SCARECROW AND MRS. KING
“Year of the Spy”
Written by Anne Riener
October-November 2016
"Night Crawler" was written by George Geiger and originally aired on October 31, 1986. Extracts belong to him.
“Year of the Spy”
Written by Anne Riener
October-November 2016
"Night Crawler" was written by George Geiger and originally aired on October 31, 1986. Extracts belong to him.
FADE IN:
PROLOGUE
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
The scene opens with dark, wet pavement. Soon a wheel drives over a puddle, kicking up water.
EXT. AMBULANCE – NIGHT
An ambulance speeds down the road. SIREN blaring, races PAST CAMERA. We are obviously somewhere in Europe as noted by the street signs and the ambulance siren.
ON AMBULANCE
Takes a corner.
INT. AMBULANCE - NIGHT
We see an ambulance ATTENDANT/CHRISTOFOROS standing over a man lying on a gurney. The man is covered with a grey blanket and has an oxygen mask over his mouth. The man gets agitated, thrashes about, and begins to fight with the ambulance attendant. He rips off the mask and we see it is LEE STETSON. The attendant is speaking to him, but Lee doesn’t understand what he is saying.
FROM LEE’S POV
Lee tries to focus on what is happening to him. His vision is doubled and blurred.
LEE
(struggling to speak)
Where am I?
ATTENDANT
(in Greek)
Párte mia éfkoli, kýrie. (Take it easy, Sir.)
(beat)
Ta pánta tha eínai entáxei. (Everything is going to be all right.)
LEE
(chokes out)
Fam-ily?
He then loses consciousness.
FADE TO BLACK
ACT ONE
EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. JEFFERSON MEMORIAL – NIGHT (STOCK PHOTO)
SUPERIMPOSE “EARLIER”
EXT. AGENCY GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE – NIGHT
WIDE SHOT – Camera then zooms to the upper Agency window.
INT. Q-BUREAU – NIGHT
Lee and AMANDA are sitting at their desks. The lights are dim and it appears they are wrapping up for the night. Lee is leaning back in his chair, reading a file, and Amanda is busy typing away on her computer keyboard. Amanda stops her typing, briefly reads what she wrote, nods her head in approval and, after standing up, she turns off the monitor. Lee looks up affectionately at his wife.
AMANDA
Well, another year of “Spring Cleaning” in the can.
LEE
Terrific. Let’s get out of here before Billy finds something else for us to do. Shall we?
Lee then stands up and grabs his wife’s jacket off the coat rack and helps her into her jacket. They are about to leave when BILLY MELROSE enters the room.
BILLY
Calling it an evening?
LEE
(growls)
Billy. You better not have any work for us. We haven’t seen our family in over a week.
Billy waves him off.
BILLY
No. But you haven’t perchance heard from Leeland lately?
AMANDA
From Cryptology?
Billy nods.
LEE
Last I heard he was enjoying retirement.
BILLY
Semi-retirement. We still call him in from time to time.
(beat)
However, we heard through the grapevine there’s a price on his head.
AMANDA
What?
LEE
You’re kidding?
AMANDA
We’re talking about geeky Leeland Hutto, right? Why would anyone want to hurt that sweet man?
Billy shrugs his shoulders.
BILLY
All we know for sure is he has gone off the wire.
He walks toward a world map behind Amanda’s desk. He points at the map.
BILLY (continued)
Last we heard he was somewhere in the Mediterranean, maybe Italy, Cyprus, or perhaps Greece.
AMANDA
When I was in college and taking drama classes, I learned the English language borrowed a lot from the Greeks. For instance, the word drama comes from the Greek term meaning action and the word theater comes from theatron, which literally is viewing place. Even the word alphabet was borrowed combining the names of the first two Greek letters, alpha and beta.
Billy and Lee stare at her.
AMANDA
(slightly embarrassed)
I’m sorry, I haven’t rambled in a long time. I guess I really am tired.
BILLY
Understandable.
(beat)
Well, keep your eyes and ears open.
LEE
We always do.
Billy leaves.
CLOSE ON LEE
He appears to be in deep thought.
AMANDA (O.C.)
Earth to Lee.
LEE
Huh?
AMANDA
Where did you go? You seemed to be a thousand miles away.
LEE
I was just thinking.
AMANDA
What are you up to, Stetson?
LEE
Nothing.
AMANDA
Uh-huh.
LEE
Really.
(beat)
I just need to stop at Billy’s office for a second.
Amanda gives him a doubtful look.
LEE (continued)
Go home. I’ll catch a cab or get a ride home from Billy, okay?
(beat)
I’ll been home soon.
He gives her a quick kiss.
AMANDA
Well, all right, but I still think you’re up to something.
LEE
Who me?
CLOSE ON AMANDA
Amanda rolls her eyes.
QUICK CUT
EXT. 4247 MAPLEWOOD DRIVE – NIGHT
CLOSE ON the 4247 yard sign and then PULL BACK for FULL SHOT of the exterior and yard of the home of Lee and Amanda Stetson.
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
DOTTY and Amanda are hurrying about finishing getting dinner ready. Amanda hands JAMIE a stack of dishes to take into the dining room. PHILLIP grabs a gallon of milk from the refrigerator and takes it into the dining room.
We hear the FRONT DOOR open and close. Then Lee comes into the kitchen. He kisses his mother-in-law on the cheek and then does the same to his wife.
DOTTY
Dinner is almost ready, Son.
LEE
Smells wonderful.
(beat)
But would you mind if I borrowed Amanda for a minute?
DOTTY
No problem. The casserole needs about five more minutes.
Lee takes Amanda’s hand and leads her into the family room.
INT. FAMILY ROOM
LEE
Sit down.
Amanda sits down on the couch.
AMANDA
You ARE up to something. Spill it.
LEE
Now, I didn’t make any specific plans.
AMANDA
(shaking her head)
Lee.
LEE
What Billy said got me thinking. We both have been working very hard and haven’t see much of the family.
Lee pulls a couple brochures from his coat pocket.
LEE (continued)
How about a family vacation to Greece aboard a cruise ship? Exploring ancient ruins, visiting the birthplace of western civilization, the Colossus of Rhodes, the classical city of Athens.
AMANDA
Lee Stetson, you will stop right now. We are not bringing the family along on a mission.
LEE
It’s not a mission. Fact finding, nothing else. We’ll just be keeping our eyes and ears open and if we locate Leeland, we’ll alert Billy.
Amanda mulls over what Lee has told her.
AMANDA
Nothing more to it.
LEE
Nothing more to it.
AMANDA
Greece, huh?
LEE
A vacation of a lifetime.
She almost caves, but then becomes practical again.
AMANDA
Sweetheart, we don’t need an expensive vacation. Just spending some time at home would be enough.
(beat)
And what about school?
LEE
The boys will be on spring break, so they would only miss maybe a day or two of school.
(beat)
Think of the real world history lesson the boys could learn on this trip.
(another beat)
In addition, I think we could use this family time. Kind of as a peace offering for everything the family has gone through this past year, as well as forgiveness for the mystery marriage fiasco. Even though they have been really good about accepting you, me. . . us.
(another beat)
Please.
Lee smiles, his dimples showing.
Amanda is thinking about it. In the background, we see Dotty, Phillip, and Jamie. Dotty has her arms around each of the boys. They too are waiting for Amanda’s answer. Lee and Amanda are not aware they are eavesdropping.
AMANDA
All right, we can go to Greece.
DOTTY
All of us?
Lee and Amanda spin around, seeing their family standing on the threshold.
AMANDA
Some spies we are.
(beat)
All right, family meeting. Lee has something to tell us.
The family gathers around in the family room.
LEE
Really not much to say, since you guys heard most of what I was telling your mother. But pack your bags, we’re going to Greece.
EVERYONE
Hooray!
Hugs and everyone talking at once.
CUT TO
EXT. CRUISE SHIP – DAY
WIDE SHOT A cruise ship sailing on the Mediterranean Sea.
EXT. CRUISE SHIP – SUN DECK – DAY
People mingling on the sun deck, some are strolling along the deck, while others sit at the poolside bar. There is a pool grill, too. In the center is the pool, with a hot tub at one end. CAMERA focuses on Amanda, who is sitting in a lounge chair. She is dressed in a one-piece bathing suit and wrap, also sunglasses and sun hat. On a side table next to her is a tropical drink, which a little umbrella. She is reading a book and stops to take a sip of her drink. Dotty carrying a couple shopping bags walks up to her.
DOTTY
Amanda, you wouldn’t believe the amazing things you can find at those little boutiques.
AMANDA
Glad to see you’re having a good time, Mother.
DOTTY
Athens was just incredible. I mean, walking through all those historic archaeological sites, and seeing the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater. Just incredible! Although, I think Lee probably knew as much about the sites we toured as our tour guide.
(beat)
Never in a thousand years did I ever dream I would visit Greece.
Dotty sits down in a lounger next to Amanda.
DOTTY (continued)
By the way, where is Lee?
AMANDA
My three boys are in the pool.
She gestures toward the pool. Lee, Phillip, and Jamie are now seen in the background, horse playing in the pool.
ON LEE
Lee stops when he realizes Amanda is focused on him; he turns to look at her and smiles. Phillip uses this to his advantage, as he splashes Lee. Lee retaliates.
ON DOTTY AND AMANDA
Dotty and Amanda laugh at their antics.
AMANDA
Boys will be boys.
A moment later, Lee climbs out of the pool and wraps a towel around his waist; he then walks over to Amanda. He shakes out some water, getting Amanda wet.
AMANDA
(scolding)
Lee!
Laughing, he then sits in the lounger next to her and leans back into her lap.
LEE
You should have joined us in the pool. The water felt great.
DOTTY
I think she just felt how great it was with you dripping all over her.
LEE
Aw, Dotty are you feeling left out?
He jokes and leans forward to embrace her.
DOTTY
Don’t you dare!
They laugh and watch the boys approach them.
PHILLIP
Hey, Lee, we’re going to grab some ice cream. Want to come with us?
LEE
You bet.
He gets up and the three of them walk toward the pool grill. Amanda shakes her head as she watches them walk away.
AMANDA
I hope they don’t expect to eat like this when we get back home.
DOTTY
Let them have fun. This was a really good idea Lee had of taking us all on vacation.
AMANDA
I have to agree with you on that, Mother. It’s been nice seeing Jamie come out of his shell.
DOTTY
This has been good for all of them. Knowing enough about Lee’s past, it’s good to see him making some fun memories.
(beat)
Joe tries, but Lee really has taken an interest in the boys’ lives.
(another beat)
See, I told you it would be good to have a man around the house again.
AMANDA
Mo-ther.
Dotty gives a dismissive wave of the hand.
DOTTY
Have you thought about having another baby?
Amanda, who has just taken another sip of her drinks, almost chokes.
AMANDA
What?
DOTTY
Lee is so good with the boys. I just was wondering if you two had decided to add to the family.
AMANDA
Well, we really haven’t talked about it.
There is a long pause.
AMANDA (continued)
I would love to have a baby with Lee. I agree, he would make a great father. However, the boys are almost grown, and I don’t think it would be fair to the child to have siblings so far apart. Second, I’m not as young as I was when I had Phillip or Jamie. In addition, the nature of our job doesn’t afford us much of the opportunity for a baby. You know I’ve worked hard to get where I am today. A baby would change everything.
DOTTY
Think about it, that’s all I ask.
A moment later, the three boys come back. They each are eating triple scoop ice cream cones.
JAMIE
Mom, we’re going to go to the arcade.
AMANDA
Okay, Fellas. Have fun.
LEE
Remember this evening we are all eating in the formal dining hall. So be ready to go at 8:00 pm.
PHILLIP
Sure, Lee.
Phillip and Jamie exit.
Lee has now sat down next to his wife.
AMANDA
Are you sure you saved room for dinner?
She pokes him in the stomach.
LEE
Hey.
