WAY OUT

A Screen Play

by

Bernard Okoth

WGA protected
FADE IN

EXT. MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - NIGHT

Dim light reveals a lone dark figure standing in the middle of

nowhere.

White smoke emanates from the ground and wafts around him.

CLOSE UP on the face of COP. Late thirties, maybe the wrong side
of

forty, a cunning caucasian male with rather sadistic tendencies

about

him, wearing a dark overall coat, hand gloves and a cowboy style
black

hat.

White smoke wafts in front of his face. He speaks matter-of-

factly,

directly into camera.

COP
I may not be the best person to tell you
this.I know, you're probably wondering what
I'm talkin' about but trust me,after this,
you'll most likely hate me guts.Think I care?
That's the least of my worries since I don't
give a damn what you think.Still,you oughta
know this.Well, I remember like t'was yesterday.
His name was Jos,Jas...damn! Anyway...
(readjusts his hat)
...what'd you do if you're in his shoes?

The camera ZOOMS away from his face revealing:

EXT. CITY STREET - PAVEMENT - DAY

Cop striding confidently along a commotion filled street

pavement ,
with a swam of police officers rushing towards a crime scene
with their

guns aimed at a parked police car.

The faint sound of panic screams, screeching car tyres and

gunfires,

carries to us on the wind.

Dissolve to;

A TITLE SEQUENCE FOLLOWS - A CONTINUOUS SHOT FROM A CAMERA

MOUNTED ON

THE SUN - ILLUSTRATING THE JOURNEY OF THE SUN ACROSS THE SKY
FROM

SUNRISE TO MID-DAY

Camera set on the sun over MANHATTAN as it moves across the sky

illuminating the city of New York from sunrise and stops

directly at

mid-day over the city.

The camera then ZOOMS in on:

EXT. CITY STREET - PAVEMENT – DAY

8th avenue;12:30pm

JASON STEWART, a sly 35 year old defense attorney, full of male

charisma and bravado, wearing a conservative suit, walking the

pavement

along the busy street.

Jason is busy conversing on the phone.

EXT.CITY STREET - PAVEMENT – DAY

 12:45 pm

Jason is deeply engrossed in a phone conversation while walking

along

the busy street pavement.

A MALE TRUMP suddenly steps in his way and stops him. Jason
stops but

then ignores the trump.

TRUMP
Could you spare me some change, Sir?

Jason looks at the trump from head to toe then back up again.

JASON
What’s your problem, huh? Can’t you
see am busy?

Jason brushes the Trump aside then makes to walk away. He still
holds

the phone to his ear.

The Trump grabs Jason’s coat and tries to hold onto it. Jason
manages

to brush him off him. He strides on.

JASON (CONT)
Hey, fuck off!

The Trump manages to pickpocket and steal Jason’s wallet. He

looks

behind him as Jason walks away with the phone to his ear.
 TRUMP
Hey, fuck off!

The Trump smiles then hides the wallet in his oversize coat. He
turns

to the next female pedestrian.

TRUMP
Hello ma'am, could you?

Jason continues on his way.

MALE CALLER
(on phone)
What did you just say?

JASON
(wipes a hand over his eyebrow)
No, sorry about that. I was just talkin'
to some trump. trust me, the papers will
be ready by tomorrow.

MALE CALLER
(on phone)
Are you certain?

JASON
If there’s one person guaranteed to get
away with anything, you can bet your dime
it will be done.

MALE CALLER
(on phone)
Better be. I surely wouldn’t appreciate
any more delays.

INCOMING CALL ALERT

 JASON
Could you hold on just a sec?

MALE CALLER
(on phone)
I’ll pass by your office at around noon
tomorrow if that’s okay with you.

JASON
It’s fine.

Caller hangs up.

Jason checks then receives the incoming call.

JASON
Why did it take you so long to
call back? You know, my patience is running
out. You'd better be havin' some good
news or else?

FEMALE CALLER
(on phone)
Sorry Sir, the judge was still held up
in a meeting.

JASON
Are the papers signed?

FEMALE CALLER
(on phone)
Yes. I’m on my way back to the
office.

JASON
Make sure to inform James I’ll be abit
late for the meeting. They can start without
me.
 FEMALE CALLER
(on phone)
Consider it done.

Caller hangs up.

Jason scrolls through his phone book and continues walking.

EXT. CITY STREET - PAVEMENT – DAY

12:55 pm

Jason is busy talking on his cell phone while walking the

crowded

pavement.

A hot dog VENDOR on the opposite street pavement is busy

attending to

his customers.

Jason bumps accidentally against Cop headed for the opposite

direction.

Cop inserts an object into Jason’s coat side pocket with Jason

seemingly unaware. The two men turn to look each other in the
face.

COP
Sorry about that?

JASON
(with a rather rude gesture)
You better be!

Jason walks away and resumes his phone conversation.

Cop nods his head in surprise then walks away.

 JASON
As I was saying, the deal is off
unless you can come up with a much
better offer.

Dissolve to;

EXT. CITY STREET - PAVEMENT – DAY

Jason is standing by the Vendor’s cart as he awaits his order.

He is

still conversing on the phone.

The Vendor takes his time. There is a growing line of eager

customers.

JASON
What's takin' you so long? Hurry up!

Camera SET ON a silencer sniper gun target aimed at Jason’s

chest.

The Vendor completes Jason’s order and places it on the cart.

Jason grabs the order from the cart but then places it back on
top of

the cart with his other hand still holding the phone to his ear.

JASON
Just a sec!

Jason hangs up the phone. He feels for his wallet in his trouser

pocket.
We see the same gun target change from Jason then it is aimed at
the

Vendor. The Vendor continues serving other customers.

JASON
Where’s my wallet?...
(looking alarmed and confused)
...I had it in...

Everyone turns and looks at Jason. Jason continues searching his

pockets.

VENDOR
Is there a problem?

Jason feels something in the side pocket of his coat and looks
relieved

as he reaches into the pocket.

JASON
Never mind.

Jason withdraws the hand into open view.

Everyone awes then quickly move away from him. The Vendor looks
scared.

VENDOR
Look, whatever you want...just take
it...please, don’t shoot me...I beg you!

Jason has a small pistol in his hand. He quickly realizes then

tries to

let it fall.
- Camera SET ON bullet casing giving us a perfect point-of-view
of the

target

- Smack. The gun's bolt shrieks the explosive cap, gunpowder

ignited, the BULLET driven out of the barrel.

- Shed of its casing - now only a slug - the BULLET emerges

into
bright sunshine. It is flying down the main street in
Manhattan.

- The BULLET gives us a perfect point-of-view of the target

and

finds its mark, slamming into

the vendor's diaphram right into the heart.

Jason’s grip on the pistol tightens.

The Vendor gets fatally shot in the heart and instantly falls to
the

ground right next to the cart.

There is too much chaos and panic.

Camera TRAVELS ROUND Jason as he remains glued to the same spot.

He

looks down at the shot and bleeding Vendor.

JASON
(to the crowd)
It wasn’t me! Someone else must have
shot him.

Everyone moves as far back away from Jason. They stare at him
coldly.

JASON
(To himself)
 Now, what?

A MALE POLICE OFFICER doing foot patrols nearby senses the

commotion.

He rushes to the crime scene and spots Jason still holding the
small

pistol in his hand.

The Male officer quickly draws his gun and takes aim at Jason as
he

slowly advances towards him.

MALE OFFICER #1
Sir,put the gun down.I said drop
the gun and move away from it. Do
it now before I shoot?

Jason lets the gun fall to the ground. He slowly advances

backwards

away from the gun onto the street road.

The Male officer slowly advances towards the unconscious Vendor.

He

leans towards him then checks for his neck pulse with his gun
still

aimed at Jason.

The Male officer steps away from the dead vendor then RADIO
CALLS for

back-up.

MALE COP #1(CONT)

(speaking into radio call device)
This is Sergeant William requesting for immediate
back-up along the 8th avenue. I repeat, there is
a dead body on the street and an armed male
 suspect at the scene.

There is traffic snarl-up as a huge crowd of curious onlookers

begin to

grow. A female pedestrian closely captures the unfolding events

on

phone camera.

The Male officer advances slowly towards Jason with his aim
still

locked at Jason.

MALE OFFICER #1(CONT)

Sir, get on your knees and put your
hands where I can see them.

Jason stops advancing backwards. He gets on his knees on the

street

road while facing away from the Male officer.

MALE OFFICER #1 (CONT)

Don't move?

Jason raises both his arms and rests them against the back of
his head.

The Male officer advances towards Jason. He puts his gun away,
frisks

Jason then takes the hand cuffs. He cuffs Jason with both his
arms to

his back.

JASON
(to the police officer)
Look officer, I didn’t shoot him. I swear,
 I don’t know where the gun came from.

MALE OFFICER #1
(to Jason)
Sir, you have the right to remain silent,
you have the right to an attorney,anything
you say or do now can and will be used
against you in a court of law.

The Male officer cuffs Jason then helps him back on his feet. He

secures the crime.

MALE OFFICER (CONT)

(to the crowd)
Everyone, this is now a crime scene stay
where you are and don't move any closer.

A curious middle aged MALE RUSSIAN tourist tries to move towards

the

shot vendor.

MALE OFFICER #1 (CONT)

(to the curious male tourist)
Hey you, step back.

MALE RUSSIAN TOURIST

(to the police officer with a heavy russian accent)
But,I’m a doctor!

MALE OFFICER #1
Fuck that! Move back or I’ll help you
join him in hell, paradise or wherever
the heck he may be.

The stubborn Tourist quickly moves back to the growing crowd of

curious
onlookers. He takes snapshots of the crime scene from a
distance.

Dissolve to;

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

1:15 pm

Several cop cars, and a paramedics’ van and the CSI team also
arrives

at the crime scene.

Several news vans and crew also arrive at the scene and begin
filming

the situation.

The police secure the crime scene. Jason is led to and bundled
into the

rear seats of a waiting cop car. The dead Vendor’s body is

wrapped into

a big, black plastic bag.

Cop now dressed as a police officer, is seated calmly on the

driver’s

seat of the same cop car Jason is bundled into. He starts the
car

engine.

The car then drives away from the crime scene.

INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Jason is seated but looking uncomfortable in the rear seats of

the car.

