SimplyScripts
IN CHARACTER
EXT.STEPS UPSCALE REHAB FACILITY-DAY
Victor Sterling is standing on the top step of a very fancy hotel looking rehabilitation facility, behind him is the sign ‘Rolling Hills’ over the doorway. Looking out to the huge beautiful lawn, there are many attendants with white coats, each has a patient with them. There is a long winding driveway where a red Porsche convertible is moving very fast. Victor smiles and begins walking down the steps as the car screech’s to a halt. He throws a small bag into the back and climbs in, the Porsche immediately takes off fast. John (JJ) starts talking immediately.
JJ
Hey Vic how are ya? Did you enjoy your stay? You look good!
Welcome back to the land of the living. Anyway, I’ve got 5 or 6 scripts for you to look at so….
Vic adjusts the side mirror and is looking at himself, while listening to his agent ramble on. He gives John a dirty look and puts up his hand for him to shut up.
JJ
What, what’s wrong?
VIC
I just got out of rehab you idiot!
JJ
Oh yeah sorry, I just thought you’d want to
Get back to work as soon as possible that’s all.
VIC
Right JJ you were worried about me, were you?
JJ
Hey, that hurts my feelings Victor!
VIC
John since when did agents start having feelings?
JJ
So anyway smart ass did you see anybody we know
In there?
VIC
Oh hell yeah , Petey was there, Sally, oh and Junior of course.
JJ
Yeah well he practically lives there. But Pete? Hell he seems
So together you know?
VIC
Yeah well he’s into the powder somethin fierce, plus
He’s got some major mental problems, hell the poor guy
Broke down in group and cried like a baby!
JJ
No shit!
They’re on a two lane winding road behind a large truck, JJ was trying to get around it. Finally a car passes going the other way, John downshifts and goes around the slower truck ducking back into their lane just in time for another car, going the other way, to go past honking.
VIC
Jesus John, what’s the hurry? Are you gonna sign another
Actor today or somethin?
JJ
Nah you’re all I need Vic, oh by the way your taped acceptance
Speech was brilliant!
VIC
Yeah whatever, do you think anybody knows where I really was?
JJ
Hell no, if they did the media woulda ate it up.
VIC
Yeah that’s true.
They pulled into a driveway that had a gate with a keypunch. Over the fancy wrought iron is a stucco arch that has ‘CASABLANCA’ in red letters. They sit for a second while JJ stares at Vic.
VIC
What JJ?
JJ
I need your code chief!
VIC
Oh sorry 8-3-57
JJ
Your birthday? How original!
John punches it in and the gates open. They drive in.
VIC
Hey who would know that?
JJ
Hell Vic don’t underestimate your appeal,
There’s people out there that know your shoe size,
Hat size, what underwear you prefer. Face it dude
You’re a super star.
They pull up to the front of a huge house with a manicured lawn, white statues, 4 car garage and made out of mostly windows. The 2 get out Vic starts walking to the door until he remembers something, he turns and nearly runs into JJ who is carrying his bag. Vic grabs it and looks in, getting his keys.
VIC
(unlocking the door)
Thanks buddy my mind isn’t quite right yet!
INT.BEAUTIFUL PLUSH HOME
Vic drops his bag on the couch and walks to the sliding glass doors looking out over the pool and the ocean beyond. The alarm starts beeping.
VIC
Hey get that will you JJ?
JJ
What is it? Oh never mind! Really Vic, get an
Imagination huh!
JJ punches in the same code then goes to the wet bar making a drink.
JJ
Hey do you want a? oh sorry never mind!
VIC
Yeah I don’t think my counselor would appreciate
Me drinking before the sunsets on my first day out!
JJ
Well what’s the plan now mr clean? What are you gonna
Do?
VIC
Oh well I suppose I could look at some dialogue for my next…
JJ jumps up and runs for the door.
JJ
Hang on I’ll get the scripts.
Vic laughs and shakes his head at the agents greed. John comes back with a stack of screenplays. He sits down and starts going through them.
JJ
Ok we got a western…
VIC
Oh no! no cowboy shit for me. Those spaghetti westerns did
Nothin for my career.
JJ
Yeah but you were simple Bruce Peterson back then, plus you
Didn’t live out your roles before hand like you do now.
VIC
Yeah but this time it nearly killed me, ‘happy hour’ was
A good movie, but being a full time drunk was a bitch. Hell, I
was shit faced through all the filming!
JJ
Hey pal don’t bitch, you got the Oscar right?
VIC
Yeah but I’m not sure I can ever drink socially again!
JJ
Anyway the next one is a…..doctor.
VIC
Hey that might be fairly tame, whats it about?
JJ
lets see, young med student does whatever
it takes to rise to the top, then the past catches
up with him when he’s a respected surgeon
years later.”
VIC
Cool, put that one in the maybe file.
JJ
Ok next is ‘The Left Turn’; race car driver has bad wreck
Retires then an unscrupulous owner blackmails him to
race again. Wins the race and the girl, in the end, blah blah blah!
VIC
Hey that sounds good, put it on top!
JJ
Ok, we have a pirate, a serial killer and a….
VIC
What was that?
JJ
Uh lets see, this bloodthirsty pirate is a real prick but then
Gets a conscience when he falls in love, goes to work for the queen
And rids the high seas of evil doers.
VIC
No no, the other one about the killer.
JJ
Oh that well lets see.
John sits reading for awhile until Victor reminds him what he’s doing.
VIC
Hey chief!!
JJ
Sorry Vic! This is kind of neat according to the intro,
apparently this guy was a respected citizen, 9 to 5 job,
wife, 2 kids, the whole American dream. Everything except
for the fact that his mother abused him as a child, locked him
in closets while she entertained men. Anyway, he just snaps
one day, picks up a hooker, it goes bad and he kills her dead!
He enjoys the shit out of the whole enchilada and voila a horror,
slash, mystery, slash, cult classic is born.
VIC
Allright throw it in the maybe stack. Anything else?
JJ
Lets see uh we got a crooked judge but I didn’t think you’d
Want to mess with that after ‘Sidebar’.
VIC
Yeah that’s true. Man that was my best role ever!
JJ
Yeah, not to mention your first Oscar. Ok the last one
Is a cop who is obsessed with a cocaine king pin who
has eluded him for years. Turns out they are long lost
brothers. Cop quits the force to track him to Peru and
finds out the family history.
VIC
A cop huh? Well how many are in the maybe pile?
JJ
We got a doctor, a racer and a killer.
VIC
Ok, take out the serial killer and put in the cop, I
Don’t think it would do for me to practice killin
People to prepare for a role!
JJ
Hey dude, if it’ll get you another Oscar, I’ll kill em myself
and you can just watch and take notes!
VIC
Hey I appreciate that John, not many agents would do that.
JJ
Hey the John Jacobs agency aims to please!
Vic laughs and goes to the patio to watch the sunset. John makes another drink and joins him sitting around the table beside the pool. They sit and make small talk until the sun is nearly down. John is visibly drunk when he stands to leave.
VIC
Hey John why don’t you stay here you’re in no shape to drive.
Hell you’re in no shape to drive sober.
JJ
Very funny Victor, hell you should do a comedy you’d be a natural!
VIC
Seriously buddy, there’s five bedrooms here, crash for a while.
JJ
No way dude my current wife would become my fourth ex, and I
certainly can’t afford that shit!!
John wobbles to the door and leaves before Vic can stop him.
VIC
Well uh goodbye!
Vic shakes his head and chuckles, then locks the door and sets the alarm. He goes to the couch and sees all of the scripts still there.
VIC
John you’d forget your pecker if it wasn’t attached!
Victor picks up the scripts and goes upstairs to his bedroom, throwing them on his bed, he takes a shower. He gets settled in for the evening and picks up one script at a time. after reading a while he tosses each one on the floor until he begins reading ‘Killing Time’ and becomes mesmerized, reading until the wee hours.
CUT TO;
INT. KITCHEN-MORNING
Vic is making coffee in his robe when the phone rings.
VIC
Hello?
RUBY
Vic darling how was Cancun?
VIC
Cancun? Oh yeah! Well it was, well you know Ruby, hot, it was hot!
RUBY
Oh dear, that dreadful Mexican heat, I remember our trip down there we simply lived in the bar. But then we always do!
VIC
Yeah well anyway, what’s up Ruby?
RUBY
Yes Victor, I’m having a little get together tomorrow and you
simply must attend!
VIC
A get together? Uh I forget Ruby, which one is that?
RUBY
Vic, a ‘few friends over’, is 20 or 30 of my closest. A ‘get
together’ is a hundred or so of Hollywoods finest. Now a ‘thing’ is
a huge bash. Tomorrow will be a get together at one.
VIC
Oh I don’t know Ruby I just got back and…
RUBY
Now don’t play with me Victor, see you then, ta ta….
Vic stares at the phone, shakes his head then hangs it up. Just then there’s a knock on the door and the door bell starts ringing non stop. Vic takes his time getting his coffee then goes to see who it is. He unlocks the door and it opens quickly. He moves back to avoid being hit and spills hot coffee on his bare foot. A beautiful woman breezes past him.
MARTA
Damn it Vic I don’t know why you took my key, you treat me
like a common criminal for Christ’s sake!
VIC
Marta we’re divorced, remember?
MARTA
Darling, everyone is divorced nowadays.
VIC
What do you want!
MARTA
What do I want? You go on vacation, forget my check and
you have the nerve to ask me what I want!
VIC
Oh yeah, uh wait right there!
Victor hurries to the study to write a check. Marta makes a drink and sits on the couch, she digs in her purse pulls out a small bottle and dumps some coke on the coffee table, she pulls out a silver tube and snorts it without cutting it up. Vic comes back and drops a check on top of the residual powder. She dips her fingers into the glass and snorts a bit of the liquor to wash down the coke. He settles into a chair, staring at her with disgust.
MARTA
So tell me Vic, how was Africa or Persia? Where did
you go again?
VIC
Cancun Marta and it was uh hot!
MARTA
Yeah yeah, I don’t know why people leave paradise,
to go chasing bugs, sweat and poor service.
VIC
What happened to you Marta? You are truly a bitch!
MARTA
(stomping her foot)
I am not a bitch!
VIC
Marta do you need anything else? I need to get ready.
MARTA
Where are you going? Can I come?
VIC
Oh Ruby’s having one of her things.
MARTA
Oh my! Ruby’s having a thing? Shit! Vic, and I wasn’t invited!
VIC
No not a thing it’s a, a, hell I don’t know.
MARTA
Think Vic this is important is it friends over, or a get together or a thing?
VIC
Yeah the second one, that’s it.
MARTA
Oh, well what time is it?
VIC
It’s at four I think, hell I don’t know I’ll just call her back on that.
MARTA
When you do, could you?
VIC
Oh no Marta, you know the rules.
MARTA
Please Vic? My career is on the skids right now and rubbing
elbows would be perfect for me.
VIC
Your career what the hell are you talking about?
MARTA
Hey I did those commercials.
VIC
(laughing)
Ponds commercials? Hell Marta all they showed were your
Hands, putting some goop on them!
MARTA
Screw you Victor Sterling! We all can’t be Oscar winners, you arrogant bastard!
VIC
Sorry.
MARTA
Vic umm do you ever think of me, you know?
VIC
Sure Marta every month just like clockwork.
MARTA
No no, I mean like it used to be?
VIC
Hey the divorce was your idea remember, you said being
Married to me was hindering your career.
MARTA
Vic, I miss you! Is there any chance for us? I mean. Well, oh Victor, please don’t make me beg!
VIC
Marta, does this have anything to do with the fact that there are only four more alimony payments coming to you?
She gets visibly angry puts the check and the bottle into her purse, wipes the remaining coke and rubs it on her gums then stands in a huff and heads for the door. Victor follows her feeling bad about what he said. At the door she turns quickly and they are nose to nose. She wraps her arms around him and gives him a deep kiss. He returns it and soon has to pull his waist away from hers to avoid his loins betraying him. She keeps her waist against his moving right along with him, and moving seductively at the same time. He pulls his lips away and she puts her mouth against his neck whispering.
MARTA
Vic I’ve missed you so much, lets go upstairs, please?
VIC
Marta I…
She cuts off his protests with another kiss and he gives in, reaching down and picking her up by the knees, carries her upstairs.
CUT TO;
INT. BEDROOM
They are laying back on the bed, she is on his chest smoking a cigarette.
MARTA
Vic.
VIC
Yes dear?
MARTA
Uh could you? I mean, would you?
VIC
What Marta?
MARTA
Ask Ruby if…
VIC
(sitting up quickly)
I knew it Mary, this was all a set up.
MARTA
Don’t call me that Bruce!
VIC
Yeah yeah whatever.
MARTA
(pushing him gently down)
What’s the matter Vic? I just want to spend some time with you.
VIC
Bullshit! This was all an act! You had this planned from the git go
MARTA
Vic darling, I didn’t even know about the party when I got here remember?
VIC
Oh? Well, that’s true, oh allright Martini, oh hell its 10 and I wanted to get a trim before 1!
MARTA
Victor Sterling, you told me 4 oclock!
VIC
Oh, ah well, sorry Marta, well you know I…
MARTA
I know hon. Anyway, would you?
VIC
I guess Marta, but if you embarrass me I swear.
She bounces up and heads for the shower
MARTA
oh dear what should I wear? Ok it’s a get together, so daytime
formal. I need to run to Rodeo drive! Oh Vic this is so exciting!
VIC
Yeah it’s just great!
She starts the shower while Vic dials the phone, Ruby comes on.
RUBY
Thrill me!
VIC
Hey Ruby.
RUBY
Oh hello Victor darling, what a pleasant surprise.
VIC
Ruby I have a favor to ask.
RUBY
For you dear anything!
VIC
Well, I really hate to ask, but well, Marta is here and she was
wondering if, well, she thought, um, I mean, well we were thinking.
RUBY
Vic, now you know the rules.
VIC
Yeah, well that’s ok Ruby, I understand
RUBY
Oh Victor, if it’s a favor to you. It is a favor to you right? I mean
this isn’t some form of blackmail on her part, is it?
VIC
Oh no nothing like that.
RUBY
Let me guess Vic, you got laid and she
found out about the get together?”
VIC
Yeah that’s it Ruby, I happened to scream your name in the throes of passion!
RUBY
Oh you sweet talker you, of course Vic tell her to come along, but Victor Sterling, if this gets out that I didn’t personally invite her, well you know.
VIC
Ok, we’ll see you then and Ruby?
RUBY
Yes dear?
VIC
Thank you!
MARTA
(calling from the shower)
Oh lover, my back is dirty…..
CUT TO;
EXT. RODEO DRIVE-DAY
Victor and Marta are cruising in the Ferarri, she spots a place that she wants to stop.
VIC
Great Marta, it’s only the most expensive place on the strip.
She jumps out while he parks. Inside she hurries and tries on some clothes, settling on an outfit. Leaving it on, she throws her old clothes into the trash.
VIC
Marta, that’s just a blatant waste!
MARTA
Oh Vic, just pay the lady.
INT. MANSION
The 2 are standing on the landing looking out over a crowd of Hollywoods finest. Soon a plump women, adorned in a huge ruby necklace hurries to them. She kisses the air on each side of Vic’s face.
RUBY
.Oh Victor! I’m so glad you could make it today.
VIC
Ruby I’d rather cut off my……arm than miss this.
MARTA
thank you so much for inviting us Ruby!
RUBY
(obvious contempt)
Yes well, Vic is such a dear friend you know.
Marta looks a little hurt but that quickly fades as she looks over the crowd. She acts like someone is waving at her, waves back and takes off to rub elbows. Ruby slips her arm through Vic’s and leads him down the couple of stairs.
RUBY
What’s the matter Vic couldn’t you get laid in Cancun?
VIC
Oh Ruby she’s, well she’s, ah hell I don’t know what she is.
RUBY
What you mean is that she can suck a tennis ball through a garden hose?
VIC
Ruby you devil!
