From llhalbl@indirect.com Sat Mar 16 06:07:08 1996 Received: from soda.CSUA.Berkeley.EDU (soda.CSUA.Berkeley.EDU [128.32.43.52]) by shellx.best.com (8.6.12/8.6.5) with ESMTP id GAA06939 for ; Sat, 16 Mar 1996 06:07:02 -0800 Received: from ns2.indirect.com (ns2.indirect.com [165.247.1.17]) by soda.CSUA.Berkeley.EDU (8.6.12/8.6.12) with ESMTP id GAA18781 for ; Sat, 16 Mar 1996 06:07:09 -0800 Received: from Laura.hollyberry.com (s20.abq-dialin2.hollyberry.com [165.247.25.20]) by ns2.indirect.com (8.6.12/8.6.6) with SMTP id HAA16309; Sat, 16 Mar 1996 07:05:33 -0700 Date: Sat, 16 Mar 1996 07:05:33 -0700 Message-Id: <199603161405.HAA16309@ns2.indirect.com> X-Sender: llhalbl@mail.indirect.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.3 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: patricia@epix.net, stingra1@ix.netcom.com, jhood@lib.law.du.edu, wheless@sunchem.chem.uga.edu, bsmith@raven.cybercomm.net, Dame_Myra_Hess@msn.com, spring@levy.org, perrys@server.iadfw.net, 103107.220@compuserve.com, sheffler@connect.net, amurphy1@shrike.depaul.edu, llhalbl@indirect.com, trish@swsmail.atlanta.com, smarcel@utk.edu, doody@u.washington.edu, nnakova@direct.ca, anne@knowles.com, dawndra@metronet.com, MarcEditor@aol.com, cdaveb@csua.berkeley.edu, agilbert@mi.net, U6F1C@WVNVM.WVNET.EDU, fburgess@mail.awinc.com, harpo@bora.dacom.co.kr, stoney@jefferson.ind.net, JCLOUTI@mtl.unisysgsg.com, esnyder@leland.Stanford.EDU, waltersm@gusun.acc.georgetown.edu, Lindafff@aol.com, Alan.Hench@mail.utexas.edu, bodacia@tdl.com, JohnsonCR@GANDLF.UINDY.EDU, satw01@interserv.com, sylvi@iglou.com, passalcq@IS2.NYU.EDU, amatthew@gtd.eds.com, Sclaney@aol.com, MLuba@gnn.com, ekeller@ycp.edu, Lilpeste@aol.com, Heather.Blair@ConnRiver.net, frank@cpi.computerpower.com, MOONC@LOKI.AGECON.KSU.EDU, Patti415@aol.com, GPurdy3507@aol.com, nmnsfld@www.signalsoft.com, longstrs@GVSU.EDU, sstrake@ycp.edu, jfleming@mnsinc.com, 102752.1303@compuserve.com, rjabour@eagle.liunet.edu, EESproat@aol.com, pdean@GAS.UUG.Arizona.EDU From: llhalbl@indirect.com (Laura ) Subject: Mar RotSoap: Bill and Ben's Unprecedented Imbroglio-Part 4 Status: RO >Bill and Bens Unprecedented Imbroglio Part IV, by Bel >Starring Bill and Ben, with Matt, Van, Amanda, Blake, Marcus and Dinah, Bridget, >Alex >new characters: manager of the SF Inn, Mr. Houston > >What has happened so far: >Bill and Ben discovered that Matt and Amanda share a secret past. Bill decided >to make sure Matt leaves town, so he and Ben are attempting to blackmail >Matt--and Amanda for good measure. In the last segment of the story, Bill and >Ben hid in Amanda's hotel room, intent on spying on and recording Matt and >Amanda's meeting. The meeting was interrupted by a knocking on the door. > >Scene I Springfield Inn, Room 212 Wednesday night. 8:30 pm >The knocking at the door continues. Amanda pushes Matt into the bathroom, then >goes to the door and braces herself a moment before opening it. >The manager of the Springfield Inn stands outside holding a tray, with glasses >and a bottle of champagne. >Amanda stares at him: I didn't order room service. >The manager smiles: Oh, the champagne is compliments of the house. We're very >sorry about the problem with the towels. I can assure you that this sort of >thing rarely occurs at Springfield Inn. >Amanda looks confused: What problem with the towels? >The manager: You called down about the towels, didn't you? >Amanda: No. I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding. >The manager: So theres no problem with the room? >Amanda: No, everything is fine. But I'll take the champagne anyway. (She smiles >as she accepts the tray, dismisses the manager, and shuts the door firmly behind >him, locking it) She crosses to the bathroom door. >Amanda: Matt, it's safe to come out! >Matt: I thought that was Joey or one of his goons, there for a minute. >Amanda: Me too. But it was just free champagne. Join me? >She opens the bottle and fills the glasses. She lifts her glass: A toast! To >finding a way out of this mess! >Matt: Here, here! >Amanda sits down and sips her champagne, staring moodily off into space. Matt >stands