DEPTH PERCEPTION

                         By

                     Matt Green

                                     WGA # 991512

INT. bathroom - night
Complete darkness.  The door opens, allowing a dull light to enter.  A man walks in.  The door then closes quickly.
Heavy breathing.  The lights turn on.  JEFFREY, an average looking man in his mid-twenties, is bloody, dirty, and beaten.    
As if he is short on time, Jeffrey quickly removes his wet, muddy jeans.  His socks follow.
He pulls his shirt over his head, revealing fresh bruises and asphalt burns on his torso.  As his shirt slides over the back of his head, he SQUEALS in pain.  He slowly and carefully removes the remainder of his shirt before stepping towards the mirror.
He angles himself to see the back of his head.  Through his short hair, he notices a small piece of glass protruding from his skull.
JEFFREY
Fuck.
Taking a deep breath, Jeffrey cautiously grabs the exposed piece with his fingers and pulls slowly.  He moans in pain.  The piece of glass slides out releasing a small stream of blood.
Jeffrey picks up the pile of clothes off of the floor, opens a nearby closet, and dumps them into a washing machine.  He pours in an obscene amount of detergent before starting it up.
He paces around the bathroom as if he is forgetting something.
He stops suddenly, moves to the toilet, and vomits.
Jeffrey flushes the toilet as he reaches into the shower and turns it on.
Jeffrey's shower
The blood and dirt washes off easily.  Jeffrey, still breathing heavily, grabs a bar of soap and scrubs himself with a vengeance.  He fills his hands with an extreme amount of shampoo and works it through his short hair.  He winces as he starts on the back of his head.
Jeffrey's batHROOM - later
Fresh and clean, Jeffrey stands at the mirror, his eyes darting around as if he his mind is moving a mile a minute.  He finally raises his eyes and stares back at himself.
FADE OUT.

InT. Breakfast Joint - morning
A normal, mundane breakfast joint.  The waitresses are dressed uniformly.
LOGAN, a man in his late thirties/early forties sits quietly at the counter with a small, white coffee cup placed to his side.  He is dressed in a coat and tie.  He also wears a pair of leather driving gloves.  
O.S. we hear the sound of bells clanging together.  Jeffrey walks up to the counter and sits two seats away from Logan.
Jeffrey, clean cut yet casual, lets out a sigh as the WAITRESS shows up.
Waitress
Mornin'.
Jeffrey is obviously not in the best mood.
JeffrEY
Hello.
WAITRESS
Coffee or would you like to see--?
JEFFREY
Just ice water please, with a menu.
The waitress hands him a menu from under the counter and begins filling a cup with ice water.  She sets it down in front of him.  Jeffrey scans the menu for another few seconds.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Ohhh, ok.
WAITRESS
Ready?
JEFFREY
Yeah, um, can I just get the three eggs with the bacon--
WAITRESS
Scrambled...fried--?
JEFFREY
Oh, scrambled please, with the bacon, and can I just get toast instead of the muffin?
WAITRESS
Ninety-nine cents
JEFFREY
Huh?
WAITRESS
It's ninety-nine cents if you want toast instead of a muffin.
JEFFREY
You serious?
Waitress pops her gum and nods.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Well, won't the two slices of bread cost less than the muffin?  I mean, you can just bring me one slice and I'll be fine.
WAITRESS
Sorry that's just what they tell us.
JEFFREY
You really won't give me the toast instead of a muffin?
WAITRESS
For ninety-nine cents I will.
JEFFREY
Yeah but I don't see why I should pay extra for something that costs you less to give me.
She doesn't reply.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Fine, well, if I'm going to pay for it what else can you sub?
WAITRESS
Toast...corn bread...freedom fries...
JEFFREY
Freedom fries?
Waitress rolls her eyes and nods.
WAITRESS
You want 'em?
JEFFREY
How much are they?
WAITRESS
One ninety-nine.
JEFFREY
One ninety-nine?
WAITRESS
Liberty ain't cheap.
Jeffrey smirks.
JEFFREY
That's fine.  Freedom fries is good.
WAITRESS
Comin' right up, Dubya.

Waitress walks away.  Jeffrey rubs his face and sighs.
Logan
What did Stevie Wonder think of the cheese grater he got as a gift?
It takes a second for Jeffrey to realize he is being addressed.
JEFFREY
What?
LOGAN
It's a riddle, you're supposed to answer.
JEFFREY
Oh, what was it again?
LOGAN
What did Stevie Wonder think of the cheese grater he got as a gift?
JEFFREY
I don't know, what?
LOGAN
He thought it was the most violent book he's ever read.
It takes a beat for Jeffrey to get it.  He chuckles and cracks a smile.  
Logan speaks in a sort of overbearing tone, which makes it seem as if he is trying too hard to be everybody's friend.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
You looked like you needed that.
JEFFREY 
Oh, yeah.  That obvious, huh?
LOGAN
(smiling)
In a word.  Having a good day it seems?
JEFFREY
Oh, peachy.
LOGAN
Yeah I can tell.
(extends his hand)
I'm Logan, by the way.
Jeffrey unenthusiastically shakes his hand.
JEFFREY
Jeffrey.
LOGAN
Jeffrey?
JEFFREY
Yeah, good to meet you man.
LOGAN
Hey, you too.
(beat as he sips his coffee)
So, what do you do?
JEFFREY
For what, like a living?
LOGAN
Yeah.
JEFFREY
I get denied at breakfast joints.
Logan chuckles.  Jeffrey glances at him.  It really wasn't that funny.
LOGAN
Well, aside from the obvious.  Really, what do you do?
JEFFREY 
(apprehensive)
Aside from that, I work at the, Loss Prevention, up at the JCPenney.
LOGAN
Really?
JEFFREY
Yeah, up at Lynnwood.
LOGAN
How do you like it?
JEFFREY
It's not bad.
LOGAN
Yeah?

JEFFREY
I basically just walk around pretending like I'm looking for shoplifters and get paid for it.  Even get my own little business cards too.
Jeffrey takes a card out of his pocket and hands it to LOGAN who looks at it briefly before putting it into his breast pocket.
LOGAN
Can't complain, right?  So, you planning on a law enforcement career or something along those lines?
JEFFREY
Nah, I don't know.  I mean, I got my degree last year in that field, in criminal justice, but I don't know anymore.  Kinda reached that point, I guess.  In limbo you could say.
LOGAN
Yeah?
JEFFREY
I don't know, I'm just in that mode right now where as long as I get a steady paycheck I'm fine.
LOGAN
Hey, whatever works, right?
JEFFREY
That's right.
(beat)
So anyway, what do you do?
LOGAN
I'm an attorney.
JEFFREY
Really?
LOGAN
Yeah.  
JEFFREY
Coincidence, I'm actually looking for a lawyer.
LOGAN
Yeah?
JEFFREY
Yeah, well, one I can afford.
LOGAN
Why, what's the problem?  If you don't mind my asking of course.
JEFFREY
Nah, it's cool.  It's just some thing with my ex, and our son.
LOGAN
Oh, that's too bad.  You divorced?
JEFFREY
Oh, no, no, God no.  It's kind of a long story, so....
LOGAN
Well, maybe I can help you out.  I'm usually a Viking when it comes to legal advice.  Here, why don't we go sit at a table and talk it over.
JEFFREY
(surprised)
Oh, ok.  Sure.
The two get up and sit down at a table near the window.
LOGAN
Ok, go 'head.
JEFFREY 
(reserved)
We, well, Kristena and I, had our boy a little over three years ago now, and apparently recently she's found someone who she sees as higher up the food chain than me.
LOGAN 
That's too bad.
JEFFREY
Yeah.  Well now she, for some reason, doesn't want me to have any relationship with him. 
LOGAN
With your son?
JEFFREY
Yeah, Michael.
LOGAN
God.
JEFFREY 
Seriously.
LOGAN
So, what's the deal?  I mean, was it amicable between you two?
JEFFREY
Oh, yeah I was civil about it.  I mean I gave her the car, our car.  I moved out of our place to find my own.  I'm really not the vindictive type, so if she found someone who makes her happier then that's honestly fine with me.
LOGAN
An emotional Superman, huh?
JEFFREY
No, well, it took a while to get over it.  She was obviously a big part of, well, everything for a long time.  But I figure that I can't do anything about it, so why worry about it.
LOGAN
That's pretty noble of you.
JEFFREY
Yeah, I don't know if she appreciates it.
LOGAN 
Wow.  What's she thinking?
JEFFREY
I don't know.  I'm sure it's all his idea.
(sips his water)
So, what kinda lawyer are you?
LOGAN
Oh, I work in personal injury.
JEFFREY
Yeah?
LOGAN
Oh yeah.
JEFFREY
How is it?
LOGAN
Ahhh, it's alright, but let's not get sidetracked, go on.  I want to be able to help you out with this.  When did all this come about?
JEFFREY
Last night, that's when she told me about this whole thing with our son, at least.  She met the guy about seven months ago, and they have been seeing each other since then.  Behind my back, of course.  She left me for him about six weeks ago.
LOGAN
Jesus.
JEFFREY
Yeah, and I really don't know what laws apply to kids, custody of kids that are born to people who aren't married, so that goes back to me looking for a lawyer.
LOGAN
I think it works, well in marriages, when they get divorced this business usually favors the mom, doesn't it?  I don't know.
JEFFREY
I don't know, that's the way it is on T.V. at least.  I figure that would be more your area than mine.
LOGAN
Good thinking, I can check on that for you if you want.  Well, actually, on second thought I know a great family lawyer.
JEFFREY
Yeah?
LOGAN
Yeah, I met him a few years back and he's actually helping me out now, and has been for the past few months, dealing with my now ex-wife.
JEFFREY
Your ex?
LOGAN
Yeah, you know the standard, cliché ex-wife act.  Fortunately we never had any kids but that isn't stopping her from trying to milk me for every cent I've earned.
JEFFREY
Oh really?
LOGAN
Yes, indeed.
Beat.
JEFFREY 
Shit man, this is one mighty depressing table.
LOGAN
Tell me about it.  But hey, I can go ahead and give him a call, ask him some questions for you and then get back to you.
JEFFREY
Honestly, that would be great.  Well, should I give--
LOGAN
Yeah, you gave me your card, so I have your number.
JEFFREY
Oh, ok.  Well, here, let me write me cell number down on it.
Logan takes the card out of his pocket as Jeffrey pats himself down.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Shit, you got a pen?
LOGAN
Yeah, sure.
Logan removes a pen from his pocket.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Whoops, looks like it’s got a little crud on it.
Logan wipes the pen clean with a napkin.
JEFFREY
Good call.
Logan hands the pen along with the card to Jeffrey.  Upon inspection, the pen is a spitting image of a finger bone.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
(chuckling)
Great pen.
LOGAN
Yeah, we got a bunch at the office.  One of the only aspects that keeps my job fun, believe it or not.
Jeffrey writes his number on the card.  Just then, Waitress shows up with the food.  She sets it down, along with the check, and quickly walks away as Jeffrey hands the card back to Logan and lays the pen beside his plate.  Jeffrey inspects the food before taking a bite.
