A-Most-Violent-Year.txt

                                 A MOST VIOLENT YEAR




                                      Written by

                                     J.C. Chandor



           This film is set in New York City, 1981:
                         
                         
          Murders: 2,228
                         
          Forcible Rape: 5,405
                         
          Violent Crime: 180,235
                         
          Aggravated Assault: 60,329
                         
          Property: 1,029,749
                         
          Vehicle Theft: 133,041
                         
          Robbery: 112,273                         
                         
          Burglary: 360,925
                         
          Larceny-Theft: 535,783
                         
          Crime Index: 1,209,984

                         
                         
          1981 was the most violent year in NYC history as recorded by overall
          Crime Index in relation to population.
                          2
                         
                         
          JANUARY 31, 1981
          Over black we hear the opening of a garage door. The light
          spills in and we see.
                         
                         
          EXT. UPPER MIDDLE CLASS RESIDENTIAL HOUSE, QUEENS NYC -
                         SUNRISE
                         
          Open on ABEL MORALES. It is early morning and still almost
          dark out. He has a rugged yet prosperously-handsome face and
          is in his mid-thirties. He is struggling to get started with
          his morning jog.
                         
                         
          EXT. SHIP GRAVEYARD, STATEN ISLAND NYC - DAY
                         
          It is early morning. A large bulk fuel oil transport truck
          sits idling next to a decrepit old dock. The dock sticks into
          a backwater section of New York harbor that is filled with
          the decaying remains of half-sunken abandoned barges and tug
          boats.
                         
          JULIAN, the young driver of the truck sits and nervously
          scans the horizon. Eventually a large fuel barge appears in
          the distance being pushed by a tug boat. The barge is steered
          past the skeletons of the other sunken ships and makes its
          way to the dock in front of the tanker truck.
                         
          JULIAN gets out of his truck and readies a large connecting
          hose. He looks around nervously. JULIAN steps across the
          broken boards of the dock and struggles to get the hose to
          the barge. He hands it to the BARGE OPERATOR with a nod of
          the head and no words.
                         
          They connect the hose and start a large generator as it
          begins to pump fuel into the truck. They both scan the
          horizon again as the sun begins to come up.
                         
                         
          EXT. MORE INDUSTRIAL QUEENS NEIGHBORHOOD- SAME TIME
                         
          ABEL is still jogging as the light begins to increase. It is
          freezing out. He is a very serious guy. He is not happy that
          he is out of shape. Finally he stops and bends over to catch
          his breath. We have run with him from the nicer part of the
          neighborhood to a rougher section. As he catches his breath
          he stands up and looks around. He is unsure of his feelings.
                          3
                         
                         
          INT. ANNA'S DRESSING AREA
          The camera slowly moves in as ANNA sits in a slip at her make
          up table putting on her face for the day ahead. She looks
          into the mirror as if she is putting on a coat of armor.
                         
                         
          INT. DRIVER'S CAB OF A BULK OIL TRANSPORT TRUCK - DAY
                         
          STANDARD HEATING OIL, "We set the Standard" is written in
          logo form on the side of the tank.
                         
          The truck idles in traffic waiting to pay the toll to cross
          the Verrazano bridge that spans the mouth of New York harbor.
                         
          JULIAN, the young driver from the dock, cautiously looks
          around as the traffic inches along. He finally approaches the
          toll booth and pays.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Good morning.
                         
          JULIAN speaks English with a well-sanded accent. Is it
          Central American or Mexican? The female collector gives him a
          smile.
          He heads through the booth, but there is still traffic on the
          other side as the lanes merge together. Just as the traffic
          is about to pick up he looks in his rearview mirror and we
          see TWO GUYS come walking through the traffic and towards the
          cab. Before we know it they are climbing up the cab steps.
                         
          The GUY on the driver's side, LOUIS SERVIDIO, is small and
          very slight but he moves with great speed and strength. He
          shatters the glass side window with his elbow. Unlocks the
          door just as his partner, THUG #2, does the same thing on the
          passenger side, but he is holding a gun. They are not wearing
          masks. It's very brazen.
                         
          Before THUG #2 even asks JULIAN to get out of the cab LOUIS
          SERVIDIO crushes him in the jaw with three swift punches then
          pulls him out of the cab and down onto the roadway.
                         
          LOUIS SERVIDIO pulls the door shut and they drive away with
          the truck leaving JULIAN sitting in the middle of the road
          staring, as blood starts to flow from his jaw.
                         
                         
          INT. PARKING YARD OF STANDARD HEATING OIL- SAME TIME
                         
          Two almost-matching late model Mercedes pull up to a chain-
          link gate with a small sign that says "STANDARD HEATING OIL:
          WE SET THE STANDARD". The DISPATCHER opens the gate.
                          4
                         
                         
          They both pull into reserved parking spaces next to each
          other. ABEL is dressed in a very tasteful custom made suit.
          ABEL's wife ANNA was driving the car behind him. She is a
          beautiful, tall, blonde woman dressed to the nines but with a
          streak in her eye that this is all business. You would not
          want to cross this woman.
                         
                          ABEL
           Ready?
                          ANNA
           Yes.
                         
                          ABEL
           You look very nice.
                         
                          ANNA
           Thank you.
                         
                          ABEL
           You sure?
                         
                          ANNA
           Yes.
                         
          ABEL walks around and opens his trunk. He takes out two large
          empty briefcases.
                         
          He carries the briefcases as they both walk over to a large,
          unmarked, armored van that is idling in the middle of the
          parking lot. Two ARMED GUARDS get out of the van. One is
          holding a clipboard. He walks up to ANNA and ABEL. He hands
          them the clipboard. They look at each other one last time and
          then both sign the document.
                         
          The other GUARD opens up the back of the truck. ABEL hands
          him the briefcases and the guard begins to fill them with
          cash. Lots of cash. ABEL and ANNA stand at the open back of
          the van and just watch. Finally he finishes and hands the now-
          heavy cases to ABEL.
                         
          ABEL picks up the two cases and walks a bit away from the
          truck. He turns to ANNA.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           Don't do anything stupid.
                         
                          ABEL
           We don't have any more money so
           what else could I do.
                         
          She gives a small smile. He looks at his watch. They kiss.
                          5
                         
                         
          ABEL turns and begins walking with the cases. He gives a nod
          to the DISPATCHER, who we now see, is in a small gatehouse,
          and he begins to open the front gate.
                         
                         
          EXT. STREET OUTSIDE THE FRONT GATE- SAME TIME
                         
          ABEL walks out through the gate and down the abandoned
          industrial street about 25 yards, then looks to his right. He
          looks down at the cases in his hands, turns, and stands
          looking into the neighboring site.
                         
                         
          EXT. MASSIVE OIL TANK FARM: BROOKLYN NY WATERFRONT - DAY
                         
          ABEL comes walking across the parking lot and sees ANDREW
          WALSH standing in the middle of the dusty parking lot. ANDREW
          is their longtime LAWYER/RIGHT-HAND MAN and is in his mid
          fifties. He is smart but tired. The oversized briefcase in
          his left hand seems to have permanently tilted his posture
          that direction. The large oil-holding tanks loom above them.
          The place is rusting and could use some work.
                         
          As they wait, the setting has the look and choreography of an
          illegal transaction about to go down.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           So how are we this morning?
                         
                          ABEL
           (gives a smile and nod)
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Well I woke up feeling very good
           about this.
                         
                          ABEL
           Really?
                         
          They both take a look at their watches.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           You've been telling me not to do
           this for a year.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Well we are going all in... so now
           I love it.
                         
          Gives him another slight smile. They stand around in awkward
          silence. Finally a late-model Ford Ltd. station wagon pulls
          into the lot.
                          6
                         
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           Here we go.
          And a group of FIVE HASIDIC JEWS gets out. There are two guys
          in their twenties, two in their fifties, and one in his mid-
          to-late seventies. They all shake each other's hands then
          stand around for a beat.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           Should we head inside?
                         
          INT. SMALL TEMPORARY OFFICE TRAILER - DAY
                         
          The group is now jammed around a folding table inside the
          trailer. ABEL and his lawyer sit at one end facing the rest
          of them. Finally, the senior member of the group, JOSEPH
          MENDELSOHN, eyes up ABEL and leans forward. His accent is
          strong yet you can understand every word.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           So why is it you want this land?
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm sorry?
                          JOSEPH
           It has been difficult for you to
           get me here, no? Over a year?
                         
                          ABEL
           Almost two.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           There are many like it around? And
           thanks to all these tests you paid
           for, we now know it is as much of a
           mess below the ground as it is
           above. My people have looked at
           your books, I know this is a lot of
           money for you, so why have you kept
           on us so... just for this ugly and
           polluted little piece of the earth.
                         
                          ABEL
           I have been looking over my fence
           at this property for a very long
           time.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           So it is just proximity?
                          7
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           No... I imagine I want it for the
           same reason you did.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           And what's that?
                         
                          ABEL
           To grow.
                          JOSEPH
           Well, I am in the garment business
           so I appreciate that sentiment. But
           I inherited this land from my
           uncle. Sadly he had no children of
           his own. He was the one that let
           them build these tanks here. So
           this place can do little for me...
           in fact thanks to all those tests
           you've done it may be a liability.
           As you know I offered to lease the
           site to you at a fair price, but
           you were not interested?
                         
                          ABEL
           No.
                          JOSEPH
           Why not?
                         
                          ABEL
           I like to own the things I use.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           I can see that.
                         
          Long pause.
                         
                          ABEL
           So.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           Yes. This contract here, your
           lawyers have fully reviewed it?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Of course.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           And you have brought the money?
           (ABEL nodes yes)
           So you realize you have only thirty
           days to close this transaction?
                          (MORE)
                          8
                         
                          JOSEPH (CONT'D)
           No extensions, no... contingencies
           whatsoever.
                          ABEL
           I understand.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           I want you to know this up front. I
           am a very fair man but I believe in
           honoring contracts. You will
           fulfill your end of this contract
           and the property is yours. If you
           can't we will keep your money and
           will sell it to your competitor who
           has been chasing us almost as badly
           as you have. I like you, but know
           that the only reason I am choosing
           you is because of the favorable
           terms of this contract. So this is
           business... and when you sign
           this....
                         
                          ABEL
           I understand.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           Well then, let's see this money,
           and then I will sign these papers.
                         
          ABEL turns to ANDREW and gives a slight nod. ANDREW pulls the
          black briefcase onto the table and opens it. It has seven
          hundred thousand dollars in cash in it. He slides it over to
          their side. The old man signs the contract and they shake
          hands.
                         
                         
          EXT. MASSIVE OIL TANK FARM PARKING LOT - DAY
                         
          ABEL stands next to ANDREW's car.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Congratulations.
                         
                          ABEL
           It's not ours yet.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Well, it was a hell of a job just
           getting them to this point. It's a
           good day for us. Take a walk
           around. Enjoy it for a second.
                         
          ANDREW gets in his car and drives away. ABEL looks around and
          decides to go for a little walk.
                          9
                         
                         
          He heads out towards the tanks and walks among them. They
          tower seven stories above him. As he walks, he is cut off
          like a maze from any other visual input. (Similar to being
          inside a Richard Serra sculpture) Finally he emerges into
          some light and as ABEL looks up the camera reveals his view.
          It's midtown Manhattan in all its glory, just across the East
          River from the site. He stares at the city and we see the
          true depths of his ambition lock on his face. He looks to his
          watch.
                         
          INT. 1981 MERCEDES 500 SEC
                         
          ABEL drives away from New York City. We see it behind his
          head.
                         
                         
          INT. CAR ON MERRITT PARKWAY
                         
          The terrain turns to upscale country.
                         
                         
          EXT. COUNTRY HOUSE - DAY
                         
          ABEL's car drives into a long driveway through the woods.
          Then an architect-designed, 80's modern house, still under
          construction, appears. He pulls up in front.
                         
          He gets out of the car and stands there looking at the large
          house. He walks into the house and we see more clearly that
          it is nearing completion. It is empty.
                         
                         
          INT. 80'S MODERN HOUSE - DAY
                         
          ABEL walks over to the massive floor-to-ceiling windows and
          stands looking over the large pond that sits down the hill
          from the house. As he stares out his CONTRACTOR comes quietly
          walking in behind him.
                         
                          CONTRACTOR
           Hello?
                         
                          ABEL
           There he is.
                         
          He walks up behind him and they both look out in silence for
          a beat.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           You have done a beautiful job here.
                         
                          CONTRACTOR
           Thank you.
                          10
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I mean it. You and your men should
           be very proud.
                         
                          CONTRACTOR
           We are.
                         
                          ABEL
           Most people don't have anything
           beautiful like this to show for
           their day's work. You are a lucky
           man.
                         
                          CONTRACTOR
           I am.
                         
                          ABEL
           Well I thank you... my family will
           be very happy here.
                         
                          CONTRACTOR
           I hope so.
                         
                          ABEL
           Now I think I owe you some money.
                          CONTRACTOR
           That may be true.
                         
                          ABEL
           It is.
                         
          ABEL reaches into his jacket pocket and takes out a thick
          envelope of cash. As he does we see a transformation of his
          personality from pleasant philosopher to a direct voice of
          unquestioned authority.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           This is the seventeen outstanding.
           But we are arriving here in four
           days. It must be done.
                         
                          CONTRACTOR
           Yes.
                         
                          ABEL
           Well, I'll let you go.
                         
          He says this as he leads him to the door.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           And the tile in the master bath...
                          11
                         
                         
                          CONTRACTOR
           It's being replaced, as I mentioned
           to your wife, that was an error on
           our part. Congratulations on your
           home.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you.
                         
          EXT. TOP OF HILL ON OTHER SIDE OF POND LOOKING BACK AT HIS
          HOUSE. - DAY
                         
          ABEL stands, surrounded by massive trees in the thick forest,
          looking across the ridge back at his house. He is a little
          out of breath after climbing the hill but he looks strangely
          comfortable even though he is standing in the woods in a
          suit, tie, and dress shoes. He takes a nice cigar out of his
          pocket, lights it and has a real moment of joy. He looks up
          to the tops of the trees, then back at the new house. He
          exhales a long deep breath. Then we hear a large truck come
          rumbling in the driveway. He hears it. His face shows that he
          knows the sound immediately.
                         
                         
          EXT. HOUSE DRIVEWAY - DAY
          ABEL comes out of the woods and sees a smaller heating oil
          delivery truck (with the same Standard Heating Oil logo)
          parked in the driveway. His face shows it probably isn't
          great news.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
                         
          ABEL comes down a hallway and then turns through a curtain
          into a treatment area. Sitting on the table is the young
          driver of the truck, JULIAN.
                         
          He has a contraption on his head that is holding his jaw shut
          in place. His eye is black. ABEL goes over and gives him a
          tight hug. But then he ever so slightly checks himself and
          places him back down on the table.
                         
          ABEL looks up and sees ANNA, standing in the corner. She is
          all business. They stare at each other.
                         
                          ANNA
           They broke his jaw.
                         
                          ABEL
           Have they found the truck?
                          12
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           Yes.
                          ABEL
           Are you alright?
                         
                          JULIAN
                          (NODS YES)
                         
                          ABEL
           Have the police been here yet?
                         
                          ANNA
           He was left in the middle of the
           highway without a truck, they
           brought him in.
                         
                          ABEL
           Can you speak?
                         
          ANNA'S temper is rising.
                         
                          ANNA
           Not for a couple days... Can I
           speak with you outside?
          ANNA heads out into the hallway. ABEL looks around a beat
          then follows.
                         
                         
          EXT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY -SAME TIME
                         
          ANNA is waiting in the hallway.
                         
                          ANNA
           Did they sign the contract?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          ANNA
           And took the deposit?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          ANNA
           So it's a go?
                         
                          ABEL
           (he gives a nice nod yes)
                         
                          ANNA
           Congratulations.
                          13
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           To you as well.
                          ANNA
           We have thirty days?
                         
          He nods ever so slightly yes, and she gives him a knowing
          smile back of equal measure. We are beginning to see that
          they actually work quite well together.
                          ABEL
           These fucking guys. This poor kid
           has been working his ass off.
                         
                          ANNA
           Do you want me to speak to my
           Brother about this?
                         
                          ABEL
           No...don't talk to him or your
           father.
                         
                          ANNA
           This can't continue.
                         
                          ABEL
           It won't.
                         
                          ANNA
           It will if we don't do something.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm meeting with the D.A. in the
           morning.
                         
                          ANNA
           Oh, fuck the D.A. He's more
           interested in coming after us than
           helping us.
                         
          ABEL looks around in disapproval. She thinks this through and
          then looks in at JULIAN.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           It's not fair to them. You're at
           war here.
                         
                          ABEL
           No we are not.
                         
                          ANNA
           Really... because they are.
                          14
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           Well I'm not.
          They look each other over. She then finally leans in and
          gives him a caring kiss, she walks off.
                         
                          ANNA
           And you're going out to check on
           the new house?
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
          He watches her walk away then looks back into the hospital
          room. He enters.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
                         
          ABEL walks into the room and looks at JULIAN. He looks up and
          ABEL has trouble putting it to words.
                         
                          ABEL
           I have to get going.
                         
          JULIAN gives a nod.
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Can we get you anything?
                         
          Nods no.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           We'll pick you up when they let you
           out of here.
                         
          They look at each other.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           These men are cowards. Too weak to
           make a living... or even fight with
           their own hands, and too stupid to
           think up anything else to do.
                         
          Finally he turns and leaves.
                         
                         
          EXT. ABANDONED RACETRACK PARKING LOT - QUEENS NY - DAY
                         
          ABEL drives up to the drop off scene. There is the large bulk
          transport truck and one lone police car just sitting in the
          middle of the parking lot.
                          15
                         
                         
          ABEL gets out, walks up, and stops to stare at the truck. A
          young beat cop is sitting on the hood of his car waiting.
                          ABEL
           May I take it?
                         
                          BEAT COP
           Excuse me?
                         
                          ABEL
           May I take it now?
                         
                          BEAT COP
           Is it yours?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          BEAT COP
           Well, I'm sorry about that. Once
           the owner or an owner's
           representative files the claim form
           in Corona she's yours... again.
                         
                          ABEL
           So you guys have done what you
           needed to?
                         
                          BEAT COP
           Yes.
                         
                          ABEL
           And what was that?
                         
                          BEAT COP
           I'm sorry?
                         
                          ABEL
           You just said you've done what you
           needed to... so what was it that
           you've done?
                         
