Author: Giacomo Giammatteo
Source: Adaption of my book by the same name: Old Wounds
Contact Info: [email protected]
(281) 370-2233
A BLACK SCREEN
FADE IN:
INT. BATHROOM - HIGH-RISE CONDO — HOUSTON — DAY
BARBARA CAMWYCK (40s, confident, concerned with her looks)
sits in front of a wall-to-wall mirror and puts the
finishing touches on her makeup. She applies eye shadow and
liner, then sits back, stares into the mirror, and speaks.
BARBARA CAMWYCK
My name is Barbara Camwyck. If you’re
watching this video, I’m dead . . .
She walks into the living room and dials a number on the
phone. An UNKNOWN PERSON answers using a voice modulator.
UNKNOWN PERSON (V.O.)
You're right on time.
BARBARA
I try to be punctual. And since you
expected my call, I presume the flash
drive arrived, and you’ve reviewed
the terms of the arrangement.
UNKNOWN PERSON (V.O.)
Remind me of the amount.
BARBARA
I'm surprised you've forgotten. It's
easy to remember: seven million.
That’s a seven followed by six zeros.
(a beat)
After all, I’m not greedy.
UNKNOWN PERSON (V.O.)
Fine, you'll have your blood money,
but if you try to come back on me, it
will be the last thing you do.
BARBARA
No need for threats. Once we conclude
our business, you'll never hear from me.
(a beat)
And one more thing — don’t think about
trying to kill me. I have protection,
not to mention that the evidence will
surely leak if I die.
Barbara hangs up the phone and dials another number. WITT
answers (40s, long Texas drawl, deep voice).
WITT (V.O.)
I'm checking both video feeds now,
but so far, they look good.
BARBARA
I'm worried about the voice.
WITT (V.O.)
Don't be. Those voice modulators
aren't that good; besides, we've got
the video feeds. You're good to go.
BARBARA
All right. And don't forget to hide the
evidence. And, Witt, I anticipate this
going well, but make sure the evidence
is found if something happens to me.
WITT (V.O.)
Will do. Have a good day.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Betrayal in the Parking Lot
EXT. PARKING LOT — DAY
GINO CATALDI (40, intense, wrinkles, bags under his eyes)
pulls into the parking lot next to a beige Mazda sitting in
front of a drug store.
DAVE (Gino’s partner, mid 40s, undercover cop, short and chunky,
wears jeans and cowboy boots) gets out of his car and into
Gino’s.
GINO
You’re okay with this?
Dave chuckles and lights a smoke.
DAVE
No problem. We’ve done this more than
a few times. I just hope Rico shows.
I know Berto will.
GINO
No shit. Just the thought of Rico
behind bars gives me a hard on.
Dave looks over at Gino and laughs.
DAVE
You need to find a woman, Gino,
‘cause I intend to lock his ass up.
Gino looks at his watch and nods to Dave.
GINO
We better get in place. And don’t
worry, I’ll be right behind those empty
boxes by the dumpster. We’ll be
listening to everything you say.
Dave gets in his car, drives to the center of the parking
lot, and parks beside a light pole. Gino hides behind the
stack of cardboard boxes.
He wipes sweat from his brow and slides a box to the left but
leaves enough room to see. Then he gets on the police radio.
GINO
Position secure. Everyone in place?
RADIO RESPONDER (V.O.)
All good here.
Dave gets out of his car and walks around. He lights a
smoke, kicks at loose gravel, and pretends to stare at the
ground, but his eyes shift left and right.
Halfway through Dave's smoke, a black Lexus pulls up. THREE
GUYS get out. One of the men checks Dave's car while the
other two watch Dave. A FOURTH MAN is in the driver's seat.
GINO
(whispering)
Three outside, one in the car. Be ready.
Dave opens his car’s trunk and points to a gym bag.
DAVE
Money’s in there, but I expect your goods
to be better than the last shit.
BERTO (30, cocky, wearing sunglasses and a full-length leather
jacket) looks in the trunk and opens a bag filled with cash.
He turns to DEALER TWO (30, dark-blue hoodie) and gives a
thumbs-up.
BERTO
You’ll have no complaints.
Dealer Two approaches Dave, draws a gun, and shoots him in the
head. Dave goes down, blood splatters and pools on the asphalt.
Gino pushes the boxes aside and shoots as he races toward
Dave, gun in hand. All the while, he shouts into the radio.
GINO
Officer down, goddamnit! Dave's down.
Gino fires again when he gets within fifty feet. He hits
Dealer Two, and after three more shots, hits DEALER THREE
(20s, Hispanic, male). Both of them fall to the ground.
Berto takes off with the driver of the car, but two
undercover cars cut them off. The officers get out and
crouch behind open doors. They fire several rounds each at
the dealers.
A bullet hits the tire of the Lexus and the car stops. Doors
fling open and the two dealers crouch behind the doors and
return fire.
The fire goes back and forth. MARLO (40, black, an officer) is
hit in the left shoulder, and he falls onto the parking lot.
MARLO
Goddamn! I’m hit.
SONNY (30s, white) ducks and crouches as he moves to Marlo. He
pulls him by his left shoulder and gets him to a safe spot.
Sonny makes his way to the rear of the car, then he stands
and shoots multiple rounds at the drug dealers. He hits the
one behind the driver’s door, and when he falls, one of the
other officers shoots him again.
Berto, behind the passenger-side door, hollers that he gives
up. The other officers charge him and take him out.
Gino runs to Dave, but as he kneels next to him, he sees a
gaping hold in his head.
GINO
Goddamnit! Goddamnit.
A moan is heard from one of the men Gino shot. Gino moves to
him and clenches his fist.
GINO (CONT’D)
Who gave the orders?
DEALER ON GROUND
Ambulance. I need a hospital.
GINO
Who?
The man shakes his head.
GINO (CONT’D)
You’re gonna tell or die right here.
Gino puts his thumb against the wound in the man’s gut and
presses. The man grimaces and screams.
DEALER ON GROUND
I don’t know. Get an ambulance.
GINO
I guess you’re gonna die then.
Gino presses harder, leaning his weight onto his thumb. The
dealer stops moaning and his head flops to the side.
Gino kneels beside Dave. Tears run down his face.
BOBBY (50, undercover officer, wearing cowboy hat) runs to
Dave, looks, and places his hand on Gino's shoulder.
BOBBY LYNCH
Anybody call a bus?
GINO
No need to rush. He's gone.
BOBBY LYNCH
I'm sorry, Gino.
Bobby grabs Gino's arm and lifts him up.
BOBBY LYNCH (CONT’D)
C'mon, I'll drive you back.
Gino wipes his eyes, then stands and goes with Bobby.
Genres:
["Crime","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Haunted by Loss
EXT/INT. HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT — DAY
Bobby drops Gino at the entrance to the station.
Gino enters and climbs the steps. JULIE (20s, skinny, Latina,
purple hair) meets Gino at the top of the stairs.
INT. 2ND FLOOR — CONTINUOUS
JULIE
The captain wants to see you.
Gino quickly moves down the hall and turns the corner. CINDY
(mid 30s, blonde, all business) greets him with coffee.
GINO
Gladys in?
CINDY
She's waiting for you.
(a beat)
I'm sorry about Dave.
GINO
Yeah.
He walks into the captain's office wearing a frown. CAPTAIN
Gladys COOPER (late 40s, glasses, solid build, determined)
sits in a chair by the wall. She gets up from her chair and
gives Gino a hug.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Nasty shit, Gino? Sorry about Dave.
GINO
It plain sucks, Coop. Drugs will kill
us all if we don’t watch out.
Coop offers Gino a seat and calls Cindy on the intercom.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Cindy, will you please get me more
tea? And bring your recorder.
Gino sits on the edge of his seat, feet planted on the floor.
Cindy walks in with a cup of tea and a recorder. She sets
the recorder on the captain's desk and turns it to 'on.'
CAPTAIN COOPER
Whenever you're ready.
GINO
Coop, how about we do this tomorrow?
I really need to go home.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Before you go, you need to tell me if
we’re clean on this.
GINO
We're clean, and there’s video to
back us up.
Coop shifts in her seat, then gestures for Cindy to leave.
CAPTAIN COOPER
How the hell did this go wrong?
GINO
I don't know. Dave gave them the money,
but they didn't even count it. They
glanced inside, then shot him. I think
they just wanted the money and drugs both.
(a beat)
I should have been with him. If there
had been two of us . . .
CAPTAIN COOPER
Then we'd have two dead cops.
Gino stands and heads for the door, but Coop gets in front
of him and holds her hand out.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Sidearm. You know the drill. And
psych in the morning.
EXT./INT. GINO'S CAR — DAY
Gino drives up the freeway toward home. Images of the day's
events flash before him.
MONTAGE
— The drug dealer shoots Dave.
— Dave on the parking lot, a piece of his head missing.
— Dave’s blood pooling under him.
— His blank eyes staring at the sky.
END OF MONTAGE
INT. CAR - CONTINUOS
Gino punches the steering wheel several times, then turns
off the freeway, weaves through a subdivision, and parks in
the driveway. He opens the door, gets out, and kicks leaves
off the sidewalk as he makes his way to the house.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Confrontation and Urgency
INT. CATALDI HOUSE — DAY
Gino walks inside, sits at the kitchen table, and grabs a
few pans from the cabinet to make dinner. He reaches over
and presses the intercom.
GINO
Ron, you here?
RON (17, straggly hair, unkempt, jeans and T-shirt) enters
the kitchen and sits at the table.
Gino pulls a bottle of Chianti from the wine fridge, pours a
glass, and sets it on the counter. He sips it while he cooks.
Twice, he stares at Ron through narrowed eyes. Ron appears to
be nodding off to sleep while sitting at the table.
Gino fills two plates with pasta and sets them on the table,
but he continues to stare at Ron.
GINO (CONT’D)
You doing drugs again?
Ron sits up straight and opens his eyes wide.
RON
No way!
GINO
I think you’re lying, but I can’t
deal with it tonight. If I find out
you are, though, you’re going to the
toughest rehab I can find.
RON
Yeah. Yeah.
GINO
Don’t think I’m bluffing. Choose one
I approve of, or I’m sending you to
one I pick out.
Ron glares at Gino for a long time, but then he nods.
RON
There’s a good one on I-45 by
Cypresswood — No Drugs Today. That okay?
GINO
I know of it. That one will do.
LATER
Gino finishes the meal and pours another glass of wine, then
he picks up the phone and dials.
GINO
Chicky, what’s up?
CHICKY (V.O.)
Not a thing, G. What’s on your mind?
GINO
I need to find Rico — tonight!
CHICKY (V.O.)
Rico? What you want him for? You got no
business lookin’ for Rico; besides, you
sound a little gone, like maybe you
took somethin’ or smoked somethin’.
GINO
You let me worry about that. Find Rico.
CHICKY (V.O.)
If that’s the way you’re rollin’, I don’t
need to look. Rico’s at a new club on
Richmond — Sueños. He’s there every night.
GINO
Don't lose him. I'll be right there.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Confrontation at Sueños Club
EXT. SUEÑOS CLUB — NIGHT
Gino pulls alongside Chicky (50, white, rail thin, a snitch)
and gets in his car.
CHICKY
He's still inside, and he's got
muscle. Two guys. Big guys.
GINO
I got this, Chick. You can leave.
Gino plays a game on his phone while he waits. He sees RICO
(30, Latino, wiry) exit with TWO OTHERS (30s, Latino,
muscled). He watches them leave, and follows.
INT/EXT. GINO’S CAR — NIGHT
Rico turns right on Fondren and left on Westheimer. A few
blocks later, he turns into an empty parking lot.
Gino pulls behind him and steps out of his car. Rico and his
men do too.
GINO
Bueños noches, senores.
RICO
Don't try your cowboy Spanish on me,
Gino. I know who the fuck you are.
GINO
Just so you're fully educated, I'm
not a cowboy. I'm from South Philly.
RICO
Got a warrant, Philadelphia cowboy?
If not, tell me what the fuck you
want. I'm a busy man.
Gino shrugs and stares at Rico.
GINO
Suppose I said I came to kill you.
Rico's eyes narrow, then he laughs.
RICO
Kill me? Just like that, Gino the cop
is gonna kill me? Is this for good
old Dave?
Gino pulls his gun and points it at Rico. His hands shake.
GINO
I ought to do it right now.
RICO
Go ahead. Get it over with.
Gino starts to holster his weapon when Rico's men reach for
their guns. Gino raises his gun and shoots, hitting one in
the gut, and the other in the chest. He turns to Rico and
glares.
Rico backs up, holding his hands in front of him, palms
facing Gino.
Gino puts the gun close to Rico's face and acts as if he’s
going to pull the trigger.
RICO (CONT’D)
Hold up, Gino. Don’t do nothin’ stupid.
Gino pushes Rico’s shoulder to turn him around and cuff him,
and Rico spins around with a gun in his hand.
Gino shoots twice, and Rico falls to the parking lot. He
kneels next to Rico and checks his pulse, then he checks the
other two.
As he stands, a noise to his left alerts him, and he sees a
a MAN (thin, forties) emptying garbage from a restaurant.
Gino holds up his badge and shows it to the man.
GINO
You see what went down?
MAN
I saw them men pull on you.
Gino walks to the man and pulls out his notepad.
GINO
I need your name and number in case I
need a witness. You okay with that?
MAN
I’m good. And I work here five nights
a week, so you’ll have no problem
finding me.
GINO
Thanks.
Gino takes the weapons from the men, puts them in an
evidence bag, then gets in his car and drives away.
INT. CATALDI HOUSE — MORNING
Gino sits at the table, sipping coffee when Ron enters and
tries to rush past. Gino grabs his arm and yanks him back.
GINO
Not so fast, Ron. We’re going to the
rehab, remember?
RON
You can’t be serious. I’ll be fine.
Just leave me the hell alone.
GINO
You’ll be fine when you’re clean, and
if you can’t get clean there, I’ll
find a place you can.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Confrontation in the Captain's Office
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
He enters the station and is sorting through files when the
phone rings.
GINO
Hey, darlin'.
CINDY
Is that the best Texas accent you can
do? It's supposed to be haaay,
darlin', with the 'haaay' drawn out.
GINO
Okay, so what do you want?
CINDY
Now that's the South Philadelphia
detective I know. Anyway, Coop’s been
looking for you. Where the hell have
you been?
GINO
Tell her I'm on my way.
INT. CAPTAIN COOPER’S OFFICE - DAY
He walks into Coop's office and takes a seat across from her.
GINO
You wanted to see me?
Coop picks up the newspaper and places it in front of Gino.
She points to the headlines.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Do you know what a shit-storm this
will bring down on us?
(a beat)
Seven criminals dead in one day, an
officer dead, and two others wounded.
You didn’t tell me yesterday that
there were so many people shot.
Gino
What the hell do you want me to say?
CAPTAIN COOPER
I want you to explain what happened,
and why four dealers had to be
killed. And I want to know what
happened with Rico Moreno last night.
GINO
What?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Don’t act like you don’t know. Rico
and two of his men were killed last
night, and I suspect you killed them.
GINO
They pulled guns on me, and I reacted.
Coop slams her fist on the desk and stands, glaring. She
hands Gino a folder, then swats her mug off the desk.
CAPTAIN COOPER
We can’t have this shit, Cataldi. People
will think Houston’s the new setting for
a Clint Eastwood movie, for God’s sake.
(a beat)
I'm taking you off Narcotics. Your
orders are in the folder.
Gino tosses the folder onto her desk.
GINO
Everything I did was by the book.
He pulls out his notepad and tears out the page with the
witnesses info.
GINO (CONT’D)
Check this guy out. He witnessed the
whole thing. He’ll clear me.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Why were you there in the first place?
You had no reason to be. And why
didn’t you call it in while you were
on the scene?
Coop jabs Gino’s chest with her finger.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Until this matter is settled, my order
stands.
GINO
Take me off Narcotics, and I’m quitting.
Coop holds out her hand, palm up.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Give me your gun.
GINO
I already gave it to you.
CAPTAIN COOPER
You gave me your registered gun. I
want your spare.
Gino looks shocked, then he hands her the gun and walks out
of her office wearing a frown.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Unexpected Calls
INT. BARBARA CAMWYCK'S CONDOMINIUM — NIGHT
Barbara places the phone on the vanity and steps into the
water, swishing it around with her left foot. The water
swirls around her legs, then she lets herself down slowly.
She lies back, her head cushioned by a soft towel and then
splashes water over her knees.
The ring of the phone startles her. She grabs a towel and
steps out of the tub.
BARBARA
Hello?
DEEP COMMANDING VOICE (V.O.)
It's on for tonight.
BARBARA
Where?
DEEP COMMANDING VOICE (V.O.)
Instructions come first.
BARBARA
I know the instructions, for God’s
sake: talk to no one; wear a hat and
sunglasses; drive slowly, don’t
attract attention, don’t write
anything down, and no GPS.
DEEP COMMANDING VOICE (V.O.)
I’ll text the location. Be there at nine.
INT/EXT. CAR — DAY
JOE (40, short and fat, easy-going) hits a pothole while
taking a shortcut to the freeway. The impact wakes TIP (late
30s, solidly built, sarcastic as hell and a long Texas
drawl, with a chin-to-ear scar on the left side of his
face).
TIP
Goddamn, Joe. I want to get there
alive. I can't take Big Dog's money
if I've got a broken leg.
