Dangerous Liaisons

ACT I

OPENING SHOT: Cagney and Lacey's car cruising down a street in an upper-middle class residential area. The homes are large, traditional mostly two-stories. The lawns are well-manicured. It's a sunny, cool early spring day.

INT. car - Cagney driving, Lacey looking at a file, glances out the window.

LACEY

(Admiringly) Some neighborhood… Report says that Jillian Martin's family hasn't seen her since early yesterday morning. Her parents, Keith and Natalie, both work and fell asleep last night before their daughter was due to come home. They woke up this morning to discover that Jillian's bed was still made and that she obviously hadn't been home all night. It's 1701 Ashcroft, Chris (looks out window) - should be a little further down on the right.

CAGNEY

A missing teenager, Mary Beth? A SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD, for God's sake. Twenty bucks says she got smashed last night and she's still at a friend's house sleeping it off. (Sighs and runs her hand through her hair.) The missing person's report can't be filed for another two days. Why are we being sent out to do the interviews? I thought that's what the uniforms were supposed to be good for

LACEY

Do I look like Lt. Samuels to you, Christine? (Suddenly) STOP!!

CAGNEY

(Startled, hitting the brakes) WHAT?!?

LACEY

You nearly passed it! (Pointing) Pull over right there.

CAGNEY

I hate when you yell at me like that! YOU are gonna get us both killed one day

LACEY

(Getting out of the car) Would you look at this house? Harve would love it.

CAGNEY

(Starting up the front walk with Lacey, unimpressed) Uh-huh.

LACEY

A nice front lawn. But not too big, not too much to take care of… A front porch (noticing) - with a swing! I'd love to have my morning coffee on a porch like this

CAGNEY

(Cagney knocks) The suburbs are overrated, Mary Beth.

(Before Mary Beth can respond, the front door opens. An attractive but disheveled woman wearing an expensive looking business suit opens the door.)

LACEY

Mrs. Martin?

NATALIE MARTIN

Yes?

LACEY

I'm Detective Lacey, ma'm. This is Detective Cagney.

NATALIE

Oh… I was expecting uniformed police officers.

CAGNEY

(under her breath) So were we…

(Lacey shoots Cagney a look but quickly covers)

LACEY

No, ma'm. Not this time. You got us. Can we come in?

NATALIE

Of course… Forgive me.

(As they walk in)

LACEY

(Looking around) You have a lovely home.

NATALIE

Thank you. (She hesitates … seems to be unfocused, in shock)

LACEY

Maybe we should sit down?

NATALIE

Yes… You two have a seat in the living room (gesturing to the room off of the entry). I'll get Keith.

(She heads upstairs as Chris and Mary Beth enter the living room. Neither of them sits. They walk around the room, scanning the paintings on the walls and, with more interest, the family photographs placed on tables and shelves around the room. It appears that there are two children in the Martin family, Jillian, a slender, blond, fresh-faced teenager and an equally blond younger brother, no more than 12 years old in what appears to be the most recent family photo. The father, Keith, is tall dark-haired, good-looking. Not male-model handsome, but definitely easy on the eyes. His looks catch Chris' attention and she mentions it to Mary Beth.)

CAGNEY

Not bad, huh?

LACEY

What?

CAGNEY

Mrs. Martin did pretty well for herself. He looks like quite a catch.

LACEY

I guess he's okay if you like that type.

CAGNEY

What type? (Smiling) Tall, dark and handsome?

LACEY

(Laughs) Yeah, THAT type

(Keith and Natalie Martin are suddenly standing in the entry hall - Chris and Mary Beth have their backs to them.)

KEITH MARTIN

Detectives?

(Somewhat startled, Chris puts down the photograph and clears her throat. Mary Beth wipes her hands on her skirt and then reaches out to shake hands with Keith, who is dressed in a suit for work)

LACEY

Mr. Martin? (he nods) I'm Detective Mary Beth Lacey and this is my partner, Detective Cagney.

(Martin shakes hands with both.)

CAGNEY

We just need to ask a few questions about the circumstances surrounding your daughter's disappearance, Mr. Martin. (pauses) Maybe we should all sit down?

(He nods. Cagney and Lacey sit in two wing chairs with a small table in between. The Martin's take the sofa, sitting side by side in the middle of it, Keith with his arm around Natalie.)

So, you noticed that Jillian was gone when you woke up this morning?

NATALIE

Not right when we woke up. Keith and I have to be at work early, before the children go to school. So we both shower and dress before waking Jillian and Daniel.

LACEY

Daniel's your son?

NATALIE

(Shakes her head "yes") Daniel's six years younger than Jill. We wake her first because it takes her longer to get ready … (seems to drift off in thought)

KEITH

(Clears his throat and picks up where his wife left off) We wake her and then we wake Daniel. They get ready, make their own breakfasts and then Jill's friend, Chelsea Doyle, gives them both a ride to school. When we woke this morning, we thought we'd just slept through Jill coming in the front door last night. But when we went into Jill's bedroom her bed was still made. She hadn't come home. And now (looks at watch), it's nearly noon and we still haven't heard from her.

CAGNEY

Where was Jillian supposed to be last night, Mr. Martin? What time did she leave the house?

