SCARECROW AND MRS. KING
“A Drop in the Bucket”
Written by Anne Riener
August 2012
“A Drop in the Bucket”
Written by Anne Riener
August 2012
FADE IN:
PROLOGUE
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN – EARLY MORNING
The scene opens with a fishing trawler out on the high seas several miles off the Washington coast. The sky is awash with dark grey, black and bluish-grey menacing clouds. The ocean swells are firmly rocking the boat, and the vessel rises and falls with the sea. It is raining lightly.
INT. WHEELHOUSE – EARLY MORNING
Inside the wheelhouse, we see navigation and communication equipment, fish detection devices, and other sundry equipment. Wipers swipe the rain off the windows. The First Mate of the trawler, ALAN HIGGINS, sits in the skipper’s chair. A moment later, the CAPTAIN enters the wheelhouse sliding open the heavy wooden door.
CAPTAIN
How’s it going?
ALAN
Fine. Seas are a bit rough, but the storm is supposed to swing south.
CAPTAIN
Good, good.
(beat)
Where are we?
ALAN
We just passed the Sedna Ridges, Cap. With our current speed, and weather conditions, we are looking at approximately one and a half hours until we reach our destination.
CAPTAIN
Any word from our contact?
ALAN
No, nothing yet, Sir.
The Captain heaves a heavy sigh.
ALAN
What’s a matter, Sir?
CAPTAIN
Nothing. Just on edge this evening.
ALAN
Why? We’ve done a dozen of these runs with no problems.
CAPTAIN
I know. I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that this one is different.
(shakes head)
Why don’t you knock off for a while, Alan? I’ll man the wheel.
ALAN
Thanks. I could use a strong cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
He stands up. A moment later, the wheelhouse is flooded by a bright, white light. Both the Captain and the First Mate shield their eyes.
CAPTAIN
What the hell. . .
BRIGHT WHITE FLASH TO. . .
ACT ONE
EXT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – DAY
CLOSE UP on the 4247 sign. Lee’s Corvette is parked in front along the curb.
INT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – FAMILY ROOM – DAY
LEE (O.C.)
Amanda?
LEE enters the family room and sees JAMIE KING sitting on the sofa. He is momentarily startled and then concerned why Jamie would be home and not at school.
LEE
Jamie, is your mother here?
Jamie shakes his head.
LEE
Where’s your grandmother?
JAMIE
(mumbles)
Don’t know.
LEE
Why are you home and not at school? Are you sick?
Jamie turns to look at Lee and he notices Jamie has a black eye. He takes two quick steps toward Jamie and looks at his face.
LEE
(concerned)
Jamie, that’s quite the shiner there. What happened?
JAMIE
I don’t want to talk about it.
LEE
Okay, sure, we don’t have to talk about it, but how about we put something on that eye.
Lee walks into the kitchen and opens the freezer.
LEE
(hollers from kitchen)
I don’t think your mother would appreciate me using the ribeye; this should work though.
Lee takes out a bag of frozen peas, walks back to the living room and hands the bag to Jamie.
LEE (continued)
This will help keep the swelling down.
JAMIE
Umm, thanks.
Jamie puts the cold bag on his face. Lee sits down next to him on the sofa.
JAMIE
Why are you here? Where’s Mom?
LEE
It’s a slow day at the office and your mother left to run some errands. I was supposed to meet her here for lunch. I’m surprised I beat her.
JAMIE
(concerned)
You don’t think anything is wrong, do you?
LEE
No, Jamie. I am sure your mother is fine. She probably got tied up at the store or maybe she ran into a friend or neighbor. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.
(beat)
Now, can I make you a sandwich or something?
Jamie shakes his head. Lee notices Jamie is not wearing his glasses.
LEE (continued)
Where are your glasses?
JAMIE
(small voice)
I broke them.
LEE
Do you have them with you? May I see them?
Jamie removes his glasses (the lens has popped out) from his shirt pocket and hands it to Lee. Lee inspects the glasses.
LEE
These can be fixed.
He stands up, walks toward the kitchen, and opens a drawer, pulling out a small screwdriver set. He operates on Jamie’s glasses. Jamie, in the meanwhile, timidly follows Lee to the kitchen and sits down on a stool at the kitchen island.
JAMIE
Lee?
LEE
Hmm?
JAMIE
Nothing. Never mind.
Lee looks over at Jamie and sees a hundred emotions cross his face. He returns to fixing the glasses and hands them to Jamie.
LEE
There, all done.
Jamie puts his glasses back on.
JAMIE
Thanks.
There is a long awkward silence between them. Then they both try to talk at once.
JAMIE LEE
Lee. Jamie.
Jamie cracks a shy smile.
LEE
You go first.
Jamie bites his lip.
JAMIE
You. . . umm. . . you have slow days at work.
Lee shrugs.
LEE
What your mom and I do is not like what you see in the movies. It’s a lot of sit and wait. And a lot of paperwork.
JAMIE
Ever since you and Mom told us what you guys really do for a living – I can’t help but to worry.
LEE
I’m not going to lie to you. . . heaven knows I lied enough to you guys, but yes, there is some risk. However, we are careful, and I would do anything to protect your mother.
JAMIE
(bitterly)
You let her get shot.
Lee sighs heavily.
LEE
Really, Jamie, we were at the wrong place at the wrong time.
JAMIE
But you were there. There had to be something more you could have done.
(beat)
You should have protected her.
Lee glances up, and then blows out a breath.
LEE
Yes, Jamie, I was there.
(long pause)
I’ve played that scene out a hundred times in my mind. I was the trained agent – why had I not sensed the danger. What could I have done differently? Why did we meet Barney at the pier, instead of his cabin as we agreed?
(another beat; he blinks several times)
You have no idea what it was like opening the car door and seeing Amanda. . . your mother, had been shot. . .
There is another long silence between them. Jamie looks over at Lee.
JAMIE
Did you get the ones responsible for hurting Mom?
LEE
(his voice full of emotion)
You bet I did.
Jamie thinks about what Lee said for a moment.
JAMIE
You really do love her.
LEE
Yes, Jamie, I do.
(beat; long pause)
I love all you guys – your grandmother, Phillip, and you.
JAMIE
If you cared, you wouldn’t have kept your marriage or your jobs a secret.
LEE
You’re right. We should have told you the truth in the beginning.
(beat; he looks heavenward)
Let me tell you a story.
JAMIE
Not more spy stories? I’m sorry, Lee, but sometimes your stories can be a bit far fetched.
Lee hesitantly tousles Jamie’s hair; Jamie does not pull away.
LEE
You’re a smart boy. Your mother doesn’t buy them either.
(beat)
I guess part of the reason behind the ‘mystery marriage’ was I was afraid of you.
JAMIE
You were afraid of me? Was it because I was being such a Dufus?
LEE
No. That’s not it at all. You were being protective of your mother. I appreciate you boys always being there for her. I know the shooting scared you. Hell, it scared me.
(beat)
Mostly, I was afraid I would lose what I had found.
JAMIE
I don’t understand.
LEE
You see, Jamie, I haven’t been a part of a family for a very long time – almost 30 years. My parents were killed in a car accident when I was only five. I was too young to understand death. I thought they left, because they did not love me anymore. Then when I was seven, I was sent to live with my uncle, the Colonel, who was career Air Force. I was raised on military bases throughout the world, but had a very lonely childhood. As soon as I made friends and began to fit in, we would pack up and move. It took a long time before I learned to trust people again. . . I finally learned it was safe to love people and let them get close. Your mother taught me that.
JAMIE
You can’t trust people – people leave.
LEE
Not everyone leaves.
(beat)
I love you guys. I’m not going anywhere.
There is a long silence.
JAMIE
Dad left, and he loved us.
Lee takes in a deep breath.
LEE
You are not the only one who is experiencing insecurities, Jamie. When I proposed to your mother, I knew it was a package deal and it wasn’t going to be easy taking on an instant family. I have a fear of failing as a husband and father, but I hope with your help, your brother’s, your grandmother’s, and your mother’s, you can help me get past these insecurities. Do you think you can whip me into shape?
(beat)
So, do we have a deal?
Jamie thinks about it for a moment.
JAMIE
I think it might take some work, but you have a deal.
He holds out his hand, which Lee takes, and the two of them shake hands. Then Jamie stands up and gives Lee a hug. Lee is surprised for a second, then returns the gesture.
LEE
Thanks, Jamie. You don’t know what this means to me. Now, why don’t you run upstairs and get cleaned up? How about I take you and your mother out to lunch?
Jamie nods his head and then exits.
LEE (continued)
Amanda, you can come out now.
AMANDA, whose eyes are moist, steps out from around the corner of the kitchen, and then wraps her arms around her husband. They share a brief, tender kiss.
AMANDA
I’m pleased to see you followed your own advice – ‘forget the textbook and talk straight from the heart.’
LEE
I’m glad I had the chance to have this heart-to-heart with him. He really is a great kid and I think we are finally coming to an understanding of one another.
AMANDA
See, you two are so much alike.
Jamie enters the kitchen.
JAMIE
Hey, Mom. When did you get here?
AMANDA
Just a few minutes ago. I understand Lee is taking you and me out to lunch. How about Marvelous Marvin’s? Then we’re going to have a little talk, young man, about fighting at school.
Jamie slowly nods his head. Lee puts his arm around the boy’s shoulder and his other arm around Amanda, and they all head out the side door.
QUICK CUT
EXT. AGENCY – GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE – LATER THAT AFTERNOON
Camera PULLS AWAY FROM IFF sign and then ZOOMS onto second story window.
INT. Q-BUREAU – DAY
Lee is sitting at his desk working on reports, when he hears a KNOCK at the door.
A moment later, BILLY MELROSE enters through the door.
LEE
Hello, Billy, to what do we owe this visit?
BILLY
Is Amanda here?
Amanda comes out of the vault.
AMANDA
Hello, Sir.
BILLY
Hello, Amanda.
Amanda closes the vault door, and then sits down on the sofa. Lee joins her.
BILLY
I have a case for you two.
LEE
Sure. What’s up?
BILLY
Operation Lunch Bucket may have been compromised.
LEE
You’re kidding?
BILLY
I never kid.
AMANDA
What is Operation Lunch Bucket?
LEE
Operation Lunch Bucket is our ‘eyes in the sky’ program.
AMANDA
(to Billy)
“Eyes in the sky,” Sir?
BILLY
Dubbed “Honeycomb,” it’s our satellite surveillance program. You see, Amanda, with the intelligence we gather from the photos, we know what the Russians are doing and where they are doing it. The film is shot back through the earth's atmosphere in buckets that are parachuted over the Pacific Ocean, where they are then picked up by a boat set up to look like a typical fishing trawler, manned with Navy personnel. The fishing boat then rendezvous with a naval submarine, who delivers the film to the Defense Intelligence Agency for review.
LEE
What happened?
Billy sits down on the edge of Amanda’s desk.
BILLY
The military doesn’t know. When the submarine, USS Henry M. Jackson, arrived to the prearranged meeting place, the Anna Christie was not there, nor did she ever arrive.
AMANDA
Anna Christie, like the Eugene O’Neil play?
BILLY
I believe that is correct.
(beat)
The US Coast Guard was sent out to her last locale, but saw no signs of her.
LEE
Is it possible she got in trouble and maybe sank?
BILLY
Anything’s possible. However, there was no distress signal, or any signs she may have been in trouble. Nor did the Coast Guard find any wreckage or debris. It’s as if she disappeared into thin air.
LEE
What do you need us to do?
BILLY
First, we need to find out if Operation Lunch Bucket has been compromised.
(beat)
I want you two to go to Bangor, Washington. The USS Henry M. Jackson is stationed there at the Naval Submarine Base.
(another beat)
You will be meeting with Special Agent Graham, from Naval Security Investigation Command. His office is in Bremerton. Then you three will be coordinating efforts to locate and retrieve the missing film.
AMANDA
Of course, Sir. We’ll get right on this.
CLOSE ON LEE AND AMANDA and we. . .
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
EXT. SEATAC INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – DAY (STOCK)
The scene opens with an airplane touching down.
STOCK PHOTO – TWA plane landing at the airport.
INT. AIRPORT – DAY
Lee and Amanda come down the escalators heading toward the baggage claim area. They see a man in a naval military uniform, ALBERT COLE, holding up a sign that reads, “Mr. Stetson.”
LEE
I’m Lee Stetson.
COLE
I’m Warrant Officer Albert Cole at your service.
He shakes both Lee and Amanda’s hands.
COLE (continued)
Let’s grab your bags and get out of here.
They walk over to the baggage carousel. Lee spots both his and Amanda’s bags and grabs them.
They walk out the door of the terminal and head toward a sedan. Cole takes the bags from Lee and puts them in the trunk. He then opens the car door for Amanda and she climbs into the back, while Lee climbs into the front passenger seat.
ON CAR
The sedan heads down the road.
INT. CAR
COLE
First time to Seattle?
AMANDA
Yes.
LEE
No.
AMANDA
You’ve been here before? You never told me that.
LEE
Some friends and I fished Puget Sound a few years ago. We caught a few Blackmouth up that way.
(to Cole)
How far is it to Bangor?
COLE
It depends. It’s about 75 miles from Seattle and would take a little less than two hours if we drive around or slightly over an hour if we take the ferry. Then it’s just a short jaunt to Bangor, but we’ll be stopping at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
(beat; to Amanda)
I thought you might enjoy a ferry ride.
AMANDA
That would be nice.
COLE
Yes, Ma’am.
(beat)
The weather is a bit chilly for early-November, but the sun is out and only partly cloudy.
EXT. COLEMAN FERRY DOCK - DAY
The Warrant Officer pulls the car into a staging area and parks for a second.
ON FERRY BOAT
ZOOM onto the sign that reads “Hyak.”
ON CAR
Cole drives the car up the ramp and onto the boat.
ON DECK HAND
A DECK HAND directs traffic.
ON COLE
Cole parks the car on the car deck.
