Secretary: Miss Allen, a Ms. Rita O'Malley is on the phone for you.
Jasmine: Oh, that's my mother, put her through. .... Morning, Mom.
Rita: Actually, it's evening here.
Jasmine: And where is that?
Rita: London.
Jasmine: Must be nice. Why'd you tell the secretary that a Ms. O'Malley was calling? I hope you aren't gallivanting around town with unknown, impressionable, young men.
Rita: Who's the mother here?
Jasmine: You're married, Mom.
Rita: When is the last time you heard from your father?
Jasmine: Before he left. Like a month ago.
Rita: Where is he now, Jasmine?
Jasmine: I don't know.
Rita: I can tell you where. He is off on a top secret assignment, and can't release any details, and cannot contact his family. Jaz, we are getting a divorce.
Jasmine: You just cast a lot of dark clouds in the sky, Mom. Last I heard the weather report it was supposed to be sunny and warm.
Rita: Jasmine, we've been doing this for twenty years, and it's not something I want to do for another twenty. I'm in London working on a couple deals here.
Jasmine: I knew that. Look, Mom, I have to go. I think Jason is giving someone a hard time. I'm working late tonight. Leave the number with the secretary, and I'll try to call some time soon. I love you.
Rita: I should be coming home soon. Just keep business up and running there.
Jasmine: I always do that for you.
Rita: I love you, Jaz.
(Jasmine hung up the telephone, then walked into the office next to hers.)
Jasmine: Jase, do you think that Mom's right?
Jason: Isn't she always? What do you think she's doing wrong now?
Jasmine: She says they're going to get a divorce.
Jason: She's been saying that for at least a year now. It's coming, Jaz. Frankly, I'm really surprised it didn't happen earlier.
Jasmine: Jason!
Jason: We're not the perfect family. We never have been. Dad's almost never home, and Mom used to throw everything into this company. Just like you do now.
You're starting to become her.
Jasmine: When you start to become dad, then we have problem. They have the perfect marriage.
Jason: You just said that Dad's never home, and Mom was always working. Just because they've never cheated on each other doesn't mean they have the perfect marriage. It's far from it. Jazie, when will you learn that nothing is perfect? Especially not in our family.
VERACRUZ, MEXICO
(Josie and Summer are walking on the beach and talking.)
Josie: At least you have a relationship that is going somewhere. Me. Well, I have something I deluded myself into believing could happen.
Summer: And why can't it? Irv and I were supposed to be working, but that doesn't mean all we have to do is work. If you really like him, do something about it.
Josie: I told you I did. And I made a fool of myself. I'm swearing off any type of liquor right now. I have no idea what it does to me.
Summer: From living with it, I know it helps you loosen up. You're so uptight most of the time. Maybe that has something to do with what's turning Curtis off.
Josie: Oh great, now I'm a turn-off.
Summer: I didn't mean it like that.
Josie: Yeah, I know, Sum... Some times I just can't wait until I'm free. I have to live with him constantly looking over my shoulder. He's too into what I'm doing. He's practically keeping me caged up in that hotel room. If he was a little younger and a bit more attractive, maybe I wouldn't mind. But, I don't think he really knows just how old he is.
Summer: What?!
(Josie learned closer to Summer.)
Josie: Ryan and Chad are a short ways behind us. Just keep moving.
Summer: Oh, I must be a little out of it today.
Josie: I have a lot of those days. I say we speed up on the last two miles back. It'll give us both some exercise, since I know I've been really lacking in that department lately.
Summer: Don't tell anyone, but so have I. Let's go.
Chad: Great, they saw us. Now what?
Ryan: Shut up. They didn't see us. Sarah isn't close to being that bright. She didn't even turn around, and your blond bimbo doesn't look or act that smart either. She wouldn't have gotten in your bed if she was. We just pick up the pace a little. I'm going to find out what goes on in that house, and then I can get her back. Even if I gotta take out the Chandler dude, or whoever he is. I want to know. You find out, Chad.
Chad: But Ry..
Ryan: I told you three days ago that I wanted to know who he was, and instead you went out and got yourself laid. Let's get going.
(Ryan and Chad starting moving faster, following Summer and Josie.)
Curtis: They should have already been back.
Irving: You're talking about Josie and Summer, Curt. What's really going on?
Curtis: With at least two crazy guys running around this city I don't want them getting into trouble. Who knows what Chad's capable of doing to Josie if he finds out she used him to get information. She lives too dangerously. Something is going to happen to that girl if she's not careful.
