The Love of the Forgotten
FADE IN:
EXT. COTTON FIELDS - NIGHT
Coughing, choking, moaning. Blood splattered across virgin cotton.
Two figures go tumbling. One on top, then the other.
Screeching, crashing, tearing of fabric. Tolls of gleeful ecstasy.
One goes running, then by the other.
Falling, tripping.
The two on the ground, giggling, laughing, heavy breathing. Sleep consuming the two like the rain of summer.
EXT. COTTON FIELDS - DAY
Along with the breeze, the woman climbs to her feet. Muddied, dirtied, full of grease. Dress torn, fabric ruined.
Worrying little for her surroundings, or rather the lack of anything but cotton, the woman goes humming, down the field and up another, across a road and to a diner, smiling without the slightest care or worry.
INT. DINER - DAY
Entering the diner with lackluster apathy, the woman dallies to a booth, almost skipping in pleasure.
Without a moment’s hesitation, a woman named KAREN comes to take her order.
KAREN
What can I get for you sweetie?
JUNE, the young woman in white, looks around curiously.
JUNE
You haven’t seen a man, have you?
KAREN
Lots of em.
JUNE
No. No. I mean. A certain man.
KAREN
Anyone special?
JUNE
I hope so.
KAREN
Whats he look like?
JUNE
Tall dark and handsome.
KAREN
That about describes everybody sweetie.
JUNE
And black.
KAREN
Oh. Well, that I would’ve noticed.
JUNE
So you haven’t seen him?
KAREN
No. You’re really the only ni...black girl I’ve seen in a while.
JUNE
But he’s not a girl.
KAREN
Black person, I mean.
June nods, only slightly beaten down
JUNE
Eggs then, I guess.
KAREN
How’d you like em sweety?
JUNE
Runny as heck.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
A car drifts by with the urgency of a sloth, rolling along with such a steady timidity one would think it not moving at all.
Along this road June walks plaintively, seriously, with a belly as full as can be. Though her dress is as torn as it is new, June offers not a worry, not the slightest furrow, unconcerned by anything that has or ever will happen anytime soon.
Another car drifts by but this one slows, stops, opens a passenger door.
A man of elderly age, known as LOU, nods to June and offers a hand.
LOU
Need a lift?
June nods and steps into the truck.
LOU
Where to?
JUNE
Anywhere where he might be.
LOU
And who’s he?
JUNE
The man I’m looking for.
LOU
Sounds mighty good to me.
So the two take off, truck and all, a thick cloud of dirt abandoned in the dust.
INT. CAR - DAY
LOU
So where ya from miss lady?
June shrugs.
JUNE
Around.
LOU
Me myself. I’m from the city.
June nods silently.
LOU
Ye sir ree, the big old city. Though I ain’t had much of an opportunity to be there as of late, with the fires and all.
JUNE
Fire?
LOU
Ain’t you knows about the fires? S’pose not. Been pretty recent as such. Just a couple of hours ago by my reckoning.
JUNE
What happened?
LOU
Oh you know how those ni...some people are. Just always getting into mischief.
June nods without a word to add.
LOU
Point is though, the city been evacuating ever since. Just precautions mostly. But you know how them pigs is, alway up to something.
Again June nods without a word.
LOU
Say, your man ain’t one of them, is he?
June shakes her head.
LOU
Didn’t think so. Just worth the asking is all...you been looking long?
June shakes her head.
LOU
Well maybe its about time you stop.
June looks to Lou, more agitated than confused.
LOU
Not that I got nothing against nobody or nothing. But a man that just run away like that, well, he ain’t much worth keeping.
JUNE
He didn’t run away.
LOU
Then where is he then?
June utters not a word.
LOU
Thats the problem with you people. Too loyal.
JUNE
You people?
LOU
You know...women.
June refutes refutations.
LOU
Not that I got nothin against women or nothin, used to have one myself, just is you can never be too careful. And sometimes you women just ain’t thinkin bout nobody but somebody else. Ain’t always wrong to be a little bit selfish.
JUNE
What happened?
LOU
Huh?
JUNE
Your wife?
LOU
Oh. Her. Well, she’s just one of those women you know, one was never enough for her.
JUNE
And you?
LOU
Huh?
JUNE
Was one enough for you?
LOU
Course it was! Still is. Ain’t never loved another woman.
JUNE
But she did. A man that is.
LOU
Well I don’t know about love...
June nods without sympathy.
LOU
But thats neither here nor there. All I’m saying is, if your kind of man is that kind of woman, well, maybe its better if...
JUNE
He’s not.
LOU
Well I’m not saying he is but...
JUNE
You just did.
LOU
Well yes, I sort of implied it as such.
JUNE
You didn’t imply. You said.
LOU
Well yes maybe but...
JUNE
He’s not.
LOU
Alright then. If thats what you says. I just don’t want to give your hopes up or nothing. Sometimes men can be just as cruel as women.
June looks away, without another word to say.
EXT. MOTEL - DAY
Lou pulls to a stop and steps out of the truck, opening the door to June’s passenger door.
LOU
Well miss lady, I believe this is where we depart. Now if you wouldn’t just mind stepping out of that there vehicle you’re in.
June does so. Weary. Cautious.
JUNE
What are we doing here?
LOU
Well we ain’t anywhere. I just need some shut eye is all.
JUNE
Its not even noon.
LOU
Sho. But I been driving all night. And ravenous at that. Now if you wouldn’t mind just stepping in here a moment.
Lou gestures to the lobby.
JUNE
Why?
LOU
So I can get the key miss lady. Ain’t you tired too?
JUNE
No.
LOU
Ah, sho you is. I drove you all this way. Ain’t I entitled to a little something too.
JUNE
You had to drive either way. I wasn’t any bother.
LOU
Sho you was. With all your talkin and gabbing and such. But I don’t mind none. Just asks for my dues is all.
JUNE
Dues?
LOU
Ahh you know miss lady. Don’t make me come out and say it.
June takes a step back. Another. Another. Held hard by a firm hand.
LOU
(Growling)
Now miss lady, don’t make a scene.
JUNE
Let go of me.
Lou’s grip tightens.
JUNE
I said let go!
People begin to turn.
LOU
Now miss lady. I really ain’t asking for all that much now. Just a couple of minutes and we as good as even.
June pushes and pulls to little avail. No one, not even the women, choose to take notice.
A cold smile grows frigid upon Lou’s face.
LOU
Now miss lady, I ain’t asking again. Is you or ain’t you?
Seeing no escape, no route to freedom, June concedes, entrapped by her own instinctual survival needs.
Lou’s smile grows warm.
LOU
Good. Now that you done fussin, lets go and get a little acquainted as such.
INT. MOTEL LOBBY - DAY
Lou smiles and laughs as he is handed a key, thanking the man who studies him suspiciously.
LOU
Thank ya muchly mister. Me and the wifey just need a little z’s is all, if you catch what I’m throwing.
The man’s stony face grows stoic in contemplation, offering not even the slightest sense of refutation.
Lou stops at the door, about to leave.
LOU
Say, you ain’t got anything a little more private do ya? Ya know, just in case me and the misses get a little rowdy.
The man shakes his head solemnly, as if this is the greatest burden he has ever had the misery to bear.
LOU
Well, thank ya anyways.
The two step out, June pulled along.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Lou pulls June in and pulls her close, two hands on two wrist staring into her eyes.
LOU
Now if I let go now, you ain’t gonna run, is you?
June spits in his face.
Lou belts a hardy laugh.
LOU
S’pose thats what I get for sleeping with a negro!
