FADE IN:
INT. JACK’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Jack is siting on his old sofa. He is watching TV. There are old cartoons on the TV. Jack reaches for a half empty whiskey bottle and pours some into an empty glass. He sculls the contents of the glass and places it back onto the table along with the bottle. He suddenly laughs hysterically at the TV.
jack
For fuck’s sake!
Jack beats his fist on the armrest of the chair. He grabs the whiskey bottle and takes a gulp. 
ext. Jack’s house – Night
Two young men walk down the path approaching Jacks back door. One of them steps up to the door and knocks three times with his fist. 
int. jack’s house – night
Jack takes another drink straight from the bottle. He slams the bottle down on the table violently. Some liquid spills out onto the table. Jack gets up from the chair gritting his teeth and swearing violently.
JACK
Fucking hell! Who the fuck! Fucking shit head’s around this place!
Jack walks through the house muttering. He walks up to the back door and yanks it open quickly. The two young men, Tony and Bruce are standing in the doorway. They are surprised by Jack’s abrupt appearance.
jack
Oh G’day fellas.
Bruce
Hey Jack! How’s it hanging bro! 
tony
What are ya up to Jack.

jack
Not a hell of a lot. Just knocking back a few quiet ones.
tony
That’s the story.
jack
Reckon.
Tony moves up one step to confront Jack more directly.
Tony
Listen Jack we need to ask a favour of you. Bruce here has lost the car keys while we were down at the pub. So we were wondering if we could get you to give us a ride home.
jack
Sure no worries mate!
tony
But maybe since you’ve been drinking we could just borrow your wheels.
Jack eagerly walks unsteadily back into the kitchen and grabs his coat off the hook talking as he does so.
jack
Nah, nah, its right eh… I have just started and you guys have been at the pisser all night.
bruce
Cheers Jack! You’re a legend dude.
tony
You sure Jack you seem a bit liquored to me.
Jack turns to face Tony, one hand on his hip. He waves the other impatiently in front Tony’s face. 
JACK
Listen Tony mate, if you want to get home. Shut-up and get in. I’m not letting you drive my car when you’re pissed.
Jack moves towards the parked car. He gets some keys out of his pocket and unlocks the door. Tony opens his mouth to protest.
bruce
Don’t worry about it man just let him drive, it’s his car.
Tony frowns and reluctantly moves towards the backdoor of the car. Bruce goes to the front passengers side door. Jack gets in starts the ignition and revs the engine a lot. Then reverses quickly out the drive.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY – NIGHT
The headlights of Jack’s car are seen in the distance travelling down a hill. Jack is driving down the road recklessly. The engine in high revs and tires are squealing. 
int. Jack’s Car – night
Jack is behind the wheel. He is singing loudly to the song on the car stereo. (Thunderstruck – AC/DC) He turns his head a lot to look at his passengers. Tony is sitting uneasily in the backseat trying to talk to Jack over the music. 
tony
Listen Jack; you should have come to the pub tonight. They had a band there playing.
jack
(singing) 
Nah couldn’t give a toss about live music.
BRUCE
Yeah. But these guys were good eh… Shit Jack slow down a bit man, haven’t you seen the adds on TV about how people get killed on country roads.
Jack laughs loudly. He beats his fists against the steering wheel and then changes down a gear making the car go even faster than before.
tony
Jesus Christ Jack!
jack
(Ignores Tony)
Those adds are just bullshit Bruce!
Tony getting agitated tries to calm down. He leans forward in his seat to talk behind Jacks ear.
tony
Listen Jack just drop us off at this bridge up here and we’ll walk the rest of the way. It’s not far.
jack
Don’t be fucking stupid. I’m going to your place.
They start to descend down a hill towards a small one-lane bridge. Jack lets the car accelerate on the slope of the hill. Bruce has a terrified expression on his face. Tony shouts at Jack.
tony
For Christ Sake Jack!!
bruce
You mad bastard Jack!
JACK
(Jack laughs hysterically)

ext. highway bridge - night
The car speeds towards the bridge. The corner of the car hits the side of the bridge. The car spins around then starts to roll side on over the bridge and eventually comes to a stop on the other side the wheels still spinning.
EXT. highway bridge – day
A farmer is driving his tractor along the road. He sees the upturned car in the middle of the road. He speeds up then stops the tractor and runs towards the car. Tony’s arm is dangling out the back window of the upturned car. The farmer takes Tony’s pulse. He has a shocked look on his face as he checks Bruce’s pulse. Tony and Bruce are both dead. He goes to check Jack’s pulse. He realises Jack is alive so he runs back to the tractor. He grabs the RT system and talks into it.
farmer
Joan ring an ambulance there has been a car accident at the bridge!
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL WARD – DAY
Jack is lying in hospital in a ward by himself. He has bandages on his head. There is a drip set beside his bed. He is staring blankly at the roof. A severely dressed nurse enters the room and stands at the end of the bed.
nurse
Are you feeling better Jack?
Jack grunts uninterested and ignores the nurse by looking away.
nurse
Well you better be feeling better because there are two policemen to see you!
The nurse sharply turns around and briskly walks out Jack’s ward. 
int. Hospital corridor - day
The nurse approaches to policemen in suits waiting in the corridor.
nurse
You may see him now. Though I wish you good luck getting him to speak.
The nurse walks off shaking her head disgustedly. The two officers watch her leave for a moment. One is about to open his mouth and then closes it again. They glance at each other and then move toward Jack’s ward. 
int. hospital ward – day
The two officers walk in and stand on either side of Jack’s bed. Jack watches them impassively glancing at each man. The man to the left of Jack begins to introduce them.
d.I Thompson
Hello Jack, I am Detective Inspector Thompson and this is Detective Goldfield. We are here to tell you officially that you have been deemed mentally insane. Therefore the possible charges of manslaughter will not be brought against you for the deaths of a Tony Pride and a Bruce Young. Do you have anything to say for yourself? 
Jack remains unmoved and calmly shrugs indifference. D.I Thompson produces an envelope from his jacket pocket. Opens it and unfolds a document contained inside.
D.i thompson
This piece of paper is an enrolment form for Cherry Hospital for the Criminally Insane. You will go before a Psychiatric Assessment Board on your arrival. The panel of psychologist’s will decide what happens to you from there.
D.I Thompson pauses a moment expecting a response from Jack. Jack nods slightly and remains silent. The two detectives exchange surprised glances at each other and D.I Thompson shrugs. There is an awkward few seconds then D.I Thompson decides to speak.
d.i thompson
…Well Jack do you want to tell us any details about the accident. 
jack
(weakly)
Oh… yeah… yes I have something to say. 

D.i thompson
Sure let us have it.
Jack looks at them with a slightly vindictive look.
Jack
If you two pen pushing pricks think you can come fucking poncing in here and send me off to a fucking mad house and I’ll tell you something, your fucking dreaming, because I’ll be buggered if I’m going! You and this little shit here can fucking take your Assessment Board and shove it right up your Law enforcing assholes!
D.I thompson
Jack! I suggest you…
Jack is leaning forward in the bed, eyes wide and spittle is spraying from his mouth as he talks.
jack
Fuck up pigger! Go fuck yourself!
Jack gets up from the bed abruptly ripping the attachments to the machines off and knocking over his drip. The drip falls over with a crash. 
jack
I fucking suggest you get out of my face! You shit! I’ll knock your fuckin… fuck you asshole! Fuck you!
Jack lunges for D.I Thompson. He is roaring dementedly and swearing. He half falls off the bed and knocks the medical machines so they hit the wall. The two policemen back off slightly. Detective Goldfield calls for the nurse.
Detective Goldfield
Nurse!
The nurse enters with a syringe full of sedative. She quickly glances at Jack trying to struggle out of the tangle of medical equipment.
nurse
Hold him down!
The two Detectives approach Jack and grab his arms and legs. Jack doubles his efforts. The nurse quickly bends down and injects the drug into Jacks arm then straightens up. Jack struggles a moment longer before the drug takes effect and he passes out.
int. mental hospital corridor – day
Jack is tightly strapped into a wheelchair. He is wearing the drab grey clothes of the hospital inmates. Two heavily built men wearing white Doctors coats are pushing him down a large corridor with whitewashed walls. Jack is struggling in the wheelchair. He is swearing and muttering at the two orderlies.
jack
Fuck you all… you two homo’s. Piss off.
The two orderlies and Jack approach two large wooden doors at the end of the corridor.

int. hospital meeting room – day
A group of official looking people of both sexes are seen sitting down at a long table in a large room. They are shuffling papers and sipping cups of coffee. Suddenly there is a knock at the door. A doctor gets up from the table and walks to the door. A loud male voice is heard from outside the room saying “SHUT IT”. The doctors glance at one another. The doctor opens the door.
doctor
Bring him in please.
The two orderlies wheel Jack into the room. Jack is glancing around suspiciously. They push him in front of the table and then leave through the door. The doctor in the middle of the line of people starts to address Jack.
head psychologist 
Good afternoon Jack I hope you are well?

jack
Fuck you!
head psychologist
Now, now Jack we are here to help you. So it’s in your best interests to co-operate with us.
jack
Piss off, I know you don’t give two shits about me!
head psychologist
We shall see. Anyway moving on, I have your file here.
The psychologist reaches for a folder sitting on the table in front of him. He opens the cover and begins to read it aloud.
head psychologist
Jack, Henry, Duff. Born eleventh of September 1972, Timaru. Parents Peter and Sue Duff. No brothers or sisters. Age 29. Occupation, Mill worker. Marital Status, Single.
The psychologist looks up from his reading and regards Jack with a condescending smile. 
head psychologist
Fairly ordinary life thus far Jack.
jack
What the fuck is that supposed to mean you arrogant asshole! 
head psychologist
Enough Jack. I run this place so if you have any hope of getting out you will have to co-operate with me. Is that clear!

