The Stolen Theft of Pride
FADE IN:
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Feverish insects resound hesitant calls as a trio of men are joined by a fourth, nodding hesitant heads in solemn recognition.
From left to right, the men stand as PREW, JAMES, FLORENCE, and LOU.
Florence, however, differs from the others, in the fact that he is not a man, but rather a woman.
PREW
I don’t wanna make a fuss of things, but it has to be soon.
LOU
How soon?
PREW
Sooner than not.
FLORENCE
I can’t just now.
JAMES
Neither can I.
PREW
An hour?
FLORENCE
Maybe.
PREW
What about you?
JAMES
Probably.
LOU
What about me?
PREW
What about you?
LOU
You didn’t ask me.
PREW
Do you want me to?
LOU
Preferably.
PREW
Will an hour do?
LOU
I think so.
FLORENCE
An hour then.
JAMES
Maybe we shouldn’t do this so soon.
PREW
No?
LOU
Why not?
JAMES
It needs to be planned. We need to think it through.
LOU
I know.
FLORENCE
I do too.
PREW
I think everyone does but you.
JAMES
If we do this as planned we’re bound to get caught.
PREW
With what proof is that?
JAMES
Books just don’t make it out that way.
PREW
We’ve planned as best we could.
FLORENCE
Better even, since no one did it better than you.
JAMES
But now I don’t know.
LOU
You’re just scared.
JAMES
I’m afraid.
LOU
Thats what I said.
JAMES
Of getting caught.
PREW
We won’t.
JAMES
How do you know?
PREW
I just do.
JAMES
If you say so.
LOU
He does.
FLORENCE
So an hour then?
JAMES
If thats what it has to be.
LOU
You’re still in, aren’t you?
JAMES
More so if it didn’t have to be so soon.
PREW
When, then?
JAMES
Six months, maybe a year maybe.
LOU
A year?!
FLORENCE
We don’t have a year.
PREW
We don’t have a day.
JAMES
Do you want to do this right?
LOU
I don’t wanna do it wrong.
JAMES
Then give me a year then.
PREW
A year and then more. Then 2 then 3, then even more. In a year it’ll be another and another and another. Its now or never, thats what it has to be.
JAMES
If you’d rather get caught...
FLORENCE
Maybe he’s right.
LOU
He couldn’t be more wrong.
FLORENCE
If a year’s what it takes...
LOU
We don’t need a year!
PREW
We don’t have a year.
JAMES
How long do we have?
PREW
An hour, at most.
James nods in defeat.
The four sit in stolid silence
LOU
What do we do till then?
JAMES
Do you wanna go over the plan again?
LOU
We’ve been through it again and again.
PREW
Once more couldn’t hurt.
LOU
Could do a lot worse.
JAMES
What do you suggest then?
LOU
Ever skip rocks?
FLORENCE
Everyone has.
LOU
Lets do that then.
JAMES
Really?
LOU
Really.
PREW
I guess it’ll get our minds off of things.
LOU
Better than on.
FLORENCE
I guess an hour could do.
JAMES
One last thing though; if caught, do you know what to do?
PREW
I do.
FLORENCE
I do.
LOU
I do too.
JAMES
And if convicted?
LOU
Wait for the others. Just like you said.
FLORENCE
How long do you think?
PREW
Assuming you get caught and not killed, not much more than just three barely. No ones hurt. No ones killed. Just a petty theft is all and nothing much more.
LOU
And what if one of you fesses?
PREW
And gives up everything for nothing? Thats really pretty stupid.
LOU
Stupid people do stupid things.
JAMES
Confess and you lose everything. All of it. And with nothing to gain.
LOU
S’pose thats true.
PREW
Until then, those that don’t will keep it safe.
FLORENCE
What if they spend it?
JAMES
Couldn’t. Too much to get away.
PREW
So its agreed then.
JAMES
In just under an hour then.
LOU
45 minutes by my reckoning.
FLORENCE
Then, then.
INT. COLLEGE CLASSROOM - DAY
Sullen students lull in the eyes of a languid professor who sways with the concoction of monotonous phrases.
The professor, DR. BRADY, is a kind but rather dull man of middle age, with no children, no wife, and no life to mention. As far as adventure goes, he has rather none of it.
His students, though young and eager in all things learned, are already beaten down by his monotonous phrases.
DR BRADY
And last but not least, ladies and gents, I’d like to thank you all for being here today. I know its not easy being here so early, let alone on a Monday. So for that, I commend you.
The class fails to chuckle.
DR BRADY
Though, as you may have predicted, this is just one of many incidents with such an occurrence, weekly, in all honesty, for at the very least the rest of the year. That is, unless, of course, you are so inclined, as such, to withdraw from this course, which I for one can not condemn you for, for I too would withdraw from this course, if so inclined. But alas, that is your cross to bear, not mine. And so let us begin at the beginning, where all things begin, in this course about history, the history of thievery. The history of thieves. The history of good and evil and all the vagaries in between.
A student raises his hand.
DR BRADY
Yes?
PREW
Hi, umm, yes, well, its nothing really, but, I thought this was a course about history, and like, its economical demise and all that.
DR BRADY
So it is, my dear good friend! For what is more economical than the trading of wealth?
PREW
Well I’d hardly call theft trading.
DR BRADY
Just the same.
PREW
In what way is stealing hard earned money the same as trading one good for another?
DR BRADY
Ahh. I see. That is where you are mistaken. For theft is simply the movement of currency from one figure to another. Is a king’s tax any less cruel than a poor man’s need for bread? A weak minded villain for an impoverished widow? A conniving man for a crying baby? No. No. All trade is theft, in its own sort of way. The English were no less cruel to the natives than Robin Hood was to the king. No, no, stealing is simply trading villainized by its victims. But in the eyes of the economy, all stealing is trading, as all trading is stealing, for in the world of economics, the two are simply one and just the same.
PREW
I mean, I guess thats true, sort of, but...
DR BRADY
Worry not, my hopeless young lad, for all is not lost as of just yet, for I have still the whole semester to endow you in the error of your ways. That is, if you are so willing to engage.
PREW
Well I thought this was going to be a course about global economics and their inevitable demise, but obviously I was mistaken, as this is clearly just some sort of hokey attempt at revisionist history through that quasi noble lens of leftist liberals.
DR BRADY
Are you so close minded as to not even question your own biased beliefs?
PREW
Whats so closed minded about objectivity?
DR BRADY
And who are you to judge what is and isn’t objective and not.
PREW
Well I mean, obviously...
DR BRADY
Obviously you don’t know what you’re saying. Obviously you’re just confused.
PREW
Well if you would just let me speak...
DR BRADY
And hear all about your conservative objective views? If it was objectivity I wanted, I’d consult a dictionary, not you. But listen here, young friend, since you are so inclined to contend, why not just withdraw from this course then?
PREW
So you can go through life thinking you’re holy sacred beliefs are somehow right? Ya, no thanks. At least someone has to have some sort of opinion worth having around here.
Another student raises his hand.
JAMES
I have an opinion.
DR BRADY
Another taker already! Fine! Fine! Just fine! And what opinion is that, fine young sir?
JAMES
Well, I don’t know. I mean, maybe like, I don’t know, maybe you’re both kind of right in your own sort of way. But also kind of wrong. Cus like, not all theft is good theft, you know. And I mean, if all theft was okay, then where do you draw the line? You know? When is pain okay? Torture? Murder? There has to be some sort of line somewhere. But again, I don’t see theft for the sake of life as much of a theft, especially if no ones really hurt by it. But I don’t know. I guess thats just kind of sort of me in that sort of way.
DR BRADY
And so it begins! But alas, time has gotten away with us, and class brought to an inevitable end. A terrible shame, truly, but the honest truth nonetheless. So let us begin at our earliest convenience, yes? Next Monday, perhaps?
The class sits in awkward silence.
DR BRADY
That means you can go.
The class quickly shuffles out of the room.
DR BRADY
Just a minute, young man, I wish to speak with you a moment.
Prew pauses.
DR BRADY
You too, young sir, if I may so inconvenience you.
James pauses, and turns, the three standing two to one, Dr. Brady drunk with collegiate power.
DR BRADY
How would you two like to participate in a bit of an experiment I’m conducting?
PREW
About what?
JAMES
Does it pay?
DR BRADY
Extraordinarily.
JAMES
How much?
DR BRADY
More than you could ever imagine.
PREW
You didn’t say what it was.
DR BRADY
No. I didn’t.
PREW
And we’re just, what, supposed to say yes?
DR BRADY
How does a million sound?
JAMES
What?
DR BRADY
A million. Dollars. Each.
PREW
You’re not serious.
DR BRADY
What if I was?
PREW
But you’re not.
DR BRADY
But of course, if you’d rather not...
JAMES
I’m in.
DR BRADY
Ah, yes. You I can certainly see. But without your good friend here, well, unfortunately...
PREW
Forget it.
Prew stomps out of the classroom, quickly followed by James.
EXT. QUAD - DAY
James jogs towards Prew, slowing as he nears.
JAMES
Now just wait a second, will you? You can’t really be serious, can you?
PREW
I should ask you just the same.
JAMES
A million dollars? Each? I mean, c’mon. Think about it.
PREW
I can and I did and I’m smart enough to know how stupid it has to be to even try to do.
JAMES
What do you mean?
PREW
I mean he doesn’t mean anything man! He’s just messing with you cus he can. Thats what he does. Its who he is. He’s a prick who gets drunk off the pseudo power of a lowly professor. Its really rather pathetic.