Lou throws June to the ground and drags her by the hair into the bathroom, blocking the door with a propped up chair.
LOU
Now you just go ahead and make yourself pretty. I’ll be out here whenever you’re ready.
Lou steps out of the room. June bangs on the door. Harder. Louder. No response.
Yelling. Screaming. Nothing from anybody.
Lou returns. Duct tape. Rope.
Lou steps to the bathroom.
LOU
Now I’m gonna open up this here door here soon, and when I do, you ain’t gonna get me, is ya?
No response.
LOU
Is ya?
Nothing.
LOU
Gosh darn’t.
Lou sets down the duct tape and fumbles with the chair propped under the door knob.
Lou opens the door and takes a quick step back.
LOU
Miss lady? Now I know you’re in there so you best be just coming out now.
No movement.
LOU
Miss lady?
Lou slowly steps into the bathroom.
Crashing. Clashing. Glass smashing. Yelling and screaming.
June steps out of the bathroom and into the bedroom; bleeding, but not profusely. Back in with duct tape.
INT. MOTEL LOBBY - DAY
June drops a bloody key from a set of bloody hands, smiling a febrile smile at the middle aged man.
The man across the counter offers nothing but apathy.
MAN
Nice stay?
JUNE
More or less, though you might want to untie the old man soon.
The man nods without a frown or a smile.
MAN
Anything else?
JUNE
The bill. Will this do?
June holds out a hundred.
MAN
Sure. And the old man? What do you want him to do?
June shrugs.
JUNE
Rott in hell.
June smiles and walks away, stepping into the truck and driving far away.
INT. GAS STATION - DAY
June swipe the card again and again, mumbling under her breath with each denied attempt.
The teenager at the counter sips at his soda, bored out of his mind to the point of suicide.
TEENAGER
You know sometimes those things don’t work too well. Something about the reader or something. Mind if I try?
The teenager holds out his hand.
June pauses, hesitates, hands over the credit card.
The teenager studies the card and looks back at the woman.
JUNE
It’s my husband’s.
The teenager cackles, punches the numbers.
TEENAGER
Got em good and hooked, don’t ya?
June smiles a devilish grin.
JUNE
Well?
TEENAGER
All good in the neighborhood. Anything else for you miss?
JUNE
No. Thats all. Thank you.
June smiles a flirtatious smile and walks out the door, her smile growing cold and bitter with every step more.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
A cacophony of smoke sputters out a feeble engine, coughing and wheezing with every mile traveled.
June pulls to the side and off of the road, stepping out of the car and opening the hood.
A car drifts by and slows to a stop.
Two men step out, MARK and JOHN.
MARK
Mind if we help?
JUNE
Thats alright. Thank you.
JOHN
Ah you don’t mean that, do ya?
JUNE
I’m fine, thank you.
MARK
We’ll just help anyways.
The two walk over to the hood.
JOHN
What seems to be the problem.
MARK
Looks like the carburetor to me.
JOHN
Looks more like the crankshaft to me.
MARK
Now John, don’t be stupid.
JOHN
Now Roger, don’t be an idiot.
MARK
Are you calling me stupid?
JOHN
I’m calling you an idiot!
MARK
You wanna go bro?
JOHN
Anytime! Anywhere!
MARK
What about right here right now?
JOHN
Lets go bro.
MARK
Lets go.
The two circle each other too far apart to touch each other.
JOHN
Are you gonna go bro?
MARK
Are you?
JOHN
Bro!
MARK
Bro!
The two circle each other with ignorant futility.
JOHN
Well if you’re not gonna go I’m not gonna go.
MARK
Well if you’re not gonna go I’m not gonna go either.
JUNE
Neither.
JOHN
What’d she say?
MARK
I think she said blither.
JOHN
Whats blither?
MARK
I don’t know why don’t you ask her?
JOHN
(To June)
Whats blither?
JUNE
I didn’t say blither.
MARK
What’d she say?
JOHN
She said she didn’t say blither!
MARK
I heard her say blither.
JOHN
(To June)
He heard you say blither.
JUNE
Well I didn’t say blither.
MARK
What’d she say?
JOHN
She says she didn’t say blither!
MARK
But I thought she said...
June closes the hood and steps into the truck. The car stalls, doesn’t start.
MARK
I told you its the carburetor!
JOHN
What are you trying to say bro?
MARK
I’m not saying nothing bro. All I’m saying is...
JOHN
You’re saying I’m a liar!
MARK
I’m not calling you a liar!
JOHN
You’re calling me a liar!
MARK
I’m just saying its the carburetor.
JOHN
Of course its the carburetor!
MARK
Well then I guess we’re agreed then.
John steps to the truck as does Mark, each flanking the truck from opposite sides.
Roger knocks on June’s window.
MARK
Hey lady! I think your carburetor is broken.
JUNE
Can you fix it?
MARK
Well no but John here...
JOHN
I can’t fix no carburetor.
MARK
Oh...well...need a lift?
June sighs and rolls down the window.
JUNE
What?
JOHN
He said do you need a lift?
JUNE
No. Thanks, but, no.
MARK
Well, I don’t think you’re going to be moving anytime soon with that carburetor of yours.
JUNE
Call someone then.
Mark snaps as if hit with inspiration.
MARK
Hey John, don’t you know that one guy?
JOHN
Which guy?
MARK
You know, the guy from the shop.
JOHN
Oh you mean that guy from that one shop?
MARK
Ya, whats his name again?
JOHN
I think it’s Luke.
MARK
We should call Luke.
JOHN
I don’t have Luke’s number.
MARK
Oh. You don’t? But I thought you and he...
JOHN
No bro, we broke that off weeks ago.
MARK
Ohhhh, I didn’t know that.
JOHN
Ya man it was a whole thing. Don’t you remember...
JUNE
Why don’t you just call a mechanic?
JOHN
What’d she say?
MARK
She said why don’t we call a mechanic?
JOHN
Well I’m all out of data.
MARK
Me too.
JOHN
So I don’t think we can call a mechanic lady.
Again June sighs.
JUNE
Can you take me to town?
MARK
Hey John, can we take her to town?
JOHN
Theres no mechanic in town.
MARK
(To June)
Theres no...
JUNE
I know.
June steps out of the truck and to the men’s car.
JUNE
Let’s just go.
JOHN
But what about your truck.
JUNE
Forget the truck.
MARK
But you could get a ticket.
JUNE
Can we just go?!
JOHN
Alright. Alright. Hold your horses lady, let me grab my keys...
John fumbles for the keys already lost.
JOHN
Hey Roger, you don’t happen to have the keys do you?
MARK
No. I thought you had them.
JOHN
No. No. Maybe their in the car.
The two step to the car.
JOHN
Yupp. There they are. Right in the ignition.
JUNE
So we can go now then?
MARK
Well, no, not really, it seems we may have made a few too many precautions.
JUNE
What does that mean?
JOHN
In Raymond’s terms, we’re locked out.
June slams her head against the window.
MARK
Woah there lady, no need to get your panties in a bunch, we’ll just walk to town.
JUNE
How far?
JOHN
Oh, say a couple of miles maybe. Not too far really.
June starts off walking towards town.
MARK and John both follow.
EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY
June walks down the street as bitter as she can be, Mark and John following at a few feet.
June tries the first door to the first shop on her left: locked. Another door and locked too. Another and no different.
June turns back to the two men.
JUNE
Where is everybody?
MARK
Evacuated.
JUNE
What?
JOHN
The fire. Everyones been evacuated.
JUNE
Why didn’t you say anything?
The two shrug.
MARK
Didn’t ask.
