HUNTER
CHANGE PARTNERS AND DANCE
Written by David Lightstone
ACT ONE
FADE IN
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD BAR - LATE NIGHT
If the outside of a local bar can look friendly, this is
it. Because of the late hour, little traffic moves through
the doors, but MUSIC and LAUGHTER can be heard from inside.
INT. BAR - CLOSE ON WINSLOW
sitting at the counter, nursing a drink with a beer back.
WIDEN TO REVEAL all of POLICE SERGEANT THOMAS WINSLOW, late
thirties/early forties, with the subtle beginnings of a
paunch and a troubled face -- furrowed, brow, bags under
the eyes.
On either side and behind him, the other BAR PATRONS are
hot into the evening. MUSIC BLARES, the T.V. is showing
an old war movie, and people joke, drink, eat, laugh, and
play a little billiards.
Winslow is oblivious to all this -- lost in his own private
thoughts until the bartender intrudes.
BARTENDER
You alright, Tom?
WINSLOW
Huh?...Yeah, fine. Thanks.
(indicating drink)
How 'bout another?
BARTENDER
I think you've had enough.
WINSLOW
(waving his hand
in a "go on"
motion)
You worried about a lawsuit if
I drive home?
(beat)
Don't worry. I was gonna call
a friend anyway.
Winslow gets up from the bar and points to his drink again
- indicating a refill. He turns and staggers slightly
(although not roaring drunk) toward the phone. On the way,
he jostles a pretty YOUNG WOMAN, but is too intent on what
he's doing to notice.
PAY PHONE
As Winslow drops a quarter and punches a number.
CUT TO:
INT. HUNTER'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE NIGHT
HUNTER and McCALL are finishing several cartons of Chinese
food -- steamed vegetables for him, moo-shu pork for her.
The TV in the BACKGROUND is showing the same old movie that
is on in the bar. They are in mid-discussion/argument.
HUNTER
- all I'm saying is you should've
gone ahead the way we planned,
and instead -- you circled back
behind me.
MCCALL
So what if I did? It didn't
change anything -- we still nailed
the guy.
HUNTER
That's not the point.
The PHONE begins RINGING.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
Circling back doesn't matter.
It's why you circled back that
counts.
MCCALL
What's the big deal?
HUNTER
You were more worried about me
than you were about getting the
job done.
MCCALL
You're supposed to worry about
your partner.
HUNTER
(answering phone)
Yeah - hold on a second.
(to McCall)
We got lucky this time, but when
you worry that much about me, you
jeopardize your own safety - and
compromise the operation.
(into phone)
Hello.
INTERCUT - WINSLOW ON BAR PHONE WITH HUNTER
WINSLOW
(upset)
Hunter? It's Tom Winslow.
HUNTER
(hearing the tone)
You okay?
WINSLOW
No. I gotta unload about
somethin', but I'm too drunk to
drive.
Hunter looks at his watch.
WINSLOW (CONT'D)
I need to talk, Rick. It's gotta
be someone I can trust.
(long beat)
Don't let me down, please...
ON HUNTER
HUNTER
Where are you?
(listens)
I'm on my way.
He hangs up.
MCCALL
Okay, so I made a mistake. But
y'know, I thought I was doing the
right thing. And you don't have
to jump all over me - just say,
"Don't do it again," and I won't.
HUNTER
(grabs his coat)
Don't do it again.
MCCALL
Where're you going?
HUNTER
Fellow officer in trouble -
personal.
MCCALL
Yeah? What's her name?
Hunter pushes the remaining Chinese food cartons toward her.
MCCALL
(re: cartons)
I don't want this!
HUNTER
Yes you do.
Hunter strides out the front door.
HUNTER
(calling back)
Clean up if you get a chance, will
ya?
CUT TO:
EXT. BAR - NIGHT
Hunter's car pulls into the parking lot.
INT. BAR - SIMULTANEOUS
as Winslow, still seated at the counter, looks up into the
mirror behind the bar.
ZOOM IN CLOSE ON
his reflection as his face registers
concern over something he sees.
ON WINSLOW
as he hurriedly tosses some money on the counter, looks back
toward whatever he saw - it's still there! - and moves
quickly down the hall and out the back way.
HOLD THIS ANGLE.
Seconds later, a FIGURE passes in front
of the camera and moves quickly down the hall after Winslow.
We do not see the front of him, only his back.
FRONT DOOR
as Hunter enters and looks around the now thinning crowd
for his friend. Failing to find him, he approaches the
Bartender.
HUNTER
I'm looking for Tom Winslow,
y'know him?
BARTENDER
Depends who's asking.
Hunter FLIPS his badge, achieving the desired result.
BARTENDER
He just went out the back way.
Hunter goes to the back door and as he opens it, he HEARS
WINSLOW'S VOICE
(shouting)
No! ! !
Following by two MUFFLED SHOTS!
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND BAR
as Hunter darts quickly into the alley, his gun drawn.
SILENCE greets him.
After looking behind the dumpster and down the alley, Hunter
begins to run toward the parking lot until he almost
literally stumbles over
TOM WINSLOW
Dead on the ground -- a bullet hole in his chest, another
in his head. A .22 caliber pistol is at his side.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND BAR - ONE HOUR LATER
A full scale police investigation is under way here. The
alley has been cordoned off and a crowd of curious have
gathered to watch. Police cars and FLASHING LIGHTS ring
the scene as the MEDICAL EXAMINER and his ASSISTANTS finish
with the body, and the photographer snaps his last shots.
CAPTAIN DEVANE and LIEUTENANT FINN stand off to one side
with Hunter and McCall.
The concern and agony that affect all police forces when
one of their own goes down is plainly evident on their
faces. It is a strong mixture of sadness, fear, numbness,
and anger.
THE GROUP
MCCALL
Several other witnesses
corroborate what the bartender
told us -
HUNTER
Just before I got here, Winslow
went out back, followed by a guy
who just walked in.
FINN
Anybody there know him?
HUNTER
(shakes head no)
And no two descriptions were
alike.
A TELEVISION NEWS TEAM arrives and begins setting up cameras
and lights behind the police line.
DEVANE
(tightly
controlled)
That's the first one of our guys
to go this year. We gotta nail
the bastard that did it. And we
gotta nail him fast.
CONTINUED
The force of this statement is not lost on any of those
assembled. The Medical Examiner approaches.
HUNTER
What'a'ya got, Barney?
BARNEY
.22 to the heart and head, close
range.
(holds up pistol
in a bag)
I expect ballistics'll confirm
this is the murder weapon. Wallet
and watch are still there.
MCCALL
(rhetorically)
A professional hit.
Barney nods solemnly and MOVES AWAY.
FINN
I guess I don't have to give any
motivational speeches on this one.
Finn moves away as Hunter and McCall look at each other.
EXT. POLICE STATION - MORNING
MCCALL'S VOICE
Three professional hits in 18
months with the same "M.O." -
INT. SQUAD ROOM - MORNING
Hunter and McCall are at their desks - covered
stem-to-stern with paperwork -- and have obviously been up
the better portion of the night. Remains of donuts and
empty coffee cups lie strewn in a semi-circle around McCall.
An empty orange juice bottle and a yogurt cup sit near
Hunter.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
- right down to leaving the
murder weapon.
Lt. Finn walks in from outside to begin the day and is
surprised to see them there.
FINN
What're you two doing in so early?
CONTINUED
MCCALL
Haven't left yet.
