The Park, Part 2

THE PARK, Part 2

Prologue:

The Detectives have just finished a particularly harrowing night of surveillance in Central Park. Three men have perpetrated a series of violent attacks (rape) on female joggers in the park,. The 14th was participating in a collaborative effort to catch these men, using an undercover female officer (a uniform) as "bait". Unexpectedly, the men attacked Chris Cagney instead who managed to escape any permanent damage when her colleagues came to her aid. This has her very shaken and she's unable to keep up her "strong and silent routine" in front of Mary Beth. All three of the suspects have been apprehended.

ACT I

INTERIOR - "Jane"/14th Precinct (11:00 PM)

(Mary Beth has Chris in a comforting embrace after an uncharacteristically emotional outburst from Christine following the attack. Of course, Chris is the first to let go - actually pushing away. She's trying very hard to get hold of herself. She hates anyone, even her partner, seeing her this way. Still sniffling a little, she smiles weakly at Mary Beth, turns to the sink and quickly splashes more water on her face, grabbing paper towels to dry off.)

CAGNEY

Let's get the reports done and get out of here.

(Mary Beth hates it when Chris does this. Turns off her emotions so abruptly. She was almost relieved to see her release some of it when she first came into the Jane. Now she's facing the "tough Detective" again and Mary Beth feels it's too soon for that side of her partner to resurface. Why was acknowledging her feelings so hard for Chris? She knew her partner viewed it as a sign of weakness but couldn't understand why. It wasn't good for either of them.)

LACEY

Chris. We can take some more time here. Give yourself a few minutes before you go back out there.

CAGNEY

I don't need a few more minutes, Mary Beth. I'll be fine.

(Before Lacey can say anything more, Cagney's out the door. After a beat, Lacey walks out of the Jane slamming the door behind her. Cagney's already at her desk, preparing to type up a report. Lacey's angry but knows better than to push Cagney right now. They work in silence for several minutes. Cagney jerks the form out of her manual typewriter.)

CAGNEY

Dammit! I've made so many mistakes on this thing….and now I'm out of Liquid Paper. You got any?

(Lacey rummages through her desk drawer and comes up with a bottle, handing it to Cagney.)

Thank you

(They both continue working and are finishing up at the same time. It's approaching midnight when Samuels steps out of his office.)

SAMUELS

Cagney, Lacey, come see me before you leave.

LACEY

Yes, sir.

CAGNEY

What does he want now?

(Lacey shrugs. They straighten their desks and stand. Isbecki approaches them.)

ISBECKI

Me and some of the guys are going to Flannery's when we leave here. Want to come?

LACEY

It's after midnight, Victor.

ISBECKI

(checks watch) Flannery's is open for another couple of hours. Come with us.

CAGNEY

(Looks at Lacey) Actually, I could use a drink, Mary Beth. How about you?

LACEY

(She just wants to get home to her family and her bed but would feel guilty about leaving Chris right now. Grudgingly)

Just ONE.

CAGNEY

Promise.

ISBECKI

(smiling) Good. See ya there.

(He leaves and they head for Samuels' office. The door's open but Lacey knocks anyway.)

SAMUELS

(Smiles when he sees them.) Come in, come in. Have a seat.

(Cagney's doesn't want to sit - she wants to get out of there and over to Flannery's - but she sits anyway.)

I just wanted to say what an excellent job you two did tonight. It always surprises me how well you handle yourselves in tough situations. And that was a close one tonight, Cagney - you okay?

CAGNEY

(She hates being the object of someone's concern - singled out - and this case, in particular, stresses the danger of being a woman on the force. Trying to blow it off)

I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?

(Lacey looks at the floor, closes her eyes - here we go again. Samuels stares at Cagney for a second, unsure of what to say)

SAMUELS

(a little flustered) Of course, you're fine. You're one of the toughest Detectives I've got. …. (turns his attention to Lacey to get off the subject) You, too, Lacey. Always so calm, level-headed. You two are gonna go far in this department. I'm proud to have the both of you under my command.

(Both smile, appreciating the sincerity of his words. Normally Cagney would beam at this acknowledgment of their hard work, but she's wiped out. So is Lacey)

LACEY

We're proud to serve under you, Sir.

CAGNEY

Thank you, Lieutenant.

(Samuels smiles at them and then)

SAMUELS

Go home, get some rest. Catch a couple extra hours sleep in the morning - you've earned it. I don't want to see either of you around here before ten.

LACEY

(Happy about this) Thank YOU, Sir.

(They head over to the sign-out board.)

CAGNEY

Nice to hear something positive come out of his mouth for a change.

LACEY

He's not that bad, Chris. Be grateful for the recognition.

CAGNEY

I'll be even more grateful if it means he'll quit riding us all the time.

LACEY

It's been hard on the old timers - having women work alongside them on the streets. It's taken a lot of getting used to. But we're making progress.

CAGNEY

Slow as it may be.

LACEY

(shrugs) Progress is progress.

(They leave for "Flannery's".)

CUT TO:

INTERIOR "Flannery's" (a "cop bar" where business thrives on the regulars.)

