Blood on the Tracks
FADE IN:
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Pounding, piercing, pushing, shoving. Metal, iron, clinging, clanging.
Sweat trickles off the brows of shirtless men, grunting, groaing, heavily heaving.
Before them, beyond them, lie miles of track. Track unlayed. Track newly minted.
At the end of the line, grunting and groaning, works a single woman, JO, forbading exhaustion.
The shrill toll of a whistle. Men discard rusting hammers. Jo doesn't slow.
Again and again Jo swings, resisting the urge of promised rest.
One of the men, JACK, eating a sandwhich, shakes his head, chuckles.
JACK
You're gonna work yourself silly Jo. Why don't you break for a while?
Jo huffs in reply.
JACK
Its not gonna do you any good working like that. Pays all the same in the end.
Still Jo persists.
Jack sighs, sets down his half eaten sandwhich, and steps over to Jo, setting a hand upon her.
JACK
It's no use Jo. Its all over and done with.
Jo pauses, looks Jack over, and continues in her effort.
Jack sighs.
JACK
Well, can't say I didn't try.
Jack lumbers back to the station, and takes a bite of his sandwhich. A whistle blows.
Jack sighs, sets his sandwhich aside, and picks up a hammer.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - NIGHT
Jack strikes iron upon iron, pauses, wipes sweat from his brow, looks over at Jo.
Neither faster nor slower, Jo persists in her effort. Jack chuckles, shakes his head. A man, CHARLEY, approaches.
CHARLEY
What did I say about fooling, John?
JACK
Its Jack, Charley. You know that.
CHARLEY
All you people look the same to me.
JACK
Then why do you only ever yell at me?
CHARLEY
Because you're the only one who ain't never getting nothin done.
JACK
So you do know me.
CHARLEY
Stop fooling.
JACK
You're the one talking.
CHARLEY
Ya, well, get back to work, before I start whipping.
JACK
You don't have a whip Charely.
CHARLEY
I'll go get one.
JACK
Where? We're in the middle of nowhere.
CHARLEY
I ain't asked for your opinion.
JACK
Just saying.
CHARLEY
Ya? And how about I fire you?
JACK
Can't.
CHARLEY
Why the hell not?
A long pause. A shrill whistle.
JACK
The workdays over.
Jack walks away.
CHARLEY
You're finished Jack! You hear me? Finished!
JACK
What?
CHARLEY
I said your finished! Finished!
JACK
What?
CHARLEY
I said
JACK
What?
CHARLEY
Goddamn't Jack, will you just get your goddamn ass back over here?
JACK
Sorry. Can't boss. Workdays over. Maybe tomorrow though, ya?
Jack walks away. Charley kicks the railroad tracks. Brutal obsinities.
Jo chuckles. Charley glares. Jo swings her hammer again.
Charley approaches.
CHARLEY
You laughin honey?
Jo goes on working.
CHARLEY
Hey sweetie, I'm talking to you. You can hear, can't ya? You ain't deaf and dumb, is you?
Jo swings the hammer methodically.
CHARLEY
You is, ain't ya? One of those dumb deaf mute people? Splains a whole lot, actually. Only stupid people work like that. You know we ain't pays ya much, don't ya? No more than Jack over there and he ain't do shit. So spose you break for a while, ya? Give it a rest. Rest them aching little feet of yours for a bit.
Still Jo swings.
CHARLEY
Hey! You listening?
Jo pauses, looks up
CHARLEY
I know ya ain't hear much but why don't you use those pretty little eyes of yours to read these lips. The day's over sweetheart. Ya hear? Over. Done with. No more work. Ya?
Jo lifts her hammer. Charley grabs hold of her arm.
CHARLEY
I ain't done do that if I were you.
Jo slowly sets down the hammer.
CHARLEY
Good. Thats it. Now drop it.
Charley wraps his hands around the sledgehammer. Jo hesitates.
CHARLEY
Come on now. It ain't so hard. Just drop the damn thing. Then we can both go on and get.
Jo tightens her grip.
CHARLEY
I said drop it!
Charley pushes, shoves. Jo falls. Charley leers.
CHARLEY
Go on now. Get. And don't you none come back now, ya hear?
Jo wipes herself off, stands, pushes past Charley.
Charley grabs her arm, leans in close, whispers.
CHARLEY
That is, less I be gettin somethin out of this.
Jo pushes Charley off and walks away.
CHARLEY
Your loss!
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
A vast, empty expanse, dotted by beleagured shacks. Jo trudges her way along the dirt path.
A hiss, a rattle. Jo pauses, hesitates, looks all around.
Nothing but the darkness which enshrouds.
Jo sighs, continues on, a little brisker.
A growl. Jo stops again.
Nothing still. Jo continues a little faster still.
A guttural gurgle, louder, closer, almost upon her.
Jo stops, turns all around, searching the darkness.
Nothing. No one.
Jo walks even faster.
Shrill screams of devilish laughter.
Jo begins to run.
Faster. Faster. Running, sprinting, huffing, puffing.
Jo trips, falls, tears innocent flesh. Blood sprawled across the desert floor.
From the shadows, enveloped in faint moonlight, withdraws Charley, snarling.
Jo crawls, kicks, flails. Charley pounces, on top of Jo.
Screaming, wailing, cloth ripping. Charley writhing with unkempt pleasure.
Jo grabs, clutches, smears dirt over eager eyes.
Wails of agony.
Jo kicks, stumbles away.
Faster. Faster. Further. Farther.
Charley limping after in ghoulish ecstacy.
Trip. Stumble. Fall.
Iron tracks flay beaten flesh. Charley cackles, sneers, leers.
Charley kicks Jo in the stomach.
Coughing. Heaving. Blood. Vomit.
Charley snarls, claws Jo's hair, drags her down the tracks.
Jo slashes, flails, screams. Useless.
Charley throws her aside, gathers a hammer left behind. Jo tries to crawl away.
A smashed leg. Feral pain. Charley throws the hammer aside.
Charley unbuckles his belt, straddles Jo, gathers flailing arms, entraps them in cheap leather, presses her head into the dirt, and unbottons himself.
Jo wraps her hands around the belt, pulls. Charley stumbles forward. Jo bites, hard.
Charley screams in wretched pain, writhing in agony.
Charley pushes, pulls, throws himself off her, half his cheek torn off him.
Charley reaches for the hammer: gone.
Charley smashed across the head.
Blood oozes from a quivering skull.
Jo leverages the sledge hammer, stands.
Charley gurgles nonsense.
Jo limps away.
EXT. STATION - DAY
Morning light envelopes a barren horizon, engulfing a train and all the men on it.
Jo leans against her sledgehammer, leg wrapped in bandages. Jack approaches.
JACK
You're not thinking of getting on that thing, are you?
Jo smiles.
JO
Not yet.
JACK
Better get back to work then. New boss'll be here soon.
JO
Already is.
JACK
Ya? Who?
Jo smirks.
JACK
So you're one of them now, huh?
JO
Guess so.
JACK
Gonna start bossing me around with that there whip of yours?
JO
Already do.
JACK
Ain't that the truth! When do you start?
A whistle blows.
JO
Already have.
Jack tips his hat, walks off.
An 8 year old boy approaches.
BOY
Ms. Jo?
JO
What can I do for ya kid?
BOY
A telegram. From the office.
JO
What office?
BOY
The big one. Where the bosses work.
JO
Ya? Whats it say?
The boy looks peevishly away.
JO
Ah cmon kid, I know you read it.
BOY
Says it needs to be done in a few weeks time or you're as good as finished.
JO
What does?
BOY
The tracks. All of them. Everything.
Jo chuckles.
JO
It can't say that. Give me that.
Jo snatches the telegram, studies the letter. Her face goes pale.
BOY
What should I tell em?
JO
Tell em to shove it up their ass!
BOY
Really?
JO
No....tell em...tell em it'll be done.
BOY
Yes Ms. Jo.
The boy scutters off.
JO
And kid.
The boy stops, turns.
JO
Don't lie to me again.
BOY
Yes Ms. Jo.
The boy runs off.
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
Jo surveys iron tracks, limping along with a hammer as her cane, studying the men which glisten in pale moonlight.
Jack wipes sweat from his furrowed brow.
JACK
We've been working for days, Jo. Can't we yet break?
JO
No.
JACK
These men are just men, Jo. You can't treat em like this.
JO
I'll treat em how I wish.
JACK
They need to live, Jo. Food, water, drink.
JO
They're breathing, aren't they?
JACK
They won't be if you keep working em like this.
JO
Hard work's good for you.
JACK
You must've forgotten.
JO
Forgotten what?
JACK
Hardworks no good, Jo.
JO
A lot of good its done me.
JACK
That's just luck. Him leaving like that. That's not hardwork. That's just luck.
JO
You make your own luck.
Jack chuckles, spits.
JACK
Figures. Would've spected more out of you.
JO
What's that?
JACK
You're a cheap slut.
Jo slaps Jack. Jack spits.
JACK
And you got me out here thinking I'm worth a damn.
Jack drops his hammer, walks away.
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Jo hammers away at a rusting nail, sweat beseeching a weary brow.
Jack walks up beside.
JACK
Little early for work, boss.
JO
Go away Jack.
JACK
Go away? This is my job you're at.
JO
Not anymore.
Jack chuckles.
JACK
Whats that?
JO
You're done Jack. Go home.
JACK
You're a funny one Jo.
JO
You are.
JACK
Now Jo, I know yesterday things got a bit heated, but you have to understand
JO
This is just business.
