SCARECROW AND MRS. KING
"Life Interrupted"
Written by Anne Riener
September 2012
"Life Interrupted"
Written by Anne Riener
September 2012
FADE IN:
PROLOGUE
EXT. TENEMENT BUILDING – NIGHT (IRELAND)
A residence building in Belfast, Ireland.
INT. BASEMENT FLAT – KITCHEN – NIGHT
ON a Resistance poster that contains a quotation from Bobby Sands: “They won't break me because the desire for freedom, and the freedom of the Irish people, is in my heart. The day will dawn when all the people of Ireland will have the desire for freedom to show. It is then that we will see the rising of the moon.”
SLOWLY WIDEN TO REVEAL two men in their twenties sitting at a table. They work in silence. There are several large sacks of sugar on the counter. The first man, STEPHEN LYNCH, pours contents from a metal pan into a cylindrical canister tube. Then his brother, HARRY, twists on the cap.
A TELEPHONE rings and Harry answers, resting the receiver between his ear and shoulder so he can talk and work at the same time. He has a strong Northern Irish dialect.
HARRY
Hello.
(beat; nodding)
Yes, yes. We’re all set.
(another beat)
Let’s just say tomorrow evenin’s commute is gonna be a blast.
He places the canister on the counter, near a timing device, and smiles sinisterly.
DISSOLVE TO
ACT ONE
EXT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – DAY
The camera ZOOMS onto the 4247 sign and then changes focus onto the second story window.
INT. AMANDA’S BEDROOM – DAY
LEE (V.O.)
Well, other than what we put in storage that should be the last of it.
The camera follows LEE and AMANDA into their bedroom. Lee is carrying a couple of heavy boxes and Amanda has a few coats and dress suits draped over her arm. She kicks the door closed with her foot. Lee places the boxes down on the floor and Amanda hangs his clothes in the closet. Half the closet is now his and half is hers.
AMANDA
Are you sure, you aren’t going to miss your apartment? It was nice having our own private retreat once in awhile.
LEE
Nah. I, for one, am thankful to be finally living openly as husband and wife. I look forward to dealing with the daily chaos known as the King boys and having your mother and you force breakfast on me.
Amanda starts to protest, but he silences her with his finger on her lip.
LEE (continued)
As an added bonus, I look forward to waking up with you in my arms every morning.
AMANDA
Me, too.
He quickly kisses her on the lips. Then Lee begins to rub his shoulder and moans.
AMANDA
Sore muscles?
LEE
Yeah.
AMANDA
Well, I might not have ‘magic fingers,’ but I do alright with giving back rubs.
She runs her fingers up his chest and begins to unbutton his shirt.
LEE
You aren’t half-bad.
She stills her movements.
AMANDA
Not half-bad? Well, you aren’t half-bad either.
She then raises her eyebrows at him.
LEE
I know how I can get you to change your opinion.
AMANDA
Oh you do, do ya?
He shrugs out of his shirt, wraps his arms around Amanda’s waist, pulls her to him, and leans in for a kiss, when JAMIE suddenly enters the room. They quickly step back from their embrace.
JAMIE
(slightly embarrassed)
Sorry, Mom, Lee.
AMANDA
It’s okay, Jamie. What do you need?
JAMIE
We finished putting Lee’s stuff in the garage away.
AMANDA
On the shelves, right? I’m not going to find them on the garage floor, am I?
JAMIE
No, Mom. Since we’re all done, can Phillip and I go to the skate park?
LEE
(he answers)
Be sure and come home by the time the streetlights come on.
JAMIE
You’re not my dad.
AMANDA
(surprised)
Jamie! You apologize to Lee this very instant.
LEE
It’s okay.
AMANDA
No, it is not okay.
Jamie scuffs the floor with his shoes.
JAMIE
Sorry, Lee.
PHILLIP comes into the room.
PHILLIP
Wormbrain, are you coming or not? Jacob is meeting us there, and I want to show him my new skills. Hey, Mom. Hey, Lee.
JAMIE
So can we?
Amanda looks at Lee, encouraging him to answer.
LEE
Sure, but you boys need to be home by dark.
(beat)
And wear your knee and elbow pads.
They both groan, but nod their heads.
JAMIE
We will.
Jamie exits.
PHILLIP
See you later.
(beat; he winks at Lee)
Have fun, you two.
AMANDA
(shocked; slightly embarrassed)
Phillip!
Phillip exits.
AMANDA (continued)
I swear, Lee, there are times I think aliens have abducted my children and replaced them with. . . teenagers.
LEE
Aliens? Really, Amanda.
(beat)
We knew this transition was going to take time. Jamie’s just testing the waters. He’ll come around.
(another beat)
Now, where were we?
AMANDA
I believe we were right here, Mr. Stetson.
They lean in to kiss, when DOTTY suddenly whirls into the room.
DOTTY
Oh, my. . .
Amanda bounces her head on Lee’s shoulder. Lee mouths, “I know. I know.”
DOTTY
Really, Amanda, Lee, you two should learn to lock the door if you want some privacy.
She admires Lee physique as she exits the room and closes the door.
INT. HALLWAY
DOTTY (continued)
Yep, most definitely an eleven.
QUICK CUT
EXT. AGENCY – GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE – DAY
The Jeep Wagoneer is parked alongside the curb in front of the Georgetown entrance. A woman taking her dog for a walk strolls in front of the building.
INT. AGENCY - CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
Lee, Amanda and a gaggle of other agents sit around a table talking. FRANCINE hands out sheets of paper to the agents in the room. BILLY stands at a podium in front of the room and clears his throat.
BILLY
Listen up, people. Francine just passed out a list of all the political events scheduled for the next two weeks.
The agents all scan the information in front of them and murmur among themselves.
BILLY
As you can tell, we have a pretty full agenda these next few weeks, so there will be no requests for time off during this time.
Everyone moans.
Billy scans his notes and then looks around the room.
BILLY (continued)
In addition, the annual review of the Agency’s Congressional Oversight Committee starts next week.
Everyone grumbles and gripes. Billy holds up his hand.
BILLY
(to Lee)
Lee, since you built up quite the rapport with Representative Faber, I’m leaving her in your and Amanda’s capable hands.
(to Amanda)
Make sure files are organized, expense reports tallied, and the “I’s” dotted and the “T’s” crossed.
AMANDA
Yes, Sir.
BILLY
Okay, folks that is it. Be safe out there.
Everyone stands up and begins to leave the room. Lee quickly corners Billy.
LEE
(whining)
Billy, not the Dragon Lady! Get me out of this.
BILLY
Representative Faber is the chairperson of the Oversight Committee. You know the committee that approves our budget. And she specifically asked for you, Scarecrow.
LEE
I'm sure there’s a very important case waiting for me, preferably overseas.
BILLY
Really, Scarecrow? I thought you had been domesticated.
Billy laughs as he exits the conference room.
OFF LEE’S EXPRESSION. . .
CUT TO
INT. AGENCY - Q-BUREAU – DAY (AN HOUR LATER)
Lee and Amanda are going through boxes of files. Large stacks of files are on both Lee’s and Amanda’s desks. Lee runs his hand through his hair, frustrated.
LEE
This is ridiculous. I’m a spy, not a file clerk.
AMANDA
Come on Lee, it’s not that bad.
LEE
Did I tell you what happened last time I was saddled with Congresswoman Faber?
Amanda shakes her head.
LEE
She came up with the brilliant idea that the Agency was due for a complete overhaul.
AMANDA
So you are the reason for all the changes in the expense reports.
LEE
I told Billy I was the wrong man for the job.
AMANDA
You’re the perfect man from where I sit.
LEE
(a look of pure male satisfaction is on his face)
Oh yeah?
(beat)
You think so, do you?
Lee takes Amanda in his arms. He kisses her on the lips; Amanda returns the favor by placing feather light kisses on his neck. Lee groans.
AMANDA
Oh, yeah. . .
They are interrupted by a KNOCK on the door as Francine opens it. They both roll their eyes. Lee releases Amanda and takes a step toward his desk.
FRANCINE
Here are the rest of those, umm. . . expense reports.
Francine smirks.
FRANCINE (continued)
(snarky)
Did I interrupt something?
LEE
No, Francine.
AMANDA
Nothing to interrupt.
Amanda moves to take the reports from Francine.
AMANDA (continued)
Thank you, Francine.
Lee walks to the door and ushers Francine out.
FRANCINE
Now you two behave. Don't do anything I would do.
CLOSE ON Lee and Amanda’s expression.
FRANCINE (continued)
(laughs)
Just a little joke.
She exits.
Lee steps toward Amanda and pulls her to him again.
LEE
Now, where were we?
AMANDA
Right here, I believe.
They lean in to kiss, when suddenly Billy opens the door.
BILLY
Lee, I. . . never mind I’ll come back later.
He exits as quickly as he came in. Lee and Amanda share a laugh.
LEE
We really need to not forget to lock that door.
CUT TO
EXT. KING’S CROSS STATION – ESTABLISHING – NIGHT (LONDON)
The station entrance at street level.
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION – NIGHT
EMILY FARNSWORTH enters the station and glances at the clock above the waiting area. The station is crowded with late evening commuters. Over the PA comes a steady stream of announcements. An ELDERLY GENTLEMAN walks past Emily and nods politely. Suddenly a large explosion rocks the train station.
FLAMES EXPLODE IN A LARGE FIREBALL
EXT. KING’S CROSS STATION
Smoke and dust billow out from the exposed tunnel entrance. A large number of screaming passengers exit into the street. In the distance, we hear wailing sirens approach.
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION
CLOSE ON Emily, who lies on the floor that is littered with boxes and debris. Spot fires are all around her.
CUT TO
EXT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
The Corvette is parked in front of the house and the Wagoneer is parked in the driveway. The streetlights are on.
INT. AMANDA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
LEE (O.C.)
You know, I’m going to be glad when this review is over and we can get back to doing our real jobs – you know, protecting America’s interests.
Amanda sits on the edge of their bed in a pretty nightgown, brushing her hair. Lee comes out of the bathroom wearing a towel around his waist. He is drying his hair with another towel; however, after seeing his wife, he sits down on the bed next to her. Lee takes her hairbrush and places it down on the nightstand; he then brushes her face softly with his fingers. He kisses her lightly and then pushes her back onto the bed and joins her.
LEE
(seductively)
Alone at last.
He lowers his mouth to hers and kisses her deeply. The telephone RINGS. Lee sits up.
LEE
NO, NO, NO, NO!! Every time we get a chance to be alone that damn phone rings.
She shoots him a knowing look. Then after composing herself, Amanda reaches over the bed to answer the telephone.
AMANDA
Hello.
(beat)
Billy, ah. . . no you did not interrupt anything. We were just getting ready for bed.
(looking guilty)
Yes, Sir. Lee.
She hands Lee the telephone.
LEE
Yeah Billy, what’s up?
(beat)
Oh, my God?
(another beat)
She’s not. . . How is she then? Okay, we’ll be there soon.
Lee hands the telephone back to Amanda who hangs it up.
AMANDA
(concerned)
Lee, what is it?
LEE
There has been an explosion at a train station in London. Emily is among those who have been injured.
AMANDA
Oh, my gosh!
LEE
Get dressed, I’ll tell you more along the way.
Lee grabs a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and goes into the bathroom to change.
CLOSE ON Amanda’s stunned expression AND WE. . .
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. AGENCY – Q-BUREAU – EARLY THE NEXT MORNING
Lee and Amanda are sitting on the couch in the Q-Bureau – it is obvious they have not slept all night. Billy enters the room. Although weary himself, he delivers the bad news to his agents.
BILLY
Reports coming in are still sketchy. MI-6 believes the IRA might be involved, but so far no one has claimed responsibility.
AMANDA
The Provisional Irish Republican Army?
BILLY
Yes, however the British government is keeping a tight lid on this for now. At the moment, they are leaking information to the press that a fire was started by a discarded match that fell into an escalator shaft and a flashover was created in the tunnel caused by the backflow of air from the trains.
LEE
What is the damage estimate?
BILLY
Ten confirmed deaths, over fifty injured, and an estimated £100 million worth of damage.
Billy shakes his head.
AMANDA
Any word on Emily?
BILLY
No, other than she is listed as one of those injured in the blast. From what I can gather, she was rushed to a local London hospital, in serious condition.
Amanda grabs Lee’s hand and gently squeezes it.
BILLY
I also just got off the phone with Scotland Yard. They have requested you two to help in the investigation. They have asked for Inter-agency cooperation, since the explosion appears to be an act of terrorism.
Lee and Amanda exchange a look. Amanda answers.
AMANDA
For Emily.
Lee nods his head.
BILLY
I will have Francine handle your travel arrangements.
LEE
What about the Oversight Committee?
Billy pinches the bridge of his nose; he is also fatigued.
BILLY
I will have Francine and Fielder handle the Dragon. . . I mean, Congresswoman Faber. Now, you two get home and get some rest. I will have an Agency courier deliver your airline tickets to the house.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL (LONDON) – DAY
Lee and Amanda are riding up on an elevator inside a London hospital.
AMANDA
Did you notice the look on Mother’s face when we told her Emily was a spy?
LEE
"That sweet, elderly Englishwoman is a spy? But she’s a Lady for goodness sakes?"
They share a small smile. When the elevator stops and the doors open, Lee and Amanda step off.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
They walk down a hospital corridor, hand-in-hand. Lee then spots a distinguished elderly man in his 60’s with grey hair walking toward them, carrying a Styrofoam cup. This is LORD FARNSWORTH.