JOE
Sorry, Tip. I didn't see the hole.
It's barely daytime.
Tip leans his head against the window and closes his eyes.
TIP
Watch where the hell you're going, and
hurry it up. I need some time on the
putting green.
Tip's phone rings.
TIP
Tip Denton, best damn detective in Texas.
CINDY
It's Cindy. We have a body in a dumpster.
TIP
I know a body in a dumpster seems
important to you, darlin', but I'm on
my way to play golf, and this isn’t any
old round of golf, it’s at the Falls.
CINDY
And this isn't any old body in a dumpster;
this body was found in two dumpsters.
So set your GPS for Greenspoint Mall.
You have a pair of legs waiting for you.
TIP
Goddamnit.
Tip turns to Joe.
TIP (CONT’D)
I've got a body at Greenspoint. Can
you take me?
JOE
To a murder scene? Hell, yeah.
TIP
I'm not deputizing you, asshole.
You're just driving me.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Grim Discoveries at Greenspoint Mall
EXT. GREENSPOINT MALL — DAY
Joe pulls into the parking lot next to three patrol cars.
JOE
This good?
Tip opens the car door and gets out.
TIP
If you hurry, you can still make tee
time, but I'm not fixing any tickets.
Joe speeds off, and Tip approaches the officers on the scene
and waves.
TIP (CONT’D)
Hey, Barney, what have y'all got?
BARNEY (mid 50s, balding, chipmunk cheeks, always ready with
a joke) stands in front of the dumpster and points inside.
BARNEY
Female victim. Somebody did a nasty
job on her.
Tip pries open the bag with a gloved-hand and takes a peek.
TIP
Who found it?
BARNEY
Some kids. Probably junkies.
TIP
She smells fresh. Ben on the way?
BARNEY
He should be here any minute. I
called half an hour ago.
Tip puts his gloves on and moves some trash to get a better
look at the body.
TIP
Good God! Get a camera over here.
Tip points to her vagina and makes a gagging sound.
TIP (CONT’D)
That’s a goddamn ear in there. What
kind of sick fuck does that?
BEN MARSH (40s, glasses, all about business), the Harris County
M.E., pulls up to the scene, and his crew methodically processes
the body, the bags, and the dumpster. They take the bags out
first, making note of the location and contents. Afterward, they
work on the body, snapping pictures and taking measurements.
Tip hovers over Ben’s shoulder.
TIP (CONT’D)
What do you think?
BEN
I think I'll have nothing for you if
you don't let me get my work done.
TIP
And if I do?
BEN
I'll have very little. Maybe TOD and
DNA, but unless she's in the system,
it'll do you no good.
TIP
TOD will help, or could.
Tip turns to Barney.
TIP (CONT’D)
I need you to canvass the area. See
if anyone saw anything.
BARNEY
We'll get right on it.
TIP
And leave one person here. I want to
know when the last trash was dumped
and what was in the bags.
Tip turns to Ben.
TIP (CONT’D)
You drew the short straw. You get to
give me a ride home.
BEN
Home? Isn't there a secondary scene?
Something about a torso?
TIP
There is, but it’s close to my house,
and I need to get my car.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Back to Duty
INT. GINO'S HOUSE — DAY
Gino rolls over and grabs the phone from his nightstand.
GINO
Yeah?
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
Cataldi, it's Captain Cooper.
Vacation’s over. I need you in here.
Gino rubs his eyes as he gets out of bed.
GINO
What for? I quit, remember?
CAPTAIN COOPER
I’m unquitting you. And I don’t care
if that’s a word or not. I need help
on a homicide.
GINO
Homicide? On my way, Captain.
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Coop calls Cindy on the intercom.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I need open case files when you get a
minute.
Cindy walks in with tea and an armful of files.
CINDY
I figured you'd need more tea by now.
CAPTAIN COOPER
You're the best, Cindy, but my body is
demanding coffee, so if you don’t mind?
(a beat)
By the way, who caught the dumpster lady?
CINDY
Tip Denton.
Coop slaps her hand on the desk.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Shit!
CINDY
You have a problem with Tip?
CAPTAIN COOPER
I need a place to put Gino, but Tip
isn’t the best one for him.
(MORE)
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
(a beat)
And that damn cowboy hasn’t had a
steady partner since he transferred
from County.
Coop shakes her head, gets up, and stretches.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Get hold of Denton and tell him he’s
getting a partner, and if he doesn’t
show me he can work with one and
solve this case, I’m sending him to
work in the evidence room.
Gino arrives at the station and goes to Coop's office.
GINO
You wanted to see me?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Sit down. And before you get excited,
you're going to Homicide, and you’ll
be partnering with Tip Denton.
Gino sits up straighter in his chair.
GINO
The same Denton who came here from
the sheriff's department?
CAPTAIN COOPER
That’s him. He was Chief Renkin’s top
dog, and he walks around here as if
he still pisses in the tall grass.
GINO
I can work with anybody.
Coop slowly removes her glasses and sets them on the desk.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I’ll remind you of that.
GINO
What’s that mean?
CAPTAIN COOPER
It means Tip is tough to work with.
(a beat)
This is a man who didn't know his
birthday, so he made one up — the last
Friday of March. Not a date, but a day.
Coop shakes her head, and Gino gets up from the chair and
faces Coop.
GINO (CONT’D)
Either way, I'm glad to be back.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I’ll tell Tip you’ll meet him at the
scene. Cindy has the specifics.
(a beat)
One more thing. You need to make sure
Tip stays on track. His mother was
murdered, and they never found out who
did it, so this is just the kind of
case to set him off.
GINO
You got it, Captain. I’m on my way.
Coop slaps the desktop with her palm.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Cataldi, you’re done when I say so.
Now, sit down.
Gino sits in the chair across from her and leans forward.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
I’m giving you this chance, but it
comes with conditions.
(a beat)
If you and Tip don’t solve this, and
quickly, you’re back on training duty
permanently.
GINO
Define ‘quickly.’
CAPTAIN COOPER
I’ll let you know if I think you’re
dragging your heels.
(a beat)
And by the way, even if that witness
clears you, I still need to know why you
were there, so come up with a good
excuse.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Coffee Shop Confessions
EXT. STARBUCKS — LOUETTA ROAD — DAY
Gino parks and walks over to Tip, who is leaning against his
car with a toothpick dangling from the left side of his mouth.
GINO
Coop sent me.
Tip looks Gino up and down, then frowns.
TIP
I'm not fond of partners, but we'll
see how it goes.
GINO
That's all right, I'm not fond of Texans.
Tip smiles and claps Gino on the back.
TIP
Well. all right then. Seems like we
have an understanding.
GINO
I read the file. Anything new?
TIP
Not much. Whoever did this cut her
fingertips off, which means he
probably wiped away any prints.
GINO
Maybe we'll find her fingers.
TIP
You’re an optimistic sort, aren’t you?
(a beat)
In the meantime, we might get an idea of
when he dumped her. The coffee shop
closes at 1:00, and opens at 4:30. Give
half an hour on either side for open-
and-close time, and it leaves less than
three hours.
GINO
It's a start.
Tip grabs Gino by the elbow and leads him toward the car.
TIP
Speaking of starts, let's sit in the
car and chat.
Tip gets behind the wheel. Gino sits in the passenger seat.
TIP (CONT’D)
Word on the street is you shot Rico.
GINO
I barely knew the guy.
TIP
I didn't ask if you dated him. Did
you shoot him?
GINO
Am I here to work a homicide or are
you with IA?
TIP
Rico worked for a guy named Carlos
Cortes. Carlos killed my dogs. I'd
like to kill him back.
GINO
Tell you what, Tip. How about you
don't ask me about Rico, and I won't
ask about the rumors surrounding you?
Tip laughs, a down-home, country-hick laugh. He’s still
laughing when he answers his phone.
TIP
Best damn detective in Texas.
BEN (V.O.)
It's Ben. I've got some preliminary
results. The weapon appears to have been
an ice pick, and —
TIP
Hey, Ben, got a call coming in.
Tip Denton, best detective in Texas.
(a beat)
What? I know exactly where it is.
All right, darlin', I'm on my way.
Tip turns to Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
We've got the head.
GINO
Where?
TIP
Cypress Creek. Rains washed up a bag
buried on the side.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Grim Discovery
INT/EXT. TIP'S CAR — DAY
Tip pulls onto Louetta Road, tires screeching. He's going
seventy before the first red light.
GINO
Think you can go any faster, Denton?
Tip hits the brakes and makes a hard turn into the parking
lot of a closed-down restaurant.
TIP
We're on foot from here. The creek is
just through those woods.
Tip and Gino emerge fifty feet from the creek to find
Officer DON BRAKKER (50s, short, stout, epitome of a cop)
standing guard.
BRAKKER
This is a nasty one.
Brakker shakes his head as he opens the bag.
BRAKKER
I’d like to catch the son of a bitch
who did this. I’d do the same for him.
Gino leans over and peeks inside the bag. The head is
mutilated, especially the face. An ear is stuffed in her
mouth, her nose is gone, and both eyes are gouged out.
Gino turns his head and dry-heaves.
GINO
Whoever did this must have hated this
woman something awful.
He looks around as if searching for something.
GINO (CONT’D)
No clothes?
TIP
Neither site had clothes either.
Tip gestures to a group of kids standing nearby.
TIP (CONT’D)
They the ones who found it?
BRAKKER
Yeah. A neighbor’s dog dug it up. It
came home stinking, and the kids
followed it back here.
Tip gets real close to the dead woman's ear — the remaining one.
TIP
This looks like a real diamond
earring and a damn big one at that.
GINO
Makes you wonder why they left it.
TIP
If the woman had enough money to buy
earrings like that, somebody’s bound
to file a missing-person report.
GINO
Think they can do anything with
facial restructuring?
TIP
I'd be surprised, but I've been
surprised before. It's worth a shot.
Tip looks around, then taps Brakker on the arm.
TIP (CONT’D)
You see any tracks?
BRAKKER
I checked for footprints and tire
tracks. It was dry before last night,
so my guess is whoever did it, came
in under the bridge, buried the head,
then got out. The rain would have
washed away any tracks.
TIP
What time did the rain start?
GINO
It was after midnight. One or two.
TIP
Sounds right. I’m guessing he buried
the head then hit the dumpsters.
Tip looks at Brakker.
TIP (CONT’D)
Got anything else? If not, we're
heading out.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Secrets and Stakes
EXT. STARBUCKS — LOUETTA ROAD — DAY
Tip drives back to Starbucks so Gino can get his car.
GINO
Why cut off the ear and nose?
GINO (CONT’D)
If the killer thought identity was so
important, that's where we need to start.
TIP
Let's get a few pictures in the
paper. Maybe we'll stir things up.
GINO
That's bound to stir up Coop's
temper, but we can't print pictures
like that.
TIP
If we clean them up, we can. As for
Coop, we'll keep it to ourselves.
GINO
She'll know where the leak came from.
She could fire us for that.
TIP
Do you give a shit?
Tip laughs the same way he did earlier.
GINO
You got anybody in mind? It's gonna
take a reporter with balls, and one
we can trust.
TIP
I know one with balls as big as mine.
He dials the phone and puts it on speaker.
SAMANTHA ROBERTS (V.O.)
This better be important, Tip.
What the hell do you want?
TIP
Stop pretending you don't love me;
besides, I've got a scoop for you.
SAMANTHA ROBERTS (V.O.)
The dumpster lady?
TIP
That's the one.
SAMANTHA ROBERTS (V.O.)
Where do you want to meet?
TIP
I don't want to meet, but if you find
yourself wandering around Kuykendahl
Road and Cypress Creek, you might
find something you want pictures of.
You need to be fast though.
SAMANTHA ROBERTS (V.O.)
I'll be there in thirty minutes.
TIP
The officer on the scene is Don Brakker.
Have him call if he has questions. And,
Roberts, you're gonna have to clean the
pictures up. And one more thing — you
can't attribute it to me.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Shocking Revelations
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Coop gets in early, sits at her desk, and unfolds the paper.
She stares at the front page, then emits a shrieking noise.
CAPTAIN COOPER
How the hell did this happen?
She picks up the phone and dials.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Cindy, get me Denton right away.
Cataldi too.
Coop is still reading the papers when Tip and Gino walk in.
TIP
Good morning, Gladys.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Screw you, Denton. Tell me about
these pictures.
TIP
I wish I could, but all I know is
that bitch is haunting me.
CAPTAIN COOPER
What bitch?
TIP
Samantha Roberts, the one who did the
story. She's the same son of a bitch
who filed the false harassment charge
against me when I was with County.
CAPTAIN COOPER
That's her?
TIP
One and the same. Ask John.
CAPTAIN COOPER
All right. You and Cataldi get moving
as soon as you can.
After they leave, Coop stares at the picture in the paper.
Her eyes go wide, then she presses the intercom.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Cindy, have the M.E. send me the
original picture of the dumpster woman's
head right away. Have him email it.
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Coop stares in a trancelike state at the picture, then she
reaches for the phone, but as she does, the door opens and
CYBIL (50, confident, bossy, aggressive) storms in, holding
a newspaper and shaking it.
CYBIL
Have you seen the paper? How did this
happen?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Before you finish ranting, did you
look at the picture? Really look?
CYBIL
Hell no. It was disgusting.
CAPTAIN COOPER
It's Barbara. Our Barbara.
Cybil sits in the chair and looks at the paper.
CYBIL
Oh my God! Did you tell your
detectives you knew her?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Not yet.
CYBIL
Don't say anything.
CAPTAIN COOPER
We can't hold back evidence. That
would make us —
CYBIL
You can’t say a thing. She may have
kept recordings.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Recordings of what?
CYBIL
Of things you don’t want to know.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Shit.
CYBIL
Shit is right, and you'll be knee-
deep in it if you let those
detectives search Barbara's condo
before we find her files.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Morning Tensions
INT. CYBIL’S HOME — MORNING
Cybil shuffles around the kitchen in her robe and slippers.
She brews more coffee and joins RUSTY (mid 50s, arrogant,
all Texan) at the table.
CYBIL
Talk to as few people as possible
today and make sure none of them are
reporters. We look like fools as is.
She refills her cup and tears open a packet of sweetener.
CYBIL (CONT’D)
And whatever you do, stay out of the
strip clubs. They'll be watching you.
Rusty finishes his coffee, sets the cup on the counter, and
leans in to kiss Cybil.
RUSTY
See you tonight.
Cybil walks to her closet and selects an outfit to wear — a
navy blue pantsuit, with her favorite high heels. She grabs
her purse, and heads out.
INT. RB INGLE’S OFFICE — DAY
RB INGLE (50, meticulous, air of superiority) enters his
office and is startled.
RB
Cybil? I wasn’t expecting you.
CYBIL
I don’t have time for bullshit. Have you
seen the papers?
RB
Not today.
CYBIL
For the life of Christ, Bob,
Barbara's dead. Did Tom do it?
RB
Don't be ridiculous. He hasn't seen
her in years.
CYBIL
Now who’s being ridiculous? Besides,
if it wasn’t Tom, then who?
RB
I have no idea, but you better get
things under control.
CYBIL
Don’t worry about my end. And if you
find out anything, I better be the
first one to hear.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
The Mysterious Caller
INT. GINO'S HOUSE — NIGHT
Gino sits down to watch a movie. He is halfway through when
his home phone rings.
GINO
Hello?
WOMAN'S VOICE (V.O.)
I saw the pictures in the paper, the
ones of the dead woman.
GINO
Who is this?
WOMAN (V.O.)
I don't think who I am matters. I
have a few questions.
GINO
Your questions don't interest me.
WOMAN (V.O.)
Do you know when she died? Exactly?
GINO
I’m not in the mood for games. And my
house is off limits. Goodnight.
WOMAN (V.O.)
Do you know she had blue eyes?
GINO
What?
WOMAN (V.O.)
Yes, her eyes were blue, but I'm sure
the medical examiner told you that.
GINO
Blue eyes is an easy guess.
WOMAN (V.O.)
How about the birthmark on her
buttocks? Is that a lucky guess?
GINO
How do you know that?
WOMAN (V.O.)
First, answer my question. Do you
know when she died? Exactly.
GINO
I don’t know for sure. We haven’t
gotten the full report from the M.E.
WOMAN (V.O.)
I find that difficult to believe,
Detective. Time of death is typically
one of the first things determined by
the medical examiner.
GINO
We were more focused on the victim’s
identity, but time of death is
coming. I’ll have that by tomorrow.
Why the questions? Did you know her?
WOMAN (V.O.)
What time tomorrow?
GINO
I’m not sure. Why don’t you give me
your number? I’ll call when I get it.
WOMAN (V.O.)
(throaty laugh)
Pretty stupid, Detective. I’m
disappointed more than impressed.
Perhaps even insulted.
GINO
Sorry, I thought —
WOMAN (V.O.)
You didn't think anything. Goodnight.
Gino calls Tip as soon as she hangs up.
GINO
Tip, I just had a weird call. Some
woman called wanting to know TOD for
the dumpster lady. And get this, she
knew what color her eyes were.
TIP (V.O.)
What else did she say?
GINO
I’ll fill you in tomorrow. I’ve got
to get a tech up here to set up a
recording device.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
The Mysterious Call
INT. GINO’S HOUSE — NEXT DAY
A TECHNICIAN (very thin, goatee, long hair) knocks on Gino’s
door. Gino answers and lets him enter, showing the tech
where to hook up the device.
