SCARECROW AND MRS. KING
“A Long Winter’s Night”
Written by Anne Riener
December 2015
“A Long Winter’s Night”
Written by Anne Riener
December 2015
FADE IN:
PROLOGUE
EXT. THE JUNGLE – NIGHT
TO ESTABLISH a small militia-type army somewhere hidden in the jungle on the island of Escondite in the Caribbean. We see a series of makeshift tents and lean-tos set up and hear men laughing and talking around a low campfire.
ANGLE – ON UNIFORMED MEN
They are heavily armed and keep their guns close.
THE CAMERA ZOOMS ONTO AN OLD, RATTED LARGE ARMY TENT.
A moment later, a lone man, in his late 20s, rough-looking, with a long scar across his right cheek, which we later learn is JOSE SANTOS, opens the flap to the tent and walks in.
INT. OFFICER’S TENT – NIGHT
RAMON SALAZAR, a Hispanic man, in his late 30s, leather-skinned and weathered from the sun, whom is the leader of the group, stands behind a card table looking at a map. He glances up briefly to see who is disturbing him.
RAMON
(beckoning)
Venga.
Jose shakes Ramon’s hand and Ramon slaps Jose on the back.
RAMON
The time has come for us to act, when the country is most vulnerable.
JOSE
Ahora?
RAMON
Sí. Now.
Ramon picks up his sidearm and cocks it.
RAMON (continued)
(under his breath)
Vida or Muerte. Whatever God wills.
(to Jose)
Are the men ready?
JOSE
Sí.
RAMON
Good. Good. Then we start tomorrow, but first we need some supplies.
Ramon grabs a bottle of whiskey from a makeshift table behind him and pours three fingers of liquor into the two glasses. He hands a glass to Jose.
RAMON
To whatever the future holds.
They clink their glasses, throw back the whiskey, and we. . .
CUT TO
ACT ONE
EXT. 4247 MAPLEWOOD DRIVE HOUSE – ESTABLISHING – NIGHT
THE CAMERA FOCUSED ON FRONT DOOR. There is a Christmas wreath hanging on the door. ZOOM out to reveal the whole house decked out in Christmas lights and then PAN in on the master bedroom dormer window.
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
LEE STETSON is sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing only pajama bottoms. He is deep in thought.
AMANDA STETSON comes out of the bathroom door, wearing a nightgown and robe. Her hair is still slightly wet. She lightly touches Lee, who is startled for a second.
AMANDA
You’re losing your touch, Scarecrow.
LEE
(challenging)
Oh?
He gives her a wicked grin and grabs her and pulls her down so she is sitting on his lap.
LEE (continued)
I don’t think so, Mrs. Stetson.
He kisses her and she responds. They break apart, breathing heavily.
LEE (continued)
(after catching his breath)
Amanda, I’ve been thinking.
Amanda places her hands on his shoulders.
AMANDA
(teasingly)
Sweetheart, I love you, but you know what happens when you think.
LEE
Why you.
He flips her onto the bed pinning her against his body. Then kisses her deeply.
They are now both obviously aroused. He begins to untie the sash on her bathrobe and leans in to kiss her again.
LOUD BANGING at the door.
JAMIE (V.O)
Mom!
PHILLIP (V.O)
Shut up, Wormbrain.
JAMIE
No, you shut up.
DOTTY (V.O.)
(corrals them)
Leave your mother and Lee alone.
Lee and Amanda are frozen in place. After they hear FOOTSTEPS move down the hall, Lee and Amanda both sit up. Lee rakes his hand through his hair.
LEE
Remind me to thank Dotty later.
AMANDA
I think that can be arranged. Her Christmas list is almost as long as the boys.
Lee rolls his eyes.
LEE
In other words, I might have to go out and find a second job?
AMANDA
I understand Moby’s Dock is hiring. I always did think you looked rather sexy as a pirate.
LEE
(smug)
Yeah?
AMANDA
Most definitely.
They kiss passionately.
AMANDA (continued)
I on the other hand don’t want much. . . just you.
LEE
That’s good to know. Then I guess I can return the gift I purchased for you from Tiffany’s when I was in New York last week and buy more for Dotty, Phillip, and Jamie.
AMANDA
Don’t you dare.
(beat)
And there will be no putting yourself on the active duty roster this season.
Lee holds up three fingers in a mock Boys Scout Oath.
LEE
On my honor, I promise this year there will be no spending our holidays trapped in a nest of killers and thieves.
AMANDA
Shhhh!!
She places her finger to his lip and he kisses it.
AMANDA (continued)
Don’t jinx us.
(beat)
Now where were we?
LEE
I believe we were right here.
They kiss deeply and fall into each other’s arms.
QUICK CUT
EXT. THE AGENCY – DAY
CAMERA ZOOMS OUT TO REVEAL THE BRICK IFF BUILDING AND THE GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE. Lee's Corvette is parked against the curb.
INT. AGENCY – BILLY’S OFFICE – DAY
BILLY MELROSE is sitting on the edge of his desk with his arms folded across his chest.
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL two ladies sitting in chairs across from him. They both wear Guest ID Badges. The first lady, JACQUELINE MELROSE, a young, professional black woman in her late 20s, stands up and approaches Billy. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
JACQUELINE
Thanks, Daddy.
BILLY
What choice do I have in the matter, Baby Girl?
JACQUELINE
(embarrassed)
Daddy, please.
She takes a couple steps toward the office door.
JEANIE MELROSE, Billy’s wife, is a black woman, in her late 40s, motherly, dressed conservatively, stands up. She kisses Billy lightly on the lips.
JEANIE
Don’t worry about her. I’ll be there, too.
BILLY
I’m going to miss watching Midnight Mass with you this year.
JEANIE
Me, too. But I promise to make it up to you when I get back.
BILLY
You better.
They kiss one more time. When suddenly the door to Billy’s office swings open and in walk Lee and Amanda laughing at each other. Amanda has a dossier in her hands.
AMANDA
Oops. Sorry, Sir. I wasn’t aware you had company.
LEE
You know Amanda and I usually lock the door to the Q-Bureau when we want some privacy.
Amanda shoots him a look.
BILLY
I shouldn’t have to lock the door. This is MY office.
JEANIE
Now William.
AMANDA
Jeanie, how are you doing?
She gives Jeanie a hug.
JEANIE
Quite well, Amanda. But I’m afraid I can’t stay and chat or Jacqueline and I will be late for our flight.
(beat)
You remember our daughter, Jacqueline?
AMANDA
Sure.
She shakes Jacqueline’s hand.
AMANDA
How’s school going?
JACQUELINE
Good. I’ll be finishing my internship in a couple months.
AMANDA
So soon?
(beat)
I know your parents are proud of you.
ON BILLY AND JEANIE – they are beaming with pride.
JEANIE
Sorry we can’t stay longer, but we have to catch a cab to the airport before we miss our flight.
AMANDA
Could Lee help you with your bags?
JEANIE
Thanks for the offer, Amanda, but we can handle it.
Billy picks up an overnight bag and hands it to his wife. She slings it over her shoulder. Jacqueline grabs a suitcase and opens the door.
JEANIE
(to Lee and Amanda)
Keep an eye out on Billy for us, while we are gone.
LEE
You’ve got it.
JEANIE
(to Billy)
And no eating out at Randy’s every night?
BILLY
Yes, Dear.
CLOSE UP ON BILLY as he watches them leave the Bullpen.
Jeanie and Jacqueline exit.
LEE
Where are they taking off to?
BILLY
Remember the earthquake in Escondite two weeks ago?
AMANDA
The 7.9 quake? Sure. We saw the reports on the news. So much destruction. Just feel awful for those people, many of them are now homeless as most homes and buildings collapsed.
Billy nods.
BILLY
Our church is involved in humanitarian efforts down there and, with Jacqueline’s medical background, she volunteered her medical services; they’re going to help out at the local hospital in the area.
AMANDA
I heard conditions are terrible. No running water or electricity. Looting in the streets. Civil unrest.
BILLY
Amanda, are you purposely trying to make me nervous?
AMANDA
(embarrassed)
No, Sir.
Billy holds up his hand, but with his other hand opens the door to his desk and grabs an antacid. Then sits back down on the edge of the desk.
BILLY
Yes, I read the daily wire on the conditions down there. However, it’s in my daughter’s genetic makeup to nurture. My wife, too.
(beat)
I just pray there are no surprises.
(another beat)
Now, is that the Peterson file I requested?
AMANDA
Yes, Sir.
Lee and Amanda sit down in the chairs across from Billy’s desk, and we. . .
CUT TO
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S KITCHEN – DAY
PHILLIP and JAMIE come barreling into the kitchen.
PHILLIP
Oh man, am I hungry.
JAMIE
Me, too.
They both open cupboards searching for an afternoon snack. Phillip then opens the refrigerator.
PHILLIP
Yes, cake! Jamie, get two plates down and I’ll cut each of us a slice.
Phillip takes a knife out of a drawer and is about to cut into the cake, when he hears a voice from behind him.
DOTTY (O.C.)
(stern)
Don’t you dare touch that cake! You’ll ruin your appetite for dinner.
DOTTY enters into the kitchen.
JAMIE
No, we won’t. We’re growing boys. We need nutrition.
PHILLIP
Yeah, Grandma. We’re wasting away.
DOTTY
Nutrition, huh?
Both boys nod their heads.
DOTTY (continued)
Well, in that case, why don’t I make up some open-faced cheese sandwiches?
PHILLIP
Ahh.
DOTTY
The cake is for the “Holiday Fling” at the junior high school, so stay out of it, okay?
(beat)
Now scoot on you two. Get started on your homework and I will be upstairs in a little while with those sandwiches and some milk.
(another beat)
For dessert tonight, how about I make some Spritz cookies.
JAMIE
Thanks, Grandma. You’re the best.
Jamie kisses her on the cheek.
PHILLIP
Yeah, thanks Grandma.
DOTTY
Well, I can’t very well let my grandsons waste away to nothing, now can I?
She watches Phillip and Jamie head up the stairs. Then she shakes her head.
DOTTY
(to herself)
I swear those boys are going to eat us out of house and home.
She opens the refrigerator door, takes out a half gallon carton of milk and then grabs a glass from the cupboard.
ON GLASS
She pours the milk and only a couple drops come out of the spout.
RESUME
Dotty shakes her head one more time, then places the empty milk carton back in the door of the refrigerator.
FOCUS ON REFRIGERATOR DOOR and. . .
CUT TO
EXT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL (DAY 2) ESTABLISHING – DAY
CAMERA FOCUSED ON HOSPITAL ENTRANCE SIGN READING “EL HOSPITAL”
A small rural hospital, not too primitive; however, not much bigger than a clinic.
INT. HOSPITAL – EMERGENCY ROOM – DAY
Jeanie and Jacqueline enter through the front entrance door of the hospital and walk up to the nurse’s station.
The corridor of the hospital is in some disarray and appears to have suffered some damage from the earthquake, but is still standing, while locals line the hallway waiting for medical care.
Jacqueline grabs the attention of a nurse, ROSA GARCIA, hurrying down the corridor.
JACQUELINE
We are Jeanie and Jacqueline Melrose. We are here to help.
ROSA
Right. We were expecting you. So glad you’ve arrived safely.
She shakes their hands.
ROSA (continued)
I’m Rosa. Several moments ago we had a very strong aftershock and have several casualties. We really could use your help.
JEANIE
Yes, we felt it. I honestly can say that was my first experience with an earthquake. We don’t get those in Washington, D.C.
JACQUELINE
Very terrifying.
ROSA
Around here you get used to them.
(to Jacqueline)
Let me take you to the doctor’s lounge and you can change into some scrubs. Dr. Carrera could use your help in triage.
(to Jeanie)
And Mrs. Melrose could you help out at the admitting desk?
JEANIE
Yes, of course.
ROSA
Give me a minute to introduce Ms. Jacqueline to Dr. Carrera and then I can take you down to the admitting area.
She hands Jeanie a clipboard.
Jeanie watches as Jacqueline and the nurse walk down the corridor.
The hospital continues to be a chaotic scene and a man dressed in a police uniform, OFFICER ORTIZ, pushes another uniformed man in a wheelchair. The man obviously has a head wound and his head is bandaged. The man, OFFICER JIMENEZ, moans, obviously in pain, while he slips in and out of consciousness. The officer approaches Jeanie Melrose.
OFFICER ORTIZ
Pardon me, do you work here?
JEANIE
Not really, but my daughter and I are here volunteering.
OFFICER ORTIZ
Oh, you’re American.
Jeanie nods.
JEANIE
Yes, I am.
(beat)
Now, what appears to be the problem, Officer?
OFFICER ORTIZ
It’s my partner, Señora. We have been helping dig out victims of the first quake, when an aftershock collapsed the rest of the building on top of him.
Jeanie looks around the room for someone to help her, when she notices Jacqueline and Rosa returning down the hallway. Jacqueline is now wearing blue hospital scrubs.
JEANIE
(to the officer)
Don’t worry. We’ll help your partner. Here comes my daughter now. She’s a medical doctor up in the States.
Rosa and Jacqueline have overheard enough of the conversation to realize what is going on.
ROSA
Yes, we’ll take good care of him. Now, could you please wait in the waiting area? Someone will be with you shortly.
