
Carter immediately recognizes the voice from the other side of the door. Carter looks back at Joe unsure of what to do.
3. 756 W. 181ST, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, THE HERRERA APARTMENT
Paloma is asleep in bed still when a loud slam wakes her up. Completely startled from the noise, she starts to get up from her bed when her mother storms through the door. Carla throws a newspaper at Paloma’s bed.
Paloma: Mama, what’s wrong?
Carla: You tell me. What in God’s name is this Paloma?
Paloma: What are you talking about?
Carla: Look!
Paloma, unsure of what her mother is talking about, reaches for the newspaper. She opens it up to the front page and there printed largely is a picture of her and Daniel from the previous night. She sees the headline.
Paloma: What? How?
Carla: What were you thinking Paloma? Firstly, you shouldn’t have even been in a place like that. Then you’re parading around like that and ending up in the morning paper!
Paloma: I swear I had no idea. It was Gabriella’s idea and I just went along with it. I could have never thought this would happen.
Carla: That’s the problem, you never think.
Paloma: It’s not that big of a deal.
Carla: Not that big of deal?! You are in the middle of getting ready to start applying for colleges. This is a time you should be focused on your future. Instead you’re out partying when you’re underage and winding up the talk of the city the next morning. Do you have any idea what this could mean for you?
Paloma: Nothing. I haven’t done anything that countless other girls haven’t.
Carla: Yes, but none of them have done it with a politician who’s up for election. Don’t you get it? Your name is written all over in that article. Pretty soon everyone is going to know who you are. The only thing people are going to associate with you for the time being is being the underage girl who drank with Daniel Evans. Forget your good grades. Forget all the charity work and extra-curricular things you do. You washed them away. They’re going to make a big deal out of this and not because of you.
Paloma: Who are you talking about?
Carla: It’s clear that this a personal attack against this man in favor of the other party. They’re trying to destroy his image and they don’t care if you go down with him! They could care less about people like us! But of course, you didn’t think about that.
Paloma is mortified by what’s happening but couldn’t be any more disappointed than her mother. All that Carla sees is all the work they’ve put forth for Paloma’s sake going right down the drain. Paloma has always been her pride and joy. She hopes the damage of this isn’t as bad as she predicts.
Paloma is asleep in bed still when a loud slam wakes her up. Completely startled from the noise, she starts to get up from her bed when her mother storms through the door. Carla throws a newspaper at Paloma’s bed.
Paloma: Mama, what’s wrong?
Carla: You tell me. What in God’s name is this Paloma?
Paloma: What are you talking about?
Carla: Look!
Paloma, unsure of what her mother is talking about, reaches for the newspaper. She opens it up to the front page and there printed largely is a picture of her and Daniel from the previous night. She sees the headline.
Paloma: What? How?
Carla: What were you thinking Paloma? Firstly, you shouldn’t have even been in a place like that. Then you’re parading around like that and ending up in the morning paper!
Paloma: I swear I had no idea. It was Gabriella’s idea and I just went along with it. I could have never thought this would happen.
Carla: That’s the problem, you never think.
Paloma: It’s not that big of a deal.
Carla: Not that big of deal?! You are in the middle of getting ready to start applying for colleges. This is a time you should be focused on your future. Instead you’re out partying when you’re underage and winding up the talk of the city the next morning. Do you have any idea what this could mean for you?
Paloma: Nothing. I haven’t done anything that countless other girls haven’t.
Carla: Yes, but none of them have done it with a politician who’s up for election. Don’t you get it? Your name is written all over in that article. Pretty soon everyone is going to know who you are. The only thing people are going to associate with you for the time being is being the underage girl who drank with Daniel Evans. Forget your good grades. Forget all the charity work and extra-curricular things you do. You washed them away. They’re going to make a big deal out of this and not because of you.
Paloma: Who are you talking about?
Carla: It’s clear that this a personal attack against this man in favor of the other party. They’re trying to destroy his image and they don’t care if you go down with him! They could care less about people like us! But of course, you didn’t think about that.
Paloma is mortified by what’s happening but couldn’t be any more disappointed than her mother. All that Carla sees is all the work they’ve put forth for Paloma’s sake going right down the drain. Paloma has always been her pride and joy. She hopes the damage of this isn’t as bad as she predicts.
