Abducted: Fugitive for Love

Melanie Stone:
There's nothing to discuss. For years now, I've put my life on hold while helping you get whatever you want out of yours. I'm not your campaign manager, Tom, and I'm not one of your subordinates. I'm supposed to be your partner.

Tom Stone:
[shakes head and laughs incredulously] You picked a hell of a time for this! But, uh, I see your point. You've made a lot of sacrifices, and I appreciate that.

Melanie Stone:
[relenting] Thank you. But right now, I just wanna get back in there and do my job. OK?

Tom Stone:
[satisfied] By all means.

Tom Stone:
[into handheld recorder] It's time to make our dreams of tomorrow a reality today. [smiles with pride and slams down recorder and goes to sit at desk] Under my leadership, this city will expect - [knock at door] enter - new growth and vi-tal-ity. [looks behind him to see a svelte Paula standing there] Well, this is a surprise. Did I forget a meeting? [Paula walks up to him]

Paula Simms:
No. I just thought that I'd familiarize you with some hot topics for the debate. [backs away, unbuttoning shirt]

Tom Stone:
I'll, uh... consider them. Very carefully. [they proceed to kiss passionately on the desk; scene fades and cuts to Paula zipping up her skirt and a knock at the door] Enter. [Jack enters the room with a guard in tow] Mr. Carlson! Have a seat! I'll be right with you. Miss Simms! Thank you for bringing this by. You've given me a lot to think about.

Paula Simms:
You're more than welcome! [Tom vocalizes a pleasurable "mmm" and smiles satisfied, barely gazing at her walking out before turning to the guard]

Tom Stone:
He'll be right out, George. [slaps his back as he walks out and turns to Jack] So! [claps hands] Mr. Carlson. [heads to desk] How are you enjoying work furlough?

Jack Carlson:
It's fine.

Tom Stone:
Good. Here's the rub. You're gonna be charged with assault on those other inmates. The injured parties are willing to testify that you attacked them.

Jack Carlson:
Like I said. It was self defense.

Tom Stone:
Next, you're gonna be telling me that you're not a killer. [sighs as he looks at papers] That's a nasty bit of business you did to get in here. Two years in on a sixteen year sentence? Throw in the assaults, we're talking about life imprisonment. [fade to Jack sitting alone in prison yard with a piece of paper]

Melanie Stone:
[Sarah arrives home; closes door and sets alarm and turns, gasping when she sees Jack staring at her] What are you doing here?

Jack Carlson:
[cuts to Sarah opening safe for Jack, him behind her] I'll take that! [takes gun from safe contents]

Melanie Stone:
You should be gone; they'll be looking for you.

Jack Carlson:
That's the beauty of an electric fence. No one thinks you're gonna run. Take your passport.

Melanie Stone:
What? You have a gun, money, my car, you don't need me!

Jack Carlson:
We both know: I'll never make it off the property without you. Come on! Let' go! Let's go! [cut to Jack coming into bedroom] You need to get out of that Barbara Bush outfit into something less conspicuous. [drops clothing on bed; unties hands] I'll turn around. [she then tries to hit him with a wooden decoration] You're making it really hard for me to be nice to you.

Melanie Stone:
[angry] OK, I'll get you off the property. And then you'll let me go.

Jack Carlson:
[cut to him leading her outside; gun to her back] Put the bag in the back seat. [he enters car, gets her in driver's seat] Get in! Close the door.

Melanie Stone:
[looks down] I said I'd get you off the property so just trust me to do that. Why don't you get on the floor and, um, I'll honk the horn as I approach the guards' gate. They'll let me pass through without stopping.

Jack Carlson:
[breathes heavily as he looks at her and points the gun] Start the car. [Engine starting; Jack gets down, still pointing gun] Nice and slow. Like normal. [Jack puts hand firmly on her thigh] Relax. [Sarah honks horn; smiles; waves] Just relax. [guard waves as she drives by and she waves again]

Melanie Stone:
We're through.

Jack Carlson:
OK. OK. Well done. [nods]

Melanie Stone:
[cut to Jack sitting upright, putting on seatbelt] Just, um, just pick a place to stop, and I'll get out. You can go wherever you wanna go.

