secrets on a real train draft # 1

8/8/2019 Secrets on a Real Train Draft # 1

1/27

SECRETS ON A REAL TRAIN DRAFT # 1

By

RISHI JHA

[email protected]


2/27

FADE IN:

EXT. ROYAL YORK - NIGHT

Cold night. Street lights illuminate the barren, empty

streets partially covered in foamy snow. VACANT. Theatmosphere could be mistaken for a post apocalypticsituation until we see a man walk along the street towardsthe subway.

Tall, bespectacled and suited, He appears confident. He isMIKE SWANN, 36. We hear his FOOTSTEPS as he makes his way tothe Subway station.

INT. ROYAL YORK SUBWAY - NIGHT

Mike gently walks down the steps as we hear the sudden

WHOOSH of a train that just passed by. Mike stops and looksat his watch. His striking features show no emotion. Hemakes his way to the ticket counter.

ELSA SMITH, 25 looks at Mike from the other side of thestation. Beautiful, ethereally so. With her piercing blueeyes and free flowing hair, she could pass for a fashionmodel.

Elsa walks up to the counter and wraps her arms around Mike.

ELSATold you we might freeze.

Mike turns around and looks deep in Elsas eyes. They kissand Mike smiles for the first time since we saw him.Elsaadjusts his collar.

ELSA (CONT. )You always look dapper and elegant.Why ?

They walk towards the platform, holding hands and beingtouchy.

MIKENot always. Only since I met you.

ELSAI dont believe it.

MIKENeither do I.

(CONTINUED)


3/27

CONTINUED: 2.

They stand at the platform. Mike looks in the direction ofthe expected train while Elsa clings to him.

ELSAYou know...I had this thought,maybe you wont turn up.

Mike looks at her. Intently.

MIKE(smiling)

For a lawyer, you sure are trustingof strangers.

ELSAOnly when the stranger in questionputs a gun to your head.

She comes closer and hugs him tightly. The station is EMPTYexcept the audible chatter of these two. And the train

arrives.

Mike and Elsa get on in an empty car, she followed by him.They sit together and stay silent. The train moves.

INT. TRAIN CAR - NIGHT

MIKEWhat did you do last night ?

Elsa continues to stare outside the window and then turnsaround.

ELSANothing. Thought of you, us.

MIKEUs ?

Elsa looks back and nods.

MIKE (CONT. )Are you scared Elsa ?

ELSA(without looking at Mike)No, After all that Ive beenthrough the last few days,

(looking at Mike)Not anymore.

Mike lunches forward and kisses her. They look out thewindow at the passing city. Rays of light passing by.

(CONTINUED)


4/27

CONTINUED: 3.

ELSAI finished Sabi-Wabi.

MIKEIts Wabi- Sabi.

ELSA(smiling)

I know. Just playing with you.

She reaches inside her purse and pulls out a JapanesePhilosophy book and hands it to Mike.

ELSA (CONT. )Its a good read, though I stilldisagree with its core idea.

MIKEOh cmon, Weve been through this.

A station arrives.

MIKEWhich one is it ?

ELSAHigh Park. Three more to go. So youwere sayin....

MIKEThe art of the Wabi- Sabi is tofind beauty in imperfection. A

modest way of appreciating life andrealize...

Elsa looks intently at Mike and smiles.

MIKE (CONT. )What ?

ELSAGo on.

MIKEWhy did you smile.

ELSAJust the way you are. So passionateand firm.

She starts giggling.Mike looks at her smiling.

(CONTINUED)


5/27

CONTINUED: 4.

MIKEShould I take that as a compliment.

ELSADepends.

Elsa gets up and walks to the door. She stays there staringoutside, and then stares at Mike. Mike turns around andlooks at Elsa looking at him. Her hair flowing in the windmakes her appear angelic. He gets up, walks up to her andholds her close. They kiss.

DUFFERIN STREET. Mike and Elsa get off at the station, onceagain seemingly the only souls in the isolation of thenight. They walk hand in hand.

EXT. DUFFERIN STREET SUBWAY - NIGHT

Elsa and Mike emerge from the station, blissfully ignoringthe silence surrounding them.

