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ON THE LAM Neil Stratton INT ROLAND'S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM NIGHT Nikki's on the sofa watching TV in the dark. A threatening cello plays. A hand goes on her shoulder. She squeals. Roland sits down beside her. ROLAND 'Misery Squared', right? NIKKI 'Misty Square', Dad. ROLAND And who's that guy? NIKKI Tycho. He's like gonna murder his girlfriend. ROLAND Why? NIKKI 'Cos he's a psycho. ROLAND Tycho the psycho. How serendipitous. And yet despite that, she doesn't suspect a thing? NIKKI No. ROLAND Well at least that cello player has his measure. She zaps the screen. ROLAND Don't stop. NIKKI I'm on playback. 'Sup? ROLAND Nothing. Just having a father-daughter chat. NIKKI Last time you did that, you split with Mum. ROLAND Well since she's happily re-married with two little ones, you're safe on that score. NIKKI Maybe you got like a secret girlfriend and you're splitting with her. ROLAND That would certainly make for a paradoxical conversation. He regards her a moment. ROLAND You are okay about your mother and me? NIKKI Dad, that was like four years ago. ROLAND And four years is a decent amount of time to develop a complex. NIKKI If I was gonna have a complex, it would be like a planetary thing. Like maybe an asteroid on a collision course. ROLAND Well that's all fine and celestial, but let's bring things down to a more mundane level. Like this program you're watching. It's supposed to be about everyday people leading everyday lives. NIKKI Everyday. ROLAND You're continuing the line of thought, that's great. My question though is you can relate to it? NIKKI Yeah. 'Cept in life, you can't fastforward the boring stuff. ROLAND So tell me, how many psycho's do you know? NIKKI Heaps. ROLAND Like who? NIKKI All my teachers. ROLAND How's that? NIKKI They don't understand I have like social commitments. ROLAND It's called homework, get over it. He touches her cheek with the back of his hand. ROLAND You're wrong about what you said before. Life goes too fast. You're my little fastforward girl. INT ROLAND'S OFFICE DAY Roland's at the window looking out over the city as Lou enters. ROLAND What do you know about fourteen-year-old girls? LOU They think opposable thumbs is evolution's greatest hit, 'cos it allows texting. ROLAND Last night Nikki and I had a father-daughter chat. LOU The sex stuff? You learn much? ROLAND That was a mother-daughter thing, thank God. The point is, we talked, but we didn't say anything. LOU Like you're doing now? ROLAND These kids, gen-next or whatever they're called, they have no illusions. LOU Yeah? That sounds like an illusion to me. ROLAND I'm failing her, Lou. LOU C'mon, she's a great kid. You should be proud. ROLAND She's failing school. LOU And that's your fault? ROLAND I should be around more, but when I suggested it, she said it would impact on her downtime. LOU Yeah well, what teen wants a parent in their face? Roland sighs. ROLAND How do I communicate with her? LOU Learn to text? INT CITY LUNCHBAR DAY It's a popular thriving joint. People sit on high bar stools at long counters. Lou tucks in with relish. ROLAND Why is it when we go out for a breather, we always end up here? LOU Oxygen makes me hungry. ROLAND And fumes kill my appetite. LOU I blame air-conditioning. The caveman did without it, and that's what made the mammoth and giant deer extinct. ROLAND I don't think car exhausts were so much of a problem then. LOU You're wrong about Nikki. ROLAND She's really a secret swot working undercover? LOU About her having no illusions. Everybody believes in something. Find it and use it. ROLAND Psycho's. LOU Huh? ROLAND She believes in psycho's. Or at least the TV sort. The ones whose primary motivation is ratings. LOU Okay, so work it. Roland stares at him. Lou checks to see if he's spilt anything. ROLAND How do you do that? LOU What? ROLAND Come up with ideas even when you don't have a clue what you're talking about? Lou shrugs. LOU Some people just got it. So hit me. ROLAND Not here. EXT CITY STREET DAY Roland and Lou make their way through the lunchtime throng. ROLAND We create our own psycho. LOU Hey, I know I'm full of great ideas, but that sounds like an off day. ROLAND Play along. LOU What sort? ROLAND You know how I get these letters from nutters... LOU And if you gave me a raise, I'd stop writing 'em. ROLAND So let's say I'm being menaced by one. As an added precaution, I hire protection for Nikki. LOU You gotta help me, I'm still stumbling. ROLAND And he whisks her off to a secret location, where she could study without distractions. LOU It might freak her out. ROLAND No, it would be an adventure. LOU A study-adventure? ROLAND Yes. LOU You gotta get out more. ROLAND Consider the alternative scenario. I simply tell her to ignore her friends and bury herself in books. LOU Gotcha. The fake psycho has the greater reality. Roland hails a taxi. INT DESERTED WAREHOUSE DAY Roland and Lou enter the dark empty building, lit only by small high windows. LOU What is it? ROLAND I'm still deciding. LOU Stick to numbers. Roland looks at Lou intently. ROLAND I'm swearing you to secrecy. LOU Hey, this is a place even the rats wouldn't blab about. ROLAND It's about Nikki. He waits. LOU Okay okay, I'm swearing like hell. ROLAND She isn't my daughter. LOU What do you mean? ROLAND I mean she isn't my daughter. How much plainer can I be? LOU When we first got here, I'm wondering why. Is there a dead body he wants me to dispose of? Then I think, nah, he doesn't pay me enough. But this this is a complete blindsider. ROLAND You never noticed the lack of resemblance? LOU Sure. She's got her mother's looks. And that's a good thing. ROLAND A short while ago I took her to the doctor. She was a little anaemic. He ran some blood tests. LOU C'mon, let's go to a bar. This isn't the place. ROLAND No-one else knows. And remember... LOU Yeah yeah, sworn to secrecy. Go on then. ROLAND Diane and I are both O. She'd always led me to believe Nikki was the same. As it turns out, she has a very rare antigen. LOU So what are you gonna do? Divorce Diane? Damn, she beat you to it. ROLAND She didn't bother denying it. LOU Who's the guy? ROLAND It wasn't even an affair. Just a one night stand. Alex Norton. LOU I'm impressed. My one nighters, I'm lucky if I can remember the first name. ROLAND I'm not sure that's a consolation. LOU Hey, Nikki's your consolation. You raised her, man. ROLAND She was drinking in a bar with friends. They went on to a nightclub. She stayed behind. Some drunk started hassling her, Norton stepped in and floored him. Next thing they're in bed together. LOU Just like that, huh? He whistles. EXT DESERTED WAREHOUSE DAY Roland and Lou walk back to the waiting taxi. ROLAND He knows and suspects nothing. It'll stay that way until I decree otherwise. LOU Why tell him at all? ROLAND For Nikki's sake, not his. She has a right to know her real father. But I'm not ready to give her up yet. LOU Where is he? ROLAND Still in town. Was a cop, now calls himself a security consultant. He's going to be her bodyguard. LOU You're sure he's the one? ROLAND He'll be looking after my daughter. We'll require a drug screen. That means a blood. EXT LEAFY AVENUE DAY Lou's giving last minute instructions to Alex. They're parked outside the gates of a private girls' school. INT ALEX'S CAR LOU Remember, when you take her back to the apartment, make sure you're not followed. ALEX I already got that. LOU Just look after her, 'cos she's very special to her dad. ALEX And where's he gonna be all this time? LOU You don't need to know that. I'm your contact. ALEX It's a funny way to run things. LOU And remember, whenever you leave the apartment, phone me so I know where you're going. ALEX Yeah yeah, how close are they to catching this guy? LOU It's just a matter of time. ALEX Cops always say that. LOU We're looking at weeks, coupla months tops. It's not a long-term assignment. ALEX Months? LOU Or weeks. ALEX I don't normally do this kinda thing. LOU So what do you do? Install locks? Alex looks out the window, not deigning to answer. LOU The point is, you're getting good money for doing this. ALEX I bet it's pocket change to daddy. LOU You want more, just say so. ALEX I gave you a quote. I stick to my quotes. LOU Is that why they chucked you off the force? For being too honest? ALEX If you wanna wind me up, you'll hafta do better than that. LOU Here she comes. Now remember... Alex grabs him by the collar. ALEX I remember good. LOU (choking) Okay okay. Alex releases him. Lou rubs his throat. ALEX She's staring. EXT ALEX'S CAR Lou gets out of the car and goes over to Nikki, who's standing motionless with her schoolbag. He kisses her on the cheek, says a few words then walks over to his own car. He watches from inside. Nikki drops her bag, still not making any movement. Alex waits and waits then gets out. He picks up the bag, grabs Nikki by the arm and marches her back to the car. He tosses the bag inside and bundles her in. He gets in and the car zooms off. Lou nods to himself, both dubious and impressed. INT SECRET APARTMENT DAY Late afternoon. Alex is at the window surveying the street. Nikki emerges from her bedroom. NIKKI There's something wrong with my laptop. ALEX Tried plugging it in? NIKKI I'm on battery. I can't get net access. ALEX No but you got power-point access, so use it. NIKKI I'm not a cord person. ALEX No doubt at home you got a special walk-in wardrobe for batteries, but this ain't home sweet home. NIKKI So how am I supposed to message my friends, since I'm not allowed to use the phone? ALEX You don't. NIKKI Then I'll find a net café. She heads for the door. ALEX Get your butt back here. She spins around. NIKKI How come I can't talk to my friends, but you can talk about my butt? ALEX I wasn't. She parades for him. NIKKI What do you think of it anyway? ALEX I think it would look good stuck on a chair with you doing your homework. NIKKI So how come I'm like in mortal danger and that still doesn't get me off homework? ALEX No-one's gonna hurt you. We're just not taking chances. NIKKI So if I do my homework, then can I go out? ALEX No. NIKKI Why not? ALEX 'Cos I'm running the show, and the first night, you always lie low. NIKKI I reckon you made that up. ALEX That's right, I wrote the manual. NIKKI So what'm I supposed to do when I'm not homeworking myself to death? ALEX You got books, TV... NIKKI Like that's gonna happen when there's no cable or satellite. ALEX You can still watch your favourite soap. NIKKI What's the point when I can't talk about it with my friends? She goes into her bedroom, slamming the door. Alex's cellphone rings. He checks the caller, then answers. ALEX This better be an emergency. LOU (voice) I just wanna know how things are going. Alex pushes the off button. Nikki comes out. NIKKI Who was that? ALEX Lou. NIKKI And? ALEX And it wasn't an emergency, so I cut him off. She goes back into her room, slamming the door again. ALEX Two slams in thirty seconds. Is that a personal best? NEXT DAY Nikki's sprawled over the