INT. NORA'S OFFICE – DAY
Nora is working on her computer when Bo comes through the door, tapping as
he enters.
BO
Hey Red, ya busy?
NORA
So, so. What's up?
BO
I was just about to go out and
grab some lunch. You want to
join me?
NORA
(fumbles to come up with an excuse)
Oh, well, gosh I'd love to Bo but
I really do have a lot I should
finish up with here.
BO
(disappointed)
Ok. I'll catch you later then.
Bo turns to leave then stops.
BO
Nora, is everything ok?
NORA
What do you mean?
BO
Well that's the fourth time in
a row you've turned me down for
lunch. Much more of this and I
may start to grow a complex. I
mean, do I smell or something?
NORA
You smell fine Bo. I've just been
busy, that's all.
BO
Ok. Can I bring you something back?
NORA
No thanks. I'll grab something later.
Bo forces a smile and makes his way out of Nora's office. Looking up from her
work Nora watches him go knowing that this is the way it really has to be.
INT. RHODI'S – NIGHT
Bo and Gabrielle are sharing a table, Bo working on a cheeseburger, Gabrielle a
salad.
GABRIELLE
You've just been working so hard
Bo. I really don't think it would be
a problem for the two of us to take
for a while.
BO
I know honey. I know how much you
want to get away together but there
are things –
Just then Nora walks into the room and heads for the counter. Bo can't help
himself, his eyes are instantly drawn in her direction.
BO
I really can't get away from the
station right now. I need to be here
to follow through with some cases.
GABRIELLE
I see.
Bo's focus on Nora did not go unnoticed by Gabrielle and she doesn't like it.
BO
You understand then?
GABRIELLE
Oh, I understand completely Bo.
BO
Good.
GABRIELLE
I understand that you will always
have a reason not to go away with
me and that it will rarely have a
thing to do with your job.
BO
(confused)
What are you talking about?
GABRIELLE
You say that like you don't know.
BO
I don't.
GABRIELLE
I'm finished here. Let's go home
Bo.
BO
I think that's a good idea. We need
to talk.
Bo and Gabrielle stand to go passing the counter as Nora pays for and picks up
her take out order.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM –NIGHT
Food, brief case, and mail in hand Nora comes through the door and makes her
way to the bureau. Matthew comes running down the stairs.
MATTHEW
Hi Mom!
NORA
Hi sweetie.
(hugs Matthew)
How was your day?
MATTHEW
Fine. How was yours?
NORA
Fine but I missed you. Where's
Mary Anne?
MATTHEW
Upstairs getting my bath ready.
NORA
Oh, good.
MATTHEW
Is dad coming over tonight?
NORA
No, not tonight. I'm sure you'll see
him tomorrow though.
Matthew is disappointed but can't wait to see his dad tomorrow.
MATTHEW
Ok. Oh! I forgot! I made something
for you and dad at school today. I'm
gonna go get it.
Taking off up the stairs Matthew leaves Nora alone just as her cell phone
rings.
NORA
Nora Buchanan. Hello? Hello?
Nora is just about to hang up when –
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Ms. Buchanan?
NORA
Yes. Can I help you?
HOWIES'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
I need to see you.
NORA
What?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
I need to see you right away.
Can you meet me?
Nora doesn't realize Matthew found his picture and is standing at the top of the
stairs listening.
NORA
Who is this?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
It doesn't matter. I just need to
see you.
NORA
What's this about?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Llanview U. I know some things
that I think maybe you should hear.
NORA
Ok. When do you want me to meet
you?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Tonight. Angel. Square.
NORA
(looks at her watch)
Tonight? I – Ok. I'll meet you in
twenty minutes in Angel Square.
Hanging up her phone Nora turns to see Matthew coming down the stairs.
MATTHEW
I found it.
NORA
Oh sweetie, this is wonderful! Come
here.
Sitting down on the sofa Nora pulls Matthew onto her lap and looks at the
picture with him.