The tech works on the phone, attaching a few wires and a
recording device with an attached timer.
TECHNICIAN
You're good to go, Detective. Just
press this button when you want to
record. It doesn't make a sound, so
they won’t know you're recording.
GINO
Okay, thanks. This will help.
The technician packs up and leaves. Gino lies down to nap.
INT. GINO’S HOUSE — DAY
Gino walks to the living room and plops down on the sofa. When
the phone rings, he answers it and presses the 'record' button.
GINO
Hello?
WOMAN (V.O.)
Did you find out about the eyes? They
were blue, weren’t they?
GINO
How did you know?
WOMAN (V.O.)
I thought we had an agreement that I
would ask the questions.
GINO
I remember it differently.
WOMAN (V.O.)
I'll ask again — did you get the TOD?
GINO
This should be a two-way street. What
do I get?
WOMAN (V.O.)
I could promise a lot, but suppose I
told you what the victim was wearing
before the body was dumped.
GINO
How would you know that?
WOMAN (V.O.)
Let's say I've seen pictures.
GINO
There are no pictures.
WOMAN (V.O.)
Detective, you surprise me. How do
you know there aren’t pictures?
GINO
Okay, the TOD was between 8:00 and
midnight.
WOMAN (V.O.)
Thank you, Detective. I didn’t expect
you to be honest. It’s refreshing.
Perhaps we’ll talk again.
GINO
What about my lead?
WOMAN (V.O.)
Did you find a dress or shoes? If you
find the dress, it will be easy to
trace. It's a blue dress. Very
expensive.
GINO
What about the shoes? And where
should we look for the dress?
WOMAN (V.O.)
Detective, I know you’re not stupid.
One look at the shoes and you’ll know
they're important. The first time I saw
her she wore Ferragamo shoes. A
beautiful pair of suede slingback pumps
with leather trim around the toe.
GINO
Shoes must be important for you to
remember so much about them.
WOMAN (V.O.)
All women love shoes. Shoes define
you, make you shine.
GINO
And you're a Ferragamo lady?
WOMAN (V.O.)
Fluffy, get off that couch! ...
Goodnight, Detective. I've already
said too much.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
The Search for the Missing Dress
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Gino walks up to Tip in the coffee room.
GINO
I got another call last night. She
asked if we found the dress, a very
expensive blue dress. I tried to ID
her voice, but she disguised it.
TIP
She knew it wasn't with the body parts.
GINO
Damnit, Tip, you've got it. That
means we missed the dress. The killer
got rid of it somewhere else.
Tip leans his head out the door and hollers.
TIP
Charlie, get some shovels up at the
Cypress Creek scene. I want at least
five men ready to dig.
EXT. CYPRESS CREEK — DAY
Tip pulls into the lot of the closed-down restaurant, then
he and Gino rush through the woods to the creek. Tip scours
the area and sees CHARLIE (40s, obese and verbose, self-
conscious) and five other guys digging.
Charlie and his crew dig until one of them pulls a large
plastic bag from the dirt and opens it.
CHARLIE
Got it!
Tip and Gino run over to inspect, and they see a blue dress,
shoes, panties, and more.
TIP
That's what we want. Good work, Charlie.
Gino pulls out his cell phone and dials.
GINO
Ben, we need a rush job on processing
evidence. It's related to the dumpster
lady, so we need it done now.
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip exits the coffee room and walks down the hallway to
Gino’s office. He sits in a chair next to his desk.
TIP
Elena gave me a place to check for
the shoes. Finish your coffee, and
we’ll head down there.
GINO
How about you handle that? I’ve got
to check on my son. He’s in rehab,
and I haven’t heard from him or them.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
The Urgent Pursuit
INT. FERRAGAMO SHOE STORE — DAY
The MANAGER (50, snobby) looks closely at the shoes, then
steps into a rear office. She returns with papers in hand.
MANAGER
In that style and size, we only sold
two pair in the past year — locally:
Sahrina Mekken and Barbara Camwyck. I
printed the information for you.
TIP
Who else in town sells that style?
The manager turns to SILVIA (40s, good-looking woman).
MANAGER
Silvia, who else carries these?
SILVIA
Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, The Proper
Lady, A Taste of Barcelona . . . I’d have
to check to see if there are others.
TIP
Thanks for the help.
EXT/INT. TIP'S CAR — HOUSTON POLICE HEADQUARTERS — DAY
Gino meets Tip in the parking and gets in the car. Tip hands
him a few receipts.
TIP
These are the only two women who
bought that style shoe.
Gino dials SAHRINA MEKKEN's number while Tip drives. She
answers on the first ring.
SAHRINA (V.O.)
Hello, this is Sahrina.
GINO
Sorry, ma'am. Wrong number.
He flips the receipt to Barbara Camwyck's number and dials.
After five rings, no one answers.
TIP
Where's she live?
Gino looks at the paper.
GINO
Four Leaf Towers, on San Felipe.
TIP
(whistles)
High-rent district. If she's not
home, we're gonna need a warrant.
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip walks into Julie’s office and hands her a slip of paper
with Barbara’s address.
TIP
Darlin’, I need a warrant in a hurry.
It's for Barbara Camwyck, spelled
with a Y, not an I. And I need any
records you can find on her: arrests,
financials, the whole works.
GINO
You realize Camwyck could be safe at
work, or out of town, or in the damn
shower.
TIP
I know, but I'm optimistic; I’m
betting she's dead.
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Cindy knocks on Coop's door, then enters.
CAPTAIN COOPER
What is it, Cindy?
CINDY
You told me to keep you informed on the
case. Julie filed for a warrant.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Who's the warrant for?
CINDY
Barbara Camwyck. She lives —
Coop sits up straight and stares at the blank wall.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I know where she lives. Keep me informed.
Coop removes her glasses, rubs her eyes, then dials the phone.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
The shit is hitting the fan right now.
Gino and Tip just called for a warrant
on Barbara’s place. God only knows what
else they know. But between the two of
them, you can bet your East Texas ass
they'll soon find out everything.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Uncovering Shadows
INT. FOUR LEAF TOWERS — DAY
Tip and Gino use the warrant to enter Camwyck's condo with two
uniformed officers — NESTER (30, white) and JASPER (40, black).
Lying on the floor is a dog that appears to be starving. Tip
kneels next to it and gently pets its head.
TIP
Nester, get some water for this dog,
then take it to a vet.
Tip stands and looks around. He walks down the hall to the
bedroom and checks all rooms along the way.
TIP (CONT’D)
All right, let's be careful. We don't
want any contamination before Ben's
crew gets here.
Gino and Jasper walk out the door to canvass the neighbors as
Ben arrives. He gathers enough DNA for comparison to the victim.
Tip continues to scour the condo, and focuses on a desk and
a file cabinet against the outside wall.
TIP (CONT’D)
There's a cord for charging a laptop,
but no computer.
Gino walks through the front door as Tip is speaking. He
searches the file cabinet.
GINO
These files have been gone through.
Look at all the empty space.
Tip joins Gino looking through the files. He pulls out a
folder labeled "Murphy, TP" and goes through it.
TIP
Son of a bitch. She's got enough in
here to hang old TP.
GINO
Who's TP Murphy?
TIP
He used to be a friend of Rusty, but
he and Rusty had a falling out.
GINO
Are you talking about the mayor?
TIP
That’s him. Rusty Johnson, mean and
crooked as a snake.
GINO
Do you like anybody?
(a beat)
Nevermind. Just tell me what’s in the
file?
TIP
Compromising pictures of her and TP and
what looks like business documents that
TP would probably want kept quiet.
Tip takes another folder from the top drawer and leafs
through it.
TIP (CONT’D)
And here's another one on Andrick
Boudin — same stuff.
GINO
Here's a 1099 for Ms. Camwyck. You know
anything about Eastex Enterprises?
TIP
I'll be a horse’s ass. That's Rusty's
company. And if she worked for Rusty,
then Cybil knew her.
GINO
And if Cybil knew her, Coop knew her.
Tip takes out his cell, puts the speaker on, and dials.
TIP
Julie, it's Tip.
(a beat)
I need a favor and nobody can know about
it. You, me, and Gino, that's all.
JULIE
You got it, Tip.
TIP
We already told you about Camwyck.
Besides the normal, we need phone
records, tax records, anything. And
we need the same for Eastex
Enterprises, but you have to be
careful; that's Rusty's company.
Tip hangs up the phone and turns to Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
I'd bet ten dollars to a doughnut
that either Cybil or Coop recognized
Camwyck from that picture in the
papers. The question is, why didn't
they say anything.
GINO
With what we've seen of the files
that were left behind, it makes me
wonder what was in the files that
were taken.
TIP
A lot of powerful people are in those
files, Gino. I'm beginning to see why
she was killed.
Tip looks at Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
We need to visit Cybil. Rusty too.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
A Call in the Car
INT/EXT. TIP’S CAR — DAY
Tip's phone rings, and he puts it on speaker.
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
Denton, where are you?
TIP
Doing interviews. What’s up?
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
I just saw the search warrant. I knew the
woman who lived there — Barbara Camwyck.
TIP
Didn’t you recognize her picture from
the paper?
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
Good Lord, no. I could barely look at
that picture. Perhaps if I had . . .
(a beat)
Anyway, when you get back, see me and
I’ll tell you what little I can.
Tip hangs up and looks to Gino.
TIP
What do you think?
GINO
I think it’s damn convenient that she
calls right after we make an appointment
to see Rusty. It'll be interesting to
see what information we get.
TIP
I'll bet my last dick that it matches
what we get from Rusty and Cybil.
GINO
Your last dick? How many dicks do you
have?
TIP
That's an old Texas expression.
GINO
What’s it mean?
TIP
I'm not rightly sure, but it sounds
good. Besides, when a man tells you
he’s willing to bet his last dick on
something, that’s strong. That’s more
than a hundred dollars, I can tell
you that much.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Confrontation at Eastex Enterprises
INT. EASTEX ENTERPRISES 20TH FLOOR — DAY
Tip pushes through a set of double doors and approaches the
RECEPTIONIST (pretty, 20s) who is painting her nails. He
leans over the desk and smiles.
TIP
Tip Denton and Gino Cataldi, here to
see Rusty.
She gives Tip a sideways glance, then speaks through her
headset.
RECEPTIONIST
Nancy, it's Jeanine. I have two men
here to see the mayor.
NANCY (30, tall, blonde) enters the lobby and escorts Tip
and Gino to the mayor's office. Rusty gets up from behind
his desk and shakes hands.
RUSTY
I know you, Denton, but not your
partner.
GINO
Gino Cataldi, Mayor.
RUSTY
Nice to meet you, son. And none of
that ‘mayor’ nonsense. Call me Rusty.
TIP
Let's cut to the chase, Rusty. We're
here to ask a few questions about
Barbara Camwyck.
RUSTY
What can I do to help?
TIP
How well did you know her?
RUSTY
Not very. She did some work for me.
Gino pulls out his notepad and flips through it.
GINO
Sir, it looks as if she did more than
a little work. It shows here you paid
her $145,000 last year.
Rusty wrinkles his brow.
RUSTY
That much?
TIP
Exactly what did she do for you?
Rusty snorts and leans back.
RUSTY
Ms. Camwyck did business development
for us. She researched markets and
suggested tactics for our sales force.
Tip leans close to Rusty and whispers.
TIP
Ms. Camwyck? Did you call her that
when she worked at Baby Dolls?
Rusty stands and walks to the door.
RUSTY
I think we're done here. If you have
more questions, call my attorney.
TIP
Then you better call him, ‘cause
we’re gonna have more questions.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Confrontation in Cybil's Office
INT. EASTEX ENTERPRISES 21ST FLOOR — DAY
Tip and Gino go up one floor to Cybil's office. She greets
them with a smile, and she has a swagger to her walk. She
enters her private office and takes a seat in a plush chair
with a view of the entire north end of the city.
CYBIL
Would either of you detectives care
for a drink?
She gets up, mixes herself a drink, then leans against the
bar in a sexy pose.
Blonde hair is cropped short, and radiant blue eyes draw
attention to the sharp features on her face: thin nose, high
cheekbones. She wears a skirt with a generous slit up the
slide which shows she is in damn good shape.
Tip stares at her as if she's no better than a street junkie.
TIP
Did you know Barbara Camwyck?
Cybil takes a sip of her drink and smiles.
CYBIL
I’m sure you know, I grew up in the
same town as her in East Texas. It
was a town where everyone knows each
other. I also saw her about once a
month after she came to Houston.
TIP
Why?
CYBIL
She worked for one of my husband's
companies doing business development
or something like that.
TIP
Did you know she also worked at Baby
Dolls, the strip club frequented by
your husband?
CYBIL
Of course, I knew that. Rusty has
known a lot of women in his day. But
he knows who to come home to.
Cybil stares at Tip and smiles.
CYBIL (CONT’D)
You seem shocked, so let me clarify.
It makes no difference to me what my
husband does with his spare time or
where he puts his dick. I have my own
hobbies, and he doesn’t interfere.
GINO
Do you have any idea who may have
wanted to harm her?
Cybil faces Gino.
CYBIL
You already know that she worked at
Baby Dolls. That tells you the kind
of woman she was. I have no delusions
that what she described as business
development was little more than
lying on her back. And I’m certain
she did it with more than one man.
GINO
(stands)
I guess that's all for now, Mrs.
Johnson.
CYBIL
I'm sure you'll call if anything
comes up.
Gino and Tip walk out of the office in silence and get on
the elevator. They cross to the parking garage, get in the
car, and head toward the office.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Uncovering Connections
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip kicks his feet up on his desk and dials the phone.
TIP
Bobby Fulshear, please.
RECEPTIONIST (V.O.)
May I ask who’s calling?
TIP
Darlin’, I know you recognize my
voice. I’ve gotta be the only civil
person who calls for Bobby.
RECEPTIONIST (V.O.)
(laughing)
I’m sorry, Detective Denton. You
caught me off guard. I’ll get Mr.
Fulshear for you.
BOBBY FULSHEAR (V.O.)
Tip, what in God’s name are you up
to? And stop harassing my girls.
TIP
Bobby, I need a favor. Y’all own the
Four Leaf Towers, don’t you?
BOBBY FULSHEAR (V.O.)
Guilty as charged.
TIP
I need to know how Barbara Camwyck,
who bought a condo for about 1.7
million could possibly get financed.
(a beat)
She’s a damn prostitute, for God’s sake.
Bobby gives a long whistle.
BOBBY FULSHEAR (V.O.)
Must be a good one.
(laughing)
I don’t know how, Tip, but let me look.
Tip puts the phone on speaker, and he and Gino hear Bobby
typing on his keyboard, then rifling through files.
BOBBY FULSHEAR (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Got it, Tip. The answer is easy, but
you’re probably not gonna like it.
(a beat)
She was ‘gifted’ a down payment of
almost half a million by none other
than RB Ingle.
TIP
What!
BOBBY FULSHEAR (V.O.)
That’s not all. Her condo was co-
signed by Mayor Johnson.
TIP
Son of a bitch. Who ever said being a
whore doesn’t pay?
BOBBY FULSHEAR (V.O.)
Tip, this can’t come back on me.
TIP
It won’t. And thanks, Bobby. I owe
you one.
GINO
(whistles)
If Cybil found out about that, it
could be her motive.
TIP
You’re right. I doubt if she’d care
about Rusty screwing her, but him
signing for her condo, absolutely.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Tension in the Office
INT. CAPTAIN COOPER’S OFFICE — DAY
Coop picks up the intercom as she scans the reports for the
day.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Yes, Cindy.
CINDY (V.O.)
Cybil's on the phone, and it sounds
important.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Put her through.
CYBIL (V.O.)
Gladys, get them dogs off my scent.
CAPTAIN COOPER
You’re reverting to your roots, Cybil.
Your accent and poor grammar are showing.
CYBIL (V.O.)
Screw you. Get them off. I mean it.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I can't do that. They’re detectives
on a case. They’ll follow it where it
goes. If it —
CYBIL (V.O.)
I don’t give a fuck where it goes. I
can’t afford to have Rusty’s name
dragged through the gutter because of
some whore, so you better steer it on
another course.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE CAPTAIN’S OFFICE — DAY
Gino and Tip walk down the hallway in a hurry. Cindy sits
guard at her post outside of Coop's office.
CINDY
Hello, Detectives. Having a good day?
TIP
If I was any better, I'd be you.
CINDY
You ever get tired of that saying?
TIP
I only say it to pretty young things.
Cindy shakes her head and smiles.
CINDY
Go on in.
INT. CAPTAIN COOPER’S OFFICE — DAY
Coop is sitting behind her desk, squat and solid, and
staring over the rim of her glasses.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Sit down. I'll only be a minute.
Tip takes a seat to the left and kicks his feet up on her
desk. She throws a pen at him without looking up.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Off, Denton.
She removes her glasses and looks at Tip and Gino.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
All right, here’s what I know about
Barbara.
(a beat)
I grew up in East Texas with Cybil, RB
Ingle, Tom Marsen, and Barbara.
Coop pauses and stares.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
I’m sure you know Tom. He’s the damn
governor. Anyway, Barbara was a few
years behind us, but the town was
small, and we all knew each other.
Coop runs fingers through her short-cropped hair.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
She was a little wild, but we all were.
The last thing I remember, she was working
at a diner and dating a lawyer’s son.
(a beat)
It’s a damn shame what happened to her.
