DIAGNOSIS MURDER
"Obsession - Part Four"
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
1 EXT. GHOST TOWN - BUILDING - DAY 1
Ron Wagner is standing exactly as we left him, only now he's
SWEATSOAKED and surrounded by FBI BOMB DISPOSAL experts, who
are working in their HEAVY PROTECTIVE GEAR and behind SHIELDS.
They have now dug up the dirt between Wagner and the
explosives... sure enough, there's a wire running from the
exposed trigger device underneath Wagner's feet to the
explosives. Steve approaches in PROTECTIVE GEAR.
STEVE
There's no sign that ROAR was ever
here.
WAGNER
What would you call that?
Wagner motions to the explosives.
STEVE
A distraction.
(then: )
The prison convoy was ambushed.
Carter Sweeney has escaped.
WAGNER
I see.
(then: )
He tricked us again, just like
your Dad said he would.
STEVE
It's not your fault.
WAGNER
Somehow, I don't think the bureau
will see it that way.
STEVE
What would you have done
differently?
WAGNER
I wouldn't step right here.
Wagner glances at the bomb guys. They don't seem to be making
much progress.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 2.
1 CONTINUED: 1
STEVE
You would have done exactly the
same thing, and so would I. We
couldn't ignore the evidence we
had.
WAGNER
Sweeney knew we couldn't.
(then)
How far back you figure he's been
playing us?
STEVE
From the moment he offered to help
us catch his sister and bring down
ROAR.
WAGNER
I think it goes back further -to
the bank robbery. Remember how we
got here?
STEVE
A ROAR soldier got killed when his
gun jammed.
WAGNER
Amanda found bites on his corpse
from red ants... just like the
ants that are crawling up my leg
right now.
Steve looks at Wagner in a new light.
STEVE
That leg right there?
WAGNER
Yes, the leg attached to the foot
that's on top of the trigger that
leads to the massive bomb.
STEVE
That's got to be uncomfortable.
Wagner gives him a look but Steve presses on.
STEVE
So you think the ROAR soldier got
his bites rigging this place with
explosives... and that Caitlin
intentionally jammed his gun so
he'd get killed.
WAGNER
That's what I'm thinking.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2) 1
STEVE
If I were you, I'd be thinking
about that ant on my leg and the
trigger under your foot.
Wagner is about to say something he'd probably regret when a
BOMB GUY motions Steve over.
STEVE
Excuse me.
Wagner waits a long moment as Steve confers with the BOMB GUY
then returns. It's not lost of Wagner that the BOMB SQUAD is
clearing out... quickly.
STEVE
Okay, you can get off that trigger
now.
WAGNER
Is that so?
STEVE
So I'm told.
WAGNER
And what's going to happen when I
take my foot off the trigger.
STEVE
Hopefully, nothing.
WAGNER
You're not sure?
STEVE
I'm pretty sure. They're not sure.
WAGNER
They're not sure?
That's when Steve abruptly shoves Wagner, knocking him off the
trigger. Wagner glares at Steve in disbelief.
STEVE
Now we're all sure.
Steve tosses him a TOWEL.
STEVE
Dry yourself off, we have a long
drive back to LA in small car.
Steve walks off, barely suppressing a smile. And on Wagner,
staring after him, we DISSOLVE TO:
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 4.
2 EXT. BBQ BOB'S - DAY 2
A nondescript storefront. There's a FOR SALE sign tacked up on
the wall. Jesse and Steve gaze at it lovingly. Mark seems a
little dubious.
MARK
This is it?
STEVE
In all its glory.
JESSE
Four decades of grease, grits, and
gristle.
MARK
Sounds appetizing.
STEVE
Just wait until you smell it.
MARK
I thought the place was closed.
STEVE
After forty years, the smells
never go away. The entire place is
saturated with Bob's special
barbecue sauce.
JESSE
On busy nights, people lick the
walls while they're waiting for
their food.
MARK
And you plan to encourage this?
STEVE
Not unless we can figure out how
to charge for it.
They go to the front door. Jesse puts the key in the lock,
then pauses.
JESSE
This is it.
STEVE
I can almost feel the peanut
shells under my feet.
As Jesse turns the key in the door, Mark jostles the FOR SALE
sign, revealing another sign underneath: RIBZ, AN AMERICAN
GRILL.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 5.
2 CONTINUED: 2
MARK
I thought this place was called
BBQ Bob's.
JESSE
It was -- until Bob remarried.
Mrs. Bob made some changes.
STEVE
She ran it into the ground in six
months. That's why we're getting
in so cheap.
JESSE
Please, some quiet. This is a
solemn moment.
And with that, he pushes open the door and the three step into:
3 INT. BBQ BOB'S - DAY 3
Sawdust on the floor? Grease on the walls? Vinyl booths? Think
again. This is a beautiful space, colorful yet tasteful,
elegant yet funky, and, dare we say it, hip. Mark smiles - he
likes this place. Steve and Jesse are in shock.
MARK
This is not what I expected at
all. It's --
STEVE
Unbelievable.
MARK
Well, yes. After what you led me
to believe I thought it would be
something --
JESSE
Horrible.
MARK
Right. But this is --
STEVE
An abomination.
That takes Mark aback. He begins to realize that he and the
others are not looking at this the same way.
MARK
Are you saying you don't like this?
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 6.
3 CONTINUED: 3
JESSE
Do you feel crunching under your
feet? Do your hands stick when you
touch the tables?
MARK
Should they?
Steve and Jesse share a look. Is Mark completely clueless?
STEVE
I don't know what to do.
JESSE
I do. Weep.
Steve lets out a deep sigh as he turns to his father.
STEVE
Sorry I dragged you all the way
down here.
Steve and Jesse head for the door, dejected. Mark can't
believe their attitude.
MARK
You wanted me to see this place
and tell you if buying it was a
good idea. I do.
JESSE
This dump?
MARK
If Bob's secret recipe is as good
as you say, does it really matter
that the walls are covered with
paint instead of grease?
Jesse and Steve share a shrug. They're not excited. Mark is.
MARK
I'll admit, when you first told me
about your plan, I had my doubts.
But this place is perfect.
STEVE
Uh-huh.
MARK
There's a 14-screen movie theater
opening up down the block, a
TechnoCity video and CD warehouse
going in next door, and two new
bookstores on either corner.
(more)
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 7.
3 CONTINUED: (2) 3
MARK (cont'd)
There are going to be lot of
hungry people around here.
(then)
And they'll all love this place as
much as I do.
JESSE
I guess someone has to.
MARK
You'd be crazy to walk away.
STEVE
Thanks. But when we asked you down
here, it wasn't just for advice.
JESSE
We were going to hit you up for a
loan. For the down payment,
startup costs.
MARK
So hit me.
STEVE
Nah. This isn't our dream.
JESSE
How can we ask you for money if
we're not convinced we can make
the place work?
MARK
Because I am.
STEVE
Thanks, Dad. But we can't --
MARK
I insist. What do you need?
He whips out his checkbook. Steve and Jesse turn away and
share a grin.
STEVE
(to Jesse)
Told you that would work.
They turn back to Mark. But before they can name a figure, the
door flies open and Ron Wagner comes in.
JESSE
Welcome to the all-new BBQ Bob's.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 8.
3 CONTINUED: (3) 3
STEVE
Sorry, we're not open for business
yet.
WAGNER
No, but Carter Sweeney is.
He holds up a video tape. And off their looks, go:
4 TIGHT ON CARTER SWEENEY 4
as he stares into a video camera.
CARTER
The United Nations shadow
government wants you to believe
that I am a serial bomber, a mass
murderer, and the greatest threat
to national security since the CIA
introduced AIDS and crack to our
cities. Why?