sofa reading a book. Alex is in a chair watching TV with the sound off and drinking beer. She gives up on her book and tosses it onto the floor, then waits for a reaction. She gets none. NIKKI So like what page of the manual is drinking on the job? ALEX Thirty-four. NIKKI I won't tell if you let me have one too. ALEX Make it a liqueur chocolate and you got a deal. She perks up. NIKKI Where are they? ALEX Next time we shop. She sulks for several moments. NIKKI So how come you know what programs I watch? ALEX It's in your profile. NIKKI What profile? ALEX The one I asked for when I took on the job. She considers whether to be miffed or flattered. NIKKI So what's like my favourite hobby? ALEX Talking. NIKKI Well what'm I supposed to do? ALEX You were doing fine with your book. NIKKI No I wasn't. I've exceeded my boredom threshhold like three times. He goes to the fridge and gets another beer. ALEX So whaddaya want me to do? Turn somersaults? NIKKI I guess. He settles back into his chair. She sighs dramatically. NIKKI I just thought being threatened by a psycho would be more exciting. ALEX That's just it. The less exciting, the safer you are. NIKKI Ever done this sorta thing before? ALEX Yeah, when I was a cop. NIKKI So how did you kill time? ALEX Cards. Know any games? NIKKI Only strip polker. He ignores her. NIKKI Got any kids? ALEX Nope. NIKKI Why not? Don't you know how? ALEX I've never been in a stable relationship. NIKKI So how come I'm lumbered with a guy who's unstable? ALEX 'Cos your old man's a sadist. Did he forget to mention it? She picks up her book with a show of extreme reluctance, while he focuses more intently on the TV. EXT SIDE-STREET NIGHT Alex has barely parked the car when Nikki jumps out and heads off. He gets out and calls after her. ALEX Hey. She waits impatiently for him to catch up. ALEX If we meet anyone, I'm your tutor. NIKKI Too swotty. Personal trainer works for me. ALEX Just stick to tutor. NIKKI What if they don't know me? Can I like change my name? ALEX Nikki's fine. NIKKI I was named after the Nikkei index. How wrong is that? Like where's my shares? INT NET CAFE NIGHT Nikki taps away furiously on her keyboard, while Alex and Lou lounge in easy chairs with their coffees. LOU She can sure make those little fingers dance. ALEX Yeah, 'cos they're an extension of her mouth. LOU Sweet kid though, huh? Alex drinks his coffee. ALEX What's the latest on the hunt? LOU I told you, they're working it. ALEX Yeah? I'm not picking up on any buzz. LOU Lemme put you straight on something. You're hired to protect Nikki. You're not part of the investigation. ALEX Yeah, I'm a glorified babysitter. LOU Something for your résumé. Alex bangs his cup down on the side-table. ALEX I want out. LOU Here we go. It's the money thing again. ALEX Listen to me. The kid's one giant pain in the butt. You couldn't pay me enough. LOU So all the ones you guarded in the past were little lambies? ALEX I only did this as a cop. And we had things like rotation. LOU So first it's just babysitting, and now you want back-up? ALEX I know people who'd jump at this. LOU Like who? Club bouncers? Alex gives him a frosty look. Lou calmly sips his coffee. ALEX Two weeks max. Then you get someone else. LOU We got a contract. ALEX Which you can't enforce against the insane, 'cos that's what I'll be after two weeks. He stands up. Lou holds out his hand. LOU Hey, her homework. They swap memory cards. LOU Keep those assignments coming and we'll look at a bonus. ALEX Just pick up the tab. He goes over to Nikki. ALEX We're outa here. NIKKI I haven't finished. She continues typing. ALEX It's easy. You hit the keys for 'Gotta go'. She ignores him. He switches off the computer. NIKKI Hey. ALEX And that was even easier. He takes her by the arm and hauls her outside. INT ROLAND'S APARTMENT BAR NIGHT Roland stares out at the lights of the city. He turns to Lou, who's behind the bar stirring martinis. ROLAND This constant manhandling worries me. What sort of man is he? LOU The kind who doesn't say, when the bullets are whizzing, "Would you mind awfully joining me on the floor?" No, he reacts instinctively and pulls her down like he's trained to. ROLAND Can someone be trained to have instincts? LOU What did I mean? ROLAND Automatically. And I wish you wouldn't talk about bullets whizzing around my daughter. The psycho doesn't exist. LOU Right. Right. It's weird though, 'cos everyday he seems more and more real. ROLAND I suppose it is necessary if Norton is to believe our story. LOU Yeah, he's buying it, 'cos I'm buying it. I must be an automatic method actor. ROLAND Instinctive. And yet you say he wants out. LOU You throw two complete strangers together twenty-four seven, there's gonna be strain. ROLAND He doesn't like being a mere babysitter. Perhaps you could arrange something. LOU We know when he's outa the apartment, 'cos he checks in. Nothing could be simpler. INT SECRET APARTMENT NIGHT Alex and Nikki return from an evening stroll. She goes into her bedroom and gives a loud scream. NIKKI'S BEDROOM Alex rushes in to find Nikki staring at her laptop screen. The screensaver has been converted into a message: I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE. ALEX Did you do that? NIKKI No. ALEX 'Cos if you did, ha ha very funny. Otherwise we're outa here. She doesn't respond. ALEX Okay, grab your personal stuff and leave the rest. NIKKI All my stuff is personal. ALEX Then let me define personal. What you can pack in the next thirty seconds. INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT Alex drives with one eye on the mirror. Nikki's in a sulk. NIKKI I don't see why we had to leave so much stuff behind. It's not like he was hiding in the wardrobe. ALEX I gave you an extra sixty seconds, quit complaining. NIKKI So where are we going? ALEX Nowhere. I'm thinking. NIKKI You don't have a plan? ALEX Sometime I'll introduce you to a mate of mine. He's in the Endsworth cemetery. He had lotsa plans. She considers a moment. NIKKI Was he a cop? ALEX Yeah. NIKKI Wanna talk about it? ALEX I just did. Brief silence. NIKKI So how come you believed me? ALEX Because you didn't try and justify yourself. NIKKI Cool, I'll remember that. ALEX It only works once. INT ALEX'S APARTMENT NIGHT Alex and Nikki enter. She sweeps her eyes over the disordered but fairly clean apartment. NIKKI I reckon you should fire your cleaners. ALEX I don't have any. And it's not as bad as it looks. She wrinkles her nose. ALEX Hey, do you see any cockroaches? NIKKI That's 'cos even cockroaches have standards. ALEX We're not staying. She ignores this and sets to work. ALEX What are you doing? NIKKI Tidying. ALEX I bet you never tidied in your life. NIKKI No, but I've seen it done. ALEX Leave it. She continues regardless. ALEX I said leave it. NIKKI Why? ALEX 'Cos I don't like being shown up by a fourteen-year-old kid. NIKKI I thought you were tougher than that. ALEX Okay, amuse yourself. Just don't hide stuff away. I'm re-arranging. NIKKI You talk too much. He gives her a dark look and goes into his office. ALEX'S OFFICE He removes a painting and opens a wall safe. He takes out a gun and bullets. Sensing Nikki's presence, he turns around. NIKKI Lou said you weren't gonna use a gun. ALEX Things have changed. He loads the gun and puts it in his jacket. She watches with keen interest. ALEX I don't know what I'm up against, and I wanna be able to protect you. NIKKI So I really am in danger? ALEX Not if you trust me and do what I say. NIKKI Including homework? He replaces the painting. ALEX Don't mention this to Lou. Or anyone. NIKKI Guess you're gonna hafta trust me, huh? INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT A light rain has begun to fall. Alex concentrates on the road, while Nikki keeps giving him sidelong glances. NIKKI Ever shot anyone? ALEX That's not up for discussion. NIKKI What about killed? ALEX No. He pulls over to the side of the road and makes a call on his cellphone. LOU (voice) Lou. ALEX He found us. LOU (voice) Jeez, you're serious? ALEX No, I'm trying out a new routine. Get your mystery squad to do a sweep of the apartment. LOU (voice) Yeah sure, but where are you? ALEX On the lam. LOU (voice) I'll get you another place. Give me half an hour. ALEX Forget it. LOU (voice) Whaddaya mean? ALEX You're compromised. LOU (voice) Hey, listen... ALEX Nothing personal but it ain't me, so by process of elimination... LOU (voice) Where's Nikki? ALEX Right here. LOU (voice) Put her on. Alex hands Nikki the phone. NIKKI Hi, Lou. LOU (voice) Hi, hon. How's things? NIKKI I'm okay. We're cool. LOU (voice) That's good. Whatcha up to? NIKKI We went to Alex's apartment. I tidied up. She waits for a response. NIKKI You still there? LOU (voice) Yeah, I'm trying to picture it. NIKKI How's Dad? LOU (voice) He's fine. He's thinking of you. NIKKI Tell him I love him. LOU (voice) Sure thing, pumpkin. Alex takes the phone again. ALEX I'll call tomorrow. LOU (voice) Wait. Nikki's phone give it back to her. Alex takes the phone from his jacket and returns it to a surprised Nikki. ALEX Done. Gotta go. NIKKI My stuff. What about my stuff? ALEX Oh and put some money in her account for replacement clothes. NIKKI I can live with that. Alex pockets his phone then grabs Nikki's. NIKKI What happened to trust? ALEX Trust I believe in. Temptation, no. LATER Alex is still cruising the rain-drenched streets in apparently aimless fashion, but Nikki's had enough. NIKKI I need to go. ALEX Go where? NIKKI Where do you think? ALEX Can you hold off till the next gas station? NIKKI Why? ALEX 'Cos I'm running on empty. NIKKI Too bad. I'm running on full. INT HAMBURGER RESTAURANT NIGHT Nikki joins Alex at a table, finding a burger and salad waiting for her. NIKKI I just wanted the salad. ALEX This ain't Salad Heaven. She begins munching heartily on her burger. NIKKI Did you know meat is murder? ALEX Yeah, I saw it in a cartoon once. It was on a blackboard. The teacher was pointing to it in front of a class of lions and tigers, and saying, "Now repeat after me..." She glances around. NIKKI Which one do you reckon? ALEX Which one what? NIKKI Is the one following us. He nods to indicate. ALEX That guy. He looks about your type. NIKKI Yuk, I'm eating. ALEX Tell me about your dad. NIKKI He's my Dad. ALEX And does he do anything else, or does that keep him overloaded? NIKKI He's like rilly smart and into numbers 'n' stuff. He trades shares. Like Archimedes. ALEX Who? NIKKI He's an old Greek guy who invented leverage. ALEX Your dad have any enemies? Like through business? NIKKI No, he plays the market, not people. They eat in silence a few moments. NIKKI Got any other cartoons? ALEX There's this little weedy tweedy guy and he's surrounded by these big menacing bikers. And he's saying, "No no, you pronounce it trippingly on the tongue..." INT ROLAND'S APARTMENT BAR NIGHT Lou's shaking a cocktail while Roland waits on the bar stool. ROLAND Planting that message was a masterstroke. LOU Thanks. ROLAND Pity it backfired. LOU Yeah, who'da figured he'd go AWOL. ROLAND Not you, obviously. LOU I had another place jacked up. The plan was perfect. Okay, so I didn't factor in paranoia. ROLAND The point is, he now believes you're compromised. LOU Here's my take on that. At first I'm offended, but then I realise we can work it. You know, build intrigue, keep it real. ROLAND It's becoming more and more unreal. Like what do you make of Nikki tidying his apartment? LOU Okay, that's a curve ball. I'm gonna need a face to face on that one. ROLAND Yes, check for brainwashing. As in the glassy-eyed stare. LOU Right. They drink in silence. LOU We could be overreacting. ROLAND It's serious, Lou. We've lost control of the situation. I'm considering pulling the plug. Lou shrugs. LOU Your call. But hey, things are looking up on the homework front. Admittedly it's early days and we're coming off a low base. ROLAND She said she loved me. She never says that. LOU That was cute. And it felt unprompted. ROLAND I should be touched, but I can't help worrying. By the time he's through with her, will I still recognise my own daughter? He gives a short, bitter laugh. ROLAND My own daughter. What am I saying? EXT FASHION BOUTIQUE DAY Nikki stops to look in the window at the expensive clothes, forcing Alex to return. ALEX Not here. NIKKI Why not? ALEX Simple arithmetic. NIKKI My Dad made an accounting error. He doesn't want me to wear rags. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out her phone. ALEX Take this. NIKKI Cool. I can ask for more. ALEX Forget that. It moonlights as a calculator. She pouts. ALEX You need to learn about the value of money. NIKKI How can I, when my Dad won't let me have a credit card? ALEX Okay then. But remember, I'm not bailing you out. He motions for her to go inside. NIKKI You coming? ALEX You kidding? NIKKI I want to know what I look good in. ALEX Go for practical, and nothing too tarty. NIKKI That's the first two rules of fashion broken. Anything else? ALEX How many you got? INT FASHION BOUTIQUE DAY Nikki comes out of the fitting room and does a happy twirl. Alex shakes his head. The same routine is repeated a number of times, until finally the sales assistant approaches Alex. SALES ASSISTANT Excuse me, sir, your daughter has asked that you wait outside. You're not helping. EXT FASHION BOUTIQUE DAY Alex glowers as Nikki emerges laden with bags. NIKKI 'Kay, let's go. I'm thirsty. He grabs her forcefully by the arm. ALEX I am not your father. NIKKI Whatever. ALEX When we have a story, you stick to it. NIKKI Yes, boss. She pulls free and walks off. INT CAFE DAY The waitress delivers their drinks. Alex eyes Nikki's decorated concoction. ALEX Is that a coffee or sundae wannabe? She refuses to answer. ALEX Show me what you bought. NIKKI Like you care. For added emphasis, she begins inspecting her arm. ALEX You won't find any bruises. NIKKI So where did you learn that trick? Interrogation School? ALEX I just wanted you to understand the importance of the situation. NIKKI I didn't tell her you were my Dad. I just said "him". ALEX Truth? She glares at him without replying. ALEX I told you the silent thing's a oncer. She doesn't blink. ALEX Dammit, girl, when I make a mistake, you tell me. None of this wounded martyr crap. She shrugs. ALEX I mean it. Communication is vital. It could mean the difference between... He stops short of saying "life or death" but she nods anyway. NIKKI Sorry I made you come in when you hate that stuff. I'm just not used to shopping alone. It's like rilly anti-social. ALEX How could I choose when you looked good in everything? What do I know about teen clothes? She beams. They sip their coffees. NIKKI She thought I was your daughter, huh? ALEX Yeah. NIKKI And she was like rilly smart and onto it. He gives a resigned sigh. ALEX Okay. NIKKI Okay what? ALEX We could run with that. If you wanna. NIKKI I wanna. She leans over the table and gives him a peck on the cheek. ALEX What was that for? NIKKI Just getting in character. ALEX Lemme guess. I just gave you a raise on your allowance. NIKKI And you gotta admit, tutor was like so lame. INT NET CAFE NIGHT Nikki's typing away happily while Alex and Lou face off over coffee. LOU So where you staying? Some crummy motel? ALEX Yeah. We're moving around. LOU Roland isn't happy. ALEX Playing jester to the king is your job. Mine's keeping Nikki safe. LOU I could fire you. ALEX Yeah, you could. It doesn't take a lotta skill. LOU You really push it, you know that? No wonder they chucked you off the force. Alex calmly reaches for his coffee. ALEX So whatta they turned up on the old place? Lou eyeballs him. ALEX Right, I'm not supposed to know these things. LOU Listen to me. Nikki means the world to him. He needs to know she's all right. ALEX She phones every day. We meet regularly. What more do you want? They both glance at Nikki, who's oblivious to everything but her screen. ALEX Talk to her. I'm going outside for a smoke. LOU You don't smoke. ALEX You're a good reason to start. He gets up. Lou signals him back. LOU Hey, sit down, sit down. I can see she's fine. Alex glares at him then reluctantly takes his seat. LOU Some advice, okay? Don't screw this up. Roland's a guy who can swing things your way. ALEX You mean he buys and sells people like he does shares. LOU That's exactly what I'm talking about. You gotta lose the attitude. ALEX What? He had another reason for hiring me? Lou sighs, regards his empty cup and signals for another. LOU I can see we're done. Just one last thing. Don't do stuff like taking her to your apartment and making her your cleaning-slave. It freaks the hell outa him. EXT NET CAFE NIGHT Alex and Nikki leave the net café. ALEX You told him I don't smoke? NIKKI He asked me questions. It was all I could think of. ALEX There's lotsa things I don't do. Opera, jumping outa planes, the list's endless. NIKKI No parachuting, huh? So you weren't like special forces? ALEX Or trained assassin. Sorry to disappoint. She studies him. NIKKI Are you mad? 'Cos you profiled me and I was cool. ALEX I asked a few questions so I could do my job. They didn't include what posters you had on your bedroom wall. NIKKI Hey, that's what I can write my essay on. ALEX What's the topic? NIKKI Cultural symbols as a source of identity. They walk a while in silence. She suddenly realises. NIKKI We're going the wrong way. ALEX We're strolling. Remember feet? NIKKI So what do you do? ALEX My job. NIKKI Besides that. Like what music do you listen to? ALEX Blues. NIKKI Just blues? ALEX That's like saying there's only twenty-six letters in the alphabet. It's enough. NIKKI I reckon there's too many. That's why my spellcheck's always hassling me. ALEX Listen to Eva Cassidy's take on 'An American Tune'. It never stops being folk-pop, but she makes it the blues. NIKKI How? ALEX With real feeling. Not like these singers with the flittery-fluttery, quivery-quavery thing going on. NIKKI That superficial stuff doesn't work on me either. If they wanna impress, it's gotta be in the outfits. She slows down to look in a shop window. ALEX Stick with me. She catches him up. NIKKI 'Sup? ALEX We're being followed. NIKKI Shouldn't we like take cover? ALEX I know who's behind it. That's why we're doing the block. INT NET CAFE NIGHT Alex and Nikki return to find Lou finishing off his coffee. LOU What's with the déjΰ-vu? You forget something? ALEX Yeah, I forgot to thump you. LOU Watch your mouth. Nikki's very sensitive. Alex continues eyeballing him. LOU How'dya know I'd still be here? ALEX You ordered a fresh cup as we left. I figured you for a guy who likes to finish his coffee. LOU So here I am. What's the deal? ALEX Call off your goons. LOU I don't employ goons. Except maybe the one in front of me. Alex turns to Nikki. ALEX Watch him while I sort something out. He starts to head outside. Lou jumps up and waves his cellphone. LOU Okay okay, it's happening, it's happening. Alex waits while Lou makes the call. LOU Lou. It's off... 'Cos you were sprung, you idiot... Yeah you'll get paid, but only if you go home now. He snaps the phone shut. ALEX And the other. LOU What other? ALEX You follow someone on foot who's got wheels, you need a mate circling by. Lou calls again on his phone. LOU Me again. Same goes for your friend... How many friends you got, moron? He bangs the phone down on the table. LOU Anything else? ALEX I was gonna say lay off the funny business, but that's your only trade. C'mon, Nikki. Lou waits till they're gone before sneering. LOU Funny guy. INT ROLAND'S APARTMENT BAR NIGHT Roland's having a turn behind the bar, mixing drinks. Lou munches on cashews. LOU Don't worry, I got another plan. ROLAND Are you noticing a pattern here? All your brilliant plans also have brilliant flaws. LOU So I underestimated him a little. ROLAND Perhaps it's because he knows his job and you don't. LOU Well if he's so smart, why's he on piddly-squat? ROLAND Diddly-squat. LOU Yeah, piddly-diddly-squat. ROLAND Many things rise with the tide of fortune, but IQ isn't one of them. If I were to give you a huge bonus, would that qualify you for Mensa? LOU Only one way to find out. ROLAND All you're doing is driving him to ever more desperate measures. LOU See here's the thing. We employ him, so we should be dictating the terms. ROLAND Technically he's self-employed. LOU Yeah, what does he call himself? Security consultant. Sometimes consultant's just a fancy name for someone who can't get a real job. ROLAND He has a contract. LOU Which we got sewn up pretty damn tight. ROLAND And what does that mean? Would you bring him to court? Bearing in mind this is my daughter we're talking about, and this psycho-business is complete fabrication. LOU Oh yeah, I forgot. It's the method, I can't help it. ROLAND This is new territory for us. We need to tread carefully. LOU We pull back? Let him run amok? ROLAND No, he must continue the regular meetings and let Nikki phone. You could hint the police are closing in on target. LOU By the way, you said your daughter. I'm glad you got her back. Roland nods and manages a brief smile. ROLAND We only talk a few minutes, but for the first time, we're actually talking. LOU About what? ROLAND Nothing heart-to-heart. She's still a professional teenager. But like yesterday, she was telling me about her latest school project. Normally she only does that strapped to the chair with the spotlight on her. LOU That's great. And all it took was a psycho. Almost a shame we gotta arrest the sucker. INT MOTEL ROOM NIGHT Alex is reading the paper. Nikki comes in from her room and does a dramatic flop on the sofa. NIKKI I'm bored. ALEX Done your homework? NIKKI Yes, and tomorrow's, and I've decided I'm doing too much thinking. One day my head'll explode, and then they'll be sorry. ALEX Here lies poor Nikki. Thinking was her downfall. R.I.P. NIKKI Exactly. ALEX Have you heard about sarcasm? NIKKI It's not in the curriculum. ALEX What about TV? You got a hundred and fifty channels. How can you be bored? NIKKI Is that like more sarcasm? He sighs. ALEX Then read a book. Listen to music. NIKKI Aren't you bored too? ALEX I'm paid to be bored. It's what