(to Jacqueline)
We’ll have to wait for introductions with Dr. Carrera later.
JACQUELINE
Okay.
Rosa grabs the handles of the wheelchair and begins to push it down the hallway.
Suddenly the sound of GUNFIRE RINGS out, followed by screams, and people running in all directions. This has turned the already chaotic scene into one of hysteria, a lucky few are able to escape before the door is blocked by men with rifles.
On instinct, Jeanie grabs Jacqueline and ducks, while shielding her daughter.
The officer grabs for his gun, a SHOT is FIRED.
However, we hear someone has returned the FIRE.
ON JEANIE
Jeanie’s eyes focus on the chaos around them and she sees the officer they had just been talking to lying on the floor, a red stain spreading quickly on his chest. Jacqueline is scared and begins to cry. Jeanie crawls over to the officer.
RAMON (O.C.)
Hey, you!
JEANIE raises her eyes from the cop to see the muzzle of a rifle aimed directly at her. We recognize the two men from the first scene as Ramon and Jose. In addition, we also see CARLOS and ANTONIO, two other mercenaries. Jose has been shot and is bleeding from his shoulder.
RAMON
Yeah, you. Move and die!
CLOSE ON A VERY FRIGHTEN JEANIE; we. . .
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
EXT. GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT – DAY
Lee and Amanda exit out of the grocery store with a shopping cart full of bags of groceries. Note: They are not aware of the situation in Escondite yet.
TRACKING SHOT
Lee and Amanda then cross the parking lot toward the Wagoneer. He opens the tailgate and they both load the Jeep.
LEE
Please tell me that is the last of the shopping we have to do for the day? I can’t believe how many people are here. Don’t they realize it’s Christmas Eve?
AMANDA
Actually, it’s Christmas Eve day and the stores will be closing soon.
(beat)
We only have one more stop to get the Walkman Phillip asked for.
LEE
Stereo City? That place is going to be a zoo.
AMANDA
I know. But we promised him. Then we can go home and enjoy the Christmas Eve dinner Mother has prepared for us.
LEE
I can’t wait to slice into the goose Dotty is preparing.
AMANDA
I’m looking forward to dessert.
LEE
Yes, pumpkin pie with whip cream, or apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.
AMANDA
(twinkle in her eye)
Yes, those desserts are good, but that wasn’t the dessert I had in mind.
She winks at him and Lee smiles back at her.
LEE
Well, I guess we better hurry up then.
Lee has just gotten the last bag loaded when Amanda notices a very pregnant JANET NESHEIM pushing a cart full of groceries toward her car.
AMANDA
Lee, it’s Janet.
Lee turns around and sees her. He has a pained expression on his face. Amanda notices this look.
AMANDA (continued)
Sweetheart.
Amanda puts a comforting hand on his arm. Lee begins to walk toward Janet and Amanda follows. Janet has just gotten to her sedan and is fishing her keys out of her purse.
LEE
Here, let me.
Lee takes the keys from her and unlocks the trunk. He then proceeds to load her groceries.
JANET
Oh, Lee, Amanda, Merry Christmas.
AMANDA
Merry Christmas to you, Janet.
Janet seeing that Lee has finished loading her car and has returned the cart to the cart return, speaks.
JANET
It’s good to have a man around.
Realizing what she had said, she bites her lip. Lee can’t even make eye contact.
AMANDA
(breaking the awkward silence)
How are things?
JANET
Good. Good.
(she rubs her belly)
Any day now.
AMANDA
So soon? Well, let us know if you need a night off, we would be happy to watch Mason for you. Or if the boys could do some yard work or anything else you might need help with.
JANET
That would be nice. Actually, I’ve been thinking about putting the house on the market. There’s just too many. . .
(beat)
. . . memories.
(another beat)
However, my mom is coming up tomorrow for Christmas and plans to stay until after the baby is born. You know, to help me with the baby and Mason and all.
Lee nods.
AMANDA
I don't know what I would have done without the help I received from my mother when the boys were little.
JANET
Well, it was great running into you, but I better be off. Been on my feet all day.
Amanda gives Janet a hug.
AMANDA
Yes, don’t want those feet to swell. Again, let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
JANET
I will. Thanks, Amanda.
(pause)
Lee.
Lee opens the car door for Janet. Then Lee and Amanda both watch her back-up and then pull out of the parking lot.
Amanda studies Lee sympathetically for a moment.
AMANDA
Lee, it wasn’t your fault.
LEE
I’m not sure what fair or fault means anymore, Amanda. This business sure does not leave room for much of anything. It was my call that sent him in, and got him killed.
He looks down at the ground. Amanda places her finger under his chin and forces him to look at her.
AMANDA
Hey, now we all know the risks, but you yourself said it before, that doesn’t mean we ever give up. Being either a wife or husband of an intelligence operative, we know that tomorrow is never promised. However, I am not only married to a spy, but one myself, and know without a doubt we need to seize every moment.
LEE
I love you.
AMANDA
Well, good, because I love you, too.
Amanda gives Lee a comforting hug and we freeze on them as snow begins to lightly fall. . .
CUT TO
INT. HOSPITAL – EMERGENCY ROOM – DAY
Patients and hospital staff are cowering in fear either on the floor or against the wall.
JOSE
Jeez, I’ve been shot.
Jose holds his hand against his bleeding shoulder.
RAMON
Shut up, Jose, and quit bleeding all over the floor. Carlos, quick, lock the door.
Carlos walks over to the door and puts a chain across the bar.
RAMON (continued)
Now, grab the cop’s gun, and get these people under control.
Carlos complies, grabbing the gun from the officer’s hand.
RAMON (continued)
(to Antonio)
Secure the doors separating the E.R. from the rest of the hospital.
Antonio nods his head and then exits.
JOSE
Ramon, you said no one was going to get hurt.
CAMERA FOCUSES ON A WOMAN HOSTAGE. She is crying uncontrollably.
RAMON
Cierra el pico! Let me think.
He looks around the room.
RAMON (continued)
In there.
He gestures toward one of the examining rooms.
RAMON (continued)
Vámonos.
No one moves. He raises his rifle and SHOOTS at the ceiling. Plaster sprays everywhere. The hostages scream and then quickly rush to the exam room.
Note: There are a total of ten hostages, including Jeanie and Jacqueline.
Jeanie stays with the officer and Jacqueline hangs back. Antonio returns.
JACQUELINE
Mom?
JEANIE
I’ll be all right. Now, you go on.
Jacqueline follows the others, then helps Rosa push the wheelchair with the other injured officer into the room.
RAMON
And what makes you so special, Princess?
JEANIE
My name is Jeanie. Jeanie Melrose.
RAMON
Hey, Jeanie, you ready to die?
JEANIE
No, not really.
(stands her ground)
But I’m not going to let this man die in my place. He needs medical attention or he’s going to die.
RAMON
And what makes you think I care?
JEANIE
You don’t want to add murder to your list of crimes, do you?
RAMON
Crimes? Lady, how can wanting a better life for my family be a crime? It’s dictators like President Mendez who are the real criminals.
(he sizes her up)
You’re an American, right?
(another beat)
I can tell by the way you dress and talk and act all aristo.
JEANIE
I am not arrogant or putting on airs. My daughter and I came down here to help with relief efforts.
RAMON
Relief?
(beat)
Where do you honestly think the supplies your government is shipping are being delivered, huh? To the people?
(another beat)
No, they are being stockpiled at governmental buildings around the island, and sold to black market dealers.
(another beat)
You Americans are so estúpido.
JEANIE
Fine. Enlighten me to your cause, but don’t let an innocent man die. My daughter is a doctor, she can help him.
Ramon shakes his head, then changes his mind.
RAMON
Valé. She can help Jose first and then the cerdo.
Jeanie thinks about it for a moment. Knowing she is not holding any cards, reluctantly agrees.
JEANIE
Help me get this man into an exam room.
Ramon gestures to Antonio.
RAMON
Antonio, help this woman. He can go into the exam room two.
(beat)
Vámonos! Before I change my mind.
Antonio grabs a hospital gurney and gets the officer on the bed with the help of Jeanie and they roll him into the room next to the exam room with the hostages. There is a door between the two rooms and Ramon stands guard between the two rooms.
QUICK CUT
EXT. CITY STREET – DAY
The Wagoneer is parked in front of a busy electronic and music store called Stereo City.
INT. STEREO CITY – DAY
The store is crammed full of last minute holiday shoppers. Patience is in short supply. One kid is crying, another one is screaming. Hassled employees rush to and fro.
Lee and Amanda are standing in line, waiting to check-out.
LEE
And think only five years ago, we were enjoying a nice, quiet Christmas Eve in a cozy little cabin in the woods.
AMANDA
Yes, drinking Vodka and eating baked beans.
LEE
(disgusted look on his face)
I still hate beans.
(beat)
And I think I’d rather be drug by a truck over broken glass than deal with this ever again.
AMANDA
Lee!
LEE
I’m kidding.
(beat)
Well, only partly.
Amanda shoots him a look.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL EXAM ROOM – DAY
Ramon motions for Jose who is still holding his shoulder to get onto the exam table.
RAMON
Jose, get on the table.
Ramon eyes Jacqueline.
RAMON
Sweet-thing here is going to patch you up.
He grabs Jacqueline hard on the arm. Jeanie reacts, but then thinks better of it, as she grabs sterilized gauze to stop the bleeding from the officer’s wound.
JACQUELINE
Ouch.
RAMON
No funny stuff. You patch him up real good.
JEANIE
Leave my daughter alone. She knows what she’s doing.
Jacqueline breaks free from the grasp and then walks over to Jose and begins to unbutton his shirt.
JOSE
Hey!
JACQUELINE
I need to examine the wound. Now either I take the shirt off or you do.
JOSE
Okay. Okay. But be gentle. I’m ticklish.
Jacqueline rolls her eyes, waiting for Jose to finish removing his shirt.
JACQUELINE
This doesn’t look too bad.
JOSE
Not too bad? It freaking hurts like hell.
JACQUELINE
I’m sure it does, but it’s a clean shoot. The bullet went through clean.
She walks over to a medicine cabinet and begins to look for something.
RAMON
What do you think you are doing?
JACQUELINE
I’m looking for a numbing agent and an antiseptic.
RAMON
I thought you knew what you are doing?
JACQUELINE
I do, but this isn’t my hospital. I don’t know where everything is.
RAMON
(trying to be cute)
Do we have a doctor in the house?
A man in a white lab coat gets up off the floor. He is DR. SCOTT CARRERA, a relativity young doctor, in his early 30s. He is ruggedly handsome and his dark, sun-tanned skin stands out against the white coat.
DR. CARRERA
I’m a doctor.
RAMON
Great. Now do you think you can help Sweet-thing here?
The doctor nods in agreement and walks into the other room and begins to assist Jacqueline.
Jacqueline looks up at the doctor as he hands her the drugs she had been looking for. She is slightly taken-back by his rugged good looks and maybe under different circumstances might have drawn in by his caring emerald green eyes.
DR. CARRERA
Here.
JACQUELINE
Thank you, Doctor.
DR. CARRERA
Call me Scott.
JACQUELINE
Okay, Scott. My name is Jacqueline.
RAMON
Stop your flirting and get back to work.
Jacqueline blushes, while Dr. Carrera clears his throat. She taps the hypo cylinder and then holds it up to the light to get the air bubbles out.
Watching the large needle come closer to him, Jose passes out.
Ramon rolls his eyes and Jacqueline and Dr. Carrera shrug their shoulders and we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. AGENCY – DAY
The Wagoneer is parked in front of the Georgetown entrance.
INT. AGENCY – BULLPEN – DAY
The yearly Agency Christmas party is in full swing. The bullpen is decked out in Christmas decorations and a Christmas tree in the corner, near the coffee station. Fellow agents FRANCINE DESMOND, EFRAIM BEAMAN, LEATHERNECK, and BOB ABERNATHY mill around, drinking, eating, and laughing in merriment.
ABERNATHY
Hey, Beaman. What’s the difference between you and a calendar?
BEAMAN
I don’t know, Bob.
ABERNATHY
A calendar has dates.
The other agents groan. Beaman stammers and then blushes.
ABERNATHY
Okay. Stop me if you heard this one. What kind of shoes do all spies wear?
(beat)
Sneakers.
(another beat)
Sneakers. Do you get it?
LEATHERNECK
We get it, Bob. But I think I’m going to have to cut you off for the night.
ABERNATHY
Ahhh.
LEATHERNECK
Trust me, it’s for your own good.
Francine sees Lee and Amanda enter through the bullpen doors, bearing gifts.
FRANCINE
There’s Lee and Amanda. If you gentleman would excuse me?
She walks over to Lee and Amanda. In the background, we see Leatherman leaving the bullpen with Abernathy.
FRANCINE (continued)
Oh, thank God, you are here. I don’t think I can handle one more of Abernathy’s lame jokes.
AMANDA
Merry Christmas to you, Francine.
FRANCINE
Merry Christmas, Lee and Amanda.
Amanda holds a large box of chocolates in front of Francine and she snatches them out of Amanda’s hands.
FRANCINE
(in heaven)
Yes, the Ecstasy assortment.
Francine looks around the room.
FRANCINE (continued)
I better go lock these up in my desk before those vultures start circling.
(beat)
However, we are still not square about the whole keeping your marriage a secret-thing.
