Quiet, god

QUIET, GOD

written by

Mark Halvorson

Scripped

scripped.com

REVISION 283

November 20, 2012Copyright (c) 2011-2012Mark HalvorsonAll Rights Reserved

FADE IN:

INT. ZACH'S HOUSE - NIGHT

A young man, JACK, white, 22, is walking down a narrow, enclosed staircase.

He cautiously walks down the stairs, hands placed on the walls for stability. The stairs are slightly creeking.

INT. HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

Jack steps off the last stair and into the hallway. The only visible light besides the staircase is coming from a door down the hall that is barely cracked open.

JACK (V.O.)If you're one who says weed is a gateway drug...

(beat)Fuck you.

Jack continues walking down the hall.

JACK (V.O.)(CONT'D)You know nothing of such things. The life we're given is the gateway. And our gate led to this.

Jack reaches the door. Quiet VOICES are heard RUMBLING from within.

Jack takes a quick, deep breath.

He opens the door and is greeted by five more faces; all males, white, his age.

INT. ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Jack enters the room and gently closes the door behind him.

Silence.

Jack takes in the sight of his five closest friends sitting in the classical, uncomfortable theater seats set before a large projector screen. The room is beyond cozy; a little bigger than 1 1/2 jail cells.

He silently walks to the front of the projector screen and faces his friends.

Silence.

The five friends stare at Jack and glance around at each other with confused looks.

2.

JACK (CONT'D)Boys.

ZACHWhere's your cousin?

JACKThomas is coming.

Connor, Jack and Thomas's best friend, stands, walks to Jack and gives him a handshake.

CONNORWhat's up, man.

JACKWhat's good, homie.

CONNOR(quietly)

Don't worry, they'll come through.

The handshake comes to an end and Connor steps back.

The other four, ZACH, MARCUS, ROY and GARY continue sitting.

MARCUSConnor, sit down. I have to go soon.

Marcus looks to Jack.

MARCUS (CONT'D)What's going on, Jack?

ROYYeah, what's this about?

CUT TO:

INT. JACK AND THOMAS'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - 1 WEEK EARLIER

Jack, Thomas and an UNKNOWN MALE (UM), white, 30, stand in Jack and Thomas's living room. One couch, a coffee table and a TV make up the room.

Jack and Thomas stand motionless as a gun held by UM is pointing at them.

UM(forcefully)

Now.

Jack, with a look of terror, glances at Thomas who is fixed on the gun.

3.

JACKGo, Thomas.

Thomas remains fixed on the gun, motionless and unable to speak.

JACK (CONT'D)(whispering)

Thomas.

The UM, growing impatient, cocks back the gun and moves a step closer.

UMDid you fucking hear me?

Jack quickly looks back at UM and holds up his hands.

JACKI'm going.

Thomas breaks out of his daze and looks at Jack.

JACK (CONT'D)(slightly shaking his head)

We have to.

UMYou're Goddamn right you do.

Thomas bows his head,

Jack bites his lip as his eyes water, barely noticeable.

UM points his gun at Thomas and looks at Jack.

Jack turns and exits the room.

INT. THOMAS'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Jack enters the room. A desk, dresser, empty alcohol bottles and dirty clothes are lying around.

Jack makes his way to the closet and opens it, revealing two briefcases.

He stares at the briefcases and runs his hand through his hair.

Eventually he picks them up and makes his way back out of the room.

INT. LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

4.

UM continues to hold the gun up to Thomas. Both UM and Thomas look at Jack.

Jack lays the two briefcases before UM and slowly backs away.

Jack and Thomas stare at each other as UM looks at the cases.

UM puts the gun away and picks up the briefcases.

He faces Jack and Thomas and arrogantly grins.

UM (CONT'D)Enjoy hell.

BACK TO:

INT. ZACH'S HOUSE - ROOM - NIGHT

ZACH(unbelievably)

10,000.

GARY(looking at Zach)

Dollars.

