NYPD Blue Fanfiction
Loweonthego's Fanfic
Tripped Up in Florida
This fanfic is set about five years in the
future. Theo is about 13, Michelle is about 5.
SCENE 1: Late afternoon. Andy, Connie, Theo and
Michelle are packed into the car heading south to Florida, for a week-long, late
spring vacation and to visit Connie's mother. It's been a long drive and
everyone is getting a little cranky, a little on edge. Luckily, they are just
about there.
ANDY: (to Connie) Do you know where we turn next?
I don't want to miss the next exit like we missed the last one.
CONNIE: (Looking at her notes.) Channelside Drive
is our next exit...it should be about a mile or two on the right.
THEO: Can we stop for a soda? I'm thirsty.
ANDY: (Forcefully.) We're almost there, we're not
stopping now, Theo.
THEO: Aww, man...come on....we always stop when
Michelle wants something.
MICHELLE: Shut up, Theo!
ANDY: Don't give me any lip, not now, you hear
me? And Michelle....be quiet.
THEO: (Shrugging his shoulders and rolling his
eyes, he returns to listening to his Walkman.) Yes, sir.
Connie quietly looks at Andy and reaches over to
place her hand on his thigh - rubbing it softly.
CONNIE: (Softly.) Andy, calm down...we're almost
there.
ANDY: (He calms briefly and places his hand on
Connie's hand...looking over at her.) Next time, we're flying.
Andy takes the Channelside exit and Connie
directs him to her Mom's home a mile or so away, just off the Bay. They pull
into the driveway and are met by Jean McDowell, who is working on the flowerbed
in her front yard. Andy, Connie, Theo and Michelle all exit the car and Jean
greets them warmly.
JEAN: How was the trip?
CONNIE: We made pretty good time. We spent last
night outside of Savannah, it was nice to break the drive up into two days.
ANDY: (Quietly, under his breath.) You mean break
up the torture, don't you.
Connie gives Andy a slight jab in the side,
subltly letting him know she heard him. He gives her a slightly fake smile back.
JEAN: (Hugging Theo and Michelle.) How are my
kids?
THEO: Fine.
JEAN: I've missed you guys so much. If you go
inside, you'll find some cookies in the kitchen and milk and sodas in the
'fridge.
THEO: (Heading inside.) Great! Thanks!
MICHELLE: (Looking at Connie.) Mommy, can I have
a cookie?
CONNIE: Of course. Have Theo pour you some milk.
Michelle runs off after Theo.
JEAN: Andy, how are you doing? You're being very
quiet.
ANDY: I'm fine....a little tired from the drive.
(Nervously waiting a beat.) I'll get the bags out of the car.
JEAN: Don't do that yet. Come on inside, we'll
get a cool drink and you can relax first.
CONNIE: (Placing her arm around her Mom's
shoulder.) That sounds like a great idea.
Connie and Jean walk inside, Andy locks up the
car and trails a little behind entering the house. Inside, everyone is gathered
in the kitchen. Jean pours lemonade for Connie and herself. Theo is devouring
the cookies and drinking a Pepsi. Michelle is happily eating cookies and
drinking milk. Andy stands awkwardly in the kitchen entrance, as if not knowing
what he should do.
JEAN: Andy, want some lemonade? It's fresh, I
made it from the lemons grown in the backyard.
ANDY: Sure.
THEO: Can I get my skateboard out of the car?
ANDY: Theo, maybe later.
JEAN: Theo, there's a new skateboard park about a
mile from here. Maybe you can go visit while you are here.
THEO: Really. That sounds great. (Looking at
Connie and Andy.) Can I go?
ANDY: Maybe later, not right now....we just got
here.
CONNIE: Yeah Theo, maybe tomorrow.
JEAN: Theo, you can go for a swim if you want.
THEO: I'll go get my bag. Can I have the car keys
Dad?
Andy hands him the keys and Theo takes off for
the car.
CONNIE: Grab Michelle's bag too....Michelle, you
want to go in the pool with Theo?
MICHELLE: Yeah.
CONNIE: (Looking over at her Mom.) You can show
Nana how you've learned to swim since you were here last time.
MICHELLE: OK, Nana, will you watch me swim?
JEAN: (Hugging Michelle.) I'd love to honey.
Theo returns with two bags and tosses the keys to
Andy.
JEAN: Theo, do you remember which rooms you and
Michelle had last time you were here?
THEO: Yes m'am.
ANDY: (Heading out to the car.) I guess I'll go
ahead and get the rest of the bags.
CONNIE: You want some help?
ANDY: (Exiting the kitchen.) No, I've got it....
Jean walks over and puts her arm around Connie.
JEAN: It's so good to have you all back down
here. I've missed you so much.
CONNIE: (Hugging her Mom.) I've missed you too.
JEAN: The kids have grown so much. Theo is as
tall as I am! And Michelle, she is just adorable....
CONNIE: They are both good kids....(laughing) at
least, most of the time.
JEAN: How's everything with you and Andy?
CONNIE: (She smiles as she speaks.) Andy is
wonderful. I know he shows this rough exterior to most people, but inside, he's
such a caring and loving man. He makes me so happy and he takes such good care
of me and the kids....I love him so much.
JEAN: I know how difficult it can be to be
married to a cop...and with both of you being on the force, I worried about your
relationship with Andy and making it work. Andy reminds me of your Dad
sometimes...he kept things inside...had trouble expressing his feelings. But if
you can breakthrough that barrier, you can have a wonderful relationship. Your
Dad and I had that relationship....I'm glad you and Andy do too.
CONNIE: I'm glad we're here. We needed a
break....we needed to get out of the city and relax.
JEAN: You know, I was thinking....this house can
get a little crowded with all of us here. I thought I would take the kids up to
Orlando and spend a night or two. We could go to DisneyWorld, Sea World, or
wherever the kids want to go. You and Andy could stay here and relax, spend some
time alone.
CONNIE: You sure Mom? Andy and I would love some
time alone and I know the kids would love to go up to Orlando ---- but the two
of them can be a handful -- let alone at DisneyWorld!
JEAN: Well, my motives aren't totally
selfless....I'd like to spend some time alone with my grandchildren. And, I do
remember what it was like to be married with two young kids and, well, never
getting to spend time alone with your Dad. I'm sure that you and Andy would like
some privacy.
Andy comes back into the house carrying a
suitcase and a duffle bag.
ANDY: I guess we'll be sleeping on the pull-out,
right?
Connie shoots him a disapproving look. Theo and
Michelle, wearing their bathing suits, enter the room and and head to the pool
in the backyard.
THEO: Come on Michelle, we can play Marco Polo.
MICHELLE: OK, you coming Nana?
JEAN: I'll be right there, I want to see how good
of a swimmer you are.
Jean McDowell goes to the pool to watch Theo and
Michelle show off their swimming skills.
ANDY: Well, we're here. What do you want to do
now?
CONNIE: (Joining Andy in the living room and
putting her arms around him from behind.) Andy, what's wrong? You've been grumpy
all day.
ANDY: No I haven't.
CONNIE: (Quietly as Andy turns to face her.) OK,
then you've just not been in a good mood.
ANDY: We were cramped up in the car for two
days...now, here we are with your Mom, sleeping on the pull-out sofa in the
middle of the living room. (Realizing he's sort of whining...) I'd just like to
spend some time alone with my wife....and have some privacy.
CONNIE: I know this isn't your idea of a
vacation, but I like to visit my Mom....and so do the kids. And my Mom loves
having us here, you know she doesn't get to see the kids as often as she'd like.
ANDY: I know. I'm not complaining. (He nervously
takes a deep breath.) I just never had a family like this when I was growing up.
My father was usually drunk, if he was home at all....and my mother, she wasn't
like Jean....I'm just not used to spending quiet family time like this...
CONNIE: (Hugging him tighter.) Just relax and
enjoy it. We'll have some time alone....I promise.
ANDY: Oh yeah?
CONNIE: (Tickling him around the waist.) Yeah...
Michelle comes running into the living room,
dripping wet.
MICHELLE: Daddy, come watch me dive into the
pool. Come on....
ANDY: (Giving Connie a quick kiss on the lips.)
We'll be right there.
Andy puts his arm around Connie and they walk out
to the pool area and join Jean to watch the kids.
THEO: Grandma says she's going to take us to
DisneyWorld and SeaWorld.
ANDY: Oh, yeah?
JEAN: I want to spend some time with the kids,
Andy, so I can spoil them more than they already are.. And, well, I thought the
two of you would like some time alone.
MICHELLE: I can't wait to see Mickey Mouse.
ANDY: Jean, don't think you have to do this....we
can all drive up...
JEAN: No, Andy, I want to do this. We're not
going to debate it...the kids and I are going to Orlando!
Theo and Michelle let out a joyous squeal and
splash each other in the pool. Andy finally felt a little more relaxed....maybe
it was just seeing his two kids happy and having fun or maybe it was just the
thought of some possible time alone with Connie. Either way, he felt like he
could finally take a deep breath and relax.
SCENE 2: Several hours later. After cooking
steaks on the grill, everyone was seated on the patio, talking. Theo was talking
about baseball, Michelle was excited about starting kindergarden in a few
months.
CONNIE: (Looking at her watch.) It's getting
late....Michelle, it's time for you to go to bed.
MICHELLE: Can't I stay up a little later tonight?
ANDY: Not tonight, you don't want to be tired
when you go see Mickey Mouse, do you?
MICHELLE: OK.
CONNIE: Come on, I'll get you tucked in.
JEAN: Give me a hug good night.
Michelle walked over to her grandmother and gave
her a hug and started to run off after Connie.
