Refusing To Kick The Bucket

SOULSBY PRODUCTIONS FILM CORPORATION
"REFUSING TO KICK THE BUCKET"

An Original Screenplay
Written by
Andrew Soulsby
1st Draft script

© 2008 Andrew Soulsby
"REFUSING TO KICK THE BUCKET"
FADE IN:
LONG EXTERIOR SHOT OF CITY #1.
EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY
A well dressed man is taking a long walk across the

stage towards a Podium in front of thousands of people.
The crowd are extremely loud with cheers.
JACK
Good morning America.
TITLE: REFUSING TO KICK THE BUCKET
MONTAGE:
EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE – DAY
You see press footage of Governor going up to a podium

to loud cheers.
From a different angle of press footage clip you see a

different perspective of JACK at the podium.
JACK
If you vote for me, by my word of
honour we can improve this humble
state and reclaim the glory and
respect it once had and deserves.
Crowd cheers.
JACK (CONT'D)
Because as a proud home grown man
of this state, I and I'm sure many
of you, are sick of seeing and
letting politicians spew promises
and sometimes down right lies to
there public and getting away with
it. I will stand by my word. I
will not let you down. Vote for me
and gain trust in your government.
Vote for me cause I will not talk
down to you. Vote for me because I
will not belittle you. Vote for me
because I will not hide the truth
from you. Vote for me and God as
my witness I swear... I will do
"REFUSING TO KICK THE BUCKET" 2.
everything in my power to restore

the pride and communal spirit that
are fathers and grandfathers
fought for. God bless you and god
bless America.
Crowd cheers as JACK walks away.
NEWS READER #1 (V.O)

Its coming up to voting day and
going in it seems Mr. Vanes strict
view's on crime and immigration
have really rallied support...
promising he will pass legislation
to cut back crime by 20 percent in
the first 6 months of his term if
he gets elected and I don't know
about the rest of the voters out
there but I for one am backing Mr.
Vane... He's got my vote. He's
earned it.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE JACKS PENTHOUSE - DAY
Press footage shows crowds cheering At JACK getting

into a limo.
JACK turns and waves.

Its official JACK VANE has now
been elected... Governor VANE.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET NEAR JACKS PENTHOUSE - DAY
JACK is walking down the street surrounded by

bodyguards they are trying to get through a gathering
of press.
NEWS REPORTER #1 fights his way to the front of a

crowd and shouts for the attention of a JACK who is
entering a office building.
BODYGUARD #1
Can you step back please sir.
JACK
No its okay let him through.
NEWS REPORTER #1
Governor VANE, how does it feel to
finally be elected?
JACK
Well its just feels good now I can
finally start helping people. Yer
it feels good to finally get my
plans in action.
The press goes wild but the bodyguards get JACK

through and into the office building.
NEWS READER #1(V.O)

Its been 3 months now since
Governor Vane got elected and no
word now on any of the promises he
made during his election run being
for-filled.
CUT TO:
EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY
JACK is standing on a golf course. A group of press is

standing near by.
PRESS REPORTER #2
Sir, Sir the people are getting
impatient when are we gonna see
these changes you promised.
JACK
Well I've been getting things in
line until this point but I assure
you that we'll start seeing big
changes...
JACK takes a swing and watches his ball sail off into
the distance.
JACK (CONT'D)
Very, very soon.
CUT TO:
EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE – DAY
You see press footage of Governor at a podium to loud

Boos from the crowd.
JACK
I know that you people are getting
impatient and I can see your point
of view, however these changes
take time, a little longer than I
though but on my word...
HECKLER #1
Your word means nothing!
JACK
Just give me time.
HECKLER #2
you've had enough time.
JACK
Just listen and I'll explain...
The crowd erupts into boos and irate screams.
NEWS READER #1(V.O)

It has just came to light today
that The new Governor, is an
atheist. Now ladies and gentleman
I'm not saying there is anything
wrong with being an atheist but Is
it not misleading and some would
say down right blasphemous for an
atheist to say a statement such as
god bless America and even going
so far to swear by god which
Governor Vane has done frequently
throughout his speeches and
debates, Even with that said...
How far can we trust a man who
swears by a god... He doesn't even
believe in. well in this reporters
opinion not very far at all...
CUT TO:
EXT. CAR PARK OUTSIDE – DAY
JACK is getting into his car.
A crowd appears out of no where and throws eggs at JACK
ANGRY MAN #1
Hey Mr Governor that's what we
think of your word.
The crowd runs off.


Its been 7 months now and not only
has Governor Vane not for-filled
any of his promises but in fact
crime has actually risen since his
term and now we are defiantly
seeing a growing unpopularity with
the once popular Governor Vane. My
question is what is going through
The Governors head as he sits in
his office knowing that we as the
public are not prepared to take
his lies any more.
END MONTAGE:
FADE TO:
INT. THE HEAD OFFICE - DAY
The back of a high backed office chair can be seen,

you can not see the character but you can make out
that there is a figure sitting there.
You can hear the typing of the keyboard and the

clicking of a mouse.
TONY (O.S)
Sir remember that you have to be
at that press conference this
morning at 11...
TONY enters and stands formally behind of the chair

and adjusts his appearance.
TONY (CONT'D)
So we should go over the agenda as
soon as possible. Get you prepared
and briefed. You know so you don't
get caught off guard with any
questions again. Especially when
it comes to your on your position
on the increase of crime in this
state since the new administration
has taken over...
You can hear that the typing stops.

TONY waits for a response and doesn't get and the room
goes silent one takes a step closer to the chair and
looks worried.
TONY (CONT'D)
Sir is everything ok?
TONY pauses for a second and waits for a response

which he doesn't get.
TONY (CONT'D)
Sir we really should start
preparing for this conference its
quite crucial to are image. We've
taking a battering the last few
months but now is the time to
really start cleaning this mess up.
TONY looks even more worried and takes yet another

step forward.
TONY (CONT'D)
Sir...sir... JACK!
JACK (O.C)
Ever feel like your throwing your
life away.
TONY
ermmm... Sir?
JACK
You know like none of this shit
matters.
TONY
Well sometimes sir but... mostly
when I'm spending time trying to
get you prepared for a press
conference...
TONY laughs but notice when the room goes silent again
that JACK may not have appreciated that joke.
TONY (CONT'D)
*clears throat* Sorry, not often
sir... why?
JACK spins his chair and faces TONY.
JACK
They don't care.
TONY
Who doesn't care sir.
JACK
Nobody cares, nobody could give a
shit about what I do, if I decide
to clamp down on crime or ease up
on it... nobody cares.
TONY
But sir...
JACK stands up and stands next to TONY.
JACK
And I can tell you something
now... they shouldn't care,
because if they think I have any
power, there wrong, there just
wrong.
TONY
Come on you've worked hard to get
here just do the press conference
and we'll get this mess sorted out
and then we can focus on your
goals.
JACK starts pacing the floor.
JACK
HA my goals don't make me laugh, I
don't have power to do what I said
I would, what I promised I'd do
for all those people out there.
JACK walks over to the window and gestures.
TONY
Of course you do... look where we
are... you made it your a
Governor... its what you wanted...
JACK your wrong you do have the
power now... you do. Now you can
deliver what you've been
promising. you can, you really

can... your not just another
politician pedalling shit now.
Your Governor for Christ sake
listen to me.
JACK
No you listen to me I don't have
the power I thought I would when I
got in to this position,but I
don't have the power I should...
the power I've earned. This isn't
what I wanted.
TONY
This is what you wanted.
JACK
No... No. its what I thought I
wanted but I'm just another
slave... another slave like
everyone else. Where all slaves,
none of us are free none of us has
any real freedom and the only
reason they think where free is
because they want us to think
where free, so we don't rebel and
meanwhile the world as we know it
is becoming smaller. more
confined. Were always being
watched by some one, where always
being listened into by someone so
don't you talk to me like you know
power... ha power and then I get
egged on the streets because I
haven't cut down on the crime or I
haven't fixed the pot hole down
there streets or I haven't
implicated a better education plan
or health plan... well I tell you
why because it cant be done, there
is no one man who can change a
state especially with the power we
have now, Ha or rather lack of it
so forget about changing a
country. DO you know who the most
powerful man in the country is.
TONY goes to answer the question but jack stops him.
JACK (CONT'D)
Well I don't know who it is but I
tell you who isn't... the
president. Oh no, not the

president. The fools out there
think he is but he's not. You know
who he is, he's just another
puppet. The front man for the guy
behind the curtain. Yes the guy
behind the curtain he's the man
making all the decisions and there
all made for his personal agenda.
So they invent a reason for a war
to suit “THE MANS” agenda who
knows why. Oil... I mean I don't
know... I don't know why we are in
this war but I tell you we are not
fighting a war for the reasons
they tell us we are. We aren't
using war to make peace... how
anyone ever bought that is a joke.
Jack sits down on his chair and adjusts his tie.
JACK (CONT'D)
So then we all get together and
refocus are agenda make sure
people can't catch us off guard
with a question... because god
help us if the people ever find
out the truth and without truth
how can we ever live in freedom?
Land of the free home of the
brave... HA.
TONY looks at jack in awe and confusion.
TONY
So would you like me to reschedule
your conference to a later date?
JACK
Ha... that would be lovely.
TONY
You know you do this ever time you
have a press conference.
JACK stands up and walks past TONY without looking at

him and bumps his shoulder passing him and continues
unaffected out the door.
INT. THE SECRETARIES OFFICE - DAY
JACK leaves THE HEAD OFFICE and enters THE SECRETARIES

OFFICE TONY follows.
JACK passes walks straight past the Secretary In a

rush.
JESSICA
Sir you have a message.
JACK
I'm talking the day off!
JESSICA
Press conference?
TONY
You bet.
JACK
This isn't just me avoiding
another conference.
JESSICA
But sir this message is quite
important.
JACK stops walking and turns to face JESSICA
JACK
I don't care!
JACK continues walking
JESSICA
JACK It was the hospital.
JACK stops in his tracks and looks taken a back.
With his back to JESSICA.
JACK
Was... was it my results?
JESSICA
Yes.
JACK
What did they say?
JESSICA
They need to speak to you.
Jack turns and faces TONY who is leaning against the

door frame.
JACK
What do ya think that means is
that good or what?
TONY
I think we should get you down
there, the press will understand.
JACK
Screw the press I was just about
to take the day off to to re
evaluate my political career do
you really think I care about the
press... screw the press.
TONY
So it really wasn't just to avoid
that press conference.
JACK looks down and sighs
TONY (CONT'D)
I'm sorry Sir come on lets go.
JACK looks down in deep thought, but you can tell

there is a hint of worry in his eyes.
TONY (CONT'D)
Come on I'll call us a cab.
JACK
Us?
TONY
Well I'm not gonna let you face
this alone... Oh come on JACK I'm
your friend.
JACK
Well thanks TONY. I really do
appreciate it.
TONY goes to hug JACK but JACK backs off.
JACK (CONT'D)
You know where not there yet.
TONY
I sensed it.
JACK
Yep, sure ya did.
TONY puts JACKS coat over him and opens the door for
him.
TONY looks back at JESSICA rolls his eyes and mouths

I'm sorry.
CUT TO:
INT. DOCTOR CAANS OFFICE – DAY
You can see JACK sitting on the bed at the doctors

office with his legs dangling off the side, kicking
his feet.
DOCTOR CAAN enters smiling and holding a clip board.
DOCTOR CAAN
Ah Mr. Vane how are you this
morning?
JACK
I don't know. That's what I'm here
to find out. Isn't it?
DOCTOR CAAN
Well yes that's what we called you
in here for.
DOCTOR CAAN smile turns to a more serious face as he

looks down at his chart.
DOCTOR CAAN (CONT'D)

Are you sure you want to be alone
for this, you can call your
friend...
JACK
Assistant.
DOCTOR CAAN looks up for his chart at JACK.
DOCTOR CAAN
Oh, well you can call your
assistant in if it would make you
more comfortable.
JACK
Thank you but I'm fine really.
DOCTOR CAAN looks back down at his chart. Long pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
so... what's the verdict. I mean,
how am I doing.
DOCTOR CAAN closes the chart and sits next to JACK on

the bed.
DOCTOR CAAN
Well I'm gonna level with you Mr.
Vane it isn't good.
JACK
Come on I can take it.
DOCTOR CAAN
Well you have something called
Hairy cell leukaemia.
JACK while looking down looking down.
JACK
Cancer?
DOCTOR CAAN
Yes cancer... and its progressed
to quite a advanced stage, it can
be aggressive but if we get
started with treatment as soon as
possible the survival rate could
be 70-75 percent. That's quite
good...
JACK looks down stunned and the room goes silent. Long
pause.
DOCTOR CAAN(CONT'D)
I know of course this is going to
be a big shock to you and your
going to need time to take it all

in but we should really act
immediately on getting you into
your first course of treatment as
soon as possible so if there is
any arrangements you need to
make...
JACK
I'm not going to do any course of
treatments.
long pause.
DOCTOR CAAN
I don't think you understand.
JACK
No I don't think you understand, I
know what those treatments are
like, the radiation, the kimo...
the pain from those treatments
alone can be worse then the pain
of the cancer right?
DOCTOR CAAN
Well some patience find that, but
the cancer itself if left un-
tackled will make you as if not
more uncomfortable.
JACK
What are the symptoms?
DOCTOR CAAN
Well, Weakness, fatigue, weight
loss...
JACK
Oh no not weight loss... please
doc. I could spend to loose a few
pounds.
JACK laughs.
DOCTOR CAAN doesn't he looks even more serious.
DOCTOR CAAN
And recurring infections, you
always be sick... you wont be able
to cope.
JACK
Don't worry about me.
DOCTOR CAAN
I'm afraid without taking any
course of action you could be as
few as 5 to 6 months.
The room goes quiet again and there is

another long pause

come on... if your not gonna do
this for yourself do it for your
family...
JACK looks at DOCTOR CAAN.
JACK
What family?... I don't have a
family.
DOCTOR CAAN
I'm sorry I was sure you had a kid.
JACK
I did.
Long pause.
DOCTOR CAAN
I'm sorry...
Long pause.
JACK
Its ok...
DOCTOR CAAN
No really I'm sorry.
JACK
Look I don't want to talk about
it... Lets just drop it.
DOCTOR
Ok... Then can you do it for your
friends.
JACK
I'm not, gonna do... any
treatment...
DOCTOR CAAN sighs.
JACK (CONT'D)
What did you think? That you where
really gonna win me round with the
do it for your friends speech.
DOCTOR CAAN
Ah... well.
JACK looks at him accusingly.

