The Theft Store

CAGNEY & LACEY

written by John M. Riggle, Feb. 5, 1987

Cast

Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly

Bert Samuels (Al Waxman); Harvey Lacey (John Karlen); Victor Isbecki (Martin Kove); Marcus Petrie (Carl Lumbly); Al Carassa (Paul Mantee); Claudia Petrie (Vonetta Mc Gee); Amanda Kostopolous (Pat Duncan); Jean Thomas (Cindy Cochran); Esposito (Robert Hegyes)

Guest cast

Mr. Kostopolous; Mrs. Kostopolous; Buddy Kostopolous; Officer; Telephone (V.0.); Minister; Cameraman (photographer); Man; Aspromomte; Plante

Sets

Exteriors: Petrie home; a high school; a residence building; phone booth; Houston Intercontinental Airport; Street in front of residence building; warehouse; open air flea market; street in front of warehouse; Astroworld; Waterworld; NASA; La Guardia Airport; New York street; Marcus's car

Interiors: squadroom; Petrie living room; Lacey kitchen; airport; Kostopolous living room; church; church lobby; Marcus's living room; Samuel's office; vacant warehouse; NASA Visitor's Center; Houston Police Department burglary division; Houston Intercontinental Airport

CHRONOLOGY

Scenes 1-4 (Day); Scene 5 (Night); Scenes 6-27 (Day); Scene 28 (Night); Scenes 29-37 (Day); Scenes 38-39 (Night); Scenes 40-48 (Day)

ACT ONE

FADE IN

INTERIOR-SQUADROOM-DAY

ON Isbecki and Petrie.

PETRIE

How are the plans going for your wedding ?

ISBECKI

Fine. Amanda got a letter from her mother. She's arranged for the preacher, the church, and the reception.

PETRIE

How about the license ?

ISBECKI

We found out we can get a New York license and still get married there, so we took our blood tests and we'll pick up the license tomorrow.

PETRIE

That's cutting it pretty close, getting the license on Friday and leaving on Sat.

ISBECKI

Yeah, but if anything goes wrong, we'll just get a license in Houston.

PETRIE

How come you didn't tell anybody earlier ?

ISBECKI

Everybody would have ribbed me about it, and how could we have a bachelor party without Cagney and Lacey, they're my friends too, you know.

PETRIE

I suppose you're right.

PETRIE'S PHONE RINGS.

PETRIE

Det. Petrie, 14th..... .Claudia. .. .Calm down and tell me what happened..... O.K., we'll be right there.

He hangs up the phone and gets up.

PETRIE

Come on, Victor. Claudia just got home from teaching and found our house has been burglarized.

Petrie grabs his fingerprint kit as Isbecki gets up. They start out the door and meet Coleman coming in.

ISBECKI

Coleman, get on the radio and get some uniforms over to Marcus's house right away. Somebody broke in.

They start out the door again and almost run over Cagney and Lacey coming in. Cagney and Lacey just do get out of the way, then stand looking.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-PETRIE HOME-DAY

Police cars with flashing lights are parked all over as Marcus and Victor arrive. They jump out of their car and run into the house.

INTERIOR-PETRIE LIVING ROOM-DAY

The room is a mess. Claudia and two uniform officers are standing in the middle of the room, making a list of the stolen items. Marcus and Victor have their badges hanging from the breast pockets of their coats so it isn't necessary for them to identify themselves.

CLAUDIA

Oh, Marcus! Just look at what they did to our home.

OFFICER

You want to look around and see if you can tell if anything is missing besides what Mrs. Petrie told us about ?

Marcus and Claudia are in each other's arms. Marcus is looking around in obvious anger, while Claudia is afraid, angry, and confused.

MARCUS

I don't know anything offhand. It'll probably take a few days to miss whatever is gone. I see the TV, Stereo, and VCR are gone, but you have that.

VICTOR

I remember your stereo. A Wilson-3000 wasn't it ?

MARCUS

Yeah.

VICTOR

I thought so. Don't I remember you getting an engraving tool and marking your driver's license number on everything ?

CLAUDIA

That's right, you did.

MARCUS

Yeah, NY-22795931. I put it on everything. You thought I was wasting my time because nobody would ever steal from a cop.

OFFICER

I'll pass this number on to the Pawn Shop detail. I guess you can handle making out your own burglary report.

ISBECKI

Yeah, we can handle it. I'll start by checking for prints.

Victor opens his fingerprint kit.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-SQUADROOM-DAY

On Cagney and Lacey at their desks with Isbecki and Petrie standing.

