NEW YORK CITY



BENEATH THE SURFACE

NEW YORK CITY

FADE IN:

EXT. STREET - MORNING

The garbage truck stops in the alley behind a chain of retail shops. Thomas J. Elderman alights from the passenger side, picks up one of the big aluminum cans standing at the back door of one of the shops and empties it into the truck. He sighs, still holding the empty can over his head, thinking about being the president of the United States. It is not that he wants to be rich and famous. He just wants to show those white folks that a black man could be the president of the United States and do just as good a job as the white man. Deep in thought, he does not realize how quiet it is in the alley. The other workers, Cory, James and Luther, after quickly emptying out the other garbage cans, arms folded across chests, knowing smiles on their faces, stand staring at Elderman. The driver, not hearing the usual clang of cans and the loud voices of the guys complaining about dog doodoo in the alley, sticks his head out the window. He sees Elderman with the empty can in his hand and shakes his head.

DRIVER

(Toots horn)

Hey, Elderman, you going to stand there all day holding up that trash can. Move it man!

Cory, James, and Luther, jump on the tailgate at the back of the truck, laughing.

JAMES

(Loudly)

Maybe he’s the Atlas man today… carrying the world on his shoulders.

The driver and the other two men laugh. Elderman puts the can down and joins the driver. The truck clatters away to the next destination.

INT. HONKY TONK BAR – AFTERNOON -SAME DAY

Cory, James, Luther and elderman are seated at their usual corner table in the Honky-tonk bar. They notice three white guys sitting at the bar drinking beers and watching a movie on the television above the bar. This is an unfamiliar sight, as white folks never venture into this part of Harlem. James wonders how they got past the guys on Dead Man’s corner, the most feared area in Harlem.

JAMES

(Surprised)

Shit, how they make it here? … How did they make it pass those guys on the corner?

Cory, who had just lighted a marijuana stick, laughs.

CORY

Don’t be an ass, James. These guys are pushing drugs.

ELDERMAN

(Sighs)

When I’m President, I’m gonna get rid of this drug problem once and for all.

CORY

(Holds up marijuana stick)

This here is medicine, Mr. President. I hope you talking ‘bout the hard drugs like Crack and Cocaine.

LUTHER

(Slaps palm on table)

Don’t start him up, Cory. We ain’t wanna hear him with his crap about being President of the United States.

ELDERMAN

(Seriously)

It may sound like crap to you Luther, but you will have the same privileges as the white man when I am President of the United States.

LUTHER

(Sucks his teeth)

Yeah, you gonna be President all right…

He nudges James with his elbow and continues.

(Laughs)

President of the Garbage Collectors Association.

JAMES

(Turns to face bar)

Hey, Beulah, bring some suds over here pronto.

Beulah, the bartender, a plumb, jet-black woman with broad hips and a big rump, gives James the finger.

LUTHER

(Jokingly)

Hey Beulah, bring your fat ass over here. I need a pillow to sit on…and your ass is soooome pillow.

Four young black guys shooting pool, slap each other’s back, laughing. One of them, tall, skinny with braided hair, wearing tee shirt and faded blue jeans, turns to face the bar.

SKINNY GUY

(Holding up cue stick)

Yeah Beulah, we only come here to admire your big ass.

(Nudges the guy next to him with elbow)

It’s gonna be a cold night tonight, Beulah. Can you come keep me warm?

The other three guys double over with laughter. James, Luther and Cory laugh. Elderman smiles.

Beulah, accustomed to the guys teasing, smiles.

BEULAH

(Jokingly)

Up yours, niggers. And you over there,

(She pushes out her lips in the direction of Elderman and his party)

You wait until I finish serving these gentlemans

CORY

(Looking around room)

Shit! I aint see no gentlemans in here, Beulah. You guys see any gentlemans in here?

The guys at the pool table laugh..

LUTHER

(Pleading)

Aw, come on Beulah. I have to detoxify the garbage fumes out of my system and you know that a couple of cold ones will do the job.

Amid hoots and whistles, Beulah makes her way to Elderman’s table, swinging her hips.

BEULAH

(Putting beers on table)

You been working in garbage too long to get them fumes out.

(Placing a can in front of each man, smiles, and pats Elderman on his back)

And how are things in the White House, Mr. President

ELDERMAN

(Smiles)

When I am in there, Beulah, I will surely let you know.

BEULAH

(Rolls eyes)

Thanks to the Almighty we aint have to pay to dream, or else you would be up to your black ass in debt.

She collects money from Luther, smiles and walks back to the bar, hips swaying.

James whistles and the guys around the pool table laugh.

LUTHER

(Pops can open, drinks, lowers can)

God, this feels good!

(Holds up can)

Hey Beulah, another round.

The three white guys pay for their drinks and leave. Beulah brings another round of drinks to Elderman’s table and collects the empty cans.

ELDERMAN

(Lowering beer can)

Now guys…I know that you think that I’m just sprouting off when I talk about being President of the United States…but I’m very serious.

JAMES

(Lowering can)

Yeah, man. We hear you, but, it aint gonna happen. Not in a million years.

(Opens new can of beer)

CORY

Huh! The day a black man becomes P of the U.S. A. I will …eat my dread locks.

(Caresses his long locks, lights another marijuana stick)

ELDERMAN

(Laughs, pats Cory on back)

Well, Cory me boy, you gonna eat them next election.

CORY

Huh! What you talking ‘bout, man.

LUTHER

(Stands)

Excuse me Mr. President, James, Cory. I’m off to the ladies… oops, men’s room. The detoxification process is kicking in as I speak.

They wave Luther away and he makes his way to the men’s room. The three men are silent for a while, sipping their beers.

ELDERMAN

I will be joining the presidential race next election.

CORY

(Shrugs)

Good luck, my black brother.

JAMES

(Laughs, punches Elderman’s arm playfully)

Yeah man. Good luck. If you make it, do not forget your humble friends.

ELDERMAN

(Leans forward, serious)

Do you think I would forget my people? Listen to me guys. We need a drastic change here. I know you have heard this before, but I will be the President who will see to it that everyone is treated fairly.

Luther returns and stands for a moment listening to Elderman.

LUTHER

(Sitting)

Shit. We hear the same crap every election. They all promise to make changes. We put them in office and they get amnesia.

James and Cory nod their heads in agreement.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

Very true, Luther.

(Points finger at Luther)

However, you are looking at Honest Thomas. I have seen what those elected officials do and I am not going to repeat their mistakes.

(Very serious)

I am going to be THE President that will clean up the mess in this country

(Frowns)

What is the problem here, huh? What are you thinking? That it is impossible for a black man to be President of the U.S. of A.

No one comments, and Cory, putting the cigarette stub in the ashtray, turns to elderman.

CORY

Hey, man. We know that a black man can run this country, just as well as a white man…but…

(Shrugs)

JAMES

(Nods head)

Yeah, man. Jessie tried, and he did not even come close. And you know what? Jesse would have been a damn good President. The only thing keep him back is the color of his skin.

CORY

You have to remember Eldermam, Jesse got a college degree…I ain’t mean to be rude, but you finish high school? What do you know about politics, man?

ELDERMAN

(Raises hands, palm forward)

Just hold it one moment, guys.

(Palms flat on table, leans forward)

For your information, I have a high school diploma and two years of college.

LUTHER

(Laughs)

Shit! Two years of college and working for the city as a garbage collector, huh. What you study in college?

(Leans forward)

How to tell the difference between perishable and non-perishable goods?

James laughs, pounding his fist on the table. Beulah, just finished serving some customers three tables away, turns to Elderman’s table.

BEULAH

Hey, what you guys trying to do? Take out your sexual frustrations on the poor, old table?

The place is beginning to fill as the five o’clock crowd drifts in. Some laugh at Beulah’s remark.

LUTHER

(Jokingly)

Hell no, Beulah. Why would we do that when your big ass is available?

More laughter.

ELDERMAN

Listen guys, I am making more money than some of those white-collar guys sitting behind desks.

(Thoughtfully)

Do you know how much money I’ve saved over the years? I do not have to buy expensive suits, ties, and shoes. Hell, my mortgage is all paid off and I am debt-free.

CORY

(Nods head in agreement)

Yeah. He’s right, guys, but… hell, I still can’t afford to buy a house.

JAMES

(Laughs)

That’s just because you’re making too many babies, Cory. Hell, do you ever sleep at night?

Luther laughs.

ELDERMAN

It is about time we show those white folks that we are just as educated as they are. We are not going to let them keep us down. Massah day is done. The black man is going to wear the crown.

CORY

(Jokingly)

Hey, man. I thought you wanted to be the President, not a King.

LUTHER

(Yawns)

Well Elderman, you’re forgetting one thing…you need millions of dollars for your campaign. Where you going to get that kind of dough? Rob a bank?

James and Cory laugh.

JAMES

(Leans toward Elderman)

Shit! Did you win the lottery, man?

ELDERMAN

(Laughs)

Nah. I have enough to start my campaign.

(Puts arm around the guys on either side of him)

And my friends here will help me raise funds, right guys.

LUTHER

(Scratches head)

Huh. I will have to think about that.

They are silent for a moment. The hum of conversation, the tinkle of glasses, crushing of beer cans and some laughter continue in the background. James breaks the silence at the table.

JAMES

(Leans back, fingers laced behind his head)

Elderman, you have ten strikes against you.

ELDERMAN

(Smiles, drums fingers on table)

Let’s hear them.

JAMES

(Leans forward, counts on fingers)

Number one, you’re black. Number two, you’re black. Number three, you’re black. Number four, you’re black. Num…

ELDERMAN

(Holds up hand)

Wait. Wait. So far, you’ve mentioned that I’m black four times. What are the other six strikes?

JAMES

(Continues counting on fingers)

Number five, you’re black. Number six, you’re black, Number…

CORY

(Interrupts)

Cut the crap, James. We get the message.

JAMES

Jesse gave up, man.

LUTHER

Yeah. Jesse is a smart man. He dodged an assassin’s bullet. He wants to live to a ripe old age.

JAMES

(Snaps fingers, leans forward)

Hey guys, who’s gonna be First Lady?

(Turns to Elderman)

You aint even got a wife, man.

ELDERMAN

I do not think a wife is necessary. Anyway, I am a widower.

LUTHER

So what you gonna do, man? Have a different ‘lady of the evening’ every time you attend a function?

JAMES

(Laughs)

Elderman will certainly need Dr. Schiller.

CORY

(Clears throat)

Hey, Elderman. Any skeletons in your closet?

ELDERMAN

No. Why do you ask?

CORY

Well, you know how it is, man. They’re going to look for shameful things you did in the past to discredit you.

JAMES

Huh. That’s what they call smear campaign, man.

LUTHER

(Snaps fingers)

I know how we can raise funds for Elderman’s campaign.

ELDERMAN

(Smiles)

Thanks Luther. I’m glad that you guys…

(Pats guys on back)

are on my side. Now, let’s hear your fund-raising plan.

LUTHER

(Leans forward)

Okay, here goes. We hit the business sector and the rich white folks when we collect their garbage. We ask for a small or large monetary contribution. We tell them that our…

(Pats Elderman on back)

buddy here is running for the office of President of the United States.

CORY

(Sucks teeth)

Shit! Luther, you are a jackass. You think them white folks will support a black man who’s running for President? They do not even want a black face in the White House.

LUTHER

(Laughs)

Of course, they want a black face in the White House…as a shoeshine boy.

JAMES

Your idea stinks, Luther. I got a better idea. Listen, Elderman, you say you attended college, right?

ELDERMAN

Yean, I did.

JAMES

Why don’t you get a job as president of one of the banks?

(Leans forward, lower voice)

I hear that the President of… you know which bank …is embezzling funds like there was no tomorrow. Shit, he must be a millionaire by now.

CORY

(Sucks teeth)

Shit, the man lives in a mansion in Connecticut. A friend of mine is on his maintenance staff.

ELDERMAN

Guys, I do not have to be the president of a bank, and I do not have to steal.

(Stands)

(Pushes back chair, calls for attention)

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention for a short spell?

Conversation stops. All heads turn toward elderman.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

I would like you good people to be the first to know that I am going to be running for office of President of the United States next election.

A short silence and then applause. Someone whistles, and someone shouts: “you have my vote, brother.”

Elderman bows and continues.

ELDERMAN

Thank you, brothers and sisters. I am counting on your support. Together we can make this country a better place for our children.

There is more applause and laughter, and conversation and drinking resumes.

ELDERMAN

(Sitting)

It’s official, guys.

(Smiles)

Now, are you guys going to propose a toast to the next president of the U.S.A.?

INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM – NIGHT

A granddaughter admits her eighty-six year grandfather to the emergency room. The man had been complaining about a pain in his penis. He’s never been sick in his entire life and he hates hospitals. The granddaughter and the attendants are having a rough time trying to get the old man settled in a bed.

OLD MAN

(Struggles, kicks one of the attendant’s shin. Shouts)

Let go of me, you pervert.

GRANDDAUGHTER

(Anxiously)

It’s ok, Grandpa. They’re only going to put you to lie down so that the doctor can attend to you. You want the pain to go away, don’t you?

OLD MAN

I do not need a doctor. The pain will go away.

(Kicks other attendant)

These perverts fondled me. I’m going to sue this hospital.

The attendants laugh.

GRANDDAUGHTER

Grandpa they were just trying to put a warm compress on your…your…you know…to ease the pain.

They finally get the old man settled, pulls the curtain around the bed and leave when the doctor arrives.

Dr. Robert Schiller, attending to a patient in the other cubicle hears the attendants trying to calm the stubborn old man. Later, when the emergency room clears, he goes to check on the old man.

DR. SCHILLER

How do you feel, grandpa? Are you still in pain?

OLD MAN

(Moans, opens his eyes)

I’m not your grandpa. What did that son-of-a-bitch doctor do to me? I’ll sue this hospital. I’ll sue every one of you quacks.

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiling)

Relax old man. I am Doctor Schiller.

OLD MAN

(Struggles to sit up)

Get away from me. I hate doctors. Ouch!

(Closes eyes)

What did that quack do to me, huh? What did he do? He made the pain worse.

DR. SCHILLER

Calm down, old man. Calm down. I can make the pain go away. Look old man; I’m a doctor and a scientist. I’ve invented a drug that will blast pain from the human body. It’s a miracle drug. Just one little injection and…

(Snaps fingers)

you’re out of pain.

OLD MAN

(Opens eyes, tries to sit up)

You can take your invention and shove it up your anus.

(Groans)

Get me that quack. I want to know what he did to me.

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiles)

You see old man, other doctors will just give you the same old medication and the pain will not go away. Just try my pain blaster. If you’re still in pain, sue me.

OLD MAN

(Groans)

Damn this pain. You tried this blasted pain on anyone.

DR. SCHILLER

(Excited)

It’s Pain Blaster, and yes, I’ve tried it on a monkey and…

OLD MAN

(Shouts)

What! You tried it on a monkey. Get away from me you…you quack.

(Laughing shrilly)

He wants to use me as a guinea pig.

DR. SCHILLER

(Roughly)

Quiet, you old fool. You’ll wake the other patients.

(Turns to leave)

Goodnight, old man. I guess you’re going to be here for a very long time.

