After All These Years

by Ceetay

Episode 1 of Maddie and David's new series. Can someone from their past destroy their future?

1. After All These Years - Pt. 1

MOONLIGHTING IN THE 21ST CENTURY:

EPISODE 1: AFTER ALL THESE YEARS (PART 1)

WRITTEN BY: Christie Taylor

THEME MUSIC AND OPENING CREDITS

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING

The Moonlighting theme plays as the camera pans from the foot of the bed up to Maddie's hair, which is peaking out from under the comforter. Something shakes her out of her deep sleep.

MADDIE
David, can you toss yourself over on your side of the bed without crashing into me?

VOICE (Off Screen)
(A mock high pitched voice)
Sorry, Mom.

Maddie flings the comforter off her and sees a 10-year-old, David Addison the 3rd, looking at her.

ANOTHER VOICE (Off Screen)
After all these years, I can still get you to fall for that one.

Another angle shows David Addison, Jr., standing at the bedroom doorway wearing only his pajama bottom and his usual smirk. He walks toward the bed and sits next to Maddie. Turning to his son he says –

DAVID
Okay, little buddy up and at 'em. Time to get into that shower.

LITTLE DAVID
Do I have to?

DAVID
It misses you. It just asked me where's its favorite partner in grime? I replied, "He'll be down after he wakes his mother up."

MADDIE
You find this funny don't you?

DAVID
I find it hysterical. I'm also finding it hard to see your sense of humor this morning.

MADDIE
You're lucky. All I see is your body hair.
(She pulls the comforter over her head)

David taps little David on his right shoulder, so his son can get out of bed.

DAVID
Let's go kid. The image of soap suds should be dancing in your head, not to mention your body.

LITTLE DAVID
All right, Dad.

His son slowly climbs out of bed as David smacks him lightly on the behind.

DAVID
I want you to get in there and show those soap suds what you're made of. And yo!. . . (Little David turns around to look at his father) Don't forget to wake up your sister.
(Little David exits the room.)

MADDIE
(Still under the covers)
Hey coach? Can you keep it down? I need to get some sleep.

DAVID
Sleep?. . . Sleep? (He pulls the covers off Maddie's face) Maddie, do you know what time it is?

MADDIE
Sure, it's time to go back to sleep.

She pulls the covers back over her head. David counters by pulling it back off her face.

DAVID
No, it's time for you to wake up and tune into yet another episode of "As The Blue Moon Turns."

MADDIE
I'll tape it and watch it later.

DAVID
Will there be a dead spouse waiting in the wings? A jealous lover who wants us to stakeout a fling? Having a case where the client gets caught? Or will we be screwed by another dumb plot?

MADDIE
David, send me an e-mail and wake me when you get back home.

DAVID
I'm personally shocked, no better yet stunned by your irresponsible behavior, Miss Hayes.

MADDIE
Irresponsible?

DAVID
That's right. We have two kids to lead, to mold, to shape, and how do you shape them? You're sleeping in bed, leaving me do all the dirty work. That's not what I call leading by example. That's not what I call parenting –

MADDIE
That's what I call showing the kids what you put me through after all these years.

DAVID
Look, Maddie, I know you think you're providing an invaluable service, but do you think our son and daughter will benefit by your example as highly productive citizens?

MADDIE
It worked for you.
(She jerks the covers back over her head.)

CUT TO:

INT. - ELEVATOR/ HALLWAY/ BLUE MOON OFFICE - MORNING

We hear a ding and the elevator slides open revealing the Blue Moon logo set in gold on the opposite wall. Blue Moon has grown since Maddie and David re-opened it a year and a half after it's premature demise. The company resides in a new building and it occupies the entire 30th floor. As Maddie, who still looks weary, walks down the hallway facing the twin oak front doors. She punches in a secret code then lets herself in without Agnes having to buzz her in. While Maddie steps in, the front side of the office is similar to the old office she and David had before. The difference is, when she looks straight ahead, she immediately see a row of offices, six in all, from right to left. They are for the other detectives. However, the corner office closest to Maddie's is not used. The desks outside these offices are filled with assistants. Maddie and David's offices are in the same configuration. However, the distance between them are much wider. When Maddie turns to her right, she sees a waiting area furnished with a sofa, a few chairs, a coffeetable with the usual magazines, and a High Definition TV their potential clients can watch, so they won't get bored. When Maddie turns to her left, Agnes' smiling face always greets her. She hears Anges answering a call.

Another angle holds a close-up on Blue Moon's cheerful administrative assistant, who now has a short hairstyle.

AGNES
Blue Moon Investigations
Have you given up hope?
Have you reached a dead end?
Let us find the culprit
Others can't apprehend
We'll search day and night
We'll search head to toe
We can find any Dick,
Bob, Mark, Ray or Joe
No case is too big
No problem's too small
We can solve any mystery
No problem at all
Tell us your dilemma
We'll help ease your fears
We've been in business
For 'bout fifteen years . . .
Sixteen if we weren't shut down for a year . . . or so.
(Sees Maddie waiting) Please hold.

MADDIE
Good morning, Mrs. Viola.