The CAMERA FOLLOWS Lee and Amanda as they head up the stairs into the main cabin area.
INT. FERRY CABIN
The ferry cabin is a large open area lined with windows running lengthwise. There are also rows of tables and booths, as well, and lots of fluorescent lighting overhead. Amanda observes the activity going on around them. Some passengers are playing cards, others are eating, some are reading books, and a few are trying to nap. Amanda looks out the window and watches the boat carve its way through the water. The smell of diesel fuel fills the air.
AMANDA
I think I might go out and stand on the deck. I’d like to watch the scenery for a while.
LEE
I’ll go with you.
Lee and Amanda walk hand in hand to the front of the ferryboat, and out the door onto the bow.
ON DECK
There are a few other brave souls out there. The gentle breeze is nippy. Amanda wraps her arms around herself.
AMANDA
He was right. It is a bit chilly. The sunshine is misleading.
LEE
Come here, I will warm you up.
He draws her close to him and puts his arms around her waist. She leans back into him.
ON FERRY BOAT
The ferryboat continues to slice through the water. Small wakes swirl around the hull.
ON LEE AND AMANDA
They watch the scenery around them and observe the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Lee rubs her arms.
LEE
Come on, Dear, let’s get you back inside. You’re getting goosebumps.
Amanda nods her head. Lee takes her hand and they walk back inside to the cabin.
FERRY CABIN
Lee and Amanda sit down at the booth with Warrant Officer Cole.
COLE
I hope you don’t mind, but I thought you could use a cup of coffee.
AMANDA
Thanks.
She grabs a Styrofoam cup, takes a sip, and then smiles.
COLE
I didn’t know if you liked cream or sugar, so I grabbed some of both.
Lee grabs a coffee cup himself, opens a dairy creamer and stirs it into the cup.
AMANDA
You live in a beautiful place, but you are right, it was a bit chilly.
COLE
The climate is relatively cool year round. We don’t see as many warm days as you do in Virginia or D.C.
He stares at Amanda for a moment.
COLE
I don’t mean to be rude, Ma’am, but you don’t look like a spook.
Lee almost spits out his coffee, then glances toward Amanda.
AMANDA
Well, sometimes people can surprise you.
LEE
Let’s hope the bad guys are deceived so she can trip them up and get this case closed.
COLE
I’m sure that the crewmen on the Anna Christie are thinking the same thing.
The ferry HORN blows.
COLE
We’re coming into the dock, might as well head back to the car.
The three of them stand-up and we. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD – DAY
The sedan drives to a security gate.
INT. SEDAN
COLE
Welcome to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the largest employer in Kitsap County.
LEE
What kind of work do they do here?
COLE
Mostly overhauls, refitting, and refueling.
AMANDA
Is everyone who works here military?
COLE
No, Ma’am, the majority of workforce is civilian. The personnel number is approximately 10,000, including contractors, janitors, food service workers, and so on.
ON CAR
He shows his ID to the security guard and then drives on.
EXT. NSIC BUILDING – DAY
A few moments later, he parks in front of the NSIC building.
They step out of the car. In the foreground is an aircraft carrier.
AMANDA
An aircraft carrier, right?
COLE
Correct, the USS Nimitz. The world's most powerful warship, the lead carrier in her class.
Amanda nods.
LEE
This yard is huge.
COLE
The complex covers over 327 acres of hard land and 338 acres submerged.
The three of them then climb the stairs toward the front entrance door.
INT. NSIC BUILDING – DAY
They walk up to a security desk. A SECURITY GUARD sits behind the desk.
COLE
Agents Lee Stetson and Amanda King are here to see Special Agent George Graham.
SECURITY GUARD
Sign here, please.
He has them sign their names to a visitor roster. He then checks their names and hands them guest passes. Cole then leads them to Agent Graham’s office. The door is open, but he lightly taps on the frame. Agent GEORGE GRAHAM looks up and then stands when the three of them enter the room.
GRAHAM
Lee Stetson.
He shakes Lee’s hand, which he returns.
GRAHAM (continued)
Amanda King.
He then shakes Amanda’s hand.
AMANDA
Agent Graham.
GRAHAM
George is fine.
AMANDA
Please call us Lee and Amanda.
GRAHAM
(to Cole)
Thank you, Warrant Officer. That will be all.
Cole salutes and then leaves.
GRAHAM
We were told to assist the Agency in anyway. Everything here is at your disposal. Where would you like to start?
LEE
Actually, I would like to start with interviewing the Captain of the Henry M. Jackson.
GRAHAM
Yes, of course. The boat is stationed at Bangor, about twenty minutes from here. I’ll drive you there myself.
AMANDA
Thank you, Sir.
The three of them leave Agent Graham’s office and we. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE BANGOR – DAY
A couple AERIAL SHOTS of the submarine base to establish.
EXT. NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE BANGOR – USS HENRY M. JACKSON - DAY
INT. USS HENRY M. JACKSON – CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - DAY
A SEAMAN escorts Lee, Amanda, and Agent Graham into the Captain’s Quarters. The Captain, ROGER NIELSEN, stands up and shakes everyone’s hands.
NIELSEN
That will be all Seaman. Thank you.
The Seaman salutes and then leaves.
NIELSEN
Welcome aboard the USS Henry M. Jackson.
AMANDA
Thank you.
The Captain then offers Lee and Amanda a seat and they sit down across from him. Agent Graham leans against the wall and crosses his arms.
NIELSEN
What can I help you with today?
LEE
We are here investigating the disappearance of the Anna Christie.
The Captain nods his head.
AMANDA
What happened the evening you were supposed to rendezvous with her?
The Captain leans back in his chair.
NIELSEN
Not much to tell, really. We have been using her as a decoy for half-dozen runs and all other pick-ups happened without a hitch. We were supposed to meet her 61 miles south of Tatoosh Island, near the edge of Tufts Plain.
AMANDA
Tufts Plain, Sir?
NIELSEN
It’s a topographical feature of the ocean floor submarines use to determine location.
LEE
What is Tatoosh Island?
GRAHAM
It’s a small group of islands, not far off the Washington coast - the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula.
LEE
And the Anna Christie never arrived to the agreed meeting place.
NIELSEN
Correct.
AMANDA
What were the weather conditions at the time?
NIELSEN
The seas were a bit rough. It was raining, but not too heavily.
AMANDA
Would there be any reason to believe she may have gotten in trouble and maybe was hit with heavy swells and sunk?
NIELSEN
Perhaps. However, she did not send any distress signals, so, if she did go down, she sank quickly.
LEE
The Coast Guard was sent out to locate her.
NIELSEN
Correct, but so far no sign of her or her crew.
AMANDA
How many Navy seamen were onboard?
NIELSEN
Five.
Suddenly, there is a KNOCK on the door.
NIELSEN
Come in.
A Seaman sticks his head through the door.
SEAMAN
Sorry to interrupt, Sir, but the Coast Guard just found her.
NIELSEN
And?
SEAMAN
She’s a ghost ship, just drifting in the Pacific — no sign of her crew or the cargo.
OFF LEE AND AMANDA’S EXPRESSION; we . .
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
EXT. PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD – THE NEXT DAY
A couple of ARIEL SHOTS to establish location.
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – DAY
Lee and Amanda are sitting inside Agent Graham’s office, across from Agent Graham who is sitting at his desk. He opens a file and reads.
GRAHAM
The satellite film was not found on the boat, but we know for a fact the crew picked up the film. The captain confirmed receipt of the bucket. We use a rotating “personal call” system that allows the captain or first mate to update us on their progress. Then at 04:00, we lost radio contact. The Coast Guard found no trace of the crew on the boat or near her last locale. As stated before, she was carrying a five-man crew. In addition, there was no hint of arms fire on board either. We don’t believe the crew was swept overboard, but in the middle of the ocean, anything is possible; however, because the film is missing, I would say something nefarious happened to the crew.
LEE
I agree.
AMANDA
When will we be able to search the boat?
GRAHAM
The Coast Guard is towing her in now. Estimated time of arrival is thirteen hundred hours.
Lee looks at his watch.
GRAHAM (continued)
Why don’t we go grab a bite to eat while we wait?
Lee looks over at Amanda who nods her head.
LEE
Sure. What do you recommend?
GRAHAM
Well, there are a few eateries here on base, but off base, I know this great little hamburger stand. They serve old-fashioned burgers, shakes, and fries.
AMANDA
Sounds good to me.
GRAHAM
Let’s go.
The three of them stand up and then leave.
QUICK CUT
EXT. HAMBURGER STAND – DAY
We find Lee, Amanda, and Agent Graham eating lunch at an outside table. Wrappers and napkins are on the table. It appears they are almost done with their meal.
Lee wipes his mouth with a napkin.
LEE
You were right; the burgers here are good, although a bit on the greasy side.
AMANDA
I loved the grilled onions, reminds me of eating hamburgers at a county fair. And the shakes are made with real hand-dipped ice cream. Excellent choice.
She takes a sip of her shake.
GRAHAM
Glad you liked it.
(beat)
The onion rings are my guilty pleasure.
He pats his stomach.
GRAHAM (continued)
I’ll have to hit the gym later this afternoon.
Traffic moves by the hamburger stand and then a limousine drives by leisurely. The back window is rolled down partway. Lee looks up and he sees GREGORY, the Washington Station Chief for the KGB, inside the limousine. The window slowly rolls down the rest of the way, and he gestures to Lee. Lee quickly stands up scanning the roadway.
AMANDA
What is it?
LEE
I thought I saw someone I know.
She looks around.
AMANDA
Out here?
LEE
Yeah.
(beat)
I’ll be right back.
Lee kisses her cheek, and then hurriedly walks around the corner of the hamburger stand. He sees the limousine parked against the curb. Gregory is sitting inside the car with the window rolled down. Lee approaches the car, cautiously.
ON LIMOUSINE
LEE
(with venom)
Gregory, you have more lives then a cat.
Gregory shrugs.
LEE (continued)
I find it very interesting we should be in western Washington at exactly the same time, don’t you?
GREGORY
Just a coincidence.
LEE
(sarcastic)
I bet.
GREGORY
(smug)
What brings you to the ‘other’ Washington?
LEE
Vacation.
GREGORY
Ah, yes, you and the lovely Mrs. King. I understand congratulations are in order.
(beat)
Too bad Amanda settled for you. . . Scarecrow.
LEE
(not letting Gregory get his goat)
Play nice.
(beat)
What brings you here, Gregory?
GREGORY
I heard through the grapevine, you two are seeking something the Russians might want.
LEE
Really?
GREGORY
I’m intrigued, as well as my previous superiors, to find out what it is that you seek.
LEE
Sorry, I have no idea what you are talking about.
Gregory nods his head.
GREGORY
Well, as you Americans say, that is that. Oh, do say hello to your lovely wife for me.
He rolls up the window and the limousine drives away.
Lee rakes his hand through his hair and heads back toward his wife and Agent Graham when he almost runs into Amanda, who had gone to look for him.
AMANDA
Hey, where did you go?
LEE
I just had an interesting conversation with our old friend Gregory.
Amanda looks down the street.
AMANDA
Here? I take it this is not a coincidence.
Lee shakes his head.
LEE
We had better find the film before he does.
(beat)
We really don’t need the Russians finding out about our satellite surveillance program.
AMANDA
Let’s see if the Anna Christie is in port yet. Maybe she holds the clue to this mystery.
CUT TO
EXT. JOEY’S POOL AND PUB – NIGHT
To ESTABLISH a less then desirable neighborhood.
INT. BACK ROOM – POOL HALL – NIGHT
A small group of muscular men, including JEFF RAWLINGS, HAROLD PERDUE, KEVIN THERRIEN, hang around in a back room of a pool hall playing pool and drinking beer. They are dressed in pseudo-military wear, drab green or grey t-shirts, camo pants, and boots, many spot tattoos and buzzed haircuts. They are a tough looking gang.
HAROLD
I can’t believe how easy it was to carry off that job.
(snorts)
The Navy calls themselves pros and we pulled it off right under their noses.
KEVIN
We are going to make a ton of cash on this sale and embarrass the United States in the process.
HAROLD
It’s a brilliant plan, if I do say so myself.
Jeff sits down at one of the tables and takes a swig of beer. It is obvious he is the leader of this militia group.
JEFF
Don’t get cocky, boys.
(beat)
It is brilliant. . . if everything goes according to plan.
KEVIN
And why wouldn’t it? Isn’t everything ready?
JEFF
Yes, everything is in order. However, it’s just a drop in the bucket. Tomorrow we change the future and then the world.
He raises his glass in a toast. The other men look at each other hesitantly.
JEFF (continued)
Don’t worry, Fellas. . . remember we have a man on the inside.
QUICK CUT
EXT. NSIC BUILDING – NIGHT
Camera ZOOMS into second story window.
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Lee and Amanda are sitting in chairs across from Agent Graham’s desk.
LEE
I’m beginning to think this whole day was nothing but a wild goose chase.
There is a soft knock on the door. In walks RYAN STACEY, the janitor. Ryan is a large, burly man, but comes across as not too bright.
GRAHAM
Come in.
He sees Ryan.
GRAHAM
Hello, Ryan.
RYAN
I’ve come for the trash, Sir, but I see you are still working. I’ll come back later.
GRAHAM
No, that is okay. Come on in.
Ryan nods to Lee and Amanda and then walks over to the side of the desk with the trashcan. He picks it up, then walks back to his janitorial cart and empties the can. He steps back into the room.
RYAN
Do you have anything I need to take down to the incendiary, Sir?
GRAHAM
No, nothing this evening. Thanks, Ryan.
Ryan exits.
Graham turns his attention back to Lee and Amanda.
GRAHAM
I take it you’ve tangled with this Gregory character before?
LEE
More times then I care to count.
GRAHAM
Who is he and what game is he playing?
LEE
Former KGB Station Chief. He was disgraced a couple years ago and is looking for redemption.
