Brunch

[blaggers]

Brunch

Director
Daz

Genre
Drama

Cast
Mark Wahlberg - John Harding
Ralph Fiennes - Captain Christian Jacobs
Richard T. Jones - Sergeant Lane
Ian Somerhalder - Dillion
Maggie Grace - Cassie
Siobhan Fallon - Elizabeth
Donald Sutherland - William
Famke Janssen - Annabelle Harding
Kiefer Sutherland - Robber #1
Nestor Carbonell - Robber #2
Michael Rosenbaum - Robber #3
Paul McCrane - Negotiator #1
James MacDonald - Negotiator #2
Chad Lowe - Negotiator #3
Peter MacNicol - Lawyer
Alexis Bledel - Waitress
Christian Kane - Therapist
Orla Brady - Newscaster
Adrian Denham - Sniper

Plot
Three Rookie Thieves attempt to rob a coffee shop. When things go array and Captain Christian Jacobs of the local Police Department’s Crisis Unit arrives, the thieves must try and talk their way out whilst keeping several hostages at bay in a back room.

Release Date
November 28th, 2008

MPAA Rating
Rated R - For strong language and violence.

[blaggers]

BRUNCH


TITLE: Tribal Fish Productions Presents

TITLE: A Daz Murrell Film

TITLE: "BRUNCH"


FADE IN


INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - DAY

TITLE: 9:00 am

A somewhat empty bedroom, the bedroom shows signs of
someone who lives alone. Clothes are strewn across the
empty Beer Bottles.

A man, late 30's sleeps in bed. The man is JOHN HARDING.

An ALARM begins to sound. John rolls over unfazed by it.
The alarm continues to BEEP.

John ignores it and continues to sleep.

CUT TO:


INT. COURT ROOM - DAY

A woman, similar in age to John anxiously stands in a court
room. She pulls a phone from her pocket and begins to dial.
She is ANNABELLE HARDING.

ANNABELLE
(Under breath)
Where are you?

CUT TO:



INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - DAY

A RINGING PHONE joins the fray of noise.

John puts the pillow over his head trying to drown out the
sound.

CUT TO:



INT. COURT ROOM - DAY

The phone isn't answered and Annabelle hangs up. Her LAWYER
approaches.

LAWYER
Mrs. Harding?

ANNABELLE
Miss -- Miss Harding

LAWYER
If your husband --

ANNABELLE
Ex-Husband.

LAWYER
Not yet Mrs. Harding. And he
won't be your ex anything, if
he's not here in the next five
minutes.

ANNABELLE
He'll be here.

LAWYER
I hope so -- for his sake.

Annabelle's Lawyer smiles at her, Annabelle courteously
returns it but it's clear to see it's insincere.

The Lawyer walks away.

Annabelle once again takes her phone out and begins to
dial.

CUT TO:



INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - DAY

The PHONE begins to RING once again.

John groans as he continues to hold the pillow in place.

He reaches out with his hand trying to shut off the alarm.
He knocks it to the ground. Still it continues to sound.

JOHN
(Mumbled)
I'm not getting up.

The alarm and phone ring out for a moment more.

JOHN (CONT'D)
I'm not getting up.

The phone rings off. For a moment there is peace --

Then the alarm BEEPS again. Another groan from John. He
removes the pillow defeated.

JOHN (CONT'D)
Okay, I'm up!

"GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE" BY ELBOW plays for the duration of
the scene.

John sits up in his bed.

He rolls his eyes and spins to get out of bed. He rubs the
sleep form his eyes as he stands -- straight on to the
alarm clock.

JOHN (CONT'D)
Damn it --

The alarm clock finally stops.

John treads carefully through the mess on his bedroom floor
heading to the on-suite bathroom.



INT. BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

John walks into the bathroom, he turns on the tap and
splashes his face with water.

John begins to brush his teeth.

He pauses as he reaches to a small digital clock off to the
right. It reads:

9:02 AM

John looks at the time and pauses in thought for a second.

JOHN
Shit.

Toothpaste sprays across the mirror in front of him as he
drops the tooth brush to the floor.

John quickly turns the tap off and rushes out of the
bathroom.

CUT TO:



INT. THERAPIST'S OFFICE - DAY

TITLE: 9:03 AM

A man, mid 40's sits uncomfortably in a chair opposite a
desk. The man tries to hide his nervousness as he speaks to
a therapist. The man is JACOBS.

THERAPIST
I hear you're returning to the
force today.

JACOBS
Yeah, that's correct.

THERAPIST
In your old position?

JACOBS
Yeah, Crisis Unit.

THERAPIST
Are you sure that's a wise idea?

JACOBS
Well it's my job. It's what I do.

THERAPIST
But it's only been six month
since, the incident with Miss
Cortez. Are you sure you're ready
to return so soon after that?

JACOBS
Isn't why I've been talking to
you? To get over it, so I can go
back to work.

THERAPIST
We've been having sessions so I
can help you come to terms with
what happened. I just want to
make sure you're ready before you
make such a huge step.

JACOBS
I know what I'm getting into Doc.
I've been doing this for years.
One ... One mistake isn't going
to stop me from doing my job.

THERAPIST
I hope that's the case. I just
don't want you rushing into
anything, and then coming here in
a week back at square one. We've
made a lot of progress--

JACOBS
Yes we have. That's why I'm going
back. I'm ready. It's time. I
can't keep my life on hold
forever, I have to go back
sometime. And this is that time.

THERAPIST
Are you absolutely sure you're
ready.

Jacobs begins to speak;

JACOBS
I --

He hesitates.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
I'm sure.

The hesitation did not go unnoticed by The Therapist. He
removes his glasses and looks at Jacobs earnestly.

THERAPIST
Christian, I'll support whatever
it is you choose to do. But I
need to know it's the right
decision. I need to know you're
absolutely sure about this.

The Therapist enunciates his last word, very carefully
making completely sure Jacobs comprehends what he's saying.

JACOBS
I am.

The quiver in his voice exposes his lie. Regardless, the
Therapist realizes that he won't be able to talk Jacobs out
of it.

THERAPIST
If that's how you feel, I wish
you best of luck.

Jacobs rises to his feet, he shakes the Therapist's hand
and leaves.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

A young couple sit at one of the many tables scattered
across the shop floor. The male, DILLON sips his coffee
periodically. The female, CASSIE, 20 something and
beautiful writes in a note book.

DILLON
What are you writing?

CASSIE
Just wedding stuff.

DILLON
You know, I was thinking about
inviting my cousins from Florida
to the wedding.

CASSIE
Your cousins? I thought you
didn't get on well with them.

DILLON
I don't. I just want them to see
how awesome you are.

CASSIE
Sounds like you have something to
prove.

DILLON
Well I kinda do. That whole side
of the family think I'm some kind
of failure cause I dropped out of
school and shit. I just want to
show them that I can do something
right.

CASSIE
And what is it you're doing
right?

DILLON
You tell me. I have to be doing
something because you've stuck
around with a loser like me for
the last two years.

CASSIE
Who wouldn't want to put up with
someone so adorable ... even if
they can't cook and always leave
the toilet seat up.

DILLON
Hey, don't blame me for the
toilet seat thing ... that's just
my gender.

CASSIE
That reminds me -- my sister,

DILLON
Toilet seats remind you of your
sister?

CASSIE
You're right, that was a weird
segue. Anyway my sister Julie
sent me an e-mail yesterday.

DILLON
Really? What was it about?

CASSIE
She can't make it to the wedding.

DILLON
That sucks.

CASSIE
Yeah well, she's off trying to
save some tropical fish in
Australia. But she studied Marine
Biology for seven years for a
reason. I just wish she could be
there.

DILLON
She should be there. It's your
wedding, the only one you'll ever
have.

CASSIE
You hope.

DILLON
She should be there. Maybe we
should postpone until she can
make it.

CASSIE
That's a sweet gesture. But it's
fine. I'd like her to be there,
but nothing in the world would
make me postpone our wedding.

Dillon and Cassie are all cheesy smiles, exchanging a
loving stare.



INT. KITCHEN - DAY

John hurriedly throws on a shirt as he grabs a loaf of
bread. He puts two pieces of bread into a toaster and
begins to heat a pot of coffee.

He picks up the pot as the toast pops up. He drops the
coffee pot and it shatters on the floor.

The coffee splatters across John, staining his shirt. He
quickly he takes it off. John grabs a shirt from a roughly
folded pile of laundry and puts it on, fumbling with the
buttons as he does.

He heads out the door leaving the mess of coffee and glass
on the floor as well as uneaten toast in the toaster.

CUT TO:



EXT. DRIVEWAY - MINUTES LATER

John cycles through the keys on his key chain, looking for
the right one. Finally he finds it and inserts it into the
lock on his car. He unlocks it and enters. Finally John
backs out of the driveway and speeds down the street

CUT TO:



INT. ROBBER'S CAR - DAY

TITLE: 9:07 AM

Three men pull masks onto the heads.

ROBBER #1
Remind me again, why we're doing
this is the middle of the day.

ROBBER #2
It's not the middle of the day,
it's only nine o'clock. Besides,
do you know how much money the
joint is going to be in the till
after the breakfast rush.

ROBBER #3
We get it, get the money and get
out. Simple, five minute job.

ROBBER #1
But still, I'm not entirely
comfortable doing this is broad
daylight.

ROBBER #2
Look, it's a coffee shop. Right
now it's gonna be filled with
business men looking for a
morning pick up or old people
looking for some company. Either
way, nobody is gonna be able to
stop us.

ROBBER #1
What about the cops?

ROBBER #3
You kidding me? The cops are
gonna be too busy chowing down on
their morning donuts.

ROBBER #2
Don't worry so much.

ROBBER #1
But --

ROBBER #3
How many times do we have to go
through this. It's simple -- we
go in -- we put the fear of god
into everyone with these,
(displays gun)
take every last penny they have
and then we get the hell out of
there.

ROBBER #2
And by the end of it, we're all a
little richer.

ROBBER #1
You better be right.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

A Waitress, mid 40's, possibly older walks across the
coffee shop with a tray balanced in her hand. She
nonchalantly takes a mug of coffee from the tray and place
it on a table.

She clearly has no interest in her job, and the bags under
her eyes suggest she hasn't slept properly in quite a
while. Her name is ELIZABETH.

Sitting at the table is an elderly gentleman. He smiles at
the woman courteously as he puts down the menu he had been
reading moments previous. The man is WILLIAM.

WILLIAM
Thank you ma'am.

Elizabeth rolls her eyes, ignoring William's thanks. She
pauses for a moment ... waiting for a tip that she knows
she doesn't deserve.

WILLIAM (CONT'D)
You know back in my day. We
didn't have any of this Mocha,
Latte, Espresso, Frap-puccino
stuff. It was just straight
forward, coffee.

Elizabeth looks at him, she smiles insincerely.

WILLIAM (CONT'D)
I can't make head nor tail of it.
Double Shot, Half Decaf, Skinny
Latte ...

