INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Nora is running late, as usual, and races to get Matthew's things
together.

NORA
(calling up the stairs)
Matthew! Matthew honey come on, the bus
is going to be here any second!

Racing down the stairs Matthew takes his back pack from Nora.

MATTHEW
Thanks mom. Oh!

NORA
What?

MATTHEW
I forgot to put my breakfast dishes in the sink.

Matthew takes off toward the kitchen just as the bus honks for him.

NORA
Sweetie that's the bus. I'll tell you what,
you can leave them today.

MATTHEW
I can?

NORA
(smiling)
Yeah. But just this once.

Bending down Nora gives Matthew a kiss on the nose.

MATTHEW
I love you mom.

NORA
I love you too. Have fun at camp ok?

MATTHEW
Ok. Tell dad I love him.

NORA
I will. Bye!

Nora watches Matthew get on the bus then grabs her bag and begins to make her
way out the door in a rush just as her cell phone rings.

NORA
Nora Buchanan. Who? Danny? Oh,
well, yes, I did call you but I didn't
leave a message. How did you get my
number? Caller I.D. I see. Well, thank
you for calling me back. Danny, I'm
an Assistant Attorney with the D.A.'s
Office and I have a couple of things I'd
like to talk to you about. Just a few
things about the University. Do you
think you could meet with me this
afternoon? It won't take long. Ok, I'll
see you then. Thanks Danny.

Hanging up the call Nora juggles her bags and makes her way out the door.

INT. BO'S OFFICE - DAY

Bo is just finishing up a phone call when Gabrielle appears in the doorway.

BO
Keep me updated on everything that's
happening. Ok.
(Hangs up the phone.)
Hi honey.

Bo kisses Gabrielle good morning.

GABRIELLE
Hi there. You left so early I decided to
surprise you with breakfast.

Gabrielle holds up a paper bag and hands it to Bo.

BO
Thank you. What did you bring me?

GABRIELLE
Now don't roll your eyes at me but
you know that I think you really
should be eating better so I got you
a couple of -

BO
(removing the contents from the bag)
Bran muffins?

From the look on Bo's face it is obvious that he is less than thrilled but he does
his best to smile.

GABRIELLE
Now Bo, I know that you don't like
them but -

BO
No, no, honey, this is great. Thank you.

Peeling the paper from a muffin Bo begins to eat.

GABRIELLE
So, are we still on for dinner tonight?

BO
You bet. I'll pick you up right after work
and we'll head over.

GABRIELLE
Ok. I'll see you then.

Kissing Bo quickly Gabrielle heads toward the door.

INT. ULTRA VIOLET - DAY

There aren't many people around the club this early but Nora is there waiting for
Danny to arrive. Looking at her watch she is about to give up when she sees a
college aged young man come through the door. Strange, Nora still doesn't know
what his connection to the drug problem at the University is but his appearance
doesn't seem to be that of a man who would be involved in anything more than a
college fund raiser.

NORA
(standing)
You must be Danny? I'm Nora Buchanan.

DANNY
Danny Winston. It's nice to meet you.

NORA
Have a seat. Can I get you anything?

DANNY
No, thank you.

NORA
I'm sure you're wondering why you're here.
(Danny nods) Danny, it's come to the attention
of the D.A.'s office that there may be a real
drug problem over at Llanview U.

DANNY
Yeah, I would agree with that. But I don't
understand what that has to do with me.

NORA
Well, it also came to my attention that there
have been a very large number of drug related
crimes taking place on campus and for some
reason there is a very disturbing discrepancy
in reporting procedures at the school.

Danny looks confused.

NORA
Ok, I'm talking in circles here. Danny, I talked
to a student at the University who was responsible
for making a number of calls to campus police
to report some of these crimes. I don't know
why, but this student gave me your number and
told me you could help.

DANNY
Who was the student?

NORA
I promised I wouldn't say but - Can you think
of a reason she would be sending me to you
for information?

DANNY
Yeah, up until a month or so ago I worked
the phone lines for campus police.

NORA
You did? But I went through lists of past
employees and your name wasn't present on
any of those lists.

Danny just shrugs his shoulders "I don't know."

NORA
Do you remember any calls reporting drugs
or violent crimes coming into you while you
were working the campus police phones?

DANNY
Do I remember? That's about all I was
taking near the end there.

NORA
And did you report everything?

DANNY
Yeah, I took down every bit of information
and turned in every report exactly as I
supposed to. What's going on? Is something
wrong here? Am I in some kind of trouble?

NORA
No, Danny you're not in any trouble. I'm
just trying to get to the bottom of this.
(a beat)
Do you remember what any of the specific
crimes were in those reports you took?

DANNY
I think so. But I don't understand, why don't
you just go back and read the reports I filed?

NORA
That's the problem Danny, those reports were
never filed.

DANNY
What?

