After FYI Pt 3: The Rule of Threes

by Ms.M

UPDATED AND CORRECTED:Part 3 - Murphy is visited by more men from her past: Jake & Peter. Is the rule of threes true? Or just a comic device? See Murphy & and gang in the dramatic/funny conclusion of the Murphy Brown Reunion movie.

6. Brand New Day

Chapter Sixth: A Brand New Day

---

SHOW DAY : AUGUST 31ST: The Un-Official Last Day Of-Summer

Jerry sat in his hotel room at The Plaza. It wasn't his first choice given his history with the place. His history in the place with Murphy, but it was the best in town and the head honchos insisted they put him up in the hotel while, as he put it, "his apartment was being painted." Jerry sat in a large chair in the living room area of the suite. The sunlight came in and lit the room just enough that the absence of artificial light went unneeded. Still, with translucent curtains behind him, the room was still a little dark, but Jerry was fine with that. He wrapped his fingers around the arms of the big comfy chair and tapped his right fingers over the edge. He was deep in thought. In his left hand Jerry held a small glass of scotch he found in the mini bar. With little sleep Jerry needed a little pick me up and he wasn't in the mood for fruit.

There was a knock on the door and after a moment Jerry sprung out of his state, but with very little springing. The knocking became more furious the longer it took Jerry to get it. He set his drink down on the end table next to him and answered the door.

"Coffee." Rachel shoved a large cardboard coffee cup in Jerry's face. "Take it."

Jerry took the coffee and Rachel toddled in. She had been trying to carry two coffees, so she was a little lopsided and her purse had started to fall off her shoulder. Jerry opened the coffee and set it on the table in front of the couch, but after a quick sip decided it was too hot for consumption. Rachel looked around at the suite and how spacious it was. She noticed the glass of scotch, but decided to not mention it. Rachel adjusted her purse strap back onto her shoulder.

"What happened, the big room was booked?" Rachel joked. Jerry gave her a look. "You packed?"

"Almost." Jerry took his coffee and walked into the bedroom.

"You better take out a coat. It's freezing out there. I don't get this weather. One day it's hot, the next you'd think it was winter. When's the flight?"

"It's at four," he yelled from the bedroom as he threw some extra things into the bag. Rachel could see him from the living room area, as there was really no divider. She still looked around as she talked to him. "What time is our reservation?"

"I thought we'd just eat downstairs." Jerry pocked his head out. "Is that alright with you?

"Yeah, sure." Rachel shook her head like it was no big deal. Jerry nodded his like it was. Rachel was confused and Jerry walked back into bedroom.

A moment later, Jerry appeared from the bedroom in a grey trench coat. He checked his pockets to make sure he had everything. "Did you pick up...?"

"Yes, I picked it up..." Rachel handed Jerry a blue Tiffany's bag. Jerry reached for the bag, but Rachel pulled it away. "Can I tell you just how rude it is to make a person pick up their own gift from Tiffany's? Especially, when this hotel is practically right across the street."

"Yeah, but if it wasn't for you, would you have done it?"

"No."

"There you go."

"Did you even get me something or was this some ploy? I feel used."

"Yes, I really got you something. Now give me the bag." Jerry was not pleased; Rachel was. She handed Jerry the bag. Jerry gave her a look and set the bag on a desk.

"Oh, by the way there were two boxes under your name." Jerry opened the bag as Rachel spoke. "They said it had been there for a few weeks. It was paid for. So I just picked it up for you." Rachel sat down, pretending as if what she had said wasn't such a big deal. She eyed Jerry as he discovered the second small blue box in the bag. "I hope you don't mind?

"No." Jerry held the box in his hand and thought for a moment. His back was to Rachel, but she could see how the package made him pause. "I forgot about this."

"What is it?"

"Nothing, it's nothing..." Jerry slipped the box in trench coat pocket.

"Is it for Murphy?" Rachel asked point blank.

Jerry turned around in a blink. "What? What makes you say that?"

"Easy guess. And that's the name on the card."

"Yes, it was for Murphy. I ordered it three weeks ago. I forgot all about it. Come on, let's get some food." Jerry went for the door.

"You know you should give it to her..."

"What? Why?"

"Why let it go to waste. I saw the slip. Whatever it was - you had it engraved, so you can't return it."

"Rachel, are we eating or not?"

"Fine. I'll drop the subject." She put her hands up.

"Good. Then let's go."

"No."

"No?"

"I want my present." She smiled slyly.

"Alright, alright." Jerry took the bag from the desk and handed it to her. Rachel took it with glee and pulled out a thin blue box.

Jerry put his hands in his pants pockets and looked at her beaming. He looked down, for a moment, feeling embarrassment for the way he was feeling - pride and love for his daughter. Rachel opened the small flat box to find a cigarette case with a R.M.G monogram. Rachel smiled and looked up at Jerry.

"I figured you needed to have your own." Jerry smiled, as Rachel slide her finger over the R.M.G.

"I know, I know I had them put the "G", but that's your name goddamn it, that's who you are…"

"No, Jerry, it's beautiful." She put her hand on his. "It's beautiful."

"About that..." Jerry paused for a moment to find the best words. "Do you think...I thought it was… well… I'd like it...if… You could call me Dad, if you want. I'd really like that."

Rachel smiled and looked down before looking Jerry in the face. "I don't know if I'm ready for that, yet."

"Sure, Sure..." Jerry lowered and nodded his head.

Rachel leaned in and kissed her father on the cheek. "Thank you," she said shyly. There was a knock at the door. "I'll get it." Rachel opened the door to find a bellman waiting.

"They're in the other room." Jerry singled to the man towards the bedroom. The man came out pushing a cart of clothes with two suitcases and a garment bag. Rachel followed the man out and stopped as Jerry started to pat himself down.

"Got everything?"

"No, I can't find my tickets…"

"You're plane tickets?"

"No, I have them. My tickets to the Emmys. Ohh." Jerry put his hand to his head. "I left them in the apartment." Jerry ran his hand over his face. He looked at Rachel. "You go pick them up for me?"

"Me? I can't. I have to get to work. It's show day. Why can't you go pick them up?"

"I'm not going back to the apartment. I'll run into Murphy."

"No, you won't. She hasn't lived there in weeks.

"Really, that's not what I heard."

"What did you hear?"

"Just believe me, I know. I need you to get those tickets for me," he pleaded.

"Get them yourself. Besides, I doubt Murphy's there now anyway. She's meeting me in front after we eat."

"Fine! I'll go pick them up myself. Let's go eat." And Jerry opened the door for Rachel and she took a step out. "Not even, Pop?"

"Jerry…"

"Or like that song—" He tried to find the name in his memory, as he snapped his fingers for a moment.

"What song?

"Eddie Fisher…" he said, like it was coming to him, but he couldn't quite get it.

"Oh my Papa?"

"Yeah! That one!" Jerry seemed proud of himself.

Rachel rolled her eyes, "I am not calling you, "Oh my Papa"!" Rachel made her way out of the suite.

"Just try it out, see how it fits." He gestured, as he hollered at her down the hall.

"Nooo!" Rachel shouted, as Jerry shut the door.

---

LATER

Murphy sat alone in the limo. She was tired, irritable, and annoying the driver.

"Could you turn the heat up?" There was no answer. "Hey!" She hit the window between her and the driver. "Hey!" The window lowered. "Do you mind turning the heat up? You could keep food from perishing in here!"

"Yes, Ms. Brown. I'll turn up the heat. Again." And the window zipped back up. Murphy rubbed her arms and muttered to herself. She reached for the heater, as the window came down again. "And don't play with that thing. I told you, I have to control the heat from up here. From the control room."

"I'll control everything. The control room," Murphy mocked the driver. "It's Antarctica in here and he has the air conditioning on." Murphy put her hand up against the air ducks and felt for heat. It was not to her satisfaction. "I tell you. You have to do everything yourself." Murphy leaned down and started to fiddle with some knobs next to the door frame. "Ah, ha!" She seemed to find the right one as heat began to fill the car. Murphy pulled away to find the knob still in her hand. She looked around, to see if she was being watched by the driver, and set the knob back in its hole.

---

IN FRONT OF THE PLAZA HOTEL

It was cold outside, very cold. The sun was out and the sky was blue, but it was not normal August weather. It was the kind of day that if it were October it would be a beautiful day. It was the unofficial last day of summer and it felt more like the beginning of winter and not even the beginning of fall. The limo stopped in front of The Plaza and Murphy waited. She looked at her watch; it was getting late and Murphy of course was impatient.

Finally, Rachel exited the hotel's main door. Murphy went for the car door and busted it open. She stepped out into the cold air and flipped her collar up, as the wind blew past.

"Rachel, where have you been?" Murphy screeched. She tried to pretend she didn't see Jerry, who had walked out behind Rachel. Murphy flinched for a moment and looked directly into Rachel's eyes.

"Interesting timing, you set this shindig up? Jerry said softly, for Rachel's benefit.

"I really have no idea what you're implying." She full well knew what she was doing.

Jerry gave his daughter an unhappy eye full. "You really are the devil sometimes," he said in his most gruff voice.

"Nayy…" She shrugged it off. "I'm just the devil's spawn." She smirked.

Jerry couldn't help but smile at Rachel with his eyes, for he truly got kick out of his daughter's sense of humor – because, in fact, it was his own. Jerry then took a breath, knowing the mess of awkwardness and hurt that was about to come his way. He made his way down the stairs and met Murphy at the base of it.

"Murphy," Jerry said, holding his trench coat over his arm in front of him. He played it very formal.

"Jerry." Murphy did the same with extra bravado.

"Well, I'll be going." Jerry kissed Rachel on the cheek.

"Off to Germany are we Jerry?" Jerry looked confused but before he could answer Murphy turned to Rachel. "I'll be in the car." Murphy opened the car door and after entering, slammed it behind her. Rachel looked at Jerry, as if she wanted to apologize. Jerry put his hand out smiling. He took a long look at the car and walked off. Rachel watched him walk off into the crowd.

Rachel opened the car door and let herself in. She slid across the plush seats until she was directly across from Murphy. "What was that about?"

Murphy was organizing her note cards. "I told you I didn't want to see him."

"I know. I didn't think you'd be here so early." Rachel was of course lying.

"Well, I am."

"Believe me; he didn't want to see you either." Rachel rolled her eyes.

Murphy looked up. "Oh. Well. I'm glad we're both on the same page." Rachel started to interrupt Murphy. "I don't want to talk about it. What do you have for me?

"You're still interested in my opinions? I thought I was fired."

"I thought you quit as of tomorrow." She paused, but got no answer from Rachel. "Do your job. Now what do you have for me?"

---

ACROSS TOWN

Jerry jumped out of the cab in front of his old building. He decided to take a cab since the limo was being loaded for the airport. He paid the driver and took quick strides into the building.

Inside the apartment, Eldin Bernekey was putting the final touches on his new masterpiece; the living room. As Eldin said, he never left a job undone and he was back for one more day to do so.

Jerry fumbled with his keys, causing them to jingle while he opened the door. He shut the door behind him and entered the foyer, as Eldin entered the living room with his newly clean brushes and an old paint bucket. Jerry and Eldin caught eyes.

"Hey?" Jerry slid his keys in his pocket.

"Hey," Eldin answered.

"What are you still doing here? Aren't you supposed to be back in Washington?"

"Eldin Bereneky never leaves a job undone."

"That explains a lot," Jerry said under his breath. "I'm just here to pick someone up." Jerry walked to his desk.

