riverbend

RIVERBEND

by

James Liu

9039 Sligo Creek ParkwayApt 706Silver Spring, MD 20901(301) [email protected]

BLACK SCREEN.

We hear the sounds of many fists pounding doors. Growing louder and louder... Like the beating of drums...

INT. UNDISCLOSED PRISON - SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CELL - DAY

Silence now. We are inside a dark, claustrophobic CELL about the size of a parking space. Nothing but a toilet, sink, and a rusty steel bed.

A bearded man in an orange jump suit, wrapped in a blanket, sits by the door. This is DOMINIC ‘DOM’ HARRIS. 42. African-American. Tired, grizzled. Completely out of it.

DOM (V.O.)For us, there is only one season. The season of sorrow. The very sun and moon seem taken from us.

(beat)Despite what you might think, solitary confinement isn’t quiet. It’s deafening.

We linger on Dom for a moment. Then -- the hard pounding of doors return. With more ferocity. The sound builds and builds to a FEVER PITCH. Ear-splitting and rapid...

We can now make out new sounds coming from all directions. Like a twisted symphony: obscenities, a man barking like a dog, another howling like a wolf, high-pitched shrills, singing, crying, shouting matches, and animalistic shrieking that will make the hair on your neck stand up. Sounds like an insane asylum. Or a zoo gone mad.

We hold it here and listen to the sounds some more. Men losing their minds. And -- silence again.

DOM (V.O.)Twenty-three hours a day I spend inside this tiny cell. No TV. No pictures. No radio. Just the thoughts I have in my brain.

A tray of food slides through the slot -- a sloppy-looking burrito, watery salsa, green beans, jello cup, milk and apple juice cartons. Dom stares at his tray. Complete distaste.

INT. UNDISCLOSED PRISON - EXERCISE YARD - CONTINUOUS

Now inside a separate room. This is the “EXERCISE YARD” for those in solitary. It’s long and wide enough to maneuver around, but still cramped. Ugly beige walls.

Dom briskly paces back and forth from wall to wall. A prison guard keeps an eye on him from the outside.

DOM (V.O.)This is how I spend my other hour.

EXT. SOLITARY CELL - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

Dom comes out, drenched in sweat. The guard cuffs him.

INT. PRISON CELL, SOLITARY CONFINEMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Some time has passed. Two, three hours. Dom is fast asleep, snoring. A beat. Then -- KNOCK KNOCK. Dom doesn’t wake up. More knocking -- he wrinkles his nose and smacks his lips like we all do when we begin to wake up. And again, HARD this time: KNOCK KNOCK!

This JOLTS him right up. He begins panting. Heavily.

MAN (O.S.)(southern)

Dom? You awake? Sure hope you ain’t in there blue as a Smurf, hangin’by your underwear.

Dom scrambles to the door as the man keeps POUNDING. Dom kneels down, pushes open the slot and peers his eyes out.

MAN (O.S.) (CONT’D)It’s time to talk.

DOMTalk... about what?

MAN (O.S.)Well that’s why we’re gonna make a little trip to my office. You got any contraband on you?

DOMNo.

MAN (O.S.)Alright, gimme them paws.

2.

Dom puts his hands through the slot, gets cuffed.

We hear keys jingle. STAY ON Dom as his cell opens to --- BLINDING lights. Dom squints.

MAN (O.S.) (CONT’D)Come on, let’s get movin’.

FADE OUT.

INT. APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Inside a bedroom. The TV is left on. Static. We hear vomiting coming from the bathroom -- doors closed.

INT. APARTMENT - BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

Kneeling over the toilet, clutching the seat is MICHELLE DORSEY -- 23, African American. Pretty but given her current state, frail and gaunt-looking. She is Dom’s girlfriend. Kneeling by her side is Dom, younger -- age 25. Clean-shaved. He holds her hair back as she vomits.

MICHELLE(catching her breath)

Ugh. I’m sorry.

DOMYou have nothing to be sorry for.

MICHELLE(shaking her head)

You take me out to a nice dinner... We never get to go out. And I can’t even keep all this good food down.

Dom holds her close. Tries his best to comfort her. These are hard times. Then -- he feels something in his hand... A large CLUMP of Michelle’s hair has fallen off. He quickly hides it in his pocket.

DOMIf you need to go again, just squeeze my butt, okay?

MICHELLEOkay.

DOMBy the way, dinner wasn’t a waste...

3.

(MORE)

Any one of them skinny models you see on TV will attest to that. You know, the type Sir-Mix-A-Lot would never take out on a date. They do what you’re doing, except on purpose.

MICHELLE(barely managing a smile)

You’re good to me...

She rests her head on his chest. We hold it here a beat.

EXT. DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS (1997) - MORNING

It’s a cold, ugly, dreary morning. Grey skies. We take in the sights of graffiti-ridden buildings, parked police cars with their sirens on, and mom and pop shops. Gritty, urban.

EXT. STEEL MILL - PARKING LOT - DAY

A car pulls up in front of a towering STEEL MILL PLANT -- an almost majestic sight. Huge, thick gusts of SMOKE pour out of the chimneys high into the sky.

Stepping out of the car is Dom. He stares at the mill for a beat, then grabs his work bags and starts walking towards it.

INT. STEEL MILL - MANUFACTURING ROOM - DAY

Dom, in work attire -- welding mask, apron, gloves, dark blue overalls -- cuts a large piece of STEEL with a grinder. Sparks go flying. He takes his mask off and wipes his brow.

INT. STEEL MILL - CONTINUOS

The interior of the mill is TALL AND VAST. It’s dark, almost no light except for a couple windows here and there. And loud -- sounds of HEAVY MACHINERY and men shouting instructions permeate the air. A rugged and harsh place to work.

We see a sweaty Dom makes his way past all the machinery, flying sparks, bright orange molten iron, and men at work. Nodding “hellos” to co-workers.

Up ahead -- A stocky Sicilian man with a blueprint walking our way. This is Dom’s supervisor, FRANK DI MAURO, 30’s.

FRANK(slight accent)

Ey, how’s it hangin’ Dom?

4.

DOM (CONT'D)

DOMNot too bad, Frank. Yourself?

FRANKAh, nothin’ new. Paul and Wendell in the back drivin’ me fuckin’ nuts as usual.

(laughs)What about you? What’s cookin’?

DOMJust ready to put in my hours.

FRANKThat’s the spirit.

Frank pats him on the shoulder and goes his way. Dom turns around. Contemplates... and then--

DOMHey Frank.

Frank stops and turns.

DOM (CONT’D)I wanted to ask you somethin’.

FRANKShoot.

DOMIt’s about Michelle...

FRANKMichelle... How’s she doin’ lately Dom?

DOMShe’s uh -- well, she’s puttin’ up a fight.

FRANKPuttin’ up a fight... That’s good, Dom. That’s real good.

DOMRemember a few months back, when I told you about her cancer... You pulled me into your office and you offered to cut me my Christmas check early this year. Well, I was thinkin’ now would be a real good time for that to say the least, sir.

5.

(MORE)

It would sure come a long way in terms of helping us pay for her treatment.

FRANKChristmas check... Listen Dom, Michelle’s an angel... And on behalf of everybody at the mill, we want nothing but the best for her. We want her to outlive all of us for fucks sake... But as far as bonuses go, we just don’t have the fundin’ for it anymore. Not this year at least.

DOM...What happened to our budget, Frank?

FRANKThree cases of mesothelioma. And one really bad on-the-job injury. Guy ended up losin’ his entire left arm. All this in the span of eight months. They’ve been takin’ us to the fuckin’ woodshed with lawsuits and settlements and other bullshit... Management’s been breathin’ down my neck left and right about downsizin’ our budget, and bonuses were the first thing to go out the window.

DOMCan’t you pay me in advance for one paycheck at least? I’ve been here everyday for the last four years. You know I’m here to stay, Frank.

FRANKDom, look. You’re a hell of an employee. No fuckin’ doubt about that. And I love Michelle, I really do. I wish I could help ya... but there ain’t nothin’ I can do. It’s upper management’s call. Not mine.

(off Dom’s look)I’m sorry Dom. I really am... Good luck. With everything.

Another pat on the shoulder, then Frank goes his way. Dom is left standing there, crushed.

6.

DOM (CONT'D)

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT

After work.

The cashier rings up a customer. Dom -- still in his work attire, exhausted -- waits in line with two bottles of water, A beat, Dom’s turn. Sets his items down on the counter.

CASHIERHow are you sir?

DOMHey.

The cashier scans his items. The total: $4.79. Dom hands him a twenty. The register opens -- Dom immediately fixates on all the money. The cashier whips out the change, hands it over, and bags the items.

CASHIERHave a nice night.

The register shuts.

DOM(snapping out of it)

Thanks.

Dom grabs his stuff and leaves.

INT. APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT

A nice looking meal with wine on the table. Pot Roast. Michelle is passed out, head slumped in her arms. A static-y “Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke plays on the stereo.

The front door swings open -- it’s Dom, work bags and all. He notices Michelle and walks over.

DOMBaby?

Very slowly, Michelle starts waking up.

MICHELLEHmm?... Oh hey.

Dom pulls a chair beside her and gives her a kiss on the forehead.

DOMWhat you got here baby? Pot roast?

7.

She nods.

DOM (CONT’D)You didn’t have to do all this.

MICHELLEYou’re late... I dozed off.

DOMI’m sorry babe. Got held up at work.

DOM (CONT’D)(noticing the music)

“Wonderful World.” Our song. (Michelle, very weak, nods; Dom starts singing along)

For maybe by being an ‘A’ student baby. I can win your love for me.

She smiles as best she can.

DOM (CONT’D)I’m gonna go wash up. But you go ahead and dig in. Please.

(getting up)Hey babe?

MICHELLEYeah?

DOMYou remember where we put that ski stuff we got from Phil a few months back?

MICHELLESki stuff?

DOMYeah. It was in a black bag.

MICHELLEOh. The bag... Should be in your closet still.

DOMOkay.

Dom smiles, leans down, and kisses her.

8.

INT. APARTMENT - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Dom, in the bedroom, moves to the closet, sifting through stuff. And pulls out... a duffel bag. He goes through the bag and finds a BLACK SKI MASK. Dom moves to the bed and fetches some scissors from the drawer. He stops to contemplate everything.

INT. APARTMENT - BEDROOM - LATER

Michelle’s sleeping now. Dom stands by the door -- duffel bag in hand, ready to head out, watching her.

He flips the switch. Darkness.

INT/EXT. CAR - STREETS - CONTINUOUS

Dom, eyes blood-shot, cruises the streets. Pulls up to a red light, and flips the radio on -- static-filled chatter. He flips through the stations -- nothing good. Turns the radio off.

Looking out the window to see -- an ALLEY. He squints... it’s dark but we can sort of make out the figures of two males wearing hoodies, posted up against the wall. Green light.

Dom continues staring, then -- HONKING. He sees he has the light and drives. Arriving at another red light... Stops. He looks deep in thought. Green light. Instead of going straight, he signals left, makes a U-turn... And pulls up beside the alley.

He hops out. It’s freezing. Begins walking down the alley. The guys in hoodies take notice of Dom and turn to face him. As we approach, the faces of the two males are revealed -- they’re young. Teenagers.

TEENAGERWhat you need nigga? Got some good shit over here.

DOMI’m not lookin’ for drugs.

SECOND TEENAGERYou a cop or somethin’?

DOMNo. Not a cop.

9.

TEENAGERWell speak up then, nigga. The fuck you come here for?

DOMI need a gun.

The teens look at each other, then back at Dom.

TEENAGERTwo-hundred.

DOMShow me.

The first teen reaches underneath his pants from behind, pulls out a basic six-chambered REVOLVER.

DOM (CONT’D)Fifty bucks.

The teens scoff, then turn away.

TEENAGERPeace, nigga.

Beat.

DOMSixty-five bucks. A pair of Jordan’s. And a Macy’s gift card.

Now he has their attention. They turn back around.

SECOND TEENAGEROne-fiddy. With the J’s and gift card.

DOMSixty-five bucks is all I got. The shoes themselves worth more than the gun. If that’s not good enough for you boys, I’ll go down the next block and find some other junkie with a gun who will happily take the deal. I just came here cuz I caught you fellas sittin’ at the light.

The teens look at each other again. This time, it looks like they’re gonna take the deal.

10.

INT. LIQUOR STORE - CONTINUOUS

Two pre-teen Pakistani girls, AMINA and ZUHRA, sit behind the counter playing DONKEY KONG on a Game Boy. Their dad, MR. KHAN -- late 40’s, balding -- sits next to them in reading glasses and tallies the day’s receipts.

The girls squeal in delight over their game.

ZUHRAOkay. My turn!!!

Zuhra tries to wrestle the Game Boy from Amina’s hands, who refuses to give it up.

AMINAYou just went!

MR. KHANHey! That’s enough. Give Game Boy to me.

Much to the girls’ disliking--

ZUHRANo!!!

AMINADad!!! Come on!!

MR. KHAN (CONT’D)Come on. I don’t ask twice.

The girls don’t budge.

MR. KHAN (CONT’D)I give back in the car.

They’re still hesitant. Mr. Khan motions with his hand for them to give it up. Finally, the girls surrender the Game Boy. He pats them on their heads.

A woman with a clipboard walks by. This is MRS. KHAN.

MR. KHAN (CONT’D)Farah?

She looks over.

MR. KHAN (CONT’D)How is inventory?

MRS. KHAN(puts up ’okay’ sign with her hand)

Good.

11.

INT/EXT. CAR - LIQUOR STORE - CONTINUOUS

Empty lot. A car pulls up... Dom’s. He parks and puts his ski mask on. Nervous. Pops open the glove box -- a basic six-chambered REVOLVER and a pair of black leather GLOVES.

EXT. LIQUOR STORE - CONTINUOUS

Dom steps out the car. Cautiously makes his way to the liquor store entrance, posting up against his back away from plain sight. He carefully peeks inside to see--

--Mr. Khan and his two daughters at the counter. Mrs. Khan counting the inventory.

DOM(turns around; to himself...)

Fuck.

A family? Dom peeks inside again, then hides again, putting the revolver away. He’s breathing heavily, thinking things through. Torn. He wants to back out, but needs this money. Taking a deep breath, he pulls the revolver back out. To him, this is a necessary risk.


Mr. Khan continues tallying up the sales as his family goes about their business. Suddenly -- Dom SMASHES THE GLASS DOOR OPEN using the gun handle, reaching in and twisting the knob. Mrs. Khan and her daughters SCREAM.

Dom BURSTS in, aiming his gun at the family. Mrs. Khan, startled, drops her clipboard--

MRS. KHANOH MY GOD!!!!!

DOMHANDS ABOVE YOUR HEADS.

Frightened beyond their wits, everyone does as they’re told. The daughters begin crying.

DOM (CONT’D)(to Mrs. Khan)

You, behind the counter.

Frozen in fear -- Mrs. Khan stands there with her hands raised, trembling.

12.

DOM (CONT’D)Ma’am, get behind the counter. NOW!

She YELPS, paralyzed in her position still.

MR. KHANFarah.

Mrs. Khan looks up at her husband.

MR. KHAN (CONT’D)(in Urdu)

It will be alright. Come over here with us.

In tears, she walks over behind the counter, cradling her daughters as they sob. Gun pointed still--

DOM(throwing the duffel bag on the counter; to Mr. Khan)

Open the register and put all the money in this bag.

MR. KHANNo money in the register.

DOM...What?

EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS

Across the street, a POLICE CAR patrols the block.

INT. POLICE CAR - STREETS - CONTINUOUS

A young male officer notices the liquor store as he’s passing by. Squinting his eyes to try to get a better look -- but it’s dark and he’s too far to notice anything abnormal. He drives past the store.


Back at the liquor store--

DOMWhere’s the money?

MR. KHANThe money is in back room.

13.

DOMOpen the register. Let me see.

Mr. Khan opens the register -- he’s right, it’s empty.

DOM (CONT’D)Take me to the back room. NOW.

Hands raised, Mr. Khan starts walking. Mrs. Khan and the girls are inconsolable.

DOM (CONT’D)(to Mrs. Khan and her daughters; motioning with gun)

Go with him.

They make their way. An ANXIOUS walk for everyone involved. Dom follows behind, keeping his gun aimed at the back of their heads.

Mr. Khan leads them to a door in the back, where the glass display coolers are. Hands trembling, he pulls out a large set of keys.

DOM (CONT’D)Faster.

Mr. Khan flips through the keys nervously, and finally finds the right key. Unlocks the door. It opens to reveal -- a SAFE.

INT. LIQUOR STORE - BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

They make their way in. Dom shuts the door behind him. The daughters are distractingly loud.

MRS. KHAN(sobbing)

Please don’t hurt my children...

Dom sets his gun down and kneels down next to the girls.

DOM(index finger to the lips; shushing)

Shh shh... I won’t hurt you or your mom and dad. I promise.

(trying to get their attention as they cry--)

Hey... hey... look at me... Look at me...

14.

(MORE)

(to Amina)You, what’s your name sweetheart?

No response. Just crying.

DOM (CONT’D)What’s your name?

AMINAA -- Amina.

DOMAmina? Well that’s a very pretty name. Amina. I like that.

(to Zuhra)How about you sweetie? What’s your name?

ZUHRA(crying)

Zuhra...

DOMZuhra? What a beautiful name. That’s a beautiful name... Hey, look at me.

(the girls look at him)I’ll be out of here in two minutes, okay? No one is gonna get hurt.

The girls are a bit calmer now, but still crying and scared. Dom gets up, slides Mr. Khan the duffel bag.

DOM (CONT’D)Open the safe and put the money in the bag.

MR. KHAN(back turned, hands behind his head)

You think you come in here and threaten my family?

MRS. KHAN(to Mr. Khan)

Zahid!

Mr. Khan defiantly TURNS AROUND.

MR. KHANWHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?!

The girls are hysterical now. Dom does what he has to do -- he points the gun at Mr. Khan.

15.

DOM (CONT'D)

DOMSir, I am not gonna ask again. Just swallow your pride and we all go home safe... Okay? No one has to get hurt. Think about your girls.

Mr. Khan wisely turns around and begrudgingly enters the pin for the safe. It opens -- STACKS OF CASH. A beautiful sight for Dom. Mr. Khan starts loading the bag.

INT. POLICE CAR - STREETS - CONTINUOUS

The officer drives around, sleepy. Speaking into his two-way--

OFFICERTen-nineteen. No activity on Quince and Yorkshire. Callin’ it a night. Over and out.

DISPATCHER (O.S.)Copy that.

The officer sets his radio down and notices the liquor store again from the other direction -- a better view this time.

Taking another look -- now, we can clearly see the shattered door. The bits of glass on the floor. He flips his SIREN on.

OFFICERFour-five-nine. I got a potential burglary at the liquor store on the five-thousand block of Quince Road. Requesting back-up.


Mr. Khan has finished loading the bag. Dom walks over, gun still drawn, and slings the bag over his shoulder.

DOMI’m sorry you had to go through this.

No reaction from Mr. Khan.

DOM (CONT’D)(to everyone)

I want you all to close your eyes. Count to a hundred. Do not open your eyes until you get to a hundred.

16.

They comply, and begin counting.


Dom heads for the exit. As he gets closer... he can make out BLUE AND RED LIGHT reflections. FUCK.

EXT. LIQUOR STORE - PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

The officer steps out his vehicle, gun drawn. He slowly observes Dom’s vehicle and walks to the entrance, shining a flash light on the broken door. He peeks inside and sees Mr. Khan with his wife behind the counter.


The officer steps in, boots crunching down on broken glass.

OFFICERMr. Khan?

MR. KHAN(nervous)

Y--Yes, officer. How are you?

OFFICERWhat happened here?

MR. KHANNothing sir. Hooligans come in here and make mess. I will get it fix first thing tomorrow.


Dom sits with the girls -- their hands covering their mouths.


The officer carefully inspects the store with his flashlight as Mr. and Mrs. Khan look on anxiously.

OFFICERWhere are the girls?

MR. KHANHome. They have baby sitter tonight.

17.

OFFICERAren’t they usually here with you?

MR. KHANYes. But it is school night.

OFFICERWhose car is that out there?

MR. KHANMine. New car for my wife.

A very tense Mrs. Khan nods in agreement.

