by Joseph Sortland Joseph Sortland 120 Quebec Ave S Golden Valley, MN 612.600.2846 [email protected]
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
The motel and restaurant lined strip is torn to pieces. Branches, cars and roofs litter the landscape.
EXT. LUI’S CHOW MAIN RESTAURANT - DAY
The Chinese-style roofed restaurant sits boarded up with plywood.
In front, a small, scrubby tree sits ripped to shreds. A lone orange hangs on the stripped branch of the tree.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
The sterile white room’s silence is broken only by a quiet heart monitor beep.
MIKE KORN (25), fair-haired, bruised, cut, and bandaged, lies on a hospital bed in a gown.
An oxygen mask covers his face; his arm is hooked to a blood bag.
Through a palm branch plastered to the window, an emerging orange sun glows onto Mike’s closed, swollen eye.
His eye creaks open.
EXT. LUI’S CHOW MAIN RESTAURANT - DAY
Cars whiz by the blue-sky windows of Lui’s. INSERT TITLE: 2 DAYS EARLIER, 2004
Mike, fresh-faced and wide-eyed, in a long sleeve collared shirt, sits next to the window.
He’s fascinated by the oranges on the tree outside. An RV pulls into the highway restaurant parking lot.
INT. LUI’S CHOW MEIN - DAY
Retirees, construction workers, and bratty kids with pissy parents fill the restaurant.
Mike, in a booth with a Chinese paper lantern overhead, stares out the window.
C.P. (60), gruff with a tropical shirt and suspenders, plops a six-inch thick BOOK onto the booth’s table.
Mike snaps from his gazing. C.P.
The City of Orange’s sacred code book. Your bible. It has been drafted by the City Commission since the beginning of time.
MIKE (shocked)
How much of this do I have to learn?
C.P. All of it!
Mike flips open the cover. C.P. scowls. C.P.
Not NOW.
Mike slaps the cover shut.
C.P. slides into the booth. Mike brings a steaming cup of coffee to his lips.
C.P.
You hear Hurricane Ana could pass by?
The cup shakes and a drop spills onto Mike’s white shirt. He sets the cup down.
MIKE A real hurricane?
C.P. Congratulations.
MIKE For what?
C.P.
Asking the dumbest question you better ask today.
Mike points at the FLAMINGO MOTEL, a classic Route 66 joint, across the highway.
MIKE
I’m staying at a motel. What should I do?
C.P.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
C.P. sets a yellow legal pad and pen on the table. C.P.
These are the rules to survive as a city planner. Write them down.
Lui, in apron and bacon grease shirt, sets down two steaming breakfasts.
MIKE
Should we wait until we eat? C.P.
No. You’re working in the fastest growing county in Florida. You will multi-task while working, eating, and sleeping.
Mike readies the pen in his right hand and attempts to fork the bacon with his left.
C.P.
Write down everything. Mike nods and picks up the bacon.
C.P.
That’s rule number one! Write everything down.
Mike frantically scribbles. C.P.
Rule number two: NEVER sign anything you’re not sure about.
C.P. (cont’d)
Your signature is the only thing you truly own. Everything else can be taken away from you. Sign
something you’re not sure about and the mayor might wake up with a
strip mall in his front yard. Guess who gets that call at five in the morning? I do. Guess whose ass everything crashes down on? Your ass.
C.P. chomps into a sausage. C.P.
Rule number three: During business hours, never ride in a car alone with a female.
Mike cocks his head curiously. C.P.
Trust me on this one.
Mike scribbles. C.P. claps his hands. C.P.
Enough writing. Tell me about yourself! You got the job, don’t worry, tell me everything.
MIKE
Well, I’m from Minneapolis, graduated from
Minnesota-C.P.
I remember your resume. Mike, I was in ’Nam.
MIKE Yes, sir.
C.P.
If I’m gonna be working with you, I need to know the true you.
Mike nods.
C.P. You drink?
MIKE Of course. C.P. Smoke grass? MIKE On occasion. C.P.
Honesty, good. That’s why we hired you. However, if you get into an accident with a city vehicle, you’ve gotta take a piss test.
MIKE Yes, sir.
C.P. sighs.
C.P.
I remember my hippie roommate freshman year, Brian Bickle, gave me my first joint. Not bad either. C.P. daydreams with a smile.
C.P.
Six months later I was in the National Guard billy-clubbing his protesting ass. That was better than grass.
MIKE
You’re against free speech? C.P.
I’m against events and gatherings of significant size being held
without an approved permit. There’s a big difference.
MIKE
But how do you determine what a gathering of significant
size-C.P.
Any other habits besides being a smart-ass?
MIKE (proud) I give blood.
C.P. How often?
MIKE Every eight weeks. C.P. throws down his napkin.
C.P.
Oh God, you’re a do-gooder. MIKE
What?
C.P. points at the legal pad and holds up four fingers. C.P.
Rule number 4: You are an enforcer, NOT a do-gooder. Cities are not planned with exceptions to the rule, and society without enforced rules is anarchy.
A bell chimes as BRODY MAYS (45), a mustached cowboy, enters. He spots C.P. and Mike.
BRODY
C.P.! I’ve been looking all over town for you.
C.P. Jesus. MIKE (whispering) Who’s that? C.P.
Brody Mays, he’s a developer. The only man who profits from anarchy.
Brody hears this and stomps over in his white leather boots. BRODY
I call it making an honest living and providing jobs to the hard working souls of this community. Brody lights up a cigarette.
BRODY
So this is where you’ve been eating these days.
C.P.
I’m surprised someone from Sand Ridge, even as cocky as yourself, has the balls to stop in Orange today.
Mike looks curious.
BRODY
Even though high school football is a kids sport, it’s a shame Sand Ridge’s only neighbor is Orange. Us Miners are getting awful tired of always squashing you FRUITS.
MIKE
Sand Ridge Minors as in kids? C.P.
Miners, as in mining. Sand Ridge is the only town dumb enough to take pride in a sand pit.
BRODY
Helps keep you riffraff out, and it’s a helluva lot better than being something you eat for breakfast.
Brody puffs his cigarette. BRODY
But, I digress, I’m here on real business.
An outraged soccer MOM (40) coughs. MOM
Waitress, can you tell this man to put out his cigarette?
Brody turns.
BRODY
Are you referring to me? The mom ignores Brody.
MOM I am.
BRODY
Then why are you calling the poor waitress?
MOM Because
you-BRODY
As I presumed it does include me! Then answer me this: why would you bother this poor, busy waitress, who has to bust her ass for passive aggressive whiners like yourself, when you could simply ask me?
MOM
Would you put out that cigarette? BRODY
Fuck no.
The family hurries out of Lui’s behind a cloud of smoke. Brody turns to C.P. and Mike.
BRODY
Like I said, I’m here on real business.
C.P. presents Mike to Brody. C.P.
Mike Korn from Minnesota, Orange’s newest Planner.
BRODY
Minnesota! Where all the dogs have short tails from closing the doors so fast in the winter.
Mike and Brody shake hands. C.P.
They don’t have endangered animals on the menu here, Brody.
BRODY Really?
BRODY
I thought I recognized the smell of fear when I entered. Maybe that was just the smell of government
workers getting caught resting on the job.
C.P. What do you want?
BRODY
What I want more than anything is a criminal to come into my unlocked house, so I can exercise the Castle Doctrine, and shoot his sorry ass into oblivion.
Brody puffs.
BRODY
Seeing as I can’t control that, I want you to approve my project at the review board meeting today.
C.P.’s face turns bright red and angry. He sets down his fork and knife.
C.P.
I’ll say this one last time: I
wouldn’t sign off on those plans if my life depended on it, you
miserable vulture. Brody pops up from the table.
BRODY
Fair enough! Don’t say I never tried working with you.
He puts the cigarette out on Mike’s pancakes. Mike jumps up pissed from the booth.
C.P. waves him down. C.P.
Brody, didn’t your mother tell you it’s easier to catch bears with honey than vinegar?
BRODY
When I have a problem with the bear, I shoot it.