NORA
I have information that there were large numbers
of calls made to campus police reporting drug
related crimes and indiscretions but only a
handful of the reports were actually filed and
most of the information we have on the others
is sketchy at best.

DANNY
But I don't understand, I mean, I spent hours
on those reports, they were as detailed as my
term papers, and I turned them all in just as
the explained to me.

NORA
Do you think you could think back to what
some of those reports you took were?

Pen and paper in hand Nora scribbles furiously as Danny begins to list what he
remembers.

DANNY
Maybe. Let's see. (Thinks) There were a
couple of break-ins, a lot vandalism, a
stolen car, some assaults, a rape, some guy
who said he -

NORA
(stops writing)
Wait a minute, go back. Did you just say a
rape Danny?

DANNY
Yeah, there was a call reporting a sexual assault.

NORA
And you reported it to your superiors?

DANNY
Yeah, I did everything according to standard
procedure. Are you saying that the police
department never received the report?

NORA
Nobody at the LPD heard anything about it.

Danny is furious.

DANNY
Man! I promised that girl that someone would
help her friend.

NORA
It was a friend of the victim that called the report
in?

Danny nods.

NORA
Danny, is there any chance you remember the
girls name?

DANNY
Yeah, it was Allison Markson. I remember
because I went to junior high with an Allison
Markson and when the girl told me her name
I found myself wondering if it could be the
same person.

NORA
You don't know how I could reach her do you?

DANNY
No. I guess you could check the office of the
registrar and find her that way, although, I
don't think there will be many students around
for another week or so, it's still summer
semester.

NORA
I'll give it a shot. Is there anything else that
you can remember?

DANNY
Nothing comes to mind right now but I'll
give you a call if I think of anything. I just
can't figure out what could have happened
to those reports, I mean, I gave them all to
Sergeant Bedford just like I was told to. I
don't know how they could have just
disappeared.

NORA
I'm hoping to get the answer to that question
myself. Danny, can I ask you why you don't
work with the campus police anymore?

DANNY
Oh that. A scholarship. Half way through
last semester the head of my department
called me in and told me that they had a
scholarship for me that would cover the rest
of my tuition and all of my books through
graduation. Talk about dumb luck eh?

NORA
Yeah, that's pretty amazing.

DANNY
No kidding. The only catch was that I had
to quit my job at campus police and devote
more time to my studies as well as putting
in several hours a day in the microbiology
lab assisting one of the researchers.

NORA
All of this in the middle of a semester? Isn't
that a little bit odd?

DANNY
I thought so too but - it's a full ride
scholarship Miss Buchanan.

NORA
I understand.

DANNY
Hold on a minute. You don't think they
would try to take my scholarship away
because of this thing do you?

NORA
That's not going to happen.
(Looking at her watch)
Oh, wow, I better get going.

DANNY
Oh! Me too, I've got a class.

NORA
Thank you so much for meeting me. Please
call me if you think of anything else.

Nora stands and shakes Danny's hand then gathers her things to go.

DANNY
I will. Thank you Miss Buchanan.

Walking toward the door both Danny and Nora are oblivious to the pair of eyes
that follows them from a table in the corner. THE SAME MAN who was so
interested in Nora and Erika at the coffee shop is here at Ultra Violet and even
more interested than he was before.

INT. POLICE STATION BULL PEN - EVENING

Nora is back at the station working on some files when Bo steps out of his office
dressed to take Gabrielle out for the night. Hard at work Nora doesn't notice Bo
sneak up behind her.

BO
Didn't anyone tell you it's quittin' time?

NORA
Look at you! Someone must have a hot
date tonight.

BO
I promised Gabrielle I'd take her out for
dinner. What about you? No big plans
for the evening?

NORA
Well, my hot date is having a sleepover at
Dusty's tonight so.

BO
Oh that's right, he told me he was going
over there when he called this morning.

NORA
Yeah, he's been really excited.

BO
Well come on Red, this is your big chance.
Go home, kick your feet up, enjoy having
the place to yourself.

NORA
Sounds nice but I've got a million things to
catch up on. Some old cases and a few more
phone calls I'd like to make on this thing
over at Llanview U so.

BO
How's that going anyway?

NORA
There's something really weird going on
over there Bo. Things just aren't adding
up at all.

BO
What do you mean?

NORA
Take these reports for example -

Suddenly Nora notices what time it is and that she and Bo are getting into
something that could keep him there much too long.

NORA
Nope. No, I'll talk to you about this
tomorrow. Right now you have a
date waiting and I think it's best that
you don't make her wait.

BO
Come on Nora just tell me about the -

NORA
Not a chance. You go, have fun. We'll
talk about this later.

BO
Ok. Ok. Tell Matthew goodnight for me
if you talk to him will you?

NORA
You bet.

BO
(as he exits)
And don't stay too late.