(Isbecki, Petrie and assorted detectives (all male) from two neighboring precincts have taken over the place. Not hard to do past midnight during the workweek. Some are at tables, some shooting pool. Petrie and Isbecki are standing at the bar with Cameron and Gianelli from the 12th. When the ladies walk in, some of the men cheer Chris - "Way to go, Cagney!", raising their beers, etc. She looks a little uncomfortable with it.)

LACEY

Guess you're a hero?

CAGNEY

(smiles at Lacey) Reluctant, to say the least

ISBECKI

(Smiling, waving them over. He's obviously already had a couple)

Over here girls. This round's on me.

LACEY

One round and I'm outta here. I'm beat.

CAGNEY

Just one to unwind. I promise, Mary Beth.

(Lacey nods.)

(Victor's getting the drinks. Petrie moves closer to stand by them.)

PETRIE

How are you doing, Chris?

CAGNEY

(forcing a smile) Great, Petrie - I'm just great.

(Petrie looks a little concerned.)

PETRIE

You sure? (finding the words) … You took a couple of pretty good knocks out there.

CAGNEY

(perfecting bravado) Nothing I couldn't handle

(Lacey and Petrie lock eyes over Chris' shoulder - knowing there's more to this. They don't speak, just listen to the music for a few minutes)

CAGNEY

Where's Victor? (under her breath) I need a drink.

ISBECKI

(coming up behind Cagney and reaching around her to set her scotch on the bar - she jumps, still on edge)

(a little too loud) Right here. Drink up.

(Isbecki downs half his beer in a couple of gulps, burps, smiles and wipes the foam from his lips.)

CAGNEY

Pig.

ISBECKI

I am an officer and a gentleman. (mockingly bows to her)

(Petrie and Lacey smile at this exchange.)

CAGNEY

Right

ISBECKI

Hey, I gave you the shirt off my back didn't I?

(Cagney had almost forgotten she was wearing his shirt after hers was torn beyond repair in the attack. He sets his drink down and moves in close, lightly holding the collar of the shirt with both hands, smiling lasciviously)

Looks pretty cute on you, too.

(Cagney can't stand this "intimacy" right now - whether it's meant as a joke or not - and lashes out suddenly pushing both of Victor's hands away, accidentally splashing her drink across the bar.)

ISBECKI

Hey!

LACEY

Chris!

(She backs away from him surprised by her own actions. She turns to Mary Beth.)

CAGNEY

Let's get out of here, Mary Beth. I guess I'm not in the mood, after all.

(Lacey senses how disturbed her partner is)

LACEY

Fine with me. I should have been in bed two hours ago.

ISBECKI

Cagney, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything.

CAGNEY

It's all right, Victor. I'm just tired (looks down and fingers the shirt) I'll get this back to you tomorrow.

ISBECKI

No rush.

(Cagney nods.)

LACEY

Thanks for the drink, Victor. 'Night.

(Isbecki and Petrie both say good night and watch as the women leave. Victor turns to Marcus.)

ISBECKI

I don't think I'll ever understand women.

(Petrie , sipping his drink, just looks at him.)

CUT TO:

EXT. Flannery's

(Cagney's hailing a cab. As she gets in)

LACEY

You gonna be okay?

CAGNEY

(snaps) I'd be just fine if everyone would stop asking me that! (instantly regrets the outburst) I'm sorry, Mary Beth. I just need some rest. I'll be good as new tomorrow. I promise.

LACEY

(smiles) 'Night, Partner.

(She shuts the door of the cab and watches as the cab pulls away.)

FADE

ACT II

(Mid-morning at the 14th. Cagney's already been there for some time - she's filing when Lacey walks in.)

LACEY

You got here early? After Samuels gave us time to sleep in?

CAGNEY

Thought I'd get a head start. I finished the DD5s.

LACEY

FINISHED them? And now you're filing? What time did you get here anyway?

CAGNEY

I don't know. A while ago.

(Lacey goes for the coffee pot and finds it near empty.)

LACEY

(Looks at Cagney, holding up the pot)

Long enough to drain this by yourself?

(Cagney shrugs)

CAGNEY

(Sets file folders on top of the cabinet and starts towards Lacey)

Here - I'll make some fresh.

LACEY

No, I've got it. Go back to your filing. Wear yourself out. I don't think I'm gonna be able to keep up with your pace today.

(Cagney turns and reaches for the files, accidentally knocks them to the floor scattering their contents)

CAGNEY

Shit!

LACEY

(puts down coffee pot and goes to help her pick up)

No more coffee for you.

CAGNEY

(grins) Guess I am a little wired

(Lacey looks at her more closely. Cagney doesn't like the inspection.)

What?

LACEY

Did you get any sleep at all last night, Chris?

CAGNEY

(shrugs) Not much. But don't start. I'm fine.

LACEY

Whatever you say

CAGNEY

Mary Beth

(Samuels has been out this morning, walks through the squad room doors and approaches their desks).

SAMUELS

(As he quickly walks past, looking grim) Come to my office, please.

(Cagney and Lacey look at each other for a beat and then follow.)