LEE
Yes, Francine.
Francine exits. Lee and Amanda then walk over to where Billy is standing. He is next to a large folding table filled with Christmas treats and gifts.
BILLY
Merry Christmas, Lee and Amanda.
AMANDA
Merry Christmas, Sir. We can’t stay very long, but wanted to drop off a couple presents.
Billy hands Amanda a couple of fruitcakes wrapped in plastic wrap with a red bow on top.
BILLY
Don’t forget your fruitcakes this year. Jeanie knows how much you loved them from last year, so she followed the same recipe.
AMANDA
(being polite)
Yum. Who doesn’t like fruitcake?
LEE
(under his breath)
Me.
Amanda elbows him in the stomach.
LEE
Oof.
AMANDA
Have you heard from Jeanie?
Billy shakes his head.
BILLY
No, not yet.
AMANDA
I’m sure you will be hearing from her soon.
(beat; looks at Lee)
Here, we got you something.
Lee hands Billy a small flat box.
BILLY
Lee, really another scarf? Hasn’t being married taught you anything yet?
Lee shrugs.
Billy opens the box and finds a homemade knitted scarf under the tissue paper.
BILLY
What do we have here?
(beat)
I don’t know what to say. This is very nice.
AMANDA
Mother made it for you. I think it’s sort of a peace offering.
Billy tries the scarf on.
BILLY
Tell Dotty thanks.
LEE
Our gift to you is actually still in the box.
Billy then pulls out a red envelope. He tears it open and finds two tickets inside.
BILLY
Well, look at this, tickets to Hot Mikado. Jeanie and I were disappointed we missed it last year when it was playing at the Ford Theater.
He then hands Amanda a Christmas card.
BILLY (continued)
This is from Jeanie and I. We are giving everyone G.C.s this year. Going off of Stetson’s philosophy, everyone can use one and one size fits all.
AMANDA
Thank you, Sir.
LEE
(sarcastic)
Yeah, thanks a lot.
The PHONE RINGS.
Beaman answers the phone.
BEAMAN
Bullpen.
(beat)
What? Sorry you'll have to speak up.
(another beat)
Yeah, he’s here.
(to Billy)
Billy, it’s for you.
BILLY
Thank you, Beaman. I’ll grab it in my office.
(to Lee and Amanda)
That’s probably Jeanie.
He excuses himself and goes into his office.
INT. BILLY’S OFFICE
Billy happily picks up the receiver.
BILLY
Melrose here.
Billy no longer has a smile on his face.
BILLY (continued)
How the Hell did that happen?
(beat)
No! Yes, I understand.
(another beat)
Wait a second. You couldn’t. . .
Billy holds the receiver mid-air in his hand. His face shows great concern.
Lee and Amanda enter the office.
AMANDA
Excuse us, Sir. We need to get. . .
She stops mid-sentence noticing the sudden tension in the room.
LEE
Billy, what’s up?
BILLY
Jeanie and Jacqueline have been kidnapped.
OFF LEE AND AMANDA’S WORRIED FACES; we. . .
END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
INT. BILLY’S OFFICE – DAY
Later that day.
Through the large picture window looking into the Bullpen we see RAGMOP and Leatherneck cleaning up. Agents are no longer in a festive mood and a few of them hang close to the coffee station. Francine sits on Billy’s desk and Lee and Amanda are sitting on the sofa. The three of them watch Billy anxiously pace around the room.
Billy is a tightly coiled spring about to pop.
FRANCINE
Maybe it’s not as bad as it seems.
AMANDA
We have no reason to believe they are being harmed. Most likely they want to use them as bargaining chips.
BILLY
Francine, Amanda, I appreciate what you are trying to do, but it won’t work. My wife and daughter are being held captive in a foreign country thousands of miles away and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.
DR. AUSTIN SMYTH, formal and dapper as ever, enters the room.
BILLY
(finding his voice)
What has the Committee decided?
DR. SMYTH
Sorry kiddos, no dice.
LEE
What? Why?
DR. SMYTH
Scarecrow, you know the United States position on this as well as I. The President has made it perfectly clear – the U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists.
LEE
That’s bull-
AMANDA
Lee!
DR. SMYTH
I know you all think I am a hard-nosed, insensitive snake; however, I don’t like this anymore then you do. The Agency was built upon the principle that we look out for one another and we take care of our own. Officially my hands are tied. We have to let the Escondite government handle this.
(beat)
We cannot risk men or man hours for a simple civil unrest. Those were the Committee’s words, not mine. Reluctantly, I will have to enforce their decision.
BILLY
So the innocent become pawns.
DR. SMYTH
Yes. Always the innocent are the first victims. From what I understand, our military airfield in Escondite is still open for humanitarian operations and still involved in food and medical deliveries.
AMANDA
And that is supposed to make us feel better.
BILLY
What are you trying to tell us, Austin?
DR. SMYTH
Don’t you get it, Mrs. Stetson – I can’t send anyone in “On the record.” However, I hear Escondite is a great place to take a vacation this time of year. Yet, if any of my agents were to be captured, I would have to say those agents were rogue. Keep that in mind. Capisce?
(beat; lights a cigarette)
Ta, ta for now.
Dr. Smyth exits.
Lee shakes his head.
LEE
Just when I think I’ve got him all figured out.
Amanda shakes her head, too.
AMANDA
Yeah.
A long pause. Billy is dying, his voice almost inaudible.
BILLY
Scarecrow, Amanda, I know it’s Christmas Eve-
Lee looks at Amanda and they have a silent conversation and then Amanda nods her head.
LEE
You don’t even need to ask.
AMANDA
You and Jeanie are family, Sir. And like Dr. Smyth said, the Agency takes care of their own.
BILLY
I can’t tell you how much this means to me.
Lee looks at Amanda and back to Billy. No words are necessary.
FRANCINE
Same here Billy, just tell me what you need me to do.
BILLY
Francine, could you get the travel documents together for the Stetsons?
FRANCINE
Right away.
Francine gets up to leave, then pauses and gives Lee and Amanda a brief hug, then she exits.
There is an extended moment of silence, and then Billy speaks.
BILLY
(controlled)
If there is anything – anything at all you two need let me know.
(beat)
Sorry to ruin your holiday.
AMANDA
You’d do the same for us, so don’t give it a second thought.
LEE
We’ll be back as fast as we can. Try not to pace a hole in the floor while we’re gone.
Off Billy’s grateful look, we. . .
CUT TO
INT. HOSPITAL – EXAM ROOM – NIGHT
Action floats between the two exam rooms. In the first exam room, Nurse Rosa works on the officer with the head wound. While the hostages still sit on the floor, their backs against the wall. In the second exam room, Jose is now up, his arm in a sling, and is standing next to Ramon. Jacqueline and Dr. Carrera work on Officer Ortiz, who is lying on the hospital exam table. Sundry medical equipment surrounds the patient, bloody rags on the floor, and Jacqueline is doing chest compressions. The doctor touches Jacqueline on the shoulder and shakes his head, while ripping off his gloves. Disgusted, he looks at a clock on the wall.
DR. CARRERA
Time of death, 7:25 pm.
JACQUELINE
(sigh)
I thought we had him, but I guess there was too much damage.
JEANIE
Such a shame and on Christmas Eve, too.
DR. CARRERA
Damn. I might have been able to save him if this had been a major trauma center.
Suddenly Antonio enters, shoving a little Hispanic girl, ISABEL, into the exam room. She can’t be much older than five-years old.
ANTONIO
Look what I found hiding in a supply closet.
ISABEL
(wailing)
I want my mommy!
RAMON
Shut up, Kid!
JEANIE
(to Ramon)
She's terrified, and your shouting isn't helping.
(to girl)
Shhh, Honey.
Jeanie picks up the little girl and gently rocks the child in her arms.
JEANIE (continued)
It's gonna be okay.
The little girl's face is buried in Jeanie's neck, her tiny arms nearly strangling her.
RAMON
(ordering)
Antonio, check the clinic once more, make sure this is everyone.
(to Jeanie)
You, get over there by your daughter and the doctor, and keep your mouth shut and the little brat's, too, if you know what's good for you.
JEANIE
You have plenty of hostages. Let the little girl go. You don't need her.
(beat)
She'll be more trouble than she's worth.
JOSE
She has a point, Ramon.
RAMON
Shut up! I’ll decide if she's worth it or not. All of you are our tickets out of here!
Dr. Carrera stands up.
DR. CARRERA
Here, let me take her and check her over.
He looks over at Ramon, who thinks about it for a second and then nods his head. Dr. Carrera takes Isabel from Jeanie and places her on the second exam table.
Jacqueline looks at the officer’s body and realizing it might frighten the young girl, she covers him with a sheet and then wheels the first exam table out of the room and into the hallway. She then approaches Ramon.
JACQUELINE
Would it be okay if I assist Nurse Rosa in the other room? See if there are any others who might need medical attention?
Ramon steps aside and lets her pass through the door.
RAMON
I have my eye on you. No funny stuff.
Jacqueline walks into the room, not even responding.
JACQUELINE
How’s it going Rosa?
ROSA
Officer Jimenez has a concussion and suffering some disorientation. He also has a fractured ankle and broken thumb. Both, I have immobilized.
(beat)
Mrs. Diaz has a broken arm. Would you like to set it, Ms. Jacqueline?
JACQUELINE
(to Ramon)
Hey, can we get another bed in here?
RAMON
Carlos, get them a gurney.
Carlos exits and then returns a few moments later with a gurney and pushes it into the room.
CARLOS
We could give the bed a good ride, me and you.
JACQUELINE
Pig!
Carlos smiles, then walks away.
Jacqueline pats the mattress on the bed.
JACQUELINE
Mrs. Diaz do you think you can hop on up?
MRS. DIAZ nods her head and gets onto the gurney.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL – EXAM ROOM – NIGHT
Jacqueline is finishing plastering Mrs. Diaz’s broken arm. Dr. Carrera enters the room.
DR. CARRERA
How’s it going in here?
JACQUELINE
Good.
(to Mrs. Diaz)
We’re all done.
MRS. DIAZ
Gracias.
There is an awkward silence for a moment, then Dr. Carrera sits down on the edge of the vacant gurney and moves over, giving Jacqueline a place to sit down.
DR. CARRERA
Sorry we couldn’t meet under better circumstances, but I want to thank you for all our help today.
They shake hands.
JACQUELINE
When watching the television news reports and seeing all the destruction and horrible conditions the people of Escondite were facing, I just couldn’t stay away.
DR. CARRERA
That’s exactly how I felt.
JACQUELINE
Oh, I thought you were the doctor at this hospital?
DR. CARRERA
I am.
(beat)
I mean, when I was in the Peace Corps a few years back, I was stationed here in Escondite and grew to love the people here. So when I finished medical school, there was no doubt where I needed to be.
JACQUELINE
So you’re an American?
DR. CARRERA
Born and raised. I did my residency at Vanderbilt.
(beat)
And you?
JACQUELINE
I’ve lived my whole live in Washington, D.C. with my mom, dad, and younger sister. I, too, wanted to help people, so I studied medicine in college and now I’m completing my internship at George Washington.
DR. CARRERA
You must get some of that from your dad.
JACQUELINE
Some what?
DR. CARRERA
I can already tell your mother is a caring individual.
He looks over at Jeanie, who is sitting on the floor. Isabel is asleep, resting her head in Jeanie’s lap.
DR. CARRERA (continued)
Your dad must be, too.
(beat)
What does he do?
JACQUELINE
My dad?
(beat)
Umm? He’s a producer of a documentary film company in D.C.
DR. CARRERA
Really?
JACQUELINE
Mmm-hmm.
Carlos walks into the room. In his arms are chips, candy bars, and crackers. It appears he has raided the vending machine. He starts to pass food out to the hostages. He winks at Jacqueline. Dr. Carrera starts to stand up, but Jacqueline grabs his arm, stopping him. This is not lost on Carlos, who smiles. He then walks over to Jeanie.
CARLOS
Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?
Jeanie is silent.
CARLOS (continued)
What’s the point of not eating? I know you are hungry, you haven’t eaten in hours.
Jeanie is still silent.
Ramon, who is still standing watch at the door, speaks;
RAMON
Carlos! Leave her be. If she wants to starve, so be it.
CARLOS
(to Jeanie)
Come on. Here.
He hands her some snacks and Jeanie finally takes them.
JEANIE
How can you have such a casual attitude toward killing?
RAMON
Killing is sometimes an act of political necessity.
JEANIE
There is no need for violence or keeping us hostage. Let us go. It’s Christmas Eve for goodness sake. You know Peace on Earth—
RAMON
Spare me.
(beat)
If a crippled man in Escondite has nothing but a stick, a crutch will change his life. This is a war for freedom and I am no different from your own General Washington.
Ramon’s men laugh.
JEANIE
You are nothing more than a terrorist.
RAMON
Yes, however, terrorism is an effective way to promote change.
JEANIE
Is fear your only weapon?
RAMON
I’m willing to die for my freedom.
(beat)
And no, I am not releasing you.
Isabel begins to stir and Jeanie goes back to mothering her, by gently rubbing her back.
JEANIE
Hush Baby, everything is going to be all right.
Jeanie exchanges a look with Jacqueline; we. . .