by the window, leaning against the wall, staring at his shoes. >Matt: So what do we do next? >A: I thought you might tell me, Mr. Macho. Isn't this the place where you're >supposed to come in and save the heroine from the evil villain? Oh, I forgot >I'm not the heroine, am I. That's Vanessa's role. I'm the villainess. >Matt: (looking hostile) Hey, nobody forced the role on you. >A: Oh please, save me from the santimonious posturing! When exactly did you turn >into Dudley Dooright, anyway? I can remember a time when you wouldn't have given >a fig leaf about anybody but yourself. Funny, I liked you better then. >Matt: That doesn't say much for your taste OR character. >A: You don't know me well enough to comment on either one. You have no idea what >it was like for me. Or why I did what I did. So dont try to sit in judgment of >me. You have no right. Especially given your own sordid past. >Matt: I'm not sitting in judgment of your past behavior. The past is in the >past. But you haven't learned a thing. You've been throwing yourself at Ross >Marler ever since you got to town. >Amanda looks upset: You don't know anything about my relationship with Ross, so >just shut up!! >Matt: Are you trying to tell me that you think Ross cares about you? >Amanda: (bitterly) I dont think any man has ever really cared about me! I >thought Ross did, once upon a time, but there was always someone more important >to him. And Joey....(she laughs bitterly)...Joey loved to think he cared about >me. But he never even came close. And my father...well, lets just say he and >Joey have a lot in common. >Matt: Can the victim act. It doesn't suit you. >Amanda glares at him: You know, you're no fun. I have no idea why you were so >popular back in Malibu. I certainly wouldn't pay to-- >Matt cuts her off harshly: Shut up! Look, I know you don't like me very much, >and I don't like you very much either. But right now we have more important >things to think about. >Amanda sighs and paces across the room: Okay. I'm going to get in touch with my >detective tomorrow and see what he has found out. The blackmailers should be >contacting us about the drop sometime tomorrow. I dont know who theyll contact >first, so call me as soon as you hear anything. >Matt: (turning away) Okay. I will. I've got to get going. Listen, if Joey >contacts you, be careful. He's a dangerous guy. >Amanda: I know that. But I don't think I'm in danger. If I die, Joey gets >nothing. Right? >Matt nods: Yeah, but that wouldn't keep him from knocking you around, would it? >Amanda tries to look tough, but it is obvious that she is frightened, as Matt >goes out the door and leaves her alone in the hotel room (except for the two >boys hidden under the bed). > >Scene II >Chamberlain-Reardon living room. 9:00 pm >Blake sits on the living room sofa, clicking the remote control, looking >disgruntled. Vanessa walks in the front door, looking exhausted. >Van: Hi Blake! What are you doing here? >Blake: Looking for Ben. Fletcher told me he was over here, so I came over, >hoping to find him. But the boys aren't here. >Van: Where's Mary? >Blake: Upstairs giving Peter his bath. Do you know where the boys could be? Mary >says the last she saw of Bill was when he left for school this morning. >Van: The boys had practice this afternoon. Then they were going over to Company >for dinner. Who knows where they are now. They might have gone to see a movie, >or to the mall. School just let out, remember? >Blake: Oh, drat! I'd forgotten. I guess I might as well forget trying to wait >for him tonight. >Van: What are you so eager to talk to Ben about? >Blake: Oh, just stuff. You know, he's my stepbrother. Just want to have a word >with him. >Van: Ah....