Maddie and David: THREE YEARS LATER
Chapter 3
The scene opens as David, wearing an unbuttoned dress-shirt and slacks, knocks on the bathroom door…
David: Maddie, honey…let's go…
Maddie: Just a minute David, I'm almost finished curling my hair.
David: We're not going to have time to swing by your house if we don't get outta here…(buttons up his shirt.) Cause then I gotta drop you off at your office and head downtown for that court case.
Maddie: (Calls out)…don't worry about it, I can take a cab from my house.
David: You don't need to take a cab…you just need to finish up so we can go.
He tucks, zips and throws a tie around his neck. Maddie walks out of the bathroom…
David: (Teases.) Wow…great hair Mad-day.
Maddie: Thank you…that's what really matters ya know…
David: Of course I know…(looks in the mirror and smooths his back on both sides) look at this luxuriously thick head of hair I got…
Maddie: (Picking up things she has around the room.) Are you gonna primp or are we gonna get out of here?
CUT TO: In the car driving Maddie to Moonbeams Consulting…Maddie rifles through her purse.
David: You looking for a stick of gum…?
Maddie: (Mindlessly) No.
David: A hairbrush…a handkerchief?
Maddie: No, a contract…
David: God bless you…
Maddie: David, it's so weird…
David: Contracts? Not really…they're pretty standard business practices…
Maddie: No, not that…one of mine is missing.
David: Missing?
Maddie: Missing…
David: Have you thought about putting its picture on the back of a milk carton?
Maddie: It's not funny David, those contracts have a lot of personal information about the companies who hire me.
David: Ok…well…when did you last have it?
Maddie: Agnes got client signatures and finalized three contracts for new clients yesterday and they were all in an envelope together…but now one is gone.
David: …and you're sure Dipesto had all the paperwork in the envelope when she gave it to you?
Maddie: Yes, we went through it together and I personally signed all three contracts as well, and after handing them to Agnes she put them in an envelope…I put it in the zipper part of my bag and haven't touched it since…but now one of them is not here.
David: Ok..ok…well, don't panic, it'll turn up…we'll just have to retrace your steps.
Maddie: You know what the really weird thing is…
David: …UFOs are only ever recorded with terrible cameras?
Maddie: No David…the really weird thing is…the notes I took during the initial client meeting also disappeared…
David: The mysterious case of disappearing paper…news at 11…you should really call Unsolved Mysteries.
Maddie: (slightly annoyed.) David, you're not helping…
David: (reaches over and takes her hand.) Don't worry…don't worry, they'll turn up.
CUT TO: Moonbeams Consulting
Maddie and Agnes scour the office for the missing contract. They go over every step that Maddie took between the time that Agnes gave her the contracts and now…but can't figure out where it could have gone.
Maddie: Draw up another contract Agnes and I'll have to explain to the client what happened.
Agnes nods her head in agreement but leaves with a look of disappointment because she feels partly responsible for this situation. Maddie calls the client and explains that a second contract needs to be drawn up because the first one was misplaced. While the client is not happy about the private information being lost, they are understanding that mistakes happen and sign the second contract when it arrives. However, three days later, Maddie gets an emergency phone call in the middle of the night…
Maddie's house; Phone rings; 12:16am, David answers…
David: You'll have to find your late night kicks someplace else…she's taken…(listens.) …what's that? Where? Alright…alright…hang on…
He covers the receiver with his palm.
David: Maddie…Hey Maddie…your clients on the phone…
Maddie: My who…my what?
David: Your client…
Maddie: Client…?
David: Yeah, you know, those people who hire you to do work so you can pay the bills?
Maddie: Yes David, but what could they possibly want at this hour?
David: Seems that client you have with all the disappearing paperwork had their business broken into and one Moonbeams Consulting calling card was found at the scene…
Maddie: (Stunned) What!? (takes the phone.) Mrs. Alexander…what is going on!?
CUT TO: 1:30am, Maddie and David arrive at the business of Mrs. Alexander, which was ransacked earlier in the evening…there are police cars and flashing lights, Maddie and David find her client in the chaos.
Maddie: Mrs. Alexander…
Mrs. Alexander: Ms. Hayes..
Maddie: I'm so sorry…
Mrs. Alexander: Thanks for coming down at this hour.
