ETERNAL ECLIPSE OF THE CRIMINAL MIND (3rd Draft) 

                                   A Screenplay by

                          Christopher Reid & Bernard Timothy Lawton  

Copyright © 2007
Christopher Reid & Bernard Timothy Lawton

EXT. SIDEWALK - MORNING
A stocky man walks down the sidewalk carrying a duffle bag. His name is SAMUEL CUSACK (28).
INT. SAM'S APARTMENT - LOUNGE ROOM - MORNING
A phone sits on a table. It's ringing. Sam enters the apartment and picks it up. He takes a seat in a sofa chair.
SAM
Hello?
INT. TANYA'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - SAME TIME
On the other end of the phone is TANYA, 25. She sits on the edge of her bed dressed in pyjamas.
TANYA
Hey. You're up?
INTERCUT BETWEEN SAM AND TANYA.
SAM
Yeah. I just got in.
TANYA
What do you mean you just got in?
SAM
I told you.
TANYA
Uh, what did you tell me?
SAM
Last night, before we got off the phone, I told you that I still needed to drop off a package for R.B; any of this ringing a bell?
TANYA
Yeah. I must have forgotten. I've been trying to call you all morning. I even tried to reach your cell phone.

SAM
I turned it off. I didn't want the buyers to get nervous. Think I was trying to pull any funny business.

TANYA
So, you've been up all night. You must be tired?
SAM
A little. I'll probably just grab something to eat and then hit the sack. I wanted to call you last night but I thought you might be asleep. I missed you.
Tanya doesn't respond.
SAM (CONT'D)
Tanya?
TANYA
Sam. We need to talk.
SAM
What's on your mind?
TANYA
No. Face to face. I need to talk to you about something. It's...
SAM
What?
TANYA
...important.
SAM
Did something happen? Tell me now. What is it?
TANYA
Come by later.
SAM
I'll come by right now.
TANYA
It's okay. Get some rest.
SAM
I'm tired but how can I sleep well when I know everything isn't right with us? I thought we weren't supposed to keep things from each other. Everything was fine the last time we spoke. Did I do something?

TANYA
Sam. I just don't understand it, you're so smart. When I first met you, you wanted to be a carpenter like your father. What happened? 
SAM
Whoa. Where did that come from? Are we still talking about the same thing?
TANYA
I just don't like this situation. Why do you have to sell drugs? Can't you find an honest job like a normal person?
SAM
I was a doing the same thing when you met me.
TANYA
You were small time, Sam. But now you’re running with this R.B I think you're getting in over your head. But that's not my point. Why do you have to sell drugs at all? Maybe you should...
SAM
I heard you. Find a normal job. A job in an office. Spend all day with the sort of people I'd usually go to great lengths to avoid.
TANYA
It's better than ending up in jail... or a coffin?
SAM
We all end up in a coffin babe, no matter what we do. We all make choices. This one is temporary, I just need some extra cash, so don't sweat it.
TANYA
I've heard that before.
SAM
And I'm serious. You have to trust me... Why are you talking like this all of a sudden? 
Did someone say something again? 
I'm on my way over.

TANYA
No. Get some rest. Besides I have to get ready for work. I'm already running late...
SAM
Babe. Hold on. Someone's at the door.
Sam answers the door to find a tall man dressed in paint-blotched overalls. It's R.B (38)
SAM (CONT'D)
Hey. Come in. I'm on the phone with Tanya. Is it okay?
R.B gives him a nod of approval. Sam picks up the receiver.
SAM (CONT'D)
It's R.B
R.B (O.S)
(to Tanya)
Good morning.
SAM
R.B said...
TANYA
I heard him.
Sam replies for her.
SAM
She said good morning.
TANYA
I didn't say that.
SAM
Look, I'll come by later and we'll straighten everything out. And, stop listening to what other people have to say. We've been together for three years, we're engaged. That should mean something. I'll stop by this afternoon. We can talk then, okay?
TANYA
Yeah. Okay.
SAM
Alright. I'll talk to you later. I love you.