Brody starts for the exit, but turns back. BRODY
C.P., how come you’re always hiring them northern boys to be your
Planner? We don’t wanna trend of northerners getting burned in the hot Florida sun, do we?
Mike stares Brody down. BRODY
He’s ice cold! I bet you’re able to handle the hottest assholes, huh, snowman?
MIKE
Judging by you? I’d say so. C.P. laughs.
Brody points at C.P.’s tropical shirt and suspenders. BRODY
C.P., if I’d known your taste was that shitty, I’d take dumps in your mouth more often.
INT. C.P.’S CADILLAC - DAY C.P. steers down the strip.
C.P.
Brody would build on his mother’s grave for a dollar.
Mike fidgets.
MIKE
How many Planners have there been, exactly?
C.P.
Two, but don’t worry. Third time is the charm.
Shock splashes Mike’s face. C.P. turns off the highway.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
The scenery changes from gas stations and strip malls to small wooden homes. Mike pears out the window with interest as they drive by.
MIKE
Looks like a Caribbean village. C.P.
Like any backwards southern city, Orange has a white part, a black part, Hispanic part, a rich part, and retirees.
Black kids laugh and play in front yards. MIKE
I assume we’re in the black part? C.P.
Oakland.
MIKE Oakland of Orange.
C.P. No, just Oakland.
EXT. BURNT HOUSE - DAY
Mike and C.P. exit the Cadillac.
A small yellow wooden home is burnt and blackened on one end. A blue tarp covers the roof.
An angry black lady, TARLENE STEWART (42), berates HAWK O’SHEA (24), who wears dirty jeans and shirt.
Hawk dismisses her rant with a wave.
OFFICER WILLIS (26), a young black policeman, keeps the two separated.
TARLENE
I told you for five weeks the gas needed fixing, Mr. O’Shea.
HAWK
I’ve received no messages. TARLENE
I left ten! HAWK
Can you prove that?
Tarlene steps toward Hawk. Officer Willis puts up his hands. OFFICER WILLIS
Easy, Ms. Stewart.
From around the burnt house steps lanky but handsome WES HOUSTON (30). He spots Mike and C.P.
WES
You’re gonna scare away the new guy on the first day, C.P.!
Mike and Wes shake hands.
The feud between Tarlene and Hawk escalates, and Mike steps back.
Wes thumbs back at the burnt house. WES
All these shacks violate code. TARLENE
(at Hawk) You’re a slumlord!
C.P.
Can’t Hawk at least fix the roof? WES
It doesn’t look like Hawk has had a repairman out here since he
inherited the shacks from his pa. HAWK
(at Wes)
I’ve made repairs as required by city code!
WES
C.P., they’ve gotta be condemned.
The truck’s black window buzzes down to reveal shit-grinning Brody.
BRODY
What’s the commotion about, son? MIKE
House fire. BRODY
That’s a damn shame. Tarlene is hysterical.
TARLENE (at Hawk)
Where we supposed to stay? HAWK
That’s not MY problem-TARLENE
It’s gonna be your problem when my Jojo hears about this! News gonna get told, and you’re gonna need a real good lawyer.
Brody leans out the window. BRODY
You aren’t harassing my partner, are you, Ms. Stewart?
Hawk cuts through city staff toward Brody’s truck. He sneers back at Tarlene.
HAWK
I’m sure the news will see plain as day that you tenants are
responsible for the damage to my homes, as I’m sure they also will in court.
Tarlene dashes around Officer Willis and corners Hawk against the truck door.
Brody aims a pistol at Tarlene. BRODY
Cool it, Ms. Stewart. No need to make your day any worse.
TARLENE
There’s no rest for the wicked.
Officer Willis gently pulls Tarlene back and Brody lowers the pistol.
She swats Officer Willis’ hands away. TARLENE
Get your hands off me.
Tarlene turns and accidentally clocks Mike’s nose. He winces.
MIKE Ow!
Mike’s nose looks like a popped cherry gusher. TARLENE
I’m sorry, sweetie!
Hawk jumps into Brody’s pickup with a laugh. Brody peels off.
Mike holds a tissue to his nose. Tarlene points at city staff.
TARLENE
I ain’t moving from here. C.P.
Please, Ms. Stewart, it’s for your own safety.
TARLENE
If y’all had returned my calls earlier, or inspected my house sooner, then I wouldn’t need to find a new home right now.
She frowns.
TARLENE
Nah. I’m taking my sweet time
moving outta here, just like y’all took YOUR time.
MIKE
We’re very sorry, Ms. Stewart. C.P. groans.
TARLENE
Y’all ain’t nothing. That’s why my Jojo got elected, to protect the people of Oakland!
Tarlene gets onto her porch. TARLENE
And when Jojo finds out about this, y’all are gonna have H.T.P. Hell To Pay!
A train rumbles by behind Tarlene’s house.
She enters her house and slams the door, which rattles with the passing train.
INT. C.P.’S CADILLAC - DAY
Mike sits in C.P.’s car, holding a bloody tissue to his nose, at the railroad crossing as the train rolls past.
C.P.
The hell was that back there? MIKE
I was trying to make good of a bad situation.
C.P. wags his finger. C.P.
You were being a do-gooder. NEVER apologize for something you’re not responsible for.
MIKE I’m sorry.
C.P.
Jesus, are you Canadian? Mike winces.
MIKE Long train.
C.P.
If Orange beats out Sand Ridge for a station on the new Tampa-Orlando commuter rail, there’ll be a lot more of them.
MIKE
A train station here? C.P.
Somewhere. Don’t worry about it. Lots of things have to be worked out before that happens.
C.P. points.
C.P.
That reminds me. Jojo Stewart, Orange’s newest city commissioner, wants to meet you.
MIKE
Is he anything like Tarlene? C.P. She. MIKE She? C.P. She’s angrier.
Mike points at the bloody tissue. MIKE
(baffled) How?
C.P. nods at the train. C.P.
Three years ago, the conductor illegally stopped the train here. Jojo did a citizen’s arrest after the conductor refused to move, despite the train blocking
emergency vehicles from entering Oakland.
MIKE You’re kidding.
The train passes and the flashing guards pull up. C.P. laughs, shakes his head, and steps on the gas.
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
Mike walks into the vaulted ceiling chamber carrying name plates.
JOJO STEWART (24), a smiling, well-dressed lady, sits in a council chair above.
PERCY O’SHEA (18), a bucktoothed ginger with a Sand Ridge High School press-pass, interviews her.
Mike slides the nameplates into the holders below them. PERCY
Despite being just a kicker, some regard you as their first female football player for Orange High. What are your thoughts on that?
JOJO
My thoughts are that your older brother, Hawk O’Shea, told you to ask that question, on account of the time I tackled him so hard in the 1998 Orange vs. Sand Ridge
game, he shit himself on the field. Percy glances at his notes.
PERCY
Does your criminal record ever affect your duties as a City Commissioner?
JOJO (cold)
That incident occurred when I was a juvenile, and I have led a clean life since. Now get back to Sand Ridge before you overstay your welcome in my city.
Percy gathers up his notepad and recorder and scurries out. Mike offers his hand to Jojo.
MIKE
You’ve got your mother’s tact. Hi-JOJO
Mike Korn, I know you. The new city worker who kicked me out of my
MIKE
No! I had nothing to do with that. JOJO
Why’d you apologize if you had nothing to do with it?
MIKE Excuse me?
JOJO
What’re you, Canadian?
Jojo breathes in heavily and slowly exhales. JOJO
You and C.P. are gonna have a lot of questions to answer in an hour. Jojo exits.
SHARON (50), a frumpy secretary, waddles in clasping a piece of paper.
SHARON
Did you put them in order? MIKE
I think so...
Sharon glances at the nameplates. SHARON
No, no!
She hands Mike the paper.
CLOSE ON PAPER: Pahn, Easton, Arnolds, Rooney, Stewart. CLOSE ON PAPER’S FOOTNOTE: Pears.doc
TRANSITION TO: Mike points from left to right at the empty commissioner seats with their nameplates.
MIKE
Commissioners Pahn, Easton, Mayor Arnolds, and Commissioners Rooney, and Stewart.