4. THE EVANS' APARTMENT, UPPER EAST SIDE
Victoria and Brock are seated in the living watching the news as they report the latest news of Daniel. Victoria shuts the television off.
Brock: Well I’d say it’s safe to say this definitely puts a wrench in his campaign.
Victoria: Who cares about his campaign at this point?
Brock: Don’t you?
Victoria: I knew he was going to screw this up one way or another. He always does. They are going to have a field day with this. Contributing to underage drinking? Do you even come back from that?
Brock: He’s a fighter, you know that. He’ll find a way. That is the one thing I can never take away from Daniel. No matter how many punches he’s thrown, he’ll always get right back up.
Victoria: I’m not so sure. This could be just what Walter Malone needs to win. I warned Daniel that he shouldn’t count them out just yet.
Brock: You think Walter’s team is behind this?
Victoria: Of course! Who else?
Brock: It just seems too out of character for Walter. For someone who’s been playing just a safe game all this time to just all of a sudden throw out a card like that.
Victoria: Isn’t that precisely how you play the game?
Brock: I guess. This is exactly why I said you need to start thinking about yourself. What if Daniel goes down in all this? What are you going to do? You have to have something to fall back on. You can’t just depend on him.
Victoria: Who said I was depending on him? I don’t believe I’ve ever said that or given the impression that I was. Just because I don’t tell you everything Brock does not mean that there isn’t something going on.
Brock: Do tell?
Victoria doesn’t nudge. Brock quickly senses that clearly there’s something Victoria has cooking but won’t let out. He thinks it’s something career wise which clearly is far from the truth. Victoria has other plans in mind but has to play the cards just right.
5. CHANNING MANSION
Rebecca: Well? Is someone going to answer me?
Mason: Kyle went to Kendall and tried blackmailing her into leaving me.
Rebecca: Blackmail? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would Kyle want Kendall to leave you?
Mason: That’s a good question. I have my own ideas but perhaps we should let Kyle answer that one for you.
William: Is this true Kyle?
Everyone looks at Kyle for an answer but he says nothing which everyone takes as a yes. Mason smiles on as her brothers actions are revealed to his parents. Rebecca is trying to piece the pieces together of the situation.
Rebecca: What on earth would you do that for?
Kyle: It’s not what you think. He’s not telling you everything.
William: What more is there to tell?
Kyle: His precious little girlfriend cheated on him anyway. I was doing him a favor. Atleast now he doesn’t has to waste any more time thinking he’s in love. Now he can concentrate on things that matter. Like this family.
Mason: Who the hell are you to tell me what I should concentrate on?!
Rebecca: Mason-
Mason: And sorry if all of us don’t want to be the shallow human being that you’ve become!
Kyle: If by shallow you mean successful.
Mason: If you’re what success looks like then I hope to never be that.
William: Alright now, come on boys. Enough of this.
Mason: You’re right. Enough. I’m done. I’m out of here.
Rebecca: Mason-
Mason picks up his keys from the counter and leaves the room. All three stand in silence as they hear the front door slam shut. Rebecca looks at Kyle from across the room, completely disappointed in his actions. William is unable to really process any of this as he’s still thinking about Rebecca and Olivia. For now that’s what occupies his mind and is the priority.
6. JOE AND CARTER’S APARTMENT I N CHELSEA
Daniel: Carter! We need to talk!
Daniel knocks on the door once again. Carter immediately goes into panic mode. Never has Daniel come to his apartment before. For all he knew Daniel didn’t even know where he lived. Carter looks back at Joe and whispers silently to him.
Carter: What hell is he doing here?
Joe: How should I know? Do you think he’s read the article?
Carter: You don’t think he knows, do you?
Joe: How?
Carter: Shit. I have to answer it. Hide.
Joe quickly picks up his things and clears the table. Joe darts to the bathroom and closes the door behind him. Carter gets himself together and opens the door. Without any introduction Daniel walks right into the apartment.
Daniel: What the hell took you so long?
Carter: I’m sorry. I was just finishing up a call.
Daniel: I’m assuming you’ve heard of this scandal they’re throwing at me.
Carter: Uh, yes sir. I just read it in the paper.
Daniel: What timing. We have to do damage control and quick before this gets out of hand. I want to know who the hell did this and leaked it. It’s someone on the inside. Has to be someone from Malone’s team. Right?
Carter: I wouldn’t know. Do you think Walter would sign off on something like that? Doesn’t he pride himself on playing a fair game?