5 INT. BEACH HOUSE - NIGHT 5
Mark watches the tape, fascinated. Steve stands over him,
disgusted.
CARTER (ON TV)
Because I know too much. I found
out why the so-called traffic
helicopters never stop circling
over Los Angeles.
STEVE
How many times are you going to
watch this thing?
MARK
Until I understand it.
STEVE
I understand it. He's nuts.
MARK
Since when?
STEVE
The man blew up half of Los
Angeles to write his father's name
across the city in map-dots.
MARK
He's smart, patient, and
methodical. This is gibberish.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 9.
5 CONTINUED: 5
CARTER (ON TV)
They sold Hong Kong to the
Communists -- six months later,
Pakistan has the bomb, half of
Florida burns, and Mercedes buys
Chrysler. Coincidence? They'd
like you to think so.
Mark hits FAST FORWARD. Carter's image whizzes by.
STEVE
Maybe he cracked. He couldn't
stand losing to you.
MARK
You've got one thing right. He
can't stand losing.
Mark stops the scan.
CARTER (ON TV)
Why invent Viagra? How else can
they get you to swallow their mind-
control drugs?
MARK
But this is an act.
Mark turns off the TV.
STEVE
If he doesn't believe it, why send
this to the media? Why didn't he
leave the country and just
disappear?
MARK
One thing I've learned, everything
Carter Sweeney does is part of a
larger plan.
STEVE
If you're right, let's hope this
one doesn't involve you.
MARK
I'll say. I've already been the
victim of one evil conspiracy
today.
(off his look)
You and Jesse set me up outside
BBQ Bob's.
STEVE
Maybe we exaggerated our
disappointment a little...
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 10.
5 CONTINUED: (2) 5
MARK
Maybe you'd already seen the
inside of the place twice this
week.
Steve is speechless for a moment, then figures it out.
STEVE
Nothing like a chatty realtor.
MARK
He dropped off some papers --and
told me how much you and Jesse
liked the space the first time you
saw it.
Steve is busted and he knows it. He pulls out his wallet and
holds the check out to Mark.
STEVE
If you want the money back...
MARK
Oh, no. You don't get out of this
so easily.
STEVE
What do you want -- half a day's
interest?
MARK
I want to be a partner.
(off Steve's
confusion)
It's not a loan, it's an
investment.
The way you guys can sell, I want
a piece of your business.
Steve beams, delighted.
STEVE
You've got it. And all the ribs
you can eat.
He heads for the front door.
MARK
Where are you going?
STEVE
I promised Jesse I'd meet him at
Bob's and work on the menu. He's
got this ridiculous idea of
serving salads.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 11.
5 CONTINUED: (3) 5
Mark smiles and clicks on the TV as Steve goes to
6 INT. BEACH HOUSE - ENTRY 6
and sees the FRONT DOOR is WIDE OPEN. Just as he's registering
that, AARON VING steps out of hiding beside him and SMASHES
HIM in the head with the butt of an automatic weapon. Steve
falls to the ground.
VING
Ding dong. ROAR calling.
7 INT. BEACH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM 7
Mark turns to the sound of footsteps and finds himself facing
Caitlin Sweeney. Three ROAR soldiers behind her.
MARK
What do you want?
CAITLIN
It's not what I want, it's just
what happens.
We're like matter and anti-matter;
when we get too close, someone
dies. My father, all those people
at your hospital...
She gestures at someone behind her. Ving tosses Steve's
unconscious body on the floor. She casually aims her gun at
his head.
CAITLIN
Your son.
MARK
No.
CAITLIN
No?
She gazes idly down at Steve, trying to decide. And now Mark
knows Steve is safe.
MARK
That's not what Carter sent you
here for.
CAITLIN
Are you so sure?
Mark nods. And he's right. He's won this round, and she
doesn't like this.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 12.
7 CONTINUED: 7
CAITLIN
Maybe I don't always do what my
brother says. Maybe sometimes I
get to do what I want.
MARK
Then shoot us both. I'm sure
Carter won't mind.
She raises her gun at him. He doesn't flinch. Okay, maybe a
little. Oh, how her finger wants to squeeze that trigger. But
she can't. She gestures to a ROAR soldier behind Mark, who
takes a BLACK CLOTH BAG and slams it down over Mark's head.
And we go to BLACK.
8 INT. DANCE HALL - ROOM - NIGHT 8
Mark is sitting in a chair, his hands cuffed in front of him,
the bag still over his head. A HAND suddenly yanks it off...
and Mark finds himself squinting into Carter Sweeney's face.
Caitlin stands beside him.
CARTER
Funny the way things work out,
isn't it?
MARK
You wouldn't happen to have a
paperclip and a rubber band?
CARTER
That's what I love about you Mark,
you're resourceful. Always
thinking. Did I ever mention how
impressed I was with how you saved
Amanda's life?
CAITLIN
MacGyver would be proud.
Mark glares at Caitlin.
MARK
You killed a lot of innocent
people.
CAITLIN
Not enough. You and your friends
survived.
CARTER
Oh, let's let bygones be bygones.
It's only going to get in the way
of our working relationship.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 13.
8 CONTINUED: 8
Mark looks at him incredulously.
MARK
Your bombings and robberies have
already killed dozens of people.
You went after my family. And now,
you think I'll help you?
Carter shrugs and goes to the door.
CARTER
I know you will.
The Sweeneys walk out, closing and bolting the door behind
them. And on Mark, absorbing the situation, we CUT TO:
9 INT. BEACH HOUSE - NIGHT 9
A FORENSICS TEAM is going over the house. Jesse tends to
Steve's wounds while Wagner and Amanda look on.
WAGNER
Neighbor saw a black van pull
away. We got a partial plate, but
it's probably stolen.
Steve motions to the forensics team.
STEVE
What good are they? We know who
did this.
WAGNER
But we don't know where they are
now.
STEVE
I don't think they dropped a room
key.
AMANDA
You should know better than anyone
where a grain of sand or a drop of
grease could lead us.
STEVE
By then, my father could be dead.
JESSE
If Carter wanted to kill him, he
could have done it right here. He
wants him alive.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 14.
9 CONTINUED: 9
AMANDA
Then why did he blow up the
hospital with Mark in it?
WAGNER
He didn't. Caitlin did.
(then)
This has always been personal for
Carter. He needs to prove to
himself that he's smarter than
Mark.
JESSE
No, he has to prove it to Mark.
And it's no fun if he can't see
Mark lose.
STEVE
My Dad won't lose. Carter is no
match for him.
WAGNER
We better hope so - because that's
all that's keeping Mark alive.
AMANDA
So Carter didn't break out of
prison to run - he's got something
he wants to do. If he gets away
with it, he beats Mark.
STEVE
Then whatever the hell it is,
we're going to make sure Carter
Sweeney fails.
And on their looks, we CUT TO:
10 INT. ROOM - DAY 10
Mark is still in darkness when the door opens, illuminating
him in a harsh glare of sunlight. Carter steps in with two
mugs of coffee. He hands Mark one.
CARTER
Have you decided to join our merry
band of rogues?
MARK
No.
CARTER
I really need your wisdom and
advice. Think how much we could
accomplish if we worked together.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 15.
10 CONTINUED: 10
MARK
Never.
CARTER
Uh-oh. That's not good.
Carter motions to a ROAR soldier, who lifts Mark out of his
seat and leads him into
11 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 11
An abandoned, decrepit club house. The first thing Mark
notices is a faded, white arch OUTSIDE THE WINDOW. It reads
CAMP CHAMOKOMEE. This was once a camp resort - it's now the
secret hideaway of ROAR. Soldiers mill about, cleaning their
weapons and tending to their equipment. From what we've
already seen, we know these aren't all the soldiers. For one
thing, Caitlin and Ving aren't there. Carter leads Mark to a
TV set, which shows a STOCK SHOT of a CHICKEN CHAMP restaurant.