June looks around the city to all the abandoned buildings.
JUNE
Is anyone still here?
JOHN
I bet Luke still is.
MARK
I thought you and he...
JOHN
Ya but with this lady in need here...
MARK
Right. Right. Lets go see Luke.
The two men walk past June and to an old bar.
June follows.
INT. BAR - DAY
Mark and John sit at the bar, sipping at beers offered by LUKE.
June sits next to the two across from the third.
LUKE
What can I get you?
JUNE
Water is fine.
Luke nods and pours a glass.
LUKE
What brings you here?
JUNE
These two idiots.
MARK
Hey! We’re not...
LUKE
Mark. John. Could you give us a minute?
MARK
But...
John taps on Mark’s shoulder and nods to the door.
JOHN
Sure Luke. We need a smoke anyways.
The two hustle out the door.
LUKE
Well?
JUNE
Well what?
LUKE
Well what really brings you here? Beyond those two idiots. No one comes to a town like this for no particular reason.
June shakes her head.
JUNE
No. I guess not...
A long pause.
JUNE
I’m looking for someone.
LUKE
Aren’t we all?
JUNE
No. I mean. Someone I know already.
Luke nods and pours another glass.
LUKE
Significant features?
JUNE
Black.
LUKE
That’ll do it.
JUNE
Seen anyone like that?
LUKE
Can’t say I have. Wish I could. But, since the fire...
JUNE
What happened?
LUKE
Huh?
JUNE
The fire. How’d it happen?
Luke shakes his head with solemn chagrin.
LUKE
Wish I knew. All was fine and dandy about a day or two ago, but then, well, something happened...
JUNE
Pyromaniac? Accident? What?
LUKE
Nature’s retaliation.
JUNE
What does that mean?
LUKE
It means if you give enough trash you get nothing but trash back.
JUNE
Do you think he might of gone? The way everyone else is going.
LUKE
Might of. But...
JUNE
What?
LUKE
Well these parts aren’t full of people like you. People of color I mean. Which isn’t so much a problem in and of itself, but, well, when lots of people start seeing something they’ve never seen before, well, they get confused, scared, angry. If he went the way they went, to the sanctuary city that is, well, he better start counting his blessings, cus he’s not about to have many more.
JUNE
Can you take me there?
LUKE
Where? The sanctuary city. No. I doubt you’d want to go there. Better to just head on your way.
JUNE
But if he’s there...
LUKE
You love him that much?
JUNE
It’s more than just love.
LUKE
Loyalty I suppose?
June shakes her head.
JUNE
Respect.
LUKE
Well I can’t count you bad for that.
JUNE
So you can take me then.
LUKE
Can. But I shouldn’t.
JUNE
But you will.
Luke sighs, wiping down the counter.
LUKE
We’ll have to take them two along.
JUNE
Why?
LUKE
They’re as strong as they are stupid.
JUNE
It’s really that dangerous?
LUKE
For people like you. You sure you wanna do this?
June nods.
JUNE
Theres nothing else to do.
INT. TRUCK - DAY
Mark and John sit in the rear, June the passenger, Luke the driver. Three of the four are armed with heavy weaponry: shotgun, pistol, rifle, kevlar.
JUNE
Is this really all necessary?
LUKE
You’ll see pretty soon.
The four pull into a station and step out of the car, but June is soon hindered and pushed back into the car.
JOHN
Not safe for you no more lady. Bound to get killed.
JUNE
Don’t be ridiculous.
June pushes past John and out of the car. People begin to murmur.
EXT. GAS STATION - DAY
First those around her then those in the shop. Altogether some fifteen people.
A man, HUNTER, in a sedan and hunting gear, approaches.
HUNTER
I spect you bought to be heading back the way you came.
JOHN
Theres no need for trouble.
HUNTER
I ain’t making no trouble. I’m just asking a question is all.
JOHN
We’re just heading on through.
HUNTER
Not through our town you ain’t.
MARK
We don’t want any trouble.
HUNTER
I told ya I ain’t making any. All I saying is you better be heading back where you came from.
MARK
Are you threatening me?
HUNTER
I ain’t threatening you.
JOHN
If you’re threatening her you’re threatening all of us.
HUNTER
Then I s’pose thats exactly what I’m doing.
Mark pulls out his gun.
MARK
Then I suspect you better get back in that there car of yours.
HUNTER
I don’t spect you much wanna do that.
MARK
And why the hell not?
JOHN
Mark...
The man at the counter along with another and another point their shotguns and pistols and many other weapons.
Not just men but women too and even a child or two.
HUNTER
As I was saying. You best be heading back.
Mark lowers his gun as does John. Luke steps around the car.
LUKE
Now what seems to be the problem here?
HUNTER
The problem is your friend here don’t none know where she belongs.
Luke nods.
LUKE
I see. And you aim to set things right.
HUNTER
More or less.
LUKE
And do you know what this is?
Luke holds out a lighter lit with gruesome fighter.
HUNTER
You ain’t serious.
LUKE
No? Look around you?
Around Luke is a long stream of liquid.
LUKE
Now see, if you shoot me we all go up in flames. You. Me. The children. All of us.
HUNTER
You fibbing.
LUKE
Shoot me and find out.
Hunter hesitates.
LUKE
Go on then. Shoot me.
Hunter doesn’t move.
LUKE
No? Then better put down that gun then.
Hunter does so.
LUKE
Not just you. Everyone.
Hunter signals to the rest.
HUNTER
Alright now. Go ahead and listen to the man.
The mob obliges.
LUKE
Now collect all the weapons. You and everyone else’s.
Hunter doesn’t move. Luke feigns dropping the weapon.
HUNTER
Alright. Alright. Just give me a minute.
The hunter slowly collects all the weapons, bundled in two hands.
HUNTER
Now what?
LUKE
Put them in the trunk with the rest.
Hunter obliges.
LUKE
Now get in your car and drive away.
HUNTER
And them?
LUKE
They can fend for themselves well enough. Unless you’d rather go up in flames with them.
Hunter hesitates, steps into his car, hesitates again, and drives away.
Luke urges the others into the vehicle, opens his door, rolls down the window, and holds out the lighter as the for drive away.
INT. TRUCK - DAY
The for drive along the muddied graveled road, gawked at and stared at more and more with each mile closer to town.
Yards become sanctuaries for crosses and Gods and white hoods, pride in the despicable for the sheer lack of penalty in it.
As the four reach town crowds begin to gather, stalking like zombies ravish for new prey.
Clacking begins to resound with the throwing of small pebbles then large pebbles then rocks. The glass holds true but frightens everyone of them.
In no time at all the car is moved to a crawl, crowded by not only men but women and children too.
The four reach town hall.
LUKE
You sure you wanna do this?
JUNE
Its not about want.
Luke nods and turns the ignition.
A man of some authority stands before the crowd.
Luke steps out, followed by Mark and John.
June steps out into the crow.
EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
The man with dictatorial authority watches the four approach, his frown not that of anger or misery but misplaced apathy.
The man, known as TREVOR, greets the four with a nod.
TREVOR
Can I help ya with something?
LUKE
We’re looking for someone.
TREVOR
And who may that be?
JUNE
My husband.
The murmuring crowd goes silent.
TREVOR
Your husband? A white man?
JUNE
I didn’t say white.
Trevor barks a terrible laugh.
TREVOR
Well hot dog, you had us half scared to death.
The mob as a whole laughs nervously.
TREVOR
Any who, what can we do ya for?
JUNE
Have you seen him? My husband?
TREVOR
A negro? Around here? No ma’am I think you might’ve guessed that.
LUKE
Where are the others?