AGNES
Good morning, Miss Hayes.

MADDIE
Did you send Mr. Duncan the e-mail about the upcoming court date David and I have to attend?

AGNES
It's the first thing I did when I came in. (Maddie yawns) Still staking out Mr. Adams?

MADDIE
Fortunately, I caught him in the act.

AGNES
Great!

MADDIE
Unfortunately, it was with his wife.

AGNES
Not so great.

MADDIE
Two out of three marriages go down for the count and I have to encounter one that gets up before receiving a standing eight. (Yawns again with a loud sound) Well, as David says, "No use debatin' as long as they keep payin'." (Starts walking to her office.)

AGNES
Miss Hayes?

Maddie stops and turns back around to face Agnes.

MADDIE
What is it Agnes?

AGNES
How come you never changed your name to Mrs. Addison?

MADDIE
Well, I don't know. I guess I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm now married to David.

AGNES
But you've been married for eight years.

David bursts through the door.

DAVID
Seven years, four months, and fourteen days, but who's counting? (Turns to Maddie) Hey stranger? (Tossing her the car keys) Haven't seen you since we took our morning shower. (Begins to walk to his office) I love it when it's your turn to drip dry.

MADDIE
Like I said, I'm still getting use to the idea.
(Walks toward her office)

Agnes is straining to remember something, but doesn't remember until Maddie is a few feet away from her door.

AGNES
Miss Hayes, you have a –

Maddie just closed her door.

Another angle shows Maddie watching a boy spinning around in her plush leather chair. She opens the door and goes over to Agnes.

AGNES
(Finishing her sentence)
Client waiting to see you.

MADDIE
I have a kid for a client?

AGNES
With the addition of his godmother who's in the bathroom.

MADDIE
It's not enough that I have two kids, but I also have –

DAVID
(Strolling over to Maddie)
Hey, Maddie? Got any handiwipes? I ran out of toilet paper.

MADDIE
A kid disgused as my husband.

DAVID
It's perfect disguse. I can still get into Disneyland at half price.

A woman emerges, then approaches David.

WOMAN
Thank God! I didn't think you we're coming at all!

Maddie looks a little suspicious when she sees this display.

DAVID
(Looks startled)
Do I know you?

WOMAN
No, but I know you . . . I mean,I know of you. You're David Addison, right?

DAVID
It depends. Did we share a drink or a bed or both in the past decade? (Looks at Maddie) I wouldn't have noticed since it never happened.

WOMAN
I need your help. I am certain my godson is in grave danger.

MADDIE
Umm . . . Miss –

WOMAN
Mrs. Harrison.

MADDIE
(Looks up to the ceiling) Thank God. (Looks at Mrs. Harrison) Why don't we discuss this in the conference room.

Mrs. Harrison agrees and joins Maddie and David.

AGNES
Aren't you forgetting somebody?

DAVID
Don't worry, Agnes. We'll fill Bert in later.

AGNES
No, the child.

DAVID
The Child? What Child?

MRS. HARRISON
My child.

DAVID
(Sighs a huge sigh of relief)
For a second there, I thought I failed a DNA test I didn't know about.

Mrs. Harrison goes over to Maddie's office and brings the child outside. The four of them proceed to the conference room.

MRS. HARRISON
On second thought, (Looks at Maddie) it'll be better if he can wait in your office.

AGNES
(Goes over to them)
Why don't I take him into our game room.

BOY
Wow! Is there anything you guys don't have?

DAVID
A Starbucks cafe.

As stated earlier, the Blue Moon office is much larger. When David, Maddie, and Mrs. Harrison begin their journey to the conference room, Maddie takes it upon herself to point out some of the different rooms along the way. They turn to their right, from Maddie's office, and walk straight down until Maddie points to her right to show the business operations and accounting divisions. They walk a bit further toward the copy room. Maddie turns to the left and points to the bathroom area for Mrs. Harrison's benefit, then realizes Mrs. Harrison already knew where it was. Within a few feet, they encounter a large, open area which spans from right to left. They see clusters of assistants bustling around them. Maddie points to the far right annoucing the day care center. Then they arrive at their final stop, the conference room. It's the largest room located in the back and in the middle of this open space.

David wasn't going to be left out of this impromptu tour. He tells Mrs. Harrison he'll show her "The East Wing" of the office, which is located left of the conference room, then comes back around to his office. He tells her it consists of: a game room, the kitchen, the surveillance room, an exercise room, and a room he affectionately calls the "cool out" room. It's where everyone can hang out and vegetate in front of a giant HDTV screen, rent movies, and let their hair down during lunch and after hours.

CUT TO:

INT. - CONFERENCE ROOM - MINUTES LATER

The conference room is furnished with comfortable leather seats and sofas. The atmosphere is meant to be comfy not corporate. The walls are soundproof, for the benefit of the clients, and Maddie and David. There's a coffetable where the phone sits on top. It's specifically for conference calls, etc. A mini refrigerator sits on the carpet near the table. There's also a 51-inch High Definition TV installed in one of the four walls. Slightly below it is a VCR, DVD, high tech projector, and other equipment, which displays any surveillance information. The lights are well lit doesn't blind people's eyes.

