Clear

EXT.
CITY PARK - DAY

OPEN ON a CITY PARK. Greenery mixes with grayscape. Tall
buildings hem the park. In the middle of the park stands a
large, CLEAR BOX, a sort of structure.
As we approach the box, it becomes clear that it is a single
PRISON CELL, containing a bed and a utilitarian bathroom.
A man with short brown hair and an orange jumpsuit sits on
the edge of the bed. This is RYAN ALTON (32).
He has the eyes of a man that hasnt rested in years.
He leans forward, sets his elbows on his knees
RYAN (V.O.)
My name is Ryan Alton. Im thirty-
two years old.
He stares blankly out of the cell at the park around him.
RYAN (V.O.)
I wasnt born in this cell. They
brought me in here today.
EXT. CELL - EARLIER
A group of guards lead Ryan into the cell. Most onlookers
gawk, others barely spare a glance as they walk past.
RYAN (V.O.)
I am to sit in here for three
years, like a bug in a jar. They
even poked holes in it so I can
breathe.
We see SMALL HOLES high in the cell wall, near the ceiling.
RYAN (V.O.)
As if asphyxiation is any worse
than starvation.
The guards lock the door and walk away.
RYAN (V.O.)
Im not here because of a strange
coincidence or cruel twist of fate.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
Ryan walks along a dark, empty street. His hair is a little
longer than it is in the cell and he wears a BLACK JACKET.
He moves with precision
RYAN (V.O.)
I earned my way here.
He pulls his jacket up around his face. Scans the street
discreetly, making sure hes alone.
RYAN (V.O.)
First rule, never wear a hood. A
hood is a good way to get on the
radar of anybody who sees you.
He turns and walks to an expensive-looking door. He pulls on
a pair of leather gloves.
He reaches into his coat and takes out a crowbar. Wedges it
between door and doorjamb. Pulls.
CRACK. The door swings away and hes in, closing the broken
door behind him.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING
Ryan walks briskly up a set of stairs.
RYAN (V.O.)
Dont go above the third floor. The
higher you go, the longer you spend
in the building. You dont want to
meet the cops on the stairs.
He walks down a hall towards a door. He reaches the door and
BREAKS it open with the crowbar.
He walks through the doorway and takes a second to examine
the space. A luxurious loft.
RYAN (V.O.)
First, find the bedroom.
Ryan spots the stairs and goes up without hesitation. A
TELEPHONE RINGS.
He walks into a bedroom. A HUSBAND and WIFE in the bed. They
heard the door break and are getting up.
2.
HUSBAND
Hey! What...
Ryan pulls a 9MM pistol from his jacket and points it at the
man.
RYAN
Dont move.
The mans eyes dart to his bedside table and back.
RYAN (CONTD)
Dont fucking move!
Ryan quickly crosses to the bedside table, keeping his gun
trained on the husband. Ryan opens the drawer and feels
around with his hand, his eyes still locked on the husband.
He pulls a REVOLVER out of the drawer.
He moves back, flips the revolver open and dumps the bullets
on the ground. Tucks the revolver into a jacket pocket.
RYAN (V.O.)
Leave bullets behind. Commit a
robbery with a loaded gun and its
attempted murder.
The phone continues to RING in the background.
Ryan goes to the dresser and takes a jewelry box from the
top.
HUSBAND
Theres an alarm on the door, the
police will be here any second.
RYAN (V.O.)
Not likely.
Ryan opens the top drawer to reveal a full watch rack. He
takes the watches.
RYAN (V.O.)
After the alarm is tripped, the
alarm company will call the house.
If you answer with the password, no
harm done. If you dont answer,
they will contact the authorities.
He scans the room for any other easy loot.
3.
RYAN (V.O.)
So Ive got about three more
minutes before I have to start
worrying.
The husband moves stealthily under the covers, preparing to
launch at Ryan.
He turns his gun back to the couple and pulls back the
hammer.
RYAN
I said dont fucking move!
The husband sits still as a statue. The wifes eyes open wide
with terror.
The phone has stopped ringing. Silence.
A beat.
Ryans anger subsides to an eerily calm composure.
RYAN (CONTD)
Wait until you hear the door close,
count to twenty, and then call the
police.
He turns and walks out without a second glance.
RYAN (V.O.)
When you have the goods, say
something to stop them from
following, and get out.
Ryan exits the building and walks into an alley.
RYAN (V.O.)
Always how the quickest route to
the subway.
He walks toward the end of the alley. We hear the sound of a
car driving. Almost instinctively, Ryan dives behind a
dumpster.
Just as he pokes his head out to look toward the street, a
POLICE CAR cruises slowly past, probing the alley with
spotlight.
FREEZE ON: Ryans face, illuminated by the spotlight.
4.
RYAN (V.O.)
And keep your head down.
INT. CELL - DAY
The city lives and breathes outside, but the cell is still
and quiet.
RYAN (V.O.)
I am a silent observer for the next
three years with nothing to do but
sit, and watch.
AERIAL SHOT:
People filter in and out of the park far below.
SUPER:
INT. CELL - DAY
Ryan sits on his bed in the cell, scanning his surroundings.
He rises and walks idly around the cell.
RYAN (V.O.)
Its like being a zoo animal until
I make eye contact. Then I suddenly
dont exist.
As if to demonstrate, he spins and catches a man in a suit
staring at him. The man quickly glances away.
Many of the people walking around the cell avoid even looking
at Ryan.
RYAN (V.O.)
They dont know who I am or why Im
here. The honest thing to do is to
stare.
Ryan sees a young boy staring. The boys mother pulls the
childs arm, steering him away.
5.
RYAN (V.O.)
Kids are the only honest ones.
Ryan sweeps his eyes around the park but nobody is looking at
him now. He walks over to the bathroom and flips a SWITCH on
the wall.
EXT. CELL
The walls instantly turn opaque.
RYAN (V.O.)
Dont worry, they wouldnt disgust
the public just to humiliate me.
We hear a toilet flush.
RYAN (V.O.)
Every three hours I get ten minutes
of this.
INT. CELL
From inside, the sounds of the city still seep in. Ryan does
push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises while the walls are
opaque.
The switch clicks back into place and the walls become clear
again.
Ryan leans back against the bed and closes his eyes, panting.
INT. CELL - NIGHT
Ryan leans against the glass of the cell and looks into the
night. The park is empty.
EXT. DARK ALLEY - NIGHT
Ryan, frozen by the police spotlight, snaps his head back
down behind the dumpster.
The police car stops. Tense moments as the spotlight searches
the alley.
The car drives away. Ryan takes a breath to steady himself.
He walks across the street into another alley. He turns his
black jacket inside out and puts it back on. The jacket is
now BLAZE ORANGE.
6.
INT. SUBWAY TRAIN
Ryan paces restlessly on an empty subway train, adrenaline
coursing through him.
EXT. TIMES SQUARE
Ryan walks along the sidewalk. His precise, purposeful stride
has slowed and relaxed.
The light, noise, and crowds of the square are a shock after
the darkness and quiet of the robbery.
RYAN (V.O.)
I always felt comfortable in a
crowd. You can almost be invisible.
Groups of happy, drunk people walk the streets. Ryan walks
among them, blending into the crowd.
TIME LAPSE:
We rise above the street, a blurry river of people flowing
below us. The city lights shine brightly.
Ryan sits still on a bench as the night spins around him. His
face reveals the same tired defeat we saw in the cell.
The crowd still surrounds him but he is no longer a part of
it.
INT./EXT. CELL - EARLY MORNING
Ryan is asleep in the cell. Gray dawn light filters around
the buildings.
A buzzer sounds. Ryan swings his legs out of bed and sits up.
He rubs his eyes wearily.
A short, uniformed policeman, DAVID VELASQUEZ (41), walks up
to the cell door carrying a CAFETERIA TRAY full of boxes. He
knocks on the cell. His voice is muffled through the glass.
VELASQUEZ
Alton, get up!
Ryan stands.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
Stand in front of the door.
Ryan walks to the door.
7.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
Roll up your sleeves.
Ryan rolls up his sleeves.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
Hold out your hands. Palms up.
Velasquez inspects Ryans wrists. He seems satisfied.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
Stand back.
Ryan takes a few steps back. Velasquez kneels down and
unlocks a slot at the bottom of the door. He slides the tray
through and re-locks the slot. Takes out a sheet of paper.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
(reading)
This is your food for the day, you
are responsible for rationing your
own meals, you can eat at any time.
(aside)
Or not at all, personally I dont
give a shit.
(back to the sheet)
An officer will be here every
morning to deliver your meals for
the day, including weekends and
holidays. At that time we will also
retrieve the trash from the
previous day. My name is Officer
Velasquez, and I am happy to answer
any questions. Have a nice day.
Velasquez leaves without waiting for a response. Ryan watches
him go.
Ryan sits on his bed and pours a carton of MILK into a small
box of cereal.
People begin to trickle through the park as the sun rises.
INT./EXT. CELL - AN HOUR LATER
Ryan stands in his cell, leaning against the wall. The park
is full of morning joggers, walkers, and commuters.
Suddenly, out of the crowd emerges a stunning woman in
business attire, EVA ANDREES (29). She has dark hair, dark
eyes, and an aloofness acquired from a lifetime of unwanted
male attention. She carries a leather PURSE.
8.
Ryan is immediately captivated. He moves toward her. The cell
wall stops him, but he watches as she walks.
She walks through the park without sparing him, or anybody
else, a stray glance. She turns a corner and is lost from
sight, but the spell lingers.
Ryan stands with his gaze frozen on the spot where Eva
disappeared.
INT./EXT. CELL - AFTERNOON
Ryan does push-ups on the ground. People watch him as he
works out.
He pumps out push-up after push-up.
He breaks his rhythm for a second to glance at the spot where
Eva turned the corner, and then goes right back into the push-
ups.
Sweating.
INT. CELL - LATE AFTERNOON
Ryan sits on the edge of his bed. People slowly filter
through the park in the dusky light. Ryan glances around the
park.
He looks just in time to see Eva walk into view. She has a
nearly luminous quality.
Ryan begins to drift toward her again, but he stops himself.
He still cant help but watch her walk all the way across the
park.
She leaves the park. Ryan leans back into the bed and runs a
hand over his head.
We hear the sounds of two children playing and laughing.
RYAN 5 (O.S.)
Jade wait!
EXT. VACANT LOT - DAY
SUPER: 1989
A FIVE YEAR-OLD RYAN runs and plays with JADE (5), a girl
with dark hair, bright green eyes, and an infectious smile.
9.
Their clothes are dirty and tattered.
Jade runs and giggles as Ryan chases her around heaps of
trash.
RYAN 5
Wait!
JADE 5
No!
RYAN 5
I have a secret.
JADE 5
What?
RYAN 5
Stop and Ill tell you.
Jade is intrigued. She stops. Ryan catches up and moves to
whisper in her ear, but instead kisses her cheek.
JADE 5
Ryan! Ewwww.
Jade wipes her cheek off and rubs her hand in the dirt.
JADE 5 (CONTD)
I have a secret too.
Ryan offers his ear. Jade moves in to whisper, but instead
rubs dirt on his face and races off giggling. Ryan wipes his
face off and chases after her.
INT./EXT. CELL - EARLY MORNING - FALL
The trees in the park have turned to red and gold.
The buzzer sounds. Ryan sits up and swings his legs onto the
floor. He looks up and sees Velasquez approaching with his
daily rations. He rises and rolls up his sleeves and
approaches the door.
RYAN
Morning officer.
Velasquez doesnt respond. He inspects Ryans wrists and
hands, and then passes the food through the door.
10.
RYAN (CONTD)
Hey, could you tell whoever is in
charge that one carton of milk
isnt enough?
No response.
RYAN (CONTD)
Great, thank you.
INT. CELL
The walls are opaque. Ryan showers.
INT. CELL - AN HOUR LATER
Ryan looks at a large analog clock on one of the buildings.
It is 8:47.
Eva walks through the park. Ryan instantly notices but yanks
his focus away. He forces himself to become very interested
in his hands.
RYAN (V.O.)
She walks this way every morning
and every afternoon Monday through
Friday.
She keeps her eyes focused dead ahead.
RYAN (V.O.)
8:47 A.M., and 5:13 P.M.
Eva walks past the cell. She dresses attractively without
being overtly sexual. Designer clothes, heels, all very
tasteful.
RYAN (V.O.)
Id rather not think about her, but
when you see the same shit every
day its hard to keep your mind
from wandering.
He picks at his fingernails.
RYAN (V.O.)
I like to think that she works for
Donald Trump, as an advisor, and
that shes telling him to do all
these things because it will make
people like him.
11.
(MORE)
She doesnt believe it, she just
thinks its funny.
The way Eva carries herself is almost regal.
RYAN (V.O.)
She looks like she would be above
something that petty, but shes
not. Nobody is above petty
pleasures like that.
Ryan smiles a half smile as he keeps himself occupied.
INT./EXT. CELL - MIDDAY
Ryan is just finishing a sandwich. He sets his tray on the
floor and leans back on his bed. He closes his eyes.
We hear an intentional and persistent TAPPING on the glass of
the cell. Ryan opens his eyes.
PAN OVER to show a child tapping on the glass. He wears
freckles, glasses, and a warm hat. He speaks with a slight
lisp on account of a missing tooth. He taps again on the
glass.
Ryan looks at him.
FRECKLED KID
(muffled by the cell)
What did you do?
Ryan glares.
FRECKLED KID (CONTD)
Did you steal a candy bar?
No response.
My mom said that you stole a candy
bar. She says the people who steal
candy bars go to jail.
Ryan continues to stare.
But this is a special jail. Did you
steal a lot of candy bars?
Ryan shakes his head slightly.
12.
RYAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Did you rob a liquor store?
Ryan frowns.
Did you murder somebody? I bet you
murdered somebody. How did they
catch you? Did you forget to throw
away the knife? Did you leave semen
on the body? Are you a
necrophiliac?
Ryans frown deepens.
The KIDS MOTHER comes to collect him.
MOTHER
OK honey come on, no more talking
to the bad man.
She grabs his arm and tows him away.
FRECKLED KID
Mom, he told me he killed forty
people! And he said that he stabbed
them all a hundred times! And he
said that they caught him because
he left semen everywhere.
MOTHER
What?!
She stops in her tracks. She wheels around toward Ryan. Ryan
shakes his head and makes a gesture of innocence.
MOTHER (CONTD)
How dare you talk to a little boy
like that. Do you think that just
because they put you here that you
can be a monster and say those
things to children?
Ryan crosses his arms and takes the tirade dispassionately.
MOTHER (CONTD)
Ive never heard him talk like that
before, you ought--
CUT TO:
13.
5:13 on the clock.
Ryan watches as Eva walks across the park. After a few beats
he turns away.
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
SUPER: 1993
NINE YEAR-OLD RYAN and NINE YEAR-OLD JADE walk along the
halls of a hospital. Doctors, nurses, and patients scurry
about. Ryan and Jade walk slowly, staying out of the way,
observing.
They walk past room after room of patients.
They stop at a room and see a very fit woman with her leg in
a cast, irritated.
FIT WOMAN
What do you kids want? Get out of
here.
The kids linger a second and move on. A male nurse apprehends
them in the hall.
