TWO WEEKS LATER
APPEARS ON THE SCREEN
EXT. CLEAR DAY.
Early October Afternoon.
EXT. GROUND ZERO. LOWER MANHATTAN. NEW YORK CITY.
A site, where the the two original World Trade Centers stood. It is now debris of the two former structure, collapsed in a pile of rubble and metals.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION WORKERS. / FIRE CREWS / LAW ENFORCERS
Working and assisting tirelessly, removing debris by hand or by using Diggers. Some look they haven't slept for days or much for weeks.
EXT. CITIZENS.
The people of New York City come together to search for possible survivors, even three weeks on, from that terrible September 11th day. Some who are assisting, have also possibly lost loved ones or searching those who are still missing.
Emergency and Construction Vehicles and Ribbons create road blocks in the surrounding area, of what was occupied by the World Trade Center complexes. People from all around the World, watch the clean up and rescue attempts. Others offer to participate in assistance. The tragedy has created the most desperate rescue mission, since World War Two. Nobody, can still comprehend what happened and why. Even, in the midst of the turmoil, the people still come together, as one. Even, the biggest of evil, cannot knock down the American Dream. The unity of the American's is even stronger now, even though the loss is unbearable. The fight will be fought to the end and justice will prevail.
A RADIO REPORT IS HEARD.
RADIO REPORTER
"President Bush, has declared war on terror. Those responsible will be held accountable for the cowardly evil they brought to America and will be brought to justice. Osama Bin Laden leader of the terrorist group, Al - Qaeda is the main culprit behind the attacks last month and whom is currently, what we presume, is residing in Afghanistan of which where President Bush intends to invade in the coming days...
(O.S.)
THE CAMERA MOVES A FEW HUNDRED FEET BACK FROM THE SITE.
EXT. HARRY WILSON.
The Forty One Year Old Senator - now Widower - stands despondently staring at the site, where his beloved wife, Tina, has supposedly perished.
The last year, has possibly the most dramatic and stressful for him and September 11th was probably the worst day of his life, since the bizarre murder of his parents in 1979. Having to endure a Marital separation from Tina. A political campaign, which had deadly interference, the possible loss of Tina months earlier and yet the actually possibility she may have died in the North Tower Collapse. However, in the midst of all the hurt, Harry and Tina's first born, Scarlett, (now Rebecca) has reunited with her father. But, it's a real awkward moment and the bonding may take time. The brief return from vengeful Jill Flanders was another threat to hinder the Harry and Tina love story.
EXT. OTTO COLE
A Sixty Year Old, former State Senator and now once again Lawyer, in a grey suit, appears behind Harry and taps him on the shoulder.
Harry eyes glances to Otto, but he quickly turns his attentions, back to the clean up efforts, with Tina still in mind. Otto stands beside him and too looks towards Ground Zero, still coming to terms with events, weeks earlier.
OTTO
Sends shivers down your spine doesn't it? How one evil Bastard can just bring down two, over one thousand foot structures and take thousands of lives with it. Even had the balls to attack the Pentagon.
Otto turns to Harry, who again looks motionless. Lost in his own World. Still grieving for his only love.
OTTO
You should go home. You look tired buddy.
HARRY
It wouldn't be right. The people need me.
OTTO
You're grieving. They'll understand.
Harry swiftly turns to face Otto. He looks in a disagreement with his friend.
HARRY
Understand this Otto, Buddy. Tina is alive.
Otto feels awkward. He can understand Harry's denial.
OTTO
Harry. I want that miracle more than you know. But, we have to be realistic...
Harry seethes at Otto's claim and immediately interrupts him.
HARRY
No -NO!
(Rage)
Otto is caught off guard, by Harry's brief outburst. Harry tries to get a hold of his tone.
HARRY
I don't want to hear that.
Otto tries to calm the situation.
OTTO
Harry. Go home and be with your daughter. Rebecca never got to meet her mother. She needs you now.
Harry hesitates for a moment, still refusing to budge. Still in denial.
HARRY
In my own time.
Harry turns back to watch the city people, work on Ground Zero. Otto taps Harry on the arm and reluctantly walks away. Harry appears to have made his feelings clear. He continues to believe Tina has not died in the terrorist attacks.
EXT. PRECINCT 13
Police Station.
INT. JEFF WILSON OFFICER. - PHOTOGRAPH- CLOSE UP.