you expect in this sorta work. NIKKI Looking after boring teens? ALEX No, anyone. You're killing time, mostly. It's like with a cat. It spends twenty-three hours a day sleeping, so for that one hour it has super-fast reflexes. NIKKI Sounds like an excuse to slob out and guzzle beer. He rolls his eyes. NIKKI I wanna see a movie. A real one. Like with popcorn 'n' stuff. ALEX Okay, I guess you deserve a break. He takes out her phone and tosses it to her. ALEX We'll go for a spin and you can call a friend. She solemnly returns the phone. NIKKI I can't. ALEX Why not? NIKKI 'Cos how can I be having this secret adventure if we're hanging at the movies? He eyes her suspiciously. ALEX What've you told them? NIKKI Nothing, I've been like rilly mysterious. ALEX The idea was to be the opposite. You're on an intensive study course. NIKKI Like that's gonna win cool marks. ALEX Look, I'll take you, no sweat there, but I'm not sitting through some dumb teen crap. NIKKI Okay, we'll see something ultra-violent. ALEX You're too young for that, and I'm too old. NIKKI How come, when you're like into guns? ALEX 'Cos I've seen the damage they can do. I don't need any slo-mo reminders. NIKKI So what stuff are you into? ALEX Anything with a good story. NIKKI Apparently stories are making a comeback, after being relegated by the twentieth century to sub-iconic status. ALEX Do you even know what that means? NIKKI I'm hoping my subconscious'll figure it out while I'm munching popcorn. INT MULTIPLEX BAR NIGHT Alex and Nikki sit with their drinks among cardboard cut-outs of the stars. NIKKI So how come you got wine? ALEX I do wine. NIKKI Like on a date? ALEX Shut up and drink your coffee. NIKKI See any hot chicks you wanna score? ALEX I don't do quick and meaningless. NIKKI Like never? ALEX Maybe in my bad old days. And not on a job. NIKKI I'm cramping your style, huh? ALEX Yeah, I should hook you up with a nice psycho. NIKKI So when was like the last time? ALEX Don't remember. NIKKI That long? ALEX No, she gave me amnesia. NIKKI What was wrong with her? ALEX She kept asking annoying questions. NIKKI How come you turn everything back on me? ALEX 'Cos you're the Queen of How-come's. She sips her coffee thoughtfully. NIKKI Okay, so you're in this bar, and there's this like rilly glam actress... ALEX Hate to pop your balloon, doll, but they're cardboard cut-outs. NIKKI I don't mean here. In a real bar. Or maybe she's like this gorgeous model or famous blues singer. ALEX Yeah, the bars I go to, they swing by all the time. NIKKI So she's like standing there and she's like rilly rilly awesome. What do you do? ALEX I sidle up ever so casual and slip in her ear, "Nikki sent you, right?" She pulls a face. NIKKI I'm just trying to help. ALEX Love you, love your work. NIKKI Well you must be doing something wrong. ALEX Yeah, and taking sex-advice from a fourteen-year-old would really show I'm onto it. NIKKI I can give you the female perspective. ALEX Movie time. We're outa here. He gets up. She follows under protest. NIKKI I haven't finished. ALEX Coffee's loss is frozen coke's gain. MULTIPLEX Alex and Nikki wait in line for tickets. NIKKI 'Sup? ALEX You know me, huh? NIKKI Yup. ALEX Spot the woman at the other table? NIKKI Yeah, I reckon she was keen as. ALEX More like making mental notes. I figure her for a hack. NIKKI That is so not the way to get a date. ALEX Her? NIKKI You. ALEX Whatever. Just promise me you won't talk to her. NIKKI Ditto on the whatever. ALEX You coulda just said whatever. NIKKI Whatever. MULTIPLEX BAR Sabrina sips her wine as she observes Alex and Nikki in line. She's joined by Lane, who immediately notices there's only one glass. LANE The deal was I got the tickets, and you got the drinks. SABRINA See that man and girl? LANE They're more important than my drink, I see that part. SABRINA Find out where they're going. But don't be obvious. LANE I already know. It's a movie. Call me genius. SABRINA The name. LANE Why? SABRINA Because that's what we're seeing. LANE But I've already got tickets. SABRINA And let's hope you're in luck. He sighs reluctantly. LANE Okay, fill me in. SABRINA I know the girl. I interviewed her father once and she came in. She wouldn't remember me, I could've been office furniture. LANE So? SABRINA So that's not her father. LANE Relative, family friend who cares? SABRINA Me. LANE Why? SABRINA My nose is twitching. LANE Woo, Sammy, if I don't go, will you turn me into a frog? SABRINA No, I'll leave you as a toad. LANE Eeeyowich. So deadly and yet so deadly. SABRINA Go. Quick. He jumps up. SABRINA Not fast, you idiot. LANE Quick but not fast. Got it. He saunters off. MULTIPLEX - LATER People stream out of the theatre. Nikki goes into the restroom. Sabrina follows, which Alex notices. ALEX Damn. MULTIPLEX RESTROOM Sabrina comes alongside Nikki at the basins. SABRINA Did you enjoy the film? NIKKI Yeah, 'cept I don't understand why they had to kill off the rookie cop when he was like rilly hot. I know life's unfair and all that... SABRINA But don't we just hate it when movies try and rip off life instead of developing their own aesthetic? NIKKI That is so cool. Can I use that in my essay on 'film versus reality'? SABRINA Sure. Is this a field trip with your teacher? NIKKI No he's my Dad and omigod. I was talking about homework and this is my chilling time. That is so freaky. Do you know what a nervous breakdown feels like? SABRINA No but I believe it's the eyes that go first. Yours are still sparkling. Nikki examines her eyes in the mirror. NIKKI That's rilly weird 'cos they're like not even bloodshot. SABRINA He's cute, your Dad. NIKKI He can be a bit bossy, but he's okay when you give him a chance. SABRINA And you think I should? NIKKI What? SABRINA Give him a chance. Nikki hesitates. SABRINA Listen, why don't I write down my name and number, and you can simply pass it on. She takes out her pen and notebook from her purse and starts jotting. SABRINA That way, the decision will be his, not yours. Because after all, this is your chill-out time. She tears off the page and hands it to Nikki, who accepts it and trots off happily. INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT Nikki fiddles nervously with the note while Alex appears relaxed at the wheel in cruise control. NIKKI Like the movie? ALEX A cop avenges his dead buddy and gets Beyoncé what's not to like? NIKKI But why did he hafta die when he was like rilly hot? ALEX He died so the plot could live. She sighs. ALEX Hey, he'll be even hotter in a coupla years when his range of skills has expanded to include acting. Then he'll be the one saving the day while his colleagues are dropping like flies. NIKKI How do you mean? ALEX I mean he can strike the right poses, but in movies you gotta join 'em together. She ponders this. ALEX Anything else? NIKKI Like what? ALEX Like you been fidgetting like hell since we got in. NIKKI You know how you said you only use your gun to protect? ALEX I'm my own witness, yeah. NIKKI So you can't like shoot someone when they're only the messenger. ALEX True. But there are plenty of other ways to kill. She studies him intently. He doesn't flinch. ALEX Message me. Long silence. ALEX Okay okay, immunity. She tries to hand him the note but he waves it away. ALEX Read it, I'm driving. NIKKI Sabrina. ALEX Uh-huh. NIKKI And there's a phone number. ALEX Uh-huh. NIKKI That's it. ALEX Uh-huh. NIKKI Uh-huh what? Like I gotta draw a picture? ALEX You promised not to talk to her. NIKKI I didn't. She spoke to me. ALEX And you had to answer, 'cos you're the politest kid on the planet when it suits. NIKKI I didn't say anything. It was just about the movie. ALEX And she passed you the note by sleight of hand. NIKKI She said you were cute. How's that my fault? ALEX 'Cos you thought she was for real. Nikki turns away and stares out the window. ALEX What did you say about me? NIKKI Nothing. ALEX Nothing? NIKKI She thought you were my teacher. ALEX And you just had to put her straight. She looks directly at him. NIKKI Yeah. ALEX How? NIKKI I said you were my Dad. But it was what we agreed. ALEX Not in this instance. Not when I warned you she was a hack sizing us up. Now you given her something to work on. Another long silence. NIKKI So you gonna like drive forever like last time? ALEX No. NIKKI What's gonna happen? ALEX She's gonna find out I'm not your dad. If she doesn't know already. NIKKI I mean, what are you gonna do? ALEX Suggest your old man gets someone else. NIKKI You can't. ALEX Why not? NIKKI 'Cos you're supposed to be protecting me, not ditching me. ALEX I'm protecting you from yourself. NIKKI I wouldn't trust anyone else. I'll tell him that. ALEX Like you trusted me when I said don't blab to the hack? She pouts. INT NET CAFE NIGHT Nikki sits at the keyboard with an eye on Alex and Lou, waiting her moment. As they're served their coffees, she whispers to the older teenage youth beside her. NIKKI Got a phone? YOUTH Why? NIKKI Ten bucks. I wanna text. YOUTH How 'bout you gimme your number instead? NIKKI Twenty without the stupid questions. He pretends to ignore her a moment. YOUTH How desperate are you? NIKKI Not as desperate as you. He laughs and pulls out his cellphone. NIKKI Don't let him see you. He slips her the phone under the table and she passes him the money. She texts while keeping a watchful eye, then returns the phone. YOUTH What's it worth not telling your old? NIKKI Your life. YOUTH 'Sup anyway? You phone-grounded? NIKKI You wouldn't understand. YOUTH Why? Do I look a thicko? NIKKI Yeah. YOUTH 'Kay, you're so smart, what's the value of pi? NIKKI You wanna impress a chick, you don't talk about pi. YOUTH And how do I impress a piranha? Alex's attention is on Nikki. LOU She's just talking. You gotta give her a break. Alex eyes him coolly. LOU What is it with you two? When she came in, there was no bounce. She's a perky kid. ALEX I chewed her ear. LOU Why? ALEX 'Cos I was hungry. Point is, we got a hack on our tail. LOU Smart work. And I thought I was hiring a pro. Alex ignores this. ALEX What's Roland's dealings with the press? LOU Pretty low profile, but he has given a few interviews. ALEX That'll be it. She's talked to him and maybe seen a photo of Nikki on his desk. LOU So some journo chick knows Nikki, and you're running scared? ALEX Nikki lied to her. Said I was her father. LOU Yeah yeah, scoop of the century. ALEX You give me fat zero on the psycho, but a hack can dig away all she likes? LOU If she gets to be a problem, I'll deal with it. Sorting out others' messes is my area of expertise. ALEX Yeah, you're a regular pooper-scooper. Just get a replacement. LOU Hey, I replace you you don't replace me. ALEX What I'm saying. LOU Huh? ALEX It's not just the hack. LOU Nikki? ALEX See, in these situations, bonding can be good, 'cos it's all about the trust. But it can also warp, 'cos of the unnatural circumstances. I've seen it happen before. LOU What? She's getting a little intense for you? Hell, she's a teenager. ALEX I can handle it. But can she? That's why I want you to get someone else. LOU Hey, don't