Jack Carlson:
[staring straight ahead] That's not an option.

Melanie Stone:
We had a deal!

Jack Carlson:
No, you assumed we did.

Melanie Stone:
[panicky] What?

Jack Carlson:
We gotta change the plates. Keep driving. [cut to rest stop; Melanie is keeping watch and Jack is changing plates and watching Melanie, who sees a laughing couple, who Jack sees that Melanie sees, he quickly gets up, taking stock of the gun and hugs her] Just relax. Just hug me. [they retract from the hug, the mood changed and the couple having driven away] Get in the trunk.

Melanie Stone:
What?

Jack Carlson:
Get in the trunk now. Get in the trunk!

Melanie Stone:
[desperate] No, no no, no!

Jack Carlson:
Get in the trunk now!

Melanie Stone:
No, please, please!

Jack Carlson:
Get in! [Melanie sobs in the trunk and stops when Jack reduces the speed of the car in a desolate area]

Melanie Stone:
[hearing Jack's footsteps recede] Hello? Help! Help, I'm in the trunk! Help, somebody. Somebody help me; I'm in the trunk! [rumbles against the trunk as Jack enters an auto service building, ignoring her]

Jack Carlson:
[walks in auto store] Who's winning?

Cashier:
Cougars. You a fan?

Jack Carlson:
Aren't we all? I don't suppose you could tell me which highway would take me to the Canadian border. [cashier realizes Jack is cute]

Cashier:
I could tell ya, but I won't.

Jack Carlson:
Really? And why, may I ask is that?

Cashier:
Well, because then you'll leave.

Jack Carlson:
For now. I'll be back later this week. What are you doing Thursday?

Cashier:
Working here 'til six.

Jack Carlson:
Well, I'll see you at six on the dot, then. Now how about those directions?

Cashier:
Oh! Nothing to it. You just jump on the 5, and keep heading North. If you don't hit Canada, you're going the wrong way.

Jack Carlson:
Well, see ya Thursday.

Cashier:
See ya. [smitten with Jack, who walks back out to a screaming Melanie]

Melanie Stone:
Help! Somebody help me! Help me! Please, help me! Help, somebody! Somebody, I'm in the trunk! [Jack slams door, starts engine and goes due East; stops in woods, looks around and pops trunk]

Jack Carlson:
Get out. Come on. Dammit! Dammit! You. Come on. You stay here. You hear me? Don't move. Turn around. Turn around! [ties her arms] Don't move. Let's go walk this way. Straight ahead.

Melanie Stone:
You were in prison for murder, weren't you. You gonna kill me, too? [as they walk through woods, scene fades]

Jack Carlson:
[walks over to bed with Melanie behind him] This isn't him.

Melanie Stone:
[shocked whisper] What?

Jack Carlson:
He's the same age, but that's not Tim.

Melanie Stone:
His chart says he's been in a coma for five years. Terrance couldn't have claimed the money!

Jack Carlson:
[looks at patient chart] Well, whoever did must have had his driver's license, at the very least.

Melanie Stone:
Tim must have assumed his identity. Which makes sense, given what the guy at the front desk said about a visitor a few years ago.

Jack Carlson:
Well, one way to know for sure; we'll just check the exact date of the visit and see if it was before the wire transfers. He needed enough time to apply for a driver's license.

Melanie Stone:
Right. We have to find the new Terrance Scott.

Tom Stone:
[sitting on edge of bed in a thoughtful daze, Paula laying behind him on the bed] I need to make another public appeal for Melanie.

Paula Simms:
[sits up to one-handedly caress him from behind] We picked up 7 points in the polls after the last one. [Tom closes his eyes and contentedly c*cks his head towards hers with] Mentioning the bloody cloth and the T-shirt they found was key. You really think she's gone?

Tom Stone:
[opens eyes] Bet my candidacy on it. [phone rings; he kisses her, rises from the bed and buttons his jeans to answer the phone] What? [expression changes] I'll be right there.

John Delaney:
Melanie, I'm John Delaney; this is my partner, Stephanie Baker. We're the marshals assigned to your kidnapping.

Stephanie Baker:
We're very happy you're safe and weren't seriously hurt. It doesn't always go down that way.