SAMUELS

Shut the door, Lacey.

(Lacey shuts it and then stands next to Cagney in front of the Lieutenant's desk.)

We've got a problem. There was another attack in the park early this morning - around 5:00 AM.

CAGNEY

What?!

SAMUELS

The woman was beaten and raped. She's traumatized but awake. She says there was only one assailant.

LACEY

So, this is unrelated?

SAMUELS

We're not certain about that, Lacey.

CAGNEY

Not certain? We got all three guys, Lieutenant. David Escobar and his friends were in jail - from midnight on.

SAMUELS

There may have been four of them. Remember what the first victim told the police? Her name's Gwen Walden. She said there were three, maybe four attackers. Never could make up her mind.

CAGNEY

She was traumatized

SAMUELS

Yes, but it leaves room for speculation.

CAGNEY

Not much.

SAMUELS

More than you might think, Cagney. The second victim, Carol Cooper was the most talkative immediately following the incident. She claimed that three men attacked her. I didn't know it until this morning, but Ms. Cooper contacted the police again, one week after her attack, and suggested that there may have been a fourth man. Not so much a participant in her attack - more like a spectator. She'd been having nightmares about it and thought it might just be her imagination. But she couldn't let it go, so she contacted the police. I think we didn't hear about it because their initial reaction was to discredit the information just as Ms. Cooper herself had done.

LACEY

And they're taking it seriously in light of this fourth attack? They think one man got away?

SAMUELS

You got it.

CAGNEY

(short laugh - shakes her head in disbelief) I saw them … up close and personal, Lieutenant. There were THREE men … and IF there was a fourth man, why aren't the three bastards we collared squealing on their "silent partner" by now? It doesn't make sense.

SAMUELS

I don't know, Cagney. Maybe no one's leaned on them hard enough. But it's the only lead we have on this morning's attack. The victim (looks at notes), Shannon Byers, couldn't see well enough to provide a strong physical description. That being the case, the two of you should expect to be questioned further about the events in the park last night. Like it or not, you're a witness Cagney. Lacey, you and Isbecki will most likely be re-interviewed as well. You two were first on the scene.

LACEY

Yes, sir.

CAGNEY

(agitated) Is there anything else, Lieutenant?

SAMUELS

(nods yes) I want the two of you to go over to the Times office and see Lynne Sutter. Talk her out of printing anything about this morning's assault in the paper's evening edition.

CAGNEY

Lynne Sutter's not going to listen to us

SAMUELS

You make her listen, Cagney. If this guy thinks he's not connected with the other rapes he's likely to feel more secure - act recklessly - and give us more opportunities to catch him.

LACEY

We understand that, Lieutenant. But why us? We're not on the best terms with Lynn

SAMUELS

(waves her comments off) NO one's on the best of terms with Lynne Sutter. Appeal to her as women. Use your charm. I don't care. Just talk her out of putting the story in tonight's edition.

LACEY

Yes, sir.

(Cagney's out of his office in a hurry with Lacey following.)

CAGNEY

"Appeal to her as women." "Use our charm."

LACEY

I don't like this any more than you do, Chris.

(They grab their purses and head out the squad room doors as they leave)

CAGNEY

I will not grovel.

LACEY

No one expects you to

CUT TO:

EXT. Street - some traffic but not terribly heavy as the Detective's car quickly changes lanes and is forced to stop abruptly behind a car that has pulled in just ahead of them. INT. car, Cagney's driving. She impatiently honks at the car in front of them.

LACEY

Would you take it easy? Or let ME drive?

CAGNEY

That jerk cut us off! What was I supposed to do?

LACEY

Slow down, maybe?

CAGNEY

(Sighs and tries to relax a little) Sorry

LACEY

Let's try and make it to Lynne's office in one piece, okay?

(Just then a call comes over the radio - a robbery is in progress at a nearby store and has just been reported by a civilian passing by. Cagney wastes no time in responding to the call, slams the bubble light on top of the car and takes off, tires squealing. Mary Beth covers her eyes when they narrowly avoid a collision with another car just before pulling in front of the store. They've barely come to a stop when Cagney hops out of the car, Mary Beth following. Peering in the front window they see an elderly woman on the floor bleeding from a wound to her abdomen. There's a terrified young girl near the open register - a very large man armed with a knife has just grabbed a large handful of money and is running toward the back of the store, knocking over displays as he goes.)

CAGNEY

(as she starts to run) I'm going around back!

LACEY

(Calling after her) Take it easy, Chris!