They make small talk and mingle until Ruby spots another actor on the landing. She goes to greet them and Vic finds himself by the bar. The tender asks him if he wants a drink and he thinks about it then shakes his head no.There is a young beautiful girl in the stool beside him staring at him.
LINDA
Hello Mr. Sterling.
VIC
Oh! Uh, hi there, young lady
LINDA
You don’t remember me do you?
VIC
Should I?
LINDA
You’re movie ‘Side bar’, I was the second witness called, you
cross examined me? I cried.
VIC
Oh right Lisa uh…
LINDA
Linda, Linda Sawyer. You were brilliant in that role, I actually
thought you were a lawyer, as a matter of fact those tears were real, I thought I was really in contempt of court!
VIC
Oh? Well thank you young lady.
LINDA
How do you do it Mr. Sterling?
VIC
Please call me Victor or Vic and well I’m a character
Actor, so I just get into character.
LINDA
Well I wish I could do that, you were amazing to watch!
The bartender passes by; Vic beckons him over.
VIC
Yeah I’ll have a cuba libre and ….
LINDA
Oh uh, I’ll have the same.
The tender leaves. She leans close, whispering to Vic.
LINDA
Hey Vic, whats a cuban libra?
VIC
(laughing)
cuba libre, it’s a rum and coke with lime.
LINDA
Oh yeah I knew that. So tell me Vic, what’s your next project?
VIC
Oh, I haven’t decided yet, there are so many good stories out there
It’s really wide open.
LINDA
Well do you think you could, well maybe, I mean, I hate to ask but..
VIC
Give me your card or number and when I decide, I’ll put in a word for you. I do remember that you were very good in ‘sidebar’.
LINDA
(pulling a card)
coming from you that’s an incredible compliment!”
Marta walks up and puts an arm around Vic.
MARTA
Vic, who’s your little friend?”
VIC
Marta Sterling, I mean Marta Morris, this is Linda Sawyer.
She was in sidebar with me
MARTA
Hmm, well isn’t that nice? Anyway Vic, Ruby wants everyone
on the patio, she has some grand announcement to make.
VIC
Well, duty calls I suppose
The three go outside where there are all the guests gathered and talking in hushed tones. Ruby is standing on a landing with a young man beside and slightly behind her.
RUBY
Please everyone I er we have an announcement to make….
We’re getting married!
The crowd claps and someone in the back yells when is the wedding?
RUBY
Well lets see the only month I haven’t gotten married in is June
So June it is…
The crowd swarms the beaming couple congratulating them both. Soon every one had shook hands or kissed the air and they mingled until the food was laid out buffet style. Victor is filling a plate when Linda is suddenly beside him.
LINDA
Fancy meeting you here.
VIC
Oh, hey Linda! You know, that poor guy doesn’t know what he’s in for.
LINDA
Oh Josh? Yeah right! I know him from my acting class, he’s a real
snake and he can handle himself, trust me
They get their food and find an empty table.
VIC
Well, Ruby’s a mongoose, so they should be an interesting couple!
LINDA
Uh Vic isn’t Marta your Ex?
VIC
Oh her well yeah uh you see it’s complicated…
LINDA
Well she’s nice, but well, uh Vic, I’m usually not this forward,
but uh, would you like to go out sometime? With me that is?
VIC
Oh, well really Linda, I’m busy as hell right now. I mean, you see,
uh, it’s well, you know with my job and going on location
and all.
LINDA
I understand.
VIC
Ah hell, why not, maybe we could go out and eat sometime?
LINDA
Well, I’m not sure! It’s rather sudden don’t you think? You
Hollywood types certainly are forward! But I can see how much
it means to you! Oh golly gee, Victor, if you insist!
Marta walks up with a drink in her hand.
MARTA
Well now, you two are beginning to make people talk.
The two look around and see that no one is paying them any attention.
VIC
Marta! Put your claws away!
MARTA
Vic, are you ready? I think the party is winding down, don’t you
VIC
Yeah I suppose well Linda I’ll see you later OK?
Vic and Marta head for the door where Ruby is telling people goodbye they wait until it’s Vics turn. Ruby kisses the air on each side of his face.
RUBY
Victor it was so nice of you to come, please call me tomorrow,
I want to talk about the wedding? Allright dear.
VIC
well sure Ruby if you want, but I’m not nearly the expert you are,
on affairs of the heart.
RUBY
(very forceful)
Call Me!!
EXT. FERRARI, DRIVING HOME
MARTA
Victor! How could you do that to me?
VIC
What?
MARTA
You know exactly what I’m talking about! Flirting with that
little wanna be actress, right under my nose, how insulting.
VIC
Look Marta, we haven’t even defined our relationship yet and
besides I was just being nice to her.
MARTA
Defined? Relationship? Vic, I love you! Don’t you get it? I’m
miserable without you.
VIC
Oh, well uh, I didn’t realize that Marta.
MARTA
Well now you do!
VIC
Yeah I suppose I do!
INT HOUSE -LATE AFTERNOON
The two are sitting in the living room making small talk when the phone rings Vic gets it.
JJ
Hey buddy whats up?
VIC
I see you made it home.
JJ
Yeah no sweat, so how was the party?
VIC
How’d you know about that?
JJ
Victor, don’t you know by now, nothin happens in this
one horse town that I don’t know about?
VIC
Well the party was fine, she’s getting married again.
JJ
You’ve got to be kidding! Who’s the latest victim, oh wait
a minute lets see, Josh Johnson or Jameson, something like that?
VIC
Yeah that’s it JJ, how the hell did you know? Oh never mind, one horse town right?
JJ
So what are you up to?
VIC
Oh Marta’s here and we’ll probably grab some dinner maybe Italian? Hell I don’t know, hey you want to double? That would ease the pain a little.
JJ
Marta is there with you? I don’t think so Vic, no, nah, well I mean Kathy is, no, but thanks anyway.
VIC
Uh hang on a second John, ‘hey Marta you want to go out to eat tonight with JJ and Kathy’
MARTA
John? Well, oh, I guess so, whatever you want Vic.
JJ
Vic no! I really don’t want to, I mean well, are you 2 serious or did you just need some tail?”
VIC
Hell I don’t know JJ. Make the reservations for 7 and we’ll meet you there ok.
JJ
I guess so, uh yeah, ok, sure pal, by the way did you?”
VIC
Yeah I looked them over! We’ll talk about it tonight
JJ
Well allright, see you then.
Vic hangs up and stands there for a while thinking. Marta comes up and puts her arms around him.
MARTA
hey sailor whatcha thinkin?
VIC
Well, I guess about my next role
MARTA
Want to talk about it?
VIC
I haven’t decided on which one to take yet.
MARTA
OK what are your choices.
VIC
Well hang on, I’ll go get them and maybe you can help me decide.
Vic runs upstairs and brings back all the scripts he sits on the couch and begins reading ‘Killing Time’ forgetting about Marta for a while.
MARTA
It looks like you decided already.
VIC
Oh no, it’s just a real good story
MARTA
Hmm, well I like ‘the left turn’, the race driver is cool, he reminds me of you.
VIC
Yeah, it’s not bad
MARTA
But?
VIC
No but’s, well I don’t know, this one hits a little close to home that’s all.
MARTA
Well I just hope there’s a part for me in there
VIC
Actually there’s a hooker who is strangled at the beginning
MARTA
Hooker? I can do a hooker, hey wait a minute! The beginning?
VIC
Well yeah, this guy’s a serial killer that the cops can’t catch and
well, the first hooker is strangled that’s all
MARTA
Ok Vic, I’ll do it
VIC
Wait a minute! Hold on Marta, first of all…
MARTA
Oh I know Victor, but whatever you decide, I really want to play something , anything, it would be fun that’s all.
VIC
Allright, I’ll see what I can do
She moves over and kisses him.
MARTA
thanks sweety you’re the best!”
VIC
Yeah Yeah…
INT.RESTERAUNT –NIGHT
Vic, Marta, JJ and his wife Kathy, are at a table, JJ is obviously drunk.
JJ
Well Victor? What’s the word? What do I tell the vultures?
They’re all scrambling for a piece of you.
MARTA
he’s gonna do the whore killer movie
VIC
Marta! Who the hell do you think you are?
MARTA
What do you mean? I thought
VIC
Yeah, you thought you could have a part in that one, so you decided to bully me into doin it………. bitch.
MARTA
bitch! did you just call me a bitch? Why you pompous self righteous ass, nobody talks to me that way.
She stands up staring at Vic with hatred in her eyes.
MARTA
I’m waiting!
VIC
For what?
MARTA
For you to apologize.
VIC
Not likely!
She throws her napkin at him and storms out.
VIC
Shit I’m glad that wasn’t pasta! Sorry you guys its oil and water with us.
JJ
You mean fire and gas don’t you?
VIC
Yeah! Anyway, we just don’t mix.
JJ
Well, was she right? Do you want me to get ahold
of the ‘Killing time’ people or do you want some more time
to think?
VIC
Nah I’m cool, hell it’s a great story, did you read it JJ?
JJ
Nope, I’ll wait on the movie.
INT. CASABLANCA-NIGHT
Vic is home Marta isn’t there, he moves around, has a drink and goes to bed reading the script until he drifts off to sleep.
INT MOTEL-DREAM SEQUENCE
Victor is in a sleezy room with a overly painted hooker, they are arguing, suddenly they are fighting and Vic gets her down on the bed and is strangling her. He wakes up with a start, sweating and breathing hard. He becomes aware of the doorbell ringing. Going down he opens to Marta who is standning there sheepishly.
MARTA
Hello Vic.
VIC
Martini I….
MARTA
Oh Vic we’ve known each other too long to beg forgiveness!
Hell, you’re right. I’m looking to get famous by riding your
coattails and I’m the one who should apologize to you.
VIC
Well that’s cool lets just forget about it ok?
MARTA
well anyway I just need my car keys and I’ll get out of your hair.
VIC
Ok Marta but I will get you a part ok and I am sorry, hell everyone
wants to be an actor and you could be good if you applied yourself.
MARTA
You really think so? Wow Vic no one ever told me that before.
Anyway thanks and I’m gonna go while we’re still getting along.
She leaves and Victor gets the script reads it for awhile then takes it to the computer to see if he can find out more about it. He tries several angles until he types in the writers name and the screen shows that he is on death row in huntsville texas, it shows the many murders he commited, trial etc.
INT CASABLANCA-MORNING
Vic is having coffee then remembers that he has a call to make and goes to the counter and dials.
BUTLER
Wellington residence.
VIC
Yes Ruby Wellington please.
BUTLER
And whom may I say is calling?
VIC
(laughing)
You may say Vic is calling…. Jeeves.
BUTLER
Very good sir.
RUBY
Vic darling.
VIC
I didn’t mean to interrupt you Ruby, uh, I can call back
RUBY
No no dear, I left instructions with Philip not to be disturbed unless
it was you.
VIC
Oh really? Well I’m flattered Ruby.
RUBY
Uh Victor dear, well I have some news, well, 2 bits of news I’m afraid.
VIC
Ok give me the good news first.
(silence)
uh ruby??
RUBY
Vic dear I’m afraid there is no good news, maybe you
should sit down.
VIC
Ruby, you know I’m a big boy so don’t spare my feelings
just let er rip and I’ll take it.
RUBY
Well first off Vic, I know where you’ve been for the last 3 months.
VIC
You do?
RUBY
Yes dear, now don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, however
I’m not sure it’s safe with my source.
VIC
Your source?
RUBY
Yes.
VIC
Don’t make me ask Ruby!
RUBY
Vic, do you know a Johnny Canaday from Rolling Hills?
VIC
No, should I?
RUBY
Well he’s an attendant at Rolling Hills, or I should say was.
VIC
Oh yeah. He was caught stealing drugs or bringing in drugs,
something to do with drugs.
RUBY
Yeah well, that’s irrelevant. The fact is, the confidentiality
agreement he signed is worthless now since he’s pissed at
being fired and he’s gonna spill the beans on all the biggies
there. You, Petey, sally, junior, well junior could give a shit, he’s
been there more times than he’s been to my house!
VIC
Damn Ruby, this could be devastating!
RUBY
Don’t I know it Vic, hell it wasn’t that long ago that you
were helping me through the whole alcohol thing and believe
me Vic dear, I have a long memory when it comes to someone
putting their own career on the line to help me.
VIC
Oh Ruby you and I go way back. I’d do anything for you dear,
you know that.
RUBY
“Well Vic, saying that and proving it are not the same and you
did prove it, in spades, so anyway there are 2 ways to handle this;
you can just come clean and go to the press. Hell you know it’s
no fun for them to go after someone who doesn’t care one way
or another.
VIC
Yeah that’s true some times the best way is to beat them to the punch.
RUBY
Right, anyway Vic, while we’re just talking, what happened? You’ve been a social drinker since you were knee high to a bar stool.
VIC
“Well Ruby, you know getting ready to do happy hour I…..
RUBY
Oh Vic! I wondered how you played a sloppy drunk so well,
you were a sloppy drunk weren’t you?
VIC
Guilty.
RUBY
You sly dog you!
VIC
Yeah I know Ruby but anyway, what’s the other way to handle it?
RUBY
Oh, well the obvious, pay the son of a bitch off and send him to
Florida or somewhere.
VIC
I think I like that idea better.
RUBY
Ok Vic, I’ll put the wheels in motion and get back to you.
VIC
Ok sweetheart, I owe you one oh by the way what was the
Other thing?
RUBY
Oh Vic, you know, it can wait, why don’t we talk about it tomorrow?
VIC
RUBY!!!
RUBY
Oh shit Victor, well allright listen, damn it Vic, why do I have
to be the one to tell you?
VIC
Because you’re the one who knows. Besides I promise not to shoot the messenger allright?
RUBY
Yeah sure Vic, but it doesn’t ease the pain any
VIC
Ruby you’re starting to scare me, hell what could be worse than
some idiot ruining my career?
RUBY
Are you sitting down?
VIC
I’m on the fuckin floor!!!
RUBY
Vic, Marta has been sleeping with JJ trying to get her career started.
Silence for awhile…
VIC
Damn, talk about your best friend and your woman scenario!
RUBY
Vic look, you got to remember it’s nothing personal with either of
them, you know on the one hand she’s trying to get a none existent acting career going and we all know what a whore dog JJ is! Hell that’s why I didn’t invite the little shit yesterday.
VIC
Yeah I wondered why you were so cold to the ice queen yesterday.
RUBY
Right, so listen Victor don’t let on to them, just take care of the other business, as far as your agent, hell he is good at that so I’d chalk it up to a Hollywood thing and let it go! I wouldn’t be too hard on Mary, JJ can be a prick you know?
VIC
Yeah you’re right Ruby, me and Marta weren’t together when it happened so really, I can’t jump either one too bad.
RUBY
There you go Vic, chin up and all that shit, besides this is Hollywood baby.
VIC
Sure Ruby and by the way, congratulations on the wedding.
RUBY
Hell Victor, how many 53 year old, over weight, ex actresses,
get to marry a 28 year old adonis?
VIC
Oh Ruby, you’re a doll at any age or weight! By the way he did
sign a prenup right?
RUBY
Hell Vic I made him sign three of them!
VIC
Good Girl, well unless you have any more good news I’m
gonna go break something.
RUBY
Be cool Victor.
VIC
Thanks Ruby I will.
He hangs up and stares at the phone for a while then gets up and grabs the killing time script and a bottle of rum, takes both upstairs putting them both on his nightstand then goes into his bathroom opens the medicine chest and looks at the pill bottles.
VIC
Lets see, xanax, lorcet, percodan, valium, yeah valium! a 6 valium
Bit of news I would say…..if only my friends at rehab could see me now!
Vic takes the pills into the bedroom laying on the bed washes them down with the liquor then lays back reading until everything kicks in…..
INT. BEDROOM- MORNING
The phone is ringing and the doorbell is chiming Vic gets out of bed groggy, finally he fumbles around for the phone.
VIC
Yeah…
JJ
Hey dude I’ve been calling you since last night are you allright?
VIC
Yeah sure John, just peachy.
