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Post by Dale on Aug 15, 2008 16:21:29 GMT -5
EXT. OLD HOUSE, DAWN
The lawn is bare, almost dead. Only a few patches of green sprout up from the tattered area. The wind blows a sickly looking rain tree violently, almost blowing it over. A young man, possibly in his early to mid 20s, mopes out of the front door and sits on the lawn.
He looks at his hands, then looks at his jacket that reads "JAY." He reaches into his jacket pocket slowly and pulls out a small pistol. The cold wind causes him to shiver, and he stares intently at the weapon as if debating whether or not to use it. His eyes begin to well up with tears, and he puts his head down to the icy ground.
Jay (V.O.)
Was it worth it? I thought so, I really did. After all, it was my education, my future, my hopes and dreams. The pros outweigh the cons. That's what I said to myself over and over again. I thought going back to my vices one more time would be worth it. What a fucking idiot I was. But I did it any way. Just one last score.
fade to black
LAST WEEK, UNF FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
JAY BERTSON walks down the slender, confusing corridors on the third floor of the Financial Aid office at his college, the University of North Florida. He walks fast, nearly running over a large couch in the waiting area. He stumbles his way into a small room with "Financial Advisers" listed in bold black lettering on the front, and sits down in front of a desk. On the other side is a rather bookish woman working on the computer.
JAY (panting)
Umm...Miss Cruise? You...needed to talk to me?
Ms. Cruise
Ah, Japheth, thank you for coming by.
JAY
Please, Jay is fine. I hate being called Japheth. I mean, I don't hate it...it's not that big a deal...what is it you wanted to talk to me about? I need to get home soon. It's Christmas break after all.
MS. CRUISE
As you know, you're on the Bright Futures Scholarship. You've had it for 100 percent scholarship due to your incredible SAT scores.
JAY
1370.
MS. CRUISE (looking at computer)
Yes, well, I see here that you dropped a class last semester.
JAY
Yeah, I dropped an elective because it didn't mesh with me. It was early so I added another class I liked better...psychology, I believe. I got an A.
MS. CRUISE
Well, that's a good story, but our computers show that you only took three classes last semester. You know you have to have at least four classes to be full-time, and you have to be full time to have this scholarship.
JAY
That's not right...ask Mr. Pang. He was my professor.
MS. CRUISE
Mr. Pang left to go teach at FSU.
JAY
So you're telling me that I now have to be the entire 42,000 dollars for my tuition?
MS. CRUISE
Unfortunately, yes.
JAY
Son of a bitch!
MS. CRUISE
Watch your language, young man!
JAY
Listen, you cliche of a librarian! I took four classes last semester, I've got all the notebooks and homework to prove it!
MS. CRUISE (ruffled)
As long as I'd like to believe you, JAPHETH, even if you give me your homework and books, I can't just take your word over the computer. If we did that to everybody, we'd be graduating some of the stupidest people out to become reporters, technicians, and nurses!
JAY
I'm not asking you to do it for everybody, just please do it for me, damn it!
MS. CRUISE
I'm sorry. You're off the scholarship. Now leave before I have you removed.
JAY storms out of the room, forgetting his jacket in the process. After a moment, he returns to surprise Ms. Cruise, who is still at her computer.
JAY
Up yours, Ms. Cruise. I hope you're never a Mrs!
He slams the door, and furiously walks to the elevator. Inside the elevator, he sees he's alone.
He frantically punches, kicks, and flails around, screaming over and over until his voice suddenly cracks. He starts to slow down...
JAY (V.O.)
I don't have that money. I don't. I have a shit job at a Subway that pays seven bucks an hour and I work at most 25 hours a week. I already took out a loan last year to help out with paying for my apartment that I share with my best friend. I'm gonna be knee deep in dept as it is, and now they take away the one thing keeping everything from being repossessed- my scholarship. How could they do that? Should I sue? Should I call a lawyer? No, that would just cost more money. How can I make that much money in two weeks?
BEHIND SAM’S CLUB, EMPTY LOT
Jay is sitting Indian style on a small concrete ledge, looking a few feet down at the pavement below, his hair swaying in his eyes. His girlfriend, ELLA BRYANT, sits on her skateboard on the ground below him. The atmosphere is cloudy and it lightly drizzles on and off.
ELLA
Can't you just take out another loan or something? I can help out if you want?
JAY
E, you work at a Dollar General. We live in a shit town outside an even shittier big city, and it doesn't even matter if I take out a loan. It won't go through in time, and my credit is already bad enough that I doubt I'll get one anyway.
ELLA
Things have to look up, right?
Jay looks up with a mixed look of anger and regret.
JAY
How? How can things look up? This isn't magical "Wish for 42,000 Dollars Land!"
ELLA
God damn, Jay, calm down. I'm trying to help. Positive attitudes, you know. That's very key.
JAY
No, what's key is that I find money or make money. Or maybe find something that can make me money is a relatively short period of time.
Jay shoots Ella a look of anticipation. Ella gets a look of tense apprehension.
ELLA
No way. No way in hell you're doing that again. That's behind you. You haven't touched dirty money in over three years. You are NOT going back to selling that shit again. You do remember what happened, right? What kind of question is that, of course you do!
JAY
Yeah, I do. But the past is the past. I have to do something for my future. I don't plan on being in this derelict garbage disposal of a town much longer.
Jay hops down from the ledge and starts pacing around the vacant lot, stepping over large cracks and kicking pebbles along the asphalt. Ella stays on the skateboard, still visibly upset.
JAY
Ever notice that our hang-out spot is the old parking lot of the Sav-A-Lot after they demolished it and put the Sam's Club up in it's place? Why is that? It's half-destroyed, broken, plain, and pretty damn ugly. If it's for nostalgia's sake, what does that say about our childhood? Our recently-past adolescence? We were supposed to be something, E. Me, my dad, my...
Jay stops pacing and looks blankly into the dull gray sky.
JAY
...mom.
ELLA
Go home and think it over. It's almost Christmas, you know.
Jay looks at Ella as she picks up her skateboard, waves goodbye, and heads off. Jay looks around at the emptiness of the lot.
JAY
Totally alone. If I was a cutter I'd find the biggest fucking blade I could find and whittle away until I was suddenly left handed.
JAY AND WALLY’S APARTMENT
Jay walks up the stairs to a heavily locked door and uses multiple keys on different locking contraptions. Finally, he opens the door and enters his apartment. His roommate and good friend WALLY PETERS is sitting on a futon, eating Fritos and watching Transformers.
