"CANINE"

 

                           by

 

                     Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     3550 SW Pomona St.

                                     Portland, OR 97219-7518

                                     (800) 294-7176

                                     cdeemer@yahoo.com


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

EXT. PACIFIC NORTHWEST - COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

A road cuts through a forest in God's country.

 

Parked in a gravel area along the shoulder, a car.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - DAY

 

Moving through the woods are JIMMY, 20s, and HEATHER, 20s.

Jimmy has a case with a video camera slug over his shoulder.

 

                         HEATHER

             How much farther?

 

                         JIMMY

             Almost there.

 

                         HEATHER

             Jimmy, you don't have to get me

             this far in the woods to get laid.

 

                         JIMMY

             Very funny.

 

Jimmy leads the way along a path through the thick forest.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - MINI-MALL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

A new mini-mall is being dedicated in Crestview, Washington,

a town of about 30,000.

 

A temporary stage has been erected in the parking lot. A

SMALL CROWD stands in front of it.

 

On stage, a podium, HONORED GUESTS seated behind it.

 

At the podium, Crestview Mayor RAY HIGGINS. Handsome,

athletic, a man with a political future.

 

                         MAYOR HIGGINS

             I think it's time to cut the ribbon!

 

Cheers.

 

Behind the crowd, a man watches. This is RHODES, gaunt, all

bones and joints. He holds a small COCKER SPANIEL in his arms.


                                                            2.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

Jimmy and Heather reach a security fence. High, barbed wire

at the top. Menacing.

 

                         JIMMY

             What'd I tell you? Come on.

 

He moves faster along the fence.

 

                         HEATHER

             What is this place?

 

 

EXT. MINI-MALL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Rhodes puts the dog down.

 

                         RHODES

             Okay, follow the light. Follow

             the light.

 

Rhodes has a pen-sized laser flashlight. He puts a spot on

the ground, moving it so the dog follows in the direction of

the stage, where ...

 

Higgins moves to a yellow ribbon stretched in front of the

stage. He's handed a large pair of scissors.

 

The dog follows the light, getting closer.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - TRAINING COMPOUND - DAY

 

Jimmy stops along the fence. Heather comes up to him, out of

breath.

 

                         JIMMY

             There.

 

Beyond the fence is a baffling array of dummy human figures,

arranged in various lines.

 

                         JIMMY

             This is where they train the dogs.

 

                         HEATHER

             I don't understand.

 

                         JIMMY

             Just regular breeds, you know?

             Collies, cocker spaniels.

                         (MORE)


                                                            3.

 

 

                         JIMMY (CONT'D)

             They teach them to take out the

             dummies with the ferocity of a

             pit bull.

 

                         HEATHER

             Why?

 

Jimmy has taken out the video camera and starts shooting the

area.

 

                         JIMMY

             That's what I'd like to know.

 

 

EXT. MINI-MALL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

Higgins poses for cameras before cutting the ribbon. All

smiles and good will politics.

 

The dog reaches him. It barks, looking up at Higgins.

 

                         MAYOR HIGGINS

             Our first customer!

 

The crowd loves it. Laughter, cheers.

 

Higgins cuts the ribbon and freezes for the cameras.

 

Behind the crowd, Rhodes presses a button on the flashlight.

The gesture is almost violent.

 

A small green "on" light flashes on the device.

 

At the ribbon, the dog suddenly lunges up at the mayor's

throat. He bites deeply. Higgins falls to the ground, the

dog at his throat.

 

The crowd screams.

 

A nearby POLICEMAN draws his pistol and shoots the dog.

 

Aides rush to the mayor's side.

 

Rhodes dashes to the curb, where a van is waiting for him.

He jumps in.

 

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

Driving is ALEX, all tattoos and toughness.


                                                            4.

 

 

                         ALEX

             The screaming means we did good,

             yes?

 

                         RHODES

             We passed the test.

 

Alex speeds away.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

Jimmy and Heather climb into Jimmy's car, parked in a gravel

area along the edge of the woods.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Jimmy behind the wheel. He turns to Heather.

 

                         JIMMY

             My dad needs to see this tape.

             Will you come with me? I'll take

             you to dinner afterwards.

 

                         HEATHER

             I thought you didn't get along

             with your dad.

 

                         JIMMY

             I'm not visiting. I'm giving him

             the tape. It's important. If you

             don't want to go, fine.

 

                         HEATHER

             Jimmy ... I'll go.

 

Heather manages to smile. But she looks worried.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - BACK YARD - DAY

 

Sitting in a lawn chair is RILEY CASSIDY, 30s. He wears a

county sheriff's uniform.

 

He is watching his daughter, TRACY, early teens, formally

walking with her dog, BUDDY, a Jack Russell terrier.

 

                         TRACY

             Heel, Buddy!...Heel.

 

Daughter and dog strut across the lawn. They could be in a

dog show.


                                                            5.

 

 

                         TRACY

             Dad, what do you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Very impressive.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

KATHERINE CASSIDY, 30s, dressed casually, pours coffee for

Cassidy.

 

He looks at his watch.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I have to get to work. So Tracy's

             serious about entering a dog show?

 

                         KATHERINE

             She's talking about Seattle. What

             do you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's a part of society I know

             nothing about. I'd better get the

             rest of my things.

 

                         KATHERINE

             There's no rush.

 

This brings a puzzled expression to his face.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Last week you couldn't get rid of

             them fast enough.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Tim and I broke up last night.

 

Cassidy shrugs.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Well, I didn't expect sympathy.

             It's just, well, there's less

             pressure to get rid of your

             things now.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm here, I'll get them.

 

He leaves the kitchen. Katherine starts to say something

after him but stops herself.


                                                            6.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy enters the bedroom.

 

He goes to a closet. He starts taking out his clothes,

piling them on the bed.

 

Tracy enters.

 

                         TRACY

             Mom broke up with Tim.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I heard.

 

                         TRACY

             Maybe you can move back in.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not a good idea.

 

                         TRACY

             I think mom--

 

                         CASSIDY

             Tracy. I know this is hard for

             you. But it's not a good idea.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - CURB - DAY

 

Cassidy piles his clothes into the back seat of his car.

Tracy looks on.

 

Buddy, the dog, sits in the front window, looking out.

Cassidy notices him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             The time he spends at that window.

 

                         TRACY

             Why do you think he likes to do

             it so much?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Probably wants somebody to take

             him for a walk. Maybe he's a

             dreamer, thinking of all the neat

             places he could be.


                                                            7.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

A small table off the kitchen in a small apartment. Cassidy

having dinner with OLIVIA, 20s. A looker. Cassidy is out of

uniform, dressed casually.

 

                         OLIVIA

             I bet she wins a prize. I love

             dogs. We should get one.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Dogs need a place to run.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Maybe after we get a bigger place.

 

Cassidy is silent. As if he were thinking, if we do.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Olivia reads. Cassidy watches the news.

 

ON TV

 

                         NEWSCASTER

             Crestview Mayor Roy Higgins was

             attacked by a cocker spaniel

             today while dedicating a new

             mini-mall. Witnesses say the

             small dog went for the mayor's

             throat without any apparent

             provocation. The mayor remains in

             critical condition.

 

                         CASSIDY

             A cocker spaniel?

 

                         OLIVIA

             What?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Did you ever hear of a cocker

             spaniel attacking anyone?

 

The doorbell rings. Cassidy goes to the door.

 

In the hallway, Jimmy and Heather.

 

                         JIMMY

             Hey, Dad.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy. What a surprise.


                                                            8.

 

 

                         JIMMY

             Is it too late?

 

                         CASSIDY

             No, come in.

 

Jimmy and Heather step inside.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Olivia, Jimmy's here.

 

                         JIMMY

             I didn't know you had company.

 

                         CASSIDY

             She moved in.

 

                         JIMMY

             Oh.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (to Heather)

             I'm Riley.

 

                         HEATHER

             Hi.

 

                         JIMMY

             Is there some place we can talk

             private?

 

 

INT. CAFE - NIGHT

 

Cassidy, Jimmy, Heather in a booth over coffees.

 

Jimmy brings out the videotape.

 

                         JIMMY

             You have to watch this.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What is it?

 

                         JIMMY

             I was hiking in the woods near

             Saddle Mountain last week and got

             lost. I finally heard some noise

             and followed it. What I came to

             was a huge fenced area where they

             were training dogs to attack

             these stuffed scarecrow figures.

                         (MORE)


                                                            9.

 

 

                         JIMMY (CONT'D)

             The thing is, these were just

             regular dogs. Like collies and

             terriers and stuff. They had them

             acting like mad attack dogs. It

             was scary to watch.

 

                         CASSIDY

             This is all on here?

 

                         JIMMY

             Unfortunately, no. I didn't have

             my camera. But I went back. The

             dummy figures are still there.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Did you hear the news tonight?

 

                         JIMMY

             No, why?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Do you ever watch the news?

 

                         JIMMY

                  (to Heather)

             He thinks I'm illiterate.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Check it out when you get home.

             You may be on to something.

 

                         JIMMY

             Is that a compliment?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We'll have to see.

 

Cassidy takes the tape.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Your sister's training Buddy for

             a dog show.

 

                         JIMMY

             Oh, God. She would. She thinks

             she's aristocracy or something.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I've got an early day tomorrow.

 

He grabs the check and slides out of the booth.


                                                           10.

 

 

                         JIMMY

             Call me after you watch it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             You in the same rat hole?

 

                         JIMMY

             It's a bigger rat hole than yours.

 

Cassidy smiles and heads for the counter.

 

                         JIMMY

             Call me!

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

 

A large farmhouse without visible neighbors. Several cars in

the driveway, including the van from the dog attack.

 

In front is a sign: "Master Dog Training Academy."

 

 

INT. OFFICE - DAY

 

At a desk with the morning paper is COOTY, 40s. Fit for his

age.

 

Across the desk sit Rhodes and DR. YALE, 40s, a skeleton.

 

                         COOTY

             Except for the mayor surviving,

             everything seems to have worked

             perfectly. I congratulate you,

             doctor.

 

                         DR. YALE

             Yes, I'm very pleased.

 

                         RHODES

             It all went off like clockwork.

 

                         COOTY

             Gentlemen, I believe we can

             proceed to the next step.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - SHERIFF'S STATION - DAY

 

Cassidy, in uniform, enters the modest building. A sign,

"Crestview County Sheriff's Department."


                                                           11.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - FLOOR - DAY

 

Cassidy enters the main floor area. Desks crowded together.

 

At one desk is MIKE, 30s, a deputy.

 

                         MIKE

             Riley, how'd it go?

 

                         CASSIDY

             She already broke up with him.

 

Mike laughs.

 

                         MIKE

             You moving back in?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not a masochist.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DESK - DAY

 

Cassidy reaches his desk. EDITH, 30s, arrives.

 

                         EDITH

             Sheriff wants to see you.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Thanks, Edie.

 

                         EDITH

             Everything go okay?

 

He heads off without replying.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - CHIEF'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Cassidy steps inside. Behind the desk, FOX, 50s. He's doing

paperwork.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You wanted to see me?

 

                         FOX

             Sit down, Riley.

 

He does.

 

                         FOX

             I'm thinking of retiring. I'm

             thinking you should throw your

             hat into the ring.


                                                           12.

 

 

Cassidy is speechless.

 

                         FOX

             You don't have to look like it's

             the end of the world.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Aren't I, well, a little young to

             be sheriff?

 

                         FOX

             I wasn't much older than you when

             I got the desk. Why, you don't

             think you can handle it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I've never thought about it. To

             be honest, since my marriage fell

             apart, I've been thinking of a

             change of scenery. Of course, my

             daughter's here.

 

                         FOX

             Your personal life is none of my

             business, but it would be a

             substantial loss to the department

             to lose you.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I appreciate that.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

A county sheriff squad car cruising the streets.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving. Edith riding shotgun.

 

Cassidy sees something.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Here we go again.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

Staggering along the street is EDGAR, an old man, obviously

drunk.

 

The squad car pulls over. Cassidy and Edith get out.


                                                           13.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Hey, Edgar! We're you heading,

             old timer?

 

Edgar ignores him, staggering on.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (to Edith)

             What is it, third time this week?

