Interpol

Interpol

A Screenplay by Sam Ammons
"

When a kidnapping investigation turns into a human trafficking case, a newly promoted NYPD detective is recruited by Interpol, the largest police organization in the world.

"
INTERPOL
Pilot Episode: "LOST”
by
S. C. Ammons
TEASER
FADE IN
EXT. DAYTONA BEACH - SUBURBS - NIGHT
The camera drifts menacingly over a neighborhood of single
family homes.
SUPER: Sunday, August 23rd. 10 pm.
EXT. DAYTONA BEACH - BRIGHTON HOME - NIGHT
Down to street level, we stop in the front of one particular
house. A darkened four door sedan pulls up in front with only
it's parking lights on.
The driver picks up her cell phone and from that light
reveals her face. RYAN BRISK (late 20s, foreboding) texts on
her phone.
Moments later STEPHANIE BRIGHTON (19, college student)
emerges from the shadows beside her home. She carries a
backpack with her as she runs to the car. Stephanie drops her
bag to the curb as she bends down looking in the passenger
window.
STEPHANIE
I don't know, Ryan. I think I've
changed my mind about going.
INT. RYAN'S CAR - NIGHT
RYAN
Hey, it's no sweat. If you don't
want to come to New York with me,
that's fine.
(beat)
But, they're kinda expecting you,
you know? They loved your demo tape
and want to meet you.
EXT. DAYTONA BEACH - BRIGHTON HOME - NIGHT
Two men in dark clothing rush up behind Stephanie. She
doesn't see them. One of them grabs her, putting his hand
over her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
2.
INT. RYAN'S CAR - NIGHT
RYAN
Hurry up! Get her in!
EXT. DAYTONA BEACH - BRIGHTON HOME - NIGHT
The two men climb into the backseat with Stephanie. The car
speeds off turning on it's headlights a few houses away. Ryan
swerves the car left onto another street and disappears into
the night.
CUT TO:
EXT. DAYTONA BEACH - DAWN
A rhythmic SOUND as the waves of the ocean SPLASH against the
beach. Footfalls join in the crescendo as we see a pair of
sneakers pass by leaving their tracks in the pristine
shoreline.
ABIGAIL GREYSTONE (30s, confident, alluring) jogs along the
water's edge. She looks out to the horizon as the Sun rises,
turning it a fiery orange, fading into vague purples and
blues.
A couple (70s) walks their dog on the beach.
MAN
Good Morning.
WOMAN
Good morning.
ABIGAIL
(As she passes)
Morning.
We follow along as Abigail jogs past a fisherman (60s)
sitting in a lounge chair with a cooler beside him, the end
of his fishing pole stuck in the sand. The customary
greeting as she goes by.
FISHERMAN
Morning.
ABIGAIL
Morning.
3.
EXT. ABIGAIL’S BEACH HOUSE, PATIO - LATER
Abigail jogs up the steps to her pergola. A PUNCHING BAG
hangs from the rafters in the corner with two KENPO ESCRIMA
sticks balanced on top. She snatches a water bottle from the
table and takes a long drought, breathing heavily afterward.
She strides over to the bag and picks up the sticks. Abigail
takes a defense pose, then unleashes a flurry of strikes. She
times every blow and measures every MOVEMENT. She begins
slowly, left hand, right hand.
She speeds up her attack in a blinding flash of ACTION. The
sticks blur, and it's impossible to count how many times she
hits the bag. Abigail pauses as her cellphone on the
table RINGS her attention. The display telling her it’s WORK.
She answers.
ABIGAIL (INTO PHONE)
Greystone.
MAN'S VOICE
We’ve got a possible kidnapping.
I'll text you the address.
ABIGAIL
I’m on my way.
EXT. BRIGHTON HOME - SUBURBS - DAY
Abigail pulls up a few houses from the victim’s home in an
unmarked police car. Several patrol cars sit out front. She
gets out of the car and approaches a group of patrol officers
standing on the front lawn of the victim's house. They don't
notice her until she's almost on top of them.
OFFICER 1
(waves her off)
Sorry, honey, this is a crime
scene.
(a look to the others)
But, if you wanna create a scene
with me, my shift ends in about
twenty.
He smirks and the rest look amused.
ABIGAIL
(annoyed)
My name is not honey.
(pulls out her badge)
(MORE)
4.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
It’s Greystone, but you can call
me Detective.
A detective, JASON REESE (30s, clean cut, fit) walks out of
the Brighton home.
JASON
Detective Greystone. We’re this
way.
Abigail moves toward the house.
ABIGAIL
(to officer 1)
Prick.
INT: BRIGHTON HOME, FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS
JASON
Nick and Margaret Brighton reported
their daughter missing at 8 am.
Jason flips through his notebook. He passes her a photograph
of Stephanie.
JASON (CONT’D)
Stephanie Brighton. Nineteen years
old. Her parents went to wake her
for their drive to college and
found her missing.
ABIGAIL
Any brothers or sisters who could
have seen or heard anything in the
night?
JASON
None. She’s an only child. And
there's no sign of a break-in.
ABIGAIL
Where’s her bedroom?
JASON
It’s at the end of the hall.
INT. BRIGHTON HOME, HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Jason leads the way down a hallway. They pass the living room
where NICK (50s) and MARGARET BRIGHTON (50s) sit on a couch.
LIEUTENANT TODD JAMES (60s) consoles them.
5.
The door at the end of the hall has a large sign: QUIT PLEASE
WHEN THE RED LIGHT IS ON. Jason opens the door. Both put on
gloves.
INT. BRIGHTON HOME, STEPHANIE’S BEDROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Abigail looks around the room. A guitar leans against a PIANO
keyboard. Tidy. Very organized. Except a small pile of
clothes on the bed. Bands, and pop star posters on the wall.
She looks out the window, checks to see if they're LOCKED.
One is not and it has no screen.
ABIGAIL
Any sign of her cellphone?
She points to the empty cradle charger on the desk.
JASON
No.
ABIGAIL
(opens a laptop)
What about this?
JASON
Forensics is taking it with them.
The computer boots up.
ABIGAIL
It isn’t password protected.
Where's the backdoor?
JASON
This way.
EXT. BRIGHTON HOME, BACKYARD - DAY
Abigail exits the house, Jason follows. She looks
at the ground underneath the open window to Stephanie's room.
ABIGAIL
It rained yesterday evening?
JASON
Yes. Half an hour. Around Nine
o’clock as usual.
ABIGAIL
(points)
Footprints in the grass and mud,
leading to the street.
6.
Abigail and Jason walk to the street. Abigail's attention
falls on the house directly across from the Brighton home.
She notices something and walks up to JACK and SUSAN FLEMMING
(60s) as they talk to an officer.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
Excuse me? Is this your house?
JACK
Yes it is.
ABIGAIL
Is that a camera on your porch?
SUSAN
(nodding)
We’ve had a few car break-ins
recently around the neighborhood.
JASON
Was it recording last night?
JACK
I don’t know. It's motion
controlled. There weren't any
break-ins or damage, so I haven't
checked.
ABIGAIL
Can we check it now?
JACK
Sure.
INT. BRIGHTON HOME, FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Lt James is standing in the foyer with other uniformed
officers when Abigail and Reese enter the home again.
ABIGAIL
Excuse me Lt. James. We need to
speak to Mr. And Mrs. Brighton.
INT. BRIGHTON HOME, HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Abigail is followed by Lt. James and Jason.
INT. BRIGHTON HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Stephanie's parents still sit on the couch.
7.
ABIGAIL
Excuse me, Mr. And Mrs. Brighton,
but do either of you recognize this
woman?
Abigail hands them a printout of a screenshot from the video.
It's a photograph of the scene we saw earlier with Stephanie.
Ryan in her car with the light from her cellphone
illuminating her face.
MARGARET
Yes, that’s Ryan Brisk. Stephanie
met her at The Treble. It's a local
karaoke club.
NICK
Stephanie works next door at the
internet cafe.
ABIGAIL
The neighbors have a motion
activated camera on their porch.
Stephanie was kidnapped by two
unidentified men who got into
Ryan's car.
TODD
So this Ryan was part of the
kidnapping?
JASON
I think so, sir.
MARGARET
I don't understand?