JAY
Isn't that, like, the 20th time you've seen that movie?
WALLY
24th.
JAY
Ah, of course you kept exact count. Why should I expect less of your "mad skillz."
Wally looks over the back of the couch to see Jay sloppily making a peanut butter sandwich. He slams down the jelly, nearly ripping the bread to smithereens.
WALLY
You are clearly frustrated. Not only are you making your comfort food, but you're making it like your the black knight and the bread is a dragon.
JAY
If you weren't my friend I'd say "Fuck off."
WALLY
Thanks, I guess. You gotta keep that temper down, you know?
JAY
Yeah.
Jay sits down on the tattered old futon and watches the film with Wally. He periodically looks around at the apartment, noticing how messy it is. The windows are cracked, the carpet stained by coffee, puke, kool-aid, or possibly even blood at different places. The wall-paint is a burnt orange color, but is surprisingly in tact.
JAY
I lost my scholarship. I don't have the money to go to college anymore. I have less than two weeks to get 42,000 dollars for my next semester.
WALLY
Dude, that's pretty harsh. Are you gonna drop out?
JAY
Hell no, Wally. No offense, but I don't plan on living with you for the rest of my life. Even if I saved every bit of money I possibly could, I don't even think I wanna do the math to find out how long it would take to get my own place.
Wally pats Jay on the back with assurance.
WALLY
So, what now? You just gonna take it day by day?
JAY
No. I'm sick and tired of getting short-changed. I know how to get some dough, but I'll need your help.
WALLY
Go on...
JAY
Well, my dad was...is...what you'd call a drug dealer. Has been for a while.
WALLY (moving closer)
You're joshing me, right?
JAY
No. That's the reason I got out of the house and cut myself off from him.
WALLY (looking concerned)
Why are you telling me this?
JAY
I used to help him out, ya know? I know some guys. If I can get into my dad's stash and out before he knows who did it, we should be alright.
WALLY
Wait, you mean a heist? Like stealing drugs and selling them for money? You're off your fucking rocker, man! Totally apeshit crazy!
JAY
Calm down, calm down. He's not like a big deal, man. He doesn't work for anybody, at least that I know of. It's just his crackhead hobby or something. I guess he just does it for extra money, and obviously to help fuel his gigantic drug habit...
WALLY
So you actually plan on doing this? How come you haven't told me any of this shit? About your past, ya know? I've known you for like 4 years now, since junior year. I knew you didn't like you dad, but man, drug dealer? I guess in this town it isn't all that uncommon, but still...
Jay gets off the couch and starts walking back to his bedroom. He's obviously tired, upset, and very worried. He waves Wally off as though to indicate he wants to be alone. Wally shrugs and goes back to watching TV. Paul slams down his body on his raggedy old mattress and dozed off to sleep...
INT. OLD HOUSE, THREE YEARS AGO
YOUNGER JAY is laying on the floor in the living room, reading "Lord of the Flies." He's laying in front of a busted television set, his father SHAUN passed out on his easy chair behind him. His mother, RITA, storms into the room furiously from the front door.
RITA
Where the fuck have you been, Jay? I've been driving my ass all over this god damn town looking for you, and now I come back to see your bike back in the driveway and you sitting here reading a BOOK??
JAY
Sorry. I like the book.
RITA (infuriated)
That's not the fucking point, Jay! I'm not mad about you reading, I mad that you were off doing you piece of cow shit father's dirty work for him!
EARLIER THAT DAY, ON THE STREET
Jay is leaning against his bicycle, waiting for someone on the corner of a deserted street. A tall, African-American man approaches him and opens his palm. Jay puts a baggy full of cocaine in his hand, and the man pulls out a wad of cash.
MAN
Here, you go kid. Your dad's got some great shit.
JAY
Sure thing, Tat. Just...do me a favor, okay?
TAT
Sure.
JAY
Can this be the last time, man?
TAT
It don't work that way. But I dig ya. I'll see what I can do to lighten your load. I know what that feeling's like, man. Broken home and all that jazz...
BACK INSIDE THE HOUSE
JAY
Don't call him that.
RITA
I'll call him by whatever I want to. He lost my respect about a year ago, and you know what's keeping our relationship together?
Jay gets up off the floor and throws his book, accidentally hitting Shaun. As Shaun starts to wake, Jay stands up and confronts his mother.
JAY
I've heard this before. It's me, right? You put me through fistfights, whippings, slaps in the face, broken chairs, broken bones, and even broken dreams because you love me, right? Bullshit, mom, so fucking bullshit.
RITA
You been your ass, you ungrateful little prick. I raised you, I feed you, I keep a roof over your head, and I think I deserve the respect a mother needs!
JAY
Oh, so you need me to take yours and dad's shit and give you some respect? What should I respect, mom? I think the fact that I still call you mom is enough respect for you!
RITA
Why do you side with him, huh? Why do you agree to carry and deliver his drugs, hmmm?
JAY
Why do you let him do the drugs in the first place?
Rita balls up her fist and punches Jay in the gut as hard as she can.
JAY (coughing)
So, I'm supposed to respect you?
At this point, Shaun is fully awake and gets up, pulling out a revolver and pointing it at Rita.
SHAUN
Don't touch him like that.
RITA
Where did you get a gun? I bet you don't have a license for that, do you? Give that to me!
Rita grabs for the gun and starts fighting for it with Shaun. Jay crawls away, his hand still on his abdomen.
SHAUN
Rita, stop, the gun is loaded! I don't want to hurt you. Just let go, we can work this out...
The deafening sound of the gun going off causes everybody to stop and look in the direction of the gun. Jay looks, hoping for the life of him that it just hit a lamp. It didn't. Blood began spurting out of Rita's chest like a leaking hose. She immediately falls to the ground.
JAY
You fucking shot her.
SHAUN
No...I didn't...it was one of those, you know, "couldn't help it" deals. I told her to stop...this shit happens in the movies all the time, like at the end where the main hero and villain are fighting over the weapon...
JAY
Dad, I don't wanna hear you fucking talking about movies right now, you stupid fuck! Son of a bitch, you killed mom!
Jay and Shaun both start pacing around the room, their hands on their heads. Jay sits down on the easy chair and starts crying loudly and screaming angry, frustrated screeches. Shaun just sits down at the corpse of Rita and stares...
JAY’S ROOM
Jay wakes with a shout and pants loudly. His skin is clammy and sweaty, his pillow soaked with sweat.
JAY (V.O.)