JACK
Alright Jo, the jokes getting old. Why don't you just hand me that there hammer there and we can both get back to workin.
JO
You don't have a job, Jack. I don't know how to make that more clear.
JACK
This isn't funny anymore Jo. So just give me that there hammer now, will ya?
JO
I'm sorry, Jack. Its just how it is.
JACK
Out of your control, huh?
JO
I didn't say that.
JACK
Well what the hell are you saying?!
JO
Just what I said. You're out of a job.
JACK
According to who? Charley? He don't work here no more!
JO
Not Charley, Jack.
JACK
Then who? Who? Who the hell fires the best goddamn crew this crummy little railroad ever had?
JO
You.
JACK
I'm sorry.
JO
You did Jack. Last night. When you walked out.
JACK
What about everyone else?
JO
Them too. This is a new crew.
JACK
So thats just it then? After all this? After everything I did?
JO
I told you not to go.
JACK
Jesus Christ Jo! I was running on three days without a wink of sleep! Can't a guy catch a break?
JO
I did. You're free.
JACK
Well hallelujah! Thank the goddamn lord almighty! My all and powerful Mastah found it in her heart to free little old me! Oh gosh, oh golly, ain't I just a lucky fella?
Jo sets down her hammer.
JO
Theres work in the valley.
JACK
Woo wee! Ain't I a lucky fella! Findin work for poor old me!
JO
I think its time you leave.
JACK
Ya? What for? Don't got no job no more. No sir ree. Just you and me.
Jo sighs, nods to two men down the tracks.
JACK
Them your crew? Your gang? Your muscle? Gonna get rid of me? Try me.
Two men lumber towards him. Jack punches the first in the jaw, tosses the other aside.
The first man trips Jack, the other climbs on top.
Jack struggles, strains, writhes, spits. The two men wrangle him down.
JACK
Can't even fight for your own battles!
Jo nods. The two men step back. Jack wipes blood from his face, stands.
JACK
I won't hit a lady.
JO
Then this will be easy.
Jo punches Jack hard in the stomach. Jack falls to his knees, coughs, heaves.
JO
I don't wanna hurt you Jack.
Jack cackles.
JACK
A little too late for that.
Jack tackles Jo. The two squirm across the desert floor, first one on top, then the other.
Jack gains the advantage, holds Jo down. Jo smirks.
JACK
What are you smiling at?
JO
You don't get it Jack. Thats not how this works.
JACK
What do you mean?
JO
Think this'll get you your job back?
JACK
Whats it to you?
JO
The pays good, Jack. The work too. Take it. They'll need your whole crew.
Jack spits, stands, brushes blood, dust.
JACK
Better than this?
JO
Better than nothing.
Jack nods, wipes his lips.
JACK
Ya, well, whoever needed you?
EXT. SHACK - DAY
The squeal of a whistle. Jo leans against a wooden frame, smoking a cheap cigarette. Men hobble to hovels.
Jack stops in front of Jo.
JACK
What do you want, Jo?
JO
Rents been due for over three weeks now.
JACK
Yours now too, huh?
JO
Just don't tell anybody.
JACK
Maybe I will.
JO
With what proof?
Jack grimaces, spits.
JACK
You know I ain't got it.
JO
I know that Jack.
JACK
So what do you want then?
JO
I can't let you back in.
JACK
Why the hell not?
JO
Its already lived in.
JACK
While I was working?
JO
You had three weeks Jack. You're lucky I gave you that.
JACK
Lucky, am I, that you threw me out on my ass? That makes me lucky, does it?
JO
Look at your crew, Jack, they never miss rent.
JACK
They don't got nobody at all!
JO
Neither do you.
JACK
Think I don't got a ma and pops?
JO
They do too, and seem to be doing just fine.
JACK
Bullshit. You've been cutting our pay ever since you bought Milo out.
JO
He was old, Jack, you know that.
JACK
You cut him short by half!
JO
The company was bankrupt.
JACK
Because you kept underselling them!
JO
He never has to work another day in his life.
JACK
And now you got us back, on top of that.
JO
Quit then.
JACK
You know there ain't another job around for another hundred miles now that you gone and bought out the only other railroad corporation.
JO
Then quit complainin.
JACK
And what, exactly, am I supposed to do instead, now that I don't even got a place to rest my head?
Jo nods to a ramshackle down the road.
JO
Theres a room to rent there.
JACK
Thats yours.
JO
I know.
Jack chuckles.
JACK
I'm the only friend you ever got, and not only are you kicking me out of my own home, but your charging me rent for a cheap couch?
JO
I'm offering you a place to live.
JACK
You're delusional, you know that? I work my ass off for little to nothin and now you come hounding me for what little I have left! And then, when I don't even got that, not a goddamn penny to my name, you take the shirt right off my back.
Jo tosses her cigarette aside.
JO
Forget it Jack. I'm sorry about your place. If you change your mind, I'll be close by.
Jo walks off.
Jack punches the shack until his hand bleeds.
EXT. GENERAL STORE - NIGHT
Jo leans against the store, pulling heavily from a cheap cigarette, sighing with annoyance as a lackey, LUCKY, approaches.
LUCKY
We got a problem.
JO
What?
LUCKY
Ain't nobody workin.
JO
Shit.
Jo stomps out her cigarette, pushes past Lucky, and hurries up the hill.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - NIGHT
Sitting, lying, smoking, hundreds of men rest their weary bodies upon unfinished tracks.
Jo stands aghast with Lucky by her side.
JO
Where is he?
LUCKY
Who?
JO
Jack goddamn't! Where is he?
LUCKY
Why he's back home boss.
JO
What home?
LUCKY
Why, don't ya know? He been rentin your place for a while now.
Jo pushes Lucky aside and stomps towards the house at the end of the road.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Jack sips from a flask with a devilish smirk, chuckling as Jo approaches.
Jo grabs Jack by the collar and pulls him close.
JO
What did you do Jack?
JACK
I ain't do nothin.
JO
Bullshit.
Jo throws Jack aside.
Jack brushes dust off his jacket, stands.
JACK
What they did is theirs to do.
JO
What for?
JACK
Hell if I know.
JO
You put em up to this!
JACK
I didn't do nothing.
JO
You told em to do this.
JACK
I didn't tell anyone anything.
JO
What did you threaten, their work, their pay?
JACK
I didn't threaten nothin.
JO
Well you sure as hell did something!
JACK
Sure I did.
JO
And what, pray tell, is that?
JACK
I quit. And they just so happened to do so too.
JO
Then tell them to get the hell off my land.
JACK
Can't.
JO
Why not?
JACK
Its not yours to take.
JO
I paid for it, didn't I?
JACK
The company did.
JO
Because of me!
JACK
Because of the profit.
JO
Which just so happened because of me.
JACK
And I'm sure their mighty grateful.
JO
And they put me in charge, me. This is my project, my decision. And your crew will get the hell back to work this minute.
JACK
No.
JO
I'm sorry?
JACK
No.
JO
Its not a question.
JACK
Its not an answer.
JO
Stop fooling!
JACK
I ain't.
JO
What do you call this then?
JACK
Talking.
JO
Ya? Is that what we're doing? Is that what this is? Just, talking?
JACK
Sure enough.
JO
Well why don't you go talk to your crew and tell them their out of work again!
JACK
Can't.
JO
Then I'll tell them myself.
JACK
Can't do that neither.
JO
And why the hell not?
JACK
They quit, member? Bout an hour ago. Can't fire people without no job.
JO
Then get them the hell off my land.
JACK
Can't.
JO
Why the hell not?
JACK
Not my men.
JO
Then who the hells are they?
JACK
Their own.
JO
You're gonna regret this.
JACK
Am I?
JO
Just you wait.
JACK
What for?
JO
I'll make sure you never work another day in your life.
Jack shrugs.
JACK
Gonna be hard though.
JO
What?
JACK
Working without a crew.
JO
You conceded asshole. You think thats my problem. I could be back up in under in hour!
JACK
Why don't ya then?
JO
People might get killed.
JACK
You threatening me?
JO
No. Just talking.
JACK
Well you ain't gonna find em.
JO
Did before.
JACK
Sure. When there was work. Now there ain't.
JO
I got a train full of iron that begs to differ.
Jack smirks.
JACK
You go ahead and try. See how that works out for ya.
Jo pushes past Jack, stomps off.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
Jo hammers away at a nail, another, another, pauses to wipe sweat from her brow.
Jack walks up to Jo, chuckles.
JACK
Gonna do that all on your own, are ya?
JO
Another crews coming.
JACK
Ain't ya heard?
JO
What?
JACK
Mechanical trouble. Broke down a while back.
Jo sighs.
JO
You can't stop them forever, Jack.
JACK
Stop them? Why they're right here in town!
Jo stops, turns.
JO
What?
JACK
Sure. Nice fellas, too. Too bad that drink got to em.
Jo tightens her grip upon the hammer.
JACK
Woah there, Jo. I ain't no Charley.
Jo spits on the ground.
JO
Least he tells me when he's gonna screw me.
JACK
Now Jo, thats no way to see the world. This is just business.
JO
What do you get out of all this?
JACK
Not much. Just good company.
JO
You won't last.
JACK
Don't have to.
JO
Everyones gotta eat.
JACK
Eat, sure. But we're not too worried about that.
JO
Why not?
JACK
Bosses comin in soon. And when they do, finding not a lick of work out of you, well, I can't imagine they'll take to that too kindly.
JO
We'll see.
JACK
I s'pose we will.
