THE SENATOR’S WIFE

                        By Charles Deemer

 

 

FADE IN:

 

INT. SENATE BLDG - OFFICE - NIGHT

 

The beam of a flashlight searches a dark office in the U.S. Senate building.  It comes to rest on a filing cabinet.

 

A gloved hand opens the cabinet.  A file is removed.

 

The flashlight finds a desk.  The file is set on the desk and opened.

 

INSERT DOCUMENT

 

Under the letterhead "Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources", a bold TOP SECRET is stamped across the document's title page.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

A copy machine casts an eerie glow in the dark office.  The silhouette of a person hovers nearby.

 

One by one, the pages of the SECRET DOCUMENT are printed.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

A limo is parked in a circular driveway in front of a large home in a high-end neighborhood.

 

The driver is JUAN, 40s, Hispanic.  He waits outside, cleaning the windshield.

 

Down the street, with a view of the limo, a small sedan is parked.  We hear radio news:

 

RADIO ANNOUNCER

(on radio)

In other news, Jennifer Jenner, wife of the Republican Senator from Pennsylvania, will be attending her fifteenth high school reunion tonight in Fieldsdale, Maryland.  The senator, who is in the middle of committee hearings on a controversial plutonium import bill, will not accompany her.

 

INT. SEDAN - DAY

 

Behind the wheel is CAMERON, 30s, an aide to Senator Russell Jenner, whose house he is watching.

 

Cameron is reading the newspaper and listening to the radio.

 

The car phone rings.  Cameron turns off the radio and   answers.

 

CAMERON

Hello?

 

INT. SENATE BLDG - SEN. JENNER'S OFFICE - DAY

 

SENATOR RUSSELL JENNER, 50s, is on the phone.  He's a  handsome, distinguished-looking man.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Has she left yet?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

CAMERON

Not yet.  Don't worry, senator, I'll be on her like glue.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I want photographs.

 

CAMERON

You'll have them.

 

He hangs up.  He goes back to reading the paper.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Coming out of the house to the limo is JENNIFER JENNER,  30s, the senator's beautiful wife.

 

Juan hurries around the limo to open the door for her.  Then he gets in himself.

 

The limo pulls out into the street.

 

The sedan pulls in back of it.

 

INT. SEDAN - DAY

 

Cameron settles behind the wheel, as if for a long journey.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - STREET - DAY

 

The sedan follows the limo through traffic.

 

INT. SEDAN - DAY

 

Cameron nervously taps his fingers on the steering wheel.  He looks impatient.

 

He dials a number on the car phone.

 

INT. LIMO - DAY

 

Jennifer, surprised, answers the phone in the back of the limo.

 

JENNIFER

Hello?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

CAMERON

Hi, beautiful.

 

Jennifer is amused to hear from him.

 

JENNIFER

And what do you think you're doing?

 

CAMERON

I was about to ask you the same thing.  We have a good drive ahead of us.

 

JENNIFER

We?

 

CAMERON

Look behind you.

 

She does - and sees the sedan following the limo.

 

JENNIFER

Are you following me?

 

CAMERON

I just do what I'm told.

 

JENNIFER

Russell has you doing this?  That sonofabitch.

 

CAMERON

Relax, he doesn't have a clue.  So what's up?  I thought you were in a hurry to get there.

 

JENNIFER

I have an errand to do first.  Cameron, must you do this?

 

CAMERON

Relax and have a good time.  Smile a lot.  I'm taking photographs.

 

Cameron is amused, but Jennifer isn't.

 

JENNIFER

Jesus Christ.

 

She hangs up.

 

INT. SEDAN - DAY

 

Cameron smiles and sets down the phone.

 

EXT. SENATE BUILDING - DAY

 

The limo approaches the U.S. Senate Building.

 

INT. SEDAN - DAY

 

Again Cameron dials a number on the car phone.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S OFFICE - DAY

 

HELEN, 60s, the senator's secretary, answers the phone.

 

HELEN

Good morning, Senator Jenner's office.

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

CAMERON

Good morning, Helen.  Has the senator gone into committee yet?

 

HELEN

Yes, he has.  Would you like to leave a message?

 

CAMERON

No, that's all right.

 

EXT. SENATE BUILDING - DAY

 

The limo double-parks in front of the building, and Jennifer gets out and enters.  She is carrying a large purse.

 

INT. SENATE BUILDING - DAY

 

Jennifer goes through a security check and walks to the elevator.

 

INT. SENATE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

 

The elevator opens and Jennifer comes out.  She walks down the hallway to her husband's office.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Jennifer enters.

 

JENNIFER

Good morning, Helen.

 

HELEN

He's already in committee.

 

JENNIFER

I realize that.  He forgot something this morning that he'll need.

 

She fetches several thick reports and sets them on Helen's desk.  We see that there are two 9x12 envelopes in the large purse.

 

HELEN

Thank you.

 

Jennifer starts away.

 

HELEN

Have fun tonight!

 

INT. HALLWAY - DAY

 

Jennifer is walking along the hallway.

 

Suddenly an office door opens and SHEILA rushes out, running into Jennifer.  A pretty woman in her late twenties, SHEILA is the senator's press secretary.

 

Sheila is carrying a large purse stuffed with reports. She moves out so suddenly that she and Jennifer collide.

 

When they collide, their purses drop onto the floor, spilling some of their contents.

 

A passing GENTLEMAN rushes to their rescue.

 

GENTLEMAN

Are you ladies all right?

 

Reports and books are scattered everywhere - and so are three similar-looking manila envelopes, two from Jennifer's purse and one from Sheila's.

 

The gentleman is helping them put things into their purses.

 

Two envelopes are put into Jennifer's purse, one into Sheila's - but the wrong envelope.  No one catches this.

 

SHEILA

Jennifer, I'm so sorry. Are you all right?

 

JENNIFER

I'm fine.

 

SHEILA

I'm running so late.

 

She is already moving off again.

 

SHEILA

Have a ball tonight!

 

And she's gone.

 

Jennifer composes herself.

 

GENTLEMAN

You're sure you'll okay?

 

JENNIFER

I'm fine.  Thank you.

 

EXT. FIELDSDALE - PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - DAY

 

A downpour.

 

Parked in the driveway of a small town residential neighborhood is a van with the words DUANE'S PLUMBING SERVICES painted on the side.  The van has seen better days.

 

The front door opens and PROF. WELLWORTH, 60s, comes out, carrying an umbrella.

 

Wellworth is a gray-haired retired high school shop teacher - "professor" is a nickname.  The elderly gentleman looks more like an English professor than a man who works with his hands.

 

GENTLEMAN

Wellworth chomps on an unlit pipe and heads down the steps.

 

He hurries to the side of the house along the driveway, where he bends down to shout into an opening that leads under the house.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Duane?  Making any progress down there?

 

No answer. He calls louder.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Duane?

 

EXT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - UNDER HOUSE - DAY

 

Working on a pipe under the house is DUANE HANSEN, 30s, a handsome clean cut plumber who is Prof. Wellworth's former student.  Right now he is at the end of a bad day.

 

He hears the professor calling for him.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Duane?  You almost done?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Pretty quick now!

 

He grimaces as he tightens a fixture, not looking like a man who's almost done.

 

INT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - KITCHEN BAR - DAY

 

The "professor" and Duane are drinking hot coffee.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

I didn't expect this to take all afternoon.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Neither did I.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

You don't have to finish today.  You do have plans, I know.  A big night for you!

 

DUANE HANSEN

I hate to stop in midstream.  It shouldn't be much longer.

 

The phone rings.

 

As the professor gets up to answer it, Duane moves for the door.

 

DUANE HANSEN

To be honest, I'm not even sure I want to go.  The last class reunion I went to made me feel too damn old.

 

Duane is out the door as Wellworth picks up the phone.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Hello?

 

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

 

Making the call is Jennifer Jenner.

 

She sits in the back of the limo, a picture of wealth.  The limo is on an Interstate highway.

 

JENNIFER

Professor Wellworth?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Who is this?

 

JENNIFER

This is Jennifer.  How are you?

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Jennifer?

 

JENNIFER

Jennifer Jenner.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Who?

 

JENNIFER

Jennifer Barrington.  I'm Jenner now.

(sing-songy)

"Jennifer Jenner, Jennifer Jenner." You get used to it.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Jennifer!  Where are you?

 

JENNIFER

On my way to Fieldsdale.  I'm coming to the reunion.  Duane's answering machine said he's working there.  May I speak to him?

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

You want to speak to Duane?  Well, he's under the house.  Just a minute.

 

He sets down the phone.

 

JENNIFER

Under the house?

 

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

 

Jennifer lets out a deep breath.  This wasn't an easy phone call to make.

 

EXT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Under his umbrella, Wellworth bends down at the side of the house.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Duane?  Jennifer is on the phone!

 

EXT. UNDER THE HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane is struggling with the same pipe as before.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Jennifer Barrington is on the phone!

 

At the sound of Jennifer's name, Duane stops.  He looks more than surprised - he's visibly stricken, as if the sound of her name is the last thing he expected to hear, or wants to hear.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Duane?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I can't stop here!  Take a message!

 

He starts lugging at the pipe, working with new fury.

 

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

 

Jennifer is getting the news.

 

JENNIFER

Tell him I'll see him at the reunion.  Tell him I look forward to it.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

The limo moves down the highway.

 

Behind it, the small sedan is following.

 

INT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - COFFEE BAR - DAY

 

Duane enters the house, soaked, finding the professor sipping coffee at the kitchen bar.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Done.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Did you know Jennifer was coming to the reunion?

 

DUANE HANSEN

No, I didn't.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

She married a senator.  Which one was it?

 

DUANE HANSEN

The distinguished Republican from Pennsylvania.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

She told me she's looking forward to seeing you.

 

This lights a fire under Duane.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Listen, I've got a couple other stops.  I'll send you a bill.

 

He heads for the door.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

I was going to pay you in cash.

 

DUANE HANSEN

There's no rush.

 

And Duane is gone.

 

Wellworth looks concerned, as if he knows exactly what Duane's problem is.

 

EXT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

Duane rushes in the rain to the van, where he puts away his tools.

 

Then he gets in.

 

INT. DUANE'S VAN - DAY

 

He slips behind the wheel and inserts the key into the ignition.  But he doesn't start the engine.

 

He is deep in thought.

 

Suddenly he hits the steering wheel.

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

The limo is still being followed by the sedan.

 

INT. SEDAN - DAY

 

Cameron is lost in his own thoughts.

 

INT. LIMO - DAY

 

Jennifer opens her purse to take out a manila envelope - and finds a surprise. One of the envelopes looks wrong.

 

She pulls out the "wrong" manila envelope, which is stuffed with something.  Curiously, she opens it.

 

INSERT DOCUMENT

 

The document in the envelope is the photocopy of the same SECRET DOCUMENT from the Energy and Natural Resources Committee that we saw before.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

She starts reading, then skimming.  The contents of the document shock her.

 

Jennifer returns the document to the envelope.  She stuffs it back into her purse.

 

She looks troubled and confused.

 

How did a top secret senate document end up in her purse?

 

INT. SENATE BLDG - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Senator Jenner is walking with his press secretary, Sheila.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I've been brainstorming with Cameron, and I think I'm going to announce soon.  What do you think?

 

Sheila is someplace else.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Sheila?  Hello?

 

SHEILA

I'm sorry.  Yes, I've always thought the sooner the better.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Good.  Are you all right?

 

SHEILA

Of course.

 

She smiles, trying to cover the fact that something else is on her mind.

 

The senator takes her arm and stops her.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I'm worried about you.

 

SHEILA

I couldn't sleep last night.  I'm just a little tired.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Sheila, if you find yourself being tempted, even if you relapse, you'll come to me first, okay?  Sometimes it takes a couple tries to kick the habit.  You're important to me.

 

SHEILA

I'm okay, Russell.

 

They continue walking down the hallway.

 

EXT. SENATE BUILDING - DAY

 

Workers stream out of the building at the end of the day.

 

Sheila comes out.  She is in a hurry.

 

INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

Sheila enters a cocktail lounge.  The bartender recognizes her.

 

BARTENDER

Your usual, Sheila?

 

SHEILA

Yes, thanks.

 

She heads for the women's room.

 

INT. WOMEN'S ROOM - DAY

 

Sheila enters.  Only one other woman is there, at the mirror.

