fade in:theblackiris.dastolidigital.com/script.doc · web viewoh, the police are all in his...

THE BLACK IRIS

by Donny Copeland

SCENE ONE

EXT. CITY – DAY

Shot of buildings from relatively high up. Zooming in slightly.

CROSSFADE TO:

EXT. BUILDING – DAY

Shot of one building, zooming in slightly.

CROSSFADE TO:

INT. WAGNER’S OFFICE - DAY(Wagner)

Roll opening credits over scenes of desk cluttered with mess, including papers, folders, pens, rotary phone, liquor, magnifying glass, empty Chinese food boxes, and ending on placard with the name “James Wagner, P. I.” Light is coming in through blinds. Camera then focuses on Wagner, leaning back in his chair.

WAGNER (V.O.):It wasn’t always like this. No, there was a time when I

wasn’t always stuck behind this desk. There was a time when every thug in the city trembled at the whisper of my name.

I was the big shot. Number one detective on the force. You remember those old detective movies? That was my life. I hit all the hottest clubs, had women waiting at my door.

But sometimes life throws you a splitter. One minute you’re flyin high, and then you just drop into the dust. Just one mistake, that’s all it takes. I left and became a private detective. Just like in the force, I’d have all the big cases, only with the big payoffs, too. But that ain’t how it worked out. Instead of the dames coughin’ up the dough, I got the unhappy broad looking for some pictures of her

husband’s affair. And the women I get here, it’s no wonder their husbands are cheatin’ on them. Oh, he said he loved

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me. Oh, he’d never leave me. I tell you, I’m a psychiatrist without the paycheck or the doctorate.

Now, I’m not a superstitious man, and I definitely don’t believe in fate. Fate is a word used by losers, who can’t explain why they’re feedin’ off the bottom of the food chain. Right now I might be livin’ out of this office

consoled by some unpaid bills, an eviction notice, and my good friend Jack Daniels, but that won’t last forever. Life

is just a series of lucky breaks. Everyone gets their chance, it’s just the smart ones who know how to take

advantage. That’s fate for you, right there.But I’m young. Or so they tell me. I got plenty of years

left in me, plenty of time for my lucky break.

INT. WAGNER’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS(Wagner, Eve)

Door creaks open, without knock. Woman pokes her head through the door.

EVE:Hello?

WAGNER:Oh, hello. Uh, Come in, s’cuse the mess.

He frantically tries to straighten up, pushing stuff off the desk, standing up and fixing his clothes, etc.

EVE:Are you Mr. James Wagner?

Eve is the passive one in this situation. She is unsure and needs help desperately.

Wagner is still brushing himself off as he sticks out his hand. He tries to be charming and slick.

WAGNER:Yeah, but please...call me Jim.

EVE:Eve Harris.

They shake hands.

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WAGNER:Siddown Miss Harris.

She does, in a chair across from the desk. He sits in his own chair.

WAGNER (CONT’D):What can I do for you?

EVE:(nervous)

Well, I need a private detective.

WAGNER:You wouldn’t be sitting here if you didn’t. Now, what’re ya lookin for? Surveillance? Background checks? Just tell me

the problem, and we’ll see what we can do.

EVE:Well, my problem is a little different than most. It’s just

that...Well, it’s my ex-boss.

WAGNER:Go on.

EVE:He owns a small investment firm, which he uses as a front to launder money on the east coast. Big time racketeering, the works. I was his secretary, and...(reluctance)...his lover. A couple of weeks ago, business started going sour. Debts were mounting, and he had people to answer to. So, he

started to take out his aggression on me.

Her voice lowers, as she recounts a painful memory.

EVE (CONT’D): I tried to get out of the relationship, out of the job, out of the whole thing. But...he wouldn’t let me. He

thought I’d go right to the authorities. So...I ran. But he was hot on my trail, still is. And well, now I’m running

to you. I need you to help me get him behind bars.

WAGNER:I don’t mean to cut you off, Miss Harris—

EVE:Please, Eve.

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WAGNER:Eve. But, isn’t this a matter for the cops? They could put you in a witness protection program, something like that. I

mean, this is a bit out of my league.