Jack walks away.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Jo trudges her way back to the house, Jack sitting on steps, sipping from a flask.
Jo snatches the flask and downs every last drop.
JACK
That bad?
JO
Worse.
JACK
I was sort of hoping to get back to work.
JO
You are.
Jack chuckles.
JACK
Ya? You gonna pay us what we're owed?
JO
Already are.
JACK
Jesus christ Jo! Don't you know a damn thing about negotiating?
JO
I got you the day off, didn't I?
JACK
We quit for christs sake.
JO
And you had your fun. Now its time to get back to work.
JACK
Its not gonna happen Jo.
JO
Has to.
JACK
Why?
JO
You'll all starve otherwise.
JACK
Still on that, huh?
JO
Anyone who works gets to eat. Anyone who doesn't, doesn't.
JACK
It won't work Jo. A man can't work for nothing.
JO
I'd say a life is a lot more than nothing.
Jack shakes his head, stands, spits.
JO
Where ya going?
JACK
Can't sleep here no more. People think I'd be sleeping with the enemy.
JO
You are.
JACK
And look what good thats done me.
JO
You got nowhere to go Jack.
JACK
Can't afford it.
JO
Just stay the night. I won't count it against you.
JACK
A real saint. But I'll take my chances. Plenty of people will offer their home to a hero.
JO
A hero today, a villain tomorrow.
JACK
We'll see.
Jack tips his hat, walks away.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
Jo hammers away at a nail. Another. Another. Working the whole from sunrise to sunset without a single soul beside her.
Another day passes in the same manner.
Another. Another.
A young girl approaches, sillhouetted by the rising sun.
GIRL
Ms. Jo?
JO
What do you want kid?
GIRL
I'm hungry Ms. Jo.
JO
You got arms, legs.
The little girl cackles.
GIRL
Course I do! Ain't just bout everybody?
JO
Then go grab that there wheelbarrow and get me some iron.
GIRL
What for?
JO
Hungry, aren't ya?
GIRL
Yesm. Very much so.
JO
Work and you won't be.
The little girl eyes her suspiciously.
GIRL
What bout my family?
JO
They work and they eat too.
GIRL
What if I just give em my food?
JO
Then you'll be even more hungry.
GIRL
I ain't never been more hungry than I am now!
JO
Will be if you're working.
GIRL
Ain't they get mad? Working for you?
JO
Better than hungry.
GIRL
S'pose thats true.
The little girl grabs the wheelbarrow and wanders off.
INT. GENERAL STORE - NIGHT
A long legged man, LENNY, rests his weary soles upon a wooden counter, hat tipped low, eyes closed, snoring quietly.
A bell stutters. Lenny jumps, startled. Jo and the little girl step into the store.
LENNY
Well howdy there Ms. Jo. Ain't it a little late for a little young lady like yourself?
JO
I'm no lady, Lenny.
LENNY
What about her?
JO
Get her whatever she wants.
LENNY
Ain't done lowed to give no credits.
JO
None given. This girl works for a living.
LENNY
It ain't so!
GIRL
Is too! I worked all day! All on my own.
LENNY
That true?
Jo smiles, nods. Lenny leans over the counter, beckons Jo in close.
LENNY
Now I know you done got a point to make Ms. Jo, and that little girl's mighty cute, but ain't you think these good fine people have had enough of this yet?
JO
Its not up to me Lenny. Its up to them.
LENNY
But ain't none of them eat for days now. Soon they gonna start dropping.
JO
If they work, they eat, they know that.
LENNY
But the children, Ms. Jo. Ain't you ever think about them?
Jo looks over to the little girl, stuffing her arms full of chocolates and candies.
JO
What do you call her?
LENNY
It ain't none right what you're doing Ms. Jo. Little girls meant to cook, not work.
JO
Think I shud quit?
LENNY
Now you know that ain't what I meant!
JO
Then get back to work Lenny. Ring this little girl up. And get her some real food, too. I need her back to work real soon.
LENNY
Sure Ms. Jo. But don't think I'm none doing this for you.
Lenny searches the cabinets for food.
JO
Why should you? This is good for you and the girl too; whats to lose?
LENNY
All those other little bous and girls that ain't got no food.
JO
Thats up to them.
LENNY
And what if they can't? What if Jack won't none let em?
JO
She did. Why can't they?
LENNY
I don't like it Ms. Jo. I just don't like it.
Jo gathers the food Lenny provided.
JO
You don't have to.
Jo gathers the little girl and the two step out of the store.
Jack enters.
LENNY
Now Jack, don't you none go startin nothin now, you know there ain't nothing I can do.
JACK
That bitch is running us dry Lenny. We're running out of food. What good is any of this to you? Its just gonna rot. What goods that gonna do?
LENNY
Orders are orders, Jack. I ain't none make the rules.
JACK
But you're following em. Ain't ya?
LENNY
Sure. But them the rules.
JACK
The rules of a tyrant are meant to be broken.
LENNY
And who's to say you ain't the tyrant?
JACK
I ain't the one starving everybody!
LENNY
Now I ain't none like what that Ms. Jo done doin, but I'm working, ain't I? Gettin my keep. And I ain't starving. So whats wrong with you?
JACK
You're gonna regret this Lenny. You're not gonna like who you become.
LENNY
What? Full? S'pose I'd like that very much. And I s'pose them women start liking it too.
JACK
You're a fool Lenny. This is no good for you.
Lenny shrugs.
LENNY
When it ain't I'll up and quit.
JACK
Promise me that.
LENNY
What?
JACK
When its no good for you, you'll quit.
LENNY
Sure. I'd quit. What else I'd do?
JACK
Thats all I needed.
Jack walks out of the store.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Snippets of feral flames snap and crackle and bellow, billowing smoke acorss the vapid expanse.
Clanging. Banging. Yelling.
Lucky slams against Jo's door.
Jo opens the door, groggy, irritated, tired, hypnotized by insipid flames.
The general store, aflame.
JO
Wheres Lenny?
LUCKY
Don't none know boss. Came here first.
JO
Find him.
LUCKY
Yes Ms. Jo.
Lucky runs down the dirt road.
Jo steps down onto the road and gawks at the flames. Jack withdraws from the shadows.
JACK
Shame bout that store.
Jo pounces, grabs Jack by the collar.
JO
Where is he?
Jack cackles.
JACK
Why who, Ms. Jo?
JO
Goddamn't Jack, this isn't funny! Wheres Lenny?
Jack shrugs.
Jo throws him aside and chases after the flames.
EXT. GENERAL STORE - NIGHT
Men. Women. Children. Ooing. Awwing. Gawking. Circling the fire.
Jo pushes past. Flames snip, snap, bite.
Lucky runs up to Jo.
LUCKY
Can't none find him nowhere Ms. Jo. Not a single trace to where he's got to.
JO
Get me a bucket of water.
LUCKY
I don't none think one buckets gonna do it Ms. Jo.
JO
Now, Lucky.
LUCKY
Yes Ms. Jo.
Lucky pushes through the crowd, past the crowd, to a well, fills the bucket set beside, and runs back to Jo.
LUCKY
Now what?
JO
Dump it on me.
LUCKY
Ms. Jo?
JO
Poor the water over my head.
LUCKY
You ain't thinking straight Ms. Jo.
JO
Do it!
Lucky does as he's told.
Jo shivers.
JO
If I'm not back in three minutes, get Jack.
LUCKY
What for?
JO
He should know what all this is good for.
LUCKY
Ms. Jo. I ain't none think this is much of a good idea.
JO
Of course not Lucky. But Lenny might be in there.
LUCKY
Probably already dead already.
JO
Probably.
LUCKY
Then whats the point of risking your life like this?
JO
He might not be.
Jo runs into the fire.
INT. GENERAL STORE - NIGHT
Inspid flames cleave and claw, smoke blinding the rancid landscape.
Jo coughs, gags, yells.
JO
Lenny!
Not a sound. Walls begin to crumble. Infrastructure corrodes.
Jo pushes through the store: no sign of Lenny.
A wood beam falls, blocking the door, Jo ducks, curses, jumps over a counter.
Smoke grows thick, impenetrable. Jo haws, heaves, coughs, gags, falls to all fours.
Still no sign of Lenny.
The fire grows hotter, hotter. Jo crawls beside the base board, struggling towards the back door.
Flames snip and snap and bite and burn.
Jo curses, reaches the door. Pushes. Pulls. The door won't open.
Harder. Harder. Harder.
Still the door won't open.
Jo grows tired, exhausted, falls to the ground, succumbs to exhaustion.
A long moment passes.
The door bursts open.
Jack wraps himself around her and pulls her out of the fire.
EXT. GENERAL STORE - NIGHT
Jack lays Jo on the ground, far off from the fire, people shushing and hushing and crowding.
LUCKY
What'd you do to her Jack?
JACK
You're the one who let her rush into that there fire!
LUCKY
I can't much stop her!
JACK
You coulda killed her!
LUCKY
I ain't the one who started the damn thing!
Jack spits.
JACK
Get the doctor.
LUCKY
You ain't the boss of me.
JACK
Well if you don't, you won't have one.
LUCKY
Ain't none my fault.
JACK
Will be if you don't do nothin.
LUCKY
I ain't even know where theys at.
JACK
Get a fucking doctor!
Lucky cowers, runs away. Jack turns back to Jo, cradling her face.