ELSAI was thinking of taking a breakand going to St. Marteens afterthings get done tomorrow.

MIKESt. Marteen. Good.

ELSALooks great in pictures.

She stares at Mike. Mike stares back.

MIKEWhat ?

ELSAStop being a dick Mike.

Mike looks at Elsa and smiles.

MIKEWhats the matter, Elsa.

ELSAWhat is the matter. Nothing.

(looking at Mike)Tomorrow is a big day, isnt it ?

(CONTINUED)


6/27

CONTINUED: 5.

MIKE(looking deeply at Elsa)

Are you scared, I think you are ?

ELSANo, I am not, Come here big boy.

Elsa pulls Mike towards her and hugs him, exploring his backwith her bare hands. Mike pulls her away, then kisses herpassionately as they walk.

MIKEYou look beautiful today, more sothan usual.

ELSAYou still havent told me.

MIKE

What ?

ELSAWhat will you do after the hearingtomorrow.

MIKEI havent thought about it Elsa.Maybe go to St Marteens with you,or maybe just lie low for sometime.How far is your place ?

Elsa looks straight, slightly dispirited.

ELSA(pointing straight)

See that scraper. That is it.

Mike reaches for her hand and clutches it tightly, forcingher closer towards him. They go inside the building.

INT. ELSAS BUILDING - NIGHT

The building appears gloomy and withered. Elsa and Mikeclimb the stairs.

ELSAIts a very old construction, as youcan probably make out.

MIKELooks old alright.

(CONTINUED)


7/27

CONTINUED: 6.

As he walks, Mike over-steps and loses balance. Elsa holdshim.

ELSAWatch your step.

MIKEI am fine.

He looks at her, slightly embarrassed and grins. Shegiggles.

ELSASorry bout that, no-one reallycares much for this dumpster. Wemake do with the fact that itscheap rent.

MIKE

I thought you were a lawyer.

ELSASo ? Dont believe the movies.Starting practice is hard in thiseconomy. I like it here though.

They reach an apartment. Elsa pulls a key out and opens thedoor.

INT. ELSAS APARTMENT - NIGHT

They enter the room and Mike closes the door behind him.Elsa takes a few steps, turns around and stands there,staring at Mike.

Unspoken passion and Intensity. Mike lunges forward andkisses Elsa. They kiss passionately, making their way to thebedroom. Caressing each other while awkwardly changingpostures they continue to kiss, more passionately than everbefore. He gently touches her wrists. And then she backsaway.

ELSAI love you.

MIKEI know that.

Mike kissed her again and Elsa stops him again.

(CONTINUED)


8/27

CONTINUED: 7.

ELSAThen come with me.

MIKESt. Marteen ?

ELSAAnywhere.

Mike gets up.

ELSAI thought about it. Doesnt makesense but in a rational world,nothing does.

MIKEI kill people for a living. Not avery rational way of living Elsa.

ELSALook at us.

She gets up and pulls him towards her.

ELSA (CONT. )You and I, we compliment eachother. I wouldnt have believed itfour days back, and I am happytoday. Content for the future Ihave in mind.

MIKEYour vision Elsa, not mine.

He holds her face in his palms.

MIKE (CONT. )I love you, I really do. Probablythe only person Ive truly loved inmy life, but you are beautiful andhave a fut...

He stops.

MIKE (CONT. )You have a future ahead of youElsa, and I will always be theresomewhere.

ELSANo, I dont want somewhere.I wantus together.

(CONTINUED)


9/27

CONTINUED: 8.

(sigh)I wont coax you but I have statedmy intentions.

MIKEI know that.

Mike kisses her hand gently and gets up. He stares at theapartment. It is a standard yuppie apartment adorned withpaintings on the wall and a bright feel going for it insharp contrast to the weary building.

ELSAYou like it ?

MIKEThe apartment ?

ELSA

hm h mm.

MIKEIts pretty.

Mike looks around.

ELSAFlea market.

MIKEWhat ?

ELSAI get everything from the fleamarket. Looks expensive butisnt.What can I say, the lawyerwithin me.

