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LISTEN AND YOU WILL HEAR By Debra White Debra White 7198 Cottington Lane San Diego, California 92139 Telephone: 619 470-6712 Debbielw@home.com LISTEN AND YOU WILL HEAR By Debra White FADE IN: EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - SUNSET The San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. A 35-year-old male news reporter, ERIC - bi-sexual, average yuppie looking, blond, Italian, drives a new money green Lexus, pulls up at the scene of a major car accident at the intersection of Goode Boulevard and Evile Street. He parks the car. ERIC'S P.O.V. Ambulances, police cars, paramedics, news teams, bloodied bodies, and people crying all around him. Eric digs his hand- held tape recorder out of his briefcase and walks over to start interviewing by-standers. ERIC Sir, can I ask your name please, and where you're from? SIR (visibly shaken) Uh, yes sir. I'm John Friedman from the Bay area. ERIC Did you witness the accident? SIR Uh, yeah. It was pretty horrible. I'm sorry. I'm gonna be sick! (he puts his hand over his mouth and runs off) ERIC (having quickly turned to another by-stander) Ma'am, do you mind if I ask you your name and where you are from? MA'AM Rosa from around the corner. ERIC Rosa, can you tell me what happened here? 2. MA'AM (pointing to the smashed cars) That car jumped over the center divide and slammed into the other three cars head on. They didn't have a chance. I can't believe it! He was probably drunk. 'Sa damn shame! ERIC (in a rush to get to another interview) Well, Rosa - I think that's enough. I appreciate your time. Eric turns around to interview the closest available person. CHRISTIAN, about 35 years old, 6'2", very handsome (by american women's standards), Middle Eastern looking, extremely attractive, dressed in street attire. ERIC (continuing) Excuse me sir, can I ask your name and where you're from? CHRISTIAN (very calm) My name is Christian and I am not from here. ERIC (rolls his eyes up in his head, flicks the ash off his cigarette and walks away) Who gives a shit! Eric walks over to where the CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR is doing an interview on camera. Eric stands behind the investigator and turns his tape recorder on. After the investigator's interview, Eric feels he has enough for his story so he turns off the recorder and walks back over to his car. INT. ERIC'S CAR - EVENING Eric is typing the last of the story on his laptop computer. He pushes the fax button and the screen on the computer reads: FAXING TO NEWS ROOM. 3. He looks at his watch and determines that he is finished for the day so he starts the car. DISSOLVE TO: INT. HIGH CLASS DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT "THE SPOT" - HAPPY HOUR Eric walks into the bar and stands in the middle of the lounge while looking around. PAN TO: Business men and women dressed in business attire mingle. There are more men talking to men than women. Eric walks over and shakes the hand of one of two male ASSOCIATES. ERIC How's the stock market treatin' ya?! 1ST ASSOCIATE Not too bad, not too bad! ERIC (while shaking the hand of the 2ND ASSOCIATE) Haven't seen you at the country club pool lately - where ya been hidin'? 2ND ASSOCIATE (obviously gay, speaks femininely) Oh I've been tied up at the gallery. Hey, I've just come across some great ancient oriental carvings from the coast of Malaysia - ivory - gorgeous! I have one left in the shape of a cross and two others in the shape of a pear. Interested? ERIC (spots a colleague across the room) Could be, could be. Hey, I'll be in contact. See ya 'round! As Eric slowly makes his way over to CLYDE, he checks out the rear end of a guy standing at the bar. He approaches Clyde who is very sharply dressed, homosexual, caucasian and dark haired. 4. ERIC (continuing) Hey! CLYDE Hey! ERIC Nice crowd, huh?! CLYDE Yeah, I was hoping I'd see you tonight. I've missed you. (he pauses) The room is available. ERIC (calmly excited) Let's go! Clyde excuses himself from the group of people he was talking with and heads toward the lounge exit with Eric. CUT TO: INT. EXPENSIVE HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT The two enter the hotel room and make themselves comfortable. They both remove their jackets, ties and shoes. Clyde jumps on the bed. Eric walks over to the bar to fix mixed drinks. He hands a drink to Clyde then walks over and takes a seat on the couch. ERIC Had any good stuff lately? CLYDE (grinning) Well, you know it's been over a week since I had you! ERIC (reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cocaine container) That's sweet - but I mean this. Eric hits the cocaine. Clyde joins Eric on the couch. He snuggles up next to Eric and Eric hand-feeds Clyde's nostrils. Clyde stands up, walks behind Eric and starts massaging Eric's shoulders. PAN TO: 5. Elegantly decorated room and jacuzzi. Eric and Clyde ENTER FRAME. Eric steps into the jacuzzi first and sticks out his hand to assist Clyde entering the jacuzzi. Clyde takes a seat. Eric sits on the opposite side of the jacuzzi, kicks back and relaxes. ERIC Just like old times! Eric then takes a swig of his mixed drink, sets his glass down on the edge of the jacuzzi, stands up and wades over to Clyde. Clyde (while smiling), sets his drink on the edge of the jacuzzi and opens his mouth wide. FADE OUT: INT. ERIC'S BEDROOM AT HIS APARTMENT - EARLY NEXT MORNING Eric awakens with a terrible hangover. He looks around and can't figure out how he got there. ERIC (sighs) Must've been some soiree! (upset) God, I gotta stop partying so hard! Eric shakes it off, grabs his pants off the bed, digs the cocaine container out of his pocket and takes a huge hit. He then proceeds to the kitchen and starts a pot of coffee. He then walks into the bathroom and turns the shower on. DISSOLVE TO: INT. NEWS ROOM OFFICE - 9:00AM Eric is sitting at his cubicle and his editor - BILL - is standing in front of him giving him instructions on the morning's assignment. BILL PAUL is already at the United Nations building with the camera crew. LESLIE is out on that Welfare Reform project so I need you to do some on the spots. (he pauses) You're not afraid to go down there - are you? 6. ERIC Naaw. Just another typical day on the job. Those damn terrorists! I mean - where do they get off - blowin' up anything they get good and damn ready to! Lousy bastards! Eric then checks his briefcase to be sure he has his tape recorder and extra cassettes. He also checks the battery on his laptop computer. Everything is o.k. so he heads for the door. Bill is still standing at the desk. He watches Eric as Eric leaves the office. Bill begins to nod his head from side to side as if he feels sorry for Eric. FADE OUT: EXT. THE BOMBED-OUT UNITED NATIONS BULIDING - MORNING Eric, who has been at the scene for a while, is finishing an interview with a female United Nations employee. The employee has soot on her face and her hair is a mess. She narrowly escaped the explosion. ERIC Well ma'am, we do appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. B.G. Ambulances, news crews doing interviews, security guards trying to keep people away from the building, large crowds of on-lookers. Eric turns around seeking someone else to interview. He spots a man with dark hair and his back turned to Eric. Eric walks over to the man. ERIC (continuing) Excuse me sir, were you in the building when the bomb went off? CHRISTIAN (turns around to face Eric) Yes I was. ERIC Can you tell me your name and where you're from? 7. CHRISTIAN As I told you yesterday, my name is Christian and I am not from here! ERIC What are you talking about? (he pauses) Oh yeah, I do remember you from yesterday. So what do you do? (turns off the recorder) You must be a sucker for tragedies. You must get off by following this type of shit. Or what?! Are you writing a book or something? Tell me Christian what's your angle? CHRISTIAN I was sent to see who has the good sense to do what they know is right. Many are being comforted but at the same time, man has destroyed all that was good and will continue to as long as he thinks he can operate alone. (he pauses and points to the bombed-out building) These are the results. Eric is deep in thought as he stares into Christian's eyes as Christian has finished speaking. SOUNDS of a helicopter flying overhead seem to snap Eric back to his reality. Eric blinks his eyes real hard, looks up at the helicopter and then back at Christian. ERIC (completely forgot what Christian just said) Ever fly one of those things? CHRISTIAN All the time! ERIC (nodding his head up and down, thinks Christian is a nut) Well, see ya! Eric walks away. CHRISTIAN Try not to party as hard as you did last night! 8. Eric stops in his tracks, turns around with his eyes wide open and stares at Christian. He blows off the thought of how Christian could possibly know, shrugs his shoulders and walks away. CUT TO: INT. ERIC'S CAR - MORNING Eric pushes the fax button on his laptop and the screen reads: FAXING TO NEWS ROOM. DISSOLVE TO: INT. NEWS ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON Eric looks at his watch and then straightens out his desk top. A cute, redhead co-worker, Leslie, passes him by on his way out of the office. LESLIE (adoringly) See you tomorrow Eric. ERIC G'night Les. CUT TO: EXT. COMPUTER SOFTWARE STORE - EARLY EVENING PAN storefront and Eric exiting his car which pulled up in front of the computer software store. The sign on the storefront reads: A-Z COMPUTER SOFTWARE CENTER. INT. COMPUTER SOFTWARE STORE - EARLY EVENING Eric browses slowly through the store noticing the variety of software on the shelves. The shelves contain everything from kiddy software to biblical software to hard-core porn software. While glancing around to see if he recognizes anyone in the store, he selects some bi-sexual software, walks up to the counter and makes the purchase. 9. EXT. COMPUTER SOFTWARE STORE - EARLY EVENING Eric jumps back into the car, tosses the software onto the seat and drives off. CUT TO: INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Eric enters the front door of his messy, unorganized apartment. There is unopened mail lying on the kitchen table and dishes stacked up in the opened dishwasher and on the counter top. He takes off his coat and pops a gourmet dinner into the microwave. He then walks over and pushes the message button on his answering machine which is sitting on the kitchen counter next to the telephone. There are two messages. While he is standing there reading the cover of his new software he listens to his messages. The first message is from a MAN WITH A BRAZILIAN ACCENT. MAN WITH BRAZILIAN ACCENT (V.O.) Yeah - Eric V. We havin' a birthday party for da boss at da ponderosa in Rio on Saturday, and ju my friend, are on the guest list! ESCOBY would be pleased if ju would attend. R.S.V.P. me. Later man! Eric is grinning - pleased and nodding his head up and down as if to be in agreement. The second message on the machine is a woman named SARAH. SARAH (V.O.) (soft spoken) Hello Eric this is Sarah. I don't know if you remember me, but you gave me your telephone number at the A.M.P. last week and we were standing in line talking about how high the prices were? Anyway, if you remember me, I would like to invite you to a bible study get together at my home on Saturday evening! If you can make it, please call me back at 723-7115. Thanks, and I hope to hear from you soon! Bye now! ERIC Yeah, right! 10. Eric walks over and takes the gourmet dinner out of the microwave, opens it up, grabs a fork from the drawer, picks up his new software and then walks over and sits on the couch. As he is eating, he is reading the back cover of his new software. FADE TO: INT. DEN/COMPUTER ROOM - EVENING Eric pops the software into his P.C. and enjoys what he sees. The computer screen is showing sex acts while Eric gets excited and starts to squirm in his seat. DISSOLVE TO: INT. ERIC'S BEDROOM - EVENING SHOT FAVORS a porn magazine sitting on the night stand. Eric grabs the magazine off of the night stand, opens it up to his favorite picture and dials the 900# in the advertisement. He then leans the magazine strategically up against the lamp on the night stand with the open page facing him. He kicks back on the bed and starts listening to the phone sex operator. He then proceeds to masturbate with the phone in one hand and his penis in the other while staring at the magazine. He becomes extremely excited, orgasms and wipes up the mess with the bed spread. CUT TO: INT. KITCHEN AREA - EVENING While walking back into the kitchen area, Eric hits cocaine from the container. He places the container next to the telephone on the counter and returns the Brazilian Man's telephone call. He R.S.V.P.s to the Brazilian Man's answering machine while wiping his nose with his fist and then wiping his hands on his pants. ERIC (on telephone) This is Eric V. Hey man - I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it for the world! Later man! While nodding his head up and down and grinning from ear to ear, he decides to play the message back to make sure he has all the details. As it plays, he's all smiles, then the second message plays and his smile disappears. 11. INSERT a flashback of what Christian said to him at the scene of the terrorist bombing about trying not to party as hard as he did the night before. Eric shakes it off. FADE OUT: EXT. NEW MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR HOUSING PROJECT - MID AFTERNOON CLOSE SHOT of sign on podium which reads: CITY OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Many business people are seated on the platform while an older CAUCASIAN MALE is speaking at the podium microphone. B.G. Several black families are moving their belongings into the new multi-million dollar housing project while children are playing with their toys on the front lawn. CAUCASIAN MALE (southern accent) Agin' on behalf of Mr. Wright, I would like to thank all the city officials, developus, news media from across the country and the en-tire community of Charleston fo' comin' out today. This multi-million dollar housin' project is truly a blessin' bestowed upon the folks of this here neighborhood by the kindness and generousity of its benefacta - Mr. GEORGE C. WRIGHT. Thanks fo' comin' folks! Yall enjoy the goodies over at the reception! B'bye now! The crowd applauds while disbursing and heading toward the giant blue and white stripped tent where the reception is being held. The media is interviewing city officials and black families. Eric is flabbergasted as he spots Christian in the crowd. His tape recorder slips out of his hand and hits the grass as he has a look of shock on his face. While bending down to pick up the recorder, he shakes his head no and rubs his eyes. Stunned, he slowly walks over to Christian with his mouth hanging wide open. 12. ERIC You must have an inside track on current events?! Christian - busy talking to one of the black families - turns around to Eric and nods his head up and down meaning yes. Christian then turns back around to finish his conversation with the black family. Eric looks confused and taps Christian on the shoulder. ERIC (continuing) Excuse me sir, I was wondering if you might like to get something from the buffet? Christian, having just finished his conversation with the black family, turns around to Eric. CHRISTIAN Sure. Eric and Christian head toward the tent. Out of habit, Eric checks out pretty women and attractive men while walking through the crowd. They get to the bar. Eric orders a double vodka - little tonic and Christian orders an orange juice. After they get their drinks, they walk over to the buffet table and place hors d'oeurvres on their plates. ERIC (suspiciously) So, why is it that everywhere I go you seem to show up, man? Eric's hand starts to shake as he's placing hors d'oeuvres on his plate. ERIC (continuing; quietly) Was Escoby not pleased with the drop? Tell me the truth, man. Tell me the truth! Why did you follow me all the way to Charleston, South Carolina? Why? (nervously and in a very low voice) Who are you and where are you from? CHRISTIAN AGAIN I tell you, my name is Christian and I am not from here. (more) 13. CHRISTIAN (CONT'D) I was sent to see who has the good sense to do what they know is right. Many are being comforted but at the same time, man has destroyed all that was good and will continue to as long as he thinks he can operate alone. (points to the housing project) These are the results. ERIC I'm sorry. I'm confused. What do you mean - these are the results? EXTREME CLOSE UP ON CHRISTIAN'S FACE CHRISTIAN Listen, and you will hear. DISSOLVE TO: INT. GEORGE C. WRIGHT'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON George C. Wright is the wealthy, old Charlestonian benefactor who dedicated the multi-million dollar housing project to the citizens. He is sitting at his desk writing out his will. The will shows that there is one word missing. GEORGE C. WRIGHT (tired, meek voice with southern accent) ....and foe all the wrong done to the many families by my foefathers, foe all the pain and sufferin' those families have gone through, foe all the abuse they still receive to this day, I leave exactly one half of my en-tire fortune to my faithful and trusted servant EFFIE and her foe boys. The other half of my fortune is to go to the.... He stops reading and writes in the word NAACP. GEORGE C. WRIGHT (continuing) This by no means restitutes my ancestas inhumane and evil behavior. (more) 14. GEORGE C. WRIGHT (CONT'D) I would have the money used to progress the futures of Effie's foe boys and other blacks who might do well in whatever field they wish to pursue. I have always believed that this money was rightfully theirs anyway. Now - my total holdins' is sebendy eight million dollus. In summation, that would be thirty-nine million foe Effie and thirty-nine million foe da NAACP. Amazin' Grace. He stops reading and signs the will: George C. Wright. He slides the will into the fax machine and pushes the fax button. Effie helps him out of his chair. Effie is the faithful and trusted servant. She is a middle-aged black woman, neatly dressed in a skirt, sweater and flats. She assists George C. Wright into bed. As George C. Wright gets under the covers, Effie stands next to the bed with tears running down her face. AUSTIN, George C. Wright's greedy, racist, attorney grandson, age 40, enters the room. He has on a business suit, long overcoat and a scarf tucked underneath his neck (like Mr. Howell on Gilligan's Island). He notices the will coming out of the fax machine. He takes it off the machine and walks over to the side of the bed where Effie is not standing. Effie looks up at Austin as Austin reads the will. CLOSE SHOT on George C. Wright as he gives up his spirit. Austin looks up at Effie with a tear running down his face, kisses his grandfather on the forehead, walks over and places the will on the desk. On his way out, he stops in front of Effie. Grinding his teeth and in a very low voice.... AUSTIN (southern accent) I could see him bein' the benefacta' of that property bein' dedicated today only 'cause it was a huge tax write-off, but foe da life o' me, I don't know why he gave that property to a bunch o' worthless niggas 'cause you know damn well you niggas don't deserve that property or any of his money! Eyes full of tears, Austin tears out of the room - fuming. 