"OK." Eldin didn't really care.

Eldin went back to his work, as Jerry started to leaf though the papers on his desk, looking for his Emmy tickets. Eldin gave Jerry a funny look, like he usually did, as he passed him and set his bucket next to the door. Eldin repeated this and then walked back behind the couch and tore off the trap. As this was happening Jerry quickly found his tickets and placed them in the breast pocket of his jacket. As Jerry pulled his tickets out, from the piles on his desk, Jerry uncovered something he knew was in the wrong place. He knew what it was instantly, but Jerry had to open it to be sure. He opened the paper in disbelief to discover a copy of his divorce paper. Jerry knew where everything on that desk was, well their general area, and he especially knew where he filed special papers. This meant someone had picked them up. His guess was Murphy and fear came over him, as he noticed the date and tea stains. It was an old copy.

"Eldin!" Jerry yelled, still looking at the papers in disbelief. "Eldin!" Jerry turned to find Eldin coming out from the kitchen.

"What? What? I'm right here. You know a normal person would actually get up and come and get me. I thought she had bad manners...then I met you." He shook a paint brush at him.

Jerry took no notice." Eldin, what is this doing here?"

"What is what doing here?"

"My old divorce papers. I didn't leave them out here?"

"Don't look at me?"

"Eldin, did Murphy find this?" Eldin looked at Jerry not knowing what to say. "She did, didn't she? She must have found these and... That's what she meant about Germany...Eldin!

"Hey, I don't know anything."

"Eldin, she found these didn't she?"

"Whoa, this is between the two of you. I don't like to get involved in domestic situations."

"Eldin, come on, she tells you everything. If she found these and thought..."

Eldin shook his head. "I'm sure she had her reasons."

"Eldin! But she was wrong. She thinks I'm not divorced." Jerry ran over to his desk and produced another pair of papers. "Look at this date, Eldin! Signed and dated and notarized, two months ago." Eldin took a look and looked away. "You have to tell me where she is, Eldin?"

"I can't do that."

"Eldin. Look at the papers, Eldin!"

"I saw them." Eldin wouldn't look at him." I still can't tell. She told me if you came around not to tell you anything." Eldin coward like a child in his paint cans. Not that he was afraid he was just stuck between his loyalty to Murphy and what he was being told.

"Uhh, Rachel told me where they were going. I can't remember. Ah, her cell isn't working. The show! It's show night! I'll go to the Studio. Where the hell is the studio? I'll find it! There still might be time." Jerry ran for the door.

"They're never let you in," Eldin chimed in, gesturing with his paintbrush. "She's left instructions everywhere not to let you in. She told me."

"Yeah. She would do that, wouldn't she? I bet my picture is the prime spot on her dart board. Hell, she was on mine for years. "Jerry sighed and ran his hand over his head. "God, who am I kidding? It's all just getting ridiculous." Jerry spotted the picture of Murphy on the fireplace shelve. "I should just go catch my plane." Jerry sunk into the center couch. "This is crazy, I'll never find her. Jerry slid his hands over his face and leaned forward. "I'm getting too old for this."

How many of you people out there have been hurt in some kind of love affair? And how many times have you sweared that you'd never love again. How many long and sleepless nights? How many lies, how many fights and why would you want to put yourself through all that again.

A Brand New Day – Sting & Steve Wonder

"I wouldn't be too sad." Eldin looked for something to say in the awkwardness. He saw how miserable Jerry looked and he felt compelled to say something. "Think of it this way. You won't have to deal with all her opinions, her big mouth, her tendency to comment on everything she sees, and does, no matter what anyone else thinks. Even to me it's damn irritating."

Jerry looked up and laughed. "That's what I love about her." Jerry looked at Eldin, who couldn't believe what he had just heard. Jerry took another glance of the picture of Murphy.

Love is pain I hear you say. Love is a cruel and bitter way for paying you back for all the faith you're ever had in your brain. But could it be what you need the most can leave you feeling just like a ghost. You never want to feel so sad and lost again

A Brand New Day ~ Sting & Steve Wonder

Eldin was stopped in his tracks. He was setting up all his belongings into his paint carry on. He had never heard anyone say that about Murphy. He stood up and watched, as Jerry laid his hands over the picture of Murphy.

One day you could be looking. Of a whole book of when you were together. You see a picture of her smiling at you when you were still together. You could be walking down the street. Should be chance to meet that same old smile you've been thinking about all day.

A Brand New Day ~ Sting & Steve Wonder

"I'm gonna take this. OK." He put it in his pocket. "It's mine anyway." Jerry walked for the door.

"You can catch her before she gets to the studio," Eldin called after Jerry.

Jerry spun around and faced Eldin behind the couch. "What?"

"She's stopping at that brunette producer's house on the way. To pick her up. If you hurry now you can still catch her." Jerry looked at him, not sure what to day. "GO!" Eldin pointed toward the door.

Jerry took the divorce papers off the coffee table and slid them in his breast pocket and ran out the door.

---

You can turn the clock to zero honey. I'll sell the stock and spend all the money. Starting up a brand new day. Turn the clock all the way back I wonder if shell tale me back. I'm thinking in a brand new way. Turn the clock to zero sister. You never know how much I missed her. Starting up a brand day. Turn the clock to zero boss, the rivers wide I'll swim across. Starting up a brand new day. It could happen to you. Just like it happened to me.

A Brand New Day ~ Sting & Steve Wonder

Jerry ran out of the apartment building, as best as he could. He ran down the sidewalk and out onto the street to grab a cab. There seemed none to catch. He crossed the street, almost against the street, and again tried to hail a cab, but none would stop. Finally, Jerry flagged down a cab and no sooner had he opened the door; the cab was off with him in the back seat. It was headed downtown.

---

BACK IN THE LIMO

Rachel and Murphy rode down Fifth Avenue working on their story. Murphy read note cards while Rachel made notes from her papers to her note cards. They each sat across from each other.

"...And then I thought we'd go to the clip." Rachel made a mark in her large legal notepad.

"I was thinking the same thing. Set him up and then watch him squirm." Murphy fanned herself with her note card. It was like she was going through menopause again.

"Jeez, it's like a sauna in here." Rachel took off her jacket.

"Yeah, Yeah." Murphy kept her eyes on her paper.

Rachel unbuttoned her top bottom and then went for the heater. "I think this is it." She pulled on the knob and it came apart in her hand.

"Oh, look what you did, Rachel," Murphy mocked her. "Good going," she said in her lower tone mocking voice.

"You did this, didn't you?" Rachel waved the knob at her.

Murphy didn't know what to say. "Don't just sit there. Open up a window."

The car stopped and there was a knock at the door. Rachel opened a window to reveal Frank.

"Never mind. Close it!" Murphy screeched.

"Murph, I need to talk." Frank opened the door and sat himself next to Murphy. He shut the door and said hello to Rachel.

"Frank, how did you find me!"

"I called Kay. She gave me the car number." To Frank this made sense.

Murphy was confused. "Frank! I thought you didn't need to talk to me? I thought you had everything under control?"

"I was wrong. Alright. Are you satisfied? I was wrong!"

"And who was right?"

"You. Alright. You!"

"Ahh, music to my ears, Frank. So you realized I was right and you sent her on her way, right."

"Well, not exactly. More like I can't stop thinking about her and I booked us a room at The Regent."

"Frank!"

"I thought I could do it!"

"Do what Frank? Keep it in your pants? I think we all know your record in that area."

"We didn't do anything."

"Frank, you had an affair!" Rachel asked, intrigued by the gossip.

Frank and Murphy looked at Rachel.

"Is there any way she can step out for a moment," Frank asked Murphy.

Rachel was shocked, "What! On to oncoming traffic!"

They both looked at Rachel. She gave them a horrid look back.

"Frank, what do you mean you didn't do anything?" Murphy looked at Frank. "What's the hotel room for - to play Pinochle in? What we're expecting to do in there? Organize a game a Mahjong?" She hit Frank over the head several times. "What were you thinking?"

Frank put his hands up defensively for a moment. "I don't know. I don't know. My brain keeps saying no, but my lips keep saying yes."

"I think we both know what was saying yes, Frank!"

"Nothing happened!"

"Then why are you here, Frank!"

"I'm afraid it will!"

"Let me get this straight, Frank? You think you're in love with your old girlfriend and you're afraid you might have an affair, so you booked yourself a hotel room. Let me just make sure I'm getting this all right when I bring it up with the board of THINGS THAT DONT MAKE ANY SENSE!"

"I didn't mean to do it. But the next thing I knew I had the reservation."

"Frank, this is not failing into a hole, or killing the neighbor's dog, Frank. This is picking up the phone, finding the number and giving your name. This is not under the category of things you do involuntary."

"Ok, I know it was wrong. But how do I get out of it?"

"How do I get out of it? Frank! Don't see her again! End of story! That's what I said before and that's what I'll say again."

"It's not as simple as that, Murphy, I think I love her!"

"OH!" Rachel spoke up.

Frank and Murphy both looked at Rachel who then pretended to look at her cards.

"Frank, you don't love her, you lust after her! There's a difference. You love you wife. Don't you?" Murphy was really serious with her last comment.

"That's why I need to talk to you."

"You don't love her, Frank?" Murphy was serious. "Things are just tough with your marriage right now, it's new. You're scared. That's all." There was a pause. "Frank? You love your wife, right?

"No, I mean yes. I think I love them both."

Oh, Frank!" The car stopped short causing Murphy and Frank to fall back. "Hey!" Murphy yelled.

"Wow, is it just me or is it like a sauna in here!" Frank loosened his collar.

There was a knock at the door to Murphy's right. "What the…" Murphy opened the door and Corky rolled in.

"Murphy, I need to talk to you." Corky sat herself down next to Frank.

"Oh, Jeez. Corky, what are you doing here?

"Kay told me you'd be here."

"Of course." Murphy was not happy. Corky turned and noticed Rachel. "Oh, hi, Rachel." She turned back to Murphy. "I need to talk to you, Murphy. I'm in trouble."

"Oh, my god!" Murphy fell into her hand. "Corky, you're pregnant?

"Whoa, this is getting good." Rachel looked up from her notes.

"No! Murphy!" Corky was embarrassed. "Victor's giving up his company for me."

"Victor? Who's Victor?" Murphy was confused.

"Hey! I was here first!" Frank tried to gain control of the conversation. "Hey, who's Victor?" Frank looked at Murphy.

Rachel just looked back and forth at them like a tennis match.

"Wait? Victor? Your guy? He's name is Victor? As in Victor Champion?" Murphy was getting it.

"Yes!" Corky said with a clenched mouth.

"You slept with Victor Champion!" Murphy yelled.

"Corky slept with Victor Champion!" Frank and Rachel yelled.

"This is better than the soaps," Rachel laughed.

"Corky, what were you thinking!" Murphy laid into her.

"You told me it was a good thing. You said I was freeing myself!"

"Yes, with some beefcake in marketing or some stripper with... really big feet." Murphy smiled for a moment. "But with Victor Champion. Corky, what were you thinking?"

"But you sleep with Jerry Gold!" Corky threw the ball back.

"We're not talking about me!" Murphy tried to change the subject.

"He's not as bad as you all think. If you would only get to know him. Like I do. Murphy he's giving up his company, his shares, because me. Today. At the stockholders meeting. Because I broke up with him! I tried everything. He won't listen to me. He won't live with me, he won't even date me. He just wants to marry me! Marry me!"

"Wait, live together? Date him? Corky I thought you wanted to break up with this guy!"