(Lacey would like to follow but knows she has to go through the front of the store instead. Inside, Lacey assesses the situation, kneeling momentarily by the wounded woman, and orders the hysterical girl to call 911 for paramedics. In the meantime, Cagney has run around the back of the building and is just to the steel back door when the robber throws it open, knocking her momentarily off balance. She struggles to maintain her footing and points her gun at him, yelling "FREEZE! POLICE!" It's too late as the man is right on her, knocking her against the brick wall and grabbing her wrist that's holding the gun. He slams her hand hard against the brick causing the gun to fall from her grasp. It goes off when it hits the ground, startling them both, the bullet lodging in the brick of the opposite building. The perp gives Cagney a last shove and tries to run away but she's right on his heels, lunging at his legs and taking him down. Lacey's heard the gunshot from inside and is struggling past the overturned merchandise trying to get to the back door. Outside, Cagney's clawing at the guy, trying to get on top of him but he's much larger and stronger. He turns over abruptly causing her to land hard on her back when she sees the knife in his hand. Lacey bursts through the back door just in time to see the man's arm move quickly - slashing Cagney near the shoulder - before he's up and running again. Cagney covers her wound with her hand and tries to get up, Lacey's past her yelling "Freeze!" and simultaneously fires a warning shot at the fleeing man's feet. He skids to a stop, hands in the air.)

LACEY

Drop the knife! (The man immediately complies). Now kick it away and get down on the ground! (He does what she says, slowly lowering himself to his knees. Lacey quickly glances back at Cagney who's sitting up half way, hand covering her wound.) You all right, Chris?!

CAGNEY

(not sounding too confident) Yeah

(Lacey's behind the kneeling man know, she knees him hard in the back.)

LACEY

Face down on the ground, you son-of-a-bitch!

(She's on top of him, cuffing him as they hear sirens approach. Two squad cars followed by an ambulance. As a uniformed officer approaches, Lacey acknowledges him and heads over to Cagney while the officer keeps an eye on the cuffed man. Cagney's slowly lifting her hand from the knife wound trying to get a better look at it when Lacey walks up.)

CAGNEY

(Looking up at Lacey) I'm okay.

LACEY

You're bleeding a lot for someone who's okay. (kneels next to her) Let me see… (she reaches for the collar of Cagney's sweater - Cagney grabs Lacey's hand to stop her - grimacing at the pain caused by the sudden movement)

CAGNEY

No! I'll do it… (She releases Lacey's hand, carefully pulls the collar out and slightly aside, wincing, Lacey looks closely) Bad?

LACEY

Ugh. I can't see for the blood. It can't be good. Press your hand against it. I'll get one of the paramedics.

(Lacey returns with an EMT carrying a medical bag. He's short, pudgy, middle-aged, almost completely bald with a friendly face. Cagney's rocking slightly with the pain.)

CAGNEY

(To the paramedic) How's the old woman?

PARAMEDIC

Not good. She's lost a lot of blood. (He's on the ground next to her, opening the bag - pulls out a small pad and lays it behind her) Lie back.

CAGNEY

You think she'll make it? (still sitting)

PARAMEDIC

(Intent on the job at hand he tries to guide her back; she lies down, wincing) I hope so. Let's take care of you right now, okay? (He gets out a pair of scissors and begins cutting the sweater from the collar and part of the way down the side of her arm.)

CAGNEY

Dammit, I liked this sweater.

LACEY

(Sitting next to Cagney) Hold still, Chris. (grins at her) We'll go shopping and buy you another one.

PARAMEDIC

(Wiping away blood and looking at the wound slightly below her collar bone.) I don't think she's going to feel like trying on sweaters any time soon. Or like firing a gun. This isn't pretty.

LACEY

How bad?

PARAMEDIC

Nothing several stitches won't fix. (Looks at Cagney) But you'll be sore, Detective. You'll probably be running the show from your desk for a while.

(Cagney rolls her eyes and shakes her head. The paramedic bandages the wound temporarily - until they can get to the hospital.)

PARAMEDIC

(When he's finished, Cagney gets up with Lacey's help) Wanna ride in the ambulance?

CAGNEY

(Gives him a fake smile) No thank you.

LACEY

I'll drive her. We've had enough lights and sirens for today.

PARAMEDIC

All right then. I'm outta here. Be careful, you two. (He walks away as they head for the car.)

LACEY

(To Cagney) I'm locking that bubble light in the trunk

CUT TO:

INT. hospital emergency room. Cagney's lying on a bed behind a curtain, Lacey's sitting in a chair near the foot of the bed facing the opposite direction, trying to focus on the activity outside through a slim opening in the curtain. A very attractive doctor, (over 6 feet, sandy blonde hair and green eyes) has just finished stitching Cagney up.

DR. LANSING

All done. That wasn't so bad was it?

CAGNEY

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun.

DR. LANSING

(smiling) There's not a sarcastic bone in your body is there, Detective?

CAGNEY

(grins before she can help herself) Nope. Not a one.

(He helps her up to a sitting position, she's wearing a hospital gown over her jeans, it's open at the shoulder.)

DR. LANSING

Care to admire my handiwork, Detective Lacey? In case you ever need some sewing done?

LACEY

(looking a little pale) No thanks. I think I'll pass.

DR. LANSING

Your loss… (He loosely ties the gown back together over Cagney's shoulder.)

CAGNEY

She's squeamish.

LACEY

Only about stitches!

CAGNEY

And hospitals

LACEY

Okay, I admit it. The emergency room is not my favorite place, Christine. Are you happy now?

CAGNEY

Yes.

DR. LANSING

(smiling) You two been partners for a while?