The insincere smiles fades, Elizabeth now looks aggravated.

ELIZABETH
I've been working for the last
nine hours OK. I'm not in the
mood for chit chat. So are you
going to tip me or not. Either
way I just want this conversation
to end.

William looks dejected as he hands over some small change.
Elizabeth puts the coins in her pocket as she walks away.

ANGLE ON:

Elizabeth as she walks back towards the counter. She slams
the tray on the counter before leaning against it.
Elizabeth brushes her hand through her hair, tired and
frustrated.

She is approached by another waitress.

WAITRESS
You look like hell.

ELIZABETH
Thanks. Tell Jeff I'm leaving
early. I'm exhausted and need to
get some sleep.

WAITRESS
Will do Lizzie ... but you know
he could take the time you miss
out of your pay check.

Elizabeth contemplates for a second. Clearly she needs the
money, but her desire for sleep is greater.

ELIZABETH
Screw it. I'll see you tomorrow.

The waitress appears worried for her friend but forces a
supportive, friendly smile regardless.

Elizabeth unties her apron and rests it on the counter. She
heads to the back.



INT. JOHN'S CAR - DAY

John drives in his car. He is caught in traffic. He looks
out of the windows and taps the steering wheel in
frustration.

JOHN
(Frustrated)
Come on, come on!

John beeps his horn to no avail. He sighs as he slowly
rolls past a coffee shop.

John looks at the nose to tail traffic ahead, then at the
coffee shop. He pulls out of the lane of traffic, heading
towards the coffee shop.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

John enters the coffee shop, He stops in his track. The
place is packed, the queue practically back to the door.

John joins the back of it, he lifts his wrist to check his
watch -- he forgot to put it on.

JOHN
(under breath)
Damn it.

He taps his foot anxiously as the line progresses slowly.

John scans the room for a clock, looking from wall to wall
to wall. After a moment John gives up on his search and
turns to leave.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

A car mounts the curb and stops suddenly, the three masked
robbers get out.

People on the street flee at the sight of them.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

TITLE: 9:14 AM

Elizabeth walks out from the back with her bag.

ANGLE ON:

The three masked men, wielding hand guns entering the
Coffee Shop.

One fires a few rounds into the ceiling.

Customers and staff take cover under tables and behind the
counter. Some charge for the exit, getting the hell out of
the shop. Others are bustled back to the rear of the shop,
Cassie, Dillon and Elizabeth included.

The three Robbers head to the counter. One of the Robbers
pushes John into a nearby seat as he passes.

ROBBER #2
Everybody get on the ground now!

John remains seated at the table; the Robber #3 approaches
him. He places the gun to John's head.

ROBBER #3
He said get on the ground.

John slowly complies.

ANGLE ON:

Robber#2 stands at the counter; he leans over and points to
a young lady with his gun. She is the same waitress, who
was talking with Elizabeth earlier on.

ROBBER #2
You, get up here.

She gets up and cautiously walks towards the Robber.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
Fill this with all the money from
the till.

WAITRESS
I can't, I don't know how to open
it, I've never worked the till
before. I'm new.

The Robber pushes her back to the floor.

Robber #3 fires a few more rounds into the air silencing
the customer's pitiful screams of fear.

ROBBER #3
I want everybody quiet! Here's
what we're going to do. I want
everybody to move to the back of
the shop, slowly --

ROBBER #2
Don't try and be a hero, or I
will blow your head off.

Robber #3 looks at John.

ROBBER #3
I think he's talking to you.

John sits by a woman; she is still in a uniform and works
at the Coffee Shop -- Elizabeth. Behind them sit the young
couple Cassie and Dillon. Cassie clings to Dillon as she
appears terrified.

William slowly makes his way towards the group of people.

ROBBER #2
Hurry up old timer, we don't have
all day!

The old man, William can't increase his pace and continues
to struggle towards the group.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
(Angrily)
I said hurry up!

Robber #2 places his gun to William's skull. Cassie shrieks
and John gets to his feet.

JOHN
Let me help you.

John assists William.

ROBBER #2
And who said chivalry was dead?

William slowly take a seat beside the other staff members
and customers.

Robber #2 grabs John's arm.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
You try and be noble again, I'll
re-decorate this place with your
insides. You understand me?

ROBBER #1
Knock it off; we don't have time
for this.

A SCREECH of TIRES suddenly comes from outside.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 9:18 AM

The BLAST of POLICE SIRENS fill the coffee shop as three
cop cars come to a screeching, sudden stop outside.

Police Officers exit their vehicles, they take cover behind
the car doors as they draw their weapons and aim for the
building.

A man, not in uniform gets out last; Jacobs. He is in
charge.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

The tables have turned now as all three Robber's look
towards the street. The Police set up outside as the
panicked Robber's try to come to terms with the predicament
they now find themselves in.

ROBBER #2
Shit.

ROBBER #1
I thought you said they'd be to
busy?

ROBBER #2
Shut up, and lock the door.

ROBBER #1
They have guns, you think they
care about a locked door? Bullets
can go through glass whether the
door is locked or not.

Robber #2 grabs Robber #1 by the collar.

ROBBER #2
I said, lock the f*cking door.

ROBBER #1
Alright, alright.

Robber #1 bolts the door shut.

ROBBER #2
And close the shutters.

Robber #1 does so.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
Take the hostages to the back
room why we try and figure this
out. Shit, who the hell called
them anyways?

ROBBER #3
(Sarcastically)
The gun fire and screams might
have tipped someone off.

ROBBER #2
Shut it.

ROBBER #1
Stop arguing. We need to figure
out what we're gonna do now.

ROBBER #2
No, you need to take the hostages
to the back room. And we'll --
(points to Robber #3)
-- Figure out what to do next.

ROBBER #1
f*cking hostages, this is totally
out of control.

ROBBER #2
Just do it.

ROBBER #1
Fine.

Robber #1 heads towards the hostages.

ROBBER #1 (CONT'D)
(points gun nervously at
the hostages)
Get up, come on. To the back
room, go!

The hostages head to the back room.

ANGLE ON:

Robber #2 and Robber #3.

ROBBER #3
Man, what are we going to do now?
We didn't plan for this.

ROBBER #2
f*ck it, we've got hostages.
We've got the leverage.

ROBBER #3
What about the cops?

ROBBER #2
Screw the cops. They're not going
to come in here and start
shooting. Negotiating is their
only option.

CUT TO:



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 9:23 AM

Jacobs talks to SERGEANT LANE.

JACOBS
They have hostages, I want people
up on the roofs to keep an eye on
the situation. I want to be able
to take them out if the situation
gets hostile. Right now their
only option is negotiating. How
many hostages did you count?

SERGEANT LANE
At least six.

JACOBS
Ok. Our priority is to get them
out safely. Let's wait until our
men are in place, and then we'll
try to start up a dialogue with
these sons of b*tches. Right now,
I want a perimeter set up, I want
to keep these bystanders as safe
as possible. We don't know what
these bastards are gonna do. Get
medical teams in case they get
nasty, divert traffic and for god
sake try and keep the media to a
minimum. Last thing we need is
for one of these nut jobs trying
to make a name for themselves by
killing someone on the news at
noon.

SERGEANT LANE
You got it Cap.

JACOBS
Oh and see if we can get an ID on
any of the hostages. Eye Witness
reports, maybe somebody got a
picture on their cell phone or
something. And check the license
plates in the car park

SERGEANT LANE
I'll get on it Captain.
(Into Radio)
We need Sharp shooters lining the
roofs of the adjacent buildings
Close the roads, set up some
diversions. Get an ambulance or
two just in case and get a
negotiating team down here as
soon as possible. We're gonna
need them.

Lane finishes giving out orders and turns to Jacobs.

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
Captain, are you sure it's a good
idea? You being here I mean.

JACOBS
I'm fine Lane.

SERGEANT LANE
But what happened with Marie...

JACOBS
What happened with Marie is in
the past. Now let's just do our
jobs and get those hostages out
of their safely.

Jacobs heads back to the one of the nearby cop cars.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
(To self)
Who the hell tries to rob a
coffee shop during brunch?

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

Robber #1 sits across from the group of hostages.

CASSIE
Why are you doing this to us?

DILLON
Look man, just let us go. We
didn't do anything, we just wanna
get out of here.

ROBBER #1
WOULD YOU ALL JUST SHUT UP!

ELIZABETH
f*ck you! You come in here
threatening us. And you expect us
to be quiet?

Robber #1 points his gun towards Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Now you're gonna pull a gun on a
woman. Who the hell do you think
you are? What the hell are you
doing here?

Robber #1's hand shakes nervously as Elizabeth continues
her rant.

ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
You going to shoot me? You think
shooting me is going to get you
out of this? In case you hadn't
noticed that's cops outside.

ROBBER #1
I said shut up! It's just a job.
None of this was supposed to
happen, nobody was supposed to
get hurt.

ELIZABETH
What did you think would happen?
We all got jobs you know. You're
making my job very uncomfortable
right now. You know, I have to
work all damn night, and then all
damn day; just to provide for my
three kids whose lousy father
took off with some damn
secretary.

ROBBER #1
That's not my f*cking problem
lady.

ELIZABETH
It is your problem. You guys are
all the same, you're never
thinking about how your actions
affect other people. Always doing
what's best for you.

John's ears prick up as he begins to pay attention to what
Elizabeth is saying.

ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Who robs a coffee shop at nine in
the morning? Who robs a coffee
shop period for that matter?

ROBBER #1
Look lady, this wasn't my idea
alright. We can't all be working
two jobs, looking after the
family. There's a reason why guys
like me resort to this kind of
shit. I'm not up to my neck in it
with a possible prison stretch
because I bloody want to be. I'm
here because I don't have any
other options.

The room is silent for a beat.

ELIZABETH
Bullshit. You make your own
options, when you have none, you
create more. You don't walk into
a coffee shop waving a gun around
threatening people's lives.

JOHN
She's right.

ROBBER #1
Nobody asked you. Now everybody
be quiet.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #2 walks behind the counter.

ROBBER #2
Whilst we're here.

He nudges the till and it falls to the floor. It sparks for
a moment, before the tray of cash pops out.

Robber #3 looks through the shutters scanning the police
activity.

ROBBER #3
Shit man, snipers.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP

TITLE: 9:26 AM

Jacobs as several snipers take up position on the roof.

Sergeant Lane talks with a couple of bystanders. One shows
Lane pictures on a cell phone. Lane looks up towards the
coffee shop.

SERGEANT LANE
Hey Captain.

Jacobs turns to face Lane

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
(Nods towards the coffee
shop)
I think they know about the
snipers.

JACOBS
Good.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #3 is beside himself.

ROBBER #3
f*cking snipers man. This shit is
more serious than we anticipated.

ROBBER #2
Calm down, we knew there was a
chance the cops would show up --

ROBBER #3
A chance? The buildings are lined
with sharpshooters, just itching
for a chance to pick us off one
by f*cking one. I didn't sign up
for this --

Robber #2 grabs Robber #3 by the collar.