Jack
(casually) 
Fuck you.
The Head Psychologist looks at Jack clinically. He brushes Jacks remark aside.
head psychologist
Anyway we shall proceed with the questions. Would anyone like to begin?
The Head Psychologist looks around the people seated beside him. A woman down the end of the table clears her throat and begins to address Jack.
woman
Jack, as a child did you suffer any abuse from any family or relatives?
Jack
What the fuck is this crap? 
head psychologist
Answer the question Jack.
jack
(glaring)
Piss off!
head pyschologist
We will move on I think. Otherwise we will be here until Christmas.
A man on the other side of Head Psychologist starts with another question.
 man
Did you yourself notice any changes in your behaviour?
jack
Fuck off! I isn’t nuts you can ask my mates Tony and Bruce!

man
(Ironically)
I believe their dead Jack. They died in your car when you crashed it.
This sets Jack off and he becomes very angry and agitated. He starts to struggle against the straps on the wheelchair. 
jack
I’ll tell you something you vicious bastards. I didn’t kill my mates and for the last fucking time I am NOT crazy! I am very bloody pissed off with this treatment. I am fucking leaving this shit. Let me out!
Jack starts to roar and scream, straining against the straps.
jack
Let me out! Let me the fuck out!
The Head Psychologist sighs wearily. He holds his hands up in a helpless gesture. He begins to speak but has to almost shout to be heard above Jacks shouting and struggling.
Head psychologist
(shouting)
Well its obvious that it is impossible to continue now. Jack will be assigned a Psychiatrist to monitor his mental state. Right that’s it. …Bill can you tell the orderlies to take him back to his quarters please?
Jack still screaming manages to tip the wheelchair over. One of the doctors heads for the door to let the orderlies in. Jack is threatening the doctors with the direst threats he can think of.
jack
(Screaming)
You deprived pack of assholes. I will burn your houses! Fucking look out because I will find you!
The two orderlies walk over to Jack in the upturned wheelchair yelling abuse and briskly wheel him out of the room. Jack turns in the chair to yell dementedly at them as he is leaving the room.
		JACK
	I’ll eat your children!
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – DAY
The two orderlies are wheeling Jack down the corridor in the opposite direction, twice as fast as before. They are in a hurry to get him back to his cell. Jack continues to scream and swear at them.
jack
Grrrrrrhhhh! Let me go! Fuck you! Fuck you too! Arrgggh I hate you! You fat bastards!
They approach a nondescript door that looks like a closet entrance. They park Jack right in front of the door. One of them goes to unlock the door while the other hurriedly reaches down and unclips the buckles on the straps holding Jack in. The other orderly has now opened the door and moves behind the wheelchair. As soon as Jack is unstrapped from the chair the orderly charges forward and tips the wheelchair up so that Jack is thrown through the doorway into the padded room landing on his back. The orderlies work as an efficient team as though they have done this often.
int. hospital padded cell – day
Jack scrambles up from the floor and charges at the door frantically. He roars his frustration and then repeats the charge, trying to shoulder the door open. 
jack
(Roaring)
Fuck you!
int. hospital corridor – day
The two orderlies are standing outside the door to the cell listening to the commotion from inside. They glance at each other. One rolls his eyes. In response the other shakes his head disgustedly. They turn and walk away back down the corridor.
int. hospital padded cell – day
Jacks cell is lined with padded leather walls. There is no furniture apart from a bucket in the corner. There is a small window with grilled bars across it letting in small slits of morning light into the cell. Jack is sleeping huddled uncomfortably in a corner of the cell leaning against the padded wall. He is snoring softly. Suddenly there is a loud clang as the cell door opens. A man in his mid thirties enters. He is dressed tidily in a black well-cut suit. Jack at the noise of the door has woken up and is sleepily observing the man that has just arrived.
paul
Morning Jack. How are we today?
jack
(pitifully)
Fuck’s sake

paul
I am Dr Paul Buchanan your psychologist for the pleasant duration of your stay here at Cherry Hospital for the Criminally Insane.
Paul smiles wittily. Jack is staring at the floor uninterested.
jack 
 Great this is all I need, another fuck-wit, stuck up psychologist with his finger up his arse!
Jack finishes his sentence staring accusingly at Paul with a cold look on his face. Paul continues unruffled by Jacks greeting.
paul
Well I here you didn’t do yourself any favours at the Assessment Jack, but I am here to help with that.

jack 
Help with what! Help me to get a real shitter in my cosy wee cell do ya mean?
Paul glances involuntarily at the filthy plastic bucket in the corner of the room.
paul 
I don’t make any excuses for the conditions in here but it is entirely up to you to co-operate with me and answer my questions. Then you might be surprised at how quickly things can improve for you Jack.
jack
Bah! Fucking shrinks! So that’s what you do for your patients! You bullshit them to sanity!
paul
No Jack. I don’t bullshit. I am a psychologist not a lawyer.
jack
Don’t go smart mouthing me, you lying shithead! Fucking wakes me up and it’s more of the same inane dribble that I got from those other assholes.
paul
Look Jack the more time you waste the longer you’ll be in here and in this padded room with your plastic bucket.
jack
Fuck you! Patronizing bastard!
paul
We can either do it the hard way or the easy way Jack. Either way it doesn’t worry me because I still get paid.
jack
Fuck do you think you’re going to do?
paul
I’ll show you.
Paul calls to the two orderlies in white coats. They enter the room pushing the dreaded wheelchair. Jack sees them and the chair and reacts. He starts to shout and rant same as before. He is kicking and screaming and trying to back away in the corner of the room
jack
NO! Fuck that shit! Fuck you!!
The two orderlies unceremoniously grab Jack and hoist him into the chair and quickly and expertly strap him into the chair tightly with thick leather straps.
int. hospital corridor – day
The two orderlies exit the cell with Jack screaming and thrashing around in the chair. They head down the long corridor with Paul following behind smiling good-naturedly.
int. hospital, paul’s office – day
Paul and Jack are alone in Paul’s office. Paul walks to his desk to look at Jack’s file. Jack is sitting in the wheelchair in the middle of the room glaring coldly at Paul.
paul
Well Jack. I think we will begin with some ink blob tests. I will show you a series of images and all you have to do is tell me what you see? All right?
Jack replies in the same polite, businesslike tone as Paul.
jack
Fuck you Paul!
Paul moves over to the overhead projector positioned in front of a white screen. He switches it on and puts an image of an ink blob shaped like a fantail bird on it. 