CAGNEY

Too bad the only prints you could find in your house were a juvenile's.

LACEY

The law protects them from us. But not us from them.

ISBECKI

Yeah, it's really a burn.

PETRIE

Even if I had caught that punk inside my house the only thing I could have done was let him go.

CAGNEY

This is a disgusting conversation to have the day Victor leaves on his vacation.

MARCUS

It sure is. Don't let my troubles interfere with having a nice vacation, and enjoy getting married.

LACEY

Amanda's a fine woman, Victor. The boys talk about her all the time. Everybody really likes her.

ISBECKI

I know. I don't understand why she decided to marry me. I'm nobody special. In fact, I don't feel like I'm much of anybody at all. She's way too good for a guy like me.

LACEY

Don't say that Victor. You're a nice guy too. It just took you a long time to get lucky, that's all.

PETRIE

Those broads you used to go out with were never any good. That's why you never married any of them. You were just waiting for a good one, that's all. I got lucky sooner. I found Claudia.

LACEY

And I found Harvey. Sooner or later I expect Christine will find somebody too.

CAGNEY

WHAT!! ME!!??

LACEY

Yes you.

CAGNEY

Well, just when do you expect this miracle to happen ?

LACEY

Who knows. Maybe today.

ISBECKI

Sure. Maybe today.

CAGNEY

Get out of here and go on your damn vacation.

Isbecki and everyone leave, leaving Cagney sitting alone in an empty squadroom, looking frustrated and lonely.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-LACEY KITCHEN-NIGHT

The boys are in bed and Alice is asleep. Harv and Mary Beth are having coffee.

MARY BETH

Victor and Amanda finally left for Houston today.

HARVEY

That's nice. I know they'll like being married. I haven't forgotten what it was like to come home to an empty apartment.

MARY BETH

I never did that. I lived with my mother, Emily.

HARVEY

Where I lived they wouldn't let me have any pets either. Oh, I could go see my folks whenever I wanted but it wasn't the same as having somebody special to come home to, like a wife.

MARY BETH

Oh, Harv. That's nice. But I got bad news too.

HARVEY

Like what ?

MARY BETH

Marcus's house was broken into today. They took half of everything they owned.

HARVEY

That's terrible. Any idea who did it ?

MARY BETH

Sure, but he's a minor. We could tell by the size of the fingerprints, so they woulda just had to let him go.

HARVEY

I guess that means he won't get anything back.

MARY BETH

Probably not.

HARVEY

Well, with his partner out of town, maybe Marcus can work on it by himself and somebody else can take his cases.

MARY BETH

He'll have time for that, all right. He's on vacation too.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-A HIGH SCHOOL-DAY

ON the school. A bell is ringing inside, shortly, students begin coming out. After a few minutes, two boys come out together. WIDEN to show Marcus watching them. They walk off down the street with Marcus watching them, and following at a distance. They arrive at a building where one of them lives and enter. Marcus waits and watches.

FADE OUT

TIME CUT TO:

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-THE RESIDENCE BUILDING-DAY

MARCUS is still watching as a man arrives driving a van. The boys come out carrying various items, TV's, stereos, guns, etc. The man opens the side door of the van and the boys put the items inside. The man gives them small packages of drugs, and they reenter the building as the man drives away. Marcus writes down the license number of the van.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-A PAY TELEPHONE-DAY

MARCUS is on the phone.

MARCUS

New York, JVV-549.

TELEPHONE (VO)

New York, JVV-549 is stolen.

MARCUS

Thank you.

He hangs up. A BEAT while we see he is angry and disappointed.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

HOUSTON INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT-DAY-ESTABLISHING

A plane is shown landing.

TINE CUT TO:

AIRPORT INTERIOR-DAY

Victor, Amanda, and Jean Thomas come down the passageway and meet Amanda's father, mother, and brother.

MRS. KOSTOPOLOUS

There they are. AMANDA! Over here! MR. KOSTOPOLOUS(to Buddy Kostopolous) All her life she's been deaf as a post, and her mother still yells at her.

BUDDY

That's just mother. She'll never change.

MR.

I know. At least she hasn't so far.

Amanda, Victor, and Jean approach. Amanda and her mother hug and kiss. Then she hugs and kisses her father and brother.

AMANDA

(signing and speaking)

It's so good to see you all again.

MRS.

Welcome home. I wish you would stay here for the rest of your life.

AMANDA

I'd like to mama, but this is my man, Victor, and I have to live with him, wherever he decides to live. And this is my best friend, Jean Thomas.