LEE
Lord Farnsworth so glad to see you, although I wish it was under better circumstances.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Lee, my boy. I was just getting some tea. How are you?
He shakes Lee’s hand with his free hand.
LEE
Fine. Sir, I would like to introduce you to my wife and partner, Amanda.
Lord Farnsworth shakes Amanda’s hand. She returns the handshake.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Amanda, Emily talks about you often. I feel I know you already.
AMANDA
Your Lordship--
Lord Farnsworth cuts her off.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Please, it’s James. We are all family here.
He takes a sip of his tea.
LORD FARNSWORTH (continued)
Ugh! This stuff is dreadful.
He throws the cup into a nearby garbage can.
LEE
How’s Emily doing?
LORD FARNSWORTH
Emily is doing better; however, she is in a coma. One of her lungs has collapsed, and she has third degree burns on her left leg, but doctors are optimistic she will make a complete recovery, although it might require a couple of skin grafts.
LEE
When can we see her?
LORD FARNSWORTH
Right now, if you want.
He leads Lee and Amanda toward Emily’s room.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – EMILY’S ROOM
This is a typical hospital room, with a patient bed in the center of the room, pushed against the wall. Emily is lying in the bed and is hooked up to standard hospital machines including a heart monitor. Her leg was propped up on a pillow with cold compresses on it. She has an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth. Her chest rises and falls.
Lord Farnsworth walks over to Emily and kisses her lightly on the cheek.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Peach, look who I found lurking around outside in the hallway? They are worried about you and would like you to wake up, as would I.
He steps back, and then Lee comes forward.
LEE
Come on Emily, it’s not like you to be sleeping on the job.
Amanda then takes her hand.
AMANDA
Hello, Emily. It’s Amanda. You get better now. I just know everything is going to be all right.
Lord Farnsworth takes out a pocket watch from his suit coat pocket and looks at the time. He then closes the clasp.
LORD FARNSWORTH
I hate to impose, but I have a business meeting scheduled for this afternoon and there was no time to reschedule. I didn’t want to leave her alone, but since you two are here, would you mind sitting with her?
AMANDA
We would be happy to, James.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Much appreciated. I shall return shortly.
He takes Emily’s hand and kisses it.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Be back soon, Love.
He then exits the room.
AMANDA
They seem like such a great couple. I can’t believe how much he’s still in love with his wife after all these years.
LEE
I hope that will be true for us.
AMANDA
It will be.
They kiss.
Amanda then settles in a chair next to the bed, Lee stands next to her, but he takes Emily’s hand.
LEE
Did I ever tell you about the time Emily saved my life?
Amanda shakes her head.
LEE (continued)
I was what Emily referred to as “a little wet behind the ears” and got into a situation that soon escalated to being way over my head.
AMANDA
(mocking)
No, not you.
He smiles at her.
LEE
I had gone underground infiltrating this London mafia gang and a nasty bar brawl was about to break out and I was heavily outnumbered. Emily, as bold as can be, walks into this rough bar, yanked me by the ear. . . and marched me out of there. These tough men just laughed. She was pretending to be, of all things, my mother.
AMANDA
She bailed you out of a tough spot, didn’t she?
LEE
You bet she did.
AMANDA
She was a good mentor for you.
LEE
The best. She’s been a good mentor and friend in a business that often thwarts people from forming close relationships. I don’t know what I would do without her. . . or you.
Amanda puts her hand on his back. Emily stirs in bed.
LEE
Emily?
She blinks a few times.
EMILY’S POV
The room swirls into focus and then back out of focus again, then snaps into a clear image. Her gaze falls on Lee and Amanda.
FULL SHOT
EMILY
Lee? Amanda?
LEE
Welcome back.
EMILY
Hospital?
ON LEE AND AMANDA
They both nod.
AMANDA
Yes, you gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?
EMILY
This old lady is very, very sore.
LEE
Well, you are going to be fine, just fine.
(beat)
James was just here, he should be back soon. He stayed all night in your room with you.
She nods her head.
EMILY
Good. Then, I just have one question for you?
LEE
Yes, Emily.
She points to Lee’s wedding ring.
EMILY
Was my invite lost in the post?
CLOSE ON Lee and Amanda who share a sheepish expression on their faces.
QUICK CUT
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – ESTABLISHING – DAY
The British bastion of law and order.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Lee and Amanda are sitting around a conference table. The door to the conference room opens and in walks CHIEF INSPECTOR SEAN KEATON. He greets them, warmly.
KEATON
Welcome to the other side of the pond. So glad you can help us out again, Agent Stetson, and you too, Mrs. King.
He shakes their hands.
AMANDA
So what can you tell us about the explosion and fire, Chief Inspector?
KEATON
Straight to the point, aren’t you? All right then, even though we’re still trying to piece together what happened, evidence does suggests it was a bomb. In addition, we have reason to believe the attack on King’s Cross Station was carried out by the IRA.
LEE
What makes you think that? Has anyone come forward as being responsible, since we left D.C.?
KEATON
No, however, the IRA has carried out similar attacks in other countries such as West Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as here in Great Britain.
The Chief Inspector turns on a slide projector that sits on the conference table and begins to go through and explain the various pictures.
INSERT – several photos of the damage done to Hyde Park, followed by photos of Regent’s Park.
KEATON (V.O.)
In 1982, the IRA exploded two bombs at a British Army ceremonial parade at Hyde Park and Regent's Park in London, killing 11 soldiers and wounding 50 soldiers and civilians.
BACK TO SCENE
AMANDA
Oh, my gosh.
KEATON
I know, ghastly.
He pushes the slide projector remote and changes the slide.
INSERT – photos of the Brighton Hotel bombing.
KEATON (V.O.)
Then in 1984, there was the Brighton Hotel bombing. The IRA tried to assassinate British Prime Minster Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet. She survived, but five people were killed, including Sir Anthony Berry, a Conservative Party Member of Parliament, Eric Taylor, the Northwest Party chairman, and three wives of party officials.
BACK TO SCENE
CLOSE ON the Chief Inspector.
AMANDA
What can you tell us about the make-up of the bombs?
KEATON
These bombs are often made up of sugar and nitrate fertilizer, a cheap and easily obtainable explosive, used extensively by the IRA.
LEE
And this is the type of bomb you believe was used in the King’s Cross Station explosion?
KEATON
Our men are still shifting through the debris, but I have no doubt our forensics investigators will find evidence linking this explosion to the IRA.
AMANDA
This bombing happened at a subway station, correct?
KEATON
Yes, what you Yanks refer to as a subway – we call tubes.
Change slide.
INSERT – photo of King’s Cross Station
KEATON (V.O.)
The London Underground is the oldest public transport system in the world and each working day carries approximately 2.5 million passengers. King’s Cross Station is one of the busiest stations serving over 100,000 passengers during peak hours.
(beat)
We were actually lucky that this explosion happened when it did, after rush hour, when most of the evening commuters had already gone home.
BACK TO SCENE
Chief Inspector Keaton turns off the slide projector.
AMANDA
What is the IRA’s motivation?
KEATON
They believe that bombing will create a demand among the British public for their government to withdraw from Northern Ireland. The British response has been to destroy the IRA, rather than to find a political solution. Not saying I agree or disagree with my government.
(beat)
Anyway, are there any other questions?
LEE
Yes, when can we see the crime scene?
Chief Inspector Keaton looks at his watch.
KEATON
It’s too late this evening to go down there. Why don’t I meet you two tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m.?
CLOSE ON Lee and Amanda.
CUT TO
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Lee is propped up against the headboard on the king size bed, reading a book. Amanda is sitting on the edge on the bed, talking on the phone.
AMANDA
Give the boys a kiss from us. Love you.
She hangs up the telephone and sighs.
LEE
How are things with the home front?
AMANDA
Okay, except I think she hates the expression “Need to know” as much as I did when I first started working at the Agency. She was fishing for information.
(beat)
Although, I am glad they know the truth about our jobs now, I have to admit that sometimes it was easier when we kept them in the dark.
Amanda runs her index finger down his chest.
AMANDA (continued)
Promise me things will get easier.
LEE
I promise.
He leans in and places a light kiss on her lips. Lee pulls back and sees Amanda yawn.
AMANDA
I’m sorry, Lee. I just can’t seem to keep awake any longer.
LEE
Is the romance dead already?
She playfully swats him. He grabs her hands and kisses her a second time, when he suddenly yawns himself. He looks at her sheepishly.
LEE
It’s been a long day. Let’s get some sleep, shall we?
He reaches over and turns off the lamp on the nightstand. Lee then rolls over and pulls Amanda to him. They spoon together.
LEE
(whispers; husky voice)
Love you, Amanda.
AMANDA
I love you, too.
CUT TO
EXT. PUB – NIGHT (IRELAND)
A small Irish pub in Belfast. We hear music and loud voices spilling into the street.
INT. PUB – NIGHT
The pub is alive and kicking. Many customers are drinking beer, and more beer, and playing darts. In the back corner of the bar, sits Stephen and Harry drinking Guinness beer. Their sister, CHLOE, who has been sitting with them, suddenly stands up and walks over to a jukebox. The song “Fields of Athenry” plays. She rejoins her brothers and they sing.
EVERYONE
“By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
'Nothing matters Mary, when you're free'
Against the famine and the crown,
I rebelled, they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity.”
They raise their glasses in a toast.
CHLOE
To dreams and songs to sing.
STEPHEN AND HARRY
(in unison)
Hear-hear.
They clink their glasses and take a drink; WE . . .
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
EXT. STREET NEAR KING’S CROSS STATION – MORNING
The street is blocked off by road barricades to prevent vehicles from entering either side of the street outside the station. Metropolitan Police cars line the street, including a crime scene investigation van.
ON SEDAN
Lee pulls up to the scene in a rental car, shows his ID, and a policeman removes one of the barricades so Lee can drive through.
ON LEE
He then parks his car, climbs out, and walks around to the other side of the car, opens the door and helps Amanda out. She takes his hand and they walk toward the entrance.
FULL SHOT
EXT. KING CROSS STATION – ENTRANCE – DAY
Lee and Amanda met up with Chief Inspector Keaton and the three of them walk inside.
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION – WAITING AREA – DAY
The waiting area is charred and a thick, heavy, smoldering smell lingers in the air.
Amanda gasps.
LEE
Are you alright?
AMANDA
Not trying to be funny, but it looks like a bomb hit this place.
(beat)
I’m surprised anyone survived this.
KEATON
Bloody terrorists.
They head down the burnt out escalator stairs. It is obvious a very hot, intense fire has consumed the area.
Lee walks toward a charred door.
LEE
Where does this door lead?
Chief Inspector Keaton takes out a blueprint of the station.
KEATON
The machine room.
Lee tries to open the door, but the damaged door will not budge, so he kicks it in. Note: It is a heavy metal door.
Lee, Amanda, and Inspector Keaton enter the machine room.
Chief Inspector Keaton hands Lee and Amanda latex gloves and they began to sift through the ashes of the charred room.
They work in silence for a few minutes, Lee gets down onto the floor and reaches under a control panel and pulls out the charred remains of something that looks like a timer.
LEE
What do you make this out to be?
KEATON
Looks like some sort of timer.
The Chief Inspector puts the device into a plastic bag and closes it.
KEATON (continued)
I’ll have our lab boys examine this.
AMANDA
That confirms our suspicion – it was a bomb.
LEE
Yeah, but still does not answer who was the intended target.
(beat; to Amanda)
I think you and I should go to the hospital and talk with Emily. Maybe she has some ideas.
(another beat; to Chief Inspector Keaton)
Let us know what the lab boys turn up. We’ll meet you back at Scotland Yard in two hours.
KEATON
Sounds good.
Lee, after he removes the gloves and tosses them away, takes Amanda’s hand and they exit the room.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL – EMILY’S ROOM – LATER THAT MORNING
Emily is sitting up in the hospital bed, propped up by pillows. Lord Farnsworth is sitting in a chair, next to the window. There is a hospital cart next to her bed with a pitcher of water and several vases of flowers. She is no longer hooked up to machines and already her color is returning and she looks a lot better than she did the last time we saw her. She perks up when she sees Lee and Amanda enter the room.
EMILY
Lee, Amanda. How are the newlyweds?
They both look at each other and then blush.
AMANDA
We are good.
LEE
You look much better. How are you feeling?
EMILY
Feel good, except the leg is still giving me trouble.
LORD FARNSWORTH
And she is giving her doctor fits.
EMILY
Vampires, all of them. I tell you, taking my blood at all hours. You never get any sleep with nurses and doctors coming in and out and then they tell me to rest. I look forward to going home and resting in my own bed.
(beat)
How’s the investigation going?
AMANDA
We now have proof it was a bomb.
EMILY
Oh, my.
LEE
Emily, why were you down at the station that night? Don’t you usually call for your car?
EMILY
Usually that is correct, Lee. I was headed to the theatre that night and Jack was a bit under the weather, so I gave him the night off.
AMANDA
You don’t think this could be retaliation against you or other MI-6 agents, do you?
EMILY
Heavens, no.
LEE
What were you working on?
EMILY
Nothing that would warrant getting killed.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Emily was planning to retire the end of this year. She has not been working on anything classified or sensitive.
She nods her head.
EMILY
(winks at Lee)
Let the younger, more brash agents save England, her Majesty the Queen, and the world.
(beat)
I was looking forward to retirement. James and I planned to do some traveling together.
