FRAUD

FADE IN:

1EXT. GHETTO HOUSE - DAY - TO ESTABLISH1

The house is in South Central L.A., small metal fence with a broken down bike lying in the front yard.  A car is in the driveway resting on bricks.  The house is in need of paint.

2INT. BEDROOM - DAY2

The alarm goes off.  We meet GARY, nineteen years old, wearing dreads.  He reaches around his torn-up room for his glasses and stumbles out of bed putting on his overalls and oversized sweatshirt.

3INT. KITCHEN - DAY3

GARY opens the refrigerator.  There is one milk carton and a piece of pie setting on a plate.  Refrigerator is empty besides that.  GARY reaches in the refrigerator and takes out the milk, swigs it down, takes the pie and shoves it into his mouth.  He grabs his schoolbooks and walks out the front door.

4EXT. STREET CORNER4

GARY looks as a black beamer drives by.

GARY
Damn, if I only had a ride like that, wouldn't be none of these girlfriends playing me for nuthin.

A blue Ford pulls up alongside.

DENISE
You need a ride?  Get in.

GARY gets in car.

5INT. FORD - DAY5

The radio is jammin.  GARY looks over and studies DENISE.

GARY
So what's up?  Why you been playin me fly, girl?

(CONTINUED)

5CONTINUED:5

DENISE
What you mean?  Look, it's not you.  I want better for myself.

GARY
Like this ride, really jammin.  It's a piece . . .

DENISE
What you want for me, you sorry as fat talkin.  Mop head jive talkin nobody.  All you got is those Air Jordans.  Big deal, I ain't seen nobody contracting you to wear those shoe.  At least my man makes money on somethin.

GARY
So your man gives you this sorry ass car?

GARY looks out and sees the red Camaro belonging to MIKE and JOHNNY.  He waves as DENISE slows down for the light.  As he gets out of the car, he grabs his groin area.

GARY
Your new man don't have the stuff I have.  When you want the read thing, baby, you'll be back.

Car door slams.  GARY watches her drive off.

6EXT. SANTA MONICA HIGH - TO ESTABLISH6

7EXT. PARKING LOT SANTA MONICA HIGH - DAY7

GARY sits in the car with MIKE, eighteen years old, dressed in a white shirt and Levi's Dockers and JOHNNY, fair-skinned blonde dude.  JOHNNY is smoking a joint, breathing in deeply.

JOHNNY
You want some, Gary?  Don't want to go through the last day of this miserable experience straight, do you?

(CONTINUED)

7CONTINUED:7

GARY
Naw, you know I gave up that shit.  What's up, mother?  (Slaps him on the back of his head.)  Don't you have no respect?  That shit is white man's poison bringing down the brothers.

MIKE
Yes, brother Gary, or should I say Malcomb, but the gang is for all.  (He effects a Caribbean accent.)  Did you hear from any colleges?

GARY
Yeah, my mom helped me.  I'm going to Cal State Fullerton.  First person in my family going to college.  (Hits JOHNNY again.)  What about you?

JOHNNY
Surfin university, Pepperdine College.  Mike got in too.  Just don't know if the folks are going to put up the money--$20,000 per year.

MIKE
I don't even want to ask my folks.  I told them I might be getting a scholarship.  My dad may lose his job with IBM altogether.  He won't know until next spring.  I don't want to be depending on him.

GARY
Well, we got all summer to make some money.

CUT TO:

Sleek Mercedes Benz being opened by a well dressed businessman in front of NUDES NUDES NUDES on Century Boulevard.  The man is obviously intoxicated and stumbles for his keys.

OVERHEAD CAMERA: Car speeds down the 405 and gets on 10 East Santa Monica.

CUT TO:

8INT. AUTOMOBILE - DAY8

JOHNNY looks at his watch.

JOHNNY
Well, first period is over.  You dudes want to check out school?

MIKE
Why not?  I'm sufficiently prepared.  Let's do it.

CAMERA PANS MIKE'S CAMARO driving down OCEAN BOULEVARD.  The Mercedes cross the center line and sideswipes them.  They get barely tagged and notice the Mercedes doesn't even stop.  They pull around and give chase.  The Mercedes stops at the traffic light.  GARY hops out of the back of the Camaro and walks up to the guy's window.  He obliges by rolling it down.

GARY
(studies him)
You ran into us--scraped my friend's car.  You got a license, insurance?

DRIVER
Yeah.

GARY
Pull over.

The MERCEDES pulls over.  GARY walks back to the CAMARO.

MIKE
What's up?

GARY
He's drunk.  You got a pen?  He's got insurance.  They'll pay you for a whole new paint job.  All you need now is a lawyer.

JOHNNY
There's a phone booth.  I'll go call one.

9EXT. PHONE BOOTH - DAY9

In the background, JOHNNY watches GARY and MIKE writing down information.

INSERT: Page after page of law advertisements.  JOHNNY stops at an ad which reads:

DON'T FIGHT WITHOUT HERBERT WRIGHT
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
PROMPT MEDICAL REFERRALS
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PAIN AND SUFFERING
CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT
1 800 HELP OUT

JOHNNY dials the number.

CUT TO:

10INT. OFFICE - DAY10

DELUXE MARBLE OFFICE with cherry walls and hunt prints, brass track lighting, subtle grey carpeting.  A RECEPTIONIST answers the phone.

RECEPTIONIST
Herbert Wright Law Offices.  No pain, no gain.

JOHNNY
Yeah, like is the main dude there?  My friends and I just got tagged by some drunk dude in a Benz.

RECEPTIONIST
Just a moment please.  (She pushes a button.)

11INT. WRIGHT OFFICE - DAY11

He is a middle-aged man, large nose and thick glasses.  He is looking at his diamond pinky ring and stops to pat his wig on top of his head.  He has a rough complexion.  He hears the buzzer.

RECEPTIONIST
Accident call on line one.

WRIGHT
I'll take it.  HERBERT WRIGHT here.  How may I be of help?

CUT TO:

12EXT. AUTOMOBILE - DAY12

JOHNNY walks over.  The man is outside of the MERCEDES looking pretty ill.

JOHNNY
Hey, the lawyer dude is on the way.  He said he wants to personally investigate.  You know what?  We don't pay anything either until he collects for us.  Cool, huh?  No recovery, no fee.  (Points to drunk.)  You, dud, friends don't let friends drive drunk.  Where were your friends, dude?  You're way over the limit.

DRUNK DRIVER
Where am I?

CUT TO:

Sleek Navy blue MERCEDES 560 pulls up.  HERBERT WRIGHT gets out and puts his portable phone in his pocket.

WRIGHT
Hi.  (Hands out his business card.  Looks at the side of Mike's car.)  Side swipe.  Lucky somebody wasn't killed.

JOHNNY
I am the one who called you, lawyer dude.  We don't pay you nuthin' unless you win, right?

WRIGHT
It's called contingency.  You get paid, I get paid.  Anybody in any pain?  I need you all in immediately to see a doctor.  Soft tissue injuries sometimes don't show up until hours or even days after the accident.  Here's his card.  Let's see if you got all the insurance information right.

13INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY13

JOHNNY, MIKE and GARY are standing bare-ass naked when a beautiful, blonde nurse comes in.

REACTION SHOT:

BLONDE NURSE reacts in surprise at the three naked men.

NURSE
I'll need all of these forms filled out before you leave.

GARY
Excuse me, nurse.  Usually when I take off my clothes, I like to have sex.  How long do I gotta be standing around here waiting for the doctor to come back?

NURSE
Mr. Howard, the doctor is very busy.  He'll be in just as soon as he can.  Why don't you each grab one of these tables?  He'll need to check you for bruises.

NURSE leaves.

MIKE
Well, at least we got out of school.

GARY
Yeah, and get to stand around in some honky doctor's office bare-assed naked.  Some righteous deal.

JOHNNY
Look on the bright side of the moon.  If he finds an injury, they're going to pay us some greenery.

CLOSEUP:

JOHNNY smiles.

JOHNNY
That I like.  A full wallet of dead presidents.

(CONTINUED)

13CONTINUED:13

GARY
Yeah, great, so you can stay high forever.

14INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY14

DR. WILSON
So what's the score?

WRIGHT
Sideswiped.  Dude drunk, maximum coverage.  I figure at least 15 grand apiece plus 5 grand apiece for medical.  It's Allied, so they'll settle out of court.  They won't even arbitrate this one.  Their driver being drunk gives them 100%.

DR. WILSON
Will they go along?

WRIGHT
Yeah, play it up on the lifetime injury--part therapy and massage with the nurse.  Easy money.  (His portable phone goes off.  He answers it.)  Just a minute.  (He returns attention to the doc.)  This town has more lousy drivers.  (Breaks into a big smile.)  With insurance up the ass.

15EXT. POOL HALL - DAY - TO ESTABLISH15

16INT. POOL HALL - DAY16

MIKE is concentrating on a shot.  Camera follows the ball as it banks and sinks the 8 ball.  He turns to a tall, skinny, older dude.

MIKE
Game Calvin, pay the man.

CALVIN reaches in his pocket and pulls out several twenties.

CALVIN
Why don't I still recognize a hustle?  You played me, Mike.
(CONTINUED)

16CONTINUED:16

MIKE
You're the one that wanted to go double or nothin'.  

WAITRESS walks up.

WAITRESS
Mike Desmond?

MIKE nods.

WAITRESS
You've got a phone call.  You can take it at the bar.

MIKE walks over, smiles at a very bored hooker and grabs the phone.

MIKE
Yeah, I'll meet you there.  No problem

CUT TO:

17INT. WILSHIRE LAWYER'S BUILDING - DAY17

A huge marble foyer.  MIKE looks at the panel of names and picks out WRIGHT'S office.

18INT. ELEVATOR - DAY18

MIKE gets in and holds the elevator for a young female court clerk carrying a stack of papers.  She turns her back to him.

MIKE
(to himself)
Sure glad I finished law school and all.  This sure beats working over at municipal court.  (He stops up to her and taps her on her shoulder.)  Hey, how about we get together after work?  Little dining, romance?

ELEVATOR PASSENGER stares back at him and responds just as the elevator hits floor seven.

(CONTINUED)

18CONTINUED:18

FEMALE LAW CLERK
(very politely)
No thanks.  One asshole in my pants is enough.

Door closes.

P.O.V.:

19INT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY19

WRIGHT watches as MIKE enters his office.  JOHNNY and GARY are already sitting in two huge wing-back chairs in front of the desk.

WRIGHT
Mr. Desmond, so glad you could make it.  We have a settlement for each of you.

MIKE
How much?

JOHNNY
Yeah, if I have to go to another physical therapy session.  That girl's a babe, but my back is sore.

WRIGHT
(reaches in top desk drawer and walks)
Envelope for you.  (He stares at Gary.)  Envelope for you.  (He looks at Johnny.)  Envelope for you.  (Places it in Mike's outstretched palm.  He returns to his seat.)

JOHNNY
(rips it open)
Fifteen thousand dollars?  Unbelievable.  (He gets up.)  This is outrageous.  (He jumps up on his chair and acts like he's surfin.)  Maui here I come.

(CONTINUED)

19CONTINUED:19

WRIGHT
Wait, I want you to all hear me out.  If you repeat what I'm going to tell you, I'll deny it all.  This is between us only.  Fifteen thousand dollars--a lot of money.  Yes and no.  Depends on where you want to go in life.  Mike, Johnny, it'll barely cover first year at Pepperdine.  Gary, you can go to Cal State Fullerton and still have enough for a nice ride.  The point is, you kids are young and I think smart.  Play it right and you could get checks like this every week.

JOHNNY
Off of this one accident?  They can pay us every week?  Unbelievable.

CLOSEUP:

Goofy grin.

WRIGHT
No, not off of that one accident.  Lots of accidents.

GARY
Hold on, let me get this straight.  You're advising us to get in more accidents, running into people?

WRIGHT
Something like that.

MIKE
I'll play.  (Kisses the check.)  I could use a lot more of these babies.

JOHNNY
What if somebody gets hurt?

WRIGHT
We're talking fender benders here.  Creating liability for other drivers.  It's simple.  Let's have lunch and I'll show you all about it.

20INT. RESTAURANT - DAY20

WRIGHT is sitting at the round, cloth-covered dining table with three small matchbook cards.  He is maneuvering them about.  Beautiful WAITRESS comes up.

WAITRESS
What'll it be, Mr. Wright?

WRIGHT
Bring me a Manhattan and . . .

JOHNNY
(grins)
Sex on the beach.

GARY
Daiquiri.

MIKE
Miller time.  Leave it in the bottle too.

WAITRESS leaves.

GARY
So what you're saying?  We set these things up with cars that look like they're carrying insurance and you go after their insurance companies?

WRIGHT
Yeah, only after a while you'll have to get access to other vehicles, other names.  Only so many times can you use your own name.

MIKE
How come these insurance companies don't fight these things?

WRIGHT
Time, money and they're afraid of going to court and getting hit with big-time verdicts.  It's the American way--settling out of court.  Most lawyers never see the
(more)

(CONTINUED)

20CONTINUED:20

WRIGHT (Cont'd)
inside of a courtroom.  Wouldn't know a witness stand from a urinal.  I go in high, they come in law.  We meet in the middle and all make dough.

WAITRESS returns.  Puts drinks on the table.

WRIGHT
(holds glass as in a toast)
Bottoms up.  (They clink glasses.)

CUT TO:

21EXT. STREET - DAY21

Sound of crunching glass.  MIKE gets out and looks at his CAMARO.  The rear lights are broken out.  An old timer in a yellow CADILLAC gets out.

OLD TIMER
Why'd the hell you stop?!

MIKE
My car.  What'd you do to my car?  Why'd you follow me so close?

OLD TIMER looks at the back of their car.

OLD TIMER
It's nothin'--just a few broken tail lights.  (Pulls out his wallet.)  I'll give you a hundred for the inconvenience.  Don't want to put this one on my insurance.

JOHNNY
Don't try to wheeze out of the insurance.  Law says you have to provide it in the event of an accident.  What we have here is an accident.  We stopped, you rear ended us.  Open and closed.  You followed to close.  Supposed to be one car length for every ten miles per hour.  That's what the driver's ed dude says.

(CONTINUED)

21CONTINUED:21

OLD TIMER
All right, all right.  (Puts his money away.)  I'll get my damn insurance card.  You follows don't look too hurt to me.

MIKE
That's one thing about whiplash, you can never tell just by x-rays.

OLD TIMER
Well, right now you're the one giving me the pain in the neck.

CUT TO:

22EXT. GARY'S HOUSE - DAY22

GARY comes cruising up to his house in a late model CELICA with tricked out wheels.  DENISE sees him and walks over.

DENISE
Nice ride.  What kind of drugs you been dealing?

GARY
Thanks for the vote of confidence, ex-girlfriend.  I don't deal drugs.  I'm in the referral business.  It pays plenty.

DENISE
Get me in.  I've been working at that sorry Jack in the Box.  If I have to see another chicken sandwich, I don't know what I'll do.  Maybe lay some eggs myself.

GARY
You got insurance on your boyfriend's car?

DENISE
Yeah, I got insurance.  Why?

GARY
Do you mind being in a little accident and making some hard-core dollars?
(CONTINUED)

22CONTINUED:22

DENISE
No, I don't get it.  You refer people before their accidents?

GARY looks around the hood and pulls DENISE off to the side.

23INT. AUTOMOBILE - DAY23

Up ahead of DENISE is Gary's CELICA.  She is following it.

P.O.V.:

DENISE looks through the rear view mirror and notices a LEXUS driven by a blonde-haired woman that pulls in back of her.  They are about to go through a green light, and DENISE stomps on the brake.

CAMERA PANS:

LEXUS DRIVER panics and rear-ends DENISE, who stops the car and gets out.

DENISE
(to blonde driver)
Damn, lady, don't you watch where you're going?  You almost killed me!

LADY
(baffled)
The light was green.  You stopped for a green light.