                          BEAT COP
           (looks back dumbfounded)
                         
                          ABEL
           Did you fingerprint or anything?
                         
                          BEAT COP
           No need, these guys always wear
           gloves.
                         
                          ABEL
           So you've done nothing.
                          16
                         
                         
                          BEAT COP
           I'm not exactly sure, I just got
           here at four. My shift is actually
           up.
                         
                          ABEL
           So who's coming?
                         
          They stare at each other, then the truck. ABEL then climbs up
          and we see he knows his way around the truck. He goes up top
          and opens and looks into a valve, the tank is empty.
                         
                          BEAT COP
           Sorry.
                         
          The cop gets in his car and prepares to drive away.
                         
           BEAT COP (CONT'D)
           Why did they want it?
                         
                          ABEL
           They stole the $6,000 of fuel that
           was in it.
                         
          The cop leaves. ABEL is left standing on top of the truck in
          the parking lot alone with his battered truck. He looks down
          at the open loading valve and begins to come up with an idea.
          The sun is setting.
                         
                         
          EXT. STANDARD HEATING TRUCK YARD - DAY
                         
          A sign on the inside of the gate reads. "It's not safety
          first... It's safety always". The motor on the gate starts in
          and it opens. In drives ABEL'S car.
                         
                         
          INT. ANNA'S OFFICE STANDARD HEATING OIL - DAY
                         
          ANNA is working away on an adding machine in her office. She
          is listening to the radio that sits behind her on the desk.
          We can see that she is in her comfort zone.
                         
                         
                         
          INT. BROOKLYN ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE - DAY
                         
          The ASSISTANT D.A. is sitting behind his desk as DEPUTY LANGE
          stands off to the side. He is only in his early thirties but
          with confidence and ego to spare. They know each other.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Andrew.
                          17
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Lawrence. Thank you for seeing us
           on such short notice.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Of course. And Mr. Morales. Please
           sit. I didn't realize you were
           coming as well.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Yes...
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           So what can I do for you?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           We need your help.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           In what way?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Our trucks. They are being robbed.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           (he looks over at DEPUTY
                          LANGE)
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           We have a serious security issue.
                         
                          DEPUTY LANGE
           There have been a series of
           hijackings of bulk-fuel delivery
           vehicles.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Yes.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Our drivers are being put in
           danger.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Mr. Walsh, as I know you know, this
           office has been investigating your
           entire industry.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Of course.
                         
          There is an awkward pause as LAWRENCE decides how he should
          continue.
                          18
                         
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           And as much as I'd like to be able
           to help you, you know this is a
           police issue. It's not what we do
           here.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I understand. But this is turning
           into an urgent and pressing matter
           for us.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Urgent?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Yes.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I'm not sure what you mean. There
           were more murders and rapes in this
           city last year then there ever have
           been, so if you have come to tell
           me that we have a urgent security
           issue here, trust me I'm aware.
                         
          ABEL cuts in. He can't help himself.
                          ABEL
           My people are at risk just driving
           around in this city, just trying to
           do their jobs. And I... I have done
           everything you have asked of me.
           It's been two years since you first
           started investigating my company
           and I have spent thousands of
           dollars hiring lawyers for this and
           that to provide you with every
           piece of information your office
           has requested. And I expect that
           you have been asking the same from
           my competitors. So with all this
           information that you have gained...
           We are just asking if you have any
           idea who has been doing this to us?
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I don't.
                         
          This sits unanswered.
                          19
                         
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           I understand your frustration. And
           although everyone else seems to
           have given up and left this city
           for dead, I haven't. And as you
           know we have been investigating
           industry-wide corruption in your
           business that seems to have been
           going on for years. And the simple
           fact is that the only person who
           could do anything with 8000 gallons
           of heating oil in a matter of
           minutes after stealing a truck is
           someone from within that industry.
           And almost certainly someone with
           local storage capacity. So you're
           right. That means you all are
           stealing from each other. Which is,
           as far as I can tell, just a
           refreshing new take on what you've
           been doing to your customers and
           fellow taxpayers for the last
           fifteen years.
                         
          This sits in the room for a long beat.
                          ABEL
           First, please know that we respect
           the work you are doing to try to
           help our business and the city. But
           also know I have never taken
           anything I haven't earned from
           anyone so when you say you've...
                         
          He pulls himself back.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           We are on the same side here.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Well yes and no. See, all that I
           can do is to try and put people
           away in the simplest and most
           economical way possible with the
           limited resources at my disposal.
           It doesn't really matter to us who
           it is or how we do it as long as
           it's progress.
                         
                          ABEL
           Well, it makes a difference to me.
                          20
                         
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I know it does. This city is a very
           difficult place to do business
           right now.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
          This more conciliatory tone makes LAWRENCE think through his
          next reply for a long beat.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           You know... Mr. Morales you seem
           like a decent man, and because of
           that I'm really not comfortable
           just sitting here with you
           pretending that the elephant
           perched on the corner of my desk
           isn't there.
                         
          LAWRENCE looks over at DEPUTY LANGE whose body language says
          `don't go down this road'. But he does.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           I can't go into specifics at this
           moment but we believe that you and
           your company have broken the law
           and that we have enough evidence to
           prove that. So next week, Monday
           actually, we will be bringing a
           case against you.
                         
          This drops like a bomb. ABEL and LAWRENCE stare at each
          other. Then ABEL glances to the corner of the desk. We see
          that a large draft copy of the case is actually sitting
          there. ABEL looks back up.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           I'm sorry to do this in person.
           It's awkward, obviously, but I
           didn't want to have this happen on
           Monday not having said something
           here in person today, out of
           respect.
                         
                          ABEL
           I understand.
                         
          ABEL stands up to leave and ANDREW is still a little stunned
          but stands.
                          21
                         
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           You have your job to do. But know
           that you are wrong and that we will
           take advantage of every opportunity
           to prove that.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I'm sure you will.
                         
          They turn to leave. And LAWRENCE has one more thought.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           One more thing... Have you been
           doing anything different in your
           business over the last year?
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm sorry?
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I'm just looking here through these
           reports. It looks like out of the
           nineteen registered heating oil
           companies in the city your trucks
           have been getting hit three to one.
                          ABEL
           Yes?
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           So are you maybe doing something to
           bring this on yourself?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Like what?
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Like enter a new market?
                         
                          ABEL
           I am always trying to expand my
           business.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Of course. But I think you
           understand what I'm saying... there
           are always some markets that are
           more difficult than others to
           enter.
                         
                          ABEL
           Every new market is a difficult
           market.
                          (MORE)
                          22
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           But my driver was assaulted and my
           truck and oil were stolen in broad
           daylight in front of fifteen toll
           collectors and six police officers
           yesterday. And yet no one saw
           anything. That is a problem... no?
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I have a lot of problems coming
           across my desk every day Mr.
           Morales.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm sure you do.
                         
                         
          INT. HALLWAY OF BROOKLYN D.A. COURT BUILDING - DAY
                         
          ABEL walks out in front of ANDREW.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Abel. Abel.
                         
          He stops and turns.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           (his words escape him)
                         
                          ABEL
           Exactly.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           No... let's not overreact. We don't
           even know what they are bringing
           against us. It could be total
           bullshit, and they are just trying
           to use us along the way. This isn't
           anything yet.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                         
                         
          INT. ANNA'S OFFICE STANDARD HEATING OIL - DAY
                         
          ANNA is working away on an adding machine in her office. She
          is listening to the radio that sits behind her on the desk.
          We can see that she is in her comfort zone. ABEL enters.
                         
                          ANNA
           How'd it go?
                          23
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           The DA... He said he's going to
           bring down charges on us next week.
                         
                          ANNA
           For what?
                         
                          ABEL
           We don't know yet.
                          ANNA
           Who else?
                         
                          ABEL
           Right now they are just saying us.
                         
          Beat.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Where are we exposed?
                         
                          ANNA
           We follow standard industry
           practice on every front.
                         
                          ABEL
           Anna?
                         
                          ANNA
           I need to know what they are saying
           we did.
                         
          Beat.
                         
                          ABEL
           Okay.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL LONG HALLWAY - DAY
                         
          ABEL walks down the long hallway and enters a room.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
                         
          JULIAN is sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting. His jaw is
          in bandages, and there are crutches sitting next to him, but
          he looks much better than the previous day. They look at each
          other intensely but say nothing.
                          24
                         
                         
          INT. SHIT-HOLE TENEMENT STAIRWELL - DAY
          ABEL is helping JULIAN up the stairs. They struggle together.
          Finally they get to the top floor and stand outside apartment
          number . JULIAN stops, not really wanting to open the door in
          front of his boss.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm very sorry this happened. Do
           you need anything else?
           (JULIAN nods no)
           If you do, you call the office...
           Okay then.
                         
          He turns to leave and walks back to the stairs.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Abel?
                         
          ABEL turns and looks at him.
                         
                          JULIAN (CONT'D)
           Do you think I am ready to move
           into sales?
                         
          ABEL thinks this through.
                          ABEL
           I don't.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I... I'm not sure I will be able...
                         
                          ABEL
           You will.
                         
          JULIAN changes the subject.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Did you get the truck back?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes. They took the load.
                         
                          JULIAN
           This is the sixth one?
                         
                          ABEL
           Seventh... you get some rest.
                          25
                         
                         
          EXT. BUILDING BY ABEL'S CAR - DAY
          ABEL comes out of the building and walks towards his car
          where a group of TOUGH-LOOKING KIDS in their early twenties
          are sitting, looking to see who is going to come and claim
          the brand new car. He walks right though them without being
          overly aggressive but without a hint of being intimidated. He
          gets in and drives away.
                         
          INT. BROOKLYN BARBERSHOP - NIGHT
                         
          ABEL is sitting in the barber chair getting a trim. Through
          the window we see ARNOLD KLINE, a competitor of ABEL'S
          walking by. They see each other. ARNOLD KLINE comes into the
          shop followed by a BODYGUARD. He sits down next to ABEL. This
          conversation happens with them both looking at each other in
          the mirror.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           Well, look who it is.
                         
                          ABEL
           Arnold.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           Just a touch off the side Jimmy.
           Not all of us are as lucky as Mr.
           Morales here in terms of keeping
           our hair.
                         
                          BARBER JIMMY
           You're a good looking man.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           I know I am. So I hear
           congratulations are in order?
                         
                          ABEL
           What's that?
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           You got yourself in contract over
           there.
                         
                          ABEL
           We are working on it.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           Thirty day close I hear, you better
           be.
                         
                          ABEL
           We are, thanks for your concern.
                          26
                         
                         
          BARBER JIMMY finishes ABEL, and he stands up to leave. ABEL
          has his back to KLINE as he pays.
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           I saw a couple of your trucks over
           in Rego Park the other day.
                         
          This brings ABEL around to look at him square.
                         
                          ABEL
           Really? When was that?
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           A couple times.
                         
                          ABEL
           It's possible.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           Is it?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           That's a tough market.
                          ABEL
           It is.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           My father struggled for years
           before he broke in there.
                         
                          ABEL
           Any new market is a tough one. I'll
           see you.
                         
          ABEL walks out of the shop and looks around. It is now dark
          outside.
                         
                         
          EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NEXT MORNING
                         
          ABEL is jogging again but this time he is deep in the woods.
          He runs along the road. We then hear a car coming from behind
          him. The car noise then turns into more of a truck noise. He
          stops and turns around as we see a large truck coming towards
          him.
                         
          He gets himself over to the side of the road. We have a
          slight fear it might hit him. But as it passes we see it's a
          large moving truck. There's a second one following right
          behind it.
                          27
                         
                         
          As the trucks pass it registers on ABEL's face. He cuts into
          a path in the woods.
                         
          EXT. DRIVEWAY
                         
          ABEL walks up to his house, and we see the moving trucks
          preparing to unload. ANNA gets out of her car with the kids,
          and they run around and check out the house as ANNA directs
          the movers.
          ABEL comes up and stands next to her. They smile a protected
          smile at their new home. ABEL gives her a kiss.
                         
                         
          INT. DINING ROOM OF NEW HOUSE - NIGHT
                         
          The whole family sits around the table in candlelight. They
          are eating takeout, but with a mismatch of formal and
          everyday tableware that has been unpacked. There are boxes
          all around them.
                         
                          ANNA
           I know it has been a long road, and
           that not all of you wanted to do
           this, but thank you. For me...
                          ABEL
           A toast.
                         
          All six raise a glass.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           A toast to our new home. It's as
           beautiful as my wife and daughters
           and as strong as me...(kids laugh)
           May we be happy, prosperous and
           safe here. Cheers.
                         
                         
          INT. GYMNASIUM GIRLS YOUTH SOCCER GAME - NEXT MORNING
                         
          ABEL is standing watching the game as he waits for his coffee
          to come out of the snack bar. Over his shoulder we hear...
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           So you made the move?
                         
          ABEL turns and sees PETER FORENTE standing there. He's in his
          mid-forties, very well-dressed, and handsomely bald.
                         
                          ABEL
           Peter... it's official as of
           yesterday.
                          28
                         
                         
                          COUNTER PERSON
           Sir.
          ABEL picks up his coffee, and they both walk back over to the
          sideline together. Although they are standing a bit off to
          the side from everyone else.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           So I heard about your rig getting
           picked off again.
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           We should probably get together to
           discuss this and go over some of
           the preventative measures that
           we've been taking. We haven't had
           an incident since November. It
           doesn't do any of us any good to
           have this kind of attention brought
           to us.
                         
          They both stare out at the court for beat.
           PETER FORENTE (CONT'D)
           So I think I may have seen one of
           your new trucks the other day.
                         
          They look at each other.
                         
           PETER FORENTE (CONT'D)
           Out near here, at the Miller Road
           diner?
                         
                          ABEL
           That's possible.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           The driver looked like a member of
           the Hitler Youth. I haven't seen a
           teamster that blond and blue-eyed
           since I was a kid.
                         
                          ABEL
           He's from Ohio. Played football. I
           like my drivers to fit in with the
           neighborhood...
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           That's new territory for you, no?
                         
          This brings them both back in to look at each other.
                          29
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           Just picked up a few new accounts
           over there. Weekend houses of some
           old clients from in the city.
                         
          PETER gives a bit of a stronger look. Then finally turns back
          towards the field.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Which one is yours?
                          ABEL
           Right there.
                         
          They look out.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           She's beautiful.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Welcome to the neighborhood. You
           should be proud.
                          ABEL
           Proud?
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Yes.
                         
                         
          INT. GARAGE OF THE NEW HOUSE - DAY
                         
          The garage is filled with boxes. ABEL stands in the middle of
          a few that are partially unpacked. He has set up an old radio
          in the corner of the garage, and it is playing a New York
          Giants football game. ABEL takes an object out of one of the
          boxes and looks at it with significance.
                         
          Coming from the main house we hear the doorbell ring. ABEL'S
          oldest daughter, ANNIE, comes to the door of the garage.
                         
                          ANNIE
           Dad. Mr. Walsh is here.
                         
          ABEL looks around behind ANNIE to see ANDREW standing there.
          He waves him into the garage. The boxes are stacked almost
          to the ceiling around them.
                          30
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'm sorry for the dramatic drop in
           but your phone doesn't seem to be
           working.
                         
                          ABEL
           It's not set up yet... So I am
           guessing this isn't good news here
           on a Sunday night.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           No... It looks like they are coming
           after us.
                         
                          ABEL
           That describes many people at this
           point.
                         
          Slight smile.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           The D.A.
                         
                          ABEL
           How bad?
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I still haven't seen it yet. But my
           guy in his office just gave me a
           heads up an hour ago. It's not
           good.
                         
                          ABEL
           Where are we exposed?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'm not sure, a couple places
           probably.
                         
                          ABEL
           A couple places?
                         
          This hits ABEL. He thinks for a beat than goes over to the
          door to the house and calls for his wife.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Anna... Anna!
                         
          They wait. She enters, she is a bit surprised to see ANDREW
          in her garage.
                         
                          ANNA
           Andrew.
                          31
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Anna... sorry you've got no phone.
                          ABEL
           As of tomorrow I'll have my new
           radio hooked up though so you
           should be able to reach me wherever
           I am...
                         
          He is making light of the situation, but as she looks at
          their faces she knows there is a problem.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           The D.A. is going to bring down
           charges on us tomorrow.
                         
                          ANNA
           For what?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           We don't know yet.
                         
                          ANNA
           Who else?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Right now they are just saying us.
                         
                          ABEL
           Where are we exposed?
                         
          ABEL looks at his wife. She looks at ANDREW.
                         
                          ANNA
           We follow standard industry
           practice on every front.
                         
          They all give each other a long look, as this means they have
          been bending the rules in several places, as do all their
          competitors.
                         
                          ABEL
           What does that mean?
                         
                          ANNA
           You know what that means.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           It means we may have some
           accounting exposure where we have
           pushed things a little too far.
                         
                          ABEL
           How far?
                          32
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           You always told us to push until we
           couldn't push any further. Well, we
           may have hit that line. So we will
           handle it and move on.
                         
                          ABEL
           Anna?
                         
          ABEL shoots her a stinging worried glance.
                          ANNA
           I need to know what they are saying
           we did.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Let's not get ahead of ourselves
           here. You have always followed
           standard industry practices. We
           aren't even sure what this is yet.
           I just wanted to make sure you had
           all the information I do. This is a
           badge of honor, it means we are big
           enough to give a shit about now.
           Don't worry.
          That sits for a beat.
                         
                          ABEL
           Okay.
                         
                          ANNA
           Thank you for coming by Andrew.
                         
          ABEL reaches into his pocket and takes out a remote for the
          automatic garage door opener. As it opens you can see the
          pride in his face as this remote is a fairly high-tech new
          item. They all sit and watch as it opens the whole way then
          stops in silence.
                         
          ANDREW is now standing outside in the driveway.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Very impressive.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you.
                         
                          ANNA
           It only cost him a year of the
           kid's tuition.
                          33
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           And one more thing. I got a call
           from the union... O'Leary.
                         
          This grabs both their attention.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           They've been getting word back from
           our drivers.
                          ANNA
           What word?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           There is real concern about their
           safety.
                         
                          ABEL
           Who?
                         
                          ANNA
           All of them.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           The drivers are feeling
           unprotected.
                          ANNA
           Because they are.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I just think you should talk to
           them about it. Before it grows into
           something.
                         
