All I Want For Christmas

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

ACT I

OPENING SHOT: Chris Cagney and Mary Beth Lacey in a shopping mall - Christmas time. They have on coats and scarves, carrying shopping bags They walk past an ice skating rink and stop to watch for a moment. The rink is busy but not overly crowded - Moms and small children, older kids off on winter break. Christmas music is playing in the background.

LACEY

Doesn't that look like fun?

CAGNEY

(Smiling) Yeah. It IS fun. You've been ice-skating before, right?

LACEY

No. Never have. I was terrific on roller skates but I never had the chance to try ice- skating. Looks harder

CAGNEY

That's a shame, Mary Beth. It's not hard. If we didn't have to be back at work this afternoon, I'd try to talk you into going out there with me.

LACEY

And I might take you up on it, if I wasn't scared I'd break something.

CAGNEY

Nah, it's a piece o' cake. Charlie used to take me and Brian ice-skating. Brian was scared at first - cried and held on to Charlie. Not me. … And if I did fall, I sure as hell wasn't going to let my big brother know it hurt. (Smiling to herself) But Brian ended up being a better skater than I ever was. Faster. Ticked me off.

LACEY

You were born competitive, Christine. Brian never stood a chance, did he?

CAGNEY

Nope. Not at anything physical when we were little kids anyway. He was kind of a runt so the three years he had on me didn't give him much of an edge. Around the time I moved in with Charlie, he really shot up. I couldn't have held my own with him in many competitions - but we didn't see each other all that much at that point. (Looks at watch) I still need to get that hockey jersey for David.

LACEY

The Pro Shop's just upstairs. We've got time. Harve Jr. wants a Rangers jersey, too.

CAGNEY

Your son has good taste.

LACEY

My son has expensive taste.

(They head for the escalator. Just as they start up stairs, there is a commotion at the top of the "down" escalator next to them. A young boy is shoving his way through the crowd on the steps, people are dropping packages and shouting. A woman near the top of the opposite escalator yells after him)

WOMAN

Stop! Stop him!! He's got my purse!

Cagney shoves her packages into Lacey's already full arms - swings herself over the handrail between the two escalators, lands on the steps heading downward and pushes shoppers out of the way as she runs after him.

LACEY

(Watching after Cagney, struggling with the packages) Shit!

(She reaches the top of the escalator, drops the packages onto a table outside an eatery where an elderly couple is seated.)

Watch these for a second! (she runs down the escalator - a security officer is with the mugging victim, they follow Lacey).

(Cagney is catching up to the boy - progress is fairly slow because of the shopping crowd. Suddenly a lady with a twin stroller turns in front of the teen - he trips on the front wheel and falls to the ground. As he tries to get up, Cagney jumps on top of him and pins him down, struggling to get him cuffed as Lacey breathlessly approaches)

CAGNEY

Damn it! You'd think we could at least go Christmas shopping without this crap… (Looking at Mary Beth) Where's all our stuff??

LACEY

I left it with an old couple upstairs. If you can get him to the car, I'll go back for it.

(Cagney nods and then stands and pulls the boy to his feet, grabbing the stolen purse that had fallen to the floor.)

CAGNEY

Come on, kid. Let's go.

CUT TO:

Cagney in the car, the kid in the back. Lacey comes out of the mall arms loaded and Cagney pops the trunk from inside. As Lacey gets in

LACEY

They were the nicest couple. Jules and Irene Rosen - from Queens. He offered to help me out with the packages - but I just couldn't. Jules is eighty if he's a day.

(Cagney just grins and nods - Lacey changes the subject, looks over her shoulder at the kid in the back. His hair is bleached blond on the tips, short, a little spikey. He's no more than 16 years old.)

What do you have to say for yourself?

CAGNEY

Don't waste your time, Mary Beth. Junior's taking the fifth.

LACEY

(Sighs) And we thought we were so lucky today -- getting out of court early, a little shopping, maybe a long lunch. So much for lunch, huh? I'm starving.

CAGNEY

I think we're gonna have to settle for a candy bar at the station.

LACEY

(Looking over her shoulder) Thanks a lot, kid.

CUT TO:

Interior squad room - minimally decorated for Christmas. Hectic atmosphere - Chris and Mary Beth are at their desks with the teenager sitting in a chair next to them. Petrie approaches and speaks to the boy.

PETRIE

Brendan?

BRENDAN

(Looks embarrassed) Hi

CAGNEY

You know this guy?

PETRIE

My neighbor - Brendan McCafferty.

LACEY

Your neighbor here was just involved in a mugging - he won't say two words to us.

CAGNEY

Think you can get anywhere with him?

PETRIE

I'm sure I can.