ABIGAIL
Mrs. Brighton it looks like
Stephanie was kidnapped by Ryan and
two accomplices.
Lieutenant Todd puts a hand on Nick's shoulder.
TODD
I'm sorry.
CUT TO BLACK.
END OF TEASER
8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. DAYTONA BEACH SHERIFF'S OFFICE - SUNSET
The office for the Florida Sheriff's Department and their
detectives. Immaculate. Palm trees, well kept lawn. The words
Daytona Beach Sheriff's Department on the side of the
building.
INT. POLICE STATION, SQUAD ROOM - SUNSET
Abigail sits at her desk speaking on her phone. A file lays
open in front of her and she's quickly jotting notes inside.
ABIGAIL (INTO PHONE)
Yes. Thank you very much for your
help.
She hangs up her phone, just as Jason walks up to her.
JASON
Ok. Forensics has dumped her phone,
but it's still turned off. No sign
of Ryan's car. I've got an APB out.
ABIGAIL
According to these emails, it
looks like Ryan convinced Stephanie
she had musical contacts in New
York City. All of them are bogus.
JASON
I checked with the manager at The
Treble. Ryan worked there less
than six months. She rented one of
the small apartments he owns above
the club.
(beat)
A couple of uniformed officers went
to check it out, but everything is
gone.
Detective Preston strolls past Abigail's desk.
PRESTON
You need help?
(he looks her up and down)
I could help you out. After drinks
tonight.
9.
Abigail looks sharply at him.
ABIGAIL
(calm)
So, should I get a riding crop and
spurs?
PRESTON
What does that mean?
ABIGAIL
It means, if you're going to act
like a donkey, don't be surprised
when you're treated like an a*s.
The Lieutenant appears in his office door, arms folded.
TODD
Jason. Abigail. My office.
INT. SHERIFF'S STATION, TODD'S OFFICE - DAY
Todd doesn’t say anything, but walks to his desk, sits, and
places a recorder on it before he pushes the play button.
Abigail and Jason sit to listen.
FROM THE DEVICE:
STEPHANIE (O.C.)
(hurried, upset)
Mom I’m in trouble.
MARGARET (O.C.)
(desperate)
Where are you, Stephanie?
STEPHANIE (O.C.)
I was kidnapped by two men and
Ryan. They took me to New York.
She lied to me. She said she knew
people in the music business. Now,
we're at some house and they won't
let me. . .
We hear a scuffle. An angry voice--
MAN’S VOICE
What are you doing!? I thought you
took her phone!?
MARGARET (O.C.)
Stephanie!? Stephanie!?
10.
Abruptly the line goes dead. Todd leans forward and pushes
the stop button. He looks to Abigail and Jason.
TODD
Special Unit had Mrs. Brighton's
phone tapped as you requested. They
got this call less than an hour
ago.
ABIGAIL
I don’t think it’s Ryan’s first
kidnapping, Lieutenant.
TODD
What do you mean?
ABIGAIL
I’ve contacted her former
employers. Each one said she'd
worked for them six months or less
before moving on.
(beat)
I checked with local PDs and all of
them have missing persons within
the time frame of Ryan appearing
and then moving on.
JASON
So what is she doing with them?
ABIGAIL
Only she knows that. We have to
find this girl. I may be wrong,
but...
(beat)
I think we've stumbled onto a
kidnapping ring.
Todd leans back in his chair.
TODD
That's a giant leap, detective. I
realize you've only gotten your
gold shield a few weeks ago--
ABIGAIL
Sir, the first former employer I
called thought I was calling
because we had more information on
his daughter, who's seventeen. She
disappeared three months ago. On a
hunch, I asked the others about
missing persons.
(MORE)
11.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
This makes it seven teens
disappearing at or near where she
worked. It can't be coincidence.
And with the footage of Stephanie's
abduction--
Todd is SOLD on her theory.
TODD
Detective Reese, do you still have
contacts in the NYPD?
JASON
Sure. My brother is a detective.
TODD
Detective Greystone, I want you on
the next flight to New York. Jason
will continue to get information on
those other disappearances from
here. We'll coordinate with you
once you're on the ground. I've
notified the FBI, and they'll be
sending out agents tomorrow.
The lieutenant picks up his phone.
TODD (CONT’D)
Well, get going.
(into the phone)
Get me the Captain.
Abigail and Jason leave the Lieutenant’s office.
INT. POLICE STATION, SQUAD ROOM - DAY
Abigail and Jason walk to their desks. She GATHERS the work
she has been doing since they began their investigation, and
hands him the folder.
ABIGAIL
This is all the information about
her former employers along with the
names and locations of the missing
persons.
JASON
I'll call the local precincts and
get the case files. I'll fax them
up to New York.
CUT TO:
12.
INT. PASSENGER PLANE - NIGHT
The interior of the plane is dark, most of the seats are in
shadow, but one has their overhead light on. We close in to
see it’s Abigail. She's lost in thought. A loud ping SNATCHES
her back to the present.
PILOT'S VOICE
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
I’ve just turned on the seatbelt
sign to make our decent into JFK.
Abigail fastens her belt, looking out the window at
New York City.
INT. J.F.K. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL - NIGHT
Abigail walks through the terminal with a single bag thrown
over her shoulder. Two men standing close to the doors
catches her attention. Both BEN REESE (30s, chiseled, stoic)
and MIKE GRAY (50s, grizzled, tough) are wearing NYPD
detective badges. Ben sees her approaching first.
BEN
(extents his hand)
I’m Detective Ben Reese. This is my
partner, Detective Michael Gray,
NYPD. You're Abigail Greystone?
She nods and shakes his hand, then Mike's.
MIKE
It's just Mike.
ABIGAIL
Good to meet both of you.
MIKE
It’s getting late. Our car is out
front.
They walk toward the exit.
ABIGAIL
(To Ben)
You don't look like your brother.
BEN
He takes after mom.
13.
EXT. JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NIGHT
Their car is an unmarked police cruiser. A traffic officer
is in the middle of WRITING them a ticket at curbside.
MIKE
(grumbles)
It’s so important you don’t finish
that ticket.
Ben and Abigail climb into the car.
MIKE (CONT’D)
(growls)
You see the plates, the blue light.
What’s the matter with you?
SNAP TO:
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, SQUAD ROOM - NIGHT
Ben and Mike lead Abigail into the squad room. There are
only two detectives at their desks. YOLANDA JOHNSTON (50s,
clever, leader) walks out of her office to meet them.
BEN
Abigail, this is Lieutenant
Johnston. Lt. this is Detective
Greystone.
They shake hands.
ABIGAIL
Glad to meet you.
YOLANDA
Same here, detective.
Mike trudges to the coffee pot. Uninterested.
YOLANDA (CONT’D)
I’ve talked to your Captain in
Daytona Beach. We got a ping
on Stephanie Brighton’s cell from
this afternoon. Unfortunately it’s
turned off now, so we can’t get a
precise location. But, we did
narrow it down to a general area.
She walks to a map of the city on the wall. Yolanda circles
an area with her finger.
14.
YOLANDA (CONT’D)
It pinged here. I’ve got pictures
of both Stephanie and Ryan to every
patrol officer. I'll also have more
detectives canvassing the area in
the morning.
(beat)
There are a few cots we keep in the
dorm if you’re interested? It
could be awhile before we find
anything.
ABIGAIL
That would be great. Thank you
Lieutenant.
The lieutenant returns to her office. Abigail turns to Ben.
BEN
Over here.
He opens the door. Inside are a few cots, a sink and lockers.
INT. 12th PRECINCT, BACK ROOM - NIGHT
Abigail goes to one of the beds, THROWING her bag on a top
bunk.
ABIGAIL
Let me know if anything happens.
BEN
Will do.
Abigail lies down. Her head no sooner hits the pillow than
she’s out like a light.
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, BACK ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Abigail ROCKETS upright on the cot. She stares around
blinking, UNSURE where she is for a moment. She sighs,
throws her legs over the side and stands up, walking to the
sink where she splashes water on her face and looks at
herself in the mirror.
Abigail takes her hair and pulls it back into a ponytail,
slipping on a hair tie from around her wrist. The door opens.
It's Ben.
BEN
Oh. You’re up. Better come on.
Abigail follows him.
15.