"Yes! No! I don't know! I think I love him."

"Ah, Jeez". Murphy rolled her eyes.

"Murph!" Frank looked at Murphy with his puppy dog eyes. "You still haven't finished with me!"

"Frank! I don't know what you're saying. What do you want from me?"

"I need your help Murphy...I...I...I need you to tell me what to do? I'm meeting Amy in the park today and I know if I go we're going to end up in that hotel room."

"Frank! You have to stop this. You have to stop coming to me for all the answers. Have you looked at my life? Does it look like I can offer advice? All you want is me to agree with you so you'll feel better. Well, this time. I'm just not gonna do it. Frank, it's time you make up your own mind."

The car stopped short sending Murphy, Frank and Corky against the back of the car.

"Hey!" Murphy yelled.

"I think we're here, Murphy." Rachel said with no expression, as she picked up her index cards off the ground.

Murphy looked out the window to her left. "Where's Kay!"

Frank and Corky started to talk at once.

"Stop it!" Murphy lifted her hands up and Frank and Corky quieted down.

"Frank got his answer. I want mine!" Corky demanded.

Frank turned to Corky. "No, I didn't get my answer!"

"Don't be stupid, Frank," Corky protested. "She told you to make up your own mind. Do it! Not that you could. You couldn't even pick out the right shirt this morning."

"Hey!" Frank was offended.

"Stop it!" Murphy shouted.

There was a knock at the door. They all turned and Murphy rolled down the car window to her left.

"Hi." Miles pocked his head in the window.

"Miles?" Murphy was confused. "What are you doing here?"

Oh, hi guys? He noticed Frank and Corky. "What's going on?" He turned and noticed Rachel. "Rachel." He said, in an unfriendly, professional, like manner.

"Miles." Rachel didn't look at him.

"Miles, what are you doing here?" Murphy cracked.

"Kay called me. She said she needed help? Wow, it's like a shvitz in here!"

"Help? With what?" Murphy asked.

"The show, I guess. She didn't really say. Can I come in?"

"Of course, Miles. You don't need an invitation." Murphy rolled his eyes.

"Well..." Miles looked over towards Rachel and her empty side of the limo. "Could someone move over?" Miles motioned with his head.

"Miles, there's plenty of room over there!" Murphy pointed next to Rachel with her hand.

"I don't want to seat over there," Miles said to Murphy through clenched teeth.

"Oh, be a man, Miles!" Murphy bellowed.

"Corky?" Miles looked at her.

"I'm not budging," she said directly to Frank.

"Either am I!" Frank said to Corky.

"Come on, Frank, help a guy." There was no answer. "Fine!" Miles clenched his teeth, and his body, like he did when he wasn't a happy boy. He opened the car and pocked his head in. He looked at Rachel. "Could you move?" he said, trying to sound superior, but sounding more like a little boy trying to be grown up.

Rachel said nothing and reluctantly moved over, leaving room for Miles. As soon as the door shut the car was off again. Miles could feel the heat. He took off his jacket and fanned himself.

"Now, why did Kay call you, Miles?" Murphy questioned again.

"I don't know. She just gave me a call. She said there was some emergency and she might not be able to call the show, so she needed someone to help."

"I can call the show," Rachel spoke to Miles, but looked out the window. "I can call the show." She looked at the group. "Kay didn't need to call you. I can take over."

"Well, obviously she thought otherwise," Miles yapped, and the two started to fight. This caused Frank and Corky to talk over each other; pushing Murphy to the boiling point. The car stopped.

"STOP IT! STOP IT STOP IT!" Murphy shrieked and put her hands to her ears for a moment. "CAN WE HAVE SOME DECORUM!" There was a knock at the door. "NOW WHAT?"

Murphy opened the door and unwittingly let Jerry in. And in one swoop he was sitting next to her and had shut the door. "Murphy, I need to talk to you!" Jerry demanded. The car started moving again.

"No, don't keep moving! Don't keep moving!" She looked at Jerry. "What are you doing here? I told you I didn't want to see you!"

"Murphy, I need to talk to you!"

"Noo. Noo! Get out!"

"Yeah, beat it, Gold!" Frank shifted his head to say it to Jerry's face.

"Yeah, you heard the lady!" Miles chimed in. Rachel shot him a look

"I said everyone out! Out! Out!" Murphy demanded. No one moved. She turned to the group and then to Jerry. "Jerry, get out, get on your plane and go back wherever you're going to. And get out of my life! For good this time!"

"Murphy, you have to hear me out! Just hear me out! Just once before I get on that plane. You owe me that!" He tried to talk over her, as he put his hands up to defend himself from the Murphy monster.

"Yeah, give him a chance," Corky chimed in. They all looked at Corky.

Jerry's eyebrows tilted up. "I thought I'd never say this, but... Thanks, Sherwood." The rest of the group started to speak up at once and Murphy quieted them with her voice and hands.

"Alright!" Murphy waited until they all were silent. She turned to Jerry. "You have one minute! Go!"

"OK. Here it goes." He paused. "Murphy, I'm divorced!"

"You are? That's great." Murphy smiled. "Now get out!" She turned away from him.

"No, Murphy." Jerry grabbed her by the arm, and Murphy turned toward him, as he took the divorce papers out of his pocket. "Look, I know you found those papers on my desk. The ones you found last month. I know you thought I didn't file them."

"You didn't, Jerry. I saw the date," Murphy demanded.

"These aren't my divorce papers, Murphy. You would have known if you'd just ask me."

"Oh, don't try to blow something over on me. You went out to have these notarized. I was there. You can see the tea stands I got on them. These are your divorced papers, Jerry." She hit them with her hand.

"And so are theses." Jerry emerged another cleaner set of papers, from his pocket, and put them on top of the others. Murphy looked at them astutely.

"Murphy, don't listen to him. He could have had them made up," Miles gurgled, as he spoke.

Jerry gave at Miles a dirty look.

"SHH!" Murphy shouted, as she read.

"What's that on your head, Silverberg? Grey hair?" Jerry savored his remark.

Miles folded his arms in anger and pouted.

"Looks real to me, Murph." Frank looked at the papers from his position. "I hate to say it." He looked up at Murphy.

"Yeah, that's real." They looked at Corky, after she spoke. "My cousin Louisa was a notary public. That was until she lost her hand in that combine accident. It was the hand she stamped with."

"Murphy," Jerry got her attention. "I didn't want to tell you. I should have. I know now. I couldn't find a notary that day. I just walked around. Blew off some steam."

"I'm not going grey," Miles muttered to himself. "Not that it would matter." They all looked at him. "It's not like it means I'm old. It just means my hairs lost its pigment. HA! I bet he didn't know that."

"As I was saying..." Jerry looked at Murphy. "Elka called my lawyer the next day. She saw our picture in some tabloid. She got mad and she had more demands."

"It says here you gave her almost everything."

"I knew contesting would just draw this thing out. So… I let her have it all."

"You let her have it all?"

"It was the quickest way to get this whole mess behind us, Murphy.

"You're divorced?"

Yes." Jerry smiled. Murphy smiled, looking down at the papers. "My god it's like a sauna in here." Jerry took off his coat.

Murphy's smile suddenly turned sour. "It's not as easy as this, Jerry." She handed him back the papers.

"Murphy? I don't understand. It's fixed."

"I think one thing can't fix everything."

"What? Jake's out of the picture. You thought I didn't want a divorce. I did. Everything's fixed. What's the trouble?"

"Things are more complicated than that, Jerry."

"Oh, I get it. You're with Peter, aren't you?"

"I'm not with Peter!"

"Then what's wrong?"

"We are, Jerry. We're all wrong."

"What? You don't love me now?"

"That's not the point.

"No, NO, it is. You love me. I love you. Now, were good together, Brown. I know you like I know the back of my hand."

"Just because we love each other, Jerry, that doesn't mean we end up together. Life is not a fairy tale ending."

"I never thought it was. I never wanted it to be."

"So what happens now? We get back together. Things are all right for a while and blamo! We start fighting again! And then we're both miserable. We don't want that!"

"When do we ever stop fighting? Murphy, that's what we love about our relationship. Each other. Remember?"

"That's not what I'm talking about, Jer. It's just too painful! I don't want to go through that again. It's like I said. Just because two people are in love doesn't mean they can live together."

"Who says we have to live together, Brown?"

"That's not what I'm saying, Jerry!"

"I know what you saying, Brown. You're saying that we're both too volatile to be together. That it's fun at first and then it all goes to seed. Kind of like the 2000 election." Jerry took Murphy's hand. "But I don't care, Murphy."

"Well, you should care!" She pulled her hand away from his.

"I don't know, I kind of like the idea of people saying..."You think Gold's bad. You should see his girlfriend," he laughed. Murphy didn't.

"We have too many problems, Jerry. Were just too alike."

"And that's why we're perfect for each other." He leaned in sweetly.

"Noo." She paused. "I'm sorry." She wouldn't look at him,

"Murphy, I never asked to care like this. I never thought there was someone out there for me. But...I don't know. When I look into your eyes. I believe there's a god, and I believe that there is only one person for me and that's you."

Corky started to sniffle. Miles, Frank and Rachel looked at her oddly.

"And I know you know that too."

Murphy wouldn't look at Jerry. "No, Jerry. It's just too hard."

"How can you not even listen to me! Hear me out! Don't let this go!"

"It's too much! Leave, Jerry! Get out!" Murphy still wouldn't look Jerry in the eyes. The car stopped and Murphy opened the door. "Out!"

There was a knock at the other door. Corky rolled down the window, on her side, and low and behold there was Jim.

"Oh, hello all. Funny running into you all here. I thought I recognized the car. My taxi seems to have gotten into a bit of a scarp. I'm late in meeting, Doris. May I hitch a lift?"

"Sure, Jim." Corky opened the door and let Jim in. He squished next to Miles. The two men nodded at each other – it was more than tight.

"What is this a clown car!" Murphy screamed. "Everybody out! Out!" The car starting moving again and Murphy was forced to shut the door.

"Well, I..." Jim didn't know what to say.

"Out! Out!" Murphy screamed again. Corky and Frank started to go. "No, you two stay. I'm not done with you two." She turned to Jerry. "That means you, buster. Now get out." She pushed him.

"You know that's it!" Jerry screeched. "You're sick? You're sick and tired! Well, I'm sick and tried too. Of this. We break up and then I have to come back and I have to sit here and argue with you about it 'till I'm blue in the face. It's insulting, Brown and I through with it. I through with trying to convince you that you love me. And trying to explain commitment and trust. I am sorry, Brown, that your parents messed you up. But you know what, join the club. I'm done with all of this. "He turned to Rachel. "I'll call you when I get to LA!" Jerry yelled to the driver, "Stop here!" He put his hand to the door. "GOOD BYE, MURPHY!" And he left the car.

As the door slammed shut the car drove off. Murphy stared at the door, unsure what to feel. She expected Jerry to open the door at any moment with a never mind, a second thought, like he always did, but nothing. She was in shock. Murphy took her gaze off the window and looked straight ahead. No one knew what to say.

"What just happened here?" Jim asked around

"Murph. Are you alright?" Frank asked, putting his hand on her arm. He could see she was shaken.

"I'm fine." She started to pull down her window. "Could we get some air in here? It's like a sauna."

The group looked at each other not sure what to do.

"Did I miss something?" Jim asked looking around the group.

"Everything, Jim," Rachel said, very softly.

Suddenly, Murphy heard the timber of Aretha Franklin. It wasn't until now that she heard the radio playing softly.