CUT TO
INT. BILLY’S OFFICE (DAY 3) – NIGHT
The lights are turned low in Billy’s office and the blinds are closed. Billy is sitting on the couch, in front of him is a picture frame of him and his family. He has taken off his jacket and loosened his tie. There is a gentle KNOCK at the door.
BILLY
Come in.
Francine enters.
FRANCINE
Sorry to disturb you.
BILLY
You didn’t.
(beat)
I was just looking at this photo of the family.
He shows it to Francine.
FRANCINE
Nice picture.
BILLY
Do you realize this is the last family photo we have of all of us and it must be five years ago. We really need to have another one taken. You know, more recent.
(beat)
Just been too damn busy!
FRANCINE
Billy-
BILLY
It’s okay, Francine. I mean, I’m okay.
FRANCINE
Have you heard from Lee and Amanda yet?
Billy shakes his head.
BILLY
No, but I don’t expect to hear from them for a while. They are off the grid.
This time Francine nods.
FRANCINE
They’ll contact you as soon as they can. They know how worried you are.
Billy looks at his watch.
BILLY
It’s after midnight. Why don’t you go home?
FRANCINE
No, I think I’d rather stay.
BILLY
Suit yourself.
(beat)
I think I might try and catch a few winks.
Francine heads toward the door and opens it.
FRANCINE
It’s Christmas – don’t give up on them. Tis the season for miracles.
She turns off the light and steps out.
CLOSE ON the door which is decorated in garland; we. . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
EXT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL – NIGHT
A cold winter’s night. The interior hospital lights are out. A greenish tinge of light plays against the darkened hospital.
LEE (O.C.)
I see them.
ON AMANDA AND LEE
They are hiding in the bushes near the hospital entrance and they are both dressed in black commando jumpsuits and grease. Amanda carries a .45 automatic with laser sighting. Lee lowers the night scope and holds up two fingers. Amanda nods.
LEE (continued)
There's one on the roof of the hospital, the other on an adjoining balcony, next building over.
AMANDA
Any ideas?
LEE
Don’t suppose they will go with you waving a white flag and “it’s Christmas” routine, do you?
AMANDA
I don’t know how you can crack jokes at a time like this.
LEE
I told you, that’s how I handle my nerves before a big operation.
Amanda nods and then rubs her cold hands together.
LEE (continued)
Now the fun really begins.
AMANDA
This is fun?
LEE
No, not anymore.
(beat)
Do you remember during the whole Stemwinder fiasco when you asked me when I decided to become an agent?
AMANDA
Sure.
LEE
And I told you how I had put off living. . . well, that is until the moment I met you. I didn’t think I would ever find love.
(beat)
I didn’t; I mean not really, it found me one fateful October morning at a train station.
They stare into each other’s eyes for a moment and then they kiss briefly.
AMANDA
There’s a lot riding on this mission.
LEE
I know.
(beat)
So what do we know so far?
AMANDA
Details are still sketchy. However, intel did finger the ring leader to be Ramon Salazar. They believe there are maybe three or four of Salazar’s men with him and possibly ten to twelve hostages.
LEE
President Mendez and his Chief of Defense, General Aguilera, want to charge this place if the stand-off continues.
AMANDA
If they storm the place, they’ll have dead hostages on their hands.
LEE
However, in our favor, he did round up Salazar’s men at their base camp.
(beat)
I suggest we take out the snipers first and then we sure could use some black-belt confusion to get us into the place.
(another beat)
What say you, Partner?
Amanda nods her head and she leans in to whisper into Lee’s ear; we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. TENANT BUILDING – FIRE ESCAPE – NIGHT
A tenant building located near the clinic. Lee carefully swings a rope with a hook onto the roof and then tests it to verify it is secured and climbs the rest of the way up to the roof.
EXT. TENANT BUILDING – ROOFTOP – NIGHT
Under the cover of darkness Lee crawls, infiltration style, using a large air conditioning unit as cover to sneak behind the first sniper. He quickly raises the rifle and putting the sniper into the scope.
ON SNIPER
Not aware of the danger behind him.
BACK TO LEE
Lee shoots him with a tranquilizer gun. The gunman grabs his neck, pulls out the tranq and then falls. Lee walks up to the man and rolls him over and then grabs the man’s backpack, looking for weapons. He then scans the area looking for the other sniper, but cannot find him. He signals to Amanda and she also scans the area, then shakes her head. Lee quickly grabs a walkie-talkie and pushes the “talk” button.
WALKIE-TALKIE SQUAWKS
MERCENARY VOICE
(from speaker)
Dammit, Sergio, maintain radio silence. You are going to give away our position.
LEE
No, but you did.
Again, Lee quickly finds his prey and FIRES off a round. In the foreground, the second sniper falls to the ground.
A moment later, Amanda comes up behind Lee and hands him the rope, which he slings over his shoulder.
AMANDA
How long are they going to be out?
LEE
Long enough.
They both walk to the edge of the building and look around for a way to cross over to the hospital. A fallen beam from the earthquake has created a natural bridge and Lee firsts tests the integrity. Seeing it is safe to cross, he takes Amanda’s hand and lets her cross first. He follows close behind.
EXT. HOSPITAL ROOF – NIGHT
Both Lee and Amanda crouch low. Amanda hands him tools from the backpack she is carrying.
ANGLE – UP CLOSE
Removing the access panel to the ventilation system. He peers inside.
LEE
Damn! It’s too tight. Even you could not fit in there. Any ideas, Mrs. Stetson?
(beat)
It’s not like we can go through the front door.
There is a moment of silence while Amanda thinks.
AMANDA
Actually, maybe we can.
QUICK CUT
EXT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL ENTRANCE (A FEW MINUTES LATER) – NIGHT
Amanda has her arm around Lee and is practically dragging him along. They have changed into relief clothes and Lee appears to be injured and is covered in bloody bandages. She pounds frantically at the door.
AMANDA
(in hysterics)
Please, let us in. I need help.
INT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL – NIGHT
Her pounding on the door grabs the attention of those in the exam room.
RAMON
Antonio, get rid of them.
Antonio looks around the room and grabs the little girl.
JEANIE
No, take me.
Antonio thinks about it for a second and then grabs Jeanie. Isabel begins to whimper, but Jacqueline reaches for the child and pulls her close.
JACQUELINE
It’s okay, Sweetie. Let’s see if Dr. Carrera has any suckers for big girls like you, okay?
Isabel nods her head.
Antonio walks to the entrance door using Jeanie as a human shield.
ANTONIO
Go away. We are closed.
Jeanie gasps when she realizes who is outside.
JEANIE
Aman-
(beat)
I mean. . . a man needs our help.
AMANDA
Yes, please, we’re in trouble. My husband is bleeding badly. I can’t stop it. Please. There is no where else to go.
ANTONIO
I said go away.
He holds up a gun for Amanda to see.
JEANIE
He’ll bleed to death if he doesn’t get any medical attention.
Amanda appears frightened, but determined.
AMANDA
Please. It’s Christmas day, show some compassion.
There is a long moment of silence. Then Antonio motions for Jeanie to unlock the door.
ANTONIO
Don’t try anything.
Jeanie shakes her head and proceeds to open the door. Amanda rushes in dragging a moaning Lee behind her.
AMANDA
Oh thank, God. I am so glad this hospital is here. We are part of Community Relief Services bringing food and supplies to those on the island affected by the earthquake when my husband was injured driving when the road collapsed right out from under us. I’ve dragged him several blocks over here. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t open the door.
Antonio can not believe she said all that in one breath. He leads them to the exam room. Both Amanda and Jeanie hold Lee up.
JEANIE
Don’t worry, Dear. My daughter is a doctor. She can help him.
Amanda sees a scalpel on a counter, grabs it, and hides it in her back pocket.
RAMON
What the hell!! This is not a Holiday Inn.
Jeanie stands up to Ramon.
JEANIE
No, it is not, but this man needs our help. And like it or not this is a hospital.
RAMON
Aaugh. Fine. Sweet-thing can patch him up. But the rest of you lean against that wall.
Ramon pulls open several drawers and grabs a roll of gauze bandages. He tosses the roll over to Jose.
RAMON
Tie them up. I want no further trouble from them.
Jose ties up the hostages hands and feet, except for Jacqueline, who is working on Lee. Lee appears to be unconscious.
A moment later, Lee begins to convulse.
JACQUELINE
I’m losing him.
AMANDA
No!!!
Jacqueline wheels him into the other exam room.
RAMON
What are you doing?
JACQUELINE
I need more room to work, without tripping over people. Now help me, dammit. Hold him down.
(to Antonio)
You too.
Antonio looks over at Ramon, who nods his head and they both hold down Lee.
In the other room, Amanda holds a scalpel behind her back and begins to cut the bandages off.
CLOSE UP ON SCALPEL
She breaks free, unbeknownst to Jose who is still in the room, but his attention is diverted to the action in the other room.
AMANDA
Lee, don’t give up, Babe.
RAMON
Wait a minute, how did you-
Before Ramon has a chance to finish the sentence, and recognizing Amanda's clue she is free, Lee reaches underneath his bandages and pulls out the tranquilizer gun and before the mercenaries are aware of what is happening, he SHOOTS them. They fall to the ground. Jose rushes into the room, but Lee swings off the gurney and with all his might make a solid connection with Jose’s solar plexus. Jose goes down hard with a cry of surprise and pain. Jacqueline then hits him over the head with a bedpan. He is out for the count.
In the other room, Carlos reaches for Isabel, but Jeanie trips him with her feet. Amanda then slams into him. They fight. Amanda is able to disarm Carlos. At the same time Jeanie is cutting the hostages free and helping to get everyone out of the room away from the danger.
In the background, Amanda makes a final blow, Carlos doubles over, reaches for support, Amanda side steps. Carlos drops to the floor.
Lee is leaning against the doorway. A look of pride on his face.
LEE
I see those sessions with Dr. Pain paid off, Partner.
(beat)
You okay?
Amanda shakes out her hurt hand.
AMANDA
Couldn’t be better.
Jeanie hugs them both.
JEANIE
Thank God, Lee, Amanda.
Dr. Carrera looks over at Jacqueline and raises an eyebrow.
DR. CARRERA
Your Dad's a film producer, huh?
Jacqueline shrugs.
NEW ANGLE
Lee, Amanda, and Jeanie share a laugh, and. . . FREEZE FRAME.
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
EXT. RANDY’S STEAKHOUSE - ESTABLISHING – NIGHT
Brick exterior, Georgetown restaurant and bar.
JEANIE (V.O.)
And Lee Stetson is the reason why I buy stock in Tums and Rolaids. I could not tell you how many bottles William has gone through all these years.
INT. RANDY’S STEAKHOUSE – NIGHT
A few days later, gathered around a large table sits Lee, Amanda, Phillip, Jamie, Dotty, Francine, Billy, Jeanie, Jacqueline, and JUSTICE MELROSE (Billy and Jeanie’s other daughter). The restaurant is still decked out in Christmas decorations. Giving the scene a very festive feel. The group is eating dinner and laughing and carrying on conversations.
Lee takes Amanda’s hand and she brings his hand to her lips and kisses it.
LEE
(almost a whisper)
Amanda, will you marry me?
AMANDA
Lee, will you be serious?
LEE
Trust me, I’m nothin’ but serious when it comes to you.
He then gets down on one knee. Conversations at the table stop. The boys are all smiles and Dotty gasps.
JEANIE
It's about time.
AMANDA
Lee?
DOTTY
Shush, Amanda. Let the man propose to you.
Lee takes a deep breath and gestures around the table
LEE
This is what it’s all about. . . family.
(another beat)
Now I don’t for one second regret marrying you, but I do regret leaving OUR family out on the most important day of our life.
AMANDA
Lee, don’t put all the blame on your shoulders. I agreed to the mystery marriage, too.
He holds up his finger, silencing her.
LEE
However, I let my insecurities get in the way of giving you a real wedding.
AMANDA
I’m pretty sure our last wedding was real. But how about this time we invite a few guests. . .
She looks at each person at the table as she mentions them by name.
AMANDA (continued)
. . . Mother and Phillip and Jamie, Billy and Jeanie, maybe even Francine.
FRANCINE
Hey!
AMANDA
(to everyone)
We’re truly sorry if we hurt and disappointed anyone by not including you. It was never our intention to deceive or exclude.
DOTTY
I think I can speak for everyone at this table, what matters most to us is your happiness.
BILLY
The first time you came into my office, I knew you were good for Lee. . . actually, for each other. I’m glad I thought of putting you two together.
AMANDA
Just a moment, Sir.
(to Lee; prompting)
Now, what were you going to say?
LEE
It appears hostage situations bring out the romantic in me.
(beat)
I meant what I said over a year ago. . . Amanda, you are the best, the bravest, the smartest, most beautiful woman I have ever known.
AMANDA
I love you.
LEE
Then will you marry me, again?
AMANDA
Again and again.
The room erupts into cheers. They kiss, then they pull back smiling at each other.
AMANDA
We really are the luckiest two people on the face of the earth.
(beat; grins)
And you know what they say, third time’s a charm.
DOTTY
Huh? Three times? Want to tell us what that means, Missy?
AMANDA
Whoops.
CLOSE ON LEE AND AMANDA
As Lee and Amanda kiss again. . . and FREEZE FRAME.