15. Effie bends down to kiss George C. Wright on the cheek. She takes his hand in hers and places the back side of his hand on her cheek. She lowers his arm and then pulls up the sheet over his face. FADE OUT: EXT. SIDE OF NEW MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR HOUSING PROJECT Eric and Christian are walking along a path. B.G. The housing project with families moving in and the huge blue and white tent with guest mingling and the media doing interviews. ERIC So that's what you mean when you say "These are the results?" Christian nods his head up and down meaning yes. Eric flicks the ash off his cigarette and is thinking to himself. They walk several feet. Eric suddenly trips over a rock, falls to the ground and really hurts his foot. He jumps up. ERIC (continuing; shouts) JESUS CHRIST! CHRISTIAN (turns to Eric) Yes? ERIC (trying to walk and rub his foot simultaneously) I can not believe that just happened! Since you're suppose to know everything, why didn't you warn me about that rock? CHRISTIAN Well - Eric - sometimes you HAVE to stumble to learn how to walk! ERIC How did you know my name? I never told you my name! 16. CHRISTIAN I just do. FADE OUT: INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT THE NEXT DAY - LATE AFTERNOON B.G. SOUNDS of the news on television. Eric is preparing for his trip to Rio De Janero. He is standing between the closet and the bed folding a shirt. He tosses the folded shirt into the suitcase which is lying open, half packed on the bed. With just his pants on, he prances over to the mirror, turns around, bends over, looks back into the mirror while he's rubbing his butt. He then starts singing: TONIGHT WE'RE GONNA PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999!". INSERT SHOT of open vaseline jar sitting on the dresser. He then prances back over to the closet, still singing, takes out a shirt and puts it on. He takes a suit from the closet and places it into the suitcase. He begins to hum the song while the news stories can be OVERHEARD from the television. SHOT OF television/STOCK of footage from Bosnia, abortion clinic killings, and increased terrorism in the Middle East. The last story Eric pays attention to. It's about school prayer and how it is not welcomed in our lives. Eric stops humming, sits down on the bed and listens closely. When the story is over, he clicks the television off with the remote and just sits on the bed with his head hung. FADE OUT: EXT. BRAZILIAN MANSION - NIGHT Eric is being dropped off by a limousine in the driveway of a huge South American mansion. Lots of fancy cars and fancy people walking into the party. A couple is walking toward their car. The woman is topless. Tuxedos, furs and limousines are the theme. Gorgeous landscaping. Another couple is getting out of a helicopter which has landed on the landing circle. Ocean waves are crashing below. INT. MANSION - NIGHT ERIC'S P.O.V. 17. As he slowly walks through the party, he notices much cocaine use, Vegas style roulette wheels and gambling tables surrounded by glamorous people, a few topless women, and a Gorgeous Woman on a platform, lying back on a slay bed with a tiger on a leash at her side. He then spots the Brazilian Man who called and invited him. He makes his way through the crowd, goes over and gives the Brazilian Man a cool hand shake. The Brazilian Man introduces him to a Beautiful Young Woman and then excuses himself. CUT TO: EXT. PATIO ON SIDE OF MANSION - NIGHT Eric and the Beautiful Young Woman enjoy drinks and hit cocaine on the patio table. INSERT SHOT of the Beautiful Young Woman rubbing Eric's thigh under the table. Eric stands up and undoes his pants zipper. He then sits back down with his legs wide open and his penis exposed. The Beautiful Young Woman gets the message. She takes a sip of her drink, places the two cocktail napkins from underneath their drinks on the ground in front of him, places her knees on the napkins and proceeds to kiss and lick Eric's penis area. CUT TO: INT. MANSION - PLATFORM WHERE GORGEOUS WOMAN IS LYING ON THE SLAY BED Two men are taking turns licking her between the legs. There is a line of women and men forming in front of her waiting for their turn. A waiter is walking by with a huge tray of steaming lobsters (half out of the shell). He places the lobsters in front of the tiger. The tiger sniffs the lobsters and turns up his nose. PAN the action. People are mingling, two men are kissing on the sofa, people are dancing on the dance floor and several women are huddled in the corner fondling each other. CUT TO: EXT. PATIO - NIGHT Escoby (drug lord) walks up to Eric and the Beautiful Young Woman while they finish their sex act. 18. They both stand and wish him a happy birthday. The Beautiful Young Woman excuses herself. While walking away, she wipes her mouth with one of the napkins from the ground, stops and touches up her lipstick. ESCOBY (soft spoken with Brazilian accent) Ju know, Eric, I like ju. I appreciate ju cooperation, and for that, ju will be facilitating the drop on Monday night for which ju will be paid elebin tousin american dollars - C.O.D. ERIC (after having kissed Escoby's pinky ring) I would do anything to please you. You are the lord of my life. Anything for you my lord! CUT TO: INT. MANSION - NIGHT A small army of invaders (Escoby's competition) dressed in military fatigues storms the mansion. They are looking to kill Escoby. Gun shots are fired in the air and the crowd ducks and scatters while one man is shot as he tries to run. INVADER (at the top of his lungs) ESCOBEEEE!!! CUT TO: EXT. PATIO - NIGHT Escoby takes off running. Eric spots his limousine DRIVER getting into the limousine so he dodges bullets as he runs toward the car. He jumps into the back seat and the driver tears out of the driveway. CUT TO: 19. INT. BACK SEAT OF LIMOUSINE - NIGHT Eric sits up and turns around to look out of the back window. He sees Escoby as he is being gunned down attempting to enter the helicopter on the landing circle. Bullets riddle the helicopter and Escoby. He falls - dead. INT. LIMOUSINE - NIGHT DRIVER (looks in the rear view mirror at Eric) You should have gone to the bible study instead! ERIC (stunned) Christian, is that you?! Christian takes off his driver's hat, turns around, and shows his face to Eric. Eric - mouth wide open - faints on the back seat. Christian smiles and turns back around to face the road and the limousine appears to be driving itself around a corner on a cliff with the ocean waves crashing at the bottom of the cliff! FADE OUT: EXT. UMEMPLOYMENT OFFICE - MONDAY MORNING Lots of people are standing in line which has stretched out to the street. The sign on the building reads: STATE UNEMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT/CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO. CUT TO: Eric's car pulls up in front of the unemployment office. CUT TO: INT. ERIC'S CAR - MORNING Eric has his radio tuned to a program discussing the unemployment situation. RADIO (V.O.) The state's unemployment problem has hit an all time level. (more) 20. RADIO (CONT'D; V.O.) Did you hear about the woman who was caught walking through the grocery store with her three kids eating everything from donuts to bolona?! I mean - really! Something has got to be done about the state of this state's unemployed! Eric turns the car radio off, shuts the ignition down, steps out of the car and walks up to a MAN IN THE LINE. Tape recorder in hand. ERIC Excuse me sir. I'm with the WFTH news team and we're doing a segment on the state's umemployed. Have you been out of work long? MAN IN THE LINE (disgusted) Well - if you call nine weeks long - then I guess so! ERIC Yeah, that is a pretty long time. Tell me sir, what type of work do you do? MAN IN THE LINE Well, I use to write software for Christian programs but now - well I guess there's just not a market for it anymore. Now I'll just take whatever I can get! I gotta eat you know! You know, I was approached by some Young Hood just before you showed up. He offered me a job making between ten and twelve thousand dollars a day selling dope. If this doesn't work, I might have to take him up on his offer. He gave me his card. Eric decides that he shouldn't use this story. ERIC Dope?! Not a wise career choice my friend! You hang in there man. Good luck to you. Eric then walks up the line and is about to interview an ORIENTAL MAN. The man has tears in his eyes. Eric spots Christian standing in line behind the Oriental Man. 21. He walks up to Christian. ERIC (continuing; whispering, angry) Are you for real man? Am I dreaming or are you really here? (he pauses) Who are you? Really. I want the truth. The whole truth and nothin' but the truth. So help you! I can't take it anymore. What's goin' on here?! Christian stares straight ahead. ERIC (continuing; grinding his teeth) Who are you? Christian walks away from the line and Eric follows. CLOSE SHOT of Eric's frowning face and squinted eyes as he stares at the back of Christian's head. CLOSE SHOT on the back of Christian's head. The two have a seat on the short wall near the end of the line. CHRISTIAN PAY ATTENTION! Again, I tell you. (he pauses) My name is Christian (he pauses) and I am not from here. I was sent to see who has the good sense to do what they know is right. Many are being comforted but at the same time, man has destroyed all that was good and will continue to as long as he thinks he can operate alone. (points to the line) These are the results. ERIC (with an attitude) Results, huh?! O.k. then, why are all these people out of work? What about that Oriental Man standing in line with the suitcase - wearing a seven hundred dollar Armani suit - crying his eyes out? What about him? 22. EXTREME CLOSE UP ON CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN Listen and you will hear. DISSOLVE TO: INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON Oriental Man enters hospital room and picks up a chart from the foot of his dying wife's bed. The chart reads: PATIENT IS IN ADVANCED STAGES OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME. The Oriental Man takes a seat in the chair next to his dying wife. He takes her hand in his and the SHOT IS FAVORING her four carat wedding ring. ORIENTAL MAN (very sad, about to cry) Why, Sue Lee. Why? ORIENTAL WOMAN (very meek, soon to expire) I am so saudi. Me, the wife of the Vice President of the Foreign Relations Relief Organization - stricken with AIDS. I am so ashamed. Can you forgive me? ORIENTAL MAN (crying) Of course I forgive you. I do understand why you would have outside relations - but to have relations with those infected with the AIDS virus, those unknown to you, it's just, it's just.... it's all my fault! If only I had been more affectionate, if only I had not neglected you so often, if only I had spent more time at home and not away - working. I apologize Sue Lee. I was vedi vedi inconsiderate. It is I who is most saudi. (he pauses) I just can not believe that our past indiscretions have resulted in our present conditions. Please Sue Lee - forgive ME. He starts to blubber while holding her hand against his forehead. 23. He tries to compose himself while shaking his head no and wiping the tears off his face. ORIENTAL MAN (continuing) Sue Lee, I have more teddible news. It's about our son. Sue Lee - Quon is no longer with us. He was murdered two days ago. You know he loved you vedi much. (he pauses) I am so saudi. ORIENTAL WOMAN (writhing in pain, tears rolling down her face, looks up at the ceiling) God forgive us. She gives up her spirit. ORIENTAL MAN (shouts) NO SUE LEE, NO! DO NOT LEAVE ME ALONE! OH GOD! SHOT ON life monitor going blank. The Oriental Man looks over at the life monitor then up at the ceiling for a long moment, closes his eyes, then drops his head. CLOSE SHOT ON the Oriental Woman's four carat wedding ring. CUT TO: INT. ORIENTAL MAN'S SUBURBAN HOME/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT As he enters the front door, the telephone is ringing. He walks over to the desk to answer it. B.G. The home is beautifully decorated with ancient and modern oriental furnishings. While taking off his coat, he picks up the receiver. ORIENTAL MAN Yes? 24. CALLER (V.O.) (male, oriental accent) Because you have failed to transfer funds from the American Orphanage account and place them into our Bangkok accounts last evening, you are being relieved of your duties and responsibilities. Your inadequacy has cost the syndication seven hundred and fifty thousand american dollars. The syndication has decided to spare your life. We have taken your home as payment. If you look outside your living room window, you will not see either of your mercedes. The Oriental Man opens the blinds behind the desk and peeks out onto the driveway. The driveway is empty. ORIENTAL MAN I understand. CALLER (V.O.) I am obligated to inform the syndicate of a reason for your inadequacy. Explain. ORIENTAL MAN (clears his throat) I was not able to procure the transaction because I was preoccupied with the funeral arrangements for my son last evening. CALLER (V.O.) Your son? ORIENTAL MAN My son was shot down by suspected gang members two days ago. We did all that we could to discourage him from following the path of destruction. He would not listen. He wanted to achieve financial successes without going to college and studying for a respectable career. He wanted to take the easy road. We had always tried to instill in him the value of a good education and hard work. We had done all that we could. Now he is no longer with us. 25. CALLER (V.O.) (coldly) Maybe all he learned from his father was that the path of destruction is the path of profit! You have our deepest sympathy. As the phone clicks in his ear, the Oriental Man stands there with the receiver at his ear and his mouth wide open. A single tear runs down his cheek. ORIENTAL MAN (hangs up the receiver) I have lost my wife, my son, and now my means of survival. What to do, what to do. He then picks up a family photograph, looks at it for a long moment and then sits the photograph down next to an ancient ivory oriental carving in the shape of a cross. He then walks toward the bedroom. Suddenly, all the lights in the house go off and he stops in his tracks. The only light in the house is shining in through the blinds which he left open. He slowly walks into the bedroom. CLOSE SHOT of the light shadowing the ivory cross on the desk next to the family photograph. The Oriental Man returns to the living room with a suitcase. He opens it up and places it on the sofa, walks over and picks up the family photograph and places it into the suitcase. He then walks back over to the desk, falls to his knees and starts to blubber. SHOT ON ancient ivory Oriental cross being shadowed on the desk. FADE OUT: INT. UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE - MORNING The Oriental Man wipes tears off his face as it's his turn to speak to the CLERK. CLERK Sir, I see we have only two positions available this morning. Let's see here.... 26. CLERK (continuing; browsing her list) O.k.... there's one as a part-time fund raiser at the American Orphanage over on Hells Way. Uh.... that one pays minimum wage, and the other is for a full-time car washer at the Mercedes Benz dealership on the corner of Goode Boulevard and Evile Streets - downtown. That one pays six dollars and ninety cents - per hour. PAN the unemployment line showing the Young Hood giving his business card to an Old Woman. Eric and Christian are still sitting on the short wall. ERIC So that's what you meant when you said: "Man has destroyed all that WAS good and will continue to as long as he thinks he can operate alone?" CHRISTIAN Yes Eric, that IS what I meant. ERIC I feel pretty bad for him - but stealin' from orphans - that's low down! CHRISTIAN (with conviction) I agree. That's why it didn't happen. You see Eric, those that live by the sword eventually end up dying by it! It's that simple. EXTREME CLOSE UP ON ERIC ERIC (mesmerized, staring into Christian's eyes) I believe you. CHRISTIAN Eric, you are doing much wrong. You were not created to be displeasing. You were created for love - for goodness. Eric, you know that kind of feeling you get in your heart when you're happy? (more) 27. CHRISTIAN (CONT'D) You know that warm feeling that you wish would never go away because it feels so good? That's the feeling God wants to have about you everyday. You are a child of God. You just don't realize it. I have come to open your eyes and your heart so you can see. There is much good in you but you have to choose Eric. You have to choose between good and evil. I guarantee if you choose good - your life will be filled with good things that can ONLY come from God - things you have never even imagined for yourself - things you have never even thought of. (he pauses) Here's what you do. You have to literally make up your mind to do right. You are not expected to be perfect - in fact, you are expected to stumble from time to time. You are allowed to stumble so that you will get right back on track. There is a lot of goodness in store for you Eric and all you have to do is ask! ERIC Christian, I've always believed that there was a God, but I just never paid attention to Him. You know - sometimes when I look at a really cute baby - or smell cinnamon rolls - or just hear the ocean waves crashing - I think there must BE a God. I guess I was wearing blinders. I know if God can do all those wonderful things for me when I don't even deserve 'em, He must truly be a magnificent God! (he pauses) I'm sorry. He must really hate me. CHRISTIAN Eric, God doesn't hate you. Actually - right now He's pretty proud of you. You've allowed yourself to believe that what I'm saying is the truth. You are exercising faith that you've never had before. Keep the faith Eric - keep the faith. (more) 28. CHRISTIAN (CONT'D) (he pauses) Eric, how do you feel right now? ERIC (big sigh of relief, smiling) Actually, I feel relieved. I now realize that God really does care about me. (he pauses) Even when I don't care about myself. He cares no matter what I do. He wants me to have goodness and love in my life. (he pauses) Thanks Christian. You're all right! FADE OUT: EXT. BEACH - EARLY EVENING Eric drives up into the beach parking lot. He gets out of the car and walks up to a cinnamon roll vender. He buys a cinnamon roll and heads toward the shore. A VARIATION OF ANGLES on Eric walking along the shore while the sun sets. After having walked about a mile, Eric takes a seat on a bench next to a COUPLE AND THEIR BABY. ERIC How beautiful. How old is he/she? MALE OF COUPLE He. Eight months today! Do you have any? ERIC No. (he pauses) Not yet anyway. I'm hopeful. Someday. FEMALE OF COUPLE Honey, we should be leaving now. CLOSE SHOT on Eric being mesmerized by the child. ERIC What a gift! 29. He stares out to sea and listens to the waves. MALE OF COUPLE (to Eric) Take care now! ERIC You too! The couple and child walk away. Eric stares at the waves again then gets up to stroll along the beach. He decides to take a seat on the sand. A single tear runs down his cheek as he HEARS the waves crashing. DISSOLVE TO: INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT DINING ROOM - EVENING Eric enters the front door. He places his briefcase on the table and hangs up his coat in the guest closet. He then walks over to the answering machine and hits the rewind button - then play. By-passing the Brazilian Man's message, he grabs a pen and pad and writes Sarah's telephone number down. He dials her number. ERIC (nervous) Hello Sarah, this is Eric from the A.M.P. You called last week to invite me to a bible study?! SARAH (V.O.) (soft spoken) Yes Eric. How are you? ERIC I'm fine. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to call you back sooner. I've been extremely busy with work and all. You know how it gets! SARAH (V.O.) I sure do. You know - the study was cancelled last week anyway, but we are definitely getting together THIS Saturday! So - I guess you were tied up for a reason! ERIC (excited) Saturday huh? Well if you'll have me - I'd love to participate. (more) 30. ERIC (CONT'D) I'd kinda like to know more about God N stuff. You know? SARAH (V.O.) I know. Well, it's not a formal gathering, just friends in the Lord. We just sit around and talk about current events and how they relate to the word of God. It really is enlightning. I think you'll have a good time and you might even learn something! ERIC Well Sarah - can I bring anything? SARAH (V.O.) No. Actually, if you have a bible, you might want to bring it. If not, don't worry about it. I have plenty. We should be starting at around seven. Let me give you the address.... Ready? ERIC O.k. SARAH (V.O.) O.k. it's 518 Safty Street. I'm in the Courtyard Condos at the very end of the block. As you enter, just follow the curve and I'm eight units in toward the back, upstairs. You shouldn't have a problem. If so, just give me a call. ERIC I know exactly where Safty Street is - shouldn't be a problem. O.k. Sarah. I'll see you about seven on Saturday! SARAH (V.O.) Great! We'll see you then! Take care now Eric. B'bye. ERIC B'bye Sarah. (hangs up the telephone) This should be interesting! 31. Eric walks over to the kitchen and starts to clean it up. DISSOLVE TO: Eric in his night pants, goes through his mail, licks stamps, straightens out his desk - generally cleans up the house. DISSOLVE TO: Eric gets into bed with a smile on his face and snuggles up under the covers. FADE OUT: INT. NEWS ROOM - MORNING Eric is busy working at his desk and talking on the telephone. Bill walks by his desk and Eric stops him to verify some information. He then readies his briefcase and heads for the door. CUT TO: INT. POLICE CHIEF DERRICK MITCHELSON'S OFFICE - MORNING POLICE CHIEF MITCHELSON (yelling on telephone, motions Eric to come in and have a seat) How many times do I have to say it. We need at least three new cops on that beat! Just last week we had two drive-bys in a neighborhood that rarely sees a break-in! That's right Frank - yes Frank, and the oriental kid! The residents are comin' down on me as if it's my fault! I'm gettin' sick of this shit! How many times.... look - just submit that proposal and get back to me, all right! (slams the telephone down) Now, what can I do for you? ERIC Mr. Mitchelson - I'm Eric Vougini from the WFTH news team - you WERE expecting me?! 32. POLICE CHIEF MITCHELSON (wiping sweat from his brow) Yeah - yeah. What's up? ERIC Sir, I was wondering if you could shed some light on the recent rash of neighborhood shootings. Is there any truth to the rumor that the police force is dwindling because of the scare? POLICE CHIEF MITCHELSON (with a bad attitude) Son, let me put it to you like this.... we had a limited number of officers to begin this fiscal year with anyway, and honestly - I can't put my finger on it but I think it may be due to the budget cuts expected in the fall. Guys gotta eat you know. So I think the mentality around here is kill or be killed. I mean, I don't even know if I'M on the chopping block! So, you can pretty much call it the way it appears. I don't really give a shit anymore! ERIC Sir, I can really appreciate your frustrations.... POLICE CHIEF MITCHELSON (interrupting Eric, highly upset) You don't appreciate a damn thing! You fancy pants reporters and your nice cushy jobs! How could you possibly understand the pressure of trying to run this city?! It's hell! All you have to do is chase after shit AFTER the mutha' fuckin' fact! My job is to prevent shit from goin' down in the first place! That's pressure! This interview is over. Get out! ERIC (tempted to go off) I'm sorry sir. Have a nice day. As Eric exits the office, he passes by the desk of the Police Chief's SECRETARY. 33. SECRETARY (empathizing with Eric) I'm sorry about this. I'm afraid he's going to hurt someone or even himself if he doesn't calm down. ERIC (very calm) Maybe you could suggest a vacation or some time off. He really does look like a man on the edge. (he pauses) You have a good day ma'am. Eric exits the office. CUT TO: INT. ERIC'S CAR - MORNING Eric types in the last sentence on his laptop and pushes the fax button. He then starts the car, checks his rear view mirror and pulls off. CUT TO: INT. NEWS ROOM - MORNING Conversations can be HEARD about current events - who is to do what - scheduling. Eric, who is working at the computer on his desk, suddenly jumps up, runs over and checks some facts in the news room's library. He rushes back to his desk. SHOT ON computer screen on Eric's desk which is blinking: YOU HAVE E-MAIL. Eric pushes a button. Screen reads: MEET ME AT 5:15PM IN THE SPOT! SMOOCHES! Eric smiles and then starts to think to himself. His smile turns into a frown and he erases the E- mail message and continues to work. FADE TO: 34. INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT - NIGHT ERIC (on telephone) Yes Mom. I will - and you tell Pop I said hello. Yes Mom - Sunday at two. O.k. Love you too! B'bye. He looks around the room and notices his little container of cocaine sitting on the kitchen counter behind the answering machine. He walks over and throws it in the trash can. The phone rings. He answers it. CLYDE (V.O.) Where are you? ERIC Oh, Clyde. I got tied up. CLYDE (V.O.) Well, are you coming? ERIC No - I don't think so. Not tonight. But thanks anyway. Eric hangs up the telephone and picks up the remote control. Trying to forget about the telephone call from Clyde, he channel surfs, comes to a gospel program and leaves it there. He then walks over to the table and picks up his mail, takes a seat on the couch and starts reading it. He can't concentrate on his mail so he starts to pay attention to the television. He listens for a long moment and then starts to sing along with the song. He then goes into the kitchen and starts washing the dishes. He also changes the calendar from a month ago to reflect today's date. FADE TO: INT. NEWS ROOM - MORNING Leslie and another co-worker Paul, are having a conversation about Eric. Leslie is leaning back on her desk and Paul is standing in front of her looking at some paperwork. LESLIE ....yeah, I don't know. He has been acting kinda' strange lately - but he's still adorable. Have you talked to him? 35. PAUL I tried - but he was too busy kissin' Bill's ass. He HAS changed, but who knows, maybe it's for his own good. I wonder if he's in some kind of trouble? LESLIE I hope not - but I do know one thing - he has been happier and he looks better too. (she pauses) I wonder if he might want to go out after work?! PAUL Well you know he goes both ways. Good luck. Hey - let me know how it turns out. All right?! LESLIE (sarcastically) See ya. (walks over to Eric) Hey there! ERIC Hey Les. What's goin' on? LESLIE I don't know. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to do some hot wings after work? ERIC Humm! Wings do sound pretty good. Where ya' goin'? LESLIE I don't know - I was thinking the sports bar on Anna Knapp. My treat. How 'bout it? ERIC Sounds good. I can meet you at about 5:30. Hey - I wonder if they still have those chernyoble wings?! Excellent! LESLIE I'm more of a mild winger myself. O.k. then - 5:30. Don't be late! CUT TO: 36. INT. SPORTS BAR DINING AREA - NIGHT Leslie and Eric are sitting at a table with a platter of steaming wings, chunky blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, curly fries and ice tea. LESLIE (licking her lips) These are my favorite! ERIC (smacking his lips) Oh yeah! LESLIE (adoringly) You know Eric - I've been noticing your mood lately. I think it's great! I mean - you're doing extra projects for the boss, staying later than you have to, smelling like a million dollars, constantly smiling.... I mean - I can't even bring myself to finish that report on the Welfare Reform situation! It's been sitting on my desk just staring at me! You're really getting a lot of work done and you just seem to be in better spirits! (she pauses) Is there a new love interest in your life? Or what?! ERIC (smacking his lips) You know Les - actually there is. I guess you could say I have a new love in my life! LESLIE (disappointed) Is that right? ERIC (has no idea Leslie is interested in him) Yeah. That's right. I guess I'm just looking at life in a different light! 37. LESLIE (disappointed, swigs the tea) Yeah - well I'm happy for you. You sure seem to be a happier camper. I think that's great. ERIC Yeah. I haven't felt this positive about life in - well - never! He's great Les. You ought to try Him. LESLIE (surprised) Try who? ERIC God! LESLIE You know Eric - if I tried to keep up with (makes quotation marks with her fingers) the Lord, I'd probably go nuts. Naaw - I tried that before and it just didn't work for me. Yep - my faith has been gone for some time now, but I'm glad it's working for you. I know God is good and all that, but I kept messin' up. It was just too hard to keep up. ERIC Look - all you have to do is just allow Him into your heart. He'll be there for you Les. He will. LESLIE No thanks. Hey - have you heard about the projects lined up for next month? I think Bill has got the entire crew going up to Monterey for the Cup races. I'm stoked. I can't wait! ERIC No I hadn't heard yet. Leslie I can't believe how my life has changed since I met my new friend Christian. He's really opened my eyes and helped me to see. If you want - I can ask him to.... 38. LESLIE (interrupting Eric and looking around the dining area) I think we're staying at the Monterey Inn - right on the beach. It's going to be a blast! ERIC Leslie - listen to me. Listen and you will hear. He wants to help you. He wants you to be.... LESLIE (interrupts Eric again and tosses her napkin on the table, noticeably upset) Eric - look - I don't need it. I just don't need it right now! Leslie pushes away from the table and huffs out of the bar. Eric continues to eat. Suddenly, a loud car crash is HEARD from outside the bar. Eric drops his wing on the plate and looks up at the ceiling, mouth wide open. A long moment later he covers his mouth with his hand and drops his head. FADE OUT: INT. NEWS ROOM - NEXT MORNING People are talking about Leslie and the car accident. Everyone is sad. There are flowers on Leslie's desk. Bill walks up to Eric who is busy working with tears in his eyes. BILL (sad) The funeral is scheduled for friday afternoon. Most of the staff will be there. (he pauses) I was wondering if maybe you could say a few words about Leslie on behalf of the team. ERIC (quietly) Of course I will. What time does it start? 39. BILL 1:00 at the Bayside Rest Parlor. (he pauses) Another drunk driver. Bill walks away and stops another co-worker to inform him of the funeral. Eric continues to work at his computer. A message flashes on his computer screen: "YOU HAVE E-MAIL". Screen reads: "SORRY ABOUT LESLIE. PLEASE MEET ME IN THE SPOT AFTER WORK. CLYDE". Eric writes in his calendar book under today's date: CLYDE. CUT TO: INT. "THE SPOT" - NIGHT Eric and Paul are sitting at a table having a drink. ERIC ....she just didn't want to hear what I had to say. She tried to ignore the entire discussion, man. She wanted no part of it. I was trying to tell her about my new friend.... CLYDE (walks up to the table and interrupts Eric) I am so sorry. (takes a seat between Eric and Paul) How you guys holdin' up? ERIC Still shocked. I was just telling Paul how upset Les was when I started telling her about my new friend last night. See - she had asked me why I was acting so different from the way I normally act, and I was just trying to explain to her that my new friend was the reason for it. She didn't want to hear it. This is just about the best thing that ever.... PAUL (noticeably irritated) Uh, I gotta go. See you tomorrow man. Paul swigs the last of his drink, slides his chair out and exits the table. 40. CLYDE (scoots his chair closer to Eric while watching Paul's butt as he walks away) Just like that, huh? ERIC Just like that. I guess no one really cares. 'Sa shame. CLYDE Hey - I know what might cheer you up. I've got two tickets for La Cage Au Freaks for Saturday the 8th. Be my guest?! They're only here for a week and remember you'd been saying how much you wanted to see it! Come on Eric - please. (he pauses, whimpers) I miss you. ERIC Sounds tempting man, but I've already made plans for Saturday. I'm only here - now - because Leslie is a mutual acquaintance of ours and I thought you might want to talk about her. CLYDE (rubbing his shoulder on Eric's arm) What is it Eric? Is it something I did? What? Why have you been ignoring me lately? Is there someone else? I know we weren't exclusive but at least we were regular! ERIC (scooting his chair away from Clyde) No it's not you Clyde. It's just that - well - my new friend told me that God didn't appreciate the way I was acting. I mean - no offense - but faggin' is just something I'm not with anymore. CLYDE (alarmed and with an attitude) Well that explains a lot. There IS someone else! 41. Pouting, Clyde pulls out his cellular phone, flips open the cover and pushes ONE button. ERIC Who ya callin'? CLYDE (rolls his eyes at Eric) Across the street. (on telephone) Hi Chauncey. I need to cancel my suite reservation for this evening. (he pauses) This is Clyde. (looking at Eric) Look, I may need it again on Saturday the 8th, so you can go ahead and just change the dates. (he pauses) Thanks. (click, smiles at Eric) In case you change your mind. Eric gives Clyde an evil look. CLYDE (continuing) Well - gotta go. See you at the funeral friday. Call me! Clyde leaves the table. Eric forces himself to stop looking at Clyde's butt, but his eyes are fixated on it. Suddenly he snaps his head around and closes his eyes. DISSOLVE TO: INT. LESLIE'S FUNERAL - FRIDAY AFTERNOON Eric stands at a podium which reads: BAYSIDE REST PARLOR. ERIC ....and on behalf of the news team we extend our deepest sympathy to Leslie's family. She was a wonderful friend. Eric walks away from the podium, stops in his tracks, turns around and walks back up to the podium microphone. 42. ERIC (continuing) I feel like I must say this too. Leslie had a problem. Her problem was that she lost her faith in God. She loved God, but with all that she was exposed to everyday - having to report on all that went on around her, she just got caught up with the problems of the world. This world overwhelmed her and she therefore lost her faith. I tried to tell her and because she was so overwhelmed with the ways of the world, she lost sight. (he pauses) People - don't lose sight. Get and maintain your faith! I am happy to have known Leslie. I am truly sorry that her life was cut short because of the ways of this world. (he pauses) God forgive us. Eric steps away from the podium. PAN TO: Room full of hung heads. Shameful souls. CUT TO: INT. MEN'S RESTROOM AT PARLOR - AFTERNOON Eric is splashing water on his face and looking into the mirror. Clyde walks in, uses the head and walks over to the mirror to comb his hair and straighten his tie. Eric scoops up some water and rinses his face. As he wipes the water from his eyes with his hands, he looks over into the mirror where Clyde is standing. He sees the face of Christian in the mirror. He rinses his face off again, wipes his face with his hands, looks in Clyde's mirror again and it's Clyde! ERIC (drying his face with a paper towel, shaking his head and blinking his eyes) God - I thought you were Clyde! I mean - Clyde, I thought you were God! (he pauses for a long moment) Nevermind. 43. CLYDE Well I used to be until you started trippin'! (combs his hair) So, how about tomorrow night? Are we on? ERIC No I don't think so. I'll be busy. Hey - maybe you'd like to join ME? CLYDE Sure! What time? ERIC 7:00 - Bible study on Safty Street. CLYDE (surprised) Bible study!? Uh, I think I'll pass. (sassy attitude) But you have fun though! See ya. As Clyde walks toward the exit, he checks out his own butt in the mirror. CLYDE (continuing) Call me! (under his breath) He's gone completely nuts! ERIC (under his breath) He's gone completely nuts! FADE OUT: INT. ERIC'S CAR - AFTER FUNERAL -AFTERNOON CLOSE SHOT of funeral program sitting on the seat next to Eric. Eric reaches over and pushes the scan button on his radio. STATION #1 ....and in the world economy today, the U.S. trade deficit is at an all time high. Numbers have increased to an astronomical level forcing the United States government to.... 44. STATION #2 Unemployment has skyrocketed within the fifty United States to a level where experts say it would be most uncommon for it to last any amount of time. The President commented that.... STATION #3 ....South American drug lord known as Escoby Feliz, was killed last Saturday in an alleged anti- government social rebellion. Sources say he was the target of warring South American drug empires known to take aggressions against any competition - worldwide - who would have any dealings with.... STATION #4 ....and in local news - television news reporter, Leslie Jacobs, was hit and killed by a drunk driver earlier this week. She was last seen exiting the sports bar on Anna Knapp when suddenly she was struck by a vehicle said to have been traveling at the speed of nearly seventy five miles per hour in a thirty five mile per hour zone. The funeral is being held today and sources say.... STATION #5 Music: "TONIGHT WERE GONNA PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999...." STATION #6 In late breaking news, it's being reported that Police Chief Derrick Mitchelson of the San Francisco Police Department, has apparently shot and killed himself today after having heard that he was next in line to be cut from the police force. We get an inside story from our own Civic Reporter David Logan. David.... STATION #7 Music: "DON'T STOP THINKING ABOUT TOMORROW".... 