OLD MAN

(Groans)

Wait! Tell me about this pain blaster.

DR. SCHILLER

(Turns to face old man)

As I said before, the drug can stop pain in its track. It’s just a simple injection. You won’t even feel it.

OLD MAN

(Frowning)

You sure it won’t hurt. I hate to feel pain. You sure it’s safe? If you kill me with this invention of yours I swear I’ll come after you…

DR. SCHILLER

(Laughs)

It won’t kill you. Do you want to try it? I have it right here.

(Pats coat pocket)

OLD MAN

Humph. I’ll try anything to stop this damn pain. All right, give me the shot.

DR. SCHILLER

(Puts hand in pocket, pulls out syringe, slight tremor in hand)

Yes old man, you’re going to be out of your misery.

OLD MAN

(Eyeing needle)

Where are you going to give me this injection? Not on my backside.

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiling)

No.

(Feels for vein in old man’s arm, plunges needle)

You see old man, I’m sure you didn’t feel a thing.

(Puts back syringe in pocket)

OLD MAN

(Smiling)

Hey Doc, it feels good down there. Get me a nurse, quick.

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiling)

Are you still in pain, old man?

OLD MAN

Hell no, Doc. I feel like a new man. Look, Doc. Look at that flagpole down there. Get

me a nurse in here, man.

DR. SCHILLER

(Stares at the bulge, alarmed)

Relax old man. I’ll get you a nurse.

(Muttering)

Shit! I did not expect the old man to get an erection.

OLD MAN

Hell, Doc. Stop flapping your gums and send one of those cute nurses in here on the double.

Dr. Schiller tries to make a quick getaway when he hears the sound of approaching feet, but he’s not fast enough. He ducks behind the drawn curtain and under the bed where the patient he’d attended to earlier is sound asleep.

NURSE

(Draws curtain)

Are you asleep, Sir?

(She screams and runs to get the doctor)

Two doctors enter the room.

DOCTOR NO. 1

(Hurries to old man)

What’s going on here?

(Gasps)

NURSE

(Standing behind doctor)

He tried to grab me, Doctor.

OLD MAN

(Excitedly)

Don’t come near me, you quack. I want my doctor. Get me Doctor Shelly. He blasted the pain away and he went to fetch me a nurse.

Dr. Schiller has to grit his teeth to suppress the laughter as he listens to the old man, the nurse and the doctors.

DOCTOR NO. 1

(Frowns)

Do we have a doctor Shelly on duty tonight, nurse?

DOCTOR NO. 2

Never heard of him.

OLD MAN

(Shouting)

You nincompoop! Don’t you even know your own? Doctor Shelly Just gave me a shot. He’ll be right back. He went to get me one of your pretty nurses.

(Slyly)

Why don’t you be a good sport, Doctor? Bring me all the nurses on duty huh. You won’t hear a peep out of me if you let the nurses attend to me.

DOCTOR NO. 1

Nurse, get me a schedule of the doctors on duty tonight.

Nurse leaves and returns with the schedule, which she hands to the doctor.

DR. NO. 1

(Studying schedule)

I knew it! It’s that crazy Dr. Schiller. We’ve warned him about trying his experiments on the patients. What did Dr. Schiller give you, old man?

OLD MAN

(Grits his teeth)

An injection, you fool. His new drug to blast away pain. Now vamoose, you two, and send in the nurses.

DOCTOR NO. 1

We’ll find Dr. Schiller. First, we’re going to take care of your…little problem. Now get ready, old man. I’m going to give you a knockout punch.

OLD MAN

(Angrily)

Don’t touch me…you quack. I’ll sue you. I’ll sue this damn torture chamber that you call a hospital.

DOCTOR NO. 1

(Turns to nurse)

Prepare a knockout punch.

(Turns to old man)

Now old man, as soon as I take care of your little…ah…or your big problem I should say, I’ll send all the nurses to you.

The nurse departs, returns with a syringe and hands it to the doctor.

OLD MAN

(Shrilly)

Leave me alone. I do not need another shot. Doctor Shelly already gave me a shot. Go away. Nurse, nurse, I need you.

Doctor no. 2 restrains the struggling man while doctor no. 1 gives the old man a shot.

DOCTOR NO. 1

There. You’re going to feel much better, old man.

DOCTOR NO. 2

He went out like a light.

DOCTOR NO. 1

He’ll be out for about eight hours. If his arrow is still pointing to heaven when he awakes, we’ll have to give him another shot.

DOCTOR NO. 2

What about Schiller.

DOCTOR NO. 1

(Shrugs)

His license will be revoked. He’ll not be able to practice medicine in this or any other hospital.

The doctors and nurse depart and Schiller comes out of his hiding place. He checks on his patient, stealthily peeks in on the old man, and shakes his head.

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiling)

Let those idiots fire me. Who wants to work in this crummy shack, anyway? (EXITS)

TEN MONTHS LATER AT ELDERMAN’S HEADQUARTERS IN HARLEM.

EXT. ELDERMAN’S HEADQUARTERS ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH, HARLEM - NIGHT

A few Rastafarians are sitting on the steps of a building on the other side of the street passing a bottle of wine back and forth. A big boom box is on the bottom step. Some of the guys are smoking marijuana and dancing to bob mar ley’s “Song of Freedom.”

Int. Elderman’s headquarters -night

Elderman, James and wife, Luther and wife, Corey and girlfriend are in the Abyssinian Baptist church basement in Harlem. They’re unpacking boxes of flyers and photos. Elderman stops to look around the shabby room. He and his friends had done a good job of cleaning, painting, and furnishing the room with the used metal desks and chairs they’d picked up on the garbage route. The only new furniture in the room was the three telephones. They work in silence, trying to ignore the earsplitting music coming from outside. The melodious voice of Bob Marley singing his freedom song had a few heads moving in time with the music and Cory singing along.

FREEDOM SONG PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND

Old pirates yes they rob I

Sold I to the merchant ship

Minutes after they took I

From the bottomless pit

But my hands were made strong

By the hands of the Almighty

We forward in this generation, triumphantly

Won’t you help to sing

This song of freedom

It’s all I ever had

Redemption song

Redemption song

Emancipate yourself from mental slavery

None but ourselves can free our mind

Have no fear for atomic energy

‘Cause none of them can stop the time

How long shall they kill our prophets?

While we stand aside and look

Some say it’s just a part of it’

We got to fulfill the book

Won’t you help to sing

This song of freedom

It’s all I ever had

Redemption song

Redemption song

Redemption song

The telephone ringing stops all activity, as this is the first telephone call to the headquarters. Elderman answers on the second ring and the others return to their tasks.

Music stops.

ELDERMAN

(Sitting on edge of desk)

Good evening. Elderman’s headquarters. Elderman speaking.

He listens for a while and then shouts.

ELDERMAN

Listen to me you son-of-a-bitch. I will be at Grand Central Station tonight, and this shop will remain open until the end of this election. And, you’re going to have plenty niggers running wild in the White House.

(Slams down phone)

The others in the room stop what they are doing to stare open-mouthed at elderman. Cory walks over to him.

CORY

Hey man. You can’t talk to people like that and expect to get votes, man.

JAMES

(Placing stack of flyers on table next to him)

Yeah, man. You crazy or something?

ELDERMAN

(Turns to open box on table)

Some fool called to say that I should withdraw from the race. Ever since I announced that I would be in the Presidential race I’ve been getting a lot of calls like this one at home.

Telephone rings again. Elderman picks up.

ELDERMAN

Good evening. Elderman’s headquarters.

Elderman slams down the telephone, and turns to face the people who are staring open-mouthed at him.

ELDERMAN

(Quietly)

Someone just threatened me.

LUTHER

(Nervously)

What!

(Drops a box of flyers)

Look man, this is serious. I…I…

ELDERMAN

(Turns to Luther)

What is it Luther?

LUTHER

(Head bowed)

I think you should…you know…

ELDERMAN

What should I do, Luther? Withdraw?

LUTHER

(Looks to others for support, turns back to Elderman)

Yeah, man.

ELDERMAN

If any of you want out, I will understand. There will be more telephone calls like the one I just got.

They are all silent for a moment, and then Luther’s wife Beatrice, speaks up.

BEATRICE

I’m sorry Elderman, but I aint want Luther in any danger. We have to think about our children.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

I understand, Bea.

(Pats Luther on shoulder)

No hard feelings man.

Luther, head bowed, mumbles something and leaves with his wife.

ELDERMAN

Cory…James?

CORY

I’m with you, man.

JAMES

Hell, man. Do you think I’d miss a chance to dine in the White House? … Count me in, man.

Elderman shakes hands with the two men and thanks the women.

ELDERMAN

Now let’s get this place in order. My running mate will be here tomorrow.

CORY

(Thoughtfully)

Yeah…but why did you pick a white man as your running mate, man?

ELDERMAN

Because all the black people I asked laughed in my face. Conrad is the only one who offered to stand by my side…I do need a Vice-President, you know.

The phone rings and elderman picks up on the first ring.

ELDERMAN

Elderman’s headquarters, Elderman speaking.

Elderman listens for a while and then slams down the phone.

JAMES

Another one, huh?

Elderman nods and they all go back to work.

Elderman makes his first public appearance at grand central at 7:00 p.m. on a cold and windy Sunday night in February. A crowd of curious spectators of all nationalities, waving placards and buntings, awaits him and his party. Elderman, dressed in a gray suit and maroon tie introduces himself and his running mate.

EXT. GRAND CENTRAL STATION - NIGHT

ELDERMAN

(Smiles as he approaches the edge of the platform)

Good evening everyone. Thanks for leaving your warm homes to be here tonight. My name is Thomas Elderman, and this is…

(Pointing to man standing next to him).

my running mate and your next Vice-President, Mr. Conrad Stone. Mr. Stone is the owner of a chain of Laundromats across the country.

(Smiles)

We will always have clean towels in the White House.

Stone bows, and the crowd cheers.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

My, my. I did not expect to see such a large crowd. I hope that means that all of you will vote for me.

Laughter from the crowd. Elderman waits for the laughter to subside and continues.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

I take that as a yes.

More laughter. Someone in the crowd shouts.

Voice (Male)

We ain’t want no jackass in the White House.

(Makes braying sound like donkey)

Applause mingled with boos from the spectators. Elderman raises his right hand, palm outward, for silence.

ELDERMAN

Ladies and gentlemen… Ladies and gentlemen…

After they’ve quieted down he continues.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

Let me remind you that donkeys carry heavy loads. They work very hard to please their owners.

A smattering of applause, whistles and boos. Elderman waits for quiet.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

That is why you should vote for a democrat. Give me your vote on November eleventh and I’ll be a donkey for you. I’ll work hard, very hard to give each and every one of you a piece of the American pie. Higher wages, increase in welfare benefits, lower taxes, decent housing, grants for anyone who wants to further his or her education, get rid of all the illegal drugs and the drug dealers who are killing off the human race, capital punishment for murderers, rapists and child abusers, build homes for the homeless. I will make America a place everyone of you will be proud to call your home, your country.

Roaring applause and some boos. Someone shouts:

Voice (Female)

Where will you get the money to do all what you are promising, garbage collector? From the rich white folks?

More laughter and boos.

ELDERMAN

Good question ma’am…. Have you heard of the Mint? The mint is where the money you spend every day is manufactured. That is where the money will come from. We are manufacturing it, so we are going to spend it. Any more questions.

Voice (male)

How are you going to get the money from the mint?

ELDERMAN

I will be the President, and the President rules.

Voice (Male)

You’re crazy, man. Go back to picking up garbage. You’re just talking garbage, anyway.

More applause and boos.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

Yes, I am crazy. I am crazy to do the right thing for you and your children. Crazy to clean up the garbage that’s waiting for me when I move into the White House in January.

Applause and boos.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

Any more questions? Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. I’m always open to suggestions. We have to work together. Together we plan, together we can.

Voice (Male)

Hey, nigger. You’re too black to be in the White House. You’ll stain the walls.

Laughter and boos. Elderman smiles, and continues when the crowd quiets down.

ELDERMAN

Black is beautiful, my friend. Have you ever seen white coals? Have you ever seen white coffee? The oil that gushes out of the ground is also black…and you know how expensive that oil is.

Applause and boos.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

I will take three more questions, and if any of you would like to volunteer, come to my headquarters in Harlem. I’m in the Abyssinian Baptist Church basement.

NEXT DAY

INT. GRAND CENTRAL STATION - DAY

Track with eleven-year old boy handing out posters and flyers with Elderman’s photo. Some commuters accept and some ignore the boy’s outstretched hand. A white male, middle thirties, smiles as he takes a flyer from the boy. He then turns his back to the boy, bends over, wipes his backside with the flyer throws it on the ground and stomps on it. The boy, frightened, drops the armful of posters and flyers and runs. A few white people cheer, some slapping the man on his back.

INT. KITCHEN –DAY

EIGHT-YEAR OLD ERROL AND HIS MOTHER PATSY ARE IN THE BLACKWELL’S KITCHEN, WHERE ERROL’S MOTHER IS EMPLOYED AS A MAID.

PATSY

(Handing a bag of garbage to Errol)

Go throw out the garbage, child. And don’t dilly-dally out there, you hear.

ERROL

Yes Mama.

EXT. SAME DAY

Errol is on his way back to the kitchen. Jenny, the Brackwell’s nine-year old daughter and her two friends, Cassie and Debra are in the gazebo. They spot Errol and call out to him.

JENNY

Come here, boy!

Errol stops, head bowed but does not venture near the gazebo.

JENNY

(Sharply)

Come here, boy!

Head still bowed, Errol walks slowly to the Gazebo and stands in front of the girls.

DEBRA

(Giggling)

Ask him Jenny. Ask him to pull down his pants.

JENNY

Pull down you pants, boy.

ERROL

(Head still bowed)

Why?

DEBRA

(Angrily)

Don’t ask questions, boy, and look at me when I am speaking to you. Now, pull down your pants. We want to see if your schlong is the same as my brother’s schlong.

The girls double up with laughter.

JENNY

You had better show us or I’ll tell daddy that you tried to touch our breasts.

DEBRA

Yeah. I’ll tell Mr. Blackwell that you tried to touch us down there.

JENNY

I’m going to call daddy now.

(Calls)

Da…

She stops when she sees Errol pulling down his pants.

Hands shaking, Errol quickly pulls down his pants exposing his small, black penis. The girls double up with laughter. Cassie covers her face with her hands and Debra tries to pull Cassie’s hands away from her face.

DEBRA

(Laughing)

Look at it Cassie. Look at it. Isn’t it ugly?

Humiliated, Errol pulls up his trousers and turns to leave but Debra stops him.

DEBRA

(Sharply)

Stay here, boy. We want to see it again.

When Errol makes no move to obey, Jenny threatens him again.

JENNY

Do as we say, boy or else I’ll tell daddy you tried to put your schlong in our…our private parts. And you know that daddy hates Negroes.

Head bowed, he pulls down his trousers again, listening to the girls laughter.

DEBRA

(Scornfully)

Ugh. It’s so black and ugly.

Before Errol could pull up his trousers, Mr. Blackwell comes around the corner. The girls scream and run to him.