MRS. HARRISON
My 9-year-old godson, Joey, has been getting some disturbing e-mails for the last two weeks. This person is threatening his life.

DAVID
What?

MADDIE
Do you know who's behind this?

MRS. HARRISON
That's why I want to hire you. I need to know if this is a serious threat or a cruel adolescent prank.

DAVID
We'll have to wait four years for it to be an adolescent prank. (He takes out a pint of chocolate milk out of the refrigerator and opens the carton) Childish is a more appropriate word. (He drinks the milk and it leaves a brown mustache above his upper lip. He looks around for a napkin, but can't find one. He wips the milk off with his hand.)

MADDIE
I'll say it is.
(Responding to David's display) Please continue, Mrs. Harrison.

MRS. HARRISON
(Takes out a manila envelope)
I have printed all of the threatening e-mails to date. (She gives them to David) Joey's life may depend on what you're able to find. I have stopped taking him to school. I'm not bringing him back until there's evidence to convince me he will be safe.

DAVID
Would you excuse us for a minute please?

MADDIE
David?

DAVID
Maddie, it'll only take a minute.

Maddie reluctantly gets up.

MADDIE
(Looking at Mrs. Harrison)
Will you excuse us?

David grabs the doorknob, opens the door and lets Maddie out first; he then gives a polite grin to Mrs. Harrison before shutting the door.

DAVID
I understand.

MADDIE
Understand what?

DAVID
Understand if you want to pass on this one because, frankly, this case doesn't have our name on it.

MADDIE
David, this woman needs our help.

DAVID
Yes, I agree she does need help, but not from us.

MADDIE
How can you say that?

DAVID
I inhale, exhale, and make sounds come of my mouth.

MADDIE
Really? I thought it was just a bunch of hot air.

DAVID
(Leering at her)
You didn't complain when it was on your neck.

MADDIE
How can you not help this woman?

DAVID
I have an F word that'll clarify it for you.

MADDIE
(Taken aback – whispers)
David!

DAVID
Wrong. FBI.

MADDIE
Wrong. FBI is not a word, it's an acronym.

DAVID
Well, I for one thank those who put their time and energy into making something that doesn't take time and energy to say.

MADDIE
They obviously didn't have you in mind.

DAVID
AOK, NBA, FYI, the FBI handles cases like these all the time. They have loads and loads to choose from. They can solve this PDQ.

MADDIE
Not so PDQ. They're overworked and undermanned, which makes it all the reason why she came to us . . . I mean you.

DAVID
I guess you'd know.

MADDIE
About what?

DAVID
About being under a man.

MADDIE
David, this is serious.

DAVID
I understand.

MADDIE
Apparently, you don't.

DAVID
Apparently, you're not aware that threats of this nature are sent over the internet almost every day. Less than one percent of these threats are ever carried out. We really don't know if there is anyone out there who wants to kill this boy.

MADDIE
We really don't know if there is anyone who doesn't want to either. What if someone sent that e-mail to little David or Ashley?

DAVID
(Sighs knowing what she's saying is right)
It's not that I don't wanna help Mrs. Harrison, it's just that we have too much on our plate as it is. You come home dead tired . . . bad choice of words. You've been exhausted for the past week chasing a cheating husband who's not cheating with a dame his wife thinks he's chasing with.

MADDIE
Fine, David. If you think I'm working too much, I'll let Mr. Viola take over. We need to catch this lunatic before it's too late.

DAVID
These kids haven't learned how to multiply, but they're getting a one on one lesson on contract killing.

MADDIE
Kids are forced to grow up fast these days.

DAVID
Someone's trying to correct that problem.

Maddie shakes her head and prepares to go back into the conference room. She touches the doorknob but turns around to David.

MADDIE
IOU.

DAVID
What?

MADDIE
IOU. That's what you owe me an IOU.

DAVID
I owe you what? (He realizes what she is talking about) I told you. I'll pay you back next week. It ain't like we're hurting for money.

MADDIE
But I do feel a pinch every now and then.

DAVID
I hope it's from me.

Maddie is about to open the door, but David reaches his arm across and blocks her from going in.

DAVID
Aren't you forgetting about something?

MADDIE
Forgetting? Forgetting about what? What am I forgetting?

Without warning, David leans in and kisses Maddie. She readjusts herself and pulls David to her. They are now clinging to each other. Their lips and hands continue to explore each other, elevating their pent up passion. So much so, they didn't notice the door is open and Mrs. Harrison is watching them. She announces her presence by clearing her throat. When Maddie and David stop, they react like their principal caught them making out on the staircase. Maddie blushes and looks down, while David wears a satisfied smirk.

DAVID
(To Mrs. Harrison)
All right, I know what you're thinking . . . It is as good as it looks.

MADDIE
(Not really looking at Mrs. Harrison)
We've decided to take your case.

MRS. HARRISON
Thank you so much, Mr. Addison. . . . Miss Hayes. (She steps out of the room then turns back to them) You can contact me at anytime.

DAVID
No problem. We'll send you an e-mail.

Maddie and Mrs. Harrison looks at David like he's crazy.