CARTER
Isn't there anything I can say to
change your mind?
(off Mark's stoic
look)
What if I told you we offer health
benefits?
Carter takes one more look at Mark, shrugs, and picks up a
cell phone.
CARTER
(into phone)
Do it.
Suddenly the grocery store on screen EXPLODES, startling Mark,
but eliciting smiles from the ROAR folks. Carter turns to Mark.
CARTER
I wonder how many people were in
that place? It's not quite lunch
hour, and fried foods aren't as
popular as they once were.
Then again, they did just
introduce a tasty new rotisserie
chicken.
MARK
How can you do this?
CARTER
I'm not, you are.
Carter hits a switch on the TV. Now we see another BUILDING on
screen.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 16.
11 CONTINUED: 11
CARTER
This one is next, unless you help
us. Personally, I'm hoping you
hold out a while longer. I love
watching things blow up.
MARK
I won't help you hurt any one.
CARTER
That's entirely up to you. Work
with us, and you can start saving
lives right now.
Carter motions to the TV. Mark sags, defeated.
MARK
What do you want me to do?
Carter clicks off the TV and puts his arm around his good
buddy Mark.
CARTER
I need $100 million in four days
and you're going to figure out how
to get it.
MARK
How about a ransom demand.
CARTER
No offense, but you're not worth
it.
It also shifts the advantage to
the police. It brings us to them.
That's why nine out of 10
kidnappers get caught picking up
the money.
MARK
That hadn't occurred to me.
(off Carter's look)
You're a smart man, you don't need
me to do your thinking for you.
CARTER
I've run out of clever ideas.
Besides, I just love watching you
work. I always learn so much.
MARK
Why do we only have four days?
Carter shrugs.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 17.
11 CONTINUED: (2) 11
CARTER
Makes it more of a challenge,
wouldn't you say?
MARK
It also matches the pattern of
your father's bombings.
CARTER
I'm a sentimental guy.
Mark considers the situation, then:
MARK
I'll do it.
And on Carter's triumphant smile, and Mark's grim resolve, we
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 18.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
12 INT. CHICKEN CHAMP - DAY 12
Steve is crouching in the rubble, sorting through the debris,
when Wagner and Amanda, in her M.E. jacket, approach.
WAGNER
Last I heard, you were off
homicide, temporarily assigned to
me and the ROAR investigation.
STEVE
I am.
WAGNER
Then what are you doing here?
STEVE
The same thing you are.
AMANDA
He was giving me a ride. He was
at the morgue when I got paged.
Steve rises to his feet.
STEVE
I think ROAR did this.
WAGNER
Why?
STEVE
Look around, Ron. This place was
bombed.
WAGNER
So what?
STEVE
Caitlin Sweeney blew up Community
General, remember?
WAGNER
Because we were in it. Since then,
they've been robbing banks.
STEVE
But it appears to be the same
explosive device she used.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 19.
12 CONTINUED: 12
WAGNER
A device so common and simple,
anyone with a modem, a grudge, and
the address of a hardware store
could make it.
STEVE
Carter Sweeney terrorized this
city with serial bombings. A week
after he escapes from jail, they
start again.
WAGNER
His bombings were part of a
pattern - which he completed.
AMANDA
And his bombs dispersed a wide
shrapnel spray of flat-head, brass
screws - there's no sign of that
here.
STEVE
So he's got a new pattern.
WAGNER
How do you know this wasn't done
by a disgruntled employee? A
customer who got salmonella? An
owner looking for a fat insurance
pay-off?
STEVE
It happened less than 12 hours
after my father was kidnapped.
WAGNER
So did a car accident at the
corner of Santa Monica and La
Cienega. Are you going there next?
STEVE
If it might lead me to my father,
yes.
AMANDA
Steve, we want to find Mark as
much as you do. But you can't go
to every crime scene in this city
on the slim chance it might be
related.
STEVE
That's exactly what I intend to do.
Steve marches off. And on Amanda and Wagner looking after him:
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 20.
13 INT. DANCE HALL - NIGHT 13
Mark is staring out the window at the white arch of the old
camp as Caitlin and Carter observe him.
CAITLIN
I don't understand what he's doing
here.
CARTER
I enjoy his company.
CAITLIN
He's the man who killed our
father, have you forgotten that?
CARTER
No.
(then)
I'm making him commit a crime. It
goes against everything he
believes. Just imagine his pain.
CAITLIN
I'd rather see it. If I slit his
throat right now, we can still
accomplish what we want.
CARTER
Not what I want.
(then)
Our father didn't die from that
lethal injection.
He withered away in a tiny cell,
cancer eating his flesh, boredom
decaying his mind.
(then)
I'm killing Dr. Sloan from the
inside.
VING
A bullet in the brain kills from
the inside, too.
Ving joins them.
VING
He's a collaborator. He's working
with the occupying forces of the
Shadow Government.
CARTER
That makes him useful to us. Think
of all the secrets he can reveal.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 21.
13 CONTINUED: 13
VING
We should put his back to the wall
and execute him as an example to
the other collaborators.
That's when Mark approaches.
MARK
I know how to do it.
CARTER
I knew you would.
MARK
How much cash do you have here?
CARTER
Ten million dollars.
MARK
We'll need all of it.
CAITLIN
Of course you want it all.
(to Carter)
It's a trick.
VING
He wants to bankrupt the
revolution.
MARK
You need money to make money.
Think of it as working capital.
Besides, the cash will never be
out of your sight.
CARTER
I'm intrigued, doctor. What else
will you need?
MARK
A ton of plain paper stock, a
truckload of solid steel plating,
a dozen acetylene torches, twenty
gallons of industrial gray paint
and some professional spray guns
should get us started.
And on Carter's look, we DISSOLVE TO:
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 22.
14 EXT. HOLLYWOOD PROP VEHICLE CO. - DAY 14
The lot is filled with interesting PICTURE CARS. Steve ends a
conversation with the OWNER, and is walking to the FLATTENED
FENCE when Wagner drives up. Wagner gets out of the car,
clearly pissed off.
WAGNER
What am I doing here?
STEVE
This place rents picture cars to
the studios. Fake fire engines,
ambulances, that sort of thing.
Last night, someone stole a phony
armored car.
Wagner turns back to his car.
WAGNER
Call me when someone steals a real
one.
STEVE
ROAR did this.
Wagner stops, trying hard to control his anger as he turns to
face Steve.
WAGNER
I know you're desperate to find
your father. So am I. This is not
the way to do it.
STEVE
This is the only way to do it,
chasing every lead that comes up.
WAGNER
Yes, every lead, not every crime
that occurs in LA.
(then)
We found the black van, torched in
a vacant lot. Forensics is going
over it with a microscope. And
we're doing a door-to-door in the
area for witnesses. Maybe we'll
get a real lead that way.
STEVE
Look at this.
Steve marches into the lot. Wagner reluctantly follows. Steve
stops at a fake ambulance and points to the lettering on the
side.
STEVE
What does this say?
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 23.
14 CONTINUED: 14
It reads SLOAN MEDICAL. Wagner shakes his head in frustration.
STEVE
The guy who owns this place has
been my father's patient for
thirty years.
WAGNER
You're reaching, Steve. Anyone
could have stolen that truck.
STEVE
He's got a new Mercedes over
there. A couple limos. The
Batmobile. Why steal a fake
armored car?
(then)
Wouldn't it make more sense to
steal something that's easily
stripped and sold?
Wagner starts to protest, but Steve plows on.
STEVE
Think about it. There must be
fifty picture car companies in LA.
