SAM

		You better get back to it like she says.

Rink looks out the door but reluctantly closes it. He gives Kaz a quick, sad glance before passing Sam with more hostile distance than required.


INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING

KAZ makes himself at home.

				KAZ
			(humorously wistful)
		For a while, this place sounded like Stan and Patty's Polish Pierogi Parlor back home on tournament night. 
Sam shuts his eyes to this news but it doesn't help.

				KAZ (continues)
		Reminded me of Trina, too.
			(doesn't believe it)
		Geez, I'm homesick. 

				SAM
		Kaz, I don't remember why you're here. 
				KAZ

		"Don't remember"? With all the project coverage we're behind in? When you lose your job, you'll remember. 
				SAM
			(to himself but overheard)
		Problems at home AND the job, so much for what's new.

Kaz gives him a "get serious" look.

				KAZ
		Berger's "what's new". At close tonight, Alvarez "restructured" his entire team with the big axe. 
				SAM
		I'm sure he had his reasons. 
Kaz is slightly perplexed at this, then chuckles with some inside joke.

				KAZ
		"HE" hasn't called yet? 

				SAM
			(not sure)
		I don't think so. Why? 
				KAZ
		Alvarez' group gets half of Berger's funds.
			(beat)
		And us. 
				SAM
		Well, I'm sure it's for the best. 
Kaz's eyes pop, totally dumbfounded.

				KAZ
		Are you possessed?
			(ticks off on fingers)
		It's "Reaganomics". It's cutbacks. It's no markets of any kind. And Alvarez still floats to the top. 

				SAM
		You say that like Alvarez is responsible for everything. 
				KAZ
		The Cold Hard A remains while the rest of us go on and off the dole. It makes a man think.
			(with scorn)
		I'm HERE, with a Carnegie Mel DEGREE, a WHITE collar, and NO union. Don't lose as much as I did, Deuce, before you get wise. 
PHONE RINGS, RUNNING FOOTSTEPS.

				RINK (O.S.)
		Hello? Hey! Que pasa? 

				KAZ
		Well, it's MIZ Alvarez. 
Sam rolls his eyes at this clarification of her gender as the restless Kaz's full attention is suddenly so focused on the boy's conversation that he is physically slowly drawn from Sam to it.

				RINK (O.S.)
		School's fine, Aunt Deb. Football's great.
			(to be overheard)
		"HOME"? IT STINKS.
			(beat)
		Yeah, he's here so I can't--. I can?! Sure, I'll see ya' then. I'll get her.
			(beat)
		Mama, it's for you! 

				KAZ
			(looking VERY morose)
		I need a beer. 

KAZ DRAGS SAM OUT OF THE HOUSE, AND--.


INT. OLD PHONE SETTEE - SAME TIME

--LADONNA HEARS the DOOR SLAM as she takes the PHONE.

				LADONNA
		Hi. What?
			(beat)
		Well, congrat--!
			(beat, beat)
		Oh, no. That'll be hard on them and their families. No money at all is bad enough, but, last year, going through that cattle call to file for his unemployment checks and the food stamps broke Deuce's spirit. I'm so truly thankful you got his team back on.
			(beat)
		NO! I HAVEN'T told him.
			(beat)
		D.A., since third grade, have I EVER broken an oath to you? 
RINK walks by with a HUGE sandwich. LaDonna gestures him to take it back. He takes a cocky, demonstratively big bite and leaves. She shakes her head. A CAR DOOR'S SLAM makes her totally alert.

				LADONNA (continues)
		Can we talk later, Deuce is back--.
			(beat)
		No. He doesn't tell me who I can talk to. It's late, that's all. Really.
			(beat)
		Yeah, Mamie Lee's Ice House--. Oh! And, Luzzie says, "kisses".
			(beat)
		I'll tell her. Goodnight. 

