INT. JADEN’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Jaden’s hands tremble as he grabs his phone. The room is dim, shadows stretching across the walls.
JADEN
(voice shaking)
Dad… it’s Mom. They took her. The police… she’s in jail. You have to come to Montana. Please… help us.
He presses the phone tightly against his ear, pacing frantically.
INT. LARRY’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Larry is sitting on the couch, a glass of whiskey in his hand. The phone rings. He frowns, answering immediately.
LARRY
Jaden? What’s wrong?
JADEN
Dad… it’s Mom. They… they took her to jail. Please, you have to come. Montana. Now.
Larry’s eyes widen. He throws the glass onto the floor.
LARRY
(fuming)
What?! How dare they? I’m on the next flight. Don’t do anything rash, son. I’m coming.
JADEN
I’m so scared, Dad. I don’t know what to do…
LARRY
It’s okay, son. We’ll fix this. I swear.
EXT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
Lynette sits on a cold bench, handcuffed. The fluorescent lights flicker overhead. She hugs her knees, her face pale and tense.
LYNETTE
(to herself)
Why… why is this happening?
A guard walks by, glancing at her without emotion.
GUARD
Time’s up. Move.
Lynette stands slowly, her breathing shallow.
INT. JADEN’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Jaden is on the phone again, tears running down his face.
JADEN
Dad… she’s so scared. I don’t know how much longer I can wait.
LARRY
I’m coming as fast as I can. Stay strong, son. Watch over her until I get there.
Jaden nods, though Larry can’t see him.
EXT. MONTANA HIGHWAY – NIGHT
Larry speeds down the highway in his SUV. His eyes burn with determination, jaw tight.
LARRY
(muttering)
They think they can scare us… they have no idea.
INT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
Lynette sits alone, hands shaking. The sound of distant voices makes her flinch.
LYNETTE
I just… I can’t believe this.
A fellow detainee glances at her.
DETAINEE
You okay? They treat everyone like this… it’s brutal.
LYNETTE
I… I don’t know. I just want my son… and my husband.
INT. LARRY’S SUV – NIGHT
Larry grips the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles are white.
LARRY
(to himself)
Hang on, Lynette… we’re coming.
He swerves slightly to avoid a deer, eyes never leaving the road.
EXT. JADEN’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Jaden paces, phone pressed to his ear, listening to every sound outside.
JADEN
Dad… I hear voices. They’re moving her.
LARRY
Stay calm. Don’t do anything. I’m almost there.
EXT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
The station doors creak open. Lynette is escorted toward the holding cells. Her eyes widen as she sees Jaden’s frantic face through the glass.
LYNETTE
Jaden!
JADEN
Mom! I’m here. Don’t worry… Dad’s coming.
She reaches out, separated by the thick glass.
INT. LARRY’S SUV – NIGHT
Larry checks the GPS, speeding past empty fields and forests.
LARRY
Almost there… just hold on.
His phone rings. Jaden’s name flashes. He answers immediately.
JADEN
Dad… they’re taking her to another cell. I don’t think she can hold much longer.
LARRY
I know, son. Keep talking to her. Keep her focused.
EXT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
Lynette leans against the wall of her cell, gripping the bars.
LYNETTE
Jaden… I’m scared.
JADEN
Mom… look at me. Listen to me. Dad’s coming. You’re not alone.
LYNETTE
I… I can’t lose hope.
JADEN
You won’t. I promise.
INT. LARRY’S SUV – NIGHT
Larry’s SUV skids slightly around a curve. He mutters curses under his breath, eyes glued to the road.
LARRY
(to himself)
They picked the wrong family to mess with.
EXT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
A shadowy figure approaches the entrance. It’s Larry. He scans the area, his presence commanding and tense.
LARRY
(opening the door)
Where is she?
The guards hesitate, recognizing the anger in his eyes.
GUARD
Sir… we… she’s in holding.
Larry storms past, pushing past bureaucracy with sheer force of will.
INT. HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
Lynette’s eyes widen as she sees Larry. Relief floods her face.
LYNETTE
Larry…
LARRY
(grabbing her hands)
I’ve got you. You’re coming home.
Jaden rushes in behind Larry, wrapping his mother in a hug.
JADEN
Mom… it’s okay now. We’re all here.
LYNETTE
(tears streaming)
Thank you… both of you… I thought… I thought I’d never get out.
LARRY
Never again, Lynette. We’re a family. We protect each other.
JADEN
And I’ll never let anything happen to you again.
The three hold each other tightly, the tension of the night melting away, replaced by relief and love.
EXT. MONTANA HIGHWAY – DAWN
The SUV drives into the rising sun. The road stretches ahead, empty but full of promise.
LARRY
(voiceover)
No matter what the world throws at us… we stand together. Always.
FADE OUT.