(another beat; she takes his hand)
I’ve been semi-retired for a number of years now. Really, I have not done much since the listening posts mission and I was on that assignment because MI-6 thought the cover of a retired elderly woman visiting the sights of Salzburg was a good, safe cover. Then the whole Falcon Wing fiasco, but I was doing that more as a favor to both our governments.
AMANDA
Therefore, you being in the subway station that evening, was nothing more then being in the wrong place, at the wrong time?
EMILY
Yes, Amanda, that is exactly what I think.
AMANDA
I would guess it is just a random act of violence. Lee?
LEE
I would have to agree with you.
AMANDA
Why don’t we let Emily get the rest she needs.
LEE
Let’s head back to Scotland Yard, maybe they have more information on the timer piece we found.
Amanda nods her head. Lee leans over and gives Emily a kiss on the cheek.
EMILY
Wait, Lee, Amanda. James and I have been talking, and we would like you two to stay at the townhouse while you are in town. There is no reason for you to incur a hotel bill and we would love it if you stayed.
AMANDA
Are you sure we're not putting you out?
LORD FARNSWORTH
No, not at all. Our staff would be happy to accommodate you.
Lee looks at Amanda and she nods her head. She then gives Emily a pat on her uninjured leg.
AMANDA
We would be honored.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Then it is settled. I will have a driver go to your hotel and retrieve your bags.
LEE
Thank you, Sir.
Lee shakes his hand.
LORD FARNSWORTH
I will tell Jack to prepare a dinner for you two, but to keep it in the warming tray until you get in this evening.
(beat; he takes Emily’s hand)
Thank you for everything you have done for Emily. We feel this is the least we can do.
Amanda leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
AMANDA
She’s pretty special to us, too.
Lee then takes Amanda’s hand and they exit Emily’s room.
QUICK CUT
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – LATER THAT DAY
CAMERA ZOOMS onto the rotating New Scotland Yard sign.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – LAB ROOM - DAY
Lee, Amanda and the Chief Inspector are standing inside the lab room. The explosives expert, BRANDON GREGG, explains what he has found. He holds up a magnifying glass for them. Lee takes it first.
GREGG
From what I can determine, the explosive device was fitted with a long-delay timer made from video recorder components.
LEE
I have to admit, ingenious.
GREGG
I concur.
AMANDA
What kind of bomb are we looking at?
GREGG
Without a doubt, it was an ammonium fertilizer incendiary device.
AMANDA
How does that work?
Gregg points to some illustrations on a chalkboard.
GREGG
The first thing that happens during a fertilizer bomb blast is the explosion of the detonator, which is set off by either lighting a fuse or, as in the case, setting off a timer.
(he points to another picture)
When it discharges, it creates what we call a detonation wave. This detonation wave radiates outward from the detonator at a speed of about two to three miles per second.
Lee whistles.
GREGG
I know, right?
KEATON
Go on, Brandon.
GREGG
Right. Anyway, the energy of the detonation wave causes the ammonium nitrate in the fertilizer to vaporize. The solid fertilizer becomes a gas in an instant. The ammonium and nitrate molecules break down, and a large amount of oxygen gas is suddenly formed.
Gregg gives them a few seconds to absorb what he has told them.
GREGG (continued)
The gas released from the decomposing fertilizer is what drives the explosion. The rapid release of oxygen, along with the energy from the detonation wave, ignites the fuel.
(beat)
When the liquid fuel ignites, it rapidly combusts, and even more gas is released. And then KABLOOEY!
He gestures wildly with his hands.
AMANDA
Kablooey?
Gregg nods his head excitedly.
GREGG
(repeats, with a much smaller hand gesture)
Kablooey!
Lee and Amanda share a look.
KEATON
Thanks, Brandon.
LEE
(touch of sarcasm)
Yeah, thanks for the science lesson.
GREGG
You are welcome, Agent Stetson.
(beat)
Oh, one more thing. Whoever placed this bomb knew exactly where to leave it for maximum destruction. Most of the stations have modern escalators, but King’s Cross escalators were made of wood. So when the explosion occurred; the flames ignited grease, grime, rubbish, and those sort of things you would typically find under the stairs.
AMANDA
Is there anything we can use to narrow down possible suspects?
GREGG
No, not really.
(beat; he holds up the timing device)
This type of timing device can be found in any electronics store. And of course, sugar can be purchased at any supermarket.
(another beat)
I would suggest focusing on the fertilizer, maybe.
LEE
(to the Inspector)
Is that possible?
KEATON
It’s not illegal to purchase large quantities of fertilizer, and regrettably, the government does not keep track of those who do.
(beat)
However, if I were a betting man, I would still place all my money on the IRA. This is right up their alley.
At that moment, a SERGEANT enters the room.
SERGEANT
Chief Inspector Keaton.
The Chief Inspector acknowledges the man.
KEATON
Yes, Roberts.
SERGEANT
Thought you should know. Our boys found an undetonated bomb, on the Victoria Line. The Bomb Squad has been alerted.
OFF EVERYONE’S EXPRESSION AND WE. . .
CUT TO
EXT. KING CROSS STATION – ENTRANCE – DAY
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION – VICTORIA LINE – DAY
Lee, Amanda and Inspector Keaton meet up with a man, KURT THOMAS, from the Bomb Squad.
THOMAS
We cleared out everyone from this area and were able to retrieve the undetonated device.
(beat)
Would you like us to dispose of it?
AMANDA
How do you do that?
THOMAS
Well, Miss, we blow it up.
AMANDA
Is the bomb dangerous? I mean is there a remote possibility it would go off on its own?
THOMAS
(shakes head)
No, the timer has been removed.
KEATON
And where is the device now?
THOMAS
In the back of the truck.
KEATON
I know we would all like to take a look at it.
THOMAS
Aye, Sir. Right this way.
He leads them out of the station and they head toward the Bomb Squad van that is parked along the street.
EXT. KING’S CROSS STATION
The four of them head toward the back of the van and one of Kurt’s men opens the door for them. They step up inside the van.
INT. VAN
AMANDA
Is that an ammonium nitrate bomb?
THOMAS
Aye, Miss.
LEE
Why did it not go off?
THOMAS
It appears the timer may have jammed, but we won’t know for sure until we examine it further.
(beat)
We are very lucky the second incendiary device did not explode. There would have been a lot more casualties.
LEE
Do you think we might get lucky and be able to pull a print off the second bomb?
Kurt Thomas shrugs.
KEATON
Can’t hurt to try. Additionally, I want our lab boys to verify this is the same make and model as the first bomb.
(to Kurt)
Take this to Scotland Yard.
THOMAS
Aye, Sir.
CUT TO
EXT. FRANSWORTH LONDON TOWNHOUSE – ESTABLISHING – NIGHT
A stately townhouse in London.
INT. FRANSWORTH LONDON TOWNHOUSE – GUEST BEDROOM – NIGHT
They are in a well-appointed bedroom. Amanda is all ready for bed and is sitting up, reading a book. Lee is wearing pajama bottoms; he pulls back the covers and crawls into bed with his wife. He raises an eyebrow at her and she smiles at him, places the book on the nightstand, turns of the lamp, then lies down. Moonlight cast a soft glow on the couple.
AMANDA
Do you need something, Lee?
LEE
Uh-ha.
AMANDA
(almost a whisper)
I know just what you need.
LEE
You know, Emily did remind us, we still are newlyweds. . .
AMANDA
(blushing)
We are, aren’t we?
Lee leans in to kiss his wife, when she suddenly bolts into an upright position. Startled, Lee instinctively tries to grab for his gun.
LEE
What! What’s wrong!
Amanda grabs his hand, stopping him.
AMANDA
I don’t know.
She has a serious look on her face, but a twinkle in her eyes.
AMANDA (continued)
Something’s wrong. Isn’t this the part where someone walks in, or shoots at us, or the phone rings, or. . .
LEE
Why, you.
He begins to tickle her, then covers both their heads with the duvet.
CLOSE ON DUVET
Amanda giggles; we . . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
INT. LORD FARNSWORTH TOWNHOUSE – KITCHEN – NEXT MORNING
Lee and Amanda enter the kitchen area of the townhouse. There is also a breakfast nook in the corner of the room overlooking the city. Standing at the stove is JACK, a man in his 50s, who assists the Farnsworths.
JACK
Good to see you again, Mr. Stetson.
He shakes Lee’s hand and Lee returns the gesture.
LEE
Same to you, Jack.
(he turns to introduce Amanda)
Jack, this is my wife Amanda. Amanda, this is Jack.
JACK
How do you do, Mrs. Stetson.
AMANDA
Fine, thank you.
JACK
Lord Farnsworth told me to tell you he would be in the study all morning attending business if you needed him; otherwise, I am at your service. Could I offer you some breakfast? I know Lady Farnsworth keeps jars of coffee around for her American friends.
LEE
Just coffee and a slice of toast for me.
JACK
And for you, Ma’am?
AMANDA
Don’t trouble yourself.
JACK
It’s no trouble.
AMANDA
Okay. What’s available?
JACK
I could prepare a bowl of porridge, toast, and orange juice. I could also cook you some eggs.
AMANDA
That sounds nice.
JACK
How would you like your eggs?
AMANDA
Scrambled.
Jack nods politely and begins to prepare their meals.
AMANDA
How long have you worked for the Farnsworths, Jack?
He pauses for a moment to think about it.
JACK
Coming up on ten years.
He places cups of coffee and glasses of orange juice on the table. Lee, in the meanwhile, opens the morning newspaper and begins to read.
AMANDA
And you like working here?
JACK
Yes, James and Emily are like family.
(beat)
I understand Emily is doing better. Lord Farnsworth said she should be coming home the day after tomorrow.
Lee stirs in some cream into his coffee and takes a sip.
LEE
Good news.
JACK
I feel dreadful that I did not drive her the other day.
AMANDA
I understand you were under the weather.
JACK
Yes, I had a touch of the stomach flu.
(beat)
However, if I had known the Lady of the house would have been injured, I would have dragged myself out of bed and driven her myself.
AMANDA
You couldn’t have known.
JACK
Well, yes, then if you are done with your “Class C” interrogation, I hope you enjoy your meal.
He places the plates and bowls down on the table. Lee almost spits out his coffee.
LEE
Good show, Jack.
JACK
Thank you, Mr. Stetson.
(beat; he winks)
Now, if there is nothing else I can do for you, I need to take care of my other duties.
LEE
I think we are good.
JACK
Good day, Sir, Ma’am.
He exits.
AMANDA
You knew, didn’t you?
LEE
Of course, Jack’s been a loyal servant of the Farnsworths for years. They trust him explicitly and so do I.
He reaches out and takes Amanda’s hand.
LEE (continued)
Jack didn’t take it personally, so don’t worry. However, we should probably finish our breakfast and head over to Scotland Yard; maybe they were able to get a fingerprint off the second bomb.
Amanda nods her head and takes another bite of her breakfast and we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – DAY
A SHOT of the building exterior and then ZOOM into a window.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – LAB – DAY
Lee, Amanda and Chief Inspector Keaton are standing around talking with Kurt Thomas. They all stand in front of a computer monitor. On the screen is a fingerprint.
THOMAS
Unfortunately, we were only able to get a partial print off the cylinder tube. There are 136 possible matches.
AMANDA
Too many to narrow down.
KEATON
I agree.
At that moment, a police Sergeant pokes his head into the lab.
SERGEANT
Sir, I think you should turn on the news. The news media is reporting it was a bomb.
KEATON
Turn on the telly, Kurt.
Kurt reaches across and turns on a small black and white television that sits on a counter. They all watch a newscast REPORTER. She is standing outside King’s Cross Station.
REPORTER (on television)
(filtered)
Sources tell the BCC that the fire at King’s Cross Station was not an accident, as originally reported, but an act of terrorism. Families of the victims have questions, but Scotland Yard is not coming forth with the answers. We have learned that so far no terrorist organizations have come forward claiming responsibility. This is-
Chief Inspector Keaton turns off the television.
KEATON
Damn, we have a leak.
LEE
Too late to worry about that now.
KEATON
Yes, you are right.
Amanda wanders around the room, looking at the evidence.
AMANDA
We are missing the obvious here.
LEE
What do you mean?
AMANDA
It is like what Kurt said; they knew exactly where to place the bombs for maximum damage. In this case, the machine room.
LEE
(wondering where she is going with this)
Yes.
AMANDA
The door to the machine room was locked; therefore, the person who placed the bomb would have had access to the room.
(beat)
I think we need to be looking at someone who works for the London Underground.
INTERCUT
INT. LONDON UNDERGROUND STATION
We see Stephen coming out the machine room at an undisclosed station. He is wearing a maintenance worker uniform. He closes the door behind him and we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. ST. PANCRAS STATION – ESTABLISHING – DAY
The east side entrance from Pancras Road.
INT. ST. PANCRAS STATION – DAY
Lee, Amanda, and Inspector Keaton are walking through a busy train station. A few commuters have gathered on the platform waiting for their train. We HEAR a TRAIN approach and then stop.
FULL SHOT
The three of them observe people coming off the train, then a MAN steps down. He appears nervous and glances around the station, before heading down the platform. Catching the eye of the Chief Inspector, he pauses and takes a second glance, then takes off running.
CHASE
Lee and Keaton chase him. The man collides with fellow passengers and then knocks over a woman. She falls to the ground.
ON THE INSPECTOR
Chief Inspector Keaton stops to check on the woman.
CHASE
The man continues to give chase and jumps over a turnstile. Lee catches up with the man and tackles him into a luggage trolley. Luggage scatters across the platform.