NURSE
Hey, you guys cant be here.
JADE 9
(lying)
They told us the bathroom was this
way, were just visiting our
friend.
She gestures vaguely behind her. The nurse is busy, hes not
getting paid to be a tour guide.
NURSE
OK, the bathroom is down that hall
and to the right. Go to the
bathroom and go right back to your
friends room alright?
The nurse hurries off.
The kids walk to an open door and see an elderly black man
attached to all sorts of wires and tubes.
14.
MANS POV: Ryan and Jade stand shyly by the door, their faces
full of curiosity, but behind that, an almost angelic
innocence and compassion.
KIDS POV: The man looks towards us, then with effort raises
a hand to the children.
The two sides share a meaningful moment. The man puts his
hand down and closes his eyes, comforted by the encounter.
The kids slowly turn and leave.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
The kids walk along a sidewalk, close together. Ryan sneaks a
look at Jade. She catches him and smiles.
Ryan looks at the ground and smiles to himself.
INT./EXT. CELL - NIGHT
The park is empty. Ryan sits on the edge of his bed. Staring
into the night.
INT./EXT. CELL - EARLY MORNING - WINTER
Snow blankets the ground.
Buzzer. Up. Velasquez.
RYAN
Morning officer.
VELASQUEZ
Morning.
LATER
Ryan showers.
CUT TO:
LATER
Eva walks through the park in SLOW MOTION as Ryan watches.
The other people in the park are a blur. Days and nights
cycle through as she walks.
Ryan leans against the cell wall, watching her walk.
15.
She never so much as glances his way.
He tracks her as she walks all the way out of the park.
The day/night cycle abruptly stops in the dead of night. Ryan
walks back to his bed and sits on the bed, looking at the
ground.
EXT. RUN-DOWN APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
9 YEAR-OLD RYAN sits on the curb looking at the shabby
apartment building across the street. Waiting.
Waiting.
He stands and crosses the street.
INT. RUN-DOWN APARTMENT BUILDING
The inside of the building doesnt look any better than the
outside. Ryan walks down a hallway to a door.
Next to the door, he sees a large pair of black, dirty WORK
BOOTS.
He raises his fist to knock, hesitates, and then knocks
softly.
The door cracks open and 9 YEAR-OLD JADE peeks through
guardedly. She looks bad; like she hasnt slept in two or
three days.
RYAN 9
(taken aback)
Jade.
JADE 9
Ryan, I cant. I cant leave right
now.
RYAN 9
Are you OK?
An angry mans voice comes from inside the apartment, JADES
DAD.
JADES DAD (O.S.)
Jade! Who is that?
16.
JADE 9
(to Ryan)
I have to go. Ill find you when I
get a chance.
JADES DAD (O.S.)
Jade!
JADE 9
(to Ryan)
Im sorry.
Jade closes the door.
EXT. JADES APARTMENT BUILDING - SHORTLY AFTERWARD
Ryan sits on the sidewalk in front of the building, tracing
figures on the sidewalk with his finger. An old man glances
at Ryan as he walks by on the sidewalk.
He does a double take and walks back to Ryan.
This is DICK GERHARDT (68). He has a kind, wrinkled face, and
a stature shortened by years of heavy labor. Ryan looks up.
DICK
Hey there, whats your name?
RYAN 9
Ryan.
DICK
Hi Ryan, Im Dick.
He offers his hand. Ryan shakes.
DICK (CONTD)
Do you want to see a magic trick
Ryan?
Ryan nods.
Dick reaches into his pocket and pulls out a crinkled old
FIVE DOLLAR BILL. He reaches into his other pocket and pulls
out a lighter.
He holds the bill out for Ryan to see. He ignites the lighter
and holds it to the bill. The note begins to burn.
Dick then waves his hand in front of the bill and it
disappears in a puff of smoke. He holds up his hands to show
that it is totally gone.
17.
Ryan is impressed, a smile growing on his face.
DICK (CONTD)
Check your pocket.
Ryan reaches into his pocket and pulls out a crinkled FIVE
DOLLAR BILL.
RYAN 9
Wow.
He inspects the bill all over, front and back.
He looks back up to Dick, and holds out the bill. Dick
laughs.
DICK
No, no, keep it.
Ryan pockets the money with a huge smile.
RYAN 9
Thank you.
Dick quickly looks at Ryan from head to toe. Ryan is dirty.
Toes are visible through a hole in his shoe.
DICK
What are you doing waiting out
here?
RYAN 9
Waiting for my friend to come out.
Her dad is mad at her today.
DICK
Where are your parents?
RYAN 9
My moms at work. She doesnt get
back till pretty late.
DICK
What about dad?
RYAN 9
Oh, I dont have one.
Dick nods.
He reaches into his pocket and comes up with a scrap of paper
and a pen.
18.
DICK
(writing as he talks)
Tell you what, why dont you come
down to the warehouse at this
address...
(handing Ryan the paper)
... and well see what we can do
about those shoes. Tell them youre
looking for Dick.
Ryan looks at the paper.
DICK (CONTD)
Deal?
RYAN
OK.
DICK
Take care, kid.
Dick leaves.
Ryan watches him go. He retrieves the bill from his pocket to
examine every inch of it.
EXT. INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE - DAY
Establishing. A squat, gray, brightly lit warehouse.
INT. WAREHOUSE OFFICE
Dick works in an open office area tucked into the back
corner of the warehouse, just behind the massive shelving
units filled with boxes.
A large man in a gray coverall guides Ryan through the last
row of shelves into the office. Dick hears them approaching
and swivels around in his chair.
DICK
What have you found there Darius?
Good to see you kid, I was starting
to think you lost the address.
Here, take a seat.
Dick offers Ryan a chair. Ryan sits.
DICK (CONTD)
Thanks Darius.
Darius nods and leaves.
19.
DICK (CONTD)
Now, I do believe that I have
something here for you.
Dick searches the shelves in his desk.
DICK (CONTD)
Theyre around here somewhere...
Ah.
He pulls out a shoebox.
He opens the box and reveals a pair of brand new shoes.
He hands them over to Ryan. Ryan is thrilled.
DICK (CONTD)
Lets see how those fit.
Ryan quickly pops his shoes off, and stuffs his feet into the
new ones. He stands and walks a small loop around the office,
looking at the new shoes admiringly.
DICK (CONTD)
Well?
RYAN 9
Theyre awesome. Thank you.
DICK
(with a laugh)
Hey, dont mention it.
Dick takes Ryans old shoes and throws them into a nearby
trash can.
DICK (CONTD)
Youre not going to be needing
those anymore.
Ryan returns to his seat, still trying to look at his new
footwear from every angle.
RYAN
(in wonder)
Cool.
DICK
Im glad you like them. Now, how
would you like to make some money
running errands for me a couple
times a week?
Ryan looks up from his shoes.
20.
RYAN 9
Really?
DICK
Sure.
RYAN 9
OK, what do you want me to do?
DICK
Youre eager, I like that. Well...
Dick turns back to his desk. He opens a drawer. Empty.
He presses down on the bottom of the drawer. The bottom
slides back and reveals a SECRET COMPARTMENT.
The compartment contains several uniform stacks of $20 AND
$100 BILLS, and one paper and twine PACKAGE with the exact
same dimensions as the stacks of bills.
Dick makes sure to put himself directly between Ryan and the
drawer, shielding his actions from Ryans view. He grabs the
PACKAGE, restores the false bottom, and closes the drawer.
He spins around and hands the package to Ryan, then retrieves
a white card and pen from his pocket and begins to write on
it.
DICK (CONTD)
Alright, I want you to take that to
this address and put it in the
mailbox.
He hands Ryan the card. 2222 South High St.
DICK (CONTD)
And then walk home through the back
alleys, not out on the street.
RYAN 9
OK.
DICK
Oh, and before I forget.
(retrieving $20 from his
pocket)
There you go kid. Meet me back here
at noon on Thursday. Yes?
He hands Ryan the $20. Its a small fortune.
RYAN 9
Yes.
21.
DICK
Off you go then.
EXT. EXPENSIVE TOWN HOME - A LITTLE LATER
Ryan checks the card again, and then looks at the door in
front of him. 2222.
He walks up the steps and drops the package in the mailbox.
INT. TOWN HOME
From inside the dark house, we can see Ryan retreating
through a small gap in the curtains. We track him as he
retrieves the $20 from his pocket and walks across the
street, marveling at his wealth.
INT./EXT. CELL - MORNING - SPRING
Buzzer. Velasquez.
INT./EXT. CELL - MORNING
Ryan watches Eva cross the park. The clock shows 8:47.
TIME LAPSE:
The morning and early afternoon flies by.
Ryan watches Eva walk back through the park.
Ryan is still awake, deep into the night.
INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
SUPER: 1997
A 14 YEAR-OLD RYAN enters an office tucked into the back
corner of the warehouse. Dick sits at a desk in the office,
working.
22.
He hears Ryan approaching and looks over his shoulder. He
smiles warmly.
DICK
Ryan, my best boy.
RYAN 14
Hey Dick.
As Ryan walks behind Dick, Ryan pats him on the shoulder and
simultaneously STEALS HIS WALLET.
DICK
How was it out there?
RYAN 14
It was good.
Ryan pulls up a chair and sits.
DICK
Dont think I didnt notice you
taking my wallet.
Ryan slowly smiles. He pulls the wallet out of his pocket and
tosses it to Dick, who catches it deftly and sets it on the
desk. Dick reaches into his pocket and pulls out another
wallet.
DICK (CONTD)
And whats this?
Ryan pats at his other pocket, realizing that nothing is
there. He smiles again.
RYAN 14
Youre the best, Dick.
Dick laughs.
DICK
Youre learning. Just dont get
yourself caught in the mean time.
RYAN 14
Dont worry, Ill be OK. There are
three twenties in there so youre
gonna have to make change if you
want your fifty percent.
23.
DICK
Dont worry about it. I won a
hundred bucks on a scratch ticket
this morning. Save that cash for a
rainy day.
Dick tosses the wallet to Ryan. Ryan stands and turns to
leave.
RYAN 14
Thanks Dick.
DICK
Dont mention it. See you tomorrow
kid. Remember, quick fingers, and--
RYAN 14
(on his way out)
And if those fail you, quick feet.
Good night Dick.
Ryan leaves.
Dick opens his wallet and flips through the bills inside. All
there.
INT. DARK APARTMENT - A LITTLE LATER
A door opens and light floods into the apartment. Ryan slips
in and gently closes the door. He flips a light switch,
revealing a small, shabby apartment.
He walks to a PURSE sitting on a counter, next to an open,
half-empty bottle of bourbon. He screws a cap on the bottle.
RYAN 14
(quietly)
Come on, Mom.
He takes his wallet out and transfers the $60 into the purse.
He walks back and flips the light off. Takes his jacket off
and tosses it on a chair. Goes and lies down on the couch,
pulling a blanket over himself.
He stares at the ceiling, youthful optimism written on his
face.
INT./EXT. CELL - MORNING - WINTER
The trees have shed their leaves. Park-goers leave behind
wispy clouds with every exhalation.
24.
The buzzer sounds. Ryan gets up. Velasquez comes with food.
RYAN
Morning officer.
Velasquez grunts.
RYAN (CONTD)
Whats the word on this milk
situation?
INT./EXT. CELL - AN HOUR LATER
The clock hits 8:47.
Eva walks across the park. Ryan watches her the entire way.
INT./EXT. CELL - A LITTLE LATER
Ryan sits on the bed.
A BUDDHIST MAN with a bald head and flowing orange robes
stands in front of the cell.
BUDDHIST
Do you mind if I rest here, my
friend?
Ryan looks over and shrugs. The man sits down cross legged,
facing the cell.
BUDDHIST (CONTD)
Isnt it a strange world that puts
people like us on display?
Ryan shrugs again.
BUDDHIST (CONTD)
Please, come, sit. I feel like Im
having a conversation with the
cell.
Ryan looks hesitant. The man smiles disarmingly.
BUDDHIST (CONTD)
Im not trying to convert anybody
here.
Ryan rises, walks to the Buddhist, sits cross legged.
25.
BUDDHIST (CONTD)
I, too, have made decisions that I
regret. But I sense that the
decisions that put you in here are
not the ones that you regret the
most.
RYAN
Why is that?
The man laughs.
BUDDHIST
Oh, I can see a lot of who I was in
your face. Regret, anger, sadness.
Ive spent a fair amount of time in
a cell myself. But we move on.
Introspection on Ryans face.
BUDDHIST (CONTD)
We do the wrong things for the
right reasons, after the
opportunity to do the right thing
is long past.
Eva walks across the park. Ryan watches her walk. The clock
is at 5:13.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT [FLASHBACK]
SUPER: 1998
16 YEAR-OLD RYAN and 16 YEAR-OLD JADE walk on a sidewalk.
JADE 16
How do you even know he cares about
you?
RYAN 16
You dont know him.
JADE 16
I know that he takes half of what
you make and that he would be
just fine without you.
26.
RYAN 16
No, you dont know him. Yeah I give
him some of what I earn, but I
couldnt have made any of it
without him.
JADE 16
If he cares about you so much then
why doesnt he just let you keep
everything? Or better yet, give you
a real job?
RYAN 16
He just works there, he doesnt own
the place.
JADE 16
Still, he has a job, hes paying
the bills. He doesnt need any of
your money. Hes not even risking
anything, youre the one taking the
risk.
RYAN 16
Its not like theyre gonna put me
away for picking pockets and
stealing purses.
JADE 16
How about breaking and entering?
Larceny?
Ryan falls silent.
JADE 16 (CONTD)
Yeah I know about that, Ryan. You
will go to jail for that.
Jade is more frustrated than angry.
JADE 16 (CONTD)
Youre so stupid sometimes.
The two walk in silence for a beat.
RYAN 16
I want to show you something.
Jade is still frustrated.
JADE 16
What?
27.
Ryan starts to cross the street. Jade considers not following
him. Finally she crosses the street with an aggravated sigh.
EXT. LOWRISE ROOF - NIGHT
Ryan and Jade sit on the edge of the building looking at the
MANHATTAN SKYLINE.
The sight is rapturous.
JADE 16
Isnt your mom gonna worry? Its
already one-thirty.
Her frustration has worn off.
RYAN 16
She was passed out at eight. What
about your dad.
JADE 16
I dont even know where he is. He
hasnt been home since Wednesday.
The two lapse into silence, gazing out at the city.
JADE 16 (CONTD)
Where are we going, Ryan?
Ryan hasnt considered this question before, but it doesnt
bother him.
RYAN 16
I dont know.
Ryan slides his hand over Jades hand and keeps it there. She
weaves her fingers between his.
They sit perfectly still, framed by the sweeping lights of
the city.
INT./EXT. CELL - MORNING - SPRING
CLOSE ON a hand. PULL BACK to reveal Ryan on his bed sitting
just like the night on the roof, but diminished in his
isolation.
Park-goers chatter happily, reveling in the warmth of the
sun.
Eva walks through, nearly parting the crowd. Ryan watches,
drawing comfort from their daily routine.
28.
Suddenly, Eva looks at Ryan. Not a lingering gaze, but more
than just a glance.
She turns her head away. Ryan looks at his hand. A smile
slowly reveals itself.