JEFFREY 
(to himself)
Shit, I even let her have it her way and gave Michael her last name.
LOGAN
What's that?
JEFFREY
Oh, nothin'.  Just venting.  We had this whole thing before Michael was born about his last name, and I agreed to use hers.
LOGAN
What is it?
JEFFREY
Brown.  She was set on Michael and she said Brown fit better than Carmichael.  Redundant, ya know?
(beat)
Shit, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to vent on you.
LOGAN
Hey, I asked, right?
JEFFREY
Yeah, but you know, once those flood gates open.
Beat.
LOGAN
Getting to you, huh?
JEFFREY
Yeah, for the most part it's mainly because I was taken aback by this whole thing.  Kinda knocked the emotional wind outta me. 
LOGAN
Understandable.  You don't seem like you deserve this.  Seems to be the standard though, that bad things happen to good people.
JEFFREY
Yeah.  Murphy's Law.
LOGAN
Look at it this way...it could be worse, right?
Jeffrey shakes his head.
JEFFREY
Well, yeah, but I just started paying back my student loans, I'm working an hourly job, so I just don't have the money or the time to deal with all this. 
Beat.
LOGAN 
Well, you can always bypass the whole attorney process and just kill her and make your life easier.  
A long beat.  Jeffrey smirks.
JEFFREY
That would be less complicated, wouldn't it?  Makes sense to me.
LOGAN
Cheaper too.  If you do it right it would be a lot less stressful.
JEFFREY
(sarcastic)
So there's basically no argument against it, right?
LOGAN
None that I can see.
JEFFREY
Except, of course, the whole prison term, followed by the electric chair, lynching, or whatever they have in this state.  Plus, the whole losing my son aspect factors in, which kinda defeats the purpose of going through with it in the first place.
LOGAN
Well, you have to be smart about it.
JEFFREY
Nah, these days there's always something that can get to you with.  I had this criminal profiling class my third year, and we spent a lot of time studying how they do everything with the fibers, DNA, and I guess they also--
LOGAN
That's all true, but an alibi can be the trump card.  Remember that reasonable doubt is all you need on your side.  If it's proven that you're somewhere else at the time, then you're good to go.
JEFFREY
Kinda hard being in two places at once though.  Plus, I don't know many people that would lie for me so that I could go ahead and try to get away with murder.
LOGAN
That's easy, just have someone else do it.
JEFFREY
What, lie?
LOGAN
No, kill her.
JEFFREY
I probably passed over the hit man section of the phone book this morning.  I can Google it later though and see what comes up.
LOGAN
No, even that wouldn't work, because then the perpetrator would still have a motive, which in this case would be money.  See, the trick is to try and make the issue of motive impossible to find.  Physical evidence can get you most of the way there, but the reasoning behind it, the motive, is the most vital part of any investigation.
JEFFREY
Right.
LOGAN
Or prosecution for that matter.
JEFFREY 
So, what do you mean?
LOGAN
I kill her.
JEFFREY 
You?
LOGAN
It's simple.  I take care of her for you, but you don't pay me or give me any type of physical compensation.  None whatsoever.  That way, me being a complete stranger, there is no motive that will be able to be tied to me.
JEFFREY
Oh, alright.
(beat)
Well, so you just do it for free?  You don't want like a six-pack, an order of freedom fries, or anything after from me?
LOGAN
In exchange, you return the favor with regards to my ex-wife.
Jeffrey stares at Logan for a quick beat before smirking again.
JEFFREY
Kill your ex-wife.
Logan nods.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Sounds perfect.  Yeah.  So, you kill Kristena, and in return I kill your ex--
LOGAN
Sophia.
JEFFREY
Sophia, right.  But, yeah, that whole no motive part, really well thought out.  We'll each have our alibi, because we'll obviously be doing something else at the time, no circumstantial evidence points to us.  No motive.  There is bound to be some physical evidence, but like you said since the victims don't know us from Peter there's no way for the physical evidence to get back to us.  Brilliant.  
Jeffrey has just finished polishing off his plate.
LOGAN
In a word.  As long as you're smart about it.
JEFFREY
Well, like I said, that sounds perfect.  You've certainly done your homework.
Jeffrey takes a look at the check.  He's eager to get the hell out of there.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Shit, do I just pay up there?
He gets up.
LOGAN
Well, I have your number, so I'll go ahead and give you a call when--
JEFFREY
Oh, yeah, once you find out, yeah, again I really appreciate it.
(extends his hand)
Let me know, alright?
LOGAN
(shakes his hand)
Of course.  Don't worry, it'll turn out alright.
JEFFREY
Thanks again, man.
Jeffrey walks O.S. with the check in hand.  Logan slowly sips his coffee while staring at Jeffrey walking away.

FADE TO BLACK.

Title Card:

   DEPTH PERCEPTION

Ext. Kristena's apartment - day
A car's EMERGENCY BREAK being enabled.  Jeffrey steps out of his early '90s car.  After waiting for a few cars to pass, he walks across the street and knocks on a door. 
A few seconds go by before the door swings open.  Standing there is DOUGLAS, a man in his mid-twenties.  
Douglas seems like a nice enough guy, although it is obvious that he is both physically and mentally intimidated by Jeffrey.
DOUGLAS
(uncomfortable)
Hey man.
Jeffrey
(dryly)
What's up.
The two men stand in an awkward silence for a beat before we hear KRISTENA's voice.
Kristena (o.S.)
Who is it, hun?
Douglas does not answer, instead Kristena shows up at the door.  She appears to be simply a normal, young woman.  She obviously is very aware of the tension.
KRISTENA (CONT'D)
(to JEFFREY)
Hey.
JEFFREY
Hey.
Another awkward beat.
KRISTENA
(to DOUGLAS)
We're gonna talk outside, ok?
DOUGLAS
Yeah, sure.
JEFFREY
We're gonna go over to that coffee place, just around there.
DOUGLAS
Oh, sure, ok.
Douglas extends his hand towards Jeffrey.
DOUGLAS (CONT'D)
Take it easy, man.
Jeffrey stares at Douglas for a beat before shaking his hand without a word.  Kristena steps outside and closes the door behind her.
Int. uptown espresso - dAY
Jeffrey sits alone at a small table while Kristena orders up at the counter.  She comes to the table, sets her drink down, then heads back to the counter.  
JEFFREY
What's up?
KRISTENA
Couldn't find any of the blue.
JEFFREY
Shit, it's all the same, right?
KRISTENA
I like the blue.  It's pretty.
Kristena searches through a tray full of sugar packets and picks up two blue packets before heading back to her seat.
JEFFREY
Better?
KRISTENA
Yup.  You sure you didn't want anything?
JEFFREY
Coffee sucks, you know me.
KRISTENA
Wanna try this?
JEFFREY
No.
KRISTENA
It's good.
JEFFREY
It's coffee, it all tastes the same.  Doesn't matter where you get it from or what kind it is.
KRISTENA
It's chai tea.
JEFFREY
Probably still tastes like coffee.
(uncomfortable beat)
You get that job?
KRISTENA
I haven't heard back yet.
JEFFREY
I'm sure you'll get it, it's only been a few days.
KRISTENA
Yeah.
JEFFREY
You said the interview went well, right?
KRISTENA
Yeah it went really well, actually.  They said that so far I'm the most experienced out of everyone who's applied.
JEFFREY
What position was it for again?
KRISTENA
Marketing director.
JEFFREY
That's right.
KRISTENA
Yeah, so keep your fingers crossed.
JEFFREY
You know you'll get it.  You always do this.
KRISTENA
Don't jinx it.  Knock on wood.
Kristena knocks on the table as Jeffrey knocks on his privates.
KRISTENA (CONT'D)
Stupid.
JEFFREY
That’s what I’m here for.
Kristena empties the packets into her drink.  The mood becomes slightly uncomfortable.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
How is he?
KRISTENA
Who?
Jeffrey simply looks at her.
KRISTENA (CONT'D)
He's fine.  He misses you.
JEFFREY
Where was he?
KRISTENA
He was taking a nap.
(extends her drink)
You sure?
Jeffrey shakes his head.
KRISTENA (CONT'D)
So what's on your mind.
Jeffrey hesitates.
JEFFREY 
There's no point in dancing around this so...I got a lawyer.
KRISTENA
What?
JEFFREY
A lawyer.  I got one.
KRISTENA
When?
JEFFREY
Doesn't matter.  I don't see how you really left me any choice, right?
KRISTENA
Well, so what's going to happen?
JEFFREY
I don't know, I think that's probably up to you.
KRISTENA
Why did you get a lawyer?
JEFFREY
(a little louder)
You serious?
Jeffrey catches himself.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
What is the whole point of this?  You really didn't go into it a whole lot this morning.
KRISTENA
You were the one who hung up.
JEFFREY
Whatever, just...what's this about.
KRISTENA 
I...well, we didn't want to confuse him at his age.  We thought--
JEFFREY
The only "we" that should matter here is you and I.  Douglas isn't his father.  He's known him for less than fuckin' six months.
KRISTENA
Jeffrey--
JEFFREY 
(softer now)
Ok, look, I didn't want this to happen, alright?  I mean, think about what you're doing.  Not only to me but to Michael.  Are you insane?  You said you're only looking our for his interests, but if you'd stop and think about it for a second...
(settles down)
Alright, I don't want this to be hard, on either of us.  I'm, I mean, I'm just...look, why don't the three of us, you, me, and Douglas sit down tonight.  Once I'm off work after Michael's asleep, I can come over and we can sit down and have a pow-wow, and figure this out like mature adults.  Is that cool?
KRISTENA
You sure?
JEFFREY
Yes, I'm sure.
KRISTENA
You think it's a good idea?
JEFFREY
Well, it has to do with our son, of course I think it's a good idea.  I wouldn’t have brought it up if I didn’t think it was a good idea.
KRISTENA
Can you be civil enough?
JEFFREY
Look who you’re talking to.
KRISTENA 
Alright.
JEFFREY
Will he mind?
KRISTENA
No, I mean, this will probably make things easier for everyone, right?
JEFFREY
Well, yeah, there's no point in having a whole little custody battle in a court just to figure this out.  We're smart, mature adults, aren't we?
KRISTENA
I am at least.
JEFFREY
Loser.
KRISTENA 
I know.
JEFFREY
So this is cool?
KRISTENA
Yeah, absolutely.
JEFFREY 
Cool, thank you.
(stands up)
I gotta get to work.  I'll stop by at like nine.  That ok?
KRISTENA
Yeah, that's perfect.
JEFFREY
Alright
(kisses her head)
Love you.
KRISTENA
Love you too.
Jeffrey stares at her from behind for a beat before walking O.S. leaving Kristena alone as she contemplates what has transpired. 
FADE OUT.
InT. loss prevention office - afterNOON
Sitting at a desk with a sizable mound of papers stacked in front of him, Jeffrey relaxes in his chair.  