ANDY: What about me?
Michelle ran back to Andy and jumped in his arms
and hugged him tightly.
MICHELLE: Good night Daddy.
ANDY: Good night honey.
THEO: Grandma, can I use your computer?
JEAN: Only if your parents say it's ok.
ANDY: What do you want to do on the computer?
THEO: I want to send my friends an email.
ANDY: OK, but don't stay online too long....
Theo goes to the computer in the den of Jean's
home, leaving Andy alone with Jean on the patio. There is a moment of two of
quiet between the two before Jean breaks the silence.
JEAN: Andy, I have to tell you...when we first
met six years ago...I had my doubts about you and your involvement with my
daughter. But I was wrong, and I'll admit it to you. You've made her happy...I
was afraid she would never be happy, never find someone to spend the rest of her
life with.
ANDY: Jean, there is one thing you can always be
certain of...I love your daughter and I will always be there for her, to take
care of her and the kids. My family is the most important thing in the world to
me.
JEAN: I know. She's all I have left, Andy. My
husband is gone, my other daughter is gone. Connie and your family are all I
have left....and they mean the world to me.
Connie walks back onto the patio and takes a seat
next to Andy, taking his hand in hers. Andy gently kisses Connie's hand and
turns to face Jean.
ANDY: I couldn't agree with you more.
CONNIE: What are you talking about?
ANDY: (Giving Jean a wink.) Things, just things.
JEAN: I'm going to take advantage of having my
granddaughter here and go check on her, give her another kiss "good
night."
CONNIE: I'm sure she would love that. (Looking
around the backyard.) Where's Theo?
ANDY: On the computer...where else?
Jean walks inside and Andy puts his arm around
Connie and pulls her a little closer on the wicker sofa.
CONNIE: What are you doing?
ANDY: Thought I'd give my girlfriend a hug. You
gotta problem with that?
CONNIE: No problem here.
Andy leaned in and gave Connie a slow, deep
passionate kiss - pulling her as close to him as he possibly could.
CONNIE: (Playing coy.) You trying to start
something here mister?
ANDY: (Surprised.) Who me?
CONNIE: (Whispering in Andy's ear.) Yeah, you.
ANDY: (Acting very innocent.) Yeah, I'd like to
start something....but I don't want your Mom walking in on us, not out here on
the patio. That could get messy...
CONNIE: Uhmmm, messy....I might like that...
Connie reaches her hand over and gently traces
Andy's face with her fingers. She pulls Andy's face closer to her and slowly
traces his lips with her tongue before slowly kissing him with her probing
tongue.
ANDY: We gotta stop....
CONNIE: (Slowly sliding her hand between Andy's
legs.) It doesn't feel like you want me to stop....
In the house they can hear Jean and Theo talking
and Connie slowly pulls her hand back from Andy. Jean and Theo join Connie and
Andy on the patio.
JEAN: Michelle was fast asleep when I went in her
room.
CONNIE: She's had a big day.
ANDY: (Giving Connie a "knowing" wink.)
We've all had a big day.....maybe we should call it a night.
THEO: Can I go to the skateboard park in the
morning?
ANDY: Sure, we'll take a drive over....take a
look at it.
JEAN: I 'm going to go read....I've got a couple
chapters left in the new Tony Hillerman book I'm reading. Maybe I'll finish that
tonight....Oh, I opened up the sofa-bed for you. If you need any extra pillows
or a blanket, I left them on the kitchen counter.
CONNIE: (Standing up and giving her Mom a hug.)
Thanks Mom, good night. Sleep well.
JEAN: Good night dear, I'm glad you guys are
here.
THEO: The Yankees are on tv here....can I watch
the game on the tv in my room. It's a spring training game.
CONNIE: Sure, just don't turn up the volume too
loud.
Jean puts her arm around Theo and they walk back
into the house. Connie sits back down next to Andy and takes his hand in hers
and places it over her heart.
CONNIE: Where were we?
ANDY: I believe I was giving my girlfriend a
kiss...but she wanted a little more..
CONNIE: No, she wanted a lot more.
Andy slowly moves his hand from over Connie's
heart and slips it into her blouse, softly rubbing her breasts.
ANDY: This feels nice. (Leaning in to kiss her.)
That's nice too.
CONNIE: Andy....
ANDY: What?
CONNIE: I want you to make love to me...
ANDY: We should probably move this inside...don't
you think?
CONNIE: Good idea....
Andy takes Connie's hand and the two walk
hand-in-hand to the living room and their pull-out sofa bed. Connie grabs her
bag and heads to the bathroom and changes into a t-shirt and pajama bottoms.
When she returns to the living room, Andy is sitting on the bed in his pajama
bottoms and a t-shirt. Connie begins to slowly begins to rub his shoulders from
behind. Andy turns to face her and takes her face into his hands, gently
beginning to kiss her lips. Together they slowly lay back on the sofa-bed and
continue to kiss. Connie softly nuzzles on Andy's neck and pulls herself on top
of him.
ANDY: Connie, do you hear something?
CONNIE: (Smiling.) No, but I can feel
something...
ANDY: I hear something...we don't need your Mom
walking in on us...
CONNIE: You're hearing things...
ANDY: No, listen. I think it's Michelle.
CONNIE: I don't hear anything but I'll go check
on her. Don't you go anywhere...I'll be right back.
ANDY: I'll be here.
As Connie gets out of the bed she is greated by
Michelle walking down the hall towards the living room. Michelle is quietly
crying.
CONNIE: What's wrong honey?
MICHELLE: I woke up and I couldn't find you.
ANDY: (Sitting up in the bed.) We're right here.
CONNIE: You're just confused because we're not in
our apartment.
MICHELLE: (Quietly sobbing.) Can I sleep with you
tonight?
CONNIE: You don't want to go back to your room?
How about if I stay with you until you fall asleep, in your bed.
MICHELLE: I want to sleep with you and Daddy.
ANDY: (His heart has just been melted by
Michelle.) Ok, you can sleep with us tonight...but after tonight you have to be
a big girl for me and your Mom and sleep in your own room.
MICHELLE: (Smiling - suddenly all is well with
Michelle.) All right.
Andy moves over and Connie and Michelle climb
into the bed. Andy spoons with Connie and Michelle sleeps next to Connie.
CONNIE: You just got played, you know that don't
you?
ANDY: Yeah...I know.
Andy pulls Connie into him tightly and kisses the
back of her neck.
CONNIE: You're nothing but a big teddy bear...and
don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
ANDY: Good night Connie. Michelle, you ok?
MICHELLE: Yeah. Good night Daddy...good night
Mommy.
CONNIE: Good night sweetie. Good night...teddy
bear.
ANDY: Allright...that's enough. Let's get some
sleep.
SCENE 3: Day two of the Florida vacation saw Andy
taking Theo to the skateboard park and he and Michelle watched Theo skateboard,
Connie and her Mom taking a yoga class at a nearby health club and the whole
family going out to dinner. Jean McDowell, Theo and Michelle made plans after
dinner to drive to Orlando the next morning after breakfast and spend two nights
- visiting DisneyWorld and SeaWorld. It was a full, busy day and the family
decided to call it an early evening...even though Michelle and Theo were excited
with anticipation of their trip to Orlando - without their parents. Day three of
the Florida stay began early with breakfast and Jean, Theo and Michelle heading
out for the hour and a half drive to Orlando. With the house quiet, Andy and
Connie relaxed over lunch before heading to a shopping mall to pick up a couple
of needed items and heading home to begin to get ready for dinner out at an
Italian restaurant Jean had suggested.
CONNIE: (After being seated at the restaurant
table and reviewing the menu.) This looks good. What do you think? What looks
good to you?
ANDY: I think I know that guy. That guy at the
table by the window.
CONNIE: (Looking over her shoulder at the man
Andy's mentioned.) Who is he?
ANDY: He looks like someone I worked with when I
walked a beat...right after the Academy. (Shaking his head.) No way, can't
be...(Looking back at his menu.) I think I'm going with the spaghetti.
The waiter arrives at their table and takes their
orders and returns with their drinks. Connie excuses herself and walks towards
the restrooms at the back of the restaurant. A moment later a man approaches the
table.
JIMMY: Andy? Andy Sipowicz? Is that you?
ANDY: (Standing and shaking his hand.) Jimmy
Meneuwski....I thought that was you but I didn't think you were down here in
Florida these days.
JIMMY: Yeah, about a year now. What about you?
ANDY: Still working the 15th, detective. Visiting
Tampa with the family...my mother-in-law lives here. So, what did you do, retire
down here? You must of had, what 25 years in on the job?
JIMMY: Took an early retirement, after 23 years.
Came down with the family on vacation and we just loved it. Lucked out, found a
job and, well here I am today. Best thing I ever did for me and the family.
ANDY: So, what type of work are you doing?
JIMMY: Got a great job working security for the
Yankees during spring training....then I work for the Bucs doing football
season, over at the stadium. Pay's good, hours are even better.
ANDY: Yankees, huh?
JIMMY: Yeah, how long you down for? Maybe you
could come over and bring the family to see a game.
ANDY: My son would love that. He's a big Yanks
fan.
JIMMY: (Getting a card from his wallet.) Here's
my card. Give me a call and we'll work it out. I'm telling you Andy, it's the
best thing I ever did - move down here - brought my family back together again.
Connie returns to the table and takes her seat.
ANDY: Connie, this is Jimmy Meneuwski, we worked
together when I first joined the force.
CONNIE: Nice to meet you Jimmy. Why don't you
join us?
