THE SENTINEL
Black Bear
FADE IN:
INT. MERRICK MILL - DUSK
The mill is dark, the floor a mix of dirt and wood dust. JULIE
is on the main floor guiding a log, already stripped of its bark
by a chipper, towards a massive saw blade. Her hair is pulled
back into a pony tail. She has a wiry strength that exceeds her
stature. LENNY, a slight middle-aged man, walks through the
mill. Both are outfitted in hard hats, coveralls and steel-toe
boots. Julie also wears work gloves and safety goggles.
LENNY
Julie, what are you still doing here?
JULIE
Overtime.
LENNY
Have you seen Fred?
JULIE
He's out in the yard, I think.
Lenny exits the mill looking for Fred.
CUT TO:
EXT. MERRICK YARD - DUSK
FRED is at work next to a fork lift. He is an imposingly large,
muscular man with impressively scarred knuckles. He has a heavy
wrench in his hand.
NEW ANGLE
Lenny approaches, nervous but determined.
LENNY
We have to talk.
Fred glances up from his work.
LENNY
I found the stash.
This gets Fred's full attention
LENNY
I thought it was supposed to be a one
shot deal. And only then because it
was the only way to keep the company
afloat.
FRED
And?
LENNY
It's not worth it. You must know that.
I can't stay on here knowing what I
know, so lets just call it quits. I
keep my mouth shut and you let me walk
away.
FRED
You want out? You're out.
LENNY
Okay. Good.
Lenny retreats a step then turns to walk away.
FRED
And Lenny?
LENNY
Yeah?
As he turns, Fred strikes Lenny across the side of his head
with the wrench.
CLOSE UP of Lenny as he hits the ground unconscious, his
face bleeding.
FRED
No hard feelings.
Fred steps over Lenny, then shoves his hands beneath Lenny's
shoulders and lifts.
CUT TO:
INT. THE LOFT - NIGHT
CLOSE SHOT of steak sizzling. BLAIR is in the kitchen
cooking intensely. He begins to set the table. JIM arrives
home from work in a dark mood.
BLAIR
Jim, you're home. Dinner's just about
ready. Take a seat.
Jim deposits his coat and crosses to the table. He is not
in a talking mood.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
I miss anything important today?
Blair plants a salad on the table as Jim sits down.
JIM
Not much.
BLAIR
I've almost completed that installation
for the museum.
JIM
Mm.
BLAIR
I should be able to come in with you
for most of the day tomorrow.
Blair sets the last of the serving bowls down and seats
himself.
JIM
Salad, steak and three vegetables?
What's up?
BLAIR
That's what I want to know.
Blair casually drops his napkin down onto his lap.
JIM
What do you mean?
BLAIR
Something's been bugging you for days.
JIM
Nothing's bothering me.
Jim stabs his salad with his fork.
BLAIR
You've been restless, grumpy, distant--
it's driving me nuts.
Jim dismisses this, his jaw set in silent denial.
BLAIR
And what was with the pacing last
night?
Jim takes bite of salad then abruptly shoves his chair back.
He brushes past Blair on his way to the kitchen.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Jim . . . ?
Blair tosses his napkin onto the table and follows.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Listen, Jim, if it's something you
can't talk to me about . . .
Blair notes Jim's pained expression.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
What is it?
JIM
Nothing.
It's just a tooth ache.
BLAIR
Try a dentist?
JIM
I've been busy.
BLAIR
You haven't been that busy.
Jim, are you afraid of the dentist?
JIM
I'm not. It's just now, with this
sentinel stuff . . .
BLAIR
You're worried that the novocain won't
work or even if it does your senses
might amplify a little bit of pain
into a lot of pain. I told you we
should've experimented with--
JIM
I'm not worried about the pain. I'm
getting pretty good at, you know,
turning the dial down. It's just I
got to thinking about the drill
grinding against my tooth, those
vibrations working down into my jaw.
The phone rings, Jim snatches it up thankfully.
JIM
Ellison.
(beat)
Hey Simon, what's up?
Where? No, no problem.
Jim hangs up the phone.
JIM
There's been a death, an industrial
accident. The night shift is short-
handed so Simon wants me to run out
and take a look.
BLAIR
So much for dinner.
Blair grabs his jacket and follows Jim out.
CUT TO:
EXT. MERRICK YARD - NIGHT
Jim's truck pulls past a sign reading MERRICK INTERNATIONAL
LTD.
FULL SHOT of the facility which includes the mill and a
surrounding yard. The yard is full of stacked lumber and
cargo containers on chassis. At the moment, emergency
vehicles dominate the scene. Jim and Blair emerge from
Jim's truck.
The camera moves past a forklift towards a heap of fallen
lumber about which activity is focused. Jim and Blair press
through, showing their ID.
As they reach the accident scene, Blair gets a good look and
pales.
BLAIR
Oh.
CLOSE SHOT of a bloody hand sticking up through a jumble of
logs.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Oh. Hey, you know what, I
think I'll just . . .
JIM
Why don't you hang back a bit while I
go talk to the medical examiner.
BLAIR
Alright. Okay.
ANGLE ON ACCIDENT SCENE
Jim turns his attention to the accident scene. The MEDICAL
EXAMINER is crouched next to Lenny's body. Much of the body
is hidden by the press of lumber. However, by some chance,
Lenny's face is visible and almost untouched. The scene is
lit with portable lights on tripods.
JIM
Hi Serena. What have we got?