blame her because you're not up to the job. Alex fixes him with an icy glare. LOU 'Cos your job's protecting her. You gonna walk away from that? ALEX No, I wanna nail the scum who's threatening her, and I can't do that when I'm tied down. LOU Okay. I'll discuss your concerns with Roland. ALEX There's nothing to discuss. Just get a replacement. LOU Sure, I'll just snap my fingers and one magically appears. In the meantime remember, a professional doesn't abandon his charge. Alex gets up and goes over to Nikki. Lou smiles to himself. INT BAR NIGHT Sabrina's at a table reading her phone email. Lane arrives with drinks. SABRINA She wants to set me up. LANE Who? SABRINA The girl. LANE How do you know? SABRINA She said so. LANE Now that's a really smart set-up. SABRINA No, a 'set me up with'. LANE And I bet I know who. SABRINA The pretend-father. LANE We didn't fix the stake. She smiles. LANE So how do you do that? Make things so easy. SABRINA Too easy. Maybe it is a trap. LANE I was right again. Does that thing take photos? We could immortalise this moment. SABRINA We make a great combination as in idiot savant. And no false modesty, you come first. LANE So when's the magical date? I mean when you bewitch him with your charms? SABRINA You never tire of flogging a dead horse? LANE It only makes me stronger. SABRINA She'll be in touch. LANE By email? SABRINA Yes. LANE He blocks the cell but not the email. Why? SABRINA You can triangulate a signal. What's the bet they're at a cybercafé? LANE What am I down so far? SABRINA A year's salary. LANE Double or quits. He drains his glass. LANE Or in this case, a double without quitting, if you want to drive. SABRINA I meant it about our being a good team. I'll need back-up. LANE You know me anything for a bonk. SABRINA I've already given to charity. INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT Nikki keeps eyeing Alex, who appears wholly focussed on the road. He's the first to break the silence. ALEX How's your boyfriend? NIKKI What boyfriend? ALEX The guy you were talking to. Bit old for you, isn't he? NIKKI I could handle him. ALEX Yeah? NIKKI Yeah. He called me a piranha. He glances at her then waits a moment. ALEX Who did you text? NIKKI You saw? ALEX Uh-huh. NIKKI So how come you didn't stop me? ALEX I trust you. She bites her lower lip and is silent a while. NIKKI What did Lou say? ALEX Not a lot. NIKKI I mean about you leaving. ALEX This ain't a permanent gig, you know that. NIKKI What about the psycho-hacker? ALEX They'll catch him. NIKKI But they haven't yet. ALEX No-one's gonna let you get hurt. That includes me. NIKKI So you're staying? ALEX I'm saying Lou keeps me in the dark. I don't know what the hell's going on. NIKKI Good you're staying. She gives him a nudge. NIKKI Don't be mad. Be happy. INT WAR ROOM NIGHT Roland's dealing room. It's in semi-darkness, most of the light coming from large wall-mounted screens filled with churning numbers. Roland paces while Lou lounges at a console with his feet up. LOU I gotta admit it was kinda fun watching him squirm. ROLAND Why? Because he thinks she's getting too close? Perhaps you could explain the punchline. LOU Hey, I had a crush on my French teacher. I survived. Although you do hear about hostages falling for their captors. ROLAND And you consider that a valid comparison? LOU Course not. Lighten up. ROLAND He wants out. You think that's genuine? LOU Who knows? The great thing is, Mr Tough Guy's rattled and we didn't even hafta raise a finger. Some journo chick did it for us. ROLAND No, you were right before. Our doing nothing has allowed things to unravel. LOU You wanna pull the plug? Just when they're starting to bond? ROLAND It might be premature, but I'm very tempted. LOU What about a part-time replacement? ROLAND Dangerous, considering his "nail the scum" threat. LOU Okay, so we need a new plan. I'm thinking we work the journo angle. Roland nods. ROLAND I'll find out who she is. LOU You don't know? ROLAND Not offhand. I'll get Kaiya to dredge up past interviews and see what bells they ring. Short silence. ROLAND So how was Nikki? LOU She's doin' good. Roland smiles weakly. EXT STREET NIGHT Sabrina and Lane climb out of the car. They're dressed up. Sabrina sets the pace, walking in brisk business-like fashion. SABRINA Quick review. LANE Daughter pulled from school, reason unknown. In care of man, identity unknown. SABRINA Ex-cop. LANE Reason? SABRINA Air of authority mixed with independent streak. LANE Not undercover? SABRINA Doubtful. They'd pick him. LANE I guess we'll find out the rest tonight. SABRINA They'll only tell us what they want us to know. LANE Another set-up? SABRINA Possible. She stops abruptly. SABRINA What am I missing? LANE Me on your arm. SABRINA You want to play the happy couple? LANE All the way, baby. They walk off together. INT RESTAURANT NIGHT Lane glances around the restaurant, undecided about its muted elegance. Sabrina marches straight up to the maξtre d', who leads her to Roland's table. Lane rushes to catch up. Roland and Lou rise to greet Sabrina. ROLAND Miss Laclov, a pleasure. SABRINA Sabrina, please. ROLAND My colleague, Lou Gussman. LOU Has a better ring than flunkey, don't you think? Polite smiles. They take their seats. Lane gives Sabrina a prompting nudge. SABRINA Oh yes, Lane here is my flunkey. LANE We have a great kidding relationship. Sometimes I could just hug her to death. He gives her a 'friendly' squeeze. SABRINA If he had the strength. Lou laughs. LANE That's good. She's good. Even if I am no stranger to the gym. SABRINA True. And one day he'll work out what the equipment's for. Lou laughs again. LANE Darling, what was it the other day about flogging a dead horse? SABRINA You said it improved muscle tone. Lou chokes on his drink. Roland pushes the carafe of water towards him. ROLAND Try the water. LANE See what you've done to the poor man? She's sorry. Say you're sorry. SABRINA I really am. I wasn't trying to derail the meeting. ROLAND No no, we're here to enjoy ourselves. That's why I prefer the term 'discussion' to 'meeting'. And why our only serious concern right now should be the menu. They all study their menus. LATER The men are rounding their meal off with port. Sabrina's on coffee. She looks at Roland. SABRINA I believe now is the time. ROLAND Time? SABRINA Aren't you going to make me an offer? ROLAND For what? She shrugs. SABRINA A job in PR perhaps? ROLAND Would you be interested? She smiles sweetly. SABRINA For me, gloss is something I wear on my lips. LANE Although she wouldn't be offended if you were to ballpark a figure. ROLAND No no, let's not spoil the evening with meaningless numbers. Roland and Sabrina continue eyeing the other, each with the flicker of a smile. Lane glances between the two, waiting, then gives up and downs his port. EXT STREET NIGHT Sabrina and Lane walk back to the car. He uses large flourishing gestures. LANE Okay, so a meal like that is never a waste of time... but what the hell was it all about? SABRINA Finding out what we know. LANE Which is next to nothing. SABRINA But now we know that they don't know that we don't know what they know. LANE Now you're just trying to give me a headache. SABRINA He never mentioned his daughter once, but she was completely on his mind. LANE Is that good English? SABRINA No, it's good wine... She completely dominated his thoughts. LANE He seemed all right to me. Happy even. SABRINA You should learn to observe. There was reserve in his smile, sadness in his eyes. LANE Speaking of sadness, if not actual torment, why did you reject his offer outright? SABRINA I wasn't interested. LANE You couldn't fake interest so we could find out what's going on? SABRINA He wouldn't have told me anything until I'd signed a contract. And he would've stitched it up so tight, I would've needed permission just to breathe. And I thought you were smarter than that. He waves a triumphant finger at her. LANE That's where you're wrong, lady. They walk a while in silence. LANE So what now? SABRINA We wait. He nods, trying to figure the angle. LANE We wait... Why? SABRINA He'll be in touch. LANE In touch... Why? SABRINA It's obvious. LANE That's right, it's obvious I don't know. SABRINA He wants something. LANE Something. Something. That explains... nothing. SABRINA I know. It's the missing piece. They reach the car. She holds out her hand. SABRINA Keys. He takes out his car-keys then hesitates. LANE Didn't we have about the same? I vote taxi. SABRINA I kept switching glasses. LANE Really? He tries to figure the moves. SABRINA You sit to the right, drink with your left. He nods. LANE So what's the next step after glass-sharing? She holds out her hand again and smiles. He tosses her the keys. SABRINA Couch. LANE Ouch. INT MOTEL ROOM NIGHT Alex is by the window, looking out. Nikki sidles up. NIKKI What's your favourite restaurant? ALEX Forget it. NIKKI Forget what? ALEX Spot on. NIKKI No, there's like this rilly cool one, and the whole wall is like totally aquarium. ALEX And you're totally not going. NIKKI How come? ALEX 'Cos we're lying low. NIKKI My Dad always takes me, and I don't see why the restaurant trade should be penalised just 'cos of some psycho. ALEX If you're gonna use logic, try and not torture it. NIKKI He does it 'cos he hangs out overseas 'n' stuff 'cos of his work and so he feels like rilly guilty. And now I'm like psychologically dependent on going out. ALEX And without the posh nosh, you break out in hives. NIKKI Omigod, that is like so true. If I didn't totally monitor my skin, you'd like see me and puke. ALEX Tell you what. I'll order in some cold turkey. Beats the hell outa cleanser. She nods solemnly. NIKKI I'm already psychologically damaged by the psycho, so it's not like there's any hope for me. ALEX You ever wanna take up crime, don't do con-artist. She looks at him with earnest eyes. He sighs. ALEX Ask your old man. She squeals and gives him a hug. INT BAR NIGHT Sabrina and Lane are at a table in the corner. She notices Lou arrive and order a drink. SABRINA Of all the bars, he had to choose this one. LANE Okay, so I called him. Just speeding things along. SABRINA I was hoping to hear from the girl first. LANE You were going to use her as a bargaining chip? You are so evil. SABRINA Thank-you. Lou comes over and takes a seat without preliminaries. LOU That was an interesting trick the other night with the glasses. He takes out a coin and handkerchief from his pocket. LOU But it works better if you know magic. He places the coin in the handkerchief, which he then holds by the four corners. He drops three ends and waves the handkerchief no coin. SABRINA Very cute, but we can all make money disappear. LOU So let's get down to it. Nikki's a minor and private figure. You write one word about her and we'll sue your ass to high heaven. SABRINA Why's an ex-cop claiming to be her father? LOU He's not. SABRINA So what is he? Bodyguard? LOU He's a precaution. Like when you cross the road, you look both ways. SABRINA Against what? Kidnap? LOU I can neither confirm nor deny. SABRINA