JENNY

(Grabbing Mr. Brackwell’s arm)

Daddy, daddy. He pulled down his trousers in front of us.

DEBRA

Yes, Mr. Blackwell.

(Covers face with hands)

It was so awful.

MR. BLACKWELL

(Angrily)

Come here, boy!

Walking toward Errol, Mr. Blackwell roughly grabs Errol’s arms and marches him toward the house and into the kitchen. Errol’s mother turns from the stove when she hears the door slam. She sees Mr. Brackwell’s angry face and rushes to Errol.

MR. BLACKWELL

(Shoves Errol against Patsy)

I want the two of you out of my house right now. Get out of my house before I call the police.

PATSY

(Arm around Errol’s shoulder, confused)

But what…what happened, Mr. Blackwell? Why are you going to call the police?

MR. BLACKWELL

(Takes a menacing step toward them)

Your little bastard tried to rape the girls. I should castrate him.

ERROL

(Tears streaming down his face)

They made me do it, Mama. They made me pull down my pants. I didn’t want to pull down my pants, Mama.

PATSY

(Pulls Errol closer to her side)

My son is not a bastard, Mr. Blackwell. My husband died when Errol was just a baby. And what do you mean that Errol tried to rape the girls?

ERROL

(Bewildered)

What is rape, Mama? They say if I didn’t pull down my pants they would tell Mr. Blackwell that I touched their breast.

PATSY

I believe you, child.

MR. BLACKWELL

(Angrily)

He’s lying. The girls would never stoop so low. Now get off my property before I throw you and your rapist son out bodily.

PATSY

(Sighs)

All right, Mr. Blackwell. We will not stay where we are not wanted. Are you going to pay me for the days I worked?

MR. BLACKWELL

(Pulls checkbook from pocket, writes check)

You don’t deserve to be paid, but I’m a fair man.

(Hands check to Patsy)

Now collect your belongings and get out of my house. You niggers are scum.

(Exits angrily)

PATSY

(Puts check in pocket)

Come on, child. Let’s go.

(Sighs)

I have to start looking for a job today.

ERROL

(Crying)

I’m sorry, Mama. They made me pull down my pants for them to see my weenie. They say Mr. Blackwell hate Negroes. Why he hates Negroes, Mama?

PATSY

(Sighs)

I don’t know, child. I don’t know why Mr. Blackwell and other white folks hate Negroes. Now dry your eyes. Everything will be okay.

They exit.

INT. DOCTOR SHHILLER’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Doctor Robert Schiller pours himself a drink. He stands looking at the brown liquid in the glass and then drinks it. He refills the glass and goes to sit in the recliner. His mind goes back to the first time he tried one of his inventions and he smiles.

DR. SCHILLER

When that stupid Board revoked my license, they did me a favor. I am making more money than I ever did at that rundown shack they call Community Hospital. All the men, young, old, white, black and yellow are flocking for my pain blaster remedy to use as an erector kit.

Schiller drains his glass and gets a refill. He turns on the television and settles back in the recliner. The anchorman is about to give the joke of the week.

ANCHORMAN

(Clears his throat)

Everyone wants to be the President of the United States. Fifty-six year old Thomas J. Elderman who works for the Department of Public Works as a…get this folks…as a garbage collector has entered the presidential race.

(Chuckles)

Is this a joke or is it? Now tell me folks, where is this colored garbage collector going to get the funds for his campaign? Is this man serious or what?

(Mock serious expression)

To show you how patriotic I am, let me be the first to offer a contribution.

(Puts hand in pocket pulls out a coin)

Yes my fellow Americans, my contribution to Thomas J. Elderman, garbage collector…or should I say Waste Material Technician.

(Holds up a penny, laughs)

Dr. Schiller stands, finishes his drink and turns off the set. Walking to the kitchen, he cannot help but think about Thomas J. Elderman. “I wonder what got into that garbage collector’s head. He’s making an ass of himself. He does not stand a chance…unless…” he stops in his tracks. “Unless my new experiment works.” He rushes to his lab.

INT. SCHILLER’S HOUSE - LAB- NIGHT

The lab is a small room next to the bathroom. A worktable stands in the center of the room. A huge glass jar and other laboratory equipment occupy the table. Cages housing rabbits, monkeys and mice are on a long white shelf in one corner. Smocks of various colors hang from pegs on the wall. Schiller pulls a red smock and hurriedly pushes his hands into the sleeves. On his way to the sink to scrub his hands, he picks up the empty glass he’d put on the side of his worktable and puts in the sink. After washing his hands, he dries them on a towel, opens a drawer and pulls out a pair of gloves, puts them on and, smiling, walks slowly to the huge jar on the table. He takes the lid off, pulls out a syringe. From another smaller glass jar, he takes out a vial, snaps off the top, and carefully so not to spill the liquid, inserts the hypodermic needle into the vial and draws out the liquid. He hurries over to the table with the cages, opens one in which a medium sized, black monkey is sleeping. He opens the cage door and caresses the monkey. With his left hand, he parts the fur on the monkey’s back exposing an area of skin. With his right hand, he insets the needle in the open area of skin. The monkey jerks its body. He pulls out the needle and closes the door of the cage. After peeling off the gloves and throwing them and the syringe in the garbage bin, he goes to stand in front of the cage, watching the monkey carefully. In a short period, the monkey’s color starts changing from black to white. Schiller jumps up and down excited. “I’m a genius.” A genius! Now if I could just try it on a human being…” He throws his smock on a chair and leaves the room.

One week later, fifty – six year old Lincoln Bowser, attorney, and Elderman’s opponent, makes his first public appearance at grand central station on a Friday night. Bowser, coat buttoned up to his neck pulls off his gloves and smiles at the huge crowd of spectators. he whispers something to his running mate Henry Townsend. Townsend smiles. Bowser clears his throat and addresses the crowd.

EXT. GRAND CENTRAL STATION – NIGHT

BOWSER

Good evening my good people. Good evening. Some of you might remember me from the last election four years ago. For those of you who don’t, I’m Lincoln Bowser, your next president and,

(Turns to man standing at his right side)

this is my running mate, your next vice-president, Henry Townsend. Mr. Townsend is a Psychiatrist and lives in Connecticut.

Tremendous applause and whistles from the crowd. Townsend bows and waves his hand.

BOWSER

Thank you ladies and gentlemen and children.

(Smiling, he rubs his hands together)

Brrr. I know that you would rather be home snug as a bug in a rug; but you are here because you want Bennerson out.

(Seriously)

We’ve wasted eight years…eight years, ladies and gentlemen and children. Bennerson made promises to us, promises that he did not keep.

A spectator shouts

Voice (Female)

Yeah, yeah. We want Bennerson out of the White House.

Others join in. Bowser holds up his hand for silence, and continues.

BOWSER

Yes. We want him out and you can get him out if you vote for me.

(Smiles)

My opponent Elderman promised you the moon. For a garbage collector he’s very…I can’t say articulate. Ah…yes. Yes, he is loquacious. He is a hot air balloon.

Laughter mingled with boos.

BOWSER

(Smiling)

Now tell me my good people. How is Elderman going to get the money from the Mint? Is he going to drive in there with a fleet of garbage trucks and load them up with hundred dollar bills?

(Laughs)

Elderman will be back on the garbage route when I am giving my inaugural address.

(Clears his throat)

My good people, are we ready for a…ahem…for a colored…now folks, don’t get me wrong. I am not prejudiced. No siree. I am an equal opportunity racist. But are we ready to break tradition and elect a colored man to be the President of the good ole United States? Are we ready for such folly?

Bowser turns to Townsend and Townsend mouths ‘no sir.’

Applause and jeers form the crowd. Someone shouts above the noise.

Voice (Male)

Aw, shut up you thieving Republican. You take from the poor to give to the already rich republicans.

BOWSER

Thanks for the comments my good people. I like honesty, and you’re very honest. But, you need Lincoln Bowser in the White House. Don’t you know that for every dollar a Democrat spends on you, a Republican spends two dollars?

Voice (Female)

Yeah, Republicans spend two dollars all right. They spend it on the most expensive wines and choice steaks for themselves.

Laughter from the crowd.

Voice (Female)

What are you going to do for us if you’re elected?

BOWSER

(Smiles)

Plenty, but first on my agenda is care for our elderly. There is too much abuse of the elderly in the nursing homes. We’ll send the staff – nurses, doctors, cooks…all employees right down to the security guards…we’ll send them for psychiatric evaluation. We will weed out those with behavioral problems, and we will make sure they never work in a hospital or any other health-care institution.

Voice (Female)

When they’re without jobs, how are they supposed to support their families?

BOWSER

They should have thought about that before they abused the elderly and sick.

Voice (Male)

You need to have your head examined by your running mate.

BOWSER

(Fakes smile)

Keep those comments and questions coming, folks. President Bowser will be a president for the people…black, white, yellow, red…everyone.

INT. ELDERMAN’S HEADQUARTERS – NIGHT

Elderman and staff are going through the mail while listening to Bowser on the television. After a while, James turns off the TV, sucking his teeth.

JAMES

That man is a jackass. He’s as phony as a three-dollar bill.

One of the women throws down an envelope, sucks her teeth, and turns to elderman.

WOMAN

(Picks up envelope, holds it up)

This is ridiculous. They all contain pennies.

(Points to a pile of pennies on one end of table)

ELDERMAN

(Shrugs)

Every penny counts, my dear.

(Holds up envelope, opens it, withdraws dollar bill)

Look! Someone sent a dollar.

(Smiling, holds up dollar bill)

The telephone on Elderman’s desk rings and one of the women goes to answer.

CORY

(Standing beside Elderman a little distance from the others, whispers)

What’s with the one telephone line, man?

ELDERMAN

(Sighs)

The truth Cory is that I have to cut back on expenses. I’m running out of funds and the contributions coming in are just not enough.

CORY

You are doing well. Neck and neck with that asshole Bowser. Shit! Don’t tell me that you will have to step aside just because of money, man?

ELDERMAN

(Sighs)

Yes, Cory. I might have to do that if I keep getting pennies in the mail. I still have to make public appearances outside of New York. Next week I’ll be in Chicago.

The phone rings again, and after answering it, one of the women motions to elderman. Cory looks around, shrugs, and silently leaves the room.

EXT. HUGE MANSION IN CONNECTICUT, DARK, CLOSED UP.

Track with Cory as he circles the mansion. He’s standing at the side of a huge two –story house surrounded by tall trees. Only the porch light is on. He listens for sounds from inside. After a while, he checks the windows and doors. He’s about to break a window when he hears the sound of a car coming up the driveway. He darts behind a huge tree at the back of the house as two men in their sixties come into view. One of the men mumbles something and goes to stand in front of a tree close to a vine-covered wall. Cory holds his breath as he strains his eyes to see what the men are doing. He sees one of the men run his hand around the trunk of the tree pull out a key, insert it into the vine-covered wall and a door opens. The men disappear inside leaving the door ajar. He hears conversation coming from inside and creeps up to the door.

Voice (Male)

How much money do we have now?

Voice (Male)

I’ll show you.

Cory hears movement and then a lock snaps open

Voice (Male)

Feast your eyes, my love. Two million dollars in unmarked bills. We could leave right now. We could be in Bermuda, soaking up the sun, drinking rum and coke… Let’s leave right this minute. I’m tired of sneaking around.

Voice (Male)

Soon. We need more money. How long do you think two million dollars will last? We need about five million. Just three million more and we’ll be home free. How long will it take you to get three million?

Voice (Male)

Listen. I think they’re getting suspicious at the bank. It took me four years to get this amount. I can’t wait another four years to be with you.

Voice (Male)

Then try your best to come up with the three million.

Voice (Male)

I’ll see what I can do.

Cory tries to get a look inside but quickly draws back as he hears footsteps approaching the door.

Voice (Male)

Do you hear a noise outside?

Voice (Male)

No. No one knows about this room but the two of us. Come on. Let us go to bed before the old bat returns from her bridge club. We can’t let her see us leaving.

Cory hears belt buckles jangling and the bedsprings squeak. Disgusted, he goes to hide behind the tree wondering how long they would be wallowing in their filth. A pang of revulsion hits him as he pictures the two old men in bed. After what seems like a long time to Cory, two men emerge from the room, lock the door, hide the key and leave.

Cory runs to the tree as soon as he hears the car start. He runs his hands over the trunk. “Damn,” he mutters under his breath. He scratches with his fingernails and finds a loose space under the bark at the side of the tree. He gently pulls the bark back with one hand, and with the other, slides his fingers beneath. He touches something that feels like a key and grabs it. He dashes to the vine-covered wall and searches frantically for a keyhole. His hand shakes as he inserts the key.

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT CON’T.

Cory looks for a closet door, but the only door he sees is the one leading to a pink and white bathroom. He enters, looks behind the shower curtain, inside the cabinet, under the sink. The case with the money is nowhere in sight. He goes back to the bedroom, puzzled. He thinks he hears a noise outside and runs to the door. Peering into the darkness, he sees no one and turns back to stare at the walls. He slowly makes his way to the wall and runs his palms on the surface. He applies a little pressure and is startled when a portion of the wall slides open. Inside are two huge traveling bags and a small briefcase. He grabs the briefcase and the wall closes up again. Shoving the case under his arm, he runs outside locks the door and puts the key back in place. He is about to leave when he hears a car stop in front of the house. He dashes behind a tree. He hears a car door slam, a woman’s footsteps going up the steps and then a door open and close. Breathing a sigh of relief, and keeping in the shadows, he creeps out of the yard, clutching the briefcase. He makes it to the train station without incident and stands for a moment before going to the platform.

EXT. OUTSIDE TRAIN STATION – SAME NIGHT

CORY

(Looking up to sky)

I know you will not punish me for taking this, Jah,

(Holds up briefcase)

Anyway, the old man’s sin is greater than mine. As a matter of fact, he’s two sins ahead of me – stealing from the bank…and the other thing…you know what it is, Jah…Amen.

He’s startled when he hears footsteps behind him. He turns around and sees a white police officer looking at him. He smiles; the officer gives him an icy look.

OFFICER

(Standing in front of Cory)

What do you have in that case?

CORY

(Indignantly)

Why do you want to know?

OFFICER

(Angrily)

Don’t get smart with me you…you… I’ve never seen one of you carrying a briefcase before.

CORY

(Straightens shoulders)

That is because you do not take the time to look closely at what you refer to as ‘one of you’.

OFFICER

(Moves closer to Cory, sniffs)

Is that marijuana I smell? I’ll have to take you in for possession of a controlled substance.

CORY

(Sniffing)

Do I detect the odor of alcohol? I’ll have to report you for drinking on the job.

The officer steps back quickly, giving Cory a look filled with hatred.

OFFICER

Are you gonna open that case, or do I have to take you in?

CORY

(Expectorate at Officer’s feet)

Since when is carrying a briefcase a crime?

(Holds up case)

This is private property.

OFFICER

(Angrily)

Don’t smart-ass me, boy. Open that case immediately!

CORY

(Very politely)

For your information, you jackass, I am a professor at the University…Yale University.

And I do believe that your son is one of my students…

The officer smiles, glad that someone knows that his son attends Yale, and Cory continues.

CORY

(Scornfully)

and, he’s the most illiterate and obnoxious person I’ve ever had the misfortune of trying to educate.