JACK
Now Jo, I need you to answer me, okay? This isn't funny no more. I need you to talk to me. Don't do this Jo. Don't do this. I know you and me haven't seen eye to eye on things, but this ain't worth no negotiating. I need you to wake up for me Jo. Just wake up. Can you do that for me? Can you just wake up? Jo? Jo? Can you hear me? I need you to wake up for me. You can't just do this no more. Its not funny anymore. Just get up Jo. Just get up. Just open those eyes. Just open them right up. Everything will be okay. Everything will be just fine. We'll figure it out Jo. We'll figure it out. Just get up Jo. C'mon now, get up.
A doctor, MARY, pushes the crowd aside.
MARY
What happened?
JACK
Lucky, you imbecile! I said a doctor, not a nurse!
LUCKY
She is one, ain't ya?
MARY
I'm more concerned about her. Tell me what happened.
LUCKY
She ran into that there fire.
MARY
What the hell she go and do that for?
Lucky looks to Jack.
LUCKY
He knows.
Mary stares at Jack.
JACK
I don't know. Maybe she was struck stupid.
LUCKY
That ain't none why!
JACK
Well how the hell should I know?
LUCKY
She went looking for Lenny, thats why!
JACK
Well what kind of crazy bitch runs into a burning building?
MARY
A dying one.
JACK
What?
MARY
She's not breathing. And I can't find a heart beat either.
Jack stares, frozen.
JACK
What?
MARY
Move.
Mary pushes Jack aside, begins compressions.
Jack crawls back, shaking his head.
MARY
Someone get me some water!
Jack stumbles away.
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
Jack coughs, heaves, runs up to the well.
Lenny leans against the well, sipping water from it.
LENNY
I don't like this Jack.
Jack reaches for a bucket, Lenny pulls it back.
JACK
Give it to me Lenny.
LENNY
I ain't none gonna do that Jack.
JACK
Oh for fucks sake!
LENNY
I ain't none like where this is going Jack.
JACK
Give me the goddamn bucket Lenny! I need the bucket!
LENNY
What for?
JACK
Just give it to me!
Jack lurches. Lenny lunges, quicker than Jack.
LENNY
Not till you none tell me what this is all for.
JACK
None of your goddamn business Lenny.
LENNY
Like hell it ain't. Thats my work you just set a flame.
JACK
Had to.
LENNY
What for?
JACK
Ain't nobody listenin!
LENNY
Who?
JACK
Eveyrbody! This whole goddamn towns gone mad!
LENNY
Ain't my fault ain't nobody working.
JACK
For what, Lenny? For what? Scraps? Bones? A full days work and we can barely get crumbs.
Lenny shrugs.
LENNY
I ain't need no more than I got.
JACK
Well some people do.
LENNY
Selfish. Thats all. Just downright selfish.
JACK
We ain't the ones starving the whole town!
LENNY
And ain't she none neither. Just doin her job, thats all. And yours too, for that matter.
JACK
She'll starve you, just like the rest of us. Thats what she'll do. Starve this whole damn town to destitute.
LENNY
And what bout you Jack? Think you any better? You starving them too.
JACK
Just give me the bucket.
LENNY
You ain't none said what for.
JACK
Jo, Lenny. Jo needs the water. She ran into that building looking for you.
Lenny drops the bucket.
LENNY
That ain't true.
Jack approaches.
JACK
As true as me and you.
LENNY
Can't be.
JACK
Go see for yourself.
Jack lurches, Lenny lunges.
LENNY
You did this.
JACK
Now Lenny.
LENNY
You did this!
JACK
Now Lenny, you know that ain't true.
LENNY
You told her I was in there! You told her I was dying.
JACK
You know I didn't none do that.
LENNY
Then why? Why? Why'd she run into that burning building?
JACK
I don't know Lenny. I don't know. Maybe she was greedy. Maybe there was money.
LENNY
That ain't true! That ain't true! You killed her Jack. You gone and done killed that poor girl.
Jack pounces, tackles, the two roll across the desert floor.
First one on top, then the other.
Pushing, pulling, flailing, writhing.
Jack gains the advantage, pushes, shoves, punches.
Harder, harder, harder.
Lenny stops moving. Still Jack keeps beating.
Again. Again. Again.
Jack stops, exhausted, climbs off, fills the bucket with water, and walks back towards the still burning building.
EXT. GENERAL STORE - NIGHT
Jack pushes, shoves, held back by Lucky.
LUCKY
I can't let ya none do that Jack.
JACK
What?
LUCKY
Bosses orders.
JACK
She's awake?
LUCKY
No thanks to you.
JACK
Let me see her.
Jack tries to push past. Held back.
LUCKY
No can do Jacky. Them orders come straight from the top.
JACK
That ain't funny Lucky.
LUCKY
I ain't laughing.
JACK
Then let go.
LUCKY
Can't, till you turn around and go right on home.
JACK
That is my home!
LUCKY
Not no more it ain't.
Jack punches Lucky in the jaw. Lucky stumbles, spits, knees Jack in the stomach.
Jack falls. Lucky kicks.
LUCKY
I ain't none gonna fight ya Jack. Go on home now.
Jack spits blood.
JACK
Can't.
LUCKY
What for?
JACK
I ain't got none.
LUCKY
I ain't asked ya if ya did. I said get, so get.
Jack clambers to his feet. Lucky takes a menacing step forwaed. Jack holds his hands high, feigning false innocence.
Lucky spits in his face. Jack bares his teeth.
JACK
She ain't worth all that.
LUCKY
Worth more than you.
JACK
Might be. But she ain't got no food.
LUCKY
Neither do you.
Jack shrugs.
JACK
Says you.
LUCKY
Whats that supposed to mean?
Jack snickers, shrugs.
JACK
Whats you think?
Jack walks away.
Lucky walks back to Jo, cradled by Mary.
Jo coughs, spits blood.
LUCKY
She gonna make it?
MARY
Had a scare back there for a minute. But she'll be alright. Just needs a little rest for a little while.
LUCKY
She ain't none gonna like that.
MARY
You like her?
LUCKY
Sure I do.
MARY
Then don't let her.
LUCKY
Ain't gonna be none easy.
MARY
Better than dead.
Lucky nods solemnly.
Rain begins to trickle down upon the desert.
LUCKY
Thats a goddamn miracle.
Mary frowns.
MARY
Not much. The foods already burned up.
LUCKY
If there even was any.
MARY
What do you mean?
LUCKY
Jack back there says they still got some.
MARY
Where?
LUCKY
Don't know. Just talk.
Mary looks Jo over.
MARY
Well lets just get on home for the time being. We can worry bout all that later.
LUCKY
Whatever you say Ms. Mary.
Lucky picks up Jo and carries her back home. Mary follows.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
Lucky hammers in one nail after another, hawing and heaving and sweating profusely. The little girl approaches with a wheelbarrow full of iron.
GIRL
Why ain't Ms Jo around Mr? She ain't sick, is she?
LUCKY
Just a little tired is all.
GIRL
I tired too and I ain't quittin.
LUCKY
She ain't quittin kid. She's bedridden.
GIRL
Whats that mean?
LUCKY
Means she can't none move for a little while still.
GIRL
What for?
LUCKY
Running into that fire.
GIRL
What'd she go and do that for?
LUCKY
S'pose to help Lenny probably.
GIRL
Ain't Lenny nowhere near that there fire nohow. Jack gottem way before.
LUCKY
Ya?
GIRL
Saw em myself. Talkin and all that.
LUCKY
Bout what?
GIRL
Bout that food.
LUCKY
What about it?
GIRL
Said he'd good and buy it. All of it. Good price too.
LUCKY
Jack said that?
GIRL
Sure did. And Lenny sold it to him too.
LUCKY
Where'd he get money like that?
GIRL
Probably stole it.
LUCKY
Ain't nobody got money like that.
GIRL
Nobody but Ms. Jo.
Lucky stops.
LUCKY
Jack ain't never do that.
The little girl shrugs.
GIRL
Where'd he get it then?
LUCKY
You tell anybody?
The girl shakes her head.
GIRL
Ain't nobody never done listen to me nohow.
LUCKY
Keep it that way.
GIRL
Ain't ya gonna tell Ms. Jo?
LUCKY
Sure...you hungry kid?
GIRL
Starving.
LUCKY
Lets go get ourselves somethin to eat.
Lucky drops his hammer and the little girl skips beside, the two heading towards town.
EXT. SHACK - DAY
Lucky slams on the door of a dilapidated shack.
LUCKY
Ain't no use in none hiding Lenny. I knows ya in there!
LENNY
Ain't I lowed some peace and quiet?
LUCKY
Not till you done talk to me and this little girl here!
LENNY
What girl?
LUCKY
The girl from the tracks. Says she knows ya.
LENNY
I ain't knows no girl.
LUCKY
Says she heard you talking to Jack.
A long pause. A heavy limp. The door opens.
LENNY
Get in here and shut your trap.
The two step into the shack.
EXT. BAR - DAY
Jack leans against a shabby wall, smoking a cheap cigarette, watching as Lucky and the little girl disembark from Lenny's shack.
Jack extinguishes the cigarette and walks over to Lenny's shack.
Jack knocks.
LENNY
Ain't you got enough Lucky?
JACK
Its Jack.
A long, trepidatiois silence.
LENNY
Thats what I said, ain't it?
JACK
You said Lucky.
LENNY
Ain't said nothin.
JACK
Think I'm deaf Lenny?
LENNY
Ain't said deaf. Just heard wrong, is all.
JACK
Ya? So I s'pose I saw wrong too. When that little girl and Lucky came out of your room.
A long pause.
LENNY
S'pose so.
JACK
You gonna let me in Lenny?
LENNY
What for?
JACK
Just to talk, is all.
