Walker, Texas Ranger s02e24 Episode Script
Stolen Lullaby
Oh, did you miss me, sweet pea? I missed you.
I thought about you all day.
How's Mama's pretty Alice? I think about this face all day.
I can't believe something so sweet belongs to me.
Keep your mind on classes, Laurie.
I got an A on my world history final.
IÂll graduate with honors.
It won't be easy, but we're going to college.
Honey, I don't doubt it for a minute.
- Come on.
Are you ready? Come on.
- Bye.
Let's go, OK? Let's go home.
Oh, that's a good girl.
OK.
Sweet pea, you awake already? Oh, God.
Oh, God.
Oh, God, no.
Oh, God.
No.
Oh, God.
Please, God, no.
No.
Oh, my baby.
My baby! I think he'll make a wonderful candidate, don't you? Yes, it's time that this city had a mayor of Garrett's stature.
- Hey.
- Hi.
So, what do you think about my new tuxedo? It's nice, Trivette.
You're the first Ranger IÂve known to own one.
Yeah, but see how much better mine looks than yours? - How much did it cost? - What? - How much did it cost? - Girl, look what I see.
- $1,1OO.
- What? $1,1OO.
You paid $1,1OO for? I can think of a lot of things IÂd rather spend 1,1OO bucks on than a tux.
You have no style.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Oh, no.
IÂm sorry.
IÂll get it.
I may not have any style, Trivette, but IÂve got a clean tuxedo.
Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention? I give you a man that we all appreciate and admire.
The man that we're here this evening to honor.
And that, of course, is our Big Pal Man of the Year, This is the stuff winning campaign spots are made of.
The only kind IÂm interested in.
Thank you all very much.
Well, IÂve IÂve known many thrilling moments in my career.
IÂve hosted royalty, IÂve been honored with the keys to our city.
But to be acknowledged for my work on behalf of the Big Pal program Mr.
Carlson! is truly the crowning achievement of my career.
Mr.
Carlson, listen to me! There are currently 1,OOO fatherless boys waiting for Big Pals.
I want my baby back, Mr.
Carlson! She's my baby, not yours! Why do you want my baby? She belongs to me! She's all IÂve got! Could someone call security, please.
I don't want to cause trouble.
I just want my baby back, please.
Please! I don't know what the problem is, but this is not the time or place.
- Now, come on.
- He's got my baby.
Wouldn't be a Carlson speech without a rabble-rouser.
Carlson's asked me if there was anything I could do to help.
Alex, this is Laurie Maston.
Her baby was stolen about a month ago in San Antone, and she thinks the Carlsons' baby is hers.
I saw this picture of the Carlsons and their adopted baby in the newspaper last week.
She's mine.
You can see they're the same.
- What do you think? - Hard to tell from the pictures.
Not to a mother.
I know my baby.
Those are Alice's dimples.
I love those dimples.
Laurie, I can't begin to imagine how horrible it is to lose your child.
But the Carlsons' baby can't be yours.
They adopted her through a very reputable agency.
When I got pregnant, my folks said I made a real mess out of my life.
They kicked me out.
I didn't know what to do, where to go.
I was really confused.
But when Alice was born, I promised her I would always take care of her.
No matter what, I would never leave her.
Laurie We can't promise you anything, but we'll look into it for you.
You know that's absurd, Walker.
That crazy little girl should have been put away.
She's distraught.
All I want to do is put her mind at ease - that this is not her child.
- I don't see how we can help.
And IÂm not sure I want to after she humiliated us.
Oh, she's just a kid.
And she's been through a lot.
We could look at the papers.
Those aren't something you show someone off the street.
- They're sealed by the court.
- It's our own private matter.
- I don't have to answer to anyone.
- We could make this an investigation.
Walker, IÂm about to embark on the most important stage of my career.
This is a headache I do not need.
A blood test would clear this matter up.
You don't give up, do you? All right.
You get your blood test.
Someone said all babies look like Winston Churchill, but yours bears a resemblance to Laurie's.
After all I have done for this city, I resent having two uninvited civil servants confront me at home! We'll arrange for the test this afternoon.
Civil servants.
IÂve been called worse.
- What do you think you're doing? - I have done everything your way.
Dried out, even became mother to a child I did not want so you would look good! I can't very well run a campaign based on family values without a family, now.
At the very least, you could allow me one moment of weakness.
Your weakness caused us to be turned down, so don't tell me about your weakness! I hate your damn weakness! Mabel.
You're gonna kill somebody with that damn thing! As you're slower than spit in a freeze with my lunch, I gotta pass the time.
Just get you some spectacles and put them on.
If I did that, I could see you better.
Just might ruin everything.
OK, here we go.
A BLT, Braunschweiger, liverwurst and tuna.
- Thanks, C.
D.
- Well, did you see Alice? - Are they taking good care of her? - She was asleep.
Sweat pea's a good sleeper.
Slept through the night at two months.
- Don't get your hopes up.
- They're on cloud nine.
I know it's Alice.
Well The blood test results.
- It's your baby.
- I knew it! I knew it.
