Int. Clay’s Photo Services – Day
CLAY ROSS (Edward Norton) sits behind the desk of his very own picture development joint. He sits tired, bored, and watching a small television on the same service counter. It’s not exactly an upscale place. The paint on the walls is an ugly yellow, looking like someone pissed all over every inch of the walls.
The carpet is a dark maroon that isn’t exactly flattering, but well cleaned. There is a World Series game on the TV. It is only putting CLAY to sleep. As his head begins to fall slowly, there is a loud bang outside.
The bang is of a car hitting a lamppost in the small, paved parking lot. While the dent won’t do the car justice, the twentysomething other ones don’t either. A man is driving the car, and is looking around for something. He finds it. He leaves the car, and we see it was rolls of film. The man’s walking is shaky, but CLAY knows the man, so he pays little attention.
The man tries to pull the glass door open, but it won’t budge. He begins to bang on the door, and notices that every time he hits, the door opens a bit. So without using too much brain cells up, he finds that if you push, it opens.
CLAY
(Opening up a newspaper)
You know, one of these days, I’m just going to have a pull-to-open door installed.
The man grunts, annoyed by the comment.
CLAY
What can I do you for today, Dad?
BILL (Dustin Hoffman)
(His speaking slurred)
I nned these picters devenloped.
CLAY
(Tosses the paper aside)
What?
BILL
(Angered)
Picters! Pictures!
CLAY
Oh yes, of coarse.
BILL
How much?
CLAY
Costs a buck a roll for regular one day waiting period. Two if you want them in a half hour. So, what do you want?
BILL
I’ll take the nernal.
CLAY
The ner—what?
CLAY’s FATHER
Nermal! Normal!
CLAY
OK, just give me the rolls.
CLAY’s FATHER tosses the three rolls on to the counter.
CLAY
(Picks up the rolls)
See you soon.
CLAY’s FATHER does a bit of a drunk half wave and walks out of the store. As he walks to his car, he begins to hold his stomach.
CLAY
(disgusted)
Fuck me.
CLAY’s FATHER vomits all over the pavement beside his car.
CLAY’s FATHER
(Gets up)
I’m okay! I’m okay!
CLAY’s FATHER gets into his car and drives away.
SPOTLIGHT FILMS PRESENTS
A NIGHT CREATIONS PRODUCTION OF
A CLINT EASTWOOD FILM
EDWARD NORTON
THE STRANGER AND THE SUITCASE
ALSO STARRING
ROBERT D
ENIROCLAIRE FORLANI
ED HARRIS
DUSTIN HOFFMAN
JUDE LAW
ELIZEBETH SHUE
VINCE VAUGHN
WITH
GERALD BUTLER
AND
QUENTIN TARANTINO
AS
CHAZ
Later on…
A local police car drives into the parking lot and parks next to the vomit on the ground. The police car is a blue and gray, which in no way mixes. The car door area with the gray, the hood and trunk with the blue.
On the drivers side there is a large badge with the words "Gold Hill Sheriff’s Department." The man that walks out is an older man with a handlebar mustache and gray hair. He wears a uniform and cowboy hat as well. He has both a mean and nice look to him.
Hard to figure out which would be more fitting. He manages to avoid the vomit while exiting the car, but has a bewildered look on his face as he enters the photo store.
SHERIFF ANDREWS
What in the hell happened out there?
CLAY
Bill decided my parking lot was as good a place as any to let go of his breakfast.
SHERIFF
(Takes off his hat)
Sounds like Bill. (Beat) It’s a scorcher out there.
CLAY
Looks like it.
SHERIFF
Damn budget cuts. The least they could give us in a damn air conditioner. It’s the middle of summer. One of these days I’m going to have a deputy turn into liquid goo. That ought to get us an air conditioner.
CLAY
(Laughs)
Anything I can do for you today?
SHERIFF
(Sighs)
Not really. Just thought I’d come in and say hello. Not exactly much going on down at the office. But I guess that’s a good thing.
CLAY
I think you might be getting some calls about Bill.
SHERIFF
Yep. But I believe that’ll be it.
CLAY
What do you boys do down there all day?
SHERIFF
Little bit of this, little bit of that.
CLAY
Television?
SHERIFF
Of course—(beat)and then there’s board games, little skater fuckers, and whatever we think up. It’s just Hank and me down there, so we mostly just sit around and watch TV.
CLAY
Sounds exhilarating.
SHERIFF
All right photo-man, tell me about exhilarating.
CLAY
(Laughs)
It’s pure rush every time I get a customer. Nothing like it.
SHERIFF
OK daredevil, I need to get going. When there is indeed crime to fight, I ought to be there.
CLAY
Well, thanks for coming by. Take some pictures, why don’t ya? I could keep you in this place for about an hour.
SHERIFF
(Laughs)
I think I’ll do that. (Puts his hat back on) We’ll be seeing ya.
CLAY
Have a good one.
SHERIFF
Yeah, you too.
The SHERIFF leaves the photo shop. As he makes his way to the car, he makes a good effort to walk over the vomit. His effort pays off, and he is able to make it into his car without a drop on his shiny boots.
And a bit later on…
It’s now night and CLAY has just turned the open sign to closed. He corals his keys and turns off the television. He turns off the lights, and leaves the store, locking it first. He walks to the only other car in the parking lot, his own, an old yet in nice shape a Toyota Camary.
Int. Clay’s Home – Night
CLAY lives in a nice little house. It’s very plain, with white walls and doors. CLAY opens the front door and walks straight through the living room and into the hallway. The living room has a large leather couch that looks spendy. But everything else, the cheap 20-inch TV, the five-dollar lamp, and the duck-taped VCR all look cheap.
CLAY walks over to a phone that is hung on the wall, and dials a number.
CUT TO: Bedroom
It is later on, as we see CHASITY and CLAY sitting on a large bed. CHASITY is elegant and smiling as CLAY stares at her. CHASITY notices that the bed is taking up most of the small room, and chuckles.
CHASITY
Why do you have such a big bed?
CLAY
I don’t know. I just do.
CHASITY
You should decorate this room. It looks so plain.
CLAY
(Pulls off his shirt)
I should.
CHASITY
Are you ready?
CLAY
Sure am.
CLAY leans over and kisses CHASITY as we FADE OUT.
Int. Clay’s Bedroom -- Morning
As an annoying alarm clock goes off, CLAY rises. He slams his hand on the alarm clock and gets out of bed. He walks the few short feet to his bathroom, where a note is taped on to the mirror.
NOTE:
If you want me to come by, just call. Maybe we can go out or something. Chasity
CLAY drops his clothes and turns on the shower. He gets in, and begins to wash himself. The clock goes off again in the bedroom, which prompts CLAY to let out a loud scream.
He finishes up his routine and gets dressed.
CLAY walks into the kitchen, good as new, and heads for the cereal. He sits on his nice couch and eats fruity pebbles while watching "Today" on NBC as we FADE OUT.
Int. Clay’s Photo Services – Early Morning
It’s still rather dark outside as CLAY enters the parking lot. We watch from the inside of the photo shop as he unlocks the shop doors and walks in.
CLAY walks into the back of the shop, and begins to develop photos. He turns all the machinery on in the dark room and goes to work. We see his FATHER’s photos are not exactly exciting. Most are out of focus and out of place.
As he reaches the last, he sees that it is a picture of the store, distorted. Distorted, because it was taken at the moment his FATHER hit the large lamppost outside the store. CLAY chuckles at the photo and moves on, shaking his head.
Later on…
The store is opened and it is light outside. CLAY sits as usual, watching television, and waiting. "Martha Stewart Living" is on TV, and CLAY seems reasonably in to it. But just as a car pulls into the parking lot outside, CLAY turns it off.
Quite a good looking, well-dressed man walks out of an old jaguar with a roll of film in his hand. He takes a stroll up to the door and walks in.
CLAY
Good morning.
THE STRANGER
Yes, good morning to you as well.
CLAY
What can I do for you?
THE STRANGER
I have a roll of film here.
CLAY
You came to the right place.
THE STRANGER
(Examines the prices put up on the wall)
I’ll take the largest prints. And have them done in a half-hour.
CLAY
That’ll be eight bucks.
THE STRANGER
(Takes his wallet out)
Let’s see here…
(Gets out a ten)
There you are.
CLAY
(Gives The Stranger his the change)
You can either leave or just stick around.
THE STRANGER
I’m just passing through, so I’ll stick around.
CLAY
(Picks up the roll of film)
OK then.
THE STRANGER
(Pulls out some more money)
Wait a second.
(Takes out three hundred-dollar bills)
Why don’t you take these as well?
CLAY
Well… the fee is only eight dollars.
THE STRANGER
(Puts the money on the counter)
I’d like to know that these photos would not get into the wrong hands.
CLAY
(Picks up the money)
Anything I need to know?
THE STRANGER
Just that it would be better if you didn’t see them.