LENNY
You can good and talk from the other side of the door.
JACK
Now Lenny, don't be rude.
LENNY
I ain't being nothing.
JACK
Lenny...I'm not asking.
LENNY
Kick down the damn door then! Let the whole goddamn town listen in!
Jack turns to the faces which stare.
JACK
Alright Lenny. I'll be seeing you then! You have a nice day now, ya hear?
LENNY
Ain't ya none come on back now, ya hear?
Jack grimaces, curses, steps across the street and into the bar, hiding his face from the many staring eyes.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Jack tumbles, stumbles, trips, holds himself upright, steps towards the house which Jo inhabits.
Lucky, sitting on the porch, smoking a cigarette, stands as Jack approaches.
LUCKY
What do you want Jack?
JACK
I ain't want nothing!
LUCKY
Then get going.
JACK
Where? I ain't got a friend in the wolrd.
LUCKY
Ain't my trouble.
JACK
No. S'pose you on that high horse with Ms. Jo. Ain't you? Riding around like you own the damn place.
LUCKY
Just doing my job, thats all.
JACK
Sure. Sure. You and the whole goddamn town! Ain't no one give a damn bout me.
LUCKY
Why don't you go on and get. Find some place to sleep.
JACK
Ain't nobody take in a fool like me. Sacrificing his whole life for what? Scraps. Bones. Ain't I just a fool?
LUCKY
Well I don't know bout all that but why don't you go on and get some sleep.
JACK
I wanna talk to her.
LUCKY
Can't. She's asleep.
JACK
What for?
LUCKY
Probably resting from that fire she went and ran into.
JACK
And I s'pose you blame me?
LUCKY
Didn't none say that.
JACK
Didn't none have to. I see the way you look at me. Mary. The whole damn town. Even Ms. Jo gone right on and hate me.
LUCKY
S'pose thats something you went and brought on yourself.
JACK
You ever heard of Ed?
LUCKY
The guy that went and screwed his mom?
JACK
Killed his pa too.
LUCKY
Sure. I heard of him.
JACK
Well thats me, ain't it?
LUCKY
You ain't killed nobody. Bout your ma, though, I can't none say.
JACK
No you filthy rotten good for nothing; its fate, ain't it? He was doomed to it. Parents did everything they could to get rid of him. Sold him off and everything. Fortune teller said it was gonna happen and no matter what they did it did. He might not none known it, but he gone and done did it, just like the gypsy went and said he would.
LUCKY
Whats that got to do with you?
JACK
I'm Ed!
LUCKY
No you ain't. You Jack.
JACK
No not like that. I mean I'm just like him. Doomed to all that.
LUCKY
Ain't no fortune teller tellin you nothin.
JACK
Ain't none have to. I know it myself. I ain't never gonna win nothing. No matter what I do.
LUCKY
That mean you're givin in?
JACK
That ain't mean nothing.
LUCKY
If you ain't worth nothin, like you just done said, why keep on keeping on like this?
JACK
Just cus I ain't worth nothin don't mean she gotta be worth something.
LUCKY
What do you got it in for her for?
Jack spits.
JACK
People like that, they ain't worth nothin. Less than even me even. They get good and rich off of people like us. They use us for what we're worth and then they throw us out with the bathwater.
LUCKY
She ain't never none treat me no wrong.
JACK
Thats cus you're still worth something. Come on back when you ain't worth nothin.
Jack stumbles off.
LUCKY
Ya doin wrong Jack! You just gone and done wrong! Ain't nobody gonna be happy at the end of all this!
JACK
Ain't nobody that ever was.
Jack stumbles off into the desert.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
Jo hobbles her way down the dirt road, Mary close by her side.
Jo stops at the precipice of iron tracks, staring at a drunken man.
JO
Working, Jack?
Jack jumps, startled, sits up.
JACK
Whats that?
JO
Working?
JACK
Screw you.
JO
Then get off my tracks.
JACK
Why should I?
Jo sighs.
JO
Its not gonna work Jack.
JACK
Whats that?
JO
I got food coming in soon.
JACK
You ain't got no money.
JO
Insurance policy.
JACK
Course you do! Can't ever win nothing.
Jo looks down the street, whistles. Lucky comes running.
JACK
You treat him like a dog.
JO
A well trained one.
JACK
He won't always be there for you.
JO
No one will.
Lucky huffs and puffs as he wheezes in front of Jo.
LUCKY
What can I do for ya Ms. Jo?
Jo nods to Jack. Lucky nods, picks up Jack, and drags him off the tracks.
EXT. STATION - DAY
Lucky sets Jack against the shoddy shack. Jack moans.
JACK
You're a dog, Lucky.
LUCKY
Whats that?
JACK
A brute! An animal! A domesticated swine!
LUCKY
I ain't no animal.
Jack spits.
JACK
Then why does she treat ya like one?
LUCKY
She treats me just fine.
JACK
Sniffing around at her every beck and call. Doing whatever she says, no questions asks.
LUCKY
Ain't nothing wrong with no loyalty.
JACK
Course not. Sept it don't none go both ways.
LUCKY
Whats that supposed to mean?
JACK
She's no more loyal to you than a bloodhound. You get old and she'll shoot you just between the joels.
LUCKY
She ain't never killed nobody!
JACK
Figure of speech.
LUCKY
Know what I think?
JACK
Please, enlighten me.
LUCKY
I think you just plain stupid. Thats what I think. I think you go around doing what you do cus you got the devil in you.
JACK
Devil huh? He's mighty powerful.
LUCKY
Figure of speech.
JACK
Sure. Sept there ain't no God round these parts. She's just as much devil as me.
LUCKY
What good you done anybody?
JACK
Feedin the whole town while she goes on starving em.
LUCKY
With stolen money.
JACK
Robinhood is hardly a thief.
LUCKY
You ain't no robinhood. You ain't even little John. You just poor old Jack, putting people outta work.
JACK
What work? You think we can work for those scraps? Thats not work. Thats downright slavery! You know who owns that burned down store?
LUCKY
Ain't everybody knows its Lenny's.
Jack cackles.
JACK
Ain't never been Lenny! He's just the slave driver. That shacks been Jo's a long time since.
LUCKY
Ain't true!
JACK
And who do you think you're paying rent to?
LUCKY
The landlord, I suppose.
JACK
And who do you suppose that to be?
LUCKY
Ain't never much met him. Just send a check through the post like the rest of us.
JACK
Jo, Lucky. She owns that too.
LUCKY
Ain't true!
JACK
And the bar. You know who owns that?
LUCKY
Now I know for a fact Louie's always owned that. Gots his name on it and everything!
JACK
Its a front, Lucky. It all is. She owns this whole town. Every square inch.
LUCKY
That ain't true! That ain't true!
JACK
Then why don't you go ask?
LUCKY
S'pose I will! But it ain't none cus of you.
JACK
Sure Lucky. You ain't no dog.
LUCKY
Thats right! And if I wanna follow Ms. Jo, thats my right to.
JACK
Sure Lucky. Just go on and ask. Ask about that store, that bar, that rent. Ask her where all that money goin off to.
Lucky stomps off.
Jack digs through his pockets, withdraws a pack, a cigarette, lights it, sucks, blows.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
A whistle blows.
Lucky walks down the road with the little girl in hand, the little girl skipping and frolicking and whistling joyously.
JACK
Hey Lucky!
Lucky turns to find Jack not so far back, approaching. Lucky's grip tightens on the little girl.
LUCKY
Ain't nothing for ya Jack.
JACK
I know that. I just wanted to talk.
LUCKY
What for?
JACK
Seeing if you and Jo ever got gabbing.
LUCKY
Sure we did. All day long.
JACK
Then you know then.
LUCKY
Just that you're a liar, thats all.
JACK
Believed her, did ya?
LUCKY
Sure I did. She ain't got no reason to lie to me.
JACK
And what about you kid? You think she ain't none lying.
The little girl looks away, frightened.
JACK
Now come on now, tell it how it is.
LUCKY
Thats enough Jack.
JACK
Now come on now kid! Don't be shy! We all waiting for you!
LUCKY
Jack, thats enough.
JACK
Little girl! Ain't you heard me! You ain't stupid, is ya?
LUCKY
Jack!
GIRL
I ain't none stupid!
LUCKY
Course you ain't kid.
JACK
More of a liar, then.
GIRL
I ain't lyin!
JACK
No? Then tell the truth kid, tell it how it is. Tell him what you saw, what she did.
The little girl pauses, drops Lucky's hand.
LUCKY
Now don't you none listen to him kid, you ain't gotta say nothin.
GIRL
I gotta say what I gotta say and then thats it.
JACK
Go on kid. Tell him.
GIRL
Ms. Jo...Ms. Jo been getting them letters you send.
LUCKY
What letters?
GIRL
The ones at the post, the ones you always send.
LUCKY
I ain't never sent no letters.
GIRL
Sure you did. Always do. All you do.
LUCKY
You ain't making no sense.
GIRL
Sure I is. All those letters you send. Bout every month or so. They all goes to her.
LUCKY
Now don't you none lie to me kid.
GIRL
I ain't none lyin! Its the truth! Its true! I deliver em myself. Have been ever since I could.
Lucky turns on Jack.
LUCKY
You told her to say that! You told her to spit those false truths! You just playing me like you played Lenny too.
Jack smirks.
JACK
He doesn't believe you kid. Show him the proof.
The little girl withdraws a letter from her pocket, hands it over. Lucky snatches it. Reads it. His own rent, sent just two days ago.
