FADE IN:
INT. PARLOR CAR - DUSK
Arte is pacing, as nervous as a bridegroom. We hear a KNOCK on the
door. He opens it to REVEAL HAROLD TRASKER, 50's, tiny man,
tight little mustache, and MADELINE FORTUNE, five years old, dark
wavy hair with big brown eyes. ANGLE ARTE; he takes a look at the
little girl, a lump of emotion forms in his throat.
(clears throat)
Mr. Trasker, I presume? And you must
be Madeline....
The little girl hides behind Trasker.
Won't you please come in?
Arte ushers the two of them inside. He shakes
hands with Trasker.
Mr. Gordon, I'll come right to
the point.
Arte swallows hard.
Very well.
TRASKER
Miss Fortune left behind a Last Will
of Testament; I am the executor of
that document. She left all of her
accumulated possessions to her mother,
transferable to Madeline at the time
of her mother's passing; the little
girl however, she specifically asked
that custody go to Madeline's father.
(beat)
She named you.
ANGLE ARTE; he's stunned. He slowly
turns and paces further into the car.
I just can't believe Lily didn't
tell me....
TRASKER
It's not the kind of thing a
decent lady would discuss; but
then, I suppose decency has
little to do with having a child
out of wedlock--
Arte's fist lands in the man's
face, sending him flying into the wall. The little girl scuttles
under the desk, whimpering. Arte closes his eyes; he knows he needs
to get control of his emotions. He lets out a long sigh of air and
walks over to the desk. He bends down and looks at the girl, who is
staring at him with large brown eyes. He holds his hand out to
her.
I'm sorry, Madeline, I didn't mean
to frighten you. My name's Arte,
and I was a......friend of your
mother's. She wanted you to come
and stay with me for awhile. Why
don't you come out and I'll get
you a nice cup of cocoa?
On the little girl obstinately shaking her head, we,
CUT TO:
INT. SALOON - NIGHT
Jim smiles and holds his hand out for Alexis, who grasps it tightly.
We FOLLOW them as they exit into,
EXT. MAIN STREET CHEYENNE - CONTINUOUS
They begin walking down the boardwalk.
It's a beautiful night...
WEST
Yes, it is.
ALEXIS
I love a full moon. It's so
very romantic.
Alexis scoots into an alleyway and pulls Jim
into her. She kisses him deeply. After a moment or two, Jim breaks it
up.
What did you want to tell me, Alexis.
She kisses him again.
(persistent)
Tell me about Constance.....
ALEXIS
Forget about her, Mr. West, and go
while you can.
WEST
You know where she is, don't you?
ALEXIS
No. Just go, before they kill you.
WEST
Before who kills me?
DAN (O.C.)
Me, Mr. West.
Jim spins around and we REVEAL DAN,
30's, thug. Dan is pointing a gun at West.
Move away from him, Alexis.
ALEXIS
What are you doing here?
DAN
I knew we couldn't trust you with him.
Jim pushes the girl out of the way, and faces
Dan.
Where is Constance Warner?
DAN
You're in no position to ask
any questions, Mr. West. You've
asked too many already.
Dan points his gun at Jim and cocks it. West
lets a beat go by, then he grabs the gun by the barrel and pulls it
along with Dan, into his fist. The gun discharges into the air. Jim
throws the gun aside, and lands two more solid punches at the man.
Dan recovers and pulls a punch on West, splitting his lip. Jim runs
at Dan and hits him low, around the legs, toppling them both. A left,
a right, and Dan is out. Jim looks up in time to see Alexis running
for it. West follows her, keeping a discreet distance. She scoots
through town, winding her way through people and buildings. Jim stays
with her. She turns down another alleyway, Jim follows a few ticks
later, and turns the corner. WEST's POV: an empty alleyway.
Alexis is nowhere to be seen. On Jim, we,
CUT TO:
INT. MAIN CAR OF TRAIN - NIGHT
Arte hands Trasker another ice pack for his eye.
