Rush Hour

General Kai is getting into his car. He look up as an ARMY OFFICER approaches... and SHOOTS him! The Officer pushes his body into the passenger's seat, gets in, and drives off.

 FADE THRU TO:

DARKNESS

And the sound of RUNNING WATER.

EXT. PASTORAL SCENE – DAY

A beautiful ranch house and horse barn, sitting on a meadow beside a brook, overlooking an unspoiled pine forest.

INT. CARSON'S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

The pastoral scene is a COMMERCIAL on the TV.

Carson, wrapped in a towel, holds the phone and paces.

CARSON

(into phone)

... I'll call you next week.

Carson hangs up, and CLICKS off the TV as he leaves the room. The sound of RUNNING WATER continues (OFF SCREEN)...

EXT. CARSON'S HOUSE – PATIO – NIGHT

Miranda, wearing a bathrobe, is WATERING her sickly roses. Carson comes outside.

MIRANDA
Who was that on the phone?

CARSON

The Bureau.

(beat)

They want me back on the hostage team.

MIRANDA

What did you say?

CARSON

Told 'em I'd sleep on it...

Miranda smiles, then looks at him, surprised, as he crouches down and helps her turn the soil around the rose bushes. They work in silence. Then, tentatively, she leans over and kisses him. Soon they're in each other's arms, holding tight...

INT. CARSON'S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

Still entwined, Carson and Miranda stumble in. While kissing:

MIRANDA

Working with you today was certainly... interesting, Inspector.

CARSON

It's my outstanding people skills.

He slips her out of her robe and they fall onto the bed. It is a tender, romantic moment...

Until, (OFF SCREEN), a CAR ALARM goes off. Miranda bolts up.

MIRANDA
I hate this fucking town...

Carson ignores the ALARM – and Miranda's comment. He pushes her back onto the bed and turns off the bedside lamp.

All of the books and magazines about other places to live spill from his nightstand, onto the floor...
 

FADE OUT

THE END