Oh, shit! That was one frightening dream. I wish that was all it was, but it really happened. I wish it was embellished or had some usual weird dream crap in it like flying crabs or Bozo the Clown or whatnot, but no such luck. An exact reply of the worst day of my life...but it isn't like my life is exactly going forward. It's in the past. Oh I went through the "five stages of death" or whatnot, except I was already numbed at that point that after the initial shock...I just put in the back of my head. And that's the problem. It's stuck there and won't leave.
Jay walks back into the kitchen and sees through the window that it's dark outside. Wally is sitting at the table, palms in his hand, deep in thought.
WALLY
I'm with you, man. I don't know what stuff has happened to you in the past, but I'm with you. Just promise me that this won't be a full time thing. I'm of the group of people that thinks both drugs and stealing are wrong, ya know?
JAY
Rare type, those are. Loyalty is also something lacking in the majority, and you surprise me in that respect as well. We'll talk about it more tomorrow. I need to go stake out my dad's house, get used to his routine. Then we can find out the weak spot and get in and out quick.
TWO DAYS LATER
Jay is sitting on the rooftop of an old abandoned plastic factory that sits across the street from Shaun's house- the same dreaded house that Jay moved out of 3 years ago. The two are looking across through binoculars, trying to spy on Shaun. The house sits on a corner of a semi-busy intersection on the outskirts of an old neighborhood. Wally is down below inside his car, talking to Jay on a two-way radio. He's parker around the corner, away from Shaun's house.
WALLY
So, does he like...send you cards or anything? Like are you expecting a Christmas gift?
JAY (holding binoculars)
No....I haven't seen him in three years. I haven't talked to him, either. I haven't even seen this house. It looks almost exactly the same, save for a new paint job. Same color, just a new coat...
WALLY
I]That's some attention to detail, man.
JAY
Well, it's something I've learned over the years.
WALLY
Do you have any new info on Shaun?[/]
JAY
Well, the first day he didn't leave. He just watched TV, juiced himself up, then went to work at his roofing job downtown. I followed him there, so I could keep an eye.
WALLY
What about today?
JAY
Well, I called the roofers, and he's off today. I'm hoping he'll leave and we can follow him. I doubt he keeps his big stash at his house. It's probably in a shed or something at a more private location...
Shaun walks out of the house and enters his car, cranks it, and starts to drive off.
JAY
We've got movement. He should be coming around your corner any second! Don't follow too close behind him! Get me instructions as soon as I get on my bike!
Wally steps on his gas and follows Shaun, giving instruction to Jay via radio as he follows on his bike.
WALLY
It woulda been easier to just stakeout outside his house together in the car instead of me hiding while you watch...
JAY
Cars outside his house...no good...it's happened before, and he nearly got busted...safer this way.
WALLY
Well, he's taking a left turn on Northwestern Street. You catchin' up?
JAY
Yeah, man, I ride my bike all the time...I can keep up as long as he stays on residential roads. He goes onto a boulevard, you'll have to keep track without me.
Jay weaves in and out of busy city streets as he follows Wally's instructions, narrowly dodging cars and motorcycles.
WALLY
Hey, Jay, he's weaving a lot through traffic...I can barely see him.
JAY
Damn it, Wally, don't lose him!
WALLY
Hey, he's veered off onto an unmarked road...it's really small. It's got a dead end sign on it. It's by a Duncan Donuts, you got me?
JAY
Yeah...don't follow him farther. Just park at the Duncan's and I'll meet you there.
DUNCAN’S DONUTS LOTS
Jay and Wally sit inside of Wally's car and listen to music. Avenged Sevenfold's "Gunslinger" is playing.
JAY
As soon as he comes out, we go in. It's a dead end, and that road looks so dead and beaten I betcha nobody lives down there. He's probably got some hideout there.
WALLY
I'm not feeling so good...I'm super nervous. I feel like my stomach is about to explode.
JAY
Hey, man. I promise this will be easy. He won't know what him.
WALLY
Man, what makes you think he'll have 42,000 dollars in drugs in there anyway?
JAY
He kept talking about his stash when I was still living with him. He never told me anything about it other than it was huge. If it isn't, then well...I guess we did this for nothing and I'll be a bagger in this pothole for the rest of my life.
WALLY
That really ain't so bad...
JAY (cutting him off)
You don't fucking know what I've seen in this town, or what I've been through, man!
WALLY
Jesus, sorry...
Jay looks intently through the windshield, waiting, and watching, cutting out all outside noise...
INT. OLD HOUSE, 3 YEARS AGO
Rita's pale, lifeless body lies on what used to be a blue carpet, now stained purple. Shaun is furiously washing his gun with alcohol while Jay just sits on the easy chair, his hands on his knees and his head tilted downward. He gets up and starts pacing again.
SHAUN
It was an accident...but hey...at least she won't be hitting you anymore.
JAY
What the fuck kind of comment is that? Oh, yeah, the brain of a crackhead, that's what it is!
SHAUN
Oh, come on buddy! You honestly don't blame THAT for this, do you? She grabbed me! It was an honest to god accident!
JAY
Well, she was my mom, and your wife, no matter what she did physically to either of us. You pushed and pushed and pushed with your bullshit and you expected her to just bend over and take it up the ass. And she did. You know why? Because she LOVED you.
SHAUN
Whatever happened to "How am I supposed to respect you" and all that? I thought you hated her. I thought you were on my side.
JAY
Don't you get it, dad? I can't choose sides, because you’re both so god damned convinced that you're right! Mom resorts to violence, you keep on pumping liquid death into your veins. What's worse? Really?
SHAUN
Then why did you do what you did, helping me and all?
JAY
Because I thought you needed some character support since mom wasn't helping the situation, and because we weren't making enough money to make ends meet. I was sorely wrong about the first point. All I did was support your habit, not your spirit.
SHAUN
Gee, Jay, that's really fucking deep. So what you gonna do, put me away? You know it was an accident, and all that forensic shit and your honest testimony would prove that. Plus, putting me away won't do shit. I think it's best you help me build a grave and do what's right. Pay your respects.
Jay looks at his mother, then glances up at his father with a fierce look of anger in his eyes like a fireball was burning away on the inside. He balls up his fist and punches his father across the face as hard as he could, breaking his nose. Blood starts to pour down his face.
JAY
Fine. I'll build your fucking grave.
SOMEWHERE OUTSIDE, AT AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
Shaun and Jay both stand in front of a recently finished grace, a very amateur headstone made of an old piece of concrete sticking out of the ground. It has a message etched on: "Rita Bertson, 1962-2008, Beloved Mother and Wife.