HUNTER
(off Finn's look)
McCall had a hunch about the
killing - it fits a pattern of
three others in the L.A. area.
MCCALL
He gets close to his victims, pops
'em once in the head and once in
the heart with a .22, unscrews
the silencer...
HUNTER
(verifying for
Finn)
All the guns were adapted for a
suppressor.
MCCALL
...drops the weapon and takes off.
FINN
(nods, summing up)
The guns are a liability if he's
caught with 'em. The silencer
he keeps because you can't link
it to a killing and you can't buy
'em over the counter.
(to McCall)
All the hits follow this pattern?
MCCALL
(nods)
Last one four days ago. Woman
named Sarah Cameron. She stepped
out of her boyfriend's Mercedes
in an underground parking garage
and -
(gestures "gun")
HUNTER
Only she's clean as a whistle,
a regular Camp Fire Girl.
FINN
APB out on the boyfriend?
HUNTER
Yes. Name's Craig Borson.
FINN
Any connection between Winslow
and the other victims?
MCCALL
Nothing yet, Lieutenant.
FINN
Sounds like you've got a
tail-twister. You talk to
Winslow's partner yet?
HUNTER
(nods)
He's on his way in.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Hunter spoons from a bowl of bran cereal while McCall
attacks a huge stack of syrup-drenched pancakes with bacon
and sausage strips ringing her plate. Her toast is heaped
high with butter and jam, her coffee steaming.
HUNTER
You ever think of eating healthy?
MCCALL
(between bites)
Wake up and smell the flapjacks,
Hunter - this is a well-balanced
breakfast.
HUNTER
That's not what I see.
MCCALL
(chewing)
What d'you see?
HUNTER
I see calories.
MCCALL
Yeah, calories, love 'em.
HUNTER
And cholesterol. And sucrose and
fat and caffeine and heartburn.
MCCALL
Love 'em all, and I never get
heartburn - at least not from
food.
Hunter knows he can't win this one.
THE DOORWAY
SERGEANT JERRY TRAYNOR - tall, athletically muscular,
fortyish, with strong, cold eyes -- striding into the diner
toward them. He is very much like Hunter - hardnosed and
unfamiliar with the word "retreat".
TRAYNOR
Hunter. McCall.
HUNTER
(looking up)
I'm sorry about Tom.
TRAYNOR
Yeah...took me ten years to find
a partner I could work with...then
this...
There's a LONG, QUIET MOMENT as they allow him his grief.
MCCALL
(sympathetically)
Jerry - want some breakfast?
TRAYNOR
No Thanks, lost my appetite.
(off their looks)
Devane won't let me within
shouting distance of the
investigation.
(pissed)
My best friend gets shot out from
under me and they tie my hands.
Too close to the guy, too
emotional, all that crap.
(beat)
I came over here to tell ya I
wanna be involved. Just tell me
what I can do to help, I'll do
it on my free time.
MCCALL
Could what happened to Tom have
anthing to do with the case you
were working on?
TRAYNOR
I been goin' over that, and over
it again.
(shakes head)
I don't think so.
MCCALL
If Winslow was hit because of one
of your investigations, they could
come after you.
We get the idea that the prospect has great appeal to him.
TRAYNOR
(tightly)
I hope they try...
HUNTER
When was the last time you saw
Tom?
TRAYNOR
When we checked off duty at six,
but he called me later -- from
the bar. He was drunk, wanted
to talk...buuuut, I was too busy.
HUNTER
(surprised)
You didn't go? Why not?
TRAYNOR
Hunter...whenever Tom poured a
few, he always started in about
Janice. "Why did she divorce me?"
"I've got to get her back." "How
can I get her back?"
(looks from one
to the other)
I thought it was more of the
same...and I'll never forgive
myself for it.
Traynor looks away, just barely managing to conceal his
anguish. McCall and Hunter exchange a glance, feeling
Traynor's anguish, but also remembering their own discussion
last night about partners and their closeness.
EXT. YACHT - MARINA DEL REY - DAY
WIDE SHOT of hundreds of boats in the marina harbor.
JANICE'S VOICE
It wasn't like we fell out of love
Reveal JANICE WINSLOW, attractive, mid-thirties, sitting in
a chair on deck with Hunter and McCall next to her. Behind
them, TROY SINCLAIR, the yacht's owner, busies himself with
mending a sail.
Janice's tears have already dried, and her face searches the
empty space in front of her for answers not forthcoming.
JANICE (CONT'D)
- it was more like we fell out
of each other's lives.
(to McCall)
Nine years...we grew in different
directions, wanted different
things.
(to Hunter)
Guess I just got tired -- tired
of being a cop's wife. It's not
easy, y'know.
HUNTER
(nods)
Did he talk to you about anything
troubling him lately?
JANICE
(shakes head no)
We haven't talked much since the
divorce.
(fondly
remembering)
But Tom never forgot my birthday
- or our anniversary. He'd send
me little gifts and a note --
always asking me to come back to
him.
(holding back
tears)
I wish I could be more helpful.
McCall touches Janice's arm gently.
MCCALL
That's okay. You have helped.
(beat)
I'm truly sorry about Tom.
They rise and Janice clings to Hunter as they hug goodbye.
JANICE
(imploring)
Rick...just get whoever killed
him. Please!
CUT TO:
INT. SQUAD ROOM - AFTERNOON
McCall is on the phone with a mountain of paperwork in front
of her. Exasperated, she finishes with one call and punches
into another that's been on hold.
MCCALL
(into phone)
Are you sure it's Borson?! Great!
ANGLE - DEVANE'S OFFICE
As the door opens and Hunter strides out, continuing past
McCall and out of the station house. He appears upset, but
is trying not to let it show.
MCCALL
(still on phone)
Hunter. Hunter!!
He doesn't stop and McCall spends one second staring after
him with curiosity, then returns her attention to the phone.
Behind her. Captain Devane's SECRETARY approaches.
MCCALL
(into phone)
No, no! Hold him till you hear
from me - and thanks!
McCall hangs up and the Captain's Secretary takes the
opportunity to deliver her message.
SECRETARY
Dee Dee, Captain Devane wants to
see you.
McCall nods and begins to move out after Hunter.
SECRETARY (CONT'D)
Now.
McCall stops and looks back at her as we
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. DEVANE'S OFFICE
McCall stands in front of his desk, visibly upset,
MCCALL
I don't believe what you're
telling me!!
DEVANE
Sorry, but that's it. You and
Hunter are no longer partners.
You'll both be assigned new ones
tomorrow.
MCCALL
Why?!?
DEVANE
It's something I've thought about
since I took over this division.
A conversation I had with Jerry
Traynor about "partnerships" and
"friendships" nailed it down.
(searching for the
best way)
You and Hunter have gotten too
close and that's not healthy in
our profession.
MCCALL
Captain--
Devane raises his hand to stop her.
DEVANE
Let's give it a little time before
we start registering complaints
- okay?
Her stare smolders.
DEVANE (CONT'D)
We can't have permanent
partnerships in this division,
McCall, at least not while I'm
running it. Any questions?
MCCALL
No, sir.
She turns on her heel to leave.
DEVANE
And, McCall -
(she stops)
I want you to keep the Winslow
case. I've got other plans for
Hunter.
CLOSE ON DEVANE
He looks concerned as the door SLAMS OFF-SCREEN.
CUT TO:
EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - SUNSET
Although late in the tanning day, scores of
bikini-and-bathing-suit clad bodies stroll about, eating,
laughing, listening to "ghetto blasters" and generally
enjoying life.
