MOONLIGHTING

IN THE 21ST CENTURY:

EPISODE 1: AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

WRITTEN BY: Christie Taylor

TV RATING: PG-13

THEME MUSIC AND OPENING CREDITS
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING

The Moonlighting theme plays as the camera pans from the foot of the bed up to Maddie's hair. Her hair peaks out from under the comforter. Something shakes her out of her deep sleep.

MADDIE

David, can you toss yourself over on your side of the bed without crashing into me?

VOICE (Off Screen)

(A mock high pitched voice)

Sorry, Mom.

Maddie flings the comforter off her and sees a 10-year-old, David Addison the 3rd, looking at her.

ANOTHER VOICE (Off Screen)

After all these years, I can still get you to fall for that one.

Another angle shows David Addison, Jr., standing at the bedroom doorway wearing only his pajama bottom and his usual smirk. He walks toward the bed and sits next to Maddie. Turning to his son he says –

DAVID

Okay, little buddy up and at 'em. Time to get into that shower.

LITTLE DAVID

Do I have to?

DAVID

It misses you. It just asked me where's its favorite partner in grime? I replied, "He'll be down after he wakes his mother up."

MADDIE

You find this funny, don't you?

DAVID

I find it hysterical. I'm also finding it hard to see your sense of humor this morning.

MADDIE

You're lucky. All I see is your body hair.

She pulls the comforter over her head. David taps little David on his right shoulder in order to get his son out of bed.

DAVID

Let's go kid. The image of soap suds should be dancing in your head, and on your body.

LITTLE DAVID

All right, Dad.

His son slowly climbs out of bed as David smacks him lightly on the behind.

DAVID

I want you to get in there and show those soap suds what you're made of. And yo...!

(Little David turns around to look at his father)

Don't forget to wake up your sister.

Little David exits the room.

MADDIE

(Still under the covers)

Hey coach? Can you keep it down? I need to get some sleep.

DAVID

Sleep...? Sleep?

(He pulls the covers off Maddie's face)

Maddie, do you know what time it is?

MADDIE

Sure, it's time to go back to sleep.

She pulls the covers back over her head. David counters by pulling it back off.

DAVID

No, it's time for you to wake up and tune into yet another episode of "As The Blue Moon Turns."

MADDIE

I'll tape it and watch it later.

DAVID

Will there be a dead spouse waiting in the wings? A jealous lover who wants us to stakeout a fling? Having a case where the client gets caught? Or will we be screwed by another dumb plot?

MADDIE

David, send me an e-mail and wake me when you get back home.

DAVID

I'm personally shocked, no better yet stunned by your irresponsible behavior, Miss Hayes.

MADDIE

Irresponsible?

DAVID

That's right. We have two kids to lead, to mold, to shape, and how do you shape them? You're sleeping in bed, leaving me do all the dirty work. That's not what I call leading by example. That's not what I call parenting –

MADDIE

That's what I call showing the kids what you put me through after all these years.

DAVID

Look, Maddie, I know you think you're providing an invaluable service, but do you think our son and daughter will benefit by your example as highly productive citizens?

MADDIE

It worked for you.

She jerks the covers back over her head.

CUT TO:
INT. - ELEVATOR/ HALLWAY/ BLUE MOON OFFICE - MORNING

We hear a ding and the elevator doors slide open revealing the Blue Moon logo set in gold on the opposite wall. Blue Moon has grown since Maddie and David re-opened it a year and a half after it's premature demise. The company resides in a new building and it occupies the entire 30th floor. Maddie, who still looks weary, begins to walk down the hallway facing the twin oak front doors. She punches in a secret code then lets herself in without Agnes having to buzz her in. While Maddie steps in, the front side of the office is similar to the old office she and David had before. The difference is, when she looks straight ahead, she immediately see a row of offices, six in all, from right to left. The offices are for the other detectives. However, the corner office closest to Maddie's is not used. The desks outside these offices are filled with assistants. Maddie and David's offices are in the same configuration. However, the distance between them are much wider. When Maddie turns to her right, she sees a waiting area furnished with a sofa, a few chairs, a coffeetable with the usual magazines, and a High Definition TV their potential clients can watch so they won't get bored. When Maddie turns to her left, Agnes' smiling face always greets her. She hears Anges answering a call.

Another angle holds a close-up on Blue Moon's cheerful administrative assistant, who now has a short hairstyle.

AGNES

Blue Moon Investigations

Have you given up hope?

Have you reached a dead end?

Let us find the culprit

Others can't apprehend

We'll search day and night

We'll search head to toe

We can find any Dick,

Bob, Mark, Ray or Joe

No case is too big

No problem's too small

We can solve any mystery

No problem at all

Tell us your dilemma

We'll help ease your fears

We've been in business

For 'bout fifteen years...

Sixteen if we weren't shut down for a year... or so.

(Sees Maddie waiting)

Please hold.

MADDIE

Good morning, Mrs. Viola.

AGNES

Good morning, Miss Hayes.

MADDIE

Did you send Mr. Duncan the e-mail about the upcoming court date David and I have to attend?

AGNES

It's the first thing I did when I came in.

(Maddie yawns)

Still staking out Mr. Adams?

MADDIE

Fortunately, I caught him in the act.

AGNES

Great!

MADDIE

Unfortunately, it was with his wife.

AGNES

Not so great.

MADDIE

Two out of three marriages go down for the count and I have to encounter one that gets up before receiving a standing eight.

(Yawns again with a loud sound)

Well, as David says, "No use debatin' as long as they keep payin'."

Maddie starts walking to her office.

AGNES

Miss Hayes?

Maddie stops and turns back around to face Agnes.

MADDIE

What is it Agnes?

AGNES

How come you never changed your name to Mrs. Addison?

MADDIE

Well, I don't know. I guess I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm now married to David.

AGNES

But you've been married for eight years.

David bursts through the door.

DAVID

Seven years, four months, and fourteen days, but who's counting?

(Turns to Maddie)

Hey stranger?

(Tossing her the car keys)

Haven't seen you since we took our morning shower.

(Begins to walk to his office)

I love it when it's your turn to drip dry.

MADDIE

Like I said, I'm still getting used to the idea.

Maddie walks toward her office. Agnes strains to remember something, but doesn't remember until Maddie is a few feet away from her door.

AGNES

Miss Hayes, you have a –

Maddie just closed her door.

Another angle shows Maddie watching a boy spinning around in her plush leather chair. She opens the door and goes over to Agnes.

AGNES

(Finishing her sentence)

Client waiting to see you.

MADDIE

I have a kid for a client?

AGNES

With the addition of his godmother who's in the bathroom.

MADDIE

It's not enough that I have two kids, but I also have –

DAVID

(Strolling over to Maddie)

Hey, Maddie? Got any handiwipes? I ran out of toilet paper.

MADDIE

A kid disgused as my husband.

DAVID

It's perfect disguse. I can still get into Disneyland at half price.

A woman emerges and approaches David.

WOMAN

Thank God! I didn't think you were coming at all!

Maddie looks a little suspicious when she sees this display.

DAVID

(Looks startled)

Do I know you?

WOMAN

No, but I know you ... I mean, I know of you. You're David Addison, right?

DAVID

It depends. Did we share a drink or a bed or both in the past decade?

(Looks at Maddie)

I don't remember since it never happened.

WOMAN

I need your help. I am certain my godson is in grave danger.

MADDIE

Umm... Miss –

WOMAN

Mrs. Harrison.

MADDIE

(Looks up to the ceiling)

Thank God.

(Looks at Mrs. Harrison)

Why don't we discuss this in the conference room.

Mrs. Harrison agrees and joins Maddie and David.

AGNES

Aren't you forgetting somebody?

DAVID

Don't worry, Agnes. We'll fill Bert in later.

AGNES

No, the child.

DAVID

The Child? What Child?

MRS. HARRISON

My child.

DAVID

(Sighs a huge sigh of relief)

For a second there, I thought I failed a DNA test I didn't know about.

Mrs. Harrison goes over to Maddie's office and brings the child outside. The four of them proceed to the conference room.

MRS. HARRISON

On second thought

(Looks at Maddie)

it'll be better if he can wait in your office.

AGNES

(Goes over to them)

Why don't I take him into our game room.

BOY

Wow! Is there anything you guys don't have?

DAVID

A Starbucks cafe.

As stated earlier, the Blue Moon office is much larger. When David, Maddie, and Mrs. Harrison begin their journey to the conference room, Maddie takes it upon herself to point out some of the different rooms along the way. They turn to their right, from Maddie's office, and walk straight down until Maddie points to her right to show the business operations and accounting divisions. They walk a bit further toward the copy room. Maddie turns to the left and points to the bathroom area for Mrs. Harrison's benefit, then realizes Mrs. Harrison already knew where it was. Within a few feet, they encounter a large, open area which spans from right to left. They see clusters of assistants bustling around them. Maddie points to the far right annoucing the day care center. Then they arrive at their final stop, the conference room. It's the largest room located in the back and in the middle of this open space.

David wasn't going to be left out of this impromptu tour. He tells Mrs. Harrison he'll show her "The East Wing" of the office. It is left of the conference room, then comes back around to his office. He tells her it consists of: a game room, the kitchen, the surveillance room, an exercise room, and a recreation room he affectionately calls the "cool out" room. It's where everyone can hang out and vegetate in front of a giant HDTV screen, rent movies, and let their hair down during lunch and after hours.

CUT TO:
INT. - CONFERENCE ROOM - MINUTES LATER

The conference room is furnished with comfortable leather seats and sofas. The atmosphere is meant to be comfy not corporate. The walls are soundproof, for the benefit of the clients, and Maddie and David. Their conference phone sits on top of the coffetable. A mini refrigerator sits on the carpet near the table. There's also a 51-inch High Definition TV installed in one of the four walls. Slightly below it is a VCR, DVD, high tech projector, and other equipment, which displays any surveillance information. The lights are well lit, but doesn't blind people's eyes.

MRS. HARRISON

My 9-year-old godson, Joey, has been getting some disturbing e-mails for the last two weeks. This person is threatening his life.

DAVID

What?

MADDIE

Do you know who's behind this?

MRS. HARRISON

That's why I want to hire you. I need to know if this is a serious threat or a cruel adolescent prank.

DAVID

We'll have to wait four years for it to be an adolescent prank.

He takes out a pint of chocolate milk out of the refrigerator and opens the carton.

DAVID

Childish is a more appropriate word.

He drinks the milk and it leaves a brown mustache above his upper lip. He looks around for a napkin, but can't find one. He wipes the milk off with his hand.

MADDIE

(Responding to David's display)

I'll say it is. Please continue, Mrs. Harrison.

MRS. HARRISON

(Takes out a manila envelope)

I have printed all of the threatening e-mails to date.

(She gives them to David)

Joey's life may depend on what you're able to find. I have stopped taking him to school. I'm not bringing him back until there's evidence to convince me he will be safe.

DAVID

Would you excuse us for a minute please?

MADDIE

David?

DAVID

Maddie, it'll only take a minute.

Maddie reluctantly gets up.

MADDIE

(Looking at Mrs. Harrison)

Will you excuse us?

David grabs the doorknob, opens the door and lets Maddie out first; he then gives a polite grin to Mrs. Harrison before shutting the door.

DAVID

I understand.

MADDIE

Understand what?

DAVID

Understand if you want to pass on this one because, frankly, this case doesn't have our names on it.

MADDIE

David, this woman needs our help.

DAVID

Yes, I agree she does need help, but not from us.

MADDIE

How can you say that?

DAVID

I inhale, exhale, and make sounds come of my mouth.

MADDIE

Really? I thought it was just a bunch of hot air.

DAVID

(Leering at her)

You didn't complain when it was on your neck.