(Looks pointedly at Brendan, who looks away - face reddening. Petrie helps him up from the chair by the arm and walks him to his desk.)

(Coleman hurries through the squad room doors, following the mugging victim from the mall - she's peroxide blonde, brassy, mid-thirties, tall)

COLEMAN

Lady, would you slow down a minute. You can't just barge in here…

(She spots Cagney and Lacey)

VERONICA

There they are… (To Cagney) Where's my purse?

CAGNEY

We have your purse but

VERONICA

(Interrupting) Well, give it to me already. This has been the worst day. I gotta be at work in a couple hours.

CAGNEY

We can't just GIVE it to you

VERONICA

(Interrupting again) That's ridiculous. It's my purse… You saw me chasing the little rat.

LACEY

Ma'am - We have to get your name first, take a report

VERONICA

(Rolls eyes, sighs, gesturing) My name is Veronica Wray and I really don't have time for this shit. How long is it gonna take?!? My afternoon is a complete waste already. … And if I'm late to work again, Manny is gonna fire my ass for damn sure!

LACEY

It won't take much time at all, Ms. Wray. Now if we could just

(This time Petrie interrupts)

PETRIE

Mary Beth, does this lady want to press charges?

(Veronica turns to Petrie - her demeanor changes as she looks him up and down appreciatively)

LACEY

(Exasperated) I don't know, Petrie. That's what we're trying to figure out here!

VERONICA

(Noticing Brendan for the first time - pointing, outraged) There he is! There's the little creep that grabbed my purse!! (Towering over Brendan who is still seated, cringing as he tries to push his chair back away from her as she pokes him in the chest) What's the matter with you? Did Mommy and Daddy forget to give you your allowance this week?

CAGNEY

Taking Veronica's arm) Ms. Wray, if you'll just sit down for a moment, we'll do what we can to get you and your purse out of here as soon as possible

VERONICA

(Goes reluctantly with Cagney) Look at the little jerk. He don't need the money. Hell, his sneakers cost more than my whole outfit

CAGNEY

If we can just fill out this report, you'll be on your way. We wouldn't want Manny to "fire your ass".

(Cagney begins typing, Petrie pulls Lacey aside)

PETRIE

Mary Beth, you think this lady can be talked out of pressing charges?

LACEY

(Looks over at Veronica, shakes her head) I don't know, Marcus. Why?

PETRIE

Brendan's a good kid.

LACEY

A good kid that goes around snatching ladies purses

PETRIE

I think this is a first for him, Mary Beth. His family's going through a lot right now. His Dad just deserted them. Same old story - husband has a mid-life crisis, leaves his wife for a younger woman. They didn't even see it coming. His mother's trying to make ends meet, so she can keep the house. Supporting two kids on her own now. I think Brendan's just acting out his frustrations. All of a sudden, the family can't afford the life they were used to and he saw an easy way to score a few extra bucks for Christmas-time.

LACEY

You think you can straighten him out? Keep him from pulling another stunt like this?

PETRIE

I think so. I think he deserves a second chance

LACEY

(Looks at Petrie for a moment, then …) Let me talk to her.

(Petrie goes back to Brendan and Lacey approaches Veronica and Chris)

CAGNEY

That'll just about do it.

LACEY

Ms. Wray, do you think you could be talked out of pressing charges against this young man?

VERONICA

Nobody's gotta talk me out of anything. I don't have TIME to press charges. I got my purse back and I'm outta here. Just scare him for me - tell him the next time he pulls crap like this he's gonna be put in a home for messed-up kids or something.

(She rushes off…)

CAGNEY

The lady's all heart.

LACEY

Petrie will be happy. He wants the kid to have another chance.

CAGNEY

Looks like he got it.

LACEY

I'll go tell him

(Lacey walks over to Petrie's desk. Isbecki rolls his chair over by Cagney.)

CAGNEY

Go away, Victor.

ISBECKI

Just gimme a minute, Cagney. I need to ask you somethin'

CAGNEY

(Looks at him for a second or two and then…) Make it quick.

ISBECKI

That woman that just left - the blonde

CAGNEY

Yeah?

ISBECKI

I think she dropped something on the way out - I'd like to return it to her. You got her phone number?

CAGNEY

(Suspicious) What exactly did she drop?

ISBECKI

Um … (stands and fishes around in his pocket)

Here it is … (pulls out a pink rabbit's foot keychain)

CAGNEY

Oh, give it up, Isbecki! I saw you buy that from Josie last week. I am not going to give you her phone number.

ISBECKI

Come on, Cagney. What's it gonna hurt? (Leering) You know I love blondes

Chris stands up and gives Victor (laughing) and his rolling desk chair a shove - hard enough to "crash" him into Petrie's desk. Lacey's heading back to her desk.