Ok... no I didn't.
JACK smiles.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSTPITAL HALLWAY – DAY
TONY is trying to keep up with JACK as he walks down

the hallway.
TONY
What he say?
JACK
Oh you know doctors... blah blah
blah.
TONY
Come on. What he say?
JACK
Nothing... I'm gonna be fine.
TONY puts his hand on JACKS shoulder and stop him.
JACK turns to face him.
TONY
Come on what did he say?
Long pause.
JACK
5 months.
TONY
5 months till what?
JACK
What the hell do you think 5
months till I need another hair
cut. 5 months and that's my lot.
TONY
Whoa! wait a minute I don't
understand.
JACK
I'm sorry did I not make it
clear...
JACK clears his trout
JACK (CONT'D)
5 months till I'm having a Dirt
nap, Pushing up the daisies, 5
months till I'm Ceased to be,
Stone dead, Gone to meet my maker,
Expired, no more, Deceased, 5
months till I will have to Kick
the bucket.
JACK turns and continues walking.
TONY
But this is all sudden.
JACK
Your telling me?
TONY
Why are you just ok with this?
JACK doesn't respond.
TONY (CONT'D)
Well isn't there anything they can
do?
JACK
I don't want them to do anything.
TONY
But why?
JACK
see ya.
JACK continues walking at a high pace and with out

looking back waves over his shoulder.
TONY looks confused and turns and walks the other way
down the corridor.
CUT TO:
INT. JACKS HOME OFFICE – NIGHT
You see JACK in the dark with a glass of whiskey in

his hand and a almost empty bottle on the table next
to him
A cigar is slowly burning through in the ash tray next

to him.
The camera slowly zooms in on his shadow covered face

and you cannot make out his expression.
The phone is ringing in the background JACK doesn't

move...
TONY (V.O)
Answer the phone JACK I know your
their... Come on. You cant hide
from this for ever, your really
gonna have to face this thing at
some point and time...Look I
talked to ...
JACK puts down his glass and presses the button on the
receiver hanging the call up. He picks up his cigar
and takes a puff the camera focuses in as if going
through that smoke.
FADE TO:
INT. JACKS OLD HOUSE – NIGHT – 1973
JACK enters his house and is greeted by a woman who

kisses him on the cheek.
KAREN
Hi nice day at the office Hun.
YOUNG JACK
Actually I have really big news.
KAREN
Actually me too.
YOUNG JACK
Ok you go first.
YOUNG JACK takes off his jacket and hangs it up on the

back of the door then walks into the kitchen and sits
down with his wife.
KAREN
Well I know we haven't exactly
been planning for this but
sometimes god throws you a curve
ball and I think this is gonna be
really great for us and well...
YOUNG JACK
What? Come on Karen what?...
KAREN
Well... I'm pregnant.
They both look at each other in stunned amazement and

KAREN gets up and without saying a word hugs YONG JACK
and sits on his lap. KAREN is crying with happiness.
KAREN (CONT'D)
I Wasn't quite how sure you'd take
it but... I'm so happy I know
where probably gonna have to get
married and stuff but, well we can
talk about that later can't we.
KAREN sitting on YOUNG JACKS lap looks into his eyes

and smiles YOUNG JACK stares blankly.
KAREN (CONT'D)
So what was your news?
KAREN (CONT'D)
JACK.
KAREN (CONT'D)
JACK... is everything ok.
END FLASHBACK.
FADE TO:
INT. JACKS HOME OFFICE – NIGHT
JACK is still sitting in his office when TONY bursts

in.
TONY
What the hell are you doing?
JACK jumps up.

JACK
Whoa. What? What's going on?
TONY starts pacing the floor.
JACK (CONT'D)
TONY what are doing here? what's
going on?
TONY
I cant believe your gonna do this.
JACK
You almost give me a freaking
heart attack. here what's going on?
TONY
I'm sorry are you okay?
JACK
Am I okay? you burst into my house
and ask if I'm okay? Well let me
think.
JACK looks at his watch
JACK (CONT'D)
its 2.30 in the morning and my
assistant just burst into my
house... well TONY I'm just dandy
how are you?
TONY
I'm fine JACK... thanks. What the
hell are you doing?
JACK
what the hell am I doing? What the
hell are you doing in my house?
TONY
No what the hell are you doing
JACK?
JACK
Unbelievable you burst into my
house and at 2.30 ask me what I'm
doing.
TONY
They can help you, let them help
you.
JACK looks side to side in confusion and sits down.
JACK
I locked the door didn't I.
TONY
How you can just throw your life
away and not even attempt to...
JACK
no I'm sure I locked the door. Did
you break in?
TONY
I used the key you gave me for
emergency's.
JACK
I gave you a key.
TONY
JACK?
JACK
I don't remember giving you a key.
TONY
JACK!
JACK
It doesn't sound like something I
would do.
TONY
JACK!... I talked to DOCTOR CAAN.
Long pause.
JACK
You had no right?
TONY
Oh would you forget about the key
all ready?
JACK stands up.
JACK
I just did. You to talk to my
Doctor!...
TONY
Oh come on I was worried about you.
JACK
Don't worry about me.
JACK walks over to a side table where a near empty

bottle of whisky and a empty glass sits. JACK refills
his glass with the last of his whiskey.
TONY
Well I do worry about you, JACK
your my friend.
JACK
Wow, we are NOT friends your my
assi...
TONY
Oh enough with this assistant crap
we're friends... like it or not
where friends.
JACK
Ah...
TONY
And you know what?
JACK
What?
TONY
I'm the only friend you've got.
JACK looks at the floor.
TONY
So stop pretending that where not.
Its not fooling anyone. Its not
fooling Jessica.
JACK
Who's JESSICA?
TONY looks at JACK stunned.
TONY
Your secretary.
JACK
Oh!
TONY
How long has she been your
Secretary JACK 3-4 years?
JACK
I don't care?
TONY
Well...
JACK
Well nothing. Look TONY I don't
care I just don't care! When are
you going to to learn I don't
care. I don't care about you I
don't care about about my
Secretary I don't care about what
DOCTOR CAAN thinks is going to
happen to me I don't care about
the people on the street I swear
“By god” to help. I just don't
care.
TONY
Oh please. Your not really the
cold heart-ed bastard you'd love
everyone to think you are.
JACK
Why do you think I have no friends?
TONY
JACK. You can't do this alone
JACK
Get out!
TONY
JACK you cant hide from this.
JACK
Get out of my house.
TONY walks right up to JACK.
TONY
I know you. I know what your
thinking you fought your way to
the top, on your own. You fought
your way to the top against the
odds. You and you solely built
this empire and won the votes of
your people to get to where you
are... to where you always wanted
to be, on your own... but this you
cant do. This you cant do alone.
JACK looks down considering what TONY has said and

looks up.
JACK
get out!
TONY looks at jack and shakes his head and raises his
hands and walks out.
JACK downs his glass and walks off into the darkness
of his empty house and slowly you can no longer see
him.
CUT TO:
INT. ENTRANCE TO JACKS WORKPLACE – DAY
Its the next morning and jack walks in holding his

head with a coffee in one hand and shades on.
DOORMAN #1
Good morning sir!
JACK stops and walks uncomfortably close to DOORMAN #1.
JACK
Is it?
JACK continues on walking along the corridor and into

a lift.
INT. SECRETARIES OFFICE – DAY
JACK exits the lift and walks into the SECRETARIES

OFFICE.
JESSICA
Good morning sir how are you today?
JACK
Ah JESSICA!
JESSICA
Yes sir?
JACK
JESSICA JESSICA JESSICA. No... how
are you... JESSICA?
JESSICA
I'm... well sir but more
importantly how are you?
JACK
Well you know I've been better.
JESSICA grasps jacks hand.
JESSICA
Have you sir why what's wrong?
JACK
I've got a bit of a hang over from
last night I think I drank a bit
to much.
JESSICA
Oh, is that all that's wrong
nothing you wanna tell me?
JACK
No.
JESSICA
No, cause you know I'll be here
for you if there is something you
have to tell me
JACK
No I've got nothing to tell you.
JESSICA
Are you sure you've got nothing to
tell me about?
JACK
Wait what are you doing?
JESSICA
Nothing I'm was just asking how
you are.
JACK
Oh my god he told you, didn't he?
JESSICA
I swear he was just trying to help.
JACK
How could telling you possibly
help.
JESSICA
Ok he didn't tell me cause he
thought I could help you I forced
it out of him.
JACK holds his head in his hands and turns away from
JESSICA.
JACK
For god sakes, it had nothing to
TONY and it has nothing to do with
you.
JESSICA
Your right, your right but you
know if you ever need anyone to
talk to...
JACK
Yes whatever I can talk to you.
JESSICA
Well I was gonna say the suicide
hotline is just a Google search
away.
JACK
Ha ha ha. Have I got any messages
then... today.
JESSICA
yes sir you have 3 and I'm afraid
you still gonna have to do a press
conference on the crime situation
at some point and...
TONY enters.
The room goes silent.
JACK
Ah TONY good morning.
TONY
Good morning sir.
JACK
Anything you wanna say?
TONY
Oh yeah look about last night, I
know there's a line and maybe I
crossed it but...
JACK
What do you mean last night?
nothing happened last night.
TONY
What?
JACK
I'm mean do you want to brief me
on this press conference I have
been scheduled for.
TONY
Oh, oh, yes of course.
JACK
Good.
JACK turns to walk away
TONY
So about last night.
JACK
Last night didn't happen.
TONY
But we cant just ignore it.
JACK walks up JACK
JACK
listen to me when I say this, last
night didn't happen.
TONY
Right ok you go in there and get
ready and I'll get the briefing
notes from JESSICA.
INT. THE HEAD OFFICE – DAY
JACK walks in to his office, shuts the door and sits

down without putting the light on and holds his head
in his hands.
Its dark as the blinds and curtains are shut JACK is

only visible by the light coming in from the glass on
his office leading to the SECRETARIES OFFICE.
FADE TO:
EXT. FRONT YARD JACKS OLD HOUSE – DUSK – 1973

You cans see removal men taking boxes away in the

background YOUNG JACK approaches KAREN.
KAREN
You know you don't have to do
this.
YOUNG JACK
You know I do.
KAREN
Your being selfish.
YOUNG JACK
That's exactly why I have to leave
you.
KAREN
What your leaving me because your
being selfish?
YOUNG JACK
No I'm leaving you because I am
selfish and as much of a cold
heart-ed son of a bitch I am I
don't want to ruin your life.
KAREN
Let me make that decision not you.
I know your selfish. I know your
arrogant. I know that you this
house isn't big enough for me you
and your ego but I love you, I
wish I didn't but I do.
YOUNG JACK
I was, that's why I was with you
because it was your decision to
stay with me.
KAREN
What's changed?
YOUNG JACK
Your not just making a decision
for yourself now your making one
for your baby to.
KAREN
Our baby.
YOUNG JACK
Not any more.
KAREN
Oh so it's the baby.
KAREN starts to cry hard she covers her face
there is a long pause
KAREN
Well there are ways... Of getting
rid of them you know.
YOUNG JACK
Stop that now! you've always
wanted a baby,that's not what you
want.
KAREN
JACK I want you, I'd throw it all
away for you.
YOUNG JACK
I'm not worth it.
KAREN
I know your not. Your sleazy and
old fashioned and charmless power
hungry and arrogant and I hate
you. But I love you. I know it
makes no sense but I love you
JACK... and what Your gonna throw
that all away and leave me and my
baby for a job?
YOUNG JACK
Look KAREN I'm poison, I'm sick of
hurting you and if I was gonna
stay that's what I would do.
YOUNG JACK wipes KARENS tears
YOUNG JACK (CONT'D)