They shake hands and hug all around, as appropriate.

AMANDA

And this is my brother, Buddy.

More hand shaking.

VICTOR

It's good to meet you all at last.

THOMAS

That goes for me too.

MRS.

We've looked forward to meeting both of you, too.

MR.

Let's pick up your baggage and head for home.

They start to walk off.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-KOSTOPOLOUS LIVING ROOM-DAY

The door opens and Mr. Kostopolous leads as they all enter. The ladies all head upstairs.

MR.

Come on is and sit down. Buddy'll get your suitcases. We have everything all arranged. Jean can sleep with Amanda tonight, and Victor can take the spare room. Tomorrow after the wedding, you can switch around.

VICTOR

Sounds good to me.

MR.

So how do you like Houston, so far.

VICTOR

I thought it was a small town. Like maybe 30 to 50 thousand people, at most. But it's a lot bigger.

MR.

It's over 3 million. Closer to 4, I think. It's 40 miles from north to south, and forty from east to west. Unlike most of the cities up north, it's not surrounded by suburbs, so it's still growing.

VICTOR

One of our problems in New York is suburbs. It makes all kinds of problems for the Police Department with all the different jurisdictions.

Mr.

They solved that problem here by just having them all work with the Sheriff.

VICTOR

We have to do that in New York, too, But then there's New Jersey, as well.

MR.

I suppose that's the way it's done everywhere. Do you like to watch T.V. ?

VICTOR

Sure. What's on ?

MR.

There's a movie I want to see. Let me check to see what Channel it's on.

He picks up the TV Guide.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-THE CHURCH-DAY

Deaf people get married, like anyone else, but the wedding is a bit different. Because of this I am including here a rather lengthy description of the wedding.

In a real wedding, the deaf will be seated in one area so they can see the interpreter. The lights are brighter than at a hearing wedding for the same reason. The church is built with several steps so the area for the altar is raised to be about 4 feet higher than the floor. This is so the parishioners can see the minister on Sunday. A real wedding takes well over an hour, but due to the time constraints of television I have had to severely abbreviate it. Nevertheless, I will give you a complete description of a real wedding here so you can understand the accommodations made for deaf people.

The guests have an hour or so before the wedding to enter and be seated. They are separated into hearing and deaf and seated by ushers. The bride's family and guests will be in one area, the groom's in another area . A seat is left vacant for the interpreter in the front pew. A small box shaped pedestal about a foot or so high is placed next to the rail for the interpreter to stand on.

The best man is the third of the attendants, usually three, and will be the one nearest the groom. During this music will usually be played. It may be a piano player or organist, with or without a soloist to sing.

Usually the music is taped. and the traditional song is "Oh promise Me". At the conclusion of this everyone will be in place. "The wedding march" from Lohengrin will start and the maids of honor will start up the aisle from the lobby. When the first one is about half way up the aisle, the second will start. When the second is half way, the bridesmaid will start. When the bridesmaid is half way, the bride will start. She will be on her fathers left, holding his left arm with her right arm and her flowers in her left arm.

The maids of honor and bridesmaid will take up their positions. When the bride and her father reach the steps they mount then and take their positions with the bride on the left, the father in the middle, and the groom on the right. The interpreter rises and takes up a position on the pedestal in front of the area where the deaf are seated, behind the groom's family. The minister delivers a prayer, speaking and signing. The minister and interpreter are hearing people and the interpreter signs for the deaf without watching the minister.

The minister asks who gives this woman in marriage. The father says "I do", joins the hands of the bride and groom, may kiss the bride on the cheek, then sits next to the mother of the bride. The bridesmaid comes forward and takes the flowers from the bride so she can have both hands free to sign. The bridesmaid returns to her position. The minister begins the ceremony.

At many weddings a boy and girl carrying pillows with the rings on them will follow the bride and her father down the aisle and take up positions at the top of the stairs on either side, the girl having the grooms ring, and the boy the brides. At others, the best man and bridesmaid will have the rings. The bride and groom step forward to form a triangle with the ministers with the podium in the middle. They part hands so they can sign. The bride, groom, minister, and interpreter will sign together the entire ceremony. Those who can speak will respond to the minister's questions by speaking and signing. Those who cannot speak will be spoken for by the interpreter. When the minister asks for it the rings the ring-bearers will step forward.