LACEY

What'd Victor do now?

CAGNEY

Nothing… Just being his usual charming self. You straighten things out with Petrie?

LACEY

Yeah. He'll take Brendan home - after he has a long talk with him. Probably won't even tell his mother.

CAGNEY

Shouldn't she know about her son's new hobby?

LACEY

Petrie thinks Brendan won't be making the same mistake again. The kid's mother's having a really tough time - and Petrie doesn't want to add to her worries if he can help it. Her husband, the father of her two kids, just left them. She's suffering emotional stress, financial stress. She's got enough on her plate right now.

CAGNEY

Another reason I'm glad I don't have kids

LACEY

They can be a headache, all right. But I wouldn't trade mine for the world. You just do the best you can for them and pray a lot. It's hard enough with two parents -- I can't imagine going it alone.

CAGNEY

Charlie raised me by himself from the time I was thirteen on. (smiling) Look how great I turned out!

LACEY

You're … (finding the right word) UNIQUE, Christine.

CAGNEY

(laughing) Thank you.

LACEY

I'm calling it a day. You ready to go?

CAGNEY

Right after I call Charlie. There's a football game on tonight. I'm supposed to bring the spare ribs and he's supplying the beer.

LACEY

Have fun

CAGNEY

'Night.

(Lacey grabs her coat and heads out, Cagney dials Charlie's number.)

ACT II

Next morning at the14th, Lacey's already at her desk. Cagney walks in, looking more than a little ragged.

LACEY

(Very upbeat) Good morning, Christine.

CAGNEY

Mmmm.

(Chris signs in and hangs up her coat. Makes her way back to her desk and slumps into her chair, elbows on desk, head in hands.)

LACEY

Have a fun night with your Dad?

(Chris lifts her head, squinting in the light and stares at Mary Beth)

CAGNEY

Mary Beth … do I look like I had a fun night?

LACEY

Looks like too much fun from where I'm sittin'.

CAGNEY

Cute (tries to smile). Remind me never to watch football with Charlie again. At least not when he's got his old partner over.

LACEY

Frank Morrisey?

CAGNEY

Mmm-hmm. Every time Pop gets me around one of his old buddies he insists that I can out-drink any man he's ever seen. "Come on, Chrissy, have another one!" I think I'm gonna be sick.

LACEY

(Opens desk drawer) I might have something in here that'll help.

(As she looks through her desk, Coleman approaches - passing out pastries)

COLEMAN

Here you go, ladies. Fresh from the bakery … (holds them under Cagney's nose) We got your bear claws, your cinnamon buns, danishes - cream and fruit filled

(Cagney, suddenly gone pale, pushes away from the desk and runs to the Jane. Lacey stands up and calls after her but she's already gone)

LACEY

Nice timing, Sergeant.

COLEMAN

What? You two on a diet or somethin'? (shakes his head and walks over to Isbecki's desk.)

(Lieutenant Samuels comes out of his office)

SAMUELS

Lacey … where's your partner.

LACEY

She … She'll be right back, sir.

SAMUELS

I need to see the both of you in my office. Go find her, please.

LACEY

Yes, sir.

(Lacey grabs an aspirin bottle, a cup of water and heads to the Jane where she finds Cagney sitting on the bench next to the wall, wet paper towels pressed against her forehead.)

Chris?

CAGNEY

Just shoot me now and put me out of my misery.

LACEY

Take this (handing her the aspirin bottle and water)… and feel better fast. Samuels wants to see us.

CAGNEY

(Trying to open aspirin bottle) I should be in bed. I'm not well.

LACEY

Next time just tell your Dad you're not one of the boys and you can't drink like a fish when you have to be at work the next day.

CAGNEY

(A little too loudly) I CAN out-drink most men. (She squeezes her eyes shut tight and slaps the paper towel against her forehead again - whispering this time) I just pay a heavy price for it sometimes… (still struggling with aspirin bottle - thrusts it toward Mary Beth) HELP!!

LACEY

(Opens the bottle with ease, grabs Chris' hand and pours two … pauses … and then another aspirin into it) Swallow these and let's go, Christine.

CAGNEY

(tosses back the pills with the cup of water and grimaces, eyes shut tight - when she opens them) They didn't help

Lacey takes Cagney by the arm and leads her from the Jane and into Samuels office. He looks up :

SAMUELS

It's about time, Cagney. You look like hell.

CAGNEY

Thank you, Lieutenant.

LACEY

Detective Cagney's a little under the weather this morning, sir. But she'll be fine in no time.

SAMUELS

Uh-huh. … ANYWAY … we got a lady in the interview room with the kid you brought in yesterday.