AMANDA
And this is right up his alley, too.
(beat)
If he pulls this off, it would put him back within the good graces of the KGB.
Lee looks at his watch.
LEE
A little late to call D.C., but I’m sure Billy is still in the office.
Lee points to the phone on Agent Graham’s desk.
LEE (continued)
Do you mind if I make a phone call?
Agent Graham pushes the telephone closer to Lee.
GRAHAM
Of course, go ahead.
Agent Graham then stands up and walks toward a coffeemaker, on a shelf behind his desk.
GRAHAM
Can I freshen anyone else’s coffee?
Both Lee and Amanda shake their heads ‘no.’
LEE
This is Scarecrow; let me speak with Billy Melrose.
BILLY (V.O.)
Scarecrow, how are things out in Seattle?
LEE
Not going so well.
BILLY (V.O)
Nothing after searching the boat?
LEE
No; zip, zero, nada. It appears everything is there and in its correct place, even the emergency rations and survival dingy. The only thing out of place is her crew and the missing film.
INT. AGENCY – BILLY’S OFFICE
BILLY
Any clue who might have kidnapped the crew of the Anna Christie?
INTERCUT WITH LEE AND BILLY
LEE
No. I doubt the crew is behind their own disappearance.
(beat)
You might find this interesting; but I met up with an old nemesis here in Bremerton.
BILLY
Don’t keep me in suspense, Scarecrow. Who?
LEE
Gregory.
BILLY
(whistles)
He’s obviously after the film, so we can be fairly certain the Russians don’t have it.
(beat)
Lee, you really need to be on top of things.
LEE
Thanks, Billy, for your concern, but Amanda and I will handle it with the same professionalism we do with all our cases.
BILLY
Yes, yes I know.
(beat; clears his throat)
However, Dr. Smyth is keeping a close eye on you two with this assignment.
(another beat)
This could mean your job and your partnership.
LEE
I don’t understand.
BILLY
In his whacked out view of things - this is the first case you two have had as a married couple.
LEE
That is total bull–
BILLY
(interrupting)
LEE!
LEE
We’ve been married for nine months now.
(beat; frustrated)
I knew his blessing was too good to be true.
Lee growls. Suddenly there is a KNOCK at the door.
GRAHAM
(calls out)
Come in.
CAPTAIN WALTER RATCLIFFE, Base Commander, enters the office. Agent Graham immediately, upon seeing who has entered, stands at attention.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
At ease.
AGENT GRAHAM
Captain Ratcliffe is the Naval Facilities Commander. May I introduce Agents Lee Stetson and Amanda King?
Captain Ratcliffe shakes Amanda’s hand.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
Amanda.
AMANDA
Commander.
LEE
(on the phone)
I’m placing you on hold for a minute, Billy.
He pushes the hold button and a white light blinks on the phone.
Captain Ratcliffe reaches across the desk to shake Lee’s hand. Lee returns the handshake.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
Lee.
LEE
Sir.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
Austin Smyth speaks highly of you two. Pleased to have you here on our base.
Lee and Amanda exchange a quick glance.
GRAHAM
To what do we owe this visit, Commander?
Captain Ratcliffe takes an envelope out of his breast pocket of his overcoat.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
I found this envelope on my desk after I came back from dinner at the Officer’s Club.
The Captain opens the envelope, takes out a letter, and hands it to Agent Graham.
INSERT LETTER
Note: The letter is written using words cut out from magazines.
RETURN TO SCENE
He hands it to Lee.
LEE
“Times are complicated, yet right and wrong is never complicated. Truth is never complicated. What we stand for is truth. We don’t believe the United States should be spying on our allies or enemies — therefore, we plan to sell these satellite photos to the newspapers and television stations, making United States citizens aware of satellites that track not only our enemies, but someday, perhaps, our government will spy on us. Sincerely, Freedom Brethren.”
AMANDA
Who are the ‘Freedom Brethren?’
GRAHAM
Mercenaries, but small potatoes. They haven’t caused much trouble – not really calling attention to themselves, until now, that is.
AMANDA
Do you think they have the film and possibly the crew of the Anna Christie?
GRAHAM
I would say that is a safe bet.
LEE
I need everything you have on the Freedom Brethren and I need it now.
GRAHAM
You got it.
Lee gets back on the phone with Billy.
LEE
We may have caught a break. The base commander received a cut-and-paste anonymous letter. It appears a local group of mercenaries, the Freedom Brethren, is behind this. They believe that spying on our enemies to keep America safe is wrong.
(beat)
No demands, just a threat to go public.
BILLY (V.O.)
Sounds like you three have something there.
(beat)
Keep me apprised of the situation.
LEE
Will do.
Lee hangs up the phone.
CLOSE ON THE PHONE
The light on the phone stays lit for a few moments and then goes off.
QUICK CUT
ANOTHER NSIC OFFICE
CLOSE ON A HAND. The hand cradles the phone, then silently hangs up the extension and quickly dials another number.
MAN’S VOICE
Yeah, it’s me. The message has been delivered.
And we. . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
EXT. JOEY’S POOL AND PUB – NIGHT
Lee and Amanda’s rental car is parked in front of the bar on the street.
IN CAR
LEE
This must be the place – Graham said they hang out here.
Amanda observes the bar is in a less than desirable neighborhood.
AMANDA
I know Graham is confused by their actions, he thinks this is way out of their league. He said the Freedom Brethren were Army wannabe’s, mostly washouts, who did not qualify for the armed services, because they did not meet the qualifications nor pass the psyche test, but they were never dangerous – small time crimes, brawls, petty theft, disturbing the peace.
LEE
Money can be a powerful motivator, Amanda. You never really can tell what people will do if a nice enough incentive is offered.
AMANDA
True.
Lee exits the car first, walks around the other side and opens the door for Amanda. Amanda takes his hand, but first hands him the keys to the car, which Lee pockets. They walk toward the entrance.
INT. JOEY’S POOL AND PUB – NIGHT
The two of them walk into the bar and everyone looks up to see who has entered. Lee is dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt and leather jacket. Amanda is dressed in a black mini-skirt, a black turtleneck sweater, leather jacket with patches and her heart necklace. Lee walks toward the bar, leaving Amanda standing near the door. He talks to the BARTENDER.
BARTENDER
What can I get you?
LEE
Two beers.
BARTENDER
On tap or bottles?
LEE
Bottles is fine.
The bartender reaches below the counter and produces two cold bottles. He twists off the tops and hands them to Lee. Lee pays the man and then walks back toward Amanda. He hands her one of the bottles, and then puts his arm around her and leads her toward the poolroom. The room is smoke filled and loud music plays in the background.
LEE
Have you ever played pool before? Or can you only throw them?
AMANDA
(smiles)
A few times, back when Joe and I were first dating, but it’s been years.
LEE
Then I’ll go easy on you.
Lee grabs a couple of pool sticks that are on a rack on the wall and then hands her one.
LEE
You want to break or should I?
AMANDA
Ladies first.
LEE
Of course.
He steps aside, and then watches her as she rather awkwardly positions herself behind the cue ball. She gives a little butt wiggle and his mouth drops open.
LEE
(growls)
You’re killing me.
AMANDA
I know.
Amanda then aims the cue ball at the tight triangle of colored balls and hits it with her pool stick. The white ball rolls and hits the balls in the center of the table, but she barely disturbs the arrangement.
AMANDA
I guess I’m a little rusty.
LEE
I guess so.
He studies the table for a moment and sees there is no clear shot, so he uses his turn to shoot into the clustered balls and scatters them over the table.
LEE (continued)
Now that is how you break.
AMANDA
No kidding.
LEE
My turn.
Lee leans over the table with his pool stick, aims the cue ball at a striped ball and shoots hard. The ball rolls across the table and falls into a corner pocket, then sinks with a resounding thud.
AMANDA
Hmmm? You are stripes. That means I’m solids, right?
LEE
Yes, Sweetheart.
Amanda studies the table and bites her lip. She aims her cue ball toward a solid ball, but misses widely. Lee laughs. His and Amanda’s playing have gathered the attention of a couple other patrons in the bar, including Harold, Jeff, and Kevin, who we have met in the previous scene.
LEE
How about we make this a little more interesting?
AMANDA
How so?
LEE
How about a little wager?
He places a twenty-dollar bill on the edge of the table.
AMANDA
Oh, I don’t know, Lee.
(beat)
Are you up for the challenge?
LEE
I am up for anything you dish out, Mrs. Stetson.
KEVIN
I’ll call that bet.
HAROLD
I’d like to get into the action, too.
They both place twenty-dollar bills on top of Lee’s money. Jeff sizes up Amanda and Lee then takes money out of his pocket.
JEFF
I’m in.
He places the money down on the table.
AMANDA
Lee?
LEE
Yes, Amanda.
AMANDA
Can you put money down on the table for me? I’m good for it.
She blows him a kiss. He opens his wallet and then places another twenty down. She then removes her jacket and pushes up her sleeves.
LEE
I believe it is my turn.
Lee leans over the table, lines up his shot, and sinks another striped ball into the side pocket. He then drops another ball, while Amanda flirts with Kevin, Jeff, and Harold. She runs her manicured finger along Harold’s jawline and down the front of his jacket. The corner of his mouth turns up in a seductive smile.
AMANDA
Aren’t you cute, all dressed in fatigues. What are your names?
HAROLD
My name is Harold and over there are my buddies Jeff and Kevin. What’s your name, Sweet-thing?
AMANDA
Amanda.
(beat)
Are you sailors? I just love a man in uniform.
KEVIN
(snorts)
Sailors. Pansies, all of them.
AMANDA
So what do you boys do?
The three of them look at each other, but no on answers. Lee then touches Amanda on her shoulder.
LEE
Your turn.
AMANDA
Be right back, Boys.
She sways her hips just a little walking back to the table.
Amanda misses the next shot wildly, striking the cue ball, which flies off the table.
AMANDA
Can I have a do-over?
LEE
No, there are no do-over’s in pool.
She pouts. Jeff stands up and walks over to them.
JEFF
Here let me help you with this next shot.
(to Lee)
If that is okay?
Lee steps aside and lets him pass by him. He bounces back on his heels, slightly.
JEFF
Now get ready for your next shot and I'm going stand behind you and try to help you get the hang of it.
AMANDA
Jeff, right?
JEFF
Right.
Jeff wraps his arms around Amanda, places his hands over hers, and shows her how to handle the stick. On her next shot, her aim is true and she sinks the ball.
AMANDA
What about this next shot?
Jeff stands close enough to her that he influences the motion of her body with his. Lee does not like how close Jeff is to Amanda and pulls her away.
LEE
Enough lessons for today.
AMANDA
Quit being such a fuddy-duddy, Lee. Jeff is only helping. And you’re sounding like a jealous person.
JEFF
Hey, no hard feelings. How about I buy you a beer?
Lee nods his head.
LEE
Sure.
JEFF
(hollering)
Brady, another round of beers here.
BARTENDER
Coming right up, Rawlings.
AMANDA
(to Jeff)
Now, where were we?
The bartender arrives with bottles of beer and passes them around to the men. In the background, we see Amanda continue to play the game and flirting with Jeff. She sinks two more balls. Lee takes a swig of beer trying to control his emotions.
HAROLD
Your wife is a real spitfire.
Amanda then misses the next shot. Lee studies the table and makes his next move. The striped ball he was aiming for misses its mark, and ricochets off the corner accidentally sinking the eight ball.
Lee groans.
AMANDA
I win! I win!
LEE
Only by default.
Amanda begins to pocket the money.
JEFF
Hey, you aren’t going to call it quits already, are you? The night’s still young. You should give us a chance to win our money back, so how about a game with pairs and this time double or nothing?
Lee looks at Amanda and she shrugs.
AMANDA
Sure, why not?
Jeff begins to set up the game and racks up the balls in the center of the table. Then he and Kevin grab a couple of pool sticks.
JEFF
We're ready to begin. Go ahead, Amanda, you break.
AMANDA
Okay.
They all watch Amanda chalk up the tip of her pool stick, and strike the cue ball. This time the break is good and she pockets a striped ball, the other balls scatter in all directions.
JEFF
Aren't you the little pool shark?
AMANDA
Lucky shot.
KEVIN
I bet.
She then leans way over the table and effortlessly sinks another solid into the corner pocket. She scans the table for her next shot. Amanda goes to the other side of the table, lines up her next shot and sinks the ball in the far corner with a fancy shot. Everyone’s mouth drops open, including Lee. She misses her next shot and then she walks back to Lee, grabs her beer from the table, and takes a swig. Lee raises an eyebrow at her.
AMANDA
What? I’m a fast learner.
She gives Lee an innocent smile.
JEFF
Don’t worry Boys, the night is still young. The night is still young.
Jeff smiles and takes position to line up a shot he sees before him and manages to sink the ball easily. He glances at Lee and Amanda smugly.
The game continues for several more moments, alternating between Lee, Amanda, Jeff and Kevin. From the corner of his eye, Lee sees Gregory sitting at a table on the far side of the room, watching the action. He raises a shot glass to him and then throws the drink back. Lee approaches Amanda and whispers into her ear.
LEE
We’ve got company.
She looks in the direction of Gregory, he smiles at her.
AMANDA
(whispers in Lee’s ear)
How much do you think he’s heard or seen?
LEE
(whispers back)
Enough to be curious. We’ll need a distraction to get us out of here.
Jeff motions to Amanda to go; she then takes her final shot.
AMANDA
Eight ball, left corner pocket.
She sinks the eight ball.
LEE
Woo-hoo, Honey.
Lee pockets the money.
HAROLD
Hey, you swindled us!
JEFF
Yeah! What sort of game are you playing?
SERIES OF SHOTS – FIGHT
Lee shoves Harold into Jeff, knocking them both down. Kevin jumps up and hits Lee. Lee staggers back. Jeff and Harold get back on their feet and Harold grabs Lee from behind. Amanda grabs a pool stick and hits Harold in the back with it. The stick splitters and Harold falls to the ground. The other men continue to struggle and fight.