"Hey, can you turn that up?" she yelled. "Make him turn that up!" Murphy demanded to Rachel. Rachel knocked on the window and whispered something. The song grew louder. Aretha relaxed Murphy. It then dawned on her the song playing was a recording she hadn't heard before, which was rare. Suddenly, there was a man singing with Aretha. It was Frank Sinatra. Murphy smiled bitter sweetly.

"Ha, Jer, you were right." She remembered one of those nights back in May, in Washington, when they argued over whether Aretha and Sinatra had ever sung together. Murphy thought they were two different to ever sing together. Murphy was wrong. Suddenly, unexpectedly, Murphy began to cry a little.

"Murph?" Frank questioned in disbelief.

"I'll be fine," Murphy demanded, as she averted her eyes from the group. She held in her tears as much as she could.

The rest if the group were dumfounded

"Corky, do you have a tissue for her?" Frank asked.

"Sure, Sure." Corky ransacked her purse and come up with a tissue which she handed to Murphy.

"Thank you, Corky." By now, Murphy was able to hold in her tears and took a breath. She patted under her eyes. "Jeez, it's hot in here!" She laughed, taking off her blazer. "I'm going to have to get a new jacket when we get there. I've sweated through this one."

"We'll have wardrobe get you one," Rachel chimed in. "I think we still have a few of yours on set just in case". The car stopped short throwing Murphy and the gang, again.

"HEY! WATCH IT!" Murphy looked at the group. "Why are we stopping? I want to get this show done so I can get out of this TOWN!"

"We have to pick up Kay." Rachel looked out the window on Jim's side. "There she is now. I think that's her. She's walking funny…"

The door opened and Kay slung herself against the doorframe, holding onto the frame like she was made of silly putty. "Hello". She sounded normal. "Could someone help me please?" Jim and Frank each gave her a hand and pulled her in. She fell onto Corky and Frank.

"OK, I think we need to move around here." Frank pealed Kay off him and sat himself between Jim and Miles. It was a big limo so it wasn't a tight fit, but it was probably more people in the limo then they had ever had before.

"Kay, are you drunk?" Murphy asked caustically.

"No." Kay propped herself up, as the car drive off, this caused her head to rest on Corky's shoulder. Kay and Corky eyed each other. Corky looked uncomfortable. Kay propped up her head. "I'll be fine. Nothing to worry about." She got herself together and was able to move more freely. But she still looked like she was very relaxed.

"Kay, what happened to you?" Corky remarked. "You look that guy in The Princess Bride."

"Is this why you called, Miles?" Murphy asked.

"If you can't do the show," Rachel defended herself. "You don't need Miles. I can do it!"

"I'm fine. I called Miles as a precaution. I just had a little mix up with my medications."

"What kind of mix up?" Frank questioned, confused as hell and concerned.

"I just, by accident, mistook one of my vitamins for one of my dog's tranquilizers." The group all roared up with their fears and questions. "I called the doctor and he said I'll be fine. Nothing to worry about. But... if I could have a little more room. That would be nice." She took a breath and Corky moved to her right. Kay stretched out her legs.

"Kay? Corky asked. "How could you do that? That sounds like something that happens in a sitcom!"

"I know. It does, doesn't it," Kay said very matter-a-factly, but with an air of question about it.

"Kay, didn't you notice anything different about it when you picked it up?" Jim asked.

"Yes, Jim. It smelled like puppy chow. That's why I picked it up and popped it in my mouth. What do you think; it looked and felt like all my other pills. It wasn't 'till I looked down to get the pills for Roger that I noticed it was missing and that I had an extra vitamin E."

"Ok, no one panic," Murphy interrupted. "We can handle this. Miles, you take over for Kay."

"I can take over for Kay," Rachel demanded.

"No, you have your own job to do," Miles demanded.

"When we get to the studio we'll have to brief Lois and..." Rachel kept on going.

"Actually, that's another thing I wanted to tell you," Kay chimed in. "We don't have Lois and..."

"What happened to-?" Rachel asked.

"She quit last night - she's going to become a swimsuit model in the Bahamas."

"Lois?" Jim asked

"No, the other one - Lois waked into a plate glass window on her way to work."

Murphy rolled her eyes. "So we have a half dead executive producer and about thirty minutes of uncounted for air time."

Murphy and Jim looked at each other.

"I can take over!" Rachel chimed in, but no one answered.

"We can do this. We've gone through worse before," Murphy spoke with passion.

"I'm game if you are, Slugger," Jim leaned forward and smirked at her.

"You're on," Murphy responded.

"Frank?" Kay looked over Frank. "Why are you here?"

"Hey!" He pointed at Corky. "She's not supposed to be here either!"

"What!" Corky didn't know what to make of it. Kay looked uncomfortable. "Kay, are you ok?"

"I could just use some more space. It's really tight in here," Kay droned.

Corky looked at Kay with concern. "Yeah, and you must be so hot. I'll open the window."

Corky and Rachel opened their prospective windows.

"Actually, I'm quite cool," Kay responded. The gang all looked at her.

"Murphy, move over for Kay?" Corky shoved Murphy with her hands in the air.

"I'm not moving over. You move over," Murphy demanded.

"I did Murphy. There's no more room. You have to move over." Corky showed how close she was to the door.

"I was here first, Corky!" Murphy snarled.

"Oh, for the love of Mike. Just move over, Murphy!" The gang all looked at Jim. "It's hotter than hades in here and they're arguing over space!"

"Ok. Fine," Murphy cowered in embarrassment and scooted over. "Ow." Murphy reached her hand under her to see what she had sat on.

"What is it, Murph?" Frank asked. Murphy took Jerry's coat out from under her backside.

"Jerry left his coat." Murphy looked at the coat and was caught for a moment. It smelled just like him.

"Jerry was here?" Kay asked

"You take it." Murphy threw it to Rachel.

Rachel peeled the coat off of her. "There's no room here. Just sit on it 'till we get there!" Rachel threw it to Murphy, but it landed half way on Kay's lap.

"No, it hurts!" Murphy threw the coat back at Rachel, but it hit Miles in the face.

"Ow!" Miles said, behind the muffling of the coat.

"It's a coat, Murphy!" Rachel tossed the coat back at Murphy, but it landed in Kay's lap. "Not a cactus!"

"Do I have to swear again ladies!" Jim asked in all seriousness.

"Well, then there must be something in his pocket," Corky questioned.

"What could it be, Murphy?" Kay reached into the pocket of the Jerry's jacket, with her working hand, and came out with the small Tiffany's box. When she lifted the box out of the pocket all eyes in the car were fixed on it. So much so, that if there had been any fresh air in the car, there would have been an audible grasp of fear from most of the on lookers.

"What is it?" Frank asked.

"It's a Tiffany's jewelry box," Corky answered, softly and in shock.

"It must be for you, Murphy." Kay handed Murphy the box.

"We don't know that." Murphy was hesitant to take the box and waved it away with her hands.

Rachel made sure to correct Murphy. "No, it's yours, Murphy. I picked it up for Jerry this morning."

Murphy didn't want to hear it. "Why would he get me anything now? Plus, whatever it is it doesn't matter. We're done. It's not mine..."

"When I picked it up they said it had been there for almost a month and a half," Rachel answered.

"So you could open it." Kay positioned the box in front of Murphy.

"Technically he bought it when you were still together..." Corky chimed in. She wanted to know what was in the box; as did everyone else in the car.

"Do you all want me to open it!" Murphy could tell all eyes in the car were on her.

"Yes!" they all yelled.

"Fine! I'll open it." She took the box. "I mean, if you think about it, Jerry bought this for me when we were together. He wanted me to have whatever is in here. So… it's not like a make-up gift or anything. Whatever this is I'm not going to forgive him. Not that I'm mad at him, we've just decided to be adults about this whole thing. So keeping this would be like a memory gift, of our relationship. Like on the Young and the Restless when Ashley's husband died and Victor found that necklace that her husband bought her and signed the card in his name, so she would find it. Or was it he found the letter and bought her the gift so she would find it? I never..." Murphy scrunched her eyes together.

"OPEN THE BOX!" the group yelled.

"Alright, Alright, Jeez! Murphy took the ribbon off and opened the top of the box. From in the box she took out an even smaller, ring like, velvet box, from the larger blue box. Murphy's face turned to astonishment, as did the group. "He wouldn't?" She paused. "He wouldn't?" Murphy took a breath and opened the box.

"Ohh…" Her eyes lit up in shock.

"Please, tell me it's not a ring - it's not a ring," Jim repeated, with his eyes closed.

"What is it?" Frank leaned forward, trying to see in the box. Rachel did the same, as did Corky.

Murphy was transfixed on the object. "He remembered?" Murphy spoke to herself. She was emotionally moved by whatever the gift was.

"It's not a ring," Corky said peering. "I think it's a bracelet," she told the group. "And something attached…"

"It's a gold shoe," Murphy spoke, motionless.

"A gold shoe?" Frank questioned.

Murphy picked it up and looked at it.

"The receipt said there was an inscription," Rachel asked.

Murphy read the inscription and suddenly broke into hysterically crying. It was full blown. Murphy tried to hold it back, but it only made it worse. She held her hand in front of her face to mask it. The group was more flabbergasted then before.

"What just happened here? Am I out of the loop again?" Jim asked. "I hate this." He looked around.

"Oh, no…" Corky put her hand to her chest. "Murphy's cried twice in public in the last twenty seconds, I think that's one of the signs of apocalypse! I don't think I've ever seen her cry before – I don't know where to look. Frank, do something – you're her best friend."

"Me! I don't know what to do?" Frank looked over at Murphy. "Murph?" He asked sweetly and looked at her with concerned eyes.

Kay took the bracelet and read the inscription to herself. She smiled and looked at Murphy.

"It's ok, Sister. Cry it out." Kay put her very relaxed hand on Murphy who leaned forward and cried ever harder. All the time, trying to hide, but only turning her crying into, "the ugly cry."

"Kay, what does it say?" Corky leaned in against Kay, trying to see the inscription.

Kay smiled and looked up at the group. "It says," I love your shoes."

"Your shoes?" Jim asked the group in bewilderment." What does that mean? What does that mean?"

Murphy tried to respond, but only muffled words came out.

Kay interrupted for Murphy. "When Jerry first told Murphy he loved her. He couldn't say it, so he told her he loved her shoes."

"But I don't understand? Why is it making her cry like Nixon sweats?" Frank really wanted to understand, so he could help his friend. It almost made him uncomfortable.

Murphy again tried to speak, but it only came out as nonsense. Kay listened and then interpreted to the group.

"When Jerry and Murphy had their last fight - one of things they argued over was the fact, she felt, the reason Jerry couldn't remember important moments in their relationship was because he didn't care. She thought he had forgotten this. And he didn't."

"Kay, can you really understand what she's saying?" Rachel inquired.

"No, she told me all this before," Kay answered.

Murphy took a breath and seemed to be recovering from her therapeutic cry.

Jim noticed first. "Slugger? You alright?"

Corky handed Murphy more tissues, as Murphy shook her head yes.

"Murph?" Frank asked. "You're sure you're ok. There's nothing we can do?"

"Yes. I'm fine." Murphy seemed embarrassed. "I guess I needed that." Murphy wiped the side of her eyes.

"Yes, you did." Kay patted Murphy's back.

"Kay, could you not do that?" Murphy actually said this politely.

Kay looked at her hand. "Sorry." She lifted the hand off of Murphy with her other less relaxed hand. "I still don't have feeling in this one." Kay started to massage her hand.