LEE’S POV
Lee then grabs the man forcing him to stand up, has him put his arms behind his back and handcuffs him. Chief Inspector Keaton and Amanda catch up with them. The three of them walk the man out of the station. The man continues to struggle.
EXT. TRAIN STATION
Lee, Amanda, and Chief Inspector Keaton walk toward the police car parked in the street in front of the station.
MAN
(yelling; strong Irish accent)
You won’t get anything from me, Filth!
ON CAR
Lee shoves the man into the backseat, making sure he does not hit his head, then Lee slides in next to him. Amanda opens the door and sits down in the passenger seat, while Chief Inspection Keaton stops to talk to an officer for a second, then climbs into the driver’s seat and the car pulls away from the curb. Police lights and sirens ON.
QUICK CUT
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – DAY
CAMERA ZOOMS on the New Scotland Yard rotating sign.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY
The black curtains are drawn. The man sits on a chair in the center of a bare room. Lee is leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. Amanda stands next to him. Chief Inspector Keaton comes into the room carrying a cup of coffee, hands it to the man in the chair, and then uncuffs him. We learn the man’s name is AIDAN CALLAGHAN, a good-looking man in his mid-thirties. He drops the Irish accent.
AIDEN
Why all the subterfuge, Keaton?
KEATON
My apologizes, Old Chap.
(he nods toward Lee and Amanda)
May I introduce you to Agents Lee Stetson and his partner and wife, Amanda King?
Aiden quirks an eyebrow.
AMANDA
Keeping the King name for professional reasons.
Aiden nods his head and takes a sip of coffee. He places the cup down and rubs his shoulder.
LEE
I’m sorry about that.
Aiden holds up his hand.
AIDEN
It’s alright; I know you needed to make my arrest look real.
AMANDA
How long have you been deep undercover, Aiden?
AIDEN
Two long years.
(beat; to Keaton)
Why the deception?
KEATON
We didn’t want to blow your cover, in case anyone from the IRA was watching. However, we have a few questions for you.
Aiden leans back in the chair.
AIDEN
Shoot.
KEATON
I’m sure by now you heard about the bombing that took place at King’s Cross Station.
AIDEN
Of course.
LEE
Is the IRA responsible?
AIDEN
As much as I would love to nail those bastards to the wall, if they were responsible, it would have been the most hush-hush operation to date.
(beat)
Quinn described the deaths and injuries because of the bomb as "regrettable." I honestly don’t believe he cares if the deaths are British forces or civilians as long as they obtain their goal of getting the British government to withdraw from the region.
Aiden shakes his head again.
AIDEN (continued)
But no, they were not responsible.
AMANDA
(hint of sarcasm)
Of course not, that would have been too easy.
AIDEN
What type of bomb was it?
KEATON
An ammonium nitrate bomb.
AIDEN
Used extensively by the IRA.
(beat; taking a sip of coffee)
I can see why you would think they were behind the bombing. I’ll poke around some more, see if Quinn or one of his men slips up, but again, I don’t believe this bombing was theirs. I think they would be bragging about it or at the very least come forward and claim responsibility at the same time rub our noses in it.
KEATON
I have to agree with you.
LEE
Any idea who might be behind the bombing?
Aiden thinks about it for a moment.
AIDEN
There are those who don’t think the IRA is going far enough. That Quinn and his followers have not done enough to inflict harm on the British; my gut feeling is this is the handy work of one of the fraction groups.
Lee shakes Aiden’s hand and Aiden returns the handshake.
LEE
Thanks for your assistance.
AIDEN
You are welcome, although I don’t think I was much help.
Keaton places the handcuffs back on Aiden.
KEATON
Sorry we have to keep up the ruse. We think we might have a leak.
Aiden nods his head.
KEATON
(loudly)
Listen, friend, maybe spending some time inside a cell will loosen those lips of yours.
Chief Inspector Keaton leads Aiden out of the interrogation room and into the hallway.
They exit.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – OFFICE
Tall windows overlook the city with London Bridge and Tower Bridge in the background. Lee and Amanda are alone. Amanda is looking out the window. She sighs.
AMANDA
I really love London, so much charm and allure. It is very beautiful.
LEE
(double meaning to the statement)
Yes, it sure is.
Lee wraps his arms around his wife, pulls her close and nuzzles her neck.
AMANDA
Lee Stetson, you stop that right now! You know what that does to me.
He smiles against her neckline.
LEE
That is not what you said to me the other night.
He turns her around and kisses her deeply. When suddenly, the Chief Inspector Keaton quickly enters through the door.
KEATON
(embarrassed)
Oh, I’m terribly sorry.
She blushes and then bounces her head against Lee’s shoulder.
KEATON (continued)
I think you may want to come to the lab. We just received a note from the terrorists.
OFF LEE AND AMANDA’S EXPRESSIONS AND WE. . .
QUICK CUT
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – LAB – DAY
Lee, Amanda, and Chief Inspector Keaton stand behind Brandon Gregg. Gregg is sitting down in front of a computer. He swivels in his chair to face them.
GREGG
There were no prints on the letter. Might be lucky to find saliva on the stamp or envelope, but that could take several hours.
He hands the letter to Chief Inspector Keaton. He scans the letter again.
KEATON
Bloody, terrorists.
He then hands it to Lee and Amanda. Lee reading aloud.
LEE
“Any civilian deaths would be unfortunate, but can be easily avoided if Metropolitan Police responded promptly to clear and specific warnings.”
AMANDA
How many stations?
KEATON
The London Underground serves 270 stations. Too many and not enough manpower to evacuate and search every one.
Lee looks at his watch.
LEE
Fifteen hours, not much time.
KEATON
We need leads. Any suggestions?
In the background, we see Gregg turn around and begin typing some information into his computer.
AMANDA
Would giving into their demands buy us more time?
KEATON
I don’t have that kind of authority. And even if I did by some miracle, we could not pull out all our forces in that short amount of time.
GREGG
I might be of some assistance.
They all turn to look at Gregg again, who has his back to them.
GREGG (continued)
(he clears his throat)
Well, yes. Mrs. King suggested that the bomber might be a maintenance worker and I ran the partial print into the database and it spit out a name
. . . Stephen Lynch.
INSERT PICTURE – STEPHEN LYNCH on the monitor
BACK TO SCENE
KEATON
Print me a copy of that photo. Then put out an APB on this Stephen Lynch. Be sure to notify British Transport Police, but tell them if they spot him don’t approach, but inform us of his location.
GREGG
On it, Chief.
CUT TO
EXT. COVENT GARDEN – ESTABLISHING – DAY
A popular shopping and tourist site in London. Keaton is on a walkie-talkie setting up the placement of agents in the great hall. We see Amanda working at a flower booth near the outer entrance to the hall.
KEATON
(into walkie-talkie)
Outer perimeter secure?
ON AMANDA
She hands some flowers to a woman and then talks into a hidden microphone attached to her lapel.
AMANDA
Roger.
KEATON
Lee, how are you holding up?
INT. COVENT GARDENS – DAY
Lee, dressed in a janitor’s uniform is mopping the floor.
LEE
Ready to drop the net if we spot him.
Lee continues to mop the floor.
LEE
Wait a minute, I see a maintenance worker approaching. This could be our man.
As the man gets closer, Lee recognizes him as Stephen Lynch.
He pushes out the mop and bucket hoping to trip him, but Stephen sidesteps it at the last second.
STEPHEN
Watch it, you careless fool!
LEE
Sorry, Sir.
Stephen walks away, but Lee follows, walking briskly. He begins to remove his gun from inside his uniform jacket. Stephen glances behind him, sees Lee approaching and takes off running.
AMANDA (V.O.)
Lee, what’s going on?
LEE
Amanda, he’s headed in your direction.
CHASE
Stephen is running from Lee. He tries to get lost in the crowd at the same time loses the maintenance uniform. Lee is gaining on him. He reaches the outer perimeter and approaches a flower booth. He stops for a second to catch his breath and Amanda approaches him from behind and drops a glass vase on his head. Stephen falls to the ground, out cold. Lee draws near the scene, his gun trained on him.
LEE
Well, Partner, appears we cleaned up this afternoon.
AMANDA
Oh, Lee, that is such a bad pun.
He smiles at her. Keaton arrives and handcuffs Stephen. Stephen comes to.
KEATON
Okay, Stephen Lynch, we know all about your plans and the involvement of your brother and sister. Now tell us where the bomb is.
STEVEN
Never, you tosser!
QUICK CUT
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
Stephen and his brother Harry are thrown into a holding cell. The cell door closes with a BANG. In the cell are a couple of bunks. Aiden sits on the bottom of one of the bunks. An elderly man with graying hair and a thick heavy beard sleeps on the top bunk. He snores loudly and reeks of liquor. He has his back turned facing the far wall.
HARRY
(nervous)
What are we going to do, Stephen?
STEPHEN
Nothin.’ You keep ya mouth shut, ya hear.
Harry nods his head.
HARRY
Chloe going to be silent, too.
STEPHEN
If she knows what’s good for her.
(beat)
Nothing wrong with dying for the cause. We will be martyrs.
Harry is not too sure about this and he glances around the cell block.
HARRY
Hey, I know you. You’re one of Quinn’s boys.
Aiden slips back into his Irish accent.
AIDEN
That’s right. What’s it to ya?
STEPHEN
He means nothing by it.
(beat)
Do you really work for Quinn? What they holding you for?
AIDEN
Bogus charges. They are rounding up a bunch of us Irish Republican Army types. They think we are responsible for the bombing at the station. They think one of us will spill the beans. Now you two boys don’t know anything, do ya?
Harry and Stephen exchange glances. Stephen then focuses on the guy in the top bunk who is still snoring away.
STEPHEN
What’s his story?
AIDEN
He’s me buddy, Liam. He’ll be sleeping off what he drank last night for hours.
STEPHEN
Known him long?
AIDEN
Nah. We just met, but I guess he’s a regular in this joint.
Harry laughs. He then sits down on the bottom bed, and Stephen sits down next to him. They look around the room again and Harry shrugs. Aiden stands up and walks toward the other bunk.
AIDEN
I can tell from your eyes you’ve got something big planned. Revenge, maybe?
(beat)
Bobby Sands said, “Our revenge will be the laughter of our children.”
STEPHEN
Yes, yes, he did say that. However, Quinn is weak to our cause.
AIDEN
Hey, watch it!
STEPHEN
No disrespect, but why is he not doing more – we need to attack them where they are most vulnerable.
AIDEN
What do you have in mind?
Steven glances around the room again and notices the man in the top bunk is still snoring away. Aiden leans in closer to the two of them.
STEPHEN
We packed a truck with 500kg of ammonium nitrate.
Aiden whistles.
AIDEN
Mary and Joseph!
(beat)
Where?
HARRY
We parked the panel truck on Stafford Place.
AIDEN
Limy, that’s just kiddie corner from Buckingham Palace.
Stephen has a sinister look on his face.
STEPHEN
That’s right.
At that moment, Chief Inspector Keaton appears in front of the door to the cell. He takes out a set of keys.
KEATON
Any of you boys ready to talk?
STEPHEN
Go to hell, tosser!
Aiden walks back to his bunk and lies down.
KEATON
(yelling)
Liam, wake up!
He opens the cell door.
LIAM
Huh, what?
KEATON
Your wife just posted bail.
Liam staggers out of bed and heads toward the door.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – HALLWAY
Keaton leads him down the corridor. Once they are safely away from the cell, the old man takes off the beard and wig reveling himself as Lee.
LEE
No time to lose. The explosives are inside a panel truck parked near Buckingham Palace.
CLOSE ON Chief Inspector Keaton.
KEATON
Just like your wife, you have your own style.
Lee smiles as they step through a door. Amanda is standing there and he puts his arm around her. Then the three of them exit the building and
we. . . FREEZE FRAME.
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE AREA – DAY
The Royal Residence is in the background.
Lee and Amanda are dressed formally as they stroll along the sidewalk.
AMANDA
Lee?
LEE
Hmm?
AMANDA
Where are we going?
LEE
You said you wanted to go out for a formal afternoon tea.
AMANDA
Yes, but that still does not answer my question.
Lee stops along the street and looks both ways before crossing the road. They continue walking.
LEE
Well, where would you like to go?
AMANDA
I liked where we went last time.
LEE
Yes, it was a very nice place.
AMANDA
Do you think you can use your influence to get us in there again?
LEE
I guess I could, but I had another place in mind.
Lee and Amanda walk by the Buckingham Palace Guard shack, Amanda sees the guard and nods politely.
AMANDA
Really?
LEE
Uh-ha.
He turns so they are walking through the gate.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE
LEE
The Queen was so grateful to us for catching those responsible for the subway bombings and stopping the disaster outside the palace, she invited us for afternoon tea.
AMANDA
Lee, we’re not?! At the palace?
LEE
Yes, we are.
AMANDA
Oh, my gosh!
She stops in the driveway just inside the gate, and he halts, too.
AMANDA
Kiss me, so I know this is not a dream.
He takes her by the arms and pulls her close. They close their eyes and lean in to kiss each other, when suddenly a little Welsh Corgi nips at Lee’s heels.
LEE
What the-
AMANDA
Yep, definitely not a dream.
They share a laugh and we. . . FREEZE FRAME
FADE OUT:
THE END
*****
Song Reference: “The Fields of Athenry” – is an Irish folk ballad set during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1850). The song was written in the 1970’s by Pete St. John and first recorded in 1979 by Danny Doyle.