The officer’s mouth drops open, Cory smiles and, head held high makes his exit.

When he arrives back at headquarters only elderman is around, getting ready to lock up. Cory walks to one of the tables and puts the briefcase down.

INT. ELDERMAN’S HEADQUARTERS – SAME NIGHT

ELDERMAN

(Jokingly)

What you got in there, man. Marijuana?

CORY

(Laughs)

Open it and you will see.

ELDERMAN

(Seriously)

Not a bomb, I hope.

When Cory does not answer, elderman goes to the table and opens the case. he gasps, and quickly shuts the case. He goes to the door, locks it and hurries back to Cory who is sitting on the edge of the table.

ELDERMAN

(Pointing to briefcase)

Where did you get that?

CORY

I took it from somebody. It’s yours, man. For your campaign…Two million dollars.

ELDERMAN

(Gasps)

Where did you get so much money?

(Suspiciously)

Did you hold up a drug dealer?

CORY

(Standing, laughs)

Hey, I don’t mess with them guys.

(Seriously)

You deserve this money more than the person I took it from. You’re going to use it for a good cause…he was going to use it for a…sinful cause.

ELDERMAN

(Jokingly)

Since when you’re into religion, Cory?

(Raise hands and then drops them at sides)

If not drugs, how did you come by such a large sum of money?

CORY

(Laughs)

Relax man. No drugs involved…Okay, I’ll tell you…. Let’s sit, man. I have been standing all night.

They both sit.

CORY

Remember what James said about Brandon Joseph? He’s the President of Bank of the United States.

ELDERMAN

(Frowning)

Something about him stealing from the bank.

CORY

Well it’s true. I went to his house a couple of times trying to break in. Shit! That house is buttoned down tighter than a drum.

ELDERMAN

(Puzzled)

But why did you want to break into the man’s house?

(Looks at Cory)

Don’t tell me you were going to rob…

CORY

Sure, I was going to help myself to some of that money he’s stealing from the bank.

(Stands)

Look man, the man is making a bundle. He lives in mansion. He does not need the extra money he’s embezzling from the bank. I live in the project with a wife and five kids. I need a house, man.

(Angrily)

Why should the white folks have everything?

(Sits)

Anyway, he was planning to use the money to leave his wife and run away with his lover.

ELDERMAN

I don’t see anything wrong with that…with him running away with his lover. Maybe his marriage is on the rocks.

CORY

(Scornfully)

Ha! His lover is a man.

ELDERMAN

(Opens eyes wide)

What?

CORY

Yes! I saw Joseph and his boyfriend tonight with my own two eyes at their cozy hideout. I even heard them making love while I was hiding outside. When they left, I went in and grabbed the money.

ELDERMAN

That is disgusting!

CORY

Yeah. That’s why you deserve the money. What you’re doing is for a worthy cause.

ELDERMAN

It’s your money, Cory. Buy your house. Get out of the project.

CORY

(Stands)

Hey, Mr. President, I do not need a two million dollar house. You need a two million-dollar campaign if we’re going to show whitey that it’s not the color of skin that makes a President, it’s what’s below the surface of the skin.

ELDERMAN

(Stands, pats Cory on the shoulder)

Okay Cory. I’ll use the money, but you take half of it to buy that house you’ve been talking about for so long.

CORY

Nah. It’s for your campaign. If you do not use all, I’ll take whatever is left after the election.

ELDERMAN

(Pacing)

No Cory. Take some of it now. If something happens to me, I’d want to know that you and your family are ok.

(Standing in front of Cory)

You are a decent young man and I thank you sincerely for what you did for me tonight.

CORY

(Bows head, embarrassed)

You deserve it, man. You are a brave man.

(Raises head)

Hey man. What’s this about “if something happens to you.” You’re not worrying about those assholes that threatened you, are you?

ELDERMAN

(Shrugs)

They killed Martin Luther King because he was going places. He would have been a great President.

CORY

Shit! They aint gonna kill you, man.

ELDERMAN

(Walks to table, opens case)

We’ll see Cory. We’ll see.

(Smiles)

Now come over here. Take some of this.

(Points to money)

CORY

(Slowly walks to table, looks at money)

I’ll just take fifty thousand… enough to buy me a house in Florida.

ELDERMAN

(Turns head sharply)

Florida? Are you moving to Florida?

CORY

(Smiles)

Yeah. After the election, I’ll go check out some houses in Fort Lauderdale.

ELDERMAN

I hear that Fort Lauderdale is great…I will miss you, man.

(Starts taking money out of case)

Here. Take one hundred thousand dollars. You’ll need some time to find a job.

(Looks around for something to put money in)

I know I have a duffel bag somewhere.

(Goes to corner of room, opens cupboard, gets bag, returns to table, stuffs bills in bag)

Here Cory.

CORY

(Takes bag)

Thanks, man. You sure you have enough for your campaign? I don’t need all this.

(Pats bag)

ELDERMAN

(Arm around Cory’s shoulder)

I have more than enough, and believe me Cory, you’re gonna need all of that.

(Points to bag in Cory’s hand)

Now let’s get some rest. I’ll drop you off.

The following night, schiller, still excited about his invention is trying to coax thirty-one year old Errol, to try the experiment. Errol is sitting on the couch. Schiller is in his favorite recliner.

INT. SCHILLER’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

SCHILLER

(Smiling)

Errol…my favorite client. Tell me Errol…how long have you been coming to me?

ERROL

(Laughs)

About ten years, I think.

SCHILLER

(Smiling)

Just about the time I went into private practice. Hmmm. So the ladies are enjoying your…your staying power, huh.

ERROL

(Laughs)

More than enjoying. They’re begging for more.

SCHILLER

(Excitedly)

I’ve invented a new drug that I’d like to try on a human being.

ERROL

(Stands, suspicious)

What kind of drug?

SCHILLER

(Clasps hands tightly)

Something amazing. Something that would make your life more interesting if you were to let me try it on you.

ERROL

(Laughs)

Hey Doc, my life is interesting enough. The ladies are more than satisfied with my performance.

SCHILLER

(Laughs)

I’m glad to hear that, Errol.

(Pauses)

However, this experiment is different. Very different.

ERROL

(Sits)

So tell me about it.

SCHILLER

(Leans forward, exited)

I have invented something to change the color of a person’s skin. It…

ERROL

(Eyes open wide, interrupts)

But…

SCHILLER

(Holds up hands, palms out)

Let me finish. I already tried it on one of the monkeys and it worked. Now I want to try it on a human being.

ERROL

(Stands)

Are you crazy, man? Do I look like a monkey to you?

(Angrily)

Even if you white folks think that we are descendants of the baboon, I ain’t gonna let you use me as no guinea pig.

SCHILLER

(Laughs)

Calm down…calm down, Errol. You black folks are too sensitive.

ERROL

(Sitting)

When you’ve been through what we black folks have been through, you become sensitive.

SCHILLER

(Grasps sides of chair)

This could change your life, Errol.

(Shrugs)

Ok. So you’re here for your monthly painkiller, I guess.

ERROL

(Laughs)

I think you should give me a discount since I’m here every month. . God, I’m glad that you’re able to bottle the stuff. The first time I tried your painkiller, I had to stay indoors for a whole week.

SCHILLER

(Stands)

There is no discount in my kind of business.

ERROL

(Frowning)

Hey Doc. I’m curious. Tell me about your new invention.

SCHILLER

(Sits)

After years of research and hard work, I’ve finally mastered my invention on changing pigmentation.

ERROL

(Shrugs)

So, it worked on a monkey, but that does not mean that it will work on a human being.

SCHILLER

(Smiles)

That’s what I want to find out…but I believe it will work.

ERROL

Shit. Suppose it does not work?

(Snaps fingers)

Hey, why not try it on yourself?

SCHILLER

Because it’s not for my skin.

ERROL

(Incredible look)

You mean…you mean…

SCHILLER

(Smiling)

Yes. It’s only for people like you, Errol. You could be a white man in seconds.

ERROL

(Stands)

Son of a gun! But how…

(Touches head with both hands)

But what about the hair? What about the kinky hair?

SCHILLER

(Stands, puts arm around Errol’s shoulder)

Everything changes, Errol. The hair, the skin… Now it’s up to you whether you want to be a blonde, redhead, or whatever hair color you’d like.

ERROL

(Turns to face Schiller)

You mean I’ll look like… like one of you?

SCHILLER

(Smiles)

Yes. You’ll be a honkey on the outside, but you’ll still be yourself. You’ll still think like a black man.

ERROL

Can you change a person from white to black?

SCHILLER

(Sighs)

I’m working on that.

ERROL

So if I decide to try this experiment and I want to be myself again, then what?

SCHILLER

I think I’ll be ready with the reverse treatment soon.

ERROL

(Sits)

What about side effects?

SCHILLER

The monkey didn’t show any signs of abnormal behavior.

(Pats Errol on back)

This is a once in a lifetime offer, Errol. Think of all the benefits you’ll reap being white.

ERROL

Ha! How much is this going to cost? The painkiller is draining my bank account as it is…

SCHILLER

Ah…it’s free, Errol. You’ll be helping me and I’ll be helping you. Think about it. I’m going to check on something in the lab. I’ll be right back.

After schiller leaves the room, Errol sits still for a moment. After a while, he clasps his hands together and stares straight ahead. He remembers an eight-year-old boy and three white girls.

ERROL

(Sighs)

My mother never did find a decent paying job. The only job she could find was with a black family who was just one rung higher than she was on the poor blacks ladder. She should not have died so young.

SCHILLER

(Enters)

Have you thought about it?

ERROL

(Sits up straight)

Yes I have, and I’m ready for my new identity.

SCHILLER

(Rubs hands together, smiles)

Follow me.

THEY EXIT.

INT. DR. SCHILLER’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Schiller is watching the news on television. The anchorman is giving an update on the presidential race.

ANCHORMAN

Is the heat too much for Davidson and Southwell? Or do they feel insulted being in the race with a black garbage collector.

(Holds up hands, palms forward)

I did not say that, folks…but the word is out. Davidson and Southwell have withdrawn from the race. They have thrown in the towel. That leaves Elderman, Bowser and Aaron. Aaron is keeping a low profile, a very low profile.

(Laughs)

The garba…oops…Elderman and Bowser are still running the fifty-two mile race. Got it folks? Fifty-two mile race…fifty-two states.

(Shrugs)

Some folks just can’t take a joke.

Schiller stands and turns off the set, returns to recliner, picks up phone and dials a number. Split-screen, Schiller and Elderman on the telephone

DR. SCHILLER

(Picks up phone, dials)

Good evening, may I speak to Mr. Thomas Elderman.

ELDERMAN

(Sitting at table, reading newspaper, phone propped on shoulder)

Elderman speaking.

SCHILLER

How are you, Mr. Elderman? I’m Dr. Randolph Schiller…maybe you’ve heard of me.

ELDERMAN

What can I do for you, Doctor Schiller?

DR. SCHILLER

I want to congratulate you, Mr. Elderman. With the odds against you, you’ve stood up for what you believed in. But, Mr. Elderman, you know that that big mouth Bowser is going to win.

ELDERMAN

I know no such thing, Dr. Schiller. The best man will win.

DR. SCHILLER

Mr. Elderman. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that you would not make a fine president. Actually, you’d be a damn fine president. But, Mr. Elderman…ah…because of the color of your skin…

ELDERMAN

What does the color of my skin have to do with being president? It’s not my skin that will be making decisions. My brain will be making the decisions for this country, Doctor Schiller.

DR. SCHILLER

We both know that, Mr. Elderman, however, they’re going to do everything possible to see to it that you do not win this election.

ELDERMAN

Thanks for the information, but I do not see how they can sabotage the ballots if I get fifty-one percent of the votes.

DR. SCHILLER

You’re wrong, Mr. Elderman. For the right price your fifty-one percent can become forty-nine percent.

ELDERMAN

(Impatiently)

They wouldn’t dare do such a thing.

DR. SCHILLER

(Laughs)

Haven’t you heard of dirty politics, Mr. Elderman? The real reason for my call is to offer you some help, Mr. Elderman.

ELDERMAN

Thank you. Send all contributions to my headquarters. Have a pleasant evening, Dr. Schiller. Goodbye.

DR. SCHILLER

(Quickly)

Wait! Don’t hang up. I’m not offering you a monetary contribution. What I’m offering you is a way to win this election.

ELDERMAN

(Furrows brows)

The only way you can help me is by soliciting votes for me. How else can you help me?

DR. SCHILLER

I can’t talk about it over the phone. If you’re interested in what I have to say, you can come right over. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

ELDERMAN

Look Doctor Schiller. I’ve heard about your pain blaster and I do not think I need an everlasting erection to be President of the United States.

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiles)

I’m glad to know you have a sense of humor, Mr. Elderman, but that’s not what I had in mind. If you really want to win this election, if you really want to make a difference in this country, think about my offer. I suppose you know that I’m in New Jersey. If I don’t hear from you between now and tomorrow evening I won’t bother you again. Good night, Mr. Elderman.

INT. RITZY CLUB - AFTERNOON

Have a white man replace Errol

Camera moves to the white Errol in a posh club in Manhattan. He’s sitting at the bar sipping a drink. He turns to admire the cozy room. He’d always stood on the outside looking in. The rich paneling and velvet drapes gave the room a romantic ambiance. Only two couples were sitting at tables. By four-thirty, the place would be packed with the after work crowd. He sips his drink looking around the elegant room, taking in the rich décor. He’s on his second drink when she enters. Her eyes rest on him for a moment. He smiles and she nods her head slightly. She greets the bartender, sits on a corner stool and orders a glass of white wine. After a while, he goes to sit next to her.

ERROL

(He points to the empty chair next to her)

Do you mind?

DEBRA

(Smiles)

No.

ERROL

(Smiles, sits)

Thanks. Can I buy you a drink?

DEBRA

(Holds up glass)

I just started this one.

ERROL

Nice place. Do you come here often?

(Holds out hand)

I’m Errol

DEBRA

(Shaking Errol’s hand)

I’m Debra.

(Shrugs)

I usually stop by in the afternoon. You?

(Sips drink)

ERROL

This is a first for me. I just moved here from Atlanta.

DEBRA

Oh…and what do you do in Atlanta?

ERROL

I’m in the construction business.

(Fakes concern)

I couldn’t help but notice the sad look on your face. A beautiful lady such as you should not be sad. You should be enjoying life.

DEBRA

(Wistfully)

Oh, it’s nothing…just one of those days.

ERROL

(Picks up Debra’s glass, puts it back down)

It’s time for another drink.

(Motions to bartender)

The bartender brings a drink and puts it in front of Debra.

DEBRA

(Holds up glass, turns to Errol)

Thanks.

ERROL

(Smiles)

You’re welcome.

(Bends head to look at Debra’s left hand)

I see that you’re married.

(Points to her left hand)

DEBRA

Yes. My husband is the District Attorney.

Debra is silent thinking about her husband, Jake. Since he began working on this big drug case three months ago, he has been unable to perform in bed. He’d told her that it was the stress. She loved Jake and her two children, eight-year-old Barry and six year old Mickey, but damn! She missed Jake’s lovemaking. She was hungry for it.