Walks into the dark room and leaves THE STRANGER alone. THE STRANGER walks over to the television and turns it, so he can see it.
THE STRANGER
That’s more like it.
He sits on a large bench and watches television.
In the dark room, we see CLAY working with the pictures. As he develops the first, he sees that it is a man, tied up and beaten badly. CLAY simply shrugs and continues. The next photo is very violent; it is a picture of a man after he has been shot in the face. CLAY runs his hands through his hair looking agitated, but keeps looking through the photos.
Still with an apron on, CLAY comes back into the main area of the shop. THE STRANGER is watching "Martha Stewart Living," looking extremely interested. CLAY has the finished photos.
CLAY
(Quite nervous)
Here they are.
THE STRANGER
(Pleasantly surprised)
Right on time.
CLAY
(Trying not to offend The Stranger)
They’re rather… obscene. Don’t you think?
THE STRANGER
You could say that.
(Reaches into his pocket)
Do you have a weak stomach or something?
CLAY
(Stuttering)
I… ah…
THE STRANGER
(Puts his hand on CLAY’s shoulder)
Quit it.
CLAY
Well… I…
THE STRANGER
Did your job. And I thank you for that.
CLAY
Why did you bring these photos here?
THE STRANGER
I was performing an experiment.
CLAY
Yeah?
THE STRANGER
Yeah. I was thinking, would a noble man like you, accept money for nothing.
CLAY
What do you mean?
THE STRANGER
No questions asked. If a man like you would take a chance for a large amount of money.
CLAY
Why me?
THE STRANGER
I saw you yesterday. You seemed bored. Are you bored?
CLAY
I don’t know… I guess you could say that.
THE STRANGER
Would you like to rid yourself of that boredom?
CLAY
Yeah, I guess.
THE STRANGER
What is there to guess?
CLAY
OK, yeah.
THE STRANGER
(Points to his car)
You see my shiny, beautiful, sexy car out there?
CLAY
Yes, I see it.
THE STRANGER
I love that damned thing. Isn’t it beautiful?
CLAY
Yeah, sure is.
THE STRANGER
I bought that baby two weeks ago. Unfortunately, it sticks out a bit. If you see a street full of cars, that’s the one that you’ll focus on. Now, your car, it looks rather simple. Not to say that’s a bad thing, in fact, it’s a good thing. I propose that we switch cars, for one week’s time.
CLAY
I don’t get it…
THE STRANGER
I have a trip to take, to finish some business.
CLAY
But why do you need my car?
THE STRANGER
I can’t rent a car. I can’t buy a car. I need a car that has insurance and a good record.
CLAY
How can I be sure you’ll be bringing my car back?
THE STRANGER
You can’t. However, I am willing to offer how much the car is worth up front. So if I don’t return, you can still buy a new car.
CLAY
Why do you need my car?
THE STRANGER
It’s none of your business.
CLAY
(Beat)
One week?
THE STRANGER
Seven days.
CLAY
It sounds risky.
THE STRANGER
Yes, it is. You may have to sit around all day doing nothing. Oh wait…
CLAY
OK, I’ll do it.
CLAY tosses his keys to THE STRANGER.
THE STRANGER
(Tosses his keys to CLAY)
You won’t regret this.
(Begins to walk away)
Well, unless of coarse, it goes terribly wrong.
A long silence passes. THE STRANGER then smiles, and walks out of the store. But he appears to have forgotten something, and walks back into the store.
THE STRANGER
Ah yes, the pictures. Can’t forget those.
CLAY
(Tosses large envelope to THE STRANGER)
I’ll see you in a week.
THE STRANGER
And I you.
(Turns to walk away, but turns around again) I forgot to tell you. There’s a small problem with the trunk. Don’t open it. The damn thing is broken. Couldn’t close it the last time I opened it, it wouldn’t close.
(Beat)
Anyhow, I’ll be going then.
CLAY
OK.
THE STRANGER
Don’t spend it all at one place.
THE STRANGER walks out with the pictures under his arm. He uses the keys CLAY gave him to open the old Toyota, and starts it up. There is a bit of a smog problem with the car, but everything else seems fine. He drives away, waving as he does so.
Back in the store, CLAY stands at the counter, confused. He takes a look at the keys in his hand and thinks. Suddenly, the words "Too good to be true" come across his mind.
CLAY
Hmm…
CUT TO: The Parking Lot
CLAY is standing, waiting for someone. The sheriff’s car enters the parking lot. It parks, and CLAY walks to the driver’s window.
SHERIFF
(Rolls down his window)
What can I do you for?
CLAY
I was wondering if you could do a check on a car. See who the owner is, maybe.
SHERIFF
That fine looking automobile over there?
CLAY
Yeah, that’s the one.
SHERIFF
Just give me the license plate number.
CLAY
(Takes a look at the plate)
H… F… K… 1… 9… 3.
SHERIFF
That it?
CLAY
Yeah.
SHERIFF
(Types it into a small computer in the car)
Let’s see… we got a match here. Belongs to the fella named Chaz Staley. Looks like it’s clear, not stolen.
CLAY
Huh, strange.
SHERIFF
Why’s it parked in your lot?
CLAY
Some guy gave me money to watch it.
SHERIFF
That sounds like a good deal.
CLAY
Yeah, it would appear so. Are you coming in?
SHERIFF
No, actually. We got some good news today. They’ll be installing air conditioners on all the squad cars, somethin’ about a new budget.
CLAY
OK then, don’t be a stranger.
The SHERIFF backs up and drives away.
Just as he does so, another car pulls in. Both stop and the men exchange a few words. The SHERIFF waves goodbye as the other man drives into the parking lot. The man is driving a mini-van, the type that was obviously bought so it could seat a family. The man that gets out is RANDY, the brother of CLAY. CLAY only has to walk a few feet to get to the car.
CLAY
Figured I’d see you sooner.
RANDY
Business kept me for longer than I assumed it would.
CLAY
(Rolls his eyes)
Yeah, sure.
RANDY
I’ve been gone this long, and this is the welcome I get?
CLAY
OK then, King Randy, your throne is inside. I’ll accompany you to it.
RANDY
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
(Mumbling as he gets out of the car)
Better have a fuckin’ throne set up for me.
CLAY
So, how was your trip?
RANDY
(Puts his arm around CLAY’s shoulder)
It was a beautiful thing. It truly was.
CLAY
That’s what I figured.
The two men enter the shop.
RANDY
You really need to get out man. I still can’t believe you bought this place.
CLAY
It’s a living.
RANDY
(Chuckles playfully)
More like dying, if you ask me.
CLAY
Whatever man.
RANDY
Sitting in here, watching Martha. You really need to have your head checked. Especially after your little relationship with ‘you know who.’
CLAY
What does that have to do with developing photos? It’s a job, Randy. We can’t all have it as easy as you do.
RANDY
Yeah man, sure. (Beat) Just tell me you’ve been on one date since I’ve been gone.
CLAY
Can you just shut your mouth? Please?
RANDY
It’s a simple question.
CLAY
No, I haven’t been on a date since you’ve been gone. Now stop belittling me.
RANDY
(Chuckles)
OK, OK.
(Beat)
What about Dad, how’s he doing?
CLAY
(Gives RANDY a look of disgust)
I think you know how he’s doing.
RANDY
Not so well, then?
CLAY
I really don’t give a damn how he’s doing.
(Turns on his television)
Just as long as he steers clear of me.
RANDY
OK, OK Mr. Sensitive.
(Takes a seat on the same bench The Stranger did)
Now, you’ve got some explaining to do.
CLAY
(Watching TV)
Yeah, about what?
RANDY
That fine piece of ass you have parked out there.
(Takes another look at the Jaguar parked outside)
Looks like you have been up to something.
CLAY
(Not paying much attention)
Yeah, you could say that.
RANDY
Be more specific.
CLAY
I’m watching a car for someone. It’s no big deal.
RANDY
That thing out there… it sure looks like a big deal.
CLAY
Well, it ain’t.
RANDY
(Sighs)
Whatever.
(Beat)
You busy tonight?
CLAY
After Seven, I’m free.
RANDY
Good. We’ll hang out at the Pub tonight.
CLAY
Sounds like a plan.
RANDY
(Stands up)
Yes indeed it does. I had better get going. Got to go face the music.
CLAY
Good luck with that.
RANDY
(Sincerely)
Well thanks; I’m sure I’ll need it.
CLAY
Tell Jennifer I said hello.
RANDY
(Opens up the door)
Sure thing.
CLAY
(Yelling)
And tell her whenever she decides to kick your ass to the curb, I’m free.
RANDY
(Walking to his car, laughing an extremely fake laugh)
Ha, ha, ha. Good stuff.
(Gives CLAY the finger)
Int. Sportsman Pub – Night
CLAY is sitting at the bar of a normal pub. There is very little activity in the place, despite the decently late hour. One man is in a corner tossing darts at a board. Another has fallen asleep at his table, but no one has noticed.