Sitting relaxed near him is fellow officer TROY, a physically intimidating yet seemingly kind man in his early thirties.  
A few black and white closed circuit monitors remain, for the most part, unwatched.
Troy
How much did it cost then?
JEFFREY
Forty-nine bucks.  He didn't even charge me tax, either.
TROY
No shit?
JEFFREY
Ya, I hooked it up and played for a while last night.
TROY
And it has all the games on there?
JEFFREY
Like a hundred.  It's weird too because it's not exactly a system.  All the games are in the little controller, then you just plug the controller into the T.V.  It's got Paper Boy, Millipede, Donkey Kong--
TROY
Donkey Kong, are you serious?
JEFFREY
Hell yeah man.
TROY
Donkey Kong was fucking awesome.
JEFFREY
Yeah, I haven't played it yet though.
TROY
Which ones did you try then?
JEFFREY
I played just Mario Brothers, the original Mario Brothers for a little while, then I hit up Contra.
TROY
Get the fuck outta here, it has Contra?
JEFFREY
It's awesome man, I remembered all of that shit once I started playing.  All the levels.  I fucking got the spray and started unloading.  The only thing that sucks is the code from the regular Nintendo doesn't work on it.
TROY
Oh, no shit?
JEFFREY
Yeah, the code to get, like, thirty lives.
TROY
Yeah, yeah.  What was it again?
JEFFREY 
Up, up, down, down--
Troy now joins in and they complete the rest together.
JEFFREY/troy
Left, right, left, right, B, A, B, A, select, start.
JEFFREY
Yup.  It took me a while to get back into it.  You should borrow it.  Once you start playing it all comes back.
TrOY 
What about Mega Man?
JEFFREY
Shit, I forgot about Mega Man.  I didn't see it on there but I'll check later.
TROY
If it is then you for sure gotta sponsor me it for a few days.
JEFFREY
That's kinda depressing, though.  
TROY
What is?
JEFFREY
Michael, or even your kids, they'll never appreciate Contra, the genius behind Contra.
TROY 
Yeah, you know?  They wouldn't get it at all.
JEFFREY
No shit.  Same goes with MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice--
TROY
Snow.
JEFFREY
Yeah, Snow.  Don't know what kind of sick culture they're gonna grow up in.
TROY
(pointing to the CCTV)
Hey, you see that?
They both stare intensely at the screen.
JEFFREY
Nah it's nothing.
TROY 
Yeah.
(beat)
Still can't believe that.
JEFFREY
What?
TROY
What your woman is trying to pull.
JEFFREY
You know she isn't my woman anymore.
TROY
You know what I mean.
JEFFREY 
Yeah, I mean, like I said we talked before I came here and it sounded like we're gonna work it out.  We actually set up a little thing for tonight to talk all this through.  Hopefully.
TROY
Yeah, but still.
JEFFREY
(to himself)
Shit, I hope he doesn't go through too much trouble.
TROY
Who?
JEFFREY
Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you, I met this lawyer this morning.
TROY
Oh yeah?  Where?
JEFFREY
When I got breakfast.
TROY
You met up with him?
JEFFREY
No, I actually just met him there.
TROY
What do you mean?
JEFFREY
I don't know, he just started talkin' to me and after a while he told me he was a lawyer so I told him what my deal was.
TROY
Oh, so what, is he gonna help you out?
JEFFREY 
Yeah, he said, well he works in like, paper or copyright law...but he knows a custody attorney who he said he'll hook me up with.
TROY
Oh, no shit?
JEFFREY
Yeah.
(beat)
He was kind of a weird bastard though.
TROY
How do you mean?
JEFFREY
I don't know, he just was.  Too friendly.
TROY
Too much school.
(beat as they both glance at the CCTVs)
Shit, if anything else just beat her over her head with your dick and steal the kid.
JEFFREY
There's always that.
TROY
She'd probably enjoy it.
Beat.  Jeffrey suddenly recollects.
JEFFREY
Yeah, that was it.
TROY 
She would enjoy it?
JEFFREY
Nah, well yeah, but the lawyer this morning, he kept going on and on about how I should just kill Kristena.
TROY
Why?  What was he saying?
JEFFREY
I don't know, he just went off on how it would be easy.  It would make everything easier because I wouldn't have to pay for lawyer fees, and all that.
TROY
If you just killed her?
JEFFREY
Yeah, well, if he killed her for me.
Troy nods as if he is understanding where Logan was coming from.
TROY
He's gotta point.
JEFFREY
Yeah, but it's cool if you or I say something like that, but this guy just kept goin' on about it.  Got kinda irritating after a while.
TROY
What else did he say?
JEFFREY
That was basically it, we were just bullshitting for a while.  I'm just glad he'll be able to help me.
A long beat.  Jeffrey looks up at the clock, which reads just before five o'clock.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
You mind if I jet?
TrOY
Nah man, go for it.  It's dead here anyway.
JEFFREY
Thanks, gotta take care of some shit before tonight.
TROY
No worries.  You want me to clock you out later?
JEFFREY
Yeah, make it at around eight.  I need the hours.
TROY
Aight, no problem man.
JEFFREY
What are you gonna do tonight?
TROY
Nothin, just marinate at home.
JEFFREY
Cool, cool.  I'll see you tomorrow then.

Jeffrey stands and heads towards the door.
FaDE OUT.
INT. jeffrey's car - night
The car is messy.  The radio is off.  Jeffrey sits parked at a red light.  Rather than waiting for the light to switch, he is staring out his window into thin air.  
The light turns green.  The car does not move.  After a few seconds the car behind him gives a courteous honk, which sets the car in motion.
He continues down a few blocks before turning onto another street.  As soon as the turn is completed, he STOPS SUDDENLY.  His eyes widen.  The reflection of alternating blue and red lights bounce off of his windshield.
EXT. jeffrey's car - sAME TIME
Nerve-racked, Jeffrey fumbles with his seat belt and quickly exits the car.  
He is now RUNNING as FAST AS HE CAN down the street, passing a fire truck, numerous police cars, and an ambulance.  He comes to a small crowd of people gathered outside... 
KRISTENA'S APARTMENT
Jeffrey barely slows as he begins pushing the people aside.  He quickly comes face to face with a PATROL OFFICER.  Jeffrey tries to run by, but he is pushed back.
Patrol officer
Hey, this is none of your business.
JEFFREY
(urgent)
My son is in there!
PATROL OFFICER
What?
JEFFREY
MY FUCKING SON IS IN THERE!  
Jeffrey pushes the Patrol Officer aside with a vengeance, knocking him off of his feet, and sprints up to the open front door.  
He stops himself abruptly.  His eyes widen then immediately fill with tears. 
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
NO!
INT. kRISTENA'S APARTMENT - sAME TIME
Douglas, wearing only a pair of jeans, lies dead face down in a pool of blood in the floor just inside the apartment.  Blood has stained the wall next to him as well as the carpet behind him.  
In the far corner, slumped over on the couch, is Kristena.  She is in even worse shape than Douglas.
EXT. kRISTENA'S APARTMENT - sAME TIME
Jeffrey is immediately restrained by more than a few officers and pushed back away from the door.  He CRIES IN AGONY.  
Still resisting with all his might, the officers have no choice but to lower him closer to the ground.
JEFFREY
(crying)
Where is my son!?
His question goes unanswered.  He fights even more.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
WHERE IS MY SON!?
Jeffrey repeats his cry again and again.  He scans the crowd.  Behind a group of emotional onlookers, Jeffrey notices the back door of an ambulance open with paramedics apparently focusing on someone inside.  
He begins fighting even harder, and eventually is able to break free.  He runs as fast as humanly possible through the dense crowd.  A PARAMEDIC turns and notices him approaching. 
Paramedic
(extending his arms)
Whoa, whoa, whoa there buddy.  Calm down.
JEFFREY forcefully pushes him aside and makes it to the rear of the ambulance.
Ambulance
Another paramedic is leaning up against the interior wall of the ambulance with an inflated latex glove in his hand, bouncing it around playfully.  Sitting in front of him on a stretcher, in MICHAEL.
JEFFREY
Michael?
Michael turns and his face lights up.
Michael
Daddy!
Jeffrey leaps into the ambulance, takes hold of his son, and holds him tightly.  Tears continue to stream down his face.
JEFFREY
(examining his son)
Oh, God.  You alright?  You're ok.  Oh my God...
Jeffrey breaks down crying.  Still holding his son with a father's grip, he sits down on the edge of the ambulance.  He begins to rock back and forth.
FADE OUT.
EXT. kRISTENA'S APARTMENT - nIGHT
Both sides of the street are now taped off.  A lone ambulance sits in the middle of the road.  
Sitting on the rear is Michael, who now has six latex-glove-balloons with faces drawn on them.  Two paramedics sit on either side of him, while one reads him a children's book. 
Jeffrey sits alone on the edge of the curb a few yards from the apartment door, arms resting on his knees, his head lowered slightly with his eyes fixed on his son.
CATERSON, a female officer who exudes confidence, walks out of the apartment. 
Caterson
(to PATROL OFFICER)
That him?
PATROL OFFICER
Yeah.  Jeffrey.
CATERSON
Jeffrey.
She walks over next to him.  After a beat he looks up to her.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
Jeffrey?
Jeffrey nods.  Caterson sits next to him.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
My name's Lindsey Caterson, I'm a detective with the Seattle Police Department.
Jeffrey extends his hand.  She shakes it.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
I'm very sorry about the circumstances.
Jeffrey shakes his head slightly.  He again fixes his eyes on Michael.  Caterson notices.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
He seems alright.
Beat.
JEFFREY
He see it?
CATERSON
As far as we know he was asleep in the bedroom.  The door was closed.  They made sure to not let him get a look when they were taking him outside.
Jeffrey nods.  A long beat.  Caterson carries a sympathetic tone.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
I'm sorry for the timing, but--
JEFFREY
I don't mind.  You can ask whatever.
CATERSON
Thanks, and again I'm sorry.
(beat)
You guys were good friends?
JEFFREY
We dated for about five years...a little over five years.  We were actually engaged, well, we got engaged about seven months ago.
CATERSON
Um hmm.  Didn't work out?
JEFFREY
She met Douglas about six months ago.
CATERSON
She left you for him?
Jeffrey nods.
Caterson (CONT'D)
She cheat on you?
JEFFREY
Up until she left me for him.
Michael is heard laughing.  They both look to see him chasing a paramedic around the ambulance.
CATERSON
What's his name?
JEFFREY
Michael.
CATERSON
Three?  Four?
JEFFREY
Yeah, three.
CATERSON
(looks at her watch)
It's past his bedtime.  Why don't you take him home.
JEFFREY
Thanks.
They stand.  Caterson takes a card out of her pocket and gives it to Jeffrey.
CATERSON
You busy for the rest of the week?
JEFFREY
I was supposed to work, but I don't...
(trails off)
CATERSON
I'll give you a call, we can get a cup of coffee and talk about some things, alright?
JEFFREY
Sure.
CATERSON
Alright, the officer over there has your info, right?