KEITH

Neither of us was home when she left the house. There was a note left on the counter saying that she would be at Chelsea's after school. That she was having dinner with Chelsea's family and that the two of them would be working on a homework project. Chelsea would bring her home when they were done. Daniel had football practice after school and then went home with a teammate. Natalie picked him up from there and then came home. I didn't get home from work until after 7:00 PM.

CAGNEY

So Jillian had no curfew?

KEITH

She knows she's supposed to be in by 11 o'clock.

LACEY

And you and Mrs. Martin were asleep last night before 11:00 PM?

KEITH

Yes, we've both been working very hard, Detective Lacey. Most nights we don't make it past the 10 o'clock news.

CAGNEY

And Daniel?

KEITH

He's in bed by 10:00 PM. We can't wake Daniel in the mornings if he doesn't get at least eight hours

LACEY

Jillian's friend Chelsea - you've talked to her?

NATALIE

I talked to her mother this morning. She said that Chelsea and Jillian left the house before 9 o'clock saying they were going to stop at "Mugs" - the coffee shop over on 8th street - for a cappucino before dropping Jillian at home. Chelsea was back home a few minutes before 11:00 PM. The Doyle's live only a few blocks from here.

CAGNEY

Have you confirmed this information with Chelsea?

KEITH

We talked with Chelsea after we were done speaking with her mother. She told us the same thing.

NATALIE

Chelsea's a good girl. We've never had any reason not to believe what she tells us.

CAGNEY

But you don't believe her now?

NATALIE

(a bit louder than necessary) I don't know WHAT to believe!! (tearing up) My daughter did not sleep in her bed last night. We didn't hear anyone come into the house. Where is she??

KEITH

(comforting his wife) Natalie, it'll be all right. We'll find her. The Detectives will find her… (he looks at Chris and Mary Beth)

CUT TO:

Chris and Mary Beth coming out the front doors of Washington High School and heading for the car.

CAGNEY

I still say the kid will show up on her own -- before bedtime tonight

LACEY

You can't be sure, Chris. Chelsea Doyle just backed up everything the Martin's told us.

CAGNEY

So? Kids are smart. I can't tell you how many times I sneaked out of the house without my Pop knowing. I went years without getting caught.

LACEY

Just because you were a borderline juvenile delinquent, Christine, does not mean that all teenagers are

CAGNEY

Very funny.

LACEY

Why would Jillian go home, only to sneak out and risk getting caught? Why wouldn't she have had Chelsea drop her off where ever it was she wanted to go?

CAGNEY

She didn't want Chelsea to know

LACEY

They're best friends, Christine. That doesn't make sense.

CAGNEY

Why not? I don't tell you everything

LACEY

But we're not your average best friends, Chris. (Cagney looks at her…) What I MEAN is - we're partners, too, we work together. We have a lot of things to discuss that aren't even related to our personal lives. And we're adults. AND you aren't the most forthcoming person about your feelings or your personal life, anyway

CAGNEY

Don't act like there's something wrong with me just because I don't voice every thought that crosses my mind or express every single feeling that I have

LACEY

That is not what I'm saying to you! The point I'm trying to make is … these are teenage girls. Teenage girls share everything. Their best friends are their whole world.

CAGNEY

Don't forget about their boyfriends

LACEY

(Realizing) We already DID.

CAGNEY

Forgot to ask about boyfriends?

LACEY

Uh-huh.

CAGNEY

Back to the Martin's?

LACEY

Yep

ACT II

FADE TO:

14th Precinct front desk. Desk Sergeant Coleman is on the phone, it's very crowded, noisy. Chris and Mary Beth walk in, start to go right past Coleman who puts the telephone receiver on his shoulder and calls out to them.

COLEMAN

Messages!!! (as they turn back to him and he hands them the pink slips of paper) Two for Cagney … and none for Lacey. Sorry.

LACEY

Don't apologize, Sergeant. Sometimes it's best not to have any

(They walk through the doors to the squad room, both throw their purses on their desks, Lacey sits, Cagney is still standing, reading her messages - we see Isbecki behind her, watching.)

CAGNEY

One from Charlie and

(Suddenly Isbecki wraps his arms around Cagney from behind, she yells out in surprise and immediately begins to struggle, Victor lifts her slightly off her feet.)

HEY!

LACEY

Victor!!

ISBECKI

(As Cagney still struggles to get free) Come on, Cagney! You can do better than that

(Other Detectives are watching, amused, Petrie less so -- Lacey is outraged…)

LACEY

Victor, let her go!

(Just then Cagney stomps on Victors foot, he lets go and she spins around and punches him in the stomach - knocking the wind out of him. The guys laugh as Victor doubles over.)

CAGNEY

What the hell is WRONG with you??? Are you INSANE?? (She gives him a push while he's still doubled over and he leans against the holding cell)

PETRIE

I think Victor was trying to prove a point, using you as an example, Chris. (Points at Isbecki) You got what you deserved, Victor

CAGNEY

(Getting up in Victor's face) Exactly what point were you trying to make, Isbecki??

ISBECKI

Nothing Cagney, it was nothing. I'm sorry. My mistake

PETRIE

You owe her an explanation, Victor. Tell Chris and Mary Beth what you were saying to us before they walked in.

ISBECKI

It was nothing. Really

LACEY

Victor

ISBECKI

was just saying that some of the women in the department - not ALL of them - just some - kind of

CAGNEY

Kind of WHAT?

