NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Loweonthego's Fanfic


Endlessly

Chapter 2

SCENE 11: 7:10 by the Bay at the Chesapeake Plantation Inn. Andy and another man, the County Marriage Commissioner, James Ricci, are standing in a garden setting overlooking the Chesapeake Bay at sunset. Several torches and candles are lit throughout the garden. 

RICCI: You have a beautiful sunset for your wedding, Mr. Sipowicz. 

ANDY: (He’s wearing black pants and a short sleeved, dress white, Guayabera shirt, sort of like the kind you see in tropical areas. Nervously looking at his watch.) Yeah, it is nice. Kinda hot out here, isn’t it? 

RICCI: Maybe it‘s nerves, it’s a pretty nice evening. None of the humidity we usually have. 

ANDY: (Wiping sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.) What time do you have? 

RICCI: (Looks at his watch.) About 7:10. I’m sure she is on her way. (He looks around the garden area.) You do have a witness for the ceremony, don’t you? 

ANDY: A witness? Uhh, no, we, I mean, I didn’t think about that. 

RICCI: We will need a witness for the ceremony. 

ANDY: (His eyes frantically scan the area. It’s a quiet evening and there is no one in sight. Then he notices a couple sitting on a bench on the edge of the Bay. He looks back at the hotel and still doesn’t see Connie. He quickly walks over to the couple on the bench.) Hi, I’m about to get married over here and I just found out I need to have a witness. I know you don’t know me or anything but you think you could help me out? 

The couple looks at one another and smiles. 

TIM: (Standing to face Andy, he extends his hand.) I’m Tim, this is Sarah. We’d be happy to be your witnesses. 

SARAH: We’re on our honeymoon ourselves. 

ANDY: (Shaking Tim’s hand, then Sarah’s.) Andy Sipowicz. Thanks, thanks a lot. 

The three of them walk back over to the marriage commissioner, Ricci, and the witnesses introduces themselves to him. Andy looks back towards the Inn and glances at his watch again. 7:15. He could feel the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Where was Connie? He turned to Ricci. 

ANDY: Maybe I should call the room. 

RICCI: (Looking towards the Inn.) Mr. Sipowicz, I believe this might be your bride coming now. 

Andy turned to see Connie making her way down the back lawn of the Inn. He suddenly felt as if his breath had been taken away from him. He’d never seen her look more beautiful. As she slowly walked towards the garden, she had a warm smile on her face, the kind that just radiated happiness and contentment. She was wearing a fitted champagne colored dress with spaghetti straps that fell just below the knee. Around her shoulders was draped a light champagne colored sheer wrap with a handful of tiny pearls and gold beads sewn on - making them look like little stars glistening in the sunset. Her hair was pulled up, just off her neck - the way Andy always commented he liked it. As Connie reached the assembled group, Andy found it difficult to speak. 

CONNIE: (Whispering in Andy’s ear.) Sorry I’m a little late. My mom called to wish us well. 

ANDY: (Looking deep in her eyes. Softly he touched her face.) You look beautiful.  

CONNIE: (Quietly.) Thank you. 

RICCI: (Extending his hand.) Connie, I’m James Ricci, Talbot County Marriage Commissioner. (He turns to Tim and Sarah.) This is Tim and Sarah Everett, your witnesses. (They say their silent hellos in the way of a knowing nod.) If everyone is ready we can begin.  

ANDY: (Taking Connie’s hand in his, he raises it to his mouth and gives her hand a kiss.) Yeah, we’re ready. (Never taking his eyes from Connie’s eyes.) 

RICCI: We are gathered here today to witness and share in the proclamation of love and devotion between Connie McDowell and Andy Sipowicz. Let us now share in the joy of this union. Andy and Connie have decided to share their love for each other today with an exchange of rings and verbal proclamations of their love. Connie, will you take Andy’s hand in yours and proclaim your commitment to him. 