45. Eric turns the radio off and continues to drive. He passes the computer software store but doesn't notice it. FADE TO: INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT - DEN/COMPUTER ROOM - NEXT AFTERNOON On his knees, Eric is digging through a box. He's pulling out old porn magazines, sex toys and drug parafanalia (scales, baggies, bongs....). When he reaches the bottom of the box, he finds an old family bible. He smiles and stands up opening the bible. He walks toward the door of the bedroom, stops in his tracks, turns around and looks at all of the porn and drug stuff lying all over the floor. He puts the bible on the bed, goes over and places all of the porn and drug stuff back into the box. He then picks up the box, walks across the bedroom, through the living room and out the front door. CUT TO: EXT. TRASH DUMPSTER AT APARTMENT COMPLEX - AFTERNOON Eric dumps the box of porn and drug stuff into the dumpster, dusts off his hands and walks back toward his apartment. CUT TO: INT. ERIC'S DEN/COMPUTER ROOM - AFTERNOON SHOT ON the computer screen which reads: WHORE HOUSE BULLETIN BOARD. Eric hits the delete key on the computer keyboard. Screen reads: GUYS AND GUYS FANTASY ISLAND BULLETIN BOARD. Eric hits the delete key. Screen reads: SEX WITH SAVANNAH, STEVE AND SHARI BULLETIN BOARD. Eric hits the delete key. Screen reads: CUMIN ROUND BACK. Eric hits the delete key. SHOT ON Eric as he hits the delete key several more times. Eric sorts out all of the porn software from his software library on his desk top and tosses them into an opened green Hefty trash bag. CUT TO: EXT. TRASH DUMPSTER AT APARTMENT COMPLEX - AFTERNOON Eric dumps a full hefty bag into the dumpster. CUT TO: 46. INT. DEN/COMPUTER ROOM - AFTERNOON As Eric sits at his desk with his little black telephone/address book open, he scratches out names of people whom he doesn't wish to associate with. He then decides to tear out entire pages because every name on the pages has been scratched out. Suddenly, he just tosses the entire book into the trash can. FADE TO: INT. DEPARTMENT STORE MEN'S SECTION - LATE AFTERNOON Eric searches through the racks of men's shirts and looks at the ties on display. He has several packages with him. A female store clerk is flirting with him from behind the counter. She gives him a wink and Eric smiles and turns his back to her to continue looking at the ties. He then notices what time it is. ERIC (looking at his watch) It's twenty 'til seven. I can probably just make it! He gathers up his packages and heads for the mall exit. Walking fast through the mall, he stops to purchase a cinnamon roll at the cinnamon roll shop and continues toward the exit. CUT TO: INT. ERIC'S CAR - LATE AFTERNOON Eric places the packages in the back seat and turns the ignition key while putting on his seat belt. SHOT ON bible sitting next to him on the front seat. CUT TO: EXT. COURTYARD CONDOS - NIGHT Eric drives around the parking lot - lost. ERIC (talking to himself, frustrated) I thought she told me it was six units toward the back! 47. He then pulls the car over and checks the directions he wrote down in his calendar. The directions read: SARAH 723-7115 COURTYARD CONDOS 518 SAFTY STREET. END OF BLOCK. FOLLOW CURVE. EIGHT UNITS TOWARD BACK. UPSTAIRS. Eric smiles and boinks his forehead like he could-a-had-a-V8! He checks the sideview mirror and drives off. CUT TO: INT. SARAH'S CONDO - NIGHT Sarah opens the front door and welcomes Eric. Eric enters with his bible and a package under his arm. SARAH Welcome Eric! I'm glad you could make it. I hope you didn't have any problems finding the place?! ERIC No I came straight here but I thought you told me your unit was six units toward the back. So I had to pull over and read the directions again. Sure enough - you were right! SARAH Well - that's what directions are for! To be followed! I'm glad you made it. Come on in, I'd like to introduce you to some friends. ERIC (handing Sarah the package) This is for you. Thanks for inviting me. (he pauses) I hope you like it! SARAH (opening the package) Oh - Eric - it's beautiful. Thank you so much! You know you didn't have to bring me a gift! SHOT ON gift which is an ancient ivory oriental carving in the shape of a cross. 48. SARAH (continuing) Everyone, this is Eric - Eric - everyone. Look at this beautiful carving Eric brought for me. Isn't it gorgeous?! How thoughtful! Thanks again, Eric. (she places the carving in the center of the coffee table) Well - make yourself comfortable and help yourself to some refreshments! Eric shakes everyones hand as they introduce themselves to him. He takes a seat. STUDYER #1 (MALE) Eric it looks like you joined us at a good time. We were just discussing the advantages of studying God's word as opposed to not studying God's word. I've always found that I'm more at peace with myself after I've studied or listened to God's word. How about you? ERIC I've just recently become a true believer but my life HAS been a lot less frustrating than it used to be. I know that I can't change the ways of the world, but I CAN have a different outlook than I had before. SARAH That's why we decided to conduct these studies - to talk about what the bible teaches and how we can apply its teaching to our own everyday lives. STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) Eric, how HAS God changed your life for the better? ERIC Well - let's see. I'm finding that I'm getting a lot more productive work done at home AND at the office. I'm not so quick to snap at people who snap at me. I'm more understanding of other's feelings. (more) 49. ERIC (CONT'D) (he pauses) I'm just not as impatient as I used to be! STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) Exactly. You know, it teaches in Proverbs 14:29 that "He that is slow to anger is abundant in discernment, but one that is impatient is exalting foolishness". Meaning - if you exercise patience when dealing with yourself and others, you have more control over the outcome of the situation - if you don't, there's no telling what might happen! ERIC Right, right. SARAH That reminds me of the time I was in the line at the grocery store and I was in a huge rush to get back to work and this woman who was in line ahead of me, was paying with pennies! I couldn't believe it. I knew I would be late if I stayed in line, so I thought I would just put my items on the counter and leave. I guess I figured I really needed those items so I decided to be patient. Suddenly, another store clerk opened up the next register and motioned me to come to his line. I was so relieved. So I guess the moral of this story is that being patient with others as well as yourself is always the best way to handle everyday situations! STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) Exactly. STUDYER #1 (MALE) I know what we could do as an exercise this week! We could monitor our own reactions with people we come into contact with! If we find that we are inclined to say something negative - and don't - well that'll mean that we are truly experiencing a peace that we've never had before. (more) 50. STUDYER #1 (CONT'D; MALE) I think this is a good way to measure our abilities to be patient and exercise control over our own lives in everyday situations! SARAH That's a good idea! STUDYER #1 (MALE) I remember hearing something on the Oprah show about having inner peace. It went "Would you rather be right or would you rather have peace?" When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Personally, I would rather have peace in every situation I encounter. ERIC If only everyone could see it that way. People these days just don't seem to have time for peace. Everyone wants to be right and that's what the problem is. STUDYER #1 (MALE) O.k. so - next meeting I want good reports from everyone! EVERYONE Sure! O.k. I think it'll be neat. Sure. No problem! SARAH (referring to her notes) Did we ever finish our discussion on being single and how it relates to what the bible says? STUDYER #1 (MALE) Not really. Remember, we were interrupted by your telephone ringing off the hook. Doesn't look like YOU'LL be single for long! SARAH (blushing) No - that was just an old admirer. He wanted me to go to Monterey for the weekend but I told him I wasn't interested because I had already made other plans! 51. STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) Plans? SARAH Well - Donald had already invited me up to the mountains. So - I don't know - we'll see! ERIC (to group) What DOES the bible say about being single? I mean - I've always thought it was all right to be single! STUDYER #1 (MALE) (looking in his bible for a specific scripture) Oh - it IS all right! You can be just as blessed single as you can be when you're married! OR, you can be just as UNblessed single or married. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 7:7, 8 and 9 that.... (he finds the scripture) "I wish all men were as I myself am. Nevertheless, each one has his own gift from God, one in this way, another in that way. Now I say to the unmarried person and the widows, it is well for them that they remain even as I am. But if they do not have self control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to be inflamed with passion. (he pauses) Over in 1 Corinthians 7:32 and 33 it says.... "Indeed, I want you to be free from anxiety. The unmarried man is anxious for the things of the Lord, how he may gain the Lord's approval. But the married man is anxious for the things of the world, how he may gain the approval of his wife, and he is divided". Women likewise.... It goes on to say "I am saying this for your personal advantage, not that I may cast a noose upon you, but to move you to which is becoming and that which means constant attendance upon the Lord without distraction". 52. ERIC I THOUGHT it was O.k. to be single, but I wasn't sure. I mean - marriage is not meant for absolutely everyone. SARAH No not at all. Look at me! It seems that just about every man I meet these days is interested in courting me for marriage! All I can do is be patient with myself and hopefully when I'm ready, there will be someone for me! STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) That's right Sarah - be patient (she pauses) even in marriage! SARAH Ever been married Eric? ERIC Naaw. Never even considered it - but maybe some day. STUDYER #1 (MALE) Hey - that reminds me. There's a singles retreat in two weeks. Anyone going? STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) I was thinking about it. I might. SARAH Eric, you know you're invited. They're wonderful. I've been to two myself. ERIC Sounds great. Just let me know when and where and I'm there! SARAH (stands and picks up the hors d'oeuvre tray) Great! Anyone for more smoked salmon? EVERYONE Sure! That'd be great. Love some. Eric admiringly eyes Sarah as she walks into the kitchen. 53. SARAH (O.S.) Ouch! I knew that was gonna happen! Can someone give me a hand?! ERIC (leaping from his seat, running into the kitchen) Are you O.k.?! SARAH (picking hors d'oeuvres up off the floor) I cannot believe that happened! I'm so embarrassed. They just slipped right off the platter! Would you mind taking the port wine cheese out of the fridge for me? I'll grab the Wheat Thins. ERIC (smiling while opening the refrigerator) I love port wine cheese! He bends down to get a better view of what's in the refrigerator. He spots the cheese, takes it out and places it onto a serving dish while Sarah places Wheat Thins on the tray. They are working in concert together - preparing the hors d'oeuvre tray. Suddenly, they both look up, blushing and staring into each others eyes for a long moment. They both giggle and then head back toward the living room. FADE OUT: INT. ERIC'S PARENT'S HOME - SUNDAY AFTERNOON As Eric's MOTHER places a hot dish of buttered brussel sprouts on the dining room table, the family is being seated. Eric's FATHER helps himself to some pasta. General conversation. Soft Italian music - violins can be HEARD in the background. SOPHIE, Eric's female cousin is sitting directly across from him. She is a beautiful dark haired Italian woman, about 25 years old, wearing a very low cut sweater - showing plenty of cleavage. She has always had a crush on Eric. ERIC (looking across the table at Sophie's cleavage, says quietly) Stop that! 54. SOPHIE (flirtingly) Stop what?! ERIC (quietly) You do this to me every time! SOPHIE (whispers) 'Cause I like you! ERIC (quietly) Well stop! SOPHIE O.k., O.k. ADRIENNE, Eric's aunt, passes the buttered brussel sprouts to Eric. She is a beautiful, well dressed woman in her 50's - very Italian. Eric smiles and takes the buttered brussel sprouts from her. He is making an ugly face because he doesn't like brussel sprouts but no one notices his face. He places some sprouts on his plate and passes the bowl to his Uncle ANTONIO. Antonio takes the bowl, places TWO sprouts on his plate, makes an ugly face and passes the bowl on. ANTONIO (Italian accent, to Eric) It's been forever! What have you been doing with yourself? You like girls yet? ERIC Yes, Uncle Ant, I like girls. (he pauses) I've been busy traveling and working at the news room. I was just down in Charleston, South Carolina a couple of weeks ago. You know - actually I just met a girl and she's a sweetheart! You'd like her. ANTONIO Good for you! (he pauses) Is she Italian? 55. ERIC I don't know. But that's not important. What's important is that she is a good person with a good heart. I really admire her! ANTONIO Does she know that you're a - faggot? ERIC I don't do that anymore Uncle Ant. I really have changed. ANTONIO Well good for you. Let's eat - huh?! Eric reaches for the pasta and loads his plate. He then passes the platter to Antonio who loads his plate and then sets the platter on the table. MOTHER (to Eric) It is so good to see my boy. Doesn't he look good Adrienne? Tell me Eric, have you been eating right? Don't lie to me! ERIC Yes Mom. I'm taking good care of myself. I plan on starting an exercise program at Golds next week AND on the way home, I'm going to the vegetable market. How's that?! MOTHER I have some fresh squash from the garden. You will take some? ERIC Of course Mom. I love your squash! MOTHER Oh - and don't let me forget to pack you some brussel sprouts! I raised quite a few! ERIC (quietly) Sure Mom. MOTHER Because you are such a good boy, I have made your favorite dessert. Guess. 56. ERIC (jokingly) Could it be - - - CINNAMON ROLLS?! MOTHER Yes my baby. Just for you! ERIC (sincere) I love you Ma. Suddenly everyone turns around to HEAR the front door slamming loudly. It's Eric's younger brother BRIAN who is a stinking drunk. He looks like Eric except he has dark hair. Late twenties. BRIAN (O.S.) (slurred speech) Hey - I'm here! I made it. Everybody happy?! I'm here. Where's everybody at? FATHER Drunk again. That bum! I didn't want him to come but Mother insisted! ADRIENNE (concerned) I wonder if he drove himself here? I wonder if Rebecca and the children are with him? MOTHER I didn't think they would show up. I didn't even set a place for them. (she pauses and heads toward the kitchen) I'll make some coffee. BRIAN (enters dining room) Hey Pop! Ja miss me? Hey Uncle Ant - Sophie - everybodies here! Everyone at the table has their heads hung with half smiles on their faces. They are all totally embarrassed. BRIAN (continuing; slowly walks around the table) What? No seat for me? Pop - how could ja?! 57. FATHER (noticeably upset) Who knew you'd show up? You never do - and when you do you're drunk! (to the family) I apologize. This is so embarrassing. (to Brian) Pull up a chair - your Mother is making you some coffee. Brian had been glaring at Eric the whole time his Father was talking to him. He grabs a chair and sits down between his Mother's empty chair and Sophie. BRIAN (grabs a saucer and places some pasta on it, spilling sauce on the table) Pop - I'm only here 'cause Mom begged me! I had other things to do, you know. So Eric - you got AIDS yet? ERIC No. Did you take a shower this month? MOTHER (enters room) Hello Brian. I just made a fresh pot of coffee. (places a hot cup in front of him and takes her seat) How are you dear? BRIAN No thanks Ma. But I will have some of that vino! (grabs Sophie's empty water glass and reaches for the wine bottle) Yeah, this'll work! MOTHER I think you've had enough honey. Please - have some coffee! 58. BRIAN (yells) I said no Ma! (attempts to pour some wine and spills it all over the table) Oops! FATHER (gets out of his seat and heads toward Brian) That's it! Get out! (pulls Brian out of his seat) I've had all I'm going to take from you! They fall to the floor as Brian tries to fight his Father. Eric jumps up and pulls his Father off of Brian. Everyone else is shocked. MOTHER (runs over and wipes Brian's forehead off with her cloth napkin) You know better than this! You are going to give your Father a heart attack! Come with me. Everyone, please continue with your meal. (exits with Brian) Where's Rebecca and the children? (from the bedroom) Bring me the coffee! Adrienne takes the cup of coffee into the bedroom. FATHER (takes his seat, throws his cloth napkin on the table, upset) This has got to stop! (he pauses) What can we do? (he pauses) We've tried everything! ERIC Pop you know he won't accept any help from us. I'll ask my new friend to help him. ANTONIO (surprised) What new friend?! 