RYAN (V.O.)
Nobody is above petty curiosity.
Shes human.
INT. CELL
The walls are opaque. Ryan pumps out pushup after pushup. He
cracks a smile as sweat drips from his nose.
INT./EXT. CELL - MIDDAY
Ryan watches groups of people eat lunch in the park. He is
still basking in the glow of the morning.
He turns to see a young boy sitting right next to the cell,
staring at him. This is DONALD WOHLMUT (6), and he has a
remarkably open, honest face. He waves at Ryan.
DONALD
Hi!
Ryan usually wouldnt say anything, but hes in such a good
mood today, why not?
RYAN
Hi.
DONALD
Whats your name?
RYAN
Ryan.
DONALD
Im Donald.
RYAN
Hi Donald.
DONALD
What are you doing in there?
RYAN
I like it in here.
29.
DONALD
Nuh uh. Youre in trouble.
RYAN
Yeah, Im in trouble.
Donald nods his head sagely.
DONALD
When Im in trouble my mom puts me
in time-out.
RYAN
This is kinda like time-out.
DONALD
Yeah except my mom puts me in my
room. You must have made your mom
really mad.
An athletic teenage boy suddenly swoops in and picks up
Donald, QUINN WOHLMUT (15), Donalds older brother.
QUINN
Hey there Donnie I lost you for a
second.
Quinn carries Donald away without acknowledging Ryan.
DONALD
I was talking to Ryan.
QUINN
I know you were buddy. Lets keep
this a secret from mom though OK?
DONALD
Why?
The two move out of earshot. Ryan sits back on the bed, a
little wind lost from his sails.
Ryan looks around the park. The clock reads 5:13, but Eva
isnt there.
INT./EXT. CELL - LATER
The golden glow of late afternoon lights the park. A few
people pass by, but not Eva.
30.
Ryan looks around, slightly concerned. Nearly a year into his
sentence, he has never missed her daily commute.
We see a SERIES OF SHOTS as the afternoon wears on, Ryan
looking a bit more worried each time.
6:15 - Ryans concern has deepened.
7:21 - The light is waning. Ryan looks around the park, and
then looks at the floor. He looks back at the park.
9:36 - Streetlights have flipped on. Ryan walks around his
cell.
RYAN
(scanning for Eva)
Where are you?
10:45 - The sun has set. The moon begins to slide out from
behind the buildings.
11:30 - The moon has moved. Ryan sits in his bed with his
back against the cell wall, no longer looking around the
park.
Maybe she took another route home.
The clock reads 1:02. The park is empty. Ryan sits on the
edge of his bed wearily.
Eva walks around the corner into the park, tired but no less
stunning than usual. Ryan rises from his bed and stands
stationary.
Without breaking stride, Eva looks at Ryan. A quick head-to-
toe appraisal. She passes the cell and doesnt look back.
Ryan stands rooted in the middle of the cell, watching.
THREE MEN in dark jackets walk into the park from where Eva
entered. They walk quickly, silently behind her. On a
mission.
Ryan turns and sees the men. This is not usual. He takes a
half step toward them and stops.
RYAN
(half-yell)
Hey.
31.
The cell muffles his call. One man glances at Ryan as they
walk past the cell.
TIME SLOWS as Ryan makes eye contact with the man. His face
is emotionless, cold. His eyes are icy blue, almost white.
They have evil in them.
RYAN (CONTD)
(louder)
Hey!
Eva hears. She looks back and sees the men for the first
time. She looks ahead and quickens her pace. The men break
into a silent trot behind her.
RYAN (CONTD)
(yelling)
HEY!
Eva suddenly kicks off her heels and breaks into a full
sprint. The men CHASE. Ryan is against the cell wall, as
close to them as he can get, screaming at the men:
RYAN (CONTD)
HEY! STOP!
Eva is surprisingly fast, but the men are gaining, foot by
foot. They approach the edge of the park, almost out of
sight.
Just as they are about to reach her, she stops, plants her
feet, and whirls her purse at MAN #1 with all her might.
The purse slams Man #1 in the head. He staggers sideways. The
other two hesitate, surprised.
Eva takes advantage of their hesitation and kicks MAN #2 in
the groin. Man #2 crumples. MAN #3 lunges at Eva, tackling
her.
Eva lets out a YELL.
He SLAMS her into the ground, HARD. The hit stuns Eva. Man #3
pins her down, fully in control. He hits her in the face.
Ryan is beside himself, slamming into the cell wall, pounding
with his fists, screaming incoherently.
Man #1 has recovered by now and piles on, holding Eva down.
She screams and struggles furiously. Man #2 rolls around on
the ground, still incapacitated.
32.
Man #1 stands up and KICKS Eva in the ribs. Still she
struggles. He kicks again, HARDER. She relents, gasping in
pain. BROKEN RIBS.
Ryan furiously hurls himself at the cell with a primeval
scream.
The men rip off Evas skirt. The attack become a sexual
assault.
RYAN (CONTD)
Ill kill you! Ill fucking kill
you!
Man #2 has recovered enough to deliver a vicious kick, but
immediately doubles over in pain from the effort.
Ryan opens up a cut on the side of his fist as he hammers
against the cell. BLOOD SMEARS crimson across the clear wall.
He is powerless.
Still he pounds the wall in rage.
The men gather themselves. They grab Evas purse and run out
of the park.
Man #2 lags behind the others as they run, in pain with every
step.
Eva barely moves.
We see several shots of Ryan, out of his mind with panic. He
alternately calls for help, and tries to communicate with
Eva.
Finally a nighttime jogger enters the park, headphones in.
Ryan yells frantically to get his attention. The jogger
hears, and pulls out his headphones.
RYAN (CONTD)
(re: Eva)
HEY! Help! Call 911, quick! Go, go!
The jogger hurriedly pulls out his cell phone and makes the
call, running to Evas side.
WE RISE from the scene as the jogger reaches Eva.
HIGHER and HIGHER until the park is just a small speck in the
city. Tiny flashing lights make their way toward the park.
DISSOLVE TO:
33.
It is still night in the park. Flashing police lights strobe
against the buildings.
Eva is gone.
Ryan sits in an ambulance as a paramedic tends to the gash in
his hand. TWO POLICE OFFICERS interview him. In the
background, the jogger talks to another officer.
OFFICER #1
And did they say anything to you?
RYAN
No.
OFFICER #1
Did they say anything to her?
RYAN
No.
OFFICER #2
Did they take anything from her?
RYAN
They took her purse.
Officer #1 jots this down.
OFFICER #1
OK. Are you positive that you
didnt recognize any of them?
RYAN
Yes god damn it! They followed her
in, they attacked her, they raped
her and they took her purse. They
didnt say anything to me or her, I
didnt recognize any of them, and
one of them had blue eyes. They
went that way. She kicked one of
them in the balls, so if you see
three guys and one of them is
walking with a limp, then you
should ask them this shit.
Ryan is a bundle of raw nerves.
OFFICER #2
Were just getting all the
information--
34.
RYAN
Is she gonna be OK?
OFFICER #2
Were not allowed to release--
RYAN
Can you even tell me her fucking
name? Just her name?
OFFICER #2
We cant tell you that either. All
we can say is that she was alive
when the ambulance left. Beyond
that, officer Silver and I dont
even know, and we couldnt say
anything if we did.
OFFICER #1
We dont have any more questions
for you Mr. Alton. Well get your
cell clean in a minute here.
Another officer cleans the blood from the inside of the cell.
CLOSE ON the bloody wall. Soapy water mixes with the blood as
it drips down. A rag sweeps behind and wipes everything
clean.
INT./EXT. CELL - EARLY MORNING
It is the morning after the attack. Ryan sleeps in the bed,
his hand bandaged. The buzzer sounds and he stirs.
He looks at his bandaged hand and takes a second to piece
things together. He rubs his eyes and drops his head back to
the pillow.
VELASQUEZ
Come on Alton, get up.
He rolls over to see Velasquez waiting at the door.
He rises, rolls up his sleeves, and they conduct their
morning ritual. Velasquez slides through Ryans food for the
day.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
Her name is Eva Andrees. Shell be
OK. Got word this morning, they
thought that you would want to
know. And officially, I didnt tell
you anything.
35.
And with that, Velasquez is gone. Ryan closes his eyes,
standing in the middle of the cell.
RYAN (V.O.)
Eva Andrees.
CLOSE ON the tray of food. Two cartons of milk.
INT./EXT. CELL
Ryan sits on his bed, infinitely tired but unable to sleep.
The world moves at a whirlwind pace around him.
He often glances to where Eva usually comes into the park. He
knows that she isnt coming but he cant stop himself. Force
of habit.
He leans his head back against the glass.
He picks his head back up and looks for Eva. He immediately
turns away angrily
RYAN
Fuck!
People watch him from outside the cell as ever.
A disheveled Ryan sits on the side of the bed. He starts to
tip sideways and we fall with him until his head hits the
pillow. His eyes close and he is asleep.
EXT. JADES APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
SUPER: 1999
A 17 YEAR OLD RYAN walks into the building.
INT. HALLWAY
He walks up to Jades door. The boots he saw there last time
are now gone.
He very gently grasps the handle, turns it slowly and pushes.
The door opens slightly, just enough to see a security chain.
He puts one hand inside the door, runs it up to the chain and
deftly flicks his hand up, a practiced motion. The chain
falls away. He opens the door and enters.
36.
INT. JADES APARTMENT
It is too dark inside to see more then the vague outlines of
furniture. Ryan closes the door behind him and locks it with
the deadbolt.
He walks farther into the apartment, neatly avoiding
furniture. Walks to a door on the other side of the room and
opens it.
INT. JADES ROOM
He enters the room and closes the door behind him. This is
Jades sanctuary, much cleaner and brighter than the rest of
the apartment.
City lights shine through a window and land on Jade sleeping
in her bed. She lies on her side facing the window. Ryan
casts off his jacket and crawls into bed with her, doing his
best not to disturb her.
She stirs slightly.
He is still for a beat, watching her sleep. He doesnt want
to wake her, but...
RYAN 17
(whispering)
Are you awake?
JADE 17
(sleepily)
Mmhmm.
RYAN 17
Im sorry I couldnt come earlier.
No response.
Ryan puts his head down on the pillow.
Jade rolls over to face him and wraps her arms around him.
She nestles her head into his chest.
JADE 17
(quietly)
Its OK.
Ryan pulls her closer and kisses the top of her head.
He closes his eyes, perfectly content.
37.
Ryan eats breakfast in his cell. He looks better but his eyes
betray a deep weariness. He looks as if he couldnt focus on
the present if he tried.
Still no Eva.
INT. CELL - LATER
The walls are opaque. The shower is running. Ryan sits naked
on the floor, letting the water run over him.
INT./EXT. CELL - DAY
Ryan sits on his bed eating a sandwich. A slightly graying
woman with a no-nonsense air approaches the cell, SUSAN
WOHLMUT (45). Ryan continues eating.
SUSAN
I assume youre Ryan.
Ryan nods slightly.
SUSAN (CONTD)
My son Donnie says the he talked to
you last week, and now he wont
stop talking about you.
Ryan nods again. OK.
SUSAN (CONTD)
He wants to talk to you again... My
oldest son is on the force, and he
told me what happened the other
night--
Ryans jaw clenches. Susan sees it.
SUSAN (CONTD)
Im sorry. You made an impression
on him. I think Donnie... well he
sees good in everybody, and I want
him to be right. But, what exactly--
RYAN
Armed robbery and grand larceny.
Susan stops for a second, and then nods to herself.
SUSAN
OK. Did you hurt anybody?
38.
Ryan hesitates, ever so briefly.
RYAN
No.
SUSAN
Why did you do it?
RYAN
Long story.
SUSAN
And if Donnie asks?
RYAN
I regret it and Ill never do it
again.
SUSAN
Good.
She starts to leave, but hesitates.
SUSAN (CONTD)
And you dont mind?
Ryan shrugs.
RYAN
If I minded I would have said
murder.
Ryan sleeps. The park is empty.
We see a series of shots of Ryan watching passersby at
various times of day as the days fly past.
First one.
Then another.
And another.
And another.
People stream in and out of the park as the days go on. Ryan
watches without interest. Never seeing anything worth looking
at, but never turning away.
39.
INT. JADES ROOM - NIGHT
17 year-old Ryan and 17 year-old Jade lie in bed together.
Jade plays with Ryans hand, as if memorizing every little
detail.
She is absorbed, manipulating his fingers, tracing the lines
on his palm.
Ryan watches her.
RYAN 17
I want to take you to dinner.
Somewhere nice.
Jade turns to him.
JADE 17
Thats awfully formal of you.
She turns back to his hand.
JADE 17 (CONTD)
When?
RYAN 17
Tomorrow.
JADE 17
Dont you have errands to run for
Dick?
RYAN 17
Ill just go in tomorrow and tell
him that Im busy.
JADE 17
Will that work this time?
RYAN 17
Ill make it work.
Jade pulls Ryans hand to her chest.
JADE 17
Im not dressing up.
Ryan rolls on top of her.
RYAN 17
(teasingly)
Yes you are.
40.
JADE 17
Nope.
RYAN 17
The maitre d will turn us away at
the door.
Jade smiles.
JADE 17
Too bad.
Ryan kisses her. She kisses back.
INT. DICKS WAREHOUSE - EVENING
Ryan dodges a forklift as he weaves his way through the rows
of shelves. The FORKLIFT DRIVER yells at him:
FORKLIFT DRIVER
Get the fuck outta the way!
RYAN 17
Sorry Tim.
Ryan walks back to Dicks office. Its empty. He turns
around.
INT. OTHER SIDE OF WAREHOUSE
On the other side of the warehouse, Dick talks to Darius.
Dick spots Ryan approaching and excuses himself from the
conversation.
DICK
Youre a bit early.
RYAN 17
Im not here to work, I cant come
in tonight.
DICK
What do you mean you cant? You
have to. Tonight is too important,
the window closes after tonight.
RYAN 17
But Ive already made promises.
DICK
Sorry kid, I cant help you there.
You have to do the job.
41.
Ryan throws his hands up.
RYAN 17
Well fuck, Dick. I need tonight.
DICK
I dont know what to tell you, but
you cant let me down. You owe me
that much.
Ryan is defeated.
RYAN 17
(resignedly)
Alright, fine.
DICK
Since youre here...
He pulls a pen and a white card out of his pockets, and jots
down a few words. He hands it to Ryan.
On the card: 24200 7th Ave.
Below that: 9954
DICK (CONTD)
Head out and get yourself something
to eat first. Dont move until at
least midnight. And dont fall
asleep on it, this is a big one.
INT. JADES ROOM - DAY
Jade grabs a purse from her dresser.
She goes to her bed and lifts up her mattress, revealing a
small wad of money. She takes a few bills off of the stack,
hesitates, and then takes a couple more.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - A LITTLE LATER
Jade looks through a rack of dresses hanging in a store.
She sticks out from the other customers. She lacks both
leather boots and designer-approved holes in her jeans.
She looks around self-consciously.
42.
INT. HALLWAY
Ryan walks through the hallway to Jades apartment door.
He looks for the boots; not there. He tries the handle, but
its locked.
RYAN 17
Shit.