A few seconds later, we hear a police SIREN and see red and blue flashing lights through the front plate window. In the background, Gregory slips out of the backdoor away from all the commotion. Jeff gets in a lucky punch and hits Lee in the jaw, before the police officers hustle into the bar and break up the fight.
Amanda rushes up to Lee and dabs a napkin on his bleeding lip, while an officer places Lee under arrest.
AND WE. . .
EXT. NSIC BUILDING – MORNING
Camera ZOOMS into second story window.
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – MORNING
LEE
Thanks for bailing us out, Agent Graham.
GRAHAM
Do you give your boss this much trouble back home?
LEE
More, much more. Believe me.
Amanda clears her throat.
AMANDA
How long can local law enforcement hold them?
Graham looks at the wall clock.
GRAHAM
A couple more hours at the most.
Lee rakes his hand through his hair.
LEE
We need something to go on. We didn’t learn anything new while hustling them last night.
Amanda smiles.
AMANDA
We did hustle them, didn’t we?
LEE
We are no closer to finding the missing film.
AMANDA
Or the crew.
Amanda see’s the letter lying on Graham’s desk and she picks it up and reads it again.
AMANDA (continued)
Wait, it’s someone on the inside.
LEE
What do you mean?
AMANDA
I read this book once – Intrigue and Deception. I won’t bore you with the plot, but the hero figured out it was an inside job. The letter was left on the Commander’s desk. Someone hand delivered it. It did not come through the United States Postal Service, so someone who works here on base is the traitor and probably set up the crew on the Anna Christie. We find out who the leak is and then we should find the missing film and crew.
GRAHAM
(to Lee)
How did she say all that in one breath?
LEE
That’s my wife.
(beat; to Amanda)
This is good, Amanda. Real good.
(another beat; to Graham)
Who knows about the decoy boat?
GRAHAM
(blows out a breath)
Several people.
LEE
Well, we’re going to need a list of those names, so we can interview them.
GRAHAM
Yes, of course. I’ll get right on it.
Graham picks up the telephone and makes a call.
QUICK CUT
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Lee tosses a sheet of paper onto Graham’s desk out of frustration.
LEE
Everyone on this list is clean. Unless either one of you two is seeing something I am not.
Amanda shakes her head, then picks up the paper from the desk and scans the list.
There is a light KNOCK on the door and the three agents look over at the door. Graham stands up, walks over to the door and opens it. Ryan shyly enters the room.
RYAN
I’m sorry. I see you still have company. I’ll come back later.
GRAHAM
We’re almost done here. You can come back in about ten minutes.
RYAN
Yes, Sir.
Ryan leaves and Graham shuts the door. Amanda looks at the recycling boxes.
AMANDA
Lee?
LEE
Hmm?
AMANDA
How do you think the ‘traitor’ received the information on the decoy boats location?
LEE
Good question. George, how was the information exchanged?
GRAHAM
Special courier.
LEE
And we already interviewed him, correct?
GRAHAM
Yes.
AMANDA
What happens to the letter after you read it?
GRAHAM
It is destroyed.
Amanda nods her head and points to the recycling bins.
GRAHAM (continued)
Ryan? No way!
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – FEW MINUTES LATER
RYAN
I was told you wanted to see me.
GRAHAM
That is correct. Thanks for coming.
RYAN
Are you unhappy with my work?
GRAHAM
No, Ryan. I think you do a great job cleaning my office. However, we have a few questions we need to ask you.
RYAN
Questions? I’m not so good on tests.
GRAHAM
It’s okay, this isn’t a test.
He leads Ryan to the chair and Ryan sits down.
AMANDA
Hi, Ryan. My name is Amanda, this is Lee, and we are just going to ask you a few questions.
RYAN
Okay.
AMANDA
How long have you worked here?
RYAN
Five years.
AMANDA
And you are the janitor?
RYAN
Yes, Ma’am. I clean the NSIC office and the Fire Station. Sometimes they let me ride on the fire trucks.
AMANDA
Sounds like fun.
RYAN
Oh, it is.
AMANDA
One of your jobs is to take papers down to the incendiary, correct?
RYAN
Yes.
GRAHAM
Why do you do that?
RYAN
Because it is classified information and is not to be seen.
GRAHAM
So, you take the papers down to the incendiary and then what do you do with them?
RYAN
I do what you tell me to do – I throw them into the incendiary.
LEE
Do you ever read them or maybe take a glance?
Ryan puts his head down, looking guilty.
GRAHAM
Ryan?
RYAN
Sometimes – I look, I like to look at the pictures, but I don’t understand what they say. I don’t read so well.
LEE
Do you ever take pictures of them? Or copy the information down?
Ryan shakes his head.
RYAN
No, I just look at the pictures.
(beat)
I hope I am not in trouble. I like working here.
LEE
Do you ever show them to anyone else?
RYAN
No, Sir.
GRAHAM
I’m sorry to have to do this, Ryan, but I'm going to have to place you under arrest.
Graham stands up and moves behind Ryan. Ryan is scared and unsure about what is happening. Ryan is then placed in handcuffs and led out the door.
In the background, we see Warrant Officer Cole smiling.
CUT TO
INT. OUTSIDE INTERROGATION ROOM
Lee, Amanda, and Agent Graham are standing outside the interrogation room. In the background, through the one-way mirror, we see Ryan sitting at a table. He appears terrified. Lee and Amanda are having a heated disagreement.
AMANDA
I don’t care what you say – it’s not him.
LEE
Sweetheart, he admitted to looking at the memos.
AMANDA
He doesn’t know what he was looking at.
LEE
He could be playing us the fool.
AMANDA
No, I don’t think so. I think someone is setting him up.
LEE
Here you go with your fantasy setup theories again.
AMANDA
Oh, please.
GRAHAM
Do you two ever stop?
Lee and Amanda ignore Agent Graham.
AMANDA
Well, I was right the last time.
Lee stops himself and rakes his hand through his hair.
LEE
Yes. True. You were right.
Amanda calms down, too.
AMANDA
Yes, I was and don’t you ever forget it, Buster.
LEE
If it’s not Ryan who leaked out the information, who did?
Amanda shrugs her shoulders. There is a moment of silence while they both think.
AMANDA
Lee, let me see the list again.
He hands her a clipboard with a list of names.
LEE
We’ve interviewed everyone on that list.
Amanda scrolls down the list of names.
AMANDA
What about Warrant Officer Cole?
GRAHAM
What about him?
AMANDA
He’s not on this list.
GRAHAM
No, no he’s not, but he wouldn’t know about the Anna Christie being the decoy boat. He wasn’t on the team.
AMANDA
Yes, he did.
GRAHAM
What?
LEE
No, Amanda’s right. When we were crossing over here on the ferryboat, he mentioned the Anna Christie by name.
(beat)
I think we may have found your traitor.
CLOSE UP ON LEE AND AMANDA AND WE. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. ALLEY – EVENING
The scene opens in a dark alley that is littered with garbage cans and trash. Warren Officer Cole enters the alley.
COLE
(slightly above a whisper)
Rawlings? Are you here?
Jeff, Harold, and Kevin step out of the shadows.
JEFF
Thanks for letting us rot in jail all day.
COLE
How was I supposed to bail you out when I’m not supposed to be associated with you?
(beat)
You didn’t rat on me or the operation, did you?
JEFF
Who do you think we are, amateurs? We know the score. Although we have to admit, we are suspicious why they held us for so long for just a bar brawl.
COLE
Just a brawl. Hmm?
Kevin and Harold nod their heads.
COLE (continued)
Who started the fight this time?
HAROLD
Trust me – this time it wasn’t us.
KEVIN
Yeah, some couple who hustled us out of a game of pool.
COLE
Oh, that is rich. You three were hustled. I would have loved to have seen that go down.
(beat)
Locals?
JEFF
Nah, we had never seen them before. They weren’t from around here.
KEVIN
Lee and Amanda – I think were their names.
COLE
Stetson.
JEFF
Yeah, I think so.
(beat)
You know them?
COLE
Yes, and I have been trying to throw them off the trail all week.
(beat)
Damn, if government agents are checking out hangouts and starting fights, they must suspect something.
(another beat)
You sure you did not give them anything that could tie the missing film to us?
The three look at each other.
JEFF
Yes, we are sure.
COLE
Good.
(beat)
Unfortunately, we are going to have to destroy all evidence.
HAROLD
Wait, I thought we were going to sell them to the papers.
COLE
Screw the papers, if we are caught with that film we will be tried for treason and hung.
JEFF
What about the hostages?
COLE
Kill them.
Lee and Amanda appear in the background.
LEE
Freeze! Federal Agents!
Warrant Officer Cole takes off running. Lee is right behind him.
Jeff, Kevin, and Harold are surprised to see it is Amanda training a gun on them.
JEFF
You?
AMANDA
Hustled again, Boys.
Agent Graham handcuffs them, while backup soon arrives.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET
Cole is dodging cars and knocking down garbage cans trying to escape Lee. He then scrambles over a fence, but once Lee climbs to the top, he leaps, knocking Cole down onto the ground. He kneels over Warrant Officer Cole and grabs him by his shirt.
LEE
(growls)
Where is the crew of the Anna Christie?
COLE
Go to hell, Stetson!
Lee pulls him up onto his feet.
LEE
We’ll just see if we can’t loosen those lips another way, shall we?
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY
Harold is seated in a chair as Lee paces around him. Amanda leans against the wall. Lee throws down a wrap sheet on the table in front of Harold.
LEE
Into a little bit of everything, aren’t you Harold?
HAROLD
I know my rights. I ain’t saying nothing without my lawyer present.
Lee looks at Amanda. She crosses toward Harold, leaning in close. He swallows hard.
AMANDA
Fine, Harold, but know this – you could get life in prison or possibly the death penalty for treason. However, I think we can offer you a reduced sentence on a lesser charge.
She glances at Harold and sees he’s thinking about what she said.
AMANDA (continued)
I guarantee the government will be a lot more lenient on whichever of you boys gives us the information we seek.
HAROLD
You aren’t hustling me again, are you Lady?
AMANDA
(smug)
Now, Harold, would I do that to you?
CUT TO
EXT. PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD – DAY
Lee and Amanda are walking down the stairs of the NSIC building.
LEE
Another job well done, Partner.
AMANDA
The film as been recovered and the crew of the Anna Christie have been found safe and sound.
(beat)
Too bad Cole wanted to embarrass the United States Navy because he washed out of SEAL training.
LEE
Thanks to the Freedom Brethren’s confessions Cole will be spending the rest of his life in Leavenworth and Ryan is back to work at the shipyard.
AMANDA
See, I told you it wasn’t Ryan.
LEE
As usual, you were right.
They reach the bottom of the steps and Lee pulls her close and they kiss, then Lee caresses her cheek lovingly.
LEE
Let’s go home, Mrs. Stetson.
Lee wraps his arm around her and they head out of the Naval Station security gate, then walk toward the ferry terminal. A limousine unhurriedly passes by them. The window on the car slowly rolls down and Gregory turns to look at them. He then throws them a reluctant salute of congratulations.
GREGORY
Until next time.
The limousine pulls away.
CLOSE UP on Lee and Amanda’s expression and we. . . FREEZE FRAME
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
EXT. LEE’S APARTMENT – DAY (A COUPLE DAYS LATER)
Lee’s Corvette is parked in front of his apartment building. The camera ZOOMS through the window.
INT. LEE’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Lee is sitting down on the couch, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. He is reading the morning newspaper, and is dressed in sweatpants, t-shirt, and is barefoot.
There is a KNOCK on the door.
Lee stands up, walks toward the door and opens it. He is surprised to see PHILLIP and Jamie standing on the other side.
LEE
Boys, what are you doing here? Is your mother okay? Your grandmother? How did you get here?
PHILLIP
Everything is fine.
Phillip looks over at Jamie and he nods his head.
PHILLIP (continued)
We asked Grandma to drive us over here so we could have a man-to-man talk.
LEE
Umm. . . sure. Won’t you fellas come in?
Lee opens the door wider for them and they step past the threshold and into the living room. Lee follows behind them.
LEE
Could I get you something to eat or drink? I don’t think I have much, but your mother usually leaves a box of cereal around.
PHILLIP
No, we are good.
LEE
(nods head)
Okay.
He sits down on the sofa and offers the boys the wingback chairs, but they remain standing. Phillip and Jamie look at each other again.
PHILLIP
(to Jamie)
Go ahead. This was your idea.
JAMIE
Umm. . . Lee, Phillip and I have been talking and we wanted you to know we forgive you. I mean, we understand about keeping all the secrets and we guess we understand why you did it. We know you need to keep secrets because of your job, but we ask that there be no more lies, agreed?
LEE
I promise, no more lies.
PHILLIP
Good
(beat)
The other thing we wanted to say or rather ask. . .
JAMIE
Do you need help packing?
LEE
Huh?
PHILLIP
We are ready for you to move in with us.
LEE
Really?
JAMIE
That was another thing Phillip and I talked about. . . you make Mom happy, Grandma adores you, and well, Phillip and I like having you around. So what do you say. . . are you ready to be part of our family?
LEE
Nothing would make me happier.
PHILLIP
Yeah, what Wormbrain said. And as an added bonus, I will be turning fifteen soon and will be getting my driver’s permit, and was hoping my awesome new step-father would teach me how to drive in his Corvette.
LEE
Ummm. . .
PHILLIP
Gotcha!!
Lee stands up and puts his arm around Phillip and Jamie’s shoulders. He smiles at them and we. . . FREEZE FRAME.
FADE OUT:
THE END
PROLOGUE
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN – EARLY MORNING
The scene opens with a fishing trawler out on the high seas several miles off the Washington coast. The sky is awash with dark grey, black and bluish-grey menacing clouds. The ocean swells are firmly rocking the boat, and the vessel rises and falls with the sea. It is raining lightly.