A CHASITY enters the place, sticking out simply because she is the only female. She takes a seat next to CLAY.
CLAY
(Takes a drink from his beer)
You sure know how to make an entrance.
CHASITY
(Smiling)
If you say so.
CLAY
(Kisses Chasity on the cheek)
How’s it going?
CHASITY
Things are all right. And you?
CLAY
Couldn’t be better.
CHASITY
That’s good to hear. I heard Randy is back.
CLAY
Yep, he sure is.
CHASITY
Has he disclosed exactly why he was gone so long?
CLAY
Why would he start now?
CHASITY
(Laughs)
That’s what I figured.
CLAY
One of these days she’s just going to leave. And I’m going to have to be the guy to console him. That just sucks.
CHASITY
Is he supposed to be here tonight?
CLAY
Yep… although he has never bee accused of being too early.
CHASITY
(Chuckles)
So… what about this car you have parked outside? What’s the story there?
CLAY
Topic of the day. Someone is paying me to watch it.
RANDY enters the PUB. He sits down next to CLAY.
RANDY
Did I miss the party?
CLAY
Unfortunately, yes.
(Points to the man that is asleep at his table)
But that guy over there would be happy to tell you all about it.
RANDY
(Laughs)
Yeah, I’ll be sure to ask him about it. Joey! Get me a beer.
JOEY (The Bartender)
(Hands Randy a beer)
There you go.
RANDY
(Takes a drink from the bottle)
That hits the spot.
(Turns his attention to Clay)
So Clay, when will we get the real story on this car?
CLAY
You already have the real story.
RANDY
Do we?
CHASITY
Leave him alone. If he had had anything to say, he would’ve already said it.
RANDY
If you say so…
(Takes another drink)
But if the cops come knockin’ on my door, I never met you.
CLAY
(Laughs)
You’re my brother.
RANDY
I’d totally deny that.
Later on…
RANDY and CHASITY are pretty out of it now. CLAY is sitting on the bar, watching television with JOEY. A well-dressed man in his 50’s enters. He walks over to a vacant seat and sits. He reaches for his wallet.
JOEY
We’re closing pretty soon here.
MR. GARNER
Could I get one drink?
JOEY
Sure.
GARNER
I appreciate it. Just get me a Bud.
CLAY
(Turns around)
Name’s Clay.
(Shakes GARNER’s hand)
You new around here or just passing through?
GARNER
I’m looking for a man, actually.
CLAY
I may be able to help, what is his name?
GARNER
Actually… we are a little in the dark on that. However, I do have a photograph. (Reaches into his pocket and takes out the picture) It’s a bit old.
CLAY
I’ll take a look.
GARNER shows the photo to CLAY, and we see that it is a photo of THE STRANGER. JOEY gets GARNER his beer, and walks away.
CLAY
(A bit nervous)
Never seen him. What’d he do?
GARNER
Among other things, he was involved in a large heist. Got away with around 2 million dollars. He left a few dead bodies behind.
CLAY
How ‘bout that.
GARNER
(Studies Clay)
Yeah, how ‘bout that.
(Takes a drink from his beer)
He’s one of the most wanted men in this country. Yet strangely, no one has been able to find out his true identity. He comes to towns like this, drops some money on some local stiff, and lets whatever scam he has going unfold.
CLAY
A town like… this?
GARNER
Yes. If he hasn’t appeared yet, he will soon enough. I’ve been following him for five years without one goddamn bit of luck.
(Gets more intense)
And if some townie is taking money from this bastard, then I will find them.
CLAY
(Nervously chuckles)
Best of luck.
GARNER
I don’t figure I’ll need it this time.
JOEY
(Yelling from the other side of the bar)
Closing time!
CLAY
(Gets down from the bar)
See you around.
GARNER
(Takes out two dollar bills out and puts them on the bar)
I’m sure you will.
Ext. Outside Joey’s Pub – Night
CLAY exits the pub with CHASITY on his arm, and unlocks the car. GARNER is next to leave the pub. CLAY notices GARNER’s pretty black Mercedes Benz and marvels at it. GARNER seems to notice CLAY’s car as well. CLAY gets CHASITY into the car, as she begins to mumble incoherently.
GARNER
(Inside his car)
Nice car you have there.
CLAY
Thanks. I like yours too.
GARNER
(Smiles)
See you soon.
GARNER backs out of the lot, and drives away.
Int. Chasity’s Apartment – Night
All the lights are off in CHASITY’s small apartment, so we can not see much of what is in the place. We see the shadow of CLAY walking through the house, with CHASITY in his arms.
He takes her to the bedroom of the house, and sets her on the bed. As CLAY puts the blankets over her, CHASITY grabs him by the shirt.
CHASITY
Clay, I love you. You know that, right?
CLAY
You’re drunk.
CHASITY
But I love you. Why don’t you love me?
CLAY
Get some sleep.
CLAY walks away from the bed quickly, trying to avoid any incident.
Ext. Outside The Apartment Complex – Night
CLAY lights up a cigarette in the parking lot of the apartment complex. RANDY is sitting in the car, finally regaining consciousness.
RANDY
Clay?
CLAY
Yeah?
RANDY
Light me up one of those fuckers.
CLAY takes a cigarette from the box, and hands it to RANDY. RANDY puts it in his mouth and leans forward.
CLAY
(Lights up the cigarette)
There you go.
RANDY
Thanks man.
(Takes a puff from the cigarette and burps)
Oh man.
CLAY
You really need to take it easy.
RANDY
(Rubbing his forehead)
I’m going to have a fuck of a hangover.
CLAY
It would appear so.
RANDY
Should’ve taken a chaser.
(Opens his door, and gets out)
You like her, don’t you?
CLAY
You could say that.
RANDY
(Takes another drag from his cigarette and laughs)
You sure can pick ‘em. You know she’s works with Danielle?
CLAY
Yes, I do.
RANDY
That doesn’t bother you?
CLAY
No, yea—why is it any of your fucking business?
RANDY
Just making conversation man, calm down.
(Beat)
You don’t think you can save her or anything, do you?
CLAY
Save her?
RANDY
You know what I’m talking about.
CLAY
No, I don’t know what you’re talking about.
A silence passes as both men take drags from their cigarettes. RANDY tosses his aside, and walks to the passenger’s side of the car.
RANDY
Lets get going.
Ext. Outside Randy’s House – Late Night
The flashy Jaguar is parked outside a basic family home. The daisies planted in the flowerbed, the swing-set visible even from the curb in front of the home, and a family plaque on the door with the family name.
Inside the car RANDY has taken off his seatbelt and is staring a hole through CLAY.
CLAY
(Turns off the car)
Was there something you wanted to tell me?
RANDY
Nothing in particular.
CLAY
Then why are you looking at me like that?
RANDY
Like what?
CLAY
(Makes an angered face)
Like that!
RANDY
There is something.
CLAY
Then lay it out on the fucking table already.
RANDY
It’s about Dad.
CLAY
(Confused)
It’s about Dad?
(Beat)
Well?
RANDY
I’m thinking we need to get him in a home.
CLAY
He already has a house.
RANDY
An old folks home.
CLAY
Are you serious?
RANDY
Yes, I am.
CLAY
I ain’t even seen him since yesterday.
RANDY
When did you see him?
CLAY
Morning--fucking guy puked in my parking lot.
RANDY
That’s what I mean. He’s been getting sick after just a few drinks. You and I know that before a few weeks ago, his ass hadn’t gotten sick from hitting the bottle in decades.
CLAY
That’s true.
RANDY
Damn right it is. The guy needs to settle down. He’s getting on in age, you know? How he’s lived this long is fucking mind boggling.
CLAY
(Laughs)
Yeah, no shit.
RANDY
Anyway, just think about it.
(Gets out of the car)
See you soon.
RANDY walks up to the front door of this house. He awkwardly puts the key into the lock while trying to be quiet. But a light in the house turns on and RANDY becomes nervous. He tries to find a place to hide, but takes up too much time. The door flings open and RANDY’s wife, JENNIFER, looks extremely displeased.
As JENNIFER begins to scream at RANDY, CLAY speeds away.
Int. Clay’s house, Living Room – Late Night
All of the lights are turned off in the house as CLAY stumbles in. He walks, rigidly, to the large couch in the living room and plops down.
We then see a shadow of a rather large man run emerge from the hallway. The man grabs CLAY and brings him to his feet as if he is only a small child. The man stands him up, and a light is turned switched on. We see GARNER is sitting in a chair in front of CLAY, silent.
GARNER looks at CLAY, waiting. We now see the big man completely—he is a large white man who has an extremely big build.
CLAY
(Clears his throat)
Do you want me to say something?
GARNER
I’d like that.
CLAY
I’m not really sure what to say.
GARNER
You’ve associated yourself with someone. That someone just happened to be a very sought after guy, that’s OK. It’s not your fault. You got duped. It happens to the best of us.