SHARON
Good! I’m craving a sweet-tea. You want a sweet-tea?
INT. PLANNING LOBBY - DAY Mike enters the lobby.
Through the blinds of the Planning Department’s conference room window, adjacent to the lobby, emerge silhouettes and the muffled voices of C.P. and Brody arguing.
PATTY PINEWOOD(57), a tall blond, sits in a lobby chair holding two Tupperware containers. She smiles at Mike and stands.
PATTY
You must be Mike! I’m Patty, C.P.’s wife.
Mike and Patty shake hands. MIKE
It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Pinewood.
PATTY
Oh please, call me Patty!
The arguing in the conference room grows louder. Patty frowns.
PATTY
I hope C.P. hasn’t been too rough on you on your first day.
MIKE
No! Today’s going
pretty-Mike jumps back as Brody bursts from the conference room. C.P. follows.
BRODY
I’m going to the mayor about this. C.P.
Good! Go to the mayor and complain! BRODY
C.P.
What do you expect me to say? Your plans are shit, your work is shit, and you are shit!
BRODY
Your prick couldn’t satisfy a virgin.
Patty laughs at Brody. PATTY
As C.P.’s wife, and the mother of four children, I must say C.P. can satisfy more than just a virgin. Brody turns red and nods at Patty.
BRODY Good day, ma’am. He slams the door.
C.P. points at Patty. C.P.
That’s why I married her.
Patty kisses C.P. and hands each C.P. and Mike a Tupperware container.
PATTY
I made you boys some dinner for the meeting tonight.
Mike smiles.
MIKE Thank you so much!
C.P.
Lay off, Mr. Korn. She’s my gal. PATTY
(to C.P.)
I’ll see you tonight? C.P.
Hopefully. You never know how long these meetings go.
C.P.
Crap. I’ve gotta run out and check something before the meeting.
C.P. hands Mike his Tupperware container. C.P.
Put this on my desk. Mike nods, taking the container.
C.P.
Chamber all set for the meeting? MIKE
Yup. C.P. kisses Patty.
C.P.
Good. I’m gonna walk out my wife, go check a site, and be right back.
CLOSE ON PLANNING LOBBY CLOCK: 4:45PM fades to 5:55PM.
INT. MIKE’S OFFICE - DAY
An open Tupperware container sits empty on Mike’s desk.
Mike, in a black leather chair in a blank wall office, looks at the clock.
INT. C.P.’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike enters the messy, quiet office.
C.P.’s Tupperware sits on the desk untouched.
Raven haired OFFICER THURSTON (30), enters the office. OFFICER THURSTON
Still not back? Mike turns, worried.
MIKE Not yet.
OFFICER THURSTON
I’ll take a drive around town. You better get in there, meeting’s gonna start.
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT
All eyes in the packed council chamber stare at Mike,
standing at the podium. His shaking hand nervously wipes the sweat from his brow.
COMMISSIONER PAHN (80), a pruned granny, knits; COMMISSIONER EASTON (75), dozes off in overalls;
tanned MAYOR ARNOLDS (55), in golf polo, checks his watch; COMMISSIONER ROONEY (60), retired military crew cut, looks at the ceiling;
and Commissioner Jojo Stewart glares down at Mike. He frantically flips through the code book.
MIKE
I’m still trying to find it-JOJO
You’ve been trying to find it for five minutes.
Mike glances back at the empty chair behind him. MIKE
I’m sure when C.P. returns he’ll be able to answer your question.
JOJO
I don’t understand why it’s so difficult for you to tell me what percentage of a non-conforming structure has to be damaged for it to lose its grandfather-status.
MIKE I’m
sorry-JOJO
Sorry isn’t the answer I’m looking for.
Mayor Arnolds covers his mic. MAYOR ARNOLDS (loud whisper)
Why does C.P. always hire these northern boys?
Seated across the aisle from Mike, TIFF FELLOWS (32), a pants-suit wearing, smiling, strawberry blonde, stands in the front row.
TIFF
Mayor, I’d be a thoughtless City Manager if I didn’t say that,
seeing as this is Mr. Korn’s first day, perhaps we should allow him until next week to answer these questions?
JOJO
This concerns the home my mother and I are being evicted from right now. I won’t be living in a house at the next city commission
meeting, I’ll be living in a motel.
Mike, looking ill, desperately scans through the pages of the code book.
MAYOR ARNOLDS
Commissioner Stewart, this young
man-JOJO
Is proving himself to be unfit for the duties of this job unless he can answer a simple
question-MIKE
Wait! I think I found- here we go. Mike hiccup-burps and covers his mouth.
JOJO
Speak up, Mr. Korn. Mike nods.
He vomits on the floor.
The chamber goes silent. Jojo is disgusted. Tiff bursts out laughing.
Mike wipes his mouth on his sleeve. MIKE
MAYOR ARNOLDS
Son, go freshen up in the bathroom.
Mike, covering his mouth, walks past the rows of the wide-eyed audience members toward the exit.
Mike reaches for the door handle, when Officer Thurston enters.
Officer Thurston grabs Mike’s arm, unfazed by the vomit speckle.
OFFICER THURSTON I need to talk to you.
MIKE
I’m going to the bathroom. OFFICER THURSTON Don’t leave.
Officer Thurston rushes past Mike toward the mayor.
Mike watches from the exit as Officer Thurston whispers to the mayor.
Commissioner Pahn leans toward Commissioner Easton. COMMISSIONER PAHN
(inadvertently into mic) What’d he say about C.P.? Easton whispers to Pahn.
COMMISSIONER PAHN (inadvertently into mic) C.P.’s dead!?
Mike’s face grows grim and pale. The chamber erupts in alarmed murmurs.
He clutches his stomach and exits. Mayor Arnolds bangs the gavel.
MAYOR ARNOLDS Please, people.
Commissioner Pahn shades her eyes. COMMISSIONER PAHN Can we take a recess? I need to change seats. The lighting irks my glaucoma.
INT. CITY HALL MEN’S ROOM - NIGHT Mike splashes water on his face.
He inhales and exhales at his sick reflection in the mirror. MIKE
It’s not so bad. His head flops down.
MIKE It’s horrible.
Resting on the mirror stand, a piece of folded
paper catches Mike’s eye. He dries his hands and opens it. CLOSE ON PAPER: Four words: "PEARS, RAPES, REAPS, PRAES" Puzzled, Mike puts it in his pocket.
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT
Mike sneaks into the back of the chamber and takes a seat. The commissioner now sits from left to right: Commissioner Rooney, Mayor Arnolds, and Commissioners Pahn, Easton and Stewart.
Tiff sits next to Mike. TIFF (whisper) Are you alright?
MIKE (whisper) Yeah, thanks.
Mayor Arnolds nods to crew cut Commissioner Rooney. MAYOR ARNOLDS
At this time I think it’d be appropriate to end the city
commission meeting with a prayer.
The commissioners and chamber audience fold their hands as Commissioner Rooney clears his throat.
COMMISSIONER ROONEY
Dear Lord, please bless the family of C.P., a Vietnam Veteran like
COMMISSIONER ROONEY (cont’d) myself, a man who ensured the holy land you have bestowed upon us
Americans was planned properly, and may he rest in peace. Please also bless the Orange High football team as they enter the wicked lands of Sand Ridge tomorrow night, and
bless them with a win. In your name we pray.
CHAMBER Amen.
Mike stares stunned as Mayor Arnold pounds the gavel. MAYOR ARNOLDS
Meeting adjourned.
INT. PLANNING LOBBY - NIGHT
Tiff sits on Sharon’s desk, arms folded, and listens to Officer Thurston, holding a Tupperware container, interview Mike.
OFFICER THURSTON
Poor guy didn’t even get a last meal?
Mike sadly shakes his head. MIKE
Didn’t even tell me where he was going.
TIFF
Where did you find him? OFFICER THURSTON
Up on Angel’s property, under the orange water tower on Fruit Hill Road.
MIKE Who shot him?
Officer Thurston shakes his head. OFFICER THURSTON
Investigation is still ongoing. He pats Mike on the back.
OFFICER THURSTON
Thanks, Mike. We’ll give you a call if we have any questions.
Officer Thurston, about to exit, pats hits tummy and points at Mike’s.
OFFICER THURSTON And feel better!
MIKE Thanks, I will.
Officer Thurston exits laughing. Tiff slides off Sharon’s desk.
TIFF Rough first day. Mike forces a smile.
MIKE
You could say that. TIFF
Staff always goes out for drinks after City Commission meetings.
MIKE Thank you,
Ms.-Tiff extends her hand and grins. TIFF
Tiff Fellows, City Manager. They shake hands.
MIKE
I appreciate the offer, but I think I’d rather just go to sleep.
TIFF
No one sober falls asleep the day they’ve thrown up in front of eighty people.
MIKE
I-TIFF (stern)
C.P. would not have allowed you to skip out on drinks after your first commission meeting.
INT. GATOR’S BAR - NIGHT
The walls are painted with the neon glow of beer signs and exotic license plates.
Mike, Wes Huston, Tiff Fellows, a mustached fire chief,
sun-burned police chief, and several other city hall workers crowd in the rocking bar.
Mike nods as Wes laments. WES
Poor C.P., only had one year left until retirement.
MIKE
One day can make a helluva difference.
Tiff whistles down a server carrying a tray of shots. TIFF
Jag-bombs make it up to Minnesota yet, Mike?
Mike scoffs.
DISSOLVE TO: Staff clink their shot glasses together.
STAFF To C.P.!
They throw the shots down the hatch.
DISSOLVE TO: Mike and Tiff sit drunk in a quiet empty bar, their table littered with glasses.
Tiff holds up a tilting shot glass and clinks it with Mike’s.
TIFF
Here’s to being the only thirty year old female in Orange who still hasn’t popped out five babies.
He spits out his shot with a laugh. TIFF
I’m serious! MIKE No, I believe you.
TIFF
What’s that supposed to mean? MIKE
Nothing-TIFF
You don’t think I’m pretty enough to find a husband?
MIKE
No! I mean, of course you are! Tiff laughs and smiles at Mike,
TIFF
Relax! I’m pulling your-Tiff turns toward the bar’s TV. CLOSE ON TV:
"BREAKING NEWS" scrolls across the bottom of a picture with: C.P., Tarlene Stewart and Jojo Stewart.
BACK TO SCENE
Mike cocks his head and Tiff points at the TV. TIFF
Chaz, turn up the volume! The TV reporter’s voice loudens.
REPORTER (O.S.)
-say that Tarlene Stewart, mother of Orange City Commissioner
Josephine "Jojo" Stewart, shot and killed Charles "C.P." Pinewood, the Planning Director of Orange.
Mike nearly falls off his stool. MIKE (O.S.) Oh my God.
REPORTER (O.S.)
But not before C.P. returned fire, killing Tarlene Stewart.
Tiff clutches Mike’s arm.
TIFF (O.S.) Oh my God!
ON SCREEN:
The REPORTER stands lit in the dark orange groves next to the orange, steel legs of the water tower.
REPORTER
Police report that Pinewood was performing a routine inspection, unaware he was being tracked by Stewart.
EXT. FLAMINGO MOTEL - NIGHT
Mike and Tiff stand in front of room 111, laughing. TIFF
Fancy digs, Mr. Korn! MIKE
You didn’t need to walk me here.
Tiff motions at the white pickup next door at Gator’s Bar. TIFF
I’ll survive the walk back to my truck.
She reaches into her purse, getting out her keys. MIKE
Are you good to drive? TIFF
No, but don’t worry about it. Mike opens his room door.
MIKE
I will worry about it. Have some water.
INT. ROOM 111 - NIGHT
Tiff sits on one of the beds and sips water. She drunkenly gestures.
TIFF
It’s just so messed up. Two lives lost over an issue that in the
grand scheme of things, is so small and insignificant.
Mike, with a water, stumbles onto the other bed. MIKE
(confused)
C.P. never told me he had a gun. TIFF
Conceal and carry, it’s popular down here.
Mike shakes his head. MIKE (hopeless)
I don’t know how I’ll manage without him.
Tiff finishes her water. TIFF
You’ll do great and win all of them over. MIKE I’ll try. TIFF You will. MIKE How do you know?
TIFF
Mike, I manage a city with 25,000 residents, 200 city workers, and a budget of 50 million. When I know things, I know.
Mike stands and extends his hand. MIKE
Thanks again for the drinks. I’ll get them next time.
Tiff twirls her keys and shakes her head. TIFF
I don’t accept I.O.U’s. She pulls Mike close to her.
MIKE
I-Tiff kisses Mike.
MIKE
Oh-Tiff pushes him onto the bed with her.
A flurry of kisses and grinding envelope the two. Tiff kicks the nightstand light off with a crash. BLACK
INT. ROOM 111 - DAY
Mike’s eyes groggily open.
A pair of teeth bite into his ear and he jumps awake. Tiff, in her work clothes, laughs and jumps from the bed.
MIKE You.
TIFF
Relax, it happens. You’re a nice, disease free guy. I’m clean, on birth control.
MIKE (doubtful)
How do you know I’m clean? TIFF
From the physical you took to get the job. Mike laughs. MIKE Is that legal? She winks. TIFF
I’ve had my eye on you since your interview.
A warm smile brights up his face. MIKE
So, are we-TIFF No!
Mike’s face goes blank as she approaches. TIFF
You can’t tell anyone about this. MIKE
Of course not. TIFF
I’m your supervisor, that’s a big conflict of interest.
MIKE
You don’t have to worry. Tiff grins.
TIFF I know.
She bends down and gives him a kiss. TIFF
I’ll stop by and make sure things are going okay.
TIFF
Oh, C.P. had a letter for the
"Ah-Prey" project he said he’d give me yesterday. Could you find it?
INT. PLANNING OFFICE - DAY
Sharon’s phone rings incessantly. Her chair is empty. Mike enters and looks around. Nothing.
MIKE Sharon?
INT. MIKE’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike slumps in a black leather chair. The door closes itself.
Mike looks up to see Jojo, holding a knife. JOJO
What do you know about last night? Mike scoots back in his chair.
JOJO Quickly.
MIKE
It said on the news that C.P. was shot and killed by your mother, who also died.
JOJO That’s bullshit.
Mike, visibly afraid, nods at the knife. MIKE
What did you do to Sharon? JOJO
I told her about the box of donuts in the kitchen for the blood drive.
MIKE What do you want?
JOJO
There’s no way my mom killed C.P. MIKE
That’s not what the police-JOJO
The police have it wrong! MIKE
Then why are you here? Jojo looks at the knife.
JOJO I need your help. Mike can’t believe it.
MIKE
You made me throw up last night. Jojo dismisses it with a wave.
JOJO
I didn’t make you do anything. MIKE
And now, the next morning, you hide in my office and ambush me with a knife.
JOJO (grave)
Someone’s following me. Mike sits forward.
MIKE
Look, I’m terribly sorry about your mom, but that’s crazy.
JOJO
Some orange or red pickup, I’ve seen it in Orange twice today.
MIKE (sarcastic)
Sounds like a conspiracy. SHARON (O.S.)
JOJO (hush)
You know where the murder site is? MIKE
(hush)
Underneath the water tower-JOJO
(hush)
Meet me there in an hour. MIKE
(hush)
But-INT. PLANNING LOBBY - DAY
Jojo opens the door to Mike’s office. Sharon enjoys a mouthful of donuts.
JOJO
Sorry again about last night. I hope you don’t consider moving back to Wisconsin-MIKE Minnesota. JOJO Same thing. MIKE
There’s a huge difference. JOJO
Have a good day.
Jojo exits past Sharon, her face stuffed.
INT. MIKE’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike shuffles through a stack of files on his desk. MIKE
Ah-Prey, where is the Ah-Prey project?
Through Mike’s doorway in the lobby, Sharon snatches up her phone.
SHARON
Hey Nancy, what happened at the meeting last night? I didn’t mean C.P.’s murder, bless him.
INT. PLANNING LOBBY - DAY Sharon gasps.