ROBBER #2
You didn't sign up for this at
all. You needed money, I gave you
a chance to get some. You knew
the deal, if you weren't happy
with the method you shouldn't
have come along.

ROBBER #3
But snipers?

ROBBER #2
They're just trying to scare us.

ROBBER #3
Well they're doing a pretty damn
good job.

CUT TO:



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 9:30 AM

SERGEANT LANE
We got a match on two of the
hostages. A John Harding and
Elizabeth Branning. Branning
works in the Coffee shop, Harding
is some kind of business man.

JACOBS
Good work.

Lane looks up towards the roof of the building behind him.



EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY

The sharpshooters take their positions and begin to set up.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

SERGEANT LANE
Look, no offense Captain but I
don't get it. These guys
obviously aren't professionals.
If they were, they sure as hell
wouldn't be trying to hit a
coffee shop in the middle of the
morning.

JACOBS
Exactly. We bring out the heavy
artillery early and maybe they'll
give themselves up before this
shit gets serious.

SERGEANT LANE
But what if they panic and start
threatening the hostages?

JACOBS
If they do -- we have guys on the
roof ready to take their asses
out. But hopefully -- it won't
get that far.

SERGEANT LANE
Hopefully.

As Sergeant Lane finishes his sentence he spots a van
approaching.

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
Captain...

Lane motions over Jacobs shoulder. Jacobs turns to see the
van, plastered across the side of the van is a label that
reads;

"CHANNEL FOUR NEWS"

Jacobs is furious.

JACOBS
f*ck!

SERGEANT LANE
Captain, are you gonna be Ok?

JACOBS
Why wouldn't I be?

SERGEANT LANE
I just thought, with the news van
here, and what happened with --

JACOBS
I'm fine Lane. Stop asking.

SERGEANT LANE
As long as you're sure.

JACOBS
I am. I'm fine.

Lane nods at Jacobs, signalling he understands. Lane turns
away to carry out Jacobs orders.

Jacobs looks towards the News van, and the NEWSCASTER and
cameramen getting out of the van and hastily unloading
equipment. A momentary look of nervousness flashes across
his face.

CUT TO:



EXT. OUTSIDE JOHN'S HOUSE - DAY

A car pulls into the driveway. Annabelle gets out. She
pulls a key ring full of keys from her purse and searches
for the right one.

She looks at it momentarily and sighs deeply. Slowly
Annabelle inserts it into the lock and entering the house.



INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - DAY

TITLE 9:32 AM

Annabelle walks through the hallway to the:



INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

ANNABELLE
John?

She sees the mess of coffee and glass on the floor, the
toast left behind in the toaster, uneaten.

ANNABELLE (CONT'D)
(Slightly worried)
John? Where are you?

Annabelle exits the Kitchen and continues her search.
Heading to the:



INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Annabelle walks into the mess of a bedroom. The bed unmade,
shattered clock radio on the floor. Phone off the hook, and
trash and unwashed clothes all over the floor.

ANNABELLE
John, are you in here?

Annabelle grimaces slightly at the state of John's bedroom.
She lifts unwashed clothes and empty beer bottles from the
floor.



INT. KITCHEN- CONTINUOUS

Annabelle returns to the Kitchen, dumping most of the
contents of John's bedroom floor on the kitchen table. She
heads to the adjacent:



INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The Living Room is in a similar state to the bedroom. She
lifts a Pizza Box from the floor.

The TV Remote falls from the Pizza Box and lands with a
THUD on the table. The TV TURNS ON. Annabelle places the
Pizza Box next to the remote as a Newscaster reads a report
on the TV:

NEWSCASTER
This just in, a local Coffee
shop; a hot bed for business men
and youths alike is currently in
crisis as three armed gunman have
taken control of the store.
Police arrived on the scene about
fifteen minutes ago now and we're
told they're about to try and
start the negotiation process
with the hostiles.
We are told that there are
upwards of ten hostages currently
being held in a back room -- we
have confirmed the identity of
two of the hostages in question.
Firstly an employee of the coffee
shop, Elizabeth Branning; mother
of three. And John Harding; a
successful business man who lives
in the surrounding area.

ANNABELLE
John?

Annabelle quickly leaves the house.

CUT TO:



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Jacobs is handed a Megaphone by Sergeant Lane. Jacobs takes
several steps towards the coffee shop.

JACOBS
(Through Megaphone)
This is Captain, Christian
Jacobs. I am with the Police
Department's Crisis Unit. I'm
here to ensure everybody stays as
safe as possible. Sir, I'm asking
you and your friends to slowly
put your weapons on the ground,
open the shutters and come out
slowly with the your hands
raised. We wish to resolve this
situation as quickly, and cleanly
as possible. We do not want to
use force, but we will if
necessary.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

TITLE: 9:36 AM

Robber #3 panics as Robber #2 leans against the steel
shutters.

ROBBER #3
f*ck man, we ain't getting out of
this.

ROBBER #2
Shut up, just shut up right now.

Robber #2 turns around, he places his fire arm through the
gap in the steel shutters and fires at the glass window --
it shatters.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP

The bystanders watching on duck down, they SCREAM. Finally
the shooting stops.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Cops duck for cover as the shards of glass fly in varying
directions.

SERGEANT LANE
What the hell are they doing
Captain?

JACOBS
Negotiating.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

The sound of distant GUN FIFE and SCREAMS can be heard. The
hostages panic.

DILLON
What was that?

The noises continue.

DILLON (CONT'D)
Is that -- Is that what I think
it is?

WILLIAM
It's gun fire.

ELIZABETH
Whose shooting? The cops or one
of those bastards in masks?

Robber #1 has heard enough. He heads to the door.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #2 stands behind the shutters.

ROBBER #2
(To cops outside)
We have hostages, and we have
demands. Pick which one you want
to talk about first!

Robber #1 enters the shop floor.

ROBBER #1
What the hell's going on?

ROBBER #2
Nothing, go back to the back
room.

ROBBER #1
No, what the hell are you doing
man? You said in and out, now
we're having shoot outs with the
cops.

ROBBER #2
I'm trying to get us out of this.

ROBBER #1
No, you're going to get us
killed.

ROBBER #3
Hey, everyone calm down. We gotta
think rationally.

ROBBER #1
Rationally? If I was thinking
rationally do you think I'd
f*cking be here?

Robber #2 puts his gun to Robber #1's head.

ROBBER #3
Jesus man, calm down.

Robber #2 ignores him.

ROBBER #2
You knew the risks, you knew what
we were doing. You needed the
money just like the rest of us.
If you want out, all you have to
do is say the magic words.

ROBBER #1
(Robber #1 brushes the
gun aside)
Don't threaten me again.

ROBBER #2
Then get to the f*cking back!

ROBBER #1
(To Robber #3)
You watch him, is all I'm saying.

Robber #1 turns and heads to the back room.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 9:38 AM

Sergeant Lane directs other offices to keep the civilians
back.

He returns to where Captain Jacobs is standing.

SERGEANT LANE
What's up with the shooting
Captain?

JACOBS
They're scared. They're trying to
bargain their way out, and
they're trying to scare us into
giving one to them.

A car pulls up behind the Cop cars. A Police Officer blocks
its path. Jacobs heads towards it.

It's Annabelle's car.

Jacobs asks her to roll down the window.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
Can I help you Miss?

ANNABELLE
I'm Annabelle Harding, my ex --
my husband. He's one of the
hostages.

Jacobs looks to the other officer.

JACOBS
Let her through.

Annabelle gets out of the car and follows Captain Jacobs.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
Mrs. Harding - I could sure use
your help. The guys, that have
taken your Husband hostage, they
want to negotiate. I think, with
your help we might be able to
appeal to their better nature. We
might be able to get some of
these hostages out.

ANNABELLE
I'll do anything I can to help.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR

Robber #3 sits, peering out from behind the shutters.
Robber #2 paces behind him.

ROBBER #3
Hey, you might want to get over
here.

ROBBER #2
Why, what's going on?

ROBBER #3
The cops have some chick. I think
they're gonna get her to talk to
us.

Robber #2 walks over hurriedly.

ROBBER #2
Why? Who the hell is she?

ROBBER #3
I don't know. But it looks like
we're going to find out.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Captain Jacobs is handed a megaphone by Lane. He takes
several steps towards the Coffee Shop, Annabelle by his
side.

JACOBS
This is Captain Jacobs. Here with
me is Annabelle Harding. You are
holding her husband John hostage.
What do you say we try and
resolve this, so we can get them
back together?



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

ROBBER #2
(To Robber #3)
Go get her husband.

Robber #3 heads to the back room.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Jacobs, Annabelle and Sergeant Lane watch the coffee shop.

SERGEANT LANE
We've got movement inside
Captain.

JACOBS
Keep an eye on it.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

Robber #3 enters the room.

ROBBER #3
I'm looking for John Harding.

The hostages don't move. After a beat, John stands. Robber
#3 grabs John by the arm.

ROBBER #3 (CONT'D)
You're coming with me.

Robber #3 begins dragging John from the room. Robber #1
stops him.

ROBBER #1
What are you going to do?

ROBBER #3
Whatever we need to.

ROBBER #1
Wait --

Robber #3 leaves with John. Robber #1 follows.

CASSIE
What do you think they're going
to do to him?

WILLIAM
Nothing good, that's a certainty.


INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

Jacobs hands Annabelle the megaphone.

JACOBS
Here, you should tell them.

Annabelle pauses for a moment, she nods agreeing to Jacobs
suggestion.

ANNABELLE
(To Robber #2)
Yes. Yes it is.

In the coffee shop Robber #2 continues to hold John in
position.

ROBBER #2
Is she telling the truth? Is that
your wife.

John doesn't answer. Robber #2 tightens his grip.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
I said, is she your wife.

On the floor Annabelle is worried. A beat passes.

JOHN
Yes she is.

ROBBER #2
How wonderful.

Robber #2 pulls his gun on him. He places it to John's
head.

Outside Annabelle screams.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
(To Jacobs)
You think by bringing down this
guy's wife, is gonna get him out
of here? You think brining her
here is going to melt our hearts,
make us feel sorry for this guy?
You think we're going to
surrender our leverage because
you tug at our heart strings?

JACOBS
I'd hoped you might see reason. I
see I was wrong.

ROBBER #2
You're damn right you were wrong.
I didn't get myself into this
situation only to give up because
of some sympathetic game.

Robber #2 turns and throws John to the floor.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
Try again, and I'll kill him. I
better not see her again.

Robber #2 turns away from the shutters.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
(To Robber #1)
Take him to the back.

Robber #1 takes John by the arm and drags him



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Jacobs, Lane and Annabelle stand by one of the Cop cars.
Annabelle shudders, she's pale.

JACOBS
Mrs. Harding are you ok?

ANNABELLE
No -- he was -- he had a --

SERGEANT LANE
Mrs. Harding we are going to do
everything we can for your
husband.

ANNABELLE
You have to save him.

JACOBS
That's why we're here. We will
get those hostages out safely.

ANNABELLE
Thank you.

JACOBS
I suggest you go find somewhere
to sit down, try and relax a
little. One of my officers will
assist you, OK?

ANNABELLE
Sure.

Jacobs signals for one of his officers to guide a shook up
Annabelle away.

SERGEANT LANE
How the hell are we supposed to
get the hostages out when they
won't even negotiate?

JACOBS
I don't know. But as long as they
have hostages, they have the
advantage.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM

John is thrown back into the back room, with the other
hostages. Robber #1 follows.

CASSIE
What happened? We heard
screaming.

ROBBER #1
You want to tell them John or
should I?

JOHN
My wife.

DILLON
Your wife?

ROBBER #1
The police, tried to use Johnny
boy's wife to negotiate. Didn't
go to well

WILLIAM
What did they do to you John.

JOHN
Nothing that I didn't expect.

ROBBER #1
My associate put a gun to Mr.
Harding's head and threatened to
shoot him.

CASSIE
Why would he do that?

ELIZABETH
Because he's a low life criminal.

ROBBER #1
No arguments there.

DILLON
Do you think they'd threaten
anymore of us?

Nobody answers.

DILLON (CONT'D)
John?

JOHN
I think his friend's gonna do
whatever it takes to get out of
here.

CASSIE
I can't imagine what it would be
like, to have to look into your
wife's eyes with a gun pointed at
your head.

DILLON
I hope I never have to find out.

Dillon puts his arm around Cassie and holds her close.

ELIZABETH
You two are married?

DILLON
Engaged.

WILLIAM
Aren't you two a little young to
be getting married? I mean you've
got your whole lives ahead of
you, don't you think you're
rushing into things?

DILLON
I don't think so. I mean I love
her. I can't imagine loving
someone else. I won't to spend my
life making her happy.

ROBBER #1
You get that from a greetings
card?

The hostages ignore Robber #1's comment.

ELIZABETH
Well, let's just hope you don't
make the same mistakes my husband
did.

JOHN
(Under breath)
Or I did.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 9:42 AM

Lane and Jacobs stand by the cop car. Jacobs is thoughtful.
Lane stands by.

JACOBS
It was a mistake to use the
hostage's wife.

SERGEANT LANE
How so Captain?

JACOBS
We gave the hostage takers
exactly what they wanted.

SERGEANT LANE
What's that?

JACOBS
Confirmation.

SERGEANT LANE
Of what?

JACOBS
Confirmation that they're in
control.

Jacobs aggressively, and suddenly slams the car door.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
Damn it. I can't believe I did
that.
That's year one training stuff.
Hostages represent power and
control; I just reminded him that
he's got a room full of them.

Lane watches as Jacobs paces back and forth.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
We gotta do something to re-gain
the upper hand. We gotta get back
on an even playing field.

SERGEANT LANE
And how are we going to do that?

JACOBS
We've gotta get back some of that
power and control.

SERGEANT LANE
Meaning, We gotta get a hostage
put of there?

JACOBS
Exactly.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #2 watches the police activity through the shutters.
Robber #3 sits at the back of the shop.

ROBBER #3
Maybe you shouldn't have
threatened the guy.

ROBBER #2
Haven't you seen what's going on
out there?

Robber #2 turns and walks towards Robber #3's table.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
The cops, they're pissed. Know
why? Because the ball is in our
court. We are in control of this
situation. That means the cops
have to do what we want.

Robber #2 sits opposite Robber #3. Robber #2's mouth slowly
curls into a smile.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
It means, we're getting the hell
out of here.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM

The room is again silent. The hostages sit with their head
in their hands, staring at the floor; doing whatever they
can to keep their minds of their current situation.

Robber #1 stares intently at the door.

Elizabeth breaks the silence;

ELIZABETH
I'm hungry.

Cassie is taken aback by Elizabeth's proclamation.

CASSIE
You're thinking about food, at a
time like this?

ELIZABETH
Yeah, I am. You got a problem
with that?

CASSIE
No, but it's a --

ELIZABETH
It's what?

CASSIE
Nothing.

Robber #1 is frustrated by the chatter.

ROBBER #1
Will you two keep it down. I'm
trying to think.

ELIZABETH
No. And what the hell do you have
to think about?

ROBBER #1
Lady, what the hell is wrong with
you?

ELIZABETH
Like I said. I'm hungry.

Robber #1 looks at Elizabeth. He pauses for a moment before
getting to his feet. Robber #1 heads to the exit.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

Robber #2 watches the police activity through the shutters
as

Robber #1 approaches Robber #3 who sits at a nearby table.

ROBBER #1
I need some food.

ROBBER #3
Why?

ROBBER #1
Because I do.

ROBBER #3
Who's it for?

ROBBER #1
Why are you asking so many
questions? Just give me some damn
food.

Robber #3 shakes his head briefly. Robber #1 groans and
walks towards the counter ignoring him.

He takes the lid from one of the display cases, turns it
upside down and begins piling it with scones, muffins,
bagels etc.

Robber #2 turns to see him doing it.

ROBBER #2
What the hell do you think you're
doing. Whose watching the
hostages?

ROBBER #1
Look man, they're hungry. I'm
getting them something to eat.

ROBBER #2
They're not your pets.

ROBBER #1
I know, they're f*cking human
beings. You might not have a
problem threatening to kill them,
but I do. I don't want anybody to
get hurt. If they want something
to eat, I'm gonna get them
something to eat.

Robber #1 turns to leave. Robber #2 grabs him by the
wrist..

ROBBER #2
Hey. This isn't about those
people in there. It's not about
those cops outside. This is about
us ... I'm not threatening to
kill anyone.
But I will do whatever it takes
to get us, you included, out of
here.

ROBBER #1
Maybe that's the problem. Maybe
we don't deserve to get out of
here.

ROBBER #2
We didn't deserve a lot of stuff
that has happened to us. But we
made the decision to do this
today, we made the decision to
rob this place.

ROBBER #1
No. You made that decision. And
it was the wrong one. And I'm
gonna do whatever it takes to
make sure you don't make another
wrong decision.

Robber #1 shakes Robber 2#'s hand from his wrist. He heads
to the back room.

ROBBER #2
(To Robber #3)
Make sure he doesn't come out of
that room again.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM

Robber #1 enters, he places the food he gathered in front
of Elizabeth.

ROBBER #1
Here.

The room does not know how to react.

ELIZABETH
Thank you.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR

Robber #2 stands by the counter of the coffee shop. He
repeatedly taps the handle of his gun against it.

He mulls over what Robber #1 said to him moments previous,
as well as his earlier conversation with Robber #3.

Robber #2 swipes the numerous displays of food off the
counter in one motion. Bagels and scones topple to the
floor.

Robber #3 rises from a seated position.

ROBBER #3
What's going on man?

ROBBER #2
I'm going to end this. I'm gonna
end this right now.

Robber #2 strides towards the back room.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM

Robber #2 barges in, the door is nearly broken from it's
hinges. He scans the room, smiles and grabs Cassie by the
arm.

CASSIE
What are you doing?

DILLON
Hey --

Dillon gets to his feet, trying to protect his fiancée.

Robber #2 nails Dillon with the handle of his weapon.

ROBBER #2
I told him not to be a hero
earlier, I'll say the same to
you. Try something again, and
your little girlfriend gets one
in the mouth -- And not in the
way she's accustomed to.

Robber #2 smiles to himself, Dillon seethes with rage.

DILLON
You bastard.

Dillon lunges forward, John and Elizabeth grab his jacket
pulling him back.

Robber #2 holds Cassie in place, he puts his gun to her
temple and drags her out of the room.

DILLON (CONT'D)
Where are you taking her? WHERE?

Dillon tries to break his grip, desperate to get to Cassie.
The other hostages restrain him, stopping him from doing
something stupid.

Robber #1 looks on, remorseful.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

TITLE: 9:44 AM

Robber #2 has his arm wrapped around Cassie's neck. He
drags her across the shop floor. Cassie kicks and screams.

CASSIE
(Whimpering)
Please, stop. Please, I don't
want to die.

ROBBER #2
That's not up to me to decide
girly.

He throws her face first into the steel shutters. Her lip
is cut.

She falls to her knees, in tears. Robber #2 grabs her by
the hair, he violently pulls her to her feet, the gun again
pushed firmly to her skull.

Cassie tries to scream but words fail her. She is
completely taken by terror.




EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

The cops are in frenzy, Jacobs watches, his lips quivers as
he fears for the hostages life. Sergeant Lane give
incoherent orders over his radio.

SERGEANT LANE
Remain alert, but do not fire.
Repeat, do not fire. We can't
risk hitting the girl.

Jacobs takes a step forward, approaching the coffee shop.

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
Whoa. Captain, where are you
going?

Jacobs turns back.

JACOBS
They want to negotiate, I'm going
to negotiate. Keep an eye out,
you get a chance to take this son
of a b*tch out, you let me know.

Lane nods.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #2 holds Cassie in position.

ROBBER #2
(To Jacobs)
You want this girl to die?

Cassie shakes, unable to control herself. Her breathing
heavy, her chest heaving, her fear completely consuming
her.

She picks out a spot on the window, and stares intensely at
it, focusing, trying to rid her mind of Robber #2 and the
weapon pointed to her skull. Cassie's lip trembles, she
fights back tears, trying to conceal her fear from her
captor. She fails to do so.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS, LANE AND ROBBER #2

Jacobs looks at Cassie with the gun pointed towards her. An
all to familiar situation, yet the pity and fear for her in
his eyes as new to him now as the first time he saw it.

JACOBS
No, I don't want anybody to get
hurt. My only goal in all of this
is to get everybody out safely.

ROBBER #2
Don't lie to me. You don't give a
shit about me, why else would you
put snipers on the f*cking roof.
You're just itching for one of
them to take me out, so you come
in here and play hero. All you
want is the hostages to be safe.
If you want to keep them that
way, you start giving me what I
want.

JACOBS
And what is it you want exactly?

ROBBER #2
I want -- I want to get out of
here.

JACOBS
If you want out, all you have to
do is put down the gun and walk
on out --

ROBBER #2
That's not what I mean and you
know it.

JACOBS
I know what you mean, but I'm
afraid that's not a viable option
at this juncture.

ROBBER #2
I'm holding a gun to a woman's
head Captain. The only juncture
at this point is whether she
lives or dies. That's your
decision.

Cassie whimpers, terrified.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

TITLE: 9:46 AM

Dillon is furious. He has a crazy look in his eyes. Without
warning he leaps to his feet and charges towards the door.

Elizabeth shrieks surprised by Dillon's sudden outburst.

John tries to pull Dillon back, to no avail.

Robber #1 attempts to block the door. Dillon hits him in
the chest throwing Robber #1 back against the door.

Dillon throws a right hand that rattles Robber #1's. He
falls to the floor and Dillon tries to exit the back room.
Robber #1 pushes him back.

Dillon does not cease and makes a beeline for the door.
He's stopped dead in his tracks when Robber #1 draws his
weapon.