Daniel: There’s nothing fair in this game. Anyone would sell this story out without his permission if it meant creating a scandal that would knock me out and him, therefore solidifying that they too get to keep their job.
Carter: What do you want to do?
Daniel: First we have to spin this back. I need a press release going out immediately stating that I under no circumstances knew that this girl was underage. That I expected that a venue would check proper identification and that anyone there would be of age. This girl is clearly a trickster who was plotting. Perhaps even she’s involved with whoever put this out. Maybe she was planted. We have to do whatever to discredit her and this story.
Carter: I understand.
Daniel: I swear when I find out whoever is behind this I’m going to destroy them. It’s been pretty easy up until now but now they want me to fight. Well it’s a fight they’re going to get. Get Lauren on the phone immediately. I want both of you in my office in an hour.
Carter: Will do.
Carter walks Daniel out and closes the door behind him. Carter’s adrenaline is high. Too many thoughts are running through his mind. He wonders if this is just a little too much for him. Could he be playing with fire and get burned? Joe appears from hiding in the bathroom.
Joe: You alright?
Carter: Yeah. I think so. I just for a moment got scared that he knew.
Joe: That feeling isn’t going to go away.
Carter: I know. But I’m fine. This will all be fine. He’s on edge and worried. I can tell. He’s his own worst enemy. I think he’ll end up burying himself with this.
Joe: Just as long as you don’t end up going down with him.
Carter: Don’t worry. I have to shower.
Carter kisses Joe on the cheek.
Carter: I mean it, don’t worry.
Victoria and Brock are seated in the living watching the news as they report the latest news of Daniel. Victoria shuts the television off.
Brock: Well I’d say it’s safe to say this definitely puts a wrench in his campaign.
Victoria: Who cares about his campaign at this point?
Brock: Don’t you?
Victoria: I knew he was going to screw this up one way or another. He always does. They are going to have a field day with this. Contributing to underage drinking? Do you even come back from that?
Brock: He’s a fighter, you know that. He’ll find a way. That is the one thing I can never take away from Daniel. No matter how many punches he’s thrown, he’ll always get right back up.
Victoria: I’m not so sure. This could be just what Walter Malone needs to win. I warned Daniel that he shouldn’t count them out just yet.
Brock: You think Walter’s team is behind this?
Victoria: Of course! Who else?
Brock: It just seems too out of character for Walter. For someone who’s been playing just a safe game all this time to just all of a sudden throw out a card like that.
Victoria: Isn’t that precisely how you play the game?
Brock: I guess. This is exactly why I said you need to start thinking about yourself. What if Daniel goes down in all this? What are you going to do? You have to have something to fall back on. You can’t just depend on him.
Victoria: Who said I was depending on him? I don’t believe I’ve ever said that or given the impression that I was. Just because I don’t tell you everything Brock does not mean that there isn’t something going on.
Brock: Do tell?
Victoria doesn’t nudge. Brock quickly senses that clearly there’s something Victoria has cooking but won’t let out. He thinks it’s something career wise which clearly is far from the truth. Victoria has other plans in mind but has to play the cards just right.
5. CHANNING MANSION
Rebecca: Well? Is someone going to answer me?
Mason: Kyle went to Kendall and tried blackmailing her into leaving me.
Rebecca: Blackmail? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would Kyle want Kendall to leave you?
Mason: That’s a good question. I have my own ideas but perhaps we should let Kyle answer that one for you.
William: Is this true Kyle?
Everyone looks at Kyle for an answer but he says nothing which everyone takes as a yes. Mason smiles on as her brothers actions are revealed to his parents. Rebecca is trying to piece the pieces together of the situation.
Rebecca: What on earth would you do that for?
Kyle: It’s not what you think. He’s not telling you everything.
William: What more is there to tell?
Kyle: His precious little girlfriend cheated on him anyway. I was doing him a favor. Atleast now he doesn’t has to waste any more time thinking he’s in love. Now he can concentrate on things that matter. Like this family.
Mason: Who the hell are you to tell me what I should concentrate on?!
Rebecca: Mason-
Mason: And sorry if all of us don’t want to be the shallow human being that you’ve become!
Kyle: If by shallow you mean successful.
Mason: If you’re what success looks like then I hope to never be that.
William: Alright now, come on boys. Enough of this.
Mason: You’re right. Enough. I’m done. I’m out of here.