INT. WHEELHOUSE – EARLY MORNING
Inside the wheelhouse, we see navigation and communication equipment, fish detection devices, and other sundry equipment. Wipers swipe the rain off the windows. The First Mate of the trawler, ALAN HIGGINS, sits in the skipper’s chair. A moment later, the CAPTAIN enters the wheelhouse sliding open the heavy wooden door.
CAPTAIN
How’s it going?
ALAN
Fine. Seas are a bit rough, but the storm is supposed to swing south.
CAPTAIN
Good, good.
(beat)
Where are we?
ALAN
We just passed the Sedna Ridges, Cap. With our current speed, and weather conditions, we are looking at approximately one and a half hours until we reach our destination.
CAPTAIN
Any word from our contact?
ALAN
No, nothing yet, Sir.
The Captain heaves a heavy sigh.
ALAN
What’s a matter, Sir?
CAPTAIN
Nothing. Just on edge this evening.
ALAN
Why? We’ve done a dozen of these runs with no problems.
CAPTAIN
I know. I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that this one is different.
(shakes head)
Why don’t you knock off for a while, Alan? I’ll man the wheel.
ALAN
Thanks. I could use a strong cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
He stands up. A moment later, the wheelhouse is flooded by a bright, white light. Both the Captain and the First Mate shield their eyes.
CAPTAIN
What the hell. . .
BRIGHT WHITE FLASH TO. . .
ACT ONE
EXT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – DAY
CLOSE UP on the 4247 sign. Lee’s Corvette is parked in front along the curb.
INT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – FAMILY ROOM – DAY
LEE (O.C.)
Amanda?
LEE enters the family room and sees JAMIE KING sitting on the sofa. He is momentarily startled and then concerned why Jamie would be home and not at school.
LEE
Jamie, is your mother here?
Jamie shakes his head.
LEE
Where’s your grandmother?
JAMIE
(mumbles)
Don’t know.
LEE
Why are you home and not at school? Are you sick?
Jamie turns to look at Lee and he notices Jamie has a black eye. He takes two quick steps toward Jamie and looks at his face.
LEE
(concerned)
Jamie, that’s quite the shiner there. What happened?
JAMIE
I don’t want to talk about it.
LEE
Okay, sure, we don’t have to talk about it, but how about we put something on that eye.
Lee walks into the kitchen and opens the freezer.
LEE
(hollers from kitchen)
I don’t think your mother would appreciate me using the ribeye; this should work though.
Lee takes out a bag of frozen peas, walks back to the living room and hands the bag to Jamie.
LEE (continued)
This will help keep the swelling down.
JAMIE
Umm, thanks.
Jamie puts the cold bag on his face. Lee sits down next to him on the sofa.
JAMIE
Why are you here? Where’s Mom?
LEE
It’s a slow day at the office and your mother left to run some errands. I was supposed to meet her here for lunch. I’m surprised I beat her.
JAMIE
(concerned)
You don’t think anything is wrong, do you?
LEE
No, Jamie. I am sure your mother is fine. She probably got tied up at the store or maybe she ran into a friend or neighbor. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.
(beat)
Now, can I make you a sandwich or something?
Jamie shakes his head. Lee notices Jamie is not wearing his glasses.
LEE (continued)
Where are your glasses?
JAMIE
(small voice)
I broke them.
LEE
Do you have them with you? May I see them?
Jamie removes his glasses (the lens has popped out) from his shirt pocket and hands it to Lee. Lee inspects the glasses.
LEE
These can be fixed.
He stands up, walks toward the kitchen, and opens a drawer, pulling out a small screwdriver set. He operates on Jamie’s glasses. Jamie, in the meanwhile, timidly follows Lee to the kitchen and sits down on a stool at the kitchen island.
JAMIE
Lee?
LEE
Hmm?
JAMIE
Nothing. Never mind.
Lee looks over at Jamie and sees a hundred emotions cross his face. He returns to fixing the glasses and hands them to Jamie.
LEE
There, all done.
Jamie puts his glasses back on.
JAMIE
Thanks.
There is a long awkward silence between them. Then they both try to talk at once.
JAMIE LEE
Lee. Jamie.
Jamie cracks a shy smile.
LEE
You go first.
Jamie bites his lip.
JAMIE
You. . . umm. . . you have slow days at work.
Lee shrugs.
LEE
What your mom and I do is not like what you see in the movies. It’s a lot of sit and wait. And a lot of paperwork.
JAMIE
Ever since you and Mom told us what you guys really do for a living – I can’t help but to worry.
LEE
I’m not going to lie to you. . . heaven knows I lied enough to you guys, but yes, there is some risk. However, we are careful, and I would do anything to protect your mother.
JAMIE
(bitterly)
You let her get shot.
Lee sighs heavily.
LEE
Really, Jamie, we were at the wrong place at the wrong time.
JAMIE
But you were there. There had to be something more you could have done.
(beat)
You should have protected her.
Lee glances up, and then blows out a breath.
LEE
Yes, Jamie, I was there.
(long pause)
I’ve played that scene out a hundred times in my mind. I was the trained agent – why had I not sensed the danger. What could I have done differently? Why did we meet Barney at the pier, instead of his cabin as we agreed?
(another beat; he blinks several times)
You have no idea what it was like opening the car door and seeing Amanda. . . your mother, had been shot. . .
There is another long silence between them. Jamie looks over at Lee.
JAMIE
Did you get the ones responsible for hurting Mom?
LEE
(his voice full of emotion)
You bet I did.
Jamie thinks about what Lee said for a moment.
JAMIE
You really do love her.
LEE
Yes, Jamie, I do.
(beat; long pause)
I love all you guys – your grandmother, Phillip, and you.
JAMIE
If you cared, you wouldn’t have kept your marriage or your jobs a secret.
LEE
You’re right. We should have told you the truth in the beginning.
(beat; he looks heavenward)
Let me tell you a story.
JAMIE
Not more spy stories? I’m sorry, Lee, but sometimes your stories can be a bit far fetched.
Lee hesitantly tousles Jamie’s hair; Jamie does not pull away.
LEE
You’re a smart boy. Your mother doesn’t buy them either.
(beat)
I guess part of the reason behind the ‘mystery marriage’ was I was afraid of you.
JAMIE
You were afraid of me? Was it because I was being such a Dufus?
LEE
No. That’s not it at all. You were being protective of your mother. I appreciate you boys always being there for her. I know the shooting scared you. Hell, it scared me.
(beat)
Mostly, I was afraid I would lose what I had found.
JAMIE
I don’t understand.
LEE
You see, Jamie, I haven’t been a part of a family for a very long time – almost 30 years. My parents were killed in a car accident when I was only five. I was too young to understand death. I thought they left, because they did not love me anymore. Then when I was seven, I was sent to live with my uncle, the Colonel, who was career Air Force. I was raised on military bases throughout the world, but had a very lonely childhood. As soon as I made friends and began to fit in, we would pack up and move. It took a long time before I learned to trust people again. . . I finally learned it was safe to love people and let them get close. Your mother taught me that.
JAMIE
You can’t trust people – people leave.
LEE
Not everyone leaves.
(beat)
I love you guys. I’m not going anywhere.
There is a long silence.
JAMIE
Dad left, and he loved us.
Lee takes in a deep breath.
LEE
You are not the only one who is experiencing insecurities, Jamie. When I proposed to your mother, I knew it was a package deal and it wasn’t going to be easy taking on an instant family. I have a fear of failing as a husband and father, but I hope with your help, your brother’s, your grandmother’s, and your mother’s, you can help me get past these insecurities. Do you think you can whip me into shape?
(beat)
So, do we have a deal?
Jamie thinks about it for a moment.
JAMIE
I think it might take some work, but you have a deal.
He holds out his hand, which Lee takes, and the two of them shake hands. Then Jamie stands up and gives Lee a hug. Lee is surprised for a second, then returns the gesture.
LEE
Thanks, Jamie. You don’t know what this means to me. Now, why don’t you run upstairs and get cleaned up? How about I take you and your mother out to lunch?
Jamie nods his head and then exits.
LEE (continued)
Amanda, you can come out now.
AMANDA, whose eyes are moist, steps out from around the corner of the kitchen, and then wraps her arms around her husband. They share a brief, tender kiss.
AMANDA
I’m pleased to see you followed your own advice – ‘forget the textbook and talk straight from the heart.’
LEE
I’m glad I had the chance to have this heart-to-heart with him. He really is a great kid and I think we are finally coming to an understanding of one another.
AMANDA
See, you two are so much alike.
Jamie enters the kitchen.
JAMIE
Hey, Mom. When did you get here?
AMANDA
Just a few minutes ago. I understand Lee is taking you and me out to lunch. How about Marvelous Marvin’s? Then we’re going to have a little talk, young man, about fighting at school.
Jamie slowly nods his head. Lee puts his arm around the boy’s shoulder and his other arm around Amanda, and they all head out the side door.
QUICK CUT
EXT. AGENCY – GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE – LATER THAT AFTERNOON
Camera PULLS AWAY FROM IFF sign and then ZOOMS onto second story window.
INT. Q-BUREAU – DAY
Lee is sitting at his desk working on reports, when he hears a KNOCK at the door.
A moment later, BILLY MELROSE enters through the door.
LEE
Hello, Billy, to what do we owe this visit?
BILLY
Is Amanda here?
Amanda comes out of the vault.
AMANDA
Hello, Sir.
BILLY
Hello, Amanda.
Amanda closes the vault door, and then sits down on the sofa. Lee joins her.
BILLY
I have a case for you two.
LEE
Sure. What’s up?
BILLY
Operation Lunch Bucket may have been compromised.
LEE
You’re kidding?
BILLY
I never kid.
AMANDA
What is Operation Lunch Bucket?
LEE
Operation Lunch Bucket is our ‘eyes in the sky’ program.
AMANDA
(to Billy)
“Eyes in the sky,” Sir?
BILLY
Dubbed “Honeycomb,” it’s our satellite surveillance program. You see, Amanda, with the intelligence we gather from the photos, we know what the Russians are doing and where they are doing it. The film is shot back through the earth's atmosphere in buckets that are parachuted over the Pacific Ocean, where they are then picked up by a boat set up to look like a typical fishing trawler, manned with Navy personnel. The fishing boat then rendezvous with a naval submarine, who delivers the film to the Defense Intelligence Agency for review.
LEE
What happened?
Billy sits down on the edge of Amanda’s desk.
BILLY
The military doesn’t know. When the submarine, USS Henry M. Jackson, arrived to the prearranged meeting place, the Anna Christie was not there, nor did she ever arrive.
AMANDA
Anna Christie, like the Eugene O’Neil play?
BILLY
I believe that is correct.
(beat)
The US Coast Guard was sent out to her last locale, but saw no signs of her.
LEE
Is it possible she got in trouble and maybe sank?
BILLY
Anything’s possible. However, there was no distress signal, or any signs she may have been in trouble. Nor did the Coast Guard find any wreckage or debris. It’s as if she disappeared into thin air.
LEE
What do you need us to do?
BILLY
First, we need to find out if Operation Lunch Bucket has been compromised.
(beat)
I want you two to go to Bangor, Washington. The USS Henry M. Jackson is stationed there at the Naval Submarine Base.
(another beat)
You will be meeting with Special Agent Graham, from Naval Security Investigation Command. His office is in Bremerton. Then you three will be coordinating efforts to locate and retrieve the missing film.
AMANDA
Of course, Sir. We’ll get right on this.
CLOSE ON LEE AND AMANDA and we. . .
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
EXT. SEATAC INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – DAY (STOCK)
The scene opens with an airplane touching down.
STOCK PHOTO – TWA plane landing at the airport.
INT. AIRPORT – DAY
Lee and Amanda come down the escalators heading toward the baggage claim area. They see a man in a naval military uniform, ALBERT COLE, holding up a sign that reads, “Mr. Stetson.”
LEE
I’m Lee Stetson.
COLE
I’m Warrant Officer Albert Cole at your service.
He shakes both Lee and Amanda’s hands.
COLE (continued)
Let’s grab your bags and get out of here.
They walk over to the baggage carousel. Lee spots both his and Amanda’s bags and grabs them.
They walk out the door of the terminal and head toward a sedan. Cole takes the bags from Lee and puts them in the trunk. He then opens the car door for Amanda and she climbs into the back, while Lee climbs into the front passenger seat.
ON CAR
The sedan heads down the road.
INT. CAR
COLE
First time to Seattle?
AMANDA
Yes.
LEE
No.
AMANDA
You’ve been here before? You never told me that.
LEE
Some friends and I fished Puget Sound a few years ago. We caught a few Blackmouth up that way.
(to Cole)
How far is it to Bangor?
COLE
It depends. It’s about 75 miles from Seattle and would take a little less than two hours if we drive around or slightly over an hour if we take the ferry. Then it’s just a short jaunt to Bangor, but we’ll be stopping at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
(beat; to Amanda)
I thought you might enjoy a ferry ride.
AMANDA
That would be nice.
COLE
Yes, Ma’am.
(beat)
The weather is a bit chilly for early-November, but the sun is out and only partly cloudy.
EXT. COLEMAN FERRY DOCK - DAY
The Warrant Officer pulls the car into a staging area and parks for a second.
ON FERRY BOAT
ZOOM onto the sign that reads “Hyak.”
ON CAR
Cole drives the car up the ramp and onto the boat.
ON DECK HAND
A DECK HAND directs traffic.
ON COLE
Cole parks the car on the car deck.
The CAMERA FOLLOWS Lee and Amanda as they head up the stairs into the main cabin area.
INT. FERRY CABIN
The ferry cabin is a large open area lined with windows running lengthwise. There are also rows of tables and booths, as well, and lots of fluorescent lighting overhead. Amanda observes the activity going on around them. Some passengers are playing cards, others are eating, some are reading books, and a few are trying to nap. Amanda looks out the window and watches the boat carve its way through the water. The smell of diesel fuel fills the air.