AMANDA
I don’t think you are going to fit into those swim trunks much longer if you keep this up.
LEE
Don’t you worry, I know a fantastic exercise program that involves you as a partner.
He winks.
Dotty clears her throat, while Amanda blushes.
QUICK CUT
EXT. RHODES, GREECE – DAY (ESTABLISHING)
Arial shots of Rhodes, Greece including the Palace of the Masters, the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Temple of Athena, and Mandraki harbor.
EXT. RHODES GENERAL HOSPITAL – DAY
A general public medical hospital.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
The CAMERA starts on a razor close to Lee’s neck. PULL BACK to reveal a young “candy striper” hospital volunteer NURSE KYRA (Similar to a Bedside Bluebell) dressed in a pink jumper and short-sleeved blouse. She is giving Lee a sponge bath.
She begins to dab his face with a towel when she is momentarily startled by Lee suddenly grabbing her arm.
LEE
(mumbling)
A-man-da.
NURSE KYRA
Epitrépste mou na párei to giatró. (Let me get the doctor.)
She quickly exits the room.
A second later, Doctor VASILIS MIKOS enters the room with the young volunteer nurse. The doctor is Greek, in his late 40s, with a little greying of his hair, and speaks with a slight accent. He is standing over Lee.
LEE’S POV
His vision is doubled and blurred as he tries to focus on the room.
VASILIS MIKOS
(to Lee)
Welcome back.
(to nurse; in Greek)
Áse mas. (Leave us.)
The nurse leaves.
VASILIS MIKOS (continued)
Do you know your name?
LEE
Yes.
VASILIS MIKOS
And what is it?
There is a long pause.
LEE
Lee. Lee Stetson.
VASILIS MIKOS
Good. Very good. My name is Dr. Mikos.
(beat)
Do you know where you are, Mr. Stetson?
Lee looks around the room.
LEE
Hospital.
VASILIS MIKOS
Yes, correct you are in the hospital.
CLOSE ON LEE
He’s “remembering” things.
INTERCUT:
Scenes flash through his mind, distorted images and memories from Lee’s POV. Happy moments with his wife and sons, brief family moments on vacation, then a brilliant white light and the sound of metal CRUNCHING.
BACK TO SCENE
LEE
Why am I here?
VASILIS MIKOS
You don’t remember? Some amnesia is not surprising.
(beat)
You were in a terrible accident. Drunk driver hit your car head on.
LEE
How long have I been here? What day is today?
VASILIS MIKOS
April 8th.
LEE
Are you telling me I’ve been out for 48-hours?
VASILIS MIKOS
No, you’ve been in a coma for over a year. The date is April 8, 1989.
There is another very long pause.
LEE
A year?
The doctor nods his head.
LEE
Where’s my family?
Another long pause.
LEE (continued)
(frantic)
What aren’t you telling me, Doc?
Lee begins to thrash about.
VASILIS MIKOS
Take it easy, Mr. Stetson. Your body has been lying dormant for over a year, and your muscles have forgotten how to work. I’m actually a little surprised you hadn’t forgotten how to talk. After your accident, we had to put you into a medically induced coma. However, your paralysis is temporary and should wear off once the drugs leave your system.
ON LEE
Disbelieving what he is hearing.
VASILIS MIKOS (continues)
(hesitates for a moment)
I’m sorry to tell you, Lee. As for your family, I’m afraid you were the only survivor.
LEE
No.
(beat; shaking his head)
No way.
(another beat; firmly)
NO!
Lee blinks back tears, threatening to fall.
VASILIS MIKOS
I’m sorry for your loss.
(beat)
I’ll check back in on you later today.
Lee, still in shock, shakes his head again. He turns away.
LEE
(almost in a whisper)
A-man. . .
QUICK CUT
BILLY (O.C.)
. . . da. I really don’t think you should be here.
EXT. LAKE KALOKERINO (RHODES, GREECE) – DAY
A lake on the island of Rhodes. In the background, a tow truck is lifting a car out of the murky waters. Billy and Amanda watch the car being pulled from the lake. There are several Hellenic police cars surrounding the scene.
AMANDA
No, Sir. I need to know.
A POLICEMAN on the scene walks up to them.
POLICEMAN
We have pulled the Stetsons’ rental car from the lake, but there is no sign of your missing agent. I will have divers within the hour searching the lake. Sorry it’s not better news.
He tips his hat.
POLICEMAN (continued)
Sir, Ma’am.
BILLY
Amanda, why don’t I take you back to the hotel?
AMANDA
He’s all right. I know it. I would feel it if he wasn’t, wouldn’t I?
Distraught, Amanda walks toward the Agency loaner car.
ON BILLY
BILLY
Yeah, I believe you would.
ON CAR
CLOSE ON AMANDA
Looking very distraught, staring out the window; we. . .
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. BASILICA CISTERN (TURKEY) – DAY
Lee, Amanda, Dotty, Phillip, and Jamie are taking a tour of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. A TOUR GUIDE is leading the Stetson-King family and a few extra people (tourists) on this tour. They all stop.
TOUR GUIDE
The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. It was constructed using 336 marbled columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and other structures.
DOTTY
Stunning, just absolutely stunning.
TOUR GUIDE
You are in for a treat as the Basilica has only just opened to the public a few months ago.
(beat)
Step into the darkness and let your eyes adjust.
The LIGHTS in the chamber entrance DIM. The group is in pitch blackness for a moment. Lee sucks in his breath. Then the lights turn UP again. Lee opens his eyes to see Amanda has taken a hold of his hand, squeezing it, giving him strength. He then notices the rest of his family and sees everyone has taken a hold of each other’s hands, to give him additional strength. He is very touched by this.
LEE
Thanks.
AMANDA
Anytime, Big Fella.
TOUR GUIDE
Therefore, I suggest very strongly that we stay together as a group. These catacombs have hundreds of chambers and we don’t want anyone getting lost.
The group continues to follow their tour guide.
TOUR GUIDE (continued)
This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. It was created for a water sanctuary and flooded with 80,000 cubic meters of water. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. GRAND BAZAAR (ISTANBUL, TURKEY)– DAY
The family now walks down the streets of Istanbul near the Grand Bazaar. They are all taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the market. Phillip and Jamie are several feet in front of the other three. The bazaar is bustling with activity.
Amanda hollers at the boys.
AMANDA
Fellas, don’t get too far ahead of us.
Phillip and Jamie wave back.
LEE
(to Amanda)
Relax, Amanda. They’re fine.
(to Phillip and Jamie)
If we get separated, just meet us back at the cruise ship. Don’t be late.
The boys exit.
DOTTY
Oh, Amanda. Just look at all this architecture. I just can’t find the words to describe how beautiful this city really is.
AMANDA
I agree, Mother.
Dotty stops in front of a vendor selling cloth. She admires the material. She speaks with the VENDOR.
DOTTY
Such fine material. Astoundingly beautiful. Lovely, just lovely.
(to Lee and Amanda)
I wish in America cities would hold bazaars and farmer’s markets. That’s the problem in America, everything has become so impersonal.
VENDOR
(accent)
You like?
DOTTY
Yes, very much. But I think I have spent too much already on this trip.
LEE
Dotty, let me.
DOTTY
No, Lee. I couldn’t. You’ve already done so much.
LEE
I insist.
(beat)
Call it a payment for raising an amazing daughter.
He gestures and speaks a little Turkish to the vendor. They haggle over the price for a moment and then the vendor agrees and wraps up the material for them to take. Lee hands the package to Dotty.
DOTTY
Thanks, Son.
LEE
It’s the least I can do for my favorite mother-in-law.
DOTTY
You sweet-talker.
At that moment, a BLIND MAN walking with a cane, approaches Lee.
BLIND MAN
I need to return some video tapes.
Lee immediately recognizes the code phrase.
LEE
Are they all rewound?
The Blind Man then hands Lee a folded piece of paper.
LEE
Who are you?
BLIND MAN
A friend of a friend of a friend of a friend.
The blind man walks off. Lee opens the note and reads.
AMANDA
What does it say?
LEE
It’s in code.
DOTTY
Oh, real cloak and dagger stuff.
AMANDA
Really, Mother.
DOTTY
Well, what else would you call it?
Lee shrugs. Then reading off the piece of paper.
LEE
“Perhaps a woman, but never a man,
I cannot be reached by land,
Many cousins, some Greek to me,
To break this riddle, I am the key.”
DOTTY
A riddle. Too bad your father isn’t here. He was so good at riddles and crossword puzzles.
AMANDA
Yes, Daddy was good.
(beat)
Hmm? A woman, but not a man?
LEE
Can’t be reached by land? Many cousins? I've got nothing.
There is a long pause.
AMANDA
Honestly, I don’t know, it’s all Greek to me.
Dotty snaps her fingers.
DOTTY
That’s it. I know. The answer is Greece.
LEE
Huh?
DOTTY
Sure. The riddle is actually referring to an island, and Greece has many islands, and “key” is just another word for island.
Both Lee and Amanda look at Dotty in disbelief.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Lee is lying in bed, watching television. Mostly out of boredom. The channel is on a 24-hour news channel and the NEWSCASTER drones on.
ON TELEVISION
NEWSCASTER
(filtered)
“Coming up next, Canada and the United States continue discussions on a new trade agreement. The last of Russian troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan. And, in entertainment news, CDs outsell vinyl records. Is this the end of an era? This is CSN news. We’ll be right back after this commercial break.”
A commercial for Pan Am Airways comes on. Lee turns off the television set.
Nurse Kyra enters the room and places a tray of food in front of him and then plumps up his pillows. She doesn’t say a word, but quickly exits.
Lee lifts up the cover on the food.
ON PLATE
He sees it’s pot roast. He stares at it in disbelief, and then flings the tray out of his way. The food splatters to the floor.
ON LEE
He’s barely holding it together.
Dr. Mikos enters the room. He notices the mess on the floor.
VASILIS MIKOS
I’ll call for the janitor to clean that up.
LEE
I’m sorry about that.
VASILIS MIKOS
Don’t be.
He puts a comforting hand on Lee’s shoulder.
VASILIS MIKOS (continued)
You have experienced a great loss. Would you like me to have the hospital chaplain come in to speak with you?
Lee shakes his head. He takes a moment to pull himself together.
LEE
No.
The doctor removes Lee's chart from the bedpost and reads through his chart for a few moments.
VASILIS MIKOS
How are you doing today, Mr. Stetson?
LEE
Getting some movement back. I can move my arms now, but my legs are still numb.
The doctor nods his head, scribbles something down and puts the chart back.
VASILIS MIKOS
Give it time.
He does an examination of Lee. Lifting the sheet off his legs, he tests Lee’s reflexes and briefly smiles.
VASILIS MIKOS (continued)
Good. Good. I’m hopeful we will be having you walking in a day or two.
Lee nods his head.
LEE
When can I make a phone call?
VASILIS MIKOS
You have someone you need to call?
LEE
Friends back home, maybe my uncle.
VASILIS MIKOS
Yes, of course. Sorry, phone service is very spotty here on the island, but once the lines are open again, I will make sure the nurse lets you know you can call out.
(beat)
In the meantime, there has been a lady from the National Intelligence Service who would like to speak to you. Should I invite her in?
LEE
What the hell do they want?
The doctor shrugs his shoulders.
VASILIS MIKOS
I don’t know, but she’s been very insistent about wanting to talk to you.
Lee sighs heavily.
LEE
Sure, bring her in.
The doctor opens the door.
A moment later, Agent AUDREY COOPER enters. She’s in her late 20s to early 30s, blonde, perky, and dressed professionally in a skirt, blouse, and matching jacket. Kind of a younger version of Francine.
AUDREY COOPER
(to the doctor)
I would like a few minutes alone with your patient, Dr. Mikos.
VASILIS MIKOS
Of course. But keep the conversation short.
Audrey Cooper nods her head and the doctor exits.