John Delaney:
Rarely does. You're lucky we found you. If you'd stayed in his company a little longer, you would have been one hell of a liability.

Melanie Stone:
He had a gun. H-he said he was gonna kill me.

John Delaney:
[looks at Baker] I guess that's all we need for now. I think your husband's on his way. He'll take you home.

Amy:
[runs to Melanie, relieved] Ohhh, Melanie! [embraces her] We were so scared! Ohh.

George Motts:
[hugs Melanie] Don't go getting yourself kidnapped again, all right?

Melanie Stone:
[grateful] I'm so happy you guys are here.

George Motts:
Okay, well, we just wanted to see with our own eyes. Get some rest. We'll stop by tomorrow.

Amy:
Yeah. Tom made us promise we'd only say hello.

Tom Stone:
Thanks for understanding Amy. Come on, honey, let's get you inside, okay? [begins leading her toward the house]

Melanie Stone:
[stops Tom] Can you give me a minute?

Tom Stone:
Yeah, sure.

Melanie Stone:
[nervously walks away as Tom stares after her. She hugs George again] George, keep this safe for me. [Covertly gives him a tape. Amy looks taken aback]

Amy:
Yeah. See you tomorrow, okay? [Melanie backs away and blows Amy a kiss]

Tom Stone:
I'm so glad you're home. I've been lost without you. I haven't been able to sleep. [He goes in and Melanie gives a telling look to Amy and George as the door closes]

Paula Simms:
[walking to the outside with Tom and Melanie] Now, remember to hold hands. We want people to see your strength and support for each other in this trying time.

Melanie Stone:
[slaps head dramatically] Oh, gosh! I forgot to check a mirror!

Tom Stone:
No need. You look great.

Melanie Stone:
I'd feel better if I did. I'll be a second. I'll meet you there. [as they walk, she gives them a bitter stare and turns around] George? Thank you. [He taps his breast and begins walking in the direction of Paula and Tom as Melanie runs inside]

Tom Stone:
[Tom and Paula are in front of press, giving huge smiles] We gotta go.

Paula Simms:
Okay. [Tom goes up to microphones for conference]

Tom Stone:
Thank you for coming. I'm sure you've heard the miraculous news.

George Motts:
[quietly at Tom's side, interrupts] Sir? [fumbles with tape and recorder] Gift from your wife. [plays tape]

Jack Carlson:
[over tape] What do you have in mind? [as tape plays, a slow-motion Tom violently tries to grab the recorder as reporters are snapping photos and holding out microphones and Tom is restrained by guards]

Tom Stone:
[over tape] Only what comes naturally to you. Kidnap my wife and kill her.

Jack Carlson:
[over tape] Why?

Tom Stone:
[over tape] I've seen the way you look at Melanie. Know what you'd like to do to her. I'll make sure you escape and aren't caught. [off tape] Call my lawyer!

Melanie Stone:
[wrapped in a towel from shower] I take it the Internet search didn't turn up anything.

Jack Carlson:
[disappointed] Not a trace. No phone, no address, no e-mail, nothing.

Melanie Stone:
I think I have a way to find him. Tom's computer at the prison has access to federal databases. It can link a-a driver's license number to a Social Security number or tax information, so if Tim has gotten a job, bought an apartment, uh, rented a car, it'd instantly register his current address. [Jack looks worried] I can do this. I can find him.

Jack Carlson:
It's too risky. I mean, you-you're gonna have to go back with Tom; pretend you're his wife again.

Melanie Stone:
[walks over to him] Well, I think that's my decision to make. I can handle Tom! Jack, you saved my life. I can do this.

Jack Carlson:
You'd actually risk your life for me? But... [pauses] the answer is still no. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you. [kisses her tenderly; takes off shirt and she caresses him as he kisses her neck and shoulders and back to her lips. She begins to undo his pants as he kisses her neck again and then undos the towel. They then go to the bed and kiss as her hands knead his body and go up his back as he kisses her on her lips and neck. Presumably they are having sexual intercourse and she orgasms as the scene fades out to Sarah leaving the hotel room with a sleeping Jack inside and a note on the pillow, which reads "STAY PUT. I'LL CALL YOU AS SOON AS I HAVE TIM'S ADDRESS XO M"]

Tom Stone:
They're having a press conference to talk about your safe return. It's important that you be there.