JEFFREY
Yeah.
CATERSON
Ok, I'll give you a call.  You and Michael get some rest tonight.
JEFFREY
Yeah.
Caterson extends her hand, and Jeffrey shakes it.  Caterson continues to watch Jeffrey as he takes Michael by the hand and walks him to his car, still in the middle of the road.  
Only after Jeffrey drives away does she turn and head back into the apartment.
FADE OUT.
InT. jeffrey's apartment - night
Total darkness.  A key can be heard making it's way into the lock.  The door opens slowly, gradually letting light in.  Michael is asleep in Jeffrey's arms.
jEFFREY'S BEDROOM
We see a digital alarm clock with red numbers that reads 10:17.  The bed is unmade.  The door slowly swings open.  Jeffrey walks in and gently lays Michael down on the bed making sure to pull the comforter up to his shoulders.  The movement wakes him up.
MICHAEL
(groggy)
Dad?
JEFFREY
(whispering)
Yeah, big guy.
MICHAEL
Why am I sleeping here tonight?
A long beat.  Jeffrey's voice becomes shaky.
JEFFREY
Mom needed to sleep by herself tonight.
(he can barely get it out)
So you and I are gonna hang out, ok?
MICHAEL
Ok.
JEFFREY
Go to sleep, alright?
MICHAEL
Ok.  I'm tired.
JEFFREY
I know.
(kisses his forehead.)
I love you.
MICHAEL
I love you too.
Jeffrey quickly heads for the door.
jEFFREY'S APARTMENT
Once outside the room, he softly closes the bedroom door.  He stands still for a beat, then hauls ass to...
Jeffrey's bathroom
Shutting the door quickly behind him.  He breaks down in tears.
Jeffrey's living room
On a coffee table next to a set of keys and a wallet, Jeffrey's cell phone begins to ring.  
The bathroom door opens.  Jeffrey, regaining his composure, glances at the number on the caller I.D.  He does not recognize it.
JEFFREY
Hello?
LOGAN
(muffled)
Hi, is Jeffrey there?
JEFFREY
Yeah, this is him.
LOGAN
Jeffrey?
JEFFREY
Yeah.
LOGAN
You alright?  I didn't wake you up, did I?
JEFFREY
No, I just...who is this?
LOGAN
It's Logan.
JEFFREY
Logan?
LOGAN
Yeah, buddy, from this morning.
JEFFREY
Yeah, I know, I remember.
LOGAN
Oh ok.
(excited)
So....?
JEFFREY
So what?
LOGAN
(disappointed)
You're welcome.
JEFFREY
What?
LOGAN
Your son's at your place now, right?  Everything ok?  I told you it would be alright.
It hits him like a bucket of cold water.
JEFFREY
Wait, wait, wait--
LOGAN
It's just like we talked about this morning.  I told you, as long as we're smart about it, it'll go off without a hitch.
JEFFREY
What the fuck!?
Jeffrey looks at the bedroom door before quickly running back into...
Jeffrey's bathroom
He closes the toilet lid and has a seat.
JEFFREY
You killed her.
LOGAN
Both of them, actually.  I forget his name, though.  What was it again?
JEFFREY
You killed both of them.
LOGAN
Well, yeah.  I know this morning we only talked about her, but he was there, so common sense--
Jeffrey jumps up and begins to pace frantically.
JEFFREY
Common fucking sense?  Are you fucking retarded?  What the fuck were you thinking?
LOGAN
Don't get mad.  We talked about this.
JEFFREY
Are you kidding me?
LOGAN
This morning, we talked, it was for quite a long time.  I remember.  I told you the idea, and you said it was perfect.
JEFFREY
What--
LOGAN
Brilliant, you said.
JEFFREY
(buries his head in his hands)
Oh God...Jesus Christ...
LOGAN
Listen, I-- 
JEFFREY
Are you kidding with this?  You actually think--
LOGAN
What--
JEFFREY
I'm fucking telling you, you actually think, God I don't, how could you possibly think I was serious?  Are you fucking insane?
LOGAN
How could I not?  You told me you thought it was a perfect idea, why would you say that if it wasn't true?
(sighs)
I don't know what your problem is--
JEFFREY
MY problem?
LOGAN
Even if you say you didn't want this, which I still dispute, why can't you have the foresight to see that this all will be good for you in the long run?  Good for you and your boy.  Think about it, no custody battle, no child support, and no emotional trauma...you gave me the impression that you would do anything and everything for your son.  I did you a favor here.  It's exactly what we talked about.
JEFFREY
Oh my fucking Lord, I don't believe this.
LOGAN
Jeffrey.
JEFFREY
I don't fucking believe this.
LOGAN
Jeffrey.
JEFFREY
I'm going to jail.  Jesus Christ.
LOGAN
Hey.
JEFFREY
What?
LOGAN 
Take a breath.  We need you calm, buddy.  Alright?
Jeffrey breathes in deeply then exhales slowly.  He sits back down on the toilet.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Better?
(beat)
Ok, listen, first thing we got to do is make sure you're squared away, ok?  Like I said this morning, as long as we're smart about this, everything will turn out aces.  They have no motive on you.
JEFFREY
No motive?  She was going to take away my son!
LOGAN
Yeah but she only told you that last night.  Who else would know besides her and...sorry, what was his name again?
(no response)
Look, anyway since you and her had your whole history, the first person the police are going to want to talk to is you, ok?
JEFFREY 
Oh shit--
LOGAN
Hey, first thing's first or first thing's last?  Like I was saying, they have no motive and you have an alibi, right?  You weren't even there so you're squared away as far as physical evidence is concerned.
JEFFREY
No, I'm fucking not.
LOGAN
How do you mean?
JEFFREY
I mean I was over there today.
LOGAN
What?
JEFFREY
After breakfast, I went over to their place to see her.
LOGAN
(sighs violently)
Well, did you go inside?
JEFFREY
No, no I stayed outside.  We, the two of us, we actually went to the coffee shop around the corner.
LOGAN
(softly)
Shit.
JEFFREY
What?
LOGAN
Well, do you think anybody noticed you?
JEFFREY
How the fuck should I know?
LOGAN
Well, you were there weren't you?
JEFFREY
God, this is, I don't believe this.
LOGAN
Ok, look, it's alright, ok?  It's not your fault.
JEFFREY
Fuck, why are we even talking about this?  What's to stop me from dialing nine-fucking-one-one right now and dicking you over?
LOGAN
You don't want to do that.
JEFFREY
Why not?
LOGAN
You just don't.
JEFFREY
Why?  Tell me, you fucking piece of shit.  Tell me.  Why?
LOGAN
You're going to have to trust me on this one.  Unlike you, I was being smart about this.
(beat)
You know, to be honest, I really don't know where our signals got crossed on this--
Click.  Jeffrey hangs up.  He stares at the phone in disbelief for a beat before setting it down on the counter.  He's scared shitless.  His mind is moving a mile a minute.
The phone rings again.  Jeffrey doesn't answer.  Silence.  A long beat passes before he picks up the phone and dials.
Machine
(muffled)
You have....one....new message.  To hear your messages, press one.  To delete--
He hits a button.
MACHINE (CONT'D)
First message. 
LOGAN
(muffled)
Hey buddy.  Listen, I know you're upset and you have a lot on your mind right now, but you're going to have to trust me on this.  Ok?  Tomorrow morning I'll be at Hill Park at a quarter after ten.  Meet me there so we can go over a few things, alright?  We'll take care of a few loose ends we didn't get to go over tonight, then we'll get started on the other end of the deal.  Alright.  Sleep tight.  Have a good night, buddy.  
Beat.
MACHINE
End of message.  To erase this message, press seven.  To save it, press four.  For more options, press zero.
JEFFREY'S PHONE
He hits "4."
FADE OUT.
INT. jEFFREY'S BEDROOM - morning
A small amount of sun creeps in through the shut blinds.  Jeffrey sits in a chair in the corner of the room facing the bed.  He stares at Michael, who is still asleep.  It seems as if he has been like this all night.
After a while, Jeffrey slowly gets up and makes his way over to the bed.  He kneels down next to his son and watches his face as he sleeps.  
Jeffrey then reaches under the bed and pulls out a small carrying case.  He unzips it, revealing a small .32 caliber pistol and a full magazine.  He picks both up and slams the magazine into the pistol resulting in a loud CLICK.  
MICHAEL
Daddy?
Quickly, Jeffrey hides the loaded weapon back under the bed.
JEFFREY
Hey big guy.
MICHAEL
What are you doing?
JEFFREY
Just about to wake you up.  Feel like going to see Grandma and Grandpa today?
MICHAEL
Ok.  Which ones?
JEFFREY
You're daddy's parents.
MICHAEL
Ok.  What are you gonna do?
JEFFREY
I gotta work and do all that stuff, so you'll probably sleep over there tonight.  I'll be sure to call you and talk to you though, is that ok?
MICHAEL
Ok.
JEFFREY
Then once I'm done we'll hang out, alright?  So think about what fun stuff you wanna do, ok?
MICHAEL
Ok.
JEFFREY 
Ok.
(kisses his forehead)
Let's go get ready.
FADE OUT.
EXT. park - daY
Dark and overcast. The park is deserted except for Logan, who sits on a swing eating a taco. A food bag sits beside him.
Jeffrey's car comes to a short stop at the curb.  He exits quickly and walks over to the swing-set.
LOGAN
Hey buddy.
JEFFREY
I'm not your fuckin' buddy.
LOGAN
(holding up the bag)
Wanna taco?
Jeffrey doesn't reply.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Sure?  Two for ninety-nine cents, I got a whole bunch of 'em.
No response.  Logan sets the bag back down and continues on his taco.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Suit yourself.  Get any sleep last night?
JEFFREY
What do you think?
LOGAN
Yeah, I can tell.  I told you, you shouldn't let this stress you out.  I've thought all this through, we're being smart about this.
Jeffrey removes his pistol from his coat pocket just long enough for LOGAN to notice before he conceals it again.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Or not.
JEFFREY
You never gave me a reason why I shouldn't call the police.
Logan, who has just finished his taco, dusts off his hands and throws the empty wrapper into the bag.
LOGAN
You really haven't thought this through.
JEFFREY
I haven't?
LOGAN
No, you haven't.  After we talked last night this whole act you're pulling now may have seemed like a good idea.  You shouldn't make decisions like these when you're under so much stress, that's how people get hurt.
JEFFREY
Ironic you should mention people getting hurt.
LOGAN
I mean, really, what were you planning on doing?  You planned on gunning me down right here in public? Or maybe you figured that if you brandished a gun you could order me into a car and we could travel to a secluded location where you could then gun me down?  And what if I refused?  It would go right back to that gunning down in public scenario.  I know you’re smarter than that.
JEFFREY
You don't know shit about me.
LOGAN
I know a lot.  I've always been able to read people pretty well, and you're an easy one.  I know you're a really smart guy.  I can tell by the way you talk and the way you carry yourself.  I can tell you're a genuinely nice person.  That's why I like you so much and why I'm trying to help you.  I know you love your son, therefore you wouldn't come here and...
(uses finger quotes)
"Cap my ass" in broad daylight in full view of any Dick, Jane, or Spot who happened to be walking by.  Because if you did, then as you said at breakfast the other day, there is that whole prison thing.  So please, don't come here pulling some John McClain attitude thinking that I don't see through it.  Why don't you just sit down, have some curly fries, and we can talk like mature adults.
JEFFREY
You sidestepped the whole me going to the police question.
Logan reaches into his bag and grabs a handful of fries.
LOGAN 
I have your pen.  Well, actually it's my pen, I let you use it the other morning.  I don't know if you remember, but coincidentally I cleaned it before I handed it to you.  You see where this is going, right?
JEFFREY
What, you left the pen there?
LOGAN
No, God no.  I just put a little bit of blood on it set it in a safe place.  Jeffrey, I don't want you to take the fall for this.  I'm here to help you.
JEFFREY
How is this helping me?
LOGAN
You gotta look at this from all the angles.  Have some depth perception.  This could end up being the best thing that's happened to you.
JEFFREY
Are you fucking kidding me?
LOGAN
Look deeper, Jeffrey.  The end justifies the means on this one.  You're going to live happily ever after with your son, and in return to complete this small favor for me.
JEFFREY
Wait, that doesn't make sense.  You're the one who obviously hasn't thought this through.
(takes out his cell)
If I dial nine-one-one right now and tell them everything--
LOGAN
Jeffrey, you know how this works.  Let's say, hypothetically, you call John Law right now, what's going to happen?  Jesus man, I thought you studied this?  You have to realize that you are on the top of their short list of people to look at right now.  Like we talked about at breakfast, motive is what gets you.  Why in God's name would I go out of my way to kill two people I've never met before? 
JEFFREY
They'll know once I explain it to them.
LOGAN
Look, Jeffrey, I like you but this is getting really old, ok?  Now will you please just have a seat here so we can talk things over?
Jeffrey hesitates.  He is visibly conflicted.
JEFFREY 
How do I know that if we, you know, go through with this, how do I know that you'll...that it'll be done with.
LOGAN
I did you a favor, so you return the favor.  That's the way it usually works, right?  You have to realize that my whole reasoning behind this was to lend you a hand with your troubles, and quite frankly your lack of appreciation is really offending me.
Jeffrey slowly moves towards the swing next to him and sits down.  His head hangs low.
JEFFREY
Tell me.
LOGAN
Well, we really have to find out what you'll be comfortable with.  
JEFFREY
Comfortable?
LOGAN
In the context, Jeffrey.  You obviously own a gun.  I assume you know how to use it, right?
Jeffrey nods.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Now it wouldn't be the best idea to use the weapon I assume you purchased legally, but I can help you with that.
Jeffrey looks at him with disdain.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Don't give me that.  Listen, she--
JEFFREY
Can I ask why?
LOGAN
What?
JEFFREY
Why your ex-wife.
LOGAN
Well, I really don't see why it matter--
JEFFREY
It matters to me.  To be honest I'm still trying to sift through all this bullshit.  I mean, this still doesn't seem real to me.  And if I...I should know.  You want me to kill a human being.
LOGAN
Honestly?
JEFFREY
Yes, honestly.
LOGAN
Money.  Well, money and time.  I know it may sound cliché, but what it all comes down to is she is trying to take my money, and I don't have time for it.  Granted it's not nearly as noble as your reasoning, you may look down on it, but opinions are like assholes; everyone has one, and they all stink except for mine.  Besides, in our little deal we really shouldn’t judge.  We're here to look out for each other.
(looks through his bag)
Shit, the fries spilled all over.
(puts the bag back down)
Anyway, you think about this, alright?  I have the plan, the weapon, everything set up for you, so all you need to provide is the will.  I'll give you a call.  It's an easy decision.    
Logan picks up his bag and stands up.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Be smart about this, Jeffrey.  Think about your son.
(pats him on the shoulder)
I'll talk to ya later buddy.
Logan walks off.  Jeffrey remains in the same position, contemplating.
FADE OUT.
INT. jEFFREY'S CAR - day
It's raining now.  With so much on his mind, Jeffrey is only barely paying attention to the road.
INT. uptown espresso - day
Jeffrey has just received a drink from the cashier.  He turns and begins to walk away, but stops abruptly.  He turns to the counter and looks down at the sugar tray.  He slowly sifts through the majority of pink packages before locating a few blue packages.
INT. uPTOWN ESPRESSO - later
Jeffrey sits alone at a table.  He sips his drink.
INT. loss prevention office - day
The CCTV monitors remain unwatched.  Jeffrey stares off to the side silently.
INT. jEFFREY'S APARTMENT - evening
The front door swings open as Jeffrey steps into his dark, messy apartment.
INT. jefFREY'S shower - evening
Jeffrey stands still in the shower.  The water is barely hitting his shoulders.
INT. jEFFREY'S APARTMENT - night
Jeffrey sits half naked on the couch talking on his cell phone.
JEFFREY
He doing ok?
Mom
(muffled)
Yeah, he's doing great.  He certainly isn't acting like his mother just died.
JEFFREY
Mom--
MOM
(sternly)
When were you planning on telling him?
JEFFREY
I will, I mean...
(beat)
I don't know how to say it.
MOM
Jeffrey, you weren't planning on having us telling him were--
JEFFREY
No mom, God.  I'll do it, I just have to figure out what to say.
MOM
Alright.  Well, like I said, he's been doing good.  We went to the park earlier--
BEEP.
MOM (CONT'D)
--had a little picnic.
JEFFREY
Oh, mom can I give you a call back, I got the other line.
MOM
Yeah, sure sweetie.
JEFFREY
Alright, thanks.  
MOM
Bye-bye.
JEFFREY
Bye.
Jeffrey hits a button on his phone.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Hello?
LOGAN
(muffled)
Jeffrey?
Beat.
JEFFREY
Yeah.
LOGAN
Hey, buddy.  It's Logan.
JEFFREY
Yeah, I know.
LOGAN
How was your day?
JEFFREY
Alright.
LOGAN
Good to hear.
(sighs)
God, work today was terrible.  We had a big conference today about how--
JEFFREY
What do I...
(trails off)
LOGAN
Sorry, what's that?
Jeffrey lowers his head onto his hand.
JEFFREY
What do I have to do?
FADE OUT.
INT. drug store - night
Jeffrey walks quickly down one of the aisles.  He passes batteries, headphones, then stops right in front of a little tape recorder.  
He snatches it.
EXT. rest area - night
Located in a secluded area about one hundred yards off of the main highway, the rest area is complete with dilapidated bathrooms, rusted street lights, and a large picnic area. 
Logan leans up against his car.  The rest area is deserted.  A pair of headlights are seen turning off of the highway.  Cars continue to drive along the highway.  Jeffrey's car eventually pulls up near Logan.
Jeffrey exits the car quickly.  Obviously nervous, he scans the area.
LOGAN
Hey buddy.
Logan reaches into his car and takes out a small duffle bag.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
(handing the bag to Jeffrey)
Your order.
Jeffrey sets the bag on the back of Logan's car and opens it.  He pulls out a small caliber pistol with a suppressor attached.
JEFFREY
What would any normal person need with a fuckin' silencer?
LOGAN
It cost more than the gun.  I only bought it recently.
Jeffrey drops the gun back into the bag.  He exhales loudly.  He is shaking.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
You're not having second thoughts, are you?
JEFFREY
I don't know if I can do this.
LOGAN
Sure you can.  You're doing it for your son, remember?
JEFFREY
I don't know.
LOGAN
What, is it the killing that's getting to you?  You don't even know this person.  Take me for example, I mean you could say I'm against killing per se, but when the end result--  
JEFFREY
The end result?  The end result is fucking murder.  Per se, you're fucking crazy.
LOGAN
I'm crazy?  
JEFFREY
Yeah, you are.
LOGAN
What's crazy about this?  Let me ask you something, if Sophia died of a heart attack, brain tumor, or some STD tomorrow, how many tears would you shed?  Would you even care?
JEFFREY
That's completely different.
LOGAN
How is it different?
JEFFREY
Because she's not going to fucking die of a heart attack tomorrow.  You want me to kill her.
LOGAN
You religious?
JEFFREY
What does that have to do with anything?
LOGAN
I'm just trying to figure out why you--
JEFFREY
I'm a fucking human being.
LOGAN 
I want you to think about this.  How are you going to feel when she's gone?  You don't know her, you don't care about her.  You do care about your son though, don't you?
JEFFREY
That makes no sense.
LOGAN
Oh sure it does, you're just too stubborn to see it.  Don't be so PC.  Kill some Iraqis, get some oil.  Kill a stranger, get your son.  Besides, tens of thousands of people die in this country every day, you don't really give a shit about them, do you?
JEFFREY
I didn't kill any of them.
LOGAN
Yeah, but you didn't help any of them either.  Well you're getting something you desperately need out of it, aren't you?  Besides, it's not like she's some sort of saint.
JEFFREY 
What the hell is she guilty of?
LOGAN
She's sitting in a house I paid for, driving a car made possible by my retirement fund.  I'm paying her to play golf all day long.  Unlike her, I worked for what I have.  My parents never gave me anything aside from smacks to the back of the head.  When I turned ten I had to start buying my own food and clothes with the money I worked for.  The money I worked for, Jeffrey.  
JEFFREY
That has nothing to do with me.
LOGAN
Oh, and your ex-girlfriend was my business?
JEFFREY
Fuck you, don't even try to start with that.
LOGAN
Jeffrey, come on.  That's the point.  I could say we're here only because we made a deal, but my mind is clear enough to see that this is in your best interests.
JEFFREY
Not if I end up in prison.
LOGAN
That won't happen.
JEFFREY
Yeah?  How do you know?
LOGAN
It's like a recipe, Jeffrey.  Just go step-by-step and everything will turn out the way it's supposed to.  I'm looking out for you, that's what friends do.
JEFFREY 
I've never had a friend only call me from pay phones at gas stations.  It wasn't that hard to look up the numbers.
LOGAN
You see?  That's why I like you so much.  You're a smart guy.  That's how I know you'll make the right choice.  Your son or a complete stranger?
Jeffrey stares at him before looking through the bag.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
It'll be easy.  Take it from me.
Jeffrey looks up at him in disgust.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Just do exactly what I explained to you exactly how I explained to you.
JEFFREY
How did you...
(stops himself)
I can't believe I'm fucking asking this.
(wipes his eyes)
How did you do it?
LOGAN
To be frank I'm surprised you didn't ask me sooner.
CUT TO:
INT. kRISTENA'S APARTMENT - day
Kristena sits next to Douglas on the couch watching T.V.  
A polite knock at the door.
KRISTENA
Who's that?
DOUGLAS
I dunno.
Douglas walks to the door and opens it, revealing Logan, who is dressed in a coat and tie with a pair of leather driving gloves.  
LOGAn
(points his finger)
Hi...