DENISE
I didn't think I'd make it through.  Say girl, you think you're sumtin' just because you got them big silicone breasts and that diamond ring?  Well, I'll let you in on somethin' sister.  I'm somethin' too.  So just get your license and insurance card and let's take care of business.

REACTION SHOT:

BLONDE LADY looks outraged and storms back to her car and takes out the registration and insurance.

BLONDE LADY
You'll be hearing from my lawyer.

DENISE
Well, ain't that a coincidence?  (Smiles.)  You'll be hearing from mine too.

24INT. INSURANCE ADJUSTER'S OFFICE - DAY24

DENISE is sitting with a neck brace on in front of the INSURANCE ADJUSTER and HERBERT WRIGHT is sitting with his briefcase on the table in front of him.

WRIGHT
(adjusting his tie)
Miss Wilkins, it's plain to see my client has suffered a lot of pain and a lot of inconvenience: migraine headaches, unemployment, constant soreness.

MISS WILKINS
(shakes her head in disbelief)
I can see your client in front of me with her neck brace on, Mr. Wright.  I can see the doctor's bill totaling $18,000, but this was a minor fender bender--less than $300 damage to her vehicle.  Your request for $75,000 is totally out of line with the magnitude of this accident.

DENISE
It wouldn't be if it was your neck in a sling, lady.  I'm the one that gots the pain.  You're sitting on your fat white ass.  You're supposed to be fair.

WRIGHT leans over and grabs DENISE'S arm to restrain her.

(CONTINUED)

24CONTINUED:24

WRIGHT
You make us a reasonable counter and we won't have to take this to trial.  We're going to request a venue suitable to us and you tell me how sympathetic a jury is going to be to your insured who rear-ended my client in broad daylight in front of witnesses.

MISS WILKINS folds her papers and rises.

MISS WILKINS
All right, we'll raise our counter to $50,000--not a penny more.

WRIGHT
The medical bills?
MISS WRIGHT
Yes, we'll have a draft drawn up for those as well.

WRIGHT
Continued treatment?

MISS WRIGHT
You are very persistent, Mr. Wright, but enough is enough.  We'll draw the line at $68,000.

WRIGHT
Very well, you have your settlement.  We'll be over for the check in the morning.

25INT. ELEVATOR - DAY25

WRIGHT
(to Denise)
You were great.  Academy award material.

DENISE
So what exactly is my cut?

WRIGHT
Tomorrow, you come in.  You'll be $12,000 richer.

(CONTINUED)

25CONTINUED:25

DENISE
Only twelve?  I've been wearing this brace.

WRIGHT
This is just the first one for you.  We've got to cut this pie in a lot of pieces.  Gotta take care of the doctor, Mike, Gary and Johnny, who brought you in.  Everybody got to get their squeeze.  This money is tax free.

Elevator door opens.

WRIGHT
You start recruiting, you'll make money off the people you bring in.  (Stops and shakes hands.)  I'll see you tomorrow.

26EXT. ROADWAY - NIGHT - TO ESTABLISH26

CAMERA PANS a beautiful highway heading up through northern Malibu.  A JAGUAR with WRIGHT driving speeds around the corner.  Music is thumping.

27INT. JAGUAR - NIGHT27

Dangling from the rear-view mirror is a picture of a blonde-haired teenager.  The picture is in a laminated I.D. card that is swinging from the rear-view mirror.

WRIGHT
Lovin you, is all I want to do.  (Sings off key.)  You stay in my heart, I'm here for you.  Lovin' you, is all I want to do.

CUT TO:

28EXT. HOSPITAL GROUNDS - NIGHT28

The JAG pulls through two huge iron gates that open as WRIGHT enters a security code.  He pulls up to the front entrance and parks under the veranda.

29INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT29

WRIGHT enters and sees the night security man sitting in an easy chair watching television.

WRIGHT
No reason to get up, Alfred.  I know where Allison's room is.  I'll just show myself down the hall.

ALFRED
Good evening, Mr. Wright.  Allison was walking around today.  She looks better all the time.  Everybody loves that child.

REACTION SHOT:

Remark has touched WRIGHT'S soft spot.  He smiles.

WRIGHT
She always was a charmer.  Go back to your show.  I'll see you before I leave.  Is Dr. Madison in still?

ALFRED
Yeah, he's upstairs in his office.  He won't be going home for a whole.  He's working on some new experiments.  Still hoping for a breakthrough.

DISSOLVE TO:

30INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT30

CLOSEUP:

ALLISON is lying back.  She is noticeably thin and wearing a white hospital gown.  She reacts when the door opens.

ALLISON
Daddy!  (She sets down her book and reaches out her arms as WRIGHT sits on her bed and gives her a hug.)

WRIGHT
Hi angel.  You okay?  Looks like you've added weight.  They been feeding you all right in here?

(CONTINUED)

30CONTINUED:30

ALLISON
Yeah, Daddy, it's nice here, but when can I come home?  They're putting needles in me all day long.

WRIGHT
Dr. Madison is just trying to get you well.  Then you can come home and stay home--never have to come back.  Look honey, I've been working real hard trying to keep you in this place.  We're going to see this through together.  Plenty of people have conquered cancer and gone on to live very healthy lives.  You will too.

ALLISON
Daddy, last time you were here with Mommy I heard her tell you to just bring me home--that you couldn't afford to have me stay in here.  I don't want to be a burden to you, Daddy.

WRIGHT
Allison, I'm not going to say it's not very expensive.  This treatment center is known worldwide for its astounding cure rate.  It's one of the few facilities to combine natural healing practices with modern treatments.  It's true our insurance doesn't cover you being here, but I do very well in my law practice.  As long as I can afford it, you're going to stay here and get well.  I'm going to go talk with the doctor now.  I'll come back and spend some time with you before I go home.

ALLISON
How's Mom?  Is she still out of town?

WRIGHT
Yeah . . .

CUT TO:

31INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT31

The office is decorated with cherry bookcases and leather furniture--very opulent.  DR. MADISON is slightly heavyset with thick, grey hair and a rather stout ORSON WELLES type physique.  He is pouring over different books when WRIGHT enters.  He looks up.

DR. MADISON
Have a seat.

WRIGHT
(sits)
It doesn't seem like she's making much progress.

DR. MADISON
It'll take a while for the effects of her death therapy to wear off.  The chemo killed off a lot of her healthy cells.  We've been experimenting on her with some new product derived from sharks.  They slow the growth of new blood vessels and constrict the growth of new cancerous tissues.  (Notices the envelope pushed towards him.)  Thank you.  We appreciate those who pay on time.

WRIGHT
She wants to come home.  This whole thing is tearing my family apart.

DR. MADISON
It has a tendency to do that.  Please don't take this wrong, but you and your wife should seek out some professional help.  You might find it beneficial.

WRIGHT gets up.

WRIGHT
Well, I'm going to go say goodbye to Allison.  It's a long drive back to Brentwood.

CUT TO:

32EXT. RALPH'S - NIGHT - TO ESTABLISH32

33INT. RALPH'S - NIGHT33

GARY is wearing an oversized pair of pants and a large, cotton workshirt.  He stops in front of a row of ARNOLD DILL PICKLES and opens up several of the jars, spilling them on the floor.  He wipes his fingerprints off the glass jars and puts them back on the shelves with the lids partially on.  He goes down to the end of the aisle where he browses through the magazine section and waits.

A short, heavyset MEXICAN WOMAN walks quickly down the aisle and falls.  She lies there stunned.  GARY rushes over to her.

GARY
You better let me call an ambulance.  You could be really hurt.

LADY
(broken English)
I'm not so bad.

GARY
(tells her a little more forcefully)
One minute, wait.

GARY rushes up the aisle and tells the checkout clerk.

GARY
A lady back there slipped on something in one of the aisles.  You'd better call an ambulance.

GARY rushes back to her and gives her a card.

LADY
I'm okay.

GARY
(points to the card)
You call, much money.

34INT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON34

WRIGHT emerges out of his office with the MEXICAN LADY.  They are both smiling.

(CONTINUED)

34CONTINUED:34

WRIGHT
You wait right here in the lobby.  We'll get you to your first doctor's appointment right away.

The LADY sits down.

CUT TO:

OVERHEAD:

35EXT. LARGE WAREHOUSE - DAY - TO ESTABLISH35

CAMERA ZOOMS in on GARY'S car pulling up in front of warehouse.  GARY, MIKE and JOHNNY get out.

CUT TO:

36INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY36

The darkness of the place somewhat overwhelms GARY, MIKE and JOHNNY and they walk down the corridor.

JOHNNY
This place is darker than the devil's den.

MIKE
You sure you know where you're going, Gary?

GARY
Yeah, it's just up here.  It's cool.  Chill . . .

They round the corridor and push through a large door.  Fifteen people are scattered about.  A long work table is covered with handmade cardboard signs.  The wall is covered with racks of used clothing.  Several of the "homeless" are standing in front of the racks trying on clothes.  A large box sits next to the rack and is full of shoes.  MIKE walks over.

MIKE
(pulls out a pair of shoes)
What is this place?

GARY
Like it said, it's a recruiting center.
(CONTINUED)

36CONTINUED:36

JOHNNY walks over and picks up a sign.

JOHNNY
Will work for food.  (Picks up another one.)  Homeless veteran.  Please help.

INSERT: Camera focus on the signs.

He puts them down and picks up another one.  Off to the side a heavyset man walks up with a pile of money.

MAN
You all looking for work?  We've got some openings in the Hollywood area today.  (He takes a close look at MIKE.)  You, take a pair of crutches.  (Points to the wheelchair.)  Or say that wheelchair, right outfit.  Who knows?

GARY pushes in front of MILE.  GARY extends his hands.

GARY
(to fat man)
No, we're not looking to scam.  We're looking for talent.  Maybe some Hispanics need some extra money.

FAT MAN
What's your game?

REACTION SHOT:

FAT MAN'S eyes dart back and forth between the trio.

MIKE
Insurance fraud.

GARY
You came highly recommended by Herbert Wright.

FAT MAN
When do you need them?

GARY
Tomorrow?
(CONTINUED)

36CONTINUED:36

FAT MAN
I'll have them here.  How many?

GARY
Six.

FAT MAN
(attention distracted by toothless woman trying on overcoat)
Janet, not that coat.  Just wear a sweater.  It'll let the motorist see how really thin you are.

REACTION SHOT:

CLOSEUP of toothless JANET smiling.

FAT MAN
I can get you six.  Same cut as before for me.

MIKE
(shrugs his shoulders)
What?

FAT MAN
Fifteen percent of the action.  (Motions around.)  I got high overhead.

37EXT. DENISE'S HOUSE - DAY37

GARY pulls up in his TOYOTA.  DENISE is polishing a nice red ISUZU.  GARY reaches for his volume and pulls in the driveway, radio blasting.

GARY
Hey ex-girlfriend, you just buy that?

DENISE
Nice, huh?  You think this is all right to do?

GARY
You know those insurance companies, all owned by white people, been keepin' us as slaves forever.

(CONTINUED)

37CONTINUED:37

DENISE
That's talkin' trash, Gary.  Why you here anyway--not hanging out in Santa Monica with your high-class homeboys?

GARY
Wanted to set up another job.

DENISE
I can't do another one.  They'll flag my name in their computer.  No, no Wright tried to talk me into one too.

GARY
Come on, baby.  I need you, really need you.  I got a great one planned.  You just have to help and then be on your way.  Five thousand dollars.

DENISE gets a little closer to him and leans in the window.

P.O.V.:

GARY looks at her cleavage just about eye level.  He looks in her face.

GARY
Get up early tomorrow.  I'll be over at five thirty.  

GARY shifts his car into reverse.

DENISE
Five thirty?

GARY
Yeah, don't be sleepin' or I'll drag you out of bed.

38EXT. DENISE'S HOUSE - MORNING38

GARY pulls up.  Behind him are six people in an older FORD COUNTRY SQUIRE WAGON.  The car is riding low and looks like it's on it's last leg.  It stops directly behind Gary's car.

(CONTINUED)

38CONTINUED:38

OVERHEAD SHOT:

ISUZU and FORD heard onto the 101 North from the Martin Luther King entrance.  HELICOPTER follows them as the FORD pulls alongside a BIG TRUCK delivering the L.A. TIMES.  The ISUZU pulls alongside the TRUCK on the left.

P.O.V.:

DENISE looks at the big truck wheels.  She can see the FORD WAGON through them.

39INT. ISUZU - MORNING39

GARY
Go for it.

DENISE shifts from fifth to fourth gear and speeds up, cutting the TRUCK off.

REACTION SHOT:

DRIVER of the TRUCK grips the wheel and pulls to his right to avoid a collision.  Through his mirror he notices the STATION WAGON, but it's too late.  He sideswipes them.

40EXT. ISUZU - MORNING40

DENISE and GARY look back and watch the truck pull over to the side.

41EXT. MEDICAL OFFICE - AFTERNOON - TO ESTABLISH41

42INT. OFFICE WAITING ROOM - AFTERNOON42

All six people, MEXICAN-AMERICANS, are sitting in the lobby wearing neck braces.

CUT TO:

43INT. ADJUSTER'S OFFICE - DAY43

A well-dressed JAPANESE-AMERICAN AGENT sits with her briefcase opened.

AGENT
This is a rather large claim.  You represent all six family members.

(CONTINUED)

43CONTINUED:43

WRIGHT
The insured is the L.A. TIMES.  They can certainly afford it as can CONNECTICUT PROPERTY AND CASUALTY.  We don't know how long they'll need treatment.

AGENT
You claiming for permanent damage?

WRIGHT
No, just lost wages and pain and discomfort.  Your insured sideswiped them.  They were in their own lane minding their own business.  It's only $120,000.  Twenty thousand per passenger.  Look, if you can't live with that, we'll litigate.  Clear cut negligence.

AGENT
What's with it with you, Wright?  It's like you're in a ware.  I ask a few questions and you want to litigate.  I've got my job, you've got yours.  (She studies his face.)  It's reasonable.  We'll pay.

WRIGHT
(stands, quick handshake)
Thanks, we'll consider it settled then.  Don't act like you're doing me some kind of damn favor.  People pay in on their premiums for years and all their companies do is bitch and moan when it finally comes time to give a settlement.  (Makes a wide gesture.)  Half the money in this country belongs to the insurance companies who always look for some loophole to get out of paying what they owe.  It don't work with me, lady.  I know the game.

He swaggers out.

44EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER - AFTERNOON44

It's a busy afternoon on the pier.  CAMERA PANS down to the ocean.

CLOSEUP:

JOHNNY rides his skateboard down the pier.  He's dressed grungy.  WRIGHT spots him and walks down.

WRIGHT
You're late.  (Looks at his watch.)  I expect people to be on time when I set appointments.

JOHNNY
Why don't you chill?  Lay off.  I may not be the brightest, but I know what you've got us doing isn't cool with Johnny Law.

WRIGHT
What have you got?

JOHNNY
Not just me.  Mostly Mike's idea.  Over at school, well, we checked on the liability policy.  It's for big bucks with OMAHA GENERAL.  I've got a few buddies from the beach who are coming to campus in an old VW bus.  They said they'd take the hit--do the doctor routine.  Everything.  Mike, he's going to take care of the negligence.

WRIGHT
How many guys?

JOHNNY
Ten.  Easy money.  The word spreads fast.  I could have had twenty.

BEAUTIFUL GIRL in string bikini walks by.  WRIGHT turns, distracted.

WRIGHT
This ain't a circus, Johnny.  It's real life.  Make sure nobody really gets hurt.  You wouldn't like to have that on your conscience.

(CONTINUED)

44CONTINUED:44

JOHNNY stares back intently.

JOHNNY
Conscience.  (Laughs.)  No, I buried mine long ago.  Money, sex and drugs are my creed.

CUT TO:

45EXT. PEPPERDINE CAMPUS - DAY45

On a tree-lined street, a maintenance truck pulls up.  Out of the back the groundskeeper gets out and removes a ladder and some clippers.  He walks into the adjoining yard and sets up the ladder.  Uphill the VOLKSWAGEN BUS painted in psychedelic colors and music blasting sits.  The DRIVER is wearing a tie die shirt and has a scarf tied around his head.