Mrs. Alexander looks at the man standing next to Maddie…
Maddie: Mrs. Alexander…this is my boyfriend…and ex-associate...I mean partner…err…ex-business partner…David.
David and Mrs. Alexander shake hands.
David: What she's trying to say is…I am, currently, her boyfriend…but her ex-partner at a detective agency…
Maddie: (Touches his shoulder.) …and he's still a detective…which is why I brought him down here, hoping he can help get to the bottom of all this.
David: Yes, I'm happy to help in any way…so, please, tell us what happened here tonight…
Mrs. Alexander explains that she was alerted by the police that her business and been broken into just after 11pm, and by the time she got there all of the documents, blueprints and plans that had been drawn up regarding the future of the business had been stolen. The only information about the plans and documents existing was in the notes and contract that she drew up with Moonbeams Consulting. Also, a Moonbeams Consulting invoice slip for another service performed was found at the scene, crumpled up in the garbage. After gathering all the information, David spots a police buddy of his, so he heads over to talk to him about what else they know. Maddie profusely apologizes to Mrs. Alexander and they head into the building so Maddie can take a look at the invoice slip.
CUT TO: 4am, David and Maddie driving home…
Maddie: That Moonbeams invoice left there didn't have anything to do with Mrs. Alexander's business…
David: So…now, go through your book of receipts and see who exactly that invoice belongs to…
Maddie: And then what do I do?
David: Then, track down the person who paid that invoice and see how they're connected…
Maddie: Sounds like a lot of leg work…
David: (Looks her up and down.) No one does leg work better than you…
Maddie: (Throws him a cute, sad face.) Aren't you gonna help me?
David: (Scoffs.) …Help you? Hey lady, I got a day job…sounds like you need to hire yourself a detective…
Maddie: Yeah?
David: Yeah.
Maddie: Do you know anyone?
David: Eh. I might…
Maddie: I'm gonna need someone with experience…
David: Always depends on what you're willing to pay…
Maddie: Sure…sure, I understand…so, what would a detective with…say…your experience cost?
David: (feigning surprise.) Me!? You want me to take this case? Honey, you can't afford me…I am senior Detective over at Sloan…Senior Detectives don't deal with missing paper…I can probably get one of the interns to take this on…
Maddie: (Laughs.) David…
David: (Smiles.) Alright…alright…you might be in luck because it's a slow week around Sloan…so maybe I can help you out…
Maddie: Yeah? How much!?
David: Well…over at Sloan we got something called the "girlfriend discount," So…I might be able to apply that here…
Maddie: (teasing.) You would? You could? …You sure?
David: …Well, I gotta run it past Sloan first…but I'd say there's a pretty good chance…you know, you holding the title for…what is it…three months now? I'll, let him know how well you've been doing in the position and assure him that there will be no imminent changes…yeah, yeah…I'm pretty sure, I can make this happen for you…
Maddie: Whatta guy…
Just as they finish their conversation Maddie pulls into her driveway and parks. David looks into the sky.
David: Suns coming up soon…Whadda ya say we grab another hour or two of shut-eye and I'll head into the office with you…we'll get cracking on this case.
Maddie: Sounds good baby.
David gets out of the car and opens the driver's side door for Maddie…they head inside for some much needed sleep.
CUT TO: Moonbeams Consulting
Shortly after 9am Maddie and David arrive at Maddie's office…when Ms. Dipesto looks up and sees them coming through the door together she gets the biggest smile on her face.
Ms. Dipesto: (Stands up and walks around the desk.) Mr. Addison!
David gives her a hug….
David: Hiya Agnes
Ms. Dipesto: Wow…seeing the two of you walking in here like this is just…wow!
David: Yeah, it is pretty amazing isn't it, standing upright and everything, though I suppose we owe most of that to evolution…
David slips his arm around Maddie's waist.
Maddie: (Smiles.) Morning Ms. Dipesto.
Ms. Dipesto: Morning Ms. Hayes…so, what brings you in here so early, Mr. Addison?
Maddie: Something happened last night Agnes…and we need a detective.
David and Maddie explain everything to Dipesto and she gets out the receipt book for David, who then sets up shop on the couch and table in Maddie's office to begin tracking down who the invoice belongs to and how they might be connected to the client's business.
CUT TO: A few hours later.
Maddie: How's it going, detective?