ISBECKI

Kind of let themselves go once they get a desk job and

LACEY

AND..???

ISBECKI

And don't work out like they should … and … might not be able to defend themselves in a one-on-one situation

CAGNEY

Victor, you are an idiot

ISBECKI

I'm sorry, Cagney! You proved me wrong

PETRIE

And embarrassed the hell out of him… (the guys laugh, Victor's face turns an even deeper shade of red)

CAGNEY

(Poking Victor in the chest) Don't use me to prove any more of your stupid points, Isbecki. You GOT that??

(He nods)

(Samuels steps out of his office)

SAMUELS

Cagney! Lacey! In here please … if you're not too busy playing around. (shakes his head and walks back in his office leaving the door open)

(Cagney rolls her eyes in disgust and heads for the Lieutenants office; As Lacey walks past Victor who is now seated at his desk, she looks down at him)

LACEY

(Sternly) Grow up

(Shakes her head and then walks into Samuels office right after Cagney)

SAMUELS

(Looks at them a second, then decides not to say anything about what he just saw in the squad room.)

You two get any useful information on the missing teenager?

LACEY

Not much, Lieutenant. We talked to the parents this morning … and the friend Jillian Martin was with last night. They confirmed the initial report.

CAGNEY

I still think the kid left of her own accord. They'll probably hear from her by this evening

SAMUELS

You think she ran away? With a boyfriend or something?

LACEY

No, sir. She didn't have a regular boyfriend according to her parents. But they did hear her on the phone recently talking to someone named "J.D."

SAMUELS

No idea who that is?

CAGNEY

The parents think it was probably a boy she'd just met but she never discussed him with them. They hadn't even given it much thought until we asked them.

SAMUELS

What about her friend, the one who took her home - think she knows who "J.D." is?

CAGNEY

We're going to ask her when school lets out. Figured it might be a little much, pulling her out of class twice in one day. It's not like she's an official suspect.

SAMUELS

Okay… But before you do that - there was a call from a woman who works at a coffee shop on 8th Street

LACEY

"Mugs"?

SAMUELS

That's it. This waitress says she saw a girl matching Jillian's description get into a car with what appeared to be a much older man last night.

CAGNEY

She didn't leave with Chelsea?

SAMUELS

It doesn't sound like it, Cagney. You two need to see the waitress (looks at notes) Tess Harriman, before you go see the friend this afternoon. She'll be at the coffee shop by 3:00 PM for her shift. And, Cagney

CAGNEY

Yes, Lieutenant?

SAMUELS

No more rough-housing with Isbecki in the squad room. It just looks bad…

(Cagney is outraged, can't believe what she's hearing and starts to say so, but Mary Beth steers her out of the office before she can speak.)

CUT TO:

(Chris and Mary Beth sitting on red vinyl bar stools in front of the counter at "Mugs". Tess Harriman, a plump, pleasant-looking woman of about 50, looks over a photo as the Detectives try to read her expression.)

TESS

That's her. (Hands the picture of Jillian back to Lacey) I'm sure of it.

CAGNEY

You're certain you saw THIS girl wait in the parking lot and then leave with a man

TESS

…at least twice her age. That's right.

LACEY

Did you notice who she came in with last night?

TESS

Well… I didn't see her come in. And she wasn't at my station. But I noticed her, and the young girl she was sitting with, when they started arguing.

LACEY

They argued? Raised their voices?

TESS

And banged on the table. For a minute, I thought they were gonna come to blows

CAGNEY

Did you hear what they were saying?

TESS

I wasn't listening until I noticed how worked up they were getting. The blond girl, - she said something about the other girl - the one with short brown hair (fitting Chelsea's description) being jealous … Then the brown-haired girl called her a bitch. I thought the blond was going to slap her right then, but instead, she just slapped the table. Then the brown-haired girl got up and stormed out the door. She hopped into her car and drove away. The blond, she just watched out the window for a second, then got up to use the pay phone near the front door. She stood there watching for a while and then went out into the parking lot when another car pulled in. I saw her talk to the man through the driver-side window of his car and then she got in and they drove away.

CAGNEY

Did you get a plate number?

TESS

No. I didn't try. I didn't exactly think it was a crime - her riding off with the guy.

LACEY

Of course, not. The make and color of the car? Did you notice that?

TESS

I know it was a dark color. A dark green or maybe a dark blue. Four doors. Looked expensive. I think it had a dent in the driver-side door.

CAGNEY

You THINK so or are you certain?

TESS

I … I remember thinking that it was sad that such a nice looking car had a dent like that and I wondered why the man didn't have it fixed. I guess that means I'm certain?

LACEY

(Smiles at Tess) Sounds like it to me… (as Cagney stands) You've been a big help, Tess. We appreciate it.

(Tess smiles, it's nice to be appreciated)

CAGNEY

You'll call us if you remember anything else?

TESS

Sure. (As they walk out) I hope you find the girl.

(Cagney and Lacey smile at the waitress as they leave…)

CUT TO:

Cagney and Lacey pull into the high school parking lot and wait for Chelsea to come out of school. They are parked in a space across from Chelsea's bright yellow Volkswagon watching kids heading for their cars.

LACEY

I told you Harvey's Uncle Vernon died?

