03x04 - Speed Of Life

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Covert Affairs...

Parker, will you marry me?

[Laughing] Yes.

Yeah?

I gotta 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?

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

Get intimate enough with a man, and he'll tell you everything.

I found some coded files in Jai's vault.

I took his cell phone charger.

I'm having S & T wire it up, G.P.S. 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.

[Giggles]

[Bell chiming]

Both: [Breathing heavily]

[Pigeons fluttering]

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!

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]

23 1/2 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 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]

Agh!

[Grunts]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Phones ringing]

You are actively cockblocking 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, R.D.I. Industries reported a breach.

[Glass door clanks]

As in Reston Tech Corridor, R.D.I.?

As in big defense contracts R.D.I.

State-of-the-art microchips used in nuclear centrifuges, m*ssile guidance systems, telecomm.

D.I.A., N.S.A., 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 R.D.I.

[Scoffs]

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

Ah, for old times' sake.

Which old time are you talking about, Walker?

How about the old time an international t*rror1st 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 my ass from Mossad got my informant k*lled in a fiery expl*si*n?

We don't play this game.

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.

All right,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?

[Stammers]

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.

♪ Covert Affairs 03x04 ♪
Speed of Life
Original Air Date on July 31, 2012

♪

Ooh, you're really gonna wear that?

Yeah?

Oh, babe, babe.

I'm kidding.

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?

[Stammers]

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.

Hey.

Listen.

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

We'll figure it out. I promise.

Ooh, that coffee smells good.

[Elevator dings]

[Indistinct conversations]

Exactly. Thank you very much.

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.

Mm-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, 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, 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.

Thought the commission was 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.

[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.

[Sighs]

Well, I could use some food for lunch.

Pizza?

Our usual?

I'll call right now.

[Footsteps recede]

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

Half anchovy, half Hawaiian.

Hey. How's Edinburgh?

I wouldn't know.

What do you mean?

Change of plans.

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

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.

Simon's changed plans. Why?

He has to know coming here is risky.

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 D.I.A. 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.

Thank you, Lena.

[Engine turns over]

Could you give this to Janine at 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 V.

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?

Mm-hmm.

What?

Are you worried that you left your knickers on the floor or something?

I don't wear knickers.

[Chuckles]

Even better.

[Laughs]

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 of jammed, so I'm gonna take M.

[Tires squeal]

You ever consider taking the Metro?

I like to be in control.

[Tires squeal]

[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]

[Ringing continues]

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-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 an atypical day either, but, you know--ow. sh**t, 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.

Oh--

Just stay tonight.

Not tonight, please.

Please.

Everything looks better in the light of day.

[Sniffles]

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.

Mmhmm, I had my suspicions.

You have these two beautiful Bespoke suits, and you treat them like that?

Your tailor'd have a heart att*ck--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.

No, no, no, listen.

Don't. 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.

I can't.

Good-bye, Auggie.

Parker.

Parker, wait.

[Thuds]

[Whimpers]

[Screams]

It's the constellation Ursa Minor.

But the orientation's slightly off.

Are you laughing at me?

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.

[Chuckles awkwardly]

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?

Thank you.

[Indistinct conversations]

Thank you.

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 T.S.A.'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.

Okay. And you're gonna take 'em both down?

Yeah. And it's not just us.

There's N.S.A., D.I.A., D.H.S.

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 he's selling?

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.

Great.

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?

Look. We spent 19 hours in Marrakech and 12 in Munich and 23 in Paris--

23 1/2.

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?

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.

I-I can't right now.

Maybe later.

Call me when your schedule frees up.

Auggie--

You ready, Walker?

It's almost showtime.

Can I talk to you for a second?

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 D.I.A.

That woman, Homeland.

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

Okay, it's 1:00, guys.

Subject is arriving.

[Exhales slowly]

[Indistinct conversations]

That guy must be the buyer.

[Birds chirping]

Go, go, go, go.

[Indistinct speech on radio]

Walker, where the hell are you going?

Okay, close off the east entrance.

[Grunts]

[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?

You know what? Just so that we're clear, you b*rned a bridge today.

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

[Panting]

[Traffic noise]

[Indistinct conversations]

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.

Oh!

[Crowd shouting]

[Grunts]

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 D.P.D.

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.

Yeah. 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 D.P.D. will be happy to have you back.

Auggie, I'm sorry we missed each other earlier.

[Indistinct speech on radio]

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 do.

[Laughs]

[Laughs]

Mm, 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.

Both: [Snickering]

[Sighs]

[Sighs]

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.