Murphy took a breath. "Whoa, well I'm glad that's over with." The group looked at Murphy confused.

"Murphy, you know what this means don't you?" Corky leaned in.

"What, Corky?

"You have to go after him," Corky smiled with romantic optimism.

"What?" Murphy was confused to hear this, especially from Corky. She noticed Corky was wiping her eyes with a tissue.

"I hate to say this too, Murph," Frank told Murphy honestly.

"Frank?" Murphy was taken aback.

"Have you all gone mad?" Jim yelled out.

Murphy looked like she was really wrestling with what Frank and Corky were suggesting.

"Murphy, go for it!" Rachel urged her on.

"Go after him, Murphy," Miles soft and timid voice broke through the silence.

Miles had finally chimed in. He had been silent for a long time. The group all looked at him in surprise, including Murphy.

"Miles!" Rachel questioned.

Murphy looked at Miles with a smile and a question mark. "Miles?"

"Do you love him, Murphy?" Miles asked.

Murphy paused before speaking, "Yes, Miles. I do"

"Then go after him. Run, swim, drive. Don't lose it while you still have it," Miles said with pathos. "Who cares what we think. Or the world thinks."

"I may regret this later," Frank chimed in. "But go for it, Murph. Be happy for a change."

Murphy smiled at Frank. She looked at Kay.

"You already know my answer, Sister," Kay spoke, yet her body didn't move.

"Are you all insane? You're telling her to go after Jerry Gold!" Jim was livid." He's gone. He's finally out of her life and you're telling her to go after him. Are your mad, man!" Jim directed his last line to Frank.

"You'd understand, Jim - if you had that great love and then made the wrong choice to give it away. And then you find it later, only you're married..." Frank went on and on.

"What? What is he saying?" Jim looked at the group with a perplexed look.

"I'm gonna do it!" Murphy finally made a choice. "I'm going after him. I'm going to do it! DRIVER, STOP THE CAR!" The car stopped short and Murphy fell into Kay. "Pull over!" Murphy started to crawl over Kay, Corky, and Frank with much aggravation.

"Wait, Slugger. You can't do this," Jim protested.

"Yes, she can, Jim," Kay answered, always the romantic. "She's in love."

Murphy opened the door and stepped out.

Jim stopped her. "Murphy, you can't just run off, who will do your story?" Jim questioned.

"Don't worry, I'll be back," Murphy assured him.

"Jim's right, Murphy," Rachel questioned. "You're not going to get back in time."

"I'll be back, I'll be back."

"Corky could do the piece," Kay interrupted. "Ohh, I can't feel my toes. It's like I'm back on acid!"

Murphy wouldn't stand for it, "Corky can't do the piece, she has a press conference to go to, and Frank...well, Frank has some business to take care of. Plus, the man's been so involved with himself lately I'd be surprised if he knew what a newspaper looked like anymore!"

"Hey!" Frank protested. The group murmured in agreement with Murphy.

Kay took her hand and used it to move her head so she could look at Murphy. "Murphy, Jim's right, someone is going to have to do this interview. And if there's no one to do it, then I'll just have to cancel the show."

"No, No." Murphy shook her head. "Baldwin leaves the county tomorrow... we lose our chance to nail him after this and possible save the lives of millions. We can't let him get away."

"Murphy, then you're going to have to make a decision? What's your choice, Murphy?" Kay was firm.

Murphy looked at Kay.

"Yes, Slugger?" Jim smiled at her. "What's your choice?" Murphy looked at Jim and then out the door. Then her eyes fixed on Rachel.

"Rachel! You can do it!" Murphy shoved her note cards towards Rachel.

"No! I can't!" She pushed them away. Murphy stepped back into the limo and crotched down in front of her.

"No one else knows this story better than me. You found the rub, Rachel. It's really your story."

"I can't do it, Murphy. I have my producing duties to do..."

"I can do them," Miles chimed in. "It's really a job for one person. Do it, Rachel," Miles encouraged her.

Rachel looked at Miles, her month open to speak, but nothing came out.

"Rachel." Murphy paused and handed her the card again. "Unless you're scared."

Rachel looked at Murphy. "I'm not scared!"

"You said you'd do it for the big time. This is the big time." Murphy looked at her dead on. "Or are you just a lamb." Murphy smirked sarcastically.

Rachel took a moment and stared at the cards intently. "You're smudging up my cards," Rachel smirked back.

"That's my girl," Miles whispered. Rachel heard it, taking in Miles encouragement, and took the cards from Murphy.

"Now, go get my father!" Rachel smiled.

Murphy grinned back and went for the door. She pushed the door opened. "Jeez! I don't even know where he was going?"

"He's on his way back to the hotel," Rachel hurried her answer. "He has a limo waiting there for him. If you miss him he's going to JFK. Flight 551 to LA. Quick! Go!"

---

L.A. proved too much for the man,

So he's leavin' the life he's come to know,

He said he's goin' back to find

Ooh, what's left of his world,

The world he left behind

Not so long ago.

He's leaving,

On that midnight train to Georgia,

And he's goin' back

To a simpler place and time.

And I'll be with him

On that midnight train to Georgia,

I'd rather live in his world

Than live without him in mine.

He kept dreamin'

That someday he'd be a star.

But he sure found out the hard way

That dreams don't always come true.

So he pawned all his hopes

and he even sold his old car

Bought a one way ticket

To the life he once knew,

Oh yes he did,

He said he would

Be leavin'

On that midnight train to Georgia,

And he's goin' back

To a simpler place and time.

And I'll be with him

On that midnight train to Georgia,

I'd rather live in his world

Than live without him in mine.

Go, gonna board, gonna board,

Gonna board the midnight train.

Gotta go, gonna board

Gonna board

Gonna board the midnight train.

--Gladys Knight and the Pips-Midnight Train to Georgia.

---

Murphy ducked out of the limo. She slammed the door behind her and starting to run - and in heels. She held her purse at her side. She looked around for a taxi with no luck. She soon found herself walking along the side of the park. Where she was she didn't know. Then, all of a sudden she saw him - Jerry. He was walking on the other side of the street.

"Jerry!" she screamed his name, but he couldn't hear her over the traffic, and then he slipped into a cab. Murphy quickly tried to flag down a cab of her own. One stopped in traffic, right in the middle of street, it had its open light on. Murphy ran to it, but a man got to it first.

"This is my cab, buddy!" Murphy shrieked, as the man opened the door, and she whacked him with her purse. He fell over and she had herself a taxi.

"Follow that cab!" Murphy yelled. She felt very dramatic. Murphy checked her hair and makeup in a mirror. Her excitement quicken as they got closer. Soon after, the taxi was caught in madding mid-town traffic.

"Move already!" Murphy screamed, as all she could see was wall-to-wall cars. Murphy moved her head back and forth to see if she could see Jerry's cab - she couldn't.

Murphy decided to leave the taxi. She threw money at the driver and slammed the door loudly, just as the cars started to move. There was no way she would make it to Jerry's cab. She made her way through the cars, hitting the hood of one or two, to get them out of her way. She made her way to the curb and looked around, trying to figure out where she was. Just then she noticed Jerry's figure getting out of a cab. She ran, but being the out of shape woman Murphy was, she had to stop and take a breath, while leaning against the side of a building. She ran some more, but lost Jerry in the foot traffic of New York.

Murphy looked around in a full circle. She looked right, left, north, south, east, west, she didn't know where the hell she was. Murphy was upset and desperate. Suddenly, she got an idea. She had a phone. She never was so happy to see her cell phone.

Murphy took it out of her bag and dialed Jerry's number.

Across town, in the backseat of the limo, Kay laid her semi-unconscious body over Jerry's coat. She lifted her head, afraid she was hearing a ringing in her ear. Once she was aware, she was in fact sleeping on a phone, she answered it.

"Hello?" Kay answered, as if she had had too many pints at the bar.

"Kay?" Murphy looked around, as she walked and talk.

"Did you find him?" Kay asked.

"Kay? What are you doing with Jerry's phone?" Suddenly, Murphy understood. "Of course. His phone was in the coat." Murphy took a breath and rested her hand over her head. She seemed to be giving up. "Kay, I can't find him, I'm lost."

"What do you see?" Kay asked.

Murphy looked at the building around her. "Bergdof Goodmans? Wait, I think?" Murphy turned the corner and hit smack into the Plaza Hotel. "Never mind, Kay. I found it."

Murphy closed her phone and walked past the fountain and on to the carport. She looked around for Jerry's limo. She didn't see it. Murphy took a few heavy breaths, from the running. Then she saw Jerry across the way, just walking into the park. It had to be him. He had walked out of a limo and sent the car driving off.

Murphy smiled and crossed the street. She pushed people out of the way as she went. She shouted Jerry's name, but Jerry didn't hear her. She followed him around a bend until Jerry entered an empty path with a fork in the road. She ran after him as much as she could, until it as too much.

"Jerry!" she yelled, as she stopped to catch her breath again.

Jerry turned to face Murphy. "Brown?" She was the last person he expected to see. "What are you doing here?"

"I..." Murphy put her hand up and then set her hands on her knees. She took an exacerbated breath. "I just need a minute." Her breathes became less labored. "I'm running after you." Murphy stood erect and blew out a gust of air.

"Yeah, not very well," Jerry said in a sarcastic tone. Murphy gave him a cross look. "Brown, why are you running after me? Correct me if I'm wrong, here? But just ten minutes ago you said you never wanted to see me again!"

"I changed my mine!"

"You changed your mine? In ten minutes?"

"Yes! Is that so crazy?"

"Yes, in fact it is!" Jerry gestured with his hands.

"I found this." Murphy took the bracelet out of her pocket.

"Damn!" Jerry turned to the side, as he took sight of his gift.

"Did you mean this?" she said longingly.

"Of course I meant it!"

"Then why did you lie to me?"

"I never lied to you about that! I'd never lie about that."

"You said you couldn't remember this?" She shoved the bracelet towards him.

"I never said that...I…" Jerry ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head. He looked at Murphy again. "I said I didn't want to talk about! Just because I don't want to share our most intimate secrets with Jake..."love 'um and leave 'um" Lowenstein ...doesn't mean I didn't...don't remember!"

"Oh." Murphy was embarrassed.

"Those things are private, Murphy. They were between you and me and I'd like them to stay that way. And I especially don't want to use them in some competition with Jake!"

"I was not trying to compete with Jake."

"Oh, give me a break!"

"Can we not argue! That's not why I'm here!"

"Why are you here, Brown?" Jerry asked in his acid tone.

"What does it look like? I…" She motioned with the bracelet. "I found this and then that song played and I was sitting there and it all just came flooded back to me… and… You know what I mean?"

"No?"

"Ok, the truth, right? That's why I'm here. I… I… guess when you were gone and you didn't come back. I realized. I'd rather be miserable with you then miserable without you." Murphy laughed. "Ok, so, that didn't sound so great, but you get the point."

"Yeah, yeah. I do."

Murphy smiled. Jerry looked longingly at Murphy. Murphy took a step towards Jerry. He put his hand up

"No, No! Don't come any closer!"

"What?"

"Just stay where you are?"

"Why?" She took a step and Jerry stepped back.

"I've been thinking a lot too, Brown. And I'm starting to think...you were right."

"What? What!" Murphy's head shook. "Let me get this straight? After all that, you changed your mind in ten minutes!"

"Hey! You did the same thing!"