JJ
Oh, is everything all right?
VIC
I just said it was.
Long uncomfortable silence
VIC
John there is someone at the door what do you want?
JJ
Oh yeah, I called the big wigs and they are willing to wait until
You’re ready to go with the time killer.
VIC
Time killer? Oh you mean ‘Killing time’! Yeah sure, good enough,
thanks John.
JJ
Victor, if something was wrong you’d tell me, right?
VIC
Yeah sure I would John.
JJ
Ok well I’ll…..
Vic hangs up and heads downstairs. He slowly opens the door.
MARTA
What the hell is wrong with you? I’ve been out ….. oh shit Vic
whats wrong?
VIC
What do you mean what’s wrong?
MARTA
Well you look like you just lost your best friend.
VIC
Nah it’s hard to lose something you ain’t got.
MARTA
Ok , well hey, what are you doin today? Do you want to do
something with me?
VIC
No! I uh well, I’ve got to, Oh! I’ve got to get back to work that’s it.
MARTA
Oh ok, well we can go over lines, that sounds like fun, let me get my glasses from the car and….
VIC
No! I have something else to do.
MARTA
Well what is it? Can I come with?
VIC
Oh uh no, I need a trim and all.
MARTA
Well call me when you get back? You’ll have to use my cell
OK?
She gives him a quick peck on the cheek and leaves.
VIC
Nasty bitch!!
Victor goes to the kitchen and makes coffee, while he’s waiting he spots Linda’s number on the counter and decides to call her.
LINDA
Hello?
VIC
Linda? This is Victor Sterling.
LINDA
Vic, what a nice surprise, how are you?
VIC
Oh that’s very nice of you to say. Uh well the reason I called is well umm you know well uh the reason I called is….
LINDA
Oh Vic I’d love to.
VIC
What?
LINDA
I don’t care, as long as it’s legal.
VIC
Ok, well I’ll pick you up in a little bit allright?
LINDA
Sure my address is….
VIC
It’s on your card.
LINDA
Ok Vic, see you after while.
Victor takes a shower shaves and dresses, as he’s leaving he spots the script on his nightstand and grabs it.
EXT APARTMENT –DAY
Vic gets out of the Ferrari and finds her number then knocks after a minute she comes to the door in t-shirt and jeans.
VIC
Wow you really are beautiful.
LINDA
Hey Vic, come on in, I didn’t know what you wanted to do so if
we are going somewhere special I can change real quick.
INT.APARTMENT
VIC
Oh, well honestly I have the new movie script I’m going to do
and I thought if you wanted to play the love intrest, well…
LINDA
Vic, I’d love to play your love interest.
VIC
Cool, uh are you hungry or something?
LINDA
Oh, its up to you. If you want to order in that would be fine,
I know what a pain it must be to go out.
VIC
Really, you don’t like the attention?
LINDA
Well I don’t quite know what that’s like, but I don’t think I
would, that’s not why I wanted to be an actress if that’s what
you mean, or the reason I wanted to go out with you for that
matter.
VIC
Well it does get to be a pain in the ass after awhile.
She grabs a phone book and skims through it.
LINDA
Well lets see, we got Chinese, Mexican, the everpopular pizza!
Whats your pleasure?
VIC
You choose.
LINDA
Mex?
VIC
My favorite.
They talk and the food comes, they eat and make fun of each other, soon they’re throwing food back and forth , they are a mess along with the room. They calm down and start cleaning up.
LINDA
I’m going to take a shower. I’d invite you in but I never
take showers with anyone on the first date.
VIC
I understand.
He gets up and walks out the door, then knocks immediately.
LINDA
Who is it?
VIC
Its Victor Sterling, are you ready for our second date?
She laughs, they shower and make love. Afterwards going over the script he spends the night and reluctantly leaves in the morning..
EXT GATE CASABLANCA
Vic pulls in and Martas’s car is sitting there, she is asleep so he punches in the code and quietly pulls the car in.
INT. HOUSE
Vic makes coffee and checks his messages there are several from JJ and more from Marta, he listens to a couple from her.
MARTA
(on machine)
Vic are you there? Did you change your code or what? I am
having some trouble with my condo please let me in.
VIC
(erasing them all)
Trouble with her condo! what the hell? It’s paid for, does she
have bugs or what? The stupid bitch!
Just then the phone rings he answers it before thinking about it.
VIC
Hello?
MARTA
Vic what have you been doing? I’ve been out here all night!
Are you allright? Are you mad at me or something?
VIC
I just got in and you were sleeping so I didn’t want to disturb you.
MARTA
You didn’t want to…oh never mind, please let me in
Vic shakes his head in disgust but hits the button for the gate and then opens the locks at the door, he sits down with his coffee. Marta comes in sheepishly.
MARTA
Oh Vic, I was so worried about you! I called and called and
well, I thought something happened to you or something.
VIC
Nope I’m just fine.
MARTA
Whats the matter Victor? You’ve been so distant lately,
I thought we were getting back together and then, I don’t
know what happened
VIC
You don’t know what happened Marta?
MARTA
No I want to be with you and of course I don’t know what happened.
VIC
You know Mary, I was wrong about you, maybe you could be an actress.
MARTA
Really?
He gets up and goes to the refrigerator, she follows him into the kitchen, while he makes a sandwich.
MARTA
Vic talk to me!
VIC
What do you want to talk about dear?
MARTA
Why don’t we start with why your being such an asshole.
VIC
Hey you know, I think JJ is coming over.
MARTA
John, here, really? What does he want?
VIC
He was kind of secretive, something about wanting to
come clean or get something off of his chest. Hell I don’t
know, maybe he was drunk or something.
He goes back to the living room sitting down to eat she goes to the bar makes a drink downs it quick and immediately makes another.
VIC
So do you know what it’s all about dear?
MARTA
Me? No why should I?
VIC
Just wondered.
She downs the drink, makes another, then sits down obviously nervous.
MARTA
Victor uh I have something to tell you before you hear it
From somebody else.
VIC
What is it Martini?
MARTA
Vic darling, I think I’m going to lose the condominium!
VIC
What? I mean that’s what you want to tell me? What’s going on Mary?
MARTA
Well Look Vic, I have a little coke problem and I like to buy nice
things. Well uh, I got into debt and I owe some, some, very mean people.
VIC
Mean like coke dealers?
MARTA
Uh not exactly.
He gets up and walks to the bar.
MARTA
What are you doing Vic?
VIC
Making a drink if you don’t mind.
MARTA
Please don’t yell at me. I’m not ready for that.
VIC
You’re not ready for what? You haven’t told me shit!
Let’s see, you think you’ve lost the condo! You have a
little coke problem! You’re in debt with mean people, but not
exactly drug dealers.
MARTA
Allright Vic sit down and I’ll start at the beginning.
He brings his drink around and sits in the chair opposite her.
MARTA
Won’t you sit next to me?
VIC
NO!!
MARTA
Ok well, it all started innocent enough. I met these people
who dealt coke, a lot of it and they gave me a line of credit right?
VIC
Oh yeah, dopers financial! It’s big in California.
MARTA
Well, it was only 5000 at first and when I couldn’t pay it they
said well um that they knew a loan shark so they introduced me
and I borrowed the money from him.
VIC
Keep going.
MARTA
So the interest is like real high and you know how I am with money. So after a couple weeks it was up to… I don’t know around 20.
VIC
20 large after only a couple weeks?
MARTA
Yes, well I knew I was in trouble, but they said ‘what do you own?
I told them my clothes, car and condo that’s it. Well they allowed
me 10 grand for my car and…….
VIC
Hold on, ten grand for your car? Hell I paid nearly forty.
MARTA
I knew that but the coke dealer told me I better do the deal or they
would hurt me, so I did the deal.
VIC
But you’re still driving the car!
MARTA
Right, Tony said they didn’t want to see a pretty lady walking
around so they just took the signed title and let me drive it until
I got them all paid off, that way if I came up with the money for it,
I could keep it.
VIC
sounds like very nice gangsters Mary
MARTA
Very funny.
VIC
Allright, go on.
MARTA
So when he realized they were working with me like that,
Danny said I could have some more credit for coke.
VIC
Oh shit Marta you didn’t!
MARTA
Anyway, Danny kept advancing me coke and well, I lost track
of what I owed him. This went on for 3 weeks or a month, and
well when he finally told me how much I owed it was, well it was
a lot, a whole lot.
VIC
Whats a lot?
MARTA
Eighty thousand plus interest.
VIC
Holy shit Marta! Who could do that much coke in a month?
MARTA
I had parties, sold some for cash and well I don’t know Vic, you know me.
VIC
Yeah I’m afraid I do. So how much interest?
MARTA
Um the same amount.
VIC
You’ve got to be shittin me! A hundred and sixty large? Man! Ok so you owe this Danny fellow …
MARTA
No I owe this Tony fellow the money now. Danny was just the coke dealer. Tony is the mafia loan shark.
VIC
This is a bad b movie! So you owe the mafia a butt load of cash, or they own the condo?
MARTA
Well if I come up with the money they’ll give me the deed back.
VIC
Wow, one sixty huh?
MARTA
Uh, now it’s a little more with interest.
VIC
Of course Marta, so how does JJ fit into all of this?
MARTA
Well I went to him…wait a minute, what?
VIC
Don’t stop now, spill it all.
MARTA
OK, so I went to John looking for you and he said you were in Brazil or something. He must have known something was wrong cause he kept asking if he could do anything. Well I told him the story and he kept insinuating that he could help if I were to, well if I was to….OOOHH! Well, you know!
VIC
Yeah sure it was all his idea right?
MARTA
Hell yes Victor what do you think I went over there throwing myself at the bald little weasel? Hell, we weren’t getting back together. I was in deep trouble and he offered a life line, it all happened so fast and then his secretary walked in, so we barely had our clothes off. Besides that, I found out later that he’s having some major money problems too, so he couldn’t have helped me anyway.
VIC
So you’re on the street and then you decided to come here and play this little game with me?
MARTA
No! I mean, it’s not a game Vic! I realized you are the only one who ever cared about me and I blew it, and I want to make it up to you that’s all.
VIC
Please Marta, don’t even go there! Besides lets deal with one major problem at a time, so lets assume the part about the drugs and the loan shark is true. The big problem is… you have no where to live, the condo is gone, but what the hell, it was free to you anyway, so what about your car?
MARTA
Oh that’s mine they gave me the title back when I signed over the condo.
VIC
Damn decent of them! Don’t you think?
MARTA
Funny but what should I do?
VIC
Ain’t much you can do deary, get a job, rent a small place, hell join the real world, it’s really a no brainer.
MARTA
Vic, I can’t do anything! Why do you think I want to be in one of your movies?
VIC
Marta, I’d tell you not to quit your day job but you don’t have a day job!
MARTA
What is that supposed to mean?
VIC
Darlin, you have never had any acting lessons. You’ve never been in so much as a high school play and from what I’ve seen, you really don’t have any natural ability! So if you sincerely want to be an actress, I’d suggest get a regular job, go to classes and learn how.
MARTA
Vic, you can’t be serious.
VIC
What part do you think I can’t be serious about?
MARTA
Well uh, um, you know, I mean a job? Classes? That’s well, I mean that’s…
VIC
Marta what you are trying to say is that a regular job is beneath you?
MARTA
Not exactly beneath me. I just never had to do that before. You know, my goodness Vic
VIC
Darlin, you had it made. First, you were married to me and I know I may not be the best catch, but I never beat you or screwed around on you, drank too much and hell you couldn’t even use mental cruelty in the divorce! Ok, then you had 5 grand a month coming in, plus a nice condo paid for. A car, the whole bit, so you messed it up with nose candy, but you got your looks, your health, you’re smart, this could be a good thing if you look at it right.
MARTA
A good thing! A good thing! You have got to be shittin me Vic! a good thing?
She gets up puts the rocks glass in the sink and grabs a taller one and pours it nearly full of straight liquor.
VIC
Marta that won’t help.
MARTA
Well it certainly won’t hurt. Vic if you won’t buy back my condo, can I stay here?
VIC
Sure,,,,,,,,,,for a couple days.
MARTA
Vic please, a couple days?
VIC
Hey! You snorted a condominium up your nose! You screwed my best friend to try and get money from him! You lied to me then tried to seduce me into taking you back under false pretenses! You are lucky I don’t throw you out on your store bought ass, now you can stay in the last bedroom on the left for one week then you’re out with or with out a job and trust me that’s more than most people would do.
MARTA
(drunk and slurring)
Yeah uh, huh? I mean ok Brucie.
She nods off and Vic grabs her glass before she spills what is left. The phone rings he hurries to get it before she wakes up.
VIC
Yeah?
JJ
Vic buddy there you are!”
VIC
Yep, here I am.
JJ
Are you allright?
VIC
JJ, you’ve been asking me that a lot lately, is there some reason
I shouldn’t be all right?
JJ
Oh, uh no.
VIC
Think long and hard now John, is there any reason that I shouldn’t
be allright?
JJ
What’s going on Victor? You sound pissed! If it’s me, let me know. We’ve always been honest with each other, right?
VIC
Did you just say that we’ve been honest with each other?
JJ
Allright Vic, does this have something to do with the money?
VIC
What money?
JJ
What is it Vic?
VIC
JJ, Marta is here. She’s passed out drunk on my couch,
we had quite a talk.
JJ
Vic, I don’t know what to say.
VIC
John, you didn’t know what to say for a long time, now you
know what to say, but you don’t want to.
JJ
Well yeah Vic but just listen man. She came to me all scared and freakin out. Well one thing led to another and well it just happened! What can I say? I’m only human dude. You guys weren’t together. I mean it’s not like she was your wife or nothin.
VIC
No, she wasn’t my wife or nothin you got me there.
JJ
“You know what I mean Vic! Hell, it was an accident.”
VIC
Oh an accident? She was naked, you tripped and…
JJ
you know what I mean.
VIC
Yeah I suppose I do Jacobs.
JJ
Look Vic you are my best friend! I would never do anything to hurt you! I screwed up, I admit that and I apologize sincerely, I don’t know what else I can do to make it up to you.
VIC
Yeah well, aside from unscrewing her there isn’t much you can do I guess.
JJ
Victor, I am truly sorry! Can we still. Well you know can we be…
VIC
yeah I still need an agent JJ.
JJ
Well, I know that being your friend is a lot to ask right now, but I’ll spend the next 50 years trying.
VIC
Tell the studio big timers that I won’t need that long to get ready for this role. Maybe a month, 2 at the outside.
JJ
Ok buddy I’ll….
Vic hangs up, cutting off JJ in mid sentence. He finds a number in the phone book and calls a florist. He has some flowers sent to Linda’s. Then he grabs the script and goes up, draws a bath and spends some time reading it. He gets out later and dresses the phone rings.
VIC
your dime!
RUBY
Vic! Where have you been? It’s a half dollar for a call nowadays.
VIC
Good morning Ruby, hows my favorite Hollywood legend?
RUBY
Vic, it’s the afternoon and I’m fine.
VIC
Uh oh, this doesn’t sound good.
RUBY
No, not really.
VIC
Damn Ruby, I was in such a good mood too!
RUBY
Well Victor, you know that never lasts.
VIC
Ok dear what cha got?
RUBY
Vic, uh, well this Canaday fellow or I should say his mouthpiece said…
VIC
Whoa Ruby! His mouthpiece?
RUBY
Yeah it’s not actually him doing the deal but some other nameless creep.
VIC
Oh man, only in tinsel town do blackmailers have agents!
RUBY
Yeah Vic, you’re not going to believe this, but, the guy wants a half million!
VIC
Holy shit Rube, please tell me you’re kidding me?
RUBY
No Victor. I wish I were, this is the hardest phone call I have ever had to make.
VIC
Ruby how did you get in the middle of this in the first place? I mean why haven’t they called me direct?
RUBY
I asked him that this morning and he said this Johnny character wanted a lot of people between him and you, but he wouldn’t say why I was elected, or how he knew we were friends.
VIC
Yeah well, that part is no great mystery, we have known each other since flipper was a guppie.
