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Beneath the Shield
by Justin Hunter (screenstylz@yahoo.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: ****
9/11 changed the way the American people looked at police....at least for a month or so. This is the story of a cop's life.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author. This screenplay is also registered with the WGA.



BENEATH THE SHIELD

FADE IN:

EXT. POLICE MEMORIAL-WASHINGTON DC - NIGHT
                                                            
A lone light shines upon the long list of fallen heroes. The
stone wall's polished reflection making the names barely
legible.

The light makes its way across the wall very slowly, inching
its way down the line.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
After ten years, we're all just
shells of our former selves. We
sit alone inside ourselves,
accompanied only by those whom we
know feel the same. We can't
reveal to the world what we're
really feeling. We have to be
strong. Brave. Courageous. This
isn't me. This is everyone, and
everyone is me. My story is
everyone's story. They go through
the same things. Sometimes good.
Sometimes bad.
                                                            
The light makes its way to the top of the wall. The slogan
at the top appears.

"It's not how these officers died that made them heroes.
It's how they lived."
                                                            
                       KENNY
I want to tell you about her
first.
      (beat)
She's a beautiful little girl.
Bright eyes, and strong willed.
She keeps me hoping. Her name is
Katie.
                                                            
With the final words from the narrator, the light abruptly
shuts off. Darkness.
                                                            
 

2.

EXT. LARGE BACKYARD - DAY
                                                            
Playing with her swing set in a large grassy yard, KATIE
VOPEL flails her legs about as she swings higher and higher.
Her strawberry blonde hair blows swiftly in the breeze, a
grin from ear to ear spread across her face.
                                                            
                       SANDY (OS)
Katie!
      (beat)
Katie, dinner!
                                                            
Katie jumps off the swing in mid air, hitting the ground
running. She speeds into her house, ready for dinner with
her family.
                                                            
 
INT. KATIE'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The large kitchen meshes up to an equally large dining room.
Already seated at the dining room table is PETER VOPEL,
Katie's father.

Katie spots her father and gives him a big hug.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (smiling)
Hey pumpkin.
                                                            
SANDY VOPEL places two plates of food on the table. One in
front of Katie and one in front of Peter.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy, I didn't know you were
home.
                                                            
Katie sits down at her spot at the table.
                                                            
                       PETER
Just got home sweetie.
                                                            
Sandy sets her food down at the table in front of her and
sits.

Everyone begins eating.
                                                            
                       SANDY
How was you're day?
                                                            
                       PETER
      (chewing)
Not bad, kinda long, but it's over
now.
                                                            

3.

                       KATIE
Do I get to go to work with you
daddy?
                                                            
                       PETER
Yep, you're coming with me
tomorrow.
                                                            
Katie smiles excitedly.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Rookie officer KENNY JORDAN, sits in the passenger seat next
to his veteran partner, FRANK DURAN. Kenny watches through
the windshield, eager for action.

The RADIO CRACKLES to life with the voice of another
officer.
                                                            
                       OFFICER
      (over radio)
34-12, request assistance in
possible 10-666.
                                                            
Kenny grabs the radio from its cradle on the dashboard. He
eagerly responds to the call.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
34-16 responding.
                                                            
Kenny replaces the radio and quickly shoots a look to Frank.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What the hell's a 10-666?
                                                            
The corner of Frank's lip quivers for a second, then his
stone cold face sets, and he responds.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Damnit Kenny! You just got outta
the academy and you forgot the
codes? How you gonna make it?
                                                            
Kenny, embarrassed and dejected, slumps in his seat
slightly.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I just don't remember memorizing
that one. Sorry.
                                                            

4.

                       FRANK
Just sit back kid, it's a simple
call.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - DAY
                                                            
Frank and Kenny's squad car speeds along the road, LIGHTS
FLASHING. Some of New York's natives actually pull to the
side of the road, but most block the road, causing Frank to
maneuver the car carefully around them.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
As a rookie, life is good. Naive
and unaware. As a rookie the job
was fun.
                                                            
The squad car stops at a curb in front of one of the city's
many bars.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE DRUNK TANK BAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny flings his door open and hops from the car. He
reaches for his gun as Frank slowly climbs out of the car.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What the hell? Leave that alone.
                                                            
                       KENNY
But--
                                                            
                       FRANK
We're fine.
      (beat)
In the bar, let's go.
                                                            
Frank, one step behind, follows Kenny to the entrance. Kenny
yanks the large wooden door open and enters.
                                                            
 
INT. THE DRUNK TANK BAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny cautiously makes his way into the bar, followed
closely by Frank. As soon as Kenny steps fully into the
bar, an explosion of commotion ROARS.

Kenny flinches and reaches for his weapon instinctively. He
finally realizes the source of the commotion.

The bar is decorated with streamers and posters. Officers
from the precinct stand in front of the bar holding a large

5.

sign.

"10-666; Welcome to Hell Rookie!"

Frank's stone cold glare has been replaced by a huge grin.
He finally cracks, and bursts into hysterical laughter. The
rest of the patrons join in on the laugh.

Kenny smiles, and spots LIEUTENANT CARLSON WENTLY
approaching him.

Carlson extends his hand and shakes with Kenny. He is also
sporting a large grin.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Don't worry Ken, we're coverin'
your shift. Gimme your belt, pull
up a chair and start drinking.
                                                            
Kenny obliges the Lieutenant, and makes his way to the bar.
No one else is drinking, but everyone is eager to order
Kenny a drink.

Before long, Kenny has three beers in front of him.
                                                            
Kenny hasn't even realized the woman sitting two stools
down. STEPHANIE ASHLIN, glares over at Kenny. Finally
after another few moments pass, she stands and walks up
right behind Kenny.

She slaps him in the back of the head. Kenny spins around
angry at first. When he sees Stephanie, his anger is
replaced by joy.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Baby, I didn't know you were here!
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
I could tell, asshole!
                                                            
They both laugh and Kenny stands to hug her. They kiss.

Officers pull them apart and force Kenny back to his stool
for more drinking. Everyone continues to enjoy themselves
as Kenny drinks.
                                                            
 
INT. DARK ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The room is completely black except for a small amount of
light illuminating a single object in the room.

A police radio scanner.
                                                            

6.

The scanner is alive with communications. The broadcasts
are sketchy, unrelated, and in no order.
                                                            
                       WOMAN OFFICER (VO)
      (over radio)
10-4 on the 187, send coroner.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH (VO)
      (over radio)
All units, be advised, suspect is
armed and highly dangerous.
                                                            
                       MALE OFFICER (VO)
      (over radio)
Dispatch, we have two bodies.
Suspect is gone.
                                                            
The scanner continues to broadcast.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
Eventually reality sinks in. With
the world as it is, after
graduation there's nowhere to go
but down.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S HOUSE-DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny, dressed in his full police uniform, finishes up a
bowl of cereal at his dining room table.

Stephanie cleans up the little remaining dishes in the sink.


Kenny finishes his cereal, stands and brings the bowl to the
sink for Stephanie to clean. He hands it to her and kisses
her.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'm outta here baby.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Are we still house hunting
tomorrow afternoon?
                                                            
                       KENNY
Oh no, I forgot to tell you, I
picked up one of the guy's shifts.
I'll be working the swing
tomorrow.
                                                            
Stephanie lets out a sigh, obviously disappointed. However,
she also understands and smiles.
                                                            

7.

                       STEPHANIE
That's okay baby, be safe.
                                                            
Kenny kisses her again.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Never.
                                                            
Kenny smiles because he knows she hates that response. He
turns and leaves.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny pulls a small insulated cup from the cup holder in the
squad car and takes a sip. Frank drives.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (sarcastically)
Is it everything you hoped for and
more?
                                                            
Kenny grimaces after obviously burning his mouth on the
coffee, but his grimace turns to a smile with Frank's
question.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Of course. It may sound cliche,
but I honestly have wanted to be a
cop for as long as I can remember.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (smiling)
Blah, blah, my daddy was a cop, I
always wanted to help people. Okay
Mr. Cliche, just drink your
coffee.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Yeah thanks.
                                                            
                       FRANK
So you from beantown or what?
                                                            
                       KENNY
Born just outside Boston. In
Winchester.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Your accent gives that one away.
Well you better not be a fuckin'
Sox fan.
                                                            

8.

Frank never takes his stare away from the road ahead.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (smiling)
What? Should I be rootin' for the
yanks?
                                                            
Before Frank can respond the car's radio interupts.
                                                            
                       HANK (VO)
      (over radio)
34-19 requesting assistance. I'm
in a foot pursuit near the corner
of 35th and Park.
                                                            
Frank grabs the radio.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (into radio)
34-16 responding, we'll be there
in three minutes.
      (beat; to Kenny)
Hit it kid.
                                                            
Kenny throws on the the lights and siren and steps on the
gas.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
The guys at the station said I
would lose my passion for the job
after five years. Not five days.
Five fuckin' days I was on the job
before I lost the joy and gained
the cynicism.
                                                            
 
EXT. DITCH - DAY
                                                            
An abandoned black Monte Carlo sits in front of a police
cruiser with its driver side door hanging wide open.

Kenny pulls up behind the cruiser and he and Frank jump out.
                                                            
                       KENNY
34-19, where are you?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hank where you at?
                                                            
Kenny and Frank slowly walk down the embankment into the
ditch.
                                                            

9.

                       HANK (VO)
      (over radio)
In the ditch, around the bend.
                                                            
Frank and Kenny run through the ditch to the bend ahead.
Once they reach the bend, they spot Hank standing perched
with his gun drawn. He is cocking his head slightly to look
around the bend.

Frank and Kenny spot Hank's gun and draw theirs as well.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What d'ya got Hank?
                                                            
Hank looks quickly over his shoulder at Frank and Kenny,
motioning for them to be quiet.
                                                            
                       HANK
He's around this bend, just
sitting there. I think he's got a
gun. Heard him talking to himself
about it.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Shhh...listen.
                                                            
                       FOOT PURSUIT SUSPECT (OS)
I ain't goin' anywhere. I'll
fucking kill these bitches before
they take me. Fuck that. I've
been in and I ain't going back
again.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Shit.
                                                            
                       HANK
We need to move on him. Hopefully
he wont have a chance to draw on
us.
                                                            
Everyone nods and slowly they creep around the corner. The
suspect is kneeling down near a cardboard box. As soon as
he sees the officers he stands up.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Freeze!
                                                            
Each officer raises his gun toward the suspect.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Get on the ground now!
                                                            

10.

                       FOOT PURSUIT SUSPECT
Fuck you!
                                                            
Kenny, Hank, and Frank all stand in a line facing the
suspect. Kenny shift uneasily.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Get your hands up!
                                                            
The suspect reaches into his pocket quickly.
                                                            
                       HANK
Don't you fuckin' do it!
                                                            
                       FOOT PURSUIT SUSPECT
Which of you wants to die first?
                                                            
The suspect quickly pulls his hand out of his pocket and
Kenny fires. Kenny fires three shots into the suspect. The
suspect's body flinches backwards and hits the ground.

Kenny stands frozen as the other officers approach.
                                                            
Frank frantically searches the ground.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Where's the gun?
                                                            
Hank kneels down by the body looking for the gun.
                                                            
                       HANK
Shit he doesn't have one. Fuck!
                                                            
Kenny doesn't respond. Frank turns and wraps his arm around
Kenny's shoulders and guides him back away from the body.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Is he?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yeah he's gone Ken.
      (beat)
Hey you did the right thing
though.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S HOUSE-LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny sits at his couch eating a sandwich when the phone
rings. Stephanie walks into the room and hands him the
phone.
                                                            

11.

                       KENNY
      (into phone)
Yeah?
                                                            
                       FRANK (VO)
Hey kid, you check the paper
today?
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
Nah Frank. I don't feeling
readin' that shit.
                                                            
                       FRANK (VO)
It ain't shit today. Suicide by
cop man.
                                                            
Kenny takes a bite of his sandwich and leans back into his
couch.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
What the fuck's a suicide by cop?
                                                            
                       FRANK (VO)
That's what the papers are callin'
it. They said that guy used you
to commit suicide. He knew one of
us would pull the trigger. Guess
he talked about it with his girl
or somethin'.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
You think that makes me feel
better?
                                                            
                       FRANK (VO)
Kenny listen to me. I know you
don't feel better, but you gotta
feel good enough to work soon. I
need you out there with me kid.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
Quit fuckin' calling me kid. I'll
be ready when I hear back from the
review board.
                                                            
Kenny hangs up the phone.
                                                            
 

12.