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, SQUAD ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Officers run to and fro. HECTIC chatter. INDISTINCT.
ABIGAIL
I thought you were going to wake me
if anything happened?
BEN
I was, but we just found out.
ABIGAIL
What do you mean? Found out what?
They both walk through double doors.
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Ben turns to a stairway.
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, STAIRCASE - DAY - CONTINUOUS
BEN
Apparently someone in the 82nd
Precinct found your Ryan Brisk. We
just learned that S.W.A.T. is going
in.
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, FRONT DESK - DAY - CONTINUOUS
SHOCK.
ABIGAIL
They’re going in?
BEN
Yeah. That’s what I’ve heard.
The lieutenant said I should
take you out to Brooklyn.
So? You in or out?
He holds open one of the double doors leading outside.
ABIGAIL
I’m in.
Abigail opens the other door herself and exits the building.
Mike is waiting for them in the driver's seat of their
unmarked car. Abigail and Ben get inside.
16.
INT. UNMARKED POLICE CAR - DAY
He starts the engine, and Abigail wonders aloud--
ABIGAIL
Anything happen last night?
BEN
As a matter of fact we looked into
Ryan Brisk. Did a thorough check
on her.
Mike guns the engine, SQUEALING into traffic. Ben hits the
lights and siren of the cruiser. Mike STOMPS his foot on the
brake when a taxi cuts him off.
BEN (CONT’D)
A year ago, this woman
doesn’t exist.
ABIGAIL
What!?
They continue racing down the FDR until they come to the
BROOKLYN BRIDGE. Mike expertly swerves around traffic, and
gets ahead of it to continue racing across the bridge. Ben
hands her a file, barely, when the car swerves unexpectedly.
BEN
Yeah. A month later and, there she
is. Gets a drivers license, buys a
used car off a car lot, then
disappears. Based on the info you
and my brother gave us,
(hands her more files)
she reappears a month later in
Virginia Beach, Virginia. Just in
time to work as a lifeguard for the
summer.
EXT. UNMARKED POLICE CRUISER - DAY
We see the car take an off ramp. It swerves around traffic
and down a side street with brownstones on either side of
the road. EMERGENCY lights from other unmarked cruisers, a
few NYPD patrol cars and ambulances ominously fill the street
ahead.
17.
INT. UNMARKED POLICE CRUISER - DAY
ABIGAIL
(from the files)
Then she gets down to Nags Head,
North Carolina a few weeks later
working as a waitress.
MIKE
Exactly. She works her way south
over the next few months or so,
not staying in one place long.
They’re close to a particular brownstone now. So many police
vehicles are in the street they have to park a block away.
They get out.
EXT. BROOKLYN, STREET - DAY
A few uniformed NYPD officers talk to pedestrians, and a
number of residents who came out into the street. Others
knock on doors questioning people.
Abigail, Ben and Mike continue along the sidewalk. They pause
when they meet two police officers walk down the stoop of a
brownstone. Ben shows them his badge and hangs it from his
neck.
BEN
Ben Reese. 12th Precinct. What’s
going on here?
OFFICER 1
Federal case. We were told to
canvass the neighborhood.
MIKE
Thanks.
(to Ben and Abigail)
Let’s go.
They continue along the sidewalk. When they get close to the
brownstone, it’s cordoned off with yellow CRIME SCENE tape.
A few people in blue windbreakers are standing on the other
side. The words INTERPOL Incident Response Team is emblazoned
on their backs.
BEN
I’m Detective Ben Reese, 12th
precinct. This is Detective Abigail
Greystone. We need to speak to the
agent in charge.
18.
AGENT 1
Sure.
He goes up the street and speaks with a group who point to
the brownstone. A group is being led out at that very moment.
A man wearing a blue windbreaker helps them to a black and
white bus. He's MATT THOMPSON (40s, clean cut, professional).
For the most part, the people he leads out of the apartment
are young girls. Their clothes tattered. Their hair in
disarray. A woman, LOREN JONES (late 30s, poised) in an
identical windbreaker is last to come out. She talks to a
young man, just as disheveled, with her arm around his
shoulder. None of them are Stephanie Brighton. The bus leaves
and an agent speaks with Matt and Loren, pointing to the
three detectives. They walk over.
MATT
I’m special agent Matt Thompson,
and this is agent Loren Jones of
Interpol. What can we do for you
detectives?
ABIGAIL
Interpol?
BEN
Detectives Reese, Gray, and
Greystone.
LOREN
(a look)
Abigail Greystone? You’re the
detective from Florida, right?
ABIGAIL
Yes. I’m here investigating a
kidnapping. A nineteen year
old girl named Stephanie Brighton.
Was she inside?
MATT
No, I’m afraid not. Six girls and
one boy. All mid-to-late teens. All
from Europe, Asia, or illegal
immigrants.
LOREN
But thanks to you, Abigail, we were
able to save those people and shut
down a human trafficker named
Elizabeth Alexandrova.
19.
An agent leads a woman out of the brownstone. Her hands are
HANDCUFFED behind her. We recognize her as Ryan Brisk. On
Abigail as we--
BOOMF TO BLACK.
END OF ACT ONE
20.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS - ESTABLISHING - DAY
The United Nations Building in Manhattan.
INT. INTERPOL NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU, WAITING AREA - DAY
Abigail, Ben, and Mike sit in chairs. The words INTERPOL
NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU in bold letters HANG on the wall.
Ben TAPS his foot repeatedly, while Abigail crosses and
uncrosses her legs. She studies the case folders Ben gave her
in the car. Mike looks asleep.
Ben turns to see CATHERINE FLETCHER (late 50s, distinguished)
striding toward them.
CATHERINE
Detectives? I’m Catherine Fletcher.
She offers her hand to each of them.
CATHERINE (CONT’D)
I’m Chief of the Interpol
National Central Bureau here in
Manhattan.
ABIGAIL
Nice to meet you, Catherine. I was
sent here from--
CATHERINE
(interrupting)
The Florida Sheriff's Office. Yes,
I know. If you'll follow me?
They follow Catherine down a hallway.
INT. INTERPOL NCB, HALLWAY - DAY
Catherine considers Abigail for a moment.
CATHERINE (CONT’D)
(to Abigail)
Your search for Ryan Brisk aka
Elizabeth Alexandrova gave us a
major lead in one of our
investigations detective.
21.
ABIGAIL
When I ran Ryan Brisk’s I.D.
Interpol was notified. You
realized Ryan was really Elizabeth?
CATHERINE
Yes. You've stumbled upon a human
trafficking organization with
international ties. This is the
first real progress we’ve made.
They stop in front of a door with INTERPOL stenciled on it.
Catherine holds the door open.
INT. INTERPOL NCB, BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
If the police precinct looked like a sorority dorm PACKED
with desks, Interpol looks more akin to the bridge of a
STARSHIP. Large video screens line one wall and this is where
Catherine LEADS the three DETECTIVES.
BEN
Impressive.
Catherine taps the screen calling up files, and reports with
pictures. We can’t make out the details, but she enlarges a
mugshot of Elizabeth.
CATHERINE
Interpol received a Red Notice on
Elizabeth. She's wanted in Russia
on several charges including
kidnapping, extortion, money
laundering. . .a few others. This
man--
Another mugshot MARK SONREIR (40s). Catherine sends
his picture sliding across the screen with a flick of her
wrist. It slides to the edge of her screen and disappears,
then reappears on the monitor in front of Abigail and Ben.
Matt materializes behind them.
MATT
Is her employer Mark Sonreir. He
was born in Russia, but adopted by
a wealthy couple with political
connections in Russia and China. He
graduated from Oxford University,
then went on to graduate with a PhD
in Global Business from Brandeis
University here in the U.S.
(beat)
(MORE)
22.
MATT (CONT’D)
From there he started a technology
company for cell networks across
Europe and Asia. He purchased a
number of construction, and
shipping companies, some of which
are in China. He made himself
integral to the expansion of the
Chinese economy.
ABIGAIL
He works for the Chinese?
CATHERINE
Sonreir is technically a liaison
officer for the Russians, but he
travels under diplomatic
credentials from both the Chinese
and Russian Governments.