CLAY
I’m sorry, I don’t—
GARNER
Just stop there.
(Stands up)
There are a lot of qualities that every man has. Some good, some bad. Now although there are many, only one makes my skin crawl. Only one gives me the urge to do something irrational. Do you know what it is?
CLAY
No, I don’t.
GARNER
(Begins to stroll from right to left)
Would you like me to tell you?
CLAY
Sure.
GARNER
Some men are liars. Now most people wouldn’t consider that a quality, but I do. Simply put, some men are just piece-of-fucking-shit liars.
(Pulls out a glock handgun and puts it up to CLAY’s neck)
CLAY
No, no, no, no don’t do that—
GARNER
(Calmly)
You’re lying to me.
CLAY
No, no I’m—
GARNER
Yes Clay,
(Yelling)
Yes you are! Do you know how it makes me feel when I’m being lied to?
CLAY
(Stuttering nervously)
B-b-bad.
GARNER
There you go. It makes me feel bad. Although you could substitute that for enraged or disgusted or very, very pissed off.
CLAY
Okay, okay. Listen.
GARNER
You have something to tell me?
CLAY
Yes, yes, yes I have something to tell you.
GARNER
(Slowly puts his gun back into his jacket)
That’s good. What do you have to tell me?
CLAY
What do you want to know?
GARNER
The car.
CLAY
A man paid me to watch it.
GARNER
For how long?
CLAY
A week.
GARNER
Why?
CLAY
He didn’t specify.
GARNER
How much did he give you?
CLAY
A lot.
GARNER
Which shortened your list of questions, I’d imagine.
CLAY
You could say that.
GARNER
Good. We’re moving along. That wasn’t so hard, was it?
CLAY
No, it wasn’t.
GARNER
Moving on, let’s talk about the suitcase. That’s all that’s important.
CLAY
Suitcase? He didn’t tell me anything about a suitcase.
GARNER
Big ugly thing, with stickers all over it.
CLAY
He didn’t mention it. He did take my car; maybe he took it along with him.
GARNER
(Studies CLAY closely)
Is that so?
CLAY
(Leans forward)
Yes.
GARNER
(Beat)
He’ll be back in a week?
CLAY
Yes.
GARNER
You realize that we will be here until then?
CLAY
Yes.
GARNER
Good. We’ll take our leave then.
(Straightens his tie)
Let’s get out of here, big man.
The BIG MAN tosses CLAY aside and follows GARNER out the door. BIG MAN strangely shuts the door delicately and with care, which prompts CLAY to roll his eyes in annoyance.
Ext. Gold Hill Recreational Park – Early Morning
We open the scene in a park of decent size. It has the basics—the monkey bars, the slide, and the animal-shaped drinking fountain—along with a path, which leads to a creek.
We focus on a picnic table, were CLAY and RANDY are seated. RANDY looks rather responsible as he watches his children play, a form that would look surprising to most of his drinking buddies. In his hand he has a Styrofoam cup filled with coffee from the local "Dutch Brothers."
CLAY
So how did she take it?
RANDY
(Chuckles)
You saw.
CLAY
But you’re still alive.
RANDY
I’m a smooth talker when I want to be.
CLAY
You must be.
RANDY
(Takes a drink from his cup)
So what did you need to talk with to me about? Is it about Dad?
CLAY
No… it’s actually a rather… funny…
RANDY
Come on now, you can tell me anything.
CLAY
OK, I’ll try my best to lay it out for you. I just need to have your word—
RANDY
We both know there is one thing I can keep, and that’s a secret. Just spit it out already.
CLAY leans over closely to RANDY and lowers his voice.
Several moments later…
Both men are now sitting in silence. RANDY can’t seem to find the words to say, while CLAY is waiting for something to come out of RANDY’s mouth.
RANDY
(Scratches his head)
Well I… the thing is… fuck! Why’d you have to come to me with this shit?
Both of RANDY’s two children say "Fuck" and "Shit" in the distance.
RANDY
(Speaking to the kids)
Don’t say those words around mommy, OK?
BOTH CHILDREN
(Joyfully)
Okay!
RANDY
Listen Clay; you got yourself into a hell of a pickle. I don’t know what advice you expect me to give you.
CLAY
I thought you might—(Beat) I thought you might help me out.
RANDY
(Lowers his voice)
How in the world would I be able to help you?
CLAY
Did any of what I told you seem out of the ordinary, besides the situation itself?
RANDY
Fuck, I don’t know.
CLAY
I sure got myself into something this time.
RANDY
Yeah, no shit.
CLAY
OK, smart ass, what would you have done if a guy came to you and offered a shit-load of money to watch a car.
RANDY
I would’ve taken it. However, I think I would’ve been watching my ass every moment of the day until I was no longer in charge of a fucking Jaguar!
CLAY
Whatever man, I was just looking for some advice.
RANDY
Clay, I may be your brother, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to get myself into a situation like this for you.
CLAY sighs and peers over to a house. A car has driven in to the driveway and parked. A MAN gets out of the car and walks to the trunk. The MAN then takes out his key and opens it, taking out a suitcase.
CLAY
The suitcase.
RANDY
Yeah, what about it?
CLAY
The guy told me the trunk didn’t work… maybe he was lying?
RANDY
(Stares at CLAY annoyed)
Just go check.
CLAY
(Stands up)
Are you coming with me?
RANDY
I’ve got to watch my kids.
CUT TO: Inside the Trunk
As CLAY unlocks the trunk, we sit inside it, in the dark. In one tug, CLAY opens it easily. We see a surprised look on CLAY’s face as he sees the suitcase sitting, alone, in easy reach in front of him. He reaches in and pops it open—the case not even having a cheap lock.
CLAY looks at the opened case, jaw wide open, both shocked and delighted with his discovery.
RANDY
(Yelling from the bench)
What is it?
CLAY
(Mumbling)
It’s the… uh… thing…
RANDY
(Walking up to the trunk)
It can’t be that hard to explain what’s (Arrives at the trunk opening)
In the…
(His voice fades away)
CUT TO: Street Intersection
CLAY is driving along slowly, and stops at a stop sign. He looks to the right and sees a woman sitting on a bench. He appears to recognize her.
BARBARA
(Screaming)
Hey!
CLAY
(Jumps at the screech of BARBARA’s voice)
What?
BARBARA
(Gets up and walks towards the car)
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.
CLAY
Yeah, it’s been a while.
BARBARA
Where did you get this car?
CLAY
A friend lent it to me.
BARBARA
Why would someone give you a car like this?
CLAY
I’m not quite sure.
BARBARA
Why haven’t you called me?
CLAY
I thought we divorced.
BARBARA
Don’t be a smart-ass.
CLAY
I wasn’t trying to be.
BARBARA
You know I wanted to still be friends.
CLAY
You cheated on me and then left. You hardly gave out the impression that you wanted to be my best friend.
BARBARA
You need to loosen up. All you ever do is whine about the past. Quit being such a pussy and move on already.
CLAY
Actually, I was about to do exactly that. Get away from my car.
BARBARA
(Leans into the car)
I’ll be at the pub tonight. Come on down and we can talk.
CLAY
I need to get going.
BARBARA
(Back away)
Yeah, I’m sure you have some photos to develop or something.
CLAY speeds away as BARBARA laughs.
Int. Sheriff’s Office – Day
SHERIFF ANDREWS is sitting at his desk as he speaks to a well-dressed gentleman. The man speaks very distinctly, and appears to be an officer of some kind.
ANDREWS
(Scratching his head)
So you don’t actually know his name?
MAN (Gerald Butler)
No. It has actually become a sort of trademark of his, if you will. We have very solid information leading us to believe he is in this town.
ANDREWS
Why would he come here?
MAN
He tends to choose small towns to make his move in. There is a lack of police protection in places such as Gold Hill. It’s a good place to throw some money around without prompting so much as a whisper from you good old boys.
ANDREWS
So you’re saying that we don’t do a good job here?
MAN
No. Only that there is not much of a job to do, so to speak.
ANDREWS
Anything else that could help narrow down what I would be looking for?
MAN
Well—
CLAY pulls up outside. ANDREWS notices him and waves for him to enter. CLAY rigidly gets out of the car, noticing the man whom ANDREWS is speaking with.
ANDREWS
(As CLAY enters)
What brings you down here?
CLAY
(Shuts the door)
Actually, I wanted to speak with you.
ANDREWS
Oh don’t worry about this guy, he’ll be out of here soon enough. Take a seat, Clay. This is Agent Davies.
CLAY
(Shakes the man’s hand)
Good to meet you.
DAVIES (MAN)
Anyhow, I’ll be here all week. I have a feeling this guy will be returning soon enough.
ANDREWS
Sounds fine. If you need my help, just give me a ring and I’ll help out in any way I can.