"Well, we're not talking about me, are we?" Jerry huffed and Murphy sighed without contentment. "Have you fallen out of love already? It's not like it hasn't happen before."

"Jeez, Brown, why does everything have to be so black and white with you? It's just like you said. I agree with what you said. Maybe two people loving each other just isn't enough? Oh, Jeez, I'm starting to sound like the dialogue of a Nora Ephron movie!"

"Now, you finally agree with me!" Jerry opened his mouth to speak and Murphy interrupted. "Why are you listening to me now! Don't you know, by now, not to listen to anything that comes out of my mouth! This is right, Jerry! I know you know that?"

"And what happens next, Brown? We're together for a while and then what happens? What happens when we start fighting again? Or another one of your ex's comes back into your life. If there are any more?"

"That's not fair, Gold!"

"And what happens if Jakey decided to show up on your doorstep again? What happens when that happens? Huh, Brown!"

"You're bringing Jake up! Jake is out of the picture."

"You said so yourself, didn't you? All those years ago. If you had to choose."

"It was a long time ago… I told you that..."

"I am sick and tired of running after you, Brown. I'm sick of being just a guest star in your life! Coming in and out at your whim. It's just too painful."

"Things are different now!"

"How?"

"I don't know... they just are."

"I can't count on that." Jerry paused.

"What is going on here, Gold? This isn't you. What happened to you? This isn't the Jerry I know. What happen to the man who on our first date reached across that table and kissed me?"

"He had nothing to lose, that's why."

"What do you have to lose?"

"Everything." Jerry's eyes began to get moist. Murphy saw this and took a step towards him. "No! Don't come any closer." Jerry stepped back.

"Why? Why can't I?"

"Because, I have to keep a clear head. I'm all confused. I need time. I need time away from all this. I don't need anything clouding my judgment right now."

"What are you saying, Gold? You're not making sense."

"If I make a decision now I could make a mistake. There too many factors effecting my judgment."

"Don't do this," she whispered under held back tears. "Don't do this."

"I just need some time." Jerry couldn't look at her. "Clear my head."

"I leave for Washington in the morning."

"I leave for LA tonight." There was a pause while the two realized they were at an impasse.

"When will you be back?" Murphy took a breath. Jerry did the same. Murphy looked away and then looked at Jerry.

"I'm not sure. I've made a few commitments. Viacom wants me to do a few shows out there. I'll call you when I get back."

"I see. Well..." She paused. "Have a nice life."

"Don't say that. This isn't good-bye. Don't say that!"

"Then what is it, Jerry?"

"I told you. I just need some time."

"Looks like you've already made up your mind to me."

"Brown, you heard me. I need time to get a clear head. That's all. I said I'd call you."

"Oh, come on, Jer! I think we both know our track record when it comes to that! You say you'll call. And I'll say I'll call. And we'll want to call. And we'll want to pick up the phone. And the next thing you know six months, six years pass and we run into each other in an elevator."

Jerry couldn't argue. "Just don't say good-bye. I will not let you turn this into a good-bye!"

"No. No. You're right!"

"Ok," he took a breath. "I need to get going now."

"Yeah." Murphy nodded and lowered her head.

Jerry hated to see her like that. He opened his mouth to speak but for once he had nothing to say. So he decided to make it simple. "I'll see you around."

"I'll see you around," Murphy repeated. They both didn't believe it, especially Murphy. And she watched Jerry turn around and walk away, down the path and out of view. She told herself to remember the moment. She knew it would be the last time she would see him, and when he was out of earshot, and almost out of view, she whispered a final remark to him. "Have a nice life."

I never dreamed you'd leave in summer. I thought you would go then come back home. I thought the cold would leave by summer. But my quiet nights will be spent alone. You said there would be warm love in springtime. That was when you started to be cold. I never dreamed you'd leave in now I find myself all alone. You said then you'd be the life in you'd be the one to see the way I never dreamed you'd leave in now I find my love has gone away. Why didn't you stay?

~ Stevie Wonder ~ I Ever Dreamed You Leave In Summer

Once Jerry was gone, Murphy knew it was too late to go back to the show, plus she didn't feel like seeing anyone. She took a walk in the park, taking time to absorb the environment and reflect. For some reason she felt a sense of closure. The sadness in her was deep, but she felt she had done her best. The wind blew and she tried to forget everything and take in the park and the sky. She felt confident and sad at the same time.

Murphy made her way into a clearing and heard a Do Wop song. She turned down a path to find a group of three black men in front of a hat singing a Do Wop version of Under The Boardwalk. A small group had gathered and Murphy stopped to listen. She hung back with her hands in her jacket pockets. A breeze blew past and threw her bangs in his face. Murphy took her right hand and pushed them out of her eyes as the song ended. The group applauded and a few people dropped money into the hat.

"Remember now smile," one of the younger looking men said. "It won't mess up your hair," the other two men spoke in unison. A man walked out of the way to reveal Murphy to the group. "Well, hello there, little lady," said one of the older gentlemen. "What makes you so sad?"

"Nothing I can't get rid of," she said and smiled. Murphy put a bill in the hat. "Can you play me a song?" The man looked down at the hat and saw the large bill.

"What do you want?"

"Respect."

As soon as Murphy spoke the younger man started, and then the next, and so on, until they each sang Respect.

Half way through the song Murphy couldn't help but join in herself. She joined in with gusto. She closed her eyes and seemed to forget where she was and what had happened. People started to walk away, anything to get away from the voice that could peal paint off a buick.

"Respect. Yeah, Baby. Sock it to me, sock it to me." Suddenly, Murphy felt a tap on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see the leader of the singing group in front of her. She noticed the music has stopped and she was the only person left.

"If I give you back you money will you stop singing and get out of here?"

Murphy sucked in her lips and looked to her left in embarrassment.

---

THE PRESS CONFRENCE

Across town, Corky entered the ballroom of the Sheridan Towers New York Hotel, where the press conference was being held. It was loud and crazy, as reporters set up their equipment, and people on the stage set up microphones and decorations. Everything was bustling. Corky looked around for Victor. She looked unnerved. She checked her hair and smoothed down her shirt. She held her hands at her stomach and played with her ring.

"Ms. Sherwood," called the PA for the event. "There you are." Corky nodded that she had seen her. "We are just about to start." She ushered Corky through the crowd. "What's going to happen is, Mr. Champion will make the announcement and then he will introduce you and you'll make some remarks… and up to the stage -"

"Remarks? Why - am I speaking?"

"You're the new president. You have to say something."

"President?

"Sure, you're the biggest stockholder now?" Someone distracted the woman. "Excuse me a moment." She talked in confidence with a young man.

"I don't understand wouldn't the person he sells the stocks too be..." She tried to get the PA's attention but with no avail.

"Ok." The PA took Corky by the arm and up to the stage steps. People surrounded her. "You stay here and they'll tell you when to get on the stage." Corky tried to stop her, but the woman ran off. Corky made a final check of herself and looked around for Victor - she didn't see him.

"So what is this thing about?" Corky heard one of the teamsters asks another. I don't know. The rumor is Champion's resigning as President of his network."

"He has a network?"

"Yeah, that new women's network Trinity I think. Made all kinds of money this summer."

"Yeah, my wife watches it."

"Bet he's making a fortune on this."

"He has to be. Since he went bankrupt it's the only asset he has."

"What?" Corky turned towards the men.

"You're on!" Corky heard the PA's voice and her name being announced, followed by Corky being pushed onto the stage. The lights hit her hard, as she was showed to her seat in a row of chairs. She turned her head to see Victor seated next to her.

"Corky," he said without looking at her.

"Victor." Corky wanted to say something, but she didn't.

"Is that all you have to say to me?" Victor waited for an answer and took a breath.

"Yes." She looked down.

"I see." He looked at her. "I guess I'm on." He sat up just as Corky remember she did have something ask him something.

"Victor! Wait," she yelled, but he couldn't hear her. "Wait, I don't know what's going on," she whispered and tried to yell at the same time. The people on the panel all looked at Corky who then pretended it hadn't happen.

"Hello, everyone," Victor spoke at the mic. "I know we all have places to be. So, I'll make this brief. We've all been called together of course to announce Trinity's appearance on the stock market and of course the start of its brand new magazine." The audience applauded. "But… I am afraid I have news of a different kind today. I have decided to step down as President and CEO of Now Trinity Entertainment." The audience was in shock with noise to support it. "I have handed over the reins, as well as all my shares, to my fellow co-creator of Trinity Ms. Corky Sherwood." Corky sprung up out of shear surprise. "I now introduce the new President and CEO of Trinity Entertainment. Corky Sherwood." Victor stood aside and applauded.

Corky didn't know what to do. She had to be pushed forward by the man next to her. Corky walked up to the mic. "Victor," she whispered in his ear. "When did this happen? I thought you were just stepping down. You didn't tell me you were selling me your shares." She smiled at the crowd, so they wouldn't be wise to what they were talking about. "I won't buy them, you know," she said through the gritted teeth of her southern smile.

"That's ok. Because I'm giving them to you." Corky looked into Victors eyes for the brief moment before he avoided her gaze; she saw the hurt in his eyes.

"Ms. Sherwood," shouted one of the reporters.

"Ahh…" Corky turned to see where it was coming from.

"Does this mean you will be stepping down as head anchor?

"No, Denise. I'm a reporter I plan to stay a reporter… first." Corky looked behind her, but saw no Victor. She looked to her left side and saw him walking down the stairs. Her attention was on watching Victor leave, but the reporters kept taking her attention.

"Corky," Another one shouted. "How much did you buy out Mr. Champion for?"

"I didn't buy him out." She looked out into the crowd and watched as she saw Victor's head bob in and out of it. Finally, Victor turned and looked at Corky up on the stage. She caught Victor's eye and opened her mouth to speak, but he turned around and walked away.

"Corky, how much did buy out him out for?" the reporter asked again.

"What?" She looked at the group. "I didn't pay anything." She looked in the crowd again for Victor.

"Corky, are you saying you didn't pay anything for half of the company? Are you saying he just gave the company to you?"

"Yes."

"Don't you find that strange?"

"Yes." She caught site of Victor walking out the door. "Thank you all for coming...I have to go." Corky ran off the podium, as a man took her microphone and let the reporters know the conference was over.

As the reporters disbursed, Corky tried to get herself through the mass of people. They pushed back as she tried to get through the mob to the door. When Corky reached the door it wasn't much better. It looked like the streets of New York outside Grand Central Station. Corky caught site of Victor. She jumped up and shouted his name. She moved past a few more people and did it again.

"Corky?" Victor turned around and caught her as she fought her way to him.

"Don't do it!"

"What!"

"Don't do it! Don't give it all up for me. I'm not worth it! I'm not. I'm not. I can't believe you would give up everything you have - your money for me..."

"Corky…" He tried to speak, but Corky just talked right over him.

"I have to finish this. And you're right. I do love you. No one has ever given up their life for me. No one. And you are. You crazy. Crazy man. But you're right. You're always right. I love you. I do. And I was hiding it out of fear and I don't know why? But I can't do that. I won't let you slip by and then regret it later. I've learned that."

"Corky, what are you talking about?"

"I love you."

"I understand that. But what is this about giving up my life for you. Not that I'm saying I wouldn't, because I would, but I'm a little unsure what I've done already to do that."

"You're giving me Trinity when you would easily sell it for a profit. You're bankrupt and you're giving me the only asset you have." Corky took Victor and kissed him. He kissed her back.

"Corky, Trinity isn't my only asset, I still have money."

"But you declared bankruptcy last year. It was all over the news and those guys..."