LACEY

Brendan McCafferty? (Samuels nods)

CAGNEY

What'd he do this time?

SAMUELS

I'm going to let you two go to the interview room and find out. All I know is that she came in, dragging the boy with her, saying she'd made a citizen's arrest this morning

CAGNEY

(To Lacey) So much for Petrie's "little talk".

SAMUELS

Whatever, Cagney. She's been kept waiting long enough. Go see what it's all about. Her name is Bernadene Wallace.

LACEY

Right away, Lieutenant.

(Cagney and Lacey walk through the doors of the interview room. Brendan and Mrs. Wallace, a formidable African-American woman, late-60s, are seated at the table.)

MRS. WALLACE

Do you always keep people waiting this long, Officers?

CAGNEY

Detectives…

MRS. WALLACE

Excuse me - DETECTIVE - I didn't catch your last name?

CAGNEY

I'm Detective Cagney and this is my partner, Detective Lacey.

LACEY

We're sorry if we inconvenienced you, Ms. Wallace.

MRS. WALLACE

It's MRS. Wallace, DETECTIVE. Apology accepted… I'm sorry if I've started off on the wrong foot. This morning has worn my nerves.

CAGNEY

We were told you made a "citizens' arrest"?

MRS. WALLACE

If that's what you want to call it. Caught this little boy trying to break into my car … I'd left my purse on the front seat and was coming out to get it when I saw him trying to jimmy the lock with a coat hanger - so I made the apprehension myself. Came up behind him real quiet and grabbed him by the ear. He knew better than to try and run from me.

CAGNEY

You went with Mrs. Wallace so nicely, Brendan. Why'd you make me chase you half way across the mall? (Brendan doesn't reply)

MRS. WALLACE

Brendan, you speak when you're spoken, too. I know your mother raised you better than that.

BRENDAN

I don't know what to say, Mrs. Wallace. I ran because she's a cop and she was chasing me

MRS. WALLACE

You've already had one run-in with the police??

LACEY

I take it you two know each other?

MRS. WALLACE

I know all the kids in the neighborhood. Figured if I took the time to get to know them they'd treat me with a little respect. This one's disappointed me.

CAGNEY

So you also know your neighbor Marcus Petrie, as well.

MRS. WALLACE

Detective Petrie?? Is this his precinct?

LACEY

Yes, ma'am.

MRS. WALLACE

Brendan, why didn't you tell me that?? We could have asked for Marcus! (gives him a shot in the arm - he looks at her rubbing his arm where she hit him) You are not scoring any points with me today, boy. I'm trying to help you before you get more messed up than you already are

CAGNEY

You want to help him? After he tried to steal from you??

MRS. WALLACE

He's not a bad boy, Detective. He's just gotten a little off track.

LACEY

So you don't want to press charges?

MRS. WALLACE

No. No I don't. I thought bringing him here might scare some sense into him.

LACEY

It obviously didn't work for Detective Petrie yesterday, Mrs. Wallace.

MRS. WALLACE

I guess it didn't. … But I have a couple of ideas of my own that might help this boy. Can I speak with Detective Petrie?

CAGNEY

I'll see if he's in.

MRS. WALLACE

(Stands) Brendan, you wait right here. I'll be just outside with Detective Lacey.

(She walks out the door and Lacey follows.)

I'm a firm believer in rehabilitation, Detective. Especially if you catch the problem early.

LACEY

Yes, ma'am. I agree. The problem is - most of the time - when a juvenile is arrested, and we finally get our hands on him - he's already got a record a mile long.

MRS. WALLACE

Well, this one doesn't. … I have two sons - five years apart in age. They're grown now. The oldest - Robert - he's finishing up a fifteen-year prison sentence for armed robbery. No one ever tried to help him, Detective. They just slapped the cuffs on him and locked him away, his first offense as a juvenile. He came out angrier than ever. There wasn't anything I could do with him - he was already beyond my reach. He went on to commit more serious crimes - and now he's serving serious time. The system doesn't work.

LACEY

I agree it has its problems.

MRS. WALLACE

Damn right it does. When I saw my second son Gerard begin to step out of line - I stepped up and took over. It takes a lot of work on the parent's part - a lot of vigilance to keep these young boys on the right path. But it worked with Gerard because I caught the problem early. I put him to work in our church. He learned that there were people far less fortunate than himself. He helped repair some of the old houses our elderly members were living in, helped me prepare and deliver food to the homebound. Became a "big brother" to some of the younger children in the church. The key is showing them that there's more to this life than our own gratification, our own needs. True fulfillment comes from helping others. Now Gerard runs an after-school program at our church - helps keep the kids off the streets.