EVE: (pleading, building hysteria)

Oh, the police are all in his pocket! I should know, I paid them every month. If I went to them, they’d just put me away. You’ve got to help me! He’ll kill me if you don’t!

WAGNER:Alright, now, don’t go hysterical on me. Now, exactly

whaddya want me to do here?

EVE:I need you to get his transaction accounts. They’ve got all the wire records, amounts, dates, everything. If I can get

the files, I can nail him, and lock him up for good.

WAGNER:This sounds noble, but what’s in it for me?

Eve slips her hand into her purse and pulls out an envelope, then tosses it towards Wagner. He peeks inside it and his eyes widen.

EVE:10 thousand. That’s all yours, if you do what I ask.

WAGNER:(still fairly distracted by the money)

Which is..?

EVE:He keeps all of his documents in the filing cabinet in his office downtown. I have the keys; all you have to do is

sneak into his office and—

WAGNER:(very much alert)

Breaking and entering? Look lady, that’s 5 to 10 hard time-

EVE:I know it’s a serious felony. But this guy...he doesn’t care about the law. And if I can’t lock him up, well...

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She trails off into tears.

WAGNER:Now (considering, then moving on)...exactly who’s this

creep?

EVE:(through sniffles, and handing Wagner a business card from

her purse)His name is Rick Jackson.

WAGNER:The Rick Jackson? Loan shark, gangster Rick Jackson? That

Rick Jackson?

EVE:I know, I know. That’s why you’ve got to help me.

He looks at her thoughtfully, considering his options. He takes the card after a moment of thought.

EVE (CONT’D):He works at 485 West Avenue. But he spends most of his time at this dive downtown, The Lion’s Den, gambling, drinking, you know. All of his files should be at his office in a

filing cabinet, in a folder marked “Miscellaneous Records.”

Wagner looks the card over, thoughtfully.

EVE (CONT’D):Oh, Jim, please say you’ll help me! It’s real simple. All you have to do is go to his office while he’s gone and take

the files.

WAGNER:Whaddya need me for? Sounds like you can do it all.

EVE:Jim, I’ve never done anything like this. I mean, you’re a private investigator. You’re a professional. It’s your

job.

WAGNER:Larceny or prison risk isn’t in my job description.

EVE:

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Jim, you’ve just got to help me. I’ve tried all the other detectives around town; none of them will take the case.

You’re my last chance!

WAGNER:Thanks for the vote of confidence.

EVE:Jim, I’m offering you 10 thousand dollars. I won’t beg you

anymore...And don’t tell me you couldn’t use the money, because (looking around) you’re not exactly living in luxury

here.

INT. WAGNER’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

Shot zooming slowly on Wagner’s face:

WAGNER (V.O.):Well, she is right about one thing. I could use the money. For 10 grand, I could get another apartment and maybe fix up

this joint.

INT. WAGNER’S OFFICE - CONTINOUS(Wagner, Eve)

She bats her eyes, you know, the whole “Damsel” thing. Wagner snaps out of his concentration. He flicks the card away, and snatches the envelope.

WAGNER:(sarcastically, but not over the top)

Lemme get this straight. You want me to break into some guy’s house and steal files to prove he’s laundering money.

She nods with Bambi eyes.

WAGNER:Alright. I’ll do it.

She takes out a pen and writes her name and number on the back of the card lying on the desk. The signature is all nice and purdy, you know, cherry red, and swirling cursive.She pulls out a pair of keys.

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EVE:Don’t forget your keys. The big one is for the office door, the little one is for the filing cabinet. Everything else you need is on the card. Thank you very much, Mr. Wagner.

Good day.

She turns on her heels and leaves. He looks over the business card on the signature side. He whistles.

WAGNER:What a dame.

He whistles again, and then flips it over. He zooms in on the home address of Rick. Wagner slips the card into his pocket. He gets himself out of the chair, puts on his fedora and jacket (if he wasn’t wearing them before), lights, leaves, and locks.

FADE TO BLACK

END OF SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO

EXT. PARKING LOT – DAY(Wagner)

Wide angle, outside of high rise. Wagner enters car, starts engine, and pulls out of driveway.

EXT. STREET – MOMENTS LATER

Car is shown driving away.

INT. CAR – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner)

Shot of Wagner within car, from passenger seat dash. (city background)


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Continuation of previous shot changing focus from car driving away.