MADDIE

How can you not help this woman?

DAVID

I have an F word that'll clarify it for you.

MADDIE

(Taken aback – whispers)

David!

DAVID

Wrong. FBI.

MADDIE

Wrong. FBI is not a word, it's an acronym.

DAVID

Well, I for one thank those who put their time and energy into making something that doesn't take time and energy to say.

MADDIE

They obviously didn't have you in mind.

DAVID

AOK, NBA, FYI, the FBI handles cases like these all the time. They have loads and loads to choose from. They can solve this PDQ.

MADDIE

Not so PDQ. They're overworked and undermanned, which makes it all the reason why she came to us... I mean you.

DAVID

I guess you'd know.

MADDIE

About what?

DAVID

About being under a man.

MADDIE

David, this is serious.

DAVID

I understand.

MADDIE

Apparently, you don't.

DAVID

Apparently, you're not aware that threats of this nature are sent over the internet almost every day. Less than one percent of these threats are ever carried out. We really don't know if there is anyone out there who wants to kill this boy.

MADDIE

We really don't know if there is anyone who doesn't want to either. What if someone sent that e-mail to little David or Ashley?

DAVID

(Sighs knowing what she's saying is right)

It's not that I don't wanna help Mrs. Harrison. It's just that we have too much on our plate as it is. You come home dead tired... bad choice of words.

You've been exhausted for the past week chasing a cheating husband who's not cheating with a dame his wife thinks he's chasing.

MADDIE

Fine, David. If you think I'm working too much, I'll let Mr. Viola take over. We need to catch this lunatic before it's too late.

DAVID

These kids haven't learned how to multiply, but they're getting a lesson on contract killing.

MADDIE

Kids are forced to grow up fast these days.

DAVID

Someone's trying to correct that problem.

Maddie shakes her head and prepares to go back into the conference room. She touches the doorknob, but turns around to David.

MADDIE

IOU.

DAVID

What?

MADDIE

IOU. That's what you owe me an IOU.

DAVID

I owe you what?

(He realizes what she is talking about)

I told you. I'll pay you back next week. It ain't like we're hurting for money.

MADDIE

But I do feel a pinch every now and then.

DAVID

I hope it's from me.

Maddie is about to open the door. David reaches his arm across and blocks her from going in.

DAVID

Aren't you forgetting about something?

MADDIE

Forgetting? Forgetting about what? What am I forgetting?

Without warning, David leans in and kisses Maddie. She readjusts herself and pulls David to her. They are now clinging to each other. Their lips and hands continue to explore each other, elevating their pent up passion. So much so, they didn't notice the door is open and Mrs. Harrison is watching them. She announces her presence by clearing her throat. When Maddie and David stop, they react like their principal caught them making out on the staircase. Maddie blushes and looks down while David wears a satisfied smirk.

DAVID

(To Mrs. Harrison)

All right, I know what you're thinking... It is as good as it looks.

MADDIE

(Not really looking at Mrs. Harrison)

We've decided to take your case.

MRS. HARRISON

Thank you so much, Mr. Addison.... Miss Hayes.

(steps out of the room then turns back to them)

You can contact me at anytime.

DAVID

No problem. We'll send you an e-mail.

Maddie and Mrs. Harrison looks at David like he's crazy.

DAVID

Or not.

FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
- 4 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. - INSIDE MERCEDES - AFTERNOON

They are across the street from their children's school; it's a private school.

DAVID

Did Jamie get in touch with the internet service provider so we know who this weirdo is?

MADDIE

She should be calling me any minute.

DAVID

She turned out to be a pretty good P. I., hasn't she?

MADDIE

Jamie certainly loves cracking cases compared to babysitting office supplies.

DAVID

And that reminds me, why won't Agnes take that office we wanted her to have?

MADDIE

She likes being out in the open.

DAVID

We're not sticking her in a broom closet. It's a corner office, for God's sake.

MADDIE

I know, but –

DAVID

But what? She's not just a secretary anymore... excuse me, she's not just an administrative assistant anymore. Being PC can really get me PO'd.

MADDIE

Look, I'm not the one you need to convince. This is what she wants. If she wants to be in the outer office, we have respect that. As for Bert, he couldn't wait to kick his feet up in the office we set him up for him.

DAVID

Had his feet touched the edge of the desk and not crashed on the radiator, his ankle wouldn't have been in a cast.

MADDIE

We tried getting him to rest it, but he kept pursuing Mr. Sussman's attacker with his crutches.

DAVID

It would have been pointless, if that attacker hadn't dropped his gun.

Maddie's cell phone rings. She takes it out of her purse.

MADDIE

(Answers cell phone)

Yes, Jamie... uh-huh... uh-huh... really? That's interesting... good work. You can visit the school and ask around, see what you can find. Check back with me tomorrow, okay? Okay. Bye, bye.

(She hangs up the phone and puts it in her purse.)

You will not guess this –

DAVID

Good, 'cuz I'm not in a guessing mood.

MADDIE

I don't know if I believe this myself.

DAVID

What are you waiting for? My hair to grow back?

MADDIE

Neither of us can wait that long. Anyway, those life-threatening e-mails came from a 9-year-old named Dennis Rockwell.

DAVID

Any relation to Norman?

MADDIE

He attends a public school.

She lets out a sigh of relief.

DAVID

What was that?

MADDIE

What was what?

DAVID

That. It looked like the exhale you were waiting for.

MADDIE

It's a public school, and it's across town.

DAVID

So?

MADDIE

So? Our children are safe.

DAVID

For now.

MADDIE

What do you mean, "for now"? This is an excellent school. We pay a lot of money to give David and Ashley an excellent education and a safe surrounding.

DAVID

To a kid with a website and a vendetta, none of that matters.

MADDIE

David, I'm sure those kids

(Pointing to the school)

in there are good kids.

DAVID

I bet everyone out in Colorado thought those kids from Columbine were good kids too before they re-enacted their favorite video game.

MADDIE

David –

DAVID

Maddie, anything can happen anyplace, anytime, anywhere.

MADDIE

Yes, but –

ASHLEY (Off Screen)

Mommy? Daddy?

Maddie and David look outside the backseat window. They see their blonde-haired daughter tapping on the glass. David unlocks the door and Ashley gets inside.

MADDIE

(Whispers to David)

We'll continue this later.

DAVID

Much later.

(turns his attention to his daughter)

Hey, sweet pea! How's your day?

ASHLEY

Can't complain. Everything's going just fine. Never better.

DAVID

(Seeing through her act)

What do we have to sign?

ASHLEY

Sign? I didn't say anything about you two signing a parental form, allowing me to join all of my classmates on a class trip to Aspen early next year.

MADDIE

We'll think about it.

DAVID

(Looks suprised)

We will?

MADDIE

(Turns to him.)

We will.

DAVID

We will. Of course, we will.

MADDIE

So, where's your brother?

ASHLEY

(Dismissive tone)

I don't know. He should be here soon.

MADDIE

I don't know why you two can't get along.

DAVID

It's a bigger mystery than finding out who really shot JFK. Maddie, what did you expect? They're siblings and let's face it, they came from us.

LITTLE DAVID

(Coming into the car)

Hey, Dad. Hey, Mom.

(Turns to Ashley)

Hey, ugly. Move over.

ASHLEY

I would, but Mommy doesn't like bringing pets into the car.

DAVID

All right, you two knock it off!

MADDIE

Let's get out of here before I suffer from deja vu.

DAVID

(Turns the key and starts the engine)

You're five years too late.

DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

David is lying in bed. Maddie walks in from the bathroom. She climbs into bed.

DAVID

(Softly)

Hey.

MADDIE

(Softly)

Hey.

DAVID

It's nice to be in bed at a decent hour, isn't it?

MADDIE

Eleven o'clock at night is a decent hour?

DAVID

It's decent enough for me. In fact, it's more than decent

(He inches his way over to Maddie's side of the bed)

it's something I wish Davy's teacher would have given him instead of that C, no scratch that a C plus.

MADDIE

David, I wish we can get to this boy in time.

DAVID

We did. I told David to shape up, or we take his Playstation.

MADDIE

No, not that. This Dennis boy.

DAVID

Maddie, please don't spoil our reunion.

MADDIE

(Playfully)

Reunion?

DAVID

(Positions himself on top of her)

Reunion.

The opening guitar licks of Marvin Gaye's, "Let's Get It On," begins playing in the backgorund as they kiss. The kisses are becoming more passionate when they start to disrobe. Maddie feverishly tries to unbutton her silk pajama top. David reaches his arms over his head to take off his undershirt. Before Marvin gets a chance to sing the title, the music slows down to a stop once Ashley enters the room.

ASHLEY

He hit me!

David and Maddie are frozen. His arms are still in the air and his undershirt is over his head. Maddie still has her fingers on the second to the last button of her pajama top.

ASHLEY

Mommy? Daddy? Are you okay?

DAVID

(Muttering)

We were.

He slowly puts his undershirt back on while climbing off of Maddie. Maddie buttons up her top.

ASHLEY

Aren't you going to do something about this? He's a walking time bomb.

DAVID

I bet you're the one who made him tick.

MADDIE

I'll take care of this.

She starts climbing out of bed, but David stops her.

DAVID

No, stay here. Get some rest.

(gets out of bed and approaches Ashley at the door - turns to Maddie)

Next time, this door will be locked.

CUT TO:
INT. - LITTLE DAVID'S ROOM - MIINUTES LATER

Little David gets out of his bed and runs to his father, when David and Ashley walks in.

LITTLE DAVID

She started it, Dad! She hit me first!

DAVID

What did I tell you about hitting your sister?

LITTLE DAVID

But, Dad!

DAVID

I don't care who started what. The only hitting I wanna hear is you hitting a homer in little league.

ASHLEY

That's telling him, Daddy!

DAVID

(Turns to Ashley)

Don't you dare enjoy this. I haven't started on you yet.

(Little David sticks his tongue out behind David's back.)

David put your tongue back where it belongs.

ASHLEY

Aren't you going to punish him?

DAVID

Ash, sweetie, go to your room.

ASHLEY

But –

DAVID

Now!

(Before Ashley takes one step)

And no stomping.

Ashley sulks, then quietly walks out the room. David turns back to look at his son.

DAVID

Look, I know she's a piece of work. Believe me, I can relate. But you're two years older than she is. You gotta put your temper in check before you find yourself checking into a roach motel you won't be able to check out of, you get my drift?

LITTLE DAVID

I know, Dad, but she can be so –

DAVID

(Sympathetic)

I know... I know.

LITTLE DAVID

When you argue with Mom, how do you stay in control?

DAVID

This is gonna sound strange so bare with me. Most of the time, when your mother and I fight, we're not really fighting. It's our weird way of communicating.

(Little David looks confused)

You see, not all couples act like they do in the movies. The fact of the matter is, I wouldn't wanna be with any other woman than your mother. God knows I've tried, but I can't live without her. Someday, you'll understand what I mean.

LITTLE DAVID

So, when Mom yells at you, you don't feel bad?

DAVID

No, no, no, no. That's not what I mean. I mean, having to hear her yelling at me at the top of her lungs is not my favorite pastime. I admit it, she does get to me. But she's the only person who can inspire and infuriate me at the same time. In short, we're the most complicated perfect couple God has ever created. We're so complicated, Albert Einstein couldn't figure us out.

LITTLE DAVID

I love my sister, but I hate her sometimes.

DAVID

You've summed up your parent's relationship in record time... except for the sister part.

LITTLE DAVID

So, what do I do the next time Ashley gets on my nerves?

DAVID

You can argue and fight... with your mouth not with your hands. Let's face it, you two are genetically exposed to not see eye to eye. But I don't ever wanna hear that you hit your sister again. Do I make myself clear?