Trevor give Luke an odd lookover.
LUKE
The others who were evacuated.
TREVOR
We’re all here.
LUKE
I mean...
TREVOR
Oh the negroes. They’re up a few towns over. You’ll know it when you see it.
LUKE
And no ones drove by here. No one like...
TREVOR
Not a one.
LUKE
Well we thank you for your hospitality.
Luke holds out his hand.
TREVOR
You’ll excuse me if I don’t shake a dirtied hand.
Luke fontinues to hold out his hand.
LUKE
No. I won’t.
JOHN
(HOARSE WHISPER)
Luke!
LUKE
Is a friendly handshake too much to ask for?
MARK
Don’t be stupid Luke. Lets just go.
LUKE
Whats stupid about ethics?
JOHN
You’re making a scene.
LUKE
I would hope so.
TREVOR
Maybe I ain’t made myself clear. I ain’t shaking the hand of no negro lover.
LUKE
Ain’t ya?
Luke steps in close. Trevor grows stiff. Agitated.
TREVOR
Now if you just take one single step more.
Luke grabs Trevor’s hand, all smiles and giggles.
The irreversible echo of a gunshot. Blood. Guts. Luke shot right through.
Mark and John surround June, back towards the car.
The mob closes in.
TREVOR
Now thats no way to offer hospitality. I offer you kindness and generosity and this is what I get in return? Please. Stay awhile. Kick up your feet and relax.
JOHN
Now look here theres no need to cause much trouble. We’ll go our way and you’ll go yours and we’ll all just forget about the whole thing.
TREVOR
Forget? Why we can’t do that. We’re brothers now. Brothers of blood.
A member of the mob steps close, grabs for Mark’s gun.
MARK
Get the hell away from me before I shoot you to bits!
TREVOR
Now that no way to treat a friend.
The mob moves in. Closer. Closer. Claustrophobic. So close to the car but they can hardly move.
TREVOR
Now lets show our friends some hospitality.
EXT. GALLOWS - DAY
The three damned souls stand solemn in their pity, rope pulled taught across innocent skin.
Neither Mark nor John nor June offer the slightest bit of regret or pain, rather standing quite heroically in defiant restraint.
Trevor stands before the three amongst a crowd of cruelty and hatred, smiling that evil smile only a man of desperation can obtain.
TREVOR
For the crimes of murder, bigotry, and treason, these three shall be hanged.
JUNE
Bigotry?
TREVOR
Ain’t ya heard what I said? Bigotry. For being bigoted.
MARK
Against who?
TREVOR
Against the white man.
JOHN
You’re calling us bigoted?
TREVOR
I says so ain’t I?
MARK
Thats a little ironic don’t you think?
TREVOR
It ain’t nothing but true.
JOHN
And murder. Wasn’t that you?
TREVOR
Forced by a traitorous hand!
MARK
Do you even know what treason is?
TREVOR
Course I do!
MARK
Then what treason did we commit?
TREVOR
Being treasonous!
MARK
I don’t think this man knows what treason is.
JOHN
Bro. I was just thinking the same thing!
MARK
Do you think he knows what treason is June?
JUNE
I think you’re going to get us killed.
JOHN
Yes but we could at least know what for.
MARK
Hasn’t he even the slightest idea what we’ve done? I’d hate to die in vain.
JUNE
I don’t think this is helping much.
MARK
We’re dead men anyway.
TREVOR
Will you three shut up?
JOHN
Its just your plan seems pretty stupid.
TREVOR
I ain’t got no plan.
MARK
Thats the problem. What happens when the police arrive?
TREVOR
I am the police.
JOHN
For the town maybe. But not the whole world over.
TREVOR
Self defense.
MARK
I’d hardly call the gallows self defense.
TREVOR
Ain’t punishment worth something?
JOHN
But wheres our trial? Our dutiful lawyers? Heck, is the death penalty even legal in this county?
TREVOR
I ain’t need no permission to do whats right!
MARK
Permission? No. But I can’t imagine a jury will see it that way.
TREVOR
I ain’t asked for your opinion.
JOHN
No opinion. Just fact.
Trevor goes to strike John.
MARK
I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
TREVOR
And why the hell not?
MARK
Battery of an officer is a federal offense.
TREVOR
He ain’t no...is he?
JOHN
Him too. And her our custody.
TREVOR
Ya? What precinct?
MARK
The 27th. Up north in Imber.
TREVOR
I ain’t that stupid.
JOHN
Call em then. Tell em how you’ve gone and hanged their two best men like a set of traitorous nazis.
Trevor hesitates.
MARK
Or you could just let us go. Call it good and even.
TREVOR
And the other?
JOHN
Common casualty. No concern to us.
Trevor looks to Mark and John and June.
TREVOR
And her?
MARK
She’s our problem, not yours.
Trevor hesitates, loosen the knots. The crowd begins to boo.
TREVOR
They’ll have me hanged for this.
JOHN
Better them than us.
Trevor nods defeatedly.
MARK
And the truck?
TREVOR
Just up the street, the keys in the ignition.
JOHN
You’re a good man Trevor.
TREVOR
Dead one too by my reckoning.
MARK
Se va.
The three walk off, the crowd far too astonished to make any move.
INT. TRUCK - DAY
JOHN
I told ya we ain’t stupid.
June sits aghast in both pride in horror, somehow both inspired and disgusted all wrapped up in fury.
MARK
Oh don’t cry about it. It happens all the time.
JUNE
All the time?!
MARK
Well maybe not all the time but sometimes I’m sure.
JUNE
We were almost just killed.
MARK
Ya...
JUNE
Haven’t you even the faintest idea what that means?
JOHN
It doesn’t mean anything. We were doomed and now we’re not. Thats all there is to it.
JUNE
And what about Luke?
MARK
Dead men die. Its what they do.
JUNE
He wasn’t dead three hours ago.
JOHN
And now he is. Theres no reason to wallow about the past..
JUNE
The past?!
MARK
Look. June. Truth is, Luke was a good guy. Great guy. Smarter than the two of us combined. But when a man dies, he’s dead. Theres no changing that. Crying’s just gonna make it worse.
JUNE
And instead?
JOHN
Get over it. Its all we can do.
JUNE
Just forget about him?
MARK
Theres nothing else to do.
June moves to speak but offers nothing but hot breath, lost in the absurdity of defending common sense.
EXT. REST STOP - NIGHT
Mark and June and John sit in the car with the lights still on, the engine mumbling and rumbling before finally spewing defeat, the key pulled rigidly out of the ignition.
MARK
Well this is it for us now. Say continue on in the a.m.?
John nods, as does June.
MARK
In or out?
JUNE
What?
JOHN
Front seat or truck bed?
JUNE
Oh. Ummm, whatever’s easier I guess.
MARK
Both are just as easy to us.
JUNE
I guess in here is fine.
JOHN
Alright. Then we’ll just take the bed then.
Mark and John step out of the car, close the door, and step into the bed, blankets in hand.
June opens the back window.
JUNE
Do you really think we’ll find him?
John shrugs.
JOHN
Have to eventually.
JUNE
But what if he doesn’t want to be?
MARK
Well thats just too bad then.
JUNE
I mean...what if he ran away on purpose?
JOHN
Did he?
Mark elbows John.
JUNE
No...I don’t think so. Or at least I didn’t...but...
MARK
But what June?
JUNE
I don’t know. Maybe he left for reason. Maybe he and I...I don’t know. Maybe we just didn’t get along.
JOHN
Did you?
JUNE
I thought so, but...I don’t know. Its been so long.
JOHN
So long since when.