OFFICER(skeptical)

You mind if I have a look around?


Dom listens closely by the door with the girls, hoping he lucks out. We hear the officer’s foot steps. Dom raises his finger to his lips to remind the girls to stay quiet.


The officer continues searching, inspecting the aisles now.


Amina feels a sneeze coming on. Dom recognizes this and puts a finger under her nostrils.

DOM(shushing)

Shh... shh... easy now.

It seems to be working until...

AMINA(sneezing)

A-choo!


The officer hears this, rushes to the back room and puts his ear up to the door. Mr. and Mrs. Khan, on edge, fearful this could be the end for their little girls.

18.

OFFICER(to Mr. Khan)

Somebody in here?

Mr. Khan shakes his head. The officer bangs on the door anyway.

OFFICER (CONT’D)POLICE. Open up.

He twists the knob but it’s locked.

OFFICER (CONT’D)(to Mr. Khan)

Get over here and open this God damn door.


Dom, in a tough place right now, looks over at the frightened girls. They’re afraid he’s about to execute them.


The officer POUNDS on the door. Nothing. Mr. Khan and Mrs. Khan stand there. Frozen. Clearly rattled and on the verge of tears.

OFFICERThe hell are you hidin’ in here, Mr. Khan?

Finally -- the officer KICKS the door down... Gun drawn, he sees the girls holding each other, crying, and tends to them.

OFFICER (CONT’D)You girls okay?

Suddenly -- Dom BURSTS out of a storage locker, wheeling his gun and duffel bag... And SHOVES the officer out the way. Dom BOLTS out as the officer stands up to aim his gun -- trying to get a good shot.

OFFICER (CONT’D)FREEZE!

Struggling to get a clear shot with all the bottles in the way... POW. POW. TWO SHOTS FIRED -- missing Dom and shattering liquor bottles.

19.

EXT. LIQUOR STORE - PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

Dom escapes only to find -- POLICE CARS surrounding the place. The officers step out and point their guns.

OFFICER 2DROP YOUR WEAPON! NOW!

OFFICER 3PUT THE GUN DOWN AND PLACE YOUR HEANDS BEHIND YOUR FUCKING HEAD!

It’s over. Dom drops his bag and slowly sets his gun down. Raises his hands.

OFFICER 2HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!

As Dom puts his hands behind his head -- the officer from inside TACKLES him from behind, pinning him face-down on the cold concrete. He grimaces in pain as he’s cuffed.

INT. APARTMENT - DAY

Two officers speak to Michelle. Their dialogue is inaudible. Suddenly, she BREAKS DOWN. Slinking against the wall, sobbing. A heartbreaking sight.

INT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - DAY

A white-haired woman, 50’s, flips through paperwork at her desk. She is AMY JARVIS, the Senior Deputy District Attorney of Shelby County.

Entering her office is new Assistant DA JULIAN MURPHY. 26. Handsome. Tanned, dark hair. But also young, hungry and painstakingly ambitious. Drops a file on her desk.

JULIANHope this tickles your fancy.

She opens the file -- Felony Deterrent Program (FDP).

AMY JARVISFirst day as Assistant DA and you come out with guns blazin’?

JULIAN(grins)

Take a look.

Amy turns the page -- Dom’s MUG SHOT and arrest details.

20.

AMY(reading)

Armed robbery...(flipping through)

Has a few priors. Theft. Drug charges.

(scanning)All as a juvie. Hmm.

JULIANHe’s as ripe a candidate for this program as anyone else... twenty-five years old, never finished high school, low-end blue-collar job, minority... I mean, he held an entire family hostage at gunpoint. There were kids involved.

Amy looks at Julian, a look of serious consideration.

INT. SHELBY COUNTY JAIL - HALLWAY - DAY

Officers look on through the observation mirror.

INT. SHELBY COUNTY JAIL - INTERROGATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Dom -- orange jumpsuit and handcuffs -- sits across from a young public defender, JIM RYLAND. Looks like he couldn’t be more than a year removed from law school.

DOMSixty-five years?

JIM RYLANDThat’s the best the DA was willing to offer, Mr. Harris. I tried to level with them.

Dom slinks his head down.

JIM RYLAND (CONT’D)Mr. Harris, I--

DOMDom.

JIM RYLANDPardon?

DOMDom, call me Dom.

21.

JIM RYLANDDom. The prosecution is not taking this matter lightly. Crime rates in Memphis are at an all-time high and they are looking to make an example out of someone. They are pursuing these charges with surprising zeal.

(reading off his sheet)One count of burglary. Four counts of robbery. Four counts of kidnapping... Believe me when I say this -- based off these charges, the court is not going to be any more lenient when handing down the sentencing.

DOMFour counts of robbery? Kidnapping?! How?

JIM RYLANDOne count for each victim. Family of four so four counts.

DOMSo if their grandparents were sitting on rocking chairs watching TV while I robbed the joint, that’d be six counts?

JIM RYLANDIt’s a possibility.

Dom looks off to the side. Unbelievable.

DOMI ain’t kidnap no one...

JIM RYLANDDom, according to the family’s account of the incident, you forced them at gun point to move from one part of the store to another. The safe room.

DOMWith the intent of taking the money. Not them.

22.

JIM RYLANDAnytime you force someone to move from one location to another against their will, the prosecution has a right to invoke kidnapping charges.

(beat)Dom, listen to me when I say this. If you choose to fight these charges in front of a jury, they are going to throw the book at you... And you can count on it being encyclopedia-sized.

Dom looks off again. Thinking, contemplating, absolutely gutted.

JUDGE (O.S.)Mr. Harris, I find your actions to be particularly harebrained, callous, and selfish...

INT. COURT ROOM - DAY

Dom stands before the JUDGE. A distraught Michelle watches from the crowd with a friend. Mr. Khan and his family present as well.

DA’s Amy and Julian along with the rest of the prosecuting team look on eagerly--

JUDGEThere is merely no justification for endangering the lives of innocent people. It takes a certain kind of depraved human being to be able to point a gun in the face of an innocent mother and father while their eleven and nine-year old girls are screaming and crying their eyes out. The District Attorney’s office has recommended that you be prosecuted under the Felony Deterrent Program, which entails harsher than usual sentencing terms. And I’m afraid I’m inclined to side with them, Mr. Harris.

(reading off paper)As to count one of first degree burglary, the court orders that the defendant shall serve a term of six years in prison.

23.

Michelle -- disbelief. No reaction from Dom. He goes numb.

JUDGE (CONT’D)As to counts two through five of armed robbery, it is ordered that the defendant shall serve a term of fourty-eight years in prison.

(Michelle starts wailing; Dom shuts his eyes, he can’t believe this)

And finally, as to counts six through nine of second-degree kidnapping, it is ordered that the defendant shall serve another term of fourty-eight years in prison. All of these terms are to be served consecutively, which means that the defendant is in effect going to spend one-hundred and two years in prison.

A RINGING in Dom’s ears. Growing louder... Everything starts to blur... The room seems to be spinning... He looks over and sees Amy and Julian shake hands.

Inaudibly, the judge delivers a few more words and raps his gavel. Michelle breaks down in her friend’s arms.

INT. COURT ROOM - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

The bailiff escorts Dom, who’s accompanied by his lawyer.

MICHELLE(hysterical)

DOM! DOM!

Dom turns, sees Michelle RUNNING up to him.

BAILIFF(attempting to restrain her)

Ma’am, please back away.

DOMHey! Get your fucking hands off her.

Michelle keeps resisting. The bailiff waves for assistance. Two officers come and restrain her.

DOM (CONT’D)GET THE FUCK OFF OF HER! GET YOUR FUCKIN’ HANDS OFF HER!

24.

As she’s being carried away--

MICHELLE(to Jim Ryland)

A hundred-and-two years??!! A hundred-and-two-years??!!!! You’re a God damn lawyer. This is your fucking job and that’s the best you could do??!!

Dom, his heart ripped to shreds, watches his love as she’s led away by the officers.

DOM (V.O.)Michelle passed away not too long after that. The following summer...

EXT. SHELBY COUNTY JAIL - DAY

A single file chain of shackled inmates -- Dom in the middle -- walking to the bus for transport.

DOM (V.O.)I withdrew my appeal the day I learned about her passing... I accepted what was given to me.

They board the bus one by one.

DOM (V.O.)My sentence was stiff. But I endangered the lives of an innocent family. That’s not me. That’s not who I am... And I won’t make any excuses for that. I stooped real low...

(beat)I was up for parole in 2057. Sixty years from now. But where’s the silver lining in that? I’d be an old man at that point. Hell, I’d probably be dead. All I could think about during my first few months in prison was how she spent her final days alone, suffering. How I failed her.

INT. TENNESSEE STATE PENITENTIARY - PROCESSING FACILITY - DAY

Dom, stripped naked, being SPRAYED with high-pressure hoses.

25.

INT. TENESSEE STATE PENITENTIARY - PRISON CELL - DAY

Dom sits in bed with his head down and face covered, sobbing.

DOM (V.O.)The first month the hardest. I must’ve cried myself to sleep every night. The pain of bein’ in prison is a bitter kind of pain. You’re mad at the world...

INT. TENESSEE STATE PENITENTIARY - CAFETERIA - DAY

A somber Dom carrying a food tray. Looking around. Finds a table and takes the only open seat. The inmates watch him closely, scoping him out. Sizing him up.

INT. TENNESSEE STATE PENITENTIARY - LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY

Dom folds laundry with a room full of inmates. Without notice -- they all begin clearing the room. One by one. Two guards stand by the door.

DOM (V.O.)One of the first things I learned while in the hole was that the correctional officers don’t run the prison, the inmates do. Guards aren’t there to protect you. Not by a long shot.

The last inmate slips something in one of the guards’ hands on his way out. Dom turns around -- the room is emptied. Minus the guards.

DOM (V.O.)I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t touched by another man during my time in prison...

Three inmates EMERGE from laundry bins. They approach Dom and begin CIRCLING around him. Grabbing their dicks. Taunting.

Dom looks to the guards for help -- not even a flinch. He’s on his own here... Gets into a fighting stance--

DOMI’d fight back each time. As an inmate and more importantly, as a man, you got to.

26.

--and WIFFS on the first punch. He maneuvers around... then SWINGS again, this time striking one of the inmates in the face. They continue circling...

DOM (V.O.)You got to make the other inmates respect you. Show them you aren’t another easy piece of meat. Even if you lose...

But he’s no match for all three. FISTS SWINGING, they converge on Dom all at once -- OVERPOWERING him, landing BLOW AFTER BLOW as he falls helplessly to the ground. A CLOSE-UP on the guards’ faces. They remain weirdly detached as the assault unfolds.

INT. TENNESSEE STATE PENITENTIARY - PRISON CELL - NIGHT

Dom -- SWOLLEN EYE, BADLY BEATEN FACE, and an even more damaged ego -- reading a book in bed with a small flashlight.

DOM (V.O.)Yeah, I was pretty fucking mad at the world, alright. As much as I wanted to just give up and end it all for good, my pride, or whatever was left of it, wouldn’t allow that. I had to continue suffering... Suffering is permanent, obscure, and dark. And has the nature of infinity.

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. TENESSEE STATE PENITENTIARY - HALLWAY (2009) - DAY

SUPER: “TWELVE YEARS LATER”

Dom -- 37 now and scruffier -- in a janitor’s outfit, mopping the floor. A group of dangerous-looking inmates walking his direction. He sets his mop aside --

DOM (V.O.)As time went on, the inmates started to just let me be.

Passing by -- they nod their heads in greeting. Dom continues mopping.

27.

DOM (V.O.)Over the years, through word-of-mouth I guess, they started hearing more and more about the nature of my incarceration. My hundred-year plus sentence. The state average for first-degree robbery with a deadly weapon was around ten years... I guess they started feelin’ sorry for me. Whatever the case, I got used to prison. This was my life now.

(beat)Life can be funny though. The things you let go of tend to find their way back. In my case, that would be freedom...

INT. TENNESSEE STATE PENITENTIARY - WARDEN’S OFFICE - DAY

Sitting at his desk is WARDEN JONES -- late 40’s, white horseshoe mustache, cowboy hat. A beat, then -- the door opens. In walks Dom.

WARDEN JONESShut the door behind you, will ya?

DOM(shutting the door)

You wanted to see me?

WARDEN JONESYup. Have a seat.

Dom sits.

WARDEN JONES (CONT’D)Coffee?

DOMNo thanks.

Warden helps himself to a generous sip from his mug. Then--

WARDEN JONES(very casually)

Well, you’re free to go.

DOM...Pardon?

WARDEN JONESI said you’re free to go.

28.

DOMGet the fuck outta here...

WARDEN JONESI’m not kiddin’.

DOMCome on Warden, quit pullin’ my leg. That ain’t funny.

Warden takes another sip.

WARDEN JONESSwear on my mama’s grave right now, I ain’t pullin’ your leg.

It’s becoming apparent this isn’t a joke. But... how could this be?

DOM(shaky)

Explain...

WARDEN FRANCESSon, it don’t make no fuckin’ sense to me either. But we gotta go by what’s on the green sheet.

Warden slides a manila folder over to Dom and nods -- “Go ahead, open it”... Dom flips it open. Smack in the center of the first page -- the Department of Corrections logo.

Flipping to the second page -- an official one-sheet record detailing Dom’s sentencing and probation terms. He scans the document... Catching his eye:

“Parole Eligibility Date: N/A” “Date of Release: 11/14/09”

2009? Looking at the bottom... “Sentencing Terms: Concurrent”

WARDEN JONESWe cross-checked the database twice and sure enough, it matched up.

DOMConcurrent...

WARDEN JONES(chuckles)

Well, what you waitin’ for? I ain’t kickin’ you out the fuckin’ Marriott.

29.

DOMThe judge said consecutive... And the parole date’s missing.

WARDEN JONESListen... It ain’t my place to poke holes and peer into the inner workings of the system. And if I were you, I sure as hell wouldn’t wanna poke no holes. Whatever it says on the sheet is gospel. We have to follow it.

Dom, completely dazed right now, staring off into space.

WARDEN JONES (CONT’D)Look son...

(leaning in)You were a decent inmate. Ya kept to yourself. You were polite to staff. Completed all our educational offerings... I ain’t losin’ no sleep over what is hereby considered the final word by the D.O.C., that’s all I’m sayin’.

Dom is struggling mightily to process all this.

WARDEN JONES (CONT’D)Well you can’t leave just yet...

Warden whips out a LARGE STACK OF PAPERS from his desk.

WARDEN JONES (CONT’D)You got a pen on your side?

EXT. PRISON - DAY

Dom -- with a box of belongings and dressed in raggedy clothes -- stands outside the prison as the guards close the gate.

DOM (V.O.)And just like that, I was given a second chance.

He squints, taking in the sights of a city he hasn’t truly laid eyes on for twelve long years.

DOM (V.O.)But I wasn’t buyin’ it...

30.

INT. COUNTY COURTHOUSE - ADMIN OFFICE - DAY

A LONG LINE extending outside to the hallway. Only three clerks work the room. Dom waits near the back of the line.

INT. COUNTY COURTHOUSE - ADMIN. OFFICE - LATER

Some time has passed. Dom is next in line. A beat, then--

DOM(walking up to the counter)

Hi.

PATTI(dull, routine)

Good morning sir, how can I help you?

DOMI--I think there’s been a mistake.

PATTIOkay?...

Dom pulls out the one-sheet -- crumpled up now -- from his box. Sets it down.

DOM(pointing)

See, that says concurrent. My sentence was consecutive.

Patti grabs the sheet, puts her glasses on, and starts reading.

PATTI(looking up, amused)

So are you tellin’ me that instead of a twelve year sentence, it’s really supposed to be a hundred and two-years?

DOMCorrect.

She starts laughing.

PATTIDo you wanna go back to prison, sir?

31.

DOMNo, not necessarily. I just wanna make sure y’all have this down correct.

PATTIHoney, this is your official record. Whatever it says is what the judge ordered. You must’ve misheard.

DOMMisheard? No. No, I heard right.

CLERKHoney, take it up with District. There’s nothin’ I can do about it, the green sheet’s final... Consider it your lucky day.

INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY

A SWEARING-IN CEREMONY. Lots of people in attendance. American flag in the background.

The Mayor of Shelby County at the podium on stage. We see Julian -- 38 now -- sitting near the back of stage.

MAYORWell, without further adieu, I’m going to now ask our new chief to come take the stand and deliver a few words. And again, I thank all of you for taking the time today. Chief...

Julian stands up to heavy APPLAUSE. He does his thing, smiling and waving at the audience. Shakes hands with the Mayor. Cameras flashing. The mayor takes a step back and raises his right hand in oath. Julian does the same.

MAYOR (CONT’D)Alright, I’ll say “I”. Please state your name and simply repeat after me. If you have any pre-ceremony jitters, now’s your one and only chance to leave me high and dry at the altar.

Laughter from the audience.

JULIANNo jitters for me, sir.

32.

MAYORVery well... I.

JULIANJulian Murphy.

MAYORDo solemnly swear.

JULIANDo solemnly swear.

MAYORThat I will support and defend.

JULIANThat I will support and defend.

MAYORThe constitution of the United States of America.

JULIANThe constitution of the United States of America.

MAYORAnd the constitution of the state of Tennessee.

JULIANAnd the constitution of the state of Tennessee.

MAYORSo help me God.

JULIANSo help me God.

MAYORCongratulations.

They shake hands again to more applause.

MAYOR (CONT’D)Everyone, our new District Attorney!

EXT. STREET - DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS - RAINY DAY

A crowded sidewalk. Restaurants, pubs, jazz clubs.

33.

We see Dom walking towards us -- getting soaked, bumping into people with umbrellas as they pass by. He’s completely engrossed and overwhelmed by his surroundings: The renovations. Vivid colors. New fashion. Weird new technology and gadgets. Tennessee Titans merchandise.

Dom stops in front of a BBQ joint. The smells are intoxicating. But no money. He moves along.

EXT. DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS - ALLEY - NIGHT

A cold night. Heavy rainfall. Dom, curled up next to a DUMPSTER, shivering his ass off.

EXT. ELMWOOD CEMETERY - MORNING

A grey, platform-level BRIDGE leading into what looks like a forest. At the entrance: two tall STONE PILLARS with an over-arching sign that reads “ELMWOOD CEMETERY”.

PULL BACK to reveal Dom standing before the entrance. It’s a chilly morning. Wind blowing the leaves on the trees.

EXT. ELMWOOD CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS

Dom walking through the cemetery. Taking time to read the tombstones. Suddenly -- he stops. His eyes fixated on one particular grave. He walks up to it, sets his box down, and kneels before it.

The engraving: “MICHELLE DORSEY” “Oct 2 1974 - May 25 1998”

Dom starts to get choked up. He places a hand on her tombstone--

DOMIt’s good to see you again.

With a heavy heart, he smiles.

INT. SOUP KITCHEN - DAY

Volunteers in blue aprons serve food to those in need. Walking around, observing everyone at work is the shift lead, GABBY BAKER -- early 30’s, kind face, a real girl next door quality. She’s wearing a plain beige cap, hair in a ponytail.

An elderly homeless man in line--

34.

HOMELESS MANMashed potatoes?

VOLUNTEERSure.

The volunteer scoops mashed potatoes for the homeless man.

GABBY(squeezing between the volunteers)

Here.

Gabby grabs a to-go container and fills it to the top with mashed potatoes. Hands it to the homeless man.

GABBY (CONT’D)One for the road.

We PAN over to see -- Dom. Waiting in line, tray in hand. Looks like he could pass as homeless. He was observing this act of kindness. Made him feel warm inside. Gabby notices Dom looking. She politely smiles and goes about her business, taking off her apron.

GABBY (CONT’D)I’m gonna go take a breather.

The volunteers nod.

INT. SOUP KITCHEN - LATER

Closing time. Only Gabby and a few volunteers remain, cleaning up. Gabby wipes the counters.

DOMExcuse me.

Gabby looks up to see Dom in front of her.

GABBYHi.

DOMI’m Dom.

GABBYGabby. Nice to meet you.

They shake hands.

DOMAre you the manager?

35.

GABBYYes. Well, only on weekends. And usually whenever I have a day off. I teach fifth and sixth graders during the week.