SHARON You’re kidding! Sharon peers at Mike.
SHARON (whisper) Threw up?
She barely contains a snort-snicker. Mike looks up at her. SUSAN
During which part? The questioning part or the praying part? Oh, thank God.
She looks at Mike, scanning through files. SHARON
Nancy, I’ll call you right back.
Sharon hangs up the phone and grabs a small bottle from her desk drawer.
CLOSE ON BOTTLE LABEL: "HOLY OIL"
INT. MIKE’S OFFICE - DAY
Sharon enters the office and sprinkles holy oil in front at the base of Mike’s door frame.
Mike ruffles his brow. MIKE Sharon?
She draws a cross on the left, top, and right sides of Mike’s door frame.
SHARON
MIKE
I was raised Lutheran. SHARON
That’s good enough.
Mike nervously taps his pen on the desk. MIKE
But I’m an atheist.
Sharon dumps the holy oil around Mike’s office. SHARON
There’s a blood drive today. Least a heathen like yourself can do. Mike, looking happy to help, stands.
MIKE
Perfect, I’m due to donate.
INT. BREAK ROOM - DAY
Mike, needle in arm, lies on a portable bed as Sharon eats donuts and clucks to the cigarette smoking NURSE.
A TV shows SHERIFF Rudd (50), stoic and in aviator glasses, interviewed by the local news.
CLOSE ON TV:
Sheriff Rudd stands in front of a hospital. SHERIFF RUDD
Should Hurricane Ana pass through the central Florida region,
residents may take shelter at the county hospital in Barton.
BACK TO SCENE
Sharon shakes her head. SHARON
First we get an atheist commie in city hall, and now we might get a hurricane.
MIKE
comm-SHARON
He’s gonna need to donate a
martyr’s worth of blood to get past them pearly gates.
NURSE Mhmm!
Tiff enters in fresh clothes and a smirk. TIFF
Mike, I asked Sharon to send you to my office thirty minutes ago.
Mike jumps and turns to Sharon. MIKE
Tiff! No one told me.
Tiff points at Mike for Sharon and the nurse. TIFF
Ain’t he sweet? Donating blood on his second day. He’ll be Planning Director before we know it.
MIKE
I’ll stop by your office as soon as I’m done.
Tiff shakes her head. TIFF
I just wanted to check on how your day was going.
Mike grins.
MIKE
It’s going well, thank you. TIFF
Did you find that Ah-Prey file yet? MIKE
I will right after this. Tiff exits. Sharon nudges Mike.
SHARON
I think Ms. Tiff fancies you! Mike turns red.
MIKE No.
SHARON
She talks to you different than how she talks to Florida boys.
The nurse smiles.
NURSE Mhmm!
Sharon leans in toward Mike. SHARON
Y’all would make a cute couple. Couldn’t get married in a church though; on account of your
communism. MIKE Atheism.
The nurse blows smoke, unconvinced. NURSE
Mhmm.
INT. C.P.’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike, arm bandaged, opens the door to the dark office.
He turns on the light to reveal walls covered in maps, and a desk piled high with plans and files.
MIKE Oh God.
Mike shuffles through the papers.
Patty Pinewood, with swollen red eyes, knocks on the door. Mike turns.
MIKE
Mrs. Pinewood, I’m so
sor-Patty, a head taller than Mike, envelopes him in a hug. She sobs onto Mike’s head.
PATTY
C.P. was looking forward to you so much.
MIKE
I wish I’d had more time with him. Patty sniffs.
PATTY
You’ll do fine. You’re a northerner like me and C.P.
She covers her mouth, about to cry. Mike helps her sit.
PATTY
C.P. had been so busy with work, I feel like we’d grown apart some. After he retired, I wanted us to move back to Illinois and be closer with the grandkids.
Patty shakes her head. PATTY
C.P. loved Florida so much that he didn’t want to leave.
She grabs Mike’s hand. PATTY
But C.P. would’ve told me if he’d bought a gun.
Mike nods.
INT. MIKE’S CITY SUV - DAY
Houses line the left side of the highway as Mike pulls into the right turn lane, alongside orange groves.
An orange water tower with the bold black letters: "ORANGE" sits tall amidst the orange groves.
Ahead, he notices a red Toyota pickup with tinted windows sitting off the side of the road.
MIKE Fruit Hill Road...
The SUV turns right onto Fruit Hill Road.
EXT. CLEARING - DAY
Mike hops out of the city SUV.
Yellow police tape ropes off an empty patch of sand. Small red markers in the ground paint a grisly scene. Jojo holds her head, facing the scene.
MIKE
How would you ever find someone here?
Jojo turns.
JOJO
That’s what I’m saying. But the police already finished the investigation.
Mike approaches.
MIKE
Look, I’m a city planner. I can’t question how the police, my
coworkers, do their job.
Jojo points at a red marker near the edge of the trees. JOJO
It involves your boss. MIKE
I have a lot of work to do. Listen, I saw a red pickup back there.
Jojo waves him off.
JOJO
Don’t worry, that’s Angel’s pickup. MIKE
Angel? Jojo whistles.
JOJO Angel!
ANGEL (82), a silver-haired, leather jacket retiree, emerges from the orange groves.
JOJO
Find anything, sir? Angel sadly shakes his head.
ANGEL
Ain’t nothing out there. Angel nods at Mike.
ANGEL
He the city guy who’s helping you? MIKE
No, sir. I’m not getting involved in anything.
ANGEL
You’re right Jojo, he does have a weak stomach.
MIKE
Listen here, grandpa-JOJO
Careful. Angel’s a WWII pilot. MIKE
I didn’t mean any offense. ANGEL
Sonny, I’ve taken everything that can be shot at you through the air. I can take an insult. Hell, if an insult could kill me, I’d welcome the challenge.
JOJO
Angel had the best air showin
Florida right here for fifty years. MIKE
Here? Why’d you stop? ANGEL
My wife, Dotty, crashed her plane and died.
Mike winces. Jojo pats Angel’s shoulder. JOJO
Angel and Dotty would put on shows for us Oakland kids, free of
charge.
ANGEL
Tore up the airfield and planted orange groves after she left.
MIKE Why oranges?
Angel picks an orange off the tree. ANGEL
Oranges come back every time they leave. Can’t say the same thing about a plane carrying your wife. You can lose yourself in these groves and wake up a new man.
Every orange in this grove reminds me of a new sunrise, each sunrise a new day, each day a new dream.
Jojo pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to Mike
JOJO
I want you to see this.
CLOSE ON PAPER: "PEARS, RAPES, REAPS, PRAES" with "1865.DOC" in the footnote.
Mike pulls an exact copy out of his pocket. MIKE
I found this same paper in the men’s room last night.
She snaps her fingers. JOJO
Mine was in a trash can at city hall.
MIKE (doubtful)
JOJO (paranoid)
All the other city commissioners had this paper last night except me.
ANGEL
You don’t think that’s suspicious? Mike hands it back.
MIKE I can ask around.
JOJO
No! Some city staff could also be in on this. You’re the only one I trust right now.
ANGEL
Besides Officer Willis. MIKE
Officer Willis? Your mom told him never to touch her.
Jojo sighs.
JOJO
She’s- she was just emotional sometimes. My mom didn’t mean it. A passing train whistle blows (O.S.)
MIKE
You weren’t there. How would you know?
Angel laughs.
ANGEL
Jojo’s known her whole life. Willis is her brother!
INT. CITY SUV - DAY
Mike slowly drives down the sandy road. Jojo sits shotgun.
JOJO
My dad was a cop, too. Died on patrol last year.
As if punched in the gut, pained Mike turns to stone-faced Jojo.
MIKE That’s horrible.
JOJO
That’s life. My momma begged my brother to leave the force, find another job. But he’s too proud for that.
MIKE
They catch the guy? Jojo shakes her head.
JOJO
Nope. Just some masked thug who must’ve thought shooting an unsuspecting cop in the back outside a gas station would give him street cred.
Mike looks back in the rear-view mirror. MIKE
With this heat, I should’ve given Angel a ride to his pickup.
Jojo thumbs back.