CONNIE: (Holding Andy’s hand tightly.) Andy, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband, with the knowledge that you are, and always will be, my constant friend, my faithful partner in our lives together and my one true love. On this day, I give to you my promise to be by your side as your devoted partner in sickness and in health, in happiness and in sadness, through the good times and the bad. Andy, I want you to always know I love you without reservation, and promise to comfort you in times of need, laugh with you at the good times, cry with you during the sad, grow with you, and most important of all, I pledge I will cherish you for a long as we both shall live.  

RICCI: Connie, as a symbol of your love and devotion to Andy, please place the ring you have chosen on the second finger of his left hand.  

Connie slowly slides the gold band on Andy’s ring finger as tears slowly stream down her face.  

RICCI: Andy, will you take Connie’s hand in yours and proclaim your commitment to her. 

ANDY: (Looking into Connie’s tear-moistened eyes.) I’ve known since the day I met you that you would be a special part of my life. I want to thank you for coming into my life and for having the patience to wait for my stubbornness to go away. You know I am not one to verbalize my feelings easily but I have thought long and reflected much on what I want to say to you on this special day. When you came into my life there was a lot of darkness, I was afraid of getting hurt or having someone special in my life hurt again. You came into my life like a light and that light has taken me on a journey to our future and brought so much happiness to me. I love you Connie, and I promise to treasure you and the love we share for all of my days. 

RICCI: Andy, as a symbol of your love and devotion to Connie, please place the ring you have chosen on the second finger of his left hand. 

Andy slowly reaches into his pocket and retrieves the gold band he has chosen for Connie. As he places the ring on Connie’s finger he feels a wave of emotion come over him and the tears finally stream down his face. 

RICCI: In as much as Connie and Andy have declared their love to each other before God and those gathered here today, I now greet them with you as husband and wife. Andy, you may kiss your bride. 

Andy turns to face Connie and takes her face in his hands and looks deep into her eyes before softly touching his lips to hers and giving Connie a long, passionate kiss - their first as husband and wife. As their lips part, Andy pulls Connie close to him and hugs her tightly. He doesn't want to let go of this moment. 

ANDY: (Whispering in Connie’s ear.) I love you Mrs. Sipowicz. 

CONNIE: (Hugging him tightly.) I love you too. 

RICCI: Andy, Connie, congratulations and best wishes for your life together. 

ANDY: Thank you. 

Their witnesses, Tim and Sarah, congratulate Andy and Connie as the sun burns it’s way into the Chesapeake Bay. Ricci shakes their hands and heads off for his next ceremony. Tim and Sarah make their excuses and head back to the Inn. Andy and Connie find themselves alone in the garden, still locked in an embrace. 

ANDY: (Takes Connie’s hand and walks her to a bench overlooking the Bay, where they take a seat.) You look so beautiful, when I first saw you coming down to the garden, you just took my breath away. I must be the luckiest man on earth. 

CONNIE: It isn't luck, we were destined to be brought together. And I’m not letting you go, now that I’ve got you. (Andy softly wipes a tear from Connie's cheek.) You know, you said some beautiful things today. You really touched my heart.  

ANDY: (Pulling Connie over closer to him, he places his arm around her while holding her hand.) I know I don’t always say them, just remember it is what I feel. 

CONNIE: I know. (Looking out at the sunset.) This is really beautiful.  

ANDY: (Not taking his eyes off Connie.) It really is. 

Connie turns to Andy and their eyes lock on each other. Connie leans into Andy and gives him a playful kiss. 

CONNIE: (Softly laughing.) We're married, I’m your wife. I can’t believe it! 

ANDY: Believe it. (Pulling her closer. He looks at Connie’s arms.) You’ve got goose bumps, you cold? 

CONNIE: A little, just a little chill came over me. 

ANDY: (Standing up and taking Connie’s hand.) Let’s go inside, Mrs. Sipowicz. 

CONNIE: Anything you say, Mr. Sipowicz. 

Arm in arm Andy and Connie make their way up the sloping back lawn of the inn. They enter the lobby just as darkness falls. Music pours from the dining room off the lobby as they walk by.  

ANDY: You want to get bite to eat? 

CONNIE: (Knowing when Andy asked if she was hungry, that usually meant he was hungry.) No, but why don’t we go in and check out the music. 