Matt enlarges some of the files on the screen. We can only
make out headlines, and a few report titles are visible. ARMS
DEALER, DIPLOMATIC TRADE ROUTES, BILLIONAIRE MAKES GOOD ON
TRADE, and HUMAN TRAFFICKING are among them.
MATT
Mark Sonreir's mother is a high
ranking official in the Russian
government. That's why Interpol had
so much trouble identifying him as
a person of interest in this case.
BEN
Until now.
ABIGAIL
What's his connection with
Elizabeth?
Another flurry of motions from Catherine as she pulls up more
files. This is a photograph of a man and woman GREGORY and
ISABELLA SONREIR (60s) standing together at what looks
like a dinner party. A young girl is standing next to them.
Mark is standing to the side. It's a decade old.
CATHERINE
Gregory Sonreir and his wife
Isabella. Gregory was born in
Spain. Isabella is Russian. They
adopted both Mark and Elizabeth as
infants. Beth changed her
name back to Alexandrova.
ABIGAIL
Where is she now?
23.
MATT
She's in interrogation.
CATHERINE
How would you detectives like to
join us? A little interagency
cooperation? The FBI has agreed to
allow us to handle the
investigation, including Stephanie
Brighton's kidnapping.
Abigail looks questioningly at Ben and Mike. They nod.
ABIGAIL
(to Matt)
So you're FBI?
MATT
Yes, I am. Loren is a US Marshal.
INTERPOL is the world’s largest
police organization made up of over
a hundred and ninety member
countries. Each NCB recruits
members from the host country's law
enforcement and trains them to be
agents for Interpol.
BEN
So what do we do now?
MATT
We question Elizabeth.
INTERCUT
INT. INTERPOL INTERROGATION, OBSERVATION ROOM - DAY
Abigail, Ben and Catherine WATCH through a two way mirror. A
technician is sitting at a desk with various RECORDING
equipment. We see Beth Alexandrova handcuffed to a metal
table. Matt and Loren enter the room and sit across from her.
LOREN
So, Miss Alexandrova, may I call
you Beth?
BETH
Whatever.
MATT
Beth, who is Ryan Brisk?
She shifts in her seat. Her gaze never leaves the mirror.
24.
INT. INTERPOL INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
Matt and Loren exchange a look.
LOREN
Let's start somewhere easier.
Where's Stephanie Brighton?
INT. INTERPOL OBSERVATION ROOM - DAY
Abigail steps CLOSER to the glass, locks eyes with Beth.
INT. INTERPOL INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
Beth just stares ahead at the MIRROR. Hardly even blinking.
Matt SLAMS his hand on the table.
MATT
HEY!
He rages, yanking Beth's attention.
MATT (CONT’D)
Then maybe you can explain this?
He spreads photographs on the table. He puts the one
undoubtedly showing her at the Brighton home directly in
front of her.
MATT (CONT’D)
Where is she?
BETH
(beat)
They took her.
LOREN
Who are they?
INT. INTERPOL OBSERVATION ROOM - DAY
Everyone gets closer to the mirror.
INT. INTERPOL INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
LOREN
Tell us NOW!
Beth shoots a defiant look at her. Then slowly turns her gaze
back to the mirror.
25.
MATT
Where did they take her?
No response.
LOREN
Well, then maybe you can tell us
where the other seven young women
are who disappeared up and down the
East Coast?
She pushes their pictures in front of Beth.
BETH
The same place where this Stephanie
is, I'd assume.
MATT
And where is that?
INT. INTERPOL OBSERVATION ROOM - DAY
All hold their breath.
BETH
(beat)
Lost.
MATT
We're done here.
He and Loren gather up the contents of their file and exit
the room. A moment later they enter the observation room.
ABIGAIL
She knows we have her, but she
hasn't asked for a lawyer, so--
CATHERINE
What can we do?
BEN
We'll lean on her. Get more
evidence. Do you have her car?
LOREN
No. It's no where to be found. We
should go to the lab and see if
they have anything new.
CATHERINE
Go ahead, but keep me appraised.
END INTERCUT
26.
INT. INTERPOL FORENSICS LAB - DAY
A CHEMISTRY lab taken to the Nth degree. A central space with
a couple of desks with a large table screen in the center.
The outlying rooms are encased in glass, which we assume are
explosion proof, and sealed off for any chemical or
biological contaminants. We find Mike standing at the table
with JORGE RAMIREZ (40s, lovable).
MIKE
Anything?
BEN
No.
They gather around the table.
MATT
This is Jorge our senior forensic
scientist.
JORGE
All right. We have eight missing
young women from along the Eastern
seaboard.
He taps the table screen, and each of their faces pop up.
Along with information file tabs behind each picture.
JORGE (CONT’D)
We assumed Beth Alexandrova
abducted each of them, but thanks
to Detective Gray--
MIKE
She didn't.
BEN
What do you mean? She took the
Brighton girl.
MIKE
Yes, but in all the other cases,
Beth had already started working in
another state. It checks out. She
was nowhere near the other
abductions.
ABIGAIL
Then we have almost nothing?
27.
JORGE
Not quite. We have--
(beat)
This.
A series of sketches as he works the screen. They look
similar. Two different men, but almost the same in each of
the sketches.
JORGE (CONT’D)
Two men wanted as Persons of
Interest in connection with each
disappearance.
MIKE
Black panel van, and later, a white
work truck. Being driven by two men
matching these descriptions. Sound
familiar?
ABIGAIL
The two men who grabbed Stephanie?
We couldn't get a clear image of
their faces and there's no way to
run a facial ID match on a drawing.
JORGE
(indelicate sound)
You think so little of me? I'm
hurt.
(beat)
Actually, there is. I created
software in my game designing days
that can take a scanned drawing and
create a 3D image.
LOREN
How long?
JORGE
Few hours, tops.
ABIGAIL
So we just sit and wait? We don't
have a lot of time.
MATT
True. So why don't the four of us
visit Mark Sonreir.
ABIGAIL
He's here in New York?
28.
MATT
Yes. He has offices here in
Manhattan.
MIKE
I'll stay here and work on those
facial IDs when they come in.
INT. SONREIR BUSINESS OFFICE, WAITING AREA - DAY
We see the four of them sitting in an upscale waiting room.
Abigail is flipping pages from an internal publication put
out by the company. A stack sits on the table. Ben is looking
at the photographs on the walls (cellphone towers, CONTAINER
SHIPS at sea, the inside of shipping warehouses), while Matt
and Loren. . .
MATT
So, you think this is a waste of
time?
LOREN
Yes. No law enforcement agency,
anywhere, has ever linked him to
any wrongdoing. We know he's
involved, everyone knows, but
there's no proof.
Matt considers this and--
MATT
We're not here because we have
proof, and I'm not expecting to
find evidence sitting right here.
BEN
(slides lower into chair)
He's sitting in his castle tower
doing what he wants, when he wants
because we're all beneath him. I'd
say it would be kinda cool to stick
a pin in him and see what comes out
when he pops.
ABIGAIL
We'll have to--
SONREIR (O.C.)
Special agent Matt Thompson. . .
They look up to find Mark Sonreir striding from the back
offices.
29.
SONREIR (CONT’D)
I'm Mark Sonreir my assistant said
you wanted to speak with me.
MATT
Do you know this woman?
He shows Mark Sonreir a photograph of his adoptive sister,
Beth.
SONREIR
Yes, I do. She's my sister. Has
something happened to her?
ABIGAIL
I'm afraid she's been arrested on
the charge of kidnapping.
MARK SONREIR
Kidnapping? That's preposterous.
ABIGAIL
Then maybe you can tell us her
whereabouts for the last twelve
months?
SONREIR
She's attending The University of
Georgetown to finish her Bachelor
of Science degree in Foreign
Service.
ABIGAIL
So, you've spoken to her in the
last year and a half?
He shows no outward sign he's uncomfortable.
SONREIR
Of course. We spoke. . .let's see,
when was it now. . .three months
ago. She was doing a final term
paper on the role women played in
Babylonian society.
(a beat)
You realize women were allowed to
learn to read and write?
ABIGAIL
I do. I did a thesis once on a
Akkadian poet, a woman, who wrote
an epic about sibling rivalry.
Titled, loosely translated of
course, The Battle of Suma-usur.