 

                         EDITH

             Set your watch by him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Okay, old timer, time for a ride.

 

A pick up truck pulls over. FREDDY, 20s, hops out.

 

                         FREDDY

             I've got him, sheriff!

 

                         CASSIDY

             Freddy.

 

                         FREDDY

             Come on, gramps, time to go home.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You sure you can handle it?

 

Edgar is letting Freddy lead him to the pick up.

 

                         FREDDY

             Everything's under control.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm tired of seeing him this week,

             Freddy.

 

                         FREDDY

             I can handle it.

 

Cassidy shakes his head. He and Edith head back to the squad

car.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving.

 

                         EDITH

             You'd be a fantastic sheriff.


                                                           14.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't know. I'm not even sure

             how long I'm staying around.

 

                         EDITH

             Really?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Don't you get tired of picking up

             Edgar? Maybe there's more action

             in a bigger market. Seattle would

             probably freak me out. But maybe

             Spokane. Where you do something

             besides chase speeders and take

             drunks to the tank.

 

                         EDITH

             We got mad dogs. That's not crazy

             enough for you?

 

Cassidy turns thoughtful.

 

                         CASSIDY

             My son came by last night. He had

             a tape of what he claims to be a

             training ground where they turn

             household breeds into attack dogs.

 

                         EDITH

             You saw this?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not much to see. But it's a

             curious theory. Unfortunately,

             you have to consider the source.

             Jimmy believes in every conspiracy

             theory under the sun.

 

                         EDITH

             There's sure one cocker spaniel

             in town who acted like a pit bull.

 

The radio belches a message.

 

                         RADIO

             Emergency at 4th and Davis Avenue.

             Victim in critical condition.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (on radio)

             We're on it.

 

He turns on the siren and lights.


                                                           15.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

The squad car races off.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - DAY

 

The squad car is parked at the end of an alley.

 

An ambulance nearby. Two PARAMEDICS carry a BODY to it.

 

Cassidy and Edith with a WOMAN, a witness.

 

                         WOMAN

             I was across the street. I heard

             the dog and turned and by then

             the man was on the ground. The

             dog was attacking him.

 

                         EDITH

             What kind of dog?

 

                         WOMAN

             It was just the cutest dog. One

             of those, what do you call it,

             long skinny things, like a hot dog.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Weiner dog? A dachshund?

 

                         WOMAN

             That's the one.

 

Cassidy and Edith exchange a look.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Olivia making love.

 

The phone rings.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Don't...

 

Cassidy answers it.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Yeah.

 

                         JIMMY

                  (filtered)

             I saw the news. There's got to be

             a connection. Don't you think?


                                                           16.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy...

 

                         OLIVIA

             Oh, Christ.

 

She gets out of bed and heads for the bathroom.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy, it's late.

 

                         JIMMY

                  (filtered)

             Aren't you going to look into it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I can't talk now.

 

                         JIMMY

                  (filtered)

             Right. I forgot you're in your

             reborn stud phase.

 

Click.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (under his breath)

             Jesus.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

Jimmy, alone, back at the compound with his video camera.

This time he's shooting action as ...

 

 

EXT. TRAINING COMPOUND - DAY

 

Cooty and Dr. Yale watch as Rhodes works with various pet-

breed dogs.

 

The dogs stand obediently in a line, facing a line of

stuffed figures.

 

Rhodes has the small laser flashlight in hand. He presses a

button, and the dogs immediately leap at the figures,

attacking them ferociously.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

Jimmy is getting everything on tape.

 

Alex appears behind him.


                                                           17.

 

 

                         ALEX

             This is forbidden area.

 

Jimmy turns -- and fear washes over his face.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DESK - DAY

 

Cassidy at his desk, doing paperwork.

 

The phone rings.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Cassidy.

 

An expression of shock.

 

 

INT. MORGUE - DAY

 

Cassidy watches as a table is pulled out. A sheet over the

body.

 

The MORGUE WORKER pulls down the sheet.

 

Jimmy.

 

Cassidy, fighting back tears, nods.

 

 

EXT. MORGUE - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

A squad car is parked in the morgue lot. Edith stands by the

car.

 

                         EDITH

             Are you okay?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course not.

 

She moves forward, as if to embrace him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm okay. I just don't know where

             to start.

 

                         EDITH

             The park where they found the body?

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith in the park. Grass, trees, picnic tables.


                                                           18.

 

 

They approach a park bench.

 

                         CASSIDY

             He was found here. Not necessarily

             shot here. There wasn't any blood

             evidence in the area.

 

                         EDITH

             It's a big park. He could have

             been shot up the way and moved here.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Or anywhere and moved here.

 

                         EDITH

             What drug trafficking we get,

             comes down here. Was your son ... ?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't know. I wouldn't put it

             past him. It's a place to start.

 

 

PHOTOGRAPH OF JIMMY

 

grinning, fashionably disheveled, a young man without a care

in the world.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

 

At a table, looking at the photo, is LESTER, 30s, red-eyed

and hungover, a mess. Cassidy hovers over him.

 

                         LESTER

             Never seen him before.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You sure about that?

 

                         LESTER

             Positive. What is he, dead or

             something?

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

as other SUSPECTS peruse the photograph of Jimmy. All shake

their head, no.

 

--a bald man with a tattoo on his forehead.

 

--a young man in farmer's overalls.


                                                           19.

 

 

--a cheap looking street walker type.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith walking.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It wasn't a drug deal gone sour.

             It had something to do with the

             dogs.

 

                         EDITH

             That's shooting in pitch black

             midnight. If you want my opinion.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I feel it in my gut. I let Jimmy

             down.

 

                         EDITH

             Don't do this to yourself.

 

 

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

 

Funeral services for Jimmy. The casket being lowered.

 

Prominent, standing together in front of the MOURNERS, are

Riley (in a dark suit), Heather, Katherine, Tracy. Standing

together like a family.

 

Standing behind Riley is Olivia.

 

 

EXT. CEMETERY - PARKING AREA - DAY

 

Riley with Katherine and Tracy. Olivia stands apart, waiting

for him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You know I'm going to find out

             who did this.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Riley, it doesn't bring him back.

             Does it really make a difference

             now?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course it makes a difference.

 

He hugs Tracy.


                                                           20.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             It makes a difference.

 

                         TRACY

             I know.

 

Cassidy walks to Olivia.

 

                         OLIVIA

             That was quick.

 

He just looks at her.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Riley driving, Olivia beside him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm dropping you off.

 

                         OLIVIA

             You're going somewhere?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I told Heather I'd buy her a cup

             of coffee.

 

Olivia gives him a funny look.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy's girlfriend.

 

                         OLIVIA

             It has to be private?

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's work. It's not personal,

             okay? It's part of the

             investigation.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - DAY

 

The car pulls in front of Cassidy's apartment.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Olivia opens the door.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Will you be home for dinner?


                                                           21.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             I should be. If something comes

             up, I'll call you.

 

She starts to get out, hesitates. She slides over and kisses

him. Longer, slower, than the moment demands. But Cassidy

doesn't kiss back.

 

                         OLIVIA

             I love you.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I need to do this.

 

                         OLIVIA

             That's what you tell me.

 

She gets out, closing the door.

 

Cassidy pulls away.

 

 

INT. BAR - DAY

 

Cassidy and Heather at a corner table over drinks.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Could you find it again?

 

                         HEATHER

             I'm not sure.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Willing to try?

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

Cassidy's car zips along the highway.

 

On each side, fields stretch off to wooded hills.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

Now the road cuts through a forest.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Heather looking intensely out the window.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Wait! There. That's where we parked.


                                                           22.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

The car pulls to the shoulder. Cassidy backs up into the

gravel parking area. The car stops.

 

They get out of the car.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Lead the way.

 

Heather heads for the path off the parking area.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE - DAY

 

They come to the corner of the fenced area.

 

                         HEATHER

             We went this way.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Let's do it.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - FENCE, ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

Heather stops.

 

                         HEATHER

             I remember this tree. But there

             were all these stuffed figures

             everywhere.

 

Beyond the fence now, nothing but scrub grass and bushes.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Were you guys on anything?

 

                         HEATHER

             What?

 

She stares at him in disbelief.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

In traffic, entering town.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Look, I'm sorry.

 

                         HEATHER

             I don't do drugs. Neither did Jimmy.


                                                           23.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm glad to hear that.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

The car approaches a flashing police car and an ambulance.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy slows down, looking.

 

                         HEATHER

             I think somebody hit a dog.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET, ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

Farther on, another police car and ambulance.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy lost in thought.

 

                         HEATHER

             There's another.

 

Ahead, more of the same.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm stopping a minute.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET, CRIME SCENE - DAY

 

Cassidy pulls next to a police car and stops. He gets out.

 

He approaches an OFFICER, his I.D. out.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What's going on?

 

                         POLICE OFFICER

             The dogs in this city are going

             crazy.

 

Cassidy sees a dead dog at the curb.

 

Two MEDICS carry a stretcher on which is a MAN'S BODY, a

deep wound at his throat.


                                                           24.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - MORNING

 

Fox at the head of the room. DEPUTIES in chairs. Everyone

has coffee.

 

                         FOX

             Dogs around here are going crazy

             for no apparent reason. Yesterday,

             four attacks at various locations,

             no discernible pattern. All

             breeds not known to  be violent.

             This morning, two already. I need

             a volunteer to head a task force

             to find out what the hell is

             going on here.

 

Cassidy's hand shoots up in the air.

 

                         FOX

             Riley, you seem unusually anxious.

             I remember you telling a recruit

             once not to volunteer for anything.

 

Light laughter.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Actually I have a lead already.

             I'd like to follow up on company

             time.

 

Light laughter again.

 

                         FOX

             It's yours. How many men you

             think you'll need?

 

                         CASSIDY

             At least Edith.

 

And again.

 

 

INT. OFFICE - DAY

 

Cooty on the phone. Across the desk, Dr. Yale.

 

                         COOTY

             It's a drop in the bucket, really.

             . . . Yes, we have more than

             enough lead time. . . Thank you. .

             . . Is the date firm? . . . Very

             good. Goodbye.

 

He hangs up.


                                                           25.

 

 

                         COOTY

             He's pleased at our progress.

 

                         DR. YALE

             He should be.

 

                         COOTY

             We stay on schedule. He wants to

             be here for the last phase. Will

             there be a problem?

 

The doctor hesitates.

 

                         COOTY

             Doctor?

 

                         DR. YALE

             No problem.

 

 

EXT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy meeting with his task force, Edith, and two other

deputies, Mike (from before) and JAKE. Everyone in uniform.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Mike, Jake, make sure we get

             autopsies on the dogs sooner

             rather than later.

 

                         MIKE

             No problem.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Edith and I are going to check

             out the compound. How about we

             meet back here at five?

 

                         MIKE

             Five it is.

 

Mike and Jake leave.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're changing into civvies and

             taking your car.

 

                         EDITH

             Undercover? I've seen cops do

             that on television. Imagine,

             getting to do it right here in

             God's Country.


                                                           26.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

A compact car speeding down the two-lane highway.

 

 

INT. EDITH'S CAR - DAY

 

Edith driving. Both dressed casually, as if out for a sight-

seeing cruise.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I see two possibilities. A drug

             deal gone bad. Or Jimmy knew

             something worth shutting him up

             permanently. You got a preference?

 

                         EDITH

             He wasn't shot at the park.

             Unless they cleaned up after

             themselves, which doesn't make

             sense. That weakens the drug deal,

             don't you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't know what to think.

 

There's a silence as they drive on.

 

                         CASSIDY

             As I recall, there was a junction

             just ahead.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

The car comes to the junction and turns off to take the side

road.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

A moment of silence.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I let Jimmy down.

 

                         EDITH

             Riley, don't.

 

                         CASSIDY

             He had so many problems as a

             teenager, I stopped listening to

             him. Stopped taking him seriously.

                         (MORE)


                                                           27.

 

 

                         CASSIDY (CONT'D)

             If I'd been receptive when he

             came to me with the tape--

 

                         EDITH

             There's nothing on the tape that

             would lead to this. You can't

             second-guess yourself. The

             connections were circumstantial

             at best.