JIMMY: Nice to meet you, Connie. I'd love to join
you two, but the wife and I are taking the kids to a movie tonight. I was just
here for a business meeting, better get going. Andy, give me a call. It would be
nice to catch up.
ANDY: I will. I know my son would love to stop by
the stadium. I'll talk to you soon.
JIMMY: Connie, nice meeting you. Keep this guy in
order.....I know what he's like.
Jimmy Meneuwski leaves the restaurant and the
waiter brings Andy and Connie's meals.
CONNIE: So, what does Jimmy do down here?
ANDY: Works security for the Yankees spring
training camp. They're here now...said we could come over for a game. Theo would
love that.
CONNIE: See, there are some things for the two of
you to do....other than the skateboard park. Maybe we could all go....it would
be fun.
ANDY: I'll give him a call tomorrow, see when
they are playing next.
Connie and Andy finish their dinner and, after
returning back to the house, curl up together on the wicker sofa on the patio
and enjoy quiet time alone together, watching the stars.
CONNIE: Listen....
ANDY: What?
CONNIE: To the quiet. And look....(Pointing up to
the stars.) ...there's the Big Dipper.
ANDY: It's nice to spend some time alone,
together....
CONNIE: We need to thank Mom ... and we need to
take advantage of this time alone...
ANDY: (Pulling her a little closer.) What ya got
in mind?
CONNIE: (She lets out a little giggle...like a
schoolgirl.) You know, there is something I've always wanted to do...
ANDY: What's that?
CONNIE: (Sitting up on the sofa.) Forget
it...It's just a stupid little fantasy I used to have...
ANDY: No, you brought it up...what is it?
CONNIE: Well, I've always had fantasy of....going
skinny dipping....and, well, here's the pool....
ANDY: Go ahead...
CONNIE: Not alone...you have to come with me.
ANDY: I don't think so....
CONNIE: (Standing and taking Andy's hand.) I'm
not going in without you. Come on...we might not have this opportunity again.
ANDY: (Standing.) This might not be pretty....
CONNIE: (Giving Andy a hug.) I'll be the judge of
that...let me get some towels, I'll be right back.
Connie goes inside to grab some towels. Before
she can return, Andy has shed his clothes and gone into the pool. As Connie
returns....
CONNIE: (Dropping the towels on a chair.) I can't
believe you didn't wait for me...
ANDY: If I hadn't gotten in when I did....I
probably would have lost my nerve.
Connie quickly disrobes and walks to the edge of
the pool and slowly enters the water. As Connie wades into the pool, Andy waits
for her a couple of feet away and watches as she glides across the water towards
him. He feels like he is struggling to stay afloat....although he's only in
three feet of water, nervous energy is building up inside of him. Connie walks
up to him and positions her body as close as possible to Andy but just barely
touching his skin. For a moment they just delight in looking deep into each
others eyes.
CONNIE: See, skinny dipping isn't all that bad,
now is it?
ANDY: (with a grin that tells Connie he's happy
she brought up the subject) Not bad at all. (Looking around the backyard.) I'm
just glad the wall is as tall as it is.
CONNIE: No one can see us. It's just the two of
us here.
Slowly Connie begins to move her face close to
Andy's face. Andy can feel her breath on his neck, on his check, in his
ear....but she's not touching his body. With each breath, Andy feels a slight
shiver go up his spine.
ANDY: You smell really nice.
CONNIE: Thank you....it's essential
oil....ginger...
ANDY: I think I know why they call it
essential...
Andy begins to move closer to Connie and she
slightly moves back - keeping Andy at bay. As he begins to move closer a second
time she lowers her body so that only her head is above the water.
ANDY: Are you trying to tease me? Cause if you
are, you're doing a good job.
CONNIE: Why, does it feel like I'm teasing you?
Connie moves closer to Andy so that their bodies
are finally touching - just barely.
ANDY: Lady, you do something to me....you're in
my head...you're in my soul... you're like a good addiction...I just can't
control myself when it comes to you..
Connie places her hands on Andy's shoulders and
slowly tilts her head and moves in to give Andy a gentle kiss on the lips. After
the kiss, she holds her face close to Andy's so she can feel his breath on her
face. Andy places his hands on her waist and with his touch and his breath on
her face, Connie feels goose bumps pop up on her arms in the warm night air.
She wants nothing more than to be in his arms and
held tightly right now...making do in the pool, she wraps her legs around Andy's
waist and pulls her body tight to his. Connie thought to herself, "the pool
does a wonderful thing to gravity and weight, doesn't it..."
Andy wraps his arms around her and holds her
tight to his chest. His lips find hers and he begins slow, deep, probing kisses.
Just as their passion begins to escalate, Andy begins to slow the pace down a
notch.
CONNIE: (Whispering in Andy's ear.) Is everything
ok?
ANDY: Yeah....just wanted to slow it down. We
don't need to rush.
CONNIE: No, we have all the time we need. This is
nice too.
ANDY: And I just wanted to look into those
beautiful blue eyes of yours.
They spend several minutes just holding each
other and loking deep into each others eyes.Connie begins to kiss Andy's neck
and quietly stroke his face. Andy moves his hands down from Connie's waist and
rest them on her rear, slowly moving her into position so he can finally enter
her. Quietly, the two begin a rhythm, a dance....together in the water, in
silence. Connie moans softly as Andy slowly thrust inside of her, while holding
onto him tightly - almost too tightly, as she scratches Andy's back with her
nails. Their bodies fit together perfectly like two pieces of a complex puzzle.
Andy controls her now, Connie is lost in her
passion and has relinquished control of her body and her soul to him. He plays
her like a finely tuned musical intrument....fast then slow, ultimately bringing
her to climax in unison with him. Afterwards they hold each other tightly in the
water, Connie trails small kisses down Andy's chest in a reckless pattern of
abandon.
ANDY: Is this how your fantasy played out...
CONNIE: (Breathless.) No, this is better......
ANDY: I'm glad I could help out.
CONNIE: You did more than just help out....Andy,
don't you realize...you are my fantasy....the way you love me, touch me, hold
me...Andy, I couldn't ask for more....I love you.
Connie wraps her arms around Andy's shoulders and
slowly begins to tease him with kisses.
ANDY: What are you trying to do to me....get me
in trouble here...
CONNIE: What, you afraid my Mom is going to walk
in on us....like the other night?
ANDY: You like pushing the envelope don't you...
CONNIE: I don't know ...but I do like this...
Connie slowly kisses Andy on the lips then begins
to nibble on his ear.
ANDY: (Whispering into her ear.) You want to move
this inside?
CONNIE: Yeah...
Andy climbs out of the pool ahead of Connie and
grabs one of the towels and wraps it around them both. The huddle together for a
moment and enjoy the feeling of their two bodies touching. Andy then wraps the
towel around Connie, wraps a towel around himself, grabs up their clothes on the
chair and the two of them move inside for the rest of the evening.
DAY 4 in Florida had Andy and Connie sleeping in
late....or at least late by their regular schedule. After going on a late
afternoon walk along the beach and watching the sunset, they returned home with
a couple rented DVDs to watch while curled up on the sofa.
CONNIE: (Joining Andy on the sofa with a large
bowl of popcorn.) You got enough to drink?
ANDY: I'm fine. I'll start the movie.
CONNIE: (Resting her head on Andy's chest.) This
is so nice...really getting to spend time alone.
ANDY: Yeah, it is nice.
The phone rings and Connie goes to answer it.
CONNIE: Hello.
JEAN: Hi honey. I thought I'd call you guys and
see how everything is going at home.
CONNIE: Fine here, Mom. But how about you. How
are you making out with Theo and Michelle?
JEAN: We're having a great time. Theo is a big
help, he's a terrific big brother. And Michelle has been very good....but I
think she's starting to miss her Mommy and Daddy.
CONNIE: I miss her and Theo too.
JEAN: We should be home in time for dinner
tomorrow night. I'll give you a call if we are running late....the kids want to
go back to DisneyWorld in the morning. Before I hang up, I think both Theo and
Michelle want to say hi.
CONNIE: All right Mom, we'll see you tomorrow.
THEO: Hi Mom. We're having a lot of fun....we
went to DisneyWorld today, yesterday we went to SeaWorld.
CONNIE: You're Dad has a surprise for you when
you get back. I think you're really going to like it.
THEO: What is it?
CONNIE: I can't tell you...it wouldn't be a
surprise then..but I promise, you will really like it.
THEO: OK, well, Michelle wants to talk to you .
Tell Dad I said hi.
CONNIE: I will. Have fun.
MICHELLE: Hi Mommy.
CONNIE: Hi baby. Are you having fun with Theo and
Nana?
MICHELLE: Yeah, we had breakfast with Mickey
Mouse this morning.
CONNIE: Really? That sound like it was fun.
MICHELLE: It was. Me and Theo went in the pool
tonight after we got back to the hotel....they have a slide.
CONNIE: I'm glad that you're having a good time.
MICHELLE: I miss you and Daddy.
CONNIE: We miss you too....but we'll see you
tomorrow night.
MICHELLE: OK...
CONNIE: Be good for Nana and we'll see you
tomorrow. We love you.
MICHELLE: I love you and Daddy too
Connie hears Michelle hang up the phone and she
returns to Andy on the sofa.
ANDY: Everything ok?
CONNIE: They're having a good time. They'll be
home tomorrow in time for dinner.
ANDY: I'm glad they're having fun. (Looking at
Connie, who appears to be gazing off in the distance.) You ok?
CONNIE: Yeah, I'm fine. I just miss them.