David: This receipt tracks back to the cleaning service the building has hired to tidy up the office after hours…
Maddie: The cleaning service? So…
David: So, I thought maybe the connection was they also clean over at Mrs. Alexander's building, but I just got back from talking to the company owner and that's not one of their clients.
Maddie: So what are you gonna do now…?
David: We've got to do a little interviewing…
Maddie: a little Interviewing?
David: Yep – we need to talk to each individual maid who cleans in this building.
Maddie: About what?
David: About any connection they might have to Mrs. Alexander, her business or her family…we also need to know more about Mrs. Alexander's private life.
Maddie: We do?
David: We do…
Maddie: Why…
David: Madolyn, have you lost all your investigative skills? We need to know about her personal life to see if someone is out to get her, out to sabotage her…out to ruin her business and why. The thief went after something very specific…
Maddie: Boy am I glad I hired a detective…
Maddie reaches up to take David's face and pull him in for a kiss. He takes her hands and stops her.
David: Ah. Ah. Ah. No kissy kissy on company time.
Maddie: No…what?
David: No kissy kissy…this is a professional environment, Maddie.
Maddie: Since when do you keep it so professional?
David: You don't know how I've changed since the Blue Moon days,…Mr. Sloan doesn't allow those kinds of shenanigans.
Maddie: Great…you listen to him…but you never listened to me…?
David: I was too busy trying to look down your dress…
Maddie: You're an animal…
David: That explains why I like getting scratched behind the ears…
David starts to put on his jacket…
Maddie: Where're you going?
David: I've gotta run back to Sloan, get some equipment and pick up my associate Miguel…most of these cleaning women are Mexican and he's going to have to interview them in Spanish and then translate to me…it's going to be a long night…better have Dipesto order in subs.
Maddie: Will do…ta ta…
David: So long…
He moves quickly out the door of Maddie's office and she stands there feeling like she was just in the middle of a whirlwind…she gets a sense of deja vu. Suddenly David sweeps back into the room and takes Maddie in his arms…
David: Ok, well since we're on Moonbeams territory, maybe one quick kiss…
Maddie: There's the David Addison I know and love…
They kiss slowly and sweetly and then he pulls back and looks into her eyes for a moment, he wipes a few stray hairs back from her face.
David: Wow…you are so beautiful.
Maddie: David.
He smiles and turns to leave…
David: Be back soon.
CUT TO: That night, 10:30pm, Maddie and David drive back to her place…
Maddie: Any clues?
David: Actually yeah, two of the women were very nervous and evasive.
Maddie: Yeah? So, maybe one of them knows something…?
David: They're also sisters…
Maddie: Interesting…
David: But they are both married and have six kids between them…hardly the profile of a thief. If they are involved, what would be the motive?
Maddie: I don't know, but sounds like we need to dig a little deeper into their backgrounds to see if there's any connection.
David: Yep
Maddie: I did a little digging into Mrs. Alexanders personal life while you were doing the interviews and she's getting divorced.
David: Divorced…
Maddie: Divorced. Filed a few weeks ago…and get this…he's got a mistress who owns a competing business to Mrs. Alexander's…
David: Uh-huh.
Maddie: …and a big house up in the Hollywood Hills.
David: …and this big house…it wouldn't happen to need a cleaning service, would it?
Maddie: I'll be checking into who does the tidying up around there in the morning…
David: Now your detective mind is cookin'…good work partner.
Maddie: Partner…?
David: (Grins.) For the short term…
Maddie sits with an unhappy look on her face, David looks sideways at her…
David: I thought this was kinda fun…aren't you…having fun?
Maddie: Fun? No…no, I don't consider trying to find a person who is stealing from my place of business fun…
David: Well…no not that part, but you and me, working a case together like old times…
Maddie: Sorry David…I'd rather have a normal day at work than have your papers and equipment cluttering up my office…
David: (Can't help but be a little hurt.) Well, just give me a few days to solve this for you ma'am and I'll be out of your hair…
Maddie: What…you're hurt?
David: I've been there for a day…a day, Maddie, and you're acting like it's a big inconvenience…
Maddie: It's not personal, David, this is all an inconvenience…it's not fun…I've got work to do…
David: Well, so do I…and I'm putting it all on hold to help you!
Maddie: …and I appreciate that you want to help…that you're here…helping... working the case…I wouldn't trust anyone else to do it…but I much prefer our life how it is now…separation between work and personal.