DAVID
Or not.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

- 4 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. - INSIDE MERCEDES - AFTERNOON

They are across the street from their children's school; it's a private school.

DAVID
Did Jamie get in touch with the internet service provider, so we know who this weirdo is?

MADDIE
She should be calling me any minute.

DAVID
She turned out to be a pretty good P. I., hasn't she?

MADDIE
Jamie certainly loves cracking cases compared to babysitting office supplies.

DAVID
And that reminds me, why won't Agnes take that office we wanted her to have?

MADDIE
She likes being out in the open.

DAVID
We're not sticking her in a broom closet. It's a corner office, for God's sake.

MADDIE
I know, but –

DAVID
But what? She's not just a secretary anymore . . . excuse me, she's not just an administrative assistant anymore. Being PC can really get me PO'd.

MADDIE
Look, I'm not the one you need to convince. This is what she wants. If she wants to be in the outer office, we have respect that. As for Bert, he couldn't wait to kick his feet up in the office we set him up for him.

DAVID
Had his feet touched the edge of the desk and not crashed on the radiator, his ankle wouldn't have been in a cast.

MADDIE
We tried getting him to rest it, but he kept pursuing Mr. Sussman's attacker with his crutches.

DAVID
It would have been pointless, if that attacker hadn't dropped his gun.

Maddie's cell phone rings. She takes it out of her purse.

MADDIE
(Answers cell phone)
Yes, Jamie . . . uh-huh . . . uh-huh . . . really? That's interesting . . . good work. You can visit the school and ask around, see what you can find. Check back with me tomorrow, okay? Okay. Bye, bye. (She hangs up the phone and puts it in her purse.) You will not guess this –

DAVID
Good, 'cuz I'm not in a guessing mood.

MADDIE
I don't know if I believe this myself.

DAVID
What are you waiting for? My hair to grow back?

MADDIE
Neither of us can wait that long. Anyway, those life-threatening e-mails came from a 9-year-old named Dennis Rockwell.

DAVID
Any relation to Norman?

MADDIE
He attends a public school.
(She lets out a sigh of relief.)

DAVID
What was that?

MADDIE
What was what?

DAVID
That. It looked like the exhale you were waiting for.

MADDIE
It's a public school, and it's across town.

DAVID
So?

MADDIE
So?Our children are safe.

DAVID
For now.

MADDIE
What do you mean, "for now"? This is an excellent school. We pay a lot of money to give David and Ashley an excellent education and a safe surrounding, which guarentee their said education.

DAVID
To a kid with a website and a vendetta, none of that matters.

MADDIE
David, I'm sure those kids (Pointing to the school) in there are good kids.

DAVID
I bet everyone out in Colorado thought those kids from Columbine were good kids too, before they re-enacted their favorite video game.

MADDIE
David –

DAVID
Maddie, anything can happen anyplace, anytime, anywhere.

MADDIE
Yes, but –

ASHLEY (Off Screen)
Mommy? Daddy?

Maddie and David look outside the backseat window. They see their blonde-haired daughter tapping on the glass. David unlocks the door and Ashley gets inside.

MADDIE
(Whispers to David)
We'll continue this later.

DAVID
Much later. (He turns his attention to his daughter) Hey, sweet pea! How's your day?

ASHLEY
Can't complain. Everything's going just fine. Never better.

DAVID
(Seeing through her act)
What do we have to sign?

ASHLEY
Sign? I didn't say anything about you two signing a parental form, allowing me to join all of my classmates on a class trip to Aspen early next year.

MADDIE
We'll think about it.

DAVID
(Looks suprised)
We will?

MADDIE
(Turns to him.)
We will.

DAVID
We will. Of course, we will.

MADDIE
So, where's your brother?

ASHLEY
(Dismissive tone)
I don't know. He should be here soon.

MADDIE
I don't know why you two can't get along.

DAVID
It's a bigger mystery than finding out who really shot JFK. Maddie, what did you expect? They're siblings and let's face it, they came from us.

LITTLE DAVID
(Coming into the car)
Hey, Dad. Hey, Mom. (Turns to Ashley) Hey, ugly. Move over.

ASHLEY
I would, but Mommy doesn't like bringing pets into the car.

DAVID
All right, you two knock it off!

MADDIE
Let's get out of here before I suffer from deja vu.

DAVID
(Turns the key and starts the engine)
You're five years too late.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

David is lying in bed. Maddie is walking in from the bathroom. She climbs into bed.

DAVID
(Softly)
Hey.

MADDIE
(Softly)
Hey.

DAVID
It's nice to be in bed at a decent hour, isn't it?

MADDIE
Eleven o'clock at night is a decent hour?

DAVID
It's decent enough for me. In fact, it's more than decent, (He inches his way over to Maddie's side of the bed) it's something I wish Davy's teacher would have given him instead of that C, no scratch that a C plus.

MADDIE
David, I wish we can get to this boy in time.

DAVID
We did. I told David to shape up, or we take his Playstation.

MADDIE
No, not that. This Dennis boy.

DAVID
Maddie, please don't spoil our reunion.

MADDIE
(Playfully)
Reunion?