46INT. BUS - DAY46

REAR PASSENGER
Let's hurry up.  This air is making me gag.  Somebody smells like a Tijuana bean factory.

Everybody laughs.

FRONT PASSENGER
Marvin, it must be you.  You must have dual exhausts.

MARVIN
No, Cody, you're the double ass.  (Pounds on dashboard.)  Let's do it.

CUT TO:

47EXT. MAINTENANCE TRUCK - DAY47

A medium height BLACK YOUTH walks up to the maintenance truck.  He pulls out a small metal jimmy and slides it down the car window.  He grapples with it and manages to release the car lock.  He lips inside and takes off the parking brake and shifts the car into neutral.

48EXT. VW VAN - DAY48

JOHNNY
(approaches the driver)
Just pull in front of it and let it rear end you.  Don't wait too long.

DRIVER
No problemo.

49EXT. CAMPUS - DAY49

A GIRL on a MOUNTAIN BIKE passes the VW.  DRIVER pulls up next to her.  All the passengers begin to harass her, making suggestive comments and insulting her.  The unoccupied PEPPERDINE PICKUP picks up speed behind and touches their bumper.  They speed up leaving the girl.  She pulls of, narrowly being missed by the unoccupied truck.

BIKE GIRL
Hey!  (Shouting.)  Where's the damn driver?

P.O.V. MOUNTAIN BIKE GIRL: Watches the VW trying to get out of the way of the pickup.

50INT. VW VAN - DAY50

REAR PASSENGER
Skip, step on it.  This thing ain't slowing down.

THE INCLINE of the hill gets steeper.  The VW is running full speed. 

P.O.V. DRIVER: A small YELLOW RABBIT CONVERTIBLE pulls out in front of the VW.  DRIVER reacts, throws on brakes.  PICKUP smashes into the back of the VW.

SLOW MOTION skidding action of the braking combined with rear impact sends VW on its side careening down the hill screeching all the way, radio still blasting.  PICKUP TRUCK continues past the VW and totals out a parked CAMPUS POLICE THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE.

51EXT. VW VAN - DAY51

The INJURED SURFER begins climbing out.  STUDENTS gather by.  Some start lending assistance.  The FEMALE CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER rushes over and dictates to a TALL MALE STUDENT, MIKE.
(CONTINUED)

51CONTINUED:51

FEMALE CAMPUS OFFICER
Call 9-1-1 now please.

MIKE leaves and passes by JOHNNY.

JOHNNY
Talk about convincing.

MIKE
(grabs him by the shirt collar)
You'd better hope none of your friends are hurt really bad.  Go check em out.  I've got to call 9-1-1.

INJURED PASSENGERS continue to pile out of the overturned VOLKSWAGEN.  One has a severe cut over his eye; another one stumbles out and falls over.  They are moaning and obviously in pain.  AMBULANCES pull up.  The crowd parts as the AMBULANCE DRIVERS open their tailgates and start loading in bodies and pull away.  The GARDENER walks up and looks at his wrecked PICKUP.

GARDENER
Aye corumba.  (Makes the sign of the cross.)

The FEMALE CAMPUS OFFICER approaches the GARDENER.

FEMALE CAMPUS OFFICER
That your vehicle?

GARDENER
(nods)
I don't know what happened.  I had the parking brake on.  Now it's down here.  I was up in the tree.  I heard the crash.  I came down and no van.

FEMALE OFFICER
Well, don't go anywhere.  We'll need to get your statement.

CUT TO:

52INT. JAGUAR - DAY52

WRIGHT is driving his car at LAX.  The phone rings.

CUT TO:

53EXT. PHONE BOOTH - DAY53

MIKE is on the phone.

MIKE
It's done.  It went a little harder than we thought.  The van turned over, out of control.  Everybody looks banged up.

54INT. JAGUAR - DAY54

WRIGHT
Look, my wife just got in.  I promised I'd pick her up.  Hang tight.  I should be there in twenty.

WRIGHT notices a PETITE BLONDE WOMAN wearing sunglasses and tights with a flowing, multi-color top and an oversized jeweled belt.  He pulls over after popping the trunk.

55EXT. PASSENGER PICKUP - DAY55

WRIGHT
(Takes her bag.  She offers him her cheek to kiss.)
Welcome home.

She turns abruptly away.

ANN WRIGHT
(lights up a cigarette)
I'm tired.  Can you just take me straight home?  It's been an exhausting trip.  There was a delay in our flight from Nassau and then a holdup clearing customs in Atlanta.

WRIGHT
(fanning cigarette smoke away)
Wish I could, but I've got to stop for a few minutes at an accident scene.  How can you continue to smoke when your own daughter is diagnosed with cancer?  Why don't you wear one of those patches?

(CONTINUED)

55CONTINUED:55

ANN WRIGHT
Don't blame me for Allison's cancer, Herbert.  Maybe if you'd listened to my father and checked her into the Mayo Clinic instead of some health nut farm, she'd be home right now.

WRIGHT
Most likely she'd be dead.  At least with natural medicine she has a chance to build her own immune system against it.  I know there's a fundamental difference between us.  You trust doctors; I don't.  My dad made his living suing them.  Your dad was one of them.  Let's drop it.

56EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON 56

WRIGHT pulls up in the JAGUAR.  Before he can get out, MIKE approaches the car.  He's got the window down and MIKE blurts out before he notices ANN.

MIKE
Amazing, Herb . . . (looks over, shocked).  Hi.

ANN
(smugly)
You haven't introduced me.

WRIGHT
Ann, this is Mike Desmond.  He works liaison with our office.  Mike, this is my wife, Ann.

ANN
(steps out of the car)
You find accidents amazing.

JOHNNY rushes over.

JOHNNY
Hi, Mr. Wright.

WRIGHT
Hi, Johnny.

(CONTINUED)

56CONTINUED:56

ANN
Another liaison.  (She turns and wanders off.)  I'm going to sit down in the shade.

WRIGHT
(puts his hand on Johnny and steers him away)
Don't ever acknowledge me again in public.  Get to the hospital right away.  Tell them all not to sign a single thing.  I'll get a copy of the accident report.

JOHNNY looks at him.

JOHNNY
Sorry, I didn't know it wasn't cool.

WRIGHT
My wife doesn't know anything.  I'd prefer it to stay that way.

He glances back at her.  She is sitting on a bench smoking and doesn't return the look.

CUT TO:

57INT. DOCTOR WILSON'S OFFICE - DAY57

Two of the SURFERS stand in front of the same YOUNG NURSE.

SURFER ONE
Wow, babe, you're bitchin.

NURSE
(hands them the garments)
Take your street clothes on and put these gowns on.

SURFER TWO
Great toga party.  You gonna party with us?  (Smiles.)

NURSE
No, I'm sorry I won't be able to.

(CONTINUED)

57CONTINUED:57

SURFER ONE
You mean we got to get buffed and no nookie?

NURSE
Yeah, do it more often.  The life you save may be your own.

She closes the door and leaves.

SURFER TWO
What do you think she was talking about?

SURFER ONE
(shrugs and then pulls his t-shirt over his head, revealing a very tanned, muscular body with several bruises)
She's probably just a frustrated babe.  Couldn't handle us.

SURFER TWO
(ponders to think)
Yeah, you're probably right.

CUT TO:

58EXT. DENISE'S HOUSE - DAY58

GARY pulls up.  This time he's driving a BLACK BMW decked with a low-rider kit.  A TALL GENTLEMAN from next door walks over.

AVERY JACKSON
Hey Gary boy.  (Dusts the hood off with his hand.)  What you into these days?  That's a hell of a ride.

GARY
Insurance business, Avery.  Denise around?  We're supposed to have a meeting.

(CONTINUED)

58CONTINUED:58

AVERY
No.  (Scratches his chin.)  Don't suppose I could get into it with you, do you?  Denise just went to the store to get some food for her mom.  You just missed her.

GARY
You still working at Harmont theatre?

AVERY
Yeah, I've been takin' tickets there for a long time.  I run the place now.  Ol' Mr. Harmon hardly ever comes by.

GARY
Okay, I'll hook you up.  (Starts up the car.)  Tell Denise I'll be by later.  I've got to get to class.  I'll come by the theatre and talk with you with my partners.

CUT TO:

59EXT. FULLERTON STATE COLLEGE - AFTERNOON - TO ESTABLISH59

GARY parks his BMW and starts walking to class carrying his books.  In front of him a GIRL stumbles with her books and drops one.  He reaches down the same time she does and their eyes meet.

GARY
You want me to get one of those for you?  I don't mind.

KAMI NELSON
Sure, I guess this research project takes a lot more material than I realized.  (Points awkwardly.)  Just over there.  Nursing.

OVERHEAD SHOT: Gary walks with the nurse KAMI NELSON, a fair-skinned black woman with a striking profile and bright smile.  She is wearing a gold outfit with black accessories.

(CONTINUED)

59CONTINUED:59

KAMI
(extends her hand)
My name is Kami Nelson.  You just start?

GARY
Yeah, first year.  I'm taking mostly business.  You're gonna be a nurse?

KAMI
Yeah, got in the habit of fixing up my little brothers.

GARY
What were they in?  The gangs?

KAMI
No, we're from Fullerton, not South Central.

GARY shifts awkwardly.

GARY
Look, I'm out of class in an hour.  Can I buy you a soda?  Maybe something to eat?

KAMI
(looks at her gold watch)
Sure.

REACTION SHOT: GARY smiles, relieved.

KAMI
(continues)
I'll meet you over at Chili's.  You know where it is?

GARY
(hands her the remaining books)
Yeah, I'll be there, sister.

KAMI stands and watches GARY walk away.

60EXT. HARMONT THEATRE - NIGHT - TO ESTABLISH60

GARY'S CAR pulls up with KAMI in the passenger seat.  They park.

61INT. HARMONT THEATRE - NIGHT61

AVERY JACKSON takes their tickets and GARY leads KAMI over to the snack stand.  He pulls out a twenty dollar bill.

GARY
Get yourself anything you want.  Get me a large soda and a large popcorn.  (He walks away).

KAMI
Where you going?

GARY
Avery, an old home boy and the manager.  I've got to talk with him a few minutes.

GARY walks over to AVERY, who is still taking ticket stubs.  KAMI looks over to see what they're talking about but can't hear.  She just sees their mouths move.

GARY walks away.  KAMI leaves the counter with the snacks.  She hands the popcorn tub to GARY.

CUT TO:

62INT. MIKE'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON62

JOHNNY, GARY and MIKE are sitting at a pine harvest table overlooking a lush backyard.

MIKE
(chugs on a soda)
It sounds crazy to me, Gary.  What if somebody gets hurt?

JOHNNY
Three of my friends were really thrashed.  One had a broken collarbone and hasn't been able to surf.  They don't care about the money.  They're pissed.

GARY
I didn't set that one up.  This one it can't miss.  Besides, we can't just keep doing the same old thing.  (more)

(CONTINUED)

62CONTINUED:62

GARY (Cont'd)
Denise is going to bring some girlfriends down.  I'm bringing in some friends from the hood.  We'll know everybody in the theatre almost.  They've got sweet, fat insurance money.  I know Wright would lover it.  Big negligence claim, twenty people, big-time money

MIKE gets up and sees CAR pulling in the back.

MIKE
It's my mom.  Chill this talk.

JOHNNY and GARY get up to leave.  MIKE'S MOM, a very beautiful black lady elegantly dress,ed comes in the kitchen door.

MRS. DESMOND
Gary, it's been a long time.  Is that your BMW outside?  What a handsome car!

GARY
(kisses her on the cheek)
Yes, Mrs. Thomas.  I'm in college now.

MIKE'S MOM sets down the packages.

MRS. DESMOND
That's quite a car.  You must have a great job!

GARY
Not really.  It was part of an insurance settlement.  All tax free dollars.  You remember last May when that guy hit Mike's car?

MIKE
(pushes him out the door)
I'll see you tonight, Gary.  Johnny, let's cruise over to Eddy's Wax and Trax and pick up some new jams.  (Motions Johnny.)  Mom, I'll be back for supper.

(CONTINUED)

62CONTINUED:62

MRS. DESMOND
(pokes her heard out of the pantry)
Don't be too long.  See if you can find your little brother too.

63EXT. CURB - MIKE'S HOUSE63

GARY picks up the car phone and sits in the front seat while JOHNNY and MIKE stand by.  A POLICE CRUISER goes by.

CLOSEUP: POLICE OFFICERS check them out.  MIKE walks over.

MIKE
No problems, officer.  I live here.

OFFICER
(waves)
Have a good day.

JOHNNY
OINK, OINK, OINK, OINK.  Kiss my fat ass.

MIKE hits JOHNNY on the back of his head.

MIKE
Chill.  What's your problem with the police, man?

GARY
(puts his fingers to his lips)
Shhhh, both of you.  Herbert, I wanted to run down a plan . . .

64EXT. WRIGHT HOUSE - NIGHT64

HERBERT has green neon pants and his golf jacket on and walking out to the garage.

ANN
(sees him from her T.V. chair)
Herbert, where are you going?

WRIGHT
Country club driving range.  Gonna hit a couple of buckets.  Then I've got to catch up on a case for Monday, so don't wait up.
(CONTINUED)
64CONTINUED:64

HERBERT closes the door.

P.O.V. ANN: Looks out the window as HERBERT pulls down the driveway.  She rubs her hand over her mouth and walks over to the phone.  She looks up a number on the Rolladex and calls.

ANN
Golf shop, please.  Hello, yes, this is Ann Wright.  Look, my husband is on his way down to use the driving range.  Could you have him call home when he arrives?  It's important . . . thank you.

She hangs up the phone.

CUT TO:

65EXT. MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT65

A fairly large crowd is out front buying tickets and milling about.  WRIGHT pulls up in his Jag and parks.  GARY runs over to him.

GARY
White brother Wright.  (Gives him a ghetto handshake.)  We've got it covered.  You gonna stay?

WRIGHT
Yeah, I'm staying.

GARY
This ain't Woodland Hills.  You're gonna stick out amongst the brothers down here.  (Gary takes off his black leather trenchcoat.)  Here, put this on.  Maybe they'll think you're pimpin' and leave you alone.  Our man's inside.  This thing will be going down quick.  (Points to a Church's Fried Chicken.)  Hang out over there.  You'll see the whole thing.

66INT. MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT66

AVERY takes the tickets and watches GARY and MIKE walk into the theatre.  DENISE comes past him with a wide range of people, from a HEAVYSET WOMAN to a few MEN who are obvious alcoholics.  She hands him tickets for all of them.  They are all given stubs.

67INT. THEATRE VIEWING AREA - NIGHT67

CLOSEUP of GARY and DENISE sharing a box of popcorn.  He gives her the thumbs up sign.

The movie shows a lady in a window of a burning building being encouraged to jump into a large, inflatable placed under the window.  The actor playing the fire chief is telling her to jump.

CLOSEUP:

MIKE releases a smoke bomb and places it on the seat next to him.  It begins to billow out smoke.  The theatre has about forty people altogether.

DENISE
(stands)
Fire, this place is on fire!  (Overreacts.)  I've got to get out of here.

GARY
Damn, there's a fire.  FIRE FIRE FIRE.  (Gary keeps shouting and rushes to the exit doors.  He tries jamming through the door.)

MIKE
(stands in the back)
The seat's on fire.  Somebody get an extinguisher.  I can't see.

Smoke has filled the entire back of the theatre.  In one mass surge, everyone rushes for the EXIT DOORS.  One HEAVYSET WOMAN gets knocked down and trampled by a THIN MAN.  A GIRL gets pushed out of the way and knocked down.  The people up by the door get crushed and begin to moan.

68EXT. MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT68

P.O.V. WRIGHT: Sits on the outside patio of churches and watches the fire trucks arriving.  They unroll their hoses and enter the front of the theatre.
(CONTINUED)
68CONTINUED:68

FIRE CHIEF
(to Avery)
You got the keys to the back door?

