This is the actual episode that deals with Jack's trial.  Show opens with Marlena and John, at the DiMera Mansion, preparing to go to court.  John tells Marlena that the D.A. is willing to offer Stefano a plea bargain if Stefano admits to Peter being alive.  The plea bargain means that Stefano won't go to jail for life, but may in fact be released on parole at some point.  Marlena is horrified.   But Marlena says that they have to do it, even if it means having Stefano being out of jail and her being in danger.  She says Jack & Jennifer deserve to be together as a family.  She convinces John to offer Stefano the plea bargain.  John and Marlena kiss each other after he tells her that she is an incredible woman to make a sacrifice like that.  Their scene ends.
 

[Next scene has Jack, Jennifer, Hope and Franco walking into the court.]
 

Jack [very nervously] -- It's just really starting to sink in, Jenn.  If this judge rules against me, I'm going to spend the rest of my life in prison.
 

Jennifer [places her hand on Jack's back to comfort him.  She sounds very confident]  -- Jack, we're going to win.  Peter is alive.  You didn't kill him.  And the judge is going to rule in your favor.
 

Jack [still very nervous] -- Alright, well it depends on what Stefano says on the witness stand.  [with anger, he raises his voice slightly] To think that my... my freedom depends on that bastard!!!!
 

Stefano [can't see him but his voice can be heard] -- That's right, Jack.
 

[Now we see Stefano.  He's wearing a gray-blue prison suit and walking in shackles.  Jack & Jennifer turn their heads quickly and look rather surprised but mad.  Scene ends.]
 

[Next scene is with Marlena, John and Kristen.  Kristen says she's anxious to get going to the trial.  She's very nervous about going there especially because she knows Jack & Jennifer aren't going to be too happy with her now that they've realized what she's done to Marlena.  Marlena tells Kristen she can do the right thing and admit the truth about Peter being alive.  Then Marlena says she's wasting her breath trying to convince Kristen to do that because she knows Kristen would never do something that unselfish.  John says they don't need Kristen's testimony because Stefano is going to be offered a plea bargain to admit the truth about Peter.  Kristen is shocked and wonders why Marlena would allow this to happen considering this will mean that Stefano will be out of jail on parole at some later date.  Marlena says it's because, unlike Kristen, she's not selfish and she would never keep Jack apart from his family if she could help it.  Marlena leaves the room.  Kristen tells John she has something to say to him, as he's about to follow Marlena.  Scene ends.]
 

[Next scene is back at the courtroom.  Maggie and Mickey have arrived at the courtroom.  Abe and Laura are now there along with Franco, Hope, Jack & Jennifer.  Mickey walks towards Jack to have a word with him.  They are speaking quietly.]
 

Mickey -- Jack.  You ready?
 

Jack [says calmly, but sounds nervous] -- Yeah.  Yeah.  [he turns his head to look at Stefano and points to him]  So what do you think he's going to do?
 

Mickey -- Ah.... I haven't got a clue.  The D.A. gave John permission to offer him a plea bargain.  They'd drop some of the charges, reduce his sentence, maybe convince him to talk.
 

Jennifer [nervously smiles] -- That's great!
 

Mickey -- No.. It depends on whether Stefano decides to buy the deal or not.  It's all up to him.
 

Jennifer [seems less confident] -- And Kristen.
 

[Jack turns around to look at Jennifer. Scene ends.]
 

[Next scene, John is speaking to Kristen in the main entryway to the DiMera Mansion.  They are speaking quietly because Roman is in the other room and they don't want him to know about the fact that Jack is having a trial or that Stefano will be offered a plea bargain.  John looks very mad at Kristen.  Kristen is putting on her "sweet and innocent" act with John in an effort to get closer to him.]
 

Kristen -- Look, I know I don't have any right to ask you....
 

John -- So what do you want, Kristen?  What?  Do you also want to plea bargain?
 

Kristen [hesitant] -- Sort of.  Will you please forgive me?  Just please?
 

John -- Oh!  Have my forgiveness.  For what?  You telling the truth?
 

[Kristen is speechless]
 

John -- Why don't you just do it for Jack?  Do it for Jack!  Come on!  You saw Peter alive!  And then you let that man go to prison for a crime he didn't commit.  [shouting quietly to keep Roman from hearing]  How could you do that to him?!  And to Jennifer and his daughter?!  I thought you were her friend.
 

Kristen [head bent down in shame] --  John, look, I want to make things right.  [she looks at John]  I want to make things right with you.
 

[Marlena walks into the room and interrupts Kristen]
 

Marlena -- Ready?
 

John -- Yeah.
 

Kristen [to John] -- I'll see you there?
 

[Kristen walks away from them and seems likes she's contemplating what John has just said to her.]
 

Marlena -- What do you think is going to happen today?
 

John [very frustrated] -- Oh, hell, if I know...  Let's just pray that Jack & Jenn's love wins out.  Just like ours will.   And as soon as the situation's with Roman's resolved, we're going to be together, Doc.  Nobody's going to come between us.
 

