Face\Off Page #3

ARCHER:

Like gangbusters, doc.

(off her look)

Okay, I missed the last one.

DR. GARDNER

You missed the last three,

including her birthday.

(holds up a list)

Your wife's gripe sheet.

ARCHER:

I've been working night and

day. I haven't had time.

DR. GARDNER

You're supposed to make time.

When was the last time you

told her you love her?

(Archer shrugs)

When was the last time

you two had sex?

Archer tightens up, says nothing. He goes to the bookshelf,

pushing IN a copy of "John Muir's Woods" -- and pulling OUT

Dashiell Hammett's "Maltese Falcon".

The redwood forest disappears from the "window". A B&W

action-view of the streets of old San Francisco replaces it.

ARCHER:

One of my informants spotted

him -- right here in the city.

DR. GARDNER

I just asked you about making

love to your wife, and you

started talking about your job.

ARCHER:

I'm not hiding in my work,

if that's what you're saying.

DR. GARDNER

You said it, Jon, not me.

Archer listens ... letting it sink in ... CONSIDERING.

DR. GARDNER (cont'd)

You put yourself in constant

jeopardy so you don't have to

face yourself. But what will you

do when the job is over -- and

there's no place left to hide?

The phone RINGS. Gardner picks it up, listens, then sighs.

DR. GARDNER (cont'd)

I am not your secretary.

When you're in here --

ARCHER:

(grabs phone)

Jon Archer.

As he listens, his face becomes more energized, more alive.

ARCHER (cont'd)

I'll be right there,

Sergeant. Don't talk to

him, don't listen to him,

and for God's sake --

don't go near him ...

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