paul
Well?
jack
Your mother taking a shit!
Paul looks at Jack hard and speaks flatly.
paul
That’s bad taste Jack.
jack
Yep!
Paul grimaces and puts another image on the projector. 
paul
What’s this?
jack
Fucked if I know.
paul
C’mon Jack I must urge you to co-operate with these tests so that I can assess your mental state and pass my report to the Chairman.
jack 
You can go and shove your report up the Chairman’s arse for all I care!
Paul changes the slide again to an image of a bottle. 
paul
What do you think of when you see this shape?
jack
(Sarcastically) 
Your Mrs!
paul
Like the auld drink do we Jack? The odd whisky?
jack
Fuck off. I am sick of this crap! Let me out of this fucking loony bin! I am not crazy!
paul
Please answer the question Jack.
jack
No! Go to fucking hell you puffed up bastard! Fucking let me out! Fuck th…
Jack relapses into his familiar intelligible rage. Thrashing around screaming. Paul throws up his hands in a gesture of helplessness. He calls to the orderlies wearily.
paul
Take him back guys.
The two big men in white coats enter and push Jack out of Paul’s office, closing the door behind them. The noise of Jack’s antics slowly recedes. Paul shakes his head wearily as he stares at the image of the bottle.
int. hospital padded cell – day
Jack is sleeping once again huddled in the corner of his padded cell. The morning light is filtering through the grill. The door opens and once again Paul enters. 
paul
Are you going to behave today?
Jack just stares at the opposite wall completely ignoring Paul. 
paul
Not so vocal today are we?
Jack remains motionless. Paul beacons for the orderlies to enter with the wheelchair. They follow the usual procedure of trapping Jack in the chair. Jack doesn’t resist. They wheel him out of the room with Paul closing the door as he leaves. 
int. hospital, paul’s office – day
Jack is wheeled into the office. The two orderlies exit when they have delivered Jack. Paul sits down at his desk in front of Jack. 
paul
All right Jack here is the plan for today. I need to ask you some more questions unfortunately.
Paul looks at Jack expecting an aggressive response. Jack remains silent with a bored, disinterested expression. Paul is not ready for this and takes a moment to gather his thoughts.
paul
Hmmmm… Well I will begin then shall I?
Paul clears his throat and lifts a piece of paper up in front of him to read.
paul
Jack has their been moments in the past when you hear voices, voices in your head?
There is a long silence where Paul stares evenly at Jack. Jack remains motionless and doesn’t bother to answer the question.
Paul
Please answer the question Jack.
Again Jack doesn’t respond.
paul
Well if that offends you we will move onto another eh?
Jack remains in the chair staring at the ceiling.
		PAUL
	Have you suffered any form of 	abuse in your life at all?

Paul waits for a response, when there is none he moves onto the next question.

		PAUL
	Have you ever noticed sometimes 			that you see things that other 			people don’t?

Jack doesn’t move a muscle. Paul is starting to lose his patience with Jack and looks annoyed. 

		PAUL
	C’mon Jack this attitude of 	yours 	isn’t doing you any good. I can 	keep telling you this until I am 	blue in the face!

Jack acts as if he hasn’t heard Paul. Paul quickly strides over to Jack’s chair and puts his face close to Jack’s eyeballing him. Paul raises his voice.

		PAUL
	Right Jack the time for playing 	games has finished. You better 	buck up your ideas if you want 	out of this place anytime soon. 	You will participate in my tests 	or spend the rest of your life in 	here. It’s your choice!

Jack straightens up and walks to his desk. He picks up the phone and curtly tells the orderlies to collect Jack.

		PAUL
	Can you come and take Jack back 	to his cell please.

Paul slams the receiver down and stands up straight behind his desk looking at Jack sternly. 

INT. HOSPITAL PADDED CELL - DAY

Jack is standing in the middle of his cell, still with the straight jacket on. The morning sun is filtering through the grate in the wall. The lock in the door to Jack’s cell rattles and then the door opens. The two orderlies march in pushing the wheelchair with Paul following behind them. They approach Jack to trap him in the wheelchair. Before they do Jack announces politely to Paul standing by the door, that he would prefer to walk to his office.

		JACK
	I would appreciate it Paul, if I 	would be allowed to walk to your 	office.

Paul looks surprised by this request. His look of surprise then turns to suspicion as he pauses a moment to think before agreeing.

		PAUL
	I think we can allow that Jack as 	long as you don’t give us any 	trouble.

		JACK
	    (innocently)
	Oh don’t worry I won’t give you 	any trouble.

One of the orderlies begins to snort with laughter, thinking it a great joke. He stifles it quickly with some loud coughing as Paul glances sharply at him. They exit the room with Jack first.

INT. HOSPITAL, PAUL’S OFFICE - DAY

Jack is seated in a chair in front of Paul’s desk. The orderlies are standing behind Jack with their arms folded in front of them. Ready to restrain Jack if needed. Paul is seated at his desk and begins to address Jack.

		PAUL
	Well Jack I’m pleased that you 	have decided to co-operate with 	me. Its a step in the right 	direction at least. However I 	have to tell you that you do have 	some kind of mental condition, 	though I am not sure exactly the 	details at this point.

Jack replies to this evenly. Not showing if he is offended. His tone is matter of fact.

		JACK
	Sure I see where your coming from 	Paul. You were saying that I am 	crazy.

		PAUL
	Well I guess that’s one way of 	putting it. But do you realise 	yourself that you have a mental 	problem.

		JACK
	Yeah, Yeah I’m crazy, I realise 	now, everyone has told me many 	times. I have some delusional 	fantasy problem.

Paul is taken aback by Jack’s sudden change in behaviour. He regards Jack carefully. 

		PAUL
	Well I’ll just explain to you why 	I think you have some mental 	trauma. I think your lifestyle 	might have had something to do 	with it.

Jack is sitting listen with rapt attention. He occasionally nods his head eagerly.

		JACK 
	Yeah I am sure your right Paul. 	Probably my drinking has not 	helped my mentality, is that 	right? 

		PAUL
	Well done Jack. Admitting that 	means we are making progress away 	from the denial stage already. 	The reason is alcoholism 	increases your tendency towards 	mental illness. 

Paul looks confident as he finishes talking, thinking the worst is over. Jack jerks his head in agreement and dismisses Paul’s point.

		JACK
	Yeah well, common sense really 	eh. Don’t have to do your job to 	work that one out Paul.

Paul chuckles in polite agreement with Jack, then faces him seriously as he brings up his next comment.

		PAUL
	Very true. However do you realise 	that also boredom can be a 	contributing factor.

		JACK
	Oh sure. Yeah I realise all this, 	no need to go over it. It’s not 	hard. I’m crazy not stupid!

Jack laughs delighted at his own wit. Paul laughs with him for a second.

		PAUL
	Well perhaps that’s enough for 	today since we have made good 	ground... considering past 	sessions. 

Paul chuckles dryly as he stresses the last three words in his sentence. Jack laughs along with him but says nothing.

		PAUL
	Jack, I am sorry to do this to 	you but I will need you to come 	in here tomorrow so I can do some 	tests for my report to the board. 	Its just paper work, its annoying 	I know but is that ok with you?

		JACK
	  (impatiently)
	Yeah no worries.

		PAUL
	Excellent well we’ll get you into 	a new room on the domestic wing.

Paul addresses the two orderlies still standing on either side of Jack.  
		PAUL
	Take Jack to room 269 and take 	him out of the straight jacket. 

Paul scribbles something down on a piece of paper and hands it to one of the orderlies. 

		PAUL
	Also hand this in at the main 	office please.

Paul addresses Jack smiling friendly.

		PAUL
	Alright Jack we’ll see you 	tomorrow.
	
		JACK
	Yeah cheers Paul.

Jack gets up from the chair stiffly and unsteadily from the lack of walking. The two orderlies try to offer assistance but Jack brushes them off and determinedly walks out the door.

INT. JACK’S ROOM - NIGHT

Jack is in his new room sitting on his bed. The room is painted white, one window with old rusty bars on the outside. It is sparsely furnished. There is a bed, a toilet, hand basin and one chair. Jack’s hair is wet and he is wearing a clean outfit. He is eating a sloppy grey coloured stew on an enamel plate with relish. There is a faint mumbling noise coming from the wall. Jack stops eating for a moment and listens intently. The noise stops. Jack mutters under his breath.

		JACK
	Damn maybe I am crazy...

He starts to eat again, the mumbling noise starts again. Jack stops eating and gets off his bed to move closer to the door. He looks out through the grill and listens to the voice next door. 

		JACK
	Who’s doing that mumbling I can 	hear?

The mumbling stops and a strange husky voice replies.

		NEIGHBOUR
	Who wants to know?

		JACK
	Jack Duff... I’m considered 	completely insane you know.

		NEIGHBOUR
	Is that right. So your not in for 	a holiday then.

		JACK
	Well I just got let out of the 	padded room.

		NEIGHBOUR
	Ah lucky you. I’ve done my time 	in there. The toilet facilities 	are quite something in there 	aren’t they.

		JACK
	Yes very swish.

Jack laughs ironically.

		NEIGHBOUR
	  (seriously)
	So how did you end up in here?

		JACK
	Car accident. I was driving my 	mates home from the pub and 	we 	hit a bridge. Next thing I know 	I’m in here. 

		NEIGHBOUR
	What happened to your mates?

		JACK
	Dead apparently.

		NEIGHBOUR
	Tough luck mate.

		JACK
	Yeah... Anyway who were you 	talking to before? Is there two 	of you in there?

		NEIGHBOUR
	No just me.

Jack frowns puzzled at the noise he heard.

		JACK
	I am sure I heard a voice just 	now when I was eating this cow 	shit that they call dinner.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Two cell doors are seen side by side. Jack’s face is seen in the grill of the door on the right. The other cell has no light in it. A faint outline of a head is seen in the grill.