So what's the deal? Or was the dinner just a double-date? Lou narrows his eyes at her. She smiles back. LOU You help us and we'll make it worth your while. SABRINA I'm intrigued. LOU Is that a yes? LANE Intrigued means yes, definitely. SABRINA And Lane means moronic. Also used as noun meaning moron. LANE For the sake of the argument. We're not agreeing to anything. LOU So I blab you walk what've I gained? SABRINA What've you lost? The two regard each other warily. Lane starts drumming his fingers. SABRINA You don't trust me. I suggest you do business with someone you can. LOU I got your number. She picks up the cellphone on the table and drops it into Lou's beer. SABRINA Indeed you have. Lou makes a call on his own cellphone. There's a ringing in Sabrina's purse. He shakes his head and leaves. LANE You're getting me another. And I want internet. SABRINA What's the bet I make it a crappy one? Because that's all that one was. LANE Double or quits. INT WAR ROOM NIGHT Roland stands scanning the monitors as though they held some mysterious key. Lou's at a console, having hijacked a large wall screen to create a satisfying explosion. Roland turns to him. Lou hits the keyboard and the screen reverts to the churning numbers. LOU I tell ya, she's pissing me right off. ROLAND Because she won't allow herself to be manipulated? Where's her sense of fair play? LOU She knows something. ROLAND Worse, she thinks she knows something. You've now got her believing it's a kidnap threat. LOU Hey, why didn't we come up with that? ROLAND Because our psycho isn't real. But kidnapping... He doesn't want to finish the sentence. LOU So we gonna kill him off? Roland reflects. ROLAND It would make it nice and final. But maybe too extreme. I'll get back to you. LOU Meantime, what about the journo chick? ROLAND Her friend Lane can he be bought off? LOU In any other situation, I'd say yeah. But they got something going, though I dunno what, 'cept it's gotta be real twisted. Roland's struck by a sudden thought. ROLAND You said she knows something. LOU Yeah. It's like she's got one on us. ROLAND But we haven't told her anything, and neither would Norton. Lou shrugs. LOU So? ROLAND So who do we know who loves to talk? INT MOTEL ROOM NIGHT Nikki comes out of her room, looking sophisticated and beyond her years. She eyes Alex's black leather jacket and wordlessly circles him. He flicks the car-keys impatiently. ALEX What? NIKKI It's not working for me. ALEX Well then, why don't I go and change? NIKKI Okay. ALEX You gotta catch the tone. NIKKI We're outa sync. ALEX How 'bout I go as your bodyguard? Throw on some shades. That work for you? NIKKI No. He snaps the keys again. NIKKI You're like supposed to be my Dad. Who's gonna believe it? ALEX You're supposed to be fourteen. Who's gonna believe that? They face off. Finally Alex moves toward the door. ALEX We're wasting time. INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT Alex drives with Nikki's eyes boring into him. Suddenly without warning, he does a screeching U-turn. Nikki gasps, disoriented. NIKKI What are you doing? ALEX Teaching you to keep your eyes on the road. NIKKI If I'da been sick, it woulda been over you. ALEX I'm changing anyway. NIKKI How come? ALEX 'Cos it's your night. I don't care what the hell I wear. NIKKI Turn left then. He makes the turn. ALEX You don't want me to go back? NIKKI I got a better idea. ALEX Whaddaya mean? This is your idea. NIKKI My Dad knows a guy with a store. It's all arranged. ALEX Yeah? So what did I say about not telling people about our movements? NIKKI Like I got a photographic memory. ALEX Phonographic. NIKKI What's a phonograph? ALEX Think audio-visual without the visual. Short silence. NIKKI We still going? ALEX Depends. NIKKI On what? ALEX Promise me from now on you'll do as I say. She excitedly kisses him on the cheek. ALEX I was looking for the word 'promise'. NIKKI Promise. Promise promise promise. Double promise. Triple promise. ALEX Enough. It doesn't go with the new image. She tries to contain herself. He hands her his cellphone. ALEX Get directory and write down some restaurant numbers. NIKKI But we've already got a booking. ALEX Not any more. NIKKI How come? ALEX Because I broke my own rule. NIKKI But what if there aren't any tables? ALEX Then we find one with a bar and you sip orange juice while we wait. She complies with obvious reluctance. ALEX And when you got a list, I'll do the talking. EXT MENSWEAR STORE NIGHT Alex and Nikki walk up to the exclusive store. ALEX Why's your old man doing this? NIKKI 'Cos I asked him. ALEX Okay then, why are you? NIKKI 'Cos like you said, this is my night. ALEX Don't use my words on me. NIKKI Look, he's waiting. INT MENSWEAR STORE NIGHT Edgar, the manager, greets Alex and Nikki with polished deference while appraising Alex with a practised eye. EDGAR Good evening, miss, good evening, sir. It's my pleasure to be of service. ALEX Kinda late to be opening though, huh? EDGAR The young lady's father is an esteemed client, and I'm pleased to repay a debt of honour. NIKKI So anyway, he's gotta look hot in case he meets like this rilly sexy blues singer. ALEX It's fantasy theme night. EDGAR Indeed. Now if you'll just remove your jacket, I'll take your measurements. Alex takes off his jacket. Edgar studies him for several seconds then nods. EDGAR I have just the thing. ALEX No tape measure? EDGAR It's in the eye, sir. I won't be a moment. He moves off briskly. Alex turns to Nikki with a bemused look. ALEX At first I thought he was being sarcastic, but he really talks that way. And he didn't say "Follow me". She rolls her eyes. NIKKI How come we get here and you're like rilly uncool? ALEX I thought we were going for hot? NIKKI You look hot and you act cool. Like who doesn't know that? MOMENTS LATER Edgar returns with a suit and shirt. EDGAR I left out the tie. Would I be correct in assuming you don't favour them? ALEX Damn right. Nobody with an Adam's apple should. He goes into the fitting room. NIKKI When you bag his old stuff, take out a crumpled bit of paper from his pocket. Ring my Dad and tell him the third number on the list. That's where we're going the new restaurant. EDGAR Certainly. And I wish your devious little scheme every success. Does she really sing the blues? She sighs. NIKKI I hope so. Alex emerges in the new suit and glances at himself at distance in a mirror while Nikki gapes. EDGAR What do you think? ALEX Expensive. I look like a drug lord. EDGAR A drug lord with taste, sir. A crucial difference. NIKKI If you don't wear it, I'll never speak to you again. Alex gives her a 'don't tempt me' look. ALEX You got an installment plan? EDGAR No no, everything has been taken care of. I'll just go and bag your stuff. He goes off to the fitting room. ALEX Did he just say "bag your stuff"? NIKKI I'm teaching him how to talk. INT LANE'S CAR NIGHT Sabrina ends a call and toys with her phone thoughtfully. Lane glances at her several times expectantly, then is forced to ask. LANE What gives? SABRINA I'm not sure. LANE About what? SABRINA The road. LANE What road? SABRINA Shall I drive? LANE Oh this road? He does a little swerve to impress her. LANE Got it covered. Pitch me. SABRINA Change of restaurant. It's now on Packenham. LANE That was the girl? SABRINA No, Gussman. So he's in on it. LANE They did want our help, remember? SABRINA No, they wanted to use us... But how? And what's really going on? LANE Maybe you ask too many questions. SABRINA What's the first thing they teach you at Jay School? LANE Don't get caught. She looks at him. LANE Okay ask too many questions. EXT SIDE STREET NIGHT Sabrina and Lane get out of the car. He leans against the passenger door. LANE So what's the plan? Seeing as we've lost our reservation. SABRINA The girl invites me to their table. LANE Just you? SABRINA There's take-out pizza nearby. LANE What happened to three's a crowd and four's a quadrille? SABRINA There's normally five in a quadrille. LANE The French can't count. Who knew? SABRINA I believe there's also a Spanish connection. LANE This is sounding more and more like a conspiracy. SABRINA Maybe it's better this way. LANE Right, so my sitting here stuffing my face with pizza is providing valuable support. SABRINA He doesn't know you or the car, so you're going to follow him. If you can manage that. LANE Hey, I'm a good driver. When I'm not distracted. SABRINA You'll need to be better than good. He's experienced at this. LANE So what sort of car and where's he parked? SABRINA I'll find out from the girl. Keep your phone on. LANE What if you can't? SABRINA What if you lose him? Which is more likely, since you can't get too close. LANE Then we switch to plan B. SABRINA Which is? LANE You don't have a plan B? SABRINA No, I have a plan C. Get a new partner. LANE You love me really. Go on, say it. I can handle mush. SABRINA Idiot. INT RESTAURANT NIGHT Alex eyes Nikki, who's supposed to be studying the menu, but spends more time looking around. ALEX Chosen yet? NIKKI Huh? ALEX Is that the grilled huh, or the flaming-pan huh? Sabrina enters. Nikki spots her and immediately swivels back to focus on her menu. NIKKI What are you having? Alex has also noticed Sabrina. ALEX I'll tell you what I've had a gutsful. NIKKI Huh? ALEX Huh's off. We're outa here. He gets up. NIKKI No no, you can't. Please. She glances at Sabrina, who's been intercepted by the maξtre d'. ALEX You made a promise. She refuses to budge. He hauls her out of her chair and marches her towards the kitchen, where they encounter a waitress. WAITRESS I'm sorry, that's staff only. A waiter emerges from the kitchen with trays. Alex pulls Nikki aside then slips in behind the waiter and into the kitchen. RESTAURANT KITCHEN Alex leads Nikki past startled kitchen staff. The waitress calls from the door. WAITRESS Hey, stop them. The stockily-built head chef blocks their way with a menacing-looking carving knife. ALEX I see you're ready for your lesson on sharpening up. He feints with one hand then uses the other to deliver a blow to the chef's windpipe. The man staggers back then collapses. They step around him, only to find another chef in their way, this one weilding a meat cleaver. Alex raises an eyebrow and the man backs away. The pair escape outside. EXT RESTAURANT NIGHT Alex scans the dark alley while Nikki looks back anxiously. ALEX Anyone following? NIKKI No. Did you kill him? ALEX Yeah, I should be in comedy. He pulls her along then notices her staring at him open-mouthed. ALEX He's just a little bit unconscious. Like you, when you're reading 'Crime and Punishment'. INT RESTAURANT KITCHEN NIGHT Sabrina's on the phone to Lane, ignoring the chaos around her. SABRINA They're in the alley behind the restaurant. Cruise by and see if you can pick them up. And forget what I said about maintaining distance - I want that bastard. INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT Alex has Lane in his rear vision mirror but doesn't let on to Nikki. NIKKI It wasn't like in the movies. ALEX What? NIKKI That fight in the kitchen. ALEX Yeah, in the