Melanie Stone:
Should be at the prison.

Tom Stone:
Why is that?

Melanie Stone:
To show that I still have faith in your and your ability to protect me and others from harm. I mean... if we could show all those people that I could stand comfortably by your side, among all those prisoners...

Tom Stone:
It's a good idea. [she smiles pleased] I'll call Paula and have her arrange it. [smiles presumably at the thought of talking to Paula and Melanie relaxes knowing he bought it; cut to office] Thank you all for coming; I'm sure you've all heard the miraculous news. Miraculous. Mir-a-cu-lous. [turns to Melanie, who is on the computer database] Is "miraculous" too much? Yeah, it's too much.

Melanie Stone:
Oh, honey, your tie. It's crooked.

Tom Stone:
Oh! Thank you. [begins to straighten the tie]

Melanie Stone:
[continues with the database search] You know, i was thinking, we should ask Paula to organize some private interviews. You know, get something on the national news? Could really help with your bid for governor. [flips hair innocently]

Tom Stone:
[points at her] You're right.

Melanie Stone:
Yeah? [knows how he would react to Paula]

Tom Stone:
Paula should be on that. I'll be right back. [yells] Paula! [Melanie finds Terrance while he is momentarily gone] Paula LOVES the idea!

Melanie Stone:
[nervously smiles] Yeah?

Tom Stone:
We should really be getting down to the press conference. [readies himself; looks back] Melanie?

Melanie Stone:
Huh? Yeah. Let me just put my shoes on. [bends down to presumably put shoes on but copies down information]

Tom Stone:
[comes to desk suspiciously] You ready? [She doesn't answer and he frowns and comes over, but she quickly ditches the paper and stands up right in front of him]

Melanie Stone:
Tom? I've missed you. [embraces him]

Tom Stone:
I missed you, too. [she works the computer keys to close the screen as he is busy with the hug]

Melanie Stone:
Hey. Let's get down there. [she exits and Tom looks happy but puzzled]

Stephanie Baker:
[scene begins showing the STAT truck whizzing by and cuts to the agents staring at a screen] Yup, that's definitely our guy.

John Delaney:
He chose a couple of maps; did Wyatt find out what they were?

Stephanie Baker:
He said the cashier didn't know because they were free.

John Delaney:
[turns to look at Stephanie] Stephanie, I need to know which maps he chose.

Stephanie Baker:
I'll get on it right away. I hope they can enhance the image, but don't expect miracles.

John Delaney:
[sincerely] Thank you.

Elderly store clerk:
Need some lures? [Jack turns to look at him]

Jack Carlson:
Uh, I'm okay, thanks. [turns back around] I don't suppose you got some electronics?

Elderly store clerk:
[scoffing] You city folk are all the same, eh? Come up here to get away and just can't live without your camcorders and video games. [opens a drawer filled with electronics] There they are.

Jack Carlson:
[flashback in warden office between Jack and Tom about blackmail] What do you have in mind?

Tom Stone:
[shrugs nonchalantly] Only what comes naturally to you. Kidnap my wife and kill her. [the thoughts echo through Jack's mind] You'll be a free man. Kill her.

Jack Carlson:
[stands up, suspicious] Why?

Tom Stone:
I've seen the way you look at Melanie. Know what you'd like to do to her. I'll make sure you escape and aren't caught.

Jack Carlson:
You can't guarantee that.

Tom Stone:
I can... and will. To start... the security code for my house. Use my wife to get off the property. Do what you want with her. Dump the body and escape across the border before nightfall. [chuckles] Well done, convict. Well done. [Jack takes the recorded conversation and gathers the things; cut back to the cabin]

Jack Carlson:
[hands security code Tom wrote down to Melanie] Take this. And the tape to the police. Your husband doesn't realize he left the recorder on. He doesn't think any evidence exists. [Melanie listens, discontented]

Melanie Stone:
[Melanie and Jack are trekking through the woods at night] Tell me something. Was the flirting all part of your plan? To gain my trust? So my guard'd be down when you made your move?

Jack Carlson:
[glances at her] No.