JOJO
Angel’s pickup is back there. MIKE
No, I told you, I saw it on the side of the highway.
JOJO
Angel drove me here, I know where he parked.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
The city SUV creeps out of the orange grove.
The red Toyota pickup sits on the shoulder down the road.
INT. CITY SUV - DAY
Jojo, eyes locked on the pickup, taps Mike’s arm. JOJO
Stop!
MIKE Why?
JOJO
Angel drives a Ford.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Jojo approaches the Toyota pickup. A "S.R." sticker adorns the back window.
Mike trails behind, frustrated. MIKE
Okay, so what if it’s the same pickup you saw earlier today?
Jojo points at the red "S.R." sticker on the back window. JOJO
I want to know why a pickup with a Sand Ridge High School sticker is parked next to Angel’s grove.
MIKE
Because it’s a free country? JOJO
Not on the day Orange High plays Sand Ridge!
Hawk O’Shea slinks out of the orange groves. JOJO
Hawk O’Shea, what were you doing in there?
HAWK Taking a leak. MIKE
I saw your pickup ten minutes ago. HAWK
(annoyed)
Hey Jojo, why does the city keep hiring northern boys?
JOJO
Because your family is a good example of not having enough
variety in the bloodline. Not get back to Sand Ridge before you regret stopping here.
Hawks puts up his hands in mocking defense. HAWK
Easy, Jojo. Don’t kill me now like your mama would.
Jojo steps at Hawk, but Mike blocks her. MIKE
Come on, he’s just trying to get a rise out of you.
HAWK
I ain’t trying very hard! JOJO
We’ll follow you out of town to the Narrows. Make sure nothing bad
happens to you. Hawk curtsies.
HAWK Y’all are so kind.
INT. CITY SUV - DAY
Mike steers and points at O’Shea’s pickup driving ahead. MIKE
JOJO
Those O’Sheas are a pack of rats. MIKE
I don’t care if they’re Klan
members. City commissioners can’t fight someone from the neighboring city on the side of a highway.
JOJO
First, they probably ARE Klan members. Second, you wouldn’t get it. Sand Ridge is Orange’s only neighbor, and enemy. Always has been, always will be.
They pass a sign: "Orange you glad you visited Orange?" and drive onto a landbridge, saddled by expansive sand canyons on both sides.
Jojo spreads her arms. JOJO
The Narrows of Florida! Just enough room for a road and train tracks.
MIKE
Sand Ridge dug the pit all they way to the city limits?
JOJO
Yup! And even if you fill in the pit with something, you can never rebuild on it because it’s too unstable. Town of idiots.
The canyon gives way to orange groves and they pass a sign: "Welcome to Sand Ridge".
Hawk drives off ahead, waving his middle finger.
INT. MIKE’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike slumps in his chair and exhales. There’s a knock and Tiff enters.
TIFF
MIKE
I just got back from a field visit. Tiff puts her hands on her hips.
TIFF
I told you you’d fit right in! Did you find that Ah-Prey project yet?
MIKE Not yet.
Tiff thumbs toward C.P.’s office. TIFF
Come on, let’s find it.
INT. C.P.’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike fingers through files as Tiff scours the desk. MIKE
What was the file called again? TIFF
Ah-Prey.
MIKE
I don’t see anything.
Tiff yanks a manila file off the desk. TIFF
Here we go!
CLOSE ON FILE LABEL: "APRES" BACK TO SCENE:
Tiff gives Mike a sly look. TIFF
How’d you think "Apres" was spelled?
MIKE Never you mind. Tiff rifles through the file.
TIFF
Thank goodness, it’s here.
Tiff groans and holds up the letter. She points to the unsigned signature line. Mike peers at it.
MIKE
C.P. forgot to sign it. She hands Mike the letter.
TIFF
Would you like to do the honors, city planner?
Mike places the letter on the desk and grabs a pen. MIKE
(reading)
Please consider this letter to be the final approval for the Apres project?
TIFF
You do work in the planning department.
MIKE
I’d just like to review the file before I sign-off on anything.
TIFF You’re cute. Tiff hands him the file.
MIKE
I won’t take all day. TIFF
Good, because the mayor is bugging me to get that letter mailed.
Sharon peeks in, whispering into the phone. SHARON
(whispering)
It’s precious. She’s training him like a little puppy.
Mike and Tiff turn to Sharon, who turns silent and scoots away on her chair.
TIFF What time is it? Mike checks his watch.
MIKE 12:15.
Tiff claps her hands. TIFF
Come on, we can still catch it! MIKE
Catch what?
INT. PLANNING LOBBY - DAY
Mike sets the Apres file on Sharon’s desk. Tiff hurries for the door.
MIKE
A pep rally? I’ve got work to do. Tiff waves him forward.
TIFF
It’s the best one of the year. Mike heeds her beckon.
Sharon holds the phone close with excitement. SHARON
(into phone)
Oh my God, I think they’re going on their first date.
EXT. CITY HALL PARKING LOT - DAY
Mike and Tiff exit City Hall into the hot sun. MIKE
I’ll meet you there. TIFF
MIKE
No, I’ll follow you. TIFF
Mike, we’re going to a high school pep rally during our lunch hour, what’s wrong with carpooling? Mike sighs.
MIKE No, you’re right.
TIFF
I’ll drive. Don’t worry, C.P. would’ve wanted you to see this.
INT. PICKUP - DAY
Tiff slaps the steering wheel with a laugh. TIFF
C.P. said no driving with girls during work hours?
Mike chuckles.
MIKE
Yeah, but I figured we’re okay since we’re on our lunch break. Tiff gives him a baffled look.
TIFF
Plus we had sex last night? Embarrassed, Mike nods.
MIKE Of course.
INT. ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL GYM - DAY
The gymnasium roars as bleachers full of orange clad
students clap and cheer for growling COACH BEAU (50), as he marches up and down the gym floor.
COACH BEAU
Even though Sheriff Rudd has ordered that no one from Orange, with the exception of the band, cheerleaders, and football players, may attend the game in Sand Ridge tonight for safety
reasons-STUDENTS Boo!
COACH BEAU
That don’t mean you can’t cheer your boys right here, right now, at Orange High School!
Mike and Tiff watch from the side of the gym. MIKE
(impressed) He’s like Patton!
TIFF
Our rivalry is so intense they only allow it once a year. It’s in Sand Ridge this year, so everyone in Orange will have to watch it on TV. Coach Beau points at the students.
COACH BEAU
Now give these boys some of your Orange High love so they can
venture into that hostile, filthy, sorry excuse of a city, Sand Ridge, and come back with good health, their dignity, and a WIN!
The students clap and stomp in unison. STUDENTS
(chanting)
Orange you glad you Orange you glad you Orange you glad you Orange you glad you Orange you glad
you-MIKE (shocked) It’s like a cult.
TIFF
EXT. ORANGE HIGH PARKING LOT - DAY
A single red line of spray paint runs down a long line of cars.
Tiff slaps the hood of her vandalized white pickup. TIFF
Of all the low-class pranks! Mike grimaces at the paint job.
MIKE
Red paint - Sand Ridge? TIFF
You haven’t already met that trash, have you?
Officer Willis approaches.
OFFICER WILLIS
He and Jojo ran into Hawk O’Shea earlier today, taking a piss.
TIFF
Mike, have you met Officer Willis? They shake hands.
MIKE
We met yesterday at-OFFICER WILLIS My mom’s.
Tiff frowns.
TIFF
Willis, take the day off. Officer Willis shakes his head.
OFFICER WILLIS
I’d rather not, Ms. Fellows. Don’t worry, I’m not doing any patrols today.
Tiff nods at Mike.
TIFF
Would you mind taking Mike back? I should stay and make sure all this
TIFF (cont’d)
vandalism gets documented for Sand Ridge’s bill.
OFFICER WILLIS My pleasure.
INT. POLICE CRUISER - DAY
Officer Willis steers as Mike observes the police gadgets. OFFICER WILLIS
Two days in Orange and you already get to see the ugly side of our neighbor, Sand Ridge.
MIKE
Why would anyone vandalize vehicles before a football game?
