Copyright 1992 by Rob Stone and NorthStarr Productions
All Rights Reserved
CASTING
Meg Ryan
Devon Sawa
Mary Jo Monroe 
Tyler James Monroe
FADE IN:
EXT. ALPINE WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING MORNING
EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF DEPT. BLDG.
INT. SHERIFF MONROE'S OFFICE
James Monroe receives a phone call from an attorney in
HAYDEN LAKE Wisconsin.
JAMES
Hello, this is Sheriff Monroe....
ALPINE ATTORNEY (V.O.)
Yes Sheriff. Monroe, this is Robert
Kiedrowski from the Law Offices of
Wilder, Shannon and Kiedrowski, and
I'm calling in regards to a Will
left by your late Aunt Margo Monroe.
JAMES
Yes, what can I do for you?
KIEDROWSKI (V.O.)
Yes Mr. Monroe, your aunt left a substantial
Estate and you are one of the beneficiaries.
We will have the reading of the will next
week and we need to have you present.
James is pondering how long he can be missing without
creating problems for himself and his staff.
JAMES
What day do you want me to be there?
KIEDROWSKI (V.O.)
December 20th, can you make it?
James looks at the calendar and see's
it's on a Monday and it's five days
before Christmas, he shakes his head
and rubs his chin...then strokes his
mustache.....
JAMES
Yes, I can make it. Do I need to bring my
wife or anyone?
KIEDROWSKI (V.O.)
No, just you. Okay I will see you then. Mr.
Monroe, switch me back to your secretary and
I will give her the address. Look forward to
seeing you here.
James hangs up then dials home....
KATHY
Hello, Dr. Monroe ...Oh ..Hi.. honey what's up?
JAMES
Kathy, I have to go to Hayden Lake for a couple
of days. Would you like to go with me?
KATHY
Gosh, I don't know, I'm really busy this
time of year. Is it something that can wait
until after the holidays?
James is really disappointed......
JAMES
Kathy, it has to do with my Aunt Margo you
know, she is the aunt I told you about who
had the summer home in Lake Geneva. Anyway,
she passed away and left a substantial
Estate and I have to be present for the
reading of the will.
Kathy feels sorry for James........
KATHY
Oh I see....
Kim is listening to half of the conversation
as she picks up the other phone.
KIM
What's wrong daddy?...oh I see, well you know
I'm out of school now, so can I go with you?
James thinks about it and realizes how he really never
seems to spend much quality time with Kim, so he agrees
to let her go with him....
JAMES
Sure honey, I would be delighted to have you
along, check with your mom and see if it will
cause any problems with your mom. Okay,
see you tonight, love you, ....bye.....
James hangs up and sits back in his chair and places his
hands behind his head and stretches back in his chair
blowing imaginary smoke rings in the air.... Maxine
Deer, one of his deputies walks in the door......
MAXINE
James do you have a minute?
JAMES
Sure Maxine, what is it?
MAXINE
Do you want me to decorate the offices
again this year?
JAMES
Have you done a survey to see if everyone
else wants holiday decorating this year?
MAXINE
Yes I have, and they all want it!
JAMES
Ok go for it. By the way I will be gone for
a few days.
MAXINE
Oh really, where are you going?
JAMES
Alpine, I have family business to take care
of. Who did I leave in charge the last time
I was gone?
MAXINE
You left Karl in charge....Its my turn...
James smiles at Maxine..........
JAMES
Okay, then you will be in charge....
Maxine is now smiling...........
MAXINE
Thank you James, you will not be sorry..
We leave Maxine in a very happy moment, because she will
be the under-Sheriff for several days when James is
gone.
INT. SHERIFF MONROE'S OFFICE
Karl and Maxine are decorating the Sheriff's office and
Maxine is giving directions.
MAXINE
Karl will you get the stepladder out of the
maintenance closet?
KARL
Maxine, why do you volunteer us every year
for this duty?
Maxine smiles at Karl..........
MAXINE
Karl don't you have any Christmas spirit?
Karl pulls the ladder out of the closet and sets it up
for Maxine.
MAXINE (Cont.)
Ok Karl, don't let go of the ladder....
Maxine is attaching mistletoe, red ribbons and streamers
when she loses her footing and slips down the ladder.
Karl catches her breaking her fall. They end up facing
each other. Karl has his arms around Maxine and their
lips are inches away. In a brief moment, Karl looks into
Maxines jade green eyes and feels a tremendous desire to
kiss her. He cannot resist and gives her a passionate
kiss..
In a start like speaking to a child............
MAXINE
Karl,.....why did you do that??
Karl is totally stunned.....
KARL
(pause)...I was reacting to the holiday
season and the mistletoe.
Maxine is staring deep into Karl's soul with her deep
penetrating green eyes. There is a long pause and then
Karl releases Maxine.
Maxine is stunned.....
MAXINE
Karl.....that was no holiday kiss...that
kiss had too much passion in it!