CAGNEY

No… What happened? This the Uncle that used to take him fishing when he was a kid?

LACEY

That's the one. Muriel's sister Doris' husband. He was outside on a ladder, painting the garage … fell and hit his head on the concrete driveway. He died before the ambulance arrived

CAGNEY

That's terrible!

LACEY

Uh-huh… Doris' found him lying there, bleeding. They were married 50 years this January. Me and Harve went to the anniversary party. They were so happy … And just like that, he's gone in an instant

CAGNEY

How's she doing?

LACEY

Devastated…in shock.

CAGNEY

I'm so sorry… Tell Harvey I'm sorry, will you? When's the funeral?

LACEY

This afternoon - in Garrison. Harve and Muriel are spending the night with Aunt Doris. He'll be back sometime tomorrow.

CAGNEY

Where are Harve, Jr. and Michael?

LACEY

They rode the bus home this afternoon. Mrs. Walker in the next apartment said she'd look in on them.

CAGNEY

So you need to get home soon.

LACEY

After we talk to Chelsea and go back to sign out. …. Did the heat in your loft ever get fixed?

CAGNEY

There was a note this morning promising the tenants it'll be on again by tomorrow. One more cold night.

LACEY

Why don't you come over? Spend the night?

CAGNEY

I couldn't

LACEY

Why not? The couch isn't the greatest, but at least it's warm at my place.

CAGNEY

Mary Beth

LACEY

Harve's gone, the boys love company

CAGNEY

Really?

LACEY

(smiles) Really.

CAGNEY

It WAS cold last night. I would have stayed with David but he's out of town

LACEY

It's settled then. What do you want for dinner?

CAGNEY

I don't want you going to any trouble… How about pizza? My treat.

LACEY

The boys won't argue with that. They're expecting meatloaf.

CAGNEY

Well, save it for Harvey. … (Spots Chelsea) There she is

(They get out of the car and walk over to meet Chelsea (short dark hair, big brown eyes - dressed in jeans, a dark green sweater and denim jacket) in front of her Volkswagon. She is surprised to see them.)

CHELSEA

What's going on? Has Jillian shown up?

CAGNEY

No. We have a few more questions we'd like to ask. You want to talk here?

CHELSEA

I've only got a few minutes. I have to be home by 5 o' clock.

LACEY

This won't take long.

CHELSEA

What do you wanna know?

LACEY

Are you sure you don't have something you want to tell us?

CHELSEA

Like what?

CAGNEY

Like why you told us - and the Martin's - AND your MOTHER that you dropped Jillian off at home when you didn't?

CHELSEA

(Pauses. Reaches into her jacket pocket and pulls out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, removes one of them for herself, lights it and pockets the pack and lighter again. She takes a long drag and then says…)

I was going to drop her off

LACEY

What changed your mind?

CHELSEA

We had sort of a fight. At "Mugs". I got mad and left her there. I was as surprised as anyone else when her Mom called and said she hadn't been home all night.

CAGNEY

So, why did you lie about dropping her off?

CHELSEA

It kind of scared me at first, you know? Like I didn't want to get anyone mad at me for leaving her there.

LACEY

Did you two fight a lot?

CHELSEA

No more than any other best friends … She can be kind of a bitch and I can get moody .. you know how it is

LACEY

What did you two fight about last night?

CHELSEA

Nothing. She was just being a pain in the ass, so I left.

CAGNEY

(Rolls eyes) In what particular way was Jillian being a "pain in the ass"?

CHELSEA

Um, she just had an attitude. I can't explain it. I wasn't in the best mood either.

LACEY

Did Jillian mention anyone named "J.D." to you?

CHELSEA

(Hesitates, her expression hard to read) "J.D."? I don't think so

CAGNEY

A waitress at "Mugs" saw Chelsea get into a car with someone last night after you left. A dark green or blue car, possibly with a dent in the driver's door. She thought the man behind the wheel was older … maybe twice Jillian's age but she didn't get a good look at him. Does the description of the car match anyone's you know? Do you have any idea who the man might have been?

CHELSEA

(Another pause) No. No, I've never seen a car like that. And I don't know any "older man" Jillian would take a ride from

CAGNEY

Alright, Chelsea. Go home. If you remember anything or if Jillian contacts you in any way - call us. Immediately. You got that?

CHELSEA

Sure. I want to know where she is, too. She's my best friend, you know?

LACEY

We just want to make sure you're not going to withhold any more information for fear of getting in trouble … or so someone else won't get in trouble.

CHELSEA

I'll call right away if I hear anything.

CAGNEY

You do that

(Chelsea gets into her car and pulls out of the parking lot as Cagney and Lacey watch.)

LACEY

What do you think?

CAGNEY

I don't know. Kids are so damned hard to read. … There's one more thing we should do before calling it a day.

LACEY

What's that?

CAGNEY

Call up the Martin's and see if we can borrow Chelsea's most recent school yearbook. See if we can figure out who the hell "J.D." is

Lacey nods and they head to the car.)

ACT III:

INT. Lacey Apartment

(After dinner - Chris, Harve Jr. (13) & Michael (9) are sitting on the floor around the coffee table. A game of Monopoly in progress. Chris rolls the dice while Harve Jr. watches intently. Michael is more preoccupied with the little red hotels he's trying to stack one on top of the other. Mary Beth is sitting on the couch thumbing through Jillian's yearbook.)