AMANDA
I think I might go out and stand on the deck. I’d like to watch the scenery for a while.
LEE
I’ll go with you.
Lee and Amanda walk hand in hand to the front of the ferryboat, and out the door onto the bow.
ON DECK
There are a few other brave souls out there. The gentle breeze is nippy. Amanda wraps her arms around herself.
AMANDA
He was right. It is a bit chilly. The sunshine is misleading.
LEE
Come here, I will warm you up.
He draws her close to him and puts his arms around her waist. She leans back into him.
ON FERRY BOAT
The ferryboat continues to slice through the water. Small wakes swirl around the hull.
ON LEE AND AMANDA
They watch the scenery around them and observe the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Lee rubs her arms.
LEE
Come on, Dear, let’s get you back inside. You’re getting goosebumps.
Amanda nods her head. Lee takes her hand and they walk back inside to the cabin.
FERRY CABIN
Lee and Amanda sit down at the booth with Warrant Officer Cole.
COLE
I hope you don’t mind, but I thought you could use a cup of coffee.
AMANDA
Thanks.
She grabs a Styrofoam cup, takes a sip, and then smiles.
COLE
I didn’t know if you liked cream or sugar, so I grabbed some of both.
Lee grabs a coffee cup himself, opens a dairy creamer and stirs it into the cup.
AMANDA
You live in a beautiful place, but you are right, it was a bit chilly.
COLE
The climate is relatively cool year round. We don’t see as many warm days as you do in Virginia or D.C.
He stares at Amanda for a moment.
COLE
I don’t mean to be rude, Ma’am, but you don’t look like a spook.
Lee almost spits out his coffee, then glances toward Amanda.
AMANDA
Well, sometimes people can surprise you.
LEE
Let’s hope the bad guys are deceived so she can trip them up and get this case closed.
COLE
I’m sure that the crewmen on the Anna Christie are thinking the same thing.
The ferry HORN blows.
COLE
We’re coming into the dock, might as well head back to the car.
The three of them stand-up and we. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD – DAY
The sedan drives to a security gate.
INT. SEDAN
COLE
Welcome to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the largest employer in Kitsap County.
LEE
What kind of work do they do here?
COLE
Mostly overhauls, refitting, and refueling.
AMANDA
Is everyone who works here military?
COLE
No, Ma’am, the majority of workforce is civilian. The personnel number is approximately 10,000, including contractors, janitors, food service workers, and so on.
ON CAR
He shows his ID to the security guard and then drives on.
EXT. NSIC BUILDING – DAY
A few moments later, he parks in front of the NSIC building.
They step out of the car. In the foreground is an aircraft carrier.
AMANDA
An aircraft carrier, right?
COLE
Correct, the USS Nimitz. The world's most powerful warship, the lead carrier in her class.
Amanda nods.
LEE
This yard is huge.
COLE
The complex covers over 327 acres of hard land and 338 acres submerged.
The three of them then climb the stairs toward the front entrance door.
INT. NSIC BUILDING – DAY
They walk up to a security desk. A SECURITY GUARD sits behind the desk.
COLE
Agents Lee Stetson and Amanda King are here to see Special Agent George Graham.
SECURITY GUARD
Sign here, please.
He has them sign their names to a visitor roster. He then checks their names and hands them guest passes. Cole then leads them to Agent Graham’s office. The door is open, but he lightly taps on the frame. Agent GEORGE GRAHAM looks up and then stands when the three of them enter the room.
GRAHAM
Lee Stetson.
He shakes Lee’s hand, which he returns.
GRAHAM (continued)
Amanda King.
He then shakes Amanda’s hand.
AMANDA
Agent Graham.
GRAHAM
George is fine.
AMANDA
Please call us Lee and Amanda.
GRAHAM
(to Cole)
Thank you, Warrant Officer. That will be all.
Cole salutes and then leaves.
GRAHAM
We were told to assist the Agency in anyway. Everything here is at your disposal. Where would you like to start?
LEE
Actually, I would like to start with interviewing the Captain of the Henry M. Jackson.
GRAHAM
Yes, of course. The boat is stationed at Bangor, about twenty minutes from here. I’ll drive you there myself.
AMANDA
Thank you, Sir.
The three of them leave Agent Graham’s office and we. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE BANGOR – DAY
A couple AERIAL SHOTS of the submarine base to establish.
EXT. NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE BANGOR – USS HENRY M. JACKSON - DAY
INT. USS HENRY M. JACKSON – CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - DAY
A SEAMAN escorts Lee, Amanda, and Agent Graham into the Captain’s Quarters. The Captain, ROGER NIELSEN, stands up and shakes everyone’s hands.
NIELSEN
That will be all Seaman. Thank you.
The Seaman salutes and then leaves.
NIELSEN
Welcome aboard the USS Henry M. Jackson.
AMANDA
Thank you.
The Captain then offers Lee and Amanda a seat and they sit down across from him. Agent Graham leans against the wall and crosses his arms.
NIELSEN
What can I help you with today?
LEE
We are here investigating the disappearance of the Anna Christie.
The Captain nods his head.
AMANDA
What happened the evening you were supposed to rendezvous with her?
The Captain leans back in his chair.
NIELSEN
Not much to tell, really. We have been using her as a decoy for half-dozen runs and all other pick-ups happened without a hitch. We were supposed to meet her 61 miles south of Tatoosh Island, near the edge of Tufts Plain.
AMANDA
Tufts Plain, Sir?
NIELSEN
It’s a topographical feature of the ocean floor submarines use to determine location.
LEE
What is Tatoosh Island?
GRAHAM
It’s a small group of islands, not far off the Washington coast - the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula.
LEE
And the Anna Christie never arrived to the agreed meeting place.
NIELSEN
Correct.
AMANDA
What were the weather conditions at the time?
NIELSEN
The seas were a bit rough. It was raining, but not too heavily.
AMANDA
Would there be any reason to believe she may have gotten in trouble and maybe was hit with heavy swells and sunk?
NIELSEN
Perhaps. However, she did not send any distress signals, so, if she did go down, she sank quickly.
LEE
The Coast Guard was sent out to locate her.
NIELSEN
Correct, but so far no sign of her or her crew.
AMANDA
How many Navy seamen were onboard?
NIELSEN
Five.
Suddenly, there is a KNOCK on the door.
NIELSEN
Come in.
A Seaman sticks his head through the door.
SEAMAN
Sorry to interrupt, Sir, but the Coast Guard just found her.
NIELSEN
And?
SEAMAN
She’s a ghost ship, just drifting in the Pacific — no sign of her crew or the cargo.
OFF LEE AND AMANDA’S EXPRESSION; we . .
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
EXT. PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD – THE NEXT DAY
A couple of ARIEL SHOTS to establish location.
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – DAY
Lee and Amanda are sitting inside Agent Graham’s office, across from Agent Graham who is sitting at his desk. He opens a file and reads.
GRAHAM
The satellite film was not found on the boat, but we know for a fact the crew picked up the film. The captain confirmed receipt of the bucket. We use a rotating “personal call” system that allows the captain or first mate to update us on their progress. Then at 04:00, we lost radio contact. The Coast Guard found no trace of the crew on the boat or near her last locale. As stated before, she was carrying a five-man crew. In addition, there was no hint of arms fire on board either. We don’t believe the crew was swept overboard, but in the middle of the ocean, anything is possible; however, because the film is missing, I would say something nefarious happened to the crew.
LEE
I agree.
AMANDA
When will we be able to search the boat?
GRAHAM
The Coast Guard is towing her in now. Estimated time of arrival is thirteen hundred hours.
Lee looks at his watch.
GRAHAM (continued)
Why don’t we go grab a bite to eat while we wait?
Lee looks over at Amanda who nods her head.
LEE
Sure. What do you recommend?
GRAHAM
Well, there are a few eateries here on base, but off base, I know this great little hamburger stand. They serve old-fashioned burgers, shakes, and fries.
AMANDA
Sounds good to me.
GRAHAM
Let’s go.
The three of them stand up and then leave.
QUICK CUT
EXT. HAMBURGER STAND – DAY
We find Lee, Amanda, and Agent Graham eating lunch at an outside table. Wrappers and napkins are on the table. It appears they are almost done with their meal.
Lee wipes his mouth with a napkin.
LEE
You were right; the burgers here are good, although a bit on the greasy side.
AMANDA
I loved the grilled onions, reminds me of eating hamburgers at a county fair. And the shakes are made with real hand-dipped ice cream. Excellent choice.
She takes a sip of her shake.
GRAHAM
Glad you liked it.
(beat)
The onion rings are my guilty pleasure.
He pats his stomach.
GRAHAM (continued)
I’ll have to hit the gym later this afternoon.
Traffic moves by the hamburger stand and then a limousine drives by leisurely. The back window is rolled down partway. Lee looks up and he sees GREGORY, the Washington Station Chief for the KGB, inside the limousine. The window slowly rolls down the rest of the way, and he gestures to Lee. Lee quickly stands up scanning the roadway.
AMANDA
What is it?
LEE
I thought I saw someone I know.
She looks around.
AMANDA
Out here?
LEE
Yeah.
(beat)
I’ll be right back.
Lee kisses her cheek, and then hurriedly walks around the corner of the hamburger stand. He sees the limousine parked against the curb. Gregory is sitting inside the car with the window rolled down. Lee approaches the car, cautiously.
ON LIMOUSINE
LEE
(with venom)
Gregory, you have more lives then a cat.
Gregory shrugs.
LEE (continued)
I find it very interesting we should be in western Washington at exactly the same time, don’t you?
GREGORY
Just a coincidence.
LEE
(sarcastic)
I bet.
GREGORY
(smug)
What brings you to the ‘other’ Washington?
LEE
Vacation.
GREGORY
Ah, yes, you and the lovely Mrs. King. I understand congratulations are in order.
(beat)
Too bad Amanda settled for you. . . Scarecrow.
LEE
(not letting Gregory get his goat)
Play nice.
(beat)
What brings you here, Gregory?
GREGORY
I heard through the grapevine, you two are seeking something the Russians might want.
LEE
Really?
GREGORY
I’m intrigued, as well as my previous superiors, to find out what it is that you seek.
LEE
Sorry, I have no idea what you are talking about.
Gregory nods his head.
GREGORY
Well, as you Americans say, that is that. Oh, do say hello to your lovely wife for me.
He rolls up the window and the limousine drives away.
Lee rakes his hand through his hair and heads back toward his wife and Agent Graham when he almost runs into Amanda, who had gone to look for him.
AMANDA
Hey, where did you go?
LEE
I just had an interesting conversation with our old friend Gregory.
Amanda looks down the street.
AMANDA
Here? I take it this is not a coincidence.
Lee shakes his head.
LEE
We had better find the film before he does.
(beat)
We really don’t need the Russians finding out about our satellite surveillance program.
AMANDA
Let’s see if the Anna Christie is in port yet. Maybe she holds the clue to this mystery.
CUT TO
EXT. JOEY’S POOL AND PUB – NIGHT
To ESTABLISH a less then desirable neighborhood.
INT. BACK ROOM – POOL HALL – NIGHT
A small group of muscular men, including JEFF RAWLINGS, HAROLD PERDUE, KEVIN THERRIEN, hang around in a back room of a pool hall playing pool and drinking beer. They are dressed in pseudo-military wear, drab green or grey t-shirts, camo pants, and boots, many spot tattoos and buzzed haircuts. They are a tough looking gang.
HAROLD
I can’t believe how easy it was to carry off that job.
(snorts)
The Navy calls themselves pros and we pulled it off right under their noses.
KEVIN
We are going to make a ton of cash on this sale and embarrass the United States in the process.
HAROLD
It’s a brilliant plan, if I do say so myself.
Jeff sits down at one of the tables and takes a swig of beer. It is obvious he is the leader of this militia group.
JEFF
Don’t get cocky, boys.
(beat)
It is brilliant. . . if everything goes according to plan.
KEVIN
And why wouldn’t it? Isn’t everything ready?
JEFF
Yes, everything is in order. However, it’s just a drop in the bucket. Tomorrow we change the future and then the world.
He raises his glass in a toast. The other men look at each other hesitantly.
JEFF (continued)
Don’t worry, Fellas. . . remember we have a man on the inside.
QUICK CUT
EXT. NSIC BUILDING – NIGHT
Camera ZOOMS into second story window.
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Lee and Amanda are sitting in chairs across from Agent Graham’s desk.
LEE
I’m beginning to think this whole day was nothing but a wild goose chase.
There is a soft knock on the door. In walks RYAN STACEY, the janitor. Ryan is a large, burly man, but comes across as not too bright.
GRAHAM
Come in.
He sees Ryan.
GRAHAM
Hello, Ryan.
RYAN
I’ve come for the trash, Sir, but I see you are still working. I’ll come back later.
GRAHAM
No, that is okay. Come on in.
Ryan nods to Lee and Amanda and then walks over to the side of the desk with the trashcan. He picks it up, then walks back to his janitorial cart and empties the can. He steps back into the room.
RYAN
Do you have anything I need to take down to the incendiary, Sir?
GRAHAM
No, nothing this evening. Thanks, Ryan.
Ryan exits.
Graham turns his attention back to Lee and Amanda.
GRAHAM
I take it you’ve tangled with this Gregory character before?
LEE
More times then I care to count.
GRAHAM
Who is he and what game is he playing?
LEE
Former KGB Station Chief. He was disgraced a couple years ago and is looking for redemption.
AMANDA
And this is right up his alley, too.
(beat)
If he pulls this off, it would put him back within the good graces of the KGB.
Lee looks at his watch.
LEE
A little late to call D.C., but I’m sure Billy is still in the office.
Lee points to the phone on Agent Graham’s desk.
LEE (continued)
Do you mind if I make a phone call?
Agent Graham pushes the telephone closer to Lee.
GRAHAM
Of course, go ahead.
Agent Graham then stands up and walks toward a coffeemaker, on a shelf behind his desk.