ANDY: (Pulling Connie closer.) Let's take
advantage of this last night alone...tomorrow, it will be a house full of people
again. (Andy leans into Connie, who is resting in his arms, and gently kisses
her on the forehead.) You want to skip the video? We could turn on some music
and just relax here on the the sofa.
CONNIE: That sounds nice..
Andy gets up from the sofa and turns on the
stereo, changing the stations until he comes across a smooth jazz sound.
ANDY: (Turning to look at Connie.) How does this
sound?
CONNIE: I like it....now come here and sit next
to me.
ANDY: You're getting bossy, aren't you?
CONNIE: No, I'm not bossy.....I just know what I
want.
Andy goes back to the sofa and takes a seat next
to Connie, resting one arm on her shoulders and with his free hand, taking her
hand in his.
ANDY: (Quietly.) ...and just what is it that you
want.....since we know you always get what you want.
CONNIE: This is it, just to relax here in your
arms.
ANDY: I can handle that.
Andy pulls Connie closer and they settle into a
comfortable cuddle on the sofa with the smooth jazz music providing a peaceful
backdrop.
DAY 5 Andy called his old friend Jimmy Meneuwski
and Meneuwski invited Andy over for coffee and a tour of the Yankees spring
training facility. Connie had Andy drop her off at her Mom's health club where
she took another yoga class and did some shopping at the nearby stores.
ANDY: My son, he'd really like that Jimmy. He's a
big Yankees fan.
JIMMY: How old did you say he was?
ANDY: Theo's thirteen.
JIMMY: Ahh, to be that young again...and to know
what we know today. You remember how young we were when we joined the force?
Seems like a lifetime ago.
ANDY: Yeah, it does....it was a lifetime ago.
JIMMY: Andy, you give any thought to retiring?
What do you think you're going to do?
ANDY: I hadn't given it much thought until
lately. I can take retirement any time...I've put the time in. Connie and I,
we've talked about it a little. We'd both like to be able to spend more time
with the kids, but you know the cost of living in the city. Maybe in a few
years, but Connie still has years to go before she can draw her pension.
JIMMY: I really struggled with the decision to
retire early. But I know now that it was the best choice I could have made - for
my family and for me. We're closer than we've ever been, I'm involved in the
kids lives and my wife rests better knowing I'm not out on the streets in New
York. Tampa has been a great choice for me. You know Andy, if you ever decide to
come down here, let me know. I'm sure there'd be some place in the organization
for you if you were interested....the Yankees, they love hiring retired NYPD
down here.
ANDY: Thanks, I'll give it some thought. (Looking
at his watch.) I gotta get going. We'll see you at the stadium tomorrow about 4
o'clock.
JIMMY: I'm looking forward to spending some time
with you and wife....she sounds like an interesting lady. And I'm sure your son
will get a kick out of being out on the field for batting practice and getting
to meet the players.
ANDY: Yeah, it'll be a nice surprise for him.
Thanks again.
Andy picks up Connie and they have a leisurely
lunch before returning home for the day. They watched the dvd they had planned
to watch the night before and then started to prepare a light dinner for
everyone once Jean and the kids returned home from Orlando. During and after
dinner, Theo and Michelle talked non-stop about their trip to DisneyWorld and
SeaWorld. After dinner the whole family sat outside on the patio - relaxing in
the nice weather. Michelle had crawled into Andy's lap and was falling asleep as
the others talked.
CONNIE: (Quietly, to Andy.) If you carry Michelle
inside, I'll get her changed and into bed.
ANDY: (Crading Michelle in his arms and carrying
her inside.) She's out, she had a couple of big days.
Connie and Andy take Michelle inside. Moments
later Andy returns to join Jean and Theo on the patio.
ANDY: Connie and I have made some plans for
tomorrow night, Theo. I think you're going to like them.
THEO: What plans? I want to go to the skateboard
park tomorrow....if that's ok.
ANDY: I think you'll like this better than the
skateboard park. Tomorrow afternoon we're going to the Yankees game.....and
you're going to get to go down on the field for batting practice.
THEO: Wow! Really!!
ANDY: Yeah. A friend of mine from back when I
joined the force works for the Yankees here. You'll get to meet some of the
players too. He said he'd take you into the clubhouse before the game.
THEO: WOW, thanks Dad. That's great.
JEAN: Sounds like you're going to have a big day
tomorrow, Theo.
THEO: Dad, can I go email my friends and tell
them?
ANDY: Sure...then maybe you should get some
sleep....
Connie returns to the patio and takes a seat next
to Andy.
CONNIE: I'm assuming you told Theo about the
Yankees game....he's grinning from ear to ear.
ANDY: Yeah, he's pretty excited.
JEAN: We had a nice trip but those kids have worn
me out. I think I'm going to call it a day and get ready for bed.
CONNIE: I don't think we can thank you enough for
taking them to Orlando. They really had a terrific time.
ANDY: Yeah, Jean....thank you. We really owe you
for this.
JEAN: Andy, you don't owe me anything. I don't
get to spend enough time with Theo and Michelle...and these couple of days with
them have been priceless. They're growing so fast...
CONNIE: (Giving her Mom a hug good night.) Well,
thank you anyway. (Whispering in her ear.) The time alone was just what Andy and
I needed.
JEAN: (Quietly.) I'm glad. (Looking over at
Andy.) Andy, good night...and you keep taking good care of my daughter...I like
seeing her happy.
ANDY: I will Jean, good night.
Jean walks back into the house and Connie sits
back next to Andy, looks at him and gives him a wink.
ANDY: What's that for?
CONNIE: You heard what my Mom said, you have to
keep taking good care of me.
ANDY: I thought I was doing a pretty good job...
CONNIE: ...you'll get no complaints here, sir.
You just have to keep it up.
ANDY: No problem, no problem at all.
Andy gives Connie a little squeeze and leans over
and kisses her softly on the lips. Slowly, he pulls his head back from hers and
the two of them look each other in the eyes. Andy gives Connie a wink like she
had just given him.
CONNIE: Oh, you're smooth....aren't you?
ANDY: (Smiling.) It's always seemed to work
before.
DAY 6 As the vacation was winding down, Connie
and her Mom went for a walk on the beach. Andy and Michelle watched Theo show
his stuff at the skateboard park and later the three of them went for pizza.
By mid-afternoon, the family began to prepare to
go to the Yankees game. Theo could barely contain his excitement. They arrived
at the stadium and met Jimmy Meneuwski, who ushered the group to their seats
behind homeplate. Next, Jimmy took Andy and Theo to the clubhouse and introduced
them to several of the Yankees' players: Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, Roger
Clemens and others. Theo got them all to sign a baseball for him and asked them
a few questions about the season ahead. Later, out on the playing field, Derek
Jeter showed Theo how he held the bat when batting and gave Theo a few pointers
in his batting stance. As the game grew closer, Andy and Theo returned to the
stands and joined the rest of the family. Theo was beaming with happiness as he
watched the game - a night he would always remember. When the game ended, Andy
thanked Jimmy for giving Theo such a memorable experience and they promised to
keep in touch. Jimmy offered to help Theo become a bat boy for a game next year
if the family game down to visit during spring training.
As the family headed home, Theo asked if they
could stop for some ice cream and they pulled into a Baskin Robbins to pick up
some to take home. The whole family went inside and ordered. Michelle quickly
grabbed her cone and walked outside the shop with Theo while the grown-ups got
their ice cream packed to go. After a few moments, as Michelle waited on the
sidewalk, Theo went back inside.
THEO: Dad, can I have the keys to the car?
ANDY: We'll be out in just a minute.
THEO: Michelle is bothering me...she keeps
hitting me.
CONNIE: Theo, we'll be right out. Go tell
Michelle to come inside with us.
Theo goes back outside as Andy pays for the ice
cream. Suddenly, Theo comes running inside.
THEO: (Very excitedly.) Some guy, he's got
Michelle.
Andy drops everything and he and Connie run
outside. They look frantically around the parking lot but do not see Michelle.
Theo and Jean follow behind them.
ANDY: Where was he Theo?
THEO: He was in a green car parked over there.
CONNIE: (Running down the sidewalk, shouting
Michelle's name.) Oh my God, Andy....where is she?
The store manager has come outside and tells them
he has called the police. Andy can't stand still. He walks the parking lot,
around the back of the building, and paces the sidewalk. Connie is in shock.
What had been a wonderful evening has just desinergrated into her worst
nightmare. Jean tries to console her, but she can offer little help. Within
moments the police arrive and moments later an Amber Alert is issued by the
police to the media. Since Theo was the only one to get a look at the person who
grabbed Michelle, the police asked that he come to the station and look at some
mugshots and possibly work with a sketch artist. Andy accompanies him to the
station and an officer arranges to drive Jean and Connie home incase they should
receive a phone call there from the person who has taken Michelle. Before
folowing the police car to the station...
CONNIE: (Hugging Andy, quietly sobbing.) We've
got to find her.
ANDY: (Pulling Connie close to him.) Don't worry,
we're going to get her back.
CONNIE: Who would do this? She's our little
girl....why?
ANDY: This officer is going to drive you and Jean
home. Theo and I'll be home as soon as we can.
THEO: (Walking over to Connie. He's on the verge
of tears.) Mom, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left her outside alone. It's my
fault...I'm sorry.
CONNIE: (Hugging Theo.) Nobody is blaming
you....Theo, this is not your fault. Some sick person has done this. Now, we've
got to get her back.
Andy puts his arm around Theo and they walk off
together to head to the police station. Connie and Jean get in the police car to
go home..