FADE OUT:
THE END
PROLOGUE
EXT. THE JUNGLE – NIGHT
TO ESTABLISH a small militia-type army somewhere hidden in the jungle on the island of Escondite in the Caribbean. We see a series of makeshift tents and lean-tos set up and hear men laughing and talking around a low campfire.
ANGLE – ON UNIFORMED MEN
They are heavily armed and keep their guns close.
THE CAMERA ZOOMS ONTO AN OLD, RATTED LARGE ARMY TENT.
A moment later, a lone man, in his late 20s, rough-looking, with a long scar across his right cheek, which we later learn is JOSE SANTOS, opens the flap to the tent and walks in.
INT. OFFICER’S TENT – NIGHT
RAMON SALAZAR, a Hispanic man, in his late 30s, leather-skinned and weathered from the sun, whom is the leader of the group, stands behind a card table looking at a map. He glances up briefly to see who is disturbing him.
RAMON
(beckoning)
Venga.
Jose shakes Ramon’s hand and Ramon slaps Jose on the back.
RAMON
The time has come for us to act, when the country is most vulnerable.
JOSE
Ahora?
RAMON
Sí. Now.
Ramon picks up his sidearm and cocks it.
RAMON (continued)
(under his breath)
Vida or Muerte. Whatever God wills.
(to Jose)
Are the men ready?
JOSE
Sí.
RAMON
Good. Good. Then we start tomorrow, but first we need some supplies.
Ramon grabs a bottle of whiskey from a makeshift table behind him and pours three fingers of liquor into the two glasses. He hands a glass to Jose.
RAMON
To whatever the future holds.
They clink their glasses, throw back the whiskey, and we. . .
CUT TO
ACT ONE
EXT. 4247 MAPLEWOOD DRIVE HOUSE – ESTABLISHING – NIGHT
THE CAMERA FOCUSED ON FRONT DOOR. There is a Christmas wreath hanging on the door. ZOOM out to reveal the whole house decked out in Christmas lights and then PAN in on the master bedroom dormer window.
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
LEE STETSON is sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing only pajama bottoms. He is deep in thought.
AMANDA STETSON comes out of the bathroom door, wearing a nightgown and robe. Her hair is still slightly wet. She lightly touches Lee, who is startled for a second.
AMANDA
You’re losing your touch, Scarecrow.
LEE
(challenging)
Oh?
He gives her a wicked grin and grabs her and pulls her down so she is sitting on his lap.
LEE (continued)
I don’t think so, Mrs. Stetson.
He kisses her and she responds. They break apart, breathing heavily.
LEE (continued)
(after catching his breath)
Amanda, I’ve been thinking.
Amanda places her hands on his shoulders.
AMANDA
(teasingly)
Sweetheart, I love you, but you know what happens when you think.
LEE
Why you.
He flips her onto the bed pinning her against his body. Then kisses her deeply.
They are now both obviously aroused. He begins to untie the sash on her bathrobe and leans in to kiss her again.
LOUD BANGING at the door.
JAMIE (V.O)
Mom!
PHILLIP (V.O)
Shut up, Wormbrain.
JAMIE
No, you shut up.
DOTTY (V.O.)
(corrals them)
Leave your mother and Lee alone.
Lee and Amanda are frozen in place. After they hear FOOTSTEPS move down the hall, Lee and Amanda both sit up. Lee rakes his hand through his hair.
LEE
Remind me to thank Dotty later.
AMANDA
I think that can be arranged. Her Christmas list is almost as long as the boys.
Lee rolls his eyes.
LEE
In other words, I might have to go out and find a second job?
AMANDA
I understand Moby’s Dock is hiring. I always did think you looked rather sexy as a pirate.
LEE
(smug)
Yeah?
AMANDA
Most definitely.
They kiss passionately.
AMANDA (continued)
I on the other hand don’t want much. . . just you.
LEE
That’s good to know. Then I guess I can return the gift I purchased for you from Tiffany’s when I was in New York last week and buy more for Dotty, Phillip, and Jamie.
AMANDA
Don’t you dare.
(beat)
And there will be no putting yourself on the active duty roster this season.
Lee holds up three fingers in a mock Boys Scout Oath.
LEE
On my honor, I promise this year there will be no spending our holidays trapped in a nest of killers and thieves.
AMANDA
Shhhh!!
She places her finger to his lip and he kisses it.
AMANDA (continued)
Don’t jinx us.
(beat)
Now where were we?
LEE
I believe we were right here.
They kiss deeply and fall into each other’s arms.
QUICK CUT
EXT. THE AGENCY – DAY
CAMERA ZOOMS OUT TO REVEAL THE BRICK IFF BUILDING AND THE GEORGETOWN ENTRANCE. Lee's Corvette is parked against the curb.
INT. AGENCY – BILLY’S OFFICE – DAY
BILLY MELROSE is sitting on the edge of his desk with his arms folded across his chest.
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL two ladies sitting in chairs across from him. They both wear Guest ID Badges. The first lady, JACQUELINE MELROSE, a young, professional black woman in her late 20s, stands up and approaches Billy. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
JACQUELINE
Thanks, Daddy.
BILLY
What choice do I have in the matter, Baby Girl?
JACQUELINE
(embarrassed)
Daddy, please.
She takes a couple steps toward the office door.
JEANIE MELROSE, Billy’s wife, is a black woman, in her late 40s, motherly, dressed conservatively, stands up. She kisses Billy lightly on the lips.
JEANIE
Don’t worry about her. I’ll be there, too.
BILLY
I’m going to miss watching Midnight Mass with you this year.
JEANIE
Me, too. But I promise to make it up to you when I get back.
BILLY
You better.
They kiss one more time. When suddenly the door to Billy’s office swings open and in walk Lee and Amanda laughing at each other. Amanda has a dossier in her hands.
AMANDA
Oops. Sorry, Sir. I wasn’t aware you had company.
LEE
You know Amanda and I usually lock the door to the Q-Bureau when we want some privacy.
Amanda shoots him a look.
BILLY
I shouldn’t have to lock the door. This is MY office.
JEANIE
Now William.
AMANDA
Jeanie, how are you doing?
She gives Jeanie a hug.
JEANIE
Quite well, Amanda. But I’m afraid I can’t stay and chat or Jacqueline and I will be late for our flight.
(beat)
You remember our daughter, Jacqueline?
AMANDA
Sure.
She shakes Jacqueline’s hand.
AMANDA
How’s school going?
JACQUELINE
Good. I’ll be finishing my internship in a couple months.
AMANDA
So soon?
(beat)
I know your parents are proud of you.
ON BILLY AND JEANIE – they are beaming with pride.
JEANIE
Sorry we can’t stay longer, but we have to catch a cab to the airport before we miss our flight.
AMANDA
Could Lee help you with your bags?
JEANIE
Thanks for the offer, Amanda, but we can handle it.
Billy picks up an overnight bag and hands it to his wife. She slings it over her shoulder. Jacqueline grabs a suitcase and opens the door.
JEANIE
(to Lee and Amanda)
Keep an eye out on Billy for us, while we are gone.
LEE
You’ve got it.
JEANIE
(to Billy)
And no eating out at Randy’s every night?
BILLY
Yes, Dear.
CLOSE UP ON BILLY as he watches them leave the Bullpen.
Jeanie and Jacqueline exit.
LEE
Where are they taking off to?
BILLY
Remember the earthquake in Escondite two weeks ago?
AMANDA
The 7.9 quake? Sure. We saw the reports on the news. So much destruction. Just feel awful for those people, many of them are now homeless as most homes and buildings collapsed.
Billy nods.
BILLY
Our church is involved in humanitarian efforts down there and, with Jacqueline’s medical background, she volunteered her medical services; they’re going to help out at the local hospital in the area.
AMANDA
I heard conditions are terrible. No running water or electricity. Looting in the streets. Civil unrest.
BILLY
Amanda, are you purposely trying to make me nervous?
AMANDA
(embarrassed)
No, Sir.
Billy holds up his hand, but with his other hand opens the door to his desk and grabs an antacid. Then sits back down on the edge of the desk.
BILLY
Yes, I read the daily wire on the conditions down there. However, it’s in my daughter’s genetic makeup to nurture. My wife, too.
(beat)
I just pray there are no surprises.
(another beat)
Now, is that the Peterson file I requested?
AMANDA
Yes, Sir.
Lee and Amanda sit down in the chairs across from Billy’s desk, and we. . .
CUT TO
INT. LEE AND AMANDA’S KITCHEN – DAY
PHILLIP and JAMIE come barreling into the kitchen.
PHILLIP
Oh man, am I hungry.
JAMIE
Me, too.
They both open cupboards searching for an afternoon snack. Phillip then opens the refrigerator.
PHILLIP
Yes, cake! Jamie, get two plates down and I’ll cut each of us a slice.
Phillip takes a knife out of a drawer and is about to cut into the cake, when he hears a voice from behind him.
DOTTY (O.C.)
(stern)
Don’t you dare touch that cake! You’ll ruin your appetite for dinner.
DOTTY enters into the kitchen.
JAMIE
No, we won’t. We’re growing boys. We need nutrition.
PHILLIP
Yeah, Grandma. We’re wasting away.
DOTTY
Nutrition, huh?
Both boys nod their heads.
DOTTY (continued)
Well, in that case, why don’t I make up some open-faced cheese sandwiches?
PHILLIP
Ahh.
DOTTY
The cake is for the “Holiday Fling” at the junior high school, so stay out of it, okay?
(beat)
Now scoot on you two. Get started on your homework and I will be upstairs in a little while with those sandwiches and some milk.
(another beat)
For dessert tonight, how about I make some Spritz cookies.
JAMIE
Thanks, Grandma. You’re the best.
Jamie kisses her on the cheek.
PHILLIP
Yeah, thanks Grandma.
DOTTY
Well, I can’t very well let my grandsons waste away to nothing, now can I?
She watches Phillip and Jamie head up the stairs. Then she shakes her head.
DOTTY
(to herself)
I swear those boys are going to eat us out of house and home.
She opens the refrigerator door, takes out a half gallon carton of milk and then grabs a glass from the cupboard.
ON GLASS
She pours the milk and only a couple drops come out of the spout.
RESUME
Dotty shakes her head one more time, then places the empty milk carton back in the door of the refrigerator.
FOCUS ON REFRIGERATOR DOOR and. . .
CUT TO
EXT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL (DAY 2) ESTABLISHING – DAY
CAMERA FOCUSED ON HOSPITAL ENTRANCE SIGN READING “EL HOSPITAL”
A small rural hospital, not too primitive; however, not much bigger than a clinic.
INT. HOSPITAL – EMERGENCY ROOM – DAY
Jeanie and Jacqueline enter through the front entrance door of the hospital and walk up to the nurse’s station.
The corridor of the hospital is in some disarray and appears to have suffered some damage from the earthquake, but is still standing, while locals line the hallway waiting for medical care.
Jacqueline grabs the attention of a nurse, ROSA GARCIA, hurrying down the corridor.
JACQUELINE
We are Jeanie and Jacqueline Melrose. We are here to help.
ROSA
Right. We were expecting you. So glad you’ve arrived safely.
She shakes their hands.
ROSA (continued)
I’m Rosa. Several moments ago we had a very strong aftershock and have several casualties. We really could use your help.
JEANIE
Yes, we felt it. I honestly can say that was my first experience with an earthquake. We don’t get those in Washington, D.C.
JACQUELINE
Very terrifying.
ROSA
Around here you get used to them.
(to Jacqueline)
Let me take you to the doctor’s lounge and you can change into some scrubs. Dr. Carrera could use your help in triage.
(to Jeanie)
And Mrs. Melrose could you help out at the admitting desk?
JEANIE
Yes, of course.
ROSA
Give me a minute to introduce Ms. Jacqueline to Dr. Carrera and then I can take you down to the admitting area.
She hands Jeanie a clipboard.
Jeanie watches as Jacqueline and the nurse walk down the corridor.
The hospital continues to be a chaotic scene and a man dressed in a police uniform, OFFICER ORTIZ, pushes another uniformed man in a wheelchair. The man obviously has a head wound and his head is bandaged. The man, OFFICER JIMENEZ, moans, obviously in pain, while he slips in and out of consciousness. The officer approaches Jeanie Melrose.
OFFICER ORTIZ
Pardon me, do you work here?
JEANIE
Not really, but my daughter and I are here volunteering.
OFFICER ORTIZ
Oh, you’re American.
Jeanie nods.
JEANIE
Yes, I am.
(beat)
Now, what appears to be the problem, Officer?
OFFICER ORTIZ
It’s my partner, Señora. We have been helping dig out victims of the first quake, when an aftershock collapsed the rest of the building on top of him.
Jeanie looks around the room for someone to help her, when she notices Jacqueline and Rosa returning down the hallway. Jacqueline is now wearing blue hospital scrubs.
JEANIE
(to the officer)
Don’t worry. We’ll help your partner. Here comes my daughter now. She’s a medical doctor up in the States.
Rosa and Jacqueline have overheard enough of the conversation to realize what is going on.
ROSA
Yes, we’ll take good care of him. Now, could you please wait in the waiting area? Someone will be with you shortly.
(to Jacqueline)
We’ll have to wait for introductions with Dr. Carrera later.
JACQUELINE
Okay.