MEDICAL EXAMINER
Lenny Pesner, an employee. It seems
he was walking past when a forklift
bumped the other side of this stack.
The whole thing came down. He didn't
stand a chance.
JIM
Who was operating the forklift?
MEDICAL EXAMINER
Fred Herst. He's the foreman here.
I gather he had no idea Mr. Pesner was
back here until after the fact.
JIM
Any witnesses?
MEDICAL EXAMINER
None. First on the scene was
another employee, Julie Wackerman.
ANGLE AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT SCENE
Blair is deliberately positioning himself as far away from
the body as he can without actually leaving the scene. He
meets someone with similar motivations. Julie is sitting on
the edge of a stack of lumber. She is deeply shaken.
BLAIR
Are you okay?
JULIE
I'll be fine.
(beat)
I'm sorry, who are you?
BLAIR
Blair Sandburg.
She glances at the ID clipped to his jacket.
JULIE
You're with the police?
BLAIR
Actually I'm an anthropologist. I
work as a consultant to the police
department.
JULIE
I can't believe this. Lenny was
careful, always.
BLAIR
When did you last see him?
JULIE
Just before it happened. He was
looking for Fred. I guess he found
him.
BLAIR
I m sorry, who's Fred?
JULIE
Our foreman. I can't imagine . . .
BLAIR
How did it happen?
JULIE
Fred accidentally backed the forklift
into that stack of lumber. It came
down. Lenny was on the other side--
the wrong place at the wrong time.
You're an anthropologist? What do you
do with the police department?
BLAIR
I observe.
CLOSE UP ON BLAIR
Blair looks back towards the accident scene.
BLAIR'S POV - TOWARDS THE ACCIDENT SCENE
Blair watches as Jim approaches Fred.
BACK TO SHOT
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Speaking of which, if you'll excuse
me?
JULIE
(nods)
NEW ANGLE
Blair joins Jim who is already speaking to Fred.
JIM
Mr. Herst, I understand you were
operating the forklift.
FRED
Yes. It's a terrible way to lose a
life. These things never make any
sense. I have no idea why Lenny was
back there.
BLAIR
Do you know why he wanted to talk to
you?
Fred is startled. Both Fred and Jim look to Blair for an
explanation.
BLAIR
Julie said that when she last spoke to
Lenny he was looking for you.
FRED
I wouldn't know. I never saw him. Not
until it was too late.
JIM
We understand this must be extremely
difficult for you.
Jim eyes Fred, suddenly suspicious. Jim's cell phone rings.
JIM
Excuse me.
Jim answers his phone.
JIM (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Ellison.
(beat)
Simon, could you hold on for just a
second?
(to Fred)
Thank you for your time.
(to Simon)
No, everything is under control out
here. Okay. I'll see you in the
morning Simon.
BLAIR
What now?
JIM
Home for cold steak. Do you think I
could make mine into a sandwich?
BLAIR
Do you intend to puree it first?
JIM
Why don't you wait for me at the truck,
I want to have another word with the
medical examiner.
NEW ANGLE
Jim strides over to the medical examiner who is now standing
slightly back from the body.
JIM
Just on my way out.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
I wish I could say the same but
extracting the body is going to take
some time.
JIM
Serena, be thorough with this one.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
Anything specific?
JIM
No. Not really. Just take your time
and I'll check in with you tomorrow.
CUT TO:
EXT. POLICE DEPARTMENT - MORNING
The following morning, business as usual.
INT. SIMON'S OFFICE - MORNING
JIM
Something's wrong with this one.
SIMON
What are you saying? You don't think
it was an accident?
JIM
I don't know.
(to Blair)
When you told Herst that Lenny had
been on his way out to see him, he
closed up. He held something back.
BLAIR
People deal with grief in different
ways. The guy had to have been in
shock.
SIMON
Does he have a criminal record?
JIM
A couple of assault charges. Both
associated with bar room brawls.
SIMON
Give it a closer look.
Jim takes a sip of coffee then rubs his jaw.
SIMON (CONT'D)
What's wrong?
BLAIR
He has a tooth ache.
SIMON
Is that why you've been so
aggravating the past couple of days?
Take some time this afternoon and get
it fixed. That's an order.
Jim holds the door for Blair as they leave Simon's office.
CUT TO:
INT. JIM'S DESK
Jim stands opposite Blair who is glad that there is a desk
between them.
JIM
Great. That's just great. You had to
tell him, didn't you?
BLAIR
(shrugs)
JIM
I'm going down to have another look
at the body, would you like to come?
BLAIR
Actually, I have reading I should
catch up on.
JIM
I thought so.
Jim exits.
BLAIR
That's it.
Blair pulls open his knapsack and digs out his day planner.
He quickly looks up a phone number and picks up Jim's phone.
CUT TO:
INT. FORENSIC LAB - DAY
Jim enters. Serena, the Medical Examiner, is busy looking through a
microscope in the examining room. There are several covered
bodies in the background.
JIM
Morning, Serena. What have you got?
MEDICAL EXAMINER
A workload like you wouldn't believe.
I gave Mr. Pesner a very preliminary
exam, that's all I've had time to do.
I didn't spot any obvious
inconsistencies. There was extensive
bruising, but all of it was fairly
contemporary. Multiple broken bones.
His rib cage was partially crushed.
It's likely that the associated
internal damage killed him.
JIM
Would you mind if I took a look?
MEDICAL EXAMINER
Go ahead. What are you looking for?
JIM
I don't know yet.