59. ERIC His name is Christian. He's helped me out quite a bit. SOPHIE (flirtingly) How did Christian help you? ERIC Well at first - I didn't want any part of him. Then he just kept showing up wherever I went! I didn't know what to make of it, but then I realized I'd better pay attention to what he was trying to tell me - for my own good. (flashback of scene on Escoby's lawn) Since I met him, life has actually gotten better, less stressful. SOPHIE So you're less stressed - huh?! FATHER Your Mother and I pray for him all the time. Maybe if we all keep him in our prayers he'll change. ERIC At this point his only hope IS Christian (under his breath) These are the results! FADE OUT: INT. NEWS ROOM - MONDAY MORNING Lots of flowers on Leslie's desk. Everyone is moving slowly. Bill rushes into the news room and stops in front of Eric's desk. BILL (hurried) Eric, I need you to go out to the 18th Street docks at the Marina. Evidently they've caught up with the rest of that bunch from South America. I want you to take the crew and get as much detail as you can. I'll have Les - I mean Noel meet you there for the wrap up! 60. ERIC (nervous) Uh - sure. I'm on my way. Eric trembles as he checks the tape in his recorder and places it into his briefcase. He gathers up his laptop, grabs his briefcase and heads for the door. INT. ERIC'S CAR - MORNING He has a flashback of the scene on Escoby's lawn. Then another flashback of him listening to his answering machine with the Brazilian Man's invitation to the party. ERIC (sweating) I hope no one recognizes me! CUT TO: EXT. 18TH STREET DOCKS AT THE MARINA - MORNING SHOT ON sign which reads: 18TH STREET DOCK/MARINA EL REY/SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. Reporters and police are gathered near the scene of the seized yacht. DEA Agents are moving around the yacht. Police are placing a yellow caution tape around the scene. DEA Agents are escorting two smugglers off of the yacht. Police Dogs are running around. Eric's car pulls up in the parking lot followed by the news van. They all exit their cars and hurry toward the scene. Eric spots a DOCK WORKER and rushes over to him. ERIC (tape recorder in hand) Excuse me sir. Were you here when the action started? DOCK WORKER Yeah I was. It took us all by surprise! Those bastards are blocking the dock and I gotta get that cargo off that ship at bay! I wish they'd hurry up. Hey - I gotta direct some traffic here. What do you need? 61. ERIC Has anything like this ever happened down here before? DOCK WORKER (shrugs his shoulders) I don't know. Probably so. I've only worked at these docks for two years. Hey - I gotta go. (walks off and yells at another Dock Worker) GET THOSE CRANES OUTTA THERE. I NEED TWO MOBILE OPERATORS IN FRONT! Eric runs up to the crowd of reporters. The Crime Scene Investigator is giving an interview to all the reporters. Eric gets as up close and personal as he can and sticks his tape recorder up toward the Crime Scene Investigator. This is the same investigator who was at the scene of the car accident. CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR ....yes we are in the process of apprehending the rest of the smugglers. A REPORTER Sir - can you tell us what type of drugs were discovered and how much? CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR Well so far - we've confiscated - unofficially - one and a half tons of pure cocaine. Excuse me folks. I have some work to do. (he walks over to where a DEA Agent is escorting a smuggler down the ramp, to himself) This is humoungous! Eric notices the handcuffed man being escorted down the ramp. It is the Man with the Brazilian accent who left the invitation for Eric on the answering machine and who also introduced him to the Beautiful Young Woman at Escoby's birthday party. Eric's eyes enlarge while staring at the Brazilian Man. With his mouth wide open - Eric freezes. The Brazilian Man looks up and notices Eric in the crowd. Eric turns his back to him. 62. MAN WITH BRAZILIAN ACCENT (shouting, struggling) I SAW JU ERIC! HELP ME! JU BASTARD! JU STINKIN' TRADER! JU WILL PAY MY FRIEND! JU WILL PAY! The DEA Agents subdue the Brazilian Man and continue to escort him down the ramp into the police van. Eric acts as if he didn't know who the Brazilian Man was referring to. Everyone in the crowd is asking who's Eric? Who's Eric? Eric turns around and asks "Who's Eric?" Eric seemingly blows it off and proceeds to question a POLICE OFFICER guarding the yacht. SHOT ON Eric's news team's camera crew. The crew is standing at a distance taping the commotion with a microphone attached to the end of the camera. Eric motions the crew to come over and tape his interview with the Police Officer. ERIC (to Police Officer) ....and there is ANOTHER yacht in pursuit right off the coast? POLICE OFFICER Yes sir. The Police Officer's WALKIE TALKIE makes a BUZZING sound. He takes the walkie talkie out of its holster and pushes a button. WALKIE TALKIE BUZZ - We've just seized the other yacht. Agents are on board. There appears to be an abandonment overboard. One of our agents has dived in after him and there is much confusion. We will need reinforcements - standby. BUZZ. POLICE OFFICER BUZZ - 10-4 - BUZZ. ERIC Sir - do you think.... The Police Officer fans Eric and his crew away with his hand while holding the walkie talkie up to his mouth. 63. ERIC (continuing; turns to camera) As you can see, we have a situation. Apparently, there has been an invasion of DEA Agents on board ANOTHER yacht just off the coast. (looks around) We will attempt to gather as much information as we can.... (spots another Agent) Let's see what we can find out over here! The DEA Agent notices Eric and his crew walking toward him. He fans them away while speaking on his walkie talkie. The crew continues to film the Agent, then Eric. ERIC (continuing; to camera) Well folks - we're doing all we can to keep you abreast of this intense and very exciting drama as it unfolds. The crew gets a shot of all of the action on the docks. CROSS CUT TO: INT. NEWS ROOM - BILL'S OFFICE - MORNING Bill is watching the story on his television. Paul runs into Bill's office. PAUL Did you see him talking to Eric? Bill shushes Paul. They both continue to watch the television. BILL (staring at the television, under his breath) I knew he used to be involved with drugs but I had no idea to what extent. 64. PAUL (scandalously, tapping a pencil on the inside of his hand) Should I run the check or did you want to handle it? BILL (clearly frustrated, looks up from the television) What? PAUL Should I run the background che.... BILL (shouts) GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! Paul runs out of the office. Bill continues to watch the television. Nodding his head from side to side. Looks extremely concerned for Eric. SHOT ON television. The camera crew is panning the bay action. CROSS CUT TO: EXT. 18TH STREET DOCKS - MORNING Eric and crew are standing at a distance taping the bay action. Eric has another flashback of the party in Rio. ERIC (looking for Christian in the crowds) Christian! Suddenly the Brazilian Man jumps out of the police van with a semi-automatic gun. He fires the gun towards a DEA Agent who is blown backwards - dead. The Brazilian Man then turns around and shoots up several other Agents and the police van. The van blows up. A Police Officer takes aim on the Brazilian Man, shoots and kills him. SHOT ON Brazilian Man being blown backwards into the flaming van. Everyone has hit the dock deck for cover. Eric's crew is still taping. 65. Eric looks around frantically for Christian. DEA Agents run over and spray the Brazilian Man's body with dousing solution. Dock workers are positioning a large water hose toward the van. MAN ON WATER HOSE TRUCK I'm ready! DOCK WORKER Let her rip! Huge streams of water are sprayed at the van. All DEA agents and police officers have their weapons drawn. SHOT ON DEA Agents still dragging bundles of cocaine out of the yacht. A DEA Agent pierces and rips one of the bundles. Cocaine spills out onto the dock. SHOT ON Police Dog. The Dog sniffs the cocaine and tries to blow it out of his nose. He shakes his head and sniffs up more cocaine as he tries to rid his nostrils of the drug. He then starts running around in circles and then starts to chase his tail while barking at it. CROSS CUT TO: INT. YACHT CABIN - MORNING There is about a pound of cocaine and gold razor blades on a mirror sitting on a table. SHOT ON photograph of Escoby, Eric and the Brazilian Man hanging on the wall of the cabin. In the photograph, Escoby is in the middle with his arm around Eric on one side of him and his other arm around the Brazilian Man on the other side of him. A smuggler is lying dead on the floor all bloodied with his head resting in a pile of cocaine. Next to his body lies the body of the Beautiful Young Woman who pleasured Eric at the party in Rio - white powder all over her. DEA AGENT (on walkie talkie) BUZZ We need to get these bodies out of here pronto! (more) 66. DEA AGENT (CONT'D) (notices the photograph of the trio on the wall) Yeah. I've got a photograph of Escoby Feliz, one of the captives and.... (moves in closer to the photograph) another guy. Yep! We've got 'em nailed to the wall! BUZZ. WALKIE TALKIE BUZZ 10-4. We copy. Good work. Stand-by. BUZZ. CUT TO: EXT. DOCK - MORNING Two DEA Agents are conversing. DEA AGENT #1 I need to get in there and recover that photograph so I can run the check on the third unknown individual. DEA AGENT #2 I'll go set up in mobile unit three. Meet you there. A crowd of reporters have assembled in front of a DEA Agent giving an interview. Eric is in the back of the crowd with his tape recorder raised toward the speaker. He is trying to hold his head down so as not to be noticed. Occasionally he lifts his head and looks around to see if Christian has shown up yet. DEA Agent #2 heads toward the mobile unit three. INT. MOBILE UNIT THREE - MORNING DEA Agent #1 takes the photograph out of the frame and scans it. Scan screen reads: *ERIC VOUGINI 1229 CAMINO REAL DRIVE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94321 *ITALIAN DESCENT *D.O.B.= 07\17\65 *BORN AT SAN FRANCISCO'S ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL *NEVER MARRIED *GRADUATED U.C. 67. BERKELEY 1987 *MAJOR=JOURNALISM *GPA=3.5 *OCCUPATION=NEWS REPORTER CURRENTLY @ WFTH NEWS EIGHT YEARS *INCOME=SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND ANNUALLY *BI-SEXUAL *FREQUENTS "THE SPOT" *RECENTLY PURCHASED LEXUS 4000 PAID CASH *SMOKER=MARLBORO LIGHTS. DEA AGENT #1 A fag. DEA AGENT #2 Hey - whatever floats your boat! (on mobile remote) Captain we've got a positive I.D. on a one Eric Vougini. Our man confiscated a photo of Vougini, Escoby Feliz and the attempted escapee from the yacht. Vougini is a local with WFTH news. Awaiting instruction. CAPTAIN HARRIS (on speaker) I copy. See if he's at the docks. If not - get over to the news station. Wherever he is just hold him and get in contact with me. Out. DEA AGENT #2 10-4. DEA Agent #2 opens a drawer marked: EVIDENCE SUPPLIES and pulls out a legal size envelope. He places it on the desk and writes the words "PHOTOGRAPH - YACHT SEIZURE". He then places the photograph back into the frame and puts it into the envelope. CUT TO: EXT. DOCK - MORNING DEA Agents #1 and #2 search frantically for Eric amongst the crowd of reporters. DEA Agent #1 spots him. He speaks into his walkie talkie and then places it back into its holster. He then makes his way through the crowd. When he reaches Eric he kindly asks Eric to join him away from the crowd. DEA Agent #2 is awaiting the two. When Eric and DEA Agent #1 reach the awaiting Agent, they handcuff him and escort him to an awaiting DEA vehicle. 68. DEA AGENT #2 (on walkie talkie) BUZZ - Captain we've apprehended Vougini. We are in the process of escorting him to the transport vehicle - BUZZ. CAPTAIN HARRIS BUZZ - Bring him in! - BUZZ. DEA AGENT #2 BUZZ - We're on our way - BUZZ. CAPTAIN HARRIS Out! - BUZZ. Eric is assisted into the transport vehicle. DISSOLVE TO: INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - MORNING CAPTAIN HARRIS (whispers to DETECTIVE) We don't have enough to hold him. DETECTIVE (whispering) There's gotta be something we can hold him on! What about the picture? CAPTAIN HARRIS (whispers) That's not enough. Plus, he's a respected citizen in the community. He's a public figure. (he pauses) All we can do is let him go.... (he pauses) for now. (to Eric) Is there anything else you'd like to add to your statement? (hoping Eric might say something to incriminate himself) Humm? ERIC Uh - no sir. 69. CAPTAIN HARRIS (looks over at the Detective and then at Eric) Well if you happen to think of anything - let us know - will ya?! ERIC Yes sir, yes sir! CAPTAIN HARRIS (whispers to Eric) Get outta here! The Detective gives Eric a dirty look as Eric exits the room. Eric notices the look on the Detective's face and smiles most pleasantly at him. He continues to walk toward the desk to be processed out. While he is standing at the desk with a smile on his face, he looks around the room for Christian. The Desk Sargent BUZZES the gate so Eric can be escorted out of the jail. Eric sticks his wallet and keys back into his pocket and exits the jail. MOVING SHOT of Eric as he walks through the jail and glances into a few jail cells as he makes his way toward the exit. ERICS P.O.V. He passes several cells and suddenly he notices Christian sitting and talking with one of the inmates! He tries to walk back to the cell but the guard escorting him won't let him walk back. ERIC I just want to see if I know that guy! GUARD I don't think so buddy. Keep movin'. Eric continues to walk toward the exit with a happy, excited look on his face. Suddenly he has a look of concern. DISSOLVE TO: INT. NEWS ROOM - EARLY AFTERNOON As Eric takes a seat at his desk, he notices the E-mail flashing on his computer screen. The screen reads: ERIC I NEED TO SPEAK TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BILL. 70. Eric walks over to Bill's office and enters. INT. BILL'S OFFICE - EARLY AFTERNOON Bill is tapping a pen on the desk. BILL Sit down Eric. Eric takes a seat. ERIC (relaxed but curious) Bill - how'd they do on the final copy of the dock story? Did it meet your approval? BILL Yes Eric. It was fine. (he pauses) I'm more concerned with your involvement with that Escoby Feliz bunch. (face shows concern) What happened Eric? Were you arrested? ERIC Yeah. They took me down to the precinct and questioned me. They couldn't keep me because they didn't have anything on me. (he pauses) Bill - I'm not associated with that bunch any more. It's been quite a while now. I have no ties with any of them. Yes I did know Escoby but my involvement ended some time ago. There is absolutely no connection whatsoever! (he pauses) Honestly Bill. It's over. It's been over! BILL (doubtful) Yeah Eric. But is there any way they can come back and say you had an involvement with them? I mean - it was so obvious from the tape. I was shocked! 71. ERIC No. The only thing they have on me is a photograph taken about a year ago. I'm standing with Escoby. They found it on the yacht. The picture proves nothing. Absolutely nothing. I can understand why they wanted to question me though. I mean - there I am - in this picture with one of the biggest drug lords in South America. Actually, I'm not as upset as I normally would be. I've completely given up that life-style. I'm more at peace with myself. (he pauses) I guess about the only thing that picture proves is the fact that I took a picture with a drug lord. It's over though - completely over. BILL (relieved) Well Eric - let's hope so. (lowers his voice) You know I could have your ass for this? ERIC Yes sir. BILL Why don't we just hope it all blows over and go from there. (he pauses for a long moment) Eric - if you ever need anything - I mean - some legal advice or rehab referrals - anything - just ask. O.k?! ERIC Thanks Bill. I appreciate your patience with me. (he pauses) Hey - you know I've got season tickets to the 49ners! How about next Sunday? BILL (smiling) Tell you what - next time the San Diego Chargers are in town - I'm your man! 72. ERIC (arising from his seat) You got it! BILL (looking at his computer screen) Hold on a minute. (he continues to read the screen) I need you to do the followup on a story Leslie started a few weeks back. (he continues to read the screen) The Governor is holding a news conference this afternoon at the Department of Welfare. (still reading the screen) There's rumor of IMMEDIATE unprecedented cut backs for recipients AND layoffs within the department. The conference starts at 4:00 so you know I need you there at least fourty five minutes ahead of time - well you know all that. (turns to Eric) I had Paul clear Leslie's desk. The welfare file is in the To Do room in a box marked Leslie. I haven't had a chance to go through it quite yet. (he pauses) Would you mind? I can't bring myself to.... ERIC (empathetic) Say no more. I totally understand. Should I take the crew or just report back in hard copy? BILL (staring into space) Huh? Yeah - just report back in hard copy. This is an on-going story so Leslie kept a running file for a report she was going to produce herself. We'll air today's events at six. The conference probably won't last any longer than an hour so you've got plenty of time. 73. ERIC I'm on it! CUT TO: INT. TO DO ROOM - AFTERNOON Eric's hand ENTERS FRAME as he reaches into the box marked: LESLIE. He slowly picks up a file and looks at it. He reads the file heading and then places the file on the table. He picks up another file, reads the heading and places it on the table. The next item he picks up is an envelope marked: ERIC. He looks curious, looks behind himself and then around the room. He opens the envelope. The contents is a Hallmark card. On the cover is a female reporter bending down holding a microphone up to the mouth of a cute little puppy with little red hearts floating all around its head. It's wagging its tail. There is also a news camera man holding a camera on them. At the top of the card it reads: WHY ARE YOU SO CUTE? Eric opens the card. In Leslie's handwriting the card reads: ERIC - I DON'T KNOW WHEN I'LL GIVE YOU THIS CARD - BUT I WILL - SOMEDAY. I LOVE YOU. LESLIE. Tears well up in his eyes. He has an extremely sad look on his face. He places the card back into the envelope and sticks the envelope into his jacket pocket. ERIC Why God? Why? Why do you take good people away? (he pauses) Damn! (takes a deep breath and wipes his tears away) I gotta get outta here. He continues to dig in the box until he comes to the file headed: WELFARE REFORM PROJECT. He continues to dig through the box to make sure he hasn't overlooked any of Leslie's notes on the project. He then places the other files back into the box. CUT TO: INT. NEWS ROOM - ERIC'S DESK - AFTERNOON Eric sits at his desk and reviews the contents of the file. He looks at his watch. 74. As he continues to go through the notes in the file, he takes several notes on his own note pad, stops and looks over at Leslie's desk full of flowers. He takes the Hallmark card out of his jacket pocket and reads it again. He then turns his chair around so no one will see him reading the card. He reads it twice, places it back in the envelope and sticks it into his briefcase. Tears start to well up in his eyes again so he wipes them with both his fists, leans his head back on the chair and stretches out his arms. He then rubs his hands together and wipes the tears on his pants. Finally, he shakes it off and gets back to his notes. FADE TO: INT. WFTH NEWS CAFETERIA - AFTERNOON Eric takes a steaming cinnamon roll from the microwave and places it on the tray with his large container of milk, his glass of ice cubes and a straw. He then takes a seat at a table next to where Paul is sitting. PAUL (cheerfully) Hey dude! Bill got you doin' that welfare story of Leslies? ERIC Yeah. She took some pretty good notes. 