Rebecca: Mason-
Mason picks up his keys from the counter and leaves the room. All three stand in silence as they hear the front door slam shut. Rebecca looks at Kyle from across the room, completely disappointed in his actions. William is unable to really process any of this as he’s still thinking about Rebecca and Olivia. For now that’s what occupies his mind and is the priority.
6. JOE AND CARTER’S APARTMENT I N CHELSEA
Daniel: Carter! We need to talk!
Daniel knocks on the door once again. Carter immediately goes into panic mode. Never has Daniel come to his apartment before. For all he knew Daniel didn’t even know where he lived. Carter looks back at Joe and whispers silently to him.
Carter: What hell is he doing here?
Joe: How should I know? Do you think he’s read the article?
Carter: You don’t think he knows, do you?
Joe: How?
Carter: Shit. I have to answer it. Hide.
Joe quickly picks up his things and clears the table. Joe darts to the bathroom and closes the door behind him. Carter gets himself together and opens the door. Without any introduction Daniel walks right into the apartment.
Daniel: What the hell took you so long?
Carter: I’m sorry. I was just finishing up a call.
Daniel: I’m assuming you’ve heard of this scandal they’re throwing at me.
Carter: Uh, yes sir. I just read it in the paper.
Daniel: What timing. We have to do damage control and quick before this gets out of hand. I want to know who the hell did this and leaked it. It’s someone on the inside. Has to be someone from Malone’s team. Right?
Carter: I wouldn’t know. Do you think Walter would sign off on something like that? Doesn’t he pride himself on playing a fair game?
Daniel: There’s nothing fair in this game. Anyone would sell this story out without his permission if it meant creating a scandal that would knock me out and him, therefore solidifying that they too get to keep their job.
Carter: What do you want to do?
Daniel: First we have to spin this back. I need a press release going out immediately stating that I under no circumstances knew that this girl was underage. That I expected that a venue would check proper identification and that anyone there would be of age. This girl is clearly a trickster who was plotting. Perhaps even she’s involved with whoever put this out. Maybe she was planted. We have to do whatever to discredit her and this story.
Carter: I understand.
Daniel: I swear when I find out whoever is behind this I’m going to destroy them. It’s been pretty easy up until now but now they want me to fight. Well it’s a fight they’re going to get. Get Lauren on the phone immediately. I want both of you in my office in an hour.
Carter: Will do.
Carter walks Daniel out and closes the door behind him. Carter’s adrenaline is high. Too many thoughts are running through his mind. He wonders if this is just a little too much for him. Could he be playing with fire and get burned? Joe appears from hiding in the bathroom.
Joe: You alright?
Carter: Yeah. I think so. I just for a moment got scared that he knew.
Joe: That feeling isn’t going to go away.
Carter: I know. But I’m fine. This will all be fine. He’s on edge and worried. I can tell. He’s his own worst enemy. I think he’ll end up burying himself with this.
Joe: Just as long as you don’t end up going down with him.
Carter: Don’t worry. I have to shower.
Carter kisses Joe on the cheek.
Carter: I mean it, don’t worry.
7. CENTRAL PARK
Paloma and Gabriella are sitting on a park bench. They have been sitting and talking about the recent events of the morning.
Gabriella: How cool!
Paloma: What?
Gabriella: Come on! Think of it. You are the talk of the town right now. You’re in every newspaper and news station. Everyone knows who you are now.
Paloma: Yeah for being an underage girl in a bar who drank with a state politician. Not exactly what I want to be known for. This is terrible. My poor mom. She’s so disappointed and hurt. I hated seeing her so upset this morning. I wish I knew how to fix this. I should have never been there last night in the first place.
Gabriella: There’s no use in thinking that way because you can’t take it back. It is what it is. Now just move on.
Paloma: Move on? How do I do that? I had to get out of our house because the phone wouldn’t stop ringing from people wanting to talk to me. I had to take the battery out of my cell!
Gabriella: If I were you I’d be banking on this.
Paloma: This isn’t some television show Gabby. It’s my life we’re talking about. You may like the whole spotlight but I don’t. Not this kind.
Paloma and Gabriella continue talking as they gradually start to hear a small crowd of people coming their way. Neither is sure of what’s going on. They all seem to be coming their way but it’s still unsure. It’s not until they meet face to face with a swarm of reporters do they realize what’s happening.