DAVIES
Thanks a lot. Just remember that odds are, he has an accomplice around here somewhere. If you spot anyone who looks suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact me.
ANDREWS
Sure thing.
DAVIES leaves the office.
ANDREWS
(Sighs)
Fucking prick.
(Smiles)
How can I help you?
CLAY
What was that all about?
ANDREWS
Some conman seems to have made his way into the town. It does appear to be a bit important, though. A FBI Agent hasn’t showed up around here in about thirty years. And when it happened before, it was an accident.
CLAY
(Chuckles)
You think this is serious?
ANDREWS
My guess would be that they sent one guy down to check things out. Since there is only one guy, I can hardly make the assessment that it is too important.
CLAY
I’ve seen a lot of new people snooping around town.
ANDREWS
Is that so?
CLAY
Yep. It’s pretty easy to notice the people that don’t fit in, in this town.
ANDREWS
I’d have to agree with you there. What is it you needed, anyway?
CLAY
Oh… nothing. I just wanted to pop in and say hello.
ANDREWS
Well, I had better do a little patrolling. See what’s happening around town.
CLAY
Speaking of that, have you seen my father around anywhere?
ANDREWS
No, not recently.
CLAY
That’s strange. I haven’t seen him in a few days.
ANDREWS
I’m sure he’s just in a bar somewhere. You’ll find him soon enough.
CLAY
OK then, I better get going.
ANDREWS
Talk to you soon.
CLAY walks out of the office as we FADE OUT.
Int. Chasity’s Apartment, Bedroom – Day
As we FADE IN on the small, rather dirty room of CHASITY’s HOUSE we see CLAY and CHASITY lying on a bed. CHASITY has her head on CLAY’s shoulder; his hand is wrapped around her body.
CLAY
Oh, did you hear who’s back in town?
CHASITY
Barbara?
CLAY
Yeah, how’d you know that?
CHASITY
She came down to work with some guy.
CLAY
Oh, did she?
CHASITY
Yes, actually. Wasn’t exactly a looker, he was wearing an eye-patch. A black eye patch.
CLAY
No shit?
CHASITY
(Laughs)
No shit.
CLAY
Like a pirate? An eye patch?
CHASITY
Yep. Apparently, she’s looking for you.
CLAY
Well, she found me.
CHASITY
What did she want?
CLAY
She wants to see me tonight.
CHASITY
Oh, really?
CLAY
Yes, and now I’m afraid of an ugly pirate jumping out from behind a bush and stealing my boots.
CHASITY
Don’t worry about him. If you need me as a guard, just give me the word.
CLAY
(Smirks)
No, I think I can handle it.
CHASITY turns to a side-table and picks up a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
CLAY
You need to quit smoking.
CHASITY
(Lighting up a cigarette)
Yeah, well so do you.
CLAY takes the pack of cigarettes and takes out one of his own.
CLAY
(Lighting up his cigarette)
You know what?
CHASITY
What?
CLAY
(Takes a puff, and sighs)
We really need to get the fuck out of this town.
CHASITY
I’m with you 100% there.
CLAY
Well, that’s all great and everything, but if we’re so eager to leave… why are we still here? It doesn’t make any sense.
CHASITY
Moving costs money.
CLAY
I could sell my building.
CHASITY
Who would buy that?
CLAY
Good point.
CHASITY
The only way we could leave is if we had money. Lots of it.
CLAY
You think so?
CHASITY
(Closes her eyes)
Absolutely.
CLAY
Would it matter how we got the money?
CHASITY
What do you mean?
CLAY
I mean, if a great amount of money was to fall into my lap that wasn’t necessarily mine, would it matter?
CHASITY
Would what matter?
CLAY
Would it matter that it wasn’t necessarily mine?
CHASITY
What are you talking about?
Later On…
We see CHASITY asleep on the bed. We then see CLAY putting his jacket on and leaving the room quietly.
CUT TO: Chasity’s Face
A pleased smile comes across CHASITY’s face as CLAY leaves.
Int. Sportsman’s Pub – Night
BARBARA is sitting at the bar as we FADE IN on the packed pub. She is sitting alone despite the fact that there are two empty seats on either sides of her.
CLAY enters the pub, and spots BARBARA. BARBARA knocks back a shot of whiskey and smiles.
CLAY
(Sitting down next to BARBARA)
Hey.
BARBARA
Hey.
There is a long beat as CLAY and BARBARA sit silently.
CLAY
So… how have you been?
BARBARA
Better.
CLAY
Better than what?
BARBARA
Better than I was with you.
CLAY
(Lowers his voice)
Is that the only reason you wanted me to come here? To humiliate me?
BARBARA
No, Clay.
(Asks for another drink)
Actually, I asked you to be here because I know someone who wants to meet you.
CLAY
Who?
BARBARA
His name is Chaz.
CLAY
I don’t know a Chaz.
BARBARA
Which is why I brought him here. I thought that you might, in your lifetime, like to meet a man named Chaz.
CLAY
Would this be the pirate you’ve been strutting around town with?
BARBARA
Pirate, what?
CLAY
Nevermind it. Where is he?
BARBARA
He’s taking a dump.
CLAY
(Takes out a pack of cigarettes)
So graceful. I don’t know how I ever survived without you.
As CLAY lights up his cigarette, he takes a look towards the bathroom. Suddenly, the door opens quickly, and out walks CHAZ.
It appears that he survived the gunshot to the face, but his eye didn’t. CHAZ walks over and takes a seat next to BARBARA.
CHAZ
(Kissing BARBARA on the neck)
Who is this guy, honey?
BARBARA
This is Clay.
CHAZ
You’re kidding me?
BARBARA
Nope, that’s him.
CLAY
Barbara, I’ve got to get going.
CHAZ
Why are you in such a hurry?
CLAY
I need to get some sleep.
CHAZ
(Looks at his watch)
Why, it’s only 8:30?
CLAY
Barbara, why am I here?
BARBARA
Chaz, talk to him.
CHAZ
I happened to see your car today, Clay.
CLAY
Really?
CHAZ
Very nice, my friend.
(Downs a shot of whiskey and grunts loudly)
It was like deja vu. The strangest thing. I used to know someone that had that exact model.
CLAY
(Nervously laughs)
It’s a small world.
CHAZ
(Downs another shot)
Son of a bitch, he was.
(Leans over BARBARA)
He turned his back on me twice.
CLAY
(Downs a shot of whiskey)
What, you mean he turned around?
(Turns his back to CHAZ)
Like this?
CLAY bursts into a nervous laughter that seems to last ages. He stops, and then CHAZ bursts into laughter.
BARBARA
Oh, will you stop it already?
CHAZ
(Coughs)
Sorry.
(Turns his attention to CLAY)
I bet I know exactly what you were wondering the second you first saw me.
CLAY
Well, don’t be shy.
CHAZ
You were probably thinking, "What’s with the eye patch?" Am I right?
CLAY
Actually, I was wondering if you also had a peg leg.
CHAZ
An extremely reasonable thought, really.
CLAY
I need to get going.
CHAZ
You want to know how I lost my eye?
CLAY
No, not really.
CHAZ
(Leans over BARBARA and lowers his voice)
Clay, could I have a word with you?
CLAY
Yeah, I guess…
CHAZ stands up and walks to CLAY.
CHAZ
(Whispering into CLAY’s ear)
Whatever he’s paying you, its not enough. Things are going to get pretty messy, pretty soon. It would be better if you just back out now.
CLAY
(Grins)
Back out of what?
CHAZ
(Smiles and shakes his head)
It’s like that?
CLAY
It’s like that.
CHAZ
I can respect that.
(Downs another shot)
Remember this: I gave you a chance.
CLAY
And I sincerely appreciate that.
CLAY gets up and walks out of the pub. CHAZ signals AGENT DAVIES, who has been sitting in the corner of the bar, to follow CLAY as we FADE OUT.
Ext. Outside The Pub – Night
As CLAY leaves the pub, AGENT DAVIES follows in a very aggressive manner. CLAY walks to the car, and gets in quickly. DAVIES stops at the door, and signals CLAY to roll down the window.
CLAY
(Cracks the window)
How can I help you?
DAVIES
You could step out of the vehicle.
CLAY
I don’t think so.
DAVIES
You are aware that I am an officer of the law, right?
CLAY
Yes, I figured that out.
DAVIES
Then get out of the car.
CLAY
Why are you here? I mean, in this town.
DAVIES
I’m here to help in any way I can. Make sure things don’t get out of hand.
CLAY
Things are already out of hand.
CLAY rolls up the window and speeds away.
Ext. Outside Clay’s House – Night
We see CLAY park the car in the driveway as we FADE IN. Clay turns off the car, locks the doors, and gets out.
CLAY walks to his front door and gets out his keys.
VOICE (O.S.)
Hey.
CLAY jolts into the door, frightened.
CLAY
Y-yeah?
RANDY
(Turns on a flashlight)
How you been?
