I do not own anything about The Mentalist. This is just for fun, and I make no money from writing this stuff.
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Here are the next two sneak peeks. I hope you enjoy them.
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Classic Navy 8.09
The team pairs with a homeland security team led by none other than Madeline Hightower to thwart a shadowy group's attempt to import weapons via the Texas coast.
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INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
The clock on the wall reads 7:55. Madeline Hightower, dressed in a smart navy suit, stands in the front of the room addressing several other agents. Her badge says:
HIGHTOWER, MADELINE
SUPERVISORY AGENT
HOMELAND SECURITY
HIGHTOWER: We have truck full of weapons, discovered in a warehouse here in Austin, and reliable evidence says they entered US territory by boat. We're lead on this one since the merchandise is so similar to the guns we recovered on the Baton Rouge case, but they could be intended for gang purchase, or something of that nature, rather than terrorist imports.
She looks up at the clock.
HIGHTOWER: (CONT'D) For that reason, the FBI is loaning us one of their Austin teams to assist. As soon as they get here, I'll bring….
The conference room door opens and in walks Cho, Lisbon, Ramos, Wylie, and Branch. Hightower and Lisbon break into broad surprised grins, and Cho has an amused look on his face.
HIGHTOWER: Well, well, well.
The Homeland agents look confused.
CHO: (to group) I'm Cho, Austin FBI. We're here to assist. (explaining) Some of us have worked for Agent Hightower before.
HIGHTOWER: Yes, you have. Take a seat and I'll get everyone briefed.
Her raised eyebrow says 'we have some catching up to do later.' She calls up a map onto the large TV screen behind her.
HIGHTOWER: (CONT'D) Here's what we know. The weapons made land somewhere in this area. (puts a pointer on a coastline spot) The truck used for transport was found in a warehouse here in Austin. The driver says he didn't load the truck, and didn't see the vessel. He also says he doesn't know the intended buyer. So, people, we need to know how they got in, and where they were going. Here are your assignments…
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INT. CONFERENCE ROOM- DAY
Clock reads 5:50. Hightower stands in front of room populated by most of same agents from the morning, sans Cho and a couple of Homeland agents.
HIGHTOWER: We've made progress today. Good work everyone. We'll convene back here at 7:30 in the morning.
Lisbon lingers as the other agents file out. She and Hightower grin at each other.
LISBON: Hey, if you're not too tired, I have an idea.
HIGHTOWER: What's that?
LISBON: I could pick up some take out and we could drive down to our place – surprise Jane? I'm sure he'd love to see you.
HIGHTOWER: So he's not a consultant anymore?
LISBON: After Christopher was born he still worked part time. But then..
HIGHTOWER: I heard about the shooting – it was close?
LISBON: Yeah. Scared the crap out of me. Three months ago. He's fine now, but he hasn't worked a case since. Doesn't seem interested.
HIGHTOWER: Too bad. We could use him on this one.
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EXT. JANES' CABIN – DUSK
Two cars pull into the driveway. Lisbon gets out of the first, carrying a big bag of food, and waits for Hightower to emerge from the other car. They walk toward the house and Lisbon puts a finger to her lips. Shhh. There is loud music coming from the cabin.
INT. JANES' CABIN – CONTINUOUS
The front door opens quietly as Lisbon and Hightower slip in. Chuck Berry 's Johnny B Goode blares in the living room, and they peek around the corner to see Jane and Christopher playing air guitar. Father and son face the window overlooking the pond, unaware they are being observed.
Jane is barefoot, dressed in jeans and a T shirt and the child wears only a diaper. As they play air guitar, the baby dances in jerky, toddler motions. The chorus starts. The child sings two words over and over.
CHRISTOPHER: Go Zonny. Go Zonny.
Lisbon covers her mouth with her hand, trying not to laugh out loud, and Hightower's mouth hangs open. She cannot believe her eyes. Jane spies their reflection in the glass in front of him, and turns around with a big, surprised smile. He's not the least bit embarrassed.
JANE: Madeline!