AUDREY COOPER
Agent Stetson, I’ve heard so much about you. Nice to finally meet you, although I wish it was under better circumstances.
Lee briefly nods his head.
LEE
Please, it’s Lee. What can I do for you, umm—
AUDREY COOPER
I’m sorry, it’s Audrey Cooper from the National Intelligence Service.
Lee raises an eyebrow.
AUDREY COOPER
Yes, I know, too American for the NIS and all that. I was raised a military brat and finally settled in Greece right after college.
(beat)
I understand you were raised by an uncle in the Air Force.
Lee just nods his head.
LEE
Yes.
AUDREY COOPER
Well then, let’s get down to brass tacks, as we Americans say, shall we?
She sits down in a chair next to his bedside and takes out a notebook.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
I have been on the phone with your supervisor, Mr. Melrose. But now I would like to hear your side of the story.
LEE
(confused)
My side of the story?
AUDREY COOPER
Why you were in Greece?
LEE
My family and I were on a vacation.
(long pause)
I can’t believe they’re gone.
(another beat)
What happened to them?
AUDREY COOPER
Their bodies were shipped back to the United States. Your Mr. Melrose and the American Embassy took care of all that.
Lee nods his head, numbly.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
Now. I want you to think back to the day of the accident. You decided to not get back on the cruise ship, rented a car, and stayed behind in Rhodes. Why?
LEE
What business is that of yours?
Audrey Cooper pauses for a moment, before continuing.
AUDREY COOPER
We have reason to believe the car accident that killed your family was not an accident?
CLOSE ON LEE
HOLD ON HIM for several moments. He’s obviously lost in memories of his family. Lee hears the voices of his family; sound montage.
AMANDA (V.O.)
"This? Oh, nothing. This is free. It's the negative that's going to cost you."
DOTTY (V.O.)
"Tell me Lee. . . are you familiar with the fourth dimension theory of laundry?"
PHILLIP (V.O.)
"Yeah! And you said Mom was running late. We’ll waste away before dinner is ready."
JAMIE (V.O.)
"Welcome to the family, Lee."
AMANDA (V.O.)
"Now wait a minute. You can't just walk into my life, hand me a package, tell me to give it to the man in the red hat, tell me that you love me and walk out of my life again."
PRESENT TIME
AUDREY COOPER
(calling his name)
Mr. Stetson. Lee.
LEE
Huh?
AUDREY COOPER
You left for a while. Are you okay? Should I go get the doctor?
LEE
No. I’m all right. Has it really been a year?
There is a long pause.
AUDREY COOPER
Yes.
(beat)
I’m truly sorry for your loss.
She puts a comforting hand on his leg.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
I’m going to need your full cooperation so we can get to the bottom of this investigation and I assume you want to know what happened to your family.
Lee nods his head.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
Okay, then. Tell me everything you remember.
Audrey Cooper is doodling in her notebook. Lee watches her drawing and gets lost in a memory.
LEE’S POV – LEE FLASHES BACK TO A SCENE FROM “NIGHT CRAWLER” (FLASHBACK)
INT. LEELAND HUTTO’S AGENCY CUBICAL – DAY
Lee sits with Hutto in a cubical in the crypto section. His desk is clear except for a foolscap pad, a Banberry Jelly jar full of pencils, and a hand crank pencil sharper. While he talks, Hutto continuously jots down on his pad, sharping a pencil or taking a new one often.
LEE
I want you to keep this thing quiet, Leeland. I don't want you to trot it out one night at your Banberry Society.
HUTTO
(raps on jelly jar)
You know the Crypto motto: the riddle's the thing.
(beat)
I can keep my trap shut.
LEE
Then how did he spot Amanda? We were both supposed to be under Contact Zero.
HUTTO
Perhaps the Cat's Eye principle.
LEE
The what?
HUTTO
In the dark there's light. . . but you can't see it, until you see it in a cat's eye.
LEE
It's like an obverse prism. . .
HUTTO
You have a stolidly literal head on your shoulders, don't you, Son? Think inside the puzzle. Like Addi Birol, he couldn't see light until he saw the cat see.
LEE
See what?
HUTTO
(shows his doodle)
When a woman is in love, she sees with special eyes.
The doodle is an Escher-like maze of hearts.
Lee looks back at Leeland, understanding.
LEE
Yeah, sure. Sure. She yelled out my name at the airport because that was the only way for her to save my life. Now. . . if Birol had us under surveillance. . . he might've seen.
Leeland smiles and picks up a pencil.
HUTTO
There's always a key.
BACK TO SCENE
LEE
Key?
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR – DAY
EXTREME CLOSE-UP ON A HOTEL KEY. Room number 401 is stamped on it.
CAMERA PULLS BACK to REVEAL Amanda placing the key into the doorknob and then opening the door.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Upper mid-range hotel suite with standard hotel furnishings. Amanda enters the room and spies her mother, Dotty, sitting on a sofa, trying to work on a crossword puzzle. She places the crossword puzzle book down on a table.
DOTTY
Any news?
AMANDA
No. Nothing new.
DOTTY
Come sit down. Let me make you a cup of coffee.
Dotty walks over to a small kitchenette area that includes a coffee maker. She begins to make some coffee.
DOTTY (continued)
I absolutely refuse to believe Lee Stetson is not coming back to us. And you shouldn’t either.
AMANDA
I haven’t given up hope yet, Mother.
DOTTY
He’s too stubborn to die.
Amanda slowly nods her head.
AMANDA
Where are the boys?
DOTTY
I sent them downstairs to that little bistro to grab something to eat.
(beat)
But I’m not sure they will eat anything, with them being worried about Lee.
AMANDA
I’m not sure I could eat anything either.
DOTTY
(motherly)
Now, Amanda, you need your strength to find that husband of yours. What would Lee think if he saw you moping around, not taking care of yourself?
AMANDA
You’re right, Mother.
DOTTY
Good. Now that’s settled. Do you still need to do this assignment or whatever you call it?
AMANDA
Yes.
(beat)
He’s running scared and won’t meet with anyone but Lee or I.
DOTTY
But-
AMANDA
Don’t worry, Mother. I’m not going to go by myself. Mr. Melrose will be with me.
DOTTY
This isn’t a riddle or puzzle, Amanda. It’s a dangerous game you are playing.
EXTREME CLOSE-UP ON CROSSWORD PUZZLE BOOK; we. . .
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
EXT. CRUISE SHIP (AT SEA) – NIGHT
On the cruise ship as it passes under a moonlit and starry night sky.
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S CABIN – NIGHT
Lee and Amanda have just returned to their cabin. They are dressed in formalwear. Not long after they entered the room, Lee grabs Amanda and crushes her to him. They kiss deeply.
AMANDA
Wow!
LEE
There’s more where that came from.
He winks.
AMANDA
Let me go check on the boys.
LEE
No, let me. You get ready for bed. I’ll be right back.
Amanda nods her head, and then notices a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket.
AMANDA
Champagne. You thought of everything.
LEE
I would be failing my job as a husband if I hadn’t.
Amanda then notices an envelope on the tray. She opens the envelope and a piece of paper falls out.
AMANDA
What’s this?
She tries to decipher the note, gives up and hands it to Lee.
LEE
Not another riddle?
AMANDA
I’m afraid so.
Lee reads the note aloud.
LEE
“I turn my head, and you may go where you want. I turn it again, and you'll stay till you rot.”
AMANDA
Well, that’s a conundrum?
LEE
Conundrum? The riddle’s the thing. . .
Leeland’s voice overlaps Lee.
LEELAND (V.O.)
. . . Not the reason for it, the conundrum, not the cause, the cipher not the sense.
LEE
I know who is sending us these riddles.
AMANDA
Who?
LEE
They’re from Leeland. He’s trying to tell us something.
(beat)
Well, Mrs. Stetson, you aced your cryptology exam. Any ideas?
QUICK CUT
EXT. HOTEL BALCONY (RHODES, GREECE)– NIGHT
The moon is reflecting off the shimmering water. Amanda is leaning over the railing looking out toward the ocean, lost in thought.
ON AMANDA
Memories of her and Lee flash before her eyes. A lone tear escapes and rolls down her cheek.
BACK
A hand reaches out and touches her. Amanda jumps, startled.
JAMIE
Sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to make you jump.
Her hand is on her chest.
AMANDA
It’s okay.
(beat)
Why aren’t you in bed, Young Man?
JAMIE
(timidly; eyes downcast)
I couldn’t sleep.
(beat)
I just can’t believe he’s really gone.
Amanda wraps her arms around Jamie.
AMANDA
Don’t give up hope, Jamie. The authorities have not found a body yet.
JAMIE
Mom, I’m really sorry I was so hard on him at the beginning. I just wasn’t ready for — well, you know.
AMANDA
Sweetheart, Lee understood.
(beat)
He loves you.
JAMIE
I know.
CLOSE ON AMANDA AND JAMIE; as mother and son hold on to each other.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – NIGHT
Lee is lying in bed reading a book. The only light in the room is a reading light above the bed. There is a soft KNOCK on the door, and Audrey Cooper enters the room.
AUDREY COOPER
How are you feeling now, Lee?
LEE
Better. Sorry about earlier. I was tired and confused.
AUDREY COOPER
That’s understandable. My attempt is not to push you to the breaking point.
(beat)
Now, should we try again?
Lee nods his head and Audrey sits down at a chair next to the bed.
LEE
What is it you would like to know?
AUDREY COOPER
Tell me about the night of the accident.
LEE
I can’t remember.
(long pause)
No, wait, I think I remember something. I was downstairs having a drink at the hotel bar.
INT. BAR – NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Lee is sitting at a barstool at the counter, drinking Scotch.
LEE (V.O.)
Amanda and I had had a fight. And I needed to walk away, clear my head.
The BARTENDER approaches him.
BARTENDER
Another one, Sir?
LEE
Yeah, keep them coming.
The bartender fixes the drink and places the glass down in front of Lee. Lee takes out some money and pays the man, before taking a sip of the alcohol.
AUDREY COOPER (V.O.)
Were you drunk?
LEE (V.O.)
No, but had quite the buzz.
There is a very long pause.
A MAN walks into the bar and sits down. (Note: The same man who was the ambulance attendant from earlier, but Lee does not make the connection).
LEE (V.O.)
(continued)
I remember a man sitting down at the bar next to me a few minutes later.
AUDREY COOPER (V.O.)
Okay, tell me about him?
LEE (V.O.)
Not much to tell. He ordered a drink; whiskey, I think? Appeared to be waiting for someone. He spoke briefly to me.
INT. HOTEL BAR (FLASHBACK)
The man reaches into his pocket and takes out a cigarette and then turns to Lee.
CHRISTOFOROS
Excuse me, do you have a lighter?
LEE
No, sorry I don’t smoke.
CHRISTOFOROS
Oh, well, nasty habit anyway. The wife has been nagging me to give them up.
(beat)
I don’t know about you, my friend, but as much as I love my wife, I sure do miss the carefree bachelor days. Now it’s all nagging about getting the “Honey do” chores done. Honey, take out the garage. Honey, put away the dishes. Honey, mow the lawn.
(another beat)
Women!
He places the package of cigarettes back into his coat pocket. He then raises his glass and clinks glasses with Lee.
LEE
Women.
They both throw back their drink.
CHRISTOFOROS
Wives.
LEE
Yeah, wives.
They finish their drinks.
CHRISTOFOROS
Here, let me buy you another drink.
LEE
You don’t need to do that.
CHRISTOFOROS
No, I insist. I really don’t like drinking alone.
The man grabs the bartender’s attention.
CHRISTOFOROS (continued)
Another Scotch on the rocks for my friend here.
The bartender nods his head and fills the order and then places the glass down in front of Lee. Lee takes a drink, then appears very dizzy.
CHRISTOFOROS
Are you okay? You don’t look too good.
Lee stands up and the staggers back. The man catches him and smiles at the bartender.