AVERY
Yeah, but it should be open.

FIRE CHIEF
Better get over there quick and make sure.

69EXT. BACK DOOR - NIGHT69

AVERY fumbles through the keys.  The crowd inside is pounding on the door and yelling.  He manages to open the door.  Smoke comes pouring out and people trample over one another.  MIKE and GARY disappear into the crowd.  FIREMEN and MEDICAL PERSONNEL stand by and load some of the people into waiting ambulances.

FIRE CHIEF
(to Avery)
We're gonna need a statement from you.  Those doors should be left open at all times.

AVERY
I'm sorry.  I must have forgotten.

FIRE CHIEF
You'd better hope no one's seriously hurt.  You could be charged with criminal negligence.

70EXT. CHURCH'S FRIED CHICKEN - NIGHT70

WRIGHT
Good job.  Nobody seriously injured.  You both could probably retire off of this one.

MIKE
You want to go celebrate?

WRIGHT
Yeah, why not?  (He slaps them both on the back.)  Where to?

71EXT. JADE'S - NIGHT71

The nightclub is covered with green neon.  There is a special VIP parking section where several limos are parked.  WRIGHT pulls up.  The VALET opens the door for him and for GARY and MIKE as well.  Behind them a limo pulls in.  Two other valets open the door.  Out steps WHITNEY HOUSTON and BOBBY BROWN.  MIKE steps over wanting to impress WRIGHT.

MIKE
Hey Bobby, Mike Thomas.  Remember me?  You came to my school with NEW EDITION.

BOBBY
(looks for his security guards)
Yeah, maybe, it's been a while.

BOBBY makes for the door.  MIKE backpedals to keep up with him.

MIKE
(shoves a card into his hand)
You think you could do a show at my college?  Just you and a few dancers?  That's my number.

BODYGUARD takes hold of MIKE.

BODYGUARD
I'm gonna have to ask you not to impede, my man.  Please step aside.

MIKE is acutely embarrassed.

MIKE
Sure, I'll see you two inside.

WRIGHT and GARY step up next to him.

GARY
Don't sweat it, Mikey.  Everybody forgets everybody when they get that famous.  (Pats him on the back.)

MIKE
Well, nobody's gonna forget me again like that.

(CONTINUED)

71CONTINUED:71

They step up to the DOORMAN, who starts to get in their way.

GARY
We're with them.  (Points to Whitney.)

DOORMAN
Who's the white dude?

WRIGHT still looks like a pimp.

GARY
He's our lawyer.  Keeps us out of jail.

DOORMAN
Well, it really must be cold outside, Mr. Lawyerman.  You've got your hands in your own pockets.

WRIGHT
Hilarious.

GARY and MIKE are laughing.

72INT. CLUB - NIGHT72

MIKE, GARY and WRIGHT take a table adjacent to WHITNEY and BOBBY.  She looks over MIKE, waves, and motions to the waitress.  He pulls out a twenty.

MIKE
Drinks for Whitney and Bobby.

WAITRESS looks at him and takes the money.

WAITRESS
Okay.

WRIGHT
This is a popular spot.

GARY
Yeah, it's uptown people mingling with downtown people.

(CONTINUED)

72CONTINUED:72

WRIGHT
I can't stay too long.  My wife thinks I'm playing golf.

GARY
That's why you're wearing those ridiculous clothes?

MIKE
Those aren't ridiculous, Gary.  Everybody wears them golfing.

GARY
You'd have to hog tie me to get me to dress like that.  CHECK HER OUT.  
A gorgeous ASIAN GIRL walks in front of them.  GARY reaches out and grabs her.

GARY
Where you going, freak?  Sit down, have a drink with us.

The GIRL eyes them suspiciously, then decides to sit down.

MIKE
(extends his hand)
Mike Desmond.  (Points to WRIGHT.)  Herbert Wright and our homeboy Gary Iverson.

SUNGEE LEE
I'm Sungee Lee.  (Smiles.)  I'm homegirl.  (She waves at one of her girlfriends.  The girl comes over and joins them.

GARY
(motions to the dance floor)
You want to dance?  (He stands up.)

SUNGEE
Yeah, I love to dance.

They look over at JOHNNY entering with DENISE.

(CONTINUED)

72 CONTINUED:72

GARY
This is my main man, Johnny "Rockets" Johnson.  Baddest dude on  a skateboard you ever saw.  (Johnny extends his hand.)

JOHNNY
Nice to meet you.  (First to Sungee and then turns to her friend.)  I didn't catch your name.

MALING
Maling Onamara.  You want to dance?

JOHNNY
I'd love to.  Excuse me, Denise.

DENISE sits with MIKE and WRIGHT and watches the dance floor.

The music is thumping.  JOHNNY starts to pump and grind and totally kick it.  He starts a contest with GARY and they dominate the dance floor.  Crowd clears and they are into it.  MUSIC SEGWAY'S into another song and they keep dancing.

73INT. NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT73

HERBERT WRIGHT gets up from the table and throws some money down.

WRIGHT
You all are doing a terrific job.  I'm gonna fix you up with your own office.

MIKE
Awesome.  We have arrived.

GARY stands up and pulls MIKE aside.

GARY
I don't know if I want to get this official.  I don't want an office.  I just want to finish college.

MIKE
You sure?

GARY
Yeah, I'm sure.

74EXT. CLUB - NIGHT74

JOHNNY stands with MALING.  They are all over each other, kissing.

JOHNNY
I couldn't talk you into giving me a ride home, could I?

MALING
Sure, where do you live?

JOHNNY
I live with Mike.  We've got a place up in Malibu.

75EXT. ROAD - NIGHT75

The sleek DODGE STEALTH pulls up Malibu Canyon Drive to a beautiful house overlooking the ocean.

76INT. MALIBU HOUSE - NIGHT76

MALING walks out onto the balcony with JOHNNY.  He is carrying a wine bottle and two glasses.

MALING
Very beautiful view.  It reminds me of Sagami Bay in Japan.

JOHNNY
How come you moved to the states?

MALING
My father works for a large chemical company in acquisitions.  Now that I know the freedom of the United States to be oneself, I don't think I'll return.

They begin to kiss.

NEXT MORNING:

77INT. BEDROOM - DAY77

MALING is lying in a beautifully decorated bedroom on maroon sheets.  Contemporary paintings are on the walls.  JOHNNY gets up, holding a pillow over his genitals.

(CONTINUED)

77CONTINUED:77

JOHNNY
Maling, mind if I use your car to get something for breakfast?  I'll be right back.  Mine's in the shop.

MALING
No, please help yourself.  The keys are in my purse.

78EXT. ROAD - DAY78

JOHNNY drives the STEALTH at a high rate of speed.  He is fully in control.  He winds a corner next to a guard rail, slows down, plows into the rail and smashes the front of the car.  He pulls out the insurance card and walks down to the convenience store and calls a cab and a tow truck.

CUT TO:

JOHNNY
It's my girlfriend's car.  Just tow it to a repair shop, will you?

DRIVER
What a shame.  Never seen such a beautiful car.

JOHNNY
(sarcastically)
Yeah, real pity.

79INT. HOUSE - DAY79

P.O.V.: MALING watches JOHNNY get out of the cab.

MALING
What happened?  Where is my car?

JOHNNY
Hit some gravel on a turn.  Pulled my neck.  I had it towed to a repair shop for you.  Look, I've got an extra car you could use and I'll be happy to pay for your deductible.

MALING
My father, he'll kill me.

(CONTINUED)

79CONTINUED:79

JOHNNY
(tries to shut her up with a kiss)
No, he won't.  I'll call him and smooth things out for you.

80INT. CLAIMS OFFICE - DAY80

CLAIMS OFFICERS
Your name is John R. Murray.

JOHNNY
Yes, maam.

CLAIMS OFFICER
These bills are quite high.  Why didn't you go immediately to the hospital after the accident?

JOHNNY
(looks at Wright)
I didn't feel any of the pain then.  I mean, I got bounced around, but who knows I'd have felt so bad.

WRIGHT
My client suffered a lot of pain.  It was hardly his fault.  That road should have been cleared off and he never would have slid into the guard rail.  Those are the x-rays.  If you don't want to settle, we could take it to trial.  Waste your time and waste my time.  Could you excuse us, Mr. Murray?

JOHNNY gets up and leaves the conference room.  He finds a pay phone and dials.

TIME DELAY.

WRIGHT exits the conference room.  They walk down the hall and turn the corner to the elevator.  WRIGHT hands him the check.

WRIGHT
Nice job, Mr. Murray.  You played it well.

(CONTINUED)

80CONTINUED:80

JOHNNY
About the office for Mike and I . . .

WRIGHT
Yeah, it's going to be right around the corner: two medical examination rooms, x-ray machine, reception area.  Everything--even licenses on the walls and a billing department.  I've got the lease.  All you've got to do is sign.  I'll handle everything else.

JOHNNY
I guess this means we're really in bed together?

WRIGHT
Why gave all that money to a real doctor?  You can hire a kid fresh out of UCLA, have him come by once a week for some routine check-ups and bill for the rest.

81INT. WRIGHT HOUSE - NIGHT81

ANN greets her husband at the door.

ANN
Hi, Herb.  You going golfing tonight?

WRIGHT
No, why do you ask?  You got plans?

ANN
My father's in town from Boston.  He wants me to take him up to visit Allison.  I know I promised I wouldn't interfere, but he insists.

WRIGHT
I don't want her back on chemo.  It didn't work for her before; it's not going to work now.

(CONTINUED)

81CONTINUED:81

ANN
He's my father, Herb.  You don't understand, do you?  He's her grandfather, flesh and blood, and he cares about her.  You're not the only one torn up by this.

WRIGHT
Damn it, Ann.  If I have to get a court order to keep you from interfering with Allison's treatment, I will, damn it.  Don't force me to do something so unpleasant.

ANN
It wouldn't be the only unpleasant thing you've done, would it be, Herbert?

REACTION SHOT: He looks shocked.

WRIGHT
What do you mean by that?  (Moving toward her threateningly.)

ANN
I've been doing some checking around.  You cover yourself pretty well, but not when you say you're out at the golf course and get home at midnight with the smell of perfume all over  you.  Damn it yourself, Herbert.  At least you could be faithful.  (She moves toward the door.)

WRIGHT
It's not what you think.  I was out with clients.

ANN
(stops, looks him dead in the eye)
You get a court order against me.  I'll be getting my own lawyer.  We'll see who gets custody of Allison.

CUT TO:

82INT. LAW OFFICE - DAY82

HERBERT sits at his desk staring at the picture of his daughter and him at happier times posing next to MICKEY and MINNIE MOUSE.  The buzzer goes off.  It disturbs his tranquility.

DR. KIRSTEIN enters.

WRIGHT
What's up, doc?

DOCTOR KIRSTEIN
Very fully.  I was wondering about your new billing arrangements.  I haven't been getting any referrals lately.  This money means a lot to me.

WRIGHT
Look, I know, but if I just keep using you, there's only so many insurance companies.  They're going to get suspicious.

DOCTOR KIRSTEIN
I've got a mortgage, Wright--a wife, medical school loans to pay off.  You can't just cut me off now.  Not cold.

WRIGHT
Look, I set my referral department up with their own medical office.  You want to go in one day week, I'll pay you a thousand.

DOCTOR KIRSTEIN
I was making ten times that.

WRIGHT
I know, but things change.  I'm the one taking the risks here.  You're just collecting the money.  Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to be at an appointment.

(CONTINUED)

82 CONTINUED:82

DOCTOR KIRSTEIN
Wait, wait!  I'll take it.  What day?

WRIGHT
You pick the day, Soloman.  Doesn't matter to me.  Nobody's really hurt anyway.

DOCTOR KIRSTEIN
Eight years of school . . . (mutters)

WRIGHT
(raises his voice)
Eight years of medical school so you could make more money than the average schmo on the street.  Nobody's gonna feel sorry for you, doc.  Specially not me.  Maybe if you hadn't wasted your talents, you could have found a cure to some disease and really helped humanity.  Look, I've got problems of my own.

CUT TO:

83INT. HOSPITAL GROUNDS - DAY83

ALLISON is sitting in a wheelchair under a beautiful cypress tree on a magnificently manicured lawn dotted by beds of colorful flowers.  It's a picture of serenity.

P.O.V.: Through the administrator's office, ALLISON'S MOM and MATERNAL GRANDFATHER look out at her.

DR. MADISON
Dr. Morgan, you of all people should know that chemotherapy doesn't cure anyone.  It indiscriminantly kills both good and bad cells.

DR. MORGAN
I know it's no guarantee cure, but at her age, it's certainly better than nothing.

(CONTINUED)

83CONTINUED:83

ANN
(steps forward)
Dad, you promised you wouldn't raise your voice or act unbecoming.

DR. MADISON
That's quite all right, Mrs. Wright.  If your son-in-law did authorize her release from our program, what guarantees could you make to your daughter?  Any?  (Moment of silence.)  I realize our treatments are revolutionary but they've worked for others and you owe it to Allison to give her a fighting chance, not kill every living cell in her body and watch her starve to death.

DR. MORGAN
I have been practicing medicine since before you were born, Dr. Madison.  Radiation therapy and chemotherapy have been proven to halt the growth of cancerous tissues and bring cancers into remission thousands of times over many years.  Maybe, as you say, you are into something revolutionary.  But this is my daughter's only child we are talking about.  She's much more than an experiment to me.  (Gets up out of his chair.)  I think it's time we say goodbye to Allison, Ann.  (Turns to Madison.)  It's not the last of this.

CUT TO:

84EXT. LAWN - DAY84

ALLISON and ANN hug each other.  DR. MORGAN stands to the side.

ALLISON
Mom, when can I come home?

(CONTINUED)

84CONTINUED:84

ANN
We're working on it, darling.  Your father and I don't see eye to eye on this issue.  We'll be up to see you again in a few days.  (Kisses her.)  I love you.

ALLISON
I love you too, Mom.

85EXT. MEDICAL OFFICES - DAY85

Sign on the door reads WILSHIRE MEDICINE MEDICAL OFFICES.

GARY approaches the door with his girlfriend, KAMI.

GARY
This is it--my friend's place.  (He opens the door.)

KAMI
You have your own key?

GARY
Yeah, I do the referrals.

KAMI looks puzzled.  She walks in the office and looks around.

KAMI
Where are the doctors?  Don't they stay open regular hours?

GARY
No, they're just usually here on Friday.

KAMI
Pretty expensive to maintain an office like this for one day a week.

GARY steers her over to the computer.

GARY
Even got our own computer billing system.  Come on, let's go.  I thought you might be interested in it, but that's cool.

(CONTINUED)

85CONTINUED:85

GARY grabs her arm to go.

KAMI
I'm interested.  I just don't see how it can work financially.  Medical overhead is expensive.

GARY
It's easy.  They schedule all the patients in one day a week and pay the doctors and nurses to come in.  No biggie.  Come on, let's go.  I can use some lunch.

86EXT. STREET - DAY86

KAMI is sitting in Gary's BMW.  She looks over.

KAMI
Is there where you got the money for this car?

GARY
Yeah, I told you I do referrals--insurance cases.  Slip and falls, workmen's comp, accidents.

KAMI
They must pay pretty well.

GARY
Better than I ever thought.

KAMI rolls down the window.

KAMI
I'm hungry too.  Why don't we try that place on Sunset?

GARY
Sure, no problem.

87EXT. WRIGHT'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON87

WRIGHT is dressed up in his golf clothes.  He is in the back of his house on his putting green knocking a ball into the hole.  The green is covered with golf balls.  He knocks several in.

(CONTINUED)

87CONTINUED:87

CAMERA PANS TO ANN: She is walking on the back porch with her father.

ANN
Herb, could you come in?  Dad wants a word with you.

WRIGHT walks over to his golf bag, puts the putter back and puts on the cover.

WRIGHT
Sure, I'll be right there.

88INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON88

The living room is lavish with overstuffed white leather couches, angulated metal coffee and end table and track lighting.  A large 9' what grand piano sits in the corner overlooking a fountain.  WRIGHT walks in carrying a drink.

WRIGHT
Hi Dad, how was your visit with Allison?

DR. MORGAN
It's what I want to talk with you about.  I don't think you have her in the right place.  I agree she hasn't taken a turn for the worse, but she's not getting proper treatment.

ANN
I'm gonna have to force your hand on this, Herbert.  Either you do what my father advises or I'm getting a divorce.  This marriage is not worth the life of my daughter.

WRIGHT
You two think I'm Machiavelli.  We had Allison in chemo in case you don't remember.  She lost her hair and weighed about ninety pounds.  Now you want me to put her back on it.  You do what you have to do, (more)

(CONTINUED)

88CONTINUED:88

WRIGHT (Cont'd)
Ann.  Just leave our daughter out of it.  The only way you're getting her back on those drugs is if I'm dead.

DR. MORGAN walks over and comforts ANN.

DR. MORGAN
I never thought you'd be incapable of listening to reason.

WRIGHT
I'm not.  But you haven't given me any good reason.  You want to battle over custody of our child.  Well, you'd better get yourself a good lawyer.  (He walks to the hallway.)  I'll be back for my things in the morning.  I'll be moving into our townhouse downtown.

89INT. WILSHIRE BLVD. OFFICE - NIGHT89

A semi hip-looking office with hi-tech furniture and a neon sign that says in the reverse COLLINS INVESTIGATIONS.  CHARLES COLLINS is dressed in a loose-fitting natural silk shirt with matching belt and shoes in a cream color.  He is fairly tall, black skinned and sports a flat top.  He is pouring over information on his computer and picks up the phone.

COLLINS
Collins here . . . yeah, we do divorce cases, missing children, background checks.  You name it.  Fifty five dollars per hour plus expenses.  No problem.  No, just getting ready to go home.  I'll be happy to stop by.

90EXT. WRIGHT HOME - EVENING90

COLLINS pulls in driving a small BLACK PORSCHE.  He twirls around his gold key chain and walks up to the front door and knocks.  ANN WRIGHT answers it.  He steps back in surprise.

(CONTINUED)

90CONTINUED:90

COLLINS
(extends his hand)
Charles Collins.  You must be . . .

ANN
Ann Wright.  How rude of me.  Do come in.

91INT. KITCHEN - DAY91

ANN sits at the kitchen table with COLLINS and her father.

ANN
Look, Herbert and I have always had a good marriage.  Not a lot of passion, but we fit well together.  I've always trusted him.  I don't think he's ever really been unfaithful, but I've got to find out something about him to keep him from getting custody or joint custody of our daughter.

COLLINS nods.

DR. MORGAN
My granddaughter has cancer.  It's spread to the lymph glands.  We want her back on treatment.  He's got her in some healing clinic at several thousand a week.

COLLINS takes a drink.

COLLINS
You want me to follow him, see what he's up to, try to find something on him you can use in court?

ANN
Can you do it?

COLLINS
Sure, it'd be fun to screw a lawyer for once instead of the other way around.  How much time you talking about?

(CONTINUED)

91CONTINUED:91

ANN
Whatever it takes.

COLLINS
I get the first week in advance.  After that, I'll bill you.  You want phone tapes, everything?

ANN
The whole package.  How soon do I get information?

COLLINS
I'll keep you posted daily.

ANN gets out her checkbook, writes him a check for $5,000 and hands it to him.  

COLLINS
(checks her out)
Don't mind me saying, you are a real looker.  Man must be some kind of fool to walk away from you.

92EXT. GARY'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON92

GARY pulls up in front on his house.  The house has been fixed up considerably since the first scene--all painted, looking really nice.

GARY
This is it, where I grew up (to Kami).

KAMI
It's nice (she says awkwardly).  Are we going to get to go inside?

GARY
(gets out)
No, I just thought we'd drive by and shoot it up.

KAMI
That's not funny. 

Across the street a car full of gang bangers drives by.  They wave to GARY.

(CONTINUED)

92CONTINUED:92

GARY
Hey . . . (Gary looks to reassure Kami of her safety.)  Don't sweat it.  They're cool.  I used to go to school with some of them.

93INT. GARY'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON93

The house is totally laid: fresh carpet, nice wallpaper, Victorian style furniture with luxurious upholstery and marble top tables; oriental rugs spread out in the foyer; beautiful bronze statue lamps; and in the middle, a large 54" television.  GARY turns on the television.

GARY
Have a seat, baby.  I'll go get you something cold to drink.

GARY enters the living room with a drink.  KAMI is watching television.  GARY looks over her shoulder down at her cleavage.  She looks up.

KAMI
What are you looking at?

GARY
You, you're beautiful.  I've never known a woman so fine.

KAMI
(moves over so Gary can sit next to her)
I bet you say that . . . (Before she can finish her sentence, Gary kisses her.)

GARY pulls his silk pullover off over his head and continues to kiss her.  She leans back on the sofa and begins to scratch his back.  He loosens her top and removes it from her, revealing a black-laced bra.  He kisses her on her upper chest and moves his lips down in between her breasts.  He lingers there a while and finally releases her breasts, grabbing them between his hands, kissing them full upon the nipples.  She pushes him away.

KAMI
Isn't your mom coming home?

(CONTINUED)

93CONTINUED:93

GARY
No, she's on vacation.  We've got the house to ourselves.

TIME LAPSE.

94INT. BEDROOM - DAY94

GARY gets up off of a king-size waterbed that takes up nearly his whole room.  He looks over at KAMI sound asleep and kisses her tenderly.  He walks into the bathroom and gets into the shower.

95INT. SHOWER - DAY95

GARY is singing and KAMI gets in.  She starts to kiss him.  He returns the kiss and they press into one another.

CUT TO:

96EXT. STREET - NIGHT96

COLLINS, the private investigator, sits in his car outside of WRIGHT'S OFFICE.  It is raining and visibility is not too good.

P.O.V.: COLLINS watches WRIGHT'S JAGUAR pulls out of the parking structure.  

COLLINS stars his car and follows Wright's car.

WRIGHT takes the 101 South, gets off at GAGE and heads over to a fast-food restaurant where he pulls in and waits.  COLLINS follows at a distance and parks across the street.

COLLINS pulls out a high-powered camera and studies WRIGHT talking with DENISE.  He fires off a few shots and puts the camera away.  COLLINS watches WRIGHT open the door and let DENISE in.  The JAGUAR pulls out onto GAGE and heads towards BROADWAY.

The JAGUAR parks, DENISE gets out and walks over to AVERY JOHNSON, who is standing near a bus stop.  AVERY appears to be very nervous packing back and forth.

97INT. JAGUAR - NIGHT97

DENISE gets back in the car.
(CONTINUED)
97CONTINUED:97

WRIGHT
He looks really nervous.  You sure he should go through with this?

DENISE
He's got to.  I told him it would be a while before you got a settlement from the movie fire and he's out of a job.

WRIGHT
He could get hurt.

DENISE
He doesn't care.  I told him to watch his ass.  Didn't matter how much money he got if he was dead.  Shhh.  Here it comes now.

98EXT. BUST STOP - NIGHT98

AVERY steps in front of the bus while it is pulling into the stop.  He slams into it with his head and is bounced back into the curb.

P.O.V. COLLINS watches from his car in disbelief.  He gets out of his car with the camera and takes advantage of the confusion to shoot a few photos.

WRIGHT gets out of his vehicle, and for a moment, his eyes cross with COLLINS.

REACTION SHOT: WRIGHT stops and wonders if he should know him.  WRIGHT walks to the phone and dials 9-1-1.

The TRANSIT DRIVER gets out to offer assistance, lifts AVERY from the curb and places him on the bench.  The DRIVER kneels beside him and prays.

TRANSIT DRIVER
Oh God, help this man.  Spare his life, oh Jesus.

P.O.V.: DENISE watches him and walks over.

DENISE
Give him some air.  (Hand on the transit driver's back.)  I saw what happened.  It wasn't your fault.  He walked in front of you.
(CONTINUED)

98CONTINUED:98

TRANSIT DRIVER
(tears in his eyes)
Twenty-five years and nobody hurt.  Nobody, miss, I had a perfect record.  Now look at his poor man.

AVERY
(moves his head)
Oh, what happened?  (Tries to get up.  Denise puts her hand on his shoulder.)

DENISE
Don't give up.  The ambulance is on the way.  You might have internal injuries.

TIME LAPSE.

99EXT. STREET - NIGHT99

The AMBULANCE pulls away.  DENISE stands, giving her statement to a POLICE OFFICER.  She looks over at the JAGUAR and can see WRIGHT'S FACE through the window.

CAMERA PANS:

COLLINS is sitting further down the street eating a taco and watching through his TELEPHOTO LENS.

CUT TO:

100INT. LAW OFFICE - DAY100

WRIGHT walks in his office past his receptionist.

WRIGHT
Any calls?

RECEPTIONIST
Your wife.  She said to call when you first get in.

WRIGHT
Thanks.  Anyone else?  (Looks through the messages.)

(CONTINUED)

100CONTINUED:100

RECEPTIONIST
Yeah, an Avery Johnson and Denise Malcomb.  Oh, Dr. Madison called.  He said he had some good news about your daughter.

WRIGHT walks into his office and picks up the phone.

WRIGHT
Dr. Madison . . . okay . . . sure, I'll come right up.  (He rushes out of the office.)  Call my wife for me.  Tell her I'm out of town.  I'll call her this evening.  The other two can wait.

101EXT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY101

WRIGHT pulls out again in his JAGUAR.  COLLINS follows him at a distance.  WRIGHT heads up toward the hospital.  WRIGHT looks out the rear-view mirror and sees a car following him.  He hits the gas and buries the speedometer.

WRIGHT pulls in the hospital.  No one is behind him.

102INT. MALIBU HOUSE - AFTERNOON102

MIKE opens the door and two burly deliverymen are standing with a huge leather sofa.

DELIVERY MAN
You Johnny Johnson?

MIKE
No, he's not here right now.  I'm his roommate.  You can set it right in here.

The DELIVERY MEN place the sofa in front of the fireplace.

MIKE
You ever get hurt on the job?

DELIVERY MAN
No.  Banged my shoulder once.  Why?

(CONTINUED)

102CONTINUED:102

MIKE
Your company carry insurance?

DELIVERY MAN TWO
Lots.  Why?

MIKE
I'm in the business.  How'd both of you like a nice long paid vacation to Tahiti and maybe fifteen grand apiece spending money?

DELIVERY MAN
What do I have to do?

MIKE
You a good driver?

DELIVERY MAN TWO
I drive.

MIKE
Okay.

MIKE'S DRIVEWAY empties out onto a rocky canyon road with a steep incline and ravine.

OVERHEAD CAMERA:

The TRUCK rolls down the hill and crashes, rolling over and over with the rear door open.  Truck comes to a stop.  MIKE and the TWO DELIVERY MEN rush down the hill.

MIKE
You lie over there.  You lie over there.

The TWO DELIVERY MEN lie down.  MIKE grabs one of them by the feet and drags him over the rocks.

DELIVERY MAN ONE
That hurts.

MIKE
Scrape your arm up a bit.  Remember you were putting away your blankets when the truck took off by itself down the driveway.  (Kicks dirt on
(more)
(CONTINUED)

102CONTINUED:102

MIKE (Cont'd)
him.)  You've got to look like you've been hurt.  Police and ambulance drivers got to see you banged up a little.

DELIVERY MAN TWO
(comically drugs his butt along the dirt)
Like this?

MIKE
Yeah, that's great.  Drag your ass down there.  Take one of those rocks and scrape up your forehead a little bit.  The worse you look, the more money you're going to collect.

BOTH DELIVERY MEN are rolling in the dirt and dragging themselves around.

MIKE
Okay, don't way overdo it.  Just lie there.  I'm gonna call the police and come back with some blankets and water.

As MIKE walks up the driveway, JOHNNY pulls in.  He looks down and sees the WRECKED TRUCK.

JOHNNY
My sofa?  Four thousand dollars I paid.

JOHNNY walks in.  MIKE is on the phone.  He sees the sofa.  MIKE hangs up the phone.

JOHNNY
What happened to the truck?

MIKE
(smiles)
Just business.  Look, when the police come, you had just pulled in when you saw the truck careen down the hill and the two delivery men had to dive out of it.

(CONTINUED)

102CONTINUED:102

JOHNNY
You're really into this, aren't you?

MIKE
Yeah, easy money.  They work for the Leather Factory.  Nice big, fat insurance policy.

JOHNNY
Well, I like doing chicks' cars.  You coming with me tonight?  Thought I'd check out DOWN UNDER.  Should be nice women with nice cars.

MIKE
Go ahead by yourself.  Tell Gary to meet you.  He's getting hot and heavy with Kami.

JOHNNY
I know.  He acts like he's married.  Herbert called me from his car.  His wife is filing for divorce.  He thought she was having him followed.  He wants us to avoid him.

MIKE
Avoid him?  As much money as we have coming!  What's he trying to do?  Get out of paying us?

POLICE SIREN and AMBULANCE SOUNDS in the background.  They stop near the bodies.

MIKE
Time to play.  The less you say, the better.  Let them write down what they think happened.

JOHNNY
Yeah, good idea.  (Pulls out his wallet.)  Did I show you these?  (Johnny has five or six pictures of himself with different names.)

(CONTINUED)

102CONTINUED:102

MIKE
Where'd you get those?  (Examines closely.)  Man, they look real.

JOHNNY
Herby hooked me big time.

MIKE
Put 'em away.  Don't be flashin' them, and I wouldn't travel with so many of them.

103INT. MADISON'S OFFICE - DAY103

WRIGHT is sitting looking at a slide with DR. MADISON.

DR. MADISON
Do you see her blood sample slide from when you first brought her here?  (Pulls it out and puts it on a projector.)  There, those are her white cells.  They are overpowering and out of control.  Now look at this one.  (Less white cells.)

WRIGHT
What are you saying?  Is she cured?

DR. MADISON
It's a long road back to health.  No, she's not cured yet, but she has definitely turned an important corner in her treatment.  You keep her here another six months and I believe you'll see a difference.  Maybe complete remission.

WRIGHT
It might be a problem.

DR. MADISON
Financially.

WRIGHT
No, my father-in-law has Ann convinced to be put her back on chemotherapy.  It looks like we'll be fighting for custody.

(CONTINUED)

103CONTINUED:103

DR. MADISON
Look, if you'd like, I can speed up some of the experimental treatments, increase the dosage and frequency of applications.

WRIGHT
Be my guest.  Anything I can do to help her.  She wants to come home so bad.

DR. MADISON
Yeah, love her and pray for her.  The best modern medicine and treatments can do is trying to re-recreate how perfectly God designed our bodies to work in the beginning.

WRIGHT
Good idea.  (Opens the door.)

104INT. NIGHTCLUB BATHROOM - NIGHT104

JOHNNY stands brushing his hair and drying off his hands in front of a huge mirror.  He adjusts his earring.  GARY comes in and stands next to him.

GARY
You're looking all right, my man.  What do you think of Kami?

JOHNNY
Fine, fine woman.  If you weren't my bud, I'd try to steal her from you.  (He flashes a big smile.)

GARY
Say what?  There's too many freaks out there for you to be messin' with my action.  Besides, this one may be the one.

JOHNNY
Really?  You tell her how you make your money yet?  Think she'd still be cool?

(CONTINUED)

104CONTINUED:104

GARY
No, I didn't tell her.  Rather not get her involved.

JOHNNY
Anybody eventually will put two and two together.  You'd best tell her, see if she'll still hang.  Nobody wants to be lied to.  You lie to a freak, she feels betrayed.  People can't deal with that.

They slap high fives.

105INT. DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT105

A festively dressed brunette is standing by the side of the dance floor.  JOHNNY approaches her.

JOHNNY
You dance?

WENDY
Feet are sore.

JOHNNY looks at her feet, lifts her up and carries her onto the dance floor.