Rosa grabs the handles of the wheelchair and begins to push it down the hallway.
Suddenly the sound of GUNFIRE RINGS out, followed by screams, and people running in all directions. This has turned the already chaotic scene into one of hysteria, a lucky few are able to escape before the door is blocked by men with rifles.
On instinct, Jeanie grabs Jacqueline and ducks, while shielding her daughter.
The officer grabs for his gun, a SHOT is FIRED.
However, we hear someone has returned the FIRE.
ON JEANIE
Jeanie’s eyes focus on the chaos around them and she sees the officer they had just been talking to lying on the floor, a red stain spreading quickly on his chest. Jacqueline is scared and begins to cry. Jeanie crawls over to the officer.
RAMON (O.C.)
Hey, you!
JEANIE raises her eyes from the cop to see the muzzle of a rifle aimed directly at her. We recognize the two men from the first scene as Ramon and Jose. In addition, we also see CARLOS and ANTONIO, two other mercenaries. Jose has been shot and is bleeding from his shoulder.
RAMON
Yeah, you. Move and die!
CLOSE ON A VERY FRIGHTEN JEANIE; we. . .
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
EXT. GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT – DAY
Lee and Amanda exit out of the grocery store with a shopping cart full of bags of groceries. Note: They are not aware of the situation in Escondite yet.
TRACKING SHOT
Lee and Amanda then cross the parking lot toward the Wagoneer. He opens the tailgate and they both load the Jeep.
LEE
Please tell me that is the last of the shopping we have to do for the day? I can’t believe how many people are here. Don’t they realize it’s Christmas Eve?
AMANDA
Actually, it’s Christmas Eve day and the stores will be closing soon.
(beat)
We only have one more stop to get the Walkman Phillip asked for.
LEE
Stereo City? That place is going to be a zoo.
AMANDA
I know. But we promised him. Then we can go home and enjoy the Christmas Eve dinner Mother has prepared for us.
LEE
I can’t wait to slice into the goose Dotty is preparing.
AMANDA
I’m looking forward to dessert.
LEE
Yes, pumpkin pie with whip cream, or apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.
AMANDA
(twinkle in her eye)
Yes, those desserts are good, but that wasn’t the dessert I had in mind.
She winks at him and Lee smiles back at her.
LEE
Well, I guess we better hurry up then.
Lee has just gotten the last bag loaded when Amanda notices a very pregnant JANET NESHEIM pushing a cart full of groceries toward her car.
AMANDA
Lee, it’s Janet.
Lee turns around and sees her. He has a pained expression on his face. Amanda notices this look.
AMANDA (continued)
Sweetheart.
Amanda puts a comforting hand on his arm. Lee begins to walk toward Janet and Amanda follows. Janet has just gotten to her sedan and is fishing her keys out of her purse.
LEE
Here, let me.
Lee takes the keys from her and unlocks the trunk. He then proceeds to load her groceries.
JANET
Oh, Lee, Amanda, Merry Christmas.
AMANDA
Merry Christmas to you, Janet.
Janet seeing that Lee has finished loading her car and has returned the cart to the cart return, speaks.
JANET
It’s good to have a man around.
Realizing what she had said, she bites her lip. Lee can’t even make eye contact.
AMANDA
(breaking the awkward silence)
How are things?
JANET
Good. Good.
(she rubs her belly)
Any day now.
AMANDA
So soon? Well, let us know if you need a night off, we would be happy to watch Mason for you. Or if the boys could do some yard work or anything else you might need help with.
JANET
That would be nice. Actually, I’ve been thinking about putting the house on the market. There’s just too many. . .
(beat)
. . . memories.
(another beat)
However, my mom is coming up tomorrow for Christmas and plans to stay until after the baby is born. You know, to help me with the baby and Mason and all.
Lee nods.
AMANDA
I don't know what I would have done without the help I received from my mother when the boys were little.
JANET
Well, it was great running into you, but I better be off. Been on my feet all day.
Amanda gives Janet a hug.
AMANDA
Yes, don’t want those feet to swell. Again, let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
JANET
I will. Thanks, Amanda.
(pause)
Lee.
Lee opens the car door for Janet. Then Lee and Amanda both watch her back-up and then pull out of the parking lot.
Amanda studies Lee sympathetically for a moment.
AMANDA
Lee, it wasn’t your fault.
LEE
I’m not sure what fair or fault means anymore, Amanda. This business sure does not leave room for much of anything. It was my call that sent him in, and got him killed.
He looks down at the ground. Amanda places her finger under his chin and forces him to look at her.
AMANDA
Hey, now we all know the risks, but you yourself said it before, that doesn’t mean we ever give up. Being either a wife or husband of an intelligence operative, we know that tomorrow is never promised. However, I am not only married to a spy, but one myself, and know without a doubt we need to seize every moment.
LEE
I love you.
AMANDA
Well, good, because I love you, too.
Amanda gives Lee a comforting hug and we freeze on them as snow begins to lightly fall. . .
CUT TO
INT. HOSPITAL – EMERGENCY ROOM – DAY
Patients and hospital staff are cowering in fear either on the floor or against the wall.
JOSE
Jeez, I’ve been shot.
Jose holds his hand against his bleeding shoulder.
RAMON
Shut up, Jose, and quit bleeding all over the floor. Carlos, quick, lock the door.
Carlos walks over to the door and puts a chain across the bar.
RAMON (continued)
Now, grab the cop’s gun, and get these people under control.
Carlos complies, grabbing the gun from the officer’s hand.
RAMON (continued)
(to Antonio)
Secure the doors separating the E.R. from the rest of the hospital.
Antonio nods his head and then exits.
JOSE
Ramon, you said no one was going to get hurt.
CAMERA FOCUSES ON A WOMAN HOSTAGE. She is crying uncontrollably.
RAMON
Cierra el pico! Let me think.
He looks around the room.
RAMON (continued)
In there.
He gestures toward one of the examining rooms.
RAMON (continued)
Vámonos.
No one moves. He raises his rifle and SHOOTS at the ceiling. Plaster sprays everywhere. The hostages scream and then quickly rush to the exam room.
Note: There are a total of ten hostages, including Jeanie and Jacqueline.
Jeanie stays with the officer and Jacqueline hangs back. Antonio returns.
JACQUELINE
Mom?
JEANIE
I’ll be all right. Now, you go on.
Jacqueline follows the others, then helps Rosa push the wheelchair with the other injured officer into the room.
RAMON
And what makes you so special, Princess?
JEANIE
My name is Jeanie. Jeanie Melrose.
RAMON
Hey, Jeanie, you ready to die?
JEANIE
No, not really.
(stands her ground)
But I’m not going to let this man die in my place. He needs medical attention or he’s going to die.
RAMON
And what makes you think I care?
JEANIE
You don’t want to add murder to your list of crimes, do you?
RAMON
Crimes? Lady, how can wanting a better life for my family be a crime? It’s dictators like President Mendez who are the real criminals.
(he sizes her up)
You’re an American, right?
(another beat)
I can tell by the way you dress and talk and act all aristo.
JEANIE
I am not arrogant or putting on airs. My daughter and I came down here to help with relief efforts.
RAMON
Relief?
(beat)
Where do you honestly think the supplies your government is shipping are being delivered, huh? To the people?
(another beat)
No, they are being stockpiled at governmental buildings around the island, and sold to black market dealers.
(another beat)
You Americans are so estúpido.
JEANIE
Fine. Enlighten me to your cause, but don’t let an innocent man die. My daughter is a doctor, she can help him.
Ramon shakes his head, then changes his mind.
RAMON
Valé. She can help Jose first and then the cerdo.
Jeanie thinks about it for a moment. Knowing she is not holding any cards, reluctantly agrees.
JEANIE
Help me get this man into an exam room.
Ramon gestures to Antonio.
RAMON
Antonio, help this woman. He can go into the exam room two.
(beat)
Vámonos! Before I change my mind.
Antonio grabs a hospital gurney and gets the officer on the bed with the help of Jeanie and they roll him into the room next to the exam room with the hostages. There is a door between the two rooms and Ramon stands guard between the two rooms.
QUICK CUT
EXT. CITY STREET – DAY
The Wagoneer is parked in front of a busy electronic and music store called Stereo City.
INT. STEREO CITY – DAY
The store is crammed full of last minute holiday shoppers. Patience is in short supply. One kid is crying, another one is screaming. Hassled employees rush to and fro.
Lee and Amanda are standing in line, waiting to check-out.
LEE
And think only five years ago, we were enjoying a nice, quiet Christmas Eve in a cozy little cabin in the woods.
AMANDA
Yes, drinking Vodka and eating baked beans.
LEE
(disgusted look on his face)
I still hate beans.
(beat)
And I think I’d rather be drug by a truck over broken glass than deal with this ever again.
AMANDA
Lee!
LEE
I’m kidding.
(beat)
Well, only partly.
Amanda shoots him a look.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL EXAM ROOM – DAY
Ramon motions for Jose who is still holding his shoulder to get onto the exam table.
RAMON
Jose, get on the table.
Ramon eyes Jacqueline.
RAMON
Sweet-thing here is going to patch you up.
He grabs Jacqueline hard on the arm. Jeanie reacts, but then thinks better of it, as she grabs sterilized gauze to stop the bleeding from the officer’s wound.
JACQUELINE
Ouch.
RAMON
No funny stuff. You patch him up real good.
JEANIE
Leave my daughter alone. She knows what she’s doing.
Jacqueline breaks free from the grasp and then walks over to Jose and begins to unbutton his shirt.
JOSE
Hey!
JACQUELINE
I need to examine the wound. Now either I take the shirt off or you do.
JOSE
Okay. Okay. But be gentle. I’m ticklish.
Jacqueline rolls her eyes, waiting for Jose to finish removing his shirt.
JACQUELINE
This doesn’t look too bad.
JOSE
Not too bad? It freaking hurts like hell.
JACQUELINE
I’m sure it does, but it’s a clean shoot. The bullet went through clean.
She walks over to a medicine cabinet and begins to look for something.
RAMON
What do you think you are doing?
JACQUELINE
I’m looking for a numbing agent and an antiseptic.
RAMON
I thought you knew what you are doing?
JACQUELINE
I do, but this isn’t my hospital. I don’t know where everything is.
RAMON
(trying to be cute)
Do we have a doctor in the house?
A man in a white lab coat gets up off the floor. He is DR. SCOTT CARRERA, a relativity young doctor, in his early 30s. He is ruggedly handsome and his dark, sun-tanned skin stands out against the white coat.
DR. CARRERA
I’m a doctor.
RAMON
Great. Now do you think you can help Sweet-thing here?
The doctor nods in agreement and walks into the other room and begins to assist Jacqueline.
Jacqueline looks up at the doctor as he hands her the drugs she had been looking for. She is slightly taken-back by his rugged good looks and maybe under different circumstances might have drawn in by his caring emerald green eyes.
DR. CARRERA
Here.
JACQUELINE
Thank you, Doctor.
DR. CARRERA
Call me Scott.
JACQUELINE
Okay, Scott. My name is Jacqueline.
RAMON
Stop your flirting and get back to work.
Jacqueline blushes, while Dr. Carrera clears his throat. She taps the hypo cylinder and then holds it up to the light to get the air bubbles out.
Watching the large needle come closer to him, Jose passes out.
Ramon rolls his eyes and Jacqueline and Dr. Carrera shrug their shoulders and we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. AGENCY – DAY
The Wagoneer is parked in front of the Georgetown entrance.
INT. AGENCY – BULLPEN – DAY
The yearly Agency Christmas party is in full swing. The bullpen is decked out in Christmas decorations and a Christmas tree in the corner, near the coffee station. Fellow agents FRANCINE DESMOND, EFRAIM BEAMAN, LEATHERNECK, and BOB ABERNATHY mill around, drinking, eating, and laughing in merriment.
ABERNATHY
Hey, Beaman. What’s the difference between you and a calendar?
BEAMAN
I don’t know, Bob.
ABERNATHY
A calendar has dates.
The other agents groan. Beaman stammers and then blushes.
ABERNATHY
Okay. Stop me if you heard this one. What kind of shoes do all spies wear?
(beat)
Sneakers.
(another beat)
Sneakers. Do you get it?
LEATHERNECK
We get it, Bob. But I think I’m going to have to cut you off for the night.
ABERNATHY
Ahhh.
LEATHERNECK
Trust me, it’s for your own good.
Francine sees Lee and Amanda enter through the bullpen doors, bearing gifts.
FRANCINE
There’s Lee and Amanda. If you gentleman would excuse me?
She walks over to Lee and Amanda. In the background, we see Leatherman leaving the bullpen with Abernathy.
FRANCINE (continued)
Oh, thank God, you are here. I don’t think I can handle one more of Abernathy’s lame jokes.
AMANDA
Merry Christmas to you, Francine.
FRANCINE
Merry Christmas, Lee and Amanda.
Amanda holds a large box of chocolates in front of Francine and she snatches them out of Amanda’s hands.
FRANCINE
(in heaven)
Yes, the Ecstasy assortment.
Francine looks around the room.
FRANCINE (continued)
I better go lock these up in my desk before those vultures start circling.
(beat)
However, we are still not square about the whole keeping your marriage a secret-thing.
LEE
Yes, Francine.