Reporter1- Paloma Herrera, were you aware last night that you were accepting a drink from senate hopeful Daniel Evans? And aren’t you under the legal age to drink?
Paloma: Excuse me?
Reporter2- Did someone put you up this?
Reporter3- Are you somehow linked to Walter Malone’s campaign staff?
Paloma: Who?
Reporter1- Is this something you do very often? Except this time you landed yourself a politician.
8. THE MALONE HOUSE
Walter and Ivy are seated in their living room watching television. They watch as the reporters throw question after question at Paloma. Paloma never gets a word in. They have been watching as the story continues unfolding throughout the day.
Walter: This is just crazy. This poor girl has no idea what she’s been brought into.
Ivy: Oh you never know.
Walter: What do you mean?
Ivy: Well we’ve seen plenty of girls play that they’re innocent when all along they have some secret master plan.
Walter: You can’t possibly think that this young girl could have planned this. Look at her. She’s an innocent young girl.
Ivy: Young woman, not girl. All I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t be surprised if this was all part of some big scheme. It just wouldn’t shock me.
Walter: Daniel must be going crazy.
Ivy: Good. It’s about time he got shaken up and rightly so. This is the type of thing that kills a campaign. I wouldn’t be surprised if his team advised him to drop out.
Walter: Drop? Never. Daniel will try to figure a way out of this.
Ivy: He can try to figure a way out of this all he wants but it’s not going to happen. If I were you I’d start thinking about what you’re really going to do as senator because this story just gave you the seat.
9. THE EVANS' APARTMENT, UPPER EAST SIDE
Brock: What’s going on here?
Victoria: What are you talking about?
Brock: Something is different about you. I’ve noticed a change in you lately but I can’t put my finger on it. There’s this sudden air of confidence and borderline arrogance to you now.
Victoria: Such kind words?
Brock: You just have a different air about you that I’ve noticed. What’s put this smile on your face?
Victoria: Smile?
Brock: You’re having an affair.
Victoria: What?
Brock: That’s it! You’re having an affair!
Victoria: Excuse me?
Brock: I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. All of your private phone conversations, you ducking in and out all the time, and the random good moods. I can tell.
Victoria is left without words as Brock completely pinpoints what’s going on. Brock is shocked by the revelation but it also intrigues him to know more. In his eyes anyone could possibly be better than Daniel. The very idea that Victoria could be seeing another man is a good thing to him.
Victoria: What if I am?
Brock: Then I say good for you. One of the best decisions you’ve made so far. Who is it?
Victoria: Excuse me? I think you know enough as it is.
Brock: Oh come on. You can’t leave me with just that.
Victoria: Oh I can and I will. You keep your mouth shut about this. I know you. None of this can get out. Especially not to Daniel.
Paloma and Gabriella are sitting on a park bench. They have been sitting and talking about the recent events of the morning.
Gabriella: How cool!
Paloma: What?
Gabriella: Come on! Think of it. You are the talk of the town right now. You’re in every newspaper and news station. Everyone knows who you are now.
Paloma: Yeah for being an underage girl in a bar who drank with a state politician. Not exactly what I want to be known for. This is terrible. My poor mom. She’s so disappointed and hurt. I hated seeing her so upset this morning. I wish I knew how to fix this. I should have never been there last night in the first place.
Gabriella: There’s no use in thinking that way because you can’t take it back. It is what it is. Now just move on.
Paloma: Move on? How do I do that? I had to get out of our house because the phone wouldn’t stop ringing from people wanting to talk to me. I had to take the battery out of my cell!
Gabriella: If I were you I’d be banking on this.
Paloma: This isn’t some television show Gabby. It’s my life we’re talking about. You may like the whole spotlight but I don’t. Not this kind.
Paloma and Gabriella continue talking as they gradually start to hear a small crowd of people coming their way. Neither is sure of what’s going on. They all seem to be coming their way but it’s still unsure. It’s not until they meet face to face with a swarm of reporters do they realize what’s happening.
Reporter1- Paloma Herrera, were you aware last night that you were accepting a drink from senate hopeful Daniel Evans? And aren’t you under the legal age to drink?
Paloma: Excuse me?
Reporter2- Did someone put you up this?
Reporter3- Are you somehow linked to Walter Malone’s campaign staff?
Paloma: Who?
Reporter1- Is this something you do very often? Except this time you landed yourself a politician.