LACEY

(a little miffed) Long enough

(Cagney sticks her tongue out at Lacey. Mary Beth just shakes her head and smiles at her partner.)

DR. LANSING

You're ready to go, Detective Cagney. (he fingers the sleeve of her gown) You can keep this lovely little number since your sweater's a lost cause. One of the nurses will call in a mild pain medication for you. Something better than what you'd get over the counter but won't knock you out cold.

(He helps her down from the bed. Reaches to shake hands with Cagney before he leaves.)

If you need anything, give me a call.

(She realizes he's slipped her his card and looks up in surprise. Lansing gives her a wink, nods to Lacey and leaves.)

CUT TO:

INT. squad car - Cagney's already sitting inside. Lacey approaches and opens the door, getting into the driver's seat.

LACEY

Samuels didn't sound too happy when I told him what kept us from Lynn Sutter's office. He wants us both back at the precinct and in his office right away.

CAGNEY

(looking down at herself ) In this thing?

LACEY

He's in no mood to wait… And I don't think he'll care what you're wearing.

CAGNEY

Great

CUT TO:

INT. 14th - the two women are standing in front of Samuels desk - Cagney with a jacket draped over her shoulders. Samuels is not a happy man and he's in the middle of making sure they know it.

SAMUELS

What the HELL were you two thinking? Waiting for back-up never occurs to you, does it, (pauses - eyes settle on Chris) Cagney??

CAGNEY

The guy would have gotten away if we waited!

SAMUELS

It's doubtful he would have gotten very far - two, maybe three units were in the area - and they arrived on the scene within minutes of you two, from what I understand.

CAGNEY

(lowering her voice, angry) We didn't know that

SAMUELS

You didn't think about it. It's not enough to just respond, Cagney. You have to think, too. You're going to get hurt a lot worse than you were today if you don't watch it.

(Cagney looks at Lacey - she's not helping to defend against Samuels - but Lacey won't look at her. Chris looks back at Samuels.)

CAGNEY

(very sarcastic) Fine. Next time I'll let the perp get away. I won't make a move until there are three or four other units there for our protection.

SAMUELS

Don't be flip with me, Cagney! There are other people besides yourself to consider when you go charging in like that. (Samuels sighs and rubs the back of his neck.) Both of you go home and get some rest. Marquette wants you downtown early tomorrow morning. This last attack in the park - after we supposedly have the perps in custody - has ruffled the Inspectors feathers. And since you didn't get to Lynne Sutter, I'm sure the press will have a field day. Tomorrow you'll be meeting with the task force coordinators. They're going to question both of you about the possibility of a fourth man.

CAGNEY

This is ridiculous. There is no fourth man… Not one connected with our three guys, anyway.

LACEY

We've told them everything we saw, Lieutenant.

SAMUELS

I don't want to hear it! You'll go downtown and you'll cooperate. You'll answer the same damned questions over and over again if you have to. And you will not let ANYTHING keep you from being there on time. Understood?

LACEY

Yes, sir.

SAMUELS

Cagney?

(She just nods. He stares at her for a beat.)

All right. Get outta here.

(both head to their desks.)

CAGNEY

(to Lacey) Thanks for all your help in there.

(she doesn't answer) What's wrong with you? I've never known YOU to keep your mouth shut about anything.

LACEY

(looks at her for a second) Maybe Samuels is right. You do act before you think - about your safety or anyone else's. (Lacey's look stops Cagney from responding). I'm tired. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

(Cagney watches her leave.)

ACT III

INT. Lacey Apartment. It hasn't been a fun night. Mary Beth was in a terrible mood when she got home. The kids knew enough to steer clear of her and went to bed early without much complaint - at Harvey's suggestion. He can feel Mary Beth's tension but so far she hasn't wanted to talk about it. She's on the couch sipping an iced tea, staring at the television when he returns from tucking the boys in for the night. Harvey positions himself behind the couch and starts to massage Mary Beth's shoulders. She moves away - she's not ready for the contact.

LACEY

Not now, Harve, okay? I just want to watch the news.

HARVEY

You haven't said two words all night, Mary Beth. What's the matter?

LACEY

Nothing's the matter. Why don't you go to bed? I'll be there soon.

HARVEY

Talk to me, babe.

(She sips her iced tea in silence, eyes glued to the television screen.)

What's Chris done now?

(She looks at him sharply and then gets up from the couch to put her glass in the sink. He follows. When she turns from the sink to walk away he catches her by the arm.)

HARVEY

If you don't open up about it now, you'll make life miserable around here for all of us until you do.

LACEY

You're just worried about yourself!

HARVEY

I'm worried about YOU!

(She starts to walk away when he pulls her into an embrace - this time, she lets him hold her. She lays her head on his shoulder for a moment before she speaks.)

LACEY

It's been a very long day

HARVEY

(looks into her eyes) Come to bed with me?

(Lacey nods in agreement, almost imperceptibly. Harvey puts his arm around her and leads her from the kitchen toward the bedroom)

CUT TO:

INT. Cagney's loft. Empty. Voices, laughter can be heard outside the door as the locks open one by one. Chris opens the door and stumbles slightly as she enters, laughing. She's followed by an equally "happy" Greg Lansing, her doctor from the emergency room.