 

Cassidy notices something ahead.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What have we here?

 

 

EXT. ROAD - FARMHOUSE - DAY

 

The car slows down as it approaches the large farmhouse to

one side.

 

And the sign: "Master Dog Training Academy."

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Edith turns to Riley.

 

                         EDITH

             What do you think?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I think we're a happily married

             couple who's looking for a dog

             trainer.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

 

The car pulls into the driveway and stops. Several other

cars are parked there.

 

Cassidy and Edith get out. They climb the steps onto a large

porch and go to the door.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PORCH - DAY

 

Before they knock, the door opens and Rhodes and Alex come

out. They look surprised to find anyone.

 

                         RHODES

             May I help you?


                                                           28.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're looking for someone to

             train our dog.

 

                         RHODES

             Just a minute.

                  (to Alex)

             Wait for me in the car.

 

Alex heads off. Rhodes steps back inside.

 

Cassidy and Edith exchange a glance, waiting.

 

Rhodes returns and hurries past them. Behind him is Cooty.

 

                         COOTY

             I understand you're looking for a

             dog trainer.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Right.

 

                         COOTY

             Please come in.

 

 

INT. OFFICE - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith sit close across the desk. They are

looking through a brochure together.

 

Cooty sits behind the desk.

 

                         COOTY

             We have many references, of course.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course.

 

                         COOTY

             Tell me about your Jack Russell.

             Does the dog have papers?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm not sure. He's my daughter's

             dog. From a previous marriage.

 

                         COOTY

             Of course.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Can we take this with us?


                                                           29.

 

 

                         COOTY

             Of course.

 

He stands up. Cassidy and Edith take the cue.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PORCH - DAY

 

Cooty has walked them to the entrance.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Oh, I almost forgot. My brother's

             a cop. He wanted me to ask if you

             train police dogs. You know, to

             attack on command. Whatever it is

             they want them to do.

 

                         COOTY

             Actually we just finished a

             project like that for Hollywood.

             They were working on a thriller,

             sci-fi kind of story, where

             suddenly dogs all around the

             world de-evolve back to their

             pack mentality. They start

             attacking anything that moves.

 

                         EDITH

             Sounds like yesterday's news.

 

                         COOTY

             You mean the rabies epidemic?

 

                         CASSIDY

             That's what it is?

 

                         COOTY

             According to the noon news.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Edith driving. Cassidy fiddling with the radio, looking for

the news. All he gets are music, talk shows and static.

 

He gives up and turns off the radio.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Rabies, my ass.


                                                           30.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith, still in civvies, sit with Mike and Jake

around a seminar table.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Rabies, my ass. They're pulling

             at straws. What about the autopsies?

 

                         MIKE

             Tomorrow soonest.

 

                         JAKE

             Rabies was a leak. A lab guy

             there predicted it's what they'd

             find.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Edie, you track the Hollywood gig

             yet?

 

                         EDITH

             When have I had time to do that?

             When we're done here, I'll start.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're done.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Breaking up after the meeting. Edith comes alongside Cassidy.

 

                         EDITH

             You can't solve this overnight.

             Give yourself some slack.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy knew something. I'm finding

             out what.

 

 

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT

 

Cassidy's car at the curb.

 

Heather arrives on foot. Cassidy gets out.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I appreciate this.

 

                         HEATHER

             No problem.


                                                           31.

 

 

They approach the building together.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

The light comes on. Heather leads Cassidy inside.

 

                         CASSIDY

             How long were you two living

             together?

 

                         HEATHER

             Actually I hadn't moved in yet.

             We'd just made the decision.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm sorry.

 

                         HEATHER

             Can you lock up after yourself? I

             really have a hard time being here.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course. I owe you one.

 

She leaves.

 

Cassidy in his son's apartment, alone. He looks around,

getting used to the idea.

 

Where to begin? He goes to a desk and sits down in front of

a computer.

 

He stares at the dead screen. He turns on the computer.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - DEN - NIGHT

 

Cooty, in a robe, looking very debonair, sips brandy and

watches the evening news.

 

ON TV

 

                         ANNOUNCER

             Sheriff Fox announced the

             formation of a special task force

             to investigate the recent series

             of mad dog attacks. Heading the

             task force is deputy sheriff

             Riley Cassidy.

 

A photo of Cassidy on the screen. Cooty takes notice. He

recognizes the face.


                                                           32.

 

 

                         ANNOUNCER

             In the past week, five unprovoked

             dog attacks have resulted in

             three deaths, with two other

             victims remaining in critical

             condition.

 

He moves to a small desk on which is an intercom phone. He

buzzes.

 

                         COOTY

             I need you right away.

 

He hangs up. On the TV, a new story.

 

Cooty clicks the screen dead.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Cassidy at the computer.

 

ON THE SCREEN

 

A document, a page from Jimmy's journal.

 

"The CIA may be training killer dogs so they can drop them

into Cuba prior to an invasion to overthrow Castro. It's the

fear and chaos that results when a bunch of mad dogs are on

the loose, any kind of dog, all kinds of dogs, you can't

feel safe because you never know which pooch is going to be

the one to leap up and grab your throat!"

 

Cassidy shakes his head.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

The task force meeting over coffee and donuts. Everyone but

Cassidy is in uniform.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What's your day look like?

 

                         JAKE

             May get the autopsy results,

             right, Mike?

 

                         MIKE

             Should.

 

                         JAKE

             Are you following through on the

             dog training?


                                                           33.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Absolutely.

 

                         EDITH

             Why didn't you call me not to put

             on my uniform this morning?

 

                         MIKE

             Only one attack yesterday. Maybe

             it's passing.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Maybe I'll win the lottery.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith moving down the hallway.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I found something in Jimmy's

             apartment. He thinks the CIA was

             training killer dogs to overthrow

             Castro.

 

                         EDITH

             You're kidding me.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Don't I wish. He thinks the CIA

             killed Kennedy, too, over the Bay

             of Pigs.

 

                         EDITH

             A real conspiracy buff. So we're

             on a wild goose chase?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We'll find out.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

 

Cassidy's car zips down the highway.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving. Edith changed into casuals.

 

                         EDITH

             I had a date last night.


                                                           34.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             You're kidding me. And?

 

She laughs nervously.

 

                         EDITH

             I'm too old for this shit.

 

                         CASSIDY

             That bad?

 

                         EDITH

             Oh, yes. Really, really bad.

 

She looks out the window. No more to say.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We could date.

 

Edith's head snaps around.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not romantically, for Christ's

             sake. I know better than that.

             For company. Dinner, a movie.

             Help fight the boredom.

 

                         EDITH

             You're bored?

 

                         CASSIDY

             It was just a thought.

 

 

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

 

The car pulls in front of Cassidy's old house.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Edith looks puzzled.

 

                         EDITH

             Visiting your daughter?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We need a dog. Look in the window.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - DAY

 

Buddy looks out the front window.


                                                           35.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Edith smiles.

 

                         EDITH

             He's waiting for you?

 

                         CASSIDY

             He's a dreamer. He sits at the

             window for hours. Give the dog a

             window, and he's ecstatic.

 

He reaches for the door handle.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy and Katherine.

 

                         KATHERINE

             She'd kill me if I let you have

             Buddy.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Just for the day. I could have

             him back before Tracy's home from

             school.

 

                         KATHERINE

             I can't, Riley.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy slides behind the wheel.

 

                         EDITH

             And?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We still need a dog.

 

Edith looks out. Buddy is at the window again as they drive

off.

 

 

INT. HUMANE SOCIETY - DOG AREA - DAY

 

A LADY leads Cassidy and Edith past cages of dogs. Lots of

barking and fawning, Take me! Take me!

 

                         CASSIDY

             We can return it if it doesn't

             work out?


                                                           36.

 

 

                         LADY

             Absolutely.

 

Cassidy stops in front of a cage. A Jack Russell terrier

leaps on the screen.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm partial to Jack Russells.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Now Edith drives. Cassidy has his hands full with the Jack

Russell on his lap.

 

                         EDITH

             I don't know about this.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

The squad car pulls into the driveway.

 

They get out. Cassidy has the dog on a leash.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PORCH - DAY

 

Cooty opens the door.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We're here for our sample free

             lesson.

 

Cooty looks puzzled.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's in the brochure.

 

                         COOTY

             Of course. But you need to make

             an appointment.

 

Edith has the brochure out.

 

                         EDITH

                  (reading)

             "Stop by for a 30-minute free

             lesson for your dog."

 

                         COOTY

             But our trainer is on lunch break.


                                                           37.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             We'll wait.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - PARLOR - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith, the dog at their feet, waiting.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - OFFICE - DAY

 

Cooty with Rhodes.

 

                         RHODES

             What am I supposed to do with the

             dog?

 

                         COOTY

             I don't give a damn. March it

             around in a circle.

 

                         RHODES

             You said he's a cop. Let me get

             Alex to do his thing.

 

                         COOTY

             At the moment, that would only

             make matters worse. We have

             legitimate references for them to

             check. We covered our tracks.

             They can't know anything.

 

                         RHODES

             Then why are they here?

 

                         COOTY

             It's what they do. They follow

             wherever their noses lead. We

             train dogs, they found us in the

             yellow pages, they're here. We

             give them their free lesson and

             they're gone.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PATIO/FIELD - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith sit at a table on a patio. In the nearby

adjacent field, Rhodes leads the dog around in a large

circle. The dog follows obediently.

 

                         EDITH

             I think they're legit.


                                                           38.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Because Hollywood used them? It

             still could be a front.

 

                         EDITH

             I think what Jimmy saw was their

             Hollywood gig. For Christ's sake,

             Riley, using mad dogs to overthrow

             Castro? Give me a break.

 

Cassidy stares ahead, watching the lesson.

 

He stands up.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'll be right back.

 

He starts away.

 

                         EDITH

             Riley...

 

She nervously looks toward Rhodes. He concentrates on the

dog, not noticing.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy comes through a sliding door into a room off the patio.

 

He moves to a HALLWAY and keeps going.

 

At a DOOR, he looks around. All clear. Cracks open the door.

A closet.

 

He moves to A SECOND DOOR. Reaches for the handle. Just as

he cracks it open and looks inside...

 

                         DR. YALE

             Excuse me!

 

Entering the hallway from around a corner is Dr. Yale. In a

white lab coat, he looks like the doctor from central casting.

 

Cassidy recovers nicely.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm looking for a rest room.

 

                         DR. YALE

             What are you doing here?

 

                         CASSIDY

             My dog's getting a free lesson.


                                                           39.

 

 

                         DR. YALE

             Wait here.

 

Dr. Yale hurries down the hallway to where he can see outside:

 

the patio, Edith at the table, and beyond it, the field

where Rhodes still walks the dog in circles.

 

Back to Cassidy.

 

                         DR. YALE

             You found it.

 

He gestures to the door Cassidy was about to open.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Thank you.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - BATHROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy enters. Eyes closed, deep breath.

 

Waits a moment. Flushes the toilet. Turns on the water at

the sink.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Cassidy comes back into the hallway. No doctor.

 

To go back or keep looking? He moves farther down the

hallway, away from the patio.

 

Another hallway to the right. He comes to a door and cracks

it open.

 

It's some kind of LABORATORY.

 

He hears voices, closes the door, and hurries back.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - PATIO - DAY

 

Cassidy returns to the table. Edith leans forward, expecting

to get news.

 

Before Cassidy speaks, Cooty and Dr. Yale come through the

sliding door.

 

                         COOTY

             So what do you think? Shall I

             sign you up for a training program?


                                                           40.

 

 

Rhodes hears this as his cue. He'll bring the dog to the patio.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Well, let me see how the lesson

             took first.

 

                         COOTY

             Of course. I believe you met Dr.

             Yale, our vet.

 

                         CASSIDY

             He showed me where the can was.

 

Everyone is smiling but you can cut the tension with a razor.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

Cooty and Dr. Yale watch the car move out the driveway.

 

                         DR. YALE

             He was snooping around.

 

                         COOTY

             I know.

 

                         DR. YALE

             You're not worried?