I liked Barbara. Felt sorry for her.
TIP
Anything else you can tell us?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Nothing of significance.
Tip stares at Coop for a moment, then nods.
TIP
All right, Captain. Thanks.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Elusive Lead
INT. HOUSTON POLICE STATION — DAY
Fat Charlie’s phone rings and he quickly picks it up.
SERGEANT COLLINS (V.O.)
Charlie, it’s Collins at the front desk.
We have a caller asking for Tip. Says
it's about the pictures in the paper.
CHARLIE
I'll take it.
(a beat)
Detective Charles Masterson. How can
I help you?
UNKNOWN CALLER (V.O.)
I thought I’d better call. I was up
there that night, and I saw a pickup
under the Kuykendahl Road bridge at
Cypress Creek.
Charlie jots down notes.
CHARLIE
Are you sure it was the same night?
UNKNOWN CALLER (V.O.)
No question. We had a storm blow in
that night. I caught it going home.
CHARLIE
Can you describe the vehicle?
UNKNOWN CALLER (V.O.)
It was a brand new F–150 Super Crew.
White, with a short bed. I remember
thinking how sweet it looked and
wondered why someone would take a new
truck under the bridge.
CHARLIE
What about the time?
UNKNOWN CALLER (V.O.)
About midnight.
(a beat)
Oh, and the license plate had a six
and an eight in it.
CHARLIE
Okay, good. I’m gonna pass you on to
someone who will take your name —
UNKNOWN CALLER (V.O.)
Ain’t givin’ my name. Gotta go.
Charlie rushes to Julie’s office, then to Tip's, notes in
hand.
CHARLIE
Tip, we've got a lead, a real one.
We got a description plus two of the
plate numbers. I already dropped them
off to Julie.
TIP
You did good, Charlie.
Tip is going through files when Julie calls with two
possible names and addresses. Tip looks at the info, then
looks at Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
You know, partner. Both these trucks
were bought at RB’s dealership, and
one of the suspects works there.
GINO
So what are you suggesting?
TIP
I’m thinking we ought to go right to
the source. Go to the dealership and
talk to Señor Mano Perez.
INT. INGLE DEALERSHIP — DAY
Tip walks up to the RECEPTIONIST (20s, all smiles) and winks.
TIP
Hello, darlin'. We're here to chat
with Mano Perez. Is he in?
RECEPTIONIST
I’m sorry, Detective, but Mr. Perez
quit a few days ago.
Tip looks at Gino, then turns back to the receptionist.
TIP
Have any idea where he went?
RECEPTIONIST
No. But if I hear, I’ll let you know.
As Tip and Gino walk out, Tip whispers to Gino.
TIP
I think it’s time to visit RB.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
The Unyielding Wall
INT. RB INGLE'S OFFICE — DAY
Tip walks up to the receptionist, LISA (20s, gorgeous, flirty).
He leans over her desk and smiles while flashing his badge.
TIP
We're here to see RB, darlin'.
LISA
Have a seat, and I'll let him know
you're here.
Tip and Gino sit in the lobby and read magazines until
JONATHAN (20s, white, pin-striped suit) arrives.
JONATHAN
Follow me, please.
Jonathan leads Gino and Tip down a maze of several corridors
to a conference room. RB Ingle (50, thin, snide expression)
sits at the head of a table that seats twenty. The assistant
opens a refrigerator and sets a bottle of cold water in
front of Gino and Tip.
Tip flashes his badge to RB, who is drinking coffee.
TIP
My name is Tip Denton. We’ve got a
couple of questions.
RB pushes his coffee cup to the side and stands.
RB
I don’t have time for a couple of
questions. I’ll allow one.
Tip hesitates, and RB walks out the door. Tip follows him
into the hallway and raises his voice.
TIP
Then I’ll make it simple — where is
Mano Perez? He’s a person of interest
in a murder investigation.
RB looks around, then steps back into the room. Jonathan
closes the door.
RB
Did you check his home?.
TIP
We did. What about his truck? Who had
access to it?
RB
For that you'll have to ask Reggie.
He's my assistant and bodyguard.
Gino jots the notes down.
GINO
How about Ms. Camwyck? How well did
you know her?
RB
Not well. I knew her from East Texas,
but she was younger than me.
TIP
How often did you see her? Were you —
RB pushes his chair back and stands.
RB
I have a meeting to attend.
RB looks at Jonathan and nods.
RB
Have Reggie meet the detectives outside.
They're leaving now.
GINO
We have more to ask.
RB
I'm sure you do, but I’ve said all I’m
going to say, and my time is too
valuable to talk with the likes of you.
The door opens and Jonathan escorts them out.
JONATHAN
If you follow me, I'll introduce you
to Reggie.
Jonathan leads them through the maze and to the front door.
JONATHAN (CONT’D)
Gentlemen, this is Reggie Grage.
TIP
Relax, Reggie. We just have a few
questions. Let's step outside.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
The Precise Alibi
EXT. RB INGLE'S OFFICE — DAY
REGGIE GRAGE (30s, steely-eyed, black, fighter’s build)
stands rigid with his arms crossed in front of him. He
sports cropped hair and a pair of shades.
Everyone that walks past greets him with a wave and a
friendly smile. Tip leans forward and whispers.
TIP
Why don't you tell us about the night
of the mayor's party? When you
arrived and when you left.
REGGIE
I drove Mr. Ingle home after work and
waited for him to change clothes.
That was 5:00 PM. Then I drove Mr.
Ingle to the club. We arrived before
7:32. We left at 12:24.
TIP
You’re sure about that? About the
12:24 part?
REGGIE
Positive, Detective. Mr. Ingle
notified me at 12:15 and we left at
12:24. Mrs. Ingle accompanied him.
GINO
What time did Mano Perez leave?
REGGIE
He wasn’t there. But he wasn’t
supposed to be.
TIP
How can you be so exact about when
you took the Ingles home?
REGGIE
I am accustomed to being precise,
Detective. It was mandatory in my
last position.
TIP
All right, Reggie. That's all for
now, but we may have more questions.
REGGIE
You know where to find me, sir.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Unveiling Secrets
INT. HOUSTON POLICE STATION — NIGHT
Coop calls Gino and Tip to her office. When they walk in,
Coop and CHIEF RENKIN (50s, black, intense gaze) are both
there. Gino nods to the chief.
GINO
Chief Renkin.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Now that you're here, we can start.
Focus on the TV screen.
Coop puts a USB drive into her computer, then turns the
screen around. She hits the 'play' button.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
We received this in the mail. I
didn't look at it until tonight.
Within seconds, a video starts. The door to a hotel suite
opens and Barbara Camwyck is ushered in by TWO MEN.
GINO
That's the dress, and those shoes are
the ones we found!
TIP
Should we ask Cindy to get us
popcorn? Or are we watching this raw?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Denton, you’re a pervert.
The video continues with the governor coming in from another
room and embracing her. He nods, and the other men exit.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
We have experts looking at the video,
and we're checking all hotels the
governor stayed at in the past month.
TIP
Where'd the video come from?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Apparently from one of Barbara’s
associates. A note came with it.
Coop opens the desk drawer, unfolds a slip of paper, and
reads it.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
I was supposed to send this to Captain
Cooper if anything happened to Barbara.
(a beat)
It’s signed ‘a friend of Barbara’s.’
And we don’t know anything else?
INT. POLICE STATION COFFEE ROOM — NIGHT
Gino pours two coffees, then sits at the table with Tip.
GINO
This is getting interesting; we have the
mayor, his wife, and the governor as
suspects. Let’s find a room where we can
watch the video with no interruptions.
TIP
You just want a better look at her
ass, don't you?
GINO
You're a sick son of a bitch. C'mon,
let's get moving.
TIP
Hang on. I gotta get my popcorn.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Porch Confessions
EXT. GINO'S HOUSE — NIGHT
Tip and Gino sit on the porch, Tip drinks beers and Gino
sips coffee.
TIP
That video leaves two burning questions:
who recorded it, and who sent it?
Gino sits up straight in the chair.
GINO
What if Camwyck was blackmailing the
governor, and he didn't like it?
TIP
I don't like where you're going with
this, but it's worth thinking about.
Tip drains his beer, sets it down, then looks at Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
I say we push on everybody. I don’t intend
to spend my days in the evidence room.
GINO
And I’m sure as hell not doing training
duty. But let’s think about it tomorrow.
They’re allowing visitors in to see Ron,
and I need to get there before closing.
(a beat)
And you better get to bed because Coop
might tear you a new ass.
TIP
That's all right. I need a new ass.
Elena said it's getting flat.
GINO
Did you tell her that hers was
getting big?
TIP
You really do want a new partner, don’t
you? I know it’s been a while, Gino, so
in case you forgot, there are three
things you don’t ever tell a woman: that
her ass is big; that her ass is getting
bigger; or that somebody else’s ass is
nicer than hers — unless it’s a guy, in
which case you stand the chance she’ll
agree with you and suggest a threesome.
Gino shakes his head as he walks inside.
GINO
Go home, Tip.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Secrets in the Shadows
INT. TIP’S CAR — DAY
Tip takes two right turns out of Gino’s subdivision, and is
almost to the freeway when his phone rings.
TIP
Tip Denton, best damn detective in
Texas.
CHIEF RENKIN
Tip, it’s John.
TIP
What the hell did I do to warrant a call
from the goddamn chief of detectives?
CHIEF RENKIN
I need you, or more specifically, your
contacts to dig into what happened to Rico
Moreno. There is a lot of chatter on the
street that your partner’s involvement was
more than he implied. I know he had
something to do with it, and I need to
know what.
TIP
(agitated)
John, do I look like a cheese-eatin’,
motherfuckin’ IA pussy? Find someone else.
CHIEF RENKIN
Tip, this isn’t a polite request.
It’s an order. I know you have the
contacts, and I want answers.
TIP
Find a new dog, Chief.
Tip slams his fist on the dashboard, but then makes a U-turn
and heads to West Houston. Once there, he trolls the streets
west of downtown, looking for Chicky. He stops at a red
light, dials the phone, and lets it ring.
CHICKY (CONT’D)
If it ain’t the Tipster. What’s up,
my man?
TIP
Where are you?
CHICKY (CONT’D)
‘Bout fifty feet from your sorry ass
and walkin’ that way.
Tip looks to the side and pulls to the curb. Chicky opens
the door and gets in.
TIP
Have you been helping Gino on anything?
Chicky looks at Tip with a raised brow.
CHICKY
Sure, I mean, you know I help out G.
Help out lots of dudes.
TIP
Think back in time, Chicky. Did you
help him out with Rico?
Chicky raises his hands.
CHICKY
Don’t know what you’re talking ’bout there.
TIP
I think you do. I think you fingered
Rico for him.
Chicky’s expression goes from suspicion to fear.
CHICKY
G’s a good guy.
TIP
I know he is. Maybe you’re slipping,
not up on things. Gino’s my partner
now. You know how it goes. A man’s got
to know who he’s rolling with.
Chicky shrugs.
CHICKY
Mind’s not sharp like it used to be.
Rico’s been in the ground a while now.
Tip hands Chicky a hundred-dollar bill. Chicky starts to
hand it back, but Tip shoves another one into his hand.
TIP
If I can count right, I gave you two
Franklins. Think hard before you say no.
Chicky doesn’t say anything for a few seconds, then his
hands shake. When he talks, he looks out the side window,
and speaks in a voice no more than a whisper.
CHICKY
Might be I helped G. Maybe told him
where Rico was one night.
TIP
Which night? The night he was shot?
CHICKY
Might’ve been. Maybe.
Tip reaches for the bills, but Chicky pulls away.
CHICKY (CONT’D)
Come to think of it. Was that night.
TIP
Thanks.
CHICKY
This stayin’ between us? Can’t have
G —
Tip pulls another hundred-dollar bill out of his pocket and
hands it to Chicky.
TIP
Nobody but us and Ben Franklin will
know, unless you tell somebody.
Chicky smiles, showing gaps where a few teeth are missing.
CHICKY
You’re still the man. Still the
Tipster.
Chicky reaches for the door handle but Tip stops him.
TIP
One more thing. You ever hear
anything about —
Chicky shakes his head before Tip finishes.
CHICKY
Man, if you’re talking about your
mom, got nothing for you. Give up on
it. That shit will eat you up.
Tip nods and starts the engine as Chicky opens the door.
TIP
Another thing, Chicky. If anybody else
asks about this, you know nothing.
CHICKY
Lips are sealed tight as a duck’s ass.
Tip hands him another hundred dollar bill.
TIP
This is to make sure they stay that
tight. I don’t want anyone else
knowing about Gino.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Tensions at the Station
INT. GINO’S HOUSE — NIGHT
Gino gets home from the rehab and gets ready for sleep. He is
about to climb into bed when his cell phone rings. It’s the
‘Love in This Club’ tone — Chicky’s.
GINO
What’s up, Chick?
CHICKY
Not much of nothin’, G. ‘Cept people
been askin’ round ’bout you. Thought
I’d let you know.
GINO
Asking about what?
CHICKY
’Bout that night at Sueños. And the
ones askin’ are your people. That’s
all I’m sayin’.
GINO
What did you tell them?
CHICKY
Ain’t said shit. Just figured you’d
want to know.
GINO
All right. Thanks. I owe you.
CHICKY
Nothin’ to speak of, G. Just be
careful. Don’t trust nobody.
INT. HOUSTON POLICE STATION — DAY
Gino finds a note on his desk when he gets in. He reads it
and then looks to Tip.
Tip looks at Gino and shrugs, then they start down the hallway.
Cindy leads them to Coop's office where they both sit.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Where the hell are you on this case?
TIP
And a damn good morning to you too.
Coop removes her glasses and rubs her eyes.
CAPTAIN COOPER
And a damn good morning back at you. Now,
where the hell you are on this case?
Gino sits up in his seat and pulls out his notebook.
GINO
The good news is we expect to have
Camwyck’s car at any moment. The bad
news is the team we have working on her
files hasn't gotten anything.
TIP
We need to talk to Cybil again.
Coop glares at Tip.
CAPTAIN COOPER
What for?
TIP
Because there are too many
connections between Cybil and the
victim, and between the victim and
Rusty, and . . .
CAPTAIN COOPER
And what?
TIP
The victim and you.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Okay, cut the shit, Denton. And do not,
I mean do not bother Cybil. Am I clear?
Tip stands and gives a mock salute.
TIP
No problem, Captain. I had a few homeless people
to interrogate anyway. I figured they might know
a lot about a high-end prostitute who lives in a
million-dollar condo co-signed by the mayor, who
happens to be her main client. Not to mention
the mayor’s wife, who she happened to grow up
with. Oh, did I forget to mention she grew up
with the governor, who is on a video screwing
her?
(a beat)
With leads like that I’m sure we’ll crack this
case soon. Tell the chief not to worry.
Coop clenches her jaw and stares.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Get the hell out of my office.
TIP
Yes, ma'am. We need to see Cybil
anyway; those homeless people won't
be back from lunch yet.
EXT. EASTEX ENTERPRISES GARAGE — HOUSTON — DAY
Tip pulls into the parking garage, then he and Gino cross
the walkway to Eastex Enterprises.
GINO
You know Cybil’s gonna lawyer-up.
TIP
Maybe not. She's a tough old broad.
She might think she can handle us.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Unraveling Motives
INT. EASTEX ENTERPRISES — DAY
Tip and Gino are shown in to see Cybil right away.
CYBIL
Detectives, I didn't expect to see
you so soon.
TIP
I know, Ms. Johnson, but we —
CYBIL
Let's cut formalities. Call me Cybil.
And since I presume you're here about
Barbara again, ask away.
TIP
It seems odd that so many important
people came from that little town you
grew up in. Ms. Camwyck was one of
them, wasn't she?
CYBIL
That town bred a lot of ambitious
people: a governor, a world-famous
businessman, a police captain —
TIP
You forgot to mention two prostitutes.
CYBIL
Two?
TIP
Excuse me. One and a mayor's wife.
CYBIL
Are you trying to insult me? My
goodness, I've seen far better from
the 'socially acceptable' women of
our fair city.
GINO
Who had motive to kill Ms. Camwyck?
CYBIL
You could start with Tom Marsen.
GINO
The governor?
CYBIL
Last time I looked he was.
GINO
Why would he want to kill her?
CYBIL
They were lovers, and that fool girl
was naïve enough to think he loved her.
GINO
He didn't?
CYBIL
Come now, Detective, you’ve seen Mrs.
Marsen. Do you think he’d trade her
for Barbara?
Cybil stands and paces, swirling her drink as she walks.
CYBIL (CONT’D)
There's a lot I don't know in this
world, but one thing I’m certain of —
Tom Marsen hasn’t loved anyone but
himself since he clawed his way out
of his mother’s womb.
TIP
It sounds like you and the governor
don't get along. Jealous?
CYBIL
My personal life is none of your business.
TIP
Why don't you tell us about RB Ingle then?
CYBIL
Bob's done well for himself, but he's an
emotional mess. Been that way since he
was a boy. For God's sake, he was still
in love with Barbara until she died.
TIP
RB was in love with Camwyck?
CYBIL
Say what you will about Barbara, but
she knew how to enthrall a man. Every
man she ever lay with fell head over
heels in love with her. Barbara
Camwyck was a predator.
TIP
Even the governor?
CYBIL
Barbara and Tom were both predators.