PRESENT TIME
LEE
I remember feeling a little dizzy and then I don’t remember anything after that. I don’t remember going back to my room or getting into the car.
(beat)
But I must have.
(another beat)
I can see myself in the driver’s seat. I see Amanda sitting next to me in the passenger seat. She’s laughing and as beautiful as ever. Then, I see a bright light.
(another beat)
What’s this idiot doing? Oh my Lord, he’s going to hit us.
He hears the CRUSHING sound of metal again.
There is another long pause.
ON LEE
He looks lost, dejected.
AUDREY COOPER
I know this is hard, as I understand you lost your parents in a very similar manner, too.
(beat)
We have reason to believe the two men at the bar were there to extract information from you regarding your latest mission.
LEE
Mission? What mission? We were on vacation.
AUDREY COOPER
Okay. Let’s try another angle. You said you had had a fight with your wife. What was it about?
LEE
Umm? Amanda could be so stubborn. We had a disagreement on how we were going to extract Leeland.
AUDREY COOPER
Leeland Hutto? The cryptologist from the Agency?
Lee nods his head.
LEE
Leeland had been sending us a series of riddles that we finally figured out he was talking about quay.
AUDREY COOPER
Key?
She shrugs her shoulders.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
Like a car or house key?
Lee shakes his head.
LEE
No, quay. Q-U-A-Y. Which is just another word for dock, wharf, or pier.
(beat)
We were supposed to meet him at the Kamiros Quay.
(another beat)
There we were to. . .
There is another long pause.
LEE (continued)
By the way, what happened to Leeland?
AUDREY COOPER
He was found murdered in Athens.
Lee is crestfallen.
LEE
May I have a moment alone?
She pats him on the leg.
AUDREY COOPER
Of course.
(beat)
I know this is difficult; get some rest.
She exits.
ON LEE
He leans back onto the pillows and closes his eyes.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
Audrey walks toward the nurse’s station where Dr. Mikos is leaning against.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – NURSE’S STATION
VASILIS MIKOS
You took a huge risk going back in there?
AUDREY COOPER
You are lucky I took the risk.
VASILIS MIKOS
Did you learn anything?
She looks at her watch.
AUDREY COOPER
Yes. And we have less than four hours until Scarecrow and Mrs. King are supposed to meet Mr. Hutto.
VASILIS MIKOS
So my job is done? Can I expect my payment soon?
AUDREY COOPER
Yes, Dr. Mikos, the KGB appreciates your help in this matter and you will be rewarded handsomely once we have Leeland Hutto in custody.
VASILIS MIKOS
And what happens to Stetson?
AUDREY COOPER
Kill him.
They both start walking down the hallway.
VASILIS MIKOS
That will cost you more.
AUDREY COOPER
Of course.
They both exit out a hospital door to another part of the hospital.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
Kyra, the nurse we saw earlier, walks around the corner near the nurse’s station. She looks down the hall where Dr. Mikos and Audrey just exited and then at the door outside Lee’s room. We then see her turn on her heel and head back the way she came.
EMPTY HALLWAY; we. . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
INT. LEE’S HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Lee is sitting up in bed, watching television.
ON TELEVISION
NEWSCASTER
(filtered)
“President Ronald Reagan met with General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev at Camp David today to discuss the limited test ban treaty between the two counties. The President and the First Lady plan to hold a State dinner at the White House tomorrow evening as a goodwill gesture in honor of Gorbachev and his wife Raisa, who is also visiting the United States with her husband. And that is the news for April 9, 1989.”
Lee grabs the remote and turns off the television, before he settles back down. He almost has his eyes closed, when he sits up quickly.
ON LEE
Lee pulls back the blankets and cautiously swings his legs to the edge of the bed. Holding onto the bedrail, he pulls himself up. He fails. He tries again. Finally getting his footing, he manages to walk over to the television set and notices a cord hanging down from the set along the wall. He follows the cord and observes it is connected to a hidden VCR.
ON VCR
He pushes the eject button and a video tape ejects.
ON TAPE
Label reads “News – November, 9, 1989.”
BACK TO SCENE
Suddenly, Lee hears a noise out in the hallway.
He presses himself against the wall, hiding from whomever is entering his room, he swiftly grabs the person entering and shoves them against the wall. It is Nurse Kyra. Lee has his hand over her mouth, keeping her from screaming.
LEE
You?
He lets her go.
She hands him a newspaper and points to the date in the right-hand corner.
ON NEWSPAPER
The date reads April 9, 1988.
BACK TO SCENE
Lee nods his head.
LEE
Yeah, I already figured it out.
She looks at him, relieved.
LEE
Do you speak English?
NURSE KYRA
Yes.
LEE
Are you involved in this ruse?
NURSE KYRA
No. I saw the ambulance attendants bring you in, but instead of going straight to the emergency room, Dr. Mikos brought you here. Why?
LEE
They were after information I could provide. Information that would be meaningless a year later.
Nurse Kyra still has a confused look on her face.
LEE
I need to get out of here.
NURSE KYRA
Yes, I overhead Dr. Mikos talking with that woman. He plans to kill you now that you are longer any use to them.
LEE
Great. Just great.
He looks at his hospital attire, which is nothing more than a gown and pajama bottoms.
LEE (continued)
Can’t exactly get out of here dressed like this. They didn’t happen to leave behind any of my clothes?
Nurse Kyra shakes her head.
Dr. Mikos enters the room suddenly.
VASILIS MIKOS
You!
He lunges for Lee, who barely has the strength to stand. Lee falls to the floor. Dr. Mikos has a hypodermic needle in his hand and is about to stick Lee in the arm.
LEE
My family?
VASILIS MIKOS
Your family is not dead. . . well, at least not yet. But what will it matter, you soon will be.
Lee fights him back with all he’s got, but appears he is about to lose, when all of a sudden, Dr. Mikos is hit in the back of the head by Nurse Kyra using a bedpan. He is out cold.
Lee rolls the doctor off him and staggers back to his feet. He stares at Nurse Kyra, who is still holding the bedpan in her hands.
LEE
You wouldn’t happen to know my wife Amanda, do you?
OFF KYRA CONFUSED LOOK
CUT TO
EXT. KAMIROS QUAY (RHODES, GREECE)– DAY
A pier overlooking the Aegean Sea. An ancient port that is now a fishing village.
Billy and Amanda are standing at the pier.
ON FERRY
They both watch a ferry boat cutting through the water, heading toward the pier.
ON AMANDA AND BILLY
BILLY
How are you holding up?
AMANDA
Taking it a day at a time, Sir.
(beat)
I wish I never had agreed on this trip.
(another beat)
I don’t know how I am going to get through this if I’ve lost him. How I am ever going to be able to pick up the pieces again. If I just hadn’t fought with him that night he disappeared.
Billy gives her a look of sympathy.
Amanda, who looks like she is at her breaking point, then quickly schools her features.
AMANDA (continued)
(taking a deep breath)
Have you heard anything new?
BILLY
Divers dredged the lake, and didn’t find a body.
AMANDA
(sigh of relief)
Good. Then there’s still hope.
ON FERRY
As it docks.
EXT. KAMIROS QUAY
Amanda and Billy watch as passengers exit the ferry. Leeland is dressed like a tourist and is wearing a ball cap and sunglasses, hiding his eyes and face.
He walks down the pier and stops in front of Amanda and Billy, then takes off his hat and sunglasses.
HUTTO
Mr. Melrose, Mrs. King.
(beat)
Where’s Lee?
Before Amanda can answer, Audrey Cooper interrupts them. She is flanked on her right side by Christoforos, who we saw as the ambulance attendant and the man in the bar. She has a gun trained on them.
AUDREY COOPER
Lee Stetson is dead.
Amanda gasps.
AUDREY COOPER
Now, we’re on a bit of a tight schedule, so if you three don’t mind, follow me please.
In the background, we see Lee hiding behind some wooden fishing crates. He is not seen by the others.
ON LEE
Lee’s head peeks out to assess the enemy’s position. He surveys the scene looking for something he can use as a weapon. He spies a fishing net.
He peers over the crates again. And then leaps into action, launching himself over the crates and tossing the net over the man.
AMANDA/BILLY
(in unison)
Lee!
FIGHT SCENE
ON LEE
Lee is first to his feet. It’s a quick one-two punch and Christoforos is out for the count.
Meanwhile, Audrey is momentarily startled, which is just enough diversion for Amanda to take the upper hand.
With a karate chop, she manages to knock the gun out of Audrey Cooper’s hand. Billy pulls Leeland out of the way and then reaches for the gun. Audrey, who has gotten a few well-paced blows and kicks, is then knocked to the ground with a round house kick from Amanda. Before she can scramble up, Billy has her gun trained on her.
BILLY
Freeze.
Audrey, seeing she has been bested, complies.
From behind, the National Intelligence Service AGENTS arrive on scene in SEDANS SCREECHING to a stop. The agents climb out of the cars. Then a couple NIS agents round up Audrey and her partner in crime and haul them off. We see this action in the background as they load them into waiting cars.
Amanda runs up to Lee and throws her arms around him.
AMANDA
(muffled)
I knew you weren’t dead.
They then kiss.
Billy walks over to the couple.
BILLY
Man, are you a sight for sore eyes.
AMANDA
Billy told me not to give up hope. I’m so glad you’re alive. Are you all right? Are you hurt?
Amanda pulls away from him looking for cuts, bruises, broken bones.
AMANDA (continued)
How do you feel?
LEE
A year older.
He laughs at his own joke.
ON BILLY AND AMANDA’S CONFUSED FACES. . . FREEZE FRAME
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
INT. NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SERVICE OFFICE – DAY
Typical office setting for busy bullpen.
Lee and Amanda are sitting in chairs in the bullpen in front of a desk. They are holding hands. In the distance, they watch their section chief talk to his counterpart at the NIS. They shake hands.
Billy then walks over to them. And then settles down at the edge of the desk.
BILLY
Unbelievable. Quite the elaborate ruse the KGB put together.
LEE
Who was she?
BILLY
Audrey Cooper is a double agent. She came aboard about five years ago to keep tabs on the NIS and report to her superiors in Moscow.
AMANDA
But she doesn’t look Russian.
BILLY
That’s because she is only half-Russian. Her father was an American.
(beat)
It would have been quite the feather in her hat if she had succeeded in killing you, Scarecrow. And capturing not only Scarecrow’s partner, but his section chief, and Leeland.
AMANDA
All this so Lee would tell them where Leeland was?
BILLY
Yes.
LEE
So there was never a car accident?
BILLY
No. The bartender at the hotel drugged you. And while you were out, they played games with your subconscious making you believe you were actually in a car.
LEE
Yeah, I remember sounds, lights, images. But I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t.
BILLY
And they used that to their advantage.
LEE
The doctor?
BILLY
Dr. Mikos has been arrested. He faces charges of treason.
AMANDA
Why were they after Leeland in the first place?
BILLY
It would appear our own Leeland Hutto cracked the Soviet’s code, which allowed him to see a list of KGB agents operating in intelligence agencies all around Europe. Audrey Cooper’s name was on that list.
Lee whistles.
AMANDA
Lee, I have to ask; when did you realize it was all a con?
LEE
Actually, I have to give thanks to the 22nd amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.
AMANDA
The one that limits the President to two terms?
LEE
Yep.
BILLY
This I’ve got to hear.
LEE
As you know, they tried to con me by airing fake news reports.
AMANDA
Yes.
LEE
The reports were good, and they actually had me believing a year had passed.
Billy and Amanda nod their heads.
LEE (continued)
Well, one of the reports mentioned Gorbachev and President Reagan meeting at Camp David.
He pauses to let this sink in for a moment.
AMANDA
Oh!
LEE
Yep. If a year had really passed like they wanted me to believe, the United States would have already held their presidential election and we would have had a new president.
Billy shakes his head in disbelief.