Mike looks at Elsa recumbent on her bed. He smiles.

MIKEAre we ready for tomorrow ?

ELSAYes sir.

Elsa gets up and opens a safe.

ELSA (CONT. )I had arranged everything while youwere away. And I have the cameraready, just as you wanted.

(CONTINUED)


10/27

CONTINUED: 9.

MIKEWheres the camera ?

ELSAIn the drawer near the Television.

Mike gets the camera. Elsa arranges some documents while

Mike toys with the video Camera.

MIKEYou ready Elsa.

ELSAYes.

She looks at him and they kiss. Elsa seats herself in frontof the camera as Mike instructs her from behind.

MIKEWe are on.

ELSAO.k here goes.

(pause)My name is Elsa Smith. I practicelaw at the Queens Bridge Law firm.In the month of May, this year, Istarted an independentinvestigation after an organizationthat calls itself the Em- Y. Theyare an underground moborganization, having contacts inhigh places all over the city. Ihave been in hiding for the lastfour days because my life was indanger and still is. Every efforthas been made by them to make sureI do not make it to the court toprovide solid evidence I haveunearthed against them. Tomorrow isthe hearing day and I shall testifyin the court. As of now, I am safebut if for some reason, I fail tomake it to the court, I shall leavethe evidence in worthy hands.

Mike cuts the recording.

MIKEThat should do.

He takes the cassette and puts it in his pocket, then kissesElsa.

(CONTINUED)


11/27

CONTINUED: 10.

ELSAI dont get it, Why do we even needthis backup ?

MIKEJust to be certain. You hungry ?

ELSANo. I trust you Mike.

MIKEI know.

They lie in bed kissing. Elsa puts her head on Mikes chest.

ELSAWe could go snorkeling in StMarteens. That would be fun.

MIKEI love you.

Mike switches off the lamp.

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. ELSAS APARTMENT - DAY

As the lights come on, Mike is sitting on his side of thebed, staring into oblivion. Elsa lies asleep, lookingradiant as the morning ray of light brightens her face. Mike

looks at her face, her hair falling over her pretty face.

Mike gets up and heads to the bathroom. He washes his faceand looks at the mirror. He walks to the window and looksdown. Three Cadillac lie parked below the apartment.

He opens the apartment and goes back to the bed to getdresses. A suited man enters the room in the background asMike pulls a handgun out of his overcoat. He stares atElsas face intently and steps back. Heaving a sigh he pumpsthree bullets into Elsas sleeping body. She does not move amuscle.

FADE TO BLACK.

BEGIN TITLES


12/27

11.

EXT. JUNGLE HILL REVOLVER CLUB - DAY

SUPERIMPOSE: FIVE DAYS EARLIER.

Noisy morning on a busy street in downtown Toronto. NOISE ofgunshots from a distance can be heard as JEFF and IVAN sitin their Cadillac outside the revolver club. Both wear

expensive looking suits and sunglasses as they munch on hotdogs.

JEFFWhy would he work here of allplaces.

Jeff has the look of a mafia gunman, except instead of beingcalculated he appears instinctive. A hipster assassin wholives by his rules.

IVANBeats me. Boss wont like it. The

only thing larger than Masonsbelly is his pride.

They sit idle for a few seconds, looking towards the Club.

JEFFHey, why do we wear suits ?

IVANWhat do you mean ?

JEFFI mean, why the fuck do you wearthis Zegna suit everyday. I alwayssee you making sure you dont dropanything over it.

IVANI dont know. Its just instinctive.

JEFFOh yeah.

Jeff takes his hot dog and throws it on Ivans suit.

IVANJesus, Jeff, Are you fuckin stupid.

JEFFSee, right there....this, thisconstant need to live up toeveryones expectation.

He takes a few cigarette butts and throws them on Ivan.

(CONTINUED)


13/27

CONTINUED: 12.

JEFF (CONT. )See, see.

IVAN(angrily)

Stop it asshole. Fuck. You areinsane you know that.

JEFF(smiling)

I do.

IVANWhy the fuck do you wear it ?

JEFFWear what ?