OFFICER WILLIS Fear.
MIKE Fear?
Officer Willis accelerates and they pass a car. OFFICER WILLIS
Fear is a survival instinct. We all experience it, it’s how the DNA that makes up you and me has survived to this day.
MIKE
People survive because of rules and empathy, not fear.
OFFICER WILLIS
Humans are organisms, like every other living thing on this planet. Even cities are living organisms competing with one another for survival. They will, and do, fiercely fight anything they
perceive as a threat to their way of life.
MIKE
But vandalizing cars will just make Orange want to beat Sand Ridge even more.
The police cruiser picks up speed and Mike grasps the door hesitantly.
OFFICER WILLIS
Whether or not those Sand Ridge vandals knew it, they’re no
different than white blood cells attacking a virus. You, me,
everybody, we’re all more than just cogs in a wheel. We’re vital organs in a growing, breathing,
uncontrollable animal called a city.
The cruiser screams down the highway past cars.
Officer Willis glances at a ghostly pale Mike and laughs. He slows the car.
OFFICER WILLIS Lemme show you something.
EXT. NON-DISCRETE BUILDING - DAY
Officer Willis’ cruiser sits on a gravel parking lot outside a blank, concrete-block building.
A group of black children laugh and bike down the street.
INT. PLUSH CLUB - DAY
Mike’s jaw drops at the swank lounge, bar and strip club. OFFICER WILLIS
They busted the place this morning. Mike chuckles and sits on a purple velvet couch.
MIKE
Can you believe this? OFFICER WILLIS
Johns have sex with hookers on that.
Mike jumps off.
JOJO (O.S.)
I had to tell City Hall there was an illegal brothel operating here
JOJO (O.S.) (cont’d) for two years before they finally closed it down.
Officer Willis and Mike turn to Jojo. OFFICER WILLIS
Mike, can you believe how poorly city commissioners treat their staff?
MIKE
I found out at the city commission meeting last night.
OFFICER WILLIS (to Jojo)
What’d you do to him? JOJO
I asked him a question and he got sick.
MIKE
She grilled me until I threw up. Officer Willis howls with laughter.
OFFICER WILLIS You are sick, Jojo.
JOJO
No, I’m determined to find out what happened last night. I was thinking about why Hawk O’Shea would’ve been in that grove today. What if he was making sure there wasn’t any
evidence that could link him back to C.P. and mom’s murder?
Officer Willis holds his head. OFFICER WILLIS
For God’s sake, Jojo, give it a rest.
JOJO
Do you know how bad it makes me look if my mom killed a city employee?
OFFICER WILLIS
Do you know how bad it looks to everyone if a city commissioner performs her own investigation and ignores the findings of her own police department?
JOJO
But-OFFICER WILLIS
Mom shot C.P., and then he shot her. Jojo, you have to accept that.
MIKE
But Hawk was in that grove for at least ten minutes. It doesn’t take anyone that long to piss.
Jojo points at them. JOJO
You two saw the way Hawk talked to Mom like a bitch.
OFFICER WILLIS (frustrated)
Speaking disrespectfully to someone who is angry and accusing them of being a slumlord, is NOT a motive to murder her and C.P., who barely had anything to do with the
situation! Mike shrugs.
MIKE
Couldn’t you at least take Hawk in for questioning?
OFFICER WILLIS
In a few hours I won’t be able to even cross into Sand Ridge because of a damn football game.
JOJO
You could get in through the sand pit.
EXT. SAND PIT RIDGE - DAY
The wooden homes of Oakland go all the way up to Sand Ridge’s gouged sand pit.
Mike and Jojo down into the pit. Officer Willis waves them off.
OFFICER WILLIS
Don’t you understand the danger? Sheriff Rudd ordered the border closed!
MIKE
It’s high school football. How bad could it be?
Officer Willis and Jojo stare at Mike. JOJO
Don’t be joking about high school football down here.
OFFICER WILLIS
Are you trying to get killed and buried in the pit by the people in Sand Ridge or us?
Jojo pulls out the "PEARS, RAPES, REAPS, PRAES" paper. JOJO
Why did all the city commissioners have this paper except me?
Office Willis shrugs.
OFFICER WILLIS
They’re retirees! They don’t have squat to do, so they play games, golf, and talk about their
grandkids. How should I know what a piece of paper with four words
means to a bunch of old people? Mike’s eye catches a glimmer across the pit.
MIKE
Do you guys see that? The three strain a stare.
JOJO
Those look like Brody and Hawk’s trucks.
OFFICER WILLIS
And what if they are? You want me to go over into their city and arrest them for meeting and talking?
Jojo and Mike sniff. MIKE
Smells like a campfire.
Officer Willis points at a plume of black smoke coming from across the train tracks, in the orange groves.
Jojo could die from grief. JOJO
That’s Angel’s house!
The three race across the train tracks.
EXT. ORANGE GROVE - DAY
Mike weaves and bobs through the orange branches, as he chases after Jojo and Officer Willis.
EXT. ANGEL’S HOUSE - DAY
A small home blazes in a sandy clearing surrounded by orange groves.
A helicopter emblazoned with "Angel’s Heli Rides" rests nearby on an adjacent patch of grass.
Officer Willis grabs his two-way radio. OFFICER WILLIS
This is Officer Willis requesting fire and EMS at 20 Fruit Hill Road.
Mike turns to see Jojo kick in the door of the flaming house and run in.
OFFICER WILLIS Jojo!
OFFICER WILLIS Mike...
Mike runs inside the inferno.
INT. ANGEL’S HOUSE - DAY
Flames cover the walls, as Mike breathes through his shirt sleeve.
JOJO (O.S.) In here!
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Jojo pulls an unconscious Angel off his bed.
Burning rafters fall, lighting the mattress ablaze.
Mike rushes to her and throws Angel’s arm over his shoulder.
EXT. ANGEL’S HOUSE - DAY
Mike and Jojo carry Angel out.
They cough as they lay the old man down.
The burning roof of the house caves in with a fiery crash. DISSOLVE TO: A fire truck and ambulance sit in the clearing.
Paramedics try to keep the oxygen mask on Angel’s face, and a blanket around his shoulders, but he still has some fight left in him.
ANGEL
I said I’m fine, dammit!
He removes the mask and throws off the blanket. ANGEL
It’s hot enough out here without a blanket.
OFFICER WILLIS
Are you two done with heroics? Mike coughs.
MIKE Yes.
JOJO
Brody and Hawk started that fire. OFFICER WILLIS
From all the way across the pit? You’re crazy.
Angel rests his hands on Mike and Jojo. ANGEL
If I wasn’t 80 years old, I’d say I owe you kids my life.
Jojo hugs the old man. JOJO
You don’t owe us anything. ANGEL
I should at least show y’all this.
Angel pulls an envelope from his back pocket and hands it to Mike.
Mike unfolds the letter and reads it. MIKE
It’s an offer to buy Angel’s land. JOJO From who? MIKE (reading) 1865 Development, LLC. JOJO
Angel, who delivered this? Angel shrugs.
ANGEL
Don’t know, but they’ve dropped off this same letter for six weeks now. Found this one on my doorstep after you kids visited earlier.
MIKE
Hawk must’ve dropped it off. OFFICER WILLIS
Or it’s a development company offering to purchase Angel’s land so they can build on it. Which has been happening in Florida since the state existed.
JOJO
Or it’s a veiled threat. MIKE
I might be able to look up who owns 1865 Development LLC if it’s
incorporated in Delaware.
INT. MIKE’S OFFICE - DAY
Mike types "1865 Development" into the Delaware business search box.
He sighs.
MIKE
Never volunteer to do something you don’t have time for.
Mike clicks enter and the website searches. MIKE
(to himself)
"Stop being a do-gooder." The computer beeps and he peers up.
MIKE (reading)
1865 Development is owned by.. Brody Mays.
Mike pulls the four-word paper from his pocket. CLOSE ON PAPER FOOTNOTE: "1865.DOC"
MIKE
Brody Mays owns 1865 Development, wants to buy Angels land, and is in cahoots with the Orange city
commission?