[They leave the house.  Kristen walks back into the room.  It was clear that she was hiding in the other room, eavesdropping on John and Marlena's conversation]
 

Kristen [bitterly and almost crying, says to herself] -- And what the hell does that mean for me?!
 

[John and Marlena now have arrived at the courtroom.  Kristen walks in and they turn back to her to acknowledge her presence.  Jennifer notices Kristen and Kristen hesitantly approaches her]
 

Jennifer [sounds cool and calm] -- Kristen, I am still very angry at you for everything that you've done.
 

Kristen -- Jennifer, I never had a chance to tell you that I'm sorry...
 

Jennifer [talking over Kristen's voice] -- But I am willing to put this all aside if you will just do one very simple thing.  If you could just tell the truth.
 

[Kristen shrugs her shoulders and seems hesitant to give Jennifer a clear answer.]
 

Jennifer [sounding calm] -- Just tell the judge that Peter is still alive.  Okay?   I love Jack.  [her voice is beginning to crack and she is trying not to cry]  Please don't take me away from my husband.  And don't take him away from his daughter.
 

Kristen [at a loss for words] -- Jenn... I'm ...
 

[Kristen looks away and notices Stefano staring at her with the evil eye.] 
 

Kristen [sadly] -- I'm sorry, Jenn.
 

[scene ends.]
 

[Kristen walks over to Stefano without trying to draw attention to herself.  She clearly doesn't want to be seen with Stefano.  She seats herself at a bench close to Stefano's bench.  They are speaking very quietly]
 

Stefano -- You are going to be a smart girl today?
 

Kristen -- I am a very smart girl today.  I'm going to tell the truth!
 

Stefano -- No.  I have a plan.
 

Kristen [bitterly] -- You have nothing.  My only hope is to tell the truth.
 

Stefano -- Your only hope is me!!  And you know it.  You do as I tell you.  Do not say anything about Peter!!  Nothing!!!!
 

Kristen [not looking at Stefano] -- John is going to offer you a deal.  Take it!  There's no point anymore.  You should just be honest and tell the truth.
 

[Stefano doesn't answer her.  The bailiff announces the arrival of the judge.  Everyone rises.  Stefano turns back to look at Kristen and gives her a cold stare.  The judge walks into the courtroom.  Jennifer is staring at Kristen, clearly hoping Kristen will admit the truth.  Hope also stares at Kristen and says quietly, "Oh Kristen.  Let love win just once." Scene ends.]
 

[Next scene, Abe is on the witness stand and talks about Kristen's court order to exhume "Peter's" body.  The judge asks if Abe ever saw the body after it was exhumed and before it was cremated.  Abe says he didn't.  Next witness is Marlena.  She talks about how she saw Vivian, Kristen and Ivan talking about their plans to dig up Daniel Scott's coffin from his grave.  Marlena said she heard Kristen say to Ivan and Vivian that she was frantic that Laura had a court order to exhume Daniel Scott's body and she wanted to get to it before Laura did.  Next witness is Laura who talks about her seeing Peter alive after his "funeral," as well as her subsequent kidnapping and laser lobotomy.  She says that Kristen, Stefano and Peter were all present at the lobotomy, so that Kristen and Stefano know that Peter is actually alive.  Upon hearing this, Jack & Jennifer both turn their heads and look at the DiMera's.  Finally, Stefano ends up on the witness stand.  John is called to approach the bench to offer Stefano his plea bargain, on behalf of the D.A.  Why John????  He's not a lawyer!  This show is so ridiculous sometimes!]
 

John -- It pains me to make you any kind of deal, Stefano.  But if it vindicates an innocent man, so be it.  And Jack Deveraux is an innocent man.  He didn't kill Peter Blake.  But you know that, don't you?
 

Judge -- The witness is not on trial, Mr. Black.  Just say what you have to say.
 

John -- Yes, your honour.  There is a whole litany of charges against you, DiMera.  Very serious charges.  The D.A. could throw the book at you.  He will see that you are convicted and that you will go to prison for the rest of your natural life without the possibility of parole.  However, the D.A.  has agreed to drop some of the charges, to reduce your sentence and guarantee you a parole hearing within a ten year period of time.  Maybe even less.  And all you have to do is to tell the truth and admit that Peter Blake is alive.
 

[John walks back to his seat.  Mickey stands up to question Stefano.  Jack listens carefully and nervously fidgets in his chair.]
 

Mickey -- Mr. DiMera, I'm going to ask you just one question.  Is Peter Blake alive?
 

[Stefano looks down and doesn't say anything.  Jack & Jennifer hold their breaths awaiting Stefano's answer.  Kristen watches nervously with hopeful eyes, clearly wanting Stefano to tell the truth]
 

Stefano -- As most of you in this room know, Peter was like a son to me.  If he were alive, no one would be happier than me.  But he's not.  Peter is dead.
 

[Jack looks slightly stunned and releases his breath.  He is clearly in disbelief over what's happening to him.  Jennifer is visibly mad and shocked.]
 