AMANDA
Well, all I can add is, God bless the U.S.A.
CLOSE ON ALL THREE OF THEM; all smiles, we. . . FREEZE FRAME
FADE OUT:
THE END
PROLOGUE
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
The scene opens with dark, wet pavement. Soon a wheel drives over a puddle, kicking up water.
EXT. AMBULANCE – NIGHT
An ambulance speeds down the road. SIREN blaring, races PAST CAMERA. We are obviously somewhere in Europe as noted by the street signs and the ambulance siren.
ON AMBULANCE
Takes a corner.
INT. AMBULANCE - NIGHT
We see an ambulance ATTENDANT/CHRISTOFOROS standing over a man lying on a gurney. The man is covered with a grey blanket and has an oxygen mask over his mouth. The man gets agitated, thrashes about, and begins to fight with the ambulance attendant. He rips off the mask and we see it is LEE STETSON. The attendant is speaking to him, but Lee doesn’t understand what he is saying.
FROM LEE’S POV
Lee tries to focus on what is happening to him. His vision is doubled and blurred.
LEE
(struggling to speak)
Where am I?
ATTENDANT
(in Greek)
Párte mia éfkoli, kýrie. (Take it easy, Sir.)
(beat)
Ta pánta tha eínai entáxei. (Everything is going to be all right.)
LEE
(chokes out)
Fam-ily?
He then loses consciousness.
FADE TO BLACK
ACT ONE
EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. JEFFERSON MEMORIAL – NIGHT (STOCK PHOTO)
SUPERIMPOSE “EARLIER”
EXT. AGENCY GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE – NIGHT
WIDE SHOT – Camera then zooms to the upper Agency window.
INT. Q-BUREAU – NIGHT
Lee and AMANDA are sitting at their desks. The lights are dim and it appears they are wrapping up for the night. Lee is leaning back in his chair, reading a file, and Amanda is busy typing away on her computer keyboard. Amanda stops her typing, briefly reads what she wrote, nods her head in approval and, after standing up, she turns off the monitor. Lee looks up affectionately at his wife.
AMANDA
Well, another year of “Spring Cleaning” in the can.
LEE
Terrific. Let’s get out of here before Billy finds something else for us to do. Shall we?
Lee then stands up and grabs his wife’s jacket off the coat rack and helps her into her jacket. They are about to leave when BILLY MELROSE enters the room.
BILLY
Calling it an evening?
LEE
(growls)
Billy. You better not have any work for us. We haven’t seen our family in over a week.
Billy waves him off.
BILLY
No. But you haven’t perchance heard from Leeland lately?
AMANDA
From Cryptology?
Billy nods.
LEE
Last I heard he was enjoying retirement.
BILLY
Semi-retirement. We still call him in from time to time.
(beat)
However, we heard through the grapevine there’s a price on his head.
AMANDA
What?
LEE
You’re kidding?
AMANDA
We’re talking about geeky Leeland Hutto, right? Why would anyone want to hurt that sweet man?
Billy shrugs his shoulders.
BILLY
All we know for sure is he has gone off the wire.
He walks toward a world map behind Amanda’s desk. He points at the map.
BILLY (continued)
Last we heard he was somewhere in the Mediterranean, maybe Italy, Cyprus, or perhaps Greece.
AMANDA
When I was in college and taking drama classes, I learned the English language borrowed a lot from the Greeks. For instance, the word drama comes from the Greek term meaning action and the word theater comes from theatron, which literally is viewing place. Even the word alphabet was borrowed combining the names of the first two Greek letters, alpha and beta.
Billy and Lee stare at her.
AMANDA
(slightly embarrassed)
I’m sorry, I haven’t rambled in a long time. I guess I really am tired.
BILLY
Understandable.
(beat)
Well, keep your eyes and ears open.
LEE
We always do.
Billy leaves.
CLOSE ON LEE
He appears to be in deep thought.
AMANDA (O.C.)
Earth to Lee.
LEE
Huh?
AMANDA
Where did you go? You seemed to be a thousand miles away.
LEE
I was just thinking.
AMANDA
What are you up to, Stetson?
LEE
Nothing.
AMANDA
Uh-huh.
LEE
Really.
(beat)
I just need to stop at Billy’s office for a second.
Amanda gives him a doubtful look.
LEE (continued)
Go home. I’ll catch a cab or get a ride home from Billy, okay?
(beat)
I’ll been home soon.
He gives her a quick kiss.
AMANDA
Well, all right, but I still think you’re up to something.
LEE
Who me?
CLOSE ON AMANDA
Amanda rolls her eyes.
QUICK CUT
EXT. 4247 MAPLEWOOD DRIVE – NIGHT
CLOSE ON the 4247 yard sign and then PULL BACK for FULL SHOT of the exterior and yard of the home of Lee and Amanda Stetson.
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
DOTTY and Amanda are hurrying about finishing getting dinner ready. Amanda hands JAMIE a stack of dishes to take into the dining room. PHILLIP grabs a gallon of milk from the refrigerator and takes it into the dining room.
We hear the FRONT DOOR open and close. Then Lee comes into the kitchen. He kisses his mother-in-law on the cheek and then does the same to his wife.
DOTTY
Dinner is almost ready, Son.
LEE
Smells wonderful.
(beat)
But would you mind if I borrowed Amanda for a minute?
DOTTY
No problem. The casserole needs about five more minutes.
Lee takes Amanda’s hand and leads her into the family room.
INT. FAMILY ROOM
LEE
Sit down.
Amanda sits down on the couch.
AMANDA
You ARE up to something. Spill it.
LEE
Now, I didn’t make any specific plans.
AMANDA
(shaking her head)
Lee.
LEE
What Billy said got me thinking. We both have been working very hard and haven’t see much of the family.
Lee pulls a couple brochures from his coat pocket.
LEE (continued)
How about a family vacation to Greece aboard a cruise ship? Exploring ancient ruins, visiting the birthplace of western civilization, the Colossus of Rhodes, the classical city of Athens.
AMANDA
Lee Stetson, you will stop right now. We are not bringing the family along on a mission.
LEE
It’s not a mission. Fact finding, nothing else. We’ll just be keeping our eyes and ears open and if we locate Leeland, we’ll alert Billy.
Amanda mulls over what Lee has told her.
AMANDA
Nothing more to it.
LEE
Nothing more to it.
AMANDA
Greece, huh?
LEE
A vacation of a lifetime.
She almost caves, but then becomes practical again.
AMANDA
Sweetheart, we don’t need an expensive vacation. Just spending some time at home would be enough.
(beat)
And what about school?
LEE
The boys will be on spring break, so they would only miss maybe a day or two of school.
(beat)
Think of the real world history lesson the boys could learn on this trip.
(another beat)
In addition, I think we could use this family time. Kind of as a peace offering for everything the family has gone through this past year, as well as forgiveness for the mystery marriage fiasco. Even though they have been really good about accepting you, me. . . us.
(another beat)
Please.
Lee smiles, his dimples showing.
Amanda is thinking about it. In the background, we see Dotty, Phillip, and Jamie. Dotty has her arms around each of the boys. They too are waiting for Amanda’s answer. Lee and Amanda are not aware they are eavesdropping.
AMANDA
All right, we can go to Greece.
DOTTY
All of us?
Lee and Amanda spin around, seeing their family standing on the threshold.
AMANDA
Some spies we are.
(beat)
All right, family meeting. Lee has something to tell us.
The family gathers around in the family room.
LEE
Really not much to say, since you guys heard most of what I was telling your mother. But pack your bags, we’re going to Greece.
EVERYONE
Hooray!
Hugs and everyone talking at once.
CUT TO
EXT. CRUISE SHIP – DAY
WIDE SHOT A cruise ship sailing on the Mediterranean Sea.
EXT. CRUISE SHIP – SUN DECK – DAY
People mingling on the sun deck, some are strolling along the deck, while others sit at the poolside bar. There is a pool grill, too. In the center is the pool, with a hot tub at one end. CAMERA focuses on Amanda, who is sitting in a lounge chair. She is dressed in a one-piece bathing suit and wrap, also sunglasses and sun hat. On a side table next to her is a tropical drink, which a little umbrella. She is reading a book and stops to take a sip of her drink. Dotty carrying a couple shopping bags walks up to her.
DOTTY
Amanda, you wouldn’t believe the amazing things you can find at those little boutiques.
AMANDA
Glad to see you’re having a good time, Mother.
DOTTY
Athens was just incredible. I mean, walking through all those historic archaeological sites, and seeing the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater. Just incredible! Although, I think Lee probably knew as much about the sites we toured as our tour guide.
(beat)
Never in a thousand years did I ever dream I would visit Greece.
Dotty sits down in a lounger next to Amanda.
DOTTY (continued)
By the way, where is Lee?
AMANDA
My three boys are in the pool.
She gestures toward the pool. Lee, Phillip, and Jamie are now seen in the background, horse playing in the pool.
ON LEE
Lee stops when he realizes Amanda is focused on him; he turns to look at her and smiles. Phillip uses this to his advantage, as he splashes Lee. Lee retaliates.
ON DOTTY AND AMANDA
Dotty and Amanda laugh at their antics.
AMANDA
Boys will be boys.
A moment later, Lee climbs out of the pool and wraps a towel around his waist; he then walks over to Amanda. He shakes out some water, getting Amanda wet.
AMANDA
(scolding)
Lee!
Laughing, he then sits in the lounger next to her and leans back into her lap.
LEE
You should have joined us in the pool. The water felt great.
DOTTY
I think she just felt how great it was with you dripping all over her.
LEE
Aw, Dotty are you feeling left out?
He jokes and leans forward to embrace her.
DOTTY
Don’t you dare!
They laugh and watch the boys approach them.
PHILLIP
Hey, Lee, we’re going to grab some ice cream. Want to come with us?
LEE
You bet.
He gets up and the three of them walk toward the pool grill. Amanda shakes her head as she watches them walk away.
AMANDA
I hope they don’t expect to eat like this when we get back home.
DOTTY
Let them have fun. This was a really good idea Lee had of taking us all on vacation.
AMANDA
I have to agree with you on that, Mother. It’s been nice seeing Jamie come out of his shell.
DOTTY
This has been good for all of them. Knowing enough about Lee’s past, it’s good to see him making some fun memories.
(beat)
Joe tries, but Lee really has taken an interest in the boys’ lives.
(another beat)
See, I told you it would be good to have a man around the house again.
AMANDA
Mo-ther.
Dotty gives a dismissive wave of the hand.
DOTTY
Have you thought about having another baby?
Amanda, who has just taken another sip of her drinks, almost chokes.
AMANDA
What?
DOTTY
Lee is so good with the boys. I just was wondering if you two had decided to add to the family.
AMANDA
Well, we really haven’t talked about it.
There is a long pause.
AMANDA (continued)
I would love to have a baby with Lee. I agree, he would make a great father. However, the boys are almost grown, and I don’t think it would be fair to the child to have siblings so far apart. Second, I’m not as young as I was when I had Phillip or Jamie. In addition, the nature of our job doesn’t afford us much of the opportunity for a baby. You know I’ve worked hard to get where I am today. A baby would change everything.
DOTTY
Think about it, that’s all I ask.
A moment later, the three boys come back. They each are eating triple scoop ice cream cones.
JAMIE
Mom, we’re going to go to the arcade.
AMANDA
Okay, Fellas. Have fun.
LEE
Remember this evening we are all eating in the formal dining hall. So be ready to go at 8:00 pm.
PHILLIP
Sure, Lee.
Phillip and Jamie exit.
Lee has now sat down next to his wife.
AMANDA
Are you sure you saved room for dinner?
She pokes him in the stomach.
LEE
Hey.
AMANDA
I don’t think you are going to fit into those swim trunks much longer if you keep this up.
LEE
Don’t you worry, I know a fantastic exercise program that involves you as a partner.
He winks.
Dotty clears her throat, while Amanda blushes.