ANGLE - HUNTER
Leaning on a railing at the end of the pier, the breeze
stands his hair up and causes him to squint slightly.
McCall approaches rapidly, pissed.
MCCALL
(controlled)
Some coincidence, eh, Big Guy?
HUNTER
(appropriately
somber)
Meeting here?
MCCALL
You know what I mean! Our being
separated!
He looks at her, revealing nothing.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
Twenty-four hours ago we get into
a beef about
"who-backed-up-who-where" and
"maybe-we're-getting-too-close
to each other" - and today -
Devane pulls the plug on us.
He stares silently, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
You don't really expect me to
believe this partner swap is a
coincidence, do you?
HUNTER
Yeah, what else could it be?
MCCALL
I think you went to Devane, said
we were too close, and asked for
a new partner! And if you did,
that's the lowest...
(frustrated, loss
for words)
...the most...it's disloyal!
Hunter shakes his head as if to say he's amazed she would
even think that was a possibility.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
Don't shake your head at me!
HUNTER
What'a'ya want me to do, McCall?
MCCALL
(vulnerable)
Tell me the truth!!
HUNTER
(true feeling)
You're the best partner I ever
had. I didn't ask for this
switch.
The warm sincerity of his words convinces her for the most
part that he's telling the truth, although we might sense
a small flicker of doubt still remains.
MCCALL
(softening)
Okay. Assuming for a moment I
believe you -- wha'da we do?
HUNTER
Nothing. This is the Metro P.D.
and we got us a new captain with
a very hard nose.
MCCALL
We don't put up a fight?! We just
call it quits?!
HUNTER
(it's painful for
him, too)
We're not calling it "quits",
McCall, but we've gotta be
realistic. You know Devane's
reputation - he runs things his
way.
MCCALL
You telling me it's that easy
to...to just write us, each other,
off?
HUNTER
It's not easy. Dee Dee. It just
- is.
They're both hurting as she leans in close and stares
directly into his eyes.
MCCALL
Swear to me you had nothing to
do with this -- you didn't ask
for this split-up.
HUNTER
(staring back a
long time)
I swear I didn't ask for it.
(beat)
I didn't want it.
MCCALL
But you won't fight it?
HUNTER
(long beat)
No.
INTERCUT
His face reveals nothing at first, and then, the glimmer
of deep pain -- akin to that felt when losing a good friend
-- begins to surface. Hunter struggles to control it.
As we intercut between them, McCall's EYES ever so slightly
MIST OVER and eventually, she's forced to turn away -- with
great DIGNITY and BEARING - and walk down the pier.
CLOSE ON HUNTER
as he stoically stares after her, his pain sensed by the
camera as we
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
************************************************************
ACT TWO
FADE IN
INT. POLICE SHOOTING RANGE - DAY
TIGHT ON a .375 Magnum held by two strong hands, firing
SEVEN SHOTS in rapid succession. As the trigger is
repeatedly squeezed, PULL BACK to reveal Jerry Traynor in
a "combat stance," firing at targets set up down range.
ANGLE - TARGET
a classic "bullseye" with seven bullet holes.
TRAYNOR
pushes a button and the target is replaced by a fresh one.
As Traynor reloads his gun, Hunter enters behind him.
HUNTER
How's the hunting?
Traynor acknowledges him with a smile and a nod.
TRAYNOR
In here? Great. Out there?...
(he looks away)
I've been spending a lot of time
on why Tom got dusted.
HUNTER
And?
TRAYNOR
I've gone through every one of
our files, case by case --
nothing!
HUNTER
Maybe it wasn't connected to
police work.
TRAYNOR
I thought about that -- but Tom
got along fine with his ex, and
he didn't have any girlfriends or
enemies.
(beat)
In fact, he didn't have much of
a life outside the department.
Frustrated, he raises the gun and fires off THREE QUICK
SHOTS - "BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!" Hunter looks down range at-
THE TARGET
with three holes grouped in the center bullseye.
HUNTER
senses the mood and changes subjects.
HUNTER
I heard you chewed through two
partners in two days.
TRAYNOR
They stuck me with Causland. He's
spent the last three years in
"computers". Green as spinach
-- hasn't even been to detective
school yet!
(enjoying himself)
So right off the bat, we're in
this situation with some crud -
and we get into a standoff with
the guy.
Hunter leans against the railing and enjoys the story.
TRAYNOR (CONT'D)
We all got our guns out, but
nobody fires a shot' -- and this
kid turns to mush right after the
scumbag surrenders.
HUNTER
(chuckling)
We were all a little scared our
first time out.
TRAYNOR
(disgusted)
Did you ever throw up in the
patrol car?!!
Hunter bursts out LAUGHING. Trying to keep from laughing
himself, Traynor raises his gun and fires off the last FOUR
SHOTS, widening the hole made by his first three. Hunter
acknowledges the marksmanship with raised eyebrows.
TRAYNOR
So next day, they give me Webber.
Traynor looks to the heavens and begins laughing, and Hunter
laughs along with him. It's obvious these men like and
respect each other.
TRAYNOR (CONT'D)
I swear, Hunter, I never saw a
flask or a bottle, but he was out
of it from nine to five.
(reloads)
I figure I'll burn through another
dozen losers before I find a
partner I can put up with.
Hunter holds up an official looking piece of paper.
HUNTER
Meet your new partner.
TRAYNOR
(reading)
Noooooo!
HUNTER
(nodding)
Devane paired us this morning.
Wants me to make a cop outta you.
TRAYNOR
(somber)
Hey, that means you and McCall
got split up, I'm sorry.
HUNTER
Our new captain doesn't believe
in permanent partnerships.
TRAYNOR
(upbeat again)
Okay, "partner" - the first thing
ya' gotta learn is how to handle
your weapon.
ANGLE - TRAYNOR
as he hits a button. Down-range, a lifesized, "standup"
figure of a MAN POINTING A WEAPON swivels around to face
them.
Quickly, he swings his "cannon" up and FIRES THREE TIMES.
THE TARGET
has three clustered holes in the chest.
HUNTER
is impressed.
HUNTER
You ever shoot to wound?
TRAYNOR
(serious)
If some sucker is dumb enough to
pull a weapon I don't plan to let
him get me - or my partner.
He squeezes off THREE MORE SHOTS - all hit the target's
head!
TRAYNOR (CONT'D)
Remember that.
HUNTER
Absolutely.
Hunter pulls his police .38.
HUNTER
It's just that sometimes, I try
to take the guy alivel
He FIRES ONCE.
HIS TARGET
sports a bullet hole in the forearm holding the weapon.
BACK TO
HUNTER
He could have information -
He FIRES ONCE and the bullet strikes the target's other arm.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
- or be a witness -
He FIRES AGAIN - hitting the target's left knee.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
-or owe me money.
CONTINUED
A fourth SHOT blows out the other knee.
HUNTER (CONT'D)
But if it's really necessary -
He fires his last TWO BULLETS with incredible speed!
ANGLE - TARGET
as these two shots hit almost simultaneously in the HEAD
and HEART.
TRAYNOR
smiles as Hunter holsters his gun. A bond is being
established between these two tough men.
TRAYNOR
(aiming his gun)
Just so you don't think I'm
"one-dimensional".
HIS POV - THE TARGET
BACK TO TRAYNOR
as he squints down the barrel, then lowers the sights
slightly downward - groin level! He squeezes the trigger
and FIRES!