He knocks on the door and waits briefly, but nothing happens.
RYAN 17 (CONTD)
Fuck.
He takes the card Dick gave him and studies it.
He pulls a pen out of his pocket and writes on his palm:
24200 7th.
He then scribbles a hasty note on the back of the card, slips
it under the door. He walks away.
INT. DRESSING ROOM
Eva tries on a simple, cheap dress. She appraises herself in
the mirror. First one angle, then another.
She looks beautiful.
She cant contain a small smile.
INT. GREASY DINER - NIGHT
Ryan sits in a booth by the window in a lonely diner.
He drinks a cup of coffee.
CLOSE ON his hand, quavering ever so slightly as Ryan raises
it to his lips. The INK on his palm is smearing.
He takes a sip and sets the cup down.
A deep breath in. And out.
INT. JADES APARTMENT BUILDING
Jade unlocks the door to her apartment and walks in.
43.
The door sweeps open and moves Ryans NOTE out of sight. Jade
walks in without noticing the note. She carefully hangs her
new dress on the back of a chair.
INT. SUBWAY TRAIN - NIGHT
Ryan sits on a subway train with a handful of other
passengers. He watches the walls of the tunnel fly past.
He looks around at the other passengers. Every one of them is
alone, tired.
He looks at his hands in his lap. Studying, trying to see
what Jade saw.
Jade sits on a ratty couch, wearing her new dress. She looks
at the door.
Ryan walks through a nearly empty street. He walks to an
intersection and reads the sign: 7th St.
He turns onto 7th and keeps walking.
Jade walks around her apartment impatiently. She walks near
the door and sees something on the ground. She stops.
Ryans NOTE.
She picks it up.
Written on the card: Rain check, Im sorry.
She flips it over to see the address and numbers written on
the back. She angrily crumples up the note card. Tosses it on
the ground
She walks to the door and latches the security chain. Locks
the dead bolt.
She unzips her dress and peels it off.
44.
She walks to her room and slams the door behind her, leaving
the dress in a heap on the floor.
EXT. ELECTRONICS STORE - NIGHT
Ryan stands in front of a seedy electronics store.
He looks at his hand: 24200 7th.
He checks the numbers above the entrance: 24200. He takes a
quick glance around the street.
Deserted.
He enters an alley immediately next to the building. He walks
to an unmarked door, pulls out his trusty crowbar, and breaks
in.
INT. ELECTRONICS STORE
Ryan enters a small, dark storage room cluttered with boxes.
A small keypad on the wall begins beeping. Not a full-fledged
alarm, but a warning.
Ryan looks at his hand, but the numbers below the address are
too smudged to make out.
RYAN
Oh, fuck.
He tries to jog his memory. What was the code?
He tries a code. 9-9-6-4.
A red light blinks. Wrong.
The beeping continues.
9-9-8-9. Another red light blinks. Wrong again.
9-9-...
RYAN (CONTD)
Fuck it.
Ryan brings his elbow up and SMASHES the box. The beeping
stops.
Then an ALARM sounds.
Ryan goes into PANIC MODE. He runs into the front of the
store.
45.
Scrambles behind the counter.
Locates the safe under the cash register. Kneels down to work
on it. His hands are shaking badly.
RYAN 17
Thirty-nine twenty-four one.
He tries to dial the numbers into the lock. Pulls hard on the
handle. No yield.
RYAN 17 (CONTD)
Fuck! Thirty-nine twenty-four one.
He continues to repeat the mantra as he tries again.
39. 24. 1. Cranks on the handle. Nothing.
Flashing red and blue lights spill into store from the
street. Ryan freezes, cold terror on his face.
We hear a car door open.
Ryan JUMPS up and runs toward the back door.
EXT. ALLEY
Ryan sprints out the side door. He runs deeper into the
alley, away from the police car.
Just before he leaves the alley into the next street, a pair
of POLICEMEN holding flashlights enter the alley. One calls
out to him:
POLICEMAN
Stop!
Like thats ever worked.
Ryan turns right onto the street.
He dashes down the block. Looks over his shoulder: the
policemen spill out of the alley onto the street, hot on his
tail.
A siren wails somewhere in the distance.
Ryan is putting some distance into the policemen. The siren
is getting louder.
As Ryan approaches a cross street, a POLICE CAR squeals into
the intersection.
46.
INT. COP CAR
A PASSENGER COP and a DRIVER COP in the car. Through the
windshield, we see Ryan running along the sidewalk, the other
cops behind him.
PASSENGER COP
Cut him off!
EXT. STREET
The driver attempts to block him by driving at an angle onto
the sidewalk.
Ryan is faster than expected; instead of stopping in front of
Ryan, the car PLOWS into him.
Ryans legs are knocked out from beneath him, but his
momentum carries him over the hood.
He lands with the car behind him, nosed into the building. It
blocks the cops on foot from getting to him.
Ryan pops up and runs around the corner, riding the
adrenaline. The police officers shout behind him:
PASSENGER COP
Holy shit! Did you hit him!?
DRIVER COP
Yeah! He ran off that way.
PASSENGER COP
Fuck!
The policemen recede from earshot. Ryan is starting to feel
the pain in his leg. He slows from a run to a limping jog.
He turns between two buildings into a small, overgrown
courtyard.
A handful of faded, peeling doors empty into the courtyard.
Ryan runs and tries one. Locked.
Footsteps of the policemen begin to echo through the
courtyard. Ryan runs to another door.
RYAN 17
(frantically)
Come on.
Yanks the handle. Hes in.
47.
INT. SMALL HOUSE
Ryan closes the door behind him. Hes in a small breakfast
nook with a small table beneath a window. He looks out the
window, between the curtains, where he can barely see the
street.
Two policemen race past the courtyard, a third turns in. He
looks around carefully. Ryans heart is in his throat.
The policeman turns around and walks out of the courtyard,
talking on his radio MOS.
Ryan relaxes slightly. He takes off his jacket and turns it
inside-out, to blaze orange.
We hear the click of a shotgun pumping.
Ryan turns around to see small, HEAVY MAN with a grey
mustache pointing the shotgun at him. He speaks with a Greek
accent.
HEAVY MAN
(quietly)
What are you doing in my house?
Ryan puts his hands up.
RYAN 17
Im sorry-
HEAVY MAN
Get out! Get out now or I call the
police.
RYAN 17
(calmly)
OK.
HEAVY MAN
Go!
Ryan reaches for the door slowly. He opens the door and
leaves.
EXT. COURTYARD - NIGHT
The heavy man slams the door behind him and locks it. Ryan
looks around and heads down an alley, away from the street.
48.
INT. JADES APARTMENT BUILDING - MORNING
Ryan knocks at Jades apartment door.
RYAN 17
Jade, Im sorry. I know youre in
there.
Gray morning light streams in through the windows.
Jade sits on the couch in the apartment, listening to Ryans
pleas. Her arms are crossed, no intention of letting him in.
RYAN 17 (O.S.)
(through the door)
I couldnt help it. Just talk to
me, please.
INTERCUT
Ryan puts his ear to the door, listening for something from
the other side, anything.
He pulls his head away and looks at the door.
RYAN 17 (CONTD)
Let me make it up to you. Ill give
you a whole week. Anything you want
to do, whenever.
JADE 17 (O.S.)
You cant even promise me a day.
Ryan is relieved to hear her.
RYAN 17
No, I can, I swear. Ill tell Dick,
hell understand.
Jade stands up from the couch, disgusted.
JADE 17
Go away Ryan, I dont want to talk
to you.
Jade walks into her room and closes the door. Ryan hears the
door shut.
He rests his head on the door, completely exhausted.
He slowly straightens up and limps away.
49.
Velasquez approaches the cell with food. Ryan walks to the
door and holds his arms out for inspection.
RYAN
(greeting)
Velasquez.
VELASQUEZ
Morning.
Velasquez slides the food through the slot.
RYAN
Anything yet?
VELASQUEZ
The DNA results came back, no
matches. Were not gonna find them.
Velasquez leaves.
The clock shows 5:13.
Ryan sits on the bed, looking out at the park.
RYAN (V.O.)
I cant blame her for not coming
back. If it was me, I would be long
gone by now. Sitting on top of a
mountain where nobody could reach
me.
SUPER: 2001
A battered CHEVROLET CORVAIR drives up and parks in front of
the building. 19 year-old Ryan steps out and enters the
building.
Ryan knocks on Jades apartment door.. Rustling sounds come
from the apartment. Jade cracks the door open.
Her once bright eyes are now dark and injured. She looks
spent.
50.
RYAN 19
(surprised)
Jade. Where have you been?
JADE 19
I had to take care of some things.
Jade opens the door a little more and leans against the door
frame.
RYAN 19
What things?
JADE 19
(defensively)
Just some things, what do you care?
RYAN 19
What is that supposed to mean?
JADE 19
It means dont worry about me Ryan.
Im an adult now, I can take care
of myself.
RYAN 19
No shit, youve been taking care of
yourself since you were twelve.
JADE 19
Yeah, exactly.
Ryan almost apologizes but stops himself.
JADE 19 (CONTD)
Ryan I cant talk to you right now,
you have to go.
Ryan stops and looks for the black boots, but theyre not
there.
RYAN 19
Your dad isnt here is he?
JADE 19
No. I havent seen him for weeks. I
dont think hes coming back this
time. I have to go Ryan.
Jade shuts the door.
RYAN 19
Jade. Jade!
51.
Not a sound from the apartment. Ryan walks away in
frustration.
EXT. DICKS WAREHOUSE - LATER
Ryan sits in the office, talking to Dick.
DICK
Its just bad news kid.
RYAN 19
I think shes in trouble though.
DICK
You say shes tough?
RYAN 19
A lot tougher than me.
DICK
Then just let her work it out.
Nothing good can come from you
getting involved in anything here.
Youre going to hurt her. And
youre going to hurt yourself.
RYAN 19
But I... I cant just do nothing.
DICK
You dont know what youre talking
about kid. When I was your age I
thought that I could be the one
that would change the world, that
Id single-handedly lead everybody
to the promised land. It doesnt
work like that. People have to go
their own way and thats just the
way it is.
RYAN 19
You dont understand, Dick. I can
help her.
For the first time, Dick becomes threatening
DICK
No, you dont understand. You need
to let it go. If she figures things
out then shell come back to you,
but theres nothing you can do to
pull her out of it.
(anger increasing)
52.
(MORE)
If she wants to throw her life
away, you have to just stand back
and let her do it, dont let her
pull you down with her.
Ryan is not intimidated by Dick. He stands, looking down at
Dick furiously.
RYAN 19
Im the only one looking out for
her. If I turn my back, then she is
alone.
He turns and walks away.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
And that will not happen.
DICK
You dont want to hear it, but if
youre smart youll listen to me.
Ryan sits in the cell lost in his thoughts. A steady stream
of people trickle into the park.
Ryans eyes lazily track something across the park.
We see that he is watching a pair of feet in high heels
walking.
Ryan suddenly realizes what he is looking at. His eyes widen
and he looks intently up at the woman attached to the feet.
It is a beautiful woman. She could easily be a model. Ryan
isnt interested. His eyes fall to the floor.
Velasquez and Ryan converse through the cell wall, the food
tray already sits in the cell.
VELASQUEZ
...It was just a routine noise
complaint, maybe domestic abuse or
something, so we go there without
any backup, open the door and
theres a huge fuckin snake eating
a guy from the head down. He
already had his jaws around the
shoulders.
53.
DICK (CONT'D)
RYAN
What did you do?
VELASQUEZ
What can you do? The guy wasnt
moving so he was definitely dead.
You could shoot the snake, but I
have no fuckin idea where the
heart is, and if you shoot it in
the head then you hit the guy too,
and thats a lot of paperwork I
dont wanna do. The snake cant
move, so we just ended up sitting
there for twenty minutes watching
it swallow the guy until animal
control showed up.
RYAN
What did they do?
VELASQUEZ
They euthanized the snake with a
tranq gun and then once it died
they cut him out. Saved most of
him, but I still wouldnt have
recommended an open casket. Turned
all purple from the constriction.
Velasquez leans on the cell, getting into the story now.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
So anyway, once they cut him out of
the snake, we check out the rest of
the apartment, and in the back this
guy has about a hundred rubbermaid
tubs, and theyre all labeled like
King Cobra, and Pit Viper, and
Copperhead and shit. Turned out to
be the biggest seizure of illegally
owned snakes ever. The animal
control guys said about half a mil
worth of snakes. Guy had been
handling these things for thirty
years, and he just got a little
careless with a python.
Ryan nods appreciatively. Velasquez looks at his watch.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
Oh shit, I gotta go.
RYAN
See you tomorrow.
54.
VELASQUEZ
Yeah.
Velasquez leaves.
Donald and Ryan talk through the cell wall. Ryan sits on his
bed facing Donald, who stands with both hands pressed against
the glass. Susan sits on a bench nearby, watching.
DONALD
I want to be a superhero.
RYAN
Which one?
DONALD
Ill be a new one. I can beat up
bad guys with lasers from my eyes.
RYAN
Can I be your sidekick?
DONALD
Youre too old to be a sidekick.
What do you want to be when you
grow up?
RYAN
I want to be a superhero too.
DONALD
I already picked that one, you have
to do another one.
RYAN
Then I want to be a race car
driver.
The gears turn in Donalds head.
DONALD
Ill be a race car driver. You can
be a superhero.
RYAN
I have to get out of here first.
DONALD
Ill help you escape.
55.
RYAN
Promise?
DONALD
Promise.
Ryan sits, staring at the spot where Eva might walk into the
park. Any second now...
Ryans Corvair sits outside the building.
Ryan knocks insistently on Jades apartment door. He puts an
ear to the door.
Nothing.
He jiggles the handle, but its locked.
He knocks again, louder.
Still nothing.
In a fit of frustration he pounds on the door with his fist,
knowing that nobody is inside to answer.
The next door down the hall opens and a strung-out woman
sticks her head out, BRIT. She could be anywhere between 20
and 50 years old. Ryan turns to her.
RYAN
(evenly)
Brit, where is Jade.
BRIT
Shes dead.
Ryan freezes.
Brit cackles maniacally. Ryan realizes that Brit has no idea
what she is talking about. He moves towards the exit. Brits
cackling morphs into an opiate-dulled anger.
BRIT (CONTD)
Quit banging on that door!
56.
Ryan brushes briskly past her.
RYAN
(over his shoulder)
Fuck you!
INT. CORVAIR - MOMENTS LATER
Ryan drives along the lamp-lit streets, scanning the
sidewalks. The only people out at this hour do not look
friendly. A few of them glare at Ryan as he drives past.
He drives toward a corner with a pair of women standing on
the sidewalk. As we get closer, we can see that they are
dressed like prostitutes
One of them is Jade.
Ryan stops the car. His face shows anger with a buried note
of sadness.
Ryan starts to drive toward the corner. Just as he starts to
move, a shiny Cadillac Escalade pulls up to the corner from
the cross street, obstructing our view of the girls.
Ryan quickly pulls over and turns off his headlights. As the
Cadillac sits on the corner, Ryan cranes his neck to try to
get a view of the girls.
The Cadillac drives away revealing that both girls are gone.
Ryan sets his jaw and squeezes his steering wheel so hard
that we almost expect to see his fingers sink into the wood.