His hands are cuffed to his back. He struggles in his seat.

Cop now driving the car gives Jason a curious close peek,
through the

car’s overhead mirror. He continues steering the car.

COP
(to Jason)
What’s bugging you?

JASON
(to Cop)
What do you think?

COP
Was that really necessary? I was just
trying to be helpful. What’s wrong with
you?

Jason continues shifting on his seat.

COP (CONT)
That won’t help you at all. Why don’t
you try sitting in an upright position. It
may ease your woes.

Jason looks at Cop who is steering with his hand gloves on.

JASON
(to Cop)
Why don’t you just mind your own
business?

COP
Mind my own business? Hmm...
(hesitates for a while)
unless you are stupid enough, your business
is now my business.
The cop takes a peek at Jason.

COP (CONT)
I thought you're a smart lawyer. Didn’t
they teach you some simple rules of nature
back at the law school? Even a 5 year old
can't be as clueless?

The cop laughs.

COP (CONT)
You damn ass.

Jason jostles himself and manages to get his hands from behind
his

back. He sits upright with his cuffed hands now rested on his
lap.

COP (CONT)
That wasn’t hard, or was it?

JASON
(to Cop)
Thanks for nothin'.

Jason looks calm and relaxed and rests back on the car seat.

He feels for his cell phone in his pockets. He looks up and sees
the

phone lying undisturbed on the dashboard of the car next to Cop.

JASON (CONT)
What the fuck are you doin' with my
phone?
Cop reaches over the dashboard then grabs the phone. He holds it
in the

air as he continues steering with one hand.

COP
This your phone? Oh, my bad,I didn’t know.

Cop places the phone back on the dashboard. He continues

steering with

both hands.

COP (CONT)
What’s the concern for anyway? I don’t
think it'll be of much help to you now.

JASON
(to Cop)
Would you please give it back? I need
to use it.

COP
It’s no use. As it is, you’re already
in serious trouble. Only God can save
you now. Start praying.

JASON
What trouble? I haven’t done anythin'
wrong. Besides, you cops have nothin' on me.
Just give me the damn phone, will you?

The cop clinches his hands tightly on the steering wheel. He

sighs

heavily.

COP
Jason Stewart...
 (bites his lower lip)
...So you think you can muzzle your way
into anything, don’t you? Well, not
this time. I promise you!

JASON
Who the heck are you? How did you
know my names?
(tries to get a glance at Cop's face)
What'd you want from me?

COP
Whole lot more than you can ever
imagine.Let’s go for a ride, shall we?

SCREECHING CAR TIRES

Cop steers the car into another less busy street road.

LOUD CAR SIREN

Dissolve to;

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

W 42nd St;1:25 pm

The same cop car is being driven at moderate speed along the
street

road.

SIREN FADES

COP (V.O)
Do you honestly believe you're innocent?

JASON (V.O)
What's that got to do with anythin'?

COP (V.O)
 (with a raised voice)
Answer the damn question? do you believe
you're a good man?

JASON (V.O)
So...
(Hesitates for a moment)
fuck you!

SCREECHING CAR TIRES

The cop car stops in the middle of the busy street road. A taxi
cab

nearly hits it on the rear but swerves into an empty lane.

FRUSTRATED CAB DRIVER (V.O)

What the fuck's your problem?

The cab swerves into an empty lane causing a traffic commotion.

LOUD CAR HONKING AND HOOTINGs

A traffic commotion builds up. The cop car remains stationary in

the

middle of the road with the engine still running.

COP (V.O)
That wasn’t a nice thing to say, especially
for someone in deep shit as you.

JASON (V.O)
What’s wrong with you? Can’t you see the
jam you are causing? I know my rights
and I think you better take me down
to the station before?

COP (V.O)
Before what? Say it. I am the law,
 they can wait for as long as I
think necessary.

There is silence for a moment.

COP (CONT) (V.O)

Think you're the only one with rights?
What makes you think you're so special
all of a sudden? Think I give a
damn about you? Well, Think again,
a bit harder this time round. I’m not
like the trump you just shoved away.

JASON (V.O)
Wait a minute, how, how'd you know
about the trump. You're not spying on
me now, were you?

INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Jason strives to catch a glimpse of Cop’s face.

Cop looks straight ahead on the road. He catches a glimpse of

Jason

through the overhead mirror.

COP
So what if I was, d'you care
that much?

Jason catches a glimpse of Cop staring at him through the

overhead

mirror.

JASON
(to himself)
No.can’t be...
(to Cop)
 ...I mean, how'd
you?

COP
What’s wrong with you? Of course I’m not
that trump. Think I would stoop that low?

JASON
Damn it!...
(to himself)
...that stupid trump stole my wallet.

COP
What? Now you're more concerned about the
wallet...
(hesitates for a while)
...you’re rich, I’m sure you can afford
thousands of those if not better. Quit
whining and grow up.

JASON
(to Cop)
It’s people like you who encourage criminals, I
don’t...

The cop drives the car.

COP
(to Jason)
You’re a criminal, aren’t you? I’m sure they’ll
treat you worse than those same criminals you
despise so much. Maybe, lock you up for
life...
(hesitates then peeks at Jason)
Now, I remember, you're in it for murder?
Well, how about that? I’m sure the executioner's
really baying for your blood, that is,if I’m not
mistaken.

JASON
 In your dreams, you cops have nothing on
me. I’ll be out before you catch your next
breath.All I need is a few phone calls and...
(gestures with his cuffed hands)
...I’ll be free like a bird...
(to Cop)
...I think I’ll do you a favor instead say,
make them make you face the executioner
instead. What do you make of that?

COP
You for sure sound so confident. What if
something were to happen to you say between
now and then. A little tragedy perhaps,and
by the way, who were you thinkin' of
callin', huh? James?

Jason is alarmed.

JASON
That’s none of,wait a minute, what are
you talking about? Do you,how, do you
know James?

Cop smiles and continues steering.

COP
I thought I told you before, your business
is my business,I for sure do know
more about you than you can ever imagine.

JASON
(to Cop)
How long have you been spyin' on me?

COP
I don’t think you need ever worry about
that now, do you? Besides, I’m not a
stalker,just a spy. That ain't bad or
is it?
 JASON
(to Cop))
Who sent you? What'd you want from
me?

COP
You’ll know in due time.
(to Jason)
What’s the time?

Jason looks at his wrist watch.

JASON
(to Cop)
Half-past-one, why'd you ask?

The car reaches a road diversion then stops.

Dissolve to;

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

W 41st St;1:35 pm

The cop car is now being driven at normal speed along the less
busy

street road.

INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Jason is seated uneasy on the back seat all the while striving
to catch

a glance of Cop's face.

JASON
(to Cop)
 Why'd you keep drivin' around like a
mad man? Aren’t we supposed to be headed
for the station?

COP
I think it’s time I made that call.

JASON
(to Cop)
What're you talkin' about? What call?

SPLITSCREEN – INT. POLICE CAR/LAW FIRM – DAY

Cop takes out another cell phone from his trouser pocket. He
dials a

number into it and puts the phone on speaker.

PHONE RINGING

COP
(to Jason)
Patience, I’m pretty sure this will interest you.

Meanwhile,JAMES, a cocky 36 year old defense attorney is busy

scrutinizing a pile of folders on his office desk.

James lets his cell phone placed on top of the same office desk
ring

for a while.

PHONE RINGING

James reaches over and answers the call.

JAMES
Hello!
 COP
Hello James!

Jason sits quietly on his seat.

JAMES
Are you done?

COP
Everything’s under control. I have him with me.

Jason takes a deep breath then sighs deeply. He rests back on

his seat

and looks straight ahead at Cop.

JAMES
Make sure to leave no trails. I don’t
want anyone suspectin' my involvement.

COP
Relax, In case you don’t trust me, why
can’t you do it yourself?

JAMES
I was just worried going by the news
I just saw. How can you possibly have
him with you? Wait a sec?

James reaches for the TV remote. He turns up the TV volume.

ANCHORMAN
(on TV)
New York city based defense attorney Jason Stewart,
was just moments ago arrested by the police on
murder suspicion...
(rerun of footage of Jason getting arrested)
...after he was found holding what the police
suspect is the murder weapon used at the crime
 scene,moments after a street vendor was shot dead.
It's still not clear.

James switches off the television.

JAMES
How's it possible?

COP
I’m an expert at this. Trust me, nothin's
impossible. And just to look on the brighter
side, does Jason know about you and
his wife?

Jason sits uneasy.

JAMES
Why'd you have to bring that up?
I thought we already talked about it? She’s
no longer his wife and as far as
am concerned, she loves me. That’s the end
of the story.

Cop peeks at Jason.

COP
That’s not a nice thing to do.More
especially to a trusted friend, is it?

JAMES
That’s his fucking problem, not mine. Make sure
he doesn’t see the light of day again.
(shifts through the file folders)
You can go ahead and dump his body
in an ocean for all I care.

COP
Sure, if that’s what you want. Why the
 hatred?

Cop peeks at Jason. Jason is now seated with his head rested
against

the seat and eyes closed. He breathes uneasily.

COP (CONT)
Aren’t you friends? He’s your partner for heaven’s
sake?

JAMES
Just get the job done. As far as
I’m concerned, he doesn’t, never did exist. Remember,
leave no traces and call me when you'are done.

James hangs up.

COP
You for sure do have one hell of
a friend there.

Cop peeks at Jason. Jason is still seated with his eyes closed.

COP (CONT)
What’s with the monk business?

COP (CONT)
(to Jason)
Answer me when I talk to you. You
really don’t want to see me pissed off
now, do you?

Jason opens his eyes suddenly then fumes at Cop.

JASON
He sent you to kill me, didn’t he?
 COP
It’s not yet time.

JASON
Time for what, what are you waiting for?
If you're going to kill me anyway,
I’m here.
(without a care)
Go right ahead, shoot me. I don’t care.

COP
I’m not goin' to kill you.

JASON
If you say so, what the heck
are you doin' this for? How much did
he pay you, a million dollars?

COP
That’s kind of confidential. You're not going
to die by my hands. Either way, you'll
end up dead.

Jason laughs.

JASON
Are you sure about that?...
(to Cop)
...I’m not that kind of person you know,
If that’s what you think, then let me
offer my sincere apologies. You’re in for a
great disappointment.