DOMIs that right?

GABBYUh huh.

DOMMy last girl was a teacher.

Awkward.

GABBYOh cool...

DOMAnyway, I couldn’t help but notice, you were very kind.

GABBYThanks. I get that a lot.

(chuckles)How’d you like the food? I know hot dogs and mashed potatoes aren’t really anything special.

DOMOh, no. It was great. Everything was real delicious.

GABBYGood.

DOMI haven’t had anything but prison food the last decade and some change, so this was real nice.

Even more awkward... Dom: “Why did I just say that?”

GABBYOh? Is that right?

(stilted laughter)Well... I’m glad we could provide something different for you.

DOMYeah, it was real good.

36.

The conversation has hit a wall...

GABBYWell I better get going now. Need to go home and do some laundry. It was really nice meeting you.

DOMNice to meet you too.

Gabby smiles, and starts walking away. Then--

DOM (CONT’D)Hey Gabby?

GABBY(stops and turns)

Yes?

DOMI uh, I was wonderin’ if y’allcould use another volunteer around here.

GABBYWell...

(she doesn’t seem too enthused with the idea)

We are always looking for a helping hand... But we do require that our volunteers follow a certain... dress code?

DOM(chuckles)

I look like shit, don’t I?

GABBYNo! That’s not what I said.

DOMIt’s okay, you don’t have to be so polite.

GABBYI’m serious!

DOMI was just lookin’ for somethin’ decent to do. Get a hot meal, give back to the community. If one of y’all could lend me some clothes and maybe a shower, I could start tomorrow.

37.

The volunteers look at Dom. They seem apprehensive. Understandably so.

MALE VOLUNTEERI could loan you a pair of jeans and a shirt. But not a shower.

GABBYAre you staying anywhere? A shelter?...

DOMNo. Just the streets.

MALE VOLUNTEERWhoa, Gabby. Dude said he just got out of prison. You ain’t even gonna ask what he was in for?

GABBYThat’s none of my business nor anybody else’s.

Dom’s looks at her with a certain fondness -- he’s humbled by this lady’s good nature.

GABBY (CONT’D)(to Dom)

Hmm.... Tell you what, you can come by for a bit, wash up. I’ll loan you some of my boyfriends’ clothes. Then you can stay at this shelter downtown. It’s usually filled to capacity but the organizer there is a friend of mine, so I’ll get you squared away there.

DOMThat... That’d be great.

GABBYWe open at ten on the weekdays, so be here no later than nine to help set up.

Dom smiles. It’s been a long time since he’s done that.

INT. GABBY’S APARTMENT - EVENING

Dom and Gabby enter to -- Gabby’s boyfriend watching TV on the sofa. Mid 30’s, very muscular. This is ALDRICK. He hears them enter, turns his head, and gets up.

38.

ALDRICK(walking over, gives her a peck on the lips)

Hey babe.

GABBYAldrick, this is Dom.

Aldrick looks Dom up and down--

ALDRICKWho the hell are you, negro?

GABBYAldrick!

Dom looks unamused. Then--

ALDRICK(laughing)

I’m just fuckin’ with you, dog. Wassap man?

Aldrick shakes his hand, gives him a hug.

ALDRICK (CONT’D)Well, I see you’ve met Gabby. She a good woman. If she brought you in, then it must be for a good reason. You in good hands. Make yourself at home, aight?

Dom nods. Aldrick steps aside, making room for Dom and Gabby to make their way in.

INT. GABBY’S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

Dom finishes up his shower. Turns the water off and starts drying himself with a towel. A beat, then -- we hear muffled arguing. Dom, curious, steps out the shower and puts his ear up to the wall--

ALDRICK (O.S.)I ain’t got no more fuckin’ patience for bein’ left in the dark. Ya hear? I ain’t about that no more.

GABBY (O.S.)What are you talking about?

39.

ALDRICK (O.S.)You. Letting a stranger in the fuckin’ house. Why you ain’t run that by me first?

GABBY (O.S.)Aldrick, this is my apartment.

ALDRICK (O.S.)I don’t give a fuck! What, my opinion don’t count no more?

INT. SOUP KITCHEN - DAY

Dom, in an apron, helping out, using tongs to place dinner rolls on people’s trays.

DOM (V.O.)I helped out whenever I could...

Gabby walking by, observing Dom at work. She smiles.

DOM (V.O.)Usually when Gabby was working.

Gabby proceeds. Dom looks up and watches her socialize with helpers. He’s drawn to her.

EXT. MEMPHIS RESCUE MISSION - DAY

Dom, apron hanging off his shoulder, standing before a low-level BRICK BUILDING called “MEMPHIS RESCUE MISSION”. A homeless shelter.

DOM (V.O.)I’d go to the shelter after my shifts for a warm place to sleep.

INT. HOMELESS SHELTER - CONTINUOUS

The inside resembles a high-school gymnasium. Homeless people gathered around round tables, chatting. Dom walks around.

DOM (V.O.)But this life wasn’t for me. I was taking up an extra spot for someone who could really use it. I had to find work.

40.

EXT. STEEL MILL - DAY

We are in front of the STEEL MILL Dom used to work. A familiar place. PULL BACK to see Dom standing before it, taking it all in. A nostalgic sight for him.

INT. STEEL MILL - CONTINUOUS

Dom walks slowly, glancing at everything around him -- the men at work, the machinery, the hot orange molten iron. He keeps walking. Catching his attention up ahead -- FRANK. His old supervisor. Chatting with two workers.

A beat, then -- Frank notices Dom standing there from a distance. His jaw drops like he just saw a ghost.

DOM (V.O.)I couldn’t get my old job back. Not after what happened. But luckily, Frank was more than willing to help out. Guess he felt bad for not cutting me that Christmas bonus... He put me in touch with a good friend of his. Someone that owned his own construction company... Hard labor, the only thing I knew.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY

A busy construction site. Cranes, excavators, men working at high altitudes. We CUT to Dom -- wearing a hard hat and orange and yellow-striped vest -- hammering a nail into a long wooden plank.

INT. SOUP KITCHEN - MORNING

Opening time. At the food line, volunteers crack open stainless steel chafing dishes -- steam rising. Other volunteers help set up the tables.

The door swings open -- in walks Dom. He says his hellos to the volunteers, then looks around the place. No Gabby.

DOM (V.O.)One day, Gabby didn’t show up. She never misses a Sunday...

INT/EXT. PAYPHONE - DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS - CONTINUOUS

Dom holds the phone to his ear. It rings. Then--

41.

GABBY (O.S.)(voicemail)

Hi. You’ve reached Gabby. Sorry I’m not here to--

He hangs up.

INT. GABBY’S APARTMENT HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Outside Gabby’s front door are two OFFICERS chatting with each other. The ELEVATOR creaks open -- out steps Dom, noticing the officers. This doesn’t look good. He walks over.

OFFICERSir, please back away. You are intruding on a crime scene.

DOMCrime scene? What happened here? Where’s Gabby, is she okay?

OTHER OFFICERAre you a family member? Friend?

DOMFriend.

OFFICERShe’s at Baptist Memorial Hospital.

DOMHospital?... What happened, is she okay?

OFFICERWe can not discuss any details at this moment.

Dom rushes back towards the elevator.

EXT. DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS - STREETS - CONTINUOUS

...RUNNING through the streets like a mad man--

INT. BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - ROOM 102B - CONTINUOUS

Dom BURSTS in, catching his breath. We find Gabby on the bed, unconscious. A BLACK EYE, lips badly swollen. A nurse washes her hands at the sink.

42.

NURSEShe’s heavily sedated.

Dom moves to Gabby’s side. Kneels down.

DOM(to the nurse)

What happened?

NURSENot sure. Looks like someone roughed her up pretty bad.

Dom stares at Gabby’s injured face. This is hard for him.

NURSE (CONT’D)I’ll leave you two alone.

The nurse exits.

INT. BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - ROOM 102B - LATER

It’s dark. Many hours have passed into the wee hours of the morning. Dom’s still here, asleep on a chair beside Gabby.

Suddenly -- she starts coughing. Gentle coughs.

DOM(waking up)

Gabby?

Gabby begins mumbling. None of it comprehensible. Dom goes to kneel down beside her again.

DOM (CONT’D)Gabby, it’s me. Dom.

She slowly gains awareness, but is still very weak and faint--

GABBYDom?

Tries to looks over but can’t quite open her eyes all the way.

DOMYeah, from the kitchen.

GABBYI can’t see you.

He takes her hand.

43.

DOMI’m here... Who did this to you?

Silence.

DOM (CONT’D)Gabby, did Aldrick do this to you?

With barely any energy -- she nods.

DOM (CONT’D)That son of a bitch... I’m gonna make him pay...

She slowly shakes her head “no”.

DOM (CONT’D)No, I will. I won’t let him get away with this.

GABBYThe cops took him.

DOMGood... that’s good. He’ll be locked away for a very long time.

A long beat. Then--

GABBYWhen I was young... I had a baby. A girl. I named her Anya...

Dom listens in very closely--

GABBY (CONT’D)It was unplanned. I was sixteen at the time. I wasn’t ready for a child...

DOMWhat happened?

GABBYI gave her up for adoption... the agency was able to find a home for her fairly quickly...

Tears start to trickle down Gabby’s face.

GABBY (CONT’D)Five years later, a few days after my twenty-first birthday, I turn on the news.

44.

(MORE)

They were covering a story on this couple. This awful couple that had done some horrible things. Child abuse... Turned out that they were the same couple that took Anya in...

Dom squeezes her hand tighter, trying to comfort her.

GABBY (CONT’D)When the police found her, she was dead...

(tears flowing hard)She had burns and welts all over her body... Signs of head trauma...

Gabby filling up with heartbreak inside, consumed by guilt.

DOMHey. Listen to me. Gabby.

She turns her head to him.

DOM (CONT’D)You can’t blame yourself for that. You couldn’t have known that was going to happen.

GABBYI deserve this, Dom...

DOMNo... No you don’t deserve this.

GABBYI’ve been living with this... insurmountable guilt. Because of that, I try to help people as much as I can. But now I wonder... is it really coming from a place of sincerity?

DOMHow can you say that? Look at how many people’s lives you touch every single day, Gabby... Hell, I told you I just got out of prison and you still took care of me. You’re incredible...

Beat. Silence as Dom holds her hand, looking at her. Two gentle, but flawed human beings. Kindred spirits.

45.

GABBY (CONT’D)

DOM (V.O.)I stayed by her side that night, well into late afternoon the next day. We stayed up talking to each other the whole time. Well, not counting the times she’d drift into sleep.

(beat)And I never left her side again.

FADE OUT.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE (2015) - DAY

SUPER: “6 YEARS LATER”

The present day. TOWER CRANES lifting pieces of STEEL. Men on scaffolds. They are building a multi-story PARKING GARAGE.

DOM (V.O.)Turns out Aldrick had a severe, undiagnosed case of bipolar disorder. He remains locked up to this day.

(beat)In the meantime, I guess you could say I took my second chance and ran with it.

PAN OVER to a building overlooking the garage. Plastered across is a sign: HARRIS CONSTRUCTION CO.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE -- CONTINUOUS

Dom -- hard hat, white button-up, tie, sleeves rolled up -- reviewing a large, sprawled out BLUEPRINT with a worker. He’s the boss now.

DOMAlright, you see that? For every ten feet of fresh concrete, we have to take into account that two millimeters will be shaved off due to the drying process. Shrinkage. So next time you lay out the concrete in this spot, have the guys use the contraction joints, alright?

The worker nods along.

46.

DOM (CONT’D)Now, over here is where we will use steel reinforcement--

Dom continues instructing the worker inaudibly.

DOM (V.O.)During the time that had passed, I never heard a word from the court. I kept waiting for that day to come, but it never did. So I assumed I was off the hook.

INT. HARRIS HOUSE - DAY

Dom’s new house. A modest single family home.

Dom enters through the front door and sets his belongings down. Looks around, grateful for the new life he has.

Walks over to the kitchen to see -- GABBY. Sitting at the table. Smiling. Looking peaceful. She stands up to reveal -- a PREGNANT belly, her right hand holding the bottom for support. We hold it here as they exchange smiles in silence.

INT. COURTHOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

Walking out of a courtroom -- JULIAN. Along with new Assistant DA JOANNE SILVA -- 28, attractive.

JOANNEYou handled things well in there.

JULIANYeah, but they’re gonna let him off the hook easy. The law protects their own.

(sipping coffee)I’m bringin’ back the FDP program.

JOANNEFDP?

JULIANFelony Deterrent Program. Somethin’we had in the late 90’s to discourage crime. Worked like a charm back then.

JOANNEThat’s the one that targeted young offenders, right?

47.

JULIANYup. Doesn’t matter if they fuck up the first time or the twentieth time, if the crime is serious enough, we throw the book at ‘em.

JOANNEInteresting.

JULIANSince I was sworn in as DA, homicide rates have been up and down. I’d say it’s finally time to drop the hammer, wouldn’t you?

INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE - DAY

Gabby’s getting her ULTRASOUND done by a young female technician while Dom sits by her side, watching the screen. The technician moves the transducer over her belly to get some clear imaging--

TECHNICIAN(eyeing the monitor)

Okay, we can make out something here.

An anxious Gabby and Dom look on eagerly.

GABBYOh! Dom, look at that.

(tapping his arm)Is that what I think--

DOM(squinting)

That right there Gabby... is a healthy lookin’ johnson.

Gabby looks at Dom, both grinning hard.

TECHNICIANYou’re right about that, sir. Congratulations, looks like you’re having a boy.

Gabby squeals in delight and hugs Dom in loving embrace.

48.

INT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - EVENING

Julian is hard at work at his desk -- papers scattered everywhere, tie loosened, sucking down big gulps of coffee from his mug as he types on his computer.

Suddenly, we hear two gentle knocks on the door. Julian looks up, and in walks assistant DA Joanne. She shuts the door.

JOANNEAnother all-nighter?

JULIANOh no. Gotta get home to the wife before she starts naggin’ at me.

Joanne looks down at the floor, bites her bottom lip. Julian gets up, and slowly moves towards her.

JULIAN (CONT’D)But that doesn’t mean we don’t have time for a little... deposition.

He puts his hands on her hips and pulls her in.

JOANNEAm I under oath?

JULIANYou will be shortly.

As they make out... we slowly move over and ANGLE ON a framed picture on Julian’s desk -- his family. Wife, two girls.

EXT. OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER - DAY

We are in front of a two-story brick building that reads “OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER”.

INT. OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER - CONTINUOUS

The homeless and less privileged gather for a hot meal. It’s crowded. Volunteers working hard to serve everyone.

INT. OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Dom and Gabby are alone in the kitchen, two proud owners of this soup kitchen. Dom peels potatoes while Gabby sits and sifts through the mail.

49.

She stops what she’s doing and looks up at Dom, smiling. He notices. And as he’s peeling the potatoes--

DOMCan I help you?

GABBYJust appreciating you.

DOM(smiles)

Likewise.

GABBYIsn’t it crazy how far we’ve come?

DOMI don’t even think I’ve had time to let it sink in yet.

GABBYI mean, there you were. Standin’ in line. Lookin’ like you hadn’t showered in weeks...

DOMSo it sure as hell wasn’t love at first sight, huh?

They laugh.

GABBYYeah, about that...

More laughter.

GABBY (CONT’D)You’ve been my rock...

DOMYou’ve been mine.

The door swings open-- it’s a male volunteer.

VOLUNTEERHey. There’s a news team outside. I think they wanna do a story on you guys.

DOMDuring peak time?

VOLUNTEERGuess so.

50.

DOMTell ‘em I got a bushel of potatoes left to peel. Then I’ll be out.

VOLUNTEERDuly noted.

The volunteer leaves. Dom and Gabby exchange smiles.

EXT. UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - MEMPHIS - DAY

Outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

INT. UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Julian, briefcase in hand and newspaper tucked under his armpit, walks down the hallway, confidently greeting his peers in passing.

He arrives at the elevator and pushes the up button.

JOANNE(O.S.)

Hope there’s room for one more.

Julian looks over -- it’s Joanne.

JULIANFor you Joanne, there’s always room.

JOANNEWhat’s on today’s agenda?

JULIANWorkin’ on the FDP proposal. There’s a shit ton of mumbo jumbo I need to get on paper before we lift this thing off the ground again.

The elevator door opens and they step in.

INT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Julian, reading glasses on, sleeves rolled up, typing.

CLOSE ON the computer monitor: a Microsoft Word Doc. Page 236 of 236. Single-spaced text. The footer: “FDP Proposal”.

Suddenly -- we hear vibration. Julian reaches for his phone -- an incoming call from MELISSA. He answers.

51.

JULIANHey.

INT. MURPHY HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT

At the sink wearing dish washing gloves is MELISSA -- early 40’s, brunette, slender. She holds the phone to her ear as the water runs. This is Julian’s wife.

MELISSA(tired, soft-spoken)

Hey. When you coming home?

INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION

JULIANNot for a while, sweetheart. I’m waist deep in work.

Melissa doesn’t say anything, just holds the phone to her ear. Looks like this is the norm for her.

JULIAN (CONT’D)Hello?

MELLISA(clears throat)

Yeah. I’m here.

JULIANI gotta go now. I’ll see you tonight?

MELISSA(beat)

Yeah.

JULIANLove you.

She hangs up. Julian brushes it off, takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. It’s been a long day. He yawns and picks up his newspaper -- The Memphis Daily News.

Begins flipping through it. Sports, Business, Arts. Nothing too fascinating. He keeps flipping. Then... something catches his attention -- an article.

Headline: ‘Local Couple Gives Back To The Community’. With a black and white photo of Dom and Gabby posing with volunteers in front of their soup kitchen.

52.

Now squinting at the photo... He reaches for his reading glasses and puts them on. Taking a better look -- CLOSE ON Dom in the photo. His eyes scan the text. ANGLE ON this sentence -- ‘Dominic Harris, a man with a checkered past, opens local soup kitchen with his wife’.

Julian leans back and looks off in the distance...

EXT. OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER - DAY

A LONG LINE wraps around the building.

INT. OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER - CONTINUOUS

The volunteers are working FEVERISHLY to serve everyone.

Dom and Gabby, side by side -- Dom on dinner roll duty. Gabby -- the stuffing. A beat, then--

MAN (O.S.)Yo man, move yo ass to the back of the line. You can’t just cut in here like that.

At the entrance -- JULIAN. Facing a homeless man. Julian particularly stands out since he’s wearing a suit.

JULIANI’m not here for the food, my friend.

MANI don’t give a fuck what you here fo’. There’s people that been waitin’ here since early mornin’.

Dom looks up -- and INSTANTLY recognizes Julian. His jaw drops. From Dom’s POV: Julian throws his hands up.

JULIANOkay, you win.

He steps out. Dom remains frozen. Gabby looks over--

GABBYWhat’s wrong? You look like you just saw a ghost.

DOM(snapping out of it)

I’m fine.

53.

(MORE)

(resumes serving; then--)Excuse me.

Dom sets the tongs down and takes his apron off.

GABBYDom?

DOMI need to take a breather.

GABBYYou sure you’re okay?

DOMI’m fine.

Dom walks off. Gabby looks on, concerned.

INT. OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER - BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

At the sink -- Dom turns the faucet on and SPLASHES water on his face. He stares into the mirror, a SCOWL forming. He hunches over and clutches the sink, breathing heavily.

INT. OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER - MOMENTS LATER

Dom, quiet and torpid, is back on dinner roll duty. Gabby is off to the side talking to volunteers. Dom glances at the line and sees JULIAN, tray in hand, being served. Charming and gracious in nature.

Dom continues serving as the line moves, and Julian inches closer. Neither men acknowledging each other yet. Finally-- Julian’s up. They make eye contact. Dom, vacant and cold, looks on. Julian smiles.

JULIANDinner roll?

DOMThis is food for the homeless.

JULIANI’m aware of that.

Dom grabs Julian’s tray right out of his hands and passes it down to the next person in line, a scruffy looking man.

DOMNext.

54.

DOM (CONT'D)

Dom scoops up a dinner roll but Julian remains unmoved.

JULIANI read your article in the paper. Just wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are, Mr. Harris.

DOMDinner roll’s gettin’ cold.