Jennifer [loudly, and almost crying] -- No!  That is not true!
 

[Jack places his hand behind his chair to hold her hand.]
 

Stefano -- That man killed him!  He has been tried and sentenced and should be in prison!  I believe I also speak for Kristen.
 

Judge -- You don't speak for anyone in my court, Mr. DiMera.
 

[Mickey turns to face Kristen who is still sitting in the visitor's area.  She hasn't been sworn in but Mickey questions her from there anyhow.  Well, you know, it's good to know this show strives for realism ;-)]
 

Mickey -- Kristen, is this true?
 

[Jennifer leans forward to put her hand on Jack's arm.  Jack and Jennifer nervously hold their breaths in anticipation of Kristen's answer.  Kristen does not look directly towards Mickey and seems extremely hesitant.  She gives quick nervous glances every now and then in that direction afraid to answer the question]
 

Mickey -- Is your brother, Peter Blake, alive?
 

[Kristen looks away from Mickey, Jack and Jennifer with tears forming in her eyes.]
 

Kristen -- No.
 

[Jennifer's jaw drops.  She is extremely shocked.  Laura screams "Liar!!!"  Jennifer leans towards Jack and hugs him.  Jack places his hand on her arms.   Stefano gives his daughter a reassuring glance.  Kristen attempts to keep her cool as she stares at Stefano.  Scene ends.]
 

[Stefano is now walking back to his chair.  The judge is addressing the courtroom.]
 

Judge -- Well, although certain testimony presented today did sound convincing, it was for the most part hearsay and circumstantial.  Without postive proof that the victim, Peter Blake, is indeed alive, I have no choice but to deny the plaintiff's appeal.  Case dismissed.
 

[Judge leaves the courtroom.  All rise as she leaves.  Everyone, except for Stefano and Kristen, have clearly disappointed and disbelieving expressions on their faces.  Jack has a mixture of emotions on his face -- he's sad, in disbelief, and in a daze.  He turns around to face Jennifer and they hug each other very tightly.  They both close their eyes as they embrace, almost as though closing their eyes would make this nightmare go away.  Jack gently caresses Jennifer's back to comfort her through her grief.  They hardly notice that others are standing next to them watching them in their pain.]
 

[Mickey walks towards Jack and shakes his hand]
 

Mickey -- Jack..  [Jack releases himself from his embrace with Jennifer]  Jack, I just..  I wish we could have done more.  But like the judge said, we just needed positive proof!
 

Jack [calmly] -- Yeah, I understand, Mickey.
 

Maggie -- We're going to keep trying until you're free, Jack.  Okay?
 

Abe -- Maggie is right.  Now this is not over!  Not by a long shot!!  Peter is alive!  And I swear to you, we're going to find him.
 

[John walks to Stefano]
 

John -- You made a big mistake by not taking that deal, DiMera.  And now I am going to personally see to it that you spend the rest of your...  unnatural life in prison.
 

[Stefano keeps his cool and doesn't look at John.]
 

[Kristen is sitting by herself and looks kind of ashamed.  Jennifer glances at Kristen and walks towards her.  Kristen is seated at the bench while Jennifer is leaning over to poke her face near Kristen's.  Kristen is trying not to make eye contact with her.]
 

[Jennifer speaks very bitterly to Kristen and with complete hatred for her former "friend."  She is speaking relatively quietly, though.  Jennifer is looking at Kristen with the most bitter of looks.  If looks could kill, Kristen would have died right then and there]
 

Jennifer --  I begged you!  How could you be so heartless?!  You have just denied my daughter her father.  And ruined my life!  I hate you!!  Hate you!!!
 

[Jennifer walks away and Kristen looks terribly ashamed.  Kristen takes a deep breath and tries to keep calm.  Scene ends.]
 

[Next scene, Marlena and John are talking to each other.  Marlena says Stefano must be up to something terrible if he refused to take that plea bargain.  John agrees and wonders what that could be.  Marlena says she doesn't know, but that her instinct tells her Kristen is involved.  They leave the courtroom.]
 

[Kristen leans forward to speak quietly to Stefano.]
 

Kristen -- I despise you for getting me involved with this and for making me lie.  And to what end?  To what end, Stefano?!  Our situation's hopeless!!  At least I had a chance of retaining a shred of my dignity in this town by telling the truth.  But everybody hates me!!  I've alienated John.  I've alienated Jennifer.  [begins to pound her fists against Stefano's chair and practically shouts while losing control]  And for what?!!  Why did I do this?!
 

[She places her head down in her hands, disgusted with herself.]
 

Stefano [turns towards Kristen and says calmly] -- Because I have a plan.
 

Kristen [bitterly] -- You don't have a plan.  [almost shouts]  What plan?!  Marlena and John are going to get married because Roman is going to die because there's no cure!
 

Stefano -- Who says there's no cure?
 

[Kristen quickly looks up at Stefano and she is completely shocked.  Scene ends.]
 
 

End of episode.

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