I love you, I hope you know that.
KAREN
Ha.... do you know there was a
time back when we first started
dating and I said I love you.
JACK
Of course I do.
KAREN
You know that you never returned
it. Not once have you told me you
love me, not once. Ha and do you
know what the funny thing is, it
got to the point that I thought
you where incapable of love... and
yet I stood by you.
YOUNG JACK
So did I until I realized to truly
love some one I have to do the
best thing for them. The best
thing I can do your You is let you
go. SO I guess what I'm trying to
say is for me to be able to love
you I have to let you go.
KAREN shakes her head
YOUNG JACK (CONT'D)

I now as I leave you. I know what
love is and I know I will never
love anyone or anything as much as
I loved you. No matter how far a
climb, how big my empire gets It
will all be nothing to you.
KAREN goes to hug JACK
YOUNG JACK
Don't, because I know if you hug
me I wont ever want to leave go.
Goodbye KAREN, I hope for your
sake you never see me again.
JACK runs up to the back moving truck that had been

putting his stuff on in the background and jumps on.
KAREN chases after him but the truck starts driving

away.
KAREN
No! No! No! Don't leave, you don't
have to do this, please you don't
have to do this please.
The camera focuses on Karen and she gives up chancing

and falls to her knees sobbing.
END FLASHBACK.
FADE TO:
TONY enters with a pad full of notes.
TONY
Right ready, lets get started.
JACK
Wait a second... Just wait a
second I've got something to tell
you sit down.
TONY sits across the table from JACK
JACK (CONT'D)
Listen I want to apologize for the
other day I was just a bit
TONY
A bit what?
JACK
well you know.
TONY
No I don't want to explain it to
me.
JACK
Stop making this so hard on me. I
was being a bit of... a...
TONY
Prick.
JACK
Come on now, I'm still your boss.
TONY
Yes well you where being one
of those.
JACK
Well I might be a prick now but I
wasn't always like that...
TONY
You don't have to explain your
self to me or anyone else for that
matter.
JACK
Well maybe I don't need to but I
want to.
TONY
There's only one thing I want to
know about you.
JACK
Go on.
TONY
Why wont you try the treatment?
JACK looks blankly and the room goes silent.
there's a long pause.
TONY
Look if you don't want to answer
the question don't.
JACK
I wasn't always like this I used
to be nice, I had a fiancé and
family but its this job you know
it turns you into something, Its
turned me into something I never
wanted to be. Something I hate.
TONY
Listen in the last few days I've
learned something about you. Your
a coward who hides from your
emotions because your scared of
the pain of getting hurt,now
you've shown me that I don't care
how you've got to the way you are
because you are simply incapable
of change so maybe your right,
maybe I am just your assistant.
JACK looks hurt but is holding back his pain as he

gives a slight nod
TONY (CONT'D)
So we best get on with this
meeting ay.
JACK gives a slight nod to TONY

TONY (CONT'D)
Right so we should started by
planning your responses to the
inevitable questions on crime....
CUT TO:
EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY
JACK walks out to a crowd of press. Its very loud.

JACK walks up to the podium and knocks the microphone
to get the press to shut up
room goes quite.
JACK straightens up his notes and clears his thought
JACK
Ladys and gentlemen we all know
that crime has risen in last year
as it has been rising steadily for
the last decade, but we must keep
it is perspective...
A member of the press pushes his way to the front.
REPORTER #1
Sir what of this news that you
have cancer
JACK looks shocking and and goes silent.
TONY walks out from where he was hidden of the camera

and walks up to the microphone.
TONY
Sorry the Governor will not be
taking questions
JACK looks at TONY and gestures for him to go back.
TONY edges off camera.
JACK
Yes we wont be disguising that in
this conference. Now where was i...
another member of the press steps in front.
REPORTER #2
So is it true?
JACK
Listen we already told you we
aren't going to talk about it,
don't make me pull a “no comment”
on you
The crowds laugh.
JACK
So where was I.
JACK looks down at his notes and starts moving them

around.
Of screen TONY says
TONY (V.O)
Crime.
JACK looks at TONY and nods
JACK
So like I was saying if you put
the rise in crime that's taking
place in the last complete of
years in perspective you'll...
see... right ok I was diagnosed
with Hairy cell leukaemia they've
given 5 maybe 6 months.
REPORTER #2
So sir isn't there anything they
can do?
JACK
No more question please.
CROWD
But sir, sir.
Walks up to the microphone again.
TONY
No more question, we wont be
taking any more questions sir.
JACK pushes TONY of camera.
JACK
Ok look I'm not gonna get any
treatment.
REPORTER 1#
Why
JACK
because, because I don't know.
CROWD
(In audible shouting)
TONY
This conference is over.
TONY rushes JACK of the stage and they walk of shot
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY 1# - DAY
TONY and JACK are walking done a hallway back inside.
TONY
What where you doing out there.
JACK
My job.
TONY
We told them you weren't taking
questions so you didn't have to
tell them anything.
JACK
Why does it mater
TONY grabs JACKS shoulder and stops him walking.
TONY
Why doesn't it matter.
JACK
listen you want to know the truth.
TONY
Yes.
JACK
Because I'm not gonna die.
TONY
What.
JACK
I'm not gonna die.
TONY
I don't understand, why aren't you
gonna die have they found a cure.
JACK
What for cancer I think you would
of heard about it.
TONY
Then what.
JACK
I don't know it hard to explain
TONY
Try me.
JACK
Well do you no when the doctor
told me in was gonna die.
TONY
yes.
JACK
well I don't believe him.
TONY
What, you think he lied.
JACK
No of course not, I know he thinks
I'm gonna die but I'm not.
TONY
What are you talking about?
JACK continues walking
TONY (CONT'D)
wait a second.
JACK turns around
JACK
I've got nothing more to say.
TONY
Sir with all due respect I think
you've gone insane.
JACK
Oh well it happens.
TONY
I mean real Doctor Strangelove
style.
JACK
Doctor Strangelove wasn't crazy
was he?
TONY
I meant the general from the movie
doctor Strangelove.
JACK
Oh... well its a great movie.
TONY
I mean come on he's a doctor.
JACK
Ah Doctors.
TONY
In fact he's a damn good doctor,
not likely to get his diagnoses
wrong.
JACK
He better be good for the amount
of money I'm paying.
TONY
and your gonna trust, what your
gut over him.
JACK
I'm not gonna die.
TONY
Look I know facing your own
mortality can be hard but they can
help you if you let them.
JACK
I'm not sure I want to have this
conversation with you right now.
TONY
Ok we'll talk later.
JACK
But mom do we have to?
TONY
Yes.
JACK
ohhhh
JACK turns and starts walking away TONY stays still
TONY
Look I have to go sort something
out I see you at your office at
about...
JACK looks at his watch
TONY (CONT'D)
4.
JACK
Ok!
CUT TO:
INT. DOCTOR CAANS WAITING ROOM – DAY
DOCTOR CAANS rushing around busy reading files and re-

arranging
TONY is following him from place to place trying to

speak to him.
TONY
Doctor
DOCTOR CAANS still moving about busy.
TONY (CONT'D)
Doctor can I please just have a
quick word with you.
DOCTOR CAAN
I am very busy right now can you
come back later or make an
appointment.
TONY
Please I just need to ask you
something really quick.
DOCTOR CAAN
If I just gave everyone a moment
of my time I would never leave
here.
TONY
Yes I know but its important.
DOCTOR CAAN
Is it an emergency?
TONY
Yes.
DOCTOR CAAN
Then I suggest you go to the
emergency room.
TONY
Look its about JACK.
DOCTOR CAAN stops what he's doing and looks at TONY
DOCTOR CAAN
Go through to room 1. I'll be
there in a minute.
TONY
Thank you.
CUT TO:
INT. DOCTOR CAANS OFFICE – DAY
DOCTOR CAAN enters and then shuts the door and stands
inside by the door.
TONY is sitting on a stool looking down. (long pause)
DOCOTOR CAAN
Well.
TONY looks up and stands up.
TONY
Oh sorry, I was lost there for a
second.
DOCOTOR CAAN
You said that there was something
wrong with JACK.
TONY
Yes he's been acting real weird.
DOCTOR CAAN
You pulled me off my clinic duty
for acting weird?
TONY
No you don't get it, I was with
him a couple of hours ago and I
finally got him to tell me why he
didn't want the treatment.
DOCTOR CAAN
Look, he told me that he's scared
of the pain of the treatment
that's no uncommon, some people
feel that...
TONY
No its not that he just said that
for an excuse.
DOCTOR CAAN
Well some people don't want to
mess with there gods will.
TONY
no...
DOCTOR CAAN
or sometimes they feel like there
messing with their destiny.
TONY
But?
DOCTOR CAAN
Maybe JACK'S just ready to die.
TONY
NO!
DOCTOR CAAN
Well what else could it be.
TONY
Listen to me I was talking to him
and he said he wont get the
treatment because he doesn't
believe you.
DOCTOR CAAN
What why? Have I proved myself
untrustworthy?
TONY
No its not necessarily you...
DOCTOR CAAN
I always thought of me and JACK...
well hell as... friends
TONY
You don't understand.
DOCTOR CAAN
What exactly did I do to annoy him.
TONY
Wow your insecure. Its not you he
doesn't believe, its the prognosis.
DOCTOR CAAN
Oh well I can redo all the tests.
TONY
Its not the test.
DOCTOR CAAN
What a second opinion? well I can
suggest a few good colleges but I
assure you my prog...
TONY
No its not that either.
DOCTOR CAAN
Then I'm afraid I don't understand.
TONY
Well actually neither do I. He
said he doesn't think that the
results aren't true or that your a
bad doctor and he is sure that you
fully think he is going to die but
his gut is telling him he's not
going to.
DOCTOR CAAN smiles and sits down
DOCTOR CAAN
Oh of course.
TONY
What, what, what do you know the
problem?
DOCTOR CAAN
Yes its obvious now, it clearly
just denial. It happens sometimes
but if it is just denial he'll
come around. It really nothing to

worry about.
TONY
Well is there anything I can do to
speed him along.
DOCTOR CAAN
Well no he should snap out of it
eventually, but you could get the
point across that trying couldn't
hurt.
DOCTOR CAAN stands up and goes to open the door.

Look I've got to go, give JACK my
wishes and stop worrying it
happens.
TONY
Well thanks have a nice...
DOCTOR CAAN leaves.
TONY (CONT'D)
Day.
CUT TO:
JACK is sitting in a chair squeezing a lump of play

doe and chewing good on with his feet on his desk.
TONY rushes in flustered.

TONY
Hi.
JACK points to the time on his computer Monitor
JACK
Your late.
TONY
Yer I'm sorry about that.
JACK
You are?
TONY
Yes
JACK
Are you feeling alright?
TONY
Yes why?
JACK
you do realize your supposed to be
annoyed with me?
TONY
What? Oh yeah I'm over that I'm
gonna let you do what you wanna do.
JACK
Your over it? I'm gonna die and
your over it.
TONY
what you said you weren't going to
die.
JACK
Well no, but from your
perspective...
TONY
Hey do you wanna grab lunch your
paying.
JACK looks extremely confused.
JACK
Sure... where?
TONY
Anywhere expensive, your paying.
TONY picks up JACK's coat and passes it to him.
JACK stands up and collects the coat
JACK
I knew there was a catch.
TONY laughs
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET OUTSIDE OFFICE – AFTERNOON

JACK and TONY are waiting outside for a Taxi
TONY
So where we going?
JACK
Where would you like to go?
TONY
I'm not fussy.
JACK
MacDonald's then.
TONY
What?
JACK
Well I'm paying aren't I
TONY
HA, HA, HA... seriously though
where we going.
JACK
Nivarinas?
TONY
Yer sure
JACK looks at TONY shocked
JACK
What? You hate Nivarinas.
TONY
I said I'm not bothered
JACK
Well where not going to Nivarinas.
TONY
Why?
JACK
Because I don't fucking like
Nivarinas its sewage.
TONY
Then why did you suggest it.
JACK
Because more importantly I know
you think its fucking sewage.
TONY
So why would you suggest a
restaurant you don't like and you
know I don't like?
JACK
No the better question is why
would you agree to go to a
restaurant that you hate?
TONY
Oh my god, JACK where going to
dinner... why every time we go out
socially you have to analyse every
thing I do like I'm the Enigma
machine.
TONY steps out and looks down the road.
TONY (CONT'D)
Oh, lets just walk
TONY starts walking. JACK looks at him fascinated the

catches up with him.
JACK
First off Its phrases like “ every
time we go out socially” that
makes people thing your gay and
second off...
TONY
What? Who thinks I'm gay.
JACK looks at him as if he's stupid.
TONY (CONT'D)
Who?
JACK
I may as well tell you who doesn't
its a shorter list.
TONY
Ahhhh.
JACK
and secondly...
TONY
I know its been a slow year for me
but for people to think I'm gay.
JACK
Slow? Slow? More like none
existent. Anyway...
TONY
Hey when was the last time you had
a lady?
JACK
what are you talking about? All
the time.
TONY
Not a hooker.
JACK
Anyway! Secondly ever since “you
had something to do” this this
morning you've been acting really
weird.
TONY
How?
JACK
Well before the interview you
seemed to be really annoyed with
me about, well you know the hole
death thing or lack of death
thing...
TONY roles his eyes.
JACK (CONT'D)
And now.
TONY
What?
JACK
Well you've been really nice...
TONY
Nice?
JACK
Yer.
TONY
Nice?
JACK
Yer.
TONY
Oh well Sherlock you've got me,
I've been much nicer to you after
I've had to do something earlier
yes.
JACK
So you admit it.
TONY
No! there's nothing to admit.
JACK
really?
TONY
Yes.
JACK
Look at me.
They both stop walking.
JACK (CONT'D)
Really?
TONY looks down and thinks for a second.
TONY
Ok I talked to DOCTOR CAAN again.
JACK
Again? After we had that huge
argument about the first time you
violated my human right of doctor
patient confidentiality and also
ended are social relationship as
my acquaintance.
TONY
Yes again after all that... sorry.
JACK
Oh that's ok then.
JACK starts walking again.