Jack stands before the crowd; still in front of the projector screen. Connor stands next to him, wearily eyeing his friends.

CONNORWell?

MARCUSWell what?

Connor looks at Jack who is gazing at the others.

JACKWe need help.

(beat)In all humility, we need money. Any you guys can spare would be appreciated.

GARYJesus, Jack. How did this happen?

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMPUS - QUAD - 3 WEEKS EARLIER

Jack, Thomas and Connor stand amdist a light snowfall all

5.

facing each other, backpacks on. Students walk along the sidewalks through campus.

CONNORAre you guys serious?

CUT TO:

INT. JACK AND THOMAS'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Jack and Thomas stand by their long kitchen table surrounded by chairs, a fridge, cupboards and a sink.

Jack pulls two pills from his pocket and sets them on the table.

INT. SAME PLACE - MINUTES LATER

Thomas is now sitting in one of the chairs.

He rolls up a bill and sets it in his nose. He leans over the cut up lines and snorts one.

INT. SAME PLACE - MOMENTS LATER

Jack, using the same bill, snorts the second line.

CUT TO:

INT. HOUSE - DOWNSTAIRS - NIGHT

Jack is lying on the floor next to the speakers which are playing music. Thomas is on the couch, phone to his ear.

INT. HOUSE - DOWNSTAIRS - 1 HOUR LATER

Jack and Thomas sit by two girls on the couch. Jack is kissing one of the girls as Thomas is chugging a beer with the other.

CUT TO:

INT. HOUSE - UPSTAIRS - MINUTES LATER

Jack and Thomas simultaneously snort lines as the two girls smile and watch.

Jack and Thomas sit up and walk over to the two girls and they take their hands.

CUT TO:

INT. DOWNSTAIRS - MOMENTS LATER

Jack leads a girl into his room and the door shuts.

6.

Thomas does the same.

Silence as the downstairs is now empty.

INT. DOWNSTAIRS - 1 HOUR LATER

Jack walks out of his room by himself and sits on the couch. Music is still playing from the speakers.

Thomas walks out soon after and puts a cigarette in his mouth.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOUSE - DAYBREAK

The sun is just over the horizon as Jack and Thomas smoke their cigarettes.

CUT TO:

INT. HOUSE - KITCHEN - MINUTES LATER

Jack and Thomas again simultaneously snort a line.

Jack pulls out his phone and dials.

Silence.

JACKHey.

(beat)How much?

Jack looks at Thomas.

JACK (CONT'D)60.

THOMASDo it.

INT. KITCHEN - 1 HOUR LATER

Jack lays four pills on the table.

BACK TO:

EXT. CAMPUS - QUAD - DAY

Connor stares at Jack and Thomas.

7.

CONNOR(in disbelief)

That's what you spent your money on?

Jack and Thomas look at each other. They smile.

CUT TO:

INT. JACK AND THOMAS'S HOUSE - NIGHT

15 people are scattered among the house.

Jack and Thomas stand at the counter mixing drinks.

THOMASPour me, Alchemist.

Jack grabs an energy drink, a 40 ounce malt liquor bottle and a bottle of rum.

He begins mixing them all into two cups. He hands one to Thomas.

CUT TO:

INT. UPSTAIRS - NIGHT

Jack and Thomas stand by a group of girls talking and laughing with them, drinks in hand.

INT. UPSTAIRS - NIGHT - MINUTES LATER

Jack is again mixing two drinks as Thomas is chugging a beer.

CUT TO:

INT. DOWNSTAIRS - NIGHT

All 15 people stand in the living toom, surrounding a beer pong table, drinks in hand.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

The bottle of rum, enery drinks and 40's are all lying empty on the counter.

Jack and Thomas sit at the table slouching.

BACK TO:

EXT. CAMPUS - QUAD - DAY

8.

Connor stands before Jack and Thomas shaking his head.

CONNORHow much are you down?

JACKI'm down a grand.

THOMASTwo for me.

CONNORJesus.

Silence.