Karl is feeling guilty because he let his emotions run
wild.
KARL
Will you get off it Maxine, it was just a
holiday kiss, no more and no less....
Karl puts the ladder away and leaves the
room. Maxine stands there stunned as she
touches her lips with her fingers.
CUT TO:
EXT: HAYDEN LAKE WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING DAY
VIEW OF LAKE MICHIGAN AND CITY SKYLINE
EXT. LARGE OFFICE BUILDING - IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT
INT. LAW OFFICES OF WILDER, SHANNON & KIEDROWSKI
INT. LAW OFFICES CONFERENCE ROOM
LARGE CONFERENCE TABLE WITH FULL SEATING
Robert Kiedrowski is addressing the standing room only
crowd of relatives and friends. James is table-hopping
with Kim as they greet all their relatives. The attorney
now calls the meeting to order.
ROBERT KIEDROWSKI
Folks, thank you all for coming and if you
please, I will now read the will. Also, if
you need to address me please call me "Ski".
I realize my name is difficult to pronounce.
The room quiets down. Kim is sitting next to her dad
and runs her arm through his arm and squeezes in sincere
affection and respect. The voice of the attorney is at
a level where someone who is exhausted could easily
doze off, and James, after driving several hundred
miles, is starting to doze. The attorney comes to the
part of the will concerning James.....
ROBERT KIEDROWSKI (cont.)
And to my wonderful nephew, James Monroe
I leave my summer home in Lake Geneva that I
love so much. May all the memories that he
has of the times he visited his uncle and me
will always be an emotional tie. I hope
James and his family will enjoy this home as
much as we have.
The attorney hands James a large envelope containing the
deed and keys to the summer home in Lake Geneva. The
attorney then hands James a legal size envelope with the
law firms seal affixed. The attorney requests that
James signs a receipt for the mysterious envelope. James
signs the receipt and takes the envelope. Kim looks at
him and the envelope curiously. The reading of the will
continues for another few minutes through the final
phases. The meeting is adjourned and all the relatives
give their final hugs and kisses to James and Kim. James
waits for all the relatives to exit, then asks the
attorney if he can use the phone. The attorney points to
a private room. James and Kim enter the room. Kim sits
down in front of the desk, James walks around the back
of the desk, sits down in a large chair and dials home.
JAMES
Hello,....Kathy....yes this is me...James.. oh
sure everything is fine, say hi to all the
kids. Guess what!.. yeah.. well wait a minute
let me finish. We inherited my Aunt Margo's
summer house in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Yes,
it's really nice. I spent many summers their
when I was growing up. Kim says hi....
Look, we're going to stop by and see the
summer house on the way home....Oh don't
worry, we will come home as soon as
possible. Stop worrying....ok...look I have
to get off the phone ...I love you too.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE GENEVA WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING DAY
EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOMES -
EXT. AUNT MARGO'S TWO STORY SUMMER HOUSE
James pulls his truck up in the driveway and turns off
the ignition. He is awed by the size of the very large
two story summerhouse. He takes his camera out of the
glove compartments and steps outside and takes several
pictures of the summer house so he can show them to Jill
and the kids. James climbs back in the truck and reaches
for his briefcase. He takes out the large envelope that
contains the deed and keys, and removes the smaller
sealed envelope. He looks it over and sees it has the
law firms seal affixed he breaks the seal and opens the
envelope. James checks to see if Kim is still asleep in
the back seat of his blazer. He opens the letter and
starts to read it.......
AUNT MARGO
(As read by James)
"My dearest nephew, all of the times we have
spent together were the happiest of my life.
I always wanted a son and you were the
closest "son" I ever had. My love for you
was more than an aunt, it was more like a
mother. This will be the hardest thing I
will ever have to tell you James dearest,
you have a son that you have never met. A
young lady called Mary Jo Novack came to my
door and claimed she was carrying your
child. I was so shocked I didn't know what
to do, so I offered to help her. She wanted
money for an abortion but I talked her into
having the child. I didn't want Mary Jo to
contact you when the baby was born because I
knew you were remarried.
Mary Jo named your son Tyler in memory of
You're late Uncle Tyler. They had no where to
live so I let her live in my Lake Geneva
summer house. Now that you are reading this, you must come to terms with your other
family, especially your son Tyler. Good luck
my son and may God bless you....your loving
Aunt Margo".......
James is in total shock when he finishes reading his
Aunt Margo's letter, and he finds himself in a deep
stupor. He throws his head back in the seat headrest
and blows warm air onto the windshield placing a large
fogged patch on it. Should he back out of the driveway
and forget the whole thing or should he face the
We leave James in his dilemma and ......
CUT TO:
EXT. ALPINE WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING AFTERNOON
EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPT. BLDG.
INT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPT. BLDG. - OPEN OFFICE AREA
Karl and Maxine are busy filling out reports and Maxine
discovers Karl is staring at her.