LACEY

I'm sure you're proud of him.

MRS. WALLACE

Proud of Gerard, yes. But that doesn't mean I'm ashamed of Robert. I was working two jobs during his early teen years. He had too much time on his hands - without supervision. If anything, I feel largely responsible for his problems. So, I'm trying to give back a little by helping some of the young men and women I come in contact with. I think having someone show a little interest in them - a little faith in them - can make all the difference.

LACEY

It's too bad there aren't more people out there like you, Mrs. Wallace. It would make our job a lot easier. I have two boys myself.

MRS. WALLACE

How old?

LACEY

Harvey Jr.'s 13 ½. Michael just turned 9.

MRS. WALLACE

They spend much time alone?

LACEY

Not if I can help it. My sons are fortunate. Their father is home with them a lot - he works construction and there's a lot of down time. If he's not home, I make it home as soon as I can. We also have neighbors who are willing to look in on them.

MRS. WALLACE

Sounds like you're raising them right. They good boys?

LACEY

I think so…

(Cagney approaches with Petrie.)

PETRIE

Bernadene - heard you had a little problem with our neighbor this morning.

MRS. WALLACE

PETRIE

I'm willing if you are

(Petrie and Mrs. Wallace enter the interview room - Chris and Mary Beth head back to their desks.)

ACT III

Interior Lacey apartment, evening. She's just come in the door, beat, carrying a sack of groceries. The boys are so engrossed in the video game they're playing they hardly look up when she walks in. She barely makes it to the chair to set the bag down before spilling it.

LACEY

A little help would have been nice guys

(They glance at her, immediately returning their attention to the video game)

LACEY

Turn the sound down on that thing please.

(Michael walks on his knees over to the TV set and turns it down. Then gets up and goes over to the sack, not to carry it to the table but to paw through it as Mary Beth hangs up her coat.)

MICHAEL

I thought you were going to buy me some Choco-Puffs?

HARVEY JR.

Choco-Puffs? No! I hate those things. You said you'd get Honey Crisp. (Nudges past Michael and looks) You didn't get ANY cereal?

LACEY

No, Harvey. I must have forgotten. You'll just have to make do with instant oatmeal for another day or two.

MICHAEL

Gross

HARVEY

That's even worse than Choco-Puffs.

LACEY

You'll live.

(She goes to the kitchen with her groceries and begins to put them away. Looks into the refrigerator.)

Harvey, where's the salad you were supposed to cut up for dinner?

(Harvey enters the kitchen with a catalog, followed by Michael.)

HARVEY

(As he thumbs through the catalog) I guess I forgot… Mom, let me show you what I want for Christmas. …. Here… (thrusts out open catalog for her to look at)

LACEY

Harvey, you and Michael have already given me a list a mile long.

HARVEY

Yeah, but this is the best. Look…

LACEY

A portable stereo?

HARVEY

A BOOM-BOX with a radio, cassette player AND a CD-player.

LACEY

You don't own any CDs

HARVEY

I was gonna ask for a couple of those, too.

LACEY

A Boom-Box sounds like just the right gift to disturb the neighbors. Besides, how much does it cost?

HARVEY

I wouldn't play it very loud, Mom. It's on SALE!

LACEY

How much, Harvey?

HARVEY

$99 … and it comes with a full one-year warranty

LACEY

$99 is a lot of money.

HARVEY

Ricky Santos is getting one. He's the one that showed me the ad.

LACEY

We'll see, Harvey. Just don't count on it.

(Harvey shuts the catalog and walks away, looking disappointed.)

MICHAEL

Ma, if Harvey gets the boom-box, I get the remote control car I showed you on TV yesterday, right?

LACEY

I don't know, Michael. We'll see. Did you clean up your room when you got home from school -- like you promised this morning?

MICHAEL

I was going to … but Harvey wanted me to play video games with him.

LACEY

Uh-huh. How about you get to it right now?

MICHAEL

After we beat one more level on Star Quest?

LACEY

(shakes her head "no") Now, Michael.

(He goes to his room.)

Harvey, how about that salad?

(Harvey stomps into the kitchen and reluctantly opens the refrigerator)

CUT TO:

Cagney at the grocery store after work. Not much in her cart - bottle of wine, loaf of french bread, salad vegetables. She turns the corner, heads down the canned goods aisle. There's a very petite old woman with a hand-held shopping basket holding a few soup cans near the end of the aisle. A couple of teenage boys are throwing football passes with a roll of paper towels in the center of the aisle. One boy throws, the other runs backward to catch the pass, knocking into the old woman who manages to keep herself from falling but drops the basket, sending cans rolling everywhere. The boys laugh and run down the aisle and around the corner, kicking aside cans in their path.