The minister will take the rings, hold them up, then place them on the podium so he can sign, and deliver a prayer to bless the rings, then hand them to the bride and groom. The bride holds the grooms ring in her right hand and presents her left hand. The groom places the ring half way on her finger, releases her hand, signs his vows, takes her hand and places the ring the rest of the way on. The bride then repeats this process with the groom's ring. At position 20 there may or may not be a stand with three candles. A large one in the middle and smaller ones on either side. The smaller ones have been lit by the mothers of the bride and groom. The bride and groom go to this stand and remove the smaller candles. they use them to light the larger one simultaneously. This is called the unity candle. It signifies the two becoming one. They may blow out the smaller candles before replacing them to show they are no longer two, or may leave them lit to show that they still retain their individuality. They return to their positions. The minister goes behind the altar and all are asked to join in the lords prayer. The minister returns, turns the bride and groom to face the guests, announces them as Mr. and Mrs.--- as he presents them.

They start down the aisle to the exit. When they are half way the best man and bridesmaid join arms and follow. The attendants and maids of honor do likewise. The last to leave is the minister, who retires through another door. The ushers then direct everyone out through a different door. The wedding party is at one side or the other in the lobby posing for the wedding pictures.

The guests exit through the door and assemble outside. When the bride and groom come out the bride throws her bouquet, the bride and groom come down the steps and the rice is thrown. Everyone then goes to the reception. It may or may not be held in a room adjoining the church, or at another location.

Obviously, there is no way to put all this in one act, which I have noted sometimes may be 20 minutes long on Cagney and Lacey. I am including it so you will be able to understand what I have done in writing the wedding scene.

CAMERA at eye level. The door opens and the minister enters from eleven, followed by the groom and party. They take their positions as the camera zooms in. The wedding march starts and the bride's party enters.

CUT TO:

CAMERA pans as the bride and her father mount the steps.

CUT TO:

MINISTER

Who gives this woman in marriage ?

MR.

Her mother and I do.

He joins their hands and sits down. They step forward.

MINISTER

Our father, who art in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we for give those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for. thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. (A beat) Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here this day to witness the joining in holy matrimony Victor and Amanda, an honorable state, instituted by God. You Victor, and you Amanda, having come to me signifying your desire to be formally united in marriage, and being assured that no legal, moral, or religious barriers hinder this proper union, I command you give heed to the questions now asked you. (a beat) Victor, in taking the woman to your left to be your lawful and wedded wife, I require you to take the following vow.

Victor starts signing now, and speaking.

MINISTER

I, Victor,

VICTOR

I Victor,

MINISTER

take thee, Amanda,

VICTOR

take thee, Amanda,

MINISTER

to be my lawful wedded wife,

VICTOR

to be my lawful wedded wife,

MINISTER

to love and cherish,

VICTOR

to love and cherish,

MINISTER

to honor and sustain,

VICTOR

to honor and sustain,

MINISTER

in sickness as in health,

VICTOR

in sickness and in health,

MINISTER

in poverty as in wealth,

VICTOR

in poverty as in wealth,

MINISTER

in good times and bad,

VICTOR

in good times and bad,

MINISTER

and to be true to you,

VICTOR

and to be true to you,

MINISTER

in all things,

VICTOR

in all things,

MINISTER

till death alone shall part us.

VICTOR

till death alone shall part us.

MINISTER

I, Amanda,

AMANDA

I, Amanda,

MINISTER

take thee, Victor,

AMANDA

take thee, Victor,

MINISTER

to be my lawful wedded husband,

AMANDA

to be my lawful wedded husband,

MINISTER

to love and cherish,

AMANDA

to love and cherish,

MINISTER

to honor and sustain,

AMANDA

to honor and sustain,

MINISTER

in sickness as in health,

AMANDA

in sickness as in health,

MINISTER

in poverty as in wealth,

AMANDA

in poverty as in wealth,

MINISTER

in good times and bad,

AMANDA

in good times and bad,

MINISTER

and to be true to you,

AMANDA

and to be true to you,

MINISTER

in all things,

AMANDA

in all things,

MINISTER

till death alone shall part us.

AMANDA

till death alone shall part us.

MINISTER

may we have the rings, please.

The best man and bridesmaid step forward and hand the rings to the minister. He takes them and hands the brides ring to Victor.

MINISTER

As a ceaseless reminder of this hour and of the vows you have taken, place this ring on the hand of your bride and repeat after me: With this ring I thee wed,

Victor places the ring half way on her finger and speaks and signs.