GREG

Nice place.

CAGNEY

Thank you, Doctor.

GREG

You're welcome, Detective.

(They burst into laughter again. They're both very silly after sharing more than a couple of drinks at a bar near the hospital.)

CAGNEY

(In the kitchen) Can I get you anything?

GREG

No, no. I think I've had enough, don't you?

CAGNEY

I have soda, iced tea? (opens fridge) Cold pizza?

GREG

As appetizing as it sounds, I think I'll pass.

(She comes around the bar to where he's standing and hops onto a barstool, facing him. He smiles down at her.)

I was surprised when you called, Chris.

CAGNEY

Good surprised?

GREG

GREAT surprised.

(She stands and begins to take off his coat.)

CAGNEY

Stay for a while?

GREG

I was hoping you'd ask

(They stand and kiss, swaying slightly until Chris stumbles backwards into the bar. She smiles at him and he leans down to kiss her briefly on the lips before leading her to the couch. Soon there are clothes on the floor and couch around them. Greg kisses her more urgently and moves on top of her, being careful of her shoulder. Christine's eyes flutter open, and widen in panic, his kiss prevents her from saying anything. She struggles underneath his weight for a moment before he realizes that she's trying to push him off - she turns her head to the side, breathlessly telling him to stop. He rolls back against the couch cushion freeing her, watching with concern as she scrambles to a sitting position and grabs some of her clothing.)

GREG

Chris, what is it? Did I hurt you? Your shoulder?

CAGNEY

(Unsure of why she felt such panic and not ready to discuss it with him, she's still breathing hard) No. I don't know, Greg. I- I'm just not feeling well.

GREG

What can I do?

CAGNEY

Nothing. Really. I'll be okay. I just think you should go.

GREG

If that's what you want.

CAGNEY

Greg, I'm -

GREG

No. It's okay. Really.

(She holds a pillow to herself, watching in silence as he dresses, neither of them looking each other in the eye. He gives her a little half-smile before he walks to the door and lets himself out. When he leaves, she wraps in a blanket and curls up on the couch. She'd like to sleep but her eyes are wide open. Chris glances at the table next to the couch where her pain medication sits unopened. She picks up the bottle and glances at the "no alcohol -- may increase drowsiness" warning before twisting the top off and popping one into her mouth. She curls up on her side, pulling the blanket up to her chin, and waits for sleep.)

FADE

NEXT MORNING…the sun is peeking through the window shade in Cagney's loft. She's still sound asleep. There's a pounding at the door, impatient, as if the person knocking has been at it for some time. Chris opens her eyes slowly and sits up with difficulty. She walks unsteadily to the door and looks through the peep hole. It's Mary Beth. Quickly she unlocks the series of locks on her door and opens it wide, looking at Mary Beth, still dazed.

LACEY

You're still asleep? Chris, we're due downtown for those interviews this morning!

CAGNEY

Oh, God. I forgot.

(she looks around her apartment, slightly disoriented - she's in pretty rough shape.)

LACEY

Well, don't just stand there. Get ready! I'll make coffee

(Pauses to look at her)

Were you drinking last night? With your pain medication??

CAGNEY

I just took one pill to sleep - that's all.

LACEY

How many drinks?

CAGNEY

(indignant) I didn't COUNT, okay. I met Greg at the bar down the street from the hospital and we had a couple of drinks.

LACEY

Greg? The DOCTOR?

CAGNEY

Yes. I'll tell you about it in the car. I have to dress.

(Lacey stares after Chris as she makes her way to the bedroom.)

CUT:

INT. car - headed downtown. Mary Beth is driving. Chris is nursing a cup of coffee, not quite looking her best.

LACEY

How did he react to being kicked out?

CAGNEY

I didn't kick him out. I asked him very nicely to leave. And he took it well. I think.

LACEY

So you panicked? When he was on top of you?

CAGNEY

I … I guess so. I've never felt anything like it before. (Getting upset) Mary Beth, I flashed on the other night in the park. When I felt his weight on me, all I could think of was that creep that tackled me … Escobar and his two friends. And then last night, after Greg left and I finally fell asleep, I had nightmares about it.

LACEY

Maybe you should see someone

CAGNEY

I don't want to talk about it to anyone else. It's hard enough talking to you.

(She gazes out the side window, not wanting to make eye contact any more.)

In my dreams, there was this feeling of being watched. Like there was someone else there. Someone other than the three guys we collared… I can't shake the feeling that maybe Carol Cooper was right.

LACEY

And none of us saw him? There were officers all over the place.

CAGNEY

I know. I can't explain it. I just feel so strongly that someone else was there. I want to talk to Escobar.

LACEY

We have to clear it through the Lieutenant. I don't know how happy he'll be. You're a witness.

CAGNEY

I know (her voice trails off).

CUT TO:

Cagney coming out of an interrogation room at headquarters. Lacey is waiting on a bench in the hallway. She finished her interview at least half an hour ago.