"Corky, just because I declared bankruptcy doesn't mean I'm bankrupt."

"You mean you still have money?"

"Yeah, a lot in fact."

"Oh." Corky felt embarrassed. Victor took her in his arms and set his hand across her face. "But you love me."

"Well..." Victor kissed her and Corky kissed back. "Yes." She nodded, impressed by the kiss. In the crowd of New Yorkers they kissed again. Suddenly, the reporters noticed what was going on, having come out of the big room and onto the outside entrance. They snapped pictures like crazy, but the couple didn't care.

This guy was meant for me. And I was meant for him. This guy was dreamt for me. And I was dreamt for him. This guy has danced for me. And I have danced for him. This guy has cried for me. And I have cried for him. Many miles many roads I have traveled. Fallen down on the way. Many hearts, many years have unraveled leading up today.

This guy has prayed for me. And I have prayed for him. This guy was made for me. And I was made for him. Many miles many roads I have traveled. Fallen down on the way. Many hearts, many years have unraveled leading up today.

I have no regrets there nothing to regret. All the pain was worth it. Running from past. I try to do what best. Know that I deserve it.

~ Madonna ~ I Deserve It

---

CENTRAL PARK

Back in the park, on the other side from Murphy, was Frank. He put his hands in his pockets as the cold air blew leaves around in circles. He looked on as Amy, looking as beautiful as she had when she was twenty-one, playing football with a young boy, about ten - he was her son. She grabbed the boy around the waist and playfully tackled him, picking him up and tickling him. Frank smiled, as he saw Amy get his attention. She patted her son on the behind and he ran off to play with another boy.

"Frank," Amy walked up to him with an exuberate smile. She wore jeans, a flannel shirt and a windbreaker. Her face was warm and friendly, and her hair, long and curly, was now tinted with a more blonde brownish tone.

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you. Your doorman said you were here."

"I thought we weren't seeing each other 'till tonight." A gust of wind blew her hair in front of her face and she pushed it away with her right hand.

"We were. Can we talk?"

"Sure, Frank." Frank took Amy over to the side, away from people.

"Do you want to sit down? We can sit down."

"No, Frank. I'm fine. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." He put his hands up over her shoulders for a moment.

"I just want to tell you that these last weeks have really been wonderful."

"For me too, Frank. I forgot how much fun we had."

"Me too. Me too." Frank smiled, showing the lines around his eyes more clearly. Amy took her hand to the side of Frank's temple and brushed his hair.

"Frank is that grey I see," she said teasing, but in an un-teasing way.

"Yeah," Frank laughed. "I dye it. It must be growing in." He was embarrassed. "It seems you can't be grey these days unless you're anchoring the news."

"How far does it go?" She left her hand on his face.

"Oh, about here..." Frank took her fingers and let it just a tad past his temple, towards his ear. "I guess it's time I had my hair done." He laughed and looked away.

"No." Frank looked at her. "You should keep it. I bet it would make you look more... distinguished." There was a moment, as they looked into each other eyes. She took her hand off Franks face and Frank watched her hand, and then her arm as it was taken away.

"Listen Amy..."

"Yes, Frank."

"I..." Frank opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

"Frank, whatever it is it's alright. You can tell me? Nothing's wrong, is it?"

"No. NO. Of course not. Well. Actually, Yes. Something is wrong. Amy…" He paused. "In the last week, or so, spending time with you. It's been wonderful. I mean amazing. But..." He took a breath.

"You said that, Frank. Are you alright? Did you hit your head?"

"Please, no jokes. I have to get this out."

"Ok. Frank. Ok." Amy knew it must be important for Frank to be acting so serious.

"I think that it would be better if we didn't see each for a while." Amy looked at him strangely. "See the truth is, Amy. Over these past days I've found myself developing feelings for you again and I'm afraid before I do something - we both could do something we regret... I just think it would be wise if we stopped seeing each other. I know what you're thinking. You'd never do a thing like that. Not after your husband did that to you. I know. I know. That's why I need to end this now before I put you and me into an uncomfortable situation we'd both regret. Not that I would regret beginning with you. I would never feel that why. I mean that's why I'm stuck in this situation. But I found myself... the more I fought it, the stronger all those feelings I felt came back."

"That's only normal, Frank. It doesn't mean we would act on it. It doesn't mean anything. It's only natural."

"That's what I thought." Frank put his hands in his coat pockets. "And then I found myself calling up the hotel across from the restaurant we had reservations at tonight."

"I see." Amy sat down. "Can I sit? I think I need to sit."

"I know. I don't know what came over me! Well, I know what came over me. But I just know how wrong it is. It was especially to you..."

"Frank."

"Yes? " Frank looked up but not at Amy - he felt pathetic.

"What if I told you that if... tonight if you had asked me to go up to that hotel room - I would have said yes."

"What?" Frank looked at her breathless. "Oh."

"I know it sounds crazy. But in these last days I've found myself having...fun. I haven't had fun in so long. And it goes against all my better judgments, Frank. And all I know is now… when you made that cock-eyed speech of yours, Frank, and it was cock-eyed, Frank. How much I just loved you for it. I mean, if that's what your still saying, Frank?"

Frank looked at her with his mouth open. When he couldn't think of what to say he collapsed onto the bench. He leaned forward and rubbed his hands over his semi-balding head. "God, my head is sweating." He sat up and the two leaned back onto the bench. "Amy, I've agonized over this for days, probably in a way years. But I've only been married for three months and I can't just walk away when things start to get uncomfortable." He looked at her. "Even though I may think it's for the better. I made a commitment and I can't just run away when it starts to get tough. I have to be sure that it's my marriage that's the problem and not me. I have to make sure this whole thing isn't just scaring me."

"And using me as an excuse?"

"I would never use you as an excuse," he said endearingly.

Amy sucked in her tears and started to smile. "I should go."

"Ok." Frank didn't look like he wanted to go and either did Amy.

"So, how old is this wife of yours?" she said with a smirk.

"Thirty-five."

"Thirty-Five? Huh? And you still found this fifty-something girl attractive, huh?"

"More than attractive."

"Well, that gives you a lot of points, Mr. Ford Pinto." She stood up and wiped her eyes. "You give me a call some time when you're over me, ok." She laughed.

Frank was still holding onto her hand as he stood himself. "I will," he said softly, still rubbing her hand. "You know you were the first women who ever made me feel I could really be loved." He paused. "Thank you for that," he said softly to her.

"No. Thank you."

Their faces were close by now and it looked as if they were about to kiss, but at the last moment Frank knew he couldn't and softly kissed her on the forehead instead. Frank pulled up from the kiss full of emotions, as was Amy. She brushed the hair on the side of his head again.

"So, I'm not distinguished, huh?" He laughed his self-deprecating laugh.

"You're getting there." She smiled. "Good-bye Frank." And she walked away, backwards at first.

"Good-bye, Amy." Frank said, as she turned around and walked back to her son. She turned around once more, her head first, and then her body, giving him a saucy look and a wave with a smile. But all Frank saw was Amy, when she was twenty-one waving good-bye. He finally was able to say good-bye to that girl. But he would love her forever - the girl at the voting booth all those years ago.

---

CHELSEA PIER

Later that night, Rachel stood at the pier looking out onto the water. The wind was heavy, but it didn't deter her. She wore a coat and occasionally the wind would gust up and blow her hair in her face, but nothing more. And as the sun was about to set, she remembered back to what had happened only hours before, in the studios behind her.

---

LATER THAT DAY

The limo pulled up to the studio extremely late. After dropping off Corky, Frank and Murphy and then having to sit in traffic for hours the group arrived just moments before the show was to go live.

Miles hurried the group into the studio in his usual neurotic and forceful way.

"OK, people! OK, people!" Miles made his authority known at the center of the studio floor. "While Ms. Shepley is... away. I will be taking over her duties. So let's not get hurried and let's have a good show!" His tries to uplift the crew failed. "Ok." He uplifted his arm. "Let's all work together…" People just walked past him like he wasn't there. It was then that Jim made his presence known.

"Miles, just can it. We have a show to do," Jim bellowed from behind the anchor desk with a make-up bib around his neck, a makeup woman around his body, and pages in his hands he didn't know what to do with. "Now, which stories are we dropping? Miles, I'm confused?"

Miles approached the desk. "Don't worry, Jim, we're having everything put into the teleprompter as we speak." He hit the desk with his hand.

"Actually, the teleprompter is broken, " a familiar voice interrupted Miles and Jim.

Miles turned to see John, their old stage manager. "John?" Miles questioned, as did Jim. "What are you doing here? What happened to Ed?"

"I got a call this morning? Something about food poisoning? Don't worry Carl's working on it. The teleprompter, I mean."

"Carl?" Miles asked.

"Yeah, he got himself transferred ever since you know who moved here." John rolled his eyes. Suddenly, Carl ran up to the group.

Miles got very excited. "Carl! That's my man. My dude. My, compadre!" Miles jumped.

"Hello, Miles."

"Did you get it working?" John asked.

"Of course he did!" Miles was positive. "Didn't you, Carl? Say you did? We know you did? Right?" His anxiety was showing.

"No." Carl pulled himself back. "I tried I really did. Just like I tried with my love for Murphy. But there comes a time when you've done enough and then it's time to move on. That is this time and it's now." He looked skyward.

"I got him a set of self-help tapes for his birthday," John whispered.

Jim was livid. "No teleprompter, no pages. Miles, I have to know what stories comes next. I'm not a mind reader, you know."

"Don't worry, Jim. We're going to get you cue cards. Carl." John motioned to Carl and they walked off.

"Yes, cue cards!" Miles threw his hands toward the exit and then looked at Jim. "We're getting you cue cards, Jim. Don't worry," he said in a feigned confident whisper.

"Well, I'm glad you have it all under control, Miles," Jim said sarcastically. He sat down in his chair and then a woman went to work on his hair. "Oh, dear lord, I've forgotten! Can someone call Doris and tell her I'll be late?"

"Miles!" Rachel ranted her way towards him with big strides. "Wardrobe can't find me a blazer to wear!"

"What's wrong with the one you were wearing?"

"It's blue. I can't wear the same color as Jim!" She flared her hand towards the desk behind her. Suddenly, a woman holding a blazer came up behind the two.

"Here we go!" Miles said.

"We found it in Ms. Brown's dressing room. It should fit." The women showed Rachel a red blazer with a black collar.

Rachel looked at it in horror. "I can't wear that! That's Murphy's." She looked at Miles. "I can wear that. That's Murphy." Rachel looked unusually manic.

"I'm sure she won't mind. Put it on," Miles spoke fast.

"No. You don't understand. That's Murphy's favorite jacket. She wore it for her first interview after she came back from Betty Ford, it was on the cover of Time, Newsweek, and Ladies Home Journal, not to mention the fact she always referred to it as her favorite jacket. And all three of those magazines said it made her feel like a huntress! I can't wear that jacket."

"Didn't Murphy leave another blazer in her dressing room?" Miles asked the wardrobe woman.

"No. Ms. Brown had everything else packed. In fact, she called me this morning and asked me to take this one out from her things – special - before I had them shipped."

"Five minutes, people!" John walked the floor. He looked down at his clipboard. "And I've been reminded to mention that anyone who ate Ed's Leftover Chinese food in the refrigerator - the car for St. Vincent's is leaving now!"

"Wear the jacket, Rachel!" Miles said with a gurgle and walked away.