The Medical Examiner uncovers Lenny Pesner's head and
shoulders.
A glint of light catches Jim's eye.
CLOSE UP JIM
He squints slightly, then his eyes widen, his pupils dilating as he
looks extremely closely at the victim.
SENTINEL'S POV - ECU OF VICTIM'S FACE
There is a fragment of metal lodged in one of the welts on
the victim's face, near the hairline just forward of the
ear.
BACK TO SHOT
JIM
Serena, what's this?
MEDICAL EXAMINER
What?
She takes a close look and then fetches a magnifying glass
for an even closer look.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
There is a sliver of metal here.
That's amazing. Jim, you're in the
wrong field.
It appears Mr. Pesner had a doubly bad
day. He was hit on the head with a
blunt metal object prior to finding
himself in the path of several tons
of lumber.
JIM
So he was dead before the logs fell on
him?
MEDICAL EXAMINER
No.
Don't quote me on this until I've had
a closer look but the head trauma
doesn't appear severe enough to have
instantly killed him and, as the
bruises match those done by the logs,
I'd say he was knocked out shortly
before he was crushed.
The medical examiner turns away to pick up a pair of
tweezers and an evidence bag.
CLOSE UP JIM
Jim smells something unusual, it is very faint. He looks at
the body again then deliberately takes a deep sniff and is
overwhelm by the metallic stench of blood. He covers his
nose with his hand.
BACK TO SHOT
MEDICAL EXAMINER (CONT'D)
I'll take X-rays and then open the
skull and check for damage and
haemorrhaging. We're lucky none of the
logs struck his head directly or it
would have obliterated the evidence.
Jim backs away, the smell is too much for him.
JIM
I think I'll leave you to it.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
I'll get a report to you as soon as
possible.
Jim rapidly exits.
CUT TO:
INT. JIM'S DESK
Jim returns to his desk still partially covering his nose.
Blair pulls his feet off the desk and, reading Jim's mood,
gets out of the way as quickly as possible.
BLAIR
Are you ready to get your tooth fixed?
JIM
What?
BLAIR
Captain's order's, right? I made you
an appointment.
JIM
Sandburg!
BLAIR
It's okay, dentists deal with nervous
patients all the time. I set you up with
my dentist. I explained--
JIM
Wait. You explained what?
BLAIR
That you're . . . sensitive about
your teeth. Trust me, I have a great
dentist.
JIM
I don't care.
(hushed)
How am I supposed to sit still while a
drill grinds--
BLAIR
I've thought it all out. Do you like
classical music?
JIM
Not really.
BLAIR
Okay, just consider this to be music
appreciation day.
We're going to use the zone out
factor, or at least you are.
Blair pulls out his walkman.
JIM
You want me to listen to classical
music?
BLAIR
No, not exactly. I want you to listen
for the sound of the violinist's
fingers touching the strings, to the
sounds of the valves on the trumpets
opening and closing, to the slide of
the trombone . . .
Jim continues to stare at Blair in disbelief.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Trust me, close your eyes, focus
completely on the music and you won't
feel a thing.
(beat)
Jim, your tooth isn't going to fix
itself.
Jim reluctantly accepts the offered walkman.
JIM
Okay. When?
BLAIR
We'll you're lucky, a patient needing
a root canal cancelled.
Jim glares at him with anger and alarm.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
I'm sure you just need a little
filling. So--one o'clock.
JIM
Where?
BLAIR
Over by the university, walking
distance from my office actually, and,
coincidentally--
JIM
You have a class to teach at one
o'clock. All right, let's go.
CUT TO:
INT. JIM'S TRUCK - DAY
Jim and Blair are on there way to the dentist. The silence
is deafening until, finally, Blair breaks it.
BLAIR
Jim, take a left at the next light.
(beat)
Did you learn anything new from the
medical examiner?
JIM
Just that Lenny Pesner was murdered.
BLAIR
What?
JIM
He was hit on the head.
BLAIR
The logs were a cover-up?
JIM
The logs were the follow through.
BLAIR
Ouch.
JIM
Exactly.
BLAIR
Dr. Jaanker's office is in the third
building on your right.
JIM
Yanker? You're kidding, right?
BLAIR
(shakes his head)
Are you having Herst picked up?
JIM
Not yet.
BLAIR
But he was driving the forklift.
JIM
We haven't got anything to hold him
on. We can only connect him to the
accident. We've no weapon and no
motive. We're better off playing this
as an accident until we get more.
BLAIR
What now?
The truck pulls to a stop in the dentist's parking lot.
JIM
I visit the dentist and you go to
class. I'll see you in an hour.
Jim parks the truck and turns off the engine.
BLAIR
Didn't you want to swing by the
university and drop me off?
JIM
Didn't you say "walking distance".
BLAIR
Yeah.
EXT. PARKING LOT
Jim and Blair get out of the truck.
JIM
And Chief?
BLAIR
Yeah?
JIM
You'll meet me back here, right?
BLAIR
Right.
NEW ANGLE
Blair starts to walk. It begins to rain heavily. He
glances skyward.
BLAIR
Oh thank you so much.
CUT TO:
INT. THE ENTRANCE OF THE DENTIST'S OFFICE - DAY
The sign on the door reads DR. JAANKER.
INT. DENTIST's OFFICE
Jim sits on the edge of a dentists chair. The walkman in
his hands. A very attractive DENTIST enters. Jim is
pleasantly surprised.
JIM
Hi.
It is obvious that Jim will be sufficiently distracted to
ignore the dentist's drill.