PROLOGUE
EXT. TENEMENT BUILDING – NIGHT (IRELAND)
A residence building in Belfast, Ireland.
INT. BASEMENT FLAT – KITCHEN – NIGHT
ON a Resistance poster that contains a quotation from Bobby Sands: “They won't break me because the desire for freedom, and the freedom of the Irish people, is in my heart. The day will dawn when all the people of Ireland will have the desire for freedom to show. It is then that we will see the rising of the moon.”
SLOWLY WIDEN TO REVEAL two men in their twenties sitting at a table. They work in silence. There are several large sacks of sugar on the counter. The first man, STEPHEN LYNCH, pours contents from a metal pan into a cylindrical canister tube. Then his brother, HARRY, twists on the cap.
A TELEPHONE rings and Harry answers, resting the receiver between his ear and shoulder so he can talk and work at the same time. He has a strong Northern Irish dialect.
HARRY
Hello.
(beat; nodding)
Yes, yes. We’re all set.
(another beat)
Let’s just say tomorrow evenin’s commute is gonna be a blast.
He places the canister on the counter, near a timing device, and smiles sinisterly.
DISSOLVE TO
ACT ONE
EXT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – DAY
The camera ZOOMS onto the 4247 sign and then changes focus onto the second story window.
INT. AMANDA’S BEDROOM – DAY
LEE (V.O.)
Well, other than what we put in storage that should be the last of it.
The camera follows LEE and AMANDA into their bedroom. Lee is carrying a couple of heavy boxes and Amanda has a few coats and dress suits draped over her arm. She kicks the door closed with her foot. Lee places the boxes down on the floor and Amanda hangs his clothes in the closet. Half the closet is now his and half is hers.
AMANDA
Are you sure, you aren’t going to miss your apartment? It was nice having our own private retreat once in awhile.
LEE
Nah. I, for one, am thankful to be finally living openly as husband and wife. I look forward to dealing with the daily chaos known as the King boys and having your mother and you force breakfast on me.
Amanda starts to protest, but he silences her with his finger on her lip.
LEE (continued)
As an added bonus, I look forward to waking up with you in my arms every morning.
AMANDA
Me, too.
He quickly kisses her on the lips. Then Lee begins to rub his shoulder and moans.
AMANDA
Sore muscles?
LEE
Yeah.
AMANDA
Well, I might not have ‘magic fingers,’ but I do alright with giving back rubs.
She runs her fingers up his chest and begins to unbutton his shirt.
LEE
You aren’t half-bad.
She stills her movements.
AMANDA
Not half-bad? Well, you aren’t half-bad either.
She then raises her eyebrows at him.
LEE
I know how I can get you to change your opinion.
AMANDA
Oh you do, do ya?
He shrugs out of his shirt, wraps his arms around Amanda’s waist, pulls her to him, and leans in for a kiss, when JAMIE suddenly enters the room. They quickly step back from their embrace.
JAMIE
(slightly embarrassed)
Sorry, Mom, Lee.
AMANDA
It’s okay, Jamie. What do you need?
JAMIE
We finished putting Lee’s stuff in the garage away.
AMANDA
On the shelves, right? I’m not going to find them on the garage floor, am I?
JAMIE
No, Mom. Since we’re all done, can Phillip and I go to the skate park?
LEE
(he answers)
Be sure and come home by the time the streetlights come on.
JAMIE
You’re not my dad.
AMANDA
(surprised)
Jamie! You apologize to Lee this very instant.
LEE
It’s okay.
AMANDA
No, it is not okay.
Jamie scuffs the floor with his shoes.
JAMIE
Sorry, Lee.
PHILLIP comes into the room.
PHILLIP
Wormbrain, are you coming or not? Jacob is meeting us there, and I want to show him my new skills. Hey, Mom. Hey, Lee.
JAMIE
So can we?
Amanda looks at Lee, encouraging him to answer.
LEE
Sure, but you boys need to be home by dark.
(beat)
And wear your knee and elbow pads.
They both groan, but nod their heads.
JAMIE
We will.
Jamie exits.
PHILLIP
See you later.
(beat; he winks at Lee)
Have fun, you two.
AMANDA
(shocked; slightly embarrassed)
Phillip!
Phillip exits.
AMANDA (continued)
I swear, Lee, there are times I think aliens have abducted my children and replaced them with. . . teenagers.
LEE
Aliens? Really, Amanda.
(beat)
We knew this transition was going to take time. Jamie’s just testing the waters. He’ll come around.
(another beat)
Now, where were we?
AMANDA
I believe we were right here, Mr. Stetson.
They lean in to kiss, when DOTTY suddenly whirls into the room.
DOTTY
Oh, my. . .
Amanda bounces her head on Lee’s shoulder. Lee mouths, “I know. I know.”
DOTTY
Really, Amanda, Lee, you two should learn to lock the door if you want some privacy.
She admires Lee physique as she exits the room and closes the door.
INT. HALLWAY
DOTTY (continued)
Yep, most definitely an eleven.
QUICK CUT
EXT. AGENCY – GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE – DAY
The Jeep Wagoneer is parked alongside the curb in front of the Georgetown entrance. A woman taking her dog for a walk strolls in front of the building.
INT. AGENCY - CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
Lee, Amanda and a gaggle of other agents sit around a table talking. FRANCINE hands out sheets of paper to the agents in the room. BILLY stands at a podium in front of the room and clears his throat.
BILLY
Listen up, people. Francine just passed out a list of all the political events scheduled for the next two weeks.
The agents all scan the information in front of them and murmur among themselves.
BILLY
As you can tell, we have a pretty full agenda these next few weeks, so there will be no requests for time off during this time.
Everyone moans.
Billy scans his notes and then looks around the room.
BILLY (continued)
In addition, the annual review of the Agency’s Congressional Oversight Committee starts next week.
Everyone grumbles and gripes. Billy holds up his hand.
BILLY
(to Lee)
Lee, since you built up quite the rapport with Representative Faber, I’m leaving her in your and Amanda’s capable hands.
(to Amanda)
Make sure files are organized, expense reports tallied, and the “I’s” dotted and the “T’s” crossed.
AMANDA
Yes, Sir.
BILLY
Okay, folks that is it. Be safe out there.
Everyone stands up and begins to leave the room. Lee quickly corners Billy.
LEE
(whining)
Billy, not the Dragon Lady! Get me out of this.
BILLY
Representative Faber is the chairperson of the Oversight Committee. You know the committee that approves our budget. And she specifically asked for you, Scarecrow.
LEE
I'm sure there’s a very important case waiting for me, preferably overseas.
BILLY
Really, Scarecrow? I thought you had been domesticated.
Billy laughs as he exits the conference room.
OFF LEE’S EXPRESSION. . .
CUT TO
INT. AGENCY - Q-BUREAU – DAY (AN HOUR LATER)
Lee and Amanda are going through boxes of files. Large stacks of files are on both Lee’s and Amanda’s desks. Lee runs his hand through his hair, frustrated.
LEE
This is ridiculous. I’m a spy, not a file clerk.
AMANDA
Come on Lee, it’s not that bad.
LEE
Did I tell you what happened last time I was saddled with Congresswoman Faber?
Amanda shakes her head.
LEE
She came up with the brilliant idea that the Agency was due for a complete overhaul.
AMANDA
So you are the reason for all the changes in the expense reports.
LEE
I told Billy I was the wrong man for the job.
AMANDA
You’re the perfect man from where I sit.
LEE
(a look of pure male satisfaction is on his face)
Oh yeah?
(beat)
You think so, do you?
Lee takes Amanda in his arms. He kisses her on the lips; Amanda returns the favor by placing feather light kisses on his neck. Lee groans.
AMANDA
Oh, yeah. . .
They are interrupted by a KNOCK on the door as Francine opens it. They both roll their eyes. Lee releases Amanda and takes a step toward his desk.
FRANCINE
Here are the rest of those, umm. . . expense reports.
Francine smirks.
FRANCINE (continued)
(snarky)
Did I interrupt something?
LEE
No, Francine.
AMANDA
Nothing to interrupt.
Amanda moves to take the reports from Francine.
AMANDA (continued)
Thank you, Francine.
Lee walks to the door and ushers Francine out.
FRANCINE
Now you two behave. Don't do anything I would do.
CLOSE ON Lee and Amanda’s expression.
FRANCINE (continued)
(laughs)
Just a little joke.
She exits.
Lee steps toward Amanda and pulls her to him again.
LEE
Now, where were we?
AMANDA
Right here, I believe.
They lean in to kiss, when suddenly Billy opens the door.
BILLY
Lee, I. . . never mind I’ll come back later.
He exits as quickly as he came in. Lee and Amanda share a laugh.
LEE
We really need to not forget to lock that door.
CUT TO
EXT. KING’S CROSS STATION – ESTABLISHING – NIGHT (LONDON)
The station entrance at street level.
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION – NIGHT
EMILY FARNSWORTH enters the station and glances at the clock above the waiting area. The station is crowded with late evening commuters. Over the PA comes a steady stream of announcements. An ELDERLY GENTLEMAN walks past Emily and nods politely. Suddenly a large explosion rocks the train station.
FLAMES EXPLODE IN A LARGE FIREBALL
EXT. KING’S CROSS STATION
Smoke and dust billow out from the exposed tunnel entrance. A large number of screaming passengers exit into the street. In the distance, we hear wailing sirens approach.
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION
CLOSE ON Emily, who lies on the floor that is littered with boxes and debris. Spot fires are all around her.
CUT TO
EXT. AMANDA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
The Corvette is parked in front of the house and the Wagoneer is parked in the driveway. The streetlights are on.
INT. AMANDA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
LEE (O.C.)
You know, I’m going to be glad when this review is over and we can get back to doing our real jobs – you know, protecting America’s interests.
Amanda sits on the edge of their bed in a pretty nightgown, brushing her hair. Lee comes out of the bathroom wearing a towel around his waist. He is drying his hair with another towel; however, after seeing his wife, he sits down on the bed next to her. Lee takes her hairbrush and places it down on the nightstand; he then brushes her face softly with his fingers. He kisses her lightly and then pushes her back onto the bed and joins her.
LEE
(seductively)
Alone at last.
He lowers his mouth to hers and kisses her deeply. The telephone RINGS. Lee sits up.
LEE
NO, NO, NO, NO!! Every time we get a chance to be alone that damn phone rings.
She shoots him a knowing look. Then after composing herself, Amanda reaches over the bed to answer the telephone.
AMANDA
Hello.
(beat)
Billy, ah. . . no you did not interrupt anything. We were just getting ready for bed.
(looking guilty)
Yes, Sir. Lee.
She hands Lee the telephone.
LEE
Yeah Billy, what’s up?
(beat)
Oh, my God?
(another beat)
She’s not. . . How is she then? Okay, we’ll be there soon.
Lee hands the telephone back to Amanda who hangs it up.
AMANDA
(concerned)
Lee, what is it?
LEE
There has been an explosion at a train station in London. Emily is among those who have been injured.
AMANDA
Oh, my gosh!
LEE
Get dressed, I’ll tell you more along the way.
Lee grabs a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and goes into the bathroom to change.
CLOSE ON Amanda’s stunned expression AND WE. . .
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. AGENCY – Q-BUREAU – EARLY THE NEXT MORNING
Lee and Amanda are sitting on the couch in the Q-Bureau – it is obvious they have not slept all night. Billy enters the room. Although weary himself, he delivers the bad news to his agents.
BILLY
Reports coming in are still sketchy. MI-6 believes the IRA might be involved, but so far no one has claimed responsibility.
AMANDA
The Provisional Irish Republican Army?
BILLY
Yes, however the British government is keeping a tight lid on this for now. At the moment, they are leaking information to the press that a fire was started by a discarded match that fell into an escalator shaft and a flashover was created in the tunnel caused by the backflow of air from the trains.
LEE
What is the damage estimate?
BILLY
Ten confirmed deaths, over fifty injured, and an estimated £100 million worth of damage.
Billy shakes his head.
AMANDA
Any word on Emily?
BILLY
No, other than she is listed as one of those injured in the blast. From what I can gather, she was rushed to a local London hospital, in serious condition.
Amanda grabs Lee’s hand and gently squeezes it.
BILLY
I also just got off the phone with Scotland Yard. They have requested you two to help in the investigation. They have asked for Inter-agency cooperation, since the explosion appears to be an act of terrorism.
Lee and Amanda exchange a look. Amanda answers.
AMANDA
For Emily.
Lee nods his head.
BILLY
I will have Francine handle your travel arrangements.
LEE
What about the Oversight Committee?
Billy pinches the bridge of his nose; he is also fatigued.
BILLY
I will have Francine and Fielder handle the Dragon. . . I mean, Congresswoman Faber. Now, you two get home and get some rest. I will have an Agency courier deliver your airline tickets to the house.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL (LONDON) – DAY
Lee and Amanda are riding up on an elevator inside a London hospital.
AMANDA
Did you notice the look on Mother’s face when we told her Emily was a spy?
LEE
"That sweet, elderly Englishwoman is a spy? But she’s a Lady for goodness sakes?"
They share a small smile. When the elevator stops and the doors open, Lee and Amanda step off.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
They walk down a hospital corridor, hand-in-hand. Lee then spots a distinguished elderly man in his 60’s with grey hair walking toward them, carrying a Styrofoam cup. This is LORD FARNSWORTH.
LEE
Lord Farnsworth so glad to see you, although I wish it was under better circumstances.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Lee, my boy. I was just getting some tea. How are you?