Irving: I think someone's starting to get emotionally attached. Summer says Jo's got a thing for you.
Curtis: She does. That's one of my main problems. I wouldn't say that I'm emotionally attached, but it's something.. this is the first time that I've ever been tempted to break my marriage vows.
Irving: It's a little funny that she doesn't know you're married, Curtis.
Curtis: Does Summer?
Irving: No, not as far as I know. If she does, I didn't tell her.
Curtis: If everything goes the way Rita wants it to, I won't be married for long.
Irving: You're ready to break vows, but you're not ready for a divorce? I will never understand you. Sometimes you're worse than a woman.
(Josie and Summer came in.)
Josie: Hey guys, I think there may be a little bit of trouble on the way.
Curtis: What happened?
Summer: Ryan and Chad were kinda following us.
Josie: I noticed it about two miles back.
Curtis: What were you doing two miles down the beach? You were supposed to take a short walk.
Josie: It wasn't ten miles. We're fine. You see. I just thought you might want to know that we saw them.
Irving: They're outside all right. Can't seem to take an eye off the place. Summer, come here.
(Summer walked to Irving and stood in front of the patio door.)
Summer: What?
(Irving quickly kissed her.)
Irving: I just missed you. That's all. He should be leaving soon.
Josie: Oh, that's good. Just piss him off. He won't be back now.
Irving: Chill, Josie.
Curtis: We're going to have to start working a lot faster.
Summer: Someone is going to need to come up with a little plan that will actually work. We know what he could do, and I don't want to be any part of that. Or at least on the receiving end of it.
Curtis: Josie, you can come back to the hotel with me. If they see us leaving together, they'll know they can't come after you right now. They already know that Irv is here with Summer, so they're fine. Are you ready to start acting?
Josie: My pleasure, as long as I get to argue with you and get my way.
Curtis: Keep dreaming. The two of you see what you can come up with, but I don't think we should be in the same location right now. I'll call later. Josie.
Josie: I'm coming. I'm coming. Hold your horses on. Sum, I'll talk to you soon.
Curtis: Let's go.
(Josie and Curtis walked outside, and immediately began arguing.)
Josie: You can spend time with your friends, but I can't spend any time with mine. I swear, you are so totally unfair, Parker.
Curtis: I just think it's about time we get back to the hotel, Josephine. We've been out all day.
Josie: You've been out all day. I had to wait until you called to check on me before I could leave my cell.
Summer: They never seem to amaze me. She changes so fast.
Irving: Did anything happen out there?
Summer: We were just talking and she spotted one or both of them, I guess, and we started jogging most of the way back. I don't know how long they were there though, Irv. It could have been longer, and we talked a little bit about what we're supposed to be doing. Josie doesn't seem to think they knew anything though. So maybe they didn't hear it, or maybe they really just started following us. Either way, they're really starting to give me the creeps, and I want to get this over.
Irving: How many cases similar to this have you worked, Summer?
Summer: None where the guy's actually murdered someone. That's what's got me. He's too capable of anything.
Irving: I didn't expect that either, but if we just play the cards right, nothing is going to happen.
Summer: What if we don't?
Irving: He's the one who's not playing right. He can't stay on our tail forever. But Sam did say that he'd kept Sarah with him for years.
Summer: Don't tell me that. Please.
Irving: Do you want to go home?
Summer: You'll never get someone who could pull off being Sarah. Not with as little effort. A few pairs of contacts, a little different make-up, and a hair dye doesn't work for everyone.
Irving: That's not what's important. What is important is your safety and everyone else's.
Summer: I'm fine. Now we'd better start thinking about how to handle Ryan.
11-28-97
Scene
22
(Josie and Curtis walked into the hotel room and she sat down on the edge of the bed.)
Josie: So what is your little plan, Curtis? We have to have something to do. You've said it yourself. I've said it, Irv has, and even Summer. What's going on in that head of yours?
Curtis: What were you going to do if they'd decided that they weren't just going to follow you?
Josie: Well I didn't know they were, but I didn't know they weren't either. I didn't figure he'd try anything on a public beach. There were people around. He'd have to be crazy... okay, crazier, to do anything. And I'm not an easy woman to battle with, whether it's verbal or not.
Curtis: And he's a really big guy. Not to mention that there were two of them.
Josie: I think you're starting to worry about me, Curt.
Curtis: I'm worried about how safe you and Summer are.
Josie: Summer and I are fine. We can both protect ourselves. I can protect myself, probably much better than she can protect herself, but that's beyond the point.
You know I can. So, what's really the problem?