CONNOR (CONT'D)There's only one thing I can think of.

(beat)How do you guys feel about selling drugs?

Jack and Thomas wearily glance at each other then look back at Connor.

THOMASAbsolutely.

JACKWait. I don't know.

(beat)Getting locked up wouldn't exactly help, you know?

CONNORDon't worry, Jack. It'll be fine.

(beat)It's all good. We're talking top of the chain. Beyond legitimate.

Jack and Thomas stare at Connor.

CONNOR (CONT'D)Well, I mean, as legitimate as it can be.

(beat)We're talking big time. The biggest in the city.

(beat)Second biggest.

Jack and Thomas smile at Connor.

9.

CONNOR (CONT'D)(smiling)

Fuck you guys. Just meet me here at six.

CUT TO:

INT. CONNOR'S CAR - EVENING

Connor is driving down the dark road as Jack and Thomas sit in the car.

CONNOR (CONT'D)Like, I hang out with quite a few, you know that. And I think they all have a crush on me or something.

(beat)Then I take it too far and raw dog 'em.

Jack and Thomas, through their nervousness, give slight laughs.

CONNOR (CONT'D)Here we are.

Connor pulls his car to the side of the road and parks.

CONNOR (CONT'D)Ready?

Jack and Thomas look at each other and exit the car.

EXT. HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

Jack, Thomas and Connor stand outside the front door of a nice house. Elegant cars are parked in the driveway.

A black male, 25, opens the door and stares at the visitors.

He moves to the side and allows the three entry.

INT. HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

Connor leads the way inside and as Jack and Thomas follow they glance around at the four other males lining the wide hallway which leads to a closed door at the end.

They find the door and Connor reaches for the door knob before one of the other males stops them.

He pats down Connor, Jack and Thomas respectively and steps aside.

MUSIC can be heard PLAYING from within the room.

10.

Connor opens the door and steps inside. Jack and Thomas follow.

INT. ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

A girl, JESSICA, white, 24, sits in an armchair across the room. She is smoking what seems to be a joint. Two more males surround her.

JESSICAWell, well. Connor, how goes it?

CONNOR(nervously)

Hello.

Jessica smiles.

JESSICAHello.

(beat)Still nervous around me, I see.

(beat)Don't tell me your crush is still in full force, baby.

Connor stares at the ground. Jack and Thomas quickly look at him.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Anyway. What can I do for you gentlemen?

CONNOR(looking back up)

These are the two I was telling you about.

Jessica stands and makes her way over to them. She walks a circle around them, eyeing Jack and Thomas carefully.

JESSICA(cooly)

I assume you wouldn't dare set me up now would you, Connor.

CONNORNo, Jessica. Of course not.

JESSICAHow much weight can they push.

11.

JACKAs much as you allow us.

Connor and Thomas look at Jack anxiously. Jessica looks at him and grins.

JESSICASpeaking out of turn. I kinda like it.

(beat)So you have balls, yeah? Ever seen 10 grand?

Jessica continues eyeing Jack and raises her hand.

One of the other males grabs two briefcases. He brings them over and sets them before the four of them.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Open it.

The male opens the briefcase and reveals the money.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Can you boys double it?

CONNORWe can.

JESSICA(looking at Jack)

You won't be involved, Connor.

CONNORBut...

MALE(interrupting)

You heard her.

Jack and Thomas stare at the money.

JESSICAYou double it, you get 5,000 and a spot in my crew.

(beat)You lose it, you owe Roger.

Jack and Thomas look up.

THOMASRoger?

12.

JESSICA(cold smile)

He's the boss. The biggest dealer around.

(beat)This is his money.

THOMAS(whispering to Connor)

What the fuck are we getting in to.

CONNORJust relax.

JESSICAYeah, just relax.

INTO. HOUSE - MINUTES LATER

Thomas reaches down and picks up the briefcases.

MALE(smiling)

Good luck.

Jack, Thomas and Connor turn to leave, briefcases in hand.