He shakes Lee’s hand with his free hand.
LEE
Fine. Sir, I would like to introduce you to my wife and partner, Amanda.
Lord Farnsworth shakes Amanda’s hand. She returns the handshake.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Amanda, Emily talks about you often. I feel I know you already.
AMANDA
Your Lordship--
Lord Farnsworth cuts her off.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Please, it’s James. We are all family here.
He takes a sip of his tea.
LORD FARNSWORTH (continued)
Ugh! This stuff is dreadful.
He throws the cup into a nearby garbage can.
LEE
How’s Emily doing?
LORD FARNSWORTH
Emily is doing better; however, she is in a coma. One of her lungs has collapsed, and she has third degree burns on her left leg, but doctors are optimistic she will make a complete recovery, although it might require a couple of skin grafts.
LEE
When can we see her?
LORD FARNSWORTH
Right now, if you want.
He leads Lee and Amanda toward Emily’s room.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – EMILY’S ROOM
This is a typical hospital room, with a patient bed in the center of the room, pushed against the wall. Emily is lying in the bed and is hooked up to standard hospital machines including a heart monitor. Her leg was propped up on a pillow with cold compresses on it. She has an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth. Her chest rises and falls.
Lord Farnsworth walks over to Emily and kisses her lightly on the cheek.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Peach, look who I found lurking around outside in the hallway? They are worried about you and would like you to wake up, as would I.
He steps back, and then Lee comes forward.
LEE
Come on Emily, it’s not like you to be sleeping on the job.
Amanda then takes her hand.
AMANDA
Hello, Emily. It’s Amanda. You get better now. I just know everything is going to be all right.
Lord Farnsworth takes out a pocket watch from his suit coat pocket and looks at the time. He then closes the clasp.
LORD FARNSWORTH
I hate to impose, but I have a business meeting scheduled for this afternoon and there was no time to reschedule. I didn’t want to leave her alone, but since you two are here, would you mind sitting with her?
AMANDA
We would be happy to, James.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Much appreciated. I shall return shortly.
He takes Emily’s hand and kisses it.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Be back soon, Love.
He then exits the room.
AMANDA
They seem like such a great couple. I can’t believe how much he’s still in love with his wife after all these years.
LEE
I hope that will be true for us.
AMANDA
It will be.
They kiss.
Amanda then settles in a chair next to the bed, Lee stands next to her, but he takes Emily’s hand.
LEE
Did I ever tell you about the time Emily saved my life?
Amanda shakes her head.
LEE (continued)
I was what Emily referred to as “a little wet behind the ears” and got into a situation that soon escalated to being way over my head.
AMANDA
(mocking)
No, not you.
He smiles at her.
LEE
I had gone underground infiltrating this London mafia gang and a nasty bar brawl was about to break out and I was heavily outnumbered. Emily, as bold as can be, walks into this rough bar, yanked me by the ear. . . and marched me out of there. These tough men just laughed. She was pretending to be, of all things, my mother.
AMANDA
She bailed you out of a tough spot, didn’t she?
LEE
You bet she did.
AMANDA
She was a good mentor for you.
LEE
The best. She’s been a good mentor and friend in a business that often thwarts people from forming close relationships. I don’t know what I would do without her. . . or you.
Amanda puts her hand on his back. Emily stirs in bed.
LEE
Emily?
She blinks a few times.
EMILY’S POV
The room swirls into focus and then back out of focus again, then snaps into a clear image. Her gaze falls on Lee and Amanda.
FULL SHOT
EMILY
Lee? Amanda?
LEE
Welcome back.
EMILY
Hospital?
ON LEE AND AMANDA
They both nod.
AMANDA
Yes, you gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?
EMILY
This old lady is very, very sore.
LEE
Well, you are going to be fine, just fine.
(beat)
James was just here, he should be back soon. He stayed all night in your room with you.
She nods her head.
EMILY
Good. Then, I just have one question for you?
LEE
Yes, Emily.
She points to Lee’s wedding ring.
EMILY
Was my invite lost in the post?
CLOSE ON Lee and Amanda who share a sheepish expression on their faces.
QUICK CUT
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – ESTABLISHING – DAY
The British bastion of law and order.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Lee and Amanda are sitting around a conference table. The door to the conference room opens and in walks CHIEF INSPECTOR SEAN KEATON. He greets them, warmly.
KEATON
Welcome to the other side of the pond. So glad you can help us out again, Agent Stetson, and you too, Mrs. King.
He shakes their hands.
AMANDA
So what can you tell us about the explosion and fire, Chief Inspector?
KEATON
Straight to the point, aren’t you? All right then, even though we’re still trying to piece together what happened, evidence does suggests it was a bomb. In addition, we have reason to believe the attack on King’s Cross Station was carried out by the IRA.
LEE
What makes you think that? Has anyone come forward as being responsible, since we left D.C.?
KEATON
No, however, the IRA has carried out similar attacks in other countries such as West Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as here in Great Britain.
The Chief Inspector turns on a slide projector that sits on the conference table and begins to go through and explain the various pictures.
INSERT – several photos of the damage done to Hyde Park, followed by photos of Regent’s Park.
KEATON (V.O.)
In 1982, the IRA exploded two bombs at a British Army ceremonial parade at Hyde Park and Regent's Park in London, killing 11 soldiers and wounding 50 soldiers and civilians.
BACK TO SCENE
AMANDA
Oh, my gosh.
KEATON
I know, ghastly.
He pushes the slide projector remote and changes the slide.
INSERT – photos of the Brighton Hotel bombing.
KEATON (V.O.)
Then in 1984, there was the Brighton Hotel bombing. The IRA tried to assassinate British Prime Minster Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet. She survived, but five people were killed, including Sir Anthony Berry, a Conservative Party Member of Parliament, Eric Taylor, the Northwest Party chairman, and three wives of party officials.
BACK TO SCENE
CLOSE ON the Chief Inspector.
AMANDA
What can you tell us about the make-up of the bombs?
KEATON
These bombs are often made up of sugar and nitrate fertilizer, a cheap and easily obtainable explosive, used extensively by the IRA.
LEE
And this is the type of bomb you believe was used in the King’s Cross Station explosion?
KEATON
Our men are still shifting through the debris, but I have no doubt our forensics investigators will find evidence linking this explosion to the IRA.
AMANDA
This bombing happened at a subway station, correct?
KEATON
Yes, what you Yanks refer to as a subway – we call tubes.
Change slide.
INSERT – photo of King’s Cross Station
KEATON (V.O.)
The London Underground is the oldest public transport system in the world and each working day carries approximately 2.5 million passengers. King’s Cross Station is one of the busiest stations serving over 100,000 passengers during peak hours.
(beat)
We were actually lucky that this explosion happened when it did, after rush hour, when most of the evening commuters had already gone home.
BACK TO SCENE
Chief Inspector Keaton turns off the slide projector.
AMANDA
What is the IRA’s motivation?
KEATON
They believe that bombing will create a demand among the British public for their government to withdraw from Northern Ireland. The British response has been to destroy the IRA, rather than to find a political solution. Not saying I agree or disagree with my government.
(beat)
Anyway, are there any other questions?
LEE
Yes, when can we see the crime scene?
Chief Inspector Keaton looks at his watch.
KEATON
It’s too late this evening to go down there. Why don’t I meet you two tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m.?
CLOSE ON Lee and Amanda.
CUT TO
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Lee is propped up against the headboard on the king size bed, reading a book. Amanda is sitting on the edge on the bed, talking on the phone.
AMANDA
Give the boys a kiss from us. Love you.
She hangs up the telephone and sighs.
LEE
How are things with the home front?
AMANDA
Okay, except I think she hates the expression “Need to know” as much as I did when I first started working at the Agency. She was fishing for information.
(beat)
Although, I am glad they know the truth about our jobs now, I have to admit that sometimes it was easier when we kept them in the dark.
Amanda runs her index finger down his chest.
AMANDA (continued)
Promise me things will get easier.
LEE
I promise.
He leans in and places a light kiss on her lips. Lee pulls back and sees Amanda yawn.
AMANDA
I’m sorry, Lee. I just can’t seem to keep awake any longer.
LEE
Is the romance dead already?
She playfully swats him. He grabs her hands and kisses her a second time, when he suddenly yawns himself. He looks at her sheepishly.
LEE
It’s been a long day. Let’s get some sleep, shall we?
He reaches over and turns off the lamp on the nightstand. Lee then rolls over and pulls Amanda to him. They spoon together.
LEE
(whispers; husky voice)
Love you, Amanda.
AMANDA
I love you, too.
CUT TO
EXT. PUB – NIGHT (IRELAND)
A small Irish pub in Belfast. We hear music and loud voices spilling into the street.
INT. PUB – NIGHT
The pub is alive and kicking. Many customers are drinking beer, and more beer, and playing darts. In the back corner of the bar, sits Stephen and Harry drinking Guinness beer. Their sister, CHLOE, who has been sitting with them, suddenly stands up and walks over to a jukebox. The song “Fields of Athenry” plays. She rejoins her brothers and they sing.
EVERYONE
“By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
'Nothing matters Mary, when you're free'
Against the famine and the crown,
I rebelled, they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity.”
They raise their glasses in a toast.
CHLOE
To dreams and songs to sing.
STEPHEN AND HARRY
(in unison)
Hear-hear.
They clink their glasses and take a drink; WE . . .
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
EXT. STREET NEAR KING’S CROSS STATION – MORNING
The street is blocked off by road barricades to prevent vehicles from entering either side of the street outside the station. Metropolitan Police cars line the street, including a crime scene investigation van.
ON SEDAN
Lee pulls up to the scene in a rental car, shows his ID, and a policeman removes one of the barricades so Lee can drive through.
ON LEE
He then parks his car, climbs out, and walks around to the other side of the car, opens the door and helps Amanda out. She takes his hand and they walk toward the entrance.
FULL SHOT
EXT. KING CROSS STATION – ENTRANCE – DAY
Lee and Amanda met up with Chief Inspector Keaton and the three of them walk inside.
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION – WAITING AREA – DAY
The waiting area is charred and a thick, heavy, smoldering smell lingers in the air.
Amanda gasps.
LEE
Are you alright?
AMANDA
Not trying to be funny, but it looks like a bomb hit this place.
(beat)
I’m surprised anyone survived this.
KEATON
Bloody terrorists.
They head down the burnt out escalator stairs. It is obvious a very hot, intense fire has consumed the area.
Lee walks toward a charred door.
LEE
Where does this door lead?
Chief Inspector Keaton takes out a blueprint of the station.
KEATON
The machine room.
Lee tries to open the door, but the damaged door will not budge, so he kicks it in. Note: It is a heavy metal door.
Lee, Amanda, and Inspector Keaton enter the machine room.
Chief Inspector Keaton hands Lee and Amanda latex gloves and they began to sift through the ashes of the charred room.
They work in silence for a few minutes, Lee gets down onto the floor and reaches under a control panel and pulls out the charred remains of something that looks like a timer.
LEE
What do you make this out to be?
KEATON
Looks like some sort of timer.
The Chief Inspector puts the device into a plastic bag and closes it.
KEATON (continued)
I’ll have our lab boys examine this.
AMANDA
That confirms our suspicion – it was a bomb.
LEE
Yeah, but still does not answer who was the intended target.
(beat; to Amanda)
I think you and I should go to the hospital and talk with Emily. Maybe she has some ideas.
(another beat; to Chief Inspector Keaton)
Let us know what the lab boys turn up. We’ll meet you back at Scotland Yard in two hours.
KEATON
Sounds good.
Lee, after he removes the gloves and tosses them away, takes Amanda’s hand and they exit the room.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL – EMILY’S ROOM – LATER THAT MORNING
Emily is sitting up in the hospital bed, propped up by pillows. Lord Farnsworth is sitting in a chair, next to the window. There is a hospital cart next to her bed with a pitcher of water and several vases of flowers. She is no longer hooked up to machines and already her color is returning and she looks a lot better than she did the last time we saw her. She perks up when she sees Lee and Amanda enter the room.
EMILY
Lee, Amanda. How are the newlyweds?
They both look at each other and then blush.
AMANDA
We are good.
LEE
You look much better. How are you feeling?
EMILY
Feel good, except the leg is still giving me trouble.
LORD FARNSWORTH
And she is giving her doctor fits.
EMILY
Vampires, all of them. I tell you, taking my blood at all hours. You never get any sleep with nurses and doctors coming in and out and then they tell me to rest. I look forward to going home and resting in my own bed.
(beat)
How’s the investigation going?
AMANDA
We now have proof it was a bomb.
EMILY
Oh, my.
LEE
Emily, why were you down at the station that night? Don’t you usually call for your car?
EMILY
Usually that is correct, Lee. I was headed to the theatre that night and Jack was a bit under the weather, so I gave him the night off.
AMANDA
You don’t think this could be retaliation against you or other MI-6 agents, do you?
EMILY
Heavens, no.
LEE
What were you working on?
EMILY
Nothing that would warrant getting killed.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Emily was planning to retire the end of this year. She has not been working on anything classified or sensitive.
She nods her head.
EMILY
(winks at Lee)
Let the younger, more brash agents save England, her Majesty the Queen, and the world.
(beat)
I was looking forward to retirement. James and I planned to do some traveling together.
(another beat; she takes his hand)
I’ve been semi-retired for a number of years now. Really, I have not done much since the listening posts mission and I was on that assignment because MI-6 thought the cover of a retired elderly woman visiting the sights of Salzburg was a good, safe cover. Then the whole Falcon Wing fiasco, but I was doing that more as a favor to both our governments.