 

Sheila goes into a stall.

 

She takes a deep breath and opens her large purse.  She takes out the 9x12 manila envelope.

 

Something is wrong.  Concern darkens her face.

 

She quickly opens the envelope and pulls out a photograph.

 

INSERT PHOTOGRAPH

 

of a teenage boy wearing earrings.  He looks like he carries a grudge against the world.

 

INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

Sheila rushes by the bar on her way out.

 

BARTENDER

Sheila, don't you want your drink?

 

EXT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

Sheila comes out in a panic, moving quickly down the street.

 

INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

TWO MEN, 40s, enter from the restaurant side.  They approach the bar.

 

Both men wear suits that don't quite fit.  They speak in thick Slavic-accented English.

 

MAN #1

We have appointment with Sheila.

 

BARTENDER

She just left.  Didn't even touch her drink.

 

The men exchange a look. They dart outside.

 

EXT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

The men look up and down the street.

 

She's nowhere to be found.

 

EXT. FIELDSDALE - STREET - NIGHT

 

It is raining.

 

The limo enters the small town of Fieldsdale.

 

As before, the sedan follows.

 

EXT. FIELDSDALE HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - NIGHT

 

A TV van is parked outside the school gym.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS, 30s, a reporter, and JIM, 20s, a camera man, are huddled together under one huge umbrella, waiting for Jennifer to arrive in her limo.

 

A crowd of former students and teachers also waits.

 

Suddenly the limo is spotted by someone, who yells, "She's here!"

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Crunch time.

 

Jim moves out from under the umbrella, getting his camera ready.

 

Peggy maneuvers through the crowd to get close to the curb for the limo's arrival.

 

INT. LIMO - NIGHT

 

Jennifer sees the crowd waiting for her.  She manages to smile.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane's van is parked in the driveway, glistening under the downpour.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - BATHROOM - NIGHT

 

Duane has just finished shaving.  He is way behind schedule for getting to the reunion on time.

 

He towels himself off and moves into the living room.

 

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

The TV is on, showing the arrival of Jennifer in her limo.  She is being interviewed by Peggy.

 

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT

 

JENNIFER

This is so heart-warming!  I can't believe how many people are here.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Will Senator Jenner be making an appearance tonight?

 

JENNIFER

No, he couldn't fit it in.

 

Down the street, the sedan is parked.

 

INT. SEDAN - NIGHT

 

Cameron is snapping photographs of the interview.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane is still watching the interview on TV.

 

JENNIFER

(on TV)

This is what America is all about, isn't it?  I'm so thrilled to be here.

 

Duane frowns at hearing this. He shuts off the TV.

 

The phone starts ringing.

 

Duane stares at it, as if trying to will it into silence.

 

It still rings.

 

And rings.

 

Finally it stops.

 

Duane lets out a long, deep breath.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Christ.

 

INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT

 

A mediocre band is on stage, trying to recapture the music of a bygone era.

 

Dancers crowd a makeshift dance floor, oblivious to how bad the band is.

 

A swarm of former classmates hovers around Jennifer.  She corners MARY, 30s, an old girlfriend.

 

JENNIFER

Have you seen Duane?

 

MARY

Not yet.  Has anybody seen Duane?

 

No one has.  A few eyebrows raise, as if in recognition of some special meaning to the question.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane stands at a mirror, putting on his tie.

 

The phone starts ringing again.  And once again, Duane tries to stare it down.

 

INT. GYM - PAY PHONE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer is making the call.

 

The phone rings and rings.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The phone rings.  Rings.  And stops.

 

Instant relief crosses Duane's face.

 

He looks at himself in the mirror.  He shakes his head and suddenly rips off his tie.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Fuck it.

 

No high school reunion for him.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Later Duane is watching a movie on TV when the phone starts ringing again.

 

DUANE HANSEN

(to the phone)

Get the goddamn message, Jennifer!

(to himself)

There's no point.  No point.

 

INT. GYM - PAY PHONE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer gives up more easily this time.  She hangs up.

 

Moving away from the phone, she starts looking for someone she knows well enough to ask a favor of.

 

FINALLY:

 

JENNIFER

Jerry!  Jerry McIntire!

 

EXT. GYM - BACK ENTRANCE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer leads JERRY, 30s, out the back entrance of the gym.  He thinks he is going to get to smooch with a senator's wife and makes his move.

 

But Jennifer holds him off.

 

JENNIFER

Hey!  That's not what we're doing.

 

JERRY

We're not?

 

JENNIFER

Do you have a car?

 

Jerry smiles, thinking it's going to be even better than he thought.

 

JERRY

This way.

 

JENNIFER

You drive it here.  I want you to take me to Duane Hansen's.

 

JERRY

Duane?

 

JENNIFER

Can you do that for me?

 

She is giving him her warmest, sexiest smile.

 

JERRY

Why do I have to bring the car back here?

 

JENNIFER

Because I don't want my chauffeur to know where I'm going.

 

She kisses him on the cheek.

 

JENNIFER

It's important.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane is dozing in front of the TV when the doorbell rings.  He awakes with a start.

 

The doorbell rings again.

 

He goes to the door and opens it.

 

Jennifer has moved inside, closing the door behind her, before Duane fully realizes what has just happened.

 

Suddenly he looks self-conscious in slacks and a T-shirt, wearing socks with a hole in one toe.

 

JENNIFER

Hello, Duane.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Jennifer . . .

 

JENNIFER

You weren't going to come, were you?

 

He just looks at her.

 

JENNIFER

Is it because I was there?

 

He doesn't answer.

 

JENNIFER

I was told you've been to every reunion up to now.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I just had a bad day, is all.  So can I fix you a drink or something?

 

JENNIFER

Do you have any white wine?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Just beer, bourbon, vodka.

 

JENNIFER

A beer.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Make yourself at home.  Let me turn this off.

 

He clicks off the TV and heads for the kitchen.

 

Jennifer moves around the living room.  She carefully inspects everything, as if trying to piece together the kind of life that would be lived within these walls.

 

Then she stops.

 

She takes the "wrong" manila envelope out of her purse and looks around the room, looking for a place to hide it.

 

But she hears Duane coming and stuffs the envelope away.

 

Duane returns with two beers, one in a glass.  This he hands to Jennifer.

 

JENNIFER

No photographs.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You're right.

 

JENNIFER

No wife and kids.  I learned that, too.

 

DUANE HANSEN

No complaints.  In fact, I'm doing really great, Jennifer.  I know you are.  You made it to the big time, just like you always wanted.

 

JENNIFER

Is that what I wanted?  It seems so long ago.

 

Another silence.

 

JENNIFER

I have an ulterior reason for being here.

 

Duane just looks at her.

 

JENNIFER

Don't you want to know what it is?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm not sure.

 

JENNIFER

I debated whether I should tell you or not.  I even debated whether I should let myself get involved or not.  The situation is more complicated, let us say, because my husband would not approve of what I'm doing.

 

Jennifer reaches into her purse and takes out a manila envelope (the "right" one), handing it to Duane.

 

Duane stares at the envelope, then finally opens it.  He takes out a photograph.

 

INSERT: PHOTOGRAPH

 

It's another print of the same photograph Sheila found: a small color photograph of TOMMY WALLER, age 15, a boy who is looking at the camera as if daring it to take his picture.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

Duane swallows.

 

DUANE HANSEN

He's a nice looking boy. Who is he?

 

JENNIFER

I had him after graduation.  Do you hate me for not telling you?

 

DUANE HANSEN

He's yours?  Ours?

 

She nods.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I don't understand.

 

JENNIFER

It's why I broke up with you, Duane.  I wasn't ready to be a mother.  And I knew you'd want to get married.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Of course, I would.  I don't believe this.  What's his name?

 

JENNIFER

Tommy Waller.  He lives in Alexandria.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Have you seen him?

 

JENNIFER

No.  I didn't even know where he was until last week.  You thought I went away to college, but I lived with my aunt for almost a year.  I gave him up for adoption and assumed that would be the end of it.  He tracked me down.  He wants to see me.

 

DUANE HANSEN

He looks a little like you.

 

JENNIFER

I thought the same thing about you.  I want to see him, of course, but I can't let Russell know.  He'd never accept this.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Why not?

 

JENNIFER

Any number of reasons.  The political ones matter most.

 

Duane waits for more.

 

JENNIFER

Tommy is evidence that his wife slept with someone in high school.  Oh, he doesn't care about such things, but some of his constituents do. And his enemies.  They'd turn me into a slut if they found out.

 

DUANE HANSEN

But he wants to meet you.

 

JENNIFER

Duane, there's just no way I can risk meeting him right now.  I was hoping you'd go in my place.

 

DUANE HANSEN

And share the details, something like that?  Boy, the life on Capitol Hill has taken its toll, hasn't it?  Don't get me wrong.  Of course I'll see him.  I want to see him.  He's my son, for Christ's sake.  But no, I'm not going to see him in your place, as some favor to you.  I'm going to see him because I want to see him, because I have an obligation to see him.  Especially since he made the first move.  So maybe you can tell me how I can do that.

 

JENNIFER

Don't be angry.

 

Duane stares her down.

 

JENNIFER

There's a phone number in the envelope.  Duane, I'm not as insensitive as you imagine.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You won't see the son who wants to see you.  So what do you call that, Jennifer?

 

JENNIFER

I'm scared.  You don't know Russell.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Make I ask you something really basic?  If you're so scared, why are you still married to him?

 

JENNIFER

We're practically divorced.  He's up for reelection, and I promised I'd stay with him until after the campaign

 

DUANE HANSEN

How thoughtful of you.

 

She finishes her beer.

 

JENNIFER

Then you'll see Tommy?

 

DUANE HANSEN

How could I not see him?

 

JENNIFER

You haven't changed.  You always do the right thing.  I'm glad.  Will you come back to the reunion with me?

 

Duane looks at her and starts to refuse.  But he can't bring himself to say it.

 

JENNIFER

Please?

 

She still has his number.

 

EXT. GYM - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

 

Duane's van pulls into the parking lot and swings into a space.  Duane, dressed in a suit, and Jennifer get out and head for the gym.

 

Jennifer turns, looking for Cameron's sedan, but doesn't see it.

 

Cameron, in fact, has parked out of sight and now hides behind a car, peering up to snap photographs as the couple moves to the gym.

 

INT. GYM - DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT

 

Duane and Jennifer are dancing.

 

There is a visible physical energy that is drawing them together, an old chemistry that is being recalled in the nostalgia of the place and the music.

 

Finally Jennifer can't resist any longer and rests her head against his shoulder.

 

JENNIFER

I was such a stupid, silly girl in high school.  I didn't know what I wanted.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I didn't win any prizes myself.  Comes with being a teenager.

 

JENNIFER

Did you ever wish you could start all over again?  Maybe get it right for a change?

 

Duane looks away.  It's a question he's often thought about - but not with Jennifer in his arms.

 

INT. GYM - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Duane and Jennifer are in an embrace, kissing.  Duane is the one who breaks it.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Jennifer . . .

 

JENNIFER

I know.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You're married.

 

JENNIFER

Legally.  No other way, Duane.  Not for over a year now.

 

She looks at him with eyes that he can't resist, and they embrace and kiss again.

 

EXT. GYM - NIGHT

 

The party is over, and people are leaving the gymnasium.

 

Duane and Jerry stand together.

 

JERRY

You've got testicles the size of bowling balls.

 

DUANE HANSEN

They're practically divorced.

 

JERRY

This isn't some motel hanky-panky you're getting involved in, man.  The guy's a senator. They play for keeps.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You've been watching too many movies.

 

INT. LADIES ROOM - NIGHT

 

Jennifer and Mary are freshening up.

 

MARY

Do you still love him?

 

JENNIFER

My husband?

 

MARY

Duane!  I mean, this is a lot to go through if you don't, isn't it?

 

JENNIFER

I don't know, Mary.  Maybe it's just an adventure.

 

EXT. GYM - NIGHT

 

Peggy and Jim are finishing up their story on the reunion, Peggy talking on camera.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

It's been an exciting night, a 15th class reunion with an added twist of glamor by the appearance of the former Jennifer Barrington, who is now married to Republican Senator Russell Jenner. This is Peggy Sommers reporting.

 

A pause.

 

JIM

That it?

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

That's it.

 

She sees Duane and Jerry across the way.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

I'll meet you in the van.