Curtis: You are starting to drive me up a wall, Josephine. You're not the one running the show. Do you understand that? You think you're making the decisions, but you're not.
Josie: Well I'm sorry, oh great almighty one, but you we not there. Tell me how you were supposed to make the choices at that moment in time. I'm starting to have a lot of trouble reading you. First you're pretty cool and laid back, then you're mister tough guy. You send these mixed signals about everything, Curtis.
Curtis: And what about you? You change a lot more than I do. I want to know why. You're almost a different person every day, Josie.
(Josie stood up, and kicked off her shoes.)
Josie: You take off your shoes and come here, Curtis.
Curtis: What?
Josie: Would you just do it?
(He took off his shoes, and then stood in front of her.)
Curtis: I hope you have a good reason for this.
Josie: Let me see you hand. (she took his hand, and put it against hers.) Look at them. Look at you, and then look at me. You're like this giant that I can't reach you.
You're hiding everything under this huge exterior. So maybe I don't share everything, but you're all closed up too.
Curtis: Then let's open the doors. I want to know who you are, and what makes you that way?
Josie: Are you sure? If I start I'm going to the very end.
Curtis: That's what I want. I want to know who I'm dealing with, and I don't mean Ryan or Chad. I want to know the woman who sleeps next to me every night.
(Josie pulled away from Curtis and sat Indian style on the bed. Curtis moved and sat in front of her.)
Josie: More like a child, wouldn't you say?
Curtis: I call Irving 'kid' too. I can anyone at least ten years younger than me 'kid.' It's not just you.
Josie: Where do you want me to start?
Curtis: Wherever you want.
Josie: Well, you know I was born just over twenty years ago. My dad was a traveling salesman. He ended up selling everything under the sun, but he was never home. Then my mother.. she was the drinker in the family. I guess that's why I tend to have a few drinks here and there. Well, maybe more than a few. But I'm nothing like my mother. That's what killed her, Curt. So I was sixteen and it was me and Dad and Cat, but she left soon too. Then, my dad died about a year later, just because he was old. Cat, my sister, didn't want to come home, and she threw herself into schoolwork. So I met Tim Dalton. I got the job with Tim through Bill, and I've worked with the government since then. Tim was my first and last partner before you.
Curtis: He's the one that treated you like dirt?
Josie: Yeppers, that'd be him. Your turn.
Curtis: I don't think that you're finished.
Josie: If you want to know more, you have to tell me about you now.
Curtis: Gotta be more specific.
Josie: I could be like you, and say with whatever you want, but I want to know why you're doing this. Why you're working for Uncle Sam?
Curtis: It was either this or a bartender. I was in the military so that I could go to school, and instead I ended up taking special training, plus attending college. I served my time, and I couldn't stay in it. I did have the option of working for the government, or working for a friend who was starting a catering service. I was the only person he knew that could mix up a lot of drinks. But the government was more stable. I'm glad I chose it because he went belly-up in just under a year.
Josie: That's not too exciting.
Curtis: What were you expecting?
Josie: Something like some great conspiracy was surrounding something mysterious that happened to your family, and you just had to find out why.
Curtis: You can definitely spin one twisted tale.
Josie: I'm sure I could do more than one. Now what?
Curtis: Now, I don't think you finished. Let's start with something easy. Why don't you want me to call you Josephine?
Josie: Because my mother did. Whenever I did anything, she'd yell at me. I mean anything. Good or bad, it was 'Josephine, you can do better than this.' Or, 'Josephine, what did you think you were doing when you...' and you can fill in the blank.
Curtis: I'm sorry.
Josie: Don't be. I said I'd tell you. I'm not stopping. Your next question is Tim, right?
Curtis: He's got me a little curious. How long did you work with him?
Josie: A year. I did a few non-partner investigations after him and before you, but it wasn't anything major. He never really did anything to me, except basically traumatize me for a short period of time. I swear I'm not an angel. You probably already know that. There's just one thing I never thought I'd do, and that's what he asked me to do. He never forced me to do anything, he just simply asked. The first time I remember so clearly. We were in a hotel room like this. Some hotel and casino in Vegas...
~F~ Tim: Josie, honey, this is probably the biggest thing you've ever been assigned to do. If you want to go home, I understand. Things get a little scary the first time.
Josie: Well, there's a first time for everything. If I go home now, I'll be facing it again some time later. Might get the first time over now. We just have to find out about how much money is taken from the customers, and what possessions of theirs are the first to go. That can't be too hard.