CROSSFADE TO:


Shot of Wagner within car, from passenger dash. (country background, slowly driving)

CROSSFADE TO:


Close up of car driving up slowly. (on residential street)

INT. CAR – MOMENTS LATER

Wagner arrives at a nice looking house seen from the front window and parks the car across the street.

EXT. STREET – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner)

Wagner is waiting and watching the house.

EXT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER

Shot of front of house.


Wagner is waiting and watching the house.


Wagner looks at watch, showing 2:56.CROSSFADE TO:

INT. CAR – DAY(Wagner)

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The watch now says 5:07. Zoom out to see Wagner slumping drearily. Door noises are heard and he awakes.

EXT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

Wide shot of Rick locking door and walking toward car.

EXT. HOUSE – CONTINUOUS(Rick)

Close up of Rick unlocking his car and getting in.


Long shot of Wagner in his car.

EXT. STREET – MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

Rick pulls out.


Wagner struggles briefly to collect himself. He follows Rick around the bend, but doesn’t zoom away. He is much more subtle.


Shot from Wagner’s back seat. He follows Rick to the end of the street. It is apparent Rick is rather reckless, while Wagner’s surveillance is more controlled.

EXT. STREET – DAY

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Shots in traffic as Wagner follows Rick.

INT. CAR – DAY

Shots from passenger seat looking at side view of Wagner as he drives.

INT. CAR – DAY

Shots looking into Rick’s mirrors.

EXT. STREET - DAY(Rick)

Rick parks.

EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

Wagner pulls into a space.

EXT. OUTSIDE BAR – MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

Rick walks into a bar. Pan up to sign reading “The Lion’s Den.” Pan down.


Wagner opens the door.


Wagner walks across the street into the bar.

END OF SCENE TWO

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SCENE THREE

INT. BAR – DAY(Wagner)

Wagner walks into bar. Music is playing, something OTHER than Chattanooga Choo Choo, which is possibly the worst song of the century. He looks around.

INT. BAR – CONTINUOUS(Rick, Patrons)

Shot of a bar and several booths. In one are Rick, and three others. They are drinking and playing cards, gambling.

INT. BAR – CONTINUOUS(Wagner, Barkeep)

BARKEEP:What’ll it be?

Wagner whirls ‘round. He is startled.

WAGNER:Bourbon, one rock.

Wagner looks back at the booth where the men are playing cards.


Rick proceeds to win.

INT. BAR – DAY(Wagner, Barkeep)

Camera on Wagner, who receives his drink and takes a sip, sitting down on a stool.

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Shot of Rick and other men playing cards.CROSSFADE TO:

INT. BAR – NIGHT(Wagner)

Wagner’s drink is empty. He looks into the mirror behind the bar and can see the gambling booth.

INT. BAR – NIGHT(Rick, Patrons)

Medium of booth. Rick is really cleaning up, he has a pretty hefty pile of money in front of him.

RICK:Well, that’s it for today, boys. I’ve got some business to

take care of.

They nod, glumly. Rick picks up his money, stuffs it into his wallet, and leaves.

INT. BAR – NIGHT(Wagner, Rick, Barkeep)

Rick throws a bill at the bartender.

BARKEEP:Thank you, sir.

Jim pays the bartender and follows Rick out.

END OF SCENE THREE

SCENE FOUR

EXT. STREET – NIGHT(Wagner, Rick)

Wagner watches Rick get into his car and then proceeds to his own.

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EXT. STREET – CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

Rick pulls out and then Wagner gets into his car.


Shot from backseat of Wagner following Rick.

CROSSFADE TO:


They arrive at 485 West Avenue.

INT. PARKING GARAGE – MOMENTS LATER

Close up of car as it pulls in to the parking garage.


Close up of Wagner with binoculars.

EXT. STREET– MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

Rick enters the building with a briefcase.

EXT. BUILDING – MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

Shot looking up at the building. A light goes on. Rick is seen through a window.


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Close up of Wagner with binoculars.

EXT. STREET– MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

Rick exits the building with a briefcase.


Rick’s car leaves.


He takes out the business card to confirm that this is Rick’s office. It is.


He walks across the street and into the building.