CHRISTOPHER: (turns, sees his mother) MaMa!
The child does a Frankenstein 'new to walking' walk toward Lisbon as Jane cuts off the music. Lisbon hands the bags to Jane and scoops up her delighted son.
Jane looks over Hightower, taking everything in. Notes her relaxed demeanor, the diamond and wedding band on her finger, her smart suit.
JANE: What a surprise. You look great, Agent Hightower. Homeland Security, is it?
HIGHTOWER: (amused) Yes, Homeland. After you took down the Blake Association, I got everything cleared up, and they offered me a good position out of New Orleans. We're in Texas for a case and the higher ups assigned an FBI team to work with us.
LISBON: Guess which team?
JANE: Wonderful. (lifts the bags of food) I'll get some plates. It's a nice night. How about we sit out on the screened porch? Catch up?
EXT. JANES' SCREENED PORCH – NIGHT
The remains of the meal sit on the table as Jane, Lisbon and Hightower relax. The baby sits in his highchair at the table as well, banging a toy against the tray. The toy falls to the floor, and he begins to fuss.
LISBON: I think this guy's had it.
Jane starts to stand, ready to take the baby.
LISBON: (CONT'D) You all stay out here and talk. I'll give him a quick bath and put him to bed.
He begins to cry in earnest. Jane rises out of his chair to give him a kiss on the head.
JANE: Mommy's doing bath tonight.
Lisbon disappears down the hall with the sniffling baby. Jane and Hightower regard one another, as Jane pours himself another half glass of wine. He starts to pour her some, and she shakes her head 'no.'
HIGHTOWER: I've gotta drive.
There's a moment of silence while Jane takes a sip of his wine and both of them reflect on how far they've come.
HIGHTOWER: (CONT'D) I never got a chance to thank you.
JANE: Nor I, you. You kept Bob Kirkland from cutting off my thumbs.
HIGHTOWER: Thank you, Patrick. For killing that son of a bitch. You're the only reason I have a life again.
Jane shrugs off the compliment, but smiles.
JANE: You're happy.
HIGHTOWER: I am. Mimi is 14, Will's 12. Rick's daughter is 11. We're a blended family, but it works. He's a widower, you know. I met him at a parent/teacher conference – Mimi's middle school science teacher.
JANE: Strange how such good things can follow such bad ones, isn't it?
A moment passes.
HIGHTOWER: Lisbon says you haven't been back to work. You okay?
JANE: Yeah, I'm fine. Big scar under my ribs here on the right (motions to the area), but I feel fine. All that cop stuff just seems less and less important to me.
Squeals of delight and the sound of running water are heard from down the hall. Jane wags a finger in their direction.
JANE: (CONT'D) Those two people. They are what's important. My only goal for the rest of my life is to keep them healthy and happy.
HIGHTOWER: Teresa misses you, you know? Working cases.
JANE: Meh. She loves what she does whether I'm there or not.
HIGHTOWER: She told me she does.
JANE: (surprised) She did?
HIGHTOWER: Cho's a great cop, but you're more fun. (flashes a devilish grin)
Jane blushes with delight, and stares at his hands.
HIGHTOWER: We could sure use you on this case.
He raises his eyes and squints. Is this just a ploy to get him to help on her case? He frowns. No, that's not it.
JANE: If you're worried about me, I'm fine.
HIGHTOWER: I can see that.
She tilts her head and gives him a warm smile.
HIGHTOWER: (CONT'D) It would make Lisbon happy.
JANE: She's worried about me?
HIGHTOWER: Worried might be a strong word.
Jane sits back, considering. Meanwhile, Lisbon reappears.
LISBON: He's down for the count. You must have worn him out today.
JANE: Chuck Berry will do that.
The three of them laugh. Hightower glances at her watch.
HIGHTOWER: I have to go. We've got a lot to do tomorrow.
Hightower rises and Jane follows her lead.
LISBON: It's so good to see you. Maybe we can get together again while you're in town.
HIGHTOWER: Definitely. We need to have a hell of a closed case party.