After a few seconds, he flips his lights on and follows the
Cadillac.
EXT. VARIOUS CITY STREETS
Ryan follows the Cadillac, never too close, but never losing
sight for too long.
INT. CORVAIR - STREET CORNER - MINUTES LATER
Ryan flips off his lights and glides up to the curb. He
watches as the Cadillac parks a block ahead of him.
A MAN and the two women get out of the car and head into an
apartment building. The man has an arm around each girls
waist. There is no doubt about his intentions.
57.
Through the windows, we can see the group walking up the
stairwell, entering the 3rd floor.
EXT. STREET CORNER - MOMENTS LATER
Ryans Corvair coasts up to the curb, right behind the
Cadillac.
INT. CORVAIR
CLOSE ON the glove box as Ryans hand pulls it open,
revealing a 9MM PISTOL and a box of AMMO.
Ryan pulls out the gun and takes the clip out of it. He
checks the clip.
Empty.
He leans back over to the glove box and puts his hand on the
box of ammo. Hesitates.
He leaves the ammo and closes the glove box. He slides the
clip back into the gun with a CLICK. Takes a breath. Exits
the car.
INT. STAIRWELL - MOMENTS LATER
Ryan opens the door to the 3rd floor. Behind it lies a
hallway filled with doors. He takes a quick look around and
walks in.
INT. HALLWAY
He slowly passes each door, listening intently as he goes.
Eventually he hears female voices coming from behind a door.
He presses an ear to the door but the voices are too muffled
to make out.
Ryan pulls out his cell phone and calls Jade.
Silence.
A phone rings in the room across the hall. Ryan immediately
ends the call. The ringing stops.
He flings himself at the door with no hesitation. He kicks it
once.
Twice.
58.
On the third kick the door BREAKS open.
INT. APARTMENT
Jade, the other prostitute, and the man are on a bed on the
other side of the apartment. They all sit bolt upright,
afraid.
Ryan enters the room aiming the pistol at the man.
JADE
Ryan?
MAN
Whats going on?
Ryan stares at the man.
RYAN
Jade, lets go.
The other prostitute slowly moves to make sure she isnt the
target. Ryan keeps his aim on the man. The prostitute jumps
out of bed and grabs her purse from a chair.
PROSTITUTE
Fuck this, Im calling Lex.
She runs past Ryan and out the door. Jade stays put.
JADE
(angrily)
Ryan get out of here. You dont
know what youre doing.
MAN
What did I do?
RYAN
Shut up!
JADE
Ryan go!
Ryan walks to Jade and grabs her arm, pulling her out of the
bed. The man sees his chance. He snatches the gun and turns
it on Ryan.
The man is surprised by his fortune. He has clearly never
held a pistol before.
59.
MAN
(shakily)
Oh.
(finding confidence in the
gun)
Let her go.
Ryan releases Jade. He steps forward and PUNCHES the man in
the face, fully aware that the clip is empty. The man drops
the gun as the punch knocks him onto his back.
He lies limp on the bed.
JADE
Jesus Ryan!
Ryan retrieves the gun and tucks it into his waistband. He
grabs Jade by the arm and pulls her out of the room. She
allows herself to be pulled.
JADE (CONTD)
Are you insane?
INT. HALLWAY
Ryan pulls her through the doorway, ignoring her. Jade shakes
her arm free.
JADE
Ryan!
Ryan turns to look at her.
JADE (CONTD)
You cant do this. Shayla is going
to tell Lex. Hes going to come
after you.
RYAN
Lets leave. Out of the city.
Forever.
JADE
What?
Ryan lets the proposition settle in.
JADE (CONTD)
(rhetorically)
Where?
Ryan looks into Jades eyes.
60.
JADE (CONTD)
Why now? Where has this been?
Still nothing. Her eyes are almost pleading. She needed him.
Now she hardens them.
JADE (CONTD)
You were too busy.
RYAN
Im sorry.
JADE
Sorry doesnt fix anything. I cant
do it Ryan. Its too late.
Jade walks past Ryan towards the stairs.
RYAN
Jade.
Jade opens the door and pauses for a second.
JADE
Theyre going to be looking for
you.
Jade leaves. Ryan is alone in the hall.
INT./EXT. CELL - EVENING
Rain patters on the cell. A few people with umbrellas walk
through the park. Ryan sits on the bed, looking out of the
cell indifferently.
RYAN (V.O.)
When every day lasts an eternity, a
year of your life can slip away in
the blink of an eye.
He looks up at the park. His mind projects an image of 19
year-old Jade walking through the park, carefree and smiling.
The phantom Jade swings around a tree and looks at Ryan with
a smile that could melt the arctic. She fades away.
Ryan closes his eyes.
We look at the spot where Eva usually appears. Nothing but an
empty patch of asphalt.
61.
Ryan lies on his stomach on the edge of the bed, one arm and
his head hanging over the edge. He lazily traces circles on
the ground. Behind him, we see 8:47 on the clock.
He glances up.
EVA.
She walks through the park following her familiar route. She
is still coldly indifferent to her surroundings, but it is
forced now.
She looks fragile.
Ryan rises and walks toward her. He reaches out and runs his
hand along the wall as she walks past the cell, about thirty
feet away.
She looks straight ahead the whole time, intentionally not
acknowledging him.
After she passes the cell, Ryan turns around and leans his
back against the cell. He slowly slides down until he is
sitting on the floor.
He rubs his face with one hand.
Behind him, we see Eva walking out of the park. Before she
turns the corner, she looks back at Ryan over her shoulder.
Her face reveals nothing.
The park is empty. Ryan walks around the cell restlessly.
We look at the spot where Eva appears in the morning.
We look at the spot where she returns in the evening.
We hold on the spot where she was attacked and track behind
Ryan to see that he, too, is transfixed on the spot. He pulls
his eyes away.
He stands still in the middle of the cell.
INT./EXT. CORVAIR - CITY STREET - NIGHT
19 year-old Ryan drives the Corvair through the dark streets.
Reflected lights stream over the windshield.
62.
INT. DICKS WAREHOUSE
Ryan stands at the very edge of Dicks office area, near
the end of the supply shelves. Dick sits at his desk, gently
persuading Ryan to sit down.
DICK
Come on, take a seat.
RYAN
No, Im not staying.
DICK
If you want to talk then come talk
to me.
RYAN
I just came to tell you that Im
out. Im not doing it anymore.
Dick gets serious now.
DICK
(firmly)
Youre insulting me. Sit down.
Ryan reluctantly approaches and sits down.
DICK (CONTD)
(softening slightly)
Alright now whats the problem?
RYAN
Im not working for you anymore.
Im done.
DICK
And why do you want to quit?
RYAN
It doesnt matter why.
Dick takes a second and laughs to himself. A humorless laugh.
He smiles at the floor. The pieces have just fallen into
place.
DICK
Its that girl isnt it
No response. Dicks smile is gone.
63.
DICK (CONTD)
I told you that she was going to be
nothing but trouble. But you didnt
listen.
RYAN
I want out.
Dick pauses a beat, then changes to a bargaining tone.
DICK
Tell you what, pull one last job
for me, and Ill let you walk away
free and clear.
RYAN
No Dick, Im not doing it. Thats
all I came here to say.
Dick decides to play the victim. He manages an injured look.
DICK
After all Ive done for you? I mean
I practically raised you.
No response.
DICK (CONTD)
I taught you everything you need to
get by. I gave you a steady job.
You even managed to keep that drunk
mother of yours above water, God
rest her. You have food on the
table every night. You have small
luxuries, a nice watch here, new
shoes there. And you owe all of
that to me.
Ryan is softening, against his better judgement. Dick sees
this and presses home his advantage.
DICK (CONTD)
All I ask is that you do me this
one last favor. I already cased it.
Yuppie couple, no surprises. Itll
be the easiest job youve ever
done.
Ryan is about to crack.
DICK (CONTD)
In and out, no problem.
64.
RYAN
And then Im done. Completely out.
DICK
(as if Ryan has won)
And then youre done.
EXT. DICKS WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Darius sits on a bench across the street from the warehouse.
19 year-old Ryan approaches on the sidewalk and sits down
next to him.
Darius pulls something out of his pocket.
DARIUS
Good to go, they wont be home.
He hands Ryan a small white card. An address is written on
it. Ryan glances at the card, pockets it, and leaves.
INT. CORVAIR - MINUTES LATER
Ryan drives through the night streets. He pulls the card from
his pocket and once again glances at it.
INT./EXT. CORVAIR - MINUTES LATER
The Corvair sits outside of a HANDSOME BRICK BUILDING with an
expensive door inlaid with stained glass.
Ryan opens the glove box and pulls out his 9MM pistol. He
quickly removes the clip and checks it.
Empty.
He returns the clip to the gun.
A deep breath.
INT. DARK APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Sparse light shines through frosted glass panels on a door.
From the light we can vaguely tell that we are in a posh
apartment. We hear a tiny click, a hand gently checking the
doorknob.
BANG. The door swings open. Ryan tucks the crowbar into his
jacket as he crosses the threshold. He closes the door behind
him.
65.
He takes a quick look around the apartment; a large, open
living room with a hallway leading out of the room on either
side. He heads down one hallway.
A figure steps out of the shadows behind Ryan and sneaks up
on him. The figure grabs Ryan and wraps an arm around his
neck, squeezing tightly.
Ryan can only struggle briefly before his form begins to go
limp.
He slumps, becoming heavier in the attackers arms. The
attacker lowers Ryan to the ground.
CUT TO BLACK
Beat.
CLOSE ON Ryans eyes opening. He takes a sharp breath in. The
lights are now on.
He is being dragged down the hallway where he was just
attacked; only about 20 seconds have passed.
He tries to move his arms. We see that his hands have been
zip-tied behind his back. He looks down and sees that his
ankles are also zip-tied together.
His attacker drags him into the living room. It is a large,
opulent room with a high ceiling and modern furnishings.
In the middle of the room sits a simple wooden chair,
completely at odds with the rooms expensive appointments.
The attacker pulls him to the chair and sits him down. Ryan
gets a look at him for the first time, an impressively built
black man with dark, intelligent eyes. This is GILES (29).
Giles looks him over.
GILES
I dont think that I have to tell
you to stay still.
Behind Giles, the front door opens and a thin, tall man
wearing an expensive suit walks in. He wears horn rimmed
glasses and a calculating demeanor. This is Lex (38), a
simple businessman, in his own mind.
He stops and examines the broken door, then walks slowly
toward Ryan. A pasty bald man in a leather jacket follows him
in, SAL (43).
66.
LEX
You owe me a new door. I thought
about leaving it unlocked, just so
you wouldnt break it. But I was
afraid that you would get
suspicious.
He reaches Ryan and sits opposite him on the couch. Lex
crosses his legs and leans into the conversation.
LEX (CONTD)
Im starting to regret it now, I
really like that door.
He waits for Ryan to respond. Ryan burns a hole in Lex with
his stare.
LEX (CONTD)
Im Lex, by the way.
Beat.
LEX (CONTD)
(as if tired of
explaining)
Anyway, you know why were here.
Youre interfering with my
business, I wont tolerate it, that
whole thing.
Getting serious now.
LEX (CONTD)
But Ill level with you. Im not
going to sit here and tell you
stay away or Giles and Sal here
will break your teeth, which they
will.
An appraising look.
LEX (CONTD)
I dont think that would deter you.
The thing is, your friend Jade
works for me, and she owes me
money. I have the means to make
things very difficult for her, and
if it makes my life easier then I
wont hesitate to apply some
pressure.
A short pause, still no response. Hatred burns in Ryans
eyes.
67.
LEX (CONTD)
Unless, of course, you stay away
from her. That sounds like a good
solution to me. Good for you, good
for me, but most of all, good for
her.
Lex takes a second to let this sink in. The fire behind
Ryans eyes has dulled somewhat. He knows that now is not the
time for an explosion. He can wait.
LEX (CONTD)
Im a pretty reasonable guy, Ryan.
Lex lets a note of menace creep into his voice.
LEX (CONTD)
So just stay the fuck away from
her, and well all be just fine.
Lex rises. He reverts back a friendly tone.
LEX (CONTD)
I like you, Ryan.
He pats Ryans cheek affectionately. Ryan restrains himself.
Lex heads for the exit.
LEX (CONTD)
Lets not have another chat like
this.
SAL
Lex, what do you want us to do with
him?
LEX
Not too much.
And with that, Lex is gone.
Giles winds up for a shot at Ryans face.
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. CELL - EVENING - FALL
CLOSE ON 31 year-old Ryans face, staring straight ahead.
Ryans POV: Eva walks towards the cell.
68.
PULL BACK to reveal that Ryan is standing as close to Eva as
the cell will allow, waiting for her. The trees in the
background have turned red and gold.
Eva walks so close to the cell that she could reach out and
touch it. She slows her pace, looking at Ryan out of the
corner of her eye.
Ryan walks alongside her, looking straight ahead. He runs his
palm along the wall.
She opens the hand closest to Ryan, almost ready to reach
out, but she doesnt.
Ryan gently stops as he reaches the edge of the cell. He
watches as Eva walks away.
Donald and Ryan sit cross-legged on the ground facing each
other separated by the cell wall. Susan sits on a bench
nearby, keeping close watch over Donald.
Donald holds a dry erase marker. He draws a tic-tac-toe board
on the glass between them and opens with an X in the
middle.
Ryan points to a corner space and Donald draws an O. Donald
quickly makes another move. Ryan counters. It ends as a cats
game.
Donald draws another board. Ryan goes first this time. After
a couple of moves, Donald falls into a trap and realizes that
Ryan will win no matter what.
He smiles and quickly wipes away the board before Ryan can
make the winning move.
Ryan laughs.
Eva walks toward the cell. Ryan watches her approach.
This time she doesnt veer off to walk next to the cell. She
approaches head on. Ryan stands waiting at the end of the
cell.
Her cool indifference cracks slightly. She shows some emotion
but we cant tell what it is.
69.
She slows as she nears Ryan. She takes a tentative step
forward. And another. She is at the cell.
Ryan places his fingertips on the glass. She looks at his
hand, then looks up. Eye-to-eye for the first time.
A tear escapes.
She reaches up and places her fingertips on the glass
opposite Ryans hand.
The dam breaks. Her face cracks and she begins to sob. She
slowly sinks to the ground. Ryan drops to the ground with
her, his hand still against the glass.
She leans against the wall, as close to Ryan as she can be.
The people in the park stare, but she is totally indifferent
to their presence.
Ryan and Eva sit cross legged on opposite sides of the glass.
She eats a wrap, Ryan eats his daily sandwich.
Eva seems to have recovered, but hints of streaky mascara
still remain around her eyes.
RYAN
Dont you have work today?
EVA
Looks like Im not going.
Eva takes a big bite out of a wrap. She chews for a second.
EVA (CONTD)
(around the wrap)
OK, so let me guess.
She swallows the mouthful, squints her eyes at Ryan.
EVA (CONTD)
Grand theft auto.
Ryan shakes his head no.
EVA (CONTD)
Assault.
No.
EVA (CONTD)
Murder?
70.
An ever so slight hesitation. No.
EVA (CONTD)
Hmm.
She puts a finger to her mouth contemplatively.