 

She walks across the lawn to join Duane.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

How's it going, Duane?

 

DUANE HANSEN

All right.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

That's it?  No nostalgic heart throb?  You two used to be quite an item.

 

DUANE HANSEN

That was a very long time ago, Peggy.

 

Duane moves off to enter the gym.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Touchy.

 

INT. GYM - NIGHT

 

Duane comes inside the gym, looking for Jennifer.  He sees her and Mary coming down the hallway.

 

DUANE HANSEN

What's going on?

 

JENNIFER

I'll tell Juan I'm spending the night with Mary.

 

DUANE HANSEN

What if he doesn't believe you?

 

JENNIFER

He'll love not having to drive back tonight.  Especially when I tip him.

 

INT. SEDAN - NIGHT

 

Cameron yawns.  He's watching the hordes of people leave the gym, looking for Jennifer.

 

And finally he sees her.  He grabs his camera and gets out.

 

EXT. GYM - NIGHT

 

Duane, Jennifer, and Mary come out, joining Jerry.  Jennifer moves away from the others.

 

She goes to the limo and talks to the chauffeur a minute.  Then she rejoins the group.

 

JENNIFER

It's all set.

 

JERRY

You guys.

 

MARY

I think it's so romantic.

 

JERRY

Where to?

 

Mary elbows him.

 

INT. SEDAN - NIGHT

 

Cameron is getting all of this on film.

 

EXT. GYM - NIGHT

 

MARY

Will I see you before you go?

 

JENNIFER

Probably not.  But I'll call you, I promise.

(to Duane)

Pick me up behind the gym.

 

Jennifer turns and heads up the steps to go back inside.

 

JERRY

I thought we were all going somewhere.

 

Mary gives him a "they don't want company, you idiot" look.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Duane and Jennifer are making love.

 

They let their passion run free, making love with an energy that hasn't found release for a very long time.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The van is in the driveway.

 

The sedan slowly cruises by.

 

INT. SEDAN - NIGHT

 

Cameron stares out at the light in the bedroom window.  He looks very upset.

 

INT. WASHINGTON D.C. - SHEILA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

There's loud pounding on the door.

 

Sheila enters in her robe.

 

MAN #1

(O.S.)

Hey, open up!  You want me to wake whole building up, I will!

 

Sheila unlocks the door and cracks it open.  It's still locked by the chain.

 

SHEILA

I'm sorry, something came up.  I couldn't make it today.

 

The two Slavic men crash through the door, ripping out the chain lock.  Sheila is terrified.

 

SHEILA

I can get it to you next week!

 

Man #1 slaps her hard, sending her sprawling across the room.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

All the lights in the house are out.

 

The sedan is still parked down the street.

 

INT. SEDAN - NIGHT

 

Cameron is in a trance, staring out at the house.

 

INT. BEDROOM - LATER - NIGHT

 

Duane wakes up - and discovers he's in an empty bed.  He gets up and puts on a robe.

 

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Jennifer, fully dressed, is hiding the "wrong" manila envelope in the seat cover of a chair cushion.

 

She hears something and finishes quickly.

 

Duane enters the living room to find Jennifer looking out the window.

 

JENNIFER

I called a cab. I told Juan to get me a room at the hotel.

 

She moves to him.

 

JENNIFER

I didn't expect this to happen.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Neither did I.

 

JENNIFER

A part of me felt so young tonight.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Can I see you again?

 

JENNIFER

That could be difficult.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'd like us to see Tommy together.

 

JENNIFER

That would be impossible to arrange right now.

 

DUANE HANSEN

This sucks, Jennifer.

 

JENNIFER

It's not a perfect world, is it?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Why don't you live the life you want to live?  What do you want out of life, Jennifer?

 

JENNIFER

What do I want?  All the money I'd ever need, and a little house in a villa north of Paris.  I fell in love with it and go back as often as I can.  But vacations aren't reality, are they?

 

Duane starts to speak but she stops him with an index finger on her lips - and Jennifer blows him a kiss.

 

JENNIFER

Be sure to call me.  I want to hear everything you can tell me about him.

 

She turns and leaves.

 

Duane watches her go.

 

EXT. FIELDSDALE - HOTEL - NIGHT

 

The cab pulls in front of the local hotel and Jennifer gets out.

 

The sedan pulls up.  Cameron gets out and hurries after Jennifer.

 

CAMERON

Jennifer!

 

Jennifer turns at the hotel entrance.  She is surprised to see Cameron.

 

JENNIFER

This is not the time nor place to talk. I'm going to bed.

 

CAMERON

What about us?

 

Jennifer doesn't reply.

 

CAMERON

Did you sleep with him?

 

JENNIFER

Did you take any pictures of Duane and I together?

 

Cameron doesn't answer.  Jennifer goes to him and slaps his face.

 

JENNIFER

You sonofabitch.

 

She goes into the hotel, leaving Cameron to rub his cheek.

 

EXT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane's van pulls into the professor's driveway.  Duane gets out and goes to the side door.

 

INT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - KITCHEN BAR - DAY

 

Wellworth is pouring coffee.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Either you came to collect your bill or something's on your mind.  Did you see Jennifer last night?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Yes, I did.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

And that has something to do with the visit, am I right?

 

Duane nods.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Oh, my.

 

DUANE HANSEN

She was pregnant when she left town.  She had my baby.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

She kept it?

 

DUANE HANSEN

No.  He's 15 now and looked her up.  He wants to see her.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

I see.  And she's the wife of a very conservative senator.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Exactly.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

She's also unhappily married?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Yes.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Which means, you want to get together with her again.

 

DUANE HANSEN

It can't happen.  She made a deal with the senator to help him get reelected or something.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

You want my advice?

 

DUANE HANSEN

That's why I'm here.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

I suggest one step at a time.  Do you want to see the boy?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Of course.  He's my son.

 

The professor smiles.  Duane just answered his own question.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - HOME OFFICE - DAY

 

Cameron is showing the senator the photographs he took.

 

INSERT PHOTOGRAPHS

 

various pictures of Jennifer and Duane outside the gym at the reunion.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

SENATOR JENNER

Who is he?

 

CAMERON

I don't know.

 

Jenner looks up from the photographs.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Well, find out.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - DAY

 

The van is in the driveway.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane is on the phone, waiting for someone to answer.  The photo of Tommy is on the table next to the phone.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Yes, I'm trying to reach Tommy Waller. . . . Thank you.

 

INT. ALEXANDRIA - APARTMENT - DAY

 

MURIEL WALLER, 40s, is an unkempt alcoholic woman on welfare.

 

MURIEL

Tommy!  You got a phone call!  You gonna pick it up in there?

 

INT. TOMMY'S BEDROOM - DAY

 

TOMMY WALLER, 15, is a street-wise kid with cockiness oozing out of every tattooed and pierced pore of his skin.

 

He picks up the phone.

 

TOMMY

Yeah?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

DUANE HANSEN

Tommy?

 

TOMMY

Yeah?  Who is this?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm Duane Hansen, Tommy.  You don't know me.

 

TOMMY

So why're you calling me?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Your phone number was given to me by Jennifer Barri-- . . . I mean, Jennifer Jenner.  The First Lady.

 

There is a silence.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Tommy?

 

TOMMY

Why the hell you calling me anyways?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I understand you want to meet your birth mother.

 

TOMMY

Shit, is that what this is about?  I thought she was going to call me herself.  Who the fuck did you say you were?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm your . . . well, I'm your father.

 

TOMMY

What the fuck you talking about, man?  My dad's a strung-out asshole, a total loser. I'm not talking to you no more.

 

He hangs up.

 

Duane holds the phone, stunned.

 

INT. FIELDSDALE - SMALL TV STATION - DAY

 

Duane enters the local TV station, which is so small that a receptionist isn't even on duty.

 

He looks around the small interior, quickly finding who he is looking for.

 

Peggy Sommers is at her desk and sees him approach.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

And to what do I owe this honor?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Have you had lunch yet?

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

It's your lucky day, I haven't.

 

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

 

Duane and Peggy sit in a booth.

 

DUANE HANSEN

She didn't go away to college at all.  She stayed with a relative and had the kid.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Who is foul-mouthed and rude.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Sounded like it to me.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

So am I a shoulder to cry on?  Which is fine.  Or do you have something else in mind?

 

DUANE HANSEN

You know about doing research.  I want to know as much about him as you can find out.  Who his parents are, what they do, how he's been raised.

 

Peggy smiles - but there is sadness in it.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

May I ask you a personal question?  Retract that.  I'm asking it anyway.  Are you still in love with her?

 

Duane avoids the question.

 

DUANE HANSEN

It would mean a lot to me if you could do this, Peggy.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

I'll see what I can do.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Jennifer is reading in bed when the senator appears in the doorway.

 

SENATOR JENNER

You haven't said much about your reunion.

 

JENNIFER

It was a lot of fun.  You should try it sometime.

 

SENATOR JENNER

More your style than mine, dear.  Goodnight.

 

JENNIFER

Goodnight.

 

He leaves.  Jennifer goes back to reading.

 

INT. SENATE BLDG - SEN. JENNER'S OFFICE - NIGHT

 

A flashlight finds the filing cabinet in the dark office.

 

A gloved hand opens it and looks for a file.  The file is lifted out and put on a desktop.

 

Sheila opens it - but the file is filled with blank paper.  The original document is missing.

 

She panics and goes back to the cabinet.  She starts rummaging through the rest of the files.

 

Several other folders are filled with blank paper.

 

She opens another cabinet drawer and does the same thing.

 

No luck.  She SLAMS the cabinet drawer shut.

 

The sound echoes like a gunshot in the still office.

 

INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

The bedside phone rings.  Jennifer picks it up.

 

JENNIFER

Hello?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

Duane is on the other end, calling from home.

 

DUANE HANSEN

It's Duane.

 

JENNIFER

I asked you not to call me here at night.

 

DUANE HANSEN

We need to talk.  I'm taking tomorrow off and coming to D.C.  Where can I meet you?

 

Panic floods Jennifer's face.  Her tone lowers and becomes harsher.

 

JENNIFER

You can't come here!

 

DUANE HANSEN

Too late, I already rearranged my schedule.  I can show up on your doorstep if you like.

 

JENNIFER

No, not here.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Where?  I'll arrive tomorrow evening.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Jennifer comes out and gets into a BMW that is parked in the circular driveway.

 

Cameron gets out of a sedan parked on the street and trots to the car, standing in front of it so Jennifer can't drive out.

 

Then he moves to the window to talk to her.

 

CAMERON

I need to see you alone.

 

JENNIFER

It's over, Cameron.

 

CAMERON

You're dumping me for this high school flame, is that it?

 

JENNIFER

I'm not seeing anyone.

 

She pulls away.

 

Cameron regains his composure and heads for the house.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - HOME OFFICE - DAY

 

The senator is meeting with Cameron and Sheila.

 

SENATOR JENNER

If this gets out, I'm dead before I get off the ground.

 

SHEILA

May I make a suggestion?

 

All eyes are on her.

 

SHEILA

It takes two to tango, so to speak.  He might be the more easily dissuaded.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Dissuaded.  I like that word.  Cameron?

 

CAMERON

How far can I go?

 

SENATOR JENNER

As far as it takes.

 

EXT. SENATE BUILDING - DAY

 

Employees come out at the end of the day.

 

The two Slavic men are waiting outside the building.  They see Sheila and move quickly to her, one on each side.

 

They speak in quick urgent tones as they move down the street.

 

SHEILA

It wasn't there.  It must have been entered into the hearing and stored with the testimony.

 

MAN #1

That's not good.

 

MAN #2

What about other copy?

 

SHEILA

There was an accident, and some envelopes got exchanged.  I think maybe the First Lady ended up with it.

 

MAN #2

The First Lady!

 

SHEILA

Don't worry, I'm sure I can salvage the situation. But you have to give me some breathing room.  You have to trust me.  It's my life on the line here.

 

MAN #1

I'm glad you understand that.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - CAFE - NIGHT

 

A cab lets Duane off and he enters a small cafe.

 

INT. CAFE - NIGHT

 

Duane looks around for Jennifer but can't find her.  A WAITER arrives.

 

WAITER

Table for one, sir?

 

DUANE HANSEN

For two.

 

WAITER

Very good.  This way.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - STREET - NIGHT

 

The limo is in traffic.