You had no call to hit me.
GORDON
I beg to differ, sir.
TRASKER
I merely stated a fact.
GORDON
And unless you'd like a matching
black eye on the other side of
your face, I suggest you drop it.
Trasker looks around the car.
Where is the girl?
ANGLE ARTE; embarrassment.
(mutters)
Under the desk.
TRASKER
I beg your pardon?
GORDON
(annoyed)
Under the desk.
TRASKER
Mr. Gordon, Madeline is a child,
not a dog. Whatever did you put
her there for?
GORDON
I did not put her there. She
won't come out.
The door to the car opens, and Jim enters. He
looks at Trasker, the ice pack and at his partner, a question in his
eyes. Arte looks at Jim, and we see the discomfort.
Arte?
GORDON
James West, meet Harold Trasker.
Trasker stands. He and West shake hands.
Gordon heads toward the galley door.
If you'll both excuse me for a moment.
Jim frowns in Arte's direction, but says
nothing. Gordon exits.
What happened to your eye, Mr. Trasker?
TRASKER
I'm afraid Mr. Gordon is somewhat
hot-tempered.
WEST
Doesn't sound like him...
TRASKER
He overreacted to something I said.
WEST
He's been under a bit of a strain
lately.
TRASKER
Yes, well, I must be on my way.
Trasker heads toward the door.
You will bid Mr. Gordon adieu for me?
WEST
Of course......
(beat)
Mr. Trasker?
TRASKER
Yes?
WEST
I thought you were bringing Miss
Fortune's daughter with you.
TRASKER
I did.
WEST
Well, where is she?
TRASKER
Apparently, under the desk.
WEST
Under the--
Trasker SLAMS the door and is gone. Jim walks
over to the desk, and looks under it. Jim's POV; two large brown
eyes stare out at him. Arte enters.
Arte, why is there a child hiding
under the desk?
GORDON
She doesn't seem to like me much.
Jim kneels down and holds out his hand out to
Madeline. A small hand grabs his, and he pulls out the girl.
You just don't have the right touch,
Arte.
West looks at the child.
You must be Madeline, my name's Jim.
MADELINE
Are you my daddy?
WEST
No.......my friend Arte is your father.
Madeline grabs a hold of Jim's neck in
fear. Jim pulls her close, comforting her.
(to Arte)
What happened?
GORDON
Trasker talks too much....
MADELINE
The scary man hit him!
The child tightens her hold on Jim's
neck. Jim and Arte hold a long look, then;
That's not like you, Arte.
GORDON
(avoiding)
It's late, let's put her to bed.
On Jim still holding the child, we,
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ARTE'S SLEEPING CABIN - LATER
Madeline is sound asleep in Gordon's bed, snuggled under the
covers. Jim is standing over her, Arte enters.
Everything okay?
WEST
Yes, she was asleep as soon as her
head hit the pillow.
(beat, careful)
You should have joined us.
GORDON
She doesn't seem to like me much.
WEST
She's just lost her mother, Arte,
she's scared. She'll adjust to you.
GORDON
She didn't have any trouble with
you.... Let's face it, Jim, I'm
not very good with kids.
WEST
Come on Arte, look at her, she's
as easy as pie.
ANGLE GORDON; he looks at Madeline, and a
small smile curls his lips. RESUME.
She looks like Lily.
Jim lays a hand softly on Arte's
shoulder.
But she has her father's big brown
eyes.
Arte looks sharply at his best friend. The
soft brown eyes mist over momentarily, his voice is a whisper.
I can't believe Lily's gone, Jim.
West squeezes Arte's shoulder.
Come on, I think we could both
use a drink.....
On their exit, we,
CUT TO:
INT. MAIN CAR - NIGHT
Jim and Arte sit at the table, drinks in hand. Arte looks tense, and
Jim's concern for Arte shows on his face.