A few hours later, Andy and Theo return to Jean's
home. Connie is sitting in the darken living room and Jean is making coffee in
the kitchen. Theo walks in first and heads straight to his bedroom. Andy follows
him in the house and looks over to see Connie seated on the sofa.
CONNIE: How did it go?
ANDY: Theo's really blaming himself. He's torn
up.
CONNIE: I can't sit here. I've got to do
something.
ANDY: (As he grabs her by the arm he notices her
puffy red eyes.) Come here.
CONNIE: (She pulls away slightly as if to head to
the door to leave.) I can't sit here, I've got to do something...
ANDY: (Pulling her to him.) Calm down. We've got
to be strong...we're going to find her.
CONNIE: (Finally breaking down in front of Andy.)
She's only five years old. My God, she's just an innocent little girl....our
little girl...She must be so scared. Andy, we can't loose her..
Andy pulls Connie close to him and holds her as
she sobs quietly. Theo enters the living room quietly.
ANDY: Theo, you allright?
THEO: I'm sorry...I shouldn't have left her
alone.
ANDY: Theo, this isn't your fault.
THEO: Yes it is. Can I tell you something?
CONNIE: Of course, what is it?
THEO: (Looking at Connie.) When Dad and I moved
in with you and Michelle, I really didn't like Michelle. I felt like she got all
the attention. I missed spending time with you and Dad - just the two of you. I
used to wish that something would happen to Michelle and things would go back to
the way they were before she came along.
CONNIE: Theo, you were just a little kid then.
THEO: But I felt that way then...now, something's
happened to her and it's my fault.
CONNIE: Theo, listen to me. You are a wonderful
big brother. You are so protective of Michelle, I know you care for her. This
isn't your fault.
THEO: (The tears start to fall and Connie tries
to comfort him.) I'm sorry...
The phone rings and breaks the tension in the
house - if only for a moment. Jean answers in the kitchen.
JEAN: Connie, it's for you...a Lt. Rodriguez.
CONNIE: (Taking the phone from Jean. Andy walks
over to join her.) Leuitenent, what did you find out?
Connie listens on the phone as Andy looks at her
curiously - Lt. Rodriguez?
CONNIE: Ok, thanks for your help. We will be in
touch. Good night, thanks again.
ANDY: What's up?
CONNIE: I called the Leutienent when we got back
here. I filled him in on what's happened. (Looking over at Theo.) Theo, why
don't you try to get some sleep...and remember, this isn't your fault.
THEO: All right.
ANDY: Come here, son. (Theo walks over and Andy
tightly hugs him.) We love you. And don't worry, we're going to get Michelle
back.
Theo heads off to the bedroom. Jean takes a seat
on the sofa.
CONNIE: Andy, I asked the Leutienent to check on
Frank, to see if he had been paroled.
ANDY: (Becoming aggitated.) What? Frank Colahan?
Is that asshole out of prison already?
CONNIE: Andy, calm down. (Waiting a beat while
Andy simmers.) Mom mentioned something to me the other day. She got a call from
Frank's mother.
ANDY: (The simmering is beginning to boil again.)
Oh, this is great....the Collahans.
JEAN: She called me about two weeks ago....out of
the blue. I hadn't heard from her since Michelle died. She wanted to know if she
could see her grandchild, if I would intervene for her.
CONNIE: Mom told her she needed to contact us
directly. But she also asked if she could see a photo of Michelle, to see what
she looked like now.
JEAN: I guess I shouldn't have, but....I told her
that you all would be here soon and I would mention it to you then. Mrs. Colahan
seemed so anxious to hear about how Michelle was doing. Her husband recently
passed....and she said she wanted to try to make ammends.
ANDY: (He's pacing now.) So, did the Boss find
out if Frank is out?
CONNIE: He's out, about two weeks now.
ANDY: Do we have an address...where he would have
been paroled to?
CONNIE: The Lieutenient was waiting on
confirmation of that, but his mother, Barbara, is living in Jacksonville,
Florida.
ANDY: When I was at the station with Theo, he
said he thought he heard the man call her by name. (Pacing anxiously around the
living room, rubbing his forehead.) Jean, do you have any pictures of Frank?
JEAN: I don't think so. Let me check. (Pulling
out a photo album from a cabinet.) There are a couple photos in here of Michelle
when the two of them came to visit. Maybe Frank is in one...yes, here he is in
the background of one.
CONNIE: I'll get Theo...maybe he'll recognize
him.
ANDY: (Taking the photo from Jean and looking at
it intensely.) That scum...I can't wait to get my hands on him...
Theo comes in with Connie and takes a seat on the
sofa.
ANDY: Theo, I'm going to show you a photo of a
man. I want you to tell me if you've ever seen him.
THEO: OK.
Theo takes the photo and looks at it closely
before handing it back to Andy.
THEO: Yeah, I've seen him before....he was the
man in the car. He called Michelle to come closer to the car.
ANDY: Are you sure? If it's not him, it's ok.
THEO: No, it's him....but his hair is longer now.
The doorbell rings and Jean goes to answer the
front door. In walk two Tampa police officers.
SGT: Mr. Sipowicz, we thought you might like to
know we issued the Amber Alert. Your daughter's photo will be on all the local
news channels tonight as well.
ANDY: Thanks. (Walking closer to the two police
officers.) We think we might know who did this.
DETECTIVE: Who?
JEAN: Theo, why don' t you help me in the kitchen
and let your parents talk to the police.
Jean and Theo exit to the kitchen while the Tampa
officers take a seat on the sofa. Connie takes a seat facing the officers.
ANDY: Sargent, Detective....this is my wife,
Connie. She's a Detective in New York also. Uhmm, our daughter, Michelle is
adopted. She is actually Connie's niece.
CONNIE: My sister was murdered by her husband,
Frank Colahan, when she was pregnant. The doctors were able to save her baby.
Andy and I adopted her a short time later. She has lived with us since she was
born....we are her parents... she is our daughter .....(She takes a deep breath
and tries to regain her fragile composure.) Tonight, I found out that Michelle's
father was recently paroled.
ANDY: Colahan's mother contacted Connie's mother
recently, here in Tampa....looking to meet with her grandchild, Michelle.
(Handing the Detective a slip of paper.) Here's our Lieutenient's contact
number...if you need anything on the New York end, just let him know. He'll be
right on it.
DETECTIVE: Thanks. Well, detectives...sounds like
you've done my job for me. We'll run him and see what we can come up with ...get
his photo out. Your son, Theo...he did a great job describing the car and the
individual -- that will be a big help.
SGT: We will get right on this information. As
soon as we hear something, we will call you immediately. I feel pretty certain
we'll locate this guy soon.
Connie walks over to a chair in the living room
and picks up a stuffed animal, a dog that Michelle had been carrying around
during the day before going to the baseball game. She hugs the stuffed dog
tightly and tears begin to well up in her eyes. She turns to face the two Tampa
police officers.
CONNIE: Please find her...we need her home with
us.
Andy puts his arm around Connie and they watch as
the two Tampa officers walk towards the door.
SGT: (Stopping at the door.) Detectives, I can't
begin to know how hard this must be on you. But I want you to know, we'll be
working on this nonstop until we bring her home...
ANDY: When you find Colahan, I'd like to have a
word with him.
SGT: Detective, I'm sure you would like a
"word" with him. Maybe a few "words" with him. When we bring
him in, we're going to make it a clean arrest....he'll be going back to jail. we
won't be letting him walk.
The Tampa detective gives Andy a nod and he and
the Sargent exit the house. Connie buries her head in Andy's shoulder and
quietly cries. Andy wraps his arms around her tightly and holds on....this is
going to be a rough night.
LATE NIGHT in a hotel room. Barbara Colahan is
pulling the blanket up around Michelle's shoulders. Frank Colahan is seated at
the hotel room desk watching.
FRANK: She looks just like her...her mother.
BARBARA: What have you done Frank?
FRANK: She's my daughter. She's all I have left
of Michelle.
BARBARA: We should have gone through the
courts...you would have gotten joint custody. She should have never been living
with those people. He's an alcoholic, she gave up her child...and they keep guns
in the house, there's violence all around them.
FRANK: All right, that's enough. I've got a
terrible headache. Let's get some sleep and get on the road early. We've got a
long drive tomorrow.
Frank walks over to the bed and gently moves
Michelle's long blonde hair back from her face. He looks at her for a long
moment.
FRANK: She is so innocent and sweet looking. We
never should have been seperated.
BARBARA: (Standing next to Frank.) It's going to
be nice having a child around the house again....and my son back home with me.
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING
Connie awakens. She and Andy have fallen asleep
in the living room, still dressed from the precious night. Connie's head is
resting on Andy's chest as he sleeps. Carefully she extricates herself from
Andy, so not to wake him, and walks to the kitchen to start some coffee. As the
coffeemaker goes to work, Connie stares out the window onto the patio and
remembers the last couple of days - with Michelle playing in the pool with Theo.
The last few hours are all seeming like a terrible nightmare that she can't wake
up from. Her mom walks in and places a hand on Connie's shoulder, snapping her
out of her trance.
JEAN: How are you doing? Did you get any rest?
CONNIE: I got an hour or two. (Pouring coffee.)
Want some?
JEAN: Sure. I looked in on Theo. He's finally
sleeping.
CONNIE: Good. I'm worried about him...this isn't
his fault. (She turns back to look out the window.) I hope she's not too scared,
too afraid.....(starting to cry) what are we going to do?
JEAN: (Hugging Connie.) We have to be strong.
CONNIE: I'm a detective, I'm not used to sitting
around waiting. I see things like this happen all the time....I know what can
happen. But it doesn't happen to me, to my family. I need to do something. I
can't just sit around and wait.