COP
Believe me, when the time is right, it
will happen.
 JASON
(rather arrogantly)
Don’t bet on it.

COP
Why shouldn’t I? Think they care? Those guilty
person's you spend so much of your time
defending. This may come as a shock to you
but, they don’t give a fuck about you or
anyone else.

JASON
(to Cop)
That’s their problem, not mine. Besides, it's
my job so long as the fat paycheck keeps coming.

Jason rests back on the seat with his cuffed hands rested on his
lap.

He nods his head sideways, shuts his eyes then hisses a sigh of
relief.

JASON
This world is so fucked up.

COP
Now we’re gettin'somewhere, don’t blame the
world though, it’s people, not the world.

Dissolve to;

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

12th Ave;2:00 pm

The same cop car is now cruising its way along the busy avenue
road.

We see a FLASH ride of the same car along the highway. It is a

beautiful summer afternoon.

Dissolve to;

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

W 57th St; 2:15 pm

The car is caught up in a traffic snarl-up.

INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Cop looks across the street pavements and spots several

pedestrians

walking freely and undisturbed.

Jason is seated uneasy with both his elbows rested on his lap
and his

forehead rested against his open palms.

LOUD CAR HOOTINGS

COP
(to Jason)
Don’t you just wish you're once again
a free man...
(looks across the street at the pedestrians)
...just like them?

Jason looks up then across the street pavements. He looks

stressed.

JASON
(to Cop)
I guess there’s no slightest of chance for
that happening now. If only I could turn
back time to undo all the wrong I’ve done.
Maybe even enjoy my life a bit more and
appreciate what I’ve got...
 (glares across the street)
...all that is now gone in a snap, just
like that.

COP
(to Jason)
Don’t give up hope, everyone gets a second
chance, how you use it is what makes
the difference.

Cop looks across the street and spots a male pedestrian looking
all

busy, as he walks the street pavement while busy conversing on

his

cellphone.

COP
Who does he remind you of? Any
resemblance?

Jason spots the male pedestrian.

JASON
(while staring at the male pedestrian)
If only I had known better, maybe...

The traffic congestion clears. Cop steers and drives the car.

COP
No one knows. We all live life clueless
as to what awaits us the very next
second. I guess its human nature, our fate
lies not on what we know, but on
the choices we make each day.

FLASHBACK TO;
INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - LIVING ROOM –DAY

Jason and his wife MARTHA, a 30yr old pretty, patient and
overbearing

mother of two, are at each other, yelling and shouting.

DAVID, their 5yr old son is standing close by together with his
3yr old

sister AMANDA. They are all tears as they watch their parents
fight.

Amanda clings tightly to her little teady bear and against her
brother.

Tears stream down her chubby cheeks.

MARTHA
Let go of my arm...
(Struggling to free herself from Jason's tight grip)
...the only thing you seem to care about
is your work...
(Jason let her go and she punches him on the chest)
...you don’t care at all about us. I’m sick
and tired of all this,this is it, I’m leaving
with the kids. You can stay married to your work
for all I care. You can forget about us from now
on.

JASON
(to Martha)
Honey, please stop this nonsense...
(reaches to grab Martha but she evades his grip)
...let’s talk things over like adults. I’m
sure we can resolve whatever differences we may
be having. This is nothing to fight over...
(points in the direction of David and Amanda clinging
together and looking scared)
...not in front of the kids.

Martha advances back towards Jason with a furious look on her

face.
 MARTHA
(to Jason)
So, now you are concerned about them...
(pointing at David and Amanda)
...tell me, when was the last time you ever
bothered to know how they're doin' the many
times you been away on meetings and you know
what?...
(points a finger at Jasons face)
...don’t try to tell me how to raise my kids,
I have had enough with you already.
(turns her back on Jason and makes her way
towards the two kids)
...good bye!

Martha walks away from Jason She grabs the two kids by the arms
and

drags them along towards the main door.

David and Amanda accompany their mother rather half-heartedly

all the

while sobbing.

MARTHA
(reaches a hand to the door knob and opens the door)
You’ll soon be hearing from my lawyer...

JASON
(to Martha while remaining transfixed on the
same spot)
Martha...Mart

Jason doesn’t make an attempt to stop Martha.

Martha walks out of the house with the two kids. The kids are
now

crying.
We hear a car engine start.

SCREECHING CAR TIRES

Jason rushes out of the house.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – DAY

Jason quickly rushes out of the house.

The station wagon is already out of the drive way back on the
road. The

car speeds away.

Jason stands and stares as the car speeds off. He stands on the
mowed

lawn barefoot. Jason looks down at his feet then tip toes back
into the

house.

He bangs the main door behind him.

FLASHBACK TO;

EXT. LAW FIRM – DAY

Jason and James are seated in a rather cosy office.

James looks at Jason who is busy checking some files on his

laptop

placed on top of his office desk while at the same time, looking
over a

small pile of folder files on the same desk.

JAMES
(to Jason)
What’s buggin' you man?
 JASON
(while looking through the pile of folders)
Nothing, are you prepared for the meeting?

JAMES
Sure.

JASON
We’ve got to make sure the agreement gets
signed today. Anything contrary, will be suicidal
for the firm.

JAMES
(to Jason)
I’m sure there’s something botherin' you. What is
it?

JASON
Never mind...
(types on the laptop)
...I’ll take care of it. Are these...
(flips through the folder files)
...all the documents we need for the
meeting?

JAMES
(looks at the pile of folders)
I think so?

JASON
(to James)
What'd you mean by that? You oughta
be certain. We can’t afford to mess
things up, not now.

Jason picks up the phone receiver then dials.

PHONE RINGS
SUE, Jason’s secretary is at the end of the line.

SUE (V.O)
Sir!

JASON
Sue, can I see you in my office?

SUE (V.O)
When?

JASON
Just get in here!

Jason hangs up the phone. He places the receiver back.

James closely monitors Jason’s every move.

JAMES
(to Jason)
How long have we known each other, huh?...
(catches his breath)
...15 yrs? Let’s see, we're at the same
law school, interned at the same firm and
we’ll as you know, started this firm together.
Am I right?

JASON
(to James)
What's that go to do with anythin'?

Sue walks into the office.

SUE
(to Jason)
Sir, you called me?
Jason looks up and sees Sue standing by the office door while
staring

at him. He reaches for the folder files, grabs them then reaches
his

hand out to Sue.

Sue walks towards Jason's desk and grabs the folder files but
then

stands and looks at Jason.

James all the while stares at the two blankly.

JASON
(to Sue)
look through those folder file carefully and
make sure nothing is missing for the meeting.

Sue holds on to the folder files resting them against her chest
then

turns and makes as if to leave.

JASON
(to Sue)
And please, alert us when the clients arrive
for the meeting.

Sue stops, turns then looks back at Jason.

SUE
(to Jason)
Okay!

JASON
(to Sue)
That’s all.
Sue walks out of the office carrying the folders.

James looks at Sue leaving the office then turns and his
attention to

Jason.

JAMES
(to Jason)
I know when something is not right with
you. This meeting's very important for the
both of us and it would destroy me
to see it ruined. Do you get what
I’m trying to say?

Jason yawns.

JAMES (CONT)
(to Jason)
Whatever it is, I can handle it. We’ve
never kept secrets from each another and I
know for a fact that that is the
major attribute to our success. What’s wrong
with you?

JASON
(to James)
It’s so hard sometimes, you know?

JAMES
What is?

JASON
It’s Martha and I, we’re having some little
domestic misunderstandings.

JAMES
(somewhat relieved)
That’s it, that’s what’s been eating your brains
out?
 JASON
Pretty much, I told you it was nothin'
to worry about.

JAMES
Sure, but let me give you some, you
can call it, sound advice.

JASON
Go right ahead.

JAMES
How long have you two been married?

JASON
You're kidding!

JAMES
Never mind, my point is, couples fight
all the time. You aren’t the first, and
neither will you be the last. Take a good
example of Gina and I, we used to
argue almost all the time.

JASON
You two were cursed.

JAMES
Whatever you say but my point is, you
should give each other some space,time
to think things over...
(rather casually)
...enjoy your new found
freedom. I guess you know what I mean.

JASON
Hmm, I’m listening.
 JAMES
Look at me, don’t I look happy? Ever
since Gina and I divorced, I’ve been having
the time of my life. I feel so
free.

JASON
(points at James)
Hold on right there. What has your divorce
got to do with anything?...
(rests back on his seat)
...I love my wife and will do anything absolutely
necessary just to keep her by my side. I meant
every word I said during our wedding vows.
I haven’t broken any and am sure not goin'
to start now.

JAMES
(to Jason)
Yeah,yeah,yeah! till death do us part
and all that crap. Let me correct you,
nowadays, it’s till divorce do us part. I
hate to be the one to tell you
this but if she wants out, there’s nothing
you can do about it. Be a man
and let her go.

JASON
It’s easier said than done.

JAMES
Grow up, this is the 21st century. Sometimes,
it’s better to move with the tide. People
change, why shouldn’t you?

JASON
I’m not people, I’m me. Situations may change
or not but whatever does change, it’s better
I handle it my way than copy what someone
else does.
 JAMES
Snap out of it. Let her be. I’m
quite sure you’ll soon find someone better.

JASON
She’s the woman for me. I don’t think
I will ever find anyone that would make
me as happy as she did. It’s hard
to let go of the only precious gift
nature has granted you. I hope you understand
what I’m going through.

JAMES
Relax man; I know I’m not the right
person to tell you this but, that’s the
way life is.

Jason smiles

JASON
I guess you’re right. I never thought a
man whore like you could have so much
sense.

JAMES
What are friends for?

PHONE RINGS

Jason reaches over and picks the phone receiver.

JASON
Sue, what is it?

SUE
(on phone)
Sir, the clients have already arrived. What should
I tell them?
Jason gestures at James. He blocks the receiver with his hand.

JASON
(Whispering to James)
They’re here...

JAMES
Let me go and prepare, I’ll see you
in the board room.

Jason nods.

James gets up from his seat. He walks out of the office.

SUE
(on phone)
Sir, are you there?

JASON
Yes. Kindly escort them to the board room
and tell them we’ll be right with them
in a very short while.

