Rating: PG

Disclaimer: The characters, Cordell Walker, Alex Cahill, James Trivette Carlos Sandoval, Trent Malloy, Kim Sutter and Butch McMann belong to Norris Brothers. The rest belong to me.
 

SCENE ONE: Uppercuts. The crowd has gathered to watch the first football game of the season, The Dallas Cowboys vs the Cleveland Browns. Sitting together are Carlos, Trent Kim, Rory and Butch. The Browns score the first TD and Rory jumps up.

Rory: Yes!!! (Everyone at the table just looks at her.)

Butch:You better be careful, sweetheart. You are deep in the heart of ‘Cowboy Country’.

Rory: I keep telling you guys, just becouse they’re a new expantion team, doesn’t mean that they aren’t gonna kick your collective buts!

Carlos:Forget it Butch. She’s to stubborn to listen.

Trent:Yeah, she wont be happy till she starts a riot.

Rory: Hey, what a great idea. I haven’t arrested anyone yet today. So, I’ll start the riot, then arrest a bunch of "yall" for drunk and dissorderly. (She raises her beer in salute.)

Kim: Throw her out, Butch! Do It!

Rory: (Her cell phone rings. She answers it. Her expression turns serious. Then she hangs up.) Sorry, I have to deprive you of throwing me out, but, I have to go.

Carlos:Hey, is anything wrong?

Rory: Yeah, there is.

Trent:Can we help?

Rory: Not this time. (She leaves the bar.)

Trent:(The gang goes back to watching the game, except for Carlos, who is still looking at the door, which Rory just went through, with a worried look on his face.) What’s wrong, buddy?

Carlos:Something is really wrong. I can feel it.

Trent:You know Carlos, why don’t you just tell her how you feel? You’ve been mooning after her for the last 4 months and you’re no further ahead today than you were the day you met her.

Carlos:That’s not true!

Kim: Oh, Please! It’s like soooo true. (Everyone laughs)
 

SCENE TWO: Metroplex Childrens Hospital. Rory arrives to find her brother, Sean, his wife, Ann, and their 3 daughters, Rachel (14), Heather (13) and Mary (6). Her nephew, James (16) was rushed to the hospital to have an emergency apendectomy. He is still in surgury.

Rory: Hi, guys. I got here as quick as I could. Is there any word yet? (She hugs her brother and Sister in law.)

Sean: No. He’s still in surgury. (Mary runs up to her Aunt Rory and launches herself into Rory’s arms.)
Rory: Hi, baby.

Mary: I’m not a baby! I’m 6.

Rory: You’re right. I apologise. Can you ever forgive me?

Mary: (Giggling) Yes, of course, silly. (Her face changes to a more serious expression.) Jamie is sick.

Rory: I know honey. But, we’re gonna say a prayer and let God take care of Jamie. (Rory and Mary take a seat to wait. About another hour later the Doctor comes out into the waiting area. He has a grim expression on his face.)

Doctor:Mr. & Mrs. Caine. (Sean and Ann Stand up) We did everything  that we could. When the Appendix ruptured, it spewed poison throughout his entire system. I’m so very sorry, but we couldnt get the bleeding to stop. Your son passed away at exactly 9:37 pm. (Ann started to fall to the floor and Sean caught her in his arms. Rory stood, holding Mary, who had fallen asleep, and put her arm around her other two nieces and started to cry.)
 

SCENE THREE: It’s 2:00 in the morning. Carlos is awakened by pounding on his door.

Carlos:Alright! Alright! I’m coming! (He looks through the peep hole and sees Rory standing there. He opens the door.) Rory, what’s wrong? (She looks at him with tears streaming down her face and steps into the room. He closed the door behind her.)

Rory: I’m sorry to wake you up, but I didn’t want to go home and It’s just that I....(she is speaking between sobs.) Jamie is dead.

Carlos:(Taking her into his arms and holding her very tight.) Oh, My God! What happened? How?

Rory: His appendix burst. They rushed him to the hospital but it was too late. Oh God, Carlos, he was only 16 years old. He didn’t even have his drivers license yet! He’s never even had a girlfriend! He... He....

Carlos:Rory, don’t do this. Don’t start thinking of all of the things he’ll never do. Just remember the good times, the laughter. (He was holding her face in his hands when she suddenly moved forword and kissed him. It was a kiss of deep need and emotion.