TANYA
(barely audible)
I love you, too.
INT. SAM'S APARTMENT - MINUTES LATER
Sam takes a seat in the sofa chair. R.B sits on the couch
SAM
What's up, boss?
R.B
Everything okay with you two?
SAM
I think so. You know how it is. Somebody probably running their mouth again, telling her she needs to find someone... someone better than me. It's probably her dad, if it's not her dad, it's her sister, if it isn't her sister, it's her neighbour. They don't approve of my career choice. What the hell do they know? They think I'm some kind of no good street thug.
R.B
Hey. Let em talk. Soon, all the dough in this town will be coming our way. We'll be rich. You can stuff their preppy mouths with hundred dollar bills.
SAM
That'd be cool.
R.B
Yeah. Let em gag on it. Fuck-'em eh... How did everything go last night?
SAM
Smooth sailing.
R.B
Any problems?
SAM
None. It took me a couple of hours to reach the house. I dropped off the package and drove all the way back. Hold on a sec...

Sam walks over and riffles through his bag in the corner. He hands over an envelope to R.B and then sits back down. 
R.B
Good job. Good job.
(Handing Sam a few bills)
A little something extra.
SAM
Thanks boss. You want something to drink, smoke, anything?
R.B shakes his head to the negative.
R.B
I want you to do another deal for me today. I know it's short notice...
SAM
No problem. I'm pumped. Whatever. I'm ready to go.
R.B
I like that about you. You're always ready to go but calm down. You've been up all night. It's not until twelve. That gives you three hours. Get some rest.
SAM
Have we done business with these guys before?
R.B
No. They got in touch with Alfie.
SAM
What's their deal?
R.B
They supposedly have good connections with a lot of rich people. The kind of people who prefer not to buy their drugs off a street corner. These guys are paid good money to purchase drugs for the wealthy. Keep a nice inventory. Keep it anonymous. I hear that's their deal.
SAM
Nice hustle.

R.B
Fine with me, eh. I just want what's mine. Whatever people do with it after they but it from me... sell it to the poor, sell it to the rich. I'm hands off. Now, Alfie says they're cool but you can never be sure. Take Andy with you.
SAM
Not Andy. He kind of rubs people the wrong way. If it's okay with you. I'd rather go solo.
R.B
No back up.
SAM
Nah. I ain't afraid. Just another deal to me.
R.B taps Sam on the cheeks.
R.B
That a boy. We'll drop em a bag first, lay down the rules of engagement. Let em know there's a new pecking order in town. You buy from R.B or you don't buy at all.
INT. LOUNGE ROOM - LATER
Sam is sleeping on the sofa chair when he abruptly wakes up and peeks at his watch. He quickly snatches up his duffle bag and heads for the door.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - EARLY AFTERNOON
Sam walks up a flight of stairs. He enters a hallway and stops in front of a door with the number ten tacked on. Sam knocks on the door.
INT. WAREHOUSE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Ruffo, a large man, 30s, opens the door to let Sam in.
RUFFO
You're late.
Sam and the large man exchange dirty looks.
Spencer, a slender and slightly older man sits in the foreground.
Spencer
Is this how you do business? Is this what we can expect, tardiness?
Sam walks over to Spencer, Ruffo follows.

