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Kindergarten Detective
by John Bradley (johnrushbradley@hotmail.com)

Rated: PG   Genre: Comedy   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

Rocky Stone, a 5 year old gumshoe, works his beat at the Mid-town Kindergarten class. When a piece of jewelry comes up missing he is in for the biggest case of his 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.



FADE IN:

EXT. SLEEPY SUBURBAN STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
Set in Black & White.
                                                            
A dim streetlight highlights the heavy rain pounding the
asphalt.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
I've wanted to be a detective my
whole life. I could never imagine
doing anything else...
                                                            
Headlights approach.
                                                            
A conspicuous Crown Victoria splashes water across the
sidewalk as it drives by.
                                                            
 
INT. CROWN VICTORIA - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
A white knuckled hand steers the wheel of the car.
                                                            
It belongs to CHRISTOPHER STONE, 30's, intense, dark pants
and dress jacket. He focuses on the road.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
You sure about your intel,
detective?
                                                            
Christopher turns to his partner in the passenger seat...
                                                            
ROCKY STONE, an adorable and rambunctious 5 year old wearing
a matching outfit to Christopher, sitting on a booster
seat,stares defiantly back at his partner.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
This isn't my first rodeo, you
know.
                                                            
Christopher nods.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Pull over here.
                                                            
Christopher kills the lights, pulls the Crown Victoria to a
stop. Rocky points to a house at the end of the street.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
There.
                                                            

2.

The two detectives stare long and hard at the house.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Let's roll, partner.
                                                            
 
INT. TRAP HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The house us shrouded in darkness. The silhouettes of
furniture visible.
                                                            
BAM!
                                                            
The door flies open. Light rushes in.
                                                            
Rocky and Christopher stealthily sneak in. Christopher,
revolver at the ready, goes in first. Rocky, hands gripped
tightly to his squirt gun, follows right behind.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
They wander through.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Anything?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
All clear.
                                                            
MUFFLED SCREAMS O.S.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Basement.
                                                            
They hurry to the basement door. It's locked.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I got this.
                                                            
Rocky delivers a kick. The door bursts open. The two
detectives descend into the
                                                            
BASEMENT
                                                            
VALLERY VENTON, 5, blonde, stylishly dressed, a mini Kim
Basinger, sits, tied in a chair.
                                                            
Miss Binky, a blonde haired toy doll, is tied up in a chair
next to her.
                                                            
Christopher rushes towards them.
                                                            

3.

                       CHRISTOPHER
It's okay, you're safe now.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (O.S.)
Look out!
                                                            
Christopher turns. BAD GUY rushes at him.
                                                            
Rocky raises his squirt gun, fires three quick shots. Water
splashes Bad Guy; he drops to the ground.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
That was close.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You okay?
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
You saved my life.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Anytime...partner.
                                                            
Rocky rushes to free Vallery. Christopher frees Miss Binky.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
      (to Rocky)
My hero!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Just doing my job, ma'am.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Would you like a kiss?
                                                            
Rocky's eyebrows shoot up. He struggles to contain a grin.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You bet I would!
                                                            
Vallery pulls out a Hershey Kiss from her pocket, unwraps
it. She slowly brings the chocolate treat to Rocky's open
mouth.
                                                            
                       LISA (V.O.)
      (peppy)
Time to wake up sleepy head!
                                                            
                                         SMASH CUT TO
                                                            
 

4.

INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
A sloppy mess of a child's bedroom. Toys littered about. A
blue racecar bed placed against the wall. A Dick Tracy
poster above it.
                                                            
In the bed...Rocky, in SpongeBob Square Pants pajamas,
spoons his pillow, chews it like he is eating a piece of
chocolate.
                                                            
LISA STONE, 30's, sweet as candy, almost to the point of
obnoxiousness, stands a few feet away, hands on her waist, a
smile on her face.
                                                            
                       LISA
You are just cute as a button.
                                                            
Rocky groggily awakens, glances around confused. He looks
sourly at the pillow, pushes it away.
                                                            
                       LISA
Did my little guy sleep well?
                                                            
The scene pauses on a smiling Lisa.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
My Mommy...I mean, my Mom. She can
be so mean sometimes.
                                                            
The scene gets back in action.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (angry)
I was dreaming, Mom!
                                                            
Lisa shuffles to his closet. Sorts through his clothes.
                                                            
                       LISA
Are you still playing detective?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (frustrated)
It's not playing, I am a
detective!
                                                            
Lisa turns and smiles.
                                                            
                       LISA
That's wonderful, sweetie.
                                                            
Lisa grabs clothes and quickly goes to dressing Rocky.
Slacks, a collared shirt, trench coat, and fedora. Typical
1950's detective wear.
                                                            

5.

Rocky pulls out a bottle of bubbles and blows some, like a
cigar, detective outfit now complete. He gives a smug look.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
My name is Rocky Stone and I am
Kindergarten Detective.
                                                            
Rocky smiles, cool and confident. Behind him, Lisa shakes
her head.
                                                            
                       LISA
You better hurry -- you don't want
your Pop Tarts getting cold.
                                                            
Rocky snaps out of it.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Ooh, Pop Tarts!
                                                            
Lisa shuffles out of the room. Rocky hurries after her.
                                                            
 
INT. STONE KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Rocky sits on a high chair at the kitchen table, eagerly
awaits his breakfast.
                                                            
Lisa bustles from the stove to the toasters. Hurries to get
prepare everyone's meal.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Mom, I'm starving!
                                                            
                       LISA
Your Pop Tarts will be out in a
minute, honey bun.
                                                            
Christopher, suit and tie on, briefcase in hand, a smudge
missed shaving cream on his cheek, storms in, his eyes
searching.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
My dad. He's the whole reason I
wanted to be a blue blood. One day
we're going to be partners, for
real.
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
--Rocky, in front of a Christmas tree, opens a present. He
pulls out a Detective Kit. Christopher smiles as he looks
on.
                                                            

6.

--Rocky, in front of his mirror, finishes getting dressed in
his detective uniform. He flashes his badge.
                                                            
--Rocky and Christopher lie sleeping, snuggled together on
the couch. An old black and white detective movie plays on
the screen in front of them.
                                                            
                                         END SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Morning, Captain.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
      (distracted)
Hey, Rockstar.
                                                            
Lisa walks to Christopher, wipes the shaving cream from his
face.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Thanks honey.
                                                            
Christopher goes to the counter, scours through a stack of
papers.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (to Christopher)
So, you know how Saturday is our
day to spend together?
                                                            
Christopher continues his search, barley paying any
attention to Rocky.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Uh-huh.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Well, I was thinking we could go
to the zoo! They just had a baby
tiger.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
      (distracted)
Yeah, that's great.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
so, is it okay if we go?
                                                            
Christopher looks up, completely lost.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Go where?
                                                            

7.

Lisa steps in, gives Christopher an angry glare.
                                                            
                       LISA
Daddy would love to take you to
the zoo.
(to Christopher)
What's missing?
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
I can find my phone anywhere.
                                                            
Rocky picks up a phone off the counter, holds it up.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I grabbed it for you, dad.
                                                            
Christopher rushes over, grabs the phone.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Thanks, son.
                                                            
Christopher pats Rocky on the head. He hurries to Lisa and
pecks her cheek.
                                                            
                       LISA
Aren't you staying for breakfast?
                                                            
Christopher points to his watch, hurries to the front door.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Don't have time.
                                                            
Christopher closes the door behind him as he leaves.
                                                            
Pop Tarts shoot out from the toaster. Lisa puts them on a
plate and brings them to Rocky.
                                                            
Rocky shoves the plate away and crosses his arms.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Detectives don't have time for
breakfast.
                                                            
Lisa sighs.
                                                            
 
EXT. MID TOWN GRADE SCHOOL - MORNING
                                                            
A bustling school in the heart of the city. School buses and
parents make a mad dash to drop off their kids.
                                                            
Lisa's blue van pulls up to the curb. She hurries out and
drops off Rocky.
                                                            

8.

                       LISA
Oh, you look so adorable!
                                                            
She leans in and gives him smooches all over his face. He
squirms.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Mom...quit it! I'm not a little
kid anymore.
                                                            
Lisa cackles.
                                                            
                       LISA
Course not, my grown man. Love
you, don't get too dirty today.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You're embarrassing me!
                                                            
Lisa hurries back in the van and drives away.
                                                            
Rocky looks around. Two girls his age, LAURA and KRISTEN,
stare and snicker. Rocky blushes.
                                                            
He turns and heads up the busy stairway into the school.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
This is my district. There's a lot
of action here. Crimes are like
tantrums, you never know when
they're gonna strike.
                                                            
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
                                                            
Rocky maneuvers through a sea of boisterous kids. He makes
his way to the Kindergarten class.
                                                            
Rocky glances around, searching.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Now time to find my trusty
partner.
                                                            
Someone catches Rocky's attention. He grimaces and slaps his
forehead.
                                                            
MITCH ANDERSON, 5, big for his age, dressed head to toe as a
cartoonish 1950's cowboy, skips towards him. A
happy-go-lucky sidekick.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Hey, Rocky!
                                                            

9.

                       ROCKY
Why are you dressed like Howdy
Doody?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Who?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
We're detectives, where's your
uniform?
                                                            
Mitch looks down at his clothes, realizes what Rocky is
talking about.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Oh this? My new cowboy outfit,
ain't it swell? My mommy bought it
for me yesterday.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
How are people supposed to take us
seriously as detectives with you
dressed like that?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Gee, I guess I didn't think about
that.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Well, don't let it happen again.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Sorry, boss.
                                                            
Mitch's eyes light up.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Hey, I have something to give you.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What?
                                                            
Mitch reaches in his pocket and pulls out a colorfully
decorated bracelet with the letters "bff" on them.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What's that?
                                                            
                       MITCH
A friendship bracelet. I made it
for you last night.
                                                            

10.

Rocky unenthusiastically takes it, curiously looks it over.
He sticks it in his pocket.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Gee, thanks.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch's attention is diverted...
                                                            
Vallery Venton, 5, the knockout diva of the Kindergarten
class, struts down the hallway like a model on the catwalk.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch's jaws drop. They, along with all the other
boys in the class, stare cartoonishly.
                                                            
The other girls see this and shoot Vallery a collective
glare.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Vallery Venton. What I wouldn't
give to split a box of Goldfish
with her.
                                                            
Vallery passes our two gawking detectives, doesn't pay them
a moments glance.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
I've been in love with her since I
first saw her last month. She
barely knows I exist.
                                                            
The BELL RINGS
                                                            
Everyone hurries into class.
                                                            
 
INT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASS - DAY
                                                            
A board labeling every color. Another showing the letters of
the alphabet. Educational toys neatly stacked in bins.
                                                            
Bright and colorful. A warm, welcoming atmosphere.
                                                            
Students sit in pairs at small, square, wooden tables. All
eyes up front.
                                                            
A quick MONTAGE shows the kids.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
This is my class. There's Mitch,
Vallery, Chris, Lizze, Cameron,
Stinky Dave, Stephanie, Suzie Q,
Adam, Scott, Marla, Justin, Laura,
Paul, Cornelius, Poppins, John,
Tina, the other John, Stephen,
            (MORE)

11.

                       ROCKY (cont'd)
Krista, Kristen, Kristy, Jacob,
Zack, and Regina.
                                                            
MISS ROBINSON, mid 50's, modest attire, her sweet natured
optimism she once had now faded, glances around at the
class.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
      (flatly)
Morning, class.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
      (chipper)
Good morning, Miss Robinson.
                                                            
All of a sudden, the door bursts open...
                                                            
LANCE COOPER, a 5 year old version of James Dean, shoulder
cut leather jacket, and 'I heart Mom' sticker tattoo on his
arm, stands at the doorway, pulls out a comb and runs it
through his slicked back black hair.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Hey.
                                                            
Ms. Robinson looks at him, slightly annoyed. She checks her
role call.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
You must be my new student, Lance
Cooper.
                                                            
                       LANCE
That's me, babe.
                                                            
All the girls bat their eyelashes at him, swooning.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Class starts at eight-thirty, not
eight-thirty two.
                                                            
                       LANCE
That's cool.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
      (frustrated)
Yes, it's very cool.
                                                            
Lance strolls in, scopes the class.
                                                            

12.

                       MS. ROBINSON
You can have a seat wherever you
like.
                                                            
Vallery holds her breath, excited. Lance scans his options
around the room.
                                                            
Vallery turns to Stinky Dave, in the seat next to her. She
shoves him out of his chair.
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
Hey!
                                                            
Lance turns in Vallery's direction. She waves at him.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
There's an open seat right here!
                                                            
Stinky Dave gets up, brushes himself off, and slinks away.
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
      (mumbles)
Everyone's always so mean to me.
                                                            
Lance struts over to Vallery and takes a seat next to her.
He cooly kicks his legs up on the table.
                                                            
She melts going gaga over him. He turns and regards her. She
twirls her hair, smiles, and waves at him. He's unimpressed.
                                                            
Rocky notices the way Vallery looks at Lance. He crosses his
arms, pouts.
                                                            
                       LANCE
What's up?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I'm Vallery, it's nice to meet
you.
                                                            
                       LANCE
That's cool.
                                                            
Lance turns to the front of the class. Vallery looks hurt at
the brush off.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Now tomorrow we are having our big
Show and Tell. I know how excited
you all are for that. I'm sending
slips home for your parents to
sign...
                                                            
 

13.

EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Recess time.
                                                            
Jungle gyms, swings, a giant sandbox, monkey bars.
Everything you would expect.
                                                            
An entire group of kids replicating adult behavior.
                                                            
JOHN, 5, dressed in a white coat, holds a stethoscope to
ZACK, 5, who coughs.
                                                            
                       JOHN
There's no easy way to say this...
                                                            
                       ZACK
      (scared)
What is it, Doc? Am I going to
live?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm sorry to have to break the bad
news.
(pause)
You have cooties.
                                                            
Zack breaks down into tears.
                                                            
NEXT TO THE JUNGLE GYM
                                                            
KRISTA, 5, wearing a snazzy dress suit, holding briefcase,
paces back and forth, a toy cell phone pressed to her ear.
                                                            
                       KRISTA
No, I need those files before nap
time! The trial starts at one
o'clock sharp!
(pause)
Tell Stevens if he wants to cut a
deal it better include some Animal
Crackers!
                                                            
Krista slams the toy phone shut.
                                                            
BY THE SWINGS
                                                            
TINA, rounded glasses, carries a notepad, tape recorder, and
camera, searching for the next big news scoop, stalks her
prey.
                                                            
STINKY DAVE, 5, as awkward a kid as you can imagine, hurries
away.
                                                            

14.

                       TINA
Stinky Dave, is it true that
you're the one who peed in the
sandbox last recess?
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
No comment!
                                                            
                       TINA
Please, just a quick word for my
readers!
                                                            
THE REST OF THE PLAYGROUND
                                                            
Vallery and a bunch of the girls jump rope on one side of
the yard.
                                                            
Lance hangs out, chewing away on a Milky Way bar. A group of
kids gawk around him.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch hang out in their own little corner. Rocky
paces. Mitch shuffles through papers.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
So, what cases do we have open?
                                                            
Mitch shuffles through the crayon drawn papers.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Let's see...we have the case of
the mystery ingredient in Lunch
Lady Laura's mystery meat.
                                                            
Rocky scoffs.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Small potatoes.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Wait, the mystery ingredient is
tiny potatoes?
                                                            
Rocky slaps his head.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
No, never mind. What else?
                                                            
                       MITCH
We have the case of who stole my
half of a Snickers bar last
Tuesday.
                                                            
Rocky sighs.
                                                            

15.

                       ROCKY
Is this it? Is this all there is
in being a detective?
                                                            
Mitch shrugs his shoulders.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I hear they eat doughnuts a lot.
Would it help if I got some
doughnuts?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I thought there'd be more than
mystery meat and stolen half eaten
Snickers bars when I joined the
force.
                                                            
Rocky stares at Lance, who is surrounded by a flock of
girls.
                                                            
                       MITCH
What'cha thinking about, boss?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm thinking Lance needs to be
brought down to size.
                                                            
                       MITCH
      (nervously)
You don't mean...?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Time to bring out the big guns.
                                                            
Mitch's eye's raise, terrified.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I know what you're planning,
Rocky! Don't do it, that's taking
this too far!
                                                            
Rocky marches towards Lance. Mitch follows nervously behind.
Rocky brushes past people. The moment is tense.
                                                            
Lance chats up his flock of girls, unaware.
                                                            
                       LANCE
You know, my Great-Uncle was D.B.
Cooper, one of the greatest
thieves in American history. The
F.B.I. never caught him.
                                                            

16.

The girls 'ooh' and 'ahh'. Vallery skips up to him, shows
off her shoes.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Check out my new Sketchers, aren't
they fabulous?
                                                            
                       LANCE
Ewww, pink.
                                                            
Vallery, hurt by the comment, meanders away.
                                                            
Rocky approaches, stands right in front of Lance. Everyone
gawks, awaiting the confrontation.
                                                            
                       LANCE
What do you want, Barney Fife?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
To put you in your place.
                                                            
Everyone "Oohs" and "Ahhs".
                                                            
                       LANCE
How you gonna do that?
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Eight numbered squares are drawn in chalk on black cement.
Hopscotch.
                                                            
A crowd of kids gather to watch the spectacle. Mitch stands
in the middle. Mitch speaks like Michael Buffer would
announcing a prize fight.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and
girls, children of all ages. What
we have for you today is a
Mid-Town Grade School ultimate
Hopscotch challenge!
                                                            
The crowd goes wild. Rocky and Mitch both confidently
stretch, size each other up.
                                                            
Mitch pulls out two equally sized pebbles. Hands one to
Rocky and one to Lance.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Since Lance is new, I will quickly
go over the rules of how we play
here at Mid-town.
                                                            

17.

Mitch stands in the middle of the game.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Each player must toss their marker
into the right square. If you miss
your square, your turn is over.
                                                            
Mitch points to the number 1 square.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Start with number one and move to
number eight, skipping the number
your marker is in. If your feet
land outside the square, even a
little, you're out and the game is
over. If both of you complete all
eight numbers, we go again, but
hopping backwards. Any questions
from the competitors?
                                                            
Rocky shakes his head 'no'.
                                                            
                       LANCE
      (confident)
Can we hurry this up, I have a
juice box getting warm?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Since he is the defending champ,
Rocky goes first.
                                                            
MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The crowd watches in hushed silence. Lance stands away,
blowing on his nails, without a care in the world.
                                                            
Rocky, a steely look of determination, tosses his pebble on
the #1 square. He hops over it and does the numbers back and
forth effortlessly. The crowd cheers.
                                                            
Lance yawns.
                                                            
                       LANCE
That's the best you got?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You're up.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Step aside, let me show you how
it's done.
                                                            

18.

Lance closes his eyes, covers them with one hand. He tosses
his pebble on the number 1. He effortlessly hops all the
numbers. The crowd goes wild.
                                                            
Rocky gulps, nervously.
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND
                                                            
--Rocky tosses his pebble on the Number 2 and hops across
successfully.
                                                            
--Lance goes through the same number, but smoother and with
more confidence.
                                                            
--They each run through the numbers 3-8 squares. Each has a
moment where their foot almost misses a square.
                                                            
--The audience of kids stares, absolutely captivated.
                                                            
                                         END MONTAGE
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch stand at the front of the Hopscotch board.
The rowdy audience mumbles. Mitch steps forward.
                                                            
                       MITCH
This is Mid-Town's first ever
Hopscotch tie!
                                                            
The crowd applauds.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Our overtime rules are the same as
normal...except, our competitors
will have to do the board hopping
backwards!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (whispers)
I can't do it backwards.
                                                            
Lance looks at him and smiles. Rocky gulps.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Good luck.
                                                            
Rocky tosses his pebble on 1 and hops. He reaches the end. A
nervous smile.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (whispers)
You can do this, Rocky.
                                                            

19.

He attempts to go backwards, makes it a couple steps,
falters.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
No!
                                                            
Everyone gasps, shocked. Lance chuckles.
                                                            
Rocky tumbles to the ground. Places his palms to his face in
disbelief.
                                                            
                       MITCH
      (in disbelief)
All Lance has to do now is make it
across and he wins, beating the
previously undefeated champ.
                                                            
Lance tosses his pebble. He goes backwards like a pro,
completing the round perfectly.
                                                            
The crowd goes wild. Rocky sulks, completely defeated.
Vallery rushes up to Lance.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
You did amazing!
                                                            
Lance steps in a puddle of mud, splashing it on her shoes.
He struts past her, paying her no attention.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
My new Sketchers!
                                                            
Lance goes to his adoring crowd where he is carried off in
victory. Vallery looks down at her muddy shoes. Tears come
quickly.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
They're ruined!
                                                            
Mitch rushes over to Vallery.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Let me help you with those.
                                                            
Mitch and Vallery run off. Rocky looks around, alone, having
been defeated. He slinks away in shame.
                                                            
 
INT. STONE LIVING ROOM - EVENING
                                                            
The front door opens, Rocky shuffles in, jacket draped over
his shoulder.
                                                            

20.

Lisa, cooking dinner in the kitchen, looks over at him,
smiles.
                                                            
                       LISA
Long day at school, sweetie?
                                                            
Rocky meanders to the dinner table, takes a seat.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Just pour me a glass, will ya?
                                                            
                       LISA
      (concerned)
Okay sweetie.
                                                            
Lisa grabs a glass and the carton of milk from the fridge.
She pours the glass full and sets it in front of Rocky.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Leave the carton.
                                                            
Lisa places the carton down, goes back to fixing dinner.
                                                            
                       LISA
Is there something you'd like to
talk about?
                                                            
Rocky grabs the carton, fills up the glass.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Can't a guy just have a drink in
peace, without the third degree?
                                                            
Rocky gulps down the entire glass, slams it down. He grabs
the carton and quickly refills the glass.
                                                            
Lisa rushes over and snatches the milk from him.
                                                            
                       LISA
I think you've had enough.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (slurred)
I'll tell you when I've had
enough!
                                                            
Rocky lets out a long, loud fart.
                                                            
Rocky and Lisa stare at each other awkwardly. Lisa sniffs
the air, has a disgusted look.
                                                            
                       LISA
Oh my...
                                                            

21.

                       ROCKY
If you need me I'll be in my room.
                                                            
Rocky ambles to his room, slams it behind him as he enters.
                                                            
 
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Rocky slouches in a chair, several empty bottles of milk
littered around him.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
I used to be the man in Mid-town.
Now I'm just a big, fat joke --
yesterday's news.
                                                            
Rocky picks up a bottle of milk and takes a big chug.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
My life's over, peaked out halfway
through my Kindergarten year. Now
it's all downhill. Unless I can
find a way to redeem myself.
                                                            
Rocky's brows rise, a light bulb moment. He stands and
paces, manically.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Show and Tell. If I can come up
with something awesome at the Show
and Tell I can make everyone
forget about Lance Cooper.
                                                            
Rocky gives a determined smile. A KNOCK at the door. Rocky
looks over curiously.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Yeah?
                                                            
The door opens, Mitch enters.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Just wanted to see how you're
holding up?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (forced)
Never better.
                                                            

22.

                       MITCH
Really? That's surprising. I
thought you'd be depressed out of
your mind cause Lance humiliated
you.
                                                            
Rocky grits his teeth.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Thanks for your concern.
                                                            
Mitch notices the empty bottles of milk, regards them. Rocky
notices.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What, a guys not allowed to have a
drink?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Hey, I got my allowance. I wanted
to see if you wanted to go to
Chuck E Cheese and play Ski Ball?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That'd be great.
                                                            
They both smile and exit Rocky's room.
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
--INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Rocky, dressed in his detective uniform, stands in front of
the mirror. He holds a Chicago Police Department Medal of
Valor.
                                                            
Christopher stands behind Rocky, looking proudly at his son.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Maybe one day you'll have one of
your own.
                                                            
Rocky's face lights up at the notion.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (smiles)
You think so?
                                                            
--INT. VALLERY VENTON'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Vallery, dressed to impress, gazes at a golden Little Miss
Chicago sash in the mirror.
                                                            

23.

VALLERY'S MOM, walks up behind her, helps her put the sash
on.
                                                            
                       VALLERY'S MOM
You look stunning, sweetie.
                                                            
A confident smile crosses her face.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I know.
                                                            
--INT. MITCH ANDERSON'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Mitch holds a picture in front of him, smiles fondly. It is
of him and Rocky at a birthday party, arms around each
other.
                                                            
Mitch pulls out his detective's badge, shines it with his
shirt.
                                                            
--INT. LANCE COOPER'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Lance, in his usual leather jacket, lies in bed, running his
comb through his already perfect hair.
                                                            
TRISH COOPER, late 20's, an overworked, overstressed single
mom enters in a hurry.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
We're running late for school and
you're laying in bed?
                                                            
Lance pops up.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Take it easy, Ma.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
Well, get your butt in gear!
                                                            
Lance Cooper hurries out, followed by Trish.
                                                            
 
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Rocky lies in bed, snoring, a puddle of drool underneath his
chin.
                                                            
They door opens, Lisa floats in, cheery and caffeinated.
                                                            
                       LISA
Wakey, wakey sleepy head!
                                                            

24.

Rocky groggily opens his eyes, rubs his head in pain.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (mumbles)
I drank way too much milk last
night.
                                                            
Lisa rummages through the closet, puts Rocky's detective
outfit together.
                                                            
 
EXT. MID TOWN GRADESCHOOL - MORNING
                                                            
Kids get dropped off at school left and right. An army of
yellow school buses and mini vans.
                                                            
Lisa Stone's blue van pulls up and she drops Rocky off.
                                                            
                       LISA
Oh my sweet prince, give Mommy
kisses!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (angry)
No, Mom--!
                                                            
Lisa dives in, covers his face in smooches.
                                                            
                       LISA
I'll see you after school,
sweetie!
                                                            
A group of girls snicker at Rocky.
                                                            
Lisa gets in the van and pulls off.
                                                            
Rocky makes his way up the side walk. Mitch, now dressed in
a detective's uniform, runs up to him.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Hey, boss.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Glad to see you dressed for work
today.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch head up the stairs and into the school.
                                                            
 
INT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASS - DAY
                                                            
All the kids, dressed in their finest clothes, lean forward,
eyes unblinking, eagerly awaiting the start of the big day.
                                                            

25.

                       ROCKY (V.O.)
There's no bigger day in a
Kindergartener's life than Show
and Tell day. Look at em all,
chipper as can be. It's quite sad,
actually.
                                                            
Rocky fidgets, clearly the most excited of them all.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Oh, don't judge me! I'm only five.
                                                            
Ms. Robinson stands at the front of the class.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Well, everyone sure does look
eager to be here today.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Yes!
                                                            
The kids become restless, Ms. Robinson notices.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
All right, let's get this show on
the road, Miss Robinson has a real
bad headache today.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Mitch stands at the front of the class, holds out his
detective badge and picture of Rocky and himself. All eyes
on him.
                                                            
                       MITCH
This is my favoritist picture in
the whole wide world. It's from my
fourth birthday party. That's the
day Rocky and I decided to become
best pals. Seems like a lifetime
ago.
                                                            
Mitch waves at Rocky. Lance snorts sarcastically from the
back.
                                                            
                       MITCH
A few months ago, we entered the
detective academy together and
have been partners ever since.
Rocky is the finest detective I
know and I couldn't ask to have a
better partner.
                                                            

26.

Mitch works hard to contain his emotions.
                                                            
                       MITCH
That's the thing I wanted to show
I'm most proud of.
                                                            
Mitch looks at Ms. Robinson to show he is done. She yawns,
on the verge of sleep. Quickly catches herself.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
That was very nice, Mitchell.
                                                            
Mitch goes and takes his seat. This class gives him a polite
applause. Ms. Robinson glances around.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Vallery stands at the front of the class, a shiny gold sash
displayed in her hands as if she were a game show host.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
This beautiful sash has been
handed down from one Little Miss
Chicago to another for the last
fifty two years. I won the contest
this year and am proud to
represent it.
                                                            
Vallery glances over at Lance, hoping he'd notice. But he
could care less.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I'm going to be the best Little
Miss Chicago ever. My mommy tells
me I will definitely be the
prettiest.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
That's very wonderful, Vallery.
It's great to stay humble.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Thank you, Ms. Robinson.
                                                            
Vallery goes and takes her seat. The boys applaud wildly.
The girls applaud half-heartedly. Ms. Robinson looks at a
paper.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Rocky stands at the front of the class, Christopher's
Chicago Police Department medallion hanging around his neck.
                                                            

27.

                       ROCKY
My daddy joined the force seven
years ago, right before marrying
my mommy. Right after my second
birthday he came upon a burning
house while on patrol. He didn't
hesitate and ran right in. He
saved two elderly people's lives
and ended up with a burn scar on
his neck.
                                                            
Rocky pauses for a second. He points to the Medal of Valor
on his neck.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
The mayor gave my daddy this
medal. He's my hero and the reason
I chose to become a detective
because that's what he's studying
to be. We're gonna be partners one
day.
                                                            
Mitch sulks at that last sentence.
                                                            
Rocky, teary eyed, looks at Ms. Robinson to signal that he
is done.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Well done, Rocky. That was a very
touching presentation.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Thanks.
                                                            
He smiles. The entire class gives a loud applause, except
for Lance, who leans back in his chair and yawns.
                                                            
Rocky strolls proudly back to his seat.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Now it's time for our last
presenter of the day, Lance
Cooper.
                                                            
Lance sighs, disinterested. He casually struts up to the
front of the class, confidently glances around.
                                                            
He pulls out his shiny black comb and runs it through his
hair.
                                                            

28.

                       LANCE
This here is my lucky comb. It
keeps my hair perfectly straight,
see?
                                                            
Lance turns to give the class a good look at his hair. The
girls 'oh' and 'ah'.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Before he got locked up, my pops
gave this to me and said, 'Son,
there is nothing more important in
this life than good looking hair'.
That's why this goes with me
wherever I go.
                                                            
Lance looks around.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Any questions?
                                                            
Suzzie Q raises her hand. Lance nods his head at her.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Yeah, you.
                                                            
                       SUZZIE Q
Is it your perfectly straight hair
that makes you so dreamy?
                                                            
                       LANCE
I'd like to think so, yes.
                                                            
Ms. Robinson looks at Lance.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Okay, does that about wrap it up?
                                                            
                       LANCE
That wraps it up, babe.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Thank you for sharing such a
touching story, Lance.
                                                            
Lance puts his comb back in his jacket pocket and struts
back to his seat.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Those were some wonderful
presentations. Okay guys, let's
take a twenty minute recess and
then it's nap time!
                                                            

29.

All the kids get up and bolt to the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Kids frolic and play games. High energy. Recess time is well
under way.
                                                            
Lance, on the swing set, flies back and forth, chews away on
a Milky Way bar. Several yards away, Mitch standing next to
him, Rocky glares a hole through Lance.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
His dad is locked up in the pokey,
I should have figured. That
explains why he hates me so much.
Should I feel sorry for him?
Probably. Truth is, crime runs in
families. Chances are Lance will
end up where his daddy is one day.
                                                            
A ball hits Rocky in the back, he turns. A kick ball game is
underway. Scott looks over at him.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
C'mon, Rocky, we need one more!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'll be right there!
                                                            
Rocky grabs the ball and rushes towards the game.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Even a hard working detective
needs to let off some steam every
once in a while.
                                                            
Rocky plays kickball with the group.
                                                            
 
INT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASS - DAY
                                                            
The lights are dimmed. Soothing music plays.
                                                            
The desks are all pushed to the side. The kids sit on the
matted floor, nearly finished cartons of milk and cookie
crumbed napkins in front of them.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Is everyone getting sleepy?
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Yes.
                                                            

30.

                       MS. ROBINSON
Okay guys, snack time's over.
Throw your rubbish in the trash
and find a spot to lie down.
                                                            
There is a mad dash for the two trash bins. When the kids
are done, they hurry back to the mats, jockeying for a prime
spot.
                                                            
Mitch wanders, searching for a place to lay his head. Sees
one next to Vallery. He goes over.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Is this seat taken?
                                                            
Vallery pats the mat next to her.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
It is now.
                                                            
Mitch smiles and lays down next to her.
                                                            
Rocky, one of the last to make it from the trash bins,
studies the landscape.
                                                            
The last place left is by stinky Dave. Dave waves at Rocky.
Rocky gives him a flat smile and plops down next to him.
                                                            
Everyone settles in.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Okay everyone, have a good nap.
                                                            
The kids all close their eyes.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Ms. Robinson sits at her desk, texting on her phone. All the
kids are curled up on the mat sleeping, some even snore.
Peaceful.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
      (whispers)
You little monsters aren't so bad
when you're in a cookie coma.
                                                            
Ms. Robinson's CELL PHONE VIBRATES. She quickly gets up and
exits the room.
                                                            
OUTSIDE CLASSROOM
                                                            
The hallways are quiet and empty. Ms. Robinson, in a
whisper, answers her phone.
                                                            

31.

                       MS. ROBINSON
Mom, I'm in the middle of class.
(pause)
They're where you always leave
them, in the bathroom cabinet on
the top left shelf.
                                                            
THROUGH THE PEBBLE GLASS ON THE DOOR...

A tiny shadow arises from the mats of sleeping children.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON (O.S.)
Yes, Mom, we're still on for
Tuesday.
(pause)
I know I need to meet a nice man,
trust me.
                                                            
The silhouette stands and looks around, to see if anyone is
watching.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON (O.S.)
No! I don't want you to set me up
with Jeffery!
(pause)
Because, he has a comb over!
                                                            
The shadow tip-toes towards the cubby holes. It grabs one of
the backpacks. It's hand reaches in and pulls something out.
Clearly Vallery's Little Miss Chicago sash.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON (O.S.)
Fine, but just coffee, that's all.
(pause)
Okay, Mom, I love you I'll talk to
you later.
                                                            
The shadow creeps back to the matts and lies down. Ms.
Robinson hangs up the phone and opens her classroom door.
                                                            
INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
                                                            
Ms. Robinson enters. All the kids are sleeping, right where
she left them. She quietly closes the door and heads back to
her seat.
                                                            
BLACKNESS
                                                            
Light emerges through the blinks of slowly opening eyes.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON (O.S.)
Okay, everyone, time to wake up.
Shake out those cobwebs.
                                                            

32.

INT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASS - DAY
                                                            
Rocky groggily looks around and stretches. Everyone else
does the same.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
My, it looks like everyone slept
well.
                                                            
The kids all start to get up, rub the crust out of their
eyes.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Okay guys, you get fifteen minutes
of free play, then I have a
coloring project for you to do!
                                                            
The kids get up in a flash and rush to get the best toys. No
hangover from the nap.
                                                            
Vallery, still sitting next to Mitch, looks over at him,
stretches and smiles.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You have a good nap?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
More like amazing!
                                                            
                       MITCH
      (nervously)
That's good.
                                                            
An awkward pause between them.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I have some Play-Doh in my
backpack. You wanna make copies of
people we don't like and smush
them?
                                                            
Vallery, smiling, brings her fist down in a smushing motion.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Would I? That'd be fantastic!
                                                            
Rocky approaches, looks them both over.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Hey, what are you guys up to?
                                                            

33.

                       VALLERY
      (rudely)
Mitch and I are playing Play-Doh.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Oh.
                                                            
Rocky gets the hint. He sulks. Mitch offers him an
apologetic smile.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You two have fun.
                                                            
Rocky shuffles away.
                                                            
Vallery turns back to Mitch.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Wait right here, I'm gonna run to
my backpack and be right back.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Yup, I'll be right here, won't
move an inch.
                                                            
Vallery rushes off to her backpack. She opens it, digs
through. Her face turns to panic.
                                                            
She SHRIEKS, breaks down into tears. Everyone turns. Ms.
Robinson rushes over.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
      (sarcastic)
What's wrong, princess?
                                                            
Vallery, unable to stop crying, shakes her head 'no'. Ms.
Robinson suddenly becomes concerned.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
You can tell me, please.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
      (stutters)
My...my...
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Vallery?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
      (screams)
My Little Miss Chicago sash is
stolen!
                                                            

34.

Everyone gasps.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Oh, crap.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
The room is in chaos. Ms. Robinson works to keep everyone
calm.
                                                            
Mitch blocks off the cubby holes with yellow crime scene
tape.
                                                            
Rocky inspects the area, a magnifying glass in one hand, a
disposable camera in the other.
                                                            
Tina, tape recorder in hand, approaches the crime scene tape
in a pushy manner.
                                                            
                       TINA
Detectives? Detectives?
                                                            
Rocky closes his eyes, pinches the bridge of his nose,
annoyed.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (to Mitch)
How'd the press get here so
quickly?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Someone must've tipped them off.
                                                            
Rocky turns, regards Tina with a fake smile.
                                                            
                       TINA
Detective Stone, any suspects yet?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
This is a closed crime scene, I'm
gonna have to ask you to leave.
                                                            
                       TINA
Please, just a quick quote for my
readers!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Mitch--
                                                            
Mitch puts his arms around Tina, escorts her away.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You know the drill.
                                                            

35.

Rocky approaches Vallery's labeled cubby hole, examining it
carefully. Something catches his eye.
                                                            
Mitch shuffles up behind him.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Got something, boss?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm not sure.
                                                            
Rocky lifts the disposable camera, takes a picture of a
chocolate smudge next to Vallery's cubby.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Chocolate?
                                                            
FLASH
                                                            
Rocky wipes his finger across it, sniffs it.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Milky Way.
                                                            
Vallery approaches, teary-eyed.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You doing okay?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Does it look like I'm doing okay?
Do you two have any idea how
important that Little Miss Chicago
sash is?!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You're talking to professionals.
We're going to get your sash back
safe and sound.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Well, you better. Because if you
don't, your reputation in this
town will be ruined!
                                                            
Vallery storms away. Rocky and Mitch exchange a concerned
look.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch have set up a corner of the class like an
interrogation room. A play table with a toy recording device
and a mirror.
                                                            

36.

Stinky Dave sits in the chair, nervously fidgets.
                                                            
Rocky stands menacingly over him, Mitch casually a few feet
away.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Why'd you do it, Dave?
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
You've got the wrong guy!
                                                            
                       MITCH
You've got a secret, just itching
away at you like a bad diaper
rash.
                                                            
Stinky Dave breaks down into tears.
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
Okay, I confess, it was me!
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch exchange surprised glances.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Why'd you do it?
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
My tummy was grumbling and it was
there, taunting me. I couldn't
help it!
                                                            
                       ROCKY AND MITCH
Huh?
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
      (to Mitch)
I'll pay you back, it was only
half a Snickers bar!
                                                            
Rocky shakes his head, disgusted. Mitch throws his arms in
the air.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Well, that case is solved.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You? You stole my half Snickers
bar?!
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
I'm sorry! All that chocolatey
goodness -- I'm a weak man.
                                                            

37.

                       ROCKY
Get him outta here!
                                                            
Mitch grabs Stinky Dave by the collar and escorts him away.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Suzie Q sits impatiently at the table, taps her fingers. Her
eyes shift back and forth between Rocky and Mitch.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
The stolen sash, what do you know
about it?
                                                            
                       SUZZIE Q
Nothing.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Tell me something, Suzie Q, how
jealous are you of Vallery?
                                                            
                       SUZZIE Q
      (angered)
What?! I'm not jealous of her!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Oh sure, you're pretty and smart
-- I'd even say the best jump
roper in class. But it has to
upset you all the boys go goo-goo
for Val.
                                                            
                       SUZZIE Q
Actually, I'm not. I have a
boyfriend. Maybe you should ask
Vallery if she's jealous of me.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Why's that?
                                                            
                       SUZZIE Q
      (smiles)
Cause my new boyfriend's Lance
Cooper. We've been dating since
recess.
                                                            
 
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch stand in the corner, watching, observing as
everyone plays in the yard.
                                                            

38.

                       ROCKY (V.O.)
A stolen sash. This is by far the
biggest case of my career. Mom and
Dad will be so proud when I crack
it. Dad's always talking about a
'hunch'. I'm not sure what that
is, but I could really use one
right now.
                                                            
Rocky's eyes scan the yard, searching for a suspect.
                                                            
They land on Lance Cooper, who reclines on a swing.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Bingo!
                                                            
Rocky turns to Mitch, taps him on the shoulder. He points at
Lance.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I have a hunch.
                                                            
                       MITCH
What's a hunch?
                                                            
Rocky shakes his head, frustrated.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'll explain it to you later.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You better.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Just follow my lead.
                                                            
Rocky marches towards Lance, Mitch follows behind.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Cool, I'm good at Follow the
Leader.
                                                            
They reach Lance, who doesn't even turn to acknowledge them.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Hey, butt face.
                                                            
Lance's eyebrows rise, he glances at Rocky, who stands there
with a smirk.
                                                            
                       LANCE
What do you want, Stone?
                                                            

39.

                       ROCKY
I want to know why you're so ugly?
                                                            
Lance scoffs.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Don't be silly, everyone knows I'm
the handsomest boy in class.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Whatever you say, ugly.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Listen, I'm not in the mood to
play with you two. Why don't you
both take your detective dog and
pony show somewhere else?
                                                            
Rocky regards Lance's 'I heart Mom' sticker tattoo.
                                                            
Rocky looks over at a teary eyed Vallery. He grits his
teeth, knows he's going to have to get nasty.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Your mama is so fat that every
time she turns around she gets a
welcome back party.
                                                            
Lance hops out of his seat and glares at Rocky, figurative
steam rising from his ears.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Don't you ever talk about my mom.
                                                            
Mitch steps between them.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Yo mama's so fat she once sat on a
penny and a booger came out of
Lincoln's nose!
                                                            
Lance gets nose to nose with Mitch.
                                                            
                       LANCE
      (louder)
Either one of ya's say another
word about my mom, you're going to
get it.
                                                            
All eyes, including Ms. Robinson, turn to the three,
concerned.
                                                            

40.

                       ROCKY
Hey, your problem is with me, not
him.
                                                            
                       LANCE
You're right it is, rent a cop.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
What's all the commotion over
there?
                                                            
Rocky glances at Lance's right thumb, smudged with
chocolate.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
See you enjoyed a Milky Way
recently.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Last time I checked this is
America and chocolate's still
legal. So what?
                                                            
Rocky and Lance stare at each other, not blinking.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Yo mama's so stupid she got fired
from the M and M factory for
throwing away all the W's.
                                                            
                       LANCE
I told you not to talk about her!
                                                            
Lance goes to shove Rocky, but at the last second, Ms.
Robinson grabs his jacket.
                                                            
Vallery's sash slips out of Lance's pocket and falls to the
ground. Everyone gasps in shock. Rocky smirks. Ms. Robinson
shakes her head.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
My sash!
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Lance Cooper! You had Vallery's
sash this whole time?
                                                            
Lance, brows raised, looks around in shock. The look of a
child busted with his hand in the cookie jar.
                                                            
                       LANCE
But, I, I don't know how that got
in there.
                                                            

41.

Mitch picks up the sash, walks it over to Vallery and hands
it to her.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I believe this is yours.
                                                            
Her eyes light up, the tears all gone.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Thank you, thank you! You guys are
my heroes!
                                                            
She turns and gives Lance a scowl.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I should have known it was you!
                                                            
                       LANCE
This isn't what it looks like --
I'm innocent!
                                                            
Ms. Robinson grabs Lance's hand. He looks up, shaking in
terror.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
As for you, Lance Cooper, you're
coming with me to the Principal's
office.
                                                            
Lance struggles to break her grip. He slips free and bolts
away.
                                                            
                       LANCE
You're not locking me up!
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch give chase.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Stop right there!
                                                            
                       LANCE
You'll never catch me alive,
coppers!
                                                            
Lance reaches the monkey bars and hops on.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch hurry, hop on a few seconds after.
                                                            
A slow speed chase ensues as the three small children
struggle to maneuver across the monkey bars.
                                                            

42.

                       ROCKY
Stop running, make it easy on
yourself!
                                                            
                       LANCE
You two can't catch me!
                                                            
Lance hops off the end of the monkey bars. His eyes land on
a tricycle. He hops on it and pedals away.
                                                            
A few seconds later...
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch hop off the bars. They look around.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Which way did he go?
                                                            
Rocky points at a fleeing Lance.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
He's getting away!
                                                            
They spot a couple more trikes and rush to hop on them. They
get on and give chase.
                                                            
A high speed tricycle chase ensues. The trikes weave through
the yard.
                                                            
Lance barrels through the girls playing jump rope. They flee
in terror. Rocky and Mitch come in right behind him.
                                                            
Lance turns to his chasers.
                                                            
                       LANCE
      (cocky)
Just give up now before you
embarrass yourselves!
                                                            
Lance turns back. The tricycle on a crash course with the
sand box. His jaw drops.
                                                            
                       LANCE
No!
                                                            
Lance crashes. Sand goes flying in every direction.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch close in, quickly try to stop. Mitch stops
just in time.
                                                            
Rocky's tricycle hits the edge. He tumbles face first into
the sand.
                                                            

43.

Mitch marches over and pulls out his plastic toy squirt gun
and points it at Lance.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Reach for the sky, pilgrim!
                                                            
Lance sits up, his arms submissively dart in the air.
                                                            
                       LANCE
      (scared)
Don't shoot! My mommy will kill me
if this shirt gets wet.
                                                            
Mitch glances over at Rocky, who hasn't moved, a grimace on
his face.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You alright, boss?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm too old for this stuff.
                                                            
Mitch runs over and extends his hand, helps Rocky up. Rocky
spits out sand, brushes himself off.
                                                            
                       MITCH
It's off to the pokey for you.
                                                            
Rocky slaps toy plastic handcuffs on Lance. Mitch and Rocky
lead him away.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Good job partner.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch exchange a high five.
                                                            
INSERT: NEWSPAPER - "THE KINDERGARTEN TIMES"
                                                            
The front page of the paper. The headline reads, "Top Cops
Bust Jewel Thief".
                                                            
The main picture is a split image. On the left, a jail mug
shot of Lance, hair disheveled and holding a jail i.d.
number.
                                                            
On the right, Mitch and Rocky pose back-to-back in their
detective outfits, arms crossed with cocky smirks.
                                                            
Underneath: A secondary headline reads, "Stinky Dave Caught
Eating Boogers"
                                                            
A picture of Stinky Dave, finger in his mouth, eyes wide in
shock from a camera flash.
                                                            

44.

                                         END INSERT
                                                            
 
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
PRINCIPAL HOYER, an overweight, balding man, in a cheap
suit, early 50's, sits at his desk.
                                                            
Lance, downtrodden, and his mom, Trish, overworked, and in
complete shock, sit across from him.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
We busted our man, broke the
biggest case of our careers and
got Vallery's sash back. I knew
Lance was a bad seed from the
moment I laid eyes on him. I can
only imagine what is going on in
there.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
It's understandable when a child's
father ends up in...well you
know...that it can be a hard and
confusing time.
                                                            
Trish, clearly frustrated, objects.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
I raised Lance to be better than
that. Where his father is, is no
excuse.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Ms. Robinson and I have decided to
put him in detention the next two
weeks.
                                                            
Lance pops up, cannot believe his ears.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Two weeks!? That's hard time! I
didn't--
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
--Not another word out of you,
Lance Cooper!
                                                            
Lance closes his mouth, shuts down.
                                                            

45.

                       TRISH COOPER
First thing tomorrow, you're going
to apologize to that Vallery girl,
is that understood?
                                                            
Lance nods his head 'yes'.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
I promise that you won't have a
problem with Lance and I the rest
of the year, will he Lance?
                                                            
Lance shakes his head 'no'.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Well I certainly appreciate the
tough love approach to parenting
you are taking.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
It's what I have to do to make
sure Lance doesn't end up where
his father is.
                                                            
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch stand in the bustling hallway, their eyes
focused on Principal Hoyer's office.
                                                            
                       MITCH
What do you think is gonna happen?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
He's going away for a long time.
                                                            
                       MITCH
What, like a week?
                                                            
Rocky looks at Mitch and shakes his head.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Longer.
                                                            
Mitch gasps.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I can't imagine doing longer than
a couple days in there.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I know -- the world will be so
different when he gets out.
                                                            

46.

Mitch's eyes grow wide, he smiles. Rocky turns. Vallery
approaches.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I just wanted to say a proper
thank you for finding my sash.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
We're just doing our jobs.
                                                            
Vallery leans in and gives Rocky a peck on the cheek. His
knees turn to rubber.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I...I...
                                                            
She goes to Mitch and gives him a peck on the cheek as well.
She gives them both a smile.
                                                            
                       MITCH
We're just glad we could help.
                                                            
The door to the Principal's office opens. The three kids
turn to look.
                                                            
Trish leads Lance out by his hand.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
You broke my heart, Lance. I can't
believe you!
                                                            
                       LANCE
I swear, I didn't do it, Mommy!
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
You'll have no t.v. for two weeks
while you're on detention.
                                                            
                       LANCE
But, Mom!
                                                            
Trish glares at him. Lance becomes quiet and defenseless.
She leads him down the hall to the front doors.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You hear that, two weeks!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I almost feel sorry for him.
                                                            

47.

                       VALLERY
Why? he's just a common criminal.
He'll have to get used to being
locked up anyway.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Didn't you have a huge crush on
him?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Hardly, I'm so over that. Now the
whole world knows what a jerk he
is.
                                                            
She smiles at Rocky.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I have a new crush now.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Oh.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
See you guys later.
                                                            
Vallery strolls away as Mitch and Rocky stare.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Hey, you wanna go out, get a
milkshake, celebrate our big bust?
                                                            
Mitch shuffles, nervous about disappointing his best friend.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Actually, I kinda had plans
already.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Well, break them! This is the
biggest day of my career, your
career, our career. We need to
ride this high!
                                                            
                       MITCH
These really aren't plans I can
break.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (disappointed)
Oh.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Hey, how about a rainbow check.
                                                            

48.

                       ROCKY
Huh?
                                                            
                       MITCH
That's what my dad says when he
cancels plans with me.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That's weird.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Anyway, what I meant was, how
about we go to Chuck E Cheese this
weekend? Just you and me...and my
parents
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That'd be great, best friend.
                                                            
The two exchange a smile.
                                                            
                       MITCH
See ya tomorrow, best friend.
                                                            
The two walk off in opposite directions.
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
                                                            
The Kindergarten class stands in line, getting served trays
one by one. Chili, juice, peaches, beans and a cookie.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch make their way to the front of the line.
                                                            
LUNCH LADY LAURA hands them their trays, each with an extra
cookie.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I think you made a mistake,
there's two cookies on our trays.
                                                            
                       LUNCH LADY LAURA
No mistake. A little extra treat
for our two hero detectives.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch strut away with wide grins.
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS
                                                            

49.

Rocky, a radiant smile, strolls through the bustling
hallway.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Cracking the biggest case of my
career was everything I ever
dreamed.
                                                            
Two girls, Kristen and Marla, wave at Rocky.
                                                            
                       KRISTEN AND MARLA
Morning, detective.
                                                            
Rocky smiles and waves.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Oh yeah, I could get used to this.
                                                            
 
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
The Kindergarten class plays about.
                                                            
Behind a fence...
                                                            
Lance, earing jeans and a white undershirt, a tear-drop
temporary tattoo sticker on his cheek, does curls with tiny
plastic weights.
                                                            
Suzie Q stands on the opposite side, fingers through the n
link.
                                                            
                       SUZZIE Q
I miss you so much, baby.
                                                            
Lance continues lift.
                                                            
                       LANCE
I miss you too, Suzie Q.
                                                            
                       SUZZIE Q
Have you gotten my letters?
                                                            
Lance pulls two pieces of paper from his pocket, opens them.
One has the letter "A", the other the letter "B" d in
crayon.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Your letters are the only thing
that keep me going.
                                                            
A group of kids, led by Vallery, march up to them.
                                                            

50.

                       SUZZIE Q
      (to Vallery)
What do you want?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Beat it, Suzie, this doesn't
concern you.
                                                            
Lance rubs Suzie's shoulder.
                                                            
                       LANCE
I got this, babe.
                                                            
Suzie Q backs up.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
      (to Lance)
I'm here to collect what is
rightfully mine.
                                                            
                       LANCE
You already got your sash back.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
My apology, I want it, here, in
front of everyone.
                                                            
Lance gulps, attempting to swallow his pride.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Well... I don't have all day.
                                                            
                       LANCE
      (mumbles)
I'm sorry.
                                                            
Vallery smirks, reveling in the moment.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I didn't quite catch that -- what
are you sorry for?
                                                            
                       LANCE
      (angered)
I'm not doing this!
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Am I going to have to tell your
mommy you refused to apologize?
                                                            
Lance sulks, surrendering.
                                                            

51.

                       LANCE
I'm sorry Vallery for stealing
your sash.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I know that must have been hard.
But, you did the right thing, for
once.
                                                            
Lance shakes, turns, storms off.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Have a good, t.v. free weekend!
                                                            
 
EXT. STONE'S STREET - AFTERNOON
                                                            
A yellow school bus pulls up to the corner, stops. The door
opens, Rocky hops out. The bus pulls away.
                                                            
Rocky skips down the sleepy suburban street, on cloud 9. He
whistles.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Daddy is gonna be so proud when I
tell him about the big case I
broke! Maybe we both can go and
celebrate.
                                                            
Rocky reaches his house, goes up the stairs to the front
door.
                                                            
INT. STONE LIVING ROOM
                                                            
The front door opens. Rocky skips in, grin from ear to ear.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Daddy, Mommy, I'm home!
                                                            
No answer. Rocky wanders further into the house.
                                                            
CHRISTOPHER'S OFFICE
                                                            
Rocky knocks, creaks the door open.
                                                            
Christopher sits at his desk, frustrated, combs through
paperwork. He looks up.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Hey, Rocky.
                                                            

52.

                       ROCKY
Dad, I have the most wonderful
news!
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
What's that?
                                                            
Christopher goes back to his paperwork.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Well, there is this girl at school
named Vallery, and this new kid
Lance, who's a real jerk.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
      (disinterested)
Uh-huh.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
And Vallery's sash got stolen
today and I took on the case...
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
That's great, Rock Star.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You're not even paying attention!
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
I'm sorry, Rocky. Can it wait till
tomorrow -- I'm in the middle of a
very important case?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
      (disappointed)
Yeah, I guess. We can talk about
it at the zoo.
                                                            
Rocky turns to leave. Christopher snaps his fingers.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Shoot, the zoo!
                                                            
Christopher gets up, walks to Rocky, putting his hand on
Rocky's shoulder.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
I can't do it tomorrow, Rock Star,
I'm swamped to my ears in work
right now.
                                                            
Rocky sulks.
                                                            

53.

                       CHRISTOPHER
I promise I'll make it up to you.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Okay.
                                                            
Rocky meanders out of the room.
                                                            
 
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - EVENING
                                                            
Rocky sits at his desk, crayon in hand, doodling in his
coloring book, frowning.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Daddy's the whole reason I joined
the force. All I ever wanted was
to be just like him.
                                                            
A light KNOCK AT THE DOOR. Rocky doesn't break
concentration.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Who is it?
                                                            
                       LISA (O.S.)
Just me.
                                                            
The door opens. Lisa enters with a tray with two chocolate
chip cookies and a bottle of milk on it.
                                                            
                       LISA
Look what I brought you, your
favorite.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Thanks.
                                                            
Lisa ambles over and sits the tray on the table next to
Rocky.
                                                            
                       LISA
How're you doing, Baby Doll?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
How do you think I'm doing?
                                                            
Lisa pulls up a miniature kids chair that is way too small
for her and takes an uncomfortable seat.
                                                            
                       LISA
Rocky, I know that you're
upset...How about I take you to
the zoo tomorrow? We'll have a
            (MORE)

54.

                       LISA (cont'd)
great time?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I don't wanna go with you! I wanna
go with Dad, I never see him.
                                                            
Lisa rubs her son's back.
                                                            
                       LISA
      (sad)
Well, if you change your mind, I
will be happy to take you.
                                                            
She leans in and kisses his forehead.
                                                            
                       LISA
I'll leave you to your coloring.
                                                            
She gets up and exits the room.
                                                            
Rocky sighs. He looks over at the tray, tosses the cookies
in the trash.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Just the good stuff for me.
                                                            
Rocky grabs the milk and slams it, finishing it quickly.
Some dribbles down his chin.
                                                            
Rocky's eyes wander, till finally they land on his window.
He walks over and opens it, hops out.
                                                            
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET
                                                            
A light drizzle sprinkles down. The sun has started its
descent. Rocky pedals his tricycle down the sidewalk,
contemplative.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Mom and dad are right, being a
detective is still my dream,
regardless of what happens with
dad. I hope Mitch is done with his
thing and back home. I need a
friend. I need my partner.
                                                            
Rocky approaches a middle class suburban house, much like
his own.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
It's nice having your best friend
living at the end of the street.
                                                            

55.

Rocky goes around the side of the house and to the well kept
backyard. He parks his trike.
                                                            
ROCKY'S POV
                                                            
He looks through a window into a room decorated with posters
from kid's television shows and stylish toys. The light is
on.
                                                            
Mitch, dressed in a fancy tuxedo, strolls by, a bottle of
Sparkling Apple Cider in hand. He waits.
                                                            
                                         END POV
                                                            
Rocky smiles and approaches the window. He KNOCKS.
                                                            
Mitch jumps, startled. He turns, none too happy to see his
best friend standing there. Mitch approaches the window,
opens it.
                                                            
                       MITCH
For Pete's sake, Rocky, what're
you doing here? I thought I told
you I was busy?
                                                            
Rocky brushes him off.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Mitch. I know,
but you're not busy now.
                                                            
Rocky quickly climbs through the window before Mitch can
object. Rocky paces back and forth, all worked up. Mitch
eyes him, dumbfounded.
                                                            
                       MITCH
You really should leave.
                                                            
Mitch puts his hand on Rocky's shoulder and tries to usher
him to the window.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What are you talking about, I just
got here?
                                                            
Rocky looks Mitch over suspiciously.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What's going on? Why are you
acting so strange?
                                                            
Mitch laughs nervously.
                                                            

56.

                       MITCH
Strange? Me? What are you talking
about?
                                                            
The door opens. Rocky and Mitch turn. Vallery enters, two
toy Champaign glasses in hand.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I got the glasses...
                                                            
She notices Rocky, turns to Mitch with an accusing glare. An
awkward moment.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I thought it was just the two of
us tonight?
                                                            
                       MITCH
I.. I..
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What's going on here?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Right now you're in the middle of
interrupting our play date, so if
you don't mind...
                                                            
Vallery makes a shooing motion. Rocky ignores her and
focuses on Mitch.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You blew me off to go on a play
date with Vallery? How could you?
When where you planning on telling
me?
                                                            
Mitch defensively raises his hands.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Take it easy, Rocky. I was going
to tell you soon.
                                                            
Vallery glares angrily at Mitch.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Why haven't you told him we're
going out?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm your best friend and you knew
I was in love with her.
                                                            

57.

                       VALLERY
      (shocked)
Wait, you're in love with me?
We've barely spoken.
                                                            
Rocky turns to her, angry.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
If you don't mind, I'm having a
conversation with my best friend.
                                                            
Rocky makes a shooing motion to Vallery, who stomps her feet
offended.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
How rude!
                                                            
                       MITCH
      (now angry)
I have liked her just as long as
you! You just never cared how I
felt. Vallery and I like each
other, I thought you'd be happy
for me!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You're a Benedict Arnold, that's
what you are.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I don't even know what that means?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Of course you don't.
                                                            
Mitch gets in Rocky's face.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I'm sick of you always talking
down to me.
                                                            
Mitch shoves Rocky, who snarls. They get into fight
positions and childishly throw slaps at each other, eyes
closed and heads turned.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You asked for this!
                                                            
Vallery, panicked and in shock, looks on.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Stop it, both of you, right now,
or I'm telling your parents!
                                                            

58.

Rocky lunges at Mitch, tackles him. They roll around on the
ground, each trying to gain control.
                                                            
Vallery picks up a toy sword and pokes the two to try and
separate them. It doesn't work.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch roll towards a desk, Mitch's knee bangs one
of the legs. He immediately grabs his knee.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Owwweeeee!
                                                            
Mitch breaks into uncontrollable crying. The fighting stops.
Mitch reveals a tiny scrape on his knee.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
You gave him a boo-boo!
                                                            
Mitch screams on the floor in agony.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I want my mommy!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm so sorry! I didn't mean it!
Are you okay?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Does he look okay?
                                                            
Rocky shakes his head, unsure what to say.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Get out, before his mom comes in!
And don't come back, he's not your
best friend anymore!
                                                            
Vallery stomps to Rocky and rips the friendship bracelet
Mitch gave him right off his wrist.
                                                            
Rocky, heartbroken, turns and hops out the window. The door
opens and MITCH'S MOM enters.
                                                            
                       MITCH'S MOM
Honey, what happened?
                                                            
                       MITCH
I got a boo-boo!
                                                            
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET
                                                            
The rain pours a little harder now.
                                                            

59.

Neon lights flash in the background.
                                                            
Chuck E Cheese... Toys R Us ... McDonalds.
                                                            
Rocky, despondent, head hung low, rides his trike down the
sleepy sidewalk.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
It's like my whole world is
crumbling around me. First the
news with my dad, then I find out
my best friend has betrayed me and
I've lost the girl of my dreams.
                                                            
Rocky sighs.
                                                            
A LOUD POP!
                                                            
Rocky's trike skids to a stop. He looks down. A flat tire.
Rocky groans.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Great, just what I needed.
                                                            
Rocky gets off and pushes his broken down trike down the
sidewalk.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Rocky reaches his house. He parks his trike and hops through
his bedroom window.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRISTOPHER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
                                                            
Professional. Fine wood bookcases filled with academia.
Pictures of him in uniform, with friends, and family.
                                                            
Christopher sits at his desk, face buried in a thick
psychology book. He takes notes as he reads.
                                                            
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR
                                                            
Christopher looks up.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Come in.
                                                            
The door opens. Rocky comes in, soaking wet. Christopher
gives him a once a over.
                                                            

60.

                       CHRISTOPHER
Rockstar, you're soaked! Have you
been outside?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That's not important right now.
I've been thinking a lot of things
over and have made some decisions.
                                                            
Rocky marches over to the desk.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
What's on your mind, son?
                                                            
Rocky takes out his detective badge, his squirt guns and
notepad and lays them on the table. Christopher looks at him
quizzically.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm done. I'm off the force. I
don't want to be a gum-shoe
anymore.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
But why? Is this about the zoo
trip? I will make it up to--
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I can't deal with it anymore, the
politics, the long hours, what it
does to your relationships. I have
to drink three pints of milk just
to make it through the day. I
can't cut it.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
I thought this was your dream?
What you wanted to be?
                                                            
Rocky stands and menders to the door.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I did too, boss. I really did.
                                                            
Rocky opens the door and exits. Christopher picks up the
badge he gave his son and sadly looks it over.
                                                            
 
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Rocky slumps in his favorite chair, a bottle of milk in
hand. He pounds it back.
                                                            

61.

                       ROCKY
This is all there is.
                                                            
He tosses the empty bottle to the floor, already littered
with several other finished bottles.
                                                            
He stands and wobbles, as if he were drunk, stumbles to the
bed. He falls face first on the mattress and passes out.
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
ROCK BALLAD PLAYS
                                                            
--INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Rocky, still in his clothes, tosses and turns in bed, as if
he was having a nightmare.
                                                            
He gets up and stumbles down the hallway. He makes his way
to the
                                                            
BATHROOM
                                                            
He stands in front of the sink, turns the water on. Splashes
his face. He stares long and hard in the mirror at his
haggard face.
                                                            
Nausea overcomes him. He rushes to the toilet and vomits
violently.
                                                            
--ITALIAN RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                                                            
Ms. Robinson sits at a table, on an awkward date with a
BALDING MAN.
                                                            
--INT. VALLERY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Vallery, a satisfied smile, sleeps with her Little Miss
Chicago sash gripped tightly in her hands.
                                                            
--INT. MITCH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Mitch lies in bed, holds the friendship bracelet he made for
Rocky. A sour look. He tosses the bracelet in the trash.
                                                            
--INT. STINKY DAVE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Stinky Dave, at a fancy pink table, hosts a tea party for
all his stuffed animals.
                                                            
                                         END MONTAGE
                                                            
 

62.

INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
The sun peeks through the curtains. Rocky lies in bed, drool
still under him.
                                                            
The door opens. Lisa enters. She looks at her disheveled son
and shakes her head. She walks over to him and rustles him
awake.
                                                            
                       LISA
School time, buddy, time to get
up.
                                                            
Rocky pops up, awake. Lisa goes to his closet and pulls out
clothes, preparing his detective outfit.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Wait!
                                                            
She turns.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I don't want to wear that.
                                                            
                       LISA
You don't wanna play detective
today?
                                                            
Rocky shakes his head 'no'.
                                                            
                       LISA
What would you like to wear today?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
My Power Rangers t-shirt, I guess.
                                                            
She gives him a look of concern and pulls the Power Rangers
t-shirt from the closet.
                                                            
 
EXT. MID-TOWN GRADE SCHOOL - MORNING
                                                            
Rocky gets dropped off at the bustling school. Lisa gets out
of the van, peppers Rocky's face with kisses. He offers no
resistance.
                                                            
                       LISA
Oh, I love you my handsome boy!
                                                            
Lisa hurries back to her van and speeds off. The same group
of girls as before snicker at Rocky.
                                                            
He avoids everyone as he sulks up the entrance stairs.
                                                            

63.

INT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASS
                                                            
Ms. Robinson writes the letters of the alphabet on the
board, her back to the students.
                                                            
Rocky sits in the back, Lance's chair is empty. He watches
as Vallery blows Mitch a kiss. He catches it and draws a
heart. Rocky wants to vomit.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Now our vowels are A,E,I,O,U and
sometimes Y...
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
A bright and sunny day. Kids play in full force.
                                                            
Rocky sits in his usual corner, except now he is alone. His
eyes gaze listlessly across the playground.
                                                            
Mitch and Vallery sit cross-legged playing Patty-Cake. They
giggle and laugh, happy as can be.
                                                            
Rocky sighs.
                                                            
Behind him, from the other side of the fence...
                                                            
Lance approaches, drawn on facial hair as if he hasn't
shaved for weeks, a tear-drop tattoo under his eye. Haggard.
He stops right behind Rocky, smirks.
                                                            
Rocky turns, startled. His judgmental eyes give Lance's new
appearance a surprised once over.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Jeepers Creepers, you look like
you've been through the ringer.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Two weeks detention is hard time.
No crayons, no toys, just
educational books. And twenty
minutes of yard time a day. Might
as well have given me a life
sentence.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Hardest time a kid can do.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Isn't any fun, is it?
                                                            

64.

                       ROCKY
What isn't?
                                                            
                       LANCE
Being an outcast. Feeling
unwanted. One day you're the most
popular kid in school, the next
you've been discarded like a dried
up booger.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Don't compare yourself to me.
                                                            
                       LANCE
We're not so different, you and I.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
There's just one difference,
Cooper.
                                                            
                       LANCE
And what's that?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You deserve to be an outcast, I
don't. You stole and I busted you.
I was stabbed in the back by my
best friend. Two totally different
situations.
                                                            
                       LANCE
I guess if I were you I'd think
the same thing.
                                                            
Lance sighs, turns and shuffles away. Rocky glances at him,
perplexed.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Wait.
                                                            
Lance turns back.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What's that supposed to mean?
                                                            
                       LANCE
No point in telling, you wouldn't
believe me anyway.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Try me.
                                                            

65.

                       LANCE
I didn't lift Vallery's sash.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Ha!
                                                            
                       LANCE
I knew I shouldn't have said
anything.
                                                            
Lance turns to walk away again.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I caught you with it red handed.
                                                            
                       LANCE
People take one look at me and
assume the worst. I've been
dealing with it my whole life.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What are you saying?
                                                            
                       LANCE
You're the detective, read between
the lines.
                                                            
Rocky contemplates for a moment.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm not so good at reading. Can we
do shapes or colors?
                                                            
Lance gives him contemptuous look. Ro has a light bulb
moment.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Someone took Vallery's sash and
planted it on you during nap time.
                                                            
                       LANCE
It was a frame job.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Why would someone want to frame
you?
                                                            
                       LANCE
Don't know? I was hoping you could
tell me.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That's funny.
                                                            

66.

                       LANCE
You're my last resort.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Even if I wanted to believe you,
which I'm not sure I do, I turned
in my badge and squirt gun. My
days as a gum-shoe are over.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Guess I'm out of luck then.
                                                            
Lance turns and shuffles away, leaving Rocky alone with his
thoughts.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRISTOPHER'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Christopher sits at his desk, scribbles notes on his paper.
                                                            
KNOCK AT THE DOOR
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Come in.
                                                            
Lisa opens the door, marches to the desk.
                                                            
                       LISA
You canceled your zoo date with
Rocky?
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
I'm swamped with work right now,
can't you take him?
                                                            
                       LISA
He doesn't want to go with me --
he wants you!
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
I'm working hard to provide a
better life for you, for Rocky,
for us.
                                                            
Lisa sighs.
                                                            
                       LISA
How is it a better life for him if
you're never in it?
                                                            
Lisa meanders to the door, exits the room. Christopher is
left in deep thought.
                                                            
 

67.

INT. CHUCK E CHEESE - DAY
                                                            
Packed to the brim with running and screaming kids and their
frustrated parents. Gaming machines bing and blink wildly.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
This was Mitch's and my spot we'd
come to blow off steam after a
hard day on the job. It's a little
lonelier now.
                                                            
Rocky stands in front of a gaming machine,
unenthusiastically playing.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
So if Lance was framed, then the
question is who? First rule of
solving a crime like this is
figuring out who had the most to
gain.
                                                            
Rocky's eyes light up.
                                                            
 
INT. MITCH'S BEDROOM - EVENING
                                                            
The door opens. Mitch enters carrying a juice box and a
plate of cookies.
                                                            
Something catches his attention. A folded note, neatly
placed on his bed.
                                                            
He picks it up and opens it.
                                                            
                       MITCH
      (reads)
Meet me by the sandbox at 5:30,
come alone.
(beat)
Actually, make it 6:00, there's a
new Sponge Bob at 5:30.
                                                            
Mitch lowers the note, a confused look.
                                                            
EXT. BY THE SANDBOX - NIGHT
                                                            
A single light illuminates the deserted sandbox, darkness
surrounds.
                                                            
Mitch nervously approaches, stands in the light.
                                                            

68.

                       MITCH
Hello? Is anyone there?
(beat)
I'm here like you asked.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (O.S.)
It's nice to see you, Mitchell.
                                                            
Mitch jumps. Rocky emerges from the shadows.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Rocky? You called me out here just
to chat?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Actually, I wanted to talk about
who really stole Vallery's sash.
                                                            
                       MITCH
What? We got Lance red handed.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That's what you wanted everyone to
think at least.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Are you mad? You've been drinking
milk again, haven't you?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You got the big bust, the girl,
the glory, everything.
                                                            
Mitch pouts, hurt.
                                                            
                       MITCH
After all this time as my best
friend, I can't believe you'd
think that of me.
                                                            
Mitch turns, meanders away.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
The evidence is there, Mitch, and
I will find it!
                                                            
 
INT. STONE LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Rocky enters through the front door, closes it behind him,
sighs.
                                                            

69.

                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Maybe Mitch is telling the truth.
Maybe Lance is desperate and just
trying to get out of detention any
way he can.
                                                            
Rocky enters the kitchen and opens the fridge. He grabs the
milk and chugs directly from the carton.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Yet something keeps gnawing at me
like a diaper rash that just wont
go away.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
What's bugging you, Rockstar?
                                                            
Rocky turns to his father.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
It's my last case. I think I may
have busted the wrong guy.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
You have to know for sure. You
can't have something like that
weigh on your conscious.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What do I do?
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Still have the evidence?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Of course.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
The answer is in there.
                                                            
 
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - EVENING
                                                            
Rocky sits at his desk, the only light on is his table lamp.
Ideas pour through his head.
                                                            
A case file opened in front of him filled with pictures and
notes from Vallery's stolen Little Miss Chicago sash case.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
The answer's here, right in front
of me. Why can't I see it?
                                                            

70.

He thumbs through the crime scene pictures, one by one.
Something catches his eye.
                                                            
He stops on the chocolate thumb print next to Vallery's
cubby. He takes a magnifying glass, examines the print
closely. His eyes light up; he jumps with excitement.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That's it! This proves Lance is
innocent!
                                                            
His excitement quickly turns to trepidation.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
So, what do I do now?
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Rocky sits in his favorite chair. Chugs from a bottle of
milk in one hand. Takes a deep breath, blows bubbles from a
bubble maker in the other.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
It all makes so much sense to me
now. How could I have not seen it
from the get-go? I'm a seasoned
detective for goodness sake! Or,
at least I was...
                                                            
FLASHBACK - MONTAGE
                                                            
MUSIC PLAYS
                                                            
INT. MITCH'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Mitch and Rocky laugh, giggle and play, ice cream cones in
hand.
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch, dressed in their detective uniforms, flash
their badges.
                                                            
EXT. LOCAL POOL - DAY
                                                            
Tons of kids run around in their swimsuits, including Rocky
and Mitch. The two do a cannon ball into the pool at the
same time.
                                                            
EXT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASSROOM - DAY
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch sit on the floor, building cars and
spaceships with Legos.
                                                            

71.

                                         END MONTAGE
                                                            
BACK TO SCENE
                                                            
Rocky sighs. He gazes around his room in disgust. He grabs
all the empty milk bottles and throws them in the trash.
                                                            
Rocky goes around cleaning and picking up his room.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I know what I have to do.
                                                            
Rocky paces to the closet. He pulls out his trench coat and
fedora.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRISTOPHER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
                                                            
Christopher sits at his desk, head buried in a thick
textbook as usual.
                                                            
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR
                                                            
Christopher looks up.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Come in.
                                                            
The door opens. Rocky shuffles in, dressed in his
detective's uniform.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
What's going on, Rockstar?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Do you still have my gun and
badge?
                                                            
Christopher smirks. He opens a drawer and pulls out the
squirt gun, badge, and notebook. He places them on the
table.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
I've been keeping them safe for
you.
                                                            
Rocky smiles and grabs them. Holsters his squirt gun, puts
his badge and notebook in his jacket pocket.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Thanks, dad.
                                                            

72.

                       CHRISTOPHER
Of course.
                                                            
Rocky struts to the door.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Son,...
                                                            
Rocky turns.
                                                            
                       CHRISTOPHER
Welcome back.
                                                            
They exchange a smile as Rocky exits the room.
                                                            
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Rocky sits in his favorite chair, pen scribbling in his
notebook.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
I'm not sure why but I always see
my dad writing so I thought I'd
try it and see if it helps.
                                                            
We see what he is writing, a terrible caricature drawing of
Mitch with poop on his head.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
I think it is helping a little.
                                                            
 
EXT. MID-TOWN GRADE SCHOOL - MORNING
                                                            
The mad hustle of the morning drop off is under way. Lisa's
van pulls up and drops Rocky off.
                                                            
Rocky, dressed in his detective's outfit. She adjusts his
collar.
                                                            
                       LISA
I'm glad you decided to play
detective again. I know how happy
it makes you.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Thanks, it really does.
                                                            
She pinches his cheek.
                                                            
                       LISA
I'll see you after school.
                                                            

73.

She gets back in the van and pulls away.
                                                            
Rocky looks around, spots Vallery chit-chatting with some
girl friends. He approaches her.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Hey, Vallery.
                                                            
She turns, none to pleased to see him.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
What do you want?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Can we talk?
                                                            
Vallery glances at her friends then back at Rocky.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Why would I want to talk to you?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Please, I just want to apologize.
                                                            
Vallery smirks.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Oh, why didn't you say so.
(looks at her friends)
Excuse me for a minute, ladies.
                                                            
Rocky and Vallery walk a few feet away to have some more
privacy.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Go on.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I acted like a fool the other day
in front of you and I'm really
sorry. Is there any way you can
forgive me?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I don't know...
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I did help bust Lance and get your
sash back.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I suppose. I can take that into
consideration.
                                                            

74.

                       ROCKY
He got what he deserved, didn't
he, two weeks of hard detention.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
He made his choices.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
He says that he didn't do it, that
someone planted the sash on him.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
That's an interesting story, but
who would believe him? You don't
do you?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
No, of course not. Who would have
a grudge against him that would do
something like that, anyway?
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Yeah, it would take someone
devious and clever with a serious
grudge. They'd have to be some
kind of evil genius.
                                                            
Rocky looks down at her now dirty Sketchers.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
It's a shame those mud stains
don't come out.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
      (angrily)
Yeah, it really stinks.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm glad we had this talk.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Yeah, me too.
                                                            
Rocky strolls away. Vallery watches him suspiciously.
                                                            
INT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASS - DAY
                                                            
Ms. Robinson stands at the front of the class, writing on
the chalk board.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Now, what letter comes after 'O'?
                                                            

75.

Stinky Dave squirms in his seat, raises his hand.
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Yes, Dave.
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
P!
                                                            
                       MS. ROBINSON
Very good, Dave.
                                                            
Stinky Dave stands, a pee stain covering the front of his
pants.
                                                            
                       STINKY DAVE
I made a mess everywhere.
                                                            
Miss Robinson groans, shakes her head.
                                                            
 
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Kids play to and fro. Mitch sits with Vallery as their usual
routine.
                                                            
Rocky stands several feet away, watching them with an icy
stare.
                                                            
Rocky turns...
                                                            
Lance is off in a corner by himself, doing crunches like a
prisoner would. He is now covered in sticker tattoos.
Isolated from the rest of the kids.
                                                            
Rocky stands and strolls over to him. Lance doesn't break
concentration.
                                                            
                       LANCE
What do you want?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I got my badge back.
                                                            
Lance looks at him, then goes back to his crunches.
                                                            
                       LANCE
I'm very happy for you.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I believe you.
                                                            
Lance stops. He stands and locks eyes with Rocky.
                                                            

76.

                       LANCE
What?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I know you didn't steal Vallery's
sash.
                                                            
                       LANCE
That's very comforting. I'll think
of that the next week and three
days I'm locked up in this place.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You give up way too easy, you know
that.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Walk a mile in my shoes and say
that.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Your shoes smell funny.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Whatever.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I know who framed you. I know who
took Vallery's sash and hid it on
you when you were sleeping.
                                                            
Lance uses both hands to grab Rocky's shirt, pin him against
the wall.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Tell me! I want their name! When I
get through with them...
                                                            
Rocky breaks free of Lance's hold.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Calm down.
                                                            
                       LANCE
How can you expect me to calm
down?! My whole life was taken
away! You know how badly this has
hurt me, my mom? Don't tell me to
calm down!
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Well, I need you to.
                                                            

77.

                       LANCE
Why?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Because I have a plan and I can't
do it alone. We're going to make
this situation right.
                                                            
                       LANCE
But busting me was the case that
made you, got your picture in the
paper. Are you willing to destroy
all of that?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Like Hannah Montana and a giant
wrecking ball. Wanna help me?
                                                            
Lance reaches his hand out.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Let's do it.
                                                            
Rocky reaches his hand out and accepts the embrace.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Be ready, tomorrow at recess. I
need your A game.
                                                            
                       LANCE
I'm ready, what's the plan?
                                                            
Rocky puts his arm around Lance and walks with him down the
pathway.
                                                            
 
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Rocky sits in his chair, a bottle of milk in hand. He
glances it over. He stands and walks out of the room.
                                                            
BATHROOM
                                                            
Rocky enters and dumps the milk down the sink. Stares steely
eyed in the mirror.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Rocky lies in bed. His eyes flutter shut. He falls asleep.
                                                            
 

78.

INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Rocky sleeps in bed. Lisa enters.
                                                            
                       LISA
Wake up, Rockstar.
                                                            
Rocky opens his eyes and smiles.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
The big day. Everything needs to
be executed perfectly.
                                                            
 
INT. MS. ROBINSON'S CLASS - DAY
                                                            
The kids sit at their desks, eagerly listening to Ms.
Robinson's lesson as she speaks at the front of the
classroom.
                                                            
Rocky sits in the back, his leg nervously shakes, eyes
focused squarely on someone unseen.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
I got you now.
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Recess time.
                                                            
Mitch and Vallery, holding hands stroll across the grass.
Mitch looks a bit sad. Vallery notices.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
What's wrong? You look down. You
should be happy, you're holding
hands with the prettiest girl in
the city.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Nothing, nothing's wrong. And you
are the prettiest girl in the
state!
                                                            
                       VALLERY
You're not still sad over Rocky,
are you?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Who me? Sad over him? No way. I'm
so over that.
                                                            

79.

                       VALLERY
Good.
                                                            
Vallery smiles and turns away. Mitch sighs.
                                                            
SEVERAL FEET AWAY
                                                            
Rocky watches them. He turns to Lance, who is next to him.
They exchange a nod.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
It's go time. You ready?
                                                            
                       LANCE
You just worry about your end.
                                                            
They walk in opposite directions. Rocky turns.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Good luck.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You too.
                                                            
Rocky rushes off.
                                                            
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
                                                            
A couple of Teachers and School Administrators go about
their business.
                                                            
Rocky, a conspicuous look, tip-toes, back to the wall, a
walkie-talkie in hand, attempting not to be seen.
                                                            
He rushes from one corner to the next, barely avoiding the
glance of a passing adult.
                                                            
Rocky peeks around the corner, a man on a mission. The coast
is clear.
                                                            
At the other end of the hall...Principal Hoyer's office. The
door shut.
                                                            
Rocky hurries down the hall as fast as his legs can carry
him. He reaches the office door.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Okay, Rocky, here goes nothing.
                                                            
He reaches his hand to the knob...
                                                            

80.

All of a sudden the door opens, Principal Hoyer struts out,
bumps right into Rocky, who looks like a deer in headlights.
Principal Hoyer glances at him, confused.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Rocky Stone? What you doing out of
class?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I...I...I...
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
You don't look so good.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
No need to apologize for being
sick. I'll walk you to Nurse
Betty's office.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Uh...uh...
                                                            
Principal Hoyer grabs Rocky's hand and walks with him down
the hallway. Rocky turns and glances desperately back at the
office.
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Mitch and Vallery continue to stroll, hand in hand, across
the lawn.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I'm the luckiest guy in the world
to have found you, Vallery.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Yes, you really are.
                                                            
Bobby, a concerned look on his face, rushes up to the two.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Mitch!
                                                            
Mitch and Vallery turn. Bobby stops in front of them,
huffing and puffing.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Dude, I'm on a walk with my girl,
I don't really wanna play.
                                                            

81.

                       BOBBY
It's your trike, somebody
flattened all the tires!
                                                            
                       MITCH
What?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
All of them were cut, no one saw a
thing.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Not my trike!
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I bet it was Rocky!
                                                            
Mitch grabs Vallery's arms.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I need to check it out Val, things
could get hairy. You should wait
here.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
But, I--!
                                                            
                       MITCH
I don't want to bring you in a
dangerous situation.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Okay babe, be safe.
                                                            
Mitch and Bobby run off, leaving Vallery alone. Mitch
hurries to the front.
                                                            
Bobby ducks behind a tree next to a waiting Lance. Lance
hands him a plastic bag full of Oreos. Bobby smiles, giddy.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Pleasure doing business with you.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Okay, now scram.
                                                            
Bobby, transfixed by his bounty, hurries away. Lance turns
to Vallery and strolls to her.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Fancy seeing you here.
                                                            

82.

Vallery turns, gives him a contemptuous look. He smirks, his
cool bravado back.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
What do you want? If you're
looking for more stuff to steal, I
don't have any.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Actually, I just wanted to have a
quick chat.
                                                            
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
                                                            
Principal Hoyer leads Rocky down the hallway. He squirms
slightly, wanting to get free.
                                                            
They turn the corner, now only twenty feet from Nurse
Betty's office.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
It's okay, I can get it from here.
We're almost there.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Nonsense, it's on my way, I don't
mind walking you.
                                                            
Rocky looks back and forth, trying to think what to do.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Look!
                                                            
Rocky points to the other end of the empty hallway.
Principal Hoyer turns.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
What, what is it?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I just saw two kids horse playing
down the hall.
                                                            
Principal Hoyer lets go of Rocky's hand, his eyes searching.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Which way did they go?
                                                            
Rocky points.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Good eye, Rocky. Say, you can make
it to Nurse Betty's, right?
                                                            

83.