Tim: It's harder than you think. There are a lot of people involved in this. It's a major scheme. There's like a ladder of people that know what's going on. As you go down, the rungs get a little longer, so that more people fit.
Josie: I get it. You don't have to explain it.
Tim: A lot of those people are men, and I could intimidate some of them. That dress you wanted earlier, why don't you go put it on, and we'll go visit the tables. I'll just show this beautiful lady off.
Josie: You think so.
Tim: You are gorgeous, Josie.
(Josie went in the bathroom, then came out a few minutes later, in a short, tight, red dress.)
Josie: So?
Tim: Just like I said. You're know there are going to be a lot of men looking at you?
Josie: I know. You already said that.
Tim: And you know who we suspect?
Josie: Tim, I know everything.
Tim: Some of them are going to hit on you.
Josie: Then I'll stick right by your side.
Tim: What if I asked you not to?
Josie: What are you saying?
Tim: You may hate me after this. But I'm going to ask you to do something. You can say no, and I won't ever mention it again.
Josie: Okay...
Tim: If they want to go to the bar.. go with them. Make sure they have a couple drinks. If it's possible, you might want to slip something in the drink. They'll ask you go upstairs.. would you go with them?
Josie: Tim, I'm seeing someone, and if he ever found out...
Tim: Then say no.
Josie: It's not illegal? What you want me to put in the drinks, right? (he nodded his head) Okay, good. I can try this.
Tim: The minute you want out, all you have to do is yell. I'll be near. Ask subtle questions. I promise you, everything will be all right. ~F~
Curtis: You weren't ever hurt, were you?
Josie: I was torn apart inside, but outside I was just fine. I never told Tim that though. Like I told you, he intimidated me. He was older than me, and he was bigger than me.
Curtis: I don't want to do that.
Josie: You really don't. He kinda of made me feel used, and I guess the other night after I left Chad, I just wanted to feel wanted, and I thought that I could get that with you. That was really dumb. I don't believe I just told you that either. Don't even laugh at me either, Curtis. I see a little smiling creeping up on your face. I'm just glad that Chad never told me I was special, that's what they all used to say.
Curtis: They were wrong, but only in the way they meant it.
Josie: No kidding.
(Curtis framed her face with his hands.)
Curtis: You are special, Josie. You are so special.
(Josie moved towards Curtis and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Finally, she pulled away.)
Josie: Can you just hold me again tonight, Curtis?
Curtis: All night long, if that's what you want.
11-29-97
Scene
23
(Curtis woke up and looked at the clock.)
Curtis: Only nine o'clock?
Josie: Uh huh.
(Curtis looked at her, and shook her a little.)
Curtis: You're the only woman I know who talks that much in her sleep.
(He started to get out of the bed.)
Josie: Where you goin'?
Curtis: I'll be back soon. Are you up?
Josie: Uh huh.
Curtis: I'll be back, Josephine.
(He bent down and kissed her forehead, covered her up, then left.)
(Chad watched Curtis get in his car and leave the hotel's parking lot. He picked up his cellular telephone, and called Ryan.)
Chad: Hey, Ry. The Shelby guy just left.
Ryan: Then do what I told you. Sarah is still locked up with the Chandler guy.
Chad: We can't get any info on him, Ryan. I can't find out who he is without a last name, and Sarah is the one who rented the house. There's nothing about the guy.
Ryan: I know already know that. Do as you were instructed. Something's going on at the house. I'm going closer to find out what. I will be here when you get back.
(They both hung up the phones. Chad went into the hotel and walked to Curtis and Josie's room, and picked the lock on the door. He walked in and opened the curtain, letting the moonlight come in.)
Chad: Good evening, Mrs. Shelby. We've got another date tonight that you forgot about. I really hate to have to do this to you, but Ry needs to know what's up with Sarah. Your husband probably went out to meet some mistress, but I know that doesn't bother you too much. I promise I won't let Ryan hurt you. I really don't want to do this part either, but I have to make sure you don't wake up right now.
(Chad took out a needle, and pulled off the cover, then carefully injected it into Josie's arm. After a few minutes, he picked her up, and quietly slipped out of the hotel.)
(Summer and Irving walked out onto the deck, and sat across from each other at the table.)
Summer: Is it really necessary for you to carry that gun everywhere with you?
Irving: I'm not giving him a chance to try anything.
Summer: That is what makes me most uncomfortable. Irv, what did Curtis say?
Irving: That he and Josie got nowhere. He wouldn't say why though, but they're going to do a little more working out a plan tomorrow. I said we ended up with nothing. Nothing that wouldn't be too dangerous for just the four of us to pull off anyway.