INT. FRONT ENTRANCE, BECKSTON HOUSE - NIGHT

A CAR DRIVES OFF as, alone, SAM REENTERS the quiet dark house. He walks slowly about the sparse carcass of a home. On its walls are clean, fluted squares no longer covered by framed pictures. He sighs.


INT. MASTER BEDROOM, BECKSTON HOUSE - NIGHT

LADONNA prepares herself for bed. SAM'S EYES seem hurt to view the BRUISES ON HER BACK AND ARMS. He clears his throat barely able to speak.

				SAM
		I'm really sorry about earlier. It WON'T happen again. NEVER. 

				LADONNA
		Yes, I know. 
				SAM
		NO. I REALLY MEAN IT. It won't happen again, as long as I'M here.

She smiles weakly as sleepy LUZ ENTERS timidly and looks up at Sam. Her mother deftly covers herself with a robe. 
				LUZ
		Feel better, Daddy? 
				SAM
		"Better"?
				LUZ
		You had a bad headache before, didn't you? 
				SAM
		Huh? Ah, yes, right. It's gone now. 
				LADONNA
		Luz, bedtime. 
				SAM
		Yeah. It's bedtime, honey. 
She hugs and kisses her mother then takes her father's hand, looks up into his face. She leads him out. LaDonna watches them go, then redrops the robe. Looking over her shoulder, she sighs at her mirrored image.


INT. LUZ'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

A GERBIL IN ITS CAGE peeks out at SAM who playfully puts LUZ to bed. She clutches a little, worn out stuffed dog whose head pokes out from under the covers.

				LUZ
			(very serious)
		Daddy? Remember, you said a long time ago that you only get angry because your head hurts you? 

				SAM
		Well, I don't think I'll be having any more headaches for a while. 
				RINK
		Humph.

Sam looks around into RINK'S SCOWLING FACE at the doorway. RINK EXITS. Sam's attention returns to Luz and he finds her staring hard into his face.

				SAM
		Things'll be different. I'll fix everything. Now go to sleep.

He playfully kisses her over and over until she smiles...a little and closes her eyes. He TURNS OUT THE LIGHT.


INT. KAZ'S ROOM - SAME TIME

KAZ writes out a CHECK to "TRINA KACZMAREK" whose name also appears with a line drawn through it in the upper left hand corner below "KASIMIR KACZMAREK". In the memo section, it says "CHILD SUPPORT". He rips it out of the book, stuffs it in an envelope that's stamped and addressed. Licking it shut, he slowly crosses the room and rams the envelope into his jacket pocket.

His KITCHENETTE APARTMENT IS CRAMPED WITH MORE BOXES THAN FURNITURE. Turning, he bumps his leg on a low jutting TABLE below TWO FRAMED PICTURES on the wall: one of him and his family, all smiles, except the woman whose face is scribbled over; the other is a slightly yellowed company newsletter with a photo of a young woman headlined -- "DEBORAH ALVAREZ JUSTICE SAVES THE DAY".
He stares at each one. Both hang a little crooked on the wall. He straightens the newsletter.


INT. MASTER BEDROOM, BECKSTON HOUSE - SAME TIME

LADONNA calmly waits and just beams with life and love when SAM approaches, catching him off guard, when she attempts to kiss him. He turns away embarrassed, ashamed. Hurt, she slowly lies down, turning away from him. Sam's pajama bottoms lay carefully placed out on the bed for him. He quickly changes while LaDonna pulls the covers up to her nose, her eyes squeezed tight, as a big tear rolls down.


INT. BECKSTON KITCHEN - NEXT MORNING

SAM ENTERS and all eyes lock onto his every move.

				SAM
		Good...morning, all. 

Returning their gaze, everyone hurries back to their meals. Sam surprises LADONNA with a gentle kiss and rubs LUZ'S cheek until he coaxes a shy smile out of her. RINK stabs his food.

				SAM (continues)
		I believe that's already dead. 

No reaction from Rink.

				SAM (continues)
		How's school? 

Without looking up, Rink answers through clenched teeth.