WENDY
Let me down!

JOHNNY ignores her and starts dancing, holding her.

JOHNNY
I will if you'll dance with me.  (Into her ear.)

WENDY
I will.  (She looks around.)  You're embarrassing me.

They finish the dance.  She turns away from him.  He grabs her arm.

JOHNNY
Wait, I've got a table.  Come on over, meet my friends.  I'll buy you a drink.

(CONTINUED)

105CONTINUED:105

WENDY
Okay.  (She playfully pushes him.)  Just don't carry me over there.

CUT TO:

106EXT. NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT106

Johnny's car, a MERCEDES, is driven up by the valet.  JOHNNY looks at WENDY who is getting in an ACURA LEGEND.

JOHNNY
Want to follow me up to my place?  You'll love it.

WENDY
Sure, why not?  I don't have to work tomorrow.

JOHNNY kisses her tenderly.

JOHNNY
Don't get too far behind.  I have a tendency to be a little fast.

WENDY
Don't worry about me.  (Smiles sarcastically.)  I can handle fast men and fast cars.

GARY and KAMI walk up to them.

GARY
I'm not going to come up, Johnny.  I've got to get Kami back.  She's got to work tomorrow.

KAMI
Nice meeting you, Wendy.  (Looks at Johnny accusingly.)  Maybe I'll get to see you again.

GARY
(shakes her hand)
Nice meeting you, girl.

WENDY
(returns both handshakes)
Thanks, you're both really nice.
(CONTINUED)
106CONTINUED:106

WENDY walks to her car and reaches in her wallet to give the valet a tip.  He slams the door.  The LEGEND pulls out.

107INT. MALIBU HOUSE - NIGHT107

WENDY stands outside on the deck overlooking the PACIFIC OCEAN.  JOHNNY carries a bottle of wine and kisses her on the neck.

JOHNNY
Like the view?

WENDY
It's great.  This you parents' house?

JOHNNY
No, belongs to me and Mike, my roommate.

WENDY
You're awful young to have a place this nice.  What do you do?

JOHNNY
I'm a student at Pepperdine.  I do medical referral work.  It pays really well.

He pours the drinks.

They begin to passionately kiss.  He starts to take off her top.

WENDY
I'm not that kind of girl.

JOHNNY
What kind?

WENDY
The kind that sleeps with a guy because he's handsome or rich or both.

JOHNNY
Would you stay over, if I promised to be a perfect gentleman?

(CONTINUED)

107CONTINUED:107

WENDY
(chuckles)
You think you could be?  Somehow you don't seem the type.

JOHNNY
Yeah, I could be.  Besides, we've got an extra room.  It's pretty late for you to be driving back.

WENDY
Yeah, you're probably right.

108INT. GUEST ROOM - MORNING108

WENDY is sacked out in a lodgepole bed decorated with sheer white silk in a room overlooking the hill in the backyard.  JOHNNY kisses her and wakes her up.

JOHNNY
Sleep well?

WENDY
Yeah, I slept really well.  What time is it?

JOHNNY
It's not time to get up or anything.  I was going to go down to the market and get us some breakfast, but I must have left my lights on.  My car won't start.  Can I take yours?

WENDY
Yeah, the keys are in my purse.

JOHNNY stands up and walks over.

JOHNNY
Go back to sleep.  I'll be back really quick.

109EXT. MALIBU ROAD - DAY109

JOHNNY speeds in her car.  He slams on the brakes and causes the car to scrape alongside the guard rail.  It makes a horrendous sound and he crashes it into a small tree.  He looks around and gets out of the car, walks back to the store and calls home.

110INT. MIKE'S ROOM - DAY110

MIKE answers the phone.

MIKE
Hello.

CUT TO:

JOHNNY
Pick me up, will you?  I just smashes up a girl's car.  Can you pick me up at Canelli's?

MIKE
Where's the girl?

JOHNNY
She's in the guest room.  Don't wake her.  I'll tell her when I get  back.

CUT TO:

111INT. MALIBU HOUSE HALLWAY - DAY111

MIKE walks down the hallway.  WENDY gets out of the bathroom dressed in an oversized t-shirt.

MIKE
Hi, you must be Johnny's friend.  I'm Mike.

WENDY
Yeah, Johnny's not here.  He took my car into town to get some food.

MIKE
I'm going to pick him up.  He got in an accident.

WENDY
(turns white)
With my car?  You're kidding, right?

MIKE
What's the problem?  You've got insurance, right?  He's not hurt that bad.  Just banged up.

(CONTINUED)

111CONTINUED:111

WENDY
I had insurance.  I was late last month with my premium.  For all I know, I may have been canceled.

112EXT. CANELLI'S MARKET - DAY112

JOHNNY stands next to the phone booth outside drinking a bottle of juice as MIKE pulls up accompanied by WENDY.  He walks over to them.

WENDY
(in tears)
Where's my car?  How bad is it?

JOHNNY
(grows less cocky)
Hey, I'm sorry.  I must have hit something on the road.  It fishtailed and went off the road.  It's back a few blocks.

113EXT. WENDY'S CAR - NIGHT113

The BLUE CHEROKEE driven by MIKE pulls up next to the LEGEND.  It looks fine from the driver's side.  The other side of the car is all scraped.

WENDY gets out and runs over to look at it.

WENDY
(starts to cry)
I can't believe it!  This car is only three years old.  I just finished paying it off.  Look at it!

MIKE walks up to her.

MIKE
Look, insurance companies usually give a few days' leeway before they cancel policies.  Come on back to the house and call your agent.  We'll call a tow truck for your car.  It doesn't look like it should be driven.  The radiator's trashed.

(CONTINUED)

113CONTINUED:113

JOHNNY walks up to her and puts his arm around her shoulders.  She pulls away.

JOHNNY
Look, I'm sorry.  If you don't have insurance, I'll pay for it.  It was my own damn fault.  I should have slowed down for the corner.  I wasn't used to your car.

WENDY
You would?  Really?

JOHNNY
Yeah, you can even use my car until yours gets fixed.  I'll catch a ride with Mike.  No problem.

114INT. MALIBU HOUSE - DAY114

WENDY is sitting in the living room on the phone.  She hangs up the phone and walks over to JOHNNY who is sitting in front of the big screen television.

WENDY
The policy was canceled Friday.  They weren't going to renew it until the check I sent them cleared.  My agent said he was sorry, but they wouldn't be fixing my car.  (She touches his neck.  He flinches.)  Does that hurt?

JOHNNY
Yeah, look.  My car's running now.  (Pulls in his pocket.)  Here's my key.  Go ahead, take my car.  We'll get your car fixed this week.  Maybe it don't mean much, but I'm sorry.

JOHNNY doesn't even watch as WENDY walks out his front door.  MIKE passes her.  He walks into the living room and sits across from JOHNNY, who turns off the television.

(CONTINUED)

114CONTINUED:114

JOHNNY
Am I getting soft?  I thought this was just ripping off big companies, but this . . . (points to the door).  The girl was crying over her car.  Now it's gonna cost us $2,000 at least.

MIKE
It's pass.  Just pay the girl the money.  Let it go.

JOHNNY
I don't know, Mikey.  Right now I'd rather get drunk and not even deal with it, but I'm too tired to even walk to the refrigerator.

CUT TO:

115EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY115

A GROUP OF KIDS are playing next to a church.  CAMERA PANS to the people leaving the church.  It's mostly older folks and people with families.  GARY walks out with KAMI.  He is dressed in a beautiful gold-colored suit and fine alligator shoes.  KAMI is dressed in a red chiffon dress.

116EXT. CHURCH - DAY116

REV. STEWART
Now Kami, you make sure to bring your boyfriend back with you, okay?  Don't be missing all these Sunday services?  (Turns to Gary.)  This is one of my children, God's child, son.  You treat her like the lady and child of God she is.

GARY
I know she's special, Reverend Stewart, and if I forget, well, she tells me.  (He smiles.  She laps him tenderly on the arm.)

KAMI
Now you know that's not so.  But we'll be back.  We'll be here next week.
(CONTINUED)

116CONTINUED:116

GARY and KAMI step into the BMW and drive away.

117INT. BMW - DAY117

KAMI
Let's go to my house.  I have something I need to talk with you about.

GARY
What's up, baby?

KAMI
It's sort of a surprise.

118EXT. MALIBU STREETS - NIGHT118

The streets are pitch black and you can hear the sound of rolling wheels.  In view comes a silhouette of JOHNNY riding his skateboard very rapidly.  He scoops low for a turn and comes around a bend narrowly missing an oncoming car belonging to MIKE.  MIKE screeches on his brakes, opens the window and yells out.

JOHNNY
(echoing through the canyon)
GERONIMO-O-O-O-O-O!

MIKE
(jams the jeep in reverse)
Wait.

MIKE pulls up alongside.  JOHNNY rolls down the window and tries to see the curving road as well as stay clear of JOHNNY.

MIKE
You crazy, you're going to kill yourself.  Stop that thing.

MIKE pulls up ahead of him, runs the vehicle off the road, and gets out.  As JOHNNY steers by him, MIKE tackles him off the skateboard.  They both roll into the side of the road.  JOHNNY gets up punching him, swinging away.

JOHNNY
Leave me alone, leave me alone.

(CONTINUED)

118CONTINUED:118

MIKE
(bear hugs him)
Cool it.  You're in no condition to be on your skateboard.  I'm taking you back home.  You coming peacefully?

JOHNNY
(subdued)
Yeah, I'm coming peacefully.  (Sits down and cries.)

MIKE
What's wrong?

JOHNNY
(looks up)
What's wrong?  We've been ripping people off for over a year.  I've been pretending I liked all these chicks just to get their cars.  I'm as worthless as a bag of used syringes.

MIKE
Just now when things are going so good, you're going to get soft in the head.

119INT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - DAY119

WRIGHT paces back and forth.  He waves a pile of documents.

WRIGHT
That's a hell of an accusation.

MIKE
Look, we were supposed to be 50/50, right?

JOHNNY
That's what he said.  He put our name on the office and all those phony bills.

(CONTINUED)

119CONTINUED:119

MIKE
I did a run on your computer and checked what was up with the last five accidents we set up.  You want a rundown on what the companies paid out and what you paid us?  (Takes out a notebook.)

JOHNNY
(grabs his arm)
I'd like to smash his face.  Punk ass lawyer.

WRIGHT reacts and steps back.

WRIGHT
Look, I never said fifty percent of the gross.  We've got expenses here.

JOHNNY
Sure, you got lots of lunches and those bow ties to buy.

MIKE
Let me just read one, Herbert.  Say right here Allied General paid out $465,000 on our Pepperdine setup.  You paid us $100,000.  Doesn't sound like fifty percent to me.  We're out of here.  We've got our reasons, but nobody likes to get suckered.

WRIGHT
Look, I'll make it up.  Maybe I was a little heavy on the expenses.  How about I make some adjustment?  Say we settle everything.  I'll cut you two a check right now for another two hundred thousand.

JOHNNY grabs the door to head out.

JOHNNY
You don't get it, do you?  It's not about money.  We trusted you.  You screwed with our heads.  Ain't no price for that.

CUT TO:

120INT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - NIGHT120

COLLINS is dressed like a messenger man.  He stands by the elevator around the corner from WRIGHT'S huge glass door.

MIKE
I hope you feel happy killing the goose that laid the golden egg.

JOHNNY
There'll be plenty more golden eggs that'll let me sleep at night.

Elevator door opens.  MIKE and JOHNNY get in.  MIKE holds the door and addresses COLLINS.

MIKE
You going down?

COLLINS shakes his head.

121INT. PHOTO LAB - NIGHT121

COLLINS stands next to a thin man with beard and very scholarly look.  They are in a DARK ROOM looking at fixer tray with 8 by 10s in the fixer.

THIN MAN
(points to the picture of Wright with Denise)
This the one?

COLLINS
(points to the faces)
Can you get rid of that shadow over their faces?

THIN MAN
Sure.  (He walks over to the other table, flips on the projector lamp and shadows in the face area.  He removes the paper and puts it in the various trays.)  This better? 

WRIGHT'S FACE is seen clearly next to DENISE.

COLLINS
Now let's do the other ones.

CUT TO:

122INT. WRIGHT'S HOME - NIGHT122

ANN, dressed in her bathrobe, stands in the kitchen opening the refrigerator.

ANN
Can I get you a juice?

COLLINS
Sure.  (Pulls out the manilla envelope.)  What I'm going to show you might come as a big of a shock.  I'm not sure how you're going to want to deal with it.  I'm going to spread these out on the table for you.

COLLINS spreads out photos: WRIGHT with DENISE.  DENISE with AVERY.  AVERY hit by bus.  AVERY leaving WRIGHT'S OFFICE.  WRIGHT with AVERY at MEDICAL OFFICE.

COLLINS
(points to Ann)
The real clincher is I didn't get it until my photographer showed me this.

INSERT: Article about movie theatre fire featuring photo of AVERY.

ANN
I don't understand.  Who are these people?

COLLINS
They're your husband's clients.  Apparently they set up accidents and he goes after the insurance companies.  The medical office is just a front for billing.  Nobody really gets hurt and nobody really gets treatment.

ANN
Are you saying . . .

COLLINS
I'm not saying.  (Steps around and pulls out photos of JOHNNY and MIKE.)  You know these two?
(CONTINUED)

122CONTINUED:122

ANN
No.  (Grabs the photo.)  Let me see that again.  This one--I saw him the day I came back from the Bahamas.  He said hi to my husband after that accident at Pepperdine University.

COLLINS
You know the date?

ANN
Yeah, it's in my book.  So what do I do with these photos?  They don't really say anything.

COLLINS
They say plenty.  Give me some time.  I've got to get some corroborating evidence.  You use these, all of this is going to be gone.  (Gestures about the house.)

ANN
This house was never Herbert's, Mr. Collins.  I put Herbert through law school.  This house comes from a trust fund my grandfather left me.  I don't really know what Herbert does with all his money, but we've had separate finances all our marriage.  Right now, it's important to find enough information to keep Herbert from having custody over Allison.  I'm not a vindictive person, Mr. Collins.  I simply want what's best for my daughter.

COLLINS
It's not going to be a pretty sight.

ANN
When you're married to a lawyer, such as I am, you learn to live with many unpleasant sights.

CUT TO:

123EXT. MEDICAL OFFICE - DAY123

GARY walks in with KAMI to an OB GYN office.

GARY
You glad I'm coming along?

KAMI
If it's real, it's just as much a part of you as a part of me.  (She kisses him.)  I hope you give up this crazy stuff you're in now.

CUT TO:

124INT. OFFICE - DAY124

CLOSEUP: Office door.  KAMI comes bouncing out.

REACTION SHOT:  GARY looks curious.

GARY
Well?

KAMI
We're pregnant.  (Gary hugs her.)

GARY
Awesome!  I'm gonna be a daddy.

CAMERA PANS the room and picks up awkward, happy faces of the people waiting for their appointments.

CUT TO:

125EXT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - NOON125

WRIGHT is standing holding his briefcase, talking with DENISE.  COLLINS is standing about two hundred yards away holding a camera with a telephoto lens.

REACTION SHOT: WRIGHT catches the sun reflecting off the camera.

DENISE
What's wrong?  (She turns around and notices COLLINS who has been spotted walking quickly away.  Camera is strung over his shoulder.

(CONTINUED)

125CONTINUED:125

WRIGHT
(sarcastically)
Smile, you're on candid camera.

DENISE
CANDID CAMERA?

WRIGHT
You probably never saw it.  It's an old show where you're on camera when you don't know it.  Well, we just had our pictures taken.

WRIGHT moves down the street with DENISE following.  WRIGHT watches COLLINS get in his car and drive away.  He turns back.

WRIGHT
What about you?  Why do you want to stay in this crazy business?

DENISE
I like the money.  (Plastic smile.)  Besides, it's a lot better than pushing ass out on Crenshaw.  (Laughs.)

WRIGHT
(puts his hands on her shoulder tenderly)
Yeah, you've got a point.

