-[COMMERCIAL]-
Bradley:
You look surprised to see me.
Alan:
I didn’t realize you were back in town. It’s probably just as well. Now we can see to it that you get what’s coming to you. Excuse me, I’m hosting a party.
Bradley: (grabs his arm)
You’re not leaving till I say you leave.
Alan:
Take your hands off me. (Bradley obliges.) If you don’t leave here immediately, I’ll see to it that you spend another night in jail.
Bradley:
You won’t be acting so high and mighty if I go in there and tell everyone how you forced me to come between Phillip and Beth. Will you?
Alan:
That would be a very foolish move on your part.
Bradley:
Hey, I wonder what your darling Phillip would think if he knew you bribed that judge to get Beth put back in my custody? Or that you tried to arrange for the whole family to be moved to Vancouver?
Alan:
I doubt that he’d believe you.
Bradley:
I can prove it. And while I’m at it, maybe I’ll prove that it was you who forced me to bring those harassment charges against Phillip. You thought you lost your son before? (laughs) Ah, that was nothing. This time you’ll lose him forever.
Alan:
What is it you want?
Bradley:
I got it all written out for you. (He pulls an envelope out of his jacket pocket.) Right here. (Reading) “I, Alan Spaulding, swear to help Bradley Raines start a new life for himself. I’ll take care of the warrant for his arrest in New York City, I’ll arrange for a new name and identity for him, and I’ll set him up in my company in Vancouver. Furthermore, I will do whatever has to be done to keep him comfortable for the rest of his life. I owe him this because of all the trouble I got him into with his wife, his daughter, and my son, Phillip.”
Alan:
You realize of course that blackmail is a federal offense?
Bradley:
Well, maybe you’d rather I go in there and told Phillip right now. That would be quite the sensation here at your sister’s party. I’ll do it, Spaulding. You know I will.
(Alan glares at him. When Bradley moves toward the door, Alan stops him.)
Alan:
Give it to me.
Bradley: (hands him the paper)
I figured you’d see it my way. (He hands Alan a pen and Alan signs it.) You’re a very smart business man, Mr. Spaulding. You know a good deal when you see one. (Takes the paper and looks it over.) Good. I’ll be in touch. (He starts to leave, but turns back.) Oh, don’t think you can have me taken care of. I’ve already made certain arrangements. If anything should happen to me, it would all come out. (Puts his hand on Alan’s shoulder.) It’s a swell party you got here, Alan. Sorry I can’t stay longer. (He leaves.)
(Alexandra—who is lurking around the party unannounced and unnoticed—is seen watching them from the door. Alan senses that he’s being watched, but when he turns around, she’s gone.)
(Ballroom: Rick and Mindy dancing.)
Mindy:
You know, I feel wonderful. Everything seems so magical.
Rick:
Magical? I see.
Mindy:
I think everything’s working out for the best. Well, almost everything.
Rick:
Oh, are you talking about Phillip and Beth?
Mindy:
No, I was thinking about my daddy and Vanessa.
Rick:
Mindy, that’s something they’re gonna have to work out for themselves.
Mindy:
They belong together.
Rick: (serious)
Mindy, we belong together.
Mindy:
Rick, I think… (she looks distracted)
Rick:
What? What’s wrong Mindy?
Mindy:
I think I need a little fresh air. Suddenly I got a dizzy spell. (She heads for the door and Rick follows.)
(Later, Rick & Mindy are sitting outside on the terrace.)
Rick:
Do you feel okay?
Mindy:
Much better.
Rick:
Mindy, I meant what I said. I think that we belong together.
Mindy: (stands up and looks out over the grounds)
Rick, I think that maybe—
Rick: (interrupts)
Listen, Mindy, let me finish, okay? (He stands behind her.) Mindy, I think I love you. (Mindy smiles, but he can’t see because he’s behind her.) No, that’s wrong. I know I love you. (Mindy is silent.) Aren’t you going to say anything?
Mindy: (not sure what to say)
It’s cold out here.
Rick: (removes his jacket and puts it over her shoulders)
Mindy, I, uh, I just said that I love you. Are you gonna pretend you didn’t hear it?
Mindy:
No.
Rick:
Then say something. Say something, or I’m gonna jump out of my skin. (laughs nervously)
Mindy: (faces him and smiles)
What do you want me to say?
Rick:
I wanna know how you feel about me.
Mindy: (looks into his eyes)
I don’t know how I feel about you, Rick. (She turns away again.)
Rick: (turns her back to him and gently places one hand under her chin)
I don’t believe that. I think you do. (He leans in and kisses her.)
(Ballroom: Phillip and Beth are sitting at a table watching everyone dance.)
Phillip:
Your Mom is a great dancer.
Beth:
She’s really having a great time with Mike Bauer. They make a nice couple.
Phillip:
Yeah. They do. How are the two of you getting along? (He holds her hand.)
Beth:
Better than ever. I know I’m gonna have to tell her, but I know I can. The time’s gonna come soon.
Phillip: (moves closer and kisses her)
When are we gonna announce our engagement?
Beth:
Let’s wait a little while.
Phillip:
Let’s not.
Beth:
Oh, come on. (Gets an idea.) I know! Till midnight—when everyone takes off their masks.
Phillip:
Not one minute later, you hear?
Beth:
I promise. (They kiss.)
(Ballroom: Rick and Mindy dancing. Mindy looks up at him.)
Rick: (smiles)
What are you thinking about?
Mindy:
You.
Rick:
What’s the verdict?
Mindy:
I think I love you, Rick. No—I know I do. (They kiss.)
(End of Episode #1.)