Francine exits. Lee and Amanda then walk over to where Billy is standing. He is next to a large folding table filled with Christmas treats and gifts.
BILLY
Merry Christmas, Lee and Amanda.
AMANDA
Merry Christmas, Sir. We can’t stay very long, but wanted to drop off a couple presents.
Billy hands Amanda a couple of fruitcakes wrapped in plastic wrap with a red bow on top.
BILLY
Don’t forget your fruitcakes this year. Jeanie knows how much you loved them from last year, so she followed the same recipe.
AMANDA
(being polite)
Yum. Who doesn’t like fruitcake?
LEE
(under his breath)
Me.
Amanda elbows him in the stomach.
LEE
Oof.
AMANDA
Have you heard from Jeanie?
Billy shakes his head.
BILLY
No, not yet.
AMANDA
I’m sure you will be hearing from her soon.
(beat; looks at Lee)
Here, we got you something.
Lee hands Billy a small flat box.
BILLY
Lee, really another scarf? Hasn’t being married taught you anything yet?
Lee shrugs.
Billy opens the box and finds a homemade knitted scarf under the tissue paper.
BILLY
What do we have here?
(beat)
I don’t know what to say. This is very nice.
AMANDA
Mother made it for you. I think it’s sort of a peace offering.
Billy tries the scarf on.
BILLY
Tell Dotty thanks.
LEE
Our gift to you is actually still in the box.
Billy then pulls out a red envelope. He tears it open and finds two tickets inside.
BILLY
Well, look at this, tickets to Hot Mikado. Jeanie and I were disappointed we missed it last year when it was playing at the Ford Theater.
He then hands Amanda a Christmas card.
BILLY (continued)
This is from Jeanie and I. We are giving everyone G.C.s this year. Going off of Stetson’s philosophy, everyone can use one and one size fits all.
AMANDA
Thank you, Sir.
LEE
(sarcastic)
Yeah, thanks a lot.
The PHONE RINGS.
Beaman answers the phone.
BEAMAN
Bullpen.
(beat)
What? Sorry you'll have to speak up.
(another beat)
Yeah, he’s here.
(to Billy)
Billy, it’s for you.
BILLY
Thank you, Beaman. I’ll grab it in my office.
(to Lee and Amanda)
That’s probably Jeanie.
He excuses himself and goes into his office.
INT. BILLY’S OFFICE
Billy happily picks up the receiver.
BILLY
Melrose here.
Billy no longer has a smile on his face.
BILLY (continued)
How the Hell did that happen?
(beat)
No! Yes, I understand.
(another beat)
Wait a second. You couldn’t. . .
Billy holds the receiver mid-air in his hand. His face shows great concern.
Lee and Amanda enter the office.
AMANDA
Excuse us, Sir. We need to get. . .
She stops mid-sentence noticing the sudden tension in the room.
LEE
Billy, what’s up?
BILLY
Jeanie and Jacqueline have been kidnapped.
OFF LEE AND AMANDA’S WORRIED FACES; we. . .
END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
INT. BILLY’S OFFICE – DAY
Later that day.
Through the large picture window looking into the Bullpen we see RAGMOP and Leatherneck cleaning up. Agents are no longer in a festive mood and a few of them hang close to the coffee station. Francine sits on Billy’s desk and Lee and Amanda are sitting on the sofa. The three of them watch Billy anxiously pace around the room.
Billy is a tightly coiled spring about to pop.
FRANCINE
Maybe it’s not as bad as it seems.
AMANDA
We have no reason to believe they are being harmed. Most likely they want to use them as bargaining chips.
BILLY
Francine, Amanda, I appreciate what you are trying to do, but it won’t work. My wife and daughter are being held captive in a foreign country thousands of miles away and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.
DR. AUSTIN SMYTH, formal and dapper as ever, enters the room.
BILLY
(finding his voice)
What has the Committee decided?
DR. SMYTH
Sorry kiddos, no dice.
LEE
What? Why?
DR. SMYTH
Scarecrow, you know the United States position on this as well as I. The President has made it perfectly clear – the U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists.
LEE
That’s bull-
AMANDA
Lee!
DR. SMYTH
I know you all think I am a hard-nosed, insensitive snake; however, I don’t like this anymore then you do. The Agency was built upon the principle that we look out for one another and we take care of our own. Officially my hands are tied. We have to let the Escondite government handle this.
(beat)
We cannot risk men or man hours for a simple civil unrest. Those were the Committee’s words, not mine. Reluctantly, I will have to enforce their decision.
BILLY
So the innocent become pawns.
DR. SMYTH
Yes. Always the innocent are the first victims. From what I understand, our military airfield in Escondite is still open for humanitarian operations and still involved in food and medical deliveries.
AMANDA
And that is supposed to make us feel better.
BILLY
What are you trying to tell us, Austin?
DR. SMYTH
Don’t you get it, Mrs. Stetson – I can’t send anyone in “On the record.” However, I hear Escondite is a great place to take a vacation this time of year. Yet, if any of my agents were to be captured, I would have to say those agents were rogue. Keep that in mind. Capisce?
(beat; lights a cigarette)
Ta, ta for now.
Dr. Smyth exits.
Lee shakes his head.
LEE
Just when I think I’ve got him all figured out.
Amanda shakes her head, too.
AMANDA
Yeah.
A long pause. Billy is dying, his voice almost inaudible.
BILLY
Scarecrow, Amanda, I know it’s Christmas Eve-
Lee looks at Amanda and they have a silent conversation and then Amanda nods her head.
LEE
You don’t even need to ask.
AMANDA
You and Jeanie are family, Sir. And like Dr. Smyth said, the Agency takes care of their own.
BILLY
I can’t tell you how much this means to me.
Lee looks at Amanda and back to Billy. No words are necessary.
FRANCINE
Same here Billy, just tell me what you need me to do.
BILLY
Francine, could you get the travel documents together for the Stetsons?
FRANCINE
Right away.
Francine gets up to leave, then pauses and gives Lee and Amanda a brief hug, then she exits.
There is an extended moment of silence, and then Billy speaks.
BILLY
(controlled)
If there is anything – anything at all you two need let me know.
(beat)
Sorry to ruin your holiday.
AMANDA
You’d do the same for us, so don’t give it a second thought.
LEE
We’ll be back as fast as we can. Try not to pace a hole in the floor while we’re gone.
Off Billy’s grateful look, we. . .
CUT TO
INT. HOSPITAL – EXAM ROOM – NIGHT
Action floats between the two exam rooms. In the first exam room, Nurse Rosa works on the officer with the head wound. While the hostages still sit on the floor, their backs against the wall. In the second exam room, Jose is now up, his arm in a sling, and is standing next to Ramon. Jacqueline and Dr. Carrera work on Officer Ortiz, who is lying on the hospital exam table. Sundry medical equipment surrounds the patient, bloody rags on the floor, and Jacqueline is doing chest compressions. The doctor touches Jacqueline on the shoulder and shakes his head, while ripping off his gloves. Disgusted, he looks at a clock on the wall.
DR. CARRERA
Time of death, 7:25 pm.
JACQUELINE
(sigh)
I thought we had him, but I guess there was too much damage.
JEANIE
Such a shame and on Christmas Eve, too.
DR. CARRERA
Damn. I might have been able to save him if this had been a major trauma center.
Suddenly Antonio enters, shoving a little Hispanic girl, ISABEL, into the exam room. She can’t be much older than five-years old.
ANTONIO
Look what I found hiding in a supply closet.
ISABEL
(wailing)
I want my mommy!
RAMON
Shut up, Kid!
JEANIE
(to Ramon)
She's terrified, and your shouting isn't helping.
(to girl)
Shhh, Honey.
Jeanie picks up the little girl and gently rocks the child in her arms.
JEANIE (continued)
It's gonna be okay.
The little girl's face is buried in Jeanie's neck, her tiny arms nearly strangling her.
RAMON
(ordering)
Antonio, check the clinic once more, make sure this is everyone.
(to Jeanie)
You, get over there by your daughter and the doctor, and keep your mouth shut and the little brat's, too, if you know what's good for you.
JEANIE
You have plenty of hostages. Let the little girl go. You don't need her.
(beat)
She'll be more trouble than she's worth.
JOSE
She has a point, Ramon.
RAMON
Shut up! I’ll decide if she's worth it or not. All of you are our tickets out of here!
Dr. Carrera stands up.
DR. CARRERA
Here, let me take her and check her over.
He looks over at Ramon, who thinks about it for a second and then nods his head. Dr. Carrera takes Isabel from Jeanie and places her on the second exam table.
Jacqueline looks at the officer’s body and realizing it might frighten the young girl, she covers him with a sheet and then wheels the first exam table out of the room and into the hallway. She then approaches Ramon.
JACQUELINE
Would it be okay if I assist Nurse Rosa in the other room? See if there are any others who might need medical attention?
Ramon steps aside and lets her pass through the door.
RAMON
I have my eye on you. No funny stuff.
Jacqueline walks into the room, not even responding.
JACQUELINE
How’s it going Rosa?
ROSA
Officer Jimenez has a concussion and suffering some disorientation. He also has a fractured ankle and broken thumb. Both, I have immobilized.
(beat)
Mrs. Diaz has a broken arm. Would you like to set it, Ms. Jacqueline?
JACQUELINE
(to Ramon)
Hey, can we get another bed in here?
RAMON
Carlos, get them a gurney.
Carlos exits and then returns a few moments later with a gurney and pushes it into the room.
CARLOS
We could give the bed a good ride, me and you.
JACQUELINE
Pig!
Carlos smiles, then walks away.
Jacqueline pats the mattress on the bed.
JACQUELINE
Mrs. Diaz do you think you can hop on up?
MRS. DIAZ nods her head and gets onto the gurney.
QUICK CUT
INT. HOSPITAL – EXAM ROOM – NIGHT
Jacqueline is finishing plastering Mrs. Diaz’s broken arm. Dr. Carrera enters the room.
DR. CARRERA
How’s it going in here?
JACQUELINE
Good.
(to Mrs. Diaz)
We’re all done.
MRS. DIAZ
Gracias.
There is an awkward silence for a moment, then Dr. Carrera sits down on the edge of the vacant gurney and moves over, giving Jacqueline a place to sit down.
DR. CARRERA
Sorry we couldn’t meet under better circumstances, but I want to thank you for all our help today.
They shake hands.
JACQUELINE
When watching the television news reports and seeing all the destruction and horrible conditions the people of Escondite were facing, I just couldn’t stay away.
DR. CARRERA
That’s exactly how I felt.
JACQUELINE
Oh, I thought you were the doctor at this hospital?
DR. CARRERA
I am.
(beat)
I mean, when I was in the Peace Corps a few years back, I was stationed here in Escondite and grew to love the people here. So when I finished medical school, there was no doubt where I needed to be.
JACQUELINE
So you’re an American?
DR. CARRERA
Born and raised. I did my residency at Vanderbilt.
(beat)
And you?
JACQUELINE
I’ve lived my whole live in Washington, D.C. with my mom, dad, and younger sister. I, too, wanted to help people, so I studied medicine in college and now I’m completing my internship at George Washington.
DR. CARRERA
You must get some of that from your dad.
JACQUELINE
Some what?
DR. CARRERA
I can already tell your mother is a caring individual.
He looks over at Jeanie, who is sitting on the floor. Isabel is asleep, resting her head in Jeanie’s lap.
DR. CARRERA (continued)
Your dad must be, too.
(beat)
What does he do?
JACQUELINE
My dad?
(beat)
Umm? He’s a producer of a documentary film company in D.C.
DR. CARRERA
Really?
JACQUELINE
Mmm-hmm.
Carlos walks into the room. In his arms are chips, candy bars, and crackers. It appears he has raided the vending machine. He starts to pass food out to the hostages. He winks at Jacqueline. Dr. Carrera starts to stand up, but Jacqueline grabs his arm, stopping him. This is not lost on Carlos, who smiles. He then walks over to Jeanie.
CARLOS
Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?
Jeanie is silent.
CARLOS (continued)
What’s the point of not eating? I know you are hungry, you haven’t eaten in hours.
Jeanie is still silent.
Ramon, who is still standing watch at the door, speaks;
RAMON
Carlos! Leave her be. If she wants to starve, so be it.
CARLOS
(to Jeanie)
Come on. Here.
He hands her some snacks and Jeanie finally takes them.
JEANIE
How can you have such a casual attitude toward killing?
RAMON
Killing is sometimes an act of political necessity.
JEANIE
There is no need for violence or keeping us hostage. Let us go. It’s Christmas Eve for goodness sake. You know Peace on Earth—
RAMON
Spare me.
(beat)
If a crippled man in Escondite has nothing but a stick, a crutch will change his life. This is a war for freedom and I am no different from your own General Washington.
Ramon’s men laugh.
JEANIE
You are nothing more than a terrorist.
RAMON
Yes, however, terrorism is an effective way to promote change.
JEANIE
Is fear your only weapon?
RAMON
I’m willing to die for my freedom.
(beat)
And no, I am not releasing you.
Isabel begins to stir and Jeanie goes back to mothering her, by gently rubbing her back.
JEANIE
Hush Baby, everything is going to be all right.
Jeanie exchanges a look with Jacqueline; we. . .