(MORE)
30.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
It was a tale of two princes who
fought for control of their
father's kingdom. Turns out, there
was a mistake in the translation.
It wasn't two princes, but a
brother and sister. A prince and
princess. So as the story plays
out, there is an invading army. The
king demands they protect the
kingdom by any means necessary, so
the two advance with their own
armies. The princess waits until
the invading army, and her
brother's army is nearly wiped out
in a direct attack, then her army
destroys both. She is the one who
returns to her father's palace
victorious, and eventually became
queen.
Mark Sonreir looks ANGRY, about to RETORT, but, before he can
speak, the moment is ruined.
SONREIR'S ASSISTANT
Excuse me, sir? Your car is out
front, and you wanted me to remind
you of your meeting.
He recovers quickly.
SONREIR
Of course. Thank you.
(to the four)
If you'll excuse me, I'm late for a
meeting. I'll be in touch about the
release of my sister.
And he starts to leave hurriedly.
ABIGAIL
(Russian)
We'll see each other again.
Mark Sonreir stops in his tracks, but doesn't look back. He's
motionless a moment before he leaves the building. Abigail
follows him, and the others trail behind.
BEN
Was that Russian? What did you say
to him?
31.
EXT. SONREIR OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
As the four leave the building--
ABIGAIL
That we'll see each other again.
They watch as Mark Sonreir crosses the street to a waiting
limousine with two flags of the Russian Federation on the
hood. The driver jumps out, and opens the door for him.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
That man. I recognize him!
She starts to rush to the car, but Matt catches her arm.
Loren takes out her phone, and quickly starts taking
pictures.
MATT
Wait.
ABIGAIL
(incredulously)
Wait!?
Mark Sonreir is already in the car, and the driver jumps in
behind the steering wheel. The driver's side window is down.
We'll learn later this is PETER YURLOV (40s, hired muscle).
LOREN
It's a consulate car. You can tell
by the flags on the hood.
BEN
So? We could do something! Pull
them over, and arrest him!
MATT
The car is Russian soil under
diplomatic law. No one can be
removed from inside without
creating an international incident.
They watch as the car from the Russian embassy merges into
traffic.
The limo turns a corner and is GONE.
On the four as we--
CUT TO BLACK
END OF ACT II
32.
ACT III
INT. INTERPOL NCB, BRIEFING ROOM - NIGHT
Matt leads Abigail and Ben into the room. Mike is standing
behind Jorge at one of the computer terminals. He turns
around as they enter.
MIKE
Any luck?
ABIGAIL
I think we've found one of the men
on one of those sketches.
She walks over to the table and enlarges the image.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
This one.
MIKE
You're kidding? Is he in one of the
interview rooms?
BEN
No. He got inside a consulate car,
and we couldn't arrest him.
JORGE
Consulate car? That narrows it
down.
Jorge works his MAGIC on the computer keyboard.
BEN
What about the victims rescued from
the brownstone? Anything new from
them?
LOREN (O.C.)
No.
They turn as Loren walks up.
LOREN (CONT’D)
They were all drugged and heavily
sedated.
ABIGAIL
Any news on Stephanie or the other
seven girls?
33.
LOREN
None.
JORGE
We sent out all of their info--
MIKE
To all the airlines, bus stations,
Canadian and Mexican borders, Port
Authority. . .it's covered.
MATT
I'd suggest we break for the night.
There's nothing more we can do
right now--
JORGE
No. We've done all we can for now.
I'm running a check on any
diplomatic credentials of that man
in the sketch. It could take until
morning.
ABIGAIL
Tomorrow is seventy two hours.
JORGE
What?
ABIGAIL
If a missing person isn't found
within seventy two hours the
chances of finding them drops to
almost zero.
MATT
We'll find them.
BEN
Gives us a breather. Sometimes a
lead can come when you're thinking
about something else, and not
worrying over the case.
MIKE
(to Ben)
Drop me off at my house?
BEN
Sure.
(to Abigail)
I have a spare room if you don't
want that bunk in the dorm room.
34.
ABIGAIL
Uh, no thanks.
INT. BEN'S APARTMENT - MORNING
Someone HAMMERS on Ben's apartment door. He stumbles out of
bed. No shirt, barefooted, but wearing jeans. His one bedroom
apartment is small. Embarrassing small, really. Damn it's
early.
BEN
Just a minute.
The knocking continues. And as he opens the door.
BEN (CONT’D)
I said just a da--
It's Abigail. She doesn't wait to be invited in, and BARGES
in anyway.
ABIGAIL
Are you ready to go?
She's talking fast.
BEN
Where?
ABIGAIL
Interpol. We've been looking for
the seven missing girls. Checking
all flights, trains, buses,
whatever, right?
BEN
Yes.
(a beat)
How many cups of coffee have you
had?
ABIGAIL
None. Why?
BEN
(mumbles)
Great. A morning person.
He walks over and starts the coffee machine.
BEN (CONT’D)
Let me get some coffee.
35.
INT. INTERPOL NCB, BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
Catherine and Matt are at the center display.
CATHERINE
So, you put a detail outside the
Russian consulate?
MATT
Yes. Mr. Sonreir never left again.
I've also put a team on his
offices.
CATHERINE
Has the limo driver been identified
yet?
MATT
No. Jorge is running his facial ID
on all diplomats and personnel who
entered the country.
We see Loren enter with Abigail and Ben.
CATHERINE
Detectives.
ABIGAIL
I'd like to interview a few of the
victims from the brownstone.
MATT
You won't get any new information.
They were pretty out of it when we
rescued them.
CATHERINE
I'll have the translators brought
down.
ABIGAIL
There's no need.
BEN
You're kidding, right? How do you
know how to speak Spanish, Chinese
and Russian?
ABIGAIL
(smiles)
It's required in all NSA NOC
training.
36.
BEN
Come on.
ABIGAIL
Would you believe classes and a
college roommate?
BEN
That, I would believe.
CATHERINE
What are you thinking, Abigail?
ABIGAIL
We've been trying to discover how
they were going to get the women
out, I thought maybe they were
getting them out, the same way they
got the group from the brownstone
in.
INT. INTERPOL INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY
Two Asian woman sit at a table. They're nervous when Abigail
and Ben enter the room. She smiles at them.
ABIGAIL
Hello. My name is Abigail and this
is Ben. We're detectives working
with Interpol.
BEN
Hi.
The two woman glance at each other.
ABIGAIL
(Chinese)
Do either of you speak English?
One works up the courage.
WOMAN 1
She doesn't speak English, but I
do.
ABIGAIL
I just wanted to ask both of you if
you remembered anything before you
were in the house where you were
rescued?
37.
WOMAN 1
Not really. No.
ABIGAIL
It could help other women. Eight
are missing. Just like you. Can you
tell us anything? Anything at all
might help us find them.
A beat.
WOMAN 1
I woke up for just a a couple
minutes. I thought I was dreaming.
ABIGAIL
What did you see?
WOMAN 1
It was dark.
She closes her eyes to remember. When she opens them we awake
to--
INT. DARKENED ROOM - NIGHT
We're in a dark room. The walls are covered with the pointy
styrofoam of an anechoic chamber. Mattresses are on the floor
with unconscious people lying on them.
WOMAN 1 (V.O.)
There's was a man sitting at a
table with one lamp. The rest of us
are lying on mattresses.
We see that as she rises up on an elbow to look around. She
reaches out to touch the cones on the walls.
WOMAN 1 (V.O.) (CONT’D)
The walls are covered with
styrofoam points. I sat up to get a
closer look.
BEN (V.O.)
How big was the room?
38.
INT. INTERPOL - INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY
WOMAN 1
It was about two meters wide and
maybe six meters long.
ABIGAIL
Then what happened?
RETURN TO:
INT. DARKENED ROOM - NIGHT
WOMAN 1 (V.O.)
The man looked up and saw I was
awake.
We see this as it happens.
WOMAN 1 (V.O.) (CONT’D)
He grabs a syringe and comes over
to me. He pushes me back on the
mattress and injects something into
my arm.
HER EYES GLASS OVER, SHE FALLS UNCONSCIOUS INTO--
INT. INTERPOL INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY
ABIGAIL
Do you recognize anyone?
She shows them the sketch of one man, and Loren's photograph
of the other along with photographs of random people.