LITTLE DAVID

Crystal.

DAVID

All right, now get some shut eye.

He turns little David's lamp off. He starts walking out of the room.

LITTLE DAVID

Night, Dad.

DAVID

Night, David.

(To himself)

It feels weird everytime I say that. Now I know how Dad feels.

CUT TO:
INT. - ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
DAVID

Now, you young lady –

Ashley is in her bed with her eyes closed. He sits on the edge of the bed and starts tickling her. She can't help but laugh.

DAVID

I knew you were faking. What is it that makes you wanna push your brother's buttons?

ASHLEY

He gets on my nerves. He keeps saying I tease and poke fun at him.

DAVID

Well, you do.

ASHLEY

It's not my fault if he can't take what I dish.

DAVID

Maybe you can leave some of those disses off your plate, he'll begin to.

ASHLEY

Is that how Mommy feels when you tease her?

DAVID

(Thinks about it for a second)

Okay, I do go overboard at times, but your mom knows I only tease her 'cuz I love her.

ASHLEY

She didn't used to think so.

(David has a puzzled look)

I watched some of the re-runs.

DAVID

Well, you're mom has loosened up since then. And you need to start doing the same. Give the guy a break once in a while, okay?

ASHLEY

(Reluctantly)

Okay.

DAVID

C'mon, time for bed.

ASHLEY

Hey, Dad.

DAVID

Hmm?

ASHLEY

Hit it.

DAVID

(Singing)

Goodnight sweetheart, yeah it's time to go.

ASHLEY

(Singing)

Do-do-do-do-do.

DAVID

Goodnight sweetheart, yeah it's time to go.

ASHLEY

Do-do-do-do-do.

DAVID

Goodnight sweetheart, yeah it's time to go. Goodnight sweetheart goodnight.

ASHLEY

Do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do.

DAVID

Goodnight sweetheart goodnight.

ASHLEY

Do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do.

DAVID

Goodnight sweetheaaaart - gooood - niiiiight.

(Kisses Ashley on the cheek, then whispers)

Goodnight Sweetheart.

He gets up from the egde of the bed and walks to the door.

ASHLEY

Night, night... sleep tight... I'll try not to fight...

David begins closing the door and has a little grin on his face.

ASHLEY

... Too much.

She adds before he closes the door.

CUT TO:
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

David walks into the bedroom.

DAVID

Mission...

(He sees Maddie sleeping)

accomplished.

Maddie's theme plays as David quietly walks over near Maddie and kisses her lightly on the lips. He then walks to his side of the bed, gets in, and turns out the light. The screen is black.

MADDIE (Off Screen)

Good.

CUT TO:
INT. - DAVID'S OFFICE - NEXT MORNING

The screen is still black.

BERT (Off Screen)

Mr. Addison...? Mr. Addison...?

Bert turns on the remote; it opens the shades behind David's desk. The camera acts as if David is lifting his head and opening his eyes. The screen goes from black to full color. David is now looking at Bert who is looking at him.

BERT

Mr. Addison?

DAVID

(Groans like he had a tough night)

Can you turn down the sun? It's too bright.

BERT

Tough night, huh?

DAVID

Not as tough as you think.

BERT

Sir?

DAVID

I haven't made booze my midnight mistress in years... we're merely long lost acquaintances.

BERT

Sir, I wasn't insinuating –

DAVID

I'm sure you weren't, Bert.

(rubs his face with his hands as he tries to wake himself up)

Ash, dragged me outta bed at three thirty in the morning to help her get through a passing thunderstorm.

(yawns)

The person who said, "It never rains in Southern California," should have told my daughter. I would have gotten some sleep.

BERT

I just got back from printing these pictures. I think I finally got the goods on Mr. Adams.

(Presenting David with the pictures)

I took them with one of those infered cameras.

DAVID

Well, you're in-fer a surprise. I can't see a thing.

(Bert snatches the pictures back in disbelief)

Did you forget to take off the lens cap, Bertie?

BERT

But, I could have sworn I...

(slaps himself on the forehead as he remembers something. He gets visibly frustrated)

That damn computer must have froze again! It's been like that all morning.

DAVID

Turn up the heat. It'll thaw out. Why did you need an infered camera anyway?

BERT

Being that I was well situated in the closet of their hotel room, I figured taking pictures with a flash was out of the question.

DAVID

Bert, you didn't have to be that close. Why didn't you plant one of those "nanny cams" you begged us to buy? That way, you could have been at a safe distance to nail him nailing her.

BERT

I never thought of it that way, sir.

DAVID

That's what I'm here for.

BERT

I'll get on it right away.

DAVID

Let's hope Mr. Adams gets on it right away as well.

Bert leaves the office. David still rubs his hands on both sides of his face. He then slaps himself to stay awake. The phone rings. David answers it.

DAVID

Yes, Agnes...? I'll be out in a flash.

David opens the door and walks toward the man holding his briefcase next to Agnes' reception area.

DAVID

Uhh... Mr. Duncan, I know Maddie and I were supposed to join you in court yesterday, but we were on a case that couldn't wait.

Maddie opens her door.

MADDIE

David, can I see you for a moment? This can't wait.

DAVID

(To Mr. Duncan)

See what I mean.

He proceeds to walk to Maddie's office.

CUT TO:
INT. - MADDIE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

David enters and sees Maddie and Jamie looking at some papers on Maddie's desk.

DAVID

What's up?

JAMIE

I was talking to some of the kids who know both Joey and Dennis –

DAVID

They attend the same school?

MADDIE

Yup.

JAMIE

According to what the kids told me, they are friends.

DAVID

Friends?

MADDIE

I couldn't believe it either.

DAVID

Remind me to cozy up to my enemies when this is over.

JAMIE

It also looks like they are in the same class.

DAVID

Joey should be careful the next time he aims those spitballs.

JAMIE

There was a recent project the class had to do. It involves creating their family tree. However, as far as the kids can recall, Dennis' behavior is much the same as it always has been when he's around Joey. They continue to play together and sit close to each other in class. I've also checked the date of the first threatening e-mail, it was sent the same day Joey presented his project... two weeks ago.

MADDIE

Why would Dennis care about Joey's family tree?

JAMIE

That's what I'm going to find out.

DAVID

So, all of this is because of a family tree? Talking about blowing things out of proportion.

JAMIE

Well, it seems that way, but I'm going back to the school and see if I can get my hands on those class projects... see if there's any connection.

MADDIE

Good idea.

DAVID

Yeah, good idea, Jamie. It was so good, I was going to say that idea first.

MADDIE

So, why didn't you?

DAVID

I wanted to let her come up with it on her own. We can't spoon feed her everything that comes out of our mouths.

MADDIE

Especially your mouth.

(To Jamie)

Keep us abreast of the situation.

DAVID

I prefer two, but one will have to do.

(Maddie glares at him. He turns to Maddie.)

Your two not her two.

MADDIE

That'll be all, Jamie. Thanks.

JAMIE

No problem, Miss Hayes... Mr. Addison.

DAVID

Happy snooping.

Jamie exits the office.

MADDIE

Happy snooping?

DAVID

Would you rather for me to say, "I hope you get caught?"

MADDIE

I'd rather you not say anything at all.

DAVID

(To himself)

Wait a minute...

(Snaps his fingers)

I knew we needed to leave this office.

MADDIE

(Gives David a seductive look)

I hope it involves body oil.

DAVID

This has to be the time for you to guess wrong. Our lawyer, you know, the one we stood up yesterday? He's outside that door wondering if we really like him or just leading him on.

MADDIE

Oh, the court case! I totally –

DAVID

(Rushes Maddie to the door)

No time. We have to catch him before the clock strikes noon.

They both walk out to see no one at Agnes' desk.

DAVID

Couldn't he have left a glass slipper?

MADDIE

Mrs. Viola –

AGNES

He just left.

MADDIE

He just left?

DAVID

He just left?

AGNES

Yup, he just left.

MADDIE

Maybe we can still catch him.

DAVID

Maddie, we're on the thirtieth floor.

MADDIE

More chance for his elevator to get stuck.

DAVID

So, what are we waiting for?

MADDIE

You to open that door.

They sprint to the door. David lets Maddie out first, then he follows her out the door. He leaves it open in haste. Agnes gets out of her chair close it until she finds something near her desk.

AGNES

Who's briefcase is on the floor?

The camera focuses on two sets of feet, one beige pumps, the other black loafers, running to the elevator. The ding signals the arrival of the elevator. There are two of them. The right elevator slides open, the two pairs of feet run inside, and the doors close. Seconds later, another ding is heard. The left elevator doors slide open showing two different pairs of feet. They are much smaller. They are two varieties of Nike sneakers. The feet are walking in the opposite direction. The camera tilts up. We see Ashley and little David approach the Blue Moon doors. They tell Agnes through the speaker who they are, seconds later, they are buzzed into the office.

ASHLEY

Hi, Agnes.

AGNES

Hi, Ashley, David. How are you guys?

LITTLE DAVID

Great! Any day we have a half day is a great day. Where's Mom and Dad?

AGNES

Sorry kids, you just missed them. Wait. How did you two come all the way over here from school?

LITTLE DAVID

We tried calling Mom and Dad, but they weren't answering their cell.

ASHLEY

So, we did the next best thing. We called our godmother.

AGNES

Where is she?

LITTLE DAVID

She'll be here in a minute. She left her keys in her car.

AGNES

I hate when that happens.

ASHLEY

It happens to you too?

AGNES

Yeah, Bert does it all the time.

(Puts her hand to the side of her mouth to conceal what she's about to say and whispers)

Don't tell him I told you.

After the sound of the buzzer, Agnes hears –

WOMAN (Off Screen)

It's me, Agnes.

The door swings open to reveal...

AGNES

Terri! Wow! It's been a while.

TERRI

Hi, Agnes.

(Sighs)

I've been practicing day and night for my next performance with the L.A. Philharmonic. It's nice to finally step out of my studio and breathe smog back into my lungs.

She puts an arm around each of the children as she stands in the middle.

AGNES

So, what's Walter been up to?

TERRI

Which one? The 13-year-old, or the 47-year-old?

AGNES

The one you walked down the aisle for.

TERRI

He's still up in Silicon Valley trying to ward off yet another dot-bomb disaster.

(Looks at Ashley and little David)

Have these two behaved themselves?

AGNES

Absolutely.

TERRI

So, where's the dynamic duo?

AGNES

They just left, but I'm sure they'll be back soon.

TERRI

You guys have to excuse me. I need to go to the bathroom.

Terri walks over to Maddie's office then disappears when she turns left around the corner.

LITTLE DAVID

Can we go into Mom's office?

AGNES

Of course you can. I'll tell Terri when she comes back.

Ashley and little David go into their mother's office. The buzzer is heard again and Mrs. Harrison announces herself. The door opens to let her and Joey inside.

MRS. HARRISON

Hello, is Mr. Addison and Miss Hayes in?

AGNES

They both stepped out, but they'll be back soon. You can wait in the conference room. I'll tell them you're here.

As Agnes speaks, Mrs. Harrison looks inside her purse.

AGNES

Did you lose something?

MRS. HARRISON

I'm trying to find my keys.

AGNES

Did you check in your car?

MRS. HARRISON

My car? Why would I... As a matter of fact...

(She looks amazed)

How did you know?

AGNES

A lot of that going around.

MRS. HARRISON

(To Joey)

Now you go in that room and stay put.

JOEY

I will.

Mrs. Harrison rushes out the door. Seconds later, Terri rushes over to Agnes.

TERRI

I don't know how it happened –

AGNES

The water in the sink keeps running.

TERRI

Right.