NORA
Your dad is really going to love it too.
MATTHEW
Do you have to go tonight?
NORA
What?
MATTHEW
I heard you, on the phone, I heard you
say you had a meeting tonight.
NORA
Yeah sweetie, I do, but I want you to go
ahead and hop in the tub for Mary Anne
and I'll be back before you even have
time to turn into a prune.
MATTHEW
Promise?
NORA
I promise. Now run upstairs with Mary
Anne ok?
Matthew hugs his mom and makes his way to the top of the stairs, stopping to
watch as Nora gathers her things. Slipping her coat on Nora goes out into the
cold air, closing the door behind her. Making sure she is gone Matthew climbs
down the stairs and picks up the phone, dialing a number he knows by heart.
INT. BO'S LIVING ROOM –NIGHT
Bo and Gabrielle are still in the middle of their heated discussion when the
phone rings.
GABRIELLE
Let it ring Bo.
BO
I can't, it might be the station.
Hello?
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
SWITCHING
MATTHEW
Hi dad.
BO
Hey sport, what's up?
Realizing who it is Gabrielle rolls her eyes and sits down.
MATTHEW
Nothing, I'm just...
BO
(sensing something in his son's voice)
Matthew? What's wrong? Is
everything ok?
MATTHEW
I don't know.
BO
(grows unsettled)
What do you mean you don't know?
Where's your mom son?
MATTHEW
She isn't here. Dad? Can you come
over?
BO
Did something happen to your mom?
MATTHEW
I don't know. But I think something
bad might happen to her.
BO
Why Matthew? You know what, never mind,
I'll be right there ok?
MATTHEW
Ok. Bye.
BO
I love you.
MATTHEW
I love you too.
INT. BO'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
BO
I have to go.
GABRIELLE
What? Why?
BO
It's Matthew, he needs me.
GABRIELLE
It isn't Matthew, it's Nora. You're
leaving because of Nora.
BO
Gabrielle...
(a beat)
Matthew is worried that his mother might
be in danger and so am I. Now I don't
really have time to talk to you about this
right now, nor do I think I need to justify
my looking out for the mother of my child.
GABRIELLE
Oh but it's so much more than that Bo. Isn't
it? Isn't it?
BO
What are you talking about?
GABRIELLE
Will you just give it a rest Bo? I see it.
Everyone sees it!
BO
Sees what?
GABRIELLE
The way the two of you are together, the
way you look at each other. You can't
deny it Bo.
BO
What is it that I can't deny?
GABRIELLE
That you're in love with her.
Bo stops in his tracks.
BO
What?
(a beat)
I don't have time to deal with this
right now. I have to go.
GABRIELLE
That's right. You have to go save your
precious Nora. Well, let me just tell you
something, you walk out that door and
that's it, we're finished.
Bo stops and looks at her.
BO
Gabrielle...
GABRIELLE
I mean it Bo. I'm tired of playing
second fiddle to everything and
everyone else. Your job, your
son, your ex-wife! You don't love
me the way that you love her, that
much is clear, and if you walk out
that door to go to her right now...
For a moment Bo just stares at her in disbelief. But he can't wait. He can't help
himself, he has to go to Nora. He can think of nothing else until he knows that
she is ok. Bo turns to go.
GABRIELLE
Wait! You should take this with you.
Slipping the diamond from her finger she holds it out for Bo who just looks at it.
GABRIELLE
Take it Bo. I don't want it.
Without a word Bo turns and goes out the door. Throwing the ring across
the living room Gabrielle slams her fist against the closed door and heads toward
the bedroom to pack.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Matthew is sitting on the sofa with a comic book when there's a knock at the
door. Running toward it he remembers what his mom taught him.
MATTHEW
Who is it?
BO
It's dad sport.
Stretching to his toes Matthew unlocks the door and flings his arms around Bo.
MATTHEW
Hi dad!
BO
Hey pal. What's going on? Where's
Mary Anne?