WOMAN 1
Yes. That is the man who was
sitting at the table.
She points to the photograph.
BEN
Thank you, very much.
(beat)
You've helped more than you know.
INT. INTERPOL NCB, BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
Catherine turns to see Matt walk in with Abigail and Ben.
39.
CATHERINE
Did you get any new information?
ABIGAIL
Shipping containers. They brought
them to the country in shipping
containers.
BEN
They sound proof the container, and
load the people inside. That way,
if any of them wake up, the crew
can't hear any cries for help.
ABIGAIL
And this man
(She holds up his picture)
is inside with them to make sure
they stay asleep.
Matt's cell phone RINGS. He answers.
MATT
(into phone)
What is it, Jorge?
(as he hangs up)
We're on our way.
INT. INTERPOL, FORENSICS LAB - DAY
Matt, Abigail, Ben, enter the lab. Loren and Mike are already
with Jorge who looks excited.
JORGE
I found them!
Jorge expands the files and pictures on the table screen.
Peter Yurlov and MAX LARIN (40s, brooding, hired muscle).
JORGE (CONT’D)
Peter Yurlov is the man in Loren's
photograph driving the limo, and
Max Larin is the sketch artist
rendering.
ABIGAIL
Who are they to Sonreir?
MIKE
Peter is just a low level assistant
with the Russian government. Max is
a licensed seaman.
(MORE)
40.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Both ex-military, Spetsnaz. Russian
special forces.
JORGE
The reason I could never find them
is because they shouldn't be here.
There are no records of either of
them entering the country.
MATT
What? How?
MIKE
Max is a seaman certified deck hand
on the cargo ship Raspolof.
JORGE
(corrects him)
The Raspopov.
A look.
MIKE
The point is New York was it's
first port of call. Customs checked
all the crew, papers, IDs,
everything checked out, no crew
left the ship, and it continued on
it's route. It offloaded it's last
containers in California, then came
back along it's route. Texas,
Louisiana, Florida. It's picking up
empty containers for the return
trip to Russia.
JORGE
Right, and according to maritime
and Customs laws in the U.S. A ship
doesn't have to be checked if they
don't make another stop in a
different country between ports.
He pulls up another photograph. This man looks very similar
to Max.
JORGE (CONT’D)
Texas customs decided to recheck
the ship. Everything was in order,
papers, crew, etc. This man
(points to the picture)
passed as Max Larin. They didn't
notice it wasn't the same man who
was checked in New York and the
ship was allowed to continue.
41.
MIKE
The most important thing, though,
is that the ship is owned by
Sonreir Inc. He has shipping
offices at the container port here
in New York.
CATHERINE
Where is the ship now?
MIKE
It arrived this morning. I talked
to the loading master at the port,
and he said containers are being
loaded as we speak. It'll set sail
for Russia when that's finished.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS - VARIOUS - DAY
A string of Interpol SUVs races across the bridge. They
THUNDER along side roads.
EXT. SONREIR PORT OFFICES - DAY
The SUVs SCREECH to a stop in front of the office buildings.
SWAT members pour from the vehicles, along with our agents
and detectives. Matt goes to the back of a sedan and opens
the trunk. He hands Abigail, Ben, and Mike INTERPOL
emblazoned bulletproof vests.
LOREN
The search warrants.
She takes them from inside her vest.
MATT
Let's go.
(To SWAT Commander)
Lieutenant you follow us in.
LIEUTENANT
Sir?
Matt doesn't answer and is already halfway to the door of the
office buildings. He opens them and we're inside.
INT. SONREIR PORT OFFICES - DAY
The front offices look the same as his building in the city.
A guard and secretary sit behind a large desk. They stand as
the swarm of officers enter. Matt points at them.
42.
MATT
Don't move! Raise your hands.
They do so. Ben and Mike go to the security guard and take
his weapon.
ABIGAIL
Where are the shipping containers?
SECRETARY
(insultingly)
You're kidding, right?
A menacing look from Abigail.
SECRETARY (CONT’D)
Yeah, no, no this is a shipping
warehouse. All the containers are
in the port.
LOREN
We have warrants to search the
premises. Lieutenant leave a man
here to watch them. Don't let them
contact anyone.
MATT
(to everyone)
You know who, and what we're
looking for, so let's get this
done.
INT/EXT. SONREIR SHIPPING OFFICES, WAREHOUSE - DAY - LATER
Abigail comes out of a door leading from the offices into the
open warehouse in the back of the building. Small assorted
boxes sit on shelves. Huge doorways are open to the port.
Ben, and Matt are there with the SWAT Lieutenant.
BEN
Anything?
ABIGAIL
Nothing. Even the containers that
had already been loaded.
She gestures toward the port. Loren walks in from outside.
LOREN
Well, the news is out. The security
guard just told me Sonreir's
lawyers are enroute.
43.
Abigail SLAMS her fist into one of the boxes on a shelf.
MATT
It doesn't matter. We have federal
warrants. Sonreir himself has
diplomatic immunity. That doesn't
include his businesses.
BEN
It may not come to that.
He motions toward Mike who enters through the open doors of
the warehouse. AARON (50s) follows close behind. He's wearing
a hardhat and a neon yellow reflective vest.
MIKE
This is the container loading
supervisor on duty. Aaron.
He nods in greeting. Aaron needs encouragement to speak. Mike
gives it.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Tell them what you were telling me
about loading the containers onto
the Raspopov.
AARON
Like I was telling the detective
here, we've been loading the ship
the last couple of hours. Now
they're only taking empty
containers, so when we pick them
up, we know they're empty. No way
they could smuggle anyone alive in
one.
ABIGAIL
You're sure? There's no way they
could load a container with someone
in it?
AARON
Yeah, I'm sure. Unless-
ABIGAIL
Unless what?
AARON
Well, I was going to say, unless
they've been sitting in a
mislabeled one for the past two
months.
44.
BEN
Mislabeled one?
AARON
Sure, it happens sometimes. A
container will be pulled off the
ship, and it's missing it's
shipping manifest. No ID on it or
anything. Customs misses them
sometimes, but they catch it
eventually. Before it leaves the
port anyway.
MATT
So what happens to those
containers.
AARON
They're put in a holding section by
the port authority. They either
open them up, or if the shipping
company wants it kept sealed,
they'll notify them to keep it
sealed. The captain has the seal
locks on board. He'll come down and
lock the container from the
outside. The container owner is the
only one with the keys to open it.
Then it's just loaded back on the
ship. Kinda like the mail: Return
to Sender.
MATT
And you say it could take up to a
month before it's reloaded onto the
ship?
AARON
Sure. A few days, weeks, a month or
longer. It really depends on the
ships route, and if that particular
ship is returning at all. Sometimes
another ship for the same company
will come sooner on it's way back
home.
ABIGAIL
Where is the holding section?
AARON
Follow me and I'll show you.
45.
EXT. CONTAINER HOLDING - DAY
Aaron leads the way along the containers. He's talks their
ears off.
AARON
I wouldn't want to wish that on
anyone. You know? Stuck in a metal
container the whole time at sea? No
thanks.
Aaron is leading them around one container when Matt suddenly
GRABS him by the shoulder and YANKS him back behind the edge
of the container. Matt touches his finger to his lips. He
then signals him to stay, and urges the others to follow.
Matt stealthily peeks out from the side of the container. We
see a group of men walking toward them along the containers.
Peter is one of them. We see they're all carrying weapons.
Matt leans in close to Aaron.
MATT
(whispers)
Go back to the warehouse where you
met us, and stay with those
officers.
Aaron nods, and leaves quietly, making sure to stay out of
sight. Matt keys his radio after putting his earpiece in
place.
MATT (INTO COMM) (CONT’D)
Lieutenant, we've found them.
Approximately half a dozen armed
men.
LIEUTENANT'S VOICE
Roger that, sir. Coming as fast as
we can.
The voices speaking Russian tells us that there's no time
left and Matt realizes this too. He gives the others a look
before PEEKING around the corner of the container.
MATT
Drop your weapons! I'm a special
agent with Interpol.
Ben signals for Abigail and Mike to FOLLOW him to the other
end of the container. They nod in agreement and Loren takes
position behind Matt.
46.