movies they'da made a real meal of it. That's life, baby doll. Blink and you miss it. He drives along checking side-streets. Without warning he slams on the brakes and turns into an alley. It's a blind end. He stops. ALEX Stay in the car. And don't try this at home. He jumps out. EXT DARK ALLEY NIGHT Lane follows them into the alley. He sees the parked car with only Nikki inside and tries to reverse, but it's too late. Alex appears from behind with his gun aimed squarely at Lane's head. Maintaining his aim, he walks around to the driver's door and signals for Lane to get out. Lane complies then holds out his hand in greeting. LANE Hi, I'm Lane. Pleased to meet you. ALEX Don't speak. Against the wall. Spread. He taps Lane for weapons then pulls out Lane's wallet. He finds the press card and steps back into the headlights to read it. He puts it back and tosses the wallet onto the ground. ALEX Keys. LANE Is this a mugging? I mean for information purposes. ALEX Shut it. Lane tosses Alex the keys. ALEX Okay. LANE Okay what? Alex uses the gun to point to the wallet. Lane picks it up warily. ALEX Oh and one more thing. He spins around, intending to deliver a blow to the side of Lane's head, but stops himself at the last moment. Lane staggers back. LANE Hey buddy, whoa, easy. Alex parks Lane's car against the wall then gets out, locking the keys inside. He rejoins Nikki. The car reverses out at speed then zooms off into the night. INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT As they drive along, Alex calms down, but Nikki remains agitated. NIKKI Why did you do that? ALEX He was following us. NIKKI I mean with the gun. ALEX Okay, he's press. But he coulda been the psycho. NIKKI You were gonna knock him out like with the chef. Short silence. Alex avoids her eye. ALEX I was hired to protect you. That means putting my life on the line. It's not a game. People gotta start realising. Another silence. She rubs her shoulder. NIKKI Are we gonna drive around forever? 'Cos when you do that, it's like rilly boring. ALEX What's wrong with your shoulder? She looks at him accusingly. NIKKI It's sore. ALEX I didn't sign up to be the bad guy. You put me in a position where I couldn't guarantee your safety. NIKKI Like a hot date is sooo dangerous. ALEX Wise up, kid, she had a tail on us. EXT MICHELLE'S HOUSE NIGHT Alex pulls up outside a modest house, somewhat overshadowed by a large rambling hedge. INT ALEX'S CAR Nikki shows no reaction, which Alex takes a bad sign. ALEX Be nice. NIKKI Why? ALEX We might be staying. NIKKI How come? ALEX I'm going hunting. She stares at him. ALEX I'll still be around. Just not all the time. NIKKI So can I like borrow your gun? ALEX No but I'll get you a water pistol. EXT ALEX'S CAR He climbs out. After several moments, she follows. NIKKI I was being serious. ALEX So was I. INT MICHELLE'S HOUSE NIGHT Michelle opens the back door, which leads directly into the small kitchen. She's in her dressing-gown, but the TV can be heard in the background. A little careworn but still attractive, she greets Alex with a warm smile. He kisses her on the cheek as he enters. Nikki trails behind, lingering by the door. ALEX Hey, babe, how ya doin'? Michelle glances at Nikki. MICHELLE I'm fine, what's your story? ALEX Michelle Nikki. MICHELLE Hi. ALEX We're looking to crash a coupla days, maybe a week. That cool? MICHELLE Yeah. He walks around the breakfast bar into the lounge. ALEX Anyone else around? Michelle gives a short, almost bitter laugh. MICHELLE I'm inbetween, so what else is new? ALEX It's for a job, so you're in the cut. Michelle eyes his suit. MICHELLE Looks like you already done one. ALEX Eh? MICHELLE Like a bank job? She indicates the suit and circles with her hand. NIKKI He doesn't twirl. ALEX Oh this? It's not mine. Her old man's loaded, and we're talking stinkin'. Nikki gives him a sharp look. ALEX I mean he's a smart investor. Knows about leverage. MICHELLE So what's going on? ALEX I'm playing minder, but we weren't followed here. Michelle looks at Nikki curiously. Nikki doesn't flinch. ALEX I gotta go back for the gear but remember, I'm on cell. Got yours? MICHELLE Lost it. She turns to Nikki. MICHELLE Wanna beer? NIKKI Sure. Michelle hands her a bottle from the fridge, which Alex smoothly swipes. ALEX She's fourteen. MICHELLE Really? ALEX The make-up. MICHELLE Oh yeah, I forgot it could do that. I use it the other way. NIKKI All my friends are like into sex and drugs, and I can't even have a beer. ALEX She leads a deprived life. You can tell by the healthy glow... Hey, you do look a bit pale. Whatcha been up to? Nikki pouts. Alex takes out her phone from his jacket and tosses it to Michelle. ALEX Keep it with you at all times. NIKKI That's mine. He ignores her. ALEX No calls from the house unless it's a real emergency. The guy's a hacker, and we can't take chances. MICHELLE Okay, now go. (to Nikki) He's like an old woman. Nikki grins. Alex opens his mouth to protest, then decides otherwise. ALEX Back soon. He goes out the back door. MICHELLE You drink coke? NIKKI Sometimes. MICHELLE Like now? NIKKI Like when it's vanilla. Michelle gets her the drink and they settle on the sofa. NIKKI So how come you're doing this? MICHELLE I owe him. Nikki studies her. Michelle decides to tell the story. MICHELLE I had this louse boyfriend stole my stuff. Alex persuaded him to give it back. Nikki nods thoughtfully. NIKKI And what about you and Alex? Michelle smiles. MICHELLE Yeah, there was an 'us'. Long time ago. NIKKI So how come you guys didn't like get married? MICHELLE He's a lone wolf, honey. You don't chain a lone wolf. NIKKI Well I think it's sad. MICHELLE Don't be sad life ain't all bad. He's more a lad than a dad, just be glad he's no cad. NIKKI You're taking the piss, aren't you? MICHELLE Smart girl. You'll go far. INT ROLAND'S APARTMENT BAR NIGHT Roland's by the window. He turns to Lou, who's on his bar stool doing spins. ROLAND So what went wrong? LOU Nothing. It was perfect. ROLAND One master-chef unconscious, one journalist mugged... LOU Okay, so nothing's perfect. We live in the real world. ROLAND That wasn't my point. LOU The guy confronted him with a knife. The other one chased him into a blind alley. I woulda done the same. ROLAND In the real world? LOU Okay, so maybe not in the real world. Roland joins him at the bar. ROLAND Double whiskey. LOU Listen, why don't we go to a real bar? Then maybe a girlie show. ROLAND Why? LOU 'Cos you gotta cheer up. ROLAND When it's over. In the meantime, just pour. Lou pours with an extravagant flourish. Roland regards him a moment. ROLAND You knew this would happen? Lou shrugs. LOU He took it a bit far. But hey, in sports, people get knocked out all the time. ROLAND That's different. No-one expects sporting behaviour on the sports field. It only confuses the spectators. LOU You want me to do something about reparation? ROLAND Please. He takes a large swig, studiously watched by Lou. LOU You wanna can it? ROLAND He had a gun. That wasn't in the deal. LOU Sure, he broke it. But what did you think we were hiring a chauffeur? ROLAND A man with a gun has my daughter and we don't know where he is. He wanted a break and we didn't give it to him. What if he's snapped? LOU He won't hurt her. ROLAND But who else will he hurt? Lou shrugs. LOU Okay, so we bag ourselves a psycho. Roland finishes his drink and bangs down the glass emphatically. ROLAND Just make it convincing. INT CYBER BAR NIGHT Alex orders at the bar then sits down in a low-slung chair opposite Lou. LOU Where's Nikki? I don't see Nikki. ALEX She spoke on the phone today. LOU I wanna see her. ALEX And I wanna biff you, what's your point? LOU Hey, don't play games. ALEX Why not? Thought you liked games. LOU You bring her, understood? ALEX She's safe. LOU Alone? You left her alone? ALEX Not alone, no. But safe. Lou rolls the glass around in his hand several moments. LOU I'm not hearing an apology. ALEX What for? LOU Blow to the windpipe, gun to the head that jog any fond memories? ALEX He pulled a knife. LOU No, he had a knife, 'cos that's what chefs use. ALEX I wasn't on the menu. LOU He thought you were making off without paying. He took it personally. ALEX And a knife in the face doesn't get me all philosophical. LOU And the gun? I say no guns, so you wave one around in front of the journo? ALEX I was protecting Nikki. LOU He wasn't the psycho. ALEX I didn't know that. Alex's drink is delivered. Lou stares at the cup. LOU The hell's that? ALEX Coffee. LOU The cyber-bar was your idea. Alex doesn't reply. LOU So what's up? ALEX You tell me. LOU Okay, here's what I'm thinking. You palmed Nikki off so you could do some snooping on your own. ALEX And guess what? Roland's not in hiding. LOU And that's all you got? Alex eyeballs him. Lou sighs. LOU It's a secret operation. Roland volunteered as bait. ALEX I didn't see any undercovers. LOU That's 'cos you ain't got it no more. You're past it. Over the hill. All washed up. ALEX A walking talking thesaurus. What I always wanted to meet. LOU We just don't want you hanging around scaring him off. ALEX Is it Nikki? Is she the real target? Lou shakes his head. LOU With you and Nikki, it's a precaution. ALEX I think we should disappear. This city isn't safe. He gets up to leave. Lou waves him back. Alex sits down sceptically. LOU It's gonna happen, and I mean soon. Real soon. Alex stares at him without speaking, then stands. ALEX I'll be in touch. He moves off. LOU Don't you walk off. Don't you walk off. INT WAR ROOM NIGHT Roland prowls the dealing room while Lou swivels in his chair to follow him. LOU The sonovabitch walked out on me. ROLAND I'm so glad you've got everything under control. LOU He's the only hitch. Everything else is set to go. ROLAND He's the whole point to it all. LOU No, Nikki is. ROLAND And where is she? LOU He said she's safe, and I believe him. ROLAND What's your new plan? Lou looks at him blankly. ROLAND Because if you don't have one, I'm calling in the police. LOU So how's arresting me gonna find her? ROLAND I'm not even laughing on the inside. Lou thinks quickly. LOU Email Nikki. ROLAND We talk on the phone. LOU Yeah, and he could be listening in. But he doesn't monitor her email. ROLAND And tell her what? He's gone renegade? LOU Don't explain. Explanations can be critiqued. Just say you wanna meet urgently. And no Alex. ROLAND Where? The office? The apartment? LOU He could be watching those... The abandoned warehouse. That'll push her curiosity button. ROLAND You think she can get away? LOU I'm picking so. We know he leaves her to go snooping. ROLAND And if this fails? LOU She can do it. Believe in her. INT NET CAFE NIGHT Alex drinks his coffee, pretending not to notice Nikki, who flops down on the chair beside him and sighs. After some moments, he speaks. ALEX Lemme guess. All your friends are out in the real world, and suddenly cyberspace is the loneliest non-place. She sighs again. He waits. ALEX I'm listening but I'm not hearing. NIKKI I'm waiting for my coffee. ALEX You can't wait and talk at the same time? NIKKI