MAXINE
(Curious)
Karl why were you just staring at me? And
don't say you were not staring, because I
saw you staring at me several times.......
Karl takes exception to the accusation by Maxine and is
defensive.....
KARL
Maxine, (pause)..yes I was staring at you,
but that's my business.
Maxine is getting very emotional..
MAXINE
(upset)
Karl ....(pause)..., why are you treating
me like this?
Maxine is staring at Karl and he senses the emotion...
So he reacts negatively..
KARL
Maxine, what are you talking about?
Treating you like how??
Maxine shows this very hurt expression on her face, with
her lower lip starting to curl up...
MAXINE
(stern)
Karl ....(pause)..., ever since you
kissed me, you have been treating me
like dirt!
Karl is now starting to break down.
KARL
No, I haven't....If you must know I
was staring at you because I just
noticed what a really beautiful lady
you are.
Maxine is wiping away a tear hanging under her right eye.
MAXINE
(feeling better)
You're just saying that....
KARL
(sincere)
No I'm not, you really are very
beautiful...
Maxine looks away, then turns her body sidewise to Karl
(body language) then snaps her head to one side facing
Karl and softly whispers ....
MAXINE
(seductively)
Then why don't you ever ask
me to go out?
We leave Karl and Maxine to their dilemma and move out as
we............
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE GENEVA WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING DAY
EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOMES -
EXT. AUNT MARGO'S TWO STORY SUMMER HOUSE
James gets out of the truck and walks up to the front
door of the summerhouse. He starts to insert the key
then stops and pulls it back from the lock. He push's
the door bell instead. He shows anguish because he knows
he will be opening a new chapter in his life when the
door opens. James pushes the door bell again, and the
door opens...... A very beautiful young lady stands in the
doorway. Both of them stare at each other for awhile then
she invites him in.
MARY JO NOVAK
(happy)
Come in James, it's so good to see you!
JAMES
It's good to see you too, Mary Jo!
James walks in and stands in the hallway in a slightly
slumped posture showing submission and respect. Mary Jo
opens her arms and approaches him and hugs him and
kisses him and shakes him slightly.
MARY JO NOVAK
(happy)
What's wrong, cat's got your tongue?
Don't you recognize me?
JAMES
(James smiles and replies)
Mary Jo, you are just as beautiful as
ever.... You never seem to age.
Mary Jo points to a couch, takes James by the arm and
motions for him to sit down.
MARY JO NOVAK
James, let me take your jacket, and please
sit down.
James takes his jacket off and looks around for a place
to put it, Mary Jo reach's for it.
MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.)
(smiling)
James, please give me your jacket so
I can hang it up for you.
(James sits down)
MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.)
James, I'll put the kettle on so we
can have a nice cup of coffee...Okay?
JAMES
That would be nice.
MARY JO NOVAK
James, I feel we have a lot of catching
up to do. By the way what brings you out
to this neck of the woods?
Mary Jo walks in the kitchen and places the kettle
under the sink faucet and fills it about half way. Then
she places the kettle on the stove and turns on the
burner. She walks back into the living room and sits
down next to James. She reaches over and grabs James's
hand and places it in hers. She blushes a very radiant
smile and squeezes James's hand.
MARY JO NOVAK
(happy)
Now tell me you big hunk, whatcha doing
here?
James strokes his mustache and rubs his forehead then
in a gentle whisper address's Mary Jo.........
JAMES
(softly)
Mary Jo, I'm afraid I have bad news
for you (pause)....My Aunt Margo has
passed away.
Mary Jo pulls back in a start and places both of her
open palms over her mouth......and holds them there
for a brief moment......
MARY JO NOVAK
(starting to cry)
Oh dear.....oh dear......
James places his arms around Mary Jo and cradles her
in his arms. Mary Jo starts to cry and James takes
his handkerchief out of his shirt pocket and gives
it to Mary Jo. She wipes her eyes and blows her
nose. James blows a few imaginary smoke rings in
the air. Mary Jo then stops crying and wipes her
eyes again.
MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.)
Please James, tell me how and when did it
happen?
JAMES
She had been suffering from long
term liver illness and she got
weaker and passed away last month.
MARY JO NOVAK
James,.....was she in a lot of pain?
JAMES
Yes she was, but they had her
well medicated in her final days.
The Kettle starts to whistle and the noise alarms both
of them. Mary Jo gets off the couch and runs over to the
stove. As Mary Jo is preparing the two cups of coffee
James looks around the living room and sees what a
really great housekeeper Mary Jo is. Mary Jo walks back
into the living room and places the two cups of coffee
and assorted cream and sugar on the coffee table next to
James. She sees James cupping his hands and blowing his
warm breath into them.
MARY JO NOVAK
Here is your coffee James, say how about if
I light up the fireplace?
James stands up and walks over to the fireplace, and
pulls back the screen.
JAMES
Mary Jo, my daughter Kim is asleep in the
truck, I'll go get her okay?