JUNE
Well him and me...him and I I mean...we’ve been together so long that maybe...maybe he didn’t want to be anymore...like he got bored or something...
JOHN
Was he?
JUNE
I don’t know. I don’t think so. But when I think back on it I think, maybe he was. Maybe he is. Maybe I should just try and let him get away.
The three pass a moment of unbearable silence.
MARK
Is that what you want?
JUNE
I want him to be happy?
JOHN
And what about you? Doesn’t your joy count for something?
June shrugs.
JUNE
Whats it matter? If he’s happy I’m happy I guess.
JOHN
But you’re not.
JUNE
No. Not really. But better me miserable than both of us I guess.
MARK
And what if he is too?
JUNE
Then why isn’t he looking for me.
JOHN
We don’t know that he’s not.
JUNE
If he was he would’ve found me by now.
JOHN
You haven’t found him.
JUNE
Because he’s hiding. Otherwise I would’ve long ago.
Another long moment passes.
MARK
What do you wanna do then?
JUNE
Lets just go home.
JOHN
Whose home?
JUNE
Yours. His. It doesn’t matter. I just don’t want to be here anymore.
Mark sighs and steps out of the car, followed by John.
The three sit in the truck, ignition on.
MARK
You sure you wanna do this?
JUNE
As much as anything else.
The three drive away.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Abandoned, alone, empty, a house sits awaiting its occupants.
The three step out of the truck and into the house.
INT. HOUSE - DAY
Mark flips a switch and another and another, John sitting on the couch the moment Mark quits.
MARK
Well, this is it. Bathrooms over there. Bedrooms over there. Mines over here. John will just have to sleep on the couch for the time being. But overall, thats it.
June nods and heads towards the bedroom.
JOHN
Hey June.
June stops.
JOHN
If you don’t mind me saying, it was really nice meeting you today. I know we haven’t really known each other very long really, and I know you’ve got a lot of things going on and all, but...I just thought you’d like to know is all.
June smiles and steps into the bedroom.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Amongst a small dresser and a small bed June stands alone abandoned by all hope and possibility.
Silhouetted by moonlight June steps to the bed, sitting on the stiff blankets with morose solemnity.
Beyond the door voices begin to rumble, harsh bitter words too quiet to interpret.
Slowly, surely, the mumbles begin to seize. Whispering fades. All is lost to unbearable silence.
June lays in her bed, attempting to force slumber. No avail. June lays awake with eyes wide open, not even the hope of a long day’s travels to persuade pitiable slumber.
Finding nothing but irritation, nothing but agitation, June flips to her side, then the other, then on her stomach. Yelling and screaming. Silent agony. June throws a fit, flopping horrifically.
June gathers her senses and moves to sit. June gawks at the window. June steps to the door and assesses heavy breathing.
To the window, out the window, through the yard.
Walking, running, fleeing. Moving as if escaping some horrific prison.
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
June slows to a walk with the burden of heavy breath, shivering at the sight of withering crops.
A car drives by and June attempts to hide.
The car drifts on.
June moves back to her feet and begins to walk at a slow steady pace, nowhere to go, nowhere to be.
Seeing no cars, June moves to the street.
The wail of flailing sirens somewhere in the distance.
June moves back to the crops. The car slows to a stop. A man in all blue steps out, searches the crops.
OFFICER
Now don’t you none try running now. I know you’re in there.
June doesn’t move.
OFFICER
Ah c’mon now. No need making this harder than it is. Just come out with your hands up and we can get this good and worked out.
June doesn’t move.
The officer sighs.
OFFICER
Now look here fella. If you don’t come out soon I’m gonna have to call back up. And they sure as hell gonna do a lot more than arrest ya.
June hesitates, steps out of the crop.
OFFICER
Now thats not too much, is it? Now if you’d just step into the light...
June does so. Slowly. Carefully.
OFFICER
Good. Now put your hands high where I can good and see them.
June obliges.
JUNE
Whats this about officer?
OFFICER
Now that theres none of your concern now, is it?
JUNE
Actually, it is. You can’t just arrest people without cause or reason.
OFFICER
I got plenty a reason, ain’t I?
JUNE
While I understand you’re perspective I’d have to disagree.
OFFICER
You trespassing, ain’t ya?
JUNE
The road is public property.
OFFICER
Resisting an officer.
JUNE
I’m not resisting.
OFFICER
Back talking too.
The officer kicks June to the ground.
JUNE
No officer.
OFFICER
And ain’t you pretty too.
JUNE
Is that a crime, sir?
OFFICER
No. I s’pect not. But prostituting is.
JUNE
I’m not...
OFFICER
No? Then where’d you get this here wad a cash here? And how bout them pretty eyes. And that need to pull down my pants.
JUNE
That money is mine and I never asked for anything, sir.
OFFICER
Ya, well, you about to.
The officer unbuckles his belt, pulls down his pants.
June bites on his leg, hard.
The officer yelps. June gets to her feet. Runs away. Hands stiff behind her, cuffed together.
OFFICER
You hydrophobic giving little runt.
The officer climbs to his feet and pulls out his gun.
One shot. Two shots. Three.
June is gone, lost in the crops.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Heaving, wheezing, heavy breathing. June leans against a dead tree gasping for oxygen.
June looks back to her path forayed by dead leaves: no one follows.
June steadies her breath and continues into the forest.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Though the moon is full the night is long, and though fall has come many leave have yet to fall, creating an ominous environment in which little is seen beyond the few feet ahead of June.
Many of the animals which once stalked the feral land now hide away in preparation of winter cocoons, doing everything in their power to avoid the retched human.
June slows at the sight of a rushing river, stepping close and drinking its bitter hydration.
A rustle in the distance moves June to her feet: nothing but some small animal already lost in defeat.
June continues on down a river and to a small covered bridge, assessing her options before stepping onto the bridge.
EXT. COVERED BRIDGE - NIGHT
Though the bridge is covered a howling wind continues, lavishing the tunnel offered by the bridge.
June shivers but refuses to leave what little protection the bridge still offers.
Sitting in a corner June soon falls to slumber.
EXT. COVERED BRIDGE - DAY
June awakes with the fright of a kicking shoe, a kind woman and her mother standing before June.
June looks up to the two wary and weary, not even the slightest bit rested from the few hours of slumber.
The older woman smiles and offers a hand.
June smiles and refuses and stands on her own accord.
Though she resists, June is lead to a sedan, given front seat privileges next to the daughter and in front of the mother.
Belts buckled, the three drive away.
EXT. SHOPPING MALL - DAY
The car pulls to a lot and the three step out, June following cloesly behind the two still tired and slightly confused.
INT. MALL - DAY
Inside the mall the three step through a food court, stopping in front of one which offers Chinese delicacies. The older woman orders, then the daughter, then the two look back to June.
JUNE
No. I’m fine. Thank you.
MOTHER
(To the server)
She’ll have the same.
Orders ordered, the mother leads the daughter to a table, June persuaded to sit just across from the two.
JUNE
You really didn’t have to. I have plenty of money. I can pay you back.
MOTHER
Nonsense. You’re our guest.
JUNE
No, really. I can. I mean, not right now, I don’t have my wallet. But if you just gave me your number, when I got back, I could...
MOTHER
Honey, its a few dollars. I think we can spare.
June nods defeated.
Three trays are presented, one for each.
The daughter picks at her food as the mother eats with ravenous delight, June somewhere in the middle, eating without much care or hunger but more out of kindness and duty.
JUNE
I don’t want you to think I live that way, cus I don’t.
MOTHER
We don’t judge sweetie.
JUNE
I just got a little lost and couldn’t find somebody.
MOTHER
Of course sweetie.
JUNE
Of course once I find him I won’t be any trouble anymore.
MOTHER
No trouble at all sweetie.
JUNE
I just need to find him.
MOTHER
And who is it you’re looking for sweetie.
JUNE
My husband.
The mother grows serious.
MOTHER
I see.
JUNE
No. Its not like that. Really. He’s a nice guy. He is.
MOTHER
Nice men don’t abandon you sweetie.
JUNE
He didn’t abandon me he just...
MOTHER
Then where is he sweetie?
JUNE
Well he just got a little lost is all.
MOTHER
And you too?
June says not a word.
MOTHER
You mustn’t chase men sweetie. It isn’t worth it. A good man will chase you. You shouldn’t have to chase him.
JUNE
I’m not chasing.
MOTHER
Then what are you doing sweetie?
JUNE
I just want to know where he is. Know that he’s okay. Know what happened after after everything. The wedding, I mean.
MOTHER
Married and then gone? Thats odd.
DAUGHTER
Mom!
MOTHER
Well it is, isn’t it darling? I mean, usually the man runs off before the wedding, not after.
JUNE
He didn’t run.
MOTHER
Yes. Yes. You said that sweetie. But if he didn’t run off, where exactly did he get to?
June shakes her head, defiant, confused, agitated.
JUNE
Its not like that.
MOTHER
And your car? I suppose he took that too. And your wallet? Clothes too I assume. Is there anything he didn’t take sweetie? Besides you, of course.
JUNE
You don’t understand.
MOTHER
Honey, sweetie, if theres anyone who doesn’t understand here its you. Your man’s a crook and thats the end of it. After we’re done here we’ll go and swing by the station and file a report...
DAUGHTER
Mom...
MOTHER
What? Am I a monster for hating a criminal?
JUNE
He’s not a criminal.
MOTHER
He just stole everything you own.
June looks down, defeated, ashamed.
MOTHER
Now where do you live sweetie?
June shakes her head.
JUNE
No where. We were...I mean...once the honeymoon was over...
The mother nods her head in reassurance.
MOTHER
I see. And your parents, where are they?
JUNE
In the city...but the fire...
MOTHER
Ah yes, the fire. Well, they’re probably still there. I know how these people are.
June gives the mother an agitated look.
MOTHER
Elders, I mean, like myself. Wouldn’t leave their home for the world.
JUNE
You don’t think they’re...
MOTHER
Nonsense. Nonsense. That fires all hullaballoo. Just a way to get kids all riled up. Not an ounce of truth in it. Not an ounce.
DAUGHTER
Mom I don’t think thats true...
MOTHER
Of course its true darling don’t be silly.
The daughter concedes.
MOTHER
Any who. Lets stop worrying about it and get you some new clothes, shall we?
EXT. SHOPPING MALL - DAY
Mother and daughter and June stagger out of the mall each with too many bags to hold, stumbling to the car trying not to drop everything they hold.
JUNE
This really isn’t necessary. I have plenty of clothes already.
MOTHER
Nonsense sweetie. This is just kind courtesy.
JUNE
I’d hardly call this just courtesy.
The mother waves her off as if the conversation is too ridiculous even to continue.
The daughter leans over to June conspiratorially as the mother steps into the car.
DAUGHTER
She’s always like this. Mom, I mean. Always trying to help everybody. Don’t take it the wrong way, we don’t think you’re poor or anything. She just likes to help people. Thinks its her duty or something.
JUNE
About the fire...
DAUGHTER
Look, if I’m being honest, Mom’s probably right, no one over fifty ever leaves town. Fire, flood, tornado, doesn’t matter. But...look, how much do you know about that fire?
JUNE
Not much.
DAUGHTER
Just, don’t give your hopes up, okay?
JUNE
What do you mean?
DAUGHTER
Just...don’t.
The daughter closes the trunk and steps into the car.
After a long moment of hesitation, June steps into the passenger seat.
EXT. HOUSE - DAY
June stands amongst ashes, ashes of plenty, remorse in her guilt and lack of understanding.
The daughter goes to comfort her bu June pushes her off.
MOTHER
I guess it wasn’t just hullaballoo after all.
June stands amongst sorrow, not a word, not a phrase, torn apart by the million possibilities which only god can appraise.
MOTHER
Well, I’m sure your parents are safe sweetie. Must’ve left with the fire, yes? I’m sure your parents are fine. Lets just swing by the station and find out. Okay sweetie.
June nods but moves not an inch, not a centimeter.
The mother steps towards June but the daughter holds her back. The two share a glance no amount of words can describe.
After a hesitant long moment, the mother and daughter step into the car, wait another, and slowly drive away.
June falls to her knees, digging through the ashes.
Fingers raw, hands shaking, June begins to bawl, head against the ashes.
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
June stands amongst crowds, crowds of busy looking men and women, all bustling by June without the slightest care or concern.
June steps to a counter and taps on a window, a large piece of glass protecting the officer from the citizen.
OFFICER
What can I do ya for sugar pie?
JUNE
I was wondering if you might have records of the recently deceased?
OFFICER
Anyone special?
JUNE
My mother and father.
OFFICER
I see. And this is about the fire?
JUNE
I think so.
OFFICER
Well let me just see here? What were their names again.
JUNE
Mary and Joseph Ziggler?
OFFICER
Ziggler ziggler...can you spell that for me sweetie?
JUNE
Z-I-G-G-L-E-R
OFFICER
No, I don’t see any ziggler...but I can file a report if either of them have gone missing.
JUNE
Ummm, ya, sure, I guess so. Could you look for someone else though too?
OFFICER
What name honey?
JUNE
Chi. Chi Freeman.
OFFICER
Lets see here, Freeman, Freeman. Chi you said, correct?
June nods.
OFFICER
Hmmm, yes well, let me speak with my lieutenant...I’ll be back with you shortly.
June nods and sits on a bench, offering not a word in terrible anticipation.
A few moments pass and a woman named SHERYL sits next to June, disheveled, rambunctious, confused.
SHERYL
They get you too, did they?
June looks away, ignoring the old lady.
SHERYL
Ya, see, they got me too. Locked up in these chains. Thats what they do. These so called officers of the law. Protectors of justice. BS, thats what I say. They much rather shoot and kill than do any sort of service. They call themselves officers? Murderers more like it. One false move and kablam, you’re as good as dead. No sir ree you can count me out yes you can. I see those cops coming and I’m good as on the ground yes I am and by the time they get there I’m good as submitted if you know what I mean. Luckily it was just a dyke this time but you never know with these people you just never know. Thats why I always keep my mouth shut and eyes open. Thats what you got to do pal thats exactly what you got to so. That is until they want you to open it up and put who knows what who knows where. But they say it and you do it and thats the end of it. No questions asked. Whose gonna arrest a police officer anyways? Another police officer? I don’t think so. So who do you complain to? The mayor? Ya good luck trying that. The courts? They’re in it too. No sir ree you just gotta hope and pray and beg they don’t shoot you too. Cus even if they do what good will come to you? What bad to them? Maybe a pat on the back and a congratulatory nod. Thats all they’ll get. And you an official criminal now. Cus they ain’t ever shot no innocent man. And if you shot you sure as hell a criminal. No sir ree you just get on your knees and give them what you have to cus thats just what you got to do. Don’t and you’re as good as dead and them good as run free. There ain’t no justice in law buddy. There ain’t no jury for these criminals. No as long as they wear that badge their as good as saints for all the world cares, no matter what they do.
An officer steps out of an office and waves towards June.