 

                         COOTY

             No. But it's better to be safe

             than sorry. I'll have Rhodes see

             what he can find out about him.

 

Cooty smiles.

 

                         COOTY

             He said it was his daughter's dog.

             Maybe he owns one of his own.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving, Edith riding shotgun with the dog.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It looked like some kind of lab.

             I don't like it. The vet was

             straight out of central casting.

             I thought I was in a scene from

             The Boys From Brazil.

 

                         EDITH

             Remind me.


                                                           41.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Cloning Hitler. Genetic experiments.

 

                         EDITH

             I remember. Nasty Nazis scientists,

             right? So they operate on dogs,

             turn them into killers. That's

             right up there with overthrowing

             Castro. You never told me.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Told you what?

 

                         EDITH

             Like father, like son.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

The usual foursome around the table.

 

                         MIKE

             Okay, I have good news and bad

             news about the autopsy.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Good news first.

 

                         MIKE

             All the dogs share an unidentified

             virus that may be a rabies mutant.

 

                         CASSIDY

             That's good news?

 

                         MIKE

             It's what they share, which in

             turn may be causing the problem.

             The bad news is, no one has seen

             it before.

 

                         JAKE

             One doc thought it may be a

             synthetic introduced into their

             systems.

 

                         CASSIDY

             In other words, an injection that

             turns them violent. Herr Doktor.

 

                         EDITH

             It's quite a leap, Riley.


                                                           42.

 

 

                         MIKE

             You lost me.

 

                         EDITH

             Nazis scientists.

 

Cassidy pops up to his feet.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Everybody have a good night. Meet

             here at nine a.m.

 

And he's hurrying away.

 

                         EDITH

             Riley?

 

                         JAKE

             What's that about?

 

                         EDITH

             I made a joke. He didn't laugh.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

The apartment MANAGER is letting Cassidy into the apartment.

Cassidy is still in his uniform.

 

                         MANAGER

             I have it rented as soon as you

             can get his things out.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'll get right on it.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

The door opens, and Cassidy enters.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - STREET - NIGHT

 

A car creeps by the house. A porch light on, inside just a

night light.

 

 

INT. CAR - NIGHT

 

Alex is driving, Rhodes next to him.

 

                         ALEX

             You think this is it?


                                                           43.

 

 

                         RHODES

             Only one in the phone book.

 

                         ALEX

             A cop, he probably has alarm system.

 

                         RHODES

             Probably.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - STREET - NIGHT

 

The car pulls to the curb.

 

                         RHODES

             Too early to be in bed. They must

             be out.

 

LATER

 

A car pulls into the driveway. Tim gets out, hurries around

the car to let Katherine out.

 

 

INT. CAR - NIGHT

 

Rhodes and Alex watching.

 

                         ALEX

             Who's the guy?

 

INTERCUT

 

Tim walks Katherine to the porch. They embrace and kiss.

 

                         RHODES

             She's got something on the side.

 

                         ALEX

             Where's hubby?

 

                         RHODES

             I'm going to try something.

 

Katherine goes inside. Tim gets in his car and backs up,

driving off.

 

Rhodes punches numbers on a cell phone.

 

In the KITCHEN, Katherine answers the wall phone.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Hello?


                                                           44.

 

 

                         RHODES

             Riley Cassidy, please.

 

                         KATHERINE

             He's not here.

 

                         RHODES

             Are you expecting him soon?

 

                         KATHERINE

             Who is this?

 

                         RHODES

             Jerry, from the office.

 

                         KATHERINE

             He moved out.

 

                         RHODES

             Oh, I didn't know. Sorry to

             disturb you.

 

He hangs up.

 

                         RHODES

             She kicked him out.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Cassidy sits on the edge of the sofa. He's looking through a

school yearbook.

 

Pictures of Jimmy as a teenager in a football uniform.

 

Cassidy puts down the yearbook. He looks around.

 

He stands up, loosens his tie, rolls up his sleeve. He

starts moving items to the door.

 

 

EXT. JIMMY'S APARTMENT - ENTRANCE - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Mike carry a sofa and load it onto the back of a

pickup that has been backed up near the door.

 

A car pulls up, and the manager gets out. He sees what is

happening and goes to Cassidy.

 

                         MANAGER

             I didn't mean you had to move out

             tonight.


                                                           45.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             No problem. I work during the day.

 

Cassidy and Mike head in for another load.

 

 

EXT. STORAGE COMPANY - GARAGE UNIT - NIGHT

 

The pick up backed against a garage.

 

Cassidy and Mike lift the same sofa out.

 

 

INT. GARAGE UNIT - NIGHT

 

There's lots of room in the storage unit. Cassidy's stuff

from the house, now his son's stuff.

 

                         MIKE

             You sure you got enough space?

 

                         CASSIDY

             When Kate kicked me out, I was in

             a hurry. This was all they had.

 

                         MIKE

             Well, if Betsy kicks me out, I

             know I have someplace to store my

             stuff.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - NIGHT

 

Rhodes and Alex prowl around outside the house. It's late.

 

They come to a side window. Peer in.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - DEN - NIGHT

 

Buddy, the Jack Russell, sleeping on a divan, stirs. He

hears something. A low growl. He moves to search out the sound.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - NIGHT

 

Rhodes and Alex to another window.

 

                         ALEX

             Maybe there's no dog?

 

                         RHODES

             Cops always have a dog.


                                                           46.

 

 

                         ALEX

             Maybe he took it with him when

             she kicked him out.

 

He taps lightly on the window pane.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - WINDOW - NIGHT

 

Buddy barks at the pane.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - NIGHT

 

They hear the dog barking inside.

 

                         RHODES

             What did I tell you?

 

They move off, back to their car.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Katherine stirs.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Buddy?

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - TRACY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Tracy sound asleep. Buddy enters, whines. No reaction. He

jumps up on her bed. Gets comfortable.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Katherine out of bed, putting on her robe.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - TRACY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Katherine appears in the doorway. Tracy and Buddy appear to

be sound asleep.

 

Katherine smiles at the sight.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Mike sit at the bar.

 

BARTENDER comes by.


                                                           47.

 

 

                         BARTENDER

             Last call.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm fine.

 

                         MIKE

             Me, too.

                  (to Cassidy)

             Okay, what are your three scenarios?

 

                         CASSIDY

             In no particular order. One, a

             terrorist cell. General mayhem

             and harassment.

 

                         MIKE

             But inefficient in terms of body

             counts.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Agreed. Two, dress rehearsal for

             a particular target.

 

                         MIKE

             But once you know it works, why

             risk more rehearsals? You could

             get caught and blow everything.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Again agreed. Great minds think

             alike. Third, a diversion.

             General mayhem and harassment

             again but now as a distraction,

             to keep the law busy while

             something else comes down.

 

                         MIKE

             I like it. I have a fourth. A

             sicko acting alone.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Well, if the compound's involved,

             and I think it is, there's

             considerable organization and

             planning going on.

 

                         MIKE

             So what else could be coming down?

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Coffee and donuts, the usual morning meeting.


                                                           48.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             What else could be coming down?

 

                         EDITH

             This option is not inconsistent

             with the terrorist cell. They

             aren't mutually exclusive.

 

                         JAKE

             Terrorists using this as a

             distraction to set up something

             bigger.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Which raises the same question.

             What could be coming down?

 

                         MIKE

             It doesn't have to be here. This

             could be a dry run.

 

                         CASSIDY

             A dress rehearsal.

 

                         MIKE

             When they know it works, they

             export it to a major city, cause

             mayhem, diversion, and execute

             the major catastrophe. Perfect

             the plan in Timbucktoo, execute

             it in the big city.

 

                         EDITH

             Seattle, San Francisco.

 

                         JAKE

             New York, Chicago, for that matter.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Here in God's country, we're just

             the guinea pig. But if we can

             stop them here, they get stopped.

 

Everyone glances around at everyone else, letting this sink in.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - CHIEF'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Cassidy with Fox.

 

                         FOX

             That's a very upsetting theory.

             There's only one problem. What if

             it's over?


                                                           49.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Pardon me?

 

                         FOX

             We may be past the peak. Only one

             attack in the last two days now.

             What if they stop on their own?

             Wouldn't it mean that the infected

             dogs have all been destroyed?

 

                         CASSIDY

             But if the infection is man-made--

 

                         FOX

             We don't know that.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's the only thing that makes

             sense.

 

                         FOX

             Riley, nature sometimes works in

             mysterious ways. We're going to

             hang tight for a few days. Maybe

             it started from unusual but

             natural causes, and maybe it's over.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

A chart on the wall, keeping track of the dog attacks. A

series of numbers. The numbers go 4, 3, 2, 3, 1, 0 and

Cassidy adds another zero.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

--Cassidy adds another zero.

 

--Another zero.

 

--Another zero.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Fox addressing the task force.

 

                         FOX

             If the attacks start again, I'll

             reactivate the task force

             immediately. But for now, it's

             business as usual. I thank you

             for your good work.


                                                           50.

 

 

He leaves.

 

                         MIKE

             Riley, you okay with this?

 

                         CASSIDY

             What do you think?

 

                         MIKE

             I'm inclined to agree with you.

 

                         EDITH

             I think the chief is right.

 

                         JAKE

             I second the motion.

 

                         MIKE

             Looks like we have a stalemate.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy is driving.

 

                         EDITH

             At least you should hope we're

             right.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's the best of all possible

             worlds. I remember reading about

             that in college.

 

A silence.

 

                         EDITH

             You ready for lunch?

 

 

INT. CAFE - DAY

 

At a window booth.

 

                         EDITH

             I have another date tonight.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You're kidding me.

 

                         EDITH

             I'm going to be forty before I

             know it. I never pictured myself

             as an old maid.


                                                           51.

 

 

Cassidy sees something out the window.

 

                         CASSIDY

             That's the van.

 

                         EDITH

             What?

 

                         CASSIDY

             The van from the compound. Come on.

 

He slides out of the booth. He throws money onto the table.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Come on!

 

 

EXT. CAFE - DAY

 

Cassidy hurries into the squad car. The engine is racing by

the time Edith climbs in.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy peels out of the parking area.

 

                         EDITH

             You are obsessed.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

The squad car moves through traffic after the van.

 

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

Alex is driving, Rhodes riding shotgun.

 

                         RHODES

             Start on Main Street.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - VARIOUS STREETS - DAY

 

The van takes several streets, heading to Main Street. The

squad car follows from a distance.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving, staring ahead.


                                                           52.

 

 

Edith, looking concerned, stares at Cassidy.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

The van pulls to the curb. Rhodes gets out and goes to a

kiosk for announcements. He has a stapler and staples up a

flier.

 

Then he also pushes a small electronic device into the kiosk.

It's so small it's hard to notice.

 

He hops back in the van.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

                         EDITH

             Want me to check it out?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Hang on a minute.

 

 

EXT. MAIN STREET - NEXT BLOCK - DAY

 

The van cruises to the next block, pulls to the curb.

 

Again Rhodes hops out and staples a flier, this time to a

bulletin board on a building wall. And another electronic

device.

 

NEXT BLOCK

 

Rhodes staples a third flier. And device.

 

The van pulls into traffic.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy pulls to the curb.

 

                         CASSIDY

             This better be good.

 

 

EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith approach the last kiosk. Cassidy rips off

the flier.


                                                           53.

 

 

THE FLIER reads: "INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL! Having problems with

an aggressive dog? We offer trained specialists who can

change the most unmanageable pet into a docile member of the

family..."

 

                         EDITH

             Mean to nice is a switch.

 

On the kiosk, the electronic device remains unnoticed.

 

Cassidy crumples the flier.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving.

 

                         EDITH

             You okay?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jimmy lived in his own world. I

             don't know how to navigate it.

 

                         EDITH

             They're not CIA. They're not

             Nazis scientists. Where does that

             leave us?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Up the creek, Edie. Up the creek.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Cassidy at the door with Olivia.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I won't be late.

 

                         OLIVIA

             That's what you said the last

             time. I don't understand why she

             needs a babysitter. for God's

             sake, she's what, seventeen years

             old?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Fifteen. And Katherine's the

             nervous kind, especially after

             what happened to Jimmy.