Rory: Hold me, Carlos.

Carlos:Rory, this is a bad idea. You’re not thinking clearly and you know that I could never tell you no.

Rory: (She looks deep into his eyes) Make love to me. Please, Carlos.

Carlos;(Their lips meet again with passion and Carlos lifts her up into his arms and carries her to the bed.) Rory!

Rory: Don’t speak. Just love me. (Hours later, Carlos is asleep holding Rory in his arms. He is smiling. She is still awake, and has stopped crying. She looks at him with love, kisses him softly and slips from the bed and is gone before he wakes.)
 

SCENE FOUR:Trent enters Thunder Investigation office. Kim is at her desk taking a call and Carlos, who is usually the last one to arrive, is upstairs staring out the window, deep in thought.

Trent:Goodmorning. (Kim waves to him ) Coffee? (She gives him a nod. As Trent is pouring the coffee he notices Carlos. Kim hangs up the phone.) What’s up? (Nodding in Carlos’ direction.)

Kim: (In a hushed tone.) He was here when I got here and he hasn’t said a word. Oh, and we have a new client coming in in a half hour. I gotta run to the bank. I’ll be back in 10 min. (Kim grabs her purse and leaves. Trent walks up to Carlos and sits in a chair behind him.)

Trent:Hey, buddy. Is anything wrong?

Carlos:Rory’s nephew, Jamie, died last night. (Carlos turns to face him and leans against the wall next to the window.) His appendix ruptured. By the time they got him to the hospital it was too late.

Trent:Oh Man! That’s terrible. Is Rory okay?

Carlos:I’m not sure. She was practically hysterical last night.

Trent:Isn’t your nephew, Jessie, and Jamie in the same class?

Carlos:Yeah. I stopped over there this morning to tell him. He’s pretty upset. I mean, we’re talking about a healthy 16 year old boy, suddenly dying. I’m not even alright.

Trent:What can we do?

Carlos:Nothing. I guess, just be there for her. She said that her parents and the rest of her brothers are flying in later today from Cleveland. The wake is the day after tomorrow and the Funeral is the following morning. (Kim returns.)

Kim: I think our new client is here. There’s a Limo pulling up out front.

Trent:A limo? That can only mean trouble. (The office door opens and in walks Ricky Martin, Kim nearly falls over and is speach-less. Trent and Carlos are a little stunned as well.

Ricky:Hi. (Trent recovers first.)

Trent:Trent Malloy. (They shake hands.) This is my partner, Carlos Sandoval, (Ricky and Carlos Shake hands) and this is Kim Sutter.  (Ricky kisses the back of Kim’s hand, she is still speachless.)

Carlos:What can we do for you? (He motions for Ricky to have a seat.  Trent and Carlos both sit also.)

Ricky:I have a problem that I want to be handled descretely. You were recommended to me by a friend.

Trent:What type of problem?

Ricky:Someone has been stalking me. I know this sounds stupid, but whoever is doing this keeps sending me things.

Carlos:What kind of things?

Ricky:Dead things. Snakes, Rats, a few other things I would rather not mention. And then there are the phone calls. Everyplace I go. This person always knows where I am, who I’m with. I was on a date last week, when I got back to my hotel room, the place had been trashed. Whoever is doing this needs help. I don’t want to embarrass her, I just want her to go away.

Carlos:Why don’t you go to the police?

Ricky:My career is moving along very quickly. I have a lot of fans and I don’t want to draw alot of negative attention to this. I want you to find out who is doing this and my legal team will handle things from there.

Trent:We will need files on all of the people who work with you on a daily basis and we will need to put a trace on your phone.

Ricky:My manager will have the files for you later today. I’m staying in the penthouse suite of the Royce Windem. (He stands up and shakes their hands again.) I’ve been spending most of my time at the Lone Star Recording Studio. You can find me there or at the hotel.

Carlos:Don’t worry, Ricky, we’ll find out who’s doing this.

Ricky:I hope so.
 

SCENE FIVE:Trent & Carlos are in Ricky Martin’s hotel room. Trent is sitting at the desk setting up the phone tap. Carlos is looking out the window, his mind is 1000 miles away. Trent had been discussing the case with him but just realized that he isn’t listening.