ERROL

District Attorney, huh. Very impressive.

Debra turns to look at Errol. He’s handsome, she thinks. His eyes are different. I’ve never seen eyes so black. God! Why did Jake have to be impotent now! I need a man. I need sex.

DEBRA

(Smiling)

Well, being the D.A. is a lot of hard work.

(Sips drink)

So where are you staying in town, Errol?

ERROL

I’m staying with a friend in Queens.

DEBRA

(Curiously)

Is your friend male or female?

ERROL

(Laughs)

Male. Actually, I’ll be housesitting for him. He’s going to the Virgin Islands.

DEBRA

(Smiles)

He’s a lucky man. I hear St. Croix is a beautiful island.

ERROL

Yep. He’ll be soaking up the sun while we freeze our butts here.

DEBRA

(Stands)

Nice meeting you, Errol. I have to pick up the kids.

(Smiles)

ERROL

(Stands)

Nice meeting you, too, Debra. I hope we meet again.

DEBRA

I come here after I drop the kids off to karate and dancing class.

(Snaps fingers, lying)

Since you’re into construction, maybe you could help us. We are thinking about installing some new kitchen cabinets.

ERROL

(Smiles)

Sure…whenever you’re ready.

DEBRA

(Smiles)

Great! I’ll talk to my husband tonight. Can you stop by in the morning?

ERROL

(Smiles)

If you give me your address.

DEBRA

(Laughs)

Silly me.

(Digs in pocketbook for pen and paper, writes down address, gives paper to Errol)

Eleven O’clock will be a good time.

ERROL

(Takes paper)

Eleven O’clock is fine. Tomorrow, then.

He orders another drink and thinks about Debra. He knew all about her and her district attorney husband. He knew where she lived. He’d been keeping track of all three women. Cassie lived in Washington with her husband. Jenny was divorced, no children and lived in a penthouse apartment in the city. He smiles, sipping his drink, listening to the conversation going on around him. A white woman maybe in her late twenties, sitting three stools away from him kept giving him the eye.

ERROL

(Thinking aloud)

If she only knew I was black she would not even give me a first look.

There are no black people in the club. Jenny comes in around five-thirty and a guy sitting on a corner stool stands. Jenny smiles at him, pats his cheek and sits. The bartender brings her a drink.

JENNY

(Smiling)

Thanks, George.

She looks around the room and waves to a few people. Her eyes settle on Errol for a moment before she looks away. He’s new here, she thinks. I’ve never seen him here before. He’s a hunk. She calls George and asks him a question. George turns to look at Errol and shrugs. Errol without seeming to pay any attention notices all Jenny’s actions. He bides his time and then goes to stand behind her. She turns around when he speaks.

ERROL

(Smiling)

A beautiful woman such as you should not drink alone. Can I buy you a drink and dinner?

JENNY

(Picks up glass, studies liquid inside)

I do not have dinner with strangers.

ERROL

(Smiles)

Ah, but we’re not strangers.

JENNY

(Turns to Errol)

Have we met before?

ERROL

Yes. In another life.

JENNY

(Smiles, sips drink)

I see. So you believe in reincarnation.

ERROL

Sure. Don’t you?

JENNY

(Shrugs)

I never really thought about it.

ERROL

So now that we’ve met, will you have dinner with me Miss…Miss?

JENNY

(Smiles)

Sit down, or else I’ll be wearing a neck brace tomorrow.

(Pats empty chair next to her)

Jenny Brackwell…and yes, I’ll have dinner with you, Mister…

ERROL

(Sitting)

Oh, I’m Errol. Now, where would you like to have dinner?

JENNY

Let’s go to my place. My maid cooked up a storm today.

ERROL

(Lying)

Are you sure…that you want me to…I mean…we’ve just met…

JENNY

(Laughs)

But I thought you said we met before…

(Seriously)

I trust you.

(Stands, slings bag over shoulder)

Come on, let’s go eat. I’m very hungry.

INT. JENNY’S LIVING ROOM – SAME NIGHT

CAMERA MOVES TO ERROL AND JENNY SITTING ON COUCH IN LIVING ROOM SIPPING WINE.

ERROL

(Leans over, puts glass on coffee table)

I enjoyed the meal. Your maid is an excellent cook.

JENNY

(Laughs)

Yes. Negroes are good cooks and hard workers.

ERROL

Yes, we are.

JENNY

(Turns to look at Errol, surprised)

What did you say?

ERROL

(Doing some fast thinking)

What do you mean? What did I say?

JENNY

(Puzzled look)

When I said that Negroes are hardworking people, you…

ERROL

(Laughs)

Oh, I was thinking about a few of them that I work with. They’re always bragging about how hard they work.

JENNY

(Laughs)

And where do you work, Errol?

ERROL

I’m in the construction business.

JENNY

(Stretches, and jumps to her feet)

Do you mind if I leave you for a moment to take a shower? I’d like to change into something more comfortable.

ERROL

(Stands)

I guess it’s time for me to leave…

JENNY

Do you have to leave now?

ERROL

No, but if you’re tired…

JENNY

(Dances a jig)

Tired? I’m full of energy.

(Pushes Errol down gently on the couch)

Have another drink, relax. I won’t be long.

Alone, Errol congratulates himself and smiles. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. He would pick the right time to let her know that he was the eight-year old Negro she and her friends had ridiculed.

ERROL

(Thinking aloud)

I can’t wait to see her reaction when she finds out not only that I am black, but also I am the same Errol who she and her friends ridiculed when we were kids.

Errol is so deep in thought that he is unaware of Jenny’s presence until she speaks.

JENNY

(Leaning against the door frame)

A penny for your thoughts.

Errol turns at the sound of her voice and catches his breath. Jenny is wearing a silk peach colored robe, her long, blonde hair tumbling down her shoulders. He smiles.

ERROL

(Lying)

I was just thinking how beautiful you are.

JENNY

(Laughing, slowly walks to the couch and sits)

Liar.

(Sighs)

Ahh, nothing like a hot bath after a long day.

(Rotates shoulders)

ERROL

Would you like a massage? I’ve been told I have magic hands.

JENNY

(Laughs, turns her back to Errol)

Ok, Mr. Magic hands, work you magic.

ERROL

(Massaging shoulders)

You smell so good.

JENNY

(Sighs)

Mmm, this feels good. You do have the magic touch.

Errol stops to loosen his tie and Jenny turns around.

JENNY

Why don’t you take your shirt off, make yourself comfortable.

Errol takes off his shirt and Jenny gasps at his broad, muscled chest.

JENNY

Are you going to continue with my massage?

ERROL

Sure. Why don’t you pull down your robe just a bit? Like this…

(Pulls down robe just to expose shoulders. Continues massaging)

JENNY

Mmmmmmm. This is heaven.

After a while, Jenny turns over and stares hungrily at Errol. He bends and kisses her lips. She pulls him to her and they embrace in a passionate kiss. She groans and gently eases him off her to slide her robe off. He quickly disrobes. She gasps at the size of his penis. He smiles, and parts her legs open. She pulls him down, opening her legs wider. He takes first one breast and then the other into his mouth, slowly sucking and licking the nipple. She moans and pulls him to her, arching her back. When he puts his right hand between her legs, she squeals like a stuck pig. He plunges into her and their breathing fills the room. She grabs his buttocks, wrapping her long legs around his waist. Their mating sounds fill the room until they both climax. When their breathing is back to normal, he eases off her and she stares at him in wonder.

JENNY

(Coyly)

God, you’re good. I’ve never…you’re…you’re hung, Errol.

ERROL

(Laughs)

What? Is it too big for you?

JENNY

(Playfully punches Errol’s arm)

Oh, no. It’s perfect. I love it. It’s just that I’ve never seen one so huge. I thought… I always thought that only…you know…black men had such big…

(Laughs)

you know…

ERROL

(Laughs, pinches Jenny’s nipple)

What? Have you been to bed with a Negro?

JENNY

(Shudders)

Ugh. Are you crazy? I’d never let them touch me. They’re so…so…repulsive.

ERROL

(Stands and starts putting on his clothes)

I’d better be going now.

JENNY

(Quickly stands)

Do you have to leave now?

ERROL

(Putting on clothes)

Yes. I have an early appointment in the morning.

JENNY’

(Pouting)

Will I see you again?

ERROL

(Putting arm into coat sleeve)

Do you want to see me again?

JENNY

(Laughing)

You know I do.

ERROL

(Kisses her lightly on forehead)

Ok. I’ll keep in touch…Bye.

After Errol leaves, Jenny puts on her robe and stretches out on the couch. Picking up one of the pillows, she hugs it to her chest, smiling dreamily and thinking about the man she’d just had the greatest sex with. “I’m not going to let him get away. I’ll do everything in my power to keep him. I’ll even get pregnant.” She jumps to her feet, goes to lock the door and turns off the lights on her way to the bedroom.

INT. DR. SCHILLER’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Elderman is sitting on couch in dr. schiller’s living room. Dr. Schiller hands elderman a drink and makes himself comfortable in the recliner.

DR.SCHILLER

(Sips drink, lowers glass)

Thanks for coming, Mr. Elderman.

ELDERMAN

(Puts glass on coffee table)

I’m curious to hear what you have to say.

DR. SCHILLER

(Finishes drink)

Ok. I’ll get right to the point. I can make you win this election by changing the color of your skin.

ELDERMAN

(Surprised, leans forward)

Run that by me again?

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiles)

I said you could win this election if you were a white man.

ELDERMAN

(Leans back, laughs)

I’m perfectly happy with the color of my skin.

DR. SCHILLER

Why do you want to be President of the United States, Mr. Elderman? Fame? Money?

ELDERMAN

(Smiles)

None of the above. I just want to show you white folks that it’s not the color of a person’s skin that makes a president. It’s what beneath the surface.

DR. SCHILLER

(Applauds)

Bravo! That’s what I’m trying to tell you, Mr. Elderman. Now, just suppose by some miracle your skin turned white, would you change your way of thinking? Wouldn’t your brain still belong to Thomas J. Elderman?

ELDERMAN

Sure. It will only be the color of my skin…

(Leans forward)

What are you saying, man?

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiles)

I see I have your attention now.

ELDERMAN

(Stands, rubs forehead)

Let me get this straight. You can change the color of my skin. Is that what you’re saying?

DR. SCHILLER

(Excited)

Yes! Yes. It’s my invention. I’ve tried it on a man and it’s a success.

ELDERMAN

(Pacing)

You mean…you mean you’ve changed a black man…

(Stops in his tracks, turns to Schiller)

Is this man still alive?

DR. SCHILLER

(Laughs)

Alive and kicking.

ELDERMAN

(Sits)

But how? What..Are there any side effects? Is it reversible?

DR. SCHILLER

(Raises hand, palm forward)

One question at a time, Mr. Elderman. First, it’s a simple procedure. No side effects except the benefits you’ll reap. Second, I’m now working on the reverse process.

ELDERMAN

How simple is the procedure?

DR. SCHILLER

It’s just a simple injection.

They are both silent for a moment. Dr. schiller breaks the silence.

DR. SCHILLER

In case you decide to try the experiment, I’m at this moment working on the reverse process, which will be completed before the duration of the four-year term.

ELDERMAN

Even if I was to try this…experiment, I could not continue my campaign. I could not just appear before the public as Thomas J. Elderman, black garbage collector, now white man.

DR. SCHILLER

I know. What you could do is make an excuse to withdraw. You could say that your mother is very ill, that you have to go to Georgia…

ELDERMAN

(Stands)

That’s a laugh. People would think that I couldn’t stand the heat. That I…

DR. SCHILLER

(Interrupts)

But you would be back, Mr. Elderman. You’d not be leaving town, you’d be back in the race as a white man.

ELDERMAN

And who pray tell, should I come back as? I’d have to begin all over again.

DR. SCHILLER

(Makes dismissal motion)

That’s no problem. You can take Aaron’s place. You two are the same height, build and weight.

ELDERMAN

His running mate is a jackass. I would never pick him as my running mate.

DR. SCHILLER

Yes. He’s worse that a jackass. But, you would still have Conrad Stone as your running mate.

ELDERMAN

(Laughs)

Now I believe that you are out of your mind. How am I going to get Aaron and his running mate out of the picture, Huh?

DR. SCHILLER

I have thought about all that. I will drug both of them; keep them here until after the election.

ELDERMAN

What? Are you going to keep them drugged for four years?

DR.SCHILLER

(Impatiently)

No.No. I will erase their memory. I’ll keep them locked in a room. I’ll feed them. They will be in oblivion.

ELDERMAN

(Shakes his head)

After the election what are you going to do with them?

DR.SCHILLER

First, I’ll change their appearances, drive them to Florida and leave them there. They will not remember a thing.

ELDERMAN

I’m curious. How would Conrad Stone fit in the picture?

DR.SCHILLER

Easy. I will take care of Aaron’s running mate first. Aaron will be desperate. It was difficult for him to find a running mate in the first place, that’s why he had to settle for that jackass. He’s going to go after your running mate, Stone, as Stone is already in the arena. After I take care of Aaron and you take his place…Voila!

ELDERMAN

Clever, but still impossible.

DR. SCHILLER

It’s simple. I take care of Aaron and his running mate; you just continue your campaign as a white man.

ELDERMAN

I suppose there is a price for this experiment.

DR. SCHILLER

(Smiles)

Certainly. A small price of half a million dollars.

ELDERMAN

Half a million dollars!

DR. SCHILLER

It will be worth it, Mr. Elderman.

ELDERMAN

(Stands)

I do not think that I want any part of this, Dr. Schiller.

DR. SCHILLER

(Stands)

If you change your mind, you know where to find me.

(Walks Elderman to door)

And Mr. Elderman, if you decide to take Aaron’s place, you only have a few days to learn everything about him – his mannerism, his likes and dislikes, etc. You have to learn about the man because you will be moving into his house. And by the way, he’s a widower like you. Good night, Mr. Elderman.

INT. DEBRA’S KITCHEN – MORNING.

Camera moves to Debra’s kitchen. Errol is following her around as she opens and shuts cabinets. She is wearing short shorts and halter-top.

DEBRA

So you understand what I’m trying to say?

(She turns to face Errol)

ERROL

Yes. But from what I see, your cabinets are large. You really do not need any more cabinet space.

DEBRA

Do you think so?

(Lying)

My husband thinks that we do.

ERROL

Maybe I should talk with him…

DEBRA

(Goes to fridge, opens door, takes out jug of orange juice)

It’s ok. I’ll talk to him and get back to you. Would you like a glass of juice?

ERROL

Yes thanks.

DEBRA

(Smiling)

One orange juice coming up. Have a seat in the living room.

(Points in direction of living room)

When Errol leaves the room, she pours out the juice and purposely spills some on her blouse. With the drinks on a tray, she enters the living room.

DEBRA

(Setting tray on coffee table)

Silly me…

(Points to blouse, laughs)

Like a child, I poured the juice on me instead of in my mouth. Here.

(Gives glass of juice to Errol, and jokingly add)

Don’t pour it on you. I don’t think that my husband’s shirt will fit you. Excuse me,

(Pointing to her blouse)

I have to change.