MANHey come on! Let’s get this line fuckin’ movin’ already.

Gabby turns from her conversation and looks on. Julian and Dom continue staring at each other for what seems like an eternity. This is uncomfortable. Then--

JULIANWell, I’ll leave you to it. Just came to show my appreciation. Hope I wasn’t too much of a deterrent.

Dom quietly glares at Julian, not at all amused by the pun.

DOMPlease leave.

Julian nods. Duly noted. He walks away... Gabby approaches.

GABBYDom, who was that?

DOMNobody. He’s a nobody.

We see Julian at the door -- he stops, pulls out his wallet and hands a wad of bills to a homeless man in line. He puts his sunglasses on, turns to Dom, nods once more, then exits. Dom looks on with a clenched jaw.

INT. CAR - DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS - DAY

Dom’s speeding. He CUTS a car off, who HONKS angrily at him.

GABBYDom!

Nothing. Continues zigzagging dangerously through traffic as other drivers blare their horns at him.

GABBY (CONT’D)Dom, I’m PREGNANT.

55.

He gets his act together. Collects himself.

DOMYou’re right. I’m sorry.

GABBYYou wanna tell me what the fuck is going on? Who was that man? You two obviously knew each other.

Dom flips the radio on -- country music.

DOMHe’s the man that tried to put me behind bars for a hundred years.

GABBYThat’s the D.A.?

Dom nods.

GABBY (CONT’D)Oh my God... What did he want?

DOMI don’t know. He said he came to commend me but I’m not buyin’ it. He made a snide remark at the end.

GABBYWhat’d he say?

DOM“Hope I wasn’t too much of a deterrent today.”

GABBYWhat does that mean?

DOMThe fucking -- crime deterrent program they got me with.

GABBYOh my God... Do you think--

DOMI don’t know, Gabby...

GABBYLook... Dom... You have nothing to worry about, okay?

56.

(MORE)

It’s on record in the system that you already served your time exactly as specified in the terms.

Dom doesn’t say anything, just drives.

GABBY (CONT’D)Right?

Still no response.

GABBY (CONT’D)Dom.

DOMI don’t trust them...

Gabby looks at Dom with much anxiety while he drives.

EXT. CHAPEL - VICTORIAN VILLAGE, MEMPHIS - DAY

Julian, on his cell, in front of a chapel while leaning against his blue Mercedes.

EXT. SHELBY FARMS PARK - CONCURRENT

An overweight man -- late 50’s, white hair -- sits in a boat in the middle of the lake holding a fishing rod and puffing a cigar. This is WADE HIGGINS, magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Tennessee.

He’s getting an incoming call -- it’s Julian. He sets his rod down and answers.

JUDGE HIGGINSYello?


JULIANWade. It’s Julian. Listen, there’s an inmate I prosecuted under the FDP program back in ‘97. Got served a one-hundred year-plus sentence, no eligibility for parole until he’s damn near pushin’ ninety.

JUDGE HIGGINSAnd... your point being?

57.

GABBY (CONT'D)

JULIANWell, apparently he’s been prancing around Memphis the past six years. Even operates a fuckin’ soup kitchen. Sure enough, I checked the D.O.C. inmate registry, and he’s not there.

JUDGE HIGGINSNo shit.

JULIANI’m hoping somehow I might have missed something? But I fear that somehow. Just somehow. He might have been mistakenly released early.

JUDGE HIGGINSYou sure about this, Julian? I mean, this was what, seventeen, eighteen years ago? That’s a long time ago to be remembering certain details.

JULIANI forget nothing.

JUDGE HIGGINSWhat’s the name?

JULIANFirst name Dominic. Last name Harris.

JUDGE HIGGINSDominic Harris. Alright, I’ll take a look first thing in the mornin’.

JULIANToday if you can. Consider him a flight risk.

JUDGE HIGGINSOkay, I’ll let you know.

Julian hangs up. Takes a look at the chapel, then gets in his car.

58.

INT. MURPHY HOME - DINING ROOM - EVENING

Gathered around the dinner table is Julian and his family -- wife Melissa and two teenage daughters, Hailey, 15, Sophia, 14. It’s quiet. No one says a word, they just mind their business and chew their food. Finally--

JULIAN(chewing)

So Hailey, how was school today?

HAILEY(picking at her food; no eye contact)

Good.

JULIANCare to elaborate?

Melissa looks up at Julian.

HAILEY(still no eye contact)

Not really.

JULIANOkay.

(to Sophia)How about you? How was your day?

SOPHIA(same thing)

It was okay.

Julian shrugs off their blasé answers and continues eating. Everyone’s feeling a little uncomfortable. Then--

JULIANHow’s Chris?

SOPHIAChris?

JULIANYeah, lacrosse guy. Blondie. How’s he doing?

SOPHIA(annoyed)

You mean Mike?

JULIANAh, Mike. That’s the one. How is he?

59.

Melissa can’t help but cringe.

SOPHIA...We broke up. We talked about this last week, remember?

JULIANOh, right right. Don’t mind me. Must be the long hours at work catchin’ up to me.

(chuckles, noticing Sophia’s displeasure)

Well, you know in my line of work. Whenever something doesn’t go my way, I always attribute it to a lack of timing. That way, nothing is ever really a failure. See, it’s all about how you frame things. I think that’s one of the keys to success.

This is going south fast...

MELISSAJulian, why don’t you ease off a little? I don’t think Sophia wants to talk about this topic right now.

JULIAN(helping himself to another fork-full, chewing)

Well how else am I supposed to get any of you to talk?

The girls look at him.

JULIAN (CONT’D)I mean, Christ, everyday I’m slaving away like a -- like a fucking foreign kid in a Cambodian sweatshop. Just to be the best I can be. To put food on the table for everyone. All I want is to come home and spend some quality time with my family, is that too much to ask for?

Silence. This is a man that just doesn’t get it and his wife and daughters are well aware of that.

HAILEYThen why don’t you make a better effort to connect with us?

60.

JULIANExcuse me?

HAILEYI said why don’t you make more of an effort to connect with us then?

JULIAN(appearing appalled but too shrouded in ego to understand why; to himself--)

Make an effort to connect...(to Hailey)

Has the word “ungrateful” ever crossed your mind?

MELISSSAJulian!

Julian stares at his daughter hard, who looks down, refusing to look her father in the eye. Who can blame her?

SOPHIAIs this part of your “re-framing” method? To deflect blame?

JULIAN(anger bubbling)

Sophia...

At that moment -- Julian’s phone rings. He looks at it -- Judge Wade Higgins.

JULIAN (CONT’D)(fake smile)

One moment.

He pulls out his phone and leaves the dining room. Everyone at the table is relieved.

JULIAN (CONT’D)(answering)

Talk to me.

INT. HIGGINS HOME, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

On the phone -- Judge Higgins stands in the kitchen in a bath robe. T.V. from the living room plays in the background.

JUDGE HIGGINSJust got done diggin’ the dirt on your boy.

61.


JULIANAnd?

JUDGE HIGGINSWell, what it boils down to is this... we got an unusual case here. So I checked the computer system. Everything looks good on paper, right? Nine counts total. Twelve years. Sentencing terms classified as “concurrent”.

JULIANThat can’t be right. Judge threw the book at him. I remember.

JUDGE HIGGINSWill you let me finish?

JULIANGo on.

JUDGE HIGGINSHere’s where things begin to blur. I noticed a strange memo tacked on to each of Mr. Harris’ nine convictions. They all read “No Consecutive/Concurrent Sentences.”

(emphasis on “slash”)Meaning no consecutive sentences. But concurrent sentences. The phrasing’s a little off. So I believe what must’ve happened was, the judge swapped his words around. Tongue-twister style. Brain fart.

JULIANWell I’ll be damned...

JUDGE HIGGINSSo these instructions of course go to some minimum-wage clerk that’s in charge of entering this shit in the computer. And he goes ahead and types the terms as presented to him.

JULIAN(thinks)

Judge Roberts. It was Judge Roberts.

62.

(MORE)

We need to find him, notify him of his error in person, and obtain a signed court order to reverse this.

JUDGE HIGGINSThat’s your best bet.

JULIANOkay, well thanks again Wade. You’re my ace in the hole. I can always count on you.

JUDGE HIGGINSYeah. Hey, let me ask you somethin’ though.

JULIANShoot.

JUDGE HIGGINSI mean, I know it’s a fuck up on our behalf. But the guy already did twelve years and looks to be clean as a whistle now. Has a wife, gives back to the community. Is respected by said community. Oh, and did I mention he happens to be black?... Do we really want that fire storm, Julian? I mean, sending him back to prison for another ninety years for a robbery ain’t gonna settle well with a lot of people.

JULIANI don’t care what the media or the people think. I care about upholding the law.

JUDGE HIGGINSWell, ball’s obviously in your court. Just wanted to give you my two cents, that’s all.

JULIANGood day, Wade.

They hang up. We STAY ON Judge Higgins standing in the kitchen. He has a look like he know’s where this is headed..

63.

JULIAN (CONT'D)

EXT. HARRIS HOME - KITCHEN - MORNING

Gabby slices the crust off a sandwich at the kitchen counter. We hear footsteps coming down the stairs -- in walks Dom, dressed for work. He walks over, plants some gentle kisses on Gabby’s neck from behind as she smiles and continues slicing sandwich crust.

GABBYYou give me goose bumps.

With her back still turned, Dom holds her, takes her hands and places them on her belly.

DOMI’m sorry for freaking out yesterday.

GABBYI can’t say I blame you...

DOMI slept on it.

(beat)Realized I was stressin’ out over cheap parlor tricks. Smoke and mirrors. We don’t got nothin’ to worry about.

GABBYThat’s what I was trying to tell you.

DOMJust needed time to simmer down, I guess.

Gabby turns to face him, places her hands on his cheeks.

GABBYLet’s move past this.

DOMAlready done.

EXT. HOUSE - DAY

A middle-class home in a nice suburban neighborhood.

Julian’s car pulls up. He steps out, wielding a rather large portfolio of papers, briefly observes the house, and goes to knock on the door. Waits... No answer. He knocks again.

64.

This time -- an old man, early 80’s, opens the door. This is JUDGE ROBERTS. The judge that convicted Dom.

JUDGE ROBERTS(elderly and meek)

Julian?

JULIANYour honor.

JUDGE ROBERTSHow can I help you?

JULIANI’m here to talk to you about a... time-sensitive matter. You got a minute?

JUDGE ROBERTS(takes a moment to think)

Uh huh -- yeah. Come in.

Judge Roberts opens the door for Julian, who graciously smiles as he steps in.

EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - LATER THAT EVENING

The sun’s beginning to set. Men removing their hard hats and wiping the sweat off their brow. Time to go home. Dom shakes hands with a group of his guys outside the parking garage, which looks almost finished.

DOMAlright boys, another week and a half of getting our asses kicked. And we’ll be riding off in the wind.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER 1We won’t be riding off in the wind. We’ll be riding off directly onto the next motherfuckin’ bitch project, that’s where we ridin’ off to.

The men let out a hearty bellow of laughter.

DOMGlass is half full. Remember that.

65.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER 2I’ll tell you what’s full. My nut sack. Time to see my favorite hooker.

More hearty laughter. Dom can’t help but join in. A beat, then -- POLICE CARS. Four of them... From a distance... Approaching...

CONSTRUCTION WORKER 1(noticing)

Hey Dom, they comin’ to get you for modern-day slavery?

Even more laughter. Except from Dom. He turns and notices the police cars. About fifty yards away now. Oh. Shit.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER 2What do you think they want?

Dom’s heart just sank to the pit of his stomach. Please be a nightmare. He contemplates running. But stays firm... The police cars pull to a HALT in front of the men. Other construction workers look on, curious. Officers step out their vehicles. SIX of them. And lastly, stepping out of the cop car in the back... JULIAN.

A senior officer steps up to Dom.

SENIOR OFFICERMr. Dominic Harris?

DOM(remaining composed)

What can I do for you, officer?

SENIOR OFFICER(gets handed a paper from another officer; displays it to Dom)

We have a warrant here for your arrest.

Dom’s workers look on in disbelief.

DOMWhat for?

SENIOR OFFICERTo carry out your sentence from the crime you committed in 1997. The court mistakenly released you early.

66.

DOMMistake? No, there’s no mistake. My green sheet say twelve years, which I served. Green sheet’s final.

SENIOR OFFICERWell, looks like they made a clerical error when entering your info into the system.

Julian, arms folded, watches the scene from the back. Dom glares in his direction, then faces the officer--

DOMThere ain’t no error. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go home to attend to my pregnant wife.

Dom tries to walk past the officer, who firmly places a hand on his chest.

SENIOR OFFICERListen son. We can do this the hard way. Or the easy way. Your call.

DOMI AIN’T GOIN’ BACK.

The other officers step closer, hands on their gun holsters just in case.

SENIOR OFFICERSir, please do not raise your voice.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER 1Hey, leave him alone! He ain’t do nothin’.

Dom once again tries to step past the officer.

SENIOR OFFICERHey!

The officer GRABS Dom from behind and tries to WRESTLE him down, but he refuses to give in. Then-- TWO other officers STRONG-ARM Dom to the ground, who becomes LIVID--

DOM(as he’s being forcefully cuffed--)

GET THE FUCK OFF ME. I’M A FREE MAN. I’M A FREE MAN, YOU UNDERSTAND?! LET ME GO!

67.

The construction workers are PARALYZED in a state of ABSOLUTE SHOCK as one officer begins reading the MIRANDA RIGHTS to Dom. Julian looks on, maybe feeling a slight twinge of sympathy--

JULIAN(to the Senior Officer)

Hey, forget the resisting arrest charges, alright?

The senior officer looks at Julian and nods in agreement. The officers stand Dom on his feet and proceed to load him into a police vehicle, who continues to RESIST with all he’s got.

As he’s being loaded in the backseat--

DOM(calmer now)

Wait, wait.

The officers budge to see what he has to say...

DOM (CONT’D)I wanna talk to the D.A. Tell him to come here and face me like a man.

OFFICERNo, we can not allow you to do that, sir.

JULIANIt’s okay.

(walking towards Dom)Let the man have his word.

Julian stands face to face in front of Dom, huffing and puffing, restrained by two officers -- one on each arm.

A beat, then -- Dom SPITS right in Julian’s face. The officers aren’t havin’ it, and FORCE him into the backseat. Doors slamming shut. Julian, who starts wiping the spit off his face.

SENIOR OFFICERStill want us to skip resisting arrest?

JULIANIt’s fine.

Julian and the cops hop back in their cars and take off. Construction workers, left in utter shock, unable to comprehend what just happened...

68.

INT. CLASSROOM - GRAHAMWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY

Gabby sits in a rocking chair in the front of the class, reading “Old Yeller” to her 5th graders.

GABBY(with enthusiasm)

“Now, Travis,” Mama said. “You’re not being fair. You had you a dog when you were little, but Arlisshas never had one. He’s too little for you to play with, and he gets lonely.”

From the corner of her eye, she notices people standing outside her door. She looks over -- two MALE OFFICERS.

She pauses. Her heart just sank to the pit of her stomach.

INT. VISITATION CENTER - SHELBY COUNTY JAIL - CONTINUOUS

A vapid and otherwise lifeless room. Only colors here are white and silver. Visitors speak to inmates side by side through a telephone, separated by a glass wall. Seated somewhere in the middle is a visibly overwrought Gabby, who waits anxiously.

A beat. Then -- the door from the other side of the glass opens. Dom, orange jumpsuit, with an officer, who leads him to his stool. Gabby looks on with heartbreak. Dom sits. They look at each other for a moment. Sorrow. Gabby begins to tear up. Then, picking up the telephones--

GABBY(voice breaking)

What happened, Dom? Why are they doing this to you?

DOM(deep sigh)

I don’t know.

GABBY(crying)

This is insane...

DOMHey. It’s alright. It’ll be okay.

All too familiar words.

69.

GABBYIt was the D.A., wasn’t it? That low-life, miserable bastard... Fucking bastard!

Dom stays quiet.

GABBY (CONT’D)The baby, Dom. Our baby...

Dom sinks his head down.

GABBY (CONT’D)You did your time already. This isn’t fair. This is a violation of human rights... You’re a good man. You don’t belong here.

DOMI know, Gabby. I know. But sitting here and sulking ain’t gonna get us anywhere. I’ve been down that path before and it doesn’t do no good. We need to stay calm and fight this.

GABBYHow?

DOMA lawyer. No public defenders this time. We need the best possible lawyer we can find. I think I have a very solid case here.

GABBYDom, how can we afford that?

DOMTake out a second mortgage. Loans. We’ll borrow from friends. We’ll do whatever we have to do.

GABBY(nodding, breaking down again--)

I’m so scared.

DOMYou have nothing to be scared about. We’re gonna fight this and come out on top. That’s my word to you.

70.

GABBYOkay, Dom. Okay. I have all the faith in the world in you.

The officer opens the door from behind Dom. Time to go.

DOMHey, stay strong, okay? Keep your head up. You’re the strongest, most resilient person I know. Be strong for our child. He doesn’t need the stress. Okay?

Gabby nods as she chokes back tears.

DOM (CONT’D)We’ll come out on top like I said.

OFFICERWrap it up.

DOMI’ll see you soon, okay?

GABBY(nodding, miserable)

Bye...

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

Dom stands before the judge.

JUDGEMr. Harris, the court hereby orders that you serve out the remainder of your sentence at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. So be it.

The judge raps his gavel. Dom sinks his head down. The bailiff grabs his arm to escort him. He looks over at a distraught Gabby sitting in the stands. Gives her a calm nod of reassurance before being led away.

EXT. RIVERBEND - DAY

A LARGE, traditional looking PRISON. Castle-like. Made of grey stone. The color looks to have faded through the decades into more of a beige now. High STONE WALLS topped with concertina wire. Looming guard towers. This is RIVERBEND.

71.

It’s a windy fall afternoon. Crows flying overhead. We hold it here for a beat, then -- the outer gate SWINGS OPEN... revealing a PRISON BUS. The bus pulls forward. RUMBLING through the gates. Inmates flock to the fence to catch a glimpse.

INT. PRISON BUS - CONTINUOUS

Seated in the back of the bus is Dom, wearing a STEEL COLLAR and CHAINS. Peering out the window -- guards with RIFLES standing near the bus. Inmates at the fence hooping and hollering. What a treat he’s in for.

SMASH CUT TO:

CLOSE UP ON TV SCREEN

BREAKING NEWS flashes across the screen.

CUT TO: Two news anchors -- Mark Greene, 50’s, black hair, greying temples, and Sheryl McHenry, blonde, 40’s -- seated in the studio. Their names imposed on the screen.

On the bottom left corner: WMC NEWS MEMPHIS

MARK (ON TV)Hi, I’m Mark Greene.

SHERYL (ON TV)And I’m Sheryl McHenry.

MARK (ON TV)(as Dom’s mugshot appears on the screen)

This just in, a local Memphis resident by the name of Dominic Harris is being sent back to prison to carry out his original life sentence.

SHERYL (ON TV)And Mark, what we have here is a very peculiar case sure to ignite controversy. Mr. Harris was accidentally released from prison in November of 2009 due to a data entry error. A whopping 90 years too soon. This error was recently brought to the attention of the District Attorney’s Office, who acted swiftly in bringing Mr. Harris back to prison.

72.

MARK (ON TV)Now, this was a man who attempted to rob a liquor store back in 1997 at the age of twenty-five and was subsequently convicted of ninecounts of robbery, burglary, and kidnapping. All resulting in a rather exorbitant 102 year sentence.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL...

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

At a roundtable -- Julian, Joanne, and members of his executive staff (three men, one woman, 40’s/50’s). They watch the TV closely.

JULIAN“Exorbitant?”

JOANNEPropaganda.

We CLOSE ON the TV screen again:

SHERYL (ON TV)Right Mark, and while the nature of the crime is indeed serious, Mr. Harris was convicted under the Felony Deterrent Program, an experimental sentencing protocol introduced by the county during a time of alarming homicide rates and youth crime. Whereas, a similar crime committed during a different time might’ve warranted a much lesser sentence.

The news report CUTS TO footage of the outside of OASIS COMMUNITY CENTER, where volunteers and people gather around in protest.