Tom was a son of a bitch, and Bob was
his faithful friend. Bob couldn't get
girls unless Tom got a girl to go out
with them on a double-date.
Cybil gets up to mix a drink, drops a few cubes of ice in
it, then returns to her seat.
CYBIL (CONT’D)
One night Tom had a date, but he told
her he’d only go out with her if she
found a date for Bob. They went to
the movies, got pizza, then got a
motel room. Bob paid of course.
(a beat)
This was going to be his first time
spending the night with a girl. Once
they got the room, though, it became
apparent Tom intended to spend the
night with both girls, and it seemed
as if the girls agreed, both of them
hanging on Tom like lovesick puppies.
Cybil reaches over and plucks a mint from a crystal jar. She
tears the wrapper off, and pops the mint into her mouth.
CYBIL (CONT’D)
Bob stayed until his date and her
friend were lying naked on the bed,
then he went back to his dorm. He
told me later it might have been the
worst night of his life.
TIP
Why did Bob stay friends with him?
CYBIL
Because Tom was the only friend Bob
ever had, and he did everything for
Tom. Did his homework, sat next to
him in class so Tom could cheat on
tests, and from what I hear, he got
Tom through college. Later, when Tom
left for Houston, Bob worked on his
campaigns. That’s when they both
started making money.
TIP
Did you know Ms. Camwyck was having
an affair with the governor?
CYBIL
I already told you that. She's been
screwing Tom since high school.
TIP
Why would she make a video of them
together?
CYBIL
I don't think she would.
TIP
She did. I've got it.
CYBIL
Detective, you may have a video, but
it wasn't made by Barbara. I'm sure
of that. And now I've got to go.
Tip puts his notepad away, hooks the pen on his shirt
pocket, then he and Gino follow Cybil's assistant to the
front door.
Cybil checks the hall and watches Tip and Gino leave, then
she dials the phone. It rings, then goes to voicemail.
CYBIL (CONT’D)
It’s Cybil. I had a disturbing visit
from two detectives. We need to talk.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
The Search for the Car
INT. TIP'S CAR — DAY
Tip exits the garage and heads north. He dials his cell and
waits for Roberts to pick up.
TIP
Did you find that car yet?
SAMANTHA ROBERTS (V.O.)
Not yet, but it won't be long. And
don't make me remind you that I'd
have had it by now if you hadn't
given it to my competitor first.
Tip turns off the freeway, down a few sides streets, and
into a small BBQ restaurant then the phone rings.
TIP
Denton.
BUDDY (V.O.)
Tip, it's Buddy. You ready for some
East Texas tales?
TIP
Before you go talkin' my ear off, I
need something else. Anything you can
get me on RB Ingle, Tom Marsen, Cybil
Ames, and Gladys Cooper. They're all
from the same town.
BUDDY (V.O.)
God damn, Tip. You're pissin' with
the big dogs.
TIP
That's why I'm relying on you, Buddy.
I need it kept quiet.
BUDDY (V.O.)
Shoot. All right. I'll get it.
Tip's phone rings again.
TIP
Shoot, girl, you are good. I owe you
one. All right, I owe you two.
(a beat)
How’d you find it so fast?
SAMANTHA ROBERTS
I put an ad on the radio and said
there was a $1,000 reward.
(a beat)
Let the bosses argue over who pays.
Tip hangs up and turns to Gino.
TIP
That was Roberts. She found the car in
an apartment complex not far from here.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Unraveling Clues
EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX — DAY
CSU is on the scene when Tip and Gino arrive, as are news
trucks and a crowd of onlookers. Tip double-parks, they
flash their badges, and hurry to the scene. MATT GORDON
(40s, medium build, brown hair), from CSU, is waiting.
GINO
What have you got, Matt.
MATT GORDON
A couple of hairs in the back seat,
and a note found in her purse: do you
believe in MAGIC? All caps.
Gino turns to Tip, eyebrows raised.
GINO
'Do you believe in MAGIC?' What's
that mean?
TIP
I don’t know, but we need to find out
before Gladys does. Let’s go.
Tip gets in the car and takes off just as his phone rings.
He answers and puts it on speaker.
TIP (CONT’D)
Buddy, how are you?
BUDDY
You ready for those East Texas tales?
TIP
Fire away. I'm driving.
BUDDY
That night at the motel, Tom Marsen
spent the night with both girls.
TIP
That’s interesting, but it won’t do
us any good. Some people might call
it immoral, and others enviable, but
it isn’t illegal.
BUDDY
I know that, Tip, but what about
abortion?
TIP
What do you mean?
BUDDY
Supposedly one of them girls got
herself a big belly after that night.
She left town to get an abortion on
the orders of Tom Marsen.
(a beat)
You remember Tom Marsen — the one who
rode into the governor’s seat on the
anti-crime, anti-drugs, and anti-
abortion campaign promises.
TIP
Do we know who the girl was?
BUDDY
Not yet, but I'm diggin'.
TIP
All right, Buddy, thanks.
Tip hangs up and turns to Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
If Tom Marsen’s girlfriend had an
abortion . . .
GINO
And Camwyck was blackmailing him. . .
How pissed off would he be?
Enough to order a murder?
TIP
I don’t know, but fifty dollars to a
doughnut says that sneaky bitch Cybil
had something to do with this. We
need to find out what.
Tip makes a turn onto the freeway heading south.
GINO
I say we see Coop first. If Cybil
knows something, Coop does too.
TIP
I agree. You don't grow up in a small
town and not know what's going on.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Mystery Note and Whimsical Solutions
INT. HOUSTON POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip and Gino sit at their desks mulling over the new lead.
GINO
What the hell could that mean — ‘Do
You Believe in MAGIC?’
TIP
I have no idea, but it sounds
familiar.
Julie comes around the corner and stands, shaking her head.
JULIE
If y'all are talking about the note
in the car — it's a song from the
60s. I think the Lovin' Spoonful did
it in 67 or 68.
TIP
How the hell do you know that? You
weren't born in the 60s. Hell, I
doubt your mother was born then.
Julie turns and walks away, and Gino opens up a web browser
and searches for the lyrics.
GINO
Here they are, Tip, and it’s just like
Julie said — The Lovin’ Spoonful.
Gino reads the lyrics several times and shakes his head.
GINO (CONT’D)
I got nothing. You?
TIP
Other than a hankering to smoke some
weed — no.
GINO
What do we do with it?
TIP
I'll tell you what. We buy two dozen
glazed doughnuts and give the lyrics
to Charlie along with some hashish
brownies. We let him stew for half an
hour, then play the song and see what
he makes of it.
GINO
Maybe he’ll figure it out.
TIP
He might solve the mysteries of the
universe, but it will only cost a few
bucks, so we should try it.
As Tip walks past Julie's desk, he hands her the lyrics.
TIP (CONT’D)
Give this to Charlie along with the
case files and tell him to figure it
out, but don't give him any brownies.
We might get sucked into a black hole.
Julie furrows her brows and stares.
JULIE
And that's it? What's that nonsense
about brownies and black holes?
TIP
Just tell him there’s an endless
supply of bagels with strawberry cream
cheese at the end of the rainbow.
Julie shakes her head as she looks at Tip.
JULIE
Insightful as always, Mr. Denton.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Secrets of the Past
INT. CAPTAIN COOPER’S OFFICE — DAY
Gino walks into Coop's office with Tip behind him.
GINO
They dusted for prints and got
nothing, not even hers. The victim’s
purse was on the seat and there was a
note inside that read, ‘Do you
believe in MAGIC?’ Magic was in caps.
Coop twitches when Gino mentions Magic.
GINO (CONT’D)
Mean something to you, Captain?
CAPTAIN COOPER
It just struck me as odd.
GINO
Coop, I noticed your reaction when I
mentioned the magic note. You know
something, and we’re not leaving here
until you tell us.
Coop balls her hands into fists but doesn't utter a word.
TIP
Gladys, you can tell us what you
know, or I can call John.
Coop’s eyes narrow, and her lips tighten.
GINO
Coop, we love you. If you’re in
trouble . . . I mean, if you got
mixed up in something, and you’re
finding it tough to get out, we can
help. Please, let us help.
She rolls her eyes and sighs.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Sit down, please.
She stares at Gino.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
I appreciate that offer to cover for
me — which I should be pissed about.
But here’s the real scoop. Stop me if
I go too fast.
(a beat)
MAGIC is named after Tom Marsen, Cybil
Ames, Gladys Cooper, Bob Ingle, and
Barbara Camwyck. That's the first initial
of everyone's last name and my first
name. We did that when we were kids.
GINO
And you're just telling us this?
CAPTAIN COOPER
I didn't see the need. I knew Cybil
didn't do anything, and I didn't. And I
sure as hell don't think Tom or Bob did.
TIP
Not even after seeing that tape?
CAPTAIN COOPER
A sex tape is one thing. Murder's
another.
TIP
I think we need to dig deeper into RB.
CAPTAIN COOPER
All right, but be careful where you
step. Bob Ingle might come across
like a gentleman, but he’s not.
Tip and Gino get up and leave the office. Coop gets up and
makes sure the door is closed, then sits at her desk and
dials the phone.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Cybil, we found Barbara's car, and
there was a note inside that said 'Do
you believe in MAGIC?'
CYBIL (V.O.)
And now you think I had something to
do with it?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Did you?
CYBIL (V.O.)
You know who did.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Cybil, this is getting out of hand. I
have to tell Tip.
CYBIL (V.O.)
You don't have to tell him anything.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I know Rusty doesn't like Tip, but he
might be the best detective I have.
The bottom line is that once that man
gets a scent, he’s like one of your
daddy’s old hounds; he won’t let go.
(a beat)
If you’re telling me the truth and
you had nothing to do with this, the
sooner we tell him the better. What
you did in the past is old news.
CYBIL (V.O.)
It might not all be in the past.
Barbara was still blackmailing
people. Maybe even Tom.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Good God! How could she be so stupid?
Didn’t you tell her Tom wouldn’t take
to being blackmailed?
CYBIL (V.O.)
Gladys, old girl, now you have your
motive.
(MORE)
CYBIL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
If you want to sic Tip Denton on
somebody, you know where to point
that dog.
(a beat)
And one more thing. I put you behind
the captain’s desk, and I can make it
disappear.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Do your worst, Mrs. Mayor, and see if
I give a shit.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Confrontation in the Office
INT. RB INGLE'S OFFICE — DAY
Jonathan greets them in the lobby and leads them to a room
where Ingle waits.
RB INGLE
I don't have much time.
TIP
Then I’ll get right to the point. Did
you kill Ms. Camwyck?
Ingle stands, looking from Tip to Gino.
RB INGLE
Are you crazy?
TIP
You didn’t answer my question.
RB
And I don’t intend to.
GINO
Where were you last Wednesday?
RB
I have no idea.
GINO
Were you still sleeping with Ms.
Camwyck? Was she blackmailing you?
RB reaches for the intercom and presses the button.
RB
Jonathan, the detectives are leaving.
TIP
What do you know about MAGIC? And
what can you tell us about the night
you and Tom Marsen spent with —
RB kicks the chair over and glares.
RB
Get the hell out of my building. And
don't come back.
(MORE)
RB (CONT’D)
I'll have your damn badges for this.
I know the chief. I know the mayor.
He shoves the phone off the table.
RB (CONT’D)
I know the fucking governor.
Tip stands and sips his water, then leans close and whispers.
TIP
But do you know who the governor was
fucking?
RB fumes. He balls his hand into a fist and draws his arm
back as if to strike Tip. Just then, Jonathan enters and
holds the door open wide.
JONATHAN
Detectives . . .
Jonathan escorts the detectives out, then returns to Ingle.
JONAHTAN
They’re gone now, sir.
RB
I want you to find out anything you
can about those two assholes.
(a beat)
I heard rumors that Cataldi was
involved with that drug dealer
shooting. He also has a son in rehab.
And the other one has been involved
in more things than I can imagine.
Put our best team on this.
RB dials his phone.
RB
Get me Vic. This is RB Ingle.
RECEPTIONIST (V.O.)
I’m sorry, but —
RB
You get Vic, or I’ll see you fired.
VIC DAWSON (V.O.)
RB, what can I do for you?
RB
I need a favor, Vic. It has to do
with your rehab.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Unraveling Secrets
EXT. RB INGLE'S OFFICE — DAY
RB’s bodyguard, Reggie Grage, stands beside a limo parked
near the front door. Gino pulls out his notepad, and he and
Tip approach.
GINO
Mr. Grage, we have a few questions.
(a beat)
On the night of the reception at Mr.
Ingle’s country club, were you with
him at all times?
REGGIE
I'm not sure.
GINO
Reggie, I'm sure you know the drill.
We can do it here, or we —
REGGIE
I took Mr. and Mrs. Ingle to the
club, and I also picked up a few
people and drove them home, so no, I
wasn’t with him all night, but I was
there most of the time.
A text alert sounds on Reggie's phone. He stares at it, then
stands up straight.
REGGIE
I have to go. Mr. Ingle's waiting.
Gino shakes his head and looks at Tip.
GINO
What now, partner?
TIP
We pay a visit to RB's wife.
GINO
Sounds good to me.
TIP
Fair warning. She’s so gorgeous, you
might have a hard time concentrating,
so remember to focus on work.
Gino looks at Tip, eyebrows raised.
GINO
She’s that nice?
TIP
Trust me. I can’t describe her in
civil terms.
GINO
Denton, I’m now thinking you’re the
one who should be locked up.
(a beat)
And why were you so pissed off in there?
Looked like more than being a ‘bad cop.’
Tip turns and looks at Gino.
TIP
Not many people know this, but it’s
been rumored that my mother was a
prostitute, and she was definitely
murdered, but they never found the
son of a bitch who did it.
Tip opens the car door and gets in.
TIP (CONT’D)
I don’t know if I’ll ever find out
who killed her, but I intend to get
as many as possible.
GINO
And you keep track of them?
TIP
Every one. I’ve got a big slab of
hickory sitting on my mantel with holes
drilled in it big enough to hold
marbles. I put a black marble in every
case I solve and a white one if I don’t.
(a beat)
I’ve only got one white one in
there — my mother’s.
Gino pats Tip on the back.
GINO
Partner, when we finish this case,
I’ll help you turn that one to black.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Secrets Unveiled
INT. RB INGLE'S HOUSE — DAY
Tip parks the car, and he and Gino follow a long flagstone
walk to a set of double doors. MANUELA (50s, Latina, wearing
apron, hair tied in bun) opens the door, greets them, and
shows them inside.
The foyer has two love seats, two chairs, a large fountain
in the middle with knee-high walls to sit on, and winding
staircases on either side. Built into the back of the
staircase is a shelf filled with books.
The Manuela leads them through the living room and onto a
brick patio. ANN INGLE (40s, snobby, condescending) is just
exiting the pool. She has a swimmer's body with long blonde
hair, blue eyes, and a warm smile — she’s gorgeous.
ANN
Detectives, how may I help you?
TIP
Mrs. Ingle, I'm Detective Denton and
this is Detective Cataldi. We have a
few questions.
Ann snatches a towel from the back of a lounge chair
occupied by a little white shih tzu, then wipes her face and
hair and tosses the towel back.
Gino's eyes are fixed on her. Tip elbows him.
TIP
(whispering)
You're drooling, partner.
Tip gets closer to Mrs. Ingle, notepad in hand.
TIP (CONT’D)
Mrs. Ingle, on the night of the
reception for Mayor Johnson, were you
with your husband all night?
ANN
I was with him most of the time. Why?
What's this about?
TIP
We’re looking into some things that
happened that night.
She looks at Tip, then turns to Gino.
ANN
I may be missing something, but why
don’t you ask my husband?
She sits in a recliner and crosses her legs.
GINO
Mrs. Ingle, were you aware that your
husband knew the woman who was murdered?
ANN
I recall hearing about the murder,
but I’m sure my husband had nothing
to do with her.
GINO
He was having an affair with her.
ANN
Bob would never do that to me.
TIP
We know he did.
Ann grabs the towel and wraps it around herself.
ANN
I think it's time you leave, Detectives.
EXT. INGLE'S HOUSE — DAY
As Tip and Gino drive away, the phone rings.
ANN (V.O.)
Detective, you were right about the
affair. I overreacted. You should
come back, and I'll tell what I know.
Gino turns to Tip, but he is talking to someone on the phone.
TIP
No shit! All right, Buddy, thanks.
Tip turns to Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
Remember that story about the two
girls in the motel room?
(a beat)
Barbara Camwyck was one of them, and
she got raped that night.
GINO
What!
TIP
That's not all. The other girl was Cybil.
GINO
What the fuck! What the holy fuck!
TIP
Yeah. What now?
GINO
While we think about that. We need to
go back to see Ingle. She called
while you were on the phone.
The tires screech as Tip makes a fast turn. He beeps the
horn at a car and steps on the gas pedal.
TIP
What did she say?
GINO
She said we were right about the
affair.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Unraveling Secrets
INT. INGLE'S HOUSE — DAY
Manuela shows Tip and Gino inside, then Ann Ingle leads the
detectives to the living room. She sits on the sofa and each
of them takes a chair opposite it.
GINO
You mentioned that you knew about the
affair?
ANN
I suspected Bob was fooling around,
but I didn’t want to believe it.
TIP
What changed your mind?
ANN
A package came when Bob was out of
town on business. I thought it might
be important, so I opened it. I wish
I'd have left that damn thing alone.