CLAY
(Sighs)
You scared the shit out of me.
RANDY
That was the point.
CLAY
(Unlocks the door)
Turn that thing off.
RANDY
(Turns off the flashlight)
Done.
CLAY walks into the house, followed by RANDY. CLAY tosses his keys on to a coffee table and plops down on to a couch.
RANDY
(Shutting the door)
Why haven’t you called?
CLAY
Been busy.
RANDY
I though ya got yourself shot.
CLAY
No, still here.
RANDY
You seen Dad since we last talked?
CLAY
Nope.
RANDY
You worried?
CLAY
(Turns on the TV)
Nope. Probably just in a gutter somewhere.
RANDY
Yeah, hopefully.
CLAY
So, why’d you come by?
RANDY
Well, I wanted to make sure you were still standing.
CLAY
Still.
RANDY
(Tosses his flashlight aside)
You seem… oddly comfortable.
CLAY
Yeah, you could say that.
RANDY
Any particular reason why?
CLAY
The… situation, has gotten more complicated. More people are involved now.
RANDY
(Confused)
And you’re comfortable?
CLAY
My guess is that they’ll all kill each other before they notice that I’m nowhere to be found. Most of these guys are oblivious to the fact that there are others looking for the, well, prize.
RANDY
(Slightly Impressed)
Don’t you sound slick?
CLAY
I’ve got things handled.
RANDY
(Walks over to a love seat, and sits)
You’re getting a kick out of this, aren’t you?
CLAY
(Flicking through channels)
What do you mean?
RANDY
I mean, you’re getting a kick out of this. You’re having fun with the whole crime thing. Am I right?
CLAY
A little, yeah. It’s stopped bothering me these last few days.
RANDY
Ah, well that’s good.
CLAY
Guess who’s back?
RANDY
Yeah, I heard.
CLAY
Now that bothered me.
RANDY
Why?
CLAY
I had to talk to her.
RANDY
Yeesh.
CLAY
Yeah.
(Grabs a pillow and gets comfortable)
You staying?
RANDY
(Sighs)
Yeah, just for a little while.
CLAY
No problem.
Later on…
CLAY is asleep on the couch, and RANDY has apparently left. There is a loud knock at the door, which causes CLAY to jump up.
CLAY
(Yelling)
What?
There is another hard knock at the door. CLAY sighs and gets up. He walks to the door, and then becomes alert, seemingly snapping out of it.
CLAY
Who is it?
VOICE (O.S.)
You don’t know my name.
CLAY
Is that—?
VOICE (O.S.)
Yes.
CLAY opens the door quickly and we see THE STRANGER lying on the porch, with a shirt stained with blood.
CLAY
What happened? Where’s my car?
THE STRANGER
You can have mine.
CLAY
(Lends a hand to THE STRANGER)
Fair enough.
CLAY drags THE STRANGER through the front door.
THE STRANGER
(Gasps)
Gently, please!
CLAY slams the door and drags THE STRANGER to a love seat. THE STRANGER takes a seat.
CLAY
Are you OK?
THE STRANGER
No, I’m far from OK you—oh, nevermind.
(Lies down)
You have a cigarette?
CLAY
(Stands up)
Yeah, sure.
CLAY reaches into his pocket and takes out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
CLAY
(Hands THE STRANGER a cigarette)
What’s your name?
THE STRANGER
What’s yours?
CLAY
You know my name.
THE STRANGER
(Snatches the lighter away from CLAY)
I don’t let anyone light my cigarettes for me.
(Lights up the cigarette)
You can call me Jim.
CLAY
Is that your real name?
THE STRANGER
(Takes a drag from his cigarette)
Yes. Jim Smith.
CLAY
That’s a fake name, isn’t it?
THE STRANGER
Yes, it is. Next question.
CLAY
(Takes his lighter away from THE STRANGER)
What happened to you?
THE STRANGER
I got shot.
CLAY
You don’t say?
THE STRANGER
What happened to you?
CLAY
What are you talking about?
THE STRANGER
You were pretty uptight the last time I talked to you.
CLAY
Stop changing the subject.
THE STRANGER
I’m not changing the subject. I asked you a question, what’s wrong with that?
CLAY
Just answer the question.
THE STRANGER
Well, a funny thing happened, actually.
CUT TO: Street
THE STRANGER is walking in the middle of the road oblivious to the traffic around him. A black Mercedes passes, and THE STRANGER appears to know the driver. He begins to run away from the street as the car screeches loudly as it turns around.
CUT TO: Parking Lot
THE STRANGER runs through a bush and arrives at a small lot. He finds a car and hides behind it. The black Mercedes rushes into the lot, annihilating the bush. It stops right in front of the only car in the lot.
DAVIES
(Inside the car)
Come out where I can see you!
(Waits impatiently)
Now! I’m not going to shoot you.
THE STRANGER pops up from behind the car, brushing off his jacket.
THE STRANGER
Would it at all be possible for you to get out of the car? I don’t want to have to worry that you’re hiding a cannon or something.
DAVIES
(Opens his car door)
Put your weapon on the car.
THE STRANGER
You’re fucking kidding me?
DAVIES
(Slowly gets out of the car)
Do you know who I am?
THE STRANGER
No.
DAVIES
The name is Davies. Does that sound familiar to you?
THE STRANGER
No, it doesn’t. Which makes it even sadder that you assumed it would.
DAVIES
I’m Agent Davies. There are a lot of people looking for you.
THE STRANGER
How’s that?
DAVIES
A former colleague has been spreading around some interesting stories about you.
THE STRANGER
(Curiously)
What former colleague would that be?
DAVIES
Some guy named Chaz.
THE STRANGER
Ah, Chaz.
(Stops and scratches his head, confused)
I thought I killed him?
DAVIES
You shot him in the face, yes?
THE STRANGER
I’m done talking with you.
DAVIES
Well, frankly, I’m not done talking to you.
THE STRANGER
(Reaches into his pocket)
I’ll give you my number.
DAVIES
What? No! Get your hand out of your pocket!
THE STRANGER ducks behind the car. He takes his gun out from his jacket and loads it.
DAVIES
(Takes his gun out)
Get up!
THE STRANGER
(Looks under the car)
You first!
DAVIES
What? I’m already standing!
THE STRANGER shoots DAVIES in both shins and DAVIES falls to the ground. THE STRANGER struggles to take his arm. Out from under the car, and DAVIES sees him.
DAVIES shoots THE STRANGER in the shoulder. THE STRANGER quickly shoots DAVIES in the forehead, killing him.
CUT TO: Back In CLAY’s House
CLAY
(Not Amused)
Are you serious?
THE STRANGER
Very.
CLAY
You killed that cop guy?
THE STRANGER
Yes.
CLAY
Why were you walking in the middle of the street?
THE STRANGER
Well, I have this belief that if you’re walking on the side of the road, you tend to feel comfortable. But in the middle of the road, you’re alert.
(Beat)
Does that make any sense?
CLAY
No.
THE STRANGER
(Sits up)
Forget I said it.
(Stands up)
Where is the shower?
CLAY
Down the hall, bedroom on the left.
THE STRANGER
(Walks away)
We’ll continue this conversation in the morning.
CLAY
Yeah, whatever.
CLAY walks back over to the couch and lies down as we FADE OUT.
Int. Clay’s Photos Services – Early Morning
As we FADE IN CLAY is sitting at the counter, as usual, watching television. Strangely, he is wearing a large pair of black sunglasses in doors. The phone rings, and CLAY quickly answers.
CLAY
Clay’s Photo Services.
THS STRANGER (O.S.)
That sounded really professional.
CLAY
What do you want?
THE STRANGER (O.S.)
You didn’t care to tell me that you had to work today.
CLAY
And?
THE STRANGER (O.S.)
Your refrigerator is a disgrace. You have no food! How do you live?
CLAY
I don’t cook.
THE STRANGER
You really should learn.
CLAY
Is that all, Jimmy?
THE STRANGER
Who’s Jimmy?
CLAY
(Sighs)
Could you please just leave me alone? Take your suitcase, and your car, and just leave?
THE STRANGER
Tomorrow. I’ll be out of this town by the end of tomorrow.
CLAY
OK, fantastic. Don’t fucking call me.
CLAY hangs up the phone.
CUT TO: Parking Lot
SHERIFF ANDREWS’ car enters the parking lot slowly. He finds a good parking spot, and parks. ANDREWS gets out of the car gingerly, looking like an old man, and puts on his hat.
CUT TO: Back in the Store
ANDREWS enters the store with a serious look on his face, obviously not looking to engage in a round of small talk.
CLAY
Hey Sheriff, how you been?
ANDREWS
Awful. The night before last I sprained both of my ankles.
CLAY
How’d you do that?
ANDREWS
Running down some skateboarding fucker who stole some merchandise from the new skateboard shop.
CLAY
Ah, sounds rough.
ANDREWS
Then last night, the cop that was in town got himself killed.