INT. DEBRA’S BEDROOM – SAME MORNING

CAMERA ON DEBRA. She’s smiling as she strips. She’d been thinking about Errol ever since she’d met him yesterday. She was so hungry for him. She’d never cheated on Jake, but for the past three months she been going out of her mind for some good sex. She slips into a short terrycloth robe, dabs a pinch of angel perfume behind her ears and goes into the living room.

INT. LIVING ROOM – CON’T.

DEBRA

(Sitting next to Errol, picks up her glass, takes a sip)

I’m going to put a dash of Vodka in this…would you like some?

ERROL

(Gives Debra glass)

Isn’t it a bit early for you?

DEBRA

(Laughs)

It’s never too early for a glass of O.J.

She goes to the kitchen and returns with the drinks.

DEBRA

(Handing glass to Errol)

I hope it’s strong enough for you.

ERROL

(Takes a sip, nods head)

Good.

(Looks around room)

You have a beautiful home.

DEBRA

(Smiles)

Thank you. I had an interior decorator do the decorating.

ERROL

(Drains glass)

It must be nice to be rich.

DEBRA

Oh, one gets used to being rich, but I’ve always been rich.

ERROL

So, where is the hired help?

DEBRA

(Shrugs)

I gave the maid the day off. She has a death in the family. The gardener comes twice a week.

ERROL

(Stands)

So you’ll get back to me after you talk with your husband.

Debra stands, stumbles and falls against Errol.

ERROL

(Quickly puts his arm around Debra)

Are you ok?

DEBRA

(Giggles)

Oops. Sorry.

(Turns to face Errol, licks her lips)

I’m ok.

ERROL

(Bends head, kisses Debra’s lips)

Are you sure you’re ok?

DEBRA

(Giggles)

Yes…I am fine, really.

Her robe parts open revealing her nakedness. Errol catches his breath and pulls her to him. She throws her arms around his neck and they kiss passionately. They release each other to disrobe and he takes her on the thick, white carpet. Lying side by side, their breathing back to normal, Debra smiles dreamily. Errol sits up and looks down at her naked body. He notices her birthmark and comments on it.

ERROL

(Touching the star-shaped birthmark high up on her inner thigh)

Hmmm. Very unusual birthmark you have here.

DEBRA

(Moans)

Oooh, don’t do that, or you’ll have to pay.

ERROL

Oh, yes! How do you want your payment?

(Touches birthmark again)

DEBRA

(Arching her back, pulls Errol to her)

Like this.

They make love again. After making love, they put their clothes back on.

ERROL

(Standing by open door)

Let me know when you’re ready for the cabinets.

DEBRA

Ok. Do you have a telephone number?

ERROL

(Lying)

Shoot! I do not even know my friend’s telephone number.

DEBRA

(Smiling)

That’s ok. Call me during the week anytime after ten A.M.

ERROL

Will do.

DEBRA

(Coyly)

So when are you going to stop by?

ERROL

(Smiling)

Is tomorrow too soon?

DEBRA

(Smiling)

Tomorrow is just fine.

INT. HONKY TONK BAR –NIGHT

Cory, Luther and James are at their usual table. Beulah is busy at the bar serving the early birds. One of the men at the bar says something to Beulah and she laughs.

LUTHER

(Burps)

I knew Elderman was going to turn tail and run. I mean…after getting those threats…

JAMES

(Drains beer can)

I don’t blame him. I would have run a long time ago.

LUTHER

He was just wasting his time. He’d never have made it.

JAMES

(Playfully punches Cory on shoulder)

Hey Cory, you had so much faith in Elderman and he let you down, man. What do you think about that?

CORY

(Shrugs)

He didn’t run out. He had a family emergency and had to go out of the city.

LUTHER

(Laughs)

Shit! He’s been gone about a month now.

The anchorman is introducing Aaron’s running mate. Everyone falls silent, listening.

ANCHORMAN

Yes folks. We have a new running mate for Palius Aaron, and his new running mate is none other than

(Clears throat)

you won’t believe this folks, but Mr. Aaron’s new running mate is none other than Mr. Conrad Stone.

(Laughs)

This is some election. Hopefuls flitting in and out. Now tell me, why did Mr. Aaron’s running mate turn tail and run, huh? Why did he leave Aaron in a lurch? Well, Mr. Stone is a very lucky man. Elderman left him hanging and he fell right back into the ring.

JAMES

Shit! What the hell is going on here, huh?

ANCHORMAN

I think that Mr. Aaron is picking up some speed now, folks. He’s pulled up his boot straps and working hard to win this election. He has some pretty sound ideas. Now, I wonder what would have been the outcome of the black garbage collector. I guess we’ll never know, right folks?

CORY

(Lights up Marijuana stick)

I’ll be leaving you guys soon.

LUTHER

Where you going, man?

CORY

I’m moving to Florida.

JAMES

What about your job, man?

LUTHER

(Laughs)

Hey James. Florida got garbage too, you know.

CORY

Huh. I ain’t gonna be picking up garbage. I’m gonna work on cars. I’m gonna do bodywork.

JAMES

You got family in Florida?

CORY

I got a friend there. He’s always telling me to come visit. When I start my vacation next month, I’m going to check out the place.

JAMES

Well good luck, man. We’ll miss you.

LUTHER

Yeah. We’ll miss the marijuana fumes.

CORY

Hey, I’ll miss you miserable jackasses too.

JAMES

Good luck, man. Make sure you keep in touch.

Beulah turns on the television just in time for a late breaking story.

ANCHORMAN

(Serious expression)

We’ve just received word that a prominent bank president, Mr. Brandon Joseph shot himself this afternoon. No one knows what triggered the suicide. Mrs. Joseph said that her husband was in good health and had no financial problems.

CORY

(Sits up straight)

Shit!

LUTHER

These rich, white folks are so stupid.

JAMES

If I had half the money he got I’d be sitting on my ass doing nothing.

CORY

Huh. Maybe he aint got no money.

JAMES

What? He was president of a big bank. You think he wasn’t helping himself to some of that pretty, green paper. Shit! Maybe they caught up with him and he didn’t want a scandal.

CORY

Maybe he had other problems.

LUTHER

(Sucks his teeth, opens another can of beer)

Shit! Rich folks ain’t got problems.

(Drinks beer, lowers can)

Especially the rich, white folks.

Three months later, Debra and Jenny are having coffee in Debra’s living room.

INT. LIVING ROOM - MORNING

DEBRA

(Takes a sip, then places cup on saucer)

What gives, Jenny? You look radiant.

When Debra missed her first period, she knew that she was pregnant with Errol’s baby so she seduced Jake. She tried everything until Jake got an erection. One month later, she told Jake that she was pregnant.

JENNY

(Blushing)

Debra! You’re glowing. Are you pregnant?

DEBRA

(Head bowed)

Uh, huh. Tell me what’s going on in your life.

JENNY

(Happy, hugs Debra)

Oh, Debbie. That’s great. Wow! Hey, that means that things are back to normal in the boudoir.

DEBRA

(Lying)

Yes. Everything ‘s great.

(Smiling)

Now tell me about yourself. You look like you’ve just won the lottery.

JENNY

(Smiling)

Oh Debbie. I met a wonderful man. I’m in love. He’s great, and Debbie…

(Blushing)

he’s…he’s…well hung.

DEBRA

(Giggling, covers mouth with hand)

Oh Jenny. Do you remember the little negro boy we had pull down his pants?

JENNY

(Giggling)

Debra! Ugh. I remember. His was the ugliest schlong I’d ever seen. It was so black!

DEBRA

(Shocked)

Jenny! Don’t tell me you’d seen one before? You never told me. Tell me, tell me. Whose schlong did you see?

JENNY

(Blushing)

It was your brother, Butch.

DEBRA

(Laughing)

Jenny! When? He never came to play with us. It was always you, Cassie and me.

Do you hear from Cassie?

JENNY

(Shrugs)

Once a year. She was always so prim and proper.

DEBRA

Yes she was.

(Slaps Jenny playfully on shoulder)

Tell me. How did you get to see my brother’s schlong?

JENNY

(Blushing)

Well…one day… I was in your room…he came in…and…

DEBRA

(Excited)

You did not, Jenny. You…

JENNY

(Quickly)

No. No. I did not do it with him. Debra, I was only nine years old. He just asked me to show him my…you know… He told me he’d show me his. So I pulled down my panty and he pulled down his pants.

The two women double over with laughter. After they’ve quieted down, Jenny turns to her friend.

JENNY

(Seriously)

You’re happy about your pregnancy, Debbie? Mickey and Barry anxious to see their brother or sister?

DEBRA

(Smiling)

Oh, yes. We are all looking forward to the new baby.

(Turns to face Jenny, gently shakes her shoulders)

Now tell me about your “well hung” man.

JENNY

(Laughs)

He’s the man of my dreams. I met him three months ago. He has a key to my apartment and when I get home from work, he’s there waiting for me.

(Seriously)

That’s not all my news, Jenny.

DEBRA

(Impatiently)

Don’t keep me in suspense, Jenny.

JENNY

(Laughs)

I think I’m pregnant.

DEBRA

(Squeals with delight)

Oh, Jenny, that’s great. Now you’re going to make me a godmother.

(Seriously)

Is he going to marry you?

JENNY

(Sighs)

I haven’t told him, but I’m sure he’ll ask me to marry him.

DEBRA

So what are you waiting for? When are you moving back into your parent’s mansion?

JENNY

(Sad expression)

I still miss them although they’ve been dead for five years.

DEBRA

(Pats Jenny’s hand)

I know. I think about them sometimes.

JENNY

(Sighs)

I wish we could live forever.

(Shrugs)

Well, if it was not for Adam and Eve…

DEBRA

(Takes Jenny’s hands in hers)

So, tell me more about this mystery man.

(Laughs)

Beside being well hung…

JENNY

(Laughs)

Errol is…he is so romantic.

DEBRA

(Drops Jenny’s hand and puts her hand on her stomach)

Errol?

JENNY

(Puzzled look)

Yes. His name is Errol. Do you know him?

DEBRA

(Quick thinking)

No. I just thought…I thought it was Mark.

JENNY

(Laughs)

Mark? I stopped seeing Mark months ago. Anyway, Errol is in the construction business. He just moved here from Atlanta. And, the best part is that he’s single and unattached.

Jenny notices Debra’s stricken expression and is concerned.

JENNY

Is something wrong, Debbie?

DEBRA

(Lying)

No. No. I just had a strange feeling. You know…both of us being pregnant at the same time.

(Fakes a smile. Pats Jenny’s hand)

So when are you going to introduce me to Errol.

JENNY

(Smiling)

Soon. I want him all to myself for now.

Jenny senses something is not right and stands.

(Uneasily rises)

I’d better get going. Errol and I are going on a picnic this afternoon.

Debra stands and they hug.

DEBRA

(Hugging Jenny)

Enjoy yourself. Say hello to Errol.

After Jenny leaves, Debra throws herself on the couch and thinks out loud. “Shit, Jenny and I are pregnant for the same man. I guess that two-timing sucker is screwing me in the morning and Jenny at night.” She shrugs. “No one will know that Jake is not the father of my baby.”

INT. ERROL’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Errol, fresh from the shower, towel around his waist goes to stand in front of the mirror. He sees his reflection in the mirror and gasps. He was no longer white. His skin was turning black. He touches his hair, his face, and looks down at his legs and smiles. He shakes his head, muttering, “Well, Jenny, this is the surprise I have for you. I was going to tell you who I really am tonight.”

HAVE THE REAL ERROL APPEAR FOR TRANSFORMATION.

INT. JENNY’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

CAMERA MOVES TO JENNY standing in front of the mirror in the living room clipping on her earrings. She’s dressed in a loose fitting shirtdress. She smiles as she admires herself in the mirror, wondering what Errol had in store for her. He’d told her that he had a surprise for her, but she also had a surprise for him – her pregnancy. She had a feeling that he’d pop the question at dinner tonight. She hears the key turn in the lock and hurries to greet him. She screams when the door opens and a tall, black man stands in the doorway, keys in his hand and a smile on his face.

JENNY

(Screams, backs away)

Who are you? What do you want?

ERROL

(Kicks door shut, a smile on his face, walks toward Jenny)

It’s me, Jenny. I am Errol.

JENNY

(Frightened, keeps backing away in the direction of the phone)

I’m going to call the police.

ERROL

(Walks quickly toward Jenny)

I don’t think you will do that. You won’t want your white friends to know that you have been sleeping with a “Negro,” would you?

JENNY

(Terrified, hands at side)

What do you want? How did you get the keys to my apartment? Where’s Errol?

ERROL

(Smiles)

But I am Errol, and you gave me the keys.

JENNY

(Drops in nearest chair, hand over mouth)

Please, tell me what you want. I have some money here. I will give you all of it.

ERROL

(Standing in front of Jenny)

I do not want your money. I’ve already extracted some payment from you for what you did to my mother and me.

JENNY

(Looks up, puzzled)

You? Your mother? But…but I do not know you.

ERROL

(Laughs)

Sure you know me, Jenny. I’ve been making love to you for the past three months.

JENNY

(Gasps)

I…Are you crazy? Are you on drugs? I do not know you. I’d never…

ERROL

(Laughs)

You’d never what, Jenny? Never let a black man make love to you? It’s too late, Jenny. I came to you as a white man.

Jenny stands hand over mouth; she rushes to kitchen sink and throws up. She turns to face Errol, her back pressed to the kitchen sink.

JENNY

(Wipes her mouth with towel)

Get out of my house!

ERROL

(Tosses keys on chair)

When I’ve said what I came her to say. Do you remember the first time we made love? You told me that I was well hung, and that you thought only black men had such big penises.

JENNY

(Makes fist, pushes it against mouth)

Oh my God! This is a nightmare.

ERROL

No. It’s not a nightmare. It’s payback time. Do you remember the little black boy you and Debra and Cassie made pull down his pants? Do you remember how your father chased me and my mother out into the street because you lied to him about why my pants were down to my knees?

(Goes to stand in front of Jenny)

I was that little black boy, Jenny. I vowed to get even with you and your friends. I have been screwing Debra too.

JENNY

(Raises head sharply)

Debra! You and Debra…but Debra loves Jake.

ERROL

(Laughs)

Do you remember you told me that she acted strangely when you told her my name?

(Shrugs)

I guess Jake was not giving her enough…

JENNY

(Walking to door)

Get out. Get out of my house, you parasite.

ERROL

(Laughs)

Ah, Jenny. You do not know when I will appear as a white man again. We just might meet again.

JENNY

(Angrily)

I’d rather join the convent than associate with a monster like you.

(Walks to door, opens, and turns to face Errol, hatred in eyes)

Get out, you pathetic weasel.

At the door, Errol stops to touch jenny’s hair. She pulls back and spits on him. he laughs and she slams and locks the door after him. Tears streaming down her face, she runs to the bedroom and returns with a traveling bag. She scribbles a note to the maid, picks up her pocket book and leaves the apartment.

EXT. DEBRA’S HOUSE - DAY

The following morning, Errol is ringing Debra’s doorbell. The maid Fanny opens the door. Debra who’s just coming down the stairs sees the man at the open door.

FANNY

(Turns to face Debra coming down the stairs)

Ma’am, this gentleman is asking for you.