QUICK CUT
EXT. RHODES, GREECE – DAY (ESTABLISHING)
Arial shots of Rhodes, Greece including the Palace of the Masters, the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Temple of Athena, and Mandraki harbor.
EXT. RHODES GENERAL HOSPITAL – DAY
A general public medical hospital.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
The CAMERA starts on a razor close to Lee’s neck. PULL BACK to reveal a young “candy striper” hospital volunteer NURSE KYRA (Similar to a Bedside Bluebell) dressed in a pink jumper and short-sleeved blouse. She is giving Lee a sponge bath.
She begins to dab his face with a towel when she is momentarily startled by Lee suddenly grabbing her arm.
LEE
(mumbling)
A-man-da.
NURSE KYRA
Epitrépste mou na párei to giatró. (Let me get the doctor.)
She quickly exits the room.
A second later, Doctor VASILIS MIKOS enters the room with the young volunteer nurse. The doctor is Greek, in his late 40s, with a little greying of his hair, and speaks with a slight accent. He is standing over Lee.
LEE’S POV
His vision is doubled and blurred as he tries to focus on the room.
VASILIS MIKOS
(to Lee)
Welcome back.
(to nurse; in Greek)
Áse mas. (Leave us.)
The nurse leaves.
VASILIS MIKOS (continued)
Do you know your name?
LEE
Yes.
VASILIS MIKOS
And what is it?
There is a long pause.
LEE
Lee. Lee Stetson.
VASILIS MIKOS
Good. Very good. My name is Dr. Mikos.
(beat)
Do you know where you are, Mr. Stetson?
Lee looks around the room.
LEE
Hospital.
VASILIS MIKOS
Yes, correct you are in the hospital.
CLOSE ON LEE
He’s “remembering” things.
INTERCUT:
Scenes flash through his mind, distorted images and memories from Lee’s POV. Happy moments with his wife and sons, brief family moments on vacation, then a brilliant white light and the sound of metal CRUNCHING.
BACK TO SCENE
LEE
Why am I here?
VASILIS MIKOS
You don’t remember? Some amnesia is not surprising.
(beat)
You were in a terrible accident. Drunk driver hit your car head on.
LEE
How long have I been here? What day is today?
VASILIS MIKOS
April 8th.
LEE
Are you telling me I’ve been out for 48-hours?
VASILIS MIKOS
No, you’ve been in a coma for over a year. The date is April 8, 1989.
There is another very long pause.
LEE
A year?
The doctor nods his head.
LEE
Where’s my family?
Another long pause.
LEE (continued)
(frantic)
What aren’t you telling me, Doc?
Lee begins to thrash about.
VASILIS MIKOS
Take it easy, Mr. Stetson. Your body has been lying dormant for over a year, and your muscles have forgotten how to work. I’m actually a little surprised you hadn’t forgotten how to talk. After your accident, we had to put you into a medically induced coma. However, your paralysis is temporary and should wear off once the drugs leave your system.
ON LEE
Disbelieving what he is hearing.
VASILIS MIKOS (continues)
(hesitates for a moment)
I’m sorry to tell you, Lee. As for your family, I’m afraid you were the only survivor.
LEE
No.
(beat; shaking his head)
No way.
(another beat; firmly)
NO!
Lee blinks back tears, threatening to fall.
VASILIS MIKOS
I’m sorry for your loss.
(beat)
I’ll check back in on you later today.
Lee, still in shock, shakes his head again. He turns away.
LEE
(almost in a whisper)
A-man. . .
QUICK CUT
BILLY (O.C.)
. . . da. I really don’t think you should be here.
EXT. LAKE KALOKERINO (RHODES, GREECE) – DAY
A lake on the island of Rhodes. In the background, a tow truck is lifting a car out of the murky waters. Billy and Amanda watch the car being pulled from the lake. There are several Hellenic police cars surrounding the scene.
AMANDA
No, Sir. I need to know.
A POLICEMAN on the scene walks up to them.
POLICEMAN
We have pulled the Stetsons’ rental car from the lake, but there is no sign of your missing agent. I will have divers within the hour searching the lake. Sorry it’s not better news.
He tips his hat.
POLICEMAN (continued)
Sir, Ma’am.
BILLY
Amanda, why don’t I take you back to the hotel?
AMANDA
He’s all right. I know it. I would feel it if he wasn’t, wouldn’t I?
Distraught, Amanda walks toward the Agency loaner car.
ON BILLY
BILLY
Yeah, I believe you would.
ON CAR
CLOSE ON AMANDA
Looking very distraught, staring out the window; we. . .
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. BASILICA CISTERN (TURKEY) – DAY
Lee, Amanda, Dotty, Phillip, and Jamie are taking a tour of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. A TOUR GUIDE is leading the Stetson-King family and a few extra people (tourists) on this tour. They all stop.
TOUR GUIDE
The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. It was constructed using 336 marbled columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and other structures.
DOTTY
Stunning, just absolutely stunning.
TOUR GUIDE
You are in for a treat as the Basilica has only just opened to the public a few months ago.
(beat)
Step into the darkness and let your eyes adjust.
The LIGHTS in the chamber entrance DIM. The group is in pitch blackness for a moment. Lee sucks in his breath. Then the lights turn UP again. Lee opens his eyes to see Amanda has taken a hold of his hand, squeezing it, giving him strength. He then notices the rest of his family and sees everyone has taken a hold of each other’s hands, to give him additional strength. He is very touched by this.
LEE
Thanks.
AMANDA
Anytime, Big Fella.
TOUR GUIDE
Therefore, I suggest very strongly that we stay together as a group. These catacombs have hundreds of chambers and we don’t want anyone getting lost.
The group continues to follow their tour guide.
TOUR GUIDE (continued)
This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. It was created for a water sanctuary and flooded with 80,000 cubic meters of water. . .
QUICK CUT
EXT. GRAND BAZAAR (ISTANBUL, TURKEY)– DAY
The family now walks down the streets of Istanbul near the Grand Bazaar. They are all taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the market. Phillip and Jamie are several feet in front of the other three. The bazaar is bustling with activity.
Amanda hollers at the boys.
AMANDA
Fellas, don’t get too far ahead of us.
Phillip and Jamie wave back.
LEE
(to Amanda)
Relax, Amanda. They’re fine.
(to Phillip and Jamie)
If we get separated, just meet us back at the cruise ship. Don’t be late.
The boys exit.
DOTTY
Oh, Amanda. Just look at all this architecture. I just can’t find the words to describe how beautiful this city really is.
AMANDA
I agree, Mother.
Dotty stops in front of a vendor selling cloth. She admires the material. She speaks with the VENDOR.
DOTTY
Such fine material. Astoundingly beautiful. Lovely, just lovely.
(to Lee and Amanda)
I wish in America cities would hold bazaars and farmer’s markets. That’s the problem in America, everything has become so impersonal.
VENDOR
(accent)
You like?
DOTTY
Yes, very much. But I think I have spent too much already on this trip.
LEE
Dotty, let me.
DOTTY
No, Lee. I couldn’t. You’ve already done so much.
LEE
I insist.
(beat)
Call it a payment for raising an amazing daughter.
He gestures and speaks a little Turkish to the vendor. They haggle over the price for a moment and then the vendor agrees and wraps up the material for them to take. Lee hands the package to Dotty.
DOTTY
Thanks, Son.
LEE
It’s the least I can do for my favorite mother-in-law.
DOTTY
You sweet-talker.
At that moment, a BLIND MAN walking with a cane, approaches Lee.
BLIND MAN
I need to return some video tapes.
Lee immediately recognizes the code phrase.
LEE
Are they all rewound?
The Blind Man then hands Lee a folded piece of paper.
LEE
Who are you?
BLIND MAN
A friend of a friend of a friend of a friend.
The blind man walks off. Lee opens the note and reads.
AMANDA
What does it say?
LEE
It’s in code.
DOTTY
Oh, real cloak and dagger stuff.
AMANDA
Really, Mother.
DOTTY
Well, what else would you call it?
Lee shrugs. Then reading off the piece of paper.
LEE
“Perhaps a woman, but never a man,
I cannot be reached by land,
Many cousins, some Greek to me,
To break this riddle, I am the key.”
DOTTY
A riddle. Too bad your father isn’t here. He was so good at riddles and crossword puzzles.
AMANDA
Yes, Daddy was good.
(beat)
Hmm? A woman, but not a man?
LEE
Can’t be reached by land? Many cousins? I've got nothing.
There is a long pause.
AMANDA
Honestly, I don’t know, it’s all Greek to me.
Dotty snaps her fingers.
DOTTY
That’s it. I know. The answer is Greece.
LEE
Huh?
DOTTY
Sure. The riddle is actually referring to an island, and Greece has many islands, and “key” is just another word for island.
Both Lee and Amanda look at Dotty in disbelief.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Lee is lying in bed, watching television. Mostly out of boredom. The channel is on a 24-hour news channel and the NEWSCASTER drones on.
ON TELEVISION
NEWSCASTER
(filtered)
“Coming up next, Canada and the United States continue discussions on a new trade agreement. The last of Russian troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan. And, in entertainment news, CDs outsell vinyl records. Is this the end of an era? This is CSN news. We’ll be right back after this commercial break.”
A commercial for Pan Am Airways comes on. Lee turns off the television set.
Nurse Kyra enters the room and places a tray of food in front of him and then plumps up his pillows. She doesn’t say a word, but quickly exits.
Lee lifts up the cover on the food.
ON PLATE
He sees it’s pot roast. He stares at it in disbelief, and then flings the tray out of his way. The food splatters to the floor.
ON LEE
He’s barely holding it together.
Dr. Mikos enters the room. He notices the mess on the floor.
VASILIS MIKOS
I’ll call for the janitor to clean that up.
LEE
I’m sorry about that.
VASILIS MIKOS
Don’t be.
He puts a comforting hand on Lee’s shoulder.
VASILIS MIKOS (continued)
You have experienced a great loss. Would you like me to have the hospital chaplain come in to speak with you?
Lee shakes his head. He takes a moment to pull himself together.
LEE
No.
The doctor removes Lee's chart from the bedpost and reads through his chart for a few moments.
VASILIS MIKOS
How are you doing today, Mr. Stetson?
LEE
Getting some movement back. I can move my arms now, but my legs are still numb.
The doctor nods his head, scribbles something down and puts the chart back.
VASILIS MIKOS
Give it time.
He does an examination of Lee. Lifting the sheet off his legs, he tests Lee’s reflexes and briefly smiles.
VASILIS MIKOS (continued)
Good. Good. I’m hopeful we will be having you walking in a day or two.
Lee nods his head.
LEE
When can I make a phone call?
VASILIS MIKOS
You have someone you need to call?
LEE
Friends back home, maybe my uncle.
VASILIS MIKOS
Yes, of course. Sorry, phone service is very spotty here on the island, but once the lines are open again, I will make sure the nurse lets you know you can call out.
(beat)
In the meantime, there has been a lady from the National Intelligence Service who would like to speak to you. Should I invite her in?
LEE
What the hell do they want?
The doctor shrugs his shoulders.
VASILIS MIKOS
I don’t know, but she’s been very insistent about wanting to talk to you.
Lee sighs heavily.
LEE
Sure, bring her in.
The doctor opens the door.
A moment later, Agent AUDREY COOPER enters. She’s in her late 20s to early 30s, blonde, perky, and dressed professionally in a skirt, blouse, and matching jacket. Kind of a younger version of Francine.
AUDREY COOPER
(to the doctor)
I would like a few minutes alone with your patient, Dr. Mikos.
VASILIS MIKOS
Of course. But keep the conversation short.
Audrey Cooper nods her head and the doctor exits.
AUDREY COOPER
Agent Stetson, I’ve heard so much about you. Nice to finally meet you, although I wish it was under better circumstances.
Lee briefly nods his head.