I haven't told the Carlsons yet.
- IÂm not exactly sure how.
- When can I have her back? We'll have to do this by the book.
So if you could just be patient, OK? OK.
I can't wait to get out of that crummy motel.
The Carlsons wouldn't steal a baby.
I know that like I know my name.
- There's something wrong somewhere.
- Start with the adoption agency.
- We'll need a court order.
- You got it.
I paid you $1OO,OOO to guarantee that there'd be no problems.
That girl is a problem, Stedler.
And IÂm a problem solver.
Your wife's a drunk, Carlson.
No adoption agency in the state would let you have a baby.
- IÂll take care of this.
- You didn't mention stealing a baby.
You needed a kid for the primaries.
You didn't care how I did it.
You got the adoption papers to prove it's all legal.
The girl is out of it.
Well, maybe some extra money will keep her out.
You don't pay the little slut.
Go on with your life.
IÂll talk to her.
All right, fine.
You talk to her.
You take care of it.
Because if you don't, IÂll take care of you.
You understand? I hear you, loud and clear, Mr.
Carlson.
You better.
- Trivette.
- Yeah? - IÂve got the court order.
- All right.
I checked out that agency the Carlsons used.
It's on the up and up.
Family Dreams' been licensed ten years.
No actions ever filed against it.
Laurie Maston poor troubled girl.
Come in.
Thank you, Leanne.
Make a copy of this court order and put it in the file.
Certainly.
OK, it's all here.
- Please.
- A relinquishing order.
The birth mother gave up parental rights.
Signed by Laurie, notarized.
Copy of her driver's license, the prenatal agreement.
Hospital records.
It's all in order.
Tell me something, how much does it cost to adopt a child? Twenty thousand dollars.
That may sound like a lot, but it covers everything from screening parents to filing documents to legal fees and counseling, prenatal care, overhead.
You don't get into this to get rich.
A placement that works.
That's our reward.
Unfortunately, this isn't the first time IÂve seen a mother regret her decision.
What if she wants her baby back? In Texas, once a mother signs a relinquishing order, that's it.
There's no recourse.
I feel bad for Laurie.
She's didn't have an easy time of it.
- Thanks for your time.
- My pleasure.
Thank you.
It's me.
That Maston kid surfaced.
You gotta find her.
How do I know where she is? She's got no money, so start at the fleabags.
Well, maybe Laurie changed her mind and knew she had no recourse.
So she made up the whole story about her baby being stolen? Something like that.
The police report was dated five days after the adoption papers.
I don't know.
She seems to love that baby an awful lot.
- It doesn't seem logical.
- She was confused during the pregnancy.
She didn't know where to got, who to turn to.
Adoption seemed like the answer.
Well, let's go ask her.
Time to practice your penmanship, kiddo.
Got a nice goodbye typed out here for you.
Sign it here.
Sign it now! Listen, sign this damn Can you tell me where Laurie Maston's room is? Yeah, room 18.
Let's get out of here.
Laurie, it's Ranger Walker.
Call an ambulance.
- What did you give her? - Who? What'd you give her? I gave her what she came looking for: crank, meth.
I want some straight answers, Laurie.
I told you.
Those guys broke into my room and forced me to sign.
They said you bought dope, and it wasn't the first time.
And you believe them? San Antonio PD picked you up for possession a couple of years back.
- Those charges were dropped.
- What happened? I went to a party with my boyfriend, cops busted in and arrested everybody.
- Your boyfriend's doing 25 to life.
- I didn't know he was dealin'.
Look, that was a long time ago.
I never used hard drugs.
What do you want me to say? - Maybe you should just leave me alone.
- Look, I saw a record of the adoption.
Your picture, your medical history, your signed consent, it was all there.
That's impossible.
It's a tough decision, but killing yourself is not the solution.
I didn't try to kill myself! You have to believe me! And I don't know anything about any papers.
Rich people can always get that stuff fixed up.
Look, somebody just came in and stole my baby.
They stole her! I don't know why, but I believe her.
If she's telling the truth, then Stedler's lying.
Yeah, something about this whole thing stinks.
This man's reputation is beyond reproach.
So why would he risk it? Crank up the computer, run a check on him.
All right.
- What about that Laurie girl? - Don't worry about her.
- She'll be out of the picture.
- You sure we should go? The Jamisons expect their bundle of joy tomorrow.
After these agencies turned them down, it wouldn't be right to disappoint them.
I don't like it.
If people are watching you, they're watching us.
How many of these special adoptions we do this year, Dolan? Ten, maybe 12.
At 1OO,OOO a pop, free and clear there's no way IÂm walkin' away.
If you can't handle it, IÂll find someone who can.
No, we can handle it.
We can handle it.
Good.
If you leave now, you'll be in Tulsa by 9:OO.
Here's directions and a picture of the girl.
Have a nice trip.
IÂm scared.
We've got plenty of money put away, Roy.
We should head out of town and keep driving.
We could go to Idaho, get ourselves a little place And pass up ten grand? No.
We'll go back to the motel.
We'll lay low for the night.