IVANThe suit. You wear one too. Look at

your fuckin self first beforepointing fingers.

JEFFH mm...interesting. See, I neverthought about it. Why do I wearthis shitty suit every single day.Why do people look at me with aweand fear. Why do I...

IVANYou are insane. Jesus, How muchlonger is it gonna take. All weasked for was some information.

JEFFNo, listen, Why do people refrainfrom killing other people ? Theygladly cut cows and lambs up withtheir knives, yet the thought ofkilling someone their own kindfreaks them out.

IVANBecause its morally wrong.

JEFFSays who ? Who says what is rightand wrong. Who made these rulesanyway ?

A man crosses the street in front of them with his daughterin tow.

(CONTINUED)


14/27

CONTINUED: 13.

JEFF (CONT. )Look at that asshole right there.Now if I take my Beretta and blowhis daughters head off, he wouldbe...

(thinking)

...pissed.

IVAN(sarcastically)

You think so ?

JEFFYeah, saddened, filled withremorse, would probably come forme, filled with rage and then Iwill kill him in the most creativeof close shots ... but back to thepoint here, he would be sad...

A MAN emerges from the revolver club and comes towards theCadillac.

JEFF...and yet, if I killed a randomseven year old girl in front ofhim, he probably wouldnt evencare. Why is that ? I mean I takeequal remorse if I miss a shot,irrespective of who the victim is,dont I ?

IVANFuck Jeff, You are one crazy son ofa bitch. Now behave, here comes theguy.

The man leans over at their window.

MANYeah, so I found the person youguys are asking for. I am sorry,but I am a new employee and hardlyknow anyone.

IVANOh, Its all right Sir, We apologizefor this inconvenience but its justthat we knew this to be the onlyplace we could find him. Can yougive us the address now ?

(CONTINUED)


15/27

CONTINUED: 14.

MANOh yes sure. Michael Swann, righthere...

(hands over a piece of paper)I hardly know the boy but that ishis address- 14, Evans Avenue.About a twenty minute ride from

here.

Jeff and Ivan look at each other and look at the man.

JEFFThank you so much Sir. You havebeen of the utmost of service.

MANNo problem. Glad to be of service.

The man leaves as Jeff starts the engine.

JEFFYou know, I wonder if he likes me.Lets find out.

IVANWe are going right now ?

JEFFI am going right now. You arebuying yourself a new suit.

IVANI dont need a new suit.

Jeff stops the car, pulls out a sharp knife and with a quickslash, tears the lapel off Ivans suit.

JEFFYes you are. I need my partner tobe well attired. What will peoplethink.

INT. LOBBY OF BUILDING # 14 - DAY

A LOUD THUD as a book is thrown on a desk. JIM STUART,52looks at his son STANLEY,13 and hands him the book "WABISABI- For artists, poets, designers & philosophers ".Stanley holds the book.

JIM(angry)

Take it to him and tell him this isthe final time I am getting any

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


16/27

CONTINUED: 15.

JIM (contd)book for him. Tell him I had to sitin the snow and a cat peed on myshoe, but I got this book from theend of the world.

Stanley runs up the spiral staircase making his way pastobstructing people, sneaking past them until he reaches adoor. He rings the bell. It is answered by Mike Swann whoappears calm and relaxed.

STANLEYHi. My father is angry again.

MIKECome on in. How angry ?

STANLEYWell, the usual. He got this book.

Mike takes a look at the book and is happy.

MIKEOh Stanley, your father is agenius. This is so good.

INT. MIKES APARTMENT - DAY

Mike goes to his book shelf which holds a number of books onphilosophy, arts and spirituality. Mikes apartment is awork of art in itself. Drained of any color, it lacks the

touch of modern sophistication. Minimalistic in attire, theonly furniture in the place seem to be a barren bed,cupboard and a chair, and the bookshelf. Out worldly.

STANLEYHave you read all those books onthe shelf.

MIKEYeah, I really enjoy reading. Myold man got me into it.

STANLEYMy old man only shouts at me itseems. So when will you teach mehow to shoot.

MIKEI told you Stan, give or takeanother ten years.

(CONTINUED)


17/27

CONTINUED: 16.