SHAUN
You know I'm not totally devoid of emotion. This kills me inside, too.
JAY
Yeah, well, she's dead in body AND soul...
Jay walks over and gently strokes the top of the headstone, his eyes welling up with tears.
JAY
I'm leaving.
BACK AT DUNCAN’S DONUTS
WALLY
Hey, Jay, that's his car! He's leaving.
Jay turns to see his father's car turning out of the small road.
JAY
Alright, man. Let's go.
Jay and Wally drive down the road very slowly, being careful to check for evidence of a disruption. As they drive, the back of buildings start to give way to cold, empty woods. The pavement ends and the road continues into a dirt road.
WALLY
There's nothing down here.
JAY (looking out the window)
There's only two pairs of tire tracks, and that has to be my dad going and coming. Keep going. I'll tell you if the tracks...hold up, they just turned off into the woods over there!
Wally stops the car and he and Jay walk over to where the car tracks stop. They look and notice the tracks stop and footprints begin. The lead into a brushed, but clearly trodden upon, path.
JAY
Guess we follow, huh?
The guys follow, pushing through brush and vines, until they get to a large metal shed, about 80 feet by 40 feet.
WALLY
It's like a mini-warehouse...
JAY
I bet you this thing is totally unlocked.
Jay twists the knob on the door, and it easily opens.
JAY
Hidden warehouse in the middle of the woods, who needs lock right?
As the guys walk into the warehouse, they are stunned by tons of bricks of cocaine.
JAY
There's no way all of this is his. He's gotta be stashing for some of his buddies. But you know what? That's his fucking problem.
WALLY
Dude...I'm really not wanting to do this...
JAY
Wally, I need your help, man. I needed it to follow him, and I need you to help me take this stuff. Come on, we don't need that many bricks...
LATER, AT THE APARTMENT
Jay and Wally are sitting at the kitchen table, which is now loaded with bricks of cocaine. Jay is looking through a phone book.
WALLY
What are you looking for?
JAY
The guy that's gonna make this happen.
Jay picks up a phone and starts dialing.
JAY
Yeah, Tat? It's me, Jay. Yeah, yeah, little Jay. Look, I know we haven't talked in a while...but you know me. I need you to hook me up with somebody, I gotta deal for them. A hell of a deal. Yeah, yeah. You still in? Alright man, you know you can trust me. Corner of Beckett and Cane? Gotcha.
Jay hangs up and looks at Wally.
JAY
I'm good now, man. Your work is done. Thanks. I really needed you.
WALLY
You're welcome. It wasn't that big a deal. I just get nervous sometimes.
JAY
A guy I know is going to help me out. Is it alright if I borrow your car later this evening?
WALLY
Sure. I'm off work tonight.
CORNER OF BECKETT AND CANE
Jay is sitting on the trunk of Wally's car, smoking a cigarette. He's in an empty parking lot in front of a skin bar. It's Saturday night and the place is packed. Tat walks up to Jay from inside the building.
TAT
Jay, Rock says for me to escort you in. We'll send Tim out to get your car and bring it around back.
JAY
Thanks for doin this, man. You know I haven't been in the thick of things for a while, so I appreciate you helping me.
TAT
Yo, man, it's fine. We go back. Now Rock, on the other hand, he doesn't know you. I'm a close associate of his, so my vouching is what's gettin you this, okay?
JAY
Sure. I'm not quite 21, you know. You sure I can go in?
TAT
Rock's dad practically owns this place. You're cool.
Jay and Tat walk into the building, going from a relative quiet outside to a burst of neon light and pulsing loud sounds inside. Many women are dancing for men, most of them topless. Drinks are being served all around. Jay and Tat walk into a back room where Rock, a young man in his mid twenties and Tim, a muscular man in his early thirties, are sitting on a large, embellished couch. Rock is drinking and chatting up the beautiful women. He notices tat and calls them over.
ROCK
Hey, Tat! This the guy you're trusting? Tell me kid, what kinda score you got?
JAY
40, maybe 50 thousand dollars worth.
ROCK
Where did you get this?
JAY
Hidden stash.
ROCK
And you just decided to sell it?
JAY
I'm thinking about getting clean.
ROCK
...hahahahahaha! Jokes! That's a riot man. Really. Hey, Tim, go get his car and pull it around to the back door.
TIM
Sure thing, boss.
ROCK
Sit down, man. The goods will be here in just a sec. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Jay sits down on the couch and his rear sinks into the overused cushions. He spies ugly looking stains on the couch. The women around them look obviously stoned, or possibly tripping on something. Jay looks over and stares at Rock.
JAY
Look...I'm just here to cut a deal. I'm not interested in setting up any more deals for you, and I'm not interested in becoming a new client of yours. In and out, that's what I want.
Rock switches from a mostly good mood into a clearly pissed off, confrontational mood. His eyes twitter back and forth, his voice wavering between high and low pitches, giving him the appearance of a schizophrenic.
ROCK
Look, asshole, I call the shots. Tat here must be real fucking mistaken, because you most certainly don't seem like the kind of guy who I can trust. If I want to call you, I fucking call you. I should pull my glock right now and put a hole in you mother fucking skull!
TIM (walking through the back door)
Hey, man, this shit's for real. The kid delivered, Rock. There's probably 50 geez worth in here!
Jay glances over at Tat, who gives him a stern look. Tat, Tim, and Rock all transport the drugs into the room and begin to test it.
ROCK
Mmmmm....this is good, man. This is really good. In fact, this is some of the most pure shit I've come across in a long time. I'd be willing to double your price for this if you weren't such a prick. Maybe you can convince me otherwise.
JAY (V.O.)
Now I'm in a predicament. I clearly don't need 100 grand, but if I decline he's gonna think something's up. However, I know if I accept he'll want something more from me, probably more drugs in the future. But, I'm willing to put that in Tat's hands...
Jay looks over to Tat and gives an affirming look while Rock is enjoying his new product.
TAT
Hey, Rock, my man here needs some time to think that over. How about you give him the 50 now, and we'll think about doing more business.
ROCK
Whatever. If he's really thinking about getting clean, let him die healthy. He'll be poor and a virgin, but at least his little conscience will be clean. Let me know if you change your mind.
JAY
Yeah, sure...
Tim pays Jay and he and tat walk outside to the car.
TAT
Jay, you almost got your ass shot back there!