TONY
What seriously?
JACK stops walking and turns around.
JACK
No! No not seriously.
TONY puts his hands on his head and turns his back to
JACK.
JACK (CONT'D)
I knew there was something fishy
going on.
TONY turns back to face JACK.
JACK (CONT'D)
and just when I was starting to
think you might have got over it.
TONY sighs.
JACK (CONT'D)
Why again
TONY
I'm sorry.
JACK
No I mean why did you see him
again not why did you betray me
TONY goes to speak but is stopped
JACK (CONT'D)
Which you did.
TONY
I needed to find out something.
JACK
What else is there to know about
me?
TONY
Oh this wasn't about you
JACK
What? Then who was it about.
TONY
Well, I have this friend and I
just wanted to ask DOCTOR CAANS
opinion on they way he has been
acting lately.
JACK
Oh? So this friend how has he been
acting?
TONY
Well see he has quite recently
been diagnosed with cancer.
JACK
Ah.
TONY
And this he, well he really is
quite foolish.
JACK
How is he being foolish TONY?
TONY
Well for some bizarre reason he
doesn't believe his doctors
prognosis.
JACK
Well what did DOCTOR CAAN Sa...
TONY
and this friend well he refuses to
believe that he will die.
JACK
Ok, I get your point.
TONY
And this friend doesn't realize If
he doesn't do something now. he
will die.
JACK
Right ok.
TONY
I mean this friend or moron if you
will has this real god complex and
doesn't think its possible that he
can die.
JACK
Ok stop.
TONY
And he is so widely self absorbed
in his own denial that he actually
thinks he will live forever.
JACK
Ok
TONY
So yer... this guy actually thinks
he can avoid... well... avoid
kicking the bucket.
JACK
Stop it! Stop it! I don't need to
take this crap from you.
TONY
What are you talking about? JACK I
was just talking about my friend,
but where not friends are we no we
're just associates, aren't we?
JACK
You know what screw you and one
more thing where were we walking
to... we hadn't decided on a
restaurant yet... idiot.
JACK starts walking back again.
TONY
So what are you gonna do run
away,run away like your gonna run
away from death. Well see where
that gets you.
JACK hail a taxi and and opens the door and looks at
TONY
TONY (CONT'D)
It's not gonna work, your just
proving yourself a coward.
JACK shuts the gets in the taxi and shuts the door.
TONY (CONT'D)
Coward. That's right coward.
The taxi pull away.
TONY (CONT'D)
Yes run away Coward. RUN AWAY! YOU
COWARD!
FADE TO:
INT. JACKS LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
JACK is in the dark and the only light in the room is

coming off the TV and it is illuminating him. He is
looking through a picture album and turns to one
particular page and with a picture of his wife and him
hugging.
The camera focuses in on this picture.
JACK slides the picture out of the plastic wallet it

is in and pulls out a letter Entitled Your Daughter.
JACK (V.O)
I have never opened this letter to
this day. I don't quite no why.
I'm not sure if its that if I read
this letter and learned about my
daughter I'd want to meet her. I
can never let that happen. If I
was ever to meet my daughter she
would just end up getting hurt.
She would just end up getting hurt
like anyone I've ever let into my
life. There's a reason I don't let
TONY to close to me. Its not that
I don't like him, In fact its
because I like him to much. I
would never admit it to him but
he's my best friend. Hell even
with keeping him at arms length he
still ends up getting poisoned. I
don't know if there's a god up
their, In fact I'm fairly sure
there ain't... but if He is real
and sitting on his big cloud in
the sky I'd love to ask him why...
why me... why pick on me. Call me
unlucky, hexed or Jinxed but when
it comes to human relationships

I'm the devil. Maybe its on a
physiological level or maybe my
parents screwed me up or even if
its just that I was born with out
a religious man would call a soul
but anyway it seems to be I just
ain't right. I now it comes to
this... opening a letter that I
swore I would never open. I don't
know why I'm doing it but I am.
JACK opens the letter
KAREN (V.O)
Today I had our baby. I didn't
have time to name her, she was
taken away from me to fast.
Although you wish for me never to
refer to it as your baby she had
some of you in her. I really need
to see you, other wise I don't
know what I'll do. They say she is
very sick. Please you need to
come, I need to see you. I've
never been able to get you out my
mind since you left. You where
right when you said you would
never love again I know I wont. I
would rather go through my life
living in the misery that you
cause me then the misery I feel
without you. Please come back. I
need you now more than ever. We
can work out away for this to work
and the baby will be fine and so
will everything else if you just
come back.
Yours always KAREN.
You can see JACKs hand start to shake as he finishes

reading the letter
JACK
No, NO, NO, NO!
JACK stands up and falls against the wall.
JACK (CONT'D)
She needed me. She needed me. SHE
NEEDED ME!
JACK throws his glass against the wall and turns over
the coffee table.
JACK (CONT'D)
It was for the best, It was for
the best. I couldn't let myself
ruin her life it was for the god
damn best.
JACK slides down the wall and sits down
JACK (CONT'D)
But what if it wasn't. I wish I
could see her one more time. Just
once more.
JACK heavily breathing puts his hands on his head and

sinks into his knees.
CUT TO:
TONY walks in holding a cup of coffee and a newspaper

under his arm
JESSICA is typing on her computer behind her test.
TONY walks through the door and into THE SECRETARIES

OFFICE
TONY
Morning
JESSICA
Good morning TONY
TONY keeps walking straight into THE HEAD OFFICE.
The camera stays on JESSICA who stands up and peaks at

TONY walking into THE HEAD OFFICE.
TONY (V.O)
GOD DAMN IT!
JESSICA sits down and gets back to work.
TONY storms back into THE SECRETARIES OFFICE.
TONY (CONT'D)
Snappily
Where is he.
JESSICA
Well...
TONY
Snappily
He didn't show up today did he?
JESSICA
Nope.
TONY
Did you ring him?
JESSICA
Yep.
TONY
Did he answer?
JESSICA
Nope.
TONY
Leave a message?
JESSICA
Yep.
TONY
He Reply?
JESSICA
Nope.
TONY
Does he have a lot to do today?
JESSICA
Yep.
TONY
You worried?
JESSICA
Nope.
TONY keeps on walking straight across the THE

SECRETARIES OFFICE.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
Going to get him?
TONY
Yep.
JESSICA
Think its a good idea?
TONY
Nope.
JESSICA
Are you worried?
TONY
Worried if he's ok or worried if
about what evens gonna do when I
try and go get him.
JESSICA turns her head to one side and looks at TONY

like he's stupid.
TONY (CONT'D)
Ok both would mean yes.
JESSICA laughs and rolls her eyes.
TONY exits.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE JACKS PENTHOUSE – DAY
TONY presses his ear against the door to JACKS

PENTHOUSE.
TONY cant hear anything and takes out his key gingerly.
TONY goes to put the key in the lock carefully but

stops.
TONY pushes his ear against the door again.
TONY wipes his forehead.
TONY
Oh come on this is ridiculous
what's he gonna do.
TONY goes to put the key in the lock again but again
cant force himself to do it.
TONY (CONT'D)
For god sakes TONY your such a
fucking coward.
TONY goes down on to his knees and looks under the

door.
POSH WOMAN #1 walks along the hallway with her dog and
sees TONY.
POSH WOMAN #1 walks up to TONY and stands along side

him and looks at him with a scolding look.
TONY notices and slowly looks up at her while still on

his hands and knees.
TONY (CONT'D)
It's not what it looks like.
POSH WOMAN #1
Is that JACK VANES the Governors
penthouse?
TONY
Yes.
POSH WOMAN #1
Rob him blind son.
POSH WOMAN #1 steps over TONY and along the corridor.
TONY gets on to his knees and turns.
TONY
I wasn't...
POSH WOMAN #1
Rob him blind.
TONY looks confused.
TONY
Thanks mam.
TONY stands and This time confidently opens the door.
CUT TO:
INT. JACKS PENTHOUSE - DAY
Long shot shows the entire view of the penthouse.
TONY investigates the penthouse.

TONY walks in and walks straight into JACKS HOME

OFFICE. There are a bunch of messed up paper on the
desk and in the waste paper basket. All the electrics
are still on: Computer, printer, laptop etc.
TONY looks inquisitive and turns. He sticks his head

in JACKS KITCHEN and notices that it was perfectly
tidy to the point that it seems unused. TONY laughs to
himself.
TONY notices the TV is on and walks up stairs to

follow it.
TONY walks Across the landing popping his head in and

out of room until he see the disturbed living room.
TONY rushes over and see's jack lying on the floor.
JACK is lying on the ground with photos all over him.

The coffee table and sofa are a mess.
TONY quickly grabs his cell phone and dials 911.
Camera focuses in slowly on JACK as a line of vomit

comes out of his mouth.
TONY (V.O)
(Into phone)
Hello, yes excuse me I need an
ambulance.
TONY supports his head.
JACK
Gargling
TONY.
TONY is pacing the floor and still talking on the

phone but from this perspective it is un-audible.
JACK
Gargling
TONY.
TONY is still talking on the phone.
JACK
Gargling
TONY!
TONY notices and finishes giving the details over the

phone.
TONY drops the phone and runs over then kneels beside
him.
JACK
Gargling
What are you doing here?
TONY
Softly.
Shut up! JACK what happened?
JACKS eyes role back in his head.
JACK
Gurgles.
I'm sorry... tell K-KAREN I love
her.
TONY
Karen?
JACK looks around and see a empty bottle of whisky and