Trent:I think we are right on with the the theory that it’s someone whofor Ricky. (pause) And your hair is on fire. (pause again) CARLOS!

Carlos:What?

Trent:That’s what I want to know. What?

Carlos:I can’t stop thinking about Rory. I tried calling her at home and at work. Whe’s not at either.

Trent:Did you try calling her at Sean’s (trent continues to set up the phone tap while talking.)

Carlos:Sean’s home number is unlisted and I don’t want to bother them right now.

Trent:How ‘bout her cell phone?

Carlos:(He pulls Rory’s cell phone out of his jacket pocket.)She left it in my appartment this morning.

Trent:(Beginning to realize that something is going on here that Carlos isn’t telling him.)Did something happen last night?

Carlos:If something did happen, I wouldn’t be discussing it with you!  (His voice raises in volume with every word) And if I could figure out where the HELL she is I would go there and I would discuss it with her, but I can’t seem to find her and (realizing that he is shouting he stops and takes a deep breath.) I’m sorry. I don’t mean to take this out on you. It’s just that... well, you know how I feel about her and...

Trent:Carlos, I’m almost finished here. When we get back to the office, why don’t yu go see if you can find her.

Carlos:Thanks. I think I will. (Trent finishes with the phone tap and they leave Ricky’s hotel room. As they are riding down in the elevator, the comversation changes to) Do you think that we should mention to Ricky about the video camera we installed?

Trent;Not yet. He said that whoever was doing this seemed to know his every move. If he mentions to someone about the phone tap, we may be able to catch someone on the video tape disableing the phone.

Carlos:Yeah, but I hope we don’t catch a rising star doing something he wouldn’t want on tape.

Trent:We should be okay. The video recorder is aimed at the phone, not the bedroom.

Carlos:I hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces.

Trent:Me too.
 

SCENE SIX:Trent drops Carlos off at the office and then heads over to the recording studio to talk to Ricky Martin and get the files on his employees. He spends the rest of the after-noon talking to the people around him. Carlos drive to Rory’s condo, but she isn’t there. He goes to several other places that he thinks she might be, but with no luck. He decides to go to Thunder Karate to work out. He is working on the punching bag lost in thought and doesn’t hear Rory come in.

Rory:Is this a private party or can anyone play? (Carlos stops and looks at her. He notices that her eyes are still red and puffy.)

Carlos:You look like hell.

Rory:Good. I’d hate to think that I look any better than I feel.  Carlos, we have to talk.

Carlos:(Sarcastically.)Do you think? I’ve been trying to reach you all day. Where the hell have you been?

Rory:Excuse me! I’ve been playing shuttle bus, picking up my family from the airport and dropping them off at different brothers homes, and my parents are now at my Condo. (She pauses) About last night.

Carlos:Don’t you dare apologise! I have loved you almost from the moment that I met you and I have patiently waited for just the right moment to hold you. Okay, I admit that last night was probubly not the right moment, but we can’t take it back and I am not gonna let you write this off as some kind of one time mistake! Last night was incredible but I...uh... I just...

Rory:Just what?

Carlos:It’s all my fault and I take full responsibility for my actions.

Rory:What are you talking about?

Carlos:We didn’t use protection.(Rory’s mouth drops open and she stares at him. He puts his arms around her and looks into her eyes.)

Rory:(She understands what he is getting at and she can’t help a miscievious grin.)It’s okay Carlos. I don’t have any STD’s. The Dept. requires that we get tested every six months. You don’t have any? Do you?

Carlos:NO! That’s very funny. I’m more concerned about the possibility of a baby.

Rory:Oh. (She pauses but still has that miscievious light in her eyes.) Well, I guess there’s that to think about. (He had such a serious look on his face, she had to let him off the hook.) Carlos, I’m on the pill. No baby. Okay? I promise.

Carlos:(He had his arms around her waist and was resting his forehead on her forehead, she had her arms on his shoulders.) You’re right we need to talk. I’m gonna take a quick shower and then we can go someplace quiet to talk. (Carlos gives her a quick kiss and heads for the locker room.)

Rory:(She stands there for about a minute.) Screw this! (She follows him into the locker room.)
 

