INT. MATTHEW'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Nora stirs and wakes to find she is all alone in Matthew's bed.
Looking around there is no sign of Bo or Matthew but the smell of
sweet pancakes is floating it the air and she can hear the very unfamiliar sounds of something happening in the kitchen downstairs.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING
Making her way down the stairs Nora can now make sense of the sounds that she hears.
BO (O.S.)
(coming toward the living room door)
Just flip it like I showed you and
I'll run and -
Coming through the door into the living room Bo is surprised to see Nora standing there.
BO
Set the table. Morning Red.
NORA
Is that the smell of real food coming
from my kitchen? What is this?
BO
This is the sight of your little boy
wanting to surprise his tired mom
with breakfast.
NORA
Oh it is?
BO
Yep.
NORA
And what about his tired dad?
BO
Me? Tired?
NORA
How'd you sleep?
BO
Not bad.
NORA
For a man who just spent the night
with his ex-wife and thrashing
son in a double bed?
BO
Nah. It was fine. I actually slept
surprisingly well and I think it's
because I shared such fine
company in that little double bed.
Nora smiles.
NORA
What about Matthew? How is he
this morning?
BO
Ok. I think he's still a little scared
but he's going to be ok Red.
NORA
Yeah, I just -
Plate of pancakes in hand Matthew comes through the door.
MATTHEW
Hi mom.
NORA
Hi sweet heart! How are you?
MATTHEW
I'm ok. Me and Dad made breakfast
for you.
NORA
I see that, it smells so good.
MATTHEW
See the one on the top?
Nora looks.
MATTHEW
I made that one for you. It's supposed
to be a heart but it didn't turn out so
good.
NORA
It looks pretty good to me.
BO
Well ok you two, lets stop all the
chit chat and get eating. Come on.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING
The stack of pancakes the boys made is considerably smaller as Bo, Nora, and
Matthew finish up their breakfast.
NORA
Now that, was the greatest breakfast
I've had in about a decade I think.
MATTHEW
You liked it?
NORA
I loved it.
Matthew smiles and gives his dad a high five just as Bo's cell phone rings.
Matthew tenses up and grows serious as his father talks on the phone.
BO
Buchanan. Yes. Ok. Right,
thanks for calling.
Ending the phone call Bo looks back at Nora and Matthew.
MATTHEW
Who was it?
BO
Officer Johnson.
(off Matthew's look)
Hey, buddy, what's the matter?
NORA
Sweetie? Is everything ok?
Matthew nods but there is still fear written all over his face.
MATTHEW
Do you have to go to work?
BO
Right now?
Matthew nods.
BO
Nope. They were just checking in.
A look of relief falls across Matthew's face. Nora looks up at Bo, something isn't
right.
NORA
Sweet heart, is there something
you want to talk about?
Matthew shakes his head.
NORA
Is something wrong?
MATTHEW
I just don't want anything bad to happen
that's all.
BO
To who?
MATTHEW
You or mom.
BO
Hey sport, I want you to listen to me for
a minute ok?
Looking up at his dad with his big brown eyes, Matthew's all ears.
BO
Nothing bad is going to happen. We're
right here, see? You, me, your mom,
we're all right here, right where we
belong. No one's going to hurt any
of us.
Matthew isn't so sure.
BO
Look, I know that when that man took
you away he scared you didn't he?
Matthew nods.
BO
And I -
Bo starts to choke over the tears that are forming in his eyes.
BO
And I didn't keep you safe. I didn't
stop that man from taking you, and
I'm - I'm so sorry Matthew.
NORA
(shaking her head)
Bo -
MATTHEW
It's ok dad. It wasn't your fault. And
anyway, you were the one that found
me. You came and saved me.
NORA
Yes he did, didn't he? Your daddy
kept you safe, and he always will.
MATTHEW
But what about you?
NORA
Me?
Matthew nods again.
BO
Matthew, did the man who took you
tell you he was going to hurt your mom
and me?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
BO
I'm going to let you in on a little secret
and it's real important so I want you to
listen close and always remember it ok?
MATTHEW
Ok.