Melanie Stone:
Then you must care for me in some way. Means you won't kill me. [They continue walking, Jack obviously affected by her realizing he won't kill her, and then they linger in a spot] Why are we stopping here?

Jack Carlson:
We're gonna spend the night here. Turn around.

Melanie Stone:
[apprehensive] Why?

Jack Carlson:
I have to tie you up again. Turn around!

John Delaney:
[film fades to scene outside of Stone house, dogs being led by the Strategic Tactical Abduction Team and other men roaming the property. Cuts to Tom and Paula on a couch in front of John and Stephanie interrogating them] Any reason to believe your wife was a willing participant?

Tom Stone:
[looks up from his head in his hand dramatically] Willing? [gasps] How dare you!

Stephanie Baker:
Our preliminary investigation suggests it is a possibility. She did drive off the property with Mr. Carlson.

Tom Stone:
He had a gun on her. He stole it from the safe, along with some cash.

John Delaney:
And your wife's passport.

Paula Simms:
[restrains Tom] You don't know Melanie. She's uh... I don't know how to describe it. She's-not capable of anything like this. [Tom rises from the couch] It's not in her nature.

Stephanie Baker:
And you are?

Paula Simms:
Paula Simms. I'm Mr. Stone's campaign manager.

Stephanie Baker:
Mmm-hmm.

John Delaney:
Mr. Stone, do you think any of this has to do with your running for mayor?

Tom Stone:
My wie's been kidnapped by a convicted murderer, and you're standing here asking me questions like these? Find my wife.

John Delaney:
There is an APB out and I'm confident we'll get a hit. There are also roadblocks on all the major highways although by now they may have bypassed them and be out of state. We're checking with other jurisdictions and in the meantime, I recommend that you put out a plea; a personal plea. It may go a long way with people who may have seen them.

Stephanie Baker:
Mr. Stone? We'll give you time to collect your thoughts. And then we'll advise you on what you need to say.

Tom Stone:
I know what to say.

Paula Simms:
[arises] Mr. Stone will be more than prepared. If you'll excuse us.

Stephanie Baker:
Certainly. [She walks out with John, and they softly talk]

John Delaney:
Those two are sleeping together.

Stephanie Baker:
Definitely.

Tom Stone:
[press conference outside the door] In times like these it's important to remain focused. Bringing Melanie home and the capture of Jack Carlson are my number-one priorities. [microphones are displayed to Tom, cameras snap and Tom makes noises depicting emotion] I stand firm thanks to the support of this community. Melanie. [chokes up] If you can see this... I love you. Thank you. [chokes up more and hides head in hands, retreating]

Reporter #1:
Mr. Stone! [reporters all talk at once]

Stephanie Baker:
Now, I wanna make it clear that Mr. Carlson is considered armed and dangerous. If you know about his whereabouts or Mrs. Stone's, please don't hesitate to call our local law enforcement. [pictures shown of both along with an obviously fake phone number]

Melanie Stone:
[Jack is on top of her after tackling her running through the woods trying to get away while he was sleeping] Get off of me!

Jack Carlson:
[gets off and gets up] You better hope I remember the way back. [breathes hard, holding the gun]

Melanie Stone:
[angry, in his face] So why don't you just shoot me? Get it over with! [both breathless; he points the gun at her face]

Jack Carlson:
The gunshots might draw attention. [retracts gun] We gotta keep moving. [slightly pushes her; she flinches and looks at him; he pushes her again]

Stephanie Baker:
[on phone, then to John] Great; thanks. [moving a sideways flat hand up and down for emphasis] Wyatt just took a statement from a gas station cashier. She said that Carlson asked for directions to Canada. She also said that he seemed like he was posing for the security camera. Wyatt is sending us a copy.