Why strike this one? Because
somehow, some way, Dad sent them
here.
WAGNER
That's it. You've lost it. I'm
taking you off this case.
Wagner walks away. Steve follows after him.
STEVE
You can't do that.
WAGNER
You're giving me no other choice.
It was bad enough when you were
linking every purse snatching to
ROAR, now you've got Mark getting
them to send his secret messages.
STEVE
You know how resourceful my father
can be.
WAGNER
If he isn't dead already.
Wagner stops cold, realizing what he just said in the heat of
anger. It's too late to take it back, and he knows it.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 24.
14 CONTINUED: (2) 14
WAGNER
At the very least, he's their
prisoner. How much influence could
he possibly exert over them?
Steve continues on, undeterred by Wagner's words.
STEVE
The LAPD uses this company's
vehicles for stake-outs and
undercover operations. My father
knows that, too.
(then, imploring)
Somehow, Dad got them here. He
sent us this message. This may be
our only chance to save him.
Please, don't let it go.
Wagner considers this for a long moment.
WAGNER
How many times have I argued with
Mark and been wrong?
STEVE
I've lost count.
WAGNER
So have I. I'm beginning to feel
stupid. Maybe a little of his
intuition has rubbed off on you.
(then, giving in)
Okay, you start thinking about
what the hell ROAR would want with
a phony armored car.
STEVE
Maybe they got tired of stealing
money... and have decided to let
people just give it to them. I'll
start by finding out who moves
lots of money in this city.
WAGNER
You do that.
STEVE
What are you going to do?
WAGNER
Get a forensics team down here,
see if I can find something to
confirm your suspicions.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 25.
14 CONTINUED: (3) 14
STEVE
Thanks for the ringing vote of
confidence.
Wagner shrugs and walks on.
WAGNER
Don't mention it.
And on Steve's look, we CUT TO:
15 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 15
Where ROAR soldiers, under Ving's direction, are busily
WELDING STEEL PLATES into the interior of the fake armored
truck while OTHER SOLDIERS are repainting the exterior. The
painters are also putting on some lettering, but we can't make
out what is being written.
16 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 16
Other SOLDIERS are cutting PAPER into neat stacks, roughly the
same dimension as money.
17 ELSEWHERE IN THE DANCE HALL 17
We find CAITLIN watching over several OTHER SOLDIERS as they
unload STACKS OF MONEY from their hiding place in the floor.
She casts a suspicious look towards
18 MARK AND CARTER 18
Who are standing off to one side, watching over the whole
operation.
CARTER
I feel like Santa watching over
his elves.
MARK
I've never thought of Santa Claus
as a deranged psychopath.
CARTER
You think he slides down all those
chimney's for the milk and
cookies? If people wanted him in
their house, they'd unlock the
front door.
(more)
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 26.
18 CONTINUED: 18
CARTER (cont'd)
(then)
He's a fat pedophile who hides out
in the North Pole, where we have
no extradition treaty and there's
no one to enforce it even if we
did.
MARK
Is there any one or any thing you
don't hate?
Carter looks at Mark and smiles.
CARTER
Admit it, you're having fun.
That's what's really bothering you.
MARK
You forced me into this.
CARTER
C'mon, how often do you get to
mastermind the theft of $100
million?
MARK
I'm getting no pleasure out of
this.
CARTER
Of course you are.
Mark ignores the comment and glances at his watch.
MARK
Tell your people to hurry up --
we're already three hours behind
schedule.
CARTER
What do you expect? They're
revolutionaries, not craftsmen.
Most of them aren't even high
school graduates.
(then, low)
It's a good thing you don't have
to read an instruction manual to
use a gun.
MARK
If you have so little respect for
them, what are you doing here?
CARTER
I believe fervently in their cause.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 27.
18 CONTINUED: (2) 18
Carter smiles and walks away. And on Mark looking after him,
we CUT TO:
19 INT. POLICE STATION - DAY 19
Steve is at his desk as Wagner walks up.
STEVE
I called the Federal Reserve and
asked them who moves a lot of
money around LA.
WAGNER
Who does?
STEVE
They do. In fact, this afternoon
they're taking $100 million in old
cash out to their Palmdale
facility to be burned.
WAGNER
We'll be there when the armored
car shows up, and I'll arrange for
an armed escort to Palmdale.
Steve rises, holstering his gun and getting his jacket.
STEVE
Just like that - no questions, no
doubts?
WAGNER
I have faith in your professional
judgement.
STEVE
Uh-huh.
(then)
Find something good at the picture
car place?
WAGNER
Caitlin Sweeney's fingerprint.
STEVE
That is good.
And on Steve and Wagner rushing out, we CUT TO:
20 EXT. FEDERAL RESERVE - LOADING DOCK - DAY 20
As Wagner's car pulls up. Two OTHER FBI SEDANS come to a stop
behind him.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 28.
20 CONTINUED: 20
Wagner, Steve and the HEAVILY ARMED FBI AGENTS emerge and
converge on AN ARMORED CAR, which is being loaded with PACKETS
OF SHRINK-WRAPPED CASH, under the watchful gaze of ARMED
TREASURY AGENTS. Wagner and Steve approach the UNIFORMED,
ARMORED CAR OFFICERS. Wagner flashes his ID.
WAGNER
FBI.
(then)
Let me see some ID.
The officers take their LAMINATED PHOTO IDS off shirts and
hand them to Wagner. Steve goes to the armored car and checks
it out, then goes to the front window and checks the VIN on
the dash.
21 HIS POV - THE DASH 21
And the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate.
22 BACK TO SCENE 22
Steve compares the numbers to a LIST from his pocket.
23 THE LIST - HIS POV 23
It's from the SECURITY COMPANY. The VIN number matches the one
on the sheet.
24 EXT. FEDERAL RESERVE - LOADING DOCK - DAY 24
As Steve joins Wagner.
STEVE
The armored car checks out.
WAGNER
So do the drivers. But that
doesn't mean ROAR won't try to
hijack them on the way.
Wagner turns to the FBI ESCORTS, making eye contact with AGENT
RYBECK.
WAGNER
Stick close to the armored car and
don't leave until every dollar is
burned.
RYBECK
You got it, sir.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 29.
24 CONTINUED: 24
Steve and Wagner head back to their car.
WAGNER
So what's the next likely target?
STEVE
The Stadium, receipts from today's
game.
WAGNER
Let's go.
They drive off, leaving the armored car surrounded by enough
fire power to repel a small army, we CUT TO:
25 EXT. PALMDALE FACILITY - LOADING DOCK - DAY 25
As the ARMORED CAR rolls in under FBI ESCORT. The Armored car
is immediately greeted by ARMED TREASURY GUARDS and FACILITY
PERSONNEL, who are there to unload the truck. The GUARDS and
AGENTS move into position to protect the truck. The ARMORED
CAR GUARDS emerge, open up their truck, and as the FACILITY
PERSONNEL begin unloading the CASH, we CUT TO:
26 INT. GARAGE - DAY 26
As Wagner's car pulls up beside AN ARMORED CAR, identical to
the one we just saw. In fact, it's from the SAME SECURITY
COMPANY. POLICE OFFICERS are all over the scene, as is a
FORENSICS TEAM. Wagner and Steve get out and approach a world-
weary POLICE OFFICER, SGT. ESPOSITO.
WAGNER
What happened?
ESPOSITO
You're gonna love this.
As Esposito answers, Steve wanders away and glances into the
cab of the armored car.
ESPOSITO
They were boxed in by two vans on
the road. A guy in the lead van
aimed a rocket launcher at them,
made 'em drive in here. The
robbers put hoods over the guards
heads, bound and gagged them, left
them on the floor.
WAGNER
How much was taken?
