INT. POLICE STATION BULLPEN - MORNING
Nora is already hard at work, the desk she is using in the bull pen is stacked high
with files and folders. A huge cup of coffee keeps her going as she scribbles
notes with fury. Bo doesn't say anything, just watches her for a minute. She
really is amazing. He always has loved to watch her work.
BO
(sneaking up behind her)
Good morning!
NORA
Oh! Bo, you scared me.
BO
Sorry Red. What ya working on?
NORA
Oh, I'm just going over these files
from Llanview U. (Looking at
her notepad) Do you realize that
there has been a 44% increase in
both drug use and drug related
crimes, including violent ones,
in the past year on campus?
BO
What? 44 percent? (looking at Nora's
notes) That can't be right. We just got
that report that said drug related crimes
at the university are on a steep decline.
NORA
I know Bo, that's what I thought.
But-
BO
"That's what you 'thought'?"
NORA
Well, yes. When taking the
numbers of reported and prosecuted
crimes only it actually looks as
if the problem has decreased over
the last 10 months.
BO
But?
NORA
But take a look at this. I had Detective
Carter pick up some records at the
University. Campus security had
47 calls reporting illegal drug use,
drug related crime and drug involved
sexual assault in the last 6 months,
30 of them taking place in the last three.
BO
(concerned)
All at one university?
NORA
(nodding)
Only 5 of which were actually reported
to this station.
BO
Five? (Taking another look at Nora's
numbers) Were any of these reports
investigated by campus police.
NORA
A few. But for the most part there's
no record of anything.
BO
Well, maybe the other calls were
dismissed as pranks.
NORA
Maybe, but if we assume that all of
those other calls were merely pranks
and we go off of these reports alone,
then the rate of drug related problems
at Llanview U is declining faster than
any other university in the nation, both
private and state owned.
BO
Wow.
NORA
Bo, you and I both know that there is
no way that could be the case.
BO
No, but - where are you going with
this Nora?
NORA
I just have a hunch. I think there's
a lot more going on here than
what's on the surface and I can
see the potential for a real problem.
BO
This could turn out to be nothing
more than some prank calls and
some bad record keeping - (Nora
looks at Bo) but I trust your
instincts Red. And you're right
something just doesn't seem to be
adding up.
NORA
So what do we do first?
BO
You want me to decide what we do
first?
NORA
Come on Commissioner, aren't you
the one always telling me that you're
the cop and I'm the lawyer and it's
your job to catch the bad guys and
my job to put them away?
BO
Ok, ok. I'll give ya that. I think
I'll send Carter back in to do
some snooping around, maybe
hang around campus for a day or
two and see what he can pick up.
NORA
Do you mind if I do my own little
bit of snooping into some of these
old calls?
BO
(getting down into Nora's face
and teasing)
So now you want to play cop do ya?
NORA
(smiles)
I just want to go in, dig around, ask a few
questions.
BO
Yeah, ok. Just be careful.
NORA
(really bad southern drawl)
Why, Mr. Buchanan, are you worried
about me?
BO
(chuckles at just how bad the
drawl is)
I kind of like having you around Red.
(Placing his hand on her shoulder) Don't
want to see anything change that.
NORA
(Putting her hand over his with
a reassuring squeeze)
I'll be careful, Bo.
Smiling Bo pauses, just for a minute, and leaves his hand in hers before making
his way into his office.
INT. POLICE STATION BULL PEN - AFTERNOON
Nora is busy at work following up on some of the unchecked crime reports from
Llanview U.
NORA
(into the phone)
Thank you. Ok. Thank you, I appreciate
your help.
Return the phone to its place she scribbles wildly then picks the receiver up again
ready to make another call when-
MATTHEW
Hi mom!
Mary Anne in tow Matthew runs to where his mother sits.
NORA
Hey! What a wonderful surprise!
(Kissing Matthew on the head) How
was day camp?
MATTHEW
Good. I made this for you.
Holding his hand up Matthew presents Nora with a colorful picture he made in
art class.
NORA
Wow! Honey it's beautiful! I have the
perfect place for it in my office. (Noticing
Matthew is still holding another painting.)
NORA
What's this one?
MATTHEW
(a little shy)
I made this one for dad.
Taking a closer look at the paintings Nora notices the hand painted, red letters
in the corner designating her painting is for "mom" and the other for "dad."
MATTHEW
Mom?
NORA
Yeah sweetie.
MATTHEW
Do you think it's ok that I call Bo
dad?
NORA
Well he is your dad sweet heart.
MATTHEW
So you don't think he's gonna care
then?
NORA
(playing with his hair)
No baby I don't think he's gonna care.
Just then Bo opens the door to his office. Surprised but thrilled to see him
Matthew runs toward him painting in hand.
MATTHEW
Dad! I made this painting for you at
camp today!
BO
Wow, sport it's -
Before Bo even has much of a chance to look at it Matthew takes it from his
hands and races past him into the office.
MATTHEW
I know the perfect place to hang it!