GINO
What was in it?
Ann opens her purse, reaches in, and removes a folded slip
of paper. She hands it to Tip, who reads the letter.
ON SCREEN
I know what happened to Barbara.
Don’t think you can do the same to
me. I have all the information
Barbara had, and I want $10 million.
If you do what I say, you’ll never
hear from me again.
Tip sets the letter on the table and looks at Ann, who is
trembling. Tears run down her cheeks.
ANN
There was a video along with it.
GINO
What was the video?
Ann closes the doors, then turns the laptop to face the
detectives. She hits 'play' on the computer.
Barbara Camwyck and Bob Ingle are on the screen making love.
ANN
As you can see, that is Ms. Camwyck
doing what she does best.
Barbara Camwyck gives oral sex to Bob, then he returns the
favor. Ann Ingle cries, and Gino hands her a tissue.
GINO
No need to continue this. We'll take
it to the station and analyze it.
Gino and Tip are walking out the door when Ann calls to them.
ANN
There's no way he killed her.
GINO
Why would you say that?
ANN
I know my husband. He might be a son
of a bitch, but he wouldn't murder
her. Especially not for money.
GINO
Ten million dollars is a lot of
money, Mrs. Ingle.
ANN
Detective, my husband is worth
billions. This note is asking for a
few million. Bob's lost that in a long
weekend playing poker and golf with
friends.
(a beat)
Find the person who sent this, and it
may be a lead.
Tip and Gino leave and go to the car.
EXT/INT. TIP'S CAR — DAY
Tip tosses the USB drive to Gino.
TIP
All of a sudden, we have a lot of
videos showing up.
GINO
What I don't understand is why she
defended him.
TIP
Money. And because his son is really
only her son. My guess is she’ll put
up with anything to stay married to
that much money.
GINO
Which makes me wonder why she showed
us that video.
TIP
I’ve been thinking about that. If
she’s convinced Bob is innocent, why
give us evidence that incriminates
him in a murder?
GINO
It makes the timeline more important.
We need to pin down everyone’s
whereabouts to the minute.
TIP
I think we need to have another talk
with Ingle.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Desperate Encounter
EXT. PARKING LOT — NIGHT
Chicky sits on a flattened cardboard box and leans against the
side of a building.
He counts the pills remaining in a prescription bottle of
opioids, puts them in his pocket, then reaches into his other
pocket and pulls out a few crumpled bills.
The sound of footsteps startles him, and he shoves the bills
back into his pocket and looks up. A MAN (30s, head shaved
with a grim expression) looks down at him.
MAN
I’m looking for Chicky. You him?
Chicky looks both ways, as if searching for an escape route,
then he looks up at the man.
CHICKY
Might be. Could be. Why?
The man pulls out a wallet and takes out a wad of cash. He
counts out the bills and holds them in front of Chicky.
MAN
Here’s a thousand dollars. It’s yours
if you tell me about Gino Cataldi, and
what he did to Rico.
Chicky swallows hard and looks at the man.
CHICKY
Mister, I can tell you stories, but
that’s all they’d be is stories. I don’t
know nothin’ ‘bout what you’re askin’.
MAN
You sure? This is a thousand dollars.
CHICKY
Mister, I see what it is. And believe
me when I say I’d tell you who the
devil’s fuckin’ for that much, but I
just don’t know. Ya gotta believe me.
The man puts the bills back in his wallet and pulls a gun,
which he points at Chicky’s face and cocks the hammer.
MAN
Your memory any clearer?
Chicky holds up his hands and cowers.
CHICKY
Whoa! Whoa, man. I told you, I don’t
know nothin’ ‘bout what you’re askin’.
The man stays still for a few seconds, then puts his gun
away and drives off.
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip and Gino climb the steps and walk quickly to Coop's
office. Coop sits up straight when they enter.
CAPTAIN COOPER
You must have something good if
you’re coming to my office without
being ordered.
Tip sets the USB drive on her desk.
TIP
Just got this from Mrs. Ingle.
Coop looks at the drive, then at Tip and Gino.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Another video?
GINO
Almost identical. The big difference
being it's Ingle with Camwyck, not
the governor.
Coop puts the drive into her computer.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Where did Mrs. Ingle get it?
TIP
It was delivered to her, overnight
along with this letter.
Tip hands her the letter he got from Ann Ingle. When Coop
finishes, she looks up and hands the USB back to Tip.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Get copies made, then have the
originals examined. And when you're
done with that, arrest Bob Ingle.
TIP
Is that an order, Captain?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Damn straight it is.
Genres:
["Crime","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
The Arrest and Its Aftermath
INT. INGLE'S OFFICE — DAY
Tip walks inside and leans on the receptionist's desk.
TIP
Here to see Mr. Ingle.
Jonathan comes out to greet the detectives and leads them to
the same room as before. Ingle is waiting.
RB INGLE
What do you want now?
TIP
We're here to arrest you.
RB INGLE
Are you crazy? What for?
Tip grabs Ingle's arm, pulls his hands behind his back, and
slaps cuffs on him.
TIP
Ms. Camwyck’s murder to begin with.
RB INGLE
I'm going to have your badge. I'll —
TIP
You have the right to remain . . .
INT. HOUSTON POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip and Gino sit down to question Ingle, but no sooner do they
start, than Ingle asks for a lawyer.
RB INGLE
I’m not talking without my lawyer.
Tip leans back and kicks his feet up on the table.
TIP
Gino, you think RB killed Camwyck?
GINO
I’m leaning that way. It looks more
and more like he did.
RB INGLE
I told you, I’m not talking.
TIP
You don’t have to talk, RB. We’ll try
to keep you entertained until your
mouthpiece gets here.
The doorknob turns and in walks MR. RENLEY (50, short, thin,
expensive suit that fits perfectly). He hands a few papers
to Tip showing he has filed a writ of habeas corpus.
RENLEY
I believe my client is now free to go.
RB stands up and leans forward. He grits his teeth as he
stares at Tip.
RB INGLE
I can talk now, you son —
His lawyer grabs him by the elbow and tugs him away.
RENLEY
No, you can’t talk now, Mr. Ingle.
Just come with me.
RB follows his lawyer out the door, but he shoots glares at
Tip and Gino.
GINO
There goes our main suspect. Probably
never to be seen again.
TIP
Don't forget we have the governor as
a backup.
GINO
I'm trying to forget, but you won't
let me. Besides, we’ve got to do
something. Coop threatened to put me
on training duty — permanently.
TIP
Then we need to find us a killer.
Tip and Gino walk into Coop's office.
TIP (CONT’D)
He's out on bail. What do we do now?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Follow the leads no matter where they go.
TIP
You know what that means. We have
videos of a dead woman who was having
sex with the governor and with RB. If
we assume the sex and blackmail had
something to do with her death,
either the governor or RB had
something to do with killing her.
CAPTAIN COOPER
If one of them did, they both did.
(a beat)
Look, gentlemen. I may have been out
of line when this started, but now I
want the son of a bitch who did this
to Barbara. It’s the least we can do.
GINO
How do we put pressure on a man that
rich?
CAPTAIN COOPER
He hates to be embarrassed.
GINO
Sounds like a job for Tip; he pisses
people off without trying.
(a beat)
I can’t imagine what he’s capable of
if he puts his mind to it.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Then you better get busy.
As Tip and Gino walk out, Tip nudges him.
TIP
Let’s stop and get a drink.
GINO
I assume you mean Shorty’s. I’ll meet
you there.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Dangerous Flirtations
INT. SHORTY’S BAR — NIGHT
Tip is already seated at a table for four when Gino arrives. Gino
navigates across a dance floor crowded with would-be cowboys and
women with short skirts, then sits at Tip’s table, with his back
against the wall.
Tip pours beer into two frosted mugs and slides one to Gino.
TIP
If we’re goin’ after RB Ingle, we
better be prepared. Like Gladys said,
he can be a mean son of a bitch.
Just then a WAITRESS (20ish, long blonde hair, flirtatious look
and showing more skin than should be legal), walks by. Tip
holds up a near-empty pitcher and hollers to her.
TIP (CONT’D)
Hey, darlin’. Can you get me another
pitcher?
WAITRESS
Sure thing, doll. Be right back.
Tip watches her walk away and shakes his head.
TIP
Damn, Gino. I’d be in trouble if that
was on the menu.
Gino nods and gestures to a spot behind Tip.
GINO
Judging by the look on her face and
the way she’s swinging her butt, I’d
say you’re in trouble.
The waitress sets the pitcher on the table and smiles.
WAITRESS
Here you are, sugar. Can I get you
something else?
She winks at Tip and gives a sexy smile.
WAITRESS (CONT’D)
Anything?
Tip turns and looks up at her.
TIP
Darlin’, I know I’m good-looking, but
I ain’t that good looking. So report
back to whoever hired you that it
didn’t work, and it never will.
The waitress pouts and picks up the money from the table,
then starts to walk away, but Tip grabs her arm.
TIP (CONT’D)
And tell that person all it did was put
me on the scent even harder.
(a beat)
Besides, darlin’, you don’t look like
you’re much more than eighteen. I like my
chicken cooked a little longer than that.
The waitress walks away in a huff, and Gino chuckles.
GINO
You think that was a set-up?
TIP
Sure as shit stinks, I do. And I’d bet
it was RB. He’s trying to put me in a
compromising position.
Tip gulps down a mug of beer and stands.
TIP (CONT’D)
The good new, Gino, is if he’s
resorting to this, he’s desperate.
GINO
Let’s go to my house and map out what
we want to do.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
A Call to Action
INT. GINO'S HOUSE — NIGHT
Tip meets Gino at his house, and they settle down to go over the
case. Tip’s phone rings just after sitting. It’s ELENA (30s,
pleasant, humorous, optimistic).
ELENA
Hello, sexy.
TIP
Is this Elena or one of my other
admirers?
Her voice loses all resemblance to sensuality.
ELENA
You’ll wish it was one of them when I
tell you — I have to cancel tonight.
TIP
Why? What’s going on?
ELENA
Everything at once. I’ve got a councilman
giving me trouble about the new building,
one of my suppliers is playing hardball with
terms on a shipment of scarves from Milan,
and to top it off, I’m having problems with
the state on sales tax issues.
(a beat)
And if that’s not enough, there was a fire
in the damn building. Luckily, they put it
out quickly, but the damage will set us back
a while.
(a beat)
Tip, I’m ready to jump off a bridge.
TIP
I think I know what’s going on, Elena.
Get me everybody’s name. And keep that
sexy outfit handy for tomorrow; this
won’t take me long to resolve.
ELENA
Detective, you have a one-track mind.
TIP
It’s your fault, darlin’. You look
too damn good.
Tip hangs up and turns to Gino, his jaw clenched.
TIP (CONT’D)
That son of a bitch has gone too far,
Gino. He’s messing with Elena’s business.
GINO
I didn’t know you were serious about
anyone.
Tip nods.
TIP
I know I don’t act like it, but she’s
my life, Gino. I love that woman. And
for what R.B. is doing, I’m gonna
destroy him.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Determined Pursuit
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip is on his way to see Coop as he passes Charlie.
CHARLIE
Morning, Tip. How’s that case coming?
TIP
If you ever figure out the mystery of
those lyrics we might catch a break.
Tip continues down the hall, enters Coop’s office, and sits
in a chair across from her desk.
TIP (CONT’D)
The shit’s already starting Captain.
Elena is getting trouble from councilmen,
suppliers, and others. I know it’s Ingle.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Son of a bitch!
Tip leans forward and pushes the intercom.
TIP
Cindy, bring me some tea, please? And
you better get a refill for Gladys.
She seems upset.
CAPTAIN COOPER
The way I see it is we hit a soft
spot and triggered this. We’re going
to have to press harder.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
We’re missing something, Denton. And
I want you to dig deeper and find out
what it is.
TIP
We might ruffle a few feathers on
some pretty big birds.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I don’t give a shit if you pluck them
naked. Find out who killed Barbara
and leave the politics to me.
Tip walks around Coop’s desk and hugs her.
TIP
I knew there was a reason I liked you,
darlin’.
Coop pushes Tip away.
CAPTAIN COOPER
(laughing)
Get the hell out of here and get to work.
Tip grabs Gino and they head to the parking lot.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Unraveling the Past
EXT. PARKING LOT — WEST HOUSTON — DAY
TIP
Gino, you need to see Mrs. Ingle
again, and really press her. We’ve
got to break RB’s alibi for the night
of Camwyck’s murder.
(a beat)
While you’re there, I’m going to see a
grumpy old fuck named George who never
was worth a shit, but he knew a lot.
INT. TIP’S CAR — DAY
Tip leaves the parking lot and heads toward George’s house.
He dials the number and lets it ring four or five times
until GEORGE (70, gray hair, face creased and worn) answers.
GEORGE
What the hell does somebody want?
TIP
I see you’re still the mean old shit
you always were. This is Tip Denton,
you grumpy bastard. I was going to
stop by and see you.
GEORGE
What the hell you want to see me for?
TIP
I need information about Rusty and
the old crew. I figured you’d know.
GEORGE
I’m home, goddamnit. Come on over.
EXT. GEORGE’S HOUSE — DAY
Tip parks, gets out, and makes his way up the sidewalk.
TIP
Morning, George.
George sits in a rocker on the porch. A glass of ice tea
sits beside him with an image of the state of Texas on one
side and the flag on the other. A cigar is in his mouth.
GEORGE
What is it you need to know about
Rusty? And how far back you want to go?
TIP
As far as your memory takes you, but
I do have to get to work today.
George nods and rocks in his chair.
GEORGE
There was a cop named Ed Harbaugh that
Rusty used to pull out of his back
pocket whenever he needed dirty work.
Ed was as dirty as week-old underwear.
He stops rocking and grabs a long match to light his cigar.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
I’m not going to ask if you mind me
smoking because I don’t rightly care
if you do. Anyway, you asked how I
knew.
(MORE)
GEORGE (CONT’D)
(a beat)
I was crooked back then, as I’m sure
you’ve heard. I did about everything but
murder, and I can’t swear I wouldn’t have
done that if someone offered me enough
money, or even if they offered me a
little and I’d had a lot to drink. And
back then, I’d always had a lot to drink.
(a beat)
Houston politics was a mess, and
Rusty Johnson and Paul Grayson ran a
nice piece of the show. They called
themselves the magic act.
Tip leans forward and sits up attentively.
TIP
What did you say?
GEORGE
(raised voice)
I said they called themselves the magic
act. Rusty was a councilman and Paul
Grayson was a captain on the force. They
had a lot of contacts. But it wasn’t
until Cybil got involved that things
heated up. She’s the one who brought Tom
Marsen and RB Ingle into it.
George stops to sip his tea and then starts up again.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Tom was a young pup, fresh as new corn.
His rise in the political world was the
result of him coming under Rusty’s
wing, and that was the result of Cybil
coming under Rusty.
(a beat)
It’s been whispered that Rusty used a
stable of young women to extract favors
and commitments from supporters; some
said he resorted to blackmail.
George puffs hard on his cigar and looks at Tip.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
What they didn’t know was that Cybil was the
brains. She knew how easy it was to get men
to do things with a little sex, or even the
promise of it.
TIP
You know who Rusty used?
George sits up straight and puffs hard on his cigar.
GEORGE
Hold on to your ass, boy. I’m gettin’ to
it.
(MORE)
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Cybil’s first girl was one she knew from
back in East Texas; in fact, she had me
go fetch the girl and bring her here.
(a beat)
I still remember how long her legs were,
and how sassy that girl was. It took Cybil
six months to train her to speak proper
and learn how to talk to clients, but it
paid off. This one was sweet as pecan pie.
TIP
Do you —
GEORGE
Remember her name?
George laughed.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Like I remember my first time. Her
name was Barbara Camwyck, and she
could send a man to heaven in ten
minutes and leave him dreaming about
it for weeks. Or even years.
(a beat)
It wasn’t long before Cybil gathered
enough dirt on people to give Rusty
and Grayson an unbeatable edge.
TIP
How did Marsen fit in?
GEORGE
That boy was a mean one. He rode up on
Rusty’s coattails, but he wasn’t
content to wait. He convinced Barbara
to seduce Clyde Bannick, who was a
senator at that time. When they got
what they needed, they blackmailed him.
TIP
An affair seems like mild stuff to
hold as blackmail.
GEORGE
You’re not giving that Camwyck girl
the credit she deserved. She could not
only suck the soul out of a man, she
had a way to extract every secret he
had. She could pull out a secret
tucked up a man’s ass for ten years.
Some said she could extract things a
man had forgotten about.
TIP
What did she have on Bannick that was
so incriminating?
GEORGE
It wasn’t girls that bothered him; it
was the boys. He liked ’em when they
were too young to grow hair. Cybil
didn’t want to use it, but Tom insisted.
George stops rocking and takes a long sip of tea.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
That night Clyde Bannick killed his
wife and daughter, then himself. It
made me quit, Tip. That’s when I
decided to go straight.
Tip takes a long sip from his mug of tea.
TIP
What did Grayson get out of this?
George looks at Tip and shakes his head.
GEORGE
You don’t know nothin’, do you?
George twists his face into a scowl.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Grayson had a problem with hookers,
and he got one of them pregnant.
As nasty as that man was, he wouldn’t
abandon his daughter, so he put her
in an orphanage, and when she was old
enough, he arranged to adopt her.