LEE
Please, it’s Lee. What can I do for you, umm—
AUDREY COOPER
I’m sorry, it’s Audrey Cooper from the National Intelligence Service.
Lee raises an eyebrow.
AUDREY COOPER
Yes, I know, too American for the NIS and all that. I was raised a military brat and finally settled in Greece right after college.
(beat)
I understand you were raised by an uncle in the Air Force.
Lee just nods his head.
LEE
Yes.
AUDREY COOPER
Well then, let’s get down to brass tacks, as we Americans say, shall we?
She sits down in a chair next to his bedside and takes out a notebook.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
I have been on the phone with your supervisor, Mr. Melrose. But now I would like to hear your side of the story.
LEE
(confused)
My side of the story?
AUDREY COOPER
Why you were in Greece?
LEE
My family and I were on a vacation.
(long pause)
I can’t believe they’re gone.
(another beat)
What happened to them?
AUDREY COOPER
Their bodies were shipped back to the United States. Your Mr. Melrose and the American Embassy took care of all that.
Lee nods his head, numbly.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
Now. I want you to think back to the day of the accident. You decided to not get back on the cruise ship, rented a car, and stayed behind in Rhodes. Why?
LEE
What business is that of yours?
Audrey Cooper pauses for a moment, before continuing.
AUDREY COOPER
We have reason to believe the car accident that killed your family was not an accident?
CLOSE ON LEE
HOLD ON HIM for several moments. He’s obviously lost in memories of his family. Lee hears the voices of his family; sound montage.
AMANDA (V.O.)
"This? Oh, nothing. This is free. It's the negative that's going to cost you."
DOTTY (V.O.)
"Tell me Lee. . . are you familiar with the fourth dimension theory of laundry?"
PHILLIP (V.O.)
"Yeah! And you said Mom was running late. We’ll waste away before dinner is ready."
JAMIE (V.O.)
"Welcome to the family, Lee."
AMANDA (V.O.)
"Now wait a minute. You can't just walk into my life, hand me a package, tell me to give it to the man in the red hat, tell me that you love me and walk out of my life again."
PRESENT TIME
AUDREY COOPER
(calling his name)
Mr. Stetson. Lee.
LEE
Huh?
AUDREY COOPER
You left for a while. Are you okay? Should I go get the doctor?
LEE
No. I’m all right. Has it really been a year?
There is a long pause.
AUDREY COOPER
Yes.
(beat)
I’m truly sorry for your loss.
She puts a comforting hand on his leg.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
I’m going to need your full cooperation so we can get to the bottom of this investigation and I assume you want to know what happened to your family.
Lee nods his head.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
Okay, then. Tell me everything you remember.
Audrey Cooper is doodling in her notebook. Lee watches her drawing and gets lost in a memory.
LEE’S POV – LEE FLASHES BACK TO A SCENE FROM “NIGHT CRAWLER” (FLASHBACK)
INT. LEELAND HUTTO’S AGENCY CUBICAL – DAY
Lee sits with Hutto in a cubical in the crypto section. His desk is clear except for a foolscap pad, a Banberry Jelly jar full of pencils, and a hand crank pencil sharper. While he talks, Hutto continuously jots down on his pad, sharping a pencil or taking a new one often.
LEE
I want you to keep this thing quiet, Leeland. I don't want you to trot it out one night at your Banberry Society.
HUTTO
(raps on jelly jar)
You know the Crypto motto: the riddle's the thing.
(beat)
I can keep my trap shut.
LEE
Then how did he spot Amanda? We were both supposed to be under Contact Zero.
HUTTO
Perhaps the Cat's Eye principle.
LEE
The what?
HUTTO
In the dark there's light. . . but you can't see it, until you see it in a cat's eye.
LEE
It's like an obverse prism. . .
HUTTO
You have a stolidly literal head on your shoulders, don't you, Son? Think inside the puzzle. Like Addi Birol, he couldn't see light until he saw the cat see.
LEE
See what?
HUTTO
(shows his doodle)
When a woman is in love, she sees with special eyes.
The doodle is an Escher-like maze of hearts.
Lee looks back at Leeland, understanding.
LEE
Yeah, sure. Sure. She yelled out my name at the airport because that was the only way for her to save my life. Now. . . if Birol had us under surveillance. . . he might've seen.
Leeland smiles and picks up a pencil.
HUTTO
There's always a key.
BACK TO SCENE
LEE
Key?
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR – DAY
EXTREME CLOSE-UP ON A HOTEL KEY. Room number 401 is stamped on it.
CAMERA PULLS BACK to REVEAL Amanda placing the key into the doorknob and then opening the door.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Upper mid-range hotel suite with standard hotel furnishings. Amanda enters the room and spies her mother, Dotty, sitting on a sofa, trying to work on a crossword puzzle. She places the crossword puzzle book down on a table.
DOTTY
Any news?
AMANDA
No. Nothing new.
DOTTY
Come sit down. Let me make you a cup of coffee.
Dotty walks over to a small kitchenette area that includes a coffee maker. She begins to make some coffee.
DOTTY (continued)
I absolutely refuse to believe Lee Stetson is not coming back to us. And you shouldn’t either.
AMANDA
I haven’t given up hope yet, Mother.
DOTTY
He’s too stubborn to die.
Amanda slowly nods her head.
AMANDA
Where are the boys?
DOTTY
I sent them downstairs to that little bistro to grab something to eat.
(beat)
But I’m not sure they will eat anything, with them being worried about Lee.
AMANDA
I’m not sure I could eat anything either.
DOTTY
(motherly)
Now, Amanda, you need your strength to find that husband of yours. What would Lee think if he saw you moping around, not taking care of yourself?
AMANDA
You’re right, Mother.
DOTTY
Good. Now that’s settled. Do you still need to do this assignment or whatever you call it?
AMANDA
Yes.
(beat)
He’s running scared and won’t meet with anyone but Lee or I.
DOTTY
But-
AMANDA
Don’t worry, Mother. I’m not going to go by myself. Mr. Melrose will be with me.
DOTTY
This isn’t a riddle or puzzle, Amanda. It’s a dangerous game you are playing.
EXTREME CLOSE-UP ON CROSSWORD PUZZLE BOOK; we. . .
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
EXT. CRUISE SHIP (AT SEA) – NIGHT
On the cruise ship as it passes under a moonlit and starry night sky.
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S CABIN – NIGHT
Lee and Amanda have just returned to their cabin. They are dressed in formalwear. Not long after they entered the room, Lee grabs Amanda and crushes her to him. They kiss deeply.
AMANDA
Wow!
LEE
There’s more where that came from.
He winks.
AMANDA
Let me go check on the boys.
LEE
No, let me. You get ready for bed. I’ll be right back.
Amanda nods her head, and then notices a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket.
AMANDA
Champagne. You thought of everything.
LEE
I would be failing my job as a husband if I hadn’t.
Amanda then notices an envelope on the tray. She opens the envelope and a piece of paper falls out.
AMANDA
What’s this?
She tries to decipher the note, gives up and hands it to Lee.
LEE
Not another riddle?
AMANDA
I’m afraid so.
Lee reads the note aloud.
LEE
“I turn my head, and you may go where you want. I turn it again, and you'll stay till you rot.”
AMANDA
Well, that’s a conundrum?
LEE
Conundrum? The riddle’s the thing. . .
Leeland’s voice overlaps Lee.
LEELAND (V.O.)
. . . Not the reason for it, the conundrum, not the cause, the cipher not the sense.
LEE
I know who is sending us these riddles.
AMANDA
Who?
LEE
They’re from Leeland. He’s trying to tell us something.
(beat)
Well, Mrs. Stetson, you aced your cryptology exam. Any ideas?
QUICK CUT
EXT. HOTEL BALCONY (RHODES, GREECE)– NIGHT
The moon is reflecting off the shimmering water. Amanda is leaning over the railing looking out toward the ocean, lost in thought.
ON AMANDA
Memories of her and Lee flash before her eyes. A lone tear escapes and rolls down her cheek.
BACK
A hand reaches out and touches her. Amanda jumps, startled.
JAMIE
Sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to make you jump.
Her hand is on her chest.
AMANDA
It’s okay.
(beat)
Why aren’t you in bed, Young Man?
JAMIE
(timidly; eyes downcast)
I couldn’t sleep.
(beat)
I just can’t believe he’s really gone.
Amanda wraps her arms around Jamie.
AMANDA
Don’t give up hope, Jamie. The authorities have not found a body yet.
JAMIE
Mom, I’m really sorry I was so hard on him at the beginning. I just wasn’t ready for — well, you know.
AMANDA
Sweetheart, Lee understood.
(beat)
He loves you.
JAMIE
I know.
CLOSE ON AMANDA AND JAMIE; as mother and son hold on to each other.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – NIGHT
Lee is lying in bed reading a book. The only light in the room is a reading light above the bed. There is a soft KNOCK on the door, and Audrey Cooper enters the room.
AUDREY COOPER
How are you feeling now, Lee?
LEE
Better. Sorry about earlier. I was tired and confused.
AUDREY COOPER
That’s understandable. My attempt is not to push you to the breaking point.
(beat)
Now, should we try again?
Lee nods his head and Audrey sits down at a chair next to the bed.
LEE
What is it you would like to know?
AUDREY COOPER
Tell me about the night of the accident.
LEE
I can’t remember.
(long pause)
No, wait, I think I remember something. I was downstairs having a drink at the hotel bar.
INT. BAR – NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Lee is sitting at a barstool at the counter, drinking Scotch.
LEE (V.O.)
Amanda and I had had a fight. And I needed to walk away, clear my head.
The BARTENDER approaches him.
BARTENDER
Another one, Sir?
LEE
Yeah, keep them coming.
The bartender fixes the drink and places the glass down in front of Lee. Lee takes out some money and pays the man, before taking a sip of the alcohol.
AUDREY COOPER (V.O.)
Were you drunk?
LEE (V.O.)
No, but had quite the buzz.
There is a very long pause.
A MAN walks into the bar and sits down. (Note: The same man who was the ambulance attendant from earlier, but Lee does not make the connection).
LEE (V.O.)
(continued)
I remember a man sitting down at the bar next to me a few minutes later.
AUDREY COOPER (V.O.)
Okay, tell me about him?
LEE (V.O.)
Not much to tell. He ordered a drink; whiskey, I think? Appeared to be waiting for someone. He spoke briefly to me.
INT. HOTEL BAR (FLASHBACK)
The man reaches into his pocket and takes out a cigarette and then turns to Lee.
CHRISTOFOROS
Excuse me, do you have a lighter?
LEE
No, sorry I don’t smoke.
CHRISTOFOROS
Oh, well, nasty habit anyway. The wife has been nagging me to give them up.
(beat)
I don’t know about you, my friend, but as much as I love my wife, I sure do miss the carefree bachelor days. Now it’s all nagging about getting the “Honey do” chores done. Honey, take out the garage. Honey, put away the dishes. Honey, mow the lawn.
(another beat)
Women!
He places the package of cigarettes back into his coat pocket. He then raises his glass and clinks glasses with Lee.
LEE
Women.
They both throw back their drink.
CHRISTOFOROS
Wives.
LEE
Yeah, wives.
They finish their drinks.
CHRISTOFOROS
Here, let me buy you another drink.
LEE
You don’t need to do that.
CHRISTOFOROS
No, I insist. I really don’t like drinking alone.
The man grabs the bartender’s attention.
CHRISTOFOROS (continued)
Another Scotch on the rocks for my friend here.
The bartender nods his head and fills the order and then places the glass down in front of Lee. Lee takes a drink, then appears very dizzy.
CHRISTOFOROS
Are you okay? You don’t look too good.
Lee stands up and the staggers back. The man catches him and smiles at the bartender.
PRESENT TIME
LEE
I remember feeling a little dizzy and then I don’t remember anything after that. I don’t remember going back to my room or getting into the car.
(beat)
But I must have.