Rachel huffed and rolled her eyes to the left. She looked at "The Jacket". The fact that Rachel had always wanted to wear that jacket wasn't lost on her. It was like that jacket represented all of her dreams.

"I'm wearing the Jacket," she said definitively.

The woman put it out for Rachel and she slide her arms it. A rush ran through her. The tailored and expensive threads felt so nice against her skin. No wonder Murphy loved it so much. As the wardrobe woman pushed down the collar and removed the lint off the blazer, Rachel looked over her cards one last time.

Miles approached her. "You all set."

"Yeah, Yeah." She looked nervous.

"Baldwin is here. Murphy always greets her guests before the interview. He's expecting it."

"No, No. Bring him in."

"Miles, the cure cards are on their way." Carl approached Miles. "Who's the girl wearing Murphy's blazer?" Carl pointed to Rachel.

"That's Rachel . She's talking over for Murphy for today. Excuse me, Carl." Miles walked off.

"Miles!" Rachel looked up and put her arm out to get his attention, but he was gone.

Carl caught sight of Rachel for the first time. He walked closer to Rachel and took off his baseball hat. "Hello?" Carl said sweetly.

Rachel looked up from her work and took note of him. "Hi." She looked back down at her notes.

"I'm Carl. I work camera two."

Rachel looked up at Carl. "Nice to meet you, Carl." And with no care at all Rachel went back to her notes.

"May I tell you something?" Rachel looked up in confusion. She wanted to be nice to the guy who dealt with her close-ups.

"Sure." She looked at him dead on.

"Your hair smells like peaches." He smiled.

Rachel looked bewildered and turned around. "Miles?"

"Oh, no, it's starting again!" John rolled his eyes and pulled Carl away by the arm. "Why don't you get to your post, Carl?"

"John Baldwin..." Miles ushered the interviewee, a semi-tall man in brown slakes and a matching blazer, towards Rachel. "I'd like you to meet..."

"This isn't Murphy Brown!" yelled the man who was slightly older than Miles.

"Yes, well..." Miles tried to explain, but Rachel interrupted.

"I'm afraid Ms. Brown was detained and so I will be conducting the interview, Mr. Baldwin. Rachel Margolis..." She extended her hand.

The man laughed and shook her hand. "Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events," he said with a now cocky air. "And I thought this was going to be difficult." He laughed and walked to his seat.

Rachel seethed. Miles smiled.

"You ready…" Miles asked.

"Oh, you bet!"

"Yes!" Miles said quickly.

Rachel sat herself down across from Mr. Baldwin. She put on her earpiece and set her microphone on her lapel.

Miles made his way to the center of the room. "Ok, people. I think we're all set. I know Kay usually stays in the booth." He walked forward. "But I think I'll stay here on the ground. Be with the people. I really miss being on the floor..." Miles tripped over a wire. "Or maybe I'll just go into the booth. I think that's a good idea."

"OK. Two minutes!" John yelled, walking past two men standing next to the anchor desk writing out cue cards.

"OK, we're done!" one man yelled, as he gathered the cue cards and set them in front of Jim. Rachel turned and looked, as she heard Miles voice in her ear piece.

"You ready, Rach?"

"Yes, Miles," she spoke into her microphone. "I told you I was."

"Did I tell you I'm proud of you?"

"I didn't do anything yet, Miles. Just wait two minutes and then you'll be proud of me." She smiled.

"Just remember. Be yourself. That's all you need to do."

Rachel seemed to take that to heart. She looked over at the cue-cards and read the intro to herself. There was her name on the cue card and soon Jim would be speaking it to an audience of millions.

"Hey," she whispered to the kid holding the cure cards. He looked around. "Yeah, you." He walked over and she whispered something in his ear. He nodded and took a pen off the ground, making a correction. She swiveled her chair towards Baldwin, pulled herself up by her back and stared her victim dead on. She was ready for business. The theme music swelled, the lights were set and Rachel knew that this was one of those times to remember. She felt like the sea warrior and not just the lamb. She readied for the kill, as she heard Jim make her introduction:

"… And Rachel Gold?" Jim paused with confusion, but continued on. "Fills in for Murphy Brown… with an in-depth interview with the man in today's headlines… John Baldwin."

---

THE PRESENT

"Rachel?" Miles voice rang behind her and Rachel was back at the pier looking over the water.

"Miles?" Rachel turned around surprised to see him. "How did you know I was here?"

"I happen to be a great reporter in my own right." Miles said with a cocky smile. Rachel looked at him with a tiled head. "Oh, I rang your apartment and I was on my way home when I saw you out the window."

"Makes better sense."

Miles walked up to Rachel and leaned against the pier. "Are you alright? You ran out of there pretty quickly?"

"Yeah, I just needed to be alone."

"You did an amazing interview, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," she said with confidence.

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Miles. I just needed to be alone."

"I know, but when you need to be alone, you're upset?"

"I'm fine, Miles. In fact, I'm better than fine."

"You missed the best part! Right after you left they took Baldwin away in handcuffs."

"No, way! Really?"

"Wow, my first arrest." She smiled and paused. "This feels great!"

"I know." Miles looked down and smiled.

"Oooh. I'd forgotten how great this feels. I mean really great, Miles. When I was grilling that guy, and he was dripping with sweat I felt so exhilarated! Like, I was flying!" Miles nodded his head. "I know, I know. You told me so. You told me so. Murphy told me so. Jerry told me so. I was pig-headed as usual."

"Well, pig headed isn't the word I was going to use, but..."

"Can it, Miles, and let me enjoy the moment!" She looked out onto the ocean. "Listen, what you said about my Dad… about Jerry… I mean what you told Murphy...did you mean it?"

"Yeah, I meant it. I guess I finally saw what Murphy's been saying all these years. I don't like it. But I saw how much they cared for each other. I know how it feels when you let something like that go. I didn't want Murphy to have regrets."

"Thank you, Miles."

"I don't deserve that."

"But you do."

"So, does this mean you forgive me?"

"If you haven't noticed I've been civil to you all day. So, I think I've forgiven you."

"Ahh." There was a pause. "What does this mean for us now?"

"We'll be friends."

"Friends?"

"Why don't we worry about the present for a while?"

"Ok."

"Like watching the sun set."

"I can deal with that." And the two looked out onto the ocean and watched the sun set.

---

Like a long lonely stream. I keep runnin' towards a dream. Movin' on, movin' on. Like a branch on a tree. I keep reachin' to be free. Movin' on, movin' on.

'Cause there's a place in the sun. Where there's hope for everyone. Where my poor restless heart's gotta run. There's a place in the sun. And before my life is done. Got to find me a place in the sun

Like an old dusty road. I get weary from the load. Movin' on, movin' this tired troubled earth. I've been rollin' since my birth. Movin' on, movin' on

There's a place in the sun. Where there's hope for everyone. Where my poor restless heart's gotta 's a place in the sun. And before my life is done. Got to find me a place in the sun

You know when times are you're feeling sad. I want you to always remember

Yes, there's a place in the sun. Where there's hope for everyone. Where my poor restless heart's gotta 's a place in the sun. Where there's hope for everyone. Where my poor restless heart's gotta's a place in the sun. Where there's hope for every one...

A Place In The Sun- Stevie Wonder

---

TOWARDS JFK AIRPORT

Across town, Murphy sat in the same limo that had meant to take her to work and now was taking her to the airport. She was tried and drained, with only thoughts of home. She held her cell phone to her cheek, as her body leaned near the corner of the seat and door.

"No. Kay, I won't change my mind - I'm going home tonight. The quicker I can get in my own bed the better I'll feel. Yeah. Yeah. Thanks for the limo. I'm turning this off now, Kay. Don't call me! Bye!"

Murphy hit the power button and placed it in her purse. Just a moment, later Murphy heard a ringing. She took her phone out again, thinking she hadn't turned it off, only to see that it still wasn't on. She heard the ringing again, sending her head to her left. It was coming from Jerry's coat – it was his phone.

Murphy decided not to answer. She folder her arms and stared straight ahead, trying to ignore it, but she couldn't. The phone rang again, and again, until finally Murphy snatched the phone and answered it.

"Hello?

"Jerry Gold?" asked the man on the line.

"He's not here. Who is this?"

"Where can I reach him?"

"I don't know. And I don't know when the hell he'll be back!"

"Is this Murphy Brown?"

"Yes? Who is this?"

"Great. Then you can help me. This is the foreman at the site and I need someone to sign off..."

"Listen, I don't think I'm the person..."

"Listen, yourself. I've been trying to get in touch with this guy for weeks now and if I don't have anyone to sign off on this thing- if Mr. Gold doesn't come and pick this up right away I'm just leaving it here..."

"Leave what? Who is this?"

---

THE WEST VILLAGE, NYC

Murphy made the driver stop at the address she was given by the man on the phone. She found herself on a small street in the village set along with beautiful brownstones. She opened her car door onto a shining new brownstone with a half painted red door. She walked past a few construction workers, up the stairs and into the open front door passing a painter finishing the front door.

"Ms. Brown?" came a sweet voice.

"Yes?"

"Hello. Ms. Brown. My name is Debra Patrick." She shook Murphy's hand. Murphy looked at her with a "Who the hell are you look on her face. "I'm the realtor?"

"I'm supposed to pick something up?" Murphy still had no idea what was going on.

"Here you are." She handed Murphy a key.

"What's this?"

"Your key."

"To what?"

"I know. I know. It's not completely finished. We're working on that. But I know you said you wanted the keys by the end of August." She walked into the living room. Murphy followed the woman confused. "As you can see we have the fireplace you asked for and we're having the door painted red, as you suggested."

"Suggested? Listen, I didn't buy any of this. There has to be some mistake-"

"Of course not. Your husband did."

"Jerry? He's not my husband." Murphy didn't like the sound of that.

"Oh."

"So, if you'll excuse me I don't understand why this foreman insisted I come down here. I have a plane to catch!" She went for the door.

"But your name's on the deed."

Murphy was stopped in her tracks. "What?"

"Your name, it's on the deed. I assumed Mr. Gold was buying it for you." She handed Murphy a few sheets of paper.

Murphy looked at the papers bewildered.

"Does this mean you're not ready for the key, because I really need to get going?"

"I don't know." She paused and looked around. It looked just like her brownstone in Georgetown. "It's really not my house."

"Oh, I see. Well… technically, it is in your name. So I have to leave you the key. Unless a piece of paper tells me otherwise. I'll just leave the key here." She slid it on the mantelpiece and walked out.

Suddenly, it hit Murphy. Jerry had brought her this house. She had complained so much to him about living in New York, her hatred of his apartment, and all this time he was having this home made for her. The deed wasn't even in both their names; it was in Murphy's name. It was a gift for her. And it really hit her - what she had done. She stood in the empty leaving room, the golden light of the sun setting behind her and the fireplace, and she her eyes filled with tears. Something had to change, she thought. Something has to change. And she really felt her loss for the first time and all the guilt that went with it. Murphy was left alone in the empty house.

---

What now my love? Now, that you've left me. How can I live through another day? Watching my dreams. Turning to ashes. And my hopes. Into bits of clay.

Once I could see. Once I could feel. Now, I'm numb I've become unreal. I walk the night without a goal. Stripped of my heart. My soul. What now my love? Now that it's over. I feel the world closing in on me. Here come the stars tumbling around me. There's the sky. Where the sea should be?

What now my love? Now that you're gone. I'd be a fool. To go on and on. No one would care. No one would cry. If I should live. Or die

What now my love?

Now there is nothing.

Good-bye.

~ What Now My Love ~ As sung by Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin