Covert Affairs (2010–2014): Season 3, Episode 4 - Speed of Life - full transcript

(JOAN READING)

Parker, will you marry me?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

I've got to tell you
something...

I'm with the CIA.

Who am I marrying, Auggie?

Are you a detective?

FBI, Agent Rossabi.

You took care of it
for me, huh?

LENA: I want you to do high security
clearance on Simon Fischer.

Get intimate enough with a man



and he'll tell you everything.

AUGGIE: I found some
coded files in Jai's vault.

ANNIE: I took his
cell phone charger.

I'm having S and T wire it up.
GPS tracker.

Then, I'll return it
to him in Paris.

(CHURCH BELL CHIMING)

See you at the top?

Yeah, I'll be waiting for you.

Wow.

You don't like to lose, do you?

(LAUGHS BREATHLESSLY)

I didn't know
this was a competition.

Yes, you did.

(EXHALING HEAVILY) Oh.



Race you back to the hotel!

ANNIE: I told you it'd be
more fun if you let me win.

If that was
the consolation prize,

I'm okay with second place.

(GIGGLES)

Twenty-three
and a half hours.

One of these times,
we'll make it a full day.

I apologize again
for cutting it so short.

No, I understand.

I work for a living.

What, uh, kind of business
do you have in Edinburgh?

I'm afraid it's too mundane
to utter out loud.

I still can't believe you
flew me all the way here

for a phone charger that you
haven't even asked for, yet.

I think it was worth it.

Thank you.

Next time, you're gonna have
to come up with a better ruse.

Next time, I will.

(COMPUTER BEEPS)

(ALARM BUZZES RAPIDLY)

(SIGHS)

(GROANS)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

LENA: You are actively cock-blocking
a national security op.

Why can't we work
together on this?

Then we'll just have to find
a way to do it without you.

Can I ask what that was about?

That was about you.

Or, more precisely,
the intel we got

from the charger you
planted on Simon's phone.

Nice work, by the way.

Thanks.

Ten hours ago, Simon
contacted Michael O'Leary,

a known cat burglar
here in D.C.

A cat burglar?

Yes, they really do exist.

This one goes by Mike O.

What did Mike O.
Cat burgle?

His specialty is in tech.

And two days ago, RDI
Industries reported a breach.

As in Reston Tech
Corridor, RDI?

As in big defense
contracts RDI.

State-of-the-art microchips
used in nuclear centrifuges,

missile guidance
systems, telecom.

DIA, NSA, FBI...
They're all staking claims.

Could be a coincidence,
but if this thing is real,

every agency in the alphabet
soup is gonna want the win.

What kind of security breach
did they report?

Don't know.
It's classified.

This thing's so big that
everyone inside the beltway

is stove-piping.

Can I reach out
to another agency?

No, you've done
your part, Annie.

Do we know who's handling
this for the FBI?

This your idea of a bribe?

Think of it
as a goodwill gesture.

Put us on a better footing.

Yeah?
What are you positing?

Well, you're gonna tell me
what happened at RDI.

(SCOFFS)

What makes you think I'm
gonna tell you anything?

I thought for old time's sake.

Which old time are we
talking about, Walker?

How about the old time
an international terrorist

rolled off a plane from Istanbul
and landed at your feet?

Yeah, memory fades.

I'll tell you
what I do remember...

You posing as
a high-class call girl.

Or what about the time

you and that pain in
the ass from Mossad

got my informant... How about
we don't play this game.

Killed in a fiery explosion.

I thought you were above

this childish
inter-agency competition.

You're missing something.

I can help.

The Agency can provide
valuable intel.

Yeah, we have all
the intel we need.

And it may not be
a competition...

But we're winning.

If that were true,

you wouldn't have come
here to talk to me.

We have similar interests.

You want to catch the thief.

I need the details
of what was stolen and why.

You are proposing
that we work together?

It's a simple quid pro quo, and I
can give you the quid right now.

Well, quid pro quo it is, then.

Who said the Latin
language was dead?

You did what?

I gave O'Leary's name
to the FBI.

And you made this call
on your own?

Yes.

(LAUGHS DRILY)

Well, I hope it was
the right one.

Did you ever consider
how giving up Mike O

might lead back to Simon?

Simon's in Edinburgh.

If the FBI's sniffing around,

he's savvy enough
to steer clear.

I think it's
a mistake, but okay.

(THEME SONG PLAYING)

PARKER: Ooh, you're
really gonna wear that?

Yeah?

No, no, no, babe, babe.

Kidding.

(CHUCKLES)

You couldn't tell?

I've gotten used to making
jokes at my own expense.

It's nice to have someone else around
to help with the heavy lifting.

So what do you want to do
for dinner tonight?

I'm probably
gonna have to work late.

What will you be working on?

(SIGHS)

Am I not supposed to ask?

You can ask.

And I can either
ignore the question...

Or lie.

Oh.

Then I guess I just won't ask.

Listen.

Every couple goes through something
like this after a read-in.

We'll figure it out.
I promise.

That coffee smells good.

(ELEVATOR DINGS)

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)

AUGGIE: Yes. That's it exactly.
Thank you very much.

ANNIE: Auggie. Auggie.

Now, how am I supposed
to wow you...

(LAUGHING)... with my skills
of perception

when you announce
yourself so boldly?

Why didn't you tell me

you were coming back
to work today?

I called you a couple times,
but you weren't around.

I've been busy.
Mmm-hmm.

How are things with Lena?

Fine.

Maybe a little truth serum
will get you talking.

Tonight, drinks at Allen's.
You, me, and Parker.

It'll give you a chance
to finally meet her.

I can't tonight.

Danielle only has
one more day in D.C.

She's moving to California.

How did I not know about
that? This is a huge deal.

I know. It's okay, though. She
has everything packed, and...

I know.
I meant for you.

Oh.

I'm fine.

You definitely need
drinks. Tomorrow?

Tomorrow it is.

Was Jai Wilcox ever
under your supervision?

Yes.

Was Arthur Campbell the person who
assigned him to your division?

Yes.

Would you describe
Arthur Campbell's relationship

to Jai Wilcox as amiable?

Not always.

Yes or no?

If you want
yes or no answers, Leo,

you have to ask me
less complicated questions.

Yes or no, Joan?

No.

Did Arthur Campbell
tell you that Jai...

If all we're going to do is
talk about my husband, then

why don't you
just polygraph him?

Did Arthur Campbell tell you
Jai Wilcox was after your job?

I can repeat the question.

Yes.

The answer is yes.

Auggie, it's great
to have you back.

I mean that.

But you do still fault me

for going to Eritrea
in the first place.

Prescient.

You are entitled
to your opinion.

I'm your boss. I'm entitled
to more than that.

Given what you've been through,

I'd like to ease you back in.

But the commission is getting
antsy about the Jai inquest.

Last week, I could get away
with feeding 'em a few crumbs,

but now it's gotta be
a full-course meal.

Understood.

I need a full report on my
desk first thing tomorrow.

(DANIELLE SIGHS)

You know, I wasn't sure you'd
make it back before I left.

Don't respond to that.
I hate the way that sounded.

Why?

'Cause it made me sound
super needy, and...

I mean, I don't need you
to spend every minute with me

for the next two days.

Oh? Maybe I want to.

Now tell me what I can do.

Really?

I am all yours.

(DANIELLE SIGHS)

Well, I could use some food.

It's lunch time.

Pizza?

Our usual?

I'll call right now.

ANNIE: Hello, I'd like to
order a pie for delivery.

Half anchovy, half Hawaiian.

(CELL PHONE BUZZES)

Hey. How's Edinburgh?

I wouldn't know.

ANNIE: What do you mean?
Change of plans.

I'm not in Edinburgh.
I'm here in D.C.

SIMON: As a matter of fact, I'm just
about to walk into the Smithsonian.

Where are you?

You said he was in Edinburgh.

I did. That's what
he told me.

And I saw
the ticket confirmation.

LENA: So Simon's
changed plans. Why?

He has to know
coming here is risky.