DEBRA

(Standing behind the maid)

What does he want? Is he selling something? Tell him to use the back door.

ERROL

It’s urgent that I see you, Mrs. Massingill.

DEBRA

What can you possibly want with me?

ERROL

Do you still want your new cabinets?

DEBRA

(Turns pale, nervous, sends the maid upstairs)

It’s ok, Fanny. Go upstairs; see if you can find my blue silk scarf.

After the maid leaves, Debra turns to Errol.

DEBRA

(Puzzled look on her face)

What do you want?

ERROL

(Smiling)

Aren’t you going to invite me in, Debbie?

DEBRA

(Angrily)

How dare you! Address me properly. I am Mrs. Massingil to you.

(Closing door)

ERROL

(Grabs Debra’s wrist)

Not so fast, Debbie. I have something to say to you.

DEBRA

(Puzzled and scared)

Who are you? What do you want?

ERROL

I’m Errol.

DEBRA

I do not know anyone by that name.

ERROL

Debbie, Debbie. We made such mad, passionate love yesterday.

DEBRA

(Trembling)

Are you crazy? I’d never let the likes of you touch me. Go away before I call the police.

ERROL

(Laughs)

You had better invite me in. The neighbors will get curious. What I have to say will take some time.

DEBRA

(Glances up the stairs)

Come in.

INT. LIVING ROOM – CON’T

They are standing behind the closed door. Debra is very nervous; Errol very calm hands in coat pockets, smiling.

DEBRA

(Walks to chair, turns to face Errol)

Who are you? What do you want?

ERROL

(Goes to stand beside her)

Debbie, Debbie. I am Errol.

DEBRA

(Angrily, teeth clenched)

Stop calling me Debbie. Just tell me what you want.

ERROL

Jenny did not believe me either.

DEBRA

(Gasps)

Jenny!

(Covers mouth with hand)

Oh my God!

ERROL

(Laughs)

You know that Jenny was enjoying my Schlong, too. She told me that you acted strangely when she told you about me. I cleared that up for her last night.

DEBRA

(Drops on chair, stunned look on face)

You’re lying. You’re not who you say you are. You’ve been spying on us.

A new thought strikes Debra and she pales. Maybe Errol is into blackmail. Maybe he wants money and he’s using this man to do the dirty work for him.

DEBRA

(Grasping the sides of the chair)

Who’s paying you to do this to us?

ERROL

(Sitting next to Debra)

No one is paying me, Debbie. I just came to let you know who I really am.

DEBRA

Just tell me what you want and get out.

ERROL

(Laughs)

That’s funny. You didn’t want me to leave after we made love yesterday.

DEBRA

(Covers face with hands)

Stop it! I never made love to you. I’d never let the likes of you touch me.

ERROL

(Laughs)

Oh yeah? It’s too late now. I’ve been making love to you for the past three and a half months. We met in one of your ritzy clubs one afternoon. You asked me to build some kitchen cabinets for you.

Debra stands, and falls back down on the couch in a dead faint. Errol looks at her for a moment and then goes to the kitchen. He returns with a glass of water. Standing over Debra, he lifts up her head and puts the glass to her lips. She coughs, shaking her head from side to side. When she opens her eyes and sees Errol bending over her, she struggles to sit up, pushing his hand away. Errol smiles and puts the glass on the coffee table

ERROL

(Standing in front of Debra)

You fainted.

DEBRA

(Hugs herself as if cold)

If you’re who you say you are, how…why are you…

ERROL

(Laughs)

A scientist invented a drug …something to do with pigmentation. It changes the color of a black person’s skin.

DEBRA

(Buries her face in her hands)

Oh my God. This is a nightmare.

(Lifts up head, covers mouth with hands)

Jenny! What have you done to Jenny?

ERROL

Wouldn’t you like to know why I picked you and Jenny?

DEBRA

You picked us?

ERROL

Yes, and if Cassie…

DEBRA

Cassie? But why? Why did you pick us?

ERROL

(Goes to stand in the middle of the room)

Yes. If Cassie had been around, I would have had her too; although she was not as bad as you and Jenny.

(Goes back to stand in front of Debra)

I picked you and Jenny because of something that happened to a little eight-year old boy a long time ago. Do you remember the Blackwell’s gazebo? Do you remember you and Jenny making a little black boy pull down his pants? Do you remember lying to Jenny’s father telling him that the little black boy showed you his black schlong?

(Leans over Debra, points to self)

I was that little black boy, Debra.

(Pokes finger on his chest)

Me, Debra. Me Errol.

DEBRA

(Makes fist, and presses it against her mouth)

You…

(Points to Errol)

You…

ERROL

(Straightening up)

Yes, Debra. It’s me. I am the boy you and your friends humiliated. My mother had a rough time finding another job. When she did find one with another black family, she worked hard, but they could not pay her much. Sometimes we had only one meal a day. I think she worked herself to death.

DEBRA

(Covers mouth with hands)

But we were children. We were only nine years old.

ERROL

(Angrily)

Yes, we were children, but you knew exactly what you were doing.

DEBRA

What do you want now? Money?

ERROL

(Shaking head)

No. I do not want your money.

DEBRA

So you wanted revenge, you got it.

ERROL

Yes, I got my revenge, but I wanted to show you and Jenny and Cassie that even if my skin was white, I was still the same Errol beneath the surface.

DEBRA

(Scared)

So what more do you want?

ERROL

Oh, just to tell your husband about us.

DEBRA

(Gasps)

My husband will never believe you.

ERROL

(Laughs)

Sure, he’ll believe me when I tell him that I kissed the star birthmark on your…

DEBRA

(Covers her ears)

Shut up! Shut up, you pig.

They hear the maid coming down the stairs and Debra composes herself.

Debra

You’d better leave now.

(Walks to door, opens it)

This meeting is over.

ERROL

I will get in touch with your husband. Goodbye.

Debra slams the door. Fanny is about to say something to her but she cuts her short.

DEBRA

Not now Fanny. Go into the kitchen and chop up some vegetables.

Debra picks up the phone and dials Jenny’s number. The phone rings on the other end. She frowns when she does not get an answer muttering, “I’ll go see Jenny this afternoon. Thank god, she didn’t tell that…that…bastard about the baby.” She wrings her hands. “My God, I’m carrying that man’s baby. I can’t have this baby. I can’t. I’ve got to find a way to get rid of it.” Frantically, she paces, biting her nails. She stops in the middle of the room, fists clenched. She mutters something under her breath and runs up the stairs. She comes back down with her pocketbook. After calling out to fanny, “Fanny I am going out for a while,” she leaves.

EXT. 42ND. STREET, NEW YORK – MORNING

Track with Debra in disguise, dressed in long skirt and baggy shirt, long black wig on her head, huge sunglasses. She is talking to a hooker standing in front of a porn shop. They seem to be arguing. Finally, the hooker shrugs, and stops a cruising cab. The hooker says something to the cab driver; the two women get in and the cab speeds away.

INT. SHABBY HOTEL ROOM -. MORNING – SAME DAY

The Hooker and Debra are sitting on the edge of a bed. A man is sitting on a chair facing them. The Hooker stands, slings her pocketbook over her shoulder and turns to Debra.

HOOKER

You’re on your own now, Sweetie.

DEBRA

(To man)

How long will it take?

MAN

(Shrugs)

No time at all.

DEBRA

Should I pay you now?

MAN

Yes.

Debra opens her pocket book and counts one thousand dollars. She hands it to the man. He shoves it into his coat pocket.

DEBRA

(Takes Hooker’s hand)

Can you stay?

HOOKER

(Fidgeting)

I’m a working girl, honey.

DEBRA

Please stay. I’ll pay you.

HOOKER

(Shrugs)

Ok.

MAN

(Stands)

Let’s get on with it.

(Turns to HOOKER)

You sure you want to stay for this one.

HOOKER

(Kicks off shoes, goes to sit on other chair)

Hell Doc, you forget that I’m one of your patients.

MAN

(Turns back to Debra)

Take off your clothes, get under the blanket and open your legs.

Debra disrobes and goes under the blanket. The man pulls a long thin plastic needle out of his coat pocket. With his left hand, he kneads Debra’s abdomen. The Hooker, disinterested, goes to stand at the window staring at nothing. Then the man lifts the bottom of the blanket, bends Debra’s’ knees, and inserts the plastic needle between her legs. She screams, and the man withdraws his hand. He pulls a blue handkerchief out of his pocket and wraps the needle in it. A red stain appears on the handkerchief.

MAN

(Shoves handkerchief in pocket looks at Debra)

You can leave in about three hours.

(Turns to Hooker)

Give her a drink of cold water every fifteen minutes.

The man leaves, and the Hooker goes to sit on chair next to the bed. Debra is moaning softly. The Hooker goes to a table size icebox and brings out a pitcher of water and a glass. She fills the glass with water, and with one hand, raises Debra’s head. She puts the glass to her lips and Debra drinks hungrily. She gently lowers the woman’s head.

THREE HOURS LATER.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM – DAY

Debra enters an empty cubicle. She locks the door, drops a shopping bag on the floor. She pulls off the sunglasses from her face, takes off the long black wig, skirt, and shirt. She opens her pocket book, takes out a brush and brushes her long blonde hair. She pulls a long strip of toilet paper rolling it into a heavy pad, pulls down her panties, puts the pad between her legs and pulls up her panties. She opens the bag, takes out a pair of blue jeans and tee shirt, and puts them on. She shoves the wig. Skirt and shirt into the shopping bag, and the shopping bag into the trash bin. Debra studies herself in the cracked mirror above the sink, her face grim, muttering “I’ve got to pick up the kids and get into bed before Jake gets home. I have to make him believe it was a miscarriage.”

INT. DEBRA’S HOUSE – STAIRCASE – DAY

DEBRA, COMING DOWN THE STAIRCASE STOPS ON THE THIRD STEP. SHE PRETENDS TO STUMBLE AND MAKING A THUMPING SOUND WITH HER FEET ON THE STEP, SITS DOWN HEAVILY ON THE FIFTH STEP. SHE CRIES OUT AND FANNY RUSHES INTO THE ROOM.

FANNY

(Wiping hands on apron, gasps)

Oh, Miss Debra. You’re bleeding.

(Wring hands, nervous)

DEBRA

(Faking pain)

Don’t just stand there, Fanny. Help me up to the bedroom.

FANNY

(Uncertainly)

But…But…I should call for an ambulance…

DEBRA

(Impatiently)

Hurry, Fanny. Just help me to my room. I do not need an ambulance.. Call Jake. Tell him to come home right away. I think I’m having a miscarriage.

FANNY

(Rushes to Debra’s side)

But Miss Debra you need a doctor

(Helping Debra up the stairs)

Look at all this blood.

DEBRA

(Arm around Fanny’s shoulder)

Jake will drive me to the hospital if it’s necessary. Right now, I just want to lie down.

FANNY SHRUGS AND THEY CONTINUE UP THE STAIRS.

NOVEMBER 11th.

INT. HONKY TONK BAR- NIGHT

Camera moves to Luther, Cory and James in the Honky- Tonk bar. The place is packed. Everyone’s eyes glued to the television above the bar. The anchorman is interrupting the regular program every now and then to give the election results.

ANCHORMAN’S FACE APPEARS ON TELEVISION SCREEN.

ANCHORMAN

We have just had another count. Aaron is ahead in the race.

LUTHER

(Opening can of beer)

Shit, Bowser should just give up. He’s out of the running.

JAMES

Yeah. I do not want him to win. He is a bigot.

CORY

(Takes a pull on marijuana joint, inhales)

Shit, it could have been Elderman winning this election, man.

JAMES

You hear from him, Cory?

LUTHER

(Laughs)

Shit, he’s too embarrassed to call anyone. If I were the one who’d made a jackass of myself, I’d not show my face around these parts.

CORY

Luther, as usual, you ain’t know shit about nothing.

JAMES

So when you moving to Florida, Cory?

CORY

End of the month.

(Inhaling on the tail end of marijuana stick)

You guys staying until the final count?

Luther and James nod their heads and they settle back to watch the television screen.

NOVEMBER 11TH – FLORIDA – SMALL HOUSE IN KEY WEST

CUT TO

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

Camera moves to jenny lying in bed in a room. A colored young woman is holding Jenny’s hand. An older woman also black, a midwife, is hovering anxiously over jenny. Jenny cries out and the woman bends over her.

MIDWIFE

(Puts hand under sheet)

Soon. Very soon you will be holding your bundle of joy in your arms.

JENNY

(Panting, grasps the midwife’s hand)

I want to speak to Frances. Can you leave us alone for a moment?

MIDWIFE

(Smiles, withdraws hand)

Sure, honey.

Jenny turns to Frances after the midwife leaves the room.

JENNY

I know we had this talk before, Frances, but let’s go over it one more time. After today, you’ll not see me again.

Jenny had not told Frances or the midwife anything about herself. She’d told them that her name was Cassie, and that she was from Maryland.

FRANCES

(Smiles)

Cassie, I remember everything. You’d like me to take the baby, raise it as my own. I’m to tell no one about you, and since I do not want to have to explain to people how I got the baby, I should relocate.

JENNY

Yes. Move to New York. You can lose yourself in New York. No one will question you. I’ll give you enough money to pay for an apartment and food for a year. After that, you’re on your own. You must leave as soon as the baby is born. I do not want to see it.

FRANCES

(Takes Jenny’s hand in hers)

But what about you, Cassie? What are you going to do? Are you going to remain here?

JENNY

(Shuts her eyes)

I’ll be ok. No, I will not stay here. I have other plans.

(Smiles)

Thanks Frances. You’ve been a big help.

FRANCES

(Smiles)

You do not have to thank me, Cassie. I can’t have children and I’ve always wanted one. I’ll love this one like he or she was my own.

(Hesitantly)

I know that you do not want to talk about the baby’s father, but will he come looking for his child?

JENNY

(Turns her face to the wall)

He doesn’t know about the baby.

(Turns to face Frances, pats her hand)

Not to worry. The baby is all yours…Ouch!

FRANCES

(Stands, pats Jenny’s hand)

I’ll get the midwife.

She leaves the room. The midwife enters and hurries to Jenny. After a short time, the midwife holds up a seven-pound, brown skin baby boy and slaps him on the bottom. He lets out a gusty wail. Jenny’s eyes are closed.

CUT BACK TO

INT. HONKY TONK BAR - NIGHT

ANCHORMAN’S FACE APPEARS ON TELEVISION SCREEN.

The anchorman is just about to give an update of the election. The hum of conversation ceases as the patrons with baited breath, eyes glued to the television screen, wait to hear the results.

ANCHORMAN

(Clearing his throat)

Ahem. This is it, folks. The final count is in…we have a new president…Palius Aaron.

The patrons let out a loud roar.

Aaron’s headquarters appear on the screen, showing his supporters waving buntings and cheering. Aaron and stone are standing on platform, waving at the camera and smiling. When Aaron begins to speak the crowd quiets down.

Aaron’s face appears on the television screen.

AARON

(Smiling)

Thank you, thank you, and thank you. To my opponent, it was a fight well fought.

Applause from the crowd.

ARRON

To all my supporters…our work has just begun, but we will work hard.

(Turns to Stone, smiles)

We will not let you down. You are going to reap the benefits of your votes.