A photograph of Jeff & Oscar together at a football game on Jeff's desk.
INT. JEFF WILSON
The Forty Eight Year Old Lieutenant is sat in his chair staring at the picture of his son and himself. He picks it up and touches it tenderly. Currently, he has sole custody of his infant son, while Lola is in medical care. Lola is at this moment in time catatonic, due to the shock death of her husband, George Parent and possible loss of her best friend, Tina. With, this in mind and the lasting trauma it could have on his son being without Lola for sometime and for how long until she recovers, he may have to make a big decision. He places the photo frame down.
There is a knock on his office door, with glass a frame, looking into the outer offices. Jeff sits back tiresomely and puts his hands behind his head.
JEFF
Yeah?
INT. DORIA BRAMLEY.
A Thirty Year Old, Red headed Clerk enters the office.
DORIA
Lieutenant. Mr Carlisle will be arriving tomorrow morning at Ten O Clock. And he say's he's got the necessary documents to temporarily fill the position.
Jeff puffs his cheeks. He is stressed and takes a few moments to acknowledge Bramley's message.
JEFF
Thank you, Doria. That is ne weight off my shoulders I guess.
Bramley briefly shows some support for Jeff, whom looks uncomfortable.
DORIA
Is there anything I can do?
JEFF
Are you any good at counselling kids?
(sarcastic)
Bramley takes the hint, that Oscar is struggling to cope, without Lola around. Bramley walks up to Jeff's desk.
DORIA
Oscar missing his Mother?
Jeff gets to his feet and walks over to the Coffee Percolator. Jeff too, looks like he's not slept in days or weeks.
JEFF
I've been telling him over and over, his mother has gone away on vacation and he keeps badgering me, on 'why she didn't take him with her?'
(Jeff's pours the coffee and heads round the desk to Bramley)
He's not stupid. You can only bullshit a kid for so long, until that same old record wears out.
Jeff sits on the edge of his desk.
DORIA
He sounds adorable.
Jeff chuckles a bit in agreement and disagreement.
JEFF
Yeah. That's why I have to do this. He needs me. What kind of happiness is he gonna have, if both his parents are absent?
Doria shrugs.
DORIA
You could always buy him a Puppy.
Jeff is about to take a sip out of his coffee, but stops when he hears that suggestion. A suggestion that he doesn't take to kindly too. Doria awkwardly smiles and takes the hint, that her idea is a no, no.
DORIA
Maybe not.
Momentary silence, as Jeff takes a sip of his coffee and places the mug on the desk.
JEFF
How are you holding up? I know you and your cousin were close. You're handling it well.
DORIA
It's all I can do. My mother's been my strength and...work. ...
How is Lola?
Jeff shakes his head downbeat.
JEFF
The same. The Doctors don't know how long she'll stay that way. The physical injuries to her legs were bad enough..but her mind..It's lost at the moment.
Doria feels sorrow for Jeff.
DORIA
I'm sorry.
Your brother?
HARRY
He still thinks Tina, is still alive.
DORIA
Is it possible
JEFF
Having a Building with over One Thousand Storeys, fall on top of you...
I've heard of miracles. But, that would be the most incredible miracle of them all.
DORIA
Tell him, I'm thinking of him.
JEFF
I will. Thanks.
DORIA
Thank you too.
You know I'm gonna miss you.
Jeff stands up and appreciates Doria's heartfelt moment. He grasps her shoulder, as tears fill her eyes.
JEFF
Hey, I thought I'd be the first person you'd be glad to see the back of.
Doria laughs a little, feeling cheered up already.
JEFF
Besides, I'm only gonna be gone for Six Months. I'm not leaving forever.
Doria wipes her tears.
DORIA
Your son is the most important person in your life right now. Priority number one. But, so you know. I'm gonna miss that grumpy mug of yours.
Jeff reluctantly accepts Doria's flattering comment. Doria gives Jeff a quick kiss on the cheek. He looks light hearted at Doria's acting gesture. Doria walks to the door and she looks back at Jeff.
DORIA
I hope this Mr Carlisle, is as good as you say he is.
Jeff partially smiles and Doria exits. Jeff looks to his right, looking into the outer offices and sees his work force staring into his office window. They obviously saw Doria give him a kiss an have got the wrong end of the stick. Jeff immediately frowns at the intrusion by his employees and they awkwardly turn back to their duties.