SCENE SEVEN:CD’s Bar & Grill, Trent and Kim are there with Ricky and having dinner and talking about his case.

Trent:Kim will go through these files and check all of your employees.

Ricky:Do you really think that it’s someone that works for me? I mean, I know these people very well. I can’t imagine any of them doing something like this.

Trent:It might not necessarily be one of them. Maybe it’s someone that they know. Maybe someone that has no connection at all.

Kim:We start with the people you know and eliminate them first then we work our way out from there. Thanks for dinner, (she stands to leave)but, I have to get going. I’ll get started on these profiles first thing in the morning.(Ricky & Trent stand up also. Ricky takes her hand and says something in spanish and kisses the back of her hand.) I don’t know what you said but thanks.

Ricky:Buenos noches, bella.

Trent:You shouldn’t do that. She’s difficult enough without feeding her ego. (They smile) Listen, Ricky, Carlos and I put the tap on your phone today.

Ricky:Bueno. I was going to ask you about that.

Trent:We also did something else and I don’t want you to tell anyone about this. Not even someone you trust.

Ricky:Why?

Trent:We put a video camera in your hotel room. It’s got a motion sensor on it so that anyone who moves into range will trigger the camera. It’s in the sitting area aimed at the table where the phone is sitting. We want you to tell people about the tracer on your phone but tell absolutely no one about the video camera.

Ricky:You got it. (Trent pays the bill and the two of them get up to leave. They walk out and get into the corvette.) Is the game on tv tonight?

Trent:Yeah. I was gonna go over to Uppercuts and catch the game over there. You’re welcome to come along.

Ricky:Cool.

Trent:Yeah, maybe we’ll run into Carlos. I wonder if he ever found Rory.

Ricky:You mean Rory Caine?

Trent:You know Rory?

Ricky:Yeah, I met her about seven years ago in Puerto Rico.

Trent:Really? Tell me.

Ricky:I found her on the beach. She was crying her eyes out becouse her husband had been killed. He was a police officer too. I spent the entire day filling her with margueritas and telling her dirty jokes. She stayed down there for a month. Then one day, I go to the beach house to pick her up and she’s gone. I found a note on the table that said "Time for a reality check.  Hope to see you again. Adios!"

Trent:A dear Ricky letter. Too bad man.

Ricky:(smiling) It wasn’t like that. We were only friends. We’ve kept in touch over the last seven years. She’s the one who recommended you and Carlos to me.

Trent:Ah ha! That explains that. (The vette pulls up in front of  Uppercuts and they go inside and walk to the bar.) Butch, I’d like you to meet Ricky Martin, he’s a new client.

Butch:Hey Ricky, welcome to Dallas. It’s a pleasure. (They shake hands.) What can I get for you?

Ricky:A beer would be great.

Butch:Two beers coming right up.

Trent:Have you seen Carlos tonight?

Butch:Yeah, Him and Rory have been huddled in the corner booth all the way in the back for a couple of hours.

Ricky:Maybe we shouldn’t interupt them.

Trent:Oh! But we must. It’s my sworn duty to drive Carlos completely nuts at every opportunity. (With a very serious look) We must.

Ricky:Well, in that case, lead the way. (They head to the back booth where Carlos and Rory are sitting very close to each other with there arms around each other and are engaged in a very passion-ate kiss. Trent and Ricky slide into the booth across from them.)

Trent:Me next!!

Ricky:Then me!!! (The two stop kissing and look at them.)

Rory:Ricky, Que pasa? (She reaches across the table and takes Ricky’s hand.)

Ricky:(This dialogue is in spanish but since I dont know more that a couple of words please use your imagination.)It’s been way too long since I’ve gazed into your eyes, my beautiful Scottish lass.

Rory:(Blushes)Ricky, you are still such a flirt.(smiling) Tell me more.

Ricky:(Switching back to English.) I’m so sorry to hear about Jamie.

Rory:He was a good kid. (Blatantly changing the subject) So you took my advise and hired these guys.

Ricky:I always take you advise. So far you haven’t been wrong. Exept about that blonde in Miami 3 years ago. (They both laugh "private joke")

Trent:Soooo, what’s going on?

Carlos:The Texas Rangers are playing the Devil Rays and its a pretty good game so far.