DOUGLAS
Douglas.
LOGAN
Yes, exactly, I'm sorry.
(takes a business card out of his pocket)
My name's Logan, I'm an attorney representing Jeffrey Carmichael.
Douglas takes the card looks back at Kristena who now sits at attention.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Would you mind if I came in for a moment?
DOUGLAS
Oh, no.  Sure.
Douglas moves out of the way and Logan enters, making sure to not step off of the linoleum.
Douglas shuts the door and begins to move to the kitchen.
KRISTENA
Would you like to sit down?
LOGAN
(nervous)
Oh, no thank you.
Logan takes a deep breath, then exhales.
DOUglas
You wanna beer or soda or somethin'?
Without another word, Logan reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out his silenced pistol.  Two shots are fired at Kristena before she has a chance to react.  Blood SQUIRTS out of the wounds.  She leans back on the couch, convulsing.
DOUGLAS (CONT'D)
What the fuck!?
Douglas immediately DASHES towards Logan, who quickly fires a shot into his torso.  Douglas falls flat on the carpet, groaning.
Logan, visibly disturbed, pulls himself together and fires three more shots into Douglas' back.  He then looks at Kristena, who is still gasping for air.  He hesitates, then raises his gun and fires three more times into her.  She slumps over.
Logan quickly puts his pistol away and removes a pair of booties from his pocket.  He places them on his shoes before walking onto the carpet, squatting next to Douglas.  He carefully reaches into Douglas' pocket and retrieves the business card.
He then collects the bullet casings on the floor.  He takes a small plastic bag out of his pocket containing the pen.  He removes it from the bag, lightly dips it in some of Douglas' blood, and places it back in the bag before putting it in his pocket.
He peeks through the window covers before opening the door slightly and slipping out.
BACK TO:
EXT. rEST AREA - sAME TIME
Jeffrey is fighting back tears.  Not of sadness, but of anger.
LOGAN
I cleared the way for you, Jeffrey.  You're getting what you wanted.  You're getting your son.  That should be all that matters.  Deep down you know there is a part of you that's glad this happened
(opens the door to his car)
Be safe, buddy.  Remember, before ten-thirty, alright?  I'll give you a call.
Jeffrey stands waiting for Logan to drive off.  He then pulls the small tape recorder out of his pocket and hits rewind.  It CLICKS done.  He hits play.
Jeffrey holds it up to his ear, but the sounds coming out of it are barely audible.  He turns up the volume.  Still nothing but noise.
JEFFREY
(throwing the tape recorder to the ground)
Shit!
Jeffrey stands with his hands on the hood of his car.  He breathes heavily, looking towards the ground.  A few seconds pass before he picks up the bag and gets into his car.
FADE OUT.
EXT. sophia's house - night
Jeffrey's car pulls up slowly and stops.
INT. jEFFREY'S CAR - sAME TIME
Breathing heavily, Jeffrey stares ahead, his eyes darting around.  He looks at the clock, which reads "11:34."  He turns to the passenger side to the open
DUFFLE BAG
He takes out a pair of latex gloves from the bag and puts them on before taking out the pistol and a pair of shoe covers.
EXT. sOPHIA'S HOUSE - sAME TIME
Jeffrey exits the car.  He is dressed in sweat pants, a black sweater, and a baseball cap.  The sound of crickets and frogs are the only noises coming out of the darkness.  Aside from the streetlights, the entire block is dark. 
Jeffrey, continuously scanning the area, walks lightly up to the front door.  He reaches into his pocket a pulls out a key.
INT. sOPHIA'S HOUSE - sAME TIME
Darkness.  A faint sound of a key entering a lock is heard.  The door opens slowly as Jeffrey creeps in.  He carefully shuts the door behind him.  
A DOG'S GROWL makes Jeffrey freeze in fear.  Out of the darkness, a large dog RACES up to Jeffrey.  Jeffrey quickly reaches into his pocket.  
The dog quickly approaches him but stops short as Jeffrey extends his hand with a treat resting on it.  The dog stares at Jeffrey, who stares back.  It SNATCHES the treat out of his hand.  Then, the dog sits politely.  It continues to stare at him.
Jeffrey regains his composure and begins to slowly walk up the stairs.  The dog and Jeffrey continue to stare at each other as he slowly ascends to the second floor.
Sophia's bedroom
The door, partially cracked, slowly opens.  Jeffrey, pistol in hand, steps lightly towards the foot of the bed.  Sleeping soundly is SOPHIA.
Jeffrey reaches the foot of the bed and carefully pulls the slide back on the pistol, which results in a faint CLICK.  He raises the gun towards SOPHIA, who still lies motionless.
He hesitates.  He then extends his arm further, preparing to shoot.
His arms slowly drops.  His eyes fill with tears.  He quietly backs out of the room, cracking the door as it was when he arrived.
HALLWAY
Jeffrey leans up against the wall quietly sobbing.  He regains his composure.  Silence.
His cell phone begins to RING.
Jeffrey fumbles with the pistol and eventually reaches into his pocket.  He yanks the phone out and immediately hits a button, silencing it.
Jeffrey peaks through the cracked door into
SOPHIA'S BEDROOM
The bed is now empty, the sheets thrown off.  Jeffrey sticks his head into the bedroom just as a golf club comes FLYING against the door, taking a chunk of it out.  Jeffrey STUMBLES backwards, raises the pistol, and FIRES.  
HALLWAY
Jeffrey falls to the ground, but quickly jumps up.  Silence.  Through the cracked door, a golf club lies on the ground.  Shaking, Jeffrey slowly walks up to the door and pushes it open.
SOPHIA'S BEDROOM
The door slides open as Jeffrey walks in.  Sophia lies on the floor, gasping for air.  Blood oozes out of a wound in her belly.  She looks at Jeffrey with tears in her eyes.
JEFFREY
Shit.
Jeffrey dashes to the bedside table and grabs a cordless phone.  He runs back to Sophia and kneels beside her.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Ok, just...don't move.
He dials two numbers...then stops.  He looks down at her.  Terror in her eyes, she continues to gasp for air.  Jeffrey sets the phone down.  He begins to sob.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.  I'm so sorry.
Tears stream down both of their faces.  Sophia begins straining to breathe.  She suddenly lies still.  Jeffrey breaks down crying next to her.
INT. sOPHIA'S HOUSE - nIGHT
Jeffrey slowly walks down the stairs.  The dog sits in the exact same place.  It watches Jeffrey slowly leave the house.  The door is heard locking.
Ext. alley - night
A dark, dank alley.  Jeffrey's car sits parked near a dumpster.
INT. jEFFREY'S CAR - sAME TIME
Jeffrey opens a large, black plastic trash bag.  He then removes his sweater, baseball cap, gloves, and sweat pants.  After stuffing them into the bag, he opens a small bottle of bleach and pours it in.
EXT. aLLEY - sAME TIME
Jeffrey exits the car with the bag, now tied, and tosses it into the nearby dumpster.  He quickly gets back into the car.  His first attempt to start it fails.  His second attempt is successful, and he drives off.
FADE OUT.
EXT. gas station - morning
Logan stands at a pay phone with the phone to his ear.  He is seen talking.  A big smile appears on his face.  He hangs up the phone.  He briskly walks back to his car with the same grin on his face.
INT. jeffrey's baTHROOM - sAME TIME
Jeffrey hangs up his cell phone.  Shaking, he is fighting back tears.  He stares at his reflection in the mirror.
He calms down before opening the door.
JEFFREY'S LIVING ROOM
Michael sits on the couch watching cartoons.  Jeffrey sits down next to him.  He picks Michael up and sets him on his lap.
Michael continues watching T.V. as Jeffrey stares into space.
INT. police department - afternoon
Wanted sheets and inspirational posters clutter the walls.  Rows of desks are neatly placed all throughout the room.  Caterson walks in between them coming to a stop in front of JAMES, a younger officer. 
JAmes
It's all organized.
James hands a large file folder to Caterson.  He then hands her a piece of paper.
JAMES (CONT'D)
I just got this.
She reads the paper and looks up at him in astonishment, then looks back down at the paper in disappointment.
CATERSON
Son of a bitch.
JAMES
Want him in here?
CATERSON
Yeah, I'll call him.
INT. interrogation room - night
The room is cold and sterile.  The lights are bright.  A large metal table sits in the center of the room with a chair on either side.  
Jeffrey leans back in his chair, scratching the table with his index finger.  He is visibly nervous.
Caterson sits at attention across from him.  A file folder sits in front of her next to a pad of paper.  A pen is ready and waiting in her hand.
Other than the SCRATCHING, the two sit in silence.  Jeffrey looks at the floor, while Caterson looks at him.
Jeffrey takes a deep breath then exhales.
JEFFREY
I've never been in one of these rooms before.
CATERSON
Really?
JEFFREY
Yeah, well, I've been here at this station when I went on a ride-along.
CATERSON
How long ago was this?
JEFFREY
Um, it was my...the beginning of my fourth year, so about a year and a half ago.
CATERSON
Really?
A long beat.  The SCRATCHING continues.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
You nervous?
Jeffrey stops the scratching.
JEFFREY
Honestly?
CATERSON
I would hope.
JEFFREY
I know I shouldn't be.  I got nothing to hide, but I can't help it.  That's probably the whole point of this room.
CATERSON
I'm sorry.
JEFFREY
No you're not.  Like I said, that's the whole point.  It probably has a lot to do with the fact that a few people are watching me from behind that mirror.
CATERSON
You think that maybe you've just seen too many movies?
Jeffrey gets out of the chair and walks to the mirror.  He presses the tip of his index finger against it.
JEFFREY
If this mirror wasn't double sided, the end of my fingernail wouldn't touch the reflection of itself.
Jeffrey heads back to his seat.
CATERSON
Touché.
JEFFREY
Which reminds me, why do these rooms have these anymore.  It's not like you're fooling anybody.
CATERSON
Two for two.  I'll be sure to bring this up to my superiors.
JEFFREY
Yeah, I'm sure you will.
A long beat as the two stare at each other.
CATERSON 
Alright.
JEFFREY
Yeah.  Shoot.
CATERSON
Speaking of which, you own a gun, correct?
JEFFREY
Yeah, yes I do.
CATERSON
You carry it on you?
JEFFREY
Sort of.
CATERSON 
Sort of?  Fair enough.  So, you recently got your Bachelors Degree, correct?
JEFFREY
Yeah, criminal justice.
CATERSON
Well, you seem like an intelligent young man.
JEFFREY
College has nothing to do with it.
CATERSON
I'm sorry?
JEFFREY
Intelligence.  College has nothing to do with it.
CATERSON
You didn't learn anything during college?
JEFFREY
You're thinking of wisdom.  Intelligence is something you're born with, the ability to harness ideas, facts, blah, blah.  Wisdom is the collection of all of that knowledge.
CATERSON
Well, you're certainly on a roll tonight.
JEFFREY
Thanks, I have my moments.
CATERSON
Ready for some questions?
JEFFREY
Sure.
CATERSON
What were you up to the morning of the seventeenth?