JESSICA(coniving smile)

Connor.

Connor turns quickly, like a dog, back towards her.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Come see me tomorrow.

Connor gives a nervous smile and follows Jack and Thomas out.

After they leave, Jessica pulls out a phone.

JESSICA (CONT'D)They have it.

(beat)Yeah. Get it done soon.

BACK TO:

INT. ZACH'S HOUSE - PRESENT

13.

ZACHWhat the hell is wrong with you guys?

GARYDrugs? Really?

(beat)Wow...

Jack stands before his friends, straight-faced and motionless.

JACKWe had no other choice.

ROYConnor how could you get them into that?

(beat)Now they're fucked.

Jack looks at Roy and Roy looks back at him.

ROY (CONT'D)Sorry, Jack.

JACKIt's okay, Roy.

(beat)I'll say it again, we need money.

(beat)Any you can spare, please.

MARCUSEven if we help, you won't raise nearly that much.

(beat)Christ, 10,000 dollars? I still can't comprehend it.

Silence.

GARYI can't help you.

(beat)I'm sorry.

MARCUSMe either, Jack.

ROYSorry, man.

14.

ZACHWe're all deeply sorry.

Silence.

JACKWell, boys. It was a fun ride.

Jack slowly walks to the door as Connor remains in front of the projector screen.

CONNORWait.

(beat)I have an idea.

CUT TO:

INT. COFFE STAND - TWO DAYS LATER

Jack, Thomas and Connor all stand in a very small setup that resembles a drive through coffee stand. Very makeshift interior; a mess inside.

Connor holds two pieces that together makes a coffee cup.

CONNOR (CONT'D)So you put the weed in here, screw it back together and bam...

He holds up the assembled cup.

CONNOR (CONT'D)It's coffee and weed.

Thomas and Jack look at each other.

THOMASI can't believe you found this place on Craigslist.

CONNORAre you guys listening?

(beat)I'll get the discounted shit from Jessica and we'll distribute here.

CUT TO:

INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Connor stands before Jessica and two members of her crew.

Connor hands Jessica money and she hands him a brick of weed.

15.

JESSICA(cold smile)

Good luck.

Connor stands motionless, awkwardly holding the weed.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Yes, Connor?

CONNORUm. Would you maybe want to go out sometime? Maybe. I mean, if you want to.

(beat)Well, of course it's if you want to, that's why I asked.

The two MALES laugh and Jessica smiles.

JESSICAWe'll see, sweetheart.

Connor nods his head and leaves the room.

CUT TO:

INT. COFFEE SHACK - DAY

THOMASOpen for business. Let's hope this works.

Connor stands in the back setting up the coffee cups.

CUT TO:

EXT. MALL - SAME TIME

Jack walks around greeting what looks to be teenagers and college students.

BACK TO:

INT. COFFEE SHACK - LATER

Connor and Thomas stand in their shack. Business is non-existant.

SAME PLACE - TWO HOURS LATER

A young male walks up to the window.

CONNORCan we help you?

16.

MALE(furrows his brow and speaks softly)

Uh... can I get a coffee?

CONNORWould you like a regular or would you like some cream?

MALE(quietly)

Cream, please.

SAME PLACE - SAME DAY

A line of 10 people stand at the coffee shack. Connor and Thomas are hustling around.

CUT TO:


Connor stands in front of Jessica who passes him a joint.

CONNOR(blows out smoke)

They're doing well.

JESSICAHow well, baby? How're they doing it?

BACK TO:

INT. COFFEE HOUSE - NIGHT

Jack stands in the back screwing on the bottoms of the cups. Thomas stands in the front helping the customer.

BACK TO:


CONNOR(passes the joint back)

Very well. But I don't think they want anyone besides customers to know how.

Jessica passes him the joint.

17.

JESSICACome now, Connor. You can tell me.

Silence.

Connor takes a hit.

CONNORI should probably get going.

A WHITE MALE (WM) steps in front of Connor as he begins leaving the room.