DAVID
(Positions himself on top of her)
Reunion.

The opening guitar licks of Marvin Gaye's, "Let's Get It On," begins playing in the backgorund as they kiss. The kisses are becoming more passionate when they start to disrobe. Maddie feverishly tries to unbutton her silk pajama top. David reaches his arms over his head to take off his undershirt. Before Marvin gets a chance to sing the title, the music slows down to a stop once Ashley enters the room.

ASHLEY
He hit me!

David and Maddie are frozen. His arms are still in the air and his undershirt is over his head. Maddie still has her fingers on the second to the last button.

ASHLEY
Mommy? Daddy? Are you okay?

DAVID
(Muttering)
We were.

He slowly puts his undershirt back on while climbing off of Maddie. Maddie buttons up her top.

ASHLEY
Aren't you going to do something about this? He's a walking time bomb.

DAVID
I bet you're the one who made him tick.

MADDIE
I'll take care of this.
(She starts climbing out of bed, but David stops her.)

DAVID
No, stay here. Get some rest.
(He gets out of bed and approaches Ashley at the door. He turns to Maddie) Next time, this door will be locked.

CUT TO:

INT. - LITTLE DAVID'S ROOM - MIINUTES LATER

Little David gets out of his bed and runs to his father, when David and Ashley walks in.

LITTLE DAVID
She started it, Dad! She hit me first!

DAVID
What did I tell you about hitting your sister?

LITTLE DAVID
But, Dad!

DAVID
I don't care who started what. The only hitting I wanna hear is you hitting a homer in little league.

ASHLEY
That's telling him, Daddy!

DAVID
(Turns to Ashley) Don't you dare enjoy this. I haven't started on you yet. (Little David sticks his tongue out behind David's back.) David put your tongue back where it belongs.

ASHLEY
Aren't you going to punish him?

DAVID
Ash, sweetie, go to your room.

ASHLEY
But –

DAVID
Now! (Before Ashley takes one step) And no stomping. (She sulks, then quietly walks out the room. David turns back to look at his son) Look, I know she's a piece of work. Believe me, I can relate. But you're two years older than she is. You gotta put your temper in check before you find yourself checking into a roach motel you won't be able to check out of, you get my drift?

LITTLE DAVID
I know, Dad, but she can be so –

DAVID
(Sympathetic)
I know . . . I know.

LITTLE DAVID
When you argue with Mom, how do you stay in control ?

DAVID
This is gonna sound strange so bare with me. Most of the time, when your mother and I fight, we're not really fighting. It's our weird way of communicating. (Little David looks confused) You see, not all couples act like they do in the movies. The fact of the matter is, I wouldn't wanna be with any other woman than your mother. God knows I've tried, but I can't live without her. Someday, you'll understand what I mean.

LITTLE DAVID
So, when Mom yells at you, you don't feel bad?

DAVID
No, no, no, no. That's not what I mean. I mean, having to hear someone yelling at me at the top of their lungs is not my favorite pastime. I admit it, she does get to me. But she's the only person who can inspire and infuriate me at the same time. In short, we're the most complicated perfect couple God has ever created. We're so complicated, Albert Einstein couldn't figure us out.

LITTLE DAVID
I love my sister, but I hate her sometimes.

DAVID
You've summed up your parent's relationship in record time . . . expect for the sister part.

LITTLE DAVID
So, what do I do the next time Ashley gets on my nerves?

DAVID
You can argue and fight . . . with your mouth not with your hands. Let's face it, you two are genetically exposed to not see eye to eye. But I don't ever wanna hear that you hit your sister again. Do I make myself clear?

LITTLE DAVID
Crystal.

DAVID
All right, now get some shut eye.

He turns little David's lamp off. He starts walking out of the room.

LITTLE DAVID
Night, Dad.

DAVID
Night, David. (To himself) It feels weird everytime I say that. Now I know how Dad feels.

CUT TO:

INT. - ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

DAVID
Now, you young lady –

Ashley is in her bed with her eyes closed. He sits on the edge of the bed and starts tickling her. She can't help but laugh.

DAVID
I knew you were faking. What is it that makes you wanna push your brother's buttons?

ASHLEY
He gets on my nerves. He keeps saying I tease and poke fun at him.

DAVID
Well, you do.

ASHLEY
It's not my fault if he can't take what I dish.

DAVID
Maybe you can leave some of those disses off your plate, he'll begin to.

ASHLEY
Is that how Mommy feels when you tease her?

DAVID
(Thinks about it for a second)
Okay, I do go overboard at times, but your mom knows I only tease her 'cuz I love her.

ASHLEY
She didn't used to think so. (David has a puzzled look) I watched some of the re-runs.

DAVID
Well, you're mom has loosened up since then. And you need to start doing the same. Give the guy a break once in a while, okay?

ASHLEY
(Reluctantly)
Okay.

DAVID
C'mon, time for bed.

ASHLEY
Hey, Dad.

DAVID
Hmm?

ASHLEY
Hit it.

DAVID
(Singing)
Goodnight sweetheart, yeah it's time to go.

ASHLEY
(Singing)
Do-do-do-do-do.