David: I don't understand you…
Maddie: What's not to understand?
David: How you can be so warm at home and so cold at work…
Maddie: It's business…
David: Well, I don't expect to be treated business-like …as a boyfriend going out of my way to get to the bottom of all this for you…
Maddie: Oh…I didn't know it was such an inconvenience for you…
David: (angry.) That's not how I meant it…I'd just like some appreciation…
Maddie: (Yelling) I said I appreciate it, David!
David: Pretty hard to tell from where I'm sitting.
Maddie: Well…I guess, as usual…we are not on the same page…so let's just end this conversation before we're slamming doors and hurling insults.
David: I think I'll just drop you off and go home tonight.
Maddie: Fine.
David: Fine.
Maddie: Good.
David: Good.
CUT TO: The next morning, Maddie arrives to work and enters her office. David is packing up his things.
Maddie: Morning…
David: Sure is.
Maddie: Look, David, I'm sorry about all the things I said yesterday…all the things I did…
David continues to pack his things somberly…
Maddie: I was being silly…and selfish…
David: Won't dispute that.
Maddie: Well, I hope you're not packing up and leaving on my account…of course I don't mind your stuff being here…it should be here…
David: Nope, I'm packing up because case closed.
Maddie: Case closed? What do you mean case closed?
David: Well, I figured everything out last night, but got there a little too late…Mrs. Alexandra shot and killed her soon to be ex-husbands mistress...and then shot herself.
Maddie: She what!?
David: Yep…created a Jackson Pollock all over the walls of that beautiful Hollywood mansion…and then created another one for herself.
Maddie: Oh, David.
David: Yeah, pretty gruesome…turns out the mistress hired her housekeeper to steal the information regarding Mrs. Alexandra's business…these camera's here in your office caught the cleaning women stealing that contract out of your bag when you used the executive commode last week.
Maddie: They did? Wow…I need tighter security.
David: (Zips his bag.) Well, you'll have to hire a different company for that.
Picks up his bag and looks at Maddie.
Maddie: So that's it?
David: That's it.
Maddie: You heading back to Sloan?
David: Yep – back to life as usual.
Maddie: Is it?
David: For some, yes.
Maddie: What about for us?
David looks into her eyes.
David: Whadda you worried about?
Maddie: (shifts.) I don't know, I just don't want you to hate me…
David: Hate you?
Maddie: For being so cold to you sometimes.
David sets his bag down.
David: Nonsense…C'mere (They hug.) I'm just a little down, it was such a heavy scene last night…I'm glad you weren't there to see it.
Maddie: So you and I are ok?
David: Of course…of course.
Maddie: Thank you again David, you really are the best boyfriend in the world for doing all this for me…
David: I'm always going to be there for you...whether you like it or not.
Maddie: And I do appreciate that…whether I always show it or not.
She pets his cheek…he looks a little sad.
Maddie: I'm sorry you had to see all that David…I'm sorry the case took such a nasty turn…
Maddie pulls David into a tight hug and he holds on relaxing into her warmth.
CUT TO: Maddie and David drive away from Mrs. Alexander's funeral.
Maddie: Well, that was a nice service for such a horrific ending.
David: Yeah…I thought the priest did a nice job focusing on the better parts of her life.
Maddie takes his hand.
Maddie: And how're you doing?
David: Me? Yeah…good…good, I'm good. I was just thinking you and I should go out…eat too much, drink too much, get a little stupid…celebrate life a little.
Maddie: Sure David, where do you want to go?
David: Stacks…
Maddie: (making a face.) Stacks…?
David: Stacks…best burger in town.
Maddie: The way we're dressed?
David: Come on Maddie…you can't get stupid at a place with white tablecloths…they got a $7 burger and beer special, my treat.
Maddie: Ugh…fine…
Maddie accelerates towards the burger joint.
CUT TO: Maddie and David enter Stacks Burgers
Bartender: Yo, Addison!
David: Hey, Rusty…my man.
David greets the bartender with a hand slap and shake. He pulls out the barstool for Maddie and she sits.
David: (introduces) Rusty…Maddie…Maddie…Rusty.
Maddie: Hi Rusty
Rusty nods towards Maddie as a hello.
Rusty: (To David.) Where have you been…I haven't seen you here in ages.