The phone rings in the living room. Connie hears
Andy talking on the phone and joins him in the living room.
ANDY: (On the phone.) I gotcha. OK, I'll meet you
there shortly.
Andy hangs up the phone and turns to face Connie.
CONNIE: What's happened?
ANDY: They did a canvas of local hotels and found
one that a Barbara Colahan checked into yesterday...not too far from here.
CONNIE: And...
ANDY: ...and, the room is empty....they're
already gone. They're going over the hotel room now, looking for any evidence,
information.
CONNIE: Let's go...let's get over there.
ANDY: (Taking Connie by the hand.) I want you to
stay here. I'm going to go over there now and meet the Sargent.
CONNIE: Andy, I need to do something.....I can't
just sit here.....waiting.
ANDY: I know. I want you to stay here with your
Mom and for Theo....and in case we get a call here. (Hugging Connie.) I'll be
back soon....as soon as I can.
CONNIE: (Whispering in Andy's ear.) Be careful.
ANDY: (Quietly whispering in Connie's ear as he
hugs her.) I will. We will have our family back together again.
Andy quickly kisses Connie on the forehead and
heads out the door. As he walked to their car, he fought to keep his thoughts
focused. He knew he couldn't stay at the house either. He didn't want Connie
along with him...he was uncomfortable fighting his emotions in front of her
right now.
Michelle wasn't his natural daughter, but he
loved her more than he could ever imagine. Michelle had Andy wrapped around her
little finger - and he knew it. Michelle looked just like a miniature Connie and
everytime Andy looked at her he saw more and more of Connie in her looks, in her
actions. Michelle loved to climb up in Andy's lap at night. She always wanted to
see what Andy was doing, what he was reading, what he might be watching on
television. Inevitably, Michelle fell asleep in Andy's lap, her arms wrapped
around his chest as if holding on for dear life.
Before Andy knew it, he had arrived at the
suburban Tampa motel where Barbara Colahan had registered the previous night. He
spotted the Sargent and joined him in the motel lobby.
SARGENT: Mr. Sipowicz, you didn't need to drive
out here. I would have called you with any details we uncovered.
ANDY: I had to. Couldn't stay in the
house...waiitng.
SARGENT: The room had been cleaned by
housekeeping before we arrived. A couple of the detectives are going through the
trash in the parking lot. The maid had trash from about 10 rooms all mixed
together.
ANDY: I'd like to take a look at what they
got....if that's ok with you.
Andy and the Sargent walked out to the parking
lot and joined two of the detectives going through the accumulated trash.
DETECTIVE: Found a couple things Sarge, don't
really know if they are from the Colahan room or not. It's sort of a mess here.
ANDY: What did you find?
SARGENT: (To the detectives.) This is Andy
Sipowicz, a detective up in New York. It's his daughter that's missing.
DETECTIVE: I'm sorry Detective. (Looking back at
the pile of trash.) Maybe you'll recognize some of these things...or they might
have some meaning to you. (Pulling out a couple items from the side of the trash
pile.) We've got a couple scribbled notes with phone numbers...we can run these,
see what the lead to. Here's a map - sketched out on a piece of paper to an
address off of Channelside.
ANDY: That's where we are staying. My wife's
mother's house....it's on Channelview.
DETECTIVE: That's the street on the sketch.
(Digging in the trash bag.) We have a drawing - looks like a child did it. Does
this look familiar to you?
ANDY: (Taking the paper from the detective and
looing it over. He feels like the wind has been knocked out of him...and tries
to regain his composure. The child's drawing, on motel stationary, shows a boy
holding a baseball bat and several figures in the background with Mommy, Daddy,
Nana and Theo written under them ) Michelle would have drawn this....it's a
drawing of my son and the family...we went to the Yankees game last night.
That's Theo with the baseball bat.
SARGENT: We'll run the phone numbers....see if
they come from the Colahan room. Detective Sipowicz, why don't you go
home...we'll call you and let you know what we come up with.
ANDY: Yeah, maybe I should.
SARGENT: l'm sure you'll want to be there...for
your family.
Andy walked back out to his car, got in and
closed the door. He looked closely at the drawing Michelle had done. He can
contain it no longer...the tears begin to flow. He feels like he's let Michelle
down, his family is let down. He should have protected her, he should have been
there. He started the car and began to pull away. If this had been a few years
ago, he would have headed straight to the closest bar he could find. But all he
wanted to do was be with Connie, to be there for her and have her be there for
him...and to be there for his family. Driving along the highway the quiet sobs
continued...he can't take another loss.
In a passenger van heading north out of Tampa,
Frank drives as his mother, Barbara, sits in the backseat with Michelle.
Michelle is crying.
BARBARA: Come on dear, you're going to love your
new home. We have puppies, kittens and you can have your own pony. Doesn't that
sound like fun?
MICHELLE: (Still crying loudly.) I want my mommy
and daddy.
FRANK: Michelle, I'm your daddy now. And you're
going to really like your new home....it's a farm in the country.
MICHELLE: (Holding back the tears for a moment
and defiantly....)You're not my daddy.
FRANK: Honey, I am your daddy....and you look
just like your beautiful mother. One day, I'll tell you all about her.
BARBARA: (Handing her a juice box.) Michelle, you
want some juice?
Michelle takes the juice box and, after holding
it for a moment, throws it at Barbara Colahan.
BARBARA: You shouldn't do that. You're making a
big mess here in the van.
FRANK: Honey, do you like to swim? We can go
swimming soon, in the lake near where we'll be staying. Doesn't that sound like
fun?
MICHELLE: I like my Nana's pool....and swimming
with Theo....he's my brother.
FRANK: We're your family now, Michelle. Those
other people want us to take care of you now.
Michelle starts to cry again and Frank turns his
full attention to the highway. Barbara Colahan tries to quiet Michelle without
sucess.
BACK IN TAMPA, Connie can't stand the waiting.
How many of these cases had she been on in her career when she told the victim's
family, "Everything will be allright, don't worry, just let us do our
job...we'll be in touch..." But now, with her role being reversed, Connie
was having a difficult time. "Where is Andy," she thought..."why
doesn't he call with some information."
Connie knew Andy was taking this hard but keeping
it deep down inside. She was worried about him. While Connie knew she had only
slept an hour or so last night, she knew Andy was up all night. She saw the look
in his red eyes this morning. And the way he wouldn't look her in the eye, she
knew he was masking his emotions...
While worrying about Andy, Connie couldn't get
Michelle out of her mind. She saw her everywhere, she heard her voice at every
turn. "Michelle, my daughter....," Connie thought to herself. With
Michelle, she'd been given a second chance at raising a child. Michelle couldn't
have been more her daughter than if she had given birth to her. She'd been a
part of her life since the moment Michelle was born. The first time Michelle
called her "Mommy," Connie felt her heart just melt....it was the
feeling she'd always wanted, she'd always desired. And, now, she'd found that
and the true meaning of family with Andy and Theo. "... life together was
pretty near perfect," she thought to herself. Andy had always been a
wonderful dad to Theo, now he treated Michelle as his own. He loved to have
Michelle climb up in his lap after dinner. He would read to her, sometimes talk
about her day at pre-kindergarten. Andy always made a fuss about her and she
just loved her Daddy.
Now, she'd been ripped away from them and taken
by the man who had murdered her mother. Connie couldn't think about it without
feeling like she was starting to fall apart. The thought of Frank Colahan even
being near Michelle made her sick. She couldn't sit around anymore....she had to
do something. Suddenly a thought came to her and she went to the phone and began
dialing.
CONNIE: Diane, it's Connie....Connie Sipowicz. I
need your help.
Diane Russell was on the other end of the line
and Connie began to relay the events of the past 24 hours. Connie had an idea, a
possible way to get some help. Diane listened and took down Jean McDowell's
number, promising to call back shortly.
Connie walked out to the pool area and found Theo
reading, Jean looking over the morning paper. Theo was a lot like his Dad. He
was being quiet, keeping it all inside. He blamed himself, for not stopping
Michelle from walking up to the stranger's car. Theo was such a good big
brother. He always looked out after Michelle and kept a protective eye on her
when Andy and Connie weren't around. When Connie had first become involved with
Andy it had been rough, Theo had been jealous - jealous of the time Connie spent
with his Dad, jealous of the time both Andy and Connie spent with Michelle. But
in true Sipowicz form, he was just slow to adjust to all the changes and within
a short period time, Theo was calling Connie "Mom," playing with
Michelle and back in sync with his Dad. Connie walked over and gave Theo a hug
from behind.
The phone rang. Connie went to retreive it from
inside.
CONNIE: Hello
DIANE: Connie, I called Adrian Caffee, Frank's
sister. She hasn't heard from her mom, except when she called her to tell her
about her father dying. She said she got a letter from Frank while he was in
jail. He said he'd changed, but she didn't respond back.
CONNIE: (Sounding defeated.) Well, I thought it
would be worth a call.
DIANE: Adrian did pass along some information
that could be helpful.
CONNIE: What's that?
DIANE: She has an aunt, in Georgia, that she
keeps in contact with.....a Jane Culver. She recently heard from the aunt that
Frank had contacted her and wanted to visit sometime. It could be a
possibility....I know it's a stretch, but it's not that far from Florida.
CONNIE: It's worth the follow-up. Do you have an
address?
Diane gives the address to Connie and the two
finish their conversation. Connie's mind is racing. Should she wait for Andy,
should she call the Tampa Police, should she go with her gut feeling? Connie
picks up the phone and dials. She hears an older woman's voice answer on the
other end.