DAVID
Goodnight sweetheart, yeah it's time to go.

ASHLEY
Do-do-do-do-do.

DAVID
Goodnight sweetheart, yeah it's time to go. Goodnight sweetheart goodnight.

ASHLEY
Do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do.

DAVID
Goodnight sweetheart goodnight.

ASHLEY
Do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do.

DAVID
Goodnight sweetheaaaart - gooood - niiiiight.
(Kisses Ashley on the cheek)
(Whispers) Goodnight Sweetheart.

He gets up from the egde of the bed and walks to the door.

ASHLEY
Night, night. . . sleep tight. . . I'll try not to fight . . .
(David begins closing the door and has a little grin on his face)
Too much.
(She adds before he closes the door)

CUT TO:

INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

David walks into the bedroom.

DAVID
Mission . . . (He sees Maddie sleeping) accomplished.

Maddie's theme plays as David quietly walks over near Maddie and kisses her lightly on the lips. He then walks to his side of the bed, gets in, and turns out the light. The screen is black.

MADDIE (Off Screen)
Good.

CUT TO:

INT. - DAVID'S OFFICE - NEXT MORNING

The screen is still black.

BERT (Off Screen)
Mr. Addison?. . . Mr. Addison?. . .

Bert turns on the remote; it opens the shades behind David's desk. The camera acts as if David is lifting his head and opening his eyes. The screen goes from black to full color. David is now looking at Bert who is looking at him.

BERT
Mr. Addison?

DAVID
(Groans like he had a tough night)
Can you turn down the sun? It's too bright.

BERT
Tough night, huh?

DAVID
Not as tough as you think.

BERT
Sir?

DAVID
I haven't made booze my midnight mistress in years . . . we're merely long lost acquaintances.

BERT
Sir, I wasn't insinuating –

DAVID
I'm sure you weren't, Bert. (He rubs his face with his hands as he tries to wake himself up) Ash, dragged me outta bed at three thirty in the morning to help her get through a passing thunderstorm. (He yawns) The person who said, "It never rains in Southern California," should have told my daughter. I would have gotten some sleep.

BERT
I just got back from printing these pictures. I think I finally got the goods on Mr. Adams. (Presenting David with the pictures) I took them with one of those infered cameras.

DAVID
Well, you're in-fer a surprise. I can't see a thing. (Bert snatches the pictures back in disbelief) Did you forget to take off the lens cap, Bertie?

BERT
But, I could have sworn I . . . (He slaps himself on the forehead as he remembers something. He gets visibly frustrated) That damn computer must have froze again! It's been like that all morning.

DAVID
Turn up the heat. It'll thaw out. Why did you need an infered camera anyway?

BERT
Being that I was well situated in the closet of their hotel room, I figured taking pictures with a flash was out of the question.

DAVID
Bert, you didn't have to be that close. Why didn't you plant one of those "nanny cams" you begged us to buy? That way, you could have been at a safe distance to nail him nailing her.

BERT
I never thought of it that way, sir.

DAVID
That's what I'm here for.

BERT
I'll get on it right away.

DAVID
Let's hope Mr. Adams gets on it right away as well.

Bert leaves the office. David still rubs his hands on both sides of his face. He then slaps himself to stay awake. The phone rings. David answers it.

DAVID
Yes, Agnes?. . . I'll be out in a flash.

David opens the door and walks toward the man holding his briefcase next to Agnes' reception area.

DAVID
Uhh . . . Mr. Duncan, I know Maddie and I were supposed to join you in court yesterday, but we were on a case that couldn't wait.

Maddie opens her door.

MADDIE
David, can I see you for a moment? This can't wait.

DAVID
(To Mr. Duncan)
See what I mean.

He proceeds to walk to Maddie's office.

CUT TO:

INT. - MADDIE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

David enters and sees Maddie and Jamie looking at some papers on Maddie's desk.

DAVID
What's up?

JAMIE
I was talking to some of the kids who know both Joey and Dennis –

DAVID
They attend the same school?

MADDIE
Yup.

JAMIE
According to what the kids told me, they are friends.

DAVID
Friends?

MADDIE
I couldn't believe it either.

DAVID
Remind me to cozy up to my enemies when this is over.

JAMIE
It also looks like they are in the same class.

DAVID
Joey should be careful the next time he aims those spitballs.

JAMIE
There was a recent project the class had to do. It involves creating their family tree. However, as far as the kids can recall, Dennis' behavior is much the same as it always has been when he's around Joey. They continue to play together and sit close to each other in class. I've also checked the date of the first threatening e-mail, it was sent the same day Joey presented his project . . . two weeks ago.

MADDIE
Why would Dennis care about Joey's family tree?

JAMIE
That's what I'm going to find out.

DAVID
So, all of this is because of a family tree? Talking about blowing things out of proportion.

JAMIE
Well, it seems that way, but I'm going back to the school and see if I can get my hands on those class projects . . . see if there's any connection.

MADDIE
Good idea.

DAVID
Yeah, good idea, Jamie. It was so good, I was going to say that idea first.

MADDIE
So, why didn't you?