BO
Right here in this room. Right here
on this couch, stuffing pancakes into
their mouths, are the two most important
people in the entire world to me and
I promise you son that I'm always going
to do everything I can to make sure that
no one ever hurts you or your mom ever
again. Ever. Ok?
MATTHEW
But what about you?
BO
(smiles)
Well, that's the other part of the
secret. Because you guys are the
most important thing in the world
to me, I kind of like hanging around
with you and everything.
MATTHEW
You do?
BO
Of course I do, more than anything.
So it's kind of important that I look
out for myself too, so I can keep
spending time with you guys. Makes
sense doesn't it?
Matthew looks up at his dad with a giant smile and nods as Nora continues to
listen, tears in her eyes, not saying a word.
BO
I love you Matthew.
MATTHEW
I love you too. I love you
too mom.
NORA
I love you.
(a beat)
And I loved this breakfast. Thank
you so much
Nora takes Matthew's face in her hand and kisses him on the nose.
MATTHEW
Dad's going to teach me how to cook
other stuff too.
NORA
Oh he is is he?
Matthew nods.
NORA
I think that's a great idea. Do you
think you can get him to teach you
how to make a Thanksgiving dinner
because I sure don't know how and
would love it if you could make one.
MATTHEW
Can you dad?
BO
(smiling at Nora)
Oh, I don't know. I think it would be
more fun to watch your mom try.
Laughing as he teases Nora elbows Bo in the ribs.
NORA
Why don't the two of you go check out
Matthew's new video game and I'll
wash these dishes up.
BO
I got it Red, you just sit down and
relax.
MATTHEW
Yeah mom, we got it. You just
relax.
Sitting back down on the sofa Nora smiles and hands the plate in her hand to Bo.
NORA
If you insist. Thanks.
BO
(rising)
What do ya say sport, should we go
do some dishes?
MATTHEW
Yup.
Jumping to his feet Matthew helps his dad gather the plates and the two of them
make their way to the kitchen leaving Nora alone on the couch.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Nora is still on the couch, flipping through one of Matthew's comics on the table
when Bo returns, two steaming mugs of coffee in hand.
BO
(handing Nora a cup)
Catching up on a case there
Counselor?
Smiling up at him Nora eagerly takes the mug and dives into the hot liquid.
NORA
Umm. Wow! I don't think this
mug has ever tasted such a wonderful
cup of coffee. I didn't know that
coffee maker in there was capable
of this.
Bo smiles.
NORA
Say, while you were in there
teaching our son how to flip a
pancake you didn't happen to
teach him how to do this too did
you because -
The phone rings.
NORA
Hold that thought.
(answering the phone)
Hello? Oh hi Starr. Yes he's here,
let me get him. Matthew?
Matthew races through the door from the kitchen to the living room.
MATTHEW
Yeah mom?
NORA
It's Starr honey, do you want to talk
to her?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
Racing to Nora Matthew takes the phone from her hand.
MATTHEW
Hi Starr. Yeah, my dad found me and
brought me home. Not really, I was
pretty brave. Today? Really?
Suddenly remembering Matthew looks up at Bo and Nora, his excitement turning
to worry.
MATTHEW
I better not. Nah, I think I better stay
home today. Ok bye.
Hanging up the phone Matthew turns and heads back toward the kitchen.
NORA
Sweet heart what did Starr want?
MATTHEW
Her, her mom and Walker have tickets
to the Space Creature Five interactive
premiere and she wanted me to go.
BO
That's great. You've been wanting to go
for months now but the tickets were sold
out. Now you can.
MATTHEW
Nah, it's ok.
NORA
Sweetie, do you want to go?
MATTHEW
(looking down at his feet)
I guess so but -
NORA
But what?
MATTHEW
But what if you and dad aren't here when
I get back?
Larry had warned them about this. Nora looks at Bo, not knowing what to say.
BO
Matthew I want you to listen to me ok?
Matthew nods.
BO
Your mom and I are just fine. You don't
need to worry about us ok? If you want
to go with Starr to the movie I think you
should.
Matthew looks up at Bo.
BO
You go, you have a great time and we'll be
here when you get back.