We'll find a kid right here in the morning.
We'll turn it over, then blow.
It ain't the right kid, he'll kill us.
They all look the same at this age.
By the time he figures out what's up, we'll be long gone.
Come on.
- Mrs.
Carlson.
- Ranger Walker.
IÂm in kind of a hurry right now.
I wanted to let you know Laurie's in the hospital from an overdose of drugs.
It was made to look like suicide.
My husband says she has a history of substance abuse.
- Not true.
- Believe what you want.
- It has nothing to do with us.
- She's the mother of your child.
Not anymore.
We paid a lot of money for her.
- That baby belongs to us.
- Like this car? Excuse me? You paid a lot of money for your car too.
If there's nothing else, I have to be going.
Well, there is one other thing.
What if the roles were reversed? What if you were in Laurie's shoes? How would you feel? - Hello, Laurie.
- Do I know you? You should.
I arranged the adoption of your baby to the Carlsons.
IÂm surprised you don't remember.
- No.
- You came to my office.
You signed the papers.
You handed the baby over all nice and legal-like.
I did not.
You must have forged that.
You agreed to give up your baby, Laurie.
Yes, yes, you did.
And you lied to the Ranger.
You'll need more than a nurse if you don't do what I say.
You listen to me.
The baby belongs to the Carlsons now.
You go back to San Antone and stay quiet, or IÂll arrange for a nice case of crib death.
- You wouldn't.
- Oh, yes, I would.
- Oh, how are you, Ranger? - What are you doing here, Mr.
Stedler? Came to check on our girl.
She seems like she's doing fine.
Take care now, little lady.
You OK, Laurie? Ranger Walker, I better just go home and forget this whole thing.
- Forget your baby? - I could never forget her, but She'll be better off with the Carlsons.
- They're rich.
- I don't believe you really mean that.
I don't know what I mean.
l IÂm confused.
I just IÂll be right back.
Stedler! - What can I do for you, Ranger? - What did you say to that girl? - I reminded her of her obligations.
- You said more than that.
Think what you like.
But there's no question she's an unfit mother.
Up there in detox, drying out.
I had no idea she had a drug problem.
Lucky the Carlsons are willing to keep the kid.
The Carlsons tell you she was here? - Why don't you ask them? - I will.
Hi, how are you? Good to see you.
Hello, my dear.
Thank you for coming.
Be sure to milk this stuff.
It's priceless.
Remember that when you get my invoice.
All right, guys.
Right over here.
- Got it? Come on.
- OK.
- IÂll be right with you.
- Over here, Claudia.
Perfect.
Perfect.
IÂve got the perfect campaign slogan: - ''A family man for family values''.
- Not bad.
Look at the camera here.
All right.
- Terrific.
- Myra.
Yes, ma'am.
- IÂll take her.
- Goodbye, sweetheart.
- Walker, what are you doing here? - I won't be staying long.
Do you think anybody who'd steal a baby would go to this trouble? Men with ambitions believe they can buy anything.
Alex, maybe you and Mrs.
Carlson are so close that you can't see things clearly.
Questioning my professionalism is not the way.
- Doubting my judgment won't stop me.
- Fine.
What are we gonna do? What we always do.
Find the truth.
- Alex didn't tell us you'd be coming.
- She didn't know.
- You and I need to talk, outside.
- You're damn right we do.
- Ma'am? - Oh, thank you.
What's the idea of harassing my wife yesterday? - IÂm trying to get the facts.
- You've got them! The adoption's legal.
IÂve got the papers! Why did you send Stedler to scare Laurie into leaving? My business with Mr.
Stedler is over.
What he does is no concern of mine.
If you give me more grief, I will ruin you.
Believe I can do it.
Now just back off! IÂll back off when I get the truth.
And if you adopted that child illegally, all the contacts in the world aren't gonna save you.
Walker.
Stedler was right about not getting rich on this business.
Three years ago, he filed for bankruptcy.
But magically, he pulled it out, and he withdrew the filing later on.
And we know how.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Hang on.
- Walker, you're not gonna like this.
- What? IÂm going to see her right now.
- You're dropping the charges? - It's over.
IÂm goin' home tomorrow.
- Sorry about all the trouble.
- Is someone forcing you to do this? No one forces me.
What you're saying is you gave up your child voluntarily? IÂm sorry I lied.
I just didn't know what else to do.
I couldn't take care of her.
And so Laurie, I don't believe you.
I must be a better liar than I thought.
No, you're lying now.
- Let me help you.
- IÂve had all the help I need.
- I want Alice to be OK.
- Did Stedler threaten you? No! Now just leave me alone.
OK.
IÂll leave you alone.
But there's just one thing I want you to think about.
Think about another young mother, just like you, who's trying to raise her baby with no family support, either.
Think about how she'll feel when they steal her baby.
Have a nice trip.
Manager for price check on four.
Oh, no! Brian.
What am I going to do with you, Brian? My baby! My baby's gone! Here's the report.
One minute she's there, the next minute she's gone.
It's all my fault.
No, ma'am, it is not your fault.