WMTell her.

Connor looks back at Jessica who is smiling.

Jessica holds out the joint.

Connor returns to his seat. He slightly sighs and grabs the joint. He takes a long hit.

CUT TO:

INT. JACK AND THOMAS'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

A dufflebag sits before them on the kitchen table. Jack and Thomas are both staring at it.

THOMAS10,000 dollars.

(beat)It's unbelievable, isn't it?

Thomas looks at Jack who is staring at the dufflebag.

Silence.

THOMAS (CONT'D)Jack.

JACK(still staring at the bag)

Unbelievable is right, Thomas.(beat)

Was it worth it?

THOMASWas what worth it?

18.

JACKThe partying, the girls, treating money like dirt. Taking what we had for granted to end up like this.

(beat)Lives held in a dufflebag.

Thomas looks at the bag.

Silence.

JACK (CONT'D)Let's go.

CUT TO:


20 people, including Jessica and Connor, fill the house. Music is playing as various activities from drinking to drugs are taking place.

Connor stands by himself, drink in hand.

Jessica, from across the room, looks to Connor and coldly smiles. Connor, nearly blushing, awkwardly smiles back and looks to his drink.

Jessica begins walking across the room.

CUT TO:

INT. TAXI - SAME NIGHT

Jack and Thomas sit silently in the backseat, duffelbag between them.

The cab driver continuously glances at the dufflebag through the rearview mirror.

THOMAS(quietly)

Are you sure you know where we're going?

JACKIf Connor's directions were right, yes.

BACK TO:


The same setting, only now Jessica has made her way over to Connor.

19.

JESSICAEnjoying yourself?

Connor shifts awkwardly and takes a sip of his drink.

JESSICA (CONT'D)(smiling)

Come, Connor, let's talk.

Jessica begins walking toward her room and, after some hesitation, Connor follows. A few other guys from the room also follow.

INT. JESSICA'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Jessica walks into the room and takes a seat. Connor also enters, closely followed by two other men.

A deadly silence.

JESSICA (CONT'D)(looking at one of the men)

Go grab it.

The man nods his head and exits the room.

JESSICA (CONT'D)So, Connor. How're you, sweetheart?

Connor, apparently drunk, sways a bit.

CONNORFeeling good, Jessica.

JESSICAGood, Good.

(beat)And your boys?

Connor looks back at the man behind him then back to Jessica.

CONNORThey're doing well.

JESSICACome now, Connor. Give me more than that.

(beat)Sit. Talk.

Connor hesitates before taking a seat.

20.

CONNORWhat is it you want to know?

JESSICALook, baby. You know what I want to hear.

(beat)Don't make me grow impatient.

The man that left the room returns with what looks like a mini treasure chest.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Set it on the table.

He sets the chest on the table and slowly backs away.

Connor stares at the chest as everyone stares at him.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Go ahead, Connor. Open it.

Connor quickly glances at Jessica. She nods.

He reaches out and opens the lid revealing a large sack of cocaine.

Silence.

BACK TO:

INT. TAXI - SAME NIGHT

The taxi is parked outside of a small, non-chalant looking house.

Thomas looks at Jack who nods his head. Thomas clutches the dufflebag and exits the taxi, followed by Jack.

Jack pulls out his phone and begins typing on his keypad.

BACK TO:

INT. JESSICA'S ROOM - SAME TIME

Connor's phone buzzes.

The two men are setting up lines of cocaine and Jessica stares at Connor.

JESSICA (CONT'D)You going to answer that?

Connor pulls out his phone, looks and returns it to his pocket.

21.

CONNORIt can wait.

JESSICANow, now, Connor.

(beat)Was it who I think it was?

(beat)Boys, line it up.

The two men finish lining up the cocaine.

Silence.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Go ahead, baby. Enjoy.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

Jack and Thomas slowly and confidently walk up the driveway, Thomas clutching the dufflebag. The sky is pitch black.

After what seems an eternity, they reach the front door and stop.