They enter and take a seat. A singer is seated at the piano and performing all the classic love songs in the candle lit dining room. The waitress comes to their table and greets them. She begins to give the menus before Andy stops her. 

ANDY: We’re just going to listen to the music for a few minutes. Maybe we could get two ginger ales. 

WAITRESS: Certainly. If you change your mind about dinner, just let me know. 

The waitress leaves the table and in moments two ginger ales arrive at the table. The music begins after a short break. Andy reaches across the table and takes Connie’s hand. 

CONNIE: You’ve made this such a special day. The spa, the flowers, the heart, those beautiful notes - you thought of everything. Thank you. 

ANDY: You make every day special for me. (He looks at the couples dancing nearby.) Would you like to dance? 

CONNIE: I'd love to. 

As they make their way to the dance floor the piano player begins to sing Nat King Cole’s "Unforgettable." Andy and Connie begin to dance slowly, pulling each other to one another. Their eyes are locked on each other. Andy leans in to give Connie a kiss on the cheek but Connie turns her head in time and their lips meet and share a passionate kiss. 

ANDY: (Touching Connie’s cheek and neck, gently outlining her face.) You look so beautiful.  

CONNIE: (Placing her hand over his heart.) You know, you gave me the crystal heart this afternoon. Do I have the real thing now? 

ANDY: You’ve had the real thing for a long time. It’s just official now. (He takes her hand and kisses her wedding ring. There is a sense of urgency in his eyes.) You ready to get out of here? 

CONNIE: (Whispering in Andy’s ear.) I thought you’d never ask. 

Andy walks back to the table and leaves money for the waitress. He turns and takes Connie’s hand in his and leads her out of the dining room. They head off towards their room, walking hand in hand.  

FADE OUT. 

SCENE 12: Andy and Connie’s hotel room a short time later. Andy is in the bathroom. Connie is looking out on the deck at the waterfront, candles are lit and there is a soft glow over the room. Connie is wearing a short white silk nightgown with a sheer white robe over her shoulders. Andy quietly walks up behind her and places his hands on her shoulders. 

CONNIE: This was the perfect setting for our wedding. It is so beautiful here. (She turns to face Andy.) You know, when I came to work in the 15th, I was sort of lost. I wanted a partner - a partner to share life with. Someone to love, who made me feel safe and secure. Someone I could be myself with. And I found all that in you. You’ve been there for me without fail. With you, I’ve found a home, a life, a future.  

ANDY: I’m just glad you waited for me to realize what was right in front of me. It took me a while to come around and realized what I was about to loose. I’m glad you didn’t give up on me.  

CONNIE: I knew you were worth the wait. 

Andy pulls Connie closer to begin kissing her along her neck working his way up to her lips. With his hand on the small of her back, he pulls her body closer to his. Andy pulls a clip from her hair, allowing it to fall down her back. Gently he takes the robe from her shoulders and starts to plant small kisses across her shoulders, working his way down her left arm. He stops at her hand and slowly takes Connie’s hand in his, leading her to the bed. They both take a seat on the bed, Andy still holding onto Connie’s hand, tightly.  

ANDY: You said something to me the other day, back at the apartment. When you said it, I felt like it just summed up how I feel about you. So, on the inside of your wedding band, (He slowly begins to take the wedding band from Connie’s hand.) I had it inscribed, I love you, endlessly. That says it all for me. (He begins to slide the wedding ring back on Connie’s finger.) If you ever begin to doubt anything about me, just look at the inscription. Because, Connie, I love you, endlessly. 

CONNIE: (She is moved to tears hearing these words come from Andy’s lips.) When I said that, I meant it. And if you look on the inside of your wedding band, I had the same thing inscribed. (He takes off his wedding band and looks at the inscription.) Andy, I do love you, endlessly. 

Andy could contain himself no longer. He returned to tracing small kisses up her arm and across her back. Working his way down Connie’s back and around to her stomach. Connie leaned back onto the pillows propped up on the bed and relaxed as Andy went to work on her senses. He kissed her belly button, he kissed her gently from her stomach to her breasts. He again found her mouth and they explored each other’s tastes with a passion. Connie could barely contain herself, but she didn’t want to rush anything this night. This was their wedding night, there was no need to hurry. There would be no interruptions from Theo, no crying baby, no pagers going off.  