SHERYL (ON TV, O.S.) (CONT’D)And here we are live outside the neighborhood soup kitchen founded by Mr. Harris and his wife, Gabby. Known to locals as “Oasis.”

A reporter holds a microphone to Olivia Crawford (name on the screen along with “Volunteer”), 30’s, African American--

73.

OLIVIA(shaking head)

It ain’t right... It -- it’s an injustice.

REPORTER (O.S.)Why do you say that?

OLIVIAHe’s a good man. He always here at the crack of dawn every Sunday with his wife. Helpin’ to get everything set up. He makes sure everyone is well fed and taken care of.

BACK TO the anchors--

MARK (ON TV)During his nearly six years of accidental freedom, Mr. Harris has certainly turned his life around for the better. In addition to giving back to the community by opening up a soup kitchen, he has since started his own construction business, gotten married, and is a soon-to-be father.

SHERYL (ON TV)His wife, Mrs. Harris has declined to comment on the situation right now. Also, no word yet on whether there will be an appeal. But due to the circumstances of this case, I’d say that is something we can count on.

MARK (ON TV)More to come on this story as it develops.

INT. RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS

Back to the restaurant. Julian, looking pensive, takes a slow sip of his scotch.

INT. ADMITTING AREA - RIVERBEND - DAY

A line of new inmates are marched in, Dom in the back. Guards unlock the shackles. The chains drop and rattle against the cold, hard floor.

74.

A tall, Southern man in a black three-piece suit -- mid-50’s, grey hair, mustache -- stands and observes his new incoming class. This is WARDEN BRADLEY FRANCES.

WARDEN FRANCES(booming voice)

Ladies. Welcome to Riverbend.(beat)

I am Mr. Frances, the warden. I am also your worst nightmare. If they sent you here. Here. This place. I’m gonna assume it’s cuz you’re a cancer to society. And I’m gonna treat you as such. Any questions?

A beat. Warden Frances looks around.

WARDEN FRANCES (CONT’D)No one?

Then--

DOMI wanna talk to a lawyer.

The other inmates shake their heads.

WARDEN FRANCESExcuse me?

DOMI said I wanna talk to a lawyer. I don’t belong here...

INMATEHe done fucked up.

Warden Frances walks towards Dom. Boots clicking and clacking. Now in Dom’s face--

WARDEN FRANCESA lawyer...

Without warning-- Warden Frances pulls out his CLUB and RAMS it into Dom’s stomach. He DROPS DOWN, gasping for air.

WARDEN FRANCES (CONT’D)Anyone else have a question?

Silence.

WARDEN FRANCES (CONT’D)Carry on.

75.

The guards start to lead the inmates away. Dom remains on the ground, struggling to catch his breath.

INT. HALLWAY - RIVERBEND - DAY

A guard escorts Dom down a LONG hallway of prison cells, greyish/light blue in color.

INMATENIGGER!!!

INMATE 2FRESH MEAT!

Dom doesn’t react. He’s above that. Vicious taunts continue to pour in from all directions as they move down this never-ending hall.

Finally -- the guard stops in front of a cell and starts unlocking it. It opens -- dark, grungy. Bunk bed, filthy-looking toilet and sink, a desk, and a small window covered with steel bars. Dom steps in. We STAY ON Dom as the door closes behind him.

INT. CAFETERIA - RIVERBEND - DAY

A large cafeteria. Inmates eating at octagon-shaped roundtables side by side. Grey floors. High ceiling. Dom walks in and looks around.

DOM (V.O.)Eating in prison has a hierarchy. And not just by skin color...

We take a closer look at the tables: the inmates seem to be divided by race. Black tables. White tables. Spanish. Etc.

ANGLE ON the tables closest to the food line -- here, we have tables with mixed races. However, upon closer inspection, these tables seem to be occupied by the senior, more ALPHA inmates.

DOM (V.O.)The toughest inmates sit by the food line. And the weakest closest to the guards.

Now we focus our attention on the tables near the guards -- these are where the weak, inexperienced inmates sit.

Back to Dom looking around--

DOM (V.O.)Nothing has changed.

76.

INT. CAFETERIA - RIVERBEND - MOMENTS LATER

We are at a table full of alpha inmates. Men with tattoos, muscles, and shaved heads. The lead alpha is ALONSO ESCOBAR -- who’s more on the slender side compared to the other men -- bald, goatee, tattoos covering his neck and arms.

Dom, nonchalant, walks over with his tray and grabs the empty seat. Minding his own business, he proceeds to tear open a packet of pepper and sprinkles it on his food. The men look at him like who the fuck is this guy?

ALONSOWho the fuck are you?

DOMDom. Who the fuck are you?

The rest of the table reacts accordingly -- whoa...

ALONSOYou know, rookies like you come in and try to pull the tough guy act. It’s common. They think a little reverse psychology will take ‘em a long way.

(leaning in)Well, those are the ones who turn into Disney princesses the fastest when it’s time to walk the walk.

The inmates laugh and whoop. This is sport.

DOMI ain’t no rookie.

(shoveling in food)Did my time in the pen back in the day. Twelve years. Got another ninety more to go.

INMATE 2Ninety years. You must’ve done somethin’ really bad. You caught your wife fuckin’ another man and slit her throat, didn’t you?

DOMNope.

(takes a second to chew his food)

Armed robbery.

INMATE 2That’s it?

77.

DOM(nodding, mouth-full)

Mhm.

INMATE 2(laughing)

They done fucked you over bad, nigga.

ALONSOWell, don’t think this earns you any special treatment. Believe me when I say this, we gonna test you.

(Dom looks over)We gonna test you hard. And not just us. Everyone else in here, too.

Alonso gets up, wipes his mouth with a napkin, and drops it down on his tray.

ALONSO (CONT’D)Be ready.

He makes some kissing sounds, grabs his tray and leaves. Dom calmly shifts his attention back to his meal.

EXT. UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - MEMPHIS - DAY

HORDES OF CIVILIANS crowd around the steps to the U.S. Attorney’s building, mostly in protest. Some with SIGNS -- “WE WANT JUSTICE. NOT ABUSE OF POWER.” “FREE DOM.”

The door swings open -- Julian, along with the prosecution team and staff members. Police escorts. They make their way down the steps to a RIOTOUS scene -- people shouting, cameras flashing, reporters fighting to get a statement.

FEMALE REPORTERMr. Murphy, do you stand by your decision as District Attorney to send Dominic Harris back to prison?

JULIAN(in stride)

Absolutely. How many inmates would jump at the chance for a six-year reprieve? We are only giving him what was originally handed down in the first place.

78.

ANOTHER REPORTERMr. Murphy, how would you respond to speculation that there are racial motivations involved?

JULIANCompletely unfounded. This is more stemming from a matter of safety. January 2013. Colorado. Prisoner by the name of Evan Ebel mistakenly released by the court. Ends up killing his prisons chief two months later. Same thing in Cincinnati with a prisoner named Cletus Upshaw. Accidentally released and rapes and murders three women a year later. Both Caucasian.

REPORTERThis is a man that has completely turned his life around, though.

JULIANNo further questions at this time.

Julian and his team continue walking amidst the fervor.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

A crowded church. The atmosphere is buzzing. The REVEREND, 60’s, bald, African-American, is at the stand--

REVEREND(speaking into mic)

My brothers and sisters. Now is the time we rally together. We can not allow our fellow brothers and sisters to suffer from the reigns of tyranny any longer. We must rise against our oppressors and boldly showcase our defiance and rage!

The crowd gets up on their feet and ROARS in approval. We notice Gabby sitting behind the stand next to a few other people. She looks uncomfortable...

REVEREND (CONT’D)I’d like to take this moment to allow the one voice in this room whose opinion needs to be heard. Mrs. Gabby Harris...

79.

More cheers. Gabby politely smiles at the reverend, then takes the stage.

GABBYThank you. Thank you all for your support. Words can’t express my gratitude.

(clearing throat)I... I um -- I just want to clear this up off the bat. This isn’t a matter of race.

(looking around the audience)

Let’s not make it about race. This is about human rights. Whether that person is black, white, red, yellow, whatever, it’s not important. This is a human rights issue. Making it about skin color cheapens the meaning of me and my husband’s plight.

(beat; the room is quiet and intently listening--)

I’m not going to sugarcoat what my husband did, either. He put the lives of an innocent family in danger. He pointed a gun in the face of children.

(takes a moment, is having trouble speaking)

I guess what I’m getting at here... Is that we all make mistakes in our lives. And my husband is no different... But here’s what I can tell you about who he is today. He is remorseful. He is kind, warmhearted, and brave. He is compassionate towards others at times he doesn’t need to be.

(softly, as though close to crying)

He is a loyal husband, and loving father to our unborn child... He is one-hundred percent rehabilitated.

We observe the crowd -- they are clearly touched by Gabby’s words.

GABBY (CONT’D)(shaky, voice starting to crack)

To send my husband back to prison for another ninety years... is not right.

80.

Gabby breaks away from the microphone, covering her face as she cries into her palms. The reverend embraces her.

People in the audience are left silent and with heavy hearts.

INT. RIVERBEND - PRISON CELL - NIGHT

Dom lays down on the bottom bed, staring into the bottom of the top bed. A beat, then -- keys jingling. Dom turns his head: A guard standing next to an inmate. The cell creaks open, and in steps JOE COOKE. Thin, Caucasian, early 30’s, scrappy looking.

Dom doesn’t acknowledge him and rests his head down again. The cell closes. Joe walks up to Dom.

JOEHi, I’m Joe.

DOMDom.

JOEDom and Joe. Kinda has a ring to it, doesn’t it?

No response. Dom has no desire for banter right now. Beat. Joe rolls up his sleeve -- NEEDLE MARKS and SORES. He begins to pick at his forearm... which turns into full-on scratching. Dom finally looks over. Gross. He tends to himself again.

The vigorous scratching continues until Dom can’t take it anymore--

DOM(looking over)

You a user?

JOEYeah.

DOMAlright, that’s enough. Can you not do that in front of me?

JOEMy bad.

Joe climbs up the bunk to the top bed. We linger on Dom, who continues staring into space. A few seconds pass, then--

81.

JOE (CONT’D)(groaning in pain)

Shit.

The bed creaks. We can hear Joe shifting around uncomfortably. His withdrawal is excruciating.

DOMAlright... let’s get your mind off that.

JOEFuck. Everything hurts so bad...

DOMWell why the fuck you shootin’ up in the first place?

JOEI don’t know. Buddy of mine got me hooked.

DOMSome friend, huh?

(Joe continues groaning, Dom tries to distract again--)

So why’d they send you here, Joe?

JOE(curled up, shaky)

This... this is temporary. They’re movin’ me to death row in a few weeks.

DOMYou kill someone?

JOEYeah. My supervisor.

DOMYour supervisor? Now why would you do that, Joe?

JOEI was a uh -- a chef... Above average steak house downtown... One day during my shift, dude gets in my face for fuckin’ up an order. Things get a little heated and I... I just lost it. Ended up stabbin’him thirty seven times with a fillet knife.

82.

DOM(pressing forward--)

You got a family?

JOEYeah, wife and a kid. Three-year old girl.

DOMThey okay?

JOENah. Wife wants nothing to do with me. Can’t say I blame her, really... What about you, what you in for?

DOMI robbed a liquor store. Ninety years to go...

JOENinety years?...

DOMThat’s right.

JOEWhoa. That -- that just ain’t right, man.

DOM(beat)

How are you goin’ out?

JOELethal injection.

(beat)You think it’s gonna hurt?

DOMI’d count on it.

JOEShit...

DOMDon’t worry, I’ll sneak some of that H in there for you, you won’t feel a thing.

JOEHey man. Whatever helps.

83.

INT. WARDERN’S OFFICE - RIVERBEND - DAY

Warden Frances watches TV with two prison guards -- a news coverage on Dom’s story.

GUARDLooks like we got a celebrity in the building.

WARDEN FRANCES(fixated on the TV)

Well I’ll be damned...

INT. RIVERBEND - HALLWAY - DAY

A narrow, dim hallway. Dom and Joe mop the floor.

JOEHey man, you know where I can get a cigarette around here? I’d kill for a fuckin’ smoke right now.

DOMYeah. I’ll pick some up for you at the commissary later.

JOE(surprised)

Really?

Dom nods.

JOE (CONT’D)Wow. That’d -- that’d be awesome.

Dom continues mopping.

JOE (CONT’D)What do I owe you?

DOMNothin’.

JOE(giddy)

Yo, you the fuckin’ man homie!

Dom plops his mop against the wall and faces Joe. Hands on his hips. Joe, in high spirits, continues mopping.

84.

JOE (CONT’D)(noticing Dom standing there)

What?

DOMYou a dumb motherfucker, aren’t you?

JOE(stops mopping)

What are you talking about?

DOMNever accept favors. That’s the quickest way to end up in someone’s debt.

Dom picks up his mop, dips it in the bucket, and proceeds.

JOEWhat do you mean?

DOMYou wanna take the quick route to becoming someone’s bitch? Accept gifts. Before you know it, you and your “friend” Marcus are gonna be hittin’ butt cheeks. Whether you like it or not.

JOEYou know from experience?

DOMNo. From observing other people’s mistakes. Never end up in someone’s debt.

JOEYou ever been raped?

Dom pretends to ignore the question and goes about his business. Touchy subject.

JOE (CONT’D)Guess I shouldn’t have asked, right?

DOMIt’s not somethin’ that’s worth discussin’.

85.

JOEWhat was it like?

DOM(angry)

The fuck you mean “what was it like?” Are you askin’ if I enjoyed it? If -- if they played R&B or somethin’?

JOE(shaking his head)

Nah. Forget it. Sorry I asked.

They continue mopping. Dom looking very irritated. We hold it here for a moment. Then--

DOMIt’s like a piece of you dies.

Joe looks up but doesn’t say anything. Afraid to offend.

DOM (CONT’D)You start questioning your identity... Your manhood... “Am I the strong man I thought I was?” “Am I sure I’m still into women?”... All your pride and dignity go out the window.

JOEYou seem to be holding up okay.

DOMWell. That’s one thing I learned from my experiences -- the human spirit can endure. We seem to take that for granted...

Joe doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to. These are words to quietly digest.

INT. HARRIS HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Gabby, on the phone, sits with a few of her friends. Mostly married couples. The TV is playing the news.

GABBY (PHONE)Yeah, hi. Mr. Kelly? My name’s Gabby Harris--

(beat, friends are listening in)

--yes, that’s right.

86.

(MORE)

Dominic’s wife.(beat)

Uh huh.(beat, her tone shifting to disappointment--)

Okay... Uh huh...(beat)

It’s alright, really. Thank you for your time.

(beat)Bye.

She hangs up.

GABBY (CONT’D)He said he couldn’t take the case.

GABBY’S FRIENDWhy not?

GABBYWasn’t what they were looking for right now.

Feeling dejected, she turns her attention to the TV--

On the top right corner: BNL NEWS LIVE

A man in a grey suit and red tie sits in a studio against a fake Manhattan backdrop -- 40’s, handsome, dark blonde hair, chiseled jaw. This is TROY CASPER.

The headline: The Dominic Harris Case. Imposed on the bottom: “TROY CASPER. CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER.” A logo on the right that reads: “JANET TURNER”. The screen SPLITS to reveal... JANET TURNER -- 40’s, brunette, perky, a Nancy Grace-like figure -- on the left.

JANET TURNER (ON TV)And joining us live in the studio from New York is top criminal defense attorney Troy Casper. Who’s made a career out of defending clients in unlawful imprisonment cases. Mr. Casper, how good of a case do you think Dominic Harris has given the circumstances?

CASPER (ON TV)Excellent. I believe Dominic has a very strong case here.

JANET TURNER (ON TV)And why is that?

87.

GABBY (PHONE) (CONT'D)

CASPER (ON TV)Many reasons, Janet. First off, the state of Tennessee is very much at fault here. Not for the error. Or even for sending him back to prison. But for trying to put him behind bars for so long in the first place. A hundred and two year sentence for armed robbery is cartoonishly over the top. This is the American justice system. Not some third-world country. There is no way a man who didn’t harm anyone should spend one-hundred and two years behind bars when there are people out there murdering, raping, and molesting children, who are receiving only a fraction of what Dominic was given. The punishment just doesn’t fit the crime.

Gabby and her friends watch closely. They’re sold.

JANET TURNER (ON TV)I think we’ve all established that the sentence is on the excessive side. But a man who robs small children at gunpoint certainly deserves to spend more time behind bars, wouldn’t you think?

CASPER (ON TV)Whoa, whoa, whoa. Janet. Robbing small children at gunpoint? Is it on record that he knew there’d be children inside a liquor store after hours?

JANET TURNER (ON TV)It doesn’t matter. He had a choice to turn away as soon as he walked in. And he didn’t.

CASPER (ON TV)Well the fact of the matter is no one did end up getting hurt.

JANET TURNER (ON TV)Who knows how things could’ve played out if the officers were even a minute or two late?

88.

CASPER (ON TV)Okay, regardless of what he did. Dominic’s a man that’s clearly rebuilt his life from the ground up. Isn’t that the purpose of incarceration? To rehabilitate? If they’ve accomplished that already, then what’s sending him back to prison for the rest of his life gonna do? Look. He’s started a successful business, runs a soup kitchen for the homeless, has a family now. Oh and on top of that, his girlfriend at the time was battling cancer. I believe these are all things the American people can empathize with.

JANET TURNER (ON TV)Interesting... Is this a case you would consider taking on?

Gabby leans in...

CASPER (ON TV)(beat)

Well, the case is a lot smaller than what I’m accustomed to... But it’s an interesting case. Unique in nature... Yeah. Maybe. It’s something I’d think about if the conditions were right.

We focus on Gabby again -- a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

EXT. JFK AIRPORT - NEW YORK - DAY

A commercial PLANE hovering just above the runway. Descending...

...It lands, making its way down the path.

INT. AIRPLANE - JFK AIRPORT - CONTINUOUS

Sitting in a window seat is GABBY, who gazes outside as we glide down the runway.

89.

INT. LAW FIRM OF CASPER & ASSOCIATES - DAY

Troy Casper sits at his desk, scribbling onto a sheet of paper. He’s dressed sharp. Nice view of Manhattan skyscrapers behind him. Columbia Law plaque hanging on the wall.

We hear knocking...

CASPERCome in.

The door opens -- it’s his secretary.

SECRETARYMrs. Harris is here to see you.

CASPEROh, yes. Send her in.

The secretary steps aside, and in walks Gabby. Professional attire. Clearly here to make an impression.

Casper rises.

CASPER (CONT’D)Mrs. Harris. What an honor it is to meet you.

GABBY(shaking hands)

Mr. Casper.

His hand shake is firm and confident.

CASPERPlease. Call me Troy.

GABBY(impressed by his warm demeanor)

Troy -- I just want to say. Thank you so much for--

CASPERAh. Don’t mean to interrupt you a second time. But no need for formalities. We’re in New York, we bust balls around here.

Gabby smiles.

CASPER (CONT’D)(noticing her belly)

How far along are you?

90.

GABBY(briefly forgetting she was pregnant)

Oh -- about five and a half months now.

CASPERBoy? Girl?

GABBYIt’s a boy.

CASPERCongratulations. Got one of those myself. Well, please. Have a seat.

They sit.

CASPER (CONT’D)And I’m sorry a simple phone call couldn’t suffice. I prefer all my initial meetings with potential clients to be a face-to-face. Just a personal preference.

GABBYNo, I understand.

CASPERWell, clearly we know why this is taking place. So let’s not waste anymore time than necessary.

(leaning back, poised)I’ve done all the research I’ve needed on your husband’s case. And I think we have an extremely strong chance at reversing this.

Gabby’s face lights up. She is sold already.

CASPER (CONT’D)Now, I’m not making promises. I can’t guarantee your husband will walk away a free man after the trial. It is the state of Tennessee and we do have to be prepared for wild cards.

(off her look)However, I do believe you will fare much better with me on your side than without. I’ve worked many high-profile cases, and you can rest assured that I’ll be prepared every step of the way.

91.

GABBYWell, you certainly have me convinced, Troy. It’s just...

CASPER(as if he can read her mind)

The money?

GABBYYeah...

CASPERThe stuff no one likes to talk about, right?