INT. BUILDING – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner)

He goes into the building.

INT. BUILDING – CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

He finds a door marked “Jackson Investment Enterprises.” He unlocks it, looks around, finds filing cabinet.

INT. BUILDING – CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

He unlocks it. He thumbs through to a file marked “Miscellaneous Records.” It is empty.

WAGNER:

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Damn!

He slams the cabinet shut.

INT. BUILDING – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner)

He locks the office and walks back outside.


He walks into his car.

INT. CAR – CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

He begins to drive back to the office.

END OF SCENE FOUR

SCENE FIVE

INT. OFFICE – DAY(Wagner)

Wagner sits at his desk. He picks up the business card and turns it to Eve’s side. He picks up the rotary phone and dials. She picks up.

EVE:Hello?

WAGNER:Eve? It’s Wagner.

EVE:Oh, hi Jim. Did you get the files?

WAGNER:Well, I got into the office. Everything went smooth so far

as that. But the “Miscellaneous Records” file—empty.

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EVE:Oh. Are you sure you checked the right file?

WAGNER:Jackson musta cleaned it out before I got there.

EVE:(with more emotion)

He must have taken it back to his house. He sometimes takes work home. I never thought he’d take this home.

WAGNER:Well, sorry about that. Guess you’ll have to figure out

some other way to get him.

EVE:No! We know the files are at his house. All you have to do

now is go and get them.

WAGNER:Ya mean break in? Look, Miss, I don’t know who you think I am, but using a key to get into an office filing cabinet is a lot different than thieving my way into his home! I have no idea what’s in there. No telling what security he’s got—

body guards, alarms, dogs. No way.

EVE:Oh, come on. You mean to say that a private detective can’t

pick a lock? I’ll double your money.

WAGNER:I’m not sure it’s worth—

EVE:I’ll triple it.

Wagner sits there, not responding. He looks around the office.

Eve:Jim…

Wagner still does not respond.

Eve:Jim…

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Wagner:Yeah-OK.

EVE:Then it’s settled. He does have a security system. I don’t know the code. I am sure he has changed it since the last time I was there. The files are probably in his study on the second floor. You get the files, and I’ll have your

money waiting.

CLICK.

END OF SCENE FIVE

SCENE SIX

EXT. HOUSE – DAY(Wagner)

Medium shot of Wagner’s car, with Wagner looking through binoculars.


Binoculars follow Rick into car.

EXT. HOUSE – CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

Shot of Wagner’s car, with Wagner looking through binoculars.


Rick pulls out.


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Wagner puts the car into gear and starts to follow Rick.

EXT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER

Shot of mail post where a sticker reads: CONTINENTAL SECURITIES.

CROSSFADE TO:

EXT. BAR – LATER(Rick)

Rick walks into the Lion’s Den.

EXT. STREET – LATER(Wagner)

Wagner stops watching Rick and goes to a payphone outside the bar.

RING, RING.

TOM:Hello?

WAGNER:Is this Thomas Walker?

TOM:Who wants to know?

WAGNER:An old friend.

TOM:Jim? Jim Wagner? Its been a long time, Jim. Good to hear

from you.

WAGNER:Right, you too Tom. Look, I need to talk with you about

something.

TOM:Really? What about?

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WAGNER:Well...I tell ya what, why don’t we meet for drinks? There’s this place, “The Lion’s Den,” down on Baker.

TOM:Yeah, I know it.

WAGNER:So, tonight?

TOM:Sure, should be fine.

WAGNER:Perfect. See you. Bye, Tom.

CLICK.

Wagner hangs up the phone.

END OF SCENE SIX

SCENE SEVEN

INT. BAR – NIGHT(Rick, Patrons)

Music is playing. Medium of Rick playing cards with the crowd from yesterday.

INT. BAR – CONTINUOUS(Wagner, Tom)

Wagner is across from Tom, talking. Tom is dressed casually. Each has a beer.

TOM:We were great, you and me, back on the force. But after you

left, well, things weren’t the same.

WAGNER:Yeah, after that...

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TOM:Hey, let’s drop that. I tell ya it’s great to see you.

WAGNER:Yeah, Tom. You too. So, uh, what’re ya doing now?