JAMES
Won’t you at least give him a chance?
PREW
Go for it.
JAMES
But didn’t you hear him? Didn’t you hear what he said? About needing us both and all that?
PREW
He doesn’t need anybody pal. This is just some ploy to get two seemingly unlikely companions sort of like minded in an off sort of way. Its a joke. Don’t you get it? To prove his point or whatever. That all ideas are just stupid and subjective or whatever.
JAMES
You mean, there is no million?
PREW
There isn’t anything buddy. Its a joke. A prank. A way to prove something stupid.
JAMES
Why would he do that?
PREW
I don’t know. Cus he can, I guess.
JAMES
Well, I guess we proved him wrong then.
PREW
I guess so.
JAMES
Say, you busy?
PREW
Now?
JAMES
Ya now. When else?
PREW
Why?
JAMES
Lets grab a beer? Ya? You and me.
PREW
Why?
JAMES
You like beer, don’t you?
PREW
Sure.
JAMES
And you like good company too, don’t you?
PREW
If its good.
JAMES
Then its decided then.
PREW
Don’t you have class?
JAMES
Sure. But what good will that do?
PREW
Well I do.
JAMES
Now?
PREW
No. But soon.
JAMES
But not now.
PREW
No.
JAMES
Then beer it is.
INT. BAR - DAY
James and Prew sit at the end of a near empty bar, a beer for every hand.
JAMES
I mean, its kind of sort of completely fool proof.
PREW
Except its impossible.
JAMES
Well ya, thats really the only problem.
PREW
Not to mention the fact that they get caught pretty much the moment they get away with it.
JAMES
Well ya, thats true too, but I mean, in theory, you know, it makes perfect sense.
PREW
In theory.
JAMES
But I guess thats the thing about theories.
PREW
What?
JAMES
They never really work until someone actually tries them.
PREW
James, its a movie.
JAMES
Well ya, I know, but lots of people tried it.
PREW
And got caught.
JAMES
Well ya, cus like, they did it wrong, you know. I mean, why rob a jewelry store anyways? And giving it to your girl or whatever, I mean, thats the wrong way entirely.
PREW
So you’re saying you’re more of a bank robbing kind of guy.
JAMES
Thats just it Prew, thats dumb too. That kind of stuff, jewelry, art, cash, that all can be tracked, you know. I mean, with serial numbers and all that. And paintings, I mean, whose to say anyone wants one of those anyways. Like, how exactly do you plan on selling a Picasso anyways? Even if you do get away with it? Which you probably won’t probably. No. No. Thats the completely wrong way entirely.
PREW
And whats the right way?
JAMES
Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about it, you know, and it has to be completely untraceable, but also inherently valuable. Meaning you can use it wherever. But like, what would that even be?
PREW
Thats not jewelry?
JAMES
No. It can’t be. Each stone has its shape.
PREW
What about just the band then? Just the gold.
JAMES
They’d still know.
PREW
If they could track it.
JAMES
Which they could.
PREW
Its a generic shape.
JAMES
Ya but like, they probably mark it or something.
PREW
But what if you got rid of it?
JAMES
What, the mark?
PREW
Ya.
JAMES
Its gold.
PREW
Well what if you melted it or something. And turned it into coins or whatever. You know, something inconspicuous.
JAMES
You can’t just put it in a microwave.
PREW
But an oven probably.
JAMES
Thats 2,000 degrees?
PREW
You’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?
JAMES
Not much else to do.
PREW
Why? Whats the big fuss about? Why does it matter so much to you?
JAMES
It doesn’t matter. Its never mattered. Its just, I don’t know, when I was a kid, you know, I was trash. Trailer parks and the like. And you know, my parents did what they could, they did, but they hated each other, they really did, and staying together didn’t too much help much neither, so they yelled a lot, and hit some too. And I couldn’t get away from it, you know, all the places were like that then, so I’d just pretend like I was a robber or something, you know, stealing diamonds or something stupid like that. I know, its completely stupid. Just a dumb kid thing I guess.
PREW
But you never stopped.
JAMES
What?
PREW
Thinking about it.
JAMES
I don’t know. I guess not. Its really just a stress thing now.
PREW
Sometimes I wish I had something like that.
JAMES
A shitty life?
PREW
Just something to think about.
JAMES
Its not worth it. Its not worth anything. Its just a dumb game mostly.
A group of rowdy football players enter the bar.
JAMES
Happy hour.
PREW
I should get going.
JAMES
Sure you should.
PREW
What about you?
James shrugs.
JAMES
If inclined to.
PREW
Well, I guess I’ll see you Monday then?
James shrugs.
JAMES
If I’m there.
Prew exits the bar.
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Dragged by a long weary hand, Prew pushes through a sea of sweat ridden bodies, the foul odor of cheap alcohol scorching the senses in bitter irritation.
The very epitome of sorority, a young woman, ADELA, pulls Prew to a stop.
PREW
I hate this.
ADELA
You hate everything.
PREW
But I hate this especially.
ADELA
We never do anything.
PREW
Theres never anything to do.
ADELA
Theres lots of things to do. You just never wanna do any of them.
PREW
Why would I ever wanna do what I don’t wanna do?
ADELA
You know you’re kind of being a real jerk right now. You know that?
PREW
I’m sorry I don’t like dumb things.
ADELA
And I’m sorry you’re a dick.
Prew pauses for a second.
PREW
I guess thats fair.
ADELA
Now be happy, will you? Or at least pretend to be. For me? At least for a little while anyways? At least in front of them.
Prew throws on a devilishly disingenuous smile.
Adela rolls her eyes.
ADELA
Whatever.
The two swim through the sea of drunken stupor and to a kitchen of modest design, where a group of kids enjoy a joint.
FLORENCE
I’m telling you though, six months on this and you’re aces all around.
JACK
What does that even mean?
FLORENCE
Writers block? Gone.
JACK
But you’re not even a writer.
FLORENCE
Don’t have to be on this stuff.
JACK
But that doesn’t even make any sense.
FLORENCE
Precisely.
PREW
I’m sorry, what exactly is your major again?
ADELA
(Whisper)
Prew.
PREW
What?
FLORENCE
No. Its okay. Its art history. Why?
PREW
No. I’m just wondering, since you’re spending all this money on nothing and everything, why you’re even here even?
ADELA
Prew!
FLORENCE
Well I imagine the same reason everybody is: to have fun.
PREW
Not all of us are so lucky.
FLORENCE
You’re here, aren’t you?
PREW
Ya, well, not anymore.
Prew moves to go.
FLORENCE
Going so soon? Let me guess, business major.
Prew pauses.
PREW
Who told you?
FLORENCE
Nobody. Didn’t have to. Its all over you. That smug greasy look. Those greedy eyes. Those effeminate hands.
PREW
And look whose walking out 50 in debt and no job to pay.
Florence shrugs.
FLORENCE
Don’t need one if I’m already rich.
Prew scoffs.
PREW
Of course you are.
FLORENCE
No. No. Not yet. But soon.
PREW
Oh ya? Winning the lottery some time soon?
FLORENCE
Well I do have a few pieces showing soon.
PREW
Oh I’m sure you’ll do just swell.
FLORENCE
I’m sure I will. But you wouldn’t know that, would you? Couldn’t tell a Picasso from a Renois, could you?
PREW
And what good is that?
FLORENCE
About as much as a degree in business I assume.
PREW
What do you know?
FLORENCE
Nothing really. It just seems like a giant waste of money mostly. Spending all that money on nothing worth having.
PREW
You bitch!
Prew jumps for Florence, but is held back by a trio of men.
Florence laughs.
FLORENCE
Touchy touchy. I bet mommy doesn’t like that.
PREW
Whats that supposed to mean?
FLORENCE
Nothing. You just seem like a mommas boy to me.
PREW
Ya? And you daddy’s little princess.
Florence smiles.
FLORENCE
Maybe so.
ADELA
I think we should go.
FLORENCE
So soon? A pity. Really. A real pity.
Adela pulls Prew away.
EXT. POOL - NIGHT
The two push through a weaning crowd of decadent delight and towards a meager yard of exuberant wealth, gazing upon the virgin waters of impotent size.
ADELA
Why can’t you just get along with anybody?
PREW
I’m sorry Daddy’s rich little princess is just a bit too much for me.
ADELA
She wasn’t even doing anything.
PREW
She didn’t have to.
ADELA
Well just wait here a minute, will you?I’m gonna go say hi to some friends real quick. Just...don’t do anything, okay?
Prew shrugs. Adela walks away. Prew sits.
Lou approaches and sits next to Prew.
LOU
Funny how these things always got a pool, ain’t it? Even in the movies even.
Prew nods absently.
LOU
Ain’t like nobodies ever in em though. Not even a bit. Man, I’m telling you, if I wasn’t so gosh darn wasted...say, ain’t I know you already?
PREW
I’d imagine so. The schools only got 3000 kids barely.
LOU
What? This little thing? No. I don’t go here. I don’t go nowhere.
PREW
What are you doing here then?
LOU
At a party?
PREW
At a college.
LOU
Free world, ain’t it?
PREW
Aren’t there like, laws or something?
LOU
None that I know of.
Prew nods quietly.
LOU
You like it much?
PREW
What?
LOU
The school. You like it?
Prew shrugs.
PREW
Guess so.
LOU
Ya. See. I never took to too much of a liking to it myself. Too busy, you know. All that reading and stuff. And for what? No. None of thats worth much of nothing to me.
PREW
Ya. And what do you do? Work just for free?
LOU
Don’t have to. Mechanic. On cars and the like. Everyone needs one of those.
PREW
Everyone with a car.
LOU
S’pose thats true. But I’d say thats just about everybody, don’t you?
Prew shrugs.
PREW
Guess so...
A subtle pause.
LOU
Welp. Better get going then.
PREW
Okay.
Lou gets up to go.
LOU
Say, I ain’t none asked you your name yet! I’m Lou, you?
PREW
Prew.
LOU
Well nice to meet you there Prew. You ever need something, fixing or not, you just call me right up, right there on that there telephone of yours. Down at the shop. I’ll be there gosh darn’t. Gots to. Being my place and all that.
PREW
How old are you, again?
LOU
23, mostly.
PREW
And you’ve got a shop already?
Lou shrugs.
LOU
Parents got it for me. Birthday and the like. You know how it is.
PREW
They bought you a garage for your birthday?
LOU
Sure did! Just an investment of course. They spectin contribution and the like.
PREW
And you run it yourself?
LOU
Sure do.
PREW
Do you even know what you’re doing?
LOU
With the cars I do. People, well, people are sort of different, ya know?
PREW
What if I knew someone who did.
LOU
Did what?
PREW
Worked with you. With the business end of stuff.
LOU
Well that’d be mighty fine at that. But who’d ever wanna do that?
PREW
What about me?
LOU
You?!
PREW
I got an eye for it.
LOU
And I hardly knows you too! I knew this would be good! I just knew it would. I sees yous, and I says, I says, that guy right over there, he downright right for something good. I don’t none knows what that somethin is, but I sure as hell gonna find out!
PREW
Its a deal, then?
LOU
Well hold your horses there buddy. I ain’t none said nothing bout no deal yet. I’m intoxicated as such. Need some time to think it over still.
PREW
Sure. Sure...Well, think it over. Will you? And if its something you wanna do, just let me know.
LOU
Alrighty then. I’ll think of you kindly.
Lou walks off.
Adela soon approaches.
ADELA
Ready?
PREW
Ya...
ADELA
What?
PREW
Nothing...its just...do you know that guy?
ADELA
Who? Lou?
PREW
Ya. Him.
ADELA
No. Not really. Kind of weird actually. I guess his family’s super rich or something, but I guess he got kicked out of school or whatever for some reason or another. Or maybe he dropped out. I don’t really remember. He’s kind of a legend around here sort of. You’ve really never even heard of him ever?
Prew shakes his head.
ADELA
Well pretty much everyone around here has mostly. But I guess no one really talks to him much for too long really. Quiet I guess. And pretty weird too. I don’t know.
PREW
Does he really own a shop?
Adela chuckles.
ADELA
Probably not. He always says that. To everybody whose anybody who’ll listen. Though nobody’s ever really seen anything of it ever.
Prew nods solemnly.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Though still a class half full, the other half is half gone, abandoning education for a possible refund of partial retribution.
DR BRADY
It seems as if each time we meet there’s less and less of you and more and more of me. A peculiar shame, really. Shame because kids quit, but peculiar because they were never truly the right fit. A didactic juxtaposition I suppose. Though perhaps for someone much more in tune to logic than I. Nevertheless, the show must go on, and so it shall. And so I’d like to begin this lecture with a laborious assignment. I know, I know, a rather dull bore of a task, but so is life in its own sort of way. For what is life but a series of barely palpable events intertwined with flashes of quasi ecstasy? Its a shame but reality, and so I shall give it to you quick: in a few months time, the month after the next to be exact, we will be taking a bit of a field trip, to an exhilarating exhibit, known as the S.S. Central America, currently on exhibit in long beach California.
The class grows excited in anticipation.
DR BRADY
Yes. Yes. I know. I know. Exhilarating indeed. However, due to the current status of our school, and my position as it is, the trip has been quelled for the short time being.
The class grows quiet in heartbreak.
DR BRADY
But fear not, my hopeless young ladies and gents, for all is not lost as of just yet. Thats right, thanks to a bit of conniving, and a lot of convincing, I’ve haggled my way to a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thanks in no small part to our local community, the S.S Central America will be making its way here, to our quaint little city, if only for a short time being. Just for a few days, unfortunately. But more than enough time for our meager minds, yes?
PREW
Whats that have to do with this? A ship, I mean. Whats that got to do with theft?
DR BRADY
Are pirates so foreign to the current imagination? Has treasure so quickly gone out of fashion?
James raises his hand, peering at a screen.
JAMES
This says here that it was a steamer carrying passengers in the mid 19th century...well after the days of pirates.
DR BRADY
But Pirates come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they? And it wasn’t until the sinking of the ship, along with nine tons of gold, that pirates began to wander the pacific’s murky waters.
PREW
Why would a ship moving passengers carry nine tons of gold?
DR BRADY
Economic stability, young Prew. The gold was moved from west to east, as currency, to forestall the inevitable collapse of a dying economy.
PREW
And that worked?
DR BRADY
For a time. But unfortunately, demise is inevitable, and in this case, a hurricane its proctor. A terrible shame, surely. A tragedy in all honesty. Truly an awful catastrophe. But time has a way of mending all wounds. So fetter not, or at least not more than just a moment, for no death goes completely forgotten; the ship has been found, the treasure not yet lost, and we, the peoples republic of this very classroom, shall be the first, at least in our town, to explore this wonderful exhibit. Thats right, young ladies and lads, I’ve booked us a private tour, just for us. Yes. Yes. I know. I know. No need for applause.
A lack of applause gives Dr. Brady no need for a pause.
DR BRADY
And so, with that, let us begin.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Prew and James sit in their now usual positions, one next to the other, at the end of the bar, where they always are, from one night to another
JAMES
Just think, 500 million right in your pocket.
PREW
Thats 30,000 pounds.
JAMES
Okay, well, maybe not all of it maybe.
PREW
Plus, most of it’s not even on display even.
JAMES
Thats what I mean.
PREW
What do you mean thats what you mean?
JAMES
Its in storage. Its useless.
PREW
Ya? So?
JAMES
So no one even uses it ever. Or even hardly sees it even.
PREW
Not even inventory?
JAMES
Okay, well, maybe them sometimes. But not everyday.
PREW
But why would they bring what they wouldn’t even need.
JAMES
Well this is a world tour they’re going on Prew, not just this little tiny town of ours here. I know Dr. Brady made it sound that way, but its not. Its not. And our museum’s so small too. Most of that stuff will just be stuffed in storage anyways.
PREW
And what does that mean?
JAMES
It means no one would even know it if it was already gone already.
PREW
I think you’re going a bit too far there.
JAMES
Okay. Maybe. But just think about it. Really. I mean. Think.
PREW
Okay. So what?
JAMES
So what if we did? What if that was us?
PREW
James...c’mon. I thought this was just a game.
JAMES
No. No. It is. It is. But I mean, hypothetically, you know, how would you go about it?
PREW
I’m not doing this James.
JAMES
Just try.
PREW
No. I’m not indulging your delusions.
JAMES
Delusions? No delusions. Just pretend. Completely hypothetical.
PREW
Completely?
JAMES
Entirely.
Prew thinks for a moment.
PREW
Well...first things first, you can’t steal it all. The less the better.
JAMES
What? Why?
PREW
The less gone the longer without notice.
JAMES
Okay. Ya. That makes sense.
PREW
And replicas. We’d need a lot of them.
JAMES
Wouldn’t they check for like gold or something?
PREW
Why would they? Its just some stupid college intern probably.
JAMES
But we’d need to do it without being noticed.
PREW
Thats the problem. How do you move dozens, if not hundreds, of pounds of gold without being noticed?
JAMES
You can’t.
PREW
Thats why it wouldn’t work.
The two stay silent for a moment.
JAMES
But what if you didn’t have to.
PREW
What do you mean?
JAMES
I mean, what if it was like your job or something, to move stuff or whatever?
PREW
That’d take a lot of convincing.
JAMES
Just a signature or two. And with a frightened intern, I mean, what would they even do?
PREW
We’d be on camera.
JAMES
Disguises then.
PREW
But they’d know nothing needs to be moved.
JAMES
But what if something actually did.
PREW
What do you mean?
JAMES
I mean, what if someone complained or was offended or something, and made a huge deal about something or something. And so like, instead of just putting it in storage forever, they moved it to another city for some time or another. Another state even maybe. And we’d just be like the middle man or whatever.
PREW
And what happens when they don’t get what they ordered?
JAMES
But what if they did?
PREW
You mean, you’d create an entire company, just to steal money.
JAMES
I guess thats true.
A moment of defeated silence.
PREW
Unless the company already existed already. At least in name, at least.
JAMES
You mean like a shell?
PREW
One always mentioned, but never actually seen.
JAMES
That’d take a lot of convincing.
PREW
Unless it was there already.
JAMES
What do you mean?
PREW
I mean, what if it was already there already? A shell, I mean. For another reason entirely.
JAMES
But there isn’t any, obviously.
PREW
Maybe there is.
EXT. MANSION - DAY
Lou stands ostracized by the monstrosity before him, confounded with confusion and laughter as he succumbs to the wills of his newfound friends.
LOU
You ain’t serious, is you?
PREW
Not serious, hypothetical.
JAMES
4 million dollars hypothetical.
LOU
Well it won’t none work anyhow.
JAMES
What do you mean?
LOU
It ain’t none real buddy. The shop. The cars. None of it.