ANNIE: Maybe with all
the agencies in play,

Mike O couldn't get out
of the country,

and so Simon's coming here to
get whatever Mike O. Stole.

Okay, there's
an opportunity here.

Find out if and how

Simon is gonna make
the exchange with Mike O.

But you have to make sure
he doesn't cross paths

with the FBI or DIA or whoever.

There is no home-court advantage
when working a cover.

In fact, it's exactly
the opposite.

You can manage this, Annie.

I have faith in you.

Thanks, Lena.

Could you give this
to Janine in Air and Space?

Thanks.

I am sorry to keep
you waiting so long.

Not at all.

It's the price I pay
for arriving unannounced.

What are you doing
in D. C?

You left this
at the George Cinq.

You remarked on how terrific
it made your hair smell.

It was you who said that.

Was it? Hmm. Maybe you're right.

How long are you in town for?

Um, I'm open-ended.

And where are you staying?

I was hoping to stay with you.

At my place?
Mmm-hmm.

What?

Are you worried that you left

your knickers on the
floor or something?

I don't wear knickers.
(CHUCKLES)

Oh. Even better.

Let's see the sights first.

Listen up.

I just received a 53-bravo
text from operative Walker.

She needs a vetted personal
apartment in two hours.

That's photos, accoutrements,
stocked refrigerator.

One lamp out of character,
and her cover is blown.

Clock's ticking, people.
Come on.

Are you sure you don't have any business
to attend to while you're here?

Is it so hard to believe that my
first priority was seeing you?

Your place...
Is it near here?

Near enough.

Q Street's kind ofjammed,

so I'm gonna take M.

You ever consider
taking the Metro?

I like to be in control.

(TIRES SCREECHING)

Sorry.

I learned to drive
late in life,

so city traffic
still flusters me.

Sheds light on our
accident in Marrakech.

You ran into me.

Miss Walker, your mail.

Thank you, Taj.

(KEYS JINGLE)

(KEYS CLANK IN BOWL)

So you're never short
on opinions.

Bring it on.

What do you think?

I love it.

But it doesn't entirely
feel like you.

Oh, you know what's me
and what isn't?

Nobody can afford that many
shoes on a government salary.

(LAUGHS)
(PHONE RINGS)

I have to take this.

Yeah. I'll open a
bottle of wine.

Okay.

I am so, so sorry.

Pizza's getting cold.

You are gonna have to
enjoy it without me.

Yeah, I kinda got
the picture when

you left without
saying good-bye.

Bottle opener?

Where do you keep it?

Left drawer near the sink.

Are you with a guy?

Uh, can we talk
about this later?

I'm leaving tomorrow, and you're with a guy?
You couldn't wait?

I promise I will be home
before you leave.

Well, there's no way
I'm gonna hold you to that.

Enjoy your night.

Good, you found
the bottle opener.

I did, in a different drawer.

(CHUCKLES)

I usually drink champagne.

Who was that on the phone?

Friend.

You seem a little distressed.

I forgot to do something, and they
were giving me grief about it.

Rightfully so.

Yeah, well...

(CORK POPS)
We're all spinning plates.

One's bound to drop
from time to time.

I feel like
I'm dropping this one.

What do you mean?

Something's different today.

It feels weird, you being here.

Would you prefer I go?
I can easily find a hotel.

No, I want you to stay here.

I just feel like
I've misrepresented myself.

When you're away from home, it's easy
to come across as something more...

More than what you really are.

I think I have a pretty good
idea who you really are.

I don't just bring
any guy up here.

You're still up.

Did you eat?

I can whip us up
a little something.

I microwave a mean enchilada.

It's late.

I'm fine.

Hey, just so you know,

today was not a typical day.

It wasn't exactly a typical day
either, but, you know... Ow.

Shoot, sorry. I shouldn't
have put that there.

No, no, it's okay. It's just
I kind of have a system.

This is a suitcase.

Auggie, we need to talk.

Why don't I go back outside,

and we can start
this over again?

I can't marry you, Auggie.

(SIGHS)

And you decided
this, what, today?

Just because I'm
a couple of hours late?

No.

No, I've...

Been thinking it for a while,

since Africa, and I...

I should've said
something earlier.

This is because I'm CIA.

You don't trust me. You don't
think you know who I am anymore.

I don't know you.

We don't know each other,
Auggie, not really.

Come on.
It's true.

I mean, what we have, it's...
Is good.

Parker, what we have
is really, really good.

But I'm not sure
I know what it's based on.

What are you...
What are you saying?

Our emotions, they were...

They were heightened
when we first met

because of our situation,
because of Billy,

and since then, I've felt
like I'm not...

I'm not tethered to anything.

I... And you and I
have just been floating

in some kind of bubble, and...

Well, yeah, that's what love's
supposed to feel like.

That's what it feels like.
We do love each other, right?

(WHISPERS) Yes. Okay,
that's the important stuff.

Getting to know you, that's...
That's the fine print.

That's what we're doing now.

(SOBBING)
I'm not ready for this.

No, no, do not leave tonight.

Not like this. This is not
what engaged people do.

Well, what do they do?

They work it out.
They work it out.

They talk things through,

their differences, like adults.

They work it out.
I don't.

Oh...
Just stay tonight.

Not tonight, please.

Please.

Everything looks better
in the light of day.

(SNIFFLES)

SIMON: Hey.

What are you doing?

What's going on?

Couldn't sleep?

Something you may not have
figured out about me yet

is that I'm a bit
of a neat freak.

Mmm-hmm,
I had my suspicions.

You have these two
beautiful bespoke suits,

and you treat them like that?

Your tailor'd have a heart
attack, let me hang them up.

Come back to bed.
Come on.

I'll show you the hospital corners I
learned how to make in boarding school.

(LAUGHS)

(CAR HORN HONKING)

Hey.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I can feel the sunlight
coming through the shade.

It's gonna be
a nice day, isn't it?

Yeah, looks that way.

(HORN HONKING)

Listen, um,

I'm gonna take
the day off of work.

And I thought
we could rent a car

and drive down
the eastern shore...

And by "we," of course,
I mean you.

I can't imagine

the kind of damage and collision
waivers they'd charge me.

(HONKING CONTINUES)

Auggie...

Is that a cab?

Yeah.

Parker.

Parker.

Parker.

You should have this back.

Okay?

No.

I don't want it back.

What are you doing?

No, no, no, listen.

Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.

What happened last night was
just a first argument, okay?

Couples do that.
They get into arguments.

They, they...
They go a few rounds,

they hash things out, and
then they're stronger for it.

(VOICE SHAKING) They don't quit.
Parker.

I can't.

Good-bye, Auggie.

Parker, wait.

(THUDS)

(WHIMPERS)

It's the constellation
Ursa Minor.

But the orientation's
slightly off.

Are you laughing at me?
No. No.

No.

Nobody's ever guessed
my tattoo correctly.

Astronomy is something
I got into as a kid.

You?

Actually, it was inspired
by the Keats poem Bright Star.

"Would I were steadfast
as thou art."

That's the one.

So who was the bright
star in your life?

Hey, is there anywhere around here
where you can get some breakfast?

Yeah, sure.
Just around the corner.

Great.
I'm absolutely famished.

I told you the lumberjack
special was a lot of food.

Are there actually any
lumberjacks in this city?

(PHONE RINGS)

I'm sorry.
I need to get this.

Do you mind?
Excuse me.

(RINGING CONTINUES)

Hello?

WAITRESS: Here you go.
Thank you.

Thanks.

Small town inside the beltway.

I was about to give you a call.
You been following me?

What are you talking about?
This is my regular coffee spot.

Yesterday, green Corolla.

No, that wasn't us.

Look, if I put a tail
on every untrustworthy spook,

there'd be no one left
at Hoover.

Anyway, I owe you some quo.

That intel you gave us on Michael
O'Leary, that actually panned out.

He's our thief.

He was supposed to meet a
buyer in Edinburgh, Scotland,

but he gets to Dulles,
and he bugs out.

He thinks the TSA's on to him.

Did you pick him up?
Not yet.

This is where it gets good.
The buyer's coming here.

Do you know who the buyer is?

He's European.

Anyway, we got word that
O'Leary's planning to meet him

at the National Arboretum
at 1:00 today.

You're gonna
take 'em both down?

Yeah. And it's not just us.

There's NSA, DIA, DHS.

They're all involved.
It's a veritable party.

And seeing as your information
helped us put it together,

I'm inviting you along.

Great.

What, don't you want to hear
what O'Leary's selling?

Listen, now's not a great time.

Hello.
(CHUCKLES AWKWARDLY)

Hey.
Um...

Uh, Simon, this is,
uh, Vincent.

Vincent, this is my friend
from out of town, Simon.

Hey.

How do you two know each other?

We work in the same field.

At the Smithsonian?

Uh, something like that.

Fantastic.

Are you British?

Something like that.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Well, I am running late,

so I hope to see
you later, Walker.

Did I interrupt something?

Nope.
Uh, I was catching up.

How was your phone call?

Uh, looks like I have to get
to a meeting at 1:00.

I knew you were in town
for business.

No, it's just come up.

In my line of work,
you need to be opportunistic.

Listen, do you mind if we
head back to your place?

I'd really like
to grab a shower.

No, that's fine.

If Simon shows up to the meet

and gets rounded up,
we're done.

The people he's working with,

his network,
they'll run for cover.

We'll never catch
back up to them.

Yeah, I get that.
(SHOWER RUNNING)

Do you?

You have to stop Simon.

I don't know how to do that
without blowing my cover.

Seduce him.

Break a wrist accidentally.

Just get it done.

(WATER STOPS RUNNING)

Hey.

I don't think you should go.

Are you upset about the meeting,
or is it something else?

We spent 19 hours in Marrakech,

and 12 in Munich,
and 23 in Paris...

Twenty-three
and a half.

And today, you showed
up unannounced,

and then I feel like you're
evaluating me the whole time,

like I'm doing something wrong,

and then the second
you open up,

snap.

Go back in your shell.

That's how you really feel?

I'm trying to tell you
how I really feel.

How about you do the same?

And then we both know
where we stand.

(SIGHS)

We really can't talk
about this later?

Not if you walk out the door.

I'm sorry, then.

Good-bye, Annie.

Hey, you ready to do drinks?

Now? Where are you?

AUGGIE: Allen's Tavern.

It's lunchtime.

Well, I'd be happy
to fill you in

once you get down here and have a beer.
Or three.

Auggie, I... Whatever you're about
to do, don't say you're sorry.

I've had my fill
of apologies today.

Just tell me
you're on your way.

(STAMMERS) I can't right now.

Maybe later.

Call me when your
schedule frees up.

Auggie...

ROSSABl: You ready, Walker?
It's almost show time.

Can I talk to you for a second?

ROSSABl: All right, just
handle that, all right?

I wasn't entirely straight
with you before.

If you're trying to make me
nervous, Walker, it's working.

The buyer's a CIA asset.

(SNORTS)

I couldn't tell you before because
I needed him in the field,

which is why I'm asking
you now to let him walk.

No, no, look, I already told you.
It's not just us.

Do you see that guy over there?

That's DIA.

That woman, Homeland.

We haven't had inter-agency
cooperation like this in 10 years.

If this guy gets arrested, my
whole operation goes down.

Yeah, well, you're gonna have
to take that way up the line,

because I couldn't let
your guy walk

even if I wanted to,
and I don't want to.

I've invested a lot
in this asset.

More than ever before.

If you catch him, it's...
It's all for nothing.

Oh, they're substrates, by the
way, what O'Leary's peddling.

What?

When you steal substrates,

it's like stealing printing
plates for $100 bills.

You can make all
the microchips you want.

I got the details in a file
back at the office.

Remind me later.

It's 1:00, guys.

Subject is arriving.

That guy must be the buyer.

Go, go, go, go.

AGENT 1: Go, go, go.

AGENT 2: Get down.

(AGENTS CLAMORING)

(INDISTINCT SPEECH ON RADIO)

Walker!

Okay, close off
the east entrance.