I thought you were staying in town
tonight.
WEST
Changed my mind.
(off a look)
Why did you flatten Trasker? It's
not like you.
Gordon looks into his glass. The confession
is difficult for him.
He implied that Lily was...less than
a lady.
WEST
I'm sorry I wasn't here.
GORDON
What happened with Alexis?
WEST
She set me up, but tried to convince
me to drop it and get outta town.
GORDON
Did she give you any indication of
who's behind it?
WEST
Nope.
GORDON
We've only got 48 hours left, Jim.
Jim looks into his drink, takes a long sip from it, then back at
Arte.
Artemus.....have you given any
thought to what you're going to
do with Madeline?
GORDON
Do? What do you mean?
WEST
Well, Arte, she's a child.
GORDON
No kidding...and here I thought
she was just a midget lost from
the circus....
WEST
We're government agents. This is
no environment for a little girl.
ANGLE ARTE; disbelief, betrayal.
What are you suggesting? That I
give her away to the nearest
orphanage?
Jim places a gentle hand on Arte's
forearm.
Of course not. But Arte.....
Gordon stands up and begins pacing. He runs a
hand through his hair.
I know. But what can I do? She's
my daughter, Jim. Mine and Lily's.
West goes to his friend and stands close.
We don't know that for sure--
Arte turns on Jim.
Yes, we do. Lily wouldn't lie
about a thing like this.
WEST
And yet she didn't tell you that
the girl even existed.
ANGLE ARTE; anger is working on his face.
Arte, think, we have only Trasker's
word that Madeline is yours.
GORDON
Are you implying that Lily--
Arte is so angry, he can't finish the
sentence. He grabs West by the lapel in a threatening manner. Jim
puts his hands over Arte's gently.
You know me better than that.
Arte's hands fall from Jim's
lapels, and West puts his hands on his partner's shoulders.
I think you need to get some rest,
buddy. Why don't you take my bunk
for the night, I'll stay out here...
GORDON
No. She's my kid, I'll stay out here.
ANGLE JIM; he's concerned about his
partner. RESUME. West nods and heads for the door. On Arte, we,
CUT TO:
INT. MAIN CAR - MORNING
Jim and Madeline enter with coffee and food. Arte is asleep on the
divan, and looks scrunched and uncomfortable.
Madeline, would you set the table?
MADELINE
Okay.
Jim sets the coffee on the table and Madeline
begins spreading out the food. West walks to the divan and sits on
the coffee table. He gently shakes Arte's shoulder.
Arte? Wake up, pal.
After a moment, Gordon stirs, winces from
stiffness and sits up.
What time is it?
WEST
After ten.
GORDON
Madeline...
WEST
Relax. She's right over there,
setting the table for breakfast.
(beat)
How about some coffee?
Arte nods. Jim walks to the table, pours a
cup and hands it to his partner. Gordon sips it and watches Madeline.
Jim sits next to him.
She's a pretty little girl.
GORDON
Yes, she is.
ANGLE WEST; Arte can't take his eyes of
the child.
Arte..... Arte.
GORDON
Hmmm? What?
WEST
Constance Warner.
GORDON
(distracted)
Yeah...what about her?
WEST
I'm going to head into town and
see if I can find Alexis. She's
our best lead at the moment.
GORDON
I'll go with you.
WEST
(rebuffs)
Artemus...you can't leave Madeline
here alone.
ANGLE ARTE; he's not playing with a full
deck.
You're right.
Jim pats his friend's shoulder.
Arte, you've got to get a hold of
yourself.
Arte nods, and once again stares at the
child. His child.
I'll get someone here to watch her,
and I'll meet you in town later.
WEST
Okay.
(to Madeline)
Madeline, I'll see you later.
The child runs to him.
(whispers)
Please don't leave me here.
Jim kneels down.
Arte's here, you'll be fine.
MADELINE
No! I don't want him, I want you.