STANLEYI cant wait that long.

MIKEPatience is a virtue kid. Now be onyour way, I got to leave.

STANLEYAll right see ya, avoid my fatherfor sometime. Get out from the backdoor.

Mike smirks. He stares at the mirror and puts his hat on.The room appears and feels calm. Silent. A far cry from thecity outside. Mike locks the room and walks down to thelobby where he encounters Stanley.

MIKEWhere is Jim ?

STANLEYMust be out. Run while you can.

Mike smiles and writes a thank you note to Jim.

MIKEHere, give it to your father andtell him I really appreciate himgetting me that book. I owe himsomething big.

Mike walks though the busy streets of the big city. The city

is his world and he is a character, silently walking throughit as if in an isolated dream. He reaches the Jungle Hillrevolver Club. Taking a batch out of his pocket, he stampsit on his shirt. The batch reads INSTRUCTOR.

INT. JUNGLE HILL REVOLVER CLUB - DAY

Several trainees fire at their targets while others chat.Mike makes his way through the room as trainees greet him.He is respected. His fellow instructor TROY, 34 targetpractices on the side.

TROYWhere the bloody hell were youyesterday ?

MIKECaught up with some chores.Anything special ?

(CONTINUED)


18/27

CONTINUED: 17.

TROYNah.

Mike loads his gun and takes aim at the target.

MIKE

(noticing around)Who are these kids ?

TROYNew batch. Just come in yesterdayfrom down south. Can you handle em.

MIKENo problem. Hows Julia ?

TROYGood, I am the one suffering. Gotto make the insurance payments but

this salary is not enough.

MIKETell me about it.

TROYWhat do you care ? You have no oneelse to take care of, and I neversee you worked up over the pay.

MIKEIve taken things in stride Troy.Just makes things easier.

TROYOh yeah, One of those philosophicalrants of yours about to explode ?Dont tell me anything.

Mike smiles and shoots a couple of back to back bulls eyes.

TROYGood shot, sport. Alright now youhave a look at these kids and Illhandle the accounts for today. Godknows this must be the only job nothit by the markets and yet we havea shortage of employers. See ya.

MIKEAlright, have fun at the books.

Mike looks around and realizes no one is ready.

(CONTINUED)


19/27

CONTINUED: 18.

MIKE(shouting)

All right everyone, Please payattention here.

Everyone looks towards him.

MIKEMy name is Mike Swann and I will beyour instructor. I have been amarksman for twelve years now and Ican tell you its not something youtake up casually. This isresponsibility of the highestorder. Look at me, look into myeyes, I have killed people and Ihave seen my own being killed.

Everyone listens intently. One student looks way too eager.

STUDENT(shouting)

Were you a Cop Mike ?

MIKENo, I was never a cop.

Mike looks down and stares.

MIKE (CONT. )I was a hired assassin.

A few giggles from the group.

STUDENT NO. 2Were you ? For whom ?

MIKEDoesnt matter boy. What matters isthat you know the differencebetween a Magnum and a Magazine.

STUDENTMagazine is a device to hold ammoSir.

MIKEEveryone knows that. What is themiddle section of a muzzle loadinggun called ?

(CONTINUED)


20/27

CONTINUED: 19.

STUDENT NO. 3Stock.

MIKEGood,and how do you kill a person ?

Everyone is silent.

MIKEYou dont kill someone with thebullet. The bullet is just themeans to destroy the physicalexistence of your target. You killsomeone with your mind. Before youeven shoot the target, thatbullets fate is alreadydetermined.

INT. BUILDING # 14 - NIGHT

Mike walks up the stairs to his apartment. He finds the lockon his apartment broken and cautiously enters.

INT. MIKES APARTMENT - NIGHT

As Mike draws his gun, he HEARS some casual chatteringcoming from his bedroom. Mike sees Stanley talking with aman seated on his bed. He enters the room to find Jeff.

JEFFAh, there you are. I had almostlost hope sitting here.

Mike doesnt say anything. He walks in and hangs his cap andcoat.