AMANDA
Therefore, you being in the subway station that evening, was nothing more then being in the wrong place, at the wrong time?
EMILY
Yes, Amanda, that is exactly what I think.
AMANDA
I would guess it is just a random act of violence. Lee?
LEE
I would have to agree with you.
AMANDA
Why don’t we let Emily get the rest she needs.
LEE
Let’s head back to Scotland Yard, maybe they have more information on the timer piece we found.
Amanda nods her head. Lee leans over and gives Emily a kiss on the cheek.
EMILY
Wait, Lee, Amanda. James and I have been talking, and we would like you two to stay at the townhouse while you are in town. There is no reason for you to incur a hotel bill and we would love it if you stayed.
AMANDA
Are you sure we're not putting you out?
LORD FARNSWORTH
No, not at all. Our staff would be happy to accommodate you.
Lee looks at Amanda and she nods her head. She then gives Emily a pat on her uninjured leg.
AMANDA
We would be honored.
LORD FARNSWORTH
Then it is settled. I will have a driver go to your hotel and retrieve your bags.
LEE
Thank you, Sir.
Lee shakes his hand.
LORD FARNSWORTH
I will tell Jack to prepare a dinner for you two, but to keep it in the warming tray until you get in this evening.
(beat; he takes Emily’s hand)
Thank you for everything you have done for Emily. We feel this is the least we can do.
Amanda leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
AMANDA
She’s pretty special to us, too.
Lee then takes Amanda’s hand and they exit Emily’s room.
QUICK CUT
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – LATER THAT DAY
CAMERA ZOOMS onto the rotating New Scotland Yard sign.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – LAB ROOM - DAY
Lee, Amanda and the Chief Inspector are standing inside the lab room. The explosives expert, BRANDON GREGG, explains what he has found. He holds up a magnifying glass for them. Lee takes it first.
GREGG
From what I can determine, the explosive device was fitted with a long-delay timer made from video recorder components.
LEE
I have to admit, ingenious.
GREGG
I concur.
AMANDA
What kind of bomb are we looking at?
GREGG
Without a doubt, it was an ammonium fertilizer incendiary device.
AMANDA
How does that work?
Gregg points to some illustrations on a chalkboard.
GREGG
The first thing that happens during a fertilizer bomb blast is the explosion of the detonator, which is set off by either lighting a fuse or, as in the case, setting off a timer.
(he points to another picture)
When it discharges, it creates what we call a detonation wave. This detonation wave radiates outward from the detonator at a speed of about two to three miles per second.
Lee whistles.
GREGG
I know, right?
KEATON
Go on, Brandon.
GREGG
Right. Anyway, the energy of the detonation wave causes the ammonium nitrate in the fertilizer to vaporize. The solid fertilizer becomes a gas in an instant. The ammonium and nitrate molecules break down, and a large amount of oxygen gas is suddenly formed.
Gregg gives them a few seconds to absorb what he has told them.
GREGG (continued)
The gas released from the decomposing fertilizer is what drives the explosion. The rapid release of oxygen, along with the energy from the detonation wave, ignites the fuel.
(beat)
When the liquid fuel ignites, it rapidly combusts, and even more gas is released. And then KABLOOEY!
He gestures wildly with his hands.
AMANDA
Kablooey?
Gregg nods his head excitedly.
GREGG
(repeats, with a much smaller hand gesture)
Kablooey!
Lee and Amanda share a look.
KEATON
Thanks, Brandon.
LEE
(touch of sarcasm)
Yeah, thanks for the science lesson.
GREGG
You are welcome, Agent Stetson.
(beat)
Oh, one more thing. Whoever placed this bomb knew exactly where to leave it for maximum destruction. Most of the stations have modern escalators, but King’s Cross escalators were made of wood. So when the explosion occurred; the flames ignited grease, grime, rubbish, and those sort of things you would typically find under the stairs.
AMANDA
Is there anything we can use to narrow down possible suspects?
GREGG
No, not really.
(beat; he holds up the timing device)
This type of timing device can be found in any electronics store. And of course, sugar can be purchased at any supermarket.
(another beat)
I would suggest focusing on the fertilizer, maybe.
LEE
(to the Inspector)
Is that possible?
KEATON
It’s not illegal to purchase large quantities of fertilizer, and regrettably, the government does not keep track of those who do.
(beat)
However, if I were a betting man, I would still place all my money on the IRA. This is right up their alley.
At that moment, a SERGEANT enters the room.
SERGEANT
Chief Inspector Keaton.
The Chief Inspector acknowledges the man.
KEATON
Yes, Roberts.
SERGEANT
Thought you should know. Our boys found an undetonated bomb, on the Victoria Line. The Bomb Squad has been alerted.
OFF EVERYONE’S EXPRESSION AND WE. . .
CUT TO
EXT. KING CROSS STATION – ENTRANCE – DAY
INT. KING’S CROSS STATION – VICTORIA LINE – DAY
Lee, Amanda and Inspector Keaton meet up with a man, KURT THOMAS, from the Bomb Squad.
THOMAS
We cleared out everyone from this area and were able to retrieve the undetonated device.
(beat)
Would you like us to dispose of it?
AMANDA
How do you do that?
THOMAS
Well, Miss, we blow it up.
AMANDA
Is the bomb dangerous? I mean is there a remote possibility it would go off on its own?
THOMAS
(shakes head)
No, the timer has been removed.
KEATON
And where is the device now?
THOMAS
In the back of the truck.
KEATON
I know we would all like to take a look at it.
THOMAS
Aye, Sir. Right this way.
He leads them out of the station and they head toward the Bomb Squad van that is parked along the street.
EXT. KING’S CROSS STATION
The four of them head toward the back of the van and one of Kurt’s men opens the door for them. They step up inside the van.
INT. VAN
AMANDA
Is that an ammonium nitrate bomb?
THOMAS
Aye, Miss.
LEE
Why did it not go off?
THOMAS
It appears the timer may have jammed, but we won’t know for sure until we examine it further.
(beat)
We are very lucky the second incendiary device did not explode. There would have been a lot more casualties.
LEE
Do you think we might get lucky and be able to pull a print off the second bomb?
Kurt Thomas shrugs.
KEATON
Can’t hurt to try. Additionally, I want our lab boys to verify this is the same make and model as the first bomb.
(to Kurt)
Take this to Scotland Yard.
THOMAS
Aye, Sir.
CUT TO
EXT. FRANSWORTH LONDON TOWNHOUSE – ESTABLISHING – NIGHT
A stately townhouse in London.
INT. FRANSWORTH LONDON TOWNHOUSE – GUEST BEDROOM – NIGHT
They are in a well-appointed bedroom. Amanda is all ready for bed and is sitting up, reading a book. Lee is wearing pajama bottoms; he pulls back the covers and crawls into bed with his wife. He raises an eyebrow at her and she smiles at him, places the book on the nightstand, turns of the lamp, then lies down. Moonlight cast a soft glow on the couple.
AMANDA
Do you need something, Lee?
LEE
Uh-ha.
AMANDA
(almost a whisper)
I know just what you need.
LEE
You know, Emily did remind us, we still are newlyweds. . .
AMANDA
(blushing)
We are, aren’t we?
Lee leans in to kiss his wife, when she suddenly bolts into an upright position. Startled, Lee instinctively tries to grab for his gun.
LEE
What! What’s wrong!
Amanda grabs his hand, stopping him.
AMANDA
I don’t know.
She has a serious look on her face, but a twinkle in her eyes.
AMANDA (continued)
Something’s wrong. Isn’t this the part where someone walks in, or shoots at us, or the phone rings, or. . .
LEE
Why, you.
He begins to tickle her, then covers both their heads with the duvet.
CLOSE ON DUVET
Amanda giggles; we . . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
INT. LORD FARNSWORTH TOWNHOUSE – KITCHEN – NEXT MORNING
Lee and Amanda enter the kitchen area of the townhouse. There is also a breakfast nook in the corner of the room overlooking the city. Standing at the stove is JACK, a man in his 50s, who assists the Farnsworths.
JACK
Good to see you again, Mr. Stetson.
He shakes Lee’s hand and Lee returns the gesture.
LEE
Same to you, Jack.
(he turns to introduce Amanda)
Jack, this is my wife Amanda. Amanda, this is Jack.
JACK
How do you do, Mrs. Stetson.
AMANDA
Fine, thank you.
JACK
Lord Farnsworth told me to tell you he would be in the study all morning attending business if you needed him; otherwise, I am at your service. Could I offer you some breakfast? I know Lady Farnsworth keeps jars of coffee around for her American friends.
LEE
Just coffee and a slice of toast for me.
JACK
And for you, Ma’am?
AMANDA
Don’t trouble yourself.
JACK
It’s no trouble.
AMANDA
Okay. What’s available?
JACK
I could prepare a bowl of porridge, toast, and orange juice. I could also cook you some eggs.
AMANDA
That sounds nice.
JACK
How would you like your eggs?
AMANDA
Scrambled.
Jack nods politely and begins to prepare their meals.
AMANDA
How long have you worked for the Farnsworths, Jack?
He pauses for a moment to think about it.
JACK
Coming up on ten years.
He places cups of coffee and glasses of orange juice on the table. Lee, in the meanwhile, opens the morning newspaper and begins to read.
AMANDA
And you like working here?
JACK
Yes, James and Emily are like family.
(beat)
I understand Emily is doing better. Lord Farnsworth said she should be coming home the day after tomorrow.
Lee stirs in some cream into his coffee and takes a sip.
LEE
Good news.
JACK
I feel dreadful that I did not drive her the other day.
AMANDA
I understand you were under the weather.
JACK
Yes, I had a touch of the stomach flu.
(beat)
However, if I had known the Lady of the house would have been injured, I would have dragged myself out of bed and driven her myself.
AMANDA
You couldn’t have known.
JACK
Well, yes, then if you are done with your “Class C” interrogation, I hope you enjoy your meal.
He places the plates and bowls down on the table. Lee almost spits out his coffee.
LEE
Good show, Jack.
JACK
Thank you, Mr. Stetson.
(beat; he winks)
Now, if there is nothing else I can do for you, I need to take care of my other duties.
LEE
I think we are good.
JACK
Good day, Sir, Ma’am.
He exits.
AMANDA
You knew, didn’t you?
LEE
Of course, Jack’s been a loyal servant of the Farnsworths for years. They trust him explicitly and so do I.
He reaches out and takes Amanda’s hand.
LEE (continued)
Jack didn’t take it personally, so don’t worry. However, we should probably finish our breakfast and head over to Scotland Yard; maybe they were able to get a fingerprint off the second bomb.
Amanda nods her head and takes another bite of her breakfast and we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – DAY
A SHOT of the building exterior and then ZOOM into a window.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – LAB – DAY
Lee, Amanda and Chief Inspector Keaton are standing around talking with Kurt Thomas. They all stand in front of a computer monitor. On the screen is a fingerprint.
THOMAS
Unfortunately, we were only able to get a partial print off the cylinder tube. There are 136 possible matches.
AMANDA
Too many to narrow down.
KEATON
I agree.
At that moment, a police Sergeant pokes his head into the lab.
SERGEANT
Sir, I think you should turn on the news. The news media is reporting it was a bomb.
KEATON
Turn on the telly, Kurt.
Kurt reaches across and turns on a small black and white television that sits on a counter. They all watch a newscast REPORTER. She is standing outside King’s Cross Station.
REPORTER (on television)
(filtered)
Sources tell the BCC that the fire at King’s Cross Station was not an accident, as originally reported, but an act of terrorism. Families of the victims have questions, but Scotland Yard is not coming forth with the answers. We have learned that so far no terrorist organizations have come forward claiming responsibility. This is-
Chief Inspector Keaton turns off the television.
KEATON
Damn, we have a leak.
LEE
Too late to worry about that now.
KEATON
Yes, you are right.
Amanda wanders around the room, looking at the evidence.
AMANDA
We are missing the obvious here.
LEE
What do you mean?
AMANDA
It is like what Kurt said; they knew exactly where to place the bombs for maximum damage. In this case, the machine room.
LEE
(wondering where she is going with this)
Yes.
AMANDA
The door to the machine room was locked; therefore, the person who placed the bomb would have had access to the room.
(beat)
I think we need to be looking at someone who works for the London Underground.
INTERCUT
INT. LONDON UNDERGROUND STATION
We see Stephen coming out the machine room at an undisclosed station. He is wearing a maintenance worker uniform. He closes the door behind him and we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. ST. PANCRAS STATION – ESTABLISHING – DAY
The east side entrance from Pancras Road.
INT. ST. PANCRAS STATION – DAY
Lee, Amanda, and Inspector Keaton are walking through a busy train station. A few commuters have gathered on the platform waiting for their train. We HEAR a TRAIN approach and then stop.
FULL SHOT
The three of them observe people coming off the train, then a MAN steps down. He appears nervous and glances around the station, before heading down the platform. Catching the eye of the Chief Inspector, he pauses and takes a second glance, then takes off running.
CHASE
Lee and Keaton chase him. The man collides with fellow passengers and then knocks over a woman. She falls to the ground.
ON THE INSPECTOR
Chief Inspector Keaton stops to check on the woman.
CHASE
The man continues to give chase and jumps over a turnstile. Lee catches up with the man and tackles him into a luggage trolley. Luggage scatters across the platform.