JEFFREY 
Well, I woke up, obviously.
Jeffrey lets out a nervous chuckle.  Caterson barely cracks a sympathetic smile.  She occasionally scribbles notes onto her pad of paper during their chat.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Sorry.  I went to breakfast.
CATERSON
By yourself?
Jeffrey nods, clenching his lips slightly.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
(looking down at her file)
That was at Elmer's on Aurora Avenue?
JEFFREY
Yes.
CATERSON
And you spent...
(looks at her file again)
...ten dollars even, including tip?
JEFFREY
Yeah, um hmm.
CATERSON
On your debit card?
JEFFREY
Yeah.  I usually don't carry a lot of cash.
CATERSON
How come?
JEFFREY
I dunno, I feel like I spend it faster if it's there.  
CATERSON
Understandable.  How many people were there with you?
JEFFREY
Um, nobody, I went by myself.
CATERSON
So, there was nobody else in the restaurant?
Jeffrey shrugs.
JEFFREY
I'm sure there was, I don't know.  I didn't notice, I didn't pay attention.
CATERSON
Well, was it crowded or pretty empty?
JEFFREY
Oh, it was empty, there weren't many people there at all.
CATERSON
So you did notice?
JEFFREY
Sorry, just a question, why are you talking in circles?
CATERSON
I'm just trying to get a visual of what happened.
JEFFREY
I don't see why my breakfast would make a difference.
CATERSON
I just like focusing on one time frame individually.  Like you said before, you shouldn't be nervous.
JEFFREY
Right.
CATERSON
So you ate breakfast alone?
Frustrated, Jeffrey nods sarcastically.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
Then what else did you do that day?
JEFFREY
I had work at twelve.
CATERSON
You didn't stop by...
(looks at file)
...Uptown Espresso at around eleven?
JEFFREY
Oh, yeah that's right.  We went there at...yeah.
CATERSON
You and Kristena.
JEFFREY
Yeah.
CATERSON
You met her there?
JEFFREY
Oh, no, no I stopped by her place and we went there to talk.
CATERSON
Was she alone at her apartment?
JEFFREY
No, Doug answered the door.
CATERSON
You go inside?  Hang out for a little while?
JEFFREY
No, no we went straight there.
CATERSON
Ok.  How was it between you guys?
JEFFREY
Oh, fine.  How do you mean?
CATERSON
Well, you obviously know since you answered, right?
JEFFREY
Yeah, I was just making sure.  Yeah, it was fine.
CATERSON
You two argue at all?
JEFFREY
No.  Nope.
CATERSON
And you left there--
JEFFREY
At about eleven fifteen.
CATERSON
And you were working between the hours of twelve and eight p.m.
JEFFREY
Yeah.
CATERSON
Worked with Troy, right?
JEFFREY
Yeah, wait, how did you know?
CATERSON
And after work--
JEFFREY
I went home quickly then headed back to Kristena's.
CATERSON
And that's it?
JEFFREY
Yeah.
Caterson simply looks at him.  She drops her pen and leans back.
CATERSON 
Ok.
(exhales)
You mind if we work backwards now?
Jeffrey shakes his head and shrugs.
cATERSON (CONT'D)
Good.  A few things are getting to me.
JEFFREY
Like what?
CATERSON
Well, first of all, you left work at around five, but had Troy punch you out at eight.
Jeffrey begins to sweat.  The walls seem like they are closing in on him.
JEFFREY
Well, sorry, I needed--
Caterson begins speaking quicker with a more confrontational tone.
CATERSON
Can you explain why?
JEFFREY
I just, I was dealing with a lot and I wanted to leave early, but at the same time I needed the money.
CATERSON
Why leave early?
JEFFREY
I wanted, I mean, I had to take care of some things before I went to Kristena's.
CATERSON
Before you went back?
JEFFREY
No, I mean, we had made plans to get together that night.  When we were at coffee we made plans to meet at nine.  I left early because I wanted time to relax and to get some food.
CATERSON
Where did you get food?
JEFFREY
At the drive-through, the Dairy Queen near my apartment.
CATERSON
Didn't you just tell me that you went home quickly after work before heading back to--
JEFFREY
Yeah but I did this on my way.
CATERSON 
At what time?
JEFFREY
I don't know, I think it was around seven or so.
CATERSON
Can you provide a record of that?
JEFFREY
I don't know, I'm pretty sure I threw the bag away if it's not in my car but--
CATERSON
What about a debit card receipt?
JEFFREY
I paid in cash.
CATERSON
I thought you just said you never carry cash?
The walls are getting closer.
JEFFREY
No, yeah, well I--
CATERSON
You said you usually don't carry cash begins you tend to spend it quicker.
JEFFREY
I know what I said--
CATERSON
Did you use an ATM while you were at work?
JEFFREY
No, I had some, a few bucks, I had a few bucks at my place.
CATERSON
Ok.  Tell me about the argument.
JEFFREY
What argument?
CATERSON
Between you and Kristena.
JEFFREY
What argument?  We didn't argue.
Caterson flips through her file.
CATERSON
Three separate patrons at Uptown Espresso reported hearing you raise your voice and cursing at her.
JEFFREY
Oh God.
CATERSON
You said before that the situation was pleasant between you two, but three other people are saying you were yelling and swearing at her.
JEFFREY
I was not yelling and swearing--
CATERSON
You did not raise your voice at--
JEFFREY
Look, I might have gotten a little heated, but--
CATERSON
A little heated?
JEFFREY
Yes, a little heated.  She wanted to take away--
Jeffrey stops himself.  Caterson leans forward.
CATERSON
What?
Jeffrey takes a deep breath.  He calms down.
JEFFREY
Nothing.
CATERSON
You said, she wanted to take away.  What were you arguing about, Jeffrey?
Jeffrey doesn't make eye contact, he stares at the table.
CATERSON (CONT'D)
Jeffrey, what were you arguing about?
Jeffrey looks up at her in silence.
INT. iNTERROGATION side room - night
Through the double-sided mirror Jeffrey is visible sitting perfectly still.
Caterson leans against the wall, while James sits at a small desk.
JAMES
I don't think so.
CATERSON
I don't know.  It's odd.
James turns to his file.
JAMES
No hair, fibers, sweat, blood, urine, saliva--
CATERSON
I know, I know.
JAMES
He owns a gun but the ballistics don't match what was used.
CATERSON
Yeah.
JAMES
Time of death was estimated between three and five o' clock.  If he does have that food receipt in his car--
CATERSON
You think I came on too strong?
JAMES 
No.  He told us enough tonight.  Even though he stopped short he let us know that we have to dig a little deeper.
CATERSON
Yeah.
INT. iNTERROGATION ROOM - sAME TIME
Jeffrey sits still, staring straight ahead at the reflection of himself in the mirror.
INT. iNTERROGATION SIDE ROOM - sAME TIME
Caterson stares at Jeffrey through the mirror.  She sighs.
CATERSON
He's not telling us something.
JaMES
Well, what do you expect?
CATERSON
Alright.  Let him go.
INT. jEFFREY'S CAR - night
Nervous as hell, Jeffrey speeds along the highway.
INT. lOSS PREVENTION OFFICE - later
Jeffrey bursts into the empty office, walks up to a desk, and grabs a pair of handcuffs.  He then opens a nearby First Aid kit and takes a pair of latex gloves.
INT. jEFFREY'S BEDROOM - later
Jeffrey sits in the same chair watching Michael sleep.  His phone rings.
JEFFREY
Hello?
(listens)
Yup.
(listens)
Yeah.  I know.
(listens)
I'll be there.
He hangs up.  He then gets up and slowly walks over to the bed and kneels near Michael.  He kisses him on the forehead.
He quickly reaches under the bed and pulls out his pistol.
JeFFREY'S LIVING ROOM
Mom is sitting on the couch watching T.V.  Jeffrey comes out of the bedroom.
Mom
He asleep?
JEFFREY
Yeah.
(beat)
I'm gonna go out and get some food really quick.
MOM
(looks at her watch)
This late?
JEFFREY
Yeah, I'm hungry.  You want anything?
MOM
No thanks.
JEFFREY
Alright.
Jeffrey heads to the door but stops.  He turns back and hugs Mom tightly.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Thanks.
MoM
For what?
JEFFREY
Everything.
MOM
Oh, no problem.  You be careful, sweetie.
JEFFREY
I will.
Jeffrey heads out the door.
EXT. rEST AREA - night
Logan leans against the driver's side of his car.  He notices a pair of headlights turning off of the highway.  Jeffrey's car pulls up behind his.  The engine shuts off but the headlights stay on.
The car door opens.  Jeffrey gets out of the car but stands behind the open door.  Logan, with a big smile on his face, walks slowly towards Jeffrey.
LOGAN
I'm sorry to call you so late but I couldn't help it.  I had to tell you that I'm proud of you, buddy.  For a second there I was having my doubts.    
Jeffrey slams the car door shut with his gloved hands and immediately raises Logan's silenced pistol.
Logan flinches and backpedals.  He trips on a large rock on the ground and falls on his ass.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Jesus, Jeffrey!  What the hell are you doing?  Put the gun down!
Jeffrey stares at him with anger behind his eyes.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Come on, buddy.  This is all over!
(slowly stands up)
We're done.  Alright?  Why would you want to go and fuck everything up?  I got what I wanted, and you got what you wanted.
JEFFREY
What I fucking wanted!?
LOGAN
What you wanted!
JEFFREY
I didn't want this!  Any of this!
LOGAN
Yes you did.  Michael is yours now.  You don't have to worry about visitation rights, child support, any of that malarkey.  That's exactly what you wanted, and I gave it to you.
JEFFREY
You fucked up my life in the process.
LOGAN
How?  Tell me.  How is your life destroyed?  Your ex was going to try and milk you of the one thing you loved in this world.  Your job, your car, your apartment, that shit was there just so you could get by.  But your son?  I gave you the one thing you needed.
JEFFREY
I can't look at him without seeing what I've done.
LOGAN
What we've done.  We were in this together, buddy!  Although I must say I'm glad to see you finally taking some responsibility for your part in this.  And besides, what did you do?  So you killed a person you never knew.  Who cares?
JEFFREY
I care.  She didn't deserve it.  She did nothing wrong.  Why should her death benefit me?
LOGAN
Because that's life, Jeffrey.  You didn't give a shit about her so naturally her being gone shouldn't bother you.  And, hey, you got something you needed in the process.  It was a win-win situation.
JEFFREY
I committed murder.  Even though I didn't mean to, it still--
LOGAN
Wait, what do you mean?
JEFFREY
It was an accident.
LOGAN
An accident?
JEFFREY
Yes, a fucking accident, I didn't mean to kill her.
LOGAN 
Oh yes you--
JEFFREY
No I didn't.
LOGAN
So what, you stepped out of your car in front of your apartment, tripped on your shoelace, and accidentally stumbled thirty miles--
JEFFREY
And the fact that a part of me is glad I now have my son to myself makes me fucking sick.
Logan smiles.