8. THE MALONE HOUSE
Walter and Ivy are seated in their living room watching television. They watch as the reporters throw question after question at Paloma. Paloma never gets a word in. They have been watching as the story continues unfolding throughout the day.
Walter: This is just crazy. This poor girl has no idea what she’s been brought into.
Ivy: Oh you never know.
Walter: What do you mean?
Ivy: Well we’ve seen plenty of girls play that they’re innocent when all along they have some secret master plan.
Walter: You can’t possibly think that this young girl could have planned this. Look at her. She’s an innocent young girl.
Ivy: Young woman, not girl. All I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t be surprised if this was all part of some big scheme. It just wouldn’t shock me.
Walter: Daniel must be going crazy.
Ivy: Good. It’s about time he got shaken up and rightly so. This is the type of thing that kills a campaign. I wouldn’t be surprised if his team advised him to drop out.
Walter: Drop? Never. Daniel will try to figure a way out of this.
Ivy: He can try to figure a way out of this all he wants but it’s not going to happen. If I were you I’d start thinking about what you’re really going to do as senator because this story just gave you the seat.
9. THE EVANS' APARTMENT, UPPER EAST SIDE
Brock: What’s going on here?
Victoria: What are you talking about?
Brock: Something is different about you. I’ve noticed a change in you lately but I can’t put my finger on it. There’s this sudden air of confidence and borderline arrogance to you now.
Victoria: Such kind words?
Brock: You just have a different air about you that I’ve noticed. What’s put this smile on your face?
Victoria: Smile?
Brock: You’re having an affair.
Victoria: What?
Brock: That’s it! You’re having an affair!
Victoria: Excuse me?
Brock: I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. All of your private phone conversations, you ducking in and out all the time, and the random good moods. I can tell.
Victoria is left without words as Brock completely pinpoints what’s going on. Brock is shocked by the revelation but it also intrigues him to know more. In his eyes anyone could possibly be better than Daniel. The very idea that Victoria could be seeing another man is a good thing to him.
Victoria: What if I am?
Brock: Then I say good for you. One of the best decisions you’ve made so far. Who is it?
Victoria: Excuse me? I think you know enough as it is.
Brock: Oh come on. You can’t leave me with just that.
Victoria: Oh I can and I will. You keep your mouth shut about this. I know you. None of this can get out. Especially not to Daniel.
10. COFFEE SHOP IN THE VILLAGE
Mason walks into the shop and sits at a table. He looks at his phone and sees the several missed calls from Kendall that he hasn’t responded to. He’s still processing everything that’s happened in the last day and isn’t quite sure how to approach her yet. For now his anger towards Kyle is what has taken over his mind. Kyle and Mason have never been close but he would still never expect something like this from him. To be betrayed by his own brother this way. Meanwhile, Sarah is working her shift at the shop and approaches his table.
Sarah: Hi there. Can I get you anything?
She gets no response from him. Mason doesn’t even realize that Sarah is even standing there. She waits for a brief moment for a response and sees that Mason is in a completely different world right now. She waves her hand in front of his face to get his attention which snaps him out.
Sarah: You alright?
Mason: Huh? Oh, sorry. It’s been that kind of day already.
Sarah: Tell me about it. It’s been that kind of week.
Mason: Yesterday and today combined is enough drama to last me a year.
Sarah: That doesn’t sound too good.
Mason: It’s not. But you didn’t come over here to hear about my troubles I’m sure.
They both share a slight laugh. He reads her nametag for her name, “Sarah”.
Mason: I’m Mason.
Sarah: Sarah. Nice to meet you. Can I get you anything?
Mason: I’ll just have a coffee. Black.
Sarah: No problem.
Sarah goes off to the back for coffee. Mason takes out his phone again and sees a text message from Kendall. He reads the text. “Please call me or text me. I’m worried about you. – Kendall”. Mason contemplates responding for a moment but closes the phone. In one way he feels badly for how Kyle threatened her and treated her. But in the other hand it doesn’t completely dismiss what she did. It’s her infidelity that gave Kyle the ammunition.
11. CHANNING INDUSTRIES
William and Rebecca are in William’s office continuing their discussion from early. William keeps insisting that Rebecca stays completely out of this but she’s not convinced. She feels that William has no plan and no idea of what he’s doing.
Rebecca: I don’t see how my going there to just talk to her was a problem.