(another beat)
I can see myself in the driver’s seat. I see Amanda sitting next to me in the passenger seat. She’s laughing and as beautiful as ever. Then, I see a bright light.
(another beat)
What’s this idiot doing? Oh my Lord, he’s going to hit us.
He hears the CRUSHING sound of metal again.
There is another long pause.
ON LEE
He looks lost, dejected.
AUDREY COOPER
I know this is hard, as I understand you lost your parents in a very similar manner, too.
(beat)
We have reason to believe the two men at the bar were there to extract information from you regarding your latest mission.
LEE
Mission? What mission? We were on vacation.
AUDREY COOPER
Okay. Let’s try another angle. You said you had had a fight with your wife. What was it about?
LEE
Umm? Amanda could be so stubborn. We had a disagreement on how we were going to extract Leeland.
AUDREY COOPER
Leeland Hutto? The cryptologist from the Agency?
Lee nods his head.
LEE
Leeland had been sending us a series of riddles that we finally figured out he was talking about quay.
AUDREY COOPER
Key?
She shrugs her shoulders.
AUDREY COOPER (continued)
Like a car or house key?
Lee shakes his head.
LEE
No, quay. Q-U-A-Y. Which is just another word for dock, wharf, or pier.
(beat)
We were supposed to meet him at the Kamiros Quay.
(another beat)
There we were to. . .
There is another long pause.
LEE (continued)
By the way, what happened to Leeland?
AUDREY COOPER
He was found murdered in Athens.
Lee is crestfallen.
LEE
May I have a moment alone?
She pats him on the leg.
AUDREY COOPER
Of course.
(beat)
I know this is difficult; get some rest.
She exits.
ON LEE
He leans back onto the pillows and closes his eyes.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
Audrey walks toward the nurse’s station where Dr. Mikos is leaning against.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – NURSE’S STATION
VASILIS MIKOS
You took a huge risk going back in there?
AUDREY COOPER
You are lucky I took the risk.
VASILIS MIKOS
Did you learn anything?
She looks at her watch.
AUDREY COOPER
Yes. And we have less than four hours until Scarecrow and Mrs. King are supposed to meet Mr. Hutto.
VASILIS MIKOS
So my job is done? Can I expect my payment soon?
AUDREY COOPER
Yes, Dr. Mikos, the KGB appreciates your help in this matter and you will be rewarded handsomely once we have Leeland Hutto in custody.
VASILIS MIKOS
And what happens to Stetson?
AUDREY COOPER
Kill him.
They both start walking down the hallway.
VASILIS MIKOS
That will cost you more.
AUDREY COOPER
Of course.
They both exit out a hospital door to another part of the hospital.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
Kyra, the nurse we saw earlier, walks around the corner near the nurse’s station. She looks down the hall where Dr. Mikos and Audrey just exited and then at the door outside Lee’s room. We then see her turn on her heel and head back the way she came.
EMPTY HALLWAY; we. . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
INT. LEE’S HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Lee is sitting up in bed, watching television.
ON TELEVISION
NEWSCASTER
(filtered)
“President Ronald Reagan met with General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev at Camp David today to discuss the limited test ban treaty between the two counties. The President and the First Lady plan to hold a State dinner at the White House tomorrow evening as a goodwill gesture in honor of Gorbachev and his wife Raisa, who is also visiting the United States with her husband. And that is the news for April 9, 1989.”
Lee grabs the remote and turns off the television, before he settles back down. He almost has his eyes closed, when he sits up quickly.
ON LEE
Lee pulls back the blankets and cautiously swings his legs to the edge of the bed. Holding onto the bedrail, he pulls himself up. He fails. He tries again. Finally getting his footing, he manages to walk over to the television set and notices a cord hanging down from the set along the wall. He follows the cord and observes it is connected to a hidden VCR.
ON VCR
He pushes the eject button and a video tape ejects.
ON TAPE
Label reads “News – November, 9, 1989.”
BACK TO SCENE
Suddenly, Lee hears a noise out in the hallway.
He presses himself against the wall, hiding from whomever is entering his room, he swiftly grabs the person entering and shoves them against the wall. It is Nurse Kyra. Lee has his hand over her mouth, keeping her from screaming.
LEE
You?
He lets her go.
She hands him a newspaper and points to the date in the right-hand corner.
ON NEWSPAPER
The date reads April 9, 1988.
BACK TO SCENE
Lee nods his head.
LEE
Yeah, I already figured it out.
She looks at him, relieved.
LEE
Do you speak English?
NURSE KYRA
Yes.
LEE
Are you involved in this ruse?
NURSE KYRA
No. I saw the ambulance attendants bring you in, but instead of going straight to the emergency room, Dr. Mikos brought you here. Why?
LEE
They were after information I could provide. Information that would be meaningless a year later.
Nurse Kyra still has a confused look on her face.
LEE
I need to get out of here.
NURSE KYRA
Yes, I overhead Dr. Mikos talking with that woman. He plans to kill you now that you are longer any use to them.
LEE
Great. Just great.
He looks at his hospital attire, which is nothing more than a gown and pajama bottoms.
LEE (continued)
Can’t exactly get out of here dressed like this. They didn’t happen to leave behind any of my clothes?
Nurse Kyra shakes her head.
Dr. Mikos enters the room suddenly.
VASILIS MIKOS
You!
He lunges for Lee, who barely has the strength to stand. Lee falls to the floor. Dr. Mikos has a hypodermic needle in his hand and is about to stick Lee in the arm.
LEE
My family?
VASILIS MIKOS
Your family is not dead. . . well, at least not yet. But what will it matter, you soon will be.
Lee fights him back with all he’s got, but appears he is about to lose, when all of a sudden, Dr. Mikos is hit in the back of the head by Nurse Kyra using a bedpan. He is out cold.
Lee rolls the doctor off him and staggers back to his feet. He stares at Nurse Kyra, who is still holding the bedpan in her hands.
LEE
You wouldn’t happen to know my wife Amanda, do you?
OFF KYRA CONFUSED LOOK
CUT TO
EXT. KAMIROS QUAY (RHODES, GREECE)– DAY
A pier overlooking the Aegean Sea. An ancient port that is now a fishing village.
Billy and Amanda are standing at the pier.
ON FERRY
They both watch a ferry boat cutting through the water, heading toward the pier.
ON AMANDA AND BILLY
BILLY
How are you holding up?
AMANDA
Taking it a day at a time, Sir.
(beat)
I wish I never had agreed on this trip.
(another beat)
I don’t know how I am going to get through this if I’ve lost him. How I am ever going to be able to pick up the pieces again. If I just hadn’t fought with him that night he disappeared.
Billy gives her a look of sympathy.
Amanda, who looks like she is at her breaking point, then quickly schools her features.
AMANDA (continued)
(taking a deep breath)
Have you heard anything new?
BILLY
Divers dredged the lake, and didn’t find a body.
AMANDA
(sigh of relief)
Good. Then there’s still hope.
ON FERRY
As it docks.
EXT. KAMIROS QUAY
Amanda and Billy watch as passengers exit the ferry. Leeland is dressed like a tourist and is wearing a ball cap and sunglasses, hiding his eyes and face.
He walks down the pier and stops in front of Amanda and Billy, then takes off his hat and sunglasses.
HUTTO
Mr. Melrose, Mrs. King.
(beat)
Where’s Lee?
Before Amanda can answer, Audrey Cooper interrupts them. She is flanked on her right side by Christoforos, who we saw as the ambulance attendant and the man in the bar. She has a gun trained on them.
AUDREY COOPER
Lee Stetson is dead.
Amanda gasps.
AUDREY COOPER
Now, we’re on a bit of a tight schedule, so if you three don’t mind, follow me please.
In the background, we see Lee hiding behind some wooden fishing crates. He is not seen by the others.
ON LEE
Lee’s head peeks out to assess the enemy’s position. He surveys the scene looking for something he can use as a weapon. He spies a fishing net.
He peers over the crates again. And then leaps into action, launching himself over the crates and tossing the net over the man.
AMANDA/BILLY
(in unison)
Lee!
FIGHT SCENE
ON LEE
Lee is first to his feet. It’s a quick one-two punch and Christoforos is out for the count.
Meanwhile, Audrey is momentarily startled, which is just enough diversion for Amanda to take the upper hand.
With a karate chop, she manages to knock the gun out of Audrey Cooper’s hand. Billy pulls Leeland out of the way and then reaches for the gun. Audrey, who has gotten a few well-paced blows and kicks, is then knocked to the ground with a round house kick from Amanda. Before she can scramble up, Billy has her gun trained on her.
BILLY
Freeze.
Audrey, seeing she has been bested, complies.
From behind, the National Intelligence Service AGENTS arrive on scene in SEDANS SCREECHING to a stop. The agents climb out of the cars. Then a couple NIS agents round up Audrey and her partner in crime and haul them off. We see this action in the background as they load them into waiting cars.
Amanda runs up to Lee and throws her arms around him.
AMANDA
(muffled)
I knew you weren’t dead.
They then kiss.
Billy walks over to the couple.
BILLY
Man, are you a sight for sore eyes.
AMANDA
Billy told me not to give up hope. I’m so glad you’re alive. Are you all right? Are you hurt?
Amanda pulls away from him looking for cuts, bruises, broken bones.
AMANDA (continued)
How do you feel?
LEE
A year older.
He laughs at his own joke.
ON BILLY AND AMANDA’S CONFUSED FACES. . . FREEZE FRAME
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
INT. NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SERVICE OFFICE – DAY
Typical office setting for busy bullpen.
Lee and Amanda are sitting in chairs in the bullpen in front of a desk. They are holding hands. In the distance, they watch their section chief talk to his counterpart at the NIS. They shake hands.
Billy then walks over to them. And then settles down at the edge of the desk.
BILLY
Unbelievable. Quite the elaborate ruse the KGB put together.
LEE
Who was she?
BILLY
Audrey Cooper is a double agent. She came aboard about five years ago to keep tabs on the NIS and report to her superiors in Moscow.
AMANDA
But she doesn’t look Russian.
BILLY
That’s because she is only half-Russian. Her father was an American.
(beat)
It would have been quite the feather in her hat if she had succeeded in killing you, Scarecrow. And capturing not only Scarecrow’s partner, but his section chief, and Leeland.
AMANDA
All this so Lee would tell them where Leeland was?
BILLY
Yes.
LEE
So there was never a car accident?
BILLY
No. The bartender at the hotel drugged you. And while you were out, they played games with your subconscious making you believe you were actually in a car.
LEE
Yeah, I remember sounds, lights, images. But I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t.
BILLY
And they used that to their advantage.
LEE
The doctor?
BILLY
Dr. Mikos has been arrested. He faces charges of treason.
AMANDA
Why were they after Leeland in the first place?
BILLY
It would appear our own Leeland Hutto cracked the Soviet’s code, which allowed him to see a list of KGB agents operating in intelligence agencies all around Europe. Audrey Cooper’s name was on that list.
Lee whistles.
AMANDA
Lee, I have to ask; when did you realize it was all a con?
LEE
Actually, I have to give thanks to the 22nd amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.
AMANDA
The one that limits the President to two terms?
LEE
Yep.
BILLY
This I’ve got to hear.
LEE
As you know, they tried to con me by airing fake news reports.
AMANDA
Yes.
LEE
The reports were good, and they actually had me believing a year had passed.
Billy and Amanda nod their heads.
LEE (continued)
Well, one of the reports mentioned Gorbachev and President Reagan meeting at Camp David.
He pauses to let this sink in for a moment.
AMANDA
Oh!
LEE
Yep. If a year had really passed like they wanted me to believe, the United States would have already held their presidential election and we would have had a new president.
Billy shakes his head in disbelief.
AMANDA
Well, all I can add is, God bless the U.S.A.
CLOSE ON ALL THREE OF THEM; all smiles, we. . . FREEZE FRAME
FADE OUT:
THE END