AGNES

(Gets out of her seat and takes some keys with her)

I've tried to tell the Super to fix that thing a million times.

Agnes jogs with Terri to the bathroom. Joey starts walking to the conference room when Ashley and little David walks out of Maddie's office.

LITTLE DAVID

I told you I didn't see it.

ASHLEY

It must be here somewhere. I had my backpack with me when we left school.

(She walks up to Joey)

Have you seen a blue and grey backpack?

JOEY

(Startled)

No.

LITTLE DAVID

I apologize for my sister. She can be rude at times.

ASHLEY

Bite me, butthead!

LITTLE DAVID

You'll learn to ignore her. Hi, I'm David Addison.

JOEY

You're David Addison? Isn't he the man who owns this place?

ASHLEY

Half owns. I'm Ashley by the way. Dadddy is Mommy's partner.

LITTLE DAVID

You are such a brat you know that?

LITTLE DAVID

Of course you don't. You just like being a pain the, butt. I don't know why I put up with this. We constantly go back and forth, getting on each other's nerves. The problem is you never wanna listen. You're always talking. You never hear me at all!

ASHLEY

I am not a brat! You always think you can push me around because you're older. But I won't let you. Do you hear me...? You get on my nerves more! You're never leave me alone. Why don't you find somebody else to bother... Hey, that's not true...!

ASHLEY

I always find myself listening to you!

Joey looks puzzled while seeing these sibilings argue. He looks more confused when seconds later, little David turns to Joey calmly as if nothing has happened and asks –

LITTLE DAVID

So, what are you here for?

JOEY

Someone is sending me e-mails telling me I'm going to die. You're parents are trying to find out who this person is.

LITTLE DAVID

Whoa, dude, that's a heck of a prediction.

ASHLEY

Now I know where I left it. The backpack is in Aunt Terri's car.

Ashley heads for the door.

LITTLE DAVID

Hey! Where are you going? You know we're not supposed to go anywhere without a grown up.

ASHLEY

Calm down, I'm only going downstairs. I need my backpack. Oh, I almost forgot.

She sees Terri's bag, takes it and grabs the keys.

LITTLE DAVID

Are you nuts? You're gonna get in trouble.

ASHLEY

She won't mind if I tell her it's for the good of my education that I had to go into her bag so I can get my backpack. It's armed with important information and I couldn't wait to get her permission.

(Turns to Joey)

You wanna come?

JOEY

I was told to stay put.

ASHLEY

(Looks at little David and Joey)

Since when do we kids do what grown ups tell us?

(Turns back to Joey)

The car is near the building. We can get some ice cream along the way.

JOEY

Are you sure we won't get in trouble?

ASHLEY

Do donuts have holes? Do ginger have bread?

JOEY

Huh?

ASHLEY

Just come with me.

(Pulling Joey with her to the door)

David will tell everyone where we are.

LITTLE DAVID

Ashley –

ASHLEY

Don't worry 'bout it. We'll be there and back before you realized you've missed me.

Ashley and Joey walks out the door.

LITTLE DAVID

I hope it doesn't take that long.

CUT TO:
EXT.- OUTSIDE BUILDING COMPLEX / ON SIDEWALK - MINUTES LATER

Ashley carries her backpack while she and Joey lick their ice cream. They are heading back to the office building.

JOEY

Do you think I'm going to be okay?

ASHLEY

Will you chill? My parents are among the best detectives in L.A. They're gonna crack this case in no time.

JOEY

Really?

ASHLEY

Would they have an office like that if they were lousy?

Seconds later, a car horn blows. Ashley and Joey look around to see where it is coming from.

PERSON IN CAR

Hey, do you know where –

ASHLEY

I don't know nothing. I'm just visiting.

PERSON IN CAR

I just wanna know where Hollywood and Vine is.

Ashley doesn't respond.

JOEY

I know where it is.

He starts moving to the car, but Ashley pulls him back.

ASHLEY

My parents told me never to talk to strangers.

JOEY

So, why are you talking to me?

ASHLEY

(She looks Joey up and down; Dismissive tone)

Like you're gonna hurt me.

The person in the car keeps trying to get Ashley and Joey's attention, then Ashley yells –

ASHLEY

Hey! Can't you take a hint?! Beat it! Am-Scray!

Suddenly, Ashley and Joey feel someone grab them from behind. They are both kicking and screaming, but they can't get out of the mysterious person's grasp. The person has a black mask over his head and a green army-looking outfit. The person continues to drag them into the car. Ashley tries to get away, but the person catches her. The person shoves Ashley and Joey inside the car, slams the door, and the car speeds away.

FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
- 2 MIN COMMERCIAL BREAK -
FADE IN:
HALFWAY BUMPER (1)

A still image of the title is showing. An abbreviated version of the theme is being used. Maddie and David's voices are in voice over.

DAVID

Relax and lower your remote. It's a thumb free zone.

MADDIE

We'll be back in a moment.

FADE OUT:
- 2 MIN COMMERCIAL BREAK -
FADE IN:
HALFWAY BUMPER (2)

A still image of the title is showing. An abbreviated version of the theme is being used. Maddie and David's voices are in voice over.

MADDIE

As promised, we're back.

DAVID

Now that didn't take long, did it?

FADE OUT:
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. - BLUE MOON OFFICE - AFTERNOON

MRS. HARRISON

How could this happen?

TERRI

We can't jump to conclusions.

(Turns to little David)

How long have Ashley and...

MRS. HARRISON

Joey!

TERRI

(Looks apologetically to Mrs. Harrison)

Joey, have been gone?

LITTLE DAVID

(Looks at his watch and fights back tears)

About an hour.

TERRI

Not only do we jump to conclusions, we leap to them.

AGNES

Wait a second, wait a second. Let's all calm down. I'm sure it's not as bad as it looks.

MRS. HARRISON

Not as bad as it looks? It looks like my boy is missing!

LITTLE DAVID

Hey, my sister's missing too, lady!

TERRI

(Tries to console little David)

David... David, it's okay.

(To Agnes)

Are you sure Maddie and David didn't tell you where they went?

AGNES

They raced out of here so fast, they probably didn't have time to think. But, don't worry, I'm sure Miss Hayes and Mr. Addison will –

EVERYONE

(Wearily)

Be here soon.

CUT TO:
EXT.- OUTDOOR RESTURANT - CONTINUOUS

Maddie and David sit opposite each other as they finish what's left on their plates.

MADDIE

Mmm... David, taking an early lunch was a great idea.

DAVID

We burned up enough calories.

(Holds his fork out toward Maddie)

Wanna bite?

Maddie stands and stretchs herself over to his side of the table. She bends forward to reach his fork with her mouth, but David pulls the fork back.

DAVID

(Has a playful smile on his face)

Ah, ah, ah... you have to come over here to get it.

(Looks at her chest, then back to her eyes)

Although I do enjoy the view.

Maddie wears a grin while walking to David's side of the table. When Maddie gets close enough, David grabs her around her waist and sits her down on his lap.

MADDIE

(Looking around to see if anyone is watching)

David.

DAVID

(Chuckles)

Nobody's gonna notice. They have too much on their plates to be bothered with what we are doing.

Maddie reaches forward to capture the food David still has on his fork. He puts the fork down and looks seductively at his wife. When she swallows the last piece, he reaches over to kiss her. They get more into it with each passing minute. They begin kissing each other's necks when a loud ringing sound should be disturbing them. But David, without breaking his concentration, frees up his right hand to search for his cell he put beside the glass of water. He grabs it and holds it up to the same level he is kissing Maddie's neck. His eyes are wide when he sees, 911 – COME BACK TO OFFICE – AGNES, on the message window. He involuntarily jumps out of his seat. It sends Maddie crashing to the ground.

DAVID

I'm sorry!

(Reaches over to help Maddie up)

I'm so sorry, honey.

(She responds by smacking him hard on his arm.)

Something's happening at the office.

David shows her the message.

CUT TO:
INT. - BLUE MOON OFFICE - MINUTES LATER

David and Maddie burst through the front door.

DAVID

What happened?! Where's the fire?!

LITTLE DAVID

(Runs up to his father crying)

I'm sorry, Dad. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen.

DAVID

What? Who went where?

TERRI

Ashley and...

Terri turns to Mrs. Harrison, hopefully to help Terri out. Mrs. Harrison looks a bit ticked off.

MRS. HARRISON

Joey!

TERRI

Joey are missing.

DAVID

What?!

MADDIE

(Looks around the room shell shocked)

Terri...? Davy...? Mrs. Harrison...? Why are you all here?

MRS. HARRISON

The question is, why weren't you here?

AGNES

It's not their fault. It's my fault. I shouldn't have left my desk.

TERRI

Agnes, it's not your fault. It's my fault. I shouldn't have used that sink.

DAVID

Don't tell me... the faucet turned into a fountain.

(They all look at him)

What?

LITTLE DAVID

No, Aunt Terri, it's my fault. I never should have let Ashley go downstairs.

DAVID

Look, none of this is gonna bring Joey and Ashley back any sooner.

MADDIE

Why don't we all go into the conference room and figure out what to do next.

(Everyone starts walking except Agnes. She's returning to her desk.)

You too, Agnes.

AGNES

But –

MADDIE

(Gently grabs Agnes' shoulders and steers her to the conference room)

You know the most exciting thing about having voice mail? It can take messages even when you're away from your desk.

MRS. HARRISON

(To Herself)

I knew I couldn't trust them.

David looks puzzled after he hearing this, but doesn't respond. Instead, he throws his arm around Terri's shoulder.

DAVID

Did you take a wrong turn from the Philharmonic? If you don't mind practicing on my harmonica, then you're in the right place.

TERRI

I picked up my godchildren from their half day of school.

DAVID

That explains why a 10-year-old is staring me in the face, in my office, in the middle of the day.

He drops his head; this situation clearly overwhelms him.

TERRI

Hey...

(David looks over to her)

We're gonna find them.

(She looks in the direction of Agnes' desk. She goes over and picks up the lawyer's briefcase)

Who would leave something this expensive...?

(She looks at David)

What's wrong?

DAVID

(Drags his hand over his face in frustration)

I just realized Maddie and I ran a mini marathon for nothing.

TERRI

I don't know about that.

(David looks confused)

I just thought of an idea.

CUT TO:

A montage of places David, Maddie, Terri, Agnes and Mrs. Harrison go to look for Ashley and Joey. The song, "Tell Me What I Gotta Do," by Al Jarreau begins. A shot of two pairs of feet (one pumps, the other loafers), pound the pavement to the beat of the music.

INT. - PIZZA SHOP

David presents to the people behind the counter two photos of Ashley and Joey. The people shake their heads no.

CUT TO:
EXT. - PLAYGROUND

Terri goes to the sandbox and shows the pictures to some of the kids, they shake their heads no. She goes toward the see saw, the two children shake their heads too as they continue going up and down.

CUT TO:
INT. - CLOTHING SHOP

David shows the pictures of the children to some of the customers, they shake their heads. Maddie takes the pictures and turns to a woman who is looking at a nice blouse. Maddie shows her the photos, but the woman doesn't pay Maddie any attention. She attempts to show the photos to the woman again, but the woman moves away from her.

CUT TO:
INT. - LIBRARY

Agnes talks to the librarian, but Agnes gets shushed. Each time Agnes comes closer to the woman, she continues to get shushed.

CUT TO:
INT. - BACK TO CLOTHING SHOP

As David talks to the other customers, Maddie still tries to get this woman's attention. She follows the woman around. Maddie is determined to get a response one way or another. The woman looks over to Maddie, waves her off, and tells Maddie to get lost, but Maddie still follows her.

CUT TO:
INT. - ARCADE

Mrs. Harrison walks over to some of the kids. Their eyes are glued to the video screen. They move their heads to avoid the pictures Mrs. Harrison holds up in front of them.

CUT TO:
INT. - BACK TO CLOTHING SHOP

Maddie still engrosses herself into not letting this woman show her up. Maddie taps her on the shoulder, the woman ignores her. She shakes the woman's shoulder, she swats Maddie away like a fly. Maddie gets fed up and whips the woman around by the arm and shows her the pictures. The woman responds by taking her purse and whacking Maddie on the head. Maddie uses her own purse to hit the woman back. When David finished talking, he sees, out of the corner of his eye, what is going on. He moves in and holds his hands up to the woman, so she doesn't start to hit him. It doesn't work. David begins steering Maddie out of the store. Maddie begins to calm down, but David lets Maddie out of the store first just to be on the safe side. Seconds later, Maddie returns. Before she is able to reach the handles of the glass door, David pulls her away.

CUT TO:

The two pairs of feet pound the pavement once more to the beat of the music.

CUT TO:
EXT. - BACK TO PLAYGROUND

Terri swings in the middle swing and shows two kids the pictures of Ashley and Joey. However, they indicate they haven't seen them by shaking their heads.

CUT TO:
INT. - BACK TO LIBRARY

Agnes is visibly frustrated and slams the two photos on the librarian's desk. The librarian checks the pictures, shakes her head no and shoves the photos back to Agnes. Agnes starts yawning, but the librarian shushes her again. Agnes leaves the library in a huff.

CUT TO:
EXT. - THE ZOO

Maddie and David walk every inch of the zoo. They show everyone the pictures as Maddie and David walk by them. They go to the zookeepers tending to their Elephants and present them with the pictures. They shake their heads no as Maddie watches the Elephant's trunk very closely.

CUT TO:
INT. - BACK TO ARCADE

The kids are still try to avoid looking at the pictures Mrs. Harrison sticks in their faces. One girl moves the pictures out of her way until another camera angle reveals "GAME OVER" on the video screen. She throws her hands up and gives Mrs. Harrison a glare before she walks away.

CUT TO:
INT. - HAMBURGER DINER

Agnes holds up the two pictures to all the waitresses and the customers. Some of the customers continue eating without looking up. The ones who do look up, shakes their heads no.

CUT TO:
EXT. - BACK TO THE ZOO

Maddie and David keep walking,. They stop to take a break near the cages of some monkeys. One of them takes Maddie's glasses she put on her head and places them on itself. When Maddie reaches for her glasses, she soon finds that they are gone. She looks everywhere until she sees a monkey wearing them. David laughs as Maddie snatches the glasses back and puts them in her purse.

CUT TO:
EXT. - SIDEWALK/ INT. - ICE CREAM PARLOR

The same two sets of feet continue walking to the beat. The camera tilts up as Maddie and David are slowing their pace and walk into an ice cream parlor. The song fades out when they are inside.

ICE CREAM MAN

Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Addison. How are you today?

DAVID

Other than putting in a month's worth of exercise, I'm pretty good.

MADDIE

It's Miss Hayes.

ICE CREAM MAN

Huh?

MADDIE

My name is Maddie Hayes, not Addison.

DAVID

Maddie, this isn't the time to reclaim your name. We gotta find Ashley and Joey.

ICE CREAM MAN

You didn't see them?

DAVID

(Gets excited)

You saw them? When?

ICE CREAM MAN

They came by here a few hours ago.

MADDIE

Do you know where they went?

ICE CREAM MAN

No.

He gives David his ice cream cone, then he gives Maddie her ice cream.

ICE CREAM MAN

Oh, now I remember.

DAVID

Yeah?

ICE CREAM MAN

Yeah, but you're not gonna like my answer.

DAVID

Try us.

ICE CREAM MAN

They were taken by some guy with a mask and green fatigues.

MADDIE

(Grabs her chest)

Oh, my God!

ICE CREAM MAN

I tried to run after him, but the only thing I caught was the license plate.

MADDIE

The license plate?

DAVID

The license plate?


ICE CREAM MAN

(Shows them a piece of paper)

The license plate.

David frantically takes out the cell in his pants pocket and starts dialing. He looks up to the ice cream man.

DAVID

Thanks a lot. We'll lobby Congress to make sure the 32nd flavor is named after you.

He attempts to get in touch with Bert, but there is no answer. He tries all the numbers Bert gave him, still no answer.

DAVID

Only Bert would make a simple bugging operation into a federal case.

MADDIE

Why didn't you call Agnes?

DAVID

Good question

(He starts dialing)

I hope she provides me with some good answers... Agnes, can you get in touch with Bert's canary at the DMV...? Good. Here's the plate number.

(He gives her the numbers)

... Okay, when you get the 411, call me ASAP, get it? Got it? Good, don't forget it.

(Hangs up cell then turns to Maddie)

What do we do now?

MADDIE

There's nothing else to do except sit and wait.

CUT TO:
INT. - DAVID'S OFFICE - LATE AFTERNOON

As David's theme plays, he is lounging in his leather chair playing the same notes in his harmonica. The phone rings and David stops in mid-note to answer the phone. The theme stops short as well.

DAVID

Hello...? Hello?!

He slowly hangs up. He picks up the harmonica and continues to play. The theme also picks up where David left off. Soon after, he and the theme stops again. He drops the harmonica on his desk and turns his chair around to the window. He starts to cry then clasps his hands together to pray.

DAVID

Umm, listen. I... I haven't been corresponding with you lately. I promise to rectify that in the near future.... I bet you hear that a lot, right...? Umm... I just need to bend your ear for a minute.... I need you to watch over Joey and my little girl for me...

(Maddie walks in and hears David talking to God)

Just... just look after them wherever they are... whoever they are with... please help them stay safe

(He cries a little harder)

Please... I don't know what I'd do if anything happens to...

David breaks down and cries uncontrollably. Maddie hears the painful sobs of her husband. She slowly moves over to him as he covers his face. She walks up behind his chair and puts her arms around him from behind. David slowly gets up and they both hold each other as they both burst into tears. The slow Moonlighting theme slips in. They hug as if they will fall to the ground if one lets the other go. Maddie manages to whisper into David's ear.

MADDIE

It's okay... it's okay.

They continue to comfort each other when Jamie silently enters the room.

JAMIE

(Softly)

Ex... excuse me.

Maddie and David look up to see Jamie with papers in her hand.

JAMIE

I happened to get a hold of Joey and Dennis' family tree projects. I think you really need to check them out.

Maddie walks over to Jamie, while David stays behind his desk. Jamie places the papers on David's desk. They all lean in to see what is written on those papers. Maddie and David's heads rise up sharply and checks the papers again. The realization of what they have found is written on both of their faces.

CUT TO:
INT. - CONFERENCE ROOM - A MINUTE LATER

Maddie and David look at Mrs. Harrison.

DAVID

When were you gonna let us in on your little secret?

MRS. HARRISON

I didn't think I had to.

DAVID

Didn't think you...

(Cools his temper)

... So, that's what you meant, huh? That you couldn't trust us.

MRS. HARRISON

Put yourself in my position –

DAVID

As long as you put yourself in my position first!

MRS. HARRISON

So, what was I supposed to do? Tell you I was sent here by –

MADDIE

(Sarcastically)

It would have been the polite thing to do.

DAVID

It would have been the only thing to do!

MRS. HARRISON

(To Maddie)

This doesn't concern you!

DAVID

As long as she shares my life, it sure as hell does!

He paces around the room still not believing what he now knows.

DAVID

So, how much does the person in question knows?

MRS. HARRISON

Knows enough not to trust you with Joey.

DAVID

Not to trust...

(Calms down again; To himself but everyone in the room can hear)

I can't believe you two are putting me in this, then blame me.

MADDIE

So, what do we do now?

DAVID

Contact the Rockwells. Get their side of this whole mess.

Maddie and David gets ready to leave the room. David looks directly into Mrs. Harrison's eyes.

DAVID

(Controlling his anger)

If you still want to, you're still welcome to stay. If not, we'll contact you.

He turns to leave. Maddie follows. Before he steps out of the room, he stops and turns to Maddie.

DAVID

Why don't they...

(Looks at the camera; back to Maddie)

... know what we're talking about?

MADDIE

We gotta hold them 'til the commercial break.

David lets Maddie leave the room first.

DAVID

(To Camera)

Can't say I didn't try.

He closes the door behind him. Maddie and David are about to retreat into David's office again until –

AGNES

Mr. Addison?

He races over to Agnes.

MADDIE

I'll be in my office, David.

He nods. Maddie turns around and goes into her office.

DAVID

Find anything?

AGNES

An address, a phone number –

DAVID

Name?

AGNES

He was about to tell me, but he was cut off. He didn't have enough change.

DAVID

Who says small change is worthless?

BERT

(Bursts through the front door)

Great news, sir. It's all set!

(To Agnes)

Hello, my little sugar plum.

(Jumps up and holds onto the edge of the desk to kiss Agnes then jumps off)

Get ready to celebrate because after tonight, Daddy's comin' home...! to stay!

(Looks at David)

Until I come back to work the next day.

DAVID

What's all...

(He now understands why Bert is excited)

Ohh... that's great! So great, I have something else for you to do.

BERT

You do!

DAVID

I do.

(Grabs the information Agnes gathered and gives it to Bert)

See this? I want you to track this information down along with this...

He gives Bert another piece of paper.

BERT

The Rockwell residence? Any relation to Norman?

DAVID

Just go.

BERT

But... but sir?

DAVID

But... but what?

BERT

It's just... I was looking forward to cracking this Adams case once and for all.

DAVID

I know, I saw, but Bert we have time to catch him with his pants down later. Right now, what I need you to do is paramount.

BERT

But –

AGNES

Bert. Do it. Two small lives hang in the balance.

(Realizing what she said, she looks at David)

Sorry, Mr. Addison.

BERT

(senses something is wrong by how David and Agnes are reacting)

What's going on, Mr. Addison?

DAVID

A client's child and Ashley have been taken –

BERT

Oh, my God! Sir, you must be utterly beside yourself.

DAVID

(Gives Bert a strange look)

In a matter of speaking.

BERT

You must feel like your daughter has been sucked into a Black Hole with no signs of ever escaping the enormous yet lethal cosmic power of the Heavens. She's out there... alone like a star that's about to lose its light, and you fear she might perish without a sense of knowing why –

DAVID

You ever hear of Cliff Notes, Bertie?

BERT

Listen, if there's anything I can do to help you ease this unbearable suffering in this traumatic time, please don't hesitate.

DAVID

You wanna help me?

David shoves the papers to Bert's chest and steers him around to face the front door and points straight ahead to show Burt where he wants him to go.

BERT

No problem, sir.

He leaves the office.

DAVID

If only he had said that five minutes earlier.

(Turns to Agnes)

So, where's mini-he?

AGNES

Mini-who?

DAVID

Mini-him.

(Points toward the door)

The two-foot, seven-inch Bert impersonator. I didn't see him in the day care center lately.

AGNES

Jeffrey is going to pre-school. I thought you knew.

DAVID

I did. I wanted the people at home to get up to speed.

(Breathes out a huge sigh and gives Agnes a concerned look)

Now, Agnes –

AGNES

Mr. Addison, it's okay.

DAVID

What can be better than stretching out, putting your feet up, and snoozing 'til lunch? You can only do that if you have your own four walls.

AGNES

I'm fine. I like it out here.

DAVID

Why pick the run of the mill three leaf clover when you have the four leaf variety me and Miss Hayes offered you?

AGNES

Really, Mr. Addison, I'm okay.

DAVID

Well, I'm leaving that office empty until you finally come to your senses.