 

INT. LIMO - NIGHT

 

Jennifer is looking out the rear-view window.  Then she turns to speak to the driver.

 

JENNIFER

Juan, I think we're being followed

 

JUAN

It's Cameron, Mrs. Jenner.

 

JENNIFER

Can you lose him?

 

The driver smiles.

 

INT. CAFE - NIGHT

 

Duane looks at his watch.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - STREET - NIGHT

 

The limo is continuing down a street.

 

Suddenly, the limo darts across traffic, takes a sharp turn and speeds up.

 

INT. SEDAN - NIGHT

 

Cameron can't make the turn and watches the limo disappear.  He pounds the steering wheel, then turns sharply himself, trying to regroup and pick up the trail.

 

INT. CAFE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer arrives at Duane's table.

 

JENNIFER

I can't stay long.  I'm being followed.

 

She sits down.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Tommy won't see me.  He says his father is a strung-out asshole.

 

JENNIFER

He told you that?

 

DUANE HANSEN

No, Jennifer, I'm making it up.

 

JENNIFER

He hurt you.  I'm so sorry.

 

DUANE HANSEN

The point is, you're going to have to do this yourself.  Why should he have any opinion about me at all?  Who told him about me?

 

JENNIFER

I don't know.

 

In the silence that follows, their hands meet in the middle of the table and touch.

 

Then their fingers slowly entwine.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I already miss you.

 

JENNIFER

Don't.  Not now, not here, not tonight.

 

She pulls back her hand.

 

Duane's fingers drum on the table, then curl into a loose fist, and his knuckles rap against the table cloth.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The limo pulls into the circular driveway and drops Jennifer off.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer enters to find Cameron in the foyer.  She stares at him, and Cameron smiles.

 

CAMERON

The senator needs to speak to you.

 

JENNIFER

My husband knows where to find me.

 

She moves to the stairway to go up to her bedroom.

 

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Jennifer enters and habitually punches the button to hear her phone messages.

 

She moves to the dresser to take off her jewelry.

 

SHEILA

(on machine)

Jennifer, Sheila.  Listen, I need to see you right away.  It's really urgent.  You may know what I'm talking about.  Call me as soon as you get in, will you?

 

The next message plays.

 

TOMMY

(on machine)

Hi, mom, this is Tommy.

 

Jennifer stops what she is doing.  She moves slowly to the machine, listening.

 

TOMMY

So are you going to come see me or what?  Well, I'm giving you a break.  I got a chance to come into Washington with a relative, and I'll be in town tomorrow.  We're staying at the Holiday Inn.  If you could come by around three, that would be really great.  Call me there if you can't make it.  I'll make sure they know what room I'm in.  See you, mom.

 

There are no more messages.

 

Jennifer stares at the machine.  She takes a deep breath.

 

Moving quickly, she goes to the phone and dials.

 

INT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

Duane is stretched out on the bed, watching TV, when the phone rings.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Hello?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

JENNIFER

Duane, he called.  He'll be in town tomorrow.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Are you going to see him?

 

JENNIFER

I don't know what to do.  Do you have to go back?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Not necessarily.  Jennifer, we could see him together.

 

JENNIFER

Let me think about it.  I'll call you in the morning.

 

INT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

Duane hangs up.  He blankly stares at the TV but his thoughts are far away.

 

INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Jennifer is dialing another number when there's a knock and her door opens.  It's Cameron.

 

CAMERON

Everyone is waiting for you.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - OFFICE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer enters her husband's office to find most of his staff there.  She is shocked to see Sheila, who won't look her in the eye.

 

JENNIFER

I'm sorry I'm late.

 

The senator laughs and turns to Sheila.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Why am I so nervous to tell my own wife?

 

SHEILA

Because she won't approve?

 

SENATOR JENNER

I'll find out soon enough.

 

But he still doesn't find the words.

 

JENNIFER

I can't imagine anything you'd do that I wouldn't approve of.

 

CAMERON

No excuses now, senator.  Time to speak up.

 

SENATOR JENNER

We're throwing our hat in the ring.

 

Jennifer laughs.

 

JENNIFER

All this because you're running for reelection?

 

SENATOR JENNER

The big ring. I'm announcing my candidacy for President tomorrow.

 

The senator is beaming.  Spontaneous applause breaks out from his staff.

 

Jennifer looks troubled.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer is on the porch, seeing off the staff.

 

Sheila moves close to her.

 

SHEILA

Lunch tomorrow?

 

JENNIFER

I'm tied up.  I'll call you.

 

Sheila moves away.

 

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Jennifer is about to get into bed when there's a knock on her closed bedroom door.

 

She puts on her robe and answers it.  It's her husband, still dressed.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Can I buy you a nightcap?

 

JENNIFER

No thank you.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Then will you watch me have one?  I think we need to talk.

 

INT. DEN - NIGHT

 

Jennifer sits at one end of a posh sofa in a luxurious den.

 

The senator comes with a brandy snifter, taking a seat at the opposite end.

 

SENATOR JENNER

You're seeing someone.

 

Jennifer stands up.

 

JENNIFER

I don't have energy for this.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I have photographs.  Apparently he's an old flame from high school.

 

She starts away.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Please.  Give me this much.  You're going to be the First Lady.

 

JENNIFER

You know what our agreement was.

 

SENATOR JENNER

You can't divorce the President.  We'll make new arrangements.

 

JENNIFER

I'm not continuing in this marriage past the campaign.

 

SENATOR JENNER

We can work something out.  That's not what concerns me now, Jennifer.  All I expect from you is discretion.  My enemies will have all their blood hounds out.

 

JENNIFER

You're the one whose tracks need covering, dear.

 

She turns and goes.  The senator watches, waiting until she's gone before raising his glass to drink.

 

EXT. GEORGETOWN - STREET - DAY

 

Duane walks along an avenue of small shops in the Georgetown area of D.C.

 

Half a block behind, Cameron is tailing him.

 

Duane stops at a window.  He pretends to look in but sneaks a look behind him, at Cameron.

 

Cameron stops and also looks at a window display.

 

Duane suddenly crosses the street, darting in front of traffic.

 

Across the street, he walks faster.

 

After another block, he stops again.

 

Cameron is still behind him, also stopped and looking in a window.

 

Duane suddenly walks determinedly to Cameron.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You're following me.

 

CAMERON

Excuse me?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Can I buy you a drink?

 

CAMERON

Why not?

 

INT. GEORGETOWN BAR - DAY

 

Duane and Cameron sit over beers in a small booth.

 

CAMERON

Listen, I'm just doing my job.  You mess with a senator's wife, you should expect a little hassle in life.

 

DUANE HANSEN

She doesn't love him.

 

CAMERON

Beside the point.  You see the news this morning?

 

DUANE HANSEN

No.

 

Cameron looks at his watch.  He scoots out of the booth.

 

CAMERON

Come on.

 

Duane follows Cameron to the bar.

 

The bartender sees them coming and is waiting for them when they take stools at the end of the bar.

 

BARTENDER

Another round?

 

CAMERON

Right.  Would you turn on the news?

 

BARTENDER

Sure thing.

 

INSERT TV NEWS

 

on which Senator Jenner is announcing his candidacy for President.

 

SENATOR JENNER

(on TV)

And I pledge to you here and now, not only to wage my campaign with honor and fairness, but to bring integrity, a sense of fair play, family values and the highest morality back to the foundation of American life where it belongs!

 

INT. BAR - DAY

 

Cameron and Duane are watching the news.

 

CAMERON

The gossip mongers will be coming out of the word work now.  It's not a good time to be doing what you're doing.  You get my drift?

 

Duane slips off the bar stool, leaving a half full beer in front of him.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Thanks for the beer.

 

He leaves.

 

EXT. GEORGETOWN BAR - DAY

 

Duane comes out of the bar and heads down the street.

 

Cameron catches up with him.

 

CAMERON

I'm telling you to cool it for your own good.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Advice understood - and rejected.

 

CAMERON

She's going to break your heart.  Believe me, I know.

 

Duane stops and looks at him.

 

CAMERON

First hand experience.

 

Duane turns and leaves.  Cameron follows, now taking distance as before.

 

Walking down the street, Duane looks puzzled.

 

EXT. GEORGETOWN - STREET - DAY

 

Duane is at a pay phone.  He is looking at Cameron, who is waiting half a block away, looking back at him.

 

Someone answers.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Yes, I'd like to speak to Mrs. Jenner, please. . . . Do you know where she can be reached? . . . No message.  Thanks.

 

He hangs up.

 

EXT. D.C. HOLIDAY INN - DAY

 

Jennifer waits outside the Holiday Inn, pacing nervously, impatiently.

 

A HOTEL CLERK comes out.

 

HOTEL CLERK

Excuse me - are you Mrs. Jenner?

 

JENNIFER

Yes?

 

HOTEL CLERK

You have a call at the desk.

 

INT. MOTEL - DAY

 

Duane is back at the motel.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm being followed.  If I came, I'd only lead him to you.

 

INT. HOLIDAY INN - DESK - DAY

 

Jennifer hands back the desk phone.

 

JENNIFER

Thank you.

 

HOTEL CLERK

Is there anything I can help you with?

 

JENNIFER

Yes.  I'd like the room number for Tommy Waller.  He's a teenager who's here with a relative.

 

HOTEL CLERK

Room 704, ma'am.

 

JENNIFER

Thank you.

 

She moves to the elevator.

 

After she's gone, the two Slavic men rise from chairs in the lobby and move toward the elevator to follow her.

 

INT. HOLIDAY INN - 7TH FLOOR - DAY

 

Jennifer steps out of the elevator.  She moves down the hallway.

 

A second elevator door opens, and the two men move out.  Man #2 is carrying a camera.

 

Jennifer comes to a corner and turns, heading down another hallway.

 

The men walk more swiftly.

 

Jennifer comes to room 704.  She stops and takes a deep breath.  She knocks on the door.

 

At the corner, the men wait and watch.  Man #2 starts focusing on Jennifer with the camera.

 

The door opens.  It is a WOMAN whom we have not seen before, 40s, wearing a business suit. She speaks with a slight Slavic accent.

 

WOMAN

Yes?

 

JENNIFER

I hope I have the right room.  I'm looking for Tommy Waller.

 

WOMAN

Oh, yes.  Wait here, please.

 

She closes the door, leaving Jennifer alone in the hallway.

 

She looks toward the corner, where the men have managed to dodge out of sight.

 

The door opens again - and Tommy steps into the hallway.  The woman waits behind him.

 

TOMMY

Hi.

 

JENNIFER

Hello, Tommy.

 

TOMMY

Are you my mom?

 

JENNIFER

Yes, I am.

 

There is an awkward moment - and then Jennifer embraces him.  Tommy looks embarrassed.

 

WOMAN

He's been looking forward to this for so long.  Won't you come in?

 

Jennifer and Tommy follow the woman into the hotel room.

 

At the corner of the hallway, the men are satisfied that they have the photographs they were after and head back for the elevator.

 

INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

The woman gestures for Jennifer to sit down.

 

Jennifer takes a chair, and the woman and Tommy sit across from her.

 

JENNIFER

(to the woman)

Are you his step-mother?

 

WOMAN

His aunt.

 

Above this scene, a small TV CAMERA is recording everything.

 

INT. ANOTHER HOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

A YOUNG MAN, 20s, sits before a TV monitor, watching the meeting between Jennifer and Tommy.

 

The door is unlocked, and the two Slavic men enter.

 

MAN #1

We got pictures.

 

They sit down to watch the monitor.

 

INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

Duane can't keep still.  He paces across the room, in front of a TV that is playing without the sound on.

 

Finally the telephone rings.  He rushes to it.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Hello? . . . I'll be right there.

 

INT. D.C. BAR - DAY

 

Duane enters a dark cocktail lounge to find Jennifer sitting alone at a small table in the corner.

 

Seeing him, Jennifer can't keep back tears.

 

DUANE HANSEN

What happened?

 

JENNIFER

He's such a sweet boy.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Are you kidding me?

 

JENNIFER

I told him I'd visit again soon.  Maybe you can come with me.

 

She reaches across the table and takes his hand.

 

JENNIFER

I'll be in touch.  But please don't come here again.  Wait for me to come to you.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Will you?

 

JENNIFER

So much is new. Give me time to get used to everything.

 

Duane looks as if he's trying to see right through her, to the core truth of what's really on her mind.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane's van is parked in the driveway when a sporty car pulls in behind it.