pills.
JACK collapses again.
TONY sits with him.
FADE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL, PRIVATE ROOM - DAY
JACK is sitting holding his stomach in pain.
TONY walks in with a coffee.
TONY
Wow, your up.
JACK moans and holds his head.
JACK
Can you not talk... that... loud
TONY sips his coffee.
JACK looks at him accusingly.
TONY
So what happened.
JACK
What my doctors at this hospital
didn't divulge any information to
you that was confidential to me.
TONY
I know I tried a couple of minutes
ago what's that all about.
JACK
Ha... ow don't make me laugh.
TONY
So... you where saying.
JACK
I wasn't saying anything.
TONY
What's up.
JACK
Ok... they pumped my stomach.
TONY
Why cause of the pills.
JACK
What pills.
TONY
JACK I found you. I saw the pill
JACK
What... oh the aspirin?
TONY
Yes the empty bottle of aspirin.
JACK
I know when ever you need it its
never there... why are you asking
about that?
TONY
What... What happened?
JACK
Well I was drinking wayyyyyyy to
much and I went to get a aspirin
and a there was none left and when
I got up to get a new bottle I
collapsed.
TONY
Oh.
JACK
Why what did you think happened?
TONY
Nothing any who...
JACK looks confused.
TONY (CONT'D)
So who's KAREN
JACK
KAREN?
TONY
Yer.
JACK
How did you get that name?
TONY
How much did you drink?
JACK
2-3...
TONY
Well that's not to ba...
JACK
Bottle of Bourbon
TONY
Thought so... where was I, yes
KAREN... Well in between vomiting
on yourself and collapsing in my
arms you said tell KAREN I'm sorry.
JACK
Did I.
TONY
Yep.
JACK
Sure.
TONY
Positive.
JACK
Ah.
TONY
So?
JACK
Well you see... wait there is no
way after me saying that you
didn't go off and find out who she
was.
TONY smiles.
TONY
Ah how well you know me.
JACK
What did you find out?
TONY
Well I'm glad you asked.
JACK roles his eyes.
TONY (CONT'D)
Now KAREN is your ex-wife.
JACK
Actually we never married but
straight up, well done on the
research.
TONY
Thanks, but the P.I did say on the
database divorced under her name.
JACK
Well I guess Your P.I was wrong.
TONY
Or more likely she married some
one else after you left her.
JACK
Impossible.
TONY
Ok, wow are you arrogant. you've
told me you've never talked to her
in years you don't think in all
that time she could remarry?
JACK
Listen you don't know her she
wouldn't marry someone else.
TONY
Right.
JACK
Seriously she wouldn't.
TONY
Ok.
JACK
Seriously your... your P.I, well
he must be wrong.
TONY
She must be wrong.
JACK
Your P.I is a woman? Seriously?
TONY
Yes what's wrong with that?
JACK
Look why don't you just meet woman
like normal guys do at bars?
TONY
Its not like that ok.
JACK
Oh yer.
TONY
She comes highly recommended.
JACK
I bet she does.
TONY
Listen, she's good at what she
does.
JACK
Of course she is good at what she
does because out of the little
information you've given me just
now she had gotten wrong.
TONY
Under his breath.
Or you where wrong.
JACK
What's that?
TONY
Nothing.
JACK
Good because I know I'm definably
not wrong.
TONY
To be 100 percent honest I cant
remember a time you've ever been
wrong actually.
JACK
Thanks it means a lot.
TONY
Under his breath.
I was being sarcastic.
JACK
What's that?
TONY
Nothing, noisy in here isn't it.
JACK
Yer, sort of but its sounds like
you keep mumbling something.
TONY
Ha, nah... lets change the subject
yer.
JACK
Ok So what else did you find out.
TONY
Nothing else interesting, I was
really just looking for her
relation to you.
JACK
So nothing else worth note.
TONY
No.
JACK
What about children? Find anything
about her having kids?
TONY
None listed.
JACK starts to get up.
JACK
See I know that's wrong as well.
TONY
How would you know that's wrong.
You where with her until you left
to become a Governor and you
haven't seen her since.
JACK
I just no ok.
TONY
Seriously how could you possibly
know.
JACK
Because we had a...
TONY
What?
JACK
Nothing. I didn't say anything its
a bit noisy like you say.
TONY
Wait you defiantly said because we
had a you have a... you had a
what... you had a kid?
JACK doesn't respond and gets up.
TONY (CONT'D)
You did didn't you. You have a kid.
JACK still doesn't respond.
TONY (CONT'D)
Why haven't you mentioned that
before?
Yet again JACK still doesn't respond.

DO you see him or her often?
JACK looks at TONY with a cold looks.
TONY (CONT'D)
Or ever?
JACK STANDS up holding his head in pain.
JACK
I don't want to talk about it.
TONY
Ok... but by the way this P.I Amy
really needs to get her eye on the
prize If she wants to be a good
P.I.
JACK
Amy?
TONY
Yer I think her name was Amy
F..F..F...
JACK
Flint? Amy Flint?
ADNRE
Yer that's her. Do you know her.
JACK
Yer I know her. Amy flints one of
the best in the business. Being a
Governor you should know
personally i have to check on up
on people. See if they have any
criminal records or...
TONY
Or dig up dirt on your opposition?
But I bet you never use that
service for personal gain ay
JACK
I'm not gonna answer that question
because what I say isn't gonna be
good for anyone.
TONY
Yer especially not you.
JACK
DAMN SKIPPY! But ANYWAY! Are you
sure it was Amy flint who you got?
TONY
Yer that's her?
JACK
First off then I'm so sorry dude
but she's married.
TONY adjusting his tie
TONY
Actually she's not she's divorced
we discussed it over a coffee.
JACK
Ok well second off you dog come on
high five.
JACK and TONY high five
JACK (CONT'D)
And third off Amy wouldn't make
such elementary mistakes. Did she
give you a address for KAREN
ADNRE
Yes but why? What are you gonna do?
JACK
I'm gonna go check it out myself.
TONY
Well here is a note pad of all the
things she found out.
TONY goes in his pocket and finds a little notepad

almost full of note.
JACK takes it and flips through and stops on one

particular page.
JACK
Oh good she hasn't moved. So I'm
gonna go and I'll be back...
JACK looks at his watch.
JACK (CONT'D)
Well I'll be back when I'm back.
JACK walks a few steps forward towards the door then

holds his head in pain.
TONY smiles.
TONY
Hang over.
JACK
So bad.
TONY
Yer.
JACK
Well I mean I don't have to go...
TONY
Coffee?
JACK
That would be lovely.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL, COFFEE SHOP - DAY
TONY and JACK are sitting in a small comer of a packed

coffee shop.
They are sitting opposite one another on a small

circle Coffee table
TONY
Feeling better man.
JACK
I dunno, my heads still sort of
throbbing you know.
Long pause as JACK takes a sip of his coffee.
TONY
So what ya gonna do man.
JACK
I dunno maybe I'll just take a
couple of aspirin. why do you
think it could be more serious.
TONY
Not about that man about KAREN,
you cant go down their alone in
the shape your in right now.
JACK
What then? Do think I should wait
a couple of days see if I fell
better. I mean I could but...
TONY
Yer you could or someone could
take you down there to see her you
know watch your back.
JACK
Oh I see what your doing.
TONY
You do? What?
JACK
your trying to get rid of me so
you can spend more time with that
Amy aren't you.
TONY
Wha... what! No man! I was hinting
that I could take you down there
to see KAREN.
JACK
You? I dunno about that...
TONY
Come on man it'll be fun.
JACK
Listen, I'm not after fun. I'm
after seeing the one love in my
life again after years. I'm up for
seeing my child for the first
time. If all your bringing to the
table is fun then, I don't need
you.
TONY
We can go half-ers on gas money.
JACK
Do you really think I need to
split money on gas? I'm a million
air. I could buy a new car every-

time the tank runs out from here
to Texas.
TONY
Yer you could but you wont. Its
preciously because your a million
air why you would like us to share
the gas price. The richer the guy
the cheaper he becomes.
JACK
You know what no. You cant come.
I'll just wait it out a few days.
I mean my curiosity doesn't
exactly have to be quenched right
away. I think can wait a few days.
Long pause.
TONY
So do you wanna go now or wait to
finish are coffees.
JACK
Now's fine. So you gonna drive us
down the there.
TONY
Yer... I cant drive.
JACK
Well I'm not driving all the way
down there.
TONY
Cab?
JACK
What? Come on do you know how much
that would cost?
TONY
Guess it looks like we cant go
then.
Long pause.
CUT TO:
INT. BACK OF CAB - DAY

JACK is leaning against the window of the cab.
TONY is sitting twiddling his thumb bored.
TONY
Right now that where stuck
together in the back of a cab for
a couple of hours. We can talk
about the whole you having cancer
thing.
TONY (CONT'D)
Well if your not gonna talk to me
about it I'll just spend the whole
time contemplating, aloud! Why
your not getting treatment.
JACK still doesn't respond.
TONY (CONT'D)
Right so I think the whole reason
you aren't willing to try the
treatment and you know potentially
save his life is because, well on
a basic level because your simply
depressed and your sub-
consciously in denial of your own
mortality because you want to let
yourself self-destruct. Your
killing yourself maybe punishing
yourself for something bad you did
in your past. I don't know but the
sooner...
JACK
I'm not going to die, lets just
drop it.
TONY
But why do you think your not
gonna die.
JACK
I don't like to explain myself,
especially in this case because
there's nothing to explain. It
isn't a sub-conscious reaction, it
isn't some deep seeded
physiological comforting mechanism
and its not because I'm depressed
and trying to self destruct. I'm

not gonna die I don't know how I
know but I do. Now I'm not saying
this is some sort of god given
epiphany or that god has came down
from heaven and told me I'm gonna
live because I don't even believe
in the supernatural or the
superstition that we call god but
there is a god but I do know there
are some things that happen in
this world science can't explain
and sometimes you've just got to
trust your gut... and I don't feel
like a man who's gonna die.
TONY
But how could you ever know what a
dying man feels like. You've never
experienced what a dying man
feels. Unless of course you are
dying now and because you have
nothing to compare the feeling
your feeling now to you cant
identify the feeling.
JACK
Ok I didn't understand what you
just said... What so ever!
TONY
How did you feel when the doctor
told you where dying.
JACK
Oh I don't know.
TONY
See so you see my point then?
JACK
Nope.
TONY
Then answer the question? What did
you feel when DOCTOR CAAN told you
that you had terminal cancer?
JACK
You wanna know what I felt?
TONY
Yer.
JACK
You wanna know what I felt?
TONY
Yer.
JACK
I felt nothing. I felt no
different as I did before hand and
no different to how I feel now. Ok
that answer your question?
There was a long pause and JACK continues leaning

forward against.
TONY
So how do you feel now?
JACK
Annoyed.
TONY
So you felt annoyed after he told
you.
JACK
No you idiot I'm annoyed at you
right now. How bad are you at
reading people's reactions dude.
TONY
obviously your lashing out.
JACK sighs.
TONY (CONT'D)
So I'll be more specific. You say
you felt no different as you did
before hand right?
JACK
Right.
TONY
Well how did you feel before hand.
JACK
I guess I felt... I felt prepared.
TONY
Prepared?
JACK
Yes. Its hard to explain.
TONY
just try.
JACK
Ok.
JACK pauses to think.
JACK
Right... before I got the news it
was like I was ready. It was like
I was prepared for this life
changing diagnosis, I was almost
bracing myself for a hit but when
he told me... I just felt... I
Just felt empty. I felt like... I
was still braced for this impact
and an impact never came. It was
like nothing had just happened...
nothing. I just felt... nothing.
It was a weird experience, I
always thought that when I was
told I was gonna die I'd feel...
TONY
Depressed?
JACK
Relived, like my journey was over
no more worry's. Just my one big
sleep.
TONY
Oh, I never thought of it like
that.
JACK
Yer. But I didn't feel that. I
didn't feel regret, sorrow,
sadness, I didn't feel
unfulfilled, scared or relieved I
felt...
TONY
nothing.
JACK
Yer. So... does that answer your
question? Does that quench your
thirst? Are you happy now?
JACK goes back to leaning against the window.
TONY (CONT'D)
Ah... well.
TONY feels uncomfortable and fidgets for a long time.
TONY (CONT'D)
Radio not working up there.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Are you talking to me?
TONY
Oh sorry excuse me. Yes I'm your
talking to you. Is the radio
working up there?
TAXI DRIVER #1
Sorry no.
TONY
Shame...
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yer I'm real sorry its been real
buggy lately. Ha good think I've
had you two yapping on for
entertainment.
TONY looks shocked at the driver then turns to face

JACK who once again is leaning away from him against
the window.
TONY
So JACK...
JACK
Don't!
TONY
No its just that.
JACK
Don't talk to me.
TONY
Ok, ok I won't. I won't.
JACK
Good.
TONY
But can I just say.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Oh come on Governor, let him talk.
JACK now stops leaning against the window and looks at