CONNIE: (She "tarts" her voice up a
notch or two.) Hi, is Frankie there yet?
WOMAN: Excuse me?
CONNIE: Frankie, Frankie Colahan? He gave me this
number to reach him.
WOMAN: No, Frank isn't here. Can I tell him who
called when he gets here?
CONNIE: No, I'll call him back. I want it to be a
surprise....he doesn't know I'm in Georgia. When are you expecting him?
WOMAN: He should be here later tonight.
CONNIE: Ok, thanks....I'll call then. Bye.
Connie hangs up the phone and a sudden strange
wave of relief and excitement fills her body. She hears a key in the front door
and looks up to see Andy entering the house.
CONNIE: I've got some good news.
ANDY: What's that?
CONNIE: I know where Frank will be later
tonight....in Georgia.
ANDY: How....
CONNIE: (Interrupting Andy before he can complete
his sentence.) I called Diane. She called Frank's sister, Adrian. Adrian said
she'd heard from an aunt who mentioned Frank was planning to visit her in
Georgia.
ANDY: Yeah, how'd you...
CONNIE: (Interrupting Andy again...) I called
her.
ANDY: You what?
CONNIE: I called her, told her I was a friend of
Frank's....wanted to surprise him. He's going to be there tonight.
ANDY: (Hugging Connie.) We're gonna bring her
home...
CONNIE: We should contact the Tampa police....let
them know. Then we need to get up to Georgia.
Andy gives Connie a gentle kiss on the forehead
and walks over and picks up the phone to call the police. The "rescue"
of Michelle was in motion....Mommy and Daddy were going to bring her home.
The Sargent called in a favor from the Florida
State Police and arranged a plane to fly Andy and Connie up to the small town in
Georgia where Barbara Colahan's sister lived on a farm. There they were met by
the FBI and Georgia authorities who drove them to a nearby command center set up
in the local police office. Andy and Connie entered the small office with FBI
Agent Mullins and a Georgia State Police Lt. Smith.
MULLINS: We have an officer watching the house.
If your daughter is spotted, he will contact us immediately. As of 30 minutes
ago, Colahan hadn't arrived.
ANDY: Your guy, he can't be seen watching the
house can he? I mean, I wouldn't want to spook Colahan.
MULLINS: No, he's plainclothes at the gas station
down the street. He can see all the comings and goings easily.
CONNIE: How far are we from the house?
SMITH: About 15 minutes....not far.
CONNIE: (To Smith.) Do you know the Culver
family?
SMITH: Good family, hard working. Jane Culver is
a nice lady, retired nurse. Her husband died a few years back, cancer, I
believe. She's got a son and a daughter living up in Ohio, I believe. Another
daughter lives with her, goes to the local college. I just can't image that Jane
would be aware of any of these problems with her nephew and sister-in-law.
MULLINS: (To Andy and Connie.) Why don't you make
yourself comfortable. It's a small town, we don't want to make ourselves known
until we're ready to move....and our officer will call us when Calahan arrives.
Anyone want some coffee?
Andy and Connie take a seat on the sofa in the
office and settle in for the wait.
ANDY: (Quietly to Connie.) Why don't you try to
get some rest. I know you're exhausted.
CONNIE: No more exhausted than you are. (Resting
her head on Andy's shoulder.) This is difficult, knowing how close we are....and
having to wait. Not knowing if she's ok, or hurt, or...
A policeman brings Andy a cup of coffee.
ANDY: She's going to be back with us soon. As
much of a scum as Frank Colahan is, he wouldn't harm his own child, neither
would his mother.
Connie closes her eyes and within minutes has
fallen asleep on Andy's shoulder. Andy keeps a protective arm around her and
slowly rubs her shoulder as she sleeps. Andy watched as the various police
officers filed in and out of the building. "I need to be doing
something," Andy thought to himself, "I'm not good at this
waiting." Time passed, about an hour and a half later the call came in that
they had been waiting for.
MULLINS: (Entering the room.) Well, Colahan is at
the house.
ANDY: (He and Connie stand from the office sofa.)
Are we ready to move in?
MULLINS: No Detective, not just yet.
ANDY: We need to get moving, make sure he doesn't
get away.
MULLINS: We'll move, in our own time. We've got
two plain clothes officers keeping an eye on the house now. We'll know if
anything or anyone moves.
CONNIE: I don't understand...why do we have to
wait.
MULLINS: We thought it would be better to wait
until dark....in about an hour. In the mean time, we're keeping an eye on the
place.
CONNIE: Did the officer see Michelle?
MULLINS: He saw a man and woman exit the van.
They had a small child with them.
CONNIE: (Looking at Andy.) That's got to be her.
MULLINS: Detectives, I know both you know as well
as I do....this could pan out or not. I just don't want the two of you to get
your hopes up to high if this isn't your daughter.
CONNIE: We see things like this every day in our
work....it just doesn't happen to us. We can distance ourselves on the job from
it but, we can't now...this is our child. It's got to be....I need something to
hold on to.
MULLINS: I understand. (Watching as other
officers enter the hallway outside.) We're going to have a briefing down the
hall with the officers going out with us tonight.
ANDY: We want to be there.
MULLINS: I understand, your being on the job and
all....but I would prefer you wait down here. After the briefing, I'll come and
get you. You can ride over with me to the house. (Looking at his watch.) I'll be
back shortly.
Andy walks to the door and looks out in the
hallway at the gathering officers and FBI Agents. He's starting to pace the
floor again.
ANDY: Did you get a look at those guys? They all
look like they're in high school. (Rubbing his forehead.) Think about it....how
much experience do these guys have in situations like this. I mean, we're in the
middle of nowhere, out in the country.
CONNIE: Andy, calm down. We've got to trust
them...they're trained, just like us. (Walking up to Andy and hugging him.)
We've got to be strong and be prepared to be there when they bring Michelle back
to us....don't get yourself worked up over something you can't do anything
about...
A short time later, Lt. Smith entered the room
where Andy and Connie were waiting.
SMITH: Our group is ready to head out. Agent
Mullins said the two of you would be riding over to the scene with us.
ANDY: We're ready.
SMITH: Let's go get your daughter.
Andy and Connie exit the building with Lt. Smith
and join Mullins and the agents and officers in the parking lot outside the
station. Mullins introduces Andy and Connie to the group and briefly goes over
the plan to retrieve Michelle from the house. Then, the group heads out to the
scene with Andy and Connie in the car with Mullins and Smith. The short drive
over to the scene was quiet. Andy held Connie's hand tightly as the car pulled
into the staging area down the street from the home.
SMITH: (Speaking to Andy and Connie in the
backseat of the car.) There is a fairly long driveway leading up to the house.
We're going to stop here. The tactical team is going to walk up the driveway, as
soon as they are in place they will radio and we will head over.
ANDY: How are you planning on entering the house?
MULLINS: We will have officers surround the
house, hopefully we'll get a good visual to see where your daughter is. If it
looks safe, we will knock on the door....as simple as that. Colahan has never
exhibited a behavior of using firearms...but we will be prepared.
An ambulance arrives on the scene and parks
nearby.
CONNIE: Did you request the ambulance?
MULLINS: You can never be overprepared. I'm sure
we won't need it but just in case. (Sensing the concern on Connie's face.) You
never know when one of my agents might...break a nail or stump a toe. Detective,
we don't plan on using their services, it's just precautionary.
As the night sky glistens with stars, over the
radio the officers announce they are in position at the house.
VOICE ON RADIO: I've sighted two adults in the
living room, one adult in the kitchen. There is one child in the living room as
well. We're standing by for further instructions.
MULLINS: (Picking up the radio in his car. He
looks first at Andy and Connie, then begins to speak.) Home One to Squad Leader:
Move in, repeat, move it.
There is a flurry of activity around the house
and in the driveway. As the car carrying Andy and Connie arrives and begins to
proceed up the driveway. Policemen, dressed in black camoflauge, swarm the house
and surrounding yard.
ANDY: (Trying the door of the unmarked police car
and finding it locked.) You gotta let me outta here.
SMITH: Detective, when we are given the all
clear, you will be free to walk up to the house. You must realize, this is
highly unusual - that the two of you are even allowed to be here, on the scene.
Andy fumes in the backseat, like a small child
not being allowed to have any candy.
CONNIE: (Looking at Andy while grasping his
hand.) We know. Thank you for letting us come along.
VOICE ON RADIO: House is clear and secure. Three
in custody.
CONNIE: What about Michelle? Did they find her?
MULLINS: (Speaking into radio.) Home One to Squad
Leader, do you have the child?
The radio was silent for no more than 5 seconds,
but to Andy and Connie, it was a lifetime.
VOICE ON RADIO: That's affirmative. We have her
and we're coming out the front door.
MULLINS: (As he opens his door, he turns and
looks at Andy and Connie.) Let's go see your daughter.
Mullins opened the back door of the car and Andy
and Connie joined him and Sgt. Smith in walking up to the house. Two officers
passed by them with Barbara Colahan in handcuffs. A short distance behind them
was Jane Culver, walking with two other officers. Police filed out of the house
and into the yard, relieved that raid had gone so well. The sounds of a young
child crying suddenly filled the air. A police officer walked around the side of
the house with Michelle in his arms. She was crying softly as the officer talked
to her. Andy and Connie rushed to meet her and Michelle reached for Andy and he
took her into his arms and held her tightly. Connie wrapped her arms around
Michelle and Andy and the three hugged each other tightly - with relief that
this ordeal was over safely.