VICTOR

With this ring I thee wed,

MINISTER

with loyal love I thee endow,

VICTOR

with loyal love I thee endow,

MINISTER

and all my worldly goods with thee I share,

VICTOR

and all my worldly goods with thee I share,

MINISTER

in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

VICTOR

in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

MINISTER

Amen.

VICTOR

Amen.

Victor puts the ring the rest of the way on. The minister hands the other ring to Amanda.

MINISTER

Place this ring on the hand of your groom and repeat after me: With this ring I thee wed,

Amanda places the ring half way on Victor's finger and speaks and signs.

AMANDA

With this ring I thee wed,

MINISTER

with loyal love I thee endow,

AMANDA

with loyal love I thee endow,

MINISTER

and all my worldly goods with thee I share,

AMANDA

and all my worldly goods with thee I share,

MINISTER

in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

AMANDA

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

MINISTER

Amen.

AMANDA

Amen.

MINISTER

Having pledged your faith in, and love to, each other, and having sealed your solemn marital vows by giving and receiving rings,

MINISTER

(continuous)

acting in the authority vested in me by the laws of this State, and looking to Heaven for divine sanction, I now pronounce you husband and wife in the presence of God and these assembled witnesses. What God has joined together, let no one put asunder. You may kiss the bride.

They kiss as the minister moves around the groom to face the guests. The bride and groom face the guests.

CUT TO:

MINISTER

I have the honor to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Victor Isbecki.

A BEAT

Victor and Amanda start down the aisle, followed by the bridesmaid and best man, arm in arm, followed by the attendants and maids of honor, arm in arm.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-THE CHURCH LOBBY-DAY

The wedding party is posing for the wedding pictures. we see the cameraman taking the picture.

CAMERAMAN

Smile. Say cheese. Money.

The flash bulb flashes.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-CHURCH-DAY

The guests are lined up and the bride and groom come out. The bride throws her flowers, then they come down the steps in a shower of rice. Everybody then walks down the sidewalk to the building next door and enters it for the reception.

CUT TO:

I

NTERIOR-THE RECEPTION HALL-DAY

The wedding party enters with the guests and everybody sits down. The waiters start serving the dinner. A murmur of small talk fills the room. The bride and groom go to stand behind the table with the wedding cake. The cameraman takes more pictures as they cut the cake. We see people talking and signing about how nice the wedding was, and etc., the pieces of the cake are passed out on paper plates. No intelligible words are heard. After about two minutes, or so

FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-THE RESIDENCE BUILDING-DAY

ON Marcus sitting in his own car watching the building as a different van, but with the same man in it, pulls to a stop in front of the building. The boys come out and trade merchandise for drugs again.

CUT TO:

EXTERIOR-THE STREET IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE

The driver drives off with the van. Marcus follows.

CUT TO:

EXTERIOR-ANOTHER RESIDENCE-DAY

The van stops and so does Marcus. Different boys come out and trade goods for drugs. The van leaves, Marcus follows.

CUT TO:

EXTERIOR-A WAREHOUSE-DAY

The driver of the van pulls up to a door and stops. He blows the horn. The door opens and he drives inside with Marcus watching.

FADE OUT

TIME CUT TO:

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-A WAREHOUSE-DAY

The door opens and the empty van backs out. The driver drives off down the street with Marcus following.

CUT TO:

EXTERIOR-NEW YORK STREET-DAY

The driver of the van parks it in a tow-away zone, gets out and enters the subway.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-NEW YORK STREET-DAY

ON Marcus on the phone in a phone booth.

TELEPHONE (VO)

Stolen just before noon.

MARCUS

Thank you.

He hangs up the phone.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-AN OPEN AIR FLEA MARKET-DAY

Victor and Amanda are wandering about, looking at the merchandise on sale.

VICTOR

They don't sell this kind of stuff for these prices in New York. And it looks like just about anything anybody might want is for sale here.

AMANDA

This has been going on as long as I can remember here.

Victor spots a stereo on one of the tables. He goes to it and looks at the back of it. There is a number engraved there. NY-22795931. It's a Wilson-3000.

VICTOR

How much for this one ?

MAN

That's an expensive one. It cost over $350 new. I can let you have it for $75 because I don't have speakers for it.

VICTOR

O.K. I'll take it.

He pays and takes it under his arm. He walks away with Amanda. When they are out of hearing range Amanda asks,

AMANDA

Why did you buy that ?

VICTOR

I think I recognize it. We'll call Marcus later. Where did Jean and Buddy go?