Following behind Bo watches as Matthew steps up on his chair and pins
the painting dead front and center on the message board behind his
dad's desk. By this time Nora has appeared in the doorway and watches
the boys with a smile on her face.
MATTHEW
What do you think about right here?
BO
I think that's pretty good.
Still an exploding ball of energy Matthew turns his attention to Bo's computer.
MATTHEW
Could we play the new Star Destroyer
Three game you got me?
NORA
Hey sport, you gotta get going if you're
going to make it over to Joseph's house
in time for the movie.
MATTHEW
Oh yea! I almost forgot. We'll have
to play later 'cause I gotta go to Joe's
birthday party.
Racing toward the door Matthew is on his way.
NORA
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Aren't
you forgetting something?
Turning back to his mother Matthew gives her a kiss and a hug then hurries to a
still stunned Bo and does the same.
MATTHEW
(on his way out the door)
Bye mom, bye dad, I love you.
NORA
(calling behind him)
Goodbye! Have fun! Thanks Mary Anne!
Bo is still standing near his bulletin board speechless. Running his hand along his
new painting he fights the tears filling his eyes as they study the "dad" painted so
carefully in the corner. Feeling her presence there Bo turns to Nora who still
stands in the doorway.
BO
Wow. Did he just call me -
NORA
(walking slowly toward him, nodding
with every answer)
Dad?
BO
As in -
NORA
Pop, pa, daddy, old man.
BO
Old?
(a beat)
Wow, he did didn't he?
NORA
Yep. You ok with that?
BO
Ok with that?! Gosh, Nora, I
think that's got to be just about
the best sound in the world.
Stepping in behind Bo Nora looks over his shoulder to admire their son's painting
with Bo.
NORA
Yeah it is isn't it?
(a knock on the side of the still open door)
HANK
Am I interrupting?
NORA
No.
BO
No Hank, come on in.
HANK
That's quite a painting you got there
(Notices the "dad" in the corner) Pops.
I take it the little guy knows who his
dad is?
Nora looks at Bo.
BO
I told Hank.
HANK
I promise you Nora, I haven't told a
soul.
NORA
It's fine Hank, besides, it's not like
the whole world isn't going to know
soon anyway, Matthew's practically
shouting it from the rooftops.
Suddenly, as if by lightening strike, it dawns on both of them-
(Spoken at the same time)
BO
Asa! (Grabbing his jacket from
the hook) We'll take my car.
NORA
Asa! (Heading toward the door)
I'll grab my jacket.
Both Bo and Nora race out of the office leaving a bewildered but amused Hank
standing alone, file in hand, in Bo's office.
HANK
(shaking his head)
Ah the Buchanans.
Nora is already hard at work, the desk she is using in the bull pen is stacked high
with files and folders. A huge cup of coffee keeps her going as she scribbles
notes with fury. Bo doesn't say anything, just watches her for a minute. She
really is amazing. He always has loved to watch her work.
BO
(sneaking up behind her)
Good morning!
NORA
Oh! Bo, you scared me.
BO
Sorry Red. What ya working on?
NORA
Oh, I'm just going over these files
from Llanview U. (Looking at
her notepad) Do you realize that
there has been a 44% increase in
both drug use and drug related
crimes, including violent ones,
in the past year on campus?
BO
What? 44 percent? (looking at Nora's
notes) That can't be right. We just got
that report that said drug related crimes
at the university are on a steep decline.
NORA
I know Bo, that's what I thought.
But-
BO
"That's what you 'thought'?"
NORA
Well, yes. When taking the
numbers of reported and prosecuted
crimes only it actually looks as
if the problem has decreased over
the last 10 months.
BO
But?
NORA
But take a look at this. I had Detective
Carter pick up some records at the
University. Campus security had
47 calls reporting illegal drug use,
drug related crime and drug involved
sexual assault in the last 6 months,
30 of them taking place in the last three.
BO
(concerned)
All at one university?
NORA
(nodding)
Only 5 of which were actually reported
to this station.
BO
Five? (Taking another look at Nora's
numbers) Were any of these reports
investigated by campus police.
NORA
A few. But for the most part there's
no record of anything.
BO
Well, maybe the other calls were
dismissed as pranks.
NORA
Maybe, but if we assume that all of
those other calls were merely pranks
and we go off of these reports alone,
then the rate of drug related problems
at Llanview U is declining faster than
any other university in the nation, both
private and state owned.
BO
Wow.
NORA
Bo, you and I both know that there is
no way that could be the case.
BO
No, but - where are you going with
this Nora?
NORA
I just have a hunch. I think there's
a lot more going on here than
what's on the surface and I can
see the potential for a real problem.
BO
This could turn out to be nothing
more than some prank calls and
some bad record keeping - (Nora
looks at Bo) but I trust your
instincts Red. And you're right
something just doesn't seem to be
adding up.
NORA
So what do we do first?
BO
You want me to decide what we do
first?
NORA
Come on Commissioner, aren't you
the one always telling me that you're
the cop and I'm the lawyer and it's
your job to catch the bad guys and
my job to put them away?
BO
Ok, ok. I'll give ya that. I think
I'll send Carter back in to do
some snooping around, maybe
hang around campus for a day or
two and see what he can pick up.