(deciding not to pry any further) So, where is Ross tonight? >Blake: Don't ask. >Van: Dont tell me you two still haven't patched things up! >Blake: (picking up a sofa pillow and punching it angrily) I'm not sure we ever >will. >Van: (encouragingly) Oh, come on! You two love each other. You just need some >time to work things out. >Blake: You make it sound so easy. I don't know why, but it just isn't that >simple. >She looks like she is about to cry; Van gives her a hug. >Van: Chin up, Blake. It's going to be okay. Youll work it out somehow. > >Scene III Behind Springfield Inn 9:15 pm >Bill and Ben creep out the service door of the Springfield Inn. Bill pushes Ben >into the dark shadows behind a large trash bin. >Bill (angrily): Why did you change the note, you idiot? >Ben: Come on, did you really want to send Amanda running off to Italy on a wild >goose chase? >Bill: It's better than blackmailing her! >Ben: And what exactly is it that we are doing to Matt, pray tell? >Bill angrily pushes Ben up against the wall. >Bill: This may be fun and games to you, but it's not for me! This is serious >business for me. I'm trying to keep my mom from getting hurt! I can't risk >having you ruin things with your silly stunts. >Ben: Come on, Bill! I haven't jeopardized anything! You're being a pompous jerk! >Who appointed you Grand Poobah of this investigation, anyway? >Bill: Well, someone has to take charge, and if I left it to you, who knows what >would happen! >Ben stalks off angrily into the darkness. >Bill: Wait! What about the blackmail notes? >Ben: (returns, snarling) What about them? >Bill: Matt and Amanda are expecting them by tomorrow. And we haven't even >written them. >Ben: (sarcastically) Well, since I'm so obviously incompetent, I'll let you >handle it. >Bill: Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean the stuff I said. I was just mad that you >changed the note without telling me. >Ben: Well, I forgot. So sue me! >Bill: (Stares at Ben for a moment, then smiles) I don't really need the money. >Come on, partners? (He holds out his hand) >Ben considers, looking reluctant, then finally shakes Bill's hand. > >Scene IV Hollybend Ben's bedroom Thursday morning 6:15 am >Ben is awakened by Blake pulling the quilt off his bed. >Blake: Rise and shine, sleeping beauty! We have to talk. >Ben squints in the morning light, sitting up. >Ben: What do you want? >Blake throws two crumpled sheets of paper on the bed in front of him. >Blake: (Picking one up and reading it aloud) "Amanda, If you do not want your >secret revealed to your--" and (she holds a second sheet in front of his nose) >"Amanda, Your friends and family will find out everything if you do not--." >Blake stares at him, hands on her hips. >Blake: So, what's going on? >Ben crawls out of bed, grabs the sheets of paper and crumples them up: It was >just a joke!! Dad already asked me about it! How did you find out about it? >Blake: I have my ways. What do you mean, it was just a joke? Does this have >anything to do with that furball Amanda Spaulding? Does she have some terrible >secret? Come on!! (She shakes him) What gives? >Ben: (pulling on jeans and shirt over his boxer shorts): Blake, you're >delusional. This Amanda is Amanda Doblinsky. She's in my American History class. >It was just a joke. We never even sent it. >Blake: So, what's her secret? >Ben: (turning way a little) Uh, Bill and I found out she cheated on our American >History final. >Blake: You expect me to believe this? >Ben: Come on, why would I lie to you? She's just this dumb high school girl. >Blake: And you don't know any secrets about Amanda? >Ben: No. >Blake stares him in the eye for a moment, then nods: Okay. Whatever. But be >careful. If you're up to something I'm going to find out. (She stalks out of the >room, leaving Ben to collapse on the bed in relief.) > >Scene V Boardinghouse 6:45 am >Bridget is on her hands and knees, scrubbing the kitchen floor vigorously. >Matt comes in the door, carrying Peter. >Matt: Hey, Bridget! >She looks up, smiles when she sees Peter, but goes on scrubbing. >Bridget: Hi Matt, could you take Peter upstairs and ask David to watch him until >I get the floor finished? >David comes down the stairs. >David: Hey, Matt, Petey! Bridget, what gives? Why are you scrubbing the floor >right now? Everyone will be coming down for breakfast soon. >Bridget: Well, I'm sorry, but breakfast will be a little late this morning. >Could you take Peter upstairs for me? >David: (looking a little nonplussed) Sure. (He takes