AMANDA

Over there.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-MARCUS'S HOME-NIGHT-ESTABLISHING

INTERIOR-MARCUS'S HOUSE-NIGHT

CAMERA is in a dark living room. The phone is ringing. After several rings, Marcus turns on the light in another room. We see light streaming through a doorway. We hear the voice of Marcus as he answers the phone.

MARCUS(V.O.)

Hello ?

VICTOR (V.0. ON PHONE)

Marcus !! Wake up !! This is Victor.

MARCUS( V. 0. )

Victor ? Why are you calling me at this time of night ? Where are you ?

VICTOR (V.0. on phone)

I'm in Houston. I need that number you engraved on all your stuff that was stolen.

MARCUS (V.0.)

NY-22795931

VICTOR (V.0. on phone)

That's what I thought. Sit down. I have a surprise for you. I recovered your stereo here in Houston. It was for sale in a flea market.

A BEAT

MARCUS (V.0.)

In Houston ?

VICTOR (V.0.)

That's right.

MARCUS (V.0.)

That explains a lot to me. I'll explain it all to you when you get back. Thanks a lot, and enjoy your vacation.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

14TH PRECINCT SQUADROOM-DAY

ON Cagney and Lacey as Marcus strides purposefully across the squadroom and knocks on Samuels door. They look at him with puzzlement as he passes them and watch as he knocks. Samuels waves for him to enter.

CUT TO:

INTERIOR-SAMUELS OFFICE-DAY

Samuels is sitting at his desk doing paperwork as Petrie enters.

SAMUELS

You're supposed to be on vacation.

PETRIE

I am, but I got so mad about the kids who broke into my house I just had to do something about it.

SAMUELS

So what did you do ?

PETRIE

I watched the kids who did it. I saw them burglarize other people's houses. I saw them trade the stolen items to guys in stolen van for drugs. The guys unloaded the vans at a warehouse. Last night I got a call from Victor in Houston. He found my stolen stereo on sale in a flea market there.

SAMUELS

He found your stereo in Houston, Tx. ?

PETRIE

That's right.

SAMUELS

How did it get to Houston ?

PETRIE

That's the part I haven't found out yet. I need help. I can't keep that warehouse under surveillance alone 24 hours a day.

SAMUELS

I guess not. Any idea how many vans are involved, or how they ship the stolen goods ?

PETRIE

I only saw one, but I'm sure there must be more. And I never saw anything go out, only in.

SAMUELS

How big do you think this might be ?

PETRIE

I don't know, but it looks to be interstate, and maybe international. It's just that they're using our precinct for one of the terminal warehouses.

SAMUELS

Whatever is going on, it's too big for just us. But nobody will do anything till we get more information, that's certain. I'll set up 24 hour surveillance on that warehouse and we'll go from there.

MARCUS

Sounds good to me.

SAMUELS

Send Cagney in on your way out, you've done enough. Go home and enjoy your vacation. Your postman's holiday is over.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-A DIRTY SECOND FLOOR OF A VACANT WAREHOUSE-DAY

ON Cagney and Lacey as Carassa and Esposito approach.

CARASSA

How's it goin' ?

CAGNEY

Slow so far. We've been here six hours and we haven't seen a thing.

ESPOSITO

It's only 2 P.M. School isn't out yet.

LACEY

This is only the first day, too.

CAGNEY

One thing you can be sure of. Tomorrow I'm bringing a chair of some kind.

LACEY

Six hours on our feet was pretty miserable. I'm bringing one too.

CARASSA

Looks like there's not even a box, or old packing crate around.

ESPOSITO

Nothing but a filthy floor to sit on.

CAGNEY

At least you don't have to deal with high heels.

CARASSA

And you don't have to deal with 250 lbs.

LACEY

Why are we standing here arguing ? Let's go. Have fun.

They walk off.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-WAREHOUSE-DAY

ON Aspromonte and Plante. Cagney and Lacey arrive to take over the surveillance.

CAGNEY

Another day, another cup of stale coffee.

ASPROMONTE

Tell me about it. A solid week of watching stolen vans unload stolen stuff and nothing ever goes out of that place.

PLANTE

I got a hunch something is due to happen today, so keep your eyes open.

LACEY

Plante, you and Aspromonte have had a lot of patience to take the graveyard shift. This whole thing has to end someday..

Marcus approaches

CAGNEY

Hello, Marcus.

MARCUS

Hi, everybody. I was thinking they almost have to have some sort of shipping schedule.

LACEY

We noticed them getting mail. Maybe that's how they know what to send where.

MARCUS

You mean you think they're sending the stuff to more than one city to sell it ?