(chuckles)Well, I’m not gonna beat around the bush here. My retainer is non-negotiable. But I’m more than willing to level with you on everything else.

GABBYWhat’s your retainer?

CASPERSixty grand.

Gabby quickly darts her eyes down. Wow.

CASPER (CONT’D)Tell you what. I’ll give you some time to figure things out. In the meantime, I’ll get started on the appeal. Just in case.

Casper smiles and gets up. Gabby follows. They shake hands.

CASPER (CONT’D)Thank you kindly for your time, Mrs. Harris.

Gabby smiles politely and exits. Feeling a little deflated.

INT. RIVERBEND - HALLWAY - DAY

Four LONG LINES side by side. We make our way down the hall... to four PHONE BOOTHS attached to the wall. Inmates making calls. Dom is using one of them.

DOMSixty grand?

92.

INT. TAXI - NEW YORK CITY - DAY

Gabby on the phone in the backseat.

GABBYNon-negotiable.


DOMWhat about the other costs?

GABBYHe said he’d work with us on that. Dom... this is our guy. I know in my heart he’s the one. He can pull this off.

DOMOkay.

(beat)I’ll liquidate the assets on my business. Cranes, equipment. It’ll be faster than finding someone to buy me out.

We CUT to Gabby. Relief.

DOM (CONT’D)But I’m gonna need some help. I need you to get in touch with Frank. My old supervisor. He’s the one that can make this happen.

GABBYOkay. As soon as I land tomorrow.

A guard taps Dom on the shoulder. His cue to wrap it up.

DOMI gotta go. I love you.

GABBYI love you too.

They hang up.

INT. DI MAURO HOME - EVENING

Gabby walking up the steps of a modest suburban home. Arriving at the front door -- she knocks. A moment... the door opens -- it’s Frank.

93.

FRANK(warm and welcoming)

You must be Dom’s wife.

GABBYYes.

They shake hands.

GABBY (CONT’D)Gabby.

FRANKFrank. Very nice to meet you, Gabby. Please, come in.

INT. DI MAURO HOME - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Adjacent couches. Frank sits on one, drinking a beer. Gabby, the other.

FRANK(shaking his head)

It -- it’s a fuckin’ travesty. It’s absurd. Fuckin’ rat bastards runnin’ around wielding their imaginary stick and their law books. Makin’ up shit as they go.

A beat.

FRANK (CONT’D)I mean, I turn on the fuckin’ news and all I see is protest. Rioting. Nobody believes he should fuckin’ be in prison right now.

GABBY(clears throat, leaning in)

So Dom told me you knew some people in the construction business.

FRANKThat I do.

GABBYWell, he needs to find buyers for his assets.

FRANKDone. I got guys that will buy at above eighty percent of retail.

94.

(MORE)

I’ll start makin’ calls as soon as you leave.

GABBYFrank. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to us.

FRANKAh, don’t mention it. I had a chance to bail Dom out back in the day. But I didn’t. Still haunts me to this day... I’ll do whatever it takes to help him out.

Gabby nods in appreciation.

FRANK (CONT’D)So. A boy, huh?

GABBYThat’s right.

FRANK(chuckles)

That Dom is sure gonna make a hell of a father.

GABBYHe’ll be amazing.

FRANKJust make sure he’s not the one teachin’ your kid how to play sports. He can weld the shit out of steel but can’t put a ball through the net to save his life.

Frank laughs. All in good fun. Gabby starts chuckling along, too.

FRANK (CONT’D)I thought it was only fat white guys like me that couldn’t jump. Guess not!

They laugh some more.

FRANK (CONT’D)I gotta tell you about this time we played flag football after work.

Gabby leans in, listening.

95.

FRANK (CONT'D)

FRANK (O.C.) (CONT’D)So the guys are huddled up in a circle. Everybody reeks of one-week old laundry...

We STAY ON Gabby, who’s laughing along lightly, all ears as Frank tells the story.

INT. RIVERBEND - CAFETERIA - MORNING

Breakfast. Dom and Joe, with their trays, take their seats at an empty table near the food line. Dom digs in.

DOM(noticing Joe hasn’t touched his food)

Why you not eating?

JOEI dunno man... Depressed, I guess.

(beat)Hey. I never asked you before. You got family?

DOMYeah. A wife. Got a little boy on the way, too.

Beat. Joe opens his carton of orange juice. Finally.

JOEYou think you’ll see ‘em again? Like, outside. Not here.

DOMYeah. I think so.

JOEI’d give anything to see my family one more time. I know my daughter misses me. Too bad the wife thinks I’m a piece of shit.

DOMWhat’s your daughter’s name?

JOEKaitlin. With a K, not a C.

DOMKaitlin with a K. That’s a nice name. Elegant. You got a pic?

96.

JOEI do.

Joe reaches in his pocket and pulls out a family picture. The wife is black.

DOMAhh, a black woman huh?

(chuckles)Smart man.

JOEHa ha yeah. I got a sweet tooth for booty yo.

DOM(laughs)

My man.

Joining them at the table -- ALONSO. Along with his posse.

ALONSOWhat the shit is going on here? A nigger and a cracker sittin’together? A black cracker.

(laughing, examining the picture)

I’d tap that.

Joe puts the picture back in his pocket.

ALONSO (CONT’D)So, last time you sat with us. This time, we sit with you.

DOM(motioning with his head)

Isn’t the little girls table back that way?

The inmates react -- wow, this guy is asking for it.

ALONSODo you know who I am, ese?

Alonso starts rolling up his sleeve. Very slowly... Revealing -- GANG TATTOOS. Covering his entire arm. “Blood in Blood”with red tear drops. A crown. Guns. Red stars. “Money Over Bitches”.

ALONSO (CONT’D)(pointing to his “Money Over Bitches” tattoo)

You see that?

97.

DOMMoney over bitches. Amusing.

ALONSOM.O.B. It means “Member of Blood.”

DOMLet me guess, you couldn’t get into a fraternity so you joined a gang?

The inmates are taken aback by Dom’s audacity.

ALONSO(leaning in)

I control the prison. I’m still controlling the streets... I can have your family floating in the river the next day with just a phone call.

Dom remains composed and nonreactive. We hold it here a moment. Finally -- Dom gets up.

DOM(to Joe)

Come on.

Joe follows suit.

ALONSO(laughing)

Fags.

Dom and Joe leave the table with their trays.

EXT. MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

Outside the airport at the pick-up area. Media members crowding the door. News cameras ready.

A reporter, SUZY ARMSTRONG, readies herself in front of a camera.

CAMERA MAN (O.S.)Going live in 3... 2... 1... Go.

SUZYHi. I’m Suzy Armstrong from WMCNews. We are live outside Memphis International Airport awaiting the arrival of high-powered New York defense attorney Troy Casper.

98.

(MORE)

Who, in a surprise move, has agreed to take on the Dominic Harris case.

CUT TO:

INT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Julian and Joanne watch the same news report in his office.

JULIANHow the fuck did they afford him?

JOANNEPro-bono, perhaps?

JULIANDoubtful.

EXT. MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - CONTINUOUS

The DOORS OPEN -- TROY CASPER, wheeling his luggage, steps out. CAMERAS flash, reporters flock around him, eager to get a few words.

REPORTER (O.S.)Welcome to Memphis, Mr. Casper. Why have you agreed to take on this case?

CASPER(in stride)

Because I believe in equality. I believe in justice. I believe Dominic Harris has a right to be a free man again.

REPORTER 2 (O.S.)Have you met or spoken with Dominic yet?

CASPEROn my way to right now.

Casper approaches a black SEDAN. The trunk pops open and the chauffeur steps out to load the luggage.

REPORTER 3 (O.S.)Do you consider Dominic Harris to be a changed man?

99.

SUZY (CONT'D)

CASPERAbsolutely. In every sense of the word. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a case to prep for.

Reporters desperately try to squeeze more words out of him. He hops in the Sedan, and takes off.

INT. RIVERBEND - VISITATION ROOM - DAY

Dom sits at a round table. Waiting... We linger here, then -- GABBY, overjoyed, trotting towards Dom as Casper follows behind. Dom rises. They embrace. A bittersweet moment.

GABBYIt’s so good to see you...

Dom holds her tight. Casper approaches. Waits.

DOM(finally breaking off to greet him)

The sixty-thousand dollar man.

They shake hands.

CASPER(smirks)

You can’t put a price on freedom.

DOMYou’re right about that.

CASPERFollow me. We’re going somewhere quieter.

Casper leads the way.

INT. RIVERBEND - INTERROGATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS

An ugly grey room. Silver table. Silver chairs. Light fixture hanging overhead. Dom and Gabby sit across from Casper.

CASPERAlright. Right off the bat, we’re gonna do two things. First, we’re gonna file a petition for clemency to Mayor Wharton. Now, this is a long shot to say the least. Mayor Wharton has never granted clemency once during his term.

100.

(MORE)

And I don’t expect him to here. But why not, right?

DOMClemency? What’s that?

CASPERA pardon. Next, we’re going to file a writ of habeas corpus. A summons of sorts, arguing unlawful detention or imprisonment before the court. This is our chance to win them over.

GABBYHow good are our chances here? That my husband will get off scot-free?

CASPERThe chances that Dom’s sentence is reduced dramatically? Very high. The chances that he will get off scot-free? That depends...

GABBYNo. No reductions. We want it erased. If you can’t guarantee that, we’ll walk right now.

CASPERYou won’t find a single attorney in our universe that can guarantee that. But we’re swingin’ for the fences. And I’m the one you want at bat. Trust me on that.

Dom and Gabby look at each other. Hopeful.

DOMI have a request.

CASPERWhat’s that?

DOMI don’t want to use Michelle’s cancer... Or my skin color. As part of my defense.

CASPERDom. We need to utilize every single possib--

101.

CASPER (CONT'D)

DOMNo. It doesn’t justify what I did. I don’t need unnecessary sympathy. We either win this fair. Or I go back...

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

A fancy place. Jazz music. Julian sits in a booth, taking the last sips of his scotch. He seems stressed.

The waitress walks over.

WAITRESSOne more?

Julian nods. The waitress takes his glass. A beat, then--

JOANNE(joining him)

Sorry I’m late.

JULIAN(apathetic)

Nooo problem.

JOANNEEverything alright?

JULIANEverything’s fine.

(waiting for her to get settled in)

Listen, Joanne... we need to talk. I don’t think we should see each other anymore. I wanna keep things strictly business.

JOANNE(blindsided)

Wow.(looking down, then back up)

Um -- can I get an explanation at least?

JULIANI wanna concentrate on the case.

JOANNEWell, so do I. But I’m not the one jumping off the deep end here.

102.

The waitress drops off his scotch.

WAITRESSCan you I get you something to drink, ma’am?

JOANNEI’m fine. Thanks.

The waitress leaves.

JULIANYou don’t understand. Our... “affair.” Or whatever you wanna call it. Has run its course.

JOANNEOh, so I’m just some toy you throw to the side when you’re done fucking me?

JULIANI also wanna mend things with the wife.

JOANNE(anger simmering)

The divorce talk...

JULIANThings change.

JOANNEHow could you do this to me? Before the hearing?

JULIANListen, Joanne. You’re a very important piece of the puzzle. Without you, our team crumbles. I need you to continue being sharp and on top of your game. I hope this doesn’t change anything.

Joanne grabs his drink -- and SPLASHES it on his face. Scotch staining his suit.

JOANNEFuck you, Julian.

She STORMS off. Tables nearby notice the scene and murmur amongst themselves.

103.

DINER(whispering)

That’s the D.A., isn’t it?

Julian, nonchalant, starts wiping himself with a napkin.

INT. RIVERBEND - LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY

Dom’s folding clothes by himself. Tossing into laundry baskets when done. Two guards by the door keep their eye on him. A moment, then -- the DOOR opens... Warden Frances stepping in. Dom looks up. Warden walks over.

WARDEN FRANCESHow’s it goin’ son?

Dom continues folding. He’s skeptical...

DOMIt’s goin’.

Warden Frances nods. A beat.

WARDEN FRANCESListen. I been thinkin’... Maybe you and I started off on the wrong foot

Dom looks up.

WARDEN FRANCES (CONT’D)I saw your story on the news. My uh -- my sister and brother-in-law had fallen on hard times a few years back. They would go to your kitchen everyday Sunday... They’re doin’alright now, but it helped them get through whatever they were goin’through at the time.

(Dom remains silent)Look, point being, I ain’t such a bad guy. See, it was about twenty-five years ago when I started here. I was about as naive and upright as you can imagine. I’m just a product of my environment. Just like everyone else in here.

(extending his hand)No hard feelins?

Dom stares at his hand for a beat. Thinking. Just then -- Joe BURSTS into the room.

104.

JOE(to Dom)

Yo! You’re all over the tube, man. Every channel’s covering your shit.

(noticing the Warden--)This a bad time?

WARDEN FRANCESGood luck with your case, son. Keep up the good behavior.

Warden Frances slinks off as Dom watches him. Warden nods to the guards, looks back one more time, and exits.


Dom -- bottom bunk -- lays down, hands behind his head. Joe -- top bunk. Lights out. We hold it here a beat. Then--

JOEWhat you gonna do when they let you out?

DOMSpend time with my family. Play with my son... Maybe start my business back up.

JOEWhen’s the appeal?

DOMFour months from now.

JOEFour months. That’s right around the time they sendin’ me to the chamber.

A pang of sadness hits Dom.

DOMHow you feel about that?

JOE(beat)

Scared, man. I’m scared.

DOM...What you scared about?

105.

JOEIt’s just. I -- I don’t know what’s waiting for me on the other side, you know? That’s what scares me. The unknowing.

DOMBetter you find out early than live out the rest of your life in this hellhole. And then find out. Right?

JOEI guess you have a point.

DOMYou’ll find peace, Joe... That I can promise you.

A teardrop forms and begins to slowly run down Joe’s cheek. We stay on Joe--

DOM (O.S.) (CONT’D)Whatever’s waiting for you on the other side... it’s a chance to start over. A clean slate. Who knows in what form, like you said. There’s all sorts of shit out there that we don’t got knowledge of. But your canvas... Your new canvas will be blank, Joe. Whether or not you’ll get to paint, we don’t know. But you can at least take comfort in knowing you’ll be given a clean slate.

JOE(wiping tears)

You’re gonna win your case, man... I can feel it in my bones.

(beat)Just wish I was around to see your crusty negro ass walk out the joint.

Now we ANGLE ON Dom. He easily musters a smile.


Fast forward to the day of the HEARING. A PACKED COURTROOM. Members of the media in attendance.

Long rectangular TABLE covered in navy blue linen. Three name plates evenly spaced out. American flag on one end.

106.

Tennessee state flag on the other end. This is the JUDGE’S BENCH. There is no jury box, this is a Court of Appeals.

The prosecution: Julian and Joanne. The defense: Casper and Dom -- orange jumpsuit, handcuffs. Sitting directly behind them is a nine-months pregnant Gabby.

BAILIFFAll rise.

Everyone present stands. Approaching the bench are three JUDGES -- JUDGE ROBERT CROMWELL. The head judge. Early 60’s, bald, white goatee, glasses. JUDGE LINDA HOLMSTEAD -- mid 50’s, blonde. And JUDGE MARTIN FISHER -- mid 50’s, brown hair, glasses. Judge Cromwell takes the middle seat.

JUDGE CROMWELLPlease be seated.

Everyone sits.

BAILIFFDocket number 311475. Dominic Harris vs. The State of Tennessee. The defendant was originally convicted of armed robbery, first-degree burglary, and second-degree kidnapping and wishes to appeal the sentence.

JUDGE CROMWELLIf the counsel would identify themselves for the record.

Standing one by one--

JULIANGood morning, your honors, Julian Murphy on behalf of the prosecution.

JOANNEYour honors. Joanne Silva on behalf of the prosecution.

CASPERGreetings, your honors. Troy Casper. For the defendant, Dominic Harris.

JUDGE CROMWELLVery well. Is the appellee ready?

107.

JULIANYes, your honor.

JUDGE CROMWELLAnd the appellant?

CASPERYes, your honor.

JUDGE CROMWELLThe appellee may proceed with their opening statements at this time.

Joanne and Casper sit back down. Julian approaches the bench.

JULIANThank you, your honors. Let’s remove the veil that’s been placed in front of our eyes and start at the beginning. November 14th, 1997 stood out as a particularly cold night in Memphis. The defendant, Dominic Harris, twenty-five at the time, made the conscious decision to commit crime. No one forced him to do it. He made up his mind all on his own that he was going to rob a liquor store. Now, why the long sentence you ask? One word: Children.

Casper rises.

CASPERObjection. The defendant was completely unaware who or what was inside the store before breaking in.

JUDGE CROMWELLOverruled. You’ll get your chance to speak, Mr. Casper.

Casper sits.

JULIANGoing back to what I was saying -- yes, there were children involved. Two little girls. Eleven and nine years old at the time. I have two daughters myself.

(to the spectators)I’m sure many of you are parents yourselves. So picture this.

108.

(MORE)

You work hard to make an honest living. Whether that be in an office. A restaurant. The mall. Wherever. Say you bring your kids to work that day. Maybe you’re there with your spouse, as well... A masked man breaks in to your work carrying a loaded pistol. Sticks the gun in your face. In your children’s faces. You can almost taste the cold metal from the barrel. This gunman, this man you’ve never seen before in your life later kidnaps your children and locks himself in a room with them. Just him, a loaded pistol, and your children. Let that feeling sink in... He threatens to put a bullet in each of their little heads if you don’t cooperate with the police. If it weren’t for the good fortune of an officer stumbling onto the scene just in time, who knows if those girls would be alive today? So yes, a hundred-and-two year sentence is a hefty one. But we couldn’t afford to let this man roam the streets that easy again. A man who we deemed capable of harming children. The question of is he rehabilitated or not is something we shouldn’t have to answer in the first place. Why? Because he never should’ve been freed to begin with.

(beat)That’s all I have for now, your honors.

Julian makes his way back to the table. Pleased. We look at Dom, who appears uneasy.

CASPER(to Dom)

Don’t worry. He’s just pandering to their emotions.

JUDGE CROMWELLThe appellant may now deliver their opening statements.

Casper approaches the bench.

109.

JULIAN (CONT'D)

CASPERThank you, your honors.

(clears his throat)My client, Dominic Harris, did indeed commit a crime the night of November 14th, 1997. A serious one. But before we talk about that, let’s examine the Felony Deterrent Program. A desperate last hurrah implemented by the county from 1994 to 1997 to discourage crime once and for all. Stifling young offenders who were more statistically likely to re-offend with harsh sentences. Sounds pretty good on paper. Now, how did they go about choosing the candidates for this program? We don’t have too much info on that aside from the words of the DA at the time, Amy Jarvis: the crime itself, the offender’s criminal background, and “other circumstances”. Hmm. That last part got me curious so I did some research. Turns out, out of the forty-two inmates prosecuted under the FDP program, thirty-seven of them happened to be minorities.

(this catches Julian’s attention)

Well, Mr. Harris is a minority. Did that factor into the algorithm?

Julian stands up.

JULIANObjection. Assumes facts not in evidence.

JUDGE CROMWELLOverruled.

CASPER(to Julian)

Assumes facts not in evidence? There were one-hundred and twenty two combined rapes and murders committed by non-minorities under the age of twenty-five from 1994 to 1997. Only three of them were prosecuted under the FDP program. And only eight of those men received either death or a longer sentence than Mr. Harris.

110.

JULIANInflammatory, your honor. The counsel is clearly invoking prejudice.

JUDGE CROMWELL(raps his gavel)

Overruled. Allowing the counsel to proceed.

Julian, pissed, sits back down.

CASPERI’d also like to point out it costs the state of Tennessee roughly $30,000 a year to house one inmate. Sending my client Mr. Harris back to prison will, on paper, cost the state two-million seven-hundred thousand dollars. A man that feeds the homeless. Who has a wife and a baby on the way. A man that’s rehabilitated and maintained a clean record. Almost three million dollars to keep a guy like that off the streets. Now, I’m sure Mr. Harris wouldn’t live long enough to complete his remaining ninety years. So say he lives another thirty, forty years. We’re still talking over a million dollars of taxpayers’ money here. Sure, he committed robbery. Sure, there were kids involved. But to allow Mr. Harris to walk free for six years, only to abruptly separate from his family and the humanitarian life he’s carved out. Is a gross violation of due process. And amounts to nothing more than cruel and unusual punishment.