				RINK
		 Fine. 

				SAM
		Look at me. 
Sam searches Rink's face, as the boy's eyes alternately glare at him then avoid contact.

				SAM (continues)
		Any problems I can help you with? 

				RINK
			(snide)
		At school? Or at home? 
LaDonna breaks the tension by suddenly shoving the sugar bowl to Sam.

				LADONNA
		Your son's as quick as a whip, like you, Deuce. 

She prompts the boy.

				LADONNA (continues)
		Straight...? 

				RINK
		A's. Big deal, now I can work for Aunt Deb an--.
				LUZ
		"A"...for Alison. 
Rink makes a face at Luz who sticks her tongue out in return.

				SAM
		"Alison"?
				LADONNA
		You remember. The Donovan girl.
			(smiles at her son)
		It's gettin' serious, I think. 
				RINK
		We just go to the movies, that's all. 
Expectantly, he appears to brace himself as he scrutinizes his father closely. Sam feels the weight of their guarded anticipation, until he finally nods.

				SAM
		Your mother and I've been to a few movies, too. 

Everyone exhales simultaneously and jump when LaDonna claps her hands.

				LADONNA
		School.
			(to Sam)
		Kaz'll be here soon. 

The KIDS EXIT. Sam hurries from the table, but stops to help clear the table.

				LADONNA (continues)
			(shocked)
		You haven't helped me in a long time. 

				SAM
		I'm overdue then. 
They laugh, but deeply fascinated by her face, Sam clears his throat and backs clumsily for the door.

				SAM (continues)
		I better...I haven't shaved yet. 


INT. MASTER BATH MIRROR & BATH - MORNING

SAM's nearly finished shaving. The ALTERED VERSION OF HIS OWN FACE looking back goes unnoticed. Also, unnoticed, is the SOUND OF THE IMAGING DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING. AL, THE OBSERVER, ENTERS.

				OBSERVER
		There you are! 

Sam starts.
				OBSERVER (continues)
		You cut yourself.
			(beat)
		Ziggy and Gooshie had a heck of a time getting a fix on your location. I was afraid we'd lost you for good with these similarities and systems' deviatio--!
			(beat)
		What? 

Sam's staring hard at him. The Observer looks around.

				OBSERVER
		What?! 
				SAM
			(amazed)
		You're Al! 
				OBSERVER
		And always will be. 
				SAM
		What're you doing here? 
				OBSERVER
		You mean, what're YOU doing here? 
				SAM
		I live here. 
The Observer chuckles momentarily, until Sam's casual gaze into the MIRROR brings no reaction. Sam stares in horror at his hands.

				SAM (continues)
		Last night, I washed her blood off my hands and I don't even remember hitting her. 
				OBSERVER
		That's because YOU didn't. 
				SAM
			(sarcastic)
		Yeah, of course. 
				OBSERVER
		It happened BEFORE you arrived. 
Sam mournfully shakes his head.

				SAM
		How could I hurt her, like that? 

				OBSERVER
		That wasn't you. You didn't do that. 
				SAM
		I practically twisted her arm out of its socket. 
				OBSERVER
		Look in the mirror. Just look. 

MIRROR ANGLE

Sam looks at himself. At his unnoticed altered visage.

				SAM
		Yeah. So? 

The Observer points to Sam and then to the mirror.

				OBSERVER
		YOU are Sam Beckett. And THAT schlemiel is Deuce Beckston. 

The Observer stares at him...and it's not sinking in.

				OBSERVER (continues)
		Maybe you're mind's Swiss cheesed on the matter.
			(patiently, watchfully)
		Normally, eventhough I see you...as you, everyone, including you, should see the outward appearance of the person whose life you've Leaped into. 

Sam's jaw drops in realization, as his eyes search the reflected face.

				OBSERVER (continues)
		They say we all got a double somewhere, personally, I think I'm one of a kind. 