Almost convinced Matthew looks to his mother.
MATTHEW
Both of you?
NORA
We'll both be right here.
MATTHEW
Promise?
NORA
(kissing Matthew on top of the head)
We promise.
MATTHEW
I better call Starr!
Grabbing the phone Matthew is quick to dial his best friends number from
memory.
NORA
Honey when you're done talking to
Starr I need to talk to her mom.
MATTHEW
Starr? It's Matthew. Could I still
go with you guys today? Ok. I'll
bring my comic too alright? Ok,
I'll see you later -
Nora reaches her hand out for the phone.
MATTHEW
Oh! My mom needs to talk to your
mom. Ok. Bye.
Matthew hands the phone to his mom and then heads toward the stairs.
MATTHEW
I'll be right back dad, I have to find my
comic.
BO
Ok sport.
NORA
Hi, it's Nora. Oh, thank you. We
are too. Yeah. Are you sure you're
ok with Matthew going with you
guys today? Ok. Oh, I know, I
know you'll keep an eye on them.
Thanks.
Bo reads Nora face like an open book as she talks on the phone with Blair.
She's terrified. She doesn't want Matthew to go but knows she has to let him.
Bo knows her so well, he knows what she's thinking. He also knows that he's
feeling the exact same thing.
NORA
Could you do me another favor?
Would you mind just calling mine
or Bo's cell phone when your on
your way home? We promised
Matthew we would absolutely be
here when he gets back and we just
want to make sure we are. Ok.
Thanks Blair, I'll see you then.
Hanging up the phone Nora closes her eyes and tries to shake the fear letting
Matthew be away from her for the day is churning up inside her. Reaching out
his hand Bo lets it settle on top of Nora's giving hers a warm squeeze. Nora
looks up into Bo's eyes and knows he understands. Suddenly the quiet is
shattered as Matthew gallops his way down the stairs.
MATTHEW
I'm ready.
BO
You better grab a jacket bud, I
bet it's kind of cold out there.
MATTHEW
Ok.
Matthew heads for the closet for his jacket as Bo watches a worried
Nora watch their son.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Matthew, Bo and Nora are on the sofa looking through Matthew's comic book
when there's a knock at the door.
MATTHEW
That's Starr.
Jumping from the couch Matthew grabs his jacket and comic book and heads to
the door, Bo and Nora following close behind.
MATTHEW
(opens the door)
Hi Starr.
STARR is standing in the door way all ready to go.
STARR
Ready?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
Suddenly Matthew seems a little nervous and reluctant to leave.
MATTHEW
Bye mom. Bye dad.
Realizing Matthew is still nervous Bo forces a big smile and leans
down, giving his son a giant hug.
BO
Have a great time sport.
(whispers in his ear)
I promise you I'll take good care
of mom while your gone.
MATTHEW
And you'll be careful too?
BO
(gesturing)
Cross my heart.
Matthew gives his dad another hug as Bo kisses him on top of the head.
Then, taking Matthew in her arms Nora hugs him tight and takes his
little face in her hand.
NORA
I love you sweet heart. You make
sure you remember what we told
you and stay with Blair and Walker
ok?
MATTHEW
I will. And you'll stay with dad?
NORA
(looking up at Bo)
I'll stay with dad.
MATTHEW
Ok. I'll be back in a few hours.
NORA
(forcing a smile)
Have fun.
Starr and Matthew turn to go, Matthew taking one last look back at his mom and
dad, both doing their best to hide their fear and let him know everything will be
ok. Nora waves to Blair and watches the car pull down the drive and away until
she can't see it any more. Closing the door behind them Nora turns
from Bo and kicks into instant "turbo mode."
NORA
(talking fast)
Ok, time to get some work done.
I'll tell you, I wouldn't be surprised
if we were weeks behind with -
Stepping in behind her Bo takes her shoulders in his hands and pulls her into him.
BO
(whispering in her ear)
He's going to be ok Red.
Closing her eyes Nora heaves a heavy sigh and let's the tears she was fighting
roll down her cheeks.
NORA
I know, I just -
BO
Don't want to let him out of your
sight ever again for as long as you
live?