He points his gun directly at Dillon, his hand shaking
violently, nervously.

With his free hand Robber #1 wipes the blood trickling from
his lip. During the scuffle Dillon cut himself above the
eye.

ROBBER #1
I don't want to shoot you man. I
just want you to calm down.

DILLON
Don't tell me to calm down. He
has my fiancée, he's going to
kill Cassie.

Dillon has tears in his eyes. Saying the words have an
almost crippling effect on him. John holds onto Dillon who
seemingly can no longer support himself.

ROBBER #1
You don't know that for sure.

Elizabeth scoffs.

ELIZABETH
What do you think he's going to
do? They pulled a gun on her and
hauled her out of here. They're
not having a freaking tea party
out there.

ROBBER #1
Shut up!

Robber #1 speaks now with sincerity in his voice, but an
uncertainty creeps in.

ROBBER #1 (CONT'D)
She'll be alright.

DILLON
You don't know that.

John holds onto Dillon.

DILLON (CONT'D)
They have Cassie John.

JOHN
I know. She'll be OK.

John sits Dillon down. He turns towards Robber #1 and the
pair exchange a glance.

Close on Robber #1 who looks at Dillon with pity and guilt.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Cassie now reaches breaking point.

CASSIE
Please, just give them what they
want.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

JACOBS
It's OK miss. Everybody just keep
a cool, clear head.

Robber #2 fires his gun into the ceiling three times in
quick succession.

Cassie lets out a terrified shriek. She quivers, her eyes
glazed, consumed in a trance like state; lost in her own
terror.

ROBBER #2
(Angrily)
NO, IT'S NOT OK! If you don't
give me what I want in ten
minutes' her head won't be cool
or clear, there'll be a bullet in
it.

Jacobs stands still, silent, considering his options.



EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY

A sniper peers through the rifles Tactical Scope. He seeks
out his target, navigating through the steel grate like
shutters looking for a clear shot.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

SNIPER'S POV:

Robber #2 struggles with the terrified Cassie, making it
near impossible to fine a clear line of fire. Finally
Robber #2 and Cassie's struggle settles and the sniper
finds his mark.



EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY

The Sniper eases his finger onto the rifle's trigger. With
his free hand he reaches towards his radio.

SNIPER
Sergeant, I have a shot.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Lane raises his radio towards his mouth.

SERGEANT LANE
Captain, we have a shot.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS, LANE AND ROBBER #2

Jacobs still does not speak. Decisions rush through his
mind, possible outcomes. He appears unsure.

Cassie's face is now smeared with running mascara.

CASSIE
Please ...

Robber #2 covers her mouth.

The incoherent voice of the Sniper on the roof comes over
Lane's radio. Lane raises it to his mouth.

SERGEANT LANE
The sharpshooters have got a shot
Captain. But there's a problem,
the shutters could cause a
ricochet ...

No response.

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
Captain...?

Cassie now pleads with Jacobs, desperation in her voice.

CASSIE
(To Jacobs)
Please!

ROBBER #2
Shut up princess -- unless you
don't want to wait ten minutes.

CASSIE
Please, don't let them kill me!

Jacobs, still motionless, silent.

SERGEANT LANE
(desperately)
Captain?

Inside the coffee shop Cassie wriggles trying to free
herself from Robber #2's grasp. Her pleas to Captain Jacobs
continue.

CASSIE
Please help me! Help me!

ROBBER #2
You're running out of time
Captain! The clock is ticking.
Are you going to give me what I
want or not?

Cassie continues to struggle with Robber #2. Tears stream
from her eyes, her shrill voice pleading with the Captain.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Observers and Civilians nearby watch the drama unfold
anxiously.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

CASSIE
Please just give them what they
want! Please!

She shakes the shutters, a desperate woman.

Robber #2 finally pulls her back into his grip. The gun
still to her head.

ROBBER #2
Yes or no Captain?

A nervous beat passes, and another. Jacobs looks to the
civilians watching on, then to the news van. He pants,
almost nervously.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

SERGEANT LANE (O.S.)
(Over radio)
... We lost the shot Captain.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

Jacobs lets out one last breath.

JACOBS
... Yes.

ROBBER #2
Ten minutes ... or one of the
hostages will die.

Robber #2 throws Cassie to the floor.

Robber #1 looks on uncomfortably.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 9:52 AM

Jacobs looks at the shop. He lets out all of his pent up
anxiety with short sharp breaths. He wipes the sweat from
his brow composing himself.

With a sigh of relief he retreats to the cop cars. Lane is
there to meet him.

SERGEANT LANE
You know we can't really give
these guys what they want don't
you?

JACOBS
Of course I do. But now we know
their end game. No we have
something to bargain with.

SERGEANT LANE
But what about the girl? Do you
really think he'd kill her?

JACOBS
I don't know. But in ten minutes,
I don't plan on finding out.

CUT TO:

[blaggers]

INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #2 grabs Cassie by her collar and drags her towards
the back room.

He looks at Robber #1 as he passes. Robber #1 clearly
disapproves of Robber #2's actions.

ROBBER #1
Where you really gonna kill her?

ROBBER #2
Does it really matter? She's
alive -- for now.

ROBBER #1
What's that supposed to mean?

ROBBER #2
It means what I said.

Robber #2 opens the door to the back room.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

Robber #2 throws Cassie into the back room. She falls to
the floor with a thud.

Dillon lunges at Robber #2. John tries to hold him back.

DILLON
(Enraged)
What did you do to her! WHAT DID
YOU DO TO HER YOU BASTARD!

JOHN
Dillon, stop!
Robber #2 fires his gun into the ceiling, the sound is
deafening. Everybody freezes.

ROBBER #2
You better listen to hero over
here. Or the next one want go
into the ceiling.

DILLON
I'll kill you, I'll f*cking kill
you, you son of a b*tch.

JOHN
Dillon -- go take care of Cassie.

Dillon pants, frustrated, angry. His teeth bared. His chest
heaves as he struggles to regulate his breathing. Robber #2
smiles at him arrogantly.

DILLON
Let go of me.

John releases Dillon who turns away from Robber #2 and
kneels besides his fiancée.

John sighs with relief as Robber #2 leaves the room.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 9:57 AM

Annabelle pushes past several offices to get to Jacobs.

ANNABELLE
Captain Jacobs, you have to give
them what they want.

JACOBS
I can't do that Mrs. Harding.

ANNABELLE
Miss Harding -- But you heard
them, they're gonna kill that
girl if you don't. Who knows who
could be next -- Captain, my
husband is in there.

JACOBS
Miss Harding. First of all, when
a hostage taker says they're
gonna kill one of their hostages,
it doesn't always mean they're
gonna do it. It usually means
they're desperate and want to get
the hell out of wherever they're
hold up. Secondly, what kind of
relationship do you have with
your husband?

Annabelle pauses for a moment.

Finally she speaks, with a softness, a fondness, but at the
same time layered with fear and an unresolved anger.

ANNABELLE
Ex-husband, well -- kind of. We
were supposed to be finalizing
our divorce today.

JACOBS
If you don't mind me asking, why
did you and your husband
separate?

ANNABELLE
It's complicated, I mean -- I
still love John, he just wasn't
around, he -- Captain do you know
what it feels like to lose
somebody, even when they're still
around? Do you know what it's
like to be so close to someone
and yet feel so distant? Do you
know what it's like to have
someone build a wall around
themselves, and not let anyone
in. Not even the people that care
about them the most.

JACOBS
No; no, I don't.

ANNABELLE
It hurts, I can't even imagine
how it would feel, to actually
lose him forever.

Jacobs pauses, struck by Annabelle's comment.

He looks at her, understandingly.

JACOBS
Mrs. Harding, it's my job to make
sure I get everyone out of that
coffee shop alive. I'm good at
what I do, take some comfort in
that. But for now, I want you to
try and stay out of this, and let
me do my job.

Annabelle nods and walks away.

Jacobs turns to Lane.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
How long have we got?

SERGEANT LANE
Just under six minutes Captain.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #3 and Robber #2 sit in the main shop. Robber #3
taps his gun against the table periodically. Despite the
chaos outside the Coffee shop is silent, a tense quiet
fills the air.

The dull thud of steel on wood breaks it time -- and time -
- and time again.

Robber #2 turns to Robber #3.

ROBBER #2
Would you not do that.

Robber #3 ceases. He slowly puts the gun on the table.

ROBBER #3
Sorry, I'm just --

ROBBER #2
Nervous. I know.

There is quiet again.

ROBBER #3
Do you think threatening the girl
was a good idea?

ROBBER #2
Have you looked outside lately?
The cops are frantic, trust me.
They won't risk the girls life,
or the life of any of those
hostages for that matter. We've
got the money, and we're gonna
get out of here. We'll be OK --

ROBBER #3
Will we?

Robber #2 looks at him. He doesn't want to answer. He gets
to his feet, peers our of the shutters before responding.

ROBBER #2
-- Yes.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Lane checks his watch.

SERGEANT LANE
We're getting close Cap.

JACOBS
I know.

SERGEANT LANE
So what's the plan of attack?

JACOBS
We keep them talking. We buy more
time.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR

TITLE: 10:01 AM

Robber #2 stares at his watch. Robber #3 breaths deeply,
already knowing the answer, he asks the question.

ROBBER #3
How long?

Robber #2 waits a beat.

ROBBER #2
Times up.

ROBBER #3
What do we do?

ROBBER #2
Grab a hostage. Just in case.
I'll talk to Jacobs.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

SERGEANT LANE
Captain, if we get a shot --

JACOBS
No. We can't guarantee a clean
shot. I think we can talk these
guys out of there.

SERGEANT LANE
We're about to find out.

Lane signals towards the Coffee Shop.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP

Outside the Coffee shop, the Newscaster stands in front of
the camera ready to perform a news report.

NEWSCASTER
The situation here at the Coffee
Shop is still unresolved.
The three armed gun man continue
to hold several patrons and
employees of the shop hostage;
and as of yet there has been no
sign of an end to this conflict.
Captain Christian Jacobs of the
Police Department's Crisis Unit
has entered negotiations with the
Hostage Takers. We have been
informed that a singular demand
has been made. The gunman wish
for free passage out of the
coffee shop but we have had no
word on how the Police Department
are handling this demand.

The Police Activity suddenly increases in the area and the
camera turns towards the Coffee Shop.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Inside the shop Robber #3 drags William out from the back
room. He throws the old man towards Robber #2 who grabs him
by the throat.

Robber #2 holds William much like he did Cassie as he
directs the gun towards him.

William remains stoic, showing no signs of fear.

ROBBER #2
Listen up old timer. The cops
give us what we want, you and
your little back room buddies get
to go home without holes in your
head tonight. If they don't,
you'll be in a grave -- and not a
moment too soon.

WILLIAM
You think I care what you do to
me? I've been putting up with
punks like you my entire life.
You think you can use me as a
bargaining chip? I'd gladly die
right here and now, if it means
putting you and your friends away
for a long, long time.