		NEIGHBOUR
	I was having a yarn with my 	friend Travis. He was killed in a 	hunting accident. I have no one 	else to talk to so he stops me 	 	from falling into madness.

Jack nods in agreement. 

		JACK
	Fair enough. I’ll have to 	remember that idea for the 	future.

INT. JACK’S ROOM - NIGHT

Jack is leaning against the door with his face pressed against the grill trying to see his mysterious neighbour. His plate of half eaten stew is sitting on the bed behind him.

		JACK
	Anyway I got this shrink looking 	after me. He seems fairly on to 	it.

		NEIGHBOUR
	Don’t believe everything he tells 	ya.

		JACK
	Yeah. I thought he was just 	another one of those arseholes at 	first, like on that fucking 	panel.

Jack scowls and grips the grill as he finish’s speaking, then calms down and speaks with hope in his voice. 

		JACK
 	But he said if I go along with 	the treatment I will get out 	soon.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT

The two cell doors are seen again, one dark with the other with Jack’s face pressed up against the grill. The outline of the neighbours head moves as he begins to laugh heartily.

		NEIGHBOUR
	(laughter) Listen... Jack is it? 	I was locked in here twenty years 	ago... Ever since I was nineteen!

The neighbours door rattles as he hits it angrily.

		NEIGHBOUR
	After I killed my friend Travis 	in that hunting accident... I

		JACK
	How?

		NEIGHBOUR
	   (flatly)
	I mistook his head for the rear 	end of a deer.

Jack winces with horror and mumbles quietly.

		JACK
	Tough luck.

		NEIGHBOUR
	After that I was locked up in the 	padded room for six months. I 	haven’t been in front of those 	bastards on that panel for five 	years! 

INT. JACK’S ROOM - NIGHT
	
Jack leaves the door and slumps down on his bed dejected staring at the floor. The neighbours voice continues next door.

		NEIGHBOUR
	I’m sure that chairman can’t be 	bothered with me anymore.

Jack is no longer listening. He continues to stare bleakly at the floor deep in thought. Then suddenly he snaps and hurls his half eaten meal at the wall with a look of anguish. The plate clatters on the floor while the stew is splattered over the wall. He charges over to the rooms single dirty window and hits it frantically with both fists, roaring dementedly. The class shatters and cuts Jacks hands. The neighbour begins to laugh hysterically at this performance. Jack pushes ineffectually at the rusty iron bars on the outside of the window. He pauses for a second to think how to break out. He hurries over to the bed and drags it over to the window and pushes it against the wall. He climbs on top and aims a kick at the bars. He topples over at his first attempt on the soft mattress. He struggles upright again with grim determination then begins to kick the window again with all his strength. The neighbour offers encouragement enthusiastically.

		NEIGHBOUR
	That’s it Jack! Kick the shit out 	of it!

Jack has a rhythm on now, stringing five hard kicks together. The window is starting to give way.

		NEIGHBOUR
	Go for it boy! Escape!

Jack kicks it one last time and the metal bolts securing the grill to the window sill break and the grill falls into the garden below. Jack climbs through the window and leaps down into the garden.

EXT. HOSPITAL GARDEN - NIGHT

Jack is sprinting across the dark lawn away from the open window of his cell. He heads straight for the gateway of the hospital. The hospital is in an uproar with the sound of uncontrolled laughter from Jacks neighbour and people shouting urgently and an alarm is ringing.

EXT. RESIDENTIAL AREA - NIGHT

Jack is running down some pavement on a darkened residential street. Most of the houses have their lights off. He is dressed still in his hospital clothing. He stops running and rests bent over with his hands on his knees. He straightens up and observes his surroundings. 
Suddenly the light from a cars head lights shines up the street as it comes towards Jack. Jack turns and leaps over a small fence into the front yard of a house and hides behind a bush.

EXT. FRONT YARD - NIGHT

Jack is huddled behind a bush beside a house. As the car passes in the street Jack turns to see a toddler in an open window staring boldly at Jack with deep fascination. A mother’s tired voice can be heard in the background.

		MOTHER
	Do you want a biscuit before you 	go to bed Sam?

Jack moves his finger in front of his mouth to try and keep the toddler quiet.

		JACK
	     (softly)
	sshhh

Jack gets up and cautiously slinks out of the yard and up the street. He continues to look around suspiciously.

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Jack walks off the street and onto a back alley behind a row of houses. He approaches a house with a teenage boy sitting on the back steps of a house smoking a cigarette.

EXT. BACKYARD - NIGHT

Jack casually walks up to the back gate of the section and quietly asks the boy for a cigarette.

		JACK
	Hey kid. Do you think I could 	scab a smoke of ya...

		TEENAGER
	Yeah. Just open the gate if ya 	want. 

		JACK
	Thanks.

Jack unlatches the gate quietly and slips into the yard and up to the back steps of the house where the boy is sitting. The boy hands him a cigarette and then flicks his lighter for Jack to light up. Jack inhales and puffs for a while before talking to the boy.

		JACK
	How’s it going? Jack Duff’s the 	name. What about you?

		TEENAGER
	I’m Josh.

Jack offers his hand to Josh casually. Josh takes it and they shake hands.

		JACK
	Well met Josh.

		JOSH
	Yeah.

		JACK
	What are you doing smoking out 	here in the cold?

Josh screws his nose up in annoyance and gestures dismissively with his cigarette.

		JOSH 
	Ah my old lady goes nuts if she 	catches me with these.

Josh lifts up the packet of cigarettes beside him on the step to illustrate his point.

		JACK
	Aw what? My Mum used to buy them 	for me!

		JOSH
	   (impressed)
	Really? Out of it!

		JACK
	Is she in? Your Mum?

		JOSH
	Nah. Wouldn’t be smoking here if 	she was.

Jack looking uncomfortable and shy.

		JACK
	Listen Josh... got any money on 	ya?

		JOSH 
	Yeah I can probably find some in 	the house.

		JACK
	Keen on going to the bottle 	store? Get some piss?

Josh thinks this over for a moment, watching Jack carefully. Jack sensing Josh’s reserve offers more incentive.

		JACK
	Give you most of it, then we’ll go to my 	house and I’ll pay you back. What do ya 	think?

Josh smiles eagerly, puts out his smoke and stands up.

		JOSH 
	Sweet! Cheers Dude. I’ll just get 	some cash.

Josh disappears into the house. Jack smiles happily and rubs his hands together in anticipation. Josh returns with a jacket on and leads the way out the gate. 

EXT. BOTTLE STORE CAR PARK - NIGHT

Josh and Jack walk side by side as they approach a bottle store. The car park to the store is almost empty because it is near closing time. Jack stops Josh at the side of the store away from the street lights.

		JACK
	Are you old enough to go in?

		JOSH
	   (gloatingly)
	Nah. Got fake ID though!

		JACK
	That’s the way Josh. Do you know 	what a bottle of rum looks like?

		JOSH
	Yeah. Mad Jack’s?

		JACK
	  (smiling)
	You read my mind. I better wait 	out here alright?

		JOSH
	Yeah sweet as.

Josh heads towards the entrance to the bottle store and disappears inside. Jack waits around the corner in the car park trying to act casual and inconspicuous. A police car comes around the corner and drives past the bottle store slowly. The two policemen are looking around as though searching for something. Jack is startled when he sees them and jumps down behind a car parked in the car park.

		JACK
	Shit!

Jack remains unseen by the police and they continue driving down the street. Jack stands up and brushes himself off. Josh returns from inside the bottle store looking pleased with himself. He hands Jack the bottle of alcohol wrapped in a paper bag.

		JOSH
	That’s fifteen bucks you owe me 	dude.

		JACK
	Cheers Josh, come for a walk to 	my house and I’ll get the money 	for ya.

Jack greedily holds up the bottle and removes the lid.

		JACK
	But first I need a drink.

Jack hastily lifts the bottle to his mouth and takes a large swig. He closes his eyes with pleasure and then passes the bottle to Josh.

		JACK
	God damn I needed that!

Josh tentatively raises the bottle and takes a mouth full. He coughs violently afterwards and winces. Jack looks at him complacently. 

		JACK
	What’s the matter lad not used to 	a real drink?

		JOSH
	Straight?

		JACK
	Straights the only way to drink 	it!

Josh looks at Jack amused. Jack reaches over and takes the bottle from Josh, takes another swig and then replaces the lid. 

		JACK
	C’mon we better get the hell out 	of here.

They begin to walk down the street, away from the bottle store. Jack is carrying the bottle of alcohol in one hand.