Nora nods.
BO
Neither do I.
Nora turns to Bo and sees that wrinkle in his brow that appears when he tries to
hide his worry.
BO
I'm terrified that the one time he
isn't with me someone may try and
take him again. I tell ya Red, there
was a time last night when I just
wanted to pack the two of you up
and disappear somewhere high in
the mountains where no one could
ever hope to find us.
NORA
You read my mind.
(a beat)
I just don't know how to let him
go now Bo. I'm afraid that from
now on every time he walks out
that door there's a good chance
he won't come walking back
through it at the end of the day.
Pulling her into his arms Bo holds Nora close.
BO
I know. But I promise you Red
that I'm going to do every thing
in my power to make sure that
our little boy always comes back
through that door.
NORA
(whipping her tears)
I know you will. Thank you.
BO
There's nothing to thank me for.
I meant what I said before. The
two of you are the most important
thing in the world to me. I'm never
going to let anyone hurt you ever
again.
Locking eyes with Bo Nora feels drawn to him again. It scares her and she
pulls out of his arms, changing the subject fast.
NORA
Well, I guess you and I should get
dressed and maybe head over to catch
up at the office a bit before Matthew
gets home.
BO
You want to go into the office?
NORA
Neither one of us has gotten any work
done for a couple of days now. We
should probably at least get in and
check our messages.
BO
You're probably right. Why don't
you go up and get ready and I'll swing
by my house, change, and be back here
to get you in a half and hour.
NORA
Ok.
Nora begins to head toward the stairs.
BO
Nora I was thinking that maybe
I should bring some of my things
over and stay here for a few days.
NORA
(stops dead in her tracks)
Oh?
BO
That's ok isn't it? I mean, I just
thought with what Larry said
last night and with the way Matthew
has been that -
NORA
No, of course, it's fine Bo. You know
you're welcome here any time.
BO
Thanks.
Nora smiles.
BO
I'll be back in a bit.
NORA
Bye.
Bo turns to go as Nora stands and watches him. Each of them has something to
say but neither one of them wanting to say it.
Nora stirs and wakes to find she is all alone in Matthew's bed.
Looking around there is no sign of Bo or Matthew but the smell of
sweet pancakes is floating it the air and she can hear the very unfamiliar sounds of something happening in the kitchen downstairs.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING
Making her way down the stairs Nora can now make sense of the sounds that she hears.
BO (O.S.)
(coming toward the living room door)
Just flip it like I showed you and
I'll run and -
Coming through the door into the living room Bo is surprised to see Nora standing there.
BO
Set the table. Morning Red.
NORA
Is that the smell of real food coming
from my kitchen? What is this?
BO
This is the sight of your little boy
wanting to surprise his tired mom
with breakfast.
NORA
Oh it is?
BO
Yep.
NORA
And what about his tired dad?
BO
Me? Tired?
NORA
How'd you sleep?
BO
Not bad.
NORA
For a man who just spent the night
with his ex-wife and thrashing
son in a double bed?
BO
Nah. It was fine. I actually slept
surprisingly well and I think it's
because I shared such fine
company in that little double bed.
Nora smiles.
NORA
What about Matthew? How is he
this morning?
BO
Ok. I think he's still a little scared
but he's going to be ok Red.
NORA
Yeah, I just -
Plate of pancakes in hand Matthew comes through the door.
MATTHEW
Hi mom.
NORA
Hi sweet heart! How are you?
MATTHEW
I'm ok. Me and Dad made breakfast
for you.
NORA
I see that, it smells so good.
MATTHEW
See the one on the top?
Nora looks.
MATTHEW
I made that one for you. It's supposed
to be a heart but it didn't turn out so
good.
NORA
It looks pretty good to me.
BO
Well ok you two, lets stop all the
chit chat and get eating. Come on.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING
The stack of pancakes the boys made is considerably smaller as Bo, Nora, and
Matthew finish up their breakfast.
NORA
Now that, was the greatest breakfast
I've had in about a decade I think.
MATTHEW
You liked it?
NORA
I loved it.
Matthew smiles and gives his dad a high five just as Bo's cell phone rings.