MARY JO NOVAK
Sure James, I can't wait to meet her!
James brings in Kim and introduces her to Mary JO...
JAMES
Mary Jo this my daughter Kim, Kim this is
Mary Jo Novack, a friend of the family.
Mary Jo walks up to Kim and puts her arm around her.
MARY JO NOVAK
My goodness what a beautiful young lady.
Kim.. go into the kitchen I have a piece of
pie and a hot cup of cocoa.
Mary Jo shows Kim the kitchen and gives her the pie and
hot cocoa.
James takes a sip of coffee and strokes his mustache
again....(pause)....He puts the cup down, uncrosses his
legs and looks at Mary JO....
JAMES
Mary Jo we have to talk, my Aunt Margo left
me a letter, and I think you need to read it.
James takes the letter out of his pocket and hands it to
Mary Jo. Mary Jo reaches out and takes the letter from
James's hand. She unfolds it and starts to read it, and
as Mary Jo is reading she hesitates and in a pause she
looks away....James can see she is misting up. She stops
reading and puts the letter down. She looks up at James.
MARY JO NOVAK
James I'm sorry you had to find out this way.
James is looking down at the floor...then looks up at
Mary JO....
MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.)
James, your Aunt Margo said Tyler and I
could use the summer house as long as we didn't contact you. So what could I do,
we had to have a place to live.
James looks up at Mary Jo and rubs his chin....he is
looking into her eyes and says....
JAMES
Mary Jo the summer house is the least of my
problems.
Mary Jo looks at the letter again, and stares at James.
(pause)............
MARY JO NOVAK
You mean like Tyler?
James takes a deep breath, stands up and starts pacing the floor then stops, facing Mary Jo....
JAMES
(softly)
Yes I mean Tyler....
Mary Jo looks down at the floor then looks
James in the eyes. Time stops as they stare
at each other rolling up 16 years of secrecy
all in one brief revelation, we now leave
James and Mary Jo to work out their problem
so we........
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE GENEVA WISCONSIN - VIEW OF LAKE AND SUMMER
HOMES
EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOUSE
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
James asks Mary Jo if he can use her phone.
JAMES
Mary Jo, may I use your phone for a minute?
I need to call home.
MARY JO
Sure, help yourself.
James walks into the kitchen where Kim is eating her pie and
drinking hot cocoa.
JAMES
Kim, I think we need to call Jill,
okay.
KIM
Sure dad, let me talk to her when
your done.
James grabs the wall phone and phones home.
JAMES
Hi Jill, this is me, James.
Everything fine? . . . . (pause).
Yes, Kim's fine. Look there is
a little problem with the summer
home, so Kim and I will spend the
night and we will start home in
the morning. Okay . okay.
Jill, Kim wants to talk to you.
Love you . .Kim, phone's yours.
James hands the phone to Kim and walks back into the living room.
INT. LIVING ROOM IN SUMMER HOUSE
Mary Jo is sitting on the couch looking into the roaring fire.
JAMES
Mary Jo, I called home and told Jill
that Kim and I will leave first thing
in the morning. Can you recommend a
nice motel in town?
MARY JO
Don't be silly, we have more than enough
room right here in your summerhouse. I
will fix up the two spare rooms.
JAMES
Thank you Mary Jo . . . .
The front door suddenly opens and nice-looking young man
walks in. He takes his jacket off and throws it on the
rocking chair.
MARY JO
Tyler, this is James Monroe, a friend
of the family.
Tyler shakes hands with James and Mary Jo puts her arm around
Tyler and walks him towards the kitchen. James wants to reach
out and stop Mary Jo, but feels suspended in space waiting
for the right time to make the introduction. Mary Jo is
mustering up all of the diplomacy she has for the very touchy
introduction.
MARY JO
Kim, I want you to meet your cousin,
Tyler Monroe.
Tyler is pleased to see such a beautiful young lady in his
kitchen so he advances rapidly to Kim and puts his arms
around her smiling and says
TYLER
Oh, mom, why didn't you ever tell me I had such
a beautiful long lost cousin?
James walks into the kitchen and winces, rolls his eyes,
strokes his mustache and breathes a sigh of deep relief.
TYLER
Kim, I am so delighted to have such a
beautiful cousin.
Kim smiles, looks at her dad, and jumps in . . . .
KIM
Likewise I'm sure. Dad you never told me about my
hunk of a cousin living in Lake Geneva.
Mary sees a gap opening in the conversation and breaks in .
MARY JO
Kids, why don't you two go down in the basement and
play pool or slot machines so James and I can play
catch up . . . . okay . . . . (pause)
TYLER
Mom, can I get something to eat first?
MARY JO
Sure, take the platter with finger
sandwiches down with you.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE, LIVING ROOM
James and Mary Jo are sitting on the couch sipping coffee.
JAMES
Thank you Mary Jo for handling a very
sensitive situation so eloquently.
Mary Jo looks at James and says . . . .