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT

Jack and Josh are walking down the middle of the street. Jack is carrying the bottle of rum which is nearly empty. Josh is drunk he staggers unsteadily on his feet. There are wheelie bins out in front of each house in the street. Josh lurches to each and kicks it over pretending he knows martial arts. He laughs loudly after each bin falls over. Jack encourages him enthusiastically.

		JACK
	Come on Josh kick the fucking 	thing over! That’s it give it 	arseholes!

Josh kicks three more over with Jacks loud approval.

		JACK
	Tackle it! Kick that shit out!

Josh lunges at a bin making all the rubbish fall out on the pavement. Jack laughs and takes another drink from the bottle. 

INT. ELDERLY RESIDENTS HOUSE - NIGHT

An old lady in a dressing gown and glasses is standing in front of her window watching Jack and Josh proceed up the street. She is holding a phone, she has the receiver up to her ear and talking indignantly to the police.

		OLD WOMAN
	Police? Yes I would like to 	report a disturbance on my 	street.

She pauses as the person on the other end replies.

		OLD WOMAN
	There’s two young hoods pushing 	all the rubbish over and I think 	there drinking... and making 	terribly loud noises.
	
She pauses again while she is asked to describe them.

		OLD WOMAN 
	One is wearing a woollen hat with 	a jacket. The other is carrying a 	bottle of alcohol and dressed in 	ridiculous grey pyjamas.

INT. POLICE CAR - NIGHT

A male police officer is driving around town in his car. He is listening to the radio transmissions from other policemen. Suddenly the radio calls his unit number.

		RADIO
	Unit five do you read over?

The policeman picks up the microphone for the cars radio and speaks into it.

		POLICEMAN
	This is unit five over.

		RADIO
	Unit five the suspect has been 	located on Loyalty street near 	the stadium over. 

		POLICEMAN
	Heading there now over.

The cold impersonal voice of the radio operator at the station comes over with a message.

		RADIO
	To all units use of unnecessary 	violence in the apprehension of 	the suspect... has been approved!

The policeman switches on the cars siren and accelerates.

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT

Jack and Josh are still making their way up the street, both staggering around drunk. They are both laughing and shouting loudly.

		JACK
	... and then I said to thiss 	asshole. Fuck you!

This brings on another burst of laughter from Josh who is walking clumsily in the gutter. Then suddenly the police car appears around the corner behind them with its lights flashing and the siren wailing. Its headlights light up the street and shine on Jack and Josh as they turn in surprise. Jack panics and turns around pushing Josh in front of him who almost falls over. 

		JACK
	Run for fucks sake!

Josh runs into a section of the nearest house and disappears from sight. Jack begins to run across the road to a house on the opposite side of the street the police car squeals its tires as it chases him, engine revving, up the driveway of a house. 

EXT. HOUSE FRONT YARD - NIGHT

The car squeals to a halt as the policeman jumps out shouting at Jack.

		POLICEMAN
	Stop!

Jack is running unsteadily around the back of the house. The policeman sprints after him and catches him easily. He grabs Jack by the collar of his shirt and drags him and lifts him up against the wall of the house. Jack is roaring ferociously. As the policeman pins him up against the wall Jack aims a blow at his head with the bottle of rum. He swings it across but doesn’t connect, instead it grazes the policeman's face drawing a little blood. The policeman grabs Jacks arm and forces it above his head. The bottle smashes against the side of the house as Jacks arm is forced up. The cops face is right in front of Jacks as he is struggling with him. Jack angrily slurs an insult at him.

		JACK
	Fuck you to hell pigger!

The policeman manages to get his handcuffs of his belt and deftly handcuffs Jacks wrists as they are held above his head. The policeman replies evenly to Jack’s outburst stressing the word “back”. 

		POLICEMAN
	Well its you that’s going back to 	hell my friend.

He then firmly marches Jack towards his patrol car with Jack all the time struggling frantically. He opens the door of the car and dumps Jack in the back seat with a lot of effort. Jack is screaming with outrage.

		JACK
	Fucking arsehole!

Jack tries to break the side window of the patrol car with his handcuffed wrists, bashing at the glass. The policeman hurries around to the drivers side gets in and quickly reverses down the drive and pulls away up the street.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Jack is strapped tightly onto a hospital bed with only a mattress and no bedding. He is being pushed briskly down a large, stark, whitewashed corridor by the two orderlies. They stop in front of a single white door. One of the orderlies unlocks it and the other pushes Jack through. Jack is all the while unconscious.

INT. HOSPITAL CELL - NIGHT

Jack’s room is completely empty with white painted walls and the usual small grill. The orderlies push Jacks bed over against the wall and attach it there with special locks contained in the floor. They finish this task and then leave slamming the door shut. 

INT. HOSPITAL OFFICE - DAY 

The building is seemingly deserted as an office worker is slouched lazily at a desk with many papers and manuals all untidily piled on top of one another. He is roughly dressed with his top buttons undone and shirt hanging out. He is leaning far back in the chair with his feet up on the desk, ankles crossed. He is talking to his date on a telephone in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

		OFFICE WORKER
	Hey babe let me take you out on 	Friday night! I’ll take you to 	the Fat Lady’s Arms. They make a 	kick ass T bone steak.

Suddenly a loud, harsh shriek rings through the hospital. The office man looks up as he hears it.

		OFFICE WORKER
	Don’t worry babe, it’s just one 	of the crack 	pots going to town 	in here. Happens all the time. 	Hang on a sec.

The man puts the receiver on his chest to muffle noise and calls out for the drugs.

		OFFICE WORKER
	Needle time Bob!

He returns the receiver to his ear and casually flicks the ash off the end of his cigarette.

		OFFICE WORKER 
	Now about this date, are you 	free...

The screaming continues from down the hall. The office man winces at this disturbance. He yells again.

		OFFICE WORKER
	Bob! Pull finger and dope that 	fucking nutter!

The screaming continues as the man tries to apologise on the phone.

		OFFICE WORKER 
	Sorry honey, its a mad house in 	here!

The screaming is growing more urgent and intense. The office worker screws up his nose and flicks his cigarette in the bin irritated.

		OFFICE WORKER 
	Can I talk to you later babe I 	have to take care of Bob! Call 	me!

He slams the phone down and gets up from the desk with an annoyed expression. He walks out into the corridor looking around for Bob shouting angrily.

		OFFICE WORKER
	Bob where the hell are you! Drugs 	now!

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY

The office worker walks along the corridor looking in doorways of offices for the medic. The screams can still be heard. He comes to the toilet door and turns the handle and walks straight in un-expecting. He flinches with surprise when he sees Bob sitting on the toilet pants down, looking a Penthouse magazine with rapt attention. Bob takes a second to realise his presence and jumps alarmed trying to hide the magazine. 

		BOB
	   (red faced)
	For Christ sake wait your turn 	you homo! Haven’t you heard of 	knocking.

The office worker averts his eyes disgusted.
 
		OFFICE WORKER
	You dirty little bastard Bob you 	should be on the job getting 	drugs to patients, not shaking an 	angry fist to a porn mag!

The office worker slams the door to the toilet and walks back down to his office and disappears through a doorway. Moments later Bob appears, magazine tucked under his arm sulking from the toilet. He walks down the corridor and disappears through a different doorway, and then emerges a moment later with a big syringe containing a sedative. The screaming is still echoing through the building. 

		BOB
	Alright I’m coming for fucks 	sake!

Bob walks in the other direction down the corridor towards the source of the screaming. He approaches Jacks door unlocks it from the keys on his belt and enters.

INT. JACK’S CELL - DAY

Bob marches in with the needle held in front of him. Jack is writhing under the straps. He eyes bulging, they focus in on the needle held in Bob’s hand. Bob walks forward and grips Jack’s straining wrist. He thrusts the needle and depresses the plunger. Jack continues struggling screaming and then starts to fall silent and eyes close drowsily. Bob with draws the needle and looks at Jack dispassionately.

		BOB
	Sweet dreams mate. Don’t wake up 	in a hurry.

He turns and leaves the room closing the door behind him.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Paul is walking along the corridor dressed in his suit carrying a brief case. He approaches Jacks cell just as Bob opens the door and exits the cell carrying the syringe.

		PAUL
	How is he?

		BOB
	   (uncaring)
	Crazy.

Bob shrugs, turns and walks down the corridor. Paul seeing him go turns and peers through the small window into Jack’s dimly lit cell. Jack’s face is gaunt and pale as he lies completely still in the straps. Paul stares at him for a moment, contemplating Jack with a look of concern. He turns and walks with determination down the corridor.

INT. HOSPITAL CELL - DAY

The morning sun is weakly filtering through the small grill in Jacks cell. Jack is unconscious in the bed. Paul enters through the door into the cell. He is alone and closes the door carefully behind him. He regards Jack carefully for a few seconds, taking in the stink and the dirty mattress that Jack is lying on. Jacks eyes have sunk deeper into their sockets, he is very pale and gaunt. He opens his eyes slowly and stares back at Paul. 
Paul clears his throat nervously and inquires to Jacks health.