Matthew tenses up and grows serious as his father talks on the phone.
BO
Buchanan. Yes. Ok. Right,
thanks for calling.
Ending the phone call Bo looks back at Nora and Matthew.
MATTHEW
Who was it?
BO
Officer Johnson.
(off Matthew's look)
Hey, buddy, what's the matter?
NORA
Sweetie? Is everything ok?
Matthew nods but there is still fear written all over his face.
MATTHEW
Do you have to go to work?
BO
Right now?
Matthew nods.
BO
Nope. They were just checking in.
A look of relief falls across Matthew's face. Nora looks up at Bo, something isn't
right.
NORA
Sweet heart, is there something
you want to talk about?
Matthew shakes his head.
NORA
Is something wrong?
MATTHEW
I just don't want anything bad to happen
that's all.
BO
To who?
MATTHEW
You or mom.
BO
Hey sport, I want you to listen to me for
a minute ok?
Looking up at his dad with his big brown eyes, Matthew's all ears.
BO
Nothing bad is going to happen. We're
right here, see? You, me, your mom,
we're all right here, right where we
belong. No one's going to hurt any
of us.
Matthew isn't so sure.
BO
Look, I know that when that man took
you away he scared you didn't he?
Matthew nods.
BO
And I -
Bo starts to choke over the tears that are forming in his eyes.
BO
And I didn't keep you safe. I didn't
stop that man from taking you, and
I'm - I'm so sorry Matthew.
NORA
(shaking her head)
Bo -
MATTHEW
It's ok dad. It wasn't your fault. And
anyway, you were the one that found
me. You came and saved me.
NORA
Yes he did, didn't he? Your daddy
kept you safe, and he always will.
MATTHEW
But what about you?
NORA
Me?
Matthew nods again.
BO
Matthew, did the man who took you
tell you he was going to hurt your mom
and me?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
BO
I'm going to let you in on a little secret
and it's real important so I want you to
listen close and always remember it ok?
MATTHEW
Ok.
BO
Right here in this room. Right here
on this couch, stuffing pancakes into
their mouths, are the two most important
people in the entire world to me and
I promise you son that I'm always going
to do everything I can to make sure that
no one ever hurts you or your mom ever
again. Ever. Ok?
MATTHEW
But what about you?
BO
(smiles)
Well, that's the other part of the
secret. Because you guys are the
most important thing in the world
to me, I kind of like hanging around
with you and everything.
MATTHEW
You do?
BO
Of course I do, more than anything.
So it's kind of important that I look
out for myself too, so I can keep
spending time with you guys. Makes
sense doesn't it?
Matthew looks up at his dad with a giant smile and nods as Nora continues to
listen, tears in her eyes, not saying a word.
BO
I love you Matthew.
MATTHEW
I love you too. I love you
too mom.
NORA
I love you.
(a beat)
And I loved this breakfast. Thank
you so much
Nora takes Matthew's face in her hand and kisses him on the nose.
MATTHEW
Dad's going to teach me how to cook
other stuff too.
NORA
Oh he is is he?
Matthew nods.
NORA
I think that's a great idea. Do you
think you can get him to teach you
how to make a Thanksgiving dinner
because I sure don't know how and
would love it if you could make one.
MATTHEW
Can you dad?
BO
(smiling at Nora)
Oh, I don't know. I think it would be
more fun to watch your mom try.
Laughing as he teases Nora elbows Bo in the ribs.
NORA
Why don't the two of you go check out
Matthew's new video game and I'll
wash these dishes up.
BO
I got it Red, you just sit down and
relax.
MATTHEW
Yeah mom, we got it. You just
relax.
Sitting back down on the sofa Nora smiles and hands the plate in her hand to Bo.
NORA
If you insist. Thanks.
BO
(rising)
What do ya say sport, should we go
do some dishes?
MATTHEW
Yup.
Jumping to his feet Matthew helps his dad gather the plates and the two of them
make their way to the kitchen leaving Nora alone on the couch.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Nora is still on the couch, flipping through one of Matthew's comics on the table
when Bo returns, two steaming mugs of coffee in hand.