- Are you gonna find my baby? - We'll do everything we can.
Nobody tried to distract you? No.
I was cleaning up the mess Brian made.
- I just looked away for a few seconds.
- I might have seen something.
An old car drove fast out of the parking lot.
I didn't think about it till I heard her.
- Old car.
What make? - Well, those old boats look the same, but this was grey and had Louisiana plates.
- See the license number? - Yeah.
It was 789 at the end.
Thanks.
- Do you have a picture of your baby? - Yes.
Get an APB on that car, and get the baby's picture on the news.
All right.
We'll do everything possible to find your baby.
OK.
Let's go pay Stedler a visit.
The kid's got a cold.
Don't tell Stedler.
He'll cut our take.
- Back from Tulsa so soon? - Drove all night.
Yes.
Very nice.
Very nice.
Pretty as the picture.
Call us if you need another job.
IÂll be in touch.
Get the diaper bag, Parmer.
- We're out of here.
- Thank you.
2A-47 for Walker.
Come in.
Walker, come in.
Walker.
Got that car with Louisiana plates.
- Great.
Where at? - 5th andAlvarado, Inner-City Motel.
We're on our way.
Stay put until we get there.
In other news, three-month-old Carol Newhall was kidnapped this morning from Ralph's Fine Food in north Dallas.
Authorities are asking everyone to be on the lookout for this child and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
Can I please have the number for the Family Dreams Adoption Agency, please? Hello.
I was wondering if you could please give me your address? Thank you.
Get out! Get out! Turn around.
Oh, no.
Another karate guy.
Hands behind your back, or you get hurt.
I told you.
Now, stay down! Roll over.
Stedler's got the baby.
Cuff him.
OK, now? Yes, Mrs.
Jamison, she's just as happy and as healthy as can be.
Oh, IÂm happy too.
These moments make it all worthwhile.
You'll make terrific parents.
Let's meet at the Maywood Hotel, say, in an hour? And you'll bring the payment with you? Hundred thousand in cash.
That's correct.
See you then.
Come on.
- IÂll get out up here.
- You got it.
- Actually, follow that car.
- What? I really can't tell you that.
This is a serious police matter, ma'am.
I work for Mr.
Stedler.
You understand my position.
You'd better understand our position.
Your boss is a suspected kidnapper.
If you don't want to be an accomplice, start talking.
Honestly, I don't know where he is, but Mr.
Parmer would know.
- Sit down! Where's Stedler? - I don't know.
You're facing hard time.
You better start talking.
He's on his way to the Maywood Hotel.
Take him in, Trivette.
IÂm going after Stedler.
OK, here we go.
- Hi.
- Laurie.
What's this about? - IÂm leavin'.
Goin' back to San Antone.
- I think that's wise.
I wanted to make sure Alice'd be all right.
- Course she will.
- You're not gonna do nothin' to her? Not if you hold up your end of things, Laurie.
She's with one of the finest families.
She's gonna have a very happy life.
This one too? Would you like to hold her? No.
Well, IÂll see you, Mr.
Stedler.
Laurie.
Hold the baby.
Take the baby.
- Couldn't we just? - Shut up is what we could do.
Come on.
Put the baby on the bed.
Oh, Laurie, Laurie, Laurie.
You should've gone home a long time ago.
Because now you're never gonna make it.
- Reid Stedler checked in earlier.
- Stedler? He may have a baby with him.
- He's checked in.
- Room? - Suite 1 OO3.
- Have security meet me.
Sorry, folks.
Official business.
Sorry.
- Let me go! - Straighten up.
Come on! Come on.
Stay with the baby.
Did you see a man come in here, miss? No.
No.
But, you know, I think I heard someone in the staircase.
Thanks.
Please! Let me go! Get over here.
IÂll leave town.
What am I gonna do? It's too late, Laurie.
Don't worry.
Everybody gonna feel sorry for you.
Young girl, despondent over the loss of her baby and the mess she made, decides to end it all.
Come on.
Come on.
I got you.
I got you.
I just wanted my baby back.
I know, Laurie.
Garrett Carlson, a family man for family values.
Garrett Carlson for mayor.
Does that get you where you live? - Excellent work.
- It almost brought a tear to my eye.
Oh, yes.
Yes, it's very moving.
- IÂll get that.
- Good work.
That shot, where she looks down at the baby and smiles, it's I gotta look at that again.
All right.
- I have a warrant for your arrest.
- What? Conspiring to commit murder, obstruction of justice, adopting a baby illegally.
It's ridiculous.
You'll never make any of that stick.
That's not my job.
It's mine, and I intend to do it very well.
I know people.
IÂll take you down.
All of you.
You ought to save that for the cellblock.
Cellblock, hell.
Don't worry.
We'll be a family again.
IÂm sorry.
IÂm so sorry.
Maybe we could do something, pay I don't want you to pay for anything.
This is true love.
That's what makes a family.
Mama's here.
Oh, baby.
I don't know what I could ever do to thank you.
How about a picture of you and Alice? Oh, she's so sweet.
Nobody's ever gonna hold you except me.