 

Olivia is pouting.


                                                           54.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             What's the matter?

 

                         OLIVIA

             You don't seem interested in

             spending time with me any more.

 

Cassidy starts to speak, decides not to go there.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I shouldn't be late.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY HOME - NIGHT

 

Cassidy's car pulls to the curb.

 

He gets out and walks to the front door.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - FOYER - NIGHT

 

TIM, 40s, opens the door.

 

                         TIM

             Riley.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Tim.

 

Cassidy steps inside.

 

                         TIM

             Katherine's running late, of course.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Of course.

 

Tracy bounds forward from another room.

 

                         TRACY

             Daddy!

 

She runs into Cassidy's arms.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Hey, honey.

 

Tim looks on awkwardly as they embrace.

 

                         TRACY

             Thanks for coming over. I really

             didn't want to be alone tonight.


                                                           55.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             No problem.

 

Katherine comes down the stairs.

 

                         KATHERINE

             I'm ready! Thanks for coming over,

             Riley.

 

                         CASSIDY

             No problem.

 

                         KATHERINE

                  (to Tim)

             Don't say it. We'll be right on

             time.

                  (to Tracy)

             Be good, sweetie. We won't be late.

 

Tim nods awkwardly at Riley. Katherine and Tim leave,

closing the door behind them.

 

                         TRACY

             I think he's going to move in.

 

                         CASSIDY

             How do you feel about that?

 

                         TRACY

             I wish you'd move back.

 

                         CASSIDY

             We talked about this.

 

                         TRACY

             I know. Let me show you my stuff

             on the dog show!

 

 

INT. CASSIDY HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

On the divan together, Tracy showing Cassidy brochures about

the dog show.

 

Buddy on the floor nearby.

 

                         TRACY

             Have you ever been to Seattle?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Yes. And so have you.

 

                         TRACY

             I have?


                                                           56.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             You were two or three.

 

                         TRACY

             I don't remember. Did we see the

             Space Needle?

 

                         CASSIDY

             We went all the way to the top.

 

                         TRACY

             I want to do that. Can we?

 

Cassidy doesn't reply.

 

                         TRACY

             Dad, you have to be there!

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't want to cause problems.

             Your mom and Tim may want to take

             you to the Space Needle themselves.

 

                         TRACY

             Why can't we all do things together?

 

                         CASSIDY

             One day, you won't have to ask a

             question like that.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

 

Dozens of dogs are being loaded into several identical vans.

 

Rhodes supervises. Cooty and Dr. Yale look on.

 

 

INT. CRESTVIEW - VARIOUS STREETS - NIGHT

 

The vans cruise around town, letting out the dogs in twos

and threes.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - FIELD - SUNRISE

 

A landing strip in a sprawling field.

 

Landing is a small two-engine plane. The van waits nearby.

 

The plane comes to a stop. The van heads toward it.


                                                           57.

 

 

Coming out of the plane is MR. Z and his constant companion,

a RUSSIAN WOLFHOUND. He looks likes he just stepped out of

an exotic fiefdom, in dress suggesting great wealth and

royalty.

 

The van skids to a stop. Cooty jumps out.

 

                         COOTY

             Mr. Z! Good morning! How was your

             flight?

 

                         MR. Z

             Boring. Where's the doctor?

 

                         COOTY

             He's waiting for us at the house.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

A dark room. A power point presentation. Dr. Yale running

the show from a laptop at a front table.

 

ON A SCREEN, a graph showing human v. dog hearing threshholds.

 

                         DR. YALE

             In layman's terms, I utilize

             classic Pavlovian technique

             improved considerably by new

             technologies, including drug

             therapy. We imprint two behaviors:

             following a laser spot, so we can

             lead the animal wherever we want;

             and when we have him in place,

             attacking instantaneously upon

             receiving an ultrasound signal.

             As you see here,

                  (pointing to the graph)

             sounds of a high pitch unheard by

             humans are easily heard by dogs,

             regardless of breed.

 

He turns on the lights. Seated in the room are Mr. Z, Cooty

and Rhodes. The Russian wolfhound lies next to his master.

 

                         DR. YALE

             The theory is the easy part. The

             training requires many, many

             repetitions and reinforcement.

             And, of course, considerable

             patience.


                                                           58.

 

 

                         MR. Z

             These pen-devices you use -- how

             many operators do you need to

             instigate the general panic?

 

                         DR. YALE

             We're beaming ultrasound from

             small transmitters that have been

             placed throughout town. All we

             have to do is release the dogs

             and send them the signal. They'll

             attack the closest person to them.

 

                         MR. Z

             How many dogs?

 

                         DR. YALE

             We have over fifty ready to go.

 

                         MR. Z

             Are the dogs in place?

 

                         COOTY

             They were released in pairs

             before sunrise, scattered at

             various points through town.

 

                         MR. Z

             When can we start?

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - VARIOUS STREETS - DAY

 

The squad cruising around town. Stray dogs, the ones released

by the vans, wander about town.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Edith is driving.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Where did all these dogs come from?

 

                         EDITH

             It's a dog owners' town, Riley.

 

                         CASSIDY

             No, man, I haven't seen any of

             these dogs before.

 

                         EDITH

             Riley, it's over. It was some new

             kind of rabies. Whatever. It's over.


                                                           59.

 

 

Riley take out his cell phone.

 

 

INT. ANIMAL CONTROL - DAY

 

A WOMAN answers the phone.

 

                         WOMAN

             Animal control.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         RILEY

             This is deputy Cassidy. We have a

             lot of strays in town today.

             Maybe you'd better start picking

             them up.

 

                         WOMAN

             Just a minute.

                  (off phone)

             Mr. Hutchins! It's deputy Cassidy.

 

 

INT. ANIMAL CONTROL - OFFICE - DAY

 

HUTCHINS, 40s, picks up the phone.

 

                         HUTCHINES

             Riley, what's up?

 

INTERCUT

 

                         RILEY

             We got a dozen or more strays in

             town. Maybe you should pick them up.

 

                         HUTCHINS

             I'm on it. I had three in my yard

             this morning.

 

                         RILEY

             Any problems?

 

                         HUTCHINS

             None at all. I fed them and took

             them to the Humane Society. We

             have two drivers getting ready to

             go out for the rest.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - FIELD - DAY

 

The small plane takes off from the landing strip.


                                                           60.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

An Animal Control van pulls to the curb. Nearby are two

stray dogs.

 

A CONTROL WORKER gets out. He opens the back of the van. The

DRIVER gets out, holding dog treats.

 

                         DRIVER

             Here, boy! Come and get it!

 

The dogs wander over. The driver leads them to the back of

the van. He throws the treats in, and the dogs jump in after

them. Slam! And two are captured.

 

 

EXT. SKY - DAY

 

The plane approaching the town in the distance.

 

 

INT. PLANE - DAY

 

Behind the PILOT sit Cooty, Dr. Yale, and Mr. Z and the

wolfhound. Dr. Yale has a laptop in his lap.

 

                         CO0TY

             We'll take an overpass to let you

             see the dogs. Then Rhodes will

             activate the signal.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

The squad car passes an Animal Control van at the curb,

where another stray is being captured.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Edith driving.

 

                         EDITH

             They seem friendly enough.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't understand it.

 

                         EDITH

             Maybe they're just healthy strays.

             Maybe there's no conspiracy going

             on.

 

Cassidy stares ahead. Clearly he's worried about something.


                                                           61.

 

 

INT. PLANE - DAY

 

Cooty shouts to the pilot.

 

                         COOTY

             Take us down.

 

 

INT. CRESTVIEW - SIDEWALK TABLE - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith bring coffee to a picnic table outside a

fast food joint. Overhead, the sound of a plane. They look up.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Why the hell's he so low?

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

The plan flies low over the length of Main Street. It swoops

up and gains elevation.

 

 

INT. PLANE - DAY

 

Cooty turns to Dr. Yale.

 

                         COOTY

             "You can fire when ready, Gridley."

 

Cooty laughs like hell. Mr. Z just stares at him.

 

                         COOTY

             Famous line in American history.

 

                         DR. YALE

             Here we go.

 

He punches the keyboard.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

--at the various electronic devices around town, a small

green light comes on as the sound is activated.

 

--at various streets, dogs hear the ultrasound. Immediately

they are aggressive, turning this way and that. Where they

see a human, they immediately leap on them, going for the

throat. Dogs of all breeds do this.


                                                           62.

 

 

INT. CRESTVIEW - SIDEWALK TABLE - DAY

 

Down the street from Cassidy and Edith, a collie attacks an

old woman. She screams.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Jesus!

 

Cassidy rushes to the scene. His gun is drawn. He shoots the

dog, which is on top of the woman.

 

Edith, coming behind, has a cell phone out.

 

                         EDITH

             We need an ambulance at--

 

 

INT. PLANE - DAY

 

Everyone at the windows.

 

Below, across town, dozens of dogs are attacking innocent

bystanders.

 

                         MR. Z

             Extraordinary.

 

                         DR. YALE

             Exactly as planned.

 

                         MR. Z

             Doctor, I want you to come with

             me to Damascus. They need to know

             what you've accomplished here.

                  (to Cooty)

             You can spare the doctor for a

             few months, can't you?

 

 

EXT. SKY - DAY

 

The plane turns again to head back to the farmhouse.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy sees the plane flying away. He stares at it long and

hard.

 

                         EDITH

             You want to get moving?

 

Cassidy still absorbed in the plane.


                                                           63.

 

 

                         EDITH

             Riley?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Yeah, right.

 

 

EXT. CASSIDY'S HOME - NIGHT

 

The lights on. Two cars in the driveway.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Katherine and Tim watching TV.

 

ON TV

 

A news anchor.

 

                         NEWS ANCHOR

             Eleven deaths, six hospitalized

             in serious condition, and fourteen

             requiring stitches and released.

             Forty one dogs have been destroyed,

             and officials say there may still

             be as many as a dozen on the loose.

 

The phone rings.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Cassidy with the phone, waiting.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         KATHERINE

             Hello.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's me.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Oh, God. Can you believe what

             happened?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Unfortunately, I can. Everything

             okay over there?

 

                         KATHERINE

             We're fine. Tracy's scared to

             death, but so am I.


                                                           64.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Maybe Seattle isn't a good idea.

 

                         KATHERINE

             What do you mean?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't trust that many dogs in

             one place.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Show dogs get physicals, Riley.

             If they had the virus, they

             wouldn't be allowed to show.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I don't think it's a virus.

 

                         KATHERINE

             I can't tell Tracy not to go to

             Seattle. Not after all the work

             she's put in training Buddy.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Cassidy alone at the kitchen table, eating a sandwich.

Olivia enters.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Oh, you're home.

 

                         CASSIDY

             So are you.

 

                         OLIVIA

             You haven't been home for dinner

             all week. I had dinner with Gloria.

 

                         CASSIDY

             No big deal.

 

                         OLIVIA

             No, it isn't, is it? Sometimes I

             wonder why I'm even here.

 

Cassidy just eats.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Well, that's encouraging.


                                                           65.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Olivia has a suitcase on the bed. She's throwing cloths into

it. Cassidy appears in the doorway.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You need any money?

 

                         OLIVIA

             Fuck off.

 

Cassidy takes out his wallet. He empties it, throwing money

on the bed. Then he leaves.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Mike at the bar.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I never should have let her move

             in. I was thinking with my dick.

 

                         MIKE

             We do that now and again, don't we?

 

Mike finishes his drink.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Buy your another?

 

                         MIKE

             I'm out of here. You okay?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Oh, yeah.

 

Mike leaves.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (to bartender)

             Another here.

 

Cassidy takes a deep breath. He looks like he's brooding

about something.

 

Mike reappears.

 

                         MIKE

             Riley, you'll want to see this.


                                                           66.

 

 

EXT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Mike stand outside the bar.

 

On the street in front of him a small CONVOY of National

Guard troops pass.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY APARTMENT - DAY

 

Cassidy with morning coffee, watching a small TV.

 

ON TV

 

Mayor Higgins, wearing a neck brace.