SUE
(on phone)
Is that all?

JASON
Sure. Before I forget, do you have the
folders ready?

SUE
(on phone)
I’ve just handed them to James. He’s already
on his way to the board room along
with the clients.
 JASON
I see, that’s okay.

Jason taps on the desk then hangs up the phone. He prepares to

leave

the office.

Dissolve to;

EXT. CITY HIGHWAY – DAY

Joe Dimaggio Hwy;2:30 pm

The car is being driven a recommended speed limit along the

highway.

COP (V.O)
Do you still love her?

JASON (V.O)
It doesn’t matter anymore.

COP (V.O)
Of course it does. Why don’t you call
her, maybe she’d be willing to listen to
you or even give you a second chance.

JASON (V.O)
You don’t know Martha like I do. Why
should I even care about her anyway, she’s
already betrayed me with my best friend,or
so I thought he was. I feel more hatred towards
her right now than love.

COP (V.O)
That’s bullshit. I know you definitely want to
talk to her.
INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Cop reaches over the dashboard and grabs Jason’s phone. He

continues to

steer the car with the other hand.

COP
Why don’t we call her right now...
(scrolling through Jason’s phone book)
...I know she would more than happy
to hear your voice.

Cop spots Martha’s number then presses dial and puts the phone
speakers

on.

Jason is seated calmly with his elbows on his laps and his chin
now

rested on his open palms. He looks ahead of him.

PHONE RINGING

SPLITSCREEN – INT. POLICE CAR/APARTMENT BUILDING - LIVING

ROOM/KITCHEN

– DAY

Meanwhile, Martha is at her apartment tending to her house hold

chores

in the kitchen.

David runs towards the living room. He reaches over the desk and

unhooks the phone receiver. He puts it to his ear.

DAVID
Hello!
A tear is clearly visible in Jason’s eyes.

JASON
Dave, Hi,its daddy!

DAVID
Hello daddy, where are you?

JASON
I’m somewhere safe. How’s your little sister, is
she okay?

DAVID
We’re fine. Are you coming home soon?

JASON
No, why?

DAVID
Daddy, are you and mum having a divorce?

JASON
Where did you hear that? Mum and I are
just having some little differences,nothing
to worry about.

MARTHA
(to David from the kitchen)
David, honey...
(wipes a plate with a dry pice of clothe)
...who is it?

DAVID
(places a hand over the phone receiver and
shouts back)
It's daddy...
Martha quickly puts away the plate, wipes her hands on her
appron and

quickly makes her way out of the kitchen towards the living
room.

DAVID (CONT)
Then, why are you...

David turns and sees his mother. Martha reaches over and grabs
the

phone receiver away from her son. She puts it to her ear then
blocks

the receiver with one hand. She looks at David.

MARTHA
(grabing the phone receiver from David)
Gimme that...

MARTHA (CONT)
(to David)
David, honey, go play with your sister.

David does not move an inch. He tugs at her mother's dress in

protest.

MARTHA (CONT)
I said...
(to David rather harshly)
...go play with your sister.

David shrugs off his shoulders in protest but then walks away

half-heartedly.
 COP
What?

MARTHA
Why'd you even bother calling here? You
know I don’t wanna talk to you.

COP
Hey, is that the way to talk to
your husband?

MARTHA
Who is this? Why did you call?

COP
I’m a good friend of Jason’s. Don’t worry,
I mean no harm.

Jason remains still on his seat.

MARTHA
What do you want? Did that loser ask
you to call on his behalf?

COP
Calm down, Jason just wanted to say Hi
and know how you and the kids are
doing. Is that too much to ask?

MARTHA
Tell him to go to hell. In fact,
you better inform him to be ready cause
I’m soon filing for a divorce and for
full custody of the kids.

COP
Look woman, I’m not your messenger. If
you have something to say, tell it to
 your husband, he can hear you, he’s not
deaf.

MARTHA
Why do I even waste my time talking
to you, you two deserve each other.

JASON
Martha, Why did it have to be him?

MARTHA
So, now you finally found the voice to
talk, huh? You know what, it doesn’t matter
anymore. I need not explain myself to you
or anyone else.

JASON
Why James of all people? Why him?

FLASHBACK TO;

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – NIGHT

A black BMW drives into the driveway of the suburban house; this
is the

home of Jason.

James alights from the car and walks towards the main door. He
is

carrying some two paper shopping bags.

James reaches for the door bell and rings it.

DOOR BELL RINGS

Moments later, Martha opens the door and sees James. She’s all
over him

with tears in her eyes.

 JAMES
(rather taken aback)
Hi!

MARTHA
(Amidst tears)
Hi!

James and Martha hug. They stare each other in the eye.
Martha is standing on the doorway and blocking the entrance.

JAMES
(suggestively)
May I?

Martha detaches herself from James and steps sideways. She

ushers James

in.

MARTHA
Oops! Sorry about that. It’s just that I’m
glad to see you.

JAMES
So am I.

James walks into the house. Martha follows closely behind him
then

shuts the door behind her.

JAMES (V.O)
Is everything okay?

MARTHA (V.O)
 Same as usual, it’s James. I’m so stressed
with his endless business meetings and trips. He
doesn’t seem to have time for us and me,
I have needs too, you know?

INT.SUBURBAN HOUSE - LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

James walks into the living room. Martha takes the two shopping
bags

from him. She peeks into them.

MARTHA
What’s the surprise?

JAMES
That’s what it is, a surprise. Put them
away, we need to talk.

Martha quits looking into the bags. She looks at James who is
getting

comfy on a couch.

MARTHA
You said it.

Martha walks towards the kitchen.

James uses the TV remote then switches on the TV. He scans the
TV

channels then settles on a channel showing a re-run of the

previous

night’s game.

Martha walks back into the living room. She looks at James, the
TV then

back at James. She nods her head.

 MARTHA
What’s it with you men and football? Don’t
you ever get tired of it?

James quickly reaches over for the TV remote. He turns the TV

off. He

turns then looks at Martha.

JAMES
I’m all yours, ears, eyes and all that
I am.

Martha smiles.

MARTHA
(to James amid smiles)
You’re so funny.

JAMES
(to Martha)
I’m glad to see you smile. You should
do that more often, cause you’ve got such
a lovely smile.

MARTHA
Stop that, I’m married.

JAMES
So!

MARTHA
I think the only flattery I need should
be from my husband.

JAMES
 (rather cheekily)
But I don’t mind?

MARTHA
Maybe you should, he’s your friend.

JAMES
I’m sure Jason will be okay with it.
He sure did get married to a pretty
lady. I think he understands what other men
go through when they see you two together.
Besides, I’m his best friend, I can do
no harm.

Martha sits on the same couch besides James. They look each
other

directly in the eyes.

MARTHA
I almost forgot, can I get you anything?
I was just heading to bed, when you
arrived.

JAMES
What about the kids?

MARTHA
They’re already asleep. Now, can I get you
anything?

JAMES
It’s a bit late. Don’t bother.

MARTHA
Are you sure you don’t need anything?

JAMES
 I’ll be fine. What’s on your mind?

MARTHA
Nothing really, I just called you because I
needed someone to talk to.

JAMES
What about Jason, I’m sure he’d never mind
even though he’s away on business.

MARTHA
It’s not like that, I mean, I hate
phony relations. I just long for real company,
talking to a real person makes me feel
much more alive and appreciated. Jason is always
away...I feel lonely without him.

JAMES
I’m here, talk to me.

MARTHA
Thanks so much for coming, I really do
appreciate it. Anyway, how’s Gina and the kids?

JAMES
Everyone’s okay. Is that all you wanted to
ask me? I mean, you could have just
called her.

MARTHA
James!

Martha looks away then back at James.

JAMES
Yeah!
 MARTHA
Have I changed that much?

JAMES
(to Martha)
I already told you, you’re still as pretty
as you used to. Nothing has changed...not
much.

Martha sits upright. She looks James straight in the eyes.

MARTHA
What do you mean?

JAMES
I only meant well. You’ve got kids and
we’ll, married to my best friend. Otherwise, you
still are very much attractive.

MARTHA
(to James curiously)
Is Jason cheating on me? You are his
friend, maybe you know something that I don’t.

JAMES
If we were that close, I think he
would have married me instead of you. Jason
loves you so much and I don’t think
he’s seeing anyone else. There maybe, but none
that I know of.

MARTHA
You’re such a good and honest friend. It’s
hard to find friends like you nowadays.

JAMES
(to Martha)
Pretty much the last one remainin'.
Martha smiles

MARTHA
You’re so funny.

Dissolve to:

INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

James is on his way to the main door. Martha follows closely

behind

him.

James stops then turns to face Martha. Martha stops. They look
each

other directly in the eyes.

JAMES
Guess I’ll see you later, say tomorrow, that
is if it’s okay with you.

MARTHA
That’s fine.

Martha and James look each other in the eyes.

JAMES
Are you sure?

James reaches over and kisses Martha on the lip. Martha

reluctantly

kisses him back.

James and Martha kiss passionately, caressing each other while
standing

close to the main door. They slowly advance backwards towards

the

living room.

Martha pulls back away from James. James holds onto her by the
waist.

They look each other in the eyes.

MARTHA
(to James nervously)
I don’t think we should be doing this.
This doesn’t feel right.

James looks Martha in the eyes. He pulls her closer to him.

JAMES
(to Martha passionately)
Don’t worry, we are just two consenting adults
consumed by passion. It will stay as a
secret between the two of us.

MARTHA
But...

James plants a soft kiss on Martha’s lip. Martha lets herself go

and

kisses him back. They continue kissing.

Martha stops then forcefully pulls her way out of James’s grip.

James tries to hold onto her but then let her free.

MARTHA (CONT)
This's not right...I think you should
go.
Martha avoids staring James in the eyes.

JAMES
Are you sure?

MARTHA
(to James shyly)
Just leave...

James slowly steps away from Martha. He turns then walks towards
the

main door.

James grabs his jacket and puts it on. He then reaches for his
car keys

placed on a desk near the main door.

James reaches for the main door knob but then stops. He turns
back and

looks at Martha. James walks towards Martha who remains

standing, fixed

on the same position.

James reaches to plant a kiss on Martha’s cheek. Martha moves

her face

away from him. She stops him with her hand.