Well, me and one other person.
- There you go.
- Watch the head.
OK, I am.
I thought about you all day.
How's Mama's pretty Alice? I think about this face all day.
I can't believe something so sweet belongs to me.
Keep your mind on classes, Laurie.
I got an A on my world history final.
IÂll graduate with honors.
It won't be easy, but we're going to college.
Honey, I don't doubt it for a minute.
- Come on.
Are you ready? Come on.
- Bye.
Let's go, OK? Let's go home.
Oh, that's a good girl.
OK.
Sweet pea, you awake already? Oh, God.
Oh, God.
Oh, God, no.
Oh, God.
No.
Oh, God.
Please, God, no.
No.
Oh, my baby.
My baby! I think he'll make a wonderful candidate, don't you? Yes, it's time that this city had a mayor of Garrett's stature.
- Hey.
- Hi.
So, what do you think about my new tuxedo? It's nice, Trivette.
You're the first Ranger IÂve known to own one.
Yeah, but see how much better mine looks than yours? - How much did it cost? - What? - How much did it cost? - Girl, look what I see.
- $1,1OO.
- What? $1,1OO.
You paid $1,1OO for? I can think of a lot of things IÂd rather spend 1,1OO bucks on than a tux.
You have no style.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Oh, no.
IÂm sorry.
IÂll get it.
I may not have any style, Trivette, but IÂve got a clean tuxedo.
Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention? I give you a man that we all appreciate and admire.
The man that we're here this evening to honor.
And that, of course, is our Big Pal Man of the Year, This is the stuff winning campaign spots are made of.
The only kind IÂm interested in.
Thank you all very much.
Well, IÂve IÂve known many thrilling moments in my career.
IÂve hosted royalty, IÂve been honored with the keys to our city.
But to be acknowledged for my work on behalf of the Big Pal program Mr.
Carlson! is truly the crowning achievement of my career.
Mr.
Carlson, listen to me! There are currently 1,OOO fatherless boys waiting for Big Pals.
I want my baby back, Mr.
Carlson! She's my baby, not yours! Why do you want my baby? She belongs to me! She's all IÂve got! Could someone call security, please.
I don't want to cause trouble.
I just want my baby back, please.
Please! I don't know what the problem is, but this is not the time or place.
- Now, come on.
- He's got my baby.
Wouldn't be a Carlson speech without a rabble-rouser.
Carlson's asked me if there was anything I could do to help.
Alex, this is Laurie Maston.
Her baby was stolen about a month ago in San Antone, and she thinks the Carlsons' baby is hers.
I saw this picture of the Carlsons and their adopted baby in the newspaper last week.
She's mine.
You can see they're the same.
- What do you think? - Hard to tell from the pictures.
Not to a mother.
I know my baby.
Those are Alice's dimples.
I love those dimples.
Laurie, I can't begin to imagine how horrible it is to lose your child.
But the Carlsons' baby can't be yours.
They adopted her through a very reputable agency.
When I got pregnant, my folks said I made a real mess out of my life.
They kicked me out.
I didn't know what to do, where to go.
I was really confused.
But when Alice was born, I promised her I would always take care of her.
No matter what, I would never leave her.
Laurie We can't promise you anything, but we'll look into it for you.
You know that's absurd, Walker.
That crazy little girl should have been put away.
She's distraught.
All I want to do is put her mind at ease - that this is not her child.
- I don't see how we can help.
And IÂm not sure I want to after she humiliated us.
Oh, she's just a kid.
And she's been through a lot.
We could look at the papers.
Those aren't something you show someone off the street.
- They're sealed by the court.
- It's our own private matter.
- I don't have to answer to anyone.
- We could make this an investigation.
Walker, IÂm about to embark on the most important stage of my career.
This is a headache I do not need.
A blood test would clear this matter up.
You don't give up, do you? All right.
You get your blood test.
Someone said all babies look like Winston Churchill, but yours bears a resemblance to Laurie's.
After all I have done for this city, I resent having two uninvited civil servants confront me at home! We'll arrange for the test this afternoon.
Civil servants.
IÂve been called worse.
- What do you think you're doing? - I have done everything your way.
Dried out, even became mother to a child I did not want so you would look good! I can't very well run a campaign based on family values without a family, now.
At the very least, you could allow me one moment of weakness.
Your weakness caused us to be turned down, so don't tell me about your weakness! I hate your damn weakness! Mabel.
You're gonna kill somebody with that damn thing! As you're slower than spit in a freeze with my lunch, I gotta pass the time.
Just get you some spectacles and put them on.
If I did that, I could see you better.
Just might ruin everything.
OK, here we go.
A BLT, Braunschweiger, liverwurst and tuna.
- Thanks, C.
D.
- Well, did you see Alice? - Are they taking good care of her? - She was asleep.
Sweat pea's a good sleeper.
Slept through the night at two months.
- Don't get your hopes up.
- They're on cloud nine.
I know it's Alice.
Well The blood test results.
- It's your baby.
- I knew it! I knew it.
I haven't told the Carlsons yet.
- IÂm not exactly sure how.