JAY
I didn't know the guy was that high strung. Anyway, at least I got the 50.
TAT
Hey, man, where DID you get that high-class coke?
JAY
It's...a private stash. Leftover from me and my dad's "enterprise."
TAT
Since when have you been talking to your old man again?
Jay gives out a loud sigh and walks over to the car, opens the door, and gets in.
YMCA FIELD, THE NEXT DAY
Jay, Ella, and Wally are all sitting on a bench at the fields of a local YMCA. The wind is blowing, but the skies have cleared up somewhat.
WALLY
You remember when we used to play soccer her, like 10 years ago?
ELLA
Yeah, all three of us on a team. We sucked so badly. Weren't we like, 2-6 for three years running?
JAY
I think we won 3 games one season. Those were the good times. Just before we all of a sudden grew up.
ELLA
Yeah, well...it isn't all that bad, Jay.
JAY
Yeah...I guess. I made that deal I told you guys about.
ELLA
WHAT!? Are you out of your mind?
JAY
Hey, it's over, alright. I got out clean. Nobody knows anything. Nobody.
Silence reigns for a moment. Jay gets up and starts walking around the field. The wind blows his hair to the side. He turns around and smiles.
JAY
How about I play you guys. E can guard me, Wally play goalie?
Ella and Wally smile back. Cut to them playing soccer together, Jay weaving in and out with the ball. He dodges Ella and shoots the ball, but Wally catches it.
JAY
Damn. You must be practicing in your off time. There's no way you're still that good.
ELLA
You better promise not to something so risky ever again, Jay.
JAY
Look, that's behind me. Things will look up. I promise.
TWO DAYS LATER, OUSTIDE SHAUN’S HOUSE
Shaun is standing at the corner of his driveway, smoking a joint. He looks down the road to the left and then right. After a few minutes an expensive-looking car drives up and the car door opens. Shaun gets in. A man dressed in a blue suit and an expensive cowboy hat is sitting opposite him.
SHAUN
Thanks, man. I'm glad you could pick me up. You know, this deal is gonna be huge, I guaran-fuckin-tee it. I'll give you directions, so don't worry...
MAN IN CAR
Shut your god damn mouth. It's annoying me.
SHAUN
Yes, sir. I apologize, sir. By the way...what am I supposed to call you?
MAN IN CAR
No names. Call me Big Man. That's what all my associates and all the middle men call me, and I assume your seeking to be an associate of mine. This better be high quality.
SHAUN
Oh, yes sir. It should be some really good stuff. I personally oversaw the production of this shit.
BIG MAN
Well, it better not be shit. It better be made of fucking diamonds.
Shaun and Big Man drive down to the hidden area down the dead end road. They both walk through the path and Shaun starts to rub his hands together to fight back the cold.
SHAUN
OK, I know it's pretty pathetic looking, but you're in for a big treat when I open this door...
Shaun opens the door and flips the light on to see most of the drugs gone. He starts to shiver more, not due to the cold. Suddenly, a loud crack hits the back of his left shin and he goes down screaming.
SHAUN
AHHHHHHHH! Fuckin hell cunt fucking motherfucker! What was that?
BIG MAN
I just hit you in the back of the shin with a metal rod, you pathetic little lying creep. Where's the fucking loot?
SHAUN
I've been robbed, man. I've been robbed. I didn't even lock the door man, anybody could have done it.
BIG MAN
What kind of two-bit, low life puke stashes drugs in a huge fucking shed and doesn't bother to lock it?!
SHAUN
Look...don't kill me man...I can find who did it. I can trace it back...I got connections. I have some snitches I can talk to.
BIG MAN
Why should I trust your sources?
SHAUN
Look, if I don't find you your score, you can kill me. Do whatever you want, take all my other stuff, take my fucking kid if you want. I can get you what you want.
BIG MAN
If you get me the info, I can certainly finish this deal, although the price will be lower for your goods. You've caused me a deal of trouble already.
INT. DARKENED OFFICE, THE NEXT DAY
The Big Man is sitting at his office, writing at his desk, when the intercom beeps.
MAN ON INTERCOM
Sir, Shaun Bertson called. He said he's got the location of the drugs. A small-town drug dealer has them.
BIG MAN
Great. Tell him I'll take care of it. All he'll have to do is wait.
MAN ON INTERCOM
Are you sending...HIM in?
BIG MAN
The Bullet is a top man. He's pretty close by, too. I'm gonna call him in. He'll have no problem offing a few small-town douchebags.
Cut to shots of a ghastly looking man, known only as The Bullet, putting on body armor and getting his arsenal ready. He pulls out a rifle and starts polishing. He pulls out a revolver and loads it, putting into his pocket. He looks straight ahead, his eyes as cold and empty as the surface of the moon.
JAY AND WALLY'S APARTMENT
It's a Tuesday, and Wally is off work, sitting on his usual couch, this time watching a Twilight Zone marathon. Jay is at work. It's a pretty boring day, semi-sunny outside, but still pretty cold. Suddenly the door busts down and a furious Tim bursts through the door, brass knuckles on, ready to pound somebody's face into the ground.
WALLY
What the f...
Tim punches Wally in the face with a strong right hook, knocking a tooth out and spilling a gooey stream of blood and spit onto the surface of the couch. Tim walks up and picks Tim up off the couch and throws him across the room into a lava lamp- the glass cuts into Wally's face.
TIM
So, you thought you could double cross us, hmmm? Well, Rock doesn't like that very much. Now he's out of a lot of good men and a couple very expensive high class hookers...[/I
]
WALLY (coughing up blood)
What? I have no clue what you're talking about, man. I didn't double cross anybody.
TIM
Find, have it your way. Just tell Jay that we took the liberty of having some human collateral. If he ever wants to see Ella ever again he better get his ass over to Lexington Street and wait outside the Jewelry Store. He has hell to pay.
WALLY
What happened, dude? What the fuck? I'm bleeding, man, what gives?
cut to
INT. SUBWAY STORE
Jay is sitting against the counter on a slow work day. He's the only worker at the moment. There are only a couple people eating sandwiches in the store. The smell of freshly baked bread gets him hungry and he starts to make himself a sandwich when the phone rings.
JAY
Thanks for calling Subway, this is Jay, how can I help you?
WALLY
Dude...Rock has Ella. Something went down...I dunno, man. Tim just kicked the shit out of me. He trashed the place and took some money, too.
JAY
Wait, he HAS Ella, as in kidnapped her? What the hell? I'll be right there, man.