Connie sat up and lifted her arms as Andy removed the delicate nightgown she was wearing. She wrapped her body around this man, this man she loved so much and was giving herself to completely tonight. She nibbled on Andy’s ear, moved to his neck and worked her way down his chest. She found her way back to his mouth and returned to deep, passionate exploring kisses there. She could feel Andy’s heart pounding against her chest and it was a feeling she liked.

Andy moved her from his chest and gently laid her down on the bed. Next he rolled her over on her stomach and began lavishing her shoulders with kisses, working his way down her spine to the small of her back. Andy laid next to her and slowly stroked her face with his hand. 

ANDY: You ok? You’re being very quiet.  

CONNIE: I’m just enjoying everything you have to offer. (Kissing him gently on the lips.) Don’t stop now. 

Andy pulled her close to him and their bodies entwined from legs to chests. Andy moves down Connie’s body and began to kiss her breasts softly. Soon, Connie could wait no longer and a rush of adrenaline came over her body. She pushed Andy over on his back and in a burst of energy she tugged at his pajama pants, pulling them off. Connie climbed onto Andy and took Andy’s hands into hers, interlocking their fingers. Their loved exploded in a fury of passion.  

Time had no meaning, had it been a minute, five minutes or had it been twenty? Heart were racing, sweaty bodies were mingling and passions were being intimately exchanged. Maybe it was the freedom of knowing there would be no interruptions, maybe it was being away from home. No, it was their wedding night and there was no holding back either of them. They had expressed their feelings verbally to each other in the ceremony. They were willing to tell the world their feelings for each other. Now, they were expressing those feelings to each other without words. Physically, giving each other as much pleasure as they humanly knew how. Their bodies collapsed on each other. Connie found her head resting on Andy’s chest. She listened to his heart beat calm down from their love making. They’d been together for the past year, but their love making had never been as physical as it had been tonight. This time felt like they were together for the first time. Connie smiled as she thought to herself, "Well, it sort of was the first time. The first time as husband and wife." 

SCENE 13: Monday morning. Outside the 15th Precinct. Andy has just pulled into the detectives parking lot. Connie is in the passenger seat. 

CONNIE: (Taking Andy's hand in hers.) You ready to go inside? 

ANDY: Yeah. I noticed you don't have your wedding ring on. 

CONNIE: Is that why you were so quiet on the drive in? 

ANDY: No. (Looking around the parking lot through the car windows.) Well, maybe. 

CONNIE: (Reaching in her jacket pocket and pulling the ring out.) I wasn't sure about wearing it on the job. I don't want to cause any problems, you know, with Lt. Thomason and IAB. I did think about putting it on my right hand. 

ANDY: (Taking the ring from Connie's hand and placing it on her right hand ring finger.) I want people to know we're married, it's just we have to be cautious with the job and all. 

Andy takes his wedding ring off his left ring finger and places it on his right ring finger, as he just did with Connie. 

ANDY: You ready to go in? 

CONNIE: Yeah, let's go in. 

Andy gives Connie's hand a squeeze and they exit the car. They are joined by Baldwin in the parking lot and exchange "Good Mornings." 

BALDWIN: Beautiful weekend, wasn't it? 

ANDY: Yeah, it really was. 

Connie gives Andy a knowing wink and the three detectives head inside the station house. 

SCENE 14: Later Monday afternoon. Andy, John, Baldwin and Greg are inside the Lieutenant's office with Thomason and a couple other IAB officers. Rita and Connie return from working a case.  

PAA JOHN: (To Connie.) Detective, you have a message. 

CONNIE: Thanks, John.  

Rita goes to her desk and begins to sit when Connie joins her. 

CONNIE: You know that soccer coach in here on Friday.  

RITA: Yeah, that cute guy. 

CONNIE: He's in Bellevue. Assaulted last night. Skull fracture. 

RITA: Witnesses? 

CONNIE: (Walking back to her desk.) Don't know. I'll put a call into the uniforms who took the call. 