TOM:Well, you know, after I quit the force, I joined up with

this security company, Continental. I’ve been working with them for a while. I miss the force, but, whatever pays the

rent. You know how it is.

WAGNER:Yeah, that’s right.

TOM:Yeah. So, you still working as a private eye?

WAGNER:Yeah, well...that’s why I called you, Tom. I need a guy’s

alarm code. For a client.

TOM:Come on, Jim. I just can’t give out that stuff. That’s

confidential. I could get into some serious shit

Wagner takes out money.

WAGNER:I’m willing to give you 1000 bucks.

Tom’s previously enthusiastic disposition is seriously dampened.

TOM:Look, I don’t have access to that stuff. Jim, I’m sorry but

—

WAGNER:2000.

He takes out more money. Pause. Tom slowly takes it.

TOM:Well...maybe I can do something. You sure this guy’s with

Continental?

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WAGNER:Yeah. His name’s Richard Jackson, 134 Sullivan Street.

TOM:Wait a minute. Rick Jackson, that isn’t the gangster is it?

WAGNER (fighting a smirk):No relation. Coincidence.

TOM:The office won’t open ‘til tomorrow morning. I’ll give you

a call if I can get the code.

He writes down his phone number on a napkin and gives it to Tom.

WAGNER:Thanks. I owe you.

Tom starts to get up.

TOM:I better get back. How much for the beer?

WAGNER:Never mind that. I’ll take care of it. It was good seeing

you Tom.

TOM:You too Jim.

They shake hands. Tom leaves. Wagner leaves some money on the table and goes to sit at the bar. He watches the table through the mirror. Rick is winning.

Fade out.

END SCENE SEVEN

SCENE EIGHT

INT. OFFICE – DAY(Wagner)

Wagner sits at his desk, playing solitaire. The rotary phone rings. He picks it up.

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WAGNER:James Wagner, P. I.

TOM:Jim-Tom.

Wagner takes out a pad and pen.

WAGNER:Hey, Tommy. Good news, I hope?

TOM:(uncertainly)

Yeah, I got it. 3-6-1-3.

WAGNER:Thanks Tom. Hey, maybe we can get together again.

TOM:Yeah. Maybe.

CLICK.

END OF SCENE EIGHT

SCENE NINE

INT. BAR – NIGHT(Wagner)

Wagner walks in. He looks over at the gambling booth

INT. BAR – CONTINUOUS(Patrons)

The cards are there, Rick and one other man are missing.

INT. BAR – CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

Wagner looks around, and then exits the bar.

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INT. BAR – CONTINUOUS(Patrons)

The two gamblers continue to gamble alone.

EXT. BAR – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner, Rick, Man)

Wagner hears a voice. It is Rick’s.

RICK:Where’s my money?

MAN:I told you, I don’t have it. I...I can get by Wednesday.

Wagner turns by an alley

EXT. BAR – CONTINOUS(Rick, Man)

Shot of Rick with the man.

RICK:Not...good...enough

He kicks the man. It’s hard to see, but the man falls. Wagner hides behind some crates for a closer look.

RICK:Bit off a bit more than you could chew, eh? Never gamble

what you don’t have.

Rick beats him senseless with a two by four, we can only see the weapon go up and down and shadows of struggle. He appears to be finished, and throws the board down.

EXT. BAR – CONTINOUS(Wagner)

Wagner, scared stiff, quietly tries to walk away, out of the alley.

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EXT. BAR – CONTINOUS(Rick)

Rick takes out a cigarette, taps it against his fingernail and puts it to his mouth. He goes to light it. With this, he sees Wagner leaving the alley.

RICK:Hey, you there! Hey!

He starts after him, but doesn’t pursue. He throws the cigarette down in disgust.

EXT. BAR – CONTINOUS(Wagner)

Wagner runs away.


Shot from passenger seat. Wagner is visibly shaken.


He goes to a payphone and dials.

EVE:Hello?

WAGNER:Eve. It’s Jim. Eve, I...I can’t take this case.

He drops his head.

EVE:But, but...what are you talking about?..(on the verge of

tears) I need you! I mean, you’ve gone this far...

WAGNER:No, no, I...I’ve made my decision. It’s too risky. I mean,

this is Rick Jackson. It just...won’t work.