(beat)Thank you, your honors.

Casper seems to have left an impression on the judges -- they’re taking notes and talking amongst themselves. Casper moves back to the table.

CASPER (CONT’D)Kill ‘em with logic, right?

DOMI told you not to bring up race.

111.

CASPERWe can’t ignore the facts staring us right in the face, can we?

INT. RIVERBEND - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Dom, escorted by two guards. Casper walking beside him.

CASPERWe did good in there. I just need you to continue what you’re doing. Stay out of trouble. I think the judges are on our side now.

Moving down a connecting hallway--

CASPER (CONT’D)Forgive me for if I’m rambling, it’s the adrenaline... Man, you should’ve seen the look on the DA’s face. He has no case and he knows it. Don’t be surprised if he tries to get us to plea out.

--and stopping before the door leading to the cells.

CASPER (CONT’D)Hey, you got the ABC interview tonight. You remember what I told you?

As the guard punches in the code to unlock the door--

DOMBe humble. Don’t shy away from your flaws. Be relatable.

CASPERGood man. I’ll be over tomorrow 8 o’clock sharp for our debriefing.

The door opens. Dom being led inside...

CASPER (CONT’D)Hey Dom?

Dom stops, cocks his head back--

CASPER (CONT’D)(pointing)

You’re gonna be a free man, soon.

Dom nods, and is led down the prison cell hallway.

112.

INT. MURPHY HOME - OFFICE - NIGHT

Julian -- tie loosened, hair a mess -- sits in his home office scribbling notes. Sprawling BOOKSHELVES along the walls. He’s hard at work. The door opens -- it’s Melissa. Peering in.

MELISSAYou want dinner?

JULIANNo.

She lingers a moment. Yup, definitely the norm for her.

MELISSAOkay.

Steps back, starts shutting the door... Then--

MELISSA (CONT’D)(peering back in)

How’d it go today?

JULIAN(sets his pen down, turns around)

Not well, okay? Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a job to do.

MELISSA(beat)

Why do you care so much about punishing this man?

JULIANMelissa...

Melissa, apathetic, shuts the door. Julian resumes writing.


Joe’s drawing something with a black crayon.

We FOCUS on the paper: an almost-finished illustration of a STAIRCASE leading up high into the night skies. Stars. Crescent moon. A male figure at the bottom of the steps with his back to us.

Continues sketching. Out of nowhere -- tap tap... Joe looks back to see -- ALONSO. Standing outside his cell.

113.

ALONSO(smiling)

Where’s your friend?

JOEUh. He’s uh -- he’s doin’ an interview.

Alonso looks to his right. Down the hall we see two GUARDS perched against the wall. They’re in on this. Back to Alonso--

ALONSOI heard they movin’ you to death row.

JOEThat’s right.

ALONSOWell, a little birdie also told me you got a taste for the skag...

Alonso reaches in his pants and pulls out a small bag of HEROIN. Joe’s eyes widen.

ALONSO (CONT’D)You know, a gram of this stuff will set you back oh, maybe eighty, ninety bucks on the street. In prison... twelve-hundred.

(offering)Here. A little going away gift. I don’t expect anything in return. You have my word. No bullshit.

Joe considers. The gears in his head are churning, But he remembers what Dom told him.

JOE(as if turning down a million bucks--)

I’m good.

Resumes sketching. Then--

ALONSOHey.

Joe looks over.

ALONSO (CONT’D)My cousin got the chamber... But he didn’t get no chemicals, no. They gave him the chair.

114.

(MORE)

You ever seen an electric chair execution? Brutal, man. You shit your fucking pants, the eyes pop out of the sockets, your insides and your blood are cooking from the inside. Nasty stuff, man. That’s why I ain’t about executions. I sympathize with you, bro.

Alonso starts opening the bag. Slowly. Joe watches with lust.

ALONSO (CONT’D)Come on, I do some with you,

Alonso takes a pinch of heroin, dabbing it on his hand... and SNORTS IT CLEAN.

ALONSO (CONT’D)(wriggling his nose)

Ahhhh. That’s the stuff. Woooo!!(offering again)

Come on.

Joe hesitates at first... then gets up, and ACCEPTS the bag.

ALONSO (CONT’D)Atta boy.

(laughing)See. Buried deep inside every thug. Is a nice guy. Enjoy it, my friend.

Alonso leaves. Joe is left standing there holding the bag in his palm. Wondering if he just fucked up.

INT. RIVERBEND - WARDEN’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Warden Frances sits at his desk, reading a magazine. The door opens slightly -- it’s a guard, peeking in.

GUARD(thumbs up)

We’re good.

WARDEN FRANCESOkay. Make the switch at ten.

GUARDYou got it.

The guard leaves, shuts the door.

115.

ALONSO (CONT’D)

INT. RIVERBEND - CLASSROOM - NIGHT

A vacant prison classroom. Dom, in a chair, sitting across from ABC News Anchor DENISE KESSLER, 40’s. Camera crew and guards in the background. Interview in progress:

DENISE KESSLERHow tough has it been for you, Mr. Harris?

DOM(blowing out air)

Very tough... It’s been very tough.

DENISE KESSLERWhat’s been the hardest thing?

DOMMy family. Being away from my family... My wife being on her own, always in the public light. Me not being there to watch my son born.

DENISE KESSLERWhat would you give to be there to watch your son grow up?

DOMAnything. I’d give anything. I’d cut off my right arm right now if that meant growing old with my son.

DENISE KESSLERHave you picked a name out?

DOM(beat, face lighting up)

Dom Jr.

DENISE KESSLERAnd Mr. Harris, the question America is curious to hear you answer... Why exactly do you feel you deserve to be a free man again?

INT. HARRIS HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Gabby and her friends are gathered around the TV, watching the live report.

DOM (ON TV)(long beat)

What I did was... serious.

116.

(MORE)

It was unforgivable... I deserved to do time... Do I deserve to do more time? To be honest, maybe I do. Maybe I do... You know, there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about those little girls from the store. Zuhra and Amina. Never forgotten their names... They told me they was eleven and nine at the time... Kids like that their age, th--they’rereal impressionable. And deep down, I pray I didn’t leave no scar on their minds... But what happened to me after... My release. See, I never asked to be released. I was okay with prison. I became okay with it. The life sentence... But they said to me, “Well, your record says you did your time. You gotta go. It’s set in stone.” So there I was, forced out into the world again against my will... I had an instant um -- instant appreciation. For life. A chance to start over. To be a better man. To deal with my remorse by helping others... Along the way, I happened to meet the most amazing woman. Gabby. My wife... She inspired me to get back on my feet. To start my own business, to run a soup kitchen with her... And now... That woman’s going to be the mother of my child.

(beat)If they take me away from my wife and my kid, then they ain’t punishing one person anymore. They’re punishing three... They’re punishing the lives of two people who never would’ve came to know who I was otherwise... My wife, she’ll be made a single mother. My son, won’t know what it’s like to grow up with his real father... They don’t deserve that... I’ll do the time that fits the nature of my crime. No more, no less. But asking me to do another ninety years. At my age. Age 47... That’s asking me to die in prison. I’m sorry, but I can’t call that true justice...

We CUT to Gabby watching the TV. She’s moved to tears.

117.

DOM (ON TV) (CONT'D)


We find Joe -- on his back, hands behind his head -- SPACED OUT on the floor. Relaxed.

A beat. The cell opens -- it’s Dom. He’s led in by the guards, who begin uncuffing him. Dom sees Joe and knows right away he’s doped up. But how?...

The guards exit and lock the cell.

DOMWhat the fuck are you doing?

JOE(speech severely slowed)

Oh... hey man... how goes... it?...

Dom GRABS Joe and STANDS him up on his feet, holding him up by the collar. Looking in Joe’s eyes -- they’re glazed. Extremely CONSTRICTED pupils. Like PINPOINTS.

DOMYou shoot up again?

(lifting up Joe’s sleeves -- no marks)

Where the fuck did you get dope from?

JOEThe sky...

Dom SLAPS Joe across the face. Searching through his pockets -- and pulls out the bag. It’s empty. Except for some powdery traces.

DOM(holding the bag in Joe’s face)

Where’d you get this?

JOEOur friend......

DOMWho?

JOEAlonso......

Dom lets go of Joe’s collar. He falls to the ground, laughing. Too doped up to function. Just then -- keys rattling. We look back to see -- a GUARD. Opening the cell.

118.

GUARDAlright, we got a cell reassignment. Need you to step out, Dom.

DOMCell reassignment? For what?

GUARDSpecial orders.

DOMI ain’t goin’ nowhere.

The guard whips out an ELECTRIC SHOCK BATON. Volts buzzing.

INT. RIVERBEND - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Dom, handcuffed, being escorted down the hall. We slide down a joining corridor of cells to see... ALONSO -- escorted by another guard at the end of the hall, coming our way. No...

Dom’s heart drops to his stomach.

DOMWhoa. You’re putting him in the cell? No. You can’t do that... He’s a gang member.

The guard stays mum.

DOM (CONT’D)You can’t do that, you understand? He’s gonna kill him.

The guard still doesn’t budge. As we get closer...

DOM (CONT’D)(squirming, to Alonso--)

Piece of shit scumbag motherfucker. Swear to God if anything happens...

GUARDEasy there, son.

Alonso passes by. No emotions. Just a smirk. Dom, LIVID, continues SQUIRMING.

119.

INT. RIVERBEND - CELL - NEXT MORNING

Dom is passed out on the floor. Right by the bars. A beat, then -- Warden Frances shows up. With Casper. Warden taps the bars. Dom slowly begins to wake up.

WARDEN FRANCESRise and shine, Dom.

DOM(squinting)

Joe... Where’s Joe?

WARDEN FRANCESHe’s in the workshop makin’ plates.

DOM(standing up, angry; to Warden Frances)

You were responsible for this.

WARDEN FRANCESFor what?

DOMThe cell reassignment. The Bloods offered you a kickback and you did what they wanted them to do, didn’t you?

WARDEN FRANCESDom, listen, I d--

DOMTake me to Joe.

CASPERDom. Every minute is crucial. We need to--

DOMI said take me to him.

Warden and Casper look at each other.

INT. RIVERBEND - WORKSHOP - CONTINUOUS

Dom, Warden Frances, and Casper enter the workshop. Sure enough, they spot Joe at a desk making license plates.

DOM(walks over)

Yo.

120.

JOEHey.

DOMYou good? You were pretty fuckin’ doped up last night.

JOEYeah. Yeah, everything’s cool.

There’s something off...

DOMYou sure? Nothin’ happened?

JOEYeah. Everything’s good.

WARDEN FRANCES(calling out)

Come on, Dom. Let’s move it.

JOEI’ll catch up with you later, aight?

Dom nods, and slinks off. Joe shifts his attention back to his license plate. Dom, at the door, looks back at Joe once more... And walks out.

EXT. TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT - DAY

Outside the courthouse.

INT. TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT - DAY

Another day in court. MR. KHAN, in his early 60’s now, is at the witness stand (Mrs. Khan watching from the crowd). Joanne’s at the helm.

JOANNEMr. Khan, let’s go back to the night of the robbery. Did you feel like your life was in danger?

MR. KHANYes. Very much. No question.

(pointing at Dom)That man come into my store and threaten to shoot my family.

121.

JOANNEWhat was going through your head at the time?

MR. KHANFear. I was afraid this man come and shoot my wife and children dead in front of me. I was praying that he kill me first.

JOANNEAnd one last question Mr. Khan, do you feel the defendant deserves to go back to prison, having already served twelve years?

MR. KHANYes. Absolutely. No question. He is a dangerous man. Twelve years is not enough.

JOANNEThank you, Mr. Khan. No further questions, your honors.

Joanne walks back to the table. Casper stands up.

CASPERPermission to cross-examine the witness?

JUDGE CROMWELLGranted.

Casper approaches the stand.

CASPERMr. Khan, do you remember when you were twenty-five years old?

MR. KHANYes.

CASPERWhere were you at the time?

MR. KHANI was in Pakistan.

CASPERWhat were you doing there? School? Work?

122.

MR. KHANI was living with parents. Helping with family business.

CASPERWhat kind of business, if you don’t mind me asking?

We CUT TO Julian and Joanne.

JULIAN(whispering)

Where the fuck is he going with this?

Joanne shrugs. Back to the testimony:

MR. KHANThey make living selling street food. Kebabs.

CASPERDid you have a girlfriend at the time?

MR. KHANYes.

CASPERAnd did she happen to become Mrs. Khan?

MR. KHANNo.

CASPERWhy didn’t your relationship work out? Once again, if you don’t me asking.

MR. KHANI leave her for Mrs. Khan.

A few chuckles in the courtroom.

CASPERVery good, Mr. Khan. Are you a different person now than you were when you were at twenty-five?

MR. KHANYes.

123.

CASPERHow so?

MR. KHAN(thinks)

Wiser... Smarter...

CASPERMore responsible?

MR. KHANYes.

CASPERIs it fair to say you made a few mistakes in your life when you were younger? Things you wish you could take back?

MR. KHANMistake? Yes. I make many mistakes.

CASPER(nodding)

And one last question Mr. Khan, then I’ll let you be... Do you believe in second chances?

MR. KHANIf you are talking about that man, then I--

CASPER(interrupting)

And this has nothing to do with the defendant. Or anything else. Just answer as unbiasedly as you can right now. In this moment.

MR. KHAN(thinking)

Yes... I believe in second chance.

CASPERThat’s all I have, your honors.

Casper walks back to the table.

INT. TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT - LATER

At the witness stand this time is PATTI, the clerk from page 31. Casper at the helm.

124.

PATTIHe walked into the admin office and waited in line just like everyone else. When it was his turn, he tells me his sentencing terms were all screwed up. That it was really ‘sposed to be a hundred-and-two year sentence, not twelve.

CASPERSo Mr. Harris clearly made an effort to bring this to the court’s attention?

PATTIYes.

CASPERAnd what did you tell Mr. Harris in response?

PATTIWell. I took a look at his green sheet. Sure enough, that day was the day it said he was ‘sposed to be released. I told him whatever was on the sheet was official. And to go on and count his lucky stars.


Now at the stand is Warden Jones. Julian at the helm.

WARDEN JONESHe was a model inmate. Never caused no trouble. Kept to himself.

JULIANNo incidents, whatsoever?

WARDEN JONESNope.

JULIANIs it possible that Mr. Harris could have been involved in anything that went undetected? A scuffle, perhaps?

WARDEN JONESSure. I just don’t believe it coulda been anythin’ that warranted extra attention.

125.

Julian’s at a loss for words. Well, this is rare. The prosecution is getting slammed.


Casper standing before the judges.

CASPERYour honors, the thing that sticks out most about my defendant’s laundry list of charges... is the kidnapping. Four counts, each worth twelve years, forty-eight years total. That is preposterous. A predator snatching a child from the backseat of a car while dad’s at the cashier paying for gas... That’s kidnapping. Mr. Harris moving people to the back room so he can take their money and skedaddle? Robbery, yes. But kidnapping? No.

JULIANWhy don’t you tell that to the girls, Casper?

Judge Cromwell raps his gavel.

JUDGE CROMWELLMr. Murphy, please refrain from any side commentary.

Julian looks off, frustrated.

INT. TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT - OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

The day’s hearing is over. Casper stands while Dom and Gabby sit side by side. Holding hands.

CASPERWe just need final testimonies, then the closing statements, and I think we’ll find the verdict to be very favorable.

GABBYTroy, thank you so much. For all you’ve done.

CASPERThat’s what I’m here for.

126.

GABBY(smiles)

Would you mind giving us a moment alone?

CASPERSure.

Casper exits.

DOM(staring at her belly)

So any day now...

Gabby nods. Beat. A sadness lingers.

GABBYIt’s um -- It’s been hard without you... I miss you so bad at times, it hurts.

(wiping tears)This feels like a nightmare...

Beat. Dom takes her hand -- this is killing him too but he stays calm on the outside. The cloak of optimism she needs.

EXT. RIVERBEND - EXERCISE YARD - DAY

A large outdoor area, fenced in. Basketball courts. Weights. Pull-up bars. Inmates doing sprints. Dom walks around for a beat. Then, hitting the bench press from afar -- Joe. Looks like he’s giving it his all. Dom walks over.

DOMYou a hard man to get ahold of lately.

Joe, grunting, cranks out his last rep. A doozy.

JOE(sitting up, huffing and puffing)

What’s up?

DOMYou heading to death row tomorrow. What’s the point in exercisin’?

JOEJust wanted to blow some steam.

Stands up, wiping his face a towel. They start walking, Joe seeming distant.

127.

DOMWhat you havin’ for your last meal?

JOEDunno yet.

DOMHaven’t thought about it?

JOENah.

DOM(beat)

A steak would be nice... Maybe a cheeseburger. Two patties. Extra onions and pickles. Extra mayo. And some cheese fries too. Cheese fries would sure hit the spot, wouldn’t it?

Joe is meek and unresponsive. He simply nods. No life in him.

DOM (CONT’D)(stopping)

Hey.

Joe stops, turns around.

DOM (CONT’D)What happened in the cell that night?

JOELook. I already told you nothin’ happened. So for the last time... can you leave it the fuck alone?

Dom looks at him. It’s all too obvious now...

DOMDid he touch you?

(Joe looking off to the side...)

Alonso touched you?

JOEDo not. Piss me off... I’ll fuck you up right now man, I don’t give a shit.

Dom steps closer... but Joe JUMPS back. Startled.

128.

JOE (CONT’D)Don’t touch me, yo! Don’t fuckin’ come near me, alright?

DOM...You think you’re the only one in here that’s been raped? I’ve been raped too, Joe. I’ve been raped... Remember?

Joe looks at him, perhaps feeling a twinge of empathy now.

DOM (CONT’D)It -- it’s a bunch of fuckin’ alpha males runnin’ around tryin’ to determine who’s the king of the jungle. You don’t think shit goes down here? That’s what prison’s all about, Joe.

JOE(beat)

I gave in... I should have listened...

Joe starts smacking his own face.

JOE (CONT’D)Stupid... Stupid...

DOMHey. Come on. Cut that shit out. Joe. Hey. Just talk to me.

JOE(deep breaths)

...He said I owed him for the drugs. Even though he swore I didn’t owe him nothin’ at first. He held a knife to my throat... And had his way with me, man.....

(starting to tear up)He said if I told anyone, he’d have gangbangers come after my family and violate ‘em with crowbars... Then they’d burn ‘em alive...

Dom slowly goes in for a hug. Joe, hesitant at first, hugs back -- tears running down his face.

DOMI’ll find your family when I get out... That’s my promise to you, alright?

129.

(MORE)

I’ll tell them what a real man you’ve become. That you love them.

Joe doesn’t say anything, just nods. He’s thankful.

INT. RIVERBEND - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

Dom sits at a table, handcuffed. Beat, then -- the DOOR OPENS. A guard. Waving someone in... JULIAN, holding a portfolio. He enters and takes a seat. The guard watches.

JULIANDom, thank you so kindly for agreeing to see me without your attorney present.

DOMI figured it’d be nice to tell you to go fuck yourself in person.

JULIAN(slightly amused)

Fair enough. Well, at least hear me out first. We are prepared to make you an offer.

Dom showing only indifference.

JULIAN (CONT’D)We are willing to drop your sentence down to ten years without the possibility of parole. However, let the ten years sink in. You’ll be fifty-two. Your kid will still be young. And that’ll give you the rest of your life to spend with your family.

Dom leans back, appearing to be considering it. Julian starts opening his portfolio.

JULIAN (CONT’D)Just need you and Mr. Casper to sign on the dotted lines and we’ll be good to go.

DOM(leaning in, sincere--)

Why don’t you take that offer... And go fuck yourself.

130.

DOM (CONT'D)

JULIANI can assure you Dom, it’s a hell of an offer.

DOMI said go fuck yourself.

JULIANYou think the court’s gonna be generous enough to tack off eighty years from your sentence?

DOMThe way things are lookin’, they just might tack off the whole ninety.

JULIAN(scoffs)

That lovely attorney of yours must be blowin’ a lot of smoke up your ass if you believe that.