TAXI DRIVER #1 shocked.
JACK
Wow I didn't think you'd
recognised me.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Oh come on everyone knows you,
they all think your a real jerk
don't they?
JACK
Excuse me?
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yer you where the one who made all
those promises and didn't deliver
on therm aren't you?
JACK
Emmm?
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yer everyone hates you you must
get that all the time mustn't you?
JACK
Well...
TONY
Well, that's not true JACK you
don't hate him do you.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yer well I'm not exactly impartial
am I?
TONY
Why cause he's sitting right here?
TAXI DRIVER #1
Na, cause I hate all politicians
so...
JACK
Oh good, I'll keep that in mind
when I'm giving the tip.
TONY
Oh anyway, what was I saying.
TONY clutches his head trying to remember.
TONY (CONT'D)
Oh forget it I can remember
JACK smiles.
JACK
Oh, well I guess...
TAXI DRIVER #1
Oh I remember. You had just
finished talking about how
Governor Vanes felt nothing after
been giving some sort of terminal
diagnosis and you where about to
ask a follow question and He kept
interrupting you, you know not
letting you speak.
TONY
Ah yes now I remember what I was
gonna ask...
JACK stares and TAXI DRIVER #1 angry.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Go ahead already then. Ask him.
JACK
Can I ask you something?
TAXI DRIVER #1
Me? sure.
JACK
Do you know your radio, its not
working... right?
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yer.
JACK
What's wrong with it.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Oh, well it doesn't matter how far
I crank up the volume it doesn't
make a sound.
JACK
Oh great can you do em a favour.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yer sure go ahead.
JACK
Imitate it.
TONY looks and JACK annoyed.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Oh sorry sometimes I talk a little
to much. I think it all started
when I was young, I used it like a
sort of protection Method for
those long award silences, you
know?
Long silences.
TONY
Anyway... Yes I was gonna ask you
a question.
JACK
Yes you where...Anyway.
TONY
Can we just talk like regular
people? not me fighting you until
you give me a response, over every
little thing.
JACK
Yes but regular people just let
things lie when they know the
other person don't want to talk
about.
TONY
Fine I won't talk to you.
JACK
Good.
Long silence.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Award silence...
The driver reaches down and fiddles with the radio

then gives it a smack.
Radio blasts.
TAXI DRIVER #1
(CONT'D)
Shouting
Oh I guess the radio was working.
JACK
Yer I guess it was.
INT. BACK OF CAB – NIGHT
JACK and TONY are asleep at either side of the cab

leaning against the opposite windows.
The cab stops.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Where here.
JACK slowly gets up and rubs his eyes.
JACK
Whats that?
TAXI DRIVER #1
I said where here.
JACK
What? Now?
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yes sir.
JACK gets up and knocks TONY on the arm
JACK
Where here... Where here... Wake
up where here.
JACK flails his arms futilely and gets out the Taxi.
JACK looks around.
JACK (CONT'D)
Wow it hasn't changed.
Long pause as JACK is struck still with the awe of

seeing his old house.
TAXI DRIVER #1 coughs to get JACKs attention.
JACK (CONT'D)
Oh yer sorry... Can you drive
around the corner and wait... oh
and try not to wake up that idiot.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Whispering.
No problem Mr. Governor.
TAXI DRIVER #1 goes to drive away

but JACK grabs his arm.
JACK
Call me JACK.
TAXI DRIVER #1 Smiles
TAXI DRIVER #1
Thanks JACK you can call me...
JACK
Actually... don't tell me.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Why?
JACK
Cause I don't care.
JACK turns and starts walking towards the house.
The taxi drives away.
EXT. FRONT YARD JACKS OLD HOUSE - NIGHT
JACK slowly approaches the door.
He stands there for I while pondering whether to knock

or not... after a few attempts he finally builds up
the courage.
Camera switches to the perspective of the door.
JACK knocks on the door.
There is a long wait.
JACK adjusts his tie and straightens himself up.

The door opens.
JACK is Shocked. There is a long pause in which JACK

searches for words but cant.
STEVEN
Hello.
Camera slowly turns to reveal
JACK
H...He... Hello.
STEVEN
Who are you.
JACK
Well I'm...
CHLOE (V.O)
Come on now STEVEN don't be rude,
that's no way to greet some one.
CHLOE walks into shot and stands behind STEVEN.
JACK
Oh its no problem.
CHLOE
Oh hello. Sorry can I help you?
JACK
Yes you can actually. Does Karen
still live here?
CHLOE
Yer sure. MUM! Wait I'm sure I
know you from somewhere.
JACK
You do? What like a picture.
CHLOE
No... No... That's not it. Wait...
wait a second your Governor Vane.
JACK
Oh, right of course that's how you
know me. Yes that's me.
CHLOE
So what are you doing here then?
JACK
I'm a... a old... friend of your
mothers.
CHLOE
Oh funny she never mentioned you.
JACK
Oh didn't she.
A cup smashing can be heard in the background.
Camera reveals OLD KAREN standing down the hall.
OLD KAREN has her hands over her mouth in shock.
OLD KAREN
Oh my...
CHLOE
Mum? Are you ok? Should I get
tha...
OLD KAREN
Leave it, CHLOE could you take
STEVEN up stairs please, I've got
a lot to talk about with JACK here.
CHLOE
Sure thing Mum. Are sure your ok?
OLD KAREN
Yes I'm fine, now take STEVEN
upstairs.
CHLOE
Come on STEVEN upstairs we go.
CHLOE leads STEVEN upstairs.
JACK steps forward.
JACK
Look...
OLD KAREN
Wait.
Long pause.
You can hear a door slam in the distance.

OLD KAREN (CONT'D)

Right ok... What are you doing
here?
JACK
Can I come in.
OLD KAREN sighs and she pauses to think
OLD KAREN
Oh, come on in
OLD KAREN smiles
OLD KAREN (CONT'D)

its been a long time.
JACK steps inside at smiles as well.
JACK
Yes it has.
OLD KAREN shuts the door.
The camera perspective make you see the door close as

if in your face.
EXT. LIVING ROOM OF JACKS OLD HOUSE - NIGHT
OLD KAREN is sweeping up the cup into a dust pan and

brush.
JACK is sipping on a cup of coffee and standing by her.
OLD KAREN
So, what are you doing here.
JACK gulps.
JACK
Do you know STEVEN?
OLD KAREN
Yes.
JACK
Is he my... well is he my Grandson.
OLD KAREN picks up the dustpan and stands up.
She sighs.
OLD KAREN
No, he's... my grandson.
There is a long pause.
JACK
Well yes that's what we agreed
but...
OLD KAREN
No, I don't think you understand
me. He's not yours... genetically
or otherwise.
JACK
But... I'm sorry I don't
understand.
OLD KAREN
Well what... did you think? That
I'd never meet anyone after you?
Well I'm sorry JACK but I did.
JACK
So... your married?
OLD KAREN
Divorced.
JACK
So CHLOE isn't my...
OLD KAREN
I'm sorry no.
JACK
So what happened to are.
OLD KAREN gulps and looks down.
OLD KAREN
She... She didn't make it.
JACK looks shocked.
JACK
But...
JACK looks around confused and sits down.
OLD KAREN
I'm sorry you had to find out this
way but.
JACK still looks gob smacked.
OLD KAREN (CONT'D)

Shortly after you left me and...
She didn't make it. I was
depressed... For a long time. I
had been heavily drinking and even
considered killing... So my mother
thought it best for me to start
seeing a Psychiatrist and it was
there where I met Matt. He was
going through the same thing with
his wife... She had been having a
affair and when they got divorced
he lost everything. He was alone
with Chloe and his wife wanted
nothing to do with the
situation... I never thought I'd
love again after y... but Matt was
good for me and I loved him. So I
took in him and Chloe and raised
her as my own. The daughter I
never had to the husband I never
had and that's that.
JACK still shocked looking into space
JACK
What happened to Matt.
OLD KAREN
He'd started drinking again when
he was fired... This time he
couldn't pull himself out of it...
I tried to help him until one
day... He hit me. That was it then
I ended it there.
JACK
How did you end up with CHLOE then.
OLD KAREN
Well at first we fought over
custody but a few weeks weeks
after we got divorced he...
JACK
He.. what?
OLD KAREN
He killed himself.
There is a long pause.
JACK
I'm sorry
OLD KAREN
Oh its ok, it was a long time

ago... and It was a long time
coming... but still tragic raising
CHLOE with out her dad... and
STEVEN with out his grandad, but...
JACK
No I don't think you understand me
I'm sorry for everything. I'm
sorry for leaving you. I'm sorry
for not being here for you when
all this happened, I should have
been here for you. Why wasn't I
I've been an absolute fool. I
traded you for what I thought was
power but it wasn't it was
emptiness and now I'm left with
nothing... I admire you, the life
you've created for yourself and
CHLOE. Hell I even envy it.
OLD KAREN
yer I think I've done a good job
CHLOE's married and lives out of
town... She's only here visiting
at the moment but my life's not
all good you know I get lonely
from time to time and I miss him
Matt and... I miss you.
Long pauses
OLD KAREN looks at JACK like she's fallen for him but
nods herself out of the trace and coughs.
OLD KAREN (CONT'D)

So.
KAREN gulps
OLD KAREN (CONT'D)

Why did you come here tonight.
JACK
I don't know why I came here today
but I'm glad I have... I got some
news...
Long pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
But I guess that isn't important
right now... and after seeing you
again I just think maybe we should
try us one more...
OLD KAREN shakes her head.
JACK (CONT'D)
No, but why... you've got no kids
to look after anymore and I've got
no life, I mean I could get up and
leave tomorrow to be with you.
We're perfect together.
OLD KAREN
You were right.
JACK
Was I? When?
OLD KAREN
All those years ago... Remember,
you said you where bad for me and
you didn't want me to suffer from
you anymore.
JACK
Yes and you said you didn't care
cause you loved me. Cause you
still love me
OLD KAREN
Well... back then I was stronger.
I could take it... not anymore.
JACK looks shocked and in pain from sadness.
JACK
Don't do this.
OLD KAREN
I think its time you left.
JACK
Please don't do this.
OLD KAREN
And this time don't look back like
you said... no you promised you
wouldn't last time.
JACK stands up and OLD KAREN guides him to the door

and opens it.
JACK
Please, I can change.
OLD KAREN
because you'll want me back...
OLD KAREN guides him through the open door.
JACK
I'm begging you please don't...
OLD KAREN
And hurt me again
JACK
no...
OLD KAREN shuts the door and JACK stairs at the door
looking dazed, confused, heart, broken and lost.
JACK stands there staring at the door for ages then

turns and wonders off into the darkness of the street
towards the parked cab around the corner.
EXT. BACK OF CAB - NIGHT
JACK gets in and slams the door hard.
TONY wakes up.
TONY
Whoa where are we.
JACK
Can you bring us to the closest
hotel.
TONY
What... what time is it are we
near.
JACK
correction nearest hotel with a
bar please.
TONY
Have you talked to her already.
TONY looks at his watch.
JACK
And make it quick.
TAXI DRIVER #1
Yes sir.
TONY
Well... what happened?
JACK
I'll tell you tomorrow. I just
want to get drunk and go to sleep.
TONY
But...
JACK
Please. Tonight I need a friend.
Not a... not a... psychiatrist.
TONY looks at JACK
Long Pause.
TONY
Sure.
INT. HOTEL BAR – NIGHT
Loud music can be heard.
JACK is sitting on a stool next to the bar.
In front of him there are many empty shot glasses,

JACK is holding a half empty glass of whiskey.
JACKS looks a mess his tie is un-done and he isn't

wearing his suit jacket.
CAMERA pans out and shows TONY sitting next to him.

TONY is still well dressed and there is only one empty
bottle of beer in front of him.
TONY is holding a half empty bottle of beer.
TONY
Feeling better?
JACK
WHATS THAT?!
TONY
I SAID ARE YOU FEELING BETTER!
JACK
PHYSICALLY NO!
TONY
NO?!
JACK
NO! I FEEL SICK TO MY STOMACHE...
AND I'M FEELING A LITTLE SORE!
TONY
SORE? SORE WHERE?
JACK
ALL OVER!... LOOK I'M TIRED I
THINK I'M GONNA HEAD OFF TO BED!
BUT THANKS FOR THIS!
TONY
RIGHT. WHAT ROOM ARE YA IN?
JACK
ERRM... I'M NOT SURE.
TONY nods his head.
TONY
I'll TAKE YOU UP IN A MINUTE.
JACK.
THANKS.
TONY
SO... HOW ARE YOU!
JACK
I THOUGHT I JUST ANSWERED THAT!
TONY
NO... YOU ANSWERED HOW YOU FELT
PHYSICALLY... HOW DO YOU FEEL
ABOUT KAREN...
Long pause.
JACK
YOU KNOW WHAT I CAN FIND MY OWN
WAY UP THERE.
JACK stands up and walks forward a few steps but

collapses back on his stool.
TONY
YOU ALRIGHT.
JACK
YER.
TONY
LOOKS LIKE YOU NEED MY HELP.
JACK
YER.
TONY
GUESS YOUR GONNA HAVE TO ANSWER
THE QUESTION THEN.
JACK
YER.
TONY
SO HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WHATEVER
THE HELL HAPPENED BETWEEN YOU AND
KAREN.
JACK
WELL, I FEEL LIKE SHIT BUT I'M
DRUNK SO I DONT CARE THAT I FEEL
LIKE SHIT... HOWEVER I KNOW THAT
TOMORROW I'M GONNA FEEL LIKE SHIT
WITH A HANGOVER... SO. I FEEL LIKE
I DONT WANT TO WAKE UP TOMORROW...
Long pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
APART FROM THAT THOUGH I'M FINE...
TONY downs his beer.
TONY
ROOM 104.
JACK
THANKS.
TONY stands up and guides him out of shot.
INT. JACKS HOTEL ROOM - DAY
TONY opens the hotel door and pops

his head in.
TONY
Whispering
JACK, JACK...
TONY opens the door a bit more.
TONY (CONT'D)
not whispering.
JACK are you awake.
TONY looks around the hotel room and see JACKS clothes
laying all around the hotel.
The room is a complete mess.
TONY enters and walks up to the window by the bed