EVA (CONTD)
I give up.
RYAN
Grand larceny.
EVA
How much longer do you have?
RYAN
A year and a half.
She nods and continues eating.
RYAN (CONTD)
Whats your name?
EVA
Dont you already know it?
RYAN
Yeah. I just want to hear you say
it.
EVA
(smiling)
Eva Andrees. And your name is Ryan
Alton. They told me when they were
interviewing me after that night.
Ryan is surprised that she broached the subject. He opens his
mouth, almost ready to ask her about the attack. He thinks
better of it and closes his mouth.
Eva doesnt notice.
RYAN
What do you do?
EVA
I am a marketing consultant for
Paul Mitchell.
RYAN
Oh.
71.
EVA
Oh?
RYAN
No, I just envisioned something
else.
EVA
(laughing)
What did you think it was?
PULL BACK to show Ryan and Eva talking MOS while people walk
past. They may as well be in the park alone.
Ryan leans against the cell. He looks as if he is well rested
for the first time in a very long time.
PULL BACK to reveal that he is standing exactly where he and
Eva were talking all day.
He smiles.
Velasquez is in uniform, leaning on the cell wall and talking
to Ryan. Ryan stands near him on the other side of the wall.
VELASQUEZ
Why? I guess Id never been in a
position of power before, you know?
Its... well I was small when I was
a kid. I mean Im small now, but I
was still always the smallest kid
when I was growing up.
Velasquez ruminates on his childhood for a beat.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
And you know kids, they dont give
a shit who is the smartest, or who
is the nicest or any of that. All
they know is power, and if they
have it then they hold it over all
the other kids. It just happens to
be that the little guys are always
on the wrong end of it.
He reflexively rests his hand over his gun.
72.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
I didnt go after the badge because
Im a nut about justice, I...
A shrug.
VELASQUEZ (CONTD)
I just didnt want to be that kid
anymore.
Velasquez spits on the ground.
RYAN
Fuck them.
Velasquez looks at Ryan.
VELASQUEZ
Who?
RYAN
Those kids, the people they turned
into. Fuck them.
Velasquez turns back to the park.
VELASQUEZ
Yeah. Fuck em all.
INT. DICKS WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
The warehouse lights are off. Dicks office is illuminated by
a single lamp.
Dick sits at his desk, looking at inventory forms. He hears
footsteps behind him. He spins in his chair to see 19 year-
old Ryan walking toward him.
Ryan seems calm, but rage boils under the surface. A black
eye and various cuts and bruises betray his treatment after
meeting Lex.
Dick waits for Ryan to speak first. Ryan stands in silence.
DICK
Well?
RYAN 19
Why shouldnt I beat the shit out
of you right now?
73.
DICK
Oh, that wouldnt get you very far.
Lets take a look at you, a kid
with no skills other than thieving
and burglary. You didnt get a
diploma. Youd be in jail within a
week without all the legwork I do
for you.
RYAN 19
And if I decide that jail would be
worth it?
Dick shrugs.
DICK
Then I guess the decision is yours
to make. But then again, Lex could
still pay it forward to your
girlfriend.
RYAN 19
Hes not gonna listen to you, you
old son of a bitch.
DICK
Why shouldnt he? He owes me
everything he has.
Ryan waits for Dick to elaborate.
DICK (CONTD)
You think youre the first kid I
turned a profit off of?
Ryan continues to stare daggers at Dick, but hes never even
thought of this before.
DICK (CONTD)
It just so happens that not all of
them are as ungrateful as you seem
to be. Lex got his start with me
twenty years ago. Now take a seat
and Ill tell you what is going to
happen.
Ryan hesitates.
He complies.
74.
DICK (CONTD)
Youre not going to go near her
again, Lex seemed to think that he
made it clear how he would respond
to that. You are going to continue
to pay for my retirement, and Im
not going to hear anything about
Jade ever again. I own you. Are we
clear?
Silence.
Dick continues now, the edge gone from his voice.
DICK (CONTD)
You dont have to like it kid,
thats just the way things work.
Ryan stands, some of the fire gone from his eyes. Hes not
defeated, but he knows that hes trapped.
He leaves.
Dick sighs heavily.
INT./EXT. CORVAIR - CITY STREET
Ryan drives the Corvair through the streets. The situation is
becoming clearer now, and his distress grows as he drives.
EXT. JADES APARTMENT BUILDING
Ryan pulls up to the building.
INT. CORVAIR
He looks up at the building. Every part of him wants to run
up and grab Jade and drive until the city is far behind him.
He leans his head on the steering wheel.
The corvair pulls away. The apartment building stands still,
broken and battered.
75.
Eva walks toward the cell. She flashes a small smile at Ryan
as she walks.
Ryan stands by the edge of the cell, waiting for her. As she
reaches the cell, they walk side-by-side. She slows her pace
to a crawl.
EVA
I dont know if Im going to be
able to make it down for lunch
today.
RYAN
Busy day?
EVA
Yeah, were choosing the main font
for our next ad campaign. Ill be
up there all day.
RYAN
Is it really that big of a deal?
EVA
You have no idea.
They reach the end of the cell.
EVA (CONTD)
Ill see you later.
RYAN
I might go out for coffee, so if
Im not here then just leave a
note.
Eva laughs as she walks away.
19 year-old Ryan walks along a sidewalk, head down, keeping a
low profile.
He walks up to the building and looks around the street
carefully; all clear.
76.
INT. HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Ryan knocks on Jades apartment door.
RYAN
Jade, I just need to talk to you.
Knocks again.
RYAN (CONTD)
Im sorry.
The apartment is dark, empty. Ryans voice seeps through the
door but nobody is there to hear it.
RYAN (O.S.)
Please. Jade.
INTERCUT
Ryan reaches down to the handle, turns it. Unlocked.
He tentatively pushes the door open, taking stock of the
apartment.
RYAN (CONTD)
Jade?
He flicks on the lights, revealing a messy apartment. Jade
hasnt been taking good care of the place.
He walks through the room, to Jades bedroom door. Knocks
softly on the door.
RYAN (CONTD)
Are you there?
He pushes the door open.
Jades room is empty, aside from a mattress on the floor
beneath the window, and a dresser.
Ryan hesitates, and steps into the room. He approaches the
bed and drops to his knees.
He pulls the blanket off of the bed and holds it up to his
face, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply.
He gently puts the blanket back onto the bed. Reaches into
his pocket and pulls something out:
77.
An old, wrinkled, faded photo of the New York skyline. He
presses the photo to his lips. Retrieves a pen from his
pocket and scribbles a note on the back.
He places the photo on Jades pillow. Takes a deep breath.
Stands. Leaves the room.
Yellow city light falls gently through Jades window, landing
on the photo.
Ryan drives through the night streets. He clenches and
relaxes his hands on the steering wheel repeatedly. He scans
the sidewalks. Theyre mostly deserted, only a handful of
pedestrians out.
He turns a corner and sees several emergency vehicles, lights
flashing, two blocks away.
Ryan frowns.
As he nears the vehicles, we can discern two ambulances and
half a dozen police cars.
The scene is taped off. A small group of onlookers stands
next to the tape.
As Ryan drives the last block before the scene, his eyes
widen and he takes a sharp breath in. Something is very
wrong.
RYAN 19
(just a whisper)
No.
He stops in the middle of the road.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
No, no, no, no.
He opens the door frantically and starts sprinting toward the
scene.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
Jade!
The onlookers turn around to see what is happening. Before
they can register anything, Ryan sprints past them, ducking
the tape, running through the cluster of emergency vehicles
and onto the street corner.
78.
The corner bustles with policemen and paramedics. Large blood
stains cover the sidewalk.
Jade lies on the ground in a body bag, zipped up to her neck.
Eyes closed.
Ryan lets out an agony filled cry:
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
No!
Before anybody can stop him, Ryan is at Jades side cradling
her head in his arms.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
No, Jade. Please, Jade, dont.
Two policemen rush over and tear Ryan away from Jade.
Ryan struggles against the policemen, trying to get back to
Jade, completely unhinged.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
Jade!
The policemen pin him face down on the sidewalk. They cuff
his hands behind his back as he continues to struggle,
keeping his eyes on Jade the whole time.
INT. POLICE CAR - A LITTLE LATER
Ryan sits in the back of a squad car. He looks empty.
A YOUNG COP opens the door to the backseat.
YOUNG COP
Mr. Alton, are you alright?
The cop has a note of compassion in his voice.
Ryan doesnt respond.
YOUNG COP (CONTD)
(extending his arm)
Come on, let me help you out of
here.
The cop helps Ryan out of the backseat and unlocks his cuffs.
79.
YOUNG COP (CONTD)
Were opening up a murder
investigation, we dont need to
talk to you now, but we would
appreciate it if you came down to
the station tomorrow to answer some
questions we have about Jade.
The cop looks into Ryans eyes. They look dead. The cop pulls
out a small card from a pocket.
YOUNG COP (CONTD)
Go home, rest. Here are some
numbers if you need to talk to
somebody.
INT. JADES APARTMENT - LATER
Ryan walks through the door, not bothering to close it behind
him. He walks directly into Jades room.
INT. JADES ROOM
Ryan walks in and goes to Jades bed. He sinks to his knees
and pulls her blankets into his face again. He slowly falls
forward on to the bed.
Muffled sobs escape through the blanket.
The picture that Ryan left on Jades pillow slides off the
bed to the floor, face down.
On the back, we can see the message that Ryan wrote to Jade
before he left:
Forgive me.
Eva and Ryan sit cross-legged on opposite sides of the cell.
Eva draws patterns on the cell with a dry-erase marker. She
is quite the artist.
RYAN
How did you get so good at that?
EVA
I was the girl that was always
doodling on her notebook in class.
Its really all I ever wanted to
do.
80.
Ryan traces the pattern with his finger.
EVA (CONTD)
After I realized that being a
princess wasnt an option.
RYAN
Cant you go to school for that?
Eva smirks at him. She returns back to her drawing,
concentrating on the contours of the patterns.
Ryan watches her hand as she works.
EVA
Do you think about it?
RYAN
About what?
EVA
The attack.
This surprises Ryan.
RYAN
Every day.
EVA
What do you think about it?
RYAN
I hate it, I hate it more than
anything.
He look down at the scar on his hand, from pounding on the
glass. He rubs it with his thumb.
EVA
You know whats funny?
RYAN
What?
EVA
I dont envy you. I wouldnt have
traded places with you.
Ryan waits for her to continue.
EVA (CONTD)
I was there and I felt the pain,
but I could fight it.
81.
(MORE)
You couldnt do anything. You were
totally powerless.
She looks at him compassionately.
EVA (CONTD)
You tortured yourself for that. You
still do, I can tell.
Ryan looks at the ground.
EVA (CONTD)
Why?
RYAN
The reason Im in here is because I
gave up. Its happened before and I
convinced myself that I would never
be powerless again, or if I was
that I wouldnt care.
He looks back up at Eva.
RYAN (CONTD)
Doesnt it wear on you every single
day?
EVA
Yes. It does.
Eva reaches for her purse. She opens it so that Ryan can see.
Shuffles through wallet, notebooks; the barrel of a pistol
glints from the bottom of the purse.
EVA (CONTD)
I promised myself that I wouldnt
ever let anybody hurt me after that
night. Theyll never touch me
again.
Ryan looks at her carefully. Behind her beautiful features
lies something dangerous; an injured predator.
Eva sees the appraising look. She acknowledges it with a
slight shrug.
RYAN
You would do it.
EVA
Of course I would. Why wouldnt I?
A beat.
82.
EVA (CONTD)
RYAN
I would too.
INT. JADES ROOM - DAY
Gray light leaks through the window. 19 year-old Ryan sits on
the bed, his back against the wall.
The room is extraordinarily bleak.
Ryan looks deflated, like he wouldnt have the strength to
sit up on his own.
He looks down at his old photograph. Leans forward and picks
it up. Stares for a long moment.
He turns it over and reads the inscription that Jade will
never read.
RYAN 19
(barely audible)
Forgive me.
He turns the photo around and rubs his thumb over the
skyline.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
(a little louder)
Forgive me.
He carefully folds the photo and puts it back into his
pocket. He stands with a new resolve.
He walks out of the room, and out of the apartment.
INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY
Ryan walks through the warehouse to Dicks office.
Dick sits facing his desk, his head propped up by his hand.
He looks worn out. He hears Ryans footsteps approaching and
turns around. Sees Ryan.
Ryans face is blank.
Dick holds his palms up in a pleading motion.
DICK
Hey, Ryan, lets not do anything
crazy right now. Youre obviously
upset, lets take some time and
settle down.
83.
RYAN 19
So you know?
Dick nods sympathetically.
DICK
I heard about it.
RYAN 19
Lex tell you?
DICK
Look, why dont you just sit down
and well talk about it.
RYAN 19
No.
DICK
Im on your side, I want to help
you.
RYAN 19
Fuck you.
DICK
Just think for a second. I didnt
have anything to do with this.
RYAN 19
(sudden outburst)
Thats a fucking lie!
Dick flinches.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
Obviously I know you didnt
actually pull the trigger, you have
nothing to gain from that. But you
handcuffed me so I couldnt do
anything about it, and I have to
live with myself after I let that
happen. But youre the one that
stopped me. I could have saved her.
DICK
Kid, she was already long gone. I
tried to tell you. I was only
trying to help you.
RYAN 19
You killed her Dick.
Ryan lets the statement sit.
84.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
Where is he?
DICK
Where is who?
RYAN 19
Dont fucking waste my time Dick,
where is he?
DICK
Who are--
RYAN 19
Lex god damnit! Lex! Who the fuck
do you think?
Dick shrinks back into his chair.
DICK
I dont know.
RYAN 19
Bullshit.
DICK
I dont know where he is, all I
know is where I meet him.
RYAN 19
Well that sounds like a good
fucking place to start then,
doesnt it?
INT./EXT. CORVAIR - CITY STREET - DAY
19 year-old Ryan sits in the parked Corvair, near a street
corner, watching the door to a building half a block away.
We recognize this as the building where Ryan was attacked by
Giles and Sal.
He sits, waiting.
And watching.
And waiting.
Nothing.
85.
Ryan is still sitting in the corvair.
He perks up, looking intently down the street. A man is
walking towards the door. Its Sal, Lexs bald henchman.
Sal unlocks the door, opens it and walks in.
Ryan takes the clip out of his gun and checks it.
ITS LOADED.
Ryan exits the car. He closes the door and walks towards the
building, trying to look nonchalant.
But his walk betrays nervous energy.
He walks up to the door cautiously, looks around the street.
Grabs the handle. Turns and pushes ever so lightly.
INT. LUXURIOUS APARTMENT
Ryan steps into the apartment. Looks around.
Sal is sitting on a couch in the living room. He looks up at
Ryan.
SAL
(surprised)
Hey.
Ryan freezes for an instant. Their eyes meet.
Sal stands, and reaches for his gun, fumbling with the
holster.
In the same moment, Ryan SPRINTS across the room closing the
distance between them quickly.
Just as Sal pulls out his gun, Ryan tackles him. The GUN
FIRES.
Ryan slams Sal into the ground with a THUD.
The GUN tumbles out of Sals hands and lands on the ground,
inches away.