 

Peggy gets out, carrying a briefcase.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane lets her in.

 

DUANE HANSEN

That was quick work.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Actually, it's the first substantive research I've done in years.  I had fun.  Here's what you want.

 

She opens the briefcase and hands him a photograph.

 

INSERT PHOTOGRAPH

 

of a BOY, 15, whom we have not seen before.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

Duane looks at the photo, then up at Peggy.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Who the hell is this?

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Your son.  His name is Brad Morrison.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - RESIDENTIAL - DAY

 

Duane's plumbing van looks very out of place in the high-end neighborhood as he searches for Jennifer's address.

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

In the van, Duane searches for the number. He looks frustrated.

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

The van pulls to the curb, and Duane gets out.  He's wearing his plumbing cover-alls.

 

He starts walking up a long driveway.

 

Outside a large home, a GARDENER is working.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Excuse me.  I'm looking for 3122.  Am I close?

 

GARDENER

This is 3017.  Next block.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Thanks.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

A limo is parked in the circular driveway.

 

Duane's van pulls up behind it, and he gets out.  He nods at the driver behind the wheel in the limo.

 

Duane walks to the front door.  He rings the bell.

 

A HOUSEKEEPER, 30s, Hispanic, answers the door.  She sees the strange van in the distance.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

We didn't call a plumber. You have the wrong address.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm here to see Mrs. Jenner.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

Mrs. Jenner isn't here.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Do you know where I can find her?

 

Behind the housekeeper, Jenner and Cameron appear.  They are on their way out.

 

SENATOR JENNER

What is it, Malina?

 

Cameron recognizes Duane and visibly reacts.  The senator doesn't recognize Duane in his work clothes.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

He wants to see Mrs. Jenner.

 

SENATOR JENNER

May I help you?

 

DUANE HANSEN

It's personal.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I can give her the message.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'll come back when she's here.  When would that be?

 

CAMERON

Let me handle this, senator.

 

He takes the senator's arm, gently guiding him out toward the limo.

 

The housekeeper moves back into the house, closing the door.

 

Cameron rejoins Duane.

 

CAMERON

You're a fool.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't urgent.  Where can I find her?

 

CAMERON

Go back where you came from before somebody gets hurt.

 

He moves off.

 

Duane watches the limo pull away.  Then he heads back to his van.

 

INT. THE LIMO - DAY

 

The senator and Cameron sit in the back.

 

CAMERON

That's the guy with Jennifer in the photos.  He's very stubborn.

 

SENATOR JENNER

He's a plumber?

 

CAMERON

Appears to be.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I can't imagine Jennifer with a plumber.

 

CAMERON

Makes two of us.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I'll talk to her.

 

INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer joins Sheila at a booth.

 

SHEILA

Thanks for coming.

 

JENNIFER

What's so urgent?

 

SHEILA

Surely you know.

 

JENNIFER

I don't.

 

SHEILA

Remember when we collided in the hallway?  I ended up with this.

 

She hands Jennifer the photograph of Tommy.

 

SHEILA

Who is he?

 

JENNIFER

My nephew.

 

SHEILA

You ended up with mine.

 

JENNIFER

Yes, I did.

 

She waits for an explanation but Sheila offers none.

 

JENNIFER

Sheila, what kind of trouble are you in?

 

SHEILA

Then you found it.  Where is it?

 

JENNIFER

I hid it.  What kind of trouble are you in?

 

SHEILA

It's not like you think.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane's van is parked along the street, where he can get a view of the circular driveway.

 

A BMW pulls into the driveway.  Duane is quickly out of the van.

 

He trots across the street.  He reaches Jennifer as she gets out of the car.

 

DUANE HANSEN

We've got to talk.

 

He grabs her arm, moving her toward the van.

 

JENNIFER

Are you crazy?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Somebody is.

 

He is bodily pulling her with him, across the street and to the van.

 

He opens the van door, and Jennifer gets in.

 

INT. THE VAN - NIGHT

 

JENNIFER

Would you mind telling me what this is about?

 

He hands her the photograph of Brad Morrison.

 

DUANE HANSEN

This is a photo of our son.

 

JENNIFER

It can't be.

 

DUANE HANSEN

His name is Brad Morrison, and he lives in Seattle.  His father's a surgeon.

 

JENNIFER

Then who is Tommy Waller?

 

Duane starts the engine.

 

EXT. EXPRESSWAY - NIGHT

 

The van is speeding down an expressway.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

JENNIFER

Where are we going?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I think best when I'm driving.  Jennifer, my first thought was that you set me up, you had something to do with all this.  But for the life of me, I can't give you a motivation.

 

JENNIFER

Is that some sort of back-handed compliment?

 

There's a silence.

 

DUANE HANSEN

That guy who was tailing me, I had a drink with him.

 

JENNIFER

Wasn't that pretty reckless?

 

DUANE HANSEN

He said you broke his heart.

 

Jennifer doesn't respond.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Did you?

 

JENNIFER

His name is Cameron.  He works for Russell.  We had a fling.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You broke his heart.

 

JENNIFER

I don't have a marriage, I told you that.  What do you want from me?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I have no right to want anything from you, do I?

 

Another silence, as they drive through the night.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You don't have any idea why somebody would present Tommy as our kid?

 

JENNIFER

Maybe to blackmail Russell. His enemies would have a field day if they knew I had an illegitimate child.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Then that's got to be it.

 

They drive a moment in silence.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I wonder if Brad knows about us.

 

JENNIFER

I hope not.  I hope he's happy where he is.

 

EXT. EXPRESSWAY - NIGHT

 

The van drives on.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The van stops out front without pulling into the circular driveway.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

Jennifer cracks open the door and turns to Duane.

 

JENNIFER

I'd like to come visit soon.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Any time.

 

JENNIFER

I'll be in touch.

 

They kiss goodnight.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Jennifer enters.  She checks the mail on a small table by the door.

 

The senator appears behind her.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Come into my office.

 

JENNIFER

Be there in a sec.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Now!

 

Jennifer looks at him.

 

SENATOR JENNER

It's about your child.

 

INT. HOME OFFICE - NIGHT

 

Jenner hands a pile of photographs to Jennifer.

 

INSERT PHOTOGRAPHS

 

various shots of Jennifer meeting Tommy, both in the hallway and stills inside the hotel room from the closed circuit TV.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

SENATOR JENNER

Why didn't you tell me?

 

JENNIFER

There's no point in talking about the past, Russell.

 

The senator pounds his fist on the desk.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Do you realize what this means?

 

JENNIFER

I assume they're blackmailing you.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Fortunately Sheila has an idea that may save our ass.

 

INT. HOTEL - PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY

 

Reporters crowd into a small conference room at a D.C. hotel, where a sudden press conference has been announced.

 

Sheila, the senator's press secretary, stands behind a podium at the front of the room.

 

SHEILA

Get settled, please, so we can begin.

 

Reporters sit on folding chairs.

 

Sheila moves to a door behind the podium and opens it.  Senator Jenner and Jennifer enter - holding hands.

 

They move to the podium together, where the senator kisses his wife on the cheek.  Jennifer steps back.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Thank you for coming, ladies and gentlemen.  What we have to say here won't take long.  Listen carefully, because we won't be taking questions at this time.  I'd like to introduce my wife.  Jennifer?

 

He steps back and Jennifer moves behind the podium.

 

JENNIFER

Thank you, Russell.

 

She stares over the crowd, gathering her courage.

 

JENNIFER

What I have to tell you today is something I would give anything to avoid.  It brings up so many bad memories.  But circumstances now demand that I come forward.

 

EXT. FIELDSDALE - RESIDENTIAL HOME - DAY

 

Duane's van is parked in a driveway.

 

INT. HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane is working on a pipe under the kitchen sink.

 

The house's owner, BETTY, 50s, moves in to refill her coffee cup from an electric pot.

 

BETTY

I hate it when they interrupt a show for some special news.  Heather was just about ready to tell the creep she was divorcing him.

 

Under the sink, Duane has to smile at her treating a soap opera plot like real life.

 

Betty takes her full cup back to the TV.

 

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY

 

JENNIFER

When I was sixteen years old, I was raped.  Since I don't believe in abortion, I had the child and gave it up for adoption.  I've learned that he is a healthy young man in a good family.

 

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

 

Duane crawls out from under the sink.

 

He goes to the coffee pot and refills his cup.

 

INT. HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Betty is captivated by the news on TV.  Jennifer is on the screen.

 

Now Jennifer steps back.  The camera shows reporters getting to their feet, shouting questions, as the senator and Jennifer quickly exit through the door behind the podium.

 

Duane enters the room.  The TV has gone back to anchor.

 

BETTY

You knew Jennifer Barrington, didn't you?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Yes.

 

BETTY

That poor woman.  She was raped her senior year and had a baby after graduation, and now her husband's political enemies are trying to blackmail him.  It was just on the news.

 

Duane stares in shock at the TV screen.

 

EXT. MEL'S TAVERN - NIGHT

 

Duane's van is in the parking lot outside a local Fieldsdale watering hole.

 

INT. MEL'S TAVERN - NIGHT

 

Duane sits alone at the bar, chasing a shot of whiskey with beer.

 

He finishes and gestures to the bartender.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Another down here.

 

Peggy slips onto the stool next to him.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

You're a very easy man to track down.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Am I?

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Your van.  You've been here a while.  I take it you saw the news.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You got any ideas why she'd say that?

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

She's obviously protecting her husband.

 

DUANE HANSEN

She's supposed to be divorcing him.

 

The bartender brings Duane's drinks.

 

BARTENDER

What can I get you?

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Nothing, thanks.

 

When the bartender leaves, Peggy turns to Duane.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Have you eaten?

 

Duane shakes his head, no.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

How about a home cooked meal?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Don't go to any trouble on my account.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

It's leftovers.  Beef Stroganoff.  I'm a great cook.

 

Duane thinks about it.

 

INT. PEGGY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Duane and Peggy are on the sofa, locked in an embrace and deep kiss.

 

Duane breaks it.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'd better be going.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

I wish you'd stay.

 

She kisses him again.

 

And again Duane pulls away.  He stands up.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

It always happens this way, doesn't it?  Character A has the hots for Character B who has the hots for Character C, and never the twain shall meet.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm sorry.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Don't be.  I did you a good deed.  I sobered you up.

 

DUANE HANSEN

That you did.  I appreciate it.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.

 

EXT. PEGGY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane comes out and gets into the van.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

Duane sits behind the wheel, lost in thought.

 

Should he or shouldn't he?

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - BELT LINE - NIGHT

 

Duane's van is on the D.C. Belt Line.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The van pulls up in front of the senator's house.  The house is dark.  It is past midnight.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

Duane stares at the house across the street.

 

Finally he twists in his seat, trying to get comfortable, trying to catch a little sleep before morning.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

A paper boy drives by, delivering a paper.

 

The van is still parked along the street, across from the senator's house.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Jennifer is up, in her robe, stretching.

 

She leisurely walks to the upstairs bedroom window to see what kind of day it is.

 

She sees Duane's van parked across the street.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Jennifer stands by the van, an overcoat over her robe.  She knocks on the window.

 

Duane stirs, opens his eyes and sees her.  He rolls down the window.

 

Jennifer hands him a slip of paper.

 

JENNIFER

Meet me here for breakfast.

 

She turns and runs back to the house.

 

Duane unfolds the slip of paper and reads it.

 

EXT. SEATTLE - RESIDENTIAL HOME - DAY

 

ALICE MORRISON, 40s, takes the morning newspaper off the front porch.

 

INT. MORRISON HOME - DINING ROOM - DAY

 

Alice drops the newspaper in front of her husband, GREG, 40s, who is sipping his morning coffee.

 

Greg sees the front page story about the press conference.

 

GREG

I think we should contact her.

 

ALICE

I know.  But maybe it should be Brad's decision.

 

The teenager has just entered the dining room, carrying a bowl of cereal.

 

BRAD

What's my decision?

 

Greg and Alice exchange a glance.  Now is as good a time as any to tell him the the story about his birth mother.

 

INT. WASHINGTON D.C. - RESTAURANT - DAY

 

Duane and Jennifer sit in a booth by the window.

 

JENNIFER

It's not like it was my idea.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You went along with it.

 

JENNIFER

All I can say is that in many ways Russell is a good man.  I did love him once. I couldn't sit by and watch them blackmail him.

