The Night of the Unknown Child
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. TRAIN TRACK OUTSIDE CHEYENNE - DAY
Establishing shot of the Wanderer on a side track, and we,
CUT TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR - DAY
ARETEMUS GORDON is sitting calmly at the table, sipping a cup of
coffee, JAMES WEST is on his right. COLONEL RICHMOND is pacing
through the car.
RICHMOND
It's another dead end, gentlemen.
That's what we've got here. A
big, fat, nothing.
GORDON
Calm down, Colonel. We're not beat
yet.
RICHMOND
Warner's daughter is running out
of time.
WEST
We know she's in Cheyenne, Colonel,
we'll find her.
RICHMOND
And if you don't, Dr. Warner will turn
over all his research to her kidnappers.
(beat)
We still don't know who's behind this.
(beat)
If they get their hands on
Warner's notes.....
GORDON
I've looked at his research, Colonel,
the type of weapon that could be
created from it is potentially
devastating.
RICHMOND
Our government could be brought
to its knees. I don't need to
remind the two of you that the
President is counting on you.
Maybe Warner won't--
GORDON
--Come on, Jim, they have his daughter.
What else do you expect the
man to do?
ANGLE WEST; he knows, it was a moment of
wishful thinking.
All right you two, you'd better get
moving.
There is a KNOCK at the door. Richmond walks
over and opens it. A TELEGRAM DELIVERY BOY is standing there, holding
an envelope.
Telegram here for a Mr. Gordon.
You him?
Arte stands and walks to the door.
GORDON
I'm Artemus Gordon.
The boy thrusts a clipboard and pen at
Arte.
Sign here, please.
Arte signs, and the kid hands him the
envelope. Arte tosses a coin at the boy and closes the door. He opens
the envelope, and reads the contents. ANGLE GORDON; his eyes mist
over with tears. RESUME. Richmond and Jim exchange a look. Jim stands
and walks over to Arte.
Arte? What is it?
Gordon can't speak. He swallows hard as
tears run down his face. Silently he hands the telegram to Jim, and
he walks toward the other end of the car. Jim reads it aloud to
Richmond.
Lily Fortune killed in accident.
STOP. Instructed to contact you
regarding daughter Madeline. STOP.
Will come to you with child. STOP.
Howard Trasker, Esquire.
West sets the paper on the desk, and walks to
Gordon, who is leaning his hands against the bar. Jim stops right
behind his friend and places a gentle hand on his shoulder.
(gentle)
Arte......I'm so sorry.
With shaking hands, Gordon pours a whiskey,
and downs it in one belt. He pours another, and up ends that one as
well.
Hey, take it easy with that stuff.....
Standing behind his partner, West removes the
glass from his hand and gently turns Arte around to face him.
Gordon's eyes are filled with tears.
The little girl....could she be
yours?
GORDON
(shaky)
I don't know.
West takes a hold of Gordon's arms.
(softly)
Is it possible?
GORDON
(whispers)
Yes.
SMASH CUT TO:
MAIN TITLES
INT. PARLOR CAR - DAY
Arte is sitting on the couch, drink in hand. He looks stunned.
Richmond is pacing by the desk, and West is sitting on the table in
front of Gordon.
Why didn't she tell me?
WEST
She must have had her reasons,
Arte.
GORDON
She should have told me....
Richmond walks over and stands behind the
couch.
Look, I don't mean to be insensitive
here, but we're running out of time.
Arte looks like he's going to be sick.
Jim pats his knee, stands and pulls Richmond aside.
(sotto)
Colonel, just give me a little
time with him, okay?
RICHMOND
He doesn't look like he's going
to be able to pull it together, Jim.
WEST
Arte will be fine. Just give
me a little time, Colonel.
Richmond eyes West, shakes his head, and
leans in close.
You'd better make sure he is, Jim.
There's a lot riding on the two of
you, and the one thing you don't have
is much time.
WEST
It'll be fine, Colonel, you have my
word.
Richmond holds West's eyes for a moment
longer, then walks toward the door, picking up his hat on the
way.
See to it, gentlemen.
Richmond exits. Jim moves behind Arte,
placing his hands on his partner's shoulders.
I know you loved her.....
Gordon simply nods. Jim squeezes the taunt
muscles under his hands.
Let it go, Arte.
Artemus is visibly fighting his emotions, and
Jim begins gently massaging his neck. Finally, tears silently stream
down Arte's face.
(soft)
Let it go, buddy.
A sob escapes Gordon's lips.
That's it. Just let go.
Arte loses control and sobs openly. Jim walks
around the couch and sits in front of Arte on the coffee table. He
cups Arte's head, and gently pulls him forward until his
forehead leans on Jim's shoulder.
It'll be okay. Shhh.......
West rubs the back of Arte's head trying to calm him.
WEST (CONT)
(gently)
I know you're hurting, buddy, but
we can't let Warner turn over his
research.....
Gordon nods.