Summer: Is it that obvious? Why don't you come over here and massage my shoulders?
Irving: It's late and I'm tired.
Summer: They're really stiff.
(Irving got up and walked behind her.)
Irving: What's up?
Summer: Do you see something moving at his house? The lights were just off, then they were on, and now they're off again. Watch.
(Irving rubbed her shoulders and watched the house. He saw Ryan step out onto the deck.)
Irving: Oh yeah, there's certainly something. Now where's his little side kick?
Summer: I only saw one person in the house. He could be there though. I'm sure he is. Unless the jerk ran out of food or something.
Irving: I'm glad you can joke about this a little now.
Summer: It's better than scaring the life out of me.
Irving: That's true. I think it's about time we should go in the house. He's watching too closely. I don't want to find out what he wants right now.
Summer: He's going back in, Irv. Do you think he was just trying to see if I was alone?
Irving: You're not going to be alone. Not while he's on the loose. Let's go in.
(They both walked in the house.)
(Chad walked in the house carrying Josie.)
Ryan: That was fast.
Chad: I told you it was easy.
Ryan: Put her in the bedroom, then get back out here.
(Chad did as he was told.)
Chad: Now what are you going to do?
Ryan: We are going to wait until she wakes up. Then you are going to find out how much she knows about Sarah and the guy she's with. She knows something.
(About an hour later, Curtis pulled into the parking lot of an open restaurant. He parked the car and walked inside around the side to a payphone. He dialed one number, then waited. Soon he hung up, then dialed another number.)
Curtis: Jasmine? What are you doing at Jason's?
Jasmine: Dad? I'm here because I'm visiting my brother. Where in the world are you?
Curtis: I'm working, kid.
Jasmine: So much I figured. Is everything okay?
Curtis: Your mother isn't answering the phone? Where is she now?
Jasmine: Mom's in London. She's working out a couple business deals.
Curtis: I need the number, Jaz. It's important.
Jasmine: Hold on. Let me go find it. Okay, it's right here.
(Jasmine quickly read off the number.)
Curtis: How's Ange?
(Jasmine looked on the sofa at the little girl asleep on Jason's lap.)
Jasmine: She's fine. She's sleeping right now.
Curtis: All right. I'll let you go. Tell Jase and Ange that I love them.
Jasmine: I will. I love you too, Dad.
Curtis: Love you, Jaz.
(They both hung up the phone.)
Jason: Where is he?
Jasmine: I don't know.
Angela: Was that Daddy?
Jason: Go back to sleep, Angela.
Angela: Was it Daddy?
Jason: Yes, but he had to get back to work. He wanted to talk to you. Now go back to sleep.
(Jason brushed through her hair with his hands and she laid back down on his lap.)
Rita: Would you like to tell me what finally made you come to your senses?
Curtis: I just did a lot of thinking since I've been on this assignment.
Rita: Which would be?
Curtis: Rita, you know that I can't tell you that. I just wanted to let you know that I'll sign the papers the minute I get home. All you have to do is make sure that they are on the top of my desk in my home office.
Rita: I'll make sure they get there tonight. Thank you for this, Curtis.
Curtis: There isn't any reason to put it off anymore. We did have some good years, and we have three beautiful kids. The arrangement with Angela stands. She can live with me, and stay with Jase when necessary.
Rita: And I still get her for the summer, and weekends, but because I travel so much, she can't live with me. That means you have to cut back on the traveling too.
When are you going to be home?
Curtis: I don't know. Soon, I hope.
Chad: It's been over an hour. Are you sure what I gave her was safe?
Ryan: It's fine. She should be waking up soon. Go check again.
(Chad walked into the bedroom, and Josie was slowly waking up. He walked to the bed and sat down. When she opened her eyes, he smiled at her. Josie quickly screamed, and Chad covered her mouth.)
Chad: Hey don't do that. It's just me.
Josie: Where the hell am I?
Chad: Well, we had to come here, but everything is fine. Don't worry. Your husband doesn't know a thing.
Josie: Where is he? Ohmigod! What did you do to him?
Chad: Nothing, he left.
Josie: He left?
Chad: He left. That made it cool for you to come with me.
Josie: I don't remember coming with you. If he finds out that I'm not home, he's going to kill me.
Chad: Don't worry. I won't let that happen. But we have a few things to talk about.
(Curtis walked into the hotel room. He looked at the empty bed, then checked the bathroom. He picked up the phone and called the beach house.)
Curtis: Irv, it's me. Have you seen Josie?
Irving: She's with you.