MARY JO
You're welcome . . . . Please let me continue to
handle the cousin interface - I will be gentle.
They both look into the fire and feel comfortable at this time. And we
leave James and Mary Jo to work out the details of their dilemma, so we
CUT TO:
EXT. ALPINE WISCONSIN
EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUILDING
Maxine is sitting in James's chair and writing a note to
James . Karl walks into the office. Karl sees Maxine
sitting in James's chair and is startled
KARL
Maxine, what are you doing?
MAXINE
Leaving James a note. Why?
Karl sits down in one of James's guest chairs . . . .
KARL
We need to talk!
Maxine sees the sincerity of Karl's eyes so she settles down
in James's chair, places her elbows on the desk, forms a
triangle with her arms and hands, then places her chin on the
tripod.
MAXINE
(softly)
Okay . . . . shoot . . . . you have my undivided attention.
Karl curls his body in the chair and strokes his hair, cocks
his head and says . . . .
KARL
Maxine, how long have we known each other?
MAXINE
Over two years, why?
KARL
Since the first day I saw you, I have been
fighting this attraction I have for you and
it is becoming harder every day. We are both
professionals and we know what will happen
to our careers if we start dating.
Maxine's jade green eyes are riveted on Karl . .
MAXINE
What are you trying to say Karl, that you want to
date on the sly?
Karl looks down, then rolls his eyes up.
KARL
Sounds good to me . . . .
Maxine puts the end of her pen in her mouth and bites down
and speaks.
MAXINE
What about the twins?
Karl smiles and runs his fingers through his hair . . .
KARL
That disaster is over . . . .
Well what do you think about us?
Maxine flips the pen around through her fingers . . . .
MAXINE
Karl, let me think about it.
I'll get back to you okay?
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE GENEVA
INT. SUMMER HOUSE, BASEMENT
Kim is playing the nickel slot machine and Tyler is placing a
new CD in his CD player.
TYLER
Kim, listen to this one. It's really cool . .
Kim stops playing the slot machine, sits in the easy chair,
and puts her feet up on the ottoman.
KIM
Tyler, what do you guys do up here for fun?
Tyler looks up, jumps on the leather couch and keys the
remote CD player.
TYLER
We have beach parties down at the lake . . . .
we have hayrides . . . . we have dances
every Friday and Saturday night at the
Community Hall . . . .
KIM
Almost a mirror image of my town . . . .
TYLER
Where do you live in Wisconsin?
KIM
Alpine, Wisconsin . . . .
TYLER
Never heard of it. Is it nice?
KIM
It's cool. My dad is the Sheriff,
and my Stepmother is the town
doctor.
TYLER
How cool! Your mom is a doctor!
Has your dad ever shot anyone?
Kim frowns, and looks at Tyler.
KIM
How old are you Tyler?
TYLER
Seventeen in two months. What about you?
KIM
I just turned seventeen . . . .
TYLER
Kim, can I ask you a personal question?
KIM
Sure, but I may not answer it! Why,
what's on your mind?.
TYLER
Have you ever had sex?
Kim frowns again . . . .
KIM
I won't answer that! Have you?
TYLER
No . . . . I never have, and I
probably won't until I'm married.
KIM
Do you have a girlfriend?
Tyler smiles . . . .
TYLER
I have lots of girlfriends. What
about you, do you have lots of
boyfriends?
KIM
More than you can imagine. By the way
where is your dad?
Tyler stops smiling and gets a very solemn expression on
his face.
TYLER
My mom said he left her when I was born.
He's suppose to live somewhere in Europe.
KIM
If he came home, would you want to see him?
Tyler rubs his eyes and clears his throat . . . .
TYLER
I don't think so Kim. He wasn't around
when I needed him so why should I care
about him now?
Kim feels sorry for Tyler and extends herself to him.
KIM
You know, Tyler, someone as good looking
as you could have just about any girl
in Alpine.
This perks Tyler up and he readjusts the regulator on
his self-esteem.
TYLER
Oh really, well maybe I could come up to
Alpine sometime?
KIM
Look Tyler, why don't you come over next
summer and spend a couple of weeks with
us, okay.
TYLER
Sounds cool . . . .
Mary Jo comes down the staircase and walks over to Tyler.
MARY JO
Tyler honey, will you go over to the
market and get a couple of things for
your mother? Here's the list and
the money . . . . okay?
TYLER
Sure mom, no sweat. Can Kim go with me?
MARY JO
Sure, why not Kim, Tyler is a good driver.
He started driving my Blazer over two
years ago.
KIM
Sure, let's go!
We leave Kim, Tyler, James and Mary Jo, and we . . . .
CUT TO:
EXT. ALPINE, WISCONSIN - SKYLINE - ESTABLISHING DAY
EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUILDING
INT. JAMES'S OFFICE
Maxine is sitting in James's office and Karl is pacing
the floor.
MAXINE
Karl, I have given your suggestion
a lot of thought and I really think
we can maybe get away with one or
two dates, but no more than that.