Jack knocks on the door.

BACK TO:


Connor just finishes snorting a line. He takes a drink.

Jessica leans over and also takes a line.

She picks up her drink and smoothly cheers' Connor.

CUT TO:

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

Thomas and Jack, still confident and standing tall, walk through the dark hallway.

A HOODED FIGURE follows them.

They turn the corner and walk into an equally dark living room.

INT. LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Thomas and Jack enter the living room.

The room is dark besides a large TV mounted on the wall

22.

playing a kung fu movie.

One man, ROGER, black, 30, is sitting in an armchair blunt in hand.

HOODED FIGUREThey're here, Roger.

ROGER(holding up his hand)

Hold on, god.(beat)

This part is poetry.

Silence except for the movie.

Jack, Thomas and the hooded figure stand as Roger's eyes are fixed on the screen.

BACK TO:


Jessica and Connor are standing, each holding a shot glass. Music is now playing inside the room. The door is closed.

Connor is smiling, clearly drunk and high.

Jessica smiles as well, but in a different way.

They drink their shots as the two males snort lines.

SAME PLACE - 5 MINUTES LATER

Jessica is sitting in her chair, cooly sipping her drink.

Connor is on his knees at the table before her and takes a line.

Jessica picks up the stereo remote and turns down the music.

JESSICAWelcome to the crew.

Connor looks at her with glazed eyes.

CONNOR(drunk and high)

Jessica, thank you so much.(beat)

LikeI'vealwaysloved... uh, you.

Connor puts his hand on his face.

23.

CONNOR (CONT'D)I can't believe I told you that.

Connor removes his hand from his face.

CONNOR (CONT'D)(smiling)

But it's true!

The two men begin slightly laughing by the door behind Connor and Jessica.

Jessica shows a face of evil compassion.

JESSICAI know, Connor. And you know I love you too. But how can I trust you if you won't even tell me about your friends?

BACK TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM - SAME TIME

Roger picks up the remote and pauses the movie. He looks at Jack, Thomas and the hooded figure.

ROGER(standing)

So... what up. Y'all look like big ego's.

(beat)Have something for me?

(beat)Yo, hit the lights.

The hooded figure walks to the wall and turns on the lights. The lights reveal Roger who is dressed well in nice jeans and a collared shirt and Timberland boots.

ROGER (CONT'D)Graci, graci.

(beat)So, boys, what's y'all name?

Jack and Thomas look around at the nice living room; the large TV, a leather couch and a leather armchair. A marble counter is surrounded by wooden cabinets making up the kitchen.

THOMASI'm Thomas.

24.

JACKJack.

ROGERGood names, good names.

(beat)Shit, I'm stuck with Roger. How many black ballers you know named Roger?

(beat)Guess it's a pretty well-received name though.

Silence.

Roger takes a hit of his blunt.

ROGER (CONT'D)Well, if you aren't going to speak, let's get down to business.

Roger looks at the dufflebag.

ROGER (CONT'D)Nice package.

(beat)Open it up.

The hooded figure comes over and unzips the bag.

ROGER (CONT'D)Ahh... no better sight.

Roger smiles.

ROGER (CONT'D)Ironic huh?

Jack and Thomas look at each other.

THOMASWhat's that, Roger?

ROGERWell, you sold this color and now you're giving the same to me.

Jack and Thomas look at Roger confused.

ROGER (CONT'D)The color green, yo.

25.

JACKIrony at its finest.

(beat)So we good?

ROGERWhoa, I want to know a little more about you. Especially you, Thomas. All quiet and mysterious.

Roger takes a hit.

ROGER (CONT'D)You look like a dealer. Ever thought about it?

THOMASNo, Roger, I haven't.

ROGERAnd you, Jack?

JACKIf it's as easy as we found it, I could pay it some thought.

Roger lets out a quick, deep laugh.

ROGER (CONT'D)Word, word.

(beat)Aight, boys. 'Preciate the drop.