JIM'S POV; the remark hit home, Arte is
hurt.
Madeline, give him a chance.
MADELINE
He's scary.
WEST
(grins)
Well, he does have a scary mug, I
agree, but he's really pretty sweet
when you get to know him.
MADELINE
(teary)
I miss my mommy.
WEST
So does he.
Madeline looks over at Gordon, thinking. West
kisses her head, pats Gordon's shoulder and exits. Madeline and
Gordon stare at each other. Big elephant in the room. On the awkward
air, we,
CUT TO:
INT. SALOON - DAY
It's a fairly lively scene for the middle of the day. Jim enters
and walks to the bar.
Whiskey please.
He tosses a coin on the bar, and sips the
whiskey that is put in front of him. He surveys the room, looking for
Alexis. There is no sign of her; however, he does spot Dan, who has
his arm around a SALOON GIRL. Dan kisses the girl, and they walk up
the stairs, heading for a room. We FOLLOW WEST and the couple up the
stairs and into,
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Jim ducks into an alcove and watches as Dan and the girl disappear
into a room. He moves down the hall, and stands in front of the door.
West pulls the lock pick from his lapel, and makes quick work of the
lock in the door. He replaces the lock pick and quietly opens the
door. We FOLLOW JIM as he enters,
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
WEST's POV; Dan and the girl on the bed about to do the deed.
Jim moves quickly, pulling his sidearm as he gets to Dan. The girl
SCREAMS, and West puts the gun to Dan's head.
Don't move.
(to Girl)
I'm not going to hurt you, but your
friend here owes me money.
West tosses the girl's top to her so she can cover herself.
Put it on and get out of here.
Without missing a beat, the girl runs from
the room. Jim pulls Dan up by the hair.
And you're going to take me to
Constance Warner.
DAN
And if I don't?
Jim yanks back hard on the man's head;
Dan WINCES.
It's going to become very
uncomfortable for you.
West tosses Dan into the chair.
Now put your clothes on, and let's
go.
On West holding his gun, we,
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEYWAY - DAY
Dan leads West into the alley where Alexis disappeared. He walks to
an old, tattered wooden crate. He moves the crate aside, revealing a
ladder down into the ground.
How convenient.
Dan starts down and West grabs him.
Not so fast. I don't think you're
coming along....
Jim punches Dan, knocking him out, then
precedes down the ladder. We FOLLOW WEST into,
INT. UNDERGROUND TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
West pulls a match from his pocket, lights it and sees a torch
leaning against the wall. He lights the torch and walks quickly
through the labyrinth. Ahead he sees another ladder. We FOLLOW WEST
up the ladder and into,
INT. RANCH HOUSE LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS
Jim enters the library, closes the hatch in the floor leading to the
tunnels and WE FOLLOW WEST into,
INT. ENTRY HALL - CONTINUOUS
Jim looks around the hall, and it's empty. He heads for the
stairs, and as he reaches the top, he comes face to face with FIVE
MEN. He throws the first punch and it's a free for all. He grabs
one guy and tosses him over the railing, and another he shoves down
the stairs. The third man lunges at West, and the two of them tumble
down to the bottom, landing in a heap. Jim pulls the man up, and
slugs him hard in the face, and then a right cross, the man goes
down. The last man leaps on him and Jim is shaken. The man pulls West
up and throws him into the wall, landing a solid punch in his
stomach. Jim comes back with a kick in the stomach, and a hit to his
face.
That will be far enough, Mr. West.
WEST's POV; KELLER ARDEN, 40's,
tall, good-looking, fancy suit, holds a gun pointed at Jim.
You should have taken Alexis's
advice and left while you could.
Arden fires the gun in three quick
successions, right at West. CLOSE on Arden's face as he starts
to laugh. RESUME. West reaches for his chest, and falls to the floor.
CLOSE on the unconscious body of James West, and we,
FADE OUT: