The camera begins to pan from the far side of the bed to from left to right. We see two sets of feet rustling underneath the covers and we hear people giggling. The camera continues to pan with the glow of the TV coming from the right side of the screen. As we get closer to the other side of the bed, we see a clear bowl filled with popcorn and a hand taking a few kernels. The camera follows the hand as David feeds Maddie popcorn. They are sitting upright. His arm is wrapped around Maddie’s shoulder. An opposite shot shows why they are giggling – they are watching, “Rush Hour 2.”
DAVID
If havin’ five days off in a row is wrong, then I don’t ever wanna be right...
(looks over to Maddie)
Right?
Maddie is busy punching numbers on the cordless. He reaches over and snatches the phone away.
MADDIE
David, give it to me.
DAVID
Again? Aren’t you the greedy one today.
MADDIE
I meant the phone.
DAVID
Uh-uh. Not if you’re planning to call Agnes for the sixth time.
MADDIE
What do you want me to do?
DAVID
Ever hear of relaxing...? Chillin’ out...? Takin’ a load off before it crushes your skull into tiny pieces... like that woman tried to do to Chris Tucker just now.
(Maddie makes a face at him)
C’mon, Maddie. She’s doing fine.
MADDIE
I know she is. Her month and a half long reign of leadership has been exemplary.
DAVID
(Looking for more)
Buuuut...
MADDIE
But I can’t help it. I need to know what is going on.
DAVID
Baby, don’t worry. If Agnes needs our help, she knows we’re a phone call away... in your case a phone ring away.
MADDIE
It’s not that I don’t trust her. It’s just... ever since you conned me...
DAVID
Conned you?
MADDIE
That’s right conned me into keeping the agency, it’s been my lifeline to the outside world, you know. Real people with real problems while handling a real business. Now, seventeen years later, what am I doing...? The same thing I did before Sawyer took my money. I’m spending most of my time in bed.
DAVID
At least, this time you have the so-called con man here to play with in said bed.
MADDIE
David, this isn’t funny.
DAVID
You’re right. I could have came up with a better line.
MADDIE
No this. I’m tired of this. It seems as though my life as come full circle.
DAVID
Before you go into your slightly more than mid-life crisis, let me try and put some things in perspective.
MADDIE
Okay, let’s hear it.
DAVID
Within this seventeen year cycle, you’ve gained a lot. A new career, new friends, a new man who conned you into sharing your life with him. Not to mention two adorable yet complicated kids who love their mother with all their heart. Need I go on?
MADDIE
No. But it does strike me as odd to find myself in the same exact position.
DAVID
I see what you mean. I find it odd to find you in the same exact position, too.
MADDIE
Shut up and eat some popcorn.
Grabs some popcorn and stuffs it in his mouth playfully.
DAVID
(Eats a few kernels)
This tastes good but, I still have an appetite for something I find more appetizing.
MADDIE
(Plays like she’s mortified)
David.
DAVID
I wonder if you were able to do this seventeen years ago.
She takes the bowl of popcorn and pours it on David’s head the same time he raises the comforter and puts his head under it.
The camera follows a pair of black pumps walking around the office. They stop at Kristine’s desk.
AGNES (O.S.)
Can you fax these please, when you get a chance?
She walks to O’Neil’s office.
AGNES (O.S.)
I’m sorry. I have to deny your next cash advance.
She goes to Jamie’s office.
AGNES (O.S.)
I need to see your report on the Morrison case.
She goes to Inez’ desk.
AGNES (O.S.)
Have you seen my Palm Pilot? I left it here someplace... Thanks.
When the pumps moves around the office. The camera tilts up to see a nicely tailored lavender suit, then the camera stops on Agnes’ face. She turns to go inside her office until the phone rings.
NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.
Blue Moon Investigations. How can we help you...? No... no I don’t know any rhymes... is this some kind of joke...? Well, same to you buddy!
The new employee slams the phone down. Everyone in the office stops what they are doing and looks at the young, twentysomething woman. She gives a strange look back. Everyone is now focusing their eyes on Agnes. She breathes a heavy sigh.
AGNES
I know... I know.
(Mutters to herself as she goes inside her office)
That’s the fifth Administrative Assistant we’ve went through in five weeks.
Agnes walks to her plush peach colored chair and flops in it. She holds her forehead in exhaustion. There’s a knock on the door.
BERT
Don’t worry about it. You’ll find one that rhymes before the year is out.
AGNES
(Sighs again)
The year has just started.
BERT
Agnes, Agnes. This will be the least of your worries as Madame Caputone of Blue Moon.
AGNES
I know, Bert. I have another meeting to go to in ten minutes. Is Patrick here yet?
BERT
He’s here again?
AGNES
Bert. It’s the head manager’s meeting. I figure it’ll be a good idea to bring him here than me going way across town since their teleconferencing unit isn’t installed yet.
BERT
Smart idea.
AGNES
So, how’s the Madison case going?
BERT
That’s why I’m gracing myself in your presence at this particular moment.
AGNES
What do you want me to sign off for now?
BERT
It’s nothing... really... it’s...
(He sighs heavily)
Uh, Agnes this feels so weird.
AGNES
How do you think this makes me feel? I wonder each and every day how Miss Hayes does it?
BERT
Look, if this too much I’ll get another –
AGNES
We can get through this Bert. If Miss Hayes and Mr. Addison can get through it, we can too.
JAMIE
Agnes?
Bert and Agnes look over to the doorway. They see Jamie standing there.
JAMIE
Patrick is now in the conference room.
AGNES
Thanks, Jamie.
(To Bert)
What do you want me to authorize?
BERT
Forget it. You’re busy.
He turns to leave, but Agnes grabs his hand. He turns back around and looks at her.
BERT
Honey, I came from a more traditional family.
AGNES
An Italian family. Yeah, I might know a little something about that... and so does Mr. Addison.
BERT
(Holds his hands out arms length)
As you can see, I’m not Mr. Addison and this isn’t their relationship... complex as it is. But when it comes to this... they’ve somehow made it not so... complex.
AGNES
And so can we.
BERT
It’s not because I don’t want to... It’s just...
Agnes holds both his hands and looks straight in Bert's eyes.
AGNES
We can work this out.
JAMIE
Agnes.
AGNES
(Still looking at Bert)
I’ll be there.
BERT
(Looks down at the floor)
You... you better go.
She tries to re-establish eye contact, but Bert evades her. She reluctantly lets go of his hands. She slowly walks to the door, then disappears. Bert standing in the foreground looks hurt and confused as he turns to walk out the door.
David comfortably rests his body on Maddie. He's also rests his head on her chest. They are both under the covers. Maddie strokes the top of David’s head while they both have big grins on their faces.
MADDIE
If having my life come full circle is wrong... I don’t ever want to be right.
DAVID
Mmmm... when you’re right, you’re right.
The phone rings. It’s in their bed somewhere. Maddie searches for it. The phone is now on its third ring. David gets it.
DAVID
Hello... Aladdan’s Lamp Enterprises. Granting wishes is where our niche is. The most popular request seems to be getting the bootleg tape of the scene we had to edit to keep the censors off our backs...
(Has a more serious tone)
Oh, hey Dad...
MADDIE
Your Dad?
DAVID
Your Dad.
MADDIE
(Sits up)
My Dad?
(snatches phone)
Hi Dad... oh, David...?
(laughs nervously)
He can be so silly at times, can he...? umm, what’s on your mind...? other than that...
(gives a piercing look at David)
The Olympics? What about it...? Sure, we’d love to go, but everything has been sold out before we decided we wanted to go... you do...? you have...? we are...? we can’t.
DAVID
We can’t. Why can’t we?
MADDIE
Daddy, I don’t know anything about sports.
DAVID
Try me. I’m game.
MADDIE
Daddy...
(To David)
well, it was Mom’s idea to lend our services to an old buddy of her’s.
DAVID
So?
MADDIE
He coaching an Olympic athlete.
DAVID
As long as they’re racing for the Stars and Stripes, count me in.
MADDIE
(To phone)
Isn’t it going a bit too far?
DAVID
All right, I’ll add the Maple Leaf. I’ll even through in the Motherland into the mix, but that’s it.
MADDIE
(To phone)
Huh?
DAVID
You know, the country we fought to get away from more than two hundred years ago?
MADDIE
(To phone)
I don’t know about that.
DAVID
Tell that to my 3rd grade teacher.
MADDIE
(To phone)
Daddy, this isn’t something we specialize in. How are we supposed to fend off a person who wants to fix a drug test.
DAVID
A what?
MADDIE
(To David)
I thought it would make you pay attention.
(to phone)
We’re private investigators, not lab technicians... yes we can but... that’s all he wants us to do...? I’ll talk to David about this... Yes, Opening Ceremonies are two days away, we’ll talk fast, okay...? Okay. I love you, Daddy... bye.
She hangs up then reaches over to her dresser and places the cordless in its cradle.
DAVID
What was that all about?
MADDIE
That was our free ticket to the 2002 Olympic Games.
DAVID
The same one being held in Salt Lake City?
MADDIE
One and the same.
DAVID
So, why aren’t we jumping up and down?
MADDIE
We have to stop a positive drug test from happening and find out why before the athlete we’re hired to protect gets disqualified.
DAVID
Easy enough. Where’s the plane tickets?
MADDIE
Did you hear what I said? We’re being hired to stop an incident we don’t know anything about... or how to stop it from happening at all.
DAVID
Well, it’s guaranteed to make you do one thing.
MADDIE
Which is?
DAVID
It’ll make you get out of this bed.
David takes the remaining plates, cups and utensils out of the dishwasher and hands them to Maddie. She puts the utensils into a nearby drawer and puts the cups and plates into an overhead cabinet.
MADDIE
I still don’t understand this, David. Why would Mr. Sheridan need our help?
DAVID
You heard him, didn’t you? The last time Carla Bingham played musical chairs, her ex-coach wasn’t to thrilled about him taking the last seat.
MADDIE
Isn’t it her right? I hear athletes changing their coaches, trainers, managers all the time.
DAVID
Not only was the coach dropped, she was also dropped by her husband.
MADDIE
Who would take that poor woman’s husband?
DAVID
Her prized pupil. When Carla didn’t reach the medal stand she reached for the next best thing, her coach’s husband.
MADDIE
She probably reached for something a medal couldn't provide, no doubt.
DAVID
No doubt.
MADDIE
So, where is the husband now?
DAVID
On his way to the Opening Ceremonies...
MADDIE
With Carla.
DAVID
With Carla.
MADDIE
Why would a coach ruin a career she worked so hard to build?
DAVID
You have been in bed too long, haven’t you? Remember “have no fury than a woman scorned?” Also Carla could be riding the next wave of American sweethearts plastered on the Wheaties box. I’m sure her ex-coach can’t wait to eat her Wheaties and send Carla’s career into a serious meltdown.
MADDIE
Whoever would have guessed Speed Skating is such a cut throat sport?
DAVID
I’d figured the figure skaters were the ones most likely to take out their knives.
MADDIE
According to Mr. Sheridan, Carla’s coming back from a controversial ruling ,which stripped her silver medal due to a positive drug test. Even after the evidence proved she was innocent.
Little David walks into the kitchen.
LITTLE DAVID
Can we go?
DAVID
Yeah, you can go. Turn around, go up those stairs and you’re gone.
LITTLE DAVID
No. I mean can Ash and I go with you to the Olympics?
MADDIE
We knew what you meant and the answer’s no. Go to bed.
LITTLE DAVID
Why?
MADDIE
Because I said so.
DAVID
Blaaah! Even I didn’t go for that one.
MADDIE
What I’d go for is eight hours of sleep and I suggest you do the same... now.
LITTLE DAVID
But Mom! When will we ever see the Olympics in the U.S. again?
DAVID
The answer is never if you don’t hit those stairs.
LITTLE DAVID
Aww, man. We never get to go a place that’s really cool.
DAVID
Open your window. If you see your breath, you’re in a place that’s really cool.
LITTLE DAVID
Okay, you leave me with no choice...
(turns around and cups his hands)
Yo Ash! You’re on...!
(Everyone waits, but no sign of Ashley)
Ash...? Ash!
(to himself)
Where can she be?
MADDIE
My guess is she’s in bed.
DAVID
I was guessing your guess myself.
(to camera)
Who would have thought having kids would actually have us thinking alike.
MADDIE
(to camera)
Sometimes.
DAVID
(to Maddie)
More times than we used to.
ASHLEY (O.S.)
Pleeeeaaassseee!
She runs in the room and grabs onto her father’s lower right leg.
ASHLEY
Daddy, pleeeaassee let us go! This is the last time I’ll ever see Michelle Kwan before she joins the Ice Capades! Pleeeaasseee!
DAVID
Ash, it ain’t like she’s Michael Jordan. She’ll come back.
ASHLEY
So did Michael.
Maddie walks over to David and Ashley, who’s still clutching David’s leg.
MADDIE
All right. I had enough of this foolishness. I want you both to get upstairs and back to bed!
ASHLEY
But Mommy!
(Grabs Maddie’s left leg)
This is our chance of a lifetime!
MADDIE
You are not missing two and a half weeks of school so you can see people running, jumping and tumbling.
DAVID
That’s the Summer Olympics.
MADDIE
The point is you...
(points her finger down at Ashley)
... and you...
(moving the finger over to little David)
... are not going and that’s that!
The children start whining and complaining at the same time.
MADDIE
This conversation is closed!
DAVID
You heard your mother. I want your feet moving out and up to your rooms.
LITTLE DAVID
Aww man!
He swings a roundhouse punch into the air in frustration.
DAVID
(looks down)
Ash, that means you, too. C’mon.
ASHLEY
I wanna go the the Olympics.
DAVID
You can’t go. Now get to steppin’.
ASHLEY
I can’t step if your legs are in the way.
She is still clutching to her parents’ legs.
MADDIE
I have a thought. Let go. Then we’ll get out of your way.
Ashley doesn’t let go.
DAVID
Now I have a thought.
David uses his index finger to tell Maddie to “come here.” She leans close to him and he mouths something to her and points down at Ashley. When their secret plan has been established, they lead Ashley on an unexpected trip out of the kitchen while she still hangs onto their legs. Each time David raises his left leg and Maddie raises her right, Ashley is raised along with it. Ashley screams in terror.
ASHLEY
Mommy! Daddy! I’m scared!
DAVID
Then let go.
ASHLEY
I can’t. I’ll fall.
MADDIE
You should have thought of that before you velcroed your arms to our legs.
DAVID
Oooooh. Nice metaphor.
MADDIE
You think so?
DAVID
I know so.
They continue this prank up the stairs. They make their way into Ashley’s bedroom.
DAVID
All we need is a sack over our heads and we would have won first place.
He grabs both of Ashley’s hands from their legs and carries her to bed.
MADDIE
She won for being the most stubborn girl in Southern California.
DAVID
You think the International Olympic Committee will give her a gold metal? Nah. They’ll have to schedule a meeting to decide whether it’s worth discussing.
MADDIE
Meeting! Oh, I forgot to call Agnes –
DAVID
Leave it to me.
(Walking out the room)
See to it that our little Olympian doesn’t sprint outta her bed for any post-game interviews.
MADDIE
Will do.
David walks in the room and goes over to the cordless phone. He takes it and calls Agnes. He sits on the bed while waiting to hear someone pick up on the other end.
DAVID
Hey, Bert. Is Agnes still up? I need to talk to her.
BERT (O.S.)
What a coincidence, ‘cause I need to talk to you.
DAVID
Bert can this wait? I really need to –
BERT (O.S.)
How did you deal with Miss Hayes bossing you around all the time?
DAVID
Miss Hayes didn’t actually boss –
BERT (O.S.)
I’m at my wits end with Agnes welding her new found authority.
DAVID
Bertie, you’re pourin’ it way too –
BERT (O.S.)
It’s unbearable I tell you! It’s unnatural... It’s sac-religious!
DAVID
It’s what?
BERT (O.S.)
Okay, I’m overreacting.
DAVID
(Exaggerates)
Nooo.
BERT (O.S.)
But sir, this... this role reversal, this topsy turvy reality I’m living in is pretty strange for me.
DAVID
I’m not sure this is what Rod Sterling had in mind.
BERT (O.S.)
I don’t know, Mr. Addison. If this sounds a bit resentful on my part, I admit it. I’ve tried to unearth my petty, irrational feelings, but they keep floating up to the surface like a rubber duckie...
MADDIE (O.S.)
David.
DAVID
(Puts hand on the receiver)
Yo.
MADDIE
Come downstairs. Terri and Walter need to talk to us about something.
DAVID
(To himself)
Gladly...
(takes hand off the phone)
I’ll be back, Nepolean. Don’t invade any countries until I get back.
He puts the phone down on the bed and leaves. The camera zooms in on the cordless.
BERT (O.S.)
... It’s enough to drive a man batty if he lets it... Am I letting it, Mr. Addison? What am I saying? I’m sure you’re thinking I’m not making any sense...
David walks in and Terri stands up. She hugs David and gives him a kiss on the cheek. David gives Walter a handshake then yanks him up from his seat and hugs him. They pat each other on the back. David moves over and sits next to Maddie.
TERRI
We need to ask you a favor.
DAVID
Ask away.
WALTER
We were wondering if you can watch Wally for us.
MADDIE
Why? What happened?
WALTER
No need for alarm. It’s just this person who was supposed to help consult her expertise for the Olympics canceled on short notice.
MADDIE
What on earth would make her do that?
TERRI
She was summoned on an upcoming shuttle mission from NASA.
DAVID
Guess she’s won’t be on earth after all. Hope she tells Sam off for me.
(Maddie shoots him a look)
Couldn’t resist.
WALTER
My name was thrown around and the Salt Lake Olympic Committee called... and I accepted.
TERRI
Except we didn’t think of what Wally would be doing while we were gone so...
DAVID
We’d love to have Wally stay with Beav as always but...
TERRI
But?
MADDIE
But we’ve been summoned to Salt Lake ourselves.
DAVID
An old friend of Maddie’s mother needs our help. His athlete’s golden dreams could rub off if we don’t get to the bottom of who’s trying to steal her glory.
MADDIE
So you see, we’re in the same boat as you are.
DAVID
Hope we have enough room. I’d hate for all of us to tip over.
WALTER
Hey, why can’t we take them along?
TERRI
It’s the middle of the school year. There’s too much work for them to catch up.
DAVID
Besides, if we add the kids into our boat, we’d capsize faster than the S.S. Minnow...
(Maddie glares at him)
You know, from, “Gilligan’s Island?”
MADDIE
It’s not a good idea.
WALTER
They can have their lessons sent through email. Have their homework sent back to their teacher without missing a day.
DAVID
It beats having a friend take notes for you and not knowing what they wrote.
MADDIE
Are you suggesting –
DAVID
Walter already suggested it. I’m only suggesting that we think about it.
MADDIE
But David –
DAVID
But Maddie look at the alternatives.
MADDIE
What alternatives?
DAVID
See, that’s my point. We could drop them off to Agnes and Bert’s, but I can feel his hot air blowing out of our phone which I bet he’s still on.
TERRI
He’s still harping on Agnes' promotion?
DAVID
For more than 15 mintues.
MADDIE
Who will take care of the children while we’re there?
TERRI
I will. Since they’re going to use the Salt Lake Symphony for all the festivities, I’m reduced to a spectator.
DAVID
(Jokingly)
Didn’t know you thought that much of us.
TERRI
I’m saying I will have more than enough time to spend with our offspring.
MADDIE
I hope they don’t spring your energy into another atmosphere.
DAVID
Especially there. The altitude alone will make your nose bleed.
TERRI
Why not? I always loved Slinkys.
DAVID
Don’t tell me. You’re one of those people who constantly make it walk itself down the stairs.
TERRI
Two steps at a time.
MADDIE
Can we get back to talking about the real children?
DAVID
(To Terri)
Don’t mind her. She never played with Slinkys which is odd.
TERRI
How so?
DAVID
A woman who never played a Slinky but manages to wear slinky garments to bed on a nightly basis.
MADDIE
Amazing, it took two seconds for him to switch a child’s toy into an adult one.
DAVID
It’s a God given talent. Or in your case, a what-cha-ma-call-it given talent.
MADDIE
Are you though?
DAVID
With you? Never.
MADDIE
How ‘bout this conversation?
DAVID
How can we? Terri and Walter are still here.
Maddie ignores David and turns to Terri and Walter.
MADDIE
I’ll sleep on it and I’ll let you know in the morning.
WALTER
Fair enough.
TERRI
(To Walter)
I think it’s time for us to go.
DAVID
Already? I was about to ask you to join us and make S’mores.
WALTER
Tempting as it may be, we have an offspring of our own to get back to.
They enter the Foyer.
Maddie unlocks the door. Terri and Walter walk to the door. Maddie and David say and wave goodbye to their close friends. Then Maddie locks the door after they leave.
DAVID
Okay, let’s play.
MADDIE
Play?
DAVID
With your Slinky.
Maddie playfully rolls her eyes as she walks up the staircase.
DAVID
Like the commercial said, “It’s fun for a girl and a boy.”
They enter the room. Maddie takes off her robe.
MADDIE
I want to take a rain check. I need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed when I call Terri tomorrow.
David goes to the bed and takes his shirt off.
DAVID
I never understood why lack of sleep has anything to do with not having bright eyes?
MADDIE
You’ll have to wait at least eight to ten hours to find out. I’m going to sleep.
She prepares to get into bed, but David is on her side.
MADDIE
David, move over.
DAVID
You’re eyes are blue. How much brighter can they be?
MADDIE
Bright enough to see you move over.
She pushes him over to his side.
DAVID
All right. All right. I’m moving. I’ll give you my new address in the morning.
He feels pain in his back as he rolls to his side.
DAVID
What the...
He reaches down and grabs the cordless he left on the bed. He remembers why he left it and braces himself and listens to what is on the other end.
BERT (O.S.)
... It’s obvious she’s beginning her new journey, her new adventure to the glutenous, high stakes, high octane gas propelled acceleration to the Mount Everest of career achievement in the sky...
DAVID
Look, Bert. Can the mountain climber call me in the morning?
BERT (O.S.)
Sure. First thing.
DAVID
Good. Good night.
BERT (O.S.)
Night, sir.
David hangs up and gives Maddie the cordless.
DAVID
(Yawns)
Wake me when your eyes are bright enough.
Maddie turns the light off. The screen is black.
The screen remains black.
MADDIE (O.S.)
Okay, I’ve thought it over.
DAVID (O.S.)
And?
MADDIE (O.S.)
And...
She opens the refrigerator door. We see the camera positioned in the back of the fridge as Maddie looks in a reaches for...
MADDIE
I’m making French Toast.
David peeks in the fridge. He stands to the right of Maddie.
DAVID
Huh?
MADDIE
I was thinking I should make eggs.
She takes the carton of eggs and hands them to David. He puts it on the counter, which is not shown.
MADDIE
But I decided to make French Toast...
DAVID
(A little confused)
Oh... okay.
He reaches for the half gallon carton of chocolate milk. He opens it and starts drinking.
MADDIE
And...
(takes out a loaf of bread and gives it to David)
I’ve decided to let the kids come with us.
Loud cheering in the background says Ashley and little David are extremely happy about her announcement. Maddie takes out a carton of regular milk.
MADDIE
With that out the way, did you get in touch with Agnes?
DAVID
Yes, I have.
He closes the carton then puts it back in the fridge.
MADDIE
How did her meeting go?
She closes the door and the screen is black once again.
David is driving. Ashley and little David and Walter Jr. are in the backseat.
DAVID
She said it went fine.
MADDIE
You’ve said that already. You’ve said it more than once already. Can’t you say what you didn’t say about what she said already?
DAVID
You mind saying that again?
MADDIE
David.
DAVID
All right, geez. I can see someone is not in a playful mood.
MADDIE
Will you tell me.
DAVID
I will. I am... I’m going to... I need to know one thing
(Maddie blows a heavy sigh)
Which way is it to Salt Lake?
MADDIE
(Gets angry)
You mean to tell me we’ve been on the road for two hours and you don’t know where we’re headed?
(David is trying not to burst out laughing)
You think this is a joke? You think getting stranded out in the middle of nowhere is funny?
DAVID
No. Making you pop a vein out the left side of your head is what got me amused.
MADDIE
My head? My veins? My veins don’t pop.
DAVID
You’re veins don’t pop, huh? All you need to add is Snap and Crackle and you can have breakfast.
MADDIE
(Frustrated)
What did Agnes say?
DAVID
Okay, okay. She said Helen picked up business by eight percent. Brian is getting more support staff and Patrick is helping Agnes get used to being the boss.
MADDIE
That’s it.
DAVID
Really? I was gonna say more.
MADDIE
No. That must be the reason why Bert has been worked up lately.
DAVID
He called you?
MADDIE
I called him this morning... actually I called Agnes –
DAVID
And it turned into an intervention hotline.
MADDIE
He must think something might be going on.
DAVID
Agnes and Patrick? She’d never do that to Bert. Doesn’t he know that?
MADDIE
Would it matter if he did?
DAVID
You’re right.
WALTER JR.
Umm, can someone tell me why we are driving to Utah while we could be on a plane with my folks?
LITTLE DAVID
Simple. I’m not in any rush to get on any plane anytime soon.
Ashley takes her lollipop out of her mouth.
ASHLEY
(To Walter Jr.)
Yeah, what he said.
Puts the lollipop back in her mouth.
The camera has a long range shot of a man in his 60’s nervously pacing in front of a particular door. In the opposite camera angle, David, Maddie, Ashley, little David, Terri, Walter and Walter Jr. are coming around the corner.
DAVID
All right, we’ll catch up with you guys later.
Terri, Walter and Walter Jr. continue to walk straight as they wave goodbye. David and the rest of his family turn the corner. The older man is getting closer and closer until everyone sees him blocking their doorway.
MAN
(Throws his hands in the air)
I thought you’d never get here! I was waiting all day for you until I called Gabby. She said you chose to drive your way here..
MADDIE
Mr. Sheridan?
MAN
Call me Stan. Still afraid of them planes, huh?
DAVID
Our son can answer that for you tomorrow. He looks like he wants to get some sleep tonight.
STAN
I can tell by your beautiful face you’re Gabby’s daughter.
MADDIE
And this is my husband David Addison.
DAVID
How are ya?
(shakes Stan’s hand then reaches into his pocket to get the hotel keys)
Excuse the rush. We’d like to get some shut eye.
MADDIE
You’re welcome to come in.
DAVID
(Whispers)
Maddie?
MADDIE
He’s our client.
DAVID
We still need sleep.
David opens the door and the kids run inside. He then lets Maddie and Stan go in first before David enters the room.
Stan looks around while David puts his suitcase on the table.
STAN
Oh, no. This won’t do.
DAVID
(About to open the suitcase)
Come again?
STAN
I arranged for you to be closer to the Olympic Village.
DAVID
I wish you told us before we cruised on up the interstate.
STAN
(Walks to the door)
Come on. It’s not too late.
MADDIE
Too late? We’re leaving now?
STAN
You won’t regret it.
It's rental home used for people who go on winter trips to the nearby skiing lodge or just want to experience the great outdoors with a few exceptions: a TV, DVD/CD player and the rest of the 21st century necessities. When Stan opens the door, he lets the family inside. Everyone is in awe.
LITTLE DAVID
Wooooow!
STAN
Nothing’s too good for Gabby’s little girl.
DAVID
Okay, tell me the truth. How friendly were you with Gabby?
MADDIE
David.
DAVID
Were you two just pals?
STAN
A gentleman never kisses and tells.
MADDIE
You and my mother were involved?
STAN
Well let’s just say if Alex hadn’t taken her, I sure would have.
DAVID
Now I’m beginning to see how nothing’s too good for Gabby’s daughter.
STAN
(Kneels down to Ashley)
And her granddaughter.
Ashley gives Stan a bashful smile.
DAVID
(To camera)
I hope you have this on tape. You’re not gonna see it for long.
LITTLE DAVID
I got first dibs on the room on the right.
ASHLEY
No! That’s my room!
DAVID
(To camera)
What did I tell ya?
(to kids)
Okay, what do we do when we need to solve problems like these?
ASHLEY
I’m rock.
LITTLE DAVID
I’m paper.
DAVID
I’m getting out of the way.
As Ashley and little David play Rock, Paper, Scissors, David joins the conversation Maddie is having with Stan.
STAN
Here are your credentials.
(gives them a several multi-colored ID badges)
I have you listed as volunteers so you can move around and do what you detectives do.
MADDIE
That’s it?
STAN
You still have to go to checkpoints and register for more ID in person.
DAVID
It’s worse than the DMV.
STAN
I suggest you get to the ice skating rink bright and early. That’s where you’ll meet Carla. See you tomorrow.
While the grown-ups say goodbye, little David prevails in Rock, Paper, Scissors. Ashley stomps her feet up the stairs to the room she didn’t want. In contrast, little David calmly goes into the room he just won.
MADDIE
(Yawns loudly)
Can you put the kids to bed? I need to get up –
MADDIE
Bright and early.
DAVID
Bright and early.
Maddie goes to their bedroom. David goes to the stairs.
DAVID
So far, this bright and early thing is overrated.
Maddie and David walk through one of the tunnels from the stands and they see a few skaters practicing on ice.
STAN (O.S. - far away)
We’re over here!
They turn to their right and see him and a medium build woman doing her leg stretches.
STAN
Maddie, David, this is Carla Bingham.
DAVID
(shakes Carla’s hand.)
Hello.
MADDIE
(shakes Carla’s hand.)
Hello.
CARLA
Hi. How are you?
STAN
She should have been the two time world champ in the 1000 meters if it wasn’t for that woman...
He points to a woman about 300 feet away. The camera continues to focus on her.
STAN (O.S.)
Her name is Randy Mitchell. Carla’s ex-coach... current foe. I’m almost sure she’s behind the ugly controversy... and you two are gonna prove it.
The camera is cut back to Stan.
STAN
Oh, damn. I left the stop watch and her other stuff in the car. Be right back.
Stan leaves.
DAVID
(to Carla)
Does he know?
CARLA
I’m sorry?
DAVID
You know... know... to have knowledge... to get what’s goin’ on... to be in the loop.
MADDIE
What my partner is trying to say is does your coach know why Randy has it in for you?
Carla looks a them with a strange look.
DAVID
Yes. We know about your preference for married men... at least one we know for sure.
CARLA
Gary was legally separated from Randy. Their marriage was dead. Everyone knew that.
DAVID
Apparently, Randy was left out of the loop. We want to know if she's vindictive enough to rig the positive drug test on you.
CARLA
She’s jealous. She has always been jealous of my talent. Did you know she could have made the Olympics in ‘94?
MADDIE
No.
DAVID
No.
CARLA
People said she could have run rings around Bonnie Blair.
MADDIE
What happened?
CARLA
She tore her left quadricep.
(She traced her finger inches from her knee to her upper thigh)
It was a deep tear. She had to have surgery. She couldn’t start rehab for six months.
DAVID
It must have melted her ice covered dreams of being an Olympic champion.
CARLA
Clearly. She dedicated herself to come back for ‘98 in Nagano. She was winning the Olympic trials, but on the last race, on the last turn in the 1500, she slipped and slammed into an opposite wall. She could have broken a world record.
DAVID
Four years later...
CARLA
She knew after that race it was over.
DAVID
It didn’t stop Dan Jansen.
CARLA
Yes, but how many people, athletes, can take twelve years out of their lives just to have their skate cross the finish line first? Her marriage to Gary was on its way out. He kept complaining how she pays more attention to beating world records than caring about him.
MADDIE
So, he left her.
CARLA
So, he left her.
DAVID
So, where did you come in?
CARLA
Well, as the saying goes, “if you can’t do, teach.” And that’s exactly what Randy did... and still doing. We met at an ice skating rink near my hometown. I was the only one out there. I mean, who else would be skating at the crack of dawn other than an athlete.... Anyway, she came over to me, we talked and she became my coach.We could have been so good together. If only she would have trusted me.
MADDIE
This coming from a woman who took her husband?
CARLA
Wait. Just listen to what I’m trying to say.
DAVID
We’re listening.
CARLA
I’m not saying we were the best of friends, but Randy was... and I hate to say it... she’s still the best coach I ever had. She really put herself into teaching me everything I needed to know about speed skating. She was so attentive... I wish she was as attentive when it came to her marriage.
DAVID
And in came Gary.
CARLA
We were friends at first.
DAVID
(to Maddie)
Isn’t it always how it happens?
CARLA
We never intended to hurt Randy. I honestly didn’t think she cared. I mean, she never wasted an opportunity to hurl insults at him.
MADDIE
Uh, I don’t believe this.
Maddie walks away. Carla looks confused.
DAVID
(to Carla)
You’ll have to excuse her. She’s walking down memory lane.
CARLA
Are you people on my side or Randy’s?
DAVID
We don’t mean to sound or look adversarial, but we need to figure out why a jilted ex-wife is hell bent on putting your career on the skids, which brings me back to my initial question, does Stan know why Randy is after you?
CARLA
I told him.
DAVID
How did he become your coach?
CARLA
After I parted ways with Randy, another skater gave me his number. He retired a few years ago, but I guess he saw great talent and came out of retirement. May I go now?
DAVID
Yes, you may. Next time I wanna see a late pass.
Carla tries not to smile as she skates past him and onto the ice. A skater bumps into Carla. She almost knocks her down.
DAVID
(Worried)
Are you all right?
CARLA
I’m fine. Don’t be alarmed. This happens from time to time. Oh, by the way, she’s the skater who referred me to Stan.
The skater skates to David and shakes his hand.
SKATER
Hi. I’m Tracie.
DAVID
Hell of an introduction.
Maddie walks over to Randy pretending to do what some of the other volunteers are doing.
RANDY
(To athlete skating by her)
Bend those knees more... Remember not to come out of your crouch so soon when you hit the turn... you lose too much time...
MADDIE
Excuse me. You need more towels?
RANDY
(Absently - not turning to look at Maddie)
Yeah, just put them over there.
(pointing any which way - to athlete)
You’re swinging your hands too much...
MADDIE
Aren’t you Randy Mitchell?
Randy turns, faces Maddie.
RANDY
Yeah. I’m Randy.
MADDIE
I remember when you skated. You were really something.
RANDY
Yeah, well... it’s all in the past... this... she... April...
(points to the skater who zooms past them)
is my future. April Trudeaux. She’ll win the gold I should have won eight years ago.
MADDIE
Some say it’s gonna be Carla Bingham.
RANDY
(A disdained look on her face)
Who her? She could have if she hadn’t left me for that old fool.
MADDIE
(Felt a little offended)
Fool? Aren’t you being a tad bit strong?
RANDY
For somebody who retired because he felt the integrity of the sport has been tarnished, picked a bad example to motivate a piece of trash like Carla.
David is in the middle of talking with Stan.
STAN
Is she amazing or what? That girl can skate the fastest lap I have ever seen. That’s one of the reasons why I came out of retirement.
DAVID
You retired? For how long?
STAN
For five, long, miserable years. Couldn’t take it anymore. The lying, the cheating, the winning at all costs... it was getting too much. I was fed up. I told myself, “if I could capture a silver medal in the world championships in ‘56 without taking performance enhancing drugs, so can all these young pups.”
DAVID
So, what did Carla do to change your mind?
STAN
Her strength, her ability... her commitment. She’s... she’s the embodiment of what all today’s athletes should be.
DAVID
Not according to Randy.
STAN
Oh, you gonna believe a washed up, bitter, wind bag? Yeah, she was the best, the fastest. Some referred to her as “the female Eric Heiden.” Man, in one given day, she can pass any skater and all they’d see is a blur. Unfortunately, her given day never came when it came to the Olympics.
DAVID
Carla never told you about... anything else? Like... say... Randy’s husband?
STAN
When I said “she’s the embodiment of what all today’s athletes should be,” I meant just that... an athlete. I don’t condone what she did, but Gary didn’t want to be with Randy anymore. She couldn’t make him stay. I couldn’t do anything about Gabby choosing Alex over me. Did I get all vindictive? Hell no. I wished those two well. He’s a helluva guy.
MADDIE
But what made her so dead in your eyes?
RANDY
(hesitates for a second)
Oh, hell why should I hide anything from you? It’s not like it hasn’t been talked about, written about for the past two years. She fooled around with my husband and yes we were legally separated. But damn it, our marriage was still legal. We were still in what I thought was a relationship... well, I never said it out loud but.... Anyway, the point is, Carla took what didn’t belong to her.
MADDIE
That’s not what she says...
(Randy gives Maddie a look)
At least what I heard her say.
RANDY
She’ll say anything to make her look innocent, but the fact remains, she stole Gary and I’ll never forgive her for that. And I’ll do whatever I have to do to prevent seeing a gold medal around her neck.
MADDIE
Even fake a drug test...?
(Randy shoots Maddie another look)
Again, that’s what I heard.
RANDY
I was no where near San Diego when that firestorm ignited. My plane was held over in Kansas City. The plane had to be turned around because of torrential weather. When I finally got there, I was swarmed with questions about why I set up that tramp. I would never risk my integrity or April’s integrity for a man... or his mistress. I love this sport too much to make it a laughing stock. When I said I’d prevent Carla from getting the gold, I meant it by beating her with my star, April. The media predicts it could go either way but, after the women’s 1000 meters is over, April will be on top of the medals stand. Now if you will excuse me, I’d like to get back to what I’m really here for... helping April get that gold.
David, Maddie, their children, Terri, Walter and their son are watching the athletes come into the stadium.
DAVID
Do you believe her story?
MADDIE
She seems believable, but I’m not sure.
DAVID
You’re not sure? Having your best student play hooky with your husband won’t send you over the edge?
MADDIE
Being in a similar situation myself, I can attest to people having more self control than you think.
DAVID
All I’m saying is this babe gotta lot of issues and she might be solving them by taking out her competition off the ice.
ASHLEY
Daddy?
DAVID
Yes, sweet pea.
ASHLEY
Where’s the bathroom. I gotta go.
LITTLE DAVID
Why didn’t you go when Mom asked you five minutes ago?
ASHLEY
I didn’t have to go then.
Maddie gets up, but Terri put her hand on her shoulder.
TERRI
You sit. I’ll take her.
(to Ashley)
Come on, honey.
Terri takes Ashley’s hand and they maneuver their way out of the stands.
WALTER JR.
(Strains to see what’s in front of him)
Which country is that again?
LITTLE DAVID
I think it’s France.
DAVID
I think you’re right.
Everyone is waving to the French athletes. They wave back to the crowd.
DAVID
So, you don’t you think Randy is bitter enough to taint Carla as a steroid-enhanced champ?
MADDIE
Well, I don’t know. But I can’t see her wasting time destroying a sport she truly loves.
DAVID
Then why are we following her?
Maddie looks through her binoculars. The camera shows what Maddie is seeing. April receives a white bottle and is slipping it into her coat pocket.
MADDIE
Because her new protege may not be so squeaky clean, if you know what I mean.
DAVID
She doesn’t take baths...
(Maddie glares at him)
What?
A still image of the title is shown. An abbreviated version of the theme is used. Maddie and David's voices are used in voice over.
DAVID
Stay tuned or you’ll miss the 4-man Bobsled.
MADDIE
That’s next week.
DAVID
Oh, well. Stay tuned anyway.
A still image of the title is shown. An abbreviated version of the theme is used. Maddie and David's voices are used in voice over.
MADDIE
We’re back.
DAVID
Hope you missed us ‘cuz we missed you...
(whispers)
Well?
MADDIE
Well what?
DAVID
(Whispers)
Did it work?
MADDIE
David?
DAVID
She what?
(Grabs the binoculars)
Where is it? I don’t see a thing.
MADDIE
I told you it’s in her coat pocket. Use the inferred.
David switches the knob and the color of pale green is seen on everything. He’s focusing on April’s coat. He sees a small bottle inside.
DAVID
Yup. it’s there all right.
MADDIE
Do we tell anybody?
DAVID
Not yet. We need to know what is exactly in that bottle.
MADDIE
We’ll have to do it fast. I overheard some officials are planning a surprise drug test on the female skaters tomorrow.
DAVID
We gotta get a move on.
(turns in back of him to face Walter)
You mind watching the kids ‘til we get back?
MADDIE
We need to take care of a few things.
WALTER
No problem.
DAVID
You’re a lifesaver.
Maddie and David get up from their seats.
LITTLE DAVID
Mom? Dad? Where are you going? All of the athletes haven’t arrived yet.
MADDIE
Don’t worry, sweetie. We’ll be back as soon as we can.
David and Maddie continue to move down their row to leave the stadium. David cups his hands and shouts above the cheering people around him.
DAVID
Tell your sister and your aunt we’ll be back!
LITTLE DAVID
Okay!
They are wearing the usual black catburglar outfits.
DAVID
Told you we needed to pack these outfits for this episode.
MADDIE
(Whispers)
Will you be quiet?
DAVID
You got the list of all the banned substances?
MADDIE
Here.
She gives him a small booklet from her jacket pocket.
DAVID
Yeow. I need “Hooked on Phonics” to help me pronounce most of these names... along with a medical book to know what they are and a dictionary to know what they mean.
MADDIE
Okay. I found an open window.
DAVID
Don’t just stand there. Climb in.
MADDIE
I’d have to be eight feet tall to reach that window sill.
DAVID
What would you dames have without us men?
MADDIE
A peace of mind.
DAVID
A piece of mind or a piece of a mind?
MADDIE
Just help me up.
David is about to lift Maddie up to the window.
VOICE (O.S. - A few feet away)
I heard something from over here.
DAVID
Uh-oh. Not all security is lax... then again this is the Olympics. C’mon, over here.
He leads Maddie to hide in a nearby bush. The security, some include military personnel, search every place they can find. David instructs Maddie to crawl into something.
MADDIE
What do we do now? We can’t stay here all night.
DAVID
Why not? We can keep each other warm.
VOICE #1 (O.S.- A few feet away)
Did you check over there?
The person points in the direction Maddie and David are.
VOICE #2 (O.S.)
Why bother? Who would be stupid enough to hide in there.
MADDIE
Hide in where? Why would we not...
The lid flies open to whatever they are in and a load filled with used food is poured on top of them. Maddie and David are left with disgusted looks on their faces. Sour milk, keishes, and mayonnaise and other condiments are poured all over them. A second later, the phone rings. They look at each other with puzzled looks. David has a hard time getting his hand to reach into his pocket to pull out his cell. After a few more rings, he manages to place the cell to his ear, but not without feeling something oozing down his ear.
DAVID
Hello?
BERT (O.S.)
Oh, sir. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.
DAVID
(Rolls his eyes)
When has it ever stopped you?
BERT (O.S.)
I’m really trying to deal with this. Really, I really am. I’m really being patient. Really, I am.
DAVID
Bert –
BERT (O.S.)
I know what your gonna say. And you’re right. There’s no sense in me belaboring the point, but I can’t help it, sir.
DAVID
Are we finished? ‘Cuz I gotta see if I can finally get some fresh air.
He peeks out from the lid.
BERT (O.S.)
Okay. Maybe this Patrick guy isn’t going after Agnes. Maybe offering her help with the books these past two weeks is quite a nice gesture.
DAVID
Bertie, babe, listen to me. You have nothing to worry about. Agnes loves you.
BERT (O.S.)
Miss Hayes filled you in, huh?
DAVID
Uh huh. You’d have to totally be a jerk to make her go into the arms of a man who makes twice as much as you do.
BERT (O.S.)
He does...? No. It doesn’t matter.
DAVID
Now do you mind getting off the phone? I have this sudden urge to hang up if you keep talking.
BERT (O.S.)
I’m done.
DAVID
Good... so am I.
He hangs up the phone.
MADDIE
(lifts the lid from the outside)
And so am I. I’m leaving.
DAVID
But I already hung up on him.
David starts getting out of whatever he is in.
Maddie and David return to their seats and wearing different clothes. Everyone stands to see Jim Shea, jr, the only third generation Olympian recite the Olympic oath for all the athletes.
LITTLE DAVID
You’re back!
DAVID
We’re back.
ASHLEY
Can’t say the same for your clothes.
DAVID
No, you can’t.
He gives her a kiss on the cheek as he sits in his seat.
ASHLEY
What happened?
DAVID
They got tired of being dragged around. They needed a place to unwind. They’re replenishing themselves underwater. The spin cycle help keeps their fabric in good shape after a hard day’s work.
MADDIE
What did we miss?
ASHLEY
The flag.
DAVID
The flag? Isn’t it flying on the top of the pole over there?
LITTLE DAVID
She means the one they brought into the stadium.
TERRI
The flag from the World Trade Center.
MADDIE
(Solemnly)
Oh.
WALTER JR.
It was so quiet... I’m sure people could hear me breath.
WALTER
(Shaking his head in disbelief)
I can’t believe it actually happened. Even now, almost five months later.
DAVID
You and me both.
TERRI
Where did you two go? It took you forever.
MADDIE
We had some business that couldn’t wait.
DAVID
We found out it didn’t feel like waiting for us. So, we have to find another way to have our business wait when we tell it to.
MADDIE
What are you talking about?
DAVID
What am I talking about? I’m talking about...
Maddie and David disguise themselves as room attendants.
MADDIE
This?
DAVID
Yeah, this. How are we gonna get into April’s room if we don't do this?
MADDIE
This isn’t going to work.
DAVID
No, it won’t. We have to grab one of these
(Grabs a big cart)
open the door, slip into her room, see what’s in her bottle, then and only then will this work.
He opens the door, rolls the cart out. Maddie follows him out the room.
They walk down the hall and stop at a room they think is April’s.
DAVID
Ready?
MADDIE
Ready.
She swipes the card, which works for all the rooms.
DAVID
(Puts his hand on the door knob)
And a-way we go.
They go inside. The camera doesn’t follow because they rush out of there a moment later.
DAVID
Sorry ‘bout that... although it would help if you bend your leg over an inch or two to the right...
Maddie grabs him then pushes him out the way and shuts the door.
MADDIE (O.S.)
Out!
David’s momentum crashes him into an opposite wall. Maddie steps out looking extremely angry.
DAVID
What...? I didn’t see anything...
(straightens out his clothes and walks with Maddie to another room)
which is why I suggested for her to wear a wonder bra.
MADDIE
We’ve been at this for an hour. I say we split.
DAVID
I say we check one more room.
MADDIE
David.
DAVID
One more room.
He opens the door and enters. Maddie reluctantly does the same.
MADDIE
What difference does it make? We’ll never find it.
DAVID
You’re wrong.
MADDIE
I’m wrong. How am I wrong?
DAVID
Take a look at this.
David gives her a white bottle. A close-up lets us see the name, April Trudeaux and the drug she is prescribed for written on the label.
MADDIE
You’re right.
DAVID
Damn right. I’m right.
MADDIE
We have the bottle, but what does it prove?
They hear commotion getting louder and voices outside the door.
MADDIE
Quick? In here.
She grabs David’s arm and leads him to the closet.
DAVID
Hold up. Why are we hiding?
David opens the door.
MADDIE
(Worried)
David.
She reaches out to pull him back, but she’s out of his reach.
DAVID
What are you so nervous about? They don’t know who we are.
MADDIE
But she does.
She looks at Randy.
DAVID
(Confused)
She does?
MADDIE
She does.
DAVID
Where was I when we're seeing somebody I’ve never seen?
RANDY
You were talking to Stan while she was talking my ear off.
DAVID
That explains it.
RANDY
What are you doing here?
MADDIE
Wait a minute? Is this your room? I could have sworn this was the snowboarder’s room. She asked us to get these pills for her.
DAVID
Yeah, she caught a nasty cold.
RANDY
And you were gonna deliver it to her in that get up?
DAVID
We didn’t want her to get in trouble.
RANDY
Nice try. Get out.
DAVID
Okay, we’re going. We’re going.
She takes the bottle out of Maddie hands.
DAVID
(To Maddie)
We know which room we're not cleaning tomorrow.
STAN
So, what do we do now?
MADDIE
Are there other labs around here?
STAN
Yeah. I can take you there but why?
DAVID
So, we can see what these are?
Maddie holds up two tablets.
MADDIE
I was able to take these pills out before Randy spotted us. I even remembered the name of the drug.
STAN
So? What’s the big deal? Why do we need to go to a lab?
DAVID
To see if these are what they say they are.
CARLA
(Skates over to everyone then turns to Maddie)
Can I talk to you?
DAVID
Why don’t you do that. Stan and I will shoot the breeze while you ladies get more acquainted.
MADDIE
I don’t know, David.
STAN
I’ll be fine. We won’t be long.
David and Stan start walking away. Maddie tries every possible way to not have eye contact with Carla.
A capacity filled crowd. There are several sections waving their national flags, holding up signs and chanting the name of their homeland. The next set of skaters are ready to hopefully capture the gold. The thunderous ovation is obviously for the hometown American.
LITTLE DAVID
Mom, shhh. The race is about to start.
MADDIE
I know, honey. We won’t be long.
ASHLEY
Won’t be long? It’s the longest race. It’s the marathon of all speed skating.
WALTER JR.
5000 meters is hardly a marathon.
ASHLEY
And I’m hardly listening to you.
DAVID
What’s goin’ on?
MADDIE
What do you mean, “what’s going on?”
DAVID
It's means what it means. What’s goin’ on? Carla is trying to open up, but you keep slamming the door.
MADDIE
They’re divorced.
DAVID
Divorced? They’re not married.
The crowd drowns out the sound of her response. As much as Maddie doesn’t want to, she turns her attention to the American speed skater who has a big lead and is staking very well. He has two more laps to go.
WALTER JR.
Hey Mom? Where did Dad go?
TERRI
There was a computer meltdown in one of the figure skating judge's area.
LITTLE DAVID
He missing a great race! Derek Parra is gonna win gold!
TERRI
Let’s hope so. There are more skaters who haven’t raced yet.
ASHLEY
As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.
The cheers get louder after Derek Parra crosses the finish line and the loud cheers get even louder when it’s announced he just broke a world record.
MADDIE
As I was saying, Mark called.
DAVID
Mark called?
MADDIE
Mark called.
DAVID
When?
MADDIE
This morning while you were in the shower. David, Mark called to tell me they’re divorce is final.... She broke his heart... more than once. He tried to make it work. To overlook her quirks, but all in all... he realized they just weren’t meant to be. So, he decided to end it...
DAVID
I hate to bring this up but –
MADDIE
No... he doesn’t know about you two. I don’t think she can ever bring herself to tell him.
TERRI
What’s wrong? Who got divorced?
MADDIE
Oh, nothing. It’s the husband... well, ex-husband of a relative of mine.
LITTLE DAVID
C’mon, Mom. It’s not that bad.
MADDIE
What?
LITTLE DAVID
Derek Parra has another chance to win gold in the fifteen hundred.
WALTER JR.
Yeah, silver is a great accomplishment.
DAVID
Wally’s right.
(He gives her a look to play along)
Silver ain’t nothin’ to sneeze at.
MADDIE
Yeah, you’re right. Silver is a great achievement.
VOICE (O.S.)
Ummm, s’cuse me.
Everyone turns around and looks at Stan.
STAN
Can we get back talking about the case?
David, Maddie, Ashley, little David, Carla and Stan are standing in the crowd near the front. The medals ceremony has begun. Little David is looking at more than just the athletes. He has his eye on one of the three “Children of the Light.” The one he is particularly paying attention to is the 11-year-old girl in the middle.
STAN
We won’t know the results of the drug test until the day of the race.
DAVID
And we won’t know the results of those pills we took until tomorrow.
ASHLEY
You know what else is tomorrow?
DAVID
What is it, sweet pea?
ASHLEY
Figure skating!
LITTLE DAVID
(Snaps out of his mild trance)
We gotta waste another day looking at that boring stuff?
ASHLEY
Why not? I have to see you waste another day with you looking at that girl.
DAVID
Girl?
MADDIE
Girl?
LITTLE DAVID
Don’t take what Ash says seriously.
DAVID
(Looks amused)
Who is she?
LITTLE DAVID
(Looks embarrassed)
Ash doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
CARLA
There’s nothing to be ashamed of. I had my first boyfriend when I was around your age.
LITTLE DAVID
Look, for the last time, I don’t like her.
MADDIE
Does this person you don’t like, have a name?
LITTLE DAVID
How would I know?
ASHLEY
It’s Sherri.
LITTLE DAVID
It’s Kerri.
DAVID
Where did you meet her?
ASHLEY
While we were on line with Aunt Terri.
DAVID
You met her on the internet?
ASHLEY
No, Daddy. We were on this huge line trying to get one of those hats.
DAVID
Hats? What hats?
CARLA
I think she means this hat.
Carla shows him a blue beret, which is a part of the official USA apparel for the athletes.
LITTLE DAVID
But those things sold out before we had a chance to get into the store.
David, Maddie and company join the crowd as they burst into cheers. The silver medalist of the 5000 meter men’s speed skating event, Derek Parra, has been called to the podium.
CARLA
(To kids)
Tell you what... after I finish practice, I’ll see what I can do to get my hands on two extra berets for you.
LITTLE DAVID
Can you get your hands on three? Wally wants one, too.
CARLA
Okay, three. We’ll meet at two tomorrow at Olympic Legacy Park.
LITTLE DAVID
The one with the water fountain shaped like a snowflake?
CARLA
Yup. That’s the one. Is it a date?
ASHLEY
It’s a date!
DAVID
(To Maddie)
Hear that?
MADDIE
Who didn’t? When Derek Parra’s name was called, the cheers were deafening.
DAVID
I was talking about our kids’ first date.
(to kids)
Will there be a chaperone?
LITTLE DAVID
Not to worry, Dad. Aunt Terri will be there.
DAVID
Good to know.
STAN
I’d like to know more about what we’re gonna do about Randy?
DAVID
We keep following her every move.
MADDIE
Can’t forget about April.
CARLA
I can’t see her getting mixed up in all this. What does she have to gain?
MADDIE
That.
She points over to the medals stand as the Netherlands' Jochen Uytdhaage is getting the gold medal placed around his neck.
CARLA
April’s not the kind of person who would do anything like that. I just can’t see it.
MADDIE
Believe me when I tell you, people can do things you never thought they’ll ever do.
DAVID
Here’s something I haven’t seen.
CARLA
What’s that?
DAVID
Gary? What did you do? Put him under house arrest?
CARLA
He wants to hang around the Olympic Village. He hates being in the spotlight.
ASHLEY
Shhh!
CARLA
(Whispers)
Sorry. He hates being in the spotlight.
Everyone stops talking while the national anthem of the Netherlands start to play. The crowd claps enthusiastically when the anthem is finished. A person bumps Carla from behind. She turns and sees Tracie, the skater who accidentally bumped into her on the ice yesterday.
TRACIE
Oh, I’m sorry, Carla. I didn’t see you. I thought you’d be asleep at this hour.
CARLA
I should, but I had to see Derek get his silver.
TRACIE
Gosh, I’m so happy for him.
CARLA
Yeah, he worked so hard. You never know, he said his strongest race is the 1500 meters.
TRACIE
Hi, Mr. Sheridan.
STAN
Hey, Tracie. How’s your practice going?
TRACIE
Pretty good. Pretty good. Ready to see Carla on the podium on Wednesday night?
CARLA
I’m not thinking about it. All I’m thinking about is having the best race of my career.
TRACIE
Good answer. Remember to stick it in your pre-dawn interview on the Today show. See you on the ice.
CARLA
See you.
STAN
Bye bye now.
Tracie moves away.
STAN
Tracie’s a good kid.
DAVID
Hey, I’m ready to hit the hay. How ‘bout you?
CARLA
Sounds good to me.
LITTLE DAVID
Do we have to, Dad?
DAVID
Yes we have to, son.
MADDIE
Good night everyone.
ASHLEY
See you tomorrow.
David, Maddie and the kids prepare to leave. Then Ashley turns back to Carla.
ASHLEY
And don’t forget the hats.
Ashley tuns back and catches up to the rest of her family.
CARLA
(Tries not to laugh)
I won’t.
The Addison family eats breakfast. David has sausage, english muffins and scrambled eggs. Maddie has eggs (sunnyside up), bacon and buttered toast. Ashley and little David have pancakes. Ashley has blueberries on top while little David has strawberries. They continue eating when the doorbell rings.
MADDIE
Stay, I’ll get it.
She goes to the door, opens it to find Terri, Walter and Walter Jr.
MADDIE
You’re a bunch of early birds this morning.
WALTER JR.
Dad has another emergency waiting.
MADDIE
It never stops, does it?
WALTER
Yeah it stops, but the flame has to be extinguished first.
MADDIE
Want a bite to eat?
WALTER
I wish I could, but I have to run.
TERRI
I’ll get you a doggy bag.
WALTER
(Smiles)
I’d like that.
(He kisses Terri tenderly.)
I’ll see everyone at the Pairs Skating venue tonight.
TERRI
It’s a date.
Everyone hugs each other then Maddie follows him to the door, lets Walter out, locks the door then turns to Terri.
MADDIE
Shall we?
TERRI
Indeed. We shall.
Maddie enters the room first. Terri and Walter Jr. tag along behind her. Maddie smiles when she sees her husband racing their kids to see who finishes their breakfast first. David tosses the fork down on his empty plate and throws his hands in the air.
DAVID
I won!
ASHLEY
No fair! You cheated!
DAVID
Uh-uh. I gobbled those eggs fair and square. C’mere, I’ll show you the instant reply.
ASHLEY
Instant reply? There’s nothing on your plate.
DAVID
Did you hear me say anything about plates?
He grabs his daughter and nibbles her ears with his lips - no teeth. Ashley screams, giggles and squirms. Meanwhile, little David sits and enjoys the show. David looks up and sees Maddie with a smile on her face and her hands folded.
DAVID
Uh-oh. We’ve been busted.
MADDIE
You think, eh?
DAVID
It’s not my fault. She made me do it.
ASHLEY
I did?
DAVID
You did. She made me do an instant reply. So, I chose to reply what Tyson did to Holyfield... without the spitting.
MADDIE
I think this is the best time for Terri to take over. It looks like your eggs weren’t the only thing that’s scrambled.
TERRI
Looks like? Is like.
DAVID
Hey, only one brain joke allowed per episode. I know ‘cuz took a peek at the contract.
MADDIE
We don’t want to be late.
Little David gets up from the table and goes over to Walter Jr. They do their secret handshake. Ashley leaves the table shaking her head and playfully rolls her eyes. She proceeds to hug her parents.
LITTLE DAVID
C’mon Ash, let’s go. Bye Mom, bye Dad.
It’s his turn to hug his parents.
MADDIE
Bye! Have a good time!
Little David turns to his parents.
LITTLE DAVID
Now remember, let’s be careful out there.
He turns and leaves the kitchen.
DAVID
I think somebody discovered “Hill Street Blues.”
Terri, Ashley, Little David and Walter Jr. are a few feet way from the water fountain.
TERRI
(Checking her watch)
Are you sure she said two o’clock?
LITTLE DAVID
Positive.
TERRI
Either we’re in the wrong place or she doesn’t know how to tell time.
ASHLEY
She’ll be here. I know she will.
TERRI
All right. We’ll give her another fifteen minutes, then we have to go.
WALTER JR.
Fess up, David.
LITTLE DAVID
Fess up? For what?
WALTER JR.
We’re not here to see Carla. We’re here so you can meet Sherri.
LITTLE DAVID
It’s Kerri and it’s not true. Carla’s supposed to give us berets.
(turns to his sister)
Right?
ASHLEY
(To Walter Jr.)
I have to agree with him on this one.
WALTER JR.
I’m gonna get something to eat.
TERRI
Don’t stray too far.
ASHLEY
Aunt Terri, can you take me to the bathroom?
LITTLE DAVID
Uh huh. I told you you drank too much soda.
ASHLEY
Too bad I didn’t hear what you just said.
TERRI
Davey, join Wally and get some food while I take this one to the nearest bathroom... and be careful, okay.
LITTLE DAVID
Okay.
Terri opens the door.
TERRI
Want me to come in?
ASHLEY
Aunt Terri, I’m a big girl. I can handle this myself.
TERRI
(Puts her hands up in surrender)
Just asking.
The bathroom is deserted. Ashley enters one of the stalls on the left side of the room. She closes the door behind her.
Walter Jr. walks up to his mother.
WALTER JR.
Mom, Carla’s here. She just gave us the berets.
(He shows his beret to Terri)
Where’s Ashley? David has her’s.
TERRI
She’ll be done in here in a minute. Where is Davey?
WALTER JR.
Over there.
Terri looks over to her right. An unidentified woman passes her on her left. The camera catches the woman from the shoulders to her waist. Terri sees little David talking to the girl he was staring at the night before during the medals ceremony.
TERRI
David and Maddie would have loved seeing this.
Walter Jr. and Terri continue looking at little David and Kerri laughing.
The unidentified woman is fully dressed, sitting on the toilet while her arm suggests she put something on the side of her face. The camera doesn’t reveal her face.
WOMAN (O.S.)
Hey, Rob... it’s me... Yeah, I did it. I put the stuff in Carla’s soda... she’ll feel the full effects tomorrow just about the time she begins her race. I can’t believe how easy it was. I found her talking to some kids. She was totally distracted. Oh... no, no. I didn’t forget to put the rest of the pills in April’s prescription bottle.
(She puts an orange colored bottle on the floor)
I made sure I got her out of that room. I made up something like, “You left your warm-up sweater in the locker room,” or something like that. Yeah it worked. She trusts me... this will certainly be the end to both of their careers... yeah, I can’t wait...! No, I didn’t hear that one, but did you hear the one about the priest and a rabbi going into a strip joint...? Sure, I got time. No one’s in here... now how does that joke go again...? Okay I got it, ready...?
The woman laughs uncontrollably as her foot slips and kicks the bottle she put on the floor. She doesn’t notice because she’s busy telling the dirty joke. The camera follows the bottle underneath the stalls. It rolls two stalls down to the left. A hand picks up the bottle. The camera follows the hand and we see Ashley’s frozen open-mouthed stare.
WOMAN (O.S.)
... Will you stop worrying. I checked. No one is in here... now let me finish the joke...
Ashley looks around nervously. She’s not sure of what to do. She decides to open the bottle. she sees one pill inside. She carefully closes the lid, stuffs the bottle in her pants pocket and quietly opens the stall door. She then tip toes out making the least amount of noise possible then leaves the bathroom.
The Pairs Figure Skating competition is just under way.
DAVID
I got the results from the lab.
STAN
So, what does it say?
DAVID
It’s inconclusive.
MADDIE
The type of pill April’s taking is listed as one of the legal substances the IOC allows, but it also has traces of illegal substances which isn’t enough to ban her from competing.
STAN
I see.
TERRI
You do?
STAN
I think.
CARLA
So, what does this mean?
MADDIE
We’re at a dead end. We’ve followed Randy and April all day.
DAVID
Even in the bathroom... well, Maddie... followed... anyway, we also talked to some of the other American skaters.
MADDIE
Chris Witty told us April suffers from allergies. They tend to act up more during her races. And Fernandez -
DAVID
Miami Ice.
MADDIE
Huh?
DAVID
Miami Ice.
ASHLEY
I never liked that show.
LITTLE DAVID
Not "Miami Vice." Miami Ice.
DAVID
She wanted Randy as her coach, but April got there first.
MADDIE
We even talked to... what’s his name, David?
DAVID
Casey –
MADDIE
Yeah, Casey FitzRandolph.
CARLA
You’re not telling us anything we don’t already know. Randy has tremendous respect in the sport.
STAN
But I know something’s going to happen... I just know it.
Ashley looks very uneasy after hearing those words.
ASHLEY
(to little David - whispers)
C’mere.
LITTLE DAVID
Huh?
ASHLEY
Come here.
LITTLE DAVID
What is it now?
ASHLEY
Just come on.
She grabs her brother’s arm and yanks him out of his seat.
They go to a quiet section of the stadium near the concession stands.
LITTLE DAVID
What is it?
ASHLEY
He’s right. Stan’s right. Something’s going to happen.
LITTLE DAVID
Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down. Now why do you...
(Ashley takes out the bottle she picked up in the bathroom)
What’s that?
ASHLEY
I don’t know. What I do know is Carla’s in big trouble.
LITTLE DAVID
Where did you find this?
Ashley paused while looking around to see if anybody is watching them.
ASHLEY
I overheard a woman –
VOICE (O.S.)
What are you guys doing?
Ashley and little David jump as they see Walter Jr. behind them.
ASHLEY
Don’t ever do that again.
LITTLE DAVID
Yeah, she was gonna tell me about Carla.
WALTER JR.
What about her?
ASHLEY
Like I was saying, I overheard a woman while I was in the bathroom at Olympic Legacy Park this afternoon. She told this guy on her cell that she put stuff in Carla’s soda.
LITTLE DAVID
What?
WALTER JR.
What?
ASHLEY
That’s what I heard. She also said she put the rest of the pills in April’s bottle.
WALTER JR.
You mean, that one?
He points to the bottle Ashley is holding.
ASHLEY
No. This is the one the woman left in the bathroom. She put all pills except for this one...
She shows them the one pill left in the bottle.
LITTLE DAVID
We gotta tell Mom and Dad.
ASHLEY
(Stops him from leaving)
Let’s not.
LITTLE DAVID
Let’s what?
ASHLEY
Let’s not. Think about it. This woman, whoever she is, must know who Mom and Dad are. She must have seen them sneaking around.
LITTLE DAVID
We can’t do anything.
ASHLEY
I know we can’t. That’s why I’m going alone.
LITTLE DAVID
Are you crazy?!
WALTER JR.
Are you crazy?!
ASHLEY
She saw you two. That's how she was able to put that stuff in Carla’s drink. She didn’t hear or see me. Besides, how hard can following people who don’t know they’re being followed. Also Mom and Dad do it all the time.
LITTLE DAVID
Because they’re well trained. You don’t know how dangerous this can be.
WALTER JR.
Remember the last time you were caught up in one of your parent’s cases? You almost got killed.
ASHLEY
Yeah, but they were wacko.
LITTLE DAVID
And this person ain’t? Slipping pills in somebody else’s drink ain’t normal behavior.
WALTER JR.
The best thing to do is warn Carla.
ASHLEY
Not until we have proof. She’s not going to believe a bunch of kids when we tell her she’s been drugged in broad daylight.
LITTLE DAVID
Will you cover for us?
ASHLEY
Us?
LITTLE DAVID
Us. I’m not letting you do this on your own. I shouldn’t let you do this period.
ASHLEY
Time is ticking guys. Are we gonna do this or what?
Little David and Walter Jr. look at each other then they look at Ashley.
WALTER JR.
I’ll cover for you.
ASHLEY
Thanks.
WALTER JR.
But you better hurry. I can fend them off for 30 minutes... 40 tops.
ASHLEY
No sweat.
(to little David)
C’mon.
Little David and Ashley start to leave.
How are we gonna do this? How do you know this woman isn’t lying or it was only a joke?
ASHLEY
She told a joke all right, but putting a pill in someone’s drink wasn’t part of the punchline. Trust me.
LITTLE DAVID
And another thing, how are we gonna get to April’s room, or the Olympic Village without a car? We can’t walk there.
VOICE (O.S)
David!
He turns around and sees Kerri waving at him. He waves back.
LITTLE DAVID
(Whispers)
Bingo.
ASHLEY
Bingo?
LITTLE DAVID
Bingo. She’s one of those “Children of the light” kids. You know, the ones who usher the athletes in at medal ceremonies and stuff. Plus, her mother’s a member of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee. Security takes her anywhere she wants to go. Think of her as our all access pass.
ASHLEY
An unlimited pass to the bathroom, huh?
LITTLE DAVID
And the hallway.
The close-up captures little David and his sister sharing a mischievous smile.
A close-up of a man and a woman smiling at each other before the music starts. They break their stares as they skate. It starts their Pairs free skate performance.
David looks slightly bored as Maddie looks on then winces as the crowd groans.
DAVID
They waited four years for this?
MADDIE
I assure you, missing a triple axel isn’t part of their program.
DAVID
Listen to you. You’re gettin’ Dorothy Hamill on me.
MADDIE
I’ve seen a few figure skating competitions in my time. There was a time... that I... wanted to be... one.
DAVID
You?
MADDIE
Yeah, me. What’s wrong with that?
DAVID
Nothing.
(Smirks)
I can imagine seeing you in a skimpy dress twirling and jumping around on ice.
MADDIE
When I saw how graceful Peggy Fleming was, I wanted to be just like her. So, I took some lessons. But after a week, it was plain to everyone that there wasn’t a gold, silver or bronze medal in my foreseeable future. Mainly because I started skating at age 18.
DAVID
I understand how you feel.
MADDIE
You do?
DAVID
I do. I also wanted to skate. Not to be an acrobat on ice, but to chase a puck.
MADDIE
You wanted to be a Hockey player?
DAVID
Um hmm. I was good at it, too.
MADDIE
What stopped you?
DAVID
My knee. It kept swelling. It wouldn’t stop until I did. So, I had to give it up. Didn’t think much of it until 1980.
MADDIE
1980?
DAVID
Lake Placid. “Miracle on Ice.” It was around the time I was contemplating whether I should go into business as a private eye. I was at a friend’s house. We were glued to the set. We were so tense ‘cuz those Russians can come back on ya at anytime. But when we heard the final buzzer, it was like... you know, like the the Super Bowl, the World Series and the Stanley Cup all in one. They didn’t even win the gold yet. They had to beat Sweden to win it all. But for some reason, that gold medal match was an emotional letdown. It was great hearing the chant, “U-S-A, U-S-A” when the whole team got up to the podium... then I saw him.
MADDIE
Him...? Him who?
DAVID
A buddy of mine back in Philly. We used to play on the same pee-wee hockey team when we were kids. When I saw him hold his hand to his heart, singing the national anthem, I thought, “What if I hadn’t messed up my knee?”
MADDIE
(Sympathetic)
Oh, David.
DAVID
Wasn’t meant to be.
(Looks at the two empty seats next to Walter Jr.)
Are you sure you've seen them?
WALTER JR.
Yeah, they’re still on line. I’ll check again.
He gets out of his seat.
Little David, Ashley and Kerri and a two men following behind them are walking through the various nation houses.
KERRI
Why are we here again?
LITTLE DAVID
We think April Trudeaux is being set up.
KERRI
By who?
ASHLEY
That’s what we’re trying to find out.
LITTLE DAVID
Show her the pill.
ASHLEY
I’ll show her when we get into April’s room.... If we can find it.
KERRI
Leave it to me.
ASHLEY
Can you also leave them out of this?
She turns toward the two security guards.
KERRI
I can’t. My mother worries about where I am at all times.
ASHLEY
I’m worried about you in that costume you have to wear. Don't you get hot in that thing?
KERRI
I’m getting used to it. I only wear it during medal ceremonies and they don’t last too long so it don’t bother me.
LITTLE DAVID
I got an idea. You can be our lookout.
ASHLEY
Yeah, just point us to where we need to go then we’ll do the rest.
KERRI
This is so exciting.
Kerri directs little David and Ashley where to find the France House. She also distracts her security. It gives Ashley and little David time to run to the place their parents were during Opening Ceremonies. Little David found a way help Ashley climb into April’s window. Ashley does the same for her brother. They are safely inside April’s room.
Walter Jr. comes back to his seat.
MADDIE
Where are they? What’s going on?
WALTER JR.
They’re still in line.
STAN
I wouldn’t worry about it. This place is crawling with plain clothed undercover cops.
MADDIE
And he did beg me to let him take that hat.
DAVID
Hat what hat?
VOICE (O.S.)
David...?
David looks around, but doesn’t recognize the voice.
WALTER JR.
I’ll check again.
TERRI
Walter.
WALTER JR.
I might have been on the wrong line.
He rushes up the steps. David is about to stop him until –
VOICE (O.S.)
David Addison?
David takes another look and is presently surprised. A middle-aged man is coming over to greet him.
DAVID
Hey, man! What’s up? How’ve you been!
(hugs the man happily)
I see you’re not afraid of heights anymore.
MAN
I had at least 30 people to keep me from falling.
DAVID
Hey, Maddie c’mere for a sec.
(Maddie gets up from her seat)
Maddie, this is the buddy I was tellin’ you about.
(to Man)
This is my wife, Maddie Hayes.
MAN
Hayes?
MADDIE
I only use it for professional reasons.
(She shakes the man’s hand)
It must have been a great feeling to help light the flame.
MAN
The great thing about it, I was able to do so with all of my teammates.
LITTLE DAVID
(Whispers)
Do you see it?
ASHLEY
(Bumps into something)
Oww! If you meant the bed, the answer’s no.
LITTLE DAVID
We don’t have much time. I bet Mom and Dad are worried sick.
ASHLEY
I’ll find it if you stop talking.
She reaches over to one of the dressers and picks up some bottles until she sees a white one with a prescription label on it. She takes out some pills from the bottle she just found and compare them to the one pill she has in the bottle she took earlier. She sees the pills have the same unique markings.
ASHLEY
(Whispers in shock)
Oh my God.
LITTLE DAVID
What?
ASHLEY
It’s true. She really did it.
They hear people coming to the door. She puts the one pill in the empty bottle and jams it into her pocket while little David scrambles to put the rest of the pills into the white container. They don’t have time to climb back out of the window because Randy walked into the room.
RANDY
What are you two doing here?
ASHLEY
What are you doing here?
RANDY
Excuse me?
LITTLE DAVID
This is our mother’s room.
RANDY
You are mistaken. This is April Trudeaux’s room.
Ashley swipes the white bottle off the dresser and into her other pocket when Randy turns behind her to talk to April.
LITTLE DAVID
Hold up. This isn’t Marie Pleshette’s room?
RANDY
Who?
LITTLE DAVID
(To Ashley)
Oh no. We stumbled into the wrong room again.
(to Randy)
We always get these rooms mixed up.
ASHLEY
No wonder. They look exactly alike. The only difference is the room numbers.
LITTLE DAVID
Sorry for the mix up. We’ll get out of your hair.
ASHLEY
We’re really sorry.
(to little David)
Hurry up. Mom’s waiting.
Randy and April look at them as they leave the room.
They are running to meet up with Kerri.
LITTLE DAVID
Okay, we got the bottle. What do we do now?
ASHLEY
Get back to Pairs figure skating, ASAP.
LITTLE DAVID
What about Carla?
ASHLEY
We’ll have to think of something along the way. I hope Wally can keep Mom and Dad at bay a little longer.
LITTLE DAVID
Or our ass is grass.
ASHLEY
If we weren’t in a heap of trouble, I would tell on you.
TERRI
I can see why the two of you were buddies.
DAVID
Yeah, we did almost everything together. Man, it’s been more than 30 years since I’ve seen him.
MADDIE
I hate to leave, but I need to go to the restroom, then I’m gonna see where I can find those children of ours.
WALTER JR.
No, Aunt Maddie. I’ll go.
MADDIE
No, no. You’ve done more than enough. I don’t want to ruin your night looking for those two.
CARLA
(Gets out of her seat)
I’ll come with you. My legs need stretching, anyway.
She follows Maddie up the steps then stumbles.
MADDIE
(Helping Carla up)
Are you okay?
CARLA
(Politely waves her off)
I’m fine. I’m just tired. I get clumsy when I’m tired.
WALTER JR.
(Gets out of his seat)
But –
TERRI
You heard your Aunt Maddie. Relax. I’m sure they’re fine.
WALTER JR.
(Under his breath)
Let’s hope so.
Maddie and Carla continue walking up the steps.
A car pulls outside the entrance to the arena. The back door opens and Ashley gets out first.
ASHLEY
Thanks for everything, Kerri.
LITTLE DAVID
(Gets out the car)
Yeah, thanks. This really means a lot.
KERRI
You can repay me by joining me tomorrow in Park City.
LITTLE DAVID
It depends.
KERRI
On what?
LITTLE DAVID
If we’re able to see daylight again.
KERRI
Let’s hope that’s the case.
Little David looks awkward, but is unable to stop himself and leans closer. Kerri leans closer to him.
ASHLEY
If we don’t get our butts in gear, the chances are greater for our hibernation.
LITTLE DAVID
(Reluctantly stops himself)
My sister’s right. We gotta run.
KERRI
So do I. There’s another medals ceremony in an hour.
(She begins to close the door. Stops halfway.)
Hope to see you tomorrow.
LITTLE DAVID
Yeah, me too.
Kerri shuts the door and the car drives off. Ashley pulls Little David out of his trance and they begin running to the arena.
ASHLEY
(Sing-songs)
David’s got a girlfriend.
LITTLE DAVID
She’s not my girlfriend and where did you get “hibernation” from?
ASHLEY
See, there’s this book. It lists all the words in the english language. You should try it sometime.
LITTLE DAVID
Like the time I looked up the word “annoying” and found your picture next to it?
ASHLEY
No. It’s the time I found your picture next to the word, Jackass.
LITTLE DAVID
Just for the record, we’re even.
Maddie and Carla continue walking back to their seats after their search for the kids.
CARLA
You think I’m wrong for doing what I did, don’t you?
MADDIE
Let’s put it this way, I wouldn’t call taking another woman’s husband out from under her an endearing quality.
CARLA
Fair enough. But if you think I don’t feel bad about it, your wrong. I think about it everyday.
MADDIE
Look, if it seems as though I’m somewhat biased it’s because I am. I have this...
(strains her voice)
relative...
(voice back to normal)
who I considered as my best friend. She almost took the best thing that ever happened to me. The worst part about it... I almost let her... and maybe that’s what Randy had in her mind when you took her husband.
David looks up and sees Maddie and Carla walking down the steps. He gets up and goes over to them.
DAVID
Did you find them?
MADDIE
We looked everywhere but –
DAVID
But? But what? They have to be here.
WALTER, JR.
(Jumps up)
They are.
(Everyone looks at him)
Maybe you were looking in the wrong places.
DAVID
Well, you can help me look in the right places.
WALTER JR.
I wouldn’t worry. They’ll be back.
DAVID
Humor me. It’s a quirk of mine when I became a parent. I expect to see my children before I believe they’re all right.
TERRI
You heard him. Show him where they are.
Walter Jr. nervously gets up and follows David up the steps. Walter's tesne feelings are released the second he sees Ashley and little David running to their father.
DAVID
(Hugs them)
Where have you been?
MADDIE
We’ve been looking all over for you.
She gives her children a big hug. Little David looks over to Walter Jr. Walter mouths, “getting some food.”
LITTLE DAVID
We were getting some food.
DAVID
So, why aren’t your carrying anything?
ASHLEY
The line was so long. We tried jumping on other lines, but they kept running out of food.
LITTLE DAVID
Yeah, I was like being on a line at KFC.
DAVID
I’m so glad you two didn’t get hurt.
TERRI
I was getting worried myself.
WALTER JR.
Like I said, there’s nothing to worry about.
ASHLEY
I would if I had took center ice right now.
Everyone gets into their seats. Little David and Ashley sit next to Walter Jr.
WALTER JR.
(To Ashley)
Why?
ASHLEY
These are the Russian skaters. If they don’t win the free skate, they’ll lose the gold.
LITTLE DAVID
And why would we care?
ASHLEY
If the Canadian team hold on, it’ll be the first time in more than 20 years, the Russians won’t win the gold in Pairs figure skating.
TERRI
How do you know all of this?
ASHLEY
NBC has been airing commercials about it every five minutes.
WALTER JR.
(Whispers to little David)
So what happened?
LITTLE DAVID
(Whispers)
April’s definitely being set up.
Some gasps were released in the crowd. The boys jerks their heads toward the audience thinking it was because of what little David said. They soon realize it’s because the male Russian skater barely fights himself from falling to stick his two-footed triple jump landing attempt.
ASHLEY
(Shakes her head)
They can kiss that gold medal goodbye.
Ashley bursts through the door.
ASHLEY
Jipped! A total rip-off! How did they let them win?!
DAVID
You answered your own question. The judges let them win.
LITTLE DAVID
I don’t get it. The Canadians clearly won. Everyone knew it.
MADDIE
Everyone except the judges.
ASHLEY
I’m telling you. It was fixed. The Canadians got jipped! You can see the woman crying during the Russian anthem.
MADDIE
Something has to be done. It was too bizarre. They got rewarded for stumbling on the ice. The other team was better. They were flawless. They’re spins were completely in sync.
LITTLE DAVID
Mom, please don’t ever use that word again.
DAVID
Let us all cool down and turn in.
ASHLEY
I guess it’s a good idea.
LITTLE DAVID
Okay, Dad.
He and Ashley are walking up to their rooms. The camera focuses on the two children’s feet moving up the stairs.
DAVID (O.S.)
Oh, by they way... what the hell were you thinking going out alone?
The two pairs of feet stop. The camera cuts to Ashley and little David’s stunned faces.
MADDIE
Think you can slip past us that easy?
DAVID
It just so happens, we remembered or we let you think we didn’t remember that we never gave you any money or permission to get any food.
LITTLE DAVID
(Whispers to Ashley)
They’re good.
MADDIE
Also a girl named Kerri came and gave us the beret you left outside the arena, David.
ASHLEY
(Whispers back)
And you’re dumb.
DAVID
Where the hell where you?!
Ashley opens her mouth to speak, but there’s a knock on the front door. David opens it and Randy barrels her way through.
RANDY
Where is it?!
The kids look really nervous.
MADDIE
Where is what?
RANDY
Hand it over!
DAVID
Excuse me, but we don’t possess anything you would want us to hand over.
RANDY
You’ll feel differently when I call the cops!
There’s another knock on the door. David opens it. Stan and Carla enter not knowing Randy is standing in back of them.
STAN
Hey, come out and join us. We’re going over to Budweiser Plaza.
CARLA
Great food. Great drinks.
VOICE (O.S.)
And a great crowd.
Tracie walks into the house.
STAN
Come along. It’ll be a lot of...
(Sees Randy)
What are you doing here?
RANDY
Getting back what they stole.
MADDIE
We didn’t steal anything!
RANDY
All I know is, April puts her prescription on the dresser. It's easier for her to find. She gets another one of her allergic attacks, she reaches for her medicine and it’s gone.
TRACIE
Maybe she misplaced it.
RANDY
Did you hear what I said? She always puts it on the dresser.
DAVID
You’re missing an important piece of information.
RANDY
What’s that?
DAVID
(Slow and deliberate)
We-didn’t-steal-it!
TRACIE
It could have fallen behind the dresser.
RANDY
You didn’t think I've thought of that? I checked everywhere.
MADDIE
How did you find us, anyway?
RANDY
I took a page out of your book. I followed you.
Ashley tugs on her brother’s pants.
LITTLE DAVID
What?
ASHLEY
She’s here.
LITTLE DAVID
Huh? Who?
ASHLEY
The woman I heard in the bathroom. She’s down there.
Randy sighs in frustration then glances over to the stairs and notices something familiar, too.
RANDY
Are these your children?
DAVID
(Looks strangely)
Yeah, how did you know?
RANDY
I can’t believe this. You used your children to finish the job? What’s wrong with you people?!
MADDIE
Finish the job?
DAVID
(Turns his attention to the kids)
This doesn’t have anything to do your unauthorized field trip, now would it...? You better think long and hard before you come up with a lie.
ASHLEY
(Softly and regretfully)
I took it.
DAVID
(Calm anger)
Ashley Desireé Addison, give this lady what she came for.
Ashley came down the steps with her head down.
TRACIE
(to Stan and Carla - whispers)
I’m going outside to make a call. I’ll be back.
Stan and Carla nods as Tracie steps out of the front door. Meanwhile, Ashley goes over to Randy and gives her the white bottle.
MADDIE
I want you and your brother to go upstairs.
ASHLEY
Mommy, let me explain.
MADDIE
(Tries to stay calm)
Do it. Don’t make me say it again.
Little David didn’t wait for Ashley to reach the stairs. He’s in her room because it’s the closest room to escape and closes the door. It takes Ashley a few more seconds to do the same.
MADDIE
Randy, we swear. We didn’t know anything about this.
She gives the bottle to Randy.
RANDY
Tell that to your lawyer.
Randy storms out and slams the door. Maddie turns to Stan and Carla.
MADDIE
Would you excuse us?
MADDIE
It’s clear what we have to do. We have to punish them.
DAVID
I’m in total agreement.
MADDIE
Which one do you want to spank first?
DAVID
What?
MADDIE
Which one do you –
DAVID
I heard what you said. I can’t see why you’re saying it.
MADDIE
David! They sneaked out of a stadium. They stole from someone. They could have hurt themselves with the stunt they tried to pull.
DAVID
They’ll definitely be hurt with the stunt you’re trying to pull.
MADDIE
I don’t like this as much as you do, but the fact remains, they need to be taught a lesson.
DAVID
I hate to break it to you, the lesson ain’t the thing they’re gonna remember. What they’ll remember is their mean old mother spanking them.
MADDIE
Who are you calling old?
She and little David are nervously sitting on her bed.
LITTLE DAVID
We are done.
ASHLEY
Well done. I’d say we’re boarding on well burnt.
Ashley turns her head to the right where there is a window. She notices somebody talking on their cell phone.
ASHLEY
(Hushed voice)
David look... It’s her. The one I said was downstairs.
(little David runs to the window and sees Tracie)
What do we do?
LITTLE DAVID
I think this will work... except...
ASHLEY
Except?
LITTLE DAVID
Except it’s in my room.
(Ashley looks worried)
Chill. I’ll be able to get it without being seen.
Carla and Stan talk amongst themselves, not paying attention to their surroundings. Ashley’s door opens a little. David crawls on the floor to get to his room. He reaches up, turns the door knob and gets in. A few seconds later, he comes back out wearing a baseball cap, still on his knees, he crawls back to Ashley’s room and goes inside without getting caught.
Ashley breathes a sigh of relief.
LITTLE DAVID
(Rushes to the window)
I begged Mom to let me take this.
He takes the cap off his head.
ASHLEY
What is it?
LITTLE DAVID
It’s a hat... with a camera inside. It’s one of the devices Mom and Dad uses on their stakeouts and stuff. She only let me use it outside. You know, if a person comes up and abducts us or if we get in any kind of trouble.
(shows Ashley the tiny camera lens inside the lining of the cap)
This little baby will capture it.
ASHLEY
How will we capture it? How do we record it?
LITTLE DAVID
It’s digital. When we’re finished, I’ll take this little card
(shows her the card and puts it on the window sill)
and download the information on our computer.
ASHLEY
Will it capture sound?
LITTLE DAVID
Yeah. That’s the best part about it.
ASHLEY
Uh-uh. The best part is when you left that thing here tonight.
LITTLE DAVID
Gimmie the fishing rod over there.
He points toward the left corner of the room.
ASHLEY
It’s finally being used for something other than keeping that wall company.
She gives it to him. Little David hooks the cap onto it then slowly, quietly, he lowers the cap to a prime location where Tracie will be filmed and where she will not see it. The cap is half hidden behind some bushes. The light is shining on the opposite side of the house. Their side has many shadows so the fishing rod is well out of Tracie’s vision.
ASHLEY
But it’s too dark.
LITTLE DAVID
Ever heard of inferred? If it gets too dark it’ll switch to inferred, but I don’t think it’s that dark.
ASHLEY
Oh.
LITTLE DAVID
(Turns to Ashley with a smile)
Now who’s dumb?
MADDIE
What are we supposed to do, David? This is beyond sending them to their room or calling a “time out.” This is serious and it calls for serious punishment.
DAVID
You know... that’s what Sister Morelli used to say each time she hit me for being bad. I hated it and I swore I’d never do that if I ever had children.
MADDIE
I understand how you feel –
DAVID
Do you?
MADDIE
I can’t stand by and let them get off the hook.
DAVID
I’m not saying let them off the hook. I’m saying we shouldn’t hit them under any circumstances. Besides, you never know who could pick up a phone and call Child Services. Hell, I bet Randy’s doing it right now.
MADDIE
I don't care, David.
She burst through the door. David follows close behind.
DAVID
Maddie! Think about this for a minute.
MADDIE
All right...
(Stops and stands in the middle of the room)
Time’s up.
She heads for the stairs.
DAVID
Maddie!
STAN
Uhh, we’re gonna leave you two alone.
CARLA
Yeah, we’ll see you tomorrow.
Stan and Carla slip out the front door.
DAVID
Okay, the coast is clear...
(Looks up the stairs)
It’s your call.
She looks up the steps and contemplates her decision to spank the children.
MADDIE
You better find a punishment big enough to fit this crime.
She slowly walks down the stairs.
DAVID
You made the right call...
(Maddie gives David a face)
If you really need to spank someone...
(He wraps his arms around her waist)
Spank me. I’ve been really bad.
Before David and Maddie leans in for a kiss, little David rushes out of Ashley’s room and down the stairs to his parents with a digital video player.
LITTLE DAVID
You really need to see this. It’ll explain why we did what we did, tonight.
DAVID
The last thing we wanna hear is your explanation.
LITTLE DAVID
But –
DAVID
Go!
Little David runs up to his room.
DAVID
Can you believe this? They got the nerve to put together their own “Bonnie and Clyde 101” video. A beginner’s course on pre adolescent crime. A great holiday gift to give the California licensing board.
MADDIE
Let’s get some sleep. It’s been a long night.
DAVID
Longer than we ever imagined.
Maddie goes into their bedroom. In spite of himself, David goes over to the sofa, sits down and puts the digital video player on the coffe table. He turns it on and is about to press play, but decides not to and turns it off. He leaves the portable player on the table and goes to the bedroom.
DAVID
(Comes out of the bedroom)
C’mon guys! I want to get there early for a change.
Maddie walks out of the kitchen.
DAVID
You get the keys, I’ll get the kids.
MADDIE
Okay.
Maddie takes the keys off the coffee table but in her haste, she drops them. She bends down to pick it up then looks at the digital video player her son gave to David last night. Maddie wonders if she should see what little David prepared. She waves the idea off and walks over to the stairs.
MADDIE
Let’s go. Your father’s waiting in the car!
Ashley and little David run down the stairs and out the front door. Maddie follows them and closes the door. A few seconds pass until the door swings open again.
MADDIE
It’ll only take a minute!
She heads for the coffe table, grabs the video player, turns it on and presses play. She sits on the sofa and puts tiny earphones in her ears. It doesn’t take long for Maddie’s facial expression to turn serious. As she sees and hears Tracie’s plan, she sprints to the door. Her head jerks back forgetting she’s still has earphones in her ears. She throws them on the floor and runs out the door.
Maddie sticks her head in the backseat.
DAVID (O.S.)
Got the keys?
Without breaking eye contact on her son, she tosses the keys up to the driver’s seat.
MADDIE
Where did you get it?
DAVID (O.S.)
Get what?
MADDIE
(Turns to David)
The tape.
DAVID
The tape?
MADDIE
The tape. The recording. The whatever.
(to little David)
Where did you get it?
LITTLE DAVID
I recorded what that woman said last night.
DAVID
With what?
MADDIE
(Realizes)
The hat.
ASHLEY
She's framing April and Carla.
DAVID
(Turns to the backseat)
Wait a minute. What?
ASHLEY
It’s true, Daddy. I overheard her talk about it when I was in the bathroom yesterday. She put a pill in Carla’s soda and put the rest in April’s bottle.
DAVID
Why didn’t you tell us?
LITTLE DAVID
The same reason why you didn’t look at what I recorded last night.
MADDIE
You mean, she put the pills in April’s prescription bottle so there would be someone to blame when Carla collapses on the track.
DAVID
(Gets worried)
She won’t be the only one.
LITTLE DAVID
What do you mean?
DAVID
What happens when you take the wrong medicine?
LITTLE DAVID
You can get sick.
DAVID
You could even die.
MADDIE
Be right back.
DAVID
Where are you going?
MADDIE
Getting the evidence.
Maddie disappears.
DAVID
You know, you guys did a really dangerous thing last night.
ASHLEY
We needed proof before we came to you. You weren’t gonna believe us.
DAVID
Even so, I don’t ever want you doing what you did last night. It was stupid, dangerous... you could have gotten yourselves killed.
LITTLE DAVID
(Remorseful)
I’m sorry.
ASHLEY
(Remorseful)
We’ll never do it again.
Maddie slams the car door shut.
MADDIE
Got it.
(puts the digital video player in her lap)
Let’s go!
DAVID
Okay, kids. We’re test driving a new Olympic event. It called, “How many red lights we can pass without getting a ticket.”
Maddie, David and the kids are running over to Stan.
STAN
Hey! Glad you all can make it. After what happened the night before, I wasn’t sure you would be in the mood to watch a race.
DAVID
Stan, you were right about Carla. Something’s going to happen to her.
MADDIE
And April.
STAN
But you said –
DAVID
Forget what we said! Where are they?
STAN
Getting dressed in the locker room but–
No one had time to wait for rest of Stan’s sentence. They raced to the locker room. The song, “Chairots of Fire,” plays in the background. They’re running at top speed until they see security.
MADDIE
What do we do now?
ASHLEY
Wait right there.
Ashley walks over to her brother and kicks him in the leg.
LITTLE DAVID
Owww! Why did you –
ASHLEY
(Through her teeth)
Play along.
LITTLE DAVID
Why you...
The kids start wrestling. This catches the attention of the security guard.
SECURITY GUARD
Hey! Hey kids!
He runs over to try and separate them. He soon realizes it's much harder than he expected. Maddie and David slip past the security guard and they run in the locker room.
Maddie and David run past the female athletes who are shouting and covering themselves not knowing what is going on.
MADDIE
There she is!
They run toward April until Randy creates a road block.
RANDY
I'm tired of seeing you. Where's the guard?!
DAVID
He's got his hands full.
April takes the white prescription bottle out of her locker.
MADDIE
April nooo!
She lunges at April, but Randy pins Maddie to a locker.
RANDY
Don't make me hurt you.
David returns the favor by pinning Randy to the locker facing opposite way.
DAVID
No one puts their hands on my wife except me.
April is about to take one of the pills in her mouth. Maddie swats it out of her hand. She then snatches the bottle away from her.
RANDY
She needs those pills! You're ruining her life!
DAVID
No. We just saved her life.
MADDIE
David, where's Carla?
DAVID
Oh no, Carla...! Carla!
They leave Randy and April and continue running around the locker room. Maddie stops to ask someone where she is.
MADDIE
S'cuse me. Have you seen Carla Bingham? Is she here?
WOMAN
No. She left a few minutes ago.
MADDIE
David!
The theme from the 1984 Summer Olympics in L.A., is now playing in the background. Maddie waves her arms to get his attention then signals for him to follow her out of the locker room. They rush out of there so fast, they forget their children are still mixing it up with the security guard.
Maddie and David run back to Stan.
MADDIE
Stan, where's Carla?
STAN
I was about to say before you ran out of here, she's at the starting line.
Maddie and David turn their head and look helplessly at Carla. She is getting ready for her qualifying race. Their stare doesn't last long. Randy runs over to them.
RANDY
I want an explanation, Stan! Accusing me in the past is one thing, but having these two manhandle me and April is another. I'm gonna drum you out of this business if it's the last thing I do.
MADDIE
Randy, there's something you don't understand...
The crack of gunfire signals the start of the 1000 meter qualifying race. Carla is one of the fastest out of the first lap. However, she soon falters, loses her balance, collides into the padded wall then collapses. The people nearby saw what took place and screams out for help. The medical team rushes onto the ice to assist Carla.
STAN
Now tell me you didn't have anything to do with that?!
MADDIE
She didn't have anything to do with that.
STAN
What?
DAVID
She didn't do it.
STAN
She didn't?
MADDIE
She did.
Maddie points to Tracie who just skated off the ice. She's heading for the locker room.
RANDY, STAN AND APRIL
Tracie?
David grabs Maddie's hand and starts running.
DAVID
(Looks behind him toward the others)
We’d tell you ,but there wouldn’t be any time to catch Tracie.
Stan, Randy and April follow Maddie and David as they're trying to catch up to the real culprit. Tracie glances over her shoulder non-chalantly then starts running. She soon crashes into the security guard who is still trying to break up the play fight between Ashley and little David. Tracie gets up to her feet, but little David wraps his arms around her ankles and she falls on her face. David, Maddie, Randy and April catch up with Tracie. They hold her so she doesn't have a chance to get away.
DAVID
Somebody call the cops!
SECURITY GUARD
(Looks at David while he's the ground)
I already did.
A few police officers arrive on the scene.
POLICE OFFICER
Okay, what's the problem, folks?
TRACIE
These people attacked me for no reason.
LITTLE DAVID
(points to Tracie)
No! She set them up!
POLICE OFFICER
Who set who up?
LITTLE DAVID
She did! She put pills in April's bottle. The same ones she put in Carla's drink.
TRACIE
Are you actually taking this child seriously? He's just a kid.
DAVID
He's my kid.
TRACIE
Why would I do such a thing?
MADDIE
Maybe you didn't like all the attention and accolades going to the biggest rivalry since Nancy Kerrigan and Tanya Harding.
TRACIE
Okay, then why would I go to all the trouble in hooking Carla up with her new coach?
DAVID
You figured Stan was too old, too out of the loop with today's athletes to make a real impact in the sport.
TRACIE
Why would I hang out with them so much if I couldn't stand them?
MADDIE
As the saying goes, "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer."
POLICE OFFICER
Does anyone have any proof?
MADDIE
We took the prescription bottle Tracie mixed her poison with April's medicine.
DAVID
She was one pill away from being her last.
POLICE OFFICER
All this confirms is that the pills were in April's possession.
ASHLEY
She dropped this when I overheard her talking to somebody named Rob.
(Shows the empty bottle with the one pill inside; to Tracie)
And by the way, your joke was so dry.
TRACIE
She could have picked it up anywhere.
Stan runs in carrying the digital video player.
STAN
(Catching his breath)
I came as fast as I could, Maddie.
DAVID
Fortunately for us, you were fast enough.
STAN
I would have came quicker, but I had to get it out from underneath the passenger's seat.
Stan gives the video player to the officer.
DAVID
This is a program you don't wanna miss.
LITTLE DAVID
It's must-see-TV.
DAVID
Ooooh, good one.
LITTLE DAVID
Thanks, Dad.
The officer puts the earphones in his ears and presses the play button. He looks, listens, turns to Tracie, then back to the screen. Tracie's cockiness vanishes while everyone else makes sure her body doesn't vanish along with it.
TRACIE
This was mine! This was my race! No one ever focused on me because the media was too busy covering their sad soap opera! Who gives a damn about who left who?
MADDIE
Whom.
TRACIE
Whom. Whatever! I was tired of it! I wanted to show everybody they were wrong for ignoring me!
POLICE OFFICER
(to other officers)
Read her her rights. We don't want her to get away on any technicalities.
The other officers circle around Tracie and put handcuffs on her. Everyone else now has a chance to breathe easy.
RANDY
(to Stan)
I'm not sayin' we'll ever be the best of friends after this, but if I said or did anything –
STAN
I'm sorry, too.
RANDY
(to David and Maddie)
I also owe you an apology.
ASHLEY
We both owe you one, too.
LITTLE DAVID
A big one.
RANDY
They'll become great detectives someday.
DAVID
Not this day. This day they're gonna have to do some community service.
ASHLEY
Community service?
LITTLE DAVID
Community service?
David and Maddie stand to the side with big smiles.
DAVID
Community service.
MADDIE
Community service.
LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANT
C'mon kids move it! I need those towels cleaned on the double!
Ashley and little David are rushing to get all the towels in the locker room in an enormous cart.
LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANT
C'mon! We have to get this done 'cuz I need you to clean up the mess the last person left in the shower.
They both struggle to put the remaining towels into the cart.
LITTLE DAVID
Remind me to never listen to you again.
ASHLEY
Remind me to never listen to me again.
MADDIE
You were right. This is much better than spanking.
DAVID
Don't thank me now. Thank me when we get to our place.
Maddie opens the door and lets the rest of her family in.
DAVID
Thank God she's gonna be all right.
MADDIE
The doctor said Carla will fully recover in a week or so.
ASHLEY
Can we visit her tomorrow?
MADDIE
Not after you do your time.
LITTLE DAVID
You mean, we have go back there tomorrow?
Maddie and David give their children hugr grins and nod their heads.
ASHLEY
(Sulks)
Terrific.
The kids begin to go up to their rooms.
MADDIE
Ashley, David come to Mommy for a minute.
The kids walk down the steps, then they sit next to their mother.
LITTLE DAVID
Yes, Mom.
MADDIE
We both want you to know, despite your error in judgment, you saved two lives and you should be commended for that.
ASHLEY
We couldn't save Carla in time.
DAVID
We'll never save everyone in time. At least we knew what we were up against and it was because of you.
LITTLE DAVID
Wait a minute. First you punish us then you praise us? What gives?
MADDIE
We didn't punish you to be mean. We did it because you have to learn you can't go out and do whatever you feel like doing... even if it's for a good reason.
DAVID
Next time you hear something, see something...
ASHLEY
We tell you first.
LITTLE DAVID
We tell you first.
DAVID
You got it. Now gimme some love.
Ashley and little David go to their father and they hug him. They do the same for Maddie. David turns on the TV and they all listen to the update of another controversy.
ASHLEY
I knew it had to be those judges sided with the Russian stakers.
MADDIE
We all knew.
DAVID
I knew the fix was in. Did anyone not know the fix was in?
ASHLEY
Not me.
MADDIE
Not me.
LITTLE DAVID
Not me.
ASHLEY
Yeah, right.
Ashley goes up the stairs. Little David follows her.
LITTLE DAVID
Really, I knew.
ASHLEY
(Disbelieving tone)
Uh-huh, sure you did.
LITTLE DAVID
I did.
ASHLEY
Yeah... and Kerri's not your girlfriend.
LITTLE DAVID
Yeah, she not.
ASHLEY
Yes, she is.
LITTLE DAVID
No, she's not.
ASHLEY
Yes, she is.
LITTLE DAVID
She's not...
They go into their rooms. Maddie gets up and goes to her bedroom.
DAVID
You're going to bed this early? What is there to get up bright and early for?
Maddie stops and turns around at the doorway.
MADDIE
(Sultry voice)
After you tuck the kids in, come on and help me play with my Slinky.
(Leans on the door with a suggestive smile)
I need you to teach me how to play.
She disappears into the bedroom.
DAVID
(to Camera)
This bright and early thing ain't so bad after all.
He gets up off the sofa.