CLAY
(Horribly acting)
You don’t say?
ANDREWS
Horrible thing, really.
(Points to his shins)
Once in each shin, then one in the head. Rough way to go.
CLAY
Yeah, that’s too bad.
ANDREWS
I don’t figure we’ll find the culprit. Probably the guy he was looking for. I don’t imagine we’ll see him any time soon.
CLAY
Yeah. Well, thanks for coming by.
ANDREWS
(Steps a few feet closer to CLAY)
Hold up a minute. I’ve been meaning to ask you a few questions.
CLAY
About what?
ANDREWS
Well, I’ve got several people saying that they saw you with him.
CLAY
Who, the cop?
ANDREWS
No, the conman. I was given a sketch of the man. I showed it to a few people. They all say that you were with him last week.
CLAY
Must be a mistake.
ANDREWS
No, I don’t think it is.
CLAY
Are you serious?
ANDREWS
I am very, very serious.
CLAY
Why would I associate myself with a man like that?
ANDREWS
I don’t know. I figure you would for one of three reasons: Number One, for the money he would offer; Number Two, Just for the cheap thrill of it; or Three, both.
CLAY
I’m sorry Sheriff; you’ve got it all wrong.
ANDREWS
Let’s just skip this nonsense. We both know what you’ve done. It doesn’t matter.
CLAY
What do you mean?
ANDREWS
You would not be charged for anything, I could give you my word.
CLAY
I’m sure there is a "if" somewhere in there.
ANDREWS
If you deliver the suitcase.
CLAY
What, to you?
ANDREWS
We could split whatever is in it.
CLAY
No, I’m not going to be involved in this.
ANDREWS
(Yelling)
You’re already involved!
CLAY
I thought you were my friend?
ANDREWS
I am your friend. That’s why I’m doing this for you.
CLAY
You’re a cop!
ANDREWS
Yeah, so what?
CLAY
I, I just…
A silence passes as ANDREWS stares CLAY in the eye, illustrating that he is very, very serious.
CLAY
OK.
ANDREWS
OK. Good.
CLAY
I’ll deliver it to you tomorrow. Nine in the morning. Be at the police station.
ANDREWS smiles and attempts to reach over the counter and hug CLAY, to no avail. As ANDREWS reaches across, CLAY notices a man in a large white, well, bed-sheet.
CLAY
I need you to leave.
ANDREWS
(Extremely happy)
OK Clay, I’ll see you tomorrow.
CLAY
Yeah, see you then.
As ANDREWS leaves, he notices the man approaching the store. It’s BILL, CLAY’s father.
CLAY
You’ve got to be kidding me.
ANDREWS passes BILL with only a strange look and not a word. BILL enters the store, smiling as he looks at CLAY.
BILL
(Shuts the door gently)
Hello, my son.
CLAY
Hey Dad… what’s with the getup?
BILL
(Walks to the counter)
What getup would you be speaking of?
CLAY
The uh…
(Points at the white cloth)
…thing you’re wearing.
BILL
This is my love gown.
CLAY
What exactly is a love gown?
BILL
All of us at the church wear them. That is my new place of residence.
CLAY
(Changes the channel on the TV)
Oh yeah? What church?
BILL
It has no name, since I no longer believe in names.
CLAY
Where is it then?
BILL
Out on Riverdale Street.
CLAY
(Fiddling with the TV)
Aren’t the people there…?
CLAY slowly looks over BILL’s new look and his impossible to get rd of smile, and sighs heavily.
BILL
What’s wrong?
CLAY
You’re in a cult, Dad.
BILL
(Laughs)
Someone has an overactive imagination.
CLAY
Oh God—
BILL
I was thinking of introducing you to my new family.
CLAY
(Snaps his fingers close to BILL’s head repeatedly)
Are you drunk? Or high, maybe?
BILL
Only on life.
CLAY
I figured that’s what you’d say.
BILL
You seem a bit agitated Clay, is there anything I could help out with?
CLAY
No, not that I can think of.
BILL
Well, I need to be going. I’ll visit you soon.
CLAY
OK Dad, see you later.
BILL
Have a great day.
CLAY
Yeah, I’ll be sure to.
CLAY laughs to himself after BILL leaves, and picks up the phone. He dials a number.
CLAY
(Talking on the phone)
Can I speak with Randy?
VOICE (O.S.)
One moment.
RANDY (O.S.)
Yeah, who’s this?
CLAY
It’s Clay.
RANDY (O.S.)
Hey, what’s going on?
CLAY
Well, nothing much. I found Dad.
RANDY (O.S.)
Oh yeah, where was he?
CLAY
He came to me, actually. It appears that he’s joined a cult.
RANDY (O.S.)
You’re kidding me?
CLAY
I wish I was. He joined the church down on Riverdale Street.
RANDY (O.S.)
Oh god.
CLAY
Yeah, I said the same thing. He was wearing a uh… like uh… a bedsheet.
RANDY (O.S.)
I’ll go down and get him later.
(Sighs)
Well, thanks for letting me know.
CLAY
No problem.
RANDY (O.S.)
Later.
CLAY
Bye.
CLAY hangs up the phone.
Later on…
CLAY seems to be asleep at the counter. MR. GARNER is standing just inside the door, staring at CLAY. He is alone but it seems that his bodyguard is in a car outside.
GARNER
(Yelling)
Hey!
CLAY
(Jolts up)
What?
GARNER
You really shouldn’t fall asleep in public places.
CLAY
Yeah, why’s that?
GARNER
It makes you very vulnerable.
CLAY
Did you come here for something in particular?
GARNER
From what I hear, you’ve made a deal with Sheriff Andrews.
CLAY
What? How do you know that?
GARNER
It doesn’t matter how I know. It only matters that I do.
CLAY
I just told him I knew where the case was to get him out of my hair. The guy came by last night and took the car and suitcase.
GARNER
Really, that’s too bad.
CLAY
He didn’t even bother to bring back my car, the son of a bitch.
A silence passes as CLAY tries to keep a straight face.
GARNER
I’m going to get out of here, then. Thanks for the information.
(Sighs and turns around to leave)
See you tomorrow.
GARNER leaves the store.
Int. Chasity’s Apartment, Bedroom – Night
CHASITY and CLAY are once again lying on the bed, speaking with each other.
CHASITY
Do you have a plan?
CLAY
No, not really.
CHASITY
Oh.
CLAY
I do know that I’m not giving that suitcase to Sheriff Andrews, or anyone else.
CHASITY
What about the guy that’s staying at your place?
CLAY
They’ll get to him. Tomorrow, they’ll find him. They already know he’s at my place, but for whatever reason they think tomorrow is a better day to kill him.
CHASITY
And you?
CLAY
And me.
CHASITY
Well, you had better think up a good plan. Otherwise you’re in trouble.
CLAY
Yeah, I know. Where will you be?
CHASITY
I’ll be here.
CLAY
(Sits up)
OK. I had better get some sleep.
CHASITY
(Sits up)
Wait.
CHASITY kisses CLAY for what seems like an eternity, catching CLAY off-guard.
CHASITY
Don’t fuck this up.
Ext. Outside Clay’s House – Night
CLAY arrives at the house, winded because of the long walk it took to get there. He walks to the porch and sits down.
CUT TO: Driveway
CLAY suddenly notices that the STRANGER’s car is nowhere to be seen.
CUT TO: Inside the House
We see CLAY running into the house, panicking.
CLAY
(Yelling)
Jim? Where are you?
(Walks to the end of the hall)
Jim? Are you in there?
CLAY stumbles into his bedroom and falls on to his bed. He closes his eyes and falls asleep.
Several Hours Later…
We see CLAY quickly jump up and look at his alarm clock. It says 8:46 AM. We now see GARNER and his BODYGUARD standing at the foot of the bed.
GARNER
The car, where is it?
CLAY
I told you, he left.
GARNER
The suitcase?
CLAY
I don’t have it.
GARNER
(Pulls out a gun from his jacket)
That’s too bad.
CLAY
(Yelling)
No!
GARNER
Do you have something to tell me?
CLAY
Yes, I stashed it.
GARNER
Where?
CLAY
I’ll show you.
CUT TO: Outside the House
The BODYGUARD follows GARNER as he drags CLAY behind. CLAY appears to have his hands tied behind his back. The BODYGUARD stops dragging as they approach the car. CLAY falls over and tries to catch his breath as GARNER unlocks a car.
CLAY
(Looks up towards the sky)
It’s snowing. My God, it’s snowing.
GARNER
Shut up.
The snow pours down hard as a grin comes across CLAY’s face. The BODYGUARD picks up CLAY and tosses him into the back seat with relative ease.
CUT TO: Inside the Car
CLAY props himself up enough to look out the window.
GARNER
Tell us where to go.
CLAY
(Admiring the falling snowflakes)
Straight down this road. Then take a right.
GARNER
(Starts driving)
Then what?