David: I know…I miss this place, I had to bring Maddie here to try the best burger in town.
Rusty: So, what'll it be?
David: Two double cheeseburgers with the works and two beers (pets Maddie's shoulder) she'll have hers in a glass.
Maddie looks at him like he's nuts.
David: Trust me, you're gonna eat the whole thing, it's that good. Besides, they don't even have salad on the menu.
Maddie shrugs and nods in agreement. Rusty gives them their beers and puts the order in with the kitchen.
David: (raises his glass.) To…living and breathing another day…
They cheers.
Rusty: You two are sure dressed up, you come from a wedding?
Maddie: A funeral…
Rusty: Oh, I'm sorry…
David: It's ok…no one we knew well…a client of ours kinda took the fast lane outta here…
Rusty: You still in the detective business?
David: I am…but Maddie here owns her own consulting business now…it was a woman she was working with.
Rusty: (snaps his fingers.) Oh…right, Maddie…Maddie…I remember you talking about this beautiful creature…
Maddie: (smiles.) We used to work together as detectives.
Rusty: And now…?
David: (Rubs Maddie's back.) And now…we're together, but we don't work together anymore.
Rusty: Right…right…(to Maddie.) Well, let me tell you…he used to talk about you all the time…wanted you to be with him if you were gonna be with anyone…he was smitten.
David: (covering.) You thought I was talking about her….No, no, no Rusty…you got it all wrong…that was the other Maddie I knew. This Maddie bid for me in an auction…I was the top prize…
Maddie: (kidding) Top prize? Consolation prize maybe…
David: (to Rusty.) She spent an obscene amount of money that day…got in a bidding war with a stewardess, the reigning Miss America and a Chippendale…
Maddie: (Scoffs) …and if you believe that Rusty, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you…
Rusty: (Winks at her.) Don't believe it for a second.
Maddie and David eat their burgers and Maddie agrees it's one of the best burgers she's ever had. They drink their beers and chat with Rusty and others that come in. David even gets Maddie singing part of a song into a pretzel stick…they have a great time and let loose a little after a stressful week.
CUT TO: The weekend, Maddie and David strolling hand in hand along the Santa Monica shoreline on Saturday evening.
David: When I was a kid my old man would take us take us down to the shore on a hot day and I'd just stare out into the water wondering if I would fall off the edge of the earth if I sailed out far enough…
Maddie: So, when did you figure out the Earth is round?
David: Is the Earth round?
Maddie: (Laughs.) David…
David: (Smiles) Maddie…
They walk along in silence.
David: Speaking of kids…
Maddie: Were we speaking of kids?
David: Well…kinda…me as a kid…which made me think of you as a kid…which made me think of the cute kid we'd have…
Maddie: the cute kid we'd have…?
David: Yeah, the cute kid we'd have…if…you know, we had 'em.
Maddie: We would have to have 'em to see if they were cute…
David: (Squeezes her hand.) This combination…how could we lose?
Maddie smiles. David looks at her sideways.
David: So…
Maddie: So…?
David: What's on your mind?
Maddie: Nothing's on my mind…
David: I see that blonde brain chugging…
Maddie: No…no, I'm not thinking anything in particular.
David: You haven't answered the question.
Maddie: Did you ask me a question?
David: Any thoughts about having a baby? I mean…I know years ago you thought you might not have kids…weren't sure if you wanted them...and then we got pregnant and lost junior…so, I just wonder where your heads at these days as far as kids go…
Maddie: That's a good question David, an important question…something we should definitely discuss because it affects you now too…
David: Yeah…yeah, you know, that's why I bring it up…
Maddie: Well, to be perfectly honest David…I just don't think I see myself having children anymore.
David: Really…
Maddie: Really. Does that surprise you?
David: Surprise me? No…I guess it doesn't surprise me after everything you went through the last time you were pregnant.
Maddie shrugs and nods; David rubs her back.
Maddie: So, what about you? Did you always think you'd have children?
David: Yeah…yeah, I always thought I'd have a few bambines running around.
Maddie: Would you be disappointed if we didn't have a child?
David: (Scratches his head) Well…now, that's something I'd have to think about…
Maddie: You would…you'd be disappointed.
David: Well…I didn't say that…but I guess I just never pictured my life without children so I guess I'll have to think about if it's something I can live with…
Maddie: And what if it's not something you can live with?