GRAHAM
Can I freshen anyone else’s coffee?
Both Lee and Amanda shake their heads ‘no.’
LEE
This is Scarecrow; let me speak with Billy Melrose.
BILLY (V.O.)
Scarecrow, how are things out in Seattle?
LEE
Not going so well.
BILLY (V.O)
Nothing after searching the boat?
LEE
No; zip, zero, nada. It appears everything is there and in its correct place, even the emergency rations and survival dingy. The only thing out of place is her crew and the missing film.
INT. AGENCY – BILLY’S OFFICE
BILLY
Any clue who might have kidnapped the crew of the Anna Christie?
INTERCUT WITH LEE AND BILLY
LEE
No. I doubt the crew is behind their own disappearance.
(beat)
You might find this interesting; but I met up with an old nemesis here in Bremerton.
BILLY
Don’t keep me in suspense, Scarecrow. Who?
LEE
Gregory.
BILLY
(whistles)
He’s obviously after the film, so we can be fairly certain the Russians don’t have it.
(beat)
Lee, you really need to be on top of things.
LEE
Thanks, Billy, for your concern, but Amanda and I will handle it with the same professionalism we do with all our cases.
BILLY
Yes, yes I know.
(beat; clears his throat)
However, Dr. Smyth is keeping a close eye on you two with this assignment.
(another beat)
This could mean your job and your partnership.
LEE
I don’t understand.
BILLY
In his whacked out view of things - this is the first case you two have had as a married couple.
LEE
That is total bull–
BILLY
(interrupting)
LEE!
LEE
We’ve been married for nine months now.
(beat; frustrated)
I knew his blessing was too good to be true.
Lee growls. Suddenly there is a KNOCK at the door.
GRAHAM
(calls out)
Come in.
CAPTAIN WALTER RATCLIFFE, Base Commander, enters the office. Agent Graham immediately, upon seeing who has entered, stands at attention.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
At ease.
AGENT GRAHAM
Captain Ratcliffe is the Naval Facilities Commander. May I introduce Agents Lee Stetson and Amanda King?
Captain Ratcliffe shakes Amanda’s hand.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
Amanda.
AMANDA
Commander.
LEE
(on the phone)
I’m placing you on hold for a minute, Billy.
He pushes the hold button and a white light blinks on the phone.
Captain Ratcliffe reaches across the desk to shake Lee’s hand. Lee returns the handshake.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
Lee.
LEE
Sir.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
Austin Smyth speaks highly of you two. Pleased to have you here on our base.
Lee and Amanda exchange a quick glance.
GRAHAM
To what do we owe this visit, Commander?
Captain Ratcliffe takes an envelope out of his breast pocket of his overcoat.
CAPTAIN RATCLIFFE
I found this envelope on my desk after I came back from dinner at the Officer’s Club.
The Captain opens the envelope, takes out a letter, and hands it to Agent Graham.
INSERT LETTER
Note: The letter is written using words cut out from magazines.
RETURN TO SCENE
He hands it to Lee.
LEE
“Times are complicated, yet right and wrong is never complicated. Truth is never complicated. What we stand for is truth. We don’t believe the United States should be spying on our allies or enemies — therefore, we plan to sell these satellite photos to the newspapers and television stations, making United States citizens aware of satellites that track not only our enemies, but someday, perhaps, our government will spy on us. Sincerely, Freedom Brethren.”
AMANDA
Who are the ‘Freedom Brethren?’
GRAHAM
Mercenaries, but small potatoes. They haven’t caused much trouble – not really calling attention to themselves, until now, that is.
AMANDA
Do you think they have the film and possibly the crew of the Anna Christie?
GRAHAM
I would say that is a safe bet.
LEE
I need everything you have on the Freedom Brethren and I need it now.
GRAHAM
You got it.
Lee gets back on the phone with Billy.
LEE
We may have caught a break. The base commander received a cut-and-paste anonymous letter. It appears a local group of mercenaries, the Freedom Brethren, is behind this. They believe that spying on our enemies to keep America safe is wrong.
(beat)
No demands, just a threat to go public.
BILLY (V.O.)
Sounds like you three have something there.
(beat)
Keep me apprised of the situation.
LEE
Will do.
Lee hangs up the phone.
CLOSE ON THE PHONE
The light on the phone stays lit for a few moments and then goes off.
QUICK CUT
ANOTHER NSIC OFFICE
CLOSE ON A HAND. The hand cradles the phone, then silently hangs up the extension and quickly dials another number.
MAN’S VOICE
Yeah, it’s me. The message has been delivered.
And we. . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
EXT. JOEY’S POOL AND PUB – NIGHT
Lee and Amanda’s rental car is parked in front of the bar on the street.
IN CAR
LEE
This must be the place – Graham said they hang out here.
Amanda observes the bar is in a less than desirable neighborhood.
AMANDA
I know Graham is confused by their actions, he thinks this is way out of their league. He said the Freedom Brethren were Army wannabe’s, mostly washouts, who did not qualify for the armed services, because they did not meet the qualifications nor pass the psyche test, but they were never dangerous – small time crimes, brawls, petty theft, disturbing the peace.
LEE
Money can be a powerful motivator, Amanda. You never really can tell what people will do if a nice enough incentive is offered.
AMANDA
True.
Lee exits the car first, walks around the other side and opens the door for Amanda. Amanda takes his hand, but first hands him the keys to the car, which Lee pockets. They walk toward the entrance.
INT. JOEY’S POOL AND PUB – NIGHT
The two of them walk into the bar and everyone looks up to see who has entered. Lee is dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt and leather jacket. Amanda is dressed in a black mini-skirt, a black turtleneck sweater, leather jacket with patches and her heart necklace. Lee walks toward the bar, leaving Amanda standing near the door. He talks to the BARTENDER.
BARTENDER
What can I get you?
LEE
Two beers.
BARTENDER
On tap or bottles?
LEE
Bottles is fine.
The bartender reaches below the counter and produces two cold bottles. He twists off the tops and hands them to Lee. Lee pays the man and then walks back toward Amanda. He hands her one of the bottles, and then puts his arm around her and leads her toward the poolroom. The room is smoke filled and loud music plays in the background.
LEE
Have you ever played pool before? Or can you only throw them?
AMANDA
(smiles)
A few times, back when Joe and I were first dating, but it’s been years.
LEE
Then I’ll go easy on you.
Lee grabs a couple of pool sticks that are on a rack on the wall and then hands her one.
LEE
You want to break or should I?
AMANDA
Ladies first.
LEE
Of course.
He steps aside, and then watches her as she rather awkwardly positions herself behind the cue ball. She gives a little butt wiggle and his mouth drops open.
LEE
(growls)
You’re killing me.
AMANDA
I know.
Amanda then aims the cue ball at the tight triangle of colored balls and hits it with her pool stick. The white ball rolls and hits the balls in the center of the table, but she barely disturbs the arrangement.
AMANDA
I guess I’m a little rusty.
LEE
I guess so.
He studies the table for a moment and sees there is no clear shot, so he uses his turn to shoot into the clustered balls and scatters them over the table.
LEE (continued)
Now that is how you break.
AMANDA
No kidding.
LEE
My turn.
Lee leans over the table with his pool stick, aims the cue ball at a striped ball and shoots hard. The ball rolls across the table and falls into a corner pocket, then sinks with a resounding thud.
AMANDA
Hmmm? You are stripes. That means I’m solids, right?
LEE
Yes, Sweetheart.
Amanda studies the table and bites her lip. She aims her cue ball toward a solid ball, but misses widely. Lee laughs. His and Amanda’s playing have gathered the attention of a couple other patrons in the bar, including Harold, Jeff, and Kevin, who we have met in the previous scene.
LEE
How about we make this a little more interesting?
AMANDA
How so?
LEE
How about a little wager?
He places a twenty-dollar bill on the edge of the table.
AMANDA
Oh, I don’t know, Lee.
(beat)
Are you up for the challenge?
LEE
I am up for anything you dish out, Mrs. Stetson.
KEVIN
I’ll call that bet.
HAROLD
I’d like to get into the action, too.
They both place twenty-dollar bills on top of Lee’s money. Jeff sizes up Amanda and Lee then takes money out of his pocket.
JEFF
I’m in.
He places the money down on the table.
AMANDA
Lee?
LEE
Yes, Amanda.
AMANDA
Can you put money down on the table for me? I’m good for it.
She blows him a kiss. He opens his wallet and then places another twenty down. She then removes her jacket and pushes up her sleeves.
LEE
I believe it is my turn.
Lee leans over the table, lines up his shot, and sinks another striped ball into the side pocket. He then drops another ball, while Amanda flirts with Kevin, Jeff, and Harold. She runs her manicured finger along Harold’s jawline and down the front of his jacket. The corner of his mouth turns up in a seductive smile.
AMANDA
Aren’t you cute, all dressed in fatigues. What are your names?
HAROLD
My name is Harold and over there are my buddies Jeff and Kevin. What’s your name, Sweet-thing?
AMANDA
Amanda.
(beat)
Are you sailors? I just love a man in uniform.
KEVIN
(snorts)
Sailors. Pansies, all of them.
AMANDA
So what do you boys do?
The three of them look at each other, but no on answers. Lee then touches Amanda on her shoulder.
LEE
Your turn.
AMANDA
Be right back, Boys.
She sways her hips just a little walking back to the table.
Amanda misses the next shot wildly, striking the cue ball, which flies off the table.
AMANDA
Can I have a do-over?
LEE
No, there are no do-over’s in pool.
She pouts. Jeff stands up and walks over to them.
JEFF
Here let me help you with this next shot.
(to Lee)
If that is okay?
Lee steps aside and lets him pass by him. He bounces back on his heels, slightly.
JEFF
Now get ready for your next shot and I'm going stand behind you and try to help you get the hang of it.
AMANDA
Jeff, right?
JEFF
Right.
Jeff wraps his arms around Amanda, places his hands over hers, and shows her how to handle the stick. On her next shot, her aim is true and she sinks the ball.
AMANDA
What about this next shot?
Jeff stands close enough to her that he influences the motion of her body with his. Lee does not like how close Jeff is to Amanda and pulls her away.
LEE
Enough lessons for today.
AMANDA
Quit being such a fuddy-duddy, Lee. Jeff is only helping. And you’re sounding like a jealous person.
JEFF
Hey, no hard feelings. How about I buy you a beer?
Lee nods his head.
LEE
Sure.
JEFF
(hollering)
Brady, another round of beers here.
BARTENDER
Coming right up, Rawlings.
AMANDA
(to Jeff)
Now, where were we?
The bartender arrives with bottles of beer and passes them around to the men. In the background, we see Amanda continue to play the game and flirting with Jeff. She sinks two more balls. Lee takes a swig of beer trying to control his emotions.
HAROLD
Your wife is a real spitfire.
Amanda then misses the next shot. Lee studies the table and makes his next move. The striped ball he was aiming for misses its mark, and ricochets off the corner accidentally sinking the eight ball.
Lee groans.
AMANDA
I win! I win!
LEE
Only by default.
Amanda begins to pocket the money.
JEFF
Hey, you aren’t going to call it quits already, are you? The night’s still young. You should give us a chance to win our money back, so how about a game with pairs and this time double or nothing?
Lee looks at Amanda and she shrugs.
AMANDA
Sure, why not?
Jeff begins to set up the game and racks up the balls in the center of the table. Then he and Kevin grab a couple of pool sticks.
JEFF
We're ready to begin. Go ahead, Amanda, you break.
AMANDA
Okay.
They all watch Amanda chalk up the tip of her pool stick, and strike the cue ball. This time the break is good and she pockets a striped ball, the other balls scatter in all directions.
JEFF
Aren't you the little pool shark?
AMANDA
Lucky shot.
KEVIN
I bet.
She then leans way over the table and effortlessly sinks another solid into the corner pocket. She scans the table for her next shot. Amanda goes to the other side of the table, lines up her next shot and sinks the ball in the far corner with a fancy shot. Everyone’s mouth drops open, including Lee. She misses her next shot and then she walks back to Lee, grabs her beer from the table, and takes a swig. Lee raises an eyebrow at her.
AMANDA
What? I’m a fast learner.
She gives Lee an innocent smile.
JEFF
Don’t worry Boys, the night is still young. The night is still young.
Jeff smiles and takes position to line up a shot he sees before him and manages to sink the ball easily. He glances at Lee and Amanda smugly.
The game continues for several more moments, alternating between Lee, Amanda, Jeff and Kevin. From the corner of his eye, Lee sees Gregory sitting at a table on the far side of the room, watching the action. He raises a shot glass to him and then throws the drink back. Lee approaches Amanda and whispers into her ear.
LEE
We’ve got company.
She looks in the direction of Gregory, he smiles at her.
AMANDA
(whispers in Lee’s ear)
How much do you think he’s heard or seen?
LEE
(whispers back)
Enough to be curious. We’ll need a distraction to get us out of here.
Jeff motions to Amanda to go; she then takes her final shot.
AMANDA
Eight ball, left corner pocket.
She sinks the eight ball.
LEE
Woo-hoo, Honey.
Lee pockets the money.
HAROLD
Hey, you swindled us!
JEFF
Yeah! What sort of game are you playing?
SERIES OF SHOTS – FIGHT
Lee shoves Harold into Jeff, knocking them both down. Kevin jumps up and hits Lee. Lee staggers back. Jeff and Harold get back on their feet and Harold grabs Lee from behind. Amanda grabs a pool stick and hits Harold in the back with it. The stick splitters and Harold falls to the ground. The other men continue to struggle and fight.
A few seconds later, we hear a police SIREN and see red and blue flashing lights through the front plate window. In the background, Gregory slips out of the backdoor away from all the commotion. Jeff gets in a lucky punch and hits Lee in the jaw, before the police officers hustle into the bar and break up the fight.
Amanda rushes up to Lee and dabs a napkin on his bleeding lip, while an officer places Lee under arrest.
AND WE. . .