PREW
Thats the point.
LOU
Don’t you none get it? If it ain’t none real, I ain’t got nothin to haul nothin with. You just want me for my money is all.
JAMES
Well couldn’t you just like buy one or something?
LOU
And be linked and registered too? Boys, I don’t think you’ve much thought this through.
JAMES
Well what if someone else bought it then? Under their own name or something.
Lou laughs.
LOU
Don’t none much matter if they did. Cus I can’t much afford one anyhow. Even if I cud, ya think that would go good and unnoticed by much of anybody?
JAMES
Well what about a U-Haul then? Just for the day?
LOU
You can’t afford a U-Haul even?
JAMES
Well we could, probably. But I don’t think either of us could very well much drive it very much.
LOU
And whats they gonna say then? The curator and such? Bout some damn U-Haul moving their stuff. Not very professional much. Plus the plates and the name on the rent too.
JAMES
Well what if you got somebody else to rent it then?
LOU
Still the plates and the name too.
JAMES
You could steal the plates.
LOU
And get good and caught too.
A subtle pause.
PREW
What if you didn’t have to?
LOU
Get caught?
PREW
Steal plates.
LOU
How do you done do that?
PREW
What if you bought a junker or something. Or got someone else to do it I guess, and had them register it under their own name or even a fake. Then you could switch the plates with the other, which is also registered under a different name too, and drive the U-Haul there.
LOU
Still the name.
JAMES
Covered easily. With like a sign or something.
LOU
You boys really that stupid? You think I none gonna put my own name on that thing?
JAMES
Well what then?
LOU
Need a fake: name, company, all of it, if you ever actually gonna do it ever.
PREW
But the shell.
LOU
Is a stupid idea. Ain’t none matter if you established or not if they trust you already.
PREW
But how?
LOU
Say somebody knew somebody that gave somebody lots of money already. To the museum, I mean.
JAMES
But we don’t...
LOU
I do. I is...my papa give em lots of money lots of times. I ask for something and they good as get it real quick.
PREW
You mean, if you simply asked, they’d get it for you?
LOU
Sures. But I gots to be tempted first.
JAMES
How’s 4 million sound?
LOU
Don’t nones need it.
JAMES
So thats it then? After all this? Just for nothing?
LOU
I ain’t none says no neither.
PREW
What?
LOU
I says, if I was tempted I would. I just ain’t none need no money no more.
JAMES
It seems to me like you got a lot more than you’ll ever need.
LOU
Ain’t as true as it looks though. Truth is, I kinda bored out here. This heist of yours though, well, that sounds mighty fun.
PREW
You can’t be serious.
LOU
Why the hell not?
JAMES
You’d just do this, just for fun?
LOU
Sure. Why not?
JAMES
You could get caught.
LOU
Could.
PREW
And go to jail too.
LOU
Sounds mighty good.
JAMES
Seriously?
LOU
Ain’t nothin else to do.
JAMES
So thats it then?
LOU
Ain’t you missing something?
PREW
What?
LOU
What you gonna do when you good and get it? Can’t none take it to this new place you going to, can you?
JAMES
We’ll drop it off then.
LOU
Millions in gold? Just dropping it off, is you?
JAMES
Well no, but I...
PREW
Doesn’t matter. Without it ruined theres nothing we could do with it.
LOU
You ain’t none making no sense.
PREW
If we tried to sell it as is we’d just as soon get caught with it. We’d have to melt it and reshape it somehow, but how the hell would we do that?
Lou thinks for a minute.
LOU
Got me stumped good there. But I’ll tell you what. You figger that out any, and I’ll get you that gold good as got.
INT. DORM ROOM - NIGHT
The film, Bob the Gambler, plays on as Prew and Adela whisper, James sitting awkwardly in vulgar discomfort.
JAMES
I should probably get going probably.
PREW
What? Why?
JAMES
I don’t wanna be a bother.
ADELA
Bother? James. Please. I’d take you over him any day.
James gives a shy smile.
PREW
Thanks.
ADELA
Just saying.
JAMES
You really don’t mind?
ADELA
Why would we?
James shrugs.
JAMES
I don’t know. Its late. I should probably just go probably.
ADELA
No! Please. James. Don’t. Please? For us anyways? Or at least just for me? We are your friends, aren’t we? And isn’t that what friends do? Hang out together?
JAMES
Well ya, but...
ADELA
Couldn’t you just stay for a little while longer? At least until my friend comes over? Then you can go. I promise. Just until my friend comes over.
JAMES
I don’t know...
ADELA
I just want you to meet her. My friend. Is that so wrong? Meeting someone new? I think you’d really like her. I do. More than that, I think you two would really hit it off, really, I do. I mean, really, the two of you would be perfect for each other. Really, you would. She’d be perfect for you.
PREW
Adela...
ADELA
What? She would, wouldn’t she? I mean, sure, maybe you two don’t get along so well, but...
PREW
No, its not that, its just...
ADELA
What?
Florence enters the room, behind James.
FLORENCE
Am I interrupting?
ADELA
No! No! Come in! Come in! Have you met James? You should meet James! James, Florence. Florence, James.
James awkwardly waves.
Florence nods, and sits on the floor, leaning on the couch.
FLORENCE
Whats this?
PREW
A movie.
ADELA
Some french movie.
FLORENCE
Any good?
Prew shrugs.
PREW
Enough.
ADELA
I think its kind of boring.
PREW
You think everything’s boring.
ADELA
I do not!
PREW
You do too. You even think loving me is boring.
ADELA
Well maybe thats just cus of you.
Prew makes a crude face.
FLORENCE
Are you sure I’m not intruding?
PREW
James is here too.
Florence turns to James.
JAMES
Its okay, I kind of feel the same way too.
FLORENCE
Maybe I should...
ADELA
No way.
JAMES
I think we will.
FLORENCE
We?
JAMES
I mean me.
FLORENCE
Me too.
ADELA
Are you sure?
PREW
Let them go.
ADELA
But...
PREW
Adela. Look at them. They’re miserable. Just let them go already.
ADELA
I guess so.
Florence stands, followed by Prew.
FLORENCE
Adieu, then.
ADELA
Adieu.
JAMES
Dido, I guess.
PREW
Dido.
Florence and James exit the room.
EXT. QUAD - NIGHT
James and Florence saunter side by side, James barely muttering in unkempt fear and anxiety.
FLORENCE
So how do you know Prew?
JAMES
Oh you know. Small school.
FLORENCE
But I’ve never met you.
JAMES
I suppose thats true.
FLORENCE
Have you met me?
JAMES
I think I’ve seen you around maybe.
FLORENCE
I think you’ve more than just seen me around probably.
James shrugs nonchalantly.
FLORENCE
But thats okay. I think I sort of maybe like you.
JAMES
Ya?
FLORENCE
Well not yet anyways. I hardly know you barely. But I think I will probably.
JAMES
I think so too.
The two walk in silence for a few moments.
FLORENCE
So whats your story then? How’d you come to be here?
JAMES
I don’t know. Had to go somewhere I guess.
FLORENCE
And this as good a place as any?
JAMES
I guess so...what about you?
FLORENCE
Huh?
JAMES
Whats your, you know, story or whatever.
FLORENCE
Oh. Nothing really. I’m just sort of an artist I guess.
JAMES
Oh ya? What kind?
FLORENCE
Sculptor. Like clay and the like.
JAMES
You mean like in that movie?
FLORENCE
What movie?
JAMES
You know. The one with the ghost.
FLORENCE
The movie with the ghost?
JAMES
You know. That one movie with that one actor from that dancing movie or whatever.
FLORENCE
You’re not making a whole lot of sense.
JAMES
Oh you know. That movie where he wraps his arms around hers and helps her sculpt or whatever.
FLORENCE
You mean Ghost?
JAMES
Ya! That one!
Florence chuckles.
FLORENCE
Sort of. I guess.
JAMES
How do you...I mean...how do you get it to stay? Like that. You know, like, hard, I guess.
FLORENCE
How do I get it hard?
JAMES
To stay hard, I guess.
FLORENCE
I get it real hot.
JAMES
How hot?
FLORENCE
2000 degrees hot.
James stops. Florence walks on. Florence turns back to James.
FLORENCE
Too much?
JAMES
No...I...did you just say 2000 degrees?
FLORENCE
Ya. So what? I was joking.
JAMES
But does it really get that hot?
FLORENCE
What? The kiln?
JAMES
Whatever?
FLORENCE
Ya. Sure. I guess so.
JAMES
For like, a long time?
FLORENCE
As long as you want, I guess. Why? Cremating someone?
JAMES
Something like that.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Beyond tired, Prew sits on a stool, James and Florence sitting near by.
PREW
James. Its late. I’m tired. I wanna go home. Can’t we just do this tomorrow?
JAMES
I think you should hear this.
PREW
Hear what?
JAMES
Florence.
FLORENCE
Well I don’t know. All I said was that I make pottery.
JAMES
In a kiln.
PREW
So?
JAMES
So how hot does a kiln get Florence?
FLORENCE
I don’t know. A little over 2000, probably.
PREW
Degrees?
FLORENCE
Ya.
PREW
Fahrenheit?
FLORENCE
Ya?
Prew looks to James.
JAMES
See what I mean?
FLORENCE
Whats all this about anyways?
Prew and James quiet.
JAMES
Could we have a minute?
FLORENCE
Have all the minutes you want. I need a drink anyways.
Florence walks down the bar and to the bartender, ordering a drink.