ROBBER #2
You're about to find out if
you'll get that chance.

Robber #2 pushes William face first into the shutter. He
points the gun at William's skull.

William remains still, he does not panic. Oddly dignified
in a terrifying situation.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Jacobs approaches the Coffee Shop once more. Each step,
slow deliberate. He goes through his options in his mind,
methodically going through what he's about to say.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

ROBBER #2
(To Jacobs)
Your ten minutes are up Captain?

JACOBS
I know.

ROBBER #2
Then tell me, is it good news for
us? Or bad news for him?

JACOBS
Well --

WILLIAM
(To Jacobs)
Don't give into them.

Robber #2 nails William in the back of the head with his
gun.

ROBBER #2
So what's your answer Jacobs?

Jacobs once again stands thoughtful, fifteen feet away from
the coffee shop. The sound of traffic being diverted, angry
drivers beeping the horns and shouting obscenities at the
cops just doing their job; fills the silence.

Jacobs stares, straight into the eyes of Robber #2, and
then William's. Life or death, the decision resting firmly
on Jacobs shoulders.

He opens his mouth, ready to respond but words fail him.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
What's your answer damn it?!

William lets out a dignified plea.

WILLIAM
Don't do it.

ROBBER #2
Keep your mouth shut old timer.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
Jacobs? You gonna give me the
silent treatment? You think by
staying quiet you can avoid
having to make a decision? You
think you can keep your damn
mouth shut and delay this thing
for another ten minutes? --

Jacobs cranes his neck, looking back at Robber #2. He
stares at him aggressively, angrily.

JACOBS
No --

ROBBER #2
Then tell me, are we getting out
of here or not?

JACOBS
Not right now.

ROBBER #2
Not right now? What the hell is
that supposed to mean?

JACOBS
It means ten minutes isn't long
enough to organise a way out for
you and your friends.

ROBBER #2
Then I guess I'll have to make
good on my threat.

Robber #2 grabs William By the hair. He drags him back from
the shutters and places his foot to the back of William's
knee. He applies pressure and William drops.

William kneels before Robber #2, gun pointed directly at
him. Still he shows no signs of fear. The same stoic
expression, plastered across his face. Facade or not, he
does not falter. He shows no sign of playing Robber #2's
game.



EXT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

Dillon, Cassie, Elizabeth and John sit with the other
hostages. Robber #1 looks nervous, he rubs his palms as
they sweat nervously.

DILLON
What do you think they're going
to do to William?

The room already knows the answer but nobody voices it;
except Cassie.

CASSIE
They're going to kill him. The
other guy in the mask, he -- he --

She whimpers, still traumatized by earlier events.

CASSIE (CONT'D)
He said he wanted a way out of
here. And if the police didn't
let him go in ten minutes, he'd
kill one of us.

Dillon puts an arm around Cassie comforting her.

JOHN
(To Robber #1)
You can't let them do that.

Robber #1 doesn't answer.

JOHN (CONT'D)
You can't let them kill him. He's
an innocent old man for Christ
sake.

Robber #1 snaps to attention. He turns to John.

ROBBER #1
You think I want him dead anymore
than you do?

ELIZABETH
Then go do something about it!

Robber #1 looks at Elizabeth. A beat passes. Then; Robber
#1 gets to his feet and heads out of the room.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #1 walks out from the back room. He sees what's
transpiring on the shop floor and freezes.

Robber #3 blocks Robber #1's path.

ROBBER #1
What the hell is going on?

Robber #3 does not answer, instead he simply tries to force
Robber #1 to the back room. Robber #1 retaliates, pushing
Robber#3 aside.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Jacobs cautiously steps towards the Coffee shop, he tries
to calm Robber #2 down, and save William's life.

JACOBS
Wait! Ten more minutes, ten
minutes is all I need.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

ROBBER #2
It's to late. You f*ck me around,
I put a bullet in his head. I
warned you Jacobs, now his blood
is on your hands.

Robber #2 raises his gun, c*cks it and places it back to
William's skull. William remains perfectly still,
statuesque.

JACOBS
No wait. WAIT!

ROBBER #2
I gave you ten minutes, your ten
minutes are up.

JACOBS
I know just hold on.

Finally William reacts.

WILLIAM
(To Jacobs)
No! Don't do it, don't give them
what they want. Just let me die,
nobody would care -- nobody would
care if some insignificant old
man like me died. Just don't let
these bastards walk out of here.

ROBBER #2
Can it old timer.
(To Jacobs)
Now tell me why I shouldn't blow
this guys head off right now.

JACOBS
Because -- Because you know,
there's no way I could have got
you what you wanted in ten
minutes. But I'm working on it.

Jacobs continues to approach the shop.

ROBBER #2
I've been putting up with your
crap for to long already. I've
been putting up with every bodies
crap for far to long.
Doing what some higher up tells
me to do, and that's all fine and
dandy when the system works. But
when it fails, whose the one that
gets the f*cking blame? The
little guy, guys like me. We get
shafted while the higher ups go
sailing on their damn yachts;
waiting for the next system, and
next little guy to come along so
they can exploit them too. No
more ... You've f*cked me around
already today ... it ends here.

Robber #2's finger wraps around the trigger. It eases onto
it slowly.

JACOBS
If you kill this guy, there is
absolutely no way I can give you
a way out of here -- at all. I'm
not f*cking you around, I just
need ten more minutes. That is
all I'm asking for.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

TITLE: 10:06 AM

Robber #1 watches as Robber #2 remains perfectly still, gun
still pointed towards William.

Robber #2 stares a hole in the back of William's head,
Jacobs words beginning to sink in.

ROBBER #1
Listen to the cop.

Robber #2 turns to Robber #1, then to William and finally
Jacobs.

ROBBER #1 (CONT'D)
Don't kill the guy. Listen. To.
The. Cop. Please.

Robber #2 slowly withdraws the gun from William's head.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

Robber #2 turns, and points his gun out of the shutters,
towards Jacobs.

JACOBS
So we have a deal?

A beat passes. And another.

Suddenly; Robber #2 fires off to the left, into the crowd
of people. They all duck, as does Jacobs.

The sound of gunfire reverberates throughout the coffee
shop and streets.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

The sound of shots strikes the room like a bolt of
lightening. Cassie cowers as Dillon holds her tightly.

John hangs his head.

ELIZABETH
They f*cking killed him!



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

Robber #2 lowers his firearm and looks directly at Jacobs.

ROBBER #2
You have ten more minutes to
deliver.

Jacobs sighs deeply with relief.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #2 grabs William by the scruff of the neck. He yanks
him up to his feet before throwing him like a dog the
floor.

The elderly William is helped up by Robber #1

ROBBER #2
Don't question what I do again.
Now take him to the back room.

Robber #1 nods, not wanting to try his luck further with
Robber #2.

He takes Robber #1 to the back.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

Robber #1 enters with William. The hostages are shocked to
see him. John assist William as he sits back down.

Robber #1 sits opposite. He looks over to William.

ROBBER #1
Did you mean what you said?

William takes a moment to realize Robber #1 is addressing
him. He looks him in the eye.

WILLIAM
Yes, I did.

ROBBER #1
You would die, just to make sure
we don't get out of here?

WILLIAM
No, I would die, if it means you
get what you deserve.

The other hostages are taken aback.

CASSIE
Why? Why would you want to die?

WILLIAM
My dear girl. I'm no spring
chicken any more. One life is not
going to matter to --

CASSIE
But what about your family?

WILLIAM
What family?

ELIZABETH
You don't have a family? No one?

WILLIAM
I'm afraid I lost my family years
ago. My own doing I'm afraid. If
I died today or even tomorrow,
nobody would notice, nobody would
care. I have no one.

William attempts a weary smile. John places his hand on
William's shoulder comfortingly.

JOHN
Now you have us.

John looks to Robber #1.

JOHN (CONT'D)
Thank you.

Cassie hugs Dillon, holding onto him tightly.

CASSIE
I think we should postpone the
wedding until my sister can make
it.

DILLON
So do I.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 10:12 AM

SERGEANT LANE
Captain Jacobs, the negotiating
team is here.

JACOBS
Let them through.

Lane gives the order through his radio.

SERGEANT LANE
This way guys.

Lane guides the three negotiators towards Jacobs.

NEGOTIATOR #1
What have we got Captain?

JACOBS
Three armed gun man, ten
hostages, possibly more.

NEGOTIATOR #2
You started negotiations with
them yet?

JACOBS
Yeah, we couldn't wait until you
got down here.

NEGOTIATOR #2
No problem Captain.

NEGOTIATOR #3
Any demands been made yet?

JACOBS
The usual, free passage out.
Nothing extravagant. They have
threatened to shoot hostages if
we don't make their deadline, and
as of yet they haven't made good
on their threats. I think we've
got a friend on the inside.

NEGOTIATOR #3
What are you thinking?

JACOBS
Well, to begin with they
threatened to shoot a hostages
wife because she came down here.
But they didn't even want to talk
to us at that point. The fact
they've actually made a demand
know means they're getting
desperate.

NEGOTIATOR #2
I agree.

JACOBS
I'm thinking we should tell them
we're not gonna comply with their
demands.

NEGOTIATOR #1
No, if these guys are as unstable
as you suggest then telling them
"No" is only gonna drive them to
"make good on their threats" as
you put it.

JACOBS
Hear me out. These guys clearly
aren't professionals. They're
scared, they just want to get out
of this alive, and not to mention
free.

NEGOTIATOR #2
I'm not entirely comfortable
risking a hostages life Captain.

JACOBS
We don't know if we would be.
Besides, we've got sharp shooters
on the roof, if they get hostile
we can take them out.

NEGOTIATOR #3
It's not that simple Captain.

JACOBS
I appreciate you guys coming
down, but these thieves are
grasping at straws.

NEGOTIATOR #1
And you're not? From what I've
heard you've already made some
pretty drastic errors today.

Jacobs isn't happy, but he can't deny it.

NEGOTIATOR #1 (CONT'D)
First you threatened to use
force, you said you're comply
with their demands within a
deadline, then you used a
hostages wife. You gave them
exactly what they wanted; the
power to control the situation.
And now you're going to say "No"
to these people, with no idea how
they're gonna react. You never
say no to a Hostage Taker, you
never give them a definitive
answer. You keep them talking,
you delay the clock. You do not
give the ability to call the
shots. You've made mistake after
mistake today, all because you
were to egomaniacal to wait for
the damn professionals.

JACOBS
I know what I have and haven't
done. And I know how to read
these guys. I know what they're
going to do.

Jacobs pushes Negotiator #1 backwards.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
We gotta stop negotiating and
start taking some action.

NEGOTIATOR #1
You have no idea what you're
doing Jacobs. You've f*cking lost
it. You shouldn't even be here
after what you did! Now you're
gonna get these people killed,
just like you did Marie Cortez.

Jacobs grabs Negotiator #1 by the collar and slams him into
the cop car.

SERGEANT LANE
That was out of the line!