CUT TO
INT. BILLY’S OFFICE (DAY 3) – NIGHT
The lights are turned low in Billy’s office and the blinds are closed. Billy is sitting on the couch, in front of him is a picture frame of him and his family. He has taken off his jacket and loosened his tie. There is a gentle KNOCK at the door.
BILLY
Come in.
Francine enters.
FRANCINE
Sorry to disturb you.
BILLY
You didn’t.
(beat)
I was just looking at this photo of the family.
He shows it to Francine.
FRANCINE
Nice picture.
BILLY
Do you realize this is the last family photo we have of all of us and it must be five years ago. We really need to have another one taken. You know, more recent.
(beat)
Just been too damn busy!
FRANCINE
Billy-
BILLY
It’s okay, Francine. I mean, I’m okay.
FRANCINE
Have you heard from Lee and Amanda yet?
Billy shakes his head.
BILLY
No, but I don’t expect to hear from them for a while. They are off the grid.
This time Francine nods.
FRANCINE
They’ll contact you as soon as they can. They know how worried you are.
Billy looks at his watch.
BILLY
It’s after midnight. Why don’t you go home?
FRANCINE
No, I think I’d rather stay.
BILLY
Suit yourself.
(beat)
I think I might try and catch a few winks.
Francine heads toward the door and opens it.
FRANCINE
It’s Christmas – don’t give up on them. Tis the season for miracles.
She turns off the light and steps out.
CLOSE ON the door which is decorated in garland; we. . .
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
EXT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL – NIGHT
A cold winter’s night. The interior hospital lights are out. A greenish tinge of light plays against the darkened hospital.
LEE (O.C.)
I see them.
ON AMANDA AND LEE
They are hiding in the bushes near the hospital entrance and they are both dressed in black commando jumpsuits and grease. Amanda carries a .45 automatic with laser sighting. Lee lowers the night scope and holds up two fingers. Amanda nods.
LEE (continued)
There's one on the roof of the hospital, the other on an adjoining balcony, next building over.
AMANDA
Any ideas?
LEE
Don’t suppose they will go with you waving a white flag and “it’s Christmas” routine, do you?
AMANDA
I don’t know how you can crack jokes at a time like this.
LEE
I told you, that’s how I handle my nerves before a big operation.
Amanda nods and then rubs her cold hands together.
LEE (continued)
Now the fun really begins.
AMANDA
This is fun?
LEE
No, not anymore.
(beat)
Do you remember during the whole Stemwinder fiasco when you asked me when I decided to become an agent?
AMANDA
Sure.
LEE
And I told you how I had put off living. . . well, that is until the moment I met you. I didn’t think I would ever find love.
(beat)
I didn’t; I mean not really, it found me one fateful October morning at a train station.
They stare into each other’s eyes for a moment and then they kiss briefly.
AMANDA
There’s a lot riding on this mission.
LEE
I know.
(beat)
So what do we know so far?
AMANDA
Details are still sketchy. However, intel did finger the ring leader to be Ramon Salazar. They believe there are maybe three or four of Salazar’s men with him and possibly ten to twelve hostages.
LEE
President Mendez and his Chief of Defense, General Aguilera, want to charge this place if the stand-off continues.
AMANDA
If they storm the place, they’ll have dead hostages on their hands.
LEE
However, in our favor, he did round up Salazar’s men at their base camp.
(beat)
I suggest we take out the snipers first and then we sure could use some black-belt confusion to get us into the place.
(another beat)
What say you, Partner?
Amanda nods her head and she leans in to whisper into Lee’s ear; we. . .
CUT TO
EXT. TENANT BUILDING – FIRE ESCAPE – NIGHT
A tenant building located near the clinic. Lee carefully swings a rope with a hook onto the roof and then tests it to verify it is secured and climbs the rest of the way up to the roof.
EXT. TENANT BUILDING – ROOFTOP – NIGHT
Under the cover of darkness Lee crawls, infiltration style, using a large air conditioning unit as cover to sneak behind the first sniper. He quickly raises the rifle and putting the sniper into the scope.
ON SNIPER
Not aware of the danger behind him.
BACK TO LEE
Lee shoots him with a tranquilizer gun. The gunman grabs his neck, pulls out the tranq and then falls. Lee walks up to the man and rolls him over and then grabs the man’s backpack, looking for weapons. He then scans the area looking for the other sniper, but cannot find him. He signals to Amanda and she also scans the area, then shakes her head. Lee quickly grabs a walkie-talkie and pushes the “talk” button.
WALKIE-TALKIE SQUAWKS
MERCENARY VOICE
(from speaker)
Dammit, Sergio, maintain radio silence. You are going to give away our position.
LEE
No, but you did.
Again, Lee quickly finds his prey and FIRES off a round. In the foreground, the second sniper falls to the ground.
A moment later, Amanda comes up behind Lee and hands him the rope, which he slings over his shoulder.
AMANDA
How long are they going to be out?
LEE
Long enough.
They both walk to the edge of the building and look around for a way to cross over to the hospital. A fallen beam from the earthquake has created a natural bridge and Lee firsts tests the integrity. Seeing it is safe to cross, he takes Amanda’s hand and lets her cross first. He follows close behind.
EXT. HOSPITAL ROOF – NIGHT
Both Lee and Amanda crouch low. Amanda hands him tools from the backpack she is carrying.
ANGLE – UP CLOSE
Removing the access panel to the ventilation system. He peers inside.
LEE
Damn! It’s too tight. Even you could not fit in there. Any ideas, Mrs. Stetson?
(beat)
It’s not like we can go through the front door.
There is a moment of silence while Amanda thinks.
AMANDA
Actually, maybe we can.
QUICK CUT
EXT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL ENTRANCE (A FEW MINUTES LATER) – NIGHT
Amanda has her arm around Lee and is practically dragging him along. They have changed into relief clothes and Lee appears to be injured and is covered in bloody bandages. She pounds frantically at the door.
AMANDA
(in hysterics)
Please, let us in. I need help.
INT. ESCONDITE HOSPITAL – NIGHT
Her pounding on the door grabs the attention of those in the exam room.
RAMON
Antonio, get rid of them.
Antonio looks around the room and grabs the little girl.
JEANIE
No, take me.
Antonio thinks about it for a second and then grabs Jeanie. Isabel begins to whimper, but Jacqueline reaches for the child and pulls her close.
JACQUELINE
It’s okay, Sweetie. Let’s see if Dr. Carrera has any suckers for big girls like you, okay?
Isabel nods her head.
Antonio walks to the entrance door using Jeanie as a human shield.
ANTONIO
Go away. We are closed.
Jeanie gasps when she realizes who is outside.
JEANIE
Aman-
(beat)
I mean. . . a man needs our help.
AMANDA
Yes, please, we’re in trouble. My husband is bleeding badly. I can’t stop it. Please. There is no where else to go.
ANTONIO
I said go away.
He holds up a gun for Amanda to see.
JEANIE
He’ll bleed to death if he doesn’t get any medical attention.
Amanda appears frightened, but determined.
AMANDA
Please. It’s Christmas day, show some compassion.
There is a long moment of silence. Then Antonio motions for Jeanie to unlock the door.
ANTONIO
Don’t try anything.
Jeanie shakes her head and proceeds to open the door. Amanda rushes in dragging a moaning Lee behind her.
AMANDA
Oh thank, God. I am so glad this hospital is here. We are part of Community Relief Services bringing food and supplies to those on the island affected by the earthquake when my husband was injured driving when the road collapsed right out from under us. I’ve dragged him several blocks over here. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t open the door.
Antonio can not believe she said all that in one breath. He leads them to the exam room. Both Amanda and Jeanie hold Lee up.
JEANIE
Don’t worry, Dear. My daughter is a doctor. She can help him.
Amanda sees a scalpel on a counter, grabs it, and hides it in her back pocket.
RAMON
What the hell!! This is not a Holiday Inn.
Jeanie stands up to Ramon.
JEANIE
No, it is not, but this man needs our help. And like it or not this is a hospital.
RAMON
Aaugh. Fine. Sweet-thing can patch him up. But the rest of you lean against that wall.
Ramon pulls open several drawers and grabs a roll of gauze bandages. He tosses the roll over to Jose.
RAMON
Tie them up. I want no further trouble from them.
Jose ties up the hostages hands and feet, except for Jacqueline, who is working on Lee. Lee appears to be unconscious.
A moment later, Lee begins to convulse.
JACQUELINE
I’m losing him.
AMANDA
No!!!
Jacqueline wheels him into the other exam room.
RAMON
What are you doing?
JACQUELINE
I need more room to work, without tripping over people. Now help me, dammit. Hold him down.
(to Antonio)
You too.
Antonio looks over at Ramon, who nods his head and they both hold down Lee.
In the other room, Amanda holds a scalpel behind her back and begins to cut the bandages off.
CLOSE UP ON SCALPEL
She breaks free, unbeknownst to Jose who is still in the room, but his attention is diverted to the action in the other room.
AMANDA
Lee, don’t give up, Babe.
RAMON
Wait a minute, how did you-
Before Ramon has a chance to finish the sentence, and recognizing Amanda's clue she is free, Lee reaches underneath his bandages and pulls out the tranquilizer gun and before the mercenaries are aware of what is happening, he SHOOTS them. They fall to the ground. Jose rushes into the room, but Lee swings off the gurney and with all his might make a solid connection with Jose’s solar plexus. Jose goes down hard with a cry of surprise and pain. Jacqueline then hits him over the head with a bedpan. He is out for the count.
In the other room, Carlos reaches for Isabel, but Jeanie trips him with her feet. Amanda then slams into him. They fight. Amanda is able to disarm Carlos. At the same time Jeanie is cutting the hostages free and helping to get everyone out of the room away from the danger.
In the background, Amanda makes a final blow, Carlos doubles over, reaches for support, Amanda side steps. Carlos drops to the floor.
Lee is leaning against the doorway. A look of pride on his face.
LEE
I see those sessions with Dr. Pain paid off, Partner.
(beat)
You okay?
Amanda shakes out her hurt hand.
AMANDA
Couldn’t be better.
Jeanie hugs them both.
JEANIE
Thank God, Lee, Amanda.
Dr. Carrera looks over at Jacqueline and raises an eyebrow.
DR. CARRERA
Your Dad's a film producer, huh?
Jacqueline shrugs.
NEW ANGLE
Lee, Amanda, and Jeanie share a laugh, and. . . FREEZE FRAME.
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
EXT. RANDY’S STEAKHOUSE - ESTABLISHING – NIGHT
Brick exterior, Georgetown restaurant and bar.
JEANIE (V.O.)
And Lee Stetson is the reason why I buy stock in Tums and Rolaids. I could not tell you how many bottles William has gone through all these years.
INT. RANDY’S STEAKHOUSE – NIGHT
A few days later, gathered around a large table sits Lee, Amanda, Phillip, Jamie, Dotty, Francine, Billy, Jeanie, Jacqueline, and JUSTICE MELROSE (Billy and Jeanie’s other daughter). The restaurant is still decked out in Christmas decorations. Giving the scene a very festive feel. The group is eating dinner and laughing and carrying on conversations.
Lee takes Amanda’s hand and she brings his hand to her lips and kisses it.
LEE
(almost a whisper)
Amanda, will you marry me?
AMANDA
Lee, will you be serious?
LEE
Trust me, I’m nothin’ but serious when it comes to you.
He then gets down on one knee. Conversations at the table stop. The boys are all smiles and Dotty gasps.
JEANIE
It's about time.
AMANDA
Lee?
DOTTY
Shush, Amanda. Let the man propose to you.
Lee takes a deep breath and gestures around the table
LEE
This is what it’s all about. . . family.
(another beat)
Now I don’t for one second regret marrying you, but I do regret leaving OUR family out on the most important day of our life.
AMANDA
Lee, don’t put all the blame on your shoulders. I agreed to the mystery marriage, too.
He holds up his finger, silencing her.
LEE
However, I let my insecurities get in the way of giving you a real wedding.
AMANDA
I’m pretty sure our last wedding was real. But how about this time we invite a few guests. . .
She looks at each person at the table as she mentions them by name.
AMANDA (continued)
. . . Mother and Phillip and Jamie, Billy and Jeanie, maybe even Francine.
FRANCINE
Hey!
AMANDA
(to everyone)
We’re truly sorry if we hurt and disappointed anyone by not including you. It was never our intention to deceive or exclude.
DOTTY
I think I can speak for everyone at this table, what matters most to us is your happiness.
BILLY
The first time you came into my office, I knew you were good for Lee. . . actually, for each other. I’m glad I thought of putting you two together.
AMANDA
Just a moment, Sir.
(to Lee; prompting)
Now, what were you going to say?
LEE
It appears hostage situations bring out the romantic in me.
(beat)
I meant what I said over a year ago. . . Amanda, you are the best, the bravest, the smartest, most beautiful woman I have ever known.
AMANDA
I love you.
LEE
Then will you marry me, again?
AMANDA
Again and again.
The room erupts into cheers. They kiss, then they pull back smiling at each other.
AMANDA
We really are the luckiest two people on the face of the earth.
(beat; grins)
And you know what they say, third time’s a charm.
DOTTY
Huh? Three times? Want to tell us what that means, Missy?
AMANDA
Whoops.
CLOSE ON LEE AND AMANDA
As Lee and Amanda kiss again. . . and FREEZE FRAME.
FADE OUT:
THE END