INT. KENNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny sits behind the wheel as Stephanie fiddles with some
groceries.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
So why aren't you more happy?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I am happy.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
You don't seem too happy. The
review board agreed with the
papers, you're going back to work
tomorrow.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Maybe I don't wanna go back. I
shot a guy five days in. I killed
a guy five days in. What the hell
is gonna happen to me in five
years?
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
I'll tell you what's gonna happen.
You're gonna be an amazing cop
and an amazing husband...if you
ever ask me.
                                                            
Stephanie cracks a smile.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (smiling)
Oh yeah? Is that what's gonna
happen?
      (beat)
Come here.
                                                            
Kenny reaches over and pulls Stephanie close and kisses her.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny buckles his seat belt as Frank climbs into the driver
seat of the cruiser.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Listen Ken. I've told you this
before and I'll tell you again.
You did the right thing out there.
Your instincts are fine. It was
a clean shoot. But I want you to
            (MORE)

13.

                       FRANK (cont'd)
know, I'm not here to fuckin' baby
you. I need to know you have my
back.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Don't worry.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hope I don't need to.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny and Frank both sit in silence until Kenny finally
breaks.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'm a Mets fan.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What?
                                                            
                       KENNY
You asked me a while back if I was
a Sox fan. My answer is no, I
grew up loving the Mets some how.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (smiling)
Get outta here with that. The
Mets really?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I hate the American League.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Good, cuz I hate the fuckin'
Yanks. But I hate the Sox more.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH (VO)
34-16 please respond to a
disturbance at 2198 N. Rockford
Ave. Man with a gun.
                                                            
                       KENNY
You gotta be fuckin' kidding me.
                                                            
Frank grabs the radio.
                                                            

14.

                       FRANK
      (into radio)
34-16 responding.
      (to Kenny)
Hey, you're gonna be alright.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Yeah but talk about irony.
                                                            
 
EXT. 2198 N.ROCKFORD AVE - DAY
                                                            
Kenny and Frank pull into the apartment complex parking lot
at 2198 N.Rockford Ave. Two old men quickly approach the
squad car.

Frank steps out first, Kenny second.

The old men approach Kenny.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN 1
He's up in 257. I saw him on the
balcony.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN 2
Crazy sonofabitch waving that damn
gun around all day.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Alright go back to your
apartments.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's ova here Ken.
                                                            
Frank points up to one of the balconies and they both head
to the stairwell leading up to the apartment.
                                                            
 
EXT. APARTMENT 257 N. ROCKFORD AVE - DAY
                                                            
Frank reaches the top of the stairs first and stands to one
side of the door. Kenny stands to the other side. Frank
bangs loudly on the metal front door while he and Kenny draw
their weapons.
                                                            
                       KENNY
New York City Police, open the
door!
                                                            
After a few moments there is no response. Frank again bangs
loudly on the door with his fist.
                                                            

15.

                       FRANK
Open the door now!
                                                            
Finally the lock inside turns and the door slowly CREAKS
open. Kenny raises his gun towards the door. Frank backs
up slightly and raises his gun as well.

A DRUNKEN MAN pokes his head out the slightly open door and
casually looks at the officers.
                                                            
                       DRUNKEN MAN
      (slurring)
Hey fellas...how you are doin'?
                                                            
Frank and Kenny both smell the air and can tell the man is
drunk.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Sir I need you to open your door.
                                                            
                       DRUNKEN MAN
What? Why? This isn't your house,
it's mine.
                                                            
The man stumbles backwards and in doing so begins to close
the door. Frank throws his foot in bewtween the door and
the door jam.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Do not close this door!
                                                            
Kenny looks at Frank and nods. He holsters his gun quickly
and slams him shoulder into the door. The man falls back
into the apartment.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 257 N. ROCKFORD AVE-LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny quickly lands on top of the drunken man and shoves his
knee into the man's chest.

Frank shoves his way in behind them and points his gun at
the man.

Kenny pulls out his handcuffs and rolls the man over. He
slaps the cuffs on the man and picks him up.

Frank shoves the man over to the worn down couch in the
middle of the room.
                                                            
                       FRANK
The hell's the matta with you?
                                                            

16.

                       DRUNKEN MAN
Huh? I fell.
                                                            
Kenny helps the man sit down on the couch.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Where's the gun?
                                                            
                       DRUNKEN MAN
Gun? What gun?
                                                            
                       FRANK
You know what? Don't jerk us
around alright? Where is it?
                                                            
                       DRUNKEN MAN
Oh yeah! It's on the kitchen
counter.
                                                            
Kenny looks toward the kitchen and nods to Frank.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Right there Frank.
                                                            
Frank walks to the kitchen.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What are you doin' with a gun?
                                                            
                       DRUNKEN MAN
Protection.
                                                            
Frank lets out a sarcastic laugh as he walks back into the
leaving room.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What?
                                                            
Frank tosses the gun to Kenny.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's a fuckin' pellet gun. All
this shit for a pellet gun.
                                                            
Kenny examines the gun.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Where's the orange identifier that
goes in the tip of the barrel?
                                                            
                       DRUNKEN MAN
I took it out..I told you I needed
it for protection.
                                                            

17.

                       FRANK
How you gonna protect yourself
with that?
                                                            
                       DRUNKEN MAN
I could scare people with it.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Well you did a damn good job of
scarin' people when you were
wavin' it all over the place on
your balcony.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Listen you can't be doin' that
alright?
                                                            
Frank stands the man up and turns him around to remove the
cuffs.
                                                            
                       KENNY
We're gonna let you go, but I'm
takin' this.
                                                            
Kenny shows the man the gun.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hey and try to lay off the booze.
                                                            
 
EXT. APARTMENT 257 N. ROCKFORD AVE - DAY
                                                            
Kenny and Frank walk down the stairwell.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Thanks.
                                                            
                       KENNY
For what?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Not freezing. Using your instinct.
It tells me a lot about you.
                                                            
Kenny and Frank continue down the stairs without saying
anymore.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I reacted OK in that situation,
but I wasn't convinced I could do
it everytime. I would always be
worried about that.
                                                            
 

18.

INT. KATIE'S HOUSE-KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Katie's mom washes up the dishes as Katie comes running into
the kitchen.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Can I help mommy?
                                                            
Sandy looks down at her daughter smiling.
                                                            
                       SANDY
You actually wanna help me with
the dishes?
                                                            
                       KATIE
Yeah it looks like fun?
                                                            
Sandy grabs a towel off the counter and tosses it to Katie.
                                                            
                       SANDY
Fun? You're a sweet silly girl.
Here you can dry the dishes for
mommy.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Thanks mom.
                                                            
                       SANDY
So what are you gonna do with
daddy tomorrow at work?
                                                            
                       KATIE
I dunno but I can't wait!
                                                            
Sandy laughs.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny happens to glance out the window and see the sad
little boy right next to them on the curb. He taps Frank on
the shoulder.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hey look at that.
                                                            
Frank looks, but just shrugs.
                                                            
Kenny rolls down his window and shouts to the boy.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hey buddy, what's the matter?
                                                            

19.

The little boy look up. When he sees the officer, he sees
hope. His little face brightens up.
                                                            
                       LITTLE BOY
      (sadly)
My ball's down there.
                                                            
The little boy points between his legs at the sewer drain in
the curb.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Sorry about that bud.
                                                            
Kenny is about to forget about the boy's problem but thinks
twice.
                                                            
The traffic light turns green.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Frank.
                                                            
                       FRANK
No.
                                                            
Frank is about to hit the gas pedal and leave.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Come on Frank. If we leave this
kid now, what kinda an impression
will that give him of us? You
know, the good guys.
                                                            
Frank rolls his head, and his eyes, but gives in. He pulls
the car over to the curb.
                                                            
 
EXT. DRAINAGE CURB - DAY
                                                            
Kenny and Frank both climb out of the squad car as the
excited little boy runs to them.
                                                            
                       LITTLE BOY
Are you gonna help get my ball?
It's my favorite ball.
                                                            
Kenny places a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Yeah, we'll get it for you little
man.
                                                            
                       LITTLE BOY
It's down there!
                                                            

20.

The boy again points to the sewer drain in the curb.

Frank takes one look at the curb and crosses his arms.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'll watch, but that's all you
rook. I ain't getting my arms
dirty.
                                                            
Kenny half-smiles.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Thanks partner.
                                                            
Kenny walks over to the drain and kneels down on the
shoulder to peer in. The little boy watches eagerly over
Kenny's shoulder.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Ah, that's not too deep. I think
I can reach your ball.
                                                            
Kenny shoves his arm down the drain in search of the ball.
                                                            
 
INT. SEWER DRAIN - DAY
                                                            
The little boy's baseball lies in a small puddle of mud.
Kenny's arm reaches into the drain but is short of the ball
by a few inches.
                                                            
 
EXT. DRAINAGE CURB - DAY
                                                            
Kenny strains to reach the ball.
                                                            
                       KENNY
UUUGhh!!
                                                            
Frank can't help but laugh watching Kenny on his knees
reaching into a drain.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'm so close, but I can't reach
it.
                                                            
Kenny pulls his arm out of the drain and stands up,
thinking. He gives Frank a good long look.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Uh-uh.
                                                            

21.

                       KENNY
Come on, your arms look a little
longer.
                                                            
                       FRANK
No way man.
                                                            
The little boy tugs at Frank's uniform.
                                                            
                       LITTLE BOY
Please?
                                                            
Frank can't help himself.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (reluctantly)
Fine.
                                                            
Frank walks to the drain and assumes the same position
vacated by Kenny. He shoves his arm into the drain in
search of the ball.
                                                            
 
INT. SEWER DRAIN - DAY
                                                            
Frank's arm slowly reaches into the drain and makes its way
toward the ball.

His arm gets closer but is still about an inch and a half
short.
                                                            
 
EXT. DRAINAGE CURB - DAY
                                                            
After about a minute of struggling, Frank pulls his arm from
the drain.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Mine's not long enough either.
                                                            
As soon as Frank finishes his sentence another squad car
pulls up to the curb. Frank and Kenny both look at the car
and realize who it is.

The driver door opens and out steps Lieutenant Carlson
Wently. Carlson walks right up to Frank and Kenny, curious
as to what is going on.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
What the hell are you two doing?
                                                            
                       LITTLE BOY
I lost my ball.
                                                            

22.

Carlson didn't even see the boy when he first arrived. He
turns and looks at the little boy.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Where?
                                                            
For the third time, the little boy points at the sewer
drain.
                                                            
Carlson looks at the drain, then looks back to Frank and
Kenny.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
So what's the big deal. Just
reach down there and get it.
                                                            
                       KENNY
We tried sir. Our arms aren't
long enough.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Well why don't you just pull the
manhole cover off?
                                                            
Frank and Kenny look at each other as if they are both
stupid.
                                                            
                       FRANK
We didn't even think of it sir.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
I'll get my crowbar.
                                                            
Carlson walks back to the driver's side of his squad car and
pops the trunk. He walks to the trunk and rummages through
it until he finds the crowbar.
                                                            
Carlson walks to the curb right above the drain. A manhole
cover is wedged tightly into the concrete.

Frank and Kenny look on as Carlson shoves the crowbar into
the cover and tries to pry it up.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Need some help sir?
                                                            
                       CARLSON
I don't think it's coming up.
                                                            
Frank and Kenny both take a turn at trying to pry the cover
up. It doesn't budge. All three of the officers begin
laughing.
                                                            

23.

                       FRANK
      (laughing)
This is nuts!
                                                            
                       TOW TRUCK DRIVER (OS)
You guys need a hand?
                                                            
All of the officers look behind them into the traffic.

The TOW TRUCK DRIVER is leaning across his passenger seat
shouting out his passenger side window.

Kenny has an idea.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Yeah, do us a favor and pull close
to the curb here.
                                                            
Kenny points to a spot between the two squad cars at the
curb.
                                                            
The tow truck slowly maneuvers his way up next to the curb.
The tow hook dangling above the sidewalk.
                                                            
The TOW TRUCK DRIVER steps out to assist the officers.
                                                            
                       TOW TRUCK DRIVER
Whatcha guys need me to do?
                                                            
Frank points to the tow hook.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Think we can lower that thing to
the manhole cover here?
                                                            
The tow truck driver looks at the manhole cover and nods.
                                                            
                       TOW TRUCK DRIVER
Yeah hang on, let me give it a
shot.
                                                            
The tow truck driver walks to the control levers at the back
of the truck. He throws a lever and the tow hook slowly
begins lowering.

The tow truck driver flips the lever back to its original
position once the tow hook hits the ground.

Kenny and Frank guide the hook into a small slot on the
manhole cover as Carlson looks on.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Alright man, try to lift it.
                                                            

24.