I know.
WEST
You gonna be okay?
Arte pulls his head away from Jim.
Yeah....
Arte stands up, and wipes the tears from his
face.
Jim....
West stands and puts his arm around Arte.
I'm with you.
On Gordon trying to pull it together, we,
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET, CHEYENNE - DAY
Gordon and West ride into town. CLOSE on MAN behind the general
store, observing the two agents; CLOSE on MAN reading a newspaper in
front of the saloon, also observing the agents; CLOSE on MAN leaning
against the cigar store, same deal. RESUME.
Where do you want to start?
WEST
I'll take the saloon, you take
the General Store.
GORDON
(bravado)
Sure, you get the belles of the bar,
and I get.....housewares.
West looks at his partner, and appreciates
the attempt at humor.
(smiling)
See you in awhile.
West heads toward the saloon, and Arte stops
in front of the General Store. We FOLLOW GORDON as he dismounts and
walks into the establishment.
INT. GENERAL STORE - CONTINUOUS
MERLE, 60's, white-hair, plenty of attitude, stands behind the
counter. He eyes Arte suspiciously.
Ain't never seen you in these parts
afore.....
GORDON
Good morning, my good man, I'm here
on holiday, and wondering if you
can recommend a good boarding house.
MERLE
Miss Suzy's, down the road.
GORDON
Best one is it?
MERLE
Only one.
GORDON
Sounds charming.
Arte tips his hat at the man and heads for
the door. He turns before he exits.
By the way, sir, I was wondering
if you've seen any other folks
traveling through recently. In
particular, any pretty young things?
MERLE
Why do ya wanna know?
GORDON
I met a lovely young blonde woman
in Denver and she said she was
coming to Cheyenne....
MERLE
And you just thought you'd follow
her, mister? Must have been some
kinda gal.....
GORDON
Yes, that she really was.
MERLE
Well, I ain't here ta keep track o'
no strangers, ner find you some kinda
fancy skirt. Now if you ain't gonna
buy something' get outta here!
On Arte's exit, we,
CUT TO:
INT. SALOON - DAY
The room is filled with people drinking, playing poker and carousing.
West sips his whiskey from the bar, and surveys the room. His eyes
land on ALEXIS, 20's, beautiful, bouncy and the center of
attention in the room.
Come on boys, drink up, there's
plenty more where that came from!
Many laugh, and several toast her. She stops at one particular table, and fluffs the hair of a COWBOY.
Bottoms up now, bottoms up!
He grabs her as she walks by and she laughs,
but keeps moving. She spots West and heads toward the bar.
Haven't seen you in here before.
WEST
No, I don't suppose you have.
ALEXIS
Just passing through?
WEST
Something like that.
ALEXIS
What brings someone with your
polish to this part of the world?
WEST
(smiles)
A young lady.
ALEXIS
Ah....
WEST
Does that surprise you?
ALEXIS
Not at all.
WEST
Maybe you can help me find her.
Her name is Constance....
ANGLE ALEXIS; recognition.
Sorry fella, I'm not very good
with names.
She starts away, but Jim stops her by gently
taking her arm.
She's about five foot two, blonde,
petite and very pretty. Seen anyone
like that?
ALEXIS
No, sorry.
She tries to break away, but he holds
fast.
What's the big idea, Mr....?
WEST
West. James West.
ALEXIS
Are you going to let go of my arm?
WEST
Of course.
Jim lets go, but she lingers.
ALEXIS
What's so special about this.....
....Constance girl? Perhaps you
should let her go and try something
new. My shift is finished in about
four hours or so....
WEST
I'm afraid my heart belongs to
Constance, Miss....?
ALEXIS
Alexis.
Jim kisses her hand, and she smiles. He picks up his hat and starts toward the door. She grabs his arm, stopping him.
ALEXIS (CONT)
If I were you, Mr. West, I'd forget
about anyone named Constance.
WEST
Really? Why's that?
ALEXIS
It could be hazardous to your health.
WEST
When did you say you were finished?
ALEXIS
In about four hours.
WEST
Perhaps I can meet you and walk
you home.
ALEXIS
That sounds rather nice, Mr. West.
WEST
Until then....
On Alexis as she admires West walking out the
door, we,
CUT TO:
EXT. SHERIFF's OFFICE - DAY
Arte stops in front of the Sheriff's Office, and we follow him
into,
INT. SHERIFF's OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
SHERIFF REX WALTERS, 40's, slick, is sitting at his desk,
reading a newspaper. He looks up at Arte.
WALTERS
Can I help ya?
GORDON
Hi Sheriff, the name's Gordon, Artemus
Gordon.
WALTERS
What can I do for ya?
GORDON
I was hoping you could help me with
something. You see a dear old
friend of mine is worried about his
daughter. He thinks that she might
have come to Cheyenne.....
WALTERS
He sent you here to find her?
GORDON
He wants to make sure his daughter is
all right.
WALTERS
This girl have a name?