LACEY

How'd it go?

CAGNEY

Fine. Let's get out of here.

(She looks extremely tired and her shoulder wound is giving obvious pain.)

LACEY

(Digs through her purse before getting up, pulls out Chris' medicine and hands it to her.)

Here. I grabbed it before we left your apartment.

CAGNEY

You were born to be somebody's mother, weren't you. (Lacey smiles in response, face reddening a little.) Thank you.

(Cagney goes to a fountain for water and then both women leave the building.)

CUT TO:

INT. car … once again Lacey drives.

LACEY

So what did they say when you told them you thought Carol Cooper was right? That there was a fourth man?

CAGNEY

I didn't tell them.

LACEY

Christine!

CAGNEY

Mary Beth, I'm just not sure, okay? I can't risk sounding like some hysterical woman.

LACEY

Is that what you're calling Carol Cooper now?

CAGNEY

(shoots her a look) This is my career we're talking about, Mary Beth. I'm not going to discuss this with anyone at headquarters until I'm sure there's something to it.

(Lacey doesn't necessarily agree, but nods her acceptance.)

LACEY

And how are you going to do that? Make sure there's something?

CAGNEY

(decisively) We're going to see, Escobar. Now. (suddenly energized) Take the bridge, Mary Beth.

LACEY

You haven't cleared it with the Lieutenant!

CAGNEY

We have to bypass Samuels this time. (off Lacey's look of disbelief) Don't be so stuck on the rules, Mary Beth! He might not let me - and I can't risk that. I have to face this guy again.

LACEY

Chris you're making this personal.

CAGNEY

Damn right, it's personal! Mary Beth, this man humiliated me.

LACEY

He tried to attack you. Just like he attacked the other women. But we stopped him Chris, it didn't happen.

CAGNEY

It went far enough. (Looking down, any where but at Mary Beth) He's in my thoughts. My dreams. And after last night with Greg… I HATE him for it! He took something from me and I want it back.

LACEY

You sound like a vigilante. … I know you're angry. And scared. But what are you going to do? What can you possibly do to this man that will make up for what you're feeling? He's in jail.

CAGNEY

I can make sure he pays for it. Through the proper channels - I'm no vigilante, Mary Beth. And I can make sure no one connected with him, with the rapes, goes free. I just want to talk to him. I swear.

LACEY

If the Lieutenant finds out

CAGNEY

If the Lieutenant finds out I'll have something to offer him, some piece of information to help track Shannon Byers rapist.

LACEY

He'll still be angry.

CAGNEY

I think it's worth taking a little heat for, don't you?

(Lacey looks at her for a second and then quickly whips the car in the opposite direction.)

ACT IV

INT. Rikers Island. Cagney and Lacey are outside an interrogation room, waiting for Escobar to be brought in by guards. It's close quarters, they're sitting on a bench, shoulders touching.

LACEY

(looking at Cagney) You're shaking. (taking her hand) And your hands are like ice.

CAGNEY

(pulls her hand away) It's cold in here … that's all.

The door opens and the guard lets them inside the room. There's a table and three metal chairs. Escobar, long dark-hair pulled back, nose and lip rings glinting in the light, sits on one side of the table, hands cuffed behind them. Cagney makes immediate eye contact and doesn't let go as she sits opposite him. Lacey joins her as the guard leaves. Escobar tilts his head to the side, studying her. There's a glimmer of recognition in his eyes and then a slowly spreading grin.

ESCOBAR

Nice to see you again, sweetheart. Come back for more?

(Cagney starts to stand up, threatening to pounce on him - Lacey grabs her arm firmly and keeps her seated.)

LACEY

We came to ask a few questions about your friends, Escobar. Nicky Stahl, Alex Barton … and what's the other one's name?

ESCOBAR

What other one?

CAGNEY

Your other pal, the one with the limp.

(It's the first time Lacey's heard this. Cagney seems almost surprised to have said it - as if the memory just presented itself to her at that moment. There's a flash in Escobar's eyes, a brief look of surprise that tells them they're on to something.)

ESCOBAR

I don't know what you're talking about.

CAGNEY

I think you do. I just can't figure out why a piece of crap like you would bother protecting anyone.

(He gives a small, derisive laugh and looks away.)

Not such a big man are you, Escobar? Without friends to back you up. Without a knife in your hand.

(He stares at her coldly. She's up before Lacey can stop her and she goes to stand over Escobar. Lacey stands, nervous, ready to intervene.)

You stupid fuck. You'll get to see what it's like on the other side of a rape when they put you in population. When some big convict decides to take you. (She smiles at him) Maybe it'll be a gang-bang…

(He stands up suddenly, knocking his chair over behind him. He towers over Chris, eyes flashing hate - the move has so startled Chris she staggers backwards a step or two - he follows and she knees him hard in the groin. He's down and moaning. Lacey hasn't even had time to react. She watches stunned as Chris moves quickly to the door and calls for the guard to let them out. When he arrives he's surprised to see Escobar on the floor. Chris just brushes past him on her way out.)