SAM
(shaking hands with Spencer)
Sam.
Spencer
Spencer. 
Sam peers over his shoulder to the man shadowing him.  
RUFFO
Ruffo.
SAM
(back to Spencer)
To answer your question. No. It's certainly not how we do business. It's my fault, really. It won't happen again. Perhaps I can make it up to you in a future transaction?
Spencer
Alright. Take a seat.
Sam and Spencer take up two chairs adjacent to each other - a table separates them. Ruffo grabs another chair close by.
Spencer (CONT'D)
We're interested in purchasing large quantities. Is that possible?
SAM
I'm quite certain that we'll be able to accommodate whatever you have in mind. I also highly suggest that you work with us... exclusively.
Spencer
We don't want any trouble. Our regular connection just got pinched and so if the product is steady, the supply strong, that shouldn't be a problem.
SAM
Cool.
Sam produces a package of white powder from his duffle bag and puts it on the table. Spencer picks it up and gestures for Ruffo to come over. Spencer holds the bag open while Ruffo dips his finger in and tastes the white powder stuck to his finger.  He smiles and nods at Spencer.
Spencer takes out an envelope and puts it on the table for Sam. Sam stares at it for a bit. He then snatches up the envelope and swiftly stands in one motion. He checks the contents before shaking Spencer's hand. He only gets a few steps before Ruffo calls him back.
RUFFO
Sammy boy.
Sam turns slightly to find Ruffo rummaging through his coat pocket. His wallet in hand, Ruffo flashes his law enforcement ID.  
SPENCER (O.S)
Put your hands up! You're under arrest!
Sam looks over to find Spencer with a gun pointed directly at him. He puts his hands up slightly.
SPENCER (CONT'D)
Come on. Put them up, now! Higher!
Sam raises his hands noticeably higher, just above his head.
Ruffo walks over to Sam and with a face full of joy, takes delight in patting Sam down. He locates a gun stuffed in Sam's belt buckle. 
Ruffo
Let me guess, on top of trafficking, possession of an unlicensed firearm. I tell you. It just keeps getting better. Get over there.
Ruffo bullies Sam back over to his chair and shoves him in. He cups Sam by the back of his head, forces him to look up.
Ruffo (CONT'D)
Don't even think about running. You'll only make matters worse.
Ruffo grabs a seat. Spencer holsters his weapon and does the same. 
Spencer
Sam. We meet again. This time under different circumstances.  
Sam
(after a beat)
You two idiots must feel real big? Taking cover behind those badges. Where's your honour? Where's your integrity?
SPENCER
All this lip from a drug peddler. (Spencer finds his badge and tosses it on the table) The badge doesn't make the man. By the way, I'm detective James and that's detective Beswick.
Sam leans forward and picks up the badge. He looks at it for a second and then flings it across the room. Beswick jumps forward in his chair, eager to put Sam in place. James waves him off.

James now retrieves his suitcase that sits nearby. From it, he produces a manila folder. He scans the folder which contains the profile pictures and rap sheets of various felons and gangsters. He finds the one with Sam's face attached. He removes five pages stapled together.
JAMES
Samuel Cusack. You don't look twenty eight.
SAM
You don't look like a prick. 
James
You got a few misdemeanours nothing serious... until now. You're looking at a very long sentence.
SAM
Yeah, I bet I am so spare me the cheap theatrics and just charge me. I've got a good lawyer. 
JAMES
That's nice Sam, very staunch. But I doubt that you have a lawyer. If you did have a lawyer, a good lawyer, he'd tell you that you've been caught red handed and that you should assist law enforcement, cooperate; throw yourself at the mercy of the court.
SAM
I'm not looking for mercy. Not from you, not from the judge, not from anyone.
James
What are you looking for? Why are you here? What do you want out of life? I'm curious. You're still relatively young. You didn't always want to do this I'm sure. Shit, I didn't always want to do this. But, here I am. Any hopes, dreams?
Sam drifts off, daydreaming for just a second. He gives the impression that he's about to provide an answer when he suddenly regains his composure.
SAM
I didn't walk through those doors for a fucking therapy session. So fuck you, asshole. Cut the small talk. You're boring me. Say whatever you gotta say and then charge me. 

James
If you want it straight. I'll give it to you straight. You're looking at least eight years and it doesn't have to be that way. Maybe there's a deal on the table.
SAM
I don't want your stinking deal. And I've got nothing to say...
BESWICK
...Until you speak to your fancy lawyer. You're a clown. You haven't even heard the deal. So if you've got nothing to say why don't you shut up and listen dumb-ass.
James
We don't want you, Sam. You're a blip on the radar. We want the boss, R.B
SAM
Who the hell is R.B?
James
I thought you wanted to talk straight. Cut the small talk. Now who's bullshitting? 
James is annoyed. He flips through the file and pulls out a slew of pictures. He hands them to Sam. He points.
James (CONT'D)
That's R.B and there you are. R.B wants to be the biggest supplier in town. We want him early before he makes a move. Before he starts any more trouble. Before he gets himself wrapped in teflon... Now, you know what kind of deals people in my position are able to offer to people... in your position.
SAM
You want me to rat?
James
You help us land R.B and I can guarantee that you'll walk. So, yes, that's what I want.