 

                         MAYOR HIGGINS

             Last night I called the governor

             and requested that a small

             contingent of National Guard

             troops be sent to Crestview in

             order to help our local law

             enforcement resources maintain

             security and order. These troops

             entered town before sunrise and

             now are stationed throughout the

             community. Their presence in

             Crestview will assure--

 

Cassidy clicks off the set. He's out of there.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - FIELD - DAY

 

The small plane warms up at the landing strip.

 

Cooty seeing off Mr. Z and Dr. Yale.

 

                         COOTY

             Have a safe trip.

 

                         MR. Z

             You are doing a wonderful job.

             I'll be looking for the news from

             Seattle.

 

                         DR. YALE

             It should go well.

 

                         COOTY

             I know you'll be here in spirit,

             doctor.

 

Mr Z and Dr. Yale climb on board. Cooty steps back.


                                                           67.

 

 

The plane takes off.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Sheriff Fox presiding. Cassidy, Edith, Mike and other

deputies in attendance.

 

Standing next to Fox, COL. LEMONT.

 

                         FOX

             Colonel Lemont has a few words to

             bring us up to speed.

 

                         COL. LEMONT

             We'll be patrolling the streets

             for the next several days as a

             safety precaution. If the governor

             wants us to stay beyond that,

             well, he's in charge. We're here

             till we're told to leave. I want

             to emphasize that we are not here

             to compete with police or sheriff

             department activities in any way.

             You go about your business as usual.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Breaking up after the meeting. Cassidy and Edith walk together.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Business as usual.

 

                         EDITH

             Suck it in.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

The squad car cruising.

 

National Guard troops are stationed everywhere. The town

resembles a war zone.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy driving.

 

                         EDITH

             Ready for coffee?


                                                           68.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - FAST FOOD JOINT - DAY

 

The squad car pulls in front of a fast food joint.

 

Cassidy and Edith get out and head for the entrance. Nearby,

a farmer with his dog.

 

A woman comes out of the restaurant. She sees the dog and

stops. She looks terrified.

 

A pickup truck pulls up and parks.

 

The dog growls at the woman. The woman becomes terrified.

 

                         WOMAN

             Keep him away from me!

 

                         FARMER

             Heel, Buster!

 

The dog barks. The woman screams.

 

Cassidy turns in time to see...

 

Out of the pickup, a MAN emerges with a rifle. BAM! he

shoots the dog.

 

                         FARMER

             Buster!

                  (to man)

             You shot my dog!

 

The farmer lunges at the man. Cassidy rushes forward to

separate them. Edith comforts the woman.

 

The dog on the ground, dead.

 

                         FARMER

             He shot my dog!

 

LATER

 

A police car and ambulance. Other OFFICERS have taken over

the scene.

 

Cassidy and Edith, getting into the squad car with coffees.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy slips behind the wheel.


                                                           69.

 

 

                         EDITH

             We're going to see a lot of this.

             Nerves are shot all over town.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy driving.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Remember the plane? Just before

             the dogs went crazy? I saw it

             flying north. In the direction of

             you know what.

 

                         EDITH

             I was hoping it was a coincidence.

             The trouble with conspiracy

             theories is they scare the hell

             out of me.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm going back there.

 

                         EDITH

             Now?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Tonight. Late.

 

                         EDITH

             As in, breaking in?

 

Cassidy nods.

 

                         EDITH

             You wouldn't think of getting a

             judge to give you a search

             warrant, would you?

 

Cassidy stares ahead.

 

                         EDITH

             I didn't think so.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

 

Very late, past midnight.

 

Cassidy's car creeps by, lights off, and stops at the side

of the road.


                                                           70.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - NIGHT

 

Cassidy driving, Edith beside him.

 

                         EDITH

             I can't believe I'm doing this.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I didn't force you.

 

                         EDITH

             Somebody has to watch out for you.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

 

They get out of the car and approach the farmhouse. They

head for the back of the building.

 

                         EDITH

                  (whispering)

             What if we run into dogs?

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering)

             Already thought of that.

 

He brings out a canister of some kind of spray.

 

 

EXT. FARMHOUSE - BACK YARD - NIGHT

 

They come behind the farmhouse.

 

At the fence, a low dog growl.

 

Cassidy takes out a doggy treat. In the other hand, the

cannister.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (low)

             Here, boy...

 

He goes to the fence, holding out the treat. The dog

approaches.

 

Zzzttt! He sprays the dog. The dog whimpers and slowly sinks

to the ground. It becomes unconscious.

 

Cassidy looks into the darkness for other dogs.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering, to Edith)

             All clear.


                                                           71.

 

 

He leads the way to a back door.

 

He takes out a small lock-picking tool. He gets to work.

 

Trying, trying...and he hears what he's been listening for.

 

He opens the door.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Edith creep into the dark house.

 

Cassidy brings out a pencil light.

 

He leads the way down the HALLWAY to the LABORATORY he

discovered earlier.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - LABORATORY - NIGHT

 

They enter the lab.

 

                         EDITH

                  (whispering)

             What are we looking for?

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering)

             I have no idea. It's like porno.

 

                         EDITH

                  (whispering)

             Porno?

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering)

             I'll know it when I see it.

 

Cassidy goes do a desk. He turns to Edith.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering)

             Here.

 

He hands her another pencil light.

 

They start searching.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

In an upstairs bedroom, Cooty snores. A dog sleeps on the bed.


                                                           72.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - LABORATORY - NIGHT

 

Still searching.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering)

             Here's something...

 

Edith joins him at the desk.

 

The pencil light reveals a folder full of material about the

Space Needle in Seattle. Brochures, maps, sketches, schematics.

 

And -- a schematic for a homemade bomb.

 

                         EDITH

                  (whispering)

             Bingo.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering)

             Hold both lights.

 

He gives her his pencil light. He takes out a tiny camera.

He shoots the sketches and schematics, page by page, working

quickly.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Cooty coughs. He rolls over.

 

 

INT. FARMHOUSE - LABORATORY - NIGHT

 

The last picture.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (whispering)

             Let's go.

 

 

INT. SQUAD CAR - NIGHT

 

Cassidy is driving.

 

                         EDITH

             They cause a panic at the dog

             show so they can take out the

             Space Needle. Very creative. Also

             doing it the hard way, isn't it?

                         (MORE)


                                                           73.

 

 

                         EDITH (CONT'D)

             I mean, if you want to create a

             diversion, why not just set a

             fire somewhere? Or blow up

             something across town first?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Because it's old hat. You saw

             what happened after the attacks.

             Fear and chaos. Fear of the

             unknown. Nobody trusts anybody,

             especially not anybody with a dog.

 

                         EDITH

             Think you can convince Fox?

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - OFFICE - DAY

 

Cassidy in Fox's office.

 

                         FOX

             I couldn't do this even if I

             agreed with you.

 

                         CASSIDY

             They killed my son. I'm not

             letting this rest.

 

Fox lets out a slow exhale.

 

                         FOX

             Of course, if you take vacation

             time off, I can't tell you where

             to go.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Can you put in a good word for me

             in Seattle? I'll need some help

             on this.

 

                         FOX

             You don't ask much, do you?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm doing it one way or the other.

 

                         FOX

             I'm sure you will. I'll see what

             I can do.


                                                           74.

 

 

EXT. SQUAD CAR - DAY

 

Cruising, Cassidy driving.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You have any vacation time?

 

                         EDITH

             Yeah, I do. What's it to you?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Want to join me in Seattle?

 

Edith just looks at him.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Fox is giving me some contacts.

             Be nice to have somebody I know

             and can trust.

 

                         EDITH

             Sometimes you scare me.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy's car pulls to the curb in front of a coffee shop.

He gets out.

 

On his way to the door, he sees something that stops him. He

goes to a bulletin board on the side of the building.

 

The flier from the dog training company is there. Cassidy

stares at it.

 

And then he notices something else -- above the flier, a

small object. He moves closer.

 

The electronic device. He pulls it out. He holds it in the

palm of his hand...

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DESK - DAY

 

...where Edith studies it.

 

                         EDITH

             What is it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I think it's the signaling device.

             I found three of them without

             trying hard. Two are down in the

             lab.


                                                           75.

 

 

INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - LABORATORY - DAY

 

Cassidy at the counter where MAC works.

 

                         MAC

             This is nano like I've never seen.

             Wireless. I'm not sure what kind

             of range it has.

 

                         CASSIDY

             But it's like a speaker?

 

                         MAC

             An audio beaming device. Speaker

             is close. Siren is better.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - SPACE NEEDLE - DAY

 

Seattle's signature image, brilliant against a blue sky.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

Tim waits his turn. In front of him, finishing up, is Cooty.

 

Cooty steps away. Waiting for him nearby are  Rhodes and

Alex, with a string of six dogs, all of different breeds.

 

                         COOTY

             All set.

 

At the counter.

 

                         TIM

             Yes, I have reservations.

 

 

EXT. SPACE NEEDLE - STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy's car passes by the space needle.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy driving, with Edith.

 

                         EDITH

             What's the plan?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I want to check the hotel.


                                                           76.

 

 

INT. SEATTLE - HOTEL - DAY

 

A lobby full of exhibitors and dogs of various breeds,

checking in prior to the dog show.

 

In the throng are Katherine, Tracy, and Buddy. Tim joins them.

 

                         TIM

             All set.

 

                         TRACY

             This is so awesome. I can't

             believe I'm here.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith enter the hotel.

 

                         EDITH

             My God. Have you ever seen so

             many different kinds of dogs?

 

She's right. Large and small, long-haired and short-, a wide

spectrum of breeds stand with their owners. People and dogs

alike with pre-show jitters.

 

                         CASSIDY

             There she is.

 

Cassidy leads the way to join Tracy and the others.

 

                         TRACY

                  (seeing him)

             Daddy! You really came!

 

She runs into his arms.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Hello.

 

                         EDITH

             Hi.

 

                         TRACY

             I'm so nervous.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You're going to do fine.

                  (to Katherine)

             I want your room number.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Are you staying here, too?


                                                           77.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (to Edith)

             Are we?

 

                         EDITH

             Adjoining rooms, sir.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

Cassidy steps to the front desk.

 

Rhodes and Alex walk nearby, on their way to the elevator.

Rhodes notices Cassidy and nudges Alex. They hurry on.

 

At the elevator, another surprise. Katherine, Tim, Tracy and

Buddy are approaching.

 

Rhodes and Alex exchange a glance.

 

                         RHODES

             Let's take the stairs.

 

They hurry off.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - COOTY'S SUITE - DAY

 

A suite of rooms for Cooty, Rhodes, Alex. The dogs wander

around freely.

 

                         COOTY

             You're sure.

 

                         RHODES

             No question it was him.

 

                         ALEX

             And the wife with her new boyfriend.

 

                         RHODES

             They're showing the Jack Russell.

 

                         COOTY

             He can only be here because he

             thinks he knows something.

 

                         RHODES

             Is this a problem?

 

                         COOTY

             Not any more.


                                                           78.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith step off an elevator. They head down a

hallway, each with a small bag, traveling light.

 

They reach Edith's room first.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Come over when you get unpacked.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT

 

Tim and Katherine enter the lobby from the elevator.

 

Sitting, hidden behind newspapers, are Rhodes and Alex.

After the couple passes, they get up and move to the elevator.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Rhodes and Alex step off the elevator. They hurry down the

hallway.

 

They stop at a door. Rhodes knocks. Again.

 

                         TRACY (O.S.)

             Who is it?

 

                         RHODES

             Room service.

 

                         TRACY (O.S.)

             You were just here.

 

                         RHODES

             Room service.

 

Tracy opens the door. Rhodes and Alex barge in.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Rhodes quickly grabs Tracy, holding his mouth over her hand.

 

Alex takes out a small bottle, pouring a liquid onto a

handkerchief. He holds it over Tracy's nose.

 

In a moment, she slumps.

 

                         RHODES

             Get the dog.


                                                           79.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Back into the hallway in a hurry. Rhodes carries Tracy. Alex

leads the obedient Buddy.

 

To another door far down the hallway and inside.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CAPTIVE ROOM - NIGHT

 

Rhodes puts Tracy on a bed. He handcuffs one hand to the

head frame.

 

He goes to the phone. Punches numbers.