Jack and Thomas turn and begin making their way out of the room.

ROGER (CONT'D)Yo, hold up. Let me spit somethin' at you.

Thomas and Jack turn.

BACK TO:


Jessica and Connor are in the room by themselves.

Jessica pours a drink and hands it to Connor who gladly takes it.

26.

ROGER (V.O.) (CONT'D)You boys did well.

(beat)If you ever need money the answer isn't far away, know what I mean?

Connor takes a drink.

ROGER (V.O.) (CONT'D)Take your time. Build up.

(beat)Then come back to see me. We could do well together.

Jessica takes a drink.

THOMAS (V.O.)And Jessica?

ROGER (V.O.)Love the girl, but she tries too hard, homie.

(beat)She's going to implode someday.

Connor's phone rings. He answers it.

CONNORHello?

Jessica suddenly looks curious.

JESSICASpeaker phone.

CUT TO:

INT. JACK AND THOMAS'S HOUSE - SAME TIME

JACK(on the phone)

... and I'm pretty sure, if I heard him right, he offered us his right hand.

Silence.

JACK (CONT'D)Yeah, over Jessica.

BACK TO:


Jessica stares at Connor's phone which he's holding out.

27.

Silence.

Jessica's eyes are growing colder.

JACK (V.O.) (CONT'D)Connor?

Silence as Connor and Jessica stare at each other.

CONNORUh... yeah Jack, I gotta go.

JACK (V.O.)Conn...

Connor hangs up the phone.

A deadly silence.

CONNOR(clearly sober now)

I should probably get going, Jessica.

Connor turns toward the door.

JESSICA (O.S.)(emotionless)

No, Connor. Stay.

Connor stops in his tracks and somberly looks at the ground.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Sit.

(beat)Jeff!

One of the two men previously in the room walks in.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Jeff, bring the box. Empty the house.

JEFFJessica.

JESSICABring it. And empty everyone. Except you.

Connor walks over and quietly sits down.

Jeff exits the room once more.

28.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Now, tell me again what your friend said.

Connor sits silently.

Jessica waits, herself growing anxious.

JESSICA (CONT'D)No?

(beat)Then call them.

CONNORJessica, please.

Jeff reenters the room holding a small box.

Jessica looks at the box.

JESSICASet it down and stay.

Jeff sets the box down and moves back toward the door.

Jessica looks back at Connor who can't help but stare at the box.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Well?

CONNOR(looking back at her)

Jessica, please.

Jessica stares at Connor for a moment. She slightly shrugs her shoulders and reaches for the box.

CONNOR (CONT'D)Please...

Jessica reaches into the box and pulls out a small handgun.

Connor looks to the ground and a tear emerges from his eye.

CONNOR (CONT'D)(quietly)

Please...

JESSICACall them.

Silence.

Connor slowly reaches into his pocket and removes his phone.

29.

He slowly dials.

JESSICA (CONT'D)Speaker.

CUT TO:

INTO JACK AND THOMAS'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Jack and Thomas are sitting at the table, each staring at it.

Thomas's phone begins ringing.

THOMASIt's Connor.

Jack looks up.

JACKAnswer it.

THOMAS(phone to ear)

Hello?

BACK TO:


Jessica nods at Connor.

CONNOR(very softly)

God help me...(beat)

Thomas.

BACK TO:

INT. KITCHEN - SAME TIME

Thomas puts the phone on speaker.

THOMASConnor, what's going on?

(beat)Come over here.

BACK TO:


30.

CONNOR(staring at the phone)

Sorry, Thomas. I can't.

THOMAS (V.O.)What? Why not?

JESSICAHello, Thomas.

BACK TO:

INT. KITCHEN - SAME TIME.

Thomas looks at Jack and Jack looks back.

THOMASJessica.

JESSICA (V.O.)Gooood.

(beat)Jack... you there too?

JACKYeah, Jessica. I'm here.

BACK TO:


JESSICAGood, good.

(beat)Now Connor was telling me a little about you guys.