CAGNEY

Hey! (no use, they're gone)

(She hurries to the old woman)

Are you okay?

OLD WOMAN

Oh, yes, I think so

CAGNEY

Damn kids. Somebody needs to teach them some manners. (She begins to pick up the stray cans and put them into the woman's basket. When she's done)

OLD WOMAN

Thank you, dear.

CAGNEY

(smiles) You're welcome.

(She looks in both directions as she rounds the corner, but there's no sign of the boys. What she does see is an even younger boy - about 10 years old - standing in front of a rack of comic books. The boy - is looking around, stuffing comics into his half open jacket. Cagney walks over to him and simply stares down. The boy feels her eyes on him, slowly turns his head toward her and looks up. He freezes, holding a comic that's made it halfway inside his jacket. Cagney continues to stare at him. Eyes wide, the boy slowly replaces the comic on the shelf and takes a step back. Cagney, unblinking, clears her throat and raises one eyebrow - the boy grins sheepishly, reaches inside his jacket, removes two more comics and replaces them on the shelf. He backs up another couple of steps - without saying a word Cagney raises her chin in a "get moving" gesture. The boy turns and runs. Cagney watches until he is out the front door.)

CUT TO:

Harvey and Mary Beth in bed. The lamp is on, they are both sitting up, backs to the headboard, talking.

LACEY

It's beginning to depress me, Harve. The kids we see - caught stealing - and they're not really wanting for anything.

HARVEY

They're probably bored. Too much time on their hands. Their parents don't make enough time for them.

LACEY

That's part of the problem. But - where are their values? No one's taught them right from wrong? It's one thing to be bored. It's another to commit a crime.

HARVEY

Are you saying the kids who's parents don't have a lot of money - they're more justified in the crimes they commit? The purse snatchings, the robberies?

LACEY

Certainly not justified. I can at least understand their wanting things so bad, they're driven to steal. I know … we see this all the time. I should be used to it by now. I guess it's this time of year. People are supposed to be in the spirit of giving. Not stealing everything they can get their hands on.

HARVEY

You know television is to blame for most of this, don't you? The toy advertisers, the commercialization. The ads almost shout that if you don't get this for Christmas - if mommy and daddy don't buy it for you - they don't love you as much as little Johnny next door's parents, who did buy it for him. And on top of that, you're just not cool if you don't have the new "Battle-Ready, Rocket-Launching G.I. Joe Super Action Figure."

LACEY

I agree, Harve. You should have heard Harvey Jr. and Michael tonight before you got home. All they can think about is what they want. A boom-box, a remote control car. I'm a bad Mom because I didn't get the cereals they wanted. And they can't even be bothered to lend a helping hand with dinner. How did we let our kids become so self-centered?

HARVEY

They're not so bad, Mary Beth. They're just your average kids. And kids ARE self-centered, it's their nature.

LACEY

Not good enough, Harvey. There's got to be some way to get them to focus a little on something - someone other than themselves and their wants. I just have to figure out what it is

HARVEY

Maybe if we sleep on it?

LACEY

Maybe.

(Harve leans over and turns off the lamp. Snuggles up to Mary Beth and closes his eyes, content. Her eyes are still wide open)

CUT TO:

(The 14th Precinct - early morning. Cagney is at her desk, Lacey is just arriving.)

CAGNEY

Good morning, Mary Beth.

LACEY

I've had better.

CAGNEY

Have trouble getting your little angels off to school? Or your big one off to work?

LACEY

My "Little Angels" are a big pain in the neck these days. The big one … he's okay.

CAGNEY

What's up with the boys?

LACEY

All they seem to do these days is complain, complain, complain. And when they're not doing that - they have their hands stuck out asking us for something… I'm beginning to wonder what I've done wrong.

CAGNEY

You haven't done anything wrong. So they're a little selfish. Kids are

LACEY

Seems like more than a little selfish lately.

CAGNEY

You should have seen the kids at the grocery store last night. A couple of teenagers knocked into an old lady - no excuse me, didn't help her pick up the groceries she dropped. Just laughed and ran off like nothing happened. And then there was the lovely little boy I caught stealing comic books. Just be thankful to have your boys. They're not so bad…

(A harried woman, light-brown hair, late 30s, holding a toddler, comes into the squad room spots Petrie and approaches his desk.)

ANGELA McCAFFERTY

Marcus! What the hell were you thinking - not telling me that my son was brought in for purse-snatching?

PETRIE

Attempted purse-snatching, Angela. No one pressed charges.

ANGELA

Do you think that makes any difference to me? Who are you to withhold information on my son?

PETRIE

Let's take this to the interview room, where we can talk in private?