HUNTER
looks down-range and CRINGES at Traynor's marksmanship.
CUT TO:
EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY
SNOW'S VOICE
One more loaded question like that
and we're out of here!
INT. POLICE SQUAD ROOM - DAY
McCall sits behind her desk, her hands resting on a manila
file folder. Sitting on the corner of the desk is her new
partner, RILEY CAUSLAND, a handsome, All-American rookie
detective about 27 years old.
Across from them sits CRAIG BORSON, mid-thirties, short
blond hair, fidgeting. Standing behind him is his lawyer,
MICHAEL SNOW.
SNOW (CONT'D)
My client came all the way from
Reno of his own volition. He's
as concerned about who killed his
friend as you are!
BORSON
Yeah, what's the beef, anyway?
MCCALL
Your girlfriend was driving your
car, took it back to your
apartment, and parked in a
dark underground garage.
(beat)
She had short, blond hair -- so
do you. She was wearing jeans
and a jacket. When she stepped
out of the car, someone shot her
in the head and heart with a
silenced .22 pistol.
(pause)
We've decided it was a
professional hit gone wrong. Any
comment?
SNOW
Mr. Borson was on a plane to Reno!
How could he make any comment!?
MCCALL
He was the target! Can't you see
that?
BORSON
That's crazy! Maybe someone was
after Sarah. Hell, I only knew
her a couple'a weeks.
MCCALL
(continuing)
And then, two days after she's
hit, that same killer takes out
a police sergeant!
(beat)
I think you know who did it and
you'd be doing yourself a big
favor if you told us.
BORSON
I don't know what the hell you're
talkin' about!
CAUSLAND
(tentative)
Where do you work, Mr. Borson?
BORSON
I'm between jobs.
(off their looks)
I used to be the Maitre'D at
Bartholomew's.
MCCALL
Bartholemew's is a known
high-roller's sports book. Heavy
action from football to formula
one, right?
SNOW
You don't have to answer that.
BORSON
(can't resist)
If you're so damn sure the place
is dirty, why don't you close it?
MCCALL
We're talking about you, Mr.
Borson, and our mutual interest
in who wants you dead.
BORSON
I already told you, nobody's
trying to kill me!!
MCCALL
You're really gonna stick to that
till he finds you? With one to
the head and one to the heart?
(no answer)
It's in your interest to
cooperate.
SNOW
Sergeant, my client has answered
your questions, so if you don't
have anything to tell him about
who killed his friend, this
meeting is over.
At an impasse, McCall and Causland exchange glances -- what
can they do except let him go?
A LOUD COMMOTION off to the side of the squad room catches
their attention.
ANGLE - SQUAD ROOM DOOR
as Hunter and Traynor enter to AD-LIBBED SHOUTS OF APPROVAL
and scattered APPLAUSE.
Woo-hoo!
again!
VOICE #1
"Batman and Robin" ride
VOICE #2
News flash! - "Team of
'supercops' rescues hostages in
daring maneuver, film at eleven!
ANGLE - MCCALL
She watches Hunter and Traynor move through the squad room
to a hero's welcome. The news of their exploits has
obviously preceded them.
HER POV
of Hunter and Traynor shaking hands and "slapping five" with
the other COPS as Devane steps out of his office to meet
them.
DEVANE
The phone's ringin' off the hook!
Everybody with a stripe on their
sleeve's got somethin' to say
about you two!
Traynor smiles at Hunter.
DEVANE (CONT'D)
Not funny, Traynor. A jewelry
store full'a hostages and you guys
play "Butch Cassidy and the
Sundance Kid"!
HUNTER
Captain, that psycho was seconds
away from shooting innocent
people.
TRAYNOR
And we moved like clockwork and
closed the clown out.
(re: Hunter)
I swear this guy and I can read
each other's minds.
Hunter shoots an uncomfortable, embarrassed glance at
McCall, realizing that Traynor's praise and braggadocio
about their new partnership; will in effect be "rubbing it
in."
ANGLE - MCCALL
Hunter's instincts were right, as we see these last words
CUT DEEP and hurt. Behind her, Borson and Snow take all
this in.
DEVANE'S VOICE
Let's get something straight here,
SCENE
The room is UNNATURALLY QUIET as Devane finishes up.
DEVANE (CONT'D)
(firmly)
No more unauthorized guerilla
operations - you're not trained
to defuse a hostage situation.
You leave that to the negotiators
and S.W.A.T. teams.
(beat)
And I want a full report from each
of you on my desk before you leave
here.
The room remains STONE SILENT as Devane turns heel and goes
back into his office. While Hunter stares after him,
Traynor mockingly holds his arms up in a "Well, what the
hell do you want from us?" gesture.
MCCALL
is still watching her old partner when Snow steps into her
field of vision.
SNOW
I'd appreciate any information
you come up with on the young
lady. My client is interested.
McCall snaps out of it. Ticked off at Hunter's success and
camaraderie with Traynor, she takes out her frustrations
on Snow and Borson.
MCCALL
I think you're making a stupid
mistake, not cooperating. We'd
like to help your client stay
alive.
Borson brushes past and exits, followed by Snow.
ADJUST ANGLE
to include Hunter and Traynor walking past McCall and
Causland on the way to their desks.
MCCALL
(cooly to Traynor)
Congratulations.
(to Hunter,
covering her pain)
Hey, Sundance -- I like you better
without the mustache.
He traces a finger across her upper lip.
HUNTER
(smiling)
You, too.
For a split-instant, both of their defenses are down, and
we see the caring -- even love -- that Hunter and McCall
have for each other.
Fearing a maudlin moment she may not be able to get out of
gracefully, McCall abruptly looks down at her files.
HUNTER
(changing subjects,
ever a gentleman)
That Borson?
She nods "yes".
TRAYNOR
(looking after
Borson)
You tie him in with my partner's
death?
MCCALL
I think so. Winslow was killed
the same way Borson was supposed
to be killed - only they screwed
up.
HUNTER
He give you anything?
MCCALL
Yeah, a stone wall.
TRAYNOR
(looks after Borson
again)
Give me a couple minutes with
him....
MCCALL
(soothing)
We'll take care of it, Jerry.
Hunter ushers Traynor away and smiles at McCall as he goes.
HUNTER
Talk to you later.
MCCALL
(heart not in it)
Yeah, nice seeing you.
As he passes Causland, Traynor leans toward him.
TRAYNOR
(stage whisper)
Hey, Causland - hold onto your
lunch today?!
Hunter throws Traynor an irritated glance.
ANGLE - MCCALL AND CAUSLAND
As Hunter and Traynor move on. McCall reaches for the phone
and punches up a number. The number RINGS, is answered
on the other side, and we:
INTERCUT
EXT. KIRBY'S SHOE SHINE STAND - DAY
KIRBY, the namesake, a crusty old black man in his mid
sixties, picks up the pay phone on the wall next to his
stand.
KIRBY
Kirby's Shine Stand... you scuff
'em, we buff 'en.
MCCALL
I need to talk to Sporty James.
KIRBY
He ain't in just now, but if you
wanna leave a message...
MCCALL
Kirby - it's Sergeant McCall.
Do you know where he is?
KIRBY
Well, I don' know -- but for his
special friends, I can always find
him.
MCCALL
Find him fast. I got a job I want
him to do.
We HOLD on McCall and
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
***********************************************************
ACT THREE
FADE IN
EXT. BARTHOLEMEW'S RESTAURANT - ESTABLISHING - DAY
A classy, valet-parking establishment that bespeaks money.
INT. BARTHOLEMEW'S
Tight on a HAND scooping candy mints from a sterling silver
dish. WIDEN to reveal SPORTY JAMES in his best suit popping
one of the mints into his mouth as the MAITRE'D approaches.
MAITRE'D
(down his nose)
Do you have a reservation, sir?
SPORTY JAMES
You just tell Mr. Bartholomew that
Sporty James is here.
The Maitre'd looks him up and down disdainfully, not knowing
precisely how to handle the situation.
SPORTY JAMES (CONT'D)
Just go and mention Sporty James?
I know he's gonna be happy to see
me. Maybe he'll even give you
a raise.
Before the Maitre'd can respond, HENRY BARTHOLEMEW,
mid-fifties, urbane and polished, approaches.
BARTHOLEMEW
Well, well, Sporty. It's been
a long time.
(off Sporty's
smile)
I liked it that way.
SPORTY JAMES
Now, Mr. Bartholemew, don't be
hasty, just you hear me out. I
have some upper crust information
- the prime rib of gossip, you
might say.
Though offended by Sporty's presence, Bartholomew did not
get where he is today by ignoring information. As they
continue to talk, he steers Sporty toward a private booth,
away from all other ears.
SPORTY JAMES (CONT'D)
I don't wanna bargain with you
beforehand about the price,
because I know this is such good
merchandise, that you are bound
to be more than generous.
ANGLE - BOOTH
as Sporty slides in and Bartholomew sits down on the edge.
BARTHOLEMEW
You've got two minutes, Sporty,
I suggest you omit the big words.
SPORTY JAMES
I know you will not be
disappointed. I was down at
police headquarters today,
clearing up a little
misunderstanding -- and who do
I see but Craig Borson.
Bartholomew's expression never cracks, - he reveals
nothing.
SPORTY JAMES (CONT'D)
Well, I know he used to work here,
and word has it he didn't exactly
quit 'cause he was upwardly
mobile. Am I right on that?
Bartholomew's cold look tells Sporty his time's running out
and he should get to the point.
SPORTY JAMES (CONT'D)
(leaning in)
Mr. Bartholomew -- he had his
lawyer with him, and he was
talkin' to two homicide
detectives!
Sporty leans back into the booth -- satisfied he's delivered
the "goods". After a long pause, Bartholomew slowly speaks.
BARTHOLEMEW
There's nothing there for me,
Sporty -- that's just
nickle-and-dime talk.
SPORTY JAMES
Mr. Bartholemew -- Henry - I
provide a commodity that has
value, a highly specialized
service that you will surely need
in the future. I can't keep the
business running on "good will"
alone, dig?
Bartholomew takes out his wallet, removes ten twenty-dollar
bills and hands them to Sporty without a word.
SPORTY JAMES
(stands)
I do thank you, Mr. Bartholomew,
you have made a wise business
decision. You call if you be-
needin' to talk further, hear?
Ciao now.
TIGHT ON
Bartholomew's troubled expression as he watches Sporty exit.
CUT TO:
EXT. BARTHOLEMEW•S - DAY
As Bartholemew exits his restaurant, a VALET pulls up with
his cream-colored Cadillac, and he gets in and drives off.
PAN WITH CADILLAC
as it turns the corner and passes a PARKED CAR. CAMERA
HOLDS on the car and ZOOMS IN to reveal McCall behind the
wheel. She turns the engine over and begins "tailing"
Bartholomew.
INT. MCCALL'S CAR - TRAVELING
We see Bartholomew's Cadillac through the front window as
McCall picks up her radio mike.
MCCALL
"L-42," this is "L-57" - we're
rolling! Did he use the phone?
INT. CAUSLAND'S CAR - TRAVELING
CAUSLAND
(gung ho)
Negative, McCall. No calls in or
out!
INT. MCCALL'S CAR - TRAVELING
MCCALL
He's turning north on Whitworth.
I've gotta fall off.
CAUSLAND'S VOICE
(over radio)
Takin' over.
ANGLE - STREET
as Causland's car pulls in behind the Cadillac from a side
street and McCall turns off.
MCCALL'S V.O.
(radio filtered)
I'll catch you north of Wilshire
if he goes that far.
VARIOUS TRAVELING SHOTS
showing McCall and Causland taking turns following
Bartholomew, who eventually drives into Bel-Air's West Gate.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEL AIR MANSION - AFTERNOON
Bartholomew's Cadillac approaches and the massive electronic
gates swing inward. As he pulls up the long driveway toward
the house, McCall's car pulls into the CAMERA'S FOREGROUND
from one direction, and Causland's pulls up from the other.
MCCALL'S V.O.
(radio filtered)
Nice house.
CUT TO:
EXT. POLICE STATION - DUSK
MCCALL'S VOICE
"Anthony Scarlet."
CAUSLAND'S VOICE
(Long, low whistle!)
INT. SQUAD ROOM
McCall and Causland sit at adjoining desks as she peruses
a printout. Devane stands over them.
CAUSLAND (CONT'D)
There's a scalp I'd love to hang
on my belt.
MCCALL
You and every other cop on the
block.
(reading)
Seventeen arrests on gambling and
racketeering charges -- no
convictions!
CAUSLAND
(reading)
These known associates read like
a "Who's Who" in West Coast
gambling.
MCCALL
How about getting us a search
warrant?
CAUSLAND
Looking for what? -- betting
cards, "0" sheets?
MCCALL
(impatient)
Are you kidding? He's not gonna
have anything incriminating there.
We're just gonna rattle his cage
and see what shakes loose.
She suddenly realizes her frustrations about not being
teamed with Hunter are being taken out on this inexperienced
kid, and that's not the type of person she wants to be.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
(softening)
You can put anything on the
warrant you want, Causland.
EXT. CHEZ MIKE'S - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Hunter and Traynor exit the restaurant. There is a WARM
CAMARADERIE evident in their relationship. We COME IN on
Traynor in mid-speech:
TRAYNOR
Tom and I didn't just work
together, we partied together.
Right after he got divorced, we
took a Hawaiian vacation to
remember!
(laughs)
They're gonna make a movie out
of it!
We have reached Hunter's car. As Hunter gets in:
HUNTER
Thanks for dinner, Jerry.
TRAYNOR
Forget it -- it's customary for
the senior member of the firm to
pick up the tab.
HUNTER
See ya in the morning.
TRAYNOR
Yeah, and Hunter - tomorrow, you
drive!
ADJUST ANGLE
Hunter drives off and Traynor walks over to his car. As
he opens the door, TWO LARGE THUGS jump him from behind!
Traynor is taken totally by surprise, but he still puts up
a hell of a fight! But the two thugs finally smash Traynor
into submission. They jam the now limp Traynor into his
own car and pile in after him. The car PEELS OUT of the
parking lot.
PAN DOWN the street to a parked car: It is Hunter's car.
INT. HUNTER'S CAR
Hunter is watching the exit of the parking lot. He now
slowly pulls out to follow the sedan. The geography tells
us Hunter did not see the attack on Traynor, but:
CLOSE ON HUNTER
His face tells us he sees TWO MEN in Traynor's car.
EXT. TRAYNOR'S CAR
as it rolls down the boulevard.
INTERCUT
Traynor's car and Hunter's car as he follows.
EXT. TRAYNOR'S CAR
rolling down the boulevard.
EXT. HUNTER'S CAR
following Traynor's car.
INT. TRAYNOR'S CAR
On Thug driving, as he glances first into the rear-view
mirror, then at the side mirror.
DRIVER
There's a car way back there
that's made every turn we have.
THE LEAD THUG
in the backseat turns around and looks out the rear window.
(Traynor is out, slumped against the left side of the car
in the backseat.)
THUG'S POV
of the distant headlights keeping pace.
FULL SCENE IN CAR
LEAD THUG
Take the next right at normal
speed, then bury the pedal!
EXT. STREET
as Traynor's car's right-turn signal BLINKS and the car
swings around the corner at a normal pace. PAN RIGHT to
follow the sedan as it ROARS OFF at top speed down the block
as soon as it is out of sight of Hunter's car.
HUNTER'S CAR
approaching the same corner at normal speed.
INT. HUNTER'S CAR
as he completes the right turn and a look of concern clouds
his face.
HUNTER'S POV
of the boulevard before him. There is absolutely no sign
of the sedan anywhere!
EXT. HUNTER'S CAR - TRAVELING
as he instantly speeds up and careens down to the first
major intersection - braking to a stop right in the middle
of the crossroads.
INT. HUNTER'S CAR
as he looks out the right window.
HUNTER'S POV
The streets are bare - no sedan, no nothing!
CAMERA PANS the length of the windshield until it is looking
out Hunter's left window. Again, no sedan. They've ditched
him!
EXT. MULHOLLAND DRIVE - NIGHT
TIGHT CLOSE UP on Traynor's WIDE-EYED face as a MASSIVE FIST
slams into it, driving him backwards, OFF CAMERA.
ANGLE - HEAD ON - TRAYNOR
crashing into the door of a car. Reeling from the punch,
Traynor looks PAST THE CAMERA, rage welling up visibly
inside him.
TRAYNOR
What the hell's going on here!
HIS POV
of ANTHONY SCARLET - late fifties, physically fit, and
extremely wealthy - standing flanked by his three Thugs,
one of whom just delivered the punch.
SCARLET
I've wanted to do that ever since
you called to tell me you blew
it!
Scarlet steps forward until he and Traynor are nose-to-nose.
(Though outnumbered and outmuscled, Traynor refuses to back
down or show fear throughout the entire scene.)
SCARLET
(escalating anger)
And now I find out you didn't just
give me a bummer -- you scared
Borson so damn bad he's got his
lawyer talkin' to the cops,
probably tryin' to cut a deal.
(strong beat)
Just remember, Traynor -- if I
go down, you land under me.
TRAYNOR
Borson didn't give 'em the time
of day! If he had you'd've heard
from me!
SCARLET
Reeallly! Then tell me why some
broad detective named McCall
served a warrant at my home
today?!
TRAYNOR
That was a typical cop ploy to
shake you up! And it did!
SCARLET
(furious)
Speaking of "cop ploys" you stupid
son-of-a-bitch, what the hell did
you do to your partner!?
TRAYNOR
(with disdain)
He went soft! Suddenly developed
a conscience 'cause we hit
Borson's girlfriend by mistake.
He was gonna roll over. I had'ta
take him out.
SCARLET
You wiped a cop! Jus' like that!
TRAYNOR
(equally livid)
I was covering my butt!
(jabbing a finger)
And yours, too!!
SCARLET
(calming)
Listen, my friend -- we've both
got one foot in the gas chamber
'cause you turned out to be a
screw-up!
TRAYNOR
I'll get Borson.
SCARLET
Now you're makin' some sense.
You do that! And get it right
this time!
(beat)
You've got thirty-six hours.
Start countin'!
Scarlet turns and walks toward his car.
TRAYNOR
Wait a minute! - you don't just
walk up to a guy in a bowling
alley and blow 'im away. These
things take time -- planning.
SCARLET
You've had your time. I don't
care how you do it...
just do it!
(pause)
Thirty-six hours...or you can say
hello to your dead partner for
me.
Scarlet's sedan pulls out followed by the car with the
Thugs, leaving Traynor alone on the roadside overlooking
the GLITTERING LIGHTS of Los Angeles.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION - MORNING
Hunter enters and crosses the room, passing by his old desk,
now occupied by Causland. McCall is hard at work behind
hers.
MCCALL
looks up as Hunter stops in front of her and smiles.
HUNTER
(pleasant)
Morning.
MCCALL
(cordial)
Morning.
HUNTER
Kinda strange, walking by this
desk. Don't think I'll ever get
used to it.
MCCALL
Neither will I.
There is a long awkward moment as they stare at each other.
Hunter breaks, it by turning to Causland.
HUNTER
(sympathetic and
friendly)
Causland, Traynor tends to ride
hard. Don't let him get to you.
CAUSLAND
I don't. I wasn't scared that
night -- I had stomach flu!
McCall looks up again, annoyed that Hunter is upsetting her
partner. Hunter takes the hint, nods kindly at the two of
them and moves along.
TRACK WITH HUNTER
as he gets to his desk and picks up a pile of papers.
Before he has a chance to get past the first one he hears
MCCALL'S VOICE
I was hoping your client would
be with you, Mr. Snow.
As Hunter looks up we -
CUT TO:
MCCALL AND CAUSLAND
staring at Counselor Snow, who has just stopped at their
desks.
SNOW
You want to see my client,
Sergeant, you'll have to come up
with a warrant.
(smiles)
And then I'll do the talking.
CAUSLAND
Mr. Snow, we're trying to save
his life!
MCCALL
And we have information that may
be helpful to your client.
SNOW
Information?
MCCALL
And questions.
SNOW
He's already answered your
questions.
(NOTE: Since her breakup with Hunter, McCall has been
exasperated, hurt, and somewhat testier than usual. After
her still painful encounter with her old partner moments
ago, she's in no mood to pedantically explain her position
to a resistant lawyer. However, professional that she is,
she holds her anger back and firmly forges ahead.)
MCCALL
We have new ones. Word on the
street says Borson's in deep
trouble.
SNOW
Sergeant - we've both been around
the block enough to know you can't
believe "the street".
MCCALL
We also have a Captain Frazzee
in vice who tells us the same
thing. Did you know that in
top-level gambling, money hardly
ever changes hands -- they play
with "credit". Win or lose, their
"position" is just a line in the
bookie's ledger.
(beat)
The only time they "flash the
cash" is when someone wants outta
the game. If he's down, he pays
the balance -- if he's up, he
collects.
SNOW
Your point?
MCCALL
A few weeks ago, someone placed
a long-odds bet at Bartholomew's
-- and won! Four-hundred-thousand
dollars'!
(beat)
The guy wanted his winnings, so
they sent a messenger with the
money -- only he never showed up.
Someone knocked him over for 400
"G'S.
Snow's face lets us know this is the FIRST TIME he's heard
any of this, and he finds it disturbing.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
Anthony Scarlet knew it had to
be an inside job...
and narrowed
it down to Borson.
SNOW
If you run that by Borson - even
if it's true -- do you think he's
going to admit to any of it?
MCCALL
No, but what he does next will
supply the answer.
SNOW
The truth is, Sergeant, I don't
know where Mr. Borson is.
(off McCall's
reaction)
I've been trying to get hold of
him since yesterday. In fact,
I was hoping you might know
something.
The PHONE RINGS and when McCall looks over to it, she sees
Traynor, obviously having heard at least the end of the
conversation. He's wearing a pair of dark glasses which
don't quite cover a "black eye".
As Causland answers the phone and listens briefly to someone
on the other end, Traynor moves across the room to Hunter,
and McCall returns her attention to Snow.
MCCALL
(nodding resigned;
pointed)
I hope you find him before they
do.
Snow takes his briefcse and exits. McCall looks toward -
HUNTER
giving Traynor's "shiner" the once-over as Traynor
approaches him.
CAUSLAND'S VOICE
That was Tom Winslow's ex-wife.
She wants to see us.
McCall and her new partner get up to leave.
TWO-SHOT - HUNTER AND TRAYNOR
HUNTER
Whoa! What happened to you?
TRAYNOR
(making light)
Don't ask.
HUNTER
I'm asking.
TRAYNOR
Mistaken identity.
(Hunter's look
tells him that
won't be enough;
relenting)
After you left the parking lot
last night, three cruds jumped
me.
(Traynor can't be
sure if Hunter
was the one
following last
night, so he has
to come as close
to the truth as
possible)
- they took me up to Mulholland
Drive to meet their boss...
HUNTER
And?
TRAYNOR
The idiots had hit the wrong guy
-- me. They actually apologized
when they let me go.
HUNTER
(incredulous)
Did you file a report?
Traynor is very smart indeed. He holds up the assault forms
and waves them in Hunter's face good-naturedly.
TRAYNOR
At least two of 'em look worse
today than me.
Traynor laughs, moves on to his desk, and we:
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
*************************************************************
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
EXT. PATIO CAFE - DAY
CLOSE ON a GORGEOUS WAITRESS carrying a tray of food through
the packed patio. TRACK WITH HER as she passes the table
where a nervous Borson sits with Snow.
HOLD ON them as the Waitress walks OUT OF FRAME.
AT THE TABLE
Snow is almost through with his meal -- Borson has barely
touched his.
SNOW
If there's any truth to the story
McCall told me - I shouldn't be
sitting here with you -- they
might miss you and hit me.
BORSON
(freaking)
What'm I supposed to do?!
SNOW
(shrugs)
I only give legal advice.
(beat; thinking)
But seems to me you either
disappear, or you make it "right"
with Anthony Scarlet. I know him,
got him off scot-free on a double
homicide charge.
(pauses)
He was guilty as hell.
CLOSE ON BORSON'S FACE
Troubled and concerned, desperate and scared.
EXT. YACHT - AFTERNOON
Troy is busy "boat-fixing" in the background as McCall and
Causland sit on deck with Janice Winslow, who's upset and
has obviously been crying.
JANICE
I'm sorry. I'm just so confused!
I hope I'm doing the right thing.
TROY
(under his breath,
but loud enough
to be heard)
You're not!
Janice shoots him a look. McCall and Causland can sense
her trepidation, and don't push -- letting her set the pace.
JANICE
(this is difficult
for her)
Sergeant McCall, the reason I
called you is --
(blurts it out)
I have information that may help
you find my husband's killer.
McCall sits up straight, on-guard and interested. Troy
GROANS his disapproval in the background.
JANICE
(it's not easy,
but she has to
get it off her
chest)
He made me his sole beneficiary,
and among the things his lawyer
gave me was a safe deposit key.
(beat)
I got a court order to open it
this morning. There were...
two-hundred-and-twenty-thousand
dollars worth of Treasury bonds
inside!
Troy shakes his head: those bonds are now truly lost
forever.
JANICE (CONT'D)
(hurt and angry
at the same time)
How could he have accumulated so
much on a detective's salary,
unless he was --
(she lets it hang)
MCCALL
Unless what, Mrs. Winslow?
JANICE
Unless he was...doing something
not...not right.
MCCALL
Like what?
JANICE
(she holds up her
hand indicating
she wants to
finish, she has
to finish)
Whatever Tom was, whatever he did,
he did for what he thought were
good reasons -- I have to believe
that. I have no idea what it was,
but -
(pause)
I want you to find his
murderer...whatever it takes.
The great dignity, poise and bearing of this woman under
incredible pressure is not lost on McCall or Causland. Even
Troy is moved, abandoning his calloused attitude and rushing
to Janice's side to comfort her.
After an appropriate amount of time
MCCALL
Mrs. Winslow...I'd like to see
those bonds, if I may.
SMASH CUT TO;
INT. HUNTER'S HOUSE BEDROOM - NIGHT
"BAM!-BAM!-BAM!" There is a LOUD POUNDING, like someone
banging on a stout door.
It is PITCH BLACK, and will take a second before we realize
we're in Hunter's bedroom.
HUNTER
is in bed, sleeping. "BAM!-BAM!-BAM!" Like a shot, he sits
up! He does not turn on a light.
INT. HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM
The BANGING continues as Hunter enters, chest bare, wearing
only pajama bottoms - carrying his gun. He stands off to
the side of the door.
HUNTER
Who is it?
MCCALL'S VOICE
(angry)
Open the door!!
HUNTER
McCall?
MCCALL'S VOICE
Open the damn door, Hunter!
He complies and McCall BURSTS inside and slams the door.
HUNTER
It's two a.m., McCall. Are you
alright?
MCCALL
No! I finally figured it out,
and I'm mad as hell!
She pushes him roughly in the chest and he backs away. As
McCall begins to pace the room, Hunter TURNS ON THE LIGHT.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
Y'know, the really sad thing is
that you lied to me! You said
you didn't have anything to do
with the breakup!
HUNTER
McCall - what I said was "I
didn't ask Devane to separate us".
MCCALL
(sarcastic)
Ohhh -- word games!
(mad)
This whole thing was a set-up so
you could be partnered with
Traynor!
HUNTER
What are you talking about?
MCCALL
Drop the party-line, Hunter! I
figured it out!
HUNTER
Yeah? Tell me about it.
MCCALL
Traynor's dirty, a wise-guy with
a badge! And your job is to nail
him.
Hunter says nothing, looking at McCall with barely concealed
pride and curiosity.
MCCALL
Well? You're supposed to ask me
how I figured it out.
HUNTER
How did you figure it out, McCall?
MCCALL
I put two and two together and
got four. It's called brilliant
police work.
HUNTER
What do I do now? Applaud?
MCCALL
How about apologizing -- for not
telling me what was going down
here?
HUNTER
To quote our new captain: "If
you let McCall in on this, the
separation'll be permanent".
MCCALL
In other words he wanted me to
suffer so I wouldn't blow the game
plan?
Hunter nods and McCall cools off considerably and she gives
Hunter an almost friendly look.
MCCALL
(a beat)
I found out Tom Winslow was dirty.
This is not news to Hunter. He had suspected it all along,
but it still hurts.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
I'm sorry...
HUNTER
How solid is this information?
MCCALL
Winslow left his wife a batch of
Treasury bills - a quarter of
a million dollars worth.
HUNTER
Winslow's dead. We need evidence
on Traynor.
MCCALL
It's pretty hard for a cop to be
dirty without his partner knowing
it. The Treasury bonds were
purchased in six installments,
coinciding with six "head and
heart" silencer-hits.
HUNTER
Six?!
MCCALL
(nods)
The three in L.A. we knew about,
and the other three I got off a
C.I.I. computer run. One in Reno,
one in Vegas, and one in--
HUNTER
Hawaii...
(her look confirms
it)
Traynor and Winslow vacationed
there after Tom's divorce.
MCCALL
Two years ago, right?
(Hunter nods; she's
amazed)
They were "hit men" - on
retainer!
Hunter sits down on the edge of the couch, lost in thought.
HUNTER
That's good stuff, Dee Dee, real
Good...
MCCALL
Yeah...but still not enough, huh?