AGNES

Thanks, Mr. Addison.

David blows Agnes a kiss, then heads over to Maddie's office.

CUT TO:
INT. - MADDIE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

David steps in.

DAVID

Have you heard any –

Maddie cuts him off, puts her finger to her lips, and pointed over to Terri and little David sleeping side by side. He smiles as he watches his son and his ex-lamaze partner sleeping peacefully.

DAVID

I never thought I'd like the idea of seeing my son sleeping with an older woman.

MADDIE

Only you can make something sweet into something tawdry.

DAVID

It's a gift.

MADDIE

You mind keeping it wrapped?

DAVID

Even when we're undressed?

MADDIE

(She sighs)

When you said it can happen anyplace, anytime, anywhere, you never said the anywhere would be a few feet away from our building.

David moves closer to her as Maddie gets up to meet him near the middle of the room. The slow Moonlighting theme starts the second they give each other a soft, comforting hug.

DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - MADDIE'S OFFICE - NEXT MORNING

The theme continues throughout this transition into the next morning. The camera pans from the left side of the couch to the right where David and Maddie are lying. David has his arms around Maddie's waist while they continue sleeping. David is groggy when he feels someone tugging at his sleeve. He looks up seeing his worried son staring at him.

LITTLE DAVID

Dad?

DAVID

What's up, buddy? What's wrong?

LITTLE DAVID

Will we ever find them?

DAVID

Hey, what kind of question is that? Of course, we're gonna find them. It's taking us a little longer, that's all.

Maddie groans when she wakes up.

DAVID

(Looking at her)

Take it easy, sleepy head. One false move, you'll find yourself kissing the carpet instead of me.

Not noticing little David is standing in front of her, she shifts her body in toward David.

MADDIE

How about you giving me a reason for me to wake up.

She starts kissing him on his neck.

DAVID

How about we save it before our son gets his firsthand lesson on what a porno flick looks like.

Maddie jerks herself around and sees little David. She gives him an awkward smile.

MADDIE

Hi, sweetheart. Sleep okay?

(Little David continues to gawk at his parents)

... I'm going into the kitchen and fix us some breakfast.

DAVID

As long as it's out of a cereal box.

Maddie playfully pushes David's head into one of the throw pillows. She gets off the couch and walks backward to the door. She bumps into the couch along the way. She almost loses her balance and mumbles to herself as she walks out the door.

DAVID

(To little David – Jokingly)

You've witnessed what I have been waking up to every morning.

BERT

(Comes through the door)

Mr. Addison.

DAVID

Bert!

(Pops up from the couch and rushes over to Bert)

What's the scoop?

BERT

The trace went cold. The info. from the license plate is more like a company car. It's owned by a Walter Burns and Hildy Johnson. They own a local gym. Funny thing about it is, nobody knows who these people are. They just collect the rent checks.

DAVID

What about the Rockwells?

BERT

They weren't in a talkative mood. Since Joey is reported to be Dennis' friend, and they're enrolled in the same class, the media has been focusing on them pretty hard. They went so far as to sic their pitbull Scruffles on me. I had to leave their premises.

DAVID

(Throws up his hands in frustration)

This is just great!

BERT

However, seeing the magnatitude of the situation, I'll go back to see if they're really on the level.

DAVID

Contact me as soon as you can.

BERT

Right, sir.

He rushes out the door and almost knocking Maddie down in the process.

BERT

Sorry, Miss Hayes.

He continues to leave.

MADDIE

(Gets excited)

Did he find a lead?

DAVID

He barely found a way through the door.

LITTLE DAVID

We don't know if Ashley and Joey are still alive, do we?

David motions for Maddie to go outside the office.

DAVID

We'll be right back, okay?

Little David nods. David closes the door behind him. David blows out a huge sigh before he finds the words to tell Maddie –

DAVID

We have to go to the last resort.

MADDIE

Last resort?

DAVID

The last resort. It's not any old resort. This oasis is so exclusive, it's surrounded by bobwire.

MADDIE

David, you're not suggesting –

DAVID

We have to. I sure as hell would like to know why I volunteered for something I didn't volunteer for. Look, I wouldn't think of doing this, but our daughter is in danger.

MADDIE

(Surrendering to the idea)

If that's what we gotta do... we gotta do it.

They both walk back into the office.

DAVID

Terri? You mind watching my namesake for a little while longer?

TERRI

No problem. I couldn't leave if I wanted to anyway, Ashley took my car keys.

LITTLE DAVID

(Answering his parents' confused looks)

To get her backpack out of Aunt Terri's car.

TERRI

I was checking in with Walter a few minutes ago... he's okay.

DAVID

The 47 -year-old version, or the 13-year-old version?

TERRI

The 13-year-old. I still can't believe he's that old.

MADDIE

Tell me about it. I still remember screaming and shouting at the top of my lungs, while you were the one who was actually giving birth to him.

DAVID

I hate to break our trip down memory lane, but Maddie and I have to detour into a nightmare on some other street.

CUT TO:
INT. - VISITING ROOM - LATE MORNING

David and Maddie are about to sit down.

MADDIE

I still don't understand why we couldn't grill Mrs. Harrison.

DAVID

She wouldn't have spilled the beans. We gotta get it from the horse's mouth, which means we have to settle for talking to...

VOICE (Off Screen)

I wondered when you were goning pay me a visit.

They are looking from the other side of the glass.

DAVID (Off Screen)

(Close-up shot)

Jillian.

CUT TO BLACK.
END OF ACT THREE
- 4 MIN COMMERCIAL BREAK -
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. - VISITING ROOM (JAIL) - CONTINUOUS

JILLIAN

It's nice of you to drop by, David.

DAVID

Can we stop with the small talk?

JILLIAN

(Looks at Maddie)

I had figured you'd end up with her.

DAVID

Stop stalling and tell us why you dragged me into this?

JILLIAN

(To herself)

Where should I start?

DAVID

Tests have proven it helps when you start at the beginning.

MADDIE

It sure helps me when I read to my kids at bedtime.

JILLIAN

Okay... after four long, hard years of being locked up in this dump, I planned my great escape. I didn't know where to go. My family didn't want anything to do with me...

DAVID

Smart people.

JILLIAN

Except my mother...

DAVID

Well, mothers can't be choosers.

JILLIAN

But, I didn't want to put her in that position. So, she advised me to go up to the Bay Area and visit my longtime friend.

MADDIE

Mrs. Harrison?

JILLIAN

Mrs. Harrison... Gale actually... Anyway, I explained the situation, she still offered to let me stay as long as I needed.

DAVID

Well, how about? Cinderella ain't the only one who has a fairy godmother.

JILLIAN

I managed to stay there for about two years. While I was there, I became acquainted with a man...

DAVID

Prince Charming, I assume...

JILLIAN

We became friends, then we became lovers...

DAVID

And nine months later, Joey pops out of your oven...

JILLIAN

Not before I was recaptured.

DAVID

Let me guess, Prince Charming turned out to be a frog with a badge and a gun.

JILLIAN

He really pulled one over on me.

DAVID

Yeah, I know the feeling.

JILLIAN

Anyway, I was three months pregnant when I went back to jail. I told him the baby was his, but he didn't want anything to do with it. I had to give birth to Joey while being handcuffed to a hospital bed. My mother had custody of him until she died three years ago. Gale and her husband volunteered to move down to LA and become Joey's legal guardians.

DAVID

This all doesn't explain why she says she doesn't trust me, or Maddie, right after Joey and our daughter disappeared.

JILLIAN

Well, I sort of told her you are his father.

DAVID

You did what?

MADDIE

You did what?

JILLIAN

I couldn't tell her Joey's father, the man I fell in love with, was the one who sent me to jail.

DAVID

Or did you?

JILLIAN

Excuse me?

DAVID

You told her I was the reason why Joey doesn't have a father. You told her I abandoned him didn't you?

JILLIAN

I –

DAVID

Didn't you!

Jillian lowers her head in shame.

MADDIE

(Looks uneasy)

Would you mind if we move on to the other piece of the puzzle named the Rockwell's.

JILLIAN

It was a matter of time before they'd to get into the picture. See, June Rockwell, then June Armstrong, never liked me when Harlan and I started dating. She'd tell him I was no good for him...

DAVID

If only I had a sister...

JILLIAN

She was hell-bent on breaking us up, but Harlan wouldn't hear of it. After I was sent away, she vowed she'd never forgive me for taking away her only brother.

DAVID

And when Dennis found out that Joey was your son, the Rockwells planned the big payback. If they can't break into jail to get to you, they decided to get to the next best thing. What's more satisfying than cutting down your side of the family tree.

MADDIE

So, why did they take Ashley?

DAVID

It may be a classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

JILLIAN

You know, weirdest thing about that woman...

DAVID

Weirder than killing her brother?

JILLIAN

She'd make Harlan promise not to give me her cigarettes.

DAVID

You're making this up, right?

JILLIAN

(Shaking her head)

She loves those old cigarette holders. They made her look more elegant and fashionable than she could ever be on her own.

She mimics by holding her chin in the air, tilting her head back, and to the side while holding two fingers in the air creating a "V".

DAVID

I hope she remembers all that at her next doctor's visit.

JILLIAN

Oh, no. She doesn't smoke.

MADDIE

She doesn't?

JILLIAN

She loves to look like she does.

DAVID

Who says image isn't everything?

JILLIAN

(Under her breath)

"His Girl Friday."

MADDIE

Excuse me?

JILLIAN

It was one of those stupid movies she watched when Harlan first introduced me to her. Movies like, "The Philadelphia Story", "Bringing Up Baby", "It happened One Night." She loves that kind of junk. They always put me to sleep.

DAVID

Well, this has been a hoot of a reunion. We'll try to come back for the 25th anniversary. Same time? Same place...? What am I saying? It ain't like you're gonna change your address any time soon.

Maddie and David signal to the guards that they are finished with their discussion. They lead Jillian back to her cell. David puts on a plastic grin, a small wave, and says –

DAVID

Toodles.

CUT TO:
INT. - INSIDE MERCEDES - 20 MINUTES LATER

Maddie drives the car as they go back to the office.

DAVID

How does she do it?

MADDIE

Do what?

DAVID

After all these years, she can still haunt me.

MADDIE

Jillian?

DAVID

Jillian.

A long awkward silence fills the car as we –

CUT TO:
INT. - BASEMENT OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Ashley and Joey are tied up on one of the basement pillars.

ASHLEY

Okay, I'm going ask you one more time. Why are we tied up on this thing?

WOMAN

Why?

ASHLEY

Yeah, why? You know, it's a question, which is followed by an answer. It also tells me the reason why I asked question in the first place. I know about this because I got an A in Grammar.

BOY

Maybe I can answer it for you.

MAN

Dennis, stay upstairs!

JOEY

Dennis?

DENNIS

That's right.

(Walks over to Ashley and Joey)

Dennis.

JOEY

What is this all about? Why are you doing this to me?

ASHLEY

Why are you doing this to me? I don't even know you.

DENNIS

(Moves closer to Ashley)

Maybe if you play your cards right, we can begin to know each other.

ASHLEY

Maybe if you stop breathing on me, I won't have to smell your breath.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Don't tell me you don't know what your mother did to our family?

ASHLEY

You talking to me?

MRS. ROCKWELL

(Pointing to Joey)

I'm talking to him.

ASHLEY

Oh.

JOEY

What did she do?

MRS. ROCKWELL

Don't play dumb with me.

DENNIS

Ma, he's ain't playing. He is dumb.

JOEY

I must be for having a friend like you.

MRS. ROCKWELL

She never told you, did she?

JOEY

Tell me? Tell me what?

MR. ROCKWELL

Isn't it strange to visit your mother in the State Pen?