HAVE ELDERMAN RE-APPEAR FOR THE TRANSFORMATION

Aaron skin begins to turn black. People gasp. The newly elected vice-president stares at the newly elected president and faints. The scene is getting ugly. Four police officers appear from nowhere, jump on the platform and grabs Elderman. A microphone appears in front of elderman, questions coming from all directions. One reporter shouts above the noise.

REPORTER

Mr. Elderman, how did you manage to turn your skin white?

ELDERMAN

(Being led away by two policemen, turns to answer)

I will not tell you how, but I will tell you why. I did it to show you white folks that a black man can be the President. Although my skin was white, it was still me…

(Points to self)

Beneath the surface.

Someone in the crowd shouted, “lynch him. Let’s lynch him.”

The officers quickly get Elderman away from the crowd.

Everyone in the Honky Tonk bar is talking at the same time.

(Points to TV)

That’s Elderman.

JAMES

(Eyes open wide)

Shit! How did he do that?

CORY

(Shakes head in wonder)

A black man is the President of the United States. He said he could do it and he did.

Beulah pushes her way to their table.

BEULAH

(Hands on hips, looks at men suspiciously)

You all know ‘bout that?

(Points to TV)

JAMES

(Shakes head in wonder)

No. We are as surprised as your are! How did he do that? How did he turn into a white man?

LUTHER

Shit, I aint know.

CORY

(Stands)

I’m going down there.

BEULAH

That foolish nigger going to get hisself killed tonight. Why he go and do something so stupid, uh?

ANCHORMAN’S FACE APPEARS ON SCREEN AGAIN.

ANCHORMAN

Son of a gun! It’s the garbage collector. Is he a chameleon, folks? He has a lot of explaining to do.

(Laugh)

I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes right now…oops…or should I have said ‘under his skin’?

(Pinches skin)

Yes folks, you never can tell what’s beneath the surface.

LATER

INT. SCHILLER’S LIVING ROOM – SAME NIGHT

CAMERA MOVES TO CORY AND ELDERMAN IN SCHILLER’S LIVING ROOM. CORY IS SITTING NEXT TO ELDERMAN ON THE COUCH AND SCHILLER IS IN HIS RECLINER.

ELDERMAN

(Stands, and begins pacing)

Shit! I was so close.

SCHILLER

(Makes hand motion)

Mr. Elderman, Mr. Elderman. I should have called you when the monkey’s skin changed, but…

(Shrugs)

Anyway, you did it. The people elected you…Thomas Elderman, not Palius Aaron.

CORY

Shit! Monkey?

(Looks from Schiller to Elderman)

What’s going on, here?

(Stands, take marijuana stick out of pocket, sit, lights up)

ELDERMAN

(Stops pacing, turns suddenly)

Oh my God! Aaron! The police will find Aaron and…

SCHILLER

(Waves hand, impatiently)

Relax, relax. I’ve already taken care of that.

ELDERMAN

(Drops in chair)

I’m afraid to ask what you did with them.

SCHILLER

(Laughs)

They’re here. As soon as I saw you…when I saw what was happening I took care of them.

ELDERMAN

(Worried)

What do you mean ‘took care of them’? You didn’t…

SCHILLER

(Smiles)

No, I didn’t kill them. Now, did anyone see you come here?

CORY

No. What’s going on here? Look, I ain’t want to be involved in any murder…

ELDERMAN

(Buries head in hands)

What a mess.

SCHILLER

(Standing)

Relax Elderman. In a couple of days I’ll drive them to Florida.

ELDERMAN

(Lifts head)

Are you sure they’ll be okay?

SCHILLER

(Sits)

Sure. They’ll be enjoying the sun and the beaches.

ELDERMAN

What about the other gu?. Did his skin change back to black?

CORY

(Pulls on marijuana stick, coughs)

What? Hey man, how many black/white men you have on the loose out there, huh? Elderman, you’ll have to fill me in on this. I don’t understand shit.

SCHILLER

(Smiles)

Only one, but his skin changed a couple of months ago. He was alone, though. He told me that he prefers being his old black self.

ELDERMAN

(Thoughtfully)

You know that I am going to jail. I’m out on bail for now.

SCHILLER

(Nods head)

Yes, I know…but you do not have to stand trial.

CORY

(Laughs)

What, you have something that will make him disappear?

SCHILLER

I’m working on that…but he…

(Pushes out chin in Elderman’s direction)

could disappear.

ELDERMAN

(Sucks teeth)

You and your crazy inventions.

SCHILLER

You do not have much time, Mr. Elderman. I can change your skin again; you dye your hair a different color, pack up and move to the Caribbean.

CORY

Shit! Go for it, Elderman.

ELDERMAN

Ha! Whose identity do I take this time, huh?

SCHILLER

(Laughs)

You could kill someone, Mr. Elderman.

CORY

(Turns to Elderman)

Shit, we’re dealing with a crazy man, my friend.

(Snaps fingers)

Hey! I have an idea, Elderman. You can move to Florida with me. Schiller’s right. You do not have much time.

ELDERMAN

Shit, I certainly do not want to go to prison. Ok, Schiller…but I do not have any more money. I had to post bail…

SCHILLER

(Stands, Laughs)

This one is on me, Elderman. You showed the world that it is not the color of a man’s skin…

CORY

(Laughs)

And he told them so on national television.

SCHILLER

Okay, follow me to my lab, Elderman.

(Turns to Cory)

We won’t be long.

Schiller and Elderman exit.

New York- 6 months later in an apartment building in the Bronx.

INT. ON STAIRWAY - AFTERNOON

Errol is coming down the stairs and Frances is on her way up, struggling with a heavy bag of groceries and the baby’s stroller. Errol stops and offers to help her with the bag.

ERROL

(Smiling)

Would you like some help?

FRANCES

(Cautiously)

Thanks, I can manage.

ERROL

Look, I’m not a thief or a rapist. I live on the third floor. My name is Errol.

FRANCES

(Studies him for a moment)

Well…the bag is a bit heavy.

ERROL

(Taking bag)

You’re on the fourth floor, right? I’ve seen you a couple of times.

FRANCES

Yes. I’m on the fourth floor.

They climb the stairs without talking. She opens the door and turns to thank him.

FRANCES

(Takes bag)

Thanks for your help.

ERROL

You’re welcome, Miss…

FRANCES

(Smiling)

I’m Frances.

Baby starts to cry.

ERROL

(Peering at baby)

I guess she’s hungry.

FRANCES

(Smiles)

It’s a boy. Yeah, he must be hungry.

(Looks at Errol)

Thanks again, Errol.

ERROL

(Smiles)

You’re welcome, Frances.

(Turns to leave and then turns back to face Frances)

Are you married, Frances?

FRANCES

No.

ERROL

Goodbye. I guess I’ll see you around.

ONE MONTH LATER SOMEWHERE IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

EXT. BUILDING IN FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA - DAY

Track with Cory sans dreadlocks, walking to the door of a one-story building. He stops to read the words “public accountant” on the door and smiles. He pushes open the door and enters an office. A man, with long dreadlocks, beard down to his chest, wearing a dashiki is sitting behind a desk. Paper from an adding machine is hanging in folds down the desk, spilling onto the floor. Cory sits on one of the two desks against the wall. The man behind the desk looks up and smiles.

INT. OFFICE - FORT LAUDERDALE -DAY

CORY

(Smiling)

What’s up, President Elderman?

ELDERMAN

(Throws down pencil)

Ah, Cory me boy. I’m still working on that big account for Madame Bleu. She’s taking in more work than she can handle.

CORY

(Laughs)

She’s the one designing costumes for Universal Studios?

ELDERMAN

Yeah.

CORY

(Seriously)

Anyone asking questions lately?

ELDERMAN

(Sighs)

A man came yesterday. Said he was from Washington.

CORY

(Smiles)

Did he buy your Jamaican accent and your new name?

ELDERMAN

(Laughs, fake Jamaican accent)

Yes mon. Ah tell de man dat mah name is Kluto Shovington. Ah tell de man dat ah aint see no strange characters around dese parts.

CORY

(Doubles over with laughter)

He asked to see your greencard?

ELDERMAN

(Back to normal accent)

Yeah. No problem. All the papers I bought from the “Forger” look genuine.

(Studies Cory)

You sure look different without your dreadlocks.

CORY

(Smiles, lights a marijuana joint)

My wife is one happy woman. She never liked them. And you, President, you certainly do not look like the same person I worked with on the garbage trail.

ELDERMAN

(Smiling)

I see that you haven’t given up your ganja. How is business?

CORY

(Finish lighting cigarette, inhales, exhales)

Couldn’t be better, I hired another guy. This one is from the Virgin Islands. He paints a pretty picture of St. Croix. He makes me want to relocate. Maybe I’ll take a trip in December.

ELDERMAN

(Shakes head)

Don’t tell me you’re relocating again.

CORY

Nah. I like it here.

ELDERMAN

(Wistful look)

Have you spoken to any of the guys back home?

CORY

(Sighs)

Yeah. I called James last weekend. They’re still talking about you, man. They’re investigating Doctor Schiller. They suspect that he had something to do with your change of skin color, but they have no proof.

ELDERMAN

(Shrugs)

If only…

CORY

(Shaking head)

Forget it, man. You can’t go back.

ELDERMAN

(Surprised)

I was not thinking of going back. I was just thinking that if my skin had not changed, I’d be in the White House right now.

CORY

Hey, you are the President. You’re not in the White House, but you’re the President. You won the election. You got more votes than Bowser.

ELDERMAN

(Laughs)

Bowser is the President.

CORY

(Sucks teeth)

Bowser is an ass. He’s already making stupid decisions. He can’t run this country, man.

(Stands)

Don’t forget dinner at my house Sunday night. You know how we enjoy having the President of the United States at our house.

ELDERMAN

(Laughs)

I’ll be there. I’m tired of my own cooking.

CORY

Get a wife, man. My wife’s cousin from Atlanta is visiting. She’s single and beautiful.

Elderman smiles, and waves Cory off.

THREE MONTHS LATER

INT. DINING ROOM – FRANCES’S APARTMENT -NIGHT

Three months later, Errol and Frances are having dinner in Frances’ apartment. The baby is in his high chair at the table. Errol tickles the baby’s tummy and the baby knocks his rattle on the table. Errol laughs.

ERROL

He’s such a handsome little boy. His father would have been proud of him.

FRANCES

(Smiles)

Yes, he would have been.

ERROL

(Covers her left hand with his)

I’m sorry. I should not have…

FRANCES

(Pats his hand)

It’s ok, Errol. Mike died when I was two months pregnant with little Mike. It’s not as bad as it used to be.

ERROL

I’m very fond of you and little Mike, Frances.

(Turns to look into her eyes)

In fact, I’m beginning to look forward to seeing you two at the end of the day.

FRANCES

(Smiles shyly)

We look forward to seeing you too, Errol.

Errol leans over and kisses Frances on her lips. Little mike bangs his rattle on the table and they both turn to him and laugh.

Three months later

INT. LIVING ROOM –FRANCES’ APARTMENT - NIGHT

Errol and Frances are sitting on the couch in Frances’ living room. Errol’s arm is around Frances’ shoulder, and her head is resting on his shoulder.

ERROL

So, have you thought about what I asked you?

FRANCES

(Eyes closed)

Mmm.

(Jokingly)

What did you ask me?

ERROL

(Gently nudges her)

I asked you to marry me.

FRANCES

(Smiles, opens eyes)

Yes. I thought about it.

ERROL

And?

FRANCES

(Seriously)

I …Oh, Errol…

ERROL

(Concerned)

What is the matter, Frances? Don’t you love me?

FRANCES

(Turns to face him)

Oh, yes Errol. I love you. It’s just that…

ERROL

(Looking into her eyes)

It’s just what?

FRANCES

(Sighs)

You’re gonna want children and I…I…

ERROL

(Hugging Frances)

It’s okay if you do not want to have any more children. We have Mike.

FRANCES

(Draws away from Errol)

No, honey. I’d love to have your children, but…but I can’t.

(Sadly)

I can’t have children. Mike is not my child.

ERROL

(Puzzled)

But…but…

(Stands)

I don’t understand.

FRANCES

(Takes Errol’s hand)

Sit down.

ERROL

(Sitting)

Mike is not your child? Who’s his mother? Where’s his mother?

FRANCES

(Sighs, and turns to face Errol)

I’ll tell you how I got Mike.

(Takes a deep breath)

I’m not from Atlanta as I told you. I’m from Florida. Mike’s mother is white. Her name is Cassie. She asked me not to tell anyone how I got Mike. I want to marry you, Errol. I do not want any secrets between us.

Errol listens to Frances, his mouth opened in surprise. When she stops talking, he goes to the bedroom and returns with the sleeping child. Frances, puzzled by his strange behavior, questions him.

FRANCES

(Standing)

Errol, are you okay?

ERROL

(Hugging baby tightly, whispers)

My son. My son.

FRANCES

(Puzzled, goes to stand next to Errol)

Errol, you’re acting strangely.

The baby awakes and starts to cry. Frances tries to take him from Errol, but Errol would not let go.

FRANCES

(Uneasily)

Errol, you’re scaring me. What’s the matter with you?

ERROL

(Turns to face Frances)

Let’s sit, Frances. I have something to tell you. After you hear what I have to say, I hope that you will not think less of me.

The baby stops crying.

FRANCES

(Backing away, drops into the chair)

I could never think less of you. You’re a decent man.

ERROL

(Sitting, turns to face Frances)

Mike is…Mike is my son.

FRANCES

(Shocked)

What? But how can he be your son?

ERROL

(Looks down at the sleeping child in his arms and sighs)

Cassie’s name is Jenny.

Errol tells Frances the story. After he’s finished, she says nothing for a while and then she turns to him, tears streaming down her face.

FRANCES

Oh, Errol. It’s such a sad story. Cassie…I mean Jenny seemed like such a nice person.

(Thoughtfully)

She once called me Debra. When I asked her who Debra was, she changed the subject.

ERROL

Do you know where Jenny is?

FRANCES

(Shaking head)

No. But I know that she’s not in New York.

ERROL

Will you still marry me after what I just told you?

FRANCES

Yes. I want to marry you. I don’t think any less of you. They…those girls hurt you when you were a little boy.

ERROL

(Pulls her to him, kisses her)

Oh, baby. I love you. I love you and our son.

FRANCES

Oh, Errol, I love you too.

He put his arm around her shoulder and draws her close to him. They smile down at the sleeping baby.

EPILOG

ERROL NEVER WENT TO DEBRA’S HUSBAND. HE CALLED DEBRA ON THE PHONE AND APOLOGIZED. DEBRA NEVER WENT BACK TO THE BAR WHERE SHE’D MET ERROL. JENNY MOVED TO EUROPE WHERE SHE MET AN AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSMAN. BEFORE SHE STARTED A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, SHE INVESTIGATED HIS BACKGROUND, AS SHE WANTED TO BE SURE THAT SHE WAS NOT SLEEPING WITH A BLACK MAN. SHE MARRIED HIM AFTER SHE’D MET HIS FAMILY - FROM THE EARLIEST GENERATION ALIVE TO THE PRESENT.

FADE OUT

THE END

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