 

DUANE HANSEN

What about us?

 

Jennifer smiles - but there is sadness in her smile.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I love you.  I've always loved you.

 

JENNIFER

If that's true, then you should be able to wait until all of this is over.

 

EXT. RESTAURANT - DAY

 

The two Slavic men are across the street, watching Duane and Jennifer through the big front window.

 

MAN #2

What if they come out together?

 

MAN #1

We'll deal with it.

 

INT. RESTAURANT - BOOTH - DAY

 

DUANE HANSEN

What do you want from me?

 

JENNIFER

Patience.  That you go home.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I thought I was getting a visit.

 

JENNIFER

You are. How about tomorrow?

 

DUANE HANSEN

The weekend would be better for me.

 

JENNIFER

I really want to come tomorrow.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm real busy.  I thought you wanted to take this slowly.

 

JENNIFER

Duane, I did something really stupid.  It's too complicated to get into - but I left something in your house.  Now I need it.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Left what?

 

JENNIFER

I really don't have to stay longer than it takes to get it.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You're not making much sense.

 

JENNIFER

Just trust me and let me come by tomorrow.  Can't you do that?

 

EXT. RESTAURANT - DAY

 

Through the window, Jennifer rises from the booth.  Duane remains seated.

 

MAN #1

Here she comes.

 

Man #1 moves to cross the street.

 

Man #2 gets into a parked Mercedes and starts the engine.

 

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

 

Duane leaves a tip on the table and takes the bill to the register.

 

EXT. RESTAURANT - DAY

 

Jennifer moves up the sidewalk toward her BMW.

 

Man #1 moves behind her, then beside her.

 

The Mercedes driven by Man #2 pulls up alongside them.

 

Man #1 grabs Jennifer's arm.

 

MAN #1

One peep from you, and you're history.

 

The back door swings open, and Man #1 shoves Jennifer into the car.

 

The Mercedes moves back into traffic.

 

Duane comes out of the restaurant, unaware that anything has happened.  He starts walking up the street.

 

EXT. BELT LINE - DAY

 

Duane's van is back in traffic, heading home.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The door opens, and Duane comes in, turning on the light.

 

He comes into the room.  He punches the play button on his answering machine.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

(on answering machine)

Duane, this is the professor.  Now I got a new problem.  Goddamn toilet is acting up.  I can live with it for a few days if you're busy.

 

The next message plays.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

(on answering machine)

This is Peggy.  I assume you heard the news. It's so terrible.  Duane, I can't find you anywhere.  I'm worried about you.  Please give me a call.

 

Duane turns on the television set.  He switches around for the news.

 

TV REPORTER

(on television)

--daytime kidnapping of Jennifer Jenner, wife of the Republican Senator from Pennsylvania.

 

Duane moves to the phone and dials.

 

INT. MEL'S TAVERN - NIGHT

 

Duane and Peggy sit at a small booth.

 

DUANE HANSEN

It must be his political enemies.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

But doesn't this just swing more sympathy to the senator?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Probably.  Maybe the ransom is that he drops out.  Maybe they tried blackmailing him with the photo of Tommy first, saying it was Jennifer's illegitimate son.  Jenner turned that to his advantage, so now they try this.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Maybe the two aren't related.

 

DUANE HANSEN

My gut tells me they are.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Well, so does mine.  This all started with the boy, Tommy.  Maybe that's the place to start.

 

EXT. MEL'S TAVERN - NIGHT

 

Duane and Peggy come outside.  The van is parked next to her car.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

I don't suppose I could lure you over for a nightcap.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Not tonight.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

At least that sounds like the door is still open.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Goodnight, Peggy.

 

He gets into the van as she watches him.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The van pulls into the driveway.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane enters and turns on the light.  He finds Cameron sitting in a chair, waiting for him.

 

DUANE HANSEN

There's a law against breaking and entering.

 

CAMERON

I won't take long.

 

Cameron has been drinking.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Then get to it.

 

CAMERON

We both seem to be in love with the same woman.  Now I assume you don't know anything about this latest development--

 

DUANE HANSEN

Of course I don't.

 

CAMERON

--but I do get the impression you're in love with her - perhaps still in love with her.  That makes for a very awkward situation because, as it turns out, so am I.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You still haven't told me why you're here.

 

CAMERON

Grabbing at straws, I guess.  I have no idea why this happened.  Maybe you do.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I think it's the same people who sent her a photo of her kid.

 

CAMERON

Of course, she would share that with you. Sorry to squash your theory - but I sent the photos.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I don't understand.

 

CAMERON

Crazy, right?  I knew she had no idea what her kid looked like.  I'd lead her to the boy and get photos of them together, which would be leverage to put the senator out of the race.

 

DUANE HANSEN

But you work for him.

 

CAMERON

I've also been sleeping with his wife for quite a while now.  Or was, until you replaced me. I assume you have.

 

Duane tries to hide how hard this news hits him in the gut.

 

DUANE HANSEN

What does it matter if the senator runs for President or not?

 

CAMERON

He might win.  First Ladies don't get divorces.  Love doesn't lead to clarity or rational behavior, does it?  It was once considered a form of madness.  Now I see why.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You can relax.  Jennifer and I are not romantically involved.  Now get the hell out of here.

 

Duane glares at him.

 

CAMERON

I'm gone.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - LATER - NIGHT

 

A romantic song plays on the CD player.  Maybe a sad ballad by Sinatra.  Only the Lonely.

 

On the sofa, Duane is looking through his high school annual.

 

INSERT PHOTOGRAPHS

 

in the album: of Jennifer as a cheerleader and as a homecoming queen.

 

Of Duane as a baseball player.

 

Then, of the two of them together, arms around one another at a school outing, beaming at the camera with the youthful optimism of the ages, may this bliss never end.

 

BACK TO SCENE

 

Duane closes the book.  If he could let himself, he would cry.

 

EXT. PEGGY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane's van is parked in Peggy's driveway.

 

Duane waits on the front porch and the light comes on.  Peggy opens the door.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Duane?  Are you all right?

 

INT. PEGGY'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Duane and Peggy are making love.

 

Duane is on fire, as if he could shut off all the disturbing memories in his head with raw sex, and more sex, and more.

 

INT. PEGGY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Duane sits at the kitchen table, wearing only his underwear, sipping a beer.

 

Peggy enters in her robe.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

A nickel for your thoughts.

 

DUANE HANSEN

A nickel?

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Inflation.

 

Duane doesn't reply.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Let me put it this way.  Are you feeling any better?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I think so.  Thanks.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

That sounds like you used me.

 

Silence again.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

That's all right.  I used you, too.  Are you spending the night?  It's fine if you do, I mean.

 

DUANE HANSEN

No.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

There's something more going on here, isn't there?  It's not just the kidnapping.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I had a visitor.  She's been involved with one of the senator's aides.  That's who sent her the photos.  He wanted Jenner to drop out of the race so Jennifer could get a divorce, and they could live happily ever after.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

I'm so sorry.

 

DUANE HANSEN

She said she left something in my house.  She's been using me from the get-go.

 

Duane and Peggy exchange a look: they are on the same wave-length.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane and Peggy are taking the house apart, looking for whatever it is that Jennifer may have hidden there.

 

They begin in the living room.

 

They remove books from a shelf.

 

They open and go through drawers.

 

They look under seat cushions - but Duane does not notice that the seat cover of a chair can be removed.  This is where the envelope is hidden.

 

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

In the kitchen, they go through cabinets, the refrigerator, the stove.

 

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

They sit on the floor, sipping pop, exhausted.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

My back's killing me.

 

She gets up and goes to a chair.

 

She fetches the cushion from the floor and as she starts to put it down on the seat, she sees the zipper for the seat cover.

 

Then she feels something under the cover.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Duane . . .

 

She unzips the seat cover - and there is the manila envelope.

 

They exchange a glance of wonder.  They actually found it.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - HOME OFFICE - DAY

 

The senator, Cameron and Sheila have been meeting in Jenner's office.  The meeting is just breaking up.

 

SHEILA

I'll buzz you to verify the press conference.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Thanks, Sheila.

 

She leaves.  Cameron hangs behind.

 

CAMERON

How are you holding up?

 

SENATOR JENNER

This isn't easy by a long shot.  I like knowing what's going to happen next. I wish they'd call and let me know what they want.

 

CAMERON

Uncertainty is the great mind killer.

 

Jenner walks him to the office door.

 

The housekeeper appears.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

We've lost all our water.  Should I call a plumber?

 

SENATOR JENNER

I hope you don't expect me to fix it.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

No, senator.

 

She scurries off.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane's van pulls into the circular driveway.

 

Duane gets out, dressed in cover-alls and carrying a tool box.

 

He walks to the front door.

 

INT. SENATOR JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

The housekeeper lets Duane in.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

I didn't expect you so soon.

 

DUANE HANSEN

The central office phoned me.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

Weren't you here before?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I cover this area.  The first thing I need to do is inspect all the water outlets.  Do you mind if I look around?

 

HOUSEKEEPER

Help yourself.

 

She goes off, leaving Duane alone.

 

He glances around, wondering where to start.

 

INT. SENATOR JENNER'S OFFICE - DAY

 

The senator is working at his desk when the door cracks open.  Duane looks in.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Yes?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm the plumber.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Well, there's no plumbing in here.  How long is this going to take?  I can't even flush the toilet.

 

Duane steps into the office.

 

DUANE HANSEN

That depends on how cooperative you are.

 

Jenner stands up, recognizing Duane for the first time.

 

SENATOR JENNER

You have nerve coming here. Or are you the one who kidnapped her?

 

DUANE HANSEN

You and I are going to take a little ride.

 

The senator reaches for the phone on the desk.

 

Duane takes a pistol out of his cover-alls' pocket.

 

EXT. SENATOR JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

The senator comes outside, followed by Duane.

 

The gardener is working near the house.

 

GARDENER

Good morning, senator.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Good morning.

 

The gardener is shocked to see the senator get into the plumbing van.

 

Duane pulls around the circular driveway into the street.

 

The housekeeper comes onto the porch.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

What on earth is he doing?

 

GARDENER

Don't ask me.

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

Duane drives with his right hand, the pistol in his left.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Where are we going?

 

Peggy appears from the back part of the van.  She hands the senator the manila envelope.

 

SENATOR JENNER

What's this?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Open it.

 

The senator opens the envelope and slips out the document.

 

He is shocked to see the TOP SECRET stamp, then to understand it is a sensitive document from his own office.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Where did you get this?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Your wife gave it to me.

 

INT. WASHINGTON D.C. - PARK - DAY

 

Duane, Peggy and the senator sit at a picnic table in a park.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I just can't believe she'd get involved in something like this.  She's not even political.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Maybe that's why she can.  Maybe stealing secrets doesn't seem as wrong if you're not political.

 

DUANE HANSEN

What are you going to do?

 

SENATOR JENNER

Obviously the kidnapping must be connected to this.  Whoever it was expected to get the report.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Makes sense to me.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Well, I have to tell the committee.  Or aren't I free to go?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I want to ask you a few questions first.  About your marriage.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Of course.  You're in love with her, aren't you?

 

DUANE HANSEN

She's involved with someone else.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Who?

 

Duane hesitates before replying.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I don't know.  I just know it's true.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Duane?  Are you sure you want to do this?

 

Duane and Peggy look at one another.  Peggy is silently pleading with him not to go on.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'll give you a ride home.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Take me to the Senate.

 

EXT. SENATE BUILDING - DAY

 

The van drops off the senator and pulls away.

 

Outside the building are the Morrisons: Brad and his parents, Greg and Alice.  They have "tourists" written all over them.

 

Greg stops to take a photo of the Senate Building.

 

Alice sees Sen. Jenner moving up the steps.

 

ALICE

Greg, that's him!

 

But by the time Greg puts down the camera to look, the senator has entered the building.

 

GREG

Where?

 

ALICE

He just went in.

 

INT. VAN - DAY

 

Duane and Peggy drive in silence.

 

FINALLY:

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Is there anything constructive we can do here?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Not that I know of.  Let's get the hell home.  Fuck this town.  Fuck politicians.

 

INT. D.C. APARTMENT - DAY

 

Jennifer is pacing the floor of a small apartment.

 

For the hundredth time, she goes to the door, grabs the handle and pulls.  It's still locked.

 

She bangs on the door and shouts.