The meeting in the Lieutenant's offices breaks up and the detectives walk file out and begin to return to their desks. Andy takes his seat across from Connie and watches her as she talks on the phone. As Connie hangs up... 

ANDY: Hey. 

CONNIE: Hey.  

ANDY: Looks like we're doing a stake out. That bank robbery thing Julian gave us. 

CONNIE: What time? 

ANDY: We're meeting back here at 3 a.m. I'm going to head home and try to get some sleep. 

A group of the IAB officers and Lt. Thomason have congregated around PAA John's desk and are talking. Andy motions to Connie to join him in the locker room and he gets up and walks away. Connie waits a moment then joins Andy in the locker room, locking the door behind her. 

CONNIE: You heading home now? 

ANDY: Yeah, I'm still a little tired from our weekend. I want to get some rest before tonight. You think you can pick up Theo from school? He's on that field trip. I think they get back about 7:00. 

CONNIE: (Walking up close to Andy and playfully touching his tie.) So, you're tired from the weekend, huh? 

ANDY: That's your fault. 

CONNIE: (Still playing with his tie.) I'm sorry, but I didn't hear you complaining this weekend. 

ANDY: (Grinning, he starts to pull Connie closer to his chest.) Come here. 

There is a knock on the door. Connie quickly and instinctively pulls back from Andy. 

ANDY: (Irritated.) Yeah. 

RITA: (Her voice coming from the other side of the door.) Can I come in? 

CONNIE: (Opens the locked door for her and Rita walks in the locker room.) Come in. 

ANDY: We just needed a minute, you know, out of view of those IAB watchdogs. 

RITA: We got a call from a possible witness to the assault on Rich Scott. He's got a security video with the assault on it. 

CONNIE: OK, I'll be right out. 

RITA: (She turns to exit the room and stops, turning to face both Andy and Connie.) By the way. Congratulations. I'm really happy for the both of you. 

ANDY: What? 

RITA: I could tell when you walked in this morning. Something was different. Then I noticed the rings. 

CONNIE: I'm sorry we didn't say anything to you. We decided to try and keep it quiet, you know, we didn't want anyone getting into trouble if IAB came after us. We went down to Maryland, just us. 

RITA: (Walking to the door to exit. She turns back to Andy and Connie.) Hey, I'm happy for you guys. Don't worry, I won't say anything.  

CONNIE: Thanks. 

Rita exits the locker room. Connie turns back to Andy. 

CONNIE: I'll probably be here a little late. I'll pick up Theo on the way home and maybe we can go get some pizza - so you have a little more quiet time to rest. I'll see if Andrea can keep Michelle until after dinner or Theo and I will pick her up and take her with us.  

ANDY: I'm gonna head out then. I'll see you at home later. 

CONNIE: (Her hand brushes Andy's hand and their fingers playfully touch each other.) Get plenty of rest. I want you to be safe out there tonight. 

ANDY: Don't worry about me. 

Connie glances around the locker room and gives Andy a quick kiss on the cheek before walking out the door to join Rita. 

SCENE 15: Early evening, 15th Precinct, Squad Room. 

Rita and Connie enter the squad room, returning from picking up the security video that shows the assault on Rich Scott. 

CONNIE: I think I'm going to call it a day. I need to head over to Theo's school and pick him up. Hopefully we'll have the enhanced video back from the lab in the morning. 

RITA: Kinda late to be picking Theo up, isn't it? 

CONNIE: He's on a field trip. They'll be back about 7:00 and Andy is trying to catch some sleep before their stake out tonight. (Looking over messages on her desk.) Hey, Theo and I are going to grab some dinner. You want to join us? 

RITA: I'd love to but I think I'm going to have to take a pass tonight. I told my Mom that I'd meet her for dinner. 

CONNIE: No problem. (Looking at her watch.) I better head out. I wouldn't want to keep my handsome, young dinner date waiting. (She starts to head to the door.) 

RITA: You better not talk like that too much. Andy might get jealous. (They share a laugh.) Have a good evening. 

CONNIE: Yeah, you too. 

SCENE 16: 7:15 PM., Outside LaGuardia Elementary School.  