William: Because you don’t think Rebecca! If she had some big scheme she would have gone through with it the second she got here.
Rebecca: You don’t know that!
William: You’re right! I don’t know that! That’s why I’m trying to find everything out first!
Rebecca: That’s precisely what I was trying to do but I went to the source itself.
James, who has been standing outside the door for a few moments, slowly creeps into the office.
James: Am I interrupting something?
William: James?
William and Rebecca realize that James in the room. They’ve both known that he was back but neither have seen him yet. They both offer him hugs but it’s not enough to cut the tension in the room.
James: Something going on?
Rebecca and William both look at each other trying to decide whether to fill James in. But after years of being part of this family, James already knows.
James: So that would be a yes. Should I go?
William: No. You should know about this. You’re just as much part of this as the rest of us. Olivia is back in town.
James: What?!
William: We just found out recently. We’re not exactly sure why but Rebecca went and saw her.
James: You saw Olivia?
Rebecca: It’s true. I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see her with my own eyes.
James: What does she want? Did she say anything?
Rebecca: In my opinion, she’s back for revenge. I think she knows everything.
James: How?
William: Well we aren’t so sure she knows anything. That’s what we need to find out.
James: Why else would she be here then? It makes no sense.
Olivia: I would think it should all make perfect sense James.
They all turn around and see Olivia standing in the doorway. For William and James it’s their first time seeing her. For Rebecca it’s an unwelcomed revisit. Olivia, who has been eavesdropping for quite a portion of their conversation, eases her way into the office. She has a small glint in her eye and smile across her face. It’s been years since she last stepped foot in this office. She remembers many pleasant and some unpleasant memories.
William: Olivia? Well I guess this answers some of our questions. You are actually here.
Olivia: That I am. Although I’m sad that none of you seem at all pleased to see me. Hello James.
James: Olivia.
Olivia: I’d say hello to you too Rebecca but unfortunately we’ve already encountered one another. The three stooges back again. What perfect timing for you to come back to New York as well James. I guess it’s fate afterall that has brought us all here together at the same time.
Rebecca: I wouldn’t call it fate.
Olivia: Fate. Destiny. Take your pick.
William: What do you want Olivia?
Olivia: Why so pushy William? Are you really that eager to get this along?
William: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Olivia: Don’t play dumb with me. You never did before so why start now. You always told me it was only business, right? Well I’m here to do business with each of you today. I know what all three of you did to me.
James: Olivia-
Olivia: Save it James. You’re just as pathetic as the other two. Pretending to be my loving and caring brother-in-law? Lies! You just did exactly what William told you and sold yourself out just like every other Channing man. That’s the real reason why you left Channing Industries and left New York. You couldn’t deal with the guilt. Although I suppose I should applaud you for having a little bit of humanity. While you two just went about your dreadful lives and tossed me to the side like trash. I almost feel sorry for you as well William.
William: Me? Why?
Olivia: You were just too busy being blinded by your own greed that you couldn’t even see that there was someone else even more money hungry than you.
William: Who?
Olivia directs her attention at Rebecca which directs everyone there. James and William are not quite sure what Olivia is alluding to. Rebecca glares at Olivia. Does Olivia really know what she’s talking about or is she bluffing? How could she know anyway? There’s no proof, right? All three are on edge wondering exactly what Olivia has found out. Olivia revels in the fact that she has all three in the palm of her hands and she knows exactly what to do with them.
Mason walks into the shop and sits at a table. He looks at his phone and sees the several missed calls from Kendall that he hasn’t responded to. He’s still processing everything that’s happened in the last day and isn’t quite sure how to approach her yet. For now his anger towards Kyle is what has taken over his mind. Kyle and Mason have never been close but he would still never expect something like this from him. To be betrayed by his own brother this way. Meanwhile, Sarah is working her shift at the shop and approaches his table.
Sarah: Hi there. Can I get you anything?
She gets no response from him. Mason doesn’t even realize that Sarah is even standing there. She waits for a brief moment for a response and sees that Mason is in a completely different world right now. She waves her hand in front of his face to get his attention which snaps him out.
Sarah: You alright?
Mason: Huh? Oh, sorry. It’s been that kind of day already.
Sarah: Tell me about it. It’s been that kind of week.
Mason: Yesterday and today combined is enough drama to last me a year.
Sarah: That doesn’t sound too good.
Mason: It’s not. But you didn’t come over here to hear about my troubles I’m sure.