DAVID
I wanted to let her come up with it on her own. We can't spoon feed her everything that comes out of our mouths.

MADDIE
Especially your mouth. (To Jamie) Keep us abreast of the situation.

DAVID
I prefer two, but one will have to do. (Maddie glares at him. He turns to Maddie.) Your two not her two.

MADDIE
That'll be all, Jamie. Thanks.

JAMIE
No problem, Miss Hayes . . . Mr. Addison.

DAVID
Happy snooping.

Jamie exits the office.

MADDIE
Happy snooping?

DAVID
Would you rather for me to say, "I hope you get caught?"

MADDIE
I'd rather you not say anything at all.

DAVID
(To himself) Wait a minute . . . (Snaps his fingers) I knew we needed to leave this office.

MADDIE
(Gives David a seductive look)
I hope it involves body oil.

DAVID
This has to be the time for you to guess wrong. Our lawyer, you know, the one we stood up yesterday? He's outside that door wondering if we really like him or just leading him on.

MADDIE
Oh, the court case! I totally –

DAVID
(Rushes Maddie to the door)
No time. We have to catch him before the clock strikes noon.

They both walk out to see no one at Agnes' desk.

DAVID
Couldn't he have left a glass slipper?

MADDIE
Mrs. Viola –

AGNES
He just left.

MADDIE
(talks at the same time) He just left?

DAVID
(talks at the same time) He just left?

AGNES
Yup, he just left.

MADDIE
Maybe we can still catch him.

DAVID
Maddie, we're on the thirtieth floor.

MADDIE
More chance for his elevator to get stuck.

DAVID
So,what are we waiting for?

MADDIE
You to open that door.

They sprint to the door. David lets Maddie out first, then he follows her out the door. He leaves it open in haste. Agnes gets out of her chair close it until she finds something near her desk.

AGNES
Who's briefcase is on the floor?

The camera focuses on two sets of feet, one beige pumps, the other black loafers, running to the elevator. The ding signals the arrival of the elevator. There are two of them. The right elevator slides open , the two pairs of feet run inside, and the doors close. Seconds later, another ding is heard. The left elevator doors slide open showing two different pairs of feet. They are much smaller. They are two varieties of Nike sneakers. The feet are walking in the opposite direction. The camera pans up, and we see Ashley and little David approach the Blue Moon doors. They tell Agnes through the speaker who they are, seconds later, they are buzzed into the office.

ASHLEY
Hi, Agnes.

AGNES
Hi, Ashley, David. How are you guys?

LITTLE DAVID
Great! Any day we have a half day is a great day. Where's Mom and Dad?

AGNES
Sorry kids, you just missed them. Wait. How did you two come all the way over here from school?

LITTLE DAVID
We tried calling Mom and Dad, but they weren't answering their cell.

ASHLEY
So, we did the next best thing. We called our godmother.

AGNES
Where is she?

LITTLE DAVID
She'll be here in a minute. She left her keys in her car.

AGNES
I hate when that happens.

ASHLEY
It happens to you too?

AGNES
Yeah, Bert does it all the time. (Puts her hand to the side of her mouth to conceal what she's about to say and whispers) Don't tell him I told you.

After the sound of the buzzer, Agnes hears –

WOMAN (Off Screen)
It's me, Agnes.

The door swings open to reveal . . .

AGNES
Terri! Wow! It's been a while.

TERRI
Hi, Agnes. (Sighs) I've been practicing day and night for my next performance with the L.A. Philharmonic. It's nice to finally step out of my studio and breathe smog back into my lungs. (She puts an arm around each of the children as she stands in the middle.)

AGNES
So, what's Walter been up to?

TERRI
Which one? The 13-year-old, or the 47-year-old?

AGNES
The one you walked down the aisle for.

TERRI
He's still up in Silicon Valley trying to ward off yet another dot-bomb disaster. (Looks at Ashley and little David) Have these two behaved themselves?

AGNES
Absolutely.

TERRI
So, where's the dynamic duo?

AGNES
They just left but I'm sure they'll be back soon.

TERRI
You guys have to excuse me. I need to go to the bathroom.

Terri walks over to Maddie's office then disappears when she turns left around the corner.

LITTLE DAVID
Can we go into Mom's office?

AGNES
Of course you can. I'll tell Terri when she comes back.

Ashley and little David go into their mother's office. The buzzer is heard again and Mrs. Harrison announces herself. The door opens to let her and Joey inside.

MRS. HARRISON
Hello, is Mr. Addison and Miss Hayes in?

AGNES
They both stepped out, but they'll be back soon. You can wait in the conference room. I'll tell them you're here.

As Agnes speaks, Mrs. Harrison looks inside her purse.

AGNES
Did you lose something?

MRS. HARRISON
I'm trying to find my keys.

AGNES
Did you check in your car?

MRS. HARRISON
My car? Why would I . . . As a matter of fact . . . (She looks amazed) How did you know?

AGNES
A lot of that going around.

MRS. HARRISON
(To Joey) Now you go in that room and stay put.

JOEY
I will.

Mrs. Harrison rushes out the door. Seconds later, Terri rushes over to Agnes.