OFFICER
June?
June stands and escapes the mad woman as quickly as she can.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Tattered rays grasp at ill suited shadows across the claustrophobic walls, pulling in dust and grime and illuminating a dark ominous persistence of doom.
The officer, JOHNSON, heaves a burdensome sigh, weighed down by cruel news.
JOHNSON
Theres something you should know.
JUNE
Is this about my parents?
JOHNSON
No. Its about Freeman.
JUNE
You found him?
JOHNSON
Yes and no.
JUNE
What do you mean yes and no?
JOHNSON
Theres been reports of a man stealing, robbing, taking advantage of people fleeing. They say he goes by Freeman.
JUNE
Thats not my Chi.
JOHNSON
We can’t be sure. But you can. Would you be willing to identify him? In a lineup?Could you do that for us?
JUNE
He’s not a criminal.
JOHNSON
Now I’m not accusing you of knowing.
JUNE
I think I’d know.
JOHNSON
Now thats not what I’m saying.
JUNE
You think my husbands a killer and a thief and you think I somehow just forgot about it?
JOHNSON
Life can be a very strange thing sometimes. If you’re worried or scared he might beat you...
JUNE
He’s never laid a hand on me.
JOHNSON
Now I’m not saying he did. I’m just saying if he did we have protection for that. And if you’re afraid of worse we have protection for that too. If you’re scared theres no need to be.
JUNE
I’m not scared of false truths.
JOHNSON
Then you’ll identify him then.
JUNE
I’m not your little puppet Geppetto.
JOHNSON
If he’s not a criminal you have nothing to worry about.
JUNE
I’m worried you’ll arrest him regardless of innocence.
JOHNSON
Now this is a fair and honest system.
JUNE
Fair and honest? You’re pointing fingers!
JOHNSON
No ones doing no such thing. Even if he was accused he’d have a fair trial, just like anybody.
JUNE
What black man’s ever treated fairly?
JOHNSON
If a black man can be president a black man can be anything.
JUNE
That must be what you tell yourself, isn’t it? To get away with everything? A black man’s president so I can do anything. Is that it?
JOHNSON
I didn’t say that.
JUNE
You didn’t have to.
JOHNSON
What are you afraid of Ms. Freeman.
JUNE
I’m afraid you might kill him!
JOHNSON
An innocent man?
JUNE
You’ve done it before!
JOHNSON
I’ve never killed...
JUNE
Murderer!
Johnson stops dead in his tracks.
June falls silent, full of steam and anger but not a word to utter.
JOHNSON
(Strained)
If he’s not there then you’ll have no problem not identifying him. So if you would just be so kind as to look...
JUNE
Or what?
JOHNSON
Or we may have to hold you for hindering justice.
JUNE
Is that a threat?
JOHNSON
Not a threat, a fact.
JUNE
Hold me then.
JOHNSON
And then what? Send you to prison? Be reasonable Ms. Freeman. All we ask for is a witness.
June hesitates.
JUNE
And if I don’t see him?
JOHNSON
You’re as good as free.
JUNE
And your buddies?
JOHNSON
What about them?
JUNE
They’ll leave me be?
JOHNSON
As long as you stay out of trouble.
JUNE
Thats the problem with you people. Everything’s trouble.
JOHNSON
Shall we have a look then?
June swallows hard, resists another bitter phrase, and nods.
INT. MIRRORED ROOM - DAY
Along a lined wall a set of somber men stand hunched, each bitter and tired and agitated and morose.
Johnson presses a button and calls to the first.
JOHNSON
Number one, please step forward.
June shakes her head.
JOHNSON
Number two.
June shakes her head again
JOHNSON
Number three.
JUNE
I don’t see him.
JOHNSON
Now you’ve hardly looked Ms. Freeman.
JUNE
I don’t see him.
JOHNSON
If you’d just look a bit harder I’m sure you’d find...
JUNE
If I’d seen him I’d see him but I don’t so he isn’t.
JOHNSON
You’re sure?
June nods.
JOHNSON
Well one of these men has to be him.
JUNE
I’m sorry?
JOHNSON
One of these men. He has to be him.
JUNE
But he’s not.
JOHNSON
Papers beg to differ.
JUNE
You think I don’t know my own Chi.
JOHNSON
I ain’t none saying nothing like that. I’m saying one of these men is Chi Freeman and one of these men will go to prison. So, Ms. Freeman, who is Chi Freeman?
JUNE
None of them!
JOHNSON
Now Ms. Freeman don’t be difficult.
JUNE
None of them.
JOHNSON
Contempt is no pretty thing Ms. Freeman.
JUNE
None of them are Chi. I told you already.
JOHNSON
Now what do you get out of lying again?
JUNE
I’m not lying.
JOHNSON
The least you could do is set blame on one of them.
JUNE
None of them are him.
Johnson shrugs.
JOHNSON
One of them is. Says so right here.
JUNE
According to who?
JOHNSON
According to these papers.
JUNE
And who wrote those?
JOHNSON
The law.
JUNE
The law doesn’t write papers.
JOHNSON
Well this time it did.
JUNE
You can’t just accuse people of something theY never did!
JOHNSON
Already did.
JUNE
I want to go now.
JOHNSON
Sure. As soon as you point out Freeman.
JUNE
I told you none of them are...
JOHNSON
And I ain’t believing. Look, Ms. Freeman. Its really this easy. Tell me who Chi is and you as good as set free.
JUNE
Or I go to prison.
Johnson guffaws.
JOHNSON
Its a little late for that Ms. Freeman.
June tries to push past. Pushed down. Johnson leers.
JOHNSON
Now next time I ask you ain’t gonna look so pretty. So before I ask again, tell me who it is.
June sets her lips. Johnson kicks. June coughs blood.
JOHNSON
Try again.
June spits blood upon Johnson. Johnson kicks again.
June groans.
Johns kicks again. And again. And again.
Still June refuses response.
Johnson sighs, pulls out his taser.
JOHNSON
Now Ms. Freeman. I’m not asking again. Either you tell me who Freeman is or I’m gonna have to tase you again.
June begins to shutter, cry, mumble.
JOHNSON
Whats that Ms. Freeman.
JUNE
I don’t care! Anyone! Just please stop.
JOHNSON
Now Ms. Freeman you know I need an answer.
Johnson leans in with his taser.
JUNE
3! 3! Number 3! Please. Stop. Just don’t do it again.
Johnson stretches a queer set of lips into a gruesome smile.
JOHNSON
Now was that so hard Ms.
Another officer steps in. Johnson murmurs to the man and the man drags June out.
EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY
June lays in the grass, beaten, crying, hardly awake.
A man comes by with his little boy. The man hurries on but the boy pulls back. Points. The man pulls again. Still the boy resists.
The man sighs, steps up to the woman.
The man, PATEL, kneels down next to the woman.
PATEL
Are you okay Ms?
June shakes her head, begins to sob.
Patel sighs, whispers to the boy, hands him the keys. The boy runs away.
PATEL
Who did this?
June looks to the station, shakes her head.
PATEL
And this close to the station. Disgusting! Absolutely disgusting!
June lays her head down in the grass, too exhausted to move, too exhausted to do anything.
The boy comes back with a heavy coat.
Patel whispers to the boy and the boy grabs her feet, he her head, and the two step down the street, towards a car, June limp in their arms.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
June lies in a bed, exhausted, confused, coughing and sputtering and close to almost vomiting.
Patel pats her back kindly and soothes her with warm whispers.
PATEL
Its alright there Ms. Everything will be okay now. Peter? Peter? Get the water Peter.