NORA
Do you mind if I do my own little
bit of snooping into some of these
old calls?
BO
(getting down into Nora's face
and teasing)
So now you want to play cop do ya?
NORA
(smiles)
I just want to go in, dig around, ask a few
questions.
BO
Yeah, ok. Just be careful.
NORA
(really bad southern drawl)
Why, Mr. Buchanan, are you worried
about me?
BO
(chuckles at just how bad the
drawl is)
I kind of like having you around Red.
(Placing his hand on her shoulder) Don't
want to see anything change that.
NORA
(Putting her hand over his with
a reassuring squeeze)
I'll be careful, Bo.
Smiling Bo pauses, just for a minute, and leaves his hand in hers before making
his way into his office.
INT. POLICE STATION BULL PEN - AFTERNOON
Nora is busy at work following up on some of the unchecked crime reports from
Llanview U.
NORA
(into the phone)
Thank you. Ok. Thank you, I appreciate
your help.
Return the phone to its place she scribbles wildly then picks the receiver up again
ready to make another call when-
MATTHEW
Hi mom!
Mary Anne in tow Matthew runs to where his mother sits.
NORA
Hey! What a wonderful surprise!
(Kissing Matthew on the head) How
was day camp?
MATTHEW
Good. I made this for you.
Holding his hand up Matthew presents Nora with a colorful picture he made in
art class.
NORA
Wow! Honey it's beautiful! I have the
perfect place for it in my office. (Noticing
Matthew is still holding another painting.)
NORA
What's this one?
MATTHEW
(a little shy)
I made this one for dad.
Taking a closer look at the paintings Nora notices the hand painted, red letters
in the corner designating her painting is for "mom" and the other for "dad."
MATTHEW
Mom?
NORA
Yeah sweetie.
MATTHEW
Do you think it's ok that I call Bo
dad?
NORA
Well he is your dad sweet heart.
MATTHEW
So you don't think he's gonna care
then?
NORA
(playing with his hair)
No baby I don't think he's gonna care.
Just then Bo opens the door to his office. Surprised but thrilled to see him
Matthew runs toward him painting in hand.
MATTHEW
Dad! I made this painting for you at
camp today!
BO
Wow, sport it's -
Before Bo even has much of a chance to look at it Matthew takes it from his
hands and races past him into the office.
MATTHEW
I know the perfect place to hang it!
Following behind Bo watches as Matthew steps up on his chair and pins
the painting dead front and center on the message board behind his
dad's desk. By this time Nora has appeared in the doorway and watches
the boys with a smile on her face.
MATTHEW
What do you think about right here?
BO
I think that's pretty good.
Still an exploding ball of energy Matthew turns his attention to Bo's computer.
MATTHEW
Could we play the new Star Destroyer
Three game you got me?
NORA
Hey sport, you gotta get going if you're
going to make it over to Joseph's house
in time for the movie.
MATTHEW
Oh yea! I almost forgot. We'll have
to play later 'cause I gotta go to Joe's
birthday party.
Racing toward the door Matthew is on his way.
NORA
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Aren't
you forgetting something?
Turning back to his mother Matthew gives her a kiss and a hug then hurries to a
still stunned Bo and does the same.
MATTHEW
(on his way out the door)
Bye mom, bye dad, I love you.
NORA
(calling behind him)
Goodbye! Have fun! Thanks Mary Anne!
Bo is still standing near his bulletin board speechless. Running his hand along his
new painting he fights the tears filling his eyes as they study the "dad" painted so
carefully in the corner. Feeling her presence there Bo turns to Nora who still
stands in the doorway.
BO
Wow. Did he just call me -
NORA
(walking slowly toward him, nodding
with every answer)
Dad?
BO
As in -
NORA
Pop, pa, daddy, old man.
BO
Old?
(a beat)
Wow, he did didn't he?
NORA
Yep. You ok with that?
BO
Ok with that?! Gosh, Nora, I
think that's got to be just about
the best sound in the world.
Stepping in behind Bo Nora looks over his shoulder to admire their son's painting
with Bo.
NORA
Yeah it is isn't it?
(a knock on the side of the still open door)
HANK
Am I interrupting?
NORA
No.
BO
No Hank, come on in.
HANK
That's quite a painting you got there
(Notices the "dad" in the corner) Pops.
I take it the little guy knows who his
dad is?
Nora looks at Bo.
BO
I told Hank.
HANK
I promise you Nora, I haven't told a
soul.
NORA
It's fine Hank, besides, it's not like
the whole world isn't going to know
soon anyway, Matthew's practically
shouting it from the rooftops.
Suddenly, as if by lightening strike, it dawns on both of them-
(Spoken at the same time)
BO
Asa! (Grabbing his jacket from
the hook) We'll take my car.
NORA
Asa! (Heading toward the door)
I'll grab my jacket.
Both Bo and Nora race out of the office leaving a bewildered but amused Hank
standing alone, file in hand, in Bo's office.
HANK
(shaking his head)
Ah the Buchanans.