NORA
Goodnight Bo.

Nora gets back to her paper work just as her cell phone rings.

NORA
Nora Buchanan. Oh hi there. No. No,
that isn't what the deposition said at
all. No I have it right here and it reads-
(Pulls her phone away and glances at it)
You know what, the battery on my
cell phone is about to die, can I get your
number and call you back from a land
line? Hello? David?

NORA
(to her phone)
A lot of good you are. I swear I just bought
this battery.

In frustration Nora tosses her phone to the desk and searches her address book
for a phone number when the police station phone rings.

NORA
So you do keep an address book David.
LPD. Hello? Is anyone there?

MAN (V.O.)
Nora Buchanan?

NORA
David is that you?

MAN (V.O.)
Some things are just better left alone
Counselor.

NORA
Who is this?

The line goes dead. Hanging up the phone Nora decides to shake it off.

NORA
Probably just a bunch of kids with way too
much free time on their hands.

Nora resumes her search for the phone number just in time for the phone to
ring again.

NORA
(a little more cautious)
LPD. Oh, hi David I was just about to
call you. No, I have it right here. No, no
none of that is right I - where are you now
David? Ok, I'm on my way.

Hanging up the phone Nora gathers her things, looking at her dead cell phone
one more time in disgust and heads for the exit.

INT. LLANVIEW COUNTRY CLUB - EVENING

Bo and Nora share a table for two.

GABRIELLE
I can not believe that I've got you all to
myself for an entire evening.

BO
Believe it honey. I'm all yours tonight.

Bringing her hand to his lips Bo kisses it softly then goes back to his dinner.

BO
How's the salmon?

GABRIELLE
Wonderful. Everything is perfect.

BO
Well eat up because as soon as we're done here I
think I'm going to need to take you for a little spin
on the dance floor.

GABRIELLE
And after that?

BO
Oh the rest of the evening is anyone's guess
but I do believe it will be just the two of
us, no one else invited.

Gabrielle smiles.

BO
As a matter of fact, this (Bo picks up his cell
phone) is going to go off for the-

Just as Bo is about to turn it off his cell phone rings.

BO
Ok, I'm sorry honey, just this one. Bo
Buchanan. Matthew? Hey sport! What's
the matter? You are? Uh huh. Ok you
just sit tight and I'll be right there.

GABRIELLE
Is everything alright?

BO
That was Matthew. He's supposed to be
staying at a friends tonight but he isn't
feeling well and wants to go home. I
guess he tried Nora but she isn't picking
up. Just one minute.

Bo dials his phone.

BO
Oh hi Sergeant it's Commissioner Buchanan.
Is ADA Buchanan still there? She did? No,
that's ok, thank you.

Hanging up Bo looks at Gabrielle who is obviously disappointed.

BO
She was going to work late tonight, she must
be out researching something. Matthew said
he tried her cell phone and the house. I'm
really sorry honey but I'm going to have to
promise you a rain check on tonight.

GABRIELL
What about Mary Anne, maybe she could go
and get Matthew.

BO
Aw honey you know how it is when you're a
kid and you're sick, all you want is your mom
and dad.

GABRIELLE
(forcing a smile)
Yeah, of course. You go ahead.

BO
You sure?

GABRIELLE
Go take care of your son. I'll get myself home.

BO
Don't be silly, I'll drop you off on my way.

GABRIELLE
No go on ahead. Max is over there and I need to
talk with him anyway. I'll have him take me
home later.

BO
You're sure?

GABRIELLE
I'm sure. Go. I'll see you later.

BO
(kissing her goodbye)
Ok. I'll see you at home.

INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Just coming home for the night Nora steps through the front door. Surprised
to see Bo's car in the driveway she now expects to see him sitting in the living
room. No luck.

NORA
Bo? Are you here?

Leaving her things on the sofa Nora looks around the room and notices Matthew's
overnight bag is laying on the floor near the base of the stairs. Still confused she
heads up the quietly.

INT. MATTHEW'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Stepping into the doorway Nora is touched by what she sees. Bo is seated in
Matthew's bed, legs out, shoes off, back against the head board with a pajama
clad Matthew in the same position only he is using his dad as a head board.
Both father and son are sound asleep, an open story book rested across Matthew's
legs as Bo's arms lie wrapped around his son. Suddenly Matthew begins to cough
and Bo stirs, pulling him in close.

BO
(groggy)
It's ok buddy, I'm right here.

MATTHEW
(still half asleep)
I know dad.

Coughing again Matthew stirs a bit and notices Nora.

MATTHEW
Hi mommy.

Opening one eye Bo sees Nora standing there watching them.

BO
Hey Red.

Nora makes her way over to the bed and kisses Matthew's forehead.

NORA
Hey sweetie I thought you were at
Dusty's.

MATTHEW
Yeah, but I wasn't feeling so good so
dad came and got me.