ASPROMONTE

Sounds good to me. Victor only found your stereo in Houston. Where did the rest go ?

CAGNEY

This is getting bigger all the time. If this place sends some to Houston and some to someplace else, then they must be using small trucks, or have more than one warehouse like this in New York.

PLANTE

Well, it's time for us to go and leave it up to you ladies.

Marcus looks out the window.

MARCUS

Hey!! Look at that!

They all go to look out the window.

CUT TO:

VIEW OUT THE WAREHOUSE WINDOW-DAY

A semi-truck is stopped in the street with the trailer backed by the warehouse door.

PLANTE

That's it. They're loading up. I knew they were due.

ASPROMONTE

They must have just started. That truck couldn't have been there more few minutes.

LACEY

They didn't stay long either. The driver is gettin' in to go now.

CUT TO:

INTERIOR-WAREHOUSE-DAY

Marcus sprints away across the floor.

MARCUS

You all have things to do. I'm going to follow that truck.

CAGNEY

YOU'RE STILL ON VACATION

Marcus exits the door.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-MARCUS'S CAR -LOOKING OVER MARCUS'S SHOULDER-DAY

The truck is visible through the windshield. A forklift is putting a pallet with a large box in the back of the truck. The driver closes the doors on the now full truck.

CLOSE on a notebook in Marcus's hands as he writes the address at the end of a list of addresses. The truck driver gets in as WIDEN to show the truck leaving.

FADE out

FADE IN

INTERIOR-MARCUS'S CAR LOOKING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD-DAY

Marcus stops his car as the truck is seen entering the tunnel to New Jersey.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-ASTROWORLD AMUSEMENT PARK-DAY

Amanda, Buddy, Victor, and Jean are coming off of a ride, laughing and obviously enjoying themselves. They walk about, talking about all the rides and etc.

AMANDA

I like that loop-the-loop ride best.

BUDDY

The Texas Cyclone is too rough for me. I guess I'm just not tough enough for that one.

VICTOR

Who is ?

JEAN

Rodeo riders, I guess.

BUDDY

There's the boat ride through the jungle. Mom and dad like that one best.

VICTOR

Yeah ? Well, lets try it.

They walk off.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-WATER WORLD-LATE AFTERNOON

They all have on swim suits and come sliding down the water slide, one after another, going into the water at the bottom, splashing and laughing, in the large pool at the bottom. Finally, they get out of the water.

BUDDY

It's about time to dry off and go to the dome. The Astro's game with the Mets will be starting soon.

VICTOR

Sounds good to me.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-THE ASTRODOME- NIGHT

ON the four of them in their seats in the crowd. Crowd noise. A ball game is in progress.

CUT TO:

ON the field as a ball game is in progress. After a minute or so,

FADE OUT

TIME CUT TO:

FADE IN

NASA-DAY-EXTERIOR

WIDE ON Amanda, Victor, and Jean, as Buddy takes pictures. The Saturn 5 moon rocket and others are on outdoor display for this purpose.

BUDDY

Say cheese.

He takes the picture.

VICTOR

This is one of the places I always wanted to see.

JEAN

Me too.

AMANDA

Lots of people do. This is one of the few places in America where Americans can come and see their tax dollars at work.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-NASA VISITORS CENTER-DAY

ON all four in the room with the display of space suits.

VICTOR

How come they' got so many suits ?

BUDDY

Each one has to be made special for the astronaut that will use it. Each one has his name on it.

AMANDA

Except for the ones with her name on it.

FADE OUT

INTERIOR-AMANDA'S AND VICTOR' S BEDROOM-NIGHT

Amanda and Victor are in bed.

VICTOR

This is one vacation I'll never forget.

AMANDA

Oh. I hope not.

VICTOR

I mean, I got married to the most remarkable woman in the world. I saw the most incredible city in America. I have a family for the first time in two years. And, I found Marcus's radio. This could result in saving thousands of people from getting robbed.

AMANDA

Once a policeman, always a policeman.

VICTOR

What can I say ?? That's what I am.

AMANDA

Yes, and I love you for it. You really care about people.

VICTOR

I really care about you.

AMANDA

Not just me alone. Everybody. You really care about all the good people in the world.

VICTOR

That's just my job.

AMANDA

No my sweetheart, that's you.

They hug and kiss.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN

INTERIOR-HOUSTON POLICE DEPT. BURGLARY DIVISION-DAY

ON Victor and Jean sitting in chairs by the desk of a Houston Detective.