LEE’S POV
Lee then grabs the man forcing him to stand up, has him put his arms behind his back and handcuffs him. Chief Inspector Keaton and Amanda catch up with them. The three of them walk the man out of the station. The man continues to struggle.
EXT. TRAIN STATION
Lee, Amanda, and Chief Inspector Keaton walk toward the police car parked in the street in front of the station.
MAN
(yelling; strong Irish accent)
You won’t get anything from me, Filth!
ON CAR
Lee shoves the man into the backseat, making sure he does not hit his head, then Lee slides in next to him. Amanda opens the door and sits down in the passenger seat, while Chief Inspection Keaton stops to talk to an officer for a second, then climbs into the driver’s seat and the car pulls away from the curb. Police lights and sirens ON.
QUICK CUT
EXT. SCOTLAND YARD – DAY
CAMERA ZOOMS on the New Scotland Yard rotating sign.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY
The black curtains are drawn. The man sits on a chair in the center of a bare room. Lee is leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. Amanda stands next to him. Chief Inspector Keaton comes into the room carrying a cup of coffee, hands it to the man in the chair, and then uncuffs him. We learn the man’s name is AIDAN CALLAGHAN, a good-looking man in his mid-thirties. He drops the Irish accent.
AIDEN
Why all the subterfuge, Keaton?
KEATON
My apologizes, Old Chap.
(he nods toward Lee and Amanda)
May I introduce you to Agents Lee Stetson and his partner and wife, Amanda King?
Aiden quirks an eyebrow.
AMANDA
Keeping the King name for professional reasons.
Aiden nods his head and takes a sip of coffee. He places the cup down and rubs his shoulder.
LEE
I’m sorry about that.
Aiden holds up his hand.
AIDEN
It’s alright; I know you needed to make my arrest look real.
AMANDA
How long have you been deep undercover, Aiden?
AIDEN
Two long years.
(beat; to Keaton)
Why the deception?
KEATON
We didn’t want to blow your cover, in case anyone from the IRA was watching. However, we have a few questions for you.
Aiden leans back in the chair.
AIDEN
Shoot.
KEATON
I’m sure by now you heard about the bombing that took place at King’s Cross Station.
AIDEN
Of course.
LEE
Is the IRA responsible?
AIDEN
As much as I would love to nail those bastards to the wall, if they were responsible, it would have been the most hush-hush operation to date.
(beat)
Quinn described the deaths and injuries because of the bomb as "regrettable." I honestly don’t believe he cares if the deaths are British forces or civilians as long as they obtain their goal of getting the British government to withdraw from the region.
Aiden shakes his head again.
AIDEN (continued)
But no, they were not responsible.
AMANDA
(hint of sarcasm)
Of course not, that would have been too easy.
AIDEN
What type of bomb was it?
KEATON
An ammonium nitrate bomb.
AIDEN
Used extensively by the IRA.
(beat; taking a sip of coffee)
I can see why you would think they were behind the bombing. I’ll poke around some more, see if Quinn or one of his men slips up, but again, I don’t believe this bombing was theirs. I think they would be bragging about it or at the very least come forward and claim responsibility at the same time rub our noses in it.
KEATON
I have to agree with you.
LEE
Any idea who might be behind the bombing?
Aiden thinks about it for a moment.
AIDEN
There are those who don’t think the IRA is going far enough. That Quinn and his followers have not done enough to inflict harm on the British; my gut feeling is this is the handy work of one of the fraction groups.
Lee shakes Aiden’s hand and Aiden returns the handshake.
LEE
Thanks for your assistance.
AIDEN
You are welcome, although I don’t think I was much help.
Keaton places the handcuffs back on Aiden.
KEATON
Sorry we have to keep up the ruse. We think we might have a leak.
Aiden nods his head.
KEATON
(loudly)
Listen, friend, maybe spending some time inside a cell will loosen those lips of yours.
Chief Inspector Keaton leads Aiden out of the interrogation room and into the hallway.
They exit.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – OFFICE
Tall windows overlook the city with London Bridge and Tower Bridge in the background. Lee and Amanda are alone. Amanda is looking out the window. She sighs.
AMANDA
I really love London, so much charm and allure. It is very beautiful.
LEE
(double meaning to the statement)
Yes, it sure is.
Lee wraps his arms around his wife, pulls her close and nuzzles her neck.
AMANDA
Lee Stetson, you stop that right now! You know what that does to me.
He smiles against her neckline.
LEE
That is not what you said to me the other night.
He turns her around and kisses her deeply. When suddenly, the Chief Inspector Keaton quickly enters through the door.
KEATON
(embarrassed)
Oh, I’m terribly sorry.
She blushes and then bounces her head against Lee’s shoulder.
KEATON (continued)
I think you may want to come to the lab. We just received a note from the terrorists.
OFF LEE AND AMANDA’S EXPRESSIONS AND WE. . .
QUICK CUT
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – LAB – DAY
Lee, Amanda, and Chief Inspector Keaton stand behind Brandon Gregg. Gregg is sitting down in front of a computer. He swivels in his chair to face them.
GREGG
There were no prints on the letter. Might be lucky to find saliva on the stamp or envelope, but that could take several hours.
He hands the letter to Chief Inspector Keaton. He scans the letter again.
KEATON
Bloody, terrorists.
He then hands it to Lee and Amanda. Lee reading aloud.
LEE
“Any civilian deaths would be unfortunate, but can be easily avoided if Metropolitan Police responded promptly to clear and specific warnings.”
AMANDA
How many stations?
KEATON
The London Underground serves 270 stations. Too many and not enough manpower to evacuate and search every one.
Lee looks at his watch.
LEE
Fifteen hours, not much time.
KEATON
We need leads. Any suggestions?
In the background, we see Gregg turn around and begin typing some information into his computer.
AMANDA
Would giving into their demands buy us more time?
KEATON
I don’t have that kind of authority. And even if I did by some miracle, we could not pull out all our forces in that short amount of time.
GREGG
I might be of some assistance.
They all turn to look at Gregg again, who has his back to them.
GREGG (continued)
(he clears his throat)
Well, yes. Mrs. King suggested that the bomber might be a maintenance worker and I ran the partial print into the database and it spit out a name
. . . Stephen Lynch.
INSERT PICTURE – STEPHEN LYNCH on the monitor
BACK TO SCENE
KEATON
Print me a copy of that photo. Then put out an APB on this Stephen Lynch. Be sure to notify British Transport Police, but tell them if they spot him don’t approach, but inform us of his location.
GREGG
On it, Chief.
CUT TO
EXT. COVENT GARDEN – ESTABLISHING – DAY
A popular shopping and tourist site in London. Keaton is on a walkie-talkie setting up the placement of agents in the great hall. We see Amanda working at a flower booth near the outer entrance to the hall.
KEATON
(into walkie-talkie)
Outer perimeter secure?
ON AMANDA
She hands some flowers to a woman and then talks into a hidden microphone attached to her lapel.
AMANDA
Roger.
KEATON
Lee, how are you holding up?
INT. COVENT GARDENS – DAY
Lee, dressed in a janitor’s uniform is mopping the floor.
LEE
Ready to drop the net if we spot him.
Lee continues to mop the floor.
LEE
Wait a minute, I see a maintenance worker approaching. This could be our man.
As the man gets closer, Lee recognizes him as Stephen Lynch.
He pushes out the mop and bucket hoping to trip him, but Stephen sidesteps it at the last second.
STEPHEN
Watch it, you careless fool!
LEE
Sorry, Sir.
Stephen walks away, but Lee follows, walking briskly. He begins to remove his gun from inside his uniform jacket. Stephen glances behind him, sees Lee approaching and takes off running.
AMANDA (V.O.)
Lee, what’s going on?
LEE
Amanda, he’s headed in your direction.
CHASE
Stephen is running from Lee. He tries to get lost in the crowd at the same time loses the maintenance uniform. Lee is gaining on him. He reaches the outer perimeter and approaches a flower booth. He stops for a second to catch his breath and Amanda approaches him from behind and drops a glass vase on his head. Stephen falls to the ground, out cold. Lee draws near the scene, his gun trained on him.
LEE
Well, Partner, appears we cleaned up this afternoon.
AMANDA
Oh, Lee, that is such a bad pun.
He smiles at her. Keaton arrives and handcuffs Stephen. Stephen comes to.
KEATON
Okay, Stephen Lynch, we know all about your plans and the involvement of your brother and sister. Now tell us where the bomb is.
STEVEN
Never, you tosser!
QUICK CUT
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
Stephen and his brother Harry are thrown into a holding cell. The cell door closes with a BANG. In the cell are a couple of bunks. Aiden sits on the bottom of one of the bunks. An elderly man with graying hair and a thick heavy beard sleeps on the top bunk. He snores loudly and reeks of liquor. He has his back turned facing the far wall.
HARRY
(nervous)
What are we going to do, Stephen?
STEPHEN
Nothin.’ You keep ya mouth shut, ya hear.
Harry nods his head.
HARRY
Chloe going to be silent, too.
STEPHEN
If she knows what’s good for her.
(beat)
Nothing wrong with dying for the cause. We will be martyrs.
Harry is not too sure about this and he glances around the cell block.
HARRY
Hey, I know you. You’re one of Quinn’s boys.
Aiden slips back into his Irish accent.
AIDEN
That’s right. What’s it to ya?
STEPHEN
He means nothing by it.
(beat)
Do you really work for Quinn? What they holding you for?
AIDEN
Bogus charges. They are rounding up a bunch of us Irish Republican Army types. They think we are responsible for the bombing at the station. They think one of us will spill the beans. Now you two boys don’t know anything, do ya?
Harry and Stephen exchange glances. Stephen then focuses on the guy in the top bunk who is still snoring away.
STEPHEN
What’s his story?
AIDEN
He’s me buddy, Liam. He’ll be sleeping off what he drank last night for hours.
STEPHEN
Known him long?
AIDEN
Nah. We just met, but I guess he’s a regular in this joint.
Harry laughs. He then sits down on the bottom bed, and Stephen sits down next to him. They look around the room again and Harry shrugs. Aiden stands up and walks toward the other bunk.
AIDEN
I can tell from your eyes you’ve got something big planned. Revenge, maybe?
(beat)
Bobby Sands said, “Our revenge will be the laughter of our children.”
STEPHEN
Yes, yes, he did say that. However, Quinn is weak to our cause.
AIDEN
Hey, watch it!
STEPHEN
No disrespect, but why is he not doing more – we need to attack them where they are most vulnerable.
AIDEN
What do you have in mind?
Steven glances around the room again and notices the man in the top bunk is still snoring away. Aiden leans in closer to the two of them.
STEPHEN
We packed a truck with 500kg of ammonium nitrate.
Aiden whistles.
AIDEN
Mary and Joseph!
(beat)
Where?
HARRY
We parked the panel truck on Stafford Place.
AIDEN
Limy, that’s just kiddie corner from Buckingham Palace.
Stephen has a sinister look on his face.
STEPHEN
That’s right.
At that moment, Chief Inspector Keaton appears in front of the door to the cell. He takes out a set of keys.
KEATON
Any of you boys ready to talk?
STEPHEN
Go to hell, tosser!
Aiden walks back to his bunk and lies down.
KEATON
(yelling)
Liam, wake up!
He opens the cell door.
LIAM
Huh, what?
KEATON
Your wife just posted bail.
Liam staggers out of bed and heads toward the door.
INT. SCOTLAND YARD – HALLWAY
Keaton leads him down the corridor. Once they are safely away from the cell, the old man takes off the beard and wig reveling himself as Lee.
LEE
No time to lose. The explosives are inside a panel truck parked near Buckingham Palace.
CLOSE ON Chief Inspector Keaton.
KEATON
Just like your wife, you have your own style.
Lee smiles as they step through a door. Amanda is standing there and he puts his arm around her. Then the three of them exit the building and
we. . . FREEZE FRAME.
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE AREA – DAY
The Royal Residence is in the background.
Lee and Amanda are dressed formally as they stroll along the sidewalk.
AMANDA
Lee?
LEE
Hmm?
AMANDA
Where are we going?
LEE
You said you wanted to go out for a formal afternoon tea.
AMANDA
Yes, but that still does not answer my question.
Lee stops along the street and looks both ways before crossing the road. They continue walking.
LEE
Well, where would you like to go?
AMANDA
I liked where we went last time.
LEE
Yes, it was a very nice place.
AMANDA
Do you think you can use your influence to get us in there again?
LEE
I guess I could, but I had another place in mind.
Lee and Amanda walk by the Buckingham Palace Guard shack, Amanda sees the guard and nods politely.
AMANDA
Really?
LEE
Uh-ha.
He turns so they are walking through the gate.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE
LEE
The Queen was so grateful to us for catching those responsible for the subway bombings and stopping the disaster outside the palace, she invited us for afternoon tea.
AMANDA
Lee, we’re not?! At the palace?
LEE
Yes, we are.
AMANDA
Oh, my gosh!
She stops in the driveway just inside the gate, and he halts, too.
AMANDA
Kiss me, so I know this is not a dream.
He takes her by the arms and pulls her close. They close their eyes and lean in to kiss each other, when suddenly a little Welsh Corgi nips at Lee’s heels.
LEE
What the-
AMANDA
Yep, definitely not a dream.
They share a laugh and we. . . FREEZE FRAME
FADE OUT:
THE END
*****
Song Reference: “The Fields of Athenry” – is an Irish folk ballad set during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1850). The song was written in the 1970’s by Pete St. John and first recorded in 1979 by Danny Doyle.