Hunter looks at her and smiles.
HUNTER
Gives us something to work on,
partner.
MCCALL
(smiles)
Hunter -- if, and when, our
partnership ever comes to an end
- We'll talk it out, and we'll
part friends.
They're both standing now, and they EMBRACE warmly.
MCCALL (CONT'D)
And if you ever pull a stunt like
this on me again...I may not take
you back.
CUT TO:
103 EXT. BARTHOLEMEW'S RESTAURANT - DAY
Anthony Scarlet is coming out the front door with a LOVELY
WOMAN in a stunning gown - flanked by two of his ever
present Thugs. The third Thug is pulling the car around.
From seemingly out of nowhere, Borson steps in front of
Scarlet, startling the whole group.
BORSON
(nervous)
Mr. Scarlet -- I have to talk to
you.
IN A FLASH, the two Thugs have grabbed Borson and pinned
his arms behind him. He does not resist.
CLOSER
as Borson and Scarlet stare at each other for a long moment.
Borson's fear shows through clearly, and Scarlet does his
best to keep his anger under control, biting his lip softly
while staring at the man he's trying to have murdered.
Scarlet lifts his arm and gives a slight backhanded wave
to his Thugs. They immediately release Borson.
Scarlet takes Borson by the arm and walks him inside. When
they are far enough not to be overheard.
SCARLET
(softly)
Whatta you want?
BORSON
I know I don't need to say this,
that I ripped off the four hundred
grand. I did...
(sweating it out)
...and I wanna make it right.
Cut me some slack, Tony, gimme
a little time and I'll hand every
last cent of it back to you. I
still got three hundred and sixty
thousand I'll give you right now.
Scarlet gives no reaction -- it's hard to tell whether or
not he'll go for it, and this panics Borson.
BORSON (CONT'D)
(pleading)
I'll work off the other
sixty-thousand - any way you say!
(desperate)
Wouldn't you rather have the money
than my dead body? I made a
mistake and I sure won't ever make
a second one.
After what to Borson is an almost unbearable silence:
SCARLET
You got it with you?
BORSON
(relief creeping
into his voice)
No. But I can get it by tonight.
SCARLET
Bring it to Gladstone's, Pacific
Coast Highway.
BORSON
Yeah, I know the place.
SCARLET
Be there at seven, sharp.
BORSON
(nodding
vigorously)
Thank you, Mr. Scarlet - thank
you!
Borson backs away as if from royalty, then turns and
disappears into the parking lot.
SCARLET'S CAR
He and his lovely date get in the back seat while one
of his Thugs joins the driver up front.
CLOSE ON BACK WINDOW
as it powers down and Scarlet's face peers out at his
remaining Thug, who's standing next to the car.
SCARLET
Find Traynor.
The window glides back up and the car drives off as the Thug
heads into the restaurant.
CUT TO:
EXT. GLADSTONE'S RESTAURANT - DUSK
The parking lot is jammed, the lights shine brightly, and
BOUNCY LATIN MUSIC streams out from the packed restaurant.
INT. GLADSTONE'S RESTAURANT - DUSK
The waiting area is ten deep, spilling into the bar where
the CAMERA SETTLES on Borson, nervously slipping a giant
pina colada, a BULGING GYM BAG on his lap. He continually
scans the crowd.
ON BORSON
as a WAITER startles him with a tap on the shoulder.
WAITER
You Mr. Borson?
(off Borson's nod,
indicating phones)
Telephone call.
Borson hits his drink one last time, then takes his bag and
wades into the crowd.
RESTAURANT CORRIDOR
Borson steps around a GIANT LOBSTER TANK in the main dining
area and heads down the hallway to the phone, which is off
the hook, resting on a shelf. Just beyond the phones are
the restaurant's bathrooms.
He picks up the receiver.
BORSON
(into phone)
Hello. Mr. Scarlet?
(no one's there)
Hello?!
With incredible swiftness and total silence, Traynor slips
from the MEN'S ROOM and takes two steps forward, his
silenced .22, and his hand, in his right pocket.
HUNTER'S VOICE
Traynor! Freeze!!
TRAYNOR
spins and swings the gun toward Hunter.
HUNTER
can't risk a shot at Traynor because of Borson behind him,
Hunter takes cover. Simultaneously:
TRAYNOR
FIRES and the shot SPLINTERS wood inches from Hunter,
MCCALL'S VOICE
Drop it!
TRAYNOR
fires off TWO QUICK SHOTS and disappears, hits the nearest
protection, the LADIES' ROOM. He has fired at:
MCCALL AND CAUSLAND
who have taken cover.
BORSON
disappearing into the MEN'S ROOM!
ON HUNTER, MCCALL AND CAUSLAND
as they run toward the restrooms.
HUNTER AND MCCALL
Hunter kicks open the LADIES' ROOM door as
CAUSLAND
kicks open the MEN'S ROOM door.
INT. LADIES' ROOM
as Hunter and McCall jump in, guns leveled. They SEE:
LADIES' ROOM WINDOW
smashed open, frame and all.
HUNTER
(runs to window)
Take the back way, McCall!
She runs OUT of the room.
EXT. RESTAURANT - AT REAR
Hunter comes out of the window, hits the sand, rolls to his
feet and sees:
TRAYNOR
sprinting down the beach.
HUNTER
takes off after Traynor.
INT. RESTAURANT
Borson comes out of the Men's Room, followed by Causland,
gun in hand. Borson's hands are cuffed behind him and he
is complaining over his shoulder to Causland:
BORSON
You can't arrest me! I gave the
hit man to you guys! And risked
my life doin' it, man!
CAUSLAND
You got a right to shut up! If
you give up that right I'll kick
your ass!
ON BEACH
This scene should be choreographed at the location.
THE ACTION
Traynor trying to get out of Hunter's gun-sights, firing
at Hunter to discourage pursuit. He is a good shot and
Hunter is careful not to offer himself as a target. After
a half-dozen angles on the Hunter-Traynor chase, the
situation suddenly changes for Traynor as:
MCCALL
enters the chase from Traynor's flank.
ON TRAYNOR
We SEE the realization in his face that he hasn't a chance.
And we SEE him make a decision: to get Hunter before he goes
down. He re-loads, runs from his protective covering,
speeding toward Hunter with long strides, keeping Hunter
pinned down.
MCCALL
(gun pointed at
Traynor)
Traynor! Drop the gun!
Traynor ignores her. In a matter of seconds Traynor will
be on top of Hunter! This is now quite clearly a kamikaze
attack.
ON HUNTER
He leaps, spins, comes up with his gun leveled, but before
he can fire we HEAR.
MCCALL
She has FIRED at Traynor. He stumbles, FIRES his last shot
at Hunter as he goes down. He misses.
HUNTER
Gun pointed cautiously, he walks over to Traynor as McCall
comes running to them.
TRAYNOR, HUNTER, MCCALL
Traynor turns, tries to get up. Hunter takes his gun.
TRAYNOR
(looks at McCall)
Who taught you how to shoot,
McCall?
MCCALL
Who else? We want you alive.
An SIREN begins to be HEARD in b.g.
TRAYNOR
(looks up at
Hunter)
Naawww... You'd have killed me,
Hunter, and don't say you
wouldn't...
HUNTER
We'll never know, will we? But
this way is better -- you can take
Tony Scarlet with you.
The SIREN is close now and
134 HUNTER AND MCCALL
look off toward it. On their faces we
FREEZE FRAME
THE END
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