CLAY
Then stop at the police station.
GARNER
You had better be kidding me.
CLAY
Right beside the police station is a small antiques dealer that is no longer in service. My father used to own it.
GARNER
(Looks at his BODYGUARD)
Get your gun ready.
(Looks at CLAY through a mirror)
You better be telling the truth.
CUT TO: Outside Police Station
We see GARNER parked outside the police station, looking extremely suspicious. The first to leave the car is the BODYGUARD. Once out, he helps CLAY get out of the car.
CLAY
(Sees the BODYGUARD’s gun)
Out that away! We’re outside of a police station you idiot!
As the BODYGUARD puts the gun away, CLAY starts running away screaming. We see SHERIFF ANDREWS inside the police headquarters. He notices CLAY and runs out of the police station.
CLAY disappears into an alley.
ANDREWS
(Coming out of the station)
What’s going on out here?
GARNER pulls out his gun and shoots at ANDREWS. ANDREWS falls back into the station but is not shot.
GARNER
Kill the sheriff, I’ll find Clay.
More shots ring out from another direction. They are directed at GARNER.
GARNER
What the fuck is going on here?
We now see CHAZ, in the distance, firing shots at GARNER. GARNER runs into the alley after CLAY.
Suddenly half a dozen cop cars come screeching down the street and surround CHAZ and GARNER’s BODYGUARD. Two cops get out of each car and point their guns at both men.
CUT TO: Alley
We see CLAY searching for a place to hide as GARNER shoots at him. CLAY finds a door and opens it. At the doorway is THE STRANGER. He grabs CLAY and tosses him inside.
THE STRANGER
Garner!
GARNER
(Up against a wall)
Is that you?
THE STRANGER
Stop shooting so we can talk.
GARNER
Why should I talk to you? I should just blow your fucking brains out.
THE STRANGER
Please. Can we put out differences aside?
GARNER
How would we do that?
THE STRANGER
I have a suitcase that I’d like to share with you.
CLAY
(Whispering)
How’d you find it?
THE STRANGER
That doesn’t matter. Mr. Garner, we could walk away with this suitcase.
GARNER
How do I know I can trust you?
THE STRANGER
You don’t. But I have the suitcase. So you’ll just have to trust me.
(Takes a few steps into the alley)
Put your gun down.
GARNER
(Grins)
You first.
THE STRANGER
(Tosses his gun into the doorway)
Now you.
GARNER
(Tosses his gun to the ground)
You know I’m going to get you. One of these days, I’ll find you.
THE STRANGER
(Walks up to GARNER)
Well, I’m right here.
GARNER
(Laughs)
I want to see the suitcase.
THE STRANGER
Clay, get it.
We hear CLAY stumble around, looking for the suitcase.
THE STRANGER
It’s under the sink.
CLAY
(Walks out into the alley with the suitcase)
Here it is.
CLAY pulls out a gun.
THE STRANGER
You don’t need that.
CLAY
Get down on the ground, both of you.
GARNER
Are you fucking kidding me?
CLAY
(Yelling)
Get down, now!
GARNER
(Starts to approach CLAY)
Enough already.
CLAY shoots GARNER in the kneecap.
GARNER
(Falls down and gasps in pain)
Shit! Shit!
CLAY
(Looks at the STRANGER)
Now you.
THE STRANGER
What did I do to deserve this?
CLAY
You’ve killed people before, right?
GARNER passes out.
THE STRANGER
Yes, and?
CLAY
(Drops the suitcase)
That sounds like enough to me.
THE STRANGER
You wouldn’t know what to do with what’s in there even if I did let you walk away with it.
CLAY
That’s where you have me wrong. I know that there is a small fortune in there. And I’m walking away with it.
THE STRANGER
(Begins to lower to the ground)
You’re going to regret this.
As THE STRANGER lowers we see CHAZ standing in the distance, gun in hand, aiming at CLAY. CHAZ smiles and shoots CLAY in the chest. CLAY falls to the ground. THE STRANGER stands back up, his hands raised in the air.
THE STRANGER
Hello Chaz.
CHAZ
(Walking towards THE STRANGER)
Hello Jim.
CLAY laughs for a moment as he realizes that THE STRANGER’s name is, in fact, Jim.
THE STRANGER
(Looks down at CLAY)
Chaz, that wasn’t very nice.
CHAZ
(Puts the gun to THE STRANGER’s head)
I should shoot you in the head.
THE STRANGER
Why’s that?
CHAZ
(Lifts up his eye-patch revealing his deformed eye-socket)
For that.
THE STRANGER quickly takes a swing at CHAZ’s face, which lands. CHAZ is able to get a shot off and hit THE STRANGER; it just about takes off THE STRANGER’s ear. CLAY shoots CHAZ in the groin.
THE STRANGER and CHAZ fall to the ground.
From the street loud gunshots are heard.
THE STRANGER
(Lying on the pavement)
Oh fuck, they’re here.
CLAY
(Coughs)
Who?
THE STRANGER
Chaz and Garner’s men.
CLAY
(Begins to sit up)
I’m getting out of here.
THE STRANGER
(Sits up)
I’ll give you half.
CLAY
(Stands up, limps to the suitcase)
I’m leaving.
CLAY stands up and walks to the back entrance of the police station. He shoots the lock and opens the door, and ANDREWS is waiting at the entrance.
CLAY
(Sighs)
Fuck.
ANDREWS
Give it to me.
CLAY
(Hands ANDREWS the suitcase)
Take it.
As ANDREWS takes the suitcase, CLAY shoots him in the face, splattering blood all over himself. As ANDREWS falls to the ground, THE STRANGER rises behind CLAY.
THE STRANGER
I’ll help you.
CLAY
(Stares at THE STRANGER long and hard)
Let’s get out of here.
CLAY and THE STRANGER walk over ANDREWS body and into the police station which is empty.
CUT TO: Street
All hell has broken loose. About three dozen men are either shooting at each other or just fighting. THE STRANGER runs out of the police station unnoticed and gets into GARNER’s car. He backs it up and turns it around.
CLAY then runs out with the suitcase. Everyone notices and starts opening fire at him. He jumps into the back seat of the car and THE STRANGER speeds away.
CUT TO: Inside the Car
CLAY has been shot numerous times and is bleeding in the back seat.
CLAY
(Coughing)
1167 Fruitdale Drive.
THE STRANGER
What?
CLAY
Go there!
THE STRANGER
OK, OK!
Ext. Outside Chasity’s Apartment – Day
THE STRANGER rumbles the car into the parking lot and beeps the horn several times. Finally, the door to CHASITY’s apartment opens.
BARBARA comes out holding a gun to CHASITY’s head.
CLAY
(Inside the car)
Fuck me.
THE STRANGER
(Angered)
I get 60% now.
THE STRANGER slowly gets out of the car. We stay in, and watch from CLAY’s perspective. THE STRANGER slowly walks up to BARBARA and attempts to talk her down. BARBARA speaks but it is muddled and we can’t hear.
While BARBARA speaks to THE STRANGER, CHASITY bites her on the arm. THE STRANGER grabs the gun away from BARBARA and CHASITY escapes her clutches.
CHASITY runs to the car. BARBARA seems to plead with THE STRANGER not to kill her, and it seems to effect him. He takes a step back as BARBARA falls to her knees crying.
BARBARA then pulls out a large blade and slices THE STRANGER in the shin. He limps away from her.
THE STRANGER
(Screaming)
You bitch!
THE STRANGER shoots her in the face as we FADE OUT.
Ext. Highway – Night
We are in the car as CHASITY drives. THE STRANGER is asleep in the passenger’s seat and CLAY is out of it in the back seat. CHASITY yawns as she sees a "Hotel At The Next Exit" sign. She changes lanes and continues to drive.
CLAY, in the back seat, sits up. He begins to look at people driving by and smiles. The next car he sees is a black Mercedes. The windows are tented so he can’t see who’s in the back seat. As it drives by, the window begins to be rolled down.
It’s CHAZ. He is grimacing with a pair of sunglasses on. He sees CLAY, and grins. Instead of taking any action, he allows the car to drive by. CLAY allows himself to fall asleep as we FADE OUT.
THE END
Directed By
Clint Eastwood
Produced By
Night Creations
Executive Producer
Domination MVP
Edward Norton
Jude Law
Also Starring (In Alphabetical Order)
Gerald Butler as Agent Davies
Robert DeNiro as Sheriff Andrews
Claire Forlani as Chasity
Ed Harris as Mr. Garner
Dustin Hoffman as Bill Ross
Elizabeth Shue as Barbara
Quentin Tarantino as Chaz
Vince Vaughn as Randy Ross
Creative Work By
Zero
Domination MVP
Written By
Night Creations
Special thanks to Domination MVP for releasing the film and Zero for giving us great creative work. I’d also like to thank those in Gold Hill, OR who were the bases for some of the characters in this film.