 

JENNIFER

Hello?  Is anyone out there?

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S OFFICE - DAY

 

The senator moves quickly past his secretary into his office.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I need to talk to Cameron and Sheila as soon as possible.

 

HELEN

Sheila's been trying to reach you most of the morning.  I haven't seen Cameron today.

 

In his office, the senator gets on the phone.

 

Into the reception area come the Morrisons.

 

HELEN

May I help you?

 

GREG

I wonder if we could have a moment with the senator.

 

HELEN

I'm afraid he's very busy.

 

ALICE

Could we make an appointment for tomorrow then?

 

HELEN

I'm sorry.  I'd be happy to make you an appointment with one of his aides.

 

Greg and Alice exchange a glance.

 

GREG

No thank you.

 

They turn and go.

 

INT. SENATE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

 

The Morrisons are walking to the elevator.

 

GREG

There must be a better way to do this.

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Sheila is looking for a parking place on a D.C. street.

 

INT. MERCEDES - DAY

 

Following her are the two Slavic men.  Man #1 is driving.

 

MAN #2

If she's lying, maybe she got better price.

 

MAN #1

Anything's possible.

 

MAN #2

I don't see the First Lady lying.  I believe she knows nothing about it, like she says.

 

MAN #1

That's because you're sentimental. "How can the First Lady be a liar?  This is America."

 

MAN #2

I live here now.  I like to believe something can be good.

 

MAN #1

"You live here."  For how long?

 

MAN #2

How can I go home?  You think Communists can win again?

 

MAN #1

I think free market is making big mess over there.  People are still hungry.  I think nothing is settled yet.

 

EXT. D.C. STREET - DAY

 

Finally Sheila finds a parking place.  She prepares to back into it.

 

INT. BISTRO - DAY

 

Sheila joins the senator at a table in a classy bistro.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Thanks for coming so quickly.

 

SHEILA

Senator, you only call meetings out of your office when you're worried about something.  Is Cameron on his way?

 

SENATOR JENNER

I can't find him.  I discovered something today that I can't believe happened.  It may force me to drop out of the race.

 

SHEILA

My God.  What is it?

 

SENATOR JENNER

My wife has been removing classified documents from my office.  I assume she's selling them to someone.

 

Sheila is able to hide her surprise and concern by feigning a different kind of shock.

 

SHEILA

Jennifer?  A spy?  Are you sure?

 

SENATOR JENNER

I want to know if there's anything I can do to remain a candidate.

 

EXT. D.C. APARTMENT - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Cameron approaches the apartment where Jennifer is held captive.

 

He knocks on the door.

 

INT. D.C. APARTMENT - DAY

 

Jennifer is napping on the couch.

 

Another knock on the door.

 

EXT. D.C. APARTMENT - DAY

 

Cameron tries one more time.  He knocks louder.

 

INT. D.C. APARTMENT - DAY

 

Jennifer stirs and hears the knock.

 

Like a rocket, she is off the couch and to the door.

 

JENNIFER

Help me!  I'm being held in here against my will!  Please help me!

 

EXT./INT. D.C. APARTMENT - DAY

 

CAMERON

Jennifer?

 

JENNIFER

Cameron!

 

CAMERON

I'll get the manager.

 

EXT. BISTRO - DAY

 

The senator and Sheila come out.

 

They speak a moment, then move off in opposite directions.

 

From a doorway, Man #2 steps out and intercepts Sheila as she walks down the sidewalk.

 

The Mercedes stops at the curb, and Man #2 escorts Sheila to the back door, then gets in front.

 

The Mercedes drives off.

 

INT. SEDAN - DAY

 

Cameron is driving, Jennifer is in the passenger seat beside him.

 

CAMERON

I can't believe they'd pull a stunt like this.

 

JENNIFER

Who are they?

 

CAMERON

A couple of immigrants who work for me occasionally.  They must've been hired by someone else.

 

JENNIFER

They thought I had a secret document.

 

CAMERON

Really?

 

JENNIFER

And I do.  I got it by mistake.  Sheila had it.  Cameron, I think she's been stealing classified information.

 

CAMERON

And you have a document?

 

JENNIFER

I hid it in Fieldsdale.

 

EXT. APARTMENT - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Man #1 is unlocking the apartment door.  Man #2 and Sheila wait behind.

 

INT. APARTMENT - DAY

 

The door opens, and Man #1 leads the way in.

 

MAN #1

She must be in bathroom.

 

Seeing that Jennifer is not in the room, he moves quickly to the bathroom.

 

Man #2 shoves Sheila onto the couch.

 

Man #1 comes back.

 

MAN #1

She's gone.  You still believe her now?

 

SHEILA

Believe her about what?

 

MAN #1

She says she knows nothing about secret document.

 

SHEILA

She's lying!  She told me she had it.

 

EXT. FIELDSDALE - TOWN LIMITS - EVENING

 

Cameron's sedan enters Fieldsdale.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - EVENING

 

Duane has been working on the van in the driveway.  Now he is vacuuming out the inside.

 

The sedan pulls in behind the van.

 

Duane, absorbed in his work, doesn't notice at first.

 

Cameron and Jennifer get out.

 

Peggy comes out onto the porch.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Duane?

 

Now Duane looks up from his work - and sees the others.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Peggy, phone the police.

(to Jennifer)

We found it.  I gave it to your husband.

 

Peggy has gone back inside.

 

JENNIFER

Oh, my God.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'm surprised you haven't been arrested.  Or are you a fugitive?

 

JENNIFER

I didn't take it!  His press secretary did.

(to Cameron)

Do something.

 

Cameron races into the house, followed by Duane, who is followed by Jennifer.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - EVENING

 

Peggy is on the phone when Cameron comes up and pulls out the chord.

 

CAMERON

I think we all need to talk before any police get involved.  Classified information is involved here.

 

JENNIFER

(to Duane)

How can you believe I did something like that?

 

Doubt already fills Duane's expression.  Peggy is upset to see it.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Not here.  I want a neutral party, someone who can look at this from a distance.

 

INT. PROF. WELLWORTH'S HOUSE - COFFEE BAR - EVENING

 

Everyone sits along the coffee bar.  Jennifer has been telling her story.

 

JENNIFER

I was panicked.  I just wanted to get rid of it until I thought about what to do.  I thought Russell might be involved.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

How do you know he isn't?

 

Jennifer can't answer.

 

JENNIFER

I don't.

 

CAMERON

I can't see it.  He's running for President, for Christ's sake.

 

DUANE HANSEN

How interesting you come to his defense.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Why do you say that, Duane?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Cameron's been having an affair with Jennifer.  He sent her the photos of Tommy.

 

Cameron looks away.

 

Jennifer is shocked to learn this.

 

JENNIFER

Why?

 

CAMERON

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.  Look, it was the same two creeps involved, taking the photos, but I knew nothing about the kidnapping.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Creeps?

 

CAMERON

A couple of immigrants, ex-KGB operatives, they have their hands in everything, as long as there's a buck in it for them.  There's always a market for anything classified.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Something from the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.  Who would buy such a document?

 

Silence.

 

CAMERON

If the document has anything to do with the hearings, it could contain important information about the location and status of plutonium in the former Soviet Union.  That would be valuable to any number of countries.  Iran, others in the Middle East.  North Korea, China.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The Mercedes pulls into the driveway.  Man #1 gets out and goes to the door.

 

INT. MERCEDES - NIGHT

 

Man #2 and Sheila wait, Sheila in the back seat.  Both are apprehensive.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - PORCH - NIGHT

 

Man #1 rings the doorbell.  Again.

 

He knocks on the door.  Louder, again.

 

He peeks into a window.

 

He makes a gesture to the Mercedes.

 

He takes out a tool from a pocket, bends down, and starts picking the lock.

 

INT. DUANE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

The door opens.

 

Man #1, Man #2 and Sheila enter.

 

SHEILA

It may not even be here.

 

MAN #1

For your sake, I hope it is.

 

They start combing the house for the secret document.

 

INT. COFFEE BAR - NIGHT

 

The "professor" has heard all the stories and is making his assessment.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

Unless he's involved himself, the senator must think you did it, Jennifer.  Your only proof you didn't, since you did hide the document, is Sheila.  Cameron, why'd you go to the apartment when you did?

 

CAMERON

Something felt wrong.  I couldn't figure out the kidnapping.  If someone hadn't hired them to do it, they might know who was involved.  The criminal element seeks its own.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

The senator has the document back.  A lot depends on what he did with it.

 

CAMERON

That may have transpired today.  I suppose it's time to go back and find out.

 

JENNIFER

I want to leave knowing you believe I didn't do this.

 

The question is addressed to everyone around the coffee bar.

 

PROF. WELLWORTH

I don't think you'd be here if you were guilty, Jennifer.

 

JENNIFER

Thank you, professor.

 

She turns to Duane.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I can't imagine living in a city like Washington.

 

JENNIFER

Do you believe me?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Yes.

 

Jennifer smiles.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

I reserve judgment.

 

The two women glare at one another.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

Duane and Peggy are driving back to Duane's.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You're not thinking straight.  You're jealous.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Well, you're half right.

 

Duane lets this pass.

 

DUANE HANSEN

We'll know the truth soon enough.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Approaching the house, Duane sees the Mercedes in the driveway.

 

He pulls to the curb.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Who is it?

 

DUANE HANSEN

There's no car like that in town.  And they're a dime a dozen in D.C.  Go to the corner, tell Jack I sent you, and phone the police.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

They both get out.

 

Peggy hurries to the corner.

 

Duane carefully moves to the house.  He avoids the front, moving along the driveway to the side of the house, and then to the back.

 

He looks into a back window.  Nothing.

 

He carefully opens the back door.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane comes in and moves slowly to the kitchen, which is dark.

 

He goes to a drawer and carefully opens it.  He takes out a knife.

 

He goes through the kitchen.  Lights are on in the living room ahead.

 

In the living room, the men and Sheila have created a disaster area, looking for the document.

 

SHEILA

We have to find her.

 

MAN #1

Tell me about it.

 

The lights in the living room go out, as the threesome leaves.

 

Duane enters the dark room.  He goes to the front window.

 

He watches them get into the Mercedes.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The Mercedes backs up and speeds off down the street.

 

Duane comes out onto the porch.

 

He walks to the sidewalk.

 

The Mercedes turns a corner and is gone.

 

Peggy comes out of the corner house and approaches. Duane meets her halfway.

 

DUANE HANSEN

They were looking for it.  The senator may not have done anything yet.  Maybe for a reason.  I'm going to Washington.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Why?

 

DUANE HANSEN

If he's in on it, Jennifer will be in trouble.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

She might be in on it herself.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I refuse to believe that.

 

He turns and hurries back to his van.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

(after him)

They might be in on it together!

 

Peggy watches him go, helpless to do anything about it.

 

EXT. INTERSTATE - NIGHT

 

The van is on the Interstate, heading for Washington D.C.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

Duane looks resolved, going forward with a purpose.  No suggestion of doubting Jennifer now.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - STREET - NIGHT

 

The sedan has reached D.C.

 

INT. SEDAN - NIGHT

 

JENNIFER

I won't feel safe going home tonight.  Let me off.

 

CAMERON

You're worried he's involved?

 

JENNIFER

I'll feel better getting a room.  I'll call a cab.

 

CAMERON

I'll take you wherever you want to go.

 

JENNIFER

I'm past trusting anybody, Cameron.  Especially you.

 

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

 

The sedan pulls over in front of a parked cab, and Jennifer gets out.

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT

 

Jennifer enters the cab.

 

JENNIFER

That sedan is going to follow us.  Get rid of him.  Then take me to the Ambassador.  Veto that.  To the Holiday Inn.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane's van pulls into the circular driveway.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

The housekeeper opens the door, and Duane moves around her to enter.

 

HOUSEKEEPER

I beg your pardon!

 

Duane knows where the senator's office is, and he heads for it.

 

The housekeeper hurries off to call the senator on the intercom.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S OFFICE - NIGHT

 

The senator is working when the phone rings.  He answers.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Hello? . . . Don't worry, Malina, I'll take care of it.

 

The senator gets up and goes to a liquor cabinet.

 

He brings a bottle of brandy and two glasses back.

 

He has just finished pouring when Duane walks in.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Jennifer says she's innocent.  Your press secretary took the document.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Sheila?  I don't believe it.  Where is Jennifer?