TERRI
I don't know how it happened –

AGNES
The water in the sink keeps running.

TERRI
Right.

AGNES
(Gets out of her seat and takes some keys with her) I've tried to tell the Super to fix that thing a million times. (She jogs with Terri to the bathroom)

Joey starts walking to the conference room when Ashley and little David walks out of Maddie's office.

LITTLE DAVID
I told you I didn't see it.

ASHLEY
It must be here somewhere. I had my backpack with me when we left school. (She walks up to Joey) Have you seen a blue and grey backpack?

JOEY
(Startled)
No.

LITTLE DAVID
I apologize for my sister. She can be rude at times.

ASHLEY
Bite me butthead!

LITTLE DAVID
You'll learn to ignore her. Hi, I'm David Addison.

JOEY
You're David Addison? Isn't he the man who owns this place?

ASHLEY
Half owns. I'm Ashley by the way. Dadddy is Mommy's partner.

LITTLE DAVID
You are such a brat you know that?

LITTLE DAVID
(talks at the same time) Of course you don't. You just like being a pain the butt. I don't know why I put up with this. We constantly go back and forth, getting on each other's nerves. The problem is you never wanna You're always talking. You never hear me at all!

ASHLEY
(talks at the same time) I am not a brat! You always think you can push me around because you're older. But I won't let you. Do you hear me. . .? You get on my nerves more! You're never leave me alone. Why don't you find somebody else to bother . . . Hey, that's not true! . . .

ASHLEY
(talks by herself) I always find myself listening to you!

Joey looks puzzled while seeing these sibilings argue. He looks more confused when the argument is over, little David turns to Joey calmly as if nothing has happened and asks –

LITTLE DAVID
So, what are you here for?

JOEY
You're parents are trying to find whoever is sending me e-mails telling me I'm going to die.

LITTLE DAVID
Wow, dude, that's a heck of a prediction.

ASHLEY
Now I know where I left it. It's in Aunt Terri's car.

Ashley heads for the door.

LITTLE DAVID
Hey! Where are you going? You know we're not supposed to go anywhere without a grown up.

ASHLEY
Calm down, I'm only going downstairs. I need my backpack. Oh, I almost forgot. (She sees Terri's bag, takes it and grabs the keys.)

LITTLE DAVID
Are you nuts? You're gonna get in trouble.

ASHLEY
She won't mind if I tell her it's for the good of my education that I had to go into her bag to get my backpack. It's armed with important information which couldn't wait for me to get her permission. (Turns to Joey) You wanna come?

JOEY
I was told to stay put.

ASHLEY
(Looks at little David and Joey) Since when do we kids do what grown ups tell us? (Turns back to Joey) The car is near the building. We can get some ice cream along the way.

JOEY
Are you sure we won't get in trouble?

ASHLEY
Do donuts have holes? Do ginger have bread?

JOEY
Huh?

ASHLEY
Just come with me. (Pulling Joey with her to the door) David will tell everyone where we are.

LITTLE DAVID
Ashley –

ASHLEY
Don't worry 'bout it. We'll be there and back before you realized you've missed me.

Ashley and Joey walks out the door.

LITTLE DAVID
I hope it doesn't take that long.

CUT TO:

EXT.- OUTSIDE BUILDING COMPLEX / ON SIDEWALK - MINUTES LATER

Ashley carries her backpack while she and Joey lick their ice cream. They are heading back to the office building.

JOEY
Do you think I'm going to be okay?

ASHLEY
Will you chill? My parents are among the best detectives in L.A. They're gonna crack this case in no time.

JOEY
Really?

ASHLEY
Would they have an office like that if they were lousy?

Seconds later, a car horn blows. Ashley and Joey look around to see where it is coming from.

PERSON IN CAR
Hey, do you know where –

ASHLEY
I don't know nothing. I'm just visiting.

PERSON IN CAR
I just wanna know where Hollywood and Vine is.

Ashley doesn't respond.

JOEY
I know where it is.

He starts moving to the car, but Ashley pulls him back.

ASHLEY
My parents told me never to talk to strangers.

JOEY
So, why are you talking to me?

ASHLEY
(She looks Joey up and down)
(Dismissive tone) Like you're gonna hurt me.

The person in the car keeps trying to get Ashley and Joey's attention, then Ashley yells –

ASHLEY
Hey! Can't you take a hint?! Beat it! Am-Scray!

Suddenly, Ashley and Joey feel someone grab them from behind. They are both kicking and screaming, but they can't get out of the mysterious person's grip. The person has a black mask over his head and a green army-looking outfit. The person continues to drag them into the car. Ashley tries to chase away, but the person catches her before she can get away. The person shoves Ashley and Joey inside the car, slams the door, and the car speeds away.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO

- 2 MIN COMMERCIAL BREAK -

FADE IN:

HALFWAY BUMPER (1)
A still image of the title is showing. An abbreviated version of the theme is being used. Maddie and David's voices are in voice over.

DAVID
Relax and lower your remote. It's a thumb free zone.

MADDIE
We'll be back in a moment.

FADE OUT:

- 2 MIN COMMERCIAL BREAK -