John Delaney:
[smiles; barely laughs] Sounds like he was planning a witness to make us believe he was heading for the border. [lifts up the file to look at it] Smart move. It'll be fun tracking this boy. [Stephanie is back to work and another man is seen in the truck with them]

Jack Carlson:
[Jack and Melanie are at a cabin in the woods; Jack points] Wait here. [he goes to a hidden area in the ground and then opens the door] Come on. Come on! [he guides her in and she has no choice but to go in and he looks around for anyone that may be outside and closes the door] Let's get some air in here. [walks past Melanie who is apprehensive and looking at her surroundings; Jack puts his backpack down and starts opening windows as Melanie studies photos]

Melanie Stone:
You owned a garage? Is that your wife; your - brother? [Jack looks at her then at the picture and resolutely walks over and takes down the photo]

Jack Carlson:
Ex-wife. Ex-friend. [takes off his jacket]

Melanie Stone:
[flares her nostrils] Did they have an affair? [he looks at her wordlessly and starts with the windows again, which answers her question and she decides he's distraught enough to start out the door while he is busy]

Jack Carlson:
I wouldn't if I were you. [turns to her] You'll get lost and you won't like what finds you. [she walks back into the cabin, away from the door]

Melanie Stone:
Are they the reason you're in prison? [busy, he doesn't answer] Why are you doing this? [looks to her and his backpack multiple times and then goes toward her quickly] No. [he grabs her and unties her wrists and walks away to store the tie in his backpack, puts it on and goes toward the door and turns to her]

Jack Carlson:
[I'm getting supplies] [He shuts the door and locks it from the inside]

Melanie Stone:
[tries the door a few times] Help! Help! Help! Help! [camera pans out, showing her cries are for naught]

Stephanie Baker:
[watching security footage from gas station with John] Yup. That's definitely our guy.

John Delaney:
He chose a couple of maps. [words unintelligible] Did Wyatt find out what they were? [sitting on the table as the van is driving, he turns back to Stephanie]

Stephanie Baker:
He said the cashier didn't know because they were free.

John Delaney:
Stephanie, I need to know which maps he chose.

Stephanie Baker:
I'll get on it right away. [van jolts and John grabs a hold to steady himself] I hope he can enhance the image, but don't expect miracles.

John Delaney:
[sincerely] Thank you.

Elderly store clerk:
[Dealing with an intricate piece of fishing equipment, taking a quick glance at Jack; screen says Pullman, WA] Need some lures?

Jack Carlson:
[gazes at the clerk] Uh, I'm okay; thanks. [turns back] I don't suppose you got some electronics.

Elderly store clerk:
[scoffs] You city folk are all the same, eh? Come up here to get away and just can't live without your camcorders and video games. There they are. [opens up a drawer filled with old types of electronics]

Jack Carlson:
Yeah, I'll take the, uh, phone and the recorder.

Elderly store clerk:
Phone, and recorder. Think you could use some batteries, too. Here; on the house.

Jack Carlson:
Oh, thanks a lot. I'll need 'em. [c*cks head] Heading up to Oregon.

Elderly store clerk:
Oh, it's beautiful up there this time of year. Yeah.

Woman on phone:
[walking out of Country Store of Fishing Gear & Clothing; gets on the phone; looks around as tone sounds, waiting for the person to answer] Hello?

Jack Carlson:
It's Jack. [pause] I need to see you.

Jack Carlson:
[in the woods, off-screen, looking for her after she has run off by breaking the window barriers with a crowbar] Melanie!

Melanie Stone:
[scared] I'm over here! [Jack scurries to her] Something's chasing me! [Jack brings out his gun] Ohh!

Jack Carlson:
[slightly out of breath, concerned] Are you okay?

Melanie Stone:
[nods, modest] Thank you. [she winces and puts her hand to where she was cut]

Jack Carlson:
[softly, breathless] You're bleeding. [she nods and, frustrated, turns his head away, then back] Let's get outta here. [He pushes her to lead the way, looking back for signs of danger]

John Delaney:
[on the phone; still in the truck] You sure about that? Alright; great. [turns to hang up the phone; sits in front of Stephanie] Mrs. Stone's license plate was tagged in Portland. Except it wasn't on her car; switched with an S.U.V. The driver says it only could have happened in one place: a rest stop they stopped in. Troopers have started to canvas.

Stephanie Baker:
Should we inform the husband?

John Delaney:
Let's see what shakes out. Besides, he's too busy giving interviews.

Stephanie Baker:
Yeah, he's working that press angle pretty hard.

John Delaney:
More like the election angle. Courting the sympathy vote.

Stephanie Baker:
Yeah, well, if his wife dies, he could end up in the Mayor's office. [slightly amused, John nods]