Ben takes position similar to Matt's, but in a kneeling
position offering as little of himself as a TARGET as
possible. Abigail does the same, but in a standing position
above Ben. Mike takes cover behind a nearby dumpster.
BEN
NYPD! Put your weapons on the
ground! NOW!
In a FLASH, they fire their weapons. Ben drops the first man
with two shots to the chest. Abigail hits Peter in the arm,
causing him to drop his rifle. He abandons his six
compatriots and sprints along the container.
Sparks ricochet off the container in PROTEST as he darts
behind the row of containers and is out of sight.
ABIGAIL
Cover me! I'm going after him!
She doesn't wait and sprints across the open. Sparks are
kicked up at her feet. Matt see's what's happening and takes
out another shooter with a couple of well placed hits.
Abigail makes it behind the containers where Peter
disappeared.
We go along with her, as she follows a blood TRAIL on the
ground. Then a hand print on a container. She CAUTIOUSLY
keeps going, staying in the gap between the stacked
containers and the wall of the warehouses. She's in a MAZE of
shipping containers. Abigail pauses at each gap.
EXT. CONTAINER HOLDING - MOMENTS LATER
Abigail takes a breath and takes a quick look around the
corner of a container, then darts back behind the corner. We
see nothing, and she proceeds into the space, heading toward
the back of the next group of shipping containers.
Abigail's POV: Peter steps out from behind the container
ahead. He raises his pistol to fire. BAM!
She drops into a kneeling position, and raises her own WEAPON
in one fluid motion. She returns fire. BAM! BAM! BAM!
Her rounds strike him in the chest throwing him backwards out
of sight behind the container. Abigail rushes to the
container, weapon at the ready. He's lying on the ground.
Still. She bends down to take his vitals. It's over.
She stands and hears gunfire in the distance.
47.
Abigail hurries along the container. She comes to the front
to find it open, a large LOCK sitting on the ground. She
looks inside. It's a sound proofed container.
Abigail is SLAMMED through the container doorway, and--
INT/EXT. CARGO CONTAINER - DAY
--crashes onto the floor. Her pistol flies from her hand.
SONREIR
I'm surprised. To find you here.
Alone. Just as my plan crumbles at
my feet.
Abigail stands. Sonreir walks toward her into the container.
Slowly. MENACINGLY.
INT. CARGO CONTAINER - DAY
ABIGAIL
So the prince falls. Immorality
always leads to destruction.
SONREIR
Yes. Yours.
He lunges at her and they trade blows. He's bigger, but she's
a more experienced fighter. He throws her facedown onto the
table.
Sonreir crashes down on top of her and tries to pin her in
place. Abigail STOMPS down on his foot.
He reels back in pain, and she throws back her head, smashing
it into his face. He staggers backward. Blood pours from his
nose.
She takes the seconds of opportunity to take her keys from
her pocket. Abigail holds them in her fist with one key
protruding from between her fingers.
ABIGAIL
Come on! I'm not through with you
yet.
SONREIR
(spits)
Oh, we are far from finished here!
48.
He STALKS toward her and swings a FIST. She's ready, and
punches his incoming blow. The protruding key sinks into his
hand.
He SCREAMS, yanking his hand away from the pain.
The keys dangle from his bleeding fist. He clenches his teeth
staring at her with the pure hatred of a rabid ANIMAL.
Sonreir JERKS the key out of his hand.
Abigail takes two batons from her belt. She extends them to
their full length. Sonreir doesn't see them, or just doesn't
care. He runs at her again, swinging his bloody fist.
Just as we saw earlier when she practiced at her home in
Florida, Abigail uses the batons as kenpo escrima sticks. She
strikes his incoming FIST. Sonreir stops in his tracks,
stunned by the pain.
Abigail doesn't pause, she gives him two blows to the upper
torso, followed by two blows to his legs.
She attacks again, faster this time, except for the last
blow, she drops down, and slams the butt of one of her batons
HARD against his knee.
-- CRACK!
Sonreir's knee buckles, and he drops like a heap to the
floor, holding his leg and writhing in pain. He tries to
stand, but immediately collapses.
ABIGAIL
It's over.
SONREIR
You think so?
Sonreir laughs.
ABIGAIL
You're done. And I'm-
SONREIR
What? Going to arrest me? I have
diplomatic immunity!
ABIGAIL
They'll be revoked. You're going to
prison for what you've done.
She walks to the back of the container putting the batons
back into their pouch on her belt and retrieves her keys.
49.
Her SIG lies under the table, and she picks it up as well,
replacing it into her holster.
SONREIR
My credentials will be revoked. So
what? Do you know what happens
then?
She pauses. Abigail actual doesn't KNOW what will happen. He
sees this, and cackles. She takes out her HANDCUFFS.
SONREIR (CONT’D)
I'll go to jail, but after your
State Department gets involved,
I'll be released the same day.
They'll be a hearing in a month or
two. Again, so what? By that time,
I'll be home at my estate in
Russia. Laughing at you.
ABIGAIL
Laughing at me?
SONREIR
Yes! At you! Because some woman
detective thought she could stop
me. To change the world. Nothing
will change! In fact, I'll return
to Russia earning millions, and
there's nothing you can do.
She remains quiet. Thinking as she stares at him.
ABIGAIL
(finally)
You're right.
Abigail puts away the handcuffs. Sonreir smiles thinking he
has WON. That he'll escape. Again. But, Abigail turns to
leave.
SONREIR
(mirthlessly)
You're going to leave me sitting
here and just walk away?
ABIGAIL
As a matter of fact, that's exactly
what I intend to do.
Abigail walks out of the container.
50.
EXT. CARGO CONTAINER - DAY
She bends down and picks up the impressive looking lock off
the ground. The smile on Sonreir's face slides away. She
grabs a door pulling it closed then walks to the other and
goes to close it as well.
SONREIR
Wait! What are you doing!?
He KNOWS already. Just as Abigail does. But, she rubs his
face in it for the CORRUPT has CORRUPTED.
ABIGAIL
Sure. The State Department will be
notified. Trials and complaints
held, and filed, but, you'll have
disappeared for parts unknown. This
ship will sail back to Russia.
You'll have no food or water. How
long? A week? Three?
She closes the container doors as we hear him scream out.
SONREIR
No. You can't leave me in here. You
can't just leave me to-
Then abrupt--
--SILENCE.
Abigail brings the doors tightly together and turns the
handle into it's locked position. She takes the lock she
found on the ground and slides it into place before snapping
it closed.
She turns and walks back the way she came.
EXT/INT. SONREIR WAREHOUSES - DAY
Abigail walks past the taped crime scene where they first
encountered Sonreir's men in the exchange of gunfire. Their
bodies cover in WHITE sheets.
The container they took shelter behind is open, and it's
almost identical to the one she had just left Sonreir locked
inside.
She gets to the warehouse where the Interpol SUVs sit outside
the bay doors. Ben is inside with Matt, Loren, and Mike.
51.
BEN
There she is.
They turn.
MIKE
Did you catch up with, Peter?
ABIGAIL
He's DOA. About a quarter of a mile
further up the port.
LOREN
I'll take care of it.
Loren bustles away.
ABIGAIL
What happened here?
MATT
SWAT arrived and helped us in the
gunfight. Sonreir's men fought to
the last man.
ABIGAIL
What about the seven missing women?
What about Stephanie?
BEN
Yeah. SWAT found them when they
cleared out the adjoining building.
(motions)
Look there.
Abigail turns to see the group of women being escorted to the
SUVs. We see Stephanie among them. Abigail walks over to the
group just as they're getting inside the vehicles.
ABIGAIL
Stephanie Brighton?
She nods.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
I'm Abigail Greystone. I'm a
detective with the Florida
Sheriff's office. I was sent here
to find you.
STEPHANIE
Are you the one who found us?
52.
ABIGAIL
With a lot of help from Interpol.
We can get you all back home.
Impulsively, Stephanie hugs Abigail in thanks, as we ascend
to see the others looking on.
END OF ACT III
53.
ACT IV
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, MAIN FOYER - DAY
Abigail is standing with Ben and Stephanie. Mike is speaking
with Lieutenant Johnston by the intake desk. The other
rescued women sit in chairs. There is a flurry of excited
activity.