CAGNEY

Six… No! St. James Place with three houses? Harvey you're killing me!

HARVEY, JR.

(Smiling, reading deed) With three houses … that'll be $600, please.

CAGNEY

Take pity on me, Harvey, I'm nearly broke over here!

HARVEY JR.

Sorry. No can do

CAGNEY

Ruthless… Your son is ruthless, Mary Beth! (To Harvey, Jr.) You are a very mean little man

LACEY

(engrossed in the yearbook, not really paying attention) Mmm-hmm

HARVEY JR.

((laughing) You're supposed to be mean when you play Monopoly! (notices Michael systematically flicking his (Harvey's) houses off the board) Michael! Keep your grubby hands off my property!!

(Michael grabs a handful of houses and hotels off the board and throws them at Harvey, Jr., laughs and gets up to run away)

LACEY

Hey!

HARVEY JR.

(Running after his little brother) You little jerk!

LACEY

Harvey!! (sighs, puts yearbook down and bends over to pick up the scattered game pieces)

CAGNEY

I've never played a game of Monopoly with such an unusual ending

LACEY

(smiling) You've never played with a 13-year-old boy and his pesky little brother.

CAGNEY

I don't suppose that's in the rules somewhere - throwing houses and hotels when it looks as if you're going to lose?

LACEY

(laughing) No, I don't believe so

CAGNEY

Not really a BAD move … strategically speaking. I might try that the next time I play with Pop. He cheats… Any luck finding "J.D." in the yearbook?

LACEY

In last year's junior class there were 8 boys with the initials "J.D." - for first and last name. Who knows if the "D" is a middle initial? I was just starting on the seniors. Doesn't seem likely that Jillian would date younger.

CAGNEY

Not at her age - older men are more exciting.

LACEY

I'm going to tuck the boys in… Forget I said that. Harvey would kill me if he knew I told YOU I was going to tuck HIM in.

CAGNEY

I didn't hear a thing. … Here (reaching for the annual) - I'll take a look at the year book while you're … saying "goodnight".

LACEY

How about another glass of wine when I come back?

CAGNEY

Sure. As long as you'll join me. Kiss them g'night for me.

(Cagney kicks back on the couch, thumbing the pages - finds the senior class and begins to write down the "J.D."s. She then flips to the inside back cover and starts reading the inscriptions, squinting to make out some of them. Lacey returns to the kitchen, grabs the half empty bottle of wine and their glasses. She brings it to the coffee table and pours. Picking up her glass of wine, she sits at the opposite end of the couch from Cagney, propping her feet on the coffee table)

LACEY

Find anything?

CAGNEY

Besides some very healthy looking boys in last year's senior class? You know … they'd be legal by now… (off Mary Beth's look) Kidding! …. I found another 6 "J.D."s. I've been reading what Jillian's friends wrote in the back… Some things never change do they? "Stay Sweet", "Always Stay the Same", "2 Cool 2 Be 4-gotten"… The boys writing is barely legible, the girls - it's that bubbly teenage thing - little hearts dotting the "I"s… God, I hope I never did that.

LACEY

Any of the kids happen to sign "J.D."?

CAGNEY

Nope. The only "J" signature I saw was "Jenny" who wished Jillian "an awesome summer filled with lots of cute boys."

LACEY

Maybe it's a new kid.

CAGNEY

Maybe… I can't look at this any more right now. It's giving me a headache. (Cagney puts down the book and picks up her wineglass)

LACEY

So…what's next? We check out our 14 "J.D."s - with Chelsea? Maybe some of Jillian's other friends?

CAGNEY

Yep. Show their pictures to the parents … see if they recognize any of them.

LACEY

What's your take on Chelsea?

CAGNEY

I don't think she's telling us everything she knows. She still seems like she's protecting someone.

LACEY

I agree. She didn't seem very surprised that Jillian rode away with an "an older man", either.

CAGNEY

And I'm sure she remembers EXACTLY what she and Jillian were arguing about. It was last night, for God's sake. … The kid's playing dumb and it's beginning to get on my nerves.

LACEY

So, what do you think? Some boy's come between them?

CAGNEY

Probably

LACEY

(Pauses - thinking) Were you serious about any boys at their age, Chris?

CAGNEY

I was in an all-girls school for years, remember? Probably a smart move on my parents part… But, I did graduate shortly after turning seventeen. (small laugh) And I made up for lost time pretty quickly after that… (another pause … thinking) How about you, Mary Beth? Who was your first love?

LACEY

Ummm. First real "crush" was Bobby Stanton. Fifteen-years-old, tall, skinny. He had a slight lisp and chipped front tooth. I thought I'd die if he didn't ask me out

CAGNEY

So did he?

LACEY

He asked me to the last dance of my sophomore year. We danced once that night. He spent the rest of the night sitting outside with his friends, smoking cigarettes -- trying to look cool. I stayed inside with his friends' dates and drank too much punch. … You'd think that would have been the end of it - but we dated for almost two years.

CAGNEY

So… was Bobby your first?

LACEY

My first what?

CAGNEY

Your first TIME

LACEY

(slightly shocked) Christine, I was fifteen years old.