(a beat)
Grayson wasn’t much as a father
though, and it wasn’t long before she
started running with the wrong
crowds, and then she got pregnant.
(a beat)
Paul Grayson nearly had a stroke. He
chased her boyfriend out of town and
arranged for her to marry a proper
man — although a lot of people would
dispute that assessment — RB Ingle.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Secrets and Threats
INT. INGLE HOUSE — DAY
Gino rings the bell and waits. Reggie Grage answers.
REGGIE GRAGE
What can I do for you, Detective?
GINO
I’m here to see Mrs. Ingle.
Reggie leads Gino to the study, where Mrs. Ingle is sitting
on the sofa with a small dog, a shih-tzu.
ANN INGLE
Detective Cataldi, what brings you back?
GINO
We need to clarify a few things on
the night of Ms. Camwyck’s murder.
The dog nudges her arm and spills her drink. She jumps up.
ANN
Fluffy! Look what you’ve done.
She brushes off her skirt, then opens the door.
ANN (CONT’D)
Manuela, please bring a towel. Fluffy
spilled my drink.
Gino waits for Manuela to leave, then asks Ann a question.
GINO
What can you tell me about the night
of the murder?
Ann leans against the back of the sofa and crosses her legs.
ANN
If I remember, we got to the club
around 7:32. Shortly after midnight,
Reggie informed me we’d be leaving,
and we left at 12:24.
GINO
You have a good memory, Mrs. Ingle,
recalling what time you left, down to
the minute.
ANN INGLE
Blame it on the nuns. I spent too
many years in an orphanage, and they
were obsessed with being punctual.
GINO
(look of recognition)
Do you still like expensive shoes?
Ann blushes and lowers her head. She seems surprised.
ANN
Detective, I’m sure a lot of people
like expensive shoes.
GINO
Do a lot of them like Ferragamo shoes
and have a dog named Fluffy.
Ann sits still for a long time, then blushes and nods.
ANN INGLE
When did you figure it out?
GINO
When you called Fluffy’s name.
(a beat)
So tell me why you called me, and how
you knew about Ms. Camwyck.
ANN INGLE
I discovered you were on the case, and
reports said you were honest. As to Ms.
Camwyck, my husband was having an affair
with her, as you know. I knew too. It
had been going on for a long time, far
longer than I care to think about. From
what I’ve learned, it started before we
were married, and it never stopped.
GINO
And how did you know about the dress
and the shoes?
ANN INGLE
She was at a party for Rusty the
night before. She wore a blue dress
and Ferragamo shoes. She drank too
much that night and stayed at a hotel
north of the city. I assumed she may
not have had time to change.
GINO
Besides your husband, do you know
anyone else who wanted to harm her?
ANN INGLE
I hope your notebook is empty. You
can start with Rusty and Cybil and
add anyone involved in politics in
Houston for the last twenty years.
GINO
One last question. Why were you so
interested in the TOD?
ANN INGLE
I had to know so I could be certain
RB wasn’t involved. It’s bad enough
living with an adulterer, but I
couldn’t live with a murderer.
EXT. GINO’S CAR — DAY
Gino drives home, and pulls out his cell when it rings.
GINO
What’s up, Tip?
TIP (V.O.)
I don’t know about you, but I had a
busy day. Let’s get together at my
house and discuss things.
GINO
I’ll see you soon.
Gino hangs up, and the phone rings again. He doesn’t
recognize the Caller ID. It reads, ‘Unknown.’
GINO
Gino Cataldi.
A MAN he doesn’t recognize speaks with a deep gravelly voice.
MAN
You need to listen closely. Get off
the case or everyone will know you
shot Rico. I have proof.
GINO
What? Who the hell is this?
The phone line goes dead.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Unraveling the Threads
INT. TIP’S HOUSE — EVENING
Tip is waiting on the back porch when Gino pulls up.
GINO
I know you’ve got news, but I’m
betting mine tops yours. I know who
the mystery caller is — Ann Ingle.
TIP
Get the hell out!
GINO
Not only that, but she gave us a whole
list of new suspects. And she said
blackmail is at the heart of it all.
TIP
It all fits. Old George told me
similar tales but worse. Back in the
day, Clyde Bannick was a big name in
town. Camwyck had him dead to rights
on molesting little boys and Marsen
threatened to go public with it.
GINO
Son of a bitch!
TIP
Hold onto your ass, partner ‘cause
we’re just starting. George then told
me about Captain Grayson and the ‘Magic
Act’ they had, and about Grayson’s
daughter, now known as Ann Ingle.
Tip brings out his charts and makes a few notes to update
them, then he steps back to look.
GINO
One thing I can’t figure out, is that
all of our suspects have an alibi for
the murder. Even Ingle.
TIP
But Reggie doesn’t. And he works for
Ingle and used to work for Marsen, not
to mention he’s an ex-Ranger.
(a beat)
But I still wonder why Camwyck waited
until now.
GINO
Maybe because Marsen just got elected,
and he can’t afford a scandal.
(a beat)
You got any plans on how to deal with
this? We’ve already brought the wrath
of God down on us for messing with
Ingle. What the hell would happen if
we involved Marsen?
Tip downs his beer and crushes the can.
TIP
We let somebody they can’t control do
it — the press.
Tip laughs and dials the phone.
GINO
You calling Roberts?
TIP
Let’s see if she’s got the balls.
Gino swallows hard, and reaches for Tip's phone.
GINO
Hang on, Tip. I got a call from
someone, and I’m guessing Ingle’s
behind it. He said he’d make sure
everyone knows about me shooting Rico.
TIP
The way I see it there’s only three
people that know you did it — me,
you, and Chicky, and nobody’s gonna
believe a junkie like Chicky.
Gino’s phone rings and he answers.
GINO
Cataldi.
RON
Dad, it’s Ron. Don’t freak out until
you listen, okay?
Gino frowns and tightens his fist.
GINO
What’s wrong?
RON
You’re gonna get a call from the
center. They found drugs in my room —
GINO
Goddamnit! What the hell did you do?
RON
Nothing. They weren’t mine. Somebody
planted them.
GINO
You son of a bitch, I’ve heard that same
line from every junkie I locked up.
Tip grabs the cell from Gino.
TIP
Ron, this is Detective Denton, your
father’s partner. Don’t talk to
anyone. We’ll be right down.
Tip grabs the keys from the table and heads to the door.
TIP (CONT’D)
Let’s go, Gino. I’m pretty damn sure
this RB is behind this, but don’t
worry, we’re gonna give him so much
to worry about he won’t have time to
mess with anyone.
Tip gets behind the wheel and dials a number from his contacts.
TIP (CONT’D)
Darlin’, get me Vic Dawson, please.
This is Tip. And don’t say he’s not
in. I know he’s there.
VIC DAWSON
Tip, what the hell are you calling for?
TIP
Vic, I know you and RB are as tight
as a pair of testicles, but I need
you to do the right thing here.
(a beat)
My partner’s son is in your rehab,
and they just accused him of hiding
drugs in his room. The thing is — he
didn’t do it, and we both know it.
VIC DAWSON
Tip, I —
TIP
Vic, before you get caught up in this,
you should know that RB isn’t the
powerhouse he once was. He’s going
down for some serious shit. If you
want to go with him, fine. But I’d
steer clear if I were you.
VIC DAWSON
What’s the boy’s name?
TIP
Ron Cataldi, over at No Drugs Today.
VIC DAWSON
Tell his father not to worry.
Tip turns the engine off and pats Gino on the back.
TIP
See that, partner. Uncle Tip got it all
taken care of. So call Ron, then we’re
gonna make this son of a bitch pay.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Under Pressure
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Gino climbs the stairs to his office. Coop is sitting in his
chair. She throws a folded-up paper on his desk.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Did you and Denton have anything to
do with the morning headlines?
GINO
And if we did?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Then for once, I wouldn’t be pissed off.
GINO
In that case, blame us. But we all
might be in trouble if this backfires.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I’ll worry about that. Come see me
when Tip gets in.
Gino picks up the paper and reads the headlines:
ON SCREEN
RB Ingle Questioned About Murder Of
Prostitute.
Tip walks in and puts a cup of coffee on Gino’s desk.
GINO
You see the paper? Roberts has balls.
I’ll give her that.
TIP
She do us good?
GINO
Front page and no holding back. But
don’t sit down. Coop wants to see us.
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip and Gino round the corner on the way to Coop’s office.
She’s in the hall, talking to Cindy.
TIP
(raises voice)
Gino, forget about being a nice guy.
You need to practice being a son of a
bitch like Gladys.
Coop doesn’t flinch.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I hear your loud mouth, Denton. But
if I was half the son of a bitch you
pretend I am, you’d be in deep shit.
Coop grabs a folder from Cindy, then turns to face them.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
The phone hasn’t stopped all morning.
Ingle must have been calling people
since he got up.
(a beat)
Got any real suspects?
TIP
It’s possible it was Ingle’s
bodyguard. He’s an ex-Ranger, he has
no alibi, and he was recommended to
Ingle by Tom Marsen.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Go question him.
TIP
Hold onto your ass, Gladys. Before
the day’s over there might be a lot
of people after it.
CAPTAIN COOPER
That’s all right. I have a lot of ass
to go around.
Coop answers a ringing phone.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Captain Cooper. What’s up?
She hangs up the phone and hollers.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Get moving. There was a 9-1-1 call.
Shots fired at Ingle’s house.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
A Shot in Self-Defense
EXT. INGLE HOUSE — DAY
Tip and Gino race to Ingle’s house. When they arrive, there
is an ambulance and several patrol cars in the driveway. A
TECH (20s, nerdy) from Ben’s CSU is exiting as they approach.
TIP
Ben inside? What’s it look like?
TECH
Two cold. Two warm.
INT. INGLE HOUSE — DAY
Tip and Gino enter to find Ann sitting in a chair, crying.
The left side of her face is bruised, and her nose is
bleeding, possibly broken.
Gino kneels beside her and places his hand on hers.
GINO
Are you all right?
ANN INGLE
He’s gone. I had to do it. He was
going to kill me.
The AMBULANCE TECH (30s, black, fit) comes over and takes
hold of her.
AMBULANCE TECH
Ma’am, we need to get you to the
hospital. Come with me.
Gino finds Tip standing next to Ben, the M.E., examining a
body on the floor. It’s Reggie.
GINO
What the hell is going on?
TIP
Ingle’s down the hall. Looks like he
tried breaking into the bedroom. She
must have shot him when he did.
GINO
Then who shot Reggie?
TIP
Probably Ingle, but we’ll know soon.
GINO
Where’s the maid?
TIP
I sent her out back. We should chat
with her now.
BACK PATIO — CONTINUOUS
Tip and Gino approach Manuela, sitting on the edge of a
chair clutching rosary beads.
GINO
Señora, are you all right? Are you
hurt? Can you tell us what happened?
Tip pulls up a chair and sits next to her.
Manuela looks at Tip, then at Gino.
MANUELA
Señor Ingle yelling at señora. He say
she tell papers about him. She yell
back, then he yell louder.
TIP
Where were you?
MANUELA
Cleaning, but when yelling start, I
leave and go to room. I no want hear.
Then I hear gun.
TIP
Gunshots? How many?
MANUELA
I hear one, then two, then one more.
TIP
How much time between the shots?
MANUELA
No se. Maybe one minute before two
shots. Then one minute more. Then I
stay in room till policia come.
BEDROOM — CONTINUOUS
Tip stops by to see Ben before leaving.
TIP
Ben, we’re going to the hospital. I’m
going to need opinions on gunshots.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
A Fragile Truth
INT. METHODIST HOSPITAL — DAY
Gino shows his badge at the nurses station, and is directed
to room 1248. He takes the elevator to the twelfth floor and
walks to room 1248.
ROOM 1248 — METHODIST HOSPITAL — CONTINUOUS
Mrs. Ingle is sitting up in bed, talking on the phone. Her
nose is bandaged and a large bruise covers the left side of
her face. Her left wrist and forearm are also badly bruised.
She hangs up when the detectives arrive.
ANN INGLE
Sorry, detectives. I didn’t want my
son finding out about Bob from
someone else, or from the news.
GINO
That wouldn’t be good. And by the
way, how are you feeling?
ANN INGLE
Better, thank you. But I still can’t
believe it happened.
Tip pulls up a chair and sits next to Ann.
TIP
If you feel up to it, can you tell us
what happened?
ANN
I don’t feel up to it, but I know it
has to be done.
She reaches for a cup of water on the table and takes a sip.
She gestures to Gino.
ANN (CONT’D)
Not long after you left, Bob came
home. As soon as I saw him I knew
something was wrong. He slammed the
front door and glared at me and
yelled very loud. He said, ‘Who the
hell did you talk to?’
(a beat)
I told him I didn’t do anything. Then
he grabbed my arm and twisted. I tried
hitting him but he twisted harder, and
then he punched me in the face.
TIP
Who was in the house?
ANN INGLE
Just me and Manuela. She was in the
study, and she ran when Bob yelled.
She hates yelling.
TIP
Where was Reggie?
ANN INGLE
He was in the car. He came in after
Bob broke my nose.
(MORE)
ANN INGLE (CONT’D)
He must have heard me scream. He
yelled for Bob to stop, and thank God
he did. It allowed me to break free
and run to the bedroom.
(a beat)
I heard yelling and what sounded like
fighting, then I heard a gunshot. A
few seconds later, I heard another.
GINO
How much time between the shots?
ANN INGLE
I don’t know. Maybe ten seconds.
GINO
Ten seconds is a long time. You sure?
ANN INGLE
I think so. I think that’s about it.
After that, I grabbed the phone in
the bedroom to call 9-1-1, but then
he was at the door yelling to get in.
I was scared he’d kill me, so I got
his gun from the nightstand and
yelled ‘I’m calling the police.’
(a beat)
He kept banging the door, so I called
9-1-1. The next thing I knew, the
door broke down. That’s when I shot
him. God forgive me, but I had to.
TIP
All right, Mrs. Ingle. That’s all for
now. Rest up and get better.
ANN INGLE
Thank you, detectives. I’ll try.
EXT. HOSPITAL — DAY
Gino and Tip walk to the car in silence, then Gino turns to
face Tip.
GINO
Did you buy it?
TIP
The gunshots bother me. Stories don’t
match.
GINO
Let’s wait till we talk to Ben.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
The Distress Call
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Julie hurries down the hall, intercepted by Tip and Gino.
GINO
Slow down, girl. What’s your hurry?
JULIE
Coop said to get to her office ASAP.
TIP
Take it easy, Julie. It’s only Coop.
Tip, Gino, and Julie enter Coop’s office to find Chief
Renkin and several others seated.
TIP (CONT’D)
Damn, are we having a party?
CAPTAIN COOPER
Just pay attention, Denton. Chief
Renkin brought the 9-1-1 recording. I
want everyone to listen.
9-1-1 OPERATOR (V.O.)
9-1-1. What is your emergency?
ANN
He’s trying to kill me.
9-1-1 OPERATOR (V.O.)
Stay calm, ma’am. Where are you now?
ANN
I’m in the bedroom, but he’s at the
door. Please send someone. Now!
(pounding on door heard in background)
9-1-1 OPERATOR
Who’s trying to kill you?
ANN
My husband. Hurry, please hurry.
9-1-1 OPERATOR
Where is he now, ma’am?
ANN
Stay out! I’ve got a gun.
9-1-1 OPERATOR
Ma’am, an officer should be there any
minute. Cay you get to another room?
The sound of a door breaking.
ANN
No! (sound of two shots) Oh, my God.
I shot him. (line disconnects)
TIP
Fits with what she told us, and the
gunshots match both stories. The
story falls apart on the other shots.
(MORE)
TIP (CONT’D)
(a beat)
Captain, if that’s all, Gino and I
need to get back to work.
Tip and Gino walk to their desks and fill out reports. After
three files, Tip calls Ben.
TIP (CONT’D)
Ben, I know you said you’d call, but
I’m in a hurry. What have you got?
BEN, MEDICAL EXAMINER
I’m not done, but I’ll give you what
I have. Keep in mind, it may change.
(a beat)
Ingle was like you said — two shots to
the chest at close range. He had
gunshot residue on his chest but also
on his hands, which for now, I’m
assuming to be the shot fired into the
wall and the one in Mr. Grage’s heart.
(a beat)
If I were asked to make a call now, I’d
say the wife shot Ingle twice, with the
gun she showed the police, and before
that, Ingle shot Grage with the gun he had
in his hand. It looks as if there might
have been a struggle for Ingle’s gun, and
during the struggle one shot went into the
wall. The next one hit Grage.
TIP
All right, Ben. Thanks.
Tip hangs up the phone and turns to Gino.
TIP (CONT’D)
Do you buy it? Or are we being played
for suckers?
GINO
I don’t have trouble with most of it,
but the part about RB and Reggie, I do.
There’s no way RB could wrestle a gun
away from Reggie the Robot.
Tip nods and spreads several papers across the table. He
arranges them chronologically.
TIP
One more time, tell me why we think
Camwyck waited so long to blackmail RB.
GINO
I still think it may be because of
the timing of when Tom got elected.
And she was using either the previous
blackmailing or the abortion or both.
TIP
How do we know Camwyck had an abortion.
Tip flips through the autopsy papers.
TIP (CONT’D)
I don’t recall seeing an abortion
listed for Camwyck. How do we know
she had one?
Tip picks up his phone and dials.