David: Whadda you mean?
Maddie: What if you decide having kids is something you definitely want?
David: (Puts his arm around her.) Then I guess I'll have to start working on my girlfriend to change her mind…
Maddie: But…I mean, what if I decide it's not for me…is that a …
David: A deal breaker?
Maddie nods.
David: No…no, of course not. If you decide you don't want to be a mother…and I think you'd make one hell of a mother by the way…
Maddie: Thanks David…
David: but if you really decided that it wasn't something you wanted to do…or needed to do…I'd have to accept that.
Maddie: You sure? Because I really don't feel an urge to have a child, David, but if it's important to you, then it's not something you should miss out on.
David: Well…no one ever said you can have everything in life…
Maddie: No…but it's a pretty big thing to give up…
David: Well… it is something you're at least willing to think about?
Maddie: Yeah…yes, I think that's fair…it's something I will think about.
David slips his arm through hers and they walk on as the sun sets.
CUT TO: A week later at the Sloan Investigations quarterly dinner. Maddie talks to one of David's co-workers.
Silvia: …and what is the name again of the place you used to rent your surveillance equipment? The place I used last week was very expensive.
Maddie: Peepers Surveillance – they're in Culver City, so depending on where you're coming from, it could be a bit of a drive, but we always found their equipment to be reliable and decently priced.
Silvia: Oh great…I've got to write that down.
Maddie: Yeah…if you forget, David knows…I think he still uses them.
Silvia: Ok…good to know.
Maddie: The owners name is Steve, tell 'em Blue Moon sent ya.
Silvia: (Laughs) I'll be sure to do that.
Silvia's husband joins them.
Silvia: Have you met my husband, Ken? Ken, this is Maddie, David's girlfriend…
Ken: Right…right…and I know you as the "Blue Moon Girl."
Maddie: (Smiles) That was a long time ago…
Silvia: I used to use that stuff just to have hair like yours…and you've still got great hair…
Maddie: Thank you…David and I were just discussing the merits of that the other day.
David joins.
David: Did I hear my name?
Maddie: We were talking about hair…
David: My hair? (ruffles his hair) Or lack thereof…
Maddie: No…my hair…and how you and I were discussing the importance of good hair the other day.
David: Which is why I'm trying to hold on to every one I got.
Maddie: Do you know Sylvia's husband Ken…
David stretches out his hand.
David: We've met a time or two, yes…nice to see you man.
Ken: You too David, but it's the first time I've seen you with Maddie…have you two been together long?
David and Maddie pause and laugh and really don't know where to begin…
David: Just about…what has it been now, three months…?
Sylvia laughs.
Maddie: (Elbows him.) David…
David: No…no, I mean, we've known each other…7 years…minus 3, for the years we didn't talk… plus 3 months, leads us to today…does that make sense?
Ken looks confused.
Sylvia: They used to own a business together…a detective agency.
Maddie: Well…actually, I owned a detective agency and David worked for me.
Ken: I see…so, why three months…?
David: (Looks at his watch.) How long you got here Ken…it's a bit of a long and sordid tale.
They all laugh and just then Mr. Sloan asks everyone to take their seats for dinner.
David: oooh – saved by the bell, so to speak..grab a drink, Ken and we'll draw you a timeline...
Everyone sits down and Maddie and David give Ken the overview of their long and winding road relationship. They chat with others at the table and pick through mediocre food at the banquet dinner. Then, once everyone is done eating Mr. Sloan addresses the room and gives a speech about how their quarter went and some goals for the next quarter. He also has a few awards to give out…
Sloan: Now, I want to talk about our top detective this quarter…he has not only solved the highest number of cases, he's built great relationships within our community with the police, the courts and many other important liaisons. He's also a great mentor to many of our young detectives…he has really become an expert in the field and I'm so happy to have him as part of the team…David Addison.
Everyone claps and David is caught off guard because Sloan has many great Detectives. Maddie stands and claps the loudest and is so proud of David.
Sloan: (Hands him the placard.) Congratulations, David.
They shake hands.
David: Thank you Mr. Sloan.
Sloan: (gestures.) Say a few words, David.