DOMI’ll tell you what I believe... I believe you’re a little man. You’re an embittered, little man on a power trip. Who feels like he constantly has to prove himself. Because deep down... he ain’t really the hot shot he is on the outside.

Julian just looks at Dom, trying not to show any emotion. But we can tell that rattled him a little.

JULIANYou know, maybe everyone’s right. Maybe I did have it out for you from the start... Maybe I just couldn’t resist plucking another... nigger. From the streets.

Dom remains stone-cold. Julian, a smirk, gets up, grabs his portfolio, and makes his way to the door.

JULIAN (CONT’D)See you in court.

INT. RIVERBEND - SHOWER ROOM - DAY

Communal showers -- dirty, gritty. White tiles that have rotted into an unpleasant shade of yellowish-green.

131.

Washing up at one of the showers is Alonso. Walking by at that moment is DOM. He faces Alonso from behind.

DOMAlonso.

Alonso looks back, smirks, calmly turns the shower off, dries up, wraps his towel around his waist, and turns around. Five of Alonso’s Blood members -- all of them wearing towels, tattoos covering their bodies -- circle around.

ALONSOWhat, you want me to tap that ass too? Cuz I will.

DOMTell your boys to step aside, Alonso. This is between me and you.

Alonso chuckles.

DOM (CONT’D)Tell you what, you wanna fuck me? Take me down, and I’m yours. You take me down, and you and your boys can have me however you want... But I want you to earn it like a man.

Alonso considers, then nods to his crew. They clear the room. Alonso walks up to Dom. Face to face.

ALONSOAlways been the brazen one, haven’t you? But you ain’t gonna walk right when I’m done with you, ese.

DOMProve it.

ALONSOYou know, just wanna say. Your boy... he moans like a little bitch.

Suddenly -- something takes over. Dom SWINGS at Alonso, knocking him back with a punch. Alonso checks his lip -- blood.

ALONSO (CONT’D)(wiping the blood off)

You just fucked up, homes.

Dom CHARGES forward, tackling Alonso to the ground. His head bouncing off the tiles. Dom CLOCKS him again.

132.

And just before landing another blow to the face, Alonso moves his head... POW! Dom’s fist meets HARD MARBLE.

DOM(clutching his hand)

FUCK.

Alonso stumbles up, STRIKES Dom across the jaw. Jumps on top, LANDING BLOWS, and now STRANGLING him. Drops of blood trickling down on Dom’s face.

Dom desperately reaches for Alonso’s throat as he gets the life sucked out of him... Arms flailing... Losing consciousness...

Just then, Dom JABS Alonso on the ribs. Then JABS again, harder this time. And again... And again... Alonso’s grip loosening with each blow. Allowing Dom to HEADBUTT him square in the nose, sending him falling back.

Dom rises as Alonso starts scampering away on his hands and knees. He gets up, then SLIPS. Gets up again and finds a MOP AND BUCKET. Dom following behind.

Alonso whips the mop out and SNAPS it in half with his knee, creating a SHARP SPEAR.

ALONSO(panting)

I’m gonna kill you, motherfucker.

Alonso LUNGES at Dom -- who leaps aside just in the time. Alonso tries again. This time GASHING Dom on the shoulder.

Dom clutches his wound. Alonso, going for the kill, LUNGES again. This time, Dom grabs onto the broken mop handle, and a tug of war ensues. Each man using all their strength to gain control of the spear.

They stare ferociously into each other’s eyes. Grunting. Bleeding. Struggling. Blood-thirsty savages in this moment.

Alonso seems to be winning. The sharp wooden edges dipping down on Dom’s chest... beginning to pierce flesh. Dom GASPS.

ALONSO (CONT’D)That’s right, bitch.

He twists it in even more. Dom grimaces. Just then -- he KICKS Alonso in the groin. Hard.

ALONSO (CONT’D)(grabbing his nuts)

Ohhhhhhh...

133.

Dom pulls the mop handle out of his chest and stands there, a RAGE burning in his eyes. Watching Alonso hunch over in pain.

Dom walks over and SLUGS him in the kidney, dropping Alonso to his knees. POW! A blow to the face. Gets on top and starts PUMMELING away -- eyes not showing any signs of letting up.

ALONSO (CONT’D)(gurgling up blood)

Stop...

Dom ignores this -- AND KEEPS PUNCHING. Blood flying... the sickening thud of fists pounding flesh... And right before another devastating blow--

ALONSO (CONT’D)(face beaten beyond recognition, gurgling)

Stop.....

DOMWhat?

ALONSO(hushed)

Stop...

DOMOh, you want me to stop?

Dom gets up and TOSSES him across the room. Alonso, crawling on his knees, grabs onto a bench for dear life.

Dom walks over, LIFTS UP ALONSO’S TOWEL, exposing his ass. Grabs the broken mop handle -- RAISING IT IN THE AIR like a barbarian.

CLOSE ON Dom from the chest up: Possessed. Eyes wide. Panting heavily. Ready to wreck this man for life.

DOM (CONT’D)(shouting)

AHHHHHH!!!

THRUSTS the weapon down hard. Silence. We move down to reveal -- THE MOP HANDLE. Snapped in pieces. He couldn’t do it.

Pull back to see Alonso’s gang members watching from the entrance. In disbelief. A newfound respect for Dom. And perhaps fear. Dom looks over at them. They simply look back.

Just then -- GUARDS come pouring in, halting to observe all the blood and carnage. Warden Frances enters too, and looks at Dom. They make eye contact. Warden’s look: disappointment.

134.

INT. RIVERBEND - SOLITARY CONFINEMENT HALL - NIGHT

A filthy and LOUD hallway. Inmates banging on doors and shouting. The floors are FLOODED with water and toilet paper. This is solitary confinement.

The hallway door opens. Dom, bruised and bandaged up now, escorted by guards and Warden Frances.

GUARDYou might wanna hold your nose, son.

The smell is AWFUL. Dom almost vomits upon entering.

GUARD (CONT’D)That stench hittin’ your nose is what we call the holy trinity. Urine, feces, and blood.

They proceed. Warden Frances stays behind.

WARDEN FRANCESHey Dom.

Dom turns his head.

WARDEN FRANCES (CONT’D)It didn’t have to end this way.

Dom turns back, keeps walking.

INT. RIVERBEND - SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CELL - CONTINUOUS

Dom in an extremely small CELL (the size of a parking space) -- sitting against the wall. A bed, toilet, sink, and a hallway window on the door.

DOM (V.O.)Solitary confinement. We call it the monster factory. Inmates come in here as men, and walk out as monsters.

The loud, psychotic noises return -- shouting, crying, banging, pleading. And then -- intense RINGING. Like someone just fired a gun next to your ear. Dom clutches his head. It’s unbearable... The room SPINS. Dom looking like he could pass out. Beat...

135.

INT. RIVERBEND - SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CELL - LATER

...Dom lays in bed, wide awake. We hold it here a while.

INT. RIVERBEND - SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CELL - DAY

A new day. Dom pacing back and forth around the cell.


Another day. Dom -- a beard forming on his face -- stands by the door, BANGING on the window.

DOM (V.O.)At first, I was like all the rest of them--

DOMHEY! Let me talk to someone.

(continues banging)HEY, you hear me?

INT. RIVERBEND - SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CELL - NIGHT

Dom sits on his bed, head dropped down.

DOM (V.O.)It was torture. Not knowing the full gravity of my situation. Not knowing if I really did fuck everything up in an instance. It’s just me, alone with my thoughts. Twenty-three hours of the day with nothing to do but analyze. It’s easy to see why men lose their minds in here.

Then, the SLOT slides open -- a food tray.

DOM(scrambling to the door, reaching his hand out the slot)

Excuse me. Hey. Wait a m -- wait a minute. Hello? I--I had a question. W--wait.

Nothing... Dom slinks back against the wall.

136.

INT. RIVERBEND - EXECUTION CHAMBER - DAY

Joe is strapped down to a GURNEY, the lethal cocktail resting on a pan next to his head.

Med techs surround him, Warden Frances too. Glass windows on both sides of the room -- one side for the victim’s party, the other for Joe.

Joe looks over to the window on his left -- an empty seat in the front center. It’s for his wife but he doesn’t expect her to show.

CLOSE ON the clock: The second hand strikes 1:00 sharp. It’s time. Joe takes a deep breath, looking up at the ceiling.

From Joe’s POV: Bright white lights shining down. Serene.

A med tech grabs the first injection and begins prepping it. Joe looks over to his left again. This time -- we see his wife occupying the previously empty seat. She’s hurting bad... but there’s still love there. Joe manages a smile. At least he got to see her again. He nods -- It’ll be alright. In tears, she nods back.

CLOSE ON the med tech’s hand as he starts injecting the first dose. Feels like slow motion. Now back to Joe -- he looks back up to the ceiling. Ready for his new beginning.


And we’re back to where we were at the beginning of the script. Dom’s asleep on his bed.

DOM (V.O.)On the fifth day, I was finally able to get some sleep. But not for long.

A beat, then -- knocking. Nothing. More knocking. And again -- HARD this time: KNOCK. KNOCK. Dom SITS up, panting heavily.

MAN (O.S.)Dom? You awake? Sure hope you ain’t in there blue as a Smurf, hangin’from the ceilin’ by your underwear.

Dom moves to the door and peeks out the slot: It’s Warden Frances. We linger on the Warden’s face for a moment.

137.

INT. RIVERBEND - WARDEN’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Dom sits across from the Warden. Casper standing on one corner. He does not look happy... At all.

WARDEN FRANCESWell, he’s in a coma. Medically induced. Both eye sockets shattered. Broken bones in the face. They’re sayin’ he should pull through though so consider yourself to be somewhat fortunate.

Dom’s eyes are blank. This doesn’t even seem to register. Plus, he hasn’t slept in days.

DOM(beat)

Where’s my wife?

WARDEN FRANCESShe’s fine. She’s at home resting... Gave birth yesterday.

Now, some life in Dom’s eyes -- a little buoyancy shining through.

DOM...I’m a father?...

CASPEROh, big fucking congratulations but hello? Is it not registering in your head how much you’ve jeopardized this case? I specifically advised you not to start any trouble and you go ahead and fuck everything up.

WARDEN FRANCESSon, look. The people ain’t gonna care that you took out a gang member. If anything, you did society a favor.

DOMDoes the media know?

WARDEN FRANCESThey’re aware of a scuffle goin’down. But we’re playin’ this one close to the vest... You did my sister and my brother-in-law a solid. Now I’m doin’ you a solid.

138.

CASPERA notorious gang leader and former narcotrafficker accosted you and threatened your life, and you did what you had to do in self-defense. That’s what they know. They don’t know the extent of the injuries or the circumstances surrounding it. Nobody knows except us and the inmates. Not even the DA.

(beat)I spoke to the judges this morning. And it’s lookin’ like they’re willing to let you walk. All you have to do if this comes up -- actually, when this comes up, because you can bet your ass it will, is to say you acted in self-defense. That’s it. And you’re home free. So can you at least do that and not fuck this up further?

Dom just looks at them, taking this all in.

INT. TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT - DAY

The final hearing. Dom, battered face, stands before the judges.

JUDGE HOLMSTEADThank you Mr. Harris for your statement. And before we move on to the closing arguments from both parties, we have one more thing we need to inquire about. Can you explain the circumstances surrounding the incident you were involved in with Mr. Escobar?

DOM(very matter-of-fact)

I was in the showers cleaning up. One of the inmates approached me and started a fight. I fought back.

JUDGE HOLMSTEADWhat was this fight over?

DOMHe wanted to rape me.

139.

JUDGE HOLMSTEADSo the inmate confronted you in the shower and threatened to sexually assault you?

DOMThat’s right.

JUDGE FISHERDid Mr. Escobar strike first?

DOM(beat, appearing uncomfortable with lying)

...Yes. He did.

JUDGE FISHERSo you’re claiming you acted in self-defense. Is that right, Mr. Harris?

DOMThat’s right, your honor.

The judges look at each other and whisper amongst themselves. We see Warden Frances sitting in the stands.

JUDGE CROMWELLAnd Mr. Harris, just for the record, the court is indeed aware of Mr. Escobar’s alleged gang affiliations. Having said that, let’s proceed to our closing statements. Thank you Mr. Harris, you may take your seat.

Dom stays put.

JUDGE CROMWELL (CONT’D)Mr. Harris, you may take your seat now.

DOM...It wasn’t self-defense... I provoked him.

Surprised gasps in the courtroom. Casper immediately rises.

CASPERYour honors, my client is b--

DOMI had a cell mate. His name was Joe. Joe Cooke...

140.

CASPERYour honors, Mr. Harris is obviously still a little shaken up from the incident.

JUDGE CROMWELLMr. Casper, have a seat. Allowing Mr. Harris to continue.

Casper, FURIOUS, sits down.

DOMMe and Joe formed a friendship during my time at Riverbend. He was in for murder, but I judged him to be a good man at the end of the day. Well, Joe ended up getting raped just days before he was sent to the death chamber... because of corruption. They swapped me out of my cell one night for Alonso Escobar, pairing a known gang leader with a naive rookie inmate. Alonso ended up raping Joe. I knew right away the warden and the guards were paid off.

Warden Frances is in disbelief.

JUDGE CROMWELLMr. Harris, do you have any actual proof of this?

DOMNo. But I’ve been incarcerated long enough to know how things work. The inmates control how the prison is run. Gangs especially. They’re the ones with the funds and the outside resources to shake things up on the inside. So yes, I was the one that confronted Alonso in the shower. I swung first, and ended up beating him within an inch of his life. I beat him until his face started to cave in... He begged me to stop, but I kept going. I took matters into my own hands because I knew the institution wouldn’t... I--I used to be a victim myself. I trusted the CO’s at one point. I had faith in them to protect me.

141.

(MORE)

But instead, they were handed their kickbacks and watched me get manhandled.

(beat)I just want to say... if anyone in prison or going to prison ever hears these words... speak out. Speak out against institutional corruption. Because not enough of you do.

The court is shocked. Julian seems to be relishing this.

DOM (CONT’D)Um, that -- that’s all I got...

We linger on Dom as the room goes silent.

JUDGE CROMWELLWould the appellee like to proceed with their closing statement?

JULIANAbsolutely, your honor.

Julian gets up.

JUDGE CROMWELLThank you, Mr. Harris.

Dom gets up, makes eye contact with Julian as they pass by one another. Dom returns to his seat.

CASPER(irate, whispering)

What the fuck are you doing?

JULIANWell... I think we’ve debated this long enough so I’ll make this brief. We stand firm by our belief that one man should not be allowed to escape his sentence due to a clerical error. Mr. Harris should be sent back to prison because the law requires the sentence he received. There was a number of very serious offenses committed, and Mr. Harris has proven once again what he’s capable of. To be seen as “rehabilitated” when things are going well is easy. But when things get hard, who knows what one person can do?

142.

DOM (CONT'D)

(MORE)

Sadly, with the case of Mr. Harris, he has shown once again he is capable of extreme violence as a means to solve problems. Your honors, I believe our initial inclinations to prosecute Dominic Harris under the FDP program to be a wise one in retrospect... Thank you.

Julian walks back to his table, eyeing Dom the whole way.

JUDGE CROMWELLMr. Casper, are you prepared to deliver your closing argument?

CASPER(slowly rising, extremely dour)

...Yes, your honor...

INT. RIVERBEND - RECREATION ROOM - DAY

We see a room full of inmates watching TV closely -- a taping of the hearing. They’re drawn into Dom’s message.

DOM (V.O.)The judges decided to allow the robbery and kidnapping counts to run concurrently. But refused to budge on the six year burglary charge. On top of that, they tacked on another six years for the fight. I’d be up for parole after forty-two months. Twelve years, surely a better alternative than ninety. But not exactly the silver lining we were hoping for.

INT. MEMPHIS FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION - VISITATION ROOM - DAY

Dom, in an orange jumpsuit, sits at a round table.

DOM (V.O.)They moved me to a medium security institution closer to home.

Something catches Dom’s eye. He’s smiling as he stands up... It’s Gabby, holding their baby, walking his way. Dom looks overjoyed. He holds his son in his arms, gazing at him, beaming with so much pride. Proud to be a dad.

143.

JULIAN (CONT'D)

INT. RIVERBEND - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

Warden Frances sits across from two FBI AGENTS. Their dialogue is inaudible.

DOM (V.O.)After some time, the government decided to step in and launched a federal investigation on Warden Frances and his correctional staff. I guess the inmates started talking.

(beat)They failed to link any hard evidence to implicate any of them, but thanks to pressure from both the state and the Feds, Warden Frances and about half his staff ended up stepping down.

INT. UNDISCLOSED PRISON - CELL - DAY

The cell opens. A lawyer -- accompanied by a guard -- walks in and shakes an old inmate’s hand. They start speaking inaudibly.

DOM (V.O.)After my debacle, the FDP program came under intense scrutiny...


Two Hispanic men, both late 30’s, stand before a panel of judges as one of the judges speak (inaudible).

DOM (V.O.)...Twenty-seven of the inmates prosecuted under the program were granted an official review. Out of those twenty-seven cases, nineteen had their sentences either reduced or reversed.

EXT. MEMPHIS FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION - DAY

Gabby stands outside her car, facing the gates. Their son in a baby seat in the back. A beat, then -- the gate opens to reveal... Dom -- khakis and a short-sleeved button-up -- with two guards behind.

144.

DOM (V.O.)As for me, I was finally freed after three years. Some time was shaved off for good time credit. Plus the four months I spent as my hearing went on.

Dom sees Gabby and they both smile from ear to ear. The gates closing behind him. Starts walking towards her, still beaming. A free man. They embrace.

DOM (V.O.)I got my sun and moon back.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - MEMPHIS - DAY

SUPER: “6 MONTHS LATER”

We see Julian’s Mercedes rolling through the neighborhood.

EXT. MURPHY HOME - CONTINUOUS

The front door is left wide open. A car in the driveway -- engine running, trunk open with cardboard BOXES inside. Melissa steps out the house, lugging a box of belongings.

INT/EXT. CAR - MURPHY HOME - CONTINUOUS

As Julian pulls up, he notices the scene: Melissa loading her box in the trunk. Hailey and Sophia in the backseat. He takes off his sunglasses to get a better look. Parks the car and approaches Melissa.

JULIANHoney?... What’s going on?

MELISSADo not come near me.

She hops in the car, slamming the door shut.

JULIANCan you at least tell me what the hell is going on?

Rolls down the window--

MELISSAKitchen counter.

--rolls the window up and PEELS OFF.

145.

INT. MURPHY HOME - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Julian enters and sees an ENVELOPE on the counter. Melissa’s wedding ring resting on top. He walks over, picks up the ring...

Now opening the envelope -- it’s addressed to “Melissa Murphy”. Looking over at the sender: JOANNE SILVA.

He’s been had.

INT. BAR - DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS - NIGHT

An empty bar. Julian, wasted, downs his drink in one gulp.

JULIANOne more?

BARTENDERLast call’s over, buddy.

Julian shrugs. Sloppily puts his coat on and walks out--

EXT. PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

--beep beep. Unlocks his car and opens the back door. He scoops up a pack of cigarettes from the floor and lights one up. Inhaling deeply -- relaxing.

He stands there, observing the night. It’s quiet. And late. No action in the parking lot. Then--

MAN (O.S.)Hey man, can I bum one of those off you?

Julian turns around, sees a YOUNG MAN in a leather jacket, and holds out the pack for him. The man takes a cigarette.

MAN (CONT’D)Got a light?

Julian lights it up. They both stand there. Puffing away.

JULIANMy first one in years.

MAN(beat)

Say, you’re the DA right?

146.

JULIANThat’s right.

Beat. They continue smoking. Without warning -- the man PULLS A SCREWDRIVER from his jacket and STABS Julian in the gut. Julian’s eyes go wide in shock.

The man quickly STABS HIM four more times. Julian falls to the ground... Groaning... bleeding profusely...

A black Ram cargo van SCREECHES UP and the man hops in. They TAKE OFF. We ASCEND SLOWLY into the sky... Now looking down at Julian on his back, gasping for oxygen like a fish out of water. We hold it here--

--a big red puddle forming around him... Breathing becoming increasingly shallow... And then -- stillness.

SMASH CUT TO BLACK.

THE END

147.

riverbend

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