They both share a slight laugh. He reads her nametag for her name, “Sarah”.
Mason: I’m Mason.
Sarah: Sarah. Nice to meet you. Can I get you anything?
Mason: I’ll just have a coffee. Black.
Sarah: No problem.
Sarah goes off to the back for coffee. Mason takes out his phone again and sees a text message from Kendall. He reads the text. “Please call me or text me. I’m worried about you. – Kendall”. Mason contemplates responding for a moment but closes the phone. In one way he feels badly for how Kyle threatened her and treated her. But in the other hand it doesn’t completely dismiss what she did. It’s her infidelity that gave Kyle the ammunition.
11. CHANNING INDUSTRIES
William and Rebecca are in William’s office continuing their discussion from early. William keeps insisting that Rebecca stays completely out of this but she’s not convinced. She feels that William has no plan and no idea of what he’s doing.
Rebecca: I don’t see how my going there to just talk to her was a problem.
William: Because you don’t think Rebecca! If she had some big scheme she would have gone through with it the second she got here.
Rebecca: You don’t know that!
William: You’re right! I don’t know that! That’s why I’m trying to find everything out first!
Rebecca: That’s precisely what I was trying to do but I went to the source itself.
James, who has been standing outside the door for a few moments, slowly creeps into the office.
James: Am I interrupting something?
William: James?
William and Rebecca realize that James in the room. They’ve both known that he was back but neither have seen him yet. They both offer him hugs but it’s not enough to cut the tension in the room.
James: Something going on?
Rebecca and William both look at each other trying to decide whether to fill James in. But after years of being part of this family, James already knows.
James: So that would be a yes. Should I go?
William: No. You should know about this. You’re just as much part of this as the rest of us. Olivia is back in town.
James: What?!
William: We just found out recently. We’re not exactly sure why but Rebecca went and saw her.
James: You saw Olivia?
Rebecca: It’s true. I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see her with my own eyes.
James: What does she want? Did she say anything?
Rebecca: In my opinion, she’s back for revenge. I think she knows everything.
James: How?
William: Well we aren’t so sure she knows anything. That’s what we need to find out.
James: Why else would she be here then? It makes no sense.
Olivia: I would think it should all make perfect sense James.
They all turn around and see Olivia standing in the doorway. For William and James it’s their first time seeing her. For Rebecca it’s an unwelcomed revisit. Olivia, who has been eavesdropping for quite a portion of their conversation, eases her way into the office. She has a small glint in her eye and smile across her face. It’s been years since she last stepped foot in this office. She remembers many pleasant and some unpleasant memories.
William: Olivia? Well I guess this answers some of our questions. You are actually here.
Olivia: That I am. Although I’m sad that none of you seem at all pleased to see me. Hello James.
James: Olivia.
Olivia: I’d say hello to you too Rebecca but unfortunately we’ve already encountered one another. The three stooges back again. What perfect timing for you to come back to New York as well James. I guess it’s fate afterall that has brought us all here together at the same time.
Rebecca: I wouldn’t call it fate.
Olivia: Fate. Destiny. Take your pick.
William: What do you want Olivia?
Olivia: Why so pushy William? Are you really that eager to get this along?
William: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Olivia: Don’t play dumb with me. You never did before so why start now. You always told me it was only business, right? Well I’m here to do business with each of you today. I know what all three of you did to me.
James: Olivia-
Olivia: Save it James. You’re just as pathetic as the other two. Pretending to be my loving and caring brother-in-law? Lies! You just did exactly what William told you and sold yourself out just like every other Channing man. That’s the real reason why you left Channing Industries and left New York. You couldn’t deal with the guilt. Although I suppose I should applaud you for having a little bit of humanity. While you two just went about your dreadful lives and tossed me to the side like trash. I almost feel sorry for you as well William.
William: Me? Why?
Olivia: You were just too busy being blinded by your own greed that you couldn’t even see that there was someone else even more money hungry than you.
William: Who?
Olivia directs her attention at Rebecca which directs everyone there. James and William are not quite sure what Olivia is alluding to. Rebecca glares at Olivia. Does Olivia really know what she’s talking about or is she bluffing? How could she know anyway? There’s no proof, right? All three are on edge wondering exactly what Olivia has found out. Olivia revels in the fact that she has all three in the palm of her hands and she knows exactly what to do with them.