CUT TO:
EXT. UNIVERSITY - DAY
Jim is waiting for Blair in the truck. He is in a much
better mood. He taps the horn as Blair appears on the steps
of the building.
BLAIR
Jim! I thought I was walking--
JIM
Chief, I was kidding. Let's go.
BLAIR
Okay. Where?
JIM
To visit the head office of Merrick
International and ask a few questions.
CUT TO:
EXT. OFFICE TOWER - DAY
Jim and Blair arrive at the well groomed entrance an office
tower. Jim is back to his regular rhythm. Blair is
bounding alongside pleased at the success of his efforts.
INT. LOBBY
Jim and Blair enter, check the directory, tag the elevator
and wait. Blair repeatedly glances at Jim who appears
distracted.
BLAIR
So how's the tooth?
Jim doesn't respond. Elevator arrives. Blair boards, turns
and then has to hold the door. Jim is still standing in the
lobby.
BLAIR
Jim!
Blair pulls Jim aboard the elevator.
INT. ELEVATOR
BLAIR
Stop doing that!
JIM
Doing what?
BLAIR
Feeling your new filling with your
tongue.
JIM
I wasn't.
BLAIR
You were staring off into space with
your tongue in the side of your mouth.
Really, man, people are going to think
you're twisted.
INT. HALLWAY
The elevator arrives on the correct floor. Jim and Blair
proceed down the hallway. Jim raps his knuckles against the
appropriate office door then pushes it open.
INT. MERRICK OFFICE
The office consists of a small room with a single desk.
MICHAEL MERRICK, a man in his early thirties, is relaxed at
the desk. He is wearing a sharp looking suit and tie, and
is playing nerf basketball. He stands as Jim and Blair
enter.
JIM
Excuse me. I'm looking for the head
office of Merrick International.
MERRICK
You've got it. Come on in. I'm
Michael Merrick. How can I help you?
JIM
I'm Detective Ellison, this is my
associate Blair Sandburg.
MERRICK
This is in regards to yesterday's
accident?
JIM
Yes.
MERRICK
It's happened at the worst possible
time.
BLAIR
I can't imagine that there is a good
time for something like this to happen.
MERRICK
No. Of course not. It's just that at
the moment we have shipping deadlines
pressing down on us.
JIM
What exactly do you ship?
MERRICK
Log cabins, primarily to Japan.
BLAIR
Japan?
MERRICK
It's a booming market.
Most everything is done down at the
mill. The cabins are constructed
complete in every detail, then taken
apart and packed into containers which
are hauled to the port.
JIM
Interesting business.
MERRICK
I handle sales, finances and shipping
arrangements. Fred Herst, my brother-
in-law, manages the mill.
BLAIR
He'd be the one who was driving the
forklift?
MERRICK
(with salesman sincerity)
He was deeply shaken by the whole
thing.
JIM
We'd like your permission to have
another look around the mill this
afternoon. Just to clear up a few
details.
MERRICK
We really are on a tight schedule.
JIM
The sooner we get this done, the
sooner we'll be out of your hair.
MERRICK
I'll give Fred a call and tell him to
expect you.
BLAIR
He's at the mill today? I would have
expected--I mean considering what
happened yesterday--
MERRICK
As I said we're on a tight schedule
and it was his choice. Fred and I
are equal partners, we have been since
my father passed away.
Fred will set up a guided tour for
you.
JIM
That's not necessary. We just want to
take a quick look around.
MERRICK
No. No. It's best that you have
someone to watch out for you. I
would hate to see another accident
happen.
JIM
Thank you for your time.
BLAIR
Yes. Nice meeting you.
Jim and Blair exit.
BEGIN INTERCUT SEQUENCE:
INT. MERRICK's OFFICE
Merrick watches the door close then immediately picks up the
phone.
INT. HALLWAY
In the hallway, Jim abruptly stops and turns his head
slightly as he listens to Merrick dial.
INT. MERRICK MILL OFFICE
Julie and Fred are in the more functional office at the
mill. Julie hands Fred the phone then is waved out of the
room. She assumes a position just outside the office door
and listens carefully.
MERRICK
(into phone)
Julie get Fred on the line.
BLAIR
(to Jim)
Are you playing with your filling
again?
JIM
No, I'm listening.
BLAIR
To what?
JIM
(annoyed)
I'm listening.
BLAIR
(whispered)
Right.
MERRICK
(into phone)
That detective was here.
FRED
(into phone)
Of course, what did you expect? This
will blow over.
MERRICK
You've got to stop the shipments. At
least until they've completed their
investigation.
FRED
Don't be stupid. Remember who we re
dealing with. The worst the police
can do to you is throw you in jail.
It really doesn't compare.
MERRICK
That detective wants to tour the mill
this afternoon.
FRED
I'll handle it.
MERRICK
Handle it how? Did you handle Lenny?
Is that what happened?
FRED
Just keep out of it Mikey. This is my
territory.
MERRICK
Of course. It's your mess to clean up.
FRED
My mess? Never forget it was your
financial wizardry that got us into
this.
Fred hangs up. Merrick stares at the receiver.
JIM
(to Blair)
That was interesting. Let's go, Chief.
END INTERCUT SEQUENCE
CUT TO:
INT. SIMON'S OFFICE - DAY
Jim and Blair have been called in by Simon. Simon taps the
report in front of him.
SIMON
I got the coroner's report. It seems
you were right, there are indications
that Lenny Pesner was murdered. The
question is why.