TIP (CONT’D)
Ben, I know you’re busy, but this is
important. Did Camwyck have an abortion?
. . . She did? Okay, thanks.
Tip turns back to Gino and nods.
TIP (CONT’D)
Ben said she did.
GINO
Abortion or not. RB has an alibi for
Camwyck. The only one who doesn’t is
Reggie, and he has, or had, no motive.
TIP
Unless Tom had him do it.
GINO
But that brings up our other problem.
It’s ten million dollars — RB has
billions. Why not just pay?
TIP
There’s only one thing that fits all
the pieces — there are five people
connected to this, and they all came
from a little town in East Texas. We
need to gather more information and
head on over to the big piney woods.
GINO
Then I’m going home to sleep. See you
at six.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Morning Investigations
EXT. TIP’S HOUSE — EARLY MORNING
Gino pulls up and beeps the horn. Tip exits the house
carrying coffee and a six-pack of beer.
TIP
Want one, Gino?
GINO
My liver thinks it’s a little early.
TIP
Mine does too, but I ignore it.
Anyway, start driving. Head toward
Beaumont, and you’ll be close. I’ve
got calls to make.
Tip dials Julie and lets it ring until she picks up.
JULIE (V.O.)
Tip, do you know what time it is?
TIP
Sorry, but telling time is one of
those skills I never learned.
JULIE (V.O.)
(laughs)
What that hell do you want?
TIP
Darlin’, I need everything, and I mean
everything, you can find on Camwyck:
bank statements, mortgages, insurance,
drivers license, social security, tax
reports, property taxes. You name it, I
want it. And check real deep in a town
called Lumberton, over near Beaumont.
Call me when you’re done.
GINO
Never heard of Lumberton.
TIP
I called George last night, and he
said that was the town he picked her
up from to bring her to Houston.
Gino drives a few miles, past farms and a few old towns. As
he pulls in to get gas, Tip’s phone rings.
TIP (CONT’D)
Damn, but you’re fast, darlin’.
JULIE (V.O.)
I didn’t find much, but there is a file
for social security wages paid by a
Dairy Queen on Route 96 in Lumberton,
and this was fifteen years ago.
TIP
Nothing else?
JULIE (V.O.)
Not yet, but I’ll keep digging.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Frustration and Revelations
EXT. DAIRY QUEEN — LUMBERTON — DAY
Tip and Gino exit the Dairy Queen and get in the car. Tip
dials Julie and gets her voice mail saying she’s at lunch.
TIP
Hey, darlin’, this is Tip. We struck
out at the Dairy Queen. Not to mention,
we’re sweating our asses off, have
nothing to eat, nothing to do, and no
place to stay. We need answers.
GINO
You know you’re a dick, don’t you?
TIP
I know, but instead of focusing on
the negative, call Mrs. Ingle again.
Try to bust the gunshots timeline.
Tip and Gino play cards, then go for coffee at a local
diner. While drinking coffee, Ingle calls back.
GINO
Mrs. Ingle, I want to go over the
gunshots again. We’re stuck on that.
Your version and Manuela’s don’t
agree, and I have to tell you, hers
is more believable.
ANN INGLE (V.O.)
Detective, I understand you like to
have everything work perfectly, but
at times, they don’t. The shots are
as I said; besides, I spoke to
Manuela, and she now agrees my
version is right.
Gino disconnects and slams his palm against the dash.
GINO
She did it, Tip. She’s now got the
maid agreeing with her.
TIP
Then we could be in Lumberton for a
few days waiting on Julie.
Gino’s phone alerts him to incoming text message. He looks
down to read what it is, smiling as he does.
GINO
May not be as long as you think.
Julie says she may have something.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Texas Conundrum
INT. DINER — LUMBERTON — DAY
Tip and Gino go inside the diner for more coffee. After
taking a seat, Gino’s phone rings.
GINO
Cataldi.
JULIE (V.O.)
Gino, it’s Julie. I found a payment
from Camwyck to United Health for
$1500 every month for seventeen years.
GINO
That’s a lot for insurance, Julie,
but I’ve heard worse.
JULIE (V.O.)
The problem is, she has full health coverage
through Eastex. So what’s the payment for?
When I look it up, it’s not insurance, but I
don’t know what it is. However, what I do
know, is it goes to an address in Orange, not
far from y’all. And the payments have been the
same amount all this time. Insurance policies
wouldn’t stay the same for seventeen years.
GINO
Julie, you made my day. Text me the
address, please.
Gino’s phone alerts him to a message just as Tip returns.
ON SCREEN
Joshua Camphurst
1723 North 10th Street
Orange, TX 77630
Gino holds the phone to Tip and shows him the address.
GINO (CONT’D)
Camwyck sent $1500 bucks a month to
this address for 17 years.
I’ve been thinking, suppose it was a
lot more than a few million at stake?
Suppose Camwyck didn’t get an
abortion and those payments Julie
told us about were for her kid.
(a beat)
If that’s the case, we’ve got a 17-year-
old kid running around East Texas who
looks like the governor or RB Ingle.
Tip cracks one of his smiles and smacks Gino’s shoulder.
TIP
I believe we’d have what we call a
Texas conundrum. It’s the same as a
normal conundrum but bigger.
(a beat)
The only problem I see is Ben said she had
an abortion.
GINO
But she could have had a kid, gotten
pregnant again and then had an abortion.
TIP
And that makes this a different story.
If — and it’s still a big if — there’s
a kid. And if he or she belongs to
Marsen, it’s a big embarrassment. But
if the kid belongs to Ingle, there’s a
lot of money involved.
GINO
I hear you, Tip, but RB had a lot of
money, more than enough to share.
TIP
A lot of money for sure, but RB had no
kids. Remember, the son belongs to Ann.
So what happens if a legitimate heir
turns up? Ann Ingle stands to lose
hundreds of millions, if not more.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
The Weight of Truth
INT. GINO’S CAR — DAY
Gino puts the car in gear and backs up, then heads Route 96
toward Orange.
He turns onto North 10th Street in Orange. The house — an
old, green, clapboard bungalow style — sits on the corner
with a half-acre yard. A front porch spans the width of the
house, white pillars sitting atop brick supports. It looks
like it has been around maybe forty or fifty years, but it
has been kept in good shape.
Gino parks on the street, and he and Tip walk up and knock
on the door. JOSHUA (beanstalk thin, mid-40s) answers
wearing blue coveralls and a white T-shirt. He stares
through a screen door that sports a coat of new paint.
Tip flashes his badge.
TIP
Detectives Denton and Cataldi. Have
you got a few minutes to talk?
JOSHUA
About what?
TIP
About Barbara Camwyck. She’s dead.
The man’s expression shows recognition and surprise. He
looks behind him and closes the door.
JOSHUA
Let’s walk.
He strolls down the sidewalk, hands in pockets.
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
You say she’s dead? How’d that happen?
TIP
Murdered. Bad.
The man turns, eyes agape.
JOSHUA
Not that one in Houston? The one in
the dumpster?
Tip nods.
TIP
We know she was sending you money each
month. And don’t worry, we’re not from the
IRS, so if you could tell us about it.
The man’s gait slows and his drawl comes out more. He
extends his hand in greeting.
JOSHUA
Not worried, just sick about the
news. My family owes a lot to Ms.
Camwyck. She let us raise her baby
and there ain’t much that’s more
important in this world than that.
Joshua stops to wipe away tears.
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
There’s a girl back there in the
house who doesn’t know anything. I’d
like to keep it that way if I could.
(a beat)
Barbara’s her mother — I guess was
her mother. But the girl doesn’t
know. She thinks her mother died —
which is true enough now — but I been
tellin’ her that lie all her life.
She thought my wife was her mother,
and she died ten years ago.
He bends and grabs a pebble from the sidewalk and tosses it
into the street.
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
I’m not a church-goin’ man, but I
don’t take much to lying to little
girls. Still, it had to be done. It
was best for the girl, and Barbara
wanted it that way.
TIP
Tell us about it.
JOSHUA
My wife worked as a nurse for a doctor.
Barbara came in one day lookin’ for an
abortion. She was either too young or
too stupid to know you don’t find
butcher docs in a place like Orange.
(MORE)
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
Betty — that was my wife — talked her
into comin’ home for supper.
Joshua picks up another pebble and tosses it toward a creek.
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
Anyway, before two days passed, my
wife convinced Barbara to deliver that
baby and let us raise it. We didn’t
have no kids at the time, and Betty
had failed with two pregnancies.
Laughter and giggles sound behind them. Gino turns to see
three teenage girls run from the house, chasing each other.
Joshua smiles and waves.
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
The tall gangly one is Barbara. My wife
and I tried for years to have kids, and
after Barbara came, she had two in a
row. Would’ve been three if not for
some damn drunk who plowed into her.
Joshua turns to face Tip and Gino. Tears come to his eyes
again, but this time he doesn’t wipe them away.
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
I know you people got jobs to do, but
these girls think they’re sisters.
TIP
They won’t find out different from us
unless they have to. Now, let us get a
family picture, and we’ll be out of here.
Joshua wipes tears from his eyes.
JOSHUA
It’s a damn shame what happened to Ms.
Camwyck. All in all, she was a good
woman. She’d have been a good mom.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
A Breakthrough Turns to Frustration
EXT. BETWEEN ORANGE AND HOUSTON — DAY
Gino dials Coop and waits for Cindy to pick up.
GINO
Cindy, put Gladys on the line, please?
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
Give me the good news first.
GINO
Nothing but good news today. We found
Camwyck’s daughter.
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
Are you shitting me? All these years,
and she never said anything.
(MORE)
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.) (CONT’D)
(a beat)
Damn good work, detectives.
GINO
We’d like to take the credit, but it
belongs to Julie. She did fantastic
work and found the facts. And by the
way, I know you won’t like it, but the
facts point to Ann Ingle, not RB.
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
I don’t care where it leads, just get
it done. I’ve always said follow the
leads. The chief will be all over my
ass, but that’s all right.
Tip leans close to Gino’s phone and raises his voice.
TIP
Damn, but I’d like to see that.
CAPTAIN COOPER (V.O.)
Denton, it’s a damn good thing you’re
not here, or I’d be all over yours.
TIP
I’m gonna tell Elena what you said,
Cap. But in the meantime, get a team
to Camwyck’s condo, and one to
Ingle’s office, and another one to
his house. We’ll join the one at the
house. We’re gonna find something.
INT. INGLE HOUSE — DAY
Tip and Gino join the CSU at Ingle’s house and watch the
proceedings, but the unit finds nothing. The negative
results frustrate them, and they head back to the office.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Revelations and Arrests
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Tip and Gino walk into Coop’s office. A GUY IN A SUIT is
sitting in a chair by the wall, and across from him is
Camphurst, the man from Orange, and Camwyck’s daughter,
BARBARA (17, tall, skinny, long hair).
CAPTAIN COOPER
I believe you know Joshua Camphurst.
Joshua stands and extends his hand.
JOSHUA
And this beautiful young girl is my
daughter, Barbara.
Gino reaches to shake hands with Joshua, and Barbara clears
her throat. Joshua laughs and gestures toward Barbara.
JOSHUA (CONT’D)
That noise coming out of her ain’t
some wild animal caught in her throat,
it’s a signal that I called her “young
girl” again instead of young woman. I
guess by all rights she is, but I
don’t want her to grow up.
Barbara glares at her father, then flashes Gino and Tip a
smile.
BARBARA
Dad told me everything. I’m here to
see what I can do.
Coop gestures to a few chairs in the corner.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Find a seat. This is interesting.
MAN IN SUIT
I’m Ted Karber, an attorney
representing the Camphursts.
He reaches over and inserts a USB drive into Coop’s laptop.
TED KARBER
This was sent to Mr. Camphurst with
instructions to contact a lawyer if
Ms. Camwyck should die.
Karber leans over and hits ‘enter.’ Camwyck’s face appears on
the screen. She appears to be staring into a mirror. The
video shows her adjusting her hair and applying lipstick.
BARBARA
If you’re watching this, I’m dead.
But this video will help you catch
the ones who did this to me. Make
sure they don’t get away.
(a beat)
This video shows my meeting with Mrs.
Ann Ingle, wife of Bob Ingle. Make no
mistake about the nature of this — I
am blackmailing her for $7 million.
(a beat)
I could have asked for more, but $7
million is enough for me, and the Ingles
will barely miss it. If I’m not successful
in this venture, they will kill me. Either
Mrs. Ingle or Bob, or both of them. I’m
sure you’ll figure it out.
Tip whistles loudly.
TIP
Combined with what we have and a DNA
test — if Barbara agrees — I think
that’s enough to charge her.
CAPTAIN COOPER
What are you waiting for? Go put the
cuffs on that peacock.
TIP
I think you mean, ‘peahen,’ Captain.
CAPTAIN COOPER
I don’t care what you call her, just
put the cuffs on her.
Genres:
["Crime","Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Confrontation and Reflection
INT. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL — DAY
Tip and Gino go to Ingle’s room and knock.
ANN INGLE
What a surprise. More questions?
TIP
No need. We’ve got enough to convict now.
ANN INGLE
(sneers)
You have nothing.
TIP
And you know the best part? You won’t
get to keep any of that precious money.
It will all go to RB’s daughter.
ANN INGLE
Bob doesn’t have a daughter.
TIP
We know he does, and that gives you
all the motivation in the world.
Tip grabs her hands and pulls them behind her back.
TIP (CONT’D)
You’re under arrest for the murder of
Barbara Camwyck.
ANN INGLE
What are you doing? You can’t arrest me.
TIP
I believe we can; in fact, we did.
EXT./INT. DINER ON I-45 — DAY
Gino parks, enters, and takes a seat near the back. He
orders coffee, then stares out the window. Before his coffee
is served, Tip walks in and sits across from him.
TIP
Damn, partner. Is this how you roll?
Finish a case with your partner, then
forget about him?
GINO
Sorry, Tip. I had a lot to think about.
TIP
You mean like spilling your guts to
Gladys about Rico?
GINO
(shocked)
What the hell do you mean by that?
TIP
I’ve got sources, Gino. We both know
you shot Rico, but it probably wasn’t
self-defense. The truth is, I don’t
give a shit. He was a scumbag drug
dealer, and you’re a decent cop
trying to do the right thing.
(a beat)
What I’m saying is, don’t blow this
by blabbing anything to Coop.
GINO
What makes you think I’d do that?
Tip gestures to Gino’s empty holster and gives him a shit-
eating grin.
TIP
Because you’re not wearing your gun
or badge. I’m guessing they’re in a
box in your trunk.
GINO
They’re under the passenger seat,
smart-ass.
TIP
All I’m saying is don’t do it. I’ll
even go so far as to say you changed
my mind about partners. They may not
be so bad after all. Besides, I need
a best man at my wedding.
GINO
Wedding? For real?
Tip smiles and breaks into a laugh.
TIP
Yeah. All the shit I put Elena
through on this case, I owed her
something.
GINO
Don’t act like you’re a prize, you’re
lucky to have someone like her.
TIP
I know that. She’s a sweetie.
Gino laughs and shakes Tip's hand.
GINO
Congratulations, partner. You may
have even changed my mind about you.
We did good, and I enjoyed working
with you.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Father's Choice
INT. POLICE STATION — DAY
Gino rounds the corner toward Coop’s office. Cindy is
sitting at her desk.
GINO
Good morning, Cindy. Coop in? It’s
important.
Cindy calls Coop on the intercom, then indicates Gino should
go in.
CAPTAIN COOPER
Cataldi, what problems do you bring
me this morning?
Gino lays his gun and badge on her desk and sits in a chair.
Coop takes her glasses off, and fixes Gino with a hard glare.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
What the hell do you think you’re doing?
GINO
I’d like to spend time with my son.
Maybe I can make things up to him.
CAPTAIN COOPER
That’s a good idea. Take a week off.
Hell, take two weeks off, but then get
your ass back here and solve some cases.
GINO
I’m done with it, Captain. I’ve made
up my mind.
CAPTAIN COOPER
You can’t leave me with that lunatic
partner of yours, not without a leash.
Coop remains silent, then she puts the gun and badge into a
box and sets it onto the floor.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
Now tell me the real reason for this
nonsense.
Gino breathes deeply, chews the inside of his lip, squeezes
the arm of the chair, then stares.
GINO
Coop, when I’m done talking you’re
not gonna like me. I’ve done some
terrible things in my life. Things
I’m not —
Coop holds up her hands.
CAPTAIN COOPER
If this has anything to do with Rico
Moreno, then shut up.
(a beat)
I need every good cop I can get. If you
think you can still follow orders —
never bring up the name of Rico Moreno
again.
(a beat)
Forget the fact that Rico Moreno was a
drug-dealing, scum-sucking son of a
bitch. Forget the fact that his drugs
killed God knows how many people and
ruined thousands of lives.
Coop gets up, walks to Gino, and hugs him.
CAPTAIN COOPER (CONT’D)
I’m doing this because one time a cop
thought I was in trouble, and he
offered to help.
(a beat)
Now, take two weeks to be with your
kid, then get the hell back here.
GINO
Yes sir, Captain. I’m on it.
Gino walks back to his desk and dials the phone.
RON
Dad? What’s up?
GINO
Since today’s the day you get out,
how about I pick you up and we go
fishing?
RON
Are you shitting me? I can’t believe it.
It’s gonna be like old times when Mom
was here.
GINO
It is, and we’re going to have a lot
more fun from now on.
FADE OUT