SAM
Go on and charge me. If I rat, I'm dead anyway. So I might as well take my chances.
James
You're playing with fire. If the attorney general can't land R.B you'll be the sacrificial lamb. They AG, the prosecutor, they don't give a damn. By the time your trial is done, you'll have skipped from regular bum to god damn kingpin. I don't see the logic in not playing ball.
James examines the papers in front of him more carefully.
James (CONT'D)
You've got a girlfriend. Tanya Casey.
SAM
(smirks)
Carey. And she's not my girlfriend. She's my fiancée.
James removes the cap of his pen and corrects the error.
James
Do you really think she'd be willing to wait eight years for you, really? Family, friends, associates, they'll wait. It's not a big thing. But that's a long, long time for anyone else with options.
BESWICK
Maybe I'll stop by if she ever needs company. We'll have a tea party, watch some old black and white movies together. I'll comfort her, lay her down gently... to start.
Sam feints like he's about to get up, ready to confront Beswick. Beswick urges him on.
BESWICK (CONT'D)
Come on. You want it punk!
Beswick and Sam eyeball each other. James breaks the tension.
James
If she did wait. Then what? When you come out. Everything will look different. You'll have nothing. You won't have a damn thing to offer.   Not too romantic. But if that's what you want, I'll ask Beswick to get the car and we'll haul your ass away. Let the prosecutors take it from there.
Sam is now vulnerable for the first time, thinking harder, weighing all his options. 
James (CONT'D)
Now, witness protection ain't what it used to be but it's a lot better than a stinking jail cell.
SAM
I need some time.
BESWICK
I'm not letting you out of my sight.
Sam ignores Beswick and talks directly to James.
SAM
Some time, alone, please.
James
Ten minutes.
INT. WAREHOUSE HALLWAY - MINUTES LATER
Beswick and James lean against the wall.
BESWICK
You think he'll sing.
James
Like a canary.
BESWICK
Ten minutes. Hmm...
Beswick wiggles through his pocket and produces a Hamilton.
BESWICK (CONT'D)
...Ten bucks.
James
No thank you. My wife wants me to stop gambling.
BESWICK
It's only ten dollars.
James
It's still gambling.
Beswick smirks at James.
James (CONT'D)
Ah, double up.

INT. WAREHOUSE ROOM - TEN MINUTES LATER
The two detectives return to the room.  Sam is standing next to a window, staring blankly outside. 
MOMENTS LATER
Sam, James and Beswick all take their seats.
James leans forward.
James
What's it going to be, Sam?
SAM
If I testify, I get immunity, witness protection?
James
Yeah.
SAM
And Tanya? She can come with me, too, right?
James
Can she help us?
SAM
No. I try to keep her far away from this stuff.
James
And... she's not your wife?
SAM
She's my fiancée. I already told you that. Let me be clear before we go any further, I don't have anyone else, no family, friends, no one else gives a shit whether I live or die. If she can't come with me, no deal.
The room is silent for a short time. Sam pops up with an idea.
SAM (CONT'D)
What if we sped up the wedding? Got married before the trial?

James
I guess that'll work.
Sam lets out a deep breath.
SAM
Okay. I'll do it.

Beswick shrugs it off.
BESWICK
I didn't hear you.
Sam dishes Beswick a tempered look.
SAM
(addressing Beswick)
I said I'll testify.
Beswick gets up and walks toward the exit. He pauses halfway. Turns back to Sam. 
BESWICK
What if she doesn't want to come with you?
SAM
Let me worry about that.  
Beswick resumes his path to the door. He opens it. 
BESWICK
(to someone off-screen)
He says he'll testify.

Sam turns around to see who Beswick is talking to and is shattered when RB steps into view, decked out in a business suit. 

			SAM
Oh, fuck.

As RB walks toward Sam he pulls a pistol out from his coat pocket.

As the screen fades to black a gun shot rings out. 