Out of the corner of her eye, Connie caught sight
of Frank Colahan being led away by a FBI agent. She slowly released her grasp on
Andy and Michelle and walked over to Colahan. She approached Frank before the
agent noticed her and quickly grabbed him by the collar.
CONNIE: (Her voice raging with anger.) Don't ever
mess with my family again, you hear me?
FRANK: (to the agent.) Do I have to listen to
her?
CONNIE: (Pulling Frank by the collar so that he
must face her.) Yeah, you have to listen to me. First you screwed up my sisters
life up and my family's life. You're not going to do that to anyone again.
(Toning her voice down so Michelle doesn't hear.) That little girl over there is
my daughter. Andy and I are her parents...don't you ever try to come into her
life or our lives again...or I will kill you. You hear me now?
The FBI agent grabs Frank by the arm and leads
him away to a waiting car. Connie stands perfectly still, as if she has
exhausted all of her energy in talking to Frank. Andy begins to walk to her with
Michelle tightly wrapping her arms around his neck.
ANDY: Connie, it's over. Let's go...
Connie turns to face Andy and Michelle. Her eyes
are filled with tears.
MICHELLE: (Reaching her arms out to Connie.)
Mommy, why are you crying....
CONNIE: (She looks at Andy, then to Michelle.)
I'm happy honey, really happy because you're back with me and your daddy.
Connie takes Michelle into her arms and together
with Andy they begin to walk back to the car. Agent Mullins joins them as the
arrive at the car.
MULLINS: Detectives, I'll take you back to the
station. We're going to need to have you fill out some paperwork. (He extends
his hand to Michelle.) Hi Michelle, I'm Tom. It's nice to finally meet you. Your
mom and dad have told me alot of wonderful things about you.
Michelle shyly shakes Mullins hand and wraps her
arms around Connie, burying her face in Connie's neck. The Sipowicz family gets
in the police car and are taken to the local police station. After an hour or so
of paperwork, Mullins tells Andy that they are free to go. Mullins has made
arrangements for Andy, Connie and Michelle to spend the night in a nearby hotel.
Andy's old friend, Jimmy Meneuwski, has arranged for the Yankees corporate jet
to pick them up in the morning and fly them back to Tampa - and to Theo and Jean
McDowell.
By now it is getting late and Michelle is
sleeping in Andy's arms as they enter the hotel room. Connie pulls back the bed
covers and Andy gently places her on the bed, pulling the covers up around her.
Andy and Connie stand there for a moment, just watching her sleep peacefully.
CONNIE: Look at her, she's been through so much
in the last 24 hours....
ANDY: Everything is going to be ok now. Frank is
going back to prison for a long time on this. He's out of our lives.
Connie walks away from Michelle's bed and turns
to look at Michelle from across the room. Her emotions are raw and she feels the
tears begin to well up in her eyes once again. Andy walks over and pulls Connie
close to him, holding her close to his chest.
ANDY: It's over. You just need to get some rest.
Why don't we lay down for a while.
CONNIE: Andy, at some point we're going to have
to tell Michelle about Frank. I guess I never really thought about it until now.
ANDY: We'll worry about that day when it comes.
This isn't the time. She's our daughter. You are her mother, I'm her father.
Michelle begins to stir in the bed and Connie
goes to her.
CONNIE: (Takes a seat on the bed and softly
strokes Michelle's face.) Hey there sleepy head.
MICHELLE: Who was that man?
CONNIE: (Knowing fully who Michelle was talking
about.) The police men who brought us here?
MICHELLE: He said I looked just like you Mommy.
ANDY: (Taking a seat next to Connie.) You do,
honey. You are beautiful, just like your Mom here. (Andy places his hand on
Connie's shoulder.)
MICHELLE: He said I should call him Daddy.
ANDY: (He can feel the lump in his throat
starting to grow.) Michelle, I love you honey. I'll always be your Daddy....and
you'll always be my little girl.
CONNIE: (Whispering into Michele's ear.) Why
don't you try to get some sleep. Mommy and Daddy are going to be right here with
you. Tomorrow we're going back to Nana's.
MICHELLE: OK.
ANDY: Good night sweetie.
MICHELLE: Good night Daddy.
Andy gets up and goes to the other bed in the
hotel room. He sits back in the bed and stretches out - relaxing for the first
time in the past 24 hours. Connie joins him on the bed, pulling herself close to
Andy and resting her head on his chest.
CONNIE: I don't think I'll get any sleep tonight.
How about you?
ANDY: Don't worry about me. Why don't you try to
get some rest.
Connie reaches up and gives Andy a little kiss on
the lips and reaches over and turns off the light by the bed. Much needed rest
and sleep awaited them both.
THE NEXT MORNING came early. A phone call from
the airport let Andy and Connie know their jet back to Tampa awaited them. FBI
Agent Mullins stopped by the hotel to see how they were doing. He joined them
for breakfast in the hotel restaurant and informed them that Jane Culver was
relieved to know Michelle was ok and back with Andy and Connie. Culver had been
totally unaware of the circumstances of Michelle's kidnapping and police allowed
her to return home after questioning at the station. Frank Colahan would be
returned to New York on a parole violation and returned to prision until he
stood trial for kidnapping. Barbara Colahan would be held in Georgia and
ultimately returned to Florida to face kidnapping charges as well. Mullins drove
Andy, Connie and Michelle to the airport and the Sipowicz family flew back to
Tampa. At the airport they were greeted by an elated Jean McDowell and Theo.
They returned back to Jean's home and relaxed most of the day on the patio.
Later, a cookout with hamburgers and, Michelle's favorite, hot dogs and then
Michelle's favorite dessert, apple pie with ice cream. An hour or so after
dinner, Theo decided to go in the pool.
THEO: Michelle, do you want to go in the pool?
MICHELLE: (Looking to Connie.) Can we?
CONNIE: If you want to, go ahead.
THEO: Michelle, I'll show you have to do
handstands, ok?
MICHELLE: OK, but don't splash me, allright?
THEO: (He grabs Michelle and hugs her tightly.) I
won't splash you ever again....I promise.
Theo and Michelle walked inside to change into
bathing suits. Connie looked over at Andy.
CONNIE: Did you see that?
ANDY: I think Theo had tears in his eyes.
CONNIE: We're all going to be allright, aren't
we.
ANDY: We're going to be better than allright.
LATER THAT NIGHT, Theo and Michelle were fast
asleep. Jean McDowell had turned in for the night about an hour ago. Andy woke
up and noticed Connie wasn't in bed next to him. After a few minutes, Andy got
out of bed and went to look for her. He notice Connie sitting outside on the
patio and he went out to join her.
ANDY: (Softly.) You ok?
CONNIE: (As Andy takes a seat next to her.) I
couldn't sleep. I got up and looked in on Michelle. She was fine. And then, I
was coming back to the living room....and I thought I would come out her for a
while and just take in the peace and quiet.
ANDY: You ready to come back to bed?
CONNIE: Not yet. (She turns to face Andy.) Let's
just sit out here for a while.
ANDY: Allright.
Andy places his arm around Connie's shoulders and
she rests her head on his shoulder. They sit in silence for some time....just
relaxing and looking at the stars.
CONNIE: You know, this has really been a nice
vacation...except for the last couple days.
ANDY: Yeah, Tampa's not bad.
CONNIE: It was nice spending some time
alone....(smiling at Andy) and I'll always have the memories of our skinny
dipping in the pool.
ANDY: Yeah, I'll never think of a pool in quite
the same way...
CONNIE: But I'm ready to go home....back to our
place.
ANDY: Me too.
CONNIE: (Leans in to give Andy a kiss on the
cheek.) Let's go back to bed.
ANDY: (He stands and takes Connie by the hand.) I
love it when you say that...
CONNIE: (Slyly smiling at him.) You know my Mom
is just down the hall.
ANDY: (As they walk inside.) Trust me, I know.
CONNIE: (Whispering in Andy's ear.) We could be
very quiet.
They lock the door to the patio and return to the
living room sofa-bed. Standing by the bed, they share a long kiss. Andy wraps
his arms around Connie and they hug tightly. Connie moves to the bed and pulls
the covers back and motions for Andy to join her. Slowly he gets in bed and
takes Connie into his arms. Connie nuzzles at Andy's neck and she can feel his
hands under her t-shirt, rubbing her back and caressing her breasts. Suddenly
Andy stops.
CONNIE: What's wrong?
ANDY: I thought I heard something.
The two of them wait a moment, listening for what
it was that Andy heard.
CONNIE: Are you sure?
MICHELLE: (Walking down the hall.) Mommy, can I
get in bed wth you?
CONNIE: Sure honey, come on, get in.
Andy scoots over and Michelle climbs in, between
them both.
ANDY: You allright Michelle?
MICHELLE: Yeah.
CONNIE: Did you have a bad dream?
MICHELLE: No. I went to the bathroom and I heard
you talking. I missed you.
ANDY: We missed you too. Now, let's all try to
get some sleep.
Andy reaches his arm over and gently touches
Connie's face. She gives him a knowing look and winks at him.
CONNIE: Good night Andy, I love you.
MICHELLE: I love you too Daddy.
ANDY: Night. I love my two girls.
A couple minutes later Michelle is fast asleep.
Andy looks over at Connie, who is looking back at him.
ANDY: It doesn't get much better than this.
CONNIE: I know.
ANDY: But when we get home....I'll be glad we
have a door on the bedroom.
Connie gives him a smile and begins to drift off
to sleep. Andy looked over at his wife and daughter. He grinned with pride. He
had a terrific son down the hall, an adorable strong little girl who was his
daughter and a beautiful wife he loved more than life itself. He thought to
himself, "I'm one lucky man."