Rory:What time is it? (She check Carlos’ watch.) I better get going, My parents are gonna think I ran away. Carlos, could you take me back to my car at Thunder Karate?

Carlos:You bet. Trent, Ricky. (He shakes their hands. Ricky takes Rory’s hand and kisses the back of it. She and Carlos leave the bar and walk to the Durango.) You know him?

Rory:Yeah. I met him 7 years ago on the beach. (Carlos doesn’t say anything. He starts the truck. She smiles, knowing that he’s trying not to show any sign of jeolousy. She leans over and kisses Carlos on the cheek.)

Carlos:What was that for?

Rory:For a while. (The Durango pulls away from the curb.) Why don’t we go back to your place?

Carlos:That’s a very tempting offer, however, your parents are at your place and are probubly wondering where the heck you are.

Rory:He’s only a friend.(refering to Ricky. Carlos says nothing but but smiles.)
 

SCENE EIGHT:The next morning Trent and Carlos are on their way to the hotel to check the phone tap and video rcorder in Ricky Martin’s suite.

Trent:Okay. So what’s going on with you and Rory?

Carlos:(Sly grin.)I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Trent:Carlos.

Carlos:It’s the real deal this time, Trent. I’m gonna do everything I can to make this work.

Trent:Three days. Then I get my chance.

Carlos:Nope. This time it’s gonna last.

Trent:Okay. Six days, tops, and hopefully you’ll be able to salvage your friendship.

Carlos:That’s the absolute last time I talk to you about my relation-ships. (They arrive at the Hotel and go up to Ricky’s room.  Ricky is at the recording studio, so they let themselves in. The room has been trashed and they find a dead snake hanging from the shower head. Trent calls Ricky on his cell phone, to tell him what’s going on, while Carlos calls the police. Ricky has no choice at this point but to file a complaint with the police dept.

Ricky:Damn! I didn’t want this to become a police matter.

Trent:I’m sorry, man, but we have an arrangement with Rory. We had to call them or she would have kicked our asses.

Carlos:Ricky, this isn’t just some groupie trying to steal a pair of you underwear. This is serious. This person is totally sick.

Ricky:Okay, so why didn’t you tell the police about the tap on the phone or the video camera?

Trent & Carlos:THE VIDEO CAMERA!(Trent retrieves the tape and they play it back on the vcr. They watch as a young woman comes into the room and goes directly to the bathroom. When she comes back into the room she procedes to turn the place upside down.

Carlos:Well, we have a face.

Ricky:We have a name. It’s Kathleen Jenkins. (Carlos and Trent both look at Ricky and wait for him to continue.) She used to do my hair. When I got it cut short I didn’t need her anymore. My manager let her go. I haven’t seen her in two years.

Trent:Doesn’t appear as though she’s been too far away.

Ricky:Well, my lawyers and the police can handle things from here.  (Shaking their hands.) Gracias. Rory said that you guys were good.

Trent:I’m glad that we could help. This was easier than I thought it was gonna be. We better go. (Carlos is very quiet as they get up to leave.) Will we see you tomorrow at Jamie’s funeral?

Ricky:Yes. I will see you there.
 

SCENE NINE:In the corvette on the way back to the office.

Carlos:How well do you supose Ricky and Rory knew each other?

Trent:Ah Ha! So that’s what’s bugging you. Well, from what Ricky told me, they were only friends. They met right after Marcus was killed. They became friends and stayed close.

Carlos:Good?

Trent:Has Rory ever told you about Marcus?

Carlos:No. But I know she will, when she’s ready.

Trent:Boy have you got it bad. (They drive in silence for a while.)  Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow for the funeral?

Carlos:No, thanks. I’m going with Theresa and Jesse. Jesse is really upset about Jamie. They were on the same soccer team.  They were best friends. They ‘hung’ together.

Trent:We used to ‘hang’ together when we were kids. (They smile.)

Carlos:Remember that old fishing hole behind the power plant?

Trent:Yeah. Did we ever catch anything there?

Carlos:No. (Pause) Does it bother you?

Trent:What?

Carlos:That Rory and I are seeing each other? I mean, I know that you were thinking about asking her out too.

Trent:Yeah, until I realized that she only had eyes for you. Carlos, if this thing between you and Rory works out, then I’m happy for both of you. I just hope you don’t break her heart, becouse I might have to console her and then who knows what might happen.