LACEY

(as she leaves) Put that animal back in his cage

CUT TO:>

EXT, Rikers - the women are walking to their car. Lacey has struggled to match Cagney's pace. Mary Beth is angry.

LACEY

What the hell was that?

(No answer. Cagney stares straight ahead and keeps walking. Lacey grabs Cagney's arm and turns her. Cagney yells "Ow!" putting her hand near her shoulder. Lacey pulls back, hands up in front of her. She didn't mean to hurt Chris. She'd forgotten.)

I'm sorry. . You make me so damned angry! You said you were coming here to learn something and all you did was antagonize the creep.

CAGNEY

I didn't mean for it to go that way. I couldn't help it.

LACEY

You accomplished nothing… You act before you think, Chris! Samuels is right. You're going to really get hurt some day. And you constantly put me in tough situations. I spend all my time chasing after you and I'm getting sick of it. If you have a death wish, leave me out of it. I have a husband and two sons to go home to.

(Mary Beth walks on this time, Cagney following.)

CAGNEY

I'm sorry! (Near tears) I've just been so stressed out the last two days. I'm not sleeping. I never mean to put you in harms way. Not ever.

LACEY

But what about you, don't you care about yourself?

CAGNEY

I do. I'm just … I get a little out of control sometimes.

(Lacey's beginning to cool down)

LACEY

That's putting it mildly. Okay, Chris. … This is it. Exercise some self-discipline. When you're too caught up in a situation - back off and let me handle it. Give me a chance?

CAGNEY

I will. I promise

(As they get in the car)

LACEY

I'll believe it when I see it.

(She starts the engine.)

CAGNEY

Mary Beth, can I ask another favor?

(Mary Beth lets her head fall back on the seat, stares at the roof of the car and sighs loudly.)

LACEY

What now?!

CAGNEY

Let's go visit Escobar's mother.

LACEY

Why?

CAGNEY

Because - that dirtbag isn't going out of his way to protect just anyone. It has to be someone close to him. Like family. If it wasn't he'd be dying to rat the guy out. Make some kind of bargain.

LACEY

(pauses) You're right. Sometimes I hate it when you're right.

(Cagney smiles as Lacey pulls out of the parking lot.)

LACEY

Mrs. Escobar? I'm Detective Lacey and this is Detective Cagney. We'd like to ask a few questions about your son.

(Her eyes narrow.)

MRS. ESCOBAR

Which son?

LACEY

David

(She shuts the door and they hear the chain rattle as it's undone. She opens the door and motions for them to come inside.)

ESCOBAR

I haven't heard from David in months. What's he done now?

CAGNEY

He's being held at Rikers Island. Your son and two of his friends have been charged with the beating and rape of three women. One of the women died from her injuries.

ESCOBAR

My God… He's always done bad things. Stealing. Drugs. But this is the worst. The city will be safer with him off the streets.

LACEY

You want your son in jail, Mrs. Escobar?

ESCOBAR

If he's guilty of such horrible crimes, yes. And it wouldn't surprise me at all to find out that he is… (small, dry laugh) I know it sounds like a terrible thing to say about your step-son but I'd be happy if they locked him up and threw away the key. I've never been able to control him. He has an evil streak. I don't believe he'll ever change.

CAGNEY

David Escobar's your step-son?

ESCOBAR

Yes. I married his father when David and his brother were three years old.

CAGNEY

He has a brother? A twin?

ESCOBAR

(nods) Daniel. They're fraternal twins, look almost nothing alike. Daniel is smaller, weaker. But he's a good boy. He's nothing like David.

LACEY

Where is Daniel now?

ESCOBAR

He's here. In his room. You want to speak to him?

LACEY

Please.

CAGNEY

(breathing hard) You've got one game leg, Daniel! Want me to make it two?!

(Finally he slows to a stop and turns around)

LACEY

(aiming her gun at him) Put your hands on top of your head. (out of the corner of her mouth to Cagney) You're not supposed to fire a gun.

CAGNEY

My shoulder's telling me that.

LACEY

You're bleeding again

CAGNEY

As soon as this heals

LACEY

(interrupting) If you'll ever give it a chance

CAGNEY

(rolls her eyes) As SOON as this heals, you and I are going shopping. Do you realize I've lost a shirt and two sweaters in the past three days?

LACEY

You're lucky that's all you lost.

CAGNEY

Whatever

LACEY

Don't you "whatever" me

CAGNEY

Call me "young lady" and you'll sound just like my mother.

LACEY

You are so infuriating! (takes a deep breath and exhales loudly) But I'm not going to lecture you. I'll let the Lieutenant bawl you out, this time. Maybe you'll listen to him.

CAGNEY

Can't we just throw this guy out at Rikers and go home instead?

LACEY

(suppressing a smile) 'Fraid not. Time to face the music, Christine.

CAGNEY

I have a feeling it's not gonna be sweet music I'm facing

(Cagney rolls down her window and lays back against the seat with her eyes closed, the wind blowing her hair and warm sun shining on her face. The camera pulls back to an aerial view of the car as they make their way back to the 14th.)

FREEZE FRAME