Officers entering the building reveal a group of hungry
reporters trying to get in, but are KEPT from doing so by the
officers outside.
BEN
Your parents are on their way from
the airport.
STEPHANIE
I'm nervous.
ABIGAIL
Don't be. You didn't do anything
wrong. You only trusted someone you
thought you could.
A den of chatter as the doors open and Stephanie's parents
are the first to arrive. She sees them, and runs to their
arms. The hug her tightly.
Other parents come in just after and they all replay the same
emotion as they are REUNITED with their families.
YOLANDA
(to Abigail)
It's great what you did, detective.
You too, Reese.
BEN
Abigail did most of the leg work.
ABIGAIL
I had help. Your brother, you, the
N.Y.P.D., Interpol. We all helped
to get this done.
YOLANDA
He's right, you know? It started
with you. Don't sell yourself
short.
The Brighton's walk up to Abigail. They're in tears.
54.
NICK
Detective Greystone,
(shakes her hand)
Thank you so much for finding
Stephanie.
MARGARET
Yes. Thank you so much for getting
Stephanie back to us.
The Brighton's turn and walk away, arms around each other.
MIKE
Well, I've got those reports to
finish up.
BEN
Me too.
They enter the elevator and Abigail jumps in after them.
INT. 12TH PRECINCT, SQUAD ROOM - DAY - LATER
BEN
About done?
MIKE
Yeah. Just have to sign it.
They're both at their desks facing each other. Mike writes in
a large file folder. Ben tosses a baseball in the air as he
waits.
Abigail exits the BACK room carrying her single bag. She's
changed clothes ready to take her flight. She PLOPS her bag
in a vacant chair.
ABIGAIL
You're a fan of course?
MIKE
More than that. He was scouted by
the Yankees just out of college.
Ninety eight mile per hour
fastball.
ABIGAIL
Really?
BEN
Yup. Best tryout I've ever had. I
just couldn't do anything wrong
that day. Then-
(MORE)
55.
BEN (CONT’D)
(a sigh)
I'm on my way home and WHAM!
MIKE
Drunk driver clips him on his
motorcycle.
BEN
Lucky I had a helmet on, though I
doubt it would have done any
damage. I've got a thick skull, I'm
told. Collar bone was another
story. It was shattered. Game over
before it started. It was how I met
Mike, actually.
ABIGAIL
Seriously?
(to Mike)
You responded to the call?
MIKE
No. I was the drunk driver.
Mike picks up the file, and takes it to Ben.
MIKE (CONT’D)
Here you go, just need you two to
sign. I have to go hit the head.
He leaves. Abigail watches him go.
ABIGAIL
I didn't mean to pry.
Ben signs the file.
BEN
(shrugs)
No. No, it's fine. We worked it out
a long time ago. You want to sign
this?
Abigail signs the forms. Lieutenant Johnston comes out of her
office.
YOLANDA
Those reports ready? Chief Fletcher
of Interpol wants you to bring it
over to them.
BEN
(a beat)
We're on our way.
56.
INT. INTERPOL NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU, WAITING ROOM - SUNSET
Abigail, Ben, and Mike stride into the waiting room. Matt and
Loren are waiting for them.
LOREN
Are those the reports? Great, if
you two can follow me, I'll take
you to Catherine. She's waiting in
the briefing room.
MATT
A moment, Abigail.
Ben and Mike follow Loren. Abigail looks at Matt, puzzled.
MATT (CONT’D)
I just wanted to say, it was great
work you did Detective Greystone.
It was a pleasure working with you.
Matt extends his hand.
ABIGAIL
(shakes his hand)
You too, Agent Thompson.
MATT
Well, let's not keep Catherine
waiting.
The two of them follow the others.
INT. INTERPOL, BRIEFING ROOM - SUNSET
Ben and Mike are talking to Catherine along with another man,
OLIVER WOLF (40s, distinguished) when Matt and Abigail enter.
CATHERINE
So, I'll see you two Monday
morning?
BEN
Sure thing.
She takes the report from him, and shake his and Mike's hand.
CATHERINE
Outstanding. Thank you for your
help gentlemen.
A look as Ben and Mike leave.
57.
MATT
I've got that other matter,
Catherine.
CATHERINE
Of course, Agent Thompson. Agent
Jones is already there.
They watch him go. Then Abigail looks at Catherine.
ABIGAIL
So what can I do for you, Chief
Fletcher?
CATHERINE
(smile)
Let me introduce you. This is
Oliver Wolf. He's our British
liaison officer to the Interpol
Headquarters in Lyon, France.
ABIGAIL
Nice to meet you.
OLIVER
The pleasure is mine, Detective
Greystone.
(beat)
Catherine. I'll speak with you
tomorrow.
Oliver neatly strides away.
CATHERINE
Well, I'll just get to the point,
Abigail. How would you like to work
for me?
ABIGAIL
Me?
CATHERINE
Certainly. You handled yourself
very well in this case, from
beginning to end. I think anyone
would look on you as a tremendous
asset.
ABIGAIL
What would I have to do exactly?
58.
CATHERINE
Uphold the law. The same you do
now, except you would have to
receive some additional training.
For international law. So
technically speaking, like Matt and
Loren, who I recruited from the
FBI, and the US Marshals service,
you'll be a member of the national
police. An agent or special agent
of Interpol.
ABIGAIL
Sounds like I'd be making a big
difference in law enforcement. On a
global stage.
CATHERINE
You would. And I may point out, you
already have made a difference.
She gestures. Abigail turns to see Matt, and Loren escorting
a group of people in the hallway. Abigail sees Elizabeth
Alexandrova in their midst wearing shackles.
CATHERINE (CONT’D)
They are representatives of the
Russian consulate. She's being
placed into their custody and being
returned to Russia.
(a look from Abigail)
It can't be helped. The State
Department was adamant that the Red
Notice from the Russian government
takes precedence.
Elizabeth turns and sees Catherine and Abigail watching her.
She gives them a smirk.
ABIGAIL
Why do I get the feeling she's
getting exactly what she wants?
CATHERINE
Perhaps. So, what do you say,
Abigail? Do you want to work for
Interpol?
Abigail considers it.
ABIGAIL
I've got to be honest with you,
Catherine. I've had to fight and
claw my way into being a detective.
(MORE)
59.
ABIGAIL (CONT’D)
No one believed I should be there,
including me for the longest time.
(a beat)
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying
to talk you out of it.
CATHERINE
(laughs)
It sure sounds like it.
ABIGAIL
No. It's just. . .there are some
people who I work with that think
that I was only made a detective
because I'm filling some sort of
quota. That I didn't really deserve
getting my gold shield.
CATHERINE
You don't actually give that any
merit do you?
ABIGAIL
Still.
CATHERINE
(laughs)
Don't worry about that. Walk with
me?
They walk down the hall.
INT. INTERPOL NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU, WAITING ROOM - SUNSET
CATHERINE
So what do you say, Abigail? Are
you joining my team?
ABIGAIL
Yes. Can you do that?
CATHERINE
Of course. I'm the Chief of
Interpol in the United States, I
can hire whoever I want.
They shake hands sealing the deal. We ascend out over the
headquarters building, looking down at the city, the country,
and finally we see all the lights from different cities
around the globe.
END OF PILOT

© 2019 Sam Ammons


Author's Note

Sam Ammons
This is an original pilot I wrote for television. I have to do a page one rewrite, but I thought it would be interesting to post my first attempt. Sorry about the format. Copy and paste you know?

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Reviews

Not bad. What is the reason for the re-write, out of curiosity? I could definitely picture each scene. I think you have a good sense of timing and description. The language was a little of a problem for me. I think for the most part you did a great job with making large parts of it sound legit, but some of the actual dialogue was a little too obvious and sexist. I can tell that was done with intent, but I feel like it's just something we see a little too much these days. Be careful of the Mary Sue pitfall. You don't want your character to already seem so untouchable. It could be a problem for you later. Overall I think it's a great character and I would really like to see her development further on.

Posted 5 Years Ago


Sam Ammons

5 Years Ago

passive central character is the biggest reason for the rewrite. adversary too. dialogue as well as .. read more

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Added on August 28, 2019
Last Updated on August 28, 2019
Tags: Interpol, Crime Investigation, Procedural, TV Pilot