Connor looks up at Jessica.

THOMAS (V.O.)Is that so.

JESSICAIt is, Thomas.

(beat)Why don't you give me your side of the cinderella story.

THOMAS (V.O.)What would you like to know?

JESSICAEverything.

BACK TO:

31.


Jack walks over beside Thomas.

JACKIs that really necessary, Jessica?

BACK TO:


Jessica traces her finger on the gun which is lying on the table.

CONNOR'S FACE - SAME TIME

Connor closes his eyes.

JESSICAI suppose not.

(beat)Let's skip the miscellaneous details.

(beat)But the last two hours... yeah, the last two hours I'm very interested in.

THOMAS (V.O.)So you heard.

(beat)Who told you?

JESSICANow, Thomas... is that necessary?

BACK TO:


THOMASI suppose not.

JACKJessica, don't do anything stupid. You can still take enjoyment in the old cliche, can't you?

(beat)Connor? You alright?

BACK TO:


Connor looks at Jessica who stares back.

32.

CONNORYeah, Jack. I'm alright.

Jeff begins to shift nervously in the background.

JESSICA(change of tone - anxiety)

Fuck this. I don't have time for this noise.

(beat)If you two don't stop what you're doing...

JACK (V.O.)What, Jessica. What're you going to do? Roger is our boy now.

Jessica quickly, angrily stands and grabs the gun.

JESSICA(angrily)

What am I going to do?(beat)

You little shit.

Jessica moves over to Connor and places the gun up to his head.

Connor stares quietly at the ground.

JESSICA (CONT'D)If you could only see the situation your bitch boy is in now.

BACK TO:


THOMASWhat the fuck are you doing to him...

Jack exits the room.

BACK TO:


Jessica still has the gun to Connor's head.

Jeff moves quietly toward the door.

33.

JESSICAStay!

JEFFWhat the fuck, Jessica...

(beat)Put the gun down!

BACK TO:


THOMASJack!

Jack comes back. He's holding a gun.

JACKLet's go.

(beat)Jessica, we won't stop.

(beat)We're better. You know it, I know it and Roger knows it.

(beat)I swear to God, if you do anything you'll never see the light of day again.

BACK TO:


Jessica takes the safety off.

JEFFJessica!

Jeff quickly moves forward and makes a reach for the gun.

Jessica sees him and, eyes wide open filled with every emotion, moves back and hits the table.

BACK TO:


THOMAS(yelling)

Jessica!

A GUN is heard FIRING through the phone.

Thomas drops the phone. Jack runs toward the door.

BACK TO:

34.

EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

Jeff is seen running out of the house.

JESSICA (V.O.)Jeff!

(beat)Jeff!

BLACK SCREEN

EXT. JESSICA'S STREET - SIDEWALK - NIGHT

Jack and Thomas run down the sidewalk, cigarettes in their mouths. A light snowfall. Neighbors are putting up Christmas decorations. A group of carrolers are singing at a front door.

NEIGHBOR(from the roof)

Merry Christmas!(beat)

Well, not yet, but soon!

The neighbor lets out a joyous little laugh.

Neither Jack nor Thomas look. They stare straight ahead.

BACK TO:


Jessica is frantically pacing around her room.

She goes to the closet and furiously begins throwing clothes into a suitcase.

She turns and begins looking around, eyes scared.

Silence.

CUT TO:

EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

Footprints are seen in the snow on the lawn. The front door is open.

Silence. The snow continues to fall.

BACK TO:

INT. JESSICA'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Connor is seen sitting upright in a chair, bullet in his head.

35.

Focus still on Connor.

JACK (V.O.)Don't move.

JESSICA (V.O.)Jack, Thomas, please.

(beat)It wasn't supposed to happen like this.

THOMAS (V.O.)Don't speak.

Silence. Connor is still seen.

Silence.

Silence.

A GUNSHOT RINGS throughout the house.

FADE OUT.

END

Entertainment & Humor

Quiet, god