Carlos:Very funny. I don’t know where this is gonna go. I know where I’d like it to go. (Big smile) But you know how I am, and how she is. Lord, Trent, she flirts with everyone. She’s sarcastic and stubborn and...

Trent:Compassionate, beautiful....

Carlos:MINE! (They both laugh.)
 

SCENE TEN:After the funeral everyone went to The Hope Center. CD had put together a luncheon for the mourners. Rory is talking to her brother Michael and holding one of her nieces, 3 month old Morgan. Carlos and Jesse walk up to them.

Jesse:Detective Caine, Mr. Caine, I’m very sorry about Jamie.

Rory:(Puts her hand on Jesse’s shoulder.) Thanks Jesse. We really appreciate your being with us today. It means alot to us to know that Jamie had so many terrific friends. Michael, this is Jesse Estrella. He and Jamie were on the same soccer team, and Carlos Sandoval, Jesse’s Uncle and also my friend. (She gave him a wink.)

Michael:(Shaking Jesse’s hand and then Carlos’. Not missing the look between Carlos and Rory, Michael talks to Jesse.) So what possition do you play on the team?

Jesse:Goalie.

Michael:That’s my possition too. Why don’t you show me some of your moves?

Jesse:(Looking at Carlos.)Do you mind?

Carlos:Go ahead. (The two walk away talking soccer. Carlos looks at Rory holding the baby and gets a sly grin on his face.) It looks good on you.

Rory:What? The Kilt?

Carlos:That looks good to. I was refering to your little friend.  (Carlos gently touches the top of Morgans wee head.)

Rory:Watch it Sandoval, you could jinx yourself. This family breeds by just thinking about it.

Carlos:Okay, lets go back to the kilt. Is it true that Scottsmen dont wear any underwear beneith their kilts?

Rory:Well, technically, the Scottish never were gutchies, and traditionally only the men where the kilt. I am one of the exeptions. Being the daughter of the Laird of a clan, I rank special priveledges. And yes, I am wearing underwear.

Carlos:Darn. Your Father is a Laird?

Rory:Yes, he is.

Carlos:What’s a Laird?

Rory:The head of a Clan. Usually the head of a village. Kind of like a mayor. He was born in Kilkenney Scottland. The oldest son of a Laird. When my Grandfather died my father became the Laird. Even though he had already immegrated to America, he still inherrited the title, however, my uncle Collin is called the acting Laird in their village.(During her explanation, her scottish brogue became more pronounced.)

Carlos:So what? Does that make you royalty or something?

Rory:No.

Carlos:(looking around at all of the people.) How many brothers do you have again?

Rory:Six brothers, five sisters-in-law and fourteen nieces and nephews.  (She pauses and looks at Carlos.)I mean thirteen. I am God-mother to about nine of them.

Carlos:How do you remember everyones name?

Rory:Easy. When you love someone, its easy to remember their names.  I have them written down. (Carlos laughs outloud.) Hey, how is Ricky’s case coming?

Carlos:Done. We finished up yesterday.

Rory:Cool. I knew that you guys could help him. He had to fly home early this morning. He called to tell me adios.

Carlos:How well did you know him?

Rory:Why? Are you jeolous?

Carlos:No. Curious. I think that maybe I would like to be fore-warned before I run into any more of your lovers.

Rory:Ricky and I were never lovers, just friends. And you dont have to worry about that. I may be flirtatious, but I’m very very selective about whom I sleep with. And besides, they are all in Cleveland.

Carlos:Good!(He kisses her. From across the yard, Rory’s mom and dad are watching her and Carlos talking.)

Connor:What are you smiling at?(Connor speaks with a thick Scottish brogue.)

Eliza:You used to look at me like that.

Connor:I still do, Lassy, I still do.

Eliza:You know that she’s bull headed, just like you.

Connor:Make your point woman.

Eliza:I just hope that she doesn’t continue hiding behind that wall she’s built up around herself. It’s time for her to love again. Sean really likes Carlos. He says that Carlos would be good for her. (They look over and see Carlos & Rory share a kiss.) Oh, stop scowling. She’s not a baby anymore.

Connor:She’ll always be my baby, and I’ll scowl if I want to.(Eliza just shakes her head.

The End - For now