CAGNEY

You said you dated for almost two years … there's a big difference between seventeen and fifteen, Mary Beth. And two years is a LONG time for teenagers. Hell, it's a long time for anybody

LACEY

(Smiling) He wanted to … But I wasn't ready.

CAGNEY

That the reason you broke up?

LACEY

(Remembering) … He said no…but I think it was… How about you?

CAGNEY

I was so drunk I can barely remember my first time … (whispers, conspiratorially) It was a teacher.

LACEY

No! One of your teachers? In high school??

CAGNEY

(looks disgusted) The teachers in my HIGH SCHOOL were NUNS! (quieter) This was my first year of college, I wasn't quite eighteen.

LACEY

HOW did you end up with a teacher? Was he handsome?

CAGNEY

I thought so. Actually, everyone thought so. The girls were always talking about how sexy he was… Jeffrey Bowman. PROFESSOR Jeffrey Bowman.

LACEY

What did he teach?

CAGNEY

Romance Languages.

LACEY

Figures

CAGNEY

He was very tall and muscular, about 30, 35 years old. Sandy blond hair and this sexy little mustache. Not all buttoned down like the other professors. He'd loosen his tie and roll up his sleeves before teaching class.

LACEY

So, how did you go from pupil to

CAGNEY

(laughs) Oh…well… we'd been making eye contact … meaningful eye contact all semester. One day, after class, he stopped me before I left. It was the last day before the Christmas break. He told me that I was an excellent student, very eager to learn ..

LACEY

(interrupting) right

CAGNEY

(shoots her a look) ANYWAY … he said he had this book for me, that he kept forgetting to bring to class. He wrote down his address and gave it to me. Said if I had time that afternoon, before leaving for the holidays, I should stop by and pick it up. … I KNEW there was more to it. I was so excited, I could hardly breathe. This gorgeous man that I'd been fantasizing about - and believe me, these were some pretty good fantasies - he wanted ME to come to his house. So I rushed back to the dorm, showered and changed, and changed again, two or three more times - because I couldn't make up my mind what to wear. I finally get out the door and drive over to his house

LACEY

(very caught up in this) AND

CAGNEY

He opens the door and asks me in. Tells me to have a seat on the couch while he gets the book. There's a FIRE in the fireplace. He comes back a few minutes later with a tray in hand, holding not only the book, but a bottle of wine and two glasses.

LACEY

(The wine is getting to both of them) Oh, my God

CAGNEY

That's what I was thinking… So he pours us both a glass, while I sit there dumbfounded. Says we should talk a little before I go … I don't even know what we talked about. School, I guess, a little about me, maybe. We drink and we talk and we … talk and we drink some more. Before I know it, the bottle of wine is gone. Sometime during the conversation he mentioned that his wife would be out for most of the evening. I'm thinking "WHAT WIFE?", but after a few drinks that ceased to matter. So… the wine is gone and the fire is dying and he moves in close and starts kissing my neck … God, I love that

LACEY

(dreamily) Me, too

CAGNEY

One thing leads to another. He's unbuttoned, I'm unbuttoned. All of a sudden there's this pile of clothes on the floor. …I'm enjoying myself. … And then

LACEY

And then???

CAGNEY

I must have blacked out or something. I can remember things … PROGRESSING… feeling a little hesitant about the whole thing but not wanting to stop, you know? The next thing I remember Bowman's shaking me awake saying we'd fallen asleep and his wife was due home at any moment. I'm still out of it … he's helping me dress. All I want to do is go back to sleep but he keeps telling me I have to wake up and get out before she gets home. I'm sitting on the couch and he's bent over me, half-dressed himself and trying to button my shirt when his wife walks in

(Lacey gasps…)

CAGNEY

My reactions were slow and I was still a little fuzzy. I think she stood in the doorway -- in shock - for a minute or two … and then she comes flying in - SCREAMING at him! And then at ME. I'm trying to stand up and grab my purse, I'm even looking around for the damned book I came over for in the first place, when she hauls off and slaps me. Hard! Starts calling me all sorts of names. Professor Bowman grabs her, to keep her from killing me, I guess, and yells at me to leave. I ran out, fell into my car and drove away. God knows how I made it back to the dorm… I remember driving with the windows down, cold air to keep me awake, my face stinging where I'd been slapped. I didn't think about much until I got back to my room. I remember feeling a little …sore… I couldn't remember if he'd used a condom and I certainly wasn't on anything. I spent the next two weeks scared to death I might be pregnant.

LACEY

That's terrible!

CAGNEY

(shrugs) Oh, well. (drains what's left of her wine) …Happy ending - I got my period.

LACEY

But is that how you WANTED your first time to be??

CAGNEY

Nooo. But my second time made up for it

LACEY

With the Professor?

CAGNEY

(rolls eyes) The wine has gone to your head, Mary Beth. Go to bed

LACEY

(sighs) I think you're right. It's been … interesting...

CAGNEY

(laughs) Right

(Lacey gets up, starts to head off to bed… and then stops)

LACEY

Chris … It never occurred to us that "J.D." might be a TEACHER.

CAGNEY

I should have been the one to think of that!

LACEY

Your story triggered it… Have another look at the yearbook?

CAGNEY

Yeah, if I can keep my eyes open

LACEY

I put two blankets and a pillow on the chair. You gonna be okay?