JEFFYou know, you seem awfully lull onseeing me, even by your usualstandards. I was just tellingStanley here, how you and I go backa long way.

(to Stanley)

I was the charismatic one and hewas the brooding type. I always gotthe ladies.

MIKEStan, Why dont you go back to yourfather ?

Stanley gets up to leave as Jeff holds him by his collar.

(CONTINUED)


21/27

CONTINUED: 20.

JEFFNow, now we were having such agreat time werent we Stanley ? Hewants me to teach him how to shoot.Adorable dont you think Mike ?

MIKE

(sternly)Stanley, get to your room.

Stanley frees himself of Jeff and hurriedly runs out of theroom.

JEFFYou and I, we can never havefamilies. Never.

(lighting a cigarette)You because your fathers lovefilled you with a fear ofattachments of any kind, and me,

well Ill probably end up shootingmy children the moment they disturbmy sleep.

MIKEWhat the hell do you want Jeff ?

JEFFYou were jealous of me. Always Mikeand I never was. I mean you werethe better marksman but I was theone designated to take your placein the organization.

MIKEI left voluntarily. And answer myquestion, why are you here ?

JEFFMason has a job. An assignment.

MIKELeft everything behind Jeff and youknow it as well as I do.

JEFFSee, now this is the problem withyou. For a guy who lives by hisprinciples and strict values, yousure seem to give up on yourpromises.

Mike looks down.

(CONTINUED)


22/27

CONTINUED: 21.

JEFF (CONT. )Only you can do the job. And itcomes with a bonus.

Mike looks at Jeff.

MIKEWhat is it ?

Jeff reaches into his overcoat and pulls out a Beretta 92.He pulls out a file and throws it on the table. There is apicture and some documents.

JEFFHer names Elsa. Elsa Smith and sheis a lawyer. A pretty good one wethink. This bitch has gathered alot of input regarding Masonsactivities and will be testifying

in the court later this week. Nottoo sure of the date but check...

MIKE(interrupting)

Why me ?

JEFFWell because you owe us a favor andMason would prefer an outsider didit but primarily because of this.

Jeff throws a picture of a man on the table.

JEFF (CONT. )His name was Giorgio Smith and..

MIKE(interrupting)

I know him. I killed him.

JEFFOh Thank God, I was seriouslyquestioning your sanity. At leastyou remember. The kind deed he wasdoing is now being carried forwardby his daughter.

Jeff gets up and walks around the room.

JEFF (CONT. )Therefore we felt it was apt thatyou finish her off. Come to thinkof it...

(CONTINUED)


23/27

CONTINUED: 22.

(excited)You are destroying a lineage. Whatauthority, Oh I wish I had suchgood fortunes. Look at her face, aspretty as it gets.

Mike looks at Jeff who is admiring his books.

MIKEHow long can he continue to killinnocent civilians ?

JEFFWell, Its not everyday that someonegets a sniff of our good work. Andeven if they do, they never go allthe way. This bitch is going allthe way, just like her father.

MIKEIts more to do with her father,than to do with what is moral.

JEFFShe is a lawyer. In a justifiedUniverse they would safeguardjustice and righteousness but notin this one. I wonder why is evendoing it, but I agree, its more todo with avenging her fathers deaththan to see someone punished.

Jeff lights another cigarette.

JEFF (CONT. )So, in a way, you are responsiblefor her intentions. Makes even moresense that you do it.

MIKEAlright, Ill do it. And then Iwant nothing to do with you guys. Iwant you to keep your promise ofrelieving me of my duties afterthis.

JEFFGreat...

(pause).... I always make a consciouseffort to understand your beliefs,your ideals. And the onlyconclusion I come to, every time,

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


24/27

CONTINUED: 23.

JEFF (contd)is that you are a brave man to liveyour life killing others, againstyour wishes. I mean, I enjoy takinglives and yet it irks me from timeto time but you, I applaud your

inner strength Mike. We keep ourpromises and I assure you, this isthe final time we meet.

MIKEI couldnt care less what you feelabout me. You or anyone. Now getthe hell out of here.

JEFFSure.

Jeff and Mike stare at each other intensely.