INT. TANYA'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Tanya sits at a desk typing on a laptop computer. She feels a presence around her. She looks up. She sees Sam standing in the doorway. Sam leaves the doorway without speaking.
TANYA
Sam. Sam.
Tanya gets up from the desk and walks out. 
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Tanya enters the living room to find Sam nervously sitting on the couch. He's breathing hard.
TANYA
I didn't hear you come in. 
Sam looks at her and then lowers his head.
TANYA (CONT'D)
Sam. What's wrong?
SAM
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything.
TANYA
What are you talking about?
SAM
I'm sorry... I went to do a deal for R.B Two cops, um, well.
TANYA
What are you saying?
SAM
Two undercover cops were waiting for me. They set me up.
TANYA
You got busted?
SAM
Yeah, but...
TANYA
But what Sam? They didn't just let you go, they didn't just let you walk away.

SAM
They offered me witness protection. Said if I testified everything would work in my favour. 
TANYA
And you expect me to leave everything behind and run away with you.
SAM
No, well, it's not like that, exactly. Yes, I do want you to come with me but...
TANYA
I have a family, my sister, friends, and a good job. I can't just give that all up.
SAM
Why won't you just let me talk? Give me a chance to explain... everything.
TANYA
You know what, Sam. I don't want to hear it. It's unbelievable. I told you. I warned you. How could you do this to us? 
SAM
I'm sorry... Look, it's no use lying. If you come with me, you're gonna' have to leave your life behind you. It's as simple as that.
TANYA
You call that simple. 
SAM
I said it was simple, not easy. I only agreed to do it because it was the only chance I had of still being with you. I didn't know it was... 
TANYA
(interrupting)
Sam. Stop it! I'm pregnant!
SAM
What?
TANYA
I'm pregnant and yes I'm sure, one hundred percent... That's what I wanted to talk to you about.

SAM
Tanya... you're all that I have. I don't want another man raising my child. You were right. I was wrong. I should have done things differently.  
A beat as Tanya considers their future.
TANYA
If I come with you. Where exactly are we supposed to go? 
SAM
I don't know. 
TANYA
You don't know?
SAM
I don't know what happens next. I really don't know. 
TANYA
Sam. I love you and I want to be with you. There's just something so wrong about this.
SAM
It's not the way I wanted it either...
Sam puts his hand on Tanya's belly.
SAM (CONT'D)
...but this the only way for us to be together.
Tanya thinks for a beat.
TANYA
How long do we have? 
SAM 
Two detectives are coming over to pick you up. They'll take you where you need to go.
TANYA
You're not coming with me?
SAM
I have something to do first. I'll catch up with you.  
Sam and Tanya embrace. 

SAM (CONT'D)
I'm so sorry about messing things up like this and I know I've said it before, but I promise you, this is the last time.  This will be a  new beginning for us. 
TANYA
I love you.
SAM
I love you, too.
Tanya pulls back.
TANYA
I know it's not the right time but I want to show you something.
SAM
What is it?
TANYA
A surprise.
SAM
Okay.
TANYA
I'll be right back.
INT. BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Tanya grabs a black box from out of the closet.
LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Tanya returns. She finds the room empty. She checks the kitchen and other areas of the apartment. She calls out.
TANYA
Sam? Where are you?
A knock at the door. Tanya, though still confused, goes to the door expecting Sam. Instead she finds Beswick and James waiting.
James
Hello. I'm detective James and this is my partner, Detective Beswick. We have...
TANYA
It's Okay. Sam already told me.

James
Excuse me.
TANYA
Please, come in.
Beswick looks at James and shrugs his shoulders.
James and Beswick enter the apartment. They scope out the room with great uncertainty.
James
Excuse me. Did you say that Sam, Samuel Cusack told you we would be coming over?
TANYA
Yeah. He was just here.
James
But, he's not here anymore?
TANYA
No. I thought you were Sam... I mean at the door. Sorry I don't have my things together. It's all happening so fast. Just give me a second and I'll get my stuff together.

			BESWICK
Don’t worry about gathering your stuff.

			TANYA
Oh, Okay, will I get that later? Can I just make a phone call before I go?

			JAMES
You can do that in the car.  

			TANYA
     	(uncertain)
Okay…sure.
Tanya slowly walks out of her apartment. James and Beswick follow. 
SAM (V.O.)
Look, it's no use lying. If you come with me, you're gonna' have to leave your life behind you. It's as simple as that.
James shuts the door on his way out.
FADE TO BLACK.