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Eve sobs.

WAGNER:(regretting is harshness)

Look, I know this other detective, maybe he can—

EVE:(trying to compose herself)

No, no. I wouldn’t trust anyone but you.

She sniffles.

EVE (CONT’D):Nope, you’re right. It is too risky. Too dangerous. Why should a man like you care at all about me? I’ll...I’ll

just have to do it myself, tonight. I can break a lock, how hard could it be? What’s the alarm code?

WAGNER:3-6-1-3...but no, you can’t do that. Just...let things be.

Maybe go away for a while. Forget it.

EVE:(angrily)

Don’t you get it? I’m as good as dead if I do that. There’s only one thing I can do.

She hangs up. Wagner slams the phone down angrily. He walks back to his car.


Wide angle. He drives off.

END OF SCENE NINE

SCENE TEN

EXT. PARKING LOT – NIGHT(Wagner)

Car parks, wide angle.

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EXT. PARKING LOT – CONTINUOUS(Wagner)

Medium angle. Wagner gets out, drearily. He regrets what he did.

INT. OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner)

Door opens and Wagner steps in, medium. Blues saxophone plays. He throws away his hat, takes off his coat, and lies down on couch. He just lays there, contemplating.

END OF SCENE TEN

SCENE ELEVEN

EXT. HOUSE – NIGHT(Eve)

Wide angle of house, totally dark, except for front lights. Eve sneaks up from side.

EXT. HOUSE – CONTINUOUS(Eve)

View from door. Eve centers herself in front of it. She is wearing all black with a black fanny pack and white latex gloves. Her hair is pulled back. She pulls a maglite and two lock picks out of her pack. She puts the maglite in her mouth.

EXT. HOUSE – CONTINUOUS(Eve)

Camera over Eve’s shoulder. She kneels down and picks the lock. She carefully opens the door, punches in the alarm, puts the picks and light away, and goes in silently, closing the door behind her.

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INT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER(Eve)

She carefully tiptoes through the house. Camera dollies to follow her through house. She approaches the study and opens the door.

INT. STUDY – MOMENTS LATER(Eve)

Door opens and Eve steps in. There is a desk, etc., a real office. She opens a cabinet and there is a safe. She enters the combination, and it opens to reveal some envelopes and papers and such.

Suddenly lights flash across the window and a car is heard pulling up.

She is startled and frightened. She quickly slams the safe shut and closes the cabinet and huddles herself into a corner, hiding from the person who just arrived.

A car door is heard slamming and footsteps approach the building.

INT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner)

The front door opens and feet walk in. Dramatic violin music plays.


Eve is frightened.


Feet walk across floor.

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Eve is frightened. She grabs a lamp and holds it over her head, poised to drop it on his head when he enters the room.




Eve is frightened. She clenches her fists and closes her eyes, ready to pounce.




Eve is frightened.


Feet reach the door.


The door opens, but it is Wagner, not Rick. Eve stops herself just before the lamp crashes down on Wagner’s head. She is gasping, as she is so relieved to find a friendly face at the door. She hugs him, and he reacts awkwardly, as James Dastoli would.

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EVE:(fighting tears and hyperventilation)Oh, Jim. I...I thought you were Rick.

She draws herself back, still angry with him, but more puzzled.

EVE (CONT’D):But...why did you come? I thought it was “too risky?”

WAGNER:. . . couldn’t let you do it by yourself.

They look at each other like their having a “moment,” but then Eve interrupts it:

EVE:Come on, we need to get the file and get out of here.

She goes to the safe, enters the combination, and opens it. She pulls out a thick manila envelope. As she does we see headlights and here another car pulling into the driveway.

EXT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

Rick steps out of his car.

RICK:What the hell’s going on?

He walks into the house. The door is open.

INT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER(Rick)

He walks through the house cautiously, but aggressively.

RICK:Who’s there?

INT. STUDY – MOMENTS LATER(Eve, Wagner)

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Wagner motions for Eve to be quiet. He cramps himself against the wall and gestures for Eve to do the same. She closes the safe and it slams. She cringes.

INT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER(Rick, Eve, Wagner)

Suddenly, Rick, having heard the slam, rushes into the room. He turns on the lights, and sees Eve.