Sal hit the ground hard; the wind is knocked out of him.
Ryan takes advantage, sits on top of Sal, and starts raining
blows on Sals face.
86.
Sal tries to cover his face with one hand, reaching for the
gun with his other.
Ryan ignores Sals outstretched hand, lost in his rage.
He continues his vicious attack on Sals head. Sal can only
resist for seconds before he falls limp, unable to grab the
gun.
Ryan throws a handful of punches even after Sal gives up. He
holds his hands up, ready to dish out more if Sal is just
playing dead.
Sal lets out a groan. Hes hurt.
Ryan relaxes, panting.
He stands up and looks around, taking stock of his situation.
He sees the chair that he was tied to the last time he was
here. Grabs it. Sets it next to Sal.
Sal is slowly rolling around on the ground.
Ryan grabs Sal and hauls him into the chair. He takes the
bottom of Sals shirt and tears it, pulling off a strip of
cloth. He takes another strip.
He ties Sals hands to the chairs armrests with the cloth.
Sal tries to resist, but cant.
RYAN 19
How does it feel to be on the other
side, you piece of shit?
Sal doesnt respond.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
Where can I find Lex?
Sal isnt talking.
Ryan studies him.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
Neither of us is leaving this room
until you tell me.
Sal narrows his eyes in contempt.
RYAN 19 (CONTD)
If this is what you want, fine.
87.
He looks around the room. Sees the GUN. Walks over and picks
it up.
Walks back to Sal. Points it at Sals hand.
Sal coughs, blood spilling from his mouth.
He smirks through the blood
SAL
You dont have the balls.
Ryan FIRES.
The shot blows Sals pinky off at the first knuckle.
Sal screams in shock:
SAL (CONTD)
Fuck!
Ryan stares calmly into his face. He moves the gun to Sals
ring finger.
SAL (CONTD)
Jesus Christ!
Ryan tightens his grip on the gun.
RYAN 19
Again?
SAL
OK, OK.
Sal wheezes, struggling against his constraints. His whole
body is starting to shake.
Ryan presses the gun against Sals ring finger.
RYAN 19
Where?
SAL
Dont! Dont. Ill tell you. He
works out of the building at the
end of 44th.
RYAN 19
How do I get to him?
Sal looks at something over Ryans shoulder. Ryan turns to
see what hes looking at.
88.
Giles is just stepping through the open doorway. He looks at
the scene in front of him.
He reaches for his GUN.
Ryan spins behind Sal, using him as a shield.
SAL
Giles, dont shoot!
Giles FIRES. BANG!
Two more SHOTS. BANG, BANG.
Sal slumps in the chair, red stains blooming on his chest.
Ryan pops his head up and FIRES BACK.
Giles DIVES into the hallway, out of Ryans range.
Ryan shoots twice at the hallway. Turns and looks for an
escape. He sees it: a sliding-glass door leading to a small
yard out back.
Ryan turns back towards Giles, still hiding behind Sals
body.
He shoots twice more to cover his retreat and then scrambles
back to the door.
Giles hears the door open from the hallway, and dashes out to
see Ryan scrambling over a brick wall in the yard.
He FIRES as Ryan flips over the top of the wall. The shot
hits the wall and BRICK SPRAYS over the yard.
INT. ALLEY
Ryan hits the ground running. He looks over his shoulder to
see if Giles is following, but the alley is empty.
INT. LUXURIOUS APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Giles stands in the living room, talking on the phone. Sal
still sits in the chair.
GILES
No.
He glances at Sal.
89.
GILES (CONTD)
Yeah, he got hit.
A pause.
GILES (CONTD)
Yeah, no, I dont know how it
happened.
Another pause.
GILES (CONTD)
They cant come in without a
warrant, that should buy us some
time. At least enough to deal with
the kid.
He scans the floor, kneels and picks up a couple of empty
bullet shells.
Notices something on the floor. Bends down to pick it up.
Sals pinky.
GILES (CONTD)
Ill get there.
He stands.
GILES (CONTD)
Let me clean this up first.
INT./EXT. CORVAIR - CITY STREET
Ryan drives quickly through the streets. Constantly checking
his rearview mirror.
He winds his way through the streets, turning left here,
right there.
He finds himself driving through empty street. Checks his
mirror again.
Looks like hes alone.
He grips the wheel tightly, breathing hard.
He reaches an intersection and turns left.
90.
INT. SMALL APARTMENT - NIGHT
Ryan enters an apartment we recognize as his childhood home.
All of his mothers stuff is gone; its his apartment now.
He walks to the coffee table. A GUN sits on the table, along
with a box of ammo.
He sits. Picks up the gun. Pulls out the clip.
Takes a bullet. Loads it into the clip.
Loads another bullet.
He loads another. All business.
INT./EXT. CORVAIR - CITY STREET - EARLY MORNING
Heavy rain pours down on the city, the early morning sun
doing little to light it.
Ryan drives toward a building at the end of a street, a nice
looking apartment building. A lone window is lit on the
fourth floor, the rest of the building is dark.
He parks the car. Puts his hand on the door handle.
Just as he is about to get out, Giles walks into view in
front of the building. Ryan waits.
Giles enters the building.
Ryan opens the door and steps out of his car.
He walks toward the building.
He reaches the building and looks up at the lit window. He
walks directly beneath it and sees a rain gutter running from
the street up past the window to the top of the building.
He looks around the street. Nobody close enough to be seen
through the rain.
He grabs the gutter with both hands. Takes one foot off of
the sidewalk and puts it flat against the building. Picks up
his other foot and starts climbing.
He climbs to the second story, using windows and other ledges
to pull himself up as he comes to them.
He continues to the third story. Below him, we see a pair of
pedestrians walk by, but they dont notice him for the rain.
91.
Ryan climbs above the third story. Hes getting pretty high
now.
Suddenly his left hand slips off of the gutter.
He loses his balance on the wall and his feet slip out from
under him. He hangs from one hand, 35 feet off the ground.
He grimaces as he holds himself with one hand, swinging
slowly back into position.
He grabs the gutter again with his free hand, and finds
purchase with his feet.
He climbs the last few feet to the lit window. Pulls himself
up to look inside.
Lex sits at a desk with his back to the window.
INT. LEXS OFFICE
We can vaguely see Ryans shadow behind Lex through rain-
streaked window. Lex doesnt notice.
Suddenly, the glass SHATTERS. Lex startles.
LEX
Fuck!
Ryan drops through the window, soaking wet.
Lex is shaken but he tries to cover it.
LEX (CONTD)
You could have taken the stairs.
Ryan looks at him with murder in his eyes.
LEX (CONTD)
But you probably knew that Giles
would be out there.
Ryan circles around him to the front of the desk, never
taking his eyes off of Lex.
LEX (CONTD)
What do you want Ryan? Theres
nothing anybody can do for you at
this point.
RYAN 19
Why did it happen?
92.
Lex is regaining his composure. He shrugs slightly.
LEX
Could have been an unstable client,
it could have been one of my
competitors.
RYAN 19
Thats not good enough.
LEX
Dont you think that I would figure
it out myself if I had any way to
do it? This isnt something that I
wanted.
This strikes a nerve in Ryan:
RYAN 19
Dont talk about it like its a
fucking inconvenience!
Lex has regained his cool by now.
LEX
Do you want me to feel sorry for
you? Youre not the only one in
this room that has lived a tough
life. I come from the same place as
you, and I doubt that you had it
harder than me.
RYAN 19
This is not about me.
LEX
Of course it is. Jade is gone and
now youre here. She doesnt need
you to avenge her, you need you to
do that. Let the girl rest, dont
disguise your misplaced rage with
her honor.
Ryan has heard enough. He pulls his gun out of his pocket.
Lex smirks.
Ryan pulls back the hammer.
RYAN 19
Its not about me. Its not about
her. Its about you.
Lex loses his smirk. He gets serious.
93.
LEX
You dont have what it takes to
pull that trigger Ryan.
A bead of sweat appears on Lexs brow.
LEX (CONTD)
Think about it. Dont throw your
life--
INT. BARE RECEPTION ROOM
Giles stands next to a door, gun out. Hes in a stripped out
reception room that hasnt been used in years.
We can hear Lex talking behind the door, but we cant make
out what hes saying.
Lex stops talking and the room becomes silent. Giles places
his hand on the doorknob, waiting for a signal.
Silence.
Giles slowly begins to turn the knob...
Suddenly--
LEX
Ryan, dont--
BANG! A gunshot.
Giles flinches. He starts to open the door. Stops himself.
Deliberately waits a beat.
Pushes the door open.
INT. LEXS OFFICE
Giles enters the room, gun raised.
Lex is slumped in his chair. A bullet hole above his right
eyebrow leaks a trickle of blood into his open eye.
We see Ryan flat against the wall behind the door, hidden
from Giles.
Giles sees the broken window and cautiously walks over to
investigate.
94.
The sound of rain against the building masks Ryans footsteps
as he slips out the door.
EXT. CITY PARK - MORNING - RAIN
Ryan walks through the empty park, rain still pouring down.
We recognize this as the place the cell will stand one day.
He is completely soaked but he doesnt even seem to notice.
He bends down and vomits on the ground.
He puts his hands on his knees, barely able to stand up,
shaking.
He steadies himself. Wipes his mouth. Straightens up. Walks
away.
INT. RYANS APARTMENT - DAY
Ryan opens the door, his eyes on the ground. He tosses his
jacket onto the floor. It lands with a wet thud.
In the corner of our vision, we see something move.
In an instant, Ryan has his gun drawn.
We slowly pan to reveal...
Dick, sitting at the dining table looking worried.
RYAN 19
What the fuck are you doing here?
DICK
Kid, Im sorry. I was worried that
youre gonna do something youll
regret.
RYAN 19
(gun trained on Dick)
Its done.
Dicks eyes widen as the words sink in.
DICK
You...
Ryan adjusts his grip on the gun.
DICK (CONTD)
You did it. I thought that he would
kill you.
95.
(MORE)
Youre not like him, Ryan. He
doesnt have a heart the way you
do. Hes a machine.
Dick rubs his face and lets his hand fall onto the table. He
isnt phased by the gun.
RYAN 19
Hes gone.
DICK
Kid, Im sorry for everything I
did. I know Ill never make it up
to you. But I want to help.
Dick reaches for something in his pocket. Ryan tightens his
grip on the gun.
Dick sees this. He moves more slowly.
DICK (CONTD)
Dont worry.
He reaches into a pocket and pulls out a paper-and-string
package. Just like the ones Ryan used to deliver for him.
DICK (CONTD)
Take this. You have to leave, Sal
and Giles are going to be after
you, you have to get out of here.
Ryan lowers the gun.
RYAN 19
Sals dead. Giles isnt gonna do
shit. He just inherited a very
profitable business. Hes not going
to waste his time with me. Now take
your money and get the fuck out of
here.
DICK
Please, Ryan, if youre gonna stay,
at least take the money. I owe you
that much.
RYAN
I said get the fuck out.
DICK
OK.
Dick rises to leave. He crosses over to the door and opens
it, leaving the package on the table. Ryan grabs the package.
96.
DICK (CONTD)
RYAN 19
Did you not hear me? Take your
money!
He throws the package into the hallway with force.
DICK
Ryan, please.
RYAN 19
I dont ever want to see you again.
Dont come here, dont call me. If
you see me walking toward you on
the sidewalk, you cross the street.
Understand?
Dick pauses, looking at Ryan sadly. This moment is the
culmination of every bad decision either of them have ever
made.
DICK
So long, kid.
Dick closes the door behind him.
Ryan stares at the door for a LONG MOMENT.
Suddenly, his knees buckle. He sits on the floor. He looks
dazed.
He closes his eyes and lies back.
We pull away as he lies asleep in the middle of the floor.
RYAN (V.O.)
I never saw Dick again after that
day. At least he listened to me.
EXT. CITY STREET - CONTINUOUS - RAIN
Dick walks on the street, completely drenched.
He walks past a spot that we recognize as the place he first
met Ryan. Dick slows slightly.
He walks on.
RYAN (V.O.)
He died a couple of years later. I
dont know whether it was natural
causes or a lifetime of shady
partnerships catching up with him.
97.
Water drips from the brim of Dicks hat into his face. He
looks very old and tired, but not frail.
RYAN (V.O.)
Sometimes I wish Id have forgiven
him. As much pain as he caused me,
I hope he found some happiness
before he died.
Dick steps off of the sidewalk and onto the street. The look
of tired sadness on his face tells us that he probably never
did find any happiness. He walks past us and out of frame.
Ryan sits on the ground next to the wall. Donald, Susan, and
Eva sit just opposite the wall from him, a birthday cake
sitting between them.
They are just finishing Happy Birthday.
RYAN, SUSAN, & EVA
(singing)
Happy birthday to you!
Donald happily blows out the candles.
EVA
Did you make a wish?
Donald nods, smiling.
Ryan sees Velasquez walk into the park. Hes carrying a
wrapped gift.
RYAN
And theres your present. I was
starting to worry.
Velasquez hurries over to the cell.
VELASQUEZ
Wheres the birthday boy?
RYAN
Donald, this is my friend Officer
Velasquez.
Velasquez reaches the cell and hands his gift to Donald.
VELASQUEZ
There you go Donald. You can thank
Ryan and Eva for that.
98.
DONALD
Thanks.
Susan smiles gratefully.
SUSAN
Thank you. All of you.
Donald tears the paper off of the gift, and reveals...
A new baseball and baseball glove!
DONALD
Awesome!
RYAN
Im sorry your birthday had to be a
week before I get out, but I
couldnt let you wait a whole week
for a birthday present.
Donald puts his hand in the mitt. He strains to close it.
RYAN (CONTD)
At least this way you have a little
while to break it in.
Velasquez steps a few feet away from the group. Opens his
hands to Donald.
VELASQUEZ
Come on Donnie, right here.
Donald throws the ball to Velasquez, who catches it
barehanded. He throws it back.
Ryan, Susan, and Eva eat cake while Velasquez and Donald
drift away playing catch.
SUSAN
So how did you meet Ryan?
Eva is in the middle of a bite of cake. Ryan jumps in before
she gets a chance to answer.
RYAN
(re: the cell)
She was curious. So she came and
talked to me one day and fell madly
in love.
Susan chuckles.
99.
SUSAN
Something about a man in uniform,
huh?
Eva looks cautiously at Susan, not sure if it was an insult.
Susan sees the look.
SUSAN (CONTD)
Oh, no, just a joke. Im not
judging.
She watches as Donald throws the ball to Velasquez.
SUSAN (CONTD)
Donnies dad was in and out of jail
for a long time. He left one day
when Donnie was five months old and
I never heard from him again. Maybe
hes dead, but hes probably
somewhere sunny convincing another
woman that hes changed now.
EVA
Im sorry.
SUSAN
(still watching Donnie)
Dont be. It was all my fault. Best
thing ever to happen to Donnie
though. Him leaving.
She looks at Ryan.
SUSAN (CONTD)
Youre sticking around once you get
out, right?
Ryan looks at Eva. She smiles.
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - DAY
19 year-old Ryan walks up to the counter. A strung-out
looking man in a tie stands at the register.
Ryan hands a sheet of PAPER to the man. The man doesnt
react. Ryan shakes the paper at him, and the man takes it.