 

                         RHODES

                  (on phone)

             Done.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CASSIDY'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Cassidy and Edith over a map of the Seattle Center, which is

spread out on a small round table.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It wouldn't take many dogs to

             cause chaos. Especially if they

             choose breeds to scatter them

             around the exhibition floor. Once

             a few dogs go crazy, the rest

             will freak out, even if they

             aren't attacking people.

 

                         EDITH

             It'd be frightening. Absolute chaos.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Exactly. Which brings all the

             focus and all the security forces,

             into the exhibit hall. And away

             from the Space Needle.

 

                         EDITH

             So you think they've planted a

             bomb or what?

 

                         CASSIDY

             A bomb in a stranded vehicle

             would be easiest.

 

                         EDITH

             Maybe a suicide bomber?


                                                           80.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             God help us if they're that extreme.

 

                         EDITH

             49 virgins in heaven.

 

                         CASSIDY

             That many? I thought it was 43.

 

                         EDITH

             Listen to us. This is damn scary.

 

They stare at the map of the Seattle Center.

 

There's a knock on the door. Who at this hour?

 

Cassidy cautiously goes to the door. He listens.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Who is it?

 

Nothing. He carefully opens the door.

 

On the floor at the doorway is a cell phone. Cassidy picks

it up.

 

A quick look up and down the hallway. Nothing.

 

                         EDITH

             What is it?

 

Cassidy holds up the cell phone. He closes the door.

 

                         CASSIDY

             There's a text message.

                  (reading)

             "We have your daughter. Call 792-

             3411 to negotiate her release."

 

                         EDITH

             My God.

 

Cassidy rushes to the phone. Punches a number.

 

Waits. No answer.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Nobody's answering.

 

 

EXT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Outside the door to Tracy's room, a BELLBOY unlocks the door.


                                                           81.

 

 

Cassidy rushes in.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Tracy! Tracy!

 

Edith and the bellboy enter behind.

 

                         CASSIDY

             No one, not even the dog.

 

                         BELLBOY

             I believe Mr. and Mrs. Halloway

             went out for dinner. I believe

             their daughter stayed here.

 

                         CASSIDY

             They're not married, and she's my

             daughter.

 

Cassidy rushes back into the hallway.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Edith catches up with him.

 

                         EDITH

             What now?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not much choice.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CASSIDY'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Cassidy at the phone, waiting. Edith, pensive, looks on.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CAPTIVE ROOM - NIGHT

 

The phone rings.

 

                         RHODES

             It took him long enough.

 

He picks up.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         CASSIDY

             Where's my daughter?


                                                           82.

 

 

                         RHODES

             Meet us at Ivar's on the

             waterfront at seven in the morning.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I want to speak to her.

 

Rhodes holds out the phone toward the bed, where Tracy is

still handcuffed.

 

                         RHODES

                  (to Tracy)

             Say hello, father.

 

                         TRACY

             Dad! Daddy!

 

                         CASSIDY

             Tracy!

 

                         RHODES

                  (to Alex)

             Shut her up.

 

Alex puts a hand over Tracy's mouth.

 

                         RHODES

                  (on phone)

             Ivar's at seven. Come alone.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I want--

 

Click.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CASSIDY'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Cassidy stands with the phone in his hand. Finally he sets

it on the receiver.

 

                         EDITH

             Is she okay?

 

 

INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT

 

Tim and Katherine enter after dinner and drinks.

 

Cassidy, waiting for them, approaches.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Riley?


                                                           83.

 

 

She knows that look.

 

                         KATHERINE

             My God, what is it?

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - WATERFRONT - DAY

 

Early morning. Ivar's restaurant.

 

The street is deserted. The waterfront quiet.

 

A delivery van parked here and there, being unloaded.

 

Cassidy approaches the restaurant. Visibly pensive.

 

Suddenly a van appears. It heads toward Cassidy.

 

He sees it and steps back. Is it planning to run over him?

 

At the last minute, the van swerves away. A large padded

envelope flies out of the window and lands at Cassidy's feet.

 

Cassidy hurries back, as if a bomb had been tossed. But

nothing happens.

 

He stares at the envelope, frozen.

 

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

Several blocks away, the van slows down. Alex is behind the

wheel.

 

                         ALEX

             What doing?

 

Rhodes looks out the back window with binoculars.

 

                         RHODES

             Nothing. He's acting like it's a

             bomb.

 

He laughs. Alex joins in.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - WATERFRONT - DAY

 

Cassidy slowly approaches the envelope on the ground. He

picks it up. He opens it. He takes out a set of headphones.

 

He puts them on.


                                                           84.

 

 

                         RHODES (FILTERED)

             What are you afraid of?

 

Laughter over the headset. Cassidy looks for a mic.

 

                         RHODES (FILTERED)

             You can't talk. Only listen.

             Listen carefully.

 

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

Rhodes at a mic.

 

                         RHODES

             You think you know what we are up

             to. Maybe you do, Maybe you don't.

             Whatever you think, do nothing.

             Stay out of our way. You do this,

             we will release your daughter. If

             you do as we say, come here

             tomorrow, same time, and you will

             find her. Oh yes. And the dog as

             well. Nice dog. I wanted to keep

             it but the boss wouldn't let me.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - WATERFRONT - DAY

 

Cassidy with the headset on.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I need to talk to you!

 

A passing HOMELESS MAN thinks this was meant for him.

 

                         HOMELESS MAN

             Take it easy, Mac. You got the

             wrong guy.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CASSIDY'S ROOM - DAY

 

Cassidy and Edith at a table over coffee. A room service

cart nearby.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I can't just sit here and do

             nothing.

 

                         EDITH

             I don't know what I'd do in your

             shoes.


                                                           85.

 

 

A knock on the door.

 

                         CASSIDY

             That's Katherine. What do I tell

             her?

 

                         EDITH

             I suggest nothing.

 

Cassidy opens the door. It's Tim.

 

                         TIM

             She finally got to sleep. I

             didn't want to wake her.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Coffee?

 

                         TIM

             I want to be there when she wakes

             up. I just wondered if you

             learned anything.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Unfortunately, no. You talk to

             the police this morning?

 

                         TIM

             They think Tracy got stage fright

             and ran. They said come back in

             twenty-four hours.

 

                         EDITH

             A city this size, I'm sure they

             get missing person reports around

             the clock.

 

                         CASSIDY

             If it's ransom, there's nothing

             to do but wait. I know it's hard.

 

                         TIM

             For you, too. Well, thanks. I'll

             check in with you later.

 

He leaves. Cassidy closes the door.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Fox gave me a couple leads. I

             think it's time to get a neutral

             opinion.


                                                           86.

 

 

INT. SEATTLE - FBI HEADQUARTERS  - DAY

 

On the phone, agent BRUCE PATTERSON.

 

                         PATTERSON

             Speak of the devil. The fox told

             me to expect your call. ? You

             know the Starbucks near the

             Seattle Center?

 

 

EXT. STARBUCKS - DAY

 

At an outside table, Cassidy and Edith. Patterson approaches

with MILLER and SABROVIK, two fellow agents. An awkward

moment, everyone wondering who is who.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Bruce Patterson?

 

 

EXT. STARBUCKS - DAY (LATER)

 

Five crowded around the table. Coffee cups everywhere.

 

                         CASSIDY

             It's the wildest theory you've

             heard today, right?

 

                         PATTERSON

             This day and age, you'd be

             surprised what we hear. We need

             to talk somewhere private.

 

 

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS - MEETING ROOM - DAY

 

Patterson lets Cassidy and Edith in. Then he, Miller and

Sabrovik enter.

 

                         PATTERSON

             I'm going to assume you're on to

             something.

 

                         CASSIDY

             That's refreshing.

 

                         PATTERSON

             But if they hadn't taken your

             daughter, you had a tough case

             with me. The first order of

             business is finding her.


                                                           87.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             Is there time? I had the

             impression everything is coming

             down today. The show starts, they

             said I could find her tomorrow

             morning if I keep away.

 

                         PATTERSON

             We have to do many things at once.

             I think it's likely they may be

             holding her in a room in the

             hotel. The less they had to

             travel with her, the better.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Makes sense.

 

                         EDITH

             We need to go over the register.

 

                         PATTERSON

             Absolutely. I doubt if they're

             advertising themselves, but of

             course we start there.

 

                         EDITH

             I'm on it.

 

She leaves.

 

                         PATTERSON

             What about the dog?

 

                         CASSIDY

             What about him?

 

                         PATTERSON

             Is he trained in any way? Would

             he respond to your voice, to

             anything?

 

                         CASSIDY

             My God, that may be it! Buddy's a

             window dog. He loves to sit at

             the window and stare outside.

 

                         SABROVIK

             Every room in the hotel has a

             window view.

 

                         MILLER

             And we could scout them easily

             enough from adjacent buildings.


                                                           88.

 

 

                         PATTERSON

             A window dog. Why you'd teach him

             that?

 

                         CASSIDY

             He taught himself. I think he's a

             dreamer.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - BUILDING #1 - DAY

 

A MANAGER lets Cassidy and Patterson out on the roof. Each

has binoculars.

 

After the manager leaves, they take positions along the edge

of the roof. The hotel is across the way. They start scanning

the windows.

 

WINDOW WASHERS are working about halfway up the building.

 

                         PATTERSON

             There's a job you couldn't pay me

             enough to do.

 

They continue scanning the windows.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - BUILDING #2 - DAY

 

On the rooftop of another building, Miller and Sabrovik scan

another side of the hotel.

 

                         SABROVIK

             No dreaming. He's waiting for a cat.

 

Back to scanning with the binocs.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - BUILDING #1 - DAY

 

Cassidy and Patterson scanning the windows for Buddy.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CAPTIVE ROOM - DAY

 

Tracy handcuffed to the bed. Alex watching TV. Buddy, indeed,

on a chair at the window, looking outside.

 

                         TRACY

             I have to use the bathroom.

 

Alex gets up and goes to her. He unlocks the handcuff

holding her to the bedframe. Tracy heads for the bathroom.


                                                           89.

 

 

                         TRACY

             Come on, Buddy!

 

The dog trots after her into the bathroom.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - BUILDING #1 - DAY

 

Cassidy and Patterson.

 

                         PATTERSON

             What is it?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Thought I saw something. I guess

             not.

 

Back to scanning.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CAPTIVE ROOM - DAY

 

Tracy returns. Buddy back to his window chair. Alex to the bed.

 

                         TRACY

             Do I have to wear these?

 

                         ALEX

             You must wear.

 

He locks her back to the bed.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - BUILDING #1 - DAY

 

Scanning.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Got him!

 

                         PATTERSON

             Where?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Directly under the washers, three

             stories down.

 

                         PATTERSON

             Got it! Count the floors.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY

 

Cassidy and Patterson run into the hotel.


                                                           90.

 

 

In the lobby, they pass Katherine and Tim on their way out.

 

                         KATHERINE

             Riley, what is it?

 

No time to talk. Cassidy races to the elevator, Patterson to

the front desk.

 

Cassidy pounds the button. He fidgets nervously, waiting.

 

Patterson joins him with a HOTEL MANAGER.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - 17TH FLOOR - DAY

 

The elevator opens. The threesome exit, racing down the

hallway. At a room...

 

                         HOTEL MANAGER

             Here!

 

Patterson pounds on the door.

 

                         PATTERSON

             FBI!

 

The manager is ahead of him, slipping the card into the slot.

The door clicks open.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - 17TH FLOOR ROOM - DAY

 

The room is vacant. The sound of a shower from the bathroom.

The window washers outside, working on the window. Patterson

rushes to the window, opening it.

 

The room RESIDENT, a balding overweight man, steps into the

room, soaked, a towel struggling to stay attached around his

waist.

 

                         RESIDENT

             What the hell?

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CAPTIVE ROOM - DAY

 

The dog at the window. Tracy on the bed. Alex watching TV.

 

Suddenly Buddy barks.

 

Coming down in front of the window is the washing scaffold -

and on it is Cassidy. Buddy recognizes him, barking, tail

wagging.


                                                           91.

 

 

Tracy recognizes her father, starts to speak but stops.

 

Alex goes to the window.