JOEY

My godmother told me all about that.

DENNIS

Did your godmother tell you that your mom killed your father?

JOEY

(Shocked)

My father?

MRS. ROCKWELL

He was my brother, too.

JOEY

But, that's not possible. My father's David Addison.

ASHLEY

(Laughing)

He's what?

JOEY

Shocking ain't it, sis?

ASHLEY

I have never seen you fight for the last drumstick at our dinner table, unless David really does have an imaginary brother.

JOEY

I'm not there because he abandoned me.

MR. ROCKWELL

That's a crock!

ASHLEY

I'll say it is!

MRS. ROCKWELL

You're father is Harlan Armstrong.

JOEY

Never heard of him.

MR. ROCKWELL

Of course, you didn't! Your mother shot him fifteen years ago!

ASHLEY

Wait a second.

(Turns her head to Joey)

How old are you?

JOEY

Nine.

ASHLEY

And this Harlan guy was shot by his mom fifteen years ago?

MRS. ROCKWELL

You bet she did.

ASHLEY

It doesn't take a lot of math to figure out something is off here.

MR. ROCKWELL

(Turns to his wife)

You know, she has a point.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Are you gonna help me avenge my brother's death or what?

ASHLEY

What.

JOEY

What.

MR. ROCKWELL

But if he's only nine, Harlan can't be his father.

MRS. ROCKWELL

What difference does it make! The important thing still remains, his mother is Jillian Armstrong. After Dennis heard your little family tree presentation, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven.

ASHLEY

(To herself)

I wouldn't mind thinking you were up there myself.

JOEY

But wait, if you planned to kill me so bad, why are you gonna kill her?

ASHLEY

They're gonna kill me?

DENNIS

(Turns to his parents)

Who is she?

ASHLEY

Ashley Addison's the name, private detection's my parents' game.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Didn't you say your father is David Addison?

ASHLEY

No, he did.

(Motioning her head to Joey)

But yeah, he's my father.

MRS. ROCKWELL

(Hits Mr. Rockwell in the back of the head)

Are you crazy?

MR. ROCKWELL

What did I do?

MRS. ROCKWELL

If it wasn't for him and his partner...

ASHLEY

That's my mother.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Jillian would still be out there using somebody else.

MR. ROCKWELL

I'm sorry, when I was sneaking up on them I heard her say, "my parents are the best detectives in L.A."

MRS. ROCKWELL

So, you kidnap their daughter?

MR. ROCKWELL

I told you it was an imperfect plan from the beginning.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Well, it's too late now. We can't have any witnesses.

ASHLEY

Look, I'm not gonna upload this newsflash on a website. I don't even have a website. Hey, just tell me to clam up and I'll do it. I'll even jump back into the ocean if you want me to.

MR. ROCKWELL

No can do, kid.

JOEY

(Turns his head to Ashley)

I'm sorry.

ASHLEY

(Turning her head to Joey)

You better be.

DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - BLUE MOON OFFICE - AFTERNOON

The employees are all exhausted. They are lying their heads on their desks; their hands rest on their phones. One phone rings. They snap out of their naps at the same time yelling –

EVERYONE

Hello...! Hello!

When they all realize it was not their phone, they lay their heads back on their desks. David charges out of Maddie's office.

DAVID

Did you guys hear anything!

He shocks everyone. His outburst causes them to jump out of their seats and scream like they all had the same nightmare.

DAVID

(Disappointed)

I'll take that as a no.

DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BASEMENT OF BULIDING - AFTERNOON

The Rockwells bring out a gasoline container. The father / son team splashes the gas all over the floor.

JOEY

Why are you going through so much trouble?

ASHLEY

(Sarcastic)

What's the matter? You don't have enough bullets in your gun?

MRS. ROCKWELL

We can't afford anyone identifying your bodies.

Ashley airs out a nervous chuckle.

MR. ROCKWELL

What's so funny?

ASHLEY

I can't believe I'm about to die before my first episode is even finished.

MR. ROCKWELL

That's life, kid.

MRS. ROCKWELL

(To her husband)

This is a great idea to finally get rid of this dump, get the insurance money, and get even with an evil bitch in the process. This calls for...

She takes out a cigarette, then a lighter, and starts lighting up the cigarette.

DENNIS

(Stops her from lighting up.)

Mom, are you nuts?

MR. ROCKWELL

I don't know why you go through all that nonsense. You can't take a puff without coughing.

MRS. ROCKWELL

It makes me feel good.

JOEY

(To Ashley)

Yep, she's completely nuts.

ASHLEY

I bet you won't cash in when the insurance company finds out the building was torched with the same stuff you put in a car.

MRS. ROCKWELL

(Walks over to Ashley)

Who do you think owns the insurance company?

JOEY

Why can't you do what normal people do? Embezzle the money and fly to Rio.

MR. ROCKWELL

Are you kidding? Our paperwork has to be in order.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Speaking of which, where is the policy?

Mr. Rockwell searches all his pockets. He then checks some of the tables and several boxes, but he comes up empty.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Don't tell me you left it on the dresser again?

MR. ROCKWELL

Okay, I won't... but I did.

Mrs. Rockwell smacks him in the head again.

MRS. ROCKWELL

We'll have to get it when we're finished.

JOEY

It's like being among "The Addams Family."

ASHLEY

Nah, "The Addams Family" wasn't this weird.

CUT TO:
INT. - BLUE MOON OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Everyone, especially Maddie and David, perks up when Burt comes through the front door.

DAVID

Bertie, what did you find?

BERT

A good doctor. I needed eight stitches. I also found, before Scruffles found me, this unfinished paper work from an insurance company.

He gives papers to David.

DAVID

What does this have to do with anything?

BERT

I don't know. It was the only thing I could grab in short notice. It says something about a claim for a burnt down building. Maybe we should give Walter and Hildy a call.

MADDIE

Who?

BERT

Walter Burns and Hildy Johnson. They're the ones who own the building. Life is funny. I was over at that gym yesterday, now it's nothing but charcoal.

DAVID

But why would the Rockwells care about their claim?

(Looking at the forms)

Why do they even have these papers in the first place?

BERT

I checked into that. It turns out they own an insurance company and some other properties. Maybe they're studying their claim.

MADDIE

Who owns that building again?

BERT

Walter Burns –

MADDIE

And Hildy Johnson.

BERT

And Hildy Johnson.


DAVID

So?

MADDIE

(Half whispers)

"His Girl Friday."

DAVID

Huh?

MADDIE

"His Girl Friday!" They were the lead characters in "His Girl Friday."

DAVID

(Coming around to what she's saying)

Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell –

MADDIE

And June Rockwell.

DAVID

Lesser known as June Armstrong! Bert, you still have that address?

BERT

Yes, indeed I do, sir.

DAVID

(Looking at everyone)

Quit standing around! Let's go!

David, Maddie, Agnes, Jamie and Bert fly out the office. Seconds later, Bert is the first to step back in.

BERT

I left it here somewhere.

DAVID

You better find it quick. My daughter's life is at stake!

MRS. HARRISON

I can't take much more of this! Jillian told me about how you abandoned Joey, but I thought if you met him face to face, you'd reclaim him.

BERT

Reclaim who? Who's Jillian?

AGNES

(Pats Bert on the shoulder)

It was before your time.

DAVID

Listen, I don't have time to explain it now, but what Jillian told you was a boldface lie!

MRS. HARRISON

She said you would say that!

DAVID

Bert! The Address!

BERT

(Frantically searching around the office)

I'll find it, sir. I'll find it.

MRS. HARRISON

What on earth has Jillian ever did to you?

DAVID

Lady, catch the re-run and find out for yourself.

TERRI

(Walking out of Maddie's office)

What happened? What's going on?

DAVID

(Runs to her)

Did you see a little slip of paper with an address written on it?

TERRI

Well –

BERT

Ah-ha! Now I remember. It's in –

Sounds of something crashing to the floor are coming from Maddie's office.

BERT

There.

He points to Maddie's office. David and Maddie run inside. They see orange juice spilled all over Maddie's desk.

LITTLE DAVID

I'm sorry, Mom... Dad, I'm not my rock solid self these days.

The rest rush in to see the mess. David picks up a soggy slip of paper; the ink on the paper is badly smeared.

DAVID

(Turns to Bert)

This isn't what we're supposed be looking for, is it?

Bert simply nods his head to confirm that it is. David slumps on the dry edge of Maddie's desk. Maddie comes over and hugs him.

MADDIE

Don't worry, we'll find it.

JAMIE (Off Screen)

(She enters the office)

Find what?

DAVID

We just lost the winning ticket that claimed Ashley and Joey's freedom.

JAMIE

What about your car?

DAVID

(Looks confused)

My car?

JAMIE

Your car. Remember when Bert insisted that you install a tracking device in case any one of us is missing?

DAVID

I did?

BERT

I did!

MADDIE

You did! We gave Ashley and David one of those ID cards so we'll know where they are at all times.

LITTLE DAVID

That is, if she was able to get her backpack before they nabbed her. She always puts that stuff in there.

MADDIE

(To little David)

For her sake, she better had.

DAVID

Davy, you, and Terri stay here. To the rest of you, we have an Addison to find!

(To himself)

This is the first time I wasn't referring to Richie.

(To Everyone)

To the Batcave!!

CUT TO:
INT. - UNDERGROUND GARAGE - MINUTES LATER

The "Batman" theme plays while the headlights are turned on. David revs up the engine for a few seconds. The car zooms out of the garage with a loud screeching sound of burnt rubber. An outside shot of the garage is established seconds before David's car speeds and make a sharp turn onto the streets of L.A.

CUT TO:
INT. - BASEMENT IN BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

We look at the close-up on Ashley's backpack, then the camera zooms out to see it is a few feet away from where Ashley and Joey are tied up on one of the basement pillars.

MRS. ROCKWELL

I want to say the last word, but the second my husband pulls that trigger, I would have said enough.

(She shakes her head in mock sorrow)

I really wish I could have met you kids in different circumstances. I would have invited you to watch, "His Girl Friday" with me.

MR. ROCKWELL

Oh God! Not that damn movie again!

MRS. ROCKWELL

(She smacks him again)

Shut up!

DENNIS

Well, I wish I can say, "I'll see you later, Joey," but I can't. You'll be dead.

ASHLEY

(Whispers)

If we ever get out of this, remind me to kick you in the teeth for having a crappy judge of character.

JOEY

(Whisper back)

Deal.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Bye, bye, kids.

Ashley and Joey brace themselves. However, they hear constant clicking instead.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Don't tell me you forgot to put the bullets in the revolver?

MR. ROCKWELL

Okay I won't... but I did.

(Mrs. Rockwell sighs in frustration.)

But I know where I left them.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Well, get them!

Phil Collins', "In the Air Tonight," fades up as the camera follows Mr. Rockwell up the stairs.

CUT TO:
INT. - INSIDE MERCEDES - CONTINUOUS

The song continues as David drives. Maddie rides in the front passenger's seat. Agnes, Bert, and Jamie are in the back seat. An outside shot reveals David running red lights and weaving in and out of traffic. David's sudden movements makes the rest of the cars around him spin out of control.

CUT TO:
INT - MAIN FLOOR OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Mr. Rockwell continues to weave his way around numerous fitness equipment.

CUT TO:
INT. - INSIDE MERCEDES - CONTINUOUS

A close-up shot of David's anxiety-ridden face continues to make Maddie a bit nervous.

CUT TO:
INT. - BASEMENT OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Ashley and Joey are wrestling as much as possible to try loosening the ropes around them.

CUT TO:
INT. - LOBBY OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Mr. Rockwell reaches the lobby. He looks for the bullets in one of the drawers near the cash register.