It's serious. The guy with her coffee arrives. Alex squints at the fancy swirl. ALEX What's that? NIKKI Strawberry Supreme. ALEX So you're drinking Strawberry Supreme coffee and you expect to be taken seriously? She doesn't answer. He waits some more. ALEX S'happening? NIKKI It's gotta cool first. She takes a tentative sip and reflects. ALEX Too much strawberry? Not enough supreme? NIKKI I'm not supposed to tell you this. ALEX Then don't. Just give me your log-in. NIKKI It's personal. Anyway, I want you to trust me. Like I'm gonna trust you. ALEX Okay. He settles back in his chair, stretching out his legs. She goes to speak but he holds up his hand. ALEX Not here. Finish your coffee. EXT STREET NIGHT Alex and Nikki walk a while without speaking. NIKKI My Dad wants me to meet him. She glances at Alex, who doesn't react. NIKKI Without telling you. Still no reaction. NIKKI So how come you're not mad? He ignores this. ALEX What else? NIKKI He said it was urgent. That's all... And the building. ALEX What building? NIKKI Dunno. I memorised the address. ALEX And on the phone? NIKKI How do you mean? ALEX Your dad when you spoke did he mention any of this? NIKKI No. ALEX Hint? NIKKI No. He considers. She gets impatient. NIKKI So what should I do? ALEX Nothing. NIKKI But... ALEX But what? You know it's not the psycho-hacker? You know that? She goes quiet. He gives her shoulder a quick squeeze. ALEX You told me, and that was the right thing. She isn't cheered. INT ALEX'S CAR NIGHT Nikki keeps checking Alex, who's only concern appears to be the road. Finally she speaks. NIKKI Michelle said I was smart. ALEX So? NIKKI So that's like the first time anybody said that. ALEX Do I get any credit? NIKKI I think it's genetic. Short silence. NIKKI She told me about the boyfriend that nicked her gear what you did. ALEX Hey, he had form for grievous, so don't go wasting your tears. Her jaw drops. He glances at her. ALEX You said she told you. She continues to stare. He grimaces. NIKKI So how come you guys never got together? ALEX We did. NIKKI I mean like married. ALEX She turned me down. NIKKI Maybe you shoulda asked again. He eyes her a moment. ALEX You can take this smart thing too far. Another silence. NIKKI I gotta go. ALEX We just passed a place. NIKKI Not that. I mean I gotta go. ALEX It could be a trap. NIKKI That's why I gotta do it. ALEX The hell you do. NIKKI You can protect me. ALEX Yeah, and the way I do that is by not sending you into a trap. NIKKI You said you wanted to catch him. ALEX Not by dishing you up as bait. NIKKI I can wear a bullet-proof thingy. Do you get like a choice of style and colour? ALEX You're a brave kid. If I had a daughter as brave as you, I'd be proud. She beams. ALEX But you're not going. She glowers. INT ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - STAIRWELL DAY Rickety steps lead to office space above the warehouse. Two plainclothes cops move through the dimly-lit building and position themselves on either side of the door. COP # 1 Police. Open up. They wait a moment, guns poised. COP # 2 Let's do it. He goes to kick in the door just as the door is opened by the psycho. Cop # 2 spins around and falls flat on his face. Lou rushes up to them angrily. LOU Cut. Cut. What the hell is that? PSYCHO I just had this feeling, y'know, being the character he'd try and talk his way out. LOU He's got the girl. She's tied up. PSYCHO Like they could be into bondage or something. LOU She's fourteen. PSYCHO Maybe we could like make her older. LOU We're all gonna be older if you keep dickin' around. They smash the door in. That's the script. Got it? PSYCHO Okay, I think it's the lines. That's where I'm having the unfocus. LOU What lines? You got none. PSYCHO Yeah, what is he like mute? 'Cos if he is, I can bring in the face. I've done three months on mime, so if there's a face thing... LOU He can speak, all right? Just not to cops. He hates cops. PSYCHO So can we like go with the insult thing? Lemme try riffing. LOU Lemme try saying no. No. Hole in one. PSYCHO Why not? LOU Because he's not your movie psycho who's into emoting. We're keeping it real. It's what they used to call vérité. PSYCHO Why'd they name it after a woman? LOU Think reality TV. He's signed up for the cam. A day in the life. Got it? PSYCHO Sure, but I'll still need something to work on. LOU Cops rush in, pin you to go the ground. Find the girl. What's to work on? PSYCHO Exactly. It's dead. Who's gonna believe it? What if he had her like wired? LOU Because he's really a nice guy who loves his mum and he wouldn't hurt anyone, he's just terribly misunderstood AND IF YOU DON'T GET BACK INSIDE YOU'RE FIRED. PSYCHO Okay, man, I hear you. Sheesh. He goes back inside. Lou turns to Cop # 2. LOU What about you? COP # 2 Me? LOU You wanna know your motivation for smashing the door? You hate doors. You ran into a doorknob when you were three and it dented your brain. Now when you see a door you get this red mist. Cop # 2 glares at him. COP # 2 Like I'm getting now? LOU Okay, let's roll. CAM OP Problem. LOU So why didn't you fix it while Face Guy was yabbering? CAM OP It's the lighting. It's crap. LOU You think when cops raid a place, they bring their own lighting? CAM OP People will see this and think it's me. LOU What people? I mean, yeah yeah, right. We'll stick on a red filter in post and call it night vision. Kaiya steps forward with her clipboard. KAIYA They'll need goggles. LOU Goggles. He takes a deep breath. LOU Back to the van, guys. Kaiya-san is gonna hunt goggles. They all traipse off, forgetting about the two inside. A LITTLE LATER Cop # 2 climbs the stairs with two coffees and a bag of food. Alex moves in stealthily from behind and grips him in a choke hold. ALEX Put them down slowly. Cop # 2 complies. ALEX Now show me your badge. COP # 2 What badge? Alex increases the pressure on his neck, causing him to black out. He takes out his gun and continues on up the stairs. He tries the door, finds it unlocked, and slips inside. OFFICE SPACE Despite the gloom sunlight struggling through grimy windows Psycho immediately spots Alex. PSYCHO Who are you? ALEX Against the wall. Now. PSYCHO Is that a gun? ALEX No, a magic wand. Do it. Psycho complies, unsure whether it's for real. Alex goes over to the girl, still bound and gagged. ALEX You okay? She tries to speak, which of course comes out all muffled. ALEX Just nod if you are. She nods. He advances on Psycho. PSYCHO Where are the others? ALEX Why? You wanna throw a tea-party? Psycho whips out his fake gun. PSYCHO Stay back. I'll shoot. I'll shoot. ALEX You might fool young girls with that but I'll show you what's real. He aims unflinchingly at Psycho. Lou and the others arrive. LOU Stop. Alex recognises the voice but doesn't turn around or lower his gun. LOU Don't shoot. He's an actor. ALEX You can act? PSYCHO I did ten episodes on a soap, but I really wanna do movies. Alex spins around and advances on Lou threateningly. Lou starts pushing numbers frantically on his cellphone. LOU Talk to Roland. Talk to Roland. ALEX And then I whack you. Lou glances around at the others. LOU He's a riot... You wanna earn extra money as bodyguards? INT ROLAND'S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM NIGHT Alex wordlessly hands back the medical results to Roland. ROLAND They can medicate, but there may still be times when she needs transfusions, and as you know, being of such rare blood type... ALEX I understand blood types, but why the hoax? ROLAND Can we use the word 'ploy'? There was no intention to defraud. ALEX You think I'd deny blood to my own daughter? Roland avoids his eye, taking a few moments to respond. ROLAND I didn't know you. You didn't know her. I wanted there to be a bond without that pressure. ALEX Pressure? You made me think her life was in danger. ROLAND And is that so far from the truth? Lou enters with Nikki. Her expression is grim. LOU She knows. Roland nods, then tries to speak, but can't find the words. She goes up to him and begins pounding against his chest. NIKKI How dare you not be my Dad, how dare you. Roland envelops her in his arms. ROLAND I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. They hold each other silently some moments. Alex starts backing away, intending to leave, but Lou shakes his head. Nikki lets go and faces Alex. He waits. ALEX Lost for words, huh? And I thought the age of miracles was over. She slowly walks around him without speaking, keeping her eyes on him all the while, then goes out of the room. ALEX Now I know how a Martian would feel, and I don't even have green skin. LOU She's processing. Give her time. ROLAND It was more like shyness. Something I've rarely seen in her since she was four. Nikki returns, lingering at the doorway. NIKKI Will I see you again? ALEX You wanna? She nods solemnly. NIKKI I wanna. She leaves again. LOU Like I said, give her time. 'Cos then the attention-seeking factor kicks in. Nikki returns a second time. She comes in closer. NIKKI I was a mistake, huh? ALEX Yeah. It wasn't in the plan. That'll be our first trip. NIKKI How do you mean? ALEX The Endsworth cemetery. My mate, remember? The guy who had all the plans in the world. LOU We were kinda thinking popcorn and an amusement park. Roland gives Lou a stern look. LOU But graves are good. Although they work best without the popcorn. Flowers do it. ROLAND Lou, shut-up. LOU It's the emotion of the situation. I talk when I'm emotional. Shut-up or be fired, gotcha. Nikki nods at Alex. NIKKI Okay. She flounces out. INT ROLAND'S OFFICE LIFT DAY Lou's humming to himself. His cellphone rings. LOU Lou... Whaddaya mean I'm late? I got ten minutes. Listen, any schmuck arrives early is saying he's got nothing better to do... I'm prepared to make a fair offer but I'm not gonna roll over. LOBBY Lou steps out of the lift, still on the phone, not noticing Sabrina to the right of him. LOU Where are you anyway? SABRINA Right behind you. He turns around and sees her. LOU Lurking behind the potplants. Now that's style, not to mention class. SABRINA Change of plan. Some friends of mine have come along to hear your words of wisdom. LOU What wisdom? SABRINA An explanation. LOU For what? SABRINA The charade, elaborate stunt, call it what you will. EXT ROLAND'S OFFICE DAY As Lou and Sabrina come out of the lobby, a large crowd of journalists converges on the steps, seemingly out of nowhere. No-one speaks, but all eyes are on Lou. LOU Now I know what they mean by deathly silence. It's kinda creepy. Sabrina smiles sweetly. LOU So what is all this? SABRINA Weren't you listening? LOU Oh yeah, I get it. It's a set-up. She addresses the crowd. SABRINA Quiet, please. Small ripple of laughter. SABRINA Our friend here has something he wishes to say. Lou looks behind, and sees two beefy guys barring his way. He clears his throat. And a second time. They all wait silently. LOU Anyone for tennis? He lowers his head and torpedoes through the crowd, then dashes off down the street. The reporters all follow in hot pursuit. END
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