David: (Holds up his award.) Woooooo! Wow…this is great, this is great…and unexpected…well…it is me, so not totally unexpected…but…no, no, I kid…this is great. Thank you first to Mr. Sloan who has been a mentor to me the three years I've been here. He's given me great cases and has always been supportive of me trying new techniques and even roughing up a few people if I have to…
Everyone laughs.
David: I also need to thank the LAPD for their support, especially the fingerprinting and tracing units who do such great and speedy work for us. (Gestures to the Chief of Police who is there.)
David: But the person I really owe all this to is my beautiful girlfriend Madolyn…
He gestures to her and starts clapping
David: Come on…give it up for her…come on
Maddie sits smiling, but slightly embarrassed as everyone claps.
David: If it wasn't for her…I literally would not be a detective. We were just talking about this over here…(gestures to his table.) but, Maddie owned the agency where I first starting working as a detective and she and I were partners in that business…(looks at Maddie) what? Ok, ok…she's giving me a look…correction, we were associates at Blue Moon…and we did a lot of great work together…and now she's my girlfriend and we do a lot of great work together someplace else…
Everyone laughs and Maddie looks embarrassed and facepalms herself.
David: I'll get slapped for that later…but anyway…(puts his hand on his heart and looks at Maddie) Thank you…I love you…I couldn't do any of this without you…well, I guess I could, but it certainly wouldn't be as rewarding. (he blows her a two-fingered kiss and Maddie blinks her eyes down and looks back up at him smiling.) Thank you, everyone…now let's par-tay!
Everyone applauds and David makes his way back to the table chatting with a few people along the way.
Sylvia: (Dabs tears.) Wow…that is honestly the sweetest speech I have ever heard…(nudges Ken.) How come you never say those things about me?
Ken: I haven't won any awards!
Maddie smiles. David approaches and they kiss.
Maddie: That was wonderful David, thank you.
She takes the awards and looks at it.
Maddie: Congratulations!
She gives him a big hug.
CUT TO: That night at home; Maddie is sitting at her vanity wiping off makeup and getting ready for bed. David walks around the room holding the placard up in different places seeing where it would look best.
David: We might have to take some of these magazine covers of you down, honey…the sunlight would hit this placard great first thing in the morning.
Maddie walks towards him rubbing lotion on her hands.
Maddie: As much as I love you…and am proud of that award, I think it would look best hung on the walls at your own house…spruce the place up a bit.
David: Well…I'm thinking about the future…eventually, we're going to have to consolidate our things, this will just save me carrying it back and forth.
Maddie: We will, huh?
David: Well, yeah…don't you think?
Maddie: What are you saying…you…move in…here?
David: Well, I don't think all your stuff will fit into my apartment.
Maddie smiles.
David: I mean…look, we're together five, six nights a week anyway, so how will it be any different?
Maddie: It'll be different because when we fight…one of us has somewhere to go to get away…
David: It's a big house Maddie, lots of rooms…I'll be happy to disappear into one of em.
Maddie: It's a big step David…it changes things…
David: For the better maybe.
Maddie: Aren't you happy with how things are now?
David: Sure…things are great…but we need to keep progressing.
Maddie: and when are you thinking all this should happen?
David: Totally up to you…but I'm ready when you are.
Maddie: OK then…why don't you move in?
David: (shocked.) What?
Maddie: Get your things, rent your apartment and move in.
David: Just like that? You sure?
Maddie: Well…it has been 7 years David…
David: You think you can tolerate me every day…?
Maddie: Nope…but (moves close and puts her hand on his chest.) I don't have much choice…I've kinda gotten used to you. What about you…will you be able to tolerate me?
David: I can tolerate parts of you every day.
Leans back and looks her up and down.
Maddie: You tell stupid jokes.
David: That's part of my charm.
They kiss and then part and David picks up his award. Maddie sits on the bed watching him.
David: Well, in light of that news bulletin…where should I hang this thing?
Maddie: I think we'll find a place in the study, David.
David: Not where I can see it every morning when I wake up?
Maddie: How 'bout a place you can admire it whenever you want.
David: Sounds fair.
David stands, silently reading what the placard says again.
Maddie: It was a great speech, David…you know what I was thinking when you were up there, looking so gorgeous, accepting that award and saying all those nice things?
David: (Half-listening) What?
Maddie: I thought "I'm looking at the father of my children right now…"
David looks up with a shocked expression on his face that slides into a dimpled grin.
TO BE CONTINUED.