LUCKY
Where'd you get this?
GIRL
The post.
LUCKY
Who gave it to you?
GIRL
Mailman. Always does. Every month.
LUCKY
This address ain't in town.
GIRL
Ms. Jo makes me ride out all on my own.
LUCKY
Where?
GIRL
Just a ways down the road.
LUCKY
Show me.
JACK
Lucky...
LUCKY
Show me goddamn't! If ain't none of you lying you can good and go show me!
The little girl shrugs, skips along the road.
Lucky follows the little girl. Jack hesitates, follows.
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Amongst dirt, rocks, and grime, resides a rusted old mailbox, swaying in the wind.
The little girl approaches, followed by two men.
The little girl opens the mailbox, withdraws some letters, and hands them to Lucky.
Lucky studies each, swallows hard.
Jack lays a hand upon Lucky's shoulder. Lucky throws him off, pushes, shoves, paces, grumbles, curses sporadic nonsense.
GIRL
Whats wrong wrong with him?
JACK
The truth kid. Never suits a man.
GIRL
Can I go on home now?
JACK
Sure kid. You coming Lucky?
Lucky stops, turns, wild eyed.
JACK
Alrighty then. I'll see you in the a.m.
Jack escorts the little girl home.
Lucky rips open a letter. Another. Another. Crumples, tears, screams.
Echos perculate through the endless void that is the desert night.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - NIGHT
Jo swings again. Again. Again. Far beyond exhaustion.
Mary lays a hand upon her.
MARY
Thats enough Jo.
Jo keeps swinging.
MARY
Jo.
Still Jo swings.
MARY
Jo!
Mary grabs the hammer. Jo turns.
MARY
Thats enough.
Jo drops the hammer.
MARY
Lets go on home now.
JO
Can't.
MARY
Course you can Jo. Just one step at a time.
JO
No. I can't. I can't. I can't.
MARY
I'll get the wheelchair.
JO
Two weeks. Thats all we got. A whole mountain to move and we only got two weeks.
MARY
Well you can't do it on your own Jo.
JO
Who else?
MARY
Maybe its time to concede.
Jo stares out into the bitter darkness.
JO
I don't have anything.
MARY
Soon you'll have nothing.
Jo pauses, hesitates.
JO
Find him for me. Tell him to meet me here at the station.
Mary lays a hand upon Jo's.
MARY
It'll be okay Jo. It'll all work out.
Jo nods. Mary walks away.
EXT. SHACK - NIGHT
Banging, clashing, slashing. Lucky slams upon rotting wood.
LUCKY
C'mon now Lenny. I know you're in there!
LENNY
Can't a man get a moment's peace?
LUCKY
Open the goddamn door Lenny!
LENNY
Alright. Alright. I'm coming. I'm coming.
Lenny limps to the door, opens.
LENNY
What do you want Lucky?
LUCKY
Did you know?
LENNY
Bout what?
LUCKY
The store. The bar. The rent.
LENNY
What about it?
LUCKY
Jo owns every inch!
LENNY
That ain't none true.
LUCKY
Who do ya think ya payin rent to?
LENNY
Fella down the road. We all do.
LUCKY
Look here. Its Jo. Been gettin em all along!
Lucky reveals stolen checks.
LENNY
That ain't mean nothin.
LUCKY
And the bar, she owns that to!
LENNY
Says who?
LUCKY
Louie pretty much done said so. And Jack too.
LENNY
That don't none mean she owns that there store though.
LUCKY
You own it?
LENNY
Well no.
LUCKY
You get the profits.
LENNY
No.
LUCKY
Then who does?
Lenny sighs.
LENNY
You better come on in.
Lucky steps in.
INT. STATION - NIGHT
Jo sits at a table, tappig her fingers, staring out the window, searching the endless void.
Footsteps. A clunk. Jack walks into the station.
JACK
Come to give up?
Jack sits across from Jo.
JO
I'm quitting, Jack.
JACK
What?
JO
In two weeks time, when the bosses finally show, I'll be let loose. Might as well leave with what pride I still have.
JACK
But the tracks.
JO
Can't be done.
JACK
You can't just leave.
JO
Isn't that what you wanted?
JACK
I never spected you to quit.
JO
I can't play this game no more, Jack. I'm no good at it. If you want the work, have at it.
JACK
What about the food?
JO
Train should be here round eight.
JACK
They'll blame me. The town and the bosses too.
JO
Then quit.
JACK
And eat what? You think just cus we're on strike means we don't wanna live? This isn't any easier for us than you.
JO
Then why'd you quit?
Jack pauses.
JACK
I've never known you to be a fair loser.
Jo offers a sad sort of smile.
JO
You've never known me, much.
JACK
S'pose in the end you never do.
Jo stands.
JACK
Where ya going?
Steam begins to roll.
JO
Home Jack. I'm going home.
JACK
But the tracks! The station! You'll lose everything!
Jo shrugs. Jack stands.
JO
Already have.
Jo walks out of the station. Jack follows.
EXT. STATION - NIGHT
A whistle blows. An engine howls. Jo approaches the train.
JACK
And what about us Jo? What about us? Think we can get along like this? You leave and its all up to me. And god knows no one can get shit done in two weeks. That means I'm finished. My whole crew too. Thats bout to be a thousand people all out of work all because of you.
JO
I never asked you to quit, Jack.
Jo steps onto the train.
JACK
Now don't you dare turn this on me! Don't you dare do that! You know this ain't none my fault! You just know that it none ain't!
Jo shrugs.
JO
Goodbye Jack.
The train begins to move.
JACK
Now just wait a minute! Wait a minute! Wait!
The train chugs away.
Jack stomps back into the station.
INT. STATION - NIGHT
Kicking, screaming, beating, yelling. Jack throwing and heaving in uncontainable fury.
With exhaustion comes calm, and Jack falls upon a bench, closing his eyes.
A long moment passes.
Mary steps into the station.
MARY
Jack?
JACK
What?
MARY
You might wanna come see this.
Jack follows Mary out of the station.
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
Nipping, biting, gnawing. Gnashing, billowing, bellowing. False luminescene alights the desert horizon.
The whole town aflame.
Jack and Mary stare at the monstrosity.
Lucky comes running, Lenny limping behind.
LUCKY
The whole damn towns aflame!
JACK
I can see that Lucky.
LUCKY
Ain't it just great?
Jack grabs Lucky by the collar, pulls him close.
JACK
What'd you just say?
LUCKY
Great! Ain't it? Just like you wanted.
JACK
Why the hell would I want it?
LUCKY
Well Lenny said
Jack throws Lucky aside, charges Lenny, pens him down.
JACK
What the hell did you tell him?
Lenny smirks.
LENNY
Who, me?
JACK
What did you do?
LENNY
I just told him the truth.
JACK
And what truth is that?
LENNY
Hellfire wipes us clean.
JACK
Are you insane? Thats everything we got!
LENNY
Whats it to me? I ain't ever owned nothing.
JACK
What about the shirt on your back? The food you eat? The house you sleep in for christs sake!
Lenny shrugs.
LENNY
Ain't none of it mine anyways.
Jack pulls back a punch. Mary lays a hand upon Jack.
MARY
The towns burning away Jack. Killing him won't do anything.
Jack growls, spits, walks away.
JACK
Lucky!
LUCKY
Yes boss?
JACK
Get the town together. Every last one of em. Man, woman, and child. Get them here. And get them now.
LUCKY
Yes boss.
Lucky salutes and scurries away.
MARY
Too bad Jo ain't here to see this. She would've loved this.
JACK
She made her choice. Now its time to make ours.
Jack walks towards the flames.
EXT. STATION - NIGHT
Fidgeting, shivering, freezing. Men, women, children, gathered close together to fight off a bitter wind.
Jack climbs the platform. All gather round.
Jack stands, calls out, sillhouetted by the dust of the dying fire.
All quiet.
JACK
Now tragedy has been a commonality as of late. One after another after another. And damn if our luck ain't brutal. But theres no stopping that. That fires as good as gone. Ain't nuff water in the world to stop that. But thats life. Thats just how it goes. And we can sit here and whine and moan and beg and hope for a better world but ain't none of that ever gonna do nothing. Only works gonna do much of something. Just work. And it won't be easy, even God knows that, but it will be worth it. And if we get to working, we can have more than just nothing; we can have just bout everything. Now what do ya say?
The crowd mumbles amongst themselves.
Someone from the crowd calls out.
CITIZEN
We can't do nothing. Foods gone and burnt up
JACK
More foods coming in on a train, and that trains coming in on those tracks, our tracks, the tracks that fire just bout all burnt up, which means we need to build em new, and build em fast.
LUCKY
How much time we got boss?
JACK
Train comes in around eight.
Men and women and children hurry and scuttle and grab iron and nails and hammers and head towards the recently deceased fire.
Lucky approaches Jack
LUCKY
That ain't nuff time Jack.
JACK
Then best get goin.
Lucky follows the large crowd of people heading towards the railway tracks.
Mary walks up to Jack.
MARY
You know that fire started up pretty late.
JACK
So?
MARY
Just bout where Jo mighta been.
JACK
You mean
MARY
I ain't saying nothing. But I think its bout time we go lookin.
Jack sighs heavily.
JACK
You go on ahead. I'll catch up with you in a bit.
MARY
You sure?
JACK
Better you than me.
Mary shrugs and walks down the road.
Jack withdraws a cigarette, shaking, lights a match: blown out by the wind. Another, the same. A third, the same.
Jack hurls the pack of cigarettes onto the ground and stomps into the station.