The tow truck driver throws the lever again and the hook
begins to lift. Slowly the hook tugs at the manhole cover,
and with ease the cover pops off.
                                                            
With the manhole cover gone, Kenny jumps straight into the
sewer.

After a long minute his arm pops up above the sidewalk
holding the baseball.

The little boy rushes to the ball, pure joy shining on his
face.

Kenny climbs out of the manhole and is greeted by a huge hug
from the little boy.

Kenny smiles at the boy, and even Frank breaks a smile.
Carlson laughs and shakes his head as he walks back to his
car.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
Not many people see it, but that's
what a cop does. That's what we
look forward to.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny props his back against the head board of his bed as he
watches TV.

Stephanie reads a magazine next to him in bed.

Kenny doesn't really pay attention to the TV.
                                                            
                       KENNY
It makes up for the assholes you
know? That's why I became a cop.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
I wish I could have been there to
see you climb into a sewer.
                                                            
Stephanie chuckles.
                                                            
                       KENNY
If that was what every call was
like....
      (beat)
Let's see what happens tomorrow.
                                                            
 

25.

INT. KATIE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Sandy guides Katie into her room.
                                                            
                       SANDY
Put your shoes on baby. Daddy's
taking us for ice cream.
                                                            
                       KATIE
      (excited)
Chocolate chip?
                                                            
Sandy smiles.
                                                            
                       SANDY
We'll see.
                                                            
                       PETER (OS)
What do you mean 'we'll see'?
Chocolate chip's me and Kate's
favorite isn't it?
                                                            
                       KATIE
Yeah!
                                                            
Katie can't stop grinning as she puts her shoes on quickly.
                                                            
Peter walks into the room.
                                                            
                       SANDY
We shouldn't be too long though.
You two have an early start
tomorrow.
                                                            
Peter grins at Katie.
                                                            
                       PETER
Yeah we do, my little business
lady's first day at work.
                                                            
Katie finishes tying her shoes and the family leaves the
room.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
She is the bravest little girl I
have ever met. She tells me
everything is going to be fine.
                                                            
 
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
Kenny and Frank stand outside the front entrance to a large

26.

semi-rundown apartment building.

With their guns drawn, they slowly open the main entrance
and enter the building.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING-THIRD FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny covers Frank as he makes his way down the third floor
hallway. Kenny and Frank stop in front of apartment 371.

Cautiously, Kenny bangs on the door, both officers standing
a little to the side.
                                                            
                       KENNY
NYPD! Open up!
                                                            
No response.

This time Frank bangs on the door with force.

Still no response from inside. A lady down the hall opens
her door however and yells down to the officers.
                                                            
                       NEIGHBOR LADY
What you need? Another black man
to pin a crime on? Leave us
alone.
                                                            
Kenny wheels around at the sound of the woman's voice, and
points his gun at her. He quickly lowers his gun and yells
at the woman.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Get back in your house! Now!
                                                            
The woman reluctantly eases her way back into her apartment.

Frank again knocks on the door.
                                                            
                       FRANK
NYPD, someone called about shots
fired. Open the door!
                                                            
For a few seconds there is not a sound. Finally a EXPLOSIVE
GUNSHOT RINGS out through the hallway.

Frank and Kenny take cover behind the walls next to the
apartment.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
34-16 requesting back-up. Shots
fired!
                                                            

27.

After a pause, they both roll back in front of the door.

Kenny kicks the door once, and twice. On the second kick
the door SPLINTERS and swings open.

Frank and Kenny follow their guns into the apartment.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 371 - DAY
                                                            
On the floor in the living room of the apartment is a black
man with a bullet hole in his temple. A pool of blood has
gathered on the floor around his head.

Kenny creeps his way through the living room while Frank
checks the man's vital signs.

In the kitchen Kenny finds another body. A black woman lies
on her stomach. She has three visible gunshot wounds in her
back. Kenny bends down and checks for signs of life. He
finds none.

Kenny and Frank both search the rest of the house, but find
nothing.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
34-16, we need an ambulance. We
have two bodies.
                                                            
After securing the apartment, Frank goes back to the man and
begins CPR.

Kenny does the same for the woman in the kitchen. They both
know their efforts are futile.
                                                            
 
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
Kenny leans against a wall outside the apartment building as
the paramedics wheel the two bodies out of the apartment
building. He has a blank stare.

Frank walks up next to him.
                                                            
                       FRANK
There's honestly nothing I can
tell you besides, It gets worse.
                                                            
Kenny continues to stare at nothing.
                                                            

28.

                       KENNY (VO)
That was years ago, but you never
forget the first. There are so
many I eventually lost count, but
the first one stays fresh. He was
right too, it does get worse.
                                                            
 
EXT. VICTORIAN STYLE HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The small Victorian style house stands at the center of a
small lot with grass yards and very few neighbors.

A for sale sign hangs in the yard.
                                                            
 
INT. VICTORIAN STYLE HOUSE-LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
A female REALTOR leads Stephanie through the living room as
Kenny stares up at the high vaulted ceilings.
                                                            
                       RELATOR
This house was built just at the
turn of the century. The 20th
century I mean.
                                                            
The Realtor laughs at her accidental joke.

Stephanie smiles politely.
                                                            
                       RELATOR
2600 square feet, two stories, and
a basement.
                                                            
Stephanie turns to Kenny who is still doing his own
exploring.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
It has a basement honey.
                                                            
Kenny looks at Stephanie.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Good, that's what you wanted
right?
                                                            
Stephanie nods.
                                                            
                       RELATOR
If you follow me, I'll show you
the kitchen.
                                                            
 

29.

INT. VICTORIAN STYLE HOUSE-KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie and Kenny follow the Realtor into the kitchen.
                                                            
The kitchen is large for the overall size of the house. Old
style appliances fill the room.
                                                            
                       RELATOR
All of the appliances have the old
Victorian style look, but have
been updated for modern use. The
stove was originally a wood
burning stove. It's been
converted to gas. The only really
new thing is the dishwasher.
Unfortunately they didn't have
dishwashers in the late 1800's.
                                                            
Stephanie smiles. Kenny continues to look around. He spots
a wooden hatch in the side of the kitchen wall near the
sink. The hatch is sealed shut.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What's this?
                                                            
The Realtor turns to see what Kenny is pointing at.
                                                            
                       RELATOR
Oh, well in the late 1800s, early
1900's people would actually just
send their trash out these chutes
into the street or pick-up.
                                                            
Kenny nods.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Do you like it baby?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I don't think we can use it
anymore, it's sealed shut.
                                                            
Stephanie laughs.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
The house Kenny, the house.
                                                            
                       KENNY
If you like it, we'll get it.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
      (smiling.)
I like it.
                                                            

30.

Stephanie jumps into Kenny's arms.
                                                            
 
INT. ICE CREAM PARLOR - NIGHT
                                                            
Peter, Sandy, and Katie all sit at a booth at the ice cream
parlor.

Peter and Sandy share a large bowl of ice cream, while Katie
works on a chocolate chip sugar cone.

Katie's face is covered with ice cream as is melts.
                                                            
                       PETER
How's you ice cream?
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy what do you do?
                                                            
                       PETER
Whatcha mean?
                                                            
                       KATIE
What's your job?
                                                            
                       PETER
Financial advisor for my company.
                                                            
Katie is more focused on the ice cream than the
conversation, but she responds.
                                                            
                       KATIE
That's what I wanna be when I grow
up.
                                                            
Peter and Sandy laugh.
                                                            
                       PETER
Well that's something not many
little girls say. Are you sure
you don't wanna be a princess or
something?
                                                            
                       KATIE
I already am. I'm mommy and
daddy's princess.
                                                            
                       SANDY
      (smiling)
Yes you are.
                                                            
 

31.

EXT. RUNDOWN HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny and Frank stand outside the front door of a rundown
house.

Frank raps on the door with his Maglite flashlight.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Police!
                                                            
Noises can be heard inside.

The front door opens and a little girl stands staring at the
to police men.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hey sweetheart, were you the one
who called us?
                                                            
The girl nods shyly.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Where your parents at?
                                                            
A woman SCREAMS, and glass SHATTERS.
                                                            
Frank grabs the little girl and swings her out of the
doorway onto the front porch. Kenny bursts into the house.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Stay here honey, don't move.
                                                            
Frank hurries after Kenny.
                                                            
 
INT. RUNDOWN HOUSE-BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
A WOMAN lies at the edge of the bed with a LARGE MAN
towering over her. The woman's nose is bleeding and her
mascara runs down her face with each tear.

The man rears back to slap the woman again.

Kenny comes speeding into the room and slams into the man,
shoving him across the room into the wall.

Frank bursts in after Kenny and grabs the woman's wrist and
leads her out of the room.

The large man fights back against Kenny.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Quit resisting!
                                                            

32.

The man shoves Kenny back and falls on top of him, lifting
his fist to punch Kenny.

Just before the man can smash his fist into Kenny's face,
Frank fires a taser into the large man's chest.

The man convulses and falls off Kenny to the ground.

Kenny rolls the man over, pulls out handcuffs, and cuffs the
man.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You ok?
                                                            
                       KENNY
Thanks.
                                                            
Frank and Kenny lift the man to his feet and lead him out of
the room.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTARAUNT - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny and Stephanie sit at a table with another couple. ANDY
and LIV GERRY are in their early 30s.

The restaurant has a bar and grill atmosphere, not quiet,
but not too loud either.

Kenny doesn't seem to be too into the conversation at the
table.
                                                            
                       LIV
He cut me off in the merging lane.
Now I think I have the right of
way, am I right Ken?
                                                            
Kenny takes a sip from the drink in front of him.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Does it matter? It's over with
and even if I tell you one way or
the other, you will go on thinking
you have the right of way.
                                                            
Stephaine shoots Kenny a look of disapproval.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Kenny!
                                                            
                       ANDY
Hey, I'm with you Kenny. But I
got a question for you. Do you
            (MORE)

33.

                       ANDY (cont'd)
think marijuana is really all that
bad? I mean I remember from our
high school days everyone was
doing it. Including you.
                                                            
Kenny stands up without answering.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'll be right back.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTARAUNT-BATHROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny washes his hands at the bathroom sink and splashes
water in his face. He grabs a few towels from the towel
dispenser and dries himself off. Kenny throws the towels
away and spots a cigarette machine next to the trash can.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a few bucks. He
slides the money into the machine and presses a button for a
pack of cigarettes.
                                                            
 
EXT. RESTAURANT-FRONT PATIO - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny stands on the restaurant's patio, smoking a cigarette
in the cool night air.

Stephanie walks outside and spots the cigarette.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
What the hell is that? Since when
do you smoke?
                                                            
Kenny turns around but doesn't put the cigarette out.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'm just stressed.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Is that why you were so rude back
there?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I just can't sympathize with other
people's simple problems as well
as I could before. They just seem
unimportant if you look at the
whole.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
The whole what?
                                                            

34.

                       KENNY
Nevermind. Do you think we can
go?
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
      (angrily)
Fine!
                                                            
 
INT. KATIE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Sandy watches from the doorway as Peter tucks Katie into
bed, wrapping the covers around her tightly.
                                                            
                       PETER
Alright, you ready?
                                                            
                       KATIE
Yeah!
                                                            
Peter grabs a book lying on the floor next to Katie's bed
and opens it.
                                                            
                       PETER
Ok, where'd we leave off?
                                                            
                       KATIE
The dragon just escaped his cage.
                                                            
                       PETER
Right, that's right.
                                                            
Peter flips to the right page.
                                                            
                       PETER
OK so the dragon escaped his cage
and began his walk through the
village. All the villagers feared
the dragon, but they didn't even
know him.
      (beat)
As the dragon tried to sneak
through the village, people
spotted him. They threw rocks at
the dragon and called upon the
knights to kill the dragon.
                                                            
                       KATIE
He can't die.
                                                            
                       PETER
Well let's see.
      (beat)
            (MORE)

35.

                       PETER (cont'd)
The dragon began to get angry but
managed to keep from blowing fire
at everyone. Once the knights got
there, they drew their swords to
attack.
      (beat)
The dragon still did not attack,
but instead kept walking through
the village. The knights were
about to attack when the dragon
stopped at a large rock.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Why'd he stop?
                                                            
                       PETER
Well, the dragon stopped because
he was really a she. Behind the
rocks were the dragon's eggs. The
eggs needed care and the dragon
had only been defending her babies
from attackers. The knights and
the village people realized this
and finally accepted the dragon as
part of their village. They all
lived together in the village
happily and the baby dragons
eventually hatched and lived
happily with their mother.
                                                            
                       KATIE
The end.
                                                            
                       PETER
Yep, and do you know why I read
you that story?
                                                            
                       KATIE
Why?
                                                            
                       PETER
Because you should never judge
someone until you really get to
know that person.
                                                            
Peter leans over and kisses Katie on the forehead.
                                                            
                       PETER
I love you pumpkin, go to sleep
now.
                                                            
Peter walks to Sandy in the doorway. They both smile at
their daughter before leaving and closing the door.
                                                            

36.

                       KENNY (VO)
She's a great kid. She reminds me
a lot of my little girl when she
was younger.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
A slightly older Kenny sits behind the wheel of his squad
car focused on his surroundings.

After a few moments a car speeds past him. Kenny flips on
his lights and follows the car.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny's squad car follows the speeding car. After a few
moments the car pulls over to the side of the road.

Kenny pulls the squad car in behind the speeder.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny grabs the radio in the car.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
34-16, I need a check on New York
plate 391 Charlie Delta Jake.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH
10-4
                                                            
Kenny pulls his ticket book from the glove compartment and
begins filling out the information.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH
Dispatch to 34-16, no record or
warrants. The car is registered
to Lyle Posh.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
10-4.
                                                            
Kenny opens the door to his squad car and steps out.
                                                            
 

37.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny cautiously approaches the driver side door. He stops
at the point directly between the passenger door and driver
door. He leans over to speak to the driver.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Sir, can I see your license,
registration and insurance?
                                                            
LYLE POSH, nervous and frustrated fumbles through his wallet
and glove compartment.
                                                            
                       LYLE
Yeah, yes sir.
                                                            
While Kenny waits his radio comes to life.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH
Dispatch to 34-16, 34-16, Kenny.
Your wife has gone into labor. She
has been taken to GHI Queens.
                                                            
Kenny's face lights up with excitement and anticipation.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
10-4! I'm en route to GHI.
                                                            
Kenny looks down at the man who has been listening to the
entire conversation.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Uh, sir, have a nice day.
                                                            
Kenny turns and runs back to his squad car.

Lyle leans out the window and yells after Kenny.
                                                            
                       LYLE
Hey, congratulations man!
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny stares straight ahead almost in a trance.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENNY'S FRONT PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Frank knocks on the door to Kenny's house. After a moment
Stephanie opens the door.
                                                            

38.

                       STEPHANIE
Hey Frank, what's up? I thought
you were on with Kenny today?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I was. I need you to come with me
Stephanie.
                                                            
Suddenly Stephanie's face flushes.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Oh my God! What happened? Is
Kenny alright?!
                                                            
                       FRANK
Trust me, he's Ok. I just need
you to come with me. Get your
shoes.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
O-Ok, hang on.
                                                            
Stephanie walks back into the house to get her shoes. Frank
grabs his radio.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (into radio)
Damnit Kenny, you're gonna owe me
big time for this.
                                                            
 
INT. FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Frank sits behind the wheel with Stephanie in the passenger
seat.

Stephanie looks like she's on the verge of crying.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Please tell me what's going on?
                                                            
Frank continues to stare straight ahead.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I can't.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Well where are we going?
                                                            
 

39.

INT. GHI EMERGENCY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny speeds through the automatic doors leading into the
hospital. He heads straight for the admissions desk.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I need to find my wife!
                                                            
The ADMISSIONS WOMAN at the desk looks up from a magazine
she has been reading and quickly straightens when she
realizes a cop is standing in front of her.
                                                            
                       ADMISSIONS WOMAN
Yes sir, what's your wife's name?
                                                            
                       KENNY
Stephanie Jordan.
                                                            
The woman looks at a chart on her desk.
                                                            
                       ADMISSIONS WOMAN
Ok here we go. Maternity ward,
room 209.
      (beat)
Through those doors up one floor
and down the hallway.
                                                            
The woman points off in the direction Kenny needs to go.
                                                            
Kenny runs though the doors.
                                                            
 
INT. GHI ROOM 209 - NIGHT
                                                            
Stephanie lies on a bed with a nurse by her side. A doctor
checks her vitals while another nurse stands by the door.

Kenny flings the door open and hurries in.

The nurse by the door quickly stops him.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Sir! Sir, you can't be in here.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What?! That's my wife!
                                                            
                       NURSE
Oh, you're the father? Alright
but come with me, you need to get
into a pair of scrubs.
                                                            
 

40.

EXT. HOTEL - DAY
                                                            
Frank stops the squad car right in front of the hotel and
steps out.

Stephanie slowly gets out of the car and follows Frank to
the entrance.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Why are we here?
                                                            
Frank opens the door and motions for Stephanie to go inside.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
Frank follows Stephanie into the lobby.

The desk attendants can't help but smile at Stephanie.
                                                            
                       FRANK
In there.
                                                            
Frank points to a large double door with a sign that says
banquet hall.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
The banquet hall?
                                                            
Frank nods and guides Stephanie to the door.

Reluctantly Stephanie opens the door and walks in.
                                                            
 
INT. BANQUET HALL - DAY
                                                            
The banquet hall is very dark except for candle light. A
line of candles from the door to a circle area in the middle
of the room provide most of the light.

On the floor in the path created by the candles are
thousands of rose petals. In the middle of the circle are
in which the candles lead is a small table with two candles
sitting on top.

Sitting at the table is Kenny, smiling.

Off duty officer line the side of the path in their full
dress uniforms.

Stephanie throws a hand over her mouth when she sees
everything.
                                                            

41.

                       STEPHANIE
Oh my God!
                                                            
Frank smiles behind her.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (smiling)
Keep it moving lady.
                                                            
Stephanie walks down the path towards Kenny. As she passes,
each officer pulls a long stem rose from behind their back
and hands it to Stephanie.

By the time Stephanie reaches the table, she is holding a
dozen roses.

Kenny reaches down to the floor and grabs a vase. He sets
it on the table and motions for Stephanie to place the
flowers inside.

She does and then sits.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
What are you doing?
                                                            
Kenny gets up and walk around the small table so that he is
facing Stephanie. He gets down on one knee and pulls a
small box from his pocket.

Tears begin to stream down Stephanie's face.
                                                            
                       KENNY
We've been together for five years
now. We've been living together
for two years. I've enjoyed every
minute of it. Every second I'm
with you is the best of my life. I
want to spend my entire life with
you.
      (beat)
Stephanie Catherine Ashlin, will
you be my wife?
                                                            
Kenny opens the box and pulls out a moderately large diamond
engagement ring, and slides it onto Stephanie's finger.

Stephanie is now openly crying, but through her tears she is
able to respond.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Yes, yes of course. God yes!
                                                            
 

42.

INT. GHI ROOM 209 - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny, now dressed in scrubs, sits at his wife's side. He
holds her hand tightly.
                                                            
                       KENNY
You're doin' great baby.
                                                            
Stephanie screams through another contraction.
                                                            
The DOCTOR pokes his head up from between her legs.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Ok, you're dialated enough. It's
time to start pushing.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Alright honey you can do this.
                                                            
Stphanie lets out an ear shattering SCREAM as she pushes.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRASSY LAWN - DAY
                                                            
Kenny stands beneath a large archway covered with flowers.
To his side is Frank, his best man. Hundreds of people sits
in the lawn waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle.

Finally the music begins and Stephanie is led out on the arm
of her father MICHAEL ASHLIN. Both are smiling brightly.
                                                            
 
INT. GHI ROOM 209 - DAY
                                                            
After hours of labor, Stephanie no has her beautiful baby
girl in her arms. The baby's blue eyes stare straight up at
Stephanie.

The proud dad stands above them looking at his child. Frank
has his arm wrapped around Kenny's shoulder smiling.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What's her name?
                                                            
Stephanie and Kenny both look at each other, then answer at
the same time.
                                                            
                       KENNY AND STEPHANIE
Ashlin.
                                                            
Stephanie hands little ASHLIN up to Kenny. He takes her and
holds his daughter for the first time.
                                                            

43.

                       KENNY (VO)
They say your wedding day is the
best day of your life. No way.
The day your child is born, you're
life changes. I know it was the
greatest day of my life. I didn't
look at my job the same either.
Things began affectin' me.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny sits in the driver seat with Frank in the passenger
seat. They both stare straight ahead while talking.
                                                            
                       KENNY
How'd the Mets do last night. I
didn't catch the game 'cause the
baby was cryin' all night.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You didn't miss much. They
sucked. Shutout 5-0.
                                                            
Kenny shakes his head.
                                                            
                       FRANK
How's Ashlin doin'?
                                                            
                       KENNY
She's had a fever the past few
days, so it's been rough.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hey, why d'ya think I ain't got
kids?
                                                            
                       KENNY
Shootin' blanks.
                                                            
Kenny and Frank laugh.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Trust me, I'm fully loade--
                                                            
Dispatch interrupts them.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH
All available units, possible
kidnapping suspected located at
2871 E. Birch.
                                                            

44.

                       KENNY
That's like two blocks from here.
                                                            
Frank grabs the radio and responds.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (into radio)
34-16 respondin' code-3. Two
blocks away.
                                                            
 
EXT. 2871 E. BIRCH - DAY
                                                            
Kenny and Frank are the first to arrive at the address. The
stop the squad car and shut off the lights.

Kenny is the first out of the car, followed closely by
Frank.

Frank grabs his radio as they approach the door.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (into radio)
34-16, on scene.
                                                            
Kenny gets to the door first and bangs loudly with his fist.

No response.

Frank looks around and spots a white van.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hey look. That's the van isn't
it?
                                                            
Kenny looks at the van and nods.
                                                            
                       KENNY
This is him. I just hope the
girl's in there.
                                                            
Almost on cue a little girl cries out from inside the house.
                                                            
Without hesitation Kenny and Frank both kick the door in.
The burst into the house, drawing their guns.
                                                            
 
INT. 2871 E. BIRCH-LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The house is dark, all the shades all pulled in the living
room.
                                                            

45.

                       FRANK
NYPD!
                                                            
Kenny leads the way into the living room, pulling his
flashlight out. He shines the light all across the floor
and around the living room.

Frank covers him while shouting for the suspect to come out.

Kenny stops the light on a piece of clothing. A pair of
girls underwear lies on the floor next to the couch.

Kenny sees them and walks closer. His jaws tightens in
horror once he gets a closer look. There are blood spots on
the underwear.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hey! Hey freeze! NYPD!
                                                            
Kenny looks up and sees the KIDNAPPING SUSPECT in the
doorway to the kitchen. Like a deer frozen in the
headlights the man doesn't move.

Kenny jumps up and runs straight for the man. He tackles
him into the kitchen.
                                                            
 
INT. 2871 E. BIRCH-KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Kenny sits atop the suspect as he struggles on the ground.
Kenny pulls his arm back, fist clenched, ready to strike the
man.

Frank dives at Kenny, and pulls him off. With Kenny off,
Frank draws his gun and trains his sights on the suspect.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Don't you move!
      (beat; to Kenny)
Go find the girl.
                                                            
Kenny pulls himself together, stands up, and leaves the room
in search of the girl.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Where's she at asshole?
                                                            
The man doesn't respond. Frank moves in and pulls his
handcuffs out.
                                                            
Before cuffing the man, Frank grabs his radio.
                                                            

46.

                       FRANK
      (into radio)
34-16, kidnapping suspect in
custody. requesting back-up in
search for the girl.
                                                            
 
INT. 2871 E. BIRCH-BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny enters the small empty room. He stops in the middle
of the room.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hey honey, you in here? I'm with
the police it's ok.
                                                            
Silence.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Sweetie, if you're in here you
need to tell me. I'm here to
help.
                                                            
A sniffle.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hello?
                                                            
Kenny looks around the room and spots a closed closet door.

Another sniffle.

Kenny carefully walks to the door. He slowly turns the knob
and opens the door, shining his flashlight inside.

Curled up in the back corner of the closet wearing a long
man's shirt, the little girl lets out a muffled srream as
she tries to back up farther. Her eyes wide with fear, face
dirty, and pale.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Wait, wait, I'm here to help. I'm
with the police see.
                                                            
Kenny shines the light on his badge, then extends his hand
to the little girl.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Grab my hand. I'm gonna get you
to your mommy and daddy.
                                                            
A flicker of hope flashes across the scared girl's face. She

47.

slowly and reluctantly takes Kenny's hand.

Kenny helps her out of the closet and lifts her up into his
arms.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I got you. I got you.
      (beat; whispering)
I got you.
                                                            
Kenny walks to the bedroom door with the girl in his arms.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Frank! I got her Frank! She's
ok!
                                                            
 
EXT. 2871 E.BIRCH-FRONT PORCH - DAY
                                                            
With Frank right in front of him, Kenny carries the girl
outside.

The word had spread through the neighborhood, as hundreds of
people line the streets.

Police cars block the street and emergency personnel rush to
Kenny and the little girl.

The paramedics take the girl from Kenny, but two other
people want to see her first.

The little girl's parents rush through the barricades and to
their girl.

The paramedics let the parents hug their daughter. While
hugging her, both parents look deeply and appreciatively
into Kenny's eyes.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny walks into the dark room and flips the light switch
on.

Stephanie is already sleeping. The baby is also sleeping in
her cradle by the bed.

Kenny leans into the cradle and picks Ashlin up. She wakes
up and begins to cry. Kenny doesn't care. He just wants to
hold her close.
                                                            
 

48.

INT. PETER'S MOVING CAR - DAY
                                                            
Peter sits behind the wheel, periodically looking in his
mirror to the back seat.

Katie sits in the back seat kicking her feet excitedly.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (smiling)
You're not excited are you?
                                                            
                       KATIE
I'm going to work!
                                                            
Peter laughs.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (mostly to himself)
Let's see if you're that excited
twenty years from now.
                                                            
The recognizable New York City streets are packed with cars
ahead of Peter.
                                                            
                       PETER
It's gonna be a while before we
get there. Are you sure you don't
want your book or something?
                                                            
                       KATIE
I'm too excited to read.
                                                            
Peter smiles and turns his full attention back to the road.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
She really was excited. She
talked about it for at least an
hour.
      (beat)
And I'm glad she did.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny sits at his reclining chair in the living room reading
the newspaper.

Stephanie walks in wearing a beautiful evening gown.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
I know I told you they felt
uncomfortable, but I really would
like it if you came with me.
                                                            

49.

Kenny answers without looking up from his paper.
                                                            
                       KENNY
It's better for everyone. They
aren't the only ones who feel
uncomfortable. I can't relate to
these people.
                                                            
Stephanie violently grabs her purse from an end table and
heads for the door.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
You don't even try to.
                                                            
Stephanie opens the door and begins to walk out.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Are you going to be home when I
get back?
                                                            
                       KENNY
Nope, I'm going to the ballgame.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Fine.
                                                            
She slams the door behind her.
                                                            
 
INT. SHEA STADIUM-MENZANINE LEVEL SECTION 10 - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny, Frank, and two buddies from work, CARL TIMMS, and
HANK FLETCHER, sit next to each other at Shea Stadium. All
the men have beers, and all seem to be enjoying the game.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Come on, get the bat off you're
shoulder.
                                                            
                       KENNY
You're just gonna take a called
strike three? Get back on the
bench.
                                                            
Kenny leans back and takes a long drink from his beer.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hey let me ask you guys something.
                                                            
Everyone pries themselves away from the game to listen to
Kenny's question.
                                                            

50.

                       KENNY
Since you joined the force, do you
have trouble hanging out with
people that aren't cops?
                                                            
Hank laughs.
                                                            
                       HANK
Yeah, I'd say so. Come on even my
wife is a cop.
                                                            
                       CARL
Of my friends before I went into
the academy, I only see one of
them now. What's that tell you.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I just dont have friends. I'm a
bitter old man that keeps to
himself.
                                                            
Kenny grabs Frank in a playful headlock.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What? We're not your friends? But
we love you!
                                                            
Everyone laughs.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Seriously though Ken, it's not
always us.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What do you mean?
                                                            
Carl jumps up from his seat.
                                                            
                       CARL
Heads up!
                                                            
A foul ball sails right into...and out of Carl's hands,
dropping three rows down.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nice muff.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Error Fan.
                                                            
Carl sits back down, still upset.
                                                            

51.

                       FRANK
All I'm saying is a lot of people
don't want to be around the law.
They get nervous.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Well it's a good thing I got you
guys then.
                                                            
                       HANK
Oh yeah, we forgot to tell you
Kenny, we only hang out with you
as a charity. The chief puts us
all on shifts.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Thanks a lot guys.
      (beat; smiling)
Just watch the game.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I swear to god if the Yanks win
another series without our boys
even making the playoffs, I'm
gonna arrest them all.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny fastens his belt around his uniform as he look down at
the morning paper. He shakes his head at the headline.

"Yankees Sweep the Padres in Four, Win Series"
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
That was the day I almost quit.
      (beat)
But not because of the Yankees.
                                                            
Kenny buttons the top three buttons on his uniform.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (to himself)
Frank's not gonna be happy today.
                                                            
A now older Ashlin waddles into the living room, obviously
just learning to walk.

Kenny scoops her up into his arms.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hey darling.
                                                            

52.

Ashlin mumbles something which can't be understood.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'm gonna assume that means, "I
love you daddy, you're the best
dad in the world."
                                                            
Ashlin smiles brightly up at her dad.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
Family puts everything in
perspective. There's a time in
everyone's life when they realize
family is more important than the
job.
                                                            
Kenny puts Ashlin down and looks around the room.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Where's mommy hun?
                                                            
Ashlin ignores her father as she has found one of her toys
waiting on the living room floor.
                                                            
Kenny walks back toward the bedroom.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny walks into the room.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hey baby I'm leaving now.
                                                            
There's no response, so Kenny looks around the room.

Lying, doubled over, next to the bed is Stephanie. Kenny
rushes to her side.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Steph! What's wrong.
                                                            
Stephanie doesn't say anything. She just moans loudly.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Alright hang on baby.
                                                            
Kenny reaches for the phone.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Oh, screw that!
                                                            

53.

Kenny reaches down and picks his wife up from the ground. He
swiftly carries her out of the room.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENNY'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Kenny struggles to carry his wife to their car. Kenny sets
her down softly next to the passenger side door. He fling
the door open and again picks her up, setting her inside.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Just hold on, we're getting help.
                                                            
Stephanie is barely conscious.
                                                            
Kenny runs full speed back into the house. After a few
seconds he is running full speed with Ashlin under his arm.
He fling the back door open and carefully places Ashlin in
her car seat.

He closes the back door, opens the driver door, and jumps
into the driver's seat.
                                                            
 
INT. GHI EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny rushes into the emergency room and yells to no one in
particular.
                                                            
                       KENNY
My wife needs help! She's in the
car!
                                                            
A couple of nurses notice Kenny's uniform and rush to the
car. A doctor rushes outside as well.
                                                            
 
INT. GHI ROOM 135 - DAY
                                                            
An extremely tired Kenny sits holding his baby girl while
staring at his unconscious wife.
                                                            
A NURSE walks into the room.
                                                            
Kenny stands, his eyes pleading for information.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Your wife is going to be fine. She
is sleeping off the medication
right now.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What happened?
                                                            

54.

                       NURSE
The doctors had to perform
emergency surgery to repair a tear
in your wife abdoman.
                                                            
                       KENNY
A tear from what?
                                                            
                       NURSE
Well it seems like stress caused a
huge acid build up in her stomach
causing the stomach to rupture the
abdomen. The pain would have been
excruciating, that's why she was
uncommunitive.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Stress? Stress from what?
                                                            
                       NURSE
I don't know sir. I'll leave you
to your wife now.
                                                            
Kenny sits back down staring at his wife, wondering.
                                                            
 
INT. GHI ROOM 135 - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny has now fallen asleep with Ashlin on his shoulder. She
is still sleeping.

Stephanie begins to stir. Her eyes slowly open, and she
spots Kenny and Ashlin.
                                                            
She speaks in her weakened voice.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Ken? Honey, wake up.
                                                            
Kenny awakes with a start, but hangs on tightly to Ashlin,
who is woken by the start.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Baby, you're awake.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
How long have you been here?
                                                            
                       KENNY
All day and night.
                                                            

55.

                       STEPHANIE
You missed work? You need to get
back to work.
                                                            
Kenny shakes his head.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'm done. I'm gonna find a new
job.
                                                            
Even through her sickened state, Stephanie's face turns to
one of surprise.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
What? Why?
                                                            
                       KENNY
They told me this happened to you
because of stress. I know you're
stressed about what I do. I know
you're worried.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
You're right, I'm always going to
be worried. But you know what?
I'm also as proud as a could be of
you. I love what you do and that
you stand in there even while most
people despise police. You
protect the people whom claim to
hate you. I love that
selflessness and I love you. You
are not quitting.
                                                            
                       KENNY
But..
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
But nothing. If I'm stressed,
I'll figure out some other way to
deal with it.
                                                            
Kenny puts Ashlin down and stands up next to Stephanie. He
leans in and kisses her forehead.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (smiling)
Yes ma'am, whatever you say.
                                                            
 

56.

INT. OFFICE ELEVATOR - DAY
                                                            
Peter and Katie walk into the office elevator. The doors
shut behind them.

Katie stares at the large elevator and all the buttons.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Can I push the button daddy?
Please?
                                                            
Peter stares down at the pleading eyes of his daughter.
                                                            
                       PETER
Yeah, push sixty-five.
                                                            
Katie pushes the button marked sixty-five and the elevator
slowly makes its way up.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Are we going to your office?
                                                            
                       PETER
Yep. It's a long way up isn't it?
                                                            
The elevator finally stops and the doors open, revealing the
sixty fifth floor.

Peter takes Katie's hand and helps her off the elevator into
the hallway.
                                                            
 
INT. SIXTY-FIFTH FLOOR HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Peter walks with Katie through the hallway towards his
office. He shakes hands with some of his co workers as he
passes.
                                                            
Peter and Katie are greeted by MARGARET HENNSLY, Peter's
elderly office assistant.
                                                            
                       MARGARET
And who's this lovely little lady?
                                                            
Copying her dad, Katie sticks her hand straight out to shake
hands with Margaret.
                                                            
                       KATIE
I'm Katie.
                                                            
Peter and Margaret chuckle, while Margaret takes her hand.
                                                            

57.

                       MARGARET
Well, nice to meet you Katie.
                                                            
                       PETER
That's my baby.
                                                            
                       MARGARET
Well it looks like your baby is
already more professional than
some people in this office.
      (to Katie)
I think you're ready for a job
here aren't you darling.
                                                            
Katie smiles shyly.
                                                            
                       KATIE
I have a job. I'm working with my
daddy.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (smiling)
Yes she is, now we're gonna get to
work.
                                                            
Peter takes Katie's hand again and leads her to his office.

Katie waves back to Margaret as she heads into the office.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny, now sporting a goatee, sits in the driver seat of the
squad car, Frank next to him as usual.
                                                            
                       FRANK
How's Ash doing? I haven't seen
her in ages.
                                                            
                       KENNY
She's starting kindergarten in a
couple of weeks. It's nuts.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What's nuts?
                                                            
                       KENNY
It seems like she just popped out
yesterday.
                                                            
Frank laughs.
                                                            

58.

                       FRANK
Popped out?
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (smiling)
You know what I mean.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH
All units be advised, shots fired
in the 3400 block of East Cherry.
All available units respond.
                                                            
Frank responds.
                                                            
                       FRANK
34-16 responding, code 3.
                                                            
Kenny flips on the lights and siren.
                                                            
                       KENNY
That's a gang neighborhood.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I know.
                                                            
Kenny whips the car around a turn on his way to the scene.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I never thought I would say
something like this, but sometimes
I think we should just let those
fuckers kill themselves off.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You're not alone Ken, I think
every cop here thinks that.
                                                            
 
EXT. 3400 BLOCK EAST CHERRY - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny and Frank's squad car speeds around a right turn into
the neighborhood of the 3400 block.

There seems to be no people, just a lone car in the middle
of the road.

Kenny pulls the squad car up directly behind the car.

The car is now visibly wrecked. Bullet holes fill the
vehicle.
                                                            
                       FRANK
34-16 requesting back-up.
                                                            
 

59.

INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
For a short second, Kenny and Frank just stare at the car.
                                                            
                       KENNY
You think anyone's in there?
                                                            
Frank nods slowly.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I know someone's in there.
                                                            
 
EXT. 3400 BLOCK EAST CHERRY - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny and Frank carefully climb out of the squad car, guns
drawn.

They slowly approach the car, not sure what they're going to
find. Kenny approaches on the driver side of the car, Frank
on the passenger side.

They both lean close to the shot out windows to look inside.

Inside the car is a horrible scene. The two people in the
front seat, a man and a woman, are both slouched forward
bloody and dead.
                                                            
Kenny grabs his radio.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
We need an ambulance out here
immediately!
                                                            
                       FRANK
Oh God.
                                                            
Frank is now peering into the back seat.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What?
                                                            
Frank hurriedly rips the back door open.
                                                            
                       FRANK
We got a couple of kids back here
Kenny!
                                                            
Kenny quickly looks into the back seat. Two small children
lie motionless on the back seat, blood everywhere.
                                                            

60.

Another unit pulls onto the scene as Kenny rips the back
door open on the driver side of the car.
                                                            
The little boy on Kenny's side still makes no noise, but the
little boy on Frank's side moans a little as he reaches into
the car.
                                                            
                       FRANK
He's alive. Ken, this one's
alive!
                                                            
Frank pulls the little boy out of the car and into his arms
just as tow more officers approach the car.

With blood covering Frank's arms he heads for the squad car.
                                                            
                       KENNY
You two stay here and wait for the
medics.
                                                            
Kenny runs to the squad car and opens Frank's door. Frank
carefully climbs in holding the kid.

Kenny speeds around to the driver side.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny slams on the gas and the car peels out.

Frank begins CPR on the child right there in the front seat.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I don't care how fast you have to
go, we just need to get to the
hospital!
                                                            
Kenny is in a zone of his own.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I don't think I ever drove that
fast. Not in any chase, never.
That little boy was more important
than anything else at the time.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I think I got a pulse.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
Even after all these years, I
still could never understand why.
Why was it necessary to shoot
those children. As a matter of
            (MORE)

61.

                       KENNY (cont'd)
fact, why was it necessary to
shoot their parents. Most people
believe we are superior to
animals. Not me. There isn't an
animal that will kill a whole
family for no reason.
                                                            
Kenny pulls the car into the ambulance drop off at the
hospital.
                                                            
 
EXT. GHI - DAY
                                                            
Frank carries the little boy in his arms to the emergency
room doors. Two doctors meet him at the door and take the
child from him.

Together, Frank and Kenny sit on a bench outside the
hospital.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You know this is it right?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I know.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I thought I loved the job enough
to stay on past my twenty.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I know.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I can't. I can't stay on past
this year. I hate it. I hate
everything we see. I hate people.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Frank.
      (beat)
I know.
                                                            
Kenny looks directly at Frank. Frank's eyes full of tears,
he places his head in his hands.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
That is one of few moments etched
into my brain. The day the job
broke my partner.
                                                            

62.

                       KENNY
You wanna go inside and grab a
coffee?
                                                            
Frank lifts his head, wipes his tears, and nods.
                                                            
 
INT. GHI WAITING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The sun has risen outside but Frank and Kenny continue to
wait.

Both take a sip from their paper cups of coffee. Their
bloodshot eyes stare at nothing in particular.

Finally a YOUNG DOCTOR walks into the room.
                                                            
                       YOUNG DOCTOR
Excuse me.
                                                            
Kenny and Frank look up and see the doctor. They both stand
and blink the tired out of their eyes.
                                                            
                       YOUNG DOCTOR
I want you to know, you two saved
that boy's life.
                                                            
                       KENNY
He's alive?
                                                            
                       YOUNG DOCTOR
Yes sir, he just came out of
surgery.
                                                            
                       KENNY
He's alive Frank.
                                                            
Frank does nothing more than nod.
                                                            
The young doctor extends his hand and shakes with both Kenny
and Frank before exiting the waiting room.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Maybe that little boy isn't better
off being alive.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Frank he's alive.
                                                            
                       FRANK
But his parents aren't. His
brother isn't. He lost
everything.
            (MORE)

63.

                       FRANK (cont'd)
      (beat)
He lost everything for nothing.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny looks over at a much older Ashlin, wearing her little
backpack. She gazes out the window at the small building
waiting for her.
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
Daddy, I'm scared.
                                                            
                       KENNY
You want me to walk you up to the
door hun?
                                                            
Ashlin turns to face her father.
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
Please?
                                                            
                       KENNY
No problem baby.
                                                            
Kenny climbs out of the car and walks around the front to
the passenger side. He opens the door and helps Ashlin out.
                                                            
 
EXT. KINDERGARTEN BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
Kenny holds his daughter's hand as they approach the door to
her classroom.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Kindergarten's not all that bad
baby. I think you'll like it.
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
No I don't wanna go in there.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Trust me, you'll have fun.
                                                            
Ashlin pulls on Kenny's hand trying to pull him away from
the classroom.
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
No.
                                                            

64.

                       KENNY
Baby girl, you have to go to
school. How are you ever gonna be
a genius like your daddy?
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
Come with me daddy.
                                                            
Kenny laughs.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I can't come with you darling.
I've been to kindergarten already.
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
Go again please.
                                                            
MRS. PETERSON spots Ashlin and Kenny just outside the door
and walks up to greet them.

Kenny shakes hands with her.
                                                            
                       MRS. PETERSON
Hi, I'm Mrs. Peterson. Who's this
gorgeous little girl.
                                                            
Ashlin scurries behind her dad's legs.
                                                            
                       KENNY
She's a little nervous.
                                                            
Mrs. Peterson smiles.
                                                            
                       MRS. PETERSON
Yeah, that's pretty common.
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
Daddy, go to school with me.
                                                            
Kenny looks down at Ashlin's big beautiful eyes.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I can't--
                                                            
Kenny melts.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (to Mrs. Peterson)
Would it be a problem if I sat in.
                                                            
                       MRS. PETERSON
No, not at all.
                                                            

65.

                       KENNY
OK baby, I'll go to school with
you. Just for today though.
                                                            
Ashlin gives her dad a big hug around his legs.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hang on just a second, I have to
make a call.
                                                            
Kenny walks a few feet away to a nearby pay phone and dials.

Ashlin shyly talks to Mrs. Peterson.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
I can't make it in today.
      (beat)
Because I can't.
      (beat)
Family's more important.
      (beat)
Well guess what? That's the way
it is. I can't make it in.
                                                            
Kenny hangs the phone back onto the cradle.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (smiling)
Alright, I'm ready to be educated.
                                                            
 
INT. PETER'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Peter's office is clean and organized. His desk is clutter
free, everything in its place.

Katie gazes out the window in amazement.

Peter sits at his desk and reaches for the phone.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (into phone)
Hey Carl, I'm gonna need the
numbers on the Peterson deal by
noon.
                                                            
Katie looks at her Dad then looks around the room and spots
the plush leather couch.

She runs and jumps through the air landing hard on the
couch.
                                                            

66.

                       PETER
      (into phone)
Yeah noon, why what's the
problem...Hey Carl hang on.
      (beat)
Katie, don't jump on that.
                                                            
Katie slumps her shoulders and walks back to the window.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (into phone)
Anyway, we need this thing closed
by today.
                                                            
Katie looks bored and disapointed and Peter sees this.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (into phone)
You know what Carl, let me call
you back.
                                                            
Peter hangs up the phone and sneaks up behind his daughter.
He grabs her by her waist and lift her high into the air.

Katie giggles joyfully.
                                                            
                       PETER
Ok honey, what do you wanna do?
                                                            
Peter slowly sets Katie down on the ground.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Let's ride the elevator!
                                                            
Peter smiles wide.
                                                            
                       PETER
Sounds like fun.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE STATION LOCKER ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny tosses a pair of basketball shorts into his locker.
Frank stands at the locker next to Kenny buttoning up his
uniform.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You know how pissed Lieu was the
other day?
                                                            
Kenny buttons up his uniform.
                                                            

67.

                       KENNY
To tell you the truth, I honestly
don't care. My baby is more
important that any asshole we
might have helped on the street
that day.
                                                            
Frank just nods as he shuts his locker.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I was told it happened to me a lot
faster than most guys. I lost the
love. I gained the cynicism. I
knew I was a good person, and I
think deep down I didn't mean
anything I said. Stress is like a
drug that controls every part of
you. And I was high as a kite.
                                                            
Kenny follows Frank out of the locker room.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Frank sips on a coffee in the passenger seat as Kenny
drives.
                                                            
                       FRANK
So how'd she like it?
                                                            
                       KENNY
She had a blast with all the kids.
I think she's gonna be fine now.
                                                            
                       FRANK
How'd you like it?
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (smiling)
Well the popsicle stick houses
were fun, but I wasn't too fond of
nap time.
                                                            
Frank chuckles.
                                                            
                       FRANK
How's Steph?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I think she is finally handling
the stress better. She's taking
classes at the community college.
                                                            

68.

                       FRANK
Good, good.
                                                            
                       KENNY
It's getting close, are you
excited?
                                                            
                       FRANK
What's getting close?
                                                            
                       KENNY
You know what I'm talking about
old man.
                                                            
Kenny smiles at Frank.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm just not thinking about it.
                                                            
In front of Kenny and Frank's squad car, an older sedan
pulls out of an alleyway erraticly.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You on it?
                                                            
                       KENNY
Yep.
                                                            
Kenny activates the lights.

Frank grabs the radio.
                                                            
                       FRANK
34-16 to dispatch. In pursuit of
black four door sedan. Plates are
857 Larry Alpha Delta.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - DAY
                                                            
Kenny catches up with the sedan and pulls in right behind
the car.
                                                            
The sedan slowly pulls off into an alley and stops.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY AND FRANK'S SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Frank waits for a response from dispatch. Kenny surveys the
alley.

The alley is completely empty, not a sole in sight.
                                                            

69.

                       DISPATCH
Plates come back to Felix Geralda.
Outstanding warrants for assault,
drug trafficking, and larceny.
Approach with caution.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (into radio)
10-4.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Well you heard 'em, let's be
cautious.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Always.
                                                            
Frank and Kenny both open their doors and slowly climb out
of the car.
                                                            
 
EXT. ALLEY - DAY
                                                            
Frank, with his hand on his gun, slowly approaches the
passenger side of the car.

Kenny approaches the driver side.

Kenny reaches the driver side just as Frank reaches the
passenger side. Kenny leans forward a little to get a look
at the driver.

The driver, FLEIX GERALDA, is a middle aged Hispanic man.
Another man sits in the passenger seat.
                                                            
                       KENNY
How you doing today sir?
                                                            
                       FELIX
I'm ok.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Can I see you're license,
registration, and insurance
please?
                                                            
Frank questions the passenger.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Why were you guys driving like
Nascar all stars?
                                                            
Felix shifts back and forth in his seat uncomfortably.
                                                            

70.

                       FELIX
Um, officer, I don't have my
license on me.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Well that's not good. Where's it
at?
                                                            
                       FELIX
It's at home. We were on our way
to get it right now.
                                                            
Kenny backs up a few steps.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Sir, can you step out for me?
                                                            
Felix looks over to his passenger.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (to Felix)
Don't look at him, just get out of
the car like he said.
                                                            
                       FELIX
Why do I need to get out?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I just need to talk to you for a
second.
                                                            
Felix slowly opens the door and steps out.

                                                            
                       FRANK
      (to the passenger)
You stay here.
                                                            
Frank watches Felix get out of the car.

Felix shuts the door behind him as Kenny approaches. Just
as Kenny gets within arm reach, Felix rears back and swings
with all his might. Felix clocks Kenny right in the jaw
sending Kenny straight to the ground.

Frank reaches for his gun, but it's too late.

The passenger points a semi-automatic handgun out the window
and pulls the trigger. The bullets tear into Frank
sprawling him backwards.


71.

As Frank starts to fall, the passenger gets out of the car
and fires at Frank again.

Six more bullets tear into Frank's body.

Felix kicks Kenny in the face as he attempts to reach for
his gun.

The passenger shoots Frank two more times and jumps back
into the car.

Felix jumps into the car and speeds peels out before Kenny
can regain his senses and draw his gun.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (weakly)
Frank?
                                                            
Kenny's tries to see through the blood as he slowly crawls
toward Frank. Kenny grabs his radio slowly as he crawls.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
Shot's fired, officers down.
                                                            
Kenny finally reaches Frank's body. A river of blood flows
all around Frank. Kenny pulls himself up right next to
Frank and attempts CPR.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Come on Frank. Hear me.
                                                            
Kenny stops CPR and looks right at Frank's face. His eyes
wide open as if he were awake and alert.

Kenny lifts Frank's head and looks into his eyes.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Please...Frank, please.
                                                            
In the distance SIRENS WAIL.

Kenny hugs Frank's lifeless body. Frank's blood covers
Kenny's body.
                                                            
 
INT. GHI EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny sits in a chair by himself. He stares straight down
at the ground, still covered in Frank's blood.

Carlson walks up to Kenny and puts his hand on Kenny's
shoulder.
                                                            

72.

                       CARLSON
Kenny?
                                                            
Kenny doesn't even flinch.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Kenny, did you let the doctors
look at you?
                                                            
Kenny continues looking straight down.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Ken, let them take a look at you.
                                                            
Kenny looks up as if he hadn't heard anything, and he just
now realized Carlson was there.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Where's Colleen?
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Who?
                                                            
                       KENNY
His wife, where's his wife?
                                                            
                       CARLSON
She doesn't know yet.
                                                            
Stephanie burst into the emergency room and shouts for
Kenny.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Kenny!
                                                            
Kenny spots his wife and stands up. She runs to him and
they hug.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Where's Frank? How is he?
                                                            
Kenny's jaw tightens and he looks away.
                                                            
Carlson puts his hand on Stephanie's shoulder and shakes his
head.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Oh Kenny.
                                                            
Stephanie grabs Kenny and hugs him again, tears streaming
down her face.
                                                            

73.

Kenny blink rapidly to keep himself from crying and pulls
away from Stephanie.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I have to tell her.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
No Ken, we'll get someone over
there.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I need to.
                                                            
Kenny walks toward the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRANK'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Kenny stands at the front door of Frank's house now sans the
bloody uniform. He tries to knock but can't. He tries
again but can't do it. Finally he reaches out and softly
knocks on the door.
                                                            
COLLEEN DURAN answers the door. She immediately knows
something is wrong.

Kenny reaches into his pocket and pulls out Frank's badge
and hands it sadly to Colleen. This breaks him. Kenny's
eyes swell and his jaw tightens. Tears begin pouring down
his face.

Colleen realizes what it all means and becomes hysterical.
Kenny hugs her as they both cry.

They both fall to their knees crying at the front door.

                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I was never the same after that.
                                                            
 
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
                                                            
The cemetery is filled with police from all over the state.
All of them in their dress uniform, standing at attention.

Standing above the flag draped coffin of his partner is
Kenny.
                                                            
 

74.

INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
                                                            
Katie gleefully holds her father's hand as she picks the top
floor.

The elevator doors close and the ride begins.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Thanks daddy.
                                                            
Peter couldn't be happier. He looks down at Katie and
smiles brightly.
                                                            
                       PETER
Anything for you darling.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny lays sideways on his couch staring blankly in the
direction of the TV.

A bottle of Jack Daniels stands on the coffee table as his
only friend.

Kenny finally blinks, and through red bloodshot eyes spots
the bottle. He reaches for a glass on the floor and pours
some Jack. He grabs a half empty soda sitting next to the
jack and pours the rest into the glass.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
What does your partner getting
killed get you? It gets you too
much time to yourself. Too much
time to think. This was the
bottom, at least that's what I
thought.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S GARAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny pulls his car into the garage next to his wife's car.
He slowly climbs out holding a bag filled with cigarettes
and alcohol.

He walks to the door and is about to go inside when he spots
something on his wife's car. Kenny sets the bag down and
examine's the blemish on the bumper of the car.

A long dark scratch runs from top to bottom of the bumper.
Kenny twists his neck until it pops, frustration obviously
boiling over.

75.


He stands and turns to see his Stephanie standing in the
doorway.
                                                            
                       KENNY
God damnit, what is this?
                                                            
Kenny points at the scratch.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
It's not a big deal, lets talk
about it inside.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Not a big deal? I bought this
fucking car for you, I expect a
little bit of respect.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
You bought it? What the hell are
you talking about, we bought it.
You're not my sugar daddy. I make
my own money and WE bought this
car.
                                                            
The couple's voices are rising dramatically.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Don't even try to compare us.
Don't try to tell me we're equals!
How many people shoot at you. How
many times have you had to watch
someone die? This car is just
another example of your lack of
respect!
                                                            
Kenny rears back and slams his fist into the hood of the
car, leaving a big dent.
                                                            
Stephanie flinches at the outburst.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
What--what're you doing? Let's go
inside, we've been through a lot.
                                                            
                       KENNY
No! Why don't you come over here
and figure out how you're gonna
fix this shit!
                                                            
Kenny storms up to Stephanie and grabs her by the wrist.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
OW! You're hurting me Kenny!
                                                            

76.

Kenny swings her by the wrist and throws her into the car.
                                                            
Almost instantly, Kenny's face goes pale. His mouth drops
and remorse fills his face.

Stephanie gathers herself and stares at Kenny for a long
moment.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I couldn't believe it. I was the
guy I said I would never become. I
couldn't talk, I didn't know what
to say. I thought that would be
it. I would lose my wife over a
damn scratch.
                                                            
Stephanie storms past Kenny, shoving him on her way into the
house.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Steph...
                                                            
Kenny sinks down and buries his head in his hands.
                                                            
 
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
                                                            
The elevator slowly rumbles to a stop and the doors spread
open revealing the top floor.

Katie grabs her father's hand and tugs.
                                                            
                       KATIE
I want to look out the window!
                                                            
Peter smile as Katie pulls him off the elevator onto the top
floor.
                                                            
 
INT. TOP FLOOR HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Within seconds of Peter and Katie stepping off the elevator
a DEAFENING BOOM ROARS through the building. The building
shakes.

Peter grabs Katie and pulls her to the floor.
                                                            
                       PETER
Stay down baby, go over by that
wall.
                                                            
Peter points to a wall away from the windows and Katie

77.

slowly crawls over toward it. Her face is a mess of
confusion, fear, and curiosity.

Peter slowly stands up and peers out the window, his face
immediately twisting in horror.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy, I'm scared.
                                                            
Peter can't seem to pull himself from the window.
                                                            
                       PETER
I know baby, I know.
                                                            
Through the window, across the way is the second building of
the Twin Towers.

A mushroom cloud of smoke has risen from the side of the
building, with fire begining to engulf the whole side.
                                                            
Peter finally pulls himself together and turns to Katie.
                                                            
                       PETER
We have to get downstairs.
                                                            
Katie stands and runs to her father.
                                                            
                       PETER
I have to call your mom and tell
her we're ok.
                                                            
People begin flooding the hallway, pouring out of their
offices. There is less panic than would be expected, but
fear is still very apparent on the people's faces.

Rather than follow the herd to the stairwell, Peter drags
Katie to one of the offices to make his quick phone call.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Kenny sits up in his bed, still groggy from the night's
sleep. Next to him in the bed is Stephanie.

                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I woke up that morning the man I
used to be, not the man I had
become. It was as if everything
made sense. And I couldn't
believe she was still there by my
side.
                                                            

78.

Kenny looks over at Stephanie, almost shocked that she is
there. He leans downs and kisses her cheek.

Stephanie stirs and wakes to the kiss. She looks up and
sees the look in Kenny's eyes.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I am so sor---
                                                            
Stephanie stops him.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
It never happened.
                                                            
Kenny smiles.
                                                            
                       KENNY
And it never will. I'm going back
to work today. I'm ready.
                                                            
Stephanie sits upright in the bed.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
You're ready?
                                                            
                       KENNY
I'm ready. My first day partnered
with Frank he told me he had only
missed seven days in his career.
I've already missed more than that
and I still have the rest of my
career ahead of me.
      (beat)
Frank would be pissed.
                                                            
Stephanie smile and hugs Kenny tight.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
I'm so happy, now go get ready for
work, I'll call and let them
you're ready.
                                                            
Kenny kisses her forehead and jumps out of bed. He walks to
the bathroom.
                                                            
Stephanie rolls over and grabs the bedside phone to make the
call. As she dials she remembers something and opens the
drawer in the nightstand.

Inside is a home pregnancy test. Stephanie was pregnant
again.
                                                            

79.

                       STEPHANIE
      (into phone)
Oh--Hi, this is Stephanie Jordan,
Kenny's wife.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE STATION LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
Kenny strolls into the lobby from the locker room,
attracting stares from the other officers.

Lieutenant Carlson Wently walks up to him and wraps his hand
around Kenny's shoulder.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Ken, I'm sticking you in a solo.
Are you ok with that?
                                                            
Kenny's eyes look glazed over for a second, but he blinks
away any doubts.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Yeah--I mean..
      (beat)
I'll be fine. It's gonna be weird
not seeing Frank next to me, but
I'll be ok.
                                                            
Carlson squeezes his shoulder and lets go.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Don't be afraid to radio in if you
need anything.
                                                            
Carlson stops as Kenny walks toward the parking lot.

Kenny nods.

Carlson points at Kenny.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
Hey, I'm serious Ken. Anything at
all.
                                                            
Kenny turns toward Carlson before leaving the building.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Lieu, I'm gonna be fine, thanks.
                                                            
Carlson smiles and watches Kenny walk out.
                                                            
                       CARLSON
I know you will.
                                                            
 

80.

INT. TOP FLOOR OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
A panic stricken Peter speaks frantically into the phone,
Katie at the window gazing at the carnage.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (into phone)
I'm ok! I'm leaving now, I just
wanted to tell you! Katie is
fine!
                                                            
Katie tears her stare away for a moment.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy, those people need help.
                                                            
Katie points across the way.
                                                            
                       PETER
      (into phone)
I love you too.
                                                            
Peter hangs up the phone.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy they need help.
                                                            
                       PETER
I know baby. We have to get out
of here first!
                                                            
Peter sweeps Katie into his arms and bolts for the door.
                                                            
Oblivious to the severity of the situation Katie continues
to focus on the other people.
                                                            
                       KATIE
We'll help them when we get down.
                                                            
Peter kicks the door opens and screams into the hallway.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I can only hope we've raised my
daughter as well as he raised this
little girl. She had to be the
most caring person I have ever
met.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny maneuvers his squad car easily through the light
morning traffic.
                                                            

81.

He holds his cell phone to his ear.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
Day two, I'm feeling good.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie stands over the stove stirring scrambled eggs. She
seems preoccupied.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
You're sure you aren't too tired
to be working?
      (beat)
I mean you did just come back and
you worked last night.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - DAY
                                                            
Kenny's squad cars sits idling at a stop light.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I got a few hours. Anyway I asked
to pick this shift up.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE (VO)
I know, I just worry about you
baby.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie turns away from the stove to stare out the window
above the sink.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
      (into phone)
Hey baby, I have something to talk
to you about tonight. Let's go
somewhere nice.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
Alright, anywhere you want hun.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny hangs up his cell phone and slides it into his pocket.

He grabs the radio from the cradle and radios into dispatch.
                                                            

82.

                       KENNY
      (into radio)
34-16 in service.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH (VO)
10-4. Respond to a disturbance
Middle Village, no further info
available.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
10-4
                                                            
Kenny replaces the radio.
                                                            
 
EXT. MIDDLE VILLAGE PARK - DAY
                                                            
Kenny slowly drives his car around the perimeter of the
park.

A woman runs out into the road in front of Kenny's car.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny slams on the brakes as the woman runs out in front of
him.

He puts the car in park and opens his door to get out.
                                                            
 
EXT. MIDDLE VILLAGE PARK - DAY
                                                            
The woman approaches Kenny as he steps out of the squad car.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
They over there! Them crack heads
been fighting for about an hour.
                                                            
Kenny follows the woman's pointing finger to the middle of
the park.

Two old men stand at odds against each other. Both men hold
small tree branches in their hands.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Ok stay here ma'am.
                                                            
Kenny strolls up to the two men who don't even seem to
notice him.
                                                            

83.

                       KENNY
      (into radio)
34-16, I may need some assistance
here.
                                                            
The two men continue to circle each other, neither wanting
to swing his stick first.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (to the men)
Hey!
                                                            
The men, startled by Kenny's voice, look over at him.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What are you doing?
                                                            
The two men both drop their tree branches simultaneously.
                                                            
Kenny motions for them to come closer.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Come here.
                                                            
The two men slowly, and sheepishly approach Kenny.
                                                            
                       KENNY
What's going on here?
                                                            
Before either man can respond a THUNDEROUS EXPLOSION rips
through the park.

Kenny instinctively ducks and reaches for his weapon.

Everyone in the park looks over their shoulders for the
source of the explosion.

It doesn't take Kenny long to see the source. One of the
Twin Towers in engulfed in a cloud of smoke.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Shit!
                                                            
Kenny sprints back toward his squad car while radioing into
dispatch.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
Explosion at Trade Center. 34-16
en route.
                                                            
Kenny flings open the driver's door and jumps into his squad
car.
                                                            
 

84.

INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny throws the transmission into drive and flips on his
lights and siren, peeling out.
                                                            
The radio is a continuous crackle of activity. All officer
radioing their location and ETA.
                                                            
Kenny grabs the radio.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
34-16 code 3, ETA 10 minutes.
                                                            
 
INT. TOP FLOOR STAIR WELL - DAY
                                                            
Peter, carrying Katie tight in his arms, bursts into the
stair well behind a groups of co-workers. More people fill
the stairwell behind him.

Before he can even run down one flight, an elderly oman
stops him.
                                                            
                       ELDERLY WOMAN
He needs help! Please! Help!
                                                            
Peter forces himself to listen to the woman.
                                                            
                       PETER
Calm down. Who needs help?
                                                            
                       ELDERLY WOMAN
Ralph! He's still up there!
Please!
                                                            
                       PETER
Where?
                                                            
                       ELDERLY WOMAN
297, He tripped! Room 297, he's
hurt!
                                                            
Peter puts his own safety aside.
                                                            
                       PETER
Take her down!
                                                            
Peter hands Katie over to the elderly woman who struggles to
hold the child.