NEGOTIATOR #1
Maybe it was, but if anything
happens to those people in there
it's on you.

Jacobs releases Negotiator #1.

NEGOTIATOR #1 (CONT'D)
You hear me Jacobs? It's on you!

The Negotiating team walk away, leaving a fuming, possibly
unstable Jacobs in control...

SERGEANT LANE
You okay Captain?

JACOBS
I'm fine.

SERGEANT LANE
So what are we doing here?

JACOBS
I don't know Lane. But I gotta
see this thing through -- We're
gonna tell them we're not
complying with their demands --

Annabelle is passing, she stops suddenly, overhearing what
Jacobs said.

ANNABELLE
You're not?

Jacobs sighs before he turns to face her.

JACOBS
No, Mrs. Harding, we're not.

ANNABELLE
But what about John? What about
the others? You can't do that to
them, you're risking their lives.
That poor girl, the old man.

JACOBS
I understand your hesitancy Mrs.
Harding, but we have reason to
believe this course of action is
the best for all parties
concerned.

ANNABELLE
Yeah but you don't know that for
sure. You don't know who those
bastards are gonna drag through
that door, and hold a gun to.
Someone could end up dead.

JACOBS
Mrs. Harding, that is not going
to happen.

ANNABELLE
You don't know that. I just want
my Husband to be safe.

JACOBS
And I understand that. But as it
stands, calling their bluff could
very well be the key to ending
all of this.

ANNABELLE
I hope so. Because if it's not --
you're going to have somebody's
blood on your hands.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #3 sits at one of the many empty tables.

Robber #2 watches out from then steel shutters. There is
silence between them

ROBBER #3
Are you really going to kill the
next hostage?

ROBBER #2
The cops, they're second guessing
us. They think we're weak, that
if they give us a few ultimatums
we'll get scared, give up, walk
out of here. In six minutes
they're gonna find out if they're
right, or if they're wrong.

ROBBER #3
What's that supposed to mean?

ROBBER #2
Let me make things a little
clearer. We're either driving out
of here ... or someone's getting
a bullet in their head.

CUT TO:



MONTAGE:

"SHE DON'T WANT THE WORLD" BY 3 DOORS DOWN PLAYS.

- Captain Jacobs stands by a cop car, he looks from Lame
busy giving orders, to the news vans, to the people
watching on with their video cameras. And finally to the
coffee shop. He takes a deep nervous breath.

- Lane turns his head and catches Jacobs nervous breath.
Lane looks at his Captain, his friend compassion.

- Robber #2 stares at the gun in his head, and then at the
money placed on a table in front of him. His eyes are cold.

- Robber #3 looks at Robber #2, almost mentally questioning
Robber #2 on what he's about to do.

- Robber #1 looks at the door to the back room, the
hostages eyes on him. He holds his gun in the palms of his
hands. He looks at it with regret.

- Dillon holds Cassie tightly, both traumatized by the
experience.

- William looks stoic as ever, he looks towards Elizabeth.
She tries to muster up a smile, which he returns.

- Outside the Coffee shop Annabelle sits in the back of one
of the Police squad cars. She stares longingly at a picture
of John and weeps.

- Inside the Coffee Shop John sits thoughtful.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

TITLE: 10:15 AM

Robber #1 and the hostages sit quiet in the back room. The
only sound is the ticking clock.

Robber #1 watches it thoughtful, nervously.

ROBBER #1
You know, I -- I didn't want to
do this, I don't want to be here.

ELIZABETH
Believe it or not, neither do we.

WILLIAN
Let him speak Elizabeth.

DILLON
Why should we? He and his friends
have threatened us all. We could
all be dead right now. He put a
gun against Cassie's head.

Cassie sits quietly in the corner, she bows her head as she
remembers her ordeal.

DILLON (CONT'D)
He threatened to kill my fiancée.
You think I want to hear what he
has to say?

JOHN
You might not care Dillon, but
we've all had a chance to speak
today. Talk about our lives, our
mistakes. Why should he be any
different? Let him speak.

ROBBER #1
I didn't want any of this to
happen. I didn't want anybody to
get hurt. I just -- I got robbed.
I got screwed.

DILLON
So you thought you'd do the same
to the rest of us?

ROBBER #1
No -- Yes -- I don't know. I
just, I knew some bad people. I
needed money. I needed a way to
survive. The company I worked for
-- stock crashes. You know how it
is.

ELIZABETH
No I don't know how it is. Why
don't you tell me?

ROBBER #1
I'm trying to. We all lost our
jobs, I couldn't pay bills,
couldn't even give my kids money
for lunch at school. I was
desperate.

WILLIAM
And in your desperation you
turned to desperate measures.

ROBBER #1
Exactly. Get in, get out. That's
what they said. It was a mistake,
I shouldn't have listened, I
should have found another way.

CASSIE
Yes you should have.

The room turns to Cassie.

CASSIE (CONT'D)
You shouldn't have done this. But
-- I can understand why ...

The room is again momentarily silent.

ELIZABETH
Whilst we're on the subject of
confessions and apologies.
William; I owe you one. Earlier,
you tried to talk to me ... I
ignored you.

WILLIAM
That's perfectly all right my
dear.

ELIZABETH
No it's not. I was having a real
bad day and I took it out on you.
I had no reason to do that. You
were just some nice guy looking
for a chat, I shouldn't have blew
you off like I did.

WILLIAM
It's OK.

ELIZABETH
If it's any consolation, I don't
get all that Mocha Latte crap
either. But it was a mistake to
no listen to you and after what
you've been through today,
hearing about -- you know?

For the first time Elizabeth's tough exterior fails her.
She begins to get misty eyed. William puts an arm around
her.

JOHN
We've all made mistakes.

Now the room's attention turns to John.

JOHN
You know where I was going today?
I was supposed to be at a divorce
hearing. But I -- I overslept.
Truth be told, I'd actually
rather be here. But, that's where
I was going when I stopped here.
I was hung over -- in desperate
need of coffee. Since My wife and
I separated all I've done is
drink and feel sorry myself. Not
once did I take a long hard look
in the mirror and entertain the
thought that it was my fault.
That I drove her away. Instead I
just assumed her reasons were
faulty, or that she was cheating
on me.
It wasn't until today that I
realized that Elizabeth's right.
I never considered the
possibility that the things I did
or rather didn't do affected
Annabelle -- my wife. I would
stay late at work, once I stayed
late practically every day for an
entire month. I thought I was
providing a better life for my
family, but really I was only
driving them away. I was married
more to my job than I was to her,
and for that I'm sorry.

The room is silent, listening to John.

JOHN (CONT'D)
Days, times like this make you
realize what's important. Right
now, if I could be anywhere else
in the world -- I'd be with her.
I don't want to die here. I don't
want to have to pay for the
mistakes I've made in my life --
because I wanted coffee. But in a
way, I'm glad this happened.
Because it woke me up, made me
think about what's important.
Dillon, Cassie, I see how devoted
you are to one another. I want
that back so badly, I don't want
to end up like William, alone in
the world. I don't want bitter
like you Elizabeth, hating
someone I love ... hating myself.
I'm just sorry it took a hostage
situation to realize it.

DILLON
John -- we've all been through a
lot today. We've shared things we
wouldn't usually share with
strangers. I just want to say,
I'm glad you're here. What you
just said, it's -- it puts things
in perspective for all of us.

CASSIE
John -- I hope this has given you
the strength to correct at least
one of the mistakes you've made
it your life. I hope you fix
things with your wife.

JOHN
Me too.

ELIZABETH



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

TITLE: 10:19 AM

Outside the coffee shop Sergeant Lane liaisons with other
officers. Checking the status of various things. Jacobs
mulls things over as he stands by one of the squad cards.

SERGEANT LANE
I think it's best we try and move
the bystanders away. Try and
lower the crowd number. We want
these streets as deserted as
possible. We don't want these
guys shooting this way again, but
if they do, the least we can do
is make sure there's nobody
around to get shot.

Lane looks to Jacobs momentarily.

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
And try to get the news vans out
of here.

OFFICER
Yes sir Sergeant.

The officer walks away, relaying the order through his
radio. Lane turns to Jacobs.

SERGEANT LANE
Clocks ticking down Cap.

JACOBS
How long we got?

SERGEANT LANE
Just under a minute. The HT just
went to the back room, he'll be
back out a second.

JACOBS
With a hostage.

SERGEANT LANE
Captain, are you sure about this?

JACOBS
No. But we've been pandering to
these people since minute one.
And look where's it's got us.
We're no closer to getting anyone
out of there than when we first
showed up.

SERGEANT LANE
But it's a big risk to take. Are
you sure you're not doing this
because of Marie?

JACOBS
Lane! How long have we been
working together? When has
something like that ever impeded
my judgement?

SERGEANT LANE
Never. But the woman you loved
has never died before.

Jacobs grabs Lane.

JACOBS
I know that. I know what happened
to her was my fault. I have to
live with that, I have to live
with that guilt. I've come to
terms with that. I made a bad
call, and the person I was
supposed to spend the rest of my
life with ends up dead. I spent
six months in therapy because of
it.

SERGEANT LANE
Fair enough. All I'm saying is,
you may be going into this thing
to gung-ho because you feel the
need to redeem yourself. Now I'll
support you, but I need to know
if you're thinking this through.

Jacobs pauses, much like he did in the therapists office.

JACOBS
I am.

The same quiver in his voice.

SERGEANT LANE
Are you sure?

JACOBS
Of course I am. What happened to
Marie was my fault. But I'm not
going to let that affect the
lives of all those hostages -- I
can't. I can't let anybody else
die on my watch. I promise you
that. Are we clear?

SERGEANT LANE
Perfectly.

Jacobs releases Lane and turns to leave. Lane calls after
him.

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
Christian --

Jacobs turns on his heel back to Lane. He appears stern,
but a look of apprehension creeps into his expression.

SERGEANT LANE (CONT'D)
I hope it works out for you.

JACOBS
Don't hope it works out for me,
hope it works out for them.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM

The door creaks open, ominously. The faces in the room all
simultaneously turn to see the man entering; Robber #2.

ROBBER #2
Who's next?

ELIZABETH
What's going?

ROBBER #2
Time's up girly. So I repeat.
Who. Is. Next?

William stirs, however a hand is pressed to his shoulder,
pinning him to the floor. John rises to his feet.

JOHN
Me.

ROBBER #2
Oh Johnny Boy. You've already had
a spin of the wheel. I let you go
again, then next --

Robber #2 looks at Cassie. A perverse smile plastered
across the visible part of his face.

Cassie turns her head, sickened by the very thought of
Robber #2's eyes on her.

Dillon's fist clenches tightly as he fights back his rage.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
-- Little miss sunshine will want
a second go.

DILLON
You leave her out of this.

ROBBER #2
Or maybe I should take lover boy.
I seem to remember a death
threat. Only fair I get to make
the same threat.

Dillon scrambles forwards.

DILLON
Son of a b*tch.

Elizabeth and John grab him and hold him back.

Robber #2 pulls a gun on him.