Curtis: Have you heard from her?
Irving: What happened?
Curtis: She's not here. Don't leave that house. You and Summer stay there. Do not leave.
(Curtis hung up the phone and rushed out of the room and to the bar.)
Pedro: Mr. Shelby.....
Curtis: Pedro, have you seen my wife?
Pedro: No.. no, seρor.
Curtis: Did you see anything odd happening here tonight?
Pedro: The man she was dining with a few days ago was here.
Curtis: That's all I needed. Thanks, Pedro.
(He rushed out of the hotel, and back to his car. He quickly raced to Ryan's beach house, and started pounding on the door.)
11/30/97
Scene
24
Summer: What did Curtis say, Irving? What's going on? What happened to Josie? That's what he wanted, right?
Irving: He wants us to stay here. Stay in the house, Summer, I'll be right back.
Summer: Oh no you won't. He said stay here. Where do you think you're going?
Irving: I just want to check something on the deck.
Summer: His house?
(Summer followed Irving out on the deck. They both looked towards Ryan's beach house.)
Irving: Nothing's changed. Everything's calm over there.
Summer: Okay, now what's going on with Curtis?
Irving: Josie is missing. He wouldn't say anything else. He just told me to stay with you and not to leave, then hung up on me.
Summer: Ohmigod, what happened to her? I don't even want to imagine it.
Irving: Don't. I'm sure she's fine.
Summer: She's probably in my room. I bet he didn't even think to check there.
(The door at the beach house flew open. Curtis looked at Ryan and started yelling.)
Curtis: Where is Josephine? Tell me know before I kill you.
Ryan: Excuse me? You do know that you're intruding in my home. I have the option to kill you.
Curtis: Don't even play with me. Where's the bum you're always with?
Ryan: You need to leave my house now.
(Curtis started opening doors.)
Josie: He's here. He's so mad. I don't want him to hurt you.
Chad: He won't find out you're here.
Josie: What? Why? I have to get to him.
Chad: Why? I thought you didn't want to be with him.
Josie: Well, he's still got the money I want. You understand now? I'd rather be with you, but I have to deal with him. Just for a little while longer.
(Josie got off the bed and put her arms around Chad's neck.)
Chad: I have the money you need, honey. You'll never have to think about that old man again.
Josie: But if we had his money and your money just imagine how rich we could be.
Chad: I don't want you to have to face him. You hate him. We'll get the money another way.
Josie: We can't! Don't you understand? There is no other way! PARKER!
(Chad immediately covered her mouth again.)
(Curtis pulled out a gun.)
Curtis: I just heard her. You tell me where she is now, or I swear I'll shoot you right here, right now.
Ryan: You think so?
(They heard Josie scream again. Curtis walked to Ryan and grabbed his shirt, holding the gun to his head. When he received no answer, Curtis cocked the gun.)
Curtis: Don't even test me. You have three seconds. One... two..
Ryan: Upstairs. She's upstairs.
(Curtis let go of Ryan and ran upstairs, throwing open all the doors, until he heard Josie scream again. He opened the door to the bedroom she was in, as he heard a car leaving the driveway. Josie struggled away from Chad and ran to Curtis.)
Curtis: You take your chance and run with him now, because if I see you again, it won't be pretty.
(Curtis ran out of the room, and looked down at Josie.)
Josie: Why'd you let him go? For all I know he was trying to kill me. Look at my arm. He put something in me. I don't even know what it was.
Curtis: I'm more worried about you than him. Other than that, are you all right?
(Josie stops yelling at him, and looks at him as her eyes fill up with tears.)
Josie: Where were you? You promised that you'd be there all night! Why'd you leave me?
Curtis: There was something I had to take care of. I'm sorry. I didn't think anything would happen. I am so sorry.
Josie: You said you weren't going to leave!
Curtis: Let's go to Summer and Irv's. We'll talk about this there. We're not staying here.
Josie: You think I'm going to go with you now?
Curtis: I'll pick you up and put you in the car. Move it, Josie.
(A few minutes later, the Summer and Josie are sitting on one of the beds in the beach house.)
Josie: I was sound asleep. I don't even know what happened. I just know that I woke up and Chad was in the room. Not Curtis, and it wasn't the hotel either.
Summer: You've got to get to a hospital. You don't know what he put in you.
Josie: Curtis found some type of sedative at the house before we left. I'll get checked out tomorrow or some other time.
Summer: Jo, it could be more serious than you think.
Josie: Then I'll deal with it when the doctor says that.
(Irving and Curtis walked into the room.)