Esposito smiles.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 30.
26 CONTINUED: 26
ESPOSITO
That's the best part. The morons
robbed an empty armored car. They
got away with nothing.
Steve returns.
STEVE
Not exactly. They stripped the VIN
tag off the dash.
Esposito snorts derisively.
ESPOSITO
Big score. They also empty the ash
trays?
STEVE
(to Wagner)
Look at the guards.
Steve motions to the ARMORED CAR GUARDS. Wagner follows
Steve's gaze to:
27 THE ARMORED CAR GUARDS 27
who are giving their statements to POLICE OFFICERS. We PUSH IN
on the Security Officers' shirts... something is missing.
STEVE'S VOICE
Where are their ID badges?
28 BACK TO SCENE 28
As Wagner, realization dawning, turns back to Esposito.
WAGNER
They were on their way to the
Federal Reserve, weren't they?
ESPOSITO
The morons got 'em going the wrong
direction.
WAGNER
Damn!
Wagner whips out his cell phone and dials. Esposito looks on,
confused. Why are they so upset?
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 31.
28 CONTINUED: 28
WAGNER
(into phone)
This is Wagner. Where are you?
INTERCUT WITH:
29 EXT. PALMDALE FACILITY - DAY 29
TIGHT on AGENT RYBECK as he speaks into his cell phone.
RYBECK
Palmdale. Delivery was made
without incident. The armored car
left a half hour ago.
Wagner winces, another failure.
WAGNER
Where's the money?
RYBECK
Going up in flames, sir.
WAGNER
Are you certain?
RYBECK
We're watching them do it, just
like you ordered.
Steve has a sudden realization. He grabs the phone from Wagner.
STEVE
Stop them. Don't let them burn
another dollar. We're on our way.
And on Esposito's bewildered look, we CUT TO:
30 EXT. PALMDALE FACILITY - DAY 30
Steve rushes up to a pallet of shrink-wrapped money. He grabs
one of the packets and tears it open as Wagner and AGENT
RYBECK look on.
31 THE SHRINK-WRAPPED MONEY - STEVE'S POV 31
As he flips through the bills. The first few bills are WORN
HUNDREDS... but the rest are just DISTRESSED COLORED PAPER.
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 32.
32 BACK TO SCENE 32
Steve tosses Wagner the stack. Rybeck is in shock. He turns to
Wagner for explanation and vindication.
RYBECK
But.. but.. how?
(then)
We saw the truck being loaded with
the cash. They were in our sight
the whole way here. And they left
here empty.
STEVE
That was a phony armored car.
Somehow they managed to switch the
money in transit.
WAGNER
The press is going to love this.
ROAR stole $100 million while
under FBI escort. My escort.
STEVE
And if we'd called ten minutes
later, we never could have proved
it... the only evidence would have
burned.
WAGNER
It was a nice career while it
lasted.
(then)
This was slick.
STEVE
Yes, it was.
(then)
Efficient, bloodless, and almost
undetectable.
(then)
Not ROAR's style at all. Or
Sweeney's. They like to shoot
things up, scare people, make a
big show out of it.
Steve glances again at the fake money, then back at Wagner. A
knowing smile grows on Steve's face.
STEVE
But if my father were to steal
$100 million, I bet this is how
he'd do it.
And on Wagner's look, we FADE OUT.
END OF ACT SIX
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 33.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
33 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 33
The ARMORED CAR comes up. As soon as the trucks come to a
stop, soldiers open the rear doors of the armored car,
revealing it is indeed, EMPTY. Carter, Mark, Ving, and Caitlin
approach the rear of the truck.
34 INT. ARMORED CAR - THEIR POV 34
That's when a HIDDEN DOOR opens in the roof of the truck and
two SWEATY SOLDIERS drop from their cramped hiding places. The
two men then REMOVE THE FALSE WALLS that LINE THE INTERIOR OF
THE TRUCK, revealing THE REAL CASH STACKED like insulation in
the hidden space.
35 BACK TO SCENE 35
As the soldiers begin unpacking the money, Carter claps Mark
on the back and smiles at his sister and Ving.
CARTER
Now do you see why we needed the
good doctor? I could never have
come up with something this clever.
(then)
Steal a phony armored car,
retrofit it with false walls, fill
the hidden spaces with fake cash,
and then switch the counterfeit
with the real money.
VING
Showing up at the Federal Reserve
and just taking it would have been
a lot easier.
CARTER
And bloodier and riskier.
VING
We're not cowards.
CARTER
Be that as it may, he came through
for us - just like I said he would.
VING
He lost our $10 million -- just
like I said he would.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 34.
35 CONTINUED: 35
Carter sighs heavily, losing his patience.
CARTER
Let me explain the mathematics to
you. We made a profit of $90
million - that's nearly ten times
what we had.
VING
Tell that to Otto Burtson.
CARTER
Who?
VING
Our comrade.
(off Carter's blank
look)
The soldier who died in the bank
for that money.
CARTER
When the New Order takes over, you
can build him a statue.
Ving would like to shoot Carter where he stands. Instead,
Caitlin cozies up to him.
CAITLIN
This was a victory. The day of
wrath is almost here.
VING
It's already here.
He shrugs her off and gets in Mark's face.
VING
For him.
(to Carter)
We're going to execute the
traitor. Right now.
Carter meets Mark's gaze, then shrugs.
CARTER
(to Ving)
Go for it.
MARK
I'm more valuable to you alive
than dead.
CAITLIN
You were.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 35.
35 CONTINUED: (2) 35
Ving takes out his gun and motions to the wall.
VING
Over there.
Mark doesn't move. Instead, he meets Carter's gaze. Ving has
no patience for this crap. He puts the gun to Mark's temple.
VING
Fine. Here will do.
Mark thinks, there's got to be a way. Ving is about to squeeze
the trigger when:
MARK
I want to confess.
They all look at him, shocked.
MARK
I've collaborated with the U.N.
shadow government, and I'm
prepared to admit it publicly.
And as Carter, Caitlin, and Ving exchange looks, we CUT TO:
36 INT. DANCE HALL - LATER 36
Mark stands against the wall... about to be shot. Only as the
ANGLE WIDENS we learn it's not with a gun, but with a
CAMCORDER, which Caitlin is setting up on a tripod. Ving
paces, never taking his gun off Mark. Carter observes it all,
amused.
CARTER
You're going to be famous, Mark.
The first member of the corrupt,
intellectual elite to admit the
existence of the global conspiracy.
VING
It's almost worth keeping you
alive for.
CAITLIN
(to Mark)
You'll tell the American people
how the shadow government has been
conspiring to steal their liberty.
CARTER
I'm sure Mark knows what to say.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 36.
36 CONTINUED: 36
MARK
Black helicopters, alien
autopsies, liberals. I think I've
got the gist of it.
CARTER
And then you'll sneak in a few
words that won't mean anything to
me or my comrades, but will give
your son all the information he
needs to track us down.
Mark tries to hide it, but he's been caught.
CARTER
(to Caitlin)
Something about that just doesn't
feel good.
That's when a SOLDIER comes over, carrying HASTILY, HAND-
SCRAWLED CUE CARDS on RAGGED PIECES OF CARDBOARD.
CARTER
That's why you'll be reading a
script that Ving, our resident
revolutionary philosopher, has
written for you.
Ving glares at Carter - he knows there's an insult in there
somewhere.
MARK
If I'm reading off cue cards,
everybody will know it's not a
sincere confession.
Ving cocks his gun and puts it to Mark's head.
VING
Then you better work on your
delivery.
Ving motions to Caitlin to begin and then steps out of the
way. Mark squints at the first cue card, trying to make out
the words.
MARK
America is called a tree pastry...