 

Cassidy is gesturing for him to open up.

 

                         ALEX

             What you doing out there?

 

                         TRACY

             He's the window washer. He wants

             you to open the window.

 

Cassidy gesturing frantically.

 

                         ALEX

             What the hell is your problem?

 

But he makes the move - he opens the window.

 

Cassidy suddenly dives inside. He leaps onto Alex, and they

struggle. Buddy is barking like crazy.

 

                         TRACY

             Help! Help!

 

A shot.

 

The door bursts open and Patterson, Sabrovik and Miller rush

in, guns drawn.

 

Cassidy has control of Alex. Sabrovik and Miller take over,

putting cuffs on him.

 

Cassidy embraces Buddy.

 

                         TRACY

             Dad! What about me?

 

Cassidy rushes to his daughter and embraces her.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY

 

Cassidy seeing off Tracy, Katherine, Tim, Buddy. Their bags

around them. Looking on are Edith, Patterson, Sabrovik, Miller.

 

                         CASSIDY

                  (to Tim)

             Straight home. I'll be in touch

             tomorrow or as soon as I can.

 

                         TRACY

             Daddy, be careful.


                                                           92.

 

 

They embrace.

 

 

EXT. HOTEL - STREET - DAY

 

Speeding out of an underground parking lot, a car.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Miller driving. Patterson beside him, on the phone. In the

back seat, Cassidy, Edith, Sabrovik.

 

                         PATTERSON

             Roger that.

 

He hangs up, turns to back seat.

 

                         PATTERSON

             If it's coming by plane, sayonara.

             The skies are secure.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE CENTER - DAY

 

The car races into the Seattle Center, scattering PEDESTRIANS.

Skids to a stop between the Center and the Needle. Everybody

piles out.

 

Edith and Sabrovik immediately start racing toward the

Center. Cassidy, Patterson and Miller toward the Space Needle.

 

 

EXT. SPACE NEEDLE - DAY

 

Cassidy, Patterson and Miller hold up. They regard one

another as if to say, What now, coach?

 

                         MILLER

             I'll get the shield.

 

He moves off.

 

                         PATTERSON

             You okay?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Not exactly ticketing speeders in

             Crestview.

 

Patterson grins.


                                                           93.

 

 

                         PATTERSON

             I wish I had a picture of you on

             that platform. That ought to

             impress the country boys back home.

 

Miller returns carrying a small box. He opens it. Four

electronic devices.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You do this often?

 

                         PATTERSON

             I don't think these have ever

             seen duty. In the field, they

             work great. If the signal gets

             scattered, the bomb doesn't know

             it's supposed to go off.

 

 

INT. SEATTLE CENTER - EXHIBITION FLOOR - DAY

 

Edith and Sabronik high in the stands, looking down for

signs of trouble.

 

                         EDITH

             I think we should go down.

 

                         SABROVIK

             You're the boss.

 

He winks at her. Edith almost blushes.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - STREET - DAY

 

Two identical vans approaching the Seattle Center.

 

 

INT. FRONT VAN - DAY

 

Rhodes driving. He's sweating, looking very nervous. A phone

to his ear.

 

 

INT. BACK VAN - DAY

 

Cooty driving. A phone to his ear.

 

                         COOTY

             Countdown begins soon.


                                                           94.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - SEATTLE CENTER - DAY

 

The first van enters the Center area, as if making a delivery.

The second van enters behind it.

 

Both stop.

 

 

INT. BACK VAN - DAY

 

Cooty on the phone.

 

                         COOTY

             Here we go. Ten, nine, eight,

             seven-

 

 

INT. SPACE CENTER - EXHIBITION HALL - DAY

 

Edith and Sabrovik walking the periphery of the show area.

 

Various OWNERS strutting their dogs before long tables of

JUDGES.

 

Without warning, near Edith and Sabrovik, a poodle leaps

over a table and bites a judge at the throat.

 

Screams and chaos, as...

 

--a collie attacks its owner in another area.

 

--a terrier attacks another judge.

 

--a bulldog attacks a bystander.

 

Total chaos in the exhibit hall.

 

Edith, gun drawn, takes aim and shoots the poodle.

 

Sabrovik, gun drawn, is racing down the way.

 

Edith races to another area of trouble.

 

 

EXT. SPACE NEEDLE - DAY

 

POLICE and SECURITY FORCES in the area of the Space Needle

race toward the Seattle Center.

 

                         PATTERSON

             Here come the van.

 

The front van creeps toward the Space Needle.


                                                           95.

 

 

The back van turns around to get ready for a quick exit.

 

 

INT. FRONT VAN - DAY

 

Rhodes leaning over the wheel, maneuvering toward the Space

Needle. Sweating more than ever.

 

In the back of the van, high-powered explosives, set and

ready to go.

 

 

EXT. SPACE NEEDLE - DAY

 

Cassidy staring at the van.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Heads up.

 

They back into shadows and doorways, getting out of sight.

 

The van cruises up to the side of the Space Needle, getting

as close as possible.

 

 

INT. FRONT VAN - DAY

 

Rhodes stops. Looks behind to double-check the explosives.

Everything looks good.

 

He opens the door.

 

 

EXT. SPACE NEEDLE - DAY

 

As soon as he steps out of the van, a rush of activity:

 

QUICK INTERCUTS

 

--Cassidy jumps Rhodes.

 

--Patterson and Miller put the magnetic electronic devices

on the car. Front, back and each side.

 

--Cassidy and Rhodes struggle on the ground.

 

--in the VAN, Cooty sees what is happening. He picks up the

small electronic detonator and pushes a button. Nothing

happens. He frantically pushes it again.

 

--Patterson and Miller take over Rhodes.

 

--Cooty peels the hell out of there.


                                                           96.

 

 

--Cassidy hears the other van, sees Cooty escaping. He jumps

in the van with explosives.

 

                         PATTERSON

             Cassidy, get out of there! It's

             not safe.

 

Cassidy peels out after Cooty.

 

                         MILLER

             Maybe it's safe. They worked in

             the field.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS - THE CAR CHASE

 

Cassidy chasing Cooty through the streets of Seattle. Close

calls, missing other vehicles.

 

They end up in the waterfront area.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - WATERFRONT - DAY

 

Cooty suddenly is blocked. His van skids, weaves, and hits a

truck. He jumps out and starts running.

 

Behind him, the other van - with the explosives - also skids

to a stop. Cassidy leaps out and runs after Cooty. Cooty

heads into the market.

 

 

EXT. PUBLIC MARKET - DAY

 

The chase continues through the crowd at the famous Public

Market.

 

 

EXT. SEATTLE - WATERFRONT - DAY

 

A car races up and stops. Patterson and Miller get out.

 

They start clearing people away from the van with explosives.

 

Patterson gets on the phone.

 

 

EXT. PUBLIC MARKET - DAY

 

As Cooty passes a fish market, a YOUNG MAN tosses a large

salmon at him. The salmon knocks Cooty off his feet.

 

Cassidy races up and leaps on him.


                                                           97.

 

 

They struggle in the fish market, knocking salmon to the

ground. Slipping and sliding over the fish as they wrestle

with one another.

 

A POLICEMAN races up, gun drawn.

 

Cassidy lands a blow to Cooty's chin, knocking him down. The

policeman takes a bead on Cassidy.

 

                         POLICEMAN

             Arms in the air!

 

                         CASSIDY

             Officer, I'm Deputy Cassidy with

             the Crestview Sheriff's Department!

             May I show you my I.D.?

 

 

EXT. PUBLIC MARKET - DAY (LATER)

 

Outside the market, Cooty is led away in handcuffs. Cassidy

with Patterson, Edith, Sabrovik, Miller.

 

                         CASSIDY

             What about the van?

 

                         PATTERSON

             Bomb squad taking care of it now.

             But the gadgets worked, didn't they?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I could use a drink.

 

                         MILLER

             I second the motion.

 

                         EDITH

             You guys go on. Ivan's going to

             show me the sights.

                  (to Cassidy)

             Connect with you later at the hotel.

 

Cassidy grins.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Have fun.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CASSIDY'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Cassidy alone, watching TV. Half-asleep.

 

A tap on the door.


                                                           98.

 

 

He answers it. Edith.

 

                         EDITH

             What time we leaving in the morning?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Doesn't matter.

 

                         EDITH

             You okay.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I'm glad it's over.

 

                         EDITH

             Me, too. You want to get a cup of

             coffee?

 

 

INT. HOTEL - CAFE - NIGHT

 

In a booth over coffee.

 

                         CASSIDY

             I hope it works out for you.

 

                         EDITH

             I have no expectations. I'd

             settle for a little fun.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Fun is good.

 

                         EDITH

             You don't look like you're having

             any. What's up, partner?

 

                         CASSIDY

             I've been thinking about Jimmy.

             We couldn't have done any of this

             without him. We wouldn't know

             about the training compound.

 

                         EDITH

             You're right. They probably

             would've got away with it.

                  (offering her cup in

                  toast)

             To Jimmy.

 

                         CASSIDY

             To Jimmy.

 

They touch cups.


                                                           99.

 

 

                         CASSIDY

             I was too hard on him.

 

                         EDITH

             I bet you were just right.

 

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy's car heading home.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy behind the wheel.

 

He's trying to sing a Russian folk song.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Ochee chorneya! Ochee chorneya!

             That's all I know.

 

Edith punches him.

 

                         EDITH

             Stop it!

 

                         CASSIDY

             I think you like the guy.

 

                         EDITH

             Maybe I do.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You'll have to show him God's

             country sometime.

 

                         EDITH

             What makes you think I don't

             already have that covered?

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy's car enters town. Cruises Main Street.

 

The National Guard is gone. Things look more or less normal.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Where to?

 

                         EDITH

             Home is fine.


                                                          100.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

 

Edith gets out of Cassidy's car in front of her house and

waves.

 

Cassidy pulls away.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy lost in thought.

 

Suddenly he sees something.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy pulls behind Edgar, the drunk old man, who is

staggering along the street.

 

Cassidy gets out.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Some place I can take you, Edgar?

 

Edgar staggers on. Cassidy hesitates, not sure how to proceed.

 

Freddy's pick up truck skids to a stop. Freddy gets out.

 

                         FREDDY

             I got him, sheriff!

 

                         CASSIDY

             I suppose you do, Freddy.

 

Freddy goes after Edgar.

 

Cassidy sees Olivia sitting in the truck. He goes to the

window.

 

                         CASSIDY

             Olivia.

 

                         OLIVIA

             Hi, Riley. How you been?

 

                         CASSIDY

             Just fine. You?

 

                         OLIVIA

             Just fine.

 

Freddy arrives with Edgar.


                                                          101.

 

 

                         FREDDY

             Come on, gramps. Let's get you home.

 

Freddy helps Edgar into the pick up.

 

Olivia smiles at Cassidy. He smiles back.

 

Then Cassidy climbs back into his car.

 

 

INT. CASSIDY'S CAR - DAY

 

Cassidy sits behind the wheel. He watches the pick up pull

away.

 

He takes out his cell phone. Punches a few numbers.

 

                         CASSIDY

             You'll never guess where I

             am....Watching Freddy drive away

             with Edgar....Well, I called for

             two reasons. First, I wanted to

             say that I'm glad you invited

             Ivan to visit. I like seeing you

             interested in someone. ...Let me

             finish. Second, seeing Edgar

             staggering along the road, I was

             thinking how much I like living

             in Crestview. Compared to Seattle,

             for example. We don't know how

             lucky we are to live here....Well,

             sometimes I forget. Anyway, the

             third thing, I was thinking maybe

             I should run for sheriff. What do

             you think?...Be careful what you

             say, I may take you up on

             it....Edith, I ever tell you

             you're a hell of a good

             partner?...Consider yourself told.

             See you  tomorrow. Oh -- don't

             forget we're back to wearing

             uniforms.

 

He smiles and hangs up.

 

He turns on the radio. A country song.

 

 

EXT. CRESTVIEW - STREET - DAY

 

Cassidy's car moves off.

 

The street stretches through town.


                                                          102.

 

 

Beyond town, foothills and mountains.

 

A picture postcard scene. God's country.

 

FADE OUT