KARL
One or two dates, what is this a test?
Maxine looks up puzzled.
MAXINE
No. it's not a test, it's a plan . . . .
Karl stops pacing and sits down.
KARL
Okay, so when do we go out?
MAXINE
Well, you haven't asked me yet!
Karl frowns and runs his fingers through his hair.
KARL
(slowly)
Maxine, will you go out with me on
Saturday night?
MAXINE
Why don't you come over to my place
and you can help me fix dinner,
then we can watch a video.
KARL
Sounds good to me.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALPINE RESIDENTIAL AREA
INT. MAXINE'S APARTMENT
Karl is cutting lettuce and making the salad;
Maxine is broiling steaks.
KARL
You know, Maxine, why haven't you
ever asked me to come over before.
MAXINE
I thought about it, but I figured
you would say no.
KARL
Why would I say no? We are partners.
Maxine places the Porterhouse steaks on plates
and adds a large corn-on-the-cob. Karl tosses
the salad as they both sit down to dinner.
KARL
Oh Maxine, these steaks are really good.
Maxine smiles.
MAXINE
Thank you Karl, I'll take that
as a compliment.
When they're finished eating, they clean up and sit
down next to the fireplace. Maxine gets a bowl
of chestnuts and starts roasting them over the
open fire.
KARL
Maxine, I brought a little something
for the occasion.
Karl pulls out a bottle of premium brandy, opens
it and pours some for Maxine and then himself.
They toast and drink. Maxine stares at Karl and
says . . . .
MAXINE
Happy Holidays!
KARL
Happy holidays to you too Maxine.
The roar of the fireplace and the flickering of
the flames leave Maxine and Karl mesmerized.
Karl leans over and gives Maxine a very
passionate kiss. She reaches out and kisses
him back.
MAXINE
Thank you Karl for a beautiful evening.
Karl tenderly kisses her again . . . .
KARL
Thank you my beautiful partner.
And with this scene, we leave our two heroes
with who knows what . . . .
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN, VIEW OF LAKE
AND SUMMER HOMES - ESTABLISHING DAY
EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOMES - MARY JO'S BACKYARD
We find James, Mary Jo, Kim and Tyler cutting down
a Christmas tree. James is sawing the base and
Tyler is holding it steady. Mary Jo is
excited about what a beautiful tree they found.
MARY JO
Thanks for the help, James and Kim.
JAMES
You're welcome.
We follow the happy group in the house and close
the door.
INT. MARY JO'S SUMMER HOUSE - LIVING ROOM
The group is erecting the tree in the living
room, and once in place, the kids start to
decorate it.
MARY JO
Okay guys, you get the job of
dressing the Christmas tree.
I need to go into the kitchen
and start cooking dinner.
James why don't you come
in the kitchen and keep me
company.
James looks up and smiles.
INT. MARY JO'S KITCHEN
BEAT (CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN BACKGROUND)
James is looking at the album Mary Jo has brought
out to show him.
MARY JO
I have pictures of Tyler from birth.
I can't imagine life without him.
James flipping through the pages, and comments . . . .
JAMES
Mary Jo, why don't I go down to
the village and get a bottle
of wine?
MARY JO
Not to worry, I have some in the
cupboard.
She walks over and takes a bottle of wine out
of the cupboard. James opens the bottle and
pours a glassful for Mary Jo, then one for
himself. They briefly toast with the holiday
music playing in the background. Mary Jo
continues to prepare dinner. James finishes
looking at the photo album and sits down on
a barstool.
JAMES
Mary Jo, I wish you could have told
me about Tyler so I could have spent
some time with him when he was
growing up. I could have died and
never known I had a wonderful son
like him. With your permission,
I want to tell him I am his father.
MARY JO
Well James, I have the goose in the
oven and it's almost ready so we
have a few minutes to chat.
She looks James right in the eyes and says . . . .
MARY JO
When you walked in the door this
morning, it was the first time I
had seen you in over 16 years,
and I was really shocked that
you were here. Then you told
me about your beautiful family
and I was happy you were doing
so well.
James moves a little on his barstool and says . . . .
JAMES
I was happy to see you too . . . .
Mary Jo puts her finger on James's lips and says . . . .
MARY JO
James, let me finish. In the short
time we have spent together I
have realized what a magnificent
father you would have been to Tyler.
JAMES
Thank you Mary Jo.
Mary Jo puts her finger on his lips again.
MARY JO
(Breaking up)
James, I have a confession to make . . . .
JAMES
A confession? I don't understand?
Mary Jo starts to cry . . . . James is surprised
and puts his arm around her.
JAMES
(Concerned)
What's wrong Mary Jo? Please tell me.
Is it something I said . . . .
She continues to cry, and James hugs her.
MARY JO
You are not Tyler's father . . . .
With this revelation from Mary Jo, James is in total
shock. Mary Jo continues to cry, she walks over
and closes the door to the kitchen. She hugs
James again.