(GRUNTS)

The substrates.

What were they for?
Tell me!

I want a lawyer.

No.

What the hell did you do, Walker?
What?

There is nothing in them.

But you probably
knew that, right?

Mike O. Doesn't have
the goods.

The other guy is not your
friend from the diner.

You've been lying to me
this whole time.

No, I swear that... You know what?
Save it.

All right?

You never give me
a straight story.

Vincent, I... Who do you think's gonna
take the fall for this, Walker?

Okay, you know what?

Just so that we're clear,
you burned a bridge today.

And I hope, for your sake,
it was worth it.

(PANTING)

Can I get a beer, please?

Oh, I just shouted
in your ear, didn't I?

Oh, that's all right. I am
beyond the point of caring.

I'm Debra, by the way.

Nice to meet you, Debra.

(GIGGLES)

Hey.

Don't you see me here?

No. I don't see you there,

'cause in case you haven't
noticed, I'm blind.

No disrespect.

I'd advise you to pay more
attention to your surroundings.

You might end up saying
something to the wrong guy.

I'd give you the same advice.

(CHUCKLES)

Look, I'm trying
to help you out.

I don't need your help.

I don't care what you need.
Calm down, Clark.

Let's just get a table.
No.

This guy doesn't get a pass
just 'cause he's handicapped.

I'd advise you
to stand down, Clark.

I'm equal opportunity.

Treat you like
any other jerk-off.

I'm not gonna say it again.

Ugh!
(CROWD SHOUTING)

MAN: Hey, hey.

Easy.
Get off me!

And the briefcases were empty.

(EXHALES SHARPLY)

So how do we play it?

Play it?

Annie, this mission is over.

You're blown.

I ran the plates of the
car that was tailing you.

What came up?

Wasn't any of the agencies
involved in this circus.

So that leaves Simon.

But why would he do
something like that?

Maybe to see how you'd react.
Maybe for sport.

I don't know.

What I do know is that
he was playing you.

He had your number all along.

So what next, then?

I just do data mining
from here on out?

Joan will have to answer that.

Excuse me?

I'm sending you back
to the DPD.

But this mission
isn't dead yet.

There's plenty more
left to be done.

Oh, I just...

I won't be the one doing it.

In my division, operatives
are given a lot of autonomy.

And that can lead
to big, exciting wins.

Sometimes it doesn't work
out, and when it doesn't,

I have to call it.

I get it.
(CLEARS THROAT)

You know this thing with
Simon isn't finished.

Doesn't matter.
It's too dangerous.

Simon is a master spy.

It was a pleasure
working with you, Annie.

I know the DPD will
be happy to have you back.

ANNIE: (ON VOICEMAIL) Auggie, I'm
sorry we missed each other earlier.

I'm sure you left the bar
hours ago, but I...

I could really use someone
to talk to right now,

so if you're up
for it, call me.

I thought you already left.

My flight got
delayed three hours.

Lucky me.

Lucky us.

You know, I've been
trying to convince myself

not to worry about you.

That's impossible.

Well, it'll be a lot easier

without me having to peek
in your window every night

to see whether your
light's on or not.

I thought by now
you would've installed

some kind of secret nanny-cam
to see if I was tucked in.

Hey, I thought
about it. Believe me.

You're not the only natural-born
spy in this family.

You all packed?

Mostly.

Except there's still so much

ice cream left.

(GIGGLES)

Oh, but I packed up all the spoons. It's okay.
We can use this. This'll work.

(LAUGHS)

Mmm. I like it
better this way.

Me too.

We don't have to say it, do we?

I don't want this
to be the end.

Good.

Then let's just keep eating.

(GIGGLING)

That's a coincidence,

us both craving
a burger at this hour.

I worked up quite
an appetite this evening

trying to manufacture
another ruse

to get you to come see me again.

Oh, yeah? What'd
you come up with?

Nothing.

At least, nothing I could
say with a straight face.

I'm going to resort
to something

I don't traffic in too often...

The truth.

I like you.

Quite a bit more than you
might believe, actually.

I'm tired of playing games.

I'm hoping you feel
the same way.