- When can I have her back? We'll have to do this by the book.
So if you could just be patient, OK? OK.
I can't wait to get out of that crummy motel.
The Carlsons wouldn't steal a baby.
I know that like I know my name.
- There's something wrong somewhere.
- Start with the adoption agency.
- We'll need a court order.
- You got it.
I paid you $1OO,OOO to guarantee that there'd be no problems.
That girl is a problem, Stedler.
And IÂm a problem solver.
Your wife's a drunk, Carlson.
No adoption agency in the state would let you have a baby.
- IÂll take care of this.
- You didn't mention stealing a baby.
You needed a kid for the primaries.
You didn't care how I did it.
You got the adoption papers to prove it's all legal.
The girl is out of it.
Well, maybe some extra money will keep her out.
You don't pay the little slut.
Go on with your life.
IÂll talk to her.
All right, fine.
You talk to her.
You take care of it.
Because if you don't, IÂll take care of you.
You understand? I hear you, loud and clear, Mr.
Carlson.
You better.
- Trivette.
- Yeah? - IÂve got the court order.
- All right.
I checked out that agency the Carlsons used.
It's on the up and up.
Family Dreams' been licensed ten years.
No actions ever filed against it.
Laurie Maston poor troubled girl.
Come in.
Thank you, Leanne.
Make a copy of this court order and put it in the file.
Certainly.
OK, it's all here.
- Please.
- A relinquishing order.
The birth mother gave up parental rights.
Signed by Laurie, notarized.
Copy of her driver's license, the prenatal agreement.
Hospital records.
It's all in order.
Tell me something, how much does it cost to adopt a child? Twenty thousand dollars.
That may sound like a lot, but it covers everything from screening parents to filing documents to legal fees and counseling, prenatal care, overhead.
You don't get into this to get rich.
A placement that works.
That's our reward.
Unfortunately, this isn't the first time IÂve seen a mother regret her decision.
What if she wants her baby back? In Texas, once a mother signs a relinquishing order, that's it.
There's no recourse.
I feel bad for Laurie.
She's didn't have an easy time of it.
- Thanks for your time.
- My pleasure.
Thank you.
It's me.
That Maston kid surfaced.
You gotta find her.
How do I know where she is? She's got no money, so start at the fleabags.
Well, maybe Laurie changed her mind and knew she had no recourse.
So she made up the whole story about her baby being stolen? Something like that.
The police report was dated five days after the adoption papers.
I don't know.
She seems to love that baby an awful lot.
- It doesn't seem logical.
- She was confused during the pregnancy.
She didn't know where to got, who to turn to.
Adoption seemed like the answer.
Well, let's go ask her.
Time to practice your penmanship, kiddo.
Got a nice goodbye typed out here for you.
Sign it here.
Sign it now! Listen, sign this damn Can you tell me where Laurie Maston's room is? Yeah, room 18.
Let's get out of here.
Laurie, it's Ranger Walker.
Call an ambulance.
- What did you give her? - Who? What'd you give her? I gave her what she came looking for: crank, meth.
I want some straight answers, Laurie.
I told you.
Those guys broke into my room and forced me to sign.
They said you bought dope, and it wasn't the first time.
And you believe them? San Antonio PD picked you up for possession a couple of years back.
- Those charges were dropped.
- What happened? I went to a party with my boyfriend, cops busted in and arrested everybody.
- Your boyfriend's doing 25 to life.
- I didn't know he was dealin'.
Look, that was a long time ago.
I never used hard drugs.
What do you want me to say? - Maybe you should just leave me alone.
- Look, I saw a record of the adoption.
Your picture, your medical history, your signed consent, it was all there.
That's impossible.
It's a tough decision, but killing yourself is not the solution.
I didn't try to kill myself! You have to believe me! And I don't know anything about any papers.
Rich people can always get that stuff fixed up.
Look, somebody just came in and stole my baby.
They stole her! I don't know why, but I believe her.
If she's telling the truth, then Stedler's lying.
Yeah, something about this whole thing stinks.
This man's reputation is beyond reproach.
So why would he risk it? Crank up the computer, run a check on him.
All right.
- What about that Laurie girl? - Don't worry about her.
- She'll be out of the picture.
- You sure we should go? The Jamisons expect their bundle of joy tomorrow.
After these agencies turned them down, it wouldn't be right to disappoint them.
I don't like it.
If people are watching you, they're watching us.
How many of these special adoptions we do this year, Dolan? Ten, maybe 12.
At 1OO,OOO a pop, free and clear there's no way IÂm walkin' away.
If you can't handle it, IÂll find someone who can.
No, we can handle it.
We can handle it.
Good.
If you leave now, you'll be in Tulsa by 9:OO.
Here's directions and a picture of the girl.
Have a nice trip.
IÂm scared.
We've got plenty of money put away, Roy.
We should head out of town and keep driving.
We could go to Idaho, get ourselves a little place And pass up ten grand? No.
We'll go back to the motel.
We'll lay low for the night.
We'll find a kid right here in the morning.
We'll turn it over, then blow.