MARTHA
(to James insistently)
Please...go...

JAMES
(to Martha looking disappointed)
Okay...
James walks then leaves the house.

Martha follows him closely then shuts the main door behind him.
She

turns and leans on the door on her back.

Martha rests her palms on the door then runs her hands over her
body in

a romantic gesture.

Dissolve to:

SPLITSCREEN - INT. POLICE CAR/APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Jason is seated uncomfortable in the back seat of the cop car.

Martha is on the phone.

MARTHA
At least he cares a little bit more
than you do.

JASON
Then, you should have married him.

MARTHA
Know what, maybe I will. I sure hope
they lock you up forever. You’ll never see
me or the kids again.

Martha bangs the phone receiver and hangs up.

She has tears in her eyes. She wipes them with the back f her
hand.
Jason is seated with his elbows rested on his lap and fore head
rested

on his open palms. He looks down.

Cop steals a glance at him.

COP
(to Jason)
Be a man...

Jason looks up.

JASON
(to Cop)
Shut the fuck up. You...

Jason clinches his hands tightly into a fist. He restrains

himself from

hitting the mesh separating him and Cop.

Jason bites on his fist. Tears develop in his eyes.

Jason rests back on the seat. His face is looking upwards. He

rests his

cuffed hands on his lap.

Jason reaches over and rubs his open palms on his face then
hair.

COP
(to Jason)
C’mon, I told you they all want you
dead. You’re fucked to the bitter end.

Cop continues driving the car.

He changes lanes at will.

 Dissolve to:

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

Broadway;2:45 pm

The car is being driven at moderate speed along the street.

The car drives into a free parking-lot outside a busy take away

restaurant.

Cop alights from the car then walks into the open restaurant.

INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Jason is all alone in the car. He MUMBLES to himself.

Jason is seated uneasy and continues to rock back and forth on

his

seat. He looks across the street pavements at the passing

pedestrians.

No one bothers to look in his way.

INT. POLICE CAR – LATER

Jason looks and sees Cop emerging from the restaurant.

Cop is holding two take-away disposable plastic cans and two

buns. He

walks steadily towards the car greeting the passing pedestrians

along

the way.

EXT. TAKE-AWAY - RESTAURANT – DAY

Cop places the two cans on the car roof. He holds on to the
buns.
He opens the car door beside the driver’s seat. He steps back a
little

then reaches into the car. He draws all the car windows half
way.

COP
How refreshing. I know you need some fresh
air, don’t you?

Cop pulls back from the car. He shuts the car door beside him
then

rests on it with his back as he faces the restaurant.

Cop sips his drink then bites on the two buns together.

He chews.

COP (CONT)
(to Jason with mouth full)
Hmm, tastes sweet. Need some?

Cop teases Jason with the buns.

Jason continues MUMBLING to himself as he rocks back and forth

on his

seat.

Cop swallows hard.

COP (CONT)
Bet you can do with a can of
fresh fruit juice instead.

Cop grabs the other can from the car roof replacing it with his
can.

He reaches into Jason’s side window and holds the drink to him.
 COP (CONT)
I know you want it, get over yourself
and take it before I pour it all
over your stupid looking face.
(to Jason,insists)
Here, take it!

Jason stares at the can held out to him. Cop continues munching
on the

buns.
Jason reaches over then grabs the filled can.

He gulps the drink.

COP (CONT)
Doesn’t it taste great? I knew you’d love
it, that’s why I bought for the two
of us. Am I nice or what?

Cop bites a huge chunk off the buns. He sips his drink then
talks with

his mouth full.

COP (CONT)
It’s been long since I tasted something so
nice. Maybe, I should be coming here more
often. What do you think, huh?

Jason is seated with the now empty can held in his hand. He
stares at

the can and continues rocking on his seat.

Meanwhile, a mother and her 7yr old son walk past the parked car
on the

pavement next to the restaurant.

The 7yr old boy looks across and sees Jason rocking in his seat.
He

stops then points at Jason.

7YR OLD BOY

(to his mother)
Mom, look!

The boy’s mother stops the looks in Jason’s direction.

CONCERNED MOTHER
(to 7 yr old son)
Honey, let’s go.

The woman grabs her son by the arm then drags her along as they
walk

away.
The 7yr old boy has difficulties keeping pace with her mother.
He looks

behind him.

Cop waves at the little boy.

The little boy tries to wave back at the cop but his mother
stops him.

The woman continues holding onto her son’s arms as she hurriedly
walks

away.

The little boy gives up then looks ahead.

COP
(to Jason)
Isn’t it funny? Moments ago, they really wanted
to be as successful just like you. But
now that you’re down, no one wants to
even associate with you. Isn’t the world unfair?
Cop finishes eating. He empties his can.

Cop reaches into the car and grabs the other can from Jason’s
hands.

Cop disposes the two cans then wipes his hands on his uniform.

Cop gets back into the car, starts the car engine and drives
away.

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

E 42nd St;2:50 pm

The car is driven at reasonable speed along the busy street.

The traffic flow is a bit slow.

COP (V.O)
When was the last time you toured the
city? Doesn’t it look magnificent?

JASON (V.O)
To you perhaps...how did you know where
to find me? Was this all a set-up?

COP (V.O)
Why do you ask?

SILENCE

COP (CONT)
Did you hear me? So, now you’re acting
dumb…you can’t talk, can you? I knew
it, you’re ever so predictable.

FLASHBACK TO:
EXT. CITY STREET - PAVEMENT – DAY

Jason is walking the busy pavement of the street.

He is conversing on the phone.

COP (V.O)
It wasn’t that hard. You always seemed to
do the same thing day in day out,
whenever you were in the city. It gets
even more exciting…

Jason is standing in line next to a street Vendor, selling hot

dogs. He

is still conversing on the phone.

COP (CONT) (V.O)

What is it with you and the hot dogs?
You never seem to pass up the opportunity
every time you see a vendor. I don’t know
what thrills you about them. Maybe, it’s
part of who you are...I don’t know.

We see Cop dressed as a civilian also standing in the same line

behind

Jason.

Jason makes his purchase. He looks for his wallet then pays the
vendor

while still busy on the phone. He then grabs his purchase and
moves

sideways then takes a bite.

Cop purchases a hot dog from the vendor. He moves closer to

where Jason

is as he takes a bite.
 COP (CONT) (V.O)
I was curious to know, so I decided
to buy me one.

The two men continue biting and chewing oblivious of each

other’s

presence.

COP (CONT)
Tastes really good...

Jason turns and stares at Cop. His mouth is still full. He

swallows

then looks back at him.

JASON
That’s an understatement. They are the most delicious
hot dogs you will ever get to eat
in New York. I just love these vendors...
Jason

Jason reaches over with his open hand. Cop shakes his hand.

COP
ANDREW…Here so often?

JASON
Hmm, not really, but I like coming here
mostly on a day like today and wednesdays
round lunch hour. It’s hard to admit but
I think I’m kind of addicted.

COP
I think I know why.

Cop bites on the hot dog then chews on it.

Cop turns to look Jason in the face. Their eyes meet.

COP (CONT)
Now,
(to Jason)
where'd I see that face?

JASON
Probably, on TV...

Cop smiles then nods his head.

COP
Yeah, I think I remember…Jason, Jason Stewart…
the best criminal defense attorney there is in
New York.

JASON
(Grins)
Well, I don’t know about that...

COP
You are the best,my son was a
great fun and always wanted to be like
you some day.

JASON
Why? What happened to your son?

COP
He passed on about a year or so
ago...

JASON
Was it an accident?
 COP
Leukemia actually...I think he got it from
his late mother. We tried our best to
save him, I guess it was his destiny...

JASON
(to Cop with remorse)
Sorry to hear about your loss...

COP
It’s done...forget about it...by the way,
I like you and always enjoy that TV
show...I’ve never missed an episode...

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. APARTMENT - TELEVISION - DAY

A female anchor named JANE BROOKS appears over the television.

JANE BROOKS
(on TV)
News just in indicate that SARAH DEIN,
the politician implicated in the murder
of the late Craig Edwards, a renowned
rights activist, has been acquitted of
the first degree murder charge by a New
York criminal court...
(TV footage of scenes from outside the
court)
...our reporter SEAN is at the scene and
brings us more on this new development.
Sean, what's the public reaction to this
acquittal?

TV footage reveals:

WE DEMAND JUSTICE, SARAH DEIN ROT IN JAIL, read some of the

placards

waved by a group of peaceful demonstrators outside the court.

Several news vans and crew are also at the scene filming the
situation.

SEAN
(on TV reporting from outside the court)
Thanks Jane, as you can clearly see, the
verdict was clearly unexpected and has come
as a huge surprise to members of the civil
rights group...
(moves towards a male protestor)
...excuse me, Sir, what's your take on the
court's ruling?

MALE PROTESTOR
The ruling is absurd, I mean, it's a total
disgrace not only to our legal system but
also to the entire society.

INT. APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Cop is seated on an old couch in the middle of the unkempt room

facing

an old TV set, while dressed in a sleeping gown, vest and boxer

short.

Beside the old couch is a small coffee table on top of which

lies

several empty beer cans, a beer bottle and a small pen knife.

TV reveals STEPHANIE McCULOCH, the aggressive female prosecutor

and

die-hard feminist emerging from the court accompanied by the

prosecution assistants.

FEMALE REPORTER
(on TV to Stephanie)
Ma'am, I take it from the verdict that,
uh...
 STEPHANIE
(on TV to the reporter)
It's Stephanie...
(continues on her way down the stairs)

The journalists try to keep pace with her and mob her.

SEAN
(on TV to Stephanie)
Ms. Stephanie, is the prosecution satisfied
with the court's ruling?...
(Stephanie stops to address the press)
...is it what you expected?

STEPHANIE
(on TV to reporters)
The prosecution team is equally surprised by the
ruling.

FEMALE REPORTER
(on TV to Stephanie)
So, what's your next course of action?

STEPHANIE
(on TV to reporters)
Despite the unexpected ruling, we are going to
look further into the verdict...
(TV shows the defense team walking out of the
court accompanied by Sarah, the defendant)
...we may even consider re-ppealing the ruling
in the supreme court.