The little boy from before, the little boy named Peter, darts, rushing in, with a large glass of water.
June nods and sits up and sips at the water.
JUNE
Thank you.
PATEL
Nonsense. Nonsense. All part of a days effort.
June nods and swallows hard.
PATEL
Hmm. Looks swollen. We’ll have to take care of that. Other than the soreness, any pain or swelling?
June shakes her head.
PATEL
Good. Now you just get some rest and we’ll check back in on you in a couple of hours.
June shakes her head again, this time more adamant.
JUNE
No. Thank you but no. I have to go. Thank you so much for the hospitality but really I should go.
June pushes back the covers and moves to stand.
PATEL
Alright then. If you can.
June struggles to stand. Hobbles. Falls. Picked up again by the man.
PATEL
Do you want to try again?
June pushes the man away. Tries to stand. Tries. Again. Falls to the ground, exhausted.
PATEL
Is that it then?
June nods and Patel helps June back to her feet.
PATEL
Now no more of this nonsense. I want a good nights rest. And some food in you too. When you are better we can talk about leaving.
JUNE
I don’t have any money.
PATEL
Did I ask for any?
JUNE
No but...
PATEL
Kindness is kindness no matter the injury. A smile is payment enough for any sort of inconvenience.
JUNE
You don’t have to do this. Really. I’m fine. If you could just call...
PATEL
Yes?
JUNE
Never mind.
PATEL
Worry in the morning dear, if so inclined. But now, rest, please, as least for this child of mine.
Peter still stands at the edge of the room, at the door, staring.
JUNE
Fine. But just till tomorrow. Then I’m gone.
PATEL
Till tomorrow then.
Patel smiles and pat and steps out of the room, pushing Peter along and closing the door with upmost care.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
June awakes with the twitter and tweeting of birds, eyes opening in revelry before resigning to the reality almost forgotten.
June turns to her side and the door peeks open.
Where a man should be there is nothing but light.
Below though, below the light, is the small boy, shutting the door at her sight.
June chuckles.
JUNE
Its okay. I won’t bite.
Peter edges the door open.
JUNE
C’mon.
The boy slowly, carefully, edges his way towards the bed.
JUNE
Now how old are you?
Peter holds up four fingers.
JUNE
Four years old? Well I bet you’ll have to worry about taxes soon.
PETER
Whats that?
JUNE
Taxes? Well, taxes are like allowances we give to the government.
PETER
Whats that?
JUNE
Well the government are these people that...
PETER
No...that!
Peter points to a scar on June’s arm.
June covers her arm quickly.
JUNE
Nothing.
PETER
Is it a boo boo?
JUNE
Something like that.
PETER
Daddy gots lots of band aids.
JUNE
I’m sure he does.
PETER
He’s got pirates, and turtles, and dinosaurs, and...
JUNE
Where is your daddy?
PETER
Oh daddy? Daddy’s in the kitchen.
JUNE
Can you help me find him?
PETER
Well duh. Everyone knows where the kitchen is.
JUNE
Thats very brave of you.
Peter shrugs.
PETER
I guess.
Peter walks out of the room. June slowly pulls herself to her feet. Peter looks back in.
PETER
Comin?
June nods and the boy is gone again.
Slowly, surely, June shuffles out of the room.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
June sits at a table along with Peter, Patel smiling and nodding and offering some coffee.
June nods and Patel sits too.
PATEL
I was afraid I’d find you here.
JUNE
What do you mean?
PATEL
Up and moving. So soon.
JUNE
Oh...sorry.
PATEL
Don’t be. Nothing to be for.
June nods, sipping at her coffee.
PATEL
So whats the story then? All this, I mean.
June shakes her head.
JUNE
You wouldn’t believe me.
PATEL
The pigs?
JUNE
Ya. Them.
PATEL
What for?
JUNE
Looking for my husband I guess.
PATEL
And you?
JUNE
Me too.
PATEL
I’m sorry then.
June nods, quiet, morose.
PATEL
If theres anything I could do...
JUNE
What could you do?
PATEL
Well maybe I could...
June shakes her head.
JUNE
Theres nothing you could do.
Patel nods in defeat.
PATEL
Perhaps thats true...if they find him...
JUNE
They won’t.
PATEL
No?
JUNE
They already think they’ve got him.
PATEL
Really?
JUNE
A confession.
PATEL
From who?
JUNE
Me.
Patel nods.
PATEL
So this then.
June nods.
PATEL
But not him?
June shakes her head.
PATEL
But how will you?
June again shakes her head.
JUNE
Sometimes I wonder if he’s dead.
PATEL
Is that a possibility?
JUNE
Its more than just possible.
PATEL
By who?
JUNE
They did this to me.
PATEL
I hope thats not true.
June shrugs.
PATEL
Its hard not knowing. My wife, well, my ex wife...
June looks up, tears in her eyes.
PATEL
Well thats not important.
June begins to cry.
PATEL
I always say. A good cry dries the tears away.
June continues to sob. Patel pats her on the back.
PATEL
Thats it. There. There. Thats it. There you go.
June subsides her tears.
PATEL
Now don’t you feel better?
June shrugs.
PATEL
How bout some ice cream.
June looks at the clock, a quarter past nine.
PATEL
Ahh, whats time to a man without a job?
June smiles.
PATEL
Thats what I was looking for! How about it Peter? Ice cream for breakfast.
Peter jumps in delight.
PETER
Yes! Yes! Yes!
INT. ICE CREAM SHOP - DAY
Peter and Patel share a small cone as June devours on of her own.
Satisfied with their purchase, the three sit at a booth, Peter next to June, Patel on his own.
PATEL
I miss this. Family, I mean. Not that your family, but ever since Sherry...well, thats not the matter. Its just nice have someone to sit with. Someone other than my boy.
JUNE
No dates.
PATEL
No! No. Not for me. With Sherry dead and gone, well...
JUNE
Oh! I didn’t know. I thought she.
PATEL
She did, but, in the middle of the night. Well, you know how angry people get, especially after something like that. Well, angry drivers make dangerous ones, thats what I always say. And with her so angry, us just parted, well, vehicles are dangerous, and, well, Peter never had a good chance to meet his mom.
JUNE
I’m sorry.
PATEL
Don’t be. Its not you who killed her. I...well, it doesn’t matter now. Hows your ice cream?
June smiles a sad smile.
INT. CAR - DAY
PATEL
Now if you were your husband, where would you be?
June shrugs.
JUNE
I can’t say. Mississippi, maybe.
PATEL
Mississippi?!
JUNE
He has family there.
PATEL
Well why didn’t you say so?
JUNE
He doesn’t like them much.
PATEL
Family’s family.
JUNE
Not to him its not.
PATEL
Well, how far’s Mississippi from here?
JUNE
No. Really. You don’t have to do that. If you could just drop me off at the train station down the block...
PATEL
And you with no money? Nonsense! We’ll make a road trip out of it. Right Peter?
Peter nods and smiles.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
Amongst no one and nothing Patel and June stand at the side of the road, car smoking.
PATEL
Well, I admit, I expected a little more trip than this.
JUNE
Do you think you could fix it?
PATEL
I could try...
JUNE
But?
PATEL
I couldn’t tell you a carburetor from a transmission.
JUNE
Could we call someone?
PATEL
With a phone maybe.
JUNE
Well, I’ll try this way, you and Peter that, and if we find anything, we’ll call and meet back. An hour maybe.
Patel nods.
PATEL
An hour then.
June walks down the road, towards the rising sun, as Patel withdraws Peter, and the two head off, down the road and towards some imaginary telephone.