CAGNEY

Terrific. Your couch and a blanket or two is way better than my loft with no heat. Thank you, Mary Beth.

LACEY

You are welcome any time

CAGNEY

'night.

LACEY

Good night.

ACT IV

Lacey's up and already showered, in the kitchen trying to quietly get the boys lunches together, while Cagney still sleeps on the couch, the yearbook lying open across her. Michael is awake, still in pajamas, finishing a bowl of cereal - he's been told to be quiet for a little bit. While his Mom's back is turned, he leaves the table and goes into the living room. Standing before Chris, he's curious about the book laying across her, watches her sleep for a moment, tries to pick up the book without waking her. It doesn't work. She opens her eyes, just as he's taking the book

CAGNEY

(smiling sleepily) Good morning, Michael.

MICHAEL

(grinning shyly) Hi

CAGNEY

You're up early.

MICHAEL

I always wake up early. Sometimes I have to wake up Mom and Dad .

CAGNEY

So, you're the family alarm clock? If your Mom's late to work - I'll tell the Lieutenant to call here and yell at you

(Michael laughs as Lacey comes in from the kitchen)

LACEY

Michael! I thought I told you we were going to let Christine sleep a little longer

CAGNEY

It's alright, Mary Beth. I was already awake.

(Michael looks at her surprised, she winks at him and he smiles.)

LACEY

(not believing them) Uh-huh. Go get your brother up, Michael. I've tried twice already.

(as Michael runs off Lacey shouts to him) and get dressed! …. (looks at Chris) One's up at the crack of dawn, the other could sleep all day

CAGNEY

(smiles, stretching) … Found someone in Jillian's yearbook we may want to check out.

LACEY

Who?

CAGNEY

(Picks up book and flips until she finds the right page) Jay D. Ryan (handing Lacey the book and pointing to his picture) an English teacher.

LACEY

Kind of cute. You think it's him?

CAGNEY

I thought he was as good a guess as any. Then I started flipping through the clubs, student organizations. Here… (takes the book back from Lacey, thumbs through it again until she finds the page she's looking for and hands it back) Look who was on the yearbook staff.

LACEY

(Scans the group photo and sees the girls sitting together in the bottom row) Jillian and Chelsea

CAGNEY

And the faculty member in charge

LACEY

Jay D. Ryan. Could be coincidence…

CAGNEY

And then again, maybe not

LACEY

Okay. … Your turn to hit the showers. I'll see the boys to the bus stop and we'll make it to work - at least 5 minutes early.

(Cagney heads off to the bathroom … Lacey steps into the hallway and shouts)

Harvey, if you aren't out here in 10 minutes Michael gets your bowl of cereal, too!

CUT TO:

Cagney and Lacey waiting in the Principal's Office at Washington High School, sitting in chairs opposite Principal Wagner's desk.

CAGNEY

This lady's kept us waiting long enough - where is she? I spent enough time in the Principal's office when I was in school

LACEY

Why does that not surprise me?

(The door opens and Principal Martha Wagner enters. She's slender, early 50's, strawberry-blonde hair.)

WAGNER

Detectives? I'm Martha Wagner (shakes their hands and they introduce themselves). Have you found Jillian Martin?

LACEY

No m'am, we haven't.

WAGNER

I know two days may not seem like a long time to be gone - but to parents it can be an eternity.

LACEY

Believe me, I know, Ms. Wagner. I have two boys of my own. WAGNER

Do you have any promising leads?

CAGNEY

A couple. What can you tell us about Jay D. Ryan?

WAGNER

Mr. Ryan? He's an English teacher here. A favorite of the students. Why?

CAGNEY

Jillian was last seen accepting a ride from a man who looked to be roughly twice her age. Her parents heard her on the phone twice in the last few days talking to someone named "J.D." Two of her friends from the year book staff, (looks at notes) Joshua Lund and Courtney McGuiness, said that Jillian had a major crush on Mr. Ryan. So we're checking out all the possibilities

LACEY

We'd like to speak to Mr. Ryan, Ms. Wagner.

WAGNER

I'm afraid you can't. (off their look) He's not here. He's called in sick for the past two days.

CAGNEY

In that case, we'd like to have his home address and phone number.

WAGNER

Of course … my secretary will give you that information. … (she gets up and so do they, as she opens the door) I think you're barking up the wrong tree, Detectives. Jay D. Ryan is a wonderful man and well-respected teacher.

LACEY

We just have a few questions to ask, Ms. Wagner. That's all.

WAGNER

Tell him to hurry back. His students miss him already.

(Lacey nods and both leave the office.)

CUT TO:

(Cagney and Lacey knocking on the door of a modest home in a middle class neighborhood. There is no answer…)

CAGNEY

So, he's playing hooky… And Chelsea happens to be out sick, too.

LACEY

Think it's more than a coincidence?

CAGNEY

I'm beginning to

LACEY

(Both heading back to the car) Back to the squad room, run by Chelsea's and then back here - settle in for a wait if we have to?

CAGNEY

I'm really not looking forward to this

(Both get into the car, shut the doors and pull away.)

CUT TO:

Chris and Mary Beth in the squad room walking out of Samuels office and heading for their desks.

LACEY

Give me a second to call and see if Harvey's made it home yet.

(Cagney nods. She's straightening her desk, packing up a few things since they probably won't be back again today. Victor passes behind her and she does a slow turn watching him carefully)

ISBECKI

What?