Jay turns and looks around, seeing a younger gentleman just finishing his sandwich.
JAY
Hey, dude. I'll give you my whole week's paycheck if you take my shift. You know how to make a sandwich, right?
The man nods his head, and Jay takes off his apron and hands it to the man before running out the door. He hops on his bike and rides furiously down the street towards his apartment.
BACK AT THE APARTMENT
Jay walks in an already busted-down door to see Jay sitting at the kitchen table, a big bag of ice on his face.
JAY
Dude...what happened?
WALLY
Man...somebody ambushed Rock and his goons. Something bad happened.
EARLIER THAT DAY
Rock, Tim, and about 10 other of Rock's associates are having a party in a large room full of party supplies, a DJ, and a dance floor. The music is pounding. A few ladies are getting very provocative with the men and each other. Rock is grinding with one of the ladies when one of his goons cuts in, taking the dance. Suddenly, a scream is heard as the goon falls to the ground, a bullet wound in his head.
ROCK
Guys, guys, stop the music right now!
The music stops and Rock and the remaining men pull out their hand arms, looking around. They notice an open window focus their attention at it. Then a flurry of bullets start flying and men start dropping like flies. Rock starts directing some of them to the rear exit. Rock flees outside to the front exit and spots The Bullet hiding in the brushes, distracted by the other men.
ROCK
Hey, what the fuck?
Bullet and Rock look at each other and quickly start firing. Rock hits The Bullet in his shoulder and Bullet quickly starts stumbling away into a nearby neighborhood. Rock continues to shoot but misses. He goes back to the bunker, hoping to find everybody in tact. He steps in to see a massacre. Tim and three other men are still alive.
TIM
Seven men and all four prostitutes. I bet the prostitutes were all collateral from our fire, though. I doubt somebody that precise would kill women, even if they were dirty whores. That is, unless, he was trying to kill everybody so there wouldn't be any witnesses.
ROCK
It was The Bullet. The fucking Bullet. You thinking this was a hit?
TIM
You've got enemies. But I bet it has something to do with the big deal you got from that kid.
ROCK
Is that more than a hunch?
TIM
Yeah, considering who the kid hangs with, I can guarantee you it's him.
ROCK
Then deal with it. Take his pride and joy. Take his closest person. Hell, take all of his closest people. His buddy, his family, his girl. All of them.
BACK AT THE APARTMENT
Jay looks at Wally with an intense look in his eyes.
JAY
So, somebody hit them?
WALLY
Yeah...The Bullet. He's a local legend, a ghost. That's all he told me. They think you sent him.
JAY
What? Why me? I'm just a 20-year-old guy. Where am I gonna hire out a hit? How fucking stupid would I be to even attempt it?
WALLY
I dunno...I really don't.
Jay starts walking around the room, pacing again. He puts his palm under his chin as he thinks.
JAY
Something isn't right. There's pieces of this puzzle missing. Somebody big has to know about the drugs being gone. Maybe my dad was pissed enough to get somebody, but the only other person who knows about the heist besides me and my dad is...
Jay suddenly widens his eyes and looks back at Wally. Wally slowly begins to get up and inch his way over to the door.
JAY
Wally, why did Tim come hear and beat you up when I was the target? He knows what I look like, and he knows I'm not you. Now you better fess the fuck up. They have E and I'm not in the mood for bullshit!
WALLY
It's not like that...
JAY
Fucking A, Wally, give me a straight answer or I'll shove piece of broken glass under you kneecap and slice your fucking tendon!
Jay walks up to Wally and shoves his already injured body on the ground, a piece of glass in his hand.
WALLY
I...I've been working the underworld for a while now...little jobs and stuff. Side stuff.
JAY
So what does that have to do with this?
WALLY
I know Rock...I know him much better than you. I've been working with him for a small cut in the drugs...
JAY
You son of a bitch. But that still doesn't explain the hitman.
WALLY
I'm sorry...I'm... a snitch. Your dad came to me...he knows me, too. But he doesn't know I'm your roomie, or that you took the drugs. I told him that Rock took them straight. Word is those drugs were goin' to some guy higher up the ladder. Not the top, but pretty damn close. I tried to throw them off, man. I tried to. But they know me, and they know you, too. I guess I didn't give them enough credit.
Jay backs off of Wally and sits down on the ground, a clear look of desperate fear on his face, coupled with sheer anger.
JAY
They have Ella, Wally. They have her and they're gonna kill her I know it. You don't just kill the crew of a guy like Rock and expect to get away with it. And now you say there's a guy higher up?
Jay looks at Wally and stares him down. He gets up and walks to the door.
JAY
I highly suggest you go stay with your grandmother, Wally. Tell her you were mugged, and that you already reported it. I don't want to see your face around here, you stupid little prick.
WALLY
What about our friendship, man? I helped you out, shared rent with you!
JAY
Whatever happened to "drugs and stealing are wrong"?
Wally gets up, grabs a bag and starts packing up to leave. Jay walks out the door and heads for a pay phone.
INSIDE PHONE BOOTH
Jay quickly puts some change into the machine and calls up Rock's personal phone number, given to him by Tat the night of the deal.
ROCK
Yeah, hello?
JAY
You bastard. You son of a bitch. You don't even have one smidgen of the whole picture and you go out and you kidnap my girlfriend?
ROCK
There goes that fucking smartass mouth of yours again. That's liable to get somebody killed. You don't control me or anything I do, and now it's time for you to pay up. You owe me more lives than you can give me, so I'll settle for what you can give me- your friend, the girl, and you.
JAY
You don't get it. I didn't set up the hit. The drugs...they weren't mine. I took them from my dad. He...or somebody he works for...put the hit out.
ROCK
Oh, well then you can bring him in this as well. You, your dad, your friend, and you. That's four now.
JAY
Leave my friends out of it. Look, you can have the people responsible- me and my dad. I'll give you your money back, too.
ROCK
Still think you're in control I see. Well, money is my language, and if you're really willing to give up your flesh and blood for your girly girl, that's your problem. Meet at the location and we'll see.
Jay hears a click, and then slams the phone down as hard as he can, breaking it off the cord. He immediately leaves, hops onto his bike, and heads off to his dad's house.
INT. BIG MAN’S OFFICE
Big Man sits at his desk when the intercom rings again.
MAN ON INTERCOM
Sir...we have a problem. It's The Bullet. It appears that he failed. We haven't been able to contact him.
BIG MAN
Well, I guess it's time to pay Shaun a visit, isn't it?