PREW
Would it really work?
JAMES
I don’t see why not.
PREW
And it’d all melt, just like that?
JAMES
Just like that.
PREW
Just thinking about it...
JAMES
She has to know.
PREW
What?
JAMES
She has to.
PREW
Why?
JAMES
We couldn’t without her.
PREW
What if we just snuck in or something?
JAMES
And got caught? No. I’m not taking any chances.
PREW
But telling her...
JAMES
Is no different. Lou doesn’t want any anyways. Give her his share.
PREW
For melting gold?
JAMES
For doing a lot more than that.
PREW
Like what?
JAMES
Well she’s an art student right?
PREW
Ya. So?
JAMES
So art students get internships. Right?
PREW
Ya. And?
JAMES
And museums have internships, don’t they?
PREW
I don’t see how...you mean, her?
JAMES
Its the best shot we got.
PREW
And she could be there, for the shipment and all that?
JAMES
Better her than somebody else.
PREW
But her signature...
JAMES
A victim, no more.
PREW
You think that would really work?
JAMES
I think its the best shot we got.
Prew thinks for a moment.
PREW
Okay. Tell her.
James waves to Florence, and Florence walks back.
FLORENCE
Well?
JAMES
We need to tell you something.
FLORENCE
I gathered.
JAMES
I mean, really something. Not just any something. Something really important.
FLORENCE
Okay. What?
PREW
You can’t tell anybody.
JAMES
Not even your friends even.
FLORENCE
Okay. Whats the big secret then? Some big orgy or something?
JAMES
This is serious.
FLORENCE
What then?
JAMES
You promise you won’t tell?
FLORENCE
Sure.
PREW
Anyone?
FLORENCE
I said okay, didn’t I?
Prew looks to James.
PREW
We’re gonna rob the history museum.
INT. CAR - DAY
FLORENCE
What?
PREW
I told you again and again.
FLORENCE
I don’t think you’ve really thought this through.
JAMES
Funny, thats just what he said too.
FLORENCE
I mean, I get the whole U-Haul thing or whatever. And me like working for the museum and all that too. I get that. I do. But lets say, somehow, you do get away with it, you do steal the gold, you do get to school; then what? You think we can just, what, melt it and be okay with it?
JAMES
It’s pretty much untraceable pretty much.
FLORENCE
But still millions of dollars in gold.
JAMES
Well ya. Thats the point.
FLORENCE
And you don’t think that maybe somebody will notice that maybe? A dozen bars of gold just being carried away like that?
PREW
Well you can reserve it, can’t you? The kiln or whatever?
FLORENCE
Ya. Under my own name. And even then, how do we explain?
The two sit in awed silence.
FLORENCE
I mean. This whole idea is just so stupid and dumb anyways. So what if we get away with it? So what if we did? Theres nothing we could actually do with it. Not even a bit.
JAMES
Couldn’t you like, I don’t know, hide it or something.
FLORENCE
You’re not getting it James. So what if we could? So what if we did? What exactly do you plan on doing with it then? Selling it to someone who will ask you where you got it way back when?
PREW
So we don’t sell it all at once then.
FLORENCE
Its still large pieces of gold.
The three sit in stunned silence.
JAMES
What if...I don’t know...can’t you like, shape it or something?
FLORENCE
I mean, I guess I could, but...
JAMES
Into like, something stupid or something. And painted it too. So like, it looked really stupid.
PREW
Like figurines or something.
FLORENCE
You think that would work?
JAMES
Any better idea would even more.
Florence thinks for a moment.
FLORENCE
No. I don’t know. I don’t know what else we could do.
JAMES
So thats it then.
PREW
I think so.
FLORENCE
But theres still a whole lot missing.
JAMES
Like what?
FLORENCE
Like a lot.
PREW
Well lets just talk to him first. Then we can worry about everything else next.
The three pull up to the mansion.
Lou, outside, stands waiting.
INT. ROOM - NIGHT
Luminescence fades as electricity flows, man made objects twinkling in growing night.
Silhouetted by black the four figures sit, strewn across the table in anxiety ridden thought.
PREW
So its agreed then, four each, excluding Lou.
FLORENCE
Why Lou?
JAMES
Lou doesn’t want any.
FLORENCE
Not even a bit?
LOU
Not even a penny.
FLORENCE
But...
PREW
Its already decided. Now we just need to lay down some ground rules, before we get started.
A hesitant pause.
LOU
So what then?
PREW
Well, these apply less so to you, but still listen through.
LOU
Alrighty then.
JAMES
First, no one hurts anyone. Ever. No matter what.
LOU
What if they do?
PREW
Not even then.
FLORENCE
Except to protect yourself.
JAMES
No. Not even then.
FLORENCE
But what if...
PREW
Rules are rules. If you rather go, then just do that then.
Florence offers no reply.
JAMES
Also, none of you have ever heard anything of this before. Ever.
PREW
We hardly even know each other actually. From now on, no contact outside this room. To everyone else, we’re simply just strangers, thats all.
FLORENCE
What about Adela?
PREW
Not anymore.
FLORENCE
I can’t just leave her.
PREW
I am too.
FLORENCE
What?
PREW
Nothing takes precedence over this.
FLORENCE
Than a couple of bucks?!
PREW
Than a lifetime’s worth.
FLORENCE
Prew. You can’t be serious.
PREW
Her connection to you. To me. Its too much. If we were caught, or worse, accused, who knows what she’d do.
FLORENCE
She’s your girlfriend!
PREW
She’s a liability.
FLORENCE
You can’t really be serious.
JAMES
He is. He already has.
FLORENCE
But...
JAMES
You’ll have to too, if this is something you really wanna do. Whatever friends you have, you don’t. Not anymore. From now on, each is their own company.
FLORENCE
I can’t just abandon everybody.
PREW
You will if you have to.
FLORENCE
Theres really no other way?
JAMES
Its best this way.
PREW
Its only for a few months barely. Till the heist is over and a little bit after. Then you can do whatever you want.
FLORENCE
What are you gonna do?
LOU
Just what I always do.
FLORENCE
What about you?
Prew shrugs.
PREW
Live. Thats all.
FLORENCE
I don’t know if I can really go through with this.
PREW
Whats a few months alone to a life of leisure and luxury?
Florence thinks for a moment.
FLORENCE
I don’t know.
PREW
Don’t if you don’t want to. I get it if you don’t. But know if you don’t. If you go. All this money we’ve been talking about, its pretty much gone pretty much.
Florence holds an unbearable silence.
FLORENCE
Okay.
PREW
As far as tickets go, you can book them wherever.
FLORENCE
Tickets?
JAMES
You didn’t think we’d stay here, did you?
FLORENCE
Well no I...
JAMES
All the movies. All the books. They all get caught the exact same way. They don’t go away.
PREW
So we can’t do the same.
FLORENCE
But...where?
PREW
Anywhere thats not here.
JAMES
Thats out of the country.
FLORENCE
Why the country?
JAMES
Laws and all that. A lot harder outside the states.
FLORENCE
For how long?
PREW
Forever, mostly.
FLORENCE
You can’t be serious.
LOU
Seems to me thats all they being. What about me Prew? I gotta go to?
Prew nods.
PREW
Better if you do.
FLORENCE
But what about college? What about school?
JAMES
Its this or everything else.
FLORENCE
I don’t think I can do this.
PREW
Its a lot to ask.
JAMES
Hardly enough, barely.
FLORENCE
No. No. I can’t. I can’t. I can’t do this.
PREW
4 millions a lot of dough.
FLORENCE
4 million for misery?
JAMES
Misery? What misery? What misery is money? Haven’t you ever wanted for anything ever? Food? Water? Shelter? Anything? Ever? This is it Florence. This is all you’ll ever need.
FLORENCE
In terms of money maybe. But what about everything else you’re giving up already?
JAMES
Giving up for what? Giving up for money? You mean food and water and shelter and a family to love you. You think thats giving up? Caring for your family? Caring for your mother and father and sister and brother? Thats giving up? Maybe we just have different ideas of giving up I guess. Because to me, to no longer have to go hungry, well, thats a lot more than something. To see my family finally a bit happy. Thats a lot. More than a lot. A lot more than a lot actually. And do you know what that would mean to them? A bunch of people who never got nothing from nobody. Thats not just something, thats everything to them. You think money’s just some sort of toy you just go out and play with or something? Cus its not. Its not. Some of us just aren’t lucky enough to just be wealthy. Some of us actually have to work for a living and in no good way either. People act like money is evil but moneys not evil. People are evil. People who think they can never have enough money. But I can. I would. I don’t need anymore. More than I need. Just enough for me and my family. Thats all that I need. To never have to work another day again. Day in and day out. Night and day and everything else. To say to my parents, you can finally retire. You can finally just quit. Thats more than just something, thats everything to them. To finally leave the trailer parks and homicide and poverty and murder. To finally sleep without the screaming of others, the screaming of each other. Is that too much to ask for? Too much to hope? I really don’t think so. I really hope not. If they could just leave, just escape from each other, and just finally be happy, just for once in a lifetime, well, whats so selfish about that? About finally being happy?
FLORENCE
Nothing. I...