Jane drapes an arm around Lisbon's shoulders as they walk their guest to the door.
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INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
Clock reads 7:20. Only a few agents are seated in the room, and Hightower sits at the front table, working intently on her computer. Gradually other agents filter in, but she is absorbed in her work. She glances up at the time. 7:25. She closes her computer and stands, looks around the room, which is mostly full now.
The door opens. In walk Lisbon and Jane. Hightower smiles, and Jane gives her a little wave. Lisbon looks pleased, and says 'thank you' to Hightower with her eyes.
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INT. HIGHTOWER'S BOSS'S OFFICE – DAY
SUPERVISOR SMITH, (60ish) dour and graying, sits at his desk, glaring at Hightower, who stands before him.
SMITH: You want to search a US Naval vessel for illicit arms? Have you gone mad?
Hightower is obviously uncomfortable, but stands her ground.
HIGHTOWER: No sir, I haven't gone mad. If we search and find nothing, then we know for sure.
SMITH: You're accusing Captain Carlton, a decorated and respected veteran officer, of smuggling arms?
HIGHTOWER: I think this is the right call, sir.
The man stares hard at her for a few moments, yet she holds his gaze.
SMITH: You had better be right, Agent Hightower.
HIGHTOWER: Yes, sir.
She turns and exits his office, muttering under her breath.
HIGHTOWER: (to self) Jane, I sure hope you haven't lost your touch.
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INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
Both Homeland and FBI teams are seated as Supervisor Smith addresses them.
SMITH: I'd like to thank both teams here for their exemplary work on this case, and especially Supervisory Agent Hightower, for her excellent judgment and confidence in her teams. I'll be putting a commendation in your files.
Jane starts to make a comment, and Lisbon, sitting next to him, stomps his foot, stopping him.
JANE: (under his breath) Owww.
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INT. O'MALLEY'S BAR – NIGHT
Several members of both the Homeland and FBI teams are seated at a long table, including Jane, Lisbon, Cho, etc. Jane sits between Lisbon and Hightower, and talks to one of the Homeland agents across the table.
HOMELAND AGENT: What first made you suspect Captain Carlton?
JANE: Twitch of his jaw.
HOMELAND AGENT: (incredulous) A twitch?
JANE: He was angry. Then Wylie found out he had an autistic son, and he was trying to get special classes for him that the Navy wasn't providing.
HIGHTOWER: (to the mystified agent) This is how he works. (laughing) Don't try too hard to figure it out –it'll just give you a headache.
LISBON: I'm finally beginning to "get" it, a little bit. Maybe that should scare me.
Jane looks pleased. Takes a sip of his beer.
JANE: Teresa even posed as a psychic a couple of times.
HIGHTOWER: No way.
JANE: Yes, way. She was very good, I might add.
Lisbon blushes. She tucks her arm into his.
LISBON: (just to Jane) It's been nice to have you back.
FADE OUT
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8.10 Khaki Pants
Wylie embarks on his first undercover assignment when he infiltrates a San Antonio tech company that received "terrorist" type threats, and Jane suspects an inside job. When things take an unexpected turn, the team must pull out all the stops to get Wylie out safe.
EXT. SAN ANTONIO TEXAS – DAY
Establish San Antonio skyline, city streets. Pan in on:
Cho, Lisbon, Jane, and Ramos emerge from a contemporary office building. The front glass wall beside the door is lettered EPHEMERAL TECHNOLOGIES. They walk toward the parking lot. Cho answers his phone.
CHO: Cho.
JANE: (to rest of group) I'm famished. (he pats his stomach) All that talk of bytes, I suppose.
Lisbon rolls her eyes.
RAMOS: I'm hungry, too. It is two o'clock.
CHO: (into phone) Wait a minute. (puts hand over phone and speaks to group) I can't hear.
They quiet as all continue to walk toward the car.
CHO: Got it. Thanks, Wylie. We'll be back in Austin (pauses, listening) okay (beat) before five. Tell Branch – we'll brief everyone then.