Peter from Matt and heads >up the stairs) >Matt: Bridget, is something wrong? >Bridget: No, everything is just peachy. (She attacks the floor again) >Matt crosses a sudsy expanse and hops onto the kitchen table. >Matt: Okay, Bridge, what gives? Don't tell me this is about Hart. >Bridget: I don't want to talk about Hart with you. I know how you feel about >him. >Matt: I just don't want to see you get hurt. You deserve better than Hart. >Bridget: Oh, really? Then what DO I deserve? To run the boardinghouse and raise >Peter? I know that should be enough. But it's not. Not for me. >Matt: (dropping to the floor to kneel by her) Bridge, come on, you know I don't >want you to be alone. I just want you to find the right man. >Bridget: Well, maybe I have. Maybe he just doesn't know it yet. >Matt: Maybe if you'd forget Hart for a while and look around, you'd find the >right guy. >Bridget: That's easy for you to say. You've already found someone. (She pauses, >sitting back on her heels for a moment) Remember how we used to say we'd never >end up like mom and dad? >Matt: I remember. >Bridget: Sometimes I think I already AM like mom. I know I don't have 6 kids and >a husband, but I feel just as busy and overworked as she was. And I feel just as >alone. . >Matt: You're NOT alone, Bridge. You have me, you have your friends... David >would do anything for you. You've got Ed and Michelle. And Nola. She may be a >little nuts but she loves you. We all do. You know that, don't you? >Bridget: (reluctantly) Yeah, I know it. But they're not going to keep me warm in >bed at night, are they? >Matt: Bridge, you're young. Just give it some time. One day, when you least >expect it, the right person will come along. >Bridget: (looking unconvinced) Like you and Vanessa, right? >Matt: Well, maybe not exactly like me and Vanessa. (He grins) But it *will* >happen. Hey, I was alone for a long time before I found her. (A shadow crosses >his face) >Bridget: Is something wrong, Matt? >Matt: Yes, something is wrong.! If you don't finish the floor, your boarders >will miss their breakfasts. And I'm late for work. (He drops a kiss on her >forehead and heads for the door) I'll drop by after work, okay? >Bridget nods her head, then returns to scrubbing the floor with a vengeance. > >Scene VI Spaulding Enterprises Amanda's office 9:00am >Amanda is going through a pile of mail, looking tense. She stops suddenly and >picks up an envelope. She rips it open and reads it, looking a little relieved. >She looks it over carefully, then quickly dials a number. >At the construction site, Matt answers the phone. >Matt: Lewis construction. >Amanda: Matt? It's me. >Matt: Did you get the letter? >Amanda: Yes, it just came. Did you get yours? >Matt: Yeah, it was at the boardinghouse. I got it early this morning, when I >took Peter over. >Amanda: Mine said I have two more days to get the money ready, and then I will >receive instructions on how the drop is to be made. It was signed J again. >Matt: Mine was the same thing, but no signature. Well, I guess this is good >news, then. Two day's grace before the axe falls. >Amanda: Yes, I'm pleased. This will give my detective time to find something >out. >Matt: I don't know. I'm not sure what he could possibly find out that would help >us. This is Joey we're talking about. He'd gladly eat us for breakfast, and pick >his teeth with our bones. >Amanda shudders: It's been years since we last saw Joey. We don't know what his >situation is right now. We may find that he has weaknesses we can exploit. >Josh walks into the construction shack. Matt lowers his voice: I'll get back to >you on that later, okay? >Josh sits down on the desk: Any problems? >Matt: No, everything is under control. >Cut to Amanda, hanging up the phone. >Her secretary comes to the door: Ms. Spaulding, Mr. Houston here to see you. >Amanda stuffs the note into her desk drawer and stands, smiling, as she shakes >his hand. >Amanda: Houston, I'm glad to see you. Do you have any information for me? >Houston: (sitting down) I'm afraid I've been unable to find anything so far. >There is no one registered under the name