GORDON
Constance Warner. She's a little
petite blonde, stands about up to
here, sweetest thing you'll ever know.
ANGLE WALTERS; discomfort. He puts his paper
down and stands, dismissing Gordon.
I'm afraid I don't know her and haven't
seen anyone like that in town.
(beat)
Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Gordon, I
have a lot of work to do...
GORDON
Yes, I can see how terribly busy things
are around here.
(off a look)
Thanks for your help...
Arte is almost out the door when Walters
responds.
How long are you planning to stay
in Cheyenne, Mr. Gordon?
GORDON
Seeing as I just got here, Sheriff,
I thought I might stay awhile. Is
that going to be a problem?
WALTERS
If I were you, I'd be thinkin' about
movin' on.
GORDON
I'll try and remember that....
On Gordon's exit, we,
CUT TO:
EXT. SUZY'S BOARDING HOUSE - DAY
Establishing shot of the one boarding house in town, and we,
CUT TO:
INT. SUZY'S BOARDING HOUSE - DAY
West walks up to the front desk, and comes face to face with a very
large woman, SUZY, 40's, more than enough to handle.....
WEST
Good afternoon, Miss.....
SUZY
Mrs. Lightfoot.
WEST
Mrs. Lightfoot, I need a room please.
SUZY
Very well Mr....?
WEST
Mr. West.
SUZY
And how long are you planning to
stay with us?
WEST
Until I find the woman I love.
ANGLE SUZY; really?
SUZY
This is a quest of yours, searching
for a woman to love?
WEST
I already found her.
SUZY
I'm confused, Mr. West. You found
her but you're looking?
WEST
I sort of lost her.
SUZY
You lost her.
Yes, well, we had a little.....
spat. And she left me. I thought
she might have come here.
SUZY
Well, if she's a visitor, she would
have come through here. Everyone does
you know. Does this little girl have
a name?
WEST
Constance Warner.
ANGLE SUZY; red flag.
SUZY
There hasn't been anyone with that name.
(beat)
How long did you say you were staying?
WEST
A few days at least, I'm sure.
Lightfoot looks at her hotel register.
Well Mr. West, I'm afraid that
won't be possible.
WEST
Really? And why's that?
SUZY
We've only got one room open
tonight, and then we're booked
solid for the next two months.
WEST
Can you recommend another place?
SUZY
I'm afraid this is the only boarding
house in town, and we haven't got
a hotel.
WEST
I guess I'll take a room for the night
then.
SUZY
Very well. Sign here. And you'll have
to pay up front for the room. Eight
dollars.
Jim signs the book and pays the woman. She
hands him a key, and as he tries to take it, she holds on to it.
I'd find a new woman to love, Mr. West,
it doesn't sound like this one is going
to work out.
WEST
Advice from experience, Mrs. Lightfoot?
She lets go of the key.
Well I never!
WEST
(sotto)
I'm sure you haven't.....
On West heading up the stairs, we,
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND BOARDING HOUSE -
AFTERNOON
Arte is leaning against a building, waiting. He seems antsy. West
enters the alley and heads toward his partner.
GORDON
Nice of you to make it, James.
WEST
Signing in at the boarding house
took longer than I thought.
GORDON
Any luck?
WEST
Two things I noticed..... any
mention of Constance Wagner's
name makes people become downright
jumpy, and yet, no one seems to have
ever heard of her. I do have one
lead with the girl at the saloon.
I'm meeting her in a few hours, we'll
see if anything comes of it. You?
GORDON
Same story....no one has seen her, but
her name shuts people up tighter than a
clam in August.
WEST
She must be somewhere nearby, and
everyone in town knows it.
GORDON
Question is.....why are they staying
quiet? The whole town can't be in
WEST
That's a question, isn't it, Arte.
(beat)
Are you heading back to the train?
GORDON
Yeah.
Arte looks down at his feet, it's not
lost on Jim.
You okay?
GORDON
Of course, James. No worries.
WEST
I can always meet up with Alexis
later....
GORDON
No. I'm sure everything will be fine.
Jim frowns. His friend is trying hard to
convince himself. He takes a long look at Arte, then;
You're sure that this child could
really be yours?
ANGLE GORDON; fiery anger.
GORDON
Of course I'm sure. That's not
something one could mistake.
Jim places a hand on Arte's arm.
Take it easy, I didn't mean it
that way.
(gentle)
I just......are you sure you're
the only possibility?
Arte jerks away, even angrier.
Yes, I'm sure. And I resent the
implication.
WEST
Relax Arte, I'm not asking the
question to hurt you. I just don't
want you taking on something that--
GORDON
--Lily's dead. Isn't that enough?
WEST
(soothing)
Hey, Arte, I'm just trying to
look out for you, that's all.
GORDON
Well don't.
(beat)
I'll catch up with you later.
Before Jim could say anything more, Arte was
out of sight. On West, worried, we,
FADE OUT: