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-------------------------
CAPITAL GAMES
by
Ash Quadir
333 New Castle Lane
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
856-467-2758
ashquadir@hotmail.com
FADE IN:
EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - NIGHT
The monuments glow like beacons in the night. The brightest
building is the White House in the distance.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
The great mansion is awash in light.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PHILIP TATE'S OFFICE - NIGHT
PHILIP TATE'S hands tremble as he tries to type a letter on
the computer. He's a haunted man in his mid forties with
deep sunken eyes and sweat on his brows. He reaches into a
drawer and takes scorching gulps of whisky from a hidden
cache. Nerves calmer, he finishes the letter and prints out
a copy. He signs it and places it in an ENVELOPE, which he
seals and places under a paper weight on his desk.
Tate walks across the room on wobbly legs and removes TWO
MANILA ENVELOPES from a safe hidden behind an oil painting.
He faxes the contents of the first envelope, half a dozen
sheets. The contents of the other envelope are fed trough a
shredder into a TRASH BASKET OVERFLOWING WITH SHREDDED PAPER.
Tate places the first envelope in his BRIEFCASE and puts on
his overcoat, fumbling with the buttons. He pauses to pick
up a FRAMED PICTURE of his wife and son from his desk.
Kisses it on the verge of tears.
Tate puts the picture back and walks out of his office into...
HIS ASSISTANT'S OFFICE
TATE
Tessa, are you still here?
TESSA (O.S.)
Right here, Phil.
TESSA HARRIS, a fresh-faced and captivating young woman in
her mid-twenties, steps out of the copy room.
TESSA
Calling it a night, Phil?
TATE
Did you... did you mail the package
for me?
2.
TESSA
Yup, FedEx. This afternoon.
(notices Tate's frail condition)
You look flushed. Are you all right?
TATE
Just... ah... tired, that's all.
We're all burning too much midnight
oil.
TESSA
Tell me about it.
(extends a sheet of paper)
Here's the itinerary for your
campaign swing with Mrs. Remington
tomorrow.
Tate suddenly gives Tessa a fierce hug, startling her.
TATE
Thank you. Thank you so much.
You're so much better than all of them.
Tate quickly leaves the room before his emotions overwhelm
him. Tessa watches him go, confused, still holding the
itinerary in her hand.
INT./EXT. PHILIP TATE'S VOLVO - NIGHT
Tate's blue Volvo pulls out of the White House through the
gates. The GUARDS wave to him from the guardhouse, but he
doesn't notice. He's gripping the wheel fiercely, totally
focused on the road ahead.
Tate doesn't notice the car that starts to follow him.
He completes a semi circle and stops outside of the north
fence of the White House. He cuts the ignition and removes
two objects from the glove compartment:
A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS AND A GUN
Tate slips the gun into his coat pocket and snaps one end of
the cuffs around his left wrist. He attaches the other cuff
to the handle of his briefcase.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF WHITE HOUSE FENCE - NIGHT
Tate abandons his car and walks across Sixteenth Street to
Lafayette Park. A brisk autumn wind stirs up small tornadoes
of dried leaves.
He pauses at the equestrian statue of General Jackson and
glances back at the White House. He stares at a second floor
window where the light is still shining.
3.
A brief flash of anger crosses his face.
Tate abruptly looks away and walks into the park. He doesn't
notice the MAN WEARING A TRENCHCOAT following him.
EXT. LAFAYETTE PARK - NIGHT
Tate is seated on a park bench, the briefcase next to him
still attached to his wrist. He's weeping openly now. With
trembling hands, he pulls out the GUN and pushes it deep into
his mouth. There is agony and fear on his face.
Suddenly, there is the muted sound of a COUGH from nearby.
Tate glances around nervously. Sees nothing. Closes his
eyes and abruptly pulls the trigger.
Tate's head jerks backwards as bits of flesh and brain matter
explode out through the back. The chunks spread out like
shrapnel. His body recoils and falls off the bench into a
crumpled heap, trapping the briefcase beneath him.
Before the reverberations of the gunshot die away, a MAN IN A
TRENCHCOAT darts out from behind a tree. He turns over
Tate's body with his hands and tries to take the briefcase;
but it's handcuffed to a dead body now. Suppressing a cough,
he takes out his own gun and shoots the cuffs off.
Suddenly the briefcase snaps opens.
MAN
Shit!
He quickly snaps the briefcase shut before the papers are
blown away by the wind. Taking a last look at Tate's dead
body, he flees with the briefcase.
EXT. HOOVER BUILDING - DAY
FBI headquarters - the house that J. Edgar Hoover built - is
huge and imposing, taking up an entire block.
INT. HOOVER BUILDING - QUINCE'S OFFICE - DAY
SPECIAL AGENT BRUCE DEXTER is seated across the desk from
ASSISTANT FBI DIRECTOR ORSON QUINCE. Dexter's in his late
thirties, ruggedly handsome with a weariness about him.
QUINCE is in his fifties, a grizzly bear with a brisk manner.
QUINCE
I take it that you've seen the
coverage on Philip Tate's suicide?
DEXTER
It's dominating the headlines, sir.
4.
QUINCE
Well, it's our headache now, Bruce.
DEXTER
(surprised)
I thought D.C. Metro was investigating
the death? It's under their
jurisdiction.
QUINCE
Philip Tate was no ordinary man. He
was the First Lady's Chief of Staff.
His suicide happened right in front
of the White House. God only knows
what the public reaction would have
been if he had shot himself inside of
that damn house. It would have been
a nightmare for the Remington
Administration.
Quince chuckles morbidly. Dexter sees no reason for humor.
DEXTER
It couldn't have happened at a worse
time with the election less than
three months away.
QUINCE
The Remingtons are probably shitting
in their pants right now. Nobody's
more obsessed with public image than
they are. But our job is not public
relations. Our job is to investigate.
(relishing the thought)
This is no ordinary suicide. I feel
it in my bones.
DEXTER
What makes you say so, sir?
QUINCE
Tate had a briefcase attached to his
wrist with handcuffs when he died.
Somebody shot the cuffs off and took
the briefcase.
DEXTER
The news didn't report that.
QUINCE
The White House did its best to keep
it under wraps.
DEXTER
Was Tate murdered?
5.
QUINCE
No. The suicide looks kosher. Tate
blew his brains out. There were no
signs of a struggle, and the only
prints on the weapon were Tate's own.
There was also powder burns on his
right hand, so all of that checks
out. As far as physical evidence...
there was one thing that raised the
MPD's eyebrows. They found a cough
drop near a tree only a few feet away
from the body.
DEXTER
Could they have belonged to Tate or
somebody else? Lafayette Park's a
busy place.
QUINCE
The MPD doesn't think so. The mucous
on the cough drop didn't match Tate's
DNA. Someone obviously followed Tate
into the park, shot off the briefcase
and fled with it. That someone could
have mistakenly dropped the cough
drop. We have to find out who this
person was and why he stole that
briefcase - and recover it if
possible. I also want to know why
Tate took his own life and if
somebody or something drove him to do
so.
(pushes a file across
his desk to Dexter)
That's where you come in. You're
investigating Tate's suicide.
DEXTER
I'm in the middle of the Sanchez case -
QUINCE
It's been reassigned. As of this
moment, Tate's suicide is all that
you have to be concerned with from
now on. You'll be working on it
exclusively and nothing else.
(his flinty eyes
captures Dexter's
own, challenging him)
Do you have any objections?
Dexter tries to hide his displeasure.
6.
DEXTER
No, sir. I'm just a little surprised
that you would pick me for such a
critical assignment - and that you're
doing it personally. This is... not
normal.
QUINCE
Don't worry about what's normal. I
picked you because you're damn good
at what you do. You've had an
outstanding record going back to your
days at our Philadelphia office. You
were a star at Quantico. You get to
the bottom of all your cases. Period.
DEXTER
Thank you, sir.
QUINCE
(clears his throat)
Am I to understand that you're
leaving the Bureau at the end of this
year?
DEXTER
That's my plan.
QUINCE
May I ask why?
DEXTER
My father passed away recently and
left me a bread and breakfast on
Nantucket Island. I'm going to try
to run it.
QUINCE
(flabbergasted)
You're going to be an innkeeper?
DEXTER
I'd like to give it a try.
QUINCE
Most of our agents usually dedicate
their careers to the Bureau. I hope
you're not disillusioned with this
line of work?
7.
DEXTER
(there's something
more, but Dexter
gives a stock answer)
No. I never regretted joining the
Bureau... but I have family obligations.
QUINCE
(eyes Dexter closely)
It wouldn't have to do with the
incident last year?
DEXTER
(lying)
No, sir.
QUINCE
Well, that's your choice. It's a
free country. But until the end of
this year, I want your full attention
on this case and to the Bureau.
You're not to gloss over anything.
Seize every bit of evidence, no
matter how slim and scrutinize it.
Study it from every possible angle.
You're to direct all your energies to
this case. But -
(stresses his words)
And this is very important. I want
you to be as discreet as possible.
Beat the bushes and turn every stone;
but do it quietly. There's to be no
talk about this case with anyone
outside of this office and that means
anybody: family, friends, or other
Bureau employees. A total blackout
on information. Do I make myself clear?
DEXTER
Is this supposed to be a covert
assignment?
QUINCE
I never said that. Just do things
quietly without drawing any attention
to yourself, myself or the Bureau.
Make sure the fucking press doesn't
get wind of your investigation.
DEXTER
I don't usually work on these type of
cases alone. John Rosenberg's always
been -
8.
QUINCE
Justin Maldetto's going to be your
partner on this case. You'll be
Special Agent in charge.
DEXTER
(clearly displeased)
Justin?
QUINCE
He's already been briefed.
DEXTER
Sir, John and I -
QUINCE
I know you two have a great track
record for working together, but
Maldetto will be helping you out this
time. He's more suited for this
case. We need a field agent, not
somebody stuck behind a computer all
day.
Dexter's not too happy but holds his tongue.
Quince presses a buzzer on his desk and SPECIAL AGENT JUSTIN
MALDETTO walks in a moment later. He's in his mid thirties
with thick shoulders and no neck to speak of.
MALDETTO
(pats Dexter on the
back a little too hard)
Hey, Bruce, how you doin'?
(takes a seat)
It's been ages.
DEXTER
(stiffly)
Justin.
MALDETTO
Looks, like we'll be partners. I
gotta tell you -
QUINCE
Exchange your pleasantries later.
(leans forward,
places his hands on
the table)
Let me reiterate to both of you. I
want you to find out why Philip Tate
killed himself.
(MORE)
9.
QUINCE (CONT'D)
Find out who followed him to the park
and stole his briefcase and why. I
want to know what was in there. Find
out if there's any connection with
the White House - any connection at
all. No one should be immune from
your scrutiny.
EXT. VIRGINIA ROAD - DAY
A SILVER FORD CROWN VICTORIA drives through a tunnel of trees
sporting early autumn colors.
MALDETTO (V.O.)
You must be really excited about this
case?
DEXTER (V.O.)
What makes you say that?
INT. DEXTER'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
MALDETTO
Listen, this is high profile. There
was a fucking suicide right in front
of the goddamned White House! You
can't get any bigger than that. We
crack this case, and we're talking
about promotions.
Maldetto gestures with his hands like an Italian as he talks.
The cigarette he's smoking is filling up the car with a
bluish haze.
DEXTER
In case you haven't heard, I'm
quitting the Bureau at the end of the
year.
MALDETTO
No shit?
DEXTER
Scout's honor.
MALDETTO
Why?
DEXTER
Personal reasons.
10.
MALDETTO
It's gotta be that incident with that
girl. I heard the shit hit the fan
that day. Did you really -
DEXTER
(abruptly)
If you don't mind, let's focus on
this case.
Dexter turns away from Maldetto and stares at the road ahead,
almost like he's reliving something painful.
MALDETTO
Sure, sure. Hey, I understand. You
had to make a tough decision.
Maldetto takes a deep drag of his cigarette. Dexter glances
at him, irritated.
DEXTER
Could you put that out, please?
Maldetto takes the cigarette out of his mouth. Blows a smoke
ring in Dexter's direction.
MALDETTO
Come on, just crack the window. I
gotta have this, or I'll have
caniptions.
DEXTER
Sounds like an addiction.
MALDETTO
It's only a fucking cigarette. It
won't kill you. That's all a load of
crap anyway.
DEXTER
If you believe that, I have a bridge
to sell you in Brooklyn.
MALDETTO
That supposed to be a joke? You're a
funny guy.
Maldetto takes another drag and lets out a deep, RASPING laugh.
EXT. TATE HOUSE - DAY
The Crown Victoria pulls into the winding driveway of an
elegant two story house with columns. Dexter and Maldetto
get out. Maldetto looks up at the house and whistles.
11.
MALDETTO
Fucking politician's are livin' in
style. Shit, I'm a public servant
too, but I can't afford a place like
this.
DEXTER
Run for office then.
Dexter heads towards the front door. Maldetto grounds his
cigarette into the driveway and hurries to catch up.
The door is opened by a VERY TALL YOUNG MAN, about college
age. He lets them inside.
INT. TATE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
Dexter and Maldetto are seated with PAT TATE in a tastefully-
furnished living room. She's a very tall, thermometer-thin
woman in her forties whose eyes are red-rimmed from crying.
DEXTER
We want to thank for taking out the
time to speak to us. We know this
must be a very difficult time for
you. Please accept our deepest
sympathies.
PAT
Thank you. I already answered some
questions for the police. Why is the
FBI involved now?
Dexter tries to answer her, but Maldetto cuts him off.
MALDETTO
Your husband was part of the White
House staff. That automatically
makes the investigation of his
suicide the FBI's jurisdiction.
Dexter exchanges a glance with Maldetto over the obvious lie,
but doesn't contradict him.
DEXTER
Mrs. Tate, we'll try to make this as
brief as possible and not retread
questions you've already answered.
PAT
I understand you have a job to do.
I'll try to answer everything I can.
Dexter takes out a pad and pen. Maldetto mimics him.
12.
DEXTER
I understand that your husband left
you a note...
PAT
(nodding)
I found it... afterwards. He left it
on the table in his study the morning
he -
Pat's voice breaks. She is close to tears and gripping her
hot coffee tightly, seeking warmth. She glances at a
portrait on the mantle over the blazing fireplace. It's a
family portrait of her and her husband and their son, the
young man who opened the door for them.
PAT
It really hasn't sunk in yet that
Phil's gone. Why would he take his
life in such a way? I keep wondering
if it's my fault. What could I have
done to prevent it? Why didn't he
reach out to me? You have all these
regrets afterwards... Only it's too
late to do anything about it.
Dexter hands her a tissue which she daubs her eyes with.
PAT
Thank you. I'm sorry. Yes, the
note. The police made a copy.
Dexter withdraws a sheet from a folder he carried in with him.
DEXTER
There's a sentence here that your
husband wrote -
PAT
Phil said that he never understood
how far all of this would go.
MALDETTO
Yeah. You know what he meant by
that? What's he talking about?
PAT
I honestly don't know.
MALDETTO
Are you sure he wasn't talking about
work?
Dexter glances at Maldetto in surprise.
13.
MALDETTO
I mean, what else could he really be
talking about?
DEXTER
Mrs. Tate, we don't want to put words
in your mouth...
PAT
No, it's all right. You have a
point, Mr. Maldetto. I've wondered
that myself. Phil never talked about
his his work at the White House.
Though it wasn't always this way?
DEXTER
How so?
PAT
When Phil worked at Roche and
Wilson - that's a law firm in D.C. -
he was a different man. He used to
be a corporate attorney there before
he became Chief of Staff for the
First Lady. Back then he would at
least mention some of the clients he
represented or the cases he was
working on.
(takes a sip of coffee)
Thing changed when he started to work
at the White House. He clamped up
totally. Especially these last few
months...
DEXTER
Don't you think working at the White
House required some level of secrecy?
PAT
Phil didn't work for the CIA or the
President. He worked for the First
Lady. Mr. Dexter, Phil and I have
been married for over twenty years.
He used to be my best friend. But
since he started to work at the White
House, my husband didn't belong to me
anymore. He was married to his
work -
(bitterly)
- the work the First Lady gave to
him. Her work ruled his life!
MALDETTO
Do you think the First Lady drove him
to commit suicide?
14.
Dexter glances at Maldetto sharply.
PAT
No. No, I didn't say that. I - it's
just that he was under so much
pressure...
(imploringly)
I need you to find out the truth for
me, please. I need to know why Phil
would do such a thing. My husband
and I had a good life. He loved my
son David and I immensely. He had
every reason to live. Something
terrible drove him to take his life.
Please find out what.
EXT. TATE HOUSE - LATER
Dexter angrily confronts Maldetto as they walk back to the car.
DEXTER
You lied to her in there. Tate's
suicide is not really under our
jurisdiction. We can't just -
MALDETTO
You're missing the big picture, Bruce.
DEXTER
What the hell are you talking about?
What big picture?
MALDETTO
(chuckling)
Oh, I'll leave it to you to figure
that out.
Maldetto flashes Dexter an enigmatic smile and gets into the
car.
EXT. GEORGETOWN APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
It's a trendy neighborhood with the requisite Starbucks on
the corner. The Crown Victoria squeezes into a parking space
along the street.
MALDETTO (V.O.)
Damn, even his secretary lives in
style.
INT. TESSA'S APARTMENT - LATER
The three are seated around a table in the small breakfast
nook nursing coffees.
15.
Dexter takes his pad and pen out. Maldetto again follows his
lead. Tessa's wearing round glasses that make her look sharp
and studious. Her face is unadorned, accentuating her
natural beauty.
DEXTER
Ms. Harris -
TESSA
Please call me Tessa.
DEXTER
All right. Tessa -
Maldetto quickly extends his hand to Tessa.
MALDETTO
Hi, I'm Justin.
Tessa shakes his hand cautiously.
TESSA
Nice to meet you, Justin.
Dexter rolls his eyes and extends his hand to Tessa.
DEXTER
I guess I better let you call me
Bruce then. Nice to meet you, Tessa.
Tessa shakes Dexter's hand, amused.
DEXTER
Now, that we've crossed that hurdle,
Tessa, how many years did you work
for Philip Tate?
TESSA
Almost four years. I was a
Congressional intern before he hired
me. He really gave me a big boost in
my career. I'll always be in his debt.
DEXTER
Why don't you take me back to the day
he died. Tell me what you can remember.
TESSA
We put in long days. Where should I
begin?
16.
DEXTER
Start in the morning when you came
into work. Tell me if it was any
different from any other day. Do you
remember anything he said or did that
might have been different, or that
indicated he was having some problems?
Anything at all that sticks out in
your mind.
TESSA
Well... there was a phone call that
really seemed to affect Phil that day.
MALDETTO
Who called?
TESSA
I don't know. The call came around
ten in the morning. I heard Phil
shouting through the door. This was
rare. I knew he was under a lot of
stress lately, but he was a very
gentle man and almost never raised
his voice to anyone; but here he was
having a very heated argument with
someone.
DEXTER
You don't screen his calls?
TESSA
I do. Now that I think of it, it
must have been an internal call.
Those go through directly to him.
MALDETTO
So somebody from inside the White
House called and riled him up.
TESSA
I suppose so; but I can't say who.
Dexter jots a few things down. Maldetto mimics him.
DEXTER
How did Mr. Tate behave the rest of
the day?
TESSA
He seemed withdrawn... clearly
depressed. When I asked him if
something was wrong, he told me that
he was just under the weather. He
said the same thing before he left
the office that night. And -
17.
Tessa cuts herself short, clearly distressed.
DEXTER
Was there something else?
TESSA
I thought Phil had been drinking that
night. In fact I'm sure of it. I
smelled it on his breath.
MALDETTO
Did he hit the bottle a lot?
TESSA
This was so unlike Phil...
DEXTER
Did he drink at the office before?
TESSA
That was the third time this month I
smelled alcohol on his breath.
MALDETTO
So, he had a drinking problem?
TESSA
(shaking her head)
You have to understand, the election
is just around the corner. Everybody
is working extremely hard at the
White House. Phil was under a lot of
stress. He... he - maybe I should
have realized there was something
wrong!
Tessa looks very distressed; she's fighting to keep her
emotions under control.
DEXTER
Take your time.
Tessa exchanges a warm look with Dexter that Maldetto notices.
He appears a tad jealous.
TESSA
(takes a sip of coffee)
There's one more thing. I heard the
sound of a lot of documents being
shredded that day.
DEXTER
I would think that's common in any
office?
18.
TESSA
Documents are shredded at the White
House all the time. But what made it
unusual was that I heard it going on
in Phil's office all day long. It
was like he was trying to get rid of
all of his files.
MALDETTO
Maybe he was getting rid of evidence.
TESSA
(confused)
What kind evidence are you talking
about?
DEXTER
(frowning at Maldetto)
I believe Justin's just speculating.
Maldetto obviously doesn't agree, but doesn't argue the point.
MALDETTO
Do you know what your boss was
carrying in his briefcase when he
left that night?
TESSA
The police asked me the same question.
I guess it was work-related papers.
Why do you ask?
MALDETTO
We have our reasons.
TESSA
Was the briefcase missing? Is that it?
Tessa's sharp. Dexter cuts in before Maldetto reveals too
much.
DEXTER
We're not at liberty to discuss the
details of the case.
TESSA
You're being as vague as the police
were. Is there something else going
on? Is that why the FBI has become
involved now?
DEXTER
I can't really talk about all of
that, Tessa.
19.
Tessa nods sullenly in understanding.
TESSA
This is not an easy time for any of
us at the White House. Phil spent
more time at the office with us than
at home. He was family.
MALDETTO
Is there anything else you can tell us?
TESSA
I've told you everything I can think
of.
DEXTER
Just jog you memory. Take your time.
You may have overlooked something...
Tessa takes a long moment to think. Takes another sip of
coffee.
TESSA
There is one thing...
MALDETTO
What is it?
TESSA
The night Phil died - as I was on my
way out - the First Lady came down to
the East Wing with Scott.
DEXTER
Scott?
TESSA
Scott Traybek. He's a Secret Service
agent on her detail.
MALDETTO
What time was it?
TESSA
Around 10pm.
DEXTER
That was about an hour after the
suicide.
MALDETTO
What the hell was she doing down
there so late?
20.
TESSA
I don't know. She didn't volunteer
any information. It was a real odd
time for her to be down there.
That's the only reason I'm mentioning
it.
MALDETTO
(clearly suspicious)
Yeah, odd isn't it?
Dexter glances at Maldetto but says nothing.
INT. TESSA'S APARTMENT - LATER
The interview's over. Tessa is showing Dexter and Maldetto
out.
DEXTER
We want to thank you for taking the
time out to talk with us.
TESSA
If you need my help - anything -
don't hesitate to ask me.
Dexter hands her his business card.
DEXTER
Please give me a call if you think of
anything else.
Maldetto quickly takes his own card out, writes a number on
the back and gives it to Tessa.
MALDETTO
I put my home number on the back.
You can call me there too.
Tessa takes the card; but it's obvious that she's going to
throw it away. She doesn't seem too fond of Maldetto.
MALDETTO
(suddenly)
Hey, Tessa, what do you do for fun?
TESSA
Excuse me?
MALDETTO
Do you wanna grab some cheeseburgers
sometime?
Tessa exchanges a glance with Dexter that Maldetto misses.
They share a quick smile.
21.
TESSA
Um... I'm sorry, but I'm really busy
right now. I practically live at the
White House. Thanks for asking.
Maldetto shrugs, clearly disappointed. He and Dexter are
about to walk out the door.
TESSA
Mr. Dexter, you're going to interview
the First Lady, aren't you?
DEXTER
(turning around)
Maybe.
EXT. STREET - LATER
Dexter and Maldetto are walking back to the car.
MALDETTO
Man, what a babe! What I wouldn't
give to get into her pants.
DEXTER
I guess cheeseburgers didn't cut it,
huh? Keep working on those lines,
Casanova.
Dexter gets into the car, laughing.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
The watering hole is busy with the evening crowd. Dexter
DIGS into a greasy steak with gusto. He's seated across a
booth from JOHN ROSENBERG, who is in his fifties with a
middle-aged paunch and a jolly disposition.
ROSENBERG
Are you really going to eat that?
DEXTER
(mouth full)
Uh-huh.
Rosenberg is eating a salad with a side order of carrot sticks.
ROSENBERG
Listen, you're headed for a bypass.
Take my word for it, it's not fun.
Dexter extends a piece of steak to Rosenberg with his fork.
DEXTER
You really should try this.
22.
Rosenberg makes the sign of the cross. Dexter shrugs and
plops the steak into his mouth.
ROSENBERG
Stop trying to kill yourself. You
know it wasn't your fault.
Dexter washes the steak down with a gulp of beer.
DEXTER
What are you talking about?
ROSENBERG
You don't seem to give a damn about
yourself since that girl died.
DEXTER
(distressed)
What is it with you people Can't I
move on? Next subject, please.
ROSENBERG
All right... so what's your new case
about?
DEXTER
Can't talk about it, John. Assistant
Director's orders. He assigned me
this case personally.
ROSENBERG
Are you serious?
Dexter nods.
ROSENBERG
Citizen Quince himself is involved!
Impressive. This is a first. This
case must be big. Throw me a bone
please.
DEXTER
My lips are sealed.
ROSENBERG
I'm not asking you to say a thing.
Just eat a carrot stick if I'm close.
DEXTER
I hate carrots.
Rosenberg holds one out to Dexter anyway.
23.
ROSENBERG
Come on, we've worked together for
years. Just because I got ditched -
DEXTER
I tried to get you on board. No
dice. Got stuck with Justin.
ROSENBERG
He's got the I.Q. of a beef jerky!
He's an ass kisser.
DEXTER
He's already getting on my nerves.
ROSENBERG
If you ask me, Maldetto's there to
keep an eye on you. I've never heard
of Quince taking a personal interest
in a case. He's always trying to
schmooze with the big wigs. It's
gotta be big.
Dexter shrugs.
ROSENBERG
So, this case you're working on -
it's about Philip Tate's suicide,
isn't it?
Dexter is reluctant to answer.
ROSENBERG
Come on, humor me. My lips are
sealed. You're going to end up
asking me for help in the end anyhow.
Is that a yes?
Dexter smiles a little. He takes a bite of the carrot stick
and nods slowly.
ROSENBERG
Ah-hah, I knew it!
INT. BAR - LATER
Dexter's steak is finished. There's one last carrot stick
left on the plate. Rosenberg points to it.
ROSENBERG
See, I knew I'd get you hooked.
DEXTER
I've told you way too much. I'm
risking my job, John.
24.
ROSENBERG
Give me a break, you're quitting
anyway. So, what's next?
Dexter picks up the last carrot. Takes a bite.
DEXTER
I'm gonna interview an old girlfriend.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - DAY
The great lawn in front of the mansion is still a verdant
green but autumn has crept up onto the trees.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OUTSIDE OF FIRST LADY'S OFFICE - DAY
Dexter is being led to the First Lady's office by Tessa.
There's already a casual familiarity between them.
TESSA
So you took my advice and decided to
interview the First Lady.
DEXTER
(amused)
I didn't know it was advice?
TESSA
Where's your partner?
DEXTER
My shadow wasn't invited. Are you
disappointed?
Tessa shakes her head "no" vigorously.
TESSA
Let me see if Mrs. Remington is ready.
Tessa knocks on the First Lady's office door and goes in. A
moment later she emerges and holds the door open for Dexter.
TESSA
Go right in.
Dexter salutes Tessa and walks in.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - FIRST LADY'S OFFICE - DAY
The FIRST LADY, KATHERINE (KAY) TOBIAS REMINGTON, greets
Dexter warmly with a big smile and great big hug. In her mid
thirties, she's got the sex appeal of Marilyn Monroe and the
classic looks of Jackie Kennedy.
25.
FIRST LADY
It's great to see you, Bruce! How
long has it been?
DEXTER
Fifteen years.
FIRST LADY
That is entirely too long for a
reunion!
(appraises Dexter)
You look great.
DEXTER
(rakes his fingers
through his hair)
Oh, I don't know about that. There's
a few gray up here.
(appraising the First Lady)
You're the one who looks terrific,
Mrs. Rem -
FIRST LADY
Shut up! Don't call me that. I
won't have it - especially from you.
I'll always be Kay to you. Do I make
myself clear?
Dexter is pleased and nods.
The First Lady takes a seat behind a stylish antique desk.
Dexter grabs a chair in front of the desk.
FIRST LADY
How are you? I hope life's been
treating you well?
DEXTER
I'm hanging in there.
(glances around the
plush surroundings, impressed)
It seems like you've fulfilled your
dreams. Didn't you write in your
high school year book that you wanted
to be married to a President someday?
FIRST LADY
Actually I wrote that I wanted to be
President.
DEXTER
Right. You were always very ambitious.
Dexter glances at the huge pear-shaped diamond on the First
Lady's finger. She notices.
26.
FIRST LADY
Who's heart did you conquer? Are you
married?
DEXTER
I've been divorced for three years.
FIRST LADY
I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have
any children?
Dexter shakes his head "no."
FIRST LADY
(smiling coyly)
Are you seeing anyone?
DEXTER
No one serious since the divorce.
FIRST LADY
Good lord, three years and you don't
have a woman in your life! Are you
trying to be a monk?
DEXTER
I don't know. But if a monk seeks a
clean life without complications and
serenity... tell me where to sign up.
But I don't think this is the town
for that. I've been looking for an
excuse to leave for years.
FIRST LADY
How long have you been in D.C.?
DEXTER
Ten years.
FIRST LADY
We've been in the same city for a
decade and we've never even met! You
did a capital job of avoiding me.
DEXTER
We don't necessarily travel in the
same circles anymore, Kay.
FIRST LADY
I don't consider our years at
Princeton together a footnote in our
lives, Bruce.
It's obviously a touchy subject to Dexter.
27.
DEXTER
You dropped out of my life suddenly
the last semester we were there. I
thought it was pretty clear to me
that you didn't want me around
anymore. After all these years, I
still don't know what happened
between us. What made you run away?
FIRST LADY
(regretful)
You deserved better. I'm truly
sorry, Bruce.
DEXTER
I'd settle for an explanation.
The First Lady shifts uncomfortably in her seat for the first
time. She skirts the subject for some reason. Suddenly
focuses on the business at hand.
FIRST LADY
I was informed that you had some
questions for me?
DEXTER
I have to remind myself this is
supposed to be an interview and not a
reunion.
(takes out his pad
and pen)
I have a few questions about your
Chief of Staff's suicide.
FIRST LADY
I just wish all of this media frenzy
around Phil's death would end! It
comes at the worst possible time. My
husband and I have been swamped with
questions about his suicide. I have
to be honest with you, you wouldn't
be sitting here if your name wasn't
Bruce Dexter. That's the only reason
I agreed to this interview.
DEXTER
I appreciate it. I'll try to be as
brief as I can.
(opens up his pad)
Could you tell me how you came to
know Philip Tate?
28.
FIRST LADY
Phil and I used work at the same law
firm in D.C. We worked well together
there, so I asked him to come and
work at the White House with me.
DEXTER
Would you say you two were good friends?
FIRST LADY
He was like a brother to me - and a
wonderful advisor. His loss is a
great blow to me.
DEXTER
Did you two ever argue?
FIRST LADY
We agreed to disagree, but it was
never personal.
DEXTER
Did you call him on the morning of
his suicide?
FIRST LADY
(wary)
What do you mean?
DEXTER
Did you call him that morning and
have an argument with him?
The First Lady takes a moment to choose her words carefully.
FIRST LADY
Phil was my Chief of Staff. We
exchanged phone calls at least a
dozen times a day. I'm sure I called
him that morning, but we didn't have
any arguments.
Dexter nods and jots a few notes down.
DEXTER
Do have any idea why he took his life?
FIRST LADY
I don't know. It came as a terrible
shock.
DEXTER
His wife speculated that he wasn't
coping very well with the pressures
of work.
29.
FIRST LADY
(miffed)
Pat said that? That's ridiculous!
My husband's the leader of the Free
World. He has the weight of the
world on his shoulders. Fifty-two
President's before him held the same
post. Not one of them committed
suicide because of the pressure. If
you ask me, Phil's marital problems
probably drove him over the edge.
DEXTER
Pat Tate indicated that they had a
close relationship.
FIRST LADY
Do you think she'd admit to having
marriage trouble? Pat resented Phil
for working here. She didn't like
the hours he kept and pressured him
constantly to quit. But Phil knew he
was playing an important role for his
country. He even admitted to me that
the strife with his wife was making
him terribly depressed. Frankly, I
really don't see the reason for the
FBI to get involved in a simple
suicide.
(looks Dexter
directly in the eyes)
What aren't you telling me, Bruce?
Dexter shifts uncomfortably in his chair. The First Lady has
a persuasive voice and a penetrating stare.
DEXTER
I'm just trying to fill in a couple
of blanks. That's all.
(writes a few more
notes down)
Did Philip Tate work on anything
sensitive? If so, would he carry it
home with him in his briefcase?
A brief shadow crosses the First Lady's face.
FIRST LADY
I'm the First Lady not the President.
We don't deal with nuclear secrets in
the East Wing. The most sensitive
thing Phil was working on here were
proposals on health care reform - and
that's no big secret.
30.
DEXTER
Would it be safe to assume that he
wouldn't carry anything confidential
home with him?
FIRST LADY
Asked and answered, Bruce.
Dexter sees she's a little upset and decides to take a
different tack.
DEXTER
You've been known to sit in on
cabinet meetings with the President.
Some even consider you the most
powerful woman in the world.
FIRST LADY
I'm flattered; but perceptions are
subjective and don't hold the weight
of fact.
DEXTER
I have to remind myself that you used
to be a lawyer.
(pauses, takes a deep breath)
Kay, why were you down in Philip
Tate's office only an hour after his
death?
FIRST LADY
(sharply)
Who told you that?
DEXTER
I'm not at liberty to say.
FIRST LADY
(frowning)
It was Tessa. She told you, of course.
DEXTER
What were you doing down there so
late? Wasn't it an odd time for you
to be down there?
FIRST LADY
(choosing her words carefully)
Phil was scheduled to go on a
campaign trip with me the following
morning.
(MORE)
31.
FIRST LADY (CONT'D)
He was supposed to make some changes
to a speech that I was to give at a
homeless shelter. I waited, but he
never sent the speech to me. I tried
to call him, but I couldn't find him.
I needed that speech back, so I went
down to his office to get it myself.
The First Lady pulls a sheet of paper from the center drawer
and hands it over to Dexter
FIRST LADY
I inadvertently took this with the
speech. If you're looking for clues,
this may be one.
Dexter reads the note carefully.
DEXTER
Do you know what this is about?
FIRST LADY
I'm not sure. But I can point you in
the right direction. Go check the
Congressional Records Office.
EXT. CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY
Dexter and Maldetto are walking up the steps of the Capitol
Building. Maldetto's complaining bitterly to Dexter about
something, moving his hands animatedly. We can't quite make
his words out.
INT. CONGRESSIONAL RECORDS OFFICE - LATER
Dexter and Maldetto walk through a door marked: CONGRESSIONAL
RECORDS OFFICE. Maldetto's lips are still moving.
MALDETTO
... I don't like getting shafted for
an interview - especially when it's
at the White House.
DEXTER
Give it a rest. It's not my fault.
MALDETTO
What I don't get is whey she would
only agree to see you?
Dexter ignores Maldetto and approaches the POMPOUS-LOOKING
MAN behind the counter. He's wearing a bow tie and bookish
glasses.
32.
DEXTER
Hi, do you keep records for all
Congressional employees here?
POMPOUS-LOOKING MAN
That's correct. We have thousands of
people working on the Hill. However,
I don't see your ID, and I don't
recognize you. Do you work here?
DEXTER
No. But -
POMPOUS-LOOKING MAN
Then I don't see how I can possibly
be of service to you. Our files are
not for public access. I only serve
government employees.
Maldetto suddenly reaches over the counter and grabs the guy
by the front of his shirt. He shoves his badge into his face.
MALDETTO
F. fucking, B.I. buddy, capice? You
gonna help us now?
Pompous-looking man nods meekly.
INT. HOOVER BUILDING - QUINCE'S OFFICE - DAY
Dexter and Maldetto are seated in front of Quince's desk.
DEXTER
The memo the First Lady gave to me
led us to the Congressional Records
Office. We looked up a woman named
Sally Russell and discovered that
Tate was there himself for the same
reason only a week before he died.
QUINCE
What did you find out?
DEXTER
The clerk was only able to tell us
that she used to work for Senator
Vance - the Vance who's running for
President -
QUINCE
I'm aware of who he is. What else
did you find out?
Quince looks suddenly disturbed for some reason.
33.
DEXTER
Nothing. Somebody replaced Sally
Russell's files with blank sheets.
QUINCE
(almost relieved)
Really?
MALDETTO
Somebody stole her records.
QUINCE
Do you think it was Tate?
DEXTER
He was the last person to see her
files. The clerk was convinced he
took them. I would like to do a
search through the FBI databases on
Sally Russell -
QUINCE
That won't be necessary.
DEXTER
(surprised)
I don't understand. Why -
QUINCE
I really don't see where this will
lead you to. It's a wild goose chase.
MALDETTO
(smugly)
I told him the same thing.
DEXTER
Tate went to the record's office for
a reason. The First Lady seemed to
think that it was important -
QUINCE
So you're taking her advice now? I
didn't realize she still had
influence over you?
DEXTER
I'm not sure what you're talking
about, sir?
QUINCE
The fact that she used to be your
girlfriend shouldn't make a
difference, Bruce.
34.
Maldetto's eyes grow wide in shock. Dexter is surprised and
distressed that Quince knows.
QUINCE
Yes, I know your history together. I
don't sit in this seat because I have
my head up my ass. I make it a point
to know my agent's backgrounds well.
Bruce, I thought you were professional
enough not to let your judgment from
getting clouded. I hope I didn't
misjudge you?
DEXTER
That was a long time ago. You told
me to leave no stone unturned.
QUINCE
Rocks. Not useless pebbles. I'm
suspicious about any clues given to
you by Katherine Tobias Remington our
esteemed First Lady. Get back to
work. I still have the utmost faith
that you'll crack this nut. Don't
get distracted by tangents.
Dismissed, Dexter rises to leave the office, holding back
suppressed anger. Maldetto's about to follow him out.
QUINCE
Justin, stay. I'd like to have a few
words with you.
Dexter exchanges a tense glance with Maldetto and walks out.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PHILIP TATE'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Tessa seals up another box containing Philip Tate's things.
A half a dozen are already filled and stacked. There's a
wistful look on her face.
She passes the FAX MACHINE and pauses. Then on sudden
impulse she presses a button and retrieves the transmission
log. She regards the printout and sees a transmission time
that reads:
9:05 PM.
Next to it is a fax number and the number of pages faxed.
Tessa's eyes grow wide as a realization hits her.
She rushes out of the office.
35.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
A VW Jetta pulls out of the White House gates and speeds off.
Tessa is behind the wheel.
A moment later, a car with dark windows pulls out of the
gates and starts to follow her.
INT. DEXTER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Dexter walks in with his groceries. His bull dog, BRUTUS,
instantly starts to BARK and lick his legs. Dexter sets the
bag down on the counter of the eat-in kitchen and lets the
dog leap up into his arms. He holds Brutus close to his face.
DEXTER
(baby talk)
How's daddy's little boy doing? Huh?
You hungry?
The bulldog starts to lick Dexter's face.
DEXTER
(baby talk)
I got something special for you tonight.
Brutus BARKS and leaps away.
Dexter puts his gun down on the counter and notices the
FLASHING RED LIGHT on the answering machine. He pushes the
message button. There's a BEEP then the message.
TESSA
(on the answering machine)
Hi, Bruce, this is Tessa Harris.
It's around ten pm. I called your
office, but you weren't there. So I
tried your cell phone but I couldn't
get through. Maybe you're out of
range.
Dexter checks his cell phone. He frowns. The battery's
depleted.
TESSA
(on the answering machine)
Anyway, I tracked your home number
down. Phil transmitted a fax from
his office right before... right
before he took his life. He sent
several pages over to the Washington
Post. I think it's important. I'm
sorry I couldn't wait, but I'm on the
way over there right now. Maybe the
fax is still over there.
36.
Dexter checks his watch. It's a quarter after ten. He
snatches his gun and rushes out the door.
Brutus barks behind him, angry at not being fed.
EXT. WASHINGTON POST BUILDING - NIGHT
There are a handful of lights on in the building. Tessa
checks the front door. It's still open. She walks in.
INT. WASHINGTON POST BUILDING - LOBBY
No one seems to be around. Tessa walks up to the front desk
and RINGS a bell. No answer. She rings it again.
JANITOR (O.S.)
Hold your horses!
A heavyset JANITOR emerges out of a hallway pushing a mop and
a bucket.
JANITOR
Lady, we're closed.
TESSA
Is everybody gone?
JANITOR
Nope. There's some folks burning the
midnight oil for the early edition.
TESSA
I need to see somebody in the Sunday
Magazine section.
JANITOR
Those fellas left already. That
office is closed.
Tessa eyes the KEY RING hanging at the janitor's waist.
TESSA
Can you get in there?
JANITOR
(full of pride)
I'm the sanitation engineer, ain't I?
TESSA
I need to recover a fax I sent by
mistake. It's extremely important.
JANITOR
(shaking his head)
No can do.
37.
TESSA
Please -
JANITOR
Which ear don't you hear outta?
Tessa digs through her purse and brings out her WHITE HOUSE
ID. She holds it out to the janitor for his inspection.
JANITOR
(impressed)
You work at the White House?
TESSA
(nods)
This is a matter of national security.
I have to get the fax back tonight.
(conspiratorial whisper)
It belongs to the President.
JANITOR
Remington?
Tessa nods.
JANITOR
(whistles)
Why didn't you say so in the first
place? Follow me.
INT. WASHINGTON POST BUILDING - SUNDAY MAGAZINE SECTION
Tessa is busy rifling through a STACK OF PAPERS next to the
fax machine. The lights are dimmed. There's nobody else
around. The janitor's standing guard at the door.
JANITOR
Lady, White House, Black House or
Green House. I don't care. You
gotta hurry up. I could lose my job
for this.
Tessa's hands are moving frantically through the pile of faxes.
JANITOR (O.S.)
You have one more minute!
Tessa's through the pile but hasn't found what's she looking
for. She looks frustrated. Then her eyes come to rest on a
SHEET OF PAPER sticking out from the bottom of another pile.
It's got the WHITE HOUSE SEAL on it. She instantly pulls it
out and looks at it. Bingo. It's the fax sent by Philip
Tate. Tessa grabs the entire fax and heads for the door.
38.
JANITOR
Sayonara, I'm locking -
TESSA
I'm done.
Tessa breezes out of the office with the FAX in her hands.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Tessa walks briskly back to her car with the FAX in her hands.
She seems pleased with herself. There's a jaunt to her steps.
Somebody COUGHS behind her.
Tessa glances back nervously. Notices a MAN IN A TRENCHCOAT
following her but can't make out the face in the darkness.
Tessa picks up her pace. Looks back again. The man is
rapidly closing the gap.
Tessa begins to run.
INT. DEXTER'S CAR - NIGHT
Dexter is gunning down the street when he glances out the
window and sees a woman being chased by a man. He does a
double take. It's Tessa. They're running in the opposite
direction.
Dexter slams the brakes on with a SCREECH and makes a vicious
U-turn.
EXT. STREET
Tessa is out of breath. Her pursuer is almost upon her.
A horn suddenly BLARES. Tessa glances to the street. There
is a silver Crown Victoria keeping pace with her.
Tessa suddenly stumbles and goes down.
Her pursuer is instantly on top of her. He snatches the FAX
out of her hands and runs away.
INT. DEXTER'S CAR
Dexter watches the man flee. He sees Tessa get up. She
appears to be all right. He guns the car and chases after
the FLEEING MAN IN A TRENCHCOAT.
The man tries to cut across the street -
But Dexter is already there.
39.
The man hits Dexter's car with a THUD. His body rolls over
the hood and falls onto the ground. But he's up and running
again.
Dexter jumps out of his car and starts to chase the fleeing
man, who is limping now. Dexter starts to gain on him.
The man turns onto a street. Dexter is on his tail.
Suddenly the man turns around and points a gun. BANG! BANG!
BANG!
Dexter ducks and weaves. The bullets miss.
The man cuts onto another side street. Dexter makes the same
turn - but the man's disappeared. Dexter pauses briefly to
catch his breath. Tries to find the man -
A SHADOW suddenly leaps out of a doorway and tackles Dexter.
They land on top of a car hood and roll off onto the street -
barely missing a car that swerves at the last second, BLARING
its horn.
Dexter's head hits the hard ground first, dazing him. His
assailant is straddling him. Raise his fist to strike -
Dexter suddenly bucks and throws him off. But as he ties to
rise, the man lands a solid kick to the side of his head.
Dexter GRUNTS in pain as the pavement rushes up suddenly and
meets him with a SMACK.
Dexter lays still. Stirs a moment later. Rises slowly to
his feet with a GROAN.
TESSA (O.S.)
Bruce, watch out!
Dexter turns abruptly to see GLARING WHITE HEADLIGHTS coming
towards him. He jumps out of the way a split second before a
car whizzes by.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT
Dexter and Tessa are seated at a table near the window.
DEXTER (V.O.)
If you wanted action, you should have
joined the FBI. Why didn't you wait
for me?
INT. COFFEE SHOP - CONTINUOUS
Dexter and Tessa a sipping cups of java. There's a bruise on
the side of Dexter's face.
40.
TESSA
Phil sent the fax Monday - four days
ago - just before... before he killed
himself. Bruce, he got one of the
numbers wrong and sent it to the
Sunday Magazine section by mistake!
It's almost Sunday, I thought -
DEXTER
You should have waited. You almost
got both of us killed. For what?
You lost the fax. Did you even see
what it was about?
TESSA
I didn't get the chance.. but, I did
manage to save your life, though.
DEXTER
But our man got away.
Tessa writes a license plate number on a NAPKIN and slides it
across to Dexter. He looks at the number then regards her
with questioning eyes.
TESSA
I caught the license plate number
when he tried to run you over.
(smiles a little)
So, are you still angry at me?
EXT. TRAYBEK'S HOUSE - NIGHT
A BLACK CROWN VICTORIA pulls into the driveway of a small
rancher behind a car that's already parked there, blocking it.
Justin Maldetto steps out and glances across the street. He
notes the SILVER CROWN VICTORIA pulling up along the curb.
Checks his gun and approaches the front door of the rancher.
INT. DEXTER'S CAR - ACROSS THE STREET - NIGHT
Dexter watches Maldetto ring the front door bell. SCOTT
TRAYBEK, a tall, square-jawed man in his thirties - answers
the door. He and Justin exchange a few words. Traybek steps
aside and lets Justin in, closing the door behind him.
Dexter loosens the GUN at his waist and waits.
The wait isn't long. There's the sudden BLAST of a gunshot
from the rancher.
41.
EXT. TRAYBEK'S HOUSE
Dexter jumps out of his car and starts to run across the
street towards the rancher.
The front door suddenly bursts opens. Traybek runs outside
brandishing a gun.
As soon as he sees Dexter, Traybek raises his gun and shoots.
It's a wild shot and misses. He tries to shoot again but his
gun jams.
Dexter raises his own gun and has Traybek in his sights.
It's an easy shot.
SMASH CUT:
Dexter has taken cover behind a car. He has his gun pointed
at a TEENAGE GIRL in front of an ethnic grocery store across
the street. She has her gun pointed at an FBI AGENT
bleeding on the ground from a shotgun wound to his gut.
Nearby is a BALD MAN lying dead in a pool of blood.
The fallen FBI agent struggles to rise and reach the gun that
is only a few feet away.
The girl is about to pull the trigger. Dexter has to take
the shot or the agent will be killed. There's absolute agony
on his face.
There's a sudden GUNSHOT.
SLAM CUT BACK TO PRESENT:
Traybek staggers as a bullet slams into his left shoulder.
An oncoming car is unable to stop in time and side swipes
him. Traybek tumbles to the ground and lays still.
Maldetto limps onto the scene. He's got a gunshot wound to
the thigh but still managed to take the Traybek down. He
hobbles over to Dexter and grabs him roughly by the collar,
shaking him hard.
MALDETTO
What the fuck happened? You had a
clear shot!
Dexter snaps out of his daze, but doesn't answer.
INT. HOOVER BUILDING - CORRIDOR - DAY
Dexter tries to keep up with Quince as he walks briskly to a
meeting.
42.
DEXTER
Justin should be out of the hospital
tomorrow, but he'll be out of action
for at least a week.
QUINCE
What's the status on Traybek?
DEXTER
He's still holding on, but he's in a
coma.
QUINCE
So no fucking peep out of him unless
he wakes up. Did you find the fax at
his house?
DEXTER
No. We found nothing incriminating
there.
QUINCE
That doesn't mean he's not a criminal.
He stole that fax sent by Tate.
That's one strike against him. What
do you think the other one is?
DEXTER
(confused)
Sir?
QUINCE
Do I have to spell it out for you,
Bruce? Traybek works on the First
Lady's Secret Service detail. What
does that tell you?
Dexter doesn't state the obvious.
QUINCE
Looks to me like there's a vacancy on
her Secret Service detail.
EXT. TATE SHORE HOUSE - DAY
A car pulls up to the driveway of a quaint shore house
nestled along Chesapeake Bay. Sailboats are running and
tacking in the distance. Gulls are SKWAKING overhead.
Pat Tate steps out of the car with a small suitcase and walks
up the gravel pathway to the door. She sees a FEDEX PACKAGE
on the steps and picks it up.
Her eyes open wide in surprise when she sees the return
address. The package was mailed to her from the White House.
43.
It was sent by Philip Tate.
INT. TATE SHORE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Pat tears open the package. It contains a THICK SHEAF OF
PAPERS and a handful of MICRO CASSETTE TAPES. She rifles
through the papers quickly. The White House seal flashes by.
The contents hit her hard. She collapses into a chair in
disbelief.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - DAY
An American flag snaps in a stiff breeze atop the great mansion.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - CORRIDOR - MORNING
Dexter stands guard outside the Presidential Suite. He's a
cyborg in a dark suit. Stiff and immobile at his post.
He's a Secret Service agent.
On the other side of the door is, AGENT RAYMOND DOBLER, tall,
black and thirty.
The door suddenly opens. The First Lady steps out and starts
to walk briskly down the hallway towards the elevator. She
doesn't even glance back. Dexter and Dobler fall into step
behind her.
They reach the elevator and step inside. Just before the
door closes, the First Lady glances to her right and sees
Dexter - and is totally shocked.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - EAST WING - MORNING
Dexter and Dobler try to keep pace with the First Lady, who
is make a beeline for her office. She looks upset.
They pass Tessa at her desk along the way. Tessa stands up
in surprise when she sees Dexter.
Without pausing, Dexter follows the First Lady to her office
and and opens the door for her. She suddenly stops.
FIRST LADY
(commandingly to Dexter)
Inside. Now.
She walks in without waiting for a response.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - FIRST LADY'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
The First Lady SLAMS the door shut and turns on Dexter, eyes
flaring.
44.
FIRST LADY
How on earth did you get on my detail?
DEXTER
I'm not supposed to leave my post.
FIRST LADY
I don't give a damn. How does an FBI
agent become a member of the Secret
Service all of a sudden? Can you
please enlighten me?
DEXTER
We go through a lot of the same
training. I just went through
additional training in Beltsville,
Maryland to be on your detail.
(takes out his earpiece)
Besides, there was a vacancy on your
detail left by Scott Traybek. I'm
sure you're aware of what happened to
him.
A quick shadow passes the First Lady's face, but she's not
mollified.
FIRST LADY
I was never informed about this
change. I should have been consulted.
DEXTER
The White House doesn't have
jurisdiction over the Secret Service.
We answer to the Treasury Department.
FIRST LADY
Do you expect me to believe that? I
think you still answer to Orson
Quince. How on earth does that man
get so much power?
Dexter doesn't say a word. Stands statue still.
The First Lady comes face to face with him.
FIRST LADY
Why are you really on my detail, Bruce?
DEXTER
My job is to protect you -
FIRST LADY
- and spy on me for Quince. Are you
supposed to be undercover? Because
your motives are as plain as day to me.
45.
DEXTER
I'm here for your safety. I take
that responsibility seriously.
FIRST LADY
Good.
(pokes him in the
chest with a finger)
Then you better be prepared to take a
bullet for me.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - VERMEIL ROOM - DAY
Dexter stands stiffly nearby while the First Lady gives an
interview to a reporter, pointing out various portraits of
former First Ladies.
EXT. D.C. STREET - DAY
Dexter, in dark shades, runs along side the Presidential Limo
as it crawls down the street lined with people waving flags
and banners.
The President and First Lady wave to the crowd from inside
the limo.
EXT. HOTEL - DAY
Dexter hops out of the Presidential limo and holds the door
open.
PRESIDENT BILL REMINGTON, tall, silver-haired and a fit sixty
steps out with the First Lady. She's two decades younger
than her husband, but they make a classy couple. They smile
and wave to the crowd. Camera crews and photographers jostle
to get the best shot.
The First Lady shrewdly takes advantage of the photo op and
wades into the crowd to shake peoples' hands. They
absolutely love her. Secret Service agents scramble to hold
them at bay so they don't overwhelm her.
INT. HOTEL - LATER
Dexter is among the phalanx of Secret Service agents vigilant
at their posts around the perimeter of a stage.
The First Lady is speaking with passion from a podium. Her
voice rings loudly over the speakers. The President stands
to the side, proud.
46.
FIRST LADY
- no intentions of packing our bags
and moving out of the White House.
You don't change horses in the middle
of the stream. Give us four more
years, and we'll show you what we're
made of!
The crowd WHOOPS and CHEERS.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - THIRD FLOOR CORRIDOR - NIGHT
President Remington walks into the Presidential Suite.
The First Lady is a step behind. She exchanges a tense
glance with Dexter before following her husband inside,
SLAMMING the door shut behind her.
Dexter and Dobler take their posts outside the door and
freeze into statues again.
EXT. OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
The Old Executive Office Building, shaped liked a gray multi-
tiered cake looms in the background. Behind it, the White
glistens like a jewel in the night.
Dexter is about to open his car door, when he hears the sound
of footsteps on the blacktop behind him. He spins around
instantly, hand at his gun.
Tessa steps out of the shadows.
TESSA
I know you're supposed to be quick on
the draw, but relax, it's only me.
Dexter puts his gun back into his shoulder holster and offers
her a smile.
TESSA
Parking's at a premium around here.
Since I'm low on the totem pole, I
have to walk all the way across the
street every day in these godforsaken
things.
(takes her heels off)
How was the first day on the job?
DEXTER
My joints are stiff and my feet ache,
but I think I've perfected the zombie
stare.
Dexter gives Tessa a zombie-like stare.
47.
TESSA
(chuckles)
You change hats fast. FBI agent one
day, Secret Service the next. I've
never seen that happen before.
DEXTER
There's always a first time.
Tessa gets into her VW Jetta, which happens to be parked next
to Dexter's Ford. She slides the window down.
TESSA
Remember, if you need any help - you
only need to ask.
(waves and starts to
drive off)
But it'll cost you lunch!
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OUTSIDE OF PHILIP TATE'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Tessa DRUMS her fingers on the desk impatiently. She's
waiting for someone.
Dexter finally walks in. She's rises, expecting him.
TESSA
What took you so long?
DEXTER
I was relieved late. Everyone gone?
TESSA
(nods)
The cleaning crew's gonna come in
soon. How long do you need?
DEXTER
Ten minutes tops.
Tessa points to Tate's office door.
TESSA
That's Phil's office. I'll keep
watch out here.
Dexter goes briskly to the door and opens it.
TESSA
You owe me lunch, you know?
Dexter smiles and walks in.
48.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PHILIP TATE'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Dexter closes the door behind him. He doesn't turn on the
lights. Takes out a flashlight and shines it around the room.
The office is mostly empty. The cardboard boxes are gone.
The walls are unadorned, with only the furniture remaining.
Dexter begins a systematic search of the room. He goes to a
pair of filing cabinets and pulls out each of the drawers.
They're all empty but he slides his hands beneath each one.
Finds nothing and looks behind the cabinets themselves.
Finds nothing.
Dexter taps the walls lightly for hollow sounds and even
looks inside the open safe which he finds empty.
He proceeds to the desk and again removes every side drawer
and gives each a thorough inspection. He finds nothing but
has difficulty removing the center drawer. He gets down on
his knees and peeks underneath the the desk. He shines his
flashlight onto the bottom of the drawer. The beam reveals:
A SMALL BLACK WIRE ATTACHED TO A MINIATURE MICROPHONE.
INT. SEEDY BAR - NIGHT
The place is grimy and clogged with cigarette smoke. It's
packed with a blue-collar crowd.
Maldetto hobbles over to the booth on a single crutch and
takes a seat across from Dexter.
MALDETTO
(referring to the crutch)
Do you know how hard it's to take a
piss now?
DEXTER
You coulda picked a better place than
this.
MALDETTO
The Big Guy told me to pick a place
away from the Washington crowd. This
joints just the ticket. Besides,
they serve great cheeseburgers here.
Beats that shit at McDonald's - and
they let you smoke.
Maldetto lights up a cigarette and takes a deep drag.
DEXTER
Citizen Quince's getting nervous
about this operation?
49.
MALDETTO
Who said that? I didn't say that.
You're supposed to be a fucking
Secret Service agent now. It doesn't
look good if you're reporting back to
FBI headquarters.
(takes a large bite
out of his
cheeseburger; talks
with his mouth full)
What have you got?
Dexter places a SMALL CONTRAPTION onto the table attached to
a miniature microphone.
DEXTER
I found this under Tate's desk. He
pulled a Nixon. He was secretly
taping conversations.
EXT. OUTDOOR CAFE - DAY
It's a crisp, bright fall day. Dexter and Tessa are having
lunch outside. The place is packed.
TESSA
Why do you think I'm working in the
White House? It's not for the pay
certainly. I'm trying to earn my
stripes. I definitely wouldn't mind
working there in a different capacity
someday.
DEXTER
You sound like you want to be
President someday.
TESSA
I really believe that half the
problems of the world could be solved
if more women were in positions of
power.
Dexter takes a slow sip of his iced tea.
DEXTER
It could be just as bad with the
wrong woman in power...
TESSA
That doesn't mean we should stay home
barefoot and pregnant. America needs
to cultivate the female mind and then
maybe this nation will reap a
bountiful harvest.
50.
DEXTER
You sound like an idealist. Let's
give you a podium and a mike.
TESSA
No, I'm a realist with ideals.
That's different.
DEXTER
Do you ever settle for average?
TESSA
Not if I can help it.
DEXTER
(chuckles)
It's funny, you know, you kind of
remind me of Kay.
TESSA
Kay?
DEXTER
Katherine Tobias Remington. The
First Lady of the United States. You
remind me of her.
TESSA
(intrigued)
Care to explain?
DEXTER
Let's just say that the First Lady
and I have a history together.
(takes a slow sip of
his drink)
We dated each other for a couple of
years at Princeton.
Tessa drops her salad fork with a loud CLANK. There is
disbelief in her eyes.
TESSA
You never mentioned this before.
DEXTER
I don't get my jollies by publicizing
it. Kay was just as ambitious as you
are now when she was in college.
She was a career-driven woman with
goals and a whole lot of ambition.
She never settled for average and was
always chasing after brass rings and
prepared to shatter every glass ceiling.
51.
TESSA
She wanted power.
DEXTER
Goes without saying.
TESSA
They say power corrupts, you know?
INT. WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM - DAY
The President is seated at a table surrounded by members of
his cabinet, including the First Lady. Dexter stands guard
quietly along the wall nearby.
Cabinet members include, CHIEF OF STAFF FRANK COLLINS, a
sober man with a no-nonsense manner and ADMIRAL JAMES FOWLER,
CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS, a bulldog with close-cropped silver
hair.
FIRST LADY
Since we can't seem to shake this
economy out of its doldrums before
November, and no amount of mud is
sticking to Vance, it's time for some
bold actions.
(to Fowler)
How many times has Iraq violated the
no-fly-zones this month?
FOWLER
Seven, including yesterday. Our
birds have seen increased military
exercises in Southern Iraq recently -
a stone's throw from the Kuwaiti
border. Saddam's been quietly
building up his troops down there.
It's making the Kuwaitis nervous.
FIRST LADY
I think we need to settle this Saddam
issue once and for all. If we
attack, will we get Coalition support?
FOWLER
The British and Germans for sure. We
probably can get France on board with
a little arm twisting. I know the
American public will support it.
They've been screaming to get
Saddam's ass since 9-11. I've been
bitching about a preemptive strike
for months myself.
(MORE)
52.
FOWLER (CONT'D)
(glances at Collins
with a sour expression)
Just couldn't get the support.
COLLINS
We won't get Middle East support.
There's a lot of anti American
sentiment over there right now. A
preemptive strike on Iraq will rile
up that region even more than it
already is. We need to make friends
over there.
FIRST LADY
(indignant)
This is not meant to impress your
friends! This is not a night club
act! Without bold moves, were going
to lose this election. I'm not about
to let that happen. We worked too
goddamned hard to get here!
(briskly, to MAXINE
WANG, an AIDE
standing nearby)
What's the latest tracking results,
Maxine?
MAXINE
President Remington is down another
five points. He's trailing Senator
Vance by fifteen percentage points now.
FIRST LADY
(glances around the
table, challenging everybody)
Do I need to say more? An attack on
Saddam will be popular with the
voters. That's all that should
matter right now. A war with Iraq
will give Bill the shot in the arm
that he needs.
(pauses for effect)
If he and I are out of job come
November, so are all of you...
Collins still looks unhappy. Turns to the President for
support.
COLLINS
Mr. President?
53.
PRESIDENT REMINGTON
I think my wife has a point there,
Frank. You're missing the big picture.
We're trying to win an election here.
Let's do it.
(to Fowler)
How soon can we get this ball rolling?
FOWLER
We were ready yesterday, sir.
PRESIDENT REMINGTON
You have your marching orders. Hop
to it.
The First Lady smiles triumphantly. Catches Dexter's eye.
MAXINE
Mr. President, does that mean you'll
cancel the swing through Texas?
COLLINS
Texas is Vance territory. It's a
very important piece of real estate
for us. You can't cancel Texas, Mr.
President.
FIRST LADY
Let my husband fight the war. I'll
handle Texas.
EXT. ANDREW'S AIR FORCE BASE - DAY
A magnificent 737 sporting the Presidential colors lifts into
the sky like a great blue-winged eagle.
EXT. AIRPORT - DAY
The First Lady steps out of the plane as a large crowd CHEERS
over the sound of a Marine band. Secret Service agents flank
her - Dexter right behind her - and more are distributed
around the airport, some carrying Uzis. An armored limousine
is waiting for her on the tarmac.
The First Lady smiles and waves to the crowd as she descends
to the TARMAC, where she is greeted warmly by the TEXAS
GOVERNOR and a HOST OF OFFICIALS.
EXT. AIRPORT - TARMAC - LATER
As the First Lady and her entourage make their way towards
the waiting limousine, another limousine pulls up and SENATOR
CLAYTON T. VANCE steps out. He's a tall Texan in a cowboy
hat, sixty-five and reminiscent of LBJ.
54.
Vance's plane is waiting nearby, but as circumstances will
have it, he and the First Lady have crossed paths at the
airport. The crowd watches the unexpected meeting with bated
breath. Reporters try to press forward to get better angles.
Vance has no choice. He comes and greets the First Lady.
Their smiles are forced; it's clear that there's no love lost
between them.
VANCE
(tipping his hat)
Glad you could visit my state, Kay.
Didja ya leave that husband of yours
behind to tend the House?
FIRST LADY
The President is busy fighting a war,
Senator.
VANCE
He's been dallyin' around for years
now on the Iraqi issue. Picked a fine
time to make him look more
Presidential and score a coupla votes.
Did ya goad him into it?
FIRST LADY
You flatter me, Senator. I don't
have that kind of power.
VANCE
Sweetheart, I think you do. I'm just
glad I'm not runnin' against you.
(laughs)
Or maybe I really am. You've always
been a tough cookie, sugar. Working
for you must be murder - makes some
folks take their lives for some
reason.
(tips his hat, spares
a quick glance at Dexter)
Watch yourself now.
Vance walks away chuckling, followed closely by his entourage.
The First Lady looks away from Vance to Dexter. She hadn't
missed the glance that Vance had given him.
EXT. RODEO - DAY
The arena is filled to capacity. Down on the dirt floor are
a host of cowboys on horseback. In the shutes, wild broncos
and angry bulls stir restlessly. The American and the Texas
state flags are prominently displayed everywhere. Blending
in among the crowd inconspicuously are SECRET SERVICE AGENTS.
55.
But the agents flanking the First Lady are in their dark
suits, Dexter and Dobler among them.
A PORTLY ANNOUNCER steps up to a microphone.
ANNOUNCER
Folks hold onto your hats, we've got
a very special guest with us today.
She flew all the way down from D.C.
to visit us humble folks down here in
the Lone Star state. I'm honored to
introduce... the First Lady of these
United States!!!!
The First Lady stands up in the luxury box and waves to the
crowd. She's wearing a wide-brimmed hat and decked out in a
cowgirl outfit. She looks cute as hell. CHEERS fill the
arena as a band starts playing patriotic music.
The First Lady approaches the microphone.
FIRST LADY
How ya all doin'?
CROWD
Good!!!
FIRST LADY
I'm sorry to say my husband could not
be with us tonight, because - as some
of you may know - he's too busy
rastlin' up a no good cowpoke named
Saddam Hussein!
The crowd WHOOPS and HOLLERS their approval.
FIRST LADY
Now, I told my husband, Bill, you
have a war to fight, I should be by
your side. He wouldn't hear of it.
He said, Kay, the brave men and women
of this country fought and died so we
could live our lives as usual. He
said Texans won't stop the party
because Saddam's itchin' to get his
butt whipped again. He told me
there's no good reason why I
shouldn't got to Texas and have some
fun. Was he wrong?
CROWD
No!!!!
56.
FIRST LADY
So, are you ready to see some ropin',
ridin' and rustlin' today?
CROWD
Yes!!!
EXT. OUTDOOR RALLY - DAY
Dexter is at his post in front of a raised podium vigilantly
scanning the crowd: children on parents' shoulders, people in
lawn chairs, the disabled in wheelchairs. People from all
walks of life have come out to see the First Lady. Banners
and flags are flapping in the breeze.
The First Lady is speaking from the podium, her voice booming
over the loudspeakers, washing over the sea of faces before
her. They are galvanized by her; hanging on her every word.
FIRST LADY
Years ago, before we were married, I
ran into my husband on the steps of
Capitol Hill. I was immediately
impressed by him. He promised me
with the greatest confidence that he
would be President someday...
(beat)
Now, back in those days - as
circumstance would have it - I was
working for Senator Vance as an
intern. But after meeting Bill, I
knew a man with vision when I saw
one. I immediately hopped across
the hallway and hitched my horse to a
winner.
(beat)
My husband and I had goals. We made
a commitment to dedicate ourselves to
public service and do everything we
could to better this great nation of
ours. Now, I won't deny that the
last fours years have been a bumpy
ride for some - but look at the rest
of the world. We are still the
richest and most powerful nation on
earth. Our people are still the most
prosperous. If America sneezes, the
rest of the world catches a cold.
There is still only one man that can
guide this country through rocky
shoals into an ocean of prosperity.
(MORE)
57.
FIRST LADY (CONT'D)
That man is my husband Bill Remington.
Now, we're half way there and, with
your support, the President and I
hope to lead this nation into its
greatest glory. America's best days
lie ahead with the Remington
administration. My question to you
is - are you with us?
CROWD
Yes!
FIRST LADY
Are you with us?
CROWD
Yes!!
FIRST LADY
I can't hear you!
CROWD
Yes!!!!!
INT. HOTEL BALLROOM - NIGHT
Dexter stands at his post, scanning the crowd of party
faithful dressed in their finest.
The First Lady looks radiant as usual on the stage. A GIANT
AMERICAN FLAG hangs behind her, flanked by a GIANT SMILING
BANNER OF THE FIRST LADY AND THE PRESIDENT.
FIRST LADY
Senator Vance is promising you the
world, but what has he done for Texas
lately? I'll tell you - not a whole
lot. Senator Vance has the worst
track record of any Senator in the
last thirty years when it comes to
the environment. Why, he didn't even
put up a fight when oil companies
wanted to use this beautiful state as
a dumping ground for toxic wastes.
Now, does a man like that deserve to
be your President?
CROWD
No!
58.
FIRST LADY
A good Senator fights for dollars to
bring back to his state. Texas is
the third largest state in the union
with one of the lowest allocations of
Federal aid. Who is to blame? I'll
tell you. Senator Clayton T. Vance.
Now, I ask you, does a man like that
deserve to be your President?
CROWD
No!!
FIRST LADY
I pledge to you tonight that when
President Remington is reelected,
Texas will figure prominently on his
agenda. He will not forget Texas or
the glorious, hard-working citizens
of this state. Thank you and God
bless you all!
Dexter and Dobler clear the way as the First Lady leaves the
stage to RESOUNDING APPLAUSE.
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR - LATER
Dexter and Dobler escort the First Lady to her suite. She
briefly locks eyes with Dexter - an enigmatic stare - before
she disappears into her room.
TWO SECRET SERVICE AGENTS approach. One is TOM WALSTON.
WALSTON
Shift's over, boys. Nightingale wow
the crowd as usual?
DOBLER
And how. Laid it on thick.
They all chuckle. Dexter and Dobler depart as the two new
agents take their posts outside of the First Lady's suite.
DOBLER
She's always giving you these stares
and smiles. I'm convinced she's
sweet on you.
DEXTER
(chuckles)
You've got a wild imagination, Ray.
Goodnight.
Dexter and Dobler part ways at an intersection in the hallway.
59.
INT. DEXTER'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Dexter sits up on the edge of his bed and starts to rub his
temples. He has a headache. He locates his travel bag and
digs out a bottle of aspirin... to discover it's empty.
Dexter sighs in frustration. He gets up and heads for the
door.
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
Dexter turns a corner and bumps into a BEARDED MAN who is
wearing glasses and has long hair peeking out of a cap.
The Bearded Man brushes past Dexter without pausing to
apologize and heads directly for the First Lady's suite.
Dexter turns into a another corridor, but out of curiosity,
he peeks back around the corner and watches the Bearded Man
approach the First Lady's suite.
There is a brief exchange with Walston; then something
unusual happens. The door opens slightly. The First Lady
say something to the agents. Walston nods, quickly pats the
Bearded Man down, and lets him inside.
EXT. SKY - DUSK
The 737 sporting the Presidential colors pushes in an out
clouds as the sun starts to dip below the horizon.
INT. PLANE - NIGHT
Dexter takes a seat next to Walston. Other agents are
catching some shut eye in adjacent seats. Walston is reading
a magazine. Pauses to regard Dexter.
WALSTON
Howdy, Bruce. Nightingale asleep?
DEXTER
(nods; glances at the
sleeping agents)
Having problems sleeping?
WALSTON
No. Slept all day long.
DEXTER
Right, you were guarding Nightingale
last night. By the way, Tom, who was
that guy who visited her last night -
the bearded guy?
Walston looks away from his magazine to Dexter.
60.
WALSTON
Somebody named Brian Donovan.
DEXTER
I didn't see him on any roster.
WALSTON
Nightingale informed us at the last
minute. We didn't even have the time
to do a background check - but she
wanted to see him anyway.
DEXTER
Did he seem kinda of familiar to you?
WALSTON
Now that you mention it, yeah. Just
can't remember where I've seen him
before...
Walston shrugs and goes back to reading his magazine.
EXT. D.C. STREET - DAY
A silver Crown Victoria drives through a canyon of government
buildings.
DEXTER (V.O.)
Come again?
INT. DEXTER'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Dexter's at the wheel. Maldetto's in the passenger seat next
to him.
MALDETTO
(very upset)
Traybek fucking escaped!
DEXTER
How the hell did that happen?
MALDETTO
As he was being transferred out of
the hospital to the slammer, a couple
of ambulances came back with some
victims of a fire. The fucking boys
scouts protecting him had their heads
up heir asses. Traybek made a run
for it as they we're taking him out.
They lost him in the confusion.
DEXTER
When did this happen?
61.
MALDETTO
Two days ago. Here's the kicker.
While the cops were looking for him
outside, Traybek snuck back into the
hospital. They think he stole some
scrubs and walked out later. Fucking
amateurs!
DEXTER
You know this might explain something...
MALDETTO
What?
DEXTER
This guy visited the First Lady in
Texas. I could swear he looked like -
Dexter's cell phone RINGS. He answers it.
DEXTER
Hello.
(listens)
I just got back.
(listens)
When?
(listens)
I'm coming right now.
Dexter drops the cell phone and makes a sudden U-turn.
EXT. UNION STATION - DAY
The Crown Victoria SCREECHES to a halt in front of the
restored train station with the barrel-vaulted roof. Dexter
and Maldetto get out and run towards the entrance. Maldetto
can walk again but he's got a slight limp.
Tessa is waiting at the revolving doors. Maldetto's eyes
become saucers when he sees her.
MALDETTO
What the hell is she doing here?
DEXTER
Save it for later.
Dexter and Tessa rush inside without looking back.
INT. UNION STATION
Maldetto limps into the station, pauses to rub his bad leg.
Dexter and Tessa are already moving.
62.
TESSA
She said she'd be down in the food
court.
Dexter and Tessa make a beeline for the escalators leading
down.
Maldetto tries to catch up but can't keep up with his limp.
MALDETTO
Slow down!
INT. UNION STATION - FOOD COURT
Dexter and Tessa struggle through the crowd on the escalator
and make it down to the food court. Maldetto's still stuck
near the top.
They pause to look around. The food court is packed with
the lunch crowd. They don't see the person they're looking
for and start to press through the people, vigilantly
scanning the crowds.
INT. UNION STATION - FOOD COURT
Maldetto reaches the bottom of the escalator. He scans the
crowd but doesn't see either Dexter of Tessa.
MALDETTO
Shit!
INT. UNION STATION - FOOD COURT
Tessa suddenly points.
TESSA
Over there!
Dexter looks to see where she is pointing to.
On the other side of the food court, a WOMAN emerges out of a
hallway leading to the trains. She's wearing a wide-brimmed
hat - but it's unmistakably Pat Tate. She has a PACKAGE in
her hands and is scanning the crowds furtively.
Dexter and Tessa start to press their way towards her.
Pat spots them and waits for them to come to her. She
glances to her left. Suddenly looks afraid - and starts to
run back the way she came.
Dexter spots a BEARDED MAN wearing a baseball cap pushing his
way towards Pat.
SMASH CUT:
63.
A Bearded Man wearing a cap walks into the First Lady's hotel
room.
SLAM CUT BACK TO PRESENT:
It's the same man. Dexter's certain. He starts to push
people out of his way to get to Pat before the Bearded Man
does.
INT. UNION STATION - METRO ENTRANCE
Pat whizzes by Maldetto and goes into the hallway leading to
the trains. Maldetto realize who she is immediately.
As the Bearded Man tries to pass, Maldetto tackles him to the
ground. They start to exchange punches. In the heat of
battle, the Bearded Man's false hair and beard are dislodged.
It's Scott Traybek.
Maldetto struggles to get his gun out, but Traybek suddenly
knees him in the groin. Maldetto GRUNTS in pain and falls
back. Traybek's off again.
Maldetto recovers and fires off a quick shot at Traybek's
fleeing back. The bullet misses but SHATTERS A GLASS DOOR.
There are SCREAMS of panic. Pandemonium erupts as commuters
scramble for cover.
Pat glances back at the sound of the gunshot -
Stumbles to the ground. As she tries to recover, Traybek
rushes up and grabs her. He tries to wrest the package out
of her hands, but Pat manages to twist away. She runs, still
clutching the package.
Traybek recovers. Shoves people aside and follows.
As Maldetto struggles back to his feet, Dexter and Tessa run
past him. They spot Pat desperately trying to press ahead of
passengers to get onto the train. Traybek is right on her
heels.
Pat makes it inside the train.
Traybek is aboard only a few steps behind her.
Dexter and Tessa watch Pat frantically trying to make her way
into the next compartment as Traybek struggles to catch up to
her.
A WHISTLE BLOWS.
Dexter barrels through commuters and surges ahead. He almost
reaches the train - but is a split second too late. The
doors close.
64.
Dexter tries to physically pull the doors apart, but the
train starts to move, picks up speed quickly. He runs along
side the train, can see Pat inside. Traybek's almost upon her.
Pat glances at Dexter in desperation - just as the train zips
into the tunnel and disappears.
INT. SEEDY BAR - NIGHT
Dexter and Maldetto nurse beers at the bar.
DEXTER
You need to go a little easy on the
gun there. It was crowded in the
train station. You're lucky you
didn't hit anyone.
MALDETTO
(massaging his thigh)
I owe that asshole a bullet.
Maldetto takes a deep drag of his cigarette and purposely
blows a smoke ring into Dexter's face.
MALDETTO
At least I don't freeze up like a
fucking novice when I have to take a
shot.
Sparks fly in Dexter's eyes. But he doesn't swallow the
bait. Takes a slow sip of his beer to check his anger.
DEXTER
Anything new on Pat Tate or Traybek?
MALDETTO
Nada. Witnesses saw them get off at
the next station. Some guy said he
spotted a woman fitting her
description jump into a cab and get
away. Traybek may have tried to
follow her. We can't confirm.
DEXTER
Did you try to call her at home?
MALDETTO
No dice, so I called her son David at
Harvard. He said that she left him a
message shortly after his father's
suicide saying that she'd be away for
a while and not to worry.
65.
DEXTER
I guess she didn't leave any number
where she could be contacted?
MALDETTO
Nope.
DEXTER
Strange behavior.
MALDETTO
I'm wondering how the hell did
Traybek know that Tate's wife was
going to be at Union Station?
Dexter takes TWO ROUND OBJECTS out of his pocket and places
them on top of the bar. They're metallic, smaller than dimes.
DEXTER
He bugged our phones. Tessa's and
mine.
MALDETTO
(impressed)
This guy's no amateur. He's for
real. Are you sure Traybek was the
guy who visited the First Lady in
Texas?
DEXTER
I'm pretty certain it was. He was
wearing the same disguise.
MALDETTO
This is good.
(slams his fist into
his palm, excited)
We're going to nail her pretty little
ass!
DEXTER
With what? You still don't have any
solid evidence. Unless you're
talking about what Pat Tate was
carrying in that package?
Maldetto skirts the question for some reason.
MALDETTO
Speaking of amateurs, you weren't
supposed to involve anyone. Quince
is going to have a fit. Why the hell
was Tessa at the train station?
66.
DEXTER
In case you weren't paying attention,
Pat Tate left a message on her phone
asking her to meet her there. She
kept her word and called me. I
wouldn't call that involved.
MALDETTO
You just make sure she keeps her
pretty little nose out of our
business. Stay away from her.
DEXTER
You sound like a jealous boyfriend.
I didn't know you guys had a
relationship?
MALDETTO
She wishes. She's a stuck up bitch.
DEXTER
It must have been the cheeseburgers.
Try offering her cheese steaks next
time.
MALDETTO
You like busting my balls, don't you?
DEXTER
(smiling coyly)
You want an honest answer?
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Dexter and Tessa are having diner at a restaurant near the
water. Through the window, moonlight ripples on the waters
of a harbor.
Dexter watches as Tessa take a bite of her cheeseburger. She
appears to relish the taste.
TESSA
Mmm, you were right. This is good.
DEXTER
I was afraid you were going to shoot
me down when I asked you out for a
cheeseburger.
TESSA
Really?
DEXTER
You shot down a certain partner of
mine.
67.
TESSA
It depends on who's asking me.
DEXTER
(raises his beer
bottle to toast)
This is nice.
TESSA
(toasting with her
own beer bottle)
Perfect.
EXT. WASHINGTON HARBOR - NIGHT
Dexter and Tessa are strolling along a path near the water.
They are not holding hands yet - but they could be easily be
mistaken for a couple in love.
It's a chilly night. Dexter places his jacket over Tessa's
shoulders. They take a seat on a bench nearby.
Dexter drinks in the monuments in the distance.
DEXTER
(sighing)
This town is so beautiful at night,
but I still can't wait to leave this
place.
TESSA
(surprised)
You're leaving?
DEXTER
I'll by leaving the FBI at the end of
the year.
TESSA
Why? Where are you going?
DEXTER
Nantucket. My father passed away
recently and left me a bread and
breakfast. It's nestled against a
hillside and overlooks the ocean. It
has a billion dollar view.
TESSA
That sounds nice.
DEXTER
I've found my slice of heaven on
earth. I need to get away from this
place.
68.
TESSA
You sound like you don't like
Washington.
DEXTER
This place is like Salem. If there
isn't a lynching of somebody every
twenty-four hours, a lot of people
are not satisfied. I want to wake up
in the morning and take a deep breath
of fresh air without the stink of
corruption. This town is full of
ridiculously ambitious people without
any morals.
TESSA
Gee, I'm ambitious, but I never
considered myself immoral or ridiculous.
DEXTER
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult
you. I -
TESSA
It's all right, I can forgive you for
almost anything after that fantastic
cheeseburger.
They share a smile, but Tessa detects there's something more.
TESSA
It's not just urban angst is it,
Bruce? I can see it on your face.
Dexter's smile turns into a deep frown.
DEXTER
(softly)
A few months ago, I was backing up an
agent who was investigating the owner
of a ethnic grocery store with
suspected ties to a Middle East
terrorist network. We approached him
while he was opening up his store in
the morning. He happened to be with
his daughter - she worked in his
store. Her father panicked, pulled
out a gun and took a shot at us
before we had a chance to announce
who we were. My partner was hit in
the gut but managed to take him down.
(MORE)
69.
DEXTER (CONT'D)
The daughter grabbed her father's gun
and took a shot at me, but I managed
to take cover behind a car across the
street. She thought we were the
bad guys.
(voice breaks)
She was terrified. She wouldn't
believe me when I showed her my badge.
She was going to shoot my partner. I
couldn't get her to put her gun down.
I had her in my sights. I - I took
her out.
(bitterly)
I didn't join the Bureau to kill kids!
Tessa reaches out and places her hand over Dexter's.
TESSA
You're too hard on yourself. You had
no choice.
DEXTER
It doesn't take away the guilt. When
I close my eyes at night, I see that
girl's face... The shock in her eyes
as she died. She was so young.
Dexter closes his eyes. Keeps them closed for a long time.
When he finally opens them, he meets Tessa's gaze. There is
the sheen of tears in both of their eyes.
Their attraction is palpable. They lean forward at the same
time and kiss. It's a tender kiss filled with passion.
DEXTER
(husky with desire)
Come home with me tonight.
Tessa nods and rises with Dexter. They start to walk back
the way they had come.
A DARK FIGURE steps out from behind a tree. It's impossible
to make out who it is. He watches Dexter and Tessa walk away.
INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY - NIGHT
Dexter and Tessa are holding hands like lovers. They
exchange a kiss and look eager to get inside - but come up
short in sudden surprise when they discover TWO SECRET
SERVICE AGENTS standing outside of Dexter's apartment. It's
Tom Walston and Ray Dobler.
WALSTON
Howdy, Bruce.
70.
DEXTER
What's going on, fellas?
DOBLER
We're on duty, buddy.
DEXTER
(confused)
What are you talking about?
The agents smile knowingly.
WALSTON
(pointing to the door)
Just go inside, you'll find your
answer in there.
INT. DEXTER'S APARTMENT
Dexter and Tessa walk into the apartment and receive massive
jolts.
The First Lady is sitting casually on the sofa with a glass
of wine in her hands. She sets it down and approaches them.
FIRST LADY
Bruce, I hope you don't mind that I
made myself comfortable?
Dexter nods wordlessly.
The First Lady spares Tessa a glance.
FIRST LADY
(with a hint of jealousy)
Apparently I'm interrupting something.
You two were out on a date.
DEXTER
Mrs. Remington -
FIRST LADY
Didn't you agree to call me Kay?
We're not strangers, you know?
Tessa frowns. Dexter doesn't miss the look
DEXTER
You must have stopped by for a reason?
FIRST LADY
(suddenly serious)
Yes, I really need to talk to you.
(glances at Tessa)
Alone. Please.
71.
DEXTER
Can't we wait -
TESSA
It's all right. I'm sure this must
be important. Otherwise Mrs.
Remington wouldn't have shown up so
unexpectedly.
FIRST LADY
You're very understanding, Tessa.
I'll see you tomorrow then.
Officially dismissed. Tessa gives Dexter a perturbed look
and walks out of the apartment.
FIRST LADY
(a tad jealous)
I really had no idea that Tessa and
you had become so close so quickly.
Are you two dating now?
DEXTER
We're good friends.
Dexter takes his jacket of and hangs it up in the closet.
DEXTER
How did you get in here?
FIRST LADY
I hope you don't mind, but we took
some liberties. One of the agents
picked the lock. I didn't realize
that you were going to be out.
DEXTER
I guess this must be really important
for you to go through so much trouble
to meet me here?
The First Lady nods and takes a seat on the living room couch.
Dexter follows her into the room; but doesn't immediately sit
down.
DEXTER
(glancing around)
Where's Brutus?
FIRST LADY
(confused)
Who?
DEXTER
Brutus. My dog. Where is he?
72.
FIRST LADY
Oh. One of the agents is taking him
for a walk. He was barking so loudly
when I came inside. I hope it's all
right?
Dexter shrugs and takes a seat across from the First Lady.
DEXTER
What can I do for you, Kay?
The First Lady pours Dexter a glass of wine and gives it to
him. He holds it, not taking a sip.
FIRST LADY
Taste the wine.
Dexter takes a sip.
FIRST LADY
Do you like it?
DEXTER
(takes another sip)
It's... very good.
(glances at the bottle)
That's not mine.
FIRST LADY
I took the liberty of bringing
something from the White House wine
cellar. That vintage is at least a
hundred years old.
Dexte