JAMES
What? Just want to be happy? Without money or luxury or any of its revelries? Because to you, to be happy isn’t to have money, but to have something else. What I don’t know, but clearly not money. But let me ask you this: how exactly do you plan to be happy, when you’re living in overfilled underworked section eight housing? When food is a burden and clean water a luxury? How exactly are you just supposed to be happy? Oh ya, and thats assuming you even have a job even, which god praying you do, cus if you don’t, well, how do you expect to much go on living much longer? But of course, a job doesn’t mean much of anything without a good amount of money, which most don’t have to be perfectly honest. So usually you need a second or even a third even just to stay steady. But of course, those jobs are easy. Anyone can do that. Anyone can work 15 hours a day right on their feet for minimum wage barely. Thats nothing like sitting in a nice, cool, air conditioned office. Where people with fancy papers barely make any more money. Course no one tells anyone that paper’s only worth something if you’re worth something already, cus if you don’t got the money, you’re not getting any paper. But then you say, but everyones got options. Everyones got smarts. Sure, if they didn’t have to worry about food and water and shelter and where to even start, which, lets be honest, you know they don’t got. And its not just them neither, don’t forget, because they probably got brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers also. Cus you know, wouldn’t want people with affordable protection, or even a way to move on if you can’t love em right often. Cus that would be wrong. That would be cruel. No, better to let them live a life of miserable poverty. And you better pray you’re the youngest, cus god knows everybody’s gonna be looking out for you; even when they shoulda been looking out for them probably. But you know what, they should just be happy. We should just be happy. Cus we got everything we need, don’t we? Our smiles and our bodies. What else do we need? What possibly else could anybody ever need? I mean...
PREW
James...I think she gets it.
JAMES
Does she though? Does she? Do any of you really? This isn’t just money. This isn’t just fun. This is our lives we’re talking about. Our whole point of living. Our destiny, our fate, our predestination. This is what we were meant to do and god damn it I don’t think any of you get it. This could be more than anything for anybody and none of you can even think to see it!
FLORENCE
And what good will money do? When you’re already never happy?
JAMES
You think freedom is slavery? War is peace? Ignorance is somehow some great degree? Money gives you chances. Money gives you hope. Money gives you food and water and shelter and reasons to cope. Money makes the world go round. Money makes us happy. Without money we have nothing. Without money we are nothing. I didn’t make this world. I didn’t choose this life. But I live in it still, just like you do too. And theres nothing I can do about it. Theres nothing anybody can do. So get over your high minded religion Florence. Get over the idea that moneys just some thing you can just not do. Cus its not. Its not. In this world, money is life, and I rather not die and instead go on living.
FLORENCE
And what good is living with nothing but money?
JAMES
God damn’t Florence! Why can’t you just...
PREW
Just forget about it. Will you? Both of you. Obviously you two have very different sort of opinions. Nobodies changing anybodies mind today. So lets just move on, okay?
Florence nods. James grumbles. The two move on.
PREW
So. As I was saying, before the digression, we each have to pick some sort of place outside of the country.
LOU
When?
PREW
Soon, preferably.
FLORENCE
Soon? I thought we weren’t going for another few weeks still?
JAMES
(Defeated)
The sooner the better. Longer time means less suspicion. Especially if you discuss it with your friends and your family.
FLORENCE
What friends?
PREW
Just family, he means. Tell them you’re studying abroad or something. That way, your escape seems anything but fishy.
FLORENCE
Thats it?
JAMES
Not everything.
PREW
You see, 4 millions a lot of money, especially in gold. So to sell it all at once, well...
FLORENCE
So a stipend, you mean, like we earlier mentioned.
JAMES
100 grand, at most. A year.
LOU
You guys getting all that money and you just gonna hide it?
JAMES
We very well can’t spend it.
LOU
S’pose it would get a little bit suspicious. How bout I buy it? My pops, I mean.
PREW
And what would we say? To him, I mean?That we definitely didn’t steal it?
LOU
He don’t none much care really.
JAMES
Thats 12 million dollars, at least. He can’t possibly have that in cash.
LOU
Could though.
PREW
Sounds like a good way of getting caught.
FLORENCE
I don’t like it.
PREW
I don’t either.
JAMES
Not even in the best case scenario is that even an option.
LOU
Alright. Alright. We won’t do it then. I was just trying to be helpful or something.
PREW
Well thank you for that. But I think we’ll just stick with what we got.
FLORENCE
So a hundred a year?
JAMES
And no more than ten a month.
FLORENCE
How do we explain?
PREW
Grandmas death or something like that. Inheritance of sorts.
JAMES
Just never the same place twice.
FLORENCE
Never?
PREW
At least not within a year.
FLORENCE
But what if we do. What if we get caught?
JAMES
Thats your problem.
FLORENCE
One can link to another.
JAMES
If they talk.
FLORENCE
Even if they don’t.
PREW
She’s right. We have to keep in touch. Even after.
JAMES
Isn’t that even worse though. Keeping us all together?
FLORENCE
What other way is there?
PREW
It’ll keep us in line.
LOU
Keep ya good and nice too.
JAMES
Somehow I feel like I’m being cheated somehow.
PREW
You’re getting everything you ever wanted. What more do you want?
James shrugs.
JAMES
I guess it really doesn’t matter.
FLORENCE
You’ll never have enough, will you?
JAMES
Whose asking?
FLORENCE
Just asking.
JAMES
I just don’t want this all to be for nothing.
PREW
It won’t. Anyways, we have the rest of our lives to figure that out. For now, lets just stick with what we got.
James nods, as does Florence.
LOU
And whats that?
EXT. JUNKYARD - DAY
Aged by the monotony of time, an elderly man, ALBERT, sits upon the porch of his small humble abode, surrounded by the trash one use to call treasures.
Approaching is a man of modest means, dirty clothes, and a kind face. He often goes by CHARLEY.
Charley kicks at an old Junker.
CHARLEY
How much do you want for this thing here?
ALBERT
That old thing? That ain’t worth nothing.
CHARLEY
So nothing then?
ALBERT
What you none want it for? It ain’t got no use no more. Ain’t even got a motor.
CHARLEY
Just want it to have it is all.
ALBERT
Decoration, I suppose. Some kind of art piece or something?
Charley shrugs.
CHARLEY
Something like that.
ALBERT
Well how you plan on gettin it good and gone out of here?
CHARLEY
I see you gotta truck over there.
ALBERT
That ain’t for sellin.
CHARLEY
You drive it though, don’t you?
ALBERT
Sures do.
CHARLEY
Mind driving me?
ALBERT
Ain’t drivin nobody for free.
CHARLEY
I’ll pay. With the car too.
ALBERT
Got a thousand?
CHARLEY
Got 500.
ALBERT
That’ll do.
Albert waddles away.
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
Albert pulls his heavy load into an abandoned lot of putrid age.
ALBERT
This really where you want it?
CHARLEY
Thats what I said.
ALBERT
S’pose you the artist then...say, how you plan on gettin on back?
CHARLEY
Bus stop, just across the way.
ALBERT
Alrighty then. Mighty fine doin business with ya.
Charley nods, shakes his hand, and moves away.
INT. MUSUEM LOBBY - DAY
A vast expanse of lucrative work lolls in the lobby as Florence confidently walks through the room and towards the counter.
FLORENCE
I’d like to apply for a job here please.
The old woman stares at Florence with some confusion.
FLORENCE
For the internship. At the museum. Doing inventory.
OLD LADY
You want that?
FLORENCE
I think it’d be a really wonderful experience! And...
OLD LADY
Alright.
FLORENCE
What?
OLD LADY
You got it.
FLORENCE
You don’t wanna like, interview me or anything?
OLD LADY
Want me to?
FLORENCE
Well I’d certainly prefer...
OLD LADY
You like art?
FLORENCE
Well I would say I more than just like it, I...
OLD LADY
You’re hired.
FLORENCE
But I thought...
OLD LADY
You got your interview, didn’t you?
FLORENCE
Don’t you even wanna see my credentials.
OLD LADY
No.
FLORENCE
Haven’t you any judgement whatsoever?
OLD LADY
Look little miss lady. Ain’t nobody ever want that job ever. Most the time I just gotta do it myself. You the first person that ever did even take it, let alone want it. If you want it, you got it.
FLORENCE
Oh, well, thats wonderful!
Florence and the old woman sit in awkward silence.
OLD LADY
Well? You gonna get started or what?
FLORENCE
Oh! You mean, now?
OLD LADY
Thats what I said, didn’t I?
FLORENCE
But I don’t even know what to do.
The old woman gives a long sigh.
OLD LADY
Look here little missy. You see that there clipboard over there. Take it, fill it, bring it back. Thats all.
FLORENCE
But how do I know...
OLD LADY
Its all labeled there.
FLORENCE
And I just...
OLD LADY
Sure.
FLORENCE
Don’t I need like, keys or something?
The old woman gives another sigh.
OLD LADY
Just take mine. I’ll get yours tomorrow.
FLORENCE
Do I need like, a badge or anything.
The old lady gives another sigh.
OLD LADY
David...david...david...david...david...
DAVID, an elderly security guard, turns to the old lady.
DAVID
What?
OLD LADY
This lady here needs security clearance.
DAVID
How much?
OLD LADY
Whats it matter? She look like some thief to you?
EXT. DOORWAY - DAY
Silhouetted by a setting sun, sweat glistens off the glowing body of a tired Prew.
PREW
Good evening good sir. I wonder if I could interest you in a signature or two?
A middle aged man, JOHN, gawks.
JOHN
What for?
PREW
Well, you won’t believe this but, down at the museum, the local one just down the street, well, you won’t believe this but...
JOHN
If I sign this will you go?
PREW
Certainly, but aren’t you even interested in...
JOHN
No.
A sigh. A signature. A slamming door.