ROBBER #2
I suggest you sit back down son.

CASSIE
Dillon ... do what he says.

Reluctantly Dillon, still seething with rage, does as his
fiancée asks. John releases Dillon's arm. He turns to
Robber #2.

JOHN
Take me.

ROBBER #2
Are you sure Mr. Harding? Your
dear wife may still be outside.

JOHN
I'm sure. Take me.

ROBBER #2
Fine. I knew you were a hero the
first time I saw you. I guess all
heroes have their time to die.
Looks like this is yours.

Robber #2 leaves the room. John in tow. As he reaches the
door Robber #1 grabs John's arm.

ROBBER #1
Good luck.

John nods to Robber #1 who releases his arm. John exits,
the door slammed shut behind him. The Lamb, is in the
slaughter house.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Lane stands with Jacobs.

SERGEANT LANE
Here they come.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR

Inside the Coffee Shop, Robber #2 and Robber #3 drag John
towards the shutters.

ROBBER #3
You sure about this?

ROBBER #2
As I'll ever be.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Lane and Jacobs make final preparations.

JACOBS
I'm gonna try talk these guys
down, but it they don't take the
bait I want our guys on the roof
to be ready. These bastards are
going be ready to do something. I
don't want hesitations. First
sign of a shot, take it.

SERGEANT LANE
I'll give the order sir.

JACOBS
Remember, any hostile action, any
at all.

SERGEANT LANE
Take them out.

Jacobs nods to Lane as he steps forward into the street,
once again approaching the Coffee Shop.

INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

TITLE: 10:24 AM

Robber #2 holds John in place, much like he did earlier on.
His gun once again pushed, firmly to John's skull.

ROBBER #2
You better hope your little lady
went on home. It'd be a terrible
shame for her to have to see what
might happen here.

JOHN
She watches the news.

ROBBER #2
How unfortunate. Now keep quiet.

Robber #2 looks at to see Jacobs approaching.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
Show time.



EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY

The Snipers, hold their rifles at the ready looking for a
shot.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

ROBBER #2
(To Jacobs)
This is your last chance Jacobs.
I hope the news is good ... for
this guy's sake.

JACOBS
Actually --

ROBBER #2
You better choose your words very
carefully Captain.

Robber #2 looks at John.

ROBBER #2 (CONT'D)
I wonder if Mrs. Harding is still
here, I wonder how she feels
about the decision you're about
to make.

Jacobs sighs deeply.

JACOBS
Sir, I understand that you're
here because you felt like you
didn't have any other choice.
When you entered the shop, you
had a split decision right? Keep
the people there or let them go?
You kept them there, used them as
leverage, but for the most part
you kept them safe. I want to
thank you for that. I don't think
you want to hurt anybody, I don't
think you really want to do this.

ROBBER #2
Stop trying to psychoanalyse me
Captain.

JACOBS
You're right, that's what I'm
doing and I'm sorry. But I hope
you understand it's just my job.
If I had a choice I wouldn't want
to be here either. But I am, and
seeing as it's my job, I've got
to try and keep you and the
hostages safe. I have to make
sure everybody, not just the
hostages; but you too, get out of
here unharmed.

ROBBER #2
Serve and Protect right?

JACOBS
Exactly. What you've got to ask
yourself right now is, what do
you want more? Do you want to get
out of here, and have that man's
blood on your hands for the rest
of your life; or do you want to
live with a clear conscience
knowing that today you made the
right decision?

Robber #2 doesn't answer.

JACOBS (CONT'D)
All I'm asking, is for you and
your friends to raise the
shutters. Put the weapons down,
and slowly come out with your
arms raised. Nothing will happen
to you. We might a few questions,
but --

ROBBER #2
But what Jacobs? I'll spend a
couple of years in Prison with a
smile on my face knowing a didn't
waste this guy. Guess what
Captain, I've been to prison
before and I am not going back.

JACOBS
I understand that. You feel like
you're on a ledge, nothing
between you and the ground. Right
now you think you've got nothing
to lose. But you can fall, and
then there's no going back, no
safety net. Just you and the
pavement below.

ROBBER #2
I'm already falling Captain. To
quote De Niro "Loneliness has
followed me my whole life,
everywhere. In bars, in cars,
sidewalks, stores, everywhere.
There's no escape. I'm a lonely
man." I'm on a f*cking island and
this guy's my mother f*cking raft
off.

JACOBS
That quote. It's wrong. De Niro
said "I'm God's lonely man."

ROBBER #2
Are you messing with me?

JACOBS
No. Just reminding you; in this
situation, I'm God. And I decide
whether that guy is your life
raft; or the S.O.S sign made of
stones that nobody ever sees.

ROBBER #2
Don't try me Jacobs. Just tell
me; are you going to give me what
I want or not?

JACOBS
Maybe if you --

ROBBER #2
Sent out a hostage? I don't think
so, now answer my question.

JACOBS
You don't want to cooperate with
me?

ROBBER #2
ANSWER MY QUESTION?

The intense dramatic music crescendos as Robber #2's finger
closes in around the trigger. It quivers as he gently rests
the tip of his finger against it.



EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY

Sniper looks through the scope at the drama unfolding
below. His hand eases onto the trigger of his rifle.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, BACK ROOM - DAY

TITLE: 10:31 AM

Robber #1 taps his foot nervously on the floor, his gun in
his hand.

ROBBER #1
They're going to kill him aren't
they?

CASSIE
Yes.

WILLIAM
I would imagine so.

ROBBER #1
I can't let him die.

WILLIAM
But you don't know how to stop
him.

Robber #1 looks at his gun, and then at Elizabeth.

ROBBER #1
What would you do?

ELIZABETH
I'd make sure John doesn't get a
bullet in his head

ROBBER #1
And you two. What would you do?

DILLON
Me? I'd kill the bastard that has
put us through all this. But It
doesn't matter what I'd do.

CASSIE
What matters, is what you do.

Robber #1 looks to William.

ROBBER #1
What would you do?

WILLIAM
Whatever it takes. If it meant a
good person wouldn't lose their
life.

Robber #1 pauses.

ROBBER #1
(To himself)
Whatever it takes.

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Robber #2 holds John with one hand, the gun in the other
pointed at John's head.

ROBBER #2
I ANSWER ME JACOBS! Are you going
to give me what I want or not?



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

JACOBS
No. No I'm not going to give you
what you want.

ROBBER #2
Then he dies.

CUT TO:



EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY

The sniper peers through the tactical scope, readying to
fire.

CUT TO:



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - MOMENTS LATER

SERGEANT LANE
Captain!

Jacobs turns as Annabelle charges forward. Tears roll down
her face; she is distraught, shattered.

ANNABELLE
No!

Lane tries to grab Annabelle.

JACOBS
Get her back, get her out of her!

Jacobs turns back to Robber #2

JACOBS (CONT'D)
Wait a minute --

ROBBER #2
It's too late Jacobs. Your time
is up!

CUT TO:



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

A red laser dot appears on Robber #2's shoulder. It travels
across his body almost in slow motion.



INTERCUT BETWEEN JACOBS AND ROBBER #2

SLOW MOTION: Jacobs looks back as Annabelle tries to run
towards the shop. Lane holds her back. The sound of her
screams echo and linger with an underwater like effect as
the music brings new drama and intensity to the unfolding
situation.

John closes his eyes accepting his impending fate. All
other sounds is shut out as he does so.

Slowly Robber #2 begins to push down on the trigger.

Close on Robber #2's face as he presses down on his bottom
lip with his teeth. He breathes heavily as he prepares to
fire, prepares to end another human being's life.

John closes his eyes, awaiting his impending fate.

BANG.

The sound of gunshot. And with it the sound of chaos on the
street.

John's eyes flash open.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Annabelle is held tightly by Lane. She screams, tears
streaming down her face.

Jacobs watches on his horror, having failed in his efforts
to talk the thieves down.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR

REVEAL:

Robber #1, with the smoking gun. His gun pointed directly
at Robber #2.

Robber #2's arm drops and he collapses to the floor. Dead.

John doesn't move. Slowly, he raises his arm and peels his
jacket off of his shoulder. The flow of blood has already
stained his white shirt.

John fearfully looks down and sees it, below his shoulder,
a bullet wound.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Finally Annabelle breaks free from Lane. She charges
towards the Coffee Shop. Jacobs does nothing to prevent
her.

ANNABELLE
John!

She hammers away at the glass doors to the shop, unable to
get in.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

The hostages slowly file out of the back room. Robber #3
horror struck, he falls back against the wall and peels off
his mask.

ANGLE ON:

John, who drops to his knees. He looks towards Annabelle
and manages to force a smile. He mouths the words: "I'M
SORRY" before letting his body go.

John falls face first to the floor. The other hostages
stunned.

Robber #1 looks at John, and then to the shattered window.
Slowly he cranes his neck to the rooftop.



EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY

The Sniper sits with his head in his hand.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Annabelle weeps as the Police smash through the bolted
door. Elizabeth opens the shutters from inside allowing the
cops to enter.

"ONE MORE DAY" by VAST plays. No other sound can be heard.



EXT. OUTSIDE COFFEE SHOP - DAY

The ambulances begin to roll in as Jacobs drops to his
knees, he bows his head; he has failed again. Lane stands
behind him.

JACOBS
What happened?

SERGEANT LANE
Sniper took a shot just as the
other thief pulled the trigger.
They guy pulled Harding into the
Sniper's line of fire.

JACOBS
Where was he hit?

SERGEANT LANE
Impact below the shoulder.

JACOBS
Is he going to be OK.

SERGEANT LANE
I don't think so.

JACOBS
It's my fault. I should have
listened to them, to you. I
wasn't ready.

SERGEANT LANE
No, no you weren't.

JACOBS
How can I do my job, if I can't
forgive myself for what happened
to Marie? How can I do my job if
I'm constantly trying to redeem
myself?

SERGEANT LANE
You can't forget what happened

and maybe you can't forgive
yourself. But that doesn't mean
you can't redeem yourself. We all
make mistakes, and sometimes the
end result is a day like today.
But that doesn't mean we stop
trying to fix them.

Lane begins to walk away leaving a defeated, and detached
Jacobs looking at the ground.



INT. COFFEE SHOP, SHOP FLOOR - DAY

Annabelle cradles John in her arms as Police Officers
handcuff Robber #1. He puts up no fight, and simply stares
remorsefully at the fallen John.

The hostages, Dillon, Cassie, Elizabeth & William kneel
besides John. Cassie weeps as Dillon tries to comfort her.

WILLIAM
He was a good man. And he was
sorry.

William places his hand on Annabelle's shoulder.

WILLIAM (CONT'D)
He loved you.

"ONE MORE DAY" continues to play until the end.

The Paramedics make their way towards John to assist him.

ANGLE ON: One of the many tables in the Coffee Shop, on the
table is a cold, forgotten about cup of coffee. The cup, is
half full.

TITLE: 10:30 AM

FADE TO BLACK.


THE END

[blaggers]

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