Scans it.
MANAGER
Were not hiring.
100.
RYAN 19
Well could you hold onto that if
something opens up?
MANAGER
Yeah, and put it in my fucking file
cabinet?
The man puts the resume back on the counter and slides it
back to Ryan.
Ryan sweeps a display case of plastic cigarette lighters off
of the counter. Turns and walks out.
INT. DRYCLEANERS - DAY
Ryan offers his resume to a woman behind the counter. She
shakes her head and waves him away with her hands.
We see Ryan getting rejected at VARIOUS STORES.
RYAN (V.O.)
Turns out that Dick was right. Kid
like me with no education and no
job experience, there was no work.
EXT. TOWN HOME - NIGHT
Ryan wears his black jacket. He walks up to the front door
pulls out his crowbar. Breaks the door open.
RYAN (V.O.)
Except for the work that I already
knew.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Ryan runs through an alley, switching his jacket inside out
as he runs. Behind him, a policeman dashes into the alley.
EXT. CITY STREET - CONTINUOUS
Ryan exits the alley and takes a hard right turn, dashing up
the street. He makes it most of the way before the police
officer exits the alley.
The cop is out of shape and winded.
101.
RYAN (V.O.)
Dick showed me the ropes, but there
was a lot that I had to learn for
myself.
The cop gives up chase as Ryan sprints down the street. He
calls in on the radio.
SLOW COP
(panting)
I lost him. Suspect is fast as
fuck, I repeat, suspect is
lightning fast.
INT. SHADY PAWN SHOP - DAY
Ryan stands at the counter, across from a CASHIER with FACE
TATTOOS. Ryan slides a jewelry box and a wallet across the
counter.
FACE TATTOOS opens the jewelry box: lots of diamonds. He
opens up the wallet: an ID, several credit cards, a bit of
cash.
TATTOO FACE
You uh, forgot your ID, sir.
He slides out the ID and hands it to Ryan. We see the name on
the ID: Jacob Perkins, along with a picture that is
definitely not Ryan.
Ryan takes the ID. Face Tattoos rifles around in the counter
and comes up with some cash. He slides it to Ryan.
TATTOO FACE (CONTD)
Pleasure doing business.
An empty street. A police siren wails, growing louder and
louder. Suddenly, Ryan runs out of a building.
He looks left and sees the buildings reflecting red and blue
flashing lights. He dives to a nearby set of trash cans and
lies down between them.
The squad car squeals around the corner and pulls up in front
of the building.
An officer jumps out. He sees Ryan, looking homeless.
102.
OFFICER
Hey you, did you see anybody leave
here?
Ryan raises his head.
RYAN
(drunkenly)
Theres nobody here, but did I tell
you that Waylon is back in town?
You know--
OFFICER
OK, stay right there.
The officer runs into the building.
As soon as the officer goes through the door, Ryan jumps to
his feet and sprints down the street and around the corner.
Ryan slides another watch and jewelry box across the counter
to Face Tattoos.
Ryan walks down a sidewalk, briskly.
RYAN (V.O.)
The more you do something, the
easier it becomes.
A police car comes into view. Ryan quickly blends into the
shadows and the car passes him.
RYAN (V.O.)
I cant defend what I did. I wasnt
stealing from the rich to give to
the poor.
Ryan steps back onto the sidewalk and continues walking.
RYAN (V.O.)
I never took from anybody who
couldnt afford it, I never stole
bread from anybodys table, but Im
not proud of what I did. It was the
only thing I knew.
103.
Face Tattoos nods to Ryan as Ryan walks around the counter
and into the back of the store.
INT. BACK OF PAWN SHOP - CONTINUOUS
Ryan pulls several valuables out of his jacket and places
them on a table one-by-one: a wallet, a gold watch, a diamond
necklace, a revolver with a mother-of-pearl handle.
RYAN (V.O.)
And I got very good at my job.
We pan to reveal a garishly dressed Asian man sitting behind
the table. The man smiles and nods. He takes a wad of cash
out of his pocket and hands it over to Ryan.
CLOSE ON the counter. One pair of hands pushes various
valuables across the counter, and a tattooed pair of hands
pushes money across from the other side.
The scene repeats over and over.
More and more quickly.
Loot for money, loot for money.
Suddenly, we pan up and see 32 year-old Ryan laying a gold
bracelet on the counter.
Across from him stands Tattoo Face, aged 13 years as well.
TATTOO FACE
Shit, Ryan you gotta slow down. I
know you good, but aint nobody can
roll the dice every day and walk
away clean.
RYAN
Just give me the money, Ink.
TATTOO FACE
Be careful out there, you hear?
INT. RYANS APARTMENT - NIGHT
Ryan sits at the table, looking down at something.
104.
From over Ryans shoulder, we see the photo of the NYC
skyline sitting on the table, now extremely worn.
Ryan looks at the photo for a LONG MOMENT. He stands.
INT. DARK APARTMENT - NIGHT
We can vaguely tell that we are in a fancy apartment. The
front door is slightly ajar, letting in a thin seam of light.
A phone rings.
Ryan strides into frame and opens the door.
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Ryan steps out of the apartment and into the hallway. He
stops.
RYAN (V.O.)
You can only run for so long before
your decisions catch up with you.
At some point the cycle has to end.
Ryan turns and closes the door behind him.
He slowly sinks down to the floor and sits down, his back
leaning against the door.
RYAN (V.O.)
Eventually, your three minutes run
out.
EXT. EXPENSIVE APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
A police officer enters the building. We follow him as he
runs up the stairs, and down a hall.
He sees Ryan sitting against the door. Draws his gun.
MUSIC SWELLS and drowns out the officer yelling at Ryan to
lie down. Ryan wordlessly complies. The officer approaches
Ryan and kneels on his back, handcuffing him.
RYAN (V.O.)
I ended it. I broke the cycle.
105.
INT./EXT. CELL - EVENING
CLOSE ON Ryan and Evas faces as they stand on opposite sides
of the cell. We hear the sound of a lock clicking open.
The plastic barrier between them slides sideways and out of
frame.
Eva reaches out tentatively and touches Ryans face.
RYAN (V.O.)
It was the best decision that I
ever made.
The two come together, kissing slowly at first, and then more
and more passionately.
Two years of bottled emotion come out in one kiss.
INT. EVAS BEDROOM - LATE EVENING
Ryan and Eva make love on the bed in a bedroom with
beautiful, striking designs on the wall; clearly Evas art.
Windows from the Manhattan buildings reflect golden light
into the room.
Eva smiles up at Ryan. Ryan leans down and kisses her.
INT. EVAS BEDROOM - NIGHT
The shades are drawn and the room is very dark. We see a
figure rise from the bed and walk to the window. The figure
opens the shades. We hear Eva speak from the bed:
EVA
What are you going to do all day
while I work?
The city lights reveal Ryan standing at the window. He leans
on the windowsill and watches cars pass through the streets
below him.
RYAN
Ive got some money to coast on. I
think Ill just be free for a
while.
Eva, naked, rises from the bed and walks behind Ryan. She
hugs him and rests her chin on his shoulder, looking out at
the city.
106.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
Ryan and Donald stand a few yards apart in the outfield, both
wearing baseball gloves. Donald holds a ball.
RYAN
(gesturing with his glove)
Alright Donnie, right here.
Donald winds up and throws it at Ryan, hard.
Ryan snaps his glove up to catch the ball, just in time to
keep it from hitting his face.
DONNIE
Sorry!
RYAN
No, dont say sorry. Maybe I should
take a few steps back here. Who
taught you how to throw?
DONNIE
(shrugs, with a grin)
I dont know.
RYAN
(a little laugh)
Alright.
Ryan tosses the ball back.
EXT. TIMES SQUARE - DAY
Ryan eats a slice of pizza as he walks through the square,
looking up at the enormous building that surround him.
INT. EVAS APARTMENT - EVENING
Eva opens the door and walks into her apartment, which is
just as tasteful and attractive as her bedroom.
She swings the door shut behind her, and almost immediately
there is a knock on the door.
She walks to the door and looks through the peephole. Ryan
looks back at her.
RYAN
Honey, Im home.
107.
She laughs and opens the door. He starts to walk in, but she
playfully pushes him away.
He tries again and she pulls him close and kisses him.
He picks her up and continues to kiss her as he carries her
to the bedroom.
EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE - NOON - SUN
A beautiful day.
Ryan, Susan, and Donald all sit at a lunch at a table outside
the restaurant. Their plates are empty and their napkins are
wadded up on the table.
DONALD
Can I go to the bathroom mom?
SUSAN
Sure honey.
Donnie leaves. Susan watches him go.
SUSAN (CONTD)
Ryan, I... I cant thank you enough
for everything that youve done for
that boy. He adores you.
Ryan smiles.
RYAN
He helped me at least as much as
Ive helped him. Youve got a good
kid, Susan.
Susan smiles back.
SUSAN
That means a lot.
She leans toward him and drops her tone just a notch.
SUSAN (CONTD)
How are you doing now that...
RYAN
Without the cell?
SUSAN
Yeah.
Ryan laughs.
108.
RYAN
I get to eat what I want so thats
nice. Its weird having choices
again, but Im coping.
SUSAN
Have you seen any of the people
that got you into that whole mess?
RYAN
What? Oh, you mean--no. That was me
and only me. I did that all myself.
And Im not going back.
Susan reaches across and pats his hand.
SUSAN
Good.
Donnie comes back from the bathroom.
DONALD
Can we go to the park now?
SUSAN
Not today sweetie, we have to go
run some errands.
(looking at Ryan)
Tomorrow?
Ryan nods.
SUSAN (CONTD)
We can go to the park tomorrow OK?
DONALD
OK. Bye Ryan.
Donald gives Ryan a hug.
RYAN
See you tomorrow buddy.
EXT. SIDEWALK - A LITTLE LATER
Ryan walks down a sidewalk carrying a bouquet of flowers,
humming to himself.
At an intersection a short distance ahead of Ryan. A MAN
walks around the corner and into view. Ryan continues his
humming as he goes.
As the man approaches Ryan, TIME SLOWS.
109.
Ryans eyes widen.
CLOSE ON the MANS FACE.
COLD BLUE EYES.
FLASH TO:
The night Eva was attacked.
Ryan and the COLD EYED ATTACKER make eye contact.
BACK TO SCENE
Shock on Ryans face.
Its him.
As the Attacker approaches, Ryan forces himself to look away
and walk past.
The Attacker continues on, paying Ryan no attention.
Ryan stops and turns to watch him walk around a corner.
He sets his jaw and turns to follow the Attacker.
EXT. VARIOUS CITY STREETS
The Attacker walks down the sidewalks, Ryan following half a
block behind him.
Ryan blends into the crowds of pedestrians, never losing
sight of the Attacker.
The Attacker starts across a street right as the STOP signal
turns on. Cars cross the street just behind him, blocking
Ryans path.
Ryan sprints across the street, narrowly avoiding a taxi.
As several cars HONK, Ryan flings himself toward the corner
of the building, hiding from the Attackers view as he turns
to see what the disturbance is.
The attacker turns his back to the street and continues
walking.
110.
EXT. QUIET STREET - A LITTLE LATER
The crowds have thinned, and only a handful of people walk on
the sidewalk. Ryan still follows the Attacker.
Ryan sees a shard of BROKEN GLASS on the ground. He reaches
down and picks it up, concealing it in his jacket sleeve.
He drops the BOQUET.
Quickens his pace, starting to close the gap.
EXT. POOL HALL - A LITTLE LATER
The Attacker walks down a set of stairs from the street into
a dark pool hall.
Ryan slows down as he approaches the stairs. Breathing
heavily.
He slips the GLASS SHARD out of his sleeve. Tests the point
on his finger.
Sharp enough to kill.
He flexes his hands, shaking with energy.
Takes a deep breath.
Pulls out his phone and dials a number. It rings.
EVA (O.S.)
Hey, when are you coming home?
RYAN
I... Im...
His voice trails off.
RYAN (CONTD)
I just wanted to hear your voice.
A pause.
EVA
Are you OK?
RYAN
Yeah, Im fine. Im OK. I love you.
EVA
OK. I love you too.
111.
RYAN
Ill see you later.
He hangs up.
He steps into the stairwell.
Takes a step.
And another.
Slowing...
He stops short. Phone in one hand, glass shard in the other.
Looks at the phone. EVA SMILES on the background. The picture
fades to BLACK as the phone GOES TO SLEEP.
Ryan takes a DEEP BREATH and tosses the glass shard to the
ground.
IT SHATTERS.
He dials a number. It rings.
VELASQUEZ (O.S.)
Yeah?
RYAN
Ive got him.
CUT TO:
EXT. POOL HALL - LATER
Velasquez and a GROUP OF COPS stand outside the pool hall,
guns drawn. One cop opens the door. The other cops flood in.
SHOUTS echo out of the door.
LATER
Eva stands next to Ryan, holding his hand. Velasquez and
another cop exit, escorting the Attacker in cuffs.
The Attacker turns and looks directly at Eva. Eva squeezes
Ryans hand but doesnt look away. She stares him down,
stonefaced.
Ryan squeezes her hand back.
Velasquez roughly puts the Attacker into the back of a
waiting squad car and slams the door.
112.
Eva turns and watches as the car drives away, defiant.
EXT. POLICE CAR
The Attacker stares out the window as the car moves through
the streets.
RYAN (V.O.)
We know where hes going now.
EXT. CITY PARK - DAY
A different park. We watch a jogger run past us on the path,
then pan left to see a crane lowering a CLEAR CELL onto a
concrete pad. We track sideways to see a completed cell
standing right next to it.
And another.
And another.
A ROW OF CELLS. Identical to Ryans.
RYAN (V.O.)
Hes going on display.
The construction crew guides the lowering cell into place
until it touches down.
RYAN (V.O.)
My punishment wasnt unique. I was
one of many. They gave me an
option: ten years in prison or
three years in the park. To test
the waters.
EXT. ANOTHER CITY PARK - DAY
A row of CLEAR CELLS. Each one holds a man dressed in orange.
RYAN (V.O.)
Its a scarlet letter.
EXT. TIMES SQUARE
A cluster of four cells sits in the middle of the square.
Inmates sit in each of them. We zoom in to see our ATTACKER.
113.
RYAN (V.O.)
So here they all are. Serving the
public as a warning.
The attacker looks around the square to see people staring at
him from every street.
RYAN (V.O.)
Learning to live like fish in a
bowl, under the promise of
rehabilitation.
EXT. CAR - AFTERNOON
Eva leans against the car, parked by the gates of a quiet
park outside the city.
Ryan walks out of the park to the car.
Stops just short of Eva. She steps forward. Reaches up and
pecks him on the lips.
They get back into the car and drive away.
We PAN back over the park.
Headstones. Its actually a cemetery.
EXT. FAR SIDE OF THE CEMETERY
A simple headstone sits at the top of a small hill. The city
in the background. The grass is tall.
CLOSE ON a photograph at the foot of the headstone. Ryans
faded picture of the skyline.
TILT UP to reveal the headstone:
JADE EVANS
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
We pull back to see the city skyline behind the headstone.
A breeze stirs the grass.
FADE OUT.
THE END
114.

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CITY PARK - DAY

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