Another open door.
PREW
Good evening young lady. I wonder if I could interest you in a signature or two?
The young lady, LIZ, fourteen, stares at the man.
LIZ
Mom! Someones at the door for you.
Liz’s mother, ELIZABETH, approaches the door.
ELIZABETH
Yes?
PREW
Oh. Well. Hello there Ms. Its nothing really. I was just telling this fine young lady here about this wonderful opportunity to support our local community.
ELIZABETH
We’re actually protestant so...
PREW
Oh no. No. Nothing like that. This is about supporting our local community.
ELIZABETH
Look. If you’re selling cookies or something we don’t want any.
PREW
Oh no, no. Its not cookies I’m selling.
ELIZABETH
Well whatever it is, we don’t want any.
PREW
Oh? So just because I’m black I must be selling something then!
ELIZABETH
What? No? I didn’t say...
PREW
No. I understand! You’re a racist.
Neighbors begin to pause at the sound of future gossip.
ELIZABETH
How dare you even...
PREW
All because I’m of a different pigmentation! I am truly offended. Must I use the other water fountain too? And what about the bathroom? Is that off limits too?
ELIZABETH
If you will just calm down.
PREW
Calm down? Calm down?! Me calm down!? Why this is war we’re talking about lady! Deep, rooted, lynching racism.
ELIZABETH
People can hear you.
PREW
And I hope they do too! People must know if their neighbor is a racist!
ELIZABETH
I’m not a racist. I have lots of black friends. My best friend actually...
PREW
Then you will sign then?
ELIZABETH
What?
PREW
To end this horrible attrition upon the black race!
ELIZABETH
What’s this again?
PREW
A petition to remove the horribly offensive treasure chest which sits to this very day gawking at the african american community in the forefront of that very museum not a few blocks away!
ELIZABETH
If I sign this will you go?
PREW
Why this is a true patriot here ladies and gents! A true, honest, hard working American! The voice of a liberator, not a racist! A white goddess.
ELIZABETH
Yes. Yes. Okay. Okay. I signed it. Now will you please just go.
PREW
Until we meet again, Miss. And to you, young lady...
Prew holds up his hand in the sign of black power.
LIZ
Ya. Whatever. Freak.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Dr. Brady and James sit eye to eye, a classroom long emptied by studious employees and lackadaisical students.
JAMES
I just think it’d be a great opportunity for our local community, you know. I mean, just think, our home town, with a real life treasure chest. Just think about it.
DR BRADY
Well it certainly does paint a wonderful picture. But to acquire such a thing...thats no easy lot.
JAMES
Thats just it Dr. Brady. Don’t you know? They’re getting rid of the one right here in town. Just hiding it in storage for no one to even see ever.
DR BRADY
Well thats certainly a shame but...
JAMES
Haven’t you friends and family and connections back home maybe? I mean, imagine, the great city of Noblesville, finally known for something other than the outskirts of Indy.
DR BRADY
Well I admit that would be nice, but...
JAMES
And think of the recognition. Think of the good will. They’d be obliged to name a street after you.
DR BRADY
That certainly would be very true...I’ll see what I can do.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Lou sits across from a curator named NANCY, taking in all that he sees with a confident smile.
JAMES
Now Nance, don’t be hysterical. Its only a proposition.
NANCY
I just don’t see why any of this even matters. A moving company no less. Whats the difference?
LOU
The difference is a matter of business, Nance. Something you artist people never seem to understand.
NANCY
I’m sure you’re dad knows best, but...
LOU
Nancy...Nancy...you worry too much. Would you rather see him yourself?
NANCY
Yes. Rather. I would.
LOU
And you yourself can explain why I, his only son, and child for that matter, can’t be trusted with even the most menial of tasks.
NANCY
Well its not that its just...
LOU
No. No. Go right ahead. Insult the man. Tell him how it is. He is only giving, what, 7 million, to this measly institution. An institution, by the way, which he could not possibly care less about. But of course, this is a matter morales! Ethics! Justice! Why should I be trusted with a thing like that? Better to insult the man. Yes? Well then! Go right ahead! Call him why don’t you? In fact, heres my phone right here. His personal number no less. Go ahead. Call him.
Nancy pauses.
NANCY
Perhaps maybe it is better if we do as you suggest, yes? After all, he is your dad.
Lou laughs.
LOU
I knew you’d see it my way Nance! Now, how about you and I go grab a little drink?
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Lou and Nance enter the bar.
Far at the end, huddled in discrepancy, sit Prew and James.
LOU
Now what’ll it be?
NANCY
Just a beer, thanks.
LOU
Just a beer? Now thats no way to treat a lady!
NANCY
A martini, then.
LOU
Thats more like it! Bartender, a beer and a martini, please.
James and Prew continue to whisper.
LOU
So, little miss Nancy, how ya doin this evening? If you don’t mind my asking.
NANCY
Fine. Thanks.
LOU
The wife?
NANCY
Good.
LOU
Haven’t gone straight on me, have ya?
NANCY
No. No. Not yet.
LOU
Another day, then.
NANCY
Another day...
LOU
Say, is that Prew over there! Prew! Prew! Its me, Lou.
James looks away.
NANCY
Must be a case of mistaken identity.
LOU
Mistaken my ass.
Lou stands up.
LOU
Prew! Prew! Are you really that drunk Prew? Don’t you remember me Prew?
James continues to look away.
Lou walks up to James and grabs him by the shoulders.
LOU
Prew? Prew? Don’t you remember me Prew?
James quickly turns on Lou, pulling him close.
JAMES
What the fuck is wrong with you Lou? You think I don’t know you? How drunk are you? Are you really that wasted, or are you just that stupid? And the curator too? Tonight of all nights? The night before the heist? How stupid are you?
Lou stands, swaying, stunned.
PREW
Maybe it’d be better if you just didn’t come...
LOU
And miss out on all this? You ain’t think I crazy, is you?
James throws Lou against a wall.
JAMES
You think this is a game to you? You think this is fun? You think we are just doing this, what, just because? Jesus Christ Lou, this is our lives we’re talking about. Our whole fucking lives. I’m not just going to die because of you. I’m not going to jail because of you. Get your goddamn act together Lou, and for christ sake, drop this hillbilly shit.
LOU
I just talk how I is.
PREW
We heard you Lou. Not just now either. Lots of times actually. We know its not true.
Lou’s smile grows dim.
LOU
Know all of it, do you?
JAMES
Enough.
LOU
Then you’d be best to let go.
PREW
James...
James lets go.
JAMES
What do you even want out of this?
Lou shrugs.
LOU
This? Nothing. Just for fun mostly.
JAMES
Prison is fun to you?
LOU
Prison? No. Not likely. But why would I do that?
PREW
Just the same. Just like us.
LOU
For stealing nothing? For not even knowing? What sin is that?
James’ face grows solemn in weary recognition.
PREW
What do you mean not even knowing? Not even stealing? How can you possibly say that when...
JAMES
Because they’ll believe him. Because they’ll have to. He’ll give them everything and anything for the promise of nothing. He’ll go scott free cus he’s got nothing to gain. He’s got us by the throat Prew. Its best if we just give in.
LOU
Give in? At a time like this. No. No. We’re just getting started.
JAMES
And whose to say you won’t rat us out anyways?
Lou smiles.
LOU
Trust, is all.
A long, irksome pause.
PREW
We have to go through with it.
JAMES
What?
PREW
If not. We’re already caught. Might as well just try it I guess.
JAMES
Prew.
PREW
Theres nothing we can do.
LOU
Ain’t that the truth! Now how about a little drink then? Fore the night is through. Just for the three of us, or even just two.
JAMES
I’m good.
PREW
I’m good too.
LOU
Well at least I tried friends! Till tomorrow, then!
Prew and James leave in the agony of loss.
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
Lou and Prew and James stand around an old junker, as one of the three removes the license and replaces it with another: the U-Haul with the junker.
While this proceeds, another of the three places a large sign over the truck.
Lou keeps a look out as the other two make final preparations.
Preparations made, the three climb into the truck, and drive away.
EXT. REST STOP - DAY
At a rest stop some fifteen miles away, the truck pulls into a spot.
The three exit, and move into the trailer.
INT. TRAILER - DAY
Inside the trailer, the three are surrounded by large cardboard boxes.
James moves through the boxes until he finds what he needs, and removes a handful of items.
LOU
You done this before?
James nods quietly.
LOU
You ain’t gonna mess this up, is you?
JAMES
Drop the act, will you.
LOU
Ain’t I llowed to do as I please.
Prew gives a heavy sigh, and James begins to apply heavy makeup.
EXT. REST STOP - DAY
Three middle aged men exit the trailer, and climb into the truck.
EXT. MUSUEM STORAGE - DAY
Florence taps nervously as a truck draws near, Florence peering and looking and doing everything she can to not seem weird.
Pulling close, the truck stops, and out exit three middle aged men: Prew, James, and Lou.
Florence hands Prew a clipboard, James and Lou already moving far to the back.
Prew hesitates, pen to board, looking to James and Lou, who move the chest just near the treasure.
Prew looks back to the board, hesitating no more, and signs.
Florence keeps watch as the three load the chest.
A sudden sound thuds from an ignored door.
Nancy walks towards the chest.
No one moves.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Florence yells to Nancy.
FLORENCE
Nancy!
NANCY
Oh there you are Florence. I’ve been looking all over for you.
FLORENCE
Just keeping an eye on the move and stuff.
NANCY
As you should. Who knows what they’ll take next!