where JACK is laying face down.
TONY (CONT'D)
JACK get up, its 9.
TONY opens the the curtains and the room fills with
light.
TONY (CONT'D)
JACK man your gonna have to wake
up now, we've missed a lot of work
while we where here, we're gonna
have to get started on.
TONY starts collecting up all JACKS clothes.
TONY (CONT'D)
JACK there ya go.
TONY drops his clothes on the bed next to him.
TONY (CONT'D)
DO you need breakfast?
TONY looks at his watch.
TONY (CONT'D)
I could get room service while you
get changed.
TONY looks worried.
TONY (CONT'D)
JACK.
TONY shakes JACKS shoulder
TONY (CONT'D)
JACK!... Oh shit.
JACK grabs his phone and calls 911.
TONY
Hello, yes ambulance please... Its
Governor VANE again... I think
he's passed out. Yes The Water
mill hotel...
FADE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL, PRIVATE ROOM - DAY
JACK is lying on this hospital bed reminiscent to the

last time he was in the hospital.
TONY walks in holding a cup of coffee.
JACK
Whoa... dejavu.
TONY
Oh... your up.
JACK
Yep.
TONY
What happened this time then.
JACK
I dunno, I guess I drank to much.
TONY
What they haven't told you
anything yet.
JACK
Na, I just woke up. You couldn't
get any information out of the
doctors.
TONY
Na, these doctors take the whole
confidentiality thing way to far
don't they.
JACK
Yer well.
JACK slowly try's to stand up.
ADNRE
Need some help there.
JACK
No, I'm fine thank you.
JACK finally Stands up.
DOCTOR #1 enters.
DOCTOR #1
Whoa, what are you doing out of
bed, where not done with you.
JACK
What are you kidding me?
DOCTOR #1
No.
DOCTOR #1 puts him back in bed.
JACK
So what is it Doc.
DOCTOR #1 looks disturbed.
DOCTOR #1
My name is...
JACK
SO what is it Doc.
DOCTOR #1
Well my name is...
JACK
You know when I interrupted you
before it was because I didn't
care what your name was.
DOCTOR #1
Oh.
JACK
Look its nothing personal doc its
just... well I assume I wont be
here long.
DOCTOR #1 looks at TONY
DOCTOR #1
Are you sure you want him here for
this.
JACK
No I don't care if he finds out
I'm gonna need my stomach pumped
for drinking to much
TONY
Again.
JACK and TONY laugh, DOCTOR #1 doesn't.
DOCTOR #1
I'm afraid its a lot more serious.
JACK and TONY look at each other.
JACK
What do you mean?
DOCTOR #1
Well as you know Hairy cell
leukaemia. Well...
JACK
Wait who told you that?
DOCTOR #1
Well when we saw your symptoms we
had your medical record faxed over
by a... DOCTOR CAAN as part as a
routine check and I'm afraid it
isn't good.
JACK
What is it?
DOCTOR #1
Well it seems your 5 month
prediction was a little... well
lets say liberal, pardon the pun.
JACK
Look just come out and say it how
long have I got.
DOCTOR #1
Well, it could be as little as
next week or maybe if your lucky
2-3 months away...
JACK
But I haven't really felt to
bad... I mean not dying bad.
DOCTOR #1
Well it seams the self medication
of booze helped.
JACK
ah.
DOCTOR #1
So we can start treatment now or.
JACK
No thank you.
DOCOTR #1
Ah yes DOCTOR CAAN said you maybe
this way but you do realize if you
leave here today taking no course
of action, the pain will get worse
and you will die.
JACK stops to think.
JACK
Na, I've really got to get back to
works so...
TONY
Come on JACK what are you doing.
JACK stands back up, in pain.
JACK
I'm getting dressed that's what.
JACK starts getting ready.
TONY
No what are you doing... why don't
you just give up your stubborn
ways and just take the treatment.
JACK
No thanks.
TONY passes the floor in anger and hold is head.
TONY
Well I'm not gonna sit here and
watch you kill yourself JACK so
its either you get this treatment
or your on your own.
TONY (CONT'D)
Fine, if that's the way you want
it.
TONY storms out.
JACK
(under his breath)
No don't... I need you.
JACK pauses.
FADE TO:
JACK slowly walks in past the DOORMAN.
DOORMAN one walks out of JACKS way.
JACK walks slowly into the lift.
INT. LIFT – DAY

JACK waits to the doors shut then hold his side in
pain and groans.
The lift makes a ding as it gets to the right floor

and the doors open.
JACK see JESSICA and stops holding his side and puts
on a happy face.
JACK walks through and up to JESSICAS desk.
JACK
Good morning sunshine. How are you
this fine evening.
JESSICA
What? Oh JACK your back how are
you?
JACK
Very well.
JESSICA
Well, thanks good.
Awkward silence.
JACK
So I guess works stacked up then.
JESSICA
Well...
JACK
What's the damage.
JESSICA
Yes PAUL will be in shortly, with
details.
JACK
Oh mom.
JESSICA
Yes...
JACK
Wait did you say PAUL.
JESSICA
Yes PAULS replacing TONY. In the
meanwhile anyway.
JACK
What? What do you mean replacing
TONY.
JESSICA looks down and shuffles through some files.
JESSICA
You didn't no about TONY? He told
me he had went over it with you
and he could resign. He said you
Knew. He said you agreed to it.
Close in on JACK who looks devastated.

JACK
Oh... oh yer I'm sorry I forgot...
JESSICA
Sir.
JACK
Yer we discussed it this morning...
JESSICA
Sir.
JACK
Its just gonna be weird for a
while don't you think.
JESSICA
Are you okay?
JACK
He was good.
JESSICA
Cause I know your not good with
change.
JACK
He was a good assistant.
JESSICA grabs JACKS arm.
JACK looks at JESSICA.
JACK
He... Was.
JACK sighs.
JACK (CONT'D)
He was a good... friend.
JESSICA
Are you gonna be ok?
JACK
I'm fine.
JESSICA looks at jack accusingly.
JACK (CONT'D)
Ok I WILL be fine. It will just be
a bit weird for a while... without
TONY don't you think.
JESSICA
Mothering.
Well yes but we have to get back
to work now don't we.
Its a shame we don't have time to

mourn this tragic loss. So here
are the resumes which you can go
through... all in good time of
course. Lets not rush. Then you
can find a replacement.
JESSICA grabs a handful of files and Presents them to

JACK.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
But in the mean time PAUL can be
your stand in.
JACK
You mean temp? And I hate temps.
JESSICA
Then hire PAUL on full time.
JACK
Now that sounds like a good Idea
right off the bat only one problem.
JESSICA
What?
JACK
But I hate PAUL.
JESSICA
Then why don't you go through the
resumes and find an assistant you
do like?
JACK
Because one finding an assistant I
do like would take time... a lot
of time and two works piling up
and I need to get started right
now.
JESSICA
Then get started right now.
JACK
But I need a assistant to get
started.
JESSICA
Then I've got an idea in the mean
time before you look through the
resumes looking for an assistant
you do like get the worst part of
the work out of the way with PAUL.
It wont take to long at all...
once you get started.
JACK
Ok, ok, ok... I'll use PAUL but I
wont like it... and give me those
resumes.
JACK snatches the resumes.
JESSICA
I don't see what your problem is
with him.
JACK
Are you kidding he's a walking
fruit cup.
JESSICA
Keep it down He might hear us. Any
way how do you know he isn't
thinking the exact same thing
about you.
Camera shows PAUL talking to someone by a water

cooler.
JACK
Why have queers got super hearing
as well or something.
JACK laughs historically until he notices JESSICA

isn't.
JACK (CONT'D)
No I'm just kidding I've got no
problem with the g-a... Well you
no its just he's a bit too
JACK makes a limp wrist action signifying he's a pansy.
JACK (CONT'D)
But seriously thanks for this...
JACK holds up the files.

JACK (CONT'D)
and I'm gonna go through there...
JACK gestures to his office.
JACK (CONT'D)
and get started.
JESSICA
Oh good I'll send PAUL right in.
JACK
Actually could you just give me a
few minutes to prepare first.
JESSICA
Ok I'll tell PAUL that but I don't
know he's eager to get started.
JACK
Oh... well that's great isn't it.
JESSICA shakes her head.
JACK flails his arms in annoyance and walks through to

his office.
The camera follows him in.
INT. THE HEAD OFFICE - DAY
JACK walks in and shuts the door
JACK collapses in his chair and drops the files next

to him on the desk.
JACK holds his head in his hands and leans against his
desk rubbing his side in and moaning in pain.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SECRETARIES OFFICE – DAY
JESSICA
Governor Vane is ready for you
PAUL.
PAUL hears and comes over to JESSICA.
PAUL
Oh right... thanks JESS.
JESSICA
JESSICA.
PAUL
Oh sorry... I forgot... you hate
that name don't you? I'm just a
little nervous.
JESSICA
Nervous? Nervous why?
PAUL
Well... What's Governor Vane like.
JESSICA
You've met haven't you.
PAUL
Well I've said hello in the
hallway.
JESSICA
And?
PAUL
Well he seemed fine apart from the
grunt for a response and the cold
scowl.
JESSICA
Ha. Yep he's like that...
PAUL
See I wouldn't be so worried if it
wasn't for his reputation.
JESSICA
reputation... go on.
PAUL
Oh come on you must of heard...
His crewel sense of humour, his
refusal to take your opinion and
his constant need for perfection
from all of his personal staff.
JESSICA sighs
JESSICA
Want the truth?
PAUL
Sure.
JESSICA
Everything you've heard is true.
PAUL swallows.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
In-fact that barely begins to
scratch the surface of his
arrogant persona... But there is
some good news
PAUL
He's waiting for you.
PAUL sighs and turns to enter JACKS office.
Camera on the door.
PAUL enters.
PAUL
Well good morning how are you this
deliciously lovely morning.
JACK still face down on his desk.
JACK
To himself.
He's a walking cliché... what did
he practice watching will and
grace
PAUL looks around.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Wow is it dark in here lets let
some light in and get started Aye.
PAUL walks energetically and opens the the blinds.
The room fills with light.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Ready? Are do wanna a few minutes.
JACK looks up at PAUL with a bitter stair.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I'll tell you what I'll go get us
some coffees and we'll get started.
FADE TO:
INT. THE HEAD OFFICE – DAY – LATER
You can see its been along time since the last scene
there are files spread all over JACKS desk.
JACK looks depressed.
PAUL is still ecclesiastically catching jack up.
PAUL
But Sir if you like my opinion on
the this new health care plan the
democrats want to pass... well sir
to speak quite frankly I think its
outrageous, public-ally funded
healthcare system can not work it
can never work.
JACK
You don't watch a lot of Michael
Moore do you?...
JACK notices the lift TONY entering
PAUL
No I don't. Why?
JACK
It was a figurative question.
JACK stands up and walks up to the door of his office.
JACK (CONT'D)
How didn't you get that?
PAUL
Well to be fair...
JACK
You seriously need to shut up.
PAUL
oh right that was another
figurative question wasn't it?
JACK
Shh.
JACK hunches over and looks at TONY through the window

in his office door.
TONY is leaning against secretaries desk talking to

JESSICA.
JACK opens the office door and walks through.
PAUL
To himself.
Well I guess we can take a break.
I mean its not like this work is
important or anything.
PAUL folds his arms annoyed.
PAUL
Your just a Governor.
JACK
Ah there you are, you really
scared me on the whole quitting...
TONY
Resigning.
JACK
Yer the whole Resigning thing...
seriously I've been stuck all
morning in there will PAUL.
JACK gestures shooting himself in the head.
JACK (CONT'D
But now your back we can...
TONY
Whoa wait a minute I'm not back.
JACK
Your not.
TONY
No what I said back there still
stands.
JACK
Then what are you doing here TONY
man... Cause I'm dying here you no
that...
TONY looks at JACK shocked.