		PAUL
	How are you feeling Jack any 	better?

Jack remains silent unable to answer because of the drugs.

		PAUL
	Bit of a stupid question I know 	considering the diet of sedatives 	at the moment... But what can I 	say. The performance on Tuesday 	night with the attack on the 	local rubbish bin population 	hasn’t heaped your cause with the 	Assessment Board.

Paul pauses a moment considering what he is about to say next.

		PAUL
	Which is why I have decided to 	help you get out of here.

Paul finishes his sentence wearily. Then he goes on with more determination.

		PAUL
	You do want to get out of here 	don’t you Jack?

Jack manages to nod weakly at Paul. His eyes glazed over unseeing.

		PAUL
	Good. Well I just need you to co-	operate and behave for a few days 	in here so everyone relaxes a 	bit. I will stop the flow of 	drugs and if you lay low, into a 	proper cell. Alright?

Jack doesn’t respond, instead just staring unseeing straight ahead. Paul repeats his question with more force.

		PAUL
	Alright?!

Jack nods again weakly in confirmation.

		PAUL
	  (gravely)
	Good.

		PAUL
	I’ll get you into my office when 	your better.

Paul turns on his heel and quickly walks over to the door. Opens it leaves without looking back.

INT. PAUL’S OFFICE - DAY

Paul is sitting at his desk writing on a piece of paper. There is a knock at the door to his office.

		PAUL
	Come in.

It opens and Paul looks up to see Jack enter with the two orderlies behind him.

		PAUL
	Thanks guys, I’m sure we’ll be 	alright today.

The two orderlies turn and march out the door. Leaving Jack standing in the middle of the room but slightly swaying in the middle of the room. Paul looks up at him. 

		PAUL
	Take a seat Jack. Looks like you 	need it.

Jack moves towards the seat at the side of the desk and sits down gratefully. Paul looks at him concerned.

		PAUL
	How are you feeling Jack?

Jack answers quietly, his face expressionless.

		JACK
	Like shit.

		PAUL
	Can’t blame you. But things are 	going to get better.

		JACK
	   (flatly)
	When?

Paul answers with finality.

		PAUL
	Now.

Jack regards Paul with a look of suspicion and disbelief. He accuses Paul.

		JACK
	This isn’t one of your fucked up 	shrink treatments is it. Because 	I will tell you something Paul I 	have had a guts full of fucking  	Psychiatric assessments, 	analysis... 

Paul holds his hands up placating Jack.

		PAUL
	Jack... Jack relax, I am 	completely serious with this. Do 	you realise I am putting my neck 	way out on the chopping block for 	you. If we get caught I will 	almost certainly lose my job over 	this.

Jack uneasy and embarrassed apologises.

		JACK
	Oh sorry Paul... Thanks for this 	I appreciate it. 

		PAUL
	   (gruffly)
	Ok Jack. I guess its 	understandable.

Paul speaks more firmly now getting down to business.

		PAUL
	Now listen Jack I have arranged 	for your escape this afternoon. 	Here’s what’s going to happen...

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY

Paul is locking the door to his office. Beside him is a hospital bed with no mattress or bedding but piled up with cardboard boxes and books and loose pieces of paper. Paul removes the key from the lock and puts it in his jacket pocket. He leans down and starts pushing the hospital bed along the corridor. Jack is lying unseen under the boxes of rubbish.

EXT. HOSPITAL GROUNDS - DAY

There is a middle aged guard slouched on a bench beside the main entrance to the hospital. He is drowsily examining his watch. Suddenly Paul pushes the hospital bed loaded with boxes through the entrance. The guard straightens up with surprise. Paul nods to the guard cheerfully.

		PAUL
	Afternoon.

The guard answers him dryly.

		GUARD
	Gathering some furniture for the 	holiday home are we Mr Buchanan.

Paul chuckles appreciating the humour.

		PAUL
	No I just thought its an easy way 	to shift all this junk out of my 	office.

		GUARD 
	Ah very innovative Mr Buchanan.

Paul as an after thought, stops and turns to face the guard.

		PAUL
	Could you do me a favour?

		GUARD
	Yeah?

		PAUL 
	Could I get you to push this bed 	back to the store room after I 	have unloaded it? Is that ok?

		GUARD
	Certainly Mr Buchanan. Its not as 	though I have my hands full 	anyhow.

Paul starts to move off with the bed smiling he thanks the guard over his shoulder.

		PAUL
	Cheers for that.

Paul pushes the bed over to his station wagon car. He stops the bed opposite the door at the back, unlocks the back door of the car and begins to load the rubbish into the back. He removes a box closest to him to reveal Jacks head and shoulders. He watches the guard carefully. The guard makes eye contact and smiles friendly at him. Paul returns the smile forcedly. The guard turns away to observe a few inmates inside an outdoor inclosure. Paul quickly looks down at Jack urgently and whispers a command to him.

		PAUL
	Now!

Paul grabs Jacks arms and drags him out of the bed. A few books fall off the bed onto the ground as Jack is dragged into the back of the car. 

		PAUL
	Get down!

Paul quickly grabs a couple of boxes and hurriedly dumps them into the back of the car on top of Jack. Jack swears softly with the impact.

		JACK
	Ah fuck!

Paul hisses at him for silence.

		PAUL
	Ssh

The guard sees some of the stuff on the ground and starts to make his way over to the car while Paul is hastily piling the boxes and rubbish into his car. The guard bends down to pick things of the ground.

		GUARD 
	Let me give a hand with all this.

Paul looks up nervously from the back of the car.

		PAUL
	Thanks but I am near done.

Guard looks at all the stuff interested as he hands some books to Paul. 

		GUARD
	Hell of a lot of paperwork here.

		PAUL
	Yeah I’m cleaning out the office.

The guard smiles cheekily at Paul.		

		GUARD
	About time by the look of it.

Paul looks up as he dumps the last in. He seems slightly stressed out and replies with an edge to his voice.

		PAUL
	Yes!

		GUARD
	Well I’ll take this off ya then. 	Good luck.

The guard nods towards the contents of the car as he pushes the bed away.

		PAUL
	   (relieved)
	Thanks.. 

Then quietly he adds under his breath.

		PAUL
	I’m going to need it.

Paul slams the back door of the car and then walks around and gets in behind the wheel. He starts it and reverses out of the park and drives out the gate.

INT. PAUL’S CAR - DAY

Paul is in his car driving along a street in a better part of town. The books, boxes and Jack are still in the back of the car. He approaches his house and pulls up the driveway. He has a remote on the dashboard for the garage door. He presses the button on it to open the door and drives through into the garage. Paul turns off the ignition and Jack lets out a happy cry. 

		JACK
	yyeeeeeeee!

Paul turns around in his seat and tells Jack off.

		PAUL
	Quiet Jack! Your not out of the 	woods yet!

		JACK
	Ah relax Paul you did it! You got 	me out from right under their 	nose!

Paul replies apprehensively.

		PAUL
	Well they will still put out a 	pretty thorough search for you.

Jack looks at Paul worried.

		JACK
	What will they do about you?

		PAUL
	Don’t worry I faked the return 	form to say that your back in 	your cell after our session.

		JACK
	Oh.. Great.

Jack looks at Paul impressed. Paul opens the car door and gets out.

INT. PAUL’S BASEMENT - DAY

Paul leads Jack down some steep stairs entering the basement. He has some bedding in his arms which he dumps on the single bed in the darkened room. The room is filled with some of Paul’s old junk. Sports gear and books. There is a punching bag in one corner. Jack walks up to this and examines it closely. Paul turns to talk to Jack.

		PAUL
	Well I’m afraid you will have to 	sleep in here. Its just too 	dangerous up in the house.

		JACK
	Yeah this is fine. Compared to 	what I am used to.

Jack grins at Paul, Paul turns away casually. 

		PAUL
	Well Jack I think we need to 	celebrate your escape from Cherry 	Hospital for the Criminally 	Insane.

Paul turns around smiling kindly to Jack.

		JACK
	  (cheerfully)
	Really? Sounds good to me. Will 	we go to the pub? I have these 	past days got inspiration for a 	pick up line!

Paul laughs, pleased at Jacks renewed enthusiasm. 

		PAUL
	Is that right? So tell me this 	little gem to woo the ladies 	then?

Jack gets into the right posture that would be common place in a bar and mimics with humour in his voice to an imaginary woman.

		JACK
	“Evening, how would you like to 	dance with an escaped mental 	patient!”

Paul rolls his eyes in exasperation and mockingly teases Jack.