JIM
We went by the head office this
afternoon. I really think Merrick
International is involved in some kind
of smuggling operation.
SIMON
I'm listening.
JIM
Merrick was on the phone with Fred our
forklift driver. I overhead references
to a shipment and from the sounds of
things it wasn't above the board.
SIMON
My God, you're a walking phone tap.
I don't even want to think about the
legal implications of that.
JIM
I think they're connected into some
type of larger operation. If we
could get a look at the company s
financial records--
SIMON
We need a reasonable cause first. One
we can take before a judge.
JIM
We're going back out to the mill this
afternoon. We have Mr. Merrick's
permission to take a guided tour. I
just don't know what we're looking for.
SIMON
I can give you a hint. Serena out did
herself, she thinks the murder weapon
was a wrench.
BLAIR
How does she know that?
SIMON
By the impression left behind. In
fact, if you can find the weapon she
should be able to match it.
(beat)
Well, get to it.
As they exit, Jim ducks back into Simon's office.
JIM
And Simon? It seems Fred inherited a
hefty share of the mill when the
original Merrick died. Could you have
someone look into the records?
It's just a hunch.
SIMON
Done. I'll try for the bank records
as well. Now get moving.
CUT TO:
EXT. MERRICK MILL - DAY
Jim and Blair arrive at the mill. Fred comes out to greet
them.
BLAIR
Oh no. He's going to be our tour
guide?
JIM
Let's keep things cool here, Chief.
FRED
Merrick said you would be coming. I
thought I'd show you around myself.
INT. MERRICK MILL
They enter the mill and Fred provides them with safety
goggles and hard hats.
FRED (CONT'D)
Please stay close.
They walk out on the main floor of the mill, off which the
office seen earlier sits. Julie is at work. The conveyor
belt guides a log against the big saw blade. The blade
makes short work of the log. Jim covers his sensitive ears.
FRED (CONT'D)
Here we cut the lumber for our log
cabins. Other items such as pipes
and windows are purchased. We
actually construct the complete
cabins, make sure everything is
perfect, then take them apart and pack
them into containers for shipping
overseas.
BLAIR
It brings a whole new meaning to 'some
assembly required'.
A phone rings loudly. Julie exchanges a look with Fred then steps
into the office to answer it.
JIM
What can you tell us about Mr. Pesner ?
FRED
He's been--he was with the company for
four years. Quiet. No family. Very
reliable.
JIM
Could we step outside to talk?
Julie appears in the office doorway.
JULIE
Fred, Merrick's on the line for you.
FRED
Do you want to have a look at the
yard?
JIM
We'd appreciate it.
JULIE
I could take them around.
FRED
No, you should get back to work.
(to Jim and Blair)
I'll be right back.
JIM
We'll wait just outside.
Jim and Blair step outside. After a moment Julie follows
them.
EXT. MERRICK MILL
Blair glances around the yard while Jim rubs his still
aching ears. Julie joins them.
JULIE
Something's wrong, isn't it?
JIM
What makes you say that?
Julie hesitates, then looks to Blair and continues.
JULIE
About six months ago this company was
in serious financial straits. Trouble
with the pay role, purchasing and
shipping bills bouncing all over.
JIM
And?
JULIE
And then suddenly we were liquid
again. I thought we'd picked up a new
investor or a big sale, but neither
materialized. It doesn't take a
degree in economics, though I'll admit
to having one, to figure that
something's up.
Jim's expression becomes distant.
BLAIR
You have a degree in economics? But--
JULIE
I know. Welcome to the real world.
Jim definitely smells something.
JIM
Chief.
NEW ANGLE
Jim draws Blair aside.
BLAIR
What is it?
JIM
I just got a whiff of something.
Something I smelled back at the morgue.
BLAIR
Jim, the man worked here, I'm sure
there are a lot of things--
JIM
No. This is different.
NEW ANGLE
JIM (CONT'D)
Julie, there's something we have to
check out. I don't want to get you
into any trouble with your boss.
JULIE
Alright.
Jim strides off. Blair shrugs apologetically at Julie.
JULIE
Come by and see me before you go.
Julie disappears into the mill. Blair jogs to catch up with
Jim who is single-mindedly following something only he can
smell.
BLAIR
Jim. Jim!
Jim shows no signs of having heard Blair.
The smell leads Jim to a cargo container. Without a second
thought he steps up into the container and follows his nose
to the source of the smell. Blair glances around, then
joins Jim in the container.
Towards the back of the container, Jim squats down and
reaches between some logs and the container wall. He pulls
free a canvas bag. Blair pulls out his jackknife and cuts
the cord tieing the bag shut. The bag contains at least
twenty dried bear gall bladders.
JIM
What the hell are these?
BLAIR
Oh no.
Blair takes a closer look.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Jim, they're dried bear gall bladders.
JIM
What?
BLAIR
Bear gall bladders. Trust me, I've
been a few places. I've seen this
before. Each of these represents a
slaughtered animal--likely illegally
poached--everything left to rot
except for this and maybe the paws.
JIM
There are at least six more bags back
here. I don't get it. They're
smuggling bear parts? That doesn't
make any sense.
BLAIR
Jim you don't understand what these
are worth. Merrick said they ship to
Japan. Among the South Koreans, the
Chinese, the Japanese, bear gall is
regarded as a powerful natural remedy.
By weight it's much more valuable than
gold.
JIM
But why?