RUBY
oh Vic what are you gonna do? I mean that’s a shit load of money!
VIC
Yeah! It’s a real pot full since I don’t have near that in cash!
RUBY
Well Vic dear there’s always plan A!
VIC
Yeah I think we may have to go with that, but I’m not gonna volunteer info to the press. If they find it out from this clown, well that’s fine, but I would always wonder what if? You know Ruby.
RUBY
Sure Vic you may be right besides as good as you are just make another movie and voila, besides any publicity is good in ‘T’ town.
VIC
You know Rub, I just had a thought, maybe I should hire a private dick?
RUBY
Hey! That’s not a bad idea Victor. This is like a movie ain’t it, hang on don’t move. (long pause) Vic have you got a pen dear?
VIC
Yeah sure, go ahead.
RUBY
Byron Vandorn, discreet investigations. 932 ocean avenue, Ok, the clown’s name is Johnny Canaday, it’s spelled just like it sounds. Oh and Vic? Would you keep me posted daily? This is gonna make a great movie!
VIC
Yeah right! I hope you’re kidding! Anyway, thanks doll.
He hangs up and leaves immediately.
EXT.OUTSIDE OLD BUILDING-DAY
Victor parks the Cadillac, double checks the locks and alarm since it’s a bad side of town. He goes in and up a dingy flight of stairs and into an office right out of a b movie with a secretary at a desk with her hair up and chewing gum.
SECRETARY
What can I do for ya?
VIC
Yeah I’m here to see Byron Van dorn.
SECRETARY
Have a seat.
She gets up looking bored and sticks her head in to the other office, then nods her head for Vic to go in. There’s a large man behind a desk. He motions for Vic to sit down.
BYRON
How can I help you uh?
VIC
Bruce bruce peterson.
BYRON
Ok bruce bruce lets have it.
VIC
Well, I need some information on someone and I would like to know a little about their past.
Vic throws a piece of paper on his desk Byron reads it out loud.
BYRON
Johnny Canaday, Rolling Hills, fired last month. Ok Bruce, we run the entire gamut around here. I can tell you what the guy had for breakfast July 10th 1992 or I can tell you his birthday and that’s it. You need to let me know exactly what you want to know or what you want us to do, then we can go further.
VIC
Well, I would like to find out a little about his past work history. Not too far back, but most importantly what’s he doing now. Maybe a little financial. Where he lives, that sort of thing.
BYRON
Who are you fella?
VIC
I told you Bruce Peterson.
BYRON
Look, I really don’t care what you call yourself when you’re here Mr Sterling. All I want to know is what this guy is doin or what do you think he’s doin! Is he nailin your old lady? Is he stealin your lines? Robbery, Blackmail what?
Vic gets out a five dollar bill and throws it on the desk.
VIC
That is to retain your services for the next 5 minutes. Since you have a confidentiality agreement with your clients, you won’t be able to share any of the juicy gossip I’m about to unload on you.
BYRON
Well Sterling, I’m starting to like you more and more! You got me for…4 minutes and 12 seconds!”
VIC
Blackmail! The little shit was in the treatment facility as a janitor or something while I was a patient, and now he’s playing the media card.
BYRON
How much?
VIC
Half a mil!
BYRON
(whistles)
uh you know he could disappear for a tenth of that?
VIC
(laughs)
nah, I have no intention of paying the slime ball that kind of money. If he would have been realistic, you know 10, 20, even 30 large, well that’s one thing, but hell the publicity won’t kill me and the dumb ass could go to jail for this anyway.
BYRON
Yeah, I was kiddin! You know that right?
VIC
Sure Vandorn! I know that. I’ve got a shitload of other problems in my life, and my main concern is to make sure this is an isolated deal and not some grand conspiracy. Plus I want to know who I’m dealing with when I tell the fool to take a leap. Oh while I’m thinking about it he has a partner, or a go between, that’s trying to set up the drop
BYRON
Man or woman?
VIC
Shit I don’t know I forgot to ask.
BYRON
is Wellington your go between?
VIC
Damn Van Dorn! You’re scaring me now!
BYRON
Nah, hell Ruby has been a good customer for years and 99 percent of the Hollywood types are reffered by her. I just guessed that she was in deeper than just pointing you down here.
VIC
Yeah, they’ve been contacting her.
BYRON
How many times?
VIC
Twice.
BYRON
And how could they know you 2 are tight?
VIC
Well, that’s easy enough. I guess anyone who reads the bullshit rag mags could have figured it out. But it proves the clown isn’t a complete dumbass.
BYRON
4 bills a day plus incidentals. This looks like a 2 or 3 day gig, but if you wanted to do this right we could take it right to a fake drop and find out who they both are. As it looks from here, without at least leanin on the guy there’s no way to unearth his partner. It’s up to you, but I’ll tell you, if we got to go right to the drop and squeeze em, it’ll be 3 large! I’ll need the whole staff and well, you know.
VIC
Well, just do your preliminary and I’ll see what the next deal is. I’ll get in touch the day after tomorrow to see what to do next. How much do you need now?
BYRON
4 yards will do, give it to Louise.
VIC
Uh Byron if a person wanted to buy an old beater of a car and use it for a month, Untraceable. How would you go about it?
BYRON
Sterling, why don’t you leave the surveilance to us?
VIC
Oh no this is something else. It’s research for my next movie.
BYRON
Oh, hell just go down to a tote the note dealer, pay cash, give em a fake name, tell them you lost your wallet, some shit like that. They’ll give you a temporary tag, just make sure it’s a 30 day and you’re good to go.
VIC
Damn, that was easy.
BYRON
Yeah, there’s a way around most anything Mr. Peterson!
Vic leaves pays the woman and heads out.
EXT STUDIO GATE
Victor pulls up to the gate where a guard comes to the window.
GUARD
Yes can I help…oh hello Mr. Sterling, uh I hate to ask sir but do you have your pass?
VIC
Oh hell, George! I haven’t even gotten the producers copy of the movie yet, the dumbasses! Well, I’ll tell you what, call old Slim and he’ll come right on down here with my pass. Or better yet George, screw em! I’ll just head over to Warner’s lot! These dumb asses will learn to get their shit together, if they lose a big money film because they didn’t have a stupid pass ready! Good thinkin George! Yeah, that’s a good idea, I’ll go to Warners.
Vic puts the car in reverse but there are many cars lined up behind him honking.
GUARD
Oh wait a minute Mr. Sterling! Just go right on in! Uh you can show me the pass on the way out.
VIC
Thanks George and call me Vic.
Victor drives around to a hangar looking building then finds a parking place, gets out then goes in.
INT. STUDIO
He walks around opening doors and looking into several dressing rooms until he spots a suitcase sitting on a make up table. He looks around then goes in and opens it up inside is fake hair beards etc along with all the make up accouterments. He shuts it and heads back out. Nearly out of the place he hears. Someone calling his name. He has to stop and a girl in a southern belle outfit comes up.
SARA
Victor Sterling, how are you darling?
VIC
Oh hi Sara. Whats going on?
SARA
Oh darling they have me in this dreadful get up! It’s hot Victor! I swear I’ll never do another civil war movie as long as I live.
VIC
well dear you say that about every movie we’ve ever been on together.
SARA
Oh I know sweety, but the difference is, I mean it this time. Your movies always do so well and I’m afraid…. Oh well enough about that! What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you since ‘Happy Hour’, Oh by the way, snaps on the statue sweets! By the way we missed you at the big show! Where were you? Bermuda?
VIC
Oh uh yeah that’s it. Sarah listen, I have to.
SARA
Yes I know dear. busy people, have busy ways! Well you know I’m having a bit of a wrap party this weekend. Please tell me you’ll come.
VIC
I’ll really try Sarah, oh and my best to Fred.
SARA
Mmm.. right, if I see him that is.
Vic hurries back to the car and takes off before someone else sees him.
INT CASABLANCA
Vic comes in through the garage, into the hall and stashes the suitcase in a closet right before Marta walks up to him.
MARTA
Vic honey, I found some steaks and they’re thawing. So we could have a nice dinner later, just the 2 of us.
VIC
Uh darlin I have plans, sorry.
MARTA
Oh?
Vic goes upstairs to make a phone call.
LINDA
Hey Vic!
VIC
Hello Linda, how did you? Oh never mind, duh, caller ID! Listen I was wondering would you like to go out to eat later? We won’t be able to throw food at people, but maybe we can find an ice cream parlor afterwards, that has target practice?
LINDA
Well lets see, hmm, I need to check my schedule! I’ll tell you what, why don’t I have my people call your people and they can go eat together and tell us how it was?
VIC
Sounds good. Oh that won’t do! My people don’t like Chinese, darn what shall we do?
LINDA
Well that is a poser Vic, hmm? Well, I guess we could take one for our people this time. Oh by the way you have excellent taste in flowers.
VIC
Flowers? Oh what kind did my people send to your people?
LINDA
The nice kind, thank you Victor Sterling, that was very romantic.
VIC
Well that’s me, anyway uh what time do you want to pick me up?
LINDA
(laughing)
Eight-ish?
VIC
see you then-ish.
CUT TO;
INT CHINESE RESTERAUNT-NIGHT
Vic and Linda are in a nice restaurant people keep coming up to Vic congratulating him on the oscar. She is enamored, he is bored.
CUT TO;
INT CASABLANCA-DAY
Vic is in the bathroom putting on a disguise of long sideburns, mustache and a wig, he puts on a loud cowboy shirt, Levis and boots. He leaves without letting Marta see him.
EXT.STREET-DAY
Victor parks a couple of blocks from a used car lot and walks the rest of the way. On the lot Vic walks around kicking tires until a salesman comes up to him.
VIC
Howdy pardner!
RICK
Hi there uh just call me Rick, and you’re?
VIC
Steve Mcbain sir pleased to meetcha.
RICK
How can I help you Steve?
VIC
Ya’ll got any cheap cars that run real good, round chere?
RICK
Define cheap.
VIC
Ok, uh let’s see, what was the question? Oh yeah! Well let’s just see here.
Vic starts pulling money out of his pocket, then puts his boot on a fender and pulls out another roll.
VIC
You know Rick, the folks back in Abiline, that’s where we’re from, Abiline, well the folks back in Abiline, told me to be careful out here in the big city and never put all my cash money in one place! Sheeeit Rick! I got another roll in my underwear.
RICK
Allright Steve lets just take a look. You know, I think you might just be a pickup man! Yes sir a Chevy pickup man! Now tell me I’m wrong.
VIC
well sir, you are right as rain………..normally….... yes sir, as a matter of fact, I pulled into this here town in just that sort of a vehicle! A red, Chevrolet, pickem up truck with a gunrack and hell I had me a set of em ere 8 point antlers on the hood! You believe that Rick?
RICK
Yeah, I sure do!
VIC
Well anyway Rick, I told the old lady, that’s my wife, well I told the old lady, when our good old Chevy broke down that I would bring back a family car with 4 doors and everything. You know Rick? Well, we got ourselves 6 kids and one on the way and well that pickem up is just fine when the suns out! But when it rains! Well hell, Rick, at least 4 of them young uns gets wet! You know what I mean Rick? Hey Rick, you got any young uns?
RICK
Yeah sure I do, uh how about this here Sebring Steve?
VIC
Ooohh!! You know Rick ol buddy, my old lady, that’s my wife, my old lady would shit her knickers over this here auto! Tell me, no, don’t tell me, yeah tell me, how much?
RICK
It’s only 999 Steve.
VIC
999? Rick, are you shittin me? Oh wait a minute, oh no, now you just wait one cotton pickin minute there Rick!
RICK
Whats wrong Steve?
VIC
That’s what I wantta know Rick? My pappy always said, if sumthin sounded too good to be true, well you better listen a little better.
RICK
Oh no pardner, this is one of the best family cars we have on the lot.
VIC
Family cars?
RICK
That’s right Steve, it’s the best family car, hell, for 2 counties around here, as a matter of fact, I own one just like it myself!
VIC
Well fire this ol baby up Rick! My wife and kids are sittin at the waffle house waitin on me. I wanted their first meal in the big city to be at a good restaurant, you know what I mean there, Rick?
RICK
Oh yeah I sure do pardner!
They listen to it run Vic says he’ll take it and they go inside to take care of the paperwork. Vic keeps up the charade through the whole thing and finally comes out with the keys and a temporary tag. Smiling as he gets in the car. He takes it to the street that the Cadillac is on, takes off his make up, puts the fake hair in the glove box, locks it up and goes to the caddy to head home.
CUT TO;
INT.GARAGE
Marta is at the window as Vic tries to get out of the car.
MARTA
Victor Sterling where have you been? I’ve been going stir crazy here, you ran off without even asking if I wanted to go. You know Vic…”
VIC
Hold on Marta let me get out of the car at least.
They walk into the house while Marta is bitching the whole way.
MARTA
I’m bored just stuck here Victor! Why didn’t you ask if I wanted to go?
VIC
Look Mary! I am not your baby sitter and it’s not my job to entertain you! Hell, what’s the problem anyway? You have a car, so get off my ass!
MARTA
Uh, well, I don’t have any gas money.
VIC
What!?!? You just got a check for 5 large! What the hell happened to that?
MARTA
Ooh Vic. Well, I owed that to Danny.
As they are talking Vic goes to the bar while she is still in the kitchen he makes a drink and has to look for the bottle of lime finally finding it in the cabinet above the counter. He downs the drink and makes another right away.
VIC
What the hell did you just say? You gave them a condo for cryin out loud and you still owed Danny the dealer, money? I don’t believe you Marta, this is crazy! You can see where this would be considered crazy, don’t you? Or am I just naïve and this is the way everyone acts in this city.
MARTA
Yes Victor it’s crazy, but I have a problem, you of all people should understand that!
VIC
Yeah I ,,I…oh …. what do you mean, me of all people?
MARTA
Vic, are you allright?
VIC
Huh?
MARTA
You’re out to lunch.
VIC
Oh sorry anyway what are you talking about Marta is there something you think you know, that you think that uh want to uh tell me?
MARTA
Vic I’m sorry, its just that I’m going through withdrawls and it ain’t fun you know, but you don’t look so good and you’re talking funny.
VIC
No I don’t know but I’m sorry you got yourself addicted to cocaine but it won’t last all that long. And uh anyway uh… what was I? oh yeah… You need to keep yourself busy, You know? have you found any classes or anything?”
MARTA
Yes I did and when you come sit down I’ll show you.
VIC
Well good Martininini I’m proud of you, now is there something uh ummm …oh yeah! To …..eat or what?
MARTA
Vic go relax and I’ll fix us something, we need to go to the store soon the booze is running low and so is the food, are you sure you’re allright?
VIC
Uh Huh.
Vic downs the drink and makes another one putting extra lime in this one. He sits down pulling off the boots and says to himself.
VIC
Somethin smells good, oh yeah I forgot to call, uh umm, oh yeah, Linda.
MARTA
(walking in)
It’s a casserole and you really like her don’t you?
VIC
WHAT?? Did I just say that out loud?
MARTA
Oh shit Vic! Did you make a drink?
He holds it up and takes a long drink. She walks over quickly and takes it from him he is puzzled while he watches her dump it in the sink. Suddenly there’s a buzz at the gate.
MARTA
Allright Vic I’ll explain everything in a minute but don’t drink any more of that lime got it?
CUT TO;
INT.THROUGH VIC EYES
Victor is in the chair staring towards the door, the room is distorted, colors are running together like a kaleidoscope, he hears JJ and Marta though it sounds like they are in a huge drum and garbled. He stares at a hand that is extended towards him and follows it up the arm slowly to a giant.
CUT TO;
INT. REGULAR SCENE
In the room JJ is waiting for Vic to shake his hand, Vic just stares blankly, finally he sits down.
JJ
Look Vic, I said I was sorry about what happened! Either we can go on from there or call it quits.
VIC
OK.
JJ
Ok what.
VIC
Oh! hell what time is it?
MARTA
Around 4 why?
VIC
Got somethin to do so will make some?