MATTHEW
Upstairs waiting for me to take a bath.
BO
And your mom?
MATTHEW
Angel Square.
BO
Angel Square? At this time of night?
Why?
MATTHEW
I don't know. She got one of those
weird phone calls she gets and then she
said she would meet in Angel Square
in twenty minutes.
BO
Matthew has your mom still been getting
those strange calls?
MATTHEW
(nods)
And the letters.
BO
What letters?
Realizing what he's admitting to Matthew doesn't want to say.
BO
Matthew look at me. What letters?
MATTHEW
The ones in the drawer.
BO
You saw some letters in the drawer?
MATTHEW
Yeah. Sometimes when mom goes
through the mail she gets all weird
and quiet and then she sticks the letter
into the drawer.
BO
Where are these letters sport?
Matthew looks down again.
BO
This is real important. Where are they?
Matthew gets up, goes to the bureau and brings a pile of letters to Bo.
MATTHEW
You're not going to tell mom are you?
BO
Tell mom what?
MATTHEW
That I was snooping. I don't want her
to get mad. I just don't want something
bad to happen.
BO
It's ok son, you did the right thing.
Opening the letters Bo only needs to skim one or two and he's scared.
BO
Matthew, I need you to do me a favor
and go upstairs with Mary Anne.
MATTHEW
Are you going to get mom?
BO
Yeah.
MATTHEW
But I want to go with you.
BO
I know you do but I need you to
work with me on this. I'll be back
here with Mom before you know it
ok?
MATTHEW
(reluctantly)
Ok.
Bo leans over giving his son a hug and a kiss on the head.
BO
I love you. Now lock this door behind
me ok?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
EXT. NORA'S PORCH – CONTINUIOUS
Closing the door Bo takes out his cell phone and dials.
BO
This is Commissioner Buchanan. I want
an officer in an unmarked car over here in
front of ADA Buchanan's house ASAP.
Tell them to watch the place until they
hear from me.
Closing his phone Bo hurries to his car.
Nora is working on her computer when Bo comes through the door, tapping as
he enters.
BO
Hey Red, ya busy?
NORA
So, so. What's up?
BO
I was just about to go out and
grab some lunch. You want to
join me?
NORA
(fumbles to come up with an excuse)
Oh, well, gosh I'd love to Bo but
I really do have a lot I should
finish up with here.
BO
(disappointed)
Ok. I'll catch you later then.
Bo turns to leave then stops.
BO
Nora, is everything ok?
NORA
What do you mean?
BO
Well that's the fourth time in
a row you've turned me down for
lunch. Much more of this and I
may start to grow a complex. I
mean, do I smell or something?
NORA
You smell fine Bo. I've just been
busy, that's all.
BO
Ok. Can I bring you something back?
NORA
No thanks. I'll grab something later.
Bo forces a smile and makes his way out of Nora's office. Looking up from her
work Nora watches him go knowing that this is the way it really has to be.
INT. RHODI'S – NIGHT
Bo and Gabrielle are sharing a table, Bo working on a cheeseburger, Gabrielle a
salad.
GABRIELLE
You've just been working so hard
Bo. I really don't think it would be
a problem for the two of us to take
for a while.
BO
I know honey. I know how much you
want to get away together but there
are things –
Just then Nora walks into the room and heads for the counter. Bo can't help
himself, his eyes are instantly drawn in her direction.
BO
I really can't get away from the
station right now. I need to be here
to follow through with some cases.
GABRIELLE
I see.
Bo's focus on Nora did not go unnoticed by Gabrielle and she doesn't like it.
BO
You understand then?
GABRIELLE
Oh, I understand completely Bo.
BO
Good.
GABRIELLE
I understand that you will always
have a reason not to go away with
me and that it will rarely have a
thing to do with your job.
BO
(confused)
What are you talking about?
GABRIELLE
You say that like you don't know.
BO
I don't.
GABRIELLE
I'm finished here. Let's go home
Bo.