BLAIR
It's like consuming rhino horn as an
aphrodisiac. It's basically getting
off on the death of a powerful,
beautiful animal, and if the species
is endangered then all the better.
Did you know that with bear parts the
price goes up if a video tape of the
kill is included?
JIM
This is definitely what I smelled on
the body.
BLAIR
You think Lenny stumbled onto the
smuggling operation and was killed to
cover it?
JIM
Stumbled onto it or was directly
involved.
The container darkens one of the doors is slammed shut.
BLAIR
No, no, no!
Blair sprints back down the length of the container as the
other door is pulled closed. He is too late.
BLAIR
Hey!
Blair pounds against the door as, outside, Fred latches and
locks it. It is pitch black within the container.
INT. SIMON'S OFFICE - DAY
Simon is at work at his desk. There is a knock at the door.
SIMON
Come.
DETECTIVE BROWN enters.
BROWN
I got those records you wanted. It
seems Merrick Sr. died in an auto
accident less than two years ago.
SIMON
Was it clean?
BROWN
Yeah, clean in the wrong way. Gross
mechanical failure in an brand new
car. Very suspicious.
Herst was investigated but, as I said,
it was clean. Circumstantial evidence
only and not enough to lay charges.
SIMON
I'd better let Jim know his suspect
has homicidal habits.
Simon dials Jim's cell phone number and listens for a
moment.
SIMON (CONT'D)
(to Brown)
It's not connecting. You keep digging.
I'll try him again in a few minutes.
INT. CARGO CONTAINER
BLAIR
Damn it.
Blair steps back from the door and can be heard to stumble
and fall.
SENTINEL'S POV - INT. CARGO CONTAINER
For Jim the light seeping through the seams of the doors is
enough to see by.
JIM
Watch it, Chief.
Jim pulls Blair to his feet.
BLAIR
Watch what? Jim, I can't see a thing
in here.
Jim inspects the doors carefully.
JIM
Calm down.
(beat)
You used to drive rigs with your uncle,
right? You must know how to get these
containers open.
BLAIR
From the outside, Jim, my uncle never
locked me in the back of one.
CUT TO:
EXT. MERRICK YARD - DAY
Julie cautiously searches the yard.
FRED
Julie! What are you doing off the
line?
JULIE
Fred, you startled me. I was just
looking for the detective and his
partner.
FRED
They've already left. Why did you
want to see them?
JULIE
I was just wondering about the
arrangements for Lenny's body . . .
FRED
I doubt they would have been the ones
to ask. Get back to work. We're
shutting down at five sharp today.
I think everyone needs the rest.
CUT TO:
INT. SIMON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Simon is trying to reach Jim on his cell phone.
AUTOMATED MESSAGE
The customer you are calling is
unavailable at the moment please try
again later.
SIMON
(to himself)
It already is later. Ellison, where
the hell are you?
He looks through the report on the Pesner case, finds what
he's searching for and dials.
BEGIN INTERCUT SEQUENCE:
INT. SIMON'S OFFICE
Simon on the phone.
INT. MERRICK MILL
The phone rings through to the office at the mill. Fred
crosses the now deserted mill floor and picks up.
FRED
Merrick International, Fred Herst
speaking.
SIMON
Mr. Herst. It's Captain Banks of the
Cascade police department calling.
Sorry to disturb you, I'm trying to
track down one of my detectives, Jim
Ellison. I know he and his associate
Mr. Sandburg were intending to visit
your facility this afternoon.
As he answers, Fred plays with a switchblade.
FRED
Yeah, they did. I'm afraid you've
missed them. They left over an hour
ago. I'm on my way out myself.
SIMON
Did they say where they were going?
Fred watches through the office window as Julie sneaks back
into the mill, crosses the floor and heads out into the yard
in search of Jim and Blair.
FRED
No, but I'm sure they'll turn up.
SIMON
Yes, well, thanks for your time.
Fred hangs up and moves to follow Julie.
Simon hangs up. Shuffles the papers on his desk then gives
up, grabs his jacket and goes.
END INTERCUT SEQUENCE
CUT TO:
INT. CARGO CONTAINER
BLAIR
I don't believe this. We've been
in here for over an hour. I can't
believe I followed you in here.
Blair bangs the door.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Hey!
JIM
There's no one out there.
(beat)
They have to open the doors sometime.
BLAIR
Great. Before or after we die of
starvation?
JIM
Come on, Chief, we won't starve. We'd
die of dehydration long before we'd
starve.
BLAIR
Very funny, Jim. Very funny.
JIM
Whose kidding?
(beat)
Chief, turn the cell phone back on.
BLAIR
Why? We're in a metal box. It's
pointless.
JIM
I want to take closer look at the
door. I need a little more light.
BLAIR
The light from the cell phone display?
Blair opens the cell phone and hands in to Jim who uses it
as a flashlight.
BLAIR
Jim, exactly how well can you see in
here? We've never seriously tested
your night vision.
JIM
Wait. Someone's coming.
Jim puts the phone away and draws his gun. There is a
double knock at the door.
EXT. MERRICK YARD - NIGHT
JULIE
Blair? Guys, are you in there?
BLAIR
Julie!
Blair bangs the door enthusiastically in response.
JULIE
I'll have you out in a second.
Julie unlatches the door.
INSERT Fred creeping along the length of the container.
BACK TO SHOT
Julie gets the door open.
BLAIR
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Blair jumps down out of the container. He practically
embraces Julie with gratitude.