Joey Frangionne anywhere in town, and >no one has bought or rented anything--apartment, cars, home, under that name. So >he must be using an assumed name. Do you have any idea what alias he might be >using? >Amanda: (shaking her head) I'm not sure. Have you checked to see if he's in >Italy? He may not be here, it may be one of his men who is sending me the notes. >Houston: I have a man in Italy right now. You said he had family in southern >Italy, so we're starting there. We're trying to trace money transactions, but so >far we haven't had any luck. >Amanda: Well, keep at it. He's given me two more days to get the money ready. >Please try to find him before then. >Houston: We'll do our best. Here's the file we've compliled so far. (He lays it >on her desk). >They shake hands and say their goodbyes. Amanda returns to her desk and pores >over the file. > >Scene VII Company 11:30 am >Bill is sitting at a back booth in the almost empty restaurant when Ben rushes >in and slides into the seat opposite him. >Ben: Did you deliver the note? >Bill: Shhh! Someone might hear you. Yes, I did. I left it at the boardinghouse >early this morning, and I went back and checked a few minutes ago. It's gone. So >I assume Matt got it. >Ben: (speaking softly) Good. I delivered mine to Spaulding Enterprises. I >slipped it into the mail cart. No one even noticed me. >Bill: Great. Now we have two days to decide how to handle the drop problem. >Ben: Yeah. I'm still trying to think of a safe place. At least we only need to >worry about one drop--you don't think Matt will come through with the money, >right? >Bill: Not unless he changes his mind and takes Amanda up on her offer. >Ben: I think that's what he'll do. It's really his only option. Unless he plans >on leaving town. And why should he do that if Amanda is willing to bail him out? >Bill is silent, but he looks troubled. >Ben: Hey, guess what happened this morning? >Bill: I dunno. >Ben: Well, apparently Dad wasn't the only person to find discarded papers from >when you were writing the blackmail note. Blake found some, too. She came by, >wanting to know what was up. >Bill: How did she find them? >Ben: I don't know. I was too busy trying to convince her it had nothing to do >with Amanda. I didn't even ask how she knew. I guess she's been going through >our trash. Or maybe Holly told her. >Bill: Well, it's never going to happen again, that's for sure!. I was careful to >burn the evidence this time. So, what did you tell her? >Ben: I gave her the same story I told Dad, in case they compare notes--girl in >our history class who cheated on the final. >Bill: Did she buy it? >Ben: I think so. (Modestly) I was pretty convincing. >Bill: What you mean is, you're a good lier. >Ben: It's for a good cause. Right? Aren't we trying to protect your mom? >Bill: Yeah. (He frowns a little) You know, I was listening to the tapes last >night, and I don't think Matt sounds like a gold digger at all. He sounded >really sincere. >Ben: Bill, remember what he used to do for a living? Remember that he never told >your mom? And he's trying to keep it a secret from her? Does that sound like a >sincere person? >Bill: (looking troubled) No, I guess not. > >Scene VI 12:00 pm Alex and Amanda lunch at Company >Alex and Amanda walk into Company and take a table on the opposite side of the >dining room from the boys. A darkhaired man in dark glasses and a black leather >jacket comes in a few seconds later and sits down several tables away. He pulls >out a newspaper and begins to read, but watches Alex and Amanda carefully over >the top of the paper. >Amanda (nervously) Aunt Alex, I'm so glad you had time to have lunch with me >today. It seems we are so busy we rarely see once another, even though we live >in the same house. >Alex: (wryly): Well, be thankful for small blessings. >Amanda: I know we don't always get along, but I wish we could try to develop >some kind of a relationship. >Alex: We already have a relationship, darling. An adversarial relationship. (She >smiles mockingly). >Amanda: Touche.' Maybe our problem is that we are both too much a like. >Alex: I