JAMES
Mary Jo, who is Tyler's father?
Mary Jo stops crying, wipes her tears with her
apron, and sits down on the barstool.
JAMES
Please tell me who Tyler's father is . . . .
Mary Jo turns away from Karl for a moment
to compose her self, musters up her courage,
and then turns to face him.
MARY JO
James . . . . it was . . . .
your Uncle Tyler. James sits down
on the barstool like a ton of bricks.
He shakes his head and walks out the back door.
We follow him into the backyard. James takes
a few breaths of fresh air and walks back
into the kitchen. He closes the door and sits
down on the barstool again. Mary Jo is
still sitting on her barstool.
JAMES
Talk to me Mary Jo, please talk to me!
MARY JO
James, you are the only human being
alive besides me that knows the whole
truth about Tyler.
James takes a deep breath. He looks out the window
and notices it's starting to snow.
MARY JO (Cont.)
James, when you left me over 17
years ago I was very lonely.
Your Uncle Tyler gave me a job
at his hardware store. He was
so good to me, giving me overtime
and raises. I had very strong
emotional feelings for him.
I fell out of love with you and
fell in love with him. I ended up
pregnant. When I was three months
along, I had planned to tell him
one night then it happened . . . .
he had a heart attack and died.
I was desperate so I went to your
Aunt Margo and asked for money to
have an abortion. She said I could
have the money, but I had to tell
her who the father was..........
James, I couldn't tell her that her
late husband was the father, so I
told her you were the father.
She was so shocked she pleaded with
me to have the child and she said
she would help me financially.
I agreed, and when the baby was born,
she asked me to name him Tyler in
memory of her late husband. I agreed
and we named him Tyler James Monroe.
To avoid rumors, she moved us here
to her summer home in Lake Geneva.
Tyler and I have been here ever since
he was two months old.
James staring into space, looks back toward Mary Jo . .
JAMES
But why did you blame me when I had
nothing to do with it? I would never
do that to you.
MARY JO
Would you rather I had told Aunt Margo
that her husband was really Tyler's father?
Your Uncle Tyler told me that Aunt Margo
was barren and she wanted a baby boy in
the worst way. James, I had planned to
tell her at a later date, but it slipped
and slipped. I loved Tyler so much I
thought if I told her she might try
to take him away from me . . . . James,
please forgive me . . . . please forgive me.
Mary Jo starts crying again and she walks out the back
door and James stares out into space. James sees it's
starting to snow heavily and Mary Jo has no jacket on,
just a thin dress. He gets up and goes out the
back door. He follows Mary JO'S tracks into the woods.
He calls her.
JAMES
Mary Jo . . . . Mary Jo . . . .
We follow James into the woods. James finds Mary Jo
leaning against a tree crying her eyes out. James
walks up and puts his arms around her and holds her close.
He looks deep into Mary Jo eyes and she looks up at
him while snow is falling on her face.
JAMES
Mary Jo, I forgive you! Please,
let's go back inside before we
freeze to death.
We follow James as he walks with Mary Jo back
into the house.
INT. MARY JO'S DINING ROOM - ESTABLISHING NIGHT
James, Mary Jo, Kim and Tyler are sitting at the
dinner table.
MARY JO
Tyler, will you please say grace.
TYLER
Sure, mom . . . .
All parties bow their heads as Tyler says grace.
TYLER (Cont.)
Lord, bless our food and our family,
the Monroe's of Hayden Lake, the Monroes
of Alpine, and the Monroes of Lake
Geneva. Thank you Lord for keeping
our family together . . . .
God bless all of us . . . .
Kim looks up and sees James with tears streaming
down his cheeks . . . .
KIM
Daddy, what's wrong?
James sniffles a little and blows his nose.
Kim sees Mary Jo has tears in her eyes also.
KIM (Cont.)
Will somebody please tell me what
I missed or what's going on?
James regains his composure and says . . . .
JAMES
My Aunt Margo and My Uncle Tyler
made this all possible, and it's
very touching.
MARY JO
In more ways than you can imagine kids . . .
INT. FAMILY ROOM - ESTABLISHING NIGHT
Mary Jo and James are sitting on the couch, Kim
and Tyler are down in the basement watching a video.
James is looking into the fireplace and then looks
up at Mary Jo.
JAMES
Mary Jo, I forgive you for everything,
and . . . .
He reaches into his pocket, pulls out the letter from
his Aunt Margo . . . . he tosses the letter into
the fire and watches as the fire consumes the letter.
He then looks at Mary Jo and she looks at him and says . . . .
MARY JO
You burned the letter?
JAMES
Yes, I did . . . . your secret is safe
with me. . . .
Mary Jo puts her arms around James and says . . . .
MARY JO
Thank you James, thank you . . . .