		PAUL
	Well I am sure you will steal 	their hearts with that one 	Jack... you’ll just have to catch 	them before they leap out the 	window in terror!

Paul changes his tone regretfully.

		PAUL
	However it would be too risky to 	go out tonight. The town will be 	swarming with cops and hospital 	guards.

Jack looks disappointed and stays silent for a moment before looking up at Paul again.

		JACK
	Still... no hurry eh?

		PAUL
	Yeah you’ll just have to wait. 	Anyway I thought we could just 	have a quiet few drinks and I’ll 	cook us up a feed. How would that 	suit?

Jack politely complements Paul on his idea.

		JACK
	Oh brilliant Paul, good to eat 	some real food at last.

		PAUL
	Good well, I’ll get it started, 	your welcome to use the shower, 	its just to the left at the top 	of the stairs.

		JACK
	Thanks for everything Paul.

Jack calls to Paul as Paul heads up the stairs out the basement. Paul waves dismissively with his hand as he gets to the top of the stairs.

INT. PAUL’S LOUNGE - NIGHT

Paul and Jack are both sitting on couches in Paul’s lounge watching the TV. Paul has cooked dinner and they both have plates of food on their laps. They are watching the news on the TV. Jack congratulates Paul sincerely on the quality of his cooking.

		JACK
	Damn this is some good tucker 	Paul!

		PAUL
	Yeah, bit of an improvement eh?

		JACK
	Yeah! I reckon you could always 	get a job as a chief, if you ever 	had to give the shrink job up.

		PAUL
	Well with any luck, hopefully I 	won’t have to become a chief.

		JACK
	Why? Its good honest work. No 	raving lunatics like me to deal 	with at least!

Jack laughs heartily at his own humour. Paul laughs along with him politely.

		PAUL
	One simple reason Jack... Money.

Jack nods in agreement his mouth full of food. Paul holds up his knife and waves it at Jack to make his next point.

		PAUL
	Besides there’s less stress 	involved working with 	psychopaths!

		JACK
	Yeah can see what you mean.

Paul finishes the last of his meal and gets up putting the dishes in the sink. He makes his way over to a liquor cabinet in the lounge and opens it up.

		PAUL
	Fancy a drink Jack?

		JACK
	Yeah thanks Paul.

Jack acts indifferent to the drink, careful to hide his eagerness.

		PAUL
	What will you have? Beer? Vodka? 	Whiskey?

		JACK
	Whiskey please.

Paul gets a glass for Jack out of the cabinet and pours some whiskey in it. He puts the bottle and the glass down in front of Jack. Jack thanks him cheerfully. 

		JACK
	Cheers.

Paul then walks over to the kitchen taking Jacks empty plate with him. He puts the plate on the bench and then opens the fridge and takes out a can of beer for himself. Jack sees the can of beer in his hand and looks at him disapprovingly. Paul meekly makes an excuse that he has work tomorrow and sits down opening the beer.

		PAUL
	Work... They don’t smile to 	kindly to hung over psychologists 	at the hospital.

Jack looks away disappointed that he isn’t drinking the whiskey with him. Paul to cheer him makes a toast with the can of beer to his escape.

		PAUL
	Well heres to your smooth escape!

Jack raises his glass in acknowledgement and then downs the whole glass in one go. Paul watches this cautiously. There is a coverage of a boxing match on TV. Jack watches this intently and Paul seeing his interest comments about it.

		PAUL
	Should be a good fight. Who do 	you think will win it? 

Jack replies confidently while he refills his glass as though he has some knowledge of the sport.

		JACK
	Oh I’m sure Lewis will. He’s a 	much more polished fighter than 	Tua.

		PAUL
	   (interested)
	How can you tell?

		JACK
	Just all round more skill than 	Tua. See how he uses his feet 	more to get into position.

Jack pointing at a boxing match shown on the TV.

		JACK
	He also has a bigger reach with 	his left hook.

		PAUL
	I see. What’s a left hook?

Jack puts his empty glass down on the table and gets up to pour himself another as explains to Paul the boxing.

		JACK
	A left hook is what he did just 	before. He swings his left arm 	around like that.

Jack drains the whiskey down and starts demonstrating boxing moves to Paul. 

		JACK
	And this is a combo that Lewis is 	famous for.

Jack is moving around the room weaving and punching the air. Paul is watching, interested on the couch.

		PAUL
	Really? Have you seen a few 	fights yourself Jack? 

		JACK
	Yeah. I saw a fight once where a 	guy managed to string a five hit 	combo together!

Jack is getting more excited, he raises his voice enthusiastically and becomes more animated as he approaches Paul as though he is the opponent.

		JACK
	He fainted with right! Then into the 	breadbasket with the right!

Paul smiles uneasily with this behaviour and tells him to sit down.

		PAUL
	Hey I get the idea Jack why don’t 	you sit down and pour yourself 	another.

This distraction works and Jack sits down and drinks another whiskey.

		JACK
	It was something to see though 	eh? 

Jack shifts in his seat closer to Paul and continues to demonstrate the fight that he saw.

		JACK
	And when he moved in he went like 	this to the guy! It was 	brilliant! 

Jack begins to pretend to fight Paul aiming blows lightly on his head and shoulders. Paul starts to protest annoyed at this treatment and getting worried about Jacks behaviour.

		JACK
	Then he pivoted and hooked him 	with the right!

		PAUL
	That’s enough Jack I get the 	idea.

Jack ignores this protest and gets more intense with his fighting.

		JACK
	Three blows! One, Two, Three!

Jack in his excitement knocks over a lamp beside the couch. It falls off the coffee table and breaks on the floor with a crash. Paul roughly pushes him away with an angry look on his face. Jack has a bemused expression on his face, not realising what has happened. Paul bursts out in rage to Jack not realising what he is saying. 

		PAUL 
	For Christ sake Jack! What the 	hell is wrong with you! I should 	have left you in there pumped on 	drugs then you wouldn’t be bloody	menace to anyone!

Jack stares at Paul for a moment with a look of incomprehension, which slowly changes to hatred. He gets up quickly and picks up the empty whiskey glass and hurls it hard at the window. The glass shatters and window cracks. Paul outraged at this stands up and with a commanding voice tries to get Jack to stop.

		PAUL
	Jack! Stop It! Now! 

Jack ignores Paul and goes over to the sink where the dirty dinner plates are left. He picks one up and throws it like a Frisbee. It hits the wall and drops to the floor.

		PAUL
	I mean it!

Unsatisfied with the first plate, Jack picks up the second and throws this harder at the TV. The TV breaks with sparks and bits of glass. He opens up the cupboards in Paul’s kitchen and begins knocking everything of the shelves. His expression is set in a merciless grimace. Paul watches Jack carefully. He turns his back on Paul as goes on smashing up the kitchen. Paul backs up and grabs the cordless phone off the wall. He hastily dials a number and urgently speaks into the receiver.

		PAUL
	Hello? This is Paul Thompson. I 	need help! Jack Duff has become 	dangerous. I am at my home... 	Shit!

Jack turns and sees Paul on the phone. He paces towards him with a fanatical expression and quickly rips the phone off him. He turns and throughs the phone into the kitchen sink. Jack walks over to the table with the bottle of whiskey still sitting on it. He picks up the whiskey and takes a long swig. He lowers it eyes watering and regards Paul evilly. He walks casually over to Paul gesturing with the whiskey.

		JACK
	Once I’ve finished this. I’m 	going to beat you to death with 	it.

Jack takes another short drink and then puts it back down. He walks over to Paul’s liquor cabinet.

		JACK
	Your a real bastard Paul.

Paul spreads his arms in a helpless gesture.

		PAUL
	Why?! What on earth have I done!

		JACK
	You build my hopes up, getting me 	out of the loony bin. Now your 	going put me right back in that 	fucking joint!

Jack picks up a big glass beer mug and carelessly flings it at the wall above Paul’s head. Paul ducks involuntarily. Jack shrieks humourlessly.

		JACK
	Whhooooopp! Yeah! Your lucky that 	time!

Jack looks around eagerly for something else to destroy. He sees Paul stereo system in the corner of the room and walks towards it. 

		JACK
	Lets have some sounds!

He kicks the stereo with his left foot. Some loud music starts playing. (Nirvana - Stay Away) Jack starts sing and dancing along to the music and randomly picking up items from the liquor cabinet at the same time. He picks up two bottles of liquor and beats them on top of the cabinet in time with the music. One of them shatters spilling alcohol so Jack randomly hurls it over his shoulder and grabs another from the cabinet. He picks up some glasses and throws them at the wall in time with the music. 

		PAUL
	   (desperately)
	C’mon Jack. Calm down. Finish 	telling me about that fight you 	saw.