                                                            

85.

                       PETER
Katie be brave baby! Go with this
lady all the way to the bottom!
                                                            
Peter turns and head back toward the top floor. He stops
quickly and turns back to Katie.
                                                            
                       PETER
I love you!
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy!
                                                            
A tear streams down Katie's cheek.
                                                            
Peter vanishes back onto the top floor, running the opposite
way of panicked workers.

The elderly woman struggles down each step with Katie in her
arms. Finally she can't take anymore.
                                                            
                       ELDERLY WOMAN
Can you walk darling?
                                                            
Katie nods, wiping the tear from her face.
                                                            
                       ELDERLY WOMAN
Ok baby, I'mm gonna put you down.
                                                            
No sooner does the woman put Katie down, the crowd pushes
her away from Katie.

After a few seconds, Katie is left huddling in the corner of
the stairwell unnoticed by the hundreds of people attempting
to flee the building.

Katie musters up the strength and pushes her way down the
stairs, trying not to get trampled.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie sits on the couch flipping through TV stations as
her cell phone begins to vibrate on the coffee table.

She sets her plate of eggs down next to her and grabs the
phone.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
      (into phone)
Hello?
                                                            
 

86.

INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Knny flies through traffic, most of which is pulled off to
the side watching the Towers. He holds the phone tightly
against his ear while steering with his free hand.

                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
Listen to me, I don't know what's
going on. All I know is that
there was a huge explosion at one
of the Towers. I'm on my way over
there now.
                                                            
Kenny swerves to miss a stopped car in the middle of the
road, his SIREN WAILING loudly.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie puts her hand to her mouth.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Oh my God, be careful!
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Not even considering his usual response, Kenny answers.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
I will. I love you.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie grabs the TV remote and begins flipping toward a
news station.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
      (into phone)
I love you too.
                                                            
Stephanie hangs up the phone. She finally stops on a news
station already reporting on the incident.
                                                            
 

87.

INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny hangs a left and speeds toward the Towers. He grabs
the radio.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
Is this an accident?
                                                            
After a moment, dispatch responds.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH (VO)
Know one knows. A plane hit the
building, that's all we know.
                                                            
Kenny replaces the radio, listening to other officers report
on the scene.
                                                            
 
INT. TOWER STAIRWELLT - DAY
                                                            
Brave little Katie hugs the wall of the stairwell on her way
down, avoiding the stampeding people. She looks at the
people as they pass as sees the terror in their eyes.

Tears again begin to stream down the little girl's face, but
she continues on.

She slows when she comes across a man huddled in the corner
of the stairwell, shaking. Katie stops right next to the
man.
                                                            
                       KATIE
What's wrong?
                                                            
The man slows his shaking and slowly looks up at the little
girl.
                                                            
                       MAN IN STAIRWELL
I don't wanna die.
                                                            
Katie huddles down next to him, offering as much help as a
girl her age can.
                                                            
                       KATIE
You're not going to die. My daddy
told me we'd be ok.
                                                            
Katie smiles through her tears at the man and hold out her
hand.

The man slowly takes her hand to comfort himself.
                                                            

88.

                       MAN IN STAIRWELL
What's your name?
                                                            
                       KATIE
Kat--
                                                            
Suddenly the entire stairwell shakes violently as if it were
an earthquake, followed by the TREMENDOUS ROAR of an
EXPLOSION.

People start falling over each other, losing their balance.

The man panicks and jumps to his feet, still holding Katie's
hand. He tries to drag her down the stairwell with him, but
they lose touch in the crowd.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie watches in horror a live shot of the Tower already
on fire when another passenger jet soars directly into the
second Tower.

She lets out a little scream.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Kenny!
                                                            
A huge mushroom cloud erupts from the Tower.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny stares up at the smoking Tower as he drives. He's
almost there.

Suddenly another plane slams into the other Tower.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Oh my God!
                                                            
He can hear the RUMBLE of the explosion inside his car.

Without a moment's hesitation, Kenny grabs his cell phone
and dials his wife.
                                                            
                       KENNY
I know, I know. Go get Ash right
now! Do it, I want her safe at
home!
                                                            
 

89.

INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Almost instantly, Stephanie jumps off the couch and grabs
her keys off the coffee table.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
      (into phone)
Ok, ok, I love you!
                                                            
Stephanie bolts for the garage.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny shakes the disbelief from his head and tries to
concentrate.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into phone)
I love you too.
                                                            
Kenny hangs up the phone.

He is within blocks of the Towers and speeds past herds of
people walking surprisingly calm out of harm's way.
                                                            
 
INT. STEPHANIE'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie speeds through her neighborhood on her way to
Ashlin's school. In the distance, the smoking Towers loom
over the city.

Stephanie barely misses hitting another car as she turns out
onto the main road.
                                                            
 
EXT. KINDERGARTEN BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
The kindergarten is already packed with concerned parents
trying to take their children.

Security guards and teachers are struggling to make sure
each child goes home with their actual parent.

Stephanie swerves her car into the parking lot and jumps out
without even shutting the car off.

She jogs up to the main building frantically searching for
Ashlin.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Ashlin! Ashlin!
                                                            

90.

Finally Ashlin's teacher spots Stephanie and calls out to
her.
                                                            
                       MRS. PETERSON
Mrs. Jordan! Ashlin is still
inside, waiting.
                                                            
Stephanie follows Mrs. Peterson.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Oh thank God.
                                                            
 
INT. STAIRWELL - DAY
                                                            
Pieces of the wall in the stairwell begin to rain down on
the panicked people.

A chunk lands on Katie's shoulder and she looks up.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy?!
                                                            
Katie tries to turn back. She tries to run back upstairs to
her father's rescue. It is impossible for her to fight
through the crowd and she is turned back.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Daddy...
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S MOVING SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Kenny finally gets as close as it seems he is going to and
stops the car. He throws the door open and jumps out into
the street.

People jog and walk past him the opposite way.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Get as far away as possible!
                                                            
Kenny's radio comes to life.
                                                            
                       DISPATCH (VO)
All units, we're getting reports
that a plane or planes have hit in
DC.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Jesus!
                                                            

91.

Kenny runs full speed toward the World Trade Center Plaza,
passing ambulances, fire trucks, and other police men.

One officer yells to Kenny, but he doesn't even consider
stopping.
                                                            
                       OFFICER (VO)
      (over radio)
Kenny, you need to get to a
command center!
                                                            
Kenny disregards the advice/order. He only has a block
until he reaches the Trade Center.
                                                            
 
INT. STEPHANIE'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie, a lot calmer, head home with Ashlin sitting
safely in the passenger seat.

Ashlin looks confused.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Hey darling, you ok?
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
Is Daddy going to the accident?
                                                            
Stephanie holds Ashlin's hand.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Yep, he's going to help all those
people.
                                                            
                       ASHLIN
I want Daddy to be home.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Me too baby, me too.
                                                            
 
EXT. SECOND TOWER ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
Kenny fights his way past hundreds of fleeing people,
shoulder to shoulder with rescue personnel attempting to
guide the people to safety. He runs straight in the
direction everyone is fleeing.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
I don't know why it hit me then,
but it did. Right before I went
through the doors I thought about
my daughter. When was the last
            (MORE)

92.

                       KENNY (cont'd)
time I spoke with her? What did
we talk about? Where was she now?
I couldn't force the thoughts
from my mind, but I knew I had a
job to do.
                                                            
Kenny flies through one of the open doors into the second
Tower.
                                                            
 
INT. TOWER STAIRWELL - DAY
                                                            
Katie slowly makes her way down the stairs. She has made it
down to the 5th floor when there is another RUMBLE.

People scream out as they run, afraid another plane has hit
the building.

Kaite freezes when she hears the sound. She just stands as
people pour past her.
The few people left behind her pass and she is left alone in
the stairwell.

She hugs herself and begins to cry.
                                                            
 
INT. TOWER LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
Kenny checks each person he passes for injuries. Everyone
seems to be intact and handling themselves very well. They
all keep telling him there are people trapped upstairs.
                                                            
Kenny grabs his radio.
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
Are there any officer in the
Tower?
                                                            
People begin to respond.

"Tower 1"

"Tower 2"

"Second Floor"

"Stairwell"
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (into radio)
I'm heading up Tower two
stairwell.
                                                            

93.

Kenny grabs the door to the stairwell as people try to exit.
He asks people as he passes if they know of anyone trapped.
People tell him there have to be people trapped, but know
one knows where.
                                                            
 
INT. STAIRWELL - DAY
                                                            
Kenny bounds up the stairs past the a few panicked people
and spots Katie in the corner of the stairwell.

Katie holds her head in her hands and sobs to herself.

Kenny rushes toward her and scoops her into his arms.
                                                            
                       KENNY
It's gonna be ok honey. Where's
your parents?
                                                            
Katie looks up at her rescuer and wipes the tears from her
eyes.
                                                            
                       KATIE
      (sniffing)
My daddy is upstairs helping
someone.
                                                            
Kenny looks up, dread filling his eyes.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Can we go get him?
                                                            
Kenny holds her closer to him and begins to head back down
stairs.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Let's get you out of here first
darling.
                                                            
 
INT. KENNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Stephanie sits on the couch with Ashlin in her lap, their
eyes glued to the television.

The first tower's collapse is being played and replayed on
the screen.

Stephanie stares, shocked.

Suddenly the news team on the TV breaks in with live footage
of the second tower rumbling and imploding.
                                                            

94.

Stephanie covers her mouth and lets out a soft whimper.
                                                            
                       STEPHANIE
Oh my God.
                                                            
 
INT. RUBBLE - DAY
                                                            
Black envelopes the tombs of the trade center rubble. Not a
noise at first then..
                                                            
                       KENNY
      (painfully)
Hello?
                                                            
Katie's quiet moans grow a little louder at the sound of
Kenny's voice.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Where are you sweety?
                                                            
Through the darkness Katie struggles to respond.
                                                            
                       KATIE
He-here.
                                                            
Suddenly there is a click and a small pool of light
illuminates the concrete surrounding Kenny.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Ok, I'm gonna crawl over to you.
What's your name?
                                                            
Kenny swings the light back and forth in the direction of
Katie's voice.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Katie..I'm Katie.
                                                            
At this Kenny spots the little girl hunched over near an I
beam and a pile of concrete.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Ok stay there Katie, I'm coming.
                                                            
The small area, three feet tall at the most, in which Kenny
is moving proves difficult to maneuver. It takes Kenny a
few minutes to reach Katie.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Are you hurt?
                                                            

95.

No answer.

                                                            
                       KENNY
Katie? Katie are you hurt?
                                                            
Katie finally coughs and answers.
                                                            
                       KATIE
My back hurts.
                                                            
Kenny finally reaches Katie and extends his hand.
                                                            
                       KENNY
Hold my hand baby.
                                                            
Katie reaches out slowly and takes Kenny's hand.

Kenny lays down next to her in the rubble. He tries to
reassure her, not quite even reassuring himself.
                                                            
                       KENNY
We're gonna get out of here, don't
worry.
                                                            
                       KATIE
I know. My daddy will get us out
of here.
                                                            
Kenny's light shifts in through the rubble and stops on
Katie, her face smeared with dirt and dust, but no tears. In
her hand is a small note pad.
                                                            
                       KENNY (VO)
She really was brave. Braver than
me. To me it felt like I was a
Vietnam soldier who managed to
make it out of the war alive just
to be diagnosed with cancer. I
had finally got my life back, now
this? But I can't think about
that. I can't be weak. I have to
be the person I swore I was going
to be way back in the academy.
                                                            
 
EXT. GROUND ZERO - DAY
                                                            
A group of four firefighters stand atop the mangled iron and
concrete that was formerly the great Twin Towers. One of
them is holding a note pad. They all silently read the last
page.
                                                            

96.

                       KENNY (VO)
For her I have to be a hero, she's
already mine.
                                                            


THE END


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From Andrea Kelley Date 6/28/2006 ****
Amazing i would definetly push this movie.....i could see it being big...great job.

From Katina Blackwell Date 6/27/2006 ***1/2
I really liked your story. I got to know the characters, but I would have liked to know more about them. I think you did a great job and would love to see this on the big screen.

From Justin Hunter Date 6/22/2006 ****
This was an amazing piece. There are a few cliche moments in it but the overall affect is there. This story is especially poignant in the time we are living in. I can see this as a movie and believe with a little polishing you can win some competitions.


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