As the fire consumes the letter, Mary Jo lets out
a breath of relief because now she can rid herself
of a lie for the rest of her life.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARY JO'S SUMMER HOUSE - ESTABLISHING MORNING
INT. SUMMER HOUSE DINING ROOM
Mary Jo is serving breakfast. She sits down at
the table with James, Kim and Tyler.
MARY JO
Tyler, may I say grace?
TYLER
Yes, you may mother.
MARY JO
Lord, thank you for letting us share
this time with such wonderful relatives
like the Monroes of Alpine, Wisconsin,
and thank you for letting Tyler
receive a full scholarship to B.Y.U.
Thank you for giving me the teaching
job in Provo, Utah. After June of next
year, the Monroes of Lake Geneva will
be the Monroes of Provo Utah.
Thank you Lord for everything.
James looks out the window and sees the snow plow
clearing the road.
JAMES
Well, Kim, as soon as we are done
with breakfast, we have to hit the road.
KIM
Daddy, I have invited Tyler to visit
us next summer. Is that okay?
JAMES
Sure, no problem, we would love to
have him
EXT. MONROE SUMMER HOME
James and Kim pull away from the summerhouse
and wave good-bye to the Monroes of Lake Geneva.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALPINE CITY WISCONSIN
INT. LOBBY AREA, LAW FIRM OF MURRY, DEVANE AND BLOSKY
A well-dressed man is waiting to see his attorney and he
seems quite restless. STEVE MASON is in his late
fifties, good looking and is about six-two. The
receptionist looks at him and smiles, he returns the
smile.
MASON
Miss, I need to see Mr. Blosky,
and I'm running out of time.
RECEPTIONIST
I'm sorry Mr. Mason but he just finished
with his last client, you may go in now.
INT. BLOSKY'S OFFICE
LEONARD BLOSKY is a very large man and seems to be sweating
all the time. He greets Mason with a handshake and shows
him into his office.
BLOSKY
Mr. Mason may I get you
something to drink?
MASON
No I'm fine.
BLOSKY
So what can I do for you?
MASON
The man you recommend to me as
my financial advisor has a
problem.
BLOSKY
DUBINSKI has a problem?
MASON
Yes, he's dead,.....I shot him
this morning.
BLOSKY
(clearing his throat)
You what!
MASON
I shot him three times in the face and
five times in the chest.
BLOSKY
(in shock)
This is a joke, right?
MASON
(very upset)
I figured you wouldn't believe me
so I brought you something.
(reaching in his
portfolio case)
This is for you.
(he throws a plastic bag with
two ears in Blosky's face)
BLOSKY
(coming unglued)
I'm calling the police!
CLOSE ON MASON IN SLOW MOTION
MASON
(still upset)
Holy shit, I almost forgot, I
have another gift for you.
Mason pulls out a MAC 10 Nine-millimeter machine pistol.
He chambers a round and empties the clip into Blosky.
MASON (cont.)
This is my payment to you for you
and your crooked friend losing all
my money!
Blosky's secretary runs into the room and registers terror
when she sees the bullet riddled body of her boss.
SECRETARY
(screaming and terrified)
Help! ....... Help! please somebody
call the police!
She turns around and starts to run out the door when
Mason places a fresh clip in his gun and empties it
into the young lady.
MASON (cont.)
Oh, yes I have something for you too!
She goes down quickly and is bleeding from everywhere.
Senior Partner IRVING MURRY runs into the room, and
registers extreme shock when he sees Blosky and his
secretary.
MURRY
You son-of-a-bitch, you will get
the chair for this!
Mason sees Murry standing over his dead secretaries body
and places a fresh clip in his machine gun.
MASON
I'm glade you came in senior
partner, it saves me the
trouble of looking for you!
MURRY
I know your going to kill me
so fuck you, yes I had a great
time spending some of the millions
we swindled from you!
Mason levels the machine gun at Murry and cuts him almost
in half when he empties the clip at fifteen hundred rounds
per minute! The Law clerk comes running up an when she
sees the massacre she screams and starts to run away.
MASON
Just a minute bitch I have something
for you too!
(placing a fresh clip
in his gun)
I have some pretty metal for you!
Again he empties the clip into the young lady and she
goes down in a pool of blood.
MASON
(YELLING)
Would anyone else like to go to
hell this afternoon?
DEVANE is seen running down the hallway and when he sees
all the blood he stops and grabs his chest. Mason again
places a fresh clip in the gun and empties it into
Devane.
MASON
Well it looks like my Christmas
shopping is done.
Mason places another fresh clip in his gun and levels it
at a large plate glass window, and fires. The window
explodes and he jumps through the window. As he is going
down twenty-eight stories he places the muzzle in his
mouth and fires.
The body finally crashes through the top of a car parked
next to the curb. People start running up and are
screaming when they see the condition of the body. A
police car pulls up and two uniformed police get out
and start crowd control. In moments a fire truck and
a red paramedic vehicle and seen pulling up.
CUT TO:
Copyright 1992 by Rob Perry and NorthStarr Productions
All Rights Reserved