BO
(handing Nora a cup)
Catching up on a case there
Counselor?
Smiling up at him Nora eagerly takes the mug and dives into the hot liquid.
NORA
Umm. Wow! I don't think this
mug has ever tasted such a wonderful
cup of coffee. I didn't know that
coffee maker in there was capable
of this.
Bo smiles.
NORA
Say, while you were in there
teaching our son how to flip a
pancake you didn't happen to
teach him how to do this too did
you because -
The phone rings.
NORA
Hold that thought.
(answering the phone)
Hello? Oh hi Starr. Yes he's here,
let me get him. Matthew?
Matthew races through the door from the kitchen to the living room.
MATTHEW
Yeah mom?
NORA
It's Starr honey, do you want to talk
to her?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
Racing to Nora Matthew takes the phone from her hand.
MATTHEW
Hi Starr. Yeah, my dad found me and
brought me home. Not really, I was
pretty brave. Today? Really?
Suddenly remembering Matthew looks up at Bo and Nora, his excitement turning
to worry.
MATTHEW
I better not. Nah, I think I better stay
home today. Ok bye.
Hanging up the phone Matthew turns and heads back toward the kitchen.
NORA
Sweet heart what did Starr want?
MATTHEW
Her, her mom and Walker have tickets
to the Space Creature Five interactive
premiere and she wanted me to go.
BO
That's great. You've been wanting to go
for months now but the tickets were sold
out. Now you can.
MATTHEW
Nah, it's ok.
NORA
Sweetie, do you want to go?
MATTHEW
(looking down at his feet)
I guess so but -
NORA
But what?
MATTHEW
But what if you and dad aren't here when
I get back?
Larry had warned them about this. Nora looks at Bo, not knowing what to say.
BO
Matthew I want you to listen to me ok?
Matthew nods.
BO
Your mom and I are just fine. You don't
need to worry about us ok? If you want
to go with Starr to the movie I think you
should.
Matthew looks up at Bo.
BO
You go, you have a great time and we'll be
here when you get back.
Almost convinced Matthew looks to his mother.
MATTHEW
Both of you?
NORA
We'll both be right here.
MATTHEW
Promise?
NORA
(kissing Matthew on top of the head)
We promise.
MATTHEW
I better call Starr!
Grabbing the phone Matthew is quick to dial his best friends number from
memory.
NORA
Honey when you're done talking to
Starr I need to talk to her mom.
MATTHEW
Starr? It's Matthew. Could I still
go with you guys today? Ok. I'll
bring my comic too alright? Ok,
I'll see you later -
Nora reaches her hand out for the phone.
MATTHEW
Oh! My mom needs to talk to your
mom. Ok. Bye.
Matthew hands the phone to his mom and then heads toward the stairs.
MATTHEW
I'll be right back dad, I have to find my
comic.
BO
Ok sport.
NORA
Hi, it's Nora. Oh, thank you. We
are too. Yeah. Are you sure you're
ok with Matthew going with you
guys today? Ok. Oh, I know, I
know you'll keep an eye on them.
Thanks.
Bo reads Nora face like an open book as she talks on the phone with Blair.
She's terrified. She doesn't want Matthew to go but knows she has to let him.
Bo knows her so well, he knows what she's thinking. He also knows that he's
feeling the exact same thing.
NORA
Could you do me another favor?
Would you mind just calling mine
or Bo's cell phone when your on
your way home? We promised
Matthew we would absolutely be
here when he gets back and we just
want to make sure we are. Ok.
Thanks Blair, I'll see you then.
Hanging up the phone Nora closes her eyes and tries to shake the fear letting
Matthew be away from her for the day is churning up inside her. Reaching out
his hand Bo lets it settle on top of Nora's giving hers a warm squeeze. Nora
looks up into Bo's eyes and knows he understands. Suddenly the quiet is
shattered as Matthew gallops his way down the stairs.
MATTHEW
I'm ready.
BO
You better grab a jacket bud, I
bet it's kind of cold out there.
MATTHEW
Ok.