JEFFRemember, she works in a firm atQueensbridge. Pay her a visit ifyou can, tomorrow. Here are all thenecessary details you wouldneed.Get the job done tomorrowpreferably. We will be there tosupport you.

Jeff leaves as Mike looks at Elsa Smiths picture.She lookshauntingly beautiful. He stands besides his book shelf andstares intently at the books. He removes a book and there is

a lever. He turns the lever and a second hidden shelf comesinto picture. Neatly arranged are a wide array of handguns.He picks two handguns and closes the inner shelf.

EXT. EVANS AVENUE STREETS - DAY

Mike makes his way through the throng of office going crowd.He takes the rush hour subway, getting mingled among thecrowd. He observes people from all walks of life, busyliving.

Getting off at Queens Park station, he makes his way to theCourthouse and waits. Observes the people going in and outof the courthouse. He spots her waiting outside the door,surrounded by cops, talking to fellow colleagues. Elsa isprettier than the picture he had seen, standing tall withher free flowing long hair and seductive eyes. For whatseems like eternity she stands there looking away. Miketakes a step back and walks away.


25/27

24.

INT. MIKES APARTMENT - EVENING

The doorknob turns and Mike enters his room. He calmly putshis overcoat on the hanger and sits stoically on his bed.SILENT.

He gets up and walks to his bathroom. Washing his face, hestares at his own image in the mirror. He angrily punchesthe wall.

Sitting on his bed, he lurches forward to grab the telephonewhen suddenly there is a sharp noise to his left. He looksat the wall and finds a bullet hole in it. Before he canrealize, the wall is plastered with silent bullets. Mikedives to the floor as his room continues to get ravaged.

And then it stops abruptly. The telephone rings and Mikegets up. He answers the phone. There is silence on the otherend.

MIKECant do it.

VOICE (O.S)We thought so.

MIKEWhy dont you do it yourself.

VOICE (O.S)I think Jeff made it pretty clear.Mason wouldnt be too pleased

either.

VOICE (O.S)You are guaranteed a relief fromyour duties once you get this done.There wont be any furtherinteraction between us. Our word,as you are well aware, arepromised.

Silence.

MIKEGive me some time.

VOICE (O.S)The hearing is in four days. Sheshould not be present on that day.

The phone disconnects.


26/27

25.

INT. MIKES APARTMENT - DAY

Mike wears his overcoat, opens his gun shelf and picks twomore guns. He closes the apartment behind him.

EXT. EVANS AVENUE - DAY

Mike takes the subway and gets down at Queens Park. Hewalks up to the courthouse and notices a LADY who had beentalking with Elsa yesterday, standing at the same spot. Hewalks up to her.

MIKEHi there. Do you see the bulge inmy overcoat here.

LADYI am sorry, what ?

Mike takes the lady on the side.

MIKEI have been assigned to kill ElsaSmith. Before I kill her, I have tokill you, unless you do as I say.

The lady stares at Mike, unable to comprehend what he justsaid.

MIKEI have a gun in my overcoat,

pointing at you right now. I cankill you and by the time peoplerealize it, I would have reachedthe nearest subway. I want to helpElsa Smith so take me to her.

LADYI have no idea where she is. Thiscourthouse is huge and she isprotected where ever she is.

MIKEThis is where you come intopicture. No amount of protectioncan save her from the people whowant her dead. Look at how easy Ihave had it.

Mike looks around.

(CONTINUED)


27/27

CONTINUED: 26.

MIKE (CONT. )Take me to her. I could have killedher if I wanted. Trust me.

LADYIts a good thing you singled me

out. I can take you inside. Comewith me.

She takes Mike with her inside the courthouse. They enter aroom and find Elsa seated, working on some papers. There arecops around the room.

LADYElsa.

ELSAHey, Whats ....

LADY(interrupting)

I want you to meet this man. He...

She looks at Mike unable to say anything.

MIKEHi, My name is Mike Swann.

Mike moves closer to Elsa. She looks blank.

ELSA(confused)

Hi, How can I ...

MIKE(interrupting)

I have been assigned to kill you.Come with me if you want to live.

secrets on a real train draft # 1

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