It ain't the right kid, he'll kill us.
They all look the same at this age.
By the time he figures out what's up, we'll be long gone.
Come on.
- Mrs.
Carlson.
- Ranger Walker.
IÂm in kind of a hurry right now.
I wanted to let you know Laurie's in the hospital from an overdose of drugs.
It was made to look like suicide.
My husband says she has a history of substance abuse.
- Not true.
- Believe what you want.
- It has nothing to do with us.
- She's the mother of your child.
Not anymore.
We paid a lot of money for her.
- That baby belongs to us.
- Like this car? Excuse me? You paid a lot of money for your car too.
If there's nothing else, I have to be going.
Well, there is one other thing.
What if the roles were reversed? What if you were in Laurie's shoes? How would you feel? - Hello, Laurie.
- Do I know you? You should.
I arranged the adoption of your baby to the Carlsons.
IÂm surprised you don't remember.
- No.
- You came to my office.
You signed the papers.
You handed the baby over all nice and legal-like.
I did not.
You must have forged that.
You agreed to give up your baby, Laurie.
Yes, yes, you did.
And you lied to the Ranger.
You'll need more than a nurse if you don't do what I say.
You listen to me.
The baby belongs to the Carlsons now.
You go back to San Antone and stay quiet, or IÂll arrange for a nice case of crib death.
- You wouldn't.
- Oh, yes, I would.
- Oh, how are you, Ranger? - What are you doing here, Mr.
Stedler? Came to check on our girl.
She seems like she's doing fine.
Take care now, little lady.
You OK, Laurie? Ranger Walker, I better just go home and forget this whole thing.
- Forget your baby? - I could never forget her, but She'll be better off with the Carlsons.
- They're rich.
- I don't believe you really mean that.
I don't know what I mean.
l IÂm confused.
I just IÂll be right back.
Stedler! - What can I do for you, Ranger? - What did you say to that girl? - I reminded her of her obligations.
- You said more than that.
Think what you like.
But there's no question she's an unfit mother.
Up there in detox, drying out.
I had no idea she had a drug problem.
Lucky the Carlsons are willing to keep the kid.
The Carlsons tell you she was here? - Why don't you ask them? - I will.
Hi, how are you? Good to see you.
Hello, my dear.
Thank you for coming.
Be sure to milk this stuff.
It's priceless.
Remember that when you get my invoice.
All right, guys.
Right over here.
- Got it? Come on.
- OK.
- IÂll be right with you.
- Over here, Claudia.
Perfect.
Perfect.
IÂve got the perfect campaign slogan: - ''A family man for family values''.
- Not bad.
Look at the camera here.
All right.
- Terrific.
- Myra.
Yes, ma'am.
- IÂll take her.
- Goodbye, sweetheart.
- Walker, what are you doing here? - I won't be staying long.
Do you think anybody who'd steal a baby would go to this trouble? Men with ambitions believe they can buy anything.
Alex, maybe you and Mrs.
Carlson are so close that you can't see things clearly.
Questioning my professionalism is not the way.
- Doubting my judgment won't stop me.
- Fine.
What are we gonna do? What we always do.
Find the truth.
- Alex didn't tell us you'd be coming.
- She didn't know.
- You and I need to talk, outside.
- You're damn right we do.
- Ma'am? - Oh, thank you.
What's the idea of harassing my wife yesterday? - IÂm trying to get the facts.
- You've got them! The adoption's legal.
IÂve got the papers! Why did you send Stedler to scare Laurie into leaving? My business with Mr.
Stedler is over.
What he does is no concern of mine.
If you give me more grief, I will ruin you.
Believe I can do it.
Now just back off! IÂll back off when I get the truth.
And if you adopted that child illegally, all the contacts in the world aren't gonna save you.
Walker.
Stedler was right about not getting rich on this business.
Three years ago, he filed for bankruptcy.
But magically, he pulled it out, and he withdrew the filing later on.
And we know how.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Hang on.
- Walker, you're not gonna like this.
- What? IÂm going to see her right now.
- You're dropping the charges? - It's over.
IÂm goin' home tomorrow.
- Sorry about all the trouble.
- Is someone forcing you to do this? No one forces me.
What you're saying is you gave up your child voluntarily? IÂm sorry I lied.
I just didn't know what else to do.
I couldn't take care of her.
And so Laurie, I don't believe you.
I must be a better liar than I thought.
No, you're lying now.
- Let me help you.
- IÂve had all the help I need.
- I want Alice to be OK.
- Did Stedler threaten you? No! Now just leave me alone.
OK.
IÂll leave you alone.
But there's just one thing I want you to think about.
Think about another young mother, just like you, who's trying to raise her baby with no family support, either.
Think about how she'll feel when they steal her baby.
Have a nice trip.
Manager for price check on four.
Oh, no! Brian.
What am I going to do with you, Brian? My baby! My baby's gone! Here's the report.
One minute she's there, the next minute she's gone.
It's all my fault.
No, ma'am, it is not your fault.
- Are you gonna find my baby? - We'll do everything we can.
Nobody tried to distract you? No.