MR. ROCKWELL

(Smacks himself in the head)

I left them in the car!

He runs over to the front door. He twists the knob and pulls the door back. The song comes to an abrupt halt.

DAVID

(Calm, cool, and collected)

Going somewhere?

Mr. Rockwell tries to storm through the door until Maddie, Agnes, Burt, and Jamie help David block the doorway. Mr. Rockwell runs in the other direction. David and company follow. They continue chasing Mr. Rcokwell until David stops.

DAVID

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold it! Nobody move!

Everyone, including Mr. Rockwell, stop in their tracks.

DAVID

(Looks around his surroundings)

Where the hell is the chase music?

(Everyone shrugs)

We can't have a chase without chase music.

There's still more silence.

CUT TO:
INT. - BASEMENT OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

MRS. ROCKWELL

What's going on up there?

She turns to go upstairs.

CUT TO:
INT. - MAIN FLOOR OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Everyone is still standing around.

DAVID

Look, nobody's moving until I hear something other than my heartbeat.

A second later, Michael Sembello's, "Maniac" starts playing.

Maddie sees a woman coming up from behind. Mrs. Rockwell wants to catch David by surprise. Maddie runs up behind Mrs. Rockwell and wrestles her to the floor. David catches up to Mr. Rockwell and jumps on him. They trade punches. Jamie runs up to David while he continues punching Mr. Rockwell.

JAMIE

I'm going to see if they're downstairs!

DAVID

Go for it!

David prepares to give Mr. Rockwell another punch when Dennis stomps on his toe. David bends over and hits his head on one of the exercise equipment. This exposes David to Mr. Rockwell's well placed kick to his stomach. Maddie and Mrs. Rockwell are still wrestling on the floor. Mrs. Rockwell pushes Maddie off with her feet. Maddie sails into one of the walls with much force then she slips down to the floor. Dennis holds a free weight over his head and prepares to sneak behind David and hit him over the head with it. However, the chase music skips like a defective CD. It makes everyone stop what they are doing.

DAVID

(Gets fed up)

Yo! What's the deal! I know you guys are rusty, but this is ridiculous!

The music starts up again, but it's now "The Nutcracker," by Tchaikovsky.

DAVID

"Fantasia?"

VOICE (Off Screen)

It's the only CD that doesn't skip.

David looks up and snatches the free weight from Dennis.

DAVID

I'll take that!

MR. ROCKWELL

You're gonna have a lot more to handle.

He hurls the heavy weights at David. David ducks and dodges them. The weights miss him and crashes into the wall.

DAVID

Avoiding Maddie's throws of fury sure helped my reflexes.

CUT TO:
INT. - BASEMENT IN BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Jamie runs down to the basement and sees Ashley and Joey tied up.

ASHLEY

Jamie watch out! There's gas all over the floor.

Jamie carefully walks over to Ashley and Joey and begins untying them.

CUT TO:
INT. - MAIN FLOOR OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

David continues dodging the free weights until he sees, out of the corner of his eye, a barbell. It takes him a few minutes to feel safe enough to move. He blindly runs over to the opposite end of the room. David looks back and sees Bert crouching behind one of the exercise bikes.

DAVID

What the hell are you doing back there?

BERT

Sir, I –

DAVID

No time for long winded explanations. It's time for standing up and fighting like a –

BERT

Sir!

Bert pulls David down with him when a free weight crashes behind them.

DAVID

All right, you didn't have to stand that time, but you can this time.

(They look over at Mr. Rockwell)

He just ran out of ammo.

Maddie is still dueling it out with Mrs. Rockwell. Dennis kicks Maddie in the leg. Maddie turns around. It lets Mrs. Rockwell have an opportunity to grab Maddie from behind. She chokes Maddie. She continues to do so until Mrs. Rockwell feels an enormous pain on her right side. It makes her lose her grip. It also makes her lose her balance and falls backward toward the chest pressing bench.

AGNES

No one chokes Miss Hayes and gets away with it!

CUT TO:
INT. - BASEMENT OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Jamie loosens the ropes. Ashley can now wiggle her way out. They are both helping Joey out of the ropes.

CUT TO:
INT. - MAIN FLOOR OF BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

Dennis tries another sneak attack. This time Maddie is the target. However, Bert grabs him. Dennis kicks Bert on the thigh. It forces Bert to move backward, but Bert is not loosening his grip. Mrs. Rockwell pushes Agnes into one of the exercise machines. It knocks Agnes to the floor. Mrs. Rockwell picks up the closest dumbbell and starts advancing on Agnes. Before Mrs. Rockwell can finish her attack, Maddie hits her with a dumbbell from behind. It knocks Mrs. Rockwell out.

MADDIE

No one hits Agnes and gets away with it!

VOICE (Off Screen)

Mommy...! Daddy!

Maddie and David instinctively look over to see Ashley and Joey running at full speed. This distraction almost costs David, but Jamie sneaks up from behind and hits Mr. Rockwell over the head with one of the weights he threw earlier. It knocks him out cold.

DAVID

(Turns to Jamie)

Remind me to give you three wishes when this is all said and done.

ASHLEY

Mommy! Daddy!

She runs to her parents and hugs them. After a few seconds, Maddie turns to hug Joey. David continues to hug Ashley with all of his might.

DAVID

I'm so glad you're okay, sweet pea!

ASHLEY

(Struggling to talk)

Daddy...! I can't breathe!

David lets go and shares a laugh with Maddie. David goes over to hug Joey. When he lets go, he senses something is still wrong. So does Maddie.

MADDIE

Is there a person we have forgotten about?

DAVID

Didn't we give them their long awaited beauty sleep?

(Points to the Rockwells)

Joey spots Dennis sneaking up behind David again holding a dumbbell. He is inches away from David's head.

JOEY

Dennis!

ASHLEY

(Turns to see what is going on)

The hell you will!

She stops him, then punches him square in the face. It knocks him out. Ashley looks up, her eyes met her parents' stare.

ASHLEY

(Apologically)

I meant heck.

DAVID

(Turns to Maddie)

Like mother, like daughter.

CUT TO:
INT. - MAIN FLOOR OF BUILDING - MINUTES LATER

The police is on the scene. One officer has handcuffs on Mrs. Rockwell. Another officer walks over to Mr. Rockwell, who is still knocked out on the floor. The officer tries waking him up.

DAVID

Well.

MADDIE

Well.

DAVID

Another day, another bad guy in handcuffs.

MADDIE

I wonder if those things are small enough for that bad guy.

They both watch an officer slip Dennis into his handcuffs. Meanwhile, the other officer finds it difficult to wake up Mr. Rockwell.

MRS. ROCKWELL

Norman...? Norman...? Can you hear me?

(She slaps him in the face in her attempt to wake him up)

Norman...

DAVID

(To Camera)

Thought it was just a silly joke, didn't ya?

David turns back around to watch two officers pull Norman off the floor, put handcuffs on his wrists, and starts dragging him out the building.

FADE OUT
END OF ACT FOUR
- 4 MIN COMMERCIAL BREAK -
TAG
FADE IN:
INT. BLUE MOON OFFICE - A FEW DAYS LATER

David talks to Mrs. Harrison while Ashley, little David, and Joey play in the background.

MRS. HARRISON

(Smiling)

Mr. Addison, how can I ever repay you?

DAVID

Cash, check or credit card will do... but don't worry... we're throwing in the family discount.

He looks at the three children playing.

MRS. HARRISON

That's very kind, but I can't let you do that.

DAVID

Hey, lady, you caught me in a charitable mood. It's only here for a limited time. Take it while supplies last.

MRS. HARRISON

I talked to Jillian.

David's face turned a little more serious when she mentioned Jillian's name.

MRS. HARRISON

She explained everything and I explained everything to Joey.

DAVID

How did he take it?

MRS. HARRISON

As much as a nine-year-old can in these kind of circumstances.... He'll be okay.

(Looks at David)

I owe you an apology.

In the background, Ashley is actually trying to kick Joey in the teeth. She misses several times.

DAVID

The discount offer still stands. In fact, why don't you continue to bring Joey around these parts. My kids gained a new playmate.

Both adults watch as Ashley continues kicking Joey in the teeth. David turns to Mrs. Harrison and gives her a defensive grin.

DAVID

This will only take a second.

(Walks over to kids)

Ash! What do you think you're doing? This ain't Karate class and his teeth ain't a block of wood!

As David scolds his child, Maddie's door opens, and she shakes the hand of the lawyer.

MADDIE

Thanks again for moving the court date to tomorrow, Mr. Duncan. David and I will definitely be there this time. Thank you.

She shakes Mr. Duncan's hand again. He turns and starts walking out of the office.

MADDIE

(Happy tone in her voice)

Oh, Da-vid.

DAVID

(Repeating the tone)

Oh, Mad-die.

MADDIE

Do you mind stepping into my office, please?

She disappears into her office.

DAVID

(Turning to kids)

Well, she did say, "please."

He proceeds to walk into her office and closes the door.

CUT TO:
INT. - MADDIE'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

MADDIE

It's all set.

DAVID

What is?

MADDIE

The court case. The bankruptcy case.

DAVID

Ohh, that's right.

(He sits next to her on the coach)

The bankruptcy case. I can't believe it.

MADDIE

After all these years, Lou LaSalle comes to us, not to buy our agency, but for us to buy his.

DAVID

It's only to bail him out of Chapter 11. But whatever the reason, we're coming to the last chapter of the Lou LaSalle chronicles. The great thing about it is we already know how the book ends.

MADDIE

Not only will we take over his L.A. operation, we'll also take over his New York and DC branches, as well.

DAVID

(Looking smug when he puts his arm around Maddie)

We've come a long way, baby. So long, it has reached three thousand miles. We've definitely expanded our corporate family tree.

MADDIE

(Putting both arms around him)

I think it's time for us to celebrate.

DAVID

(Moves in closer to her)

Celebrate?

MADDIE

(Moves in closer to him)

Celebrate.

They begin to kiss. Seconds later, they hear the door slam forcing them out of their bliss.

BERT

I've done it! I caught Mr. Adams on tape! I guarantee it will make you say, "this is great...! this is incredible –"

DAVID

(Pushing Bert out the door)

This is me saying, "Buh-bye!"

David slams the door, then locks it. He calmly walks back to the the couch and sits next to Maddie.

DAVID

Now, where were we?

Maddie pulls him to her and they kiss. Their kisses get more heated and David gently pushes her down to a horizontal position. While David gives baby kisses on her neck then down her chest, there is a knock on the door. This follows with several knocks.

MADDIE

I wish we can go someplace else.

DAVID

Your wish is my command.

They continue to kiss. David lifts his hand to snap his fingers. Without them moving an inch, the scene begins changing around them; even their clothes morphs from business attire to evening wear. They soon find themselves on their bed at home. Maddie is now wearing her silk nightie. David is wearing only his silk pajama bottom. Frank Sinatra's version of "Fly Me To The Moon," plays in the background. Maddie gently breaks the kiss and looks around.

MADDIE

How did you do that?

DAVID

I saw it on ,"Star Trek Voyager."

They continue kissing, but the song ends.

MADDIE

(Whispers)

The song just ended.

DAVID

Guess they knew what they were doing when they made this.

David holds up the stereo remote.

MADDIE

Who are they?

DAVID

Who cares.

He kisses Maddie again. He doesn't bother to look at the remote. He already knows which buttons to push. A close-up of the remote shows his fingers pressing the play and repeat buttons. David and Maddie increase their passion level with every kiss. He throws the remote on the floor. He uses both hands to caress Maddie's body. Maddie does the same to him. He proceeds to takes her straps off and pulls the bottom of her nightgown up as we –

FADE OUT.
END CREDITS
END OF SHOW