RICK:What the hell are you doing here?

He rushes at her but is tackled from behind by Wagner. A fight ensues. Eve tries to escape with the envelope, but the scuffling men keep blocking her path. After some time, Rick knocks Wagner against the wall, and he is out cold.

Eve tries to run away, but Rick reaches into a desk drawer and pulls out a pistol. He points it at her.

RICK:Stop right there.

She does, and turns towards him.

RICK (CONT’D):Come back here. Gimme the envelope.

She slowly walks towards him, with the envelope outstretched. Meanwhile, Wagner is stirring. Rick snatches the envelope. He peeks inside.

RICK (CONT’D):So, thought you could pull off this little heist with your

boyfriend here.

As he gestures towards Wagner, Wagner gets up and tackles him. The gun, still pointed at Eve, fires, but narrowly misses. It then is dropped.

Unlike before, Rick clearly has the advantage in this fight. He is strangling Wagner against the wall, and Wagner is about to die, when Eve shoots Rick in the back.

Wagner gasps for breath and soon has his wits about him.

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INT. HOUSE – CONTINUOUS(Eve, Wagner)

Eve is standing there shocked with her hands still clenched to the pistol, still pointing in the same position.

EVE:Is he...dead?

Wagner looks down at the body, then back up at Eve.

EVE:(horrified)

I...I killed him.

Wagner tries to find the right words, but then sirens begin to wail in the distance.

WAGNER:Come on, we gotta get out of here.

He grabs Eve. She drops the gun and picks up the envelope, and they race out the door.

EXT. HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER(Wagner, Eve)

They quickly get into Wagner’s car. And get out of there as the sirens get louder.

END OF SCENE ELEVEN

SCENE TWELVE

INT. WAGNER’S OFFICE – LATER(Wagner, Eve)

They enter the office. Wagner has his arm wrapped around Eve. She is wearing his coat. He lays her down onto the couch. More saxophone blues.

WAGNER:You okay?

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EVE:I’ve been better.

He drapes the coat over her body. She smiles. He takes the envelope and goes to his desk, back to couch. He opens it. Inside is a lot of money. He calls over to Eve.

WAGNER:(mumbling to himself)

There must be over half a million in here.(aloud)

Eve? I thought you said there were files in here, you know, documentation.

No answer.

WAGNER (CONT’D):Eve?

He looks over. Eve is asleep. He locks the door with a key, puts it in his pocket, sits down in an easy chair near her.

WAGNER (CONT’D):You’re going to have some explaining to do in the morning.

He leans back in the chair and falls asleep.

END OF SCENE TWELVE

SCENE THIRTEEN

INT. OFFICE - MORNING(Wagner)

Wagner wakes up and shivers.

WAGNER:Freezing in here.

He drowsily gets up and goes to the door. It is open. He looks over to the empty couch.

WAGNER:

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Eve...

He looks into his pocket and, seeing the key missing, swears silently.

He looks outside, but he knows it’s no use. She is gone. He closes the door and walks over to his desk, and picks up a note on his desk, written in the same cherry red. Eve’s voiceover reads aloud:

EVE’S NOTE:Jim,

Thank you so much for your help. I couldn’t have done it without you. I felt awful about deceiving you. Seems so hard these days for a girl to get her hands on some dough without a few white lies. I’m sorry, but it was never my intention to involve you in murder. But, take it from me, Jackson got what he deserved. I’ve known him too well not

to know that. And I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble with the police. He may have paid them, but they

still didn’t like him. You’re on their side. Besides, he’s not around to pay them anymore. I guess this all worked out for the better. Rick got what was coming to him, I got my money, and you, well, take a look in that envelope next to

the phone. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.Love, Eve Harris

He finds a manila envelope next to the phone. Inside is money. He takes it out and counts it.

WAGNER:. . . 200 thousand dollars!

He sits down in his chair.

WAGNER (V.O.):Well, that was one hell of a case. And wow, 200 Gs. This might pay some bills. You know, that whole adventure,

some’d just call it fate. But no. That was my lucky break. My life’s on the rise now...

The door creaks open, with NO KNOCKING FOR GOD’S SAKE WHAT IS YOUR OBSESSION WITH KNOCKING? Sheesh.

THE END

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