                       ROCKY
Yes, sir.
                                                            
Principal Hoyer runs down the hallway.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Hey, you guys, no horse playing in
the hallways! You get back here,
right this second!
                                                            
Principal Hoyer turns the corner, chasing Rocky's creation.
Rocky smirks, then looks at the wall clock on the wall. He
hurries back down the opposite hallway.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Only five more minutes left in
recess. I need to hurry.
                                                            
Rocky pulls out the walkie-talkie and turns the volume up.
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND
                                                            
Vallery and Lance are right where we left them.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
You know when my boyfriend comes
back and sees you talking to me,
you're gonna be in so much
trouble.
                                                            
                       LANCE
He's busy right now, and I only
need a minute.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
You slashed his tires? Should have
figured it was you.
                                                            
                       LANCE
No tires slashed, did cost me a
big bag of Oreos to get Mitch
away.
                                                            
Vallery flips her hair back.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Wow, you must have really wanted a
moment alone with me.
                                                            
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
                                                            
Rocky bolts down the hallway, walkie-talkie playing in hand.
He turns a corner.
                                                            

84.

                       VALLERY (V.O.)
Wow, you must have really wanted a
moment alone with me.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I sure hope this works, or I'm
going to have a seat in detention
next to Lance.
                                                            
                       LANCE (V.O.)
I just have one question. If you
answer honestly, I will pack my
bags, and never show my face at
Mid-town again.
                                                            
He pauses for a brief second, principal Hoyer's office now
only feet in front of him.
                                                            
He takes one last look around, the coast is clear. He bolts
for the office door, opens it ducks in and closes the door.
                                                            
INT. PRINCIPAL HOYER'S OFFICE
                                                            
Rocky glances around, searching. His eyes land on what he
wants. The mic to the P.A. system.
                                                            
                       VALLERY (V.O.)
That's too good of a deal to pass
up. Shoot.
                                                            
Rocky rushes towards it and turns it on, so that Lance and
Vallery's conversation can be heard throughout the school,
except of course, on the playground.
                                                            
EXT. FRONT OF THE SCHOOL
                                                            
Mitch looks over his trike, no damage has been done to his
tires. He scratches his head.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Bobby, that poop face turd muffin,
why would he lie to me?
                                                            
Mitch marches back towards the school, enters through the
front door.
                                                            
INT. SCHOOL
                                                            
                       MITCH
I'm gonna give him an earful.
                                                            
HALLWAYS
                                                            

85.

Principal Hoyer bustles about, still in search mode.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
      (frustrated)
I'm starting to think Rocky was
the one horsing around!
                                                            
                       VALLERY (V.O.)
      (over P.A.)
Wow, you must have really wanted a
moment alone with me.
                                                            
Principal Hoyer's brows shoot up.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Someone broke into my office and
hijacked the P.A.!
                                                            
Principal Hoyer bolts down the hall, bumps into a kid,
shoves him out of the way.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Watch where you're going kid!
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND
                                                            
Standing where we left them, still by themselves, Vallery
smirks at Lance.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Why'd you do it, why'd you frame
me and put your jewelry in my
pocket?
                                                            
Vallery smirks.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
How'd you figure out it was me?
                                                            
                       LANCE
Because you're the only one clever
enough and devious enough to pull
something like that off. You're a
genius, Val.
                                                            
She revels in the comment.
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
INT. CLASSROOMS
                                                            
-- Several sets of kids and teachers listen in stunned
silence to the conversation over the P.A..
                                                            

86.

                                         END MONTAGE
                                                            
INT. PRINCIPAL HOYER'S OFFICE
                                                            
Rocky, holding the walkie-talkie next to the P.A. mic, drops
his jaw.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER (O.S.)
Whoever's in there, you're in so
much trouble!
                                                            
Rocky turns nervously to the door. Principal Hoyer's hulking
shadow approaches through the pebble glassed door.
                                                            
Rocky drops the walkie-talkie and bolts to the door. He
leans a nearby chair against it, blocking the door knob just
as it turns.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER (O.S.)
Open this door right this
instance!
                                                            
Rocky rushes back to the desk and puts the walkie-talkie to
the mic.
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND
                                                            
Vallery smirks at Lance.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I had tried so long to get you to
recognize how clever, pretty,
smart, ambitious I was and I was
invisible to you.
                                                            
                       LANCE
That's not true.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
I was nothing more than a fly
buzzing around your ear to you!
I'm perfect and I could have been
all yours!
                                                            
                       LANCE
I didn't mean to hurt you.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
The final straw was when you got
mud on my brand new Sketchers. No
one gets mud on my brand new
Sketchers.
                                                            

87.

                       LANCE
All you have to do is say it. Say
what you did to me and I'll leave,
pack my bags and head out of town,
tail tucked between my legs.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
You want me to say it?
                                                            
EXT. HALLWAY
                                                            
Mitch stops in his tracks, intently listening to the
conversation blaring through the speaker.
                                                            
                       LANCE (V.O.)
Yeah, I do.
                                                            
                       VALLERY (V.O.)
I planned it for days, the big
Show and Tell. I waited for nap
time, took my sash and hid it in
your pocket. And you know what,
I'm not sorry. You got exactly
what you deserved!
                                                            
Mitch's heart drops.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Rocky was right.
                                                            
OUTSIDE PRINCIPAL HOYER'S OFFICE
                                                            
Principal Hoyer stops jiggling the nob, looks up at the
speaker.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
I owe Lance and Ms. Cooper an
apology.
                                                            
INT. PRINCIPAL HOYER'S OFFICE
                                                            
Rocky fist pumps, celebrating.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
We did it!
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND
                                                            
Vallery, manic with excitement, stares at a cool and calm
Lance.
                                                            

88.

                       VALLERY
Now you have a two week sentence
to detention and are an outcast.
Meantime, I'm still the most
popular girl in class. I win and
you lose.
                                                            
                       LANCE
I wouldn't quite say that yet.
                                                            
Vallery's smirk lessens.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Huh?
                                                            
Lance lifts his shirt, revealing the bulky walkie-talkie
taped to his chest. Vallery's jaw drops.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
What's that?
                                                            
                       LANCE
It's the walkie-talkie that has
just broadcasted everything you
said all over the school.
                                                            
MUSIC PLAYS
                                                            
Vallery looks around, not sure what to say or do. Large
groups of students have gathered a short distance away,
looking and pointing at her.
                                                            
It dawns on her that she has been had. She breaks down into
tears and bolts away.
                                                            
She approaches the doors to head in, when it opens Mitch
walks out.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
Baby, I'm so happy to see you.
Rocky and Lance did something
really horrible to me.
                                                            
Mitch reaches in his pocket and pulls out a Play-Doh figure.
He hands it back to her. She shakes her head.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I wont be needing this anymore.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
But, I gave this to you?
                                                            
Mitch turns his back to Vallery and walks away.
                                                            

89.

                       VALLERY
Mitch, where are you going?
(beat)
Look at me when I'm talking to
you!
(beat)
I'm the best you'll ever have and
you're just walking away? You're a
fool!
                                                            
Mitch continues to walk and doesn't look back.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
      (begs)
Mitch, please don't leave me!
                                                            
Mitch reaches Lance and extends his hand.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I'm sorry for not giving you a
chance, for not believing you.
                                                            
Lance accepts the handshake.
                                                            
                       LANCE
It's all good man.
                                                            
Vallery, looks on, stomps her feet in protest.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
This isn't fair! I'm the smart
one, smarter than all of you! This
shouldn't be happening to me! This
isn't fair!
                                                            
A figure approaches Vallery. She turns. It is Principal
Hoyer. He motions her to follow.
                                                            
Vallery gulps.
                                                            
                       PRINCIPAL HOYER
Vallery Venton, in my office. Now.
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Rocky stands outside Principal Hoyer's office, watching the
door intently.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
The biggest moment of my career
was helping my arch enemy clear
his name. This feeling right here
is why I joined the force. Can't
            (MORE)

90.

                       ROCKY (cont'd)
beat it.
                                                            
Mitch approaches from behind Rocky.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Hey.
                                                            
Rocky turns.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Hey, Mitch.
                                                            
Mitch nervously shuffles his feet, looking for the words to
say.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I'm sorry I didn't listen to you.
How could I be so blind?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Love does that to you.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Can you ever forgive me?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
That's what best friends do.
                                                            
Rocky winks at Mitch, who smiles.
                                                            
Principal Hoyer's door opens. Lance and Trish Cooper exit,
this time both are smiling and in much better spirits.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
I'm so sorry I didn't believe you,
Lance.
                                                            
Trish hugs her son tightly. He melts in her arms.
                                                            
                       LANCE
It's okay, mom, I forgive you.
                                                            
                       TRISH COOPER
Let's go out for ice cream.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Yay!
                                                            
Trish Cooper grabs her son's hand and leads him away.
                                                            

91.

                       ROCKY
These are the happy moments that
make it all worth while, don't you
think?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Absolutely.
                                                            
Principal Hoyer's door opens once again. Mrs. Venton leads
her teary-eyed daughter Vallery out.
                                                            
                       VALLERY'S MOM
You are in so much trouble, little
missy.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
But, mom--
                                                            
                       VALLERY'S MOM
Don't, but mom me.
                                                            
She storms away with Vallery.
                                                            
INSERT: NEWSPAPER, "THE KINDERGARTEN TIMES"
                                                            
A picture split in two. On the left, Lance cooly combing his
hair. On the right, Vallery takes a mug shot, makeup in a
mess from crying, jail numbers in front of her.
                                                            
Underneath, a second headline reads: "Anonymous Source Says
Stinky Dave Has Cooties"
                                                            
A picture of a confused Stinky Dave scratching his head.
                                                            
                                         END INSERT
                                                            
 
EXT. ROCKY'S BACKYARD - DAY
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch run the backyard in their swim trunks
shooting super soakers, best friends once again.
                                                            
Christopher and Lisa look on from the patio, all smiles.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Everything was back to the way it
should have been. I had my best
friend and partner back. Lance was
a free man and Vallery Venton had
to face the long arm of the law.
                                                            
 

92.

INT. PEDIATRICIAN'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Rocky leans forward on the patient's table, jaw dropped.
Lisa sits in a chair next to him.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
And I finally got some answers
about my drinking problem.
                                                            
PEDIATRICIAN, white lab coat on, chart in hand, looks on.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
What's lactose intolerant?
                                                            
 
EXT. ZOO - DAY
                                                            
Rocky and Christopher, holding hands, joyfully run down a
walkway.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
And I learned that sometimes there
are more important things than the
job.
                                                            
 
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Lance shoots hoops on the basketball court, alone. He seems
calm and relaxed.
                                                            
Rocky and Mitch approach him. Watch for a moment.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
You need to flick your wrist when
you shoot.
                                                            
Lance turns, smirks at the two.
                                                            
                       LANCE
Remind me again, who beat who at
hopscotch?
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Total luck. You willing to give me
a rematch?
                                                            
                       LANCE
Anytime. Any place.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            

93.

A Hopscotch board drawn out on chalk. Lance, Rocky and Mitch
stand in front of it.
                                                            
                       LANCE
After you, I insist.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
No, no, no. You won our last game
so you should go first.
                                                            
                       LANCE
You've been going to school here
longer, it really should be you.
                                                            
Mitch gets flustered.
                                                            
                       MITCH
Will one of you just got first
already? I don't have all day!
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Rocky goes through his round of hopscotch like a pro. Mitch
and Lance watch on.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
And suddenly the two best friends
found one more and we became the
three amigos.
                                                            
 
INT. ROCKY'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Lance, stands in front of Rocky and Mitch, dressed in the
same detective's uniform as them. Mitch turns to Rocky.
                                                            
                       MITCH
I think he's ready.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Me too.
                                                            
Rocky pulls out a gold badge, pins it on Lance.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
Welcome to the force.
                                                            
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Rocky, Mitch and Lance walk across the bustling yard. School
has just let out.
                                                            

94.

                       LANCE
You guys wanna come to my house
and play some X-Box?
                                                            
                       MITCH
Yeah, that'd be great.
                                                            
                       ROCKY
I'm in.
                                                            
Rocky turns and looks through a classroom window. Vallery
Venton stands on the other side of the window, giving the
three an evil glare.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Vallery Venton got sentenced to a
month in detention. The longest
sentence any Kindergartener has
ever received in Mid-Town's
history.
                                                            
Rocky and Vallery exchange a look.
                                                            
                       ROCKY (V.O.)
Let this be a lesson to all you
would be criminals. You can run
from the long arm of the law but
you can't hide. Because my name is
Rocky Stone and I am Kindergarten
Detective.
                                                            
Rocky turns and gives a powerful glare.
                                                            
INT. CLASSROOM
                                                            
Vallery turns and stomps her feet.
                                                            
                       VALLERY
You think this is over Rocky
Stone? You haven't heard the last
of me.
                                                            
An evil grin.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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