DENISE
Well, thanks again for lunch, counselor.  Did you settle that side swipe?

WRIGHT
Yeah, you'll be surprised at your share--some pretty big money.  Why don't we got out tomorrow and celebrate?

DENISE
(flattered)
You want to take me out?

(CONTINUED)

125CONTINUED:125

WRIGHT
Yeah, why not?  We need to go over some facts and figures.

DENISE
Sure, no problem.  (Turns, winks.)  See you then.

CUT TO:

126EXT. WRIGHT TOWNHOUSE - NIGHT - TO ESTABLISH126

Outside of the townhouse, a BLACK VAN pulls up.  COLLINS steps out dressed in black carrying rope and hooks.  He throws the rope up on the parapet and pulls himself up into WRIGHT BALCONY.  He shines a small pen flashlight and checks to see about the penthouse.  He gets down on his knees and inserts a small metal tool in between the sliding glass door and the door frame.  He clicks several times and finally gets the door to open.

127INT. TOWNHOUSE - NIGHT127

Just as COLLINS steps inside, he hears a growl and turns to look at a large rottweiler growling at him.  He holds out his hand to caution the dog and dashes back towards the sliding glass door.  On his way out, he knocks over a table and a lamp crashes.

He makes it to the door with the dog biting at his legs.  He slams the door shut.  He rests back against the glass taking a big breath.

128INT. TOWNHOUSE - NIGHT128

WRIGHT enters the townhouse with DENISE.  They are both dressed in evening clothes.  The dog trots over to greet him.  WRIGHT goes in the living room to check his answering machine and sees the table overturned.

WRIGHT
(sternly to dog)
Did you do this?

Dog whimpers and cowers away.  DENISE goes and checks the sliding glass door.  It opens without locking, and part of the curtain is stuck outside.

(CONTINUED)

128CONTINUED:128
DENISE
(looks back)
You leave this open?

WRIGHT walks over to inspect.  He looks over the balcony.

WRIGHT
Whoever came up here is some determined son of a bitch.  (Dog walks over.  He stoops down and pets the dog.)  Good dog, good boy.  Whoever was in here is gone.  Look, Mike and Johnny, well, they quit.

DENISE
They quit for good?  Why didn't you tell me before?  Why did they quit?

WRIGHT
Said they didn't need the money.  Anyway, that leaves a bigger spot for you to set up some things.  You into it?

DENISE
(comes around)
What are we talking about?

WRIGHT
After expenses we split 50/50.  Can I get you a glass of wine?

DENISE
(looks at him coyly)
You got anything stronger?

WRIGHT
Yeah, I got a lot of stuff stronger.  

He walks to the bar, pours her a drink and approaches her with it.  She is looking over the balcony.  He touches the drink to her cold back.  She looks back.

DENISE
Hey, you know that's not happening.  What are you doing?  Let's keep this thing on a professional level. 

129INT. INSURANCE OFFICE - DAY129

COLLINS walks into office and opens his briefcase on the desk.  A pleasant looking twenty-year-old receptionist greets him.

RECEPTIONIST
Can I help you?

COLLINS
(pulls out I.D.)
I'm a detective.  Mind if I ask a few questions?

RECEPTIONIST
No, how can I help?

COLLINS
I found out from Pepperdine that your company handled the claim for the accident where all the kids were injured.

RECEPTIONIST
That's right.

COLLINS
Mind if I see the file?

RECEPTIONIST
No, I suppose it'll be okay.  We've already settled the case.  (Steps back into room.  Comes out with file.)  Here it is.  Feel free to use that desk over there.

COLLINS takes the file and walks over to the desk and sits.  He begins to pull out documents.

INSERT: Letter with HERBERT WRIGHT'S LETTERHEAD.  GROUP OF DOCTOR BILLS FROM MADISON HEALTH CLINIC.

COLLINS pulls out a pen and copies down information.  He turns the pages and sees final settlement: $465,000.

COLLINS
Miss, you mind if I make a few copies?

(CONTINUED)

129CONTINUED:129

RECEPTIONIST
I can't give you permission to copy our files, but if you were to slip out with it for a few minutes, there's a copy machine down the hall.

COLLINS
(smiles)
Thanks.

CUT TO:

130EXT. MALIBU HOUSE - DAY130

JOHNNY pulls up in the driveway with the ACURA LEGEND all redone.  He walks in the house.  The phone rings.

JOHNNY
Denise?  What's up?  Hey look, call me back.  Somebody's here I've got to see.

JOHNNY looks out the front door and WENDY is walking up.

WENDY
(holds out the keys)
Thanks, it looks like new.  Hope it didn't cost you too much.  Your car is fine.  (Gives him a kiss.)  You know you could have stiffed me and left me stuck, but you didn't.  I'd like to see more of you.

JOHNNY
(takes the keys out of her hands and swoops and kisses her)
You will?  Hey, what I did was irresponsible and I'm sorry.  They fixed everything and even did a realignment.  Your car runs great.  To make up for the inconvenience, I had something put in for you.

They both walk over.  JOHNNY opens her door, takes a small control and pushes a button.  The CD PLAYER kicks on.

(CONTINUED)

130CONTINUED:130

JOHNNY
It kicks now.

JOHNNY and WENDY start dancing in the driveway.

FADE TO:

131INT. LAWYER'S OFFICE - DAY131

HERBERT WRIGHT is scrambling through the file cabinets pulling out file after file.  His secretary comes over.

SECRETARY
Can I help you, Mr. Wright?

WRIGHT
(looks frantic)
We need all these cabinets cleared out.  (He stands up.)  Virginia, you've been with me how many years?

SECRETARY
Over eight.  You've always paid me very well.

WRIGHT
Well, unfortunately things haven't always been as they've seemed.  A lot of these documents on our cases have been at best questionable.  I've decided to dispose of them before they dispose of me.

SECRETARY
Who?

WRIGHT
My wife.  We're going through a bitter custody battle and she has obviously hired someone to bring me down.  Unfortunately, it seems to be working.  It's too late to change anything.  The die has been cast.  All I can do is try and minimalize the damage.  I want you to understand that anything you do to help me could hurt you legally.

(CONTINUED)

131CONTINUED:131

SECRETARY
Let me call my boyfriend.  He's not always totally legal.  I'll tell him to get rid of everything.  He used to break in places.  Neither of us can get in any trouble if someone breaks in, can we?

WRIGHT
(smiles)
No, I suppose you've got a good point.

CUT TO:

132EXT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - NIGHT132

Two GRUFF LOOKING MEN come out carrying boxes and loading them into a van.  The CUBE VAN is packed.

CUT TO:

133INT. WRIGHT'S HOUSE - DAY133

COLLINS is sitting with ANN.  She is looking at documents and information.

ANN
You are sure the doctor never performed all these treatments?

COLLINS
Look, insurance companies allow so much over the injuries to pay out claims for pain and suffering.  The higher the medical treatment is, the more pain and suffering they pay.  I've taken pictures of some of these accident victims.  None look even remotely injured and quite a few of them gave transient hotels as their addresses and nobody's ever seen them.

ANN
We got enough for a case?

(CONTINUED)

133CONTINUED:133

COLLINS
I know somebody with the local attorney general's office.  You want me to run it by her?  He's looking at big time.

ANN
How long?

COLLINS
Fifteen, twenty years.  A lot of these settlements were for two, three, four hundred thousand.

ANN
Does he suspect you've been following him.

COLLINS
I went by his townhouse and nearly got eaten.  I knocked something over.  I don't know.  I've been pretty discreet.

CUT TO:

134EXT. WRIGHT HOUSE - DAY134

HERBERT WRIGHT is in the bushes watching his house.  He walks up to the driveway and sees COLLINS' CAR.  He writes down the license number.  He goes back to the bushes and calls on his mobile phone.

WRIGHT
Denise, I need a big, big favor.  I need it quick.

CUT TO:

135EXT. WINKY'S TAVERN - NIGHT135

DENISE struts in motions over a big, well-dressed dude playing pool.  Hands him an envelope full of money and a piece of paper.  Music is blaring.  You can't hear their dialogue.

136EXT. WRIGHT HOUSE - NIGHT136

The TRANS AM pulls out.  As it pulls into the street, CAMERA PANS on two BLACK MEN sitting low in a BLACK MAXIMA.  They turn on their headlights and proceed to follow the TRANS AM.  They follow for about a minute listening to heavy rap music.

137EXT. FAST FOOD RESTAURANT - NIGHT137

TRANS AM pulls into the fast food restaurant parking lot.  COLLINS gets out and goes in to order.  He comes out carrying a drink and some food.  As he opens the door, he sees a BROTHER who is wearing a gangster hat while his hands are occupied with the door.  

CLOSEUP:

BROTHER whips out a semi-automatic handgun with silencer and pops him.

CUT TO:

138INT. TRANS AM - NIGHT138

GANGSTER BROTHER opens the car door and removes COLLINS' BRIEFCASE and ENVELOPE full of pictures.  He looks around and closes the door.

CUT TO:

139INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT139

RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE panics when she tries to give COLLINS help and turns him over to see the front of his white silk shirt covered with blood.

P.O.V.: EMPLOYEE sees front of Collins' shirt.

140EXT. DENISE'S HOUSE - NIGHT140

DENISE is standing outside her house with the TWO GANGSTERS and WRIGHT.  WRIGHT counts off some money.

WRIGHT
Thanks a lot.

CAMERA PANS:

GARY drives down the street to where his house is.  

P.O.V.: GARY spots WRIGHT with DENISE and the TWO GANGSTERS.

141INT. GARY'S CAR - NIGHT141

GARY rolls down his windows and overhears the gangsters.

GANGSTER
You need anybody else smoked, Mr. Lawyerman, you just call.

GARY ducks low to avoid being seen and just keeps driving.

142INT. MORGUE - NIGHT142

Police detective EDWIN METCALFE looks at the dead body of COLLINS.  He puts the sheet back.  The bag of personal effects lies next to him.  He dumps the contents out on a table and picks up the roll of film.  His assistant walks over a female about twenty-eight, Detective GLORIA MENDEZ.

GLORIA
(chewing gum)
What you got?  (Points to the film.)

EDWIN
Some film on the body of the deceased.  I'm taking it down to the lab.  You get any kind of I.D. on the perps?

GLORIA
Yeah, everything from two dudes out of BOYS IN THE HOOD to a couple of guys that looked like the L.A. RAMS.  Nothing positive.  Looks like a professional hit.  They didn't even take the guy's wallet.  We're dustin' the car for prints.

EDWIN
(on his way out)
See if the guy's got any next of kin.  If he does, make the call, will you?  I'm not up to it.

GLORIA
Great, stick me with the lousy job.

CUT TO;

143INT. PHOTO LAB - NIGHT143

The PHOTOGRAPHER is working on the developing, dipping the prints in different trays.  EDWIN looks on.

EDWIN
(points)
Can you enlarge that there?  (Points to long shot of several people.)

PHOTOGRAPHER
Yeah, I can blow that up.  We may lose some of the clarity.  These are only thirty-five millimeter.

EDWIN
(points again)
I need to see this face.

INSERT: LIGHT FLASHES NEGATIVE IMAGE OF THREE FIGURES.

CUT TO:

144INT. OUTER PHOTOGRAPHIC OFFICE - NIGHT144

EDWIN is sitting at a light table studying pictures of WRIGHT with DENISE.

Detective GLORIA MENDEZ enters the room and walks over to EDWIN pouring over the photos.

GLORIA
(grabs one)
What have you got?

EDWIN
An old guy with two young guys.  Meaningless without an I.D.  This is probably our only link.

GLORIA
The victim had no close relatives.  Lived alone and worked alone.  No records of what case he was working on--nothing.

EDWIN stands up and takes the pictures.

(CONTINUED)

144CONTINUED:144

EDWIN
I've got an idea.

GLORIA
(holds up her hands and pushes him away)
Oh no!  Last time you had one of your great ideas, I got suspended for three days.  No, I like my badge too much.

EDWIN pulls her aside.

EDWIN
This time it'll be different.  I won't ask and nobody will say no.  Besides, if we don't flush this dude out, nobody will.  You with me?

GLORIA
I'm with you.

They exchange brother type handshakes.

CUT TO:

145INT. DENISE'S HOUSE - NIGHT145

DENISE is lying on the couch.  WRIGHT is up sorting papers and placing them in a bag.

DENISE
Where you going in such a hurry?

WRIGHT
I've read the writing on the wall.  It says BRAZIL.

DENISE
What kind of crazy shit you talking--BRAZIL?  I thought we was partners.

WRIGHT
The kind of shit we've been pulling can get us a lot of time.  I don't want to be no jail house lawyer. 
(more)

(CONTINUED)

145CONTINUED:145

WRIGHT (Cont'd)
All I wanted was to get my daughter into remission.  It's over, everything's over.  I don't know if I can save it.  (Pulls out envelope.)  This is for you.

DENISE opens the envelope.  It is stuffed with hundreds.

WRIGHT
It's over 50,000.  Use it to disappear.  New name, new town.  You'll figure it out.  Things were great while they lasted.  (He stoops down to kiss her.)  I've got one more loose end to take care of . . .

CUT TO:

146INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT146

DENISE is at the counter paying for some gas and sees herself on the television.  She leaves a twenty dollar bill.  She is gone before she can get her change.

CLERK
Wait, miss!  Don't you want your change?

147INT. CAR - NIGHT147

DENISE hits the gas and takes off onto the freeway on-ramp.

DENISE
Sticking me with the whole thing.

CUT TO:

148EXT. MALIBU DECK - NIGHT148

GARY, JOHNNY and MIKE are gathered together on the porch.  They are sitting on some deck furniture watching television.  MIKE is drinking a beer.

(CONTINUED)

148CONTINUED:148

MIKE
I say we're out of it so we stay out of it.  Better to stay far away if Herbert is acting so crazy.

JOHNNY
Crazy?  Paying somebody to kill somebody is more than crazy.  I'd hate to get on his bad side.

GARY
I heard those dudes talking about smokin' somebody else for him.

JOHNNY
Who do you think it was?

GARY
No idea.  I didn't exactly stick around.  I think we should make an anonymous tip, like that Crime Bite dog deal.

MIKE
Yeah, McDuff take a bite out of crime.  You take a bite out of this one and somebody's gonna take a bite out of your skull with an Uzi or something.

MIKE gets up and walks right in front of overhanging television.

MIKE
I'm gonna play pool.  Anybody want a game?  Five dollars.

TELEVISION ANNOUNCER
(in the background)
In a minute the story of the hour.  Private detective gunned down in WESTWOOD.  Gangland violence suspected.

GARY
Mike, sit your ass down.  Did you see that?  (Looks around.)  Where's your television changer.

(CONTINUED)

148CONTINUED:148

JOHNNY looks and hands it to him.

JOHNNY
Think this connects?

GARY
It's got to.

JOHNNY
Let's watch it inside on the big screen.

They all walk inside.

ANNOUNCER
In the story of the hour, Private Detective L. Collins was found gunned down tonight in front of ______ Foods in Westwood.  Police are looking . . .

INSERT: Picture of DENISE with WRIGHT in car.

REACTION SHOT:

JOHNNY'S MOUTH DROPS OPEN.

JOHNNY
Dude . . . that's Denise!

REACTION SHOT:

MIKE
Time to head to the hills.

ANNOUNCER
. . . for these men to question about the fatal shooting.  The private investigator was twenty-eight and had no relatives here in the Los Angeles area.  More on today's ten-car pileup on the Hollywood Freeway.

JOHNNY clicks off television.

7OFFSCREEN SOUND EFFECT: Doorbell rings.

(CONTINUED)

148CONTINUED:148

GARY opens the door and DENISE is standing there.  There are tears running down her cheeks.  Her mascara is smeared and she is shaking.

REACTION SHOT:

GARY looks very concerned.

GARY
Denise, come in.  We just saw you on television.

DENISE limply comes in and walks to the living room.  She sits down.  JOHNNY looks at her and sits next to her.

JOHNNY
Look, I know it looks bad, but things will work out.