NORA
He did did he? Honey why didn't you
call mommy's cell phone you know you
can call it anytime.

MATTHEW
I did but you didn't answer.

NORA
Oh, that's right, the battery died. I'm
so sorry sweet heart, I promise to go
first thing tomorrow and get a new
one.

MATTHEW
It's ok mom. Dad's been taking
care of me.

Bo kisses him on the head.

BO
That's right sport, you can call me anytime.

MATTHEW
I know. Could I go back to sleep now?

BO
You sure can. Here, let's get you where you're
a little more comfortable.

Sliding out from under him Bo lays Matthew down on his pillow and he
and Nora tuck him in.

NORA
Can I get you anything honey?

MATTHEW
No but could you leave my door open so
you and dad could come help me if I
cough too hard?

NORA
You bet.

Taking turns both Bo and Nora kiss Matthew on the forehead before leaving him
to sleep.

INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Bo sitting back in the couch, stocking feet on the coffee table when Nora comes in
with a mug for him. Seeing her coming Bo is quick to sit up and put his feet on
the floor.

NORA
Don't you dare. You get your feet right
back up on that table mister.

Nora hands Bo a mug and sets her own on the table.

NORA
I mean it, feet up, up, up.

Picking his legs up herself Nora props Bo's feet back where they were then sits
down on the sofa next to him.

NORA
And I, am going to do the same.

A silent pause.

NORA
Thanks for taking care of him tonight.
You really didn't have to do that you
know.

BO
Don't be silly, I wanted to.

NORA
Yeah but I know that you had plans
with Gabrielle and -

BO
Nora, it's ok. Gabrielle understands. And
you know what? Even if she didn't, it
wouldn't matter. Matthew is my son and
I will always be there for him.

NORA
You don't know how much it means for
me to hear you say that.

BO
I mean every word.

Matthew coughs from upstairs.

MATTHEW (O.S.)
Mommy!

NORA
I'll be right back. I'm coming sweetie.

MATTHEW (O.S.)
I need daddy too.

Hearing his son's request Bo is right on Nora's heals as she climbs the stairs to
Matthew's bedroom.

INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

It's morning but both Bo and Nora are dressed in the same clothes as last night.
Sitting next to one another on the couch, stocking feet resting on the table they
both fell asleep in the middle of their "night watch." It's the sound of Matthew
turning the pages of a book from his seat on the chair near the couch that wakes
Nora first.

NORA
Wha?! Matthew! Oh my gosh. What
time is it?

MATTHEW
I don't know.

Nora looks at her watch and waits for her eyes to adjust. Then elbows Bo
when she realizes the time.

NORA
Bo, wake up. We fell asleep.

BO
Hmm? Oh! Hey there sport it looks
like you're feeling better.

Matthew nods.

NORA
Is your cough all gone?

MATTHEW
I think so.

NORA
Come here, let me check your fever.

Matthew walks over and crawls onto Nora's lap.

NORA
Feels pretty normal to me, what do you
think dad?

Bo places his hand on Matthew's forehead.

BO
Yep. I'd say you're on the mend.

MATTHEW
Mom?

NORA
Yeah sweetie.

MATTHEW
Can I go get some apple juice?

NORA
You bet.

BO
Hey pal, can I get a hug before I
go?

MATTHEW
You're leaving?

BO
Yeah, I've got to change and get
down to the station, but I'll see
you later ok?

Hopping up onto Bo's lap Matthew gives his dad a bug hug and a kiss on the
cheek.

MATTHEW
Ok. Then could we play that video
game that I taught you?

BO
Yeah, I think we could do that.

MATTHEW
I love you dad.

BO
I love you son.
(standing)
Now, you be a good boy for your
mom this morning.

MATTHEW
I will.

Matthew hurries to the kitchen for his juice as Nora sees Bo to the door.

BO
I'll see you later?

NORA
Yeah, I'll get him all settled and
have Mary Anne come here today
and then I'll be in.

Looking up at Nora's face Bo realizes she looks tired. Reaching up he takes the
side of her face in his hand, just for a second, and brushes it with his thumb.

BO
You know, the office could probably
manage for an hour or two without
you. Why don't to get a little bit of
rest this morning?

NORA
Bo Buchanan, are you telling me I
look tired?

BO
No, not at all. In fact, I was just now
thinking how you are beautiful as
ever. I just know you've been working
awfully hard Red. There's nothing
wrong with a little break.

NORA
I'm fine. Thanks for worrying about
me though. And thank you for helping
me out with Matthew last night.

BO
Don't mention it. I'll see you later.

NORA
Bye.

Nora watches Bo walk down the sidewalk and get in his car. She's surprised at
herself, she almost hates to see him go. It was so nice to have him there with her
and Matthew last night. One more wave and Bo is down the driveway and on his
way.