                          ABEL
           Okay.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Good night.
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL AND ANNA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                         
          ABEL is lying in bed, awake. ANNA is as well. He is staring
          at the ceiling. Their dog is lying at the foot of the bed
          asleep as well. Eventually the dog wakes up and looks out
          towards the doorway. He growls ever so lightly. Then he
          stops, listens, and starts growling a little more.
                         
          ANNA looks up ever so slightly.
                         
                          ANNA
           What's he doing?
                          34
                         
                         
          ABEL is now standing up to go look.
                          ABEL
           Quiet... don't worry. It's nothing.
                         
          ANNA tries to go back to sleep.
                         
                         
          INT. HALLWAYS/KID'S ROOMS - NIGHT
          ABEL walks out of the bedroom and slowly heads down the hall
          to his kids' rooms. He looks in each room and the CHILD is
          sleeping soundly with nothing out of place.
                         
                         
          INT. KIDS' ROOMS/HALLWAY- SAME TIME
                         
          As he comes out of the last bedroom back into the hallway he
          sees his dog standing at the top of the stairs looking down
          over the balcony into the living room. The dog is starting to
          quietly growl once again.
                         
          ABEL'S face goes from total comfort that his kids are safe to
          total paranoia. He slowly walks down the hall. He stops off
          in his bedroom closet and grabs a mid-size baseball bat/billy
          club. Now he is heading down the stairs with the club trying
          not to freak himself out.
                         
                         
          INT. OPEN LIVING ROOM/ENTRY HALL/FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
                         
          ABEL walks down the stairs and the dog just stands at the
          top, still growling every now and then. ABEL comes into the
          living room and everything seems perfectly normal. He then
          relaxes and turns towards the dog.
                         
                          ABEL
           Quiet. It's nothing. Come down
           here.
                         
          He snaps his fingers and calls the dog. The dog finally comes
          down the stairs.
                         
          ABEL now heads towards the kitchen in a relaxed state, but
          then the dog starts growling again and looking out the
          windows next to the front door. ABEL comes over, he opens the
          front door but the dog refuses to go out.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Go. Oh come on. Go.
                         
          ABEL thinks he hears something. He clicks on the lights and
          pulls his bat back up into position. He heads outside.
                          35
                         
                         
          EXT. FRONT DOOR TO ABEL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
          ABEL comes to the end of the front walk and there is nothing.
          The dog has now followed him outside and is slowly heading
          over to a area where a small exterior hallway leads to a side
          entrance. It is dark. The dog starts barking and going crazy.
          ABEL slowly heads over to the covered passageway.
                         
          All hell now breaks lose. A BURGLAR, in all black, comes
          blasting out of the shadows. The dog tries to bite him as he
          goes by. ABEL swings his club and hits BURGLAR square on the
          shoulder but he keeps coming. He knocks ABEL over and runs
          towards the driveway. ABEL is up and chasing after him faster
          than we expect.
                         
                         
          EXT. BASE OF THE RAVINE DEEP IN WOODS- CONTINUOUS
                         
          There is a pretty good moon out so we can see them running
          full throttle through the very thick woods. ABEL is keeping
          up with him and in fact may be gaining on him.
                         
          ABEL is still in his pajamas. He has a rage that has been
          building up inside him for a good two weeks that is now
          pouring out of him in the energy to chase this guy down.
          They come to the top of a small ravine which ABEL seems to
          know from his runs through the woods and ABEL takes a bit of
          an easier/quicker path down.
                         
                         
          EXT. WOODS BEHIND ABEL'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
                         
          ABEL now cuts him off at an angle and swings the bat at his
          legs. BURGLAR trips and goes flying. ABEL falls as he swings
          at him. They both sit on the ground for a beat. ABEL is
          exhausted. They stare at each other.
                         
          A brief look of panic comes across BURGLAR's face. Then he is
          up again and running off into the woods.
                         
          ABEL gets himself up and chases after him.
                         
                         
          EXT. ROAD NEXT TO THE WOODS - NIGHT
                         
          ABEL comes out of the woods into the middle of the road, and
          in the distance we see BURGLAR run up to a waiting van with
          its lights and engine on. The guy gets into the passenger
          side of the van, and it peels out.
                         
          ABEL is left standing in the middle of the road, barely able
          to breathe and holding the bat.
                          36
                         
                         
          EXT. ABEL FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
          ABEL comes walking back towards his front door. ANNA is
          standing with all the lights on and with the dog sitting next
          to her. She looks at him in shock.
                         
                          ANNA
           Where were you?
                         
                          ABEL
           (looking to the dog)
           A lot of help you were.
                         
                          ANNA
           Abel?
                         
          They both look down at his bare feet. He has been in some
          kind of shock and hasn't even noticed that his bare feet are
          cut up to pieces from running in the woods through the ice.
          His feet are bleeding all over the walkway.
                         
                         
          INT. POWDER ROOM OF ABEL AND ANNA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                         
          ANNA is in warrior mode. Any panic in her voice has
          disappeared, and she is speaking with a calm yet deadly
          seriousness. She is cleaning the cuts on his feet and putting
          bandages on them as they talk.
                         
                          ANNA
           Who was it?
                         
                          ABEL
           What do you mean, how am I supposed
           to know who it was?
                         
          She gives him a look.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           I don't know.
                         
          She gives him another look.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           I think it was just some punk,
           looking to rip us off.
                         
                          ANNA
           If you...
                         
                          ABEL
           Ouch! If they had wanted to send a
           message he could have... and he
           didn't.
                          37
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           Seems like a message was sent loud
           and clear.
                         
                          ABEL
           Please. Don't get going on this. We
           are a big new house. He probably
           wanted the TV. He didn't have a
           gun, he had nothing. The alarm will
           be in on Monday. It was some kid.
           They aren't coming back.
                         
          She looks at him with considerable concern.
                         
          He leans in and starts kissing her. She holds still at first
          then gives in.
                         
                         
          INT. TRAINING ROOM AT STANDARD HEATING OIL - NEXT MORNING
                         
          ABEL is in a suit but is kneeling and almost lying on his
          back showing three SALES RECRUITS what they should be looking
          for. Another INSTRUCTOR looks on. We see ABEL in his element.
          He is a salesman.
                         
                          ABEL
           What you are looking for here is
           the opening to the burn chamber.
           Now at this point you have not
           tipped your hat in anyway. From the
           minute you walked in the house you
           should have been working to create
           an impression of total
           impartiality. But now...
                         
          He reaches over and opens the small door. A fire is burning
          inside. On cue the instructor hands ABEL a crisp clean white
          handkerchief.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           When this door opens you begin to
           close. It must always be spotless.
           If they see you have ever done this
           before it is over.
                         
          He takes it and reaches up into a small exhaust chimney.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Now, you do this and only this...
           You look down at the cloth and
           don't say a word... You just keep
           staring at the cloth and then you
           slowly just start shaking your
           head. Very very slowly and small.
                          (MORE)
                          38
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Don't look up at them. Just at the
           cloth.
          Then ABEL makes a small clicking noise.
                         
                          INSTRUCTOR
           Do you hear that noise... that's
           the noise.
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           What noise?
                         
                          ABEL
           It means you are close... Then
           after sitting in silence way longer
           than is comfortable, you turn. And
           say "I'd love to run a few numbers
           for you. Is there somewhere more
           comfortable we could sit." They
           will almost always take you to the
           dining room table and will offer
           you something. And whatever it is
           you always take the fancy option.
                         
                          INSTRUCTOR
           Can I get you a coffee or tea?
                          ABEL
           A tea please.
                         
                          INSTRUCTOR
           We have some homemade lemonade or a
           soda.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'd love a lemonade, thank you.
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Why?
                         
                          ABEL
           Because, we are never going to be
           the cheapest option, so we have to
           be the best. And they want... no,
           need... to feel that you want the
           best too. That's why our trucks are
           the newest or cleanest, and our
           drivers are approachable.
                         
          Just then the woman who works behind the front desk (STANDARD
          FRONT DESK) comes to the door.
                         
           STANDARD FRONT DESK
           They need you.
                          39
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I gotta go, but the final point I
           will make is the hardest one. Once
           you have done the math and shown
           them what we can save them over the
           long haul through proper
           maintenance, you need them to sign.
           And the problem is by hiring you
           that means they are firing someone
           else. And that's never easy. So to
           get them over the line you need to
           close them. So when you show them
           the number look up at them both...
           and just stare at them...
                         
          ABEL begins staring at the recruits. He continues to stare.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           You stare longer than you should.
           Because this is not a joke. You
           will only keep this job if you
           close. And that's not funny to you.
           And I am only interested in this
           company growing, and when it isn't
           I don't think it's funny at all.
           These people work very hard for
           their money and these other guys
           are ripping them off, treating them
           poorly, because they don't know...
           so when you look them in the eye
           you have to believe that we are
           better, and we are, but you will
           never do anything as hard as
           staring a person straight in the
           eye and telling the truth.
                         
          ABEL then does exactly that to them. And he holds it for a
          long beat.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Well... it was great to meet you.
           Welcome and I wish you luck.
                         
          ABEL walks out of the room and straight into.
                         
                         
          INT. LARGE STAFF MEETING ROOM - DAY
                         
          There is a great high/low nature to the way ABEL runs the
          company. While he wears great suits and his trucks are
          impeccable, he does not waste money. So this room where the
          drivers have company meetings is very basic.
                          40
                         
                         
          The room is filled with all of the drivers. There is a bit
          of a nervous energy in the room. It quiets as ABEL comes in.
          He stands aside.
                         
           STANDARD FRONT DESK
           Trucks 16 through 23 you should be
           ready to go...
                         
          As STANDARD FRONT DESK sees ABEL standing behind her, she
          stops. ABEL walks forward a few steps.
                          ABEL
           Good morning. First off, I picked
           up Julian yesterday and he is back
           home and doing much better. And I
           just wanted to make sure you are
           all aware that we are doing
           everything we can to deal with this
           situation. We are working with law
           enforcement, and they seem to be
           closing in on these guys. But,
           sadly these are the times we are
           living in and we must rise above
           them. So, on that front we have
           these.
          He puts one of the new radios on the dais. ANDREW comes into
          the room behind ABEL and stands.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           These will be in every truck by the
           end of the week. Much to my wife's
           concern I spent some serious coin
           and we now have our own closed
           channel that shouldn't have any
           blackout areas. You will always be
           in contact with us.
           (a hand goes up in the
                          BACK)
           Yes, Eddy.
                         
           SENIOR DRIVER EDDY
           I have heard that the union is
           considering recommending other more
           active options for us to consider.
           Do you know about this?
                         
          ABEL looks to ANDREW.
                         
                          ABEL
           We have been in constant contact
           with the union and they aren't
           considering any new course of
           action at this time.
                          41
                         
                         
           SENIOR DRIVER EDDY
           So this radio is what we got?
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                         
          EXT. ABEL AND ANNA'S HOUSE - DAY
                         
          ANNA is walking back from the mailbox looking through the
          day's mail. As she approaches the house she looks up and sees
          the two younger daughters, ELIZABETH (6 years old) and
          CATHERINE (4 years old), playing in front of the house.
          CATHERINE comes out from under a bush near the side door with
          something in her hand.
                         
          ANNA looks back down at the mail. As she gets closer to the
          house we see a look of concern come across her face. The look
          then turns to one of complete horror but as she gets closer
          to CATHERINE she tries to control her emotions.
                         
                          ANNA
           Catherine... Catherine. Katie!
                         
          She drops the mail. And goes right up to her daughter.
                          CATHERINE
           Mommy.
                         
          As ANNA comes up to CATHERINE we now see that the little girl
          is holding a large very real looking handgun in her little
          hands. ANNA is besides herself.
                         
                          ANNA
           Where did you get this? Catherine
           where did you find this?
                         
                          CATHERINE
           Right here.
                         
          The little girl points over towards the bushes near the side
          door where LOUIS SERVIDIO was hiding and got hit the night
          before.
                         
                          ANNA
           Show me.
                         
          The little girl walks over to bushes and kneels down.
                         
                          CATHERINE
           It was just sitting right here.
                         
          ANNA turns to the middle daughter, ELIZABETH.
                          42
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           Did you see this?
                          ELIZABETH
           Yeah, she went under there to get
           that ball and came out with it.
                         
                          ANNA
           Maria!
          ANNA yells towards in the house.
                         
                          ELIZABETH
           What is it?
                         
          ANNA walks towards the front door to retrieve the NANNY
          MARIA.
                         
                          ANNA
           Maria!
                         
                          ELIZABETH
           Mom, is it real?
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL'S OFFICE STANDARD HEATING OIL - DAY
          ABEL is sitting down at his desk. ANNA comes to the door. She
          gets his attention and then walks right up to the desk. She
          puts the handgun down right in front of him.
                         
                          ABEL
           What is that?
                         
                          ANNA
           A gun... It's a gun Abel.
                         
                          ABEL
           Where did you get it?
                         
                          ANNA
           Your youngest daughter found it in
           the bushes outside our front door.
           She was playing with it.
                         
          ABEL is totally speechless.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           It's loaded... with the safety off.
                         
          This sits like a bomb in the room.
                          43
                         
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           Those weren't kids looking to rip
           off our TV Abel, that was a fucking
           goon with a loaded gun looking in
           our windows! What the hell is going
           on here?
                         
                          ABEL
           Let me see that. I'll take care of
           this.
                          ANNA
           Damn right we will. Who is this?
                         
                          ABEL
           I don't know, but I will take care
           of it.
                         
                          ANNA
           What does that mean you will take
           care of it. This isn't a brick
           through our car window or some
           other cute little warning that I've
           put up with in the past. This is
           your daughter playing with a loaded
           gun!
          He turns back quickly. And stares at her.
                         
                          ABEL
                          (YELLS)
           I know what it is!
                         
          He slowly walks back across the room and picks up the gun.
          His hand shows a shake ever so slightly as he touches it.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Let me deal with this.
                         
                          ANNA
           You better. Because you won't like
           what's going to happen once I start
           getting involved.
                         
          This causes him to stop in his tracks. He turns very
          seriously.
                         
                          ABEL
           You are not to tell your father
           about this.
                         
          She looks back at him with a tinge of a smile.
                          44
                         
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Do you hear me.
          ANNA'S look changes and she understands.
                         
                          ANNA
           ...I won't.
                         
          ANDREW comes to the door and knocks.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Can I talk with you both?
                         
                          ANNA
           I found a gun outside our front
           door. Somebody left it there last
           night.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Who?
                         
                          ABEL
           I don't know.
                         
          ANNA looks over to ANDREW letting him know her disgust.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Well...
                         
          He looks around then closes the door behind him and gets
          their attention.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           It's not good... It's bad
                         
          He takes out a folder containing the formal indictment and
          hands it to ABEL.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           It's a fourteen count indictment.
           Most of it is crap. Piggyback
           issues. But...
                         
          As ANDREW keeps talking, trucks go rumbling by behind them.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           The first three counts are where we
           start to have real issues. They
           know what's going on in this
           industry. They say we are rigging
           scales and under-reporting income.
           We don't know what they have or how
           they got it. But no matter how they
           got it, it's a problem.
                          45
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           That truck just went out filthy.
          ABEL looks out the window as a truck leaves the yard.
                         
                          ANNA
           Abel!
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           We are going to owe them some
           money.
                         
          This brings him back.
                         
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           How much?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           That depends on a bunch of factors.
           But that's an accounting question.
                         
          They both look to ANNA
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           And there is one other thing. The
           bank...
                         
          This hits ABEL.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           We need to sit down with them
           immediately. I set a dinner. We
           need you both there to lay
           everything out and be totally up-
           front. This shouldn't be a problem.
           Lord knows they've given money to
           bigger crooks than us. But I don't
           want us hiding anything from them.
                         
          ABEL does not like this joke.
                         
                          ABEL
           You need to get home and start
           going through our set of books. How
           far back are they going?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Seems like all the way back to when
           you bought out Anna's father.
                         
                          ANNA
           I'll get into it.
                          46
                         
                         
          He looks out the window and sees a Cadillac pull in..
                          ABEL
           What is O'Leary doing here?.
                         
          Abel looks to ANDREW.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           He's been wanting to talk to you
           for days.
                          ABEL
           (under his breath)
           Jesus.
                         
          ABEL gets up to go out. As ANDREW shuffles to leave ANNA
                         STOPS HIM:
                         
                          ANNA
           Andrew can I talk to you for a
           minute.
                         
          ABEL leaves and they stay.
                         
                         
          EXT. STANDARD HEATING OIL YARD - DAY
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           How are you Bill?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           I'm ok. Can't say I'm used to
           making house calls like this
           anymore though.
                         
                          ABEL
           I would have come to see you.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           That's alright. You've got bigger
           things to worry about. (Long pause)
           So, I can't have this situation
           with your guys continuing.
                         
                          ABEL
           My guys.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Your drivers.
                          47
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           Good. I would love you to help on
           this. Because I can't have it going
           on any longer either.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           So let them protect themselves,
           that would stop all this very
           quickly.
                          ABEL
           I respectfully disagree.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           They are picking on your men
           because they are just sitting
           there... weak.
                         
                          ABEL
           They are taking shots at me because
           I am growing, expanding, getting
           stronger not weaker.
                         
          This frustrates Bill because he knows ABEL is right. He tries
          a new tack.
                          BILL O'LEARY
           It's quite simple for me: I can't
           have my drivers getting hit like
           this. It looks like I can't protect
           them.
                         
                          ABEL
           Well, it appears that you can't.
                         
          This is a little too sharp for the head of the NYC teamster's
          taste.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           I can. And will. Because of all my
           job descriptions that is the one I
           consider most sacred.
                         
                          ABEL
           I agree. But these are truck
           drivers, not soldiers, this will
           lead to chaos.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           It will stop immediately.
                         
                          ABEL
           No, it won't.
                          48
                         
                         
          He resets, again.
                          BILL O'LEARY
           You seem to be under pressure from
           many sides right now... which I
           understand. Trust me I understand.
           So let me think this through. But
           whatever decision I make on this,
           it stands. Those men show up every
           morning for you because I tell them
           to. It's important for you to
           realize that these are very
           dangerous times, and we need to
           adapt. It's not like when we were
           driving.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Sometimes the weak man is the
           stronger man if he has the right
           tools.
                         
                          ABEL
           It may seem that way... but if you
           are weak eventually it will show...
           it always does. And if you want
           this to all be behind us, help me
           find out who is doing this. You
           know a lot of people, and that
           would be the most help to me.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           It's not always as simple as it
           appears.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm sure that's true.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           It is... well, I got to get going.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you for coming Bill.
                         