SHARON
Heard you saved old man Angel from a fire?
MIKE (boastful)
That should hopefully prove that atheists can also be good people.
SHARON
That’s for baby Jesus to decide. You just hope you’re right because they’re saying Hurricane Ana
changed her course. Mike points at the ground.
MIKE To here? SHARON It’s a possibility. MIKE Cripes. SHARON
Don’t worry too much. We’re inland, it’s usually not as bad as the
coast. Usually. Sharon exits.
Mike picks up the phone and dials.
Wes the building inspector knocks and enters. Mike gestures him the "one minute."
Wes closes the door to Mike’s office. Mike hangs up the phone.
WES
Hey new guy, Fire Department and I both think that Angel’s fire might be suspicious.
MIKE (shocked) How?
WES
Still putting it together. You see anything peculiar over there?
MIKE
It’s the house of an 80 year old WWII pilot and stuntman, located in the middle of an orange grove, but, no, I don’t think I saw anything strange other than the house being on fire.
WES
You don’t think, or you don’t know if you saw anything strange?
MIKE Both, I suppose. Wes nods.
WES
Look, this is between you and me: that fire at Jojo and Tarlene’s was suspicious too. That wasn’t just a gas leak.
MIKE (concerned)
What’d the fire chief say? WES
Inconclusive. And he refuses to speculate.
MIKE
So what do you suggest? WES
Lay low and go with the flow. I think there’s some sick pyro getting off on these fires. Mike nods.
Wes opens the door. WES
That was a brave thing you did back there, rescuing that old man.
MIKE Thanks?
Wes exits.
Mike picks up the phone and dials. MIKE
Jojo, it’s Mike. Brody is the owner of 1865 Development, and get this: 1865 is the name of the document in the "pears, rapes, reaps, praes" footnote.
EXT. ORANGE HIGH PARKING LOT - DAY
Jojo, on the phone, scopes out the buses at Orange High School.
JOJO
Great! Print off the ownership documents and meet me at Orange High School.
MIKE
(V.O. / FILTERED)
I can’t skip out on anymore work! JOJO
We have to get these documents to Sheriff Rudd in Barton. But there’s only one way there, and it goes through Sand Ridge. Hurry over here, the buses leave in thirty minutes.
MIKE
(V.O. / FILTERED)
Buses? What? No. I have to review-JOJO
Mike, I need that document. I don’t have anything without it.
MIKE
(V.O. / FILTERED) Alright, I’ll run it over.
INT. MIKE’S OFFICE - DAY Mike hangs up the phone.
He turns his head to faint laughing (O.S.), coming from outside city hall.
He looks at the window.
OUTSIDE
The sun shines on the City Hall lawn and sidewalk.
Elderly city commissioner Ms. Pahn walks down the sidewalk with a SUITOR in arm.
The suitor grabs Ms. Pahn’s butt and she yipes. TIFF (O.S.)
Did you know Florida is the only state with an elderly STD problem?
INSIDE
Mike jumps to find Tiff behind him, also watching the old love birds. MIKE Seriously? TIFF Dead serious. MIKE Gross.
Tiff nods outside.
OUTSIDE
Commissioner Pahn gives her suitor a smooch. TIFF (O.S.)
It’s like their second chance at Junior High for all these retirees. No jobs, no responsibilities, and newly found erections.
MIKE (O.S.)
Ms. Pahn should be wearing sunglasses out there for her glaucoma.
INSIDE
Tiff caresses Mike’s shoulder. TIFF
Aren’t you Mr. Thoughtful? Did you review the Apres project yet?
MIKE I will right now. Tiff is disappointed.
TIFF
Alright, but only because it’s your first day and you’re too damn cute. She slides her hand onto his neck.
TIFF
And why didn’t you mention on your resume that you rescue the elderly from burning buildings?
MIKE
I’ll be sure to add it. TIFF
Hurricane Ana might be heading our way. You should stay at my house and we’ll ride out the storm together.
Tiff kisses Mike’s neck. He rubs his cheek against hers until his lips are at her ear.
MIKE (whisper)
I’d like that very much.
The moment is killed as Tiff’s cell phone rings. She glances at her phone.
TIFF
Shit, I’ve gotta take this. She pecks him on the cheek and exits.
Mike taps his pen on the "APRES" label of the project file. MIKE
A-P-R-E-S...
Mike pulls out the four-word paper. He points his pen at "PEARS".
MIKE P-E-A-R-S. Mike points at "RAPES".
MIKE
R-A-P-E-S. They all use the same five letters. REAPS, PRAES.
He taps the last letter, "S", on all the words. MIKE
But why does "S" never move? BEGIN FLASHBACK
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT
Commissioner Pahn squints and covers her eyes. COMMISSIONER PAHN
Can we take a recess? I need to change seats. The lighting irks my glaucoma..
EXT. SAND PIT RIDGE - DAY Officer Willis shrugs.
OFFICER WILLIS
They’re retirees! They don’t have squat to do all day, so they play
games-END FLASHBACK
Mike loads the video of the previous night’s city commission meeting on his computer.
Mike clicks PLAY. CLOSE ON MONITOR:
The chamber clock is at 7:30PM.
Officer Thurston whispers to the mayor.
Commissioner Pahn leans toward Commissioner Easton. COMMISSIONER PAHN
(inadvertently into mic) What’d he say about C.P.? Easton whispers to Pahn.
COMMISSIONER PAHN (inadvertently into mic) C.P.’s dead!?
The chamber erupts in alarmed murmurs. Mayor Arnolds bangs the gavel.
MAYOR ARNOLDS Please, people.
Commissioner Pahn shades her eyes. COMMISSIONER PAHN Can we take a recess? I need to change seats. The lighting irks my glaucoma..
BACK TO SCENE: Mike clicks PAUSE.
A screenshot of the video buzzes out from Mike’s printer. He clicks PLAY.
CLOSE ON MONITOR:
The chamber clock is at 7:35PM.
The city commission is now seated: Commissioner Rooney, Mayor Arnold, and Commissioners Pahn, Easton, and Stewart. Mike clicks PAUSE.
Another video screenshot buzzes from the printer.
He grabs the 7:30 screenshot and a black marker. He writes on the printed photo.
MIKE
Pahn, Easton, Arnolds, Rooney, and Stewart.
Mike grabs the 7:35 screenshot and writes on it. MIKE
Rooney, Arnolds, Pahn, Easton, and Stewart.
Mike holds the two screenshots up. CLOSE ON SCREENSHOTS:
Above each commissioner’s head of the 7:30 screenshot: P-E-A-R-S
Above each commissioner’s head of the 7:35 screenshot: R-A-P-E-S
MIKE What
the-He jolts to a knock as Sharon waddles in. SHARON
There are some people here with planning questions.
Mike places the screenshots with the 1865 Development incorporation documents and turns them over.
MIKE Send them in.
SHARON (O.S.) Y’all can go on in.
Mike stands to greet a nerdy ENGINEER carrying plans, followed by a sleazy CAR-SALESMAN, a group of bitching
RETIREES, a PASTOR and his CHOIR, a raggedy REDNECK carrying a roll of chain link fence, and a Mexican FARMER, his five CHILDREN, and a loose chicken.
Mike can’t believe his eyes, when the Engineer shakes his hand.
ENGINEER
I was wondering if you had some time to look
at-CAR-SALESMAN
The street is public property and I can park my
cars-FARMER (in Spanish) El pollo es familia!
His office, packed to the brim, bursts with questions. Mike grabs the papers and the Apres file from his desk.
MIKE Excuse me. The office is deafening.
MIKE (yelling) Excuse me!
He has their undivided attention. MIKE
I just need to deliver these
documents, and I’ll be right back. Mike squeezes through the unsatisfied crowd.
EXT. ORANGE HIGH PARKING LOT - DAY
Four yellow buses sit in front of the school. Mike approaches Jojo carrying the documents.
MIKE
I shouldn’t even be here. JOJO
Let’s see that ownership paper. He hands it over.
JOJO
That Brody is one slick bastard, I’ll give him that.
MIKE
There’s something else, Wes thinks that the fire at your house also looked suspicious.