Connie had arrived early and checked in at the school, only to learn the bus with the kids was running a little late due to heavy traffic. After talking with some of the other waiting parents, she decided to return to her SUV, parked just down the street, and use her cell phone to contact the lab in regards to the enhanced video in the Rich Scott assault case. Some time had passed and she was relaxing in the car, listening to the radio, when she noticed the school bus pulling into the school parking area. Grabbing up her keys, Connie exited the truck and prepared to cross the street. Suddenly she felt an arm go tightly around her waist. Within seconds a she was surrounded by two large men who proceeded to push her towards a waiting van parked nearby. As she began to resist, she felt the tip of a hand gun pushed into the back of her neck. The two men had a grip on her arms and she was unable to move to grab her holstered hand gun.  

MAN #1: (As Connie begins to yell the man places his hand over her mouth.) Shut up, bitch. You make a sound and you die...and that kid too.  

CONNIE: (Catching a glimpse of Theo and his friends on the sidewalk as they head into the school brings a rush her a rush of emotion. ) Don't shoot him.  

A third man opens the side door of the van and the two men with Connie shove her into back and speed off as the door closes. The man inside the van grabbed her service weapon as Connie frantically tried to fight off her abductors without success. Kicking and grabbing at the abductors, trying to get an upperhand, she felt a sudden sharp pain across her head.....a metal pipe falls to the floor of the van. She could fight no more as she collapsed in pain. 

SCENE 17: 9:30 pm. Connie and Andy's apartment. Andy is asleep in their bed when the phone rings. 

ANDY: Hello. 

BALDWIN: Andy, it's Baldwin. Flavo is moving. Think you and John can get out here a little sooner? Greg and I got it covered for now. 

ANDY: Yeah, I'll call John. We'll meet up with you soon. 

BALDWIN: All right. See you then. 

Andy gets himself out of bed and realizes just how quiet it is in the apartment. He walks into the living room to find darkness and stumbles over to a lamp and turns it on. He glances at his watch and notices the late hour. The school had called and said the field trip bus was running late but he didn't realize it would be this late. He was sure Connie and the kids would be home by the time he left for the assignment tonight. Andy picked up the phone and dialed. 

ANDY: John, Flavo is on the move. Baldwin and Greg are tailing him now. How 'bout I pick you up in half an hour? (Waits a beat.) All right, I'll see you shortly. 

Andy walked to the kitchen and starts to make a fresh pot of coffee. Waiting for the coffee to brew, he looked around the quiet apartment. So much had changed in the past year. He shared this apartment with such a wonderful woman, his new wife. He had resisted his feelings for her for so long, she had been so patient with him. And now, here they were, husband and wife, with Theo and Michelle in their lives. After Sylvia passed away he closed off the world to everyone except Theo. He missed Sylvia so much, he probably always would, but he loved his new life with Connie. She brought him out of the darkness to which he had fallen after Sylvia's death. With Connie, he looked forward to everyday and what it would offer. And while he was uncertain of becoming involved with her in the beginning, he knew now it was the best thing he could have done for himself and Theo. They were a happy family - all four of them. And best of all, Anndy loved this woman as much as she loved him. He looked down at his newly acquired wedding ring. He had worn his wedding ring from Sylvia for a time after her death before taking it off and placing it in a secure place in his dresser. This wedding ring from Connie was just a perfect fit. He took the ring off and looked closely at the inscription inside the band. "Endlessly" , that described his feelings for Connie perfectly. Andy heard the drip of the coffee maker and reached into the cabinet for a coffee mug. Time to get moving - time to get to work.  

A few moments later, as Andy walks towards the door, you see the answering machine light flashing. Two new messages. 

SCENE 18: A few hours later. Andy and John are seated in their unmarked car outside an all night coffee shop. They watch as Baldwin enters the coffee shop with Greg. 

JOHN: Think they'll bring us some coffee? 

ANDY: Medavoy? (He chuckles to himself.) No way, he's too busy thinking about what to eat. A certified Power Eater, you know. 

JOHN: I didn't get a chance to ask yesterday. How did everything go this past weekend? 