 

DUANE HANSEN

The question is, Where is Sheila?

 

The senator hands Duane a glass of brandy.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Have you reported it yet?

 

SENATOR JENNER

I'm stalling.  I want to find a way to remain in the race.

 

INT. HOLIDAY INN - CHECK IN COUNTER - NIGHT

 

Jennifer checks into the Holiday Inn.

 

INT. HOLIDAY INN - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Jennifer is dialing a number on the room's telephone.

 

INT. SEN. JENNER'S OFFICE - NIGHT

 

SENATOR JENNER

If you're right, if it's Sheila, it would be less damaging to me.  She used to have a drug problem.  Maybe she does again.

 

The telephone rings.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Excuse me.

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

SENATOR JENNER

Hello?

 

JENNIFER

It's Jennifer.  I didn't do it, Russell.  It was Sheila.

 

The senator doesn't respond.

 

JENNIFER

Are you free to talk?

 

SENATOR JENNER

As a matter of fact, no.

 

JENNIFER

Can we meet somewhere?

 

SENATOR JENNER

That would work.

 

JENNIFER

The bar at the Holiday Inn?

 

SENATOR JENNER

Fine.

 

He hangs up.

 

SENATOR JENNER

I'm sorry.  Something's come up.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane comes out and gets in the van.  He pulls around the circular driveway onto the street.

 

He drives a block and does a U-turn.

 

He parks where he can get a view of the senator's house.

 

The limo comes and pulls into the driveway.

 

The senator comes out and gets into the limo.

 

After the limo pulls away, the van starts up and follows, keeping a block between them.

 

EXT. HOLIDAY INN - NIGHT

 

The limo pulls in front of the Holiday Inn and the senator gets out.

 

INT. VAN - NIGHT

 

Duane slows down.  He sees the senator enter the door to the cocktail lounge.

 

INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

 

Sen. Jenner enters and looks around.  He finds Jennifer and joins her at a table.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Are you all right?

 

JENNIFER

Yes.  Thanks for asking.

 

SENATOR JENNER

What a mess we have on our hands.

 

JENNIFER

Have you reported the document as missing?

 

SENATOR JENNER

Not yet.  I've been looking for damage control.

 

JENNIFER

I have an idea that will keep you in the race.

 

SENATOR JENNER

And what's the price tag?

 

JENNIFER

My freedom.  We'll stay married, of course.  The kidnapping was so traumatic I need to go away for a while.  To Europe.

 

SENATOR JENNER

We might be able to work in that direction.

 

Duane comes into the bar and sees the senator and Jennifer before they see him.

 

Confused, he moves out of sight, to the end of the bar.

 

He orders a beer and continues to watch them, though he can't hear what they are saying.

 

SENATOR JENNER

For someone who isn't political, you have very creative ideas.  Maybe you missed your calling.

 

JENNIFER

I've never been able to figure out what my calling is.

 

Duane sips the beer, watching.

 

Suddenly the senator stands up and leaves.  He walks out the exit.

 

Jennifer is alone at the table.

 

Duane picks up his beer and walks to her.

 

He sits down.

 

JENNIFER

How long have you been here?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Long enough to get curious.

 

JENNIFER

I'm glad you came.  It saves me a phone call.  I'm doing something to help Russell get out of this mess.  He may be able to stay in the race, after all.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Doing what?

 

JENNIFER

You'll find out soon enough.  I have a room.  It's more private than here.

 

Duane considers this.

 

JENNIFER

They'll be charges against his press secretary tomorrow.  Russell's agreed to a separation.  We're going to pretend I was traumatized by the kidnapping and need care in a sanitarium.  But I'll finally be free.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You'll leave Washington?

 

JENNIFER

Of course.  I hate it here.  I think I'd like to find some place to rest near Fieldsdale.

 

INT. HOLIDAY INN - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Duane and Jennifer are making love.

 

INT. ROOM - DAY

 

Early the next morning, Duane and Jennifer are getting dressed.

 

JENNIFER

The press conference is at nine.  I can be to your place by two.  Make me a late lunch?

 

DUANE HANSEN

You've got a deal.

 

JENNIFER

I have some phone calls to make.  I don't want you to hear them.  If something goes wrong, and you're ever asked about it, you won't have to lie because you won't know.

 

They kiss, and Jennifer shows him the door.

 

As soon as Duane is gone, Jennifer picks up the phone with a sense of urgency.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane's van 0is parked in the driveway.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Duane is busy with preparations for a gourmet meal.  Soft jazz plays on the radio.

 

The phone in the living room starts ringing.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Duane answers the phone.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Hello? . . . Thanks, Peggy, I will.

 

He hangs up and picks up the remote.

 

He turns on the TV.

 

INT. HOTEL - PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY

 

The senator and Jennifer are behind a podium.  Flash bulbs are flashing.

 

SENATOR JENNER

The ransom I paid for her safety is much more than I can affaord, but that's irrelevant.  My wife is home where she belongs.

 

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Duane is watching the Special News Report.

 

SENATOR JENNER

(on TV)

Most of all, Jennifer needs peace and quiet.  She'll be finding that right away, and I know all of you will understand that her destination is not being released.

 

Duane clicks off the TV.

 

INT. HOTEL - PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY

 

Watching in the back at the press conference are the Morrisons.

 

Suddenly Brad moves away from his parents, starting for the front of the room.

 

ALICE

Brad!

 

Her husband takes her arm.

 

GREG

Let him do it his way.

 

Jennifer stands to one side as Jenner continues.

 

SENATOR JENNER

We will, of course, increase our efforts to bring these criminals to justice.  The money they have received is marked - let them try and spend it!

 

Brad stands near the front, at one side.  He is looking intently at Jennifer.

 

Jennifer sees him staring at her.  Something about him triggers a memory, but she can't quite place it.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Now I have less happy news to relate.  Later this afternoon, I'll return here with details.  By then, I expect appropriate arrests will have been made.  I'll be taking no questions until then.  Thank you for your attention.

 

Reporters immediately start shouting questions, some rising to their feet.

 

Brad uses the moment to move quickly to Jennifer.

 

BRAD

I think I'm your son.

 

In the noise, Jennifer hasn't understood him.

 

JENNIFER

What?

 

BRAD

I'm your son.

 

The senator has taken her arm and is moving her back to the exit.  Jennifer turns, looking at Brad.

 

BRAD

I'm your son!

 

Jennifer's expression shows she finally understands.  She pulls away from her husband.

 

JENNIFER

Just a minute.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Jennifer?

 

She moves quickly to Brad.

 

JENNIFER

Brad?

 

BRAD

Yes.

 

They embrace.

 

JENNIFER

Are your parents here?

 

BRAD

In back.

 

JENNIFER

Meet me in the restaurant.  Can you all do that?

 

BRAD

Sure.

 

JENNIFER

Give me about an hour.  I'm so happy to meet you.

 

She turns and goes.  Brad has tears in his eyes.

 

INT. HOTEL - RESTUARANT - DAY

 

The Morrisons have a table.  They look impatient.

 

GREG

She wouldn't make an appointment just to break it.

 

EXT. SEN. JENNER'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Jennifer comes out, carrying a large suitcase.  She walks to her BMW and puts the suitcase in the trunk.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

 

In the kitchen, Duane continues preparing what is turning out to be a labor-intensive gourmet meal.

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - STREET - DAY

 

Jennifer's BMW parks.

 

INT. D.C. APARTMENT - DAY

 

Man #1 opens the door.

 

Jennifer comes in from the hallway.

 

JENNIFER

Do you have it?

 

MAN #1

I ask you same question.

 

Jennifer takes a stack of manila envelopes out of her purse.

 

MAN #1

And you have this all along?

 

JENNIFER

No questions.

 

MAN #1

I need to see if quality is good.

 

JENNIFER

I didn't take time to make copies.  These are all originals.  Now do you want them or not?

 

Man #2 comes forward with a briefcase.

 

Man #1 takes it and offers it to Jennifer.

 

JENNIFER

Open it.

 

Man #1 does.  It's a whole lot of money.

 

Man #1 closes the briefcase, and Jennifer takes it.  She hands over the manila envelopes.

 

Man #1 looks in the top envelope.  He smiles.

 

MAN #1

So nice to do business with you.

 

INT. HOTEL - RESTAURANT - DAY

 

The Morrisons are on their feet, about to leave, when the WAITER comes up.

 

WAITER

Are you Brad Morrison?

 

BRAD

Yes.

 

WAITER

Mrs. Jenner just called.  She's very sorry, but she can't keep her appointment.  She told me to give you this.

 

He hands Brad a folded slip of paper.

 

As the waiter leaves, Brad unfolds it.

 

GREG

What is it, son?

 

Brad reads.

 

BRAD

It's the name and address of my birth father.  She says he really wants to meet me.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY

 

Duane sits at the end of a formally decorated table.  He looks at his watch.

 

He lets out a deep breath.  Say it isn't true.

 

INT. AIRPORT - DAY

 

Jennifer is in line to board a plane.

 

She has her ticket checked.

 

EXT. AIRPORT - DAY

 

A jet takes off.

 

INT. JET - DAY

 

Jennifer undoes her seat belt.

 

She is seated next to a YOUNG WOMAN, 20s.

 

YOUNG WOMAN

I'm so excited. I've never been to Paris before.

 

JENNIFER

I have, many times.  You'll love it.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane and Peggy are watching TV.  They sit at opposite ends of the divan.

 

On TV, Sheila is pictured in handcuffs, being led to a police car.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - LATER - NIGHT

 

Duane is stretched out, his head in Peggy's lap.  She is stroking his hair.

 

The phone rings.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

Want me to get it?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I'll do it.

 

He rolls off and onto his feet and hurries to the phone.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Hello?

 

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

Sen.  Jenner is phoning from his office.  Cameron sits across the desk.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Is Jennifer there?

 

DUANE HANSEN

No.  Why?

 

SENATOR JENNER

Then she's disappeared.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I don't think I'm surprised.

 

SENATOR JENNER

Do you know something you're not telling me?

 

DUANE HANSEN

I don't think so.

 

SENATOR JENNER

The original to the document is gone.  And some other documents as well.

 

DUANE HANSEN

I don't know what to tell you.

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Duane hangs up.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

What is it?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Jennifer's gone.  And so are some more documents.

 

Peggy can't help but show her satisfaction.

 

DUANE HANSEN

Go ahead. You're dying to say I told you so.

 

PEGGY SOMMERS

I'm not going to say something that hurts you.

 

Duane stretches back out on the divan.

 

Peggy strokes his hair.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane is mowing the lawn.

 

A car passes the house and slows down.  Then it pulls to the curb and parks.

 

The Morrisons get out.

 

Greg and Alice wait behind while Greg walks to Duane.

 

Duane sees him and stops mowing.  He turns off the engine.

 

DUANE HANSEN

You look just like your picture.

 

GREG

You have a picture of me?

 

DUANE HANSEN

Yes, I do.  You folks want to come in?

 

INT. DUANE'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY

 

The Morrisons and Duane sit around a festive table, having lunch.

 

Brad sits next to Duane.  They obviously are enjoying one another's company.

 

During this scene, and the one below, we hear:

 

JENNIFER

(V.O.)

Dear Duane.  I won't try to explain why I did what I did and, of course, I can't tell you where I am.  But I think I've found my little slice of paradise after all these years.  It's too bad I had to become a criminal to find it.  The hardest part was leaving Brad, after I knew he wanted to see me, but I know you will be everything to him that I can't be.  I'm still chasing a dream from high school, I guess.  But like I said, I think I may have found it.  I hope you find your dream, too, Duane.  I really mean that.  We just were never right for each other, is all.  We want different things from life.  I wish you could write to let me know about Brad but, of course, that's not possible because I can't trust that you'd keep my address a secret.  Actually it's easier to go into hiding than I ever thought.  Like they say, money can buy anything.  Take care of yourself.  Warmly, Jennifer.

 

EXT. DUANE'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Duane and Brad are in an embrace, as the Morrisons get into their car.

 

Duane shakes hands with Greg and gives Alice a hug.

 

Then they get into their car.

 

Greg starts the engine.

 

Everyone waves goodbye.

 

Duane watches them go.

 

After the car is out of sight, he walks to the lawn mower.

 

He starts the engine.

 

He gets back to mowing the lawn and the chores of the day.

 

A smile lights up his face.

 

FADE OUT