(Lacey approaches when she notices Marcus' predicament)

LACEY

Ma'am? I'm Detective Lacey. I'd be happy to watch your little one - so you and Marcus can have a few minutes alone.

(Angela looks at Petrie)

PETRIE

Josh will be just fine with Mary Beth. She's one of the best Mom's I know.

ANGELA

You're sure it's no trouble?

LACEY

None at all. My partner (gestures toward Chris who smiles uneasily) and I are just catching up on a little paperwork. I think we can handle Josh. (Cagney raises her eyebrows and touches her chest in a "who me?" gesture - Mary Beth's the only one to catch it.)

ANGELA

If you're sure it's all right.

LACEY

(Holds out her arms to take 18-month-old Josh) He'll be fine.

(Angela hands Josh over, along with his diaper bag and follows Petrie to the interview room.)

CAGNEY

What is this "WE" business?

LACEY

(Smiling) You're not scared of Josh are you Chris?

CAGNEY

Damn right, I am.

LACEY

(To Josh) She's only teasing. She thinks you're beautiful.

(Cagney smiles and shakes her head. Mary Beth sits with Josh, talks to him, he's not crying but he's very "serious" - won't crack a smile. Cagney tries to type up her reports but she's distracted by Mary Beth and the baby. Samuels approaches.)

SAMUELS

Are we a day care center now? Who is this?

CAGNEY

Brendan McCafferty - Petrie's purse-snatching neighbor - it's his little brother.

SAMUELS

What'd he do? Steal another kid's pacifier?

LACEY

He did no such thing! He's just visiting with us while Marcus has a word with his mother. She'll be back for him in just a second, Lieutenant.

SAMUELS

She should hurry. Babies don't belong in the squad room.

CAGNEY

My thoughts exactly…

(The Lieutenant walks away - Mary Beth sticks her tongue out at Cagney and continues to talk and play with Josh.)

CUT TO:

(Interview Room - Petrie and Angela McCafferty sit at opposite sides of the table)

PETRIE

ANGELA

Not contacting me AT ALL. I found out from Bernadene.

PETRIE

All right. I was out of line. I just thought you had enough on your mind right now without worrying about Brendan, too.

ANGELA

It's my job to worry about Brendan. I'm his MOTHER for God's sake, Marcus. (pauses) I know you were just trying to help. But keeping me in the dark was wrong. Ted left me, it's been hard - but I'm handling it. LET me handle it.

PETRIE

(Nods in understanding) Bernadene told you she could use Brendan's help - with some repair work on her church and other odd tasks.

ANGELA

She started to … but I was so angry I didn't stay and listen. I came straight here to see you.

CUT TO:

Cagney and Lacey at their desks. Lacey still holding Josh. Bernadene Wallace walks into the squad room and up to their desk.

MRS. WALLACE

Detectives

LACEY

Mrs. Wallace … what can we do for you?

MRS. WALLACE

(Nodding at Josh) I figured Angela would come here. She was so mad when we spoke this morning, I didn't get to explain what I hoped to do for her son - what I needed from him. If she's here, with Detective Petrie, I'd like to join them - so we can work this thing out.

LACEY

Mrs. Wallace, I'm sure that will be fine. If you don't mind, I'd like to know more about the volunteer opportunities we were discussing yesterday. I have a couple of boys that might be able to lend a hand. Maybe the whole family?

MRS. WALLACE

The more the merrier, Detective Lacey. Why don't you come with me and listen to what I have to say now.

(Lacey stands up and holds Josh out to Cagney who looks panic-stricken)

CAGNEY

Umm, Mary Beth - he's so happy with you

LACEY

(insisting) You'll be fine, Christine. (Putting him in her arms) I'll only be a few minutes.

CAGNEY

Mary Beth…. (Lacey doesn't respond - they're already on their way upstairs.)

(Cagney looks at Josh who is staring at her intently and then she looks around. She can't dump him with any one else… Josh begins to play with a button near her collar and she starts to bounce him a little in her arms)

Good baby….

CUT TO:

(Lacey rapping on the interview room door and entering with Mrs. Wallace.)

LACEY

Mind if we join you?

(Petrie smiles)

ACT IV:

(Cagney at her desk, seated now with Josh sitting on the desk top in front of her. She makes a face and he giggles. Isbecki is watching this game from his desk.)

ISBECKI

(As he approaches) You're losing it, Cagney. (She looks up at him and makes a face - he smiles) Who's the kid?

CAGNEY

His mother's in the interview room with Petrie. Mary Beth went, too, and dumped him on me.

ISBECKI

(To Josh) Hi, kid. … Let me hold him.

CAGNEY

Be my guest. But BE CAREFUL.