INSERT Fred flicks open a switchblade and waits at the edge
of the container, ready.
BACK TO SHOT
JULIE
I knew it. Fred said you'd left but
your truck is still in the lot.
Jim tucks his gun away. Julie steps back as Jim jumps down
out of the container. She is grabbed from behind by Fred
who presses the knife against her throat.
Jim's gun is out in a flash.
FRED
Drop the gun.
(beat)
Drop it.
Fred draws the blade upwards. Julie is on her toes trying
to keep it from cutting.
JULIE
(gasps)
There is a slight trickle of blood as the edge of the knife
bites into Julie's throat.
JIM
Alright. Alright.
Jim puts gun down.
FRED
Kick it over here.
Jim obeys. Fred shoves Julie towards them then drops down
to pick up the gun. Blair catches Julie. Jim launches
himself at Fred but is too far away. He is stopped by the
gun leveled at his chest.
FRED
Now we're all going to take a walk.
CUT TO:
INT. MERRICK OFFICE - NIGHT
Merrick is on the phone. He's nervously twirling and
tapping a pencil as he tries to appease the person he is
talking to.
MERRICK
Yes, Mr. Aateyama, I know the shipment
is two days overdue. I'm doing
everything in my power to get it away
as soon as possible. We just need--no,
there's no problem.
Yes. I understand . . .
Merrick is cut off by the dial tone. He stares at the
receiver for a moment then hangs up. The phone immediately
rings.
MERRICK
Mr. Aateyama, we must have been cut
off--Oh, hi Janie. Janie, yes, I
know I've been on the phone. No, I
don't know where Fred is. No, I
can t--well just leave it in the oven
for him. No, I'm busy. I'm busy,
Janie.
Okay, okay, I'll drop by the mill on
my way home.
CUT TO:
EXT. MERRICK MILL - NIGHT
Jim, Blair and Julie walk towards the mill, their hands
raised and open. Fred follows.
BLAIR
Whatever you are planning, plan on
getting caught.
FRED
Shut up.
BLAIR
Is it worth it? So you're smuggling
a few bear parts. They're valuable,
but you're just a shipper, you can't
be getting paid that much.
Think of the grief you'll get if you
mess with us. Is it really worth the
pocket change?
FRED
This is no longer about the smuggling.
BLAIR
What? If you've committed some other
crime, just don't tell us and you'll
be fine. We don't have anything.
FRED
I told you to shut up.
Fred raises the gun, pointing it directly at Blair.
BLAIR
Okay. Okay.
Blair looks directly at Jim.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
No one ever listens to me anyway.
As they approach the entrance of the mill, Blair begins a
count down.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
(Barest whisper)
Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Five.
Four. Three. Two. One.
Blair grabs Julie and pulls her with him behind a stack of
lumber. Simultaneously, Jim knocks his gun away from Fred
with a turning sweeping kick. Fred dodges any further
entanglement with Jim retreating into the Mill.
Jim retrieves his gun.
JIM
Are you okay?
JULIE
We're fine.
She separates herself from Blair.
JIM
You take her to the truck. Lock
yourselves in and call for backup.
Jim presses his keys and cell phone into Blair's hands.
BLAIR
But Jim?
JIM
Just do it and be careful. We know
Merrick's in on this. He could be
creeping around out here.
BLAIR
(Nods)
INT. MERRICK MILL
Jim enters the mill extremely alert and with his gun at the
ready. He begins to search for Fred.
EXT. MERRICK YARD
Blair and Julie walk rapidly back toward the truck.
BLAIR
How's your throat?
JULIE
It'll be fine.
Blair rushes them along, glancing back over his shoulder.
JULIE
Don't be so nervous. Merrick is as
white collar as they come. He never
gets his hands dirty.
BLAIR
He and Herst are smuggling bear parts
which is about as dirty as you can
get.
They reach the truck. Blair opens the door.
INSERT Merrick approaches the mill in a black sedan, the
headlights off. He parks some distance away and watches
Blair and Julie in the parking lot.
BACK TO SHOT
BLAIR
Promise me you'll stay here, doors
locked and the engine running.
JULIE
Where are you going?
BLAIR
After Jim, he may need me.
JULIE
But you promised him.
BLAIR
I didn't. He said I should stay in
the truck and I nodded. Nodding can
mean anything.
But you--you are going to promise me.
JULIE
I promise.
Blair hands her the phone.
BLAIR
911 and tell them to hurry.
Blair runs back towards the mill as Julie begins to dial.
INSERT Merrick slides out of the sedan and draws a revolver.
The gun is small, shiny and practically matches his cuff
links.
INT. MERRICK MILL
Jim cautiously proceeds onto the main floor of the mill.
Blair enters the mill with even greater caution, picking up
a two-by-four at the earliest opportunity.
CUT TO:
INT. SIMON'S CAR - NIGHT
Simon is on his way to the mill.
DISPATCHER
All available units. Crime in progress at
Merrick Mill, 9424 Industry Road.
SIMON
This is Captain Banks. What have you got?
DISPATCHER
Not much sir. Our caller was cut off.
SIMON
(under his breath)
Damn it.
(to the dispatcher)
I'm almost there. I want additional units
to back me up.
Simon flips on the flashing lights and guns it.
CUT TO:
EXT. MERRICK LOT - NIGHT
Merrick stealthily approaches the truck. He reaches the
driver's side window, taps it with the gun and looks in. To
his surprise the truck is empty. Julie appears behind him,
kicking him in the back of the knee. Merrick drops the gun
and Julie grabs his hand and twists it around behind him.