                         
          EXT. GATE AT STANDARD HEATING OIL - DAY
                         
          O'LEARY walks over to ANDREW as he is getting in his car.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           How did that go?
                          49
                         
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Not well.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           He feels very strongly about this.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           I can see that.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I don't think he fully understands
           it.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           What's to understand?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           It's illegal.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           It's not illegal if I say it isn't.
           My responsibility is to provide
           safe and timely passage of goods
           and products into and around this
           city. And because of this situation
           it is appearing to those whose
           opinions I care about that I can't
           do my job. That can not and will
           not continue.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I understand.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           So talk to him. You need to protect
           yourself. This is very serious.
           Just know that.
                         
          ANDREW thinks this through.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           How would this work?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           What does that mean?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I guess I'm not even sure exactly
           what you are suggesting.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Are you kidding me with this?
                          50
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           No.
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Every driver in your fleet gets a
           handgun.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           And a permit?
          O'LEARY nods yes.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           When?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           By Friday.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Are the permits legit?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           That depends what they do with it.
           If they kill their wife with them,
           then no. Then that is a very fake
           permit, and I'll walk away very
           quickly. But they just need to show
           that they are defending themselves,
           and this will stop.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Who is it?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           I don't fucking know...
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'll talk to him.
                         
                         
          INT. MORALES' GARAGE - DAY
                         
          ANNA is struggling through the boxes in the garage. She moves
          some things and then finds what she is looking for. A pile of
          about nine matching file boxes that are all labeled the same.
          It is their off the books bookkeeping.
                         
                         
          INT. STUDY/LIBRARY OF THE NEW HOUSE - DAY
                         
          The library is filled with custom made bookshelves that are
          still waiting to be filled. There is a large desk sitting in
          the corner that hasn't been fully unpacked yet.
                          51
                         
                         
          ANNA comes in struggling carrying the file boxes from the
          garage, she piles them on the desk.
          She looks around her feet at the pile, it's literally the
          skeletons from her closet. She resets, walks over to the
          window to look out over her new beautiful home. Then she
          turns back at the pile of boxes that hold their past and
          their future.
                         
          EXT. LONG SUBURBAN DRIVEWAY - DAY
                         
          A Standard Oil DRIVER steers his truck down the driveway. As
          he approaches the end he sees a massive bulk oil truck of one
          of their competitors parked blocking the exit of the
          driveway. He stops his truck and gets out warily. He looks
          around. No one is in the cab of the truck. But he sees a
          small note taped to the window. It reads: "Engine trouble,
          back later... Fuck you."
                         
                         
          INT. STUDY/LIBRARY OF THE NEW HOUSE
                         
          The phone starts ringing. ANNA gets up from her work and
          answers it. We stay on her as she gets the news.
                          ANNA
           He's not here.
                         
          Her face fills with building anger as she hears.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           Okay. I will.
                         
          ANNA hangs up the phone and walks over to the window and
          looks out and over at the other main wing of her new
          beautiful home. Then she turns back and looks at the pile of
          boxes that hold their past and their future.
                         
                         
          EXT. GATE AT STANDARD HEATING OIL
                         
          O'LEARY walks over to ANDREW as he is getting in his car.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           How did that go?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Not well.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           He feels very strongly about this.
                          52
                         
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           I can see that.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I don't think he fully understands
           it.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           What's to understand?
                          ANDREW WALSH
           It's illegal.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           It's not illegal if I say it isn't.
                         
          This takes ANDREW back a step.
                         
           BILL O'LEARY (CONT'D)
           My responsibility is to provide
           safe and timely passage of goods
           and products into and around this
           city. And because of this situation
           it is appearing to those whose
           opinions I am concerned with, that
           I can't do that right now. That can
           not and will not continue.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I understand.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           So talk to him. You need to protect
           yourself. As a company.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I will try to talk with him.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           This is very serious. Just know
           that.
                         
          ANDREW WALSH thinks this through.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           How would this work?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           What does that mean?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I guess I'm not even sure exactly
           what you are suggesting.
                          53
                         
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Are you kidding me with this?
                          ANDREW WALSH
           No.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Every driver in your fleet gets a
           handgun.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           And a permit?
                         
          O'LEARY nods yes.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           When?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           By Friday.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Are the permits legit?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           That depends what they do with it.
           If they kill their wife with them,
           then no. Then that is a very fake
           permit, and I'll walk away very
           quickly. But they just need to show
           that they are defending themselves,
           and this will stop.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Who is it?
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           I don't fucking know...
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL'S OFFICE - LATER
                         
          ANDREW comes to the door. ABEL is staring out the window but
          looks up as ANDREW sits down.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           They just got another truck.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Who was driving?
                          54
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           Leo.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Is he alright?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           The drivers' security aside... this
           shit is starting to have a very
           significant financial effect on us
           here. It can't continue.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           How was your talk? (nothing)
           I spoke with him after. He's going
           to keep going `til he gets the
           answer he's looking for.
                         
                          ABEL
           I said I wouldn't do it.
          They sit for a long beat.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'm not sure we are in a position
           to say that.
                         
                          ABEL
           What's that?
                         
          ANDREW looks around. He's getting paranoid.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Do you want to go for a walk?
                         
                          ABEL
           Are you really serious with this,
           this is what it's come to, walking
           around outside like fucking
           gangsters?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I am and it is.
                          55
                         
                         
          EXT. STANDARD HEATING OIL TRUCK - DAY
          Throughout this conversation ABEL is walking over to a
          section of the yard where WORKERS are loading some sort of
          additive chemical to the fuel trucks.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           It is looking like we must do this.
                         
                          ABEL
           I must?
                         
          This gets a little personal.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           They will shut you down.
                         
                          ABEL
           These men, they work for me. These
           trucks they drive, the customers
           they serve. They are here because
           we built this.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           That's true, until its not. And the
           last person in the world right now
           that we need working against us is
           the president of the fucking
           teamsters. This company is out of
           business in a month if he gets
           these guys to walk. We are running
           out of cash.
                         
                          ABEL
           What are you even talking about
           here?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           The union provides a handgun and a
           permit to every one of the drivers.
           And they think this whole thing is
           over in a week.
                         
                          ABEL
           These men are fucking truck
           drivers. This is insane. You know
           who is gonna get it in the end
           here, me. This comes back to me.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           It does either way.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm not doing it.
                          56
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Would you put everything at risk to
           stand by that.
                         
          ABEL thinks this through.
                         
                          ABEL
           It will be the end of everything I
           have worked for. If one of these
           guys shoots somebody it's me they
           will bring down for it...I'll talk
           to him... And we need to close this
           deal. We can't stay like this any
           longer. We must close on that
           property... We are so weak right
           now.
                         
          They are now standing on top of one of the trucks tanks as a
          worker pours the additive into the tank. The container says
          "GREEN DYE #7" on it. ABEL looks down as it flows in.
                         
          He stands up and looks out across the fence at the container
          property.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Why do you want this so badly?
                          ABEL
           Because I have my entire savings at
           risk with this deposit. It is
           everything.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           That's not what I mean. Why did you
           want it so badly in the first
           place? It was a risk... always.
                         
          ABEL thinks this through.
                         
                          ABEL
           I don't know.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           You don't know? Have you ever
           thought about it?
                         
                          ABEL
           I've thought about it every day for
           the last five years. This place was
           sitting over that fence mocking....
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I didn't mean have you ever thought
           about that place...
                          (MORE)
                          57
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           I mean have you ever thought why
           you want it so badly?
                          ABEL
           I don't know what you mean.
                         
          ABEL looks to him in a sincere way wanting him to answer but
          ANDREW just waits. Finally.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           I know what you are asking and
           no... I never ask myself why I do
           this. It just feels right...
           wanting to be bigger feels better.
           It feels right.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           That's very simple.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes...
                         
          With this he gives him a deadly serious look.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           ...It is.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           You take these risks...
                         
                          ABEL
           Only when necessary.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           We have to get going, we need them
           to show up.
                         
                         
          INT. WHITE TABLECLOTH RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                         
          ANNA leads the boys to the table, and we see a whole new side
          to her. She is going to get this done. As they approach the
          table we see two BANKERS stand to greet them. The Bank
          President, ARTHUR LEWIS, and Bank VP IAN THOMPSON.
                         
                          ANNA
           Arthur.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           Anna, you look amazing as always.
                         
                          ANNA
           Thank you.
                          58
                         
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           Gentlemen. Do you know Ian
           Thompson? One of our new VP's.
                         
                          ANNA
           Ian.
                         
          They all shake hands and sit. The WAITER comes over.
                         
                          WAITER
           So what can I get you to drink?
                         
                          ABEL
           A lot.
                         
          Awkward laughter.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           A wine list please.
                         
                          WAITER
           I'll be right back.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           So how are you?
                          ABEL
           We've been better... but we are
           good.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           Yes I heard about that... if you
           stay in business long enough it's
           bound to happen eventually.
                         
                          ANNA
           Well that's exactly right. And we
           wanted to sit down with you tonight
           to make sure we were being totally
           up-front with everything that is
           going on and make sure that you
           understand the nature of the
           complaints and are comfortable that
           it is not going to affect our
           business in an adverse way.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Did you have a chance to look over
           the outline that I sent over?
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           Yes, we did.
                          59
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           Hopefully it made clear that even
           in a worst case situation we will
           pay off any and all fines and be
           able to move forward with very
           comfortable capital on hand.
                         
          ABEL jumps in taking some offense.
                         
                          ABEL
           But you should know Arthur that
           this man has been digging through
           our industry for over two years
           looking for anything he can find.
           And as you know probably better
           than anyone, having worked with
           some of our competitors the thought
           that he would have singled us out
           is ridiculous. It reeks of
           everything that is wrong with this
           city right now. We run a fair and
           clean business and follow every
           standard industry practice and I
           will fight `til my last day to
           prove that...
          This silences the table for a long beat.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           But... but...
                         
          ABEL holds up his finger and points at ARTHUR across the
          table to make his point.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           ...Don't think for a moment that I
           am going to allow this mess to
           interfere with our plan to grow. We
           need to know you are standing by
           us.
                         
           BANK VP IAN THOMPSON
           Yes, what is it with this piece of
           property that you find so integral
           or that can't be put off `til after
           this legal matter is dealt with?
                         
          ABEL is a little taken aback by this comment. It goes against
          everything that comes naturally to him as a person. ANNA and
          ANDREW know this and are concerned he might go off.
                         
          ABEL thinks it through.
                          60
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           That's a very good question. This
           property gives us many things...
           firstly direct access to the river.
           So I can bring in fuel directly
           from any provider in the world
           straight to my tanks, then it has
           over 10 million gallons of storage
           capacity, so I can buy in the
           summers when my price is low and
           sell to my customers and most
           importantly some of my competitors
           when the price is high. I won't
           just drive trucks anymore... I will
           control my fate... but the real
           answer to your question...
                         
          Now ABEL stares right at IAN THOMPSON.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           ... is that when it feels scary to
           jump Ian... that is exactly when
           you must jump... or you risk ending
           up staying in the same place your
           whole life... and that I can't do.
          IAN THOMPSON awkwardly laughs a bit as ABEL just stays deadly
          serious staring right at him. Finally.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           We've always been there with you
           and know that we will continue to
           be.
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL'S CAR - NIGHT
                         
          ABEL is driving, and ANNA sits in silence looking out the
          passenger window. They are heading along the main backwoods
          road to their house.
                         
                          ANNA
           Well, that went about as well as
           could be expected.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes. Arthur is a good man.
                         
                          ANNA
           Do you think they will close?
                         
                          ABEL
           Of course.
                          61
                         
                         
          Just as he says this a deer comes running out in front of
          them. ABEL tries to slam on the brakes but isn't able to stop
          in time. The car hits the deer and it careens over the
          windshield and on to the road behind the car.
                         
          He continues to slam on the brakes and comes to a complete
          stop.
                         
          They both catch their breath and look around to make sure
          they are both okay. Then they look back at the deer. It is
          laying on the road but is still breathing.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Are you okay?
                         
                          ANNA
           Yes... you need to go put it out of
           its misery.
                         
                          ABEL
           Jesus.
                         
                          ANNA
           I mean it. We can't just leave it
           here.
                         
          EXT. BACKWOODS ROAD - NIGHT
                         
          ABEL gets out of the car and looks at his smashed hood. He
          then walks back and approaches the animal. It is laying on
          the side of the road.
                         
          He comes right up to it and stares into its eyes. It stares
          back at him. ABEL walks back to the car.
                         
                          ANNA
           Is it dead?
                         
                          ABEL
           No.
                         
                          ANNA
           Well you need...
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                         
          He reaches down to open the trunk.
                         
                          ANNA
           What are you doing?
                          62
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           Getting the tire iron!
          This whole situation has stressed them out and they are on
          edge.
                         
          ABEL goes to the trunk and gets out the large wrench. He
          walks back over to the deer. He bends down next to it and
          stares into its eye again. ABEL is thinking back on
          something, or many things.
          He makes a small starting movement like he is going to hit it
          over the head but he stops himself. He can't quite do it.
          Then he sits with the animal a beat longer.
                         
          We come in very close to ABEL and see his hand is struggling
          to deliver the blow. Just as he grips the tire iron
          waiting... BANG! BANG!
                         
          Two very loud GUNSHOTS go off from right over his shoulder.
          He ducks for cover then slowly turns behind him. ANNA stands
          there holding a small-yet-powerful Saturday Night Special-
          style handgun. Smoke is still rising from the end of the
          pistol. The deer is dead.
                         
          He looks at her dumbfounded... where did she get this gun?
          She gives him a look. Then turns and walks back to the car.
          He stays and struggles to get the deer out of the road.
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL'S DAMAGED CAR - NIGHT
                         
          ANNA is sitting in the car waiting. We hear ABEL'S footsteps
          as he approaches the open driver's side door. He gets in
          without saying a word. We stay with them as they drive on in
          silence.
                         
                         
          INT. MORALES HOUSE, FRONT HALLWAY - NIGHT
                         
          The door opens and ABEL walks in. ANNA is already in the
          house talking with NANNY MARIA who's been baby-sitting.
                         
                          ANNA
           Hello Maria, sorry we are a bit
           late. They were fine?
                         
                          NANNY MARIA
           Oh yes. All is good.
                         
                          ANNA
           Great, thank you. We'll see you in
           the morning then.
                          63
                         
                         
                          NANNY MARIA
           Okay.
          NANNY MARIA comes around the corner and passes ABEL who is
          just standing in the living room. He only gives her a nod.
          ANNA is standing on the other side of the room just waiting
          in silence as well. NANNY MARIA goes over to the closet and
          gets her coat out and puts it on. The tension is building
          like a kettle. Finally NANNY MARIA gets herself together and
          walks out and as the door shuts they come immediately at each
          other.
                         
                          ANNA
           What?
                         
                          ABEL
           What?
                         
                          ANNA
           Yes... what?
                         
                          ABEL
           Are you kidding?
                         
                          ANNA
           No.
                          ABEL
           Okay then... what is this gun?
                         
                          ANNA
           I told you I wasn't going to just
           continue to stand around and let
           these people come and get me and my
           children. So unlike you who seems
           to be totally comfortable just
           standing around like some...
           fucking pussy... I did something
           about it.
                         
          ABEL is slightly stammering at this point, not quite sure
          what to do. They are still standing on opposite sides of the
          room from each other. He just waits... finally.
                         
                          ABEL
           Where did you get it?
                         
                          ANNA
           You know where I got it.
                         
                          ABEL
           Do you have a permit?
                          64
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           Not yet.
          This sets him off. He comes walking across the room at her as
          if he might hit her. He gets closer and closer.
                         
                          ABEL
           You must be a bigger fucking idiot
           than I even thought. You are trying
           to protect your children? Protect
           them? Do you have any idea what
           happens if you get caught using
           that thing?
                         
          He is now standing right over her.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           You dress yourself up in these
           fancy clothes, and look at you here
           in your mansion. I've given you
           everything you could possibly want
           but you still can't stop thinking
           like the Brooklyn corner-store
           gangster's daughter that you are.
                         
                          ANNA
           You've given me? You? Are you
           delusional? Do you even understand
           how ridiculous that makes you
           sound?
                         
          They are really going at it now. He tries to grab her purse,
          which she still has over her shoulder. They struggle for it.
                         
                          ABEL
           Where is this thing? Let me see it.
                         
                          ANNA
           Abel.
                         
                          ABEL
           Let me see it. Is this going to
           make you safe?
                         
          With that he uses brute force, probably hurting her arm, but
          she doesn't let on. He takes the purse from her. He opens it
          and takes out the small gun.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           You know who uses guns like this?
                          (HE SCREAMS)
           Whores!
                          65
                         
                         
          With that, she SLAPS him across the face. They just stare at
          each other for a very long time.
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           It's a trap... and you are walking
           right into it... You need to get
           that thing out of our house.
                         
                          ANNA
           You need to protect us.
                          ABEL
           That is what I'm doing.
                         
          He walks out the front door.
                         
                         
          INT. MAIN LIVING/DINING ROOM OF MORALES HOUSE - NEXT DAY
                         
          There are twelve SEVEN-YEAR-OLDS sitting around the dining
          room table yelling "Happy Birthday" to one of the Morales
          daughters as she blows out the candles. A large GROUP of the
          PARENTS surround the table.
                         
                          GROUP
           Happy Birthday!
          Just as ELIZABETH blows out the candles the doorbell rings.
          NANNY MARIA heads to the front door. The camera stays with
          the party. NANNY MARIA comes back into the room and standing
          behind her, we see a POLICE OFFICER holding some kind of
          clipboard.
                         
          ABEL walks over quickly trying not to create a scene. He
          leads the POLICE OFFICER back over to the front door. The
          PARENTS certainly notice and start stirring.
                         
                         
          EXT. FRONT STEPS - DAY
                         
          ABEL leads the OFFICER outside, and as he looks up he sees
          that his driveway is packed with four police cars, some
          unmarked and there are about five OFFICERS waiting to come
          into the house.
                         
                          ABEL
           I understand. But as you can see
           this is a terrible time for us. I
           am having my daughter's birthday
           party.
                         
          ABEL is trying to remain calm and not lose his temper.
                          66
                         
                         
                          POLICE OFFICER
           I understand and I apologize, I do.
           But this is a warrant and we need
           to gain complete access to the
           property.
                         
          They stare at each other just as ANNA comes to the door. She
          sees the scene in her driveway.
                         
                          ANNA
           What is this?
                         
                          POLICE OFFICER
           Let me go check something.
                         
                          ANNA
           Are they serious?
                         
          ABEL is seething and can only manage a slight nod.
                         
          As they look across the driveway they see the OFFICER talking
          to someone. The officer shifts out of the way and they see he
          is talking to ASSISTANT D.A. LAWRENCE.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm going to kill this guy.
                          ANNA
           Abel.
                         
          ANNA is trying to get his attention quietly.
                         
                          ABEL
           Abel.
                         
          He turns and they look at each other. She signals towards the
          library and they share a knowing, concerned glance.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Give me five minutes.
                         
          She nods and heads down the path towards the police and
          LAWRENCE. Abel heads back in the doorway.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Maria. Keep the kids playing for a
           few minutes.
                         
          ANNA walks up to the LAWRENCE.
                         
                          ANNA
           Mr. Lawrence is it?
                          67
                         
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Yes.
                          ANNA
           Anna Morales.
                         
          She reaches out her hand to shake his with a smile.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           May I speak with you for a minute.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           (thinks, then)
           Yeah.
                         
          They walk away from the others down the driveway a stretch.
                         
                          ANNA
           I understand you and your men have
           a job to do here. But we are in the
           middle of a seven-year-old's
           birthday party.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I understand, and I'm sorry. But we
           are coming in.
          She turns a little on him.
                         
                          ANNA
           That's not a problem, as we have
           nothing to hide from you. It's just
           that, we recently moved to this
           area, and there are twenty guests
           in our house... please... can you
           give me five minutes so we can ask
           everyone to leave calmly before you
           come into my home?
                         
          He thinks this through.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           You can get them out of the house.
                         
                          ANNA
           Thank you.
                         
                         
          INT./EXT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE STUDY/DECK
                         
          ABEL comes down the hall carrying file boxes and brings them
          out onto the deck. ANNA comes out onto the deck as he is
          looking over the edge.
                          68
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           Where are you going?
                          ABEL
           Bring the last few out.
                         
                          ANNA
           You've got three minutes.
                         
                          ABEL
           What's going on out there.
                         
                          ANNA
           Our guests are leaving.
                         
          ABEL tries to speak but can only shake his head. Finally he
          jumps over the edge and she starts handing boxes down to him.
          He then stops again.
                         
                          ABEL
           Do we even need to be doing this?
           What exactly are we hiding here?
                         
          She thinks this through.
                         
                          ANNA
           I don't want them going through all
           this before I've had a chance to.
                         
                         
          EXT. GROUND BELOW DECK
                         
          The camera is now on the ground level with ABEL.
                         
                          ABEL
           Is that the last one. Get back out
           there.
                         
          ABEL looks around for a place to stash them.
                         
                         
          EXT. WOODS - DAY
                         
          ABEL exhales then takes three of the boxes and sneaks off
          into the woods. We follow him as he struggles. Finally he
          gets to a small clearing and starts to stack them.
                         
                         
          EXT. FRONT LAWN - DAY
                         
          ANNA is standing out front trying to hand out goody bags and
          to maintain pleasantries with the parents as they leave.
                          69
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           Thank you for coming. Here you go.
           Bye, Rebecca. Thanks. I'm sorry.
           Bye.
                         
          When the last one goes she looks up at the ASST. DA to give
          him the all-clear. But as she does she gives him a look that
          could kill. The police file into the house in front of her.
                         
          EXT. UNDERNEATH THE DECK - DAY
                         
          ABEL has placed the load of file boxes underneath the deck
          and is putting the last one in place. He sits down on the
          pile and looks out into the woods in sadness.
                         
                         
          INT. MAIN LIVING/DINING ROOM OF MORALES HOUSE
                         
          ANNA is looking around the house as the cops search through
          everything. She seems oddly calm. She decides that they are
          being respectful and heads out into the driveway.
                         
                         
          EXT. DRIVEWAY
          ANNA walks outside and stands, waiting. LAWRENCE comes out of
          the house and stands near her. They wait.
                         
                          ANNA
           This is probably one that you are
           going to regret.
                         
          LAWRENCE looks at her trying to figure her out.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Excuse me?
                         
                          ANNA
           My husband is a very honorable man.
           Coming on a Saturday? It's very
           aggressive.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           This is standard.
                         
                          ANNA
           Really? I know you think you are
           just doing your job. But we are not
           what you think we are. And you have
           embarrassed him in front of his
           family and friends.
                         
          She gives him a long, almost scary look.
                          70
                         
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I think I know your father.
                          ANNA
           Good for you. My husband is not my
           father. Not even close. So if I
           were you I would start treating us
           with a little more respect or he'll
           make it our only mission to ruin
           you. This was very disrespectful...
           and you are not going to find a
           fucking thing.
                         
          With that she walks back towards the house as the POLICE
          start filing out.
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL'S OFFICE - MORNING
                         
          ABEL is sitting at his desk looking out the window as the
          trucks come and go. As he looks across the lot he sees JULIAN
          coming walking across towards the locker room. A smile
          crosses ABEL'S face.
                         
                         
          INT. STANDARD HEATING OIL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
          As ABEL comes out into the hallway SALES STUDENT ALEX is
          walking by his door. ABEL stops to check in.
                         
                          ABEL
           Hey, how are you?
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Good. A bit nervous. I'm heading
           out on my first calls alone today.
                         
                          ABEL
           You'll do great. Remember... When
           you get them there. Hold the eye
           contact longer than you would
           like... but you watch what happens.
                         
          He gives him a big smile and a pat on the back and sends him
          on his way.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Good luck.
                         
                         
          INT. DRIVER LOCKER ROOM- DAY
                         
          ABEL comes into the room and JULIAN is getting ready.
                          71
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           It is good to see you back here.
           You look good.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Thank you.
                         
          JULIAN is very quiet and timid. He is missing a spark.
                         
                          ABEL
           Are you ready to get back to work?
                         
                          JULIAN
           I think so.
                         
                          ABEL
           You are.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Thank you.
                         
                          ABEL
           Where are you heading?
                         
                          JULIAN
           Bulk delivery to Chase.
                          ABEL
           Manhattan. That's a cakewalk.
                         
          JULIAN does not agree. ABEL can no longer ignore his young
          protege's concern.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I feel very vulnerable.
                         
          ABEL jumps on this.
                         
                          ABEL
           Good... Because you are. We all
           are. Someone came to my house a
           couple nights ago to rob me...
                         
          A large truck rumbles by and they wait for silence to return.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           I tried to chase them away... but
           really there's nothing I can do. I
           am vulnerable. We all are. They can
           come back tonight. But to succeed
           and be great you must keep going
           back. And I know what all these
           guys want to be doing. But it
           doesn't make you any safer.
                          (MORE)
                          72
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           And then they will come after me
           with everything they have... So
           this is what we do. And the times
           will get better and safer. They
           will. So go. You are strong just by
           going. Stronger in fact.
                         
          JULIAN looks down at the ground, shuffles a foot, then climbs
          into the waiting truck.
                         
          EXT. FRONT PORCH SMALL OF HOUSE IN OZONE PARK - DAY
                         
          SALES STUDENT ALEX gets out of his car and walks up to the
          front door. He is nervous. He builds the courage and finally
          rings the doorbell. He waits.
                         
          The door opens and a nice lady in her 40's comes to the door.
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Hi Mrs. Rose. I'm Alex with
           Standard Heating Oil, we had an
           appointment.
                         
           MRS. ROSE
           Of course, come in.
                         
          INT. CAB OF LARGE BULK OIL TRUCK - DAY
                         
          JULIAN is back behind the wheel and trying to convince
          himself that all is well. He is making a difficult right turn
          to get onto the 59th Street Bridge.
                         
                         
          INT. OZONE PARK HOUSE BASEMENT - DAY
                         
          SALES STUDENT ALEX is now leaning down on the ground next to
          the furnace doing the exact same procedure that ABEL did in
          the training session.
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Now as I mentioned on the phone
           this is a 17 point inspection that
           will help us to decipher if our
           maintenance plan will improve your
           efficiency.
                         
          Just then he brings out the white cloth and wipes the inside
          of the exhaust. And he then does the pause and the look just
          as he was taught. He holds the look for a very long beat. We
          hear a door opening upstairs and then feet walking across the
          floor.
                          73
                         
                         
           MRS. ROSE
           Oh good, it's my husband.
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Great.
                         
                         
          INT. TRUCK CAB, 59TH STREET BRIDGE - DAY
                         
          JULIAN is up on the bridge moving slowly along with the
          traffic. He is getting paranoid. Looking in his rearview
          mirror. Looking around. But there is nothing. No one.
                         
                         
          INT. OZONE PARK HOUSE BASEMENT - DAY
                         
          The SALES KID is still on his knees next to the furnace as
          feet come into frame coming down the basement steps. Slowly
          the HUSBAND comes into frame.
                         
           MRS. ROSE
           Here he is.
                         
          The SALES KID stands up to shake his hand.
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Mr. Rose, I am Alex with Standard
           Heating Oil.
                         
                          HUSBAND
           Hey.
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           I was just showing your wife the
           results of my inspection. Should we
           head upstairs to run through some
           numbers?
                         
                          HUSBAND
           Sure. I just had one question about
           our exhaust chimney. Would you be
           willing to take a look.
                         
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Of course.
                         
                          HUSBAND
           It's just outside on the other side
           of this wall here.
                         
           MRS. ROSE
           I'm going to head up. Can I get you
           something to drink? Coffee... tea?
                          74
                         
                         
          The KID gives himself an ever-so-tiny smile.
           SALES STUDENT ALEX
           Tea would be great.
                         
          The man walks over to a back basement door and opens it. He
          ushers the SALES KID through.
                         
                          HUSBAND
           Please.
                         
          I/E. DOORWAY OZONE PARK BASEMENT - DAY
                         
          As the SALES KID goes through the door a massive fist of
          SOMEONE who has been waiting on the other side of the door
          comes swinging into frame and pounds the side of our KID'S
          head. Knocking him out instantly.
                         
                         
          INT. TRUCK CAB, 59TH STREET BRIDGE RAMP - DAY
                         
          JULIAN is close to getting off the bridge and is starting to
          feel better. Just as the traffic in front of him starts to
          clear up, out of the corner of his eye he sees something.
          In his side-view mirror he sees LOUIS SERVIDIO getting out of
          a random car behind him. His heart starts racing. He looks
          over in the other mirror and there is THUG #2 walking up.
          Again.
                         
          JULIAN thinks for a second then reaches for the CB RADIO.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Cathy! They are coming again. Over.
           Help. Help. On Bridge.
                         
          He then fumbles the CB and it drops to the floor of the cab.
          He looks up into the mirrors again and sees that they are
          still coming for him.
                         
          The camera now comes in tight on his face and he pauses for a
          long second, and he then makes his decision. He reaches under
          his seat and takes out a handgun. He doesn't really seem to
          know what he is doing with it.
                         
          But he opens the door of the truck and gets out. He aims the
          gun at LOUIS SERVIDIO walking towards him. LOUIS SERVIDIO
          sees him and is very surprised and stops.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Whoa, whoa, whoa! Take it easy
           there.
                          75
                         
                         
          He glances over at THUG #2.
                          JULIAN
           Get the fuck away from me!
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Okay, man.
                         
          People in the cars behind the truck are starting to honk.
          Then LOUIS SERVIDIO gives a nod signal to THUG #2 who is on
          the other side of the truck, and JULIAN'S gun fires by
          mistake. It totally misses THUG #2. He jumps out of the way
          and is hiding behind the wheel.
                         
           LOUIS SERVIDIO (CONT'D)
           Watch it now, man. You're going to
           hurt someone.
                         
          JULIAN is now in a total state of panic. He is hiding back in
          front of the truck. The three men are basically doing a slow-
          motion, very stressful hide-and-seek around the truck. The
          two THUGS now have their guns out.
                         
          The honking has now reached a total insane level as traffic
          is backing up.
          Then THUG #2 makes one last play to take the truck. He tries
          to climb into the cab and JULIAN goes into a rage. He quickly
          fires three shots, missing THUG #2 with each one, but that
          forces LOUIS SERVIDIO to shoot two shots of his own at JULIAN
          to protect THUG #2. They miss as well, but one hits the main
          section of the tank and a small but steady stream of heating
          oil starts pouring out onto the roadway.
                         
          Just then we hear sirens starting to come closer in the
          background. This adds a new element.
                         
           LOUIS SERVIDIO (CONT'D)
           Where are you?
                         
                          THUG #2
           Over here.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Where is he?
                         
                          THUG #2
           Over here.
                         
          JULIAN is just trying to decide what to do next. The sirens
          are now getting much closer.
                          76
                         
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Get the car!
          THUG #2 takes off. This now leaves JULIAN and LOUIS SERVIDIO
          all alone with the police coming. As JULIAN is hiding, trying
          to figure out what to do next, LOUIS SERVIDIO goes running by
          him. As he does:
                         
           LOUIS SERVIDIO (CONT'D)
           Run for it!
          JULIAN thinks for a second and then runs.
                         
                         
          EXT. 59TH STREET BRIDGE - DAY
                         
          JULIAN runs all along the bridge and then sees LOUIS SERVIDIO
          run through a small door into the body of one of the four
          massive stone anchor structures that hold up the bridge.
                         
                         
          INT. THE 59TH STREET BRIDGE, SUPPORT COLUMN - DAY
                         
          Once he is inside, there's another set of stairs. He locks
          the door behind him and starts racing down the stairs. As he
          heads down he hears someone just in front of him.
          He stops and looks down the center column of the stairs and
          looking up at him about three flights away is LOUIS SERVIDIO.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Oh, there he is. Had to be the hero
           eh?
                         
                          JULIAN
           Fuck you.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Couldn't just let us take the
           truck.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Fuck you!
                         
          JULIAN is screaming in a fit of panic at this point.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Hey man relax... calm down. Did
           they see you come in here?
                         
          JULIAN can't stop breathing very heavy at this point.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I don't think so.
                          77
                         
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Did they or not?
          He thinks.
                         
                          JULIAN
           No.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Alright, there's a door down here
           about four more flights. Don't go
           out there, that's the street. Go
           down about two more flights after
           that and you'll come out below the
           bridge. They won't be there.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Fuck you!
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           You're welcome.
                         
          Then LOUIS SERVIDIO's head disappears and we can hear his
          feet flying down the steps again.
                         
          JULIAN thinks for a beat, then he starts off down the stairs
          again as well. The camera stays right where it was as JULIAN
          heads down out of sight. We just hear the sounds of his feet
          getting lower and lower.
                         
                         
          INT. BRIDGE GROUND FLOOR - DAY
                         
          JULIAN comes to the first door and looks at it. We can hear
          sirens in the distance on the other side of the door. He
          keeps going.
                         
          Down two more flights, just as he said, there is another
          doorway. JULIAN walks up to that door very carefully. He
          listens on the other side but doesn't hear anything but his
          own breath.
                         
                         
          INT. STAIR LANDING LOWEST LEVEL - DAY
                         
          Then we hear the door back up top fly open. JULIAN then
          quietly opens the door in front of him and right in front of
          his face is a woman in full jogging clothes running by him.
          He looks around, and after a second to get himself
          orientated, we see he's on a riverfront esplanade where there
          are many people jogging and walking, enjoying the evening.
                          78
                         
                         
          JULIAN looks at his hand and realizes he is still holding the
          gun out in the open. He puts it away and then looks up at the
          bridge that is hovering above him.
                         
          He knows he left his life as he knew it up on that bridge.
                         
           FADE TO BLACK.
                         
          Over the black we begin to hear the rumble of a very large
          truck. It gets louder and louder.
                         
          INT. OF A VERY LARGE EMPTY DUMPSTER - DAY
                         
          We now see that SALES STUDENT ALEX is inside a massive, empty
          construction dumpster. And as he looks around, we realize it
          is on the back of a truck that is currently driving pretty
          fast. With each bump that the truck goes over the noise
          inside the dumpster is deafening. As the KID comes to his
          senses he tries to stand up. As he does, we see that the
          sides of the dumpster are at least eight feet tall and the
          interior is very slick without anything to grab or stand on.
          He is trapped.
                         
          Just then the truck goes over another huge bump and comes to
          a stop. It idles for a minute then begins backing up. It
          stops. A warning, beeping alarm is heard, and finally one end
          of the dumpster begins rising. As it gets higher and higher
          our KID tries to hold himself back, but he begins to slide
          towards the low end. As he does he sees that the end that he
          is heading towards is on a hinge and it is starting to swing
          open. Finally the thing is at such an angle that he can't
          hold on any longer and he slides towards the opening.
                         
          As he falls out he/we see that he's being dumped over the
          edge of a cliff of some sort. He falls probably 10-12 feet,
          into a pile of garbage. As he gathers himself and tries to
          stand, we see he is standing in a massive landfill. He looks
          around as the truck pulls away. He's left totally alone.
                         
                         
          INT. TENNIS COURT OF SUBURBAN MANSION - DAY
                         
          ABEL is led by a MAID into an indoor tennis court. The house
          is massive and designed like an English Country Estate.
                         
          As ABEL walks up we see PETER FORENTE on the court playing
          against an automatic tennis ball machine. He is in full
          tennis whites as he hammers the balls back at the machine.
                         
          ABEL approaches the court and watches for a beat.
                          79
                         
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           It's a pretty cool machine, isn't
           it?
                         
          ABEL nods.
                         
           PETER FORENTE (CONT'D)
           I was paying a guy five bucks an
           hour to do this with me last year.
                          ABEL
           Peter.
                         
          This causes PETER to look up and see the serious look on
          ABEL's face. He hits one last shot and walks a little closer
          to ABEL. The machine is still hitting balls behind PETER.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Yes.
                         
                          ABEL
           I need to speak with you.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           I see that.
          PETER walks over to the machine and unplugs it. He points
          over towards the chairs courtside. He and ABEL sit down.
                         
                          ABEL
           This has gotten out of control...
           There was a guy with a gun at my
           house.
                         
          ABEL lets this sit for a minute, and he is intently reading
          PETER's face. He hopes not, but he is judging to see if PETER
          had anything to do with all these attacks. PETER just looks
          back at him with a very strong poker face.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           My wife and children were home at
           the time.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Is everyone okay?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes. I managed to chase him off.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Well, I'm sorry, that must have
           been scary... what can I do.
                          80
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I need to know who is doing this.
                          PETER FORENTE
           Abel...
                         
                          ABEL
           It's one thing to come after my
           trucks and drivers... and to steal
           from me... but this... it's
           different.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Yes.
                         
                          ABEL
           Have you ever dealt with anything
           like this?
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Have you met my father?
                         
          They both smile. His father is an old-school gangster.
                         
           PETER FORENTE (CONT'D)
           A bunch of thugs invaded our home
           when I was a baby... My mother was
           there with us... My brother
           remembers it. Nothing happened.
           They were trying to scare my
           father. They ended up just leaving
           and we never found out who it was.
           But after that we moved to a
           fortress just like this. And those
           guys who let you in. They are here
           to shoot anyone who isn't invited.
                         
                          ABEL
           I refuse to live my life that way.
           I won't do it... I am going to ask
           for a meeting.
                         
          They both look out and think it through a bit.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Who?
                         
                          ABEL
           Anyone with more than 20k of
           storage. Can I count on you being
           there?
                         
          PETER looks away for a long beat.
                          81
                         
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Yes... When are you closing on the
           terminal?
                         
                          ABEL
           Monday.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Congratulations.
                          ABEL
           Hold that... it's not done yet...
           you may be hearing from me.
           (Trailed by an awkward laugh.)
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Well, good luck.
                         
          ABEL stands up ready to go.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you for seeing me. I want
           more than this...
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           I know you do. My father is in
           jail... as you know. And I have
           always wanted to conduct myself
           differently than he did.
                         
                          ABEL
           And you have.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Almost exclusively, yes. But I know
           why he did what he did. Because at
           the time it's easier.
                         
                          ABEL
           But it's not.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Yes it is. You are a good man. I
           will see what I can find out. This
           isn't good for any of us.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you.
                          82
                         
                         
          EXT. PETER FORENTE'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
          ABEL is walking across the beautifully-manicured driveway,
          and as he gets nearer to his car he starts to hear the mayhem
          that is coming from the CB radio in the front seat. As he
          gets closer he gets more and more details.
                         
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           Where is the truck now?
           RESPONDING DRIVER V.O.
           It's still on the bridge.
                         
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           Is it still leaking oil?
                         
           RESPONDING DRIVER V.O.
           No. They have stopped the leak.
                         
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           Did it reach the river?
                         
           RESPONDING DRIVER V.O.
           Some did.
                         
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           How many shots were fired?
                         
          ABEL now slams open the door and gets into the driver side
          and picks up the microphone.
                         
                          ABEL
           Joanne it's me. What are you
           talking about... what shots?
                         
          The camera now comes around to the outside of the car looking
          back at ABEL through the windshield. The mansion is looming
          in the background. We see ABEL'S face react as he hears the
          news of the incident on the bridge. The camera pulls back as
          ABEL'S face goes totally cold.
                         
                         
          INT. COURT ROOM - DAY
                         
          ABEL walks into an almost empty courtroom. LAWRENCE is
          packing up his things at the front of the room. They catch
          each others eye. ABEL makes his way forward as everyone else
          leaves. They look at each other for a beat.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I heard.
                          83
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I need to make sure you know that
           we had nothing to do with this.
           It's not the way I do business. In
           fact I have been warning my men
           against doing this sort of thing.
           It is terrible for me.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           It's not good... for either of us.
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           In my job we use whatever leverage
           we can gain, as I'm sure you do in
           your business. It's an ongoing
           investigation, and it will be just
           one piece of many. So while I
           appreciate you coming here... I
           have nothing I can tell you.
                         
          LAWRENCE looks around the room thinking while ABEL says
          nothing, just waiting.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           What a fucking mess this place
           is... Do you know where he is?
                         
                          ABEL
           No... but I'll find him.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           You should. And when you do, bring
           him to us. A situation like this,
           happening in such a dangerous and
           public way, within an industry I'm
           charged with cleaning up. It's very
           bad for me... professionally
           speaking.
                         
          They look at each other one last time. ABEL gets the message.
                         
                         
          EXT. SMALL QUIET SIDE STREET, QUEENS - DAY
                         
          SALES STUDENT ALEX is walking down the street looking
          terrible. His clothes are ruined by garbage, and he is
          scared. As he approaches his car his face drops.
                         
          The car has a two-by-four slammed through the shattered
          windshield.
                          84
                         
                         
          He stops dead in his tracks and then carefully looks around
          and scans the street looking for anything. It is eerily
          empty.
                         
                         
          EXT. OUTER GATE, STANDARD HEATING OIL YARD - DAY
                         
          ABEL pulls up in his car and the gate starts to open. As it
          does we see ARTHUR LEWIS standing waiting next to his car.
          ABEL pulls in next to him and gets out. There is an
          overriding, almost unsettling calm to this conversation.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           Abel.
                         
                          ABEL
           Arthur.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I wanted to come and talk to you in
           person... We aren't going to be
           able to show up for you on Monday.
           We can't do the loan.
                         
                          ABEL
           I...
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I wanted to let you know as soon as
           possible so that you could try to
           put something else together.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you for coming... This is not
           right.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I know.
                         
                          ABEL
           What can I do?
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           Nothing... The loan review
           committee met this afternoon and
           won't meet again for two weeks.
                         
                          ABEL
           And you are aware of the position
           this is putting me in?
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I am.
                          85
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I paid off my first loan to you
           eleven years ago.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I know.
                         
                          ABEL
           Do you remember the term on that
           loan?
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I don't.
                         
                          ABEL
           I had seven years to pay you back.
                         
          They both nod knowing what's coming next.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Do you know how long it took me to
           pay you off?
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           Seven months?
                          ABEL
           Six and a half.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I'm sorry.
                         
                          ABEL
           I put 40 percent down as a deposit
           on this. It's all we had.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           You now have three separate serious
           pending legal cases against you.
           One with sixteen counts of
           misconduct ranging from fraud to
           tax evasion. And then in the middle
           of our meeting today I get a report
           saying you had armed your entire
           fleet of drivers which led to a
           shoot-out on the 59th Street
           Bridge.
                         
                          ABEL
           None of it is true.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           That may be.
                          86
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           May?
          They look at each other.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           It doesn't matter.
                         
                          ABEL
           It does matter, that you know we
           didn't do this.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I do... I do. But it doesn't
           matter, I can't do anything. I'm
           sorry.
                         
          ABEL's demeanor shifts.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'll find it.
                         
                          ARTHUR LEWIS
           I know you will.
                         
          The banker gets into his car and backs out. The gate opens
          and he drives out. Just as it is about to close it starts
          opening again. SALES STUDENT ALEX drives in with his car
          trashed. He pulls up and gets out of the car looking at ABEL.
          He knows what has happened and is crushed. Neither of them
          say a word, finally ABEL gives the kid a cautious but
          meaningful hug around the shoulder and leads him inside.
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL AND ANNA'S LIVING ROOM - THAT NIGHT
                         
          ABEL walks into the room and ANNA is sitting at the large
          dining table smoking a cigarette inside. She has been crying.
                         
                          ANNA
           It's horrible.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          ANNA
           Where is he?
                         
                          ABEL
           We're looking for him.
                         
                          ANNA
           And they haven't gotten the other
           guys?
                          87
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           Of course not.
                          ANNA
           Are you okay?
                         
                          ABEL
           No... I'm not... They're out.
                         
          This gets her attention.
                          ANNA
           Who?
                         
                          ABEL
           The bank.
                         
          With that ABEL walks out of the room and heads up the stairs
          to his bedroom. When he's halfway up the stairs she stops
          him.
                         
                          ANNA
           So what does that mean?
                         
                          ABEL
           It means we need to find the money
           somewhere else.
                         
                          ANNA
           We have two days!
                         
                          ABEL
           I'll figure it out.
                         
                         
          INT. ANNA'S CAR, WESTCHESTER SCENIC HIGHWAY - DAY
                         
          ABEL is driving ANNA'S car towards the city. ANNA is in the
          passenger seat and the three DAUGHTERS are in the back. ANNA
          and ABEL do not look any better. In fact there is now a tinge
          of anger mixed into the sadness.
                         
          The DAUGHTERS are arguing about who's taking up too much room
          in the back seat.
                         
                          DAUGHTERS
           Move.
                         
                          ANNA
           Quiet.
                         
                          DAUGHTERS
           You move.
                          88
                         
                         
          ANNA turns and snaps at them a bit.
                          ANNA
           Stop. I've told you guys not to
           push it this morning, this is not
           the morning to be doing this... but
           since the second you all woke up.
           It's this, it's that. Just stop.
           The world does not revolve around
           you!
          This shuts them up for a beat. ABEL is seething. But then
          ELIZABETH (middle) nudges ANNIE (oldest) so she gives
          CATHERINE (youngest) a good hit. ANNA sees it and freaks.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           That's it Annie we've told you...
                         
          Before ANNA can get the full sentence out ABEL suddenly pulls
          the car off the side of the highway into the grass. Everyone
          in the car is taken aback. The road is a smaller scenic
          highway not some eight lane affair but this whole sequence
          still plays out with the menacing roar of the cars going by
          right next to them.
                         
          EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
                         
          ABEL gets out of the car and slams the door. He walks around
          the back of the car as the cars fly by them on the highway.
          He goes around to his oldest daughter's door and pulls ANNIE
          from the car. They stand behind the car and go at it with the
          traffic flying by. ABEL is louder than he has been in the
          entire film. He is losing it from all the pressure but his
          daughter bears the brunt.
                         
                          ABEL
           You are thirteen years old. What
           are you doing? Your mother asks you
           an hour ago to help her get out of
           the house smoothly and you are
           acting like an...
                         
                          ANNIE
           Oh fuck you!
                         
                          ABEL
           What? What? What are you talking
           about?
                         
          ABEL is looking around for someone to help him and witness
          this. He then switches, he has had enough and gets right up
          in her face.
                          89
                         
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           I'm not sure who the hell you think
           you are, but you don't talk to me
           that way... You are in serious
           danger of becoming a rich little
           spoiled brat and I can tell you
           from experience there is nothing
           worse in the world than a rich
           little girl who thinks the whole
           world revolves around her.
          ANNIE is yelling back over the traffic.
                         
                          ANNIE
           The world revolves around me? Me!
           What about her? And what about you?
           You're both so totally obsessed
           with your stupid business. You
           walk around like you are saving the
           world but what are you doing...
           nothing!
                         
          This stings. He now changes his tone to a quiet low roar. But
          he can't keep quiet and by the end of the line he is yelling
          again.
                          ABEL
           First off I don't walk around like
           I am saving anything. I chose this
           business because I looked at the
           world and said `What's the last
           bill people stop paying every month
           when they are low on cash?' `Cause
           that's a business I want to be in.
           `Cause failure wasn't much of an
           option for me. I lived in
           reality... not whatever this world
           is you are living in. And we help
           people stay warm... which isn't all
           that bad.
           (now he is yelling again)
           Maybe you've got grander ambitions
           but for now this is how you eat,
           sleep, and get all dressed up... So
           you better shape the fuck up and
           NEVER speak to me like this again!
                         
                          ANNA
           Stop!!
                         
          They both look over and ANNA is standing there. A calmness
          suddenly falls down on all of them.
                          90
                         
                         
          INT. ANNA'S CAR ON HIGHWAY - DAY
          All five of them are sitting in the car, sadness prevails.
                         
                         
          INT. ANNA MORALES' LIBRARY - NIGHT
                         
          The camera moves slowly across a dark hallway. We hear the
          sounds of a manual adding machine grinding away. As we come
          through the doorway we see ANNA MORALES sitting at her desk
          in a pool of light from the desk lamp. She is deep in it
          crunching numbers. Finally ABEL walks into the doorway, he
          looks exhausted.
                         
                          ABEL
           Hey.
                         
          She looks up with a small but sweet smile.
                         
                          ANNA
           Hi.
                         
                          ABEL
           How's it coming?
                         
                          ANNA
           I've made it to 1975.
                         
                          ABEL
           That was a good year.
                         
          ANNA gives a slight look that the numbers may not totally
          support that claim.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Well it was for me...how is it?
                         
                          ANNA
           I'm not sure yet... but it's not as
           bad as they are saying it is...
           Turns out I kinda knew what I was
           doing.
                         
          They give each other a slight smile.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           How'd you do?
                         
                          ABEL
           I got us a three more days... and
           one piece... from Saul. But we're
           still about a million short.
                         
          They look at each other with concern.
                          91
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           You're going to see your little
           brother?
                         
                          ABEL
           First thing.
                         
                          ANNA
           And Peter?
                          ABEL
           Probably.
                         
          As they look at each other ABEL
                         
                          ANNA
           This is all worth it.
                         
          He pauses just long enough to think.
                         
                          ABEL
           Of course.
                         
          A sense of caring and resolve comes over them. At least now
          they know what needs to be done.
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           You should get to bed.
                         
                          ANNA
           I'll be up.
                         
                          ABEL
           I love you.
                         
                          ANNA
           I love you too.
                         
          ABEL turns to go upstairs as ANNA starts in again with the
          machine.
                         
                         
          INT. HALLWAY, OUTSIDE OF JULIAN'S APARTMENT - DAY
                         
          ANDREW stands in the hallway about to knock, but he waits for
          a beat. He knocks.
                         
          The door opens to a young woman, presumably JULIAN'S wife,
          LUISA.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Is Julian here?
                          92
                         
                         
                          LUISA
           No.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Abel would like to speak with him.
           To help him.
                         
                          LUISA
           I will tell him.
          JULIAN steps into the frame from behind her.
                         
                         
          EXT./INT. LARGE LATE-MODEL AMERICAN CAR, PARKED - DAY
                         
          A DRIVER is sitting in the driver's seat. ANDREW walks up and
          gets in the front seat. JULIAN gets into the back and looks
          over at ABEL who is sitting next to him. They drive off and
          nobody says a word for a very, very long time.
                         
                         
          EXT. EMPTY PARKING LOT - DAY
                         
          The car finally pulls into a large empty parking lot. For a
          couple beats JULIAN has a look on his face that he may be
          getting rubbed out.
          Then off in the distance we see two cop cars. The car pulls
          up to them and stops. ABEL and the DRIVER get out of the car
          without a word, but ANDREW stays and turns around and now
          gives him a total debrief.
                         
                          JULIAN
           He's turning me in?
                         
          ANDREW looks at him without much remorse.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Of course we are turning you in.
           You have put everything that man
           has worked for for the last 20
           years at risk. If it was up to me
           we would be dealing with this in a
           very different way.
                         
                          JULIAN
           But I know things...
                         
          This causes ANDREW to turn quickly back to him with as sharp
          a look as he has.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Really?
                          93
                         
                         
                          JULIAN
           Yes.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           And what things do you know?
                         
          JULIAN looks back at him.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           I strongly suggest you think that
           through before you answer it.
           Because even if you did, what does
           it do for you? Nothing. There is
           nothing there for you to gain.
           Nothing.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I'm sorry.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I am too.
                         
          ANDREW now changes his tone.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           They say they have you firing four
           shots, is that right?
                         
                          JULIAN
           I don't know.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Where's the gun?
                         
          JULIAN stutters for a moment, then.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I threw it in the river.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Good. Your background check with us
           says you have never been arrested,
           is that true?
                         
                          JULIAN
           Why is this putting everything at
           risk?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Have you ever been arrested?
                         
                          JULIAN
           No.
                          94
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Because no bank will touch us right
           now. So we can't close on the new
           property. And he's going to lose
           everything on his deposit.
                         
          This sits heavily on JULIAN. ANDREW hands him a card.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           This is a lawyer who will meet you
           when they bring you to the station.
           You no longer work for us. You've
           been fired. But Abel wants to pay
           for the lawyer. So... this guy
           should be able to help you. Good
           luck.
                         
          With that JULIAN gets out of the car. ABEL is standing there.
          They meet.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I'm sorry.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                          JULIAN
           I was scared.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Aren't you scared?
                         
                          ABEL
           Sometimes.
                         
                          JULIAN
           What do you do?
                         
          ABEL thinks this through long and hard.
                         
                          ABEL
           I have always been much more scared
           of failure than anything else.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I...
                         
                          ABEL
           It wasn't always like this.
                          95
                         
                         
                          JULIAN
           Are you ruined?
                          ABEL
           Not today... but by the end of the
           week... maybe.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I'm sorry.
                          ABEL
           Good...
                         
                          JULIAN
           No... I am not strong.
                         
                          ABEL
           That does not have to be true.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Trust me... I am not... I'm sorry.
                         
          With that JULIAN walks across the parking lot towards the
          POLICE to turn himself in. ANDREW walks up behind ABEL and
          stands there looking.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'm late. I will meet you at four.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm gonna try to get us a little
           more time.
                         
          The three COPS are standing waiting as JULIAN walks towards
          them. ABEL turns around, facing the camera, and closes his
          eyes in sadness.
                         
          With ABEL in the foreground we see JULIAN make it halfway to
          the COPS, then he stops.
                         
                          COP 1
           Hey.
                         
          ABEL'S face tells us he knows what is coming.
                         
          JULIAN sets off running. Before the COPS can get close to him
          he is off. ABEL turns and sees what is happening. He does not
          follow chase. His head just drops.
                          96
                         
                         
          EXT. VARIOUS 1980'S URBAN DECAY LANDSCAPES
          We are now with JULIAN again, running. But as this chase
          continues we see his face turn from fear, to desperation, to
          a creeping sense of evil. He does not know how it has come to
          this, but as he jumps down from fences and runs across
          deserted lots we see that his weakness is turning.
                         
          As he runs through some of the most bombed-out, destroyed
          sections of Queens, he just never stops. With each step his
          fear turns to... anger.
                         
                         
          EXT. BLOWN-OUT BUILDING
                         
          He stops, collapses, and hides behind a blown-out building
          wall just as a COP CAR drives by. He starts to almost cry,
          but then it again becomes something else. His survival
          instinct is taking over and we are not sure what will become
          of it. Anger.
                         
                         
          INT. OLDEST HASIDIC BUSINESSMAN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                         
          ABEL sits across from the oldest Hasidic member of the
          family, JOSEPH, from the first scene.
                          ABEL
           Thank you for seeing me.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           Of course.
                         
                          ABEL
           I need more time.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           Of course you do.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know our agreement doesn't allow
           for that. But... I need more time.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           Why?
                         
          This takes ABEL back a bit.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you for asking. Many, many
           reasons.
                          97
                         
                         
                          JOSEPH
           It's a difficult time to do
           business.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes... it is.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           I'll give you three more days. Then
           it's over.
                          ABEL
           Thank you.
                         