DETECTIVE

There's nothing we can do. Nothing shows on our hot sheet, just the one in New York. We can't arrest anybody and get a conviction. You know, we have openings here for officers. Why don't you two put in applications ?

VICTOR

All I have in New York is friends. I have family here now.

JEAN

I broke up with my boyfriend a couple of weeks ago. I wouldn't want to be left behind with my best friend here.

VICTOR

Lets do it.

JEAN

O.K. Lets.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INTERIOR-HOUSTON INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT-DAY

Amanda and Victor are leaving for New York.

P.A. SYSTEM (V.0.)

Columbia flight 223 now boarding for a non-stop flight to New York at gate 14. All aboard, please.

VICTOR

That's us, Amanda.

AMANDA

O.K. Good bye mom, dad, Buddy.

MRS.

Have a nice flight to New York.

MR.

We'll all see you in December when we come for Christmas.

BUDDY

I want to see New Years in Times Square.

VICTOR

It's just like you see it on TV.

BUDDY

Yeah, but it's just not the same as being there.

They all shake hands and Victor and Amanda wave as they get on the plane.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-HOUSTON INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT-DAY

A jet is seen taking off.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-LA GUARDIA AIRPORT-DAY

The New York skyline is shown as a plane is seen landing.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXTERIOR-14th PRECINCT-ESTABLISHING-DAY

INTERIOR-SQUADROOM-DAY

ON Cagney and Lacey at their desks as Isbecki enters and approaches Cagney with Marcus's stereo under his arm.

LACEY

Look who's back. Vacation over. So how do you like being married ?

VICTOR

It's great. I have a family again, and I met a lot of nice people in Houston, too. Especially at the Houston police Dept. They couldn't do anything about the guy I recovered Marcus's stereo from because it wasn't on the hot sheet there, only here.

Marcus enters.

PETRIE

What's that about my stereo ?

ISBECKI

Here it is. It only cost me $75.

PETRIE

Well, that's it All right.

CAGNEY

I know you took a postman's vacation. What did you get done, Marcus.

PETRIE

I did a lot of looking and figuring things out.

LACEY

Don't keep us in suspense. What did you figure out ?

PETRIE

Dope smugglers bring in dope. They give it to pushers. The pushers trade it to juveniles for stolen goods. The stolen goods are on our hot sheets, but not any others anywhere else, so they ship them to other cities where they are sold in flea markets, and second hand stores. Everybody knows they sell stolen goods. They call them "Theft stores". Everybody all along the line makes a profit, except the victims Whose property is stolen.

CAGNEY

That's. interstate, organized crime!!

PETRIE

That's it.

LACEY

So what can we do about it ?

PETRIE

I don't see anything we can do, except arrest all the pushers we can, and maybe raid a few warehouses. They also bring in goods stolen in other cities and sell them here. But we can't do anything about that because nothing is on our hot sheets.

CAGNEY

There must be something more than that that we can do.

PETRIE

I checked it out. There isn't. If we tried to get a computer big enough to keep track of all the stolen goods nationwide it would cost millions. The payroll to do that by hand would be billions, maybe trillions. It would have to keep track of everything stolen in the entire country.

ISBECKI

No way. It's just too big a job. We'll have to give it to the FBI.

LACEY

If the law would just let us do something about the juveniles.

CAGNEY

The law lets them get away with anything till they reach 17. Sort of on-the-job training for criminals.

ISBECKI

The law is so worried about their "tender years". If only the law would let us stop their training to be criminals in those years.

PETRIE

Some days it hardly pays to get out of bed.

VICTOR

One more thing. While we were in Houston we were offered jobs with the Houston Police Department. Jean and I decided to accept.

LACEY

You're leaving us ?

VICTOR

Yeah.

CAGNEY

We'll miss you, Victor.

VICTOR

I know, but all I have here is friends. There I got my wife's family. Jean broke up with her boyfriend a month ago and she doesn't want to lose her best friend. So we decided to move to Houston.

LACEY

I think it's nice for you to have a family again.

VICTOR

I'll miss all of you too. But it's already decided.

PETRIE

What am I going to do for a partner ?

VICTOR

Come on. There's lots of good people here. Samuels will give you the best one.

PETRIE

I guess you're right, but I'm used to working with you. I feel like the rug has just been pulled out from under my feet.

Cagney and Lacey get up and go to hug Isbecki.

CAGNEY

You're a good man, Victor. you'll be O.K. anyplace you go.

LACEY

Don't forget us Victor.

They both kiss him.

Freeze frame.

THE END


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