ANDY: Everything went really well, thanks.  

JOHN: Nice ceremony? 

ANDY: Yeah, it was nice. On the Bay. Connie, she never looked more beautiful. I'm a lucky man. 

JOHN: I'm really happy for you both. (Glancing over at the coffee shop and seeing Baldwin and Greg exit.) And I don't think it was luck. 

Andy's pager goes off. He instantly recognizes the number as that of Andrea, his and Connie's babysitter. 

ANDY: You got a phone on you?  

JOHN: (Handing the phone to Andy.) Yeah, here. What's up? 

ANDY: The page, it's from Andrea, our babysitter. 

JOHN: She watching the kids tonight? 

ANDY: No. (Dialing.) Andrea, it's Andy. (A silence falls over the car as Andy listens to Andrea on the other end of the phone.) 

JOHN: (Sensing the concern on Andy's face.) What's wrong? 

ANDY: I'm not sure. I'm on a case. She was picking up Theo at school around 7:00, after a field trip, and then she was going to get Michelle. She mentioned something about asking you if you wanted to get dinner with them. (His face becomes more tense, more concerned.) All right, thanks for picking Theo up. Let me see if I can reach her, I'll call you back. 

JOHN: Something happen? 

ANDY: Connie, she never showed up to get Theo at school. The school called Andrea and she picked him up. 

JOHN: Michelle? 

ANDY: She's with Andrea. Connie's never called her. (Rubbing his hand over his forehead.)

Something's wrong, this just isn't like her. 

JOHN: (Picking up the radio.) 15-4 to 15-5, we're going to be out of the area for a few. 

GREG: (Picking up the radio in his unmarked car.) 15-5 copy. Everything ok? 

There was no answer as Andy and John pull out and drive off on the New York streets. 

SCENE 19: A short time later. Andy and Connie's apartment. Andy and John enter. Andy looks around and it doesn't appear as if Connie has been home. He walks to the bedroom. 

ANDY: Connie, you here? 

JOHN: (Noticing the flashing light on the answering machine.) Hey, Andy. You have some messages on your answering machine. Maybe it's Connie. 

ANDY: Yeah, maybe her car broke down, or something. (He presses the play button on the machine.)  

BEEP (Connie's voice.) Hi honey. I'm waiting at the school, Theo's bus is late and I thought I'd give you a call and let you know I'm going to miss you tonight. Be careful out there and I'll see you in the morning. I love you Andy. (Andy stops the machine for a moment and takes a deep breath.) 

BEEP Hey guys, it's Andrea. I guess you were caught up at work late. I'm going to go ahead and feed Michelle and put her down. Give me a call and let me know what time you'll be by.  

JOHN: (Sensing Andy's concern.) Maybe she had car problems. Why don't we drive over by the school. 

ANDY: This just isn't like her. She'd call Andrea or she'd call me if there was a problem. 

JOHN: We know she was at the school. So, let's drive by and see if we find her car. I'm sure that's what the problem is. 

Andy and John exit the apartment and head for the school - a couple blocks away. 

SCENE 20: Outside LaGuardia Elementary School. Andy and John are slowly driving the blocks around the school in search of Connie's SUV. Andy has been quiet, very quiet, on the short drive over from his apartment. 

JOHN: I'm sure it's nothing. Probably a car problem or something. 

ANDY: (Looking out the window.) This just isn't like her. She'd call or something. She'd never not pick up Theo from school. 

JOHN: Isn't that her truck? 

ANDY: Pull over. 

Andy bounds out of the car, almost before it comes to a full stop, and makes his way to Connie's SUV. Finding the door locked, Andy uses his keys to enter the car. 

ANDY: Her purse is in here.  

Andy rummages around the car but everything else appears normal to him. He exits the SUV and meets John on the sidewalk. 

JOHN: Why don't you call Andrea? Maybe she's heard from her by now. 

ANDY: No, something's wrong.  

Andy catches a glimpse of something on the sidewalk nearby and goes to investigate. He leans over and picks up something small. 

JOHN: What'd you find? 

ANDY: (Almost unable to speak.) It's her wedding ring.