				SAM
			(automatic)
		Thank god. 
The Observer feigns offense.

				SAM (continues)
		I don't like this. 

				OBSERVER
		That's what I've been saying every second for ten days while Ziggy searched for you.
			(beat)
		It's kinda eerie. Spooky. Freaky deeky. 
				SAM
		Al, until you got here, I didn't remember leap.... I KNOW there's two of us; but, I don't FEEL any difference between me...and him. 
The Observer seems VERY disturbed by this.

				OBSERVER
		That's not good, Sam. You're not supposed to feel or think or even act like him. You should just be yourself...as always.
			(beat)
		You do have a thing or two in common, though, that's for sure. You're both scientists, look alike...in fact--.

Sam organizes his thoughts and feelings, clarifying more for himself than Al.

				SAM
		I'm not a wife beater. I don't have a son who hates me or a little daughter, who's frightened to tears. My job. Al, everything needs fixing. Where do I start? 

				OBSERVER
		With La...LaDonna.
			(to self)
		Another coincidence? Still can't get over that one. 
				SAM
		What? 
				OBSERVER
		Nevermind. Sometime in the next two days Deuce puts her in the hospital. 
				SAM
		How badly did I hurt her? 
				OBSERVER
		Did "he" hurt her. She'll need plastic surgery. 
Sam shudders like he's freezing and quickly looks to see if the Observer saw it. He didn't.

				OBSERVER (continues)
		The police pull him in but he's released. 

				SAM
		Released?! How?! 

				OBSERVER
		Problems with how he's processed, then when she wakes...she doesn't press charges. 

				SAM
		That's ridiculous! He--. Wait! 

				OBSERVER
		What? 

				SAM
		I'm here now and I won't touch her, so...? 

				OBSERVER
			(checks Handlink, surprised)
		Good Choice. Not beating. No hospital. She's fine.
			(beat)
		There's still a long financial struggle; but...can it be that easy? 

				SAM
		It CAN be that easy. 

Both wait in vain for the Leap.

				OBSERVER (continues)
		Well, that just never works when you want it to. 

Sam picks up then absentmindedly fingers LaDonna's pantyhose, that'd been hanging to dry.

				SAM
			(emphatically measured)
		Al, I can't stay here. I can't.... Luz said I have headaches. 

The Observer fiddles with the Handlink.

				OBSERVER
		No medical documentation on that, Sam. Ziggy suggests it's a standing alibi. 

				SAM
		What else? 

				OBSERVER
		Not much. These sort of families usually try very hard to stay out of police and hospital reports--.

The Observer sees something in the Handlink but holds out.

				SAM
		What?

				OBSERVER
		I'm not sure--.

				SAM
		Ziggy's "not sure" and you're "not sure"--.
			(beat)
		Check the kids. 

				OBSERVER
		I am. It's taking a while. Oh. The boy...Rink, has "run-ins with the law, which escalate". Not good there. And in a few years...Luz...
			(reacts)
		...Luz "disappears on her way home from school"; but...but....

He bangs the side of the Handlink.

				SAM
		But what?! 

				OBSERVER
		..."about the head." 

				SAM
		What?! 

				OBSERVER
		Gooshie!! 

Listens to offscreen presence.

				OBSERVER (continues)
		Gooshie says some of Ziggy's systems are crashing. He's afraid that running into another you is straining--.

				SAM
		"Strain"?! Tell Ziggy to get her primadonna systems up and figure something. NOW. 

The Observer remains calm, taking careful notice of his friend.

				OBSERVER
		She's working on it. We're all working on it. 

Sam is startled by a CAR HORN. He looks out the window.

				SAM
		It's Kaz. Gotta go. 

He stops but doesn't look at Al. He takes a deep breath to speak but can't form the words.

				OBSERVER
		You're here to make it better for them, Sam, and I'm here to help you. Now THAT I'm sure of.

Unconvinced, Sam leaves.

 

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE

"Rule of Thumb", Act Two

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