Ving jabs him with the gun. Mark holds up his hands, then
slowly reaches into his pocket, takes out his glasses, and
puts them on. He turns back to the cue card. Now he can read
it.
MARK
America is called a free country...
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 37.
37 TIGHT ON MARK 37
on a videotape.
MARK (ON TV)
...but that freedom is a lie. Your
lives are controlled by a secret
elite that is working to take away
those last few rights you have
left.
38 INT. FBI CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 38
Steve, Amanda, Jesse, and Wagner watch Mark on TV. Amanda and
Jesse are shocked, but Steve just stares at the screen,
concentrating.
MARK (ON TV)
I know, because I am part of that
elite.
WAGNER
This was delivered to every TV and
radio station in the area. It's
already hit the networks.
JESSE
I can't believe this.
AMANDA
Don't worry, neither will anyone
else.
MARK (ON TV)
We took away your jobs and sent
them overseas. We taxed you until
you have barely enough money left
to survive. We limited your
access to weapons by enforcing
long waiting periods and
background checks just so it would
be harder for you to defend
yourselves against us. We
encouraged the media to destroy
the American family with sex,
violence, and foul language. And
we ordered our Federal storm
troopers to smash any patriot
brave enough to question what
we're doing.
AMANDA
At least now we know Mark's still
alive.
JESSE
Or he was.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 38.
38 CONTINUED: 38
WAGNER
Don't worry. With the attention
this tape is going to get, they'll
keep him around for a sequel.
MARK (ON TV)
And we did it because you let us.
Because you were stupid enough to
believe our lies.
Steve PAUSES the tape.
STEVE
I've watched this thing a dozen
times, and I still can't see it.
AMANDA
See what?
STEVE
The message.
JESSE
It's pretty clear: government is
bad and --
STEVE
If Dad knew this tape was going to
be released to the media, he'd
make sure to slip something in
that only we would understand.
JESSE
But he couldn't this time. Listen.
Jesse hits PLAY. The TAPE continues.
MARK (ON TV)
Throughout history, a few brave
souls have tried to tell you the
truth. Jim Jones, David Koresh,
and scores of others. But we in
the elite silenced them.
Jesse PAUSES the tape again.
JESSE
That's not the way Mark talks.
He's obviously reading a prepared
speech.
AMANDA
And judging by the way he keeps
looking off to the left, I'd guess
he's reading it off cue cards.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 39.
38 CONTINUED: (2) 38
That's it. Steve's got it. He turns to Wagner.
STEVE
How fast can you get this tape
enhanced?
WAGNER
Tell me what we're looking at and
I'll let you know.
STEVE
My father has presbyopia, he needs
glasses to read what's right in
front of him.
WAGNER
(getting it)
So why is he wearing them to read
cards someone's holding up across
the room?
Steve taps Mark's glasses on the FROZEN IMAGE ON SCREEN.
There's a REFLECTION on Mark's glasses.
STEVE
Because there's something he wants
us to see.
And on their understanding:
39 EXT. DANCE HALL - ESTABLISHING - DAY 39
The ROAR stronghold, with the arch way leading to the deserted
Camp Chamokomee across the road.
40 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 40
Caitlin and Ving are up against a wall, necking passionately.
VING
We're so close.
CAITLIN
I don't think it's possible to get
any closer than we have. But it
might be fun to try.
VING
I mean to the revolution. To the
new world order.
(then: )
Today we have the money, soon we
will have the weapons. The next
century can be ours.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 40.
40 CONTINUED: 40
CAITLIN
So why am I the only one who still
feels like celebrating?
VING
You know how I feel about you.
He has a hard time saying this, but.
VING
The revolution is more important
than anything that exists between
a man and a woman. or a brother
and a sister.
She steps away from him, eyeing him suspiciously.
CAITLIN
What are you talking about?
VING
Your brother is a threat to the
new world order. He's risking
everything so he can toy with that
pathetic old man.
CAITLIN
My brother used him to get us $90
million.
VING
We didn't need Carter for that. We
don't need him for anything.
(then: )
The only reason he's free and
alive is... you.
CAITLIN
How many banks over how many years
would we have had to rob to get
that much money? How many of our
comrades would have died in the
struggle? Carter did it in a day,
and not a single soldier had to
sacrifice his life.
VING
The struggle and the sacrifice is
what the revolution is all about.
Each battle would have
strengthened our resolve and
awakened the populace to our cause.
CAITLIN
Or killed the revolution before it
even started.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 41.
40 CONTINUED: (2) 40
She gets close to Ving, starts kissing him again.
CAITLIN
Do you trust me?
VING
Yes.
CAITLIN
Can you be sure?
She suddenly whips out a knife from behind her back and puts
it to his throat.
CAITLIN
I could have killed you the moment
my brother was free. I could have
killed you any time. You know why
I haven't?
She kisses him hard against the lips, but leaves the knife
against his throat.
CAITLIN
Because I am yours.
She turns the knife against her own throat and presses the
point against her skin.
CAITLIN
Say the word and I'll give you my
life right now. Say the word, and
I'll give you my brother's.
He takes the knife from her hand and drops it on the floor.
And as they embrace passionately, we DISSOLVE TO:
41 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 41
Ving and his men are packing up a TRUCK with CASH as Carter
approaches. Caitlin stands beside Ving.
CARTER
Going somewhere?
VING
The others in the movement are
gathering in Utah for us. You're
leaving in twenty minutes with
half the cash. I'll follow
tomorrow after we've wiped out any
trace of us here.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 42.
41 CONTINUED: 41
CARTER
You expect me to drive a truck
loaded with $50 million in stolen
cash across two state borders?
VING
I can't risk losing all the money
if we get caught in a fire-fight
on the way.
Carter shoots an incredulous look at his sister. She looks
impassively back at him.
CARTER
And what if I'm stopped? Did you
think of that? I'm a wanted
fugitive. My face has been all
over television. I won't do it.
Carter starts to go. Caitlin pulls out a gun and puts it to
the back of her brother's head. He freezes. Ving steps up to
Carter and speaks very softly:
VING
You'll do what I tell you to do.
And if it means dying for ROAR,
you'll do that gladly or you'll do
it right here.
She COCKS the trigger of the gun. Carter nods slowly.
CARTER
Load the truck. I'll go.
She lowers her gun and releases the hammer. Carter walks away,
clearly shaken. Caitlin turns to Ving, who gives her an
approving look.
VING
There's something I want you to do
for me.
And on his look, we go to:
42 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 42
Carter is standing in a corner when Caitlin comes up behind
him. Carter tenses.
CAITLIN
You may be my brother, but Aaron
Ving is my leader. Your orders are
to take that money to Utah. My
orders are to go with you. and
make sure you do as you're told.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 43.
42 CONTINUED: 42
Carter, his back to his sister, smiles.
CARTER
Can't imagine why the government
hasn't fallen yet.
And on her suppressed smile suddenly breaking free, we CUT TO:
43 INT. FBI CONFRENCE ROOM - DAY 43
As Wagner comes in, carrying a file.
WAGNER
There are some people you should
never take hostage.
Steve, Amanda, and Jesse rise to meet him.
WAGNER
You want to hurt Mark Sloan, put
a bullet in his head. Otherwise,
he's going to find a way to make
your life miserable.
STEVE
You found something on the
videotape?
WAGNER
Exactly where you said it would
be, in the reflection on his
glasses.
He opens the file and pulls out three COLOR ENLARGEMENTS. They
all peer at them.
JESSE
I see the camcorder.
AMANDA
And the light, sure. But what's
that?
She points to a DARK SPOT on the image.
WAGNER
Exactly what I wondered. So we
enhanced the video a little more.
He pulls out another enlargement. It shows the faded CAMP
CHAMOKOMEE arch outside the window.