SHAUN’S HOUSE
Jay, standing outside Shaun's house, ponders a bit before knocking on the door.
JAY (V.O.)
What a way to reintroduce myself. "Hey dad, guess what? I'm back now because I was the one who stole your drugs and stole them to the guy who you helped put a hit on! Now he thinks I set it up, and we have to go and negotiate our way out of being sliced up or shot to ribbons! Let's have a jolly old time!"
Shaun is making himself a tuna melt in the kitchen when the pounding is heard on the door.
SHAUN
I'll be there in a second, hold on. You don't need to pound, geez.
Shaun opens the door with the melt already in his mouth, but it drops to the floor when he sees his son standing before him.
SHAUN
Jay...Hi. Um...come in. I made tuna melts.
JAY
You put out a hit on a local dealer, didn't you. Or did your boss do it for you?
SHAUN
Wait...you know? What the hell? Are you working for the guy?
JAY
No, dad...ugh. It was me who took the drugs. I sold them to the guy, and when the hit failed I got targeted! They have my girlfriend!
SHAUN
Oh shit! The hit failed! Damnit, he'll be coming after me now!
JAY
What? Who?
SHAUN
The guy whose drugs you took...why did you take them? Why did the snitch tell me otherwise? You have a girlfriend? Too much info!
JAY
Come with me to talk with the dealer, Rock. We have to work out a deal.
SHAUN
Fuck that! I am made of living tissue, you know! I have two people out to get me and it's all your damn fault!
JAY
Really? So I was introduced into the drug business all by myself and knew the right people and the right things to say all by myself? It's my fault that my dad keeps copious amounts of cocaine and heroine that he sells to big crime bosses? Sure, It's my choices that led me here, but you spun the wheel and it just stopped on bankrupt.
SHAUN
I'm gonna shut this door, lock it, and get my rifle. If you or anybody tries to knock this door down I'm going to pump you full of lead. I've already lost too much of my life and I'm not losing anymore. You deal with this by yourself. You're grown up now, right?
At that the door slammed shut and Jay was left without a chance to get his girl back. But he had to do something. He had to.
LEXINGTON STREET
Jay waits on the curb at the Jewelry store, just like Rock had instructed. He was alone. No money, no friends, just him. He would have to face Rock alone. He starts pacing again when Rock and Tim walk up behind him.
ROCK
You know, pacing is about as annoying a habit as biting your fingernails or twiddling your thumbs.
JAY
Where did you come from?
ROCK
My ride is around the corner. You're right on time. Where's the rest of your crew?
JAY
It's just me.
ROCK
Well, you better have a hell of a lot of money then, because otherwise your girl is a goner.
JAY
Where is she?
ROCK
Come for a ride with us and maybe we can do some business.
Jay, Tim, and Rock walk over to the car, a disguised taxi cab, and get in. Ella is sitting in the front passenger seat, gagged and bound. Tim drives while Rock and Jay talk in the back.
JAY
Why is she bound like that? You better not have done anything!
ROCK
Chill, dude. I'm a dealer, an entrepreneur, and a businessman. I'm not a rapist or a seducer. I buy my pussy.
JAY
That's nice to know.
ROCK
Easy, now. How much are you willing to give?
JAY
All I have is the 50 grand.
ROCK
Too bad. If you want to buy your girl I'm gonna need more than that. I'd say each of my men is worth about 20 grand. With seven of them dead, minus the price of your own head, brings the total to 120 grand. Of course I can cut you a deal and call it at 50 if you give me your dad and the snitch.
JAY
Would you believe me if I took care of the snitch already?
ROCK
Sure, but I know that means you didn't kill him. I mean, you're "the good guy" right? The guy who's gonna save everybody in the end! Look, I don't have time for this shit. You can make the money working for me. Just know when you reach that goal that your head is on a platter.
Jay's eyes fixate on Rock. He snaps and throws a right punch at Rock's face, causing Rock to fall back against the window, cracking it. Rock kicks Jay back and the force causes the back door near Jay to swing open. The car, now swerving wildly through the streets, has Jay hanging out of it, his head nearly scraping the pavement. He gets up, but Rock pulls out a pistol and fires, missing Jay and breaking the back window. Jay quickly climbs out the window and onto the roof of the car before Rock can fire again.
ROCK
Tim, swerve some more! The asshole is on the roof!
Tim swerves down dangerous paths, causing Jay to nearly loose his balance. Ella is very distraught and starts screaming through the gag.
JAY (V.O.)
What the hell am I doing? The car's going 40, I'm barely hanging on. I'm not Bruce Willis or Jackie Chan...I'm just a guy. I don't have any weapons and now time seems to slow to nearly a crawl...what am I going to do here?
Jay doesn't have to think much longer when the answer comes with a horrifying crack. Jay looks back to see a body lying on the pavement. He glances down to see the passenger door lying open. He makes a choice and jumps off the car, landing on a grassy edge but spraining his ankle badly. Forgetting the pain he clambers over to a truly terrifying sight.
JAY
Ella...God no. No! Fuck...no...Jesus. Oh God, oh God! Please...what the fuck? Oh no!!!
SHAND’S HOSPITAL
Jay is sitting at an office, still in shock. It was already too late. It was two hours ago she had been pronounced dead. Dead on arrival. Probably died on impact. Jay looks up to see a familiar face.
TAT
So...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have helped you do this. I shoulda gotten somebody other than Rock...
JAY
It isn't your fault. I mean, "officially" it's nobody's fault since I said it was a hit and run and I didn't get a license plate. But I know whose fault it really is. It's mine. And I have to make this right.
SHAUN'S HOUSE
Jay quickly breaks in the door of Shaun's house and sees Shaun passed out on the floor, the gun still in his hand, but a needle on the ground and his arm slightly dripping blood. Jay kicks him in the chin, knocking him to the ground. He picks up the gun and points it at a now very awake Shaun.
JAY
Take out your cell phone and call the guy you work for, right now! The guy high up, whose stash I took. Call him.
SHAUN
Dude...come on...I don't have his number. He's way up top. You shouldn't have fucked with him, you know. That was a real bonehead move on your part.
JAY
I've got a gun in my hand and my finger's on the trigger. You've done enough as it is, the only thing you can do to help me is call him. If you don't I'll shoot you and throw you in the river. You don't even get a burial.
Jay cocks the trigger back and wipes the sweat of his brow.
SHAUN
Ok, fine. I'll get him. What do you want me to say?