Florence gives a cold look of fear. Nancy laughs.
NANCY
Like anyone would ever want this crummy old junk!
Florence laughs nervously.
NANCY
Say, you finished at three, didn’t you?And your last day too. Don’t think for a minute you have to stay here. I can handle this myself well enough probably.
Florence stares, horrified.
NANCY
Oh don’t worry! I won’t tell!
FLORENCE
I think I’d rather stay, thanks.
Nancy gives a look of confusion.
NANCY
You sure? I don’t mind.
FLORENCE
No. No. Its fine. Its fine. I’m sure you’re probably busy with all the stuff you have to do probably.
NANCY
Oh. Not too much really.
FLORENCE
No. No. I insist. Really. I do. I don’t mind. I’m fine.
NANCY
Okaayyy. Last chance.
FLORENCE
No. No. Really. Its fine. I’ll be okay.
NANCY
Okay. Well. If you need anything. Just let me know, okay?
Florence nods and Nancy moves, nodding politely at the three men standing in line, pausing at Lou.
The man gives a horrendous cough, and Nancy moves on.
The three men turn, finish packing, and struggle to lift the trunk.
The chest is too heavy.
One man pushes.
Then another.
Then another.
No more than a few feet gained.
The three men stand around the chest, confused.
FLORENCE
It has to be carried.
LOU
We know that.
FLORENCE
It can’t look too heavy.
LOU
Ain’t we said we know’d that.
PREW
(to James)
What would you have us do?
FLORENCE
James.
LOU
What do we gotta do?
PREW
James.
FLORENCE
What do we do?
LOU
James.
PREW
James.
FLORENCE
James.
JAMES
Just give me a second, will you?!
The three sit in momentary anxiety.
LOU
Well?
JAMES
I don’t know.
LOU
What?
JAMES
I don’t know Lou. Okay? I just don’t know.
PREW
Or do you just not want to?
Prew, James, and Florence share a solemn glance.
LOU
What? What don’t I know.
JAMES
We have to get rid of it.
LOU
What?
PREW
Just, some of it. We can’t take it all.
LOU
What?
JAMES
Its too heavy. Theres nothing we can do.
FLORENCE
I can lift it too.
LOU
Ain’t that suspicious?
FLORENCE
Helping?
JAMES
It’ll look too heavy.
FLORENCE
Or will you just look weak?
The three look to each other, then to Florence, then to James.
JAMES
You’ll be a conspirator, at the very least.
Florence shrugs.
FLORENCE
Already am already.
LOU
Lets do it then.
PREW
Its up to James.
LOU
Why’s everything gotta be up to him?
PREW
His plan. His rules.
LOU
Well I ain’t taking none of it no more.
PREW
Plan on taking it yourself, do you?
Lou glares at Prew, but says nothing.
FLORENCE
Well?
JAMES
No. Better not. Better to stick with the plan. Get rid of what we can.
The three laboriously transfer coin after coin back into place, testing intermittently until finding a palpable weight.
Equilibrium found, the three close the lid, pick up the chest, and carefully move it to the truck.
Before long, the three drive away.
EXT. REST STOP - DAY
The three men step out of the truck, remove the sign, and change the license plates.
The three climb into the trailer and walk out rather soon, this time younger, not older.
The three drive away.
EXT. COLLEGE - DAY
The three men exit the truck and move into the trailer.
Two of the men exit with boxes, while a third keeps watch.
Boxes move in and out, up and down, until all are delivered to where they belong.
The third man, the one who kept watch, drives away.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
James, Prew, and Florence stand in stunned awe of the gold. Each looking from one to another to another.
JAMES
How long?
FLORENCE
Two hours. Maybe three.
James nods.
JAMES
What name?
FLORENCE
Huh?
JAMES
The room? What name is it under?
FLORENCE
Oh, just a friend of a friend mostly. I don’t really know them that well really.
JAMES
Good. As soon as their done, we’re done.
PREW
Till then?
JAMES
We wait.
The three sit in anxiety ridden impatience.
PREW
How long’s it been?
FLORENCE
17 minutes.
Prew sighs irritably.
PREW
Thats it?
FLORENCE
No more.
PREW
Are you sure?
FLORENCE
I’m sure.
PREW
How sure?
FLORENCE
You can read a clock, can’t you?
PREW
Ya. Its just...
JAMES
What?
PREW
We can’t just sit here and wait!
JAMES
Better plan?
PREW
Isn’t there something we can do?
JAMES
We can wait.
PREW
There has to be something!
JAMES
There is.
PREW
What?!
JAMES
Wait.
PREW
I meant other than that!
JAMES
Like what?
PREW
I don’t know. What about Lou?
JAMES
He knows what to do.
PREW
What if he doesn’t?
JAMES
Well its a little too late for that now too.
FLORENCE
What do you mean?
PREW
He didn’t want to.
FLORENCE
Lou?
PREW
James. He wanted to quit. Thought it wouldn’t go through.
FLORENCE
Why’d you think that?
PREW
Lou was with some girl last night. Nancy. The curator. Stupid drunk. Didn’t say much. Just talked a lot is all.
FLORENCE
Well thats not really anything really.
JAMES
(Agitated)
But what if it is?
The two look to James.
JAMES
I mean, its not like it’d take a lot.
PREW
It’d take a whole lot more than that.
JAMES
They always get caught, you know. In the books and movies and all that. Real life too. They always get caught.
PREW
We already have it, don’t we?
JAMES
Thats what scares me.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Four, once strangers, now friends, if one can ever call a conspirator a friend, stagger with burden heavy bags towards a menacing tunnel of metal which whisks through the air.
PREW
I thought we agreed on separate flights?
FLORENCE
We did.
LOU
What happened?
JAMES
Imber’s a small town with not too many options.
FLORENCE
You mean, we all have to get onto that exact same plane?
JAMES
Theres no other way.
FLORENCE
But...
JAMES
Its the only way through. To anywhere thats not here anyways.
LOU
Ain’t no issue with me.
PREW
Better to not be with you, but I can make do.
LOU
Whats wrong with me?
PREW
You? You’re the one who almost got us screwed.
JAMES
Did get us screwed.
The three look to James.
JAMES
I know what you did Lou. You think I didn’t think this whole thing through?
LOU
Ya? And whats that? If I may be so kindly as to ask.
JAMES
The artifact. The piece. I know what you did.
LOU
Says who?
JAMES
Says simple logic Lou. You’re as greedy as the rest, just in a different way I guess.
LOU
Ya? So what? So what if I did? Whats it to you?
JAMES
Are you stupid Lou? Do you think you’ll just make it through?
LOU
I’m here, ain’t I?
JAMES
Just a matter of time.
LOU
What time, buddy? Its over. Its done. Get over it for once.
James moves to speak before Florence interrupts him.
FLORENCE
Maybe he’s right. Maybe it is over and done.
JAMES
Florence...
FLORENCE
And maybe someone told someone something about you. To Nancy maybe. And the police probably too.
LOU
What’d you think you’d do?
FLORENCE
I don’t think anything. I just know what I did. And what I did was tell them everything about you.
LOU
Ya? And what about you? You in it too.
FLORENCE
Only according to you.
LOU
You ain’t got no proof!
FLORENCE
You don’t think maybe that fingerprints will do? From say, maybe, some of the gold maybe? It was pretty heavy, wasn’t it Lou?
LOU
You’d give it all up just to get me got? Go to jail even too?
FLORENCE
If the gold was stolen by both me and you. But it wasn’t us, was it? That was just you.
LOU
You ain’t got no proof!
FLORENCE
Well I do. I told you so too. Plus the artifact thats missing too. And not to mention the fact that the moving company was your idea too. Remember? Isn’t that what you told Nance? About the moving company and all that? I do. And I told her so too.
Lou pales before smirking.
LOU
And what you gonna do? Give it all up for nothin but little old me?
FLORENCE
Give up the gold? No. Hardly. Don’t be so cruel. You hid it with the rest. Which I’m sure you’ll do a good job of hiding too.
LOU
And what if I don’t?
FLORENCE
And confess? Hardly.
Lou pales before a final plea of desperation.
LOU
Ain’t I already here though. Ain’t this already it? Ain’t we already good and fine and done with all it?
FLORENCE
Unless they’re already here too. Waiting for you. Anonymous tip, I assume.
LOU
You’re lying.
Florence shrugs.
FLORENCE
Could be. Wanna bet?
Lou pauses, looking up at the plane.
FLORENCE
Look. They’re not here yet. There, they are, but not here yet. If you wanna go, go.
LOU
Ya? And what about you?
FLORENCE
I didn’t see anything.
JAMES
Nothing worth seeing.
Lou looks to Prew.
PREW
Doesn’t bother me.
Lou, in rational paranoia, hobbles back to the gate where the airport still lays.
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Three, once four, step through a door and to their end.
Boarded, each finds their separate seat, surrounded by a sheer lack of police.
Ringing, Florence turns to her phone.
NANCY
Hey Florence. Just calling about the move earlier today. I hope it did go okay, didn’t it? No problems with the movers or anything? Anyways, I know you’re off to London or wherever, so don’t really worry about it if nothing really happened or anything, which I’m sure nothing probably did probably...so ummm, ya, just have a good time in London or wherever and I guess I’ll just see you soon probably? I don’t know. Just have a good time, okay? Anyways...I should probably get going probably. So uhh, ya, goodbye then. I guess. At least for a little while anyways. So, ya. Bye.
FADE OUT