DEMONSTRATORS
(on TV chanting and waving placards)
We want justice, we want justice, we want...
(several court guards restrain them)
...justice, we want justice...
Cop grabs the beer bottle and sips from it with his eyes
partially

shut.

He scratches himself in the groin area.

JANE BROOKS
(on TV)
Sean, what's the general mood outside the court...
(TV footage of reporters jostling for interview
with the defense team)
...Sean, can you hear me?...
(Tv shows Sean readjusting his earpiece with a hand
holding a microphone and reaching out to the
defendant)
...it seems we're having trouble, let's go back
to Sean for a live briefing by the defense team,
Sean...

Cop places the beer bottle back on the table. He pays close
attention

to the TV footage.

SEAN
(on TV to Sarah)
Ma'am, how'd you feel after your acquittal
of the murder charge against you?

SARAH
(on TV to reporters)
As I said before today, I'm innocent and the
court has just re-affirmed my plea...
(Looks beside her at Jason, her defense attorney)
...I only hope,

FEMALE PROTESTOR
(on TV shouting at Sarah)
You filthy bitch...
(a court guard restrains her)
...you deserve the death penalty.
 JASON
(on Tv interrupts Sarah to the press)
I'm sure as you've heard from my client that
this ruling is a clear indication of her
long standing innocense.

Cop grabs the small pen knife from the table. His grip tightens
around

the knife.

PROTESTORS
(on TV chanting)
You murderer, we want justice, we want
justice...

JASON
(on Tv to reporters)
Despite the clearly evident differing opinions
on this matter, we all have to respect the
court's verdict. It is a true test if not
victory for not only my client, but a vote
of confidence on our justice system.

Cop stabs the side arm of the couch viciously, sinking the knife
deep

into it with lots of rage.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. CITY STREET - PAVEMENT –DAY

Jason has finished eating the hot dog and so has Cop. The two
are still

standing at the same spot near the vendor’s cart.

 COP
I really like you...I would do anything
just to have a lawyer like you represent
me in court. You’re really good at it...

JASON
Are you by any chance in a law
suit?

COP
Not really, I was just thinking that…Oh,
forget it...

Jason reaches into his wallet and takes out a card. He hands it
over to

Cop.

JASON
No, take this. In case you need a
lawyer, don’t hesitate to give me a call.
I’ll be more than glad to assist you...

Cop takes the card then looks at it closely.

COP
You don’t have to. But thanks anyway...

Jason makes as if to leave.

JASON
I’ve got to get back to the office,
see you around and don’t forget to give
me a buzz...

Jason gives Cop a handshake then walks away. Cop looks at the
card then
at Jason as he walks away from him.

COP
(murmurs to himself)
I will...most definitely.

COP (CONT) (V.O)

Whenever I tried calling you, all I ever
heard was...

Dissolve to:

EXT. CITY STREET - PHONE BOOTH – DAY

Cop is in a public phone booth along the busy street. He is

holding a

small card in his hand.

He looks at the card then DIALS a number into the public phone
as he

holds the receiver to his ear.

PHONE RINGING

COP
Hello!

SUE
(on phone)
J&J attorneys at law, may I help you?

COP
Can I speak with Jason?

SUE
(on phone)
Who’s calling?
 COP
I’m a good friend of Jason’s and I
was wondering if I could speak with him?

SUE
(on phone)
Where are you calling from?

COP
Nowhere, Ah! I mean, I’m in town. Is
he free to talk? He left me his
card...

Cop looks at the card held in his hand.

COP (CONT)
Well, he said I could call him whenever
I needed help. Can I talk to him?

SUE
(on phone)
I’m sorry Sir, Jason’s in a meeting right
now. Perhaps you could try calling back later...

Cop looks disappointed.

COP
Never mind. Maybe I will.

Cop hangs up the phone. He gets out of the phone booth giving
way to

another user. He just stands there.

Dissolve to:
EXT. CITY STREET - PHONE BOOTH – DAY

Cop is yet in another phone booth. He is holding the phone

receiver to

his ear.

SUE
(on phone)
He’s out of town...

Dissolve to:

EXT. CITY STREET - PHONE BOOTH –DAY

Cop is in another public phone booth. He is holding the receiver

to his

ear.

SUE (CONT)
(on phone)
I’m sorry...

Cop bangs the receiver against the phone and walks out of the
booth

leaving the receiver dangling from the phone.

COP (V.O)
I made several attempts at trying to reach
you on the phone but...never once was
I successful. I thought I could if I
tried a new approach...

Dissolve to:

INT. OFFICE RECEPTION – DAY

Cop is dressed up in a descent suit. He walks towards the office

reception.

Sue is seated at the reception looking all busy.

Cop approaches the reception desk then leans against it.

COP
(to Sue while grinning)
Excuse me ma’am, I’m here to see Jason
Stewart...Is he around?

Sue looks up and sees Cop.

SUE
I’m sorry, do you have an appointment?

COP
You see, I have been trying to call
Him but...anyway, I thought that maybe I
should come and see him personally.

SUE
I’m really sorry, I can’t help you.

COP
(to Sue)
But why, he’s around isn’t he? Tell him
its Andrew...He knows me...

SUE
Sir, you need to book an appointment first.
Otherwise, I’m not in a position to assist
you.

COP
(Murmurs to himself)
 Protocol...sheer protocol...I hate this
shit…fuck.

SUE
(to Cop alarmed)
What did you say?

COP
Never mind, when is he available?

Sue grabs a small book then looks through it page by page.

She spots something then stops and looks up at Cop.

SUE
Hmm...
(looks through the appointment book)
...this whole week he’ll be busy. Maybe,
next week on Tuesday...say at around 2:00
pm

SUE (CONT)
Is that okay with you?

COP
That’s fine.

Sue writes down Cop’s appointment details on the book.

COP
I guess I’ll be back on Tuesday...

SUE
(Clears throat)
Hmm!
Cop walks away from the reception. He walks towards the office

elevator. There are people waiting for the elevator.

Dissolve to:

INT. OFFICE RECEPTION – DAY

The elevator door opens.

Cop and some five other individuals walk out of the elevator.

Cop is well dressed as he strides on confidently towards the

reception

desk.

COP (V.O)
I made several unsuccessful attempts though
I never gave up hope. I continued making More
of the same appointments until...

Sue is seated at the office reception. She is on the phone.

Cop walks towards the reception. He stops then looks at Sue.

SUE
(to caller)
That’s okay.

COP
(to Sue)
Excuse me!

Sue looks up at Cop. She gives him a smile. She still clings on
to the

phone receiver on her ear. She blocks the receiver with one
hand.
 SUE
(to Cop)
Just a second...

Sue reaches over and grabs a small piece of paper and a pen as
she

listens into the phone receiver.

Sue writes down some details on the piece of paper.

SUE (CONT)
(to caller)
Is that all?

MALE
(on phone)
Yes, make sure he gets back to me
as soon as he gets the message.

SUE
(to caller)
I’ll do that. Thanks for calling.

Sue puts the paper away in one of the folders on her desk. She
turns

and looks at Cop.

SUE (CONT)
(to Cop)
Afternoon Mr. Andrew!

COP
(to Sue rather timidly)
Am I lucky?

Sue nods her head sideways.

 SUE
I’m sorry again. He just cancelled all his
appointments at the last minute. He had a
tight schedule with a client and had to
leave urgently...I told him about you and
he said, he’ll get back to you soon.

Meanwhile, James walks out of his office carrying some folder

files in

his hand. He strides confidently towards the reception.

COP
What then do you think I should do?

SUE
I guess you’ll have to continue with the
appointments and pray you get lucky next
time.

COP
(to himself)
This is so damn frustrating...I’m getting
tired of it all...

James approaches the reception. He looks at Cop then at Sue.

James reaches his hand out to Cop. He hands Sue the folder
files.

JAMES
(to Cop)
Hi, I’m James Blake, but you can just
call me James.

Cop stretches his hand out and greets James. They shake hands.
 COP (V.O)
The day I met James...

COP (CONT)
(to James)
Andrew...that’s what people call me.

James looks at Sue.

JAMES
(to Sue)
Why haven’t you helped this gentleman?

Sue puts the folder files on the desk. She looks at James.

SUE
(to James)
Sir, this is Mr. Andrew.

Sue gestures at Cop.

JAMES
So I know...

SUE
(to James)
He’s the one who’s been trying to see
Jason.

James turns and looks at Cop with a grin on his face. He pats
him on

the shoulder and leaves his hand resting on it. Cop looks

uncomfortable.

He looks at James suspiciously.

 JAMES
(to Cop)
Mr. Andrew, it’s a pleasure we finally meet.
A friend of Jason’s is a friend of
mine too.

James takes away his hand. Cop looks somewhat relieved.

COP
(to James half-heartedly)
Thanks.

JAMES
(to Cop)
I hope you wouldn’t mind coming with me
to my office. Maybe I can be able
to assist you...

COP
(to James)
I don’t know...I wanted to see Jason.

JAMES
(to Cop)
Trust me, I’m sure Jason wouldn’t mind.
Besides, he’s my best friend and as you
can see, my associate. Anything he can
do for you, I can surely do it on his
behalf.

COP
(to James)
If you insist, sure, let’s go.

The two men walk away from the reception. James stops then turns
to

look at Sue.
 JAMES
(to Sue)
Keep those files together with the rest and
make sure to call me in case of
any emergency.

SUE
Fine!

The two men walk towards James’s office. James ushers Cop into
his

office.

COP (V.O)
The rest as they say is history.

Dissolve to:

EXT. CITY BRIDGE – DAY

Queenboro Bridge W;2:55 pm

The cop car is being driven among other traffic at moderate

speed along

the bridge.

Camera TRAVELS OVER the beautiful city of New York revealing

City

topography.

Dissolve to:

INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Jason is seated with his eyes closed and the back of his head
rested

against the seat. His cuffed hands are rested between his open
legs.

Meanwhile, Cop steals glances at Jason as he continues steering

the

car.

Jason opens his eyes then looks at Cop.

JASON
(to Cop)
You are not a real cop, are you?

COP
Was it too hard to know? Why did
I take you so long to guess? I
thought you were smart...you’re so damn
stupid.

JASON
Then, how did you...

Jason stares behind Cop anxiously.

COP
This,...
(to Jason amid smiles)
you must be kidding me? It wasn’t hard
at all...