CAGNEY

I get nervous when you're out of my line of vision.

ISBECKI

I always knew you had a hard time keeping your eyes off me, Cagney.

(rolls eyes) Right… I just want to make sure you're not about to pull anything stupid … after what happened yesterday.

ISBECKI

(raises hands in a helpless gesture) Not me, Cagney. I learned my lesson already. Anybody tries to grab you better think twice.

CAGNEY

(smiles at him) You better believe it

ISBECKI

(winks) You must be murder on your boyfriends

CAGNEY

You'll never know.

(Isbecki laughs and walks away. Mary Beth is finishing her telephone conversation with Harvey)

LACEY

(into phone) I'm glad you made it home, sweetheart. … Me, too. … Bye.

CAGNEY

Harvey made it home okay?

LACEY

Yeah. Muriel decided to stay on with Aunt Doris for the rest of the week. We'll probably drive up together this weekend and pick her up.

CAGNEY

Sad circumstances, but it'll be nice for you to get away for a bit.

LACEY

A three-hour car ride with two kids bickering in the backseat is no vacation. I'd rather sit up all night on a stake-out with you

CAGNEY

(Makes a face) Thanks for the compliment

(Lacey smiles and they both grab their jackets and head out to the car).

CUT TO:

Mr. Ryan's house, Cagney and Lacey are heading up the walk when they hear gunfire inside the house. Both immediately draw their guns. On three, Lacey kicks in the front door and Cagney leans in, gun drawn, looking around. No one visible in the living room, the detectives go from room to room - and then hear sobbing coming from a bedroom upstairs. They run up the stairs toward the sound. Their eyes are drawn first to the bloodstained sheets partially covering two naked bodies - Jillian and Mr. Ryan. Both have been shot in the head. Hearing the sobs again, they turn to the corner of the room behind them. Chelsea is sobbing and shaking. She is holding the gun to her temple.

CAGNEY

(Breathlessly) Chelsea, put the gun down

CHELSEA

(choking her words out between sobs) No… I can't

LACEY

YES, Chelsea, you can… You don't want to do this. Tell us what happened

CHELSEA

He loved ME… He TOLD me so

CAGNEY

Chelsea, if you put down the gun, we'll sit and talk. You can tell us all about it. Look, I'm going to put down my gun and then you can give me yours

(Cagney watches for some answer - Chelsea slowly nods her head and relaxes her arm a bit, allowing the gun to drop a little - Cagney takes this as a "yes" and puts down her gun, she then slowly takes a step forward, Lacey still holding her gun on Chelsea - adrenaline pumping. Cagney takes another step - just as Chelsea suddenly looks up into her face, jerks her arm up slightly pressing the gun against her own temple and fires. Cagney jumps - Lacey yells "No!" as Chelsea's body slides down the wall leaving a trail of blood.. Chris turns to Mary Beth, in shock and shaking, blood spattered on her shirt and neck After a second or two, Mary Beth puts down her gun and walks over grabbing Chris' by the arms to keep her steady, looks over Chris' shoulder at Chelsea's body and closes her eyes.)

CUT TO:

Lacey outside an upstairs bathroom, water is running inside. Uniformed officers and two detectives are in the bedroom with the three bodies. There's a lot going on … pictures are taken of the crime scene. You can see through the bedroom window that it's getting dark outside. Lacey looks exhausted.

LACEY

(Through the door) Chris, are you all right?

CAGNEY

(voice muffled but sounds choked up) I'll be out in a second.

Lacey moves across the hall and stands outside the bedroom door, watching what's going on inside the bedroom. Just then the bathroom door opens and Chris walks out, she's washed her face and neck, her hair is slightly damp and shirt is wet in front.

LACEY

(Walking to her) God, you're pale

CAGNEY

(Voice breaking) If I have to go back in there I'll be sick, Mary Beth. It's all I can do to keep myself from getting that way now.

LACEY

I think they're done with us. I'll tell them we're leaving. (Notices Chris isn't paying attention, her head is down and she's trying to rub what's left of the blood stains off the front of her shirt). Chris?

CAGNEY

I just … (looks up - still seeming out of it) … I can't get these stains out

LACEY

Are you all right?

(Chris looks up again and shakes her head "yes")

Wait here. I'll tell them we're leaving.

(Mary Beth walks into the room, talks briefly with a detective. When she comes out, Chris is rubbing at her shirt sleeve.)

Come on, Chris. (Cagney, intent on what she's doing, doesn't move. Mary Beth turns back and looks at her for a second, then gently grabs her arm) Come on

CAGNEY

God, I need a drink

LACEY

I'll buy.

CAGNEY

I can't go in anywhere like this

LACEY

You can come home with me just the way you are… You can borrow a shirt. We'll stop by your place in the morning.

CAGNEY

The heat's probably fixed Mary Beth. Besides, Harvey's home… I don't want to intrude.

LACEY

You are never an intrusion. I'm just not sure you should be home alone tonight - whether the heat's fixed or not.

CAGNEY

I'll be fine. Really.

LACEY

You're sure?

CAGNEY

Absolutely

(Mary Beth nods her acceptance, even though it's clear she's not too sure about this. Ariel shot of the car pulling away and FREEZE FRAME).

THE END