JULIE
Hello, Mr. Merrick.
Captain Bank's car pulls in, lights flashing. He gets out.
JULIE
And you would be back-up, am I right?
SIMON
(confused)
Right.
I'm Captain Banks.
JULIE
Julie.
And I'd like you to meet Mr. Merrick.
MERRICK
This is all a misunder-stahn-ding.
Merrick's voice rises sharply as Julie applies a bit more
pressure across his arm.
JULIE
Explain to the captain why you're here.
MERRICK
My sister Janie called. Her husband,
that's Fred, was late for dinner.
I came out here to check--
Again the pitch of his voice rises as Julie shifts her grip
on his arm.
JULIE
Try again.
MERRICK
I thought I saw a trespasser.
JULIE
Try again.
MERRICK
Smuggling. We've been smuggling.
JULIE
And?
MERRICK
I think Fred . . . I think he may have
killed Lenny.
Simon pulls out a pair of handcuffs.
SIMON
Would you like to have the honour?
JULIE
My pleasure.
She handcuffs Merrick, tightly.
JULIE (CONT'D)
I suppose you're looking for Blair?
He made me promise to wait here.
SIMON
Where is he?
JULIE
In the mill, I think. He went after
Ellison who went after Fred.
SIMON
Back-up is on its way. If you could
just . . . ?
JULIE
Wait here? I know, I know. Go ahead.
SIMON
Thanks.
Simon takes off towards the Mill.
CUT TO:
INT. MERRICK MILL
Jim moves along side the large saw blade. His gun moving
with his searching eyes. He hears something.
CLOSE SHOT of the protective cover on a power switch being
flipped up with a distinct CLICK.
Fred then punches the button and the big blade roars to life
deafening Jim. Fred crosses the floor rapidly tackling Jim
from behind. They both end up in a tangle on the sawdust
covered ground and Jim's gun skids across the room. Fred
locks Jim in a choke hold. Jim struggles but can't throw
him off and he begins to weaken from lack of oxygen.
Blair appears and wacks Fred across the back with the
two-by-four. Fred releases Jim and rears up with a cry
of outrage. Blocking another swing of the two-by-four,
he grabs the board and uses it to slam Blair back into a
stack of lumber. Blair crumples to the ground still loosely
gripping the board. Fred follows through, kicking him viciously
twice.
FRED
Stupid, long-haired--
Out of nowhere Jim barrels into Fred. They grapple
exchanging a few distinct blows before Fred attempts to
force Jim against the still screaming saw blade. He puts
his weight onto Jim pressing his back against the conveyor
belt. The belt catches and pulls both of them towards the
blade. Within inches of the teeth, Jim reverses the
situation rolling Fred onto the steadily moving belt less
than a body length from the blade.
Jim snatches Fred from a grim fate, yanking him upwards then
tossing him down to the floor.
Fred stays down. Jim shuts down the saw then leans in to Fred's
check pulse.
CLOSE SHOT of Fred's hand closing around a handful of
sawdust.
Fred tosses the sawdust into Jim's face and then punches him
solidly. Jim goes down hard. The camera pans along Fred's line
of sight to where Jim's gun rests. Fred crosses the room reaching
for it only to have Blair smash his knees out from under him
with the two-by-four.
This time Fred goes down for real striking his head on the
ground.
BLAIR
And stay down!
Still clutching the two-by-four Blair leans back against the
stack of lumber for support.
BLAIR
Jim, you okay?
JIM
Yeah.
Jim rises, shaking his head.
JIM (CONT'D)
Damn it.
BLAIR
(concerned)
Jim?
JIM
He knocked out my filling.
SIMON (OS)
Ellison?! Sandburg?!
JIM
Over here, Captain.
Jim handcuffs Fred as Simon enters.
SIMON
Are you two all right?
JIM
We're fine.
BLAIR
Speak for yourself, those were steel-
toed boots.
Blair is still holding one arm across his stomach.
JIM
You were supposed to wait for back-up.
BLAIR
You're welcome.
SIMON
(to Jim)
You could try waiting for back-up too.
BLAIR
Back-up. They're right behind you,
right Simon?
Simon warns Blair with a gesture.
BLAIR (CONT'D)
Sorry, Captain.
JIM
I think you should send someone out to
pick up Mr. Merrick.
SIMON
We already have him.
(to Blair)
He was with your friend Julie when I
arrived.
BLAIR
Is she all right?
SIMON
She's fine.
Merrick was desperate to confess.
CUT TO:
INT. THE LOFT - NIGHT
Blair is relaxing on the couch. Jim is in the kitchen.
JIM
That Merrick . . . I've never seen
anyone roll over so quickly.
BLAIR
You offered him a jail sentence and he
offered you everyone he ever met?
JIM
Just about.
Sandburg, do you have plans for
this evening?
BLAIR
Rest and relaxation. No bodies, no
bad guys. If Simon calls, please
remind him you're off duty.
JIM
I was hoping you'd be going out.
BLAIR
Jim?
JIM
I made an appointment to see your
dentist.
BLAIR
What? Oh no, not my dentist.
There's a knock on the door.
JIM
That should be her.
Jim stops just short of the door.
JIM (CONT'D)
Oh and Chief, there was a message on
the machine for you . . . from Julie.
BLAIR
Really? She called?! Alright!
Grinning, Blair launches himself from the couch towards the
phone.
FADE OUT
(
geocities.com/hollywood)