EXT. NSIC BUILDING – MORNING
Camera ZOOMS into second story window.
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – MORNING
LEE
Thanks for bailing us out, Agent Graham.
GRAHAM
Do you give your boss this much trouble back home?
LEE
More, much more. Believe me.
Amanda clears her throat.
AMANDA
How long can local law enforcement hold them?
Graham looks at the wall clock.
GRAHAM
A couple more hours at the most.
Lee rakes his hand through his hair.
LEE
We need something to go on. We didn’t learn anything new while hustling them last night.
Amanda smiles.
AMANDA
We did hustle them, didn’t we?
LEE
We are no closer to finding the missing film.
AMANDA
Or the crew.
Amanda see’s the letter lying on Graham’s desk and she picks it up and reads it again.
AMANDA (continued)
Wait, it’s someone on the inside.
LEE
What do you mean?
AMANDA
I read this book once – Intrigue and Deception. I won’t bore you with the plot, but the hero figured out it was an inside job. The letter was left on the Commander’s desk. Someone hand delivered it. It did not come through the United States Postal Service, so someone who works here on base is the traitor and probably set up the crew on the Anna Christie. We find out who the leak is and then we should find the missing film and crew.
GRAHAM
(to Lee)
How did she say all that in one breath?
LEE
That’s my wife.
(beat; to Amanda)
This is good, Amanda. Real good.
(another beat; to Graham)
Who knows about the decoy boat?
GRAHAM
(blows out a breath)
Several people.
LEE
Well, we’re going to need a list of those names, so we can interview them.
GRAHAM
Yes, of course. I’ll get right on it.
Graham picks up the telephone and makes a call.
QUICK CUT
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Lee tosses a sheet of paper onto Graham’s desk out of frustration.
LEE
Everyone on this list is clean. Unless either one of you two is seeing something I am not.
Amanda shakes her head, then picks up the paper from the desk and scans the list.
There is a light KNOCK on the door and the three agents look over at the door. Graham stands up, walks over to the door and opens it. Ryan shyly enters the room.
RYAN
I’m sorry. I see you still have company. I’ll come back later.
GRAHAM
We’re almost done here. You can come back in about ten minutes.
RYAN
Yes, Sir.
Ryan leaves and Graham shuts the door. Amanda looks at the recycling boxes.
AMANDA
Lee?
LEE
Hmm?
AMANDA
How do you think the ‘traitor’ received the information on the decoy boats location?
LEE
Good question. George, how was the information exchanged?
GRAHAM
Special courier.
LEE
And we already interviewed him, correct?
GRAHAM
Yes.
AMANDA
What happens to the letter after you read it?
GRAHAM
It is destroyed.
Amanda nods her head and points to the recycling bins.
GRAHAM (continued)
Ryan? No way!
INT. AGENT GRAHAM’S OFFICE – FEW MINUTES LATER
RYAN
I was told you wanted to see me.
GRAHAM
That is correct. Thanks for coming.
RYAN
Are you unhappy with my work?
GRAHAM
No, Ryan. I think you do a great job cleaning my office. However, we have a few questions we need to ask you.
RYAN
Questions? I’m not so good on tests.
GRAHAM
It’s okay, this isn’t a test.
He leads Ryan to the chair and Ryan sits down.
AMANDA
Hi, Ryan. My name is Amanda, this is Lee, and we are just going to ask you a few questions.
RYAN
Okay.
AMANDA
How long have you worked here?
RYAN
Five years.
AMANDA
And you are the janitor?
RYAN
Yes, Ma’am. I clean the NSIC office and the Fire Station. Sometimes they let me ride on the fire trucks.
AMANDA
Sounds like fun.
RYAN
Oh, it is.
AMANDA
One of your jobs is to take papers down to the incendiary, correct?
RYAN
Yes.
GRAHAM
Why do you do that?
RYAN
Because it is classified information and is not to be seen.
GRAHAM
So, you take the papers down to the incendiary and then what do you do with them?
RYAN
I do what you tell me to do – I throw them into the incendiary.
LEE
Do you ever read them or maybe take a glance?
Ryan puts his head down, looking guilty.
GRAHAM
Ryan?
RYAN
Sometimes – I look, I like to look at the pictures, but I don’t understand what they say. I don’t read so well.
LEE
Do you ever take pictures of them? Or copy the information down?
Ryan shakes his head.
RYAN
No, I just look at the pictures.
(beat)
I hope I am not in trouble. I like working here.
LEE
Do you ever show them to anyone else?
RYAN
No, Sir.
GRAHAM
I’m sorry to have to do this, Ryan, but I'm going to have to place you under arrest.
Graham stands up and moves behind Ryan. Ryan is scared and unsure about what is happening. Ryan is then placed in handcuffs and led out the door.
In the background, we see Warrant Officer Cole smiling.
CUT TO
INT. OUTSIDE INTERROGATION ROOM
Lee, Amanda, and Agent Graham are standing outside the interrogation room. In the background, through the one-way mirror, we see Ryan sitting at a table. He appears terrified. Lee and Amanda are having a heated disagreement.
AMANDA
I don’t care what you say – it’s not him.
LEE
Sweetheart, he admitted to looking at the memos.
AMANDA
He doesn’t know what he was looking at.
LEE
He could be playing us the fool.
AMANDA
No, I don’t think so. I think someone is setting him up.
LEE
Here you go with your fantasy setup theories again.
AMANDA
Oh, please.
GRAHAM
Do you two ever stop?
Lee and Amanda ignore Agent Graham.
AMANDA
Well, I was right the last time.
Lee stops himself and rakes his hand through his hair.
LEE
Yes. True. You were right.
Amanda calms down, too.
AMANDA
Yes, I was and don’t you ever forget it, Buster.
LEE
If it’s not Ryan who leaked out the information, who did?
Amanda shrugs her shoulders. There is a moment of silence while they both think.
AMANDA
Lee, let me see the list again.
He hands her a clipboard with a list of names.
LEE
We’ve interviewed everyone on that list.
Amanda scrolls down the list of names.
AMANDA
What about Warrant Officer Cole?
GRAHAM
What about him?
AMANDA
He’s not on this list.
GRAHAM
No, no he’s not, but he wouldn’t know about the Anna Christie being the decoy boat. He wasn’t on the team.
AMANDA
Yes, he did.
GRAHAM
What?
LEE
No, Amanda’s right. When we were crossing over here on the ferryboat, he mentioned the Anna Christie by name.
(beat)
I think we may have found your traitor.
CLOSE UP ON LEE AND AMANDA AND WE. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. ALLEY – EVENING
The scene opens in a dark alley that is littered with garbage cans and trash. Warren Officer Cole enters the alley.
COLE
(slightly above a whisper)
Rawlings? Are you here?
Jeff, Harold, and Kevin step out of the shadows.
JEFF
Thanks for letting us rot in jail all day.
COLE
How was I supposed to bail you out when I’m not supposed to be associated with you?
(beat)
You didn’t rat on me or the operation, did you?
JEFF
Who do you think we are, amateurs? We know the score. Although we have to admit, we are suspicious why they held us for so long for just a bar brawl.
COLE
Just a brawl. Hmm?
Kevin and Harold nod their heads.
COLE (continued)
Who started the fight this time?
HAROLD
Trust me – this time it wasn’t us.
KEVIN
Yeah, some couple who hustled us out of a game of pool.
COLE
Oh, that is rich. You three were hustled. I would have loved to have seen that go down.
(beat)
Locals?
JEFF
Nah, we had never seen them before. They weren’t from around here.
KEVIN
Lee and Amanda – I think were their names.
COLE
Stetson.
JEFF
Yeah, I think so.
(beat)
You know them?
COLE
Yes, and I have been trying to throw them off the trail all week.
(beat)
Damn, if government agents are checking out hangouts and starting fights, they must suspect something.
(another beat)
You sure you did not give them anything that could tie the missing film to us?
The three look at each other.
JEFF
Yes, we are sure.
COLE
Good.
(beat)
Unfortunately, we are going to have to destroy all evidence.
HAROLD
Wait, I thought we were going to sell them to the papers.
COLE
Screw the papers, if we are caught with that film we will be tried for treason and hung.
JEFF
What about the hostages?
COLE
Kill them.
Lee and Amanda appear in the background.
LEE
Freeze! Federal Agents!
Warrant Officer Cole takes off running. Lee is right behind him.
Jeff, Kevin, and Harold are surprised to see it is Amanda training a gun on them.
JEFF
You?
AMANDA
Hustled again, Boys.
Agent Graham handcuffs them, while backup soon arrives.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET
Cole is dodging cars and knocking down garbage cans trying to escape Lee. He then scrambles over a fence, but once Lee climbs to the top, he leaps, knocking Cole down onto the ground. He kneels over Warrant Officer Cole and grabs him by his shirt.
LEE
(growls)
Where is the crew of the Anna Christie?
COLE
Go to hell, Stetson!
Lee pulls him up onto his feet.
LEE
We’ll just see if we can’t loosen those lips another way, shall we?
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY
Harold is seated in a chair as Lee paces around him. Amanda leans against the wall. Lee throws down a wrap sheet on the table in front of Harold.
LEE
Into a little bit of everything, aren’t you Harold?
HAROLD
I know my rights. I ain’t saying nothing without my lawyer present.
Lee looks at Amanda. She crosses toward Harold, leaning in close. He swallows hard.
AMANDA
Fine, Harold, but know this – you could get life in prison or possibly the death penalty for treason. However, I think we can offer you a reduced sentence on a lesser charge.
She glances at Harold and sees he’s thinking about what she said.
AMANDA (continued)
I guarantee the government will be a lot more lenient on whichever of you boys gives us the information we seek.
HAROLD
You aren’t hustling me again, are you Lady?
AMANDA
(smug)
Now, Harold, would I do that to you?
CUT TO
EXT. PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD – DAY
Lee and Amanda are walking down the stairs of the NSIC building.
LEE
Another job well done, Partner.
AMANDA
The film as been recovered and the crew of the Anna Christie have been found safe and sound.
(beat)
Too bad Cole wanted to embarrass the United States Navy because he washed out of SEAL training.
LEE
Thanks to the Freedom Brethren’s confessions Cole will be spending the rest of his life in Leavenworth and Ryan is back to work at the shipyard.
AMANDA
See, I told you it wasn’t Ryan.
LEE
As usual, you were right.
They reach the bottom of the steps and Lee pulls her close and they kiss, then Lee caresses her cheek lovingly.
LEE
Let’s go home, Mrs. Stetson.
Lee wraps his arm around her and they head out of the Naval Station security gate, then walk toward the ferry terminal. A limousine unhurriedly passes by them. The window on the car slowly rolls down and Gregory turns to look at them. He then throws them a reluctant salute of congratulations.
GREGORY
Until next time.
The limousine pulls away.
CLOSE UP on Lee and Amanda’s expression and we. . . FREEZE FRAME
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
EXT. LEE’S APARTMENT – DAY (A COUPLE DAYS LATER)
Lee’s Corvette is parked in front of his apartment building. The camera ZOOMS through the window.
INT. LEE’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Lee is sitting down on the couch, his feet kicked up on the coffee table. He is reading the morning newspaper, and is dressed in sweatpants, t-shirt, and is barefoot.
There is a KNOCK on the door.
Lee stands up, walks toward the door and opens it. He is surprised to see PHILLIP and Jamie standing on the other side.
LEE
Boys, what are you doing here? Is your mother okay? Your grandmother? How did you get here?
PHILLIP
Everything is fine.
Phillip looks over at Jamie and he nods his head.
PHILLIP (continued)
We asked Grandma to drive us over here so we could have a man-to-man talk.
LEE
Umm. . . sure. Won’t you fellas come in?
Lee opens the door wider for them and they step past the threshold and into the living room. Lee follows behind them.
LEE
Could I get you something to eat or drink? I don’t think I have much, but your mother usually leaves a box of cereal around.
PHILLIP
No, we are good.
LEE
(nods head)
Okay.
He sits down on the sofa and offers the boys the wingback chairs, but they remain standing. Phillip and Jamie look at each other again.
PHILLIP
(to Jamie)
Go ahead. This was your idea.
JAMIE
Umm. . . Lee, Phillip and I have been talking and we wanted you to know we forgive you. I mean, we understand about keeping all the secrets and we guess we understand why you did it. We know you need to keep secrets because of your job, but we ask that there be no more lies, agreed?
LEE
I promise, no more lies.
PHILLIP
Good
(beat)
The other thing we wanted to say or rather ask. . .
JAMIE
Do you need help packing?
LEE
Huh?
PHILLIP
We are ready for you to move in with us.
LEE
Really?
JAMIE
That was another thing Phillip and I talked about. . . you make Mom happy, Grandma adores you, and well, Phillip and I like having you around. So what do you say. . . are you ready to be part of our family?
LEE
Nothing would make me happier.
PHILLIP
Yeah, what Wormbrain said. And as an added bonus, I will be turning fifteen soon and will be getting my driver’s permit, and was hoping my awesome new step-father would teach me how to drive in his Corvette.
LEE
Ummm. . .
PHILLIP
Gotcha!!
Lee stands up and puts his arm around Phillip and Jamie’s shoulders. He smiles at them and we. . . FREEZE FRAME.
FADE OUT:
THE END
Author’s note: This story is loosely based on a true spy satellite program. Hexagon, dubbed the "Big Bird," was considered the most successful space spy satellite program of the Cold War era. From 1971 to 1986, twenty satellites were launched. Sophisticated cameras orbited the earth snapping vast, panoramic photographs of the Soviet Union, China, and other potential foes. Each camera could generate sixty-miles of film and a single Hexagon frame covered a ground distance of 370 nautical miles – roughly the distance from Washington, D.C. to Cincinnati. The film was then shot back through the earth's atmosphere in buckets that parachuted over the Pacific Ocean, where C-130 Air Force planes snagged them with grappling hooks. Among other successes, Hexagon is credited with providing crucial information for the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1970’s.