GARY
(hands her a glass of juice)
Here, have something to drink.  You saw yourself on television, didn't you.

DENISE
Yeah, I'm totally up the creek.  They're gonna put me in the chair and fry me.  (She starts sobbing.)  I can't say I don't deserve it.

MIKE
Why did you do it?

DENISE
I don't know.  (Shrugs her shoulders.)  I guess when you just keep bending the law, one thing leads to another.

MIKE
Where's Herbert?

DENISE
Brazil.

(CONTINUED)

148CONTINUED:148

JOHNNY
He's gonna let you take the whole fall?

DENISE
(reaches in her purse and pulls out the envelope)
Yeah, he gave me fifty thousand and told me to become somebody else.  He's probably at his old house.  He said something about getting the rest of the private eye's photos.

MIKE pulls JOHNNY aide.

MIKE
Let's nail the dude.

JOHNNY
Wright?

MIKE
Yeah, she shouldn't have to take the rap for him.  The guy used her just like he used all of us.  You in?

JOHNNY
(grabs his keys off the hall table)
Yeah, maybe we can catch him.

DENISE stands up and approaches the door.

DENISE
I'm not spending my life on the run.  I'm going in to give myself up.  Maybe I can make some kind of deal.  (She looks at Gary.)  Sorry I wasn't ever nice to you, Gary.  Your wife is going to be some lucky person.

P.O.V.: MIKE, GARY and JOHNNY watch from the front door as DENISE gets in her car and drives off.

CUT TO:

149EXT. WRIGHT HOUSE - NIGHT149

HERBERT WRIGHT is dressed in a dark sweatsuit and carrying a black bag.  He is peering in the window of his house.  The lights are off and he pokes a penlight in the window.  He takes out a knife and begins to jimmy the latch.

OFF CAMERA: A barking dog.

REACTION SHOT:

WRIGHT wipes some sweat from his brow.

CUT TO:

150INT. L.A. POLICE STATION - NIGHT150

DENISE is sitting at a table with GLORIA and EDWIN.  There is a pitcher of water on the table and photographs are laid out.

DENISE
Look, I can give you this guy and your motive, only I want a deal.  You want a murder conviction, I want a deal.

EDWIN
I don't know if I can guarantee you a deal.

DENISE
(stands up)
Then good luck looking for this guy.  There are probably two million people here in California that fit his description and this.  (Holds up photo.)  It's not a very good shot of him.

GLORIA
(retorts smartly)
Yeah, but it sure is a good one of you.

DENISE
Well, I can come up with an alibi.

(CONTINUED)

150CONTINUED:150

GLORIA
Any prosecutor can put holes through an alibi.  Look, you're young.  You tell me the deal, off the record, no tape records, I've got some connects at the prosecutor's office.  I'll see what I can do for you.  You in?

DENISE
Yeah, I'll talk.

151INT. POLICE OFFICE - NIGHT151

The ashtray is full of cigarette butts.  A few bags of fast food are sitting around.  GLORIA looks up from writing.

GLORIA
That's a hell of a story.

DENISE
It's true.  I wish it wasn't, but it is.

GLORIA comes back with some computer paper.

GLORIA
HERBERT WRIGHT.  I check L.A. County property records.  Office 9500 Wilshire, residences in Bel Aire Country Club and Manhattan Beach.  I'll get some units to watch both places.  What kind of car?

DENISE
Jaguar V-12 is his favorite.  He has five others.

GLORIA
(puts her pen in her pocket)
One hot-shot lawyer going down.

CUT TO:

152EXT. WRIGHT MANSION - NIGHT152

WRIGHT sneaks out of the window carrying a bag full of bulky materials.  He runs across the lawn and cuts through the hedge to the street where he has parked his car.  A Bel Aire SECRETARY OFFICER drives by slowly.  WRIGHT ducks back into the bushes.  He starts his car, leaves the headlights off and pulls away.

Moments after he leaves, a POLICE CAR cruises up to the front gate.

CUT TO:

153EXT. BEL AIRE STREET - NIGHT153

WRIGHT'S JAGUAR goes streaking by MIKE'S CHEROKEE.

REACTION SHOT:

WRIGHT looks shocked when he sees MIKE'S FACE.

OVERHEAD CAMERA catches CHEROKEE driving onto lawn knocking over trash.  Car spins out after WRIGHT.

CLOSEUP:

WRIGHT looks in his rear-view mirror and sees the CHEROKEE going up on the law.  He takes a quick turn down a side street.

CHEROKEE pulls up to the side street and suddenly stops.  Goes in reverse and heads up the side canyon road.

HIGH SPEED CHASE: JAGUAR hugs the road but continues to veer dangerously close to the guard rails, swerving around five or six times.

154INT. CHEROKEE - NIGHT154

JOHNNY
You're losing him, Mike.  (Johnny can see the tail light growing more distant.)

(CONTINUED)

154CONTINUED:154

MIKE
Hold on.  (He james his foot to the floor and picks up speed like a jet-propelled rocket.)

P.O.V.: WRIGHT'S TAIL LIGHTS grow closer.  Several trees loom overhead.

JAGUAR skids on some loose gravel and slides into the side drainage ditch.  The back wheels of the JAGUAR are stuck.  WRIGHT looks out the window and sees the CHEROKEE approaching.  He pushes open his door and climbs out.  He begins to run down the street.  His car partially blocks the road.  JOHNNY gets out and sees him.  JOHNNY turns to MIKE.

JOHNNY
I'll get the son of a bitch.  (He grabs his skateboard and begins to descend down the hill.)

WRIGHT has a bit of a head start and is running as fast as he can possibly run.  He looks back.  It's dark and all he can hear is the sound of the skateboard wheels.

WRIGHT
Look Johnny (he shouts out of breath), we can make a deal.  I've got enough money to set you up for life.

REACTION SHOT:

JOHNNY crouches low on his skateboard, turns the corner with his knee almost touching the ground with total grace and style.

P.O.V.: JOHNNY sees WRIGHT through the shadowed moonlight.  He pulls up next to him and jumps off, tackling him.  They both roll through the dirt.  WRIGHT recovers first and gets up and kicks JOHNNY in the face.  JOHNNY deflects the blow and grabs WRIGHT'S ankle.  He twists and WRIGHT goes over.  WRIGHT scrambles on all fours, scattering leaves and branches out of his way trying to get away from JOHNNY.

JOHNNY lunges at him and throws himself on WRIGHT'S back.  WRIGHT rolls him off and they struggle, throwing up leaves, branches and dirt. 

(CONTINUED)

154CONTINUED:154

CLOSEUP:

WRIGHT'S HAND grabs a fairly good-sized stone.

REACTION SHOT:

JOHNNY'S EYES open wide as he realizes his skull is going to be crushed.  MIKE grabs the rock and throws himself on top of WRIGHT.  JOHNNY scrambles away and together they both subdue WRIGHT.

CUT TO:

JOHNNY puts the finishing touches on WRIGHT, tying him to a tree.

WRIGHT
Look, we can still make a deal.

JOHNNY
(wipes blood from his mouth)
I know about your deal, Wright.  The other person ends up dead.  No deals.  You make your own deal with the police.

MIKE
Let's get out of here.  (Turns attention to Wright.)  You shouldn't have killed a brother.  Nobody was supposed to die.

JEEP CHEROKEE pulls away.  CAMERA PANS away from WRIGHT, lit up by his own headlights tied to a tree next to his car.

155INT. JEEP - NIGHT155

As the JEEP pulls down the canyon road, a police car with lights on streaks past them.  JOHNNY directs his attention to the bag next to him.

MIKE
What you got there?

(CONTINUED)

155CONTINUED:155

JOHNNY
Looks like Wright got all the pictures, even the ones with us.  What do you say we have a little bonfire?

MIKE
Good idea.

CUT TO:

156EXT. PARK DUMPSTER - NIGHT156

MIKE pours some gasoline into the dumpster.  The pictures are lying on the bottom.

CLOSEUP:

PHOTOS of WRIGHT shaking hands with JOHNNY.  As MIKE watches, the photos go up in flames slowly.

CUT TO:

157INT. COURTROOM - DAY 157

WRIGHT sits at a table with his defense attorney.  He stares at ANN.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
So you hired this private investigator to follow your husband pretty much round the clock.

ANN
Yes, the investigator is the one who discovered Herbert at the accident scenes before there was even an accident.

JURY looks shocked.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
That led you to believe he was setting up his own accidents.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
(stands)
Objection, Your Honor.  Counsel is leading the witness.

(CONTINUED)

157CONTINUED:157

JUDGE
Counsel overruled.  Will the witness please answer that question.

ANN
Yes, we were preparing to take the case to the state attorney general.  Now the information is gone and the investigator is dead.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Do you believe your husband was capable of hiring someone to kill the victim?

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
(disgusted)
Objective, Your Honor.  Calls for a conclusion.

JUDGE
Mr. Morberry, if you keep disturbing these proceedings, I will have you remanded to the deputies.  This is my courtroom.  (Directors attention to Ann.)  Please answer that question.

REACTION SHOT:

WRIGHT confers with DEFENSE ATTORNEY.

ANN
Yes, I believe my husband is capable of that.  We are in a custody battle for the life of our only daughter.  I think in an instance like that, anyone is capable of nearly anything.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
No further questions.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY takes a notebook and walks in front of the JURY.

(CONTINUED)

157CONTINUED:157

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Mrs. Wright, do you know of any time that Herbert actually met your private investigator?

ANN
No . . . (She is cut off from a longer answer.)

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Did you actually see your husband pay anyone to kill him?

ANN
No, I didn't . . .

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Isn't it true that you vehemently disagree on the type of treatment your daughter is receiving for her cancer and have tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to have her put back on chemotherapy and radiation?

ANN
Yes, but that has nothing to do . . . (She is cut off.)

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY stands up.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Objection, Your Honor.  My honorable colleague is badgering the witness.

JUDGE
(to the defense attorney)
Will you please get to the point and not badger the witness?

DEFENSE ATTORNEY looks about and redirects his question.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Isn't it true that with your husband out of the way you will have full custody of your child?

(CONTINUED)

157CONTINUED:157

ANN
Yes, it's true, but I never intended for it to come to this.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Defense would like to reserve the right to recall this witness at a later time.

CUT TO:

158INT. COURTROOM - DAY158

DENISE is sitting at the stand.  She is being sworn in.

DENISE
(hand in air)
I do.

PROSECUTOR shows her a PICTURE.

PROSECUTOR
Is this you here in this picture?

DENISE
Yes.

PROSECUTOR
When did you first see the picture?

DENISE
On television.  I was buying gas at a convenience store when it came on T.V. 

PROSECUTOR
What was your first reaction--to turn yourself in?

DENISE
No, honestly it was to save my ass and get the hell out of town.

PROSECUTOR
Can you identify the man who asked you to hire the people to kill Collins?  Is he in this courtroom right now?

(CONTINUED)

158CONTINUED:158

DENISE
Yeah, he's here right now.  He's sitting right there.  I'd know that liar anywhere.  He paid me to set up the whole thing.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Objection, Your Honor.

JUDGE
Just what are you objecting to, Mr. Morberry?

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Prosecution has granted the witness full immunity and has not disclosed it.

JUDGE
You can bring that up on your cross examination, Mr. Morberry.  Now if you continue to disturb these proceedings, I suggest you come back with your toothbrush and razor because I'm going to cite you for contempt.  (To the prosecutor.)  Continue.

PROSECUTOR
Who was it you hired to make the killings?

DENISE
I went down to Tommy's Tavern.  Paid a couple of guys some money.  People do it all the time.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY stands up.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Your Honor, I move for a mistrial.  Prosecution has made no attempt to find the perpetrators.  Their own witness admits she hired some people to do the killing.

PROSECUTOR steps back towards the JURY BOX.

(CONTINUED)

158CONTINUED:158

PROSECUTOR
Your Honor, I have it on the authority of the detective handling the case that police drawing of the perpetrators was done and shown all around South Central.  I have no more questions from this witness.

JUDGE
Mr. Morberry, would you like to cross examine this witness?

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Denise, how long did you work with Herbert Wright?

DENISE
Over eighteen months.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
What was your position with him?

DENISE
I helped him rip off insurance companies: fake medical claims, bus accidents, car accidents, workmen's comps--the whole run.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Did Mr. Wright pay you for these services?

DENISE
Yes, he paid me well, lots of times.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
In cash?

DENISE
(irritated)
Sometimes.  Sometimes cashiered funds.  Why?

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Is it possible that you misunderstood Mr. Wright's suggestion and took matters into your own hands?

(CONTINUED)

158CONTINUED:158

REACTION SHOT:

WRIGHT clenches his hands in front of him.

DENISE
You mean misunderstand somebody telling me to hire two people to kill somebody?  (Shakes her head.)  No, I don't think so.  He set me up to take the whole rap while he tried to high tail it for Brazil.

CUT TO:

159EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY159

A GROUP OF GIRLS are being escorted in handcuffs and shackles to the bus to take them back to County lockup.  DENISE is one of them.

160EXT. BAR - DAY160

GARY, MIKE and JOHNNY are wearing stockings over their heads.  They are armed and stand in back of the bar in an alley.

MIKE
You really know what these two look like, Gary?

GARY
Yeah, look, we've got to do this for Denise.  Otherwise, she goes away for good.  I got her into this.  We find the dudes, you've got the cuffs?

JOHNNY
Yeah, I got them.

GARY
Let's rock.

GARY steps back and kicks open the door.  They burst into the bar and fire a few shots into the ceiling.  Five or six people scatter.  In the back corner the two HIT MEN stand holding pool cues.  GARY walks up to them.  Their eyes dart back and forth, unsure of whether or not to try and fight it out.

(CONTINUED)

160CONTINUED:160

JOHNNY
(acting crazy)
Bad idea, pool cues against shotguns.  On the table.  (To Gary.)  These the dudes?

GARY
Yeah.

MIKE comes over with his gun.  He knocks their feet apart.  JOHNNY backs them up and handcuffs them backwards together.

HIT MAN (ONE)
Hey, what you doin'?  (He struggles.)  You can't leave these on us.

HIT MAN (TWO)
Look, I've got five grand in my back pocket.  Just take it.

OFF SCREEN:  Sound of POLICE SIRENS.

GARY, JOHNNY and MIKE look around.

GARY
(fires another shot into ceiling)
Nobody move, nobody gets hurt.

He fires again.

CUT TO:

161EXT. ALLEY - DAY161

GARY, MIKE and JOHNNY remove their masks and hop in the CHEROKEE.  They pull out of the alley and see several squad cars pulling up in front of the bar.

CUT TO:

162INT. COURTROOM - DAY162

GARY
Yeah, I heard two gangster looking dudes tell him if he needed anybody else smoked to let them know.  They'd be glad to oblige.

(CONTINUED)

162CONTINUED:162

REACTION SHOT:

JURY moves about in their seats.

PROSECUTOR
That's all.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
I'd like to confer with my client, please.  (Looks at Herbert.)

JUDGE
You can have five minutes in my chamber.

CUT TO:

163INT. COURTROOM - DAY163

The JUDGE walks back out in his robe.  Everyone stands.  The DEFENSE ATTORNEY steps to the front of the courtroom.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Defense would like to change plea to guilty.

COMMOTION IN COURTROOM.  JUDGE pounds his gavel.

JUDGE
Order, order in the courtroom.  Defendant will remain in custody.  Sentencing will be on November 8th.  The jury is dismissed.

CUT TO:

164EXT. MALIBU HOUSE - DAY164

A large MOVING VAN is set up with movers taking everything out.  MIKE'S CHEROKEE is sitting on a two vehicle.  JOHNNY gives his keys to a County Sheriff.

MIKE
Well, the high life is over for now.

(CONTINUED)

164CONTINUED:164

JOHNNY
I'll say.  It's gonna be hard moving back with my folks after living like this.

MIKE
I know what you mean.  Whoever said crime paid, sure wasn't around for the real payoff.

THE END

SONG: CRIME DON'T PAY