ISBECKI

He's a tough guy, he can take it. (Isbecki takes Josh, who immediately starts to cry.)

CAGNEY

(Cagney stands reaching for Josh) Give him back, Isbecki. You're scaring him.

ISBECKI

I didn't DO anything.

CAGNEY

(to the baby) It's okay Josh. I'll make the bad man go away.

(The three of them are standing there together when Petrie, Lacey, Angela and Mrs. Wallace come down the stairs into the squad room)

MRS. WALLACE

Aren't they cute? The look like a happy little family.

CAGNEY

(under her breath) Ugh . God forbid

PETRIE

You look pretty good with that baby, Chris.

LACEY

She does, doesn't she?

CAGNEY

Very funny. You people are a riot.

ISBECKI

(whispered to Cagney) I could give you one of those, you know?

CAGNEY

(whispers back through clinched teeth) Get away from me now, Victor, or you'll never be able to give anyone one of these.

(Cagney immediately hands Josh back to Angela and says hurriedly) Here you are. He's delightful. (and sits back at her desk, putting a new form in the typewriter)

LACEY

(To Petrie and the two women) I'm glad you got this worked out. Mrs. Wallace, thank you - we'll be at your church tonight at 7:00 PM.

MRS. WALLACE

I'll look forward to seeing you there.

(Petrie sees the women out)

CAGNEY

What's with this "we" stuff now?

LACEY

I think I just found a way to help the boys get into the true spirit of Christmas. Wouldn't hurt you either, Chris. You could bring David…

(Cagney looks at her questioningly)

CUT TO:

Ext. small church - small lighted billboard outside reads "Blue Ridge Community Church" - Soup Kitchen - 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. - Tues., Thurs. and Sat. evenings.

Interior - brightly lit, decorated for Christmas, lots of noise/activity. Bernadene Wallace is wearing an apron, running here and there, giving orders through a kitchen window.

MRS. WALLACE

Hot cornbread! Somebody want to pick this up??

HARVEY

I've got it… Thank you, Mrs. … Bernadene.

MRS. WALLACE

Thank you, Harvey.

Harvey takes the hot pan with oven mitts and carries it over to the serving table - next to Mary Beth who's ladling beef and vegetable soup into bowls for families standing in line.

HARVEY

Mary Beth, this was a terrific idea. I think it's really going to do the boys some good.

LACEY

I hope so. They've thrown themselves into it, haven't they?

(They look at the boys - Michael is filling glasses with ice and Harvey, Jr. is pouring water, tea and lemonade for the families as they approach the drink table - stopping every now and then to help them carry their drinks if needed.)

(smiles) Now if we can only get them to help out so eagerly at home…

(Chris and David walk through the front doors - spot Harvey and Mary Beth and walk over.)

CAGNEY

Sorry we're late.

DAVID

Trial ran overtime…

MRS. WALLACE

Doesn't matter if you're late. You're here now. We'll put you to work.

CAGNEY

(walks over to her ) We're ready. What can we do.

MRS. WALLACE

There are some gallon jugs of tea and lemonade in the truck out back that need to brought in. The young man you're with looks about right for the job. (Turns her head back to the kitchen) Brendan, will you show this man to the truck and help him carry in the drinks?

BRENDAN

Yes, ma'am.

CAGNEY

How are you doing, Brendan?

BRENDAN

(Grins) Okay

MRS. WALLACE

He's doing just fine. Working hard as anybody. He's gonna help on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights from now until Christmas. I don't think I could manage without him. I'm hoping after that, he'll help us with some roof repairs to this old building. We might even pay him a little for that job. …. Well, show Mr. ________?

DAVID

David Keeler. Call me David…

MRS. WALLACE

Show David out back, Brendan.

CAGNEY

Where do you need me?

MRS. WALLACE

For starters … (stops when she sees Angela McCafferty come in holding Josh and smiles) Look who's here

ANGELA

Hi, Bernadene. How's my son?

MRS. WALLACE

He's wonderful.

ANGELA

(Smiles) Detective Cagney

CAGNEY

Angela … Hi, Josh.

(Josh leans forward and reaches for her - Cagney looks surprised.)

LACEY

Well, take him Christine - he wants you to hold him.

(Cagney laughs and takes him. He lays his head on her shoulder.)

Oh, isn't that the sweetest thing

(Cagney rolls her eyes at Mary Beth, but she's obviously enjoying holding him.)

ANGELA

If you'll hold on to him for a little bit, I'll help out in the kitchen.

CAGNEY

I don't … (pauses then smiles) sure….

(She goes over to a table to sit with the baby.)

(Camera pulls back slowly to show all the activity in the room and FREEZE FRAME)