MARTA
Make some what?
VIC
Some some, oh, coffee..
JJ
Shit Mary, he’s out of it!
She shrugs then goes into make coffee
JJ
Well where do I stand victor?
Vic looks at his feet for a while then speaks slowly
VIC
Allright John, what is so important?
JJ
My life, my career, my agency, everything Vic! Shit man, give me a break or cut me loose.
VIC
Ok you’re loose.
JJ
Is that what you want?
VIC
What?
JJ
Do you want to cut me loose?
VIC
It’s your life, your career, your agency, your everything.
JJ
Marta it was too early for that shit damn it!
VIC
Jacobs I don’t know what the hell is going on? But if you’re behind this! But if you are behind this! Uh, what was I gonna say? Oh yeah, you’ll never work in this town again!
JJ
Vic look, just let me know, am I still your agent or not?
VIC
We went over this shit once and what did I tell you?
JJ
You said I was still your mouthpiece.
VIC
So what is the question?
JJ
I don’t know Vic, I guess I want to be your friend again.
VIC
In 2 days after, well after finding, well let’s just say 2 days after getting back from Persia?
MARTA
(laughing)
yeah! The rolling hills of Persia!
VIC
What did you say?
MARTA
(holding coffee)
nothing, uh here you go hon black one sugar.
VIC
What, more poison?
MARTA
(laughing)
Poison? Well my coffee has been called many things, but poison?
VIC
Ok JJ, now you came over to find out where we stand and I told you that you’re my agent right?
JJ
Right!
VIC
Ok, now, is there anything else?
JJ
No I guess not Vic. I just wanted to try and explain or maybe not explain, but apologize.
VIC
Ok we went through that too and I said it was OK, but it will take time to heal right?
JJ
Yeah you did.
VIC
Ok so don’t push it, hell look at Marta here, she did worse to me than you did! Hell, she ranks up there with my mother and you see what I did to her, don’t you?
JJ
Yeah that’s true.
MARTA
Oh Victor! I didn’t know you put me in the same league with your mother, please don’t say that about me baby! I didn’t mean to hurt you. Please don’t think that I’m that bad, I may have a cocaine addiction! There I said it! But nothing was ever meant to hurt you. I was backed into a corner.
VIC
Yeah you’re right Mary! It’s ok then! Hell you should have told me that you were backed up. That bitch of a mother would call me retard put me in the basement while she had her dope parties or was screwing men. Fuckin bitch, then her and my old man come around tryin to hit me up for money, that was a good day in my life tellin them to take a hike…
Vic goes into the kitchen for some more coffee when he comes back to the doorway the two are in a heated whispering discussion. Marta is pointing at the cabinet above the counter.
VIC
speak up you two! Hell there’s no secrets in Casablanca.
Hey uh what was I? Oh yeah, I’m gonna take a bath, you let yourselves out. I’m tired of playing.
Vic takes his coffee upstairs and draws a hot bath as soon as he gets in the tub, he thinks he’s done and starts to get out. Catching himself, he laughs and relaxes. Then he starts moving his big toe around the spigot and soon it’s inside, his eyes get big.
VIC
(panicked)
Shit I’m stuck!!
His toe pops out before he freaks out too bad. He gets out and stands looking in the mirror while he watches hair start growing all over his face, he closes his eyes and when he opens them he’s back to normal. He dries off and lays down on the bed but just stares at the ceiling for a long time. Checking the clock a couple hours later he gets up and dresses in his cowboy shirt and boots. He goes to the safe grabbing a bunch of money putting it in a roll, then he grabs an old wallet and checks the ID .
VIC
Terrible picture, Bruce Peterson!
He goes down the stairs and sees that Marta is asleep and he quietly leaves.
CUT TO;
EXT.STREET NIGHT
He gets out of the Caddy locks it, goes to the sebring sits there and puts on his disguise. Once he is satisfied, he starts cruising the streets checking out the many hookers and drunks. Spotting one who looks right, he slows and she walks up to the car.
JENNY
Hey baby want a date?
VIC
Can’t dance.
JENNY
Too wet to plow!
He nods to the door she climbs in.
JENNY
Hey, are you a cop?
VIC
Nah, not today! I was gonna be a doctor, but I think race car driver would have been more fun.
JENNY
well you are a funny one, but seriously, are you a cop?
VIC
Seriously, I’m not a cop! Are you?
JENNY
No not enough money bein a cop. Doin a cop yes. Bein one, no!
Ok darlin down to business, what do you want?
VIC
You
JENNY
All of me?
VIC
Yeah you can all come.
JENNY
Ok that’s a hundred now there’s a park up aways or a motel right over there,Your call.
VIC
Motel?
JENNY
Ok pull in here.
They pull in and she holds her hand out, he sits looking at her until he realizes what she wants, he pulls out the large roll and peels off a couple twenty’s to pay for the room. Her eyes get big as she eyes the roll. She takes off for the office and is back pretty quick holding a set of keys for Vic to see, he gets out and they go into a room.
INT. SHABBY ROOM
Vic sits on the bed looking around like an idiot, she stands in front of him with her hand out.
VIC
Oh yeah whats your name?
JENNY
Jenny
VIC
(venemously)
that was my mothers name!
JENNY
Ha ha well honey,it’s a hundred and I can be anybody you want!
VIC
no I’m serious! Jennie was my mothers name!
JENNY
Well whatever lover, it’s a hundred, so you can call me Uncle Charlie if you want to!
She stands there with her hand out waiting to be paid but Vic is out of it and doesn’t get it.
JENNY
Hey whats goin on here dude? What’s your name anyway?
VIC
Steve Mcbain, mom, I mean Jennie.
JENNY
Well Steve Mcbain, no pay, no play! You know the rules right?
VIC
Oh sure uh sorry.
He pulls the roll out and peels off a hundred dollars, she is staring at it with wide eyes.
VIC
look I think I made a mistake, uh Jenny, I mean that name just really gets me you know?
JENNY
Look pal, no refunds if that’s what you’re drivin at?
VIC
Oh no no not at all, hell that’s yours no problem, uh look you can go or stay and talk or…..
She turns to the dresser where her purse is, putting the money away. When she turns back around, she has a switchblade that clicks open.
JENNY
So, I can go or stay and talk or,,, well, you goofy son of a bitch, how bout if I talk about that money you got in your right pocket, and it will go with me, while you stay here and beat your meat! How’s that…..retard?
Vic’s eyes get big then he says under his breath ‘retard’? he jumps up grabbing her hand with that is holding the knife, they wrestle for a second. He spins her around throwing her on the bed, Vic is on top of her, he has one hand holding her knife hand and the other around her throat. He finally snaps out of it and gets off of her. She’s not moving so he feels her neck, she’s not breathing. He panics then jumps on her again, this time trying to blow into her mouth. He does it a bunch but realizes the air is coming out of her nose, so he pinches it and takes a deep breath, blowing hard into her mouth. He does this a couple times until she coughs. Just then there is a loud insistent knock at the door. Suddenly it slams open and two cops are in the doorway. They enter quickly, one searches the room, while the other starts asking questions.
COP#1
Are you allright, lady?
JENNY
Uh, yeah sure.
The second policeman picks up the knife off of the floor.
COP#2
(holding knife)
Who’s is this?
JENNY
Mine sir, it must have fallen out of my purse.
COP#1
Is that right fella?
VIC
Oh yeah that must be what happened.
COP#1
OK pal, lets see some ID.
Vic starts to get up but Jenny sees that his fake mustache is coming off. She fixes it for him real quick. He stands up holding it with one hand and looks in the mirror to make sure it’s allright. He gets out his ID handing it to cop #1.
COP#1
Bruce Peterson huh?
VIC
Yes sir?
COP#2
We got a call about a murder being committed in this room by a Victor Sterling, do either of you know anything about that?
VIC
Nope, sure don’t.
JENNY
No nothing going on here, but ain’t he that actor fella?
COP#1
Yeah you know your right. I’ll bet somebody’s just yankin our chain Joe.
COP#2
Yeah, that figures.
COP#1
Yeah, I don’t believe this shit! I don’t think this Sterling guy would be caught dead in this place! Allright you 2 just do what you were doing or whatever, and uh, we’re sorry for the trouble.
VIC
Allright, well thank you officers.
They leave and after the door shuts behind them, Jenny and Vic look at each other and bust out laughing.
VIC
Well Jenny, you be careful you hear?
JENNY
Yeah you too, Bruce or Steve, or whatever your name is.
EXT.OUTSIDE ROOM
He leaves the room, goes back to the car in front. Then hurries to the Cadillac and heads home, with ‘Lucy in the Sky’ playing on the radio.
CUT TO;
INT.BEDROOM MORNING
Vic wakes up in his bed and looks around. He rubs his face and feels the extra hair on it. He gets up and hurries to the bathroom mirror and peels it off. Putting it all back into the make up kit. He goes down into the kitchen to make coffee, just then Marta walks in, carrying a bag and a liquor bottle. When she sees Vic she gasps and drops the plastic vodka bottle.
MARTA
Oh shit Victor! How the, I mean when the, where did, whoa Victor!
VIC
What the hell is the problem Marta you look like you seen a ghost! You’re lucky that was a plastic bottle, huh?
MARTA
What happened to you?
VIC
Oh you mean last night?
MARTA
Yeah, last night.
VIC
I haven’t figured that out yet to be honest with you.
MARTA
You haven’t figured that out yet?
VIC
Right.
MARTA
Vic! Come on, just tell me.
VIC
Marta, I honestly don’t know, but I thought I was back in the seventies again! Whats going on here? I thought you were broke, how’d you get the stuff? What is it anyway?
MARTA
Oh well, gee Vic you see I thought we were going to have a party!
VIC
A party where? When?
MARTA
Here , today.
VIC
Allright Mary! Tell me whats goin on, start with where the money came from and go from there.
MARTA
(crying)
Honest Vic, it wasn’t my idea!
VIC
What idea?
MARTA
The whole idea!
VIC
Marta!
MARTA
Vic!
VIC
Allright! I’m gonna throw your ass out, right now!
MARTA
Why?
VIC
Marta darling, sweety, honey, sugar, my dear martini, what the hell is happening?
MARTA
Oh Vic, how did you get out of jail?
VIC
Jail? What the hell? Allright lets go sit in the living room and we are both going to start at the beginning, first I need a drink!
MARTA
NO!
VIC
What? Look Marta, if you don’t want a drink that’s cool.
MARTA
Oh Vic, you can have a drink, just don’t have any lime!
He goes to the bar to make a drink.
VIC
We don’t have any lime? Hell last night there was a whole one of those plastic bottles that look like a lime, you know what I’m talking about? A neat idea, oh here it is!
He turns to show her that he found the bottle when she smacks it out of his hand it hits the floor.
VIC
Marta, you got something against those funny little plastic bottles?
MARTA
Oh Vic! Sometimes you’re so dense, I honestly think you’re blonde at the roots!
VIC
Well dear why don’t you tell me all about that nasty little bottle, ok?
MARTA
Vic, lets just sit down, please?
VIC
Allright Marta, but all I have now is a rum and coke I hope you’re happy.
They sit on the couch.
MARTA
Ok Victor, whats the last thing you remember, yesterday, while you were in control of your own mind that is?
VIC
Oh yeah, you were making dinner and telling me about a school for actors, I made a drink, my usual, a cuba... Shit! I knew it! You guys were trying to poison me!
MARTA
No. Well not exactly. Vic, didn’t recognize the feeling you got?
VIC
Yeah I did Marta it was like, hmm you’ll laugh, but it was sort of like an acid trip from the 70’s! Heh heh, um, heh heh! Marta you’re not laughing!
MARTA
You don’t know what he had planned for you Victor.
VIC
He?
MARTA
John!
VIC
Oh yeah I should have known so he didn’t come over last night to try and beg forgiveness
MARTA
Vic, John is an evil person!
VIC
Well he’s a Hollywood agent, what do you expect?
MARTA
Bruce, he made me spike your lime with acid, a lot of it!
VIC
Oh shit, that’s it! Hell, now it makes sense, the teeth grinding, the colors, in and out of reality, wow!
MARTA
Vic, now you need to listen to this all the way through! You can yell or say why didn’t you? All you want when I’m done. But hear me out ok?
VIC
Sure, why not?
MARTA
Well, last night, you remember when you first started feeling the affects of the acid? I asked you if you used that bottle and when I found out that you had, I took it from you and said not to drink no more of that stuff right?
Vic nods, she gets up and goes to the cabinet, grabs a piece of paper and hands it to him.
MARTA
Ok, well this is what I was going to show you. It was sitting under the bottle
VIC
(reading out loud)
Bruce, I don’t know how to start this so I’ll just start! There’s something going on with JJ, he’s dropped a bunch of liquid LSD into this lime bottle, so I put it on top of this letter, if I’m not here I pray you read this. He told me the acid was a joke, but then he pulled me into his scheme. He told me you wouldn’t survive practicing your acting on a hooker. Vic, I’m scared! JJ is not the same, he needs money bad and I think he has help or partners. I think they are behind the blackmail thing, but I don’t know. I know we have had our differences, but I really do love you, Bruce. Mary.
He looks at her with love in his eyes and they hug for a long time. Finally they disengage.
VIC
Ok, so we know he needs money bad right? Bad enough to resort to whatever he has to do. He started with blackmailing me for half a million and….
MARTA
What?
VIC
Oh, I thought you knew.
MARTA
Half a million dollars? You’re kidding?
VIC
Yeah for not going public with the treatment thing.
MARTA
Vic, he told me about the clinic, but that’s a lot of money! What do you think he needs that much for?
VIC
Who knows, but we know he has a partner, so they most likely want a nice chunk too.
MARTA
Yeah well, I guess what he needs the money for doesn’t matter, just what he is willing to do for it, is! Oh Victor, what’s this about you won’t survive the hooker thing?
VIC
Shit Marta. This don’t make no sense? I mean, OK, lets walk through this. They need money, what they had on me from the clinic wasn’t bad enough for five hundred large. So next, JJ figures that I’m gonna get into character by picking up a hooker, ok he’s got me so far, he or they, follow me to the motel then call the cops and…..
MARTA
The cops?
VIC
oh yeah I forgot to mention that little thing. Uh the cops come bustin down the door sayin, uh lets see they said…..
MARTA
What sweety?
VIC
The cops said somebody called them and said that Victor Sterling was killing a prostitute.
MARTA
Oh hell Vic, I mean, but the police see that you guys are fine and then leave. What did that accomplish?
VIC
It wasn’t me, it was Bruce Peterson!
MARTA
So? That’s not against the law, hell especially in T town.
VIC
Yeah then Jennie stayed there and I left so I guess there little plan didn’t wor…
MARTA
Lord help us Victor, we’re so screwed!
VIC
Hold on maybe not, they wouldn’t kill her would they? There’s no money for em if they do that. They have to ransom her alive to me. Right? Or what would be the point? Right?
MARTA
Yeah Vic that’s it! Sure it’s gotta be, right?
VIC
Marta there’s nothin else is there? I mean this isn’t some vendetta or something is it?
MARTA
Not that I know of, well no of course not Vic. I mean they woulda gone public with your little vacation, if they were just pissed!
VIC
Yeah good. I mean not good but, well you know what I mean, hell I wonder how much? Shit if they wanted half a mil for rolling hills, keeping me clear of a murder rap would be worth hmm a whole pocket full.
MARTA
Yeah now we just need to figure out what to do.
VIC
Well, we can start by putting the phone back on the hook just in case…
The phone rings as soon as he puts it on the hook he jumps, looks at her and picks it up.
VIC
Hello?
RUBY
Vic darling, whats wrong?
VIC
Ruby, you don’t want to know!
RUBY
Vic!
VIC
Well you know the blackmail thing?
RUBY
Of course.
VIC
Well I think they’ve graduated to kidnapping and maybe murder!
RUBY
Oh my God Victor! What happened and tell me everything, I want to help!
VIC
OK, well first, John spiked my lime with acid, then he or they followed me to pick up a hooker.
RUBY
A hooker?
VIC
No no it was practice for my next movie and John knew I would do that.
RUBY
That little prick!
VIC
Well anyway they called the cops who show up saying they heard Victor Sterling was killing someone here. They see that everything is fine and split.
RUBY
Well, what’s the problem?
VIC
We think they kidnapped Jenny and are gonna kill her and blame it on me, if I don’t pay up.
RUBY
They kidnapped your mother?
VIC
(laughing)
No, it just so happened that Jenny was the hookers name too.
RUBY
Oh! What a coincidence, but how does the little gold digger fit into all this?
VIC
Marta told me all about it and tried to stop it.
RUBY
Really? You know Vic you better call Van.
VIC
Who?
RUBY
Discreet dics.
VIC
Oh yeah good thinking.
RUBY
Vic do you remember an actress named Sheeba Sherwood?
VIC
No should I?
RUBY
Well no I guess that’s the point. Ten or twelve years ago she got involved in a kidnapping thing. The whole thing went bad, real bad! The victim was killed and Sheeba ended up in jail, because the cops thought she did it! Needless to say her career was over, she wasn’t great but she had a helluva personality, you know the type?
VIC
Yeah, this is eerily close to that! Hell Ruby, all they have to do is kill Jennie and I’ll be their chief suspect.
RUBY
All right Vic, when do you see Byron again?
VIC
I don’t know? I guess I can call him anytime.
RUBY
Allright now, listen Victor he can be trusted ok! You tell him everything, he’ll help you, tell him you’re my best friend and..
VIC
He knows that, well he thought you gave me his name at least.
RUBY
Tell him how close we are because, well, let’s just say he knows that I know what he’s capable of, allright?
VIC
Sure, Ruby what do you mean, you know?
RUBY
Uh well, Vic just remind me when this is all over with and I’ll tell you something that only Byron, me and God is privy too.
VIC
Ok Ruby and thanks, you’re a doll!
RUBY
Vic, I love you and I’d do anything for you, except give up my parties that is!
VIC
Ruby, tinsel town would grind to a halt without those.
RUBY
Yes Victor dear, we all do what we’re good at you know? Anyway, I want hourly updates and I’ll start thinking about how I can help.
VIC
Thanks Ruby, but I don’t want you close to this sort of thing.
RUBY
Bruce Peterson! I’m involved like it or not and you couldn’t keep me from helping you, even if you promised me a leading lady role, opposite you! Got that young en!
They hang up and he sits there for a minute.
MARTA
Whats upVic?
VIC
Damn Ruby knows everything in this town and then some! I’ve got to call the private eye but I thought of something else. If JJ talks to you, just act like you’re still with him and that you’ll do what he wants for a part in a movie, or some of the money or something.
MARTA
Sure Vic, I had figured that anyway.
VIC
Listen, Marta. I really appreciate what you’re doing for me and I’ll make it up to you somehow. Hell maybe you can play the wife in ‘Killing time.
MARTA
Oh Vic! Your wife I thought you’d never ask.
VIC
Anyway I’m calling in the cavalry.
Picks up the phone
LOUISE
Discreet Dics!
VIC
Uh yeah this is victor sterling could I talk to Vandorn?
LOUISE
Just a sec
VAN
Van here.
VIC
Hello this is Vic.
VAN
Well hello Peterson.
VIC
Yeah uh theres something that uh….
VAN
First off just call me Van ok? Now about this Canaday character, either you got some bogus info or something, because he’s already working again. He’s got no criminal record. Well lets see, one misdemeanor pot possesion over 10 years ago and he’s just not capable of blackmail. Besides that, the kicker is, he moved to …Denver to move in with his mother the day after he left Rolling hills.
VIC
Oh well you know Van that could be, because I’ve had a new set of circumstances open up, so this Johnny could very well be unawares.
VAN
New set of circumstances?
VIC
Yeah, I need to talk to you again and pay you what I owe you anyway.
VAN
Oh that? No. Hell I never left the office on that one! You probably could have done the same thing on a computer. But as far as any new case, uh do you want to meet here or should I come to you?
VIC
Well, I think I’m bein followed, so what do you suggest?
VAN
All right lets see, do you have any services say like, lawn or maybe pool service?
VIC
Sure, one of each.
VAN
Ok, when did the pool guy show up last?
Vic puts his hand over the reciever and asked Marta, she shrugs.
VIC
uh well not sure but over 3 or 4 days.
VAN
Ok, that’s perfect! I’ll be there within the hour, oh do you have a gate?
VIC
Yeah
VAN
Whats the code?
VIC
7538
VAN
Ok see you in a few.
Vic turns to Marta who is staring with wide eyes
VIC
Marta, call JJ and find out where he is. Don’t push too hard, but if he offers any information try and ease it out of him.
MARTA
Ok hon
Vic goes to the bar to make a drink, Marta picks up the phone and dials.
MARTA
Yeah it’s me. He’s upstairs. How’d you know? I mean, I thought he was well you know, gonna be in jail. Oh you figured maybe with the acid and all he’d…oh so you had this other thing figured out in case he didn’t, well snap and actually kill her….right, well yeah, I’m in it this far, I guess so but well this is big time JJ! Well I mean, but you know the problems I’m having so? Sure JJ, right, oh I won’t! Ok talk to you then….
She hangs up and falls back into the couch looking drained. Vic hands her a drink and sits next to her.
MARTA
Vic, he’s, he’s serious about this shit!
VIC
What shit? I mean what’s his plan?
MARTA
Well he didn’t say exactly, but he did say he couldn’t sit on her long.
VIC
Meaning Jenny?
MARTA
I suppose and he said the other ones would have to live with the fact that I was involved.
VIC
The other ones? I wonder who the hell that is?
MARTA
oh and he’s at the office and said to sit tight he was just about to call the go between and set it all up. That I should convince you just to pay and I’d get my house back.
VIC
yeah either that or you’d be in jail and not have to worry about a house, besides Marta, these others he’s got with him? They don’t know you, so I wouldn’t figure they’d give you anything but a dirt nap.
MARTA
(scared)
Vic, this ain’t one of your gangster movies, this is real and bad things could happen! Like death or prison!
VIC
I know Marta! But don’t worry. Byron is good at this. Hell, Ruby swears by him and we know more than JJ thinks we do, so it’ll be fine and by the way if you help me on this, well lets just say you won’t have to worry about your condo.
MARTA
Oh Vic, I’m not doing this for that. I love you and I don’t want you to get hurt! I mean I certainly want to stay out of jail, well, you know!
He leans over to kiss her forehead and she looks up suddenly and they lock lips for a while until there’s a knock at the door Vic hurries to get it. He opens it and Van is there in grey mechanics overalls holding a five gallon bucket. Vic starts to say something but Van puts a finger to his lips, he walks in sets the pail down and gets out an electronic box with a microphone looking thing. He starts going around the living room looking for bugs around the pictures lamps phone etc…
VAN
Sorry for the cloak and dagger routine, but when you deal with this kind of money and the type that will kidnap or kill innocent people for it. Well its best to be cautious, the good news is there are no bugs, in here at least.
VIC
(at the bar)
Whats your flavor?
VAN
(holding four fingers)
Bourbon straight.
Van looks at Marta vic hands him his drink and sits beside her,
VIC
She’s ok Van, as a matter of fact she told me the whole story and is gonna help us however she can. Marta, Byron.
VAN
(pulling out notebook)
Just call me Van , ok Victor start from the hooker and don’t leave nothing out.
VIC
Ok well I was in disguise, and had an old car. I went cruising for a whore so I could get into character for my next movie, and…..
MARTA
Uh, he was high on acid too…
VAN
(laughing)
ok?!?
VIC
No no they spiked my drink.
VAN
Oh? well anyway go on.
VIC
Uh lets see, picked her up, went to the motel and..
VAN
Sorry to interrupt but do you remember the name?
VIC
Oh uh somethin island, no isle, oh yeah paradise isle, yeah that’s it.
VAN
You’re shittin me!
MARTA
What, is that bad?
VAN
Uh well we’ll see, could go either way, you see the little weasel that owns the place is a , a, oh hell whats them guys that get their rocks off by watchin , umm.
MARTA
A voyeur?
VAN
Yeah one a them, so the little shit has cameras in some of the rooms to tape the action. But finish the story and we’ll see whether its bad or not.
VIC
Ok so we’re in the room, she tells me her name it freaks me out real bad, I pay her but she pulls a knife, wanting the rest of my money, calls me a retard, I jump her, strangle her, then give her mouth to mouth, she comes around and the cops break in saying they got a call. Uh, they see that everyone is fine and then leave.
Van finishes writing then sits and looks at his notes.
VAN
Ok uh first her name, why the hell would that freak you out?
VIC
Oh well you see my mothers name was Jenny and she was a real peach beating me calling me names…
VAN
Like retard?
VIC
Yeah I hated that one.
VAN
Ok Vic is there any way that this hooker was a set up by John and these other low lifes?
VIC
No, no way, she was totally random I picked her not the other way around.
VAN
Allright, so we have to assume they came back in, grabbed her up and will contact you, saying pay up or they kill her, now Benji the weasel only has cameras in a handfull of rooms so I’ll check that out first. I’ve dealt with him before, on cheating husbands and shit, so he can be bought. I’ll need some money to get the info outta him, he may have seen something also. Then we’ll set everything up for a fake drop and wait for them.
VIC
Uh Van do you think um do you think they’d kill her?
VAN
No, I doubt it. They’re only after money and killing her or putting you in jail wouldn’t be a payday for em. Nah, hell, even if you told them to fuck off, chances are they’d just say to hell with it, but you can’t take that chance. Sometimes if things go bad, they’ll kill the hostage just because they’re pissed.
The phone rings…Vic gets up to get it, Van puts his thumb to his ear, Vic points to the kitchen Van hurries in and they time it to pick it up at the same time.
VIC
Hello?
RUBY
Vic I just heard from them.
VAN
Hey there ruby!
RUBY
Well well hows my favorite dic?
VIC
What did they say Rube?
RUBY
He said an even million, small, unmarked, all that or you would go to jail forever and he’d get it anyway.
VAN
Did they say anything about the drop?
RUBY
Oh yeah, tomorrow at noon and they will call me later and set up the whole thing and if Vic goes to the cops they’ll kill her and everybody else Vic cares about, including Sawyer. Vic, who’s Sawyer?
VIC
Oh, an actress I met at your party. Linda Sawyer.
RUBY
Oh yes, nice girl, I liked her.
VIC
Yeah, I did too or I mean I still do.
RUBY
Ok Vic, whatever you need me to do I’m ready. Why don’t we pull a con on them Van. You know. Like we did with tinker?
VAN
Yeah that’s pretty much what we’re doin, with a wrinkle or two along the way.
RUBY
Van, Victor Sterling is my best friend, ok? So treat him like you would me! All right darling!
VAN
Ruby Wellington! You’re an amazing woman and it’s a good thing I’m married! I’ll be in touch in an hour or two sweetheart.
RUBY
Bye Van.
VIC
Ok Ruby, do you want to fill me in?
RUBY
Oh darling, several years ago I had some well some undesirable gentleman friends and one of them wanted a little more than wanton sex! So he set me up, took some, well, some photos of me and a german sheperd.
VIC
oh Ruby, you dog!
RUBY
Very funny Victor! I was passed out and well they looked very bad! Sick actually and well, let Van go over the sting with you. He will want to anyway and let me know when you’re going to do it. Oohh this is so exciting! Oh shit Vic, I almost forgot, he said check your e-mail!
VIC
Ok thanks Rube see ya.
VAN
Ok, Vic hang tough and don’t sweat it. I’ll let you know how it goes with the sleeze and see if I can get the tape, that way we’ll have evidence of them kidnapping the girl.
Van leaves, Vic turns to Marta.
VIC
Hey I never thought of that, if he gets a tape showing them taking Jenny, well they could go to jail if they kill her.
MARTA
Jail? Vic that may be the best idea yet! Call the cops tell them eveything and be done with it!
VIC
Darling, if we did that the publicity would be crazy, besides, if there is a tape, half of it would be very incriminating and hard to explain. Hell for all we know JJ had somebody else snatch Jennie from the room! Nah, the best thing is to go along with em, act like we’re paying them off, get Jennie back alive and then send them on their way. Oh shit the e-mail…
Vic gets up and heads to the study and the computer Marta follows him
MARTA
But why not go to the cops if you didn’t do anything wrong?
VIC
You mean aside from being in a motel room in a costume, with a prostitute, strangling her, then not telling the cops who I was?
MARTA
Oh, when you put it that way!
Vic sits down and warms up the computer. Marta is standing behind him with her arm on his shoulder. The screen comes up and the e-mail from JJ says ‘I told you about this one horse town’ there is an attatchment Vic clicks on it and there is a picture of him at the car lot talking to Rick, in front of the sebring. The next picture is of him laying on top of Jenny she is lifeless.
MARTA
Oh shit!
VIC
Well that answers the question of the video at paradise isle huh? I guess I better call Van and tell him not to waste his time with Benjy.
MARTA
Victor I’m scared!
Vic hurries to the living room and calls the office Louise answers.
LOUISE
Discreet dics.
VIC
Uh Louise this is Victor Sterling uh do you have Vans cell number I need to talk to him quick.
LOUISE
Uh no cell give me your number and I’ll put it in his beeper.
Vic rattles off the number hangs up and then dials again immediately
LINDA
Hey you nice of you to call.
VIC
Linda listen to me we’ve got big troubles and you need to be careful and I mean real careful! As a matter of fact maybe you should get out of town!
LINDA
What the hell is going on Victor? You’re scaring me!
VIC
Good! Look I can’t go into it all right now so trust me and find a place to hide for a couple days, ok!
LINDA
No! Well at least not til you tell me what in heavens name is going on!
VIC
Damn, allright look, there are some seedy characters out to get me or well my money and they won’t stop until they do. We’re talking blackmail, kidnapping, murder and they know about us! So please find a rock and crawl under it, please?
LINDA
Ok Vic. I can well uh yeah, I could go to my moms for a day or 2, is Tennessee far enough away?
VIC
Yeah that’s fine, do you need some money?
LINDA
No, I’m ok. I’ll call you in a couple days to see if the coast is clear ok?
VIC
Ok leave as quick as you can call when you get there, give us the number and I’ll call you when the coast is clear.
Vic hangs up and the phone rings immediately.
VAN
Yeah whats up?
VIC
Oh uh I got an e-mail from our friends and they have the tape!
VAN
I know, I’m in the parking lot now and just talked to the sleeze. Allright, now there was a man and a woman in this morning, they knew he filmed some of the rooms. He said he lied to them at first but the guy pulled a gun and well Benjy ain’t the brightest bulb in the box, anyway he gave them the tape and he swears he didn’t look at it first. I believe him cause, well let’s just say Benjy knows me and leave it at that. Ok Vic listen carefully, the woman had long bleach blonde hair skinny maybe was a looker in her day but that day is long gone, mid 60’s. Ok the guy was a greasy type long hair with a lot of grey slight bulge around the middle, probably used to be a tough guy, you know muscular, mean, tattoos, no nonsense, scars on his face, same age as the broad, ring any bells?
VIC
Not right off hand but I’ll think about it hell JJ could have gotten anybody to do his dirty work.
VAN
Yeah that’s true but listen Vic this is turning into a real serious case not just a greedy agent, these people are for real and they know the ropes real good, so stay put don’t make a move without me ok? Do you have my beeper number?
VIC
Nah your secretary put my number in this time.
Van rattles it off then hangs up.
MARTA
What, what’s happening now?
VIC
Well lets see we got 2 more people in the story a couple of bad asses who got the tape so we’re getting in real deep here. JJ must have hired some goons or something. I don’t recognize the 2 Van told me about, I guess that’s irrelevant anyway, they want money and they’ll kill to get it, so lets take this slow since all we can do is wait for them.
Vic heads upstairs, Marta follows him.
VIC
What are you doing?
MARTA
I don’t know I just don’t want to be alone, what are you doing?
VIC
Oh I just need something to calm me down all we can do is wait on Van anyway.
They go into Vic’s bathroom he gets in the medicine cabinet grabbing some valium for them both. She sees the suitcase on the floor opens it and starts putting a beard to her chin looking in the mirror.
VIC
Mary you crack me up!
MARTA
What? This stuff is cool!
They lay down and fall asleep in each others arms.
CUT TO;
INT CASABLANCA –EVENING
They are in the same position when the phone rings. Vic answers it groggily.
VIC
Yeah?
RUBY
Well they just called and they want to do it tomorrow they said tomorrow noon in the same room you did Jenny in! They said bring the money. Be alone and they would give you her and the tape and if they smelled cops or any tricks you would pay them off in another way. Victor what tape?
VIC
Oh that? Well it appears the motel owner is a damn peeper and made a tape, which they got a hold of and it’s pretty incriminating! From the way this is going they would have no trouble screwing me in a big way with it!
RUBY
Damn Vic, this is no fun all of a sudden!
VIC
Yeah Ruby listen I want you as far from this as possible it’s not a game now ok?
RUBY
Well sure Vic but I want to help.
VIC
I know dear but I need you to tell the cops about the blackmailers if this goes bad or worse than it already is.
RUBY
Ok darling let me know if anything happens. They probably won’t call me again but if they do….
VIC
I know and thanks Ruby.
RUBY
Sure Vic hang in there darlin.
MARTA
Whats happening sweety?
VIC
Well its set for noon tomorrow at the motel and they want a million or they kill Jennie and go public with the tape. I need to call Van and tell him whats going on.
He dials the beeper number. Sits back waiting Marta hands him a drink. He downs it in one gulp and hands it back to her she frowns and makes him another.
MARTA
Slow down Vic, you need to be in control here.
VIC
Nah nothing is going to happen til tomorrow and it may be the last time I can get drunk anyway, they don’t have a wet bar in jail!
MARTA
Vic don’t be so dramatic you’re not going to jail silly.
The phone rings and Vic hurries to get it.
VAN
Van here.
VIC
Yeah Van listen. I just talked to Ruby and it’s set for tomorrow and they want to do it at the motel room noon tomorrow. They’ll give me the tape and the hooker if everything goes right and they said no funny stuff.
VAN
Ok Vic I’ll be at your house at say 9 to set it up I’ll have the bogus money all set and a wire for you.
VIC
A wire?
VAN
Oh yeah, we need something to show the cops if they don’t take the bait, we’ve got Marta, Ruby and me as witnesses and alibi’s but we need a little kicker, you know just in case.
VIC
Ok Van, but uh well do you think we should got to the cops first I mean hell I don’t know what I mean!
VAN
Well that’s your call but these guys have had every base covered so far, it wouldn’t surprise me if they would know if we brought the force in on this.
VIC
Oh yeah that may be true, well you’re the boss.
VAN
Yeah, I mean the plan is go through with the drop get the girl and the tape then bring in LA’s finest as soon as that is done.
VIC
Ok Van see you at 9.
Vic hangs up and just sits there with a puzzled look on his face.
MARTA
Whats the matter baby?
VIC
Ruby said something about the guy would put me in jail and get the money anyway, I wonder what that meant?
MARTA
Well maybe he figured you’d pay to get out of jail?
VIC
Yeah I suppose but it’s kind of odd don’t you think.
MARTA
Vic, this whole thing is odd!
VIC
Yeah well I suppose anyway I think I’m gonna take a bath, the rum is hitting me pretty good about now.
He goes upstairs and runs a bath slipping in he relaxes for a minute with his eyes closed he opens them to see Marta standing there naked . She slips in with him.
VIC
Marta what?
MARTA
Hey they don’t have tubs or women in jail either do they?
He smiles and they kiss.
CUT TO;
INT. KITCHEN MORNING
Marta is moving around making breakfast Vic comes down the stairs tying his kimono.
MARTA
Oh Victor I wanted to bring you breakfast in bed!
VIC
Marta listen uh…
MARTA
Vic please lets just enjoy the moment ok?
He nods and they go eat on the back porch watching the ocean. After they finish the doorbell rings. Vic jumps up to answer it. Van walks in carrying a small suitcase. He goes to the couch opens the suitcase, vic sits down and looks in there is a bunch of stacks of money and some electronics.
VIC
Hey is that real?
VAN
Nah any good dic worth his salt has a couple million laying around in bogus cash.
MARTA
Van coffee?
VAN
Sure black, thanks Marta.
He pulls out a tiny microphone with a thin wire going to a small black box.
VIC
Is that?
VAN
Yep, your wire, just like the movies pal.
He pulls some other electronics out.
VAN
Ok this is a homing device for the money so we can find them after the drop.
Allright first off I’m leaving here and getting set up at the drop, there’s a little set of woods a quarter mile a way from the motel. I’ll be listening to you so if I smell a rat I’ll swoop in and start blasting. Hell it’s better to be judged by 12 of you’re peers than be carried away by 6 of you’re friends! now at this point we know they’re following you so don’t do anything cute, just drive straight to the motel. There’s a Shell station right before you get there and there’s a clump of woods up on the hill before the turn, ok?
VIC
Uh ok.
VAN
Just as you pass the gas station say something, anything, hell just ‘can you hear me?’ is fine. Watch the woods for my headlights if you see them flash on then off, you go on in if not pull into the shell and I’ll come down and figure out whats wrong.
VIC
Got it.
VAN
Ok then you go right on up, park, go in with the case. Then it’s all in their ballpark from there, now they seem to be pretty savvy so far so we’ll just play it real close to the vest now if you say ‘it’s hot in here’. That means it’s getting out of hand! But I’ll be listening to everything that goes on in there, so if it does get that far I’ll probably be on my way anyway.
MARTA
What do I do?
VAN
Nothin, just sit tight and wait on a call from Vic letting you know all is well.
MARTA
But isn’t there something, I mean, I’ll go nuts just waiting!
VAN
Well we can’t have you too close in case something goes wrong. Hell, I’d make the drop myself if we could have been in touch with these idiots from the git go. As it is, Vic here has got to play the role of a life time.
VIC
Yeah you need to hang back on this one Martini.
MARTA
I guess, well you call me as soon as you can, do you hear me Victor?
VIC
Sure doll.
VAN
allright guys I need to get out of here so they don’t think too much about the lawn truck I brought. Hopefully they’re too jazzed about the drop to think twice about it. So, are there any questions?
VIC
I go past the gas station, we check the microphone, you flash you’re lights, then I go on in and ‘it’s hot in here’ right?
VAN
Yeah you got it Vic and don’t worry I’ve done this a hundred times, it never gets easier, but if you just keep your head, it’ll be fine.
VIC
Ok Van, thanks.
VAN
Oh hell I almost forgot we need to hook this microphone up.
MARTA
Isn’t it a little early?
VAN
Actually it is but well do you think you all can hook it up?
VIC
Sure no sweat.
VAN
Uh ok listen, all you got to do is tape it to the middle of your chest with white medical tape, ok then just stuff the wire down your pants and put this in your waist band, got it?
VIC
Yeah no problem, just like the movies right?
VAN
Vic look, this ain’t the movies! These people are playing for keeps and I guarantee you they will kill the whore and you without batting an eye so don’t take them lightly, allright?
VIC
Oh yeah sure, I mean, I know this is no game.
VAN
Well if I scared you, good! You walk in too relaxed and they’ll smell a rat. You walk in like you’re gonna die at any second, you’ll be right in character, got it?
VIC
Yes sir!
VAN
Good see you at the gas station and remember, I got your back!
VIC
Good, thanks Van, see you later.
Van leaves Vic has his heads in his hands Marta sits down close to him pulling his head into her. He loses control and starts crying she comforts him stroking his hair. They sit like this for awhile until Vic vents his emotions. The phone rings. He leans over to get it.
RUBY
Vic darling are you allright?
VIC
Sure Ruby, sure!
RUBY
Well ok, whats going on dear? I hate to be in the dark you know!
VIC
Yeah, I was going to call you, Van just left and it’s set for an hour from now so I’m getting ready.
RUBY
Well dear you’re in good hands, Van’s the best in the biz at what he does.
VIC
Yeah he sure knows what he’s doing and Ruby no matter what happens remember that I love you and well, thanks!
RUBY
Now Victor Sterling! Don’t you talk like that everythings going to be fine do you understand me?
VIC
Yes Ruby I just meant.
RUBY
I know what you meant and it’ll be fine. People like this always lose the game! This is Hollywood darling!
VIC
Yeah! It sure the hell is, ain’t it Ruby?
RUBY
That’s my boy! Remember. We’re in your corner, so you just come out swinging.
VIC
Allright Ruby! Thank you hon.
RUBY
Chin up Victor! See you soon!
He hangs up and stares at Marta.
VIC
Hey what are they gonna do kill me?
MARTA
Yeah screw em Vic, they don’t know who the hell they’re messin with!
VIC
Yeah, the dumb asses! Hell, put on the Rocky theme will ya? I’m ready!
MARTA
allright help me get wired for sound will yah? Let’s see, tape, white medical tape.
She gets up and disappears to the main bathroom coming out at nearly a run she is unrolling a strip, with scissors dangling from her pinky finger. He has his shirt off and is holding the little button to the middle of his chest. She criss crosses the tape to his chest and he puts the wire into the little box into his waist band.
VIC
It’s showtime!!
MARTA
Yeah you’ll do fine sweety.
He grabs the suitcase and heads for the garage she follows him to the cadillac. He turns and they kiss.
MARTA
I love you Bruce.
VIC
I love you too mary.
He leaves .
CUT TO;
EXT IN FRONT OF SHELL-DAY
Vic slows as he drives past the station, he speaks into the microphone and sees a flash of lights in the woods. He smiles and pulls in front of the motel door that he had with Jenny. He grabs the suitcase takes a breath, and goes up to the door. Knocks, it opens he looks in to darkness.
INT MOTEL ROOM –DARK
His head is sticking in, then he steps in fully the door shuts Vic is slammed against it and someone puts a hand over his mouth while another hand pats him down. They find the wire, rip his shirt apart and Vic hears it hit the water in the toilet, then flush. He is pushed onto the bed. The lights come on and he sees Jenny beside him bound and gagged. She is looking at him scared. He looks around and sees a long haired man and a bleach blonde older woman looking at him.
VIC
Mom, Dad?
JEN
You really are a retard aren’t you Bruce or whatever your name is?
CARL
You know you little prick, all you had to do was slide us a few dollars when we asked. And we wouldn’t be sitting here now. But you had to play the big shot and tell us to go screw ourselves.
VIC
You assholes treat me like shit growing up, then come crawlin around askin for handouts? You two vultures ain’t gettin shit from me you sons of….
Carl smacks him with the gun. Vic sits back up defiantly.
JEN
Lets wrap this up Carl whoever is at the other end of the wire could be on the way.
Carl hands her a magic marker looking thing and she goes to the suitcase marking the money to see if it’s real she looks at Carl and shakes her head no.
CARL
You fuckin retard, son of a bitchin, prick bastard!
He puts the gun against Vic’s forehead pulling the hammer back.
JEN
NO Carl stick to the plan!
She comes at Vic with a needle and sticks it in his arm he falls back on the bed. Carl strangles Jenny and takes off the gag and ropes. There is a commotion in the bathroom. And they disappear out the window. Within seconds there are cops breaking in the door shouting with guns drawn, they pick Vic up and read him his rights, he is groggy. Van is at the door yelling at the cops.
VAN
Hey this ain’t what it looks like it’s all a set up…
COP
Hey Van Dorn, tell it to the judge, you know the drill.
They had Vic cuffed behind his back they put him in the back of a squad car Vic was clearly in a daze van yelled in the window.
VAN
Look don’t say nothin! Allright? I’ll get you out of this. Just lawyer up! You got it? Oh and put me on your visitors list. Do you got it?
Vic nods and sits watching as they bring out Jennies body on a stretcher, he is watching more closely when another stretcher comes out Van stops them and they pull the sheet off of her face it’s Linda and Vic starts screaming NO and crying.
CUT TO;
EXT. OUTSIDE POLICE STATION
There are many news people flashing cameras and video cameras they are screaming questions at Vic as the two cops lead him inside he puts his head down and they take him in to.
INT. STATION
It is instantly quiet as they come in they uncuff him and put him in a cell with several other inmates. They stare at vic and he sits beside an old man.
MAN
Hey boss whatja do?
VIC
Uh well they say I did a double murder but I’m innocent.
MAN
Yeah ain’t we all ain’t we all!
The police pull a couple people out every so often. Then one guard opens the door.
GUARD
Sterling?
Vic jumps up and the guard moves aside so he can walk through. He points down the hall and Vic keeps walking.The guard leads him to a room and stands him in front of a camera they go through the several photos and then finger prints. They move him into another room where a guy in an orange jumpsuit looks Vic up and down. He turns to a bunch of shelves and throws an orange bundle of clothes at him. Vic catches it in self defense and the guy points to a small room.
INMATE
Strip down, throw your streets in the basket. Shower, then put on the coveralls. And hey! Don’t try and hide nothin! They is gonna search you good, later!
Vic goes in strips, takes a quick shower puts on the orange jump suit puts his street clothes in the basket.going back out.
INMATE
Ok boss go wait in the hall they’ll come get you directly.
Vic goes out and stands against the wall. A good sized cop comes up and nods his head for Vic to follow him. He leads him to a room where there are 3 chairs and a table with a long mirror on one wall. He sits down putting his package on the table, as if it would blow up were he not careful. He slips on his flops and shivers because of how cold it was in there.
A couple detectives walk in and take the other chairs. One turns his around backwards and tried to look as macho as possible as he sat down. Vic looks at the mirror and wonders how many people were watching.
DETECTIVE 1
“I’m detective Johnson, this is Sheldon.
Johnson offers Vic a cigarette he declines Johnson throws them on the table.
JOHNSON
So you got yourself in a bit of a bind didn’t you Sterling?
Vic shrugs
JOHNSON
Look Sterling, this is our job ok, just tell us what happened and let us help you ok.
Vic shrugs
Sheldon slams his hand on the table.
SHELDON
(shouting)
We’re not playing games with you asshole, now tell us what happened and tell us now or so help me.
Vic smiles at him
VIC
I want a lawyer!
JOHNSON
Shit I told you to let me handle this.
SHELDON
Sorry
They lead Vic out where a guard is waiting
GUARD
Hey this guys a big star do want him in lock down or what?
SHELDON
Nah put the smartass in genpop maybe that’ll loosen him up.
As Vic and the guard are walking Vic asks him some questions
VIC
Hey, I need a phone call and I want to put some people on my visitors list.
GUARD
There’s a phone in the cell and ask the guard on duty for a visitors sheet oh and commisary if you want
They come to a steel door and the guard turns to the people behind him the door buzzes and he pushes Vic in and says
GUARD
C-22 downstairs
The door shuts and Vic stands there for a second looking at the inmates playing cards and dominoes reading watching TV or studying him he finally walks in and finds his little cell going in there dare two bunks one has a guy in it reading.
STRETCH
Hey new meat whatchu in fer?
VIC
Ah hell they nabbed me on a double hommy but I’m innocent it was a set up.
STRETCH
Yeah well everybody in here is innocent you know chief. By the way I’m stretch
VIC
Victor Sterling.
STRETCH
Are you oh hell yeah whoa we got us a celebrity here let me go tell everybody.
VIC
Hold on lets not ok, anyway uh whats the deal on phone calls?
STRETCH
Out by the door theres a line of phones just make it collect.
VIC
Cool thanks stretch.
Vic goes out to the long silver bench and picks one of the phones he dials and talks to the operator finally getting through.
MARTA
Oh Vic! What happened? You’re all over the news?
VIC
Well it went a little haywire! My parents are diabolical to say the least!
MARTA
You’re parents? You’ve got to be shittin me!
VIC
No, no I’m not shittin you Marta!
MARTA
Lord Victor! Who’s the other body? The news wouldn’t release names yet?
VIC
Linda!
MARTA
Oh Vic!
VIC
I know! That poor girl! I’m sick about this whole thing.
MARTA
Well whats going on? What can I do?
VIC
Not much right now, just stay in touch with Van and give him what he needs. Oh and tell Ruby whats going on. Other than that, stay by the phone cause I can call anytime I want.
MARTA
Vic can’t I get you out? I mean your bail can’t be that much! Surely Ruby will.
VIC
Hold on Marta. It’s a double homicide they won’t give me bond. The only way out of here is for them to find the real killers. In the meantime you keep your head down, I don’t want you to get hurt! If you so much as hear the wind blow funny call the cops ok?
MARTA
Sure Vic but what about? I mean, this isn’t fair!
VIC
No but it sure was slick, they covered every base. But I still can’t figure out what they hope to gain if I’m in jail for life? I mean they’re not in my will or…Oh shit Marta that’s it!
MARTA
What?
VIC
If I’m dead or in jail for life without parole. They’ll petition my estate and take everything as my only living relatives!
MARTA
Vic that’s not gonna happen I mean can they do that?
VIC
Darling they can if I’m convicted!
MARTA
Oh Vic we’ve got to catch them!
VIC
Yeah that would be nice. But all we can do is hope Van has something up his sleeve.
MARTA
Ok sweety I’ll get with him soon as we hang up and Vic you know I love you and I’ll stand by you until the end ok?
VIC
Ok Martini and I’m putting you, Ruby and Van on my visiting list ok?
MARTA
Sure baby I love you!
VIC
Love you too bye.
CUT TO;
INT.DISCREET DICS.
Van storms in obviously pissed.
VAN
Lou grab your pad and pen!
He goes into his own office and slams the door so hard a picture falls off the wall in the outer office. Louise opens his door slowly afraid of him.
VAN
allright first I need Don and Jake back here now! I don’t give a shit what their doin, get them here, now! Second, get ahold of? Hell uh, who owes us a favor? Oh yeah! Baker over at eye on LA, yeah get Baker and tell him we need a tail on this, this uh oh yeah , John Jacobs , he’s a hot shot agent with an office of the same name. I want him followed non stop and call me whenever he goes anywhere besides home or work! Oh Louise do you have a cell phone?
LOUISE
Yes sir.
VAN
Good I’ll need it and give the number to everyone involved. Next, get me Vics home on the line and Marta his wife or exwife, whatever she is. Then, as soon as I get some information from her I’ll feed it to you. Then, I want to find every seedy hotel, every dive, bar, hell campgrounds, wherever a couple of lowlifes might be. Got it?
LOUISE
Yes sir
VAN
Good girl now go go go!
She gets up to leave but hesitates by the door.
LOUISE
Uh van? What the hell happened?
VAN
Well, we got nailed, but good! I’ll explain as I go, but our client is in jail on a double murder he didn’t commit and I aim to get him out! The only way is to find these 2 scumbags that set this whole thing up!
She leaves and is soon back on the intercom
LOUISE
Van I have Marta on the line
VAN
Marta?
MARTA
Yes?
VAN
Uh Van here. Have you heard from Vic yet?
MARTA
Yes, he just called from jail!
VAN
What did he say? Does he know any of these people besides Jacobs?
MARTA
Well yeah uh they’re his parents.
VAN
Parents? His?
MARTA
Yes!
VAN
You’ve got to be shittin me!
MARTA
That’s what he said!
VAN
Ok, um, do you know their names?
MARTA
Peterson
VAN
Right, any first names?
MARTA
Oh wait a minute um, OH! Jennie and ooohhh um.
VAN
Think sweety, this is real important!
MARTA
Oh Carl! Yeah Jennie and Carl Peterson!
VAN
Good girl, now did he say anything else?
MARTA
No just for me to help you and oh yeah he said that they are putting him away to get his will, I mean, well you know.
VAN
His will, what the? Ok look you stay put and my secretary is gonna give you my cell number call me with anything new and if you get into any trouble or you know, ok doll?
MARTA
Yes thanks and Van, please get him out of this please?
VAN
Don’t worry dear I’m on it and I won’t rest until I get those bastards ok?
MARTA
OK van
VAN
Good bye Marta
Van gets up and goes to the cabinet he grabs some shells for his holstered thirty eight and grabs a small thirty two and puts it in his sock then he gets a small tape recorder and checks it out. He goes to the outer office.
VAN
Did you get ahold of our guys and Baker?
LOUISE
yes sir they’re on the way in and they’re both pissed! Baker said he’s on Jacobs as we speak.
VAN
Good girl now about those hotels and shit. The names are Jennie and Carl Peterson. 60’s or so. Older hippies. He’s a wannabee bad ass. She’s got long bleach blonde hair. Ok doll, I’ll be leaving in a few so you can get me on the cell, we’ll be pulling double shifts, ok?
LOUISE
Sure boss
VAN
good girl Lou, ok right now I’m gonna go see Benjy the sleeze at Paradise isle. I’ll start from there and work my way out. Tell the boys to catch up with me there, got it doll?
CUT TO;
INT.OFFICE MOTEL
Van walks in and the owner stands quickly obviously nervous
BENJY
Oh uh hi Byron, whats goin on?”
VAN
Sammy I ain’t got time to mess with you I need everything you got on that room. Who was in there? How’d they get out and did you tape it?
BENJY
No, no tape Van, uh I may know a little, but it’ll cost ya
Van moves quickly grabbing Benjy by the lapels and pulling him until they are nose to nose.
BENJY
look Van I don’t know much, I mean those 2 hardcores came in and asked me which video fed the room. Then they smashed it and later when I was taking out the trash, I saw them jumping out the window, right before the cops showed up!
VAN
Who are they Sammy!
BENJY
I don’t know Van I swear!
VAN
gimme the key
INT ROOM
Van is tossing the room when the cell phone rings
VAN
` Yeah!
LOUISE
Van? Baker’s got Jacobs in his sights.
VAN
Where?
LOUISE
He’s in the valley heading east. Bakers hanging back, do you want him to grab him up?
VAN
No tell him to follow him and unless he hooks up with our 2 fugitives let him alone, give him this number ok doll?
LOUISE
Don and Jake just got here what do you want them to do?
VAN
Uh ok start from the office working out and in different directions checking all the motels bars everywhere, give them this number and give me there’s.
LOUISE
They’re on my cell, just hit memory.
VAN
Oh good deal, thanks doll!
LOUISE
Sure thing boss.
Van keeps looking around finally he looks up and finds the hidden camera lens behind the overhead shade he stands on the bed and sees that the thing has been spray painted black. The cell rings again.
VAN
Van Dorn here.
BAKER
Hey buddy this is baker I got your hollywood clown at a little dive called the golden bear what do you want me to do with him?
VAN
Ok look, just go in, have a beer and see if he’s with a couple long hairs from Woodstock!
BAKER
Got it chief!
Van hangs up and calls his two guys one by one and tells them both to meet him at the bar.
CUT TO;
EXT.PARKING LOT BAR
Van pulls up skidding to a halt he finds Baker sitting in his car Van walks up and kneels by the window.
BAKER
All three of the pigeons are roosted. It don’t look like they’re leavin soon, all huddled in a corner and shit.
VAN
Ok Baker look send me a bill and I owe you one.
BAKER
Nah we’re cool but I ain’t doin nothin if you need some help?
VAN
Well my insurance wouldn’t cover you and besides my guys are on the way, this guy in here is packin and….
BAKER
You mean Hollywood? No way.
VAN
Nah not him, Fuckin Timothy Leary!
BAKER
Yeah ok that makes more sense, well I’ll wait with you in case they split in 2 different directions before your boys get here.
VAN
hey Baker if they come out, hit you’re lights will you?
BAKER
Sure Van
Van walks over to a porsche that he figures is Johns beside it is a white van with out of state plates he checks it out but the doors are locked just then his two pull up in different cars. He goes back and they rendevous by Bakers car.
DON
damn it Van I’ve got a cheatin wife in a motel as we speak it’s a 3 large gig you shou.,,
Van puts his hand up
VAN
well I got a client in county set up on a double dip! So it trumps your wanderin bitch, right!
DON
Sure Van, sorry, what do we got here?
VAN
Ok we got a hot shot agent drivin the red sled, We got a pair of bad ass, easy riders in the white chevy van ok, now they’re the double strikers. But there’s a tape somewhere with the whole story on it, we got to have that! Without it we’ll have to beat it out of em! Now Hollywood will probably roll over, but he may not have the tape so we play it close for awhile. Then tail em til we find out where it’s at ok? Baker you can hit it man. I really appreciate this ok?
BAKER
See ya Van!
VAN
ok Don if they leave and split up, you take Hollywood, pull him over when you can then call me. I want to put them in the same room when we toss em around. Ok you guys can sit here. They don’t know you. But they may have seen me or my ride so I’m gonna get outa sight, is everybody clear?
JAKE
Sure boss no sweat. I take the hippies and you’ll be close behind.
DON
Yeah got it! Oh, Van, what happens when we get the tape?
VAN
Depends on how they act, I might just kill em all!
The two look at each other then all three go to their own cars to wait after a half hour or so the three come out of the bar and head in different directions. Don follows JJ and Jake is behind Carl and Jenny with Van at a safe distance back. The van goes to a flea bag motel and they go in. Van calls Don and tells him to bring JJ to the room. He and Jake go to the door they pull their guns and Van kicks the door in they both go quickly police style.
INT.MOTEL ROOM
Inside carl is laying on the bed jenny is in the bathroom. Jake brings her in and tosses her on the other bed carl starts to get up and Van smacks him back down.
VAN
You get up when I tell you do you got me scumbag?
CARL
Fuck you cops
VAN
(laughing)
you are gonna wish we were cops when we’re done workin on you filthy pricks.
Van smacks him again Jenny starts to get up and say something Jake puts the gun to her head. They stay like this for a long time no one moving the two on the beds barely breathing soon the door opens and JJ comes flying in landing in a heap. Van picks him up and sets him down on the bed then smacks him off of it immediately, he picks him back up.
VAN
now little man you ARE gonna tell me where the tape is! WHEN you tell me is up to you! Got it?
JJ
What tape?
Van slaps him off the bed, then reachs down and picks him right back up.
VAN
I got a couple a hundred of those in me, do you?
JJ
No, I mean look! This wasn’t my idea, I mean.
Van smacks him again off the bed. He picks him right back up again.
VAN
Now I don’t remember askin you who’s idea it was, did I?
JJ
No sir
VAN
Now lets see where was I? Oh yeah, the tape?
Van drew his hand back.
JJ
No no uh they got it here!
VAN
Look squirrel, that tape had to be messed with! I want the original, now one more time.
Van knocks him down and picks him back up.
JJ
It’s at my office, my office, stop! I swear.
CARL
Shut up stupid, don’t blow it now!
Van nods at Don who grabs JJ and herds him out the door
VAN
Jake, toss the place, watch your prints, there’s probably a syringe, some acid, maybe the little shit does have a tape here, but I doubt it, anyway just see what you can find. I’m gonna shoot Cat Stevens here.
Jake starts looking around the room
CARL
Look brother uh theres a lot of money to be had, we just got to wait for the trial and then, well we’re Bruces only kin. Well you know.
VAN
Yeah I know scumbag and you know the bitch about it? If I asked Vic for a half a mil, he’d give it to me! But he wouldn’t spit on you two! Now whats wrong with this picture?
CARL
Look we did the best we could. I mean, hell you know how it is.
VAN
Yeah yeah just tell me somethin why the Sawyer dame? I can understand the whore. I mean hell cleanin up America and all. But the Linda broad, whats the point?
JENNY
That’s the brilliant part! On a double murder theres no bond. The retard can’t get out of jail to make a will or change nothin, so we killed both of them and made it look like he did it. The retard sits in jail forever, meanwhile we take his money, house and everything! My old mans a genius, huh?
CARL
Shut up you stupid bitch.
JENNY
Why? What?
Van smiles and opens his coat to reveal a tape player in his inside pocket. Carl puts his head in his hands.
JENNY
Oh shit!
CUT TO;
INT.JAIL CELL
Vic is sitting at a table playing cards and laughing with his friends, a guard comes and opens the door.
GUARD
Sterling!
VIC
Here!
GUARD
You got a visitor come with me.
Vic gets up and goes to the hall the guard puts cuffs on his hands and shackles on his feet. He takes him to the visiting area where Vic walks down the line of glass each cubicle has a phone he sees Van sitting at one Vic sits and picks up the phone.
VIC
Van how the hell are ya?
VAN
Good partner, how you holdin up in here?
VIC
Ah, can’t complain! I’m thinkin about bringin theater to lock up!
VAN
well uh I have a question for you?
VIC
Shoot!
VAN
Well if you could have JJ and Carl in your cell for 20 minutes or so. What would you do?
VIC
Well I guess I’d have a long talk with them.
VAN
What I’m getting at is would you kill em or just rough em up for olds times sake?
VIC
Well, I wouldn’t kill em! Hell life in prison ain’t fun. So if they were here I’d know that they had gotten caught for the murders! Besides killin ain’t my thing you know?
VAN
Good man! I’ll see you in a while buddy.
Van puts the phone up and leaves Vic stares at him with a befuddled look and finally puts the phone back on the hook.
CUT TO;
INT JAIL CELL
Vic is back playing cards again when the door opens and JJ and Carl come in the door shuts Vic smiles and gets up slowly.
VIC
Hey guys these are the two scumbags I was telling you about somebody watch the door for me.
CUT TO;
EXT. OUTSIDE ON STEPS
Vic comes out the door Van is there they hug
VIC
Van! I don’t know how to thank you! I mean how’d you do it?
VAN
Well we found the master tape at JJ’s place and the stupid bitch talked into the tape I had on, so it’s a slam dunk! Plus we found everything they used in their room, no biggie!
VIC
Yeah no biggie huh, just my life!
VAN
Well I hate to be outsmarted by a couple low lifes you know?
VIC
Yeah I got that. By the way how much do I owe you besides my freedom that is?
VAN
The 5 large you gave me for Benjy is plenty, so we’re square.
VIC
Well, if you ever want to be a detective in a movie.
VAN
Hollywood huh? Well I’ll think about that
Van leaves and at the bottom of the stairs is Marta and Ruby beside Rubies limo. He hurries down the steps and they all hug the girls are crying. They get into rubies limo.
VIC
You know girls in there, with those murderers, rapists, thiefs and muggers, well, you really find out who you’re friends are and well, I’m really gonna miss those guys!
RUBY
Well I see you didn’t lose your sense of humor in the big house.
VIC
Ruby how would you like to make a movie with us?
RUBY
A movie well sure I guess what kind of movie Victor?
VIC
Well girls we’ve already had a dress rehearsal!
MARTA
You mean?
VIC
I do!
RUBY
Hell yes Vic count me in! what do you want me to do?
VIC
Ok just start lining up camera crews, make up people, you know the drill. we’ll shoot mostly on location. We’ve got allthe main actors already, I’ll start studying on how to direct.
RUBY
Oohh this is exciting Victor I can’t wait!
They are at the gates of Casablanca Marta and Vic get out.
VIC
bye Ruby.
CUT TO;
EXT. PATIO
Vic and Marta are standing looking out over the pool and the ocean beyond.
VIC
Join me in a swim my dear.
MARTA
Sure baby I’ll get my suit on.
Vic strips down naked and jumps in. Marta smiles and does the same.
CUT TO;
INT STUDY
Vic is sitting in front of the computer Marta walks up putting her arms around his neck.
VIC
Darlin can’t you see I’m trying to write an award winning screenplay?
MARTA
I see you staring at a blank screen.
VIC
Temporary writers block
` MARTA
Before you start? that can’t be good!
They laugh she kisses him and leaves he sits there for a few more minutes then starts typing while he speaks.
VIC
He stands at the top of the stairs of the upscale rehabilitation facility looking out over the well manicured lawn with all the attendants in their white coats. He spots a convertible porsche coming down the drive, way too fast.
THE END
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