BOUND SCRIPT
by
Larry and Andy Wachowski
FIRST DRAFT
September 28, 1994
FADE IN:
Inside a closet.
It is a large closet with double doors, a crisp line of
light cutting down through the center of the darkness.
As we begin to descend, we hear a man's stern voice.
MAN (V.O.)
I know your type. Your type is
dangerous.
We move past a shelf filled with hat boxes and hand bags.
It is a woman's closet.
MAN (V.O.)
You know how to act, how to pretend
but all the time you're waiting,
just waiting.
We glide over the tightly packed hangers, close enough to
feel the different fabrics and descend past the dresses to
the racks of high heels.
MAN (V.O.)
I've told you before that there is
no such thing as an ex-con like
there is no such thing as an ex-
alcoholic.
We slide along the delicate taper of a stiletto heel and
reach the bottom of the closet where we find a pair of
black Doc Marten boots that are tied together with a
white rope.
MAN (V.O.)
There are those who stay on the
wagon, those who fall off the wagon
and those who jump.
We move up the boots and we see it is a woman that is
bound, lying motionless on the floor of the closet, the
rope coiling tightly around her wrists.
MAN (V.O.)
You? You're a jumper.
The crack at the bottom of the door lights her face. She
is gagged and unconscious, a trickle of blood running down
her forehead. Her name is Corky.
MAN (V.O.)
Are you listening to me?
CUT TO:
INT. PAROLE OFFICE
It is a small cramped office, manila folders piled
everywhere.
OFFICER
You had better listen to me.
At the desk is a large man with a serious expression on
his face as he lectures. A patch on the shoulder of his
uniform reads, "PROBATION OFFICER".
CORKY
I'm listening.
Sitting across from him who we now see in full light, is
Corky, a very butch looking woman with short hair and a
black leather jacket. She is a lesbian and she wants
people to know it.
OFFICER
Bullshit. Your kind never listens.
I've seen that same look in a
hundred different eyes. Every one
of them looking for the same thing,
dreaming about that perfect score.
Corky looks down, examining her fingernails.
OFFICER
I can tell you right now what's
going to happen. Something will
come along. It always does and it
will be irresistible. Like a wet
dream.
An office slogan behind her reads, "Play It Straight!"
OFFICER
It will hurt you day and night and
tie you in knots. You'll figure it
a thousand ways and when you think
you know it inside and out you will
jump.
She does not look at him, but she hears what he says.
OFFICER
If you hear one thing in this
office, hear this: no matter how
smart you are, no matter how
careful you are, you will fuck up.
Corky looks up and eyes the man.
OFFICER
And when you do get caught --
INT. ELEVATOR
Corky is standing against the back of the elevator as the
doors begin to close.
OFFICER (V.O.)
This time it will be life.
The doors begin to slide shut when a woman yells.
WOMAN
Wait! Hold the elevator.
Corky pushes the "open" button. A couple steps into the
elevator.
His name is Ceasar, a middle-aged Italian, wearing an
expensive suit and sunglasses.
She is Violet; a piece of sexual candy that would melt in
your mouth.
From her tight dress to her high heels, she is on the
surface, the exact opposite of Corky.
Violet smiles at her.
VIOLET
Thank you.
In his own world, Ceasar does not even see Corky.
As the elevator begins to rise, Violet catches Corky
admiring the curve of her dress.
Corky does not look away, instead she stares straight into
Violet's eyes.
Violet stares back, a faint smile on her painted lips. It
is awkward at first, the tension between them escalating.
The doors "ding" and glide open.
Violet slowly turns and steps into the hall just behind
Ceasar.
Corky follows them down the hall.
INT. HALL
They reach the door at the end of the hall. Ceasar opens
it and enters. Just before Violet steps inside, she peeks
over her shoulder and sees --
Corky look away.
Violet smiles and steps inside.
Corky checks the room numbers, stopping in front of the
apartment next to the one Violet and Ceasar entered.
She slides the key in and opens the door.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
It is later. All of Corky's tools are gathered in the
middle of the living room.
The apartment is cavernous and looks like someone recently
moved out: cracks in the wall, picture hooks, hangers,
and other discarded junk.
Corky is on the phone.
CORKY
I looked over everything sir, and I
don't think there will be any
problems... yes, I checked the tub
and I'm pretty sure I can rod it
out.
She suddenly turns when she hears something that sounds
like a man moan.
CORKY
Yeah, I ordered the vanity. And you
want latex eggshell on the walls,
right?
She looks at the blank white wall separating this
apartment from Ceasar's apartment.
CORKY
All right, sure. I'm going to start
first thing in the morning.
She hears it again, a guttural sound.
CORKY
Thanks again for this opportunity,
Mr. Bianchinni. Goodbye.
She hangs up the phone and walks toward the wall.
As she gets closer, we hear a bed rocking, tapping against
the wall.
The man's breathing grows more and more labored until
finally it swells --
DISSOLVING INTO:
INT. BATHROOM - MORNING
The whining motor of a high powered drain-rod.
The spiral cable whips wildly, spiraling deeper into the
tub drain, black goo splattering everywhere.
The machine is so loud Corky almost cannot hear someone
pounding on the apartment door.
Killing the motor, she stands and goes to the door.
Behind the door is Violet, wearing jeans, a white T-shirt
and cowboy boots.
VIOLET
Hi. My name is Violet. We sort of
met in the elevator --
CORKY
Yeah, sure. I'm Corky.
VIOLET
I heard you working in here and I
just wondered if you'd like a cup of
coffee?
She is holding two cups of coffee: one black, one with
cream.
CORKY
Sure. Come on in. Give me a minute.
Violet steps inside as Corky goes back to the bathroom to
wash off the drain dreck.
VIOLET
What happened to Rajeev?
Corky calls from the bathroom, scrubbing her hands
vigorously.
CORKY
Who?
VIOLET
Rajeev, the man who usually works on
the building.
CORKY
Oh, he went home to India, but as
far as I know he'll be back.
She wipes her hands on her overalls, returning to the main
room.
VIOLET
So this is temporary for you?
CORKY
Pretty much. One day at a time.
Violet hands her the cup of black coffee.
VIOLET
I guessed you were straight black.
CORKY
Good guess.
They both sip from the piping hot mugs.
CORKY
Mmmm... thanks, I needed this.
VIOLET
My pleasure... but to be honest, I
did have a slightly ulterior motive
here. I was wondering if I could
ask a small favor?
CORKY
A favor?
VIOLET
Yeah, see, I'm kind of a night
person, so I was wondering if it
wasn't a terrible inconvenience if
you could wait a bit before using
power tools.
CORKY
Oh, I'm sorry --
VIOLET
No, it isn't your fault. The walls
here are just so thin.
CORKY
Are they really?
VIOLET
Yes, it really causes problems.
Sometimes it's like you're in the
same room. But if it's too much
trouble, I understand...
CORKY
No, no trouble. There's other work
to do.
VIOLET
You're doing everything yourself?
CORKY
Yeah.
VIOLET
That is so amazing. I'm in awe of
people who can fix things. My dad
was like that. We never had
anything new. Whenever something
broke he would open it up, tinker
with it and it would work. His
hands were magic.
She looks at Corky's hands cupped around the mug.
VIOLET
Yeah... I bet your car is twenty
years old.
Corky smiles.
CORKY
Truck.
VIOLET
Truck. Of course.
CORKY
'74 Chevy.
VIOLET
I knew it.
Violet sips.
VIOLET
So, how do you know the owner, Mr.
Bianchinni?
CORKY
I don't, really. I was referred to
him.
VIOLET
Oh, really.
Corky suddenly feels she has revealed something.
CORKY
Do you know him?
VIOLET
No, but Ceasar does. He likes him.
Says he's a good Italian.
CORKY
Ceasar is your husband?
VIOLET
Oh no, no. I'm not the marrying
kind.
Smiling, she says nothing else.
VIOLET
I should be going. You can drop the
cup off anytime.
CORKY
Thanks.
VIOLET
My pleasure.
Corky watches her leave.
EXT. THE WATERING HOLE - NIGHT
A dirty bar hidden away on a dark street, its cracked,
moon white sign the only evidence it exists.
A couple of large motorcycles are parked in front.
INT. THE WATERING HOLE - NIGHT
The smell of leather and cigarette smoke fills Corky's
nose as she crosses to the bar.
BARTENDER
Well, well...
Corky sits as the fat bartender waddles over.
BARTENDER
Been awhile, Cork.
CORKY
Five years, two months, sixteen
days. How you doing, Sue?
Corky puts a cigarette in her mouth and lights it.
SUE
Like shit. Now that we're all
caught up, how about a drink?
Sue opens the refrigerator and pulls out two Old Styles.
CORKY
Thanks.
They click the bottles together and drink.
SUE
You got a job yet?
CORKY
Yeah. Some plumbing, painting and
shit.
Sue laughs.
SUE
I mean a J-O-B. A real job.
CORKY
Not for me, Sue. I'm straight and
narrow. I'm just here to get laid
or drunk and hopefully both.
Corky gets off the stool.
CORKY
Thanks for the beer.
Looking around, she sees a woman alone at one of the back
tables. Through the smoky din, she bears a slight
resemblance to Violet.
The woman is dressed all in black, including a leather
jacket.
Smiling, Corky slides into the chair beside her. There is
no one smoother.
CORKY
Hi.
WOMAN
Hello.
CORKY
You know... that outfit would look
great on my bedroom floor.
The woman smiles just as someone taps Corky on the
shoulder.
She turns and is face to face with a large bull of a woman
in a heavy leather Chicago Police jacket. She is more
wide than fat.
WOMAN COP
Hey, Jesse. What's happening here?
CORKY
Nothing... yet.
WOMAN COP
Who's this?
Her coat opens as she puts her hands on her hips. A
service revolver is clipped to her belt.
She squints at Corky, her head nodding in recognition.
WOMAN COP
Wait, I know you.
CORKY
I don't think so.
WOMAN COP
I didn't know you were out.
Corky smiles at the woman in black.
CORKY
When you get tired of Cagney and
Lacey, come find me.
She heads for the exit.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
The neighborhood would be politely described as "rough."
Corky parks her truck and gets out.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
It is a hole but it is home.
Corky is lying on her futon staring up at the ceiling, a
beer resting on her stomach; a folk singer quietly croons
from the radio.
We see the ceiling, a circle of light hovering over the
small desk lamp. We move in on the spot, which slowly
fills up the screen until there is nothing but the white
light.
Suddenly a wet paint roller loaded with white paint cuts a
swath across the ceiling.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky is painting the ceiling. The folk ballad has become
an angry Riot Grrrl anthem.
She is working hard, the roller sucking back and forth.
Sweat covers her face.
Dropping the roller down, she reloads it in the tray when
the phone rings. She stops and answers it.
CORKY
Hello? Oh, hi, Mr. Bianchinni...
yes, everything is going fine. I
got the tub drain all cleaned out.
She listens for a moment.
CORKY
What apartment?
She glances at the main wall.
CORKY
All right, all right, I guess I
could take a look. Yeah, you're
welcome, goodbye.
She hangs up and looks again at the wall, feeling...
curious.
INT. HALL
Corky knocks and after a moment Violet opens the door.
She seems surprised.
VIOLET
Oh no. Shit. I didn't know he
would call you. God, you must think
I'm a total nuisance.
CORKY
Not exactly.
VIOLET
I'm sorry, I usually would call
Rajeev, but I didn't know what to do
so I called Mr. Bianchinni.
CORKY
He said you lost something.
VIOLET
Yeah, come on in.
She steps back and Corky walks inside.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Violet leads her through the apartment. It is expensively
furnished with very masculine tastes; a lot of gray and
black leather.
VIOLET
I was doing some dishes and just as
I pulled the stopper my earring fell
in.
Corky looks at her blankly.
VIOLET
It's one of my favorites. That's
why I got upset. I know it
probably seems ridiculous to you.
An eyebrow goes up.
VIOLET
I'm sorry, look, forget it. I
shouldn't have called...
CORKY
I told Bianchinni I would take a
look. Is it that sink?
Violet nods.
She opens the sink cabinet and pulls out a pair of channel
locks from her back pocket. The teeth of the channel
locks open and bite onto the pressure nut.
CORKY
Do you have a pot or a bucket?
VIOLET
Sure.
She hands one down to her. Corky slides it under the
curved pipe.
As she works, Corky feels herself staring at Violet, at
the hem of her dress curving tightly around her thighs.
Water begins to trickle into the pan.
The nut slides loose and Corky tips the trap. Water
splashes into the pan with a soft metal "tink".
VIOLET
Did you find it?
Corky fishes into gray water and pulls out the earring.
Violet screams, a huge smile on her face, half falling as
she tries to hug Corky.
VIOLET
I can't believe it! You did it!
Corky leans back under and replaces the trap.
VIOLET
Thank you so much. You have to
let me pay you something --
CORKY
No. Mr. Bianchinni asked me to do
it. I did it.
Corky checks the drain by running the water.
VIOLET
If you won't take money, how about a
drink? It's getting late. You
can't work all night.
Corky eyes her for a moment.
CORKY
Okay, one drink.
VIOLET
What do you want?
CORKY
A beer?
VIOLET
A beer. Of course.
She smiles and turns to the bar.
VIOLET
Sit down.
Corky sits on the black leather couch and Violet returns
with two bottles of Heineken. Corky sneers.
VIOLET
Thanks again.
They clink the bottles and swig.
VIOLET
You seem uncomfortable. Do I make
you nervous, Corky?
CORKY
No.
She looks at Violet, then takes another long pull on the
bottle.
VIOLET
Thirsty, maybe.
Violet smiles, her eyes again talking for her.
CORKY
Curious, maybe.
VIOLET
Curious? That's funny, I'm feeling
a bit curious myself right now.
Violet notices the tattoo on Corky's arm.
VIOLET
That's a great tattoo.
She reaches over and touches it.
VIOLET
Beautiful labrys.
Corky is a bit surprised that she knows what it is. She
nods, rubbing it as if trying to hide it.
VIOLET
Are you surprised that I know what
it is?
CORKY
Maybe.
VIOLET
I have a tattoo, would you like to
see it?
She moves closer, sliding over the leather cushions as she
opens the front of her dress.
VIOLET
A woman in upstate New York did it
for me.
She is not wearing a bra.
VIOLET
Here. Do you like it?
Set against the soft white skin of her breast is a bright
green stemmed violet.
VIOLET
It took her all day to do it. She
promised me it wouldn't hurt, but it
was sore for a long time after. I
couldn't even touch it.
Corky looks up from Violet's breast to her dark eyes.
VIOLET
But now I love the way it feels.
She runs her fingers softly over the slightly scarred
skin.
VIOLET
Here, touch it.
Corky feels the blood pounding in her ears as Violet takes
her hand and places it on her breast.
CORKY
What are you doing?
Violet looks at her.
VIOLET
Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to
seduce you.
CORKY
Why?
VIOLET
Because I want to. I've wanted to
since I first saw you in the
elevator.
Corky watches her, trying to figure her out even as her
thumb presses into Violet's nipple.
Inhaling sharply, Violet's eyes close, she can feel
Corky staring at her.
VIOLET
You don't believe me. But I can
prove it to you.
She takes Corky's wrist and begins pulling her hand down
her body.
VIOLET
You can't believe me because of what
you see...
She forces Corky's hand between her legs, up under her
dress.
VIOLET
But you can believe what you feel.
Violet opens her eyes, a wanton smile on her lips.
VIOLET
You see... I've been thinking about
you all day.
Corky's forearm flexes and Violet moans.
With both hands, Violet takes hold of Corky's forearm.
CORKY
You planned this whole thing?
Violet's head swims; she is unable to breathe.
CORKY
You dropped that earring down the
drain on purpose, didn't you?
VIOLET
If I say yes, will you take your
hand away?
CORKY
No.
VIOLET
... yes.
Now it is Corky who smiles.
Violet shivers, her thighs rubbing, her hips thrusting
against Corky's hand.
VIOLET
Please, Corky... please...
Her eyes barely open.
VIOLET
... kiss me.
In a single motion, Corky takes hold of the back of her
neck and covers Violet's open mouth with her own.
With her hand still stuffed between Violet's legs, Corky
lays her back onto the couch as the kiss becomes more --
More desperate, more hungry until --
We hear the front door unlock and open.
CEASAR
Violet?
Violet's eyes pop open and she pushes Corky back.
CEASAR
Violet, you home?
They scramble to compose themselves.
VIOLET
Yeah. In here, C.
He comes around the corner and in the dim light sees the
two figures sitting close on the couch.
CEASAR
What's this?
He mistakes Corky for a man.
CEASAR
What the fuck is this?
Violet stands as Ceasar barrels towards the couch.
VIOLET
I didn't expect --
CEASAR
What the fuck is going on?
Corky stands and turns, Ceasar suddenly realizing that she
is a woman.
CEASAR
Oh, shit...
VIOLET
Ceasar, this is Corky. Corky,
Ceasar.
CEASAR
I'm sorry, Christ, I thought... it's
fucking dark in here.
He reaches to the wall for the lights.
VIOLET
She is working for Bianchinni.
Ceasar extends his hand.
CEASAR
Oh, right, right. Don mentioned
that to me. Hi, welcome to the
family.
Corky shakes his hand.
CEASAR
You're helping Rajeev?
CORKY
No. Rajeev's in India.
VIOLET
She's doing the work herself.
CEASAR
No shit. Bianchinni hired you?
You know he's a good friend of mine.
Family, really.
CORKY
That's what Violet said.
He looks at her as if he knows something.
CEASAR
So, you just got out?
VIOLET
Jesus, Ceasar!
CEASAR
What? It ain't no big fuckin' deal.
I know who Don hires. Did you know
he did time himself?
Corky shakes her head.
CEASAR
Thirteen fucking years. See, there
ain't no secrets here.
Corky doesn't like this man.
CEASAR
How many you'd do?
CORKY
Five.
He whistles.
CEASAR
Not bad. What for?
VIOLET
That's none of your goddamn business
Ceasar.
CEASAR
You're right. You don't have to
tell me, if you don't want to. I
just hope you understand you're
among good people here.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick fold of
money and peels several hundreds. Corky stares at it.
CEASAR
Come on, come on. If you understand
what I'm talking about you're going
to take the money. If you don't,
I'm going to have to worry about you.
Corky takes it. Ceasar smiles.
CEASAR
Good. I hate to worry. I got
ulcers.
CORKY
I should be going.
CEASAR
What? How about a drink?
CORKY
My brushes, I have to clean my
brushes. Thanks though.
CEASAR
Another time.
CORKY
Sure.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Close on the paintbrush, Corky's fingers pushing through
and separating the black bristles under the running water.
When the brush is clean, she flicks it dry and resets the
edge.
She goes to the sink to wash her hands when she stops,
noticing her left hand.
It is the hand that was between Violet's legs.
She is about to smell her finger when she sees herself in
the mirror.
CORKY
What are you doing?
She drops her hand.
CORKY
What am I doing? I'm fucking up,
that's what I'm doing.
She scrubs her hands clean.
EXT. PARKING LOT
It is late, the area burnished with amber street light.
Corky walks from the building to her truck.
She climbs inside and slides the key into the ignition
when suddenly the passenger door opens and --
Violet gets in. Stunned, Corky stares at her.
VIOLET
I had to see you.
CORKY
Look, I don't think this is a good
idea.
VIOLET
I wanted to apologize.
CORKY
Don't apologize, please. I can't
stand women who apologize for
wanting sex.
Violet smiles.
VIOLET
I'm not apologizing for what I
did --
She slides across the seat.
VIOLET
I'm apologizing for what I didn't
do.
She kisses Corky, and if Corky is trying to resist, we
can't tell.
The windshield is beginning to steam when Violet, panting,
breaks the kiss.
VIOLET
Do you have a bed somewhere?
Unable to speak, Corky reaches over and starts the engine.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
The sex.
There is nothing flower-scented or out-of-focus about it.
It is sweaty, slippery, body-grinding, bed-squeaking
lesbian sex --
Pungent and potent --
And when it is over, neither woman can move.
Finally, Corky's eyes flutter open.
CORKY
I can see again.
Violet smiles.
Slowly, Corky gets up and goes to the fridge. She grabs a
beer and presses it to her sweating forehead.
After a moment, she lowers it, gently pressing the cold
can elsewhere. Eyes closed, she lets out a long "ahh".
Violet hears the sizzle-pop of the beer as Corky returns
to the bed.
She holds the beer to Violet's lips and tilts the can,
watching Violet's throat as she drinks.
Violet's eyes open.
VIOLET
... I needed that.
CORKY
Tell me about it.
Corky hands her the beer as Violet sits up a bit.
CORKY
Ceasar's Mafia, isn't he?
VIOLET
You have to ask?
CORKY
No.
VIOLET
Funny, nobody calls it that anymore.
Ceasar calls it "The Business".
CORKY
How did you meet him?
VIOLET
They took over a club I was working
at. Ceasar started managing it.
CORKY
He's a launderer?
VIOLET
Basically.
CORKY
How long have you been with him?
VIOLET
Almost five years.
CORKY
Five years is a long time.
VIOLET
Yes it is.
Corky stares at her beer. She knows what Violet is
thinking.
CORKY
The re-distribution of wealth.
VIOLET
What?
CORKY
Isn't that what you wanted to know?
What I did time for?
VIOLET
The re-distribution of wealth?
CORKY
That's what I tell someone when I'm
trying to get them in my bed.
VIOLET
I'm already in your bed.
CORKY
My cellmate would say she did her
time for getting caught. She was
always more honest than me.
Corky sips her beer.
CORKY
I started stealing when I was little.
We were piss poor, which is not an
excuse, just a fact.
It isn't like her to talk about this, especially with
someone she just met.
CORKY
The first time I remember so vividly.
A bunch of us kids were at Waxman's
Drugstore, when Mr. Waxman, who was
a mean old prick, always worrying
about us robbing him, dropped a roll
of quarters.
We can almost hear the coins tinkling on the tile floor.
CORKY
I can still hear that sound, those
quarters, because right then
something clicked inside of me.
Some instinct took over and as
everyone, including Waxman, dove
down, I reached up and emptied the
cash register.
Violet smiles. She likes this woman.
CORKY
I gave most of the money to my mom.
I told her I found it at the
train yard. She was so happy she
cried, calling me her lucky charm.
Fifteen years later, I guess my luck
ran out.
She swallows that with beer.
CORKY
Sometimes I tell myself that I
didn't have a choice, that stealing
was surviving. Usually I can admit
that's bullshit. I did it because
it was a way out. It was easy and I
was good at it, real good.
She glances at Violet.
CORKY
I don't usually talk this much. I
guess I have been rehabilitated.
Violet laughs.
VIOLET
You didn't have to tell me if you
didn't want to.
CORKY
I guess I wanted to.
VIOLET
I'm glad you did.
CORKY
So am I.
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
Corky gets out of her truck carrying her tools. Grinning
like someone who has been well-laid, she whistles off to
work.
INT. LOBBY
Between the main doors she sees a man. His name is Shelly
and he is an over-dressed accountant.
He is very nervous, talking to someone through the
intercom.
Shelly
I know he's gone. Please. I have
to talk to you.
Fiddling with her keys, Corky recognizes the voice that
answers him.
VIOLET (V.O.)
What do you want, Shelly?
Shelly glances over his shoulder at Corky, answering in a
hushed voice.
Shelly
I have to leave. Tonight.
For a moment the intercom is silent. Then the door buzzes
and Shelly pushes inside. Corky follows him to the
elevator.
INT. ELEVATOR
Corky stares at Shelly like she is considering beating the
crap out of him. She isn't sure why but she knows it
would make her feel better.
Shelly hides behind his sunglasses watching the elevator
numbers go up. The doors open and he scurries out.
INT. HALL
She watches him enter Ceasar's apartment, her smile now
completely gone.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
It is later. Through the wall we listen to the same sound
as before of two people making love. We drop down and
find Corky's brush, still wet with paint, abandoned in her
tray.
INT. BEDROOM
Her face glistening with sweat, Violet climaxes, letting
the orgasm spread through her like melting butter.
VIOLET
I had this image of you, inside of
me...
She flattens her palms against the soft cradle of her
pelvis.
VIOLET
Like a part of me...
As she opens her eyes, we see that her lover is Corky.
Violet watches as she gets off the bed and begins to get
dressed.
VIOLET
You are so beautiful.
Corky does not answer as she yanks her pants on. Violet
sits up. She can feel that something is wrong.
VIOLET
What's wrong?
CORKY
Nothing.
Violet pulls the sheet around her.
VIOLET
Yes there is. I felt it this
morning when I brought you the
coffee.
CORKY
Shit, here we go.
VIOLET
You didn't want to see me, did you?
CORKY
If there is one thing I can't stand
about sleeping with women, it's all
the fucking mind reading.
VIOLET
What are you afraid of?
CORKY
I'm not afraid of anything.
VIOLET
I don't understand --
CORKY
I know! You can't understand,
because we're different, Violet.
We're different.
VIOLET
We're not that different Corky.
CORKY
How can you sit in that bed and say
that?
VIOLET
Because it's the truth.
CORKY
Let me guess. This is where you
tell me that what matters is on the
inside. That inside you, there is a
little dyke just like me?
VIOLET
Oh no, she's nothing like you.
She's a lot smarter than you.
CORKY
Is that what her daddy tells her?
VIOLET
I know what I am. I don't need to
have it tattooed on my shoulder.
CORKY
What are you saying? That you don't
have sex with men?
VIOLET
I don't.
CORKY
For Christ's sake, Violet! I heard
you! Thin walls, remember?
VIOLET
What you heard wasn't sex.
CORKY
What the fuck was it?
VIOLET
All my life, everyone has been
telling me that when I have sex, I'm
not really having sex. Not real sex.
But they're wrong. I know what is
and isn't sex and what you heard was
definitely not sex.
CORKY
What was it then?
VIOLET
Work.
That knocks Corky back.
VIOLET
You made certain choices in your
life that you paid for. You said
you made them because you were good
at something and it was easy. Do
you think you're the only one that's
good at something?
Violet's stare pins Corky to the wall.
VIOLET
We make our own choices and we pay
our own prices. I think we're more
alike than you want to admit.
CORKY
What about that guy this morning?
VIOLET
You mean Shelly?
CORKY
Don't tell me, you're a workaholic.
VIOLET
No. Shelly knows what I am. He saw
me in a bar with another woman.
CORKY
I suppose he just wants to watch.
That's all Violet can take.
VIOLET
Fuck it! I think you better leave.
CORKY
I think so too.
Violet turns away.
VIOLET
Try not to steal anything on the way
out.
That stings but Corky walks out without looking back.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
It is dark now. Corky is standing above the paint tray
that has skinned over. She picks up the brush. It is dry
with paint.
CORKY
Shit.
She throws the brush across the room.
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
The rusty Chevy glides to a stop in a parking space near
the service entrance. In its payload is a boxed bathroom
vanity and sink.
Corky climbs out of the cab and into the back, unhooking
the bungy cords that hold down the boxes.
She looks up as a black Lincoln Town Car screeches into a
spot not far from her truck. Three serious looking men
get out, leading a fourth, Shelly.
He is the only one who seems to notice Corky.
They enter the building, the door closing behind them.
INT. BATHROOM
Corky's legs jut out from the old wicker vanity as she
finishes detaching its anchors and pipe work.
She stands giving it a yank and pulling it away from the
wall when voices begin to filter in from the next door
apartment.
She listens, a rising string of warbling sobs drowned
out by an angry voice.
ANGRY VOICE
Shut the fuck up! You piece of
shit!
We hear a scream.
ANGRY VOICE
You're going to tell us! You're
going to fuckin' tell us! just a
matter of fuckin' time!
Each sentence is punctuated with grunts and thuds.
ANGRY VOICE
Where is it? Where the fuck is it?!
We begin to close in on Corky as she listens to each thud,
watching something that disturbs her.
ANGRY VOICE
You shit! You piece of shit!
With each thud the water in the toilet shimmers like a
struck cymbal. As we move closer, the sound swells
until --
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. CEASAR'S BATHROOM
Where blood splatters the toilet, heavy drops hitting the
water and spreading like inverted mushroom clouds.
ANGRY VOICE
Did that hurt? News flash, fucko:
I'm just getting started.
The angry voice belongs to Johnnie Marconi. Shelly is
kneeling in front of the toilet, hands tied behind his
back with electrical wire.
Johnnie Marconi is a flashy young man in Armani slacks,
silk shirt and silver-tipped cowboy boots. His tie is
tucked in as if torture were a fine dining experience.
Ceasar and two other men are crammed in the small
bathroom.
JOHNNIE
You got nerve trying to fuck us!
Nobody fucks me! Nobody fucks my
father! Nobody! Nobody!
Shelly screams as Johnnie repeatedly rams his face into
the toilet.
CEASAR
Whoa, whoa. Come on, he's making
too much noise.
JOHNNIE
You hear that, bitch? Be quiet!
CEASAR
Here, put this in his mouth.
Ceasar hands a towel to Johnnie, who stuffs it into
Shelly's mouth.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Like Corky, Violet can hear the beating. She is trying to
block it out but cannot.
Standing at the bar, she runs the blender, grinding ice
cubes, trying to drown out the sounds of the bathroom.
The bathroom door opens.
JOHNNIE
Prick! I can go all night! All
night!
Ceasar steps out, shutting the door, masking the sounds
behind him. Violet moves towards him.
VIOLET
Ceasar, I'm leaving.
CEASAR
What? Oh come on, I didn't use one
of the good towels.
The door opens again as someone else steps out.
VIOLET
Ceasar, I'm serious. This is too
much. I have to get out of here.
CEASAR
Why? 'Cause you know him?
She nods.
CEASAR
You women are so fucking sensitive.
He takes hold of her.
CEASAR
But I don't want you to go. I like
you here. You know this isn't easy
for me either.
He embraces her. Over his shoulder she sees Mickey
Malnati in the hallway, staring at her.
He is an older man, hair graying, built like a fire plug.
Sinewy mass strains at his Brooks Brothers' suit.
CEASAR
Now, why don't you go watch some TV
or something?
MICKEY
Are you okay, Violet?
CEASAR
Mickey, why is Johnnie here? You
know how I feel about that fucking
psycho.
Mickey continues to stare at Violet, who looks up at him
with her big, doe eyes.
MICKEY
Ceasar, didn't I tell you to get
something?
CEASAR
Sure, Mickey. Sure.
He goes to the kitchen.
Mickey moves closer to Violet, lifting her chin the way a
father would do to his little girl.
MICKEY
You shouldn't have to see this. Why
don't you get out of here? Go for a
walk.
VIOLET
Ceasar wants me to stay.
MICKEY
Don't worry about Ceasar. I'll
handle Ceasar. You just get out of
here, okay?
She smiles.
VIOLET
Thanks, Mickey.
Ceasar returns from the kitchen. He is holding a pair of
tin snips. Mickey takes them.
MICKEY
Thanks, C. Now let's end this thing.
Violet watches them return to the bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
Mickey takes off his coat and hands it to a large man
named Lou. He slaps Johnnie on the back.
MICKEY
Hey, Johnnie, ease up, okay.
Johnnie hits Shelly once more.
JOHNNIE
Prick.
Mickey kneels down next to Shelly's ear and motions to
Lou who lifts Shelly's bound arms, holding his hand over
the toilet bowl.
MICKEY
Shelly, I'm going to ask you ten
times. You understand? Ten times.
Mickey grabs Shelly's pinkie finger, putting it between
the metal blades.
MICKEY
One. Where is our money?
Shelly whimpers, red-faced and sobbing.
There is a sick crunch and Shelly howls into his gag. His
severed finger plunks into the toilet and floats to the
bottom.
INT. BATHROOM
Corky can't stand it anymore. She throws her tools down,
leaves the bathroom and finds --
Violet waiting in the main room. Both women stand apart
in silence.
Violet seems on the verge of saying something but doesn't
know how to start. Her lip begins to quiver, her eyes
search the room returning to Corky each time.
The violence in the next room can still be heard.
CORKY
Violet? Are you all right?
Almost unnoticeably, Violet shakes her bead. Corky puts
her arm around her.
CORKY
Come on. Let's go.
EXT. BAR
An upscale bar in the same neighborhood.
INT. BAR
It is the kind of bar businessmen drink at in the
afternoon. Dark wood and padded leather.
Corky and Violet, the only women in the room, sit close
together at a far corner table.
Violet's voice is hushed.
VIOLET
Shelly was skimming from the
business. He came to see me
yesterday because he was afraid
Ceasar figured it out. He wanted to
run but he wanted me to come with
him.
CORKY
Even though he knew about you?
VIOLET
Yes.
CORKY
He was in love with you, right?
VIOLET
That's what he told himself. But it
wasn't even about me, it was about
Ceasar. He wanted what Ceasar had.
That's how they are. I understand
them.
She glances around the room; a man at the bar smiles at
her.
VIOLET
For Shelly, taking the money was a
way to take from Ceasar. He could
have run at any time, but he didn't
because he didn't want out.
CORKY
Sounds like he wanted to get caught.
VIOLET
Maybe he did. He would brag to me
all the time. He was never afraid
of Ceasar because he didn't know him.
Not like I do.
Two men sit down near them, laughing.
VIOLET
Ceasar lives for these moments. He
tells me it's just the business but
I know it's more than that. He
likes it. The violence. I'll catch
him in the bathroom mirror touching
his scars. He says they remind him
who he his. They're all like that.
Except maybe Mickey.
CORKY
Mickey?
VIOLET
He's the part of the business that
the rest of them pretend to be. But
Mickey doesn't like it like they do.
I suppose that's why he's good at it.
Violet stares at her glass, at the melting ice.
VIOLET
I used to be able to block it out.
I would tell myself that I wasn't
really there so nothing really
mattered. But I can't do it anymore.
She downs the last of her drink.
VIOLET
I've been making the same mistake
Shelly made. But now I know what I
want.
She turns to Corky.
VIOLET
I want out. I want a new life. I
see what I've been waiting for, but
I need you, Corky.
CORKY
For what?
VIOLET
You made a choice once. Do you
think you would make that same
choice again?
CORKY
What choice?
VIOLET
If those quarters fell to the floor,
would you still reach up to that
cash register?
Corky stares at her, knowing where this is going. She
glances around the crowded bar.
CORKY
Not here.
We glide past a sign on a door that reads, "Women's Room".
INT. WOMEN'S ROOM
We move over the top of the far stall and find Corky and
Violet.
VIOLET
Ceasar is going to get the money and
bring --
CORKY
How much money?
VIOLET
Shelly said it was over two million
dollars.
Corky quietly swallows that pill.
VIOLET
Ceasar will bring it to the
apartment to count and go through
Shelly's books to figure out how he
did it.
CORKY
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Do
you have any idea what you are
saying? You are asking me to help
you fuck the mob.
Violet nods.
CORKY
These people are serious, Violet.
If you want to know how serious, ask
Shelly. They're worse than any cop
because they have lots of money and
no rules. You fuck them, you've got
to do it right.
VIOLET
That's why I need your help. You
said you were good.
CORKY
I am, but...
She knows Violet is challenging her.
CORKY
All right, let's say for the moment
that I believe everything you are
saying.
VIOLET
You think I'm lying?
CORKY
I didn't say that, but since you
did, let's say that you are. It
would have been easy to set Shelly
up. You could have got him killed
knowing that Ceasar would bring the
money to the apartment.
Violet stares, her face poker-blank.
CORKY
All you would need to keep yourself
clean would be someone unconnected,
someone like me.
VIOLET
Is that what you think?
CORKY
I'm just making a point. You have
no idea what you're asking. How
much trust two people need to do
something like this.
She moves closer to Violet.
CORKY
For me, stealing is a lot like sex.
Two people that want the same thing
sit in a room and they talk, they
start to plan and it's like
flirting, a kind of foreplay,
because the more they talk about it,
the wetter they get.
She stops.
CORKY
The difference is, I can have sex
with someone I just met, someone I
hardly know, but to steal I need to
know someone like I know myself.
VIOLET
Do you think you know me like that?
CORKY
I think...
They are close enough to kiss.
CORKY
We're going to find out.
Corky pulls back.
CORKY
But first, I want to see this money.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Violet springs from the couch as the front door crashes
open, Ceasar charging in. He is doubled over clutching
something to his stomach.
He rushes to the kitchen dumping a bloody bundle into the
double sink. There is blood everywhere, smeared up and
down Ceasar's front.
VIOLET
Oh my god...
Violet takes a step toward him unsure of what has
happened.
CEASAR
Don't worry. It ain't mine.
He pulls a bottle of whiskey and a glass from the
cupboard.
VIOLET
Ceasar, what happened?
CEASAR
It was unbelievable! Un-fucking-
believable!
He pours himself a shot belting it back.
CEASAR
Goddamnit, look at this shirt! It's
ruined!
He begins unbuttoning the bloody shirt.
CEASAR
It started when Shelly took us to
the money. I tell you, Mickey
Malnati knows his shit, he does.
Shelly takes us right there.
He throws down another shot.
CEASAR
So Shelly's down on his knees and
he's pulling out this bag of money
from a safe in the floor and I'm
staring at it like "holy fuck!" I
mean look at it --
He tears open the bloody bag, wet money bricks spilling
out.
CEASAR
And all I can think is how the fuck
did he do this when -- Bang!
Johnnie caps him. Blood sprays
everywhere, all over the money.
We've no idea if this is even all
of it.
Ceasar is exasperated.
CEASAR
And right then I go through the roof
and -- Boom! I belt the dumb fuck
as hard as I can. I didn't care
who's son he was I just wanted to
hit him again. Knock some sense
into that dumb son of a bitch.
He looks at the pile of bloody money.
CEASAR
Just look at this mess I got to deal
with.
VIOLET
What are you going to do with it?
CEASAR
I told them to run it through the
cycles. But I guess Gino has plans
for it because he's coming here
tomorrow night to pick this shit up.
Searching through a sink cabinet, he can't find what he
needs.
CEASAR
Where the hell's the laundry
detergent?
VIOLET
Ummm... in the linen closet.
Ceasar walks down the ball to the bathroom. Violet's eyes
do not move from the pile of money.
Corky seems to come from nowhere. She whispers.
CORKY
Come to my place in the morning.
Early, okay?
Violet nods.
INT. CLOSET
Corky's hands twitch, and then flex against the ropes that
bind them.
A reflex echoes through her body, muscles spasm and limbs
jerk against their bonds.
As if in a dream, she struggles trying to get free,
fighting toward the edge of consciousness until --
She seems to succumb, slipping back into stillness.
We move toward her face, her closed eyes as we again hear
the voices in her head.
VIOLET (V.O.)
You're having second thoughts.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT - DAY
Violet is on the bed, Corky at the window.
CORKY
... no.
She turns to Violet.
CORKY
You said he washed the money?
VIOLET
Yeah.
CORKY
Then what? Exactly.
VIOLET
He hung it up.
CORKY
What?
VIOLET
To let it dry.
She begins to focus on the memory.
VIOLET
It was unreal...
Moving in on her face.
MATCH CUT TO:
Benjamin Franklin's face on a hundred dollar bill.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Franklin's face rotates as we pull back seeing rows of
bills carefully paper-clipped to lines of string.
VIOLET (V.O.)
Hundreds, paper-clipped everywhere
like leaves.
Eyes filled with green, Violet turns inside the laundry
lines of money until she sees Ceasar.
Wearing his undershirt, he is across the room standing at
the ironing board, ironing every single bill.
He seems to have one eye on her, one eye on his work.
VIOLET (V.O.)
Then one by one, he ironed all of
it.
He sprays starch across several bills and presses the
steaming iron to them.
CORKY (V.O.)
Did he sleep?
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Violet is in bed, unable to sleep, listening to the
machine-shuffle of Ceasar's bill counter.
VIOLET (V.O.)
No. But neither did I.
We move past her, floating toward the wall.
VIOLET (V.O.)
All night long I listened to that
sound.
INT. OFFICE
We drift across Ceasar's desk, past bricks of bound bills
as Ceasar folds the paper tape around another stack.
CORKY (V.O.)
What sound?
He hits the counter again and we hear the sound, now very
loud as hundreds blur by, fluttering beneath us.
VIOLET (V.O.)
The sound of money.
The sound rolls into thunder --
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
That seems to shake the apartment.
CORKY
And where is it now?
VIOLET
In his office. I saw it this
morning.
INT. OFFICE
Violet cautiously enters the office with a cup of coffee.
Working furiously at the computer, Ceasar jumps when he
sees her, bloodshot eyes animal wide.
He checks his watch as she sets the coffee in front of
him.
VIOLET
I need to go to the store.
He nods automatically, back in his work, as she sees the
briefcase filled with perfect rows of hundreds.
VIOLET (V.O.)
It's in a case, on his desk.
CORKY (V.O.)
Does the case lock?
We see the open top with its silver flip-over locks.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
Violet is trying to remember.
VIOLET
Yes.
CORKY
Good.
Corky begins to pace, ordering the information in her
head.
CORKY
All right, now, tell me about
Johnnie.
VIOLET
Johnnie?
CORKY
It sounded like he and Ceasar don't
like each other.
VIOLET
Like each other? They hate each
other.
CORKY
Why?
VIOLET
It started way before I was around.
I think basically it's because he
thinks Johnnie is a complete idiot.
But Johnnie runs Chicago because
Gino is his father.
CORKY
Who is Gino?
Violet suddenly feels that she has made a mistake.
VIOLET
Gino Marconi.
CORKY
Marconi? As in Angelo Marconi, head
of the Marconi family?
VIOLET
That's his brother.
CORKY
... shit.
Corky covers her mouth.
CORKY
Gino Marconi is coming tonight to
pick up the money?
VIOLET
Yeah.
CORKY
And Johnnie is his son, that's
Johnnie Marconi?
VIOLET
Yeah.
CORKY
Sweet Jesus.
Eyes wide, she paces, pulling at her lip, mumbling.
Suddenly she freezes as it clicks into place. She looks
at Violet.
CORKY
It's perfect.
She's pacing again.
CORKY
Gino Marconi is coming to your
apartment. It's a big deal, isn't
it? That means Ceasar will be
ready. He doesn't want to look like
an idiot. Gino has been there
before?
VIOLET
Yeah, twice.
CORKY
What happened?
VIOLET
Not much, really. Ceasar was
nervous, kept cleaning the
apartment. The first time, he
picked out the dress he wanted me
to wear.
Something occurs to Corky.
CORKY
Does Johnnie hit on you?
VIOLET
Johnnie hits on anything in high
heels.
CORKY
Has Ceasar ever seen him?
VIOLET
He does it right in front of him.
CORKY
It's getting better and better.
Keep going.
VIOLET
Gino doesn't know English, or at
least he pretends he doesn't, so he
doesn't talk much. He gets right to
the point. Both times they talked
for about five minutes, had one
drink and then they left.
CORKY
What did Gino drink?
VIOLET
Scotch, Glenlivett. I remember that
Ceasar made a huge deal about it.
Corky smiles, the wheels rolling.
CORKY
All right...
She turns from the window and gets onto the bed.
CORKY
I have an idea to make this work.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Violet is getting dressed, lining her lips with lip-
pencil.
CORKY (V.O.)
You'll go back and get ready, take
your time, make it real.
As she works on her face we see the room behind her and
the discarded dresses scattered about.
CORKY (V.O.)
The more attractive you are, the
more believable it will be.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
Corky breaks her thought-train.
CORKY
What time did you say they would be
there?
VIOLET
The plane is in at 7:00, so I'd say
about 8:00.
CORKY
Any bodyguards?
VIOLET
Gino travels with a big man named
Roy. Ceasar calls him the driver.
CORKY
Fine.
INT. OFFICE
Ceasar again checks his watch.
CORKY (V.O.)
At some point Ceasar is going to
quit. I'd guess sometime around
six, making sure he's got time to
get ready.
The watch reads 6:10. Ceasar rubs his eyes, his temples.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Violet is at the bar in a sexy dress and high heels.
CEASAR
Un-fucking-believable, what this guy
did. Shelly is one smart-ass
mutherfucker, I mean, he was one
smart-ass mutherfucker.
He laughs as Violet smiles handing him an enormous drink.
CORKY (V.O.)
As soon as he is done, you'll be
right there to put a big drink in
his hand.
He takes the drink.
CORKY (V.O.)
We want him to come down, to relax,
feel in control again.
VIOLET
Poor boy, has to work so hard.
She gives him a woman's sympathy pout, he knows what it
is, loves it anyway.
Smiling, he slides his hand down over her ass.
CEASAR
You look good enough to eat.
She smiles and waits for the kiss she knows is coming.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
Both women are starting to feel it, to believe it.
VIOLET
Where will you be?
CORKY
Waiting in the apartment next door.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky sits on the floor of the dark apartment. She has
taken off her boots which are beside her.
VIOLET (V.O.)
Waiting for what?
Through the wall we can hear the shower.
CORKY (V.O.)
For the shower. That will be our
signal.
Corky opens a thin box filled with needle-thin lock picks.
She selects several and slips them into her multi-pierced
ears like earrings.
CORKY (V.O.)
When he's done with his shower, you
will go to the bar.
INT. BATHROOM
In slow motion Ceasar drops the shower plunger and water
chokes from the faucet.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Behind the bar, Violet pulls out the bottle of Glenlivett.
CORKY (V.O.)
You'll get out the scotch that Gino
drinks.
She steps out from the bar, her eyes on the bedroom
when the bottle slips from her hands.
We watch it slowly fall --
CORKY (V.O.)
And as you do, the bottle will slip
from your hands.
And shatter against the hardwood floor.
CORKY (V.O.)
An accident.
VIOLET
Shit! Oh shit!
Ceasar yells from the bathroom.
CEASAR (V.O.)
What happened?!
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Hearing Ceasar, Corky gets up, moving quietly toward the
door.
CEASAR (V.O.)
V! What the fuck was it?! Violet?
INT LIVING ROOM
Ceasar enters, a towel wrapped around him, hair still
dripping.
CEASAR,
V, what? You can't hear me?
Violet looks terribly upset as she begins to clean up.
VIOLET
Ceasar, it slipped... I was trying
to get ready...
Ceasar realizing what happened.
CEASAR
Oh fucking Christ... You gotta be
kidding me!
He rushes at her.
CEASAR
Fuck! Fuck! How did you... Awwww
goddamnit!
VIOLET
I'm sorry. It was an accident.
She stands up.
VIOLET
Don't worry, I'll get some more.
CEASAR
There's no time.
VIOLET
Don't be silly, Ceasar. It'll take
five minutes.
She turns him back toward the bedroom.
VIOLET
I'll clean this up and be back
before you're even dressed.
INT. HALL
Violet opens her door, stepping into the hall where Corky
is waiting.
CORKY (V.O.)
When you open the door, I'll be
there.
They pass each other in silence, Violet stepping out as
Corky slips in.
VIOLET (V.O.)
What if he sees you?
CORKY (V.O.)
He won't.
INT. BATHROOM
Ceasar finishes shaving, washing his face clean. His big
drink is almost empty. In his reflection, he begins
examining his scars.
Through the open door we see Corky moving almost casually
across the living room.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
Corky is looking for something.
VIOLET
You can't know for certain that he
won't see you.
CORKY
Trust me, Violet.
She finds a black duffel bag from one of her tool buckets.
VIOLET
I'm just asking, what if?
CORKY
If, he does...
She opens a dresser and unwraps a gun.
CORKY
Then I won't have a choice, will I?
She tosses the gun on the bed.
INT. OFFICE
The black case is lying on the desk, locked shut. Corky
moves around the desk, dropping down behind it.
CORKY (V.O.)
When I'm inside, I will get the
money.
From her ear-lobe she chooses the right pick, sliding out
the silver tool.
It takes only a second and the first lock pops open.
She is working on the other lock when the door is pushed
open and Ceasar walks in.
Corky drops down, grasping for her gun --
As Ceasar, wearing only underwear, enters. He looks
around finding his cigarettes on the coffee table.
The gun ready, Corky waits pressed against the desk until
he leaves.
She lets her breath out, then pops the second lock, unzips
the black duffel bag and quickly empties the case filling
the bag with fat money bricks.
CORKY (V.O.)
I'm going to need something...
Finished, she zips up the bag and looks about.
CORKY (V.O.)
To fill the case.
VIOLET (V.O.)
Like paper?
She sees several reams of blank paper hidden near the
desk.
CORKY (V.O.)
Yeah, you should hide it near the
desk before you leave.
She fills the case, then closes it.
CORKY (V.O.)
At that point --
She thumbs the locks shut and they snap, unnaturally loud,
into place.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
They are both on the bed.
CORKY
There is no going back.
VIOLET
When I get the scotch how do I know
you won't take off?
CORKY
The same way I'll know that you went
to scotch. Trust.
Their faces are close, eyes still trying to read each
other.
VIOLET
I still don't see how I'm going to
get clean with the money in the
apartment. Everyone will think I
did it.
CORKY
Not Ceasar.
VIOLET
Why?
CORKY
Because of what you are going to
tell him. You have to make it as
real as you can. The moment you
open the door with the scotch in
your hand, you will be covered and
that moment is the most important
moment in the plan.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
The door bursts open. Violet enters quickly carrying a
bottle in a thin brown bag.
CORKY (V.O.)
If it's real enough, he'll believe
it because deep down he'll want to.
VIOLET
C! Shit, I'm sorry!
Ceasar wanders out, tightening his tie. She looks at her
watch.
VIOLET
They were early.
CEASAR
What are you talking about?
VIOLET
They just left, didn't they?
CEASAR
What are you, drunk?
He smiles, grabbing the bottle from her.
VIOLET
You mean they weren't up here?
CEASAR
No! They're still on their way.
VIOLET
That doesn't make any sense.
CEASAR
Why?
VIOLET
Because I just saw Johnnie
downstairs.
Ceasar turns.
CEASAR
What?
VIOLET
I was getting out of the car when I
saw him in the Mercedes.
CEASAR
It couldn't have been.
VIOLET
It was him. I'm positive.
CEASAR
It's impossible!
VIOLET
Ceasar, I know Johnnie. It was him.
I screamed when I saw him. I
couldn't believe I missed them. I
knew you were going to be upset so I
thought I'd apologize and give Gino
the scotch. I honked a couple of
times but he didn't stop.
She watches him, her words caving in around him.
CEASAR
But Gino's plane doesn't get in for
another half-hour.
Violet thinks.
VIOLET
Actually, I didn't see Gino in the
car.
His eyes dart. His forehead beads with sweat. He turns
toward the office.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
Violet is staring at Corky's mouth.
CORKY
If Ceasar hates Johnnie like you
say, then the second he opens the
case he'll know, in his gut, that
Johnnie just fucked him. He'll
realize that he has no choice. He
can't touch Gino or Johnnie. There's
only one way out.
She pauses.
CORKY
He'll have to run.
VIOLET
If he runs, everyone will assume he
took the money.
CORKY
You'll be clean and we'll be rich.
INT. OFFICE
Ceasar stands over the desk, afraid to open the case.
INT. CORKY'S APARTMENT
VIOLET
Jesus, that's beautiful.
CORKY
Thank you.
VIOLET
If you're this goddamn smart, how
did you ever get caught?
CORKY
Every job like this has moments
where things don't go so well and
everyone starts thinking about their
own ass. It's in those moments that
everything comes together or falls
apart.
She looks dead at Violet.
CORKY
I had a partner and she fucked me.
VIOLET
I won't.
CORKY
I think we're going to find out.
INT. OFFICE
The key turns and the locks pop. When Ceasar sees the
blank paper, the whole world begins to spin.
VIOLET
Ceasar?
His chest collapses onto itself while his hands ball into
fists.
CEASAR
No no no no...
She moves around the side of the desk and sees the
newspaper.
VIOLET
Oh god...
He slams the case shut, his head hanging down.
After a moment he looks at her, like a little boy about to
cry.
CEASAR
V... I've been set up.
He seems ready to scream but can't say anything.
VIOLET
Johnnie?
The name is like water hitting hot oil.
CEASAR
That fuck! That rat-fuck! Little
shit rat-fuck!
He starts punching the desk, each blow harder then the
last.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky can hear him pounding. She looks down and smiles.
Between her legs is the open bag stuffed with money.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Ceasar is choking on his own rage.
VIOLET
Why? Why would Johnnie do this?
CEASAR
Jesus Christ Violet! Open your
fucking eyes! Johnnie hates me like
I hate him!
He starts to pound his fists against his own head.
CEASAR
I hate that little fuck! I hate
him! I hate him! I should've done
him!
VIOLET
But you know he did it?
CEASAR
So what?! So fucking what? Use
your head Violet. The money is
gone. Gino is coming here to get
it. You think he's going to believe
me if I tell him his piss-hole son
stole it! Is that what you think?
I don't. You know what I think? I
think I'm a dead man. I'm one in
the brain. That's what I think!
VIOLET
Ceasar, what are we going to do?
He grabs hold of his chair using it to support himself
CEASAR
I know what he wants me to do. He
wants me out of here. He wants me
to run.
She watches him, his body rocking against the chair.
CEASAR
If I run, then everyone will think I
took the money and he walks away
with two million clean.
The words squeeze out like tears.
CEASAR
God, I can see him right now driving
to get Gino. I can hear him
laughing, fucking laughing, laughing
at me.
He swings the swivel chair over his head and smashes it
down on the desk. Again and again.
CEASAR
Laughing at me! Laughing at me!
The chair falls and he stands alone, covering his face to
hide his tears.
VIOLET
C...
She goes to hold him.
CEASAR
Don't touch me!
He backs into the corner of the room.
CEASAR
Just leave me alone! I got to
think!
Violet watches him trying to wipe the tears and sweat from
his face.
CEASAR
Got to think this through...
VIOLET
Ceasar, maybe we should run --
CEASAR
Violet please!
VIOLET
I mean it Ceasar, forget Johnnie,
forget the money, let's just go now,
before it's too late --
CEASAR
Goddamnit Violet! Would you just
leave me the fuck alone! Please!
Leave! Now!
VIOLET
All right, Ceasar.
INT. BEDROOM
Violet enters, closing the door quietly behind her. She
looks at the wall, then goes to the bed and picks up the
phone.
As she dials we move along the phone cord, following it
down to the jack in the wall.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
We move out from another jack, following a different cord.
Corky is sitting with her back to the wall. The black
phone beside her barely rings once before she answers.
She waits, saying nothing.
VIOLET (V.O.)
It's me.
CORKY
What happened?
INT. BEDROOM
Violet whispers, her hand cupped over the mouth piece.
VIOLET
He totally freaked. I've never seen
him like this. He's out of his
fucking mind.
CORKY (V.O.)
That's okay, as long as he believes
it was Johnnie.
VIOLET
Believes it! Jesus, it's driving
him crazy. He wants to kill him. I
don't know, Corky, I don't know what
he is going to do. I'm getting
nervous, really nervous.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
CORKY
It's all right, Violet. It's
working. All we got to do is wait
him out and see what he does.
VIOLET (V.O.)
What if he doesn't run?
CORKY
That means he probably will kill
Johnnie.
VIOLET (V.O.)
Oh, Christ, I got to get out of
here!
CORKY
Listen, if he doesn't run, all you
have to do is break down, go to your
bedroom and pack some things, start
crying, saying you love him but you
can't do it. You're sorry but you
have to leave and just walk out.
INT. BEDROOM
VIOLET
Okay, all right.
CORKY (V.O.)
We're almost there, Violet. Just
hang on.
Violet hears him.
VIOLET
He's coming...
She hangs up quickly just as Ceasar bursts in.
CEASAR
I got it! I know what I got to do!
I got to get the money.
VIOLET
The money? The money's gone.
CEASAR
No. Johnnie's got it. All I got to
do is get it back.
VIOLET
But it could be anywhere.
CEASAR
He didn't have that much time. He
had to pick up Gino. I bet you he's
got it with him. I bet it's in the
car.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky presses against the wall, trying to hear.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Ceasar is pacing.
CEASAR
See, right now he doesn't know that
I know, that's why he put the paper
in the case. He wants me to hand
the case to Gino. Then there is no
doubt it was me. Gino will put a
bullet in me himself. But it ain't
going to happen. I won't let it!
Johnnie ain't going to fuck me! Not
like this! No way!
VIOLET
This is insane!
She throws open her closet.
CEASAR
What are you doing?
She grabs a suitcase from under the bed.
VIOLET
I'm leaving! This is crazy! I
don't want to be involved. I don't
want anything to do with this shit!
She starts yanking the dresses from the closet.
CEASAR
You can't leave.
VIOLET
The hell I can't!
CEASAR
I need you...
VIOLET
Bullshit! You don't need me!
You've never needed me! I can't
help you! Understand?! I have to
get out.
CEASAR
Violet, I won't let you leave.
She turns and sees that he is holding a gun.
CEASAR
If you're not with me, Violet, then
I have to assume you're against me.
VIOLET
Ceasar, this is crazy.
CEASAR
Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Maybe
you dropped the scotch by accident.
Maybe you didn't.
Now it is her turn to feel the world spin.
CEASAR
It would have been so easy to let
him in as you went out.
VIOLET
You don't, you can't believe that...
CEASAR
I've seen the way he looks at you.
He's always wanted you. Maybe two
million dollars finally bought you.
She slaps him hard. He stares at her.
CEASAR
I'm sorry, Violet, but it has to be
this way.
He moves past her, picks up the dresses and returns them
to the closet.
CEASAR
I hope you understand. I want to
trust you, I want to believe you,
but I don't have any other choice.
He shuts the closet.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Ceasar is at the bar, drinking the scotch. The gun in
front of him. Across the room, Violet sits staring holes
through him.
They wait in silence.
CEASAR
You sure you don't want a drink?
Violet says nothing.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
In the dark, Corky sits, her face, her posture very
similar to Violet's.
She is concentrating, her mind somewhere else when the
door buzzer sounds.
She turns her head and hears Ceasar faintly answering the
intercom.
Corky stands just as --
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Violet stands.
Ceasar faces her for a moment, then shoves the gun into
his belt behind his back.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky watches through the door peep as three men pass by.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
There is a knock and Ceasar opens the door.
Gino Marconi is an old Italian whose face is a mask of
irritated indifference.
Roy, his enormous driver, is behind him.
Ceasar smiles, greeting them in Italian with open arms.
Johnnie is the last inside. He has tape over his broken
nose. He smiles and hugs Ceasar.
JOHNNIE
You shouldn't have hit me.
CEASAR
You want to get into this now?
JOHNNIE
No, no Ceasar. Not now.
He smiles again patting him on the shoulder, then
throwing a fake punch.
Ceasar sees Gino with his bright Italian smile, flattering
Violet, kissing her.
GINO
Hey, Ceasar! You take care of this
girl, or I find out!
JOHNNIE
You are as radiant as ever, Violet.
As he bends to kiss her hand, she sees Ceasar watching
them.
CEASAR
Glenlivett, right Gino?
JOHNNIE
I'll have whatever Violet's
drinking.
VIOLET
I'm not drinking.
JOHNNIE
Then neither will I.
This makes Violet very uncomfortable.
VIOLET
No, I'll have a Tanqueray and tonic.
JOHNNIE
Ceasar, make that two TNTs.
Ceasar's hand shakes as he pours Gino's scotch.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Pacing in her socks, Corky tries to think through several
possible situations. She stops, staring at the bag of
money.
The idea of it sitting out in the open suddenly bothers
her.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Ceasar hands Violet and Johnnie a drink. He stares at
her. She stares back.
JOHNNIE
Salud, eh. Roy, Violet, Pop,
Ceasar.
Ceasar watches Johnnie, suspecting everything he does.
Johnnie reaches into his pocket and takes out a cellular
phone.
GINO
No, Johnnie. No goddamned phones.
Not now.
JOHNNIE
Pop?
GINO
Ceasar, come here. Sit. We talk
now. You too, Johnnie.
Each man sits on either side of Gino.
GINO
Ceasar, look at me. Johnnie tell me
what happened. Ceasar, you gotta do
me a favor, a personal favor. For
me, eh? You gotta start respecting
Johnnie the way you respect me. You
understand? Good.
Ceasar sees Johnnie smiling at him, but when Gino turns,
the smile disappears.
GINO
And you, Johnnie. You gonna stop
acting stupid. You gotta earn this
respect that Ceasar's gonna give.
You understand? Good. Done. Now,
where's our money?
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky drops a hefty bag, knotted tight, into an open five-
gallon bucket of paint.
Pushing it under with a paint stick, the bag disappears,
enveloped by the milk-white liquid.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Ceasar puts the briefcase onto the coffee table.
Gino looks up at Ceasar, very serious, with his hand on
the case.
GINO
We know how this was done, eh?
CEASAR
Yeah, I know.
He looks dead at Johnnie.
GINO
It won't happen again, eh?
Ceasar shakes his head.
GINO
Good.
Gino throws down the last of the scotch.
GINO
Done. We go now.
JOHNNIE
Jesus Christ, Pop. You got two
hours until your plane leaves.
Gino checks his watch, shouting in Italian. Johnnie
shouts back until Gino throws up his hands refusing to
listen.
GINO
Ceasar!
He gestures to his empty glass, then folds his arms
leaning back. Ceasar gets the bottle.
JOHNNIE
So Ceasar, what did it total out at?
CEASAR
Two point, one seventy-six.
Johnnie whistles as Ceasar pours Gino another scotch.
JOHNNIE
Unbelievable. Can you believe that,
Violet?
GINO
Hey, Johnnie...
In Italian tells him to shut up.
JOHNNIE
Come on Pop, all I want to know is
one thing. Just one thing after he
made such a big deal out of it. I
bet it wasn't a big deal. Was it
Ceasar?
CEASAR
What's that Johnnie?
JOHNNIE
The money. I bet it was nothing to
get it clean, after you made such a
fucking big deal...
GINO
Johnnie, what did I say?
JOHNNIE
Pop, this is important to me. It's
a simple question. If he would just
answer the question, that's the end
of it.
CEASAR
Where is this going Johnnie?
JOHNNIE
Just admit it Ceasar.
CEASAR
Admit what?
JOHNNIE
That you over-reacted. That you
lost it. Not me. It was your
mistake.
Ceasar sees it so clearly now.
CEASAR
All right Johnnie, you want to play
it this way, I can play it this way.
You want to know who made a mistake,
why don't you open the case.
VIOLET
Ceasar...
CEASAR
Shut up, Violet! This is between me
and Johnnie.
He pushes the case toward him.
CEASAR
You want to do this now, let's do
it. Open the case. Open the
fucking case.
Johnnie stares at him, feeling that something is very
wrong.
CEASAR
That's right, I know. I fucking
know.
JOHNNIE
Know what?
CEASAR
Open the case!
JOHNNIE
All right! Where's the key?
CEASAR
You don't need a key.
He tries but it's locked.
JOHNNIE
How the fuck can I open it?
CEASAR
The same way you did before.
JOHNNIE
What are you talking about?
Ceasar smiles and tosses the key onto the table.
CEASAR
There you go, Johnnie.
He reaches for the key. Ceasar stands up and gives Violet
his drink.
CEASAR
Get me another.
He can see the fear on her face as she goes to the bar.
Time drips.
The key turns. One lock pops.
Then the other.
The case opens like a scream and Johnnie sees the blank
paper.
JOHNNIE
What the...
Before anybody can move, Ceasar whips around with his gun.
Roy jumps off his stool, his drink crashing to the floor.
CEASAR
Don't! Don't fucking move!
Nobody can believe what is happening.
GINO
Ceasar? What is this?
CEASAR
Ask Johnnie! Ask your rat-fuck son!
JOHNNIE
What the fuck?
Ceasar levels the gun.
CEASAR
You don't think I'll do it, do you?
JOHNNIE
I think you're fucking crazy!
CEASAR
Where is it?
JOHNNIE
Where's what?
CEASAR
The money!
JOHNNIE
Ceasar, I don't know what you're
thinking here, but if you don't put
down that gun --
He stands up.
CEASAR
Sit down!
He does.
GINO
Ceasar!
CEASAR
Gino, your son stole this money to
set me up and I can prove it.
Violet!
She doesn't know what to say.
CEASAR
Tell them! Tell them!
VIOLET
For Christ's sake, Johnnie, do what
he says.
JOHNNIE
This isn't happening...
Boom! Ceasar blows a hole in the couch right between
Johnnie's legs. Johnnie screams.
CEASAR
The next one blows off your dick.
JOHNNIE
You're a dead man! A fucking dead
man!
CEASAR
Where is it?
GINO
Enough!
Gino jumps up.
CEASAR
No Gino!
GINO
You aim a gun at me?! Do you know
who I am?! I am Gino Marconi. You
understand?
He starts walking toward Ceasar. Roy moves around for a
good angle.
CEASAR
Sit down Gino!
GINO
No, Ceasar, gimme the gun.
CEASAR
Stay away!
He backs up as Gino walks straight to him.
GINO
We're family, Ceasar.
CEASAR
No!
GINO
Gimme the gun.
CEASAR
I can't. I can't.
GINO
Give it to me.
He reaches up and takes hold of the barrel. Ceasar looks
resigned as he shuts his eyes.
GINO
Good man.
Close on Gino's hand holding the gun barrel as --
Ceasar fires.
From behind the gun we watch Gino's grip yanked free, time
melting away as he falls, blood bubbling from his chest,
his eyes wide in disbelief.
His body hits the floor and the room erupts.
Roy dives, drawing his gun as Ceasar continues to fire,
pumping the trigger.
Violet drops behind the bar as Johnnie screams, falling
toward his father.
Blood spurts from Roy as two bullets hit, gun clattering
and sliding across the floor.
Johnnie lunges at Ceasar as Ceasar turns and fires,
hitting Johnnie everywhere; blood and meat spray and
speckle everything around him.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
The gun continues to fire as Corky clutches the phone
whispering.
CORKY
This is an emergency!
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Crunched down behind the bar, Violet listens to the only
sound, repeating in the unnatural quiet:
Click. Click.
Click.
Rising, she peers over the edge of the bar.
Ceasar is standing in the aftermath. His gun is still
aimed at Johnnie as he pulls the trigger over and over.
The bodies are still, blood silently pooling around them.
Blinking the sweat from his eyes, Ceasar sees Violet.
CEASAR
I had to do it, Violet. You saw it.
I had no choice. It was Johnnie.
That lying fuck. He made me do it.
He looks down at Johnnie, hate rising like bile.
CEASAR
You lying rat-fuck. You think you
can set me up? Is that what you
think? You stupid fuck.
Kicking the body, be causes a series of sickening wet
noises.
CEASAR
I'm a dead man? I'm a dead man?
Guess again, fuckface. Who's dead?
Who's the dead lying rat-fuck? Take
another guess, take another fucking
guess!
He stops, panting, unable to catch his breath. Violet is
afraid to even look at him.
Blood creeps along the edge of the floorboards.
Ceasar tries to clear his head, mopping the sweat from his
face. He bends down and starts searching Johnnie's
pockets.
He finds his keys.
VIOLET
What are you doing?
Lost in thought, he goes to Gino. Throwing open the coat,
he sees the airplane ticket.
He checks the times and then his watch.
CEASAR
... maybe three hours.
VIOLET
Ceasar, what are you going to do?
CEASAR
What do you think we're going to do?
We have to find the money.
VIOLET
What?
CEASAR
Once we have the money then none of
this ever happened.
VIOLET
Ceasar you just killed Gino Marconi.
CEASAR
No I didn't. Not if his body
disappears and not if the money is
still here. Then they never showed
up.
VIOLET
What happened to them?
CEASAR
I don't know. We may never know,
but I'm going to guess it was a job,
maybe the Karpola family.
He smiles.
CEASAR
All part of the business.
He picks up Roy's gun and stuffs it in his belt.
CEASAR
We just got to find the money. Once
we do everything is going to be all
right.
In the distance the wail of a police siren can be heard.
Through the window they see a squad car, lights blaring,
roll up in front of the building.
VIOLET
Oh, no.
He turns back to the carnage.
CEASAR
Fuck.
VIOLET
Ceasar, what are we going to do?
CEASAR
They're just cops. Stall them as
long as you can.
Ceasar flies into action.
Hauling Roy's body up over his shoulder, he hurries to the
bathroom and drops the body into the tub.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Standing near the bathroom, Corky hears the metal echo of
the tub. Looking at her tub she imagines what he is
doing.
Through the wall, she hears the door buzzer.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
The buzzer sounds again as Violet sees him lift Gino's
body.
CEASAR
Answer it!
He rushes back to the bathroom, dropping Gino onto the
other two.
The three bloody bodies fill the tub.
We see Johnnie's arm hanging over the edge as Ceasar snaps
the shower curtain around, hiding them.
VIOLET
Hello?
COP #1 (V.O.)
This is the police, ma'am.
She cuts them off using the intercom.
VIOLET
The police?
Over her shoulder she sees Ceasar shoving the furniture,
clearing the area around the heavy blood stains.
COP #1 (V.O.)
We had a report of gunfire, so if
you could --
VIOLET
Gunfire? Is this a joke?
Violet sees Ceasar hurry to his office.
COP #1 (V.O.)
No joke, ma'am. Please open the
door.
VIOLET
How do I know you are cops?
INT. OFFICE
Ceasar seizes the beautiful oriental rug and yanks it up,
overturning furniture, dragging it out, he slams the door.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Violet looks at Ceasar, who is working with the calm,
single-minded focus of a machine.
COP #1 (V.O.)
Ma'am, you have to open the door.
VIOLET
All right.
She buzzes them in, as Ceasar throws the rug like someone
making a bed, letting it fall and cover most of the blood.
INT. HALL
The cops are waiting for the elevator. After a moment,
the door slides open.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Violet moves away from the intercom as Ceasar begins
arranging the furniture on the rug.
CEASAR
Get me a wet towel.
His words push her to the bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM
Stuffing a towel into the sink, she turns on the water.
She does not even look at the shower curtain.
INT. HALL
The elevator opens and the cops step out.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Ceasar grabs the television remote, hits "on" and jacks
the volume until it is obviously loud.
Violet returns and he snatches the towel from her.
INT. HALL
As the two cops walk down the hall, they hear the
television. They look at each other already knowing what
happened.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Like a maniac, Ceasar wipes at any blood still visible
until there is a knock on the door. He grabs Violet by
the arm.
CEASAR
If you're thinking about doing
something stupid, remember I just
killed Gino Marconi. You
understand what that means?
She nods.
VIOLET
They're just cops.
There is another knock, much louder.
Violet goes to the door as Ceasar rips off his blood
soaked jacket and shirt.
He drops down behind the bar.
Leaving the chain on, Violet opens the door. The cops
smile.
COP #1
See? We're for real.
VIOLET
I'm sorry, it's just you hear
stories.
COP #1
You did the right thing.
Crouching, Ceasar wipes vigorously at the blood on his
hands and face.
Violet opens the door.
Ceasar crams the bloody wad under the bar sink.
Just as the cops enter the living room, Ceasar stands,
looking comfortable in no shirt, with ice cubes in his
hands.
CEASAR
Hey, hey, Chicago's finest.
He plunks the ice into a glass and walks from behind the
bar
CEASAR
How's it going tonight fellas?
COP #2
Pretty good sir.
Ceasar turns his head.
CEASAR
Huh? I'm sorry, I can only hear in
this ear.
The cops look at each other again.
Wiping his wet hand on his pants, Ceasar shakes hands with
each of them.
CEASAR
I'm Ceasar and this here is my
Violet.
They smile at Violet as Ceasar puts his arm around her.
CEASAR
Violet said something about
gunshots?
Violet sees the gun wedged in the back of his belt.
COP #1
Yes sir, a neighbor in the building
called in.
COP #2
I think we know what happened.
COP #1
It was probably just the television.
CEASAR
The television?
He looks at Violet.
CEASAR
Honey, why didn't you say something?
Turn it off.
Violet walks across the rug and turns off the TV.
CEASAR
Fuck, this happened before. It's
this shitty ear. Born with it. The
batteries wore out in my aid. I'm
sorry.
COP #2
It's all right sir.
COP #1
No big deal.
CEASAR
Hey, can I get you guys a beer?
COP #1
Not on duty, sorry.
CEASAR
Oh right.
COP #2
But, uh, would you mind if I used
your bathroom?
Ceasar's face tightens.
CEASAR
Yeah, why not? It's right there.
COP #2
Thanks.
He heads for the john.
Violet watches Ceasar back up to the bar moving behind
it.
CEASAR
I'm going to make myself a drink, if
that's okay?
COP #1
Go right ahead, sir.
INT. BATHROOM
Cop #2 enters, walking right past the shower curtain. We
hear his sigh as he starts to piss.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Cop #1 walks onto the rug, looking around, turning to
Violet.
COP #1
This is a beautiful place.
VIOLET
... thank you.
She stares at his shoes on the rug.
Watching everything, Ceasar takes a sip of his drink. He
slips his gun out and holds it at his side.
INT. BATHROOM
There is a bulge in the shower curtain where we imagine
Johnnie's arm is hanging.
Slowly we slide down to the bottom edge of the plastic
curtain, where a drip of blood forms and --
Plips into a small red spot on the white tile floor.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Close on the heel of the cop's black shoe, where we can
almost see the blood seeping up through the oriental rug.
COP #1
Is this a condo?
Violet nods.
Everyone turns when Cop #2 busts out of the bathroom.
COP #2
Okay, let's roll.
Cop #1 walks across the rug to the hardwood floor. He
turns to Ceasar.
COP #1
Try to keep the extra batteries for
your aid around.
CEASAR
Good idea.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky hears the cop say goodbye to Violet. The door
closes. She isn't sure what she should do.
Over her shoulder, she notes the bucket of paint. She
lets the cops leave.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Ceasar puts on a new shirt, the gun stuffed in his pants.
CEASAR
Let's go.
INT. HALL - NIGHT
They step out of the apartment, Ceasar jerking the door
shut.
As they pass by, Violet looks up to the door of the empty
apartment, straight at the peephole.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky is pressed against the door, eye at the peephole.
She sees that Violet is afraid as the two women seem to
speak to each other with their eyes.
CORKY
... shit.
EXT. PARKING LOT
Ceasar is on his knees searching under the seats of
Johnnie's Mercedes. Unable to find the money, Ceasar is
ready to snap.
From the main doors, Corky slips out of the building.
Hiding behind a column, she sees them across the lot.
Corky moves behind the parked cars, the gun squeezed in
her hand.
Violet edges away, on the verge of running, looking toward
the busy street.
Standing, Ceasar pounds on the car.
CEASAR
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
VIOLET
Ceasar, some one could see us out
here.
Ignoring her, be tries to think.
CEASAR
Get in.
Still too far from them to do anything, Corky sees Ceasar
slam the trunk.
CEASAR
Get in! It's got to be at his
house. That's the only other place
it could be.
Violet looks around the lot, looking for some way out.
CEASAR
Violet! Now!
Corky can only watch as Violet gets in and the car rips
away.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Alone, Corky stands over the bucket of paint. She kicks
it with her boot-toe.
CORKY
Two million dollars, Cork... Two
million dollars...
She sighs, wondering how long she can make herself wait.
EXT. JOHNNIE'S BROWNSTONE - NIGHT
The Mercedes is parked in front.
INT. JOHNNIE'S BROWNSTONE - NIGHT
Close on Ceasar, as he rakes his sweaty hair back, his
face knotted in torment.
CEASAR
Okay, I come in...
He turns as if he just came in through the front door.
We see Johnnie's home has been laid to waste. The
furniture is broken, cushions split open, pictures
shattered, holes punched in the drywall, even the
carpeting has been torn up.
Ceasar doesn't look much better.
CEASAR
I've got the money...
Huddled in a corner, Violet watches him.
CEASAR
I can't wait to see the look on
Ceasar's face when he finds out.
Ceasar moves from the front door, trying to get into
Johnnie's head.
CEASAR
Now I don't have much time...
He takes a couple of steps into the room.
CEASAR
Got to put it someplace safe...
He looks at a closet. It's gutted, searched 10 times
already.
CEASAR
... put it...
A couple more uneasy steps and he looks at a large
overturned rolltop desk.
CEASAR
... got it...
He starts looking around the room as if he is seeing for
the first time that it is destroyed. He is near the
breaking point.
VIOLET
C?
His voice cracks. There is nowhere else to look.
CEASAR
Where did I put it?
He explodes. A terra cotta lamp sails across the room.
CEASAR
Where's my fucking money?! Fucking
cocksuckers! Where the fuck is it?!
He smashes his forehead into the wall, denting the
drywall.
CEASAR
Ow.
He holds his head sinking to the ground.
VIOLET
C?
She sits next to him, putting a hand lightly on his
shoulder.
VIOLET
It's not here, Ceasar.
CEASAR
Where, then?
VIOLET
I don't know. it could be anywhere.
We don't even know if he was alone.
Please, Ceasar, we don't have much
time. Let's get out of here.
He knows what he has to do. Digging through the debris,
he finds the phone.
VIOLET
What are you doing?
CEASAR
We're going to need some time.
VIOLET
Who are you going to call?
Already dialing, he does not answer
VIOLET
Ceasar?
Ceasar takes a deep breath, mustering composure.
MICKEY (V.O.)
Yeah?
CEASAR
Hey Mickey.
VIOLET
Oh god.
MICKEY (V.O.)
Ceasar? What the fuck time is it?
CEASAR
Mick, I know it's late, but there is
a problem. They haven't shown up
yet.
MICKEY (V.O.)
What? They ain't there?
CEASAR
No. I don't know where they are. I
even called over at Johnnie's but
no answer.
MICKEY (V.O.)
Okay. Let me call around. I'll see
what I can do. Don't go anywhere,
okay?
CEASAR
Okay, sure, Mick.
MICKEY (V.O.)
Ceasar, you still got the money?
Ceasar looks at Violet.
CEASAR
Yeah, Mick. I've got the money.
I'm staring right at it.
MICKEY (V.O.)
Good. Sit tight. I'll call you.
He hangs up.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
Ceasar drags himself in. Violet closes the door behind
them.
Ceasar moves into the room where it happened. He is dizzy
and confused and does not want to be here.
Violet turns him around.
VIOLET
I'll start packing. You know what
you have to do.
She turns him toward the bathroom. He nods.
CEASAR
I can use Johnnie's car, dump it in
Lake Michigan... I need plastic
bags... tape and rope...
VIOLET
Just hurry.
Nodding, he heads for the kitchen.
INT. BEDROOM
Violet enters and goes straight for the phone. She looks
at the blank wall as she dials.
VIOLET
Please, Corky...
The phone rings.
When Corky answers, Violet almost collapses with relief.
VIOLET
Oh thank god.
CORKY
I'm still here.
VIOLET
I was so afraid you...
CORKY
You don't quit on me, Violet, and I
won't quit on you.
INT. KITCHEN
A box of Hefty bags tucked under his arm, a coil of
clothesline in his hand, Ceasar searches through several
cabinets.
INT. BEDROOM
Violet glances at the door.
VIOLET
Corky, it worked! He's going to
run. He needs to take care of the
bodies to buy himself time, but as
soon as he leaves, it's over.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky falls against the wall.
VIOLET (V.O.)
just a little longer and it's ours.
She looks at the bucket.
INT. KITCHEN
Mumbling to himself, Ceasar walks out of the kitchen,
heading for the bedroom.
INT. BEDROOM
Violet reaches out and touches the wall, as if she were
touching Corky.
VIOLET
Corky, I have to tell you
something...
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky turns to the wall.
CORKY
I know, Violet. I know.
Her fingers gently touch the wall as we travel up and
over where we see they are actually touching the wall in
the exact same place.
CORKY
It's why I'm still here.
INT. BEDROOM
Suddenly, Violet hears Ceasar.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Violet?
As he opens the door, she slams down the phone.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
The line cuts off.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Fear and panic paralyze Violet as Ceasar drops everything
grabbing for his gun.
CEASAR
Who was that?
He levels the gun at her.
CEASAR
Who the fuck was that?
She stands and be rushes at her, grabbing her by the
throat.
CEASAR
Was that Mickey? Did you call
Mickey? Did you?!
She shakes her head and he throws her on the bed. The gun
aimed at her, he picks up the phone and --
Hits the re-dial.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Unsure of what happened, Corky hears the phone ring and
answers it on reflex.
Listening, she waits.
INT. BEDROOM
Ceasar listens, waiting as long as he can.
CEASAR
Mickey? Is that you?
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky hangs up, jumping away from the wall.
INT. BEDROOM
Ceasar hits the re-dial again.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Panicking, Corky doesn't answer it but as it rings very
loud in the empty apartment, she realizes her mistake.
INT. BEDROOM
Turning slowly toward the wall, Ceasar hears the phone
ringing in the empty apartment.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky rips the plug out of the wall.
INT. BEDROOM
The line goes dead.
CEASAR
Who is that? Who is over there?!
Tell me!
She tries to get away but he grabs her and slaps her to
the ground.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Corky hears Violet scream and that does it. Gun in hand,
she flies at the door.
INT. BEDROOM
The door to the empty apartment slams shut and Ceasar
hearing it starts to run --
But Violet reaches out, catching his ankle, sending him
crashing to the dresser.
VIOLET
Run! Just run!
INT. HALL
The door to Ceasar's apartment is locked. Corky falls to
one knee, whipping two lock picks from her ear-lobe.
INT. BEDROOM
Ceasar raises the gun to pistol-whip Violet and she
screams.
INT. HALL
Working the lock, Corky hears Violet's scream cut off.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Ceasar rushes towards the front door.
INT. HALL
Corky feels it click and rotates the cylinder.
INT. LIVING ROOM
He is almost there when he hears the lock snap open. He
stops.
INT. HALL
Hearing something that sounds like footsteps, she stops.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Stepping quietly, he leans forward to the peep-hole. The
hall is empty.
Slowly we glide over the top of the door into --
INT. HALL
Where we see Corky down low, pressed flat to the door,
just under the scope of the wide angle lens.
Separated by only a two inch thick door, they can almost
feel each other's body heat.
INT. APARTMENT
Ceasar reaches for the knob, his fingers touching the
metal sphere when --
It begins to turn.
He pulls his hand back and seems to disappear.
The door cracks open and Corky slips in, gun first. As
she moves into the room we see Ceasar behind her.
He puts his gun to her head.
CEASAR
Drop the fucking gun or die!
Corky hesitates.
CEASAR
Drop it!
She does.
CEASAR
Turn around.
Rising from her crouch, she turns and he recognizes her.
CEASAR
You!? Holy fucking Christ! You
gotta be kidding me?
He starts to laugh when she strikes --
Knocking the gun, she punches him, slamming him back
against the door as --
She twists, diving, grabbing her gun, just as --
He steps and kicks her full in the face.
INT. CLOSET
Still unconscious, Corky's head jerks reacting to the
kick.
We see the dried blood caked to her check where his kick
split the skin. She is again swimming toward
consciousness.
We hear water splash, her face flinching as we move
closer; the sounds and voices echoing.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Wake up! Come on you fucking dyke!
We hear Ceasar slapping her.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Wake up!
INT. BEDROOM
Corky's face is dripping with water as her eyes slowly
blink open.
Coming into focus is Ceasar, standing over her with an
empty glass in one hand.
CEASAR
Good.
Except for the gag, she is bound as we have seen her bound
in the closet.
Ceasar yanks out his gun and puts it to her head.
CEASAR
I know everything now so I don't
want to hear any "I don't know"
bullshit, you understand?
She sees Violet on the bed, also bound hand and foot.
CEASAR
God, I should have seen this coming!
The second I met you I knew it.
Everyone knows your kind can't be
trusted! Fucking queers make me
sick.
The gun digs into her cheek.
CEASAR
But you tried to fuck the wrong guy.
And I swear to you that I'm going to
kill you for it.
He thumbs back the hammer.
CEASAR
Where is the money?
VIOLET
Don't tell him --
CEASAR
Shut up Violet!
VIOLET
He can't kill you --
He aims the gun at Violet.
CEASAR
Violet!
VIOLET
Not until he has the money!
He fires and she jumps as the bullet punches through the
wall behind her.
His point made, he puts the gun back to Corky's head.
CEASAR
Now, where the fuck is my money?
CORKY
Lick me.
CEASAR
Where is it?
CORKY
Either pull the trigger or get that
thing out of my face.
Blood temperature rising again, Ceasar pulls the gun back
and slaps her with it.
CEASAR
Stupid cunt!
VIOLET
Ceasar, stop acting like an asshole
and think --
CEASAR
Don't try to tell me what to do.
VIOLET
You need the money just like we do.
CEASAR
Shut up, Violet.
VIOLET
Let us go and we'll make a deal.
He rushes at her, grabbing a fistful of her hair.
CEASAR
Shut the fuck up!
He looks at Corky.
CEASAR
What did you do to her?! This isn't
my Violet!
He looks at her as if unable to recognize her
CEASAR
What did she do to you?
VIOLET
Everything you couldn't.
He shoves her down.
CEASAR
You ungrateful bitch! You had
nothing before I met you. You were
nothing!
He stomps around the room.
CEASAR
Who gave you this place? This
apartment?
He throws open the closet.
CEASAR
Who gave us all of this? I did! I
gave you everything! I gave you
this life! I made you, Violet. I
saved you.
He seems to believe what he is saying.
CEASAR
I saved you.
VIOLET
Ha! What a load of crap. Look at
yourself, Ceasar. You're a thug.
You launder money for the mob. You
rent women like you rented this
apartment.
He doesn't want to hear this.
VIOLET
Saved me? You don't even know me.
You used me Ceasar, just like I
used you. All part of the business.
CEASAR
You betrayed me!
VIOLET
You murdered Gino!
CEASAR
I had to. You made me.
VIOLET
Bullshit, you killed him. Not me.
You did it because you couldn't
stand the thought of Johnnie fucking
you.
CEASAR
Shut up!
He slaps her.
CEASAR
Okay, you want business, I'll give
you the fucking business.
He leans closer.
CEASAR
I'm going to make you beg just like
Shelly did. Just like Shelly!
He storms out of the room.
Corky looks up at Violet.
VIOLET
I'm sorry, Corky...
CORKY
Don't be sorry. Help me.
She pulls at the ropes as Violet slides off the bed.
INT. KITCHEN
Ceasar throws open the broom closet and grabs the clippers
that Mickey used to cut off Shelly's finger.
INT. BEDROOM
The two women are back to back, fingers working at each
other's knots when Ceasar bursts into the room.
CEASAR
Oh, no no no.
Grabbing Corky by the boots, he drags her and flips her so
that she can now see Violet.
He drops down onto Violet putting the clippers in front of
her face.
CEASAR
Hey, Violet, you remember these?
Her eyes widen with terror. She starts to scream when he
stuffs a towel in her mouth.
Laying against Violet, he turns to Corky.
CEASAR
I'm going to start with her so
you'll get a good idea what's coming.
He takes hold of Violet's pinky finger stretching it out.
CEASAR
I'm going to ask you where the money
is. Every time you don't give me an
answer, I'm going to cut off one
finger.
CORKY
No.
CEASAR
When I reach ten, then I'll start
with you.
He puts the finger between the blades.
CEASAR
Where is the money?
Corky sees Violet thrashing helplessly. She has no
choice. Her mouth opens as --
The door buzzer rings.
Ceasar is distracted, trying to think who it could be.
CEASAR
... Mickey.
He sees the phone, where he dropped it, lying off the
hook.
The door buzzer rings again, more incessant. Corky sees
him momentarily unnerved.
He looks back at her.
CEASAR
I said where --
He starts to cut and Corky screams --
CORKY
No! I'll tell you!
He stops, the door buzzing continuously.
CORKY
It's over there in the empty
apartment.
As she speaks the sound of the door buzzer changes.
CORKY
I put it inside one of the paint
drums.
He is not looking at her, listening, he realizes that
Mickey is buzzing the other apartments.
Ceasar stands as the buzzing stops. He pulls out his gun
and aims it at Corky.
CEASAR
I promised I would kill you.
He cocks it.
CORKY
You can't kill me yet.
CEASAR
Why?
CORKY
I could be lying.
His hand starts to shake with frustration. He is
beginning to hate this woman more than he ever hated
Johnnie.
Taking a deep breath, he eases back the hammer.
CEASAR
You're going to wish to god you
hadn't done that.
He kicks her again, snapping her head back.
After he leaves, Violet looks over and sees Corky lying
unconscious.
INT. HALL
Ceasar tries to open the door to the empty apartment but
it is locked.
CEASAR
Fuck.
At the end of the hall, the elevator "dings". Just as the
door opens, Ceasar jumps back into his apartment.
CEASAR
Son of a bitch...
His mind a racing blur, he locks the door and runs back to
the bedroom.
With another towel he gags Corky and drags her into the
closet. In her pocket, he finds the key.
He closes the doors then hangs up the phone.
Grunting he hauls Violet up over his shoulder --
When there is a knock on the door.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Carrying Violet he hurries to the kitchen, where he
throws Corky's gun into the freezer.
Mickey is banging on the door as Ceasar heads for the
bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM
Dropping Violet, he reaches behind the curtain and turns
on the shower.
CEASAR
Mickey will get in. I know he will.
We hear the water hitting the bodies while Ceasar starts
tearing off his clothes.
CEASAR
Violet. I can kill you right now if
that's what you want. If you want
to live then you have to help me.
I need you to make Mickey believe
that everything is normal.
He picks up his gun.
CEASAR
Tell me, do you want to live?
She stares hard at him and his gun, then nods.
CEASAR
Good girl.
INT. LIVING ROOM
We move toward the door as the lock clicks open.
INT. BATHROOM
Violet's hands are untied. She pulls off the gag and the
ropes at her feet.
Naked, Ceasar sticks his head under the shower spray,
wetting everything.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Still dripping, Ceasar walks out, a towel wrapped around
his waist, another towel in his hand.
Mickey and Lou are standing in the middle of the room.
Ceasar jumps.
CEASAR
Jesus Christ!
Ceasar holds his chest, laying it on a bit thick.
CEASAR
Holy fuck Mickey! You scared the
shit outta me.
He sees they both are holding their guns.
CEASAR
What is this? what are you two
doing, sneaking in here with your
peckers in your hands? You gonna do
me, Mick? Is that it?
Mickey smiles, putting his gun away.
MICKEY
No, Cease. There was no answer.
CEASAR
I thought I heard someone knocking.
MICKEY
I was buzzing, I was knocking, but I
guess you couldn't hear me on
account of being in the shower.
CEASAR
Yeah, it was Violet's idea. I was
so wound up about Gino, she was
trying to help me relax.
MICKEY
That Violet is one nice lady. Wish
someone would help me relax.
CEASAR
Shit, Mick, come on in, let me get
you a drink. Sit down, Lou.
Behind the bar, he sets down the towel be was holding and
we see the gun hidden inside it.
INT. BATHROOM
Violet watches through a sliver of open door, her mind
already working.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Ceasar is making the drinks.
MICKEY
We was worried about you, Cease.
CEASAR
Me? Why?
MICKEY
We went over to Johnnie's place,
just to check it out and it was
busted up, Bad.
Ceasar hands him a drink.
MICKEY
I started thinking maybe it's about
the money so I call you but all I
get is the busy signal. I figure
the phone is off the hook, that's
why I come rushing over here.
CEASAR
Oh Christ, the phone... That was a
fucking stupid thing to do, wasn't
it?
MICKEY
Hey, if Violet was helping me relax,
I'd probably do the same thing.
Mickey smiles as he sips his drink.
INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
Violet stands and goes to the shower curtain. She reaches
in and turns off the water.
Steadying herself, she pulls back the curtain, exposing
the wet, bloody bodies.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Mickey is looking at the furniture.
MICKEY
Cease, can I ask you something?
CEASAR
Yeah.
MICKEY
Why'd you move all the furniture
around?
The knot in Ceasar's stomach tightens.
MICKEY
Let me guess. That was Violet's
idea too.
He laughs, and Lou laughs with him.
CEASAR
Actually, yeah, she was nervous
about Gino coming, wanted everything
to look right. You know women Mick.
MICKEY
Sure Cease. They make us do stupid
things, don't they.
Ceasar smiles feebly.
INT. BATHROOM
Violet has pulled up Johnnie's body and is digging through
his coat pockets, searching for something.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Mickey sees the briefcase still on the coffee table.
MICKEY
Is that the money?
CEASAR
Yeah, that's it.
Ceasar puts his hand inside the towel as Mickey walks
across the rug.
MICKEY
That fucking Shelly. I gotta hand
it to the guy but Jesus if I were
him I would have bailed a long time
ago. I mean, how much money does a
man need?
Talking to Lou, be picks up the case and walks back,
somehow moving right between the wet spots.
MICKEY
I remember I was just staring at all
this goddamn money, Shelly down on
his knees, and the next thing I
know, Johnnie just blows his head
off.
He slaps the case up onto the bar.
MICKEY
What a fucking mess. Johnnie's
laughing his ass off and that's when
Ceasar lost it and -- Boom. He
cold-cocked him. Fucking cold-cocks
Johnnie Marconi.
He thumbs the latches but the case is still locked.
MICKEY
Hey, Ceasar, where's the key?
CEASAR
The key, yeah, the key's in my pants
in the bathroom.
MICKEY
Fuck it, I don't need the key.
Ceasar takes the smallest breath.
MICKEY
I didn't need a key to get in here,
did I?
He pulls out a lock-pick and starts working the lock. The
muscles in Ceasar's forearm bulge as he tightly squeezes
his gun.
He is slipping toward that same desperate choice. He is
going to attack when --
Across the room, the phone rings.
Everyone looks at it.
MICKEY
Who the hell could that be?
The phone is near the couch. Ceasar doesn't want to let
go of the gun.
The phone continues to ring.
MICKEY
You gonna answer it?
INT. BATHROOM
Violet has Johnnie's cellular phone.
Watching through the cracked door, Violet sees Ceasar
cross to answer the phone.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Hello?
VIOLET
Hello, Ceasar. This is Gino.
Ceasar looks toward the bathroom.
CEASAR (V.O.)
What?
VIOLET
You're blowing your only chance.
Act like I'm Gino.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Ceasar's eyes light up.
CEASAR
Holy shit, I don't believe it!
We've been going crazy over here,
Gino!
VIOLET (V.O.)
Good boy.
Mickey jumps up.
CEASAR
It's Gino! It's Gino!
MICKEY
Where in the hell is he?
INT. BATHROOM
VIOLET
We were in a car accident --
CEASAR (V.O.)
They were in a car accident.
VIOLET
But everybody is all right.
INT. LIVING ROOM
CEASAR
They're all fine. Just bruises and
shit.
VIOLET (V.O.)
Now you listen to me, asshole, I
know your gun is behind the bar...
MICKEY
Un-fucking-believable. I called
those highway patrol dumb fucks.
CEASAR
Ssh! I can't hear Gino!
VIOLET (V.O.)
We make a deal or I come out and
hand this phone to Mickey.
CEASAR
I'm listening.
INT. BATHROOM
Violet has her robe over her dress, wrapping her hair in a
towel, making sure the bruise on her forehead is hidden.
VIOLET
I want what's mine, half the money.
We get rid of Mickey, no one else
dies. No one. Say yes, I
understand.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Yes, I understand.
VIOLET
Tell them I'm at St. Mary's off the
Kennedy, in the waiting room, but
stay on the phone until I come out.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Sure Gino, sure.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Out of the corner of his eye, he watches Violet come out
of the bathroom.
CEASAR
St. Mary's off the Kennedy, sure.
Okay, Gino.
Mickey sees Violet.
VIOLET
Mickey? What are you doing here?
MICKEY
Violet, it's Gino and Johnnie. They
were in a car accident.
VIOLET
Oh my god. Was anyone hurt?
MICKEY
I think everything is okay.
Ceasar hangs up.
CEASAR
They're at St. Mary's in the
waiting room.
Mick is already on the way.
MICKEY
I can't fit them all in my car so
give me your keys. You drive my
car, Lou.
Ceasar sees Violet walking toward the kitchen.
CEASAR
Sure, Mickey, sure. Violet!
She stops, looking straight at the freezer.
CEASAR
Go grab my car keys from my pants in
the bathroom.
She turns to him.
CEASAR
Please, help us out, Mickey wants to
get going.
She turns to the bathroom.
MICKEY
They might want to go straight to
the airport and back to Miami, so I
better take this.
He grabs the briefcase.
MICKEY
You got the key?
CEASAR
Oh yeah. Violet!
INT. CLOSET
Where Corky remains bound, still unconscious. We hear the
name echo in her head.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Violet!
Suddenly, her eyes blink open.
CEASAR (V.O.)
Violet!
Her eyes blink again as she tries to focus.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Violet hands Mickey the keys for the car and the case.
MICKEY
Thanks, V.
He kisses her on the cheek.
CEASAR
Call me as soon as you get him.
MICKEY
Leave your phone on the hook.
Mickey and Lou leave. Violet is staring at Ceasar
standing near the door.
In his right hand he is holding the other towel. He
smiles.
CEASAR
Now that's team work.
VIOLET
I should have let him kill you.
CEASAR
You know he would have done you
too.
VIOLET
I knew I couldn't trust you.
He drops the towel, raising the gun.
CEASAR
I said I'd let you live and I will.
He smiles again.
CEASAR
Maybe.
INT. CLOSET
Corky is wide awake, thrashing-mad, biting her gag,
struggling to get free.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Ceasar pulls his pants on.
CEASAR
Time to find out if the dyke was
stupid enough to lie.
Ceasar drags Violet through the front door.
INT. BEDROOM
The closet doors burst open, as Corky fights her way out.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Ceasar sees the buckets of paint.
He rips the lid from the nearest and kicks it over. Paint
spills out across the floor.
INT. BEDROOM
Suddenly Corky stops, something has caught her eye. We
drop down focusing on what she is staring at --
The clippers.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
He kicks over the second bucket and the bag tumbles out
with the rushing flow of paint.
CEASAR
Yes!
He turns to Violet who is already running out the door.
CEASAR
No!
INT. HALL
Violet turns down the hall, bare feet beating against the
floor.
Ceasar slices out of the room behind her.
CEASAR
Violet!
He aims the gun as she hurls her self into the emergency
door.
CEASAR
Fuck!
INT. STAIRWELL
She flies, hands on the rail spiraling down each flight
as he charges after her.
CEASAR
Goddamnit Violet! Stop! Now!
INT. BEDROOM
Straining, Corky's fingers curl around the handle of the
clippers.
INT. LOBBY
Violet smashes through the door but instead of turning to
the main doors she runs straight for the elevators.
She pounds the button and waits.
VIOLET
Come on. Come on, please.
She hears Ceasar coming just as the elevator opens.
Ceasar crashes out of the stair door, running toward the
exit. When he doesn't see her, he turns to the sound of
the elevator --
And catches a glimpse of her as the doors close.
CEASAR
Oh, you bitch. You fucking bitch.
Taking a really deep breath, he throws open the door to
the stairs.
INT. ELEVATOR
Violet takes Johnnie's cellular phone from the robe pocket
and dials a number.
Mickey answers on the car phone.
VIOLET
Mickey! Oh god Mickey!
MICKEY (V.O.)
Violet?
Whispering, she acts terrified.
VIOLET
He made me help him, Mickey, god I
was so afraid. It was Ceasar, all
Ceasar. You have to help me. He's
coming -- Oh god!
She hangs up, eyes blazing.
INT. STAIRWELL
Sweat pouring off him, Ceasar climbs the stairs.
INT. HALL
The elevator opens, Violet bolts out. She runs down the
hall, past the empty apartment, back to her door.
VIOLET
Corky?
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
She rushes to the bedroom where she finds the coils of
cut rope.
VIOLET
Corky!
She looks at the wall separating the apartment.
INT. HALL
Ceasar half falls out of the stair door, drenched with
sweat.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Gun ready, Ceasar throws open the door.
Spread out like a pond of milk is the spilled paint
but --
The money is gone.
Leading away from the white pool are boot prints and the
drip trail of the plastic bag.
The tracks lead to the bathroom.
Ceasar kicks open the bathroom door and finds the bag of
money next to Corky's empty boots.
Over his shoulder we see Corky already swinging a massive
pipe wrench.
At the last second he is able to duck, falling to the
ground as --
The door jamb splinters with a terrible metal crunch.
Before he can recover and shoot she brings the wrench
down on his arm.
He screams as the gun hits the floor.
She kicks it, sending it skidding, hydroplaning across the
paint pool to the other side, leaving a jet trail of white
swirls and spirals on the wood floor.
They fight, Corky raining blows onto his back and flailing
arm until --
He catches her foot, flipping her as he clambers up.
Scrambling across the paint, slipping, crawling for the
gun when --
Violet bursts in pointing the gun from the freezer.
VIOLET
Stop!
Ceasar, on hands and knees, looks at her then at his gun
still out of reach.
VIOLET
It's over, Ceasar. I called Mickey.
He's on his way.
Violet stands for long time, the gun trained carefully on
him as he rises from the floor.
Panting, Ceasar watches her like a mad dog.
VIOLET
Get out of here, Ceasar. If you
want to live you had better start
running.
He smiles.
CEASAR
All these years and you still don't
know me, Violet.
He casually moves towards the gun.
CEASAR
But I know you.
CORKY
Violet?
CEASAR
You can't kill me, Violet. You're
not the type.
VIOLET
Ceasar, don't.
Corky's eyes widen as Ceasar stands over the gun.
VIOLET
Ceasar!
CEASAR
I hear you, V. Sure we'll split the
money. Whatever you want.
Ceasar lunges.
CORKY
Violet.
He is up and aiming when Violet fires --
The bullet hits Ceasar in the shoulder, knocking him off
balance. He spins around, still trying to find her in his
sites when --
She fires again.
His body arcs back, falling, splashing into the paint.
Ceasar's blood bubbles out bright red against the
glistening white.
Violet and Corky hold each other, both women crying, ready
to collapse.
VIOLET
It's not over, Mickey will be here
any minute.
CORKY
Oh no.
VIOLET
It's all right. I know what to do.
Just hold me a little more.
Corky does.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
The door opens and we glide inside, moving through the
main rooms as though searching them.
We turn to the bedroom and we see Violet laying
unconscious on the floor.
MICKEY
Violet!
Gun in hand, Mickey bends to her side, checking her pulse.
He sees the huge welt on her forehead where Ceasar hit
her.
Her long lashes beat like butterfly wings as she wakes.
She is suddenly afraid.
VIOLET
Oh no! No!
MICKEY
It's me. It's me, Mickey. You're
all right.
Her body heaves with relief as she clutches to him.
VIOLET
Mickey...
MICKEY
Shh! It's okay now. Everything is
all right.
INT. EMPTY APARTMENT
Days later. The apartment is totally clean.
INT. CEASAR'S APARTMENT
It is empty and clean. In the bedroom, only a few hangers
are left dangling in the open closet.
EXT. PARKING LOT
Mickey is standing with Violet, next to his car.
VIOLET
I will never understand it, Mickey.
You didn't even call the police.
MICKEY
I told you, the family doesn't want
the police around. We want to take
care of it ourselves and we will.
I'll find him. I swear I will.
VIOLET
I know you will.
MICKEY
Sure you're going to be okay? I
mean, if you're having second
thoughts my offer still stands.
VIOLET
Thanks Mickey, but I need to get
out, you know? Get away from all of
this.
Mickey nods.
VIOLET
But thanks. Thanks for everything.
She hugs him and he kisses her. Then he gets in his car.
Violet watches him drive away and knows that she is free.
INT. PAROLE OFFICE
Corky is still in the parole office.
OFFICER
You haven't heard a goddamn word
I've said, have you?
Corky studies her fingernails. They are clean and
manicured.
OFFICER
I could hold you for six more
months, for six years, and I'd just
be wasting the taxpayer's coffee and
air conditioning.
She looks up at him as he flips open her file.
OFFICER
This is the part of my job I hate
the most.
Bam. He hits the first page with a stamp that reads:
RELEASED.
OFFICER
Only satisfaction I get is knowing
that I'll never see you again.
CORKY
No sir. You won't.
She stands almost smiling.
EXT. PAROLE BUILDINGS - DAY
Corky exits the revolving door and smiles.
Violet is waiting out front, leaning on a brand new Chevy
truck. She is wearing a short hair cut and leather
jacket.
She stamps out a cigarette as Corky approaches.
CORKY
Going my way?
VIOLET
Definitely.
CORKY
So, where are we going anyway?
VIOLET
Anywhere we want.
They smile, lean for each other, and lock lips.
FADE OUT.
THE END