Matthew heads for the closet for his jacket as Bo watches a worried
Nora watch their son.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Matthew, Bo and Nora are on the sofa looking through Matthew's comic book
when there's a knock at the door.
MATTHEW
That's Starr.
Jumping from the couch Matthew grabs his jacket and comic book and heads to
the door, Bo and Nora following close behind.
MATTHEW
(opens the door)
Hi Starr.
STARR is standing in the door way all ready to go.
STARR
Ready?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
Suddenly Matthew seems a little nervous and reluctant to leave.
MATTHEW
Bye mom. Bye dad.
Realizing Matthew is still nervous Bo forces a big smile and leans
down, giving his son a giant hug.
BO
Have a great time sport.
(whispers in his ear)
I promise you I'll take good care
of mom while your gone.
MATTHEW
And you'll be careful too?
BO
(gesturing)
Cross my heart.
Matthew gives his dad another hug as Bo kisses him on top of the head.
Then, taking Matthew in her arms Nora hugs him tight and takes his
little face in her hand.
NORA
I love you sweet heart. You make
sure you remember what we told
you and stay with Blair and Walker
ok?
MATTHEW
I will. And you'll stay with dad?
NORA
(looking up at Bo)
I'll stay with dad.
MATTHEW
Ok. I'll be back in a few hours.
NORA
(forcing a smile)
Have fun.
Starr and Matthew turn to go, Matthew taking one last look back at his mom and
dad, both doing their best to hide their fear and let him know everything will be
ok. Nora waves to Blair and watches the car pull down the drive and away until
she can't see it any more. Closing the door behind them Nora turns
from Bo and kicks into instant "turbo mode."
NORA
(talking fast)
Ok, time to get some work done.
I'll tell you, I wouldn't be surprised
if we were weeks behind with -
Stepping in behind her Bo takes her shoulders in his hands and pulls her into him.
BO
(whispering in her ear)
He's going to be ok Red.
Closing her eyes Nora heaves a heavy sigh and let's the tears she was fighting
roll down her cheeks.
NORA
I know, I just -
BO
Don't want to let him out of your
sight ever again for as long as you
live?
Nora nods.
BO
Neither do I.
Nora turns to Bo and sees that wrinkle in his brow that appears when he tries to
hide his worry.
BO
I'm terrified that the one time he
isn't with me someone may try and
take him again. I tell ya Red, there
was a time last night when I just
wanted to pack the two of you up
and disappear somewhere high in
the mountains where no one could
ever hope to find us.
NORA
You read my mind.
(a beat)
I just don't know how to let him
go now Bo. I'm afraid that from
now on every time he walks out
that door there's a good chance
he won't come walking back
through it at the end of the day.
Pulling her into his arms Bo holds Nora close.
BO
I know. But I promise you Red
that I'm going to do every thing
in my power to make sure that
our little boy always comes back
through that door.
NORA
(whipping her tears)
I know you will. Thank you.
BO
There's nothing to thank me for.
I meant what I said before. The
two of you are the most important
thing in the world to me. I'm never
going to let anyone hurt you ever
again.
Locking eyes with Bo Nora feels drawn to him again. It scares her and she
pulls out of his arms, changing the subject fast.
NORA
Well, I guess you and I should get
dressed and maybe head over to catch
up at the office a bit before Matthew
gets home.
BO
You want to go into the office?
NORA
Neither one of us has gotten any work
done for a couple of days now. We
should probably at least get in and
check our messages.
BO
You're probably right. Why don't
you go up and get ready and I'll swing
by my house, change, and be back here
to get you in a half and hour.
NORA
Ok.
Nora begins to head toward the stairs.
BO
Nora I was thinking that maybe
I should bring some of my things
over and stay here for a few days.
NORA
(stops dead in her tracks)
Oh?
BO
That's ok isn't it? I mean, I just
thought with what Larry said
last night and with the way Matthew
has been that -
NORA
No, of course, it's fine Bo. You know
you're welcome here any time.
BO
Thanks.
Nora smiles.
BO
I'll be back in a bit.
NORA
Bye.
Bo turns to go as Nora stands and watches him. Each of them has something to
say but neither one of them wanting to say it.