BO
I think that's a good idea. We need
to talk.
Bo and Gabrielle stand to go passing the counter as Nora pays for and picks up
her take out order.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM –NIGHT
Food, brief case, and mail in hand Nora comes through the door and makes her
way to the bureau. Matthew comes running down the stairs.
MATTHEW
Hi Mom!
NORA
Hi sweetie.
(hugs Matthew)
How was your day?
MATTHEW
Fine. How was yours?
NORA
Fine but I missed you. Where's
Mary Anne?
MATTHEW
Upstairs getting my bath ready.
NORA
Oh, good.
MATTHEW
Is dad coming over tonight?
NORA
No, not tonight. I'm sure you'll see
him tomorrow though.
Matthew is disappointed but can't wait to see his dad tomorrow.
MATTHEW
Ok. Oh! I forgot! I made something
for you and dad at school today. I'm
gonna go get it.
Taking off up the stairs Matthew leaves Nora alone just as her cell phone
rings.
NORA
Nora Buchanan. Hello? Hello?
Nora is just about to hang up when –
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Ms. Buchanan?
NORA
Yes. Can I help you?
HOWIES'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
I need to see you.
NORA
What?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
I need to see you right away.
Can you meet me?
Nora doesn't realize Matthew found his picture and is standing at the top of the
stairs listening.
NORA
Who is this?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
It doesn't matter. I just need to
see you.
NORA
What's this about?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Llanview U. I know some things
that I think maybe you should hear.
NORA
Ok. When do you want me to meet
you?
HOWIE'S ROOMMATE (V.O.)
Tonight. Angel. Square.
NORA
(looks at her watch)
Tonight? I – Ok. I'll meet you in
twenty minutes in Angel Square.
Hanging up her phone Nora turns to see Matthew coming down the stairs.
MATTHEW
I found it.
NORA
Oh sweetie, this is wonderful! Come
here.
Sitting down on the sofa Nora pulls Matthew onto her lap and looks at the
picture with him.
NORA
Your dad is really going to love it too.
MATTHEW
Do you have to go tonight?
NORA
What?
MATTHEW
I heard you, on the phone, I heard you
say you had a meeting tonight.
NORA
Yeah sweetie, I do, but I want you to go
ahead and hop in the tub for Mary Anne
and I'll be back before you even have
time to turn into a prune.
MATTHEW
Promise?
NORA
I promise. Now run upstairs with Mary
Anne ok?
Matthew hugs his mom and makes his way to the top of the stairs, stopping to
watch as Nora gathers her things. Slipping her coat on Nora goes out into the
cold air, closing the door behind her. Making sure she is gone Matthew climbs
down the stairs and picks up the phone, dialing a number he knows by heart.
INT. BO'S LIVING ROOM –NIGHT
Bo and Gabrielle are still in the middle of their heated discussion when the
phone rings.
GABRIELLE
Let it ring Bo.
BO
I can't, it might be the station.
Hello?
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
SWITCHING
MATTHEW
Hi dad.
BO
Hey sport, what's up?
Realizing who it is Gabrielle rolls her eyes and sits down.
MATTHEW
Nothing, I'm just...
BO
(sensing something in his son's voice)
Matthew? What's wrong? Is
everything ok?
MATTHEW
I don't know.
BO
(grows unsettled)
What do you mean you don't know?
Where's your mom son?
MATTHEW
She isn't here. Dad? Can you come
over?
BO
Did something happen to your mom?
MATTHEW
I don't know. But I think something
bad might happen to her.
BO
Why Matthew? You know what, never mind,
I'll be right there ok?
MATTHEW
Ok. Bye.
BO
I love you.
MATTHEW
I love you too.
INT. BO'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
BO
I have to go.
GABRIELLE
What? Why?
BO
It's Matthew, he needs me.
GABRIELLE
It isn't Matthew, it's Nora. You're
leaving because of Nora.
BO
Gabrielle...