Curtis: We're going home.
Josie: What? He's not going to get away with doing this to me!
Curtis: Josie, shut up and listen. This is all off for now. Everything is closed. We're all going back to work. Sarah and Chandler are flying to Canada, but Summer and Irv are going to go back to Kentucky tomorrow morning on the first flight. You and I are going to travel down to Cancun for a few days, and then we're going back home. I'll contact Sam from Cancun. When we get back, we're going to be doing off the record paperwork. At another time we might go after Ryan again, but the two of you aren't going to get involved in this.
Summer: You can't find another Sarah. Irving and I already had this discussion.
Irving: That was before what happened tonight, Summer.
Summer: I don't care!
Josie: And neither do I. I'm not out of this by any means.
Curtis: We'll talk about that later. Josie, I'm going back to the hotel now and I'm going to get all of our stuff and bring it here. We'll stay here tonight, and then everyone will be gone in the morning. Summer, you pack up your stuff, and Irv will get everything in the car and ready to go.
Josie: You're not touching my stuff, Curt. And I have to clean out Summer's room too. I'm going with you.
Curtis: Josephine, you heard me.
Josie: Don't even argue with me. I've had a really bad night, and I don't feel like putting up with you. Let's go. I want to get my stuff.
(Josie walked out of the room, and stood by the front door.)
Summer: I guess she told you, Curtis.
(Curtis met Josie at the door and walked with her to the car.)
Irving: Don't mess with him tonight, Sum. He's got enough to handle putting up with Josie.
Summer: He's cool with Jo. What else is going on?
Irving: I can't tell you because you'll tell her. It's not something he wants her to know.
Summer: Well you just backed yourself into a corner, because you told me there is something wrong. There's a lot that I keep from Josie, just because I live with her doesn't mean I tell her everything. What's up?
Irving: You have to swear that you will not say anything to her, Summer.
Summer: Not a single, solitary word.
Irving: Okay, this is my take on it. You said that she has a big thing for him. Well he does too. He's basically head over heals for her.
Summer: No wonder he's almost like a puppy on a string.
Irving: Do me a favor and don't mention that tonight.
(A few hours later, Josie and Curtis are back at the beach house, and in bed.)
Josie: Don't ever lie to me again, Curtis. You've still got another few days that you're going to be stuck with me.
Curtis: Just because we're going home doesn't mean I don't know you.
Josie: Are you sure that's what you want?
Curtis: I'm sure. Now, go to sleep. We've got a lot of traveling to do now. And I'm not leaving this time.
11-30-97
Scene
25
Irving: Okay, that's our flight. Ready, Summer?
Summer: Yeah. Jo, you're going to be fine.
Josie: Me? Of course I am. You should be checking on him. He's the one who has to live with me for another few days. Ain't that right, Curt?
Curtis: Just make sure the two of you get back. We'll be in Cancun tonight. I'll talk to Sam, and I'll make sure he gets in touch with you. You'll be able to go home, and be back at work like normal. Act as if it was nothing but a normal case, the only difference being this was a personal one and not assigned.
Irving: I know the drill. Be careful getting out of here. You have taken care of the stuff on the flight to Canada.
Curtis: Every detail. There are no stops even near Lexington. From there you just drive home, and you have nothing else to worry about.
(Summer hugged Josie.)
Summer: I'll see you in a few days.
Josie: Make sure you check on the fish. They're probably all floating at the top of the tank by now.
Summer: I'm sure that Barry fed them. I told him too.
Josie: We're talking about a ten year old and his off the rocker momma. Just flush 'em. I'll find a new pet for the apartment when I get home. I'll see you soon, Sum.
Irving: Okay, ladies, I hate break this up, but that's our final boarding call. Ready?
Summer: Let's go.
(Summer started walking away.)
Irving: Everything else is right. Right, Curtis? The other stuff we discuss.
Curtis: That's all taken care of too.
Summer: Didn't you just tell me to hurry up?
(Irving walked away with Summer.)
Josie: What other stuff?
Curtis: Nothing. We have to get driving. We have another airport to get to, so we're in Cancun tonight.
Josie: Tell me what's going on.
Curtis: It doesn't involve you. Let's get moving, Josephine.
Josie: I'm only going to let you call me that a little while longer. You just wait until I get home. This is all gonna stop. (Curtis just laughed and ushered her out of the airport.) Don't laugh at me. I'm really serious.
Curtis: Okay. In the car, we're leaving now.
(A few hours later, Summer is sleeping on the plain. Irving has one arm wrapped around her as she started to wake up.)