I was cleaning up the mess Brian made.
- I just looked away for a few seconds.
- I might have seen something.
An old car drove fast out of the parking lot.
I didn't think about it till I heard her.
- Old car.
What make? - Well, those old boats look the same, but this was grey and had Louisiana plates.
- See the license number? - Yeah.
It was 789 at the end.
Thanks.
- Do you have a picture of your baby? - Yes.
Get an APB on that car, and get the baby's picture on the news.
All right.
We'll do everything possible to find your baby.
OK.
Let's go pay Stedler a visit.
The kid's got a cold.
Don't tell Stedler.
He'll cut our take.
- Back from Tulsa so soon? - Drove all night.
Yes.
Very nice.
Very nice.
Pretty as the picture.
Call us if you need another job.
IÂll be in touch.
Get the diaper bag, Parmer.
- We're out of here.
- Thank you.
2A-47 for Walker.
Come in.
Walker, come in.
Walker.
Got that car with Louisiana plates.
- Great.
Where at? - 5th andAlvarado, Inner-City Motel.
We're on our way.
Stay put until we get there.
In other news, three-month-old Carol Newhall was kidnapped this morning from Ralph's Fine Food in north Dallas.
Authorities are asking everyone to be on the lookout for this child and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
Can I please have the number for the Family Dreams Adoption Agency, please? Hello.
I was wondering if you could please give me your address? Thank you.
Get out! Get out! Turn around.
Oh, no.
Another karate guy.
Hands behind your back, or you get hurt.
I told you.
Now, stay down! Roll over.
Stedler's got the baby.
Cuff him.
OK, now? Yes, Mrs.
Jamison, she's just as happy and as healthy as can be.
Oh, IÂm happy too.
These moments make it all worthwhile.
You'll make terrific parents.
Let's meet at the Maywood Hotel, say, in an hour? And you'll bring the payment with you? Hundred thousand in cash.
That's correct.
See you then.
Come on.
- IÂll get out up here.
- You got it.
- Actually, follow that car.
- What? I really can't tell you that.
This is a serious police matter, ma'am.
I work for Mr.
Stedler.
You understand my position.
You'd better understand our position.
Your boss is a suspected kidnapper.
If you don't want to be an accomplice, start talking.
Honestly, I don't know where he is, but Mr.
Parmer would know.
- Sit down! Where's Stedler? - I don't know.
You're facing hard time.
You better start talking.
He's on his way to the Maywood Hotel.
Take him in, Trivette.
IÂm going after Stedler.
OK, here we go.
- Hi.
- Laurie.
What's this about? - IÂm leavin'.
Goin' back to San Antone.
- I think that's wise.
I wanted to make sure Alice'd be all right.
- Course she will.
- You're not gonna do nothin' to her? Not if you hold up your end of things, Laurie.
She's with one of the finest families.
She's gonna have a very happy life.
This one too? Would you like to hold her? No.
Well, IÂll see you, Mr.
Stedler.
Laurie.
Hold the baby.
Take the baby.
- Couldn't we just? - Shut up is what we could do.
Come on.
Put the baby on the bed.
Oh, Laurie, Laurie, Laurie.
You should've gone home a long time ago.
Because now you're never gonna make it.
- Reid Stedler checked in earlier.
- Stedler? He may have a baby with him.
- He's checked in.
- Room? - Suite 1 OO3.
- Have security meet me.
Sorry, folks.
Official business.
Sorry.
- Let me go! - Straighten up.
Come on! Come on.
Stay with the baby.
Did you see a man come in here, miss? No.
No.
But, you know, I think I heard someone in the staircase.
Thanks.
Please! Let me go! Get over here.
IÂll leave town.
What am I gonna do? It's too late, Laurie.
Don't worry.
Everybody gonna feel sorry for you.
Young girl, despondent over the loss of her baby and the mess she made, decides to end it all.
Come on.
Come on.
I got you.
I got you.
I just wanted my baby back.
I know, Laurie.
Garrett Carlson, a family man for family values.
Garrett Carlson for mayor.
Does that get you where you live? - Excellent work.
- It almost brought a tear to my eye.
Oh, yes.
Yes, it's very moving.
- IÂll get that.
- Good work.
That shot, where she looks down at the baby and smiles, it's I gotta look at that again.
All right.
- I have a warrant for your arrest.
- What? Conspiring to commit murder, obstruction of justice, adopting a baby illegally.
It's ridiculous.
You'll never make any of that stick.
That's not my job.
It's mine, and I intend to do it very well.
I know people.
IÂll take you down.
All of you.
You ought to save that for the cellblock.
Cellblock, hell.
Don't worry.
We'll be a family again.
IÂm sorry.
IÂm so sorry.
Maybe we could do something, pay I don't want you to pay for anything.
This is true love.
That's what makes a family.
Mama's here.
Oh, baby.
I don't know what I could ever do to thank you.
How about a picture of you and Alice? Oh, she's so sweet.
Nobody's ever gonna hold you except me.
Well, me and one other person.
- There you go.
- Watch the head.
OK, I am.