Cho tucks his phone into his pocket.
CHO: Wylie says his girlfriend says we have to eat at a place called Chris Madrid's.
Everyone perks up at the mention of food.
CHO: Says they have the best burgers she's ever eaten.
RAMOS: That's what I'm talkin' about.
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INT. FBI HQ BULLPEN – DAY
The entire team is gathered in the bullpen, going over the facts of the case. Discussion is in progress.
CHO: We still don't know how those threats got in.
BRANCH: I mean, how in the world could someone know the precise locations?
JANE: There's an inside connection. Has to be.
RAMOS: I don't know how we're going to figure this out. I barely understood what the threat was, what with all the "tech speak."
LISBON: As I understand it, they're threatening to hack a part of the company's highly classified software that they sell to the defense department.
BRANCH: That's about as much as I'm getting, too.
WYLIE: (understands, but doesn't want to embarrass the others) Well, not exactly…
JANE: We need to put someone on the inside. Someone who actually understands all this, and is believable as an employee.
Everyone's head slowly turns to look at Wylie. His eyes get big, and he fidgets uncomfortably.
CHO: (looking straight at Wylie) Someone to go undercover.
WYLIE: I've…never really gone…undercover. By myself.
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INT. EPHEMERAL TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE – DAY
Wylie stands with one of the company's top brass, listening. Wylie is dressed in khakis, a blue ET polo shirt, black glasses, and clunky black shoes. A lanyard around his neck holds a dangling ID badge, and a messenger bag is slung over his shoulder.
COMPANY MAN: Your orientation going okay, Cooper?
WYLIE/COOPER: (flips out mini iPad) Yes, sir. I have the rest of the meeting schedule right here.
COMPANY MAN: Great. Good to have you.
He slaps Wylie/Cooper on the shoulder. As soon as the man walks away, Wylie takes a deep breath, gathering his courage.
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EXT. ROOF OF EPHEMERAL TECHNOLOGIES BLDG - DAY
Wylie jams the roof door shut and races over to hide behind a cooling unit. He looks frightened, and texts madly.
PHONE SCREEN: On roof. They'll be here soon.
PHONE SCREEN REPLY: Chopper on the way. ETA 4 min.
There is violent banging on the jammed door.
PHONE SCREEN: 2 late
The door bursts open. Wylie pulls his gun and chambers a round. The whir of helicopter blades is heard approaching in the distance.
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INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Wylie sits in hospital bed, with girlfriend Olivia Watson standing beside him. He is clearly worse for wear, but in good spirits. Cho, Branch and Ramos all stand in the room, visiting. Jane and Lisbon enter the room. Jane carries Christopher, and Lisbon holds some "GET WELL" balloons.
LISBON: Hey!
Lisbon waves the balloons cheerfully. When Christopher sees Wylie, his face lights up.
CHRISTOPHER: Unka Wy We. Unka Wy We!
They all laugh. Lisbon and Jane approach the bed.
LISBON: How are you feeling?
WYLIE: Much better, thanks.
BRANCH: That one was a little too close for comfort.
CHO: You did great, Wylie. You saved lives.
Olivia looks at him proudly, but also a bit concerned.
JANE: And I promise you, Olivia, that I will never intentionally suggest anything this dangerous for Agent Wylie, here, ever again.
The baby is bouncing and waving his arms excitedly, wanting to go to Wylie.
JANE: Christopher would never forgive me if something happened to his Unka Wywe. (smiles at the name) You know that electronic saxophone you gave him for his birthday never leaves his sight.
Wylie looks pleased, glances at Olivia with affection. They picked that one out together.
LISBON: It's true. He plays that thing constantly. Same four songs.
She narrows her eyes at Wylie.
LISBON: (CONT'D) And if you ever give him anything that makes noise again, I'll put you back in the hospital myself.
Everyone except Jane laughs.
LISBON: (CONT'D) (deadpan) I'm not kidding.
FADE OUT
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Thanks for reading. Next up - The Return of Agent Pike. *cue dissonant music*