'Sa damn shame what they're trying to do to the people on welfare. PAUL (wiping his mouth with a paper napkin) Yeah. Poor suckers! (he pauses) You don't feel sorry for THEM do you? They're just a bunch of trailer trash and sorry niggers looking for a hand out! I feel absolutely no pain for the underclass. They get what they deserve! Hey - I heard they were also cuttin' the welfare department's staff. (he pauses) Damn! What's next?! 75. ERIC (pouring the milk onto the ice cubes) Well Leslie's angle focused more on the actual recipients. Did you know that the majority of welfare recipients are white people? PAUL You're kidding?! ERIC Nope. I could have sworn it was the other way around too! Les had done several interviews with white people here in San Francisco - I mean - top executives and professionals - and they all thought the same thing! When she brought up the fact that blacks or Egyptians invented and developed chemistry - she said they all freaked! (takes a bite of cinnamon roll) Yeah. The word chemistry came from the Egyptian word KMT - which is what the early Egyptians called Egypt! I mean - she's blowin' 'em away with all these facts and all they can do is sit there with their mouths hangin' open! PAUL Come on! I was under the impression that the Greeks and the Romans created all that stuff - chemistry and algebra and stuff. (he pauses) No way man - no way! ERIC It's true man! Black people in Egypt developed the first universities, medicines, perfumes! We as Americans aren't aware of these things because in school the only thing they focused on is what the Romans and the Greeks did. The Romans and the Greeks were brilliant but they took all the credit for what the Egyptians had done and claimed these inventions and discoveries for themselves! (more) 76. ERIC (CONT'D) I mean - this idea that blacks are stupid is just not true! It's bogus! Les pointed this out and they STILL didn't believe her! PAUL (sarcastically) So I guess it's our fault that blacks are on welfare?! ERIC Actually (he pauses and wipes cinnamon roll from his mouth with a napkin) it is! Come on now Paul. You gotta admit that white people had a lot to do with it - the way whites feel about blacks - the way blacks feel about blacks?! You KNOW white people did it on purpose man. Welfare is just another problem invented and developed by whites who don't seem to realize that they were wrong in the first place! NOW look at all the problems we're faced with. I think the whole thing sucks. PAUL (arising from his seat) I think YOU suck! You better get a grip! ERIC You have a nice day too Paul. With a pleasant look on his face, Eric drinks the last of his milk. DISSOLVE TO: INT. DEPARTMENT OF WELFARE - AFTERNOON SHOT ON sign in front of draped table cloth which reads: SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WELFARE. Reporters are mingling and news camera crews are setting up in the back of the room. Several people are taking their places at the conference table lined with microphones, pitchers of water and water glasses. Technicians are checking the microphones on the table. 77. Eric is doing an interview with a Congress Woman who is speaking into Eric's tape recorder. SHOT ON a teenage PUERTO RICAN GIRL sitting with her three small children. The Puerto Rican girl is very attractive but homely, nicely dressed, slender. Her children are ages two, three and four. The two year old gets out of his seat and starts to play with a three-year-old white boy who is sitting behind him. The three year old's Mom is sitting directly behind the Puerto Rican girl. The WHITE MOM taps the Puerto Rican girl on the shoulder and she turns around. They have a conversation about the kids. All smiles. The White Mom picks up the Puerto Rican two year old and puts him on her lap. He hugs her. All smiles. The White Mom puts him down and he continues to play with the other boy. Eric's laptop is sitting on his chair as he stands and interviews a Congress Man. The clock on the wall reads: 4:00 Everyone takes their seat. Eric picks up his laptop and sits it in his lap. He keeps his recorder on (red light blinking) and attaches it to his laptop. The room quiets down and the conference begins. The GOVERNOR is at the podium microphone. GOVERNOR (clears his throat) As you all know, we are here today to define the proposed terms of the new republican contract with america regarding Welfare Reform. We are also here to discuss the proposed state cut backs within the Department of Welfare. After each of our guests have made their comments, we will open the floor for questions from the public and the media. Present, we have a few members of Congress who would like to clarify exactly what federal guidelines are being proposed and how they are going to be implemented. In my personal opinion - I would think that the most urgent of these issues is the length of time the recipients are allowed to remain on AFDC. (more) 78. GOVERNOR (CONT'D) Two years is again - in my opinion - quite long enough for a welfare recipient to receive federal assistance. I would first like to ask the SENATOR FROM ARIZONA to define exactly where we are in terms of a time schedule. Senator. SENATOR FROM ARIZONA Well, I have made my position on the situation quite clear in recent debates. I AM an advocate of the "two years and your out" welfare transition program. What's beyond me is the fact that there are fourteen million plus american citizens currently on welfare and that number is no exaggeration. Our goal is to diminish this number as quickly and effectively as possible. Of course - our ultimate goal is to eradicate the entire system - but for now as opposed to turning the faucet completely off - we'd like to implement these programs NOW to assist those truly in need of AFDC. Governor. GOVERNOR Thank you Senator. SENATOR FROM OREGON - would you please comment on your state's proposal. I'm curious as to where you stand on the entitlement qualifications. SENATOR FROM OREGON Thank you Governor. Our thoughts are to structure the welfare package so as not to encourage poverty, under- education, drug and spousal abuse - to name a few. Regarding the entitlement proposition - you don't have to look very far to find numerous americans who meet all the qualifications required to obtain AFDC. Each new AND existing applicant should be assigned a personal representative to determine the needs of the family structure. (more) 79. SENATOR FROM OREGON (CONT'D) This means advisement on job training where applicable, child care where applicable drug rehabilitation where applicable and so on. I think the current system encourages the breakdown of the american family and that's what needs to be addressed. After all, this is america and I think we should take much more responsibility for our own citizens. Again, I think the entitlement qualifications should be enforced with - of course - the implementation of personal representatives for each new AND existing applicant. Governor. GOVERNOR Senator I assume your proposal is ready for submission? SENATOR FROM OREGON Yes sir. SHOT ON Eric gazing into space. He starts to fantasize about having a family with Sarah. The fantasy: EXT. SAN FRANCISCO BAY - LATE AFTERNOON Eric and Sarah are walking along the bay with their new baby in a front pack attached to Eric. A VARIATION OF ANGLES on the trio as they stroll. FADE TO: INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON Eric is still staring into space. He closes his eyes, turns his head, opens his eyes and stares into space at another angle. The fantasy continues: EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - LITTLE LEAGUE - AFTERNOON Boys and coaches in uniform are warming up on the playing field. The air is filled with excitement. Eric straightens his ten-year-old son's baseball cap, pats him on the butt and sends him on his way to the outfield. Eric is very proud. 80. He makes his way up the bleachers and takes a seat next to Sarah and their five-year-old daughter who is extremely cute and sports big curly locks in her hair. Eric takes a seat and kisses Sarah. The game begins. Eric's daughter gets up into his lap. She gives him a big hug while eating a chocolate ice cream cone. Eric's son is at bat. The boy hits a home run. The crowd goes wild. Eric and Sarah jump to their feet and high-five each other. The crowd calms and everyone takes their seats. Eric notices that his hands feel sticky. He looks at the front of his shirt then at his hands. It's chocolate ice cream! He looks over at Sarah. Sarah has an "I'm sorry" look on her face. Eric has a "what is this?" look on his face. He looks at his daughter who has a "puppy dog" look on her face. Eric picks her up and puts her back in his lap, smiling. Sarah digs in her purse, pulls out a wet wipe and hands it to Eric. Eric wipes his daughter's face and his own hands then looks over at Sarah with a huge smile on his face. FADE TO: INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON Eric has a slight smile on his face as he opens and then closes his eyes again, sighs, opens his eyes and stares into space again. The fantasy continues: INT. DIMLY LIT RESTAURANT - NIGHT Eric and Sarah are having a candle light dinner. Eric in tuxedo; Sarah in formal gown. A waiter pours more wine for the two. Sarah gigles. Eric raises his wine glass and makes a toast. Sarah raises her glass and clinks it against Erics'. Eric sets his glass down and picks up a shrimp from the cocktail bowl and holds it up to Sarah's mouth. Sarah tries to take a bite of the shrimp. Eric pulls the shrimp away from her mouth and bites it himself. Sarah giggles and taps Eric on the hand with her fork. She then takes her own shrimp from the cocktail bowl and eats it herself. Eric reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a jewelry box, opens it and hands it to Sarah. Sarah's mouth falls open. It's a three and a half carat diamond necklace in the shape of a cross! 81. Eric walks over and hooks the necklace on Sarah's neck. He then bends down to kiss her on the cheek. As Eric takes his seat, Sarah takes a shrimp from the cocktail bowl and places it in front of Eric's mouth. Eric tries to take a bite. Sarah quickly pulls the shrimp away and bites it herself. Giggles. CUT TO: INT. BALL ROOM - NIGHT Eric and Sarah are dancing very close and slow as Sarah's new necklace glimmers from the soft lights. Music: TONIGHT I CELEBRATE MY LOVE FOR YOU. The song ends and the music changes to: U BLOW MY MIND. Eric and Sarah start boogeying down. While staring at Sarah, Eric starts to mouth the words to the song: GIRL YOUR LOVE IS WHAT I FEEL, YOU SEND MY MIND ON THE REEL TO REEL.... They continue to boogy. CUT TO: EXT. BALL ROOM VERANDA - NIGHT Eric and Sarah are kissing on the veranda. Soft music can be OVERHEARD in the distance. They start to slow dance. Eric twirls Sarah around the veranda. They tire and land on a bench. Sarah kisses Eric all over his face very softly. Eric reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out another jewelry case. He opens it up and hands it to Sarah. It's a pair of three and a half carat diamond earrings shaped like little crosses! PAN the beautiful night skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. DISSOLVE TO: INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON The clock on the wall reads: 4:25. Eric shakes off his fantasies. A female reporter stands and asks a question of the panel. 82. FEMALE REPORTER Sir, would you say that the perpetrators in the majority of these cases are the young men whose ages typically range from twenty to thirty? Or would you hold the young women accountable - after all - they are allowing this to happen to themselves?! SENATOR FROM ARIZONA Well - ma'am. I think the ultimate responsibility lies with the young ladies! They should know better than to give in to these young men - who are just normal red blooded american.... Eric rushes to change the cassette cartridge in his tape recorder. He sticks a new cartridge in and pushes the button. The red light blinks. Everyone in the vicinity of Eric looks at him because he made a lot of noise changing cartridges. He continues to sit there and starts to pay attention to the conference discussion. Suddenly the White Mom with the little boy jumps up. WHITE MOM (yelling, livid) My fault?! What about me?! All I get is three hundred and five dollars a month - and I'm pregnant again! They want to give me twenty five more dollars a month. What kind of shit is that? What am I supposed to do? Huh? What am I supposed to do? This system sucks and you say it's MY FAULT?! I can't get a job 'cause I don't have a car. I couldn't go any way 'cause I don't have a baby sitter - at least one I can trust! Everybody in my neighborhood is either doin' dope or hookin' or somethin'! I don't wanna be on welfare no more! (starts to cry) I'm scared. (shouts) Hey - I know what! I'll just get an abortion and then I'll be all right. That's what I'll do. (more) 83. WHITE MOM (CONT'D) And you can have this one too! I'm tired! I'm sick of this shit! As she stands there crying and trembling, the Puerto Rican girl grabs her and gives her a tight hug. As she is being consoled, the entire room starts to mumble and grumble. The children play with each other between the seats. GOVERNOR (tapping a gavel) Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and gentlemen! Come to order! (covers microphone with his hand and leans back to speak to the Security Guard) Escort this woman and her child into the council chambers. (motions his assistant to come to him) Set up a meeting with the woman for the appropriate counseling and have someone escort her home. Make sure she has enough food and diapers. You know what to do. (uncovers microphone) People - please come to order! (taps gavel) Order! Order I say! The crowd has now turned into an angry mob. Everyone is upset and yelling at the panel. Security Guards surround the panel at the table. SHOT ON Security Guards escorting the White Mom and her son into the council chambers. The little Puerto Rican boy is crying while reaching his arms out toward the little white boy who is also in tears. The crowd is in an uproar. Eric sits quietly in his seat with a calm, pleasant look on his face. He types on his laptop and pushes the fax button. The screen on the laptop reads: FAXING TO NEWS ROOM. Eric makes sure his tape recorder is still recording and gets quite comfortable in his seat. An ANGRY MAN makes his way to the front of the room and stands in front of the panel. 84. ANGRY MAN (shouting) So what are you going to do with that woman? Will you get her an abortion? You know SHE can't afford one! Will you LOAN her the money for one? Don't you see - by taking her benefits away, you take her only means of survival?! How would you like to raise a family on what she's getting? You merciless bastards! Security Guards subdue the Angry Man, handcuff him and lead him away. A woman slaps one of the Security Guards. The Security Guard forcibly pushes her down into a nearby seat. Several other people from the audience begin screaming at the Security Guard and the panel. ANGRY MAN (continuing; being led away) You bastards! You baby killers! She'll have to be a whore to survive! It's all your fault! Eric has already packed his laptop into his briefcase. He is now standing near the scene at the front of the room with his briefcase in one hand and his tape recorder raised in the air with the red light blinking. GOVERNOR (now standing) This conference is over! The Governor storms out of the room with his entourage as several reporters try to ask them questions. People start to exit the conference room through the double doors now open in the back of the room. Eric moves right along with the angry crowd toward the exit. CUT TO: EXT. DEPARTMENT OF WELFARE - AFTERNOON The crowd disburses. Eric stands at the bottom of the stairs looking around the scene for Christian. ERIC (to himself) Christian - where are you? 85. As Eric makes his way through the crowd toward his car, he turns his tape recorder off and sticks it into his briefcase. When he reaches his car, he spots the Puerto Rican girl with her three children standing on the bus stop. While taking his tape recorder back out of his briefcase, he walks up to the girl and turns the tape recorder on. ERIC (continuing) Excuse me ma'am. Didn't I see you inside the welfare conference? PUERTO RICAN GIRL Yes sir. ERIC I hope you don't mind me asking but, are you on welfare? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (holds her head down, ashamed) Yes sir. ERIC Listen - you don't have to be ashamed of that. It probably wasn't even your fault! PUERTO RICAN GIRL No sir. It wasn't my fault. ERIC (turns tape recorder off) What happened? I mean, did you lose you job or what? PUERTO RICAN GIRL You don't have to feel sorry for me. I'll be all right. ERIC I'm sure you will. The Puerto Rican girl takes out a little plastic baggy and pours all of the change from the baggy into her hand. She then tosses the baggy into the trash receptacle behind her, gathers her children and makes them all sit down on the bench beside her. Eric places the tape recorder into the briefcase and just stands there for a long moment with his head down. He then walks over and takes a seat next to the girl. 86. ERIC (continuing) You know - If God didn't want you to be a mother He wouldn't have blessed you with those children. Evidently you're doing a good job. PUERTO RICAN GIRL Well not for long. ERIC Why do you say that? PUERTO RICAN GIRL They're about to kick me off welfare. I have no money - no family - no good friends. I have no where to go. (she pauses) They'll be taking the kids next month anyway. ERIC Who will? PUERTO RICAN GIRL The welfare people! I hear that's what they do when you can't provide for 'em! ERIC Well - where's their father? PUERTO RICAN GIRL Well - one of 'em's dead and the other two are locked down. ERIC (silent for a long moment) Don't you have any other options? I mean - what about your parents? Oh - I forgot you said you didn't have any family. PUERTO RICAN GIRL I do but they kicked me out. ERIC Why? PUERTO RICAN GIRL I wanted to get married to my first baby's father but then he got killed. (more) 87. PUERTO RICAN GIRL (CONT'D) I had moved in with his family and then when he died - they made me leave. They couldn't help us either! (starts to cry) I don't know what I'm gonna do. ERIC (hands her his handkerchief) Don't cry. My friend will take care of you. (looks around for Christian) Do you believe that Jesus died for you? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (sniffling and wiping) Yes I do but I just don't understand how He could let something like this happen to me. I love Him so much. God knows how much I love Him! ERIC I can't explain it either but He really does care about you - and your kids. It's like he said. He didn't come here to bring peace. He said he was sent here to give us a sword to fight the ways of the world with. PUERTO RICAN GIRL I mean - what do I tell the kids when they need to go to the doctor or need some medicine? Tracy needs some asthma medicine right now and they won't give it to me 'cause my medicare ran out two weeks ago! I'm screwed! ERIC Man! PUERTO RICAN GIRL Last week we had to eat left over sugar and rice for five straight days! (she pauses) I know I should be grateful for what we DO have but it's hard. I mean - REALLY hard to act like everything is all right in front of the kids. All I do is cry. 88. ERIC Why don't you get some kind of job? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (slightly raises her voice) What can I do? I'm only seventeen! I don't know nobody! I wouldn't even know where to start! ERIC Well you better do something - anything! Well - you know what I mean. What are you interested in. What would you like to be? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (calming down) I don't know. (she pauses) I guess I've always wanted to be a lawyer. You know - like Johnny Cochran?! I think he's the bomb! ERIC (smiling) He IS the bomb! (he pauses) Tell you what. I know a lawyer over in the South Bay area. He just might have some work for you! He's pretty established though. You may need to get your G.E.D while you work for him. I assume you didn't have a chance to graduate? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (eyes wide open, very excited) No but I want to! Are you serious? Do you think I really have a chance?! I mean - I could work all day and go to school at night or I could go to school in the day time and work.... ERIC (interrupts her) Hey, hey, hey! Hold on now! Here's his phone number (writes number and gives it to her) His name is RUSSELL STOKES. Let me talk to him first. (more) 89. ERIC (CONT'D) I'll get in contact with you after I speak with him and hopefully it'll work out. What's your number? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (ashamed) I don't have a phone. But you can call me at the pay phone! It's right outside my front window! No problem! The number is 789-1011. Will you be able to talk to him today? ERIC (writes her number on his note pad) What's your name? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (joking) I don't have a name. I can't afford one! Just kidding - just kidding. My name is Lesly - Lesly Lovesya. I know - I know. Lovesya - Lesly Lovesya. Sounds crazy - huh? But that's all I got! ERIC (looks shocked) Lesly?! Lesly Lovesya?! (he pauses) I can't believe your name is Lesly! I had a friend named Leslie. (shakes it off) How do you spell it? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (spells out her name) L E S L Y and Lovesya - L O V E S Y A. SHOT ON Eric's note pad. PUERTO RICAN GIRL (continuing; spots her bus coming) I really hope this works! (stands with children) Thank you sir! ERIC Let me give you my number. (hands her a business card) I'll call you as soon as I can. 90. The bus pulls up and the door opens. PUERTO RICAN GIRL (sticks the card into the torn diaper bag) Hey - what's your name? ERIC Eric! I'll talk to you soon! O.k.?! PUERTO RICAN GIRL O.k.! Eric stands up and stares at the note pad with her name on it. EXTREME CLOSE UP on the Puerto Rican girl as she takes her seat and looks out of the bus window at Eric. PUERTO RICAN GIRL (continuing; mouths) Thank you Eric. Eric nods his head up and down, smiles and waves. The bus pulls off. He looks around for Christian but he doesn't see him. DISSOLVE TO: INT. NEWS ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON The news room is very busy. Eric is at his desk on the telephone. ERIC (receiver at his ear) Russell Stokes please. (he pauses) Hey Rus! What's shakin' guy?! RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Hey Eric! How's it hangin' man?! ERIC Oh man! A little of this and a little of that! You know how it is. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Hey man - I saw you on the news earlier! Did you know that guy? 91. ERIC Well - kinda - sorta. I may need some advise on that whole thing but right now I need you to do me a favor - that is if you can! RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Name it! ERIC I met this young welfare mother and she wants to be a lawyer so I told her you might have something for her to do - you know - running copies - filing or something. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) (jokingly) Well - is she a babe or what? ERIC (raises his eyebrows) Actually man - she is! But seriously. She's a seventeen-year- old Puerto Rican girl with three kids. The Welfare Department is about to take her kids if she doesn't get a job and she wants to be an attorney - like you! She needs to get her G.E.D though and she's willing to work day and night - so long as she gets her G.E.D. and makes some money. (he pauses) What do you say? Got anything? RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Eric - anything for you buddy. And you know - just today I came across a memo about paid internships for aspiring attorneys! Sounds like she's totally qualified! I think she'll have to take some classes at the university though. ERIC (smiling, totally relieved) Hey man - I'm sure she won't have a problem with that. You're a lifesaver man! (he pauses) Listen - her name is Lesly Lovesya and.... 92. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) LESLIE LOVES YA?! Hey man - isn't that babe in your office named Leslie? You know - nice ass - total fox? ERIC Yeah man. She died last week. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) OUCH. I'm really sorry about that. What happened? ERIC Car accident. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) OOOH - I think I heard about that. Damn - I'm sorry. ERIC Yeah. She was one of the good ones! (he pauses) But anyway man - I really appreciate you taking on this girl. She really is a sweetheart. I'll have her get in touch with you either this evening or sometime tomorrow - how's that. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Anytime. Actually - she'll want to contact me as soon as possible. I don't know how fast these internship positions will go. ERIC Not a problem. I'll make sure she calls you tonight! How late ya workin'? RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) I'll be here til about eight. ERIC All right. I'll have her call right away. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Do that. ERIC Hey Rus. I've got two tickets to the 49ners for Sunday. They're yours man! 93. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Aren't you going? ERIC Naaw. I've got a date with an angel! (under his breath) I hope. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Well cool man - cool. I'll send my messenger over to pick 'em up. ERIC All right. They'll be at the front desk and I'll have Lesly give you a call this evening. RUSSELL STOKES (V.O.) Good. Take it easy man! ERIC O.k. and thanks again man. Eric keeps the telephone receiver up to his ear as he clicks the dial tone button. He pulls out the note pad with Lesly Lovesya number on it and dials. ERIC (continuing; excited) Lesly! Eric from the bus stop! PUERTO RICAN GIRL (V.O.) Hey Eric! Did you talk to him? ERIC Sure did! He needs to meet with you as soon as possible! You still have the number I gave you? PUERTO RICAN GIRL (V.O.) Sure do! Can I call him now? ERIC Sure can! Listen - he's waiting to hear from you so - good luck and let me know how it turns out! O.k.?! PUERTO RICAN GIRL (V.O.) O.k. Eric. Thank you so much! (she pauses) I'll talk to you real soon! ERIC O.k. Lesly. B'bye now. 94. Keeping the telephone receiver at his ear, he clicks the dial tone button, digs his calendar book out of his briefcase and locates Sarah's telephone number. ERIC (continuing; nervous and excited) Sarah? This is Eric! SARAH (V.O.) Eric! Hello! How are you? ERIC I'm doing fine. How are you? SARAH (V.O.) Oh just fine. I'm glad you called me! You will be joining us at the single's retreat won't you? ERIC Yes I will. So you ARE going? SARAH (V.O.) I would't miss it! ERIC Well, then neither would I! Um.... should I bring anything or.... SARAH (V.O.) Just a change of clothes. ERIC Not a problem. So.... should I pick you up? Or.... SARAH (V.O.) Oh no. I'll be taking my car. Now - you'll be needing directions. Can you hold on a minute while I grab my notes? ERIC Sure. SARAH (V.O.) (returning to the telephone) Oh Eric - I'm so happy to hear from you! (flirtingly) I really enjoyed you the other night! 95. ERIC Sarah you really made me feel good for the first time in a long time. I too had a wonderful evening! You really know how to throw a bible study! SARAH (V.O.) Yeah - well - that's just one of my many talents! ERIC (excited) Oh yeah! SARAH (V.O.) Well - I do make a mean cinnamon roll! ERIC (surprised) Cinnamon rolls! You make cinnamon rolls?! My mother makes cinnamon rolls! I love cinnamon rolls! You're a woman after my own heart! SARAH (V.O.) Well Eric - I'll just have to make you some cinnamon rolls! How's that? ERIC (kidding) Will you marry me? SARAH (V.O.) (giggling) Um - well - I don't know. (semi-serious) Actually - we'll see! Hey - how about those directions?! ERIC What directions? SARAH (V.O.) The directions to the retreat - silly! ERIC Oh O.k. - those directions! O.k. I'm ready. SHOT ON Eric's calendar book where he's been doodling hearts around the date of the retreat. 96. SARAH (V.O.) O.k. you take the 101 to the 30. You'll want to exit on Van der Veer and go left at the.... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. BEAUTIFUL LAKESIDE RESORT RETREAT - LATE SATURDAY MORNING The hillsides and surrounding areas are filled with natural beauty. Hot air balloons fill the sky and recreation boats are scattered in the lake. The resort building is quaint and rustic looking. Beautifully landscaped. CUT TO: INT. RESORT BUILDING - LATE SATURDAY MORNING Retreaters are gathered in the lounge listening to the STUDY LEADER. STUDY LEADER ....we will be meeting at the lake side picnic area for the evening study at 6:00. In the meantime - enjoy yourselves! Isn't this a pretty place?! (he pauses) You'll find brunch awaiting you on the back terrace - so go! Have a good time! The crowd disburses. Eric and Sarah make their way out to the back terrace. They move along a buffet table with other retreaters and fill their plates with goodies. Eric spots a bench under a tree in the distance. He motions Sarah to walk over to the bench with him. As they walk over to the bench, Sarah is talking but Eric is not paying attention to what she is saying. He allows Sarah to walk three steps ahead of him. He glances at Sarah's butt. CLOSE SHOT on Sarah's butt. Eric takes a bite of his strawberry and chews slowly as if the strawberry is Sarah's butt. He continues to stare at her entire physique. When they reach the bench, conversation is flowing. A VARIATION OF ANGLES of the two conversing and snacking. 97. They finish eating and dump their empty plates into the trash receptacle attached to the tree. They decide to go for a walk along the lake. As they are enjoying each others company, they stop to investigate a tide pool of frogs. Eric points and explains life in the tide pool to Sarah. A huge frog jumps up and lands right in front of Sarah. Sarah screams and runs away from the frog - giggling. Eric runs up to her and kids her about the frog. They continue to stroll. Eric gets in front of Sarah and starts walking backwards - facing Sarah. They laugh and talk and continue to stroll. Sarah gives Eric a love tap on his arm because he said something to make her blush. DISSOLVE TO: As the two lie back on the grass underneath a big beautiful tree, Sarah smells a wild rose that Eric picked and gave to her. Eric lies on his stomach trying to braid grass blades. He attempts to kiss Sarah. Sarah quickly sits up to scratch her ankle (robbing him of his kiss). Eric turns around and sits up with her and then she gives him a small sexy kiss on the lips. FADE TO: EXT. LAKE SIDE PICNIC AREA - EARLY EVENING The retreaters are all gathered and in discussion. Eric, Sarah, Studyer #1 (MALE) and Studyer #2 (FEMALE) are all sitting along side each other. STUDY LEADER ....beware of becoming a perfectionist - thinking that you must be perfect to please God. Galations 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm - then - and do not let yourselves be burdened again". Also over in Galations 1:7 it says "Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the Good News of Christ". (to Studyer #1) Does that answer your question? 98. STUDYER #1 (MALE) Yes but it seems no matter how hard I try I always seem to FAIL to stay in the right spirit! I try to do what's right and the next minute something will come up and throw me right out of God's will again! STUDY LEADER (frustrated) Well LISTEN and you will hear what I'm trying to tell you! Now - in Galations 3:1 and 3 it reads: "You foolish Galations! Who has bewitched you? After beginning with the spirit - are you NOW trying to attain perfection by human effort?" Also I know that in 2 Corinthians 12:9 God says: "My grace is sufficient for you - for my power is made perfect in weakness". STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) In Galations it also says that.... (finds the scripture) Galations 4:8 and 9 it says: "Now that you know God - how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved all over again?" GROUP (all at once) I don't think so. Nope. No way. It's hard though. No. Not hardly! STUDY LEADER Christian living is based on Grace - not guilt and God's love is sufficient! STUDYER #2 (FEMALE) I found that comparing myself to others - just because it seems like they have a better life - is not what God wants. God wants you to be yourself. I read that in Galations 6:4 that - it went something like each one should test his OWN actions. Then he can take pride in himself without comparing himself to someone else! 99. ANOTHER RETREATER (stands and reads) Romans 12:2 and 3.... "Quit being fashioned after this system of things but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For through the undeserved kindness given to me I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has distributed to him a measure of faith". Paul really knew what he was talking about. The conversation continues. Eric looks over at Sarah with a look of love on his face. Sarah looks over at Eric and blushes. Then they both begin to pay closer attention to the discussion. FADE TO: EXT. FRONT OF RESORT - LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON The retreaters are disbursing on the front lawn of the resort. People are putting luggage in cars and driving off. Some are saying good-bye and hugging each other. Some are exchanging telephone numbers - mingling. Eric and Sarah are standing in a group with the Studyers from her house. Overhead is an airplane doing skywriting. Everyone looks up to see what's being written. Eric is all smiles as he looks up into the sky. Sarah is talking to Studyer #2 (FEMALE) while they both look up into the sky. ANGLE ON skywriting which reads: SARAH WILL YOU. Everyone standing around Sarah looks at her with surprised faces. Sarah is equally surprised. Eric looks extremely curious. ANGLE ON skywriting which now reads: SARAH WILL YOU MARRY ME? DONALD Studyer #2 (FEMALE) is jumping up and down and hugging Sarah. 100. STUDYER #1 (MALE) Well Sarah! I didn't know it was so serious! SARAH I had no idea! Oh my goodness! I can't believe he did that! Oh my God! ERIC (mad, serious, highly disturbed) Sarah?! Sarah totally ignores Eric. She continues to jubilate with Studyer #2 (FEMALE) and two other women who joined the excitement focused on Sarah. ERIC (continuing) Sarah?! Sarah turns around, looks at Eric, rolls her eyes at him and then turns right back around and continues to jubilate. She then walks off toward her car with Studyer #2 (FEMALE). Sarah and Studyer #2 (FEMALE) place their luggage into the trunk of her car, get in and drive off while waving to disbursing retreaters. Still jubilating. Studyer #1 (MALE) has a look of disappointment on his face for Eric. He pats Eric on the back and then heads toward the parking lot. Eric is left standing alone on the lawn with his head hung and his mouth wide open. He then heads toward his car - very sad. FADE OUT: INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT - SUNDAY NIGHT Eric enters the apartment and has a hard time getting his key out of the door. He pulls the key out and slams the door. He throws his keys on the kitchen table cracking the glass table top. He throws his suitcase into the bedroom and stops in his tracks in the middle of the front room. ERIC DAMN! He takes a seat on the couch, grabs a pillow, punches it and throws the pillow across the room. 101. He then gets up and walks over to the answering machine, pushes the play button and stands there with his lips poked out and his hands on his hips. MOTHER (on machine) Hello son. I just wanted to say hello and remind you to pray for your brother. Rebecca called and told me he beat her up again. She says he's getting worse and worse. Please honey - say a prayer for him. Eric - you're such a good boy. Call me soon. Love you. Eric just stands there with the same mad look on his face and his hands on his hips. The next message on the machine is from Bill. BILL Eric I need you in here tonight! You'll be taking the station's jet to Salt Lake City, Utah. Mass suicide of Clan members. I tried to page you. Call me as soon as you get this message! SHOT ON Eric's pager sitting next to the answering machine. Eric slams his fist on the counter top. ERIC FUCK! He paces back and forth with his hands on his hips and his lips poked out. He stops in front of the telephone, snatches it off the hook and calls Bill. ERIC (continuing; trying to be calm) Yeah Bill - what 'cha got? (still pacing) Huum? Bill gives Eric the details. 102. ERIC (continuing) O.k. - yeah - sure. (checks his watch) Give me at least half an hour. (slams the receiver down) DAMN! CUT TO: INT. STATION JET - NIGHT Eric, still highly upset about how Sarah treated him, pours himself a double vodka with very little tonic. He swigs the drink and checks his watch. He rubs his face with his hand and pushes his hair back. Takes another swig. ERIC DAMN! How could she?! He continues to swig the drink. He opens his briefcase and adjusts his hand-held movie camera. Fixes himself another drink. ERIC (continuing) God damn it! I was so stupid! How could I have trusted her. (he pauses) And Christian! What a joke. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. RANCH - SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - NIGHT News Reporters, ambulances, Police, DEA Agents, Poison Control Officials and ATF Agents are swarming the scene. A MEDIA REPORTER is reporting the story on camera. MEDIA REPORTER This appears to be yet another mass suicide of epic proportions. Confirmed reports from the Salt Lake City Investigator's office reveal that the dead are members of the Racist Nation Clan. As you can see.... (more) 103. MEDIA REPORTER (CONT'D) (turns toward the scene then back around to the camera) ....they are still bringing bodies from the house to the mourge vans. The number of fatalities is still unknown. We will keep you posted as this harrowing story unfolds.... Eric shoots the scene with his hand-held movie camera. ERIC'S CAMERA'S P.O.V. As Eric is panning the action he gets a shot of Clyde doing a tape recorded interview. Eric lowers the camera from his face and peers through the crowd in the direction of Clyde. CLOSE SHOT ON Clyde. Eric has a look of surprise on his face. He shakes his head as if to be disgusted, turns and walks away to do an interview with a by-stander. He bends down and takes his tape recorder out of his briefcase and attaches it to the tip of his hand-held movie camera. He then walks over to an ATF Agent who is standing outside of his patrol unit. The ATF Agent is suddenly called away. Eric looks around for someone else to interview. Clyde walks up behind Eric and taps him on the shoulder. CLYDE Tough story, huh?! ERIC (turns around) Clyde. Hey. CLYDE True bummer - man - true bummer. (he pauses) You look like hell. What's wrong? ERIC Got a lot on my mind. CLYDE (looks concerned) I miss you! Is there anything I can do? 104. ERIC Nope. No thanks. Hey I gotta go man. Gotta get this story. CLYDE O.k.... (he pauses) well.... (he pauses) I'll be in room #87. You are staying at the hotel with the rest of the media aren't you? ERIC Yeah I'm there but I don't think so man. (he pauses) See ya. As Eric walks away, Clyde licks his lips and stares at Eric's butt. Clyde hunches his shoulders, turns and walks back toward the action. FADE TO: INT. ERIC'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT Eric takes off his shirt, grabs the remote, jumps on the bed, kicks back and starts channel surfing. SHOT ON television. Channel #1 shows 900# telephone sex advertisements. Channel #2 shows a couple having sex. Channel #3 shows the psychic hotline. Channel #4 shows Dr. Ruth talking about sex. Channel #5 shows three women kissing and fondling. Channel #6 shows a bra commercial. Channel #7 shows two men walking into a sauna with towels wrapped around their butts. Eric is disgusted so he clicks the remote off and sets it on the night stand. He tries to fall asleep but all he can do is toss and turn. He cannot get comfortable under the covers, on top of the covers, head at the bottom of the bed, feet up on the wall, with his pants off, with his pants on - no way can he get comfortable. Suddenly he grabs the remote and turns the television back on. As he channel surfs, he decides to leave the television on a channel where the couple is having sex. He lies on his back with his hands under his head on the pillow. He has a blank look on his face as he becomes interested in the show. 105. Eric becomes aroused. SHOT ON Eric's crouch area as it rises and starts to bulge. Eric's hand ENTERS FRAME and he begins to massage his penis. He then closes his eyes and starts to fantasize about Sarah. The fantasy: Eric is making love to Sarah in the bed at his apartment. Sarah is lying on her back. Eric closes his eyes. When he opens them, Sarah has turned into Clyde and Clyde is up on his knees and Eric is entering him from the back. The fantasy ends. Eric's eyes are opened as wide as they can get. He rubs his penis even harder. He then jumps up off the bed and puts on his shirt, pants and shoes. He quickly checks his hair in the mirror and exits the room. CUT TO: INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT Eric knocks on the door of room #87. CLYDE'S FRIEND answers the door. ERIC Is Clyde in? CLYDE'S FRIEND (wearing a towel around his body like a woman after a shower) You must be the guy Clydes been raving about all night! Well - welcome! Eric walks slowly through the room while eyeing Clyde's friend. CLYDE (O.S.) (sassy attitude) What took you so long? Eric enters the room where Clyde is reclining in the jacuzzi. ERIC (stands in front of Clyde with a hard on) I couldn't sleep. 