Irving: Morning.
Summer: Is it really?
Irving: Well, that depends where we are, but I think it's about two or three in the afternoon.
Summer: Did I miss the whole movie?
Irving: You slept through everything, babe.
Summer: I guess I didn't get much sleep last night.
Irving: I don't think you did. You had me worried for a while. I told you he wasn't going to get you. I meant that. And look at us now; we're on our way back home. From Lexington, I'll take you to your apartment, and I'll go home, and check on everything there. Pick up the pooch from my brother's house, and everything will be as close enough to normal as it can be.
Summer: You make me feel so much better when you say that. At least you'll have your dog. Jo and I are so bad with pets. She told you about the fish.
Irving: Josie, I understand, but you... nah. I guess you'll have to come and meet Howard and my brother.
Summer: I think I could probably arrange for that. You'll have to come meet my mom though. She'd never forgive me if I was seeing some one and I didn't bring him home.
Irving: Oo, meeting mom. That's a little bigger than the dog and the brother.
Summer: My mom is the coolest. She likes everyone. Well, almost. She can't stand Josie, but that's okay. You're nothing like her. She'll love you.
(Curtis looked at his computer screen, then at Josie. He looked back at the words, and read them silently.)
Curtis: It's always funny how time goes by so fast. The
years came about as quickly as they went. I know that I stopped loving Rita
along time ago. All the arrangements were for the kids... especially for
Angela.
I didn't think that I was meant to fall in love again,
but as I look at Josie sleeping next to me on this plane, I think I was. But I
feel like it is wrong. She's young. She's got so much to offer someone else.
She's feisty.. lively. She's me twenty years ago, in female form.
I guess these would be the deepest thoughts I've ever let out.. that I've let myself see, and not just hear in my head.
(Josie started to talk.)
Josie: Are you ever going to quit that? Isn't it like illegal or something on an airplane?
Curtis: Some not this one. Go back to sleep, we've got about another half hour or so.
Josie: What are you doing over there? You've been clicking away forever.
Curtis: Just doing some notes.
(Josie sat up and Curtis closed the lap top.)
Josie: Oh like hell you are. That's a journal. It was dated and everything!
Curtis: You didn't see one word of it.
Josie: Bet me. It said "August 11, 1997." Then somewhere in there it had my name. So what is it?
Curtis: It's a log. Its a log of everything that happened last night. I have to have a report for Sam.
Josie: Then let me see it. I can tell you a lot better what happened last night than you can guess at.
Curtis: Of course you can because you slept through the whole thing.
Josie: I did not. You would have never found me if I hadn't been awake and screaming.
Curtis: I thought you could take care of yourself?
Josie: I was still weak from that sedative.
Curtis: Well you're seeing a doctor in Cancun.
Josie: Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say. No let me see the report.
Curtis: Didn't you hear me the first time. No. I just shut everything down.
Josie: Yeah right. Curtis, you really have to stop with this secretive stuff. I don't like it at all.
Curtis: And I don't like you telling me what I'm going to do.
Josie: So? You never listen so what's the big deal?
Curtis: Nothing, and there's nothing big about the computer screen. That's why you don't have to see it.
(Curtis slid the lap top under his seat, and leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes.)
Josie: Curt?
Curtis: Yes, Josie?
Josie: Do you think Cancun can actually be a vacation? I really need one.
Curtis: That's what I'm hoping for.
Josie: Yeah, me too.
(Josie started to move, but Curtis didn't open his eyes.)
Curtis: What are you doing? Don't touch the computer.
Josie: I'm not.
(Josie moved closer to him and kissed him. He immediately kissed her back, but pulled away a second later.)
Curtis: What do you think you're doing?
Josie: Why do you tell me no every time I try to make move?
Curtis: Is that what you call it? Do you realize that there are people on this plane?
Josie: Yeah, but they won't mind me giving you a little kiss. Everyone's either asleep or far away from us. Thanks to you. Just tell me something... where are we going?
Curtis: Cancun.
Josie: You can be such a bull-headed, jerk sometimes, Curtis Allen.
Curtis: And you can be a really big, obnoxious, loud-mouth brat all the time, but that's not changing anything.
Josie: Oh that was mature.
Curtis: Now you know what you sound like. (He put his hand behind her neck, and pulled her to him, kissing her, then pulling back again.) Now, go back to sleep until we get there.
(Josie turned a little more in her seat, and laid her head on Curtis. She closed her eyes and spoke to him.)
Josie: You're a trip. You are such a trip.
Curtis: Right back at ya, kid.
12-1-97