INT. STATION - NIGHT
Back and forth. Back and forth. Again. Again.
Footsteps, pacing, mubling, grumbling, Jack unable to stay in any one spot for more than a second.
A knock on a door. Lucky steps in.
JACK
Theres no point in knocking if you're just gonna walk in.
LUCKY
Course Jack. I know that.
JACK
Then what'd you go and knock for?
LUCKY
Habit.
JACK
Get on with it.
LUCKY
Ain't no one find no trace of Ms. Jo.
JACK
Nothing?
LUCKY
Not even a whisper.
JACK
Come morning, your getting on that there train.
LUCKY
What for?
JACK
You're gonna arrest her.
LUCKY
I ain't no sheriff.
Jack snatches a paper, pencil, scribbles the word deputy, and shoves it into Lucky's hands.
JACK
Congratulations Lucky, you've just been deputized.
LUCKY
Where you goin?
JACK
Out.
Jack walks out the door.
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
Amongst filth, dirt, and ashes, sits Lenny, sipping from a flask, surrounded by hard working men, women, children.
Jack approaches.
LENNY
Morning Jack.
JACK
It ain't none morning.
LENNY
Will be soon enough.
JACK
You're getting a real kick out of this.
Lenny shrugs.
LENNY
Can't say I'm not.
JACK
What for?
LENNY
Drove Jo out, didn't it? Isn't that what you wanted?
JACK
She already left.
LENNY
Didn't none know that.
JACK
Why do you care? She's the one that gone and got you paid.
LENNY
Don't be stupid Jack. From the ashes we rise.
JACK
What does that mean?
LENNY
Materials, Jack. Food, water, shelter. Whose the only person in town whose got that kind of money?
JACK
All I had was lost in the fire.
LENNY
Not you, Jack, me. I always carry my money on me.
JACK
Funny how things just so happened to work out for you.
LENNY
I'm gonna own this town Jack. Every inch of it.
JACK
Cus that worked out so well for Jo last time.
LENNY
But thats just it Jack, thats what she don't none get. She ran it herself, without any partners, or scapegoats either.
JACK
Whats that make me?
LENNY
Partner, of course! This whole town loves ya. Every man, woman, and child. You say jump off a cliff and they say when? With you in charge and me financial backing, we can buy out those crummy investors and run this town without anyone even knowin.
JACK
And the scapegoate?
LENNY
None other than Ms. Jo.
JACK
You're no better than her.
Lenny cackles.
LENNY
Better? Ain't nobody better. We're all just the same Jack. Thats just the human condition. Difference is, if you make something of it. So what do you say Jack? Wanna make something of it?
Jack looks over the crowd of workers, silent for a long moment.
JACK
Let me think on it.
LENNY
Sure Jack, sure! While you're at it, lets have a drink!
Lenny offers his flask.
JACK
Lets just do this for now.
LENNY
Whatever you say boss.
Lenny winks and cackles and walks away.
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Wisps of morning rays dally across a vast horizon, alighting the weary souls which work in a melodic haze.
Above the crowd, before the workers, stands Jack, searching the horizon.
The little girl approaches.
GIRL
Whatya lookin for Mr?
JACK
That trains comin in soon.
GIRL
Why don't they just stop before the tracks break?
JACK
They don't know.
GIRL
Ain't ya done told them?
JACK
No one to tell.
GIRL
Won't they done see em?
JACK
Not till they can’t do nothin bout em.
GIRL
Thats a lot to ask of a bunch of hungry people.
JACK
They can always starve.
GIRL
Ain’t you ever happy?
JACK
Why should I be?
GIRL
Ain't no way to live no life.
JACK
Better than no life at all.
GIRL
I don't much think so.
JACK
Well maybe you shouldn't.
GIRL
What?
JACK
Think. Its no good for you.
GIRL
Good for Ms. Jo.
JACK
Look what good thats done her.
GIRL
You really gonna arrest her?
JACK
Have to.
GIRL
What for?
JACK
The laws the law kid.
GIRL
You ain’t none care bout that.
JACK
No?
GIRL
Just need a fall guy is all.
JACK
Figure that out on your own, did ya?
GIRL
She ain't never gonna do it though.
JACK
Don't and we're all out of a job.
GIRL
Ain't her fault ain't nobody working
JACK
What do you call this?
GIRL
This ain't nothin.
JACK
Well a whole lotta nothin might just get us somethin.
Lenny approaches.
LENNY
Ms. Mary been lookin for you.
GIRL
No she ain't!
LENNY
Well why don't you go down and done see.
The little girl sticks her tongue out. Lenny does just the same. The little girl giggles, skips away.
LENNY
Well Jack, what'll it be?
JACK
Ms. Jo's coming in today.
LENNY
Ms. Jo? What for?
JACK
Fraud. Arson.
Lenny breaks down into hysterical laughter.
LENNY
You don't say!
Jack shrugs apathetically.
LENNY
What about the food?
JACK
You handle that. I'll talk to her and we'll get this all settled.
LENNY
Ain't gonna let no one but me.
JACK
Ain't much of a good idea.
LENNY
Why the hell not?
JACK
Someones gotta handle the food.
LENNY
Why not you?
JACK
Town already likes me. Be a lot better for you.
LENNY
S'pose thats true. And you'll talk to her, will ya, and get this all settled?
JACK
Sure.
LENNY
Whats to say you won't go and throw me under when ya get the chance to?
JACK
You're the one with the money, ain't ya?
LENNY
Thats right. I am!
JACK
So best be getting then. That trains gonna be here soon.
A whistle blows.
INT. TRAIN - DAY
Jo comes to, looks out the window: the middle of nowhere.
The conductor approaches.
JO
Why'd we stop?
CONDUCTOR
Theres a telegram for you.
JO
Ya?
CONDUCTOR
Boy looked all in a hurry.
JO
That important?
CONDUCTOR
Looks like it.
JO
You got it?
CONDUCTOR
Boy wouldn't give it; says its real important.
JO
Where is he?
CONDUCTOR
Just off the train, waiting on the platform.
Jo sighs and stands and steps out onto the platform.
The boy salutes and hands her the letter. Jo reads it over once, twice, three times, sighs.
Jo steps back into the car.
CONDUCTOR
Well?
JO
Looks like we're going back.
CONDUCTOR
Didn't get very far.
JO
Just far enough.
CONDUCTOR
Whatever you say Ms. Jo.
The conductor tips his hat and walks away.
Jo sits in her seat, reading the telegram again.
Jo chuckles, folds the letter, and tucks it into her pocket.
EXT. STATION - DAY
Lucky paces up and down, back and forth, perpetually removing a watch from his pocket.
A train comes in. Lucky waves his arms excitedly.
The train stops. Jo steps out.
JO
Why'd we stop Lucky?
LUCKY
Food just got in over at the station. Platforms too crowded. Jack thought it might be too populated.
JO
So you've come to arrest me, huh?
LUCKY
Well Ms. Jo, you know you ain't never none been none too nice to me, but I want you to know, this ain't none personal.
JO
I know Lucky. I shouldn't have lied to you though.
LUCKY
Not one bit! But you gone and done did! And now thats my cross to bear so I ain't gonna hold that against you. For now, though, I gotta walk you to town, or at least whats left of it.
Lucky holds out handcuffs.
JO
Are the handcuffs neccessary?
LUCKY
Jack calls it showmanship. Says it sends a message.
JO
He your boss now?
LUCKY
Ain't nobody never gonna be my boss again.
JO
Just do whatever he says, huh?
LUCKY
Now don't you none go and get me none flustered.
JO
Alright, alright, lets just go and get this over with.
Jo holds out her hands and Lucky shackles them.
Lucky pushes, pulls, and the two step off the platform and walk towards the burnt down city.
INT. JAIL - DAY
Jack sits in an old, creaky chair, smoking a cigarette. Mary paces, back and forth, back and forth, again and again.
A door opens. Mary turns, Jack too. In steps Lucky, Jo too.
Lucky undoes her cuffs.
JO
Theatrics Jack, really?
JACK
We all have our vices.
JO
You really think this'll work?
JACK
Best shot we got.
MARY
What're you talking about?
JACK
Theres a man coming to town. Thought Jo might wanna see him.
MARY
Who?
LUCKY
Insurance fella.
MARY
What?
JACK
Problem was, it was all under her name. Means only she can make the claim.
LUCKY
Pretty smart if you go and ask me.
MARY
You knew about this?
JACK
His idea.
LUCKY
Got bored sitting and waiting in that there station over yonder so I thought I'd just walk on over to the next station. Then I figured, stead of me going to her, why ain't she come to me? So I go and send a telegram and I says, I says, remember that man who came to town to give you all that money? Probably a lot more for this than that, but ain't no insurance man gonna go lookin all over, and need lots of proof at that. So I figured if I just went and told her, she'd come on back.
JO
Took you long enough.
JACK
Too bad about Lenny.
JO
Never thought he'd have the guts to.
LUCKY
But he'd gone and done did.
MARY
So what do we do now?
Jo smirks.
JO
Just this.
EXT. STATION - DAY
A whistle blows. Lenny stands before a wide array of food, rationing it out to each citizen.
LENNY
Now don't you none forget now. This ain't none for always. Just go and eat your fill and we'll figure it all out tomorrow. You just come right on back now and we'll have it all set.
Jack approaches the platform and gestures to Lenny. Lenny nods, and steps off the platform.
LENNY
Well?
JACK
All set. Theres just one stipulation.
LENNY
I ain't none negotiating.