JAY
Tell him to meet us by the river tomorrow night. I'm staying the night here. You leave, I kill you. Tell him I'm bringing all the guys. The drugs, Rock, the money, all of it. Oh, yeah, and me and you too. It's Christmas Eve tomorrow. I have a gift for him.
THE DOCKS 10:15 PM
The fog is rolling in, and what used to be a drizzle has now dissipated into a cold dampness. There is nerry a person around, besides a boat with a small light drifting through the water about a kilometer away. Shaun and Jay wait under one of the few working light posts around.
SHAUN
What are you planning to do?
JAY
Well, Rock and Tim will be here soon. I have to strike a deal between him and Big Man. I have something in mind.
SHAUN
Are you really going to kill me?
JAY
Shaun, I hate you enough that I don't even call you dad anymore. You killed mom and now my girlfriend is dead.
SHAUN
Why didn't you tell me that? You went to Rock yesterday by yourself and expected to come away victorious?
JAY
You didn't offer any other alternatives. But I don't blame you for that. I have a personal vendetta against someone else.
At that moment Rock and Tim walk over to the area and notice Shaun sitting on the ground with Jay standing over him.
ROCK
So, you've brought him? And he's got enough shit to supply us for a while? That, plus you and the 50, should be enough to settle our debt.
JAY
Well, I'm afraid those drugs belong to somebody else. I'm going to have to disagree with those arrangements.
ROCK
Never gonna learn, are you. Never going to learn.
Tim pulls out a gun and cocks it, but not a second afterwards another cocking noise is heard as Big Man walks up with a shotgun pointed squarely at Tim. Rock pulls his gun and points it at Shaun. Jay pulls his and points it at Rock.
ROCK
What the fuck? Is this Reservoir Dogs or some shit?
BIG MAN
Those are my drugs you have. If you've used any you're going to have to pay me back, you know.
JAY
See, me and Big Man have a mutual interest. We both want those drugs back where they belong, and we both want you and my dad out of our way.
ROCK
You're kidding, right? You have to be kidding.
JAY
Well, with Tim pointing that gun at Shaun, he can either shoot him or try to move. If he moves I shoot you, and Big Man shoots him. If you pull the trigger, I'll pull mine and Big Man shoots Tim. If I miss Big Man will shoot you.
Jay smiles, raising his eyebrow.
JAY
I guess...now I am in control, hmm?
The camera switches focus to the boat behind the group, and three shots ring out. A bloody gaping hole is seen in the head of Big Man, who promptly falls to the ground. Rock's gun falls out of his hand as blood shoots out of his fingers. The top left side of Tim's head is taken off and his brains spill out onto the ground. Jay picks up Rock’s gun and points it at Shaun, the other gun still at Rock.
ROCK
What the fuck?! How did you shoot three people at once? Goddamn it! That hurts like fuck! I'm bleeding bad, man.
SHAUN
How did you do that?
JAY
The only one I shot was Rock.
ROCK
Then who...
Tat comes out of the shadows, polishing his rifle. Jay pulls up his shirt to reveal a wired radio.
FLASHBACK TO YESTERDAY, AT THE HOSPITAL
TAT
I can help, you know. If you want revenge, I think I can get someone that may be more than willing to help.
JAY
I want it more than anything right now.
TAT
Would you be able to wear a wire so we can hear you? I want some of this, too.
JAY
Anything.
BACK AT DOCKS
Jay and Tat are taking Shaun and Rock to a larger dock and taking them to the end of it.
SHAUN
Are we going on a boat ride?
JAY
Sort of.
The boat with the light docks and the Bullet steps off with a very large, professional sniper rifle and looks at Rock.
BULLET
You fucking shot me. Nobody shoots me.
ROCK
What...what are you doing here?
YESTERDAY, UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
Jay and Tat are in a dimly lit house, the counters riddled with bloody rags.
JAY
So, you're in. You get 50 grand, plus an extra 20 from Tat, and 50 grand worth of coke.
BULLET
If it's the bastard who shot me, I’d do it for a week's allowance.
JAY
The Big Man is your target. You're cool, right?
BULLET
He's treated me like a dog on a chain for too long. I'm in.
JAY
The trigger phrase is "Now I’m in control." I'll work out the deal with my dad and Big Man.
TAT
This is big. We all in?
JAY
I'm sure.
BACK AT DOCKS
Jay and the rest of them walk over to Big Man and Tim's bodies.
BULLET
So, you want him yourself?
JAY
More than anything.
ROCK
You mean me? Fuckin...please. Don't do this man.
Jay points his gun at Rock, his eyes fixated on his prize.
JAY
You're only part of the picture.
The gun goes off, and Rock goes down. Bullet pulls out a machete and cuts off Big Man's head, and then pushes the body into the water. Shaun faints.
BULLET
They won't be able to trace it back if they don't have a bullet to match the gun to. Finding the body will send a message to all the crime lords out there. I'll take Tim and Rock's bodies with me. Even if they trace them back, I have sources to deal with them.
JAY
You didn't have to do that.
BULLET
I know how you feel more than a lot of people.
JAY
Then you know this didn't help feel better one fucking bit.
BULLET
Then something tells me your revenge isn't complete.
JAY
It never will be.
OUTSIDE SHAUN’S HOUSE, THE NEXT MORNING
Jay is sitting on the same chair his dad sat in the day his mother died. He still has the gun he used to kill Rock- his dad's gun- the same gun that killed his mother. Shaun is on the ground, and he wakes up from his fainting spell the night before.
JAY
You deserve to die, too.
SHAUN
Then why didn't you kill me last night?
JAY
Because you were right. It's not just you, or Rock, or Big Man. It was my choice to steal. It was my choice to go back into my past. I should have just moved on. I should have been content with what I had. My pathetic little shit existence was at least populated by one person I genuinely loved.
SHAUN
So what now?
JAY
Do whatever you want. You're a pathetic human being, but you are still family, and I think your own choices will eat you inside. That's a cruel enough fate for me.
Jay walks outside to the curb of the yard, and sits with the gun in hand.
JAY (V.O.)
One last score. My choices, my life. I wanted it to be better, I ended up destroying it for more than one person. If anybody deserves to die, it's me. I'm a fool, a deceiver, and a killer. I'm brash and stupid. I'd lift this gun to kill myself right now, but I can't. Ella wouldn't want me to. She'd want me to keep trying to improve my life. But without her, is it even worth living?
Jay looks forward, closes his eyes, and lifts the gun...
JAY
Merry Christmas…
Fade to Black |
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