(a beat)
Matthew is worried that his mother might
be in danger and so am I. Now I don't
really have time to talk to you about this
right now, nor do I think I need to justify
my looking out for the mother of my child.
GABRIELLE
Oh but it's so much more than that Bo. Isn't
it? Isn't it?
BO
What are you talking about?
GABRIELLE
Will you just give it a rest Bo? I see it.
Everyone sees it!
BO
Sees what?
GABRIELLE
The way the two of you are together, the
way you look at each other. You can't
deny it Bo.
BO
What is it that I can't deny?
GABRIELLE
That you're in love with her.
Bo stops in his tracks.
BO
What?
(a beat)
I don't have time to deal with this
right now. I have to go.
GABRIELLE
That's right. You have to go save your
precious Nora. Well, let me just tell you
something, you walk out that door and
that's it, we're finished.
Bo stops and looks at her.
BO
Gabrielle...
GABRIELLE
I mean it Bo. I'm tired of playing
second fiddle to everything and
everyone else. Your job, your
son, your ex-wife! You don't love
me the way that you love her, that
much is clear, and if you walk out
that door to go to her right now...
For a moment Bo just stares at her in disbelief. But he can't wait. He can't help
himself, he has to go to Nora. He can think of nothing else until he knows that
she is ok. Bo turns to go.
GABRIELLE
Wait! You should take this with you.
Slipping the diamond from her finger she holds it out for Bo who just looks at it.
GABRIELLE
Take it Bo. I don't want it.
Without a word Bo turns and goes out the door. Throwing the ring across
the living room Gabrielle slams her fist against the closed door and heads toward
the bedroom to pack.
INT. NORA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Matthew is sitting on the sofa with a comic book when there's a knock at the
door. Running toward it he remembers what his mom taught him.
MATTHEW
Who is it?
BO
It's dad sport.
Stretching to his toes Matthew unlocks the door and flings his arms around Bo.
MATTHEW
Hi dad!
BO
Hey pal. What's going on? Where's
Mary Anne?
MATTHEW
Upstairs waiting for me to take a bath.
BO
And your mom?
MATTHEW
Angel Square.
BO
Angel Square? At this time of night?
Why?
MATTHEW
I don't know. She got one of those
weird phone calls she gets and then she
said she would meet in Angel Square
in twenty minutes.
BO
Matthew has your mom still been getting
those strange calls?
MATTHEW
(nods)
And the letters.
BO
What letters?
Realizing what he's admitting to Matthew doesn't want to say.
BO
Matthew look at me. What letters?
MATTHEW
The ones in the drawer.
BO
You saw some letters in the drawer?
MATTHEW
Yeah. Sometimes when mom goes
through the mail she gets all weird
and quiet and then she sticks the letter
into the drawer.
BO
Where are these letters sport?
Matthew looks down again.
BO
This is real important. Where are they?
Matthew gets up, goes to the bureau and brings a pile of letters to Bo.
MATTHEW
You're not going to tell mom are you?
BO
Tell mom what?
MATTHEW
That I was snooping. I don't want her
to get mad. I just don't want something
bad to happen.
BO
It's ok son, you did the right thing.
Opening the letters Bo only needs to skim one or two and he's scared.
BO
Matthew, I need you to do me a favor
and go upstairs with Mary Anne.
MATTHEW
Are you going to get mom?
BO
Yeah.
MATTHEW
But I want to go with you.
BO
I know you do but I need you to
work with me on this. I'll be back
here with Mom before you know it
ok?
MATTHEW
(reluctantly)
Ok.
Bo leans over giving his son a hug and a kiss on the head.
BO
I love you. Now lock this door behind
me ok?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
EXT. NORA'S PORCH – CONTINUIOUS
Closing the door Bo takes out his cell phone and dials.
BO
This is Commissioner Buchanan. I want
an officer in an unmarked car over here in
front of ADA Buchanan's house ASAP.
Tell them to watch the place until they
hear from me.
Closing his phone Bo hurries to his car.