STEVE
It's Camp Chamokomee...
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 44.
43 CONTINUED: 43
WAGNER
Problem is, we can't find any such
place.
STEVE
That's because it went under 30
years ago. It's up near Big Bear
Lake. Looks to me like Dad is
being held in the old dance hall.
JESSE
How can you tell?
STEVE
You never forget where you got
your first kiss. Mine was there,
standing right outside that window.
WAGNER
We can be up there by chopper in
20 minutes.
And as they whip into gear:
44 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 44
The Sweeney's truck is loaded with money and ready to go. Mark
stands by the remaining $50 million, which is piled up on a
pallet. Carter joins him.
CARTER
It has been a thrill working with
you. I can't tell you how much I
admire your ingenuity.
MARK
If I was that ingenious, I would
have figured out a way to escape
by now.
CARTER
Don't be so hard on yourself. You
made a complex robbery seem easy.
But what's truly amazing is how
well you can improvise.
Carter leans close, lowering his voice to a whisper.
CARTER
I especially liked the way you
used your glasses to capture the
reflection of Camp Chamokomee.
And on Mark, staring at him in shock.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 45.
44 CONTINUED: 44
MARK
You knew?
CARTER
And let me say, I was mighty
impressed. Very quick thinking.
MARK
Then why did you let me get away
with it?
Before Carter can answer, Mark figures it out for himself.
MARK
The robbery was the whole point
from the beginning. ROAR was just
your cover.
Mark glances at Ving, who is getting a big, deep-tongue, body-
pressed-against-body good-bye kiss from Caitlin.
MARK
But they don't know that, do they?
Carter gives him a look.
CARTER
They think George Washington was
named after the state.
MARK
They are going to take the fall
for everything. That's why you are
leaving them with half the money.
You want the police to show up...
you want a bloody shootout.
CARTER
A shoot-out isn't really going to
cut it.
(then, low)
That's why I've wired the entire
place to blow up when the police
storm in.
And on Carter's look, and Mark's shock, we FADE OUT.
END OF ACT SEVEN
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 46.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
45 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 45
Mark is still reeling from what Carter has told him.
MARK
The building is booby-trapped with
explosives.
CARTER
I had to do something to keep
myself occupied while they were
robbing banks.
MARK
The blast will kill everyone and
burn up all the money... except,
of course, for you and your $50
million. You'll get away with
everything.
CARTER
It's so hard to relax, even on a
tropical beach with millions in
the bank, if you're an
international fugitive. This
should cut down on the stress.
Mark glances over at Caitlin and Ving, breaking their kiss.
MARK
What's to stop me from telling him
everything?
CARTER
Nothing at all. Don't spare a
single detail. I'm sure he'll
believe whatever the oracle of the
shadow government has to say.
Caitlin joins them.
CAITLIN
Time to go, our chaise lounges are
waiting.
She climbs into the driver's seat of the truck.
CARTER
Good-bye, doctor.
Carter picks up a packet of money from the ROAR pile and hands
it to Mark.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 47.
45 CONTINUED: 45
CARTER
Don't spend it all in one place.
Carter climbs into the passenger side of the truck. Caitlin
starts the engine. Two ROAR soldiers open the BIG DANCE HALL
DOORS.
46 MARK 46
takes a quick look around.
47 HIS POV - 47
No one is paying any attention to him for the moment.
48 MARK 48
quickly SHOVES THE PACKET OF MONEY deep into one of the
TRUCK'S TWO TAILPIPES. He straightens up just as:
49 WIDE ANGLE 49
The truck drives off, Carter giving him a backhanded wave out
the passenger window. Mark immediately goes to VING.
MARK
The Sweeneys have set you up.
They've rigged this entire place
with explosives. They want you to
die in a shoot-out with the police.
Ving pulls out a gun and aims it at Mark's head, then turns to
a soldier.
VING
Get the video camera. I want the
world to see his execution.
He turns back to Mark.
VING
Inside.
Mark starts to walk, Ving behind him, gun aimed at his head.
And we CUT TO:
50 EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY 50
HEAVILY ARMED FBI AGENTS prepare to move into position. We
find Wagner and Steve strapping on their bullet- proof vests
and checking their weapons.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 48.
50 CONTINUED: 50
WAGNER
How do you want to play this?
STEVE
It's your operation.
WAGNER
It's your father.
Steve studies the lay of the land, then:
STEVE
Quietly surround the place. Make
sure they aren't expecting us...
and then hit them hard and fast.
Wagner nods and motions his men to move out down the road. And
we CUT TO:
51 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 51
Mark reaches the wall. Ving stops a few yards away. A soldier
sets up the tripod and camera.
VING
Turn around.
Mark turns around slowly. Ving aims the gun at him.
MARK
You're doing exactly what the
Sweeneys want you to do. They
never shared your beliefs, they
were using you.
Ving snickers derisively.
VING
You got that backwards, pops. I
was using them - I got the girl
and $100 million.
MARK
The Sweeneys got away with half of
it. What you have will burn with
the rest of us. You're going to
die so they can sip margaritas on
an island somewhere.
VING
(to soldier)
Is the camera ready?
The soldier nods.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 49.
51 CONTINUED: 51
VING
Let's do it.
He gets into a firing stance.
VING
You have been found guilty of
collaborating with the occupying
forces of the United Nations
Shadow government.
52 VING'S POV 52
Mark is back against the wall, a WINDOW to one side of him.
VING
The penalty is death.
He's about to fire when a FIGURE moves outside the window.
Ving pivots and FIRES - BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! - shattering the
glass. Mark hits the floor.
53 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 53
An AGENT goes down. Steve and Wagner rush up to him. The man
is okay...his VEST torn where the bullets hit.
WAGNER
So much for surprise.
STEVE
Move in!
The agents close in on the dance hall, BATTERING RAMS and
WEAPONS poised for action.
54 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 54
Ving picks Mark up, slams him against the wall, and shoves the
gun under his chin. Ving's men scramble for their weapons and
take up positions all around the dance hall. One of them yells
to him:
SOLDIER #1
It's the Feds. They're everywhere.
VING
Open fire!
The SOLDIERS start firing. Two OTHERS prepare to use THE
ROCKET LAUNCHER.
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 50.
55 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 55
The FBI AGENTS return fire. It's a FIREFIGHT. Steve, Wagner,
and TEAM OF AGENTS with a BATTERING RAM reach the side of the
building. Steve motions a few yards away.
56 STEVE'S POV 56
There's a door about twenty yards away.
57 BACK TO SCENE 57
And as the agents move in a running crouch, under a HAIL OF
GUNFIRE, towards the door, we CUT TO:
58 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 58
Ving looks at the soldier with the camcorder.
VING
Keep it on.
(to Mark)
This is where we make our stand.
History will mark this as the
battle that started the war.
MARK
No one will ever know what really
happened today - because you will
all be dead.
VING
Then we'll be martyrs.
MARK
You'll be silenced.
That gets Ving's attention. As the SOUND OF GUNFIRE increases,
Mark continues:
MARK
We both know the media is
controlled by the global uber-
government.
VING
So you admit it exists.
(to soldier)
Are you getting all this?
The soldier nods. Mark continues.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 51.
58 CONTINUED: 58
MARK
The people will never know what
happened here today. Once again,
the truth will be suppressed...
and the conspiracy will continue.
(then)
But there is a way to beat them.
Ving risks a glance out the window.
59 HIS POV 59
There are a lot of WELL ARMED AGENTS out there. the sound of
HELICOPTERS overhead. it doesn't look good.
60 BACK TO SCENE 60
Ving meets Mark's gaze. In the background, the soldiers with
the rocket launcher are ready to fire.
VING
How?