JACK
This ain't up for negotiation.
Lenny spits.
LENNY
What?
JACK
Someones gotta take credit for this.
LENNY
I thought Jo was taken it!
JACK
Before the fire, sure. But after, someone else has got to. Might get a lot of work done, and blame the rest on the fire.
LENNY
But the plan was Jo.
JACK
Problem is, you give her this, and they might go and just forgive her.
LENNY
God damn't. We can't never win nothing!
JACK
Maybe we can.
LENNY
How so?
JACK
I was thinking sbout taking over, but I can't done do that now, arresting Jo and all that. It'll look like I did it for the work.
LENNY
That ain't none good looking.
JACK
Exactly. So I was thinking, with you doing so well with the food and all that, maybe you should run things for the next few weeks.
LENNY
You don't say!
JACK
But it won't be easy Lenny. It'll be hard work. And grunt work too. You can't go and take this none lightly.
LENNY
Lightly? Before a fortnight is over we'll run this whole town.
JACK
Then go and get to it.
The two shake hands and Lenny runs back to the crowd, handing out food more eagerly than ever.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - NIGHT
Pushing, shoving, slamming, banging. Men, women, children, slaving. The very brink of exhaustion.
Lenny limps down the tracks, stopped by a young boy.
BOY
Hey Mr.? Ain't we yet done yet?
LENNY
You're done when your hands start bleeding.
BOY
But Mr!
LENNY
You wanna eat?
BOY
Yes sir.
LENNY
Then get back to work.
The boy does as he's told.
EXT. STATION - DAY
Lenny stands before a train; dozens, hundreds of men wait in line.
A young woman and her child step forward.
LENNY
Hands?
WOMAN
We've been working real hard Mr.
LENNY
Hands.
The woman reveals callused hands.
LENNY
They ain't none bleeding.
WOMAN
We're starving Mr. Lenny.
LENNY
We all is Mrs.
WOMAN
You ain't going hungry!
LENNY
Somebodys gotta lead you!
WOMAN
And who gone and done said it had to be you?
LENNY
All ya'll. That is, if you want any food.
WOMAN
You ain't done give us any!
LENNY
You ain't none working!
WOMAN
Is too!
LENNY
Then why ain't ya none bleeding?
WOMAN
Just ain't stupid, thats all.
LENNY
Well stupid and bleeding gets ya food.
The woman slaps Lenny in the face.
LENNY
I suggest you apologize.
WOMAN
Or what?
LENNY
Or that little one won't get nothin.
The woman stares hard, looks away, mumbles.
LENNY
Whats that?
WOMAN
I said I'm sorry, okay? Now give us some food.
Lenny hands over overripened fruit.
LENNY
For the kid. Now get back to work.
The woman sulks away.
The man next in line reveals his hands, bleeding, and is given a small ration of food.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - NIGHT
Lenny limps down the tracks, groaning in pain.
The little girl calls out to him.
GIRL
You hurting Mr?
LENNY
We all is kid.
GIRL
Ain't gonna be much worth it.
Lenny turns around, gawks.
LENNY
What for?
GIRL
Bosses coming in in the morning.
LENNY
What ya think we doing this for?
GIRL
Ain't nothing done though.
LENNY
Lot more than two weeks ago.
GIRL
S'pose so. Bosses gonna be angry though.
LENNY
Just get back to work kid. I'll handle them.
A whistle blows.
EXT. STATION - DAY
Jack and Lenny stand in front of the station, awaiting the train which slows before them.
The train stops, and out step three men, HOWARD, CHARLES, and JAY. The three men shake hands with Jack, Lenny.
JAY
Jack.
JACK
Jay.
JAY
How are ya?
JACK
Been better.
JAY
And you?
LENNY
Lenny’s the name, railroadins the game.
Lenny chuckles awkwardly.
LENNY
Thats just a little joke I come up with a little while back.
HOWARD
How amusing.
CHARLES
Time! My good men! Is of the essence!
HOWARD
Certainly.
JACK
Lenny.
LENNY
Yes, well, umm, you see, its sort of like this. You see, I been good and running this joint for the past few weeks.
JACK
Weeks! Why Lenny, don't be so modest! You've been running this joint up since the beginning.
LENNY
Well, I suppose, in a certain sense, thats true.
JAY
And the girl?
LENNY
Why she just gone and got jailed!
CHARLES
Jailed?!
JACK
Revolution, dear sirs.
CHARLES
One of those goddamn worker uprisings!
JACK
And he their leader.
Jack nods to Lenny.
LENNY
Well I ain't none go that far.
HOWARD
Is that why nothings done?
LENNY
No! No! Course it ain't! Actually got a lot done, before that gosh darn fire!
CHARLES
Fire?! Why, of all the absurdities!
JAY
Charles, don't be in such a haste.
HOWARD
Yes. Please, explain.
LENNY
Well theres been a fire that bout done burn down everything!
JAY
Jack?
LENNY
What are you asking him for? Think I'm lying?
HOWARD
We merely search for corrobaration.
LENNY
Corrobaration?! Why this whole goddamn town just done saw it!
JAY
Jack?
Jack shakes his head.
JACK
I'm sorry gentlemen. I'm as confused as you. The work down here's been mighty good, and the pay too, escpecially for what little work we do. I mean, two days work for a full weeks pay, thats rather handsome.
LENNY
Jack!
HOWARD
Is this true?
LENNY
Course it ain't. Just go and ask anybody!
CHARLES
Th audacity!
LENNY
Look. Look. Theres somebody now! Hey you! You! Ya you, with the baby.
The young woman Lenny previously chastised looks over.
LENNY
Now you done seen that fire? Ain't you? I ain't none makin it up, is I?! Done tell these nice men the truth!
WOMAN
Fire? I ain't none seen no fire.
LENNY
Now you know you lying! You know you is!
HOWARD
I think we've seen enough.
LENNY
Now just you done wait. Just you done wait. That bitch don't know nothin. Here! I'll ask this kid.
A boy pushes a wheel along with a stick.
LENNY
Hey kid! You gone and done seen that big fire, ain't you?
The boy, so recently scolded, looks at him oddly.
BOY
I ain't never seen no fire, never.
LENNY
Now boy, don't you go on lying.
BOY
I ain't lying, you is!
LENNY
No I ain't!
JAY
I think we get the picture, Mr., uhh, Lenny, is it?
LENNY
Now ain't none of that true. Let me just call out to Lucky and he'll go and tell you the truth.
JAY
I'm sure, however.
LENNY
Lucky! Lucky!
Lucky comes running.
LUCKY
Yes boss?
LENNY
Now come and tell these nice gentleman just what you saw the other day.
LUCKY
Saw, boss?
LENNY
The fire goddamn't!
LUCKY
I ain't never seen no fire.
LENNY
Why you swashbuckling ignorant fool!
HOWARD
I assure you, sir, we are not entertained.
CHARLES
Not in the least!
LENNY
I ain't done entertained nobody!
JAY
Obviously.
JACK
Perhaps cooler heads shall prevail, yes? Perhaps, maybe, Lenny, you should take a walk, yes?
Lenny moves to object, witnesses the glowering faces, and gives in, walking away, grumbing.
JAY
Say, Jack, what's wrong with that man?
Jack leans in close.
JACK
Truth is, ever since he been leading, he been fussing. Just all over the place. Ain't got much work done for weeks now. Now you know I done tried, you know I done did. But what could I do, with him bossing me around like he did?
HOWARD
Most assuredly.
JACK
Now see, the thing is, they still got Ms. Jo locked up in that there prison of theirs. And the railroads ain't near what they should be. Its a real cluster.
CHARLES
Why its
JACK
Exactly. So heres my proposition. Half a million, for all three.
CHARLES
The audacity!
JAY
Surely you're joking.
HOWARD
Such a sum would hardly cover one man's expenses.
Jack smiles.
JACK
In a penny, in a pound, huh?
JAY
Clever.
JACK
I'm offering you an out. A way to save face. Plus, recoop some of those losses on top of that too. Better little than nothing, right?
Jay snickers.
JAY
You're not so stupid, are you?
JACK
What do you say?
The three look to each other, sigh.
JAY
Very well then. No reason to make waste.
JACK
Glad to hear it!
HOWARD
But what about that starnge man?
JACK
Out with the bathwater, as they say.
CHARLES
And good riddance!
JAY
Well, if its all settled, we'll bid you adieu. No reason to stay in this god forsaken place. Just send us the money by train.
Jack nods.
JACK
Will do.
Jay and Charles and Howard step back onto the train.
The train moves away.
A whistle blows.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
Hitting, slamming, banging. Grunting, groaning, sweat perculating. A shrill whistle tolls.
Men drop their hammers. Jo, at the end of the line, doesn't slow.
Jack, on her left, leans against his hammer, Lucky, on her right, does just the same
JACK
You're gonna work yourself silly working like that.
LUCKY
Pays all the same in the end.
JO
Whats that?
JACK
Nothin much.
LUCKY
Less than that.
JO
Then I better just quit.
JACK
Well maybe not that.
LUCKY
You know we just kidding.
JO
Then better get back to working.
The two oblige. Jo persists.
The little girl walks by with her wheelbarrow and dumps iron next to Mary, who treats a patient with an injured limb.
The little girl drops the wheelbarrow and skips to the general store.
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY
The little girl frolicks, grabs, guards, cradles, ravishes hard candies, drops a penny onto the counter, and skips out the door.
Lenny smiles, studies the penny, tucks it into his pocket, withdraws a matchbook, and lights a match.
FADE OUT