                         
          INT. ASSISTANT DA'S OFFICE - DAY
                         
          ANDREW sits across from LAWRENCE and DEPUTY LANGE. They wait
          while LAWRENCE writes something down on a pad in front of
          him. He finishes.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           So. I should start by thanking you
           for your assistance in... in
           attempting to bring in your driver?
                          ANDREW WALSH
           We didn't think he'd react that
           way.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Yes... Well, the officers there
           didn't set it up very well on their
           end either.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'm sorry.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           We are looking for him.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           So are we... it's very sad. He was
           very close to Abel.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I understand. Well... Ms. Lange.
                         
                          DEPUTY LANGE
           It has been brought to our
           attention that it might be
           beneficial on your end to resolve
           this issue in a time sensitive way.
                          98
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Possibly.
                          DEPUTY LANGE
           So we have prepared an offer for
           you to review.
                         
          They slide the offer across the table. ANDREW opens it and
          gives it a once over.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'll show this to them. He'll never
           go for it, but it's a start.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           This could get a lot worse for you
           all.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I know... I will present it to him.
                         
          ANDREW gets up and prepares to leave. LAWRENCE stands with
          him and walks him out into the hallway.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           Thank you.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           And Andrew, one other thing.
                         
          He turns. They are now alone in the hallway.
                         
                         
          INT. IMPOSSIBLY LONG HALLWAY - DAY
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I need this to stop.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           You need what to stop?
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           This fucking bullshit with the open
           warfare. I won't put up with it.
           It's starting to be a real problem.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Starting to be? No shit.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Not for you... but for me.
                         
          This lingers for a beat as the meaning sinks in.
                          99
                         
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           I need the driver.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I understand. The kid went out and
           got his own gun. This was not us.
           No matter what you think of him,
           Abel doesn't work this way.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I really could give a fuck, but you
           need to get your man to talk to
           these people, give in, stop doing
           whatever you are doing to bring
           this shit on you. It needs to stop.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           He wants to talk to them. We've
           been trying to set up a meeting.
           O'Leary hasn't been able to get it
           done.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I'll talk to him.
                         
          ANDREW gives him a look.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           He's an old friend... and get that
           kid back in here. I'm up in it a
           little bit here and I need
           something.
                         
          LAWRENCE turns and walks back into his office. ANDREW walks
          down the hallway all alone then stops. He reaches into his
          briefcase and takes out the offer. He looks it over again.
          Then he looks towards the ground and almost looks like he
          might cry. There is a distinct sense of responsibility for
          the situation that ABEL finds himself in that is starting to
          bring ANDREW to the edge.
                         
                         
          EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
                         
          ABEL is waiting standing next to his car. ANDREW comes
          driving into the lot next to him and gets out.
                         
                          ABEL
           I talked to the Hasid, I got us
           three days.
                         
          ANDREW nods.
                          100
                         
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Is that enough?
                          ABEL
           I don't know.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Well here it is. It's just a first
           pass.
          He hands him the plea deal from the DA. ABEL looks it over
          but shows almost no emotion. Then.
                         
                          ABEL
           Felons can't vote.
                         
          This takes ANDREW back.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I'm sorry?
                         
                          ABEL
           This plea has me...
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I know. It's just a first offer.
                          ABEL
           I would never take this.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I know.
                         
          ABEL looks off and resets.
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           He's going to get us the meeting.
                         
                          ABEL
           Who?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Lawrence, he's tight with O'Leary.
                         
                          ABEL
           Of course he is.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Does Julian have anything?
                         
          ABEL gives him a look?
                         
           ANDREW WALSH (CONT'D)
           Anything on us?
                          101
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           All the drivers could have us on
           scales. Why?
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           If we are cutting deals, we can't
           have anything new come up at the
           last minute.
                         
                          ABEL
           He would never do that.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           We need to find him... Lawrence
           needs him.
                         
                         
          INT. JULIAN'S APARTMENT - DAY
                         
          ABEL stands outside the door for a very long beat then
          finally knocks.
                         
          JULIAN'S wife, LUISA, opens the door. She gestures him in.
                         
          He enters the apartment and looks around. She gestures for
          him to sit. He chooses a seat right across from her. He
          stares at her for a beat. Then for the first time we hear him
          speak Spanish. (This whole conversation is in Spanish)
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you for letting me in.
                         
                          LUISA
           Of course.
                         
          ABEL moves his chair closer. It's meant to be, and is a bit
          threatening.
                         
                          ABEL
           Have you seen Julian?
                         
                          LUISA
           No.
                         
          ABEL questions her with a look.
                         
                          ABEL
           We need to find him.
                         
                          LUISA
           I know.
                         
                          ABEL
           I am worried about him.
                          102
                         
                         
                          LUISA
           So am I.
                          ABEL
           You know we were going to support
           him. I do not know why he ran.
                         
                          LUISA
           He was scared.
          ABEL shakes his head.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                         
                          LUISA
           He has always wanted to make you
           proud. You know that right?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes. Well this time that hasn't
           worked out.
                         
                          LUISA
           No... How did you do it?
                          ABEL
           Do what?
                         
                          LUISA
           This.
                         
          She motions towards his suit.
                         
                          LUISA (CONT'D)
           Success... that's all he wanted.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know. It makes me very sad,
           because he is a very talented young
           man. But there are some decisions
           that you cannot come back from. I
           need to know where he is. And I
           need him to turn himself in. His
           actions are hurting me and my
           business. And I refuse to let other
           people's weaknesses hurt me. I
           don't know how it has come to this,
           but it has. If he does the right
           thing I will help to take care of
           his responsibilities. You and your
           family. When you see him. Tell him
           this. Please.
                          103
                         
                         
                          LUISA
           I will.
          ABEL gets up and starts looking around the apartment a bit.
          He walks over to a small cabinet.
                         
                          ABEL
           Does he have any money?
                         
                          LUISA
           I'm sorry?
                         
                          ABEL
           Money? Has he taken money out of
           your bank account?
                         
                          LUISA
           I don't know?
                         
                          ABEL
           You need to start looking into
           these things. It is very important
           that we find him safely.
                         
          And with that JULIAN comes smashing out of the tiny cabinet
          where he was hiding and knocks over ABEL. JULIAN runs to the
          front door with ABEL chasing him.
                         
          He starts flying down the stairs at top panic speed. ABEL
          follows him down half the flight and realizes it is useless.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
                          (IN ENGLISH)
           Stop! Stop running away! Andrew!
           He's coming your way!
                         
          This is screamed at the top of his lungs but JULIAN never
          stops. We just hear his footsteps going down.
                         
                         
          INT. BOTTOM/TOP OF JULIAN'S STAIRWELL - DAY
                         
          ANDREW comes up the first few steps and we see him waiting
          for JULIAN.
                         
          ABEL then looks back up the half flight of stairs and sees
          LUISA standing there in the hall. He walks back up to her in
          an aggressive way. We fear for her. He gets right up in her
          face but does not touch her.
                         
                          ABEL
           (in Spanish again)
           I understand why you lied, but it
           is not smart.
                          (MORE)
                          104
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           There are other people looking for
           him. I am as good an option as he
           has. Know this.
                         
          And with that he heads down the stairs.
                         
                         
          EXT. BACK OF JULIAN'S APARTMENT/PARK STAIRS - DAY
                         
          JULIAN is running out the back of the building and down a
          huge exterior staircase that is in a small park. He is about
          half way down when ANDREW gets to the top. ANDREW screams.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Fuck You! You better run!
                         
                         
          INT. A SLIGHTLY RUNDOWN CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
                         
          ABEL sits across a table from an OLD MAN in his late-70's who
          seems to have early-onset dementia and a WOMAN in her early-
          20's, LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ who's overweight, but confident. The
          old man, SAUL LEFKOWITZ, just sits there through the scene.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you both for agreeing to meet
           with me.
                         
                          LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ
           Of course.
                         
                          ABEL
           I think we have met before but I
           didn't realize you were Saul's
           Granddaughter.
                         
                          LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ
           I am.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm sorry to ask but how old are
           you?
                         
                          LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ
           I'm 23.
                         
                          ABEL
           Oh.
                         
                          LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ
           My Grandfather didn't trust any of
           his children to run the business.
                          105
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                          LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ
           I know that you tried to buy the
           company from my Grandfather several
           times.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                          LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ
           His goal was to stay healthy long
           enough to be able to give the
           company to me. Which he thankfully
           did.
                         
          They both give a slight smile.
                         
           LORRAINE LEFKOWITZ (CONT'D)
           So, while I appreciate your visit
           we are still not for sale.
                         
                          ABEL
           I understand. And I hope that your
           Grandfather was able to communicate
           to you how much I have always
           respected him. And it was only out
           of respect for the business he had
           built, and because I knew of his
           reservations and feelings about
           your uncles and your father that I
           made those offers.
                         
                          LORAINE LEFKOWITZ
           I understand.
                         
                          ABEL
           But, I am not here to offer to buy
           your company.
                         
                          LORAINE LEFKOWITZ
           Oh.
                         
                          ABEL
           As I'm sure you will soon learn
           some years are good... others not
           so. I am in contract with a
           significant hard deposit at risk to
           purchase the old Bayfront terminal.
                         
                          LORAINE LEFKOWITZ
           I see.
                          106
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           And due to circumstances beyond my
           control my bank has left me at the
           altar.
                         
                          LORAINE LEFKOWITZ
           I'm sorry.
                         
                          ABEL
           So, I am here, hat in hand, looking
           for a loan. I certainly expect the
           terms to be in your favor as I
           could not be at a weaker place.
           But, if your Grandfather trusted
           you with his company, I would be
           willing to trust you as my lien
           holder.
                         
          They all stare at each other. Then the old man shifts in his
          chair.
                         
                          SAUL LEFKOWITZ
           How much?
                         
                          ABEL
           I need $500,000.
          SAUL and his GRANDDAUGHTER look at each other. They say
          nothing but clearly know each other well.
                         
                          LORAINE LEFKOWITZ
           Would you give us a minute.
                         
                          ABEL
           Of course.
                         
                         
          INT. WAITING AREA, OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
                         
          ABEL sits in a simple chair outside the conference room
          looking around at an office that is similar to his. A phone
          on the receptionist's desk rings. She picks it up.
                         
                          LEFKOWITZ RECEPTIONIST
           You can go back in.
                         
                         
          INT. SLIGHTLY RUNDOWN CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
                         
          ABEL sits down.
                         
                          LORAINE LEFKOWITZ
           We can offer you the 500k at 20
           percent for a year.
                          (MORE)
                          107
                         
           LORAINE LEFKOWITZ (CONT'D)
           And we would need a five-year
           straight wholesale holding
           agreement for 250,000 gallons a
           year at your new facility.
                         
          This hits ABEL hard.
                         
                          ABEL
           Okay. Thank you.
          They shake hands and then he hugs the old man good bye.
                         
                          LORAINE LEFKOWITZ
           So, I guess we will see you
           tonight?
                         
                          ABEL
           Tonight? Oh yes, of course.
                         
                         
          INT. LONG ISLAND ITALIAN RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                         
          A HOSTESS leads ABEL and ANDREW through the whole main dining
          room and through a side kitchen.
                         
          INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT - PRIVATE DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                         
          Finally they come through a door and into a small back
          private dining room where fifteen of their COMPETITORS, a
          couple of whom we have already met (Including LORRAINE and
          SAUL LEFKOWITZ, and ARNOLD KLINE), are sitting around the
          table meeting and waiting for them to arrive. The whole room
          looks up at them.
                         
          O'LEARY is at the head of the table at the far end of the
          room. He stands up to greet them and then so does the rest of
          the room.
                         
                          BILL O'LEARY
           Abel. Please sit.
                         
          Finally everyone settles and the room falls quiet.
                         
           BILL O'LEARY (CONT'D)
           Abel.
                         
          Now the room is silent as it waits and waits for him to
          speak.
                         
                          ABEL
           Stop...
                          108
                         
                         
          ABEL is deadly serious. He just lets this sit and looks
          around the room at each person. They all seem to be waiting
          for him to continue. But he doesn't. He just lets this sit.
          Finally PETER FORENTE, who is across from ABEL, shifts in his
          seat and leans forward.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Um... Abel... we had a chance to
           meet for a little bit before you
           got here and... of course everyone
           in this room is fully capable of
           lying to their own mothers on their
           deathbeds, but... the conclusion we
           have come to... I should say we are
           fairly convinced after a very frank
           conversation... that these guys who
           are doing this... that they don't
           actually work for anyone in this
           room. As you know there are many
           other smaller providers in the area
           that might be responsible who are
           not here tonight.
                         
          This sits in the room for a long beat. Everyone then shifts
          back their attention to ABEL waiting for his response.
          Finally.
                          ABEL
           Peter... thank you... That may be
           true.
                         
          He stops and thinks about how to continue.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           But over the last six months
           110,000 gallons of fuel has been
           stolen from my family and I. Now
           the reason we asked Bill to get you
           all here is because the people in
           this room are the only people
           within two hundred miles of here
           who have the ability to purchase
           and store that kind of quantity.
           So... no matter what bullshit you
           have been telling each other one of
           you... or two... or three... has
           been allowing this to happen by
           buying this from these cowards or
           worse yet hiring these guys just to
           do it. And profiting from it. So
           what I am saying is... Stop! Now.
           Have some pride in what you do and
           stop.
                          109
                         
                         
          INT. ANNA MORALES' LIBRARY - NIGHT
          The camera moves slowly across a dark hallway. We hear the
          sounds of a manual adding machine grinding away. As we come
          through the doorway we see ANNA MORALES sitting at her desk
          in a pool of light from the desk lamp. She is deep in it
          crunching numbers. Finally ABEL walks into the doorway, he
          looks exhausted.
                         
                          ABEL
           Hey.
                         
          She looks up with a small but sweet smile.
                         
                          ANNA
           Hi.
                         
                          ABEL
           How's it coming?
                         
                          ANNA
           I've made it to 1975.
                         
                          ABEL
           That was a good year.
          ANNA gives a slight look that the numbers may not totally
          support that claim.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Well it was for me...how is it?
                         
                          ANNA
           I'm not sure yet... but it's not as
           bad as they are saying it is... I
           guess I knew what I was doing.
                         
          They give each other a slight smile.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           How'd you do?
                         
                          ABEL
           I got us a three more days... and
           one piece... from Saul. But we're
           still about a million short.
                         
          Concern and exhaustion creep onto Abel's face.
                         
                          ANNA
           You're going to see your little
           brother?
                          110
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           First thing.
                          ANNA
           And Peter?
                         
                          ABEL
           Probably.
                         
          Abel is now sitting down on the chair.
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           How are the girls? I feel like I
           haven't seen them in days.
                         
                          ANNA
           They're fine.
                         
          ANNA gets up from her desk and comes over to him.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           This is all worth it.
                         
          He pauses just long enough to think.
                         
                          ABEL
           Of course.
                         
                          ANNA
           Look at us...it is.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know.
                         
          A sense of caring and resolve comes over them. At least now
          they know what needs to be done.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           We should get to bed.
                         
                          ANNA
           I'll be up.
                         
                          ABEL
           I love you.
                         
                          ANNA
           I love you too.
                         
          ABEL turns to go upstairs as ANNA starts in again with the
          machine.
                          111
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL'S CAR - DRIVING - DAY
          ABEL is driving towards the office and is listening to the
          idle chatter on the radio between the dispatcher and the
          drivers who are out. They are underneath the Brooklyn Queens
          Expressway in stop and go traffic.
                         
          Suddenly a panic stricken VOICE blasts through on the radio.
                         
           SENIOR DRIVER EDDY V.O.
           Motherfuckers!
                         
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           Who's that?
                         
           SENIOR DRIVER EDDY V.O.
           It's 17. Two guys are coming at me.
                         
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           Where are you?
                         
          We now hear the driver yell at the TWO GUYS coming at him.
                         
           SENIOR DRIVER EDDY V.O.
           Fuck you!
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           Where are you!
                         
           SENIOR DRIVER EDDY V.O.
           Hall Street and Flushing Ave. I'm
           out of...
                         
           RADIO DISPATCHER V.O.
           Eddy? Eddy?
                         
          ABEL looks up at the street where they are and realizes this
          is going down right down the street from them. He's had
          enough.
                         
          He pulls across the intersection and heads down a street. He
          comes to the next intersection and right in front of him the
          truck comes flying by.
                         
          He looks to his right and sees EDDY standing at the side of
          the road. But he wants to end this. So he pulls out and
          starts following the truck leaving EDDY behind.
                         
          ABEL follows the truck for several blocks through the
          industrial neighborhood. He is tempted to pull up alongside
          of it to see who is driving but doesn't. He continues to
          follow him.
                          112
                         
                         
          They get to a light and the truck makes a right hand turn
          and, as they are turning, LOUIS SERVIDIO who is sitting in
          the passenger seat looks behind him and sees that ABEL is
          following him. It now turns into a high speed chase as the
          driver steps on it.
                         
          They race down a ramp into a railyard. ABEL chases the truck
          as it crosses the tracks and heads towards an abandoned
          tunnel. The truck races into the tunnel and ABEL follows. The
          truck is throwing up a dust storm and ABEL has a difficult
          time seeing where he is going but he keeps up.
                         
          The roadway is very bumpy and both the truck and ABEL'S car
          are thrown around and the truck almost hits the sides of the
          tunnel.
                         
          The light at the end of the tunnel starts to appear through
          the dust but we can't see the truck. As ABEL comes into the
          light he has to SLAM on his brakes because the TRUCK has
          flipped over in front of him.
                         
          As he gets out of his car he sees LOUIS SERVIDIO jumping down
          from the overturned cab and run off into the train yard. ABEL
          looks at the crushed cab of the truck and sees the DRIVER has
          been killed. There is a gun sitting on the dash of the truck
          and ABEL looks and thinks. He then picks up the gun and
          chases after LOUIS SERVIDIO.
                         
          In the distance he sees LOUIS SERVIDIO leave the yard and
          head up into an elevated subway station.
                         
                         
          EXT. SUBWAY STATION - DAY
                         
          ABEL runs up the stairs of the station and hops onto a
          leaving train just as the doors shut. ABEL looks around.
          There are three people in his car. It is covered in graffiti.
          He starts making his way down to the end of the train where
          the guy is.
                         
          He looks into the last car and sees LOUIS SERVIDIO and just
          bull rushes him to the ground. He starts beating on him very,
          very badly with the pistol. All the rage comes out of him. He
          then aims the gun at LOUIS SERVIDIO.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           Please. Please.
                         
          They stare at each other.
                         
                          ABEL
           Your friend is dead... who do you
           work for.
                          113
                         
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           You know I could never tell you
           that.
                         
                          ABEL
           Stop... just stop.
                         
                          LOUIS SERVIDIO
           This was it anyway. Okay... Okay.
          ABEL looks right through him and then finally lowers the gun
          and releases his hands from around his jacket and he gets up
          and looks back at ABEL.
                         
           LOUIS SERVIDIO (CONT'D)
           Thank you.
                         
          LOUIS SERVIDIO then runs out of the car as the door opens.
          ABEL sits up and slows his breathing down. Finally he looks
          around the trashed car and sees that a woman has been in the
          car with them the whole time and she is just staring at him.
                         
                         
          INT. BROOKLYN BARBERSHOP - DAY
                         
          ABEL walks into the shop and is a little put back together
          but is worse for the wear. ARNOLD KLINE is sitting in one of
          the chairs waiting. He turns to ABEL.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           Hey.
                         
                          ABEL
           Jimmy, can you give me a minute?
                         
          Jimmy looks around then walks into the back.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           Abel, that was well said.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           What can I do for you?
                         
                          ABEL
           I've just come to collect that
           check you owe me.
                         
          This takes him back a step.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           What check is that?
                          114
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           The one for $213,000.
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           I'm sorry?
                         
                          ABEL
           That's how much has been taken from
           me over the last six months.
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           I had nothing to do with that.
                         
                          ABEL
           Your Far Rockaway facility bought a
           load of fuel last week off one of
           my stolen trucks.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           That's not possible.
                         
                          ABEL
           I was standing on top of one of my
           hi-jacked trucks a couple weeks ago
           thinking about the cowards who did
           this when I remembered I had bought
           the load of fuel off a friend's
           tanker straight from Texas. As I'm
           sure you know Texas #4 is marked.
           But that was just one load, so
           every truck that has left my lot
           for the last two weeks has been
           marked with dye that I've put in...
           And luckily four more of my trucks
           got jacked since.... My guess is
           there are at least 4600 gallons of
           marked fuel in your small tank
           right now.
                         
          No answer. Finally.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           How much?
                         
                          ABEL
           I said...213,000.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           I'll need a day.
                         
                          ABEL
           Okay.
                         
          ABEL gets ready to leave.
                          115
                         
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           I've just been buying this stuff
           off these guys, it was only a
           couple loads, I don't know who they
           are. I would never do that.
                         
                          ABEL
           My goal was to have you out of
           business by the end of next year.
           And if you're this fucking
           desperate it doesn't seem like it
           will even take that long.
                         
          He walks away.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           Abel, I wasn't the only person
           buying this shit.
                         
          He turns.
                         
                          ABEL
           I don't care.
                         
                          ARNOLD KLINE
           It may ruin me.
                          ABEL
           When you find out who else it was
           you can get them to pay you back
           the difference. Kinda makes you
           miss having your father around? But
           I need the whole lot tomorrow or
           the feds will be at your doorstep
           by noon.
                         
          He leaves.
                         
                         
          EXT. UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC FIELD - DAY
                         
          ABEL is sitting on a bleacher totally alone watching a prep
          school football practice. We stay with him as he sits quietly
          just watching.
                         
          Eventually his 21-YEAR-OLD YOUNGER BROTHER, ELIAS, comes
          walking off the field over to him. PLAYERS start leaving the
          field.
                         
                          ABEL
           You look good out there.
                         
                          ELIAS
           I didn't know you were coming.
                          116
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I didn't either... I didn't mean to
           take you away.
                         
                          ELIAS
           We're done.
                         
          He sits down next to him. They both look out for a long, long
          beat.
                          ELIAS (CONT'D)
           Thanks for coming.
                         
                          ABEL
           Of course. You've grown.
                         
                          ELIAS
           You saw me a month ago.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know... but you have.
                         
          ABEL looks across as a small group of GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY
          PLAYERS walk across the field in front of them. They watch
          them pass and walk away.
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           The girls at this place... they are
           so beautiful?
                         
          He looks over with a wry smile.
                         
                          ELIAS
           Yes.
                         
                          ABEL
           I don't know how you get anything
           done around here.
                         
                          ELIAS
           I don't.
                         
          Slight smile at each other.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm in a bit of a rough patch.
                         
                          ELIAS
           Yes...
                         
                          ABEL
           It happens.
                          117
                         
                         
                          ELIAS
           I know.
                          ABEL
           Good...
                         
          ABEL stands and looks around for a good bit. Then thinks
          about sitting down again.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           That will be your burden...
                         
                          ELIAS
           What will?
                         
                          ABEL
           Not having had one.
                         
          Then he sits.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           I need your signature on this.
                         
          ELIAS looks over.
                         
                          ELIAS
           What is it?
                         
                          ABEL
           I need to take out a short term
           mortgage on our apartment building.
                         
                          ELIAS
           That thing isn't worth more than
           150 grand though?
                         
                          ABEL
           210.
                         
                          ELIAS
           Since when do you need to be taking
           out sucker mortgages for 200 grand?
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm up against it a bit. It will be
           fine.
                         
          They look at each other for a long beat. And then he signs
          it.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Thank you... It's good to see your
           face.
                          118
                         
                         
                          ELIAS
           I love you.
                          ABEL
           I love you too.
                         
          They hug and then ELIAS walks off. ABEL sits back down and
          just watches him walk away.
                         
          INT. FORENTE TENNIS COURT - NIGHT
                         
          ABEL walks into the darkened tennis court and looks around.
          We aren't sure what he is there for. On the other side of the
          court a light is on in a attached lounge. PETER comes into
          the light.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Well here he is. The caped
           crusader.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Come over. Are you alright?
                          ABEL
           I am.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Did they catch any of them? Sit.
                         
                         
          INT. TENNIS COURT LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS
                         
                          ABEL
           The one guy didn't make it out of
           the crash, and the other guy
           disappeared.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           That was very well said last night.
                         
                          ABEL
           Thank you. And thanks for seeing
           me.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Of course. So what is it?
                         
                          ABEL
           I need a loan.
                          119
                         
                         
          PETER'S face scrunches up like he tasted a lemon and he turns
          away for a beat. Then comes back.
                          PETER FORENTE
           You don't want to do that.
                         
                          ABEL
           No shit... but I'm here.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           What are we talking about here.
                         
                          ABEL
           Six hundred thousand.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Jesus. Abel, that's a problem.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes... but if I don't get it...
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           What's my collateral?
                         
                          ABEL
           The terminal.
                          PETER FORENTE
           Yeah me and how many other people
           will be coming after it. No way.
                         
                          ABEL
           You'll get your money.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Abel, you know I respect everything
           you've done. Because of it we
           haven't come down on you the way I
           should have for coming into my
           service area and poaching my
           customers. You're good at what you
           do, probably better than us, and I
           accept that. But this would be
           different. I don't want you to be
           in this position. We are not nice
           people to borrow three quarters of
           million dollars from.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know that.
                         
                          PETER FORENTE
           Let's sleep on this. Both of us.
                          120
                         
                         
          INT. ABEL AND ANNA'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
          ABEL comes in as ANNA is sitting at the table smoking. He
          walks over and sits down at the table with her.
                         
          She gives him a great sly smile.
                         
                          ANNA
           What a day.
                          ABEL
           Yeah.
                         
                          ANNA
           Are you okay?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          ANNA
           Car chases?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yeah.
                         
                          ANNA
           Who knew?
                         
          She gives him a loving look.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           How was your brother?
                         
                          ABEL
           He seemed good... But the girls up
           at that place are...
                         
                          ANNA
           Stop.
                         
                          ABEL
           I can tell you the girls didn't
           look like that where I went to
           school...
                         
                          ANNA
           Enough.
                         
          After a brief light moment the cloud comes back over him.
                         
                          ABEL
           How are we here?
                          121
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           It was a lot of things all at once.
                          ABEL
           Yeah.
                         
                          ANNA
           How did it go?
                         
                          ABEL
           We can probably pull it off. Three
           different parties... it'll be a
           mess... and the terms... Peter
           suddenly showed me his true colors.
                         
          He lets out a brutal sigh.
                         
                          ANNA
           I'm sorry.
                         
                          ABEL
           I spent my whole life trying not to
           become a gangster...
                         
                          ANNA
           I know.
                          ABEL
           ...And now... on the biggest deal
           in my career they will all control
           me.
                         
          He sits there for a long beat and then she comes and hands
          him a piece of paper with a series of numbers on it. He looks
          up at her.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           What is this?
                         
                          ANNA
           It's a bank account.
                         
          ABEL just waits for more but gets nothing.
                         
                          ABEL
           Whose?
                         
                          ANNA
           Ours.
                         
                          ABEL
           How much is in it?
                          122
                         
                         
                          ANNA
           A lot.
                          ABEL
           What does that mean?
                         
                          ANNA
           It will help. You could replace
           Peter's money and get him out of
           the deal.
                          ABEL
           Where did it come from?
                         
                          ANNA
           Abel.
                         
                          ABEL
           Where did it come from?
                         
          She stops and thinks, then:
                         
                          ANNA
           Since 1971 I have been skimming
           money out of the company. Some
           years a little... others a lot. In
           the beginning it was just in case
           times got tough but then it was
           because you were taking all these
           chances... I didn't know what else
           to do... I couldn't risk having us
           be left with nothing.
                         
          This knocks him back.
                         
                          ANNA (CONT'D)
           I'm sorry.
                         
                          ABEL
           What do you expect me to do with
           this?
                         
                          ANNA
           Use it.... Abel...
                         
                          ABEL
           Is it clean?
                         
                          ANNA
           What does that mean?
                         
          He thinks that through.
                          123
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           It means if you walked into the
           office of the people who have been
           trying to put us in jail right now
           and slapped a check from that
           account down on their desk would it
           push me further into hell or help
           to get me out?
                         
                          ANNA
           It's as clean as every other dollar
           we've ever made.
                         
                          ABEL
           That's a fucking bullshit answer.
                         
                          ANNA
           I can clear it on the books.
                         
                          ABEL
           Well it sounds like you should take
           this money and keep it right where
           it is... because I'm going to
           pretend that we never had this
           conversation. And you can use that
           when they drag me off to jail!
          With that he tries to get passed her and head upstairs. She
          follows and is standing looking up at him.
                         
                          ANNA
           So what's your plan here?
                         
          He turns to her and squares off.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'll get it done. And it won't be
           as a cheat.
                         
                          ANNA
           (Yelling, but controlled enough to
           not wake the kids.)
           Oh you are too much. You've been
           walking around your whole life like
           this all happened because of your
           hard work, good luck, and charm.
           Mr. Fucking American Dream. Well
           this is America... but it's not a
           dream, and that wasn't good luck
           helping you out all those years...
           IT WAS ME! Doing the things you
           didn't want to know about...
                          124
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           You stole from me!
          This stops her in her tracks. And eventually a little smile
          comes across her face. She comes way down and almost delivers
          this line in a whisper.
                         
                          ANNA
           Oh... You have always been very
           good about not letting your ego get
           in the way of business. Don't start
           now just because it's me.
                         
          With that ABEL turns up the stairs and heads to bed.
                         
                         
          INT. MASTER BATHROOM - MORNING
                         
          ABEL is getting ready for the day shaving. He looks
          exhausted. ANNA comes into the room. She stands at the
          entryway just looking at him for a very long beat.
                         
                          ABEL
           We'll use the money... your money.
           It's the smart play.
                          ANNA
           It's our money.
                         
                          ABEL
           I know...
                         
           FADE TO BLACK.
                         
          Before we see anything, we hear the sound of a pen writing on
          paper.
                         
                         
          INT. THE TEMPORARY OFFICE TRAILER - DAY
                         
          ABEL and ANDREW are sitting around the folding table opposite
          the HASIDS. ABEL signs the document and then picks it up and
          heads outside.
                         
                         
          EXT. TEMPORARY TRAILER - DAY
                         
          ABEL comes out and we see ANNA standing outside the trailer
          in the cold because these guys don't do business with women.
          He hands her the document. Under her breath:
                         
                          ANNA
           These fucking guys...what's this
           additional $11,000?
                          125
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I guess there is still some fuel in
           two of the tanks... they gave us a
           fair price on it.
                         
          With that they both smile, she signs it and then gives him a
          kiss.
                         
                         
          INT. TEMPORARY TRAILER - DAY
          ABEL comes back in and hands the docs to JOSEPH, the oldest
          Hasid, who signs them.
                         
                          JOSEPH
           Mazel Tov.
                         
                         
          EXT. TRAILER/TANK FARM - DAY
                         
          ABEL walks across the lot with joy although it seems masked
          by a sadness. He looks around as ANDREW and ANNA come up next
          to him.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Congratulations.
                          ABEL
           To you too. Did you know...about
           the money?
                         
                          ANNA
           Abel.
                         
          ANDREW looks him right in the eye.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Yes.
                         
                          ABEL
           You should have told me.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I know. I'm sorry.
                         
                          ANNA
           Abel...congratulations. Now cheer
           up. And can someone give me a tour
           of this place we just paid two
           million bucks for?
                         
          ABEL, ANDREW, and ANNA walk towards the tanks looking around.
          They come around the corner to THE VIEW.
                          126
                         
                         
          EXT. BEHIND THE TANKS, WITH A VIEW OF THE CITY - DAY
          They all look out.
                         
                          ANNA
           What a hell-hole this city is.
                         
                          ABEL
           No.
                          ANDREW WALSH
           I don't know why but I guess I
           never realized we even had this
           view from back here.
                         
          That line sits for a long beat.
                         
                          ABEL
           I did.
                         
          Then they hear someone behind them. They turn. It's JULIAN.
          He is standing holding a gun. They stare for a long beat.
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           I thought you said you threw that
           into the river?
                          JULIAN
           I didn't.
                         
                          ABEL
           I see that.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I have nowhere to go.
                         
                          ABEL
           Nowhere easy.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Fuck you. I have nothing. And
           somehow you've ended up with
           everything you wanted.
                         
          ABEL looks at the gun in his hand.
                         
                          ABEL
           It wasn't meant to be.
                         
                          JULIAN
           What is that supposed to mean?
                          127
                         
                         
                          ABEL
           I know what you wanted. But you
           need to forget that. You are
           looking backward. Only look
           forward, that is what you can
           control.
                         
                          JULIAN
           I'm sorry. You gave me a very good
           chance. Right?
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Probably a better chance than I
           deserved.
                         
                          ABEL
           No.
                         
                          JULIAN
           Please take care of my family.
                         
                          ABEL
           Julian.
                          JULIAN
           Please...
                         
          ABEL looks at him trying to read where this poor kid is at.
                         
                          ABEL
           I will.
                         
          With that JULIAN takes the gun and puts it in his mouth and
          pulls the trigger.
                         
          The gun goes off and the red blood sprays on the white side
          of the fuel tank that is behind him.
                         
          ABEL and the rest are left totally in shock. They are beside
          themselves. But out of the corner of his eye ABEL notices
          that the bullet has also pierced through the tank and amid
          the red spray a flow of black heating oil is pouring out
          through the bullet hole onto the ground.
                         
          ABEL steps around JULIAN'S body and goes over to the hole. He
          picks up an old rag from the ground and stuffs it into the
          hole plugging the flow of oil.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           What... what should we do?
                          128
                         
                         
          ABEL turns and looks back at him.
                          ABEL
           We call the police.
                         
                          ANDREW WALSH
           Really?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes!
          With that he walks off behind the tanks.
                         
                         
          EXT. PARKING LOT, NEXT TO THE TANK FARM SITE - DAY
                         
          There are now POLICE VEHICLES everywhere. ABEL is standing
          off alone. The DA gets out of a car all alone and walks over
          to ABEL.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I'm very sorry. Did you know him
           well?
                         
                          ABEL
           I did.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           He must have been under a hell of a
           lot of pressure.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yeah. For a while I thought he
           was... it's just...
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I'm sorry.
                         
          They look out across the city.
                         
                          ABEL
           You really do have to be lucky.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Yes... so you are chasing down
           hijackers now?
                         
                          ABEL
           I was right there... I couldn't
           help myself.
                         
          LAWRENCE nods approval.
                          129
                         
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           Have you found the driver?
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           No.
                         
                          ABEL
           You'll find him.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Probably not.
                         
                          ABEL
           Well, thank you for coming. I
           wanted to make sure this was
           handled correctly.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Of course.
                         
                          ABEL
           I'm not sure how I got here.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           Yeah.
                          ABEL
           So... I should tell you that I
           won't be able to take that deal you
           offered. There is no way I would
           ever accept a felony charge for
           anything we've done.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I know.
                         
                          ABEL
           I am not a felon.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           That's probably true.
                         
                          ABEL
           But I also can't have you digging
           around my life and keeping this
           hanging around my neck for the next
           ten years. I love fighting a good
           battle but this... it's very bad
           for my business.
                         
          This gets Lawrence's attention.
                          130
                         
                         
                          ABEL (CONT'D)
           So, we need to come to some sort of
           conclusion.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           We can probably do that.
                         
                          ABEL
           Good.
          They both look out for a beat.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I hear you closed on this terminal
           today?
                         
                          ABEL
           It looks that way.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I didn't realize that you had that
           in the works.
                         
                          ABEL
           For a very long time.
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           That will put you in quite a
           powerful position.
                         
                          ABEL
           Within my business it has that
           potential.
                         
          LAWRENCE shifts his tone ever so slightly.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           If you get this place up and
           running again it will have
           significant influence...
           politically speaking.
                         
          ABEL picks up on the word POLITICALLY and stares down
          LAWRENCE.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE (CONT'D)
           We all have our ambitions.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
          LAWRENCE gives a slight smile and then pauses.
                          131
                         
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           And sometimes we need help to get
           there... You've come a very long
           way.
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes, I have.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           In a very short time.
                          ABEL
           It doesn't feel that way... But
           please know that I have always
           chosen the path that was the most
           right.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           The most right?
                         
                          ABEL
           Yes.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           That one makes my head hurt a
           little.
                          ABEL
           The result is never in question for
           me. Just what path do I take to get
           there. And I have never questioned
           my path. There is always one that
           is most right. And that is what
           this is.
                         
           A.D.A. LAWRENCE
           I hope so.
                         
          They look at each other and then out over the city.
                         
                         
                         
                          THE END
                          





A Most Violent Year
Writers :   J.C. Chandor
Genres :   Action  Crime  Drama
User Comments