MARK
Live.
(then)
Let them arrest you. Then they
will have to put you on trial. It
could last for months... with
daily, gavel-to-gavel coverage on
Court TV.
Ving is wavering, but he isn't sold yet.
MARK
A martyr can't do Larry King.
That does it. Ving turns around and calls out to his men.
VING
Cease fire. Drop your weapons.
We're surrendering.
They look at him in shock. Ving raises his gun.
VING
I'll execute anyone who disobeys
me.
And as they drop their weapons, we CUT TO:
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 52.
61 EXT. DANCE HALL - DAY 61
Wagner, Steve and the men are at the door. They are about to
go at it with the BATTERING RAM.
STEVE
On my count. One... Two..
They are about to rush forward when:
MARK (O.S.)
Stay back!
Steve stops the agents, just as they are about to ram the
door. He calls out tentatively.
STEVE
Dad?
Mark replies from behind the door.
MARK
I'm safe and I'm free, Steve. ROAR
is laying down their weapons and
surrendering.
Steve and Wagner share an astonished look.
MARK
Keep your men from coming in.
62 INT. DANCE HALL - DAY 62
As Mark talks, he's feeling around the door way for a booby-
trap.
MARK
The entire building is rigged to
explode.
He finds it... a THIN FILAMENT which he points out to Ving.
Together, they follow the filament to:
63 THEIR POV 63
A CABINET which Mark opens to reveal is FILLED WITH PLASTIQUE!
64 BACK TO SCENE 64
Ving is stunned. Mark carefully unhooks the filament and,
keeping it taut, hands it to Ving.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 53.
64 CONTINUED: 64
MARK
(to Ving)
Release the tension and we all die.
(to outside)
I'm opening the door.
Mark opens the door and is greeted by A HALF DOZEN GUN
MUZZLES. Steve motions them to lower their guns.
MARK
Be careful, I'm sure there are
more booby-traps.
Mark steps aside and Wagner leads in the team, past a frozen
Ving, who can't take his eyes off the taut filament in his
hand. Mark and Steve embrace.
MARK
I knew you'd find me.
STEVE
I knew you'd tell me how.
WAGNER
Where are the Sweeneys?
MARK
They drove away in a truck an hour
ago.
WAGNER
We are close to three freeways,
two airports, a thousand garages
and warehouses... They could be
any where by now.
MARK
It shouldn't be too hard to find
them.
And on Mark's enigmatic smile, we CUT TO:
65 EXT. ROAD - DAY 65
The Sweeney's truck is off on the side of the road, ENVELOPED
IN SMOKE, surrounded by FBI VEHICLES.
Mark and Steve stand nearby, watching as an FBI SEDAN comes
towards them from the opposite direction, makes a SHARP U-TURN
and comes to a stop beside them. Wagner is at the wheel,
CARTER AND CAITLIN are in the backseat, handcuffed.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 54.
65 CONTINUED: 65
WAGNER
Found them two miles up the road,
hitch-hiking, looking for someone
to car-jack. Their pockets were
stuffed with cash.
Mark can't suppress a smile as he leans into the car. Carter
is furious and humiliated.
CARTER
How did you do it?
MARK
As you were leaving, I shoved some
money into one of your tail-pipes.
That's what made the truck
stall... then the packet must have
caught fire or something.
CARTER
That's it? Just a spur-of-the
moment thing?
MARK
Some times simple is a whole lot
better than clever.
CARTER
I'll remember that.
Mark turns around and walks away, putting his arm around
Steve's shoulder as they go.
MARK
We better find him a high security
prison.
And on Steve's smile, we DISSOLVE TO:
66 INT. BBQ BOB'S - DAY 66
Mark and Susan by the kitchen door as Jesse comes out.
JESSE
Two more minutes until you taste
the best ribs this side of Kansas
City.
SUSAN
You said that an hour ago.
JESSE
And I meant it -- until I noticed
Steve forgot to turn on the oven.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 55.
66 CONTINUED: 66
MARK
Is it too late to get my money
back?
JESSE
Don't worry, we're interviewing
professional chefs tomorrow.
MARK
I was wondering how you two would
manage to run this place and still
keep your day jobs.
JESSE
We're going to let the pros handle
everything -- except the sauce, of
course. That remains our secret.
(to Susan)
Have I told you about the sauce?
It can --
SUSAN
-- char the tastebuds off my
tongue and sear the lining of my
stomach.
MARK
I think you told her.
SUSAN
He also told me not to eat all day
today, so I'd have a big appetite.
(to Jesse)
Good news. It worked. Really well.
She shoots him a look. He gets it.
JESSE
I'll go check on the ribs.
And as he disappears into the kitchen, go:
67 INT. DARK CORNER OF BBQ BOB'S - DAY 67
Where Amanda and Wagner sit glumly, staring straight ahead.
WAGNER
Nice place.
AMANDA
Very.
WAGNER
It's good when things work out for
people.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 56.
67 CONTINUED: 67
AMANDA
When they get what they've always
wanted.
WAGNER
And then find out they still want
it.
A moment of glum silence.
WAGNER
There's something I've got to say.
AMANDA
Me, too.
WAGNER
You first.
She sighs, then:
AMANDA
The past few months, everything
that's happened...
(she tries again)
I love being with you, I'm happy
in Virginia...
WAGNER
But this is your home.
AMANDA
I didn't realize how much it meant
to me until I almost lost it all.
(then)
Besides, we're pretty good at long-
distance relationships, aren't we?
WAGNER
The best.
He takes her hand.
AMANDA
So, what did you want to tell me?
WAGNER
It's not important.
AMANDA
It is to me.
He squirms, not wanting to say this now. But:
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 57.
67 CONTINUED: (2) 67
WAGNER
I've been re-assigned. It's a
very high-profile position, FBI
liason with Interpol's worldwide
terrorism unit.
AMANDA
That's great.
WAGNER
The assignment is for six months.
In London.
She pulls her hand away, suddenly furious.
AMANDA
You mean, you persuade me to move
to Virginia, and then you take off
to Europe for half a year.
WAGNER
But you're moving back here...
AMANDA
Did you know that when you
accepted this assignment?
WAGNER
Well...
AMANDA
This is so typical. There's only
one thing I can even think to say
to you.
WAGNER
What's that?
AMANDA
I'll miss you.
It takes him a moment, then he breaks into a grin. He and
Amanda kiss and we go back to the:
68 KITCHEN DOOR 68
where Jesse emerges again, beaming.
JESSE
Ladies and gentlemen, the new
management of BBQ Bob's is proud
to announce that dinner is served.
The door swings open and Steve comes out carrying a heaping
tray of ribs. Mark, Susan, and Jesse each take a rib.
(CONTINUED)
"Obsession - Part Four" 7/22/98 GREEN 58.
68 CONTINUED: 68
STEVE
Careful, Dad, these are the extra
spicy --
But Mark has already taken a bite out of one. His face falls
as he feels the inside of his mouth burning away. He grabs a
glass of water and chugs it down. Jesse bites one, too. It's
even hotter than he remembered. He turns to Susan, who's about
to take a bite. He snatches it away.
JESSE
I think Steve was a little
enthusiastic with the cayenne.
STEVE
I followed the recipe. Pretty much.
JESSE
The mild ones will be out soon.
Susan snatches the rib and takes a bite. They all watch her
expectantly. But she just grins.
SUSAN
I've had skim milk that was
spicier.
(off Jesse's crushed
look)
But I love skim milk.
That's when Wagner and Amanda come up.
AMANDA
I didn't realize this was a self-
serve restaurant.
She and Wagner both take ribs. Everyone digs in. Mark
watches, his "family" back together again. And on his warm
smile, we:
FADE OUT.
THE END