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT.STREET ALLEY – DAY

Cop who is dressed as a civilian is busy kicking a male Trump
lying

between huge garbage bins, in a street alley.

A cop car drives slowly past the same street alley.

POLICE CAR SIREN

We see the cop car reversing backwards past the street alley
then it

slowly drives into the same alley.

Cop continues kicking the trump unmoved by the approaching

police car.

CAR SIREN STOPS

The cop car stops a few yards from Cop who continues kicking the
trump.

A male police officer then alights from the same car. He reaches
for

his gun then advances cautiously towards Cop.

MALE OFFICER #2
(to Cop)
Do we have a problem here?

The male officer spots the trump lying on the ground. He quickly
draws

his gun then takes aim at the cop.

MALE OFFICER #2 (CONT)

(to Cop)
Step away from the man, or I’ll shoot.
Cop slowly steps away from the trump. He stops then spits at the
trump

and lashes at him with one last ferocious kick.

MALE OFFICER #2 (CONT)

(to Cop)
I said step back...

Cop moves back away from the trump.

MALE OFFICER #2 (CONT)

(to Cop)
Put your hands where I can see them...
move.

The male officer reaches over then pushes Cop against the wall.
He

starts to frisk him.

Meanwhile, the trump GROANS loudly.

MALE TRUMP
Aaarrrggghh!hmmmm...

The male officer gets distracted. He turns to look at the trump.

MALE OFFICER #2 (CONT)

(to battered trump)
Sir, are you okay?

Cop quickly reaches for the officer’s gun. He lashes at him with
the

barrel of the gun and hits him hard on the back of his head.

The male officer falls to the ground unconscious.

 COP
(to unconscious police officer)
Thanks a lot.

Cop drags the body of the officer behind the large garbage bins.
He

goes ahead and undresses him.

Cop emerges dressed as a real police officer.

Cop binds the unconscious officer on the hands and legs using
dart

tape.

He then tries to lift the male unconscious officer.

COP (CONT)
(to unconscious officer while panting)
You’re one heavy son of a bitch.

Cop walks away towards the cop car. He gets into the car, opens
the

rear boot then starts the car engine and drives it slowly
towards the

unconscious officer.

Cop stops the car. He gets out, lifts the body of the male
officer then

dumps him in the rear boot of the car. He closes the rear boot.

Meanwhile, the trump gets up then starts to walk away. He looks

battered.

Cop sees the trump walking away while stooping near the shut
rear boot

of the cop car.

 COP (CONT)
(to trump)
Hey, where do you think you are going?

The trump stops.

Cop makes as if to grab the gun. He doesn’t.

Cop reaches into his pocket and takes out a wallet. He removes a
ten

dollar bill from the wallet and hands it to the trump.

COP (CONT)
(to trump)
Here, take this.

The trump walks back towards Cop. He grabs the money from Cop’s
hands

then walks away.

COP (CONT)
(shouts behind trump)
And stay out of the streets...

Cop readjusts his uniform and looks pleased. He then gets back
into the

car, shuts the car door beside him and reverses the car back
onto the

road.

Dissolve to:

INT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Jason is seated restless on his seat.

Cop continues driving the car while stealing glances at Jason.

JASON
How long have you been planning all this?

COP
It doesn’t matter anymore. I have you, exactly
where I wanted you to be.

Jason shifts in his seat. He looks disturbed.

JASON
(to Cop while stammering)
But...but, you didn’t have to kill him.
If you were after me, why didn’t you
shoot me instead?

COP
I didn’t want to miss out on this...
I like you, not that I will let
you live, there’s just this thing about you
that...
(to Jason)
I can’t figure out exactly what it is...

JASON
He didn’t deserve to die...you murdered
an innocent man.

COP
I did what?

JASON
(to Cop)
You murderer...you killed an innocent man. It’s
you who deserve to die.
 COP
First of all, I didn’t kill anyone. It
was your entire fault and every damn person
on the street knows it.
(Angrily)
They all saw you do it. Don’t blame
me, it’s your fault. Your hide is on
the line and they will torture you until
you confess, you fool?

JASON
(to himself)
He didn’t deserve to die...

COP
(to Jason rather harshly)
What, so now you want to play God.
Who the fuck do you think you are
to get to chose who lives or dies...
fuck you! You’re such a hypocrite.

Cop steals a glance at Jason. Jason looks disturbed.

COP (CONT)
Here you are talking about innocence, do you
ever stop to think of the many innocent
victims you hurt every single day just by
defending their tormentors?

Cop stops the car but then continues driving.

COP (CONT)
I honestly hate your guts.
(to Jason)
Do you ever read the holy book? You
know, I like the part where it says
all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God. Now, if that’s the case,
how certain are you that the man was
innocent. Are you God?
 JASON
It wasn’t his fault...you shouldn’t have
killed him.

COP
Matter of fact, I did you a great
favor, I let you live. The least you
can do is be grateful for my compassion.

JASON
(to Cop)
Go ahead with it already...Kill me, I’m
tired of all this.

Jason develops tears in his eyes. He looks deeply shaken.

COP
That was nothing...it was all but foreplay.
You look ugly when you cry. Besides, they
say real men don’t cry....maybe you’re not
the man I thought you were...

JASON
(amidst tears)
I’m fuckin' tired of this...

COP
No you’re not, In fact, I bet you
are enjoying every bit. Doesn’t it feel great?

JASON
(to Cop)
Fuck you.

COP
(to Jason)
That wasn’t necessary...people die each and every
day...I was simply fulfilling natures need...It
 was his time to go. May his soul
rest in eternal peace...maybe, he’s gone to
hell...how do we say it then?

Cop peeks behind him at Jason. Jason looks torn, an emotional

wreck.

INT. PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE – DAY

Prosecutor’s office;3:00 pm

Stephanie is seated behind a desk in her spacious office in the

City.

She looks busy with her laptop placed on the large office table.
She

has her eye glasses on.

There is a bunch files close by on the same table.

Her secretary walks into the office.

SECRETARY
(to Stephanie)
Excuse me, ma’am!

Stephanie looks up at her secretary. The secretary is standing

looking

all eager.

STEPHANIE
Yes!

SECRETARY
Someone just called and asked that you tune
to the news on channel 5...

STEPHANIE
 (to secretary)
And who is it?

SECRETARY
(to Stephanie)
I don’t know. He sounded more like a
man. I didn’t get the chance to ask
for the name.

Stephanie gestures at her secretary. She gets back to work on

the

Laptop and the papers.

Meanwhile, the secretary walks towards the large TV set placed

strategically at a corner in the office. She grabs the TV remote

from

on top of a desk nearby and switches it on.

The secretary tunes to a news channel.

TV reveals earlier footage of a re-run of Jason getting arrested

at the

crime scene.

The secretary covers her mouth with her hands in awe.

SECRETARY
(to herself)
Oh...my...God!

Stephanie gets distracted.

STEPHANIE
(to secretary)
What is it?

The secretary points in the direction of the TV screen.

Stephanie gets from her seat then looks at the news. She moves
closer

then removes her eye glasses.

STEPHANIE
(to TV)
And look who we have here!

Stephanie reaches over and grabs the TV remote from her

secretary. She

increases the TV volume.

STEPHANIE
This is great news...amazing…

We turn to the TV channel where a male news reporter is standing

at

the crime scene.

MALE REPORTER
(on TV reporting from the crime scene)
Defense attorney Jason Stewart, was just moments ago
arrested on this very street on murder suspicions.
Various eye witnesses claim to have seen Jason
shooting on DON JACKSON, a street vendor, at
point blank range. It is still not clear
what led to the shooting. Police are still
carrying on with the investigations.

Stephanie switches off the TV. She turns and hugs her secretary.

STEPHANIE
(to herself)
This is like a dream come true. I’ve
been waiting to nail his ass for such
a long time...finally, I’ll make sure he
 goes in for the maximum penalty...even the
executioner would do just fine.

The secretary stands confused. She smiles nervously.

Stephanie lets go of her secretary. She moves back to her desk

and

let’s herself, fall on her back, on the seat.

She then gestures at the secretary.

STEPHANIE
This calls for a celebration...
(to secretary)
...fetch us some wine...I finally got
him off my back...the many humiliations are
now gone...hurry up, we need to cherish this
great occasion.

SECRETARY
(to Stephanie)
As you please, ma’am!

The secretary rushes out of the office with a grin on her face.

Stephanie resumes her work but does not concentrate.

INT. PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE – DAY

The secretary rushes back into the office without the wine.

Stephanie looks surprised.

SECRETARY
(to Stephanie while panting heavily)
Ma’am...

STEPHANIE
 (to secretary)
Where’s the wine?

SECRETARY
(still panting)
Ma’am...am...

STEPHANIE
(to secretary)
C’mon, spell it out...What is it?

The secretary catches her breath. She looks at Stephanie.

SECRETARY
(to Stephanie)
Ma’am, there’s an urgent call for you on
line 2.

STEPHANIE
(to secretary)
That’s it?

The secretary nods her head in agreement.

Stephanie gestures at her.

STEPHANIE
(to secretary)
What are you still waiting for? Hurry, go
get the wine...

The secretary leaves hurriedly, closing the door behind her.

Meanwhile, Stephanie reaches over to her desk phone. She

receives the

call on speaker phone.

 STEPHANIE
Hello!

COP
(on phone)
How did you find the news, pretty interesting
don’t you think?

STEPHANIE
Who is this?

COP
(to Stephanie on phone)
A good friend...one that cares for your
concerns.

STEPHANIE
Listen, whatever it is you are up to,
I’m not interested. I’ve got better things to
do. So, if you don’t mind...

Stephanie reaches to end the call.

COP
(to Stephanie on phone)
Hold on ma’am, my sincere apologies. There’s someone
who would like to have a word with
you...
(to Jason on phone)
Jason!

Stephanie stops. She recoils in her seat.

COP (CONT)
(to Stephanie on phone)
Jason Stewart, ring any bells?

STEPHANIE
 I see!

COP
(to Stephanie on phone)
Don’t you want to talk to him?

STEPHANIE
Why did you call me? In case he
wants to talk, I’m sure he would have
called himself. Wait, wasn’t he arrested?