seriously doubt that. >Amanda: Oh? Were both strong women, we know what we want, we don't suffer fools >gladly. I'd say were very much alike. >Shot of Maggie bringing the man with the newspaper a cup of coffee. >Alex: Where exactly is this leading us? >Amanda: Hopefully to a better understanding of one another. >Alex: Amanda, cut to the chase. I know you didn't invite me here so we could >chat about the latest spring fashions. You want something. So what is it? >Hart and Blake enter the restaurant. Blake spots Amanda and leads Hart over to >the table behind Amanda and Alex. Alex sees them but Amanda has her back to >them. Shot of Blake, straining to hear Amandas slightly lowered voice. >Amanda: Okay, you've got me. Well, I've been having some problems on the market. >I've suffered some serious losses this quarter. >Alex: And? >Amanda: I have some debts I need to pay off. >Alex: Debts? You're living in my house, eating my food. You receive a very >handsome salary from Spaulding. I find it hard to believe that you need money. >Amanda: Well, I do. And I'm sure you know how hard it is for me to come to you. >Alex: Why don't you go to your father or Alan Michael? >Amanda: I don't want them to know how foolish I've been. I've made some very >poor choices. I want my father and brother to be proud of me. So I want them >kept out of this. >Shot of Blake, straining to hear what Alex and Amanda are saying. Hart goes over >to say hello to Bridget at the bar. Alex is too involved in the conversation to >notice him. >Alex: How much do you need? >Amanda eyes her warily: Does this mean you'll lend me the money? >Alex: How much? >Amanda: I need a million dollars. >Alex chokes on her water: What? >Shot of man with newspaper, watching Alex from behind his paper. >Amanda: You heard me. Can I count on you? >Alex: Well, I'm not sure. It's a lot of money. >Amanda: I'm good for it. I have stock that's worth far more than that. But I'd >have to liquidate it to put my hands on the cash, and I don't want to do that. >Shot of Blake looking shocked at what she is hearing. Hart returns to the table. >Alex: (enjoying the moment) If I do this, you'll be in my debt, in more ways >than one. If I refuse, you'll have to go crawling to Alan, and he'll be the one >who gets the pleasure of having you at his mercy. (She pauses). How could I >possibly say no. (She smiles sardonically) I'll do it. >Amanda: (smiles slightly) Thank you, Aunt Alex. You won't be sorry, I promise. >How soon can I have the money? >Alex: It will take a few days, at the very least. >Amanda: I need the money as soon as possible. Within the next forty eight hours. >It's very important. >Alex raises her eyebrows: I'll see what I can do. >Shot of Blake, looking from Amanda and Alexs table to the table where Bill and >Ben are talking. > >Scene VII 12:30 pm Company >Bill and Ben are eating. Dinah and Marcus walk in and join the boys at their >table. >Dinah: What are you guys up to? >Bill: We're enjoying our vacation, is what were doing. Were going to shoot >some hoops this afternoon, I think. >Marcus: Hey, that sounds like fun. You want to take on me and David? >Ben: Sure. You any good? >Marcus: Not really. But David's pretty good. >Dinah: (laughing) Marcus isn't being modest. He really isn't very good. I'm a >much better player than he is. >Bill: Why don't you come play, too, Dinah? You can be on our team. >Dinah: I can't. I have an appointment this afternoon. (She glances over the >menu). So, how did finals go? >Bill: I did okay. I passed everything, at least. >Dinah: Well, Mumsy will be pleased. At least one of her children isn't a total >washout. >Marcus rolls his eyes. >Bill: Dinah, Mom doesn't think you're a washout. >Dinah: Well, she's not exactly proud of me. >Bill: How would you know. You barely speak to her. You have no idea how she >feels. >Dinah: (tense) I have pretty good idea. >Bill: It woudn't hurt you to come over to the house once in a while. >Dinah: Why should I? The only person in that house I care about is you, and I >can see you other places--like here. >Bill: You don't care about Mom? >Dinah: Why should I? I'll