JACK (CONT'D)
No not like that... I'm mean I
need you... not just as friend but
professionally... and for you just
to quit on that because of a
personal fight then... I guess I
don't need you. Because the
Assistant... no the friend I had
wouldn't just quit on me. No.
Professionally or personally he
would grind me down by nagging. He
would complain in that moan-y way
you do. He wouldn't just quit ok.
TONY
No JACK I'm sick of nagging. I'm
just collecting some stuff then
I'm gone. Goodbye JACK.
TONY picks up a box of stuff from behind JESSICAS desk

and turns to walk out.
JACK
I was right.
TONY
What about JACK.
JACK
Everything.
TONY
Ah yes this is the bit when you
get annoyed that I don't bow down
to your cold... loveless orders to
make me stay... Well save it. No
wonder KAREN wouldn't have you
back in-fact SHE was right not to
take you back and all those years
ago you where right to let her get
out while she could... Because
your evil and you suck peoples
happiness away... and I'm finished
with you sucking away my happiness
away... so I'm not gonna to stick
around you long enough for that to
happen to me. I'm gonna get away
from you... while I still can.
While I've still got people to get
way to. Now goodbye JACK I hope to
never have the misfortune to speak
to you ever again.
TONY turns to leave again.
JACK bursts out laughing.
TONY turns and face JACK again.
TONY (CONT'D)
What's so funny JACK.
JACK
Nothing its just... Did you ever
wanna no why I never called you my
friend... always assistant or
comrade... associates.
TONY
Yes I do remember asking that
JACK... yes.
JACK
Well it was cause I knew that if I
let you in... if I let you close
enough to me you'd get burned...
and are friendship would be over.
So that's why I kept you at arms
length. That's why I was so cold
to you... to protect, believe it
or not, to protect you... but you
kept forcing your way in closer
and closer your buried yourself in
to me like a tick and guess what I
was right... your right to run
TONY. Your right to run as... I'm
poison. Get out while you still
can. Cause if you don't I'll ruin
your life like I do everyone
else's... I'm ready now... I'm
ready to die. An old... lonely
death because I'm a old lonely man
who deserve its. I've either lost
or pushed away anyone I ever loved
or anyone who ever loved me now...
so I'm ready.
JACK steps forward.
JACK (CONT'D)
Cause deep down I always
thought... I'd done the right
thing by leaving KAREN... I'd done
well. But now I know I was wrong
what I was doing wasn't noble at
all it was selfish. I wanted this
career... this stupid stupid

career and I left her for it. She
knew that. She always knew that
even before I did. That's why she
would have me back cause I'm
poison but in a whole different
way to what I thought I was. I
left her with nothing but a still
born child and told myself I was
humble. So maybe I am evil. Maybe
its the whole bare and the
scorpion story. Maybe its just my
nature. So now I've lost you my
one last true friend. I'm done.
I'm Fished.
JACK looks up at the roof and raises his arms.
JACK (CONT'D)
If there is a god up there take me
now. Please if there is a god up
there I'm done... I'm truly
finished. Take me now. Get me out
of this hell and put me into a
whole new one.
Long pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
Oh come on! Nothing... huh. Well
guess he either doesn't exists or
he's a real pussy... Unless he has
something to say about that.
The room goes silent and there is a long pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
That's what I thought.
PAUL walks out the office and starts comforting JACK.
PAUL
I'll always be your friend JACK.
JACK
Oh yippee thanks a lot you Nancy
now get the fuck off me.
PAUL steps back from JACK.
TONY walks out saying anything.

JACK starts walking into his office when he is struck

still with pain.
JESSICA rushes from behind her desk.
JESSICA
Sir are you ok?
JACK
Yer just give me a minute...
JACK moans in pain still clucking his side.
JACK drops to one knee.
JESSICA
We need to get you to a hospital
or something.
JACK
No seriously I'll be fine just
help me to me desk.
JESSICA puts JACKS arm around her neck and starts to

help him up.
PAUL goes to help.
JACK (CONT'D)
Don't you touch me...
PAUL backs away.
JACK
And just in case I do collapse
JESSICA you don't let him give me
mouth to mouth.
JESSICA drags him through the door.
INT. THE SECRETARIES OFFICE – DAY
JESSICA drags JACK to the chair JACK collapses in it.
JACK sighs with relief.
JACK
Ah that's better that's better.
PAUL
Well how funny was the irony of
that, your saying god take me now
I'm done and then that happened to

you.
JACK looks like he cant believe what he's hearing.
JACK
Funny? You think that was funny.
Long Pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
Oh well at least you get irony.
PAUL
Thanks?
JACK
Not sarcasm though.
JACK sits up and turns on his chair.
JACK opens a file and starts reading.
Long pause and JACK looks up from

his file.
JACK
Well... Everyone back to work.
JESSICA
Oh right.
PAUL
Oh right.
Long pause.
JACK looks up from his file again.
JACK
Now.
JESSICA
Oh right... sorry.
PAUL
Yer sorry.
JESSICA leaves.
Long pause as JACK is still reading a file.

PAUL
So do you want me to get you up to
date on these last few pieces of
legislation that's been submitted
to us. You've got to review them
and give your opinion...
Long pause while JACK doesn't reply.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Or not.
JACK looks up from the file and gives PAUL cold stair.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Well if your fine in here I think
I'll get back on with my own work.
PAUL laughs out of nerves and leaves the office and

shuts the door.
JACK waits till he's gone and again grasps his side in
pain.
CUT TO:
JESSICA is standing outside the building on her mobile.
She looks nervous and keeps looking side to side.
You can hear the phone ringing.
JESSICA
(Into phone)
Hello TONY.
TONY
(Into phone)
Hello... JESSICA.
Long pause.
TONY (CONT'D)
(Into phone)
Look I'm a little busy right now
is there something you want.
JESSICA
(Into phone)
Em no not particularly... just
calling to see how you are.
TONY
(Into phone)
Well you know... just looking for
a job, doing a little bit of
tidying up around my apartment and
so...
JESSICA
(Into phone)
Its TONY...
Long pause.
TONY
(Into phone)
That's what I thought look I don't
want anything to do with...
JESSICA
(Into phone)
I think there something seriously
wrong.
TONY
(Into phone)
Wrong... what do you mean?
JESSICA
(Into phone)
He collapsed...
TONY
(Into phone)
When?
JESSICA
(Into phone)
Just before. He collapsed with
pain grabbing his side.
TONY
(Into phone)
So... so what's happening did you
get him to the hospital...
JESSICA
(Into phone)
No he's refusing to go. He says
he's fine.
TONY
(Into phone)
look when he's in enough pain
he'll go in himself.
JESSICA
(Into phone)
Look I thought the same at first
but he's stubborn.
TONY
(INTO phone)
Look I'm sorry I've got to go. For
get about him. Just keep your head
down and you'll be fine. I'll meet
you outside work when your
finished if you want. We could go
for a drink or something.
JESSICA
(Into phone)
Sounds great.
TONY
(INTO phone)
What time do you finish>
JESSICA
(Into phone)
Probably about nine because of how
much works got to catch up on.
TONY
(into phone)
Sounds good... look I've got to go
bye.
(Hangs up)
JESSICA looks worried and turns to go back in.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SECRETARIES OFFICE – NIGHT
JESSICA is looks at her watch and notices the time and

starts packing up and turn her computer off.
JESSICA
I'm gonna go now JACK are you
staying?
JACK
Yer I'm just gonna finish this
last review and I'm all caught up.
JESSICA
Keys in the door lock the office
when your finished yer.
JESSICA walks up to the door and looks at the door to

JACKS office.
JESSICA turns and turns off the lights and leaves.
Still shot of the door of THE HEAD OFFICES door.
You can hear typing.
You hear a thump.
You hear JACK crawl while groaning in pain.
THE HEAD OFFICES door flies open and jack crawls

through.
JACK
JESSICA wait.
No response.
JACK (CONT'D)
Oh shit I missed her what am I
gonna do.
CUT TO:
TONY is waiting outside.
JESSICA walks out.
TONY
Hi.
TONY hugs JESSICA.
JESSICA
Hi.
TONY
Ready to go?
JESSICA
Yer... oh wait shit I forgot to
get my phone I'll just be a sec.
TONY
You know I'll come up with you...
what's the worst that can happen.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SECRETARIES OFFICE – NIGHT
JACK is screaming in pain
JACK (CONT'D)
Wow if you are up there god you
are a coward wont kill me wont let
me live. Come on...
JACK forces his way up to his knee.
JACK (CONT'D)
Come on you son of a bitch. Finish
the job... FINISH IT.
JACK throws his hand in the air screaming in pain.
JACK (CONT'D)
I've got nothing left you've taken
everything from me... EVERYTHING.
So take one more thing my life...
JACK forces himself to his feat screaming in pain.
JACK (CONT'D)
Do it... I want you to do it do it.
JACK finally collapses back onto one knee.
You can hear the elevator go and TONY and JESSICA run
out and see JACK.
TONY
JACK!
TONY and JESSICA rush over to JACK and go to help him.
JACK
No... Don't.
TONY
What should I get an ambulance?
JESSICA get an ambulance.
JESSICA rushes over and gets her phone.
JACK
No... no don't.
JESSICA stops dialling.
TONY
Oh come on jack you still cant
think your fine can you?
JACK
No its not that... You where right
all along. I think It might be a
cancer... Do you think I should
see someone about it.
TONY and JESSICA laugh.
TONY sits down next to JACK and JESSICA slides down

her desk looking at JACK shocked.
JACK (CONT'D)
Seriously though... I was stupid
and you where right and blah blah
blah all the cliché stuff.
TONY
Look what you've done... If you'd
only got help... why didn't you
get help.
TONYS eyes fill with tears.
JACK
I'm sorry I should have listen to
you.
TONY
Yes you should have.
JACK
Look... don't kick up much fuss
about me, it was along time
coming. I couldn't always keep
refusing to kick the bucket like
this.
JESSICA
Don't talk like that JACK.
JACK
Na. Its my time... I can feel it.
Do you know how I told you I
thought it would feel TONY.
TONY
Yer.
JACK
I was right... apart from there is
a lot more pain then I thought.
TONY
Are you okay?
JACK
Yer never better.
TONY
Come on seriously are you ok.
JACK
I seriously think I'm happier now
then I've ever been in my life.
TONY
Why?
JACK
Cause I know... that soon I will
either be in a long sleep... with
no pain. no feeling. no nothing.
just lovely peace and nothing-ness
or there is a god and I can prance
around through the clouds with the
rest of the fairy's up there in so
could eternal peace... to be on
honest I'm more hooping for the
first one though.
TONY
Oh don't worry... you wont have to
face the second one if there is a
god up there your defiantly going
to hell.
JACK looks serious at TONY.
JACK
What a horrible thing to say to a
man on his death bed.
Long pause
They both burst out laughing.
JACK (CONT'D)
Ah don't make me laugh... it hurts.
TONY
Sorry
Long pause.
JACK
Of course It isn't my death bed
its my death floor.
They both laugh again.
JACK clutches his side in pain again.
TONY
Thanks for a good part of my life
JACK.
JACK
Your welcome. We'll all in all
I've have a good life too I guess.
TONY
Well I guess...
JACK
No wait... I've had a blood awful
life.
TONY
Don't worry you'll be dead soon
anyway... what does it matter.
JACK
That one actually stung.
TONY
Sorry.
JACK grabs TONYS arm
JACK
Look thanks for... everything. You
made this last month or so of my
life liveable.
TONY
I'm really gonna miss you.
JESSICA heavily crying.
JESSICA
Me too.
JACK
Well I'm ready now.
TONY
How can you tell...
JACK
Its a weird thing... I can just
feel it coming.
Long pause.
JACK
I can feel the end coming.
JESSICA
Are you sure I shouldn't get a
ambulance.
Extremely long pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
Na...
JACK turns to JESSICA and smiles.
Extremely long pause.
JACK (CONT'D)
I'm done.
JACK collapses heavily breathing slowly gets slower

until it stops.
Camera pans out.
FADE OUT.
TITLE: REFUSING TO KICK THE BUCKET

THE END.

Refusing To Kick The Bucket

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Refusing To Kick The Bucket

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SOULSBY PRODUCTIONS FILM CORPORATION

"REFUSING TO KICK THE BUCKET"

1st Draft script

LONG EXTERIOR SHOT OF CITY #1.

EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY

A well dressed man is taking a long walk across the

The crowd are extremely loud with cheers.

TITLE: REFUSING TO KICK THE BUCKET

EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE – DAY

You see press footage of Governor going up to a podium

From a different angle of press footage clip you see a

everything in my power to restore

Crowd cheers as JACK walks away.

NEWS READER #1 (V.O)

EXT. OUTSIDE JACKS PENTHOUSE - DAY

Press footage shows crowds cheering At JACK getting

JACK turns and waves.

NEWS READER #1 (V.O)

EXT. STREET NEAR JACKS PENTHOUSE - DAY

JACK is walking down the street surrounded by

NEWS REPORTER #1 fights his way to the front of a

The press goes wild but the bodyguards get JACK

NEWS READER #1(V.O)

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

JACK is standing on a golf course. A group of press is

EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE – DAY

You see press footage of Governor at a podium to loud

The crowd erupts into boos and irate screams.

NEWS READER #1(V.O)

EXT. CAR PARK OUTSIDE – DAY

JACK is getting into his car.

A crowd appears out of no where and throws eggs at JACK

The crowd runs off.

NEWS READER #1 (V.O)

INT. THE HEAD OFFICE - DAY

The back of a high backed office chair can be seen,

You can hear the typing of the keyboard and the

TONY enters and stands formally behind of the chair

You can hear that the typing stops.

TONY pauses for a second and waits for a response

TONY looks even more worried and takes yet another

JACK spins his chair and faces TONY.

JACK stands up and stands next to TONY.

JACK starts pacing the floor.

JACK walks over to the window and gestures.

promising. you can, you really

TONY goes to answer the question but jack stops him.

president. Oh no, not the

Jack sits down on his chair and adjusts his tie.

TONY looks at jack in awe and confusion.

JACK stands up and walks past TONY without looking at

INT. THE SECRETARIES OFFICE - DAY

JACK leaves THE HEAD OFFICE and enters THE SECRETARIES

JACK passes walks straight past the Secretary In a

JACK stops walking and turns to face JESSICA

JACK continues walking

JACK stops in his tracks and looks taken a back.

With his back to JESSICA.