COP
(to Stephanie on phone)
Don’t worry yourself ma’am, I have him here
with me. He’s in good hands.
(to Jason on phone)
Hey Jason, say hi to madam prosecutor. Maybe
you can even tell her about your little
secrets...talk to her!

STEPHANIE
(rather curiously)
Jason, are you there? Is this some kind
of prank? Don’t expect me to fall for
it, if that’s what you’re up to.

COP
(to Stephanie on phone)
Ma’am, it’s no prank…C’mon Jason, she’s Waiting...

SILENCE

STEPHANIE
Hello, is anyone there?

COP
(to Jason on phone)
I said talk to her...don’t keep her
 waiting. You really don’t want me to repeat
the same thing again now, talk to her...

GUN COCKING

STEPHANIE
Hello, please stop this...

COP
(to Jason on phone)
I’m going to start counting...one...two...

STEPHANIE
I said stop this nonsense at once...

Stephanie moves closer to the phone.

COP
(to Jason on phone)
Three...four...

JASON
(to Cop on phone)
Okay, I’ll tell her what you want.

Stephanie sighs with relief.

STEPHANIE
Jason, is that really you?

COP
(to Jason on phone)
Go ahead...tell her everything.

STEPHANIE
(abit curious)
Tell me what, Jason...

JASON
(to Cop on phone)
What the fuck do you mean by that?
I have nothing to say to that bitch.
I hate her...

STEPHANIE
Who are you calling a bitch? Can someone
please tell me what the heck is going
on?

COP
(to Stephanie on phone)
Jason would like to confess how they screwed
you over and over again so as to
win the court cases...
(to Jason on phone)
I said talk...don’t tempt me...I swear,
I’ll pull it...

JASON
(to Cop on phone)
Fine!

STEPHANIE
(abit nervously)
Jason, please explain to me what the hell
is going on here...

JASON
(to Stephanie on phone)
Nothing...

COP
(to Jason on phone)
don’t tempt me...
 JASON
(to Cop on phone)
Alright, I’ll tell her...

STEPHANIE
Tell me...tell me what?

JASON
(to Stephanie on phone)
It was all fraud...

STEPHANIE
What are you talking about?

Stephanie tapes the conversation.

JASON
(to Stephanie on phone)
Pretty much all the court cases...

STEPHANIE
How is this possible? You mean to tell
me you lied in court?

JASON
(to Stephanie on phone)
Basically my point...everyone was comprised. The
judges,jury...pretty much everyone involved in the
cases...we even have a spy in your firm who briefs
us on any new leads you may have on a case we're
pursuing.

STEPHANIE
These are very serious allegations. I hope you
understand the implications.

JASON
(to Stephanie on phone)
 That’s up to you...You can chose to
believe what you want...

STEPHANIE
If this is true, I will not rest
until you and that little shit hole you
call a firm are completely ruined.

JASON
(to Stephanie on phone)
That’s your fucking problem...

COP
(to Jason on phone)
That’s no way to talk to a lady...
you need to apologize...

STEPHANIE
I don’t need any apologies from that foul
mouthed loser. He can go to hell...I’ll
make sure they lock you up for life...
asshole!

JASON
(on phone)
Screw you both...

Stephanie hangs up the phone. She looks happy and pissed off at
the

same time.

The office door opens. The secretary walks into the office
carrying a

bottle of wine, bottle opener and two empty glasses.

Stephanie looks at her.

STEPHANIE
 (to secretary)
What took you so long?

SECRETARY
I had to...

STEPHANIE
(grabbing the wine bottle)
Give me that...

Stephanie reaches out for the wine bottle.

The secretary hands her the bottle. She holds onto the wine
glasses and

the bottle opener.

STEPHANIE
(to secretary)
Where’s the opener?

Stephanie looks at the wine bottle. She stares at the secretary.

The secretary hands Stephanie the bottle opener. Stephanie

uncorks the

wine bottle. She lets the lid fall, places the opener on the
table then

drinks from the bottle.

The secretary stares at Stephanie.

SECRETARY
(to Stephanie)
Ma’am, is there a problem?

Stephanie gulps the wine.

Stephanie then puts the wine bottle back on the office table.
She looks

up at her secretary.

STEPHANIE
(to secretary)
Cancel all my appointments for today...

The secretary holds out the wine glasses.

SECRETARY
(to Stephanie while waving the two wine glasses)
Okay, what about these?

STEPHANIE
(to secretary)
Take them back to wherever you got them
from...I don’t need a glass, I’ve got
this...

Stephanie grabs the wine bottle. She drinks from it.

Stephanie gestures at her secretary to leave. The secretary just

stares

at her boss then walks out of the office with the two empty
glasses and

the bottle opener.

Dissolve to:

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

2nd Ave;3:15 pm

The car is being driven at a moderate speed along one of the

less
congested lanes along the avenue.

There are many pedestrians walking the pavements in the avenue.

JASON (V.O)
Why don’t you just kill me? I have
nothing more to lose if that’s what’s keeping
you from doing it.

COP (V.O)
What about your dignity?

JASON (V.O)
I don’t give a fuck...

INT. POLICE CAR –DAY

Jason is seated looking hopeless and torn.

Cop steers the car.

COP
Take a look at beside the seat you’re
on...there’s something there that I’m sure will
interest you...

JASON
I don’t care anymore...

COP
Do it now before I get really pissed
off...
(to Jason)
Do it, now?

Jason reluctantly reaches beside the seat. He quickly withdraws

his

hand.
 COP
Why do you fear? Your prints are already
on it...c’mon, don’t be such a sissy...
I know you want it...

Jason reluctantly but cautiously reaches beside the seat then

withdraws

his hand.

Jason holds onto the gun with his hands still cuffed. He takes a
closer

look at it. He looks at Cop.

Cop peeks at Jason.

COP
Don’t even think about it...

JASON
Why not?

Jason takes aim at Cop.

JASON
Who’s in control now, huh?

Cop looks ahead on the road and continues driving.

COP
Don’t fool yourself, you don’t have the guts.
Besides, you are not a killer...

JASON
You think I can’t, huh? Think am weak...
Let me show you I’m more than you
 think I am...besides, I already killed someone,
didn’t I...What makes you think I cannot
do it again?

Cop laughs

JASON
(to Cop)
What’s so funny, think am bluffing?

Jason makes as if to pull the trigger.

COP
Put the gun down and stop acting like
an excited kid...you are a coward, a
fool. That’s the gun that shot the vendor
in case you are in the dark...You’re
fucked now more than ever...

Jason freaks out then let’s go of the gun. The pistol falls
beside him

on the same seat.

JASON
(to himself)
You lied to me...

COP
I told you, I knew you had no
guts...

Jason rocks back and forth on his seat like a lunatic. He

mumbles

incorrigibly to himself.

Dissolve to:
EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD –DAY

E 5th St;3:30 pm

The car takes a sharp bend then drives into the street at
moderate

speed.

The traffic flow is smooth.

EXT. CITY STREET - PARKING LOT – DAY

Near NYPD Precinct Station House

The car drives to a halt at a free parking space just a block

away from

the police station.

Cop then alights from the car. He doesn’t lock the car door but
leaves

it partially open.

Cop walks away from the car towards the busy street pavement.

EXT. POLICE CAR – DAY

Jason remains seated in the car. He continues to mumble and rock

back

and forth on his seat.He watches as Cop walks away then

disappears into

the groups of pedestrians.

The key to his handcuffs lie undisturbed on the dashboard of the

car.

Across the opposite street pavement, a male and female police

officers
walk out of a building directly facing the parked cop car. The
two cops

walk a short distance then stop. They chat away seemingly

unaware.

Beside Jason on the same seat, lies a small pistol.

Jason reaches for the pistol and picks it. He holds onto it. He
then

checks the barrel of the pistol. The pistol is loaded with a

single

bullet. Jason then COCKS the gun.

Jason aims the gun at his head. The car keys dangle from the car

ignition.

Jason shuts his eyes. He reaches for the trigger.

A sudden BUMP rocks the car.

Jason opens his eyes. Tears stream from his eyes.

The BUMPS persist.

Jason looks behind him. there's no one.

Across the street, the pedestrians look alarmed by the sudden

persistent BUMP but then they just walk away.

Jason feels for the door beside him, it’s open. Jason takes a
second

aim, right below his chin.

Dissolve to:

INT. POLICE CAR - DAY

The police car RADIO ALARM beeps all over sudden.

 COP
(on police radio call)
All units, be on the look out for a missing
cop car registration XAP 9H5 last seen driving
into and parking along E5th Street...
(Jason jerks in his seat)
...there's a possible cop kidnapping and an
armed male suspect in the car. I repeat,
proceed with caution, over.

Across the opposite street, the female cop is now talking into
the

transceiver and points in the direction of the parked cop car.

The two cops draw their guns. They make their way across the
street

road slowly dodging the passing traffic and advance cautiously

towards

the car.

Jason reaches for the trigger.

Cop, now dressed in civilian clothes, walks freely among the

other

pedestrians.

Cop across at Jason then gives him the ‘I’m watching you’
gesture with

his hand as he continues on his way.

Jason shuts his eyes. He slowly reaches for the trigger. Tears
stream

from both his eyes.

Dissolve to:

EXT. CITY STREET - ROAD – DAY

The two armed police officers advance cautiously towards the
parked cop

car.

GUN SHOT RING THROUGH THE AIR

There is absolute panic and chaos, as pedestrians flee.

More gunshots as the two police officers fire back at the parked
cop

car. Several police officers are drawn to the scene from the
nearby

police station.

Meanwhile, Cop strides on unperturbed.

Dissolve to:

EXT. CITY STREET - PAVEMENT - DAY

The city street where we first found Cop walking away from a
crime

scene. The aftermath of a police shooting.

The police officers manage to rescue their trapped colleague

from the

rear boot of the cop car.

COP (V.O)
This world is strange, one moment you're
free, the next in bondage.

POLICE CAR SIREN

A police car carrying a male convict slowly drives past.

 COP (CONT) (V.O)
(turns to look in the direction of the
male convict)
...isn't it strange, you spot someone in
a car but what you may never realize is,
they may be in dire need of your help.

Cop walks on through the mass of fleeing pedestrians. From a

distance

is the sound of an ambulance siren.

FADE TO BLACK