Jack deliberately ignores him and walks past him arrogantly, over to the bench in the kitchen. He opens the cutlery draw, thrusts both hands and grabs a handful of knives and forks in each hand. He dumps them on the bench and begins selecting various utensil's from the bench and firing them around the room shouting as he does so.

		JACK
	yeeeowww!

He picks up knives in each hand and throws them at the wall. 

		JACK
	hieeeyaa!

Paul with a look of determination stands in front of him in confrontation. He threatens him to try and scare him to stop.  

		PAUL
	Jack! This is enough! Play time 	is over! Your going back into 	that padded room and drugs by the 	syringe full!

Jack stops and blinks with surprise at Paul’s courage. He then puts down carefully the knife and fork that he was about to throw. He slowly walks towards Paul menacingly. Paul backs away as Jack walks forward. Jack walks beside the table and picks up the whiskey bottle. He drains what is left in the bottle then takes hold of it by the neck and smashes the bottom against the table. The bottom falls off and he is left with the jagged top half. Jack looks coldly at Paul and begins to walk towards him holding the broken bottle ready. Paul holds up his hand to fend off any incoming blows.

		PAUL
	Listen Jack, don’t you think if I 	was being cruel to you I would 	have left you in that padded room 	where I found you.

Jack still approaches with a vengeful look, his eyes are wide and unblinking.

		PAUL
	If I hadn’t got you out you would 	be a unit. Drugs three 	times a 	day! Is that what you wanted? Or 	do you want to be 	neighbours to 	that guy that spent his whole 	life in a...

Jack shows no indication of having listened. He lifts the bottle up and brings it down with his forearm at Paul’s head, uttering a shrill scream . It opens a large cut across Paul’s cheek. Blood starts gushing out down his front. Paul touches his face in disbelief at the blood. Jack panting with the effort and staring viciously goes to land another blow at Paul. Paul tries to struggle up but Jack plants his foot in the middle of Paul’s chest and thrusts him back down on the floor with a thud. Jack roaring, swings the bottle down on Paul and opens a cut on his neck and shoulder. They are hard up against the wall of the lounge by now and Jack has Paul pined. 

		PAUL
	Please Jack. Let me go!

		JACK
	   (fiercely)
	Fuck you shrink!

Jack looms over Paul lying in his own blood on the floor. Jack slowly raises the broken bottle. There is a squeal of tires in the driveway outside. Jack shows no sign of having heard this and has the bottle raised above his head. The two orderlies in mufti clothes burst into the lounge through the front door. One sees what Jack is about to do and sprints and tackles Jack as he is bringing down the bottle on Paul’s head in the killing blow. The bottle is just a few inches from Paul’s head with all Jack’s weight behind it when he gets tackled. Jack hits the wall hard head first with the orderly behind him. The wall buckles with the force of the impact. All the will goes out of Jack and he lies uncomfortably against the wall half conscious. 
Paul feebly and with much effort manages to look up at Jack and then lies flat again with relief when he sees him.

EXT. PAUL’S HOME - NIGHT

An aerial view of Paul’s house and section. There is an ambulance parked up the driveway and various patrol cars and other vehicles parked in the street. Paul is wheeled out of the house on a stretcher with his head bandaged. He is loaded into the ambulance and it starts up with the siren blaring and speeds off down the street. Jack is handcuffed and walked between the two hospital orderlies to a patrol car. The three of them get into the back of the car with Jack sitting shivering miserably, teary eyed between them. An officer gets behind the wheel and the car pulls away. 

INT. JACK’S CELL - DAY

Jack is sitting on his bed in his room in the hospital. There is a new grill on the window that the morning sun is shining through. Jack is tidily dressed in civilian clothing and clean shaven with his hair cut. Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Jack turns his head at the sound.

		JACK
	Come in.

The door opens and the two orderlies enter in there white coats. Jack turns away from them and stares out the window. The two men stand behind Jack politely for a moment. Then one of them moves forward and taps Jack lightly on the shoulder.

		ORDERLY
	Time to go Jack.

Jack nods in agreement. Still staring reflectively into space. He stands up and says something softly before heading out the door. 

		JACK
	Time to go face the music.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY

Jack is walking dressed in his new clothes down towards the meeting room with the two orderlies following respectfully behind him.

INT. HOSPITAL MEETING ROOM - DAY

The board members are once again are shuffling their papers and settling down at the table. The entrance to the room opens and Jack enters and strides determinedly towards the single chair placed in front of the table and sits down. The chairman eyes him critically opening Jacks folder in front of him.

		HEAD PSYCHOLOGIST
	Well good morning Jack how are you?

		JACK
	I’m fine. Thank you.

The chairman replies pompously and puts his spectacles on.

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	Well I am pleased to hear you 	have made a significant 	improvement during your period 	here. It has been a great 	success. 

Jack replies cynically.

		JACK
	I don’t know that I would go that 	far in calling it a success. I am 	amazed that I regained my sanity 	in such a place.

The chairman studies Jack coldly and then looks down at his folder in front of him.

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	I see, I am sorry you feel that 	way Jack. But I think we shall 	continue with the interview. I 	assume you need no introduction 	after your eventful stay here.
		
		JACK
	Obviously.

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	Who here would like to start the 	questions to Jack?

One of the men in the line clears his throat and nods at the chairman.

		DOCTOR
	Jack could you please tell us if 	you have experienced any 	hallucinations...

Jack holds up his hands in a gesture for the doctor to stop. He begins to protest sarcastically.

		JACK
	Just before we begin the 	questions just allow me to save 	time. If your going to ask me 	have I been abused or do I see 	things or when did I notice when 	I became crazy the answer to all 	of those is No! So now we can 	move on.

The doctor that asked the question remains silent and then when the chairman looks at him inquiringly he shrugs helplessly. 

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST 
	Next?

A woman next to the chairman begins to ask a question.

		WOMAN DOCTOR
	Jack what are your goals now in 	life?

Jack leans forward listening and then answers the question positively.

		JACK
	I plan to move away from here and 	completely change my lifestyle. 	I want to attend a polytech and 	retrain, maybe do a sport course.

The panel nods at one another approvingly. The chairman sits stoically in his seat staring at Jack impassively. Another doctor asks Jack a question.

		DOCTOR
	Jack do you feel any remorse or 	regret at the incident with 	Doctor Paul Buchanan.

Jack nods his head slowly. His expression is bleak as he agrees sadly with the question.

		JACK
	I sincerely regret what I did to 	Paul. He was 	probably the only 	one in here that actually helped 	me to get better. It will be 	something that I have to live 	with for the rest of my life.

The chairman speaks up as Paul finishes his answer.

		HEAD
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	Dr Buchanan is quiet well. He is 	expected out of hospital in the 	next few days in fact. Sadly he 	has informed us that he plans to 	resign from work here as a 	psychologist.

Jack hearing this news smiles happily. The chairman looks at him annoyed. He turns away from Jack to address the panel. He speaks hurriedly, anxious to get the interview over with.

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	   (cynical)
	Well I think we have heard an 	obvious improvement in what Mr 	Duff has to say for himself, 	specially considering the first 	time.

The chairman and Jack trade sharp, cold stares as the chairman finishes talking.

		HEAD
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	Well will the board consult with 	me to determine the feasibility 	of Mr Duffs release please.

All the panel gather round the chairman and quietly consult one another and then inform him in whispers what they think. Finally the chairman turns to Jack with a look of exasperation and begins to announce the decision.

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	Well after consultation with my 	associates it appears that the 	panels decision is...

The chairman sighs deeply disgusted at what he is about to say.

		HEAD
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	to release you from this 	institution and allow you to live 	the life of a normal citizen.

Jacks jaw drops in utter astonishment. He swallows back what he was about to say. The chairman continues on blithely with the announcement.

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	The only condition is Jack that 	you are expected to visit a 	psychologist once a week. Also I 	have to warn you that any wild 	behaviour and you will be 	straight back in here! Is that 	clear enough for you?

		JACK
	Crystal.

The chairman replies uninterested and obviously distracted.

		HEAD 
		PSYCHOLOGIST
	Very well. You may go.

Jack stands up out of his chair and addresses the panel curtly.

		JACK
	I thank you for your wise 	decision. However I feel I have 	to tell you that if it wasn’t for 	Paul Buchanan I would be dead by 	now, such is the quality of your 	treatment. I think this place is 		a fucking disgrace to this 	country, the sooner it gets 	bulldozed the better. This place 	makes you crazy! Not the other 	way around!

With the finish of his speech Jack turns on his heel and marches out of the meeting room into the corridor with out looking back.

EXT. HOSPITAL GROUNDS - DAY 

Jack is walking away from the hospital, heading towards the front gates. He is carrying a bag over his shoulder. 

(Credits)