LOGAN
Well, well, well.  Welcome to the real world, Jeffrey.  I'm glad you decided to join us.  
JEFFREY
I despise myself for feeling this way.
LOGAN 
Oh bullshit, Jeffrey.  Why can't you just admit that this is exactly what you wanted?  You go home, have a beer, hug your kid, by this time next month you will have totally forgotten about all this.  Your son was worth this to you, Jeffrey.  You just don't want to admit it to yourself.
Jeffrey inches closer with the gun.  Logan instinctively flinches.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
God damnit, knock it off!    
JEFFREY
Fuck you.
LOGAN
What, are you going to shoot me?  You're home free and you're going to give all that up?
JEFFREY
It's making things right.
LOGAN
Oh God, you've got to be kidding me.
Jeffrey inches even closer.  A car speeds by on the highway.  As Jeffrey turns to look at it, Logan JUMPS ahead and grabs the gun out of Jeffrey's hand with much ease.  He now points it at Jeffrey.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Are you crazy?
Jeffrey doesn't flinch.  Instead, he takes a few steps back, reaches into his coat pocket, and slowly pulls out his pistol.
JEFFREY
You always said you admired how smart I am.
LOGAN
What?
Jeffrey quickly raises his pistol.  In response, Logan flinches and pulls his trigger, resulting in a simple CLICK.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Shit.
CLICK.  CLICK.  CLICK.  Logan points the gun in every direction pulling the trigger.
JEFFREY
Kinda pointless with no bullets in it.
LOGAN 
Alright, so what was the point of that?
JEFFREY
The point of what?
LOGAN
Of that whole scene you put on just now.
JEFFREY
Well, you probably wouldn't have grabbed the gun with your bare hands if I had just tried to hand it to you, right?
Logan looks down at the gun.  It sinks in that his fingerprints are all over it.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
A gun that could be linked to the murder of three fucking people now has your fingerprints, and yours alone, all over it.
Logan drops the gun.  
LOGAN
You ever read Roger Ebert?
JEFFREY
What?
LOGAN
Ebert, the movie critic?
JEFFREY
Yeah, I know who he is.
LOGAN
I love him, he's the only critic who's word I trust.  Anyway, he has this little glossary filled with all these clichés, and one of them is the Fallacy of the Talking Killer.
JEFFREY
So?
LOGAN
He goes on and on about it, about how all the person has to do is pull the trigger and it would be over with.  Instead, they just talk and talk giving the adversary time to work their way out of the situation.
JEFFREY
I never said I was going to kill you.  I said I was making things right.
Keeping the gun raised, Jeffrey reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pair of handcuffs.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
You aren't working your way out of this.
LOGAN
(pointing to the cuffs)
What are those for?
JEFFREY 
A citizen's arrest is a formal arrest by a citizen in response to any of three alternative situations.  In this instance, a felony has been committed and I have reasonable fucking cause for believing you are the one at fault. 
Jeffrey tosses the cuffs at Logan.  They bounce off his chest and land on the ground.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
I learned that my second year.
LOGAN
What?  You're arresting me?
JEFFREY
Pick them up.
LOGAN 
What are you going to say?  More importantly, what the hell makes you think they'll believe you.  Remember what you've done, Jeffrey.
JEFFREY
They have a gun with your prints.  When they search your property, they'll find your pen with blood on it.  I can get witnesses who saw us at breakfast.  In a nutshell, I'm going to tell them everything.
LOGAN
Everything, huh?  Even the part about you killing Sophia?
JEFFREY
No, I'll tell them you did that.  Gun, prints, motive.  Don't worry about my conscience, I'll have my fingers crossed the whole time.  You, on the other hand, are going to get what you fucking deserve.
LOGAN 
You expect them to believe that?
JEFFREY
You expect them not to?  Have some depth perception buddy.
Logan slowly kneels down.
LOGAN
This isn't going to work.
JEFFREY
Yeah it will.
LOGAN
We were partners, buddy.  We had a deal!
JEFFREY
I told you before, I'm not your fuckin' buddy, now hurry up.
LOGAN
Alright, just be careful, don't point the gun.
JEFFREY
Don't fuckin' try and tell me what--
Logan LUNGES up from his kneeling position and runs into Jeffrey's torso.  Logan forces him back to the hood of Jeffrey's car.  The pistol slips out of his hand and on to the hood.
Logan pins Jeffrey against the car and chokes him.  Flailing about, Jeffrey eventually SLAMS his knee into Logan's stomach, pushing him back.    
Jeffrey stands, grabs Logan's collar, and WHACK!  WHACK!  WHACK!  Three shots to the face.  
Logan falls to his knees and lands a BLOW to Jeffrey's stomach just as Jeffrey hits him in the face again.
Logan falls onto his back and Jeffrey stumbles backwards.  
Jeffrey, now on his knees, vomits his dinner onto the pavement.  After regaining his composure, he sees Logan going for the gun.  Logan grabs it off the hood of the car.
Jeffrey DARTS across road and TACKLES Logan forcefully, their bodies SMACKING against the asphalt.  The gun flies out of Logan's hand.  
Punches and knees land on all parts of Logan.  Jeffrey is UNLOADING on him!
Logan goes limp.  Jeffrey eases off of him and reaches for the cuffs.  Logan KICKS Jeffrey which sends him back up against his car.  His head SMASHES against the driver's seat window.  He falls to the ground and hunches over.  He does not move.
Logan, completely fucked up, slowly rolls over and begins crawling to his car.  It takes him almost forever to make it.
INT. logan's car - sAME TIME
The driver's door slowly opens.  Logan crawls into the car and shuts the door.  He takes a few deep breaths before putting the key into the ignition.  He starts the engine.
WHACK!  Jeffrey's fist comes flying through the open window against Logan's face.  Blood SPURTS onto the windshield.
EXT. rEST AREA - sAME TIME
Jeffrey opens the car door and hauls Logan out.  Grabbing him by his clothes, Jeffrey SLAMS Logan against his car.  AGAIN!  AGAIN!  AGAIN!  
Logan quickly PUNCHES Jeffrey in the face, sending him to the ground.   
As Logan grabs Jeffrey's collar, Jeffrey picks up the large rock and intercepts Logan's punch with it, SHATTERING his hand.  Logan SCREAMS in AGONY.  
Jeffrey SLAMS the rock into Logan's knee, bringing him down.
Jeffrey winds up and KNOCKS the rock against Logan's head, sending his head SLAMMING against the open car door.  Blood SPRAYS across the door and inside of the car as Logan falls limp on the ground.  He twitches but makes no sound.
Jeffrey, battered and bruised, leans against the car, coughing and wheezing.  It takes him a long while to recuperate.  
Then his brain kicks in.  
EXT. rEST AREA - later
Jeffrey picks up the handcuffs from the pavement and searches the area for his pistol.  He finds it and throws both into his car.  
He reaches into the back seat and pulls out a bottle of bleach.
EXT. rEST AREA - later
Jeffrey strips the top layer of clothing off of Logan's lifeless body.
INT. jEFFREY'S CAR - later
Jeffrey opens a large trash bag and dumps a pile of Logan's clothes inside it, along with the large rock.
EXT. rEST AREA - lATER
Jeffrey pours the bleach all over Logan's body.  Using his gloved hands, he makes sure to filter it through his hair.  He rolls him over and does the same to his back.
EXT. rEST AREA - later
Jeffrey pours the remainder of the bleach onto his pile of vomit.
INT. rest area bathroom - later
Jeffrey fills the bleach container up with water.
EXT. rEST AREA - later
Jeffrey dumps the water onto the vomit, flushing it down a nearby storm drain.
Jeffrey now scans the area thoroughly.  Nervous, he walks in circles around the scene.    
JEFFREY
Ok.
Jeffrey quickly jumps into his car.  A key is heard entering the ignition.  CLICK, CLICK, CLICK.  His headlights begin to fade.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Oh shit.
EXT. rEST AREA - later
Jeffrey, behind the open driver's door, pushes his car.  It moves slowly until he gets it as close as possible to the driver's side of Logan's car.
INT. jEFFREY'S CAR - later
Jeffrey opens the trunk and takes out a pair of jumper cables.  He slams the trunk shut.
EXT. rEST AREA - later
Jeffrey has just finished hooking up the cables.  Logan's car is running.  Jeffrey walks to his door but stops as he sees a pair of headlights turning off of the highway towards him.
He is frozen.  His eyes dart around.  He immediately jumps into his car and turns the ignition.
The pair of headlights draws closer.  Jeffrey's car still won't start.
He jumps out of his car, runs to Logan's, and pumps the gas pedal a few times.  The engine ROARS.
He darts out of Logan's car and makes it back to his just as the visiting car comes to a stop across the parking lot from him.
A MAN exits the car and heads for the bathroom.  Jeffrey, sitting in his car, watches him out of the corner of his eye.  He breathes heavily.
Jeffrey turns the key again.  No luck.
He jumps back out of the car and notices that one of the cables was not attached to his battery.  He clamps it on.
As Jeffrey is hopping back into his car, the man exits the bathroom.
Man
You alright?
Jeffrey is cautious.
JEFFREY
Oh, yeah, fine.  Just needed a jump, ya know?
Jeffrey notices the man looking past his car at Logan's.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
She's just in the bathroom.
MAN
Oh, ok.  You don't need any--
JEFFREY
Nah, nah I'm fine.  Thanks though.
MAN
Yeah, no problem.
The man calmly walks back to his car.  Jeffrey lets out a sigh of relief.  As the man drives off, Jeffrey turns the key.  SUCCESS! 
Jeffrey runs and grabs his jumper cables, closes the hood of Logan's car, jumps back into his car, and drives off.
INT. jEFFREY'S APARTMENT - night
The apartment door slowly opens.  Mom is fast asleep on the couch with the T.V. still on.
Jeffrey's batHROOM
Where we began.
Jeffrey undresses and throws his clothes into the washing machine.  He pours in a liberal amount of detergent.
Jeffrey's shower
He scrubs himself hard with a bar of soap.  He makes sure to get every inch of his body.
JEFFREY'S BATHROOM
Jeffrey stares at his reflection in the mirror.  His nervousness slowly fades, and a content look forms on his face.
JEFFREY'S BEDROOM - lATER
Jeffrey shuts the door softly behind him.  He carefully climbs into his bed next to Michael, who is still sound asleep.
He turns his head and looks at his son.  He lightly hugs him and kisses his forehead.  Michael stirs.
MICHAEL
(groggy)
Dad?
JEFFREY
Yeah, hey big guy.
MICHAEL
Why did you wake me up?
JEFFREY
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.
MICHAEL
Is everything ok?
Jeffrey stares at him.  He nods his head.
JEFFREY
Everything's perfect.
(beat)
Go back to sleep, alright?
Michael shuts his eyes.  Jeffrey watches him fall asleep, then raises his eyes and looks past him.  He takes a deep breath and exhales heavily.
He lies down on his pillow.
JEFFREY (CONT'D)
Everything's perfect.
FADE TO BLACK.
The end