106. CLYDE Well pour yourself some trouble and jump in! Clyde's friend climbs back into the jacuzzi. He gently grabs Clyde's face and kisses him on the cheek. Eric is at the wet bar fixing himself a double vodka - little tonic. He takes a huge gulp and sets the drink on the bar to undress. Clyde whispers in his friend's ear. His friend whispers back to him. Eric ENTERS FRAME - naked. As he steps into the jacuzzi. He kicks back with his drink in his hand. ERIC Just like old times! Clyde's friend looks under-eyed and smiles at Eric. He then slowly dives under the water toward Eric. Clyde has a sneaky grin on his face. Staring at Eric - he slowly stands up and wades over to him. SHOT ON Eric as his eyes widen while Clyde's friend starts to blow him under water. He then smiles and opens his mouth wide as Clyde approaches him. FADE OUT: INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT - A WEEK LATER - NIGHT The apartment is a mess. There are dishes stacked up in the kitchen sink, unopened mail on the kitchen table and floor and clothes lying on the floor and couch. Porn on the television and sex toys lying around the living room. CUT TO: INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT There is an opened jar of vaseline sitting next to a porn magazine on the night stand and the bed is unmade with clothes all over it. Eric walks out of the bathroom sniffing cocaine out of a new cocaine container. He is wearing only his pants, is unshaven and his hair is much longer that it was just a week ago. He sets the container of cocaine down on the dresser, picks up a cigarette and lights it. He then walks over to the bed, takes a seat and makes a telephone call. 107. ERIC (on telephone) You comin' over tonight? I've got some gooood stuff! (he pauses) Sure - bring her along. The more the merrier! (he pauses) O.k. Later. Eric butts his cigarette out on a dirty plate sitting on the floor. He then stands and starts to straighten up his bed. He tosses the clothes from the bed onto the closet floor. Eric has an evil - determined look on his face as he continues to straighten up his bed. FADE TO: INT. BILL'S OFFICE - MORNING The clock on the wall reads: 9:45. Bill is sitting at his desk doing paperwork. Eric enters Bill's office. ERIC (takes a seat without being asked) Yeah Bill?! (he wipes his face and pushes his hair back with his hand) You wanted to see me? (he runs his index finger up under his nose which is now red and worn, he sniffs and adjusts himself in the seat) Huum? Bill continues to do his paperwork for a long moment. BILL (filling out a report) Eric - I think you've been working a bit too hard here recently. (he pauses) I want you to take some time off. (he pauses) There IS an assignment that I need completed before you do that though. 108. ERIC You got it! What is it? BILL Well since you have the most prior experience with foreign affairs - namely the Middle East - I thought you might be perfect for this one. (looks up at Eric and pauses) What's wrong with your nose? EXTREME CLOSE UP on Eric's face. ERIC Oh. I've got a cold. BILL Yeah - you've been snifflin' all week. You'd better take care of that. (he pauses) So - here - here's the file (hands Eric the file) and you leave at 1:30. You should be there for about four days so you'll want to go on home and pack and don't forget to pick up your itenerary on the way out. ERIC (stands with the file) I'll be needin' a break after this! Tough country! I can really use the time off though. Thanks Bill. BILL I'm sure you CAN use it. ERIC Yeah. I do appreciate it. See you later. As Eric exits Bill's office, Bill nods his head from side to side. He has a look of concern on his face because he knows what Eric has been up to - again. Suddenly the telephone rings. BILL (quick) Yeah?! CAPTAIN HARRIS (V.O.) Bill Rawlins? 109. BILL Speaking. CAPTAIN HARRIS (V.O.) This is Captain Harris from the investigator's office. I just wanted to ask if you would keep an eye on Eric Vougini. We're going to be calling him in for more questioning within the next few days regarding the yacht seizure and we need him to be available. We would appreciate your cooperation. BILL Sure thing. (curious) Are you close to a conviction? CAPTAIN HARRIS (V.O.) I'm not at liberty to disclose that information. But again - we do appreciate your cooperation and we'll be in contact soon. Thank you Mr. Rawlins. As Bill hangs up the telephone, he hangs his head down and nods it from side to side. FADE OUT: EXT. MIDDLE EASTERN CITY - AFTER MIDNIGHT As Eric looks out of the window of the helicopter - he notices the state of the city. Buildings are bombed out, explosions in various locations, people are scattering. The helicopter lands in a safe area near the media camp. Eric exits the helicopter and runs up underneath the camouflage tent. He meets with a Media Coordinator for some written instructions. The Media Coordinator points him toward a jeep which is about to pull off. As they approach the city, Eric asks the driver to pull over so he can interview some local citizens. Eric exits the jeep with his tape recorder in hand and tries to yield a local man. The man is not interested in speaking with any reporters so he rushes past Eric. Eric then notices a group of children huddled up in the corner of a bombed-out building, a woman and her family running up the street carrying an injured child, SOUNDS of automatic weapons in the distance and several buildings still smoking. 110. He realizes that he can't possibly get an interview from any local citizens so he runs over and jumps back into the jeep which high-tails it out of there. CUT TO: INT. CAMOUFLAGE TENT - AFTER MIDNIGHT The media is everywhere. People are working on camera equipment, taking notes, mingling. Several cots are lined up in the back of the tent. Eric is having a discussion with a FRENCH REPORTER FRENCH REPORTER ....if the guy wasn't such an oil monger none of this would be happening! I mean - he sends his troops in here - without warning - and expects these people to just turn over their land on the spot! What a dick! ERIC I know what you mean. Sounds like another Desert Storm to me! It's like the entire world has gone to hell. (he pauses) Oh well - shit happens! Eric turns his back to the French Reporter and takes notes on his note pad. He picks up his briefcase, spots his suitcase, walks over and picks it up. He walks toward the back of the tent and stops in the middle of the room. He looks around and spots an empty cot in the very back of the tent. He makes his way over to the cot and takes a seat. He rubs his thighs and feels the container of cocaine in his pants pocket. He pulls out his laptop and starts typing while referring to his notes. DISSOLVE TO: Eric lies on the cot facing the wall under a blanket. Eric's hand slides into his pants pocket (under the blanket) and comes out with the container of cocaine. He hits the coke and places it back into his pocket. ERIC (to himself) This is hell. 111. He frowns and closes his eyes. FADE OUT: INT. TENT - NEXT MORNING The SOUNDS of a helicopter awaken Eric. Everyone in the tent is rushing to get a ride in the next available jeep. There is a news conference scheduled in 45 minutes. Eric sits up on the cot and looks around. He then rushes to the bathroom area. Once inside he says good morning to another member of the media who is zipping his pants up and heading toward the door. Eric eyes the other reporters butt as he exits the bathroom area. Eric urinates and then splashes cold water on his face and hair, hand combs his hair back, dries his face and straightens up his clothes. He then pulls out the container of cocaine, takes a humoungous hit and quickly returns the container to his pocket. He checks his nose in the mirror and heads for the door. CUT TO: EXT. TENT - MORNING Eric is standing in front of the tent waiting for the next available jeep. A jeep pulls up so Eric and the last two reporters jump in. They pull off. CUT TO: INT. CONFERENCE - MORNING The conference room has Middle Eastern features. There are several Middle Eastern leaders on the platform. The audience is full to capacity with media. Eric and the other two reporters enter the room at the last minute before the conference begins. Eric stands tippy toe to look through the crowd for a seat. He spots one and makes his way over to it. He takes the seat and pulls out his laptop and attaches the tape recorder to it. The conference begins. CONFERENCE LEADER Our time is very limited so we will begin with your questions for the panel. (more) 112. CONFERENCE LEADER (CONT'D) (acknowledges a question from the audience) Your question sir? Everyone in the room turns around to see who is asking the question. REPORTER Exactly how far along are you in your negotiations with the invading country and is there anything immediately being done to relieve the suffering of the local citizens? CONFERENCE LEADER We are currently in the process of discussing the impact of.... Eric zones out. He looks up at the ceiling and around the room. His eyes focus on the back of the head of the man sitting directly in front of him. He thinks he recognizes him so he squints his eyes and tries to remember. He blows it off and focuses on the discussion. Another Reporter stands to ask a question and everyone in the room turns around to see who is speaking. ANOTHER REPORTER Can you tell us what implications would be imposed if the two opposing sides were to share or divide the land in question? CONFERENCE LEADER Sir, that is completely out of the question! Even if we were to consider dividing the land - the opposition would eventually manipulate the situation to satisfy.... Eric zones out again. He holds his head down and half turns it from side to side. He then holds his head up and starts moving it like Stevie Wonder with his eyes wide open. His head suddenly stops moving as he focuses on the back of the head of the man sitting directly in front of him. Eric squints his eyes and stares for a very long moment at the back of the man's head. Suddenly his eyes grow even larger. He has a flashback. The flashback: 113. The scene is of Eric following Christian out of the unemployment line squinting his eyes and frowning. The flashback ends. A different Reporter seated two rows behind and seven seats to the right of Eric stands to ask a question of the panel. Everyone turns around to see who is speaking. CLOSE SHOT on Eric who does not turn around. He keeps staring at the back of the man's head. EXTREME CLOSE UP on the man who turns around and stares straight into Eric's eyes. It's Christian! Eric's mouth falls wide open and his eyes grow even larger. All of his equipment slides off of his lap as he sits there in shock. Suddenly Eric jumps up out of his seat and runs toward the exit. CUT TO: EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF CONFERENCE BUILDING - MORNING Eric runs down the street as fast as he can. Out of breath, he stops, takes a look around and spots a man at a gas pump about to refill his jeep. Eric runs over, jumps into the jeep and takes off. The man runs after the jeep yelling for Eric to stop. Sweating and breathing deeply, Eric drives as fast as he can for several miles. He dodges pedestrians and animals in the streets. Not knowing where he is going, he drives into the war zone. Lots of bombed-out buildings and SOUNDS of war. He decides to find his way out of the war zone so he speeds down hill and the jeep runs out of gas. SOUNDS of the jeep sputtering. The jeep speeds up but before the jeep comes to a complete stop, Eric jumps out as the jeep continues to roll down hill. At the bottom of the hill, the jeep runs into an old burnt up gas station, hits a old burnt up gas pump and blows up! A series of explosions follow. CUT TO: EXT. ALLEY - MORNING The alley is filled with bullet shells, bodies, guns, empty boxes and crates that weapons came in which read: MADE IN AMERICA, trash cans and a horrible odor. 114. Eric, running out of breath, stops in the middle of the alley. He looks around and then falls to his knees in tears. He frantically looks around for something, anything. He starts to crawl around on his knees and feel around on the ground. He goes nuts! He crawls amongst the rubble over to some trash cans and starts to feel on them. He then sits up and musses his hair. His hands begin to rub on his jacket and then his thighs and then the ground, eventually his entire body. He sits there and rocks back and forth. With his hands on his thighs he suddenly feels the container of cocaine. He pulls it out and hits the entire contents. He then throws the container against the brick wall. In the near distance can be heard SOUNDS of bombs, aircraft and screams of pain. SHOT ON rats running across the alley. Eric stands up, turns around in circles and kicks a crate that reads: MADE IN AMERICA. He then stumbles over, picks up a semi-automatic weapon, points it toward his head and pulls the trigger. It doesn't fire so he pulls the trigger several more times. Exhausted from the effort, he throws the weapon to the ground and the weapon fires into the brick wall. He then falls to the ground and lies there - blubbering. He changes positions on the ground several times. Eventually he tires and becomes weary. Suddenly he (pulls a Cujo) jumps up and yells at the top of his lungs. ERIC CHRISTIANNNN!!!!!!!!!!! He holds his head down and starts moving it like Stevie Wonder. In the near distance Eric HEARS a helicopter approaching. The helicopter SOUNDS get louder and louder. Suddenly the helicopter is hovering above the alley. Eric tries to run but the helicopter drops a swaying ladder in front of him. He looks up at the helicopter, covers his head with his hands and runs the opposite way. The helicopter follows him with the ladder swaying. The helmeted PILOT signals Eric to climb the ladder. Eric is so scared that he runs into a dead end alley. Three brick walls and much garbage surround him. After having tripped over several garbage cans and empty crates, he finds himself up against the brick wall at the end of the alley. The helicopter approaches Eric from the open end of the alley with the ladder swaying. 115. Eric unsuccessfully tries to climb the wall but the wall is way too high. He falls and lands on his butt. As he sits there with his head hung - dirty, stinking, crying and high off the coke - the swaying ladder lightly brushes him on the top of his head. Eric decides that he has nothing to loose at this point so he gives in and climbs the ladder. He slips down about five steps as he nears the top. PILOT (yells) HOLD ON - I WON'T DROP YOU! GET A TIGHTER GRIP! STAY FOCUSED! (he pauses) TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME! Eric focuses on the ladder. He eventually makes it to the top, crawls inside, takes a seat next to the pilot and straps on the seat belt. ERIC (speaks loudly because of the helicopter noise) I was goin' crazy down there! (out of breath he sits back with his eyes closed for a long moment, he then opens his eyes) Hey - thanks man! I thought you were the enemy! Eric takes a very deep breath and looks over at the pilot. EXTREME CLOSE UP on the pilot. The pilot lifts his helmet, looks over at Eric and smiles. It's Christian! Eric's mouth falls open and his eyes enlarge. 116. ERIC (continuing) Christian! (holds his head down for a long moment and then looks over at Christian with a tear running down his face) Thank you Christian. Thank you. (he pauses) I am so sorry! I don't know what came over me. (he pauses) I hate myself. Eric holds his head down again and then looks out of the window on his side of the helicopter. ERIC (continuing) Christian - I lost sight. I lost sight of you. I didn't see you anymore. I mean - you weren't showin' up ANYWHERE! I thought you left me. EXTREME CLOSE UP on Christian. CHRISTIAN (speaks loudly because of the noise) ERIC - LISTEN AND YOU WILL HEAR! I have never left you Eric! You haven't seen me around because you didn't need to. You were exercising faith in me. You HAD faith Eric. (he pauses) LISTEN AND YOU WILL HEAR! Those who are well are in no need of healing. Those who are sick are in great NEED of healing! Did you not learn in you bible studies that I would NEVER leave you?! Did you not learn that faith is believing what you cannot see? Believing that your rightous prayers have already been answered? (he pauses) I know what you need Eric before you even ask. You were impatient and did not give yourself a chance to receive. (he pauses) You must have faith Eric. You MUST have faith! If you don't.... (more) 117. CHRISTIAN (CONT'D) (turns the helicopter around to get a view of the war torn city) ....THESE ARE THE RESULTS! SHOT ON war torn city. Christian looks over at Eric while turning the helicopter back around. Eric looks over at Christian and nods his head up and down as if to be in agreement. Christian motions Eric to look in the back seat. Eric turns around to look in the back seat and Sarah is sitting there smiling at him! CUT TO: EXT. HELICOPTER - LATE MORNING CLOSE SHOT on back of helicopter license plate which reads: FOLLOW ME. The helicopter flys out of the war torn city and across the ocean. FADE OUT:
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