never be the person she wants me to be, so why should >I even try. >Bill: She's your mother, that's why. And maybe she needs you right now. >Dinah: She needs ME? She was never there for me when I needed her, when I was >growing up. Why should I worry about her now? >Bill: (angrily) You know, you're not the only person in the world who has >problems. Maybe if you'd stop thinking about yourself all the time, you'd be >able to see that! >Dinah: What problems are you talking about? Are you saying that Mother has some >sort of problem? Or that you do? >Bill: (scowling) Maybe both of us do. And maybe sometimes it would be nice to >know we could depend on you for a little support. >Dinah: Would you mind explaining what on earth youre talking about, Bill? Cause >I havent a clue!! >Bill (pushing himself to his feet and leaning forward over the table towards >Dinah) You dont have a clue cause you dont want to!!! Its much easier that >way, isnt it? Not caring about any of us? And why should you! After all, you >didn't grow up in this family. It makes such a convenient excuse, doesnt it!! >(He turns and stalks out). >A silence descends on the table. >Marcus: Maybe you should go talk to him. >Dinah: I have no idea what this is all about. Why is he so upset? >Marcus: Ben, do you know what's going on? >Ben: Uh, I really can't say. Just that I think maybe Bill's worried about his >mom and Matt. >Dinah: Don't tell me there's trouble in paradise? But that wouldn't explain why >Bill is so upset. >Ben: (impatiently) Well, maybe he cares enough about your mom that it upsets him >to think that something bad might happen to her marriage. (He pushes to his >feet) I'm going to go find Bill.... make sure hes okay. >Dinah and Marcus are left alone at the table. Dinah stares at Marcus: Well, I >can see you have something you want to say. You might as well go ahead and save >us some time. Just spit it out. >Marcus frowns: Your little brother is upset. The least you could do is go after >him. >Dinah sighs: Marcus, I tried that the other night. He seemed upset so I tried to >talk to him, but I'm really no good at this sort of thing. You know, I don't >have a lot of practice in the big sister department. >Marcus: Well, you're not going to get it sitting here with me. Go find Bill and >try to talk to him. >Dinah: I'll do it tomorrow. I can't do it this afternoon. I have an appointment, >remember. >Marcus: Is it really that hard to talk to him? >Dinah: Look, I'll do it tomorrow, okay. Now leave me alone. (She buries her face >in the menu) > >Friday evening 6:00 Spaulding mansion >Amanda walks into the sitting room, throws down her pocketbook, and pours >herself a stiff drink, looking tense and tired. She sits down and tries to >relax. >Alex enters, carrying a package. >Alex: Well, Amanda, you lucky girl!! This package just arrived for you. (She >holds out a small package). >Amanda stares at it warily and takes another sip of her drink. She takes the >package from Alex. >Amanda: Thanks, Aunt Alex. >Alex: So, arent you going to open it? Come now, humor me! You know I cant >stand not knowing what's in other peoples packages. (She laughs.) >The phone rings and Amanda is relieved when Alex decides to take the call in the >study. Alone in the sitting room, Amanda examines the package, which has no >return address. >Amanda: Lets just hope theres no bomb in here. (She quickly unwraps the >package. Three videocassettes pop out. Amanda picks one up and reads the label. >She grimaces and hastily pushes the tapes back into the box, wrapping the paper >around it.) Oh, this is just great. So, Joey, is this a threat? You want me to >know you have the tapes and will use them if I dont come through with the >money? Well, dont worry. Im not going to let you ruin my new life here